Author: Chip Bailey
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Three takeaways from Astros’ opening day
After a delayed opening day, the Astros are quickly out of the chute. Here are three quick takeaways from Wednesday. Keuchel is still the man. For a guy whose ERA was above 5 for two seasons, Dallas Keuchel has become one of the top elite pitchers in the majors since turning 26. Since 2014, Keuchel…
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Free Blog Friday: Does the season really start Sunday?
Started a tradition several years ago at the Chronicle. Over the years, it became one the favorites. Free Blog Friday is simply your turn to start the conversation. You pick the subject. The only rules are to keep it clean and family oriented. I’ll get it started on this last Friday before the season kicks…
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Some must haves, must do’s for Astros’ success in 2016
Prognosticators are out in full form as the baseball season is only a few days away. Some are predicting the Astros will win the AL West. Even Sports Illustrated calls the Astros the best team in the American League. Either way, while the Astros caught everyone unaware in 2015, there will be no surprises in…
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Yes, but who will be around come August?
Carlos Correa is in the group. So is Jose Altuve. Add George Springer and Dallas Keuchel to the mix. Possibly Ken Giles and probably Luke Gregerson. You can also include A.J. Hinch. Those guys are going nowhere. Jason Castro may be close for 2016, but not a lock. Neither is Colby Rasmus nor Tyler White. Jose…
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Lucroy and Castro: An upgrade for Astros’ lineup
Apparently Jason Castro is no first baseman. Apparently the Astros have considered the move. And nixed the move. Nearly two years ago, Houston said it would not move him there. “For now.” Well, despite a well-documented search for a first baseman and a slew of journeymen, prospects, also-rans, and first basemen wannabes, Castro is still…
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It’s just time: End The Jonathan Singleton Experiment

It’s just time! Time for the Jonathan Singleton Experiment to end. Long live The Experiment. And, the Hunter Pence trade. Perhaps he was over-heralded all along, but the Astros have been calling Singleton the future at first base since he came over with Jarred Cosart and Domingo Santana in the Pence trade back in 2011.…
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2016 difference makers: Bregman, Gomez and Reed could solidify Astros

If you recall, I wrote in these pages back in 2012 that the Astros should begin building their nucleus around Jose Altuve. All they needed to do, I surmised, was add one or two key players a season to reach the goal of competitiveness and regular playoff appearances. Little by little, one by one, the…
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It’s early — yes, very early — but those predictions are beginning to stream in
Houston pitchers and catchers report in less than six weeks. The Astros’ first spring game is less than eight weeks away. If you’re dissatisfied with or you’re getting frantic or concerned about the roster and/or lineup, remember this: After January 14, 2015, the Astros. Acquired Evan Gattis from the Braves. Acquired Dan Straily and Luis…
