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Astros 2015: Origins, trends, makeup and background
So, just whose team is the Houston Astros anyway? For the first time since he joined the team as general manager, more players than not on the 40-man roster have been acquired by Jeff Luhnow. Despite trades, drafts, free agents and waiver wire pickups — until this year — more players were still left over from…
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Sunday update: Hinch fields fifth lineup in six games
The Astros and Rangers finish up their series in Arlington today. It’s Houston’s sixth game of the season and manager A.J. Hinch rolls out his fifth different lineup. Of note is Marwin Gonzalez getting a start at first base (Chris Carter on the bench) and Jason Castro catching a day game, though after another day…
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Saturday Astros’ update: Scattershots, notes and observations
It’s a Saturday with two more games in Arlington to come this weekend. Here are some scattershots and thoughts for you to ponder. Epidemic in poor hitting. Eleven teams — including five in the AL — have batting averages at .203 or below. The Cubs and Marlins do not have a home run yet and…
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Astros’ snap judgments shouldn’t become etched in stone
Hold that train filled with oranges just one dang minute! Blame it on the day off. Or high expectations after an opening day win. Or the fact the Minute Maid Park roof was closed. But don’t get carried away. Not yet. Houston is 1-2 after three games with some very early positive — if unexpected…
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Astros predictions: Depth, pitching, real deals and attention span
With a win and the first off day of the season, the Astros are ready to get into the stride of a full season ahead. Obviously, the win could lead to over reaction and higher-than-reasonable expectations, but it also gives rise to hope for a marked improvement over last season’s 19-game jump toward respectability. Today,…
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2015 Astros’ projections: Stats, winners and leaders
2015 is here. Only 186 days ago, the Astros had named their newest manager, Jon Singleton and Jonathan Villar were still starters, Houston was wrapping up a 19-game improvement over 2013, and — unbeknownst to most — Jeff Luhnow was dusting off The Plan and breaking out some pencils to make a few adjustments. Now,…
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Opening night: Astros’ takeaways
One down and … The Astros are first in the AL West. Manufacturing runs isn’t exactly how the 2015 blueprint was put together, but Houston took the pitching and defense route for its win on opening night. Here are some quick takeaways. 1. Maybe Dallas Keuchel is a #1 starter. For one evening at least,…
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Opening day: The start of something beautiful, or . . .
TONIGHT: The game is on ESPN at 6 pm CT so everyone can watch. Join Dan tonight for a live blog and enter your comments and thoughts as you watch! (Popcorn and drinks not provided. Good conversation, yes.) TOMORROW: Chip, Dan and Brian provide their predictions and things to watch over the 2015 season. • •• ••• •• • It’s…
ALL THINGS ASTROS 