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Riders of the Pine: The 2014 Astros’ Bench
Let’s see, the Astros have 25 roster spots. Five pitchers in the rotation, seven in the bullpen, and eight positions on the field … let’s see, twelve plus eight, carry the one, add that pesky DH … and now we’re at twenty-one. Yep, there’s little room left for the bench. Four spots for all our…
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Weekend thoughts: Challenges, Porter, payroll and depth
A few weekend thoughts while wondering if the Astros are largely finished with roster significant roster movement before pitchers and catchers report next weekend. Depth may be the biggest obstacle or challenge for the Astros in 2014, especially if they are to get that 100-loss monkey off the back of the organization. While there may…
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Sorting out the Astros’ chaff not as easy as prior seasons
Brett Wallace is gone. Long live another former first rounder who didn’t live up to the billing. For the past few seasons and spring trainings, the Astros have carried a lot of chaff, excess weight and “scrubs”, as some of you have called it. Almost by necessity due to the reconstruction blue print, Houston has…
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Wallace DFA opens the door for Jonathan Singleton
Jonathan Singleton’s chances of opening the season at first base for the Astros got a boost Thursday afternoon. Brett Wallace was designated for assignment to make room for newly-signed pitcher Jerome Williams. That means the Astros have 10 days to trade or release the former first round pick of the Cardinals. The 27-year-old Wallace had…
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Astros’ relievers: Morphing from oxymoron to reality
In looking at the Houston Astros’ bullpen – I decided to pull up the dictionary.com definition of the word “reliever”. Reliever: a person or thing that relieves…..well that is not too helpful. How about the definition of “relieves”. Relieve: to free from anxiety, pain, fear, etc. OK now we are getting somewhere.
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Jerome Williams: What exactly are the Astros getting?
So the Astros have added Jerome Williams to the pitching equation. Not exactly the next coming of Masahiro Tanaka. But not exactly a reprisal of the Russ Ortiz or Mike Hampton 2009 signings either. Not exactly. What exactly are the Astros getting in the pitcher who started 25 games for the Angels last season? Obviously,…
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Astros’ DH may take the merry-go-round again in ’14
Sixteen different players served in the role of designated hitter for the Astros in 2013. Don’t expect much different in 2014 as the Astros work through a revolving door that involves first base, some outfield positions as well as a day off here from position rigors from time to time. While many contenders and other…
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Catcher, Conspiracy Theories and Castro’s Position
Brian T takes a look behind the plate as our Astros’ 2014 outlook continues. Past outlooks: First Base • Second Base • Shortstop • Third Base. • Outfield. • •• ••• •• • Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone. The moon landings were real. And Jason Castro will play catcher. There, I debunked three conspiracy theories for you. To expect anyone other…
ALL THINGS ASTROS 