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Astros next quandary: Setting the winter roster
It’s been a few years since the Astros have faced the conundrum of which players to protect in preparation for the Rule 5 draft. Actually, you have to go back to 2004 to find the last player taken from the Astros in that December draft. Can you say D.J. Houlton? But as the team inches…
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The Springer Watch is on for Astros
The George Springer Watch is on! Now that the Oklahoma City Redhawks are out of the playoffs, there are no longer any obstacles to Springer’s major league debut with the Astros. Right? RIGHT? Most true baseball aficionados have agreed with Jeff Luhnow in allowing Springer to fully incubate in OKC after starting the season in…
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Three myths about the Astros
Everyone has an opinion about a team that loses 100 games for three straight seasons. Some of those opinions are based in frustration. Others are founded in rumors or lack of information. Still, some are based in truth — or at least some truth. For the Astros, frustration, rumors and “at least some truth” abounds…
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Dan on the problem at second base: The Altuve Conundrum
Dan Peschong takes a look at possible problems at second base. Chip returns Tuesday after a week-long trip to South Dakota…on business. • •• ••• •• • Heading into the 2013 season, the projected starting lineups and rotation for the Houston Astros — heck, the whole 25 man-roster — was pretty much a 52 card…
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Astros’ rotation continues to get younger — and more promising
First Bud Norris was traded, Then, Lucas Harrell was banished to the bullpen. Now, the team’s elder statesman (Erik Bedard) will spend the rest of the season pitching in relief. The pitchers who have started half the team’s games (65) in 2013, are no longer part of the rotation. What does that leave? Exactly what…
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Saints-Texans provides fodder for pre-season football (ahem) discussion
In the continuing back-and-forth, Dan and Chip provide a point/counterpoint on Sunday’s pre-season game between the Texans and Saints. Saints and Texas play Sunday. Here are Chip’s and Dan’s predictions, along with a quick series of lightning round questions. Look for more as a followup on Monday after the game. • •• ••• •• •…
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Defense rivals bullpen as Astros’ biggest need for improvement
The Astros are bad in so many areas and good in so few, it’s hard to isolate which area is in the worst condition. Starting pitching has been a highlight, even a bright light in recent weeks, but that one area hasn’t been enough to improve a poor team, much less carry it. Obviously, the…
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Goodell or Selig: Dan, Chip debate the most hated commissioner
Chip and Dan introduce a new category of entries today on chipalatta.com. With football season close to the kickoff and an I-10 battle between the Texans and Saints this weekend, today’s point/counterpoint features a faceoff. • •• ••• •• • Today’s point/counterpoint: Which commissioner is more hated by which fan base – Bud Selig by…
ALL THINGS ASTROS 