Astros Weekend Links

The Astros put a stop to Tampa Bay’s 8-game winning streak last night thanks to a spectacular debut by Jarred Cosart. Today’s links offer some insight on the rookie pitcher and all things Astros.

"Cosart, one of the key prospects acquired from the Phillies in the 2011 Hunter Pence trade, held the Rays hitless for 6 1/3 innings, walking just two men over that span, only one of whom reached second base. Ben Zobrist singled with one out in the seventh to break up the no-no, and James Loney singled to lead off the eighth, but Cosart erased both on double plays."

Sports Illustrated.com

"Promoted late Wednesday from Class AAA Oklahoma City and making a last-minute spot start before the All-Star break, Cosart blended a moving fastball that reached 97 mph with a sharp, looping curve. He calmly did it all while outpitching Rays ace lefthander David Price, the 2012 American League Cy Young winner."

Ultimate Astros

"Norris, who is 6-8 with a 3.63 ERA, fits somewhere into the upper echelon of available starters with Matt Garza and Yovani Gallardo, and he might look enticing to a contender, especially if top starters such as Cliff Lee remain unavailable."

CBSsports.com

"I think it’s more than OK to sit back and say let’s give it plenty of time. He’s playing catch up of over fifty games. Everyone else in the league started out the season after facing other AAA level pitchers and some even faced major league level pitchers for all of their spring."

The Crawfish Boxes

"Conroe officials won’t confirm the buyer, but have said the development will be similar to Market Street in The Woodlands, and could include the new Astros Triple-A ballpark."

Astros County

"Fernandez (6-0, 170) is from Nagua, Dominican Republic and Lucas (6-3, 195) is from San Cristobal, DR."

Ultimate Astros