Astros Weekend links

The weekend is winding down and it’s time to get caught upon the latest Astros news. Here are a few interesting links from around the web. Enjoy.

What the Heck, Bobby?

"Drafted in the 10th round in 2012 out of Bradley University, Bircher started the season with the Quad Cities team and ended it there, but spent a large chunk in between rehabbing in Florida. Over a total of 18 games (14 starts) between Quad Cities and the GCL, he had a 3.81 ERA and a 1.308 WHIP. Bircher thrived in the post-season. In two starts, he was 2-0 with a 0.90 ERA and a 1.100 WHIP."

CBS local

"Springer, Cosart, Appel and Rodon will supply the foundation. If Ryan did nothing but visit with that latter trio, it would provide a valuable resource. Almost like an individual Ryan Elite Camp of the past for some elite arms. If you dare to dream, you could even envision a scenario with that three headed pitching monster anchoring a rotation that would more than compete in the A.L. West."

Ultimate Astros

"People with knowledge of the situation told the Chronicle that in the case of George Springer and the possibility he may not be in the major leagues because of service time, due diligence is being conducted as to whether it’s worth pursuing recourse. That does not mean the ultimate decision will involve any action, i.e., a grievance. But the possibility will be weighed."

Awful Announcing

"But under new ownership, the team decided to go all-cable, owning a regional sports network plus reaping a guaranteed revenue stream from the cable providers. Even if Time Warner can’t get the region’s cable providers to pony up, it’s still on the hook to the Dodgers to pay what the companies would have shelled to TWC."