Climbing Tal's Hill » Sergio Escalona

Let’s talk Astros – Roundtable #3

Greg Thurston — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 09:53:33 +0000

With Spring Training winding down it’s time for another roundtable discussion. This week the staff here at CTH takes a look at some of the most recent developments in Astros camp and the possible repercussions. We will be discussing the state of the Astros left-handed relief corps after losing Sergio Escalona for the season. We will also take a look at the position change and demotion of Jimmy Paredes and the possible short term and long term implications of the move.

(more…)

Astros Release Zach Duke and Jack Cust

Brian Hamilton — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 12:56:09 +0000

Alyson Footer just broke the news that the Astros have made another round of cuts. This round includes releasing veterans Jack Cust and Zach Duke. Both were signed to minor league contracts with an invite to Spring Training. Jack Cust, who just a few years ago with the Oakland A’s, was smashing home runs, failed [...]

Astros Release Zach Duke and Jack Cust - Climbing Tal's Hill - Climbing Tal's Hill - A Houston Astros Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and More

Bad news for Sergio Escalona

Greg Thurston — Sat, 24 Mar 2012 13:29:55 +0000

Astros lefty reliever Sergio Escalona will undergo Tommy John surgery and miss the entire 2012 season. The 27 year-old injured his elbow at the beginning of Spring Training while participating in swinging drills. After a successful rookie campaign in 2011, Escalona came into camp as a favorite to win a spot in the Astros bullpen. Those hopes have been dashed.

The Astros now have only three healthy left-handed bullpen candidates remaining in camp. Escalona’s injury means Fernando Abad, Zach Duke, and Wesley Wright now have a better chance of making the team than they did yesterday. The Astros will probably start the season with two of the three lefties in the bullpen. Abad is the only one of the three that still has minor league options remaining. Duke and Wright cannot be sent to the minors without first passing through waivers. Xavier Cedeno, who is currently in minor league camp, is also a possibility and could get another look. Newly acquired Kevin Chapman also moves up the food chain. If the youngster has a good year perhaps we will see him this September.

Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE