The weekend is finally here and it’s time for another edition of Astros Weekend Links. We start with a report from Michael Baldwin of the Oklahoman about the AAA Oklahoma City RedHawks ending their relationship with the Astros to align themselves with the Los Angeles Dodgers next season. Jim Crane has expressed a desire to start an Astros farm team in The Woodlands but that’s going to take some time. Don’t be surprised if the Astros are back in Round Rock for 2015.
"When those moves take place, the Astros and Brewers would be the two teams looking for Triple-A cities with Albuquerque and Fresno strong candidates with voids to fill. There also have been reports that the Rockies are debating whether to continue their deal with Colorado Springs."
"Danny Salazar (4-6, 4.79) will start the 7:05 PM ET middle game of the weekend series for Cleveland. Salazar was dealt a tough loss in his last start against Baltimore, as he allowed two earned runs in five innings, but the offense provided just one run of support in a 4-1 loss. Collin McHugh (6-9, 3.00) will look to continue his strong August. He has allowed one earned run in each of his last four starts (1.42 ERA in the month) and has claimed the win in each of the last two."
"Nix’s grievance doesn’t necessarily need to reach arbitration. Eventually, the sides will exchange information, documents and the like, but that has not happened yet, one of the persons familiar with the filing said."
"Left-hander Josh Hader of the Lancaster JetHawks was named Pitcher of the Year. Selected by the Astros in the 19th round of the 2012 Draft, Hader leads the Cal League in ERA (2.70) and WHIP (1.10) while ranking eighth in strikeouts with 112. He also has a pair of saves to go along with a stellar 9-2 record."
"“Just like the players, our organization is trying to develop big league managers,” McCracken said. “Rodney has his own personal goals too and we recognize that and try to help them reach those goals."