Astros AM: Why Ryan Vogelsong Chose the Giants

After yesterday’s win in the Astros spring training opener, all of the good vibes that have reverberated through the fan base in recent weeks received some validation. Granted the win was against the sub-par Philadelphia Phillies, but a win is a win.

Bringing some rain to the feel-good parade, Jon Heyman of CBS Sports released an article detailing what his sources have told him as to why Ryan Vogelsong decided to change his mind this offseason and re-sign with San Francisco. According to Heyman, it all boiled down to the Astros changing the offer on the table after Vogelsong took his physical. Vogelsong had promised a “no way that happened!” reaction to the news of what occurred and why he changed his mind about Houston, but this is moderately underwhelming.

Paul White (not the WWE wrestler the Big Show) of USA Today goes over all of the moves that the Astros have made leading up to the 2015 season, and how they view their prospects moving forward. “The Astros want to win now or do it with some flair” White writes in the article, in reference to the heavy-hitters that have been added to the Houston lineup.

Call to the Pen

Nolan Ryan stopped by Astros camp earlier this week as Houston prepared for their Grapefruit League opener. In this article by Evan Drellich of the Houston Chronicle, Ryan gives his take on what the rotation could use in order to be a contender. While Roger Clemens says that the team needs a power arm, Ryan thinks the team could go in one of a couple directions to add a pitcher to lead this staff. Just in case the Astros want that power arm, Drellich notes, there is always Mark Appel making his way up from the minors.

Ken Rosenthal writes on his site Just a Bit Outside, that the Astros might have a problem, but that problem is a good one. The problem in question is that one of either Jon Singleton or Jake Marisnick could be left off of the major league roster when camp breaks. His reasoning is that Marisnick’s defense is superb, and if he is on the team he would likely man center with Colby Rasmus in left and George Springer in right. This formation would give Houston their best defensive outfield, but Evan Gattis would be limited to splitting time at DH with Chris Carter, which isn’t happening.

We’re only one game into spring training, but so far Marisnick is 0-for-2 while Singleton is 1-for-2 with an rbi. This will be an interesting battle to watch throughout the spring.

If you’ve missed anything from the Climbing Tal’s Hill team recently, here are some good reads:

The Matt Dominguez Dilemma – Jason Burke

Lance Berkman Inducted Into College Hall of Fame – Ryan Gonzalez

Fantasy Baseball Sleeper: Jon Singleton – Eric Huysman

Next: Astros Best and Worst Investments

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