We are officially less than one month away from Houston Astros’ pitchers and catchers reporting in February!
Between rumors, signings, caravans, FanFest, award presentations, and hacking updates, the Houston Astros have been one busy franchise this past week. And while the team has yet to make the same type of impact moves like last year, the front office is still exploring multiple options. The return of Wandy Rodriguez is a strong example. Whether it be for another starting pitcher, Doug Fister or Yovani Gallardo, or an additional bat like Yoenis Cespedes before he resigned with the New York Mets, general manager Jeff Luhnow is has looked into numerous avenues that could improve the Astros. After all, trades or notable free agent signings still happen late in the offseason.
Besides the rumors, the Astros were also busy on the home front as the team caravan took place throughout the week in southeast Texas and the 2016 FanFest this past Saturday. Fans from all over the city of Houston and the state of Texas were able to see numerous fan favorites, such as Colby Rasmus, Dallas Keuchel, Jose Altuve, and Ken Giles, as the team is coming off its most successful season since 2005. And one of the biggest draws Saturday at FanFest was the team’s release of a brand new alternate uniform, which doesn’t disappoint.
And talking about success, both Keuchel and Carlos Correa, the AL Cy Young and AL Rookie of the Year, were recently presented their respective awards for their outstanding performances in 2015. The ceremony took place Saturday night in New York City, which is the reason behind the duo’s absence from FanFest. But if that is the cost of the Astros being successful, then so be it.
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This is also the time of the year that multiple media outlets release their lists of top ten teams, prospects, players, etc. And the Astros are looked upon fondly by many of these reviews. Of course, any Astros update would be incomplete without the latest round of hacking news which may involve a certain pesky St. Louis Cardinal player’s name.
Houston Astros News and Notes From Around Fansided
Astros Rumors: Team Considering Doug Fister for Rotation
"The Recent Houston Astros Rumors Have Them Exploring Signing Doug Fister, According to Nick Cafardo."
Houston Astros: Wandy Rodriguez is Back w/Minor League Deal
"Earlier this morning, the Houston Astros signed Wandy Rodriguez to a minor-league contract that includes a Spring Training invite."
Houston Astros FanFest 2016 Experience
"The Houston Astros FanFest was a great experience that I suggest all fans of the team participate in the future."
Houston Astros: Team Will Fight Jason Castro In Court
"For the first time in the Jeff Luhnow-era, the Astros will be headed to an arbitration hearing to settle a contract dispute."
Carlos Correa doesn’t let the blizzard stop him from playing baseball (Video)
"Carlos Correa was stuck in the blizzard but he still found some time to get some baseball in."
Last Week’s @talkingstros as Chris Devenski and Brady Rodgers joins the show.
More Houston Astros News and Notes From Around the Internet
David Eckstein: Astros-killer and the password for Cardinals hack?
Perfect storm: Astros receive BBWAA honors
Astros unveil new Sunday game jerseys
Houston Astros Top 10 Prospects
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Top 10 starting pitchers in MLB [ESPN.com – Buster Olney
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Next: Houston Astros: New Sunday Alternate Uniform Revealed
Stay tuned with Climbing Tal’s Hill for the latest Houston Astros news and analysis!