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Houston Astros: Weekly Recap and Links
By Cody Poage
The wait is almost over, Houston Astros fans!
And by the wait, I mean the Houston Astros pitchers and catchers reporting to Spring Training this Thursday. That is good news considering how much baseball news has slowed down in recent weeks. And that also means it is about time for the annual Spring Training battles that we all know and love.
This year’s edition includes Jon Singleton vs. A.J. Reed vying for first base. Or maybe Tyler White will force the Astros hand? Presumed backup catcher Max Stassi going against upcoming minor leaguers. Scott Feldman, in the bullpen or rotation?
But in what little Astros news that has happened in the past week has centered around Jason Castro‘s recent arbitration hearing and Evan Gattis‘ sports hernia surgery. While Castro’s long-term with the Astros won’t be pressing news till after the 2016 season, Gattis’ injury now opens the door for slightly more playing time for other players vying for a 25-man roster spot.
More from Climbing Tal's Hill
- Just how much better is the Houston Astros playoff rotation than the rest?
- Houston Astros: A Lineup Change to Spark Offense
- Astros prospect Hunter Brown throws 6 shutout innings in debut
- Always faithful Astros World Series champion Josh Reddick defends the title
- Michael Conforto declines Astros’ 2-year, $30 million offer
On the non-playing field side, shortstop Carlos Correa has reportedly agreed to ‘huge’ endorsement deal with Adidas. Various improvements to Minute Maid Park is in order for 2016. And apparently the Astros and AL Cy Young award winner, Dallas Keuchel, did actually discussed a long-term extension. Nothing much, but hey, little news is still better than no news.
Houston Astros News and Notes From Around Fansided
Houston Astros Spring Training Battles: First Base [Climbing Tal’s Hill – Elliott Jenkins]
"Over the next few weeks, we will be profiling and predicting the Astros’ Spring Training battles."
Evan Gattis is Having Surgery, Out for 4-6 Weeks, Next Man Up [Climbing Tal’s Hill – Eric Huysman]
"The Houston Astros have had the first speed bump of the season while it may not be a big deal to the overall season, but it could affect how the opening day roster is shaped."
Houston Astros: Jason Castro Loses Arbitration Hearing [Climbing Tal’s Hill – Issa Cook]
"The Houston Astros pulled out the victory against Jason Castro in an arbitration hearing that took place on Monday, February 8."
Houston Astros: ESPN Farm System Rankings Revealed [Climbing Tal’s Hill – Cody Poage]
"So where does the Astros farm system rank, at least by ESPN standards? The answer may surprise you, or it may not."
Houston Astros Bold Roster Prediction: Tyler White Part II [Climbing Tal’s Hill – Eric Huysman]
"Prediction: Tyler White will be Houston Astros Opening Day first baseman!"
More Houston Astros News and Notes From Around the Internet
Astros’ Carlos Correa signs ‘huge’ endorsement deal with Adidas [Houston Chronicle – Greg Rajan]
Astros, Keuchel have reportedly discussed long-term contract [Fox Sports – Shawn Ramsey]
Astros Spring Training: Five things to watch [Houston Chronicle – Evan Drellich]
Houston Astros Should Consider a Trade with San Diego [Astros in Orbit – Jason Burke]
New technology, food at Minute Maid Park for 2016 Astros season [The Crawfish Boxes – Ryan Dunsmore]
Next: Lance McCullers and Houston Pets Alive Help to Save Dogs/Cats
Stay tuned with Climbing Tal’s Hill for the latest Houston Astros news and analysis!