Astros Morning Snippets: Spring Training is almost here!

The latest news around the Astros and baseball on February 12th, including a reminder that pitchers and catchers report tomorrow for Houston!

Predicting the Opening Day roster

Brian McTaggart of MLB.com released his Opening Day predictions for the 2019 season, which doesn’t feature many surprises. Hey, the Astros are pretty much set at most positions, but there were a few interesting predictions.

For one, McTaggart has right-hander Josh James occupying the last rotation spot behind Justin Verlander, Gerrit Cole, Collin McHugh, and Wade Miley. Recently acquired Aledmys Diaz and Tyler White are listed the utility players, which means fan favorite Tony Kemp didn’t make the cut. Lastly, Framber Valdez and Dean Deetz make the final cut as relievers.

Players are already at work

The Astros look ready to start the upcoming season, right?

Proposed changes may actually work

Jeff Sullivan of FanGraphs recently ran a series of polls asking how fans felt about the proposed rule changes in baseball. Also, he measured how passionate fans were about each of the proposed changes. You can find his results here.

Needless to say, there are some changes that will come to pass like the universal DH rule. It is only a matter of time. Personally, I am in favor of most of the proposed changes, however, I do not particularly care for having an automatic runner on second base at the start of extra innings. That can stay far away in the recesses of Rob Manfred’s mind.

“First Shot” is a success for Josh Reddick

The Astros’ outfielder took the “First Shot” before Monday’s Mavericks-Rockets game at Toyota Center, and he nailed it! Anytime money is scored for charity, it is a good night.

Remember only one more day until pitchers and catchers report for the Astros! Sorry, I had to close with that.