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Astros Morning Snippets: Spring Training is here, so, what now?
By Cody Poage
The latest news around the Astros and baseball on February 14th, including an update about the club’s last arbitration case.
Gerrit Cole wins arbitration case
On the day that pitchers and catchers report for Spring Training, the Astros received the decision on Gerrit Cole’s arbitration case.
Trevor Bauer, Gerrit Cole and Alex Wood all have won their arbitration cases, a league source tells ESPN. The players now lead, 6-3.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) February 13, 2019
The right-hander will now earn $13.5 million this season, which is his last before he enters free agency. The Astros are now 1-5 in their last six arbitration cases, dating back to 2016 with former catcher Jason Castro.
Brad Peacock adding to his repertoire
Although his role for the upcoming season is not yet defined, right-hander Brad Peacock appears ready for any challenge. One reason to feel optimistic: Peacock’s newest pitch, the changeup. Thanks to PitchingNinja on Twitter and a video of Hall of Fame closer Trevor Hoffman, Peacock is setting himself up to be a valuable pitcher on the Astros’ roster in 2019, with various departures from last year’s rotation playing a factor.
First bullpen assignments for Spring Training
While we wait for actual game action, pitcher bullpens will have to do until further notice.
Justin Verlander, Gerrit Cole, Collin McHugh , Wade Miley, Framber Valdez, Rogelio Armenteros, Corbin Martin, and Brady Rodgers are among the pitchers scheduled to throw bullpens Thursday on the first official day of camp.
— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) February 13, 2019
Former Astros updates
There were a few former Astros in the news Wednesday for various reasons. For one, Xavier Cedeno, former 2013 Astro, earned a non-roster invite from the Cubs.
Xavier Cedeno gets 900K as an NRI with 300K incentives @PJ_Mooney 1st #cubs
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 14, 2019
Another former Astro, Robbie Grossman, also found a new gig with the Athletics for the 2019 season.
#Athletics signing free-agent outfielder Robbie Grossman to one-year, major-league contract, source tells The Athletic.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) February 13, 2019
And Doug Fister, who pitched for Houston in 2016, called it a career.
NEWS: Doug Fister, dependable postseason star during the @Tigers' run in the early years of this decade, is retiring from @MLB at age 35. Story: https://t.co/CdV7sUoChj @MLB @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) February 13, 2019
Next. Astros: Spring Training pitching battle for the 5th spot. dark
Little movement on the free-agent market
Free agency hasn’t shown any signs of thawing soon. Well, until Bryce Harper and Manny Machado sign somewhere, but there hasn’t been much movement there in recent days.