Cecil Cooper is reported to have a list of candidates for the No. 5 rotation slot posted on his wall. The list does not include Arias. i wonder why. I hope he isn’t overlooking Arias. If I recall the list is the same as you show for SP: except Arias and Paronta aren’t on it, and Capellan is added to the list. Capellan’s history seems to suggest reliever, but Cooper likes him for the starter competition. Maybe this reflects what Cooper told Nieve: if you want to make the team, it is easier to get in the rotation than the bullpen.

Geoff Geary

a #5 SP (backe, nieve, paulino)
the 2 catchers (quintero, towles)
and an infielder that can play SS ( manzella, i don’t know who else, newhan, kata?) i think it has to be manzella

Sutton has played SS in the minors, but you probably wouldn’t want to play the position for an extended period in the majors.

The Astros seem to view Blum as the primary back up at SS (scary?). So, one way might be to use either Sutton or Newhan as the back ups to Blum’s role at 3d base and Matsui at 2d base. Sutton is a switch hitter like Blum, and Newhan is a LHB…so either could back up Blum’s side of the platoon at 3d base.

Personally, my bet is that the Astros will pick up a veteran who can play shortstop before the spring camp is over.

but based on Gottfried statements:

"Who will play SS on Tejadas days off?

12:51 David Gottfried: A combination of Blum and whoever makes the club as our utility infielder. " (from same chat)

Combined with what he said about (Tommy Manzella, Edwin Maysonet, Jason Smith) and the cheapness of these guys, I still think its one of those guys.

have they said how much Blum will be paid this year or Pence. I’m looking for exact numbers.

HLP’s list has 21 players on it -That leaves four to go, right? (unless Jason Michaels does not make the team)

Two Catchers – Quintero and slight edge to Palmisano

Backe

Someone to back up at shortstop – no clue who – Maysonnet maybe – Can Matsui move over if needed – if so ,then I like David Newhan