Thursday Liftoff Links

While my man Brian Bogusevic was getting written into the lineup after his grand slam I was putting together these links to help you get through the off day.

The Corner Office With the Window

Larry Dierker: Holdup on Astros sale looks like it could be about realignment | astros.com: News
Why wouldn't I suspect that the egalitarian notion of 15 teams in each league is merely a smoke screen, and that somewhere in the formula there is the opportunity to make more money? It's got to be there somewhere. I just can't figure out where.

5 Things That Likely Prevented the Vote to Approve Jim Crane As Astros Owner
Maury Brown discusses the 5 possible reasons for the delay in the approval of Jim Crane as owner of our beloved Astros.

BOB:  Astros ownership limbo
An interesting tidbit about when Drayton McLane got the call that the approval process was delayed and what they were planning to do as part of that approval.

The Astro Farm System

Ultimate Astros " Minor league notebook: Mier taking it one step at a time
Zachary Levine does a profile on Jiovanni Mier the Astros 2009 first round selection.

Astros' Magee makes it 12-for-12 | MiLB.com News | The Official Site of Minor League Baseball
Greeneville's Joshua Magee extended his consecutive hits streak to 12 at-bats Tuesday before striking out in the seventh inning.

Farmstros: I Would appreciate your Vote
Give Mike Tauser some love.

Around the Blogger Nation

Let's Talk Brian Bogusevic, Grand Slam Hero - SB Nation Houston
Brian Bogusevic may see more playing time after his walk off grand slam heroics last night. Does he deserve it? It's a shameless plug I know.

Yunel Escobar is the best shortstop in the American League
A change of scenery has led to the blossoming of Yunel Escobar.

Texas Rangers to Erect Statue in Honor of Fan Who Fell to Death
A touching gesture by the Rangers to honor a fallen fan.

Applying Linear Weights to Pitchers - Beyond the Box Score
The application of linear weights to pitching analysis. A short introduction.

The Case for Adaptive Defense (or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Platoon) - Beyond the Box Score
A baseball player's position is as much a part of his identity as his handedness. Is this the next great strategic inefficiency?