The Crawfish Boxes - All PostsAstros baseball: we've got uniforms and everything.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/11437/crawfishboxes-fv.gif2024-03-18T16:16:45-05:00http://www.crawfishboxes.com/rss/current/2024-03-18T16:16:45-05:002024-03-18T16:16:45-05:00Astros Spring Training Week in Review.
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<img alt="MLB: Spring Training-St. Louis Cardinals at Houston Astros" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Y33_gaIax3OxTaMrPkfzxOhD2UM=/675x168:2989x1711/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73216441/usa_today_22618114.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Houston Astros outfielder Joey Loperfido (83) hits a single against the St. Louis Cardinals | Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>How are things shaping up?</p> <p id="6qVCKN">The Astros’ record is 10-13 going into the second of Monday’s Spring Training games. They were 2-6 for the week, but the situation isn’t as bleak as that sounds.</p>
<p id="b8Kv0s">First, the really bad news. Yet another pitcher is down. Jose Urquidy is out indefinitely with a forearm strain. That means, among potential Astros starters, Justin Verlander, Lance McCullers Jr., Luis Garcia, and now Urquidy will not be pitching when the season starts. This leaves a likely opening-day rotation of Framber Valdez, Cristian Javier, Hunter Brown, Ronel Blanco, and a not fully stretched J.P. France. </p>
<p id="LKN8hL">Since pitching is the main concern, let’s start today's review with the status of pitchers and their progress.</p>
<h3 id="ZLMNhK"><strong>Pitching</strong></h3>
<p id="12XNlb">There is some reason to be concerned about Framber Valdez. In eight total innings this week, he allowed five earned runs and ten hits. His ERA so far is 7.71 for the Spring.</p>
<p id="2n9AkZ">There was mostly good news after the Urquidy and Valdez stories. J.P. France made his Spring debut, and although he gave up a home run in 2.2 IP, he struck out four and walked only one.</p>
<p id="IPICpx">Hunter Brown made two appearances, pitching 8.2 innings with three earned runs and eight hits. His Spring ERA is 2.84. Cristian Javier and Ronel Blanco are looking good this Spring, both of whom made scoreless appearances. Javier’s Spring ERA is 1.80, and Blanco’s is a perfect 0.00 with a WHIP of 0.69. Keep in mind that Blanco has been a great-looking ST pitcher the last few seasons but has never been so dominant in the regular season.</p>
<p id="JQBpLo">There are two bright spots in the bullpen, with a number of pitchers competing for the last spot. Parker Mushinski and Seth Martinez both retain scoreless inning streaks this Spring, and lefty Bennett Sousa, after a slow start, had 2.1 scoreless innings this week, bringing his Spring ERA down to 4.26.</p>
<p id="yObwUB">On the other hand, Rafael Montero continues to look like a trainwreck, with a 16.88 ERA, a 3.38 WHIP, and a .385 BAA. Possible fifth starter and ostensible long-reliever Brandon Beilak continues to throw batting practice with a 7.36 ERA so far. </p>
<p id="CLFAa5">And should we be concerned about Bryan Abreu? He has a 9.82 ERA this Spring with a 2.73 WHIP and .286 BAA. It’s only 3.2 IP, and in those innings, he has allowed six walks. Control has always been Abreu’s biggest issue, so hopefully, he will find the range before the season begins.</p>
<h3 id="QjK3tm"><strong>Hitting</strong></h3>
<p id="Hrgpdh">The bats we care about the most seem to be rounding into form for Opening Day. Below are their hitting stats for the week and overall Spring BA and OPS (prior to Monday). Of particular note is the hot hitting of usually slow-starting Alex Bregman, Catcher Yainer Diaz's emergence from a deep slump, and prospect Joey Loperfido's continued other-worldly performance. Oh yeah, Mauricio Dubon stays hot. And former George Springer heir-apparent, Pedro Leon, is having a sneaky good Spring, too.</p>
<p id="z5OAFX">Jose Altuve..............4-12....233.....648</p>
<p id="HjrWG5">Alex Bregman..........7-14....324.....773</p>
<p id="E8pvHu">Kyle Tucker..............3-12....333....1.012</p>
<p id="mcVOlH">Chas McCormick....5-9.....400.....924</p>
<p id="Mqg4QX">Jake Meyer..............4-10....310.....1.065</p>
<p id="jlFfXm">Mauricio Dubon......4-12....484....1.257</p>
<p id="8iOK7Z">Yordan Alvarez.......4-13....345.....924</p>
<p id="rsdUQY">Jeremy Pena...........2-9......240.....656</p>
<p id="5TrQAs">Yainer Diaz.............4-11......206.....594</p>
<p id="htDpy8">Joey Loperfido.......6-11.....423......1.175</p>
<p id="soCiRG">Jon Singleton.........1-12.....207......467</p>
<p id="jUsC3N">Pedro Leon.............4-7......333......868</p>
<p id="hTcVVK">Jose Abreu.............2-3......233......1.068</p>
<p id="Q1MB15">One of the following three players has a chance to be the 26th man as the second utility infielder behind Mauricio Dubon: Shay Whitcomb, Grae Kessinger, or David Hensley. Their Spring averages are .231, .194, and .176, respectively.</p>
<p id="4W2fKR">Overall, the hitting seems to be rounding into shape for the season. However, pitching is a big concern, with injuries and uncertain performances from key pieces like Framber Valdez, Brandon Bielak, Rafael Montero, and Bryan Abreu. But there are still ten days to right the ship (including trades/signings).</p>
<p id="uQiDTi">Go Stros.</p>
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https://www.crawfishboxes.com/2024/3/18/24105168/astros-spring-training-week-in-reviewWilliam Metzger(bilbos)2024-03-18T14:54:37-05:002024-03-18T14:54:37-05:00A Time To Lament?
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<img alt="Championship Series - Houston Astros v. Texas Rangers - Game Four" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/1NPLkbIZI9Zur_e8vPOQUl9pYE0=/0x0:7601x5067/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73216186/1734340452.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Pitching depth was tested last season and it appears 2024 will feature more of the same, at least to start the new campaign. </p> <p id="7FWgea">Remember when Dusty Baker lamented the lack of starting depth last season? Yeah, I think he would lament this year’s development, too. I certainly do. With José Urquidy now out for an indefinite amount of time, the Astros are already pushing against the precipice of last season’s conundrum: A lack of depth in starting pitchers. </p>
<p id="eXRcrw">To be clear, it is possible to envision a situation when Dana Brown and Joe Espada face — believe it or not — a logjam in the rotation by August if good health abounds. Both Lance McCullers Jr. and Luis Garcìa could be back by that point. Justin Verlander will open the season on the IL, but it doesn’t seem like his upcoming stint ought to be a long one. Urquidy’s long-term status remains unclear. That is the hope, but hope also isn’t a plan. </p>
<p id="Ph8SLJ">Ultimately, Brown has little in the way of immediate pitching help on the 40-man roster, especially if another injury or two occurs. Top prospect Spencer Arrighetti is certainly an option at some point this upcoming season, but the front office would have to clear a roster spot on the 40-man to promote the promising right-hander. With Houston’s pursuit of Blake Snell <a href="https://x.com/mlbtraderumors/status/1769508657949991258?s=20">possibly falling short</a>, it could behoove Brown to explore other available options on the open market. After all, Jordan Montgomery remains without a team and he doesn’t have a draft pick penalty attached, unlike Snell. Michael Lorenzen, for example, is another available pitcher with experience as both a starter and reliever. His price tag would certainly be less of a strain than, say, Snell or Montogomery. Of course, Lorenzen’s ceiling is lower than his fellow free agents. </p>
<p id="qMi3wb">It is already confirmed Framber Valdez will start on Opening Day followed by Cristian Javier for the season’s second game. The arrangement beyond Javier remains murky, though. FanGraphs currently has Hunter Brown, Ronel Blanco, and J.P. France rounding out the rotation to start the season. Brandon Bielak, who is out of minor league options, will likely make the team as a reliever, but he is also available to start. This projection, at least to me, appears the most plausible. Essentially a redux of last summer’s rotation up until the reacquisition of Verlander from the Mets during the trade deadline. </p>
<p id="Ync5cF">Can the Astros still compete in the AL West with the starting rotation as is? Likely for a few weeks, especially if Verlander returns with no issues. It also largely hinges on whether Valdez and Javier can put their second-half struggles from last season firmly behind them. While some measure of hope is involved with roster construction, another starter would go a long way to at least alleviate this predominant concern. This team needs at least one more arm to absorb innings because another injury is only a matter of time, whether it is Snell, Montgomery, Lorenzen, or somebody else. </p>
https://www.crawfishboxes.com/2024/3/18/24105068/astros-a-time-to-lamentCody Poage2024-03-18T11:36:55-05:002024-03-18T11:36:55-05:00Spring Training Game(s) Thread. March 18, 2024. 12:05 CT, 5:05 CT
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<img alt="Houston Astros v. St. Louis Cardinals" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/mjIBC3YGqBzNeiKZ4wvSClgscf0=/0x0:5244x3496/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73215494/2084793507.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Scott Audette/MLB Photos via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Two games today, Astros @ Miami at 12:05 and Nationals @ Astros at 5:05 (Televised).</p> <p id="aQtHwl">Here is the lineup for game one:</p>
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<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/OT-PjDNYjQymsanTkeEDLKXe4jo=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25342578/Screenshot__20_.png">
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<p id="mDCdeb">Game 2 Astros lineup. (tentative)</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/LhqiUTTCVNph_PNJ_MNDuKQqxzU=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25342582/Screenshot__21_.png">
</figure>
https://www.crawfishboxes.com/2024/3/18/24103956/spring-training-game-s-thread-march-18-2024-12-05-ct-5-05-ctWilliam Metzger(bilbos)2024-03-18T05:52:08-05:002024-03-18T05:52:08-05:00Astros Crawfish Boil: March 18, 2024
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<img alt="MLB: MAR 17 Spring Training - Astros at Cardinals" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/35Fxs-ZpL6izo06Pu7k36fMmKxE=/0x0:5760x3840/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73214637/2084810309.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Spencer Arrighetti | Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Spencer Arrighetti looked pretty good on Sunday.</p> <h1 id="NoeHiU"></h1>
<p id="SNOg2D"><a href="https://www.crawfishboxes.com/"><strong>Houston Astros</strong></a><strong> News</strong></p>
<p id="I5J8xG"><a href="https://www.mlb.com/astros/news/astros-injuries-and-roster-moves">Injuries & Moves: Urquidy (elbow) undergoes MRI in Houston</a></p>
<p id="cdtGfY"><a href="https://www.mlb.com/astros/news/joey-loperfido-astros-camp-2024">This Astros prospect a wiz in kitchen ... and on diamond</a></p>
<p id="i1Cu3a"><a href="https://chipalatta.com/2024/03/15/astros-2024-this-aint-easy/">Astros 2024: This ain’t easy</a> (chipalatta)</p>
<p id="E8iSCO"><a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/spencer-arrighetti-astros-top-pitching-prospect-spring-breakout">Arrighetti shows off MLB-ready toolbox in Spring Breakout</a></p>
<p id="jNs4TL"><a href="https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10113413-mlb-rumors-astros-balked-at-blake-snells-2-year-60m-contract-asking-price">MLB Rumors: Astros ‘Balked’ at Blake Snell’s 2-Year, $60M Contract Asking Price</a> (BR)</p>
<p id="xxq0cF"><a href="https://www.houstonchronicle.com/texas-sports-nation/astros/article/framber-valdez-houston-astros-200-innings-goal-19168374.php">Astros’ Framber Valdez has 200-inning goal this season</a> (Houston Chronicle)</p>
<p id="09fWHp"><strong>AL West News</strong></p>
<p id="miIkeR">A’s — <a href="https://www.nbcsportsbayarea.com/mlb/oakland-athletics/j-d-davis-punch-to-gut-giants-release/1714094/">Davis calls Giants release ‘punch to the gut,’ happy for role with A’s</a> (NBC)</p>
<p id="IrL5yn">Blarts — <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/danschlossberg/2024/03/17/al-outlook-texas-rangers-may-have-tough-time-defending-first-crown/">AL Outlook: Texas Rangers May Have Tough Time Defending First Crown</a> (Forbes)</p>
<p id="smCjO0">Halos — <a href="https://www.ocregister.com/2024/03/16/ron-washington-has-the-angels-tearing-up-the-basepaths/">Ron Washington has Angels tearing up the basepaths</a> (OC Register)</p>
<p id="NkTSEU">M’s — <a href="https://sports.mynorthwest.com/1773868/seattle-mariners-checking-in-pitchers-spring-training/">Seattle Mariners Notebook: Checking in on the pitchers</a> (Seattle Sports)</p>
<p id="PsVA0x"><strong>MLB News</strong></p>
<p id="ZXEU2G"><a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/spring-breakout-standout-prospects-2024?t=mlb-pipeline-coverage">These prospects stood out most in Spring Breakout</a></p>
<p id="WqKeVT"><a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/blake-snell-rumors">Could former manager lure Snell to this NL club?</a></p>
<p id="aUa3T1"><a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/joey-votto-homers-in-first-spring-training-at-bat-with-blue-jays">Votto homers one pitch into his Blue Jays career</a></p>
<p id="cPfJi3"><a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/kyle-stowers-hits-three-home-runs-vs-tigers">Fighting for roster spot, O’s outfielder homers in 3 straight ABs</a></p>
<p id="o9G1wC"><a href="https://www.mlb.com/astros/news/mlb-teams-that-made-the-best-offseason-moves-2023-24">These 12 teams won the MLB offseason</a></p>
<p id="Z4sJad"><strong>Houston Astros Birthdays</strong></p>
<p id="EPrGs6">OF/1B Trey Mancini (32)</p>
<p id="j0j2iB">RHP Brian Fisher (62)</p>
https://www.crawfishboxes.com/2024/3/18/24104652/astros-crawfish-boil-march-18-2024Kevin Kraczkowski2024-03-16T17:34:34-05:002024-03-16T17:34:34-05:00Spring Training Game Thread, March 16. 5:05 CT
<figure>
<img alt="Houston Astros v Miami Marlins" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/bERO3dbyzgI20QDAHnElBBRcUKA=/0x0:7395x4930/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73212326/2079139122.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images</figcaption>
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https://www.crawfishboxes.com/2024/3/16/24103422/spring-training-game-thread-march-16-5-05-ctWilliam Metzger(bilbos)2024-03-16T15:43:29-05:002024-03-16T15:43:29-05:00The Houston Astros Should Do Everything They Can to Sign Blake Snell — Here’s Why
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<img alt="San Diego Padres v Houston Astros" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Z1qqd1ChegnyTPwdpVEm4fV0s4s=/0x0:3048x2032/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73212191/1668963967.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Blake Snell | Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>What could Houston’s pitching staff look like with Blake Snell in the rotation?</p> <p id="d6CMK4">Long gone are the days when the Hot Stove was all we had to talk about. I know it’s only been about three weeks since the Spring Training Games commenced, but baseball never lasts long enough. </p>
<p id="bOJl6o">Anyway, with all the fake games to watch, the Hot Stove is relegated to a warming plate. Still, things can cook very well on one. That’s where Blake Snell and the <a href="https://www.crawfishboxes.com/">Houston Astros</a> come in. </p>
<p id="xb0kYj">Houston’s rotation, as currently constructed (in order, including pitchers who will possibly not (and two who definitely won’t) be ready for opening day). </p>
<ol>
<li id="aMfFBn">Justin Verlander</li>
<li id="lV9c7L">Framber Valdez</li>
<li id="C22n2c">Cristian Javier</li>
<li id="VfyCIw">Lance McCullers Jr. </li>
<li id="XBGs8Z">Hunter Brown</li>
<li id="LtWbUL">Luis Garcia</li>
<li id="cbcDYc">Jose Urquidy</li>
<li id="VE7jDf">JP France</li>
<li id="a8B3hB">Ronel Blanco</li>
<li id="a1cP2n">Brandon Bielak</li>
</ol>
<p id="mPi5Sq">With Verlander, LMJ, Garcia, and now Urquidy on the mend, the rotation is currently constructed thusly:</p>
<ol>
<li id="cwF3Sr">Framber Valdez</li>
<li id="fHrTlL">Cristian Javier</li>
<li id="renv5e">Hunter Brown</li>
<li id="4gHpSY">JP France</li>
<li id="Wfh6P3">Ronel Blanco</li>
</ol>
<p id="ubaD4c">After signing Josh Hader, Houston blew past the first luxury tax threshold. In the past, Jim Crane has been reticent to approach the threshold....but it could be that he hasn’t needed to in almost a decade. Take a look at Houston’s current rotation. I know Blanco has looked pretty good this spring, and France landed a full 1.5 wins above replacement as a rookie. Keep in mind also that Brown finished the season barely above replacement level, and Houston’s “current” starting staff accumulated only about 6 bWAR through an entire season. If you can count on your starting staff comprising a fifth of your collective bWAR, then Houston would wind up at 78 victories. Not elite. </p>
<p id="KydrFy">Sure, use the five “top pitchers” regardless of current health, and you have a staff comprised of JV, FV, CJ LMJ, and HB. That’s more like it, and you’re looking at a 90-win team instead. The fact remains that we have to deal in reality. </p>
<p id="2WeXdj">The acquisition of Blake Snell will reach and easily exceed the second luxury threshold, resulting in a more substantial set of penalties. Still, look at the current rotation, including Snell — </p>
<ol>
<li id="5MUs2w">Blake Snell</li>
<li id="ldSrb9">Framber Valdez</li>
<li id="7fk79w">Cristian Javier</li>
<li id="Qr6aMH">Hunter Brown </li>
<li id="DznaUL">JP France</li>
</ol>
<p id="scYkUN">— and hopefully soon into the season — </p>
<ol>
<li id="w5tGQV">Justin Verlander</li>
<li id="yGJ0BW">Blake Snell</li>
<li id="Wz4p3i">Framber Valdez</li>
<li id="xeM8ui">Cristian Javier</li>
<li id="3uvNpM">France/Brown/Urquidy</li>
</ol>
<p id="ApKfyd">That final look is simply an embarrassment of riches, but in the age of extreme pitcher volatility, there is no such thing as “too much” pitching. Last offseason, I trumpeted from the rooftops the advent of the “Four Aces” rotation, and was sadly, very mistaken. If you add Snell to the conversation, and with the return of McCullers, by the end of the season, we could have five. </p>
<p id="ztTpXB">What would a Snell contract with the Astros be worth? It’s hard to say, seeing as how we haven’t seen Kyle Tucker, Alex Bregman, Framber Valdez, etc sign any sort of extension. What it could take to land him...</p>
<p id="Z8Vfr5">If I was Snell, and I need to emphasize that I am not, I would go for a short high AAV contract, somewhere in the neighborhood of two years and $80 million. A longer-term deal with a lower AAV, like a five-year $180 million deal would do it too, but again, I am not Snell. </p>
<p id="71sNlZ">I’m just spitballing here...building sand castles in the air, as it were. What do you all think it would take, and is it worth it? </p>
https://www.crawfishboxes.com/2024/3/16/24103335/the-houston-astros-should-do-everything-they-can-to-sign-blake-snell-heres-whyKevin Kraczkowski2024-03-15T16:42:52-05:002024-03-15T16:42:52-05:00Spring Training Game Thread. March 15, 2024. 5:05 Ct Astros @ Phillies
<figure>
<img alt="MLB: Spring Training-New York Mets at Houston Astros" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/PRruE2dSXbgFTGyZ_3xuNjcpKPs=/0x0:4646x3097/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73210669/usa_today_22656061.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Ronel Blanco goes for the Stros yet again this Spring hoping to keep his scoreless inning streak going and solidify his spot on the OD roster.</p> <p id="6VeIJ0">The Astros lost to the Nats yesterday 5-3, the most significant development being the continued struggles of Brandon Beilak, who, without any more options, is in make-or-break status with the Stros this year. He gave up three runs in three innings and has a 7.36 ERA this Spring.</p>
<p id="awtMB3">Brain McTaggart reported that Jose Urquidy left a practice game with elbow issues. </p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/1LBnbFVDeBRcSHuSH0SYJe_OAG8=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25338658/Screenshot__36_.png">
</figure>
<p id="vyRbNl">Here is the lineup and media access info.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/71fyk0nuyK3Z0Dt5GUGDqlOPAk4=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25338659/Screenshot__35_.png">
</figure>
https://www.crawfishboxes.com/2024/3/15/24102404/spring-training-game-thread-march-15-2024-5-05-ct-astros-philliesWilliam Metzger(bilbos)2024-03-15T05:35:01-05:002024-03-15T05:35:01-05:00Astros Crawfish Boil: March 15, 2024
<figure>
<img alt="Houston Astros v Miami Marlins" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ftYJKMwE0slQV4I5WIorsgyqOMs=/0x0:6457x4305/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73208901/2079152560.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Grae Kessinger | Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Everybody’s workin’ for the weekend</p> <h3 id="VRZjxx"><em><strong>It’s Friday, do you know where your Astros are?</strong></em></h3>
<p id="OdKcUR"><a href="https://www.crawfishboxes.com/"><strong>Houston Astros</strong></a><strong> News</strong></p>
<p id="ceZSdm"><a href="https://www.mlb.com/astros/news/chas-mccormick-slugging-in-camp-after-swing-adjustments">McCormick riding hot streak after early adjustments</a></p>
<p id="QvcTY2"><a href="https://www.mlb.com/astros/news/astros-cardinals-spring-breakout-2024-faq">FAQ: Astros-Cardinals Spring Breakout (Sun., 9 a.m. CT)</a></p>
<p id="ZMHLID"><a href="https://www.mlb.com/astros/news/astros-injuries-and-roster-moves">Injuries & Moves: Coleman optioned to Triple-A</a></p>
<p id="6jmDaK"><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftheathletic.com%2F5343104%2F2024%2F03%2F14%2Fastros-option-dylan-coleman-bullpen%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.crawfishboxes.com%2F2024%2F3%2F15%2F24101641%2Fastros-crawfish-boil-march-15-2024" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Astros still searching for bridge to high-leverage relievers after optioning Dylan Coleman</a> (The Athletic)</p>
<p id="JOOwrm"><a href="https://chipalatta.com/2024/03/12/astros-2024-what-is-more-likely/">Astros 2024: What is more likely?</a> (Chipalatta) - It’s always fun to play “What If?” It’s the game so nice that I posted it twice. </p>
<p id="l7g0Cx"><a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=newssearch&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwjemPaChvaEAxUDHNAFHTcqBjMQxfQBKAB6BAgREAE&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.the-sun.com%2Fsport%2F10792052%2Fkeith-hernandez-mets-astros-game-nice-number%2F&usg=AOvVaw3UuJnKOi-9vzH06PwlXWbs&opi=89978449">MLB commentators in awkward live TV silence after shock remark during Mets-Astros game</a> (The US Sun) — This was funny</p>
<p id="jNfVkV"><a href="https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/03/offseason-in-review-houston-astros-15.html">Offseason In Review: Houston Astros</a> (MLBTR)</p>
<p id="0XkD93"><strong>AL West News</strong></p>
<p id="7qa1H2">A’s - <a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/oakland-a-s-prospects-to-watch-during-spring-breakout">Oakland A’s prospects to watch during Spring Breakout</a></p>
<p id="6QvydJ">M’s - <a href="https://sports.mynorthwest.com/1773755/seattle-mariners-veterans-helping-top-prospects/">How Seattle Mariners’ vets show they have backs of top prospects</a> (Seattle Sports)</p>
<p id="ZYfj8k">Halos - <a href="https://halohangout.com/posts/la-angels-ron-washington-drops-strange-quote-jordyn-adams-01hrz497bdbj">Ron Washington drops most Ron Washington quote ever about LA Angels’ Jordyn Adams</a> (Halo Hangout)</p>
<p id="LB7cHK">Blarts - <a href="https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/rangers/2024/03/14/texas-rangers-players-reveal-their-favorite-pizza-toppings-and-style-for-pi-day-2024/">Texas Rangers players’favorite pizza toppings,style for Pi Day</a> (Dallas News)</p>
<p id="2RasGh"><strong>MLB News</strong></p>
<p id="N3Zikc"><a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/paul-skenes-strikes-out-jackson-holliday-in-spring-breakout">Skenes gets Spring Breakout off to sizzling start</a></p>
<p id="TcBAKY"><a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/spring-breakout-2024-watch-live-results?t=mlb-pipeline-coverage">How to watch every game for Spring Breakout Day 2</a></p>
<p id="EZyudG"><a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/mlb-players-survey-friendliest-player-to-chat-with-on-the-bases">Who’s the best infielder to chat with in-game? We asked them</a></p>
<p id="p5XIGb"><a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/fantasy-baseball-player-rankings-2024-drafts">Fantasy prep: Top 300 players ranked</a></p>
<p id="wgVars"><a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/gerrit-cole-likely-to-avoid-tommy-john-surgery">Cole likely to avoid Tommy John surgery</a></p>
<p id="mwB0CK"><a href="https://blogs.fangraphs.com/patrick-bailey-is-a-unicorn-pitch-framer">Patrick Bailey Is a Unicorn Pitch Framer</a> (FG)</p>
<p id="YwZiNB"><a href="https://blogs.fangraphs.com/youre-not-screwing-me-on-this-one-are-you-big-league-gms-reflect-on-their-first-trades">‘You’re Not Screwing Me on This One, Are You?’: Big League GMs Reflect on Their First Trades</a> (FG)</p>
<p id="7Oq621"><strong>Houston Astros Birthdays</strong></p>
<p id="feqdm4">Today</p>
<p id="YFZhCt">C César Salazar (28)</p>
<p id="DMyR1b">C Max Stassi (33)</p>
<p id="EwvrX4">RHP Wayne Granger (80)</p>
<p id="nVW9iS">Saturday</p>
<p id="obN2uS">IF Brice Matthews (22)</p>
<p id="fQ00bq">LHP Reymin Guduan (32)</p>
<p id="OQw2om">RHP Mickey Storey (38)</p>
<p id="qu77yd">Sunday</p>
<p id="iReOse">Raúl Chávez (51)</p>
https://www.crawfishboxes.com/2024/3/15/24101641/astros-crawfish-boil-march-15-2024Kevin Kraczkowski