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While the Astros were taking on the defending champs I was putting together these championship like links for your viewing pleasure.
Checking in on the Past
Hunter Pence System Malfunction - Hot Corner - Baseball Nation
Ah good ol Hunter Pence.
Houston Astros 2011 Top 20 PRE-SEASON Prospects in Review - Minor League Ball
John Sickels reviews his Top 20 list from December 2010. The take away, good contributions this year from several Minor League players and things are begging to look up.
Astros History: August Trades - The Crawfish Boxes
Here's my article from last year which has a primer on how the waiver trade period works.
Stuff Involving the Astros
Giants-Astros Series Preview " Giants Nirvana | SF Giants Blog
I was asked answer some questions regarding the Astros for the Giants Nirvana blog, who you guessed it cover the Astros.
Covering The Plate: A Baseball Catcher Tells All : NPR
Brad Ausmus has been called one of the best catchers in baseball. He spent 18 seasons in the big leagues, playing for teams like the Dodgers and the Padres. He details what it's like to crouch behind home plate, deal with umps and make pitching calls.
Other Stuff Involving Baseball
Joe Posnanski " Posts That Was For Duane Kuiper "
I love short stories like these.
Jim Hendry Fired From Cubs' General Manager Post - Baseball Nation
With the Chicago Cubs mired in fifth place for a second straight season, owner Tom Ricketts has fired general manager Jim Hendry after more than nine years on the job. I'm sure losing a series to the Astros didn't help either.
Joe Mauer Shows That Right Field Is The Easiest Job In The World - Baseball Nation
Thursday night, due to unforeseen circumstances, Twins catcher Joe Mauer was forced to play right field. It turns out that right field is an embarrassingly easy position to pick up.
Five Different Things Baseball Players Can Do With Their Bats - Baseball Nation
Videos of players doing weird things with their bats, including Jose Constanza, Melky Cabrera, Aaron Rowand, Cody Ross, and Carlos Perez.