Super Astros Crawfish Boil: December 21, 2014

Good morning boys and girls, it's been a while since I did the Sunday post. Thankfully, Tim was able to step in and do a stellar job. I hope ya'll are having a wonderful holiday season and here are this week's links.

Astros sign 1B Johnson to minor league contract - Sportsnet.ca
Free agent first baseman Dan Johnson, who appeared in 15 games for the Toronto Blue Jays in 2014, has signed a minor-league deal with the Houston Astros, according to industry sources.

Luhnow: Settling CSN Houston Bankruptcy Case Has Helped Astros Spend This Winter " CBS Houston
In a span of two weeks, the Houston Astros have spent a combined $53 million on free agent salaries. This, just one month after bankruptcy court finalized CSN Houston's reorganization plan. Coincidence? Astros GM Jeff Luhnow says no.

Astros pitching coach Strom coming back to Upper Deck - Register Herald: Sports
When Houston Astros pitching coach Brent Strom brought his 30-plus years experience to Beckley, ready to share it all, most area coaches failed to take advantage of the opportunity.

Hillman itching to contribute to Astros' rise | astros.com
Considering he wasn't in uniform on a daily basis in 2014 like he had for so many years previously, Trey Hillman can't wait for the start of Spring Training.

Houston's Astrodome gets a bath
Crews from Green Team Services work on cleaning the exterior of the NRG Astrodome on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014, in Houston.

Minute Maid’s dimensions suit Jed Lowrie well - Ultimate Astros
The seven-foot wall in right field is calling.

ULI endorses the future of the Astrodome
An advisory panel from the Urban Land Institute (ULI) has recommended repurposing the Astrodome as a multi-use facility and public park. After spending a week in Houston, the group of ten real estate professionals presented its findings Friday morning during a public meeting at NRG Center.