Some things to talk about while I clean up my Twitter favorites...
1) Japhet Amador reporting to camp
Great news for the Astros and Japhet Amador this morning, as the Mexican first baseman will reportedly report to spring training. From Evan Drellich's report:
The agent for Mexican first baseman Japhet Amador said Tuesday night that Amador may yet be able to report to Astros camp, even as soon as Thursday.
Nothing was definitive, but the condition of Amador's ill and pregnant wife had improved, he said.
"His wife has improved to the point that he's thinking about it, let's put it that way," agent Oscar Suarez said.
Still wishing the best for Amador and his family. Glad this situation seems to be getting better and he can continue his try to make the Astros out of spring training. Mainly because the first base competition has been...underwhelming. Amador is that thin red line between us and another season of Wally.
Son, Amador lives in a world that has walls, and those walls have to be guarded by men with baseball bats. Who's gonna do it? You? You, Astros County? Amador has a greater responsibility than you could possibly fathom. You weep for Wally, and you curse free agency. You have that luxury. You have the luxury of not knowing what I know. That Wally's DFA, while tragic, probably saved lives. And Amador's existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, saves lives. You don't want the truth because deep down in places you don't talk about at parties, you want me on that wall, you need me on that wall. We use words like BABiP, FIP, wRC+. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent defending something. You use them as a punchline. Amador has neither the time nor the inclination to explain himself to a man who rises and sleeps under the blanket of the very freedom that he provides, and then questions the manner in which he provides it. He would rather you just said thank you, and went on your way, Otherwise, Amador suggests you pick up a bat, and stand a post at first base. Either way, Amador don't give a damn what you think you are entitled to.
2) Prospect Q&A with LMJ
Nice little interview with one of Houston's top pitching prospects, Lance McCullers, Jr. In it, LMJ talks about a bunch of topics, including what he learned from last year, what he needs to improve, having a dad that played professionally and more. But, of note to those of you who don't follow the minors as closely as the Subbers of the world is this gem:
I think it's a unique situation the Astros are in -- you're going to camp being a star from wherever you were, in high school or college. Usually when you go to camp, there are a couple of stars. When you go to the Astros, everywhere you turn there's a guy who could be a Cy Young winner or an All-Star. I think it's really cool to see that kind of talent on the field and it makes you want it more.
Granted, McCullers only knows one organization. But, the fact he sees so much talent on the field is encouraging, no?
3) Astros odds are out
Spring is the season for sports books and Las Vegas to start reporting odds on season wins for baseball teams. Each time one of these sets of odds comes out, it's said that "Vegas says" the line is such and such. Of course, it's not that simple. Today's odds come courtesy of Bovada and have the Astros over/under on wins listed as 62.5.
That means if you think the Astros will not lose 100 games again, you bet the over and rake in the dough. If you're pessimistic like TCB Podcast co-host Sean, you pick the under. The Dodgers top the list with an over/under of 92.5. The St. Louis Cardinals are the only other team that has an over/under above 90 (90.5). The Cubs and the Marlins are the only other teams with over/under numbers under 70 (69.5).
What do you think? Too many wins? Too few? Just right?