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Astros GM Jeff Luhnow stopped by the main team Twitter account on Wednesday in advance of Houston's final Grapefruit League game against the New York Mets to answer some questions. Fans could tweet the hashtag #AskLuhnow at him and hope for a response.
There was some great insight in there, especially on two pitchers to watch (Brady Rodgers and Andrew Thurman), plus timetables for George Springer and Carlos Correa (now and later) and some great advice for anyone looking to get into baseball operations.
If this is the first sign of Amanda Rykoff's influence, I'm pleased. The Mets do these from time to time and it's a great way to promote the team in a fun way.
Here's the "transcript" of the chat:
Hello everyone! First off, thanks for all the great questions. Apologies in advance for not answering all as time is limited. #askLuhnow
— Houston Astros (@astros) March 26, 2014
As GM I don't like to play favorites, but I would watch Andrew Thurman and Brady Rodgers, arms that could move quickly. #AskLuhnow
— Houston Astros (@astros) March 26, 2014
BTW, I hope you are all planning to either come to San Antonio or Houston this weekend to watch the team! Regulars and prospects #AskLuhnow
— Houston Astros (@astros) March 26, 2014
#AskLuhnow: @MTBurch: What is your five year plan for the Astros?
— Houston Astros (@astros) March 26, 2014
Haha... many have asked for it. Actually it's ever evolving. It does involve building a sustainable winner... phase 1 went well #AskLuhnow
— Houston Astros (@astros) March 26, 2014
Next #AskLuhnow: @Johnny_fitz: What advice could you give to an aspiring baseball ops employee?
— Houston Astros (@astros) March 26, 2014
Jobs are hard to get in baseball, so be patient, build your network and have a backup plan! You have to want it so make sure #AskLuhnow
— Houston Astros (@astros) March 26, 2014
Q3 #AskLuhnow RT @CharlieMeyer11: How do you continue to improve yourself as a GM and a baseball operations personnel?
— Houston Astros (@astros) March 26, 2014
Great ?, no dif than any job - ask for feedback, don't surround yourself with people just like you, and set goals that are hard! #AskLuhnow
— Houston Astros (@astros) March 26, 2014
Q4 #AskLuhnow RT @nathan0223: what kind of production could we see from a Fowler-Grossman top of the order?
— Houston Astros (@astros) March 26, 2014
Speed, on base, and doubles power is a good formula for top of the lineup. Altuve will drive em in! #AskLuhnow
— Houston Astros (@astros) March 26, 2014
Q5 #AskLuhnow @ct1310: What's the plan for Alex White once he's ready for competition?
— Houston Astros (@astros) March 26, 2014
Q5 Alex will go out on a rehab assignment and if all goes well, join us in Houston or OKC. I can't wait to get him back! #AskLuhnow
— Houston Astros (@astros) March 26, 2014
#AskLuhnow Q6: @YaBuddyBuchholz: How long til you think George Springer makes his debut?
— Houston Astros (@astros) March 26, 2014
Q6:Can't pinpoint a date, but expectations are sooner rather than later..exciting player who could help us win in 2014 and beyond #AskLuhnow
— Houston Astros (@astros) March 26, 2014
#AskLuhnow Q7: @BaseballChaz: Would you be open to #Astros starting the season abroad one day?
— Houston Astros (@astros) March 26, 2014
Q7: I hope so. Perhaps somewhere in Latin America? I'd support it... baseball is an international sport and growing. #AskLuhnow
— Houston Astros (@astros) March 26, 2014
#AskLuhnow Q8 @bpholcomb18: How valuable do you find Spanish to be in your job as a GM?
— Houston Astros (@astros) March 26, 2014
Q8: Vale mucho! 40% of our players (majors and minors) are hispanic. Not only is language important, but cultural understanding. #AskLuhnow
— Houston Astros (@astros) March 26, 2014
#AskLuhnow Q9 @autch14: Could Correa make it to Houston this yr if he has strong showing in the minors for majority of season?
— Houston Astros (@astros) March 26, 2014
Q9:Anything is possible with CC but no need to rush him. He's 19 all summer. High school seniors in upcoming draft are same age. #AskLuhnow
— Houston Astros (@astros) March 26, 2014
#AskLuhnow Q10: If you could bring any historic Astro onto the current roster, who would it be?
— Houston Astros (@astros) March 26, 2014
Q10: Wow. JR Richards at his best? Nolan? Biggio? Bagwell? Toy Cannon? Rocket? Pettite? Wagner? Berkman? Some great choices!
— Houston Astros (@astros) March 26, 2014
#AskLuhnow Q11 @lneck25: How does Preston Tucker compare to Springer as a hitter? If he continues progressing will we see him @MMP in 14?
— Houston Astros (@astros) March 26, 2014
Q11: Different players. Tucker LHH corner OF with deluxe OB skills and power. RH version of Allan Craig? Hope so. #AskLuhnow
— Houston Astros (@astros) March 26, 2014
#AskLuhnow Q12 @global_aggie128: What do you think about Moneyball? and how it influenced you?
— Houston Astros (@astros) March 26, 2014
Q12: Love Michael Lewis' writing. Idea behind it was the value of going against the grain to gain an advantage...very insightful. #AskLuhnow
— Houston Astros (@astros) March 26, 2014
#AskLuhnow Q13 @DakotaLowry1: favorite ballpark to visit besides MMP?
— Houston Astros (@astros) March 26, 2014
Q13: Pittsburgh, Wrigley, San Fran, Seattle are in my favorite five along with MMP. We have a tremendous venue in Houston! #AskLuhnow
— Houston Astros (@astros) March 26, 2014
#AskLuhnow Q14 @asmith_4031: What point is the front office at right now in terms of scouting for this summer's draft?
— Houston Astros (@astros) March 26, 2014
Q14: Started over 12 months ago and in a constant state of readiness. Could draft 40 rounds today, but always learning. #AskLuhnow
— Houston Astros (@astros) March 26, 2014
Thanks everyone for participating! Five more games through the weekend then OD next Tuesday. Give me a follow @jluhnow and we can talk more
— Houston Astros (@astros) March 26, 2014
Do you only have to write nice things about the team to get hired by baseball ops? Asking for a friend #AskLuhnow
— David Coleman (@MDavidColeman) March 26, 2014
@MDavidColeman Read the summary section of this article, and emulate: http://t.co/RhIZw9UGzd @Kevin_Goldstein
— Mike Fast (@fastballs) March 26, 2014