Super Astros Crawfish Boil: May 3, 2015

Good morning boys and girls. Life for the Astros is good. They're in first place with the best record in the American League. They've won nine-straight games. Here are some stories to read while you're on cloud nine.

Astros 411 :: Quad Cities River Bandits: Inside the Numbers
While it’s the Corpus Christi Hooks that has gotten the bulk of ink and attention this season, because of their Blue Chip, top tier draft picks and marquee players; Carlos Correa, Mark Appel, Lance McCullers, Colin Moran and the recent Gold Glove award winners Tony Kemp and Roberto Pena, it’s Quad Cities that is dominating the Midwest League with the best record of any Astros affiliate

The Rays and Astros have both jumped out to fast starts. | SportsonEarth.com : Anthony Castrovince Article
The first month of the MLB season has featured some unexpected fast starts, whether it's the Rays winning five straight, the Astros jumping to the top of the AL West or the Mets getting hot. These are the hot topics this week in baseball.

George Springer working on swing, body control - Ultimate Astros
For roughly a week, George Springer has been putting extra focus into controlling his body at the plate. He has a big swing, and often the assumption is that he needs to cut the swing down. But to say a shortened swing is his priority at the moment isn’t the most accurate description of his cage work with hitting coach Dave Hudgens.

Astros finally shedding bottom-feeder status - ESPN Video
After years of toiling at the bottom of the major leagues, Chris Singleton says the Astros finally have the pieces to make a run at the division in the coming years.

Fresno Grizzlies: Jonanthan Villar stays positive despite demotion by parent Astros | Fresno Grizzlies | FresnoBee.com
Jonathan Villar, who started the season with parent-club Houston, now happy for playing time in Fresno.

Florida approves new Nats/Astros complex | Ballpark Digest
The Florida Legislature approved changes in zoning to allow construction of a new Washington Nationals/Houston Astros spring-training site in West Palm Beach.

Are the Astros and their hot start real? One national writer’s answer might surprise you - Ultimate Astros
After going out on a limb to declare the Astros 2017 World Series champs, Sports Illustrated is doubling down by telling fans that the team’s hot start could lead to a postseason run this year.

Correa, Tucker named Astros minor league players of the month - Ultimate Astros
Shortstop Carlos Correa, the No. 2 ranked prospect in baseball, and slugging outfielder Preston Tucker highlighted the Astros’ affiliates’ Player of the Month awards for April.

Astros report: Deduno earns another start - Houston Chronicle
Righthander Samuel Deduno, who threw four solid innings of one-run ball in his spot start Friday night against the Mariners, will start Wednesday night against the Rangers at Minute Maid Park.

Jed Lowrie of Houston Astros to have surgery, out until after All-Star break
Astros shortstop Jed Lowrie will have surgery for a torn ligament in his right thumb is expected to be out until after the All-Star break.

Houston’s Supervillain: Should the Astros Activate the Death Star Ahead of Schedule? "
Every action movie involving a huge, sinister piece of machinery has an activation scene.

Jose Altuve was always good, but here's how he got real good | FOX Sports
Sure, he's the shortest regular of this century, but Jose Altuve has managed big things. Last year, he put up the second-best batting average of a second baseman in the free agency era, broke the Astros' single-season record for hits, and showed the best pop of his career. A few changes to his game helped him be even better.

Friar talk: The oh-so-familiar Astros 'pen | UTSanDiego.com
Closer Luke Gregerson among five former Padres in Houston's bullpen.

Call up Carlos Correa now? Astros know he’s special but won’t rush decision - Ultimate Astros
Thinking about the slim-to-nonexistent chance Carlos Correa would have been promoted Tuesday probably made you smile.

Chris Wallace Is A Study In Perseverance " CBS Houston
Chris Wallace turned 27 years old Monday night. He celebrated with a pair of hits and an RBI on his birthday. He wasn’t wearing an Astros uniform or playing in a big league stadium. Instead he was at Constellation Field, playing for the Skeeters.