Astros Crawfish Boil: January 5, 2016

Astros News

Heyman: Yankees asked Astros for Lance McCullers Jr. in Andrew Miller trade talks - River Avenue Blues
As part of their efforts to land a young controllable starting pitcher, the Yankees asked the Astros for right-hander Lance McCullers Jr. in trade talks involving Andrew Miller earlier this offseason, reports Jon Heyman. Houston shot that down entirely and instead traded other players to the Phillies for Ken Giles a few weeks later.

Keuchel, Astros won't work on long-term extension this offseason | FOX Sports
Keuchel, Astros won't work on long-term extension this offseason

Hall of Fame election looks like uphill battle for ex-Astros closer Wagner - Houston Chronicle
Nobody could have expected the so-called runt of an athletic family to reach the major leagues, and a spot in the Hall of Fame would have seemed a ridiculous dream.

Astros inaugurate a new way to party at Minute Maid with fabled singer - CultureMap Houston
Houston Astros are intent not only on being MLB contenders but also on setting a record in their charitable fundraising with the inaugural Diamond Dreams Gala.

Innings Eaters :: Freddie Freeman Trade to the Houston Astros Dead
Holding onto hope, many Houston Astros fans thought there was a chance their favorite ball club could acquire Atlanta Braves' first baseman Freddie Freeman.

MLB News

Here is the only correct Hall of Fame ballot - SBNation.com
Stop arguing about the Hall of Fame. I've figured out the only correct ballot.

Dan Haren opens up about pitching in the majors, his fears and pooping a lot - SBNation.com
This was a great impromptu chat.