Astros Crawfish Boil: February 23, 2016

Astros News

Astros' Rachel Balkovec breaking down barriers | astros.com
KISSIMMEE, Fla. -- Rachel Balkovec was so eager to prove she was the most qualified candidate for a job as a strength and conditioning coach in baseball that she once altered her resume, spelling her first name "Rae" to make her name sound more gender neutral. Balkovec's experience and resume were impeccable, but getting a baseball team to hire a female for a role previously only occupied by men proved to be more challenging. She eventually landed an internship with the Cardinals in 2012, becoming the first female strength and conditioning coach in the history of professional baseball. The Astros hired her this winter to serve as the team's Latin American strength and conditioning coach.

West Notes: Rollins, Giants, Lucroy, Astros, Angels - MLB Trade Rumors
The Giants had interest in Jimmy Rollins before the veteran infielder ultimately agreed to a minor league deal with the White Sox, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports tweets. Rosenthal adds that the Giants would have used Rollins as a super utility player, taking advantage of his ability to switch-hit. Via Alex Pavlovic of CSN Bay Area (on Twitter), Giants GM Bobby Evans has confirmed the Giants were quite interested in Rollins, although they couldn’t promise the kind of playing time he would be able to get in Chicago (which has a considerably less stable shortstop situation). Here’s more from the West divisions.

A.J. Hinch: Astros' relievers will know roles entering season - Houston Chronicle
There doesn't seem to be a bullpen by committee on the way. Astros manager A.J. Hinch said Monday morning his bullpen will have known roles going into the season, indicating he will eventually name a closer.

Unfettered for years, fans face barriers at Astros camp - Houston Chronicle
There was a too good-to-be-true element for fans visiting Astros camp before this year, even though the team was — for years — so bad.

Astros and Brewers had talks about Jonathan Lucroy - MLB Daily Dish
Houston reportedly had an interest in Brewers catcher Jonathan Lucroy, but the two sides couldn't match up.

MLB News

The Barry Bonds experiment will be fascinating and mysterious - SBNation.com
We'll never be able to quantify how much Barry Bonds will help the Marlins. That doesn't mean it won't be a heckuva ride.

HELL YEAH, SPRING TRAINING! - SBNation.com
Baseball is the best sport. No other sports or things exist to me.

Pablo Sandoval probably isn't in the best shape of his life - SBNation.com
Monday's Say Hey, baseball talks about Pablo Sandoval showing up to camp a bit heavier than the Red Sox wanted him to. Plus, the Orioles may be close to making yet another free agent signing.

White Sox sign Jimmy Rollins to minor league deal - South Side Sox
Former NL MVP will add a veteran presence to the White Sox middle infield depth chart