Astros Crawfish Boil: February 5, 2016

Astros News

Gomez, Rasmus, Springer form solid Astros OF | MLB.com
This is the third of a six-part Around the Horn series that will take a position-by-position look at the Astros' projected starters and backup options heading into the season. This one: outfield. HOUSTON -- The Astros will enter Spring Training camp with a set outfield, including the three starters and the two bench players. The club re-signed Colby Rasmus, who accepted a one-year qualifying offer, to return its outfield intact, though poised to be better than it was last season.

Astros' Urban Youth Academy gives life tools | MLB.com
HOUSTON -- It's not only about those six young people and their college scholarships. It's about what they represent. "Our program works," said Daryl Wade, director of the Houston Astros' Urban Youth Academy (UYA).

Why The Houston Astros Have The Brightest Future In Major League Baseball | MLB Reports
Trey Rose (Featured Fantasy Baseball Writer/Owner - dynastydigest.sportsblog.com)   Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter  The Houston Astros had some very rough years from 2011 to 2013 (162-324 record). While this was a tough time for the Major League Organization, their Minor League affiliates were thriving. Luckily for the Astros, a lot of their young…

Tanking is profitable, so don't expect it to stop - Royals Review
Is tanking about game theory or a way to stuff revenues into the owner's pockets?

MLB News

Jonny Gomes signed in Japan, for America - SBNation.com
Thursday's Say Hey, Baseball includes baseball's favorite patriot, Nationals' money troubles, and how to stop tanking forever and ever.

If the Braves are actually tanking, then now's probably the best time to do so. - Talking Chop
Even though it's hard to say that the Braves are tanking and the team itself has denied it, if they are pulling a tank job then now is probably the best time to do so -- before baseball does...

Commissioner Rob Manfred addresses future challenges for Major League Baseball - Beyond the Box Score
Rob Manfred spoke at Harvard Law School on Tuesday and discussed baseball's international appeal, youth outreach, diversity initiatives, and more.

The myth of the Cardinals aging core - Viva El Birdos
A much discussed topic this offseason, the Cardinals are viewed as an aging team despite evidence to the contrary.

Oakland A's trades: A year too early or a year too late - Athletics Nation
Looking at the A's strategy of selling high.