Astros Crawfish Boil: March 22, 2016

Astros News

Washington Nationals 5-3 over Houston Astros: Gio Gonzalez walks four, but limits damage - Federal Baseball
Washington Nationals' lefty Gio Gonzalez gave up five hits and four walks but limited the Houston Astros to one run in 4 1/3 IP in what ended up a -53 Nats' win after Trea Turner manufactured the go-ahead run in the bottom of the seventh inning.

Houston Astros’ George Springer Brings 2016 Dugout Magic: Why The Astros’ Chances Just Went Through The Roof
"Every once in a while," writes MLB's official site, "a franchise gets really lucky to find a player who checks off every box. He's not only supremely talented,

Hinch hints that Astros will carry 12 pitchers - Houston Chronicle
The roster might not be completely set by the time the Astros hit Mexico this weekend, but an almost final picture should emerge.

Emergent Astros now have roster devoid of filler - Houston Chronicle
Not good enough to play for the Astros.

Astros option Nolan Fontana, Andrew Aplin; Tony Kemp reassigned - Houston Chronicle
The Astros have trimmed their camp size by three, optioning infielder Nolan Fontana and outfielder Andrew Aplin to Class AAA Fresno. Tony Kemp, a non-roster invitee, was re-assigned to the minors.

Astros' Scott Feldman learning changeup - Houston Chronicle
It's usually the younger kids who are trying to learn a changeup, but Scott Feldman won't give up on the thing. He's talked about it all spring, and after throwing 3 2/3 innings in a 5-3 Astros loss on Monday, he was asked if he intends to actually use the thing once the regular season starts.

MLB News

Rays facing Cuban National Team in historic game - SBNation.com
Tuesday's Say Hey, Baseball includes the Rays and Obama in Cuba, Josh Donaldson on domestic violence, and the Padres messing around with retired numbers for sponsorship money.

The Rays' historic arrival in Cuba also included an emotional family reunion - SBNation.com
It had been three years since minor leaguer Dayron Varona saw his family.

MLB Opening Day 2016: Projected lineups for all 30 teams - MLB Daily Dish
The projected Opening Day lineups for all 30 MLB teams

Red Sox could replace Pablo Sandoval with Travis Shaw as soon as Opening Day - Over the Monster
John Farrell isn't going to wait around for Sandoval to hit or field to the level the Red Sox require.