Astros Crawfish Boil: March 24, 2016

Astros News

New TV deal helps Astros' franchise value skyrocket in Forbes rankings - Houston Chronicle
Forbes on Wednesday unveiled its annual list of the most valuable teams in baseball, placing the Astros at No. 15 of 30. That's also their market rank in the current collective bargaining agreement, which expires after this season.

SI’s MLB playoff teams featured on baseball preview issue cover | SI.com
Sports Illustrated reveals its picks to win each division and the World Series in the baseball preview issue.

Astros are picked to win the World Series, which may be bad news - Houston Chronicle
Shakespeare wrote "Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown."

Astros report: Gattis unlikely to be ready by opening day - Houston Chronicle
Evan Gattis and Astros manager A.J. Hinch acknowledged on Wednesday what was already clear: Gattis, who underwent sports hernia surgery just before spring training began, won't likely be ready for opening day.

Astros 2, Phillies 1: Groundouts for Morton, strikeouts for Stumpf | Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia
Phillies starter Charlie Morton took the loss, 2-1, against the Astros on Wednesday, but he forced 11 groundball outs while Daniel Stumpf struck out a pair.

Evan Gattis unlikely to be on Astros' opening-day roster - Houston Chronicle
Evan Gattis and manager A.J. Hinch acknowledged on Wednesday what was already clear: it's unlikely the former is ready for opening day. Gattis underwent sports hernia surgery just before spring training began.

Thoughts on Astros prospect Tyler White - Minor League Ball
Should Astros prospect Tyler White be given the first base job instead of Jon Singleton?

Astros option Brad Peacock to Class AAA Fresno - Houston Chronicle
Brad Peacock was optioned to Class AAA Fresno on Wednesday. Building the righty starter back up after a long time away because of injury has always been the plan, and if he can regain form, he's a depth option for the Astros.

MLB News

A-Rod accidentally announced his retirement, then said he's not retiring yet - SBNation.com
Thursday's Say Hey, Baseball includes A-Rod's retirement "announcement," what to do with Aaron Sanchez and David Ortiz tearing apart Goose Gossage's ranting.

The Dodgers are a mess; the Dodgers will be fine - SBNation.com
Spring training is cruel, but it's been cruelest to the Dodgers so far. They shouldn't panic, though.

What to do with Aaron Sanchez - Bluebird Banter
As we draw nearer to opening day the big question is what the organization will do with Aaron Sanchez. For many there seems to be only two options. The first is to let him start and place Gavin...

Clint Hurdle continues to adapt - Bucs Dugout
Back in December, on the day the Pirates announced the signing of John Jaso, I tweeted out a Pirates batting order that I thought would be optimal vs. right handed pitchers. My #Pirates (needs...

How would different Mets look if they had Jacob deGrom hair? - Amazin' Avenue
Jacob deGrom's hair reportedly gives him an advantage on the mound. What would happen if other Mets started sporting his hairstyle?