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3 Astros things: A 2005 NL Champion Ring was stolen

A stolen Ring, CSN Houston court case has a new chapter and International FAs.

By Ryan Dunsmore

Scott Feldman's walkout song is 80 grade...

1) A 2005 NL Champion Ring was stolen

People are cruel. Larry Stokes, the former VP of Human Resources for the Astros, had his 2005 National League Championship ring stolen, as reported by ABC 13 in Houston.

Stokes' ring was stolen while he was moving, a safe inside the moving truck was taken that included personal documents and the ring on May 21.

The 2005 Astros won the team's only division crown in the franchise's 50-plus year history. The Astros defeated the Cardinals in National League Championship Series 4-2 to reach the World Series against the Chicago White Sox. Good times.

Bad times for Stokes. If you see the ring (it will have Stokes on the nameplate), contact Houston Police.

2) Taking a dip in international waters

MLB Trade Rumors is reporting the Astros are the frontrunners for two international free agents: Dominican Republic shortstop Freudis Nova and Venezuelan catcher Yorbin Ceuta.

Nova, 16, has already tested positive for steroids in February -- negating a $2.5 million signing deal with the Miami Marlins. Baseball America's Ben Badler is reporting the Astros will offer him $1.5 million. Nova is reported to have five-tool potential -- which I assume all 16-year-olds have at that age.

Ceuta is expected to get a $1 million signing bonus.

These moves are interesting in the fact that if the Astros go all in on international signings that will mean two things: the Astros are willing to play the 100% overage tax for contracts if it comes to that and the Astros may think an international draft is coming.

3) The CSN Houston court case lives

The Houston Chronicle's David Barron is reporting that the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans will hear Comcast's appeal of the 2014 decision that paved the way for ROOT Sports Southwest. What the case is about the $100 million that was advanced to the ownership group that created CSN Houston to help create the network. The appeal will review if the ownership group needs to repay Comcast.

The ruling will not affect the current broadcast rights but it could mean the Astros and Rockets have to pay back a part or all of $100 million advances. Read more from Barron's report here .

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