Houston Astros News: January 18, 2017

Houston Astros News

Astros: This Bullpen Could Be Something Else in 2017
Perceptions of a team's bullpen can be as volatile as anything else in baseball. The Astros of last year was a good example.

Hot Stove Digest: Astros still interested in Jose Quintana
The 27-year-old lefty posted a 3.20 ERA over 208 innings last season. The White Sox have shown a willingness to part with talented players in the right deal this winter, and the Astros have consistently been named as a possible partner for Quintana.

Lowdown: Astros Eyeing Aces
The Houston Astros are casting a wide net in their search for a top starter on the trade market. Catch up on those rumors and more.

MLB trade rumors: Astros still keeping eye on Sonny Gray - Athletics Nation
But I still think Sonny will be on the 2017 A’s.

What went right/wrong for the Houston Astros in 2016? - Lookout Landing
Long story short: A bad start and some bad starters.

The Astros’ Projected Lineup - Lookout Landing
The Astros, darlings of every projection system’s heart, have the enviable combination of some superstars, solid depth at every position, and backup plans should their players falter early on....

Jeff Bagwell anxious on eve of HOF results | MLB.com
HOUSTON -- He was the entire package. Jeff Bagwell hit for average and power. He was an excellent defensive player who might have even been a better baserunner, though he certainly didn't have tremendous speed. He was a terrific teammate and respected by everyone in the game. Bagwell, who starred at first base for the Astros from 1991-2005, is the kind of player often enshrined in the National Baseball Hall of Fame, and the slugger will find out Wednesday afternoon if he'll join long-time teammate Craig Biggio in getting enshrined in Cooperstown later this summer.

Jeff Bagwell on verge of scratching 7-year Hall of Fame itch - Houston Chronicle
Jeff Bagwell's wait all but certainly nears its final hours.

Jeff Bagwell Awaits Hall Call; Before MLB, Star Made Impression At UHart First - Hartford Courant
Jeff Bagwell Prepares For Call From Hall of Fame

MLB News

What makes a Hall of Fame closer, featuring Trevor Hoffman and Billy Wagner - SBNation.com
After a year of reflection, I’m pretty sure that I can put my finger on the difference between Lee Smith and Trevor Hoffman.

An appreciation for the 15 players who will fall off the 2017 Hall of Fame ballot this year - SBNation.com
These 15 players will fall off the Hall of Fame ballot after just a single appearance. Let’s appreciate them a little bit.

Danny Duffy "did not want to leave" Kansas City - Royals Review
The lefty addressed the media after signing his big deal.

It’s Baseball Hall of Fame results day! - SBNation.com
Wednesday’s Say Hey, Baseball includes Hall of Fame results, what makes a Cooperstown closer, and an appreciation of those falling off the ballot.

Barack Obama and the Chicago Cubs shared a historic day nobody saw coming - SBNation.com
A White House visit like the one that happened on Monday was once unimaginable.