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Let’s start off by continuing our shiny new “Tag’s Tweets” mini segment, shall we? Go follow Tags on Twitter, if you don’t already, by clicking this blue button:
Tag’s Tweets
Happy photo day pic.twitter.com/TlrDvIipjX
— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) February 21, 2018
Tony Kemp talks about his busy offseason, including his wedding and buying his first house. pic.twitter.com/RKD53HarDV
— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) February 21, 2018
Hinch says Rogelio Armenteros will start Friday's Grapefruit League opener against Washington.
— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) February 21, 2018
Hinch on Rogelio Armenteros: “I wanted to reward him for a great season. I think he led our Minor Leagues in strikeouts. He’s one of the more unheralded prospects that we have and we want to get a first look at him and reward him with a start.”
— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) February 21, 2018
Hinch said he's going to move Gurriel around this year, adding some third, second and shortstop. He played third base in Cuba.
— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) February 21, 2018
Hinch: "This is the closest team I've ever been associated with."
— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) February 21, 2018
The Office of the Commissioner of Baseball announced today that Forrest Whitley has received a 50-game suspension without pay for a violation of the Minor League Drug Prevention and Treatment Program, effective start of Texas League season.
— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) February 21, 2018
The earliest Whitley could pitch this year would be May 29 for Corpus Christi at Springfield.
— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) February 21, 2018
Astros GM Jeff Luhnow talks to media regarding Forrest Whitley suspension. "We're disappointed in the outcome," he said. pic.twitter.com/XMJww7jA1X
— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) February 21, 2018
Whitley statement through agent:
— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) February 21, 2018
"I made a mistake and take full responsibility for my actions. I want to apologize to the Astros organization, my family, and those closest to me. I will learn from this mistake and continue striving to be the best baseball player that I can be."
The Honda Classic is in town, so Kemp is working on his putting. pic.twitter.com/8e7xW0jUIj
— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) February 21, 2018
Astros News
Astros minor-league pitcher Forrest Whitley suspended 50 games for violating drug policy
We’ve all heard the news by now, but here is the USA Today article about it just the same.
Starter at 1B, Gurriel will play all over diamond
Hinch plans to utilize several Astros’ versatility
Prospect Armenteros to start Grapefruit opener
Hinch, Astros rewarding righty for impressive 2017 season
Nats, Astros announce new name for ST park
Clubs strike partnership for FITTEAM Ballpark of the Palm Beaches
Around The League
Cuban prospect Martinez granted free agency
Outfielder, 21, can sign with MLB club as soon as March 6
Cashman: Initial plan is to have Drury play 3B
Yankees GM, Boone excited to bring versatile infielder aboard
MLB to allow any player to bat in 9th? Let’s discuss the dumbest rule proposal ever
Supposedly, MLB execs have discussed letting teams hit any three hitters they want in the ninth
Rays Replace Steven Souza With Older Steven Souza
Jeff Sullivan takes a look at the Tampa Bay Rays’ trade of Steven Souza.