The Crawfish Boxes - Houston Astros Opening Day 2015Astros baseball: we've got uniforms and everything.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/11437/crawfishboxes-fv.gif2015-04-08T15:00:02-05:00http://www.crawfishboxes.com/rss/stream/81168782015-04-08T15:00:02-05:002015-04-08T15:00:02-05:00Photo Gallery: 2015 Astros Opening Day
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<figcaption>Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Photos from the Astros Opening Day win over the Indians.</p> <p>Opening Day is always special. The excitement and hope for the upcoming season was palpable in the stadium. The electricity is even higher with the Astros stacked roster and the returning Astros heroes. On top of the normal poppin circumstance, Hall of Fame broadcast Milo Hamilton rallied up the crowd. Houston was given it's first chance to celebrate their batting champion Jose Altuve and their Hall of Famer Craig Biggio.</p>
<p>The Astros won their third straight Opening Day behind a masterful effort of Dallas Keuchel, out dueling 2014 Cy Young award winner Corey Kluber. Jose Altuve, George Springer, and Jed Lowrie sparked the Astros late rally on offense.</p>
<p><link href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3603867/mustreads-compact-only.css" rel="stylesheet"></p>
<p>It was a great game all around. Here are some photos from Monday's game.</p>
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<p>Photos courtsey of: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports & Bob Levey/Getty Images</p>
https://www.crawfishboxes.com/2015/4/8/8371797/photo-gallery-2015-astros-opening-dayRyan Dunsmore2015-04-06T21:45:09-05:002015-04-06T21:45:09-05:00Keuchel and bullpen blank Indians 2-0
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<figcaption>Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Bearded One, along with the bullpen, get the shutout on a night where the offense had just enough.</p> <p>Even though I don't attend many these days, I love Opening Day. I love the announcing of the lineups. I love the pageantry, the giant American flags, the celebrity Star Spangled Banner renditions. They had all of that tonight. They even had newest Hall of Famer Craig Biggio throw out the first pitch to reigning AL batting champ <span>Jose Altuve</span>. (ROOT Sports got in on the act with a nice <a href="https://www.crawfishboxes.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Astros</a> history video narrated by Jimmy Wynn. I got some dust in my eye so I missed the end of it.) Today feels different though. This is the first season in quite a while that the Astros fans have real hope going into the first game. Maybe not "we're gonna win it all!" hope, but at least some "we've got a full major league roster and will compete" hope.</p>
<p>As a sign of what was to come, <span>Dallas Keuchel</span> picked up right where he left off last year, getting a ground ball on the first batter of the evening. Keuchel looked really strong through the first four innings, only allowing one hit,and striking out three. He got a bit shaky in the 5th when he allowed a couple of walks, but got a double play to help him out of the inning. In all, he pitched 7 innings, giving up 3 hits and no runs while striking out 4 and walking 3.</p>
<p>As good as Keuchel pitched, <span>Corey Kluber</span> pitched just as good (or better). He held the Astros hitless through 5 2/3 innings, until (who else?) Altuve flared a ball into center field for a single. He then immediately stole 2nd base. <span>George Springer</span> followed with a two-strike single past the diving shortstop to get Altuve home with the first run of the game. If you are going to break up a guy's no hitter, might as well score, I always say. (Believe me, I ALWAYS say that.) Kluber pitched into the 8th, where he ran into another jam. He walked <span>Jed Lowrie</span> in a great at-bat. <span>Colby Rasmus</span> followed with a single into the right field corner, moving Lowrie to third. Kluber came out of the game, and reliever <span>Scott Atchison</span> gave up a sacrifice fly to <span>Jake Marisnick</span> to add an insurance run.</p>
<p><span>Luke Gregerson</span> pitched a perfect 9th inning (matching Tony Sipp's perfect 8th inning) to pick up his first save of the season, and preserve the shutout. All in all, a very successful 2015 debut for the new-look Astros. Due to the odd scheduling at the beginning of the season, the team will have tomorrow off, and pick up the series Wednesday against the <a href="https://www.letsgotribe.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Indians</a>. <span>Scott Feldman</span> will start against <span>Carlos Carrasco</span>.</p>
<p><b>FUN FACTS</b></p>
<p>Even though the team didn't collect a lot of hits, the bats were not silent. <span>Chris Carter</span> hit 2 shots to the fence, and Springer hit one. Gattis hit the hardest ball all night, and <span>Michael Brantley</span> didn't even have to move to catch that liner.</p>
<p>I didn't get to see any spring games, so it was nice to see these guys play live in an Astros uniform. <span>Evan Gattis</span> is a man. Rasmus has some sweet throwback rocker hair.</p>
<p>Carter has obviously been seriously working on his first base defense. He could not have looked more smooth and comfortable on every ball hit his way.</p>
<p><b>TWEET OF THE NIGHT</b></p>
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<p>Tough to take a no hitter into the 6th and get hung with the loss, and against the guy who is going to take the Cy Young from you this year…</p>
— Dustin DeBerry (@dkdeberry) <a href="https://twitter.com/dkdeberry/status/585256534730416128">April 7, 2015</a>
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https://www.crawfishboxes.com/2015/4/6/8357869/astros-2-indians-0-keuchel-outduels-kluber-in-pitchers-duelerniebreakfast2015-04-06T18:10:03-05:002015-04-06T18:10:03-05:00Opening Day game thread: Astros vs. Indians
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<figcaption>Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Astros kick off the 2015 season tonight against the Indians. Here's all you need to know about the game.</p> <p></p>
<h4> <br><a href="https://www.crawfishboxes.com/">Houston Astros</a> (0-0) vs. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.letsgotribe.com/">Cleveland Indians</a> (0-0), 6:10 p.m. (CST)</h4>
<p><br><strong>TV:</strong> ROOT SPORTS, ESPN<br><strong>Radio: </strong>KBME 790 AM, KLAT 1010 AM<br><strong><a href="https://www.amazinavenue.com/"></a><a href="https://www.amazinavenue.com/">I</a><gs id="403c424c-79b4-4a43-86d0-4e7ecd7e7469" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="bdf9bae8-1be7-44ff-bb73-f2faf7bc665c" class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark">ndians SBNation Blog</gs></strong>: <a href="http://www.letsgotribe.com/">Let's Go Tribe</a></p>
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<h4>Pitching matchup</h4>
<p><br>LHP <span>Dallas Keuchel</span> (0-0, -<gs id="6c103039-8b01-41b5-9a4c-a55e79c04d7c" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="bb810de9-b9dd-476e-a9f5-2d8c4d742d8c" class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark">.</gs>-- ERA, -<gs id="c07c62f2-b21e-4fd0-8b5b-ca51b7b7d5b3" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="bb810de9-b9dd-476e-a9f5-2d8c4d742d8c" class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark">.</gs>-- WHIP) vs. RHP <span>C</span>orey Kluber (0-0, -<gs id="79172378-8973-496a-9149-a791edbabab6" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="7a3dae58-0771-435c-b37f-70d51e44df52" class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark">.</gs>-- ERA, -<gs id="36281110-cad7-4f32-8bf6-24a2ca09372c" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="7a3dae58-0771-435c-b37f-70d51e44df52" class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark">.</gs>-- WHIP)</p>
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<div class="pane sports_data_widget lineup clearfix"> <br><h3>Today's Lineups</h3> <br><div class="lineup"> <br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><table class="zebra" cellspacing="0"> <thead> <tr> <th align="left">CLEVELAND INDIANS</th> <th align="left">HOUSTON ASTROS</th> </tr> </thead> <tbody> <tr> <td class="td-last td-name"> <br><span>Michael Bourn</span> - CF</td> <td class="td-first td-name"> <br><span>Jose Altuve</span> - 2B</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td-last td-name"> <br><span>Jason Kipnis</span> - 2B</td> <td class="td-first td-name"> <br><span>George Springer</span> - RF</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td-last td-name"> <br><span>Michael Brantley</span> - LF</td> <td class="td-first td-name"> <br><span>Luis Valbuena</span> - 3B</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td-last td-name"> <br><span>Carlos Santana</span> - 1B</td> <td class="td-first td-name"> <br><span>Evan Gattis</span> - DH</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td-last td-name"> <br><span>Yan Gomes</span> - C</td> <td class="td-first td-name"> <br><span>Chris Carter</span> - 1B</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td-last td-name"> <br><span>Brandon Moss</span> - RF</td> <td class="td-first td-name"> <br><span>Jason Castro</span> - C</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td-last td-name"> <br><span>Ryan Raburn</span> - DH</td> <td class="td-first td-name"> <br><span>Jed Lowrie</span> - SS</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td-last td-name"> <br><span>Lonnie Chisenhall</span> - 3B</td> <td class="td-first td-name"> <br><span>Colby Rasmus</span> - LF</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td-last td-name"> <br><span>Jose Ramirez</span> - SS</td> <td class="td-first td-name"> <br><span>Jake Marisnick</span> - CF</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td-last td-name"></td> <td class="td-first td-name"></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td-last td-name"> <br><span>Corey Kluber</span> - RHP</td> <td class="td-first td-name">Dallas Keuchel - LHP</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <br> </div> <br> </div>
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https://www.crawfishboxes.com/2015/4/6/8354499/mlb-opening-day-2015-astros-vs-indians-game-threadDavid Coleman2015-04-06T16:00:02-05:002015-04-06T16:00:02-05:00Astros vs. Indians opening series preview
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<figcaption>Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Baseball. It's back.</p> <h4>
<a href="https://www.crawfishboxes.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Houston Astros</a> vs. <a href="https://www.letsgotribe.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cleveland Indians</a>, April 6 & April 8-9, 2015</h4>
<p>To quote the prophet Rafiki, "It is time". The boys of summer are back in Houston, life returns to Minute Maid Park, and the tide of blue and orange washes back in. Hope springs anew, and the hometown team can take on the world. In seasons past, honestly that hope was a bit delusional but the roster has slowly grown. At this point, the Astros starting lineup is filled to the brim with major league level talent; no more are their castoffs or retreads sprinkled. The talent is deep enough to push two 2014 starters, <span>Matt Dominguez</span> and <span>Jon Singleton</span>, to Triple A. The Astros could be a sleeping Giant or a failed science experiment by season's end.</p>
<p>The Indians come in 2015 with the same level of hope as the Astros if not more. Cleveland was a few breaks away from filling the spot that the <a href="https://www.royalsreview.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Royals</a> took in the playoffs. The Indians finished four games behind Kansas City and the Wild Card spot. The Indians have two frontline players in 2014 Cy Young award winner <span>Corey Kluber</span> and outfielder <span>Michael Brantley</span> would probably had the quietest third place finish in MVP voting history. Quiet seems to be the Indians style under Terry Francona. Many will forget about Cleveland and look up at the standing for the <a href="https://www.southsidesox.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">White Sox</a> and <a href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Tigers</a> leading the AL Central but see the Indians.</p>
<h4>Key Additions and Departures</h4>
<p>The Astros departures list is short and that is be design. Houston is looking to keep their players under cost-effective control. The main departure was <span>Dexter Fowler</span>, who was the defacto leader coming into 2014. The elder statesman on the diamond at the age of 29. Fowler was a valuable bat that was ideal to put at the top of the lineup - taking pitches, walking, and stealing bases. Dexter was limited in the outfield and was heading into his final contract season in 2015, thus he was dealt. <span>Matt Albers</span>, the feel good story of the former Astros and Houston-native coming home ended quickly with shoulder injury that keep him out for the majority of 2014 season. Houston declined the option for Albers for 2015 and he is now a member of the White Sox.</p>
<p>The Fowler trade was part of a busy offseason for the Astros, the Astros former outfielder returned to major league players from the <a href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cubs</a> - infielder <span>Luis Valbuena</span> and right-hand pitcher Dan Straily. Valbuena had a breakout season with the Cubs in 2014 (.249, 16 HR, 61 RBIs) and will be slotted in at the 3-hole for the Astros on Opening Day. Straily will likely be the first pitcher up from Frenso as he is molded by the Astros pitching coaches that helped <span>Collin McHugh</span> have breakout season in 2014. The Astros signed two solid starters in <span>Jed Lowrie</span> and <span>Colby Rasmus</span> in the field. They also added two veteran arms in the bullpen, <span>Luke Gregerson</span> and <span>Pat Neshek</span>, to stabilize a bullpen that had the worst ERA in baseball last season. The biggest move this offseason was the Astros' trade for <span>Evan Gattis</span>. Houston sent pitchers Mike Foltynewicz, Andrew Thurman and third baseman Rio Ruiz. Gattis added another powerful bat to pair with <span>Chris Carter</span>.</p>
<p>Indians didn't have any key departures to speak but they did add two important pieces - <span>Brandon Moss</span> and Gavin Floyd. Moss maybe the biggest steal from the <a href="https://www.athleticsnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Athletics</a> wheeling and dealing this offseason. While Floyd is the ideal fifth starter veteran presence on the team.</p>
<h4>Pitching</h4>
<p>As with any Opening Day, both teams a trotting out their big guns in game one - 2014 Cy Young award winner vs. the 2014 Gold Glove award winner. Yes, a Gold Glove won't ever compare to a Cy Young, but the award speaks to Dallas Keuchel's success with the ground ball.</p>
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<p><b>Game 1:</b> LHP Dallas Keuchel (12-9, 2.93 ERA, 1.18 in 2014) vs. RHP Corey Kluber (18-9, 2.44 ERA, 1.09 WHIP in 2014)<br><b>Game 2:</b> RHP <span>Scott Feldman</span> (8-12, 3.74 ERA, 1.30 WHIP in 2014) vs. RHP <span>Carlos Carrasco</span> (8-7, 2.55 ERA, 0.99 WHIP)<br><b>Game 3: </b>RHP <span>Asher Wojciechowski</span> (4-4, 4.74 ERA, 1.45 WHIP in 2014 with Triple A Oklahoma City) vs. RHP <span>Trevor Bauer</span> (5-8, 4.18 ERA, 1.38 WHIP in 2014)</p>
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<p>Keuchel lead the league in ground ball rate, 63.5%, six points higher than the next pitchers on the list. The lefty's two-fastball keeps batters pounding the ball into the ground. Scott Feldman, the 2014 Opening Day starter will get the ball on the Wednesday for the Astros. Feldman had a pretty rough spring with an ERA close to seven, but the he has had similiar the previous two spring without problems. He is a know commodity, Feldman will pitch to contant and go at least five innings - that's all the Astros ask of him. Asher Wojciechowski is the one surprise in the rotation his spring. Wojciechowski could have earned a spot with <span>Brad Peacock</span> and <span>Brett Oberholtzer</span> went down with injuries - he posted a 1-0 record with a 1.29 ERA and 1.05 in 21 innings this spring.</p>
<p>What more can be said about Corey Kluber? 2013 was his breakout season and 2014 was break down the door season. Kluber's electric fastball, slider combination resulted in fourth place finish in strikeout-to-walk rate of 10.27 per nine innings. It maybe Carlos Carrasco turns to step on the national stage for the Indians. The right-hander averaged a 96-mph fastball last season, and sports a changeup that will bring a batter to his knees. The <a href="https://www.azsnakepit.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Diamondbacks</a> basically gave up Trevor Bauer, was it his attitude or his warmup program? Who knows? But Arizona's loss is Cleveland's game. Bauer worked out his kinks in 2014 and looks primed to blast off in 2015.</p>
<p>The Astros bullpen is a three-headed monster that only recently had a closer named. Gone are the young projects, in are the veterns A.J. Hinch used with the <a href="https://www.gaslampball.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Padres</a>. Luke Gregerson, Pat Neshek, and <span>Chad Qualls</span> will ease the mind of Astros that are accustom to losing the farm late in games. The lefty situation is set as well with the return of <span>Tony Sipp</span> and the addition of <span>Joe Thatcher</span> another former Padre.</p>
<p>The Indians closer <span>Cody Allen</span>, looks like a dark horse to lead the league in saves this season after collecting 24 save out of 28 chances last season.</p>
<h4>Batting</h4>
<p>The Astros lineup has two main storylines, home runs and strikeouts. <span>George Springer</span>, <span>Chris Carter</span>, Evan Gattis, and <span>Jason Castro</span> all topped at least 100 strikes and few crossed over the 150 mark. The Astros lead the American league in 2014 in strikeouts, and that probably wont change in 2015. The lineup has improved, Luis Valbuena had batting average 30 points higher and walked almost triple the number of times than Matt Dominguez. Colby Rasmus should find new life south of the boarder off the Astroturf and in less-demanding position of left field. Evan Gattis' power will be on display with the short porch in left.</p>
<p><span>Carlos Santana</span> has found a home at first base that will help steady his play. The Indians are set in left and center field with Brantley and former Astro Michel Bourne. If Bourne can stay healthy, the tribe will have two 20+ base stealers at the top of their lineup. <span>Yan Gomes</span> won the Silver Slugger award in 2014, and doesn't look to slow down in 2015. The Indians lineup is solid top to bottom and adding Brandon Moss bring the power they need. Moss had 25 home runs last season in part time duty.</p>
<h4>Prediction</h4>
<p>The Astros take two of three in the opening series. The Astros have two-straight Opening Day with 2015 being arguably their hardest of the three.</p>
https://www.crawfishboxes.com/2015/4/6/8352913/houston-astros-vs-cleveland-indians-opening-series-previewRyan Dunsmore2015-04-06T10:17:59-05:002015-04-06T10:17:59-05:00Hinch reveals Astros Opening Day lineup
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<figcaption>Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Who will start Opening Day for the Astros? Here's what A.J. Hinch had to say.</p> <p>What's it like for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.crawfishboxes.com/">Astros</a> <gs class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="99a42ff2-cccb-4ae1-8da0-4c3ab854b0b6" id="f6ba5f6c-63ad-45e9-9a9d-e91b63f7ffc9">manager</gs> to be on Twitter? He'll drop lineup <gs class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="eccb996b-ffb1-47dc-8700-febccaa723e2" id="3a200419-168f-4d7d-86dc-5ff1cc97b0bb">cards there</gs> unsuspectingly, that's what. New Astros manager A.J. Hinch tweeted out the Astros Opening Day starting lineup a bit ago.</p>
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<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
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<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Welcome to Opening Day 2015. <gs class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="68ad19d2-839d-48d3-b087-0f74c28abb75" id="97a90dfa-4d19-41bc-96ee-59f8d3649ead">Line-up</gs> is all set. <gs class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="2379e1bd-7be6-4315-b642-091a02f7a8c1" id="421c2de2-a980-4e75-a32e-97539348b3f1">cc</gs>: <a href="https://twitter.com/astros">@astros</a> <a href="http://t.co/StfuO3BGbn">pic.twitter.com/StfuO3BGbn</a></p>
— AJ Hinch (@ajhinch) <a href="https://twitter.com/ajhinch/status/585088848771723264">April 6, 2015</a>
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<p>Here's the lineup for those of you averse to reading a Twitter photo.</p>
<p>1) <span>Jose Altuve</span>, 2B</p>
<p>2) <span>George Springer</span>, RF</p>
<p>3) <span>Luis Valbuena</span>, 3B</p>
<p>4) <span>Evan Gattis</span>, DH</p>
<p>5) <span>Chris Carter</span>, 1B</p>
<p>6) <span>Jason Castro</span>, C</p>
<p>7) <span>Jed Lowrie</span>, SS</p>
<p>8) <span>Colby Rasmus</span>, LF</p>
<p>9) <span>Jake Marisnick</span>, CF</p>
<p>Pitcher Dallas Keuchel</p>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.letsgotribe.com/">Indians</a> haven't announced their starting lineup yet, but here's who they used on Friday. It's a good bet that their lineup Monday will be similar:</p>
<p>1) <span>Michael Bourn</span>, CF</p>
<p>2) <span>Jason Kipnis</span>, 2B</p>
<p>3) <span>Michael Brantley</span>, LF</p>
<p>4) <span>Carlos Santana</span>, 1B</p>
<p>5) <span>Brandon Moss</span>, DH</p>
<p>6) <span>Yan Gomes</span>, C</p>
<p>7) <span>David Murphy</span>, RF</p>
<p>8) <span>Lonnie Chisenhall</span>, 3B</p>
<p>9) <span>Jose Ramirez</span>, SS</p>
<p>Pitcher Corey Kluber</p>
https://www.crawfishboxes.com/2015/4/6/8319005/astros-2015-opening-day-starting-lineupDavid Coleman2015-04-06T09:47:48-05:002015-04-06T09:47:48-05:00Astros Opening Day schedule of events
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<figcaption>Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Party starts on Crawford street and ends with a baseball game.</p> <p>Baseball in Houston begins in less than 12 hours from now. The <a href="https://www.crawfishboxes.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Astros</a> have a party in store for the fans coming to the game and those won't be a part of the sold out crowd The Astros will host their 14th annual Opening Day Street Festival, which includes a prep rally, music, games for all ages, vender expo, and much more. The street festival will be highlighted by a pep rally lead by manager A.J. Hinch and general manager Jeff Luhnow. Pitcher <span>Collin McHugh</span> and catcher <span>Hank Conger</span> will have a Q&A session. Both events will be hosted by Astros broadcaster Robert Ford.</p>
<p>Moving inside the stadium, the games open for Opening Day at 3:00 PM. The Opening Day ceremonies begin at 5:25 PM. Fans remember that for most this is a normal work in downtown Houston, the parking lots will be full and the traffic will be at it's peak. Plan accordingly.</p>
<p>Astros broadcast legend Milo Hamilton will begin the ceremony, and hand over the lineup announcements to Astros long-time television broadcast Bill Brown. There will be a pregame ceremony for newly elected member of the Baseball Hall of Fame Craig Biggio and 2014 batting champion Jose Altuve. Biggio and Altuve will be the battery for the first pitch, former second baseman will be throwing the first pitch to the current second baseman.</p>
<p>There will be a flyover by the Houston wing of the Commemorative Air Force and the national Anthem will be preformed by <i>America's Got Talent </i>finalist, Emily West.</p>
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<p><b><i>SCHEDULE FOR OPENING DAY - MONDAY, APRIL 6</i></b></p>
<p>1:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.: 14th annual Opening Day Street Festival on Crawford Street (free admission)<br>2:00 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.: Pep Rally featuring manager A.J. Hinch and GM Jeff Luhnow, hosted by Robert Ford, on the Budweiser Stage<br>2:30 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.: Q&A with RHP Collin McHugh and C Hank Conger, hosted by Robert Ford, on the Budweiser Stage<br>3:00 p.m.: All gates open to the ballpark<br>5:25 p.m.: Pregame field ceremonies begin<br>6:08 p.m.: <a href="https://www.letsgotribe.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cleveland Indians</a> at Houston Astros</p>
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https://www.crawfishboxes.com/2015/4/6/8352943/astros-opening-day-scheudle-of-eventsRyan Dunsmore2015-04-06T09:00:12-05:002015-04-06T09:00:12-05:00INFOGRAPHIC: Astros roster, Spring to Opening Day
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<figcaption>Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>A look at the finalized Astros 2015 roster, from the start of Spring Training to Opening Day.</p> <p>Here's how the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.crawfishboxes.com/">Astros</a> Spring Training roster played out:</p>
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<p>[<a target="_blank" href="https://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3575526/2015-SpringTrainingRoster-FINAL.0.jpg">Direct</a>]</p>
<p>There aren't many surprises there, unless you're like me and thought <span>Jon Singleton</span> was a lock for the Opening Day roster. Singleton will start the year at the Astros Class-AAA affiliate Fresno Grizzlies. The other surprise was that <span>Asher Wojciechowski</span> made the Opening Day roster. He had an absolutely wonderful Spring and was rewarded for it, when it was determined that <span>Brett Oberholtzer</span> would start the year on the disabled list.</p>
<p><span>Will Harris</span> or <span>Samuel Deduno</span> are the beneficiary of <span>Josh Fields</span> starting the season on the disabled list. Both pitchers had good Springs and will hopefully have that translate into success during the regular season.</p>
<p><span>Jonathan Villar</span> and <span>Robbie Grossman</span> are the winners of the Astros reserve roles. Grossman showed why people were still high on him this Spring; and Villar showed that he had the versatility to improve the Astros roster flexibility by playing all around the infield and outfield. Stay tuned to see if they can build on that success and be productive contributors this year.</p>
<p>There were not many other surprise roster decisions. A lot of this 2015 roster was determined in the offseason, which is a nice change from years past. Thankfully, there weren't many injuries that required the Astros to make a concession decision on the roster. The injuries that did occur were minor in nature as all three pitchers starting on the disabled list are expected to be back within the month or early next month. I imagine the Astros are pretty happy with their roster heading into the 2015 season.</p>
https://www.crawfishboxes.com/2015/4/6/8350957/infographic-astros-roster-spring-to-opening-dayTimothy De Block2015-04-06T07:00:11-05:002015-04-06T07:00:11-05:00How/where/when to watch Astros Opening Day
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<figcaption>Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Astros are on TV tonight. You can watch them in multiple places, too!</p> <p>Though the MLB season technically opened Sunday night, as the <a href="https://www.vivaelbirdos.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cardinals</a> beat the <a href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cubs</a> because Chicago sent down <span>Kris Bryant</span>, the <a href="https://www.crawfishboxes.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Astros</a> will open their season Monday evening in a nationally-televised contest. It will also be the debut of the Astros new TV network for the regular season.</p>
<p>ESPN will show Monday's 6:10 p.m. <gs id="b18b4450-cb0f-48c1-94e6-4f81ba11d84d" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="660914ff-235f-4425-beec-e530e793d30d" class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark">game</gs> between the Astros and <a href="https://www.letsgotribe.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Indians</a> as part of a triple-header. The game will also be broadcast on Root Sports. Fans of radio broadcasts can listen to the game on 790 AM in Houston or KLAT 1010.</p>
<p>Root Sports is the new home for Astros games and the new regional sports network will air all 162 of Houston's games this season. The station already aired both exhibition games from Minute Maid Park last weekend and will feature last year's announcing crew of Bill Brown, Alan Ashby and <span>Geoff Blum</span>.</p>
<p>Games on ESPN can be streamed at <a data-ref-index="10" href="http://espn.go.com/watchespn/index" style="background-color: #ffffff;">WatchESPN.com</a> or with the <a data-ref-index="11" href="http://espn.go.com/watchespn/apps" style="background-color: #ffffff;">Watch ESPN app</a>. Fans who live outside the blackout restrictions in Texas can watch using MLB.TV or through the MLB At Bat app.</p>
<p><span>Dallas Keuchel</span> will pitch for Houston while reigning American League Cy Young winner <span>Corey Kluber</span> will pitch for Cleveland.</p>
<p>The Astros will be off on Tuesday before returning to action against Cleveland on Wednesday. Here's the rest of the series schedule.</p>
<p>Wednesday</p>
<p>7:10 p.m. - HOU's Scott Feldman vs. CLE's Carlos Carrasco</p>
<p>Thursday</p>
<p>1:10 p.m. - HOU's Asher Wojciechowski vs. CLE's Trevor Bauer</p>
https://www.crawfishboxes.com/2015/4/6/8318999/astros-2015-opening-day-how-when-where-to-watchDavid Coleman