Astros press conference at 8:45

[The Cat]

Any last minute guesses for what this "important" news is? They say it's not about Pudge, Wade has refuted the Pedro talk (but given his track record, who knows), and McLane says he'd be very angry if whatever this is leaked early.

A lot of people are guessing Cooper extension, but I've got a feeling it's something stupid and Milo-related.

Also, anyone not at work feel like updating for us?

[Castor27]

Concession stand prices are going up?? Beer at games will now be $24 for a 6 oz. cup. Seriously though, Astros News conferences that are not about player movements or hiring/firings are most likely not really news. My best guess is it is some marketing thing. Have they completely ruled out some type of TV channel? Maybe something to do with the 10 year MMP anniversary.

[Austin70]

Maybe Bagwell finally learned to throw left handed and is making a comeback.

[mateo]

Changing team name to "The Houston Houstons"

[No Worries]

Maybe Bagwell finally learned to throw left handed and is making a comeback.
at third.

[Matt Maloney]

maybe they struck a sponsorship deal with AIG

[cwebbster]

Well what the hell was it about??

[Groogrux]

aaron boone heart issues?

[cwebbster]

aaron boone heart issues?


Seriously??

[Groogrux]

Seriously??

yep (http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/6318676.html). :(

[NUMBER1HR]

Seriously??


Yup that's what's being reported on the Astros Website.

[Matt Maloney]

so..... whats the BIG announcement?

[thech0senone]

Certainly I feel bad for Aaron Boone and hope the best for him but I'm really suprised that they hype this up as the big announcement.

[Groogrux]

Certainly I feel bad for Aaron Boone and hope the best for him but I'm really suprised that they hype this up as the big announcement.

how did they do that? they simply called a press conference to announce this which i'm guessing is standard procedure.

[justtxyank]

Certainly I feel bad for Aaron Boone and hope the best for him but I'm really suprised that they hype this up as the big announcement.

In fairness, had anyone heard about this at all until Footer talked about it yesterday on 1560? Even the radio guys didn't know about the press conference. I might have missed something, but I don't think this conference was hyped at all. I think they just informed the press that they had an important announcement they needed to make at a press conference.

[RocketFan007]

So, who takes Boone's spot? I can't see them keeping Chris Johnson unless he's playing everyday at third, but are they willing to make that jump right now?

[BmwM3]

In fairness, had anyone heard about this at all until Footer talked about it yesterday on 1560? Even the radio guys didn't know about the press conference. I might have missed something, but I don't think this conference was hyped at all. I think they just informed the press that they had an important announcement they needed to make at a press conference.

On 610 they were talking about it might be Pedro signing. But the Boone out for season, possibly career might be it.

[MadMax]

Sorry to hear about Boone.

this opens the door for Chris Johnson. And truthfully, I'm not sure there's another option unless they commit to Blum playing everyday.

[bobrek]

Sorry to hear about Boone.

this opens the door for Chris Johnson. And truthfully, I'm not sure there's another option unless they commit to Blum playing everyday.

The other option is Tejada since he has volunteered to play 3rd. Essentially, do you want Manzella or Smith playing everyday at SS?

[MadMax]

The other option is Tejada since he has volunteered to play 3rd. Essentially, do you want Manzella or Smith playing everyday at SS?

good questions. i don't know that i know enough about either at SS to say for sure.

[bobrek]

good questions. i don't know that i know enough about either at SS to say for sure.

For the past 4 years, (and the majority of his carer), Blum has been terrible as a right-handed batter, so there is no reason to think he will magically get substantially better this year. I think if we start seeing Tejada at 3rd over the next week, we'll see the Astros' plans.

[SamCassell]

The other option is Tejada since he has volunteered to play 3rd. Essentially, do you want Manzella or Smith playing everyday at SS?
Manzella hit .219 last year at Round Rock with zero home runs and zero steals in 221 ABs. In fewer ABs, Chris Johnson was equally bad at AAA (but he did well at AA). I personally don't think either is ready for the Majors. Blum was bad, but he had a better season in Houston than either of those guys did at AAA. I'd look for outside options if possible.