Spring Training

No Worries · Feb 12, 2012

Astros Spring Roster

We are a little more than a week away from pitchers and catchers reporting to Astros spring camp in Kissimmee, Fla. There are currently 61 players on the spring roster, including 21 non-roster invitees. Below is the current spring roster, with non-roster players listed in italics:

PITCHERS (22 on 40-man + 6 non-roster)

58 Fernando Abad (L)
68 Juan Abreu
28 David Carpenter
63 Xavier Cedeno (L)
72 Paul Clemens
73 Rhiner Cruz
71 Jorge De Leon
66 Enerio Del Rosario
21 Zach Duke (L)
52 Sergio Escalona (L)
30 J.A. Happ (L)
64 Lucas Harrell
– Livan Hernandez
69 Arcenio Leon
59 Wilson Lopez
41 Jordan Lyles
37 Brandon Lyon
39 Brett Myers
20 Bud Norris
60 Lance Pendleton
62 Aneury Rodriguez
43 Fernando Rodriguez
51 Wandy Rodriguez (L)
65 Henry Sosa
67 Jose Valdez
74 Henry Villar
56 Kyle Weiland
53 Wesley Wright (L)

CATCHERS (3+1)

15 Jason Castro (L)
22 Carlos Corporan (S)
55 Humberto Quintero
18 Chris Snyder

INFIELDERS (8+8)

27 Jose Altuve
12 Brian Bixler
93 Delino DeShields Jr.
16 Matt Downs
70 Marwin Gonzalez (S)
13 Diory Hernandez
23 Chris Johnson
45 Carlos Lee
4 Jed Lowrie (S)
46 Scott Moore (L)
38 Jimmy Paredes (S)
36 Angel Sanchez
75 Jonathan Singleton (L)
3 Joe Thurston (L)
76 Jonathan Villar (S)
29 Brett Wallace (L)

OUTFIELDERS (7+6)

95 Brandon Barnes
19 Brian Bogusevic (L)
6 Travis Buck (L)
11 Jason Bourgeois
9 Jack Cust (L)
77 Jake Goebbert (L)
50 Fernando Martinez (L)
14 J.D. Martinez
– Justin Ruggiano
1 Jordan Schafer (L)
47 Brad Snyder (L)
8 J.B. Shuck (L)
94 George Springer

jdh008 · Feb 12, 2012

One of the (very) few positives of having such a poor team is that it makes for an interesting spring training.

There are a number of position battles that will likely come down to who plays better in the spring.

The outfield in particular will be interesting to watch, especially now that Lee is basically a first baseman. Bogusevic, Buck, Bourgeois, Cust, J.D. Martinez, Ruggiano, Schaefer and Shuck are all guys that either have some big league experience or are guys that the team would like to get ABs (J.D., Shuck). Then, of course, there is also the chance that Fernando Martinez shows the ability that made him a top prospect.

Scolalist · Feb 12, 2012

I think this team will be a lot better than people think. I like the additions of Snyder and Ruggiano to the bench. Lowrie is a stud. Reports on Chris Johnson sound like he's going to be a force and if Altuve, Martinez and Paredes can improve upon their rookie years we will really be in business. Singleton will be a September call up.

Pitching depends on Happ pitching like he did the last two months of the year, Myers bouncing back and upping his trade value and Lyles and Norris taking steps forward. Cosart could come up after we deal Wandy and/ or Myers.

Bullpen has a lot of competition. First time I've been excited about the future of the Astros in a long time.

cardpire · Feb 12, 2012

Scolalist said: ↑

I think this team will be a lot better than people think. I like the additions of Snyder and Ruggiano to the bench. Lowrie is a stud. Reports on Chris Johnson sound like he's going to be a force and if Altuve, Martinez and Paredes can improve upon their rookie years we will really be in business. Singleton will be a September call up.

Pitching depends on Happ pitching like he did the last two months of the year, Myers bouncing back and upping his trade value and Lyles and Norris taking steps forward. Cosart could come up after we deal Wandy and/ or Myers.

Bullpen has a lot of competition. First time I've been excited about the future of the Astros in a long time.
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chris johnson sounds like he's going to be a force, why? what did i miss?

also, is castro supposed to be 100%?

tellitlikeitis · Feb 12, 2012

cardpire said: ↑

chris johnson sounds like he's going to be a force, why? what did i miss?

also, is castro supposed to be 100%?
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Make or break for Johnson. If he loses the 3B battle with Paredes, I can see him getting DFA'd somewhere down the line.

Hopefully Castro regains his form pre-injury. I think they'll put him in OKC to start off so he can get back into game shape.

jdh008 · Feb 12, 2012

tellitlikeitis said: ↑

Make or break for Johnson. If he loses the 3B battle with Paredes, I can see him getting DFA'd somewhere down the line.

Hopefully Castro regains his form pre-injury. I think they'll put him in OKC to start off so he can get back into game shape.
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Agree about CJ. He is either going to step up and shine or he is likely going to find himself elsewhere before the season is done.

edwardc · Feb 12, 2012

lets just hope for the best.

sealclubber1016 · Feb 13, 2012

Blind Comparison

Player A
Age 27
Pos 3B

Player B
Age 27
Pos 3B

MLB Stats

Player A
PA 391
OBP .317
SLG .424
OPS .741
K/BB 2.5
HR Rt 29 AB's

Player B
PA 790
OBP .308
SLG .417
OPS .725
K/BB 6.1
HR Rt 41 AB's

Triple A Stats

Player A
PA 810
OBP .335
SLG .452
OPS .787
K/BB 1.9
HR Rt 30 AB's

Player B
PA 776
OBP .327
SLG .464
OPS .792
K/BB 3.6
HR Rt 28 AB's

All Minors

Player A
PA 1839
OBP .359
SLG .478
OPS .837
K/BB 1.5
HR Rt 33 AB's

Player B
PA 1907
OBP .318
SLG .432
OPS .751
K/BB 3.3
HR Rt 33 AB's

Player A is Matt Downs, player B is Chris Johnson. Downs is coming off a great MLB season, and has never been given a shot in the Bigs. His rates would suggest he is much more likely to have success than CJ, he should be given the chance, at least an everyday platoon between 2nd and 3rd base.

juicystream · Feb 13, 2012

sealclubber1016 said: ↑

Player A is Matt Downs, player B is Chris Johnson. Downs is coming off a great MLB season, and has never been given a shot in the Bigs. His rates would suggest he is much more likely to have success than CJ, he should be given the chance, at least an everyday platoon between 2nd and 3rd base.

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I saw that coming.

I'm pretty sure Paredes will be our starting 3B, and I think CJ will have a tough time making to roster.

No Worries · Feb 13, 2012

tellitlikeitis said: ↑

Hopefully Castro regains his form pre-injury. I think they'll put him in OKC to start off so he can get back into game shape.
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I think Castro starts in AAA OKC. More for player development reasons though.

Quintero and Snyder are both good catchers. They will give the Astros the luxury of allowing Castro to have one more year of development before becoming the Astros everyday catcher.

I would not be surprised to see Castro and Q leaving next year's spring training as C1 and C2. (I don't the Astros paying Snyder 4 large to be C2.)

Wade was rushing players through the system last year to save his *ss. Luhnow should have job security for the next two to three years, so he can wait until the players are ready to move them up.

edwardc · Feb 13, 2012

No Worries said: ↑

I think Castro starts in AAA OKC. More for player development reasons though.

Quintero and Snyder are both good catchers. They will give the Astros the luxury of allowing Castro to have one more year of development before becoming the Astros everyday catcher.

I would not be surprised to see Castro and Q leaving next year's spring training as C1 and C2. (I don't the Astros paying Snyder 4 large to be C2.)

Wade was rushing players through the system last year to save his *ss. Luhnow should have job security for the next two to three years, so he can wait until the players are ready to move them up.
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wasn't there another young catcher that was drafted before castro.

tellitlikeitis · Feb 13, 2012

edwardc said: ↑

wasn't there another young catcher that was drafted before castro.
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Max Sapp is out of baseball. Not only was his career pretty underwhelming, he also had a really nasty bout with meningitis that pretty much ended it. Also, he wasn't exactly released on the best of terms.

http://www.myfoxhouston.com/dpp/spo...r-astros-#1-pick-grieving-after-being-releasd

Former Astros #1 Pick Grieving After Being Released
Updated: Wednesday, 05 May 2010, 3:31 PM CDT
Published : Wednesday, 05 May 2010, 3:25 PM CDT

MARK BERMAN
Sports Director

Houston - Former Houston Astros minor league catcher Max Sapp is in a brain injury rehabilitation clinic "grieving" according to his mother after being released last week by the team.

Sapp has been in the clinic since April trying to recover from the effects of seizures caused by meningitis he contracted in December of 2008 his mother, Missy Sapp, told FOX 26 Sports Wednesday.

Missy Sapp said as recently as two months ago her son had spoken with the Astros and was thrilled by the fact the team had not given up on him even though he has not played since 2008.

"Max talked to (Astros assistant general manager) Ricky (Bennett) in March and he said, 'mom I'm on a roster and I'm so excited,'" Missy Sapp said.

Sapp's agent, Doug Rogalski was caught off guard by the Astros' decision as well.

"The Astros said when Max is ready let us know and we'll find a spot for him," said Rogalski.

Sapp was taken by the Astros in the first round of the 2006 First-Year Players Draft with the 23rd overall choice.

In his three years in the Houston organization Sapp hit .224 with seven home runs and 81 RBI's in 210 games, never playing higher than Class A.

In December of 2008 Sapp went into a coma for 18 days after suffering from meningitis, lost as much as 45 pounds, at one stretch couldn't breathe on his own and his mother thought he was going to die.

"It's a miracle he is alive," Missy Sapp said. "The doctors told me they had done all that they could and that was it.

"I told his doctors he was going to wake up and be hungry and want to play baseball and he did. We found out Christmas Eve (2008) Max was going to survive."

Since then Sapp's mother said her son has been on a variety of medications that caused significant side effects.

"The doctors in the clinic are weening Max off of the medicatons and re-training the portion of his brain that was affected," Missy Sapp said.

In the clinic Max's mother said her son has a ball, a tee, a glove and a net and is practicing and working out and getting ready for the day he is allowed to go home.

Last week Max's doctors gave his mother what she called "great news."

"Last Monday Max's doctors told Missy that what he has is treatable, that he will recover and be able to play baseball," Rogalski said.

"I called Ricky Bennett Tuesday and left him a message and said Max is doing great and in 30 to 90 days can resume some sort of activites with the Astros.

"On Wednesday the Astros called Max in the facility to let him know he was going to be released."

Rogalski is disturbed by the timing of the Astros's decision.

"I'm disappointed the Astros let it go this far and then didn't let Max get back on the field," Rogalski said. "There was no indication he would not be given a chance at some point."

Missy Sapp feels the same way.

"I'm saddened with the timing of their decision," Missy Sapp said. "Max is grieving right now because this came out of the blue.

"We have been through Hell. It's the things you read about that happen to other people, but not you.

The Astros believe they have made a decision that's in the best interest of the club and their former number one draft pick.

"Max has dealt with a series of health issues over the past two years," said Ed Wade, Astros general manager, in an interview with FOX 26 Sports. "It became apparent to us that it would be difficult for him to resume his professional baseball career.

"It's our hope that Max can move on to a productive and successful career off the field."
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http://www.astroscounty.com/2010/05/max-sapp-aint-doing-so-hot.html

Max Sapp ain't doing so hot

The Astros might not have been on the up-and-up with Max Sapp as recently as March, says Mark Berman in this report.

Berman:
Missy Sapp said as recently as two months ago her son had spoken with the Astros and was thrilled by the fact the team had not given up on him even though he has not played since 2008.

Missy Sapp:
"Max talked to (Astros assistant general manager) Ricky (Bennett) in March and he said, 'Mom, I'm on a roster and I'm so excited,'"

Sapp's agent, Doug Rogalski:
"The Astros said when Max is ready let us know and we'll find a spot for him. Last Monday Max's doctors told Missy that what he has is treatable, that he will recover and be able to play baseball. I called Ricky Bennett Tuesday and left him a message and said Max is doing great and in 30 to 90 days can resume some sort of activites with the Astros...

...On Wednesday the Astros called Max in the facility to let him know he was going to be released. I'm disappointed the Astros let it go this far and then didn't let Max get back on the field. There was no indication he would not be given a chance at some point."

Missy Sapp:
"I'm saddened with the timing of their decision. Max is grieving right now because this came out of the blue. We have been through Hell. It's the things you read about that happen to other people, but not you."

Ed Wade:
"Max has dealt with a series of health issues over the past two years. It became apparent to us that it would be difficult for him to resume his professional baseball career. It's our hope that Max can move on to a productive and successful career off the field."

Wow.
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tellitlikeitis · Feb 13, 2012

http://houston.astros.mlb.com/news/..._id=hou&partnerId=aw-6125450871329354695-1032

Spoilered for length.

Competition will be theme of spring for Astros
Open auditions will take place all over the diamond at camp
By Brian McTaggart / MLB.com | 02/13/12 12:00 AM EST

HOUSTON -- The buzzword for the Astros entering Spring Training is competition. One of general manager Jeff Luhnow's top goals after taking over in December was to try to create as much competition at as many positions as possible.

Coming off a season in which they lost a club-record 106 games, the Astros will have open auditions all over the diamond this spring, except for a handful of spots. Houston remains in a full-fledged rebuild mode, but seeing better results at the Major League level is tantamount.

The top three spots in the rotation are decided, with Wandy Rodriguez, Brett Myers and Bud Norris returning, and Carlos Lee (first base), J.D. Martinez (left field), Jose Altuve (second base) and newcomer Jed Lowrie (shortstop) are all but assured starting spots.

"One of the priorities for this offseason was to put ourselves in position where we had some depth, some flexibility and some choice," Luhnow said. "That's why the team, going into this spring, will have competition for every spot out there, and everybody on this team is going to have to earn their spot."

The Astros used 20 rookies last season while they continued to rebuild, and many of those young players will be battling for spots on the roster this spring. Luhnow also added veterans like pitchers Zach Duke and Livan Hernandez, outfielder Jack Cust and catcher Chris Snyder to spark competition.

"There's still some spots in our rotation that we're wondering about," Astros manager Brad Mills said. "There's definitely some spots in our bullpen, and you go around the field and there's going to be a lot of competition for a lot of positions, and that's going to bring good things out from that competition. We're hoping to see the best from everyone."

Pitchers and catchers report

Feb. 19

Full squad reports

Feb. 25

First Spring Training game

Home vs. Nationals, March 3 at 12:05 p.m. CT

Opening Day

Home vs. Rockies, April 6 at 6:05 p.m. CT

Triple play: Three questions that need answers

1. How much can be expected of Jason Castro?
The Astros hoped they would have had a pretty good idea by now whether Castro, their first-round Draft pick in 2008, was someone they could pencil in behind the plate for the next 10 years. Thanks to a serious knee injury that cost him the entire 2011 season, Castro will enter spring camp trying to prove that he's not only healthy, but also that he is capable of being the starter.

Castro, who made his Major League debut in 2010, sat out all of last season after having surgery to repair a torn ACL in his right knee. His comeback was sidetracked when he broke a bone in his left foot last fall and underwent another surgery in January. He maintains that he's ahead of schedule and should be ready for action when Grapefruit League play starts.

The Astros have a lot invested in Castro and are eager to see what he's capable of doing in a full season behind the plate.

2. Are last year's rookies ready for a full season?
They seemingly came out of nowhere last year, exploding onto the scene while trying to take advantage of the opportunities that arose when the Astros traded away veterans Jeff Keppinger, Hunter Pence and Michael Bourn last July. The team's 2011 rookie class was full of promise, led by pitcher Jordan Lyles, left fielder Martinez, third baseman Jimmy Paredes and second baseman Altuve.

The four former prospects were among 20 rookies who made their Major League debuts last year, many of whom will return this spring with hopes of solidifying themselves as everyday players. Lyles pitched all year at 20 years old and made a stint at Triple-A to limit his innings, while Martinez, Altuve and Paredes provided plenty of highlights after being promoted from Double-A Corpus Christi.

With the Astros continuing to rebuild and many positions on the field up for grabs, the young players will again be front and center.

3. Who will be the closer?
Mark Melancon, who nailed down 20 of 25 save chances last year, was traded to the Red Sox in December in exchange for Lowrie and Kyle Weiland, leaving Houston's closer situation up for grabs.

Houston does have a proven veteran with 78 career saves returning in Brandon Lyon, but he's coming off major shoulder surgery and has never been considered a hard thrower. The Astros have some hard throwers who could potentially compete for the closer spot, namely David Carpenter, Juan Abreu and Rhiner Cruz, who was taken by the club in the Rule 5 Draft.

Veteran Wilton Lopez, who's proven his worth as a strike-throwing setup man the last three years, may also get a chance, but Lyon is entering the final year of his contract and could handle the job while the front office tries to identify a closer of the future from among its young arms.

2011 record
56-106, sixth in the National League Central

Projected batting order
1. CF Jordan Schafer :
.242 BA, .309 OBP, .315 SLG, 2 HR, 13 RBIs in 2011
2. 2B Jose Altuve:
.276 BA, .297 OBP, .357 SLG, 2 HR, 12 RBIs in 2011
3. LF J.D. Martinez:
.274 BA, .319 OBP, .423 SLG, 6 HR, 35 RBIs in 2011
4. 1B Carlos Lee:
.275 BA, .342 OBP, .446 SLG, 4 HR, 18 RBIs in 2011
5. RF Brian Bogusevic:
.287 BA, .358 OBP, .457 SLG, 4 HR, 15 RBIs in 2011
6. 3B Jimmy Paredes:
.286 BA, .320 OBP, .393 SLG, 2 HR, 18 RBIs in 2011
7. SS Jed Lowrie:
.252 BA, .303 OBP, .382 SLG, 6 HR, 36 RBIs in 2011
8. C Jason Castro:
.205 BA, .286 OBP, .287 SLG, 2 HR, 8 RBIs in 2010 (He didn't play in 2011)

Projected rotation
1. Wandy Rodriguez, 11-10, 4.39 ERA in 2011
2. Brett Myers, 7-14, 4.46 ERA in 2011
3. Bud Norris, 6-11, 3.77 ERA in 2011
4. J.A. Happ, 6-15, 5.35 ERA in 2011
5. Jordan Lyles, 2-8, 5.36 ERA in 2011
Projected bullpen
Closer: Brandon Lyon , 4/8 saves, 11.48 ERA in 2011
RH setup man: Wilton Lopez , 2.79 ERA in 2011
LH setup man: Sergio Escalona , 2.93 ERA in 2011

The new guys
OF Jack Cust: The Astros signed Cust to a one-year, $600,000 deal with an option for 2013 to provide some punch to the lineup and create more competition. He strikes out and walks a lot, but he has the ability to hit the ball out of the ballpark. He hit 97 homers and drove in 281 runs for the A's from 2007-10 before being cut loose by the Mariners last July after batting .213 with three homers and 23 RBIs. He'll compete for time at first base and right field.

C Chris Snyder: With starting catcher Castro coming off a knee injury that cost him all of 2010 and a foot injury that set him back this winter, the Astros signed Snyder, a Houston native, to provide insurance and depth behind the plate. He had season-ending surgery last June to repair a herniated disk, but he says he's completely healthy. Snyder will give the Astros a catcher with the ability to hit 10-plus home runs, something they haven't had in a long time.

RHP Kyle Weiland: The Astros acquired Weiland from the Red Sox in December in the deal that brought Lowrie to Houston. Weiland, a third-round pick of the Red Sox in the 2008 Draft, will compete for a spot in Houston's rotation. He made his Major League debut in '11, but struggled in limited time as a spot starter and reliever. Weiland, who started five games in seven appearances, went 0-3 with a 7.66 ERA in 24 2/3 innings, striking out 13 and walking 12.

IF Jed Lowrie: Luhnow's first major player transaction as general manager came in December, when he acquired Lowrie and Weiland from the Red Sox in exchange for Melancon. Lowrie, a switch-hitter, will be the likely starter at shortstop, though he can play other positions on the infield. Lowrie is a career .252 hitter with 19 homers and 117 RBIs in 256 games with the Red Sox since 2008. He batted .252 with six homers and 36 RBIs last year.

IF Marwin Gonzalez: The Astros swung a trade during the Rule 5 Draft to get Gonzalez, who had been drafted by the Red Sox. Gonzalez, 23, has above-average defensive skills and is a switch-hitter who will compete for an infield spot this spring. He made an impression in winter ball, batting .321 (36-for-112) with 16 RBIs for Caracas in the Venezuelan League. He batted .288 with four home runs and 39 RBIs between Double-A Tennessee and Triple-A Iowa.

OF Fernando Martinez: Widely considered one of baseball's top prospects from 2006-10, Martinez was claimed off waivers from the Mets last month to compete for a spot in the outfield. Martinez was billed as a power-hitting outfielder expected to be a cornerstone of the Mets' lineup throughout this decade, but multiple injuries and an arthritic right knee have prevented Martinez from appearing in more than 82 games in any of the past three seasons. He has one option remaining, so if he doesn't make the Major League roster he could begin the season at Triple-A Oklahoma.

Prospects to watch
OF George Springer: An athletic outfielder who was drafted in the first round by the Astros last June out of the University of Connecticut, Springer has a chance to be the team's center fielder of the future, though the future isn't now. He barely got his feet wet in pro ball after signing at the deadline last year, and he'll begin the season in the Minor Leagues. That being said, he could move fast though the organization considering his age and advanced skills.

1B Jonathan Singleton: Singleton is one of the key pieces that the Astros received from the Phillies last July in the Pence trade, and he immediately became their top prospect. As a 20-year-old in 2011, he hit a combined .298 with a .392 on-base percentage and .441 slugging percentage between the Phillies' Class A affiliate and the Astros' affiliate in Lancaster. A left-handed hitter with power, he'll start the season in the Minors, but could be the anchor of the lineup when the Astros begin competing in the American League West.

2B Delino DeShields Jr.: The Astros' first-round Draft pick in 2010, DeShields played his first full season of professional baseball at 19 years old and had 17 doubles, nine home runs and 48 RBIs in 119 games at Class A Lexington. He also led the club in stolen bases (30) and runs scored (73) while batting .220. He's got as much athleticism as anyone in the system, but he is raw and will begin the season at one of the Astros' Class A affiliates.

SS Jonathan Villar: Considered the team's shortstop of the future, the switch-hitting Villar will play most of this season at 21 years old and doesn't appear to be quite ready for the Major Leagues. He's a terrific defensive shortstop whose offensive tools continue to improve. Villar played in a combined 130 games in 2011 at Class A Lancaster and Double-A Corpus Christi, hitting .241 with 23 doubles, six triples, 14 home runs, 52 RBIs and 34 stolen bases. He was acquired by the Astros from the Phillies in July 2010 in the Roy Oswalt trade.

On the rebound
RHP Brett Myers: The veteran right-hander had trouble keeping the ball in the ballpark last year, which is largely why he slumped to a 7-14 mark with a 4.46 ERA after a terrific 2010 campaign in his first season in Houston. That being said, Myers pitched much better in the second half of the season and finished with a 4-1 record and a 2.62 ERA in his final five starts a year ago. The Astros will be hoping for more of that and less of the pitcher who was among the Major League leaders in homers allowed for much of the 2011 season.

1B Brett Wallace: Wallace began the season as the Astros' Opening Day first baseman last year and slowly declined after a strong start to the year. He wound up in the Minor Leagues in August and will come to camp with a chance to win a job at first base and third base. Wallace has yet to show the kind of pop he displayed consistently at every level of the Minor Leagues, and the team would love nothing more than to see his left-handed swing become a legitimate long-ball threat.

3B Chris Johnson: Johnson followed a similar path last year as teammate Brett Wallace, both of whom started the season in the Opening Day lineup and spent the month of August in the Minor Leagues. Johnson, who belted 11 homers in 94 games in a promising rookie debut in 2010, admittedly let too much get into his head and wound up struggling on the field. Now he finds himself competing for the starting job with switch-hitter Paredes.

RHP Brandon Lyon: The 2011 campaign was one to forget for Lyon, who had an awful start to the season before being shut down in May. He wound up undergoing surgery in June to repair the detachment of his right biceps tendon and to repair a tear in his labrum, and he should be healthy entering camp. But with a wealth of hard-throwing young arms in camp, the veteran Lyon is going to have to earn his closer's spot with a strong and healthy showing this spring.

LHP J.A. Happ: The best news for the Astros this spring, in addition to finding out that Castro is completely healthy, is that Happ picks up where he left off in the 2011 season. Happ pitched terribly for the Astros for much of the season, going 4-14 with a 6.26 ERA in his first 22 starts before the Astros finally had to send him to Triple-A to allow him to iron things out. He did just that, going 2-1 with a 2.43 ERA his final six starts with the Astros and giving himself and the team hope that he's righted the ship.

C Jason Castro: If Castro can prove that he's healthy and completely recovered from a pair of injuries, the Astros can breath easier about their catching situation. The team's first-round pick in 2008, he made his debut in 2010 but missed all of last year after undergoing surgery to repair his right ACL. He suffered a setback in the fall when he broke a bone in his right foot and had to have surgery. Castro insists that he'll be ready for game action in March, but the jury is very much still out on his Major League ability.

Long gone
SS Clint Barmes: The Astros chose not to try to re-sign the veteran Barmes as they continue to rebuild. Barmes wound up staying in the NL Central and signed with the Pirates. Despite missing the first few weeks of the season with a broken hand suffered in Spring Training, Barmes was a steady hand for the Astros in his only year in Houston in 2011, especially on defense. The Astros will have to replace his 120 starts and 12 home runs.

RHP Mark Melancon: A year after being acquired from the Yankees in the Lance Berkman trade, Melancon had a breakout year with Houston and settled nicely into the closer role after Lyon went down with an injury early in the season, going 20-for-25 in save chances. Melancon figured to have a bright future with the Astros, but the team chose to deal him to the Red Sox and get two players -- Lowrie and Weiland -- in return.

Brian McTaggart is reporter for MLB.com and writes an MLBlog, Tag's Lines. Follow @brianmctaggart on Twitter. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
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Pete the Cheat · Feb 13, 2012

so is Fernando Martinez worth my optimism with his arthritic knee?

boozle222 · Feb 13, 2012

Maybe I am used to WadeBall, but is anyone else excited to see where Juan Abreu ends up? 12 strike outs in under 7 innings of work last year? A couple of dominate pitches and back of the bullpen capabilities at the least.

Trading Melancon could be great as a result of getting a full time SS that can give you some offensive pop as well as a hopeful prospect for the rotation. We aren't going to be prominent for a couple years at best, so I would love to see this guy come into form in the later innings. Could be a huge asset down the road or even a better Melancon with better trade value. Let the youngsters play.

disguyman · Feb 14, 2012

Can't wait for baseball, rebuilding mode here we go. Let's find us the new killer bee's.

No Worries · Feb 19, 2012

Astros invite Garcia, Chris Wallace to Major League camp as non-roster players

Stephen Goff
Houston Astros Examiner

Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow announced on Saturday morning that catchers Rene Garcia and Chris Wallace have been invited to Major League Spring Training camp as non-roster players.

Garcia, 21, hit .242 with a homer, 27 RBI and 11 doubles over 297 at-bats in 86 games for Class A Advanced Lancaster last season.

He was selected by the Astros in the 35th round of the 2008 First-Year Player Draft out of Colegio Sagrada Familia (Alta, PR).

It marks the second consecutive Spring Training in which he'll officially join the Astros for Major League camp in Kissimmee, Fla.

Wallace, 23, combined to hit .271 with 20 homers and 78 RBI over 102 games with Class A Lexington and Double-A Corpus Christi last season.

He finished third behind Kody Hinze and Adam Bailey among all Astros minor leaguers in home runs and RBI over the 2011 season.

The University of Houston product was selected by Houston in the 16th round (483rd overall) of the 2010 First-Year Player Draft.

Wallace told Examiner.com that it's exciting how he continues to climb the Astros' minor league ladder, yet the local product says there are a few improvements still needed in his overall game.

"I would say I have progressed really fast from college to right now," Wallace said. "I have worked really hard this offseason with Dr. Gene Coleman at Minute Maid Park. I have figured a lot of things out in my swing since college. It's happening at the right time. I've got to keep getting better. There are a few things I need to improve behind the plate. My throwing is still something that needs to get better. I'm working on it, so it will get to where it needs to be. I'm looking to put myself in good position for this season. I am going to continue to work really hard."

The additions of Garcia and Wallace puts the Astros' Spring Training roster for Major League camp at 63 (23 non-roster invitees).

Houston's pitchers and catchers are scheduled to have their first Spring Training workout on Monday at Osceola County Stadium.

No Worries · Feb 20, 2012

They're back ...

After meeting the new boss, Astros hit field for spring training

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Twenty-eight pitchers and six catchers have turned and coughed and begun the Astros’ 50th anniversary season.

All the pitchers and catchers were on-time arrivals for their report date and physicals this morning and by 10 a.m. Eastern Time, hit the field for the first of six workouts before the full squad shows up on Sunday.

Owner Jim Crane and CEO George Postolos made an appearance for the first day. Crane spent a few minutes in manager Brad Mills’ office and then conducted a team meeting in the weight room before the pitchers and catchers hit the field.

Now begins what is mostly drudgery of getting arms back to game shape with every-other-day bullpen sessions, lots of throwing from flat ground and the ubiquitous and tedious pitchers’ fielding practice. The first full-squad workout will be Sunday, though many of the position players are already accounted for and taking advantage of the facilities.

The Astros begin Grapefruit League spring training games March 3.

bigdaddy · Feb 20, 2012

I've been waiting for this day since the last out against the cardinals. Time to put all the off field nonsense away and just play ball.

J.R. · Feb 27, 2012

[rquoter]Astros manager Brad Mills shed some light on his outfield situation Monday, saying Brian Bogusevic will be given a look in center field because of his athleticism and the presence of Jack Cust and Travis Buck in right field. Bogusevic started most of the games in right after Hunter Pence was traded last year.

Battling Bogusevic for playing time in center are Jordan Schafer and J.B. Shuck, as well as Jason Bourgeois.

...

Mills said they’re looking for Bogusevic to step up and be a starter.

“His ability gives him the opportunity to be able to play center or right, but we want this guy to step up and be an everyday starter for us and there’s reason he won’t be able to,” Mills said. “We all saw what he can do at times last year.”

Cust will play in left and right and will get some ground balls at first base. Top prospect Jonathan Singleton will also get some time in the outfield, Mills said.

Regarding Schafer, Mills said: “He seems like he’s on a mission.”

——

Mills said veteran Livan Hernandez will start the team’s Grapefruit League opener Saturday against Washington, his former team. Left-hander J.A. Happ will start Sunday against the Nationals in Viera, Fla. The rest of the rotation remains up in the air.[/rquoter]

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