<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Just watched Mike Foltynewicz dealing in a Triple-A game against the Tigers. <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23Astros">#Astros</a></p>— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) <a href="https://twitter.com/brianmctaggart/status/314435485940457472">March 20, 2013</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
The guys from TCB took in Spring Training this year... as I imagine they do most years. Here are some of their observations and impressions during their time in Kissimmee. On Jarred Cosart: On the backfields with the minor leaguers: On Nolan Fontana:
Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart): Lyles and Ely were optioned to AAA @brianmctaggart: Bo Porter names Bud Norris as Opening Day starter. #Astros @brianmctaggart: Lucas Harrell will throw Game 2 and Philip Humber in Game 3.
Starting to take shape... Brian T. Smith (@ChronAstros): Bedard, Peacock, White options for Nos. 4 and 5 spots. Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart): Porter says Altuve is his leadoff hitter I'm thinking that Bédard and Peacock will round out the rotation. Just my opinion.
I am so glad to see Porter and Luhnow making decisions based on performance and attitude. Lyles was acting as though he already made the team and that is not the type of attitude that Bo wants on this team. You have to EARN your spot, it's not given to you regardless of what your track record is or what the experts predict. No more rewarding mediocrity or "my guy's". This team may not be good this year but they have a brilliant management team in place that knows what they're doing and what it takes to build a contender in MLB. Those who bash Jim Crane are either A. Not true followers of baseball B. Hating just to hate or C. Idiots I'm so happy we have an owner that understands baseball and is putting the right people in place to carry this team to the next level. He also understands that you can't go out and buy championships in baseball. Dayton McLane was a ruthless businessman only in it to make $. He knew nothing about the history and tradition of the game
Peña tearing it up right now. 2-run homer in the 1st and an RBI single moments ago. Up 5-0 on the Mets
If you thought poor defense strikes a nerve with Bo Porter.... if this 5-run lead were to vanish, he'd probably go into conniptions.
To avoid any misunderstanding, I made that comment in a semi-facetious manner. I've been a fan of his mentality from Day 1.
I'm not even a baseball fan really. I bought some nice tickets last season for a date, and only because the girl was a huge fan. Now they call me every other day for "tours". I guess next time I but tickets I'll go through this guy so he can make his comish.
Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart): #Astros lineup Thursday vs. Tigers: 2B Altuve, 1B Wallace, DH Pena, LF Carter, RF Ankiel, CF Maxwell, C Corporan, 3B Dominguez, SS Gonzalez. @brianmctaggart: Lucas Harrell will start for the #Astros today against Detroit, with Brad Peacock following him in relief. Brian T. Smith (@ChronAstros): #Astros minor league RHP Bobby Doran on big-league ST roster today vs. #Tigers.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Brett Wallace has a pinched nerve in his left trap. He is day-to-day. <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23Astros">#Astros</a></p>— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) <a href="https://twitter.com/brianmctaggart/status/314886480856244225">March 21, 2013</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
How about that. It might be just spring training, but they took Verlander deep thrice. Brandon Laird might have been outrighted off the 40-man roster in the offseason, but he's certainly making his case for the Opening Day roster. His 5th homer moved him into a tie with Jason Castro for the spring lead. Even Carlos Corporan homered twice! He's probably got the advantage over Jason Jaramillo for the backup catcher spot. Brad Peacock might be one step closer to securing a rotation spot, as he fired 3 scoreless innings, allowing 2 hits and striking out 5. He was credited with a save. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>RHP Brad Peacock earned the SV tonight with 3.0 scoreless IP. Quietly, has allowed 1 R in his last 3 apps. (11.0 IP) for an 0.82 ERA.</p>— Houston Astros (@astros) <a href="https://twitter.com/astros/status/314926669947359233">March 22, 2013</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Wrote about this last month, still playing out now: <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23Astros">#Astros</a> are being more aggressive and looking for their pitches. Paying off with power.</p>— Brian T. Smith (@ChronAstros) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChronAstros/status/314905211548352513">March 22, 2013</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Mallee, Radison were again praised by <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23Astros">#Astros</a>' Porter. Throw in work by front-office advanced stats crew, and Astros are swinging smarter.</p>— Brian T. Smith (@ChronAstros) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChronAstros/status/314905443493367808">March 22, 2013</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Asked if Alex White, Brad Peacock are in dead heat for rotation spot, <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23Astros">#Astros</a>' Porter would only say they, Bedard and Gonzalez have a chance</p>— Brian T. Smith (@ChronAstros) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChronAstros/status/314907155000078337">March 22, 2013</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Luhnow was a great hire I feel but Crane comes off as an effin a-hole. There's more to running a franchise than making good baseball decisions. And yes, you can go out and buy championships in baseball. How do you think the Yankees have so many? Luck?
