At least that personal services contract is being put to some good use... I'm not so sure how much Redding and Duckworth will take away from this, but I'm psyched about having all the good young prospects in the organization participate (esp. Astacio, Patton, and Hirsh) http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/sports/3016617 Redding, Duckworth to attend Ryan camp Righthanders among Astros participating today through Friday By BRIAN MCTAGGART Copyright 2005 Houston Chronicle RESOURCES ASTROS 2005 Astros righthanders Tim Redding and Brandon Duckworth and promising minor-league righthander Ezequiel Astacio will be among the pitchers participating in the Nolan Ryan Elite Pitching Camp, which begins today and runs through Friday at Minute Maid Park. The camp, which will be directed by Ryan, Astros manager Phil Garner and minor-league pitching coordinator Dewey Robinson, is voluntary, but everyone on the Astros' 40-man roster has been invited. "Our hope is because Nolan is involved that they understand this is truly for their benefit," Astros general manager Tim Purpura said. "We're not trying to force anything down their throat." Assisting in the camp will be Astros pitching coach Jim Hickey; bullpen coach Mark Bailey; minor-league field coordinator Tom Wiedenbauer; minor-league coordinator of training, conditioning and rehabilitation Pete Fagan; and minor-league strength and conditioning coach Nathan Lucero. Other pitchers scheduled to attend are righthanders Matt Albers (8-3 at Class A Lexington last year), Jimmy Barthmeier (13th-round pick in 2003), Jason Hirsh (second-round pick in 2003) and Mitch Talbot (second-round pick in 2002). Lefthanders scheduled to participate are Mark McLemore (fourth-round pick in 2002), Troy Patton (ninth-round pick from Tomball last year) and Wandy Rodriguez (11-6 at Class AA Round Rock last year).
It will probably be deterimined in ST... but unless Redding and Hernandez completely fall apart, he probably won't win the job outright... but you can bet he'll be the first one called up if either of the two above start to falter (like Oswalt was in 2001). Buckholz is probably either in Philly, or in Jacksonville trying to go to the SB to watch his Eagles ("Its a once in a lifetime opportunity." -- Steve Francis in 2004... who will be attending this year's as well).
This was a great move by the oranization. Hopefully our prospects can learn alot from him in that short period. I think he just needs to teach Redding to be mentally tough and intimidate the opposing hitters. I still think Redding has the best physical tools of our prospects, but he just can't handle the pressure.
This has got to be a historic moment on the board. Someone wanting to be like the Orioles. Besides, even if we wanted Sammy, the Cubs wouldn't trade him to their division rival. Sometimes you have to just wait for the season to start or end to make some moves. J.D. Drew was the best option after Beltran. And Drew is as injury plagued as Alou when he played here. This was a horrible offseason for free agent sluggers, that's why all the mediocre pitchers got so much money.
Grate move. Backe and some of the younger guys get a chance for some quality time with Ryan. Hopefully they use this time wisely
