Astros News

Magic number for Astros a lofty goal

By: Zachary Levine / Houston Chronicle

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — The Astros have left the specifics to their cross-state rivals, the Rangers, who are pumping out predictions north of 90 wins to microphones left and right.

They have also left them in their past, with no echoes so far of Cecil Cooper’s ill-fated 90-win prediction of a season ago.

When a team is coming off a 74-88 season, there is little room for bravado, especially with so many of the pieces still in place.

It doesn’t mean the Astros don’t think they can be competitive. It doesn’t mean they don’t believe they can make the playoffs.

There is just a long way to go. A really long way.

Under the alignment in place since the last expansion in 1998, the National League Central champion has averaged 94 wins.

The National League wild-card winner has averaged 92 wins.

It might not be necessary to get to 92 wins — the 2006 Cardinals, for instance, won just 83 and went on to win the World Series — but without at least 15 more wins, it will be a real longshot. A 15-win improvement has happened just five times in franchise history.

Still …

"We have the potential to be right in there and battle for the playoffs," said new third baseman Pedro Feliz, one of the free agents brought in to turn the team around.

New talent is one of the three ways a team can improve its record. Improved talent and optimization of talent are the other two, and with how far they have to go, the Astros will almost certainly have to figure out a way to make strides in all three areas.

The first is not easy, because there isn’t a whole lot of new talent on the roster, especially offensively, where the Astros are trying to fix a ballclub that was the third lowest-scoring in the National League.

The starting outfield is unchanged, as is the right side of the infield.

Third base is one place where improvement is possible as the Astros finished 14th in OPS last year with a platoon of Geoff Blum and Jeff Keppinger, but Feliz’s OPS has gone down every year since 2003.

And inexperienced starters at catcher and shortstop will be hardpressed to add much value, especially Tommy Manzella over Miguel Tejada at short, even with the upgraded glovework that Manzella provides.

On the mound, there is a little more hope. Brett Myers replaces — take your pick — either Mike Hampton or Russ Ortiz, and while Bud Norris is not new, he’ll play a full season, replacing the underwhelming partial season that the other dispatched veteran provided.

Both have red flags, though, with Norris’ increased load last year and his inexperience, and with Myers’ injury troubles in recent years.

In the bullpen, while Brandon Lyon and Matt Lindstrom have the potential to succeed in the bullpen, it is virtually impossible to provide a really significant upgrade over departed free agents Jose Valverde and LaTroy Hawkins.

Eyes then naturally turn to what the Astros already have. Lance Berkman had a down year by his standards in 2009, and Kaz Matsui had seen better years.

Roy Oswalt, whose career-worst 4.12 ERA was compounded by the poor offense, went 8-6 with 16 no-decisions.

Berkman said that the hitters will have to do their part in supporting the pitchers’ fickle win-loss records, but that the story of the 2010 season will be written on the mound.

The Astros’ success depends in part on "if Roy could get seven more wins than he did last year and got back into that 15-17 wins where he’s been his whole career," Berkman said.

"I think either Bud Norris or Brett has to give us 200 innings and win 10 or 12 games, and if we do that, we’ll be well on our way to getting those 15 wins," Berkman added.

Statistical projections available on the Internet, including Baseball Prospectus’ respected PECOTA projection, still tab the Astros for a win total in the 70s based on players’ past performances.

Prospectus forecasts the Astros to score 686 runs, up from 643 in 2009, and allow 734, down from 770, but gain only two wins; the smallness of the win uptick a product of their winning a lot of close games and losing a lot of blowouts last year.

But then there’s the biggest change the Astros made, which ties right in to the third method of improvement — optimization of talent. The question of whether new manager Brad Mills can get more from the players than their past seasons would indicate likely.

Players have raved during spring training about the renaissance in the clubhouse, and if that can translate to the field, the wins could follow.

"I really like this team," Berkman said. "We’re really not far away from being extremely competitive."

 

 

 

Rodriguez rocked in Astros' 16-4 loss to Marlins

By: Zachary Levine / Houston Chronicle

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Wandy Rodriguez said he felt fine physically during and after his start Wednesday, but when the Astros lefthander started missing the target, the results were ugly.

Rodriguez gave up six runs on six hits in three innings as the Astros were pounded by the Florida Marlins 16-4 at Osceola County Stadium.

Rodriguez was let down by his defense — Hunter Pence misread a fly ball and Edwin Maysonet botched a grounder at short, both leading to runs. But he was also victimized by the Marlins' righthanded hitters.

In the first inning, Florida's celebrated outfield prospect Mike Stanton drilled a two-run homer well over the left-field fence, aided by an everpresent right-to-left wind. Dan Uggla followed with another blast near the same spot.

Rodriguez pitched a clean second inning before the Marlins pushed three more across in the third. Two were unearned because of Maysonet's two-base error.

"Today I wanted to throw the ball down and throw my changeup and my breaking ball," Rodriguez said. "I felt fine, I just missed my spot."

In total, the lefty gave up six hits and no walks, striking out one and throwing 44 pitches.

"I felt perfect, I wasn't sore," Rodriguez said. "I need more innings. It's fine because next time, I've got four innings."

The Astros were slow starting on offense, going down in order once through the lineup against Florida righty Hayden Penn.

Chris Johnson had the biggest blow of the day with a two-run home run in a three-run fifth.

But it wasn't nearly enough to make up for the 12-0 hole the Astros dug entering their half of the inning. Felipe Paulino gave up two runs on three hits and a walk in the fourth, while Gary Majewski gave up four runs on three hits and a walk in the fifth.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Astros summary: Rodriguez misses target

By: Zachary Levine / Houston Chronicle

Rodriguez struggles

Wandy Rodriguez said he felt fine physically during and after his start Wednesday, but when the Astros lefty started missing the target, the results were ugly.

Rodriguez gave up six runs in three innings as the Astros were pounded by the Florida Marlins 16-4 at Osceola County Stadium.

"I wanted to throw the ball down and throw my changeup and my breaking ball," Rodriguez said. "I just missed my spots."

Rodriguez was let down by his defense. Hunter Pence misread a fly ball in right, and Edwin Maysonet botched a grounder at short, with both mistakes leading to runs. But Rodriguez also was victimized by the Marlins’ righthanded hitters.

In the first inning, celebrated Marlins outfield prospect Mike Stanton drilled a two-run homer well over the left-field fence, aided by a right-to-left wind. Dan Uggla followed with another blast near the same spot. Rodriguez pitched a clean second inning before the Marlins scored three in the third. Two were unearned because of Maysonet’s two-base error.

Overall, Rodriguez gave up six hits and no walks, striking out one and throwing 44 pitches.

Tough going

Even after Wandy Rodriguez left the game, very little went right for the Astros.

No Astro had multiple hits. Chris Johnson had the biggest blow of the day with a two-run homer in a three-run fifth.

Felipe Paulino gave up two runs on three hits and a walk in the fourth. Gary Majewski gave up four runs on three hits and a walk in the fifth.

Wesley Wright gave up three runs in the ninth inning on a home run and a triple, both of which carried farther than initially expected in the strong wind.

Castro ill

Jason Castro was sent home from the spring training complex early Wednesday with an illness, thought to be a stomach virus that has been going around.

Castro was not scheduled to catch Wednesday but could be in the lineup today against the Nationals if healthy.


IN STEP WITH GEOFF BLUM
Geoff Blum had to travel heavy for his 16th spring training as a professional, but it's nothing he's not used to.
Blum, who is hitting .538 in spring training, is playing all over the infield including first base, which requires different leather.
"I'm going to bring all my gloves and do whatever it takes to help this team win," the 36-year-old said.
Blum played 102 games at third base last year, one at shortstop and 10 at first, but he has experience at second base, with 209 career games under his belt.
With the Astros' acquisition of free agent third baseman Pedro Feliz, Blum is likely to see less time at the hot corner, so he's getting a workout all over the field in spring training.
He played first base on Tuesday, going 4-for-4 to raise his average to .538 (7-for-13).
"I think playing first base is a really good indication of what they expect me to do this year and that's kind of to rove all over the place, and I have no problem with that.
He said that he doesn't expect much time at first base during the season, but if Lance Berkman is injured or in need of a rest, he'll be ready.


BY THE NUMBERS
17 - Hits by the Marlins on Wednesday, nine more than the Astros had.
11 - Marlins extra-base hits - six doubles, two triples and three homers.
10 - Consecutive Astros retired before their first base-runner against Florida.
30 - Astros with an at-bat in Grapefruit League play after farmhand Drew Locke's double Wednesday.

 

 

 

 

After big year, Bourn remains grounded

Astros center fielder cites parents' influence, inspiration

By: Brian McTaggart / MLB.com

KISSIMMEE, Fla. -- The life-altering events of the past 12 months haven't changed Michael Bourn much at all. That's not the way the oldest son of Raymond and Carrie Bourn was brought up. You take care of your business, stay grounded and everything else will take care of itself.

"'Work hard, Mike,'" Bourn says, repeating the words he's heard from his father countless times since he was a child. "It's the same thing. Nothing changes with them."

His parents remain a source of inspiration, and the family house in the shadow of Houston's sprawling Bush Intercontinental Airport serves as an offseason sanctuary -- a place to get away from the pressures and demands of being a professional baseball player.

Bourn, the Astros' highlight-reel center fielder, definitely has more impositions on his time these days, coming off a season in which he led the National League in stolen bases, won a Rawlings Gold Glove and proved to everyone he's capable of playing in the Major Leagues. Not to mention he signed his first multi-million dollar contract and became a father last August with the birth of his son, Bryson.

"It's like a mini me running around," Bourn said with a grin. "You might see him do something you do and you burst out laughing. He just reminds me of myself when I was a little boy. It's something I'm thankful for."

Even when he's at the ballpark, getting ready for what he hopes is a successful 2010 season with the Astros, Bourn remains focused on the task at hand. He arrives early and heads to the batting cages. After the game, he might be spotted taking extra fly balls or working on his bunting.

Bourn, 27, has set the bar pretty high, which is a long way from where it was after the 2008 season. The Houston native struggled in his debut with the Astros, who traded All-Star closer Brad Lidge to the Phillies following '07 to acquire what they believed was their center fielder of the future.

He hit just .229 in 138 games in 2008 and was ridiculed by fans, who were watching Lidge enjoy a perfect season to lead the Phillies to the World Series title. Bourn tuned it all out and followed the advice of his father. He went to work.

"I felt like I could play," he said. "Everything wasn't coming together. Some of it was bad breaks and some of it was I wasn't playing good or stuff wasn't clicking, but it wasn't like I couldn't figure out the pitcher, or the pitcher was too tough or I couldn't put the bat on the ball. It was just stuff that I never had happen before, like rolling over the ball.

"The last month, I knew I had figured something out because I was going the other way a lot more. I was hitting the ball solid on the ground and I felt way better than I felt the whole year. Sometimes you have stuff like that and you have to keep plugging away until you find a niche, and I was able to find it."

Indeed. Bourn hit .285 with a .354 on-base percentage and set career highs in nearly every offensive category last year, including games, at-bats, runs, hits, doubles, triples, RBIs and walks. He had the most improved on-base percentage in the Majors from 2008 and was the hardest player to double up in the NL.

"People are going to expect you to do some things," he said. "If a ball gets over your head, they're going to be like, 'Why didn't you get to that?' That's just how it is because you've already done some things out there that people are used to seeing, or did some things at the plate and people know you can do it.

"The bar is going to be set high, and you've got to be able to take that and run with it and go out there and play your game anyway. You go out there and be you and don't worry about where the bar is. Just take care of your business, and I'll be fine."

Along with the success came more attention and demands. He signed a $2.4 million contract for 2010, which was nearly a $2 million raise over his '09 salary of $435,000. Friends and acquaintances he didn't talk to much were suddenly calling, which is why Bourn surrounded himself with his lifelong friends and, of course, his folks.

"I go over there and chill with them and kick back and relax," he said. "Pop's 60 now, so he's not going to be doing too much going from here to there. He's going to be sitting back and trying to take it easy in life, and I'll sit a bit and do it with him."

Both of Bourn's parents still work. His dad, who coached him and All-Star outfielder Carl Crawford in Little League in Houston, works at Merisol chemical plant in Houston, and his mother is employed by Texas Children's Hospital. He dreams of one day being able to allow them to retire early with the riches he's earned for being one of the best center fielders on the planet.

"I'm praying to God that I'm able to do it," he said. "That's something you want to do for somebody that's worked hard for you their whole life. Some things you don't realize until you get to 25 or 26 years old, and I'm 27 now, and I sit back and think about it and all the stuff they were doing for me since I was a kid.

"Some people don't grow up with both of their parents, and I was fortunate to do that. And some don't have both of their parents who are willing to -- not spoil you -- but make sure you have clothes on your back and you live comfortably a little bit. They were willing to do that, and I realize that now. No matter what the sacrifice was, they'll do it for me and my brother. Hopefully I'm the same way."

That's why Bourn is taking nothing for granted this spring. He's done talking about 2009 and is ready to move forward. He has to prove himself all over again.

"You can expect for me to be ready to play from Day 1 to Day 162, barring any injuries," he said. "God willing, if I'm healthy, you can expect that. What comes out of that, we'll see at the end."

He finishes an interview, grabs a bat and heads out the clubhouse door.

 

 

 

Rodriguez roughed up early by Marlins

Astros righty allows six runs (four earned) in three innings

By: Brian McTaggart / MLB.com

MARLINS 16, ASTROS 4
at Kissimmee, Fla.
Wednesday, March 10

Astros at the plate: Houston didn't get a baserunner until Kaz Matsui beat out an infield hit in the fourth inning, snapping a string of 10 consecutive batters retired. Edwin Maysonet had a sacrifice fly in the fifth for the Astros' first run, and Chris Johnson belted a two-run homer later in the inning, his second spring dinger.

Marlins at the plate: Florida, which was shut out by Boston on Tuesday, erupted against Houston. Mike Stanton and Dan Uggla hit back-to-back homers in the first, and they added three more runs in the third to make it 6-0. Chris Coghlan, who had a double in the third and a sacrifice fly in the fourth, added a three-run triple in the fifth for an 11-0 lead. Brett Carroll added a two-run shot in the ninth.

Astros on the mound: Wandy Rodriguez didn't pitch well in his second spring start, allowing six runs (four earned) and six hits in three innings. He gave up back-to-back homers in the first inning. Felipe Paulino followed and struggled to throw strikes. He lasted only one inning and gave up three hits, two walks and two runs.

Marlins on the mound: Starter Hayden Penn mowed through a lineup that included most of the regular starters. He retired all nine batters he faced and struck out two in his second spring start. Chris Volstad followed with three innings, allowing six hits and four earned runs, including one home run.

Worth noting: The Astros grounded into an unusual 8-3 double ply in the seventh when Chris Johnson thought he had lined out to center. Jeff Keppinger, who was on first, also thought the ball was caught, but the umpires ruled it hit the ground. The Marlins threw to first base and tagged out Keppinger and then tagged out Johnson, who ran through the base and then tailed off.

Grapefruit League records: Astros 3-4, Marlins 5-3

Up next: Roy Oswalt makes his second start of the spring for the Astros when they face the Nationals on Thursday at 12:05 p.m. CT in Viera, Fla. Oswalt threw 44 pitches in his first start March 6, holding the Braves to no runs and one hit and three walks. The game is expected to mark the return of Houston rookie catcher Jason Castro, who missed Wednesday's workout with stomach flu.

The Marlins return to Jupiter, Fla., on Thursday at 12:05 p.m. to face the Cardinals as the home team. Right-hander Josh Johnson will pitch for Florida against St. Louis righty Kyle Lohse in a rematch from a game last week. Johnson is trying to build upon a strong start in which he allowed one run in two innings in his spring debut.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Uggla, Stanton homer as Marlins rout Astros 16-4

By: Associated Press

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Dan Uggla and prized outfield prospect Mike Stanton hit back-to-back home runs off Wandy Rodriguez in the top of the first inning, and the Florida Marlins pounded their way to a 16-4 victory over the Houston Astros on Wednesday.

Brett Carroll had three hits and scored four runs for the Marlins, while reigning rookie of the year Chris Coghlan, Emilio Bonifacio, Brian Barden, Uggla, Wes Helms and Gaby Sanchez each collected two hits. Coghlan also added four RBI.

Marlins starter Hayden Penn retired nine straight hitters in a perfect three-inning outing, heating up the competition for the Marlins' final three rotation spots behind Josh Johnson and Ricky Nolasco.

Rodriguez struggled in his second start of the spring, allowing six runs on six hits.

 

 

 

Express, ESPN Radio Ink 5-Year Deal

By: roundrockexpress.com

ROUND ROCK, Texas – Ryan-Sanders Baseball CEO Reid Ryan announced Wednesday an agreement between the Round Rock Express and Border Media out of Austin. The five-year deal makes 104.9, The Horn (KTXX-FM) ESPN Austin the flagship station of the Express. All Round Rock games will be aired on The Horn beginning this season.

“We are extremely excited about this agreement,” Ryan said. “This gives us a major outlet on a powerful and regionally known FM station with a wide broadcast range. We have worked with The Horn through the years, and we’re happy to expand our relationship.”

The Horn currently covers the entire Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos metropolitan area, the nation’s 36th-largest Metropolitan Statistical Area with a population of 1.65 million. It also reaches Marble Falls, Canyon Lake and north New Braunfels.

Mike Capps returns for his 11th season as the play-by-play voice of the Express; he is joined in the radio booth by color analysts and former Major Leaguers Kirk Dressendorf and Kelly Wunsch. Live audio will be streamed on “The Horn” website (http://www.espnaustin.com/), as well as at http://www.roundrockexpress.com//.

However, the agreement covers more than just broadcast of games. The Express also will have a presence on the Bud Light Morning Rush with Erin Hogan and Dan Neil with a weekly 15-minute segment in which Express players and front-office staff will discuss upcoming games and promotions.

“When we launched Central Texas’ first and only FM sports talk station last November, our priority was to bring the best live, local sports talk and local sports play-by-play to the air waves,” Border Media Vice President Jerry Del Core said. “This partnership with the Express is a major step toward doing that. The Ryans and the Express have become part of the fabric of Central Texas. We are thrilled to carry the games and bring baseball to the FM dial for the next five seasons.”

The Express opens the 2010 season April 8 with a four-game series at New Orleans, followed by a four-game series at Oklahoma City. Round Rock’s first home series is April 16-19 against New Orleans.

 

 

 

Baseball America Home Run Derby Field Set

Holland, Marx to Represent Islanders

By: CCHooks.com

CORPUS CHRISTI - Matt Holland and Caleb Marx will compete for Texas A&M-Corpus Christi in the 2010 Baseball America Home Run Derby Thursday night at Whataburger Field.

The derby is part of BA's Team Workout Day, during which all four Whataburger College Classic teams practice for an hour on the playing surface. Gates open at 4 p.m. and admission is free.

Oklahoma's Drew Harrison and Ross Hubbard, Ryan Duffy and Connor Powers of Mississippi State and the UCLA tandem of Dennis Holt and Matt Mosher round out the field. There will be two rounds of five outs. If a winner has not been determined after two rounds, finalists meet in a three-out tiebreaker, then two-ball sudden death if necessary.

Past Baseball America Home Run Derby winners are Chad Huffman (TCU 2006) and Doug Thennis (Texas Tech 2007). The event was cancelled in 2008 due to stormy conditions and last year's Whataburger College Classic began on Thursday night, so there was no derby event.

A more detailed look at tomorrow's sluggers:

Texas A&M-Corpus Christi (pitcher Chris Ramirez)
21 Matt Holland, OF-LHP, 6-3, 210, L-L, Junior, Watkins, Iowa
26 Caleb Marx, 1B, 6-1, 235, R-R, Junior, Corsicana

Oklahoma (pitcher Tim Tadlock)
45 Drew Harrison, INF, 6-4, 238, R-R, Freshman, Waxahachie
28 Ross Hubbard, C-INF, 6-3, 222, L-R, Senior, Denton

Mississippi State (pitcher Lane Burroughs)
14 Ryan Duffy, OF, 6-0, 218, L-R, Senior, Malabar, Fla.
25 Connor Powers, INF, 6-2, 242, R-R, Senior, Naperville, Ill.

UCLA (pitcher P.C. Shaw)
17 Dennis Holt, OF-LHP, 6-2, 185, L-L, Freshman, Yorba Linda, Calif.
44 Matt Mosher, 1B, 6-5, 235, L-R, Freshman, Menlo Park, Calif.

+++++

Team Workouts - TAMUCC 4 p.m.; OU 5 p.m.; MSU 6 p.m.; HR derby 7 p.m.; UCLA 8 p.m.
admission is free; gates open 4 o'clock

 

 

 

Former JetHawk Pitcher Lo Shines in Astros Camp

Right-hander continues to climb organizational ladder

By: jethawks.com

(LANCASTER, CA) – Less than a year after making his minor league debut with the JetHawks, Chia-Jen Lo is competing in major league spring training with the Houston Astros. Lo is the first player the Astros have signed out of Asia.

Lo, a 23-year-old right-hander, was signed out of Taiwan in 2008. He began the 2009 campaign with the JetHawks last April and posted sparkling numbers in his brief stint in the California League. In 12 appearances with the JetHawks, Lo compiled a 1-0 record with one save and a 1.78 ERA. He walked 13 batters and recorded 36 strikeouts in 25 1/3 innings pitched.

Lo’s success continued at the Double-A level as he posted an 0-2 record with two saves and a 2.31 ERA in 30 appearances with Corpus Christi following his promotion from Lancaster. He issued 20 walks and struck out 39 batters in 39 innings pitched with the Hooks.

While Lo will likely begin the 2010 season with Triple-A Round Rock, his early success has pleased the Astros’ top baseball officials.

“He’s got a good arm and good stuff and has good poise on the mound and doesn’t seem to be in awe of the fact he’s playing in a foreign environment, and I think he’s put his best foot forward,” Astros General Manager Ed Wade told MLB.com.

The 2010 season marks the 15th anniversary of professional baseball in the Antelope Valley, and since its inaugural game in 1996, The Hangar has produced more than 90 Major Leaguers and inducted 25 members into The JetHawks Hall of Fame. Keep up with all the latest team news by following the JetHawks on Facebook and Twitter. Don’t miss out on your chance to be a part of 15 years of Hangar Heroes in 2010.

To lock in your seats for 2010, contact Trent Wondra at (661) 726-5400, or trent@jethawks.com. Info can also be found at www.JetHawks.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Astros on a hit parade early in spring season

By: Ken Jackson / Osceola News Gazette

Got offense?

The Houston Astros do, and they’ve shown it early in Grapefruit League action in spring training.

It’s been on display right from the team’s first game last week, when Hunter Pence homered twice — in the fourth inning — of the Astros’ 15-5 win over the Washington Nationals. He added a double and had five RBIs in his half-game’s work during a 21-hit, five-homer attack.

Pence had four hits in his first 10 spring at-bats — and yet he isn’t the most impressive hitter in the season’s short start. Third baseman Pedro Feliz doubled and homered in Tuesday’s 8-4 win at the New York Mets, helping knock Mets’ starter Johann Santana out in the second inning and sending the former Philadelphia Phillies’ average to .500 (6-for-12) entering Wednesday’s game against the Florida Marlins at Osceola County Stadium.

Geoff Blum was at .538 (7-for-13) after a 4-for-4 day Tuesday in Port St. Lucie that included two doubles, and catcher J.R. Towles, who will share the catching duties in 2010 with Humberto Quintero, banged out eight hits — including five doubles — in his first 12 spring at-bats (a .667 clip).

The Astros have needed the offense to offset its pitching. Brett Myers gave up two runs in three innings Tuesday in his second spring start. Only Roy Oswalt pitched a clean slate among the five projected starters’ first outings, which all lasted two innings.

Next week will be a busy one for the folks at Osceola County Stadium, as the Astros will play in Kissimmee seven times in a nine-day stretch starting Saturday against the Nationals. The Atlanta Braves ride over from Disney on Sunday, and the Boston Red Sox visit Tuesday for the first time since Stadium Manager Pete Rodriguez can remember.

The following weekend is a Triborough Bridge special, with the Yankees and Mets playing back-to-back in Kissimmee March 20-21.
The Yankees game is sold out, but standing room tickets will be available at 10 a.m. for $10.

Washington and Toronto also visit on Wednesday and Friday. All games begin at 1:05 p.m. Tickets for all games, except the Yankees, are available at the box office or at Ticketmaster.