Official Houston Astros Thread (Orlando, pitching, ball, win)

[case44]

Wow! What an offseason Houston has had. The batting order will now be among the major leagues' best, top to bottom. They'll even have a deep bench, too.

McCann. Reddick. Beltran. Aoki.

Add them with Gattis, Altuve, Springer, and Correa, and this can just be downright scary!

[Jonathan Ashbeck]

Originally Posted by case44

The Astros have a new TV play-by-play announcer, and it's a familiar last name for Astros fans. We get Todd Kalas, who is the son of the late, great Harry Kalas (former radio voice of the Astros in the 1960s). He'll be a great addition on TV and he'll be teamed with Geoff Blum.

He worked for Sun Sports Florida for Rays telecasts.

[case44]

The Astros are reportedly in the lead (over a few other teams) to possibly get lefty starter Jose Quintana from the White Sox. He's got top-flight stuff and is highly regarded. My only concern is that he's just a .500 pitcher thus far, but the media is abuzz about this guy's talent.

Astros lead contenders for Jose Quintana trade | MLB.com

If he does get in with Houston in a deal, then the Astros have sweetened the pot in the rotation. Already, many folks are talking about them possibly winning the AL West in '17 and maybe more.

[Jonathan Ashbeck]

I'm sure Todd Kalas will do fine as Astros TV play-by-play announcer.

Also Alex Bregman is to be representing the United States in the 2017 World Baseball Classic.
http://www.chron.com/sports/astros/a...d-10856981.php

[case44]

Congratulations to former Astro Jeff Bagwell, now in the National Baseball Hall of Fame!

Well done, good friend.

[case44]

Several publications are picking the Astros to win the AL West this year. Right now, they've got the most improved lineup in the league, and defensively, they should be tops.

For now, though, spring is in the air.

[case44]

The Astros are ready to go with a new season and an improved lineup, not to mention a new seating and concession area in center field for Minute Maid home games. Much is expected of them this year, so we'll find out if they can follow through with that when Houston gets going against the Mariners on Monday at Minute Maid.

[Grandstander]

Originally Posted by case44

The Astros are ready to go with a new season and an improved lineup, not to mention a new seating and concession area in center field for Minute Maid home games. Much is expected of them this year, so we'll find out if they can follow through with that when Houston gets going against the Mariners on Monday at Minute Maid.

I am assuming that getting rid of the hill means that the centerfield fence is now a bit closer, or at least lower. Perhaps offense will be up in the park.

[case44]

Originally Posted by Grandstander

I am assuming that getting rid of the hill means that the centerfield fence is now a bit closer, or at least lower. Perhaps offense will be up in the park.

Center field's deepest point should now be about 409 feet, GS. I believe that's what I've read somewhere. They've literally developed over Tal's Hill in the offseason. Expect quite a few homers coming up that wouldn't have been had the renovation not happened.

[malfunction]

Hope the Astros can tame King Felix tonight. They've done it before. Hey, Case, isn't that four Opening Days in a row that the Stros have won prior to now?