Astros manager Bo Porter fully believes that Rick Ankiel will earn a spot on the Opening Day roster, provided he performs the way that he’s capable of.
Porter served as the Nationals’ third base coach for two seasons that Ankiel was there, so he’s very familiar with the veteran outfielder. Ankiel would provide much needed left-handed power and veteran leadership to a very young Astros clubhouse.
Source: csnhouston.com
Tagged as: Astros, news, Rick Ankiel
Astros catcher Jason Castro firmly believes that his knee problems are a thing of the past, and is looking forward to a healthy and strong 2013 season.
Castro added that he’s now feeling the best he’s ever felt, and is very anxious to get down to Florida and get camp started. The 25-year-old backstop showed flashes of his offensive potential in 2012, where he hit .257/.334/.401 with six homers and 29 RBI in 87 games. In two-catcher formats, he’s a high-upside target that can be had in the later rounds of drafts.
Source: mlb.com
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Astros top prospect Jonathan Singleton, who has been suspended 50 games for testing positive for marijuana, will participate in Minor League camp during spring training.
Despite the setback though, Astros GM Jeff Lunhow believes that Singleton could reach the majors during the 2013 season. The 21-year-old slugger hit .284/.396/.497 with 21 homers and 79 RBI at Double-A Corpus Christi in 2012, and could be an instant fantasy contributor upon his arrival.
Source: mlb.com
Tagged as: Astros, Jonathan Singleton, news
J.D. Martinez said Friday that he is eager to start testing his surgically-repaired left hand by swinging a bat regularly.
“I really haven’t been able to swing that much yet, but I feel like it’s right there and really close,” said Martinez, who had surgery in September to remove the hook of the hamate bone from his left hand. “I’m trying to rest it as much as I can now because I know when Spring Training starts, it’s going to be non-stop. I feel like I’ll be ready and it will be strong enough for me to do what I have to do.” Martinez batted just .241/.311/.375 with 11 home runs, 55 RBI and a .685 OPS last season, but if healthy, he should be in position to win a starting outfield job during spring training.
Source: mlb.com
Tagged as: Astros, J.D. Martinez, news
Astros signed LHP Erik Bedard to a minor league contract.
It’s a nice low-risk move for the Astros, who could spin Bedard for a prospect at the trade deadline if he gets off to a decent start. The veteran lefty posted a 3.12 ERA over his first 10 outings in 2012 for the Pirates before falling apart. He was released by Pittsburgh in August.
Source: twitter.com
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MLB.com’s Joe Frisaro reports the Marlins are close to signing Matt Downs to a minor league contract.
The deal is expected to include a spring training invite. Downs batted just .202/.253/.371 in 91 games last season and will compete for a utility role with the Marlins.
Source: twitter.com
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Astros avoided arbitration with LHP Wesley Wright by agreeing to a one-year contract.
The financials are not yet available. Wright had a breakout year in 2012, putting up a 3.27 ERA while striking out over a batter per inning. He’ll be used as a lefty specialist again for the Astros in 2013.
Tagged as: Astros, news, Wesley Wright
Astros avoided arbitration with RHP Bud Norris by agreeing to a one-year, $3 million contract.
It’s a big raise for Norris, who was a first-time arbitration-eligible player. The right-hander put up a disappointing 4.65 ERA in 2012 but struck out nearly a batter per inning. He could be the team’s Opening Day starter in 2013.
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Astros avoided arbitration with SS Jed Lowrie by agreeing to a one-year, $2.4 million contract.
It’s the second year of arbitration eligibility for Lowrie, who will have the opportunity to make more through incentives. The 28-year-old batted .244/.331/.438 with 16 homers in his first year with the Astros but was limited to just 97 games due to injury. He’ll return as their everyday shortstop in 2013.
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Astros GM Jeff Luhnow said Thursday that Fernando Martinez’s decision to participate in the 2013 WBC “potentially hurts” his shot at an Opening Day roster spot.
That quote probably isn’t sitting well with World Baseball Classic organizers. F-Mart, who is currently penciled in as the Astros’ starting right fielder, has pledged himself to Team Spain. He should be back in fine standing with Houston management if he doesn’t get hurt.
Source: twitter.com
Tagged as: Astros, Fernando Martinez, news