As The Grapefruit Ripens!

A solid week of spring training has now run its course in Florida and in Arizona,

Later this week spring training games will begin to lead us towrd the start of the regular season come March 31st here in Arlington or April 1st in Houston Texas.

Today will mark the sixth full workout squad and tenth overall for the Houston Astros.

Come Friday Houston will begin their slate of exhibition games with the Atlanta Braves at Disney. Right hander Lucas Harrell will get the start on the 28th of February. 

Manager Bo Porter will announce the rest of the pitchers for Friday Nights game by Wednesday.

Minor league mini-camp shall commence later this day with at least 20 players taking part.

Craig Biggio will be in camp for two go arounds March 3rd-5th and again March 17th-19th. You can also expect to see familiar faces of the past like Jose Cruz, Dickie Thon, and Enos Cabell.

Last week on February 20th Roy Oswalt was in camp for a visit. Both Roy and LanceBerkmand will be honored on April 5th at Minute Maid Park in a pregame press ceremony and presser.

Currently the Houston Astros have 64 plaers in camp. 24 of those are non-roster.  34 pitchers, 6 catchers, 13 infielders, and 11 outfielders.

Last week there were visits by Joe Torre and Tony LaRussa to discuss the new guidlelines in place for instant replay as it will be used in some games and instances during spring training.

In case you wonder Nolan Ryan-newest hire as of February 11th-will make a trek to camp in Kissimmee, Fla. on March 10th.

Baseball indeed is back. Another update in about a week.

Over and out in Big D.

Mr. Will