Spring Training Update

It was the best of times. It was the worst of times. For a while there, it looked as though we would ONLY be getting the worst so I can live with that. Through the first three innings as Jordan Lyles, Sam Demel, and Wesley Wright got pounded by the Braves, I sat thinking "I have third row tickets behind home plate for this game?" But then Hector Ambriz, John Ely and Ross Seaton stopped the bleeding and the offense took over to at least make it an interesting game.

The game reminded me of what that scout told me the day before. If the pitching can keep the Astros in the game, they are going to win more games than some people think because of the offense. Coming back from a 14-1 deficit in the middle of the third to a 14-9 end result reinforces his point. Doubles from Matt Dominguez, Jose Martinez, Jason Jaramillo and Delino DeShields, a bases-clearing triple from Trevor Crowe, and long home runs from Brandon Barnes and Marc Krauss helped close the gap.

I won't be going to the out-of-town game today, but I'll be headed out shortly to hit the backfields and watch "my guys" running drills, throwing bullpens and taking batting practice. I spent a little time out there yesterday morning before the game. LHP Kyle Hallock looked particularly sharp in his bullpen session.

Spring Training Record: 6-6-2

Spring Training Game 14 Results: Braves 14, Astros 9
Game 14 Minor League Standouts: There were several good performances from the minor league players. On the pitching side, Ross Seaton looked good, allowing only a pair of singles over his two innings of work. Jose Martinez was 2-for-3 with a double and two runs scored, Mark Krauss hit a 2-run bomb to celebrate Kraussmas and Delino DeShields contributed a very timely double. Jake Goebbert also received murmurs of appreciation throughout the then depleted crowd for a sterling diving catch in left field.

Spring Training Game 15:
Astros at Mets 12:10 CST (Radio only)

SPRING TRAINING RESULTS
Spring Training Game 1 Results: Astros 8, Phillies 3
Spring Training Game 2 Results: Astros 7, Mets 7
Spring Training Game 3 Results: Cardinals 10, Astros 2
Spring Training Game 4 Results: Rays 7, Astros (SS) 2 in six innings
Spring Training Game 5 Results: Astros (SS) 9, Detroit 4
Spring Training Game 6 Results: Astros 10, Blue Jays 1
Spring Training Game 7 Results: Astros 7, Yankees 6
Spring Training Game 8 Results: Astros 8, Cardinals 8
Spring Training Game 9 Results: Astros 6, Braves 5
Spring Training Game 10 Results: Pirates 8, Astros 6
Spring Training Game 11 Results: Tigers 8, Astros 5
Spring Training Game 12 Results: Nationals 7, Astros 1
Spring Training Game 13 Results: Astros 4, Nationals 2