Another outfielder

[Bench]

According to McTaggart's blog the Astros signed David Newhan on Friday to compete for the 5th OFer job.

Also, within that piece is a rundown of the expected Round Rock roster.

[Duman]

Re: Newhan Cabrera works on the sabbath.

[Bench]

Whoa whoa whoa... There are other forums here?

[Jacksonian]

According to McTaggart's blog the Astros signed David Newhan on Friday to compete for the 5th OFer job.

Also, within that piece is a rundown of the expected Round Rock roster.

Center field and the pitching staff are the only spots of interest as far as prospects go.

There are also some guys there who could reasonably fill holes in case of injury in Houston.

[Kent's Moustache]

Any word on whether Newhan or any of this off-season's other veteran FA signees (Cruz, Jr., Diaz, Gorneault) has an out-clause in his contract that permits him to opt for FA if he's not added to the 25-man roster by a certain date?

[I'm Richies Dad]

There was also a note in the comments that IF Kevin Hooper has retired. 

[Duman]

Any word on whether Newhan or any of this off-season's other veteran FA signees (Cruz, Jr., Diaz, Gorneault) has an out-clause in his contract that permits him to opt for FA if he's not added to the 25-man roster by a certain date?

Haven't seen anything about it but I wouldn't be surprised.

[Kent's Moustache]

Newhan brings a proven LH bat.

A quick review of the Astros' AAA and AA rosters reveals that LH bats are a rare commodity.

[Duman]

Newhan brings a proven LH bat.

A quick review of the Astros' AAA and AA rosters reveals that LH bats are a rare commodity.

There are not many through out the organization. 

[Duman]

RE: Left Hand Batters,
 did a check back in the season and here is what I found. I have crossed out the LH or Switch hitters who are gone:

Here is a list of ALL the left handed hitters in the astros system.  I don't see a whole lot here to be excited about.  Sapp, Dixon & Delome have some promise but above A, I don't see an every day player in the Majors?

Josh Anderson - AAA
Mike Rodriguez – AAA
Jonathan Ash - AA
Todd Self – AA
Mark Ori – High A
Ryan Reed – High A
Max Sapp – A
Russell Dixon – A Short Season
Matt Cusick – A Short Season
Colin Delome – A Short Season
Pedro Gonzalez - Rookie

That was so discouraging, I decided to make the Switch Hitter List as well.

Brooks Conrad  - AAA
Drew Sutton – AA
Ralph Henriquez – A
Tim Torres – A
Greg Buchanan- A
Catlin Everett – A Short Season
Chris Turner - Rookie

5 of the 7 are infielders whose glove is more important than their bat.  Henriquez is working hard to stay above 200 and Turner is working hard to stay above 100.