Ortiz’s Spring Training preview, web style Link
The projected lineup, only in the printed paper, has Tejada hitting 2nd. Ortiz says Quintero has the inside lane on catcher, and backup shortstop is a concern. Wade is keeping his eyes out for a utility shortstop to drop into his lap. Relievers will face some competition. Ortiz also note that the World Baseball Classic will allow for more playing time for the backups. Looks like at short, left, and catcher.
World Baseball Classic is March 5-23, Link
Eleven members of the Houston Astros organization were named to the provisional rosters of six different teams for the 2009 World Baseball Classic…final rosters for each Federation must be submitted by Tuesday, Feb. 24…
Canada: RHP Tim Burton, IF Chris Barnwell;
Chinese Taipei: RHP Chia-Jen Lo, OF Che-Hsuan Lin;
Dominican Republic: LHP Wandy Rodriguez, RHP Jose Valverde, IF Miguel Tejada; Panama: OF Carlos Lee;
United States: RHP Roy Oswalt;
Venezuela: RHP Fernando Nieve, C Humberto Quintero.
Link
Justice thinks Hampton is “the key” for the season and if Bud Norris makes the team, and is “pitching well, they might make the playoffs no matter what happens at other spots…” Link