Pitching coach Dewey Robinson may have figured out why Rodriguez seems to always hurt himself in the same area, both on his left and right sides.
Robinson plans to work with Rodriguez in an effort to create less torque in the left-hander’s delivery, while the athletic training staff will come up with a program designed to strengthen Rodriguez’s midsection.
“His delivery is very similar to guys like Roy [Oswalt] and [Geoff] Geary,” Robinson said. “They’re smaller guys and they use their lower half, their legs, and their stride gets a little long. That creates a lot of torque in the upper half.” Link
Relievers leaving camp
LaTroy Hawkins will play for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic as a last-minute replacement for an injured player Link
reliever Alberto Arias flew home Sunday morning to the Dominican Republic to be with his father, who suffered a stroke. Arias’ return date is to be determined. Link
What to watch for regarding Nieve
“We still have some command issues,” Cooper said. “He escaped [trouble] but he has to have a little better command. Next time out, I hope it will be better for him.” Link
Money
Houston general manager Ed Wade says it was almost much more dire. After opening last season with an $89 million payroll, Wade estimated it would have taken $120 million to return the team intact and make a small move or two. (after) key sponsors like Landmark Chevrolet, AIG and LyondellBassell pulled out, so the self-imposed cap was adjusted to $105-107 million. Then the economy got worse and Wade feared payroll might be limited to about $95 million, which would have required dumping a prominent player or two. But after evaluating the competitive needs of the club, Wade and team president Tal Smith called owner Drayton McLane and received the blessing to return to the $105-107 million range, where payroll now stands.
Link
Wade on the potential of rookies in camp
Chris Johnson is Houston’s “closest to the big leagues prospect,” says Wade. Link