Here is the complete list of minor league related transactions for the 08-09 off season for the Astros.  All transactions after this point will be tracked in a spring training transaction list.

Reggie Abercrombie – re-signed to a minor league contract (Dec)
Doug Arguello – re-signed (Nov)
Chris Barnwell – Signed to minor league contract (Jan)
Dave Borkowski – Outrighted to AAA off the 40 man roster (Oct), granted free agency (Oct.)
Bryan Brown – Released (Nov)
Greg Buchanan – released (Nov)Read More

Jason Castro talks about PEDs to middle school students before reporting to Spring Training:

“Now that I’m playing professional baseball, when I talk to guys who’ve played for a while, I realize (PED use) is still pretty prevalent,” he said. “Unfortunately, players are still feeling the need to take these drugs if they’re not on par with the competition they’re facing. It’s even happening at the college level.”

Greeneville Astros hitting coach, Stubby Clapp, will play for Team Canada in the World Baseball Classic. Jonathon Mayo of MLB.com talks with him about the honor.Read More

The 2002 draft is seen as one of the worst in Astros history. 1st round pick Derick Grigsby never made it above low A ball. 2nd rounder Mitch Talbot was traded to the Rays and got some time in the bigs last season. 3rd rounder Rory Shortell never made it to AA and played indy ball last season. 4th rounder Mark McLemore got a taste of the bigs in 2007 but disappeared after that. 5th round pick Pat Misch, turned down the Astros signing and was drafted in the 7th round the next year by the Giants. Has pitched parts of 3 seasons for the Giants and has yet to get his first MLB win. So as you can see, the 2002 draft is not much to write home about. In fact, since they have released Raymar Diaz and unless they re-sign Chance Douglas, who is a minor league free agent, there will be one player from the 2002 draft on any Astro affiliated roster in 2009. That player was drafted in the 45th round and is Ryan McKeller, who pitched at Corpus Christi last season.

Why rehash the history?Read More

Allyson Footer interviewed Jeff Bagwell on his thoughts on the kids in the Minor Leagues. Some of the highlights:

On Bud & the Boys:

He’s got a chance to really help us. I’m hoping he has a great Spring Training and can help us this year. He’s got an above-average fastball and an above-average breaking ball. It’s a fun to watch him. He’s got a good presence out there….Read More

Here is the latest from the tropical climates.

Mexico

Tomateros de Culiacan

John Gall- OF- Recently signed to minor league contract. Through 12/30 he was hitting .306 with 1 HR, his season is over as the Tomateros didn’t make the playoffs.

Puerto Rico

Gigantes de Carolina – didn’t make the playoffs
Tyler Lumsden, LHP – his last 3 outings were solid going a combined 4 1/3 innings giving up 3 hits, 2 walks and no runs while fanning 3. This dropped his ERA down to 6.87 for the winter season.

Lobos de Arecibo – made playoffs
Edwin Maysonet, SS – his average has dipped down to .278 on the season by hitting .243 over his last 10 days. He has 4 errors in the field. He hasn’t seen action in the playoffs.Read More