Local TV report about Jimmy V preparing for camp:
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“I’ve managed to put on 10-15 pounds during the first couple of months. And then I’ve been doing a lot of speed work, conditioning lately, dropping the weight down and getting ready to play. And it’s been good. And it’s a fun environment too. It’s fun coming in here,” said Jimmy Van O’Strand, an 8th round pick by Houston in the 2006 MLB Draft.
Minor News, VanOstrandAstros.com gives a minor league update on Manzella, Iorg, Delome and others.
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The Chron talks to and about Brad James:
Brad on his experience in big boy spring training
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“Just getting to play with the older guys that are more experienced, it’s good to get in here now and get more used to it,” James said. “I don’t want to go back to the minor league side. Trust me. This is 15 times better than the minor league side.”
Brad James, Minor NewsThe son of former Astros scout, Dan Buchanan, talks to his hometown paper about life in the minors:
On the difference between playing at Rice & playing in the minors:
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In college, he got a lot of coaching, with special emphasis on being a team player. Winning games was the most important part of playing college ball. A college season consists of 56 games.
“You play for your teammates, your managers and the fans,” he said.
Not so in the pros.
“Everyone is trying to move up in his separate careers,” he explained. “If you have a good day, you are not as upset if you lost.”
The mission of the coaches is to develop players, not win games. Greg worked out all during January at Minute Maid Park with members of the Astros team.
Greg Buchanan, Minor NewsYour Clearing House for Minors Comings & Goings This Off Season:
Erick Abreu – signed a minor league contract (Feb.)
Josh Appell – acquired in trade for Ralph Henriquez (Nov.)
Miguel Asencio – granted free agency (Oct.), Signed by Red Sox to minor league deal (Jan.)
Jimmy Barthmaier – claimed off waivers by Pirates (Nov.)
Phillip Barzilla – Signed by Mariners as a minor league free agent. (Nov.)
Frankie Caraballo – Signed to minor league contract (Dec.)
Alberto Castillo – signed to minor league contract (Feb.)Read More
J R House talks about still playing baseball and signing with the Astros to his hometown paper.
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“I’m making a lot of money playing baseball and I’m having fun,” House, 28, said. “There’s nothing else I’d rather be doing. I’ll play until they tear the uniform off my back.”
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“I know them (Astros),” House said. “I’ve been with them before and I felt comfortable with it.”
House also liked the fact that Dave Clark, his manager at Corpus Christi in 2006, is set to manage AAA Round Rock this season.
If House makes the team as the 3rd catcher. That means two of the three catchers would go by J. R.. James Rogers House & Justin Richard Towles.
