Astros.com gives us these updates:
On Koby’s progress moving from 3rd to behind the plate:
Quote
“He’s gaining every day,” Wiedenbauer said. “There are many challenges with that position. I would imagine the biggest challenge is the patience that it’s going to take, because it’s such an intricate position. It’s not going to happen overnight.
Chad Wagler, Koby Clemens, Marques Williams, Minor NewsStubby Clapp, Lexington Legends hitting coach, and Jimmy VanOstrand, who played for the Legends last year are on the Canadian Olympic Team that is currently playing in Asia in an exhibition series with Australia to prepare for the Olympic Qualifier. The Qualifier is in Taipei March 7 – 15th.
Read More
Local TV report about Jimmy V preparing for camp:
Quote
“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.
Read More
The Chron talks to and about Brad James:
Brad on his experience in big boy spring training
Quote
“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:
Quote
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 News