"Assuming the Astros carry 12 pitchers"

[pravata]

As Footer speculates

"five position players --"

Newhan
Cruz
Abercrombie
Tomas Perez
Humberto Quintero

" -- are essentially competing for two spots."

Here's the likely 7 relievers,

Moehler
Geary
Villarreal
Borkowski
Brocail
Wright
Valverde

Cruz is likely the 5th outfielder, that leaves one spot for either Quintero or Newhan.  The Astros will only have one backup infielder for the first 2 weeks.  Which reliever could they do without in order to keep Quintero? (At least temporarily.)

[MusicMan]

Borkowski.  Moehler is your innings-eater.

[Lefty]

Looking at the schedule, they don't have the option of skipping the 5th starter until the 15th, and Kaz should be back then.  So the bully would definitely be short a man.  I'd guess Moehler would be the most superfluous (and he's not on the 40-man), since Bork can handle long-relief.  Does Geary have options?

[Mr. Happy]

Looking at the schedule, they don't have the option of skipping the 5th starter until the 15th, and Kaz should be back then.  So the bully would definitely be short a man.  I'd guess Moehler would be the most superfluous (and he's not on the 40-man), since Bork can handle long-relief.  Does Geary have options?

Wouldn't this depend upon who's in the starting rotation?

[Froback]

Wouldn't this depend upon who's in the starting rotation?

I would be interested in hearing who Footer thinks makes the rotation.

Assuming Oswalt, Rodriguez and Backe are safe; and Chacon looks like he might have pulled ahead in the race for one of the remaining starting spots, that would leave Woody battling Sampson.  Is there anyone else reallying fighting for it other than those two?

Not that I have a real issue with Moehler, but I hope if he is kept this year he is used more often.  Not that I want them to be in a position where they "need" him to pitch more, but there were many times I thought he was a wasted spot on the roster last year, given he saw action maybe once every 2-3 weeks.  That is probably an exaggeration, but it seemed like it.

[Bench]

I would be interested in hearing who Footer thinks makes the rotation.

Assuming Oswalt, Rodriguez and Backe are safe; and Chacon looks like he might have pulled ahead in the race for one of the remaining starting spots, that would leave Woody battling Sampson.  Is there anyone else reallying fighting for it other than those two?

Not that I have a real issue with Moehler, but I hope if he is kept this year he is used more often.  Not that I want them to be in a position where they "need" him to pitch more, but there were many times I thought he was a wasted spot on the roster last year, given he saw action maybe once every 2-3 weeks.  That is probably an exaggeration, but it seemed like it.

Cassell's in the mix, but I agree that at this point he is on the outside looking in. I agree that it's a Woody v. Sampson battle right now.

[Mr. Happy]

I would be interested in hearing who Footer thinks makes the rotation.

Assuming Oswalt, Rodriguez and Backe are safe; and Chacon looks like he might have pulled ahead in the race for one of the remaining starting spots, that would leave Woody battling Sampson.  Is there anyone else reallying fighting for it other than those two?

Not that I have a real issue with Moehler, but I hope if he is kept this year he is used more often.  Not that I want them to be in a position where they "need" him to pitch more, but there were many times I thought he was a wasted spot on the roster last year, given he saw action maybe once every 2-3 weeks.  That is probably an exaggeration, but it seemed like it.

You're not exaggerating on Moehler's use last season. It wasn't until JUNE that he made his tenth appearance. He only had one month where he made ten appearances, and that was August.

I think that Jack Cassel is still remotely involved in the starting rotation race. It'll depend on how Woody pitches these next two times out.

[SaltyParker]

As Footer speculates

"five position players --"

Newhan
Cruz
Abercrombie
Tomas Perez
Humberto Quintero

" -- are essentially competing for two spots."

Here's the likely 7 relievers,

Moehler
Geary
Villarreal
Borkowski
Brocail
Wright
Valverde

Cruz is likely the 5th outfielder, that leaves one spot for either Quintero or Newhan.  The Astros will only have one backup infielder for the first 2 weeks.  Which reliever could they do without in order to keep Quintero? (At least temporarily.)

Is this based on Matsui being out for the first two weeks?
1) Ausmus
2) Towles

3) Berkman
4) Matsui
5) Tejada
6) Wiggy
7) Loretta
Blum

9) Pence
10)Bourn
11)Lee
12)Erstad

So where are two spots that these guys are competing for unless you are talking about carrying 11 pitchers?

[Lefty]

So where are two spots that these guys are competing for unless you are talking about carrying 11 pitchers?

It's a 25 man roster, and yes, Matsui will begin the season on the DL.

[SaltyParker]

Is he expected to be out two weeks?

[pravata]

Is this based on Matsui being out for the first two weeks?
1) Ausmus
2) Towles

3) Berkman
4) Matsui
5) Tejada
6) Wiggy
7) Loretta
Blum

9) Pence
10)Bourn
11)Lee
12)Erstad

So where are two spots that these guys are competing for unless you are talking about carrying 11 pitchers?

"Which reliever could they do without in order to keep Quintero? (At least temporarily)"

[pravata]

Is he expected to be out two weeks?

http://www.orangewhoopass.com/forums/index.php?topic=105137.msg183070#msg183070

[SaltyParker]

The Astros will only have one backup infielder for the first 2 weeks.  Which reliever could they do without in order to keep Quintero? (At least temporarily.)

Why are you saying that the Astros will have only one backup infielder for the first two weeks? Matsui will come on line prior to that hopefully. The reliever that could be done without would be Moeller.

[pravata]

Why are you saying that the Astros will have only one backup infielder for the first two weeks? Matsui will come on line prior to that hopefully. The reliever that could be done without would be Moeller.

The estimated two weeks recovery time, as detailed in the link from the NYCU article,  falls exactly on Opening Day.   Matsui says he can be ready by that time.  However, he had not played for some time before the operation.  So it is possible that he may not be in baseball shape, maybe would need to see some live pitching, before he joins the team.  Maybe he's right and can just step right in after the layoff, in that case, merely substitute Matsui for Newhan in my original scenario.  The issue remains, which of those relief pitchers seem to be more important to the team than keeping Quintero.

[Bench]

The estimated two weeks recovery time, as detailed in the link from the NYCU article,  falls exactly on Opening Day.   Matsui says he can be ready by that time.  However, he had not played for some time before the operation.  So it is possible that he may not be in baseball shape, maybe would need to see some live pitching, before he joins the team.  Maybe he's right and can just step right in after the layoff, in that case, merely substitute Matsui for Newhan in my original scenario.  The issue remains, which of those relief pitchers seem to be more important to the team than keeping Quintero.

Based upon comments by JD and Brownie this weekend, I am fairly sure that the Astros plan to do exactly that. Put him on the DL despite the fact he should be "healed" by the season's opener and then give him an extended ST once he's healthy.

[Mr. Happy]

You're not exaggerating on Moehler's use last season. It wasn't until JUNE that he made his tenth appearance. He only had one month where he made ten appearances, and that was August.

I think that Jack Cassel is still remotely involved in the starting rotation race. It'll depend on how Woody pitches these next two times out.

Chacon is number 4 according to Cooper. No. 5 is between Woody, Cassel and Sampson, and the latter two could be in the bully if either or both don't make the starting rotation. Which of the bully guys really hasn't make the team yet pending the starting rotation decision? Borkowski? Moehler?

http://houston.astros.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080320&content_id=2447119&vkey=spt2008news&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou

[SaltyParker]

Which of the bully guys really hasn't make the team yet pending the starting rotation decision? Borkowski? Moehler?

They have both pitched quite well this ST. Being as Moeller is not on the 40man you have to say he would be the one on the bubble, but then again he can start if called upon.

[Mr. Happy]

They have both pitched quite well this ST. Being as Moeller is not on the 40man you have to say he would be the one on the bubble, but then again he can start if called upon.

One could even argue that Cooper has Brocail on the bubble.

http://houston.astros.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080320&content_id=2447191&vkey=spt2008news&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou

[Mr. Happy]

Moehler remains in the mix for the rotation.

http://houston.astros.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080321&content_id=2448829&vkey=spt2008news&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou

[SaltyParker]

One could even argue that Cooper has Brocail on the bubble.

http://houston.astros.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080320&content_id=2447191&vkey=spt2008news&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou

There is no doubt that Borkowski and Moehler have both outpitched Brocail in ST. I can't remember where but I read that Brocail pitched an inning against single A kids and got raked for 4 runs (1 earned). Hardly impressive and I think only once has he escaped without being roughed up all spring. $2.5M is a lot to just throw away and I don't see the team doing it but by all rights he doesn't deserve a slot based on performance against the other competitors this spring. And there can be little doubt that he has pitched himself out of the setup role with his Woodyesque performance.

[SaltyParker]

Moehler remains in the mix for the rotation.

http://houston.astros.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080321&content_id=2448829&vkey=spt2008news&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou

I would like to see Coop stretch him out and give him a start. These guys coming in late in games are not seeing front line players but Moehlers line is great this ST with 13K 0BB in 12.IP  His performance last season was well above his career norm so maybe this guy is one of those late bloomers that has finally learned how to pitch within his capacities. I am confident he is better then say a Pete Munro at this point.

[Reuben]

There is no doubt that Borkowski and Moehler have both outpitched Brocail in ST. I can't remember where but I read that Brocail pitched an inning against single A kids and got raked for 4 runs (1 earned). Hardly impressive and I think only once has he escaped without being roughed up all spring. $2.5M is a lot to just throw away and I don't see the team doing it but by all rights he doesn't deserve a slot based on performance against the other competitors this spring. And there can be little doubt that he has pitched himself out of the setup role with his Woodyesque performance.

It's a long season. I doubt they're worried about Brocail's results in ST.

[SaltyParker]

It's a long season. I doubt they're worried about Brocail's results in ST.

Maybe not worried, but certainly concerned.

[Mr. Happy]

Maybe not worried, but certainly concerned.

I get the distinct impression from Cooper that there's still time for Brocail to pitch himself right off of the ballclub.

[Reuben]

I get the distinct impression from Cooper that there's still time for Brocail to pitch himself right off of the ballclub.

Out of the set-up role, at least temporarily? Sure. Onto the DL, if he's got an injury that is limiting his effectiveness? Absolutely. But if he's still throwing well, stuff-wise, I can't see him being in any jeopardy of not making the club right now. He was signed to be a key part of the 'pen (and the clubhouse).
eta: not that I know anything about what the club thinks or intends to do; this is, as with all my posted opinions, IMHO

[Mr. Happy]

Out of the set-up role, at least temporarily? Sure. Onto the DL, if he's got an injury that is limiting his effectiveness? Absolutely. But if he's still throwing well, stuff-wise, I can't see him being in any jeopardy of not making the club right now. He was signed to be a key part of the 'pen (and the clubhouse).
eta: not that I know anything about what the club thinks or intends to do; this is, as with all my posted opinions, IMHO

I think that his ineffectiveness has cost him the eighth inning role that the club signed him for. The question then becomes what his role would be. I think that he'll make the club, but the fact that they're working him in some minor league games tells me that his spot might not be so certain. He's not had any control this spring. His command has been poor. Only two outings of his eight appearances have resulted in no runs.

[JimR]

This is spring training! CHILL

[Mr. Happy]

This is spring training! CHILL

Yessir.

[Matt]

I was able to actually see Wright pitch today and was pretty impressed.  He seems like he has a pretty live arm.

[Bench]

I was able to actually see Wright pitch today and was pretty impressed.  He seems like he has a pretty live arm.

He is my favorite player of this spring. He was a good pickup.

[OregonStrosFan]

I was able to actually see Wright pitch today and was pretty impressed.  He seems like he has a pretty live arm.

It would seem that you weren't the only one at the game today that thought that.  Rule 5 southpaw has all the Wright stuff

Even the umpires have noticed Wright's emerging talent. When the sixth inning ended, home plate umpire Laz Diaz said to manager Cecil Cooper, "Hey man, that's a lively arm."

[OregonStrosFan]

He is my favorite player of this spring. He was a good pickup.

In case you missed it, there is a nice video interview with him on the Chron.com Astros page. Kid was a solid there as he's been on the mound...

[SaltyParker]

In case you missed it, there is a nice video interview with him on the Chron.com Astros page. Kid was a solid there as he's been on the mound...

I had not seen it. I appreciate you pointing it out. Good interview.

[Mr. Happy]

Alright, now that we're in the final week of ST, what's our opening day staff going to be? Four of the rotation seem set: Ozwalt, Backe, Rodriguez and Chacon. The fifth starter position seems to be between Williams, Sampson, Cassel and Moehler.

The PROBLEM becomes which of the foregoing that don't make the rotation make the club. I don't think that Williams will make the club in the bullpen. Ditto for Cassel. But I can easily see Sampson and Moehler making the bullpen.

So, who'll be in the bullpen? Assuming that we keep 12 pitchers, then the following seem to be locks: Valverde, Villareal, Wright, Geary and Borkowski. I think that they'll be looking closely at Brocail this week, and if he throws well, he's a lock. Does this then mean that the actual competition this week is between Sampson and Moehler for a spot on the club? Based solely on spring throwing to date, it'd have to be Moehler.

Does this mean that Sampson's only shot to make the club is as a starter?

[Astroholic]

Alright, now that we're in the final week of ST, what's our opening day staff going to be? Four of the rotation seem set: Ozwalt, Backe, Rodriguez and Chacon. The fifth starter position seems to be between Williams, Sampson, Cassel and Moehler.

The PROBLEM becomes which of the foregoing that don't make the rotation make the club. I don't think that Williams will make the club in the bullpen. Ditto for Cassel. But I can easily see Sampson and Moehler making the bullpen.

So, who'll be in the bullpen? Assuming that we keep 12 pitchers, then the following seem to be locks: Valverde, Villareal, Wright, Geary and Borkowski. I think that they'll be looking closely at Brocail this week, and if he throws well, he's a lock. Does this then mean that the actual competition this week is between Sampson and Moehler for a spot on the club? Based solely on spring throwing to date, it'd have to be Moehler.

Does this mean that Sampson's only shot to make the club is as a starter?

Sampson still he options right?

[pravata]

Footer reports that the Astros are jumping through hoops in an attempt to keep Quintero.   They're going so far as to consider Ausmus as an "emergency infielder"  And that's in addition to the occasional appearance in a blowout or extra innings game.  She reports "The Astros may start the season with three catchers, making it imperative that that one of them be of use to the club in another capacity."  Says Ausmus, "That way, you can move them to another position and use the third catcher to pinch-hit without having to worry about an injury." http://houston.astros.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080324&content_id=2454584&vkey=spt2008news&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou

Still, how are they going to do this with 12 pitchers?

[MusicMan]

12 pitchers + 5 OF + 5 IF + 3 C = 25

Pence, Bourn, Lee, Erstad, Cruz Jr.
Berkman, Loretta, Tejada, Wigginton, Blum

The problem is... I don't see how this is sustainable if Blum is hurting.

[pravata]

12 pitchers + 5 OF + 5 IF + 3 C = 25

Pence, Bourn, Lee, Erstad, Cruz Jr.
Berkman, Loretta, Tejada, Wigginton, Blum

The problem is... I don't see how this is sustainable if Blum is hurting.

Newhan instead of Blum if he goes on the DL..  But what about Matsui?  Is this the solution up to  April 5th?

[MusicMan]

Yes - I still think they're trying to work a trade.  The problem is, the O's (not surprisingly) have gummed up the works by not moving Roberts.

[Bench]

Newhan instead of Blum if he goes on the DL..  But what about Matsui?  Is this the solution up to  April 5th?

Anyone know if Newhan has one of those minor league deals that allows an opt-out if he doesn't make the big club?

[Froback]

Yes - I still think they're trying to work a trade.  The problem is, the O's (not surprisingly) have gummed up the works by not moving Roberts.

But this is assuming that Loretta would then be an option to trade to the O's, right?  So then the Astros have to deal with them AGAIN, and that is often a huge PIA.

Also that would further deplete the 2B options while Matsui is out.

Shouldn't they be looking at trading Quintero for something?  Or is there still the big fear of "what if Towles flops?"

[pravata]

Yes - I still think they're trying to work a trade.  The problem is, the O's (not surprisingly) have gummed up the works by not moving Roberts.

Given Matsui's injuries, we haven't even begun to deal with his back, and Blum's heel, do you think the Astros are still trying to move Loretta for a minor league prospect?  I doubt they'll get anything more than that from the Orioles, or even less likely, the Dodgers.

[Mr. Happy]

Given Matsui's injuries, we haven't even begun to deal with his back, and Blum's heel, do you think the Astros are still trying to move Loretta for a minor league prospect?  I doubt they'll get anything more than that from the Orioles, or even less likely, the Dodgers.

I think that Loretta will be on the roster at least until the trading deadline.

[MusicMan]

The back was a known issue when they signed Matsui, and I don't think they would consider the fissure a long-term issue.

I don't think they ever expected Loretta to accept arb, and when he did, he became somewhat redundant to Blum.  I would not be surprised if they still try to move him, especially given Newhan's presence.

[pravata]

The back was a known issue when they signed Matsui, and I don't think they would consider the fissure a long-term issue.

I don't think they ever expected Loretta to accept arb, and when he did, he became somewhat redundant to Blum.  I would not be surprised if they still try to move him, especially given Newhan's presence.

Still doesn't solve "The April 5 Issue".

[Froback]

The back was a known issue when they signed Matsui, and I don't think they would consider the fissure a long-term issue.

I don't think they ever expected Loretta to accept arb, and when he did, he became somewhat redundant to Blum.  I would not be surprised if they still try to move him, especially given Newhan's presence.

I agree, Newhan makes that very do-able.  Any word on if Ransom made the Yankees?  That would also be a nice fallback.

[MusicMan]

Still doesn't solve "The April 5 Issue".

Agreed.  Personally, I think that carrying Towles, Q, and Ausmus is asinine, as none of them is capable of doing anything other than playing catcher.  I would move Q for what I can (even the equivalent of Tim REdding would seem attractive right now), but I'm far from in charge of this.

[chuck]

Agreed.  Personally, I think that carrying Towles, Q, and Ausmus is asinine, as none of them is capable of doing anything other than playing catcher.  I would move Q for what I can (even the equivalent of Tim REdding would seem attractive right now), but I'm far from in charge of this.

Ausmus and Q have played a fair bit of first this spring. I'm not sure they have played the position any worse than any of the other dozen first basemen real and potential that are on the team.

[Bench]

Ausmus and Q have played a fair bit of first this spring. I'm not sure they have played the position any worse than any of the other dozen first basemen real and potential that are on the team.

Ausmus played three innings at third last night.

"Brad Ausmus played third base for the last three innings of the Astros' game with the Tigers on Tuesday night, an appearance that was highlighted by a laser throw to first to retire Gary Sheffield in the seventh.
"I like it better when there aren't any balls hit to me," Ausmus quipped."

"Ausmus will be considered an emergency infielder this season, and the catcher has taken numerous grounders during batting practice this spring to prepare for duty."

"'I doubt he'll ever get to [play] shortstop, but I can see third base, second base, first base for sure," Cooper said. "Under the right circumstances. Or, I should say, dire circumstances. That's a better word.'"

[chuck]

Ausmus played three innings at third last night.

He had one high hopper hit to him that he fielded fine.

[Taras Bulba]

He had one high hopper hit to him that he fielded fine.

Chuck, your observations from the ST games are much appreciated.

[chuck]

Chuck, your observations from the ST games are much appreciated.

Happy to have the opportunity. We're at the end of the road, today, sadly. Last game at Kissimmee and it's back to Texas. See you kooks in a couple of days.

[Mr. Happy]

Chuck, your observations from the ST games are much appreciated.

I second that emotion.