More roster trimming

[Mr. Happy]

Seaton, Cisnero, Oberholzer and Cosart to OkC. The Nats optioned Anthony Rendon, who looked pretty damn good when I saw him, down today. That kid could be a really good hitter.

[MusicMan]

The Nats optioned Anthony Rendon, who looked pretty damn good when I saw him, down today. That kid could be a really good hitter.

The only questions about Rendon are (1) can he stay healthy? and (2) where does he play, since Zimmerman is entrenched at 3b?

[Bench]

The only questions about Rendon are (1) can he stay healthy? and (2) where does he play, since Zimmerman is entrenched at 3b?

It's pathetic that those stupid NL teams don't have a DH.  When are they going to catch up to the rest of the civilized world?

[subnuclear]

The only questions about Rendon are (1) can he stay healthy? and (2) where does he play, since Zimmerman is entrenched at 3b?

Zimmerman is injury prone as well, so that may make an opportunity. Possibilities like trading LaRoche or Desmond for pitching and to create infield space are talked about, but who knows.

[Fredia]

hope the names go on the back soon

[austro]

The only questions about Rendon are (1) can he stay healthy? and (2) where does he play, since Zimmerman is entrenched at 3b?

The can loan him to us, soccer-style.

[Uncle Charlie]

More cuts this morning....Robbie Grossman, Jimmy Paredes, Jonathan Villar, Paul Clemens, and Dallas Keuchel were optioned...Che-Hsuan Lin, Carlos Perez, C.J. Fick, Josh Zeid, Sergio Escalona were re-assigned to minor-league camp.

No big surprises.  I imagine well see Grossman soon.  Was also impressed by Clemens the little bit that I saw him.

[JimR]

ST intel: NYY is scouting Carter for a possible trade.

[Andyzipp]

ST intel: NYY is scouting Carter for a possible trade.

Uh-oh.  My son plays left field for the Yankees...

Nevermind.  It's only the Astros who are playing with 12u talent.

[JimR]

Uh-oh.  My son plays left field for the Yankees...

they want him for 1B.

[Andyzipp]

they want him for 1B.

Coach's kid plays first.  That's going to be a fun topic around the dinner table.

[Mr. Happy]

ST intel: NYY is scouting Carter for a possible trade.

Given that the Yankmees are being held together right now with bubble gum and bailing wire, nothing surprises me about that tidbit. Without Granderson, Teixeira, A-Rod and a 39 year old at SS, the club appears poised for an early exit from contention.

[MusicMan]

ST intel: NYY is scouting Carter for a possible trade.

Do they have anything to actually offer?

[Duman]

Do they have anything to actually offer?

They just need something more than 1/2 of Jed to flip him for more than they got him for.

[MusicMan]

They just need something more than 1/2 of Jed to flip him for more than they got him for.

Would they give up Austin or Heathcott for him?

[moriartp]

Would they give up Austin or Heathcott for him?

Doubt it. Hard to peg Carter's value, though.

[Mr. Happy]

The Nats released Chris Snyder today.

[moriartp]

The Nats released Chris Snyder today.

Angels scooped him up immediately after. The AL West just gets tougher and tougher.

[pots]

Doubt it. Hard to peg Carter's value, though.

26.  Club control through 2018.  Not even arb eligible till 2015.

In 260 PAs last year, he slugged 514 with a 350 OBP.  (Yes I'm ignoring the 83 Ks and his defensive shortcomings, but this is the AL)

Carter was the key to the Lowrie trade.  And probably a steal.  I don't think Luhnow would let him go cheap.  

Surprised they weren't scouting a more rent-a-player like Pena.

ETA.
I believe Pena would have to agree to the trade given he was just signed though

[Mr. Happy]

Angels scooped him up immediately after. The AL West just gets tougher and tougher.

Snyder takes his slow bat elsewhere. I'm not sure that he can even make that club.

[David in Jackson]

Saw Sunday's game against Toronto.  Carter hit two bombs, but just as impressively (given his defensive issues) made a couple of nice catches in left.

[Mr. Happy]

Saw Sunday's game against Toronto.  Carter hit two bombs, but just as impressively (given his defensive issues) made a couple of nice catches in left.

Ford and Sparks have both been complimentary of Carter's work ethic in the field and his improving footwork out there, which is a good sign.

[pots]

Had an interesting rough start to his major league career.  

After being touted as 78th overall prospect pre-2009 and then 28th overall pre-2010 (impressive for someone who can't field), he got called up in mid-August after strong season in AAA.  Went 0 for 19 with 9Ks and a BB.  Sent back down til Sept 14th.  Came back and continued his 0 for another 14 at bats before finally getting that elusive first hit.  Started 0 for 33, then actually finished quite strong going 13 for 37 with 3 HRs and 6 BBs for the remainder of the year.

[MusicMan]

Might we need more trimming?

Jayson Stark ‏@jaysonst 1m
Other clubs say #Astros still telling teams they'll listen on anyone if they get 2 or more players back. Lots of scouts eyeing Lucas Harrell

[Jacksonian]

Might we need more trimming?

I believe if Luhnow deals either Harrell or Norris, he will get back at least one high enough thought of prospect that you will know his name, in a good way.

[Reuben]

My probably-not-worth-typing internet-GM opinion:
I think Harrell is going to have an even better year than last. I would be sad to see him go. He's a great competitor, has filthy movement on his sinker, is still fairly young, and cheap. Why trade him now?

Norris, to me, ought to be used as closer to try to salvage some real value. I think he might excel there. Again, why trade him now?

[Ron Brand]

Why trade him now?

Depends on what you get back.

[jaklewein]

My probably-not-worth-typing internet-GM opinion:
I think Harrell is going to have an even better year than last. I would be sad to see him go. He's a great competitor, has filthy movement on his sinker, is still fairly young, and cheap. Why trade him now?

Norris, to me, ought to be used as closer to try to salvage some real value. I think he might excel there. Again, why trade him now?

Your argument above definitely holds water in terms of each player's value but if Luhnow can find a deal that he believes brings back more long term value then why not trade one or both of them?  The Coards have one of the best farm systems in baseball.  They might be willing to overpay.

[Reuben]

It just seems probable to me that neither player is near the apex of his trade value. Sure, if they could get back at least one big-time prospect (as Jacksonian implied), but I have a hard time seeing that happen at this point. To me it seems, based on the Stark quote above about "if they get 2 or more players back" that any trade made now would be more of a "building depth" trade. Frankly I would rather watch Harrell and Norris pitch for the Astros this year than have a couple more lottery-ticket C-level prospects in the system.

Trading Lowrie and even Wilton I understood. Though fairly young and coming off good-to-great years, both were injury risks and Luhnow got back MLB-ready talent with the upside to be better players than what he gave up. I think with Harrell and Norris it's a bit different situation.

[Ron Brand]

I suspect Harrell and Norris would bring back a decent return.

[Ron Brand]

Norris-Harrell-Humber are your 1-2-3 in the rotation, says Porter.

[Ron Brand]

Lyles and Ely sent down.

[roadrunner]

Harrell and Norris for Taveras.  Who says no???


I'm kidding, but I really would only target legit prospects at this point.  Maybe a strong A-ball type arm.

[MusicMan]

Harrell and Norris for Taveras.  Who says no???


I'm kidding, but I really would only target legit prospects at this point.  Maybe a strong A-ball type arm.

Norris for Shelby Miller.

[Jacksonian]

It just seems probable to me that neither player is near the apex of his trade value. Sure, if they could get back at least one big-time prospect (as Jacksonian implied), but I have a hard time seeing that happen at this point. To me it seems, based on the Stark quote above about "if they get 2 or more players back" that any trade made now would be more of a "building depth" trade. Frankly I would rather watch Harrell and Norris pitch for the Astros this year than have a couple more lottery-ticket C-level prospects in the system.

Trading Lowrie and even Wilton I understood. Though fairly young and coming off good-to-great years, both were injury risks and Luhnow got back MLB-ready talent with the upside to be better players than what he gave up. I think with Harrell and Norris it's a bit different situation.

I would argue Norris is an injury risk.

[Jacksonian]

Norris-Harrell-Humber are your 1-2-3 in the rotation, says Porter.

They're just waiting on Bedard to go 5 or more and not be hurt to name #4.

[jaklewein]

Trading Lowrie and even Wilton I understood......I think with Harrell and Norris it's a bit different situation.

Exactly.  I think Luhnow was actively "shopping" Lowrie and Wilton.  In the case of Harrell and Norris I think he's more or less just listening.  

BTW, how many more years of control do the Stros have on Norris?  I didn't think it was for much more than this season and maybe next season.

[Jacksonian]

It just seems probable to me that neither player is near the apex of his trade value. Sure, if they could get back at least one big-time prospect (as Jacksonian implied), but I have a hard time seeing that happen at this point. To me it seems, based on the Stark quote above about "if they get 2 or more players back" that any trade made now would be more of a "building depth" trade. Frankly I would rather watch Harrell and Norris pitch for the Astros this year than have a couple more lottery-ticket C-level prospects in the system.

Something tells me Luhnow thinks he's got the depth he was looking for.  The log jam of pitchers at AA and AAA is evidence.  That doesn't mean he wouldn't like more position players for depth, I think he would, but I'd bet he's done dealing just for depth.  If he's going to deal it'll be for a need.  Meaning either a top shelf prospect or a major leaguer to fill a role.

[astrosfan76]

Something tells me Luhnow thinks he's got the depth he was looking for.  The log jam of pitchers at AA and AAA is evidence.  That doesn't mean he wouldn't like more position players for depth, I think he would, but I'd bet he's done dealing just for depth.  If he's going to deal it'll be for a need.  Meaning either a top shelf prospect or a major leaguer to fill a role.

Right.  If there is a trade, I'd imagine there will be more than one player coming back, but there will be a clear "guy" that we get in return.  How often do you see an established MLB player with decent value go for just one prospect?  There's almost always another piece, even if it's a minor piece or PTBNL.

[roadrunner]

Norris for Shelby Miller.

This is a joke, right?

[MusicMan]

This is a joke, right?

Yes.  But maybe Carlos Martinez?

[cougar]

Man, this is depressing.  Per Brian Smith's twitter:

#Astros' Bo Porter expanded on Nate Freiman's reaction. Said Freiman sadly looked at him, then asked, "You mean I'm not an Astro anymore?"

I know it's part of the sport, but it must suck bringing some guy who's busting his ass every day and really wants to be part of the team into your office and telling him he's being released.  Must feel like kicking a puppy or something.

[Mr. Happy]

Man, this is depressing.  Per Brian Smith's twitter:

#Astros' Bo Porter expanded on Nate Freiman's reaction. Said Freiman sadly looked at him, then asked, "You mean I'm not an Astro anymore?"

I know it's part of the sport, but it must suck bringing some guy who's busting his ass every day and really wants to be part of the team into your office and telling him he's being released.  Must feel like kicking a puppy or something.

Part of the game. He's probably on an airplane to the A's training camp in the Cactus League and has already forgotten about the Astros until the first time he faces us this season.

[Ron Brand]

Astros working on signing Ronny Cedeno now.

[Mr. Happy]

Astros working on signing Ronny Cedeno now.

I think that is bad news for one Tyler Greene, who has stunk on ice during ST.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Astros working on signing Ronny Cedeno now.

Oh my, after that announcement, I'll have to get my season tickets quick, before they're all gone. Everything, every move, it all makes sense now.

[Reuben]

I think that is bad news for one Tyler Greene, who has stunk on ice during ST.

Platoon with Marwin perhaps? Cedeno, for his career, hasn't hit any better vs. LHP than RHP... but as long as he's not a butcher out there like Greene, seems like a solid move to me. And Marwin actually hit pretty well against righties last year, .276/.325/.388.

[NeilT]

Cedeno is signed, Greene is gone, and that really fouls up my fantasy roster.  He was key to my 2013 campaign.

http://houston.astros.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130324&content_id=43215352&vkey=news_hou&c_id=hou

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Cedeno is signed, Greene is gone, and that really fouls up my fantasy roster.  He was key to my 2013 campaign.

http://houston.astros.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130324&content_id=43215352&vkey=news_hou&c_id=hou

Quit being so selfish and think about how much more competitive the Astros are now.

[Ron Brand]

Cedeno is signed, Greene is gone, and that really fouls up my fantasy roster.  He was key to my 2013 campaign.

http://houston.astros.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130324&content_id=43215352&vkey=news_hou&c_id=hou

While I'm rereading this stellar post, you've got time to grab Ronny Cedeno as his replacement.

[Ron Brand]

And now we know how long Luhnow will stay with an infatuation in the face of poor performance.

What a cold, calculating, mirthless bunch this is.

[Ebby Calvin]

JD was sent down, too.  I guess that was expected?

[Mr. Happy]

JD was sent down, too.  I guess that was expected?

I think that Ankiel is your RF and Carter is your LF, and they wanted JD to get everyday ABs.

[Ron Brand]

I think that Ankiel is your RF and Carter is your LF, and they wanted JD to get everyday ABs.

Gotta be the case. I think FeMart is being challenged too - they might be exploring a package with him and Greene for a coupla bags of bats or cases of pine tar. Barnes has all but made the team.

[Mr. Happy]

Gotta be the case. I think FeMart is being challenged too - they might be exploring a package with him and Greene for a coupla bags of bats or cases of pine tar. Barnes has all but made the team.

Agreed. FeMart's injury hurt his chances of sticking, but Ankiel simply played his way onto the club. Plus, Ankiel can play CF if something happens to Maxwell.

[Ron Brand]

When I was a kid, I somehow got a used Strat-O-Matic set. It had the 1965 and 1966 seasons, and I played it a lot, full seasons and different configurations. This team reminds me so much of an expansion club, except it has a better farm system in place.

[Reuben]

Wow. Such good news about Greene.

Outfield:
Carter LF
Maxwell CF
Ankiel RF
Barnes platoon w Ankiel?
seems like either FeMart or Crowe is the 5th OF.

[NeilT]

Wow. Such good news about Greene.

Outfield:
Carter LF
Maxwell CF
Ankiel RF
Barnes platoon w Ankiel?
seems like either FeMart or Crowe is the 5th OF.

Ankiel's still not on the roster, so keeping Ankiel has a cost.  Barnes has had a good spring.

[Duman]

I think that Ankiel is your RF and Carter is your LF, and they wanted JD to get everyday ABs.

Saw JD take BP at spring training.  He didn't look right.  I think he is still recovering from Hamate surgery.  Time at AAA will do him good. 

[Duman]

Barnes will get plenty of time as a defensive replacement for Carter in LF.

[Mr. Happy]

Saw JD take BP at spring training.  He didn't look right.  I think he is still recovering from Hamate surgery.  Time at AAA will do him good. 

The fact that, other than a few weeks last season, JD skipped AAA is probably another reason why he was sent down, since they want him to get ABs everyday.

[VirtualBob]

When I was a kid, I somehow got a used Strat-O-Matic set. It had the 1965 and 1966 seasons, and I played it a lot, full seasons and different configurations. This team reminds me so much of an expansion club, except it has a better farm system in place.

My addiction was APBA ... same vintage teams though (I had full sets from about 61 or  62 onwards).  But I agree with your assessment.

[VirtualBob]

Barnes will get plenty of time as a defensive replacement for Carter in LF.

What?  In all the games where the 'stros are blowing out the opposition late?

[geezerdonk]

I figured Maxwell had played his way out of the lineup.

[Reuben]

I figured Maxwell had played his way out of the lineup.

I've heard the radio guys saying he's looked better at the plate lately. Plus, I think his 2012 was good enough to guarantee him a spot. Whether he's still the starting CF by the end of the year is another matter.

[Mr. Happy]

I've heard the radio guys saying he's looked better at the plate lately. Plus, I think his 2012 was good enough to guarantee him a spot. Whether he's still the starting CF by the end of the yearmonth is another matter.

FIFY

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

I've heard the radio guys saying he's looked better at the plate lately. Plus, I think his 2012 was good enough to guarantee him a spot. Whether he's still the starting CF by the end of the year is another matter.

Not that this has mattered to Luhnow and Co (rightly), but Maxwell is on the billboards and stadium banners right now, along with Altuve and Castro.  I doubt he's starting the year anywhere but CF.

[Fredia]

have they been talking to the austin city council about recycling

[Bench]

According to B-McT Peacock and Barnes make the big club, Laird to AAA.

[Ron Brand]

According to B-McT Peacock and Barnes make the big club, Laird to AAA.

I'm really surprised they held on to FeMart.

[Señor Stan]

I've heard the radio guys saying he's looked better at the plate lately. Plus, I think his 2012 was good enough to guarantee him a spot. Whether he's still the starting CF by the end of the year is another matter.

They have the sunk costs of the Maxwell billboards around town and on MMPUS.  No way they are buying new ones.

[Mr. Happy]

I'm really surprised they held on to FeMart.

Me too, a little bit.

[juliogotay]

I'm really surprised they held on to FeMart.

Because of the PED issue? He's shown he can hit a little and is having a good Spring.

[JackAstro]

You know, apart from the fact that he can't hit or play shortstop, the Cedeno signing is a really good one.

[Ron Brand]

Because of the PED issue? He's shown he can hit a little and is having a good Spring.

He's hitting ok, but he's not nearly as versatile in the field as those others, who are hitting about as well. Porter's been upfront about his desire to plug-and-play this season, and FeMart doesn't seem to fit that.

[Ron Brand]

You know, apart from the fact that he can't hit or play shortstop, the Cedeno signing is a really good one.

Oh bull. He can kick around the ones he gets to just as well as anyone else.

[Mr. Happy]

You know, apart from the fact that he can't hit or play shortstop, the Cedeno signing is a really good one.

You preferred Greene? It's all relative, as we're only given the Hobson's choice of two Jake rejects.

[Mr. Happy]

According to B-McT Peacock and Barnes make the big club, Laird to AAA.

Does this mean that Crowe made the club, if the article is correct and they wanted to keep five outfielders (FeMart, Ankiel, Maxwell, Carter and Crowe?)?

[roadrunner]

Does this mean that Crowe made the club, if the article is correct and they wanted to keep five outfielders (FeMart, Ankiel, Maxwell, Carter and Crowe?)?

Barnes not Crowe

[Mr. Happy]

Barnes not Crowe

Thanks. I didn't see any way to keep Crowe. I must admit that I was a little puzzled why they kept Barnes to be a backup. However, there's a jogjam of outfielders at AAA, and he'll see some action as a late inning defensive replacement.

[Reuben]

Thanks. I didn't see any way to keep Crowe. I must admit that I was a little puzzled why they kept Barnes to be a backup. However, there's a jogjam of outfielders at AAA, and he'll see some action as a late inning defensive replacement.

Sounds like Crowe could still make it over FeMart. Barnes I expect to play a lot vs LHP, as Ankiel cannot hit them. Maybe Maxwell slides over to right with Barnes in center.

[Uncle Charlie]

With Ankiel and Bedard left to be added and only Tyler Greene identified to be cut, who else loses their spot on the 40-man?  The Edgar Gonzalez/Josh Fields bit will work itself out.

[Duman]

I think they want JD Martinez getting regular at bats in AAA as he continues to work his way back from hamate surgery.  It can take up to a year for power to return after that surgery.

If he does well at AAA and shows he is ready, F Mart will be the one to go.  Barnes flexibility with being able to play all 3 OF positions and being able to run well makes him the best bench option. 

BTW did anyone else here Luhnow during the game yesterday say he had heard scouts compare Barnes' defense to Bourn???  I know he is good in the field but I didn't expect that comparison.

[Andyzipp]

I think they want JD Martinez getting regular at bats in AAA as he continues to work his way back from hamate surgery.  It can take up to a year for power to return after that surgery.

If he does well at AAA and shows he is ready, F Mart will be the one to go.  Barnes flexibility with being able to play all 3 OF positions and being able to run well makes him the best bench option. 

BTW did anyone else here Luhnow during the game yesterday say he had heard scouts compare Barnes' defense to Bourn???  I know he is good in the field but I didn't expect that comparison.

I can compare Rachel Maddow to Nigella Lawson.  It's not necessarily going to be a favorable comparison.

[MusicMan]

With Ankiel and Bedard left to be added and only Tyler Greene identified to be cut, who else loses their spot on the 40-man?  The Edgar Gonzalez/Josh Fields bit will work itself out.

Greene has been officially released.

[jbm]

The Bourn comp is a bit much, IMO, but Luhnow is known to exaggerate.  Barnes might get better jumps than Bourn, but Bourn will still end up covering more ground. 

[Mr. Happy]

Greene has been officially released.

We couldn't even garner a couple of ballbags or bat racks. Shitfick.

[MusicMan]

We couldn't even garner a couple of ballbags or bat racks. Shitfick.

Didn't we get him for cash?  Big fucking deal.

[HudsonHawk]

Didn't we get him for cash?  Big fucking deal.

But that's cash that could have been spent on a bat rack and laundry detergent for the clubhouse.

[astrosfan76]

The Bourn comp is a bit much, IMO, but Luhnow is known to exaggerate.  Barnes might get better jumps than Bourn, but Bourn will still end up covering more ground. 

Erstad might be a fairer comp.

[JackAstro]

You preferred Greene? It's all relative, as we're only given the Hobson's choice of two Jake rejects.

Yeah, that's all I was getting at – the complete lack of viable options, either offensively or defensively, is a bit of a bummer. I'd kind of prefer to just stick with Marwin, but it really makes little to no difference.

[Mr. Happy]

Yankmees claim Sam Demel off of waivers.

[astrosfan76]

Edgar to AAA, White to pen, Peacock named #4 starter. Thought they would have waited until the weekend, but I guess Edgar made their decision a little easier last night.

[jbm]

Who is the fifth starter?

[jbm]

nevermind, saw on AC that it is Bedard.

Also saw the bullpen.  It will be interesting to see the job Brocail and Porter do with this cast (pen and starters).  I can see servicable.  I can see horrible.

[Mr. Happy]

Edgar to AAA, White to pen, Peacock named #4 starter. Thought they would have waited until the weekend, but I guess Edgar made their decision a little easier last night.

It was a Hobson's choice between White and Gonzalez based upon ST performance. I wouldn't be surprised to see the Astros pick up some other team's rejects in the next few days to fill this slot.

[Bench]

It was a Hobson's choice between White and Gonzalez based upon ST performance. I wouldn't be surprised to see the Astros pick up some other team's rejects in the next few days to fill this slot.

Seems more of the opposite of a Sophie's choice.

[Reuben]

It was a Hobson's choice between White and Gonzalez based upon ST performance. I wouldn't be surprised to see the Astros pick up some other team's rejects in the next few days to fill this slot.

I think they want to see what White can do - they obviously like him, since they gave up Wilton to get him. Sort of surprising that they didn't send him to OKC to get regular starter's innings, but in any case, I imagine he'll end up in the Astros' rotation before too long.

[Jacksonian]

I think they want to see what White can do - they obviously like him, since they gave up Wilton to get him. Sort of surprising that they didn't send him to OKC to get regular starter's innings, but in any case, I imagine he'll end up in the Astros' rotation before too long.

From McTaggert's blog: “He did a tremendous job,” Porter said. “I talked to him and White and told them I thought we deserved to have six starters make the rotation, and I’m a big believer in carrying a long guy for the flexibility of saving your bullpen. I told White, ‘You’re going to get your innings.’ It’s a competition that’s not just going to stop at the end of Spring Training. It will continue through the course of the season.”

[Mr. Happy]

From McTaggert's blog: “He did a tremendous job,” Porter said. “I talked to him and White and told them I thought we deserved to have six starters make the rotation, and I’m a big believer in carrying a long guy for the flexibility of saving your bullpen. I told White, ‘You’re going to get your innings.’ It’s a competition that’s not just going to stop at the end of Spring Training. It will continue through the course of the season.”

I have real trouble squaring that opinion with the facts. White surrendered 33 hits in 19 2/3 innings. That's an awful lot.

[jbm]

I doubt that is really his opinion, he is just boosting the guy's confidence. 

[Reuben]

I have real trouble squaring that opinion with the facts. White surrendered 33 hits in 19 2/3 innings. That's an awful lot.

In Spring Training. Anyway, I thought you said that his stuff was good?

[Mr. Happy]

In Spring Training. Anyway, I thought you said that his stuff was good?

I did. Some pitchers have good stuff but catch too much of the plate, which is the case with White. Sometimes that can be fixed, but sometimes not.

[JackAstro]

Seems more of the opposite of a Sophie's choice.

"Sure, fuck it, I don't care. That one, the other one... whatever."

[MusicMan]

"Sure, fuck it, I don't care. That one, the other one... whatever."

Merryl Streep could have sold that line.

[Ron Brand]

White to the 60-day for a sprained elbow. Gonzalez up.

[Mr. Happy]

White to the 60-day for a sprained elbow. Gonzalez up.

That tells me that the kid was hiding the injury trying to make the team. The 60 day is for a more serious injury. Gonzalez was notalready on the 40 man, so they used the 60 day DL to clear a spot.

[Mr. Happy]

Congratulations to former Astros J.B. Shuck (Angels), Steve Pearce (Orioles) and Cody Ransom (Padres), who made Opening Day rosters!

[juliogotay]

Congratulations to former Astros J.B. Shuck (Angels), Steve Pearce (Orioles) and Cody Ransom (Padres), who made Opening Day rosters!

I've always liked Shuck as a player.

[Mr. Happy]

And Q made the Phillies roster, presumably at least until their naughty catcher returns from his 50-game timeout.

[das]

It was a Hobson's choice between White and Gonzalez based upon ST performance. I wouldn't be surprised to see the Astros pick up some other team's rejects in the next few days to fill this slot.

I had to read up on this thread just to see who I was watching last night.  Thanks to all who had input.

Re: Hobson's Choice, these choices at the end of ST were really a classic dilemma, or maybe a Morton's Fork, not a Hobson's Choice which is a take it or leave it choice.  This will be may last inane inanity of the day.  I promise.

[Mr. Happy]

And Q made the Phillies roster, presumably at least until their naughty catcher returns from his 50-game timeout.

Nate Freiman made the A's opening day roster, but it might be short-lived when their new SS comes off of the DL.

[juliogotay]

Nate Freiman made the A's opening day roster, but it might be short-lived when their new SS comes off of the DL.

Is their new SS Lowrie and is he already on the DL?

[Mr. Happy]

Is their new SS Lowrie and is he already on the DL?

No. He's manning the hot corner. Hiro Makajima is slated to play SS. If that guy doesn't hit, then Lowrie might switch back to SS.