12:19 AM EDT, Tue March 19, 2024
The Crawfish Boxes 7 hours ago
Astros Spring Training Week in Review.

Astros Spring Training Week in Review.

Houston Astros outfielder Joey Loperfido (83) hits a single against the St. Louis Cardinals | Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports How are things shaping up? The Astros’ record is 10-13 going into the second of Monday’s Spring Training games. They were 2-6 for the week, but the situation isn’t as bleak as that sounds. First, the really bad news. Yet another pitcher is down. Jose Urquidy is out indefinitely with a forearm strain. That means, among potential Astros starters, Justin Verlander, Lance McCullers Jr., Luis Garcia, and now Urquidy will not be pitching when the...
The Crawfish Boxes 8 hours ago
A Time To Lament?

A Time To Lament?

Photo by Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Pitching depth was tested last season and it appears 2024 will feature more of the same, at least to start the new campaign. Remember when Dusty Baker lamented the lack of starting depth last season? Yeah, I think he would lament this year’s development, too. I certainly do. With José Urquidy now out for an indefinite amount of time, the Astros are already pushing against the precipice of last season’s conundrum: A lack of depth in starting pitchers. To be clear, it is possible to envision a situation when Dana Brown and Joe...
The Crawfish Boxes 11 hours ago
Spring Training Game(s) Thread. March 18, 2024. 12:05 CT, 5:05 CT

Spring Training Game(s) Thread. March 18, 2024. 12:05 CT, 5:05 CT

Photo by Scott Audette/MLB Photos via Two games today, Astros @ Miami at 12:05 and Nationals @ Astros at 5:05 (Televised). Here is the lineup for game one: Game 2 Astros lineup. (tentative)
Lone Star Ball 13 hours ago
Astros Urquidy to start the year on the injured list

Astros Urquidy to start the year on the injured list

Photo by Brennan Asplen/ Jose Urquidy of the Houston Astros will be on the injured list to start the year due to a forearm strain Houston Astros starting pitcher Jose Urquidy will start the season on the injured list due to a forearm strain, per Astros manager Joe Espada (via Astros beat writer Chandler Rome). Rome goes on to say that when Espada was asked about Urquidy’s UCL, “Espada said the only information he has is that it’s a forearm strain.” Urquidy left his last start due to elbow soreness, resulting in him undergoing an MRI. A forearm strain is...
The Crawfish Boxes 17 hours ago
Astros Crawfish Boil: March 18, 2024

Astros Crawfish Boil: March 18, 2024

Spencer Arrighetti | Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Spencer Arrighetti looked pretty good on Sunday. Houston Astros News Injuries & Moves: Urquidy (elbow) undergoes MRI in Houston This Astros prospect a wiz in kitchen ... and on diamond Astros 2024: This ain’t easy (chipalatta) Arrighetti shows off MLB-ready toolbox in Spring Breakout MLB Rumors: Astros ‘Balked’ at Blake Snell’s 2-Year, $60M Contract Asking Price (BR) Astros’ Framber Valdez has 200-inning goal this season (Houston Chronicle) AL West News A’s — Davis calls Giants release...
The Crawfish Boxes Mar 16, 2024
The Houston Astros Should Do Everything They Can to Sign Blake Snell — Here’s Why

The Houston Astros Should Do Everything They Can to Sign Blake Snell — Here’s Why

Blake Snell | Photo by Carmen Mandato/ What could Houston’s pitching staff look like with Blake Snell in the rotation? Long gone are the days when the Hot Stove was all we had to talk about. I know it’s only been about three weeks since the Spring Training Games commenced, but baseball never lasts long enough. Anyway, with all the fake games to watch, the Hot Stove is relegated to a warming plate. Still, things can cook very well on one. That’s where Blake Snell and the Houston Astros come in. Houston’s rotation, as currently constructed (in order, including...
The Crawfish Boxes Mar 15, 2024
Spring Training Game Thread. March 15, 2024. 5:05 Ct Astros @ Phillies

Spring Training Game Thread. March 15, 2024. 5:05 Ct Astros @ Phillies

Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports Ronel Blanco goes for the Stros yet again this Spring hoping to keep his scoreless inning streak going and solidify his spot on the OD roster. The Astros lost to the Nats yesterday 5-3, the most significant development being the continued struggles of Brandon Beilak, who, without any more options, is in make-or-break status with the Stros this year. He gave up three runs in three innings and has a 7.36 ERA this Spring. Brain McTaggart reported that Jose Urquidy left a practice game with elbow issues. Here is the lineup and...
The Crawfish Boxes Mar 15, 2024
Astros Crawfish Boil: March 15, 2024

Astros Crawfish Boil: March 15, 2024

Grae Kessinger | Photo by Rich Storry/ Everybody’s workin’ for the weekend It’s Friday, do you know where your Astros are? Houston Astros News McCormick riding hot streak after early adjustments FAQ: Astros-Cardinals Spring Breakout (Sun., 9 a.m. CT) Injuries & Moves: Coleman optioned to Triple-A Astros still searching for bridge to high-leverage relievers after optioning Dylan Coleman (The Athletic) Astros 2024: What is more likely? (Chipalatta) - It’s always fun to play “What If?” It’s the game so nice that I posted it twice. MLB commentators in...
The Crawfish Boxes Mar 14, 2024
Spring Training Game Thread. March 14, 2024, 5:05 CT. Astros @ Nationals

Spring Training Game Thread. March 14, 2024, 5:05 CT. Astros @ Nationals

Houston Astros pitcher Luis Contreras (72) delivers a pitch during spring training at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches. | Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports Luis Contreras (Yes, he has pitched in the major leagues) goes for the Astros today. The Astros lost to the Mets 6-5 yesterday, but there was plenty of good news. First, Cristian Javier pitched four scoreless innings with four Ks and no walks. If he’s back to 2022 Javier, the Astros are probably on track for an improved record over 2023 in 2024. Jake Meyers was 2-3 and brought his Spring BA to .350. With Meyers, Mauricio...
The Crawfish Boxes Mar 14, 2024
Astros Crawfish Boil: March 14, 2024

Astros Crawfish Boil: March 14, 2024

Yordan Alvarez | Photo by Rich Storry/ Welcome to the Thursday Boil! Houston Astros News Starting job secured, Meyers ‘in a really good place’ Cristian Javier strikes out four batters in 4 innings Houston Astros’ best-case and worst-case scenarios for 2024 (Call to the Pen) ESPN’s new MLB Top 100: Astros, Braves, Dodgers lead the way (YB) Astros 2024: What is more likely? (Chipalatta) AL West News A’s — Stripling has a stinker, Muncy homers (Athletics Nation) M’s — Stanek guaranteed $4M by Mariners, can earn $2M in performance bonuses (Herald &...
The Crawfish Boxes Mar 13, 2024
Spring Training Game Thread. March 13, 2024, 5:05 CT. Astros @ Mets

Spring Training Game Thread. March 13, 2024, 5:05 CT. Astros @ Mets

Photo by Rich Storry/ Cristian Javier against an old Astros nemesis, Luis Severino Yesterday’s 9-1 win over the Marlins had several storylines beyond the score. Hunter Brown went 3.2 innings surrendering only one run, although the five hits allowed are less assuring. Eight hits were shared by ostensible starters Jose Altuve, Yordan Alvarez, Alex Bregman, Chas McCormick, and Jeremy Pena. Mauricio Dubon remains red-hot with two doubles. His Spring OPS is 1.389. Backup? Parker Mushinski continues to make his case for the final spot in the bullpen with another scoreless...
The Crawfish Boxes Mar 13, 2024
Astros Crawfish Boil: March 13, 2024

Astros Crawfish Boil: March 13, 2024

Jose Altuve | Photo by Megan Briggs/ Welcome to the Humpday Boil. Houston Astros News Healthy and signed, Altuve ready for big ‘24 Hunter Brown, Joe Espada on start vs. Marlins Astros’ Hunter Brown: Starting pitcher working for better 2024 ending (Houston Chronicle) Houston Astros: Luis Contreras revives dream, vies for pen spot (Houston Chronicle) AL West News A’s — Distressed Oakland A’s fans share “Last Dive Bar” Coliseum memories ahead of possible final Opening Day (CBS) Blarts — Rosenthal: What I’m hearing about trade talks for White Sox pitcher...
The Crawfish Boxes Mar 12, 2024
Spring Training Game Thread. March 12, 2024, 12:05 CT. Astros @ Marlins

Spring Training Game Thread. March 12, 2024, 12:05 CT. Astros @ Marlins

Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports Hunter Brown gets the start today The Astros lost 5 - 3 yesterday to Detroit, but from a Spring Training perspective, it was a win. Framber Valdez looked like ace Framber yesterday after a shaky Spring start. He allowed one run in four innings with four Ks and no walks. He effectively showcased his new pitch, the change-up, which will give major league batters just one more thing to guess at defending against Framber’s already formidable arsenal of pitches. The Tigers won by scoring four runs off Misael Tamarez in the eighth inning. Tamarez...
The Crawfish Boxes Mar 12, 2024
Astros Crawfish Boil: March 12, 2024

Astros Crawfish Boil: March 12, 2024

Framber Valdez | Photo by Megan Briggs/ Welcome to the Tuesday Boil. Houston Astros News Valdez ‘in the zone’ in rebound start vs. Tigers Injuries & Moves: Verlander, Abreu progressing FAQ: Astros-Cardinals Spring Breakout (Sun., 9 a.m. CT) Astros GM hints team could make trade before Opening Day (CTH) Astros’ Framber Valdez: Pitcher gives back control of PitchCom (Houston Chronicle) AL West News A’s — A’s fans in Las Vegas are happy about team’s potential relocation (NBC Sports) M’s — Seattle Mariners Notebook: Good developments with Gilbert, Urías...
The Crawfish Boxes Mar 11, 2024
Spring Training Game Thread. March 11, 2024, 12:05 CT. Astros @ Tigers

Spring Training Game Thread. March 11, 2024, 12:05 CT. Astros @ Tigers

Photo by Megan Briggs/ Framber Valdez gets his second Spring start A plausible regular season lineup today, with likely OD starter Framber Valdez hoping to redeem himself after a terrible first start of the Spring.

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