Nothing wrong with the pitch, Jordan is just good. Velo was fine, lots of spin, top of the zone.EastCoastAgNc said:Cristian Javier averaged 93.7 mph and hit 95 mph on his fastball in his GL start against the Cardinals today. His fastball averaged 92.7 mph last season. Javier struck out six in three innings. He also allowed home runs to Matt Carpenter and Jordan Walker, both on fastballs.
— Matt Kawahara (@matthewkawahara) March 7, 2024
1. France should be ready for opening dayQuote:
France faced hitters for the first time on Wednesday morning and, presuming he doesn't have any setbacks, should be able to build up normally in Grapefruit League games. His starting experience last season may give him a leg up on Blanco for the fifth starter spot
...
If both Blanco and Brandon Bielak make the roster and it currently looks like they will there would be enough long-relief coverage in the bullpen to slot Blanco as a traditional sixth starter and combat the early-season grind.
JV expected back in less than 1 month into the season.Quote:
First, Alex, there seemed to be some confusion on social media about Verlander's 2025 option, so let's clarify that. His contract contains a vesting option, which means Verlander must throw 140 innings in 2024 to trigger it. If he doesn't reach 140 innings, he'll be a free agent.
Verlander beginning the season on the injured list does not at all ensure he'll miss the innings threshold. Last year, after spending the first month of the season on the injured list, Verlander made his regular-season debut on May 4 and still managed to throw 162 1/3 frames.
Astros officials are optimistic Verlander could miss even less time this season, so reaching 140 innings remains very attainable. If Verlander does it, Houston is on the hook for $17.5 million of his $35 million salary in 2025. The Mets will cover the other half.
No mention of Loperfido.Quote:
The two bench players Houston will turn to most are better than most across baseball. Mauricio Dubn is a reigning Gold Glover coming off the best offensive season of his career and can cover three of the game's most important positions: shortstop, second base and center field.
Victor Caratini represents an offensive upgrade over Martn Maldonado while also providing a smidge of defensive versatility at first base.
Jon Singleton, Grae Kessinger, Corey Julks, Trey Cabbage and David Hensley are in competition for the final two spots. Singleton hits left-handed and is out of minor-league options, perhaps giving him a slight advantage over the others.
Joe Espada discusses Javier’s outing, Hader/Pressly, lineup construction and the long bus ride to Clearwater tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/Nl5sSGw3TC
— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) March 7, 2024
.@astros Top 5⃣ rated players!https://t.co/vGJG5kjolU#MLBTheShow pic.twitter.com/l5gHBQUE4K
— MLB The Show (@MLBTheShow) March 7, 2024
The Athletic projects a Kyle Tucker extension to cost the Astros eight years, $204m.
— Jeremy Branham (@JeremyBranham) March 7, 2024
Are you doing it?https://t.co/wfLJ4edGWW pic.twitter.com/roBH1s3ocG
Prominent MLB team physician sounds alarm on pitching injuries. With @enosarris: https://t.co/Sspf6OPJJ1
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) March 8, 2024
Astros in Clearwater today vs. Phillies: pic.twitter.com/Qpih9fz41B
— Matt Kawahara (@matthewkawahara) March 8, 2024
Interesting article, but this is the most relevant part:EastCoastAgNc said:Prominent MLB team physician sounds alarm on pitching injuries. With @enosarris: https://t.co/Sspf6OPJJ1
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) March 8, 2024
Quote:
Many pitchers, viewing injuries as almost an occupational hazard, barely seem to care. Advances in "stuff" research, which attempts to value movement and velocity separate from results, show that harder breaking balls are better breaking balls, almost across the board. In addition, oft-injured pitchers often sign big contracts based on the quality of the stuff, not their durability. So, who is going to tell a pitcher not to be like deGrom? Who is going to advise one to avoid throwing a slider like Justin Verlander's low-90s breaking ball?
OKCAg2002 said:
Is Dusty still managing? What in the Sugarland kind of lineup is that?
Dusty Baker stopped by Astros camp today. All the regular position players gathered around to say hello on their way out to stretch.
— Matt Kawahara (@matthewkawahara) March 8, 2024
Justin Verlander back on the mound this morning pic.twitter.com/g5wH519g6v
— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) March 8, 2024
Dusty Baker catching up with Justin Verlander, who just threw a bullpen. pic.twitter.com/6kaXhBxwZB
— Matt Kawahara (@matthewkawahara) March 8, 2024
Marvin said:
Mrs. Marvin and I are on a plane for Clearwater, then onto West Palm for the weekend. Ready for some warm temps and baseball.
Let me know if anyone else will be there. I think Brexit is there Sunday, right? Let's meet up!
Quote:
We leave Monday- flying into Ft. Lauderdale.
We'll go to Jupiter to see them vs. the Marlins on Tuesday, then at the Mets in Port St. Lucie on Wednesday, and in West Palm on Thursday & Friday. Weather permitting, we're going fishing on Saturday, home on Sunday.
RHP Ryne Stanek has reportedly agreed to a contract with the Seattle Mariners. pic.twitter.com/CPygv2Ym1r
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) March 8, 2024
Farmer1906 said:RHP Ryne Stanek has reportedly agreed to a contract with the Seattle Mariners. pic.twitter.com/CPygv2Ym1r
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) March 8, 2024
As a team, my takeaway would be the opposite. Time to stop spending on free agent pitching and load up the farm on young guys you can teach to throw those pitches. More money for TedRed Five said:Interesting article, but this is the most relevant part:EastCoastAgNc said:Prominent MLB team physician sounds alarm on pitching injuries. With @enosarris: https://t.co/Sspf6OPJJ1
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) March 8, 2024Quote:
Many pitchers, viewing injuries as almost an occupational hazard, barely seem to care. Advances in "stuff" research, which attempts to value movement and velocity separate from results, show that harder breaking balls are better breaking balls, almost across the board. In addition, oft-injured pitchers often sign big contracts based on the quality of the stuff, not their durability. So, who is going to tell a pitcher not to be like deGrom? Who is going to advise one to avoid throwing a slider like Justin Verlander's low-90s breaking ball?
There's no doubt that analytics has driven pitchers to throw harder and with more spin than in the past and it's absolutely detrimental to their bodies. They also just don't care, because they are getting huge paychecks out of it.
Red Five said:
Good for Stanek, he'll have an opportunity to help them win 54% of their games.
Former Astros manager Dusty Baker catches with up his former players. Baker’s son, Darren, is in camp with the Nats, who share their spring site with the Astros. pic.twitter.com/N8xR2jo1iB
— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) March 8, 2024
Verlander said he ramped up the intensity, threw 60-ish pitches and was throwing in the low 90s. https://t.co/Aw31u3lAaX
— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) March 8, 2024
I don't think it's out of line to say that with his age you have to manage JV pretty closely from a workload perspective. He's still going to be an innings-eater and potential to be dominant but not like he was 5 years ago. Which makes the fact the Mets are paying the bulk of his salary a good thing.EastCoastAgNc said:Verlander said he ramped up the intensity, threw 60-ish pitches and was throwing in the low 90s. https://t.co/Aw31u3lAaX
— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) March 8, 2024
.1B Joey Votto agrees to non-roster deal with the Blue Jays, per multiple reports including https://t.co/Z3s2EpgF39's @Feinsand. pic.twitter.com/XkIqBODIiy
— MLB (@MLB) March 8, 2024
