The Houston Astros, based in Houston, Texas, participate in Major League Baseball (MLB) and are a member of the National League Central Division. The Astros were founded as the Houston Colt .45's in 1962.
KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Mike Hampton has been in baseball long enough to know not to put too much stock into Spring Training games. But at the same time, because of what he's gone through the past several years, any time he gets on the mound bears some significance. Hampton will open the Grapefruit League season [...]
KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Brad James has had a tough time this spring, whether he's throwing a bullpen session, live batting practice or in an intrasquad game. "This is called sort of having the yips," James said after his one-inning stint during Tuesday's intrasquad game between the Astros and, of course, the Astros. James hit catcher [...]
KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Nine days into Spring Training, the Astros can still consider themselves relatively lucky in the injury department. But the club has experienced a few problems — a rapidly-spreading flu bug and a minor setback for one veteran outfielder. X-rays revealed Darin Erstad has a small fracture under his right eye, which he [...]
KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Soon after he signed his most recent contract a few years ago, Lance Berkman implied he might call it a career when that deal expired. But Berkman, now a bit older (33) and apparently a bit wiser, has changed his tune. His contract runs through 2010 with a club option for '11, [...]
KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Chris Sampson threw 30 pitches, all fastballs, during his first bullpen session of the spring on Monday afternoon. It was "a step in the right direction on the first day," according to Sampson. "No pain, which is the main key," Sampson said. "First time on the mound, you can't expect to have [...]
KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Players who received non-roster invitations to Spring Training are sort of like the understudies listed on a playbill: they're part of the group and they could eventually factor into the equation, but for now, they're not the ones garnering front-page headlines. All 30 teams invite somewhere in the neighborhood of 15 extra [...]
KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Twenty-four hours ago, Toby Hall was eyeing a return to the field after a 30-day rehab program. But early Sunday morning, the plans changed, and now, Hall is preparing for right shoulder surgery. "I've got to go get it done," Hall said. The process may become complicated as time progresses. Hall, who [...]
KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Astros manager Cecil Cooper has met with his three middle-of-the-order sluggers to map out a reasonable Grapefruit League schedule that will allow them to receive an adequate number of at-bats without wearing them out by Opening Day. Lance Berkman's schedule was easier to configure than Miguel Tejada's or Carlos Lee's, because the [...]
KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Catcher Toby Hall received bad news Saturday morning when the MRI taken on his right shoulder revealed "an unstable shoulder and a torn labrum." For now, Hall will rehab with the Astros' athletic training staff. No plans for surgery are forthcoming. Hall is expected to miss one month, minimum, which could put [...]
KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Typically, within the first two weeks of Spring Training, Astros slugger Lance Berkman has to deal with a couple of pains in his side — one, a recurring strain near the left side of his abdomen area that usually pops up this time of year, and the other, reporters who repeatedly ask [...]