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Missed Connections: Gefilte Fish...and "Chain Connections"
H-Town Rock
Rock Talk, Vol. IX
Spring Training is the time for all things to be made new, for minor league farmhands to have their shot at the big league club, for mid-career players to reinvent themselves, and veterans to try to hang on for one more year. As the Astros assemble the position players who will come off the bench in 2008, there are some familiar faces, one very home town name, and a lot of unknowns.
As we did yesterday with the starters, we'll take a look at the infielders before checking in on the outfield.
Mark Loretta Loretta just recently lost his arbitration case with the Astros, but is thought of as a consummate professional, so don't expect him to have a chip on his shoulder. He can play all four infield positions, but is most comfortable at second base where he was an All-Star for the BoSox. He's a consistent contact hitter, and while not the fielder that Matsui is, will be an able replacement for Kaz from a plate perspective. He's not flashy, but has a great work ethic and is a strong character guy. We're very glad he's back for another season with the team.
Geoff Blum The Prodigal Son returns. Traded to Tampa Bay in 2004 for Brandon Backe, Blum went down in Astros history for his walk-off homer in game 3 of the World Series as a member of the White Sox. The club apparently harbored no ill will towards the infielder, signing him to a one year contract to be the backup third baseman and shortstop. He's a switch hitter, which will make him a valuable pinch hitter in addition to his solid glove in multiple positions. He's like the rich man's Eric Bruntlett.
Lance Niekro Son of Astros' hurler Joe Niekro, Lance comes into spring training looking to turn his career around. He had a strong 2005 season as a rookie, but has been injury prone ever since, forcing the Giants to send him packing. He doesn't have enough power to be an every day first baseman much of anywhere in the league, but he could be a good situational pinch hitter.
Tomas Perez Washed-up shortstop isn't making the team unless someone runs into Carlos Lee again. Even if a nightmare scenario plays out with Miggy Tejada, he's not going to start. Thankfully.
Darin Erstad The long-time Angel was once one of the best defensive outfielders in the American League; slowed over the years by injuries, he's a shadow of his former self. Notwithstanding, he's a wily hitter and a valuable bat off the bench and still possesses a .995 career fielding percentage. He'll combine the best aspects of Mike Lamb and Orlando Palmerio from last year with a much better glove; expect him to get the occasional start at first base on days when Lance Berkman overstays his welcome at Golden Corral.
Reggie Abercrombie The former Marlins prospect was claimed off waivers at the very end of the 2007 season; he's a speedster with a weak bat who never quite lived up to his touted potential. He could be looking for a turn-around, or he could make the roster as a defensive replacement. Not much to get excited about here, so we'll have to finish with this instead:
Yordany Ramirez Hmm...intriguing. Left hanging by the Padres, Yordany is one of the most talented young position players in the Astros minor league system. During the team's spring camp for prospects, Jeff Bagwell opined that Ramirez reminded him of Atlanta's Andruw Jones, beyond the similar disregard for vowel usage. He's a five-tool player, but has yet to play in the majors. It's possible that after a hot spring he could make the club, but in all likelihood, he'll start the season in Round Rock. If Michael Bourn fails to meet expectations, Ramirez could be in the queue as the 2008 version of Hunter Pence.
Jose Cruz, Jr. The local boy finally comes home; unfortunately, it's about six years too late. Son of franchise icon Jose "Cheo" Cruz, Cheito is a free-swinging switch-hitting outfielder with some power but a weak average. He's also just about average in the field. However, given the family connections and the prospect of hearing the crowd at Minute Maid start the "CRUUUUUUUUUUUZ" chant again, bet on him making the team as a fifth outfielder and pinch hitter. Who knows? Being around his dad could be just what the doctor ordered for the Bellaire and Rice-bred Cheito.
So those are your 2008 Astros as we head into the spring. They also picked up starter/reliever Shawn Chacon (who once gave up a homer to Roy Oswalt. hmm.) today as a possible candidate for the rotation or bullpen. They're not the Good Guys, but they're also a helluva offense that shouldn't have any trouble putting runs on the board. They're also deep where they need to be, in case Tejada goes away or Hunter Pence decides to wrestle a bear. We'll keep you posted on the developments from Kissimmee as they happen.
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photo: flickr user sulla55
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