How the Astros double as an insurance company.
Zack Wheeler hates that darned shift, but everybody else is getting ready for it on both sides of the ball this spring.
How Houston benefitted from the top waiver spot.
The Mariners sign Weeks to a perfectly unexpectional contract, while a bunch of famous relievers sign minor-league contracts.
The Cubs are kicking tires, but might not have room for the last marquee free agent; meanwhile, Matt Albers is chasing a record again.
Still a strong system despite some recent trades and high-profile graduates.
The Indians are counting on more from one of their stars, while the Astros are talking to [quizzically stares at cue card for 15 seconds before saying] one of the best pitchers available.
PECOTA likes the Astros’ chances of producing insane strikeout totals. Also, more importantly, it likes the Astros’ chances of scoring copious runs.
Trade talks with the Phillies have stalled, while Matt Dominguez faces new competition this year.
Singleton might be squeezed out of Houston’s outfield, and Ryan Vogelsong might be squeezed into the Giants rotation.
Houston signs a guy who’ll strike out and hit some homers, the Rangers get a better backup catcher, and Kelly Johnson goes back to the other East.
Dexter Fowler gives Chicago OBP at the top of the lineup and gives Maddon the flexibility to mix and match in myriad ways.
The Astros get Evan Gattis from the Braves for three prospects.
Craig Biggio is a well-deserving Hall of Famer and the first Astro to be enshrined, but it’s odd that he may not even be the best player eligible for Cooperstown on his Astros teams.
Adding a win affects playoff odds by a higher magnitude than if a win is taken away. Why, and what does it mean for teams?
In what direction are voting totals trending for marginal candidates, and are steroids actually to blame?
Houston Astros