Michael Bourn, who is slated to play centerfield and bat first in the lineup, also played well. He got a hit, stole a base and scored a run for the Astros.

“Michael looked like the guy we’re going to need at the top of the lineup,” said manager Cecil Cooper to the media. “He took a lot of pitches today. That’s what he’s got to do. He had some deep counts and then he got a base hit and stole a base.”

Our own Hunter Pence finished 0-2 on the day. However, despite going hitless, it was good to see him on the field after his recent accident.

The Astros play again on Friday, where Miguel Tejada will debut for Houston.

Post from: EveryJoe

Houston Astros Lose in Spring Opener

Berkman, the star outfielder for the Houston Astros, suffered a strained oblique muscle while batting during a workout. Although Berkman won’t be available for at least the first few spring training games, he isn’t worried.

“You don’t want to do anything to really hurt yourself,” Berkman told MLB.com. “Who cares about playing the first two weeks of spring training? It’s one of those deals, I want to try to be ready for the opener. I don’t care about being ready for the spring training opener.”

Backe suffered his injury after being hit by a liner off the bat of Carlos Lee. The pitcher was hit on the foot and has been diagnosed with a bone bruise. X-rays on the foot were negative.

“This is just a freak, innocent injury,” said Backe. “Thank gosh it’s not as bad as it feels. No fracture, no break. It just hurts.”

Although Backe was sporting crutches after being hurt, he doesn’t believe he will miss much time.

Said Backe: “I’m not going to miss much. It’s one of these things that happens.”

Post from: EveryJoe

Berkman, Backe Suffer Minor Injuries

Although the exact job description hasn’t been totally planned out, Biggio is expected to work with the team in spring training. Biggio could also be called upon to help minor leaguers throughout the upcoming season.

Jeff Bagwell, another former Astros legend, agreed to a similar contract after his 2006 retirement. Bagwell and Biggio might be asked to work together and help young players by using their many year’s of baseball knowledge.

Here is a video tribute of Craig Biggio collecting his 3000th hit:

Post from: EveryJoe

Houston Astros Bring Back Biggio

It’s somewhat of a culture shock to put all my training into legs and core and explosive movements. I don’t have the big upper body that I’m used to, which is mainly only good for looking in the mirror, as it turns out.

This week was also my first opportunity to hit on the field. I was curious to see how well I was really hitting, mainly because I haven’t gained any weight this off-season. We hit at Northlake College on Wednesday, then at UT Arlington on Thursday. I was very happy and pleased with how the ball was coming off my bat.

My fans will just have to wait until spring training to see if I’m right. =)

There’s been a few things that happened this week that has urged me to explain a few things about myself. I wanted to let my fans know that I often reflect on the story of Paul Potts because he inspires me to always believe in myself. I also watch my favorite movie “Cinderella Man” to remind me how much I really have and to never take things for granted.

I always want to stay grounded because all the success is great, but in the end baseball is what I do, not who I am. By no means does it make me or any ballplayer better than anyone else.

Sometimes that is forgotten somewhere along the way … I will continue to work for everything I have and there is only one way to play the game – Pete Rose, George Brett and Craig Biggio style. That’s all I have for this week.

Thanks!

Hunter

Post from: EveryJoe

From Hunter: Almost Ready for Spring Training

Ryan has a long history with both the Astros and the Rangers. At the age of 33, Ryan joined the Astros in 1980. He pitched nine seasons for the Astros and is still the all-time franchise leader in strikeouts with 1,866. Ryan is also third all-time in franchise history in innings pitched, sixth in wins and seventh in ERA.

After the 1988 season, Ryan joined the Texas Rangers where he pitched until 1993. When Ryan retired, at age 46, he had cemented his legacy as one of the most feared pitchers in major league history. With 5,714 career strikeouts, that’s likely a record that will never be broken.

Twenty years after leaving the Astros for the Rangers, Ryan is leaving again. With the Rangers, Ryan will look to help turn around a team that hasn’t made the playoffs since 1999.

Check out this Nolan Ryan Tribute …

Post from: EveryJoe

Nolan Ryan Becomes Rangers Team President