The music on the video is provided by Thin Lizzy and Chamillionaire. The cool motion graphics are extremely well done!

Post from: EveryJoe

Houston Astros 2008 Season Teaser

It features Hunter Pence, Roy Oswalt, Lance Berkman and …

Well, that’s what the Astros are trying to decide and they need the fans to help out. Go to Astros.com and submit your vote for the 4th bobblehead. Your choices are Brad Ausmus, Brandon Backe, Michael Bourn, Kazuo Matsui, Miguel Tejada, Carlos Lee and Jose Valverde.

Here is the bobblehead schedule:

Friday, April 12 – Hunter Pence – 1st 10,000 Fans
Saturday, May 24 – Roy Oswalt – 1st 10,000 Fans
Friday, August 1 – Lance Berkman – 1st 10,000 Fans
Friday, August 29 – ? – 1st 10,000 Fans

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Vote for the Astros Bobblehead

Ben Francisco was the offensive star for the Indians. The 26-year-old outfielder went 4-4 with two runs and two RBIs. C.C. Sabathia started the game for Cleveland and pitched three perfect innings while striking out three batters.

After falling into a 6-0 hole, the Astros rallied back in the fourth inning. Hunter Pence had a two-run single that helped Houston close the gap to 6-4 after the fourth. However, Beau Mills of the Indians hit a two-run homerun in the sixth to spark the Indians as they cruised to victory.

On Friday, the Astros go against the New York Yankees. Former Astro Andy Pettitte is schedule to start for the Yankees.

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Astros Drop Game Against Indians

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Video: Houston Astros Season Preview

On Tuesday, the Astros won a slugfest against the Detroit Tigers. JR Towles, who some project to be the Astros’ opening day starting catcher, had a big day as Houston won 11-10. Towles went 3- 3 with three runs, four RBIs, two doubles and a homerun.

Today, Houston won 8-4 against the Tampa Bay Rays. Jose Cruz, Jr. was the offensive hero for the Astros. The playing DH, Cruz went 3-5 with one run and two RBIs.

Hunter Pence didn’t play against the Tigers as he had a day off. Against the Rays, Pence went 0-3 but he did have an RBI on a sacrifice.

The Astros play the Indians on Thursday.

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Houston Astros Win Two Straight

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.

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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.”

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Berkman, Backe Suffer Minor Injuries

“He’s going to be in the mix,” said Astros manager Cecil Cooper said. “He’ll just be a starter. At this point in time, that’s the way we’re looking at it.”

While Roy Oswalt is the undisputed ace of the staff, the remaining spots in the rotation are up for grabs. Chacon along with Brandon Backe, Wandy Rodriquez, Chris Sampson and Woody Williams are expected to be the leading candidates to earn a spot in the rotation.

Chacon is mostly known for his time with the Colorado Rockies, where he made the All-Star team in 2003. The right-hander is looking to help the Astros find their way back into the playoffs in 2008.

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Houston Astros Sign Shawn Chacon

At 41-years-old, Williams believes that he still has a lot to offer.

Said Williams: “I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t think I could still do it. I wouldn’t try to kid myself. I still think I can go out there and be very, very productive.”

Astros manager Cecil Cooper believes wholeheartedly in his veteran pitcher.

“I know there’s a lot left in that tank,” said Cooper, “and he just needs to be the Woody we know he is.”

Williams was not only born in Houston, he also attended the University of Houston. In 2008, Williams would like nothing better than to help his hometown team make a deep run into the playoffs.

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Astros Spring Training: Woody Williams Ready

C Alberto Castillo, 6-0 215 pounds
C J.R. House 5-10, 210 pounds
C Joshua Johnson 6-0, 205 pounds

INF Tommy Manzella 6-2, 190 pounds
INF Lance Niekro 6-3, 225
INF Tomas Perez 5-11, 185

OF Jose Cruz 6-0, 210 pounds
OF Victor Diaz 6-0, 200 pounds
OF Nick Gorneault 6-3, 220 pounds
OF David Newhan, 5-10, 185 pounds

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Houston Astros Non-Roster Spring Training Invites