After going without a hit in the spring training opener, our own Hunter Pence has bounced back with two nice outings for the Houston Astros. He’s now 3-for-8 with a double and an RBI. On the field, he has spent all of his time in right field.
As the Astros prepare for the 2008 season, manager Cecil Cooper has labeled Pence as one of the franchise’s most important players. Pence told the Houston Chronicle that he doesn’t mind the added pressure.
“It’s good to hear; it’s not a burden,” said Pence. “What he says and what he expects, I probably expect a …read more

While the Houston Astros lost their first exhibition game of spring training by a final score of 12-2 against the Cleveland Indians, it wasn’t all bad for Houston. Wandy Rodriguez, who started for the Astros, tossed two scoreless innings. Rodriguez is expected to be in the pitching rotation once the season begins.
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 …read more

On Valentine’s Day, there was more than love in the air in Kissimmee, Florida. There were also baseballs flying through the air as the Houston Astros gathered to begin spring training.
Pitchers and catchers are the first players to report to spring training, with position players joining the action in the beginning of next week. The Astros had 26 pitchers and six catchers on hand when spring training officially began. The only pitcher not on hand was Jose Valverde, who was attending his salary arbitration hearing.
Astros manager Cecil Cooper thought that the first day of spring training was a success.
Said Cooper …read more