If you want to get excited about the 2008 Houston Astros season, check out this video. It features both current Astros, plus takes a look back at some legendary Astros moments.
The music on the video is provided by Thin Lizzy and Chamillionaire. The cool motion graphics are extremely well done!

The Houston Astros have created a four piece collectible bobblehead set for the 2008 season.
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 – …read more

The Houston Astros had a pair of split-squad games on Sunday afternoon. Against the Atlanta Braves, the Astros lost by a final score of 6-4. Against the Washington Nationals, the Astros fell 8-3.
In the contest versus the Braves, Brandon Backe pitched two scoreless innings for Houston. New second baseman Kaz Matsui went 1-2 with a steal, a run and an RBI.
In the other game, starter Shawn Chacon gave up two earned runs in two innings of work. Lance Berkman got one hit in four at bats. That lone hit was a double that scored a run.
While our own Hunter Pence …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

The Houston Astros play their first Grapefruit League game on Thursday against the Cleveland Indians. Brandon Backe was originally going to start the game for the Astros but has been replaced by Wandy Rodriguez due to injury.
Mark McLemore, a lefthander, is scheduled to pitch in relief for Rodriguez. For the Indians, Jake Westbrook will get the starting nod. While neither team will play their regulars extensively, there will be some notable players on the field on Thursday.
On Friday, Houston’s ace Roy Oswalt is expected to get the start.

Astros Spring Training Schedule

Want to get excited about the Houston Astros and their upcoming season? Check out this Houston Astros YouTube Video.

As players got back into the swing of things during spring training, minor injuries are common at this time of year. Both Lance Berkman and Brandon Backe can now confirm that theory.
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 …read more

Hi,
Finally spring training is here and I have some baseball to talk about! Even though I haven’t been able to do much in spring training, other than watch, there’s still a lot going on. And for the record, I’m healing quickly and rather excited because I am supposed to be back at practice tomorrow!
It’s been a bummer that the accident had me sidelined, but I was very fortunate that my injuries were not serious and that my recovery has been quick. So back to spring training …
When I arrived, I was happy to see that my locker was …read more

The Houston Astros were looking to add another arm to their starting rotation and accomplished that goal by signing pitcher Shawn Chacon to a one-year deal. The 30-year-old was both a starter and a reliever for the Pittsburgh Pirates last season, but he’s expected to be used as solely a starter in Houston.
“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 …read more

After a forgettable 2007 campaign, Houston Astros starting pitcher Woody Williams says that he’s ready to get back on the winning track this season. Williams, who signed with his hometown Astros before the 2007 season, went 8-15 with a 5.27 ERA. In his career, Williams has 132 wins and an ERA of 4.19.
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 …read more