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

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

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

Post from: EveryJoe

Houston Astros Begin Games on Thursday

Post from: EveryJoe

2008 Houston Astros Preview Video

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

The off season is finally over! I cant wait to get to Kissimmee and meet all the new Astros we have signed. I’ll be making the drive from Arlington, TX which is a good 18 hour drive. I’m not looking forward to that, but we are finally going to have some baseball to talk about.

It’s going to be really exciting to get on a baseball field with the new team and see how everything is going to play out. We have a lot of options this year, so it is going to be interesting to see how Cooper puts us together.

Everyone keeps asking me how I feel about hitting 6th in the lineup? My answer to this question is that I’m excited to be a part of the team and wherever I can help us win, is fine with me. I’m also going to give my prediction that Berkman is coming back this year with the usual thunder in his bat from day 1. If that’s the case its going to be a fun year because we have a lot of fire power around him.

I’m not sure if I mentioned this before, but the other thing that’s going to be exciting to see play out is the speed of the defense this year. The addition of Bourn, Tejada and Matsui up the middle is a great bonus to all of our pitchers. There’s a lot to look forward to this year and it all begins next week.

Until next time …

Hunter

Post from: EveryJoe

From Hunter: Ready for Kissimmee!