While spring training isn’t the greatest way to judge a baseball team, the exhibition standings aren’t as worthless as you may think. In fact, last year the Tampa Bay Rays had the best record during spring training and then went on to represent the American League in the 2008 World Series.
Who are the best teams during 2009 spring training? Here are the top five:
1. Los Angeles Angels
Last year, the Angels finished with the best record in baseball at 100-62. During 2009 spring training, Los Angeles is 24-7. They have outscored their opponents 247-158. All in all, it appears like it …read more

No-hitters are rare in baseball. No-hitters in spring training? Even more elusive. But Ricky Nolasco of the Florida Marlins was able to accomplish just that.
After throwing seven no-hit innings, Dan Meyer and Leo Nunez both pitched one inning to finish off the no-hitter and wrap up a 2-0 victory. In his seven innings, Nolasco only had one walk while striking out eight batters.
At the plate, the Marlins scored their two runs courtesy of a Brett Carroll RBI in the sixth inning and a John Raynor solo shot in the seventh. With the win, Florida improved their spring training record to …read more

Hi,
It feels good to finally be drawing near the season. Everyone in camp is starting to get to know each other, and the team even though it’s not set is having a lot of fun together. To me, it’s important to have a team that gets along in the clubhouse because your around each other so long and I honestly believe it effects the play on the field. Things change when the season starts, and we still dont know who all exactly is going to be on the team, so there’s a lot of questions as far as that’s concerned. …read more

The Houston Astros lost their spring training game on Thursday against the Cleveland Indians by a final score of 11-5. It was the third time the two teams have met this spring, with the Indians coming out victorious in two of the contests.
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 …read more

Check out what Tom Waddle of Sprint Sports has to say about the 2008 Houston Astros. In the season preview, Waddle says to not expect much from the Astros this season. Despite the apparent strides the team has made has made in the offseason, Waddle predicts a fourth place finish in the division. I am expecting much bigger things from the Astros this season.
Let us know what you think by leaving your comments below.

After losing five of their first six spring training games, the Houston Astros are now on a two-game winning streak. The Astros now stand at 3-5 in spring training.
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 …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

Hello everyone –
Hunter is eager to field questions from Astros fans.
So if you have a question for Hunter, leave it here in the comments of this post and Hunter will do his best to answer it soon.
Do you want to know about his training regimen? His teammates? What it’s like to be a big leaguer? What he eats for dinner?
Do you want to improve your own hitting? Know about Hunter as a kid?
Whatever you want to know about Hunter or the Houston Astros, just ask Hunter here and he’ll do his best to answer your …read more

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

On Thursday, the Houston Astros will begin spring training as they prepare for the first pitch of the 2008 baseball season. Pitchers and catchers report on Thursday, while next Tuesday is the date that position players report.
The top two catchers for the Astros in 2008 are expected to be J.R. Towles and Brad Ausmus. Towles joined the Astros at the end of the 2007 campaign and hit .375 in 14 games for Houston. The 38-year-old Ausmus is entering his tenth season as a member of the Astros.
Roy Oswalt headlines the pitchers this season for the Astros. Oswalt has been one …read more