Spring Training kicks off for Houston Astros amid hopes and fears - MLB Update
The Houston Astros’ Spring Training is underway and the club looks excited about what lies ahead of them this year. With a total strength of 61 reporting, the Houston ballclub has one of the smallest Spring Training contingents this year.
Jeff Luhnow, the general manager for the Astros does not think that it is a bad thing for the ballclub. The regular season is drawing ever so close and the club wants to give practice to those who will be playing in the regular season.
"For us, that's a good formula because we really want to take our time and be sure everybody gets enough of a look," Luhnow said. "Our philosophy is going to be as soon as we know someone is not on the club, we'll send them out because we want to allocate
that playing time to the ones that are left."
Manager Bo Porter is looking forward to see the competitive side of the players and wants them to show that they belong to the big stage. The decision on who will be the opening pitcher in the season opener against the Texas Rangers has yet to take place.
"That's another competition that will work itself out. In sports, I'm a firm believer that competition is probably one of the best things. It makes guys rise to the occasion," Porter said.
The favourites for the job are Lucas Harrell and Bud Norris for the Houston ballclub. It should be an interesting competition between the two.
Meanwhile, Sergio Escalona will be making a return to Houston Astros. The 28-year-old had a 2-1 season in 2011 with a 2.93 ERA and a 1.27 WHIP in 49 relief appearances. Although a starting pitcher, he has yet to play in the Majors in that capacity.
His 2012 season was spent away from baseball after he had to go through Tommy John Surgery for a torn ulnar collateral ligament. He is expected to be fighting it out for a spot in the bullpen for the Astros.
The left-handed Sergio is playing without any restriction and feels he is 200 percent. He said that it was his aim to be fit for Spring Training and he has done that and is raring to go.
"My goal was to be ready for Spring Training," he said. "I don't have any restrictions. I'm ready to go, seriously," Escalona said.
The Houston Astros will try to have good a Spring Training and hopefully will be able to get players into a decent rhythm. They will also be hoping that the team is fit and healthy when the regular season kicks off.
Bo Porter has been looking quite serious about getting this team back on track. He should have a pretty good idea of which direction the team is likely to go this year after the first few weeks of training in Florida.
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