Chad Paronto had left yesterday's game with what was thought to be a shoulder strain, but it isn't that bad.
He probably isn't going to make the club out of Spring Training, but would be RP1-3 in Round Rock to come up should something happen.
It's a nice problem to have, but there are some strong pitchers who are not going to make the club because of how solid the bullpen is. Should they be signed to a contract and then used as trade bait to strengthen the farm system? Hard to say, but I'd personally rather have a lot of pitching in waiting - because somebody is going to get hurt, flame out, or otherwise not live up to expectations - and then opportunities will be available.
In 2008 the Astros carried eight relievers on OD08. Oscar Villareal was released and Dave Borkowski pitched in 26 games. Opportunities will be had to step up...
We didn't come out here to play tiddlywinks, son.
-Hal Smith
