INBOX!

McTaggart has a new inbox. What do we learn?

On Edwin Maysonet:
The Astros value his versatility and will even try to get him some reps in the outfield this spring. Defensively, management has no doubt he could play in the Majors right now, but at 28 years old he needs to seize the opportunity to prove he can hit well enough to stay on a Major League roster.

On the Round Rock/Ryan mess:
The Astros' player development contract with Triple-A Round Rock expires at the end of this year, general manager Ed Wade said. Houston management has expressed a desire to the Nolan Ryan family to keep the affiliate in Round Rock, but with Ryan having an ownership stake in the Texas Rangers, don't be surprised to see the Express become a Rangers affiliate eventually.

On where Jordan Lyles will start 2010:
Lyles, a first-round pick in 2008, had a strong first full season in the organization in 2009, striking out 167 batters in 145 innings at Class A Lexington. He could start this season as high as Double-A Corpus Christi along with one or two other pitchers that did so well at Lexington last year. The Astros have said they will push players as long as they can handle it physically and mentally.