And now we offer up your random article round-up!
The Oklahoman's Ryan Aber, on Brandon Barnes:
He credits Mike Barnett, who was the Astros’ minor league hitting coordinator but is now Houston’s hitting coach, with his turnaround.
“He kind of worked with me more, not physically, but mentally,” Barnes said. “It’s really paid off.”
Greg Rajan's Corpus Notebook:
Second baseman Jose Altuve and shortstop Jonathan Villar joined the Hooks and were in the starting lineup. Both are expected to play regularly.
“They’re here to play,” Hooks manager Tom Lawless said. “That’s what baseball’s about. You do your job, get noticed and move up the ladder.”
We didn't come out here to play tiddlywinks, son.
-Hal Smith
