*With the Trade Deadline coming up on Thursday, we find from Adam Kilgore that the Nationals have interest in the Astros' relievers, specifically Tony Sipp. The Astros had scouts in Single-A Potomac and Triple-A Syracuse over the weekend.
*Well, great. We get to talk about this some more. Jason Castro told Brian McTaggart that Appel's promotion to Double-A is "pretty much a non-issue here." Castro also texted Appel to let him know there were no hard feelings. More Castro: "It wasn't something that really should have left the clubhouse. It really started as a joke and kind of got blown out of proportion."
*Luhnow had no comment for Evan Drellich, saying the issue was an internal matter.
*Meanwhile the Chronicle continued the Hard Nipple press, retweeting and commenting on various tweets (seriously, we need to make "So Obvi" a thing)
*Josh Zeid is set for an MRI on his feet today, and Jason Castro can sympathize with him.
*The Astros may schedule a private workout for Cuban outfielder Rusney Castillo. Also within that link, hitting coach John Mallee is working with Jon Singleton to shorten his swing, and L.J. Hoes to drive the ball.
*Here's an update on CSN Houston.
*DFW's economy is suffering this season, thanks to the Ramgers.
*Jason Lane is the first pitcher since Troy Percival in 2007 to make his first MLB start after Age 37.
*Houston native and former Twin/Yankee Chuck Knoblauch was arrested last week for assaulting his wife, and his induction into the Twins HOF has been canceled.
We didn't come out here to play tiddlywinks, son.
-Hal Smith
