The Astros beat the Yankees 1-0 yesterday to improve to 5-1 on the Spring. Mike Fiers threw two scoreless innings, as have Scott Feldman and Doug Fister. Today at 12:05pm Central Doug Fister takes the mound for the second time to face the Nationals.
*Top story of the morning - other than that one - is that the Astros and A.J. Hinch agreed to a revised contract this offseason. Details in the Chron are sketchy, but it seems as though there is more guaranteed money through at least 2018. Luhnow:
We're committed to A.J., and he's committed to us. We don't comment on contracts.
*Danny Worth probably won't make the Opening Day roster, but his versatility and demeanor give him value (Astros.com). And he throws a mean knuckleball (Chron).
*Mike F. Fiers has been working on a slider. (Astros.com)
*A.J. Hinch said that whoever ends up as the SP5 won't be influenced by who is more suited for long relief. (Evan Drellich). Mike Fiers isn't worried (Chron).
*Jon Singleton is David Schoenfield's pick for the player who needs to have a breakout season for the Astros to truly contend (ESPN).
*Evan Gattis (hernia) hit 25 overhand pitches this morning and is expected to take BP tomorrow pending a doctor's checkup today (Brian McTaggart).
*Relevant to the Astros and Dallas Keuchel: the Cubs and Jake Arrieta both want an extension, but disagree on the number of years (SB Nation).
*The recent history of teams like the Royals (FanGraphs).
*10-year old Landis Sims was born without hands or lower legs. He took BP with the Yankees yesterday (ESPN).
*How hockey is helping the Czech Republic national baseball team rise up the rankings. (Fox Sports)
*Four French designers are trying to build the ultimate soccer almanac (Vice Sports)
Before you go: this gif of historical home run leaders is mesmerizing.
Historical home run leaders of #MLB. #baseball #datavizhttps://t.co/XESTkTPqtG pic.twitter.com/c7K9Ud5uR0— Randy Olson (@randal_olson) March 8, 2016
