*Back in September it was reported that the Astros had come to a $5.15m agreement with Cuban LHP Cionel Perez - the largest contract awarded to an amateur international free agent in franchise history. Perez, MLB.com's 4th-ranked international prospect, was set to be introduced to the media last week after passing his physical. But there was an issue with the physical that led to the Astros voiding that deal. They could still work out another contract with him.
*Jake Marisnick will be a Super Two player, eligible for an extra year of arbitration.
*There will still be baseball in Kissimmee after the Astros leave, as the Atlanta affiliate Brevard County Manatees move to Osceola County Stadium and rebrand as the Kissimmee Fire Frogs.
*SHOULD OF DRAFFTED KILE SHWARBUR NOT BRAIDY AKEN.
*For those of you looking for the Astros to improve at a corner outfield spot, Yoenis Cespedes is expected to opt out of the remaining 2yrs/$47.5m of his Mets contract and explore free agency. Jon Heyman says he could very well return to the Mets, but with a possible nine-figure deal on the table, who knows?
*Joe Maddon says that Jason Heyward and his $184m contract are a big part of the Cubs' plans going forward.
*Former Astros great Lucas Harrell has been outrighted by the East Abilene Rangers.
*Cleveland beat writer Paul Hoynes wrote off the Indians in September after losing Carrasco and Salazar. Yesterday he jumped in Lake Erie.
We didn't come out here to play tiddlywinks, son.
-Hal Smith
