*The Astros put Springer's locker right next to Carlos Beltran's locker. Springer:
There really isn't a thing that I say that I'm not going to try to learn from somebody like (Beltran). I mean, he's been around forever and has played in some crazy games and has a lot of experience. So hopefully, I can just be a sponge around him and all of the other guys who are here and learn.
*Altuve is excited, too, about Beltran's arrival.
*Hinch isn't going to rush into naming the Opening Day starter. But I'm betting $10 that it isn't Charlie Morton. Hinch:
I understand (announcing it this early) if everybody was fully healthy and had finished the season healthy. I certainly have a plan in place that I expect it to be. But we've got some tests to answer when it comes to getting over last season's health issues and into the season.
*Guess Carlos Correa had his wisdom teeth removed.
*Dallas Keuchel was supposed to throw a bullpen session yesterday, but got sent home with the flu. This season is already over.
*Ken Giles put on an untold amount of muscle over the offseason. In his second year with the Astros, Giles feels more comfortable.
*Preston Tucker, after shoulder surgery in September, has been cleared to resume baseball activities.
*Cool story from Astros Future about Jon Kemmer's rise through the system, from his fiance's perspective.
We didn't come out here to play tiddlywinks, son.
-Hal Smith
