The Astros beat the Mets 5-2 after getting a go-ahead bases-loaded walk from Anibal Sierra and a two-run single by Tony Kemp. Joe Musgrove allowed 3H/1ER (1HR), 1K:0BB in 2IP.
*Musgrove, who needs a good Spring to make the rotation:
This is our preparation, and as much as I'm competing for a spot, I've got to make sure I'm ready and not getting outside of that. I'll be able to flush this one and pick out the things I need to fix and adjust and get ready for the next outing.
*It is February 28 and Collin McHugh hasn't thrown live BP because he's dealing with a dead arm.
I came into camp a little bit sore. I was not responding as well as I really wanted to the last week leading up to camp, so we shut it down for a few days. I'm a little bit behind, but as far as the program goes I feel pretty good where we're at moving forward.
*Here's a good article from the Japan Times on Aoki's role with Team Japan in the upcoming World Baseball Classic. His biggest concern? Jet lag.
*CBS Sports: Astros making a jump to World Series contender.
*Reid Brignac is in the process of becoming a switch-hitter.
I just want to get to the point where I'm trying to stay in games, not get pinch-hit for, not starting games because a lefty is starting...I'm trying to add a new element.
*Apparently, for the better part of two years, Mark Appel was pitching with a bone spur in his elbow:
I think it was a little bit of pride in me, not going to get it checked out or anything like that. But it also wasn't to the point that I was feeling pain every time I threw a baseball. I just couldn't get extension, and I didn't realize the effect it had on me.
*The Astros and Nationals open up the Ballpark of the Palm Beaches (eyeroll) at 12:05pm Central today.
We didn't come out here to play tiddlywinks, son.
-Hal Smith
