*Yulieski Gurriel got a double and a homer and Derek Fisher added a solo homer in a 2-1 win over the Marlins yesterday. Mike Fiers threw a strong 4IP, allowing 3H/0ER, 5K:0BB. Brad Peacock closed out the game with 2.1IP, 0H/0ER, 3K:0BB.
*Tyler White, Colin Moran, A.J. Reed, and Teoscar Hernandez were all optioned to Minor League camp yesterday. Luhnow:
They've all had good springs in different ways, and I believe all four of those guys are going to contribute to our big league team this year. But given what we did this offseason and where we are - guys coming back from the [WBC] soon - it made sense for this to happen now so they can go get some reps on the back fields and prepare for their seasons.
*Max Stassi was outrighted to Fresno after passing through waivers unclaimed and has been removed from the 40-Man roster. That roster - now at 38 - has only McCann and Gattis as catchers, with Juan Centeno and Stassi the likely candidates for a call-up in the event of an injury.
*Collin McHugh might not be ready for the start of the season, which is good news for Mike Fiers and Joe Musgrove.
*Here we go again: Yahoo's Jeff Passan is reporting that the White Sox are still dangling Jose Quintana. Scouts are saying the Astros could create "a compelling package" built around Francis Martes and Kyle Tucker. Passan:
The White Sox, according to scouts, have had a number of eyes on Astros back fields, though one source suggested it's more for future parleys than anything current or imminent.
*Help the Astros come up with a name for the new Fayetteville affiliate. In the interim, I like the Buies Clues. The team can't be called the "Astros," and you have until March 31 to submit your entry.
*Former Astro and Team Israel standout Josh Zeid has signed a minor-league deal with the Cardinals.
*Ken Rosenthal: The WBC is like free education for Team USA.
We didn't come out here to play tiddlywinks, son.
-Hal Smith
