*OFF DAY. The Astros begin a series with the Red Sox tonight culminating with a Sunday Night Baseball appearance on...Sunday night.
*Here's the section of Buster Olney's podcast with Jose Altuve. It is very good and you should listen immediately.
*Chris Devenski's work ethic comes from his dad.
*Danny Knobler: Marwin Gonzalez has become the best bargain in baseball
*Brian T. Smith says the Astros need to go all-in at the Trade Deadline
*Beyond the Box Score: The Astros' offense is on a historically-good pace
*Mike Fiers adjusted his arm angle, and it's paying off.
*The Astros officially signed 20-year old Cuban RHP Elian Rodriguez to a $1.9m deal. Oz Ocampo:
...What stands out the most is his combination of athleticism, power stuff, and overall pitch ability and command. Elian is physical, athletic, and projectable with an impressive repertoire, including a 92-97mph fastball and two power breaking balls.
*Fresno manager Tony DeFrancesco will be one of the managers for the Triple-A All-Star Game.
*RHP Andrew Walter was promoted from Buies Creek to Corpus. In his Age 26 season, this will be Walter's first taste of Double-A. He has only thrown 5.2IP for BCA this season.
*2017 1st Round pick J.B. Bukauskas is a finalist for the Golden Spikes award.
*Vice: Good Face, High Ass: A Baseball Scouting Glossary
*Lindsey Adler: How Baseball Prospectus Stumbled Into Its Uncertain Future
*Don't forget to check the updated 2017 draft page
We didn't come out here to play tiddlywinks, son.
-Hal Smith
