*Random 2017 Astros Fact:
Three of the six highest HBPs in the AL were by Astros pitchers: Morton and Fiers tied for the AL lead at 13, and McCullers hit eleven batters.
*The Astros confirmed Saturday night's TMZ report that Dallas Keuchel was in a walking boot due to a "minor foot sprain" that "shouldn't be a problem" for his off-season workout regimen. With that diagnosis, look for Keuchel's foot to be amputated in February.
*Last night I set up the Shohei Ohtani Elimination Game, which will be updated as necessary (and as time allows). Apparently all teams who have been granted an interview have been told as such.
*Evan Grant wrote about how the Rangers could separate themselves from the teams still in the chase for Ohtani. FanGraphs' Jeff Sullivan writes about what Ohtani's list actually means.
*Actual Hero Mattress Mack, with the Astros' help, handed out $10m in refunds yesterday.
We didn't come out here to play tiddlywinks, son.
-Hal Smith
