Did we ever learn what the group from USC wanted to do with the Dome?

It's probably much more a matter of who he would be doing the work with/for rather than what the work actually is.  If he was going to put up with Postolos, he wanted to be doing worthwhile shit because he doesn't need to be condescended to by that asshole.

That is exactly what I heard.

Hadn't seen this posted, sorry for the possible Cabrera.

Crane quotes from the Chron this weekend:

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Crane said the network does not face irreparable financial damage and will remain on the air, but the partners might have to make financial decisions if NBC is unable to increase revenue by closing carriage deals....

"Without coverage, the network is not making money and so without the other (carriers) signing up and paying, there are things that can happen as the entity draws down on its credit," Crane said. "As that goes on, we run out of money, and we are going to have to make some tough decisions.

"There are mechanisms for that in the plan. We're not going to go bust or anything, but basically it becomes more difficult for everybody to operate if we don't get coverage."

Read more: http://www.chron.com/sports/astros/article/Astros-owner-Crane-worries-about-CSNH-s-financial-4527113.php#ixzz2TwxPkUH5

According to TCB, "George Springer was scratched from Wednesday night's contest with an undisclosed illness."

I haven't had a chance to go yet, but this newly opened spot sounds like it might fit the bill.

http://houston.eater.com/archives/2013/04/01/a-look-inside-captain-foxhearts-bad-news-bar-spirit-lodge-now-open-in-downtown.php

Guess you weren't talking to the same people I was.

I'm surprised it took this long, he was rumored to be on the out 2 months ago.

I assume it does, but does bringing a player up after the rosters expand in September effect their MLB service time the same as it does pre expanding the rosters?

It is a game of chicken for teams that are winning and need the help from their farm system to compete for the playoffs.   I just don't see a compelling reason to bring him up and risk the super 2 status.

Someone last night suggested Bainbridge.  Think we are gonna do that one afternoon, looks like there is some good grub and brews to be had over there.

Figure that is what we will do, it is vacation I don't want to mess around with public transportation to save 30 bucks.

Thanks for the inputs.  Any advice on getting from the Airport to the hotel?  How is the train, would it be a huge pain with luggage?

Man, when I first read that article about Angel Hernandez umping a AAA game I was ecstatic.  Then I scrolled back up and saw the article was from 1991.  I imagine this is what it feels like when you think you won the lotto only to double check your ticket and realize you were 2 numbers off.

Fair enough, my knowledge on Folty comes from the Bus Ride and reading boxscores/stats. 

My point is, I would be looking for someone in return that the Astros consider at Cosart's level.  Top 100 guy, that should be ready to be called up by the end of this season.   Getting a middling prospect or 2, with good upside that is 2 years away isn't worth trading for.

I would trade Norris for Folty clone in a heartbeat.

Why?  1 is a proven MLB commodity, the other has pitched 1 game in AA, and isn't a top flight prospect.  If Folty turned out to be as good as Bud in MLB (More IP than Hits and almost a 1/1 IP to K ratio) that would be great, but the likelihood of that is?

Problem is, the Astros still need guys to throw this year and next year.  You just can't run out 5 Humbers and Bedards.

If this was the trade deadline next year, then I would be more interested in a Bud for a Folty like prospect.  This season I would want someone more like a Cosart.  But that is JMO.

This article addresses your question. http://newsok.com/article/3807357

Grassyass.  Sounds like he is making progress on the fielding front.

This did stick out.  "But it would be shocking if he isn't handed Houston's starting shortstop job at some point this season, even if it's August or September."

Wildass speculation or did the writer get info from someone w/ the Astros Org.  Or is that just the common assumption at this point?

Umm, I'd take someone like Folty.  Folty should be well into the top 100 overall prospects the next time they make a list.  He's throwing in the upper 90s.  His stock has risen tremendously in the last 14 months. 

2015 Starters of Folty, Folty 2, Tropeano, Cosart, Wojo, and Harrell.  With McCullers and Velasquez waiting in the wings.

5 Pitchers that have never pitched in MLB?  The chances that all 4 of those guys are decent to even good MLB pitchers isn't good, especially considering that only 1 of the 5 is a highly rated prospect.

And who pitches in 2014?  Or are we writing that season off already too.  And by writing off I mean, just conceding 105+ losses, again.

I would expect him to bring a pretty good return. For a contending team he's a 3-4 pitcher in the rotation and if he's healthy can help someone.

I would hope so or I hope they dont move him.  Using Astros prospects as an example (since those are the guys I know), I would want someone along the lines of Springer or a Singleton in return.  If I was getting offered something like Folty and a lower A guy, I would pass.

Fair enough.  I just wouldn't trade him unless they got a sweetheart deal.  Maybe at the next deadline when we have found some credible options to start.  If they can't get a top 3 prospect from someone and a couple others than no thanks.

I think it's not a matter of "if" Norris is traded but when. Eventually he will be to keep him from walking as a F.A. I don't see any way he would re-sign here unless the team makes incredible strides very quickly and they offer him alot of money...which they could do but probably won't. So, when is the best time to trade him. Probably at the trade deadline when you get desperate teams overpaying. Might as well be this year because if you wait next year you're taking on the risk of injury which devalues him. So, yea I think he's worth more this July when he has a couple of years under control for the buying team. I hate that this is the reality but I think it is.

He cant walk till after the 2015 season.  So they have a ways to go till they have to worry about him walking away.