The Astros made it official Friday after first round draft pick Jiovanni Mier passed his physical and signed his contract by introducing him to the Houston media--and the Houston Astros.
After the news conference Mier donned a uniform (with #1 and his name emblazoned on the back) and hit the Minute Maid Park field. At the time the Astros were stretching in right field prior to batting practice. Mier was sent out to join the group. All eyes were on it especially when Manager Cecil Cooper yelled to Carlos Lee that it would cost him a $10 fine. The presumption was that would be for anything to make the new pro overly uncomfortable. Lee was heard to say he didn't know who the guy was anyway. He learned. After moving Mier away from his spot between Lance Berkman and Carlos, Jiovanni was seen taking a run out to centerfield.
When came back the players took turns shaking his hand and welcoming him to pro ball. Most notable was the handshake and hug between Mier and Miguel Tejada. Mier was quoted as saying after the Astros drafted him that a scout told him the club was looking to get rid of Tejada and shortstop would be open. No doubt a lot was lost in the translation. Eighteen year olds don't figure to EVER be in competition with 37 year olds. Mier won't be an Astro for at least a few years.
In fact, the odds are not certain he will ever be with the club. At least first round draft picks do better than those drafted later. Hunter Pence from 2004 is the most recent #1 to play for the Astros.
One former #1 ,Lance Berkman, was my pregame guest on Astros-TV Friday. I told him I remembered the day he signed. I was in the booth with Brownie for the telecast at the Astrodome and Lance came up and talked with us. I had known Lance as a collegian at Rice and had done play by play for a number of his games. I was sure he would be an Astro down the line. Lance said today though that back in 1997 he wasn't so sure. He said he could feel the nervousness that Mier had to feel today, but there was one thing today that they didn't do in 1997 and that was do pre game stretching as a team in the outfield. Lance dressed and took batting practice and then he was off to start his career. The same thing will be in store for Mier. As a teenager he won't likely be seen back in Minute Maid Park for a few years. He'll be starting his career at Greenville, TN. The Astro scouts, however, think he is the real thing and will ultimately play a nice career in Houston colors.
ODDS N ENDS
Felipe Paulino told me he is a "go" for a start on Saturday. That will require a roster move either tonite for tomorrow before the game. Mike Hampton pitched a simulated game Friday and pronounced himself fit to go next Tuesday in San Diego. That will require another roster move. There will be a third move probably after Sunday's game before the San Diego and San Francisco trip starts. Geoff Blum will be back from his rehab and activated.
Coach Gene Lamont, SS Adam Everett (who will be my pre game interview on Astros Live Pregame on Saturday) and Josh Anderson are all former Astros with the Tigers. Other familiar names from the National League include Edwin Jackson and Placido Polanco. Of course Manager Jim Leyland and coaches Lloyd McClendon, Rafael Belliard and Andy Van Sliyke have long NL credentials, too. Former Astro farmhand in the Randy Johnson trade in '98- Carlos Guillen is on the DL as well as former Marlin hurler Dontrelle Willis.
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