Astros Moving Forward

Once Brad Mills was hired as the new Astro manager GM Ed Wade said it would not be long before his coaching staff would be formed. He was right. Only a bullpen coach remains to be added to the mix with the news on Friday that veteran pitching coach Brad Arnsberg would take that role while Al Pedrique would serve as bench coach and Bobby Meacham coach at first and work with infielders. Dave Clark returns at third base as already noted and Sean Berry continues to work with the hitters. That appears to be a very solid staff. All are very experienced. Pedrique has been a bench coach and interim manager in the majors before and Arnsberg has a lot of experience in that pitching coach role. He has also worked with some very good pitchers--most recently the staff in Toronto.

For Arnsberg the opportunity to work in Houston is the second best spot he could land. As a resident in Arlington since his days pitching for the Rangers that would be most likely be #1. Of course, that assumption may be wrong. It is much more comfortable working in Houston and Minute Maid Park's retractable roof and air conditioning than blistering hot Arlington in mid summer.

Like his manager, Brad Mills, Arnsberg has a big connection with Nolan Ryan. Arnsberg got the save in Ryan's 300th win back on July 31, 1990 in Milwaukee. The Rangers won the game 11-3, but led only 5-3 when Arnsberg entered the game in the last of the 8th. A couple of defensive misplays by Julio Franco opened the door to two unearned runs and with Ryan's pitch count rising Arnsberg was called on to end things. He did. He pitched the last 1 and 1/3 innings. His 9th was easy after the Rangers had scored six in the top of the frame to virtually clinch the win.
But when you check the box score of Nolan Ryan's 300th major league win you will see one other pitcher on the stat line. Its is Brad Arnsberg who allowed only one hit in picking up his 3rd save of that season.

IS THE INFIELD COVERED?

With the signing of Geoff Blum to a one year contract plus option and the return of Jeff Keppinger who is already under contract the Astros have at least their "emergency" left side of the infield for 2010. Keppinger didn't play much shortstop in 2009, but that was his primary position during his years with the Reds before moving over to the Astros. The re-signing of Blum was a surprise to some, but makes a lot of sense. He is a veteran capable of playing multiple spots, but showed in 2009 that at third base he is one of the best glovemen in the National League.

The signing of Blum also may be an indicator that any thoughts of bringing Miguel Tejada back and moving him to third base are remote if not already off the plans.

BROCAIL TO NEXT STAGE?

The Astros also declined to hold on to Doug Brocail for 2010. Whether that signals the end of the career for the 42 year old as a pitcher hopefully it won't signal the end of Doug's life in baseball. He would be an excellent pitching coach. Hmm, there is still a bullpen coach job open with the Astros. That would be a nice first step in a pitching coach job.

AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT

Followers (and non followers) of the Houston Dynamo should think of their 0-0 tie with Seattle a couple of days back as simply a first half score. That is really how the first round of the MLS playoffs really work. Its like playing a game twice as long as a normal game in two different cities with a very big half time. The first round is based on total goals scored in what are considered two games, but in essence aren't really. Why not just tell it like it is... Its one very long game. Soccer does so many things that make little sense in the modern sports world (like not letting anyone know exactly how much time remains) calling the first round of the playoffs a "Super Game" would fit right in.