July 31 at 4pm Eastern Time, also known as the MLB Trade Deadline, is always an interesting time of year. Fans wait to see if their favorite players remain on their favorite team or did they become a commodity that was bought or sold in some other team’s quest to make the playoffs. At no other time in baseball am I more aware of the fact that  baseball is one of the most entertaining games of chess.

The moves, made by the General Managers of each team, are a part of the strategy to get them where they wish to be…The World Series. Now whether the goal is THIS World Series or a future one is dependent upon each individual team’s situation. The Houston Astros are shooting for a World Series somewhere in the not too immediate future.

Jeff Luhnow is now leading what is a refreshingly huge commitment to the rebuilding of this ball club. If you’ve been an Astros fan or follower for more than five minutes, you are completely aware of the need to strip this team as much as possible and start building from the farm up. We talked about it last year, but didn’t see it happen as the team was bandaided and patched and no real amount of talent was brought into the minor league system.

This year? It’s whole new ballgame. I saw on twitter several times as this deadline approached that the Houston Astros were willing to deal any player on the roster who was over 5’5″ tall. Yes, Mr. Altuve, you are the piece they seem to be building around.

When you go to a game now, you likely find yourself asking, “Who’s on First?” and not meaning to start a comedy routine. Let’s take a look at what moves were made and who’s playing where for the next two months of baseball.

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Who’s Gone

Carlos Lee – traded to the Miami Marlins for minor leaguers Matt Dominguez (infielder) and Rob Rasmussen (LHP).
Brandon Lyon, J.A. Happ, David Carpenter – traded to the Toronto Blue Jays for Francisco Cordero (RHP), Ben Francisco (OF), and minor leaguers Joe Musgrove ( RHP), Asher Wojciechowski (RHP), David Rollins (LHP), Carlos Perez (C), and the fun PTBNL (player to be named later).
Brett Myers - traded to the Chicago White Sox. The Astros acquired Matt Heidenreich (RHP) and Blair Walters (LHP) and PTBNL.
Wandy Rodriguez - traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Astros acquired minor leaguers Rudy Owens (LHP), Colton Cain (LHP) and Robbie Grossman (OF).
Chris Johnson - traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Astros acquired minor leaguers matt Krauss (OF) and Bobby Borchering (OF).

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Who’s on First?

Whew! That was a busy trade season. But I have to say that this is an exciting time to be an Astros fan. Yes, these are a LOT of changes. Yes, they are losing a LOT of games, but this is how rebuilding works when it’s done right. Severe and cost cutting trades, strong and smart drafts – they’re the name of the game. And Luhnow and company are rebuilding for the long term. (fingers crossed)

It’s going to take a couple of years to see if this plan works, but I think this team is on the right track.

Terri Schlather (AGirlintheSouth) is the tortured Senior Houston Astros Writer for Aerys Sports. You can email her at agirlinthesouth@gmail.com, or follow her ridiculous ramblings on sports, vodka and the weeone on twitter @agirlinthesouth.

After what was a very promising start to the season, the Houston Astros are in a current nose dive after splitting a four game series with the San Diego Padres, being swept by the basement dwelling Chicago Cubs and not unloading the very expensive Carlos Lee. Things haven’t seemed this depressing since this time last year.

Shall we talk about the Cubs? Nope? Good, because I’d really like to pretend that series didn’t happen. It was downright embarrassing to lose not just one, not just two, but three games to these Cubs. *sigh* By the way, has anyone seen the Houston offense? It seems to have gone on summer holiday.

But I do want to talk about the Carlos Lee non-trade. The Los Angeles Dodgers, in what can only be a moment of desperation, put an offer in for a trade deal with Lee the other day. There was a lot of buzz on twitter and online about whether Lee would waive his no-trade clause and take the opportunity to spend the next three months with a team that is a contender.

Alas, the thrill of winning is not nearly as appealing as the agony of defeat.

I think Carlos Lee needs a psychologist.

This can’t be shocking to any Astros fans as we’ve watched Lee over the past three seasons not really care about whether the team won or lost…he’s making the big bucks regardless of the outcome of a game or a season. It’s been said that Lee didn’t want to leave his Houston home, closer to his prized Texas ranch than the City of Angels, but I call that complete bunk.

What does the ranch have to do with it? He’s not making daily or even weekly trips to his ranch to ride a horse and check on things…he’s a little busy playing baseball. So, why is that even considered a factor? I don’t believe it is a factor. I think it’s simply something people have found as a possible excuse.

The reason Carlos Lee didn’t want to be traded? We’ll never really know since we can’t read his mind, but truth be told, I don’t care. His contract runs out at the end of this season and the fact that Jeff Luhnow was willing to send him packing gives me hope that he has NO desire for Lee to return to the Astros at the end of this season.

I’d rather watch baseball being played by a bunch of kids who play full out, balls to the wall with heart and soul every game than watch an overpaid, older baseball player never run full out to first base.

Bitter? You bet.

Terri Schlather (AGirlintheSouth) is the tortured Senior Houston Astros Writer for Aerys Sports. You can email her at agirlinthesouth@gmail.com, or follow her ridiculous ramblings on sports, vodka and the weeone on twitter @agirlinthesouth.

As Bud Norris pitched seven shutout innings last night and the Houston Astros put on a little home run hit parade to beat the Cubs 8-4,  there was one thing I couldn’t get out of my head. This Houston Astros team isn’t afraid to get dirty.

This idea started festering in my head a couple of weeks ago when my mother commented during a game that Jordan Schafer’s nickname should be “Pigpen” because his uniform is always a mess. You know, that orange-brown streak of dirt you find covering the front of a uniform of any player who regularly steals bases? Yep, that’s what I’m talking about.

It’s not just that this team is stealing some bases, although collectively they’ve stolen 33 bags so far this year putting them a respectable 7th in steals in the majors and 5th in the National League. This team is a never-say-die group of guys who always think about how to get it back when the lead is stolen. And when they’re winning? Well, widening that lead is front of mind.

So as I watched the game last night, I was drawn to how many of those uniforms were dirty and it was a lot. Let’s not crazy, Carlos Lee’s uniform was clean as a whistle, but even with players we love to harass like Lee, there’s something in the air in the Astros clubhouse this season. It’s not something we can add up on a stat sheet or really quantify, but it’s just as real and still there.

If you haven’t been to a game in person this season, I encourage you to do it – not just because ticket sales expand the budget that GM Jeff Luhnow has to work with, but also because you’ll feel it. It’s palpable in the air during a game. (I should mention I get no benefit from you going to a game and I’m a horrible fan for saying this, but I prefer the stadium a little empty as it gives me more room.)

I was chatting with a friend the other day – she’s a Red Sox fan- when she mentioned that the Astros weren’t the worst team in baseball this year. I nodded and said, “That’s a reputation that will go away….with just a little more dirt.”

Terri Schlather (AGirlintheSouth) is the tortured Senior Houston Astros Writer for Aerys Sports. You can email her at agirlinthesouth@gmail.com, or follow her ridiculous ramblings on sports, vodka and the weeone on twitter @agirlinthesouth.

The Astros baseball season has been in full swing for eleven days. It’s been eleven days of wins (4), losses (6), hits, strikeouts and everything in between. The boys from Houston have definitely kept the past eleven days very interesting and it’s been a lot of fun watching this young team play (except for the one game that wasn’t televised!) .

One thing that wasn’t so much fun? Watching the team struggle at the plate with the bases loaded. Through Sunday the Astros had come to the plate 11 times with the bases juiced and they failed to get a hit each of those 11 times. When games are being lost by one or two runs you can’t help but look back at all of those wasted opportunities and wonder “what if.”

On Monday night the tide began to turn. In the top of the sixth Jordan Schafer and Jed Lowrie both singled to start the inning and JD Martinez followed with a walk. Perfect, right? No outs, bases loaded and your clean-up hitter is approaching the plate, it’s the scenario fantasies are made of, unless you’re the Houston Astros and then it’s just scary given their recent bases loaded track record.

The scene began to look eerily familiar when Carlos Lee logged the team’s first out of the inning with a fly ball to center and Travis Buck (my baseball boyfriend) followed with a strike out swinging. Just like that there were two outs, the bases were still loaded and the Astros bases loaded hitless streak rose to 13.

They were down to their last out of the inning and the collective hope of all Astros fans lied in the hands of Chris Johnson. With a 1 – 2 count Johnson hits a line drive single to center scoring Schafer and Lowrie to tie the game at 2 and the curse of loaded bases was broken. Hallelujah!

If only the final score had been something to rejoice about as well.

Greis Perez (AmazingGreis), pronounced Grace, is a lifelong Astros fan and contributor for Aerys Sports. You can email her at amazing_greis@yahoo.com, or follow her on Twitter, @AmazingGreis, where she professes her undying love for Travis Buck (#MyBaseballBoyfriend), Justin Timberlake and all things sparkly!

I don’t know anything more about this new Astros team after watching one Spring Training game. Well, that’s not exactly true. I know that Brain Bixler is #12 and it took me forever to figure that out when he was put in the game as a pinch runner (MLB At Bat was being wonky on my phone and there’s only so much information my brain can compute.)

I sat next to Phillies fans yesterday and they were incredibly fun to watch this game beside. We teased each other back and forth as the score volleyed between the Astros and Phillies. We also played “guess the player” quite a bit. The blazing sun made the Astros names difficult to read as we were trying desperately to distinguish young and new players. It was pretty darn comical at times.

In the 10th inning with Bixler at the plate the man next to me said, “This will be a 6-4-3 double play.”

I responded with, “Or he’ll clock it over the wall and prove once more that the Astros always beat the Phillies in their home parks.”

We both chuckled and then I cheered as that ball went flying over the left field wall finishing the game 6-5, Astros. My first Spring Training game of the season was quite a delight despite the raging sunburn I’m now sporting.

I take it back, I did learn a little something at yesterday’s game. In the second inning Jeff Luhnow came and sat with me for a bit chatting about my plans for the week and what he’s seen of the guys so far this spring. I asked him one real question. I wanted to know which player was working harder than people expect.

His response? “Carlos Lee.” Turns out the most senior of the team is in the gym early every morning spending time on the bike. Huh. Who would’ve guessed?

Tonight I’m heading to watch the Nationals at the Braves, but not before spending a little time over at Osceola County Stadium checking out the backfields and hopefully watching some of the Astros minor league guys play a simulated game.

Terri Schlather (AGirlintheSouth) is the tortured Senior Houston Astros Writer for Aerys Sports. You can email her at agirlinthesouth@gmail.com, or follow her ridiculous ramblings on sports, vodka and the weeone on twitter @agirlinthesouth.

With all 63 guys having reported to camp -it’s a full house in Kissimmee. The Pitchers have live hitters to throw to and the guys are all working on getting game ready for the start of the Spring Training Schedule.

Astros fan Carole Oetke Townsend has been in Florida this past week and was kind enough to share some photos. Take a look at what fun the guys are having! (and thanks, Carole!)

General Manager, Jeff Luhnow, takes in the bullpen action. Photo courtesy of Carole Oetke Townsend

Pitching Coach, Doug Brocail, and Brett Myers watch Jordan Lyles throw a bullpen. Photo courtesy of Carole Oetke Townsend

Throwing bullpens. Photo courtesy of Carole Oetke Townsend

George Springer, one of the few pairs of short pants in ST. The Astros need more short pants. Photo courtesy of Carole Oetke Townsend

Bud Norris doing sliding drills....glad they kept those hands full. Photo courtesy of Carole Oetke Townsend

Wilton Lopez doesn't want to do the sliding drill. Hang in there Wilton, in 2013 there will be no reason. Photo courtesy of Carole Oetke Townsend

Yes, there really is that big of a height difference! Jose Altuve chats up Jason Castro. Photo courtesy of Carole Oetke Townsend

Look who's come to Kissimmee! Carlos Lee takes a few swings before facing live balls. Photo Courtesy of Carole Oetke Townsend

Burt Hooten, AAA Pitching coach, watches Lyles take on a group of hitters. Photo Courtesy of Carole Oetke Townsend

Terri Schlather (AGirlintheSouth) is the tortured Senior Houston Astros Writer for Aerys Sports. You can email her at agirlinthesouth@gmail.com, or follow her ridiculous ramblings on sports, vodka and the weeone on twitter @agirlinthesouth.

I’ve narrowed down the captions entered for the photo below. Vote for your favorite and the winner will join me Friday for the Astros in Action Foundation’s Baseball Dinner. Voting will end at 8pm Central time on Wednesday, February 8th.

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What should this caption be? You decide and win a seat at the Houston Baseball Dinner.

Terri Schlather (AGirlintheSouth) is the tortured Senior Houston Astros Writer for Aerys Sports. You can email her at agirlinthesouth@gmail.com, or follow her ridiculous ramblings on sports, vodka and the weeone on twitter @agirlinthesouth.

Friday, February 10th, Minute Maid and the Astros in Action Foundation will host the 27th Annual Baseball Dinner benefitting the Grand Slam for Youth Baseball Scholarship program. In the past six years this fun evening of baseball recognition and memories has funded 20 scholarships.

Not only is the baseball dinner a great cause, but it’s a fun night of baseball awards and remembrance. This year’s dinner will include past Astros like J.R. Richard, Jimmy Wynn, Larry Dierker, Bob Watson, and Jose Cruz, among others. It won’t just be a blast from the past as many 2011 roster members will be there as well – Jason Bourgeois, JD Martinez, Wandy Rodriguez and Manager, Brad Mills. You can check out the official web page for all the details.

I have an extra seat for this lovely event and I figure who better to bring as a “date” than one of you! All you have to do to enter your name into the hat is comment below and give the best caption to this lovely photo of Carlos Lee. I’ll pick the three best captions and then let all of you vote to pick the winner. Be creative….

What should this caption be? You decide and win a seat at the Houston Baseball Dinner.

Terri Schlather (AGirlintheSouth) is the tortured Senior Houston Astros Writer for Aerys Sports. You can email her at agirlinthesouth@gmail.com, or follow her ridiculous ramblings on sports, vodka and the weeone on twitter @agirlinthesouth.

Although it’s still relatively quiet in the world of the Houston Astros, there are some things going on. Here’s a recap of what’s happened and what rumors are circulating now.

*Sigh* A girl can dream, right? I’ve said before that I’d like to see the big contracts gone, but I also would love to see a veteran like Lee, who is known for not having a strong work ethic, out of the clubhouse with all the young and impressionable players coming into the Astros organization. It’s just a rumor, but it’s a rumor that make my heart sing.

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It was announced yesterday that long-time clubhouse manager, Dennis Liborio, is retiring. MLB’s Brian McTaggart said it best -

He was a fixture in the Astros clubhouse for more than three decades. His bushy moustache, thick northeastern accent and cynical humor were — for those in the know — as much a part of the organization as the Killer B’s.

Dennis Liborio, the Astros’ longtime clubhouse manager, has retired after 32 seasons in Houston due to health issues, the team announced Tuesday. The team said in a statement that Liborio will focus on his health while spending more time with his wife, Geraldine.

Liborio was loved by many within the Astros organization and will be missed.

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The Houston Astros signed two teen ball players out of the Dominican Republic, pitcher Carlos Vasquez and outfielder Edward Santana, and have an agreement with a third player, pitcher Tomas Lopez. All three will spend their summer playing in the Dominican Astros Academy.

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Astroline, the Astros off-season Hot Stove radio show hosted by Milo Hamilton and Alyson Footer, will be on Thursday this week at 7pm. This week’s guest is Chris Johnson. You can listen to the broadcast on 740AM KTRH or watch the broadcast live from Buffalo Wild Wings at 510 Gray Street.

Terri Schlather (AGirlintheSouth) is the tortured Senior Houston Astros Writer for Aerys Sports. You can email her at agirlinthesouth@gmail.com, or follow her ridiculous ramblings on sports, vodka and the weeone on twitter @agirlinthesouth.

I really should NOT be trusted to have photoshop on my computer!

Dear Santa, I mean, Mr. Luhnow,

I figure since you’re brand spanking new to the Houston Astros organization and you have not yet had the privilege of meeting me, I should give you a little help as to what would make a perfect gift for me this Christmas.

I mean, I AM on the nice list, right? I don’t see how I could be anywhere else. I spent the whole summer this year cheering for the worst team in baseball. I am, after all, a forever-Astros-fan.

Here it is, the things that top my list for the coming baseball season.

1)  I would really, really, really like to have a roster that is free of at least ONE of the four big contracts. That means Brett Myers, Wandy Rodriguez, Carlos Lee or Brandon Lyon would have to go. Although my preference would be to say adios to Carlos, I know that you’d have to still pay his whole salary and then what’s the point? So maybe you could shop Brett and Wandy a bit more?

2)  Could you please tell the ticketing people how ridiculous it is to ask me to spend the same amount on season tickets this year? I sat through a LOT of bad baseball last year and I am certain I will again this year, but why should I pay full price and “johnny-come-lately” fans who aren’t there all the time get the 1/2 off deals all season long?

3)  I know you told us the other night during your fireside chat with fans that you’d leave managing decisions up to Brad Mills, but can you get to the bottom of the whole sitting-Brett-Wallace-against-lefties business? How will anyone know what he can do against a Major League southpaw unless someone lets him hit against one a few times? I mean, it wasn’t like him striking out a few extra times was going to keep the Astros from the World Series last season; it was the perfect trial and error year.

4)  Can you get me a Stella Artois on the Club Level, please.

5)  As you build this team, can you consider character? I mean, I know the ability to play good baseball has to come first, but it’s sure nice when the team is full of guys that a city full of kids can look up to. Plus, our kids are going to grow up with these guys given the ages they are!

6)  Keep talking to us. The fact that you had that chat the other night online was excellent. For a group of fans who have felt very disenfranchised, ignored, pushed aside and to some extent betrayed, you reaching out and being willing to answer our questions (to the extent that you can on some) and listen is incredibly comforting. It makes me feel like you’re not sneaking around behind my back changing my team into something I won’t like. It makes me feel like you’re proud of the path you have planned. Please keep talking to us.

7)  Please stand by your belief to build from the bottom up and to build for the future and not simply patch the team to “get by” for a year. I want the weeone to have many years of cheering for a contending Houston Astros team, just like I had as a kid. Baseball is a mother/daughter affair in this house and we’d like it to stay that way.

So, there you have it, Jeff…er, I mean, Santa. That’s my Christmas list. I know that you can’t promise everything on my list, but if you could manage a couple, I’ll surely have a very Happy New Year.

I’ll put out the beer and pretzels for you on Christmas Eve and cross my fingers that I get my wish.

Thanks, Santa!

Love,

Terri

Terri Schlather (AGirlintheSouth) is the tortured Senior Houston Astros Writer for Aerys Sports. You can email her at agirlinthesouth@gmail.com, or follow her ridiculous ramblings on sports, vodka and the weeone on twitter @agirlinthesouth.