NOTES, QUOTES

Posted on 2010 under Astros | Comments are off

4 Mar

--1B Lance Berkman's left knee is bruised, but an MRI ruled out a more extensive injury. He was hurt during practice earlier in the week, and he is likely to miss the Astros' Grapefruit League opener on March 4. --RHP Brett Myers has been named the starter for the Astros' spring opener against the Nationals. Myers, who joined the team after eight seasons with the Phillies, said the change of scenery is welcome and was needed for his family. "Houston is a good fit for me," Myers said. --RHP Brandon Lyon headed into the second week of spring training not having thrown a single time off the mound. Lyon, who was signed to a three-year, $15 million contract, is behind schedule after having a cyst in his throwing shoulder drained. --RHP Matt Lindstrom, the hardest-throwing pitcher on the Astros' staff, made clear his goal for the coming season: "I'd love to be the closer," said Lindstrom, who will compete with Brandon Lyon for the spot. Lindstrom began last season as the Marlins' closer before an injury and inconsistency cost him the job. He finished the season splitting time in the setup role. --OF Hunter Pence had to have the windshield of his SUV replaced after a long ball by teammate Chris Johnson smashed it earlier this week. "It's bound to happen," Pence said. "Chris offered to pay for it, but I told him not to worry about it." The bill? About $250. --SS Tommy Manzella, the rookie shortstop penciled in as the replacement for Miguel Tejada, agreed to a split contract worth up to $400,000. RHP Felipe Paulino ($415,000) and LHP Fernando Abad, RHP Wilton Lopez and RHP Henry Villar ($400,000 each) also agreed to split contracts during the first week of spring training. BY THE NUMBERS: 3 -- Pitchers announced for the first three games of the Astros' Grapefruit League schedule. They are Brett Myers, Wandy Rodriguez and Roy Oswalt, in that order. QUOTE TO NOTE: "If they don't pick it up, I'll probably take my ball and go home." -- 1B Lance Berkman, suggesting he would be willing to play elsewhere in 2011 if the Astros decline to pick up his option after this season.