The Pecan Park Eagle

Welcome Back, Astros Baseball!

Good morning, fellow baseball fans!

The Houston Astros will open their first season in the American League tomorrow night, March 31, 2013, against the visiting Texas Rangers at Minute Maid Park in Houston. As best I now know, Bud Norris will be the Opening Day starting pitcher for the Astros and their original starting lineup will look something like the one I’ve posted below.

Starting Rotation

#20 Bud Norris                       BR/TR

#64 Lucas Harrell                  BS/TR

# 59 Philip Humber               BR/TR

#43 Brad Peacock                   BR/TR

#45 Eric Bedard                       BL/TL

Starting Lineup

#27 Jose Altuve, 2B                 BR/TR

#29 Brett Wallace, 1B              BL/TR

#44 Justin Maxwell, CF         BR/TR

#12 Carlos Pena, DH              BL/TL

#2 Brandon Barnes, RF          BR/TR

#30 Matt Dominguez, 3B       BR/TR

#28 Chris Carter, LF                BR/TR

#15 Jason Castro, C                 BL/TR

#13 Ronny Cedeno, SS             BR/TR

With the exception of the fact that DH Carlos Pena will bat for the pitcher, the object of the game is the same as it always has been: to have more runs than your opponent does by the time you register 27 put outs against your foe for the day or evening. Scoring more runs than the opposition remains the purpose of the game, no matter who bats or doesn’t bat, for or against your club over nine scheduled innings.

I love the confidence, spirit, and fire that exudes from every pore and spiritual cell that emanates from the body and soul of Astros manager Bo Porter and I am really looking forward to watching how he keeps eyes lifted among his young pups on the prize that awaits those that never give up. The 2013 Astros may not have a snow ball’s chance in hell of winning it all, but that doesn’t mean that they are condemned to another 100-loss season – or even the worst record in baseball. Before season’s end, I’m thinking help from the farm is even going to boost the second half effort in positive ways we may not have counted upon even a short while ago.

Life’s too short for pessimism. Let’s make the most of each day and get back to the joy of baseball. And the sound of the ball striking the bat. And the smell of hot dogs at the ballpark. And the way the skies look on those mornings we wake up knowing we’ve got a game to go see that night. And the company of family and friends that we share these moments with forever – in person and in memory.

Play ball, boys. The baseball season is here again.