Photo Credit, mlb.com
It’s a new season with changes.
The World Champion Houston Astros geared up for spring training before heading to Florida.
Over the offseason, the Astros signed a few new faces to strengthen its team for the upcoming season. Part of the strength will steam from an assortment of the top throwing arms around the league.
Joe Smith, a reliever, the first free agent signed by the Astros after the World Series, threw 54 innings with the Toronto Blue Jays and the Indians. The right-handed, 11-year veteran had a 3.33 ERA last season.
In addition, right-hander reliever Hector Rondon agreed to a deal and should help the bullpen.
Then, 27-year-old right-hander Gerrit Cole signed with Houston, leaving Pittsburgh.
These three will join forces with one of the best pitching staffs in the American League. Dallas Keuchel, Lance McCullers, Jr., Collin McHugh Charlie Morton and Justin Verlander form the Astros starting rotation.
The Astros avoided arbitration by signing outfielder/slugger George Springer to a two-year deal worth 24 million dollars.
Last season, the Astros held down the top spot in baseball the last couple months. However, entering the postseason, Houston cemented its self as battle-tested after defeating three of baseball’s most storied teams. The Boston Red Socks, Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Yankees.
Catchers and pitchers will report to training camp on February 13th and the remainder of the team, on February 18th.