1:49 PM Fri, Feb 16, 2007 | Permalink
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28 pitchers and 6 catchers reported to the Astros training facilities in Kissimmee, Florida.
The long grind of the 2007 baseball campaign is under way.
It is arguably the most difficult schedule in sport mentally as the season calls for a full 162 games from Aprill to early October. Add in the Grapefruit schedule in March and if the Astros make the postseaon, we're talking perhaps a total of 200 games or more during a nine month span.
While baseball is a team game, the Pitcher vs. Batter confrontation is the ultimate one on one matchup. It is always the game within a game which baseball fans can second guess all night long. What will it be, a fast ball, a curve, a nasty change or perhaps a splitter.
Then if there's a runner on base, the mental game can become more intense. Will he run? Is it a hit and run? What about a pitchout? All of this takes a toll.
Astros Manager Phil Garner enters camp with a bunch of question marks. Roger Clemens aside, there are two spots open in the rotation and a number of youngsters fighting for a chance.
A year ago, the Astros were the defending National League Champions, something the club has never been before. A year later the decisions made during the next six week could mean whether they are contenders or also rans.
There is a lot of talent on this team, but talent alone doesn't win games.
Former Astros Manager Larry Dierker oftens says in Major League Baseball a ball club will win 50 games and lose 50 games, it's how they do in the other 62.
With two slots open in the rotation, there are many questions this spring, Garner has six weeks to find the answers.
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