Jordan Hicks Figured Out His Slider & Everyone Should Be Terrified

Improved command and added velocity to a slider have led to a good run of outings for the Cardinals reliever.

Beyond The Boxscore

Woody Williams Pitching Coach For San Jacinto College-North

The Gators’ pitching coach is Houston native Woody Williams, who played for four Major League Baseball franchises between 1993 and 2007. As a member of the St. Louis Cardinals in 2003, he was a member of the National League All-Star Team.

Daily Journal

Jesse Crain Mulls Future

Jesse Crain hasn't thrown a pitch during a Major League game since June 29, 2013, for the White Sox against Cleveland at what was then known as U.S. Cellular Field. But the 35-year-old right-hander won't use the words "I'm retired" in regard to his decade-long career.

Chicago-A Official Site

Matt Pagnozzi, Clayton Mortensen, Xavier Scruggs, Jonathan Rodriguez, Alberto Rosario, Jess Todd, Brock Peterson, Pedro Rodriguez, Rafael Ortega, & Robert Stock Elected For Free Agency

MILB Official Site

MiLB Official Site

Brad Penny Received Retention Bonus From White Sox

Jeff Passan Twitter

Vince Coleman Infuses Passion For Baserunning Into Discussion

The session held by Vince Coleman on a back field at Camelback Ranch on Wednesday was termed by White Sox executive vice president Ken Williams as the best speech on baserunning he had ever heard. The passion shown by Coleman concerning the topic was evident, and the presence of a man with 752 career stolen bases as the organization's baserunning coach figures to pay dividends for the White Sox in all areas on the basepaths.

Chicago-A Official Site

White Sox Sign Jesse Crain To Minors Deal

Chicago-A Official Twitter

Luke Gregerson Could Be Right Fit For Astros Bullpen

There’s a free-agent reliever that new Astros manager A.J. Hinch has had plenty of time to evaluate up close, righty Luke Gregerson. The 30-year-old never been a full-time closer, but he might stand as the Astros’ most logical remaining free-agent option — no matter the role.

Ultimate Astros

Feeling's Mutual: Astros Holding On To Chad Qualls

With a week remaining prior to the non-waiver Trade Deadline, the Astros are expected to be relatively inactive, which would be a change from the previous four years in which they made a handful of deals to ship off veterans for young players.

Houston Official Site

Radical Ways Paint Astros As 'Outcast'

The Astros have become one of baseball's most progressive franchises as they try to rebuild and avoid a fourth consecutive 100-loss season.

Houston Chronicle

Adron Chambers Expected In Game Action Soon; Raul Valdes Threw Second Bullpen Session At Astros Camp

Righthander Jorge De Leon (right quad strain) should be in games soon. Same for outfielder Adron Chambers (left hamstring), who did high-exertion bicycle work on Sunday and appears like he’ll be ready soon. Righty Jose Cisnero suffered a back spasm over the weekend and is considered day-to-day. With the team playing on the road, lefty Raul Valdes threw back at Astros camp on Monday as he builds up strength following left knee surgery. He said Wednesday, the day he threw his first bullpen, he was probably two weeks away from game action, putting him still likely more than a week away.

Ultimate Astros

Cesar Izturis Offers Tips To Fellow Astros' Latin Players

Second baseman Jose Altuve, catcher Carlos Corporan and infielder Cesar Izturis spoke in a meeting Tuesday with the Astros' contingent of Latin American players. The meeting was to discuss the benefits of learning English and assimilating into the U.S. culture.

Houston Official Site

Brett Wallace Taking His Status In Stride

Brett Wallace was passed through waivers and taken off the Astros' 40-man roster this month, something that would have been unimaginable a couple of years ago because he was such a highly touted prospect.

Houston Chronicle

Astros Sign Jesse Crain

Houston Official Twitter

Indians Not Interested In Jake Westbrook

Hey, Hoynsie: Do the Indians have any interest in bringing in Jake Westbrook on a minor league deal to compete for the fifth starter’s spot or Jesse Crain for bullpen help? – Joshua Czech, Hartsville.

Hey, Joshua: The last time I checked the Indians had no interest in Westbrook. They were interested in Crain last season, but that cooled when he injured his right shoulder.

Cleveland Plain Dealer

Cubs Interested In Jesse Crain

Bruce Levine Twitter

Rays Don't Appear In A Hurry To Trade David Price

The Rays have done quite a bit already this off­season, re-signing 1B James Loney to keep their infield intact, acquiring C Ryan Hanigan and RHP Heath Bell, bringing back OF David DeJesus and RHP Juan Carlos Oviedo and cobbling a team they feel, with a few more additions, has a chance to again be a legit contender.

Tampa Bay Times

Jeff Luhnow Says Active Astros Still Exploring Options

As relief pitchers fly off the free-agent market at a frenzied pace, Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow didn't rule out Tuesday the possibility of adding another arm to the bullpen following the recent signing of former Astros right-handers Chad Qualls and Matt Albers.

Houston Official Site

Jesse Crain Receiving Offers

Jon Morosi Twitter

Astros Speak With Agents Of Jose Veras, Jesse Crain, & Chad Gaudin

Free agent pitcher Jose Veras, who served as the Astros closer the first half of the season, said Tuesday his agent has been talking to Houston about a possible return to the Astros.

Hot Stove Blog