Spring Training 2012: Day 2

It was a HOT day today in Kissimmee, with temps getting into the mid 80′s. From what I hear, the average temperature this time of year is 78 degrees. Plus the sun is extremely hot and much different than back home in upstate New York. That means globs of sunscreen!

Today the Astros big league club had an away game in Bradenton against the Pirates, but there were some guys who stayed back. Out of who I saw, that list included Jose Altuve, Chris Johnson, Chris Snyder, Carlos Lee, Bud Norris, Wandy Rodriguez and some others.

My first stop in the morning was to the big league side of the complex. Jordan Schafer, Carlos Lee, Jose Altuve, Chris Johnson and Chris Snyder were taking BP.

Chris Snyder and his son:

A picture perfect moment occurred when Chris Johnson hit an absolute shot on top of the clubhouse roof in left field and everyone looks on in awe.:

I had the chance to speak with 2009 ‘Cat Jose Altuve after batting practice and will share that interview upon my arrival back home.

From there I headed over to the minor league side where they were taking batting practice & doing some base running drills. The Lexington & Lancaster squads had scrimmage games against Nationals affiliates Potomac and Hagerstown, while Oklahoma City and Corpus Christi had games on the road at the Nats complex in Viera.

Here is a picture of the Astros lineups:

Not meaning to ignore other minor league guys that are also having good springs, but from just what I have heard, Zach Johnson, Chris Epps and George Springer are all performing very well. There are most definitely others, but those are all I have heard. I will try to dig up some minor league spring stats and share them with everyone if possible.

Here are a few things I uncovered today after speaking with some of our former players. Justin Gominsky likes to write poetry, Kike Hernandez will be playing with Team Spain in the World Baseball Classic qualifiers in September, Brandt Walker is progressing nicely after surgery on a torn ACL and Matt Duffy’s biggest inspiration is his sister, who passed away following a battle with a blood disease.

Now onto the pictures from a hot day in Kissimmee. (Please ignore the first few duplicate photos)