Astros talk: off-season edition.

It's about that time boys. Pitchers and catchers report to camp in a little more than a week. How bout a little discussion? To recap the off season thus far:

New Unis!


American League


Player Moves:

~Claimed RHP Phillip Humber on waivers from White Sox.

~Traded RP Wilton Lopez to Rockies for SP Alex White and minor leaguers.

~Signed free agent 1B/DH Carlos Pena previously with Rays.

~Acquired RHP John Ely from the Dodgers for minor league pitcher Rob Rasmussen.

~Signed FA RP Jose Veras previously with Brewers.

~Invited OF Rick Ankiel to spring training as a non-roster invitee.

~Signed veteran LHP Erik Bedard to a minor league deal with Spring Training invite.

Other news & notes

~TV color man Jim "J.D." Deshaies has moved on to the same position with the Chicago Cubs. His role will be filled by former Astros catcher Alan Ashby. Current play-by-play man Bill "Brownie" Brown is returning but intends to scale back his duties to around 100 games in 2013. For these games, Ashby will slide over to play-by-play and he'll be joined by former Astro Geoff Blum in the color commentary.

~Jonathon Singleton (who was named the top first base prospect in the game by MLB.com) was suspended 50 minor league games for a 2nd positive test for marijuana. He can be added to the 40 man roster and promoted to the majors and avoid the suspension. It appears the Astros intend for him to serve the suspension and start the year off in the minors after 50 games.

~Its a bit early to get into draft talks for 1.1 but some of the early names being floated are Stanford P Mark Appel, Arkansas pitcher Ryan Stanek, Indiana State P Sean Manea, HS players Austin Meadows and Clint Frazier.