Stanford in the Show
Jason Castro • C • Houston Astros • Sixth season • @J_Castro15
Since his rookie season in 2010, Castro has been a leader behind the plate for the Astros. In 2016, Castro helped Houston achieve a 4.06 ERA, the fifth-lowest in the hard-hitting American League. He played in 113 games batting .210 with 41 runs and 32 RBIs. Castro is an unrestricted free agent heading into 2017 after the Astros finished 2016 at 84-78.
A story on Jason Castro's impending free agency and the Astros' catching picture for 2017: https://t.co/gBmtc1DAIG
— Jake Kaplan (@jakemkaplan) October 1, 2016
Sam Fuld • OF • Oakland Athletics • Ninth season • @SamFuld5
After playing 120 games for the Oakland Athletics in 2015, Fuld missed the entire 2016 season with a shoulder injury. The 34-year old Fuld, known for his outstanding defense in the outfield, is an unrestricted free agent going into 2017.
Today I'm co-captaining with @aleximelvin for @BeyondType1 to raise $ for the #REVLON Love Is On Campaign https://t.co/MNUuvrFgZC
— Sam Fuld (@SamFuld5) September 22, 2016
Jed Lowrie • IF • Oakland Athletics • Ninth season
Lowrie underwent season ending surgery on his left foot in August. Up until that point, he was batting .263 with 2 home runs and 27 RBIs. Lowrie has been a versatile option for A's at shortstop, second base and third base. He is currently signed with the club through 2017.
A's Jed Lowrie tells The Chronicle he needed another surgery this month, for deviated septum: https://t.co/FNoRwB0gqd via @sfchronicle
— Susan Slusser (@susanslusser) September 30, 2016
Stephen Piscotty • OF • St. Louis Cardinals • Second season
Piscotty finished the season batting .273 with 22 home runs and 85 RBIs in 153 games. Since his call to the majors in 2015, Piscotty has played a critical role in the Cardinals starting lineup. One of the best young hitters in the league, Piscotty was nominated for the Hank Aaron award for the most outstanding outfielder in the league. The Cardinals went 86-73, putting them just outside the chase for the wild card.
Crew Chief reviews call that Stephen Piscotty does not hit a home run in the 6th; call overturned, home run: https://t.co/C0ezlY7dpK
— MLB Replay (@MLBReplays) July 7, 2016
Drew Storen • RHP • Seattle Mariners • Seventh season • @DrewStoren
Storen began the season with the Toronto Blue Jays before being traded to the Seattle Mariners. In Seattle, Storen played in 19 games while surrendering 13 hits and 7 runs, going 3-0 with an 3.44 ERA. A mainstay in major league bullpens, Storen has been a constant factor on MLB rosters since his rookie year in 2010 at the age of 22.
How did @DrewStoren spend his first day of the offseason? Napping with his dog: https://t.co/HaDBkbDRKU pic.twitter.com/SQ5cqhQSwu
— Cut4 (@Cut4) October 4, 2016
Steve Buechele • Bench Coach • Texas Rangers • Second season
Buechele completed his second season as the Rangers' bench coach after being hired on Oct. 31, 2014. He helped the Rangers go 95-67, the best record in the American League, and win the American League West division. The Rangers faced the Toronto Blue Jays in the ALDS, losing the series 3-0.
A.J. Hinch • Manager • Houston Astros • Second season • @ajhinch
Hinch finished his second season in Houston with an 84-78 record, good for third place in the hotly-contested American League West division. The Astros were forced to play catch-up after a 7-17 start, but Hinch believes they are well-positioned for 2017.
"There are very few organizations of the 30 that have quite as exciting of a young core to build around," said the 1996 graduate of Stanford and member of the Stanford Athletics Hall of Fame. "That's our job this offseason; to put in some complementary pieces to add to the guys that we have that we're excited about."
#Astros skipper @AJHinch not liking this whole season ending stuff.... pic.twitter.com/gWVRQS1WUO
— Daniel Gotera (@DTGoteraKHOU) October 4, 2016
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