Category Archives: Uncategorized

Homework crucial for Astros hitting coach Mallee

By Brian T. Smith

March 3, 2013

BRADENTON, Fla. – John Mallee won the job before the decision was made.

When the Astros were searching during the offseason for a hitting coach to pair with a young club loaded with prospects and mid-level pros who had yet to peak, Mallee strode into his interview filled with inside information. He had a vision for where he could take Astros hitters, building off 10 seasons spent with the Marlins, including a 2010-11 stint as hitting coach.
“He was the most prepared by far,” Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow said. Mallee got the gig. He hasn’t looked back. As soon as Mallee, a Chicago native, joined the Astros, he linked up with as many players as possible, listening as they described their strengths and weaknesses inside the batter’s box while watching video.

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Astros swinging hot bats early in spring slate

By Brian McTaggert

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — With pitchers often focusing on spotting their fastballs and changing speeds early during Spring Training, it’s not uncommon for hitters to take advantage of the lack of breaking stuff being thrown.

Even so, Astros hitting coach John Mallee has been happy with way his club has swung the bat during the first week of spring games. Houston entered Friday’s game against the Cardinals hitting .316 (77-for-244) as a team in seven games.

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Wallace, Castro stay hot in win over Tigers

By Brian McTaggart

Wallace, Castro stay hot in win over Tigers
What happened:  The split-squad Astros got a two-run homer from Jason Castro — his second in as many games — and a solo shot from Brett Wallace to pull away from the Tigers for a 9-4 win on Tuesday afternoon at rainy Osceola County Stadium (boxscore).

For the game story and boxcore on the Astros’ 7-2 split-squad loss to the Rays in Port Charlotte.

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Brett Wallace seeks reward from adjusted hitting technique

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Wallace tries out tweaks to swing
There were moments when Brett Wallace felt right last season. His stroke was smooth, his swing was solid, and his bat cracked upon contact. Wallace was too often off-balance, though, hitting .253 and striking out 73 times in 66 games.

A strong 2013 spring training could make Wallace the opening-day first baseman. He arrived at Osceola County Stadium prepared for the challenge.

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Astros shake up coaching staff, front office

Astros shake up coaching staff, front office
Posted on October 19, 2012 | By Brian T. Smith

Jeff Luhnow and Bo Porter got the men they wanted, and the first phase of the Astros’ coaching and front office changes to the 2013 team is complete.

John Mallee was named hitting coach Friday, and former major league manager Dave Trembley was added as a coach. Doug Brocail was retained as pitching coach and Dave Clark will remain as a coach.

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