Brian McTaggart, who covers the Houston Astros for the Houston Chronicle, stopped by to talk a little bit about the Astros after their first few weeks of Spring Training.

Todd Kaufmann: Jeff Bagwell is going to be working with a lot of the minor leaguers during spring training. How much impact does a guy like Bagwell have on those young players?

Brian McTaggart: Jeff has a big impact. He’s still young enough that most of the minor league players have seen him play and are still somewhat starstruck by him. I think Jeff has taken to this role more than he thought he would.

Todd Kaufmann: How much stock do you put in a pitcher’s numbers (ex. ERA) during spring training?

Brian McTaggart: I think it’s pretty important. I think generally if a pitcher has a bad ERA that means he’s pitched badly. Now, I think you have to take each guy individually. Walks are important, too, especially to Cecil Cooper.

Todd Kaufmann: Young catching prospect J.R. Towles has really been on a tear thus far. What do you like about Towles what does he bring to the Astros?

Brian McTaggart: I like him mostly from an offensive standpoint. Having Towles hit eighth and be a threat with the bat is a huge upgrade for the Astros over Brad Ausmus.

Todd Kaufmann: How has Miguel Tejada looked thus far?

Brian McTaggart: Terrible. He’s made three errors in just a couple of games and isn’t hitting the ball at all. Being a veteran guy, I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt. There’s still a long way to go.

Todd Kaufmann: From what you’ve seen so far in your visits to the Astros camp, what are a few things that you liked and what should the Astros be concerned about?

Brian McTaggart: Pitching and pitching. Some of the relievers they were counting on have been hit pretty hard in their first couple of games, and starting pitching Wandy Rodriguez had a good game and then a bad one. They need him to be better. But, it is early as far as the Grapefruit League schedule goes.

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