If the Astros have learned anything this spring, it's that veterans Mike Hampton and Russ Ortiz still have something in the tank. 

Homer Bailey strengthened his case to make the Cincinnati Reds' opening-day roster with a good day on the mound and at the plate. 

2009 Houston Astros ScheduleAll Times EDTApril 6 Chicago Cubs, 7:05 p. 

If the Astros have learned anything this spring, it's that veterans Mike Hampton and Russ Ortiz still have something in the tank. 

--INF Jeff Keppinger, the Reds' starting shortstop for most of last season, was traded to the Astros for a player to be named or cash. 

After a 19-game winless streak between their first and second Grapefruit League victories, the Astros improved dramatically and looked like a legit major league club by going on a seven-game winning streak. 

Russ Ortiz had one of his most impressive outings of the spring Tuesday night, going six innings while allowing two earned runs, five hits and striking out six in the Astros' 8-3 win over the Atlanta Braves. 

Jeff Keppinger was packing his gear when he got a call saying manager Dusty Baker wanted to talk to him. 

Manny will be a pain. 

Chan Ho Park made his final bid for the No. 

2009 Houston Astros ScheduleAll Times EDTApril 6 Chicago Cubs, 7:05 p. 

2009 Houston Astros ScheduleAll Times EDTApril 6 Chicago Cubs, 7:05 p. 

A month ago, Ricky Romero was a long shot to earn a spot in Toronto's rotation. 

--Manager Cecil Cooper, who had been tremendously frustrated while the Astros went on a 19-game winless streak, made a surprising prediction after Houston began winning. 

After a 19-game winless streak between their first and second Grapefruit League victories, the Astros improved dramatically and looked like a legit major league club by going on a seven-game winning streak.