Astros making changes beyond players to compete for World Series

(Photo by Brad Mangin/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

The Astros have made significant changes to the team that some feel make them World Series contenders. The players, rightfully so, get the most spotlight when it comes to additions to the team, but this year their facilities are worth some spotlight of their own.

The ‘Stros left the pits in Kissimmee for a brand new spring training facility/stadium in West Palm Beach. Photos of the facilities can be seen here and the stadium info can be found here if you plan on making a trip to Florida to watch the team.

We already know about Tal’s Hill, and the opportunity it will provide for more home runs.
The new center field wall doesn’t look bad either.

The new yard is enjoying this Houston weather. pic.twitter.com/joFeBcbVmO

— Mike Acosta (@AstrosTalk) February 16, 2017

Another change you can expect to see at Minute Maid is additional netting behind home plate. Directly behind the plate will be raised to 32 feet and 12 feet of netting will surround that.

The organization is also making another change by bringing back an old Astro, but new face to spring training with the addition of Roy Oswalt as a guest instructor. Oswalt will join a list of former Astros greats including Jeff Bagwell, Craig Biggio, and Phil Garner. Oswalt looks to help develop Houston’s young core of starting pitchers pitch longer and rest their arms properly (his full quote in link below).

Former #Astros star Roy Oswalt is “looking forward” to being a guest instructor next week at The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches. pic.twitter.com/4jEOGMcdTS

— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) February 15, 2017

It’s encouraging to see such seasoned veterans and faces of the franchise help out their former club with one goal: help players get good enough to compete for a championship.

Whether it’s out with the old and in with the new, or in with the old to help the new, it’s clear this franchise is only trending upwards. A refreshing sight for Astros fans, and a trend that is sure to continue so long as the Astros to continue to win.