Mike Barnett: It seems like an invitation to the EBCA Convention in Cologne is a good sign. Besides Brian Farley, who was named manager of the Dutch National Team last weekend, a second speaker will sport a new job at the clinic. Mike Barnett was promoted to become the new MLB hitting coach of the Houston Astros last Friday. He served as the minor league hitting instructor in the organization in the past two years. He is succeeding Jeff Bagwell, who had this job on an interim basis since July, but decided not to return. Registration for the EBCA Convention from Friday to Sunday, November 12 to 14 is still open.
Alex Liddi: Italian third baseman Alex Liddi is struggling in November. In four games this month for Cardenales de Lara in the Venezuelan Winter League he only managed one hit to go along with three walks, while scoring three runs. Overall the Seattle Mariners prospect is batting .221 (OBP .310/SLG .338) in 22 games.
Kai Gronauer: German catcher Kai Gronauer, who is playing in the Arizona Fall League for the Mesa Solar Sox, seems to have found his rhythm. He has hit safely in four of his past six appearances, although he only has played twice this month. He is batting .167 (OBP .242/SLG .267) in nine games overall.