off the road

Cody Satterwhite’s anticipated path to the big leagues will take a detour — at the very least. The big right-hander, a former Hillcrest Christian and Ole Miss standout, was recently released by the Detroit Tigers. Satterwhite, a second-round pick in 2008, missed all of the 2010 season after shoulder surgery and pitched in just eight games, all in the rookie Gulf Coast League, in 2011. He reportedly has lost velocity on what was once a wicked mid-90s fastball. In 2009, Satterwhite posted a 3.47 ERA and 12 saves at the Double-A level and was regarded as a top prospect in the Tigers’ system. He appeared to be on his way to The Show. But arm problems have shot down many a promising career. It remains to be seen if Satterwhite will get another shot.
P.S. The Houston Astros will celebrate the 50th anniversary of their first major league season in 2012. They debuted as the Colt .45s in 1962 — with Ellisville native Harry Craft as their manager. This will also be Houston’s last season in the National League; the Astros move to the American League West in 2013. The Astros’ Double-A club operated in Jackson from 1991-99 as the Generals, winning Texas League pennants in 1993 and ’96.