The 3-2 pitch

Three observations ...

• Detroit's Nick Castellanos is the latest example of how some prospects take longer than others to realize their potential. He's only 24 years old but has more than 1,100 at-bats.

• Houston must already regret sending Vince Velasquez, an impressive 23-year-old righthander, as part of a package to Philly for reliever Ken Giles.

• Any future Star Wars tributes at MLB parks should never include Jar Jar Binks, the worst character in the history of the series.

... and two predictions

• Look for at least two Nationals starters to fade down the stretch because of their workload during the first half of the season.

• The Rangers will be in first place in the AL West by the end of the month.