Fowler arrives early, meets new Astros teammates

KISSIMMEE, Fla. -- Pretty much everything is new in Dexter Fowler's life. He and his wife have a one-month-old daughter, Naya, and on Sunday he slipped on the uniform of his new team, the Astros. Fowler arrived at camp three days ahead of reporting day for position players.

"It feels good," said Fowler, who was traded from the Rockies in December. "It's different having a Spring Training here in Florida."

Fowler spent the previous eight years in the Rockies organization, and last year hit .263 with 12 homers, 42 RBIs and a .369 on-base percentage. He'll play center field and hit leadoff for the Astros, giving them a solid on-base presence at the top of the order.

Fowler met his new teammates Sunday before taking batting practice.

"Like I told my wife, it's kind of like the first day of school," he said. "But I went to three high schools, so I'm kind of accustomed to change."

During his meet-the-media session, Fowler was interrupted by manager Bo Porter pretending to be a reporter and using his bat for a microphone.

"I've known Bo for a number of years, and it's awesome to have him as a manager," he said. "What they're doing over here, what [general manager] Jeff [Luhnow] and them are doing over here, it's awesome, and I'm glad to be a part of it."