Team Canada to go to Olympics without Clapp

After much consideration, the Astros have turned down Lexington hitting coach, Stubby Clapp's request to play for Canada in this summer in China. Clapp, 34, in his second season as an Astros minor league coach, missed three weeks of Spring Training to play for his homeland in an Olympic qualifying tournament. Preparing for and playing in the Olympics would take Clapp away from his Lexington duties for about four weeks in July and August. The Astros have given permission to Salem outfielder James Van Ostrand to play in the Games. Also, Team Canada has interest in Danny Klassen of Round Rock's participation.