Scott Feldman will provide leadership for Astros young rotation

Having recently celebrated his 31st birthday, Scott Feldman is one of the elder statesmen on the Astros roster. Naturally, he will be expected to assume a leadership role in a starting rotation filled with young hopefuls. Astros beat writer Jose de Jesus Ortiz assures us that Feldman is up to the task.

A veteran of nine big league seasons, Feldman has already been penciled in as the Astros’ Opening Day starter in 2014. The makeup of the rest of the rotation could very well depend on what sort of promise the youngsters show this spring. Jarred Cosart and Brett Oberholtzer were both outstanding after making their major league debuts last season and should be considered favorites for rotation spots. The talented duo, each with only ten starts at the big league level, could experience some growing pains along the way. That’s where Feldman could be able to help.

Feldman, along with new pitching coach Brent Strom,  will be tasked with guiding the youngsters through the tough times and keeping them on track. Jeff Luhnow is putting a lot of stock into the leadership skills of both Feldman and Strom and I believe the rest of the pitching staff is in good hands.

Scott Feldman (Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports)