Houston Astros: Weekly Recap and Links

Yes, it is still technically winter, Houston Astros fans.

But it sure does feel like spring with the Astros pitchers and catchers reporting to camp this past Thursday. There were even a few notable position players like Jose Altuve and Carlos Correa that reported early to Kissimmee.

And there has also been a fair share of drama early in regard to the closer role, overblown or not, which involves the newly acquired Ken Giles and last season’s closer Luke Gregerson. There likely isn’t nothing much in terms of issues in the clubhouse. In fact, this type of mentality from the Astros’ best relievers is an actually welcomed sight in my opinion. Regardless, the closing situation will likely be resolved in Florida before the team returns to Houston.

Position battles are scarce for once in the Astros camp, but there are few notable battles taking place, specifically first base. And while a case has been made for Jon Singleton, Tyler White, and A.J. Reed, there is one player who may have a pretty good shot at the job: Preston Tucker. This is defiantly worth keeping an eye on as Spring Training enters its first full week.

Rumors are still persistent, however, with the Astros reportedly showing interest in free agent reliever, Randy Choate. Another free agent, third baseman David Freese, has also been mentioned as possible fit for the Astros. Freese-To-Houston could hinge on the development of the first base situation (Luis Valbuena is a first base option, after all). Nothing concrete, but interesting thoughts to entertain.

And pay attention to Climbing Tal’s Hill ongoing series about the 2016 Astros projections. It’ll be a good read, I promise!

More from Climbing Tal's Hill

• Just how much better is the Houston Astros playoff rotation than the rest?
• Houston Astros: A Lineup Change to Spark Offense
• Astros prospect Hunter Brown throws 6 shutout innings in debut
• Always faithful Astros World Series champion Josh Reddick defends the title
• Michael Conforto declines Astros’ 2-year, $30 million offer

Houston Astros News and Notes From Around Fansided

Astros Spring Training: Pitchers and Catchers Report (Day 1) [Climbing Tal’s Hill – Eric Huysman]

"Day One of Astros Spring Training."

Houston Astros: Who’s going to pitch the ninth? [Climbing Tal’s Hill – Colin Gay]

"The bullpen for the Houston Astros has always been a sensitive issue."

Houston Astros: Marwin Gonzalez 2016 Projections [Climbing Tal’s Hill – Stefan Miluszusky]

"How will Houston Astros’ Marwin Gonzalez fair this upcoming season? Lets Project!"

Houston Astros: David Freese, an unlikely third base option [Climbing Tal’s Hill – Cody Poage]

"And that is where the free agency of third baseman David Freese comes into play."

Astros Spring Training: What If Preston Tucker Crushes His Way on Club? [Climbing Tal’s Hill – Eric Huysman]

"It has been assumed at the beginning of Astros spring training that Preston Tucker might not initially have a role on the team at the start of the 2016 season."

More Houston Astros News and Notes From Around the Internet

Fiers: Earning starter spot is ‘No. 1 goal’ [MLB.com – Brian McTaggart]

Houston Astros Farm System Ranks Differ Greatly [Astros in Orbit – Jason Burke]

Dallas Keuchel named Astros Opening Day starter [The Crawfish Boxes – Ryan Dunsmore]

Next: Houston Astros: 16 Reasons to Follow Joe Musgrove

Stay tuned with Climbing Tal’s Hill for the latest Houston Astros news and analysis!