Houston Astros: Weekly Recap and Links

Spring Training is ramping up for the Houston Astros!

Even though the Grapefruit League has yet to officially begin, the Houston Astros are busy getting ready. The team has already announced that right-hander Doug Fister will start the first Spring Training game this upcoming Thursday against the Philadelphia Phillies.

We will also see the battle for first base and third base continue over the coming weeks. Besides the usual suspects, it now appears that Preston Tucker will receive a long look for the starting job at first base. How he handles the position in camp may determine if he makes the 25-man roster coming out of camp.

The Astros also added another arm to the bullpen. This time the organization signed veteran left-hander Neal Cotts to a minor league contract late last week. He will have a chance to compete for a spot in the ‘pen as the second left-hander opposite of Tony Sipp.

Regardless of the Grapefruit League outcome, the main objective for the Astros this Spring Training is to get the guys ready for the 2016 season while filling a few holes. This year’s camp may determine if the Astros jump out to the same impressive start like the team did last year. Look for the players to come out ready to play in their first game action this Thursday.

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

Houston Astros: Ken Giles 2016 Projections [Climbing Tal’s Hill – Colin Gay]

"The prize addition in the offseason, right-handed relief pitcher Ken Giles is expected to do great things as the likely closer for this Houston Astros team."

Houston Astros sign Neal Cotts to minor league contract [Climbing Tal’s Hill – Cody Poage]

"Left-handed reliever Neal Cotts, formerly of the Chicago White Sox back in the day, has signed a minor league contract with the Houston Astros."

Astros Need Some More Balance of Lefties in the Lineup [Climbing Tal’s Hill – Eric Huysman]

"As a former little league coach, it’s very easy to put the weaker player towards the bottom of the lineup, the Houston Astros could face the same decision this season."

Houston Astros Spring Training: The Battle for Third Base [Climbing Tal’s Hill – Elliott Jenkins]

"At first glance, the Houston Astros’ third base situation looks relatively predictable."

Astros Spring Training: First Base Notes with A.J. Reed’s Arrival [Climbing Tal’s Hill – Eric Huysman]

"The biggest battle during Spring Training for the Houston Astros could be the one at first base."

Houston Astros: Doug Fister 2016 Projections [Climbing Tal’s Hill – Issa Cook]

"Fister, a free-agent signing, was believed to be a nice bargain deal for the Astros if he could return to his 2014 form."

More Houston Astros News and Notes From Around the Internet

Newcomer Fister to open Astros’ spring slate [MLB.com – Brian McTaggart]

Astros’ organizational depth pronounced at third [Chron.com – Evan Drellich]

Astros Carlos Correa has the most team friendly contract in baseball [The Crawfish Boxes – Ryan Dunsmore]

Carlos Correa Could Make History in 2016 [Astros on Scout – Jason Burke]

Tucker working out at familiar position [MLB.com – Brian McTaggart]

Next: Houston Astros: Carlos Gomez 2016 Projections

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