Climbing Tal's Hill
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Houston Astros:  Early Spring Training Winners/Losers

By Mike Hackemack

Mar 29, 2015; Kissimmee, FL, USA; A general view of the field from the roof of Osceola County Stadium during the sixth inning of a spring training baseball game between the Houston Astros and the New York Yankees. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 29, 2015; Kissimmee, FL, USA; A general view of the field from the roof of Osceola County Stadium during the sixth inning of a spring training baseball game between the Houston Astros and the New York Yankees. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /
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A Look at Some of the Houston Astros Winners and Losers so Far This Spring!

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It’s the Ides of March and the Houston Astros hold a record of 9-4-1, which means absolutely nothing.  However, if given the choice to win or lose games that ultimately don’t matter; we’d all prefer to be victorious right?  With that said, let’s take a look at who is winning at Astros camp and who is losing.

WINNERS

Tyler White (1B/3B) – .345 AVG, 1 HR, 6 RBI – Tyler suddenly finds himself right in the middle of an intense battle to play first for the Astros.  While he also plays third, that position seems to be held in the reliable glove of Luis Valbuena.  The 33rd round pick out of Western Carolina is stripping the ball down in Florida, and if he can prove himself defensively, he may just find a spot on the 25 man roster.

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Marwin Gonzalez (UTIL) – .421 AVG, 4 HR, 6 RBI, 1 SB – Marwin continues to impress and be one of the unsung heroes of this club.  He is slashing through March, and by doing so has got to be opening A.J. Hinch’s eyes to get him into even more games this year.  He is the ultimate utility man, having played every defensive position minus pitcher, catcher, and centerfield.  He appeared in 120 games in 2015, many of those at first base.  Could he be the secret answer at first for the Astros?  Not likely, but it would be nice to see him play an even larger role this season.

Jandel Gustave (RP) – 4.0 IP, 3 SV, 6 K, 0.00 ERA – Jandel had a great 2015 in AA Corpus Christi, notching 20 saves.  He already has three this spring and has dominated hitters, fanning 6 and walking only 1 in four innings.  While it may not yet be time for him in the majors, it is nice to see the pipeline in action.

Colin Moran (3B) – .400 AVG, 2 RBI, 1.033 OPS – While much of the attention has been placed on the battle for first base, Colin has put together a terrific start to his spring.  There are a lot of players competing for the corner positions, and the former first-round pick of the Marlins is taking advantage of this opportunity.  His time to shine could come next year if Valbuena is not re-signed.

A.J. Reed (1B) – .304 AVG, 1 RBI – A.J. has added to the impressive play of young Astros 1B’s.  He tore up two levels of minor league ball last year, and he doesn’t appear to be slowing down.  Things at first base should get very interesting if he and White continue to excel.

Next: Losers

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