Climbing Tal's Hill
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Astros: Disabled list visits shed light on prospects

By Clint Irle

Mar 24, 2017; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera (13) is late on tagging out Houston Astros center fielder Derek Fisher (77) at second base during a spring training game at First Data Field. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 24, 2017; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera (13) is late on tagging out Houston Astros center fielder Derek Fisher (77) at second base during a spring training game at First Data Field. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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The latest injury news of Dallas Keuchel and Brian McCann has been an inconvenience for the Astros and their fans.

Thanks to a couple of key injuries, the rest of majors were introduced to two Astros farm hands, Juan Centeno and Ashur Tolliver, and we will see first hand what the Astros have cooking in the farm system.

The Silver Lining

We have watched Joe Musgrove and Mike Fiers struggle this season. It’s been rough seeing our Astros be swept by the Cleveland Indians. But, it was better to endure now than later. However, as the season progresses, quality pitching will be necessary to contend and win a World Series. I know my words are not revolutionary, but the point is pitching is the ultimate key to a championship season. Therefore, the Astros now know they must seek help for their starting rotation, even if it means shipping prospects.

Auditions

Let’s not forget that the DL stints by Dallas Keuchel and Brian McCann allow Tolliver and Centeno opportunity to perform.

Most notably, what their value is for a trade to acquire the missing pieces in the starting rotation. Will the talks about acquiring Gerrit Cole or Chris Archer, wouldn’t it be ideal to get these prospects some face time? Seems advantageous we get our star players rest while showing other organizations what we have to offer.

Who’s on the Block?

The Astros are very well off with young talent. Derek Fisher, Ashur Tolliver, Juan Centeno, AJ Reed, Preston Tucker, Kyle Tucker, Tony Kemp, Teoscar Hernandez and Reid Brignac will be popular during trade talks. Let’s not forget the two draft picks acquired from the Cardinals. Would the Astros hurt if they allowed some of these guys to move on?

It’s to early to tell. However, the bigger question is whether Jeff Lunhow and staff will make a move. 2015 did not leave much optimism about traded deadline moves. We all know how Carlos Gomez played out, and Scott Kazmir was not himself down the stretch of that season.

Next: Astros: Chris Archer, not Gerrit Cole, is the solution

My question is, would you rather roll the dice on a premier starting pitcher, or ride the inconsistent trend of Mike Fiers and Joe Musgrove?

***Stats from Baseball-Reference**

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