Astros 2014 Review

Oct. 14, 2014; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; Houston Astros pitcher

plays for the Salt River Rafters during an Arizona Fall League game against the Surprise Saguaros at Salt River Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

October

To the rest of the baseball world, the Postseason was the only thing that matter. We saw former Astro Hunter Pence win his 2^nd World Series ring with the San Francisco Giants in three years. And we also witnessed the Kansas City Royals make a magical World Series run that gave Astros fans hope that we’ll see Houston in a similar position sooner than later.

But if you’re an Astros fan, then you were probably paying attention to the Arizona Fall League to see how Top Prospects Mark Appel, Vincent Velasquez, and Rio Ruiz did against some other top prospects in the game. With most eyes on Appel, he did not disappoint as he continued to pick up where he left off in Corpus Christi and show that he is the real deal.

November

With the playoffs wrapped up, that means it’s award season, along with roster moves. Jose Altuve won the AL Second Base Silver Slugger Award to cap off his remarkable season, while Collin McHugh and George Springer each earned Top 10 Rookie of the Year votes.

The Astros first move was claiming Relief Pitcher Will Harris from Arizona, who will be fighting for a spot in the new bullpen in 2015. They proceeded to add Catcher Carlos Perez to the 40 Man Roster, only to trade him and Starting Pitcher Nick Tropeano to the Angels for Catcher Hank Conger. Relief Pitcher Josh Zeid was then claimed off waivers by the Tigers so the Astros could make some room on their roster. Houston added Vincent Velasquez, Michael Feliz, and Ronald Torreyes at the deadline to prevent other teams from claiming them in the Rule 5 Draft. Highly regarded prospect Delino DeShields was left off the roster, making him eligible to be drafted…