Who Will Be on the Bench for the Astros?

Sep 7, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Houston Astros outfielder Jake Marisnick (6) throws the ball into the infield against the Oakland Athletics in the fifth inning at O.co Coliseum. The Astros defeated the Athletics 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

The “Wild Cards”

With the previous two players on the team, along with the starting nine, you are down to two spots to fill out the roster. A lot of it will come down to how many backup infielders and outfielders A.J. Hinch will want on his team.

3B Matt Dominguez: Dominguez went from being the starter to seeing himself in a potential platoon situation. If Matty D is to make this team though, he’ll need to show that he is better than Valbuena, or at least show they only need one outfielder off the bench and not two. What also makes things a little more complicated for Dominguez is the fact that Marwin Gonzalez can play 3B if needed. Everybody will be giving Dominguez a good look this Spring.

OF Alex Presley: A few weeks ago, I would have put Presley in the group above as he was granted $1 million for 2015 to avoid arbitration. A lot has changed with the recent transactions, and now Presley’s role could very well be up in the air knowing that the Astros could very well only have one backup outfielder on the bench.

OF Jake Marisnick: Marisnick must have gone through an emotional roller coaster this January. He went from being the projected starter in LF, to the bench with the Gattis trade, to starting again with the Fowler trade, to now battling for a roster spot with the signing of Colby Rasmus. The former top prospect will have to impress management enough to beat out Presley and the next guy on the list for a spot on the bench.

OF Robbie Grossman: Grossman has had an up-and-down career in an Astros uniform, and he’s going to have to continue what he was doing at the end of 2014 to gain a spot on this roster. A lot of people believe in him, but with only so many spots on the team, he’s going to have to be more consistent.

Sep 24, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Houston Astros shortstop Jonathan Villar (2) throws to first base but cannot make the out during the game against the Houston Astros at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

The “Not-Very-Likely”

This list of players are guys that are on the 40 Man Roster, but probably won’t be on the team unless there are injuries ahead of them on the depth chart during Spring Training.

C Max Stassi: Although management is very high on Stassi, he won’t be on the team to start the season. But he’ll be the first man up if Castro or Conger go down.

IF Ronald Torreyes: Torreyes’ only real shot on the team is if something happens with Altuve, Lowrie, or Valbuena/Dominguez. But even then, he’ll have to battle with somebody else for that roster spot.

IF Jonathan Villar: Villar is the man Torreyes will be in a battle with if an unfortunate situation were to arise to the club. Villar has been too inconsistent since joining the club in 2013, and will need a very strong Spring Training to stand any realistic shot at joining the roster.

OF Domingo Santana: Santana has shot through the minor league system, but with the depth in the Astros OF, he’s going to need to tear the cover off the ball to stand a chance to make this roster. He’s in the same boat as the men above.

OF L.J. Hoes: Hoes was having trouble being on the roster last season when the Astros didn’t have as much depth in the OF as they do now. A lot would have to happen for Hoes to make this team.

All NRI’s: The standout here is Carlos Correa. Yes, I would love Correa to join the team out of Spring Training, but that’s not going to happen. Even when George Springer was destroying the ball in Spring Training in 2013, he didn’t make the team, and didn’t even step foot on a major league field that season. Correa will have all eyes on him, but he’s not making this roster in time for Opening Day. I could very well be singing a different tune at this time next year though regarding the Astros #1 Prospect.

As for the rest of the NRI’s, the Astros have too much depth all around for any realistic chance of them making the team.

Jun 20, 2014; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Houston Astros third baseman Matt Dominguez (30) throws the ball to first for an out against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

My Projections

C Hank Conger: He was on my list of pretty much being guaranteed, so this is a no-brainer

IF Marwin Gonzalez: He’s on the team for the same reason as Hank Conger above.

OF Jake Marisnick: Marisnick did well in his rookie season, and I can see him taking some at-bats away from Rasmus in CF eventually. I also see Marisnick being a late-inning replacement in LF if the Astros are winning and need to close a game out. His speed to track down balls gives him an edge over Presley and Grossman in this matter. I do understand that this means Alex Presley could end up getting claimed by another team, but with the OF depth awaiting in AAA, Presley is one the Astros could afford to lose. This leaves Grossman awaiting in AAA when he’s needed.

3B Matt Dominguez: With Carter and Gattis on the team, I see the Astros only going with one backup outfielder to start the season, which opens the door for Dominguez. I feel Jeff Bagwell’s involvement with the team in Spring Training will work out very well for Dominguez and Singleton, as having him back is huge for the Astros organization as a whole. Dominguez has a lot to prove in 2015, as this could be his last shot to remain part of this organization. In order to do so, he must be on the roster for his last chance.

One thing I know for sure is that we, as Astros fans, have a season to finally be excited about. Spring Training always gets us excited, but for the first time in years, we know that this team is close to becoming a playoff team and that it won’t take an absolute miracle to have a winning season.

And now I turn it over to you. Who do you think rounds out the Astros 25-man roster from the hitting side of things? Please let me know in the comments below, and while we’re talking about roster construction, make sure you check out the options to round out the rotation for Opening Day.