Who Will Be on the Bench for the Astros?

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.