Astros Roster Predictions: Catchers and Designated Hitters

Mar 8, 2014; Kissimmee, FL, USA; The New York Yankees play the Houston Astros in a spring training exhibition game at Osceola County Stadium. Mandatory Credit:

-USA TODAY Sports

Thomas (Twitter handle: @obaniont)

Catchers

Jason Castro. The job is his to lose. With an improved lineup, Castro returns to All-Star form, hits .270 w 15 HRs. The Astros will then sign Castro to a long-term deal in the offseason.

Designated Hitters

Chris Carter. The job is his to lose, though if he starts slow like in 2014, Gattis may take over for him sooner than later.

Jason (Twitter handle: @BaseballMiAmor)

Catchers

Has anyone said Jason Castro yet? Probably. Well, he makes the most sense to start the season behind the dish. Conger is there to provide a short leash for Castro, and Stassi is waiting in the wings as well. If Castro is off to another bad start, the Astros may consider moving him come June. Stassi can’t be in Triple-A forever, and Evan Gattis could take on a larger portion of the catching duties if need be.

Designated Hitter

Chris Carter is obviously the guy in the DH spot, but I get the sense that Houston is trying to do a little of what Oakland has done in recent years: platoon. With versatility up and down the lineup, Carter may be asked to play other positions (first, left field) depending on match ups, playing time and resting days. If Gattis needs a break from left field, or behind the plate, Carter could play first while Gattis is the DH and Jake Marisnick mans left. This likely won’t become a daily occurrence, so expect Carter to log somewhere close to the 120 games he logged from the DH spot last year.

Next: Issa and Kennon's Predictions