Astros Roster Projections: Outfield

Apr 9, 2013; Seattle, WA, USA; General view of Safeco Field outfield stands and new LCD soreboard screen before a game between the Houston Astros and Seattle Mariners. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Astros spring training is just underway, and while no team has played a game to this point, the writers here at Climbing Tal’s Hill are making their predictions as to who will make the opening day roster for each position.

I have the unenviable task of trying to put together the Astros starting outfield, which is completely up in the air. Typically this is bad news, but for Houston there are just too many suitable options, with some of those like Evan Gattis and Chris Carter also suited for other positions.

We’ll tackle each position one by one. At the end, feel free to fill in your predictions in the comments section!

Next: Right Field

Feb 26, 2015; Kissimmee, FL, USA; Houston Astros outfielder

poses for a picture during photo day at Osceola County Stadium Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Jason Burke

I’m going with Jake Marisnick in center to start the season. I have a gut feeling that he’ll at the very least make the team, but think he should also get the chance to start. If he doesn’t get one now, there likely won’t be another time for him to start for the Astros, with every day he isn’t in the lineup being another day the prospects are gaining ground. This is his opportunity to show he belongs.

Ryan Gonzalez

Rasmus

Kennon Riley

With Rasmus earning $8M, he’s going to be the starting center fielder.

Eric Huysman

In my arrangement with Gattis at first, this will leave Marisnick as the everyday center fielder. His defense and speed will help the Astros score more runs, and also prevent more runs.

Issa Cook

Springer (he has Marisnick in right).

Thomas O’Banion

Springer

Brandon del Castillo

Colby Rasmus will be in center

Brian del Castillo

Rasmus will be in center as long as he is healthy.

Looks like we have four for Rasmus, two for Marisnick and two for Springer. Rasmus is the logical choice here, but as we’ll see on the next slide, a lot of what happens with the outfield depends upon the development of Jon Singleton.

Next: Left Field

Sep 6, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves catcher Evan Gattis (24) hits a game winning home run at Marlins Ballpark. The Brave won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports

Jason Burke

Thus far I have Springer in right and Marisnick in center. Obviously Rasmus is going to make the team, and I’d like to see the Astros play him in left field, for the same reason I want Springer in right: health. A healthy Rasmus is a productive Rasmus, and playing the corners should keep both players stay healthier.

Brian del Castillo

Left field will be a bit more of a revolving door. Gattis will likely see the lion’s share of the time there, but Chris Carter will also be able to man that position from time to time. The luxury with those two sluggers is that you can use them at the DH or even first base if Singleton falters. Marisnick should get the chance to be the 4th OF. Grossman and Presley have a better shot to fill the depth positions while I think L.J. Hoes will not make the team.

Brandon del Castillo

Gattis will play a slight majority in LF, with Marisnick coming in to play defense and allowing him to play days at 1B and DH.

Thomas O’Banion

Rasmus in left, with Robbie Grossman being the fourth outfielder.

Issa Cook

Gattis

Eric Huysman

Rasmus will be the left fielder, instead of Gattis, who presents a defensive liability.

Kennon Riley

I’m taking a different stance on left field. It’s going to be a platoon, with Gattis in home games, and Alex Presley and Grossman being the backup outfielders. Marisnick should be the starting center fielder in Triple-A, waiting in the wings for when Rasmus fails or when the Gattis/Grossman platoon proves to be inefficient. L.J. Hoes and Domingo Santana are fighting for backup roles, but again with Presley and Rasmus guaranteed money, the trio of Hoes, Santana and Marisnick will be limited to starting in Fresno.

Ryan Gonzalez

Gattis is the main guy in left field, with Chris Carter also receiving some time when he’s not the designated hitter. Presley will be on the bench as the only reserve outfielder. It makes more sense for Marisnick to get every day playing time in Triple-A, and the same goes for Grossman.

As you can tell, we’ve done an excellent job of clearing up who will be in the Astros starting outfield on opening day. Between all of us, the only player not on the roster at some point is Santana. Sorry, Domingo.

There will be positional battles occurring every day in Kissimmee, and we’ll keep you updated on how each player, not just in the outfield, is doing.

Next: Astros Roster Predictions: Third Base and Shortstop

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