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

Jun 20, 2014; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Houston Astros right fielder

(4) hits a 2-run home run during the third inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Brian del Castillo

George Springer will start in right with the option to spell Rasmus in center.

Jason Burke

I’m going with Springer in right field, even though he can play center as well. He is a valuable piece to the team, not only on the field, but also in merchandising and all that jazz. The fans need him out there, and he likely runs less risk of being hurt in right.

Brandon del Castillo

Springer will be an mvp candidate in RF. (He wrote about this a couple of days ago here).

Thomas O’Banion

Marisnick impresses at the plate in spring training and forces the Astros to start him. I have him in right field.

Issa Cook

Marisnick

Eric Huysman

I’m putting Springer in right, and am looking forward to a full season from him.

Kennon Riley

Whether it be in center or right, Springer is guaranteed a spot in the Astros outfield.

Ryan Gonzalez

Springer

Ok, so right field is a bit bland with many of us taking Springer to be the opening day starter over there. Center and left field have a bit more intrigue.

Next: Center 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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