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Astros Roster Predictions: Starting Pitchers

By Eric Huysman |
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We continue our Astros roster predictions, as we look at the starting rotation. Jeff Luhnow would be the first one to tell you that it doesn’t really matter who is in the rotation at the beginning of the season, because most often those five don’t pitch the whole season.

Last year the Astros broke camp with Scott Feldman, Brad Peacock, Dallas Keuchel, Jarred Cosart, and Lucas Harrell. Only two of those five stayed in the rotation for most of the year.

Who are the Candidates to start?

Scott Feldman

Dallas Keuchel

Collin McHugh

Brett Oberholtzer

Brad Peacock

Dan Straily

Mark Appel

Sam Deduno

Asher Wojciechowski

Which of these pitchers will make the last cut? It’s still up for grabs, but barring injury, I think the first three are locks to make rotation.

Let’s ask the writers at Climbing Tal’s Hill for their opinions.

Next: Ace of the Staff

Ace of the Staff

Sep 18, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Scott Feldman (46) pitches during the fifth inning against the Cleveland Indians at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Eric Huysman

Collin McHugh: I know that money-wise that Scott Feldman is should be number one. An argument could be made for Feldman as well. My justification is that I like McHugh’s strikeout ability as number one. I also like the fact that it breaks up the righties with the two lefties.

Ryan Gonzalez

Scott Feldman

Kennon Riley

Scott Feldman

Brian Del Castillo

Dallas Keuchel: He will have a lot on his plate while facing aces from around the A.L.  I think he will be solid again, but this team still lacks a true ace.

Thomas O’Banion

Keuchel: Proved himself last year as the staff ace. He gets the opening day nod.

Jason Burke

For me, it’s Keuchel. While his numbers weren’t quite as good as McHugh’s last season, I fear regression less from the bearded lefty. Ok, it’s actually just because he has an amazing beard. Analysis.

Next: The Number Two Guy

The Number Two Guy

Sep 7, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Houston Astros pitcher Dallas Keuchel (60) follows through on a pitch against the Oakland Athletics in the second inning at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Eric Huysman

I think the number two guy will be Dallas Keuchel, I’m sure most people will agree with this placement. My reason for him going number two is because I want a left-handed pitcher in between McHugh and the third guy. “The Beard” will be a fixture in the Astros rotation for years.

Ryan Gonzalez

Dallas Keuchel

Kennon Riley

Dallas Keuchel

Brian Del Castillo

Collin McHugh: A nice person to have in the rotation, but would be even better if they were pushed down a slot.

Thomas O’Banion

Scott Feldman: The veteran is clearly the number two-man in this rotation.

Jason Burke

I’m not worried about breaking up the righties and lefties in this rotation. For me, it’s all about stuff, and McHugh has stuff.

Next: Third Guy is a charm

Third Guy is a charm

Sep 21, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Collin McHugh (31) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Seattle Mariners at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Eric Huysman

Scott Feldman: While many would project the veteran to be the ace, I see him more as a number three guy. If he can keep up an ERA in the threes, then he should have a successful season.

Ryan Gonzalez

Collin McHugh

Kennon Riley

Collin McHugh

Brian Del Castillo

Scott Feldman: He is a nice pieces to a rotation, but would be even better if they were pushed down a slot.

Thomas O’Banion

Collin McHugh: Hopefully stays healthy all season. Not quite ready for the #2 spot.

Jason Burke

With Keuchel at one and McHugh at two, Feldman is the logical choice in the third slot. While his contract says he should be higher in the rotation, I’m sticking him in the three spot.

Next: The Fourth Dimension

The Fourth Dimension

Aug 2, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Brett Oberholtzer (39) pitches against the Toronto Blue Jays during the game at Minute Maid Park. The Astros defeated the Blue Jays 8-2. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Eric Huysman

Brett Oberholtzer: He may not be the most effective pitcher, but he had an undervalued 2014 season. Plus, once again he breaks up two right-handed pitchers. He is one of the last players still on the team from the Michael Bourn trade.

Ryan Gonzalez

Brett Oberholtzer

Kennon Riley

Brett Oberholtzer

Brian Del Castillo

I project Brett Oberholtzer, but that could change if Asher Wojiecowskei can get healthy, stay healthy and put up a strong spring.  Stud prospects Michael Feliz and Vincent Velasquez will surely get at least a half season more of seasoning in the minors before making an impact with the Stros.

Thomas O’Banion

Brett Oberholtzer: No problem earning this spot. Question is, can he keep his spot all year?

Jason Burke

At the risk of not having this not be unanimous, I’ll also say Obie. I’ve liked the guy the past couple of seasons, and think that he’s been undervalued. This is the season everything clicks for the lefty.

Next: The fifth wheel

The fifth wheel

Feb 26, 2015; Kissimmee, FL, USA; Houston Astros pitcher Dan Straily poses for a picture during photo day at Osceola County Stadium Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Eric Huysman

Dan Straily: Even though I would like to see Mark Appel here, I’m picking the safer option. If Straily can pitch anything like he did in 2013, he could be a steal in the Dexter Fowler trade. Meanwhile, Mark Appel will get a voodoo doll in the likeness of Straily. I’m personally rooting for him, since I did an interview with Straily. Brad Peacock could earn this spot too.

Ryan Gonzalez

Dan Straily

Kennon Riley

Dan Straily

Brian Del Castillo

Dan Straily: He will be filling out the rotation right now, but that could change if Asher Wojciechowski can get healthy, stay healthy and put up a strong spring.  Stud prospects Michael Feliz and Vincent Velasquez will surely get at least a half season more of seasoning in the minors before making an impact with the Stros.

Thomas O’Banion

Appel is the real reason the Astros didn’t go after a big FA for the rotation.  They want to see Appel get his feet wet this year. His velocity is impressing during camp, and he also demonstrates during ST that his command is improved.

Jason Burke

I’m going to pencil Dan Straily into the fifth spot, but will change that vote if Brad Peacock is ready for opening day. On the podcast Friday, Evan Drellich said that the Astros haven’t announced a timetable for Peacock’s return because injuries typically have setbacks. It sounds like he could be ready for the start of the season, and if that’s the case, I think he gets the nod.

Next: Who made CTH Astros rotation

Who made CTH Astros rotation

Jun 20, 2014; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Houston Astros pitching coach Brent Strom (53) talks with manager Bo Porter (16) in the dugout against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

While the order varies between writers, most of us believe that the same five pitchers will make up the rotation. Here is who the Climbing Tal’s Hill writers think that Bret Strom will be working with in the 7th inning this year.

1) Scott Feldman

2) Dallas Keuchel

3) Collin McHugh

4) Brett Oberholtzer

5) Dan Straily

Dark Horse: Mark Appel

Mark Appel, if you really want a serious chance to join the Astros rotation, you should follow me. I wrote about his chances here.

Previous posts in Astros Roster Predictions: Catcher and Designated Hitter, First and Second Base, ss/3b, outfield

Next: Houston Offense More Than Just Power.

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