Climbing Tal's Hill
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Houston Astros: My Projected Opening Day 25-Man Roster

By Eric Huysman

Mar 11, 2016; Kissimmee, FL, USA; Houston Astros right fielder George Springer (left) and center fielder Carlos Gomez come in from the field in the third inning of a spring training baseball game against the Detroit Tigers at Osceola County Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 11, 2016; Kissimmee, FL, USA; Houston Astros right fielder George Springer (left) and center fielder Carlos Gomez come in from the field in the third inning of a spring training baseball game against the Detroit Tigers at Osceola County Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /
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Catcher

Mar 21, 2016; Melbourne, FL, USA; Houston Astros catcher Jason Castro (15) flies out in the sixth inning against the Washington Nationals at Space Coast Stadium. The Washington Nationals won 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 21, 2016; Melbourne, FL, USA; Houston Astros catcher Jason Castro (15) flies out in the sixth inning against the Washington Nationals at Space Coast Stadium. The Washington Nationals won 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports /
  1. Starter: Jason Castro
  2. Back-up: Tyler Heineman (or catcher outside the organization)

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While the Astros have some good options at catcher in the minors, Castro is the only one with major league experience after Max Stassi got injured creating an opening at backup catcher. Castro is coming off a down season and is in his final year of team control entering the 2016 season.

The Astros will lean on Castro to do most of the catching, but of the potential candidates right now, it has to be the more all-around player in Heineman. Roberto Pena is more of a defensive catcher, but both catchers did hit 13 home runs in their one season at High-A Lancaster.

There is a more likely option, which the Astros could trade Dan Straily and a prospect for a backup catcher such as Bryan Holaday or A.J. Jimenez. Straily is out of options and would have to clear waivers to be sent to the minors. He has zero shot to make this team, the only reason he started yesterday and pitched four no-hit innings was to showcase him. Both Holaday and Jimenez are batting over .400 this spring so that offensive power behind Castro would be welcome.

Next: Infield

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