Daily Astros Blast: The Calm Before Opening Day

Hard to believe that Opening Day is really tomorrow for the Houston Astros!

The day that all of us have been eagerly anticipating since the ALCS in October has put baseball back on the map in Houston. But the Astros have their work cut out for them as they start the season going against the always formidable New York Yankees. In case you missed it earlier in the week, our own Mike Hackemack previewed the 2016 Opening Series against the Bronx Bombers.

It also appears that Opening Day will be the time when everyone finds out that the Astros will be announcing a closer. Of course, the modern use of a closer has greatly changed since the introduction of advanced statistics and its recent integration into the game. It is all about high leverage situations, and that can happen at any point in a game.

At least the mystery of the 25-man roster has been resolved in the last few days, but there were a few surprises. After all, who foresaw Michael Feliz, who was already optioned to the minors earlier in camp, making the team following the Milwaukee Brewers exhibition series. Talk about a complete 180! Our fearless editor, Eric Huysman, grades out the 25-man roster and where it stands. Good stuff there!

More from Climbing Tal's Hill

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• Houston Astros: A Lineup Change to Spark Offense
• Astros prospect Hunter Brown throws 6 shutout innings in debut
• Always faithful Astros World Series champion Josh Reddick defends the title
• Michael Conforto declines Astros’ 2-year, $30 million offer

Of course, the 25-man roster will change in the coming weeks after Lance McCullers, Evan Gattis, and Max Stassi all return from the disabled list. Larry Manch details his thoughts on the Astros injury situation and the implications it may have for the club’s active roster later this month.

Next: Houston Astros: Grading the 25-Man Roster

I hope everyone used this weekend to relax and prepare for the upcoming 2016 season. Even though there were a few games on this lovely Sunday, the majority of Opening Day festivities begins tomorrow. And sure like everyone else, I am anxiously looking forward to the Astros 2016 season!