Projecting the Astros Opening Day Roster

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Feb 15, 2017; West Palm Beach, FL, USA; Houston Astros manager A.J. Hinch (14) looks on during spring training workouts at the Ballpark of the Palm Beaches. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

Spring Training has only just begun for the Astros. But we can still attempt to project the team’s Opening Day roster.

The depth on this year’s Astros squad is arguably the best in franchise history. In fact, the wealth of talent could arguably be the team’s greatest asset.

This development also presents a problem for Astros management. A good one mind you, but a problem nonetheless. In other words, how do you fill out the 25-man roster while leaving talented players off?

As one could imagine, this will for generate something interesting position battles. And one position battle could take place on the infield dirt.

Feb 15, 2017; West Palm Beach, FL, USA; Houston Astros catcher Brian McCann (16) looks on during spring training workouts at the Ballpark of the Palm Beaches. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

Opening Day Infield

Barring an injury, the Astros infield is pretty much set for Opening Day.

Jose Altuve will man second base. Carlos Correa, minus his wisdom teeth, will be pencilled in as the starting shortstop. Alex Bregman completes the left side of the infield at third base. First base will likely be Yulieski Gurriel’s job. Super utility man, Marwin Gonzalez, will be the team’s primary infielder off the bench. Then you have the wonder twins, Brian McCann and Evan Gattis, as the Astros’ catchers.

This infield configuration should come to no surprise. Also don’t forget the versatility as Bregman, Gonzalez, and Gurriel can play at least two positions in the infield.

Pay attention to A.J. Reed, Reid Brignac, Colin Moran, and Tyler White though. They are capable of making the Opening Day roster, especially if injuries become a factor.

Of those four, Reed could force his way into playing time at first base with a strong showing at West Palm Beach. Gurriel is getting paid handsomely so it is easy to predict him to earn the job. But that idea isn’t set in stone. Nor should it be.

Sep 28, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Houston Astros center fielder Jake Marisnick (6) and right fielder George Springer (4) run back to the dugout after the final out of a 3-2 victory against the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /

Opening Day Outfield

Unlike the infield, the outfield isn’t quite as crystal clear to project.

Obviously George Springer is going to play in the outfield and most likely center field. Carlos Beltran will get some playing time in left field when he isn’t the designated hitter. Josh Reddick will handle right field duties. Nori Aoki will be one of presumably two outfielders on the bench.

The last outfield spot remaining will likely come down between Jake Marisnick and Preston Tucker. And at this point, Marisnick probably has the inside track to make the Opening Day roster. His defensive prowess, versatility, and base running abilities likely edge out Tucker.

Of course, there is still plenty to like about with Tucker. When he is healthy and his bat is on, the former Florida Gator can provide a spark off the bench. However, the Astros already have plenty of offensive weapons at their disposal. My guess is that they value Marisnick’s glove slightly more than Tucker’s offense at this point in time.

Opening Day Starting Rotation

The front end of the starting rotation remains Dallas Keuchel, Lance McCullers, and Collin McHugh. That much is clear.

However, the final two starting jobs are somewhat up for grabs. The favorites at this point are Mike Fiers, Charlie Morton, and Joseph Musgrove. And you shouldn’t count out Chris Devenski, Brad Peacock, and Brady Rodgers.

If I were a betting man, I would think that Morton is the likely fourth starter as he just inked a two-year, $14 million contract this winter. Fiers could be the fifth starter or the go-to long relief pitcher, a la 2016 Scott Feldman.

It just feels like Musgrove is going to make the rotation. Do not forget that he impressed in his debut season as he put up a 4.06 ERA/4.18 FIP in 62 innings. There is definitely something to build upon there.

Feb 15, 2017; West Palm Beach, FL, USA; Houston Astros relief pitcher Luke Gregerson (44) throws during spring training workouts at the Ballpark of the Palm Beaches. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

Opening Day Bullpen

Like the starting rotation, the bullpen isn’t difficult to figure out for this most part. Ken Giles, Luke Gregerson, and Will Harris are a terrific trifecta at the backend. Odds are that Devenski will end up in the bullpen. Michael Feliz will likely make the roster as well. Tony Sipp by the virtue of his contract will likely make the roster. So that’s six relievers right there.

I personally think Fiers will be the long relief pitcher to start the season. Use Feldman as a comparable example of usage.

I would be surprised if the Astris don’t carry a second lefty in the ‘pen. Sipp was a terrific option in 2014 and 2015, but his 2016 season was not a pleasant one to watch unfold. For that reason, I think one of the following will make the roster: Kevin Chapman, Reymin Guaduan, and Ashur Tollivar.

Also pay attention to Rodgers, James Hoyt, and David Paulino. There’s a small chance that one of them could make the roster. And don’t forget that injuries will eventually happen. It’s just a matter of time.

Feb 15, 2017; West Palm Beach, FL, USA; A general view of the Houston Astros logo mounted at the Ballpark of the Palm Beaches. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

Summary

In essence, this is how my projected Astros Opeing Day roster breaks down:

Infield: Altuve, Correa, Bregman, Gonzalez, Gurriel, McCann, Gattis (7)

Outfield: Springer, Reddick, Beltran, Aoki, Marisnick (5)

Starting Rotation: Keuchel, McCullers, McHugh, Morton, Musgrove (5)

Bullpen: Giles, Gregerson, Harris, Devenski, Feliz, Sipp, Chapman, Fiers (8)

Next: Astros Rotation Notes: Oswalt, McCullers, and Morton

We all like to make a big deal about an Opening Day roster. Probably too much so. But it is still a fun exercise to partake in. I have a feeling that my projected roster won’t come to pass exactly. But if you look at the core alone, the 2017 season has the makings of being a memorable one.

**Statistics courtesy of Fangraphs**

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