Climbing Tal's Hill
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Spring Training: Young Astros Heating Up

By Mike Hackemack

Mar 10, 2017; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Joe Musgrove (59) delivers a pitch against the New York Mets during a spring training game at First Data Field. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 10, 2017; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Joe Musgrove (59) delivers a pitch against the New York Mets during a spring training game at First Data Field. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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And on deck…

Sep 2, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) shakes hands with Houston Astros first baseman A.J. Reed (23) after scoring a run in the first inning at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Sean Pokorny-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 2, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) shakes hands with Houston Astros first baseman A.J. Reed (23) after scoring a run in the first inning at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Sean Pokorny-USA TODAY Sports /

Offensively, A.J. Reed has been lighting up opposing pitching. He hit his third home run of the spring against the Mets on Friday and is currently batting .318 with 6 RBI’s. Reed could make the team as a platooning first baseman/designated hitter bringing a power bat from the left-hand side. The 23-year-old made his MLB debut last year, and struggled mightily at the plate, batting .164 and striking out 48 times in 122 at bats.

The chances are that Reed starts the season in Fresno, but if he continues to mash the ball, manager A.J. Hinch may opt to make room for the young slugger.

Some young third basemen not named Alex Bregman are also shining. Colin Moran and J.D. Davis are hitting the ball very well. The former 6th overall pick Moran is batting .438 with two long balls in March. Davis is hitting .385 and has drawn three walks.

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Unfortunately for both players, Bregman is sitting atop the depth chart, and also Yulieski Gurriel who could easily slide over if needed. Moran could help himself with a good spring, even if it is to bolster his trade value. He deserves a legitimate shot to make the show, but it doesn’t look like it will happen with Houston. Davis will either start the year in Corpus Christi or Fresno.

Outfielder Derek Fisher has been climbing through the Astros’ farm system and is showing off his talents as a hitter and a base runner. In 12 at-bats, he has four hits (two of them doubles), five RBI’s and five stolen bases. Fisher won’t make the club this year, but he does have a window of opportunity ahead of him in upcoming years to earn a spot in the Houston outfield.

Next: Astros Spring Notes: Lance McCullers, How We Missed You

The Astros next game is Saturday against the Marlins. Opening day is just over three weeks away!

***Stats from Baseball-Reference***

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