Astros: How likely is it that Anthony Gose will stick?

Will Anthony Gose stick with the Astros this year as a Rule V Draft pick?

As the 2017 calendar year comes to close in nine days, Astros fans can’t help to be excited for the 2018 season to start. After winning the 2017 World Series, Astros fans are hoping for a repeat in 2018. The players and coaches are still celebrating the title, but soon the focus will switch to Spring battles. With a roster pretty much already set, will there be much drama this season?

The answer is yes! When the pitchers and catchers report, they will do so with new relievers Joe Smith and Hector Rondon. This will also the first spring training where Justin Verlander will not be wearing a Tigers uniform. Also, an outfielder will be reporting early to try to earn a spot in the bullpen.

Hidden treasure?

When the Astros selected Anthony Gose in the Rule 5 Draft, they did so as a pitcher. After signing Tony Sipp to a three-year deal following the 2015 season, the Astros have lacked that it factor left-handed reliever. Guduan and Francisco Liriano have tried to be that lefty reliever, but we have not had that pitcher since Sipp’s 2015 season. They needed help.

Gose has just recently switched to pitching. With only 10 2/3 professional innings under his belt, Gose was shut down last year with elbow pain. With not much of a history, you don’t know what to expect. He can either come in and shocked the world, but he can also not cut it. Honestly, what he does this offseason to prepare himself physically. He needs to learn how to pitch with his great stuff.

Will he make the team?

It will be a numbers game and Gose will have to earn his way on the squad. The Rangers have already indicated that they will take him back if he doesn’t make the 25-man roster. If the Astros go with 12 pitchers, there is no way he makes it. In fact, it will be tough even with 13 pitchers on the staff.

Starters

Dallas Keuchel

Verlander

Lance McCullers

Charlie Morton

Collin McHugh

Relievers

Ken Giles

Joe Musgrove

Smith

Chris Devenski

Will Harris

Rondon

Brad Peacock

Sipp

He needs to learn the ways of a pitcher.

The only way to make this team will be to outpitch Sipp and hope the Astros are willing to eat his contract. Reymin Guduan is recovering from an injury, and Cionel Perez may not be ready for significant league action. Gose could be the answer, but there is no risk if he isn’t.

They will use sprint training to access his talent and see what he can offer. The Astros believed that he had the best stuff in the Rule 5 draft, so they took a chance on him. Depending on health, I think that he has a 30% chance of making the team. If Sipp struggles, those chances increases.

Next: Astros Rumors: No money for Jay Bruce despite his interest?

I asked Jeremy Booth about Gose, here was his response. “Pure stuff- needs to add some feel and ability to protect his fastball with another pitch. Will have some of the best stuff in the system. He will make it depending on what else they add that’s more experienced.”

***Stats from Baseball-Reference***