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Astros Minor League: Fresno Grizzlies 2018 Season Preview

By Andrew Gleinser

PORT ST. LUCIE, FL - MARCH 06: Kyle Tucker #79 of the Houston Astros reacts after hitting a home run against the New York Mets during the seventh inning of a spring training game at First Data Field on March 6, 2018 in Port St. Lucie, Florida. The Mets defeated the Astros 9-5. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
PORT ST. LUCIE, FL - MARCH 06: Kyle Tucker #79 of the Houston Astros reacts after hitting a home run against the New York Mets during the seventh inning of a spring training game at First Data Field on March 6, 2018 in Port St. Lucie, Florida. The Mets defeated the Astros 9-5. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /
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The Astros’ Triple-A affiliate, the Fresno Grizzlies, open the 2018 season with high expectations and a talented roster.

After setting records offensively and struggling defensively in 2017, the Fresno Grizzlies are preparing to take a step forward. New manager Rodney Linares, who managed the Corpus Christi Hooks the previous three seasons, is tasked with leading a talented bunch of Astros prospects.

Fresno finished 77-65 last season, missing the playoffs by three games. They return many key players, while welcoming some new additions and suffering some losses. The journey begins with the team’s season opener on Thursday at Reno.

Key Returners

The Fresno offense, which should remain potent, is led by the trio of Tony Kemp, A.J. Reed and Tyler White. All three posted excellent numbers in 2017 and will be expected to do so again. Outfielder Jon Kemmer and infielder Jack Mayfield should be key contributors as well.

The starting rotation is led by Francis Martes, David Paulino and Rogelio Armenteros. Martes and Paulino made only 11 combined starts with Fresno in 2017 before being called up, so their presence should be a boost. Armenteros was dominant in 10 starts after his promotion from Double-A and will look to recapture that same form.

Key Losses

Two key hitters from 2017, Colin Moran and Preston Tucker, are with different organizations now. Moran slashed .308/.373/.543 with the Grizzlies last year, but was sent to Pittsburgh in the Gerrit Cole trade. Tucker drove in 96 runs, but is now with Atlanta.

It’s also noteworthy that Derek Fisher, who was a key cog in the lineup in the first half of the season, is starting the year in Houston. These three guys accounted for a ton of production, so the team will need other players to step up and fill the void.

Key Additions

There’s one big addition to this team that everyone’s talking about. Phenom prospect Kyle Tucker earned himself a spot in Fresno after a big spring training with Houston. He’ll be making his Triple-A debut on Thursday, and all eyes will be on him. At the very least, he should replace his older brother’s production in the lineup.

Also of note is lefty reliever Buddy Boshers. He posted a 3.68 ERA in Triple-A in 2017, and a 1.04 ERA in 2016. His presence should be a boost to what was an awful Fresno bullpen last season. Veteran catcher Tim Federowicz joins the team as well to replace Max Stassi.

Season Outlook

The Grizzlies may have lost a step on offense, but the pitching should be considerably better. They should be in playoff contention as long as injuries don’t deplete the team too much.

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Of course the big story is the Kyle Tucker Show. How he performs will determine just how much time he spends in Fresno before his eventual big league call-up. Regardless, it should be a fun season for the Grizzlies.

***Statistics courtesy of Baseball-Reference***