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3 Astros spring training overreactions after first week of action
The Houston Astros have gotten past the opening week of spring training in largely uneventful fashion, but that hasn't stopped fans from trying to make mountains out of mole hills. The early portion of spring training is always fun because players no one has heard of have one good game and all of a sudden fans demand that they take the job of an established veteran. It's a tale as old as time.
There hasn't been anything too crazy in terms of storylines from Astros' camp just yet. No pitcher showed up throwing 100 MPH all of a sudden, nor is there a position player who's absolutely raking and wasn't on anybody's radar a couple of weeks ago. These things do happen from time to time, but Houston's spring training has gone pretty much as expected.
That said, there are still a few things that have stood out as overreactions to small sample sizes and early spring precaution that have gotten Astros fans in their feelings.
3 Astros spring training overreactions after first week of action
Justin Verlander's injury issues are a death knell
This one is honestly very close to just being an accurate observation as concerns over Justin Verlander's age and long-term durability were present from the day the Astros got him back at the trade deadline last year. With the news Verlander came into camp dealing with shoulder issues that put him behind in his pre-season ramp up, fans were understandably concerned.
That said, there is no need to hit the panic button just yet. So far, it does not appear that Verlander's shoulder has given him any problems in camp and his recent workouts and bullpens have not shown any cause for concern. There is a realistic chance that he may have to wait a bit past Opening Day to make his 2024 debut, but that feels more like taking precautionary measures with an older and very well-paid pitcher than indicative of a larger problem on the Astros' hands.
However, if Verlander experiences anymore issues as he tries to build back up, then everyone has the right to start getting worried because that could lead to a significant IL stint, which is the last thing the Astros need.
The Astros' offense is bad!
Fans are used to the Astros' offense teeing off on a daily basis. Their lineup is stacked with guys that rank among the best hitters at their positions, and even if one or two guys have off nights, there's usually more than enough offense to get by.
That's why it has been pretty unfortunate that Houston has gotten torched in their last four spring training games. In those four games, the Astros' offense has combined to score four runs total, with three of them coming in their game against the Nationals.
Fortunately, there's no cause for concern just yet. Alex Bregman, Jose Altuve, Yainer Diaz, and Jeremy Pena all have yet to record their first hit of spring training. While it would certainly be better if they got their springs off to a good start, no one with a functioning brain thinks that those guys won't end up being just fine at the plate once the games start counting.
At the end of the day, this is early spring training. Prospects, NRIs, and just helping hands from minor league camp that aren't really "prospects" are getting a lot of playing time right now as the regulars get back in game shape. This Astros lineup is still going to be very dangerous once the season gets started even if they don't look the part right now.
Spencer Arrighetti is a shoo-in for the Opening Day starting rotation
Spencer Arrighetti's emergence down at spring training has been a fun story for the Astros. Arrighetti has impressed teammates and coaches with both his stuff and how he's carried himself in camp. For a young pitcher, that alone is a huge win.
However, when Arrighetti threw a pair of scoreless innings in his first spring training start, some were quick to start proclaiming that he was destined to make the Opening Day rotation. That may very well end up happening, especially if Verlander or JP France aren't ready to go to start the season, but fans may want to pump the brakes on Arrighetti at least for a while longer.
The true test for Arrighetti is when he has to face a lineup a couple of times. If he can still get guys swinging and missing after they get a look at what he has to offer a time or two, then sure ... start buying Arrighetti jerseys. Houston could certainly use some starting depth and he does have some real upside.
Ultimately, it is just one short appearance and some nice early reviews. Arrighetti is going to have to prove that he can command his stuff beyond 30-40 pitches and still get results to earn a rotation spot. That said, he is definitely off to a strong start.
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