The Astros carried 13 pitchers last year. Those 12 look super solid, so they may roll with 12. Maybe, Straily makes 13, since he is out of options.
To me, Duffy is the clear choice. Tucker had a very mediocre season, and just happened to hit HRs in big moments.
Looking real Good!! Can't wait until Spring Training and Baseball. Should be an exciting season and the next step for the team.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Luhnow admits there will be a restriction on Lance McCullers next season "but we want Lance on the mound in the playoffs for us"</p>— MLB Network Radio (@MLBNetworkRadio) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLBNetworkRadio/status/693120930814406656">January 29, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
McCullers could skip a start once a month (April,May,June,July,August) until crunch time and could miss 5 games that way (30-35 innings). Using a six man rotation would save every starter about one game a month (6 starters x 5 games versus 5 starters x 6 games).
I agree with you, but for all intensive purposes, it's Singleton's job to lose. So, he'll go into ST with that *slight* advantage. That said, any hiccup and/or solid play by the group listed above, and he may very well lose the starting gig.
Michael Freeman is my pick for the last pitcher to make the roster. Against lefties, over three levels, starting at QC and ending with 0.1 innings at CC, he went 15 innings, gave up 2 hits, 5 walks and struck out 24
It's "intents and purposes". Sorry, pet peeve. Also, Luhnow was on MLB radio with subtle mentions of Tyler White and the sleeper potential there to open the season as the starting first baseman... I really think he's going to end up winning the job outright from Singleton, and the Astros promote him regardless of service time issues.
I am not sitting in Luhnow's office....... but I do know for a fact that Luhnow thinks very very highly of Preston Tucker. I would be surprised that he does not make the team.
Luhnow also mentioned him in today's interview... But said he has a chance to make it to the big leagues later in the year. Safe bet that he's on the radar, but would be surprised if he broke camp with the team.
I actually don't think that's a bad route to go if Singleton doesn't take a big leap forward. It allows you to bump Reed up to AAA and see what White gives you at the major league level. If Reed continues to put up great numbers, then you trade Gattis, move White to DH, and Reed gets his shot at 1st.
I honestly cannot remember the last time I was so excited and ready for Astros on the teli every night. My body has never been this ready. Need Club Astros.
Regarding the top 10 3B prospect list (that Moran did not make): <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I'd put Bregman third on the 3B list, behind Gallo & Devers. <a href="https://twitter.com/astros">@Astros</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Rangers">@Rangers</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/RedSox">@RedSox</a> <a href="https://t.co/oRhAAeUwQZ">https://t.co/oRhAAeUwQZ</a></p>— Jim Callis (@jimcallisMLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/jimcallisMLB/status/693169701745266689">January 29, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Bregman profiles better at 2B, but Altuve has that locked down. Bregman will hit enough for 3B if needed. <a href="https://twitter.com/astros">@Astros</a> <a href="https://t.co/Hea2e5mwBd">https://t.co/Hea2e5mwBd</a></p>— Jim Callis (@jimcallisMLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/jimcallisMLB/status/693170760995717120">January 29, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
also, if anyone here is looking to catch this in 10 minutes... <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I'll talk <a href="https://twitter.com/astros">@Astros</a> prospects w/Charlie Palillo on <a href="https://twitter.com/SportsTalk790">@SportsTalk790</a> in Houston at 3:30 pm CT.</p>— Jim Callis (@jimcallisMLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/jimcallisMLB/status/693173145365303296">January 29, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
I know this is the third time I've cited the Luhnow interview from today (honestly, there's no better source for what could transpire with the future direction of this team).... But he said that while Bregman is a SS now, he could envision him moving to 3rd or 2nd base. The fact that he said 3rd base as the first of those two is no mistake... Likely also because Altuve will be the 2B provided he's still playing at a high level, and still playing for peanuts.
Assuming Bregman is still an Astro. So far the Astros have held onto all the prospects that they highly covet. Phillips had concerns about his power and he profiles as a corner outfielder... and Appel has the mental fortitude of flan.
