Downs seems to be getting a fair number of appearances (but usually he's giving up runs). Is he in the running for a spot?
If he continues to do well but another team needs a back-end starter, then paying him $100K to facilitate a trade before the season isn't out of the question. He should have some value because his contract is not cost prohibitive.
Given Presley's contract I always found it hard to imagine Grossman making this team, but he sure as hell has done everything he can this Spring to make the squad.
We keep talking about the 5th rotation spot. Is it assumed that Feldman is getting a rotation spot? His ERA this spring is over 10. I'm just wondering if the Astros personnel has said anything to lead people to believe that he will be given a rotation spot and won't lose it unless he performs poorly during the regular season.
Yeah, I don't see any way he's not in the rotation to start the year. He's already been named the second day starter, I thought. Timely article.
They've only ever said the 4&5 spots were open, and have basically said that Oberholtzer will be the the 4th starter, which everyone knew anyway. Feldman actually had a worse Spring 2 years ago on his way to a career year. What concerns me are the 4 walks and 2 strikeouts so far.
Feldman isn't a guy fighting for a spot. So, the numbers he produces in the spring have no effect on his status of making the rotation. Who knows, he might be working on refining a certain pitch, or any number of things. Some guys, like those fighting for a spot, pitch in the spring looking for results to earn themselves a spot. Others, are getting work in and not throwing certain pitches in certain situations as they would in the regular season. Feldman is what Feldman is. He isn't going to be a stud, there is no real chance he does what Dallas and Colin did last year and turns into a top of the rotation type. But there is little chance that he performs really poorly once the season starts either. He will be a solid middle rotation starter as long as he stays healthy. And with the power on this offense, he could rack up some wins by just keeping us in the game most nights
Wasnt Mchugh significantly better then Feldman last season? He must be getting the veteran 2nd spot in the rotation nod.
This is a year when the possibilities are all over the map. It seems that the team is pumped and it feels like they have the talent to compete in every game, and either tie or win every series. But winning in baseball us a marathon, and that requires real depth. something this Astros organization seems to have. Talent, depth, and confidence will make for an interesting season.
I'm glad we will have a fun team to watch. I think Luhnow lands a big fish next offseason and competes for a playoff spot
So Marisnick currently with a .310/.417/.517 slash. In fact pretty much every player of significance is having a great or at least solid spring. Now that could very well mean absolutely nothing, but it's still good to see.
Drellich on Chron.com with a good article about the 'last' remaining roster spot/battle. I think this is going to be a really difficult decision, coming down to Grossman, Villar, Presley (out of options), and let's not forget Dominguez... Article: http://blog.chron.com/ultimateastro...st-spot-presley-grossman-villar-or-dominguez/ Here is who Drellich has as making the roster (I think Marisnick earned a spot, but he's an option to send down to the minors as well): "The team hopes to carry 13 position players and 12 pitchers. If that breakdown holds up, it may be that all but one of the position-player spots are accounted for": Jason Castro C Hank Conger C Jon Singleton 1B Chris Carter 1B/DH Evan Gattis DH/LF Jose Altuve 2B Jed Lowrie SS Luis Valbuena 3B Colby Rasmus LF Jake Marisnick CF George Springer RF Marwin Gonzalez IF TBD <----Last remaining roster spot Candidates for the Last Spot: Extra Outfielder: Grossman, Presley Extra Infielder: Villar, Petit, Dominguez It would be difficult (I think) if they went with just one extra infielder in M.Gonzalez; another option is to send down Marisnick and Grossman to the minors and keep Villar and Presley--however losing those two seems like a waste. Any thoughts on what to do? Maybe package some of these guys in a trade for Hamels! :grin:
