The American League West has always had compelling stories come out of it leading up the play-offs, and 2015 should be no different. The Astros had an eventful but overlooked off-season that puts them in a good place for the upcoming season. The 2015 Houston Astros will be the team this year to create storylines from the West division, with the combination of their young, raw talent and the possibilities of their pitching staff. Solid years from the right players will have the Astros on the right track come September, and maybe they give the Angels and Mariners a run for their money.
2015 Team Overview: Houston Astros
Ever since the Astros move to the American League West in 2013, they’ve gone 121-203, losing a whopping 111 games in 2013. It marked the third straight season they lost 100+ games. Manager Bo Porter was fired on September 1, 2014 and replaced by interim Tom Lawless, but after the season ended, the Astros announced, on September 29, that A.J. Hinch would be their new manager. Hinch previously managed the Arizona Diamondbacks from 2009-2010, going 89-123, despite not having any coaching or managing experience at any other levels. Hinch works well with young players and hopes to develop some of Houston’s catchers (Hinch was a catcher himself) like Jason Castro, who has been consistent as of late, Hank Conger, a new addition this off-season, and Max Stassi, who figures to be the odd man out unless Castro or Conger get injured. The Astros hope Hinch can have newfound success in Houston and bring this team to a winning record.
Roster Moves
He’s Here: C Hank Conger, OF Evan Gattis, P Luke Gregerson, P Will Harris, SS Jed Lowrie, P Pat Neshek, OF Colby Rasmus, P Dan Straily, 3B Luis Valbuena
Non-Roster Invitees with chance to make roster: P Roberto Hernandez, 1B Dan Johnson, P Joe Thatcher
He’s Gone: P Matt Albers, P Jose Cisnero, C Carlos Corporan, OF Delino DeShields Jr., P Mike Foltyniewicz, OF Dexter Fowler, 1B Marc Krauss, P David Martinez, P Nick Tropeano, P Jose Veras, P Josh Zeid
Comets and Rockets in Texas
The Astros come into 2015 with an improved line-up, especially near the top of the order. Two new acquisitions, shortstop Jed Lowrie (free agent) and left fielder Evan Gattis (trade) will provide offensive firepower at the top of the order, blending with second baseman Jose Altuve, who had a break-out 2014 season in which he led the American League in hits, batting average and stolen bases, designated hitter Chris Carter, who used the off-season to try and cut down on strikeouts, and right fielder George Springer, who is primed and a favorite to have a monster 2015 season. Third base still looks to be a battle, and in my opinion Matt Dominguez will have the edge for the spot over new acquisition Luis Valbuena, while first base, catcher and center field- Jon Singleton, Jason Castro and new addition Colby Rasmus- seem to be ready for the season.
The pitching rotation is definitely a strength near the top for the Astros, starting with breakout lefty Dallas Keuchel, who’s put up some great numbers the past two seasons for the Astros, as well as Scott Feldman behind him. From there, the rotation contains some unknown names to some who have been consistent in their contributions to the Astros, starting with three spot Collin McHugh, who struggled with the Mets and Rockies before making his mark with the Astros. Brett Oberholtzer has been a fan favorite during his tenure in Houston, and a solid season from him will go a long way. The five spot is up for grabs, with Brad Peacock a favorite to take that spot, but he has competition from off-season acquisitions Dan Straily and Roberto Hernandez, a non-roster invitee.
The bullpen received some major upgrades this off-season with the signings of Pat Neshek, primed to be the seventh inning guy, and Luke Gregerson, who looks to be the set-up man to closer Chad Qualls. The combination of the three should provide great stability in the late innings for Houston, which had been questionable last season.
Team Outline
(Red indicates a new acquisition)
C: Jason Castro
1B: Jon Singleton
2B: Jose Altuve
3B: Matt Dominguez/Luis Valbuena
SS: Jed Lowrie
LF: Evan Gattis
CF: Colby Rasmus
RF: George Springer
DH: Chris Carter
1. Dallas Keuchel
2. Scott Feldman
3. Collin McHugh
4. Brett Oberholtzer
5. Brad Peacock/Roberto Hernandez/Dan Straily
The competition for third base and the five spot are the most looked at in Astros Spring Training this season.
Bottom Line
The upgrades of the Astros show they are ready to try and compete in a tough division, but it may not be enough to take on the teams of the Mariners and the Angels. A third place, 79-83 win season seems likely for them, but a winning season would also be a huge leap for this young team. Look for them to be a huge story this season out of Texas. They possess the young talent it takes to have a breakout season, and a repeat from Jose Altuve and the monster season from George Springer that has been constantly predicted would be a big boost for this team, and the leadership of manager A.J. Hinch hopefully assists in the goals of this team.
Photo by Rob Leiter/MLB Photos via Getty Images
