Here we are in the heart of Spring Training, and the Houston Astros look poised to not only replicate what they did last year, but add to it. With a slew of young talent that reflects what looks to be the AL version of the Chicago Cubs, the Astros want it all, and they want it now. Last year, the World Series at their fingertips and it all came undone in an eighth inning that squad will never forget. But remember this, sports fans: baseball is all about learning from your mistakes and making improvements.
I was listening to that game as John Kruk called it and said that the Kansas City Royals weren’t out if it by any means. He spoke of 2014, when those very same Royals were in nearly the exact same situation against the Oakland A’. They came out on top then and once again, unfortunately for the Astros, the Royals prevailed. Why bring this up, you wonder? Because baseball players are taught to have short memories. That is, unless you come upon situations in which you learn to hold your composure, adapt to the situation, and overcome the adversity that lies before you. I foresee this year’s Astros team as playing with a chip on its collective shoulder and digging deep to claim what they believe could be theirs this year. The 2016 Houston Astros are my pick to be the American League Champions, and will make another run at a title.
The Astros have a highly talented young crop of players that are capable of playing on an All-Star level. They proved to the world last year that they have arrived. 2013 doesn’t seem long ago, but for the Astros it was an eternity ago. That year, their payroll was just $29 million dollars and they were the laughing stock of baseball. Now, they are stocked full of potential and current All-Stars, and their payroll is a still-modest $89 million.
Lets take a look at what they did this off-season to improve their chances of getting to the show. They added some pieces via free agency, but where they really improved was through a big trade. They picked up RHP Ken Giles from the Philadelphia Phillies to serve as their new closer, which moves Luke Gregerson to a setup man role. After the collapse that happened in that eighth inning against the Royals last year, the Astros knew they needed to improve the bullpen. Unfortunately for Gregerson, he was on the wrong end of both of Royals comebacks: in 2014 when he was with the Oakland A’s, and last year against the Royals once again.
In a trade midway through last season with the Milwaukee Brewers, the Astros acquired RHP Mike Fiers. How do you make your new fan base and teammates love you while making your new GM look like an absolute genius? Pitch a no-hitter in your fourth start with your new team is how! The ace of the staff is hands-down 2015 Cy Young winner Dallas Keuchel, who also happened to shut the door on the New York Yankees season with a 3-0 win in a one-game playoff in 2015. In addition to a 1-2 punch of Dallas Keuchel and Collin McHugh, the Astros also sport a good supporting cast of starting pitchers and are in good shape going into 2016. On paper, their pitching staff is improved and looks like one to be reckoned. The Astros will be leaning heavily on their starting five and their improved bullpen to get them to the World Series this season.
Now, let’s take look at what they have to work with in the field. Not only do they have one of the youngest teams in baseball, they have one of the most impressive teams to boot. Leading the pack once again will be their All-Star hitting machine, shortstop Jose Altuve. On the other side of second stands 2015 AL Rookie of the Year Carlos Correa. These two stand out in the field, and match the prowess of their gloves with that of their bats. Altuve had a 200 hit year in 2015 and seems to hit anything thrown his way, while Correa has more of a power bat and launches ball over the wall with more frequency. As if that wasn’t enough, both of these speedsters are base stealing threats as well. Enter George Springer. Houston’s highly talented right fielder took baseball by storm and established himself as a legitimate threat in 2014 by cranking twenty home runs in just in just seventy-eight games. Mid-way through 2015, Houston acquired 2013/2014 All-Star center fielder Carlos Gomez from the Milwaukee Brewers. They love his intensity for the game, and he feels poised to have a bounce back year.
The club will be missing the big bat of DH Evan Gattis until he recovers fully from sports hernia surgery, and there are still decisions to be made about a few positions, such as first, third and backup catcher. For now, the club will be evaluating these positions until opening day. With catcher Max Stassi out with a wrist injury for six weeks, the club is rumored to be looking for an alternate backup. The Brewers 2014 NL All-Star catcher Jonathan Lucroy would be an improvement for them at catcher, and would move Jason Castro to serve as his backup.
First base seems to be the main position that is up for grabs, but if prospect AJ Reed has anything to say about it, he will be their man. In 2015, he hit thirty doubles, thirty-four homers, and boasted a robust batting average of .340 in the minors. Across the diamond at third are three viable candidates that will battle it out until opening day. Keep an eye on a young man named Matt Duffy when he gets playing time this year. He makes the most of his at bats and can also play first or third. Add all these pieces up and what do you get? The Astros will start to answer that question in just a few short weeks.
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