Houston Astros: Breaking down Francis Martes new look

Spring Training is on the horizon for the Houston Astros as pitchers and catchers have already reported to West Palm Beach for duty. But the latest talk coming out of training is the new look of Francis Martes, who has made some changes in order for him to be more effective. What’s going on? Take a look.

The Houston Astros have actually figured out how to get better than last year’s championship team which is an enigma within itself. But if anybody could get the job done in ensuring that happens, it’s Jeff Luhnow, who is architect that largely put this celebration of success into motion after some really tough seasons earlier this decade.

But it’s all about trusting the process, one I never wavered from but oftentimes questioned when things weren’t looking like they were going in the right direction. Quite frankly, that’s in my nature, I feel I have the right to question so that I’m informed as much as possible. But the process that we’ve waited on so long is complete and this team is going to be good for well into next decade. It’s truly a great time to be a Houston Astros’ fan.

But what’s the latest going at the facility? According to Brian McTaggart of MLB.com, right-hand reliever Francis Martes has been working hard this past off season to make some changes to his style insomuch as to not only be used a bit more but to increase his personal value to the club itself.

The burly top prospect for the Houston Astros has now slimmed down to 243 pounds, being six pounds down from last season. He has emphasized a workout that’s more angled toward building muscle and reducing excess fat. Six pounds may not sound like a lot but it can make a world of difference in terms of his approach. He’s also working on putting the brakes on his warp-speed velocity as well.

So far, it’s working and here’s what A.J. Hinch had to say about that:

"“He’s throwing as hard as anybody in camp right now, which is mostly a good sign. It’s still really early. He came very prepared, he came slimmed down a little bit, his delivery is a little bit better. All things we expected, but it’s nice to see in person.”"

Hinch also provided some tidbits on the outlook for this season if he keeps up this new regimen of his:

"“It’s coming with maturity and also the lessons he learned in the big leagues last year and being around so many guys,” Hinch said. “If he can control the tempo and not be so high-strung during the game, pitch execution can get a little bit better."

Martes typically can hit the triple-digits on the gun with breakneck velocity but my biggest

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concern as of late was his ability to locate. He seems to be working on that and once he figures that out, he’s going to be a dominant pitcher in the league for years to come.

I still see Martes as more of a reliever than a starter — especially with the talent we at this moment — as he can harness all of that talent in spurts. But could he be a starter in the near future? That’s something one cannot rule out.

We’ll have to see but it has been a pleasure to watch him out on the bump for the most part thus far.

Next: Astros: Three things to expect for Opening Day 2018

Martes, 22, posted a 5.80 ERA, 69 strikeouts and 31 walks in 54 2/3 innings through 32 games — four starts — in 2017.

Go Astros.

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