Houston Astros: A depth problem that must be solved for 2018
By T.A. Mock
Houston, we have a problem. However, unlike previous forgettable years, this year’s problem is a GREAT one to have. The Houston Astros are set up well to repeat and defend their championship in 2018. Spring training began this past week and we have already seen great output by a multitude of line ups. Read along to see why this problem has nothing but positive outcomes.
The first rule of spring training is to not put too much stock into what happens in spring training. I know this. I understand this. However, general manager Jeff Luhnow and team have put together an absolutely STACKED roster for the organization to work within 2018. Not only has the team retained almost all of the championship roster, they have added solid if not great pieces in the perceived holes from last year.
The Pitching Staff
When healthy, the 2017 starting rotation (post-Justin Verlander addition) was as good as any. WHEN they were healthy is the key that I want to highlight. Collin McHugh started the year on the disabled list and spent the majority of the year there. Dallas Keuchel and Lance McCullers both bounced on and off the DL. In order to bolster this rotation, prepare for injuries and to anticipate for the potential departure of Keuchel next off season, Luhnow went out and added Gerrit Cole from the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Cole likely slots in as the club’s third starter behind Verlander and Keuchel. But he is no slouch! In 2015 Cole finished fourth in Cy Young voting. McCullers will jump into the four spot (potentially the best four in the league). The fifth spot is where is gets interesting and the team’s depth problem begins to form. Charlie Morton, Brad Peacock, or McHugh are all guys who could start the fifth game of the season. Morton has been dubbed the “world series hero” by many for his late inning triumphs in game seven. He had a career year last year and would be an incredible arm for the fifth spot. Peacock was arguably the Houston Astros’ best pitcher throughout the whole year in 2017. McHugh as been historically solid for the Houston Astros and started his spring training out with a bang. He struck out five out of six batters in two innings.
These seven guys are the most likely to work through the rotation throughout the year. This doesn’t include up-and-coming guys like Francis Martes and David Paulino, or young guns like J.B. Bukauskas and Forrest Whitley. All four of these players could be competing for a rotation spot any time between this year and the next two or three years.