Houston Astros Rumors: Three players with the most to gain in Spring Training
By T.A. Mock
Josh James, P
As it currently stands, the Houston Astros starting rotation technically has three empty spots behind Justin Verlander and Gerrit Cole. Collin McHugh is widely expected to take over the third rotation spot behind the two aces but that leaves two more spots available.
The team could go after some external options to fill those spots. If that happens, I’d reckon only one of those spots would get filled externally as there are a plethora of options internally the team can turn to.
The man the Houston Astros should turn to internally is Josh James. I absolutely love this kid and his potential. He has an incredible fastball that can reach triple digits with ease. He also has an improving slider that, at it’s best, can be absolutely devastating to the batter.
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James rapid rise is quite fascinating which makes his potential ascension to the starting rotation a terrific story. However, he still has something that he needs to work out in order to make sure he locks down a spot after Spring Training. He needs to get his control down and develop a little more consistency.
This Spring Training, he can look to prove to the organization that he is dedicated to his craft and has improved enough to take over a full-time spot in the rotation. If he has, this rotation could be very deadly and one of the best in the league once again.