Team Fantasy Preview - Houston Astros
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Throughout the preseason, we will be previewing all 30 teams and what their rosters bring to the fantasy baseball table. This edition covers the Houston Astros.
Projected Lineup
(Photo courtesy: Action Images)
| ORDER | POSITION | NAME | BATS |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | CF | George Springer | R |
| 2 | 2B | Jose Altuve | R |
| 3 | SS | Carlos Correa | R |
| 4 | DH | Carlos Beltran | S |
| 5 | C | Brian McCann | L |
| 6 | 3B | Alex Bregman | R |
| 7 | RF | Josh Reddick | L |
| 8 | 1B | Yulieski Gurriel | R |
| 9 | LF | Nori Aoki | L |
| BENCH | C | Evan Gattis | R |
| BENCH | IF/OF | Marwin Gonzalez | S |
Projected Rotation
(Photo courtesy Action Images)
| ORDER | NAME | THROWS |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dallas Keuchel | L |
| 2 | Collin McHugh | R |
| 3 | Mike Fiers | R |
| 4 | Lance McCullers | R |
| 5 | Charlie Morton | R |
Bullpen Hierarchy
(Photo courtesy Getty Images)
| ROLE | NAME | THROWS |
|---|---|---|
| Closer | Ken Giles | R |
| Set-Up | Luke Gregerson | R |
| RP | Will Harris | R |
Top Prospect to Watch in 2017
(Photo courtesy Action Images)
1B A.J. Reed was expected to be a difference maker for the Astros last season, but he was held to just 45 games and 141 plate appearances at the MLB level. He slashed a dismal .164/.270/.262 with just three home runs and zero stolen bases. Last season's signing of INF Yulieski Gurriel will temporarily block Reed once again, but his 34 home runs across two levels in 2015 could force his return soon than later.
Who Will Drive You Crazy?
CF George Springer has offered varying returns since entering the league at the end of the 2014 season. He has failed to demonstrate the speed which allowed him to steal 20 bases at the three different minor league levels, including a total of 45 in 2013. He did hit a career-high 29 homers in 2016, with a .359 on-base percentage likely to keep him at the top of the lineup. He needs to address his career 26.0 percent strikeout rate.
(Photo courtesy Action Images)
The One to Own
The power outburst by 2B Jose Altuve will rightfully draw many owners to him as a second- or third-overall pick, especially due to his elite speed and high batting average. SS Carlos Correa is expected to hit immediately behind him in the lineup, and he has demonstrated more consistent power throughout his career at both the minor and major league levels. He can also steal up to 20 bases.
Top Sleeper
Not much is known about 1B Yulieski Gurriel, as he was limited to 36 games and 137 plate appearances for the Astros, after being signed as a Cuban defector. He did hit three home runs and steal a base. He's expected to start the year at the bottom of the lineup, and he'll need to hold off Reed and Tyler White from stealing the job, but he has immense potential at a free cost.