Countdown to Opening Day: #30 Houston Astros

By Andrew Marcus
Sportswriter for Lansdale Reporter

Follow me on Twitter @amarcus515

#30: Houston Astros: Talented players on Houston's Horizon

PROJECTED LINEUP

CF Dexter Fowler
2B Jose Altuve
C Jason Castro
1B Chris Carter
3B Matt Dominguez
DH Marc Krauss
LF Robbie Grossman
RF L.J. Hoes
SS Jonathan Villar

PROJECTED ROTATION

Scott Feldman
Jared Cosart
Brad Peacock
Jerome Williams
Brett Oberholzter

PROJECTED BULLPEN

Closer: Matt Albers

Set-up: Chad Qualls

Top Prospect: Carlos Correa (SS)

Jose Altuve

They may not make the Opening Day roster, but there are some talented players on Houston's horizon. At least the city of Houston hopes so because this group has finished below .500 in six of the last seven years and under 60 wins in the last three. Outfielder George Springer and first basemen Jonathan Singleton have the chance to see the big leagues sometime this summer and could make an immediate impact. Springer, the 11th overall pick in 2011, is coming off 37 homers and 45 steals in the minors last season. Singleton, who came from the Philadephia Phillies in the Hunter Pence deal, is still looked at as a middle of the order threat. It may not be pretty in April and May with a pitching staff stocked with misfits, but if the Stros can finish strong in September, then the fan base may be able to finally feel good about where this organization is headed.

THEY CALL ME MR. SUNSHINE - George Springer has a spring that cannot be overlooked and is hitting third on Opening Day for the Astros. He runs away with the A.L. Rookie of the Year award and helps the club contend quicker than they ever could imagine. The trade for Dexter Fowler pays off as he and Jose Altuve atop the lineup is a dangerous duo that combines for 100 steals. For the first time in five years Houston has more than one player representing them at the all-star game.

George Springer

REAL TALK - The Astros are still a season or two from scaring anyone, but they are stockpiling prospects and slowly headed in the right direction. They seem to know when to hold them and when to fold them all while showing patience with the prospects. Maybe Fowler, Altuve, and Jason Castro are the only everyday players in the long-term game plan for this group and in an improving division the Astros will probably have to suffer through another long season.

Breakout: George Springer (OF)

Bust: Scott Feldman (RHP)

Fantasy Baseball Sleeper: Jared Cosart (RHP)

LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 51-111 (5th place in AL West)

PROJECTED 2013 FINISH: 61-101 (5th place in the AL West)

**Check back tomorrow for the Miami Marlins**