MLB PREVIEW: Let's Play Two. Arizona Diamondbacks & Houston Astros

By Andrew Marcus
Sportswriter for Lansdale Reporter

Follow me on Twitter @amarcus515

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#28.

PROJECTED LINEUP
CF AJ Pollack
2B Aaron Hill
1B Paul Goldschmidt
LF Mark Trumbo
3B Yasmany Tomas
RF David Peralta
C Gerald Laird
SS Chris Owings

PROJECTED ROTATION
Josh Collmenter
Jeremy Hellickson
Chase Anderson
Rubby de la Rosa
Allen Webster

PROJECTED BULLPEN

Closer: Addison Reed

Set-up: Brad Ziegler

Top Prospect: Archie Bradley (SP)

BREAKOUT - In a down year for the D'Backs, you have to look for any signs of life. The signing of Yasmany Tomas has some risk to, but his raw power should at least lead to a few highlight worthy home runs. Tomas should flirt with Rookie of the Year accolades if his glove keeps him on the field.

SPRING STORYLINES - It's clear the snakes have some serious star potenital in Paul Goldschimdt. He could be winning MVPs on winning teams, but does not look to be the case in the desert. They may be pulling at short straws, but the snakes will keep an eye on a young pitching staff. Guys like Archie Bradlye and the former Red Sox farmhands Rubby de la Rosa and Allen Webster will be the difference makers this season.

LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 64-98 (5th in NL West)

PROJECTED 2013 FINISH: 69-93 (5th in NL West)

#27.

PROJECTED LINEUP
2B Jose Altuve
SS Jed Lowrie
RF George Springer
DH Chris Carter
LF Evan Gattis
CF Colby Rasmus
1B Jon Singleton
3B Matt Dominguez
C Jason Castro

PROJECTED ROTATION
Scott Feldman
Dallas Kuechel
Colin McHugh
Brett Oberholtzer
Dan Straily

PROJECTED BULLPEN

Closer: Chad Qualls

Set-up: Luke Gregerson

Top Prospect: Carlos Correa (SS)

BREAKOUT - The future of the Astros is still in the minors, but one of the core players will be George Springer and he will playing in his first full season this summer. Springer has 40-20 potential and all-start written all over him. He will be a name to know for all MLB fans.

SPRING STORYLINES - The Astros are an usual mix of veterans and youngsters. The adds of Evan Gattis and Colby Rasmus suggest they are trying to compete this season, while the rest of the roster is slowly getting a chance to mature. This spring they are keeping a close eye on the kiddies to see how close this club really is.

LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 70-92 (4th in AL West)

PROJECTED 2013 FINISH: 71-91(5th in AL West)

**Check back tomorrow for the Rockies and Rangers*