Yesterday, we took at look at the Astros starting rotation as spring training starts. Today, we'll move on to the rest of the players who are currently in camp: the relief pitchers and the catchers. Last year, the Astros bullpen often had the look of Brad Pitt at the end of Seven, and reacted about as predictably, too. Despite some really talented arms, the overall effect was less than satisfactory. Fortunately, new Astros GM Ed Wade has traded and signed a lot this offseason, and one of the greatest areas of benefit has been in the back-inning pitching.
With regards to the catching situation, Brad Ausmus...(ok, ladies: read the whole article, there is a picture of Brad without a shirt linked within.) is reaching the end of his career and one of several youngsters will likely take his everyday place behind the plate. J.R. Towles had a very strong September in 2007, but a couple of other candidates could give the presumptive heir a run for his money. Let's take a look, shall we?
Relief Pitchers:
Doug Brocail: If the Astros contend in the NL Central this year, Brocail will be a huge part of that equation. Ever since the departure of Russ Springer, the team has lacked a gritty veteran presence in the pen. Brocail (who played for the Astros in '95 and '96) is expected to be that guy; regardless of whether or not his 40-year-old arm holds up throughout the season is a legitimate question, but the stability and wisdom he brings is not. He'll stabilize and mentor the youngsters, while also providing a steady hand for long relief.
Geoff Geary: Thought of as a throw-in in the Lidge-to-Phillies trade, Geary has been mentioned frequently by Wade and Cecil Cooper as a possibility for the 7th inning role. His career stats are unimpressive overall, but he has shown himself to be durable enough to withstand a large number of outings each season. Expect to see him a lot this spring as Cooper and pitching coach Dewey Robinson evaluated him.
Jose Valverde: Valverde heads into his contract arbitration hearing today as the unquestioned closer, replacing the three headed monster of Qualls, Wheeler, and Lidge, who all filled that role at various points last year. The newcomer from Arizona (acquired for Chris Burke and Qualls) led the majors in saves last year, and in the processed ruffled some feathers in Houston. Lance Berkman was outspoken in his criticism of Valverde's animated mound personality (translation: fist pumps aplenty), and he could be a source of tension in the clubhouse. This is where Brocail's presence will come in handy. Still, the 9th inning is not a time for anxiety anymore, and that alone should bring peace to the Astros fanbase.
Oscar Villarreal: Another savvy trade acquisition by Wade, Villarreal only cost CF prospect Josh Anderson (who was odd man out with Michael Bourn and Hunter Pence in the equation) but brings a proven track record of success to the 8th inning role. Wade is confident enough in Villarreal's ability to lock down the 8th that he's already been signed through 2009. A star rookie in Arizona, Oscar struggled with injuries in Atlanta, but looks to return to form this year.
Wesley Wright: Few people have as much pressure on them this spring as Wright. Picked up as a Rule 5 draftee, he must make the Astros' roster or else be sent back to the Dodgers. He does have an advantage as one of only two lefthanded relief pitchers currently on the 40 man roster. But he's never pitched in the majors before, and wasn't enough of the Dodger's plans for them to protect him, so that kinda works against him. Still, if he's only called upon in situational roles for a better match up, he can't screw things up too badly, right?
Dave Borkowski: Finally, someone who was on the team last year! Uh, we know next to nothing about Dave, except that he didn't piss us off too much. He also wasn't quite good enough to be anything but a long relief specialist. Every team needs guys like Dave, just like your office needs that guy who knows how to make the coffee machine work and trains the new guys.
Mark McLemore: McLemore was called up from Round Rock last year, and was a reliable lefty in almost 30 appearances. He's been mentioned as a possible starting rotation candidate, but chances are he'll end up in the pen again. He's had some difficulty staying healthy in the minors (making him a relatively old rookie at 27) but if he can become more durable he'll be a valuable role player and occasional starter in 2008.
There are a few peripheral candidates for a bullpen role, ranging from youngsters who may yet be a year away (Chad Reineke, Sammy Gervacio, Paul Estrada) or non-roster veterans looking to hang around the bigs for one more year (Brian Moehler, Mike DeJean, Stephen Randolph); any one of them could turn in a surprising spring and find themselves on the opening day roster.
Catchers:
J.R. Towles
He's really good. Like, 8 RBIs in one game good. He's also getting praise from Ausmus for his plate presence and his work with the pitching staff. Some pessimists are projecting that he'll do "no better" than .270 with 10-15 homers and 60-70 RBIs; um, last time we checked, that's pretty damn good for a rookie catcher batting in the 7 hole. Still, there are some questions about whether or not his hot September was a fluke. Count us among the optimists.
Brad Ausmus He's not the starter, he's a character guy, and next year he's going to retire and surf in San Diego for the rest of his life. Speaking of which, this is for the ladies. The things we do for our readers here.
Humberto Quinetro He's not the hitter that Towles is, but he has a rocket arm and is an asset defensively. Quintero is definitely marginal to make the major league roster, but if Towles stumbles, he could have a more significant role. He's probably Round Rock's starting catcher, but he may see playing time in Houston periodically.
Alright, that's everyone who's currently in Kissimmee, enjoying fun, sun, and bunting drills. Spring Training games don't start until the 29th against the Indians, but we'll keep you posted on news as it develops between now and then.
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photo: flickr user presson_on
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