A week after the pitchers and catchers arrived, the Astros' position players are due in Kissimmee today. Some, including Hunter Pence, Michael Bourn, and Kaz Matsui, have already arrived to get a jump on the rest of the team. Others, like focal point Miguel Tejada, arrived on time today. 
Like we did with the pitchers and catchers, we'll take a look at the guys out in the field and see where things lie.
We'll start off by examining the players who are already cemented into a lineup spot. There are no big positional battles in Spring Training this year, which makes Cecil Cooper's job pretty easy. There are a handful of non-roster players trying to grab a bench role, and we'll look at them tomorrow. For now, some names you already know, and some you may not.
Lance Berkman - First Base: Fat Elvis is back. Unless his performance seriously tails off, Berkman will be an Astro for life. While he's too laid back to be the clubhouse general that his predecessor Jeff Bagwell was, the Big Puma does provide a reliable power bat in the middle of the lineup and a smart hitter for the younger players to lean on when they struggle. His production did decline last year as the result of some lingering injuries; if he can whip himself into decent shape (we're hoping for "decent", "ripped and ready" is about as likely as Roger Clemens admitting That Thing) then you can count on .300/30/120 out of the cleanup spot.
Kaz Matsui - Second Base The Japanese import comes to his third team since arriving in the States amid a wave of hype in 2004. He was an integral part of the Rockies' drive to their first World Series last year, but was also suspected of benefiting from the thin air of Coors Field for his career-best numbers. He's not a power hitter, but a speed merchant, so if he can hit to the gaps at Minute Maid, he'll create RBI opportunities for the big boppers. He's a bit of a high-maintenance case who travels with a masseuse at all times, but his early arrival in camp signals that his work ethic is beyond reproach. He'll bat second to begin with; if he struggles, Hunter Pence will move up to this spot.
Miguel Tejada - Shortstop Ok, we're not going to talk about the steroids stuff because 1) he's already in the States, allaying the primary fear that he would run into visa issues as a result of the Mitchell Report and the ongoing FBI investigation; and 2) he insists that his play won't be affected by the investigation. Let's just stick to the baseball impact: Tejada will bat third, heading up a nightmare stretch for opposing pitchers of himself, Berkman, Carlos Lee, and Pence. Even if he's not the player he was when he won an MVP award in Oakland, he's still good for power and contact, which is ideal for the three hole; he's still got a strong arm in the field and while he'll never be the wizard that Adam Everett was, he's not going to be a lead-footed liability either. He's the key to the offense this year.
Ty Wigginton - Third Base Acquired mid-season last year for reliever Dan Wheeler, Wigginton enters his first full season with the club with the goal of erasing the memory of Morgan Ensberg from fans' minds. He'll provide some better-than-average pop at the bottom of the lineup and a reliable glove at the hot corner. He's 31 and signed through this year; eventually, Tejada may move over to third if he remains with the team long-term. Until then, Wiggy will be the man at third.
Hunter Pence - Right Field
After playing most of last season in center, Hunter will switch over to the right field corner, since it's a better fit for his defensive capabilities. The real question is whether or not he'll hit his sophomore slump or build on his success as a rookie. Last year, he hit for a great blend of average and power, and will be dangerous in the sixth spot in the lineup. He may end up hitting second if Matsui slumps or it's necessary to get him more at bats. Regardless, he'll bring his never say die enthusiasm to the field and the plate. Just watch out for glass doors, ok Hunter?
Michael Bourn - Center Field Bourn arguably the most to prove of anyone in camp; he's got talent by the boatload, but has yet to play a full season in the majors. He'll be the lead-off hitter, and his blazing speed should remind many fans of Wily Tavares; however, like Wily T, he needs to prove that he can get on base to use that speed. In the best case, he'll hit somewhere north of .275 and be on base enough to be driven in by the heart of the lineup.
Carlos Lee - Left Field El Caballo enters his second season with the 'stros as the cornerstone of the offense and an emerging leader in the clubhouse. After getting acclimated last year, he's made no secret of his desire to take a more proactive role in leading the team. If he's to stay on Cooper's good side, he'll have to show a bit more hustle in the field and on the basepaths than he did last year; it's not that he's not athletic enough (despite what his physique might suggest), he just needs to keep his head in the game more. Still, it's likely that he'll be able to replicate his massive numbers from next year and possibly exceed them with more lineup protection around him from Tejada.
Tomorrow, we'll look at the reserves and those who are battling to make the team. Until then, stay out of Fat Elvis' way to the post-workout snack station, and we'll see you tomorrow.
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photo: flickr user presson_on
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