Updated possible 25-man roster
It’s been more than a month since I predicted what the 25-man roster might look like on Opening Day, and recent developments have forced me to change it a bit. The Astros re-signed Jason Michaels, as I had suspected, and they signed right-hander Brett Myers, which I didn’t suspect.
The goal now for the Astros is to find a left-handed bat they could plug into the outfield in a reserve role. I originally had Jason Bourgeois in that spot, but he was designated for assignment. I’m going to leave that spot open because the Astros will try to bring a veteran to camp to win that job. Here’s my best guess at the likely 25-man roster in April, barring injuries:
CATCHERS (2)
J.R. Towles
Humberto Quintero
INFIELDERS (6)
Lance Berkman
Kaz Matsui
Tommy Manzella
Pedro Feliz
Geoff Blum
Jeff Keppinger
OUTFIELDERS (5)
Carlos Lee
Michael Bourn
Hunter Pence
Jason Michaels
TBA (veteran left-handed bat)
STARTING PITCHERS (5)
Roy Oswalt
Wandy Rodriguez (L)
Brett Myers
Bud Norris
Felipe Paulino
RELIEF PITCHERS (7)
Matt Lindstrom
Brandon Lyon
Jeff Fulchino
Alberto Arias
Tim Byrdak (L)
Chris Sampson
Brian Moehler
Brian McTaggart
Looks like Jason Bourgeois was taken off the 40-man to add Brett Myers…do you think that will stick, or will there be some more roster shuffling?
So Brian, are you predicting that Wesley Wright will be a starter at AAA this season? What about Sammy Gervacio? Surely he earned his roster spot last year, right? I like Sampson and his groundballing ways, but Sammy seems like the better option between the two.
I like you put Paulino in the rotation. It?s really what it ought to be. Lopez, Bazardo, Chacin and Banks will bring some competition to ST but it?s more likely they?ll start in RR. I think Sampson and Gervacio will be competing for a roster spot. Gervacio did well last year and I don?t think Sampson is guaranteed anything.
I’m liking that you put Paulino in the rotation instead of Moehler, hopefully the Astros will be smart enough to actually do so. Gervacio being bumped to AAA is the one downside of the Myers signing though…