The Framberin Man gets his first Spring start.
The big story yesterday was two home runs by the Astros’ newest and also top-rated prospect, Cam Smith. Kyle who? Already we hear, “bring im up now,” or “the next Carlos Correa.”
I agree this guy looks legit, but a couple Spring homers doesn’t prove he’s really ready. I think I’m pretty safe in saying he’ll spend some time in South Houston before he plays a real game in Daiken Park.
Ronel Blanco didn’t look too sharp in his debut yesterday. One of our commenters noted that in previous years he pitched in the Winter League and came into Spring Training already sharp. This year he is pitching himself into shape in Florida.
Brendan Rodgers gets his Spring debut today. I think there is an interesting competition for the last roster spot between Luis Guillorme, Rodgers, Zack DeZenzo, and Jon Singleton. With Ben Gamel on the roster and assuming Jose Altuve is moving to left field and Mauricio Dubon to second, it looks like there is room for two, at most three more infielders. The first two on this list offer strong defense and versatility, DeZenzo possibly some versatility, and Singleton a power, left-handed bat but one that can only play a middling first base.
Singleton had his best season last year, managing to hit at about league average. But he comes into camp with even more muscle than usual and a lot less fat. Despite the Astros going all in at first with Christian Walker, Singleton appears to be making the best effort of his career to finally fulfill the vast, unused potential that once made him a top 10 MLB prospect. Considering his long journey, including a fight with drug addiction, my heart is really rooting for Jon Singleton to get one more chance. And the Astros do need a scary left-hand bat sitting in the dugout to call on whenever the circumstances call for it.
Go Jon. Go Stros.
