MLB NEWS

Astros have solid choices in outfield

The Sports Xchange

March 09, 2015 at 8:58 pm.

Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Astros manager A.J. Hinch has all but committed to opening the season with five outfielders, a pending decision that reflects the depth at that position and the difficulty he faces when the time comes for roster cuts.

Jake Marisnick, Colby Rasmus and George Springer — all natural center fielders — seem like safe bets to make the roster, although Marisnick could stand to hit on par with his exceptional defensive ability.

Offseason acquisition Evan Gattis, a catcher by trade, is strongly in the mix in left, leaving one spot for the likes of Robbie Grossman and Alex Presley.

Both Grossman and Presley have proven their worth previously with the Astros, but only Grossman has options remaining. As for his outfield alignment, Hinch has decisions to make with Rasmus far more experienced in center. Springer has tremendous upside in center despite having played mostly in right field during his rookie season.

As for Marisnick, his defensive chops in center field are unquestioned.

“He’s a terrific center fielder,” Hinch said. “Good defensive center fielders are difference-makers.”

Marisnick realizes that he’ll have to hit to not only make the team, but to also claim a regular starting position. He’s a career .227/.264/.300 hitter over 355 plate appearances although he did bat an improved .272/.299/.370 in 186 plate appearances with the Astros following a trade with the Miami Marlins, numbers that portend steady growth.

“I scuffled a little bit when I first came up to the majors (with Miami in 2013), and came over here and got a little confidence and had a little success,” Marisnick told MLB.com. “It’s still something that’s growing. I’m really excited for some of the change I’ve been able to make and I’m just happy I can run with them.”

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