It’s officially the new year. With 2009 in the rearview mirror and 2010 upon us, it’s time to take a look at the Houston Astros probable bench for this coming season.
With Spring Training previews on Houston’s pitching rotation , bullpen , infield , outfield , and catchers already in the books, we’re now going to delve a bit deeper into bench possibilities for the upcoming MLB season.
Fortunately for the Astros, their bench appears to be fairly deep, with reliable options already in place in regards to both infield and outfield positions.
Houston Astros 2010 Probable Bench
Looking ahead to the upcoming season, the Houston Astros will be heading to March’s Grapefruit League with a handful of bench hopefuls, but with only a minimal number of them officially making the major league squad.
Along with a backup catcher available at all times, I’d expect Geoff Blum and Jeff Keppinger to be on board almost all season as backup infielders and believe the key (and maybe only) backup outfielder on the bench will be Jason Michaels.
Although a lot could change between now and then, but I am assuming that the first three guys mentioned below will be on the bench on Opening Day 2010, with the fourth having a chance of making the pro squad if he turns in strong numbers in the Grapefruit League.
Geoff Blum, 3B/1B
Last year in Houston, Blum played in 120 games and garnered a .247 batting average with 49 RBI, 14 doubles and 10 home runs. After re-signing with the Astros for 2010 (with an option for 2011), Blum has been a vital part of Houston’s success in the infield and he will likely play a key role as one of next season’s best bench players.
Jeff Keppinger, 2B/SS
Keppinger appeared in 107 games for the Astros last season, batting .256 with 29 RBI, 13 doubles, seven home runs and three triples. And although a lot of Keppinger’s career has been marred by injuries, he has continued to battle back time and time again (posting MLB career stats of a .279 batting average with 121 RBI and 20 homers).
Jason Michaels, OF
In 2009, Michaels batted .237 over 102 games, knocking in 16 RBI, 12 triples and four homers. Debuting in the majors on April 6, 2001 for the Philadelphia Phillies, Michaels has MLB career stats of a .269 batting average with 263 RBI and 49 home runs. As the core backup outfielder, expect Michaels to play a vital role coming off the Astros bench.
Edwin Maysonet, 2B
Although a long-shot to make the pro club, Maysonet has the potential to be a big future factor coming off the bench for infield help. Likely heading to Triple-A Round Rock to begin the season, Maysonet absolutely has a solid chance of being called-up in 2010 if he doesn’t make the Opening Day roster.
Originally drafted by the Astros in the 19th round of the 2003 Major League Baseball Draft, he made his professional debut on Sept. 7, 2008. Maysonet appeared in 39 games with Houston in ‘09, batting .290 with seven RBI, two doubles and a home run.
A Few More Viable Options Worth Mentioning
Here’s a few more names you should keep in mind as Houston heads into Spring Training 2010. With the trio mentioned below getting pro attention in at least the past two Grapefruit League’s, there’s a possibility that one of these guys may make the major league squad if they turn in positive numbers in March (although it’s highly likely the trio below will be the Astros’ starters at Triple-A Round Rock).
Chris Johnson, 3B
Last year at Triple-A Round Rock, Johnson batted .281 with 42 RBI and 13 home runs (appearing in 104 games for the Express). The 24-year-old infielder also drew 21 walks and belted 20 doubles in 2009.
Yordany Ramirez, OF
Ramirez was a key part of the Express last season in Round Rock, batting .256 with 47 RBI and 11 homers over 133 games. In 2009, the 24-year-old also picked up 22 doubles and used his speed to steal 14 bases.
Brian Bogusevic, OF
In 2009 as a member of the Express, Bogusevic appeared in 138 games for Round Rock with a .271 batting average. The Tulane product also had 53 RBI, 25 doubles, six home runs and three triples last season for the Express.
Several Other Position Players with Invites to Spring Training
In addition to the aforementioned names, there will be many other position player reporting to Houston’s Grapefruit League in a couple months, including infielders Wladimir Sutil and Jose Vallejo, along with outfielder Jason Bourgeois. Non-roster position player invitees include infielders Drew Meyer, Oswaldo Navarro and Chris Shelton, and outfielder Alex Romero.
The final preview of this seven-part series on the Astros Grapefruit League is scheduled to be published on Saturday, Jan. 3. In part seven, we’ll be taking a closer look at Houston’s new management for next season and how the latest coaching additions could bring some much needed help to the Astros franchise.
Houston Astros Seven-Part Series: Archives/Future Previews
1. Starting Pitching (published Dec. 22, 2009 )
2. Bullpen (published Dec. 24, 2009 )
3. Infield (published Dec. 26, 2009 )
4. Outfield (published Dec. 28, 2009 )
5. Catchers (published Dec. 30, 2009 )
6. Bench (published Jan. 1, 2010)
7. Coaching/Management (ETA: Jan. 3, 2010)
Denton Ramsey may be reached via email at denton.ramsey@gmail.com
Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com
- Login to post comments