TCB's Astros Fan Favorite March Madness Tournament is underway. From now until the end of Spring Training 64 players will spend the next several weeks facing off in a head to head public vote to determine who advances to the next round and who will eventually be crowned the communities favorite Astros player. For more details check out the tournament introductory post.
The rules are simple, determine which player you want to advance to the next round and then vote. Vote subjectively, objectively, using your trusty magic eight ball or any other set of criteria. It's totally up to you how you want to vote! Votes for this round will last exactly 24 hours.
In this match-up
8 - Preston Tucker
I feel bad for stealing this one from Chris, as he's been Tucker's biggest champion on the site (outside Sean and Clack). There's plenty to like in Tucker's bat, as he steadily climbed through the system with good power, a good eye and plenty of contact. If there's one rookie who could jump up and surprise with a contribution in the majors this season, it could be Tucker. He draws favorable comparisons to other college bats Luhnow drafted with the Cardinals. He might be overlooked for now, but a good season with Corpus and Oklahoma City will change that in a hurry. -David
vs
9 - David Martinez
Signed in 2005 (you know when the Astros were good), Martinez has had a steady climb through the Astros farm system. He made his debut in Rookie ball at the age of 21 and since then he has hit a level per years. That is until he made his debut last year with the Astros in August. Martinez is not going to make any prospecter hot and heavy, but what he does provide is flexibility for the Astros. He has experience in both the rotation and bullpen throughout his minor league career. His results at the majors last year were awful with a 7.15 ERA but make no mistake about Martinez is exactly the type of pitcher the Astros have been looking for. He balances his low strikeout and walk rates with a an above average groundball rate. Don't be surprised if Martinez becomes an important member of the Astros pitching staff in 2014.