TCB March Madness 2013: Jordan Lyles Vs Andrew Aplin

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 click here for the introductory post.

The rules are simple determine which player you want to advance to the next by voting for that player. Any excellent arguments made for an advancing player in the comments below may be used in the players description for the next round. Vote subjectively, objectively or by using your trusty magic eight ball. Votes will last exactly 24 hours.

In this match-up:

8 - Jordan Lyles

Jordan Lyles has pitched 235.1 innings with a 5.20 ERA at the major league level, not good; however, he turns 22 this season and his FIP (4.53), xFIP (4.10) and SIERA (4.07) numbers indicate he's in for an improvement on the mount with those statistics all a full run below his 5.09 ERA in 2012. Did I mention he'll be 22 this season.

Vs

57 - Andrew Aplin

Drafted in the fifth round of the 2012 MLB draft, Andrew Aplin made quick work of low A Tri-City being promoted to high A Lancaster after 44 games. Known more for his defense, in those 44 games at low A he posted a .978 OPS, showing more power than expected. His ability to walk and not strikeout while providing solid defense in centerfield could mean a fast rise through the prospect rankings and the minor leagues this season.