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TCB's Astros Fan Favorite March Madness Tournament is underway. From now until the end of Spring Training, 64 players will face off in a head-to-head public vote to determine who advances to the next round, and who will eventually be crowned the community's favorite Astros player. For more details, click here for the introductory post.
The rules are simple: Determine which player you think should advance to the next round by voting for that player. Arguments made for an advancing player in the comments section below may be used in that player's 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:
37 - Domingo Santana
It's hard to believe that outfielder Domingo Santana was the player to be named later in the Hunter Pence trade that included Jonathan Singleton and Jarred Cosart but thems the breaks. Santana followed up 2011 with a spectacular offensive season in 2012. He surpassed 500 plate apperances for the first time in his professional career and hit .302/.385/.536 with 23 homeruns and that was as a 19 year old. He will likely get a shot to reproduce similar numbers at AA next season as a 20 year old.
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 advertised. His ability to walk and not strikeout while providing solid defense in centerfield could mean a fast rise through the prospect rankings this season.