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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:
36 - Lance McCullers
Drafted in the supplemental first round (thanks, Clint Barmes!), McCullers instantly became one of the top arms in Houston's system. Pegged as a reliever by national scouts who didn't watch much of his senior season at a Tampa high school, McCullers has top of the rotation stuff. He debuted in the majors to the tune of a 3.46 ERA in 26 innings between two levels of the minors. McCullers struck out 29 and walked 12 in that time, giving him big-time K/9 rates, but equally bad walk rates. He should start the season in Lexington. -David
Vs
52 - Aaron West
Drafted in the 17th round in the 2012 MLB draft, Aaron West quickly made any team in the New York Pennsylvannia League pay for not drafting him sooner than the Astros did. In 61.2 innings West posted a 2.04 ERA with 8.6 strikeouts per nine (SO/9) and 1.3 walks per nine (BB/9). If West continues to develop and put up outstanding numbers like these he could be the steal of the 2012 draft.