TCB March Madness 2013: Lucas Harrell Vs Jason Castro

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:

5 - Lucas Harrell

Almost let go at the end of Spring Training last year, Lucas Harrell showed the Astros something towards the end of Spring Training that resulted in him getting an opportunity to start. Harrell rewarded them with a 2.8 WAR in 193.2 innings pitched. His FIP and xFIP numbers indicate that last year was no fluke and that he's in for just as good a season this year.

Vs

9 - Jason Castro

Jason Castro having something to prove after missing all of 2011 with a knee injury posted a .320 wOBA in 295 plate appearances. He struggled to stay on the field and his defense, when he was on the field, in 2012. The time spent on the disabled list was mostly for resting his knee and his defense may have suffered because of that. The positive is that when he was on the field he provided above average offensively. Catchers in 2012 posted a .312 wOBA putting Castro right at average offensively for a catcher if not slightly above. Another year removed from his knee injury can only mean good things for the former first round selection.