TCB March Madness 2013: Sam Demel Vs Preston Tucker

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:

21 - Sam Demel

The other guy who came over from the Diamondbacks on waivers in November, Demel is similar to many of the relievers Houston has taken a shot on in the past year. He's got gaudy minor league strikeout rates with spotty control. He's more of a big league veteran than some the Astros have claimed, throwing 63 innings for the D'Backs over three seasons. He owns a respectable 4.95 ERA, 4.75 FIP and a 3.75 career SIERA. Demel is also the rare strikeout pitcher who also generates a ton of ground balls, which may be why the Astros gave him a 40-man spot all winter. They like their sinkerballers. -David

Vs

44 - Preston Tucker

If you had to bet on one Astros farmhand who could end up starting at DH in five year, the smart money would go on Tucker. Though there are some questions about his defense, Tucker's bat showed up in a big way after he was drafted in the seventh round out of Florida. The 22-year old hit .321/.390/.509 in 42 games and 187 plate appearances for Tri-City. What will be telling is where Tucker is placed this season. Expect him to go to Lancaster, but there's an outside shot he might end up at Corpus. -David