TCB March Madness 2013: Bud Norris Vs Jarred Cosart

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:

2 - Bud Norris

Bud Norris posted a 1.5 WAR in 168.1 innings last year. At 27 he has four big league seasons under his belt and as of yet fulfilled the expectations of a front of the roation starter many expected he would come. With some of the best stuff on the staff he Astros are relying on him to anchor a rotation that could be one of the youngest in the majors.

Vs

35 - Jarred Cosart

The poster boy for the Ed Wade Era could easily be Cosart, as a toolsy guy who has never really seen that translate into professional success. His tools have wowed scouts for years and impressed everyone at the annual Futures Game. After all that waiting, the future appears to be now, as Cosart should break into the big leagues sometime in 2013. Though he's never become that front-line starter he was projected to be based on his stuff, Cosart could be exactly what the Houston front office wants in a pitcher. He's a strikeout guy with good stuff who also generates a ton of ground balls. He doesn't strike out guys at a Verlander-esque level, but he does good enough when paired with his ground ball tendency. Cosart should start the season in the minors, but could be the first call-up from OKC in the event of an injury. -David