TCB March Madness 2013: Lucas Harrell Vs Rio Ruiz

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

40 - Rio Ruiz

Third basemen Rio Ruiz dropped to the fourth 2012 MLB draft, where the Astros drafted him, due to a blood clot injury his senior year of high school. Full recovered from the injury Ruiz put up solid numbers between two levels of rookie league ball. He finished the year with a .252 batting average, a 336 on base percentage and a .400 slugging percetage in 152 plate apperances. His defense is expected to be good enough that he can stay at the hot corner and might actually be above average. Next year will be a key year for Ruiz as it will be one more year removed from injury and more data in which to evaluate his talent.