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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:
27 - Chris Carter
First off, Carter has to win the "Best Nickname March Madness" pool. Seriously. TROOOGDOOOR. The hulking slugger made his way to Houston via Oakland and the Jed Lowrie trade. In 384 career plate appearances, Carter has hit .214/.310/.425 with a 12.5 percent walk rate and 19 home runs. His walk rate has been consistently high in the minors and majors, but will he make contact? If he does, he's middle of the order bat for his patience and power. The question now is where do you put said bat? Luhnow wants him in left field, so Wally the Monster and Carlos Pena can play every day, but there are MANY skeptics about Carter's ability in left field. -David
Vs
58 - Adrian Houser
The 2011 second round selection by the Astros, Adrian Houser, hasn't lived up to his billing as a second round selection so far in his minor league career. In two seasons, he's only pitched 106 innings, 58 of which came in 2012. His results in those innings have been only so-so with a 4.25 ERA in his minor league career. His FIP and peripherals, on the other hand, say that he could be in for a bounce back year next year. In 2012 his 3.01 FIP was a full run lower than his ERA, indicating he wasn't getting the results of his talent level. 2013 could be a breakout yet for Houser on the mound.