TCB Astros March Madness 2014: Dallas Keuchel vs LJ Hoes

The sweet sixteen of the TCB Astros Fan Favorite March Madness Tournament is underway. From now until the end of Spring Training 64 players will spend the next several weeks facing off in a head to head public vote to determine who advances to the next round and who will eventually be crowned the communities favorite Astros player. For more details check out the tournament introductory post.

The rules are simple, determine which player you want to advance to the next round and then vote. Vote subjectively, objectively, using your trusty magic eight ball or any other set of criteria. It's totally up to you how you want to vote! Votes for this round will last exactly 24 hours.

In this match-up

8 - Dallas Keuchel

Few people know his name, and fewer still realize just how effective Keuchel was in 2013. His walk rate came down and his strikeout rate spiked up, while he also continued to get a ton of ground balls. A .340 BAbip appears to have hurt him, and his xFIP was more than a run and a half better than his ERA. 2014 could see a major breakout for the crafty 7th round pick, and he's one reason to be optimistic for the near future of the Astros rotation. -Ashitaka

vs

12 - LJ Hoes

Hoes joined the Astros organization via the Bud Norris trade last year on July 31, 2013. Other than exemplifying great Twitter use (which is rather refreshing), Hoes is also in the middle of the outfield battle this spring. Although he does not have the power you would expect from a prototypical corner outfielder (only 1 HR in 184 total plate appearances last year), he does have a nice hit tool and approach at the plate. If he can add a power element to his game while maintaining his average, the 23 year old Hoes can fit in nicely in the outfield next to Fowler and eventually Springer. -Idrees