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Because of my poll goof I've extended the vote to 3:35 p.m. CT Thursday March 13.
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
1 - Asher Wojciechowski
26 near perfect innings in AA cemented the rebirth of Wojo last year, though the 134 innings that followed in AAA were less inspiring. He performed well, though (including a one-hitter in early July), and his consistently above-average peripherals bode well for his future. Though his GB% dropped in AAA, it has historically been strong, and continued refinement of his command, esepcially of his secondary offerings, could help him join the Astros 25-man roster as easly as Opening Day. The off-season relief additions should allow him to continue to try developing as an effective starter rather than being prematurely shoe-horned into a bullpen role. -Ashitaka
vs
4 - Lance McCullers
The 41st overall pick of the 2012 draft, McCullers has as devastating a two pitch mix as you'll find in the minors, with a blazing fastball that can hit triple digits with ease, and a slider described as untouchable when he has a good feel for it. He ripped up opponents at the Low-A level for the Quad Cities RiverBandits in 2013, posting a 2.91 FIP with 10.1 strikeouts per nine innings in 104.2 innings pitched. Questions about his mechanics, command and ability to polish his changeup into a useful third offering invite questions about his future role, but there's little doubt he should be a useful late-inning bullpen arm at least. -Ashitaka