Note: we had some technical difficulties and are a day late starting the third round. We'll do two matches today to catch up, after which we'll be doing one match per day as planned.
Just a reminder; voting will stay open for 24 hours for each of these match-ups, and there will be one match-up per day. For a complete breakdown, check out the introductory post if you haven't already. Here's a link to the updated bracket. Get those votes in while you can!
Round Three, Match One
Brady Rodgers, RHP
Rodgers is one of those polished, sum-of-his-parts players who might just exceed expectations, thanks to his ground ball-generating ability and his propensity to not walk anyone. Ever. In fact, Rodgers has walked 54 total batters in his professional career, spanning parts of three seasons and 310.1 innings. While his arsenal may be mediocre (heater tops out at 92 and sits lower), it is varied and his command of it is a huge strength. He may not ever be special, but his floor means he likely will be something, and there's real value to that. -- Brian Stevenson
VS.
Collin McHugh, RHP
Not since Hunter Pence's hot first season have the Astros had such a legitimate Rookie of the Year candidate. McHugh absolutely came out of nowhere and made the Astros coaches and brass look very, very smart, posting a 2.73 ERA and a 3.83 K/BB ratio in 154.2 innings of work. Brent Strom's pitch tunneling focus seemed to do the trick, and all signs point to McHugh being at least a solid #3 starter going forward. With almost all of his club control remaining, the Astros appear to have scored one of the biggest waiver coups in recent history. -- Brian Stevenson