CATCHER: Veterans Brian McCann and Evan Gattis return.
INFIELD: Carlos Correa and Jose altuve encompass one of the best keystone combos I can remember, and I've been remembering baseball since about 1971. Alex Bregman and Yuli Gurriel aren't so bad at the corners, either.
OUTFIELD: George Springer patrols center field with Josh Reddick manning right, though he may sit against some tough southpaws. Marwin Gonzalez ended the season as the left fielder. Jake Marisnick and Derek Fisher return as depth, with top prospect Kyle Tucker waiting in the wings.
DESIGNATED HITTER: Houston is one of the few teams without any lineup holes, in fact they have quality depth which they run through DH. Gattis often picks up at bats there. Depending on how the defending champs handle the outfield, Gonzalez could pick up more time at DH to keep his stick in the lineup.
BENCH: With Gonzalez and Bregman able to move around, the Astros don't need much by way of infield reserves, with A.J. Reed, Tyler White and Jon Singleton vying for the scraps at first and DH.
ROTATION: Justin Verlander wasn't just a rental, he's signed through at least 2020. Dallas Keuchel joins him as co-ace, with Charlie Morton and a healthy Lance McCullers locks. The fifth spot could go to Brad Peacock with Mike Fiers and Collin McHugh in the mix.
BULLPEN: Count me with the crowd not giving up on Ken Giles, though it remains to be seen if he's trusted again with the game on the line. Chris Devenski is back in his multi-inning role with Will Harris and Tony Sipp doing their thing. Joe Musgrove excelled in the 'pen, though he could be a swingman if injuries kick in.
PROSPECTS TO WATCH: Kyle Tucker was alluded to earlier. Houston could use Gonzalez at first and DH, clearing left, but Tucker will likely begin the season on the farm. Some optimistic early drafters are wasting, at least in my opinion, a pick on pitcher Forrest Whitley. That said, Whitley is on the fast track and should be owned in keeper and dynasty formats.
POSSIBLE ACQUISITIONS: Houston has no glaring deficincies. They may bring someone in, but it won't be a fantasy-relevant player.
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