We have our initial initial-out-getter of the 2019 Cha

mpionship Season"WhiteFanposts Fanshots Sections Brewers Rumors and SpeculationConversation StartersWPA Game RecapsTransactionsLatest NewsMLB Spring TrainingMilwaukee Brewers NewsChase Anderson will start the Brewers’ first Cactus League gameNew http://www.nationalsfanproshop.com/authentic-matt-adams-jersey ,22commentsWe have our initial initial-out-getter of the 2019 Championship SeasonCSTShareTweetShareShareChase Anderson will start the Brewers’ first Cactus League gameJoe Camporeale-USA TODAY SportsAs the reigning, defending, undisputed Cactus League champions get ready for their first spring game of the season, we now know who will be taking the ball first tomorrow afternoon.Craig Counsell says it will be last season’s regular season Opening Day starter getting in the first pitches of the spring.Anderson was also the one to throw the first live BP pitches of the spring the other day, which may have been a clue he was on track for the “start:”It’s way too early to try to line up the rotation to see who’s on track to start the regular season opener (the safe bet would likely be Jhoulys Chacin, though), and Anderson is almost guaranteed to only throw one inning in his first appearance of the spring, but this could end up being an important spring for him as he tries to bounce back from a mildly disappointing 2018 season in which he never quite got going and saw him get pulled from the rotation before the end of the regular season (and left off the postseason roster altogether).The Brewers aren’t the type of team to make major roster decisions based on spring performance, but looking at things like Anderson’s velocity and location toward the end of camp — both of which were off for almost the entirety of the 2018 season — could give us a better idea on which version of him we could expect. No much suspense, but one mild surprise."WhiteFanposts Fanshots Sections Houston Astros NewsGame ThreadsHouston Astros Minor LeaguesAstros Game DayPodcastsAstros Announce the Opening Day RosterNew,53commentsNo much suspense, but one mild surprise.CDTShareTweetShareShareAstros Announce the Opening Day RosterSteve Mitchell-USA TODAY SportsThe Astros announced their 25 man roster yesterday, but for twenty four of the twenty five positions there was no suspense. The only decision that wasn’t already foregone was for the last spot in the bullpen for lefty reliever. Although he had an excellent Spring, going 9.2 innings with 13 strikeouts, a 1.86 ERA, and a 0.86 WHIP Wilmer Difo Jersey , the Astros optioned hard-throwing 27 year old Reymin Guduan, and chose 25 year old Framber Valdez to stay with the team.Valdez had been under consideration as the fifth starter, a slot he lost to Brad Peacock, and his overall performance was not as good as Guduan’s, sporting a 3.52 ERA and 1.43 WHIP with only 9 strikeouts and 5 BB’s in 15.1 innings.Perhaps what put Valdez over the top were his 6 scoreless innings this week with no walks. Control has been the cause of the greatest doubt about Valdez, and as the Spring progressed he seemed to sharpen his command. That, and his suitability for the role of long-relief, a role none of the other bullpens arms are conditioned for at this time.This is the 25-man roster that will open the season this Thursday.Infield: 1B Yuli Gurriel, 2B Jose Altuve, 3B Alex Bregman, SS Carlos Correa, Utility Aledmys Diaz, DH/1B Tyler WhiteOutfield: Josh Reddick, George Springer, Michael Brantley, Tony Kemp Brian Goodwin Jersey , Jake MarisnickStarting Rotation: Justin Verlander, Gerrit Cole, Collin McHugh, Wade Miley, Brad PeacockBullpen: Roberto Osuna, Ryan Pressly, Will Harris, Chris Devenski, Josh James, (rookie) Hector Rondon, Framber Valdez (rookie)Catcher: Robinson Chirinos, Max StassiExpect this roster to be even more flexible than in years past.First, with a schedule in April with a day off each week, the Astros decided to go with 12 pitchers, not their usual custom. If they go to 13 pitchers, one of the following will have to go: Tony Kemp http://www.nationalsfanproshop.com/authentic-matt-adams-jersey , Jake Marisnick, Tyler White or Aledmys Diaz. Kemp and White have no more options, and would have to pass through waivers if sent to the minors, not likely for either player.Marisnick has one more option, but by May will have enough service time where he can refuse an option. Diaz has options, but is the main utility man for flexibility off the benchSecond, Top 10 prospect Kyle Tucker should be ready soon, and it’s hard to keep a boy like that on the farm. And don’t forget Derek Fisher and Myles Straw, both of whom were quietly great this Spring.Third, the best pitching prospect in baseball by overwhelming consensus, Forrest Whitley, is coming to a Minute Maid Park near you and soon. Not far behind is J.B Bukauskas and others in a farm system embarrassingly deep in pitching talent. Veteran reliever Joe Smith should be recovered from his Achilles injury by July.Am I crazy to think that if the Astros used their top 5 Minor league pitchers, their rotation would be better than that of quite a few teams in MLB right now?Bring on the season.Go Stros