I’d be very surprised if Peacock was moved. I think BP has proven his worth by being versatile enough to succeed in any role they put him in. Needing “2 quality starters in reserve” I can roll with. That said, i think the Astros would feel comfortable enough using some of the younger talent on the roster or even possibly bringing up Whitley if need be. So I think McHugh is expendable in that regard.
Guys that do well in pen after starting typically are guys that their stuff plays up in less innings. McHugh is a guy that he's about as good in first inning as he is in the 6th/7th. McHugh's best quality, endurance, just doesn't help in pen. Peacock can be an asset in the pen or as a starter. McHugh isn't likely to get enough work in pen to stay stretched out unless Astros do tandem pitching or make sure he gets 3/4 innings in a game every 5/6 games. Right now, he looks like the worse guy, not including loogy, in pen and will likely only be used in blowouts.
Some of the first we've been able to see of Anthony Gose on the mound. Also a look at Framber Valdez and Cionel Perez. Couple of guys that could see some time in Houston as LHRP's this season.
Modern day MLB team also uses its pen a lot. The 7th starter is rarely on the MLB 25-man roster except for the Dodgers. Like last season, I expect the Astros will have a lot of high leverage situations. Last season, Astros high leverage guys got chewed up by the number of high leverage innings despite the Astros keeping their overall innings within normal levels (not all innings are created equal).
From a Fangraphs chat with their new writer Meg Rowley. https://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/meg-rowley-inaugural-fangraphs-chat-2-15-18/ OlRock: As a Mariners fan, which Astro player are you most terrified of this year? Meg Rowley: Yes
Nationals and Astros reach naming rights deal for Ballpark of the Palm Beaches The Nationals and their fellow tenants, the Houston Astros, reached a 12-year deal to sell the naming rights to the Ballpark of the Palm Beaches to FITTEAM, a fitness beverage company located in nearby Palm Beach Gardens. The terms of the deal — both in terms of revenue and how it will be split — were not disclosed. The teams will unveil the new stadium name — FITTEAM Ballpark of the Palm Beaches — at a joint event at the facility next week.
