Houston Astros Competition for Center Field is Heating Up
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The Houston Astros have a very good problem as MLB Opening Day approaches. They have two very capable players in Chas McCormick and Jake Meyers who are battling it out for the open center field position.
Throughout MLB Spring Training, McCormick and Meyers have been alternating playing in center in order to give manager Dusty Baker a better gauge at who he wants to utilize on a regular basis.
McCormick said this spring he believes it is his position to lose. Rightfully so considering his postseason performance in which he had his coming out party. His catch in the ninth inning of Game 5 of the World Series against the Philadelphia Phillies is still seared into the minds of every Astros fan. That catch saved the lead, and in hindsight, very well may have prevented a Game 7.
Meyers on the other hand is seeing improvement at the plate this spring. Much of it is due to a different mindset according to MLB's Brian McTaggart.
Both are competing hard during the spring campaign and according to Baker, the competition is still very much ongoing.
"Well, they've been competing against each other for a long time -- all through the Minor Leagues,” said Baker. “And then one got the nod over one, and then the other came in because the other [was] hurt. So, we'll see how it goes. That's why I'm playing them every other day -- one in center and one in left. Jake has never played left. I'm trying to have as many scenarios, and make them familiar with those scenarios, as possible."
In the end, it is an exciting problem to have. The talent level of both players means they will likely both make the roster, especially with Yordan Alvarez slated to play left for about 70-percent of the season.
It's going to be another fascinating season in Houston.
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