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MLB • 6 months ago

5 Free Agents Houston Astros Must Target In 2015-16 MLB Offseason

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John Rieger - USA Today Sports

5 Free Agents Houston Astros Must Target In 2015-16 MLB Offseason

Mike Fiers Houston Astros Pitcher — The Houston Astros went from also-rans to front-runners in 2015. In 2016 they need to build a team to compete in the playoffs. Their 111 run differential was second best in the American League to only the Toronto Blue Jays. Here are five free agents the Astros must target to take the next step in 2016.

The Houston Astros went from also-rans to front-runners in 2015. In 2016 they need to build a team to compete in the playoffs. Their 111 run differential was second best in the American League to only the Toronto Blue Jays. Here are five free agents the Astros must target to take the next step in 2016.

5. Alejandro De Aza

5. Alejandro De Aza

The Astros only have Colby Rasmus from the left side of the plate in the outfield, so they could use another lefty. Alejandro De Aza has been on three teams in 2015 and five teams over the past two seasons. That says No. 5 outfielder all the way.

4. Marco Scutaro

4. Marco Scutaro

Marco Scutaro's career may be over. If it isn't, Houston is a great place to land. They have a good, young infield, but need a better backup than Jonathan Villar. Scutaro can play anywhere except for first on the infield when he's healthy. A bench spot on a contending team could help Scutaro have a valuable position to wind down his career.

3. Mike Leake

3. Mike Leake

Scott Kazmir is a free agent creating the hole that was covered by trade. Mike Leake is his generation's Bronson Arroyo. He will come in and show the young staff how to be economical with pitches, while still being wet enough behind the ears to be their peer.

2. Ryan Vogelsong

2. Ryan Vogelsong

Ryan Vogelsong started 22 games for the San Francisco Giants this year. That is more than the Giants probably would have liked. The Astros need someone like him on their team or at least in their system to use in case of an extended injury to a starting pitcher.

1. Tim Lincecum

1. Tim Lincecum

The former Cy Young award winner had his moments this year. Unfortunately, he didn't pitch after June because of injuries. Most teams will be looking at Tim Lincecum as a minor league free agent. The Astros could go after him as a major leaguer with the understanding that he would only get spot starts. They need him and he needs them, both to establish credibility. Lincecum can't expect $ 18 million per year anymore, but the Astros have swag.

Nick Vorholt is a writer for www.RantSports.com covering the Cincinnati Reds and all things MLB.

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MLB• Videos• 1 week ago

Carlos Gomez Flips His Bat, Dabs After Clobbering Home Run

#Astros ayer el dominicano Carlos Gomez pego su 1er HR del #ST16 #DabMove pic.twitter.com/CQhc50ceCt

— MeGustanLosDeportes (@PalillitoArnold) March 29, 2016

Houston Astros outfielder Carlos Gomez has never been known to bite his tongue or shy away from expressing his feelings on the baseball field. Thus, it should be a surprise to absolutely no one to see his antics after he clobbered a home run against the Atlanta Braves on Monday. Showing no regard for baseball's unwritten rules, Gomez flipped his bat and dropped an epic dab for all to enjoy (except for the Braves, that is).

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