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Houston Astros’ 5 Biggest Weaknesses Going Into 2016 Spring Training

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The Houston Astros are coming off of a breakout campaign that saw them make the playoffs. In 2016, they want to get even further than a divisional round exit. These are five of their biggest hurdles to reaching that goal.

5. Right-Handed Hitting Depth

Right-Handed Hitting Depth Getty Images
In this day and age, you need to play the matchups and have plenty of depth from both sides of the plate. The Astros seem to be loaded with lefty hitters. Guys like Luis Valbuena and Preston Tucker provide left-handed depth. From the other side of the plate, Jake Marisnick is the threat on the bench and that's using that term lightly. That could come back to haunt them.

In this day and age, you need to play the matchups and have plenty of depth from both sides of the plate. The Astros seem to be loaded with lefty hitters. Guys like Luis Valbuena and Preston Tucker provide left-handed depth. From the other side of the plate, Jake Marisnick is the threat on the bench and that's using that term lightly. That could come back to haunt them.

4. Youth

Youth Getty Images
On paper this is a very good ball club, so admittedly this may be nitpicking, but relying on so much youth could cause some trouble. Key players like Carlos Correa, George Springer, Preston Tucker and Lance McCullers could all be prone to those youthful growing pains. If they happen at the wrong time, it could cost the Astros.

On paper this is a very good ball club, so admittedly this may be nitpicking, but relying on so much youth could cause some trouble. Key players like Carlos Correa, George Springer, Preston Tucker and Lance McCullers could all be prone to those youthful growing pains. If they happen at the wrong time, it could cost the Astros.

3. First Base

First Base Getty Images
The Astros currently have young Jon Singleton penciled into the first base position. He is hitting a horrendous .174 in his first 357 career plate appearances. That is not the type of average you want in your lineup, despite his power potential. They may need to rush top prospect A.J. Reed at some point this summer to take control of the position.

The Astros currently have young Jon Singleton penciled into the first base position. He is hitting a horrendous .174 in his first 357 career plate appearances. That is not the type of average you want in your lineup, despite his power potential. They may need to rush top prospect A.J. Reed at some point this summer to take control of the position.

2. Quality Setup Men

Quality Setup Men Getty Images
The Astros' bullpen was their major weak point last season, and they did a good job of solving that a bit by adding closer Ken Giles from the Phillies. Behind him, however, are some guys you aren't sure can be counted on. Luke Gregerson is the leading candidate for the eighth inning role, and with an average fastball velocity of 89.4 mph, it's hard to count on that in today's hard throwing game. Will Harris and Pat Neshek will also be key.

The Astros' bullpen was their major weak point last season, and they did a good job of solving that a bit by adding closer Ken Giles from the Phillies. Behind him, however, are some guys you aren't sure can be counted on. Luke Gregerson is the leading candidate for the eighth inning role, and with an average fastball velocity of 89.4 mph, it's hard to count on that in today's hard throwing game. Will Harris and Pat Neshek will also be key.

1. True No. 2 Behind Keuchel

True No. 2 Behind Keuchel Getty Images
The Astros surely have a true ace in Dallas Keuchel, but do they have a shutdown option behind him? I don't think so. Colin McHugh, Lance McCullers, Mike Fiers and Doug Fister follow him. None of those guys jump out at you as someone you can confidently throw out there in a Game 2 situation. It hurt them last year and could happen again this season. You almost need two front-end starters in today's game.

The Astros surely have a true ace in Dallas Keuchel, but do they have a shutdown option behind him? I don't think so. Colin McHugh, Lance McCullers, Mike Fiers and Doug Fister follow him. None of those guys jump out at you as someone you can confidently throw out there in a Game 2 situation. It hurt them last year and could happen again this season. You almost need two front-end starters in today's game.

Andrew Frosceno is a writer for RantSports. Follow him on Twitter and like him on Facebook.
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