Opportunity is there for Cam Smith

Cam Smith, who was acquired in the Kyle Tucker trade, continues to be the talk of the town at Astros spring training. Recently, Astros manager Joe Espada told the media on Tuesday that Smith will get some time in right field sooner than later. Full Seam Ahead host Lorenzo Delgado dissects the possibility of Smith playing in right field.

Cam Smith has the opportunity to win the right field job

Smith continues to impress the organization on the way he positions himself at the plate. The Astros No. 1 prospect is hitting .409 with nine hits, one triple, two home runs, seven RBIs, and a 1.292 OPS in 22 at-bats. Jim Bowden, a baseball analyst from MLB Radio, reported that both General Manager Dana Brown and Espada made it clear Cam Smith will be given every opportunity to win RF job.

According to Chandler Rome of The Athletic, Smith has began working with the outfielders and outfield coach Jason Bell last week. Former Astros outfielder and World Series champion Michael Brantley was in attendance Tuesday. The five-time All-Star observed and talked to Smith after playing five innings in right field on the back fields of the CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches.

“You can see the extreme athleticism that he has,” Bell said in Rome’s article. “His ability to learn and retain information very quickly is key, especially for a young player learning a new position. You can see his speed, so it’s about him adjusting to the slice and the hook of certain balls.”

The athleticism, arm, and speed is there for the 22-year-old third baseman. However, is there enough time for Smith to transition to a new position? Zo talks more about the possibility of Smith making the Opening Day roster.

Competition for roster spots heat up

Espada spoke to the media on how important Spring Training games are for players and prospects. Infielders Brendan Rodgers and Luis Guillorme have performed well so far this spring. Rodgers is hitting .304 with seven hits, four doubles, seven RBIs and a .811 OPS. Although, Guillorme is batting .316 with six hits, four RBIs, and has only struck out once in 19 at-bats. Moreover, both infielders have made great defensive plays in spring training.

Houston will need their bullpen to step up this upcoming season, after trading away two-time All-Star and former closer Ryan Pressly. The Astros bullpen has three for sure locks – Josh Hader, Bryan Abreu, Taylor Scott – out of eight bullpen spots. Left handed pitchers Bryan King and Steven Okert have pitched well in their relief appearances.

Forrest Whitley, the Astros 2016 first round pick, has only given up one run in five innings. Right-handed pitcher Logan VanWey is another good bullpen piece to keep your eye out on this March. VanWey held a 9-1 record with 98 strikeouts in 60 games last season with Class AAA Sugar Land. Currently, the Missouri Southern State alum has struck out eight batters in eight innings of work this spring.

Lance McCullers Jr. finished throwing his final live bullpen, Wednesday March 12. LMJ threw 30 pitches on the mound. McCullers Jr. expects to pitch next Tuesday in his first big league game since Game 3 of the 2022 World Series.

Tune in for another great episode of Full Seam Ahead. You can find FSA on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.