INSIDE PITCH

Posted on 2010 under Astros | Comments are off

25 Mar

The Astros expect to take every minute of the time allotted up to the April 4 roster deadline to decide on a starting catcher. J.R. Towles and Jason Castro both started spring training with an impressive two weeks at the plate, and both drew praise for the rest of their game. "J.R. and Jason both know that this is a great opportunity for them here in the short term, and they have done everything that they possibly could do to put themselves in position to win the job," general manager Ed Wade said. "As we sit here today, we're sort of in an enviable position of having two really good solid young guys, both of whom have a chance to win the job here." Towles had been among the Astros' top hitters in camp, collecting 11 hits, including five doubles, in his first 23 at-bats. Castro, meanwhile, had eight hits in his first 20 at-bats. Defensively, Castro's philosophy was to learn on the go, picking up the nuances of each pitcher in Grapefruit League games. Towles was a little bit more measured and advance-preparation-oriented. "I went out with Roy (Oswalt) one night and (Brian) Moehler, and I plan on going with a few other guys," Towles said. "It's really going and talking with them to see what I can do different, what I can do that they would like to see me do to help them out." Despite the hot starts of Towles and Castro, manager Brad Mills still wants Humberto Quintero for the backup spot because of his experience and strong throwing arm.