Stubbs, White doing whatever it takes to make good impression
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Following the Astros’ instructions to pack on weight to his thin 5-10 frame, catching prospect Garrett Stubbs said he reported to spring training weighing 10 pounds more than when he finished playing in the Arizona Fall League.
Stubbs said he capped the six-week AFL season in mid-November weighing 173 pounds, at which point he moved his workouts to Newport Beach, Calif. There, he bulked up to 186 pounds before coming into his first big league camp this week at 183.
The team had Stubbs on an individualized strength program. Even while playing about four times a week in the prospect-laden fall league, his regimen called for full-body workouts twice a week.
“Because of my size, they talk about longevity and stuff like that,” he said. “I got through the full season last year, but this is a new season. So, I’m trying to go into it with an even better body, so that I come out of it even better.”
Stubbs, 23, is the Astros’ catching prospect closest to the major leagues but is likley on the radar for 2018 or 2019 than this season. The lefthanded-hitting USC product batted .325 with a .918 OPS in his first 120 Class AA at-bats last year. He probably will return to Corpus Christi to begin this season.
Versatility helping White’s chances
With first base blocked by Yuli Gurriel and Marwin Gonzalez, Tyler White has been taking ground balls all over the diamond to increase his versatility.
Although White debuted in the majors last season as a first baseman, he actually played third base his senior year of college and coming up through the minors. The Astros have told him he will mix his repetitions at first base with some at third base this spring. There are Grapefruit League at-bats to be had at third base once Alex Bregman leaves for the World Baseball Classic.
White, who has dropped 20 pounds since 2016 spring training, played games at first base, third base, shortstop and left field once demoted to Class AAA last season. He appeared in two major league games at second base, including a start in the final game of the season.
“I just expect to play everywhere and do whatever they need me to do,” White said. “They know I’ve played a lot of first, and I think the better I can get at the other positions, the more valuable I’ll be to the team as an asset, whether it be off the bench or spot starting or just whatever I need to do.”
If the Astros carry 12 position players and all are healthy, the righthanded-hitting White is a long shot to make the openingday roster. An injury in the infield, whether in camp or during the season, could open the door for him to claim a bench job.
Hinch’s message is about preparation
Before the Astros took the field for their first full-squad workout on Saturday morning, manager A.J. Hinch addressed the team during a 45-minute clubhouse meeting.
“It’s fun to look out and see some new faces. It’s fun to look out and see some returning guys. But most importantly, it’s the first time we’re together,” Hinch said of the meeting, shortly afterward as players stretched. “The message is really about preparation. I think that’s what spring training’s about.”
“We’ve got to prepare for everything — every game situation,” he added. “I’m not sure what play is going to be the difference maker for us over the span of a whole season.”
Odds and ends
Sitting out the first couple days of workouts after getting his four wisdom teeth removed Thursday, Carlos Correa watched from shortstop on Saturday as the Astros’ infielders practiced bunt defense. … Evan Gattis (shoulder soreness) has progressed to participating in catching drills but has not yet resumed throwing. … Astros pitchers will begin throwing live batting practice sessions to hitters on Monday, manager A.J. Hinch said. … Of the 59 players expected in major league camp, only minor league righthander Dian Diaz has yet to report. Hinch said the team is hopeful Diaz, who was delayed by travel issues, will be in camp early this week.