Bob Hulsey wrote:
If you have a 12-man staff, and you keep Deduno, that leaves room for just one more among Will Harris, Joe Thatcher, Kevin Chapman, Darin Downs, etc. Chapman probably still has options but the others would probably be exposed.

Remember at the start of camp that the fifth starter spot was Straily's to lose, which he apparently did. Some of the statements that the Astros are making may be more PR than fact.

Roberto Hernandez is 34 years old with a career ERA of 4.60. For most teams, Hernandez would be an acceptable #5. For the Astros, they are looking for 2016 to be chasing playoffs. The Boulder can not imagine Hernandez being part of the 2016 chase.

Similarly Deduno is 31 years old. Thatcher is 33 years old.

The Boulder wonders if Luhnow is trading wins this year for player development by keeping so many old fart, stop gap pitchers. The Boulder also wonders if Luhnow is playing games to facilitate trades.

In the end, it is ... In Luhnow and Strom we trust.