With pitchers and catchers reporting to Spring Training next week, teams around the league are looking to shore up their rosters and prepare for the season ahead. In Houston, Astros GM Ed Wade has some big decisions not only in the next few months, but also important choices for the future of the franchise.
Wade made a lot of big deals this offseason, notably bringing in Bill Hall and Clint Barmes for veteran support in the middle of the infield and also signing veteran ace Wandy Rodriguez to a new three year, $34 million contract.
However, a long road lies ahead of the Astros. They have a strong core of talent on their roster but are probably another year or two away from being legitimate contenders for a World Series title.
That being said, many players on their roster could be desired by playoff caliber teams with injuries and teams looking for the missing piece to their Fall Classic puzzle.
The ten players on this list should be seen as untouchable by GM Ed Wade this season—players who should not be cut, traded or lost to free agency by the time the season is over. Each of these 10 players has an important role to play in not only the 2011 season, but also the future of the franchise.
Here then are the 10 players who will be reporting to Kissimmee, Florida in as little as eight days who should be reporting there in 2012 as well.