As spring training is progressing for the Houston Astros in Florida, the pitching staff is starting to take shape. We know Justin Verlander will be on IL to start the season. So it's looking like the rotation will consist of Framber Valdez, Cristian Javier, Hunter Brown, Jose Urquidy, JP France, and possibly Ronel Blanco if they opt for a six-man rotation early on.

The Astros are very fortunate that France (shoulder) appears back on track to start the season. He was behind Verlander just a couple of weeks ago.

So what should we expect from the Astros' starters this year? CBS Sports released their rotation rankings recently and have the 'Stros at No. 2 behind the Atlanta Braves. They believe Brown will take a big step forward this season, and expect Javier to have a bounce back year. Not to mention all the depth with Luis Garcia and Lance McCullers expected to come back this summer. And Spencer Arrighetti and Brandon Bielak are waiting in the wings if they need them.

Looking ahead

The schedule will be a big factor for Houston early on as they have some tough opponents. They include the Yankees, Blue Jays, Rangers, Royals, and Braves. The Royals aren't scary, but then again, the Astros couldn't beat them when they were trying to secure a playoff spot at the end of last season. So you never know.

The bullpen is going to be important as well over the first two weeks. If we look at last season, no starting pitcher went more than 5 innings in their first cycle through the rotation. Not to mention, Bryan Abreu is suspended for the first two games. So the club will have to depend on their middle relief guys to be a bridge to Ryan Pressly and Josh Hader.

Plus, how will Framber Valdez adjust to using Pitchcom to call his own pitches?

Be sure to watch the video above for the full conversation!

Catch Stone Cold 'Stros (an Astros podcast) with Charlie Pallilo, Brandon Strange, and Josh Jordan every Monday on SportsMapHouston's YouTube channel. We'll continue to drop more episodes throughout the week.