Astros Roster Predictions: First and Second Base

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Sep 18, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros first baseman Jon Singleton (28) flips the ball to first base during the third inning against the Cleveland Indians at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

As the Astros’ Spring Training is just warming up, the writers here at CTH have boldly chosen their picks for First and Second Base. If you missed the first installment, the CTH crew submitted their predictions for Catcher and Designated Hitter.

“Second base?!” you say, “Is that really a prediction?” Well…maybe not. But we have to cover ALL the positions around the diamond, so bear with us.

At first base, the Astros have several options: Jon Singleton, the incumbent who struggled in 2014; Evan Gattis, the newly acquired slugger who may be asked to do it all; Chris Carter, the DH who occasionally sees time in the field; and Dan Johnson, a veteran non-roster invitee.

At second base, Jose Altuve will look to replicate his spectacular 2014. But the real question here is: who will back him up, if needed? Jonathan Villar and Marwin Gonzalez are looking to stay in the Majors, while Jed Lowrie could see some time there, if necessary.

Next: First Base

Aug 2, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros first baseman Jon Singleton (28) during the game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Minute Maid Park. The Astros defeated the Blue Jays 8-2. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Kennon Riley

First base can likely go to one of five guys throughout the season. In order of (perceived) likelihood: Jon Singleton, Chris Carter, Evan Gattis, Matt Dominguez, and Dan Johnson.

Starter: With a $10 million contract that gets pricier on incentives, I am certainly rooting for Jon Singleton to have a big spring training. He has made adjustments in the past through a somewhat rocky road the past couple of seasons. Jon has the tools to succeed at the plate whether it be an advanced eye or above-average power. I have full faith in Jon.

Backup: Matt Dominguez. Some may be quick to say Chris Carter or Evan Gattis here… but let’s be real, neither are fit to play defense. Dan Johnson was brought in on a minor-league deal and would require someone to be DFA’d for a roster spot.

Eric Huysman

First base is the most open position up for grabs, depending on the success of Jon Singleton during spring training. You will see Singleton, Evan Gattis, Matt Dominguez, Matt Duffy, and Chris Carter playing that position.

Starter: Evan Gattis – Even though Jon Singleton is the future of the Astros, his struggles last year showed that he may not have been ready. If Singleton struggles in spring training, I see him starting half the season or until needed in AAA. Evan Gattis will get the starting nod at first base unless he appears he can’t handle it. In my opinion, Jon Singleton versus Jake Marisnick is the main spring training battle. The Astros like Marisnick’s overall game, so if he’s the starter in center, Gattis will be the first baseman. If Gattis is the starter at first, Singleton will be in AAA getting at bats.

Backup: Matt Dominguez – With Luis Valbuena penciled in as the starter at third, with Dominguez getting starts against lefthanders. Dominguez will learn the position to make the team.

Ryan Gonzalez

The obvious choice for me, Singleton.

Thomas O’Banion

First base is less about the position battle between the players at that position than it is about who makes the third outfielder. Without giving away my OF prediction, I think Evan Gattis will be moved to first to start the season. Yes, I know he’s played only FOUR games there. But I think his bat makes up for his defense, and Jon Singleton struggled at the plate in 2014. Thus, Singleton starts in AAA again this year but is the first player called up when the time comes. Plus Singleton’s contract isn’t so large that it forces the Astros’ hand to play him.

Aug 15, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves catcher Evan Gattis (24) shows emotion after a home run against the Oakland Athletics in the second inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Brian Del Castillo

Jon Singleton should be starting the season as the first baseman for the Houston Astros, since the 23 year old left handed power hitter has been given a vote of confidence by his GM and his manager in the early parts of 2015. The big question will be how long a leash he is kept on. With Evan Gattis and Chris Carter waiting to steal Singleton’s spot at first base, the youngster will have to come out swinging if he wants to remain part of Houston’s grand scheme.

Jason Burke

No surprises here, I’m going with Singleton. It’s not about the money, I just have a sneaking suspicion that he’s going to have a much better season that he showed last year. If he struggles mightily in spring training and needs some time in the minors to start the season off, Gattis would be the next in line one would assume.

Next: Second Base

Sep 26, 2014; New York, NY, USA; New York Mets center fielder Matt den Dekker (6) steals second base ahead of the tag by Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) during the second inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Kennon Riley

Second base is all but set for 162 games of the little man.

Starter: Jose Altuve. I think that Houston fans are desperate to see him accomplish his goal of playing a completely full season. In 2014 we saw Altuve steal over 50 bases, bat for a .341 average, and play pretty good defense on second base. He also has a contract through 2019 with the latter two years being team options.

Backup: Is none an option? I guess to cover depth purposes either Jed Lowrie or Marwin Gonzalez are capable. I would not place a bet against Ronny Torreyes or even Tony Kemp to get a few innings at second base in 2015.

Eric Huysman

This is the most secure position on the team, unless Craig Biggio wants to un-retire!

Starter: Jose Altuve – There is not much to say about this, he did win the batting title last year. So I assume he will get the job this year, even with a poor spring.

Backup: Jonathan Villar – Like Dominguez, the former starter at shortstop will learn a new position. In order to make the team, Villar will have to be a “utility man.”

Sep 19, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros shortstop Jonathan Villar (2) throws the ball to first base to complete a double play during the first inning against the Seattle Mariners at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Ryan Gonzalez

The obvious choice: Jose Altuve.

Thomas O’Banion

Altuve starts (is there a question?). And I think Marwin Gonzalez earns the “utility man” title and serves as the backup.

Brian Del Castillo

Second base is clear. After posting one of the best single seasons by any second baseman in 2014 and taking home the American League batting title, Jose Altuve has emerged as a bona fide star. Barring some sort of unfortunate accident or family emergency, he will be playing second base for the Astros on opening day and as long as he is physically able.

Jason Burke

Jose Altuve is still on the team right? Yeah, then it’s him. The only controversy comes from who may back him up. Based on last season’s numbers, MarGo has the inside track, but this is a new season, and Villar has the higher ceiling. If he shows some promise in Kissimmee, that could be enough to push Gonzalez off of the roster.

Next: Summary

Jun 3, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros first baseman Jon Singleton (28) is congratulated by second baseman Jose Altuve (27) after hitting a home run during the eighth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

So, what’s the breakdown?

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