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Astros Roster Predictions: First and Second Base
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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There is a split on who will get the call at first base. Most think that Jon Singleton will do well in Spring Training and earn his spot. A couple of writers went off script to predict that Evan Gattis gets the call at first base, putting Singleton in AAA to start the year. This is definitely one of the position battles to watch and it should be hard for A.J. Hinch and Jeff Luhnow to make a final decision.
As for the backup at first, of course there is Chris Carter, but a few think that Matt Dominguez will learn the ropes at the first sack. Matt Duffy, first baseman at AAA Fresno, may get some looks, too.
Second base wasn’t really a prediction, at least for the starter. Not even a whiff of controversy there. However, there were some differences in who might back Altuve up. Jonathan Villar and Marwin Gonzalez are the front runners. Even Ronald Torreyes and Tony Kemp were penciled in as long-shots. Lots of room to play with for the backup, though I think we’re all hoping to see Jose Altuve get in a full 162.
Who do you think plays first base, Astros fans? Does Singleton live up to his potential or does someone else fill in for him until he gets things figured out?