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Astros Roster Predictions: Third Base and Shortstop
Sep 19, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros second baseman
Marwin Gonzalez(9) fields a ground ball during the sixth inning against the Seattle Mariners 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 Astros roster predictions for shortstop and third base. If you missed the first two installments, the CTH writers submitted their predictions for Catcher and Designated Hitter and First and Second Base.
Like the other predictions so far, third base and shortstop seem to be locked up. The Astros signed Jed Lowrie to a three-year deal to play shortstop, or until the boy wonder Carlos Correa is ready. The Astros weren’t satisfied with the production they got out of shortstop and third base from 2014, so part of their offseason goals were to improve these two spots.
Trivia Question: Who were the starting shortstop and third baseman in 2014?
Next: CTH Writers on: Third Base
CTH Writers on: Third Base
Aug 30, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Cardinals pinch hitter
Randal Grichuk(15) is tagged out by Chicago Cubs third baseman
Luis Valbuena(24) on a stolen base attempt at Busch Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Cubs 13-1. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports
Answer: Matt Dominguez and Jonathan Villar
Kennon Riley @kcrileyCTH
Third Base: Luis Valbuena is the starter. He’s a positive asset on defense and has tremendous plate discipline. He may not hit for a big batting average, but he’s still relatively young.
Backup: There’s going to be a trio of guys backing up Valbuena. Due to his slow development at the MLB level, he’s been a platoon-type. I expect that to continue with Matt Dominguez, Jonathan Villar, and Marwin Gonzalez fighting for a spot on the MLB roster.
Eric Huysman @huysman_eric
This will be either a one person show, or a lefty and righty platoon.
Starter: Luis Valbuena will get the nod early, but then the Astros will see his weakness like the Cubs did. He struggles versus lefties, so Matt Dominguez will probably start against left-handers. I see Valbuena hitting in the two hole when he is starting, because of his on-base percentage.
Back-up: Matt Dominguez will be the main backup at third base, but either Marwin Gonzalez or Jonathan Villar will back up at third as well. I already stated that Villar will win super utility spot, so I will stick to that choice.
Ryan Gonzalez @ryangonzalez57
Valbuena starting with Gonzalez being on the bench as a UTIL and Dominguez to platoon early
Thomas O’Banion @obaniont
This is a tough call. Luis Valbuena gets the Opening Day spot, but really it is a platoon with Matt Dominguez. Dominguez is right-handed and hits lefties better than Valbuena (who is left-handed), so this appears to be a match up issue.
Jason Burke @baseballmiamor
I really think this depends on how spring training goes. The moves that have been made have brought in other options for positions that struggled last season. If Dominguez is blazing hot coming out of camp, he gets the nod with Valbuena backing up. If Dominguez is struggling like he did last year, this will be more of a platoon situation.
Issa Cook @ipc1221
The Starter- Matt Dominguez. He will have to prove himself with Valbuena right behind him, but I think he starts there. If he struggles early, Valbuena in by mid-June.
The backup: Valbuena, I expect him to get plenty of reps. Again, if Matt struggles, he will be replaced sooner than later.
Brian Del Castillo @babybullDC
Any question of that was put to rest when the Astros acquired Luis Valbuena from the Cubs in the Dexter Fowler deal. Valbuena is an upgrade over Matt Dominguez offensively and provides a little bit of left-handed pop to a very right-handed lineup. Some have suggested that Dominguez could still have a role in a platoon situation, but I think Marwin Gonzalez’s super utility role will appease that.
Trivia: Which Astros Third Baseman won the CTH Best Seasons fan vote from recent series?
Next: CTH Writers on: Shortstop
CTH Writers on: Shortstop
Sep 30, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals center fielder
Lorenzo Cain(6) steals second base against Oakland Athletics shortstop Jed Lowrie (8) during the eighth inning of the 2014 American League Wild Card playoff baseball game at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Kennon Riley @kcrileyCTH
Shortstop: Jed Lowrie was not brought in on a 3-year deal to ride the bench. He will be the starter for at least 100 games this season.
Backups: Carlos Correa…in September. For now we need to find a trade destination for Jonathan Villar, if not Marwin Gonzalez, and they are going to both be backup candidates for shortstop, third base, and even second base from time to time.
Eric Huysman @huysman_eric
Shortstop for once is the most settled position entering spring training. Whoever starts this year, will be a place holder until Carlos Correa is ready.
Starter: With a fresh new three-year contract, Jed Lowrie will be the lame duck or hero shortstop until Correa is ready. Which Lowrie shows up will decide how soon Correa comes up; if 2014 Lowrie shows up, Correa will debut early. If 2013 Lowrie shows up, playoffs might be possible.
Backup: Jonathan Villar with his super utility role will serve as a backup to his natural position.
Ryan Gonzalez @ryangonzalez57
SS: Lowrie starting with Gonzalez being on the bench as a utility player.
Thomas O’Banion @obaniont
Jed Lowrie. Between Marwin Gonzalez and Jonathan Villar, MarGo earns the utility role and acts as primary backup.
Jason Burke @baseballmiamor
Jed Lowrie is going to get most of the playing time, but Gonzalez could be a suitable replacement if Lowrie is struggling or needs a day off.
Issa Cook @ipc1221
The starter: Jed Lowrie. Good to have Lowrie & Altuve back together in the middle. Should bring some nice added offense to Houston.
The backup: Carlos Correa? If he kills it in minors during first half, why not send him up to MLB? Too much excitement to.
Brian Del Castillo @babybullDC
I like the versatility that Jed Lowrie offers the Astros in 2015. He’s not flashy and isn’t going to wow you with any one trait of his game, but he’s a solid defender and offensive player who can play shortstop and third base. The plan certainly seems to be that Lowrie will be Houston’s shortstop for 2015 (or at least until Correa gets promoted).
Next: Final Verdict on who starts at 3b and ss
Final Verdict on who starts at 3b and ss
Mar 5, 2014; Kissimmee, FL, USA; Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa (84) dives for a ground ball during the fourth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Osceola County Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Starter at Third Base: Luis Valllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllbuena
While it was not unanimous, 6 out of 7 writers feel like Luis Valbuena and his left-handed bat will find himself as the starting third base for the Astros in 2015. The Astros traded Dexter Fowler for Valbuena to serve as the placeholder until Colin Moran is ready. But he could play himself into a more permanent role at third base, but eventually Lowrie or Moran will take over in 2016.
Starter at Shortstop: Jed Lowrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrie
This was a unanimous vote, because the Astros had to sign Jed Lowrie to a three-year deal to sign with them. He can make the biggest impact on the team at shortstop, or he could be the biggest bust of the season. Let’s see how he plays.
Part of the 25-man roster (4 players)
Luis Valbuena
Jed Lowrie
Matt Dominguez
Marwin Gonzalez