Astros Roster Predictions: Third Base and Shortstop

Sep 19, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros second baseman

(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

(15) is tagged out by Chicago Cubs third baseman

(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

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

Next: Jake Marisnick for Center Field in 2015