Astros Roster Predictions: Third Base and Shortstop

CTH Writers on: Shortstop

Sep 30, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals center fielder

(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