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

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