Astros Draft 2015: CTH Mock Draft Picks 1-5

Houston Astros Select…With Second Pick

Jun 3, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; General view of Minute Maid Park before a game between the Houston Astros and the Baltimore Orioles. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Second Pick-Houston Astros: GM is Jeff Luhnow

With the second pick, the Houston Astros select Dansby Swanson (SS, Vanderbilt University)

The Astros have Jose Altuve currently at second base, and Carlos Correa days away from making his Houston debut, the Houston Astros are stocked at second base and shortstop for years to come. Why do they need to draft another shortstop?

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The reason is that besides Carlos Correa and

, the second and shortstop positions in the minors are weakish. There other players out there, but none with the potential impact of Dansby Swanson or Brendan Rodgers. As I mentioned in the slide before, I think the Diamondbacks will go with the readiest option of Swanson, over the highly touted future star.

Why Swanson if he is available? He has played second base and shortstop in college, so his position flexibility would be great for the team that drafts him. He doesn’t hit for much clearing the fence power, but can hit the ball to the gaps and run. Plus Vanderbilt has been a feeder college to the Astros in recent years with Conrad Gregor and Tony Kemp. Let’s look at his stats below.

Stats are from Vanderbilt’s Website (as of 5-5-15);

What is there to like about Swanson? First, his numbers remind me of what Jose Altuve can offer at the plate. He can hit the balls in the gap for extra base hits, can steal a base or two in a game, and can hit an occasional home run. Speed could be an asset if Correa or Swanson moves to third base and Altuve, George Springer, and Jake Marisnick are still Astros.

But should the Diamondbacks take Swanson instead, I can see Brendan Rodgers be able to fit the same mold as Swanson, just not as soon with more power.

Acting Astros GM: Eric Huysman @Eric_CTH

CTH Astros Draft Targets: Dansby Swanson

Editor Note: This writer is a great math teacher…Eric @Eric_CTH

Next: Colorado Rockies Select...With Third Pick