Houston Astros Spring Training: The Battle for Third Base

Feb 22, 2016; Kissimmee, FL, USA; Houston Astros infielder Luis Valbuena (18) prepares to take batting practice at Osceola County Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 22, 2016; Kissimmee, FL, USA; Houston Astros infielder Luis Valbuena (18) prepares to take batting practice at Osceola County Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports /
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COLIN MORAN

Colin Moran at third - Photo Credit to Tammy Tucker @HooksFanTammy
Moran at third – Photo Credit to Tammy Tucker @HooksFanTammy /

Colin Moran was once-upon-a-time a name tied to the Astros’ 2013 first overall pick. With Mark Appel now with the Phillies and Kris Bryant leading the charge for the Cubs, Moran’s potential emergence could be a great success story and sigh of relief for the Astros.

Offensively, Moran is a breath of fresh air: a contact hitter actively refining his patience and cutting back on strikeouts. However, Moran’s defense could be his biggest deterrent. His limited defensive range could be problematic for the team that led the league in defensive shifts in 2015.

But with Valbuena presumably on the way out and a host of options at 3B, Moran could get a shot in 2016. However, he is not on the 40-man roster, and it would be surprising to see them use their last spot on Moran.

Next: Tyler White