Climbing Tal's Hill
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Houston Astros: My Projected Opening Day 25-Man Roster

By Eric Huysman

Mar 11, 2016; Kissimmee, FL, USA; Houston Astros right fielder George Springer (left) and center fielder Carlos Gomez come in from the field in the third inning of a spring training baseball game against the Detroit Tigers at Osceola County Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 11, 2016; Kissimmee, FL, USA; Houston Astros right fielder George Springer (left) and center fielder Carlos Gomez come in from the field in the third inning of a spring training baseball game against the Detroit Tigers at Osceola County Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /
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Infield

Mar 12, 2016; Jupiter, FL, USA; Houston Astros third baseman Tyler White (84) connects for a base hit against the St. Louis Cardinals during the game at Roger Dean Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Astros 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 12, 2016; Jupiter, FL, USA; Houston Astros third baseman Tyler White (84) connects for a base hit against the St. Louis Cardinals during the game at Roger Dean Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Astros 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports /

First Base

3. Starter: Tyler White

4. Backup: Matt Duffy

Second Base

5. Starter: Jose Altuve

6. Backup: Marwin Gonzalez

Shortstop

7. Starter:  Carlos Correa

Backup: Marwin Gonzalez

Third Base

8: Starter: Luis Valbuena

Backup: Matt Duffy

The biggest surprise here is that A.J. Reed and Jon Singleton are not on the team at this point.  We figured that Reed would not make the opening day roster to help save team control by waiting till the Super-two deadline in June.

Singleton was supposed to be the guys at first base, but he has not been able to sustain a decent batting average this spring or over his major league career. He has had two games this spring with a homer and a double, but it would be like Chris Carter part two. I am not sure what will become of Singleton, but he has yet to earn the role.

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White, on the other hand, has shown the ability to work a walk and get on base with solid hit more often than not. We have been impressed with how he has handled himself this spring and earned the job. He may not stay at first base forever, and most feel like Reed is the better fielder, he will be in the lineup somewhere.

The middle two, Altuve and Correa, I think they are pretty good and will go to All-Star games together for many years. Backing up at every infield position will be Gonzalez, who is the super utility guy that Luhnow wanted when he signed Jed Lowrie in 2015. Gonzalez will get some turns at first and third mostly, with the All-Star duo up the middle not needing too many days off.

Third base, for now, belongs to Valbuena as he offers defense and power. Duffy will back him up and also play some first base from time to time. Duffy has opened some eyes with his hot start but has cooled off a little. But he offers the flexibility to play both first and third like Valbuena, so that could come in handy.

Next: Designated Hitter and Outfield

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