Houston Astros: How To Fix the Hole in the Bottom of the Lineup
By Colin Gay
![May 4, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa (1) celebrates with second baseman Jose Altuve (27) after hitting a home run during the fourth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports May 4, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa (1) celebrates with second baseman Jose Altuve (27) after hitting a home run during the fourth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Fclimbingtalshill-com-2Ffiles-2F2016-2F05-2Fjose-altuve-carlos-correa-mlb-minnesota-twins-houston-astros-2-850x543-d3228df95950726175fc67fa457c01cc.jpg)
Candidate #2
Moran is in a very similar situation to Tyler White. Only his transition is between Double-A and Triple-A pitching.
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As I wrote about in my Fresno Player Spotlight this week, Moran has shown promise with his contact bat. So far in 2016, he has an average of .299 with an on-base percentage on .354 and a slugging percentage of .379.
However, his strikeout totals would not transfer well to the major leagues with already striking out 25% of the time compared to only a 7.6% walk rate.
His bat would be perfect because of the need the Astros have currently. However, his bat is not developed enough to be able to get on base at a consistent clip for this ball club, and he doesn’t have the offensive upside through a power bat to deserve the call up yet.
Next: Candidate #3