Houston Astros: How To Fix the Hole in the Bottom of the Lineup

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 /
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Candidate #2

Mar 10, 2016; Melbourne, FL, USA; Houston Astros third baseman Colin Moran (79) hits a ball in the sixth inning against the Washington Nationals at Space Coast Stadium. The Houston Astros won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 10, 2016; Melbourne, FL, USA; Houston Astros third baseman Colin Moran (79) hits a ball in the sixth inning against the Washington Nationals at Space Coast Stadium. The Houston Astros won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports /

Colin Moran

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