Climbing Tal's Hill
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Houston Astros: What Can the Astros Do About Third Base?

By Matthew Bartlett

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 /
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Potential Solution #2 – Matt Duffy

Mar 3, 2016; Clearwater, FL, USA; Houston Astros infielder Matt Duffy (19) chases down the ball in the first inning of the spring training game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Bright House Field. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 3, 2016; Clearwater, FL, USA; Houston Astros infielder Matt Duffy (19) chases down the ball in the first inning of the spring training game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Bright House Field. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports /

Always a bridesmaid and never a bride, that seems to be the story of current Pacific Coast League MVP Matt Duffy.  Duffy and his teammate Jon Singleton have been proverbially dubbed quadruple-A players. Singleton has had his fair shot and has failed to live up to expectations. Duffy, on the other hand, hasn’t received a fair shot. In two partial seasons with the big league club, he’s only seen 12 plate appearances, in which he’s gone 3 for 11 with a double.

Always a bridesmaid and never a bride, that seems to be the story of current Pacific Coast League MVP Matt Duffy.

The inability to get into a groove has been part of the challenge that the current third basemen on the roster are facing. Duffy hasn’t been given that chance to be the Astros every day third baseman. In six minor league seasons, he’s proven his consistency at the plate, hitting .288 with a .363 on-base percentage. Remember, the current third base platoon has a .173 average and .254 OBP.

If Duffy were the long-term answer at third base or even the short-term solution, he would have been the one called up last week. Instead, he’s manning the infield in Fresno and his teammate Colin Moran is taking swings in Houston. (Update, Duffy hit two homers in yesterday’s Fresno win.)

Chances he’s the answer: 40 to 1

Next: Potential Solution #3

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