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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 #3 – Danny Valencia

Sep 18, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Oakland Athletics third baseman Danny Valencia (26) hits a home run during the fourth inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Oakland Athletics third baseman Danny Valencia (26) hits a home run during the fourth inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

He’s not on the roster, but that doesn’t mean the Astros aren’t keeping tabs on him. In 61 at-bats against the Astros in his seven-year career, Valencia is hitting .410 and slugging .803 – his best marks against any team he’s played more than six times.

The career journeyman has been traded twice in his career and hasn’t finished two consecutive seasons in the same city. He was selected off waivers in August 2015 by the Athletics and has continued to be reliable. With the A’s dealing with injuries and not expected to compete for a playoff spot, Billy Bean might just jump at the chance to flip Valencia for a decent profit. It’s possible that Duffy might be part of a package that gets the veteran to Houston.

Other than Valencia the trade market at third looks to be pretty thin this year, unless Houston is interested in Brett Wallace or Trevor Plouffe and both would be unlikely.

Chances he’s the answer: 30 to 1

Next: Potential Solution #4

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