Houston Astros’ have one of baseball’s best 2b/ss combos

Jun 20, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa (1) celebrates with second baseman Jose Altuve (27) after hitting a home run during the sixth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 20, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa (1) celebrates with second baseman Jose Altuve (27) after hitting a home run during the sixth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Houston Astros second baseman and shortstop positions are key points on the team.

When you think of baseball’s best second base/shortstops combos, you think of Omar Vizquel and Roberto Alomar in the 90’s. Maybe Alan Trammell and Lou Whitaker in the 80’s. More recently, Jimmy Rollins and Chase Utley, of the early 2000’s. What about a Houston Astros combo?

Defensively, one could argue that Vizquel/Alomar were one of the baseball’s best 2b/ss combos ever. Others would say that the Rollins/Utley combination was one of the best hitting tandems up the middle.

No one can argue the power that current Astros tandem Carlos Correa and Jose Altuve have displayed this year. Not since 2001, when Rich Aurilia and Jeff Kent combined for 59 home runs and 203 RBIs, have the 2b/ss combo display such offensive dominance.

This is one great duo!

Historically, the ground ball up the middle tandem will give teams leadoff hits, move runners over, get steals. Small ball. Altuve and Correa don’t do small ball.

Taking their spots in the middle of the lineup, Altuve and Correa have either set the table or plated the runners on base for the greater part of the season.

Currently on pace for over 20 home runs and 100 RBIs each, one of baseball’s best 2b/ss combos are tearing the leather off the ball at a torrid pace. Couple that with the defensive gems these two have put together, it’s no wonder that Altuve/Correa is now the core of this up and coming franchise.

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The future is bright.

The Latin American-born combo have put on a show for the MLB since Correa was drafted #1 in 2012 and came up in early 2015. Having put their names next to the likes of the Vizquel and Alomar’s of the world. This combination intends to lead the league in home runs and RBIs for a very long time.

For the Houston Astros, having a stud second baseman has been commonplace. This is thanks to Craig Biggio and for a period, Kent. Astros shortstops have always been known for light hitting and more importantly, their Gold-Glove defensive prowess – see Adam Everett, Dickie Thon or Rafael Ramirez.

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Being able to rely on both on defense and offense have truly made them baseball’s best 2b/ss combos. Period.

***Stats from Baseball-Reference***