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MLB Hot Stove: Houston Astros preview

By Jason Evans

Jun 15, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros center fielder Colby Rasmus (28) celebrates with third baseman Luis Valbuena (18) after hitting a home run during the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 15, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros center fielder Colby Rasmus (28) celebrates with third baseman Luis Valbuena (18) after hitting a home run during the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 12, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa (1) rounds the bases after hitting a two-run home run against the Kansas City Royals during the seventh inning in game four of the ALDS at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 12, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa (1) rounds the bases after hitting a two-run home run against the Kansas City Royals during the seventh inning in game four of the ALDS at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports /

Speaking of bats, there’s been a theory that Jeff Lunhow has used throughout the Astros rebuild. Let’s get guys who have power, since it’s scarce in the game today. If they strikeout a lot…who cares?  The 2015 Astros hit a ton of homers and struck out a ton as well.

The Astros had 11 players hit more than 10 homers and Jake Marisnick just missed with nine homers. They also had seven players who struck out more than 100 times. It supports the Moneyball way to build a team but goes against how the Royals have built their team over the past couple of seasons.

Behind the plate, the Astros had Jason Castro and Hank Conger behind the plate in a bit of a platoon. Each had over 10 homers, but neither hit over .230. Per Statcorner, both were in the top 15 in RAA, meaning they were among the best defensive catchers in the game. Conger was dealt to the Rays, so the Astros will need to find a backup or partner for Castro.

Along the infield, the Astros may have one of the top combinations up the middle in Jose Altuve and Carlos Correa. All Altuve does is hit and Correa won the AL Rookie of the year and may be the next Alex Rodriguez. At third is Luis Valbuena, who hit 25 homers, but only hit .225. At first base, Chris Carter made an adjustment in his stroke that seemed to help him make better contact, however, he was non-tendered. They  have former top prospect Jon Singleton, who was given a controversial contract extension after being in the majors for about 30 seconds in 2014.

Prospects Matt Duffy and Nolan Santana were added to the roster and could compete for a spot at third. Top prospect A.J. Reed could win the first base job in Spring Training. Keep an eye out on him.

In the outfield, Carlos Gomez will be in center after coming over mid-season. He will be a free agent after 2016. Like him, Colby Rasmus will be a free agent after 2016, after becoming the first player ever to take the Free Agent qualifying offer. He improved after making an adjustment in the second half of last season. In right field George Springer will be there as one of the top young players in the game.

Evan Gattis will be the DH. Gattis came over from the Braves and hit 27 homers with 11 triples.

Next: Bench

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