Out of all 360 PPR blurbs, I feel that is probably the most disconcerting. Jose Altuve claimed the Astros’ beginning second base job when he debuted within the majors on July 20, 2011. He hasn’t performed each recreation since then; Altuve has really gone to the IL seven instances in his profession, although solely a kind of stints lasted greater than 4 weeks. However since Altuve’s debut, the Astros have performed 2,068 regular-season video games. Altuve has taken half in 1,821 of these, and began 1,751 of them at second base. No person else has even 100 begins at second for Houston since Altuve entered the image. Within the postseason — the place Altuve and the Astros have gone eight seasons operating and 9 instances up to now 10 years — he’s began 102 of 105 video games at second base.
That’s a Jeter-on-the-Yankees-level run, and it’s coming to an finish. The Astros have floated shifting their veteran chief to left area for some time, initially to make room for Bregman and/or Nolan Arenado alongside the surfeit of younger third basemen acquired within the Kyle Tucker commerce.
Having struck on the market, the Astros are shifting Altuve nonetheless. Supervisor Joe Espada has stated that whereas Altuve will nonetheless play second base sometimes, most of his reps will are available left. Out in left area, Altuve in all probability nonetheless be fairly dangerous defensively, however not less than it’s more durable to discover a productive hitter at second base than in left area.
Sarcasm apart, the Astros did luck out in grabbing Brendan Rodgers on a minor league deal. He wasn’t good, so to talk, his final season in Colorado, however he was competent final 12 months and mainly common in 2021 and 2022. Houston may additionally plug in Mauricio Dubón, in the event that they really feel snug releasing him from his utility position, or Luis Guillorme, one other NRI with loads of main league expertise.
No matter they find yourself doing, it’s going to be bizarre having anybody however Altuve on the market.
