Altuve could DH... his defensive numbers have been inflated by the shifting. Again, I expect them to figure it out... I just think there's too much presumption that Bregman is a trade piece simply based on who is up here now. Much like the club didn't care who the current SS or 2B was when they picked him, they will consider his promotion to the big leagues, along with his versaility, and play him accordingly. As he is the #1 prospect, the only way I see him included in any sort of deal is if deep down the club doesn't think he can hit enough... which would be surprising given that he's only one year out from being picked due largely to being one of the most talented college hitters, and did showcase his hitting ability in his first minor league season. I also hope that they have a deep enough farm to acquire a good (but not great) pitcher in Ross without having to trade their #! prospect. If there's a Randy Johnson/David Price type target at the deadline, different story.
We shall see. The only reason I am inclined to believe it is a possible option is because scouts and Luhnow keep mentioning the option of him coming up and playing some 2B (among other positions). They just wouldn't automatically include that position if he was a lock to be a stellar 3B/SS... I presume anybody who can play 3B/SS can play 2B as well. Not to mention that there have been some questions about his true arm/range strength to handle the left side infield spots on an everyday basis (at best, average for both... Not stellar). In the end, I should just say odds are he's a super utility guy. Versatility is a skill.
They'll figure it out. I had a lot of caveats in my posts on whether he'll be on market so it is not my presumption he's traded. It is just an option. As long as Altuve and Correa are manning the middle, that leaves third base, trade, or lose a ton of value at other positions. Altuve and Correa being Astros for the next threes years is a lot better assumption than they won't be in the short term. Things can change. Astros will adjust so the Astros might move Altuve, but that is really doubtful by the time Bregman is ready. My hope is that Bregman is the 3B of the near future. With the way the Astros shift, the way he plays, he looks like he could be good to great at 3B (though sometimes guys don't transition well between positions).
Astros only have team control over Marwin through 2017. I could see a possibility where Marwin is dealt (perhaps next year), then Bregman is a utility infielder until Altuve's contract is up.
Not sure why Altuve being a DH with Bregman manning second isn't an option either... Especially if no slugging DH's develop within the normal channels.
On a somewhat related note, Bregman was on with MT and Lance on the PGS this morning. Seems very insightful in terms of his approach at the plate and the differences he's been able to observe between college and pro pitching. Gave some unique perspective on how he usually approaches every AB almost as if he was a pitcher, not a hitter. Guys who are OBP machines like he's been usually are extreme students of the game, and he comes off as just that. Exciting times.
The Astros want their best defensive players in the field is why Altuve is likely not the DH? I'm not a huge fan of Altuve's defense in comparison to a good defensive 2B(though he fit very well in Astros shift last year), but he's a better defender than Valbuena/Moran/Duffy/Singleton/Gattis/Tucker/White/Reed/Rasmus. It is much easier getting a DH that can hit as well as Altuve, than it is getting a 2B/3B that can hit as well as Altuve.
Yes, and no... will likely continued to develop some power (as evidenced last year), but as his speed declines, he won't be able to beat out those infield singles that help his overall average/OBP significantly since he doesn't walk as much. The shift definitely helps his limited range/arm at 2B... hell it won him a GG last year... so won't see noticeable speed-related defensive declines as much.
I was impressed with Bergman. Especially enjoyed his insight on why College pitchers don't throw a lot of cutters.
But of course... and we're not talking this year yet. I'm allso presuming they get an offensive player who can play average 3B, but hits very well, that outweighs any defensive deficiencies (and it may just be Bregman... but obviously I'm looking for some more power out of the corner position, while keeping Bregman's above average defense/range at 2B in the lineup as well). Not sure why you listed non 3B in that list... that would really be the only type of player in the lineup if Altuve DH'd and Bregman played 2B instead of 3B.
Those are the guys that have potential to be in the top 10 hitters for the Astros that could be DH, but would be in the field in lieu of Altuve. On this year or not, that really hasn't been decided. I think Bregman gets to decide that based on whether he shows AA/AAA aren't a challenge for him. He could easily get 300 ABs (more than AJ Reed and Correa) at AA by around June or July and if he hits...Astros likely have a good defensive player that is ready to test his bat in the majors. Much more likely, it is next year..but odds are much higher Bregman is in majors this season than a healthy Altuve is a full time DH (though I wouldn't bet on either at this moment).
Yeah, I wouldn't consider a possible Altuve-DH role until they've exhausted all other possibilities at that position.
He'll probably slow down a little when his balls drop, though. Increased wind resistance and whatnot.
