3b really intrigues me. Dubon has played exactly 2 innings there since becoming an Astro. Plus he played 4 innings there March 7th, this spring. That does not tell me whether they feel he is not viable there, or simply think he can play there if needed without any reps.
Bregman is going to likely play 150+ games. Dubon will be just fine there for an occasional off day or to sub in if Bregman gets hurt before they have to call someone up. Don’t make too much of a thing of backup 3B in my mind. Dubon is fine unless he goes on the IL, then it’s a different story.
I assume this is the case as well. I am just curious why, if he is the primary back up, he isn't getting spring reps there. If they, for some reason have decided he just isn't good there (like 1b) then that changes the needs for those last 2 bench spots.
If Dubon can't then its Kessinger, Hensley, or Whitcomb among the current candidates. Cabbage was actually drafted as a 3B but was terrible (22 errors in 580 innings across 72g) and hasn't played there since 2019. Julks played some 3b in AA and AAA in 2021 and 2022 but didn't play any last year so the experiment must have ended unsuccessfully. Loperfido played 2 games there in the North Woods league in 2018 but hasn't as a pro.
When backup third baseman, who is the 4th reliever, and a capable starting CF are the big concerns, you are rooting for a great team.
Astros were talking to Duvall until he signed with Braves… his preference was Atlanta over Houston because his family lives in Florida. I have heard zero on Snell or Montgomery with the Astros. Told Astros think Montgomery ends up in Boston or Texas and Snell on Yankees or Mariners…. Also heard that teams just don’t trust either one over the number of years they want.
I don't want Singleton to make the team just for the mere fact of being a constant reminder of the critical bottom of the 8th inning in game 6 vs the Rangers. Plus he sucks.
2 players I want to see make it and I'll be a happy camper: Loperfido Blanco And I want Blanco part of the starting rotation. France unlikely to be ready for the beginning of the season.
Interesting to hear the Astros linked to both Moniak and Duvall. Sounds like they may be looking for a 4th OF pretty hard. Taylor, Pham, and Grossman are still available but not too excited about any of them.
