Houston Astros Top Three Third Base Prospects
By Jimmy Price
Houston Astros Top Three Third Base Prospects
A few years ago it appeared the Astros may have been set at third base with Matt Dominguez. He was acquired in the Carlos Lee trade and .284 with 5 HR in 31 games in 2012. In 2013 his average dropped to .241 but he had 21 HR and 77 RBI. Unfortunately in 2014, he took a step back hitting only .215 with 16 HR. Before the recent trade of Evan Gattis, third base was probably the deepest position in the Astros farm system. Here are the top prospects at third base:
1. Colin Moran (DOB: 10/01/92)
June 11, 2013; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina third basemen
Colin Moran(18) triples in a one run during the sixth inning against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the Chapel Hill Super Regional of the NCAA baseball tournament at Boshamer Stadium. The Tar Heels defeated the Gamecocks 5-4. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
Moran was originally drafted by the Marlins with the 6th overall pick in the 2013 draft. The Astros were actually rumored to be interested in Moran with the #1 overall pick in 2013. Coming out of college, Moran was known as an advanced college hitter. In his junior season at UNC he hit .391 and drew 63 BB to only 25 SO. In July 2014 the Astros traded a Jarred Cosart package for a Colin Moran package (essentially). Moran has moved fast through the system so far playing in three different levels between 117 games. After the Astros trade for him, he was promoted to AA Corpus Christi. He showed his hit ability batting .304 in 28 games. The power has yet to translate to games but he is still young for his level of play.
2014 Stats (AA): .304 BA/.350 LBP/.411 SLG, 6 2B, 2 HR, 22 RBI, 9 BB/23 SO, 114 wRC+ in 28 games
2. J.D. Davis (DOB: 04/27/93)
Davis was drafted in 2014 in the 3rd round by the Astros. He ends up number three on the Astros top third base prospects but could be number one on a lot of teams. Coming out of the draft Davis was thought of as one of the best power prospects in the draft. He also boasts a plus arm at third base. After being drafted Davis was assigned to A- where he hit .279 with 5 HR and 15 BBs in 30 games. He was then promoted to Quad Cities (A) where he continued to show his power smacking 9 2B and 8 HR in 43 games, though he struck out more (41 SO in 43 games). Davis could start off 2015 in Lancaster where he could really explode in the hitter friendly confines. J.D. Davis and A.J. Reed could become the Astros version of the bash brothers.
2014 Stats: .293 BA/.371 OBP/.516 SLG, 16 2B, 13 HR, 52 RBI, 28 BB/66 SO in 73 games
3. Matt Duffy (DOB: 02/06/89)
Duffy was originally drafted by the Astros in the 20th round in 2011. Duffy split time between first base and third base this season. Because of his history at third, I decided him to put him on this list. While he has been older, compared to his league, he has hit at every level. He doesn’t walk much but also keeps the strikeouts down. Playing at the highest level this season (AAA) he showed nice power while posting a .781 OPS. With a good spring, Duffy has a good chance to make the Astros roster sometime this season.
2014 Stats: .288 BA/.336 OBP/.451 SLG, 22 2B, 4 3B, 18 HR, 84 RBI, 28 BB/106 SO in 136 games
On The Radar:
Nick Tanielu (A-) – Nick was drafted by the Astros in the 14th round in 2014. He was assigned to short season Tri-City where he posted some very nice numbers. Tanielu hit .300/.353/.425, 16 2B, 2 3B, 3 HR, 40 RBI, 16 BB/48 SO in 62 games.
Even with the recent trade of Rio Ruiz, the Astros still have a strong foundation at third base. Next up on the list will be the shortstop position and I am sure we all know who tops that list.
Top Three Prospect Lists:
Houston Astros Top 3 Catching Prospects
Houston Astros Top 3 First Base Prospects
Houston Astros Top 3 Second Base Prospects