Can they afford to give the 1B job to Reed with no AAA/MLB experience while also knowing that they are expected to contend in 2016?
I would hate to think that the ship has sailed on Singleton. He had 47 at bats this past season. Can the Astros give the guy some consistent at bats before they make a judgment on him -- especially since they have a decent sized investment in Singleton. Singleton would be my first choice.
Reed is my second choice. I agree with you that it would be great to give him some more experience. If Singleton isn't hitting after the first six weeks and Reed is hitting in the minors, call Reed up as the Astros called up Correa this season.
If neither performs, the Astros can put Valbuena at first and Lowrie at third. I have to believe that Lowrie never really came back healthy this season and will have a better year in 2016.
The Astros have other internal options. Tyler White/Matt Duffy down in the minors. Marwin can be a stopgap.
And in a worst-case scenario, there will be players available in trades.
The Astros competed this year getting terrible production from first base. So I don't think that utilizing these options is going to prevent the Astros from competing in 2016.