I think of the options out there, White is going to make the team and Singleton and Reed sent down. I think we will see Marwin and White playing 1st to start off. And both will get time at DH along with Tucker. Marwin will also get plenty of time at 3rd.
Luhnow is being interviewed now on the tv broadcast. he was asked about guys standing out this spring and Tyler White was the name. He sounds to me like he has made the team.
White's rise through the system against all odds reminds me of Altuve & JD Martinez a few years ago ... Hopefully he will work out as well at the MLB level.
The 2nd name Luhnow mentioned was Moran. He isn't making this team but they really like him.
Has Moran been playing any 1st base during the Spring, or just 3rd?
There doesn't seem to be much question of him making the team. Hinch has even commented that White's defense at first was better than advertised.
Just third I think. IIRC there are comments from the Astros about not wanting him to work anywhere other than third.
Does Valbuena seem redundant in many ways, trade potential?
The other options aren't established. You know what you're getting with Valbuena. Luhnow has a done a good job, in my opinion, of having guys at the major league level who can play, but who can be moved once the youth movement takes over. We're not at that point yet for the positions Valbuena plays.
Don't rush Moran ... Let him spend a season at AAA.
I think that is exactly the plan with Moran. His ETA is probably next April.
Seems reasonable that one of these guys vying for 1st base is going to end up being part of the trade that solves the back-up catcher situation, no?
Doubt it. A waiver claim or similar move will probably "solve" the backup catcher dilemma. In any case, Duffy is the only guy I can see being traded for something as ho-hum as a backup catcher at this point.
certainly not Singleton.
This is a really odd situation due to his contract. Normally, a guy like that you just send him back down and wait because his value is at an all time low. But you could flip him now and save 6 million.
You still see an upside to Singleton? I'm not being critical, just wanting your insight.
I think he has tremendous potential, but I agree completely with his critics: he has to do something.
He's running out of time.
Not only that but it appears there are several better options.
