Astrodomain-Houston Astros

At 32-49 and the halfway point of the season, it should be obvious that the Astros won't be playing in October.

Any realist knew that this year would be one hoping the parent club would remain competitive. Another draft class would be added to a slowly improving farm, and second-year players Jose Altuve and J.D. Martinez might begin a slow ascent to become clubhouse leaders. Turnover was expected as several veterans were expected to be moved. On-field accountability would be paramount, and those caught slacking could face replacement.

General Manager Jeff Luhnow, observing the AAA club at Oklahoma city this week, hinted that new charges could be on the way. In an interview with Anthony Slater of the Oklahoman, Luhnow cited second baseman Jimmy Paredes as one who could be in Houston soon.

"He (Paredes) has made a position change and done well...I think, the one thing we know about Jimmy is that he is capable of playing multiple positions, so I wouldn't hesitate to bring him up even if it were for a different position. He's been working on some things down here, in terms of pitch selection and I think he's gotten better.”

Luhnow seems to imply that the switch-hitting Paredes would come up to play somewhere other than second base.

So who is in most danger of losing at-bats if and when Paredes is called up, or will he get his chance due to the trade of a current starter?

Jordan Schafer - He seemed to be locked-in to the leadoff spot after coming over in the Michael Bourn deal last year. His eighteen stolen bases rank eleventh in the league, but his strikeout rate (and the emergence of waiver claim Justin Maxwell) have torpedoed any realistic chance he could be trusted with an everyday spot.

Chris Johnson - Johnson's offensive output has rebounded after a down 2011, yet his bat is little better than average, on track for only 12 home runs. His fielding has fared far worse. His UZR (Ultimate Zone Rating) of -3.4 is second-worst across the major leagues, possibly making him more attractive as a DH.

Brian Bogusevic - Possessing good speed and possibly the best right-field arm for the Astros since Richard Hidalgo, Brian Bogusevic probably profiles better as a fourth outfielder on a good team. His average now sits at .219 with only six home runs.

While Schafer and Bogusevic are likely starting because the Astros aren't sitting on anything better now, I think Paredes will come up to play third base in place of Johnson. At 28, Johnson still plays inexpensively and could net the Astros a solid package of mid-level prospects, possibly on par with what was recently offered for Carlos Lee. He is unlikely to figure into any long-term plans for the team, so it could behoove Luhnow to move Johnson while his bat is producing. I believe teams like Diamondbacks or Indians could find Johnson a suitable replacement due to injury (Lonnie Chisenhall) or ineffectiveness (Ryan Roberts). The Dodgers are another option, and the phone lines are likely still warm between Houston and Chavez Ravine.

posted by dirty steve  # 11:41 PM