With baseball season now underway, I’ve decided to whip up another MLB special. This won’t be your usual baseball special either. I won’t be talking about any superstars, won’t be talking about individual teams, and also won’t be giving my two cents on why certain players are starting off slow in 2014. Instead, I will be giving baseball fans insight on “low key studs.” These studs are certain players that have been catching my attention for the past 2-3 years. They also aren’t on the radar of your typical baseball fans. I will be talking about one low key stud for each division. So, I advise that everyone keep their eyes and ears open on these players because they will be household names some time in the future. This is part VIII of the special, hope you all enjoy.
Stud Watch: AL West
Jose Altuve, 2nd baseman, Houston Astros
Altuve was signed by the Houston Astros as an undrafted free agent in 2006. After a strong 2007 in the Venezuelan Summer League in which he hit .343, he came to the United States in 2008 and hasn’t stopped producing since then. Altuve was called up to the majors for the first time on July 19, 2011. He represented the Astros at the 2011 All-Star Futures Game. He was named the second baseman on Baseball America’s 2011 Minor League All Star team. Since becoming the starting second baseman for the Astros he has became a fan favorite for his short stature. He stands at a frightening 5’5 but that doesn’t stop him from performing at an All-Star level.
Strengths
- Hits for average
- On-base machine
- Speedster
- Great defense
- Table setter
Jose Altuve is one great player for standing at only 5’5. He is able to do anything on the diamond at a high level and baseball fans are starting to take notice. One strength that Altuve does have is his ability to be a “table setter.” What is a table setter you ask? A table setter is someone that knows how to start off an inning or knows how to start a rally. Altuve is able to do this with his great ability to hit for average and draw his walks. He has a great eye at the dish and this is the reason why he is an on-base machine. Once Altuve reaches base you can make a safe bet that he will be stealing at any moment. Having speed like his he is able to be a game-changer. He has the ability to stretch a single into a double or a double into a triple. He doesn’t only get it done in the batters box, Jose is also a solid second baseman, giving up his body to collect an out. Once the game is in the bag Jose is usually one of the dirtiest players on the team, and he doesn’t mind it at all.
Weakness
- Power
Altuve has one weakness and that is his power. He does only stand at 5’5 so cut him some slack. Jose doesn’t need a power stroke to be considered a threat because he does everything else at an All-Star level. His power is quit sneaky though. He can end a season with about 8 homers at the max but those will come when everyone least expects it.
Overall
Jose Altuve is one of the best second baseman in all of baseball. In batters box he is a great table setter with his ability to hit for a high average, and draw walks. Once he reaches base you can bet that he will reach scoring position with his elite speed. He doesn’t only get it done at the dish either, he is one great defensive player as well. One downfall he does have is his home-run power but it doesn’t bring down his production level. The batters behind him will be able to bring him in and they love him for his ability to always reach base. Altuve has a long and productive career ahead of him and baseball fans should appreciate someone of his stature and his ability to produce solid numbers.
