Astros Season Rewind: Sophomore Slump for Carlos Correa?
A Look Back at the Season That Was for Astros Slugger Carlos Correa.
As advertised, with Astros shortstop Carlos Correa, a superstar was born in his 2015 rookie campaign. Out of the gate, he impressed with his glove, his bat, and his overall baseball acumen. He was on his way to the Rookie of the Year award.
Houston Astros’ Carlos Correa voted AL Rookie of the Year https://t.co/UPIb07gKKW pic.twitter.com/RgJpFVYwhH
— Austin Statesman (@statesman) November 17, 2015
Playing an entire season as the Astros’ everyday shortstop would prove to be Correa’s biggest test. He struggled as the big bat in the middle of the order at times. At times, he showed the world why he was the Rookie of the Year and the #1 overall choice in 2012.
A star is born
After Correa’s monster ALCS against the Royals in 2015, we found Carlos Correa, the superstar would be a mainstay in the Astros lineup for years to come. With inflated expectations, though, it might have been premature to expect the next coming of Cal Ripken and to allow him a few years to get adapted to Major League pitching.
Carlos Correa is the 2nd rookie in MLB history w/a 4-hit game that includes a HR in the #postseason, joining Derek Jeter. (Game 1 1996 ALCS)
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) October 12, 2015
Sporting a batting average as high as .412 in early April, he slowly digressed to an abysmal .245 by the end of May. His power numbers took a bit of a hit overall as well as he smacked 20 home runs and drove in 96. Compared to his ROY numbers, where he hit 20 home runs and 68 RBI’s in just 99 games, 2016 humanized Carlos Correa a bit as he got acclimated to full-time duties in the Major Leagues.
With the rise of Fransisco Lindor of the Cleveland Indians, the question remains? Is Carlos Correa a superstar we had all hoped for or are we experiencing a letdown in the shortstop position?
Will the real Correa please stand up?
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At just 21 years of age, Correa is most definitely a superstar in the making. His lightning quick Ozzie Smith-like fielding prowess alone could merit him a spot atop the Houston Astros’ all-time shortstop list.
But his hitting and power stroke, with some patience, will be something to behold of for the 2017 campaign. Hitting in the four spot behind the great mighty mouse, Jose Altuve, he is sure to see some great pitches and should increase his numbers.
Carlos Correa will be a top 5 player when he hits his prime, guaranteed. With maturity, plate discipline and surrounded by an up and coming lineup, Carlos Correa, the superstar will shine bright like the #1 pick we sought him out to be.
With a potential starting lineup top four of Springer, Bregman, Altuve, and Correa, the Houston Astros’ squad will aim to please in the SI-anointed 2017 championship season.
***Stats from Baseball-Reference***
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