Houston Astros: Jose Altuve Beginning a Breakout Season

Earlier this month, I wrote that the Cincinnati Reds had to give Brandon Phillips a contract extension because there weren't that many quality second baseman in the majors these days. But we might have to add one player to that current group.

Jose Altuve has put together an outstanding April for the Houston Astros. But since the 'Stros are having their expectedly bad season, Altuve is having his breakout in relative obscurity.

Going into Monday night's play, Altuve led all major league second baseman with a .373 batting average and .984 OPS. That's swinging quite a big stick for a guy who measures out at 5'5" and is a week away from his 22nd birthday. 

Actually, the only peer who's even close is Ian Kinsler, with a .973 OPS. MLB.com's Brian McTaggart also mentions that Altuve's 10 multi-hit games are tied with Matt Kemp for first in the National League. (If you're tied with Kemp in an offensive category, you must be doing something right.)

Altuve also has four stolen bases to lead his position and is second in the majors among second basemen with 10 RBI. 

The Philadelphia Phillies would probably commit a felony to get that kind of production out of a No. 2 hitter right now, let alone a second baseman. 

Altuve was impressive as a midseason call-up from Double-A Corpus Christi last year. But after his first 21 games, he's already exceeded or is very close to surpassing his totals in numerous offensive categories. 

Can Altuve keep this output through the season? Obviously, it's far too early to say. But his minor league numbers indicate that the Astros could reasonably expect him to establish himself as one of the best second baseman in baseball. He might just give you a reason to watch the Astros this year.

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