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Houston Astros Sign Ronny Cedeno


Ronny Cedeno Houston Astros

Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Since the Houston Astros traded Jed Lowrie to the Oakland Athletics, they have been trying to strengthen their shortstop position.  Earlier today, rumors began to swirl that the Astros could sign free agent shortstop, Ronny Cedeno. This was tweeted earlier today by Astros’ beat writer, Brian McTaggart.

http://twitter.com/brianmctaggart/status/315591254496903168

Not much later, it turns out that the Astros have signed a new shortstop. The veteran shortstop now joins Marwin Gonzalez and Tyler Greene in trying to find the Astros a new starter. Cedeno was most recently with the St. Louis Cardinals where he hit .290 this Spring. However, Cedeno isn’t known for his bat. He is much more of a defensive specialist. Cedeno could become a good filler for the Astros’ shortstop position. Anytime a young team like the Astros can have a veteran leader like Cedeno, it is always a good thing.

Cedeno has spent most of his career as a shortstop, but he has played some second base, and even some outfield back in his early Chicago Cubs days.  He doesn’t have much time to make his case for a roster spot, but he can still probably make the Opening Night roster. This signing could open the possibilities of Marwin Gonzalez or Tyler Greene getting traded as well.

Early in the spring, the Astros saw that Jonathan Villar wasn’t ready for Major League Baseball. Neither Greene nor Gonzalez has solidified their spot in the lineup, so this signing makes sense.

Cedeno is the definition of a backup shortstop. He’ll average around 100-250 at bats per season. Last season with the New York Mets, he hit .259/.332/.410.

It could be a few days, but don’t be surprised to see rumors circling the Astros and shortstop Marwin Gonzalez.

Lee White is a writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter, ”Like” him on Facebook and add him to your network on Google.


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