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Gonzalez’s versatility a Mar-win for Hinch
- Updated: January 6, 2017
HOUSTON — Marwin Gonzalez will remain a big part of the Astros’ blueprint for success next season, despite the additions Josh Reddick, Carlos Beltran and Norichika Aoki this offseason.
Gonzalez, the super-utility player, made 118 total starts at five positions last season, and he should again provide dependability and flexibility for manager A.J. Hinch.
Gonzalez’s value remains his versatility, and the Astros have pressed him into more everyday roles the past couple of years than they’d hoped because of underperformance or injury around the diamond. Ideally, he’ll get occasional starts in 2017 at multiple positions and provide a strong hand off the bench.
“He’s got an uncanny ability to play all around the field,” Hinch said.
Gonzalez, a 27-year-old switch-hitter, had the best season of his career in 2016, hitting .254 with 13 homers and 51 RBIs in 141 games. He set career highs in at-bats (484), runs (55), hits (123) doubles (26), triples (three), homers, RBIs, walks (22) and steals (12).
He started a team-leading 74 games at first base, which was more than rookies Tyler White (50) and A.J. Reed (27). Gonzalez started …
