We'll start off the pre-season prospect lists with the Houston Astros and continue through each team by their draft order. The stats are from the 2011 season unless otherwise noted.
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| Springer |
1. George Springer, OF - 28 AB, .179/.303/.393, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 2 BB, 2 K, 4 SB 0 CS (SS)
The 5-tool 1st rounder has shown vast improvements with his plate discipline and contact rate to go with his power potential and speed in centerfield.
2. Jonathan Singleton, 1B - 449 AB, .298/.392/.441 13 HR 63 RBI, 70 BB, 123 K, 3 SB 3 CS (A+)
Extremely advanced for a 20-year old 1B, he could use a little boost in power, but will develop into an elite prospect with a breakout year.
3. Jarred Cosart, RHP - 10-10, 4.12 ERA, 144.1 IP, 131 H, 56 BB, 101 K (A+/AA)
A less than stellar year coupled with concerns on his mechanics have caused some opinions of him to drop, but he has still has frontline potential with 3 above-average to plus pitches.
4. Jonathan Villar, SS - 498 AB, .241/.320/.396, 14 HR, 52 RBI, 54 BB, 156 K, 34 SB 12 CS (A+/AA)
Villar has been rushed way too quickly and a full year back in AA is needed. His potential is through the roof but he needs a lot of refinement at the plate.
5. Brett Oberholtzer, LHP - 11-12, 4.01 ERA, 155 IP, 147 H, 52 BB, 121 K (AA)
This polished, crafty left-hander has solid command of 4 average or better pitches. Could definitely contribute in Houston at some point this year.
6. Domingo Santana, OF - 418 AB, .287/.362/.471, 12 HR, 53 RBI, 32 BB, 135 K, 5 SB 1 CS (A)
Santana has a huge frame that gives plus-plus power potential if he can solve his plate discipline issues. Should start the year in Lancaster where his bat can really take off at just 19 years old.
7. Paul Clemens, RHP - 8-7, 3.81 ERA, 144 IP, 130 H, 62 BB, 125 K (AA/AAA)
Another four-pitch starter with good command, Clemens has a better fastball than Oberholtzer. He sits up his secondary offerings well off his 93-94 mph heater.
8. Kyle Weiland, RHP - 8-10, 3.58 ERA, 128.1 IP, 108 H, 55 BB, 126 K (AAA)
Got lit up in his short stint in the majors, but still enjoyed a successful year in AAA. Should have a better time in the Majors in the offensively-challenged NL Central.
9. Mike Foltynewicz, RHP - 5-11, 4.97 ERA, 134 IP, 149 H, 51 BB, 81 K (A)
A 2010 1st-round pick, Folty got hit around and had a hard time striking batters out despite a power arsenal. By no means rule him out though, as he could shoot up this list with if he improves his command and secondary offerings.
10. Nick Tropeano, RHP - 3-2, 2.36 ERA, 53.1 IP, 42 H, 21 BB, 63 K (SS)
A personal favorite of mine out of Stony Brook, Tropeano has a great feel for pitching and should have enough stuff to succeed at higher levels.
11. Austin Wates, OF - 526 AB, .300/.366/.413, 6 HR, 75 RBI, 47 BB, 86 K, 26 SB 7 CS (A+)
A speedy outfielder with good plate discipline, Wates is going to need to show more power to escape being a 4th outfielder-type player.
12. Telvin Nash, 1B/OF - 268 AB, .269/.373/.485, 14 HR, 37 RBI, 40 BB, 103 K, 2 SB 0 CS (A)
The powerful Nash can mash the ball, but was crippled by strikeouts at Lexington and will probably be a below-average defender. If he can figure out how to swing-and-miss less than he has Cecil Fielder-type upside.
13. Ross Seaton, RHP - 4-9, 5.23 ERA, 155 IP, 168 H, 47 BB, 97 K (AA)
Seaton is a overlooked as a prospect despite his quality stuff because he hasn't produced as hoped. Has been rushed and could benefit from another year at Corpus Christi.
14. Delino DeShields, Jr., 2B - 469 AB, .220/.305/.322, 9 HR, 48 RBI, 52 BB, 118 K, 30 SB 11 CS (A)
A disappointing year for the 2010 #8 pick as he struggled to get on-base and hit for little power. The tools are still there and he is very young so DeShields is still one to watch.
15. Adrian Houser, RHP - 2-4, 4.31 ERA, 48 IP, 49 H, 25 BB, 44 K (RK)
A 2nd-round pick from Oklahoma Houser has all the potential of a power frontline starter, but is going to need a lot of development to get there.
SLEEPER
Chase Davidson, 1B - 161 AB, .335/.426/.646, 11 HR, 44 RBI, 24 BB, 51 K, 8 SB 1 CS (RK)
A 3rd-round pick by the Astros in 2008, Davidson didn't develop as well as some predicted when he went to Georgia. He still has the big frame and raw power to succeed in the minors and he dominated in the Appalachian League in his debut.
