2016 American League All-Star?: Jake Buchanan
In July 2013 at Citi Field in New York City, at least one Astros' All-Star representative will take his place in line for pre-game introductions between players from the Detroit Tigers and the Kansas City Royals. While Houston's players will soon be battling in the mid-summer classic for home field advantage on behalf of the Rangers, Red Sox, Yankees, et. al, here is a look at current members of the organization who have a chance to take the field for the Junior Circuit in the near future.
Catcher- Chris Wallace, 24(Age as of Opening Day 2012). Wallace was drafted in 2010 and his bat has already carried him to AA Corpus.
First Base- Jonathan Singleton, 20. Singleton showed a hot bat in Lancaster for a month in 2011 after being acquired in the Hunter Pence trade.
Second Base- DeLino DeShields, Jr., 19. The Astros #1 pick in 2010 spent 2011 in Lexington. He may find his path blocked by Jose Altuve.
Third Base- First Pick in 2012 Draft?
Shortstop- Jonathan Villar, 20. Villar was acquired in the 2010 Roy Oswalt trade. Finished 2011 as Corpus Christi's everyday shortstop.
Outfield- Austin Wates, 23. Wates was Lancaster's most consistent batter for the entire 2011 season.
Outfield- George Springer, 22. The 2011 First Round Pick begins his first full season as a pro in the spring.
Outfield- Domingo Santana, 19. Santana was impressive in Lexington after being acquired for Hunter Pence.
Designated Hitter- Kody Hinze, 24. Hinze led the system in home runs and RBI in 2011.
Starting Pitcher- Jarred Cosart, 20. Houston native was acquired in the Hunter Pence trade.
Starting Pitcher- Dallas Keuchel, 24. Lefty from Arkansas may make it up in time to be part of the National League Astros.
Starting Pitcher- Jake Buchanan, 22. Buchanan put up a solid season in 2011 despite pitching in pitcher-unfriendly Lancaster.
Starting Pitcher- Nick Tropeano, 21. Tropeano was just drafted last summer and was impressive in his short season debut with Tri-City.
Starting Pitcher- Paul Clemens, 24. Clemens was acquired for Michael Bourn and recently added to 40-man roster. Like Keuchel, he may get a chance to be a National Leaguer.
Reliever- Dayan Diaz, 23. After suffering from arm injuries for two seasons, Diaz had a breakout season in the 2011 Tri-City bullpen.
NOTE: Here are links to the prospect rankings of five other blogs/publications:
Baseball America Top 10
MiLB.com Organizational All-Stars
Baseball Prospectus Top 20
MLB.com Top 10(Jonathan Mayo)
Minor League Ball Top Prospect List
0 comments:
Post a Comment