Top 20 Prospects: Houston Astros
1. Jonathan Singleton, 1B, A-
Singleton has the makings of a middle of the order bat for years to come and more power will come as he matures. The Astros should continue to be patient as there's no need to rush him. He strikes out a fair amount, but also takes tons of walks.
2. George Springer, OF, B+
A first round selection out of Connecticut in 2011, Springer has plenty of power to go along with solid speed and athleticism. He's excelling in the hitter friendly Cal League despite quite a few strikeouts. It will be interesting to see if he continues to put up excellent numbers at the next level.
3. Carlos Correa, SS, B+
This grade could be higher next year if Correa lives up to the (warranted) hype. He arguably had the highest upside in the 2012 draft and he definitely profiles as a plus fielder with a strong arm from either shortstop or third base. He's athletic and very young for his class, both things that will warrant the time his bat will need to develop. If it all comes together, he could be special.
4. Lance McCullers, RHP, B
McCullers has a huge fastball and may end up a reliever thanks to his "small" frame. He should be tried out as a starter, however, and his electric stuff would be a weapon. If he excels in his first year, this grade could be much higher next year.
5. Robbie Grossman, OF, B
We have liked Grossman since we saw him in the AFLAC game while he was still in HS. He may not have any outstanding tools, but he does everything well and could be a good big league regular with further development.
6. Joe Musgrove, RHP, B
Drafted in the supplemental round in 2011, Musgrove could rank higher next year if he continues to show the results he has shown in his first two outings this year. He has the stuff of a 2/3 starter and the workhorse body to match with solid control and command.
6. Delino DeShields, 2B, B
DeShields had some problems with the law earlier in his career, but on the field he is very fast, solid defensively and has shown some gap power. He's repeating low-A this year and is hitting for a better average while showing a better approach at the plate.
7. Jarred Cosart, RHP, B/B-
Cosart was part of the Hunter Pence deal that also brought Jonathan Singleton into the fold. He has solid stuff and could be a nice mid-rotation type at the big league level.
8. Domingo Santana, OF, B-
Also a part of the Pence deal, Santana shows big time power, but we're unsure if he will be able to make consistent enough contact to tap into the pop.
9. Nick Tropeano, RHP, B-
Tropeano really knows how to pitch and has solid stuff to go along with his good command.
10. Rio Ruiz, 3B, B-
Ruiz has a very good bat, but fell in the 2012 draft due to a blood clot issue. He has very good potential if all goes well, but that's a big if.
11. Asher Wojciechowski, RHP, B-
He may end up in the bullpen, but could be a nice number 3 starter if everything goes well.
12. Jonathan Villar, SS, B-
Villar is speedy and will hit for a little power, but he struggles to make enough consistent contact to be a top of the order threat.
13. Bobby Borchering, 1B/3B, B-/C+
Power is his game, but will he make enough contact is the question,
14. Ariel Ovando, OF, C+
He's still very raw, but has tons of power potential. You're buying the bat here, but it's a very intriguing lottery ticket.
15. Kevin Comer, RHP, C+
16. Mike Foltynewicz, RHP, C+
He's repeating low-A ball, but showing better stuff this year.
17. Marc Krauss, OF, C+
18. Ross Seaton, RHP, C+
Mid-rotation guy who we've liked for a while now.
19. Adrian Houser, RHP, C+
Houser is a 2nd round pick last year out of high school in Oklahoma who shows good strikeout potential.
20. Nolan Fontana, SS/2B, C+
Fontana is a steady all-around player out of Florida. He has a strong chance to see the Majors and while he will never be exceptional, he's got a strong chance to be a utility man.
21. Brett Phillips, OF, C+
Phillips is an excellent defensive outfielder who can certainly run and hit some too.
22. Telvin Nash, 1B/OF, C+
Nash has huge raw power, but swings and misses way too often to tap into it.
23. Preston Tucker, 1B/OF, C+
Big power potential, great college hitter at Florida.
24. Austin Wates, OF, C+
Solid all-around player.
25. Carlos Perez, C, C+
Perez does a little bit of everything well. He's still pretty raw, but there's a lot of upside.
26. Jay Austin, OF, C+
Toolsy outfielder, has had problems with injuries throughout his career.
27. Andrew Aplin, OF, C+
Aplin is very good defensively and has excellent speed. If the bat comes around as it looks like it will, he could be a top of the order centerfielder.
28. Rudy Owens, LHP, C+
Seems like Owens has been around forever, as he has definitely been on the slow track to the majors. Following the 2010 season he looked primed for a 2011 major league call-up, but after struggling in his first try at AAA, he is repeating that level again this year with much more success. If all goes well he could be a good back end starter in the big leagues.
29. David Rollins, LHP, C+
Rollins has been excellent statistically since entering pro ball last year, but has been old for his level at each stop. It will be interesting to see how aggressive the Astros will be with him. Recently placed on the DL.
30. Vincent Velasquez, RHP, C+
2nd round pick out of high school in 2010, has tons of potential after missing all of last year.
Singleton has the makings of a middle of the order bat for years to come and more power will come as he matures. The Astros should continue to be patient as there's no need to rush him. He strikes out a fair amount, but also takes tons of walks.
2. George Springer, OF, B+
A first round selection out of Connecticut in 2011, Springer has plenty of power to go along with solid speed and athleticism. He's excelling in the hitter friendly Cal League despite quite a few strikeouts. It will be interesting to see if he continues to put up excellent numbers at the next level.
3. Carlos Correa, SS, B+
This grade could be higher next year if Correa lives up to the (warranted) hype. He arguably had the highest upside in the 2012 draft and he definitely profiles as a plus fielder with a strong arm from either shortstop or third base. He's athletic and very young for his class, both things that will warrant the time his bat will need to develop. If it all comes together, he could be special.
4. Lance McCullers, RHP, B
McCullers has a huge fastball and may end up a reliever thanks to his "small" frame. He should be tried out as a starter, however, and his electric stuff would be a weapon. If he excels in his first year, this grade could be much higher next year.
5. Robbie Grossman, OF, B
We have liked Grossman since we saw him in the AFLAC game while he was still in HS. He may not have any outstanding tools, but he does everything well and could be a good big league regular with further development.
6. Joe Musgrove, RHP, B
Drafted in the supplemental round in 2011, Musgrove could rank higher next year if he continues to show the results he has shown in his first two outings this year. He has the stuff of a 2/3 starter and the workhorse body to match with solid control and command.
6. Delino DeShields, 2B, B
DeShields had some problems with the law earlier in his career, but on the field he is very fast, solid defensively and has shown some gap power. He's repeating low-A this year and is hitting for a better average while showing a better approach at the plate.
7. Jarred Cosart, RHP, B/B-
Cosart was part of the Hunter Pence deal that also brought Jonathan Singleton into the fold. He has solid stuff and could be a nice mid-rotation type at the big league level.
8. Domingo Santana, OF, B-
Also a part of the Pence deal, Santana shows big time power, but we're unsure if he will be able to make consistent enough contact to tap into the pop.
9. Nick Tropeano, RHP, B-
Tropeano really knows how to pitch and has solid stuff to go along with his good command.
10. Rio Ruiz, 3B, B-
Ruiz has a very good bat, but fell in the 2012 draft due to a blood clot issue. He has very good potential if all goes well, but that's a big if.
11. Asher Wojciechowski, RHP, B-
He may end up in the bullpen, but could be a nice number 3 starter if everything goes well.
12. Jonathan Villar, SS, B-
Villar is speedy and will hit for a little power, but he struggles to make enough consistent contact to be a top of the order threat.
13. Bobby Borchering, 1B/3B, B-/C+
Power is his game, but will he make enough contact is the question,
14. Ariel Ovando, OF, C+
He's still very raw, but has tons of power potential. You're buying the bat here, but it's a very intriguing lottery ticket.
15. Kevin Comer, RHP, C+
16. Mike Foltynewicz, RHP, C+
He's repeating low-A ball, but showing better stuff this year.
17. Marc Krauss, OF, C+
18. Ross Seaton, RHP, C+
Mid-rotation guy who we've liked for a while now.
19. Adrian Houser, RHP, C+
Houser is a 2nd round pick last year out of high school in Oklahoma who shows good strikeout potential.
20. Nolan Fontana, SS/2B, C+
Fontana is a steady all-around player out of Florida. He has a strong chance to see the Majors and while he will never be exceptional, he's got a strong chance to be a utility man.
21. Brett Phillips, OF, C+
Phillips is an excellent defensive outfielder who can certainly run and hit some too.
22. Telvin Nash, 1B/OF, C+
Nash has huge raw power, but swings and misses way too often to tap into it.
23. Preston Tucker, 1B/OF, C+
Big power potential, great college hitter at Florida.
24. Austin Wates, OF, C+
Solid all-around player.
25. Carlos Perez, C, C+
Perez does a little bit of everything well. He's still pretty raw, but there's a lot of upside.
26. Jay Austin, OF, C+
Toolsy outfielder, has had problems with injuries throughout his career.
27. Andrew Aplin, OF, C+
Aplin is very good defensively and has excellent speed. If the bat comes around as it looks like it will, he could be a top of the order centerfielder.
28. Rudy Owens, LHP, C+
Seems like Owens has been around forever, as he has definitely been on the slow track to the majors. Following the 2010 season he looked primed for a 2011 major league call-up, but after struggling in his first try at AAA, he is repeating that level again this year with much more success. If all goes well he could be a good back end starter in the big leagues.
29. David Rollins, LHP, C+
Rollins has been excellent statistically since entering pro ball last year, but has been old for his level at each stop. It will be interesting to see how aggressive the Astros will be with him. Recently placed on the DL.
30. Vincent Velasquez, RHP, C+
2nd round pick out of high school in 2010, has tons of potential after missing all of last year.
2012 Draft Review: Houston Astros
Overall Draft Grade: A
New GM Jeff Lunhow did an excellent job establishing a base for his franchise in the future. Many people had Correa as the top talent on the board and he has already signed for under-slot. McCullers is a consensus top 25 talent and should be signable there with the extra money they saved. Both of them have incredible upside and superstar potential if everything goes right. Fontana and Brady are two solid, signable college guys after them and Preston Tucker in the 7th is a steal. There's excellent balance of position players and pitchers, as well as upside and safety, and this class is superbly well-rounded. If Hunter Virant signs out of the 11th round, this class clearly is the cream of the crop in 2012.
1st Round (1): Carlos Correa, SS, Puerto Rico Baseball Academy, 6'4". 190, R/R
Correa was viewed by many as the single best talent in this class, and while it was initially surprising to see Appel fall out of the #1 spot, Correa provides nearly limitless upside here. He could outgrow the position, but with smooth actions and an arm that has reached 97 mph across the infield, he could profile as plus at third as well. His bat is improving and he'll add some power as he matures. Overall, he's an impact talent at a premium position.
New GM Jeff Lunhow did an excellent job establishing a base for his franchise in the future. Many people had Correa as the top talent on the board and he has already signed for under-slot. McCullers is a consensus top 25 talent and should be signable there with the extra money they saved. Both of them have incredible upside and superstar potential if everything goes right. Fontana and Brady are two solid, signable college guys after them and Preston Tucker in the 7th is a steal. There's excellent balance of position players and pitchers, as well as upside and safety, and this class is superbly well-rounded. If Hunter Virant signs out of the 11th round, this class clearly is the cream of the crop in 2012.
1st Round (1): Carlos Correa, SS, Puerto Rico Baseball Academy, 6'4". 190, R/R
Correa was viewed by many as the single best talent in this class, and while it was initially surprising to see Appel fall out of the #1 spot, Correa provides nearly limitless upside here. He could outgrow the position, but with smooth actions and an arm that has reached 97 mph across the infield, he could profile as plus at third as well. His bat is improving and he'll add some power as he matures. Overall, he's an impact talent at a premium position.
Supplemental Round (41): Lance McCullers, RHP, Jesuit HS (FL), 6'1", 190
No one expected McCullers to fall this far, and Houston may have just saved enough money with Correa singing under slot to bring in McCullers as well. If so, it could be argued that they took the pitcher and position player with the highest upside in this draft. McCullers has absolutely electric stuff and while there are durability and command worries, his ace potential is as high as any in this class.
No one expected McCullers to fall this far, and Houston may have just saved enough money with Correa singing under slot to bring in McCullers as well. If so, it could be argued that they took the pitcher and position player with the highest upside in this draft. McCullers has absolutely electric stuff and while there are durability and command worries, his ace potential is as high as any in this class.
2nd Round (61): Nolan Fontana, SS, Florida University (JR), 5'11", 190, L/R
Fontana is a solid middle infielder with a good approach to the game and a good chance of rising to the Major League level fairly quickly. He doesn't have one tool that jumps out at you but he does everything he's asked to do and could easily find a spot as a middle infielder at the next level.
Fontana is a solid middle infielder with a good approach to the game and a good chance of rising to the Major League level fairly quickly. He doesn't have one tool that jumps out at you but he does everything he's asked to do and could easily find a spot as a middle infielder at the next level.
3rd Round (96): Brady Rogers, RHP, Arizona State University (JR), 6'1", 195
Rogers is another safer pick here. His ceiling isn't much higher than a 3 or 4 starter at the next level, but he shows an advanced feel for pitching to go along with his solid-average stuff. His fastball sits in the 90-91 range and he uses a slider, curveball and change-up well. A potential quick riser and a fairly easy, cost-effective sign.
4th Round (129): Rio Ruiz, 3B, Bishop Amat HS (CA), 6'1", 180, L/R
Ruiz was sidelined by an injury this spring and promptly slid down many draft boards. He was getting first round looks before the injury, however, and is a very good value here if he stays healthy. He has a smooth swing from the left side that shows at least average potential and he can more than hold his own at the hot corner. If he signs and stays healthy, Ruiz is a steal this late.
Rogers is another safer pick here. His ceiling isn't much higher than a 3 or 4 starter at the next level, but he shows an advanced feel for pitching to go along with his solid-average stuff. His fastball sits in the 90-91 range and he uses a slider, curveball and change-up well. A potential quick riser and a fairly easy, cost-effective sign.
4th Round (129): Rio Ruiz, 3B, Bishop Amat HS (CA), 6'1", 180, L/R
Ruiz was sidelined by an injury this spring and promptly slid down many draft boards. He was getting first round looks before the injury, however, and is a very good value here if he stays healthy. He has a smooth swing from the left side that shows at least average potential and he can more than hold his own at the hot corner. If he signs and stays healthy, Ruiz is a steal this late.
5th Round (159): Andrew Aplin, OF, Arizona State University (JR), 6'0", 195, L/L
Aplin is a big signability pick here, but Houston will need some of that money to lock down Correa, McCullers and Ruiz. Aplin profiles as a defense-first center fielder with all of the tools to stay there at the next level.
6th Round (189): Brett Phillips, OF, Seminole HS (FL), 6'0". 175, L/R
Phillips stands out for his defense and his instincts. His range and cannon of an arm definitely project him playing a good centerfield at the next level.
Aplin is a big signability pick here, but Houston will need some of that money to lock down Correa, McCullers and Ruiz. Aplin profiles as a defense-first center fielder with all of the tools to stay there at the next level.
6th Round (189): Brett Phillips, OF, Seminole HS (FL), 6'0". 175, L/R
Phillips stands out for his defense and his instincts. His range and cannon of an arm definitely project him playing a good centerfield at the next level.
7th Round (219): Preston Tucker, OF, Florida University (SR), 6'0", 220, L/L
Tucker has been tearing up the best college competition in the country for four years. He's a proven hitter with some power, and while he doesn't offer too much else, he's a good value here thanks to the potential in his bat. He should be an easy senior sign and intriguing follow at the next level.
Tucker has been tearing up the best college competition in the country for four years. He's a proven hitter with some power, and while he doesn't offer too much else, he's a good value here thanks to the potential in his bat. He should be an easy senior sign and intriguing follow at the next level.
8th Round (249): Tyler Heineman, C, UCLA (JR), 5'11", 205, S/R
9th Round (279): Daniel Minor, RHP, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi (JR), 5'11", 205
10th Round (309): Joseph Bircher, LHP, Bradley University (SR), 6'4", 220
11th Round (339): Hunter Virant, LHP, Camarillo HS (CA), 6'3", 175
Virant will be a difficult sign here, but he could have easily gone in the first 100 picks. He's the definition of projectable, and while his fastball sits in the high 80s now, it easily projects more. He has a smooth, easy delivery and could be the icing on the cake of an already stellar class.
9th Round (279): Daniel Minor, RHP, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi (JR), 5'11", 205
10th Round (309): Joseph Bircher, LHP, Bradley University (SR), 6'4", 220
11th Round (339): Hunter Virant, LHP, Camarillo HS (CA), 6'3", 175
Virant will be a difficult sign here, but he could have easily gone in the first 100 picks. He's the definition of projectable, and while his fastball sits in the high 80s now, it easily projects more. He has a smooth, easy delivery and could be the icing on the cake of an already stellar class.
Notable Later Round Selections
26th Round: CJ Hinojosa, SS, Klein Collins HS (TX)
39th Round: Mitchell Traver, RHP, Houston Christian HS (TX)
26th Round: CJ Hinojosa, SS, Klein Collins HS (TX)
39th Round: Mitchell Traver, RHP, Houston Christian HS (TX)
Astros Draft Strategy: An Overview
The Astros have the most money per pick out of any team in this year’s draft. With $1,016,154 per pick over their first 11 selections, the Astros will have many options come draft day. They sit at the top of the draft board and present an interesting case as a team moving to the AL West under a new front office. Moving to the American League will certainly produce a need for impact bats with the addition of a designated hitter and this could potentially influence their selections. On the other hand, most of the top young players in the Astros system are hitters, and while drafting for need isn’t always worth it, Houston will take the talent already in their system into consideration.
New GM Jeff Luhnow previously worked for the St. Louis Cardinals as the Vice President of Scouting and Player Development, while their current assistant GM/Director of Scouting has been with the Astros for years. Before last year, they used to take mostly high school players in the early rounds and then mixed in a few college players starting around round three or four. Last year, however, was quite different, as they selected only one prep product through the first six rounds. One thing did remain the same over the past two seasons: they seem to love outfielders, pitchers and catchers; their first selection of someone who didn’t play these positions came in the 13th round in 2011 and 11th round in 2010. The Cardinals have been known to go for best player available and we see Luhnow continuing that trend here in Houston. Depending on whom the Astros believe to be the best player available will determine their selection at 1:1 and in our opinion that will almost definitely be one of these four: Mark Appel, Kevin Gausman, Mike Zunino or Byron Buxton. Luckily for the Astros, two of these four are pitchers, one is a catcher and one is an outfielder.
Mock Draft Selections: Mark Appel, RHP, Stanford University, Peter O’Brien, C, University of Miami (FL)
New GM Jeff Luhnow previously worked for the St. Louis Cardinals as the Vice President of Scouting and Player Development, while their current assistant GM/Director of Scouting has been with the Astros for years. Before last year, they used to take mostly high school players in the early rounds and then mixed in a few college players starting around round three or four. Last year, however, was quite different, as they selected only one prep product through the first six rounds. One thing did remain the same over the past two seasons: they seem to love outfielders, pitchers and catchers; their first selection of someone who didn’t play these positions came in the 13th round in 2011 and 11th round in 2010. The Cardinals have been known to go for best player available and we see Luhnow continuing that trend here in Houston. Depending on whom the Astros believe to be the best player available will determine their selection at 1:1 and in our opinion that will almost definitely be one of these four: Mark Appel, Kevin Gausman, Mike Zunino or Byron Buxton. Luckily for the Astros, two of these four are pitchers, one is a catcher and one is an outfielder.
Mock Draft Selections: Mark Appel, RHP, Stanford University, Peter O’Brien, C, University of Miami (FL)
Coming soon to the Astros Page: Top 20 Prospects List
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