By Ryan Metz
The lifeblood of every major league team is what is not on the surface. That statement holds true for the Astros as they have brought in a wave of young talent in recent years that is turning heads in the minor leagues.
Astros assistant general manager Ricky Bennett, who is in charge of player development, certainly thinks the system is stocked with intriguing prospects.
“This year for the first time in the last (couple years) we feel like we have more depth from top to bottom,” Bennett said. “Over the last couple of years (we haven’t won as much as we want in Houston) but if you look at the players that we brought into the organization and the experience that we have, I think we’re going to be that much better.”
Here’s a list of some of those names and their potential arrival dates with the Astros:
Jason Castro, 22, Catcher
The former first round pick out of Stanford in 2008 is on the fast track to the bigs after tearing up the Grapefruit League in Spring Training. He is acclaimed as the Astros’ top prospect and ranked as the 31st overall prospect in all of baseball according to MLB.com. The 6-foot-3, 210 pound, lefty-hitting catcher is skilled defensively and projects as a high on-base percentage hitter.
Houston, we’re ready: Late-season 2010
Chia-Jen Lo, 24, Pitcher
The right-handed Taiwanese import is being labeled by many to be the future closer in the organization. Although diminutive in stature at only 5-foot-11 and 180 pounds he generates plenty of velocity for a fastball that is in the mid-90s. He finished his first professional season strong last season holding opponents scoreless in his last 15 innings at Corpus Christi.
Houston, we’re ready: Late-season 2010
Brian Bogusevic, 26, Outfielder
The former pitcher was converted to outfielder in 2008 and had his first full-season in Round Rock and didn’t disappoint hitting .271 with six home runs, 53 RBI and 22 steals. “You can tell that he’s starting to get comfortable with what he’s doing,” Bennett said. Once the athletic corner outfielder polishes his hitting he could explode.
Houston, we’re ready: Late-season 2011
Koby Clemens, 23, First Baseman
One thing is for certain about Clemens: He will draw plenty of attention. The Astros picked the oldest son of Roger Clemens following his high school career in 2005. “He’s a real good kid and works his tail off,” said Bennett. Originally a third baseman, he is moving to first this year after playing catcher last year with Advanced-A Lancaster where he hit .345, with 22 home runs and 121 RBI.
Houston, we’re ready: Opening Day 2012
Collin DeLome, 24, Outfielder
The versatile DeLome got plenty of praise last season as he was named a Texas League Mid-Season All-Star with the Hooks. He finished the year leading Corpus Christi in home runs with 20 and showed speed as well, stealing 15 bases. If he can cut down on his strikeouts he could find himself with Houston in the future.
Houston, we’re ready: Opening Day 2012
Jiovanni Mier, 19, Shortstop
The five-tool Mier showed up to Rookie League last season and gave evidence as to why the Astros used the 21st overall pick in the 2009 draft on him. He surprised at the plate and showed his outstanding range in the field. Houston wants to take their time and develop him after he was picked out of Bonita High School (CA).
Houston, we’re ready: Opening Day 2013
Jay Austin, 19, Centerfielder
The speedy Austin fits the mold of Houston trying to develop defensive-minded outfielders that can also get on base and cause havoc. The Astros’ second round pick of 2008 stole 23 bases in 101 games last year at the Single-A level last season. Crafting his offensive approach will be the key to Austin’s development.
Houston, we’re ready: Opening Day 2013
Jordan Lyles, 19, Pitcher
Lyles all the tools you’re looking for and the body to fill out as a 6-foot-4, 185 pound teenager. He didn’t disappoint in his first full season last year a Single-A throwing 114.2 innings and finishing with 167 strikeouts and a 3.24 ERA. The 2008 supplemental first-rounder also showed great control, allowing only 38 walks.
Houston, we’re ready: Opening Day 2013
Published in the Round Rock Express Media Guide, Edition I (April-May).
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