'Stros Before Pro's 2nd Edition

If you have any prospects you would like me to add, leave me a comment or e-mail me at SJOVTG@hotmail.com.

Joshua Flores #17 CF
The speedy centerfielder is a force to be reckoned with on the basepads. At just 21 years of age, Flores is already the fastest prospect in our farm system next to Josh Anderson. While also displaying some pop with 5 homeruns and 16 doubles. Possibly the Astros future leadoff man, Flores was wreaking havoc at Advanced-A Salem, he was second in the league in avg. at .325, 3rd in stolen bases with 25, and ranks top 10 in slugging, obp., and ops. This warranted a promotion to Double-A Corpus Christi. In 15 games with the Hooks his avg. has been sub-par but give him time to to adjust. On the bright side, he has attempted five steals and hasn't been caught. Look for his avg. to rise from the disappointing 161. it is at now. I wouldn't be surprised in the future to see Hunter Pence move to one of the corner outfields to make room for this Astros 2005 4th round draft pick. With a plethora of outfielders already, I don't see Flores seeing the majors until 2009, barring any trade.
Last game, August 17: 0-2, BB
August 16: 1-3, 2B, sb
August 15: 2-3, run, BB, 2 sb's
August 12: 1-4, 2B
August 11: 3-5, 2 runs



James Van Ostrand #25 OF
The Lexington Legends are lucky to have this Canadian born outfielder on their side. With this SAL team underachieving, Van Ostrand has been one of the very few that have found consistency at the plate. His .303 avg. is the best on the team and has proven that his bat is the most effective and efficient in the lineup. His performance warranted him a place with the best prospects in baseball at the Futures Game. James did not disappoint. Despite being the lowest player drafted among any player on either roster, Van Ostrand managed to hit a homerun with his only AB. He obviously has pop in his bat, the only question is if he can mature and maintain that power. Possibly another talented outfielder for the Houston Astros. The Canadian still has a long way to go, so it's hard to tell when he might put on a 'Stros Uniform. I think a 2010 call up or a trade is the most probable scenario since the Astros already have a number of outfielders.
Last Game, August 17: 1-2, HR, run, rbi, 2 BB
August 15: 1-4, 2B, run
August 14: 0-2, run, 3 BB, k
August 13: 0-3, BB, k
August 11: 0-4. 3 k

Maxwell Sapp #23 C
The big 6'2", 220 lbs. catching prospect out of high school may have the most power potential out of any Astros prospect in the system. He's displayed this talent since he was a kid. When he was 12-years-old he hit 18 homeruns...in one week! As a 13-year-old little leaguer, he hit 41 homeruns in one season. Unreal. Perfect Game had Sapp ranked #3 best raw power hitter and #1 arm defensively before the '06 Draft. Houston's 1st round investment has yet to hit a homerun this season but give the teenager sometime. He's shown the ability to get hot, one stint in may had him improve his avg. from .260 to over .300 in less than a week. At only 19 he has much more time to grow, refine, and perfect his game. Sapp is a rare commodity, being a catcher with a power bat from the left side. Don't expect to see him anytime soon though, his numbers show he has much room for improvement. The Astros will take their time with this one. I'm not worried though, the man has been hitting tape measure shots all his life. ETA - 2010 or '11
Last Game, August 13: 0-2
August 12: 0-3, BB, k
August 11: 1-4, k
August 9: 0-2, run, BB, 2 k's
August 8: 0-4, BB

'Stros Before Pro's 1st Edition

Troy Patton #19 LHP
Troy Patton, recently promoted to Triple-A Round Rock, had a fantastic first start. The talented lefty allowed just 4 hits in 7 innings of work, most outs came on the ground or in the air. The Astros' best pitching prospect had command of the strikezone, throwing 53 of the 78 pitches for strikes. Though Patton struckout just two Omaha Royals, he has shown strikeout potential in the past. His arsenal consists of a fastball that can reach 94-95 with good tailing action, changeup, slider, and a curveball that has good bite to it (when he's got good command). In the video below, he states that control of the curve is one of his weaknesses. He may be a September call-up but if the Astros aren't in the race don't expect him on the roster until 2008. You never know though, Purpura may be gone before this season is over and the next GM may think Patton is ready for the show.
Recently Added to Minor League News Fab50, ranking the 50 best prospects in the minors
Last Game, August 14: 6 IP, 7 H, 4 ER, 2 BB, 4 k's
August 8: 7 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 4 K's (Dominated, Scattered 3 singles)
August 2: 7 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 3 BB, 1 SO
July 28: 5 IP, 3 ER, 3 BB, 3 SO's
July 21: 7 IP, 0 ER, 2 H, 1 BB, 6 SO (1 unearned run)

Patton answering questions about promotion and future expectations

Mitch Einertson #10 OF
This 21-year-old native of Oceanside, California has been tearing up Carolina League pitching. The starting outfielder for the Salem Avalanche won player of the month in May, compiling an average of .400 in that stint, and has been hot ever since. This versatile 5th round pick out of high school is tied for the league lead with 59 RBI's and also ranks top ten in avg. (.305), slg. (.488), total bases (125), ops. (.855), and two-baggers with 25. Slowly, as he matures those doubles will turn into homeruns. Expect a promotion to Double-A Corpus Christi relatively soon.
Last Game, August 17: 0-4, k
August 15: (2nd game) 2-5, 2 singles, 2 rbi, 2 k's
August 15: 0-4, rbi, k
August 14: 0-4
August 13: 0-4, 2 k's

Brian Bogusevic # LHP
The former first round draft pick out of Tulane has had a tough road so far. He's been hampered by injuries the past 2 seasons. When he's played his play has been up and down. Though he can give up hit parades, he has shown progress by throwing gems. His arsenal consists of a fastball that ranges between 89-93, changeup, and slider which is his out pitch. If he doesn't work out as a starting pitcher, he may end up in the bullpen or outfield. Bogusevic was projected to be a pitcher or an outfielder before the '05 draft. Some teams liked him for his bat, the Astros liked his arm. His stuff needs to improve because he was very hittable at Salem, giving up 133 hits in 114.1 IP. Despite the stats, he has proven he can dominate games. Some games at Salem were so impressive that it garnered him a promotion to Double-A Corpus Christi. His pitches can be successful in the major league, there are just tweaks he has to make.
Last game, August 16: 4.1 IP, 7 H, 4 ER, 3 BB, 3 K's
August 10: 5.2 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 4 K's
August 4: .2 IP, 5 H, 6 ER, 2 BB, 1 k

Old School Bogus' video. Not really important to his pitching, but just shows his pure athletic ability.