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February 2, 2010

Future Shock

Astros Top 11 Prospects

by Kevin Goldstein

Four-Star Prospects
1. Jio Mier, SS
2. Jason Castro, C
Three-Star Prospects
3. Jordan Lyles, RHP
4. Tanner Bushue, RHP
5. Ross Seaton, RHP
6. Chia-Jen Lo, RHP
7. Tommy Manzella, SS
8. Samuel Gervacio, RHP
Two-Star Prospects
9. T.J. Steele, OF
10. Jon Gaston, OF
11. Koby Clemens, C

Four More:
12. Jay Austin, OF: It’s hard not to get excited about the tools, but he’s far from being a baseball player.
13. Henry Villar, RHP: This undersized righty doesn't have a ton of stuff, but his command and control are outstanding.
14. Telvin Nash, OF: A 2009 third-rounder, Nash is beefy and has plenty of power, but he’s very raw.
15. Brian Bogusevic, OF: A converted pitcher, Bogusevic scuffled at Triple-A, but he could still end up as a fourth outfielder.

1. Jio Mier, SS
DOB: 8/26/90
Height/Weight: 6-2/175
Bats/Throws: R/R
Drafted/Signed: 1^st round, 2009, Bonita HS (CA)
2009 Stats: .276/.380/.484 at Rookie-level (51 G)
Last Year’s Ranking: Did not qualify

Year in Review: Last year's first-round pick was even better than advertised in his pro debut.
The Good: While it was Mier's glove that got him drafted in the first round, his bat has been more than a pleasant surprise. He understands the strike zone well, has good bat speed, and showed an impressive ability to drive the ball, with some scouts projecting major-league average power down the road. Defensively, he was the best high school shortstop in the draft, with above-average instincts, range, actions, and arm strength. He's a tick above average as a baserunner.
The Bad: Mier fell in love with his power at times during his debut, getting pull-conscious and over-swinging when he would have been best served by using all fields. He needs to be more consistent defensively, as he's as capable of making the spectacular play as he is of booting the routine grounder.
Ephemera: Bonita High's most famous alumni is 1946 Heisman Trophy winner Glenn Davis.
Perfect World Projection: Mier could be an above-average everyday shortstop and an occasional All-Star.
Path to the Big Leagues: While he's a long way from the big leagues, it's hard to see Mier as anything but the Astros' shortstop of the future.
Timetable: Mier will make a highly-anticipated full-season debut at Low-A Lexington, and he has the ability to upgrade his star status to a full five stars 12 months from now.

2. Jason Castro, C
DOB: 6/18/87
Height/Weight: 6-3/245
Bats/Throws: L/R
Drafted/Signed: 1^st round, 2008, Stanford University
2009 Stats: .309/.399/.517 at High-A (56 G); .293/.362/.385 at Double-A (63 G)
Last Year’s Ranking: 1