Future Shock

Astros Top 11 Prospects

by Kevin Goldstein

Five-Star Prospects
None
Four-Star Prospects
1. J.R. Towles, C
Three-Star Prospects
2. Felipe Paulino, RHP
3. Bud Norris, RHP
Two-Star Prospects
4. Brad James, RHP
5. Josh Flores, OF
6. Chad Reineke, RHP
7. Mitch Einertson, OF
8. Eli Iorg, OF
9. Jordan Parraz, OF
10. Sergio Perez, RHP
11. Collin DeLome, OF

Just Missing: Samuel Gervacio, RHP; Tommy Manzella, SS; Polin Trinidad, RHP

1. J.R. Towles, C
DOB: 2/11/84
Height/Weight: 6-2/190
Bats/Throws: R/R
Drafted: 20^th round, 2004, North Central Texas JC
2007 Stats: .200/.339/.278 at High-A (26 G); .324/.425/.551 at Double-A (61 G); .279/.354/.279 at Triple-A (13 G); .375/.432/.575 at MLB (14 G)

Year In Review: The sweet-swinging catcher began the year at High-A but climbed all the way to the big leagues by the end of the season.
The Good: Offensively, Towles has the potential to be well above-average for a catcher. He has good plate discipline, an excellent feel for contact, and should hit .280-.300 annually with 10-15 home runs. He's a plus defender as well,in that he calls a good game, blocks pitches very well, and has an arm that's a tick above average. He has a calm demeanor on the field, and earns praise for the manner in which he deals with a staff.
The Bad: Towles doesn't offer a ton of projection, and will never have more than gap power. He changes his approach against left-handers, which allows him to hit for average, but with very little pop. His strong arm is stymied somewhat by a slow release.
Fun Fact: During his 14 big leagues games, Towles went 7-for-12 with four doubles when batting with runners in scoring position.
Perfect World Projection: Not a world-beater, but one of the better catchers around.
Timetable: For the first time in recent memory, Brad Ausmus' contract and role make sense in Houston, as he'll back up Towles and guide him through his first year as an everyday big leaguer.

2. Felipe Paulino, RHP
DOB: 10/5/83
Height/Weight: 6-2/180
Bats/Throws: R/R
Acquired: NDFA, 2001, Venezuela
2007 Stats: 3.62 ERA at Double-A (112-103-49-110); 7.11 ERA at MLB (19-22-7-11)

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