Happy Birthday - 9/2

OF Austin Wates (23)
Although I have yet to see Austin play (I really wish the California league was available on MiLB.TV!), he has become one of my very favorite players. He has been Mister Consistency all season long for the Lancaster team, and I hope to see him in Corpus to start the season in 2012. Born in Seattle, WA, and drafted out of Virginia Tech in the 3rd round in 2010, Wates has been both a steady and sturdy player.

As of 8/31, his BA for the season is .303, hitting .301 vs. lefties and .304 vs. right-handers. Out of all players, even those promoted to Houston, he is a stand-out. Here is how he ranks as of 8/31 among all Astros minor-leaguers this season:

Games - Tied for 4th
PA - 1st
AB - 2nd
R - 2nd
H - 1st
2B - 12th
3B - 2nd
RBI - 5th
SB - 5th
BB - 11th
TB - 4th

And he only has 4 errors for the season.

In addition to outstanding stats, Austin is one of the first players that I started following on twitter. He is extremely intelligent, funny and has a philosophical bent that often shows wisdom and maturity beyond his years.

I hope to see him in an Astros uniform sooner rather than later, and I wish him a very happy birthday.