As posted over the weekend, LHP Alex Sogard became the 19th player and 5th relief pitcher to be named to the WTH Roster. Runners-up were Jack Armstrong, Xavier Cedeno, Jason Chowning, Jorge de Leon, Ebert Rosario, Evan Grills, Murillo Gouvea, Mitchell Lambson, Pat Urkfitz, Jason Stoffel and Josh Zeid. These players will be recycled as candidates as we fill our final relief pitching spot. For more on the WTH 25-Man Roster, go here.
Next, let's pick our 4th Outfielder. This list is comprised of those who received votes in earlier rounds of voting for the three outfield positions, those who have been used in utility infielder/outfielder roles (such as Neiko Johnson), and a couple of utility outfielders who haven't been nominated yet (such as Collin DeLome). My choice for this position would be Austin Wates, hands down. Not only did he have a great, consistent season, he played at all three outfield positions and his right-handed bat would complement the lefty hitting Jordan Scott and Adam Bailey who are already on the WTH Roster. A case could also be made for Emilio King who is rumored to have an outstanding arm (although he has to cut down on the strikeouts) and Jake Goebbert, a left-handed bat with numbers that are very similar to Austin Wates, who has played both left field and right field. And, of course, we shouldn't forget about the up and coming Domingo Santana and Teoscar Hernandez!
With all that said, here are the 2011 stats for the players. Look them over and vote.
A LOOK AT THE ASTROS MINOR LEAGUE SYSTEM
This one is tough. I'm excited to see what Santana can do at Lancaster this year, and he's so young, so I voted for him. I like Wates a lot too, but I read that he profiles as more of a left-fielder (not enough arm for right, not enough range for center). As you said, Emilio King is apparently a defensive whiz, which is always valuable.
ReplyDeleteI'm not overly excited about Goebbert, he's a bit old for a prospect. I'm interested to see if Brandon Meredith will break out in full-season ball, and Jay Austin could also have a breakout season. I wish we could pick more.
But how cool is it that it's a hard decision?!? I agree with you about Jay Austin - he did well at Arizona Fall League and I'd like to see him build on that.
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