Christmas in July for the Prospect Whisperer

While I was on the way home from the game last night, the Astros designated RHP Jerome Williams for assignment and optioned SS Jonathan Villar to Oklahoma City.

While I was sleeping, Brian McTaggart wrote that OF Domingo Santana, IF Kiké Hernandez and LHP Kevin Chapman were going to be called up. Crazy day!!!

Domingo Santana, who does not turn 22 until August, has spent his entire season with Oklahoma City. In 84 games, he has hit .304/.383/.502 with 22 doubles, a triple and 13 home runs. He walked 40 times and struck out 99 times. I interviewed Santana last year in Corpus.

Enrique Hernandez, who goes by Kiké, struggled last season at Corpus Christi, but hit the ground running this year. He spent only 10 games in Corpus before getting promoted to Oklahoma City where he has hit .337/.380/.508 over 67 games (.383/.415/.608 in June). His natural position is that of a second baseman, but he has been transitioning into a super utility player this year. I interviewed the extremely personable and charismatic 22-year old two years ago when he was in Lancaster.

Kevin Chapman had an excellent last month and was in the mix for my Relief Pitcher of the Month. In 10 games during June, he had a 0.77 ERA and a 1.029 WHIP in 10 games. He started the season with the Astros, but was sent down in mid-April. My interview with Chapman was two years ago in Corpus.