December 6th With it being next week, I think its time we talked about it separately. Jonathan Mayo's 20 names to watch for the Rule V Draft: http://www.mlb.com/mlb/prospects/watch/y2012/#list=rule5
A few interested names on Mayo's list.. Notably Ryan Chaffee and Destin Hood. We'll see what pans out. Not sure if Astros would have a spot to slot Hood in on the ML roster. Chaffee seems like he's ready for a ML bullpen spot looking at his numbers.
I like Chaffee and Fields. Either would slide into our bullpen. Aguilar would be nice, and would like platoon with Wallace.
Astros select Josh Fields: 78ks in 58.1 IPs between AA/AAA with 2.01 ERA last year http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=fields003jos
Astros also select Nate Freiman: 6'7 225lbs 1B - right handed. .298/.370/.502 in AA last year http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=freima001nat
He could be. Definitely back of the pen stuff. I expect him to be a far more valuable piece to this years team than Rhiner Cruz was last year.
Astros did not lose anybody in the ML phase, so those afraid of losing Perez, Krauss, or Zeid can rest easy.
In AAA phase we get Michael Burgess from the Cubs. 24 year old corner OF. http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=burges002mic
http://www.scoutingbook.com/players/p2185 A very strong athlete who could make many prospect lists as a power pitcher (his fastball is 92mph), ex-National and current Cub prospect Mike Burgess is a better bet to grow as a corner outfield bat. Right now he's all power and no discipline, but that power is special enough -- Jim Bowden called it 'thunderous' -- that he's worth keeping an eye on. High strikeouts or not, he's a great fit a future for Wrigley.
Damn , i remember wanting fields back in 08, we ended up with Castro instead. His number between AA/AAA were sick. 2.01 ER, 0.96 WHIP, 12.5 K/9. Seems to have closer stuff. Always easy to stash bullpen arms, but he looks like a guy who might be ready to actually make an impact. Certainly seems worth the look. This thing moves quick.
http://chickenfriars.com/2012/09/22/nate-freiman-opening-eyes-in-the-padres-organization/ Nathan Freiman is having quite the 2012 season. Freiman led the Texas League with 104 RBI’s — 11 more than the second place finisher. He put up an impressive triple-slash line of .298/.370/.502, with 24 dingers. Freiman still is not considered one of the Padres top 20 prospects, but he still impressive. Freiman, as well as Missions teammate Cody Decker, are spending the early part of their offseason playing for Team Israel in the World Baseball Classic qualifying rounds. Freiman has been an absolute monster, homering twice in Israel’s 7-3 win over the Republic of South Africa. Freiman started at first, hit 3rd, and has been the best player in the tournament. Freiman followed that performance up with another multi-homer game, swatting two bombs in Israel’s 4-2 win over Spain. Israel looks poised to make the final round of 16 in the 2013 World Baseball Classic. It would seem that Freiman’s performance has made him a player to watch in the tournament next year. Isreal is managed by former Padres catcher Brad Ausmus, who currently works as a special assistant in the Padres organization. Ausmus is a candidate for a few managerial openings this offseason. Working with Ausmus, as well as former big-leaguer Shawn Green, who actually plays for Team Israel can only benefit Freiman. Freiman is a first baseman, and is currently blocked by Yonder Alonso in the majors, but it never hurts to have depth in the organization. Freiman will also represent the Padres in the Arizona Fall League. It would not be a stretch to see Freiman at Petco Park sometime soon.
Astros also get Cameron Lamb in AAA phase. 23 RH relief pitcher (has started as well). http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=lamb--001cam
