I think the plan for Kyle Tucker is for him to start in High A, then to CC. I hope he kills it in the minors this year so he could come into the 2018 spring training camp with a chance to make a roster spot. If Carlos Beltran does retire after this year, I can see KY given a chance to take his spot next year.
Fwiw the Hooks have their 2017 media guide online and it lists the following players on the "roster": C: (4) Stubbs, De Oleo, Ritchie, Woodward IF: (6) Muniz, Hyde, Nunez, Davis, Tanielu, Mayfield OF: (6) Ferguson, Garcia, Laureano, Martin, Boyd, Tucker RHP: (19) Armenteros, Bostick, Deetz, Dykxhoorn, Comer, Heredia, Deemes, Dorris, R. Ferrell, J. Hernandez, James, F. Perez, Mortensen, Peterson, Smith, Sneed, Thome, Thompson, Thornton LHP: (4) Emanuel, Holmes, Freeman, F. Valdez Obviously that is way too many players and will be trimmed to 26-27 before the 1st game but it is at least a good idea of who will start in AA. A couple of released players (Gregor, McDonald) were also included, which proves both that the list is inaccurate and that they don't make release decisions very far ahead of time (or that whoever put together the media guide is not in sync with the Astros brass).
Hmm. Tough break for Singleton. Players missing that I expected to be there: Boyd, Heredia, Deemes. I assume Tanielu is missing because he's hurt. Looks like Tucker and Jason Martin will start in High A. That Hooks roster is weak in the middle infield but is otherwise really strong. No top prospects on the pitching side but a deep staff. 11 of the 13 already have experience in AA.
Projected Hooks lineup: CF Laureano C Stubbs 3B Davis 1B Singleton LF Ferguson DH Ritchie RF Garcia 2B Hyde SS Nunez Bench: Muniz, Mayfield, Woodward Rotation: Thornton, Snead, Armenteros, Deetz, Emanuel, James, Dykxhoorn, Smith Bullpen: Comer, Thompson, Freeman, Peterson, Dorris
Kinda surprised Kevin Comer is still in the system. He was the other former top pick high school guy who came over in the Musgrove trade but hasn't had nearly Joe's success. Looks like his strikeout numbers spiked after moving exclusively to the pen last year (7.8k/9 in 2015 to 11.2k/9 in 2016). It would be nice to get another ML piece out of that trade years later, even if its just a middle reliever.
Comer and Kyle Smith are two forgotten prospects who could be sleepers. I think Smith will be in the AA rotation and still has MoR upside.
MoR starter would be like a 150% outcome. Smith making the show at all would be a huge success for him right now. There's a ton of depth ahead of him. And if I recall correctly he wasn't breaking glass with his fastball before TJ surgery either.
Interestingly enough that Musgrove trade ended up being a coup for the Astros scouting and development teams. Out of the 5 minor leaguers they got in that deal 4 made the majors already. RHP Joe Musgrove - potential rotation mainstay RHP Asher Wojciechowski - just a cup of coffee with the Stros LHP David Rollins - cup of coffee with the mariners I think C Carlos Perez - backup catcher for the Angels RHP Kevin Comer - long shot but still has a chance of making the majors. It's particularly impressive because if I recall correctly none of them were top prospects at the time.
Musgrove and Comer were both 1st round picks and considered high risk, high ceiling players. Not top prospects, but well regarded.
Woj was also a supplemental pick as well, and was really the headliner of the group coming over. Carlos Perez was a guy with a great defensive reputation. David Rollins was a nobody, but a LHP with outstanding numbers. It was generally regarded as a very good trade for the Astros even back then, especially when Comer became the PTBNL. We got 3 guys that had MOR upside, and 2 guys that a lot of people thought had very good chances at niche careers and gave up almost nothing, as JA Happ was still a couple years from turning the corner.
How I think the rotation will look like Perez Jose Luis Hernandez Elieser Hernandez Valdez Bostick How I think the lineup will look like C: All three see time, I guess Hermelyn gets the majority 1B: McCall 2B: Birk SS: Duarte (super-utility type who will also play OF) 3B: Van Der Meer LF: Martin CF: Straw RF: Tucker DH: Porter/Sewald
Off the top of my head... I'm missing at least three pitchers. Pitchers Akeem Bostick Matt Bower Justin Ferrell Riley Ferrell Ralph Garza Jr. Elieser Hernandez Jose Luis Hernandez Nick Hernandez Sebastian Kessay Franklin Perez Yoanys Quiala Andrew Thome Framber Valdez Alex Winkelman Catchers Christian Correa Eduardo de Oleo Anthony Hermelyn Infielders Ryne Birk Osvaldo Duarte Dex McCall Arturo Michelena Stijn van der Meer Outfielders Jason Martin Kyle Tucker Myles Straw Pat Porter Johnny Sewald
Thanks. Would've expected Riley Ferrell, Ralph Garza, and Matt Bower to be there. Also surprised Kristian Trompiz is missing. L
