Astros’ farm system one of MLB’s most improved in 2018

LonghornFan · Dec 29, 2018

https://climbingtalshill.com/2018/12/28/astros-farm-most-improved/

The top five most improved farm systems have been named by MLB.com. The Houston Astros not only made the list, but were ranked the best of the five.

Astros’ GM Jeff Luhnow has been outwardly protecting his future hopefuls, repeatedly suggesting that Kyle Tucker and Forrest Whitley, #1 and #2 prospects respectively, will not be involved in any trade transactions. It still remains to be seen whether that will be the case, but it’s one of the reasons Houston’s farm system was MLB.com’s most improved farm systems.

Tucker and Whitley are not only the Astros’ top two prospects but are also ranked in the top ten of MLB pipeline. Outfielder Yordan Alvarez and pitcher Josh James are right behind them as Houston’s #3 and #4 prospects and are in the top 100 in the league. But there are a lot more in the Astros’ top 30 that have shown tremendous promise.

One of those players that have vaulted up the rankings is 1B/OF Seth Beer. He’s ranked 7th on the team and the third highest ranked position player. Beer was a 2018 first-round draft pick out of Clemson that hasn’t disappointed at the plate. In his first year in the minors, he had a slash line of .304/.389/.496 with 12 HRs in 67 games. Beer’s question marks are with his lack of speed and defensive capabilities. He’ll be watched closely.

Cionel Perez and possibly Whitley could also play a key role in the bullpen.

Their performance during the Spring Training games will tell a lot and their roles may change throughout the season. But one thing is for sure, Luhnow is protecting these kids for a good reason and we may find out, sooner rather than later, that it was a wise move.
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Buck Turgidson · Dec 29, 2018

1 demerit for confusing post. Are they One of the most improved, or are they The most improved? Too lazy to read beyond headlines right now, and the arbitrary difference is very important in December.

LonghornFan · Dec 29, 2018

Demerit givin back as I'm posting from a phone, outside in the cold wind, drinking a cold beer while checking the bbq pit. About to inhale some tasty Lobster and Filet Mignon.

-Astros
Of the five teams mentioned in this story, the Astros have the best farm system. They possess the top tandem of position and pitching prospects in outfielder Kyle Tucker and right-hander Forrest Whitley, though those two have been in the organization together for a few years already.

• Astros' Top 30

Houston traded several intriguing farmhands in July for veteran reinforcements, but still saw its system stock surge thanks to the emergence of the likes of right-handers Josh James (who led the entire Minors in strikeout rate with 13.5 per nine innings), Corbin Martin, Bryan Abreu and Brandon Bielak. Outfielder Seth Beer became the system's second-best position prospect when he signed as a first-rounder in June, then hit .304/.389/.496 while reaching Class A Advanced in his pro debut.

https://www.mlb.com/news/most-impro.../c-302225978?partnerId=ed-13324859-1116353313

Stros4me · Dec 29, 2018

LonghornFan said: ↑

Demerit givin back as I'm posting from a phone, outside in the cold wind, drinking a cold beer while checking the bbq pit. About to inhale some tasty Lobster and Filet Mignon.

-Astros
Of the five teams mentioned in this story, the Astros have the best farm system. They possess the top tandem of position and pitching prospects in outfielder Kyle Tucker and right-hander Forrest Whitley, though those two have been in the organization together for a few years already.

• Astros' Top 30

Houston traded several intriguing farmhands in July for veteran reinforcements, but still saw its system stock surge thanks to the emergence of the likes of right-handers Josh James (who led the entire Minors in strikeout rate with 13.5 per nine innings), Corbin Martin, Bryan Abreu and Brandon Bielak. Outfielder Seth Beer became the system's second-best position prospect when he signed as a first-rounder in June, then hit .304/.389/.496 while reaching Class A Advanced in his pro debut.

https://www.mlb.com/news/most-impro.../c-302225978?partnerId=ed-13324859-1116353313
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So where exactly does our farm now rank?

LonghornFan · Dec 29, 2018

https://www.google.com/amp/s/syndic...stems-at-the-end-of-2018-milb-season.amp.html

Bleacher Reports rankings after the 2018 postseason.

Have the Astros at 7th surrounded by bad teams except for Tampa Bay who are ranked right in front of us. Pretty good work by our front office.

Stros4me · Dec 29, 2018

LonghornFan said: ↑

https://www.google.com/amp/s/syndic...stems-at-the-end-of-2018-milb-season.amp.html

Bleacher Reports rankings after the 2018 postseason.

Have the Astros at 7th surrounded by bad teams except for Tampa Bay who are ranked right in front of us. Pretty good work by our front office.
Click to expand...

7 overall is a solid ranking.

I laugh at the 27th place Marlins that suck at both the MILB and MLB levels.You’d think they’d get a clue and get something meaningful for Realmuto.

Also nice to see the Red Sox near the bottom and the Yankees and Rangers behind us.

Roc Paint · Dec 30, 2018

This is very impressive to me.

Thank you Jeff!

jim1961 · Dec 30, 2018

I cant help but think that while accurate, our farm ranking is misleading. Much of the strength is Tucker and Whitley. Had they advanced last year to be included in this years roster, our ranking would have been much lower.

I am not sure, given the above, that we should be too excited. It would have been much better if instead of bolstering farm ratings, they were on the 25 man and slotted into starting roles.

Stros4me · Dec 30, 2018

jim1961 said: ↑

I cant help but think that while accurate, our farm ranking is misleading. Much of the strength is Tucker and Whitley. Had they advanced last year to be included in this years roster, our ranking would have been much lower.

I am not sure, given the above, that we should be too excited. It would have been much better if instead of bolstering farm ratings, they were on the 25 man and slotted into starting roles.
Click to expand...

James and Valdez seem to be very nice surprises. Be patient with Tucker. 78 PAs is hardly enough to know what he can do. Whitley is the next Nolan Ryan. Just be patient.

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Astros’ farm system one of MLB’s most improved in 2018

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