Editor’s Note: Regular Minor Opinion’s columnists Greg D and Michael N have once again suckered Jacksonian into spending every waking hour over the past week researching and writing the Draft Recap. Jacksonian, the check’s in the mail. Ha!
Astros brass apparently spent the first hour of the draft having lunch and taking names off their draft board. If you don’t know why then you’ve probably been on the DL longer than Andy Pettitte. And speaking of Pettitte, he’s why the Astros brass spent so much time not picking players. The Yankees offered Andy salary arbitration in order to keep contract negotiations open and get compensation if he left. Well, he obviously left. So the Astros forfeited their first round pick to the Yankees. The Yankees took Philip Hughes, a high school pitcher. I’m thinking that, in part because the quality of first-round picks was down this year and because the Astros also signed Clemens thanks to Pettitte, the Astros probably made out pretty good.
Prior to each draft teams have a window to sign draft-follow-evaluate players (DFE). These are players who were selected in the previous year’s draft that were not signed but instead were given the chance to play, generally at a community college. At the same time the club holds the rights to sign them, after their collegiate season, up to a week before the next year’s draft. However, if the player attends a 4 year university (as opposed to a 2 year community or junior college) the drafting team loses its signing rights to the player. The Astros drafted a number of players last year with this intent but decided not sign any of them.
In most years the Astros search high and low for pitching talent to take at the top of the draft. Recall Jason Hirsh, RHP, was taken with the Astros first pick last year. This year however the Astros believed they were pretty well set with pitching talent in the minors. So they set out to address some more immediate needs. GM Gerry Hunsicker said he was looking to add position-player prospects at the top of the draft. He pointed specifically to the dearth of catching prospects, speed, and power in the organization. With this in mind, the Astros spent their first 5 picks on position players. Overall the Astros drafted 27 position players and 22 pitchers. Specifically, 11 outfielders, 10 infielders, 6 catchers, 19 right-handed pitchers, and 3 left-handed pitchers. Without further adieu, here they are.
2nd round – Hunter Pence, LF, R/R, 6’4”, 210, DOB 4/13/83, University of Texas at Arlington.
Hun wanted speed. Check. Hun wanted power. Check. Hunter Pence provides both. In 2004 at UTA Pence hit .395, slugged .616, got on base at a .441 clip, and stole 10 bases leading the Mavericks in all those categories. He had a hip flexor strain that kept him out of the lineup for 3 weeks (15 games), but he still managed to lead his team in homers (8) and triples (5). He was second in total bases. For his efforts he was named the Southland Conference Player and Hitter of the Year. A bright young man, Pence was also named to the Southland Conference All-Academic Team.
So why is a guy who has plus speed and an experienced outfielder considered a left-fielder? Hunter’s arm is below average. According to David Lakey, the Astros director of scouting, that limits Hunter to patrolling left-field. Earlier in his career he apparently had a problem with strikeouts thanks to a difficulty with off-speed pitches. According to his collegiate coach Hunter has worked very hard at becoming a better hitter. This season Pence struck out only 23 times in 190 at-bats. However, Lakey believes he has a lot of work to do on his hitting. Apparently Hunter has a pretty ugly swing.
A 2002 draftee of the Brewers, Pence spent last summer in the wood bat Jayhawk League playing for the Liberal BeeJays (yes you read that right). He hit so well, .429 avg, 4 triples, 7 homers, 39 RBI, he was named team MVP. Pence is a junior and has one season of eligibility left but his collegiate coach believes Hunter will sign soon enough and be an Astro. Hunter grew up in Arlington, Texas an Astros fan. I can’t blame him. Can you? This seems to be his dream come true, the top pick of his favorite team. I expect him to sign relatively quickly and report to Tri-City.
Signed 7/3. Assigned to Tri-City.
3rd round – Jordan Parraz, CF, R/R, 6’3”, 220, DOB 10/8/84, Community College of Southern Nevada.
Speed and power part two. Jordan Parraz has both. Parraz was a freshman at CCSN this year. He was their regular centerfielder. He was also the starting pitcher in 8 games. In 44 games this season Parraz led CCSN in avg (.398), slg (.542), and obp (.507). In just 118 at-bats he hit 11 doubles, 2 homers, and had 29 RBI. He also had 13 stolen bases in 18 attempts.
Unlike Pence, Parraz has a power arm. In high school last year Parraz was clocked with a 95-97 mph fastball. In his junior year of high school Jordan broke a bone in his right (pitching) elbow. That clearly didn’t affect his velocity, but may be one reason the Astros want him to play CF. He was healthy all year this year so it’s unlikely he’ll have a continuing problem.
He was drafted by the Phillies last year in the 6th round as a pitcher. He expected to go a round or three higher and so expected a good chunk of change. The Phillies offered him six figures, but Jordan turned them down and put his hopes on the 2004 draft. His coach expected Jordan to be taken no later than the third round. It appears he made the right call. Parraz can expect at least a third round level signing bonus. As an added benefit Parraz prefers to be an everyday player and was drafted by the Astros who agree with him. If the Astros offer him what he considers a fair deal expect Parraz to sign and be assigned to Greeneville, the Astros new rookie league affiliate.
Signed 6/15. Assigned to Greeneville.
4th round – Louis Santangelo, C, R/R, 6’1”, 200, DOB 3/16/83, Clemson University.
Hun wanted catchers. Santangelo is the first of six. Lou was a junior in his first year at Clemson. He previously attended and started at Seton Hall. Hun wanted power. Lou is the third straight pick with power. He led Clemson with 18 homers. He hit .300, slugged .589, and had an on-base percentage of 378. He also had 31 walks, 15 doubles, 2 triples, and 62 RBI. Santangelo is a free swinger as well leading the Tigers with 66 K’s. According to Lakey, Lou is an advanced catcher who has some work to do at the plate. He was a Second-Team All-ACC catcher.
Lou is quite durable. He’s a 3 year starter who caught 64 of 65 games this season. According to his coach at Clemson, Lou has an excellent arm and leadership skills. He threw out 26% of baserunners this spring. Apparently the Clemson pitching staff is very fond of how Santangelo calls and plays the game. Following his sophomore season he played summer ball with several Clemson players including one of their top pitchers. These players were instrumental in getting Lou to transfer to Clemson. He is clearly respected by his teammates and shows a great passion for the game. In fact, after a loss this season on a bang-bang play at the plate in which he was not involved, he chased down the umpire to argue the call, umm, passionately. He has a year of eligibility left and as Clemson has a top-notch baseball program, that was involved in this year’s NCAA regionals, might be tempted to stay. If the Astros can lure him away expect him to be at Tri-City this summer.
Signed 6/23. Assigned to Tri-City.
5th round – Mitch Einertson, CF, R/R, 5’10”, 178, DOB 4/4/86, Rancho Buena Vista High School, California.
Einertson is the first high school player taken by the Astros in this draft. Mitch is the third draftee with speed and right in line with the Astros earlier picks also has some power. He’s also the third straight pick with a strong arm. As David Lakey points out he’s not big for a pro baseball player, but he can hit, throw, and run. He enjoys playing centerfield and plays a hardnosed, all out game. The Astros don’t draft high school kids lightly so Einertson must have impressed the Astros scouts tremendously to take him with their fourth pick.
Mitch has spent time working with current and former big leaguers. He has apparently been talking with them not only about playing skills but also about college versus the minors. He signed with San Diego State University. Their head coach is Tony Gwynn. So, here sits Mitch in the driver’s seat. If he gets what he thinks is good money from the Astros he can decide to take the big bucks and go pro or play for first-ballot Hall of Famer Tony Gwynn. My gut tells me the Astros won’t give Mitch what he wants (and no I haven’t eaten any Skyline chili). If he attends SDSU the Astros will lose their rights to him. But, if they do look for Einertson to sign on the dotted line and report to Greeneville.
Signed 6/23. Assigned to Greeneville.
6th round – Benjamin Zobrist, SS, S/R, 6’3”, 200, DOB 5/26/81, Dallas Baptist University.
Zobrist is the first infielder and the first of six shortstops taken in this year’s draft. Scouting Director Lakey considers him a true shortstop and does not expect Ben to have to or need to change positions. Ben will likely develop gap power as a professional as he’s more a line drive hitter. He has good speed and plays an effective shortstop.
Ben was certainly the offensive leader for the Patriots. He led the team in avg (.378), slg (.590), obp (.448), and RBI (66). He tied for the team lead in homers with 8 and stolen bases with 22. He was second on the team in doubles (15) and walks (29).
Zobrist was at Olivet Nazarene University for his first three seasons. Last summer he played in a wood bat league in Wisconsin. He was voted team MVP on his championship team. Following that summer he transferred to DBU from the smaller Olivet Nazarene University. He said he wanted the challenge of playing at the highest level of college baseball. He clearly met that challenge. A college senior who wants to play baseball, expect Ben to sign quickly and report to Tri-City.
Signed 6/16. Assigned to Tri-City.
7th round – Andrew Alvarado, RHP, R/R, 6’1”, 200, DOB 12/3/82, Chabot College
Alvarado was the first pitcher taken by the Astros in this draft. The Astros believed the 7th round was the right time to take their first pitcher and that Alvarado was the best available. According to Lakey, Andrew has an average fastball and good off-speed stuff. He also has command of his pitches and throws strikes.
Andrew was the South-Coast Conference pitcher of the year and a All-Northern California pitcher selection for 2004. This spring he started 12 games, threw 81 innings, giving up 74 hits with a 1.78 ERA. He struck out 90 while walking 30. If he signs expect Andrew to report to Tri-City.
Signed 6/16. Assigned to Tri-City.
8th round – Evan Englebrook, RHP, R/R, 6’8”, 225, DOB 4/28/82, Shippensburg University.
A big righthander, Evan would have fit in well with last year’s crop of pitcher draftees. He was the workhorse and ace of the Red Raider staff. Englebrook tossed 86 innings, giving up 56 hits with an ERA of 1.78. He led the team with 113 strikeouts. His innings pitched and strikeouts led the team. He was second in hits and ERA. His fastball sits around 90 MPH. His secondary pitches need work however.
Evan was named the NCAA Division II North Atlantic Region Pitcher of the Year for 2004. He was also named to the first team Rawlings/American Baseball Coaches Association All-American team. He was also named a Baseball America Small College All-American. He is a senior and so should sign quickly. Expect Evan to report to Tri-City.
Signed 6/16. Assigned to Tri-City.
9th round – Troy Patton, LHP, S/L, 6’1”, 185, DOB 9/3/85, Tomball High School, Texas.
First or second round talent in the ninth round. Now that’s value. Patton, the Astros first lefty pitching draftee, possess a low 90’s fastball and solid breaking pitches. He was named the Houston area Player of the Year after going 12-0 with a 0.91 ERA. Further, he threw a perfect game earlier this spring.
Patton expected to go in the first or second round. Some speculate he fell to the ninth because of durability questions related to his size. However, he has never missed a high school start. Patton is a signee of the University of Texas. As most of you know the lure of a top college program like the Longhorns is very inviting. (Remember Drew Stubbs?) I suspect his fall is related to his signing.
Reports are that Troy is looking to get first or second round money despite being drafted in the ninth round. He grew up an Astros fan and being drafted by the hometown team seems to appeal to Troy. However, Lakey makes no promises. The Astros will negotiate with him and see what happens. At this point in the draft taking a player with his potential was worth the risk. Expect Troy to follow Stubbs example and become a Longhorn. If he does the Astros will lose their rights to him. Who knows though, maybe he’ll follow Jimmy Barthmaier’s example. If the Astros do ink him, Patton will report to Greeneville.
Signed 7/26. Assigned to Greeneville.
10th round – Eric Cavers, C, R/R, 6’1”, 205, DOB 11/9/82, Franklin Pierce College.
Catcher number 2. Cavers was the Ravens undisputed offensive leader. He led his team in avg (.394), runs (59), hits (80), doubles (16), triples (5), homers (10), RBI (44), total bases (136), slg (.670), and obp (.481). He was second on the team in walks with 31 and stolen bases with 22. He struck out only 29 times. Eric is also a good defender throwing out 33% of baserunners this season.
Eric is the Astros second NCAA Division II draftee, joining Englebrook. Like Englebrook, Cavers was also named to the first team Rawlings/American Baseball Coaches Association All-American team and Baseball America Small College All-American team. He also earned the Northeast Region and Northeast-10 Conference Player of the Year awards. He led his conference in batting average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, runs scored, hits, triples, and homers. Yeah, he dominated.
Cavers is the first ever position player to be drafted from Franklin Pierce. He’s a junior, but he’s accomplished just about all he can individually. If he signs he could go to either Tri-City or Greeneville.
Signed 6/16. Assigned to Greeneville.
11th round – Jonathan Ash, 2B, L/R, 5’9”, 185, DOB 9/11/82, Stanford University.
The runt of the litter, Ash is the smallest Astros draftee. Jonny was the only person drafted this year as a second baseman. However, he played third base in college. He hit .372 over 44 games, slugging just .519, while getting on base at a .446 clip. Ash is more of a line drive, gap power hitter. He is apparently a good bat handler, adept at bunting as well as swinging away. He is reputed to be an excellent defender, evidenced by having just 5 errors all season. Jonny is reportedly an excellent student and very hard worker. Being a senior, he should sign quickly and report to Tri-City.
Signed 6/17. Assigned to Tri-City.
12th round – Bryan Triplett, SS, R/R, 6’0”, 185, DOB 4/16/82, University of South Carolina.
Drafted as a shortstop, Triplett was the Gamecocks starting third baseman during the 2004 campaign. Not a big hitter, Bryan, up to this writing, has hit .274 with a slugging percentage of .440 and an on-base percentage of .358. He has however led his team in doubles with 22. Triplett is quite durable, starting every game this season. He is a senior and should sign quickly. Currently, South Carolina is involved in the College World Series. Check out Triplett there. Once SC is done in Omaha expect to see Triplett in Tri-City shortly thereafter.
Signed 6/30. Assigned to Greeneville.
13th round – Chad Reineke, RHP, R/R, 6’6”, 210, DOB 4/9/82, Miami (Ohio)University.
Another big pitcher, Reineke became the Redhawks closer in 2004, saving 5 games. He was 4-3 with a 4.42 ERA over 53 innings pitched. Chad gave up 54 hits while striking out 51. However, he walked a team high 32. Also, he allowed only 9 of 25 inherited runners to score. According to reports Chad’s velocity increased this year putting him on the MLB radar. He’s a senior and should be ready to sign. When he does he’ll likely report to Tri-City.
Signed 6/16. Assigned to Tri-City.
14th round – Ole Sheldon, 1B, R/R, 6’4”, 210, DOB 11/25/82, University of Oklahoma.
Sheldon was the only first baseman drafted by the Astros this year. He lead his team in average (.367), doubles (19), triples (3), total bases (131), and on-base percentage (.411). He was second on the team with a .512 slugging percentage. He hit just 4 homers. A JUCO transfer in his first season in the Big 12, Ole was named to the second team All-Big 12 and was the Dallas Morning News, San Antonio News-Express, and Waco Tribune-Herald’s Big 12 Player of the Year. Ole is a junior but is expected to forego his senior season and sign with the Astros. He could end up in either Tri-City or Greeneville.
Signed 6/16. Assigned to Greeneville.
15th round – Stephen Sutton, SS, S/R, 6’3”, 185, DOB 6/30/83, Baylor University.
Sutton who goes by Drew was the first Baylor student drafted this year. He is a junior in his first year at Baylor from Texarkana JUCO. Drew played second base, shortstop, and first base this season. He was used primarily as a first baseman this season. The MLB scouting report says that he has soft hands and a strong arm. Sutton hit .304 with a .480 slugging percentage and a .387 on-base percentage. As a junior he has options, but if he does sign he will likely report to Tri-City.
Signed 6/16. Assigned to Tri-City.
16th round – Garrett Murdy, RHP, R/R, 6’4”, 215, DOB 3/15/83, Texas A&M – Kingsville.
The Astros went after NCAA Division II talent this year. Murdy joins Cavers and Englebrook as Astros draftees who were also at the top of the Division II talent pool this year. Garrett was named conference Pitcher of the Year, Rawlings/ABCA South-Central All-Region first team and Pitcher of the Year, as well as Rawlings/ABCA first team All-American and Division II Pitcher of the Year. He also garnered Baseball America Small College All-America honors.
The Javelina’s ace and workhorse Murdy led his team in ERA (1.88), wins (14), complete games (9), innings pitched (115), and strikeouts (158). He gave up 96 hits and just 37 walks. With solid mechanics and a sound delivery, Garrett throws an average fastball (88-90) and a good curve and slider. None of his pitches are outstanding, but he works properly, has command of all his pitches, and has an excellent work ethic. He is a senior so expect him to sign quickly and report to Tri-City.
Signed 6/16. Assigned to Greeneville.
17th round – Wallace Torbert, LF, R/R, 6’4”, 205, DOB 5/1/83, Faulker University.
Beau hit .405 with 15 homers and 6 doubles. He had a .845 slugging percentage and a .470 on-base percentage. According to MLB scouting he’s still got some room on his body to fill out and get stronger. Currently he’s a fair runner with at best an average arm. According to Faulker, Torbert is a draft eligible sophomore. So, he’s got options, but if he does sign I’d expect him to report to Greeneville.
Signed 6/16. Assigned to Greeneville.
18th round – Robert Clark, C, R/R, 6’3”, 200, DOB 8/10/82, Eastern Kentucky University.
Chris is the co-captain and team leader of the Colonels. A senior catcher with a strong arm, Clark hit .409, with 20 doubles (team leader), 5 homers, a .644 slugging percentage, and a .516 on-base percentage. Chris was named All-Conference first team. He is a former teammate of Astros 2003 draftee Josh Anderson. Chris wants to play pro ball so expect him to sign quickly and report to Tri-City.
Signed 6/16. Assigned to Tri-City.
19th round – Jared Clark, RHP, 6’4”, 195, DOB 5/9/86, Valencia High School, California.
Considered a high school power pitcher, Clark amassed 192 strikeouts over his junior and senior seasons. He threw two no-hitters during his junior year. Jared throws a mid to upper 80’s fastball, slider and changeup. With proper development and maturity, he’s expected to increase his fastball velocity. He is already showing command of all his pitches as well. Jared has signed to play for Cal-State Fullerton. So, like Patton, the Astros will have to do some work to get him away from a top-notch college program. And, like Patton, if he goes to a four year program the Astros will lose their rights to him. If he signs, Clark will report to Greeneville.
Attended CSF. Cannot sign.
20th round – Justin Towles, C, R/R, 6’2”, 175, DOB 2/11/84, North Central Texas Community College.
Towles hit .311 with 4 homers and 8 doubles. He was an Honorable All-American mention in his freshman year. A sophomore catcher, twice drafted by the A’s, Justin is a signee of Oklahoma State University. If he signs, Justin will either go to Tri-City or more likely Greeneville.
Signed 6/16. Assigned to Greeneville.
21st round – Ryan Reed, RF, L/L, 6’4”, 210, DOB 12/19/83, Louisiana State University at Eunice.
Reed hit .302 with 18 doubles (team leader) and 2 homers. He drove in 30 and slugged .465 batting cleanup for the #3 ranked Bengals. Ryan also stole 17 bases. A sophomore, Reed has signed with Bethune-Cookman College for 2004-2005. If he signs he will report to either Tri-City or Greeneville.
Signed 6/16. Assigned to Greeneville.
22nd round – Matthew Brown, RHP, R/R, 6’5”, 235, DOB 8/14/82, University of California – Berkeley.
Used mostly as a reliever, Brown finished the 2004 season with a 4.20 ERA. He threw 49.1 innings, giving up 49 hits, 33 walks, and striking out 36. Matt is a senior, and over the previous three years had been on a number of All-America candidate lists. Expect him to sign quickly and be assigned to Tri-City.
Signed 6/16. Assigned to Tri-City.
23rd round – Jeffrey Wigdahl, LHP, L/L, 6’0”, 190, DOB 6/4/82, St. Mary’s University.
Another Division II player and staff ace. Wigdahl was the workhorse and ace for the Rattlers. He compiled a team best 2.11 ERA, 11 wins, 111 innings pitched, and 154 strikeouts. He gave up just 70 hits but walked 62. Jeff throws an average fastball, decent curveball, and screwball. According to MLB scouting he knows how to pitch. Another senior, expect Jeff to go to Tri-City.
Signed 6/16. Assigned to Tri-City.
24th round – Brandon Averill, 3B, R/R, 6’4”, 215, DOB 10/18/81, UCLA.
Averill has played all over the Bruin diamond in his four years at UCLA. He played mostly third base his senior season. The Bruins call him a utility fielder because of his versatility, but the Astros list him as a third baseman. In his senior season Brandon hit .276, with 9 doubles and 8 homers. He slugged .477 and had an on-base percentage of .354. He’s a senior so expect another quick signing and an appointment to Tri-City.
Signed 6/16. Assigned to Tri-City.
25th round – Andrew Darnell, RF, R/R, 6’1”, 215, DOB 7/15/86, Castro Valley High School, California.
Draft and follow high schooler. College selection unknown.
26th round – Jared Brite, RHP, R/R, 6’4”, 230, DOB 2/20/82, Kansas State University.
Brite threw in just 7 games, 9.1 innings pitched. He struckout 11, walking 10. Jared was a top prospect coming out of high school. He redshirted his sophomore year. He’s a junior by NCAA standards so he has options. If he signs look for him in Greeneville or Tri-City.
Signed 6/16. Assigned to Greeneville.
27th round – Casey Brown, RHP, R/R, 6’0”, 215, DOB 2/13/82, University of Oklahoma.
Brown started nine games for the Sooners but made the permanent move to the bullpen where his performance improved. He recorded a 4.80 ERA over 54.1 innings pitched. Casey gave up 60 hits, 23 walks, and stuck out 36. He’s a senior so we’ll see how he does at Tri-City.
Signed 6/16. Assigned to Tri-City.
28th round – Chris Sotro, RHP. R/R, 6’1”, 205, DOB 12/8/80, California State Polytechnic University – Pomona.
Another college bullpen arm, Sotro had a team leading 3.05 ERA. He threw 38.1 innings, allowing 28 hits, 22 walks, and 36 strikeouts. Another senior. Tri-City.
Signed 6/16. Assigned to Greeneville.
29th round – Brad James, RHP, R/R, 6’2”, 200, DOB 6/19/84, North Central Texas College.
James served as the Lions’ closer this season. He finished with a 6-1 record and 6 saves. He had a 2.30 ERA. Brad threw 51.2 innings, giving up 26 walks and striking out 37. He is a UT-Arlington signee. Greeneville.
Signed 6/16. Assigned to Greeneville.
30th round – Brandon Barganier, OF, L/R, 6’1”, 175, DOB 5/5/83, Temple College.
A sophomore outfielder, Barganier hit .293 with a .471 slugging percentage and a .377 on-base percentage. He hit 5 homers, 9 doubles, and 2 triples. Brandon is a signee of Lamar University. Greeneville.
Signed 6/16. Assigned to Tri-City.
31st round – Christopher Uhle, SS, R/R, 5’10”, 180, DOB 9/11/82, Eastern Illinois University.
A senior, and three year starter at second base, Uhle hit .300, slugged .432, and got on base at a .376 clip. Greeneville.
Signed 6/16. Assigned to Greeneville.
32nd round – Patrick Sellers, 3B, R/R, 6’0”, 195, DOB 4/3/82, Eastern Kentucky University.
The Astros second EKU draftee this year. A three year starter and co-captain, Sellers hit .351 with 18 doubles, 12 homers, and 63 RBI. He slugged .615 and had an on-base percentage of .427. A senior. Tri-City.
Signed 6/16. Assigned to Greeneville.
33rd round – James Cooper, CF, R/R, 6’3”, 185, DOB 2/12/82, Grambling State University.
Cooper was the offensive force for the Tigers. He led the team in avg (.406), runs (29), hits (54), doubles (15), triples (7), RBI (30), slg (.692), total bases (92), and obp (.460). He tied for the team lead with 3 homers and 15 walks. A senior. Tri-City.
Signed 6/16. Assigned to Tri-City.
34th round – Nicholas Cobler, LHP, L/L, 6’3”, 180, DOB 7/30/86, Strake Jesuit High School, Texas.
Draft and follow high schooler. Has signed with the University of Houston. If he attends the Astros lose their rights to him.
35th round – Kyle Woodruff, RHP, R/R, 6’6”, 225, DOB 5/2/86, Leland High School, California.
Draft and follow high schooler. College selection unknown.
Attended College of San Mateo (JUCO). DFE.
36th round – Anthony Dewitt, RHP, R/R, 6’0”, 225, DOB 5/30/82, University of Southern Mississippi.
Senior starter for the Golden Eagles. DeWitt threw 93.2 innings compiling a 4.80 ERA, giving up 103 hits, 35 walks, and striking out 68. A second team All-Conference pitcher. Injured his elbow during last year’s regional final. Recovered to post a team leading 17 starts. Tri-City.
Signed 6/16. Assigned to Greeneville.
37th round – Bradley Chedister, RHP, R/R, 6’5”,220, DOB 4/28/81, Louisiana Tech University.
As a reliever for the Bulldogs, Chedister worked in 12 games racking up a 8.36 ERA over 14 innings. He was previously drafted by the Astros in 2002 in the 10th round. Tri-City.
Signed 6/16. Assigned to Greeneville.
Released Jan. 2005.
38th round – Brandon Todd, RHP, R/R, 6’1”, 205, DOB 4/5/85, Central Florida Community College.
A freshman draft and follow, Todd pitched in 10 games, starting 5. DFE.
39th round – Zachary Williams, RHP, R/R, 6’4”, 210, DOB 9/23/84, Lindsay High School, Oklahoma.
Draft and follow high schooler. College selection unknown.
40th round – Dane Ponciano, C, S/R, 5’11”, 195, DOB 8/18/86, Mount Miguel High School, California.
Draft and follow high schooler. College selection unknown.
Joins Chris Siewert at CCSN. DFE.
41st round – Casey McCleskey, CF, R/R, 6’2”, 185, DOB 5/26/86, Burkburnett High School, Texas.
Draft and follow high schooler. College selection unknown.
42nd round – Joshua Smith, RHP, R/R, 6’5”, 200, DOB 1/14/83, Riverside Community College.
A redshirt sophomore, Smith underwent Tommy John surgery in 2003. He has not pitched in over a year. DFE.
43rd round – Thomas Rafferty, RF, R/R, 6’1”, 165, DOB 2/5/85, Temple College.
A freshman, Rafferty hit .314 but with very little power. He is a DFE candidate.
44th round – Vladimir Frias, SS, S/R, 6’2”, 160, DOB 9/6/86, Chipola Junior College.
Draft and follow freshman.
45th round – Christopher Siewert, SS, R/R, 6’0”, 195, DOB 1/4/85, Community College of Southern Nevada.
Teammate of 3rd round draftee Jordan Parraz, Siewert is a draft and follow freshman.
46th round – Anthony Adler, RHP, R/R, 6’4”, 195, DOB 6/6/80, University of Texas at Dallas.
Adler is the first ever draft pick from UTD in any sport. An interesting story, Adler was a highly recruited high school pitcher who signed with Rice University. After his freshman year he transferred to the University of South Carolina. He pitched a little as a sophomore, then blew out his arm. After a long recovery and giving up baseball he left USC and later landed at UTD. With the desire to play still there he tried out for and made the Division III squad. He quickly became the staff ace for the Comets. His pitches are now average, however he led the Comets in ERA (1.99), IP (68), and K’s (60). Tri-City.
Signed 6/16. Assigned to Greeneville.
47th round – Corey Bass, RHP, R/R, 6’3”, 210, DOB 2/8/85, Pearl River Community College.
Draft and follow freshman.
48th round – Eric Epperson, CF, L/R, 6’0”, 165, DOB 9/14/86, Arlington Heights High School, Texas.
Draft and follow high schooler. Epperson has signed with Northwestern State University. If he attends the Astros will lose their rights to him.
Attended NSU. Cannot sign.
49th round – Matthew Gardner, C, R/R, 6’2”, 215, DOB 11/2/84, Andrews High School, Texas.
Draft and follow high schooler. College selection unknown.
50th round – Victor Ferrante, RHP, R/R, 6’3”, 215, DOB 12/6/84, Solano Junior College.
Drafted in 2003 by the Astros, Victor is again on the DFE list.
NOTES
As mentioned above, General Manager Hunsicker wanted to emphasize speed, power and catching prospects at the top of this draft class. The Astros did a pretty good job of that. Their first four picks addressed all those needs. Also, the Astros went after some established position players that should not need much grooming in the organization. As always the Astros picked up some power pitching prospect-projects.
This draft stands out primarily as one in which the Astros did what they don’t normally do. They emphasized position players over pitchers. Time will tell if they made the right calls in this draft. As with all draft classes give this group five professional seasons before handing out grades. Some of the project draftees may surprise you.