This draft begins the dawn of a new era for the Astros. This is the first draft in many years headed by a new General Manager. Tim Purpura takes the reigns and will put his first stamp on the long-term health of the organization. The Astros also have a new Scouting Director, Paul Ricciarini. Together, they will attempt to add quality players to a minor league system that has seen a number of bad drafts in the past 5 years.
As has been noted on numerous occasions this is the first draft in 3 years that the Astros have a pick in the first round. Because of the Jeff Kent signing (2003) and the Andy Pettitte signing (2004) the Astros forfeited their first round picks in the indicated draft year. Despite that those 2 year’s drafts appear to be promising. So, the outlook for this year’s draft was quite optimistic.
Adding to the optimism was the fact that the Astros held 5 picks in the first 3 rounds, courtesy of Carlos Beltran, Scott Boras, arbitration, and the New York Mets. Because the Astros offered salary arbitration to Beltran any other team signing him would forfeit a draft pick and Major League Baseball would give the Astros an additional supplemental pick. Carlos Beltran was classified a type A free agent, the highest level. As such the Astros received the highest available pick from the Mets and a supplemental first round selection. The Mets also signed Pedro Martinez and thus had to forfeit a pick to the Red Sox who also received a supplemental first round pick. Because of the system in which free agents are ranked for these purposes (Martinez ranked higher than Beltran), the Red Sox received the Mets second round pick while the Astros received the Mets third round pick. However in awarding the supplemental first round picks the order was reversed and the Astros were given a higher selection than the Red Sox.
The Astros finished the draft with 48 draftees over 46 rounds. With their 12 picks in the top 10 rounds the Astros selected just 3 pitchers, though the first was in the first round. From rounds 11 to 46 the Astros picked 23 pitchers and 13 position players. Giving them a total of 26 pitchers and 22 position players. Specifically, they took 19 right-handed pitchers, 7 left-handed pitchers, 11 outfielders, 9 infielders, and 2 catchers. And now, for why you really came here, we present to you the Astros 2005 draft class.
1st Round, pick #1 – Brian Bogusevic, LHP, L/L, 6’3”, 215, DOB 2/18/1984, Tulane University
So much has been written about Bogusevic that we won’t repeat the volume of the information here. In sum, he’s a two-way star, the best player on the best college team in the country. Brian is an outstanding athlete who was a legitimate first round selection at both pitcher and a 5-tool outfielder. Obviously the Astros want to see him on the mound. Lefties with his advanced stuff don’t come around everyday. Bogusevic’s fastball sits in the 89-93 MPH range. He’s said to have a good slider and change-up.
As of this writing Bogusevic has thrown 123.1 innings, recording a 3.14 ERA. He has given up 119 hits and 41 walks while striking out 123. Brian earned first-team All Conference-USA, first-team Louisville Slugger All-American, third-team Baseball America All-American, College Baseball Foundation National Honors Team, and was a semifinalist for the Xanthus-Dick Howser Trophy, Roger Clemens Award and Brooks Wallace Award.
Bogusevic grew up a Chicago White Sox fan and was certainly hoping the Sox would take him with their first selection. However, the White Sox told him prior to the draft that they would not do so. He does however have a hometown connection with the Astros. He and GM Purpura are from the same hometown, Oak Lawn, Illinois. If you know anything about Windy City baseball fans, you know that Sox fans hate the Cubs and vice versa. It will surely be a motivator and treat for Bogusevic to square off in the big leagues against the Cubs.
The Astros have indicated that because of Brian’s heavy workload so far this year they may use him just in the bullpen this season and/or shut him down for part of the year. The last thing the Astros want to do is invite injury through overuse. Because of this Bogusevic could start the season anywhere in A-ball. However, we expect he’ll get in a few innings at either Lexington or Tri-City. But, we expect next season, he’ll start at high-A Salem. Because Tulane is currently playing in the College World Series, Bogusevic cannot sign. However, once Tulane has finished its season, we expect Brian to sign with the Astros. We project he’ll be a solid #2 or excellent #3 big league starter.
Signed 7/8. Assigned to Tri-City.
Supplemental 1st Round, pick #2 – Eli Iorg, RF, R/R, 6’3”, 200, DOB 3/14/83, University of Tennessee
Iorg is another 5-tool outfielder, but unlike Bogusevic, Iorg isn’t a pitcher and the Astros intend to play Iorg in the outfield. Ricciarini describes him as a legitimate power-speed combination. Iorg was a All-SEC first team and All-America third team selection. He was also a second-team Baseball America All-American. Along with Tulane, Tennessee is currently in the CWS, but to date, Iorg is hitting .385 with 19 doubles and a team leading 15 homers and 4 triples. He has walked 19 times and struck out 28 times. He also leads the Volunteers in steals with 27.
Eli had a standout freshman year at Samford before leaving for a Mormon mission to Argentina for one year. Upon his return, Iorg transferred to Tennessee where he immediately stood out as one of the Volunteers best hitters. He was voted to the All-SEC Tournament team and selected by the Cubs last June as a draft eligible sophomore in the 14th round. At the NCAA regional immediately prior to the draft Iorg was spotted wearing an Astros cap. He claimed he did not know the Astros planned to take him. Among the several MLB hats he has, Eli said he thought he had the best chance with the good guys and put it on. Iorgtradamus.
On May 25th, Iorg suffered a stress fracture in his foot in the first round of the SEC tournament. The fracture usually takes 4-6 weeks to heal. Eli has been playing as DH since then in the NCAA regionals. The injury isn’t expect to be a long-term problem. We expect Eli to sign some time after Tennessee is finished in Omaha and report to Tri-City. By that time the fracture should have healed. We project him to be a solid starting right fielder.
Signed 6/20. Assigned to Greeneville.
2nd Round, pick #3 – Ralph “Ralphie” Henriquez, C, S/R, 6’1”, 190, DOB 4/7/87, Key West High School, Florida
For the second year in a row, the Astros used a high level draft pick to select a catcher. Henriquez was the fourth catcher taken overall. Ralphie switch-hits with some power and hit .474 during his senior season for the Conchs. He led his team to the state title. Defensively he’s been described as having a strong arm with good raw skills behind the plate. As he is a young catcher you can be sure the Astros will be working with him to continue to develop and refine those skills.
Henriquez’s father is his coach and an Atlanta Braves scout. He also had an unremarkable minor league career. Ralphie has signed with Oklahoma State University but has indicated he’d rather start his professional career now. We expected him to sign quickly and obviously we were right as it took just a few days to ink him. We expect him to be assigned to Rookie level Greeneville. Projection: starting catcher.
Signed 6/11. Assigned to Greeneville.
3rd Round, pick #4 – Tommy Manzella, SS, R/R, 6’2”, 190, DOB 4/16/83, Tulane University
Manzella is probably the most advanced player selected by the Astros this year. He has started every game at shortstop for the Green Wave the past 2 years. Tommy is a first team All Conference-USA selection. He currently leads the Green Wave in average, .356 and stolen bases with 21 and is tied for the team lead in doubles with 24. He has 2 triples and 8 homers. Manzella has walked 20 times while striking out 40 times.
Manzella has been described by Ricciarini as having excellent instincts and poise. Tommy appears to have it all together. He has a good glove and fair arm and makes the plays he should. He could get moved to second in the long term. Ricciarini compares him to Bogar but with a better bat. Tommy is currently involved in the CWS along with fellow Greenie Bogusevic. As Manzella is a senior we expect him to sign quickly once Tulane is done in the CWS. We’ll look for him then at Tri-City. Projection: starting second baseman.
Signed 6/22. Assigned to Tri-City.
3rd Round, pick #5 – Joshua Lindblom, RHP, R/R, 6’5”, 220, DOB 6/15/87, Harrison High School, Indiana
With this pick the Astros completed the quinella, selecting a LHP, OF, IF, C, and now a right-handed pitcher. And, Josh is a big one. Lindblom is a fairly physically mature 18 year old who threw consistently in the low-90’s all season. He also sports a power curve. According to Ricciarini Lindblom had some minor injuries this season, but he apparently worked through them showing the Astros that he can work through adversity.
Josh has committed to the University of Tennessee but has expressed interest in joining the pro ranks soon. He’s on record as wanting to reach the majors by his 21st birthday. To do that, he’ll likely have to sign with the Astros now and fast-track to the majors. He models himself after Clemens, and we can’t imagine Josh passing up the opportunity to get into discussions with the Rocket as a part of the Astros organization. Some believe that Josh could have gone as high as the supplemental first round. If so then this could be considered something of a steal. We expect him to sign and be assigned to Greeneville. Projection: #3 starter.
Attended the University of Tennessee. Cannot sign.
4th Round, pick #6 – Joshua Flores, CF, R/R, 6’0”, 195, DOB 11/18/85, Triton College, Illinois
Flores looks to be the fastest player taken in this year’s draft and according to Purpura may be the fastest Astros not named Taveras. He has played all over the diamond. At Triton he played third base, shortstop, and centerfield. He has an average arm, but with his speed should be able to run down fly balls in centerfield. Offensively, Josh was The Man at Triton. He hit .519 with 13 doubles, 15 triples, and 10 homers. He also stole 28 bases. He’s clearly got some power, and the Astros expect him to display it. By the way, Triton has produced a major league centerfielder. You know him as Kirby Puckett.
Josh was a NJCAA Division I All-Northern District first team and District Rawlings Big Stick Award winner, NJCAA Division I All-Region 4 first team, and NJCAA Division 1 second team All-American. He was drafted out of high school last year by the Braves in the 24th round. Flores has indicated he’ll sign soon so expect to see him at Greeneville though Tri-City is a possibility. Projection: starting centerfielder.
Signed 6/18. Assigned to Greeneville.
5th Round, pick #7 – Wilson “Billy” Hart, 3B, R/R, 6’2”, 215, DOB 11/2/82, University of Southern California
Hart was the first of 3 third basemen taken in this year’s draft. Billy red-shirted his freshman year and so has finished only his third straight season of college baseball. This season he hit .332 with 13 doubles, 3 triples, and 3 homers. Hart walked 38 times while striking out 34 times. He started all 63 games.
Ricciarini says that Billy has power potential despite a very modest .450 slugging percentage this season. Hart will likely need to make some adjustments to his swing in order to make that happen. Billy is very athletic, he was a backup quarterback for the Trojans the past 3 years, and so stands a good chance of being able to make the adjustments necessary. No doubt, he’d like to take over third base from former USC third baseman Ensberg in the future. Hart is a junior so he could return to the Trojans next year, but if he does sign look for him at Tri-City. Projection: starting third baseman.
Signed 6/20. Assigned to Tri-City.
6th Round, pick #8 – Brandon Barnes, OF, R/R, 6’2”, 210, DOB 5/15/86, Cypress College, California
According to Ricciarini, Barnes is a power/speed player who plays aggressively. During his freshman year at Cypress he hit .351 with 11 doubles, 11 homers, and 11 stolen bases. Brandon was selected to the California Community College Baseball Coaches Association 2005 Southern California All-America Team. The Astros drafted him as a left fielder but will start him out in center. If he signs Barnes will likely be assigned to Greeneville.
Signed 6/18. Assigned to Greeneville.
7th Round, pick #9 – Timothy Johnson, SS, R/R, 6’1”, 180, DOB 10/15/86, Wissahickon High School, Pennsylvania
According to reports Johnson has been hitting the ball hard all season. He’s been described as a slick fielding shortstop who Ricciarini describes as having strong tools. Tim was selected as a Louisville Slugger Pre-Season High School All-American, Second Team. He was also selected to the High School SOL League, All-League. Johnson had signed to attend Marist then went on record as leaning toward the Astros depending on the offer. He must have gotten the right offer because he signed within days of being drafted. He will be assigned to Greeneville.
Signed 6/11. Assigned to Greeneville.
8th Round, pick #10 – Koby Clemens, 3B, R/R, 5’11”, 200, DOB 12/4/86, Memorial High School, Texas
Unless you’re brain dead, you know who Koby’s father is. Koby is the eldest son of Roger Clemens. Koby was a standout third baseman and pitcher in high school. He doesn’t want to pitch now and is willing to play whichever position he needs to including third base and catcher. Ricciarini describes him as being strong, compact, athletic, with room to get stronger. Clemens is signed to attend the University of Texas this fall. We don’t know which way he’ll go, but if he signs expect him to be assigned to Greeneville.
Signed 7/13. Assigned to Greeneville.
9th Round, pick #11 – Jordan Meaker, RHP, R/R, 6’6”, 220, DOB 9/22/86, Flower Mound High School, Texas
Just the third of 3 pitchers taken in the top 10 rounds, Meaker joins Lindblom as the 2 high school pitchers taken in the top 10 rounds. Meaker throws a low 90’s fastball with a developing curve. Ricciarini says he needs work on his mechanics, and no doubt the Astros will provide him the instruction. Jordan was born in Toronto and moved to Flower Mound about 4 or 5 years ago. He has signed with Dallas Baptist for the fall, but we wouldn’t be surprised if he signed with the Astros. If so, we expect him to be assigned to Greeneville.
Attended Dallas Baptist University. Cannot sign.
10th Round, pick #12 – Allen Langdon, RF, L/R, 5’11”, 220, DOB 9/7/86, Eagle High School, Idaho
Langdon is the 6th high schooler selected in the top 10 rounds giving the Astros 6 high school players and 6 college players in the top 10 rounds. Allen is a power hitting outfielder with a good arm and not a lot of speed. He hit .470 with 7 homers this spring. Ricciarini sees him in right field. Langdon was named to the 5A All-Southern Idaho Conference First Team. He was an Oregon State signee but signed quickly with the Astros. He’ll be assigned to Greeneville.
Signed 6/11. Assigned to Greeneville.
11th Round, pick #13 – Cory Lapinski, LHP, R/L, 6’1”, 215, DOB 3/8/84, Illinois Wesleyan University
Lapinski was named the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin Player of the Year. Cory threw 66 innings for the NCAA Division III Titans, totaling 117 strike outs and 39 walks. He finished with a 1.91 ERA. He throws in the upper 80’s to low 90’s and as with many DIII pitchers will need to work on his mechanics. He has already signed and should report to Tri-City.
Signed 6/11. Assigned to Tri-City.
12th Round, pick #14 – Thomas “Tip” Fairchild, RHP, R/R, 6’2”, 200, DOB 12/5/83, University of Southern Maine
Fairchild is the second DIII pitcher chosen in a row. He was selected to the First Team All-Little East Conference (he was second team last year). Tip was also selected to the All-New England Division III First Team. He throws around 90 mph, but his curveball is what gets talked about. Ricciarini says it can be a good strike out pitch for him. He throws one at 76 mph and one at 81 mph. Fairchild had a rib injury earlier in the year but is apparently healthy now. He started and relieved this season throwing 50 innings and recording 66 strike outs while allowing just 7 walks. His ERA was 1.80. He signed quickly and should be assigned to Tri-City.
Signed 6/11. Assigned to Tri-City.
13th Round, pick #15 – Eric King, SS, R/R, 5’10”, 180, DOB 7/2/82, University of Tennessee
King is the Volunteers starting shortstop. He joins Iorg as the 2 Volunteers selected by the Astros this year. Eric has played every inning so far this season at shortstop. Last season he played second base. As of this writing, as the Volunteers are in the CWS, Eric is batting .323 with 15 doubles, 4 triples, and 1 homer. He has walked 20 times, struck out 19 times, and stolen 18 bases. Eric transferred to Tennessee from Los Medanos Junior College in California. While there he was a two-time Northern California All-American and two-time first team All-Bay Valley Conference West selection. In 2002 he was drafted by the Pirates. Eric is now a senior and once Tennessee is finished in the CWS should sign quickly. We expect him to be assigned to Tri-City.
Signed 6/20. Assigned to Tri-City.
14th Round, pick #16 – Mark Ori, 1B, L/R, 6’4”, 225, DOB 12/16/83, Northwestern University
The first of 2 first basemen drafted by the Astros this year, Ori was a durable first baseman for the Wildcats this season, starting every game at first base. After making the third team all conference last year, Mark’s offense took a bit of a dip this year. He hit .308 with 8 doubles, 2 triples, 3 homers, 34 walks (leading the Big-10), and 40 strike outs. He drove in 35. Despite the lack of power Ricciarini says he believes Ori can hit for power one day. If he signs expect to see Ori at Tri-City.
Signed 6/18. Assigned to Tri-City.
15th Round, pick #17 – Eric Sheridan, RHP, R/R, 6’0”, 170, DOB 9/22/83, Saddleback Community College, California
Sheridan has been a strong-armed outfielder during his 2 years at Saddleback. He also served as a part-time pitcher. He was drafted last year by the White Sox as a pitcher in the 32nd round. The Astros also see Eric as a pitcher. This season he suffered a hand injury and missed most of the season. However, the injury healed, and Sheridan was able to appear in the outfield for 15 games. He also toed the rubber for just 1.2 innings. Sheridan is a projection pick and will likely hone his craft in the bullpen. He has already signed, and we expect him to assigned to Greeneville.
Signed 6/11. Assigned to Greeneville.
16th Round, pick #18 – Aaron Bulkley, CF, R/R, 6’4”, 195, DOB 5/6/83, Le Moyne College, New York
Bulkley led Le Moyne this year with a .377 batting average and 11 stolen bases. He hit 6 doubles, 2 triples, and 1 homer. He struck out 29 times while walking 16 times. Selected to the 2005 All-MAAC Baseball second team, Bulkley was drafted out of high school by the Pirates in the 10th round. Ricciarini says Aaron’s success will come down to whether or not he can hit. We expect to see him in Tri-City unless the Astros want a more experienced player on the Greeneville squad.
Signed 6/18. Assigned to Tri-City.
17th Round, pick #19 – Andrew Kroeker, C, L/R, 6’1”, 205, DOB 6/1/83, Biola University, California
Kroeker hit .306 with a team leading 11 homers and 50 walks. He doubled 7 times and struck out 26 times. He’s seen as a solid, hard-nosed defensive catcher with a good arm. Andrew was named a NAIA All-American-Honorable Mention. He was also named to the 2005 Baseball All-GSAC Team and the 2005 Baseball All-Region II Team. Kroeker was a senior and as such was expected to sign quickly and did just that. We expect to see him at Tri-City.
Signed 6/11. Assigned to Tri-City.
18th Round, pick #20 – Brian Needham, RHP, R/R, 6’6”, 185, DOB 9/21/86, John Foster Dulles High School, Texas
Needham is a tall lanky high school pitcher with plenty of room to fill out. He throws consistently in the low 90’s. Brian will likely need some mechanics adjustments as he matures, and Ricciarini says he’s got a high ceiling. Brian is also the first draft pick to be a draft and follow. He signed early to attend Lamar, but if he wants to be a DFE he’ll need to break that commitment and attend a community college. The Astros no doubt will encourage him to do just that. If he attends Lamar the Astros will lose their rights to him. If he goes JUCO, he’ll be a DFE.
Attended Lamar University. Cannot sign.
19th Round, pick #21 – Drew Himes, RHP, R/R, 6’6”, 215, DOB 10/21/83, Illinois Wesleyan University
Himes is the second player drafted from DIII IWU joining Lapinski in the Astros organization. Himes was selected to the All-College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin first team and the NCAA Division III Central Region second team. Drew threw 75 innings, with a 2.76 ERA while allowing 79 hits and 20 walks. He also struck out 58. His fastball sits around 90 mph. Drew has already signed and should report to Tri-City.
Signed 6/11. Assigned to Tri-City.
20th Round, pick #22 – Ryan Mitchell, RHP, R/R, 6’5”, 235, DOB 8/13/87, Magnolia High School, Texas
Mitchell was selected to the All-District first team and the SchoolSports All-Area team. Last year he was a junior all-state selection. His fastball sits around 90 mph, and mlb.com says he has plenty of raw power. Mitchell looks to be a DFE candidate as he has already signed with San Jacinto Junior College.
Signed 6/22. Assigned to Greeneville.
21st Round, pick #23 – Scott Sarver, LHP, L/L, 6’2”, 205, DOB 11/4/82, California State University, Fullerton
Sarver is a senior, soft-tossing lefty who relies on changing speeds and location to get the job done. This season he threw 88 innings, allowing 100 hits and 27 walks. He struck out 59 and finished the season with a 4.60 ERA. Scott played his freshman year at Loyola Marymount, then transferred to Fullerton JUCO. He pitched out of the bullpen last year for the Titans before getting the start in the regionals against Pepperdine and throwing a complete game shutout. He followed that up with 6 innings of shutout ball in the CWS against South Carolina. A college senior whose team, as of this writing, just finished losing in the Super Regionals should be a fairly quick sign and report to Tri-City.
Signed 6/18. Assigned to Tri-City.
22nd Round, pick #24 – Thomas “TJ” Steele, CF, R/R, 6’3”, 185, DOB 9/21/86, Canyon del Oro High School, Arizona
Steele expected to go in the top 10 rounds of the draft. His commitment to the University of Arizona probably resulted in his dropping to round 22. TJ has very good speed, a strong arm, and good work ethic. He does hit with some power. Steele was selected to the 5A All-Arizona first team. TJ is currently considering his options, and it appears that he is signable at the right price. He has all the leverage, but the Astros will make every attempt to get him in the fold. We do not expect TJ to be a DFE. If he signs he’ll go to Greeneville.
Attended University of Arizona. Cannot sign.
23rd Round, pick #25 – Chris Blazek, LHP, L/L, 6’1”, 195, DOB 3/2/84, University of Vermont
Blazek has been the Catamounts #1 starter for 2 years. He was named to the America East All-Conference first team. This season Chris threw 67.1 innings, striking out 94. He allowed 63 hits and 43 walks. This is the second straight year Blazek has ranked among the NCAA leaders in strikeouts per nine innings. He’s a junior, so he has options. But, if he does sign, we’d expect to see him at Greeneville with an outside shot at Tri-City.
Signed 6/16. Assigned to Tri-City.
24th Round, pick #26 – Sean Walker, RHP, R/R, 6’1”, 170, DOB 10/31/82, Baylor University
Walker worked in only 8 games this season, still recovering from surgery. Last summer he had surgery to repair a right ACL tear. He pitched all of the 2004 season with the tear. In 2004 and 2003 Sean was named a First-Team Academic All-Big 12 Conference member. This season he threw 21.1 innings, striking out 15 with a 4.22 ERA. He allowed 14 hits and 20 walks. As a senior, we expect him to sign quickly once Baylor has completed it’s run in the College World Series and be assigned to Tri-City.
Signed 6/24. Assigned to Tri-City.
25th Round, pick #27 – Jacob Hurry, LHP, L/L, 6’2”, 225, DOB 8/12/82, Coastal Carolina University
Hurry was one of the Chanticleers weekend starters all season. He amassed 91.1 innings pitched while recording a 5.62 ERA. He gave up 105 hits and 51 walks. He recorded 73 strike outs. Jake is a senior and so should sign fairly quickly. When he does we expect to see him at Tri-City.
Signed 6/18. Assigned to Greeneville.
26th Round, pick #28 – Michael Thompson, 3B, R/R, 6’4”, 210, DOB 2/9/84, Santa Clara University
If you are looking for an underdog in this draft Thompson may be it. During 2004 Michael was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s disease. He fought the cancer and worked his way back onto the diamond. Last season as a sophomore Thompson hit .321 with 16 doubles and 3 homers. This season he hit .261 with 20 doubles and 6 homers. Michael says he’s had to work hard both in high school and college to get where he is and expects to do so as a professional athlete. He also says he’s wanted to play for Houston since high school which may have been additional motivation to forego his senior season and sign with the Astros. We see him being assigned to Greeneville to start the season.
Signed 6/11. Assigned to Tri-City.
27th Round, pick #29 – Matthew Luca, RHP, R/R, 6’6”, 200, DOB 9/4/84, University of Nevada Las Vegas
Luca threw 89.1 innings allowing 107 hits and 42 walks. He struck out 65 and finished with a 4.94 ERA. In his sophomore season last year he no-hit Tony Gwynn’s San Diego State team. Luca was drafted by the Reds out of high school. He is a junior and has options, but he’s also from Galveston so he may be willing to sign this year. If he signs expect to see him at Greeneville.
Returned to UNLV. Cannot sign.
28th Round, pick #30 – Eric Baker, 2B, L/R, 5’11”, 180, DOB 9/25/82, Mansfield University
Baker hit .500 for the Division II Mounties, leading all of NCAA Division II. He hit 20 doubles and 9 homers. Baker also stole 16 bases. Eric was selected as the 2005 PSAC East Player of the Year and to the All-North Atlantic Region second team. He has the reputation as a very good defensive second baseman. As a senior we expect him to sign quickly and be assigned to Tri-City.
Signed 6/14.
29th Round, pick #31 – James “Jamie” Gant, RHP, R/R, 6’2”, 190, DOB 9/14/82, Mississippi State University
Gant threw just 14 innings giving up 8 hits, 10 walks, and recording 13 strike outs. Gant quit the Bulldogs late in the season because he was upset that he was left off the roster for the LSU series at the end of the regular season. We do not know if he is a headcase or has an attitude problem, but we do know he throws in the low 90’s. Gant had little leverage and signed quickly. We expect to see him at Greeneville.
Signed 6/11. Assigned to Tri-City.
30th Round, pick #32 – Matthew Hirsh, RHP, R/R, 6’5”, 230, DOB 8/29/84, California Lutheran University
Matt is the younger brother of Jason. Hirsh served as a starter and closer for the Kingsmen this season. He finished with 74.1 innings pitched and a 3.27 ERA. He started 6 games and earned 6 saves. Matt gave up 66 hits and 21 walks. He struck out 68. Hirsh earned second team All SCIAC honors. Hirsh is raw and gets his fastball up there at about 90 mph. With proper instruction he could gain a few mph. If bloodlines mean anything Matt has plenty of potential. Matt has already signed, and we expect to see him at Greeneville.
Signed 6/11. Assigned to Greeneville.
31st Round, pick #33 – Brad Stone, RHP, R/R, 6’3”, 195, DOB 5/20/84, Quincy University, Illinois
Stone was a All-Great Lakes Valley Conference first-team selection for the Division II Hawks. A draft eligible sophomore, Stone threw 78 innings and recorded a 2.42 ERA. He struck out 65 and allowed 63 hits and 25 walks. Stone can stay at Quincy if he chooses, but if he signs with the Astros he could go to either Tri-City or Greeneville.
Returned to Quincy. Cannot sign.
32nd Round, pick #34 – Cole Graham, 1B, R/R, 6’2”, 220, DOB 3/14/84, Triton College, Illinois
Graham is the second Triton Trojan selection by the Astros following 4th rounder Josh Flores. Cole was selected to the NJCAA All-Region 4 Division 1 team. Graham hit .411 this season with 13 doubles and 8 homers. Graham has already signed and could be at either Tri-City or Greeneville, whichever the Astros need him most.
Signed 6/11. Assigned to Greeneville.
33rd Round, pick #35 – Reid Kelly, RHP, R/R, 6’2”, 180, DOB 10/31/86, Desert Mountain High School, Arizona
Kelly was a first-team All-Region and All-Arizona 5A second team selection. He finished the season with 69.1 innings pitched, 86 strike outs, 19 walks, and a 1.92 ERA. Reid worked on his pitching with Steve Ontiveros and credits Ontiveros with helping him earn a scholarship to UNLV. If he attends UNLV the Astros will lose their rights to him. If Kelly chooses to go JUCO then he will be DFE.
Attended Chandler-Gilbert Community College. DFE.
34th Round, pick #36 – Nathan Warrick, LF, L/L, 6’0”, 170, DOB 9/10/83, University of Texas at Arlington
Warrick was selected to the second team All-Southland Conference. A speedy, slap-hitting outfielder, Nathan hit .331 with 6 doubles and 0 homers. He stole 21 bases. Warrick has already signed and should report to Tri-City.
Signed 6/11. Assigned to Greeneville.
35th Round, pick #37 – Andrew Darnell, RF, R/R, 6’1”, 215, DOB 7/15/86, Chabot College, California
Darnell was drafted last year as a DFE by the Astros in the 25th round. This season at Chabot, Andy hit .308 with 13 doubles, 2 triples, and 11 homers. He walked 9 times and struck out 42 times. For his effort, Darnell was selected to the Coast South All-Conference first team. Darnell will be a draft and follow candidate again.
36th Round, pick #38 – Matthew Cunningham, OF, R/R, 6’1”, 195, DOB 9/24/81, University of California, Riverside
Cunningham led the Highlanders in homers with 10. He also hit 10 doubles and batted .281. Matt transferred to UCR after his freshman year at Rice. He has since played in 161 games at UCR with a career batting average of .312. The senior has already signed and should report to Tri-City.
Signed 6/11. Assigned to Tri-City.
37th Round, pick #39 – Matthew Bishop, RHP, R/R, 6’1”, 210, DOB 8/6/84, Endicott College, Massachusetts
Bishop is the first ever draftee from Division III Endicott. Matt was a 2005 first team All-CCC selection and third team All-New England selection. He served as both ace starter and DH for the Gulls. Bishop threw 52 innings, striking out 68 while allowing 44 hits and 23 walks. He finished with a 2.42 ERA. Bishop’s fastball sits around 90 mph. As a DH, he hit .360 with 10 doubles and 8 homers. Bishop is a junior and so could stay in college. If he signs look for him at Greeneville.
Returned to Endicott. Cannot sign.
38th Round, pick #40 – Michael Colla, RHP, R/R, 6’2”, 210, DOB 12/23/86, Clovis West High School, California
Colla is a signee of the University of Arizona, which likely accounts for his fall to the bottom of the draft. His fastball sits in the low 90’s, and he has the makings of descent curveball. The Astros obviously would like to sign him or at least have him go to a JUCO. At this point both of those scenarios are unlikely. If he goes JUCO the Astros will retain his rights until next year’s draft. If he attends Arizona the Astros will lose his rights.
Attended University of Arizona. Cannot sign.
39th Round, pick #41 – Zachary Williams, RHP, R/R, 6’4”, 210, DOB 9/23/84, Seminole State Community College, Oklahoma
Williams is the second player redrafted by the Astros. Williams was drafted last year in the 39th round out of high school. Zach is a DFE.
40th Round, pick #42 – Collin Fanning, CF, R/R, 6’2”, 180, DOB 9/21/85, Clarendon Junior College, Texas
Fanning completed his freshman year at Clarendon. He will be a DFE for his sophomore year.
41st Round, pick #43 – Casey McCleskey, CF, R/R, 6’2”, 185, DOB 5/26/86, Temple Junior College, Texas
McCleskey is another redrafted DFE candidate. Casey played part-time at Temple and hit .286 with 11 stolen bases in just 19 games. DFE.
42nd Round, pick #44 – Brandon Stricklen, RHP, R/R, 6’1”, 200, DOB 2/20/84, Texas Southern University
Stricklen was named the 2005 Southwestern Athletic Conference Pitcher of the Year. He also earned honors as a 2005 All-SWAC First Team Pitcher. Brandon is a converted outfielder and so has only been pitching for a couple of years. His fastball sits at about 90 mph. Brandon threw 79.1 innings, striking out 77 and allowing 79 hits and 32 walks. He finished with a 5.90 ERA. Stricklen has already signed and will report to either Tri-City or Greeneville, wherever he is needed.
Signed 6/11
43rd Round, pick #45 – Jacob Hower, RHP, R/R, 6’4”, 180, DOB 5/29/85, American River Junior College, California
Hower threw 41 innings, all in relief. He struck out 35 and allowed 32 hits and 15 walks. He finished with a 2.85 ERA. Jake served as the closer and saved 9 games. He’ll enter his sophomore year as a DFE candidate.
44th Round, pick #46 – Nicholas Cobler, LHP, L/L, 6’3”, 180, DOB 7/30/86, Northeast Texas Community College
Cobler is the last of the redrafted players. He was drafted last year in the 34th round. Cobler will be a sophomore DFE candidate.
45th Round, pick #47 – Craig Herrforth, RHP, R/R, 6’1”, 190, DOB 5/13/87, Arrowhead Union High School, Wisconsin
Herrforth throws an upper 80’s fastball. His college selection is unknown. If he chooses a 4-year school the Astros will lose their rights to him. If he chooses a JUCO he’ll be a DFE.
Attended Johnson County Community College. DFE.
46th Round, pick #48 – Thomas “Wes” Musick, LHP, L/L, 5’11”, 188, DOB 12/30/86, Hudson High School, Texas
Musick is a signee of the University of Houston. He throws with good control and possesses a good curveball. If he attends U of H the Astros will lose their rights to him. If he goes the JUCO route the Astros will maintain the rights to Wes.
Attended the University of Houston. Cannot sign.
General Manager Purpura and Scouting Director Ricciarini began a new era of Houston Astros organization baseball this June. That era appears to be something of a departure from the past. In the past college level talent was emphasized, particularly in the first half of the draft. This was true whether the previous regime emphasized pitching or position players. This year the new brain trust drafted as many high school players in the first 10 rounds as college players. Overall however this draft was a balanced mix of position players and pitchers; high school players and college players. Looking at the top 10 rounds you’ll notice the Astros went for polished players, players with power and/or a power/speed combination.
When evaluating this draft give this group 5 professional seasons before grading out this draft. So, look back on this draft at the end of the 2009 season and see what happened to these guys.