Nov. 12, 2008

Highlighting top Astros prospects for '09

By Eric Mack | Senior Fantasy Writer
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We are breaking down the top five prospects for each organization for 2009, taking into consideration: games, at-bats, innings and major-league service time. We expect these players to have rookie status remaining heading into next year.

According to MLB rules: "A player shall be considered a rookie unless, during a previous season or seasons, he has (a) exceeded 130 at-bats or 50 innings pitched in the major leagues; or (b) accumulated more than 45 days on the active roster of a major league club or clubs during the period of 25-player limit (excluding time in the military service and time on the disabled list)."

Note: Statistics are those at each stop in the minors this season and age represents how old they will be on opening day 2009.

Houston Astros

A few things have combined to make this one of the worst farm systems in baseball, most notably trades for Miguel Tejada, Jose Valverde and Jason Jennings (ugh!) and a few years of late first-rounders (or none at all). They ranked 30th in Baseball America's team prospect rankings last spring and follow it up with an awful year to boot. They might be able to develop some guys from their more advantageous draft position now, but it looks like a long rebuilding project at this point.

1. SP Felipe Paulino, 25

How bad is the Astros' farm system? A guy who didn't even pitch in 2008 is our best guess as their top prospect. If he can find health, he has a shot at competing for a rotation spot this year, but we think he needs to be handled a little too cautiously to be trusted as a real sleeper in Fantasy right now.

Level	W	L	ERA	G	GS	CG	SHO	SV	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	SO	GO/AO	BAA
Triple-A	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	2/3	1	0	0	0	1	1	.00	.333

2. 3B Christopher Johnson, 24

This Stetson prospect is deemed the Astros' third baseman of the future, which could mean he earns a look as soon as this upcoming season. He won't be a Fantasy star right away, his power his still developing, but he has the potential to be a solid option for the Astros long term.

Level	AVG	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	BB	SO	SB	CS	OBP	SLUG	OPS
Double-A	.324	84	330	43	107	24	0	12	58	167	20	61	5	0	.364	.506	.870
Triple-A	.218	30	101	10	22	2	1	1	9	29	5	25	0	0	.252	.287	.539
Totals	.299	114	431	53	129	26	1	13	67	196	25	86	5	0	.338	.455	.793

3. OF Drew Sutton, 25

Sutton was a little old for his level in 2008, but it is hard to argue with a 20-20 outfielder in Double-A. Granted it is a hitter's league, but Sutton has a chance to contribute for the Astros and Fantasy owners in deeper NL-only leagues in 2009.

Level	AVG	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	BB	SO	SB	CS	OBP	SLUG	OPS
Double-A	.317	133	520	102	165	39	4	20	69	272	76	98	20	7	.408	.523	.931

4. SP Polin Trinidad, 24

In a weak farm system, the Astros might have found something with this skinny left-hander. He posted respectable numbers in the hitter-friendly Texas League and could be a candidate to help the Astros' rotation in 2009. We don't think he will be trustworthy right away, but he could prove to be a reliable starting pitcher long term.

Level	W	L	ERA	G	GS	CG	SHO	SV	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	SO	GO/AO	BAA
High A	4	2	2.32	10	10	0	0	0	62	46	18	16	2	11	34	.93	.202
Double-A	6	5	3.61	18	18	0	0	0	107 1/3	109	47	43	13	21	75	.94	.263
Totals	10	7	3.14	28	28	0	0	0	169 1/3	155	65	59	15	32	109	.94	.241

5. OF Colin DeLome, 23

Eli Iorg has a bigger name, better pedigree and more speed, but DeLome has shown more pop at this point, so we give him a nod in the top five. It doesn't make a real difference, though, because we are not sure either player will be develop into big league regular at this point.

Level	AVG	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	BB	SO	SB	CS	OBP	SLUG	OPS
Low A	.261	61	226	41	59	9	6	12	36	116	18	71	7	2	.329	.513	.843
High A	.232	68	237	40	55	14	3	10	35	105	17	57	7	2	.305	.443	.748
Totals	.246	129	463	81	114	23	9	22	71	221	35	128	14	4	.317	.477	.794

Best of the rest: OF Eli Iorg, SP Jordan Lyles, C Jason Castro, SP Douglas Arguello, OF Jordan Parraz, C Max Sapp, C Koby Clemens, SP Bud Norris, SP Kyle Greenwalt, OF Mitch Einertson, SP Brad James, C Federico Hernandez, OF Josh Flores, OF Brian Bogusevic, SP Josh Muecke, OF Yordany Ramirez, OF Jay Austin, SP Ross Seaton, 1B Phil Disher, RP Samuel Gervacio, RP Paul Estrada, RP Chris Hicks, RP Alberto Arias, SS Tommy Manzella, SP David Duncan, 2B Edwin Maysonet, 3B Mark Saccomanno, C Lou Santangelo, SP Robert Bono, 1B James Van Ostrand, 3B Matt Cusick, OF T.J. Steele and C J.R. House.

2008 rookies to exhaust eligibility: C J.R. Towles, RP Wesley Wright and SP Jack Cassel.

Last year's top five here: C Towles, SP Troy Patton (traded to BAL for Tejada), SP Juan Gutierrez (traded to ARI for Valverde), SP Paulino and OF Einertson.

You can e-mail Emack your Fantasy Baseball prospect questions to DMFantasyBaseball@cbs.com. Be sure to put Attn: Astros prospects in the subject field. Please include your full name, hometown and state. Be aware, due to the large volume of submissions received, we cannot guarantee personal responses to all questions.

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injury

Bonifacio out 4-6 weeks
Emilio Bonifacio, CF, MIA
5/24/2012

News: Marlins outfielder Emilio Bonifacio, already on the 15-day DL, will miss an additional 4-6 weeks since he will have thumb surgery on Friday.

Analysis: This is a terrible development for the Marlins and Fantasy owners. Bonifacio was hitting .394 in his previous nine games before going on the DL and was a valuable source of steals for Fantasy owners. He is now out until late June at the earliest, so continue to stash him in Fantasy. Bryan Petersen will continue to start in center field in Bonifacio's absence.

Kearns placed on disabled list
Austin Kearns, LF, MIA
5/24/2012

News: The Marlins put outfielder Austin Kearns on the 15-day disabled list on Thursday, retroactive to May 23. Kearns sustained a strained right hamstring while running the bases in Tuesday's game against the Rockies. He was replaced on the Marlins' active roster by outfielder Kevin Mattison, who was recalled from Triple-A New Orleans.

Analysis: Kearns had been on fire at the plate, and he was the main playing time beneficiary of Gaby Sanchez's demotion to Triple-A, as Logan Morrison vacated left field to play first base. When Kearns returns, it could be to a reserve role, so owners looking to clear a DL spot should monitor the Marlins' outfield situation over the coming weeks. It may not be worthwhile hanging on to Kearns while he recovers from his injury.

Freeman still having eye trouble
Freddie Freeman, 1B, ATL
5/24/2012

News: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman is still dealing with a dry-eye issue that kept him out of a game last week. Freeman had a procedure to plug his tear ducts, but that, along with eye drops and contact lenses, have not completely eradicated the problem. Freeman was out of the Braves' starting lineup for Thursday's game at Cincinnati, though it has not been reported as to whether his absence was related to his eye problem. Eric Hinske got the start at first base in Freeman's place.

Analysis: It had appeared as if Freeman had put this medical issue behind him, so this latest report is something that should concern his Fantasy owners. Given that Freeman's absence from the lineup may not be related to his eye problem, there may not be any need for owners to take action, but it is certainly a situation worth following. When he is healthy enough to play, Freeman is worth starting in virtually all formats.

Bad first impression for Reed
Addison Reed, RP, CHW
2:44 AM

News: Newly-named White Sox Closer Addison Reed was not pitching in a save situation on Thursday, however the team did turn to him to pitch the 10th inning of a five-run game against the Twins. Reed struck out two in the inning, however he was hit hard, giving up two runs on a home run off the bat of Justin Morneau. He finished with those two earned runs and strikeouts in one inning, as the White Sox won, 11-8.

Analysis: It was not a save situation, but that was not a good first impression for the Fantasy owners who picked him up today after hearing the news. Reed had four saves in his last six appearances before Thursday, and he has allowed runs in just two of his 18 appearances this season. He should still be added in many mixed Fantasy leagues, however this was certainly not a good outing for him.

Haren masterful in complete game
Dan Haren, SP, LAA
1:11 AM

News: Angels starting pitcher Dan Haren had yet to find his way in the 2012 season prior to Thursday’s game against the Mariners, however he looked as good as he ever has in the game, picking up his sixth career complete-game shutout to lead the Angels to a 3-0 win. Haren allowed just four hits in the game while establishing a new career-high in strikeouts with 14, as he mowed through the Mariners offense with ease. Haren allowed just three runners to reach second base, two of them on stolen bases, but was never in any real trouble, as he picked up just his second win of the season. Haren needed 126 pitches to finish the game, tossing first pitch strikes to 22 of the 31 batters he faced, as he was in control all night.

Analysis: Haren has typically been a much stronger first-half player than a second-half player, so the fact that his ERA was standing at a fairly robust 4.37 before this game was something of a surprise. After just one start, Haren lowered that number to 3.76, while simultaneously putting to rest any doubts about a possible decline in skills in his age-31 season. With the exception of an ugly 2-5 record, Haren’s starts are largely where we expected them to be this season, as he has struckout more than four batters for every one he has walked through 64 2/3 innings. He is set to face a tough Yankees lineup in his next start, on Tuesday during Week 9 (May 28-June 3), however he has put up a 5-1 record with a 3.43 ERA against them in 10 career starts, so consider him a solid Fantasy option in all formats.

Betancourt begins rehab
Yuniesky Betancourt, SS, KC
1:43 AM

News: Royals shortstop Yuniesky Betancourt was back on the field on Thursday, as the designated hitter for Double-A Northwest Arkansas, as he began his rehab assignment while recovering from his ankle injury. Betancourt went 2 for 5 in the game, with a pair of strikeouts and RBI.

Analysis: Betancourt is getting closer and closer to getting back on the field for the Royals,but he will need at least a week of rehab, first in Double-A and then Triple-A, before he is ready to return to the majors. Betancourt's last game before the injury was back on May 1 at Detroit and the shortstop has a .280 batting average on the season with a homer and three RBI over 50 at-bats. When healthy, Betancourt should be considered merely an AL-only option.

Rollins returns from paternity leave
Jimmy Rollins, SS, PHI
1:39 AM

News: Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins returned from the paternity list on Thursday, after missing the team’s previous three games to be with his wife while she gave birth. Rollins went 2 for 6 in the game with a strikeout, as the Phillies defeated the Cardinals, 10-9. it was Reyes’ 11th multi-hit game of the season.

Analysis: Reyes has struggled to start the season, and unlike most of the other players on the Phillies’ roster, he has not begun to show signs that he is bouncing out of it, as he has been hitting just .222 in the month of May after a .235 April. He remains a solid bounce-back candidate given his past production, and should be kept active in most formats, despite his troubles.

Adjustment for A-Rod pays off
Alex Rodriguez, 3B, NYY
5/24/2012

News: The New York Post reports that Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez has made adjustments to his batting stance, and he credits his strong performance on Wednesday against the Royals to the changes. Rodriguez told reporters after Tuesday's win, "I feel like I’m about to go off.," after widening his stance and shortening his leg kick in his last at-bat in the game. He carried the changes over into batting practice on Wednesday and into the subsequent contest, in which he went 2 for 4 with a pair of homers and three RBI.

Analysis: Time will tell if Rodriguez's tweaked stance will translate into better production. He had been hitting flyballs at a much lower rate this season, which had led to fewer extra-base hits. It's a trend to watch in the coming days and weeks. Even if A-Rod's power spike is short-lived, he still has enough power that he is worth starting in nearly all formats.

Report: Jennings could get the call
Dan Jennings, RP, MIA
1:34 AM

News: The Marlins sent down relief pitcher Mike Dunn to Triple-A after Thursday's game against the Giants, leaving them with a need for a left-handed reliever that the Sun Sentinel reports will likely be Dan Jennings, currently pitching for Triple-A New Orleans.

Analysis: Jenings was previously with the team, making just two appearances before going back down again. If he gets the call, it will likely just be for middle relief and situational usage, so he is not worth adding in any Fantasy formats.

Ruiz rolls right through injury
Carlos Ruiz, C, PHI
1:29 AM

News: Phillies catcher Carlos Ruiz took a pitch off his wrist on Wednesday but played through it on Thursday and continued his incredible start to the season, going 3 for 5 with a run scored as the Phillies defeated the Cardinals, 10-9. Ruiz is now hitting .366 for the season, good for fourth in the majors.

Analysis: Ruiz has been rolling all season long, and he is showing no signs of slowing down, with a .452 batting average over the course of the last 10 games, with six RBI. He is playing at an impressive level right now, and should be active in all formats.

More Updates

1	Miguel Cabrera, DET, 3B
2	Albert Pujols, LAA, 1B
3	Joey Votto, CIN, 1B
4	Adrian Gonzalez, BOS, 1B
5	Carlos Santana, CLE, C
6	Prince Fielder, DET, 1B
7	Mark Teixeira, NYY, 1B
8	Mike Napoli, TEX, C
9	Joe Mauer, MIN, C
10	Michael Young, TEX, DH
All Rankings

1	Dustin Pedroia, BOS, 2B
2	Robinson Cano, NYY, 2B
3	Ian Kinsler, TEX, 2B
4	Ben Zobrist, TB, RF
5	Rickie Weeks, MIL, 2B
6	Brandon Phillips, CIN, 2B
7	Dan Uggla, ATL, 2B
8	Chase Utley, PHI, 2B
9	Howard Kendrick, LAA, 2B
10	Ryan Roberts, ARI, 3B
All Rankings

1	Miguel Cabrera, DET, 3B
2	Jose Bautista, TOR, RF
3	Evan Longoria, TB, 3B
4	Hanley Ramirez, MIA, 3B
5	Adrian Beltre, TEX, 3B
6	Kevin Youkilis, BOS, 3B
7	Ryan Zimmerman, WAS, 3B
8	David Wright, NYM, 3B
9	Michael Young, TEX, DH
10	Pablo Sandoval, SF, 3B
All Rankings

1	Troy Tulowitzki, COL, SS
2	Hanley Ramirez, MIA, 3B
3	Jose Reyes, MIA, SS
4	Starlin Castro, CHC, SS
5	Asdrubal Cabrera, CLE, SS
6	Jimmy Rollins, PHI, SS
7	Elvis Andrus, TEX, SS
8	Emilio Bonifacio, MIA, CF
9	Derek Jeter, NYY, SS
10	Erick Aybar, LAA, SS
All Rankings

1	Carlos Santana, CLE, C
2	Alex Avila, DET, C
3	Brian McCann, ATL, C
4	Mike Napoli, TEX, C
5	Joe Mauer, MIN, C
6	Miguel Montero, ARI, C
7	Buster Posey, SF, C
8	Matt Wieters, BAL, C
9	Russell Martin, NYY, C
10	Jesus Montero, SEA, DH
All Rankings

1	Jose Bautista, TOR, RF
2	Matt Kemp, LAD, CF
3	Ryan Braun, MIL, LF
4	Jacoby Ellsbury, BOS, CF
5	Curtis Granderson, NYY, CF
6	Justin Upton, ARI, RF
7	Carlos Gonzalez, COL, LF
8	Andrew McCutchen, PIT, CF
9	Josh Hamilton, TEX, CF
10	Matt Holliday, STL, LF
All Rankings

1	Roy Halladay, PHI, SP
2	Clayton Kershaw, LAD, SP
3	Justin Verlander, DET, SP
4	Cliff Lee, PHI, SP
5	CC Sabathia, NYY, SP
6	Felix Hernandez, SEA, SP
7	Jered Weaver, LAA, SP
8	Cole Hamels, PHI, SP
9	Zack Greinke, MIL, SP
10	Tim Lincecum, SF, SP
All Rankings

1	Craig Kimbrel, ATL, RP
2	Drew Storen, WAS, RP
3	Heath Bell, MIA, RP
4	John Axford, MIL, RP
5	Matt Moore, TB, SP
6	Jonathan Papelbon, PHI, RP
7	J.J. Putz, ARI, RP
8	Mariano Rivera, NYY, RP
9	Cory Luebke, SD, SP
10	Brian Wilson, SF, RP
All Rankings