J.R. Towles

by RedHopeful on Sep 21, 2007 10:36 AM EDT

Don't know much about the guy outside of checking his stats on the Cube. Seems like Houston considers him a decent prospect but I'm wondering how good he can be. He made a great leap this year starting in Single A and now he's on the big club. Last night, he set a franchise record for RBI with 8. He tore up AA. His numbers seem pretty good that he may actually be decent to good in the majors. Anyone got any insight on him?

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I know

they were considering him the catcher of the future, hoping for '08, more realistically '09, but after his torrid Sept. (assuming it continues), he may very well be starting in Hou. come '08.

(the fact the Stros suck may play a role in it as well).

My guess? Ausmus retires, they bring Towles into Spring as the starter but sign a mediocre backup plan B, as I don't think Munson can handle an everyday.

Curtis Granderson fan

by jrose643 on Sep 21, 2007 4:27 PM EDT reply actions

RBIs

Obviously he's going to be huge, after that game he was on pace for about 1200 RBI over a full season.

Rios is the next Juan Gonzales, thats right, I said it.

by KaoticKlown on Sep 21, 2007 8:08 PM EDT reply actions

A little insight

Until this season, he's been moved along slowly by the Astros. Injuries have contributed, but he was stuck behind Lou Santangelo on the depth chart and moved at a snail's pace. As you can tell by looking at his stats on the cube, he's a disciplined hitter; hitting for average with a good BB/K ratio, with decent power and speed for a catcher. That, coupled with his penchant for getting hit by pitches, reminds me of Jason Kendall (before his power vanished).

He got his break this year when Santangelo was busted for PED's. Originally, they were only going to give him a look at AA until Santangelo returned; as he was bad at High-A. But yeah, he did pretty decently there.

He's not perfect defensively, but does do some things well. He's known for calling a good game (already receiving praise from his big-league teammates), has a quick snap time, and has soft hands. Overall, he's no Ausmus, but he's at least average and has been considered our best-overall defensive catching prospect during his time in the minors.

As for Ausmus, he's going to play 1 more season (surprised it wasn't all over the press, lol). The club has talked to him about coming back in a backup/mentoring role. We'll see, but it's either Houston or San Diego for him.

by astrosfan76 on Sep 21, 2007 10:35 PM EDT reply actions