MOD: Astros Draft Review

21 Mike Trout OF Millville HS (New Jersey)

69 Colton Cain LHP/1B Walxahachie HS (Texas)

100 Kendal Volz RHP Baylor

111 Jake Cowan RHP San Jacinto JC (Texas)

Chad James was the guy on top of my list at pick 21, followed closely by Rex Brothers, I was really hoping one of those two would fall to me.  My contingency plan was a group of outfielders: Everett Williams, Jared Mitchell, Tim Wheeler; even though the outfield (as well as behind the plate) is where Houston has the most depth in their system.  I was very surprised - and thankful - Mike Trout fell to me and couldn't pass him up, he offers one of the highest upsides in the draft, especially on offense. 

In the second round I fell amongst some tough times, as my top options, David Renfroe, Slade Heathcott, Todd Glaesman were snatched up pretty quickly.  I countered with a new list, which included Jeff Malm and Randal Grichuk, along with Cain.  Grichuk and Malm were taken in the two picks preceeding my own, so I was left with Cain.  Cain should be a difficult sign, but last year's draft gave me some hope that a deal can be done this year.  Cain would join a group of young pitchers, that aready establishing themselves in the low minors for the Astros: Jordan Lyles, Ross Seaton, Kyle Greenwalt, Robert Bono, Henry Villar and Brad Dydalewicz. 

Bobby Heck has made his admiration of the "depth of pitching" in the Big 12 clear.  I also considered A.J. Morris here.  However, Kendal Volz was the clear pick for me.  Volz was, afterall, being considered as a first rounder only a couple of months ago.  He also provides a good amount of upside from the third round as a potential 2/3 starter.  He has three good pitchers, including a mid 90s fastball.  After his showing in last year's Olympics last year, as the closer, he should make a solid reliever, if he fails as a starter. 

Jake Cowan is one of the best, in my mind, the best, junior college players in this draft.  This was the last pick of our draft, and to be honest, everyone on my board was gone.  Two or three picks from mine, Jake Cowan's name popped into my head, and he become the choice.  Cowan is certainly worthy of this pick, and I would be satisfied if he became the pick on Tuesday. 

Overall I am pretty satisfied with this draft.  Like John said, it is a good mix of players.  Even though many of the picks were not my first choices and actually were contingency plans, I recieved good value at each pick, and I think Volz is a steal in the third.  Now if only Ed Wade could work on trading Tejada and Valverde, Houston would be well on their way to reestablishing their farm system.