there’s someone so dedicated to researching the ’Stros system

I think Mier is either 3 or 4 in the system depending on how you think Norris projects long-term . . .I mentioned on here pre-draft that I thought his hitting ability was underrated, but I don’t think anybody could have seen this coming. Very high upside . . .jump on this bandwagon while the load is light.

I also think you’re not putting enough emphasis on the few guys beyond the top who have considerable upside (Austin, Clemens, Bushue). All three are much more valuable than guys who don’t project to be better than decent middle relief options.

No Bundy? Stuff is there, just needs some results.

Mickolio? I like his stuff to even if he is just a SU type RP.

I like your list overall, but there are a few things I would add:

Don’t put much too weight in lower-level stats, good or bad. Stats below AA, in particular, don’t always tell the whole story. Clubs ask players to work on areas of their game that will ultimately make them better players, but may or may not show up in box scores. That doesn’t mean to dismiss improvements in stat lines from year to year, but assessments based only on box scores can be misleading.

I would rate Steele higher than you have him, probably higher than Gaston and Shuck. He’s had some hamstring issues, but he has the highest ceiling of the three and has had good results, when healthy.

I wouldn’t worry about Gaston’s size, 6’0" 210 is plenty big for a guy to hit for power. Bagwell was 6’0" 195 (though he was around 220 in his prime), Mickey Mantle was 5’11" 198. Another note, Pelligrini hit his 30th HR yesterday, though 7 were for Lancaster.

Clemens has an OPS of .995 away from Lancaster, so I wouldn’t discredit his offense too much. But, the lack of a position does hurt and I still don’t see him hitting well enough to be a big-league regular unless he makes major strides defensively at catcher.

DeLome still should be there somewhere, probably toward the end of the list. Johnson’s season as a whole has been a disappointment, but is finishing strong, with a .920 OPS this month. I imagine he’ll be in the AFL again this summer. Manzella’s not a player that generates excitement, but has turned in a decent season at the plate (especially if you throw out June) and has been ready defensively. He’s not top 10 material, but has more value than a relief prospect. Dydalewicz should be in the mix, also.

it would be more interesting to those of us who don’t follow the Astros if you provided a few numbers to go along. X is doing well, or Y has been disappointing is pretty limited info, if one knows little about them to begin with.

Nice effort though.

What are the chances he gets moved to closer?

I’m sure the Astros will give him every opportunity to be a starter. The back end of the rotation is terrible and has literally destroyed their season. Until they get better options or if Norris implodes in the rotation, he will stay in the rotation for the forseeable future.

gore51, regarding towles, he is probably their best hitter at AAA, but the organization seems to just doesn’t believe in him anymore for whatever reason. I personally think he is a better option than all the catchers on the major league roster.

I agree with your statements mostly. I based my rankings some on stats, others on scouting reports I’ve read, age relative to how close they are to the bigs, and on previous rankings here on the website and elsewhere.

I did forget about Delome when posting the list and probably would put him 14-17 but he also has issues. I put Steele that low because he hasn’t played as much as the others that can hurt his development, especially with his patience.

Manzella is too old to be put on this list without have considerable upside but there are rumors he will contend for the SS position next year if Tejada doesn’t sign or agrees to move to third.

With regards Gaston, it’s possible I rated him too low but everywhere I hear is that he will struggle in the upper minors. He has big strikeout issues that worry me (around 140 this season) and usually plays DH instead of the outfield, so I’m not sure about his defense. Also, there was no mention of him having such a great year because he hadn’t done it before. Let’s not forget about Lancaster, either. But, who knows, he might suprise us all.

The system is getting better, but it will take more time before it is regarded as good. The only projected MLB regular hitter in the upper minors is Castro and most of their best prospects are still in A-ball. But their past two drafts have been productive, so far. I just wish they could done more beforehand.

You have Gaston way too low. There really isn’t even an argument in my opinion to have him at 14, unless you think all the guys above him are at least B- types (which of course they are not).

Other guys that are somewhat interesting…Brian Pelligrini who has been mentioned, Henry Villar, and Julio (JD) Martinez.