The Astros spent the 90th overall pick on Austin Wates of Virginia Tech.
Follow the jump for his pre-draft report.
Austin Wates Position: OF School: Virginia Tech State: VA Year: Jr. Height: 6’1’’ Weight: 185
Bats: R Throws: R Birth Date: 9/12/88 Seiler Rating: 1C3 Last Drafted: Never
|
Year |
G |
AB |
R |
H |
2B |
3B |
HR |
RBI |
SB |
CS |
BB |
SO |
AVG |
OBP |
SLG |
|
2008 |
53 |
216 |
35 |
70 |
10 |
6 |
2 |
33 |
15 |
5 |
11 |
33 |
.324 |
.369 |
.454 |
|
2009 |
47 |
194 |
50 |
77 |
20 |
3 |
5 |
42 |
16 |
1 |
13 |
32 |
.397 |
.447 |
.608 |
|
2010 |
53 |
198 |
53 |
73 |
14 |
4 |
7 |
48 |
15 |
3 |
34 |
27 |
.369 |
.480 |
.586 |
Austin Wates is a high-ceiling collegiate outfielder from Virginia Tech. Wates came to Virginia Tech from St. Christopher’s School in Richmond, Virginia. Like many of the other top-level collegiate outfielders in this class, he went undrafted out of high school, and he might have been under the radar more than some of the other big names. He landed at Virginia Tech, and despite tools that make him a potential starting center fielder at the next level, he’s never really had a chance to showcase those tools in that position, including this year, when he’s played first base and right field for the Hokies. However, with tools that scouts have seen for three years now, he’s not going to get cheated in the draft based on what position his college team has him play. At the plate, he features an above-average to plus hit tool with fringe-average raw power, and he’s currently a solid performer on the field. There have been a few doubts expressed about his swing mechanics, which are unorthodox, but he should be fine against pro pitching with a few minor adjustments. He’s an above-average to plus runner, and that should help his offensive and defensive game, as well. In the field, he has the raw tools to be an above-average defender in center, but there are major concerns about his instincts, which aren’t great due to lack of playing time in the outfield. His arm is fringe-average, but if he can play center field, that shouldn’t matter too much. He’d have to move to left field, though, if center field proves too much for him to handle. With intriguing tools for a college player, he could go as high as the supplemental first round, but he’s a better fit in the middle of the second round, where he should sign for slot money.