I am now working on the Pittsburgh Pirates Top 20 Prospects list. The next team in line is the Houston Astros, to be followed by the Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago White Sox, Colorado Rockies, New York Yankees, Cincinnati Reds, and the Los Angeles Angels.


Use this thread to discuss the Houston Astros organization and farm system. Possible points for discussion include, but are certainly not limited to,

****Well that was a weird season. The failure to sign 2014 first-overall pick Brady Aiken was the huge bit of player development news of course. In your opinion, what is the condition of the minor league system and how big of a blow was the Aiken issue?

****The major league team improved by 19 games, obviously a comparative success even if there is still a long way to go. How much can this team improve on the field in 2015?

****Who is the real Mark Appel?

****Assuming his leg heals properly, is Carlos Correa the top prospect in baseball?

****What do you think of Brett Phillips' breakout season?

****Will strikeouts ruin Domingo Santana?

****Chris Carter: All Star?

****As usual, discuss your sleepers and under-rated prospects, and over-rated ones.