This will be my third straight year running the mock for the Astros, and I’m proud to say the last two have turned out well so far. My 2015 draft brought TJ Zeuch (pitching well despite not K’ing many), Ben Bowden (dominant in A-ball after missing last season to injury), Reggie Lawson (in the midst of a breakout campaign), and Colby Woodmansee (my biggest bust, got hurt and was just released yesterday). 2016 fetched Shane Baz (jury’s still out, hasn’t pitched much), Stuart Fairchild (solid in a small sample), Corbin Martin (Astros picked him in real life, already in AA), Jesse Berardi (decent debut, just started his season), Luis Campusano (19 years old and holding his own in A-ball), and Zac Lowther (pure dominance in the low-minors). Here are several first round targets for this year.
Prep pitchers
RHP Ethan Hankins: Love that he is advanced enough to change up his delivery and mess with timing. FB up to 98 with good command of it, and I’m higher on his CB than most.
RHP Kumar Rocker: Looks to be a durable starter with big stuff, mid 90’s FB with a SL that flashes plus. I see a #3 starter, workhorse who can throw 200 innings annually and maintain a solid K/9.
RHP Carter Stewart: Will probably be gone before my pick, but high spin rate on FB and breaking ball intrigue me. Hard to pass him up if he falls this far.
LHP Ryan Weathers: Advanced prep arm, I’m a fan of the fact that he can spot up his FB and CB, development of CH could come. Reminds me a bit of post-resurrection Scott Kazmir.
College pitchers
RHP Tristan Beck: Plus pitchability and command of three pitches. Hard not to love this guy, although he doesn’t strike out as many as I’d like.
RHP Sean Hjelle: Might be a reach at 28, but his height, downward plane on the FB, and solid CB combine to make an intriguing package. The fact that he can repeat his mechanics despite his long limbs makes me think there might be more than just a MOR here.
LHP Ryan Rolison: Basically Ryan Weathers in 3 years. Maybe slightly less upside but more polished.
Prep bats
C Will Banfield: Huge fan of his defense, great receiver and a solid arm, the tools are there for him to hit but it might take a few years. Could definitely see him being a first-division regular.
C Anthony Seigler: Defense isn’t as polished as Banfield, but his bat is superior right now. Plus raw from both sides of the plate, and athletic enough to play other positions if necessary.
1B Triston Casas: 80 raw, feel to hit. Strong arm too, although third base might be a stretch. Might potentially be plus at first down the line.
The college bats, for me, fall more in the rounds 2-4 range.
