Houston Astros Announce Minor League Rosters
By Yoni Pollak
Mar 5, 2014; Kissimmee, FL, USA; Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa (84) dives for a ground ball during the fourth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Osceola County Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
The Houston Astros have finally announced their Minor League rosters for the upcoming 2014 season. If you had to describe the Astros farm system in one word you could say they are STACKED! Here are the rosters of the highest four farm teams in the Astros system courtesy of the Houston Chronicle. You could read my thoughts on the rosters by scrolling to the bottom.
The Rosters:
Oklahoma City RedHawks (AAA)
Pitchers: Jake Buchanan, Jose Cisnero, Paul Clemens, Bobby Doran, Darin Downs, Mike Foltynewicz, Chia-Jen Lo, David Martinez, Collin McHugh, Rudy Owens, Jason Stoffel, Nick Tropeano, Pat Urckfitz, Josh Zeid
Catchers: Ryan McCurdy, Carlos Perez, Max Stassi
Infielders: Japhet Amador, Erik Castro, Jonathan Meyer, Gregorio Petit, Jon Singleton, Ruben Sosa, Ronald Torreyes
Outfielders: Adron Chambers, Domingo Santana, George Springer, Austin Wates
Corpus Christi Hooks (AA)
Pitchers: Travis Ballew, Colton Cain, Luis Cruz, Jorge De Leon, T.J. Geith, Matt Heidenreich, Jordan Jankowski, Andrew Robinson, Brady Rodgers, David Rollins, Ross Seaton, Tommy Shirley, Alex Sogard, Aaron West
Catchers: Rene Garcia, Tyler Heineman
Infielders: M.P. Cokinos, Matt Duffy, Nolan Fontana, Enrique Hernandez, Jio Mier, Joe Sclafani
Outfielders: Andrew Aplin, Delino DeShields, Chris Epps, Leo Heras, Preston Tucker
Lancaster JetHawks (High-A)
Pitchers: Mark Appel, Jamaine Cotton, Chris Devenski, Michael Dimock, Josh Hader, Mike Hauschild, Mitchell Lambson, Lance McCullers, Juan Minaya, Daniel Minor, J.D. Osborne, Tyson Perez, Kyle Smith, Vincent Velasquez, Kyle Westwood
Catchers: Roberto Pena, Jake Rodriguez
Infielders: Carlos Correa, Tony Kemp, Brandon Meredith, Carlos Perdomo, Rio Ruiz
Outfielders: Justin Gominsky, Dan Gulbransen, Teoscar Hernandez, Jordan Scott, Danry Vasquez
Quad Cities RiverBandits (Low-A)
Pitchers: Tyler Brunnemann, Patrick Christensen, Chris Cotton, Kent Emanuel, Michael Feliz, Evan Grills, Jandel Gustave, Adrian Houser, Chris Lee, Albert Minnis, Zach Morton, Gonzalo Sanudo, Andrew Thurman, Andrew Walter
Catchers: Brett Booth, Brian Holberton, Jobduan Morales
Infielders: Austin Elkins, Conrad Gregor, Jack Mayfield, Chase McDonald, Chan Moon, Tyler White
Outfielders: Jon Kemmer, Tanner Mathis, Brett Phillips, James Ramsay
Thoughts:
Depth, depth, and depth. Wow. An incredible amount of young talent everywhere. The Astros will go with a tandem-pitching system for the beginning part of season. That explains why you many starting pitchers at each level. It will be interesting to follow the trickle effect in the system once one starter gets called up another level or to the Major League team.
Another thing I love seeing here is the incredible depth in the outfield. The Astros are absolutely loaded at that position. In AAA, Springer and Santana have loads of potential. In AA, it will be a fight to see which three get the playing time. I’d love to see all of Aplin, DeShields, Epps, Heras, and Tucker get all the at-bats so it will be interesting to see which three get the regular at bats. My guess is Aplin/DeShields/Tucker with Epps getting some DH at bats. Lancaster and Quad Cities also have some outfielders with loads of potential that need at-bats as well. The outfield position is one area the Astros shouldn’t worry about in the future.
Players I’m Excited About Following This Season: This list is going to be long. Obviously I’m excited to follow everyone but certain ones more than others.
– Pitchers: Brady Rodgers, Aaron West, Vincent Velasquez, Michael Feliz, Chris Lee, Jandel Gustave, Andrew Thurman, Kent Emanuel.
– Hitters: Domingo Santana, Carlos Correa, Nolan Fontana, Preston Tucker, Joe Sclafani, Andrew Aplin, Chris Epps, Rio Ruiz, Danry Vasquez, Tyler White, Brett Phillips.
There you have it. Which prospects are you the most excited to follow this season? Sound off in the comments below!
Follow House Of Houston On Twitter – @HouseOfHouston
Follow Yoni Pollak On Twitter – @YoniPollak
To Like House Of Houston On Facebook – Click Here