Houston Astros Prospects: Player Comparison
By Jimmy Price
2. George Springer, RF
Apr 16, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros right fielder George Springer (4) bats during the first inning against the Kansas City Royals at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
George Springer was drafted in the first round of the 2011 draft by the Houston Astros. George Springer is a rare combination of power and speed. He has legitimate 30+ HR power and 30+ SB speed. He is also a great defender in the outfield. He does have strikeout problems but the positives definitely outweigh the negatives with him.
2013 Stats, AA/AAA: 135 G, .303 BA/.411 OBP/.600 SLG, 106 R, 27 2B, 4 3B, 37 HR, 108 RBI, 45 SB, 83 BB/161 SO
Best Case Scenario Player Comparison: Andruw Jones, OF (Braves, Yankees, Others)
This is another tough call. Other players I thought about were Vladimir Guerrero, Matt Kemp, Carlos Beltran. I eventually settled on Jones do to his power, speed and defense combination. Though Jones didnt really steal many bases later in his career, he did steal 20+ bags for the first 4 seasons. Jones was never a high hitter for average but he played great defense and hit with power. Jones averaged 32 HR, 93 RBI per 162 games for his career with a 62.8 WAR. Springer’s best though could be similar to Kemp’s 2011 season where he had 39 HR, 126 RBI, 40 SB and a .324 BA.