Houston Astros Prospects: Player Comparison
By Jimmy Price
9. Vincent Velasquez, RHP
Vincent Velasquez is a big, young pitcher standing at 6’3″ 203 lbs. Velasquez was drafted in the 2nd round out of Garey High School, CA in 2010 by the Astros. Velasquez started out in rookie ball at the age of 18 but missed all of the 2011 season due to Tommy John surgery. He bounced back nicely in 2012 and had a great season in 2013.
2013 Stats, Class A/A+: 9-6, 3.54 ERA, 124.2 IP, 104 H, 41 BB, 142 SO, 3.0 BB/9, 10.3 SO/9
Best Case Scenario Comparison: Matt Cain, RHP (Giants)
Matt Cain was also drafted out of high school and is about the same size as Velasquez. Cain had good strikeout numbers which carried over to his MLB career. Cain and Velasquez both possess a good fastball/changeup combination. For his career, per 162 games, Cain averaged 12-11, 3.37 ERA, 220 IP, 74 BB, 183 SO, 3.0 BB/9, 7.5 K/9 and a career WAR of 32.3.