Houston Astros Prospects: Player Comparison
By Jimmy Price
7. Delino DeShields, CF
Nov 2, 2013; Surprise, AZ, USA; Houston Astros outfielder Delino DeShields against the East during the Fall Stars Game at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
DDJ was drafted in the first round of the 2010 draft out of Woodward Academy, GA by the Astros. DDJ came with high expectations due to his father being a major league baseball player. The Astros tried DDJ at 2B for a few seasons but has since moved back to his original position, CF. DDJ possesses game changing speed which he can use in the field and on the base paths.
2013 Stats, Class A+: 111 G, .317 BA/.405 OBP/.468 SLG, 100 R, 25 2B, 14 3B, 5 HR, 54 RBI, 51 SB, 57 BB/91 SO
Best Case Scenario Comparison: Kenny Lofton, CF (Indians, Multiple Teams)
Kenny Lofton was a great defensive center fielder. DDJ isn’t to that point yet but he has the ability. The key to Lofton’s success was his elite speed and plate discipline. For his career, Lofton has a .299 BA and a .372 OBP, with an average of 48 stolen bases per season. Lofton had a career war over 68. In his prime, Lofton was a prototypical lead-off guy. Would be fantastic if DeSheilds was able to put it together and become a player like Lofton.