Houston Astros Possible #1 Draft Picks

Astros Possible Draft Picks

It’s 2014 and the Houston Astros have the #1 pick in the draft again for the third straight year. With the draft right around the corner I figured it would be a good time to look at some possible #1 draft picks. According to reports, the Astros have narrowed their selection down to six players. Here are the options:

Carlos Rodon, LHP, NC State

According to most, Rodon would have been the #1 pick in last year’s draft after a dominant sophomore season. In that season he struck out over 12 batters per 9 innings. Rodon stands 6-3, 235 lbs which some say is a “bad body.” The left hander featured a mid 90s fastball, slider and changeup. His slider is viewed as maybe the best in the class and his strikeout pitch. Although the stars seem to be aligned for the Astros to take the top college pitcher there have been rumors they could go in another direction.

Brady Aiken, LHP, Cathedral Catholic HS (California)

Aiken has steadily moved up the ranks putting himself in contention for the #1 pick. Aiken in a big (6-4 205 lbs), left handed pitcher from California. He has drawn comparisons to Clayton Kershaw. Scouts say he has a very easy, athletic delivery. His fastball sits 92-94 mph sometimes reaching up to 97 mph. He has great command and can throw all his pitches for strikes. He also features a nice breaking curveball. His potential at this point is sky high but it is very risky taking a high school pitcher #1.

Alex Jackson, C/OF, Rancho Bernardo HS (California)

Jackson stands at 6-2 and 215 lbs currently with room to add some more weight. The best asset that Jackson possesses is his bat. He may have the best raw power in the draft with legitimate 30+ HR power. Some scouts don’t see him as much of a high average hitter but as we know, power is rare commodity these days. He is currently a catcher but his size may push him to outfield or worse, first base. He does have a good arm which would help in the outfield.

Tyler Kolek, RHP, Shepherd HS (Texas)

Kolek is a huge, huge pitcher standing at 6-5 and 250 lbs. Kolek possesses a mid 90s fastball with reports of it being 100+. He also has a curveball and slider both of which need some work. At this point Kolek doesn’t command his off speed pitches as much as scouts would like. Some scouts believe that he can still add velocity given his size. Right now the sky is very high for Kolek but he also has a long way to go. Raw talent, but maybe too raw for the Astros at #1.

Aaron Nola, RHP, LSU

Nola is a smaller pitcher from Louisiana State. There are a lot of mixed reviews on him. Some say he is worth the top pick, others see him more as a mid first rounder. He only stands a 6-1 and 185 lbs but is the top pitcher for LSU. He has a 2 seam fastball which sits between 90-93 mph. He also has a good curveball. The thing that stands out for Nola is his ability to just get guys out. He also has great command and does not walk many. He doesn’t have the upside of a #1 pick but could be a guy who contributes very early.

Nick Gordon, SS, Olympia HS (Florida)

The brother of LA Dodgers Dee Gordon, Nick possesses some of the same abilities. He is 6-1 170 lbs. He is considered the best shortstop in the 2014 draft. Defensively is where Gordon shines. He is a great defender and has a great arm. His hit tool is sloghtly above average with quick hands and the ability to hit the ball to all fields. Like his brother, he has great speed. At this point he is considered an average baserunner with good speed. I think it is a stretch the Astros take him #1 overall but there were some rumors out there last week.

Who would you like to see the Astros take with the #1 pick?

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