Astros Future’s Minor League Guide For 2015
By Jimmy Price
Oct. 14, 2014; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; Houston Astros pitcher Mark Appel plays for the Salt River Rafters during an Arizona Fall League game against the Surprise Saguaros at Salt River Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Houston Astros Top Five Right Handed Pitching Prospects
1. Mark Appel (DOB: 07/15/91)
There isn’t much to say about Mark Appel that hasn’t been said already. Appel was drafted with the 6th pick in the 2012 draft by the Pirates but decided to return to Stanford where he put together a fantastic senior season. Appel went 10-4 with a 2.12 ERA in 106.1 IP, 23 BB/130 SO. This was enough for the Astros to take the right-hander #1 overall in 2013.
After the draft Appel pitched 38 minor league innings in the Astros system for a 3.78 ERA with 9 BB and 33 SO. Prior to the 2014 season underwent appendectomy surgery, which got his season off to a rough start. He was then assigned to Lancaster to start the 2014 season where he really struggled. He posted a 9.74 ERA in 44.1 IP in Class A+. His final start in Lancaster he went 6 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 0 BB, 7 K and was immediately promoted to AA Corpus Christi. In AA, Appel pitched in 7 games (6 starts) with a 3.69 ERA in 39 innings. Appel was chosen by the Astros to participate in the Arizona Fall League where he posted a 2.61 ERA in 31 IP allowing only 18 hits.
There are plenty of mixed reviews right now on Appel but the end of his 2014 definitely looked a lot better. All the reports I have read say that Appel has all the pitches and ability to be a major league starter, we are just waiting for it all to come together. I think big things are in store for Appel in 2015.
2014 Stats: 3-7, 6.91 ERA, 83.1 IP, 109 H, 64 ER, 24 BB, 78 SO, 2.6 BB/9, 8.4 SO/9 (not including AFL)
2. Vincent Velasquez (DOB: 06/07/92)
Velasquez was originally drafted by the Astros in the 2nd round of the 2010 draft. Velasquez was assigned to rookie ball where he posted a 3.07 ERA in 29.1 IP. Unfortunately, Velasquez had to have Tommy John Surgery and missed all of 2011. He returned to baseball in 2012 and was assigned to Class A- Tri-City where he posted a 3.35 ERA in 45.2 IP with 51 SO.
In 2o13 Velasquez was back and ready to roll. He started with Class A Quad Cities pitching 110 innings with 123 SO and a 3.19 ERA. He was promoted to Lancaster and only threw 14.2 IP there. Prior to 2014, most people were expecting a breakout season from Velasquez. While he pitched well, he struggled with minor injuries and only threw 63.2 innings. It is noted that Velasquez has a plus fastball and plus change-up. Velasquez will most likely start 2015 in AA Corpurs Christi and if healthy, could be on a fast track to Minute Maid Park.
2014 Stats: 7-5, 3.53 ERA, 63.2 IP, 50 H, 25 ER, 25 BB, 91 SO, 3.5 BB/9, 12.9 SO/9 (A+ and Rk)
3. Michael Feliz (DOB: 06/28/93)
Feliz and Velasquez, in my opinion, are very close prospects. John Sickels actually has Feliz above Velasquez. I give the edge to Velasquez due to him being at a higher level. Feliz was originally set to sign with the Athletics for $800,000 but the contract was voided after a positive drug test. This allowed the Astros to sign him for only $400,000.
Feliz bounced around rookie ball for three seasons showing off nice strikeout rates but somewhat shaky command. In 2013, Feliz had a breakout season. He was assigned to Class A- Tri-City where he dominated the NYPL. Feliz went 4-2 with a 1.96 ERA in 69 IP, 53 H, 13 BB, 78 SO. Feliz built on this success in his first season in full season baseball. John Sickels noted that Feliz was up to 96 MPH and showing off a nice breaking ball. Feliz will most likely start in Lancaster, which is a tough place to pitch.
2014 Stats: 8-6, 4.03 ERA, 102.2 IP, 104 H, 46 ER, 37 BB, 111 SO, 3.2 BB/9, 9.7 SO/9
4. Lance McCullers (DOB: 10/02/93)
McCullers, son of former big league pitcher by the same name, was drafted by the Astros 41st overall in the 2012 draft. McCullers came out of high school with a ton of talent. He fell in the draft due to signability concerns but the Astros were able to make a deal work. The same year he was drafted he pitched 26 innings with 12 walks and 29 strikeouts.
The next season he started in full season ball with the Quad Cities River Bandits. He put together a great season going 6-5 with a 3.18 ERA in 104.2 IP with 39 BB and 117 SO. In 2014 he was assigned to Lancaster, which most know is a tough place to pitch. He kept up an incredible strikeout rate striking out 115 batters in only 97 innings. Unfortunately this also came with an incline in walks to the tune of 5.2 BB/9. Lance has the tools to be a front line starter and should start this season in Corpus Christi. Some see him fitting in as a closer but he still has a ton of upside for a starter.
2014 Stats: 3-6, 5.47 ERA, 97 IP, 95 H, 59 ER, 56 BB, 117 SO, 5.2 BB/9, 10.7 SO/9
5. Kyle Smith (DOB: 09/10/92)
Smith was originally drafted by the Royals out of high school in the 2011 draft. In 2012 he got his professional career off to a great start. Smith went 5-3 with a 2.86 ERA with 72.1 IP, 21 BB, 98 SO, 12.2 SO/9 between rookie and A ball. The next season Smith started out in A+ and posted a 2.85 ERA in 104.1 IP with the Royals organization. In the summer of 2013 Smith was traded to the Houston Astros for Justin Maxwell. To this day I am still shocked we got Smith for Maxwell.
Smith came to Houston and finished the season in Lancaster with a 7.33 ERA. In 2014 Smith started out with Class A+ Lancaster and only pitched 27.2 IP (2.60 ERA) before earning a promotion to Corpus Christi. Smith had some ups and down in AA but posted very respectable walk and strikeout numbers for a 21 year old. Smith is known to have average stuff but good pitchability and a strong makeup.
Smith apparently had Tommy John surgery this offseason so he likely won’t be pitching again until next offseason.
2014 Stats: 9-5, 3.96 ERA, 122.2 IP, 110 H, 54 ER, 37 BB, 127 SO, 2.7 BB/9, 9.3 SO/9 (A+ and AA)
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