Astros Future’s Minor League Guide For 2015
By Jimmy Price
Jun 24, 2014; Omaha, NE, USA; Virginia Cavaliers outfielder Derek fisher (23) drives in the tying run in the top of the sixth inning against the Vanderbilt Commodores during game two of the College World Series Finals at TD Ameritrade Park Omaha. Virginia defeated Vanderbilt 7-2. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports
Houston Astros Top Three Left Field Prospects
1. Derek Fisher (DOB: 08/21/93)
Fisher was drafted by the Astros in the first round of the 2014 draft (37th overall). Fisher is seen as a center fielder but played primarily left field for the Tri-City Valleycats. He is known as a great defender in left field though. Fisher is more toolsy than a typical college bat. He is seen as a high potential outfielder with legit tools. The left-handed hitting Fisher has decent power but very good speed. In his short time in pro ball he showed off this speed stealing 17 bases in 41 games. Definitely a high potential outfielder at this time and 2015 should prove a lot for Fisher.
2014 Stats: .310 BA/.386 OBP/.419 SLG, 31 R, 5 2B, 3 3B, 2 HR, 18 RBI, 17 SB, 17 BB/35 SO in 42 games.
2. Preston Tucker (DOB: 07/06/90)
Preston Tucker was drafted by the Astros in the 2012 draft. He was known as an advanced bat coming out of college but was still passed on until the 7th round despite great statistics. Tucker seems to be referred to as an average overall player with what scouts call a bad body.
During his minor league career he has proven scouts wrong. In his first taste of professional ball he hit .321 with 8 HR, 18 BB/16 SO in 42 games. The next season Tucker exploded hitting .297 with 32 2B, 25 HR, 103 RBI in 135 games between A+/AA. This season he continued his success to the tune of 24 HRs. I have read reports that Tucker is not a great defender but adequate in left field. If he gets to the pros, it will be on his bat.
2014 Stats: .282 BA/.352 OBP/.481 SLG, 35 2B, 24 HR, 94 RBI, 57 BB/120 SO in 138 games.
3. Leonardo Heras (DOB: 05/29/90)
Heras was signed out of the Mexican League by the Astros during the 2013 season. In the Mexican league he dominated .323 with 24 HR before coming to the United States. While the success hasn’t translated exactly quite yet, he did put together an overall nice 2014. His batting average was low but he showed the ability to draw walks and put the bat on the ball. He has a nice mix of speed in power in his 5’9″ frame. There is a chance he may start in AA Corpus Christi this season but could make a push for AAA as well.
2014 Stats: .236 BA/.354 OBP/.364 SLG, 13 2B, 6 3B, 5 HR, 36 RBI, 19 SB, 52 BB/58 SO in 96 games.
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