Top 5 Astros stories of 2013

George Springer (photo by Tammy Tucker)

#2. George Springer’s phenomenal season

Astros outfield prospect and former first round pick George Springer started the 2013 season at AA Corpus Christi. After a big year at High-A Lancaster, Springer had spent the last month of the 2012 campaign at Corpus. In 2013, the question everyone was asking was: how long until Springer is patrolling the outfield at Minute Maid Park?

The Astros seemed intent on getting Springer at least one more year’s worth of experience in the minors. Spending the entire season at AA was a possibility. But George had other ideas. The 23-year old turned the Texas League into his own personal playground. By the time the All-Star break rolled around, Springer had already belted 19 homers, driven in 55 runs and stolen 23 bases. His slash line of .297/.399/.579 was a carbon copy of what he had done the year before at hitter friendly Lancaster.

After slugging a pair of homers in the Texas League All-Star Game, Springer was on his way to AAA. Once he arrived in Oklahoma City, Springer continued to rake. In fact, he actually turned his game up a notch. In 62 games with the RedHawks, Springer slashed an impressive .311/.425/.626 while blasting 18 homers, driving in 53 runs, and stealing 22 bases.

When all was said and done Springer had 37 homers, 108 RBIs, 45 stolen bases, and a 1.010 OPS. The Astros Minor League Player of the Year posted some of the best numbers anyone has seen in the last decade or so. Now, the question remains. When will we see Springer in Houston? My guess is the Astros keep him in AAA for a couple of months so they can squeeze in another year of team control.