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Astros Minor League Spotlight: Corpus Christi Hooks Pitcher Dean Deetz

By Michael Knight

Feb 15, 2017; West Palm Beach, FL, USA; A general view of the Houston Astros logo mounted at the Ballpark of the Palm Beaches. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 15, 2017; West Palm Beach, FL, USA; A general view of the Houston Astros logo mounted at the Ballpark of the Palm Beaches. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Corpus Christi Hooks are rolling to begin the year and pitching has been a large part of it.

The Hooks have many high-level prospects on their team, but one who is not even in the top 30 yet contributing greatly is Dean Deetz. This starting pitcher has been nothing short of dominant at the start of this season in Corpus Christi and hopes to contribute on the Astros soon.

The Stats

Deetz has found success at most every level of the minor leagues. The one league where he had trouble, surprisingly, was the rookie league during his first year in 2014 where he had an 8.88 ERA in 13 games. He has since improved and has pitched under a 4.30 ERA while progressing fairly quick through the minor league system.

This season, Deetz has been at his absolute best in his two games. In his 8 innings pitched (one start and one relief appearance), he has 10 strikeouts, a 0.46 WHIP, and a 1.01 ERA. This stretch is a continuation of his excellence from his two games in Corpus last year when he allowed zero runs.

Strengths and Weaknesses

One of Deetz’s best strengths is his ability to keep hitters away from the long ball. Over his career, including the bad rookie year, he has only allowed 0.5 home runs per nine innings. He also has a strong strikeouts per nine innings rate with 8.3 through his first few years.

A weakness of Deetz thus far is his control. He has allowed 4 walks per nine innings to begin his career and will need to work on that if he wants to make it to the bigs. Besides this weakness, Deetz has shown consistency in his game that should translate into a good major league career.

Next: Astros: Should Jake Marisnick Receive More At-Bats?

Future

Deetz got the opportunity to play for the Astros this season during spring training. He allowed one run in one inning during the only game he pitched in, but the experience of being with the major league team is good for any player. Deetz has the opportunity to be a great starter or reliever for the Astros at some point in the next couple years and should find success when he makes it there.

**Statistics courtesy of Baseball Reference**