Houston Hopeful- Jake Goebbert

Although he isn’t one of the most highly touted prospects in the organization, outfielder Jake Goebbert has been invited to Astros big league Spring Training. Goebbert was drafted by Houston in the 13th round of the 2009 draft out of Northwestern University. Jake didn’t waste any time working his way up to the AAA level in 2011. Goebbert played 31 games at Oklahoma City last season, maintaining his career numbers with a .283/.345/.425 slash line.

The Astros like Goebbert’s well-rounded game. After the minor league season ended the Astros sent Goebbert to the Arizona Fall League to continue his development. Jake hit .247/.301/.412 in 22 games with the AFL champion Salt River Rafters. Goebbert has an above average throwing arm and has played both corner outfield positions. He has pretty good speed but has yet to master the art of base stealing.

Goebbert hits left-handed and has a pure line drive swing. He has shown decent plate discipline, compiling a 116/198 strikeout/walk ratio in the minors. Goebbert should hit for a high average and has the potential to hit about 15 homeruns per year.

There will be plenty of outfielders in Kissimmee this spring competing for a spot on the Opening Day roster. Goebbert probably isn’t realistically in the hunt, but will provide motivation for some of the more experienced roster candidates. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Goebbert in Houston at some point this summer.