When looking over minor league statistics, certain numbers can truly jump out. Seeing hitters who produce impressive statistical seasons truly help to give hope for the future, especially for a team that is looking ahead for when the better days are expected to come. One of those players for the Astros may end up being minor league first baseman, designated hitter and left fielder Conrad Gregor.
Gregor was originally drafted by the Chicago White Sox in the 40th round of the 2010 MLB Amateur Draft, but did not sign, allowing the Astros to draft him in the fourth round in 2013. Starting his professional career with the Tri-City ValleyCats, Gregor put together a solid campaign, producing a .289/.379/.385 batting line, hitting four home runs. Gregor truly impressed with his plate discipline, drawing 37 walks in 317 plate appearances.
Last year, Conrad Gregor may have truly placed himself amongst the Astros top prospects. Rapidly ascending through the Astros minor league system, Gregor played across three levels in 2014. Despite that rise through the ranks, Gregor produced a .311/.404/.509 batting line, hitting 16 home runs and 31 doubles. Gregor also continued to show his amazing plate discipline last year, drawing 68 walks in 532 plate appearances.
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Most of Gregor’s production came for the Lancaster JetHawks in the California League. In 47 games for the JetHawks, Gregor posted a .367/.449/.678 batting line with 12 home runs and 14 doubles. Gregor even walked 27 times against 25 strikeouts, as he completely overmatched the pitchers of the California League.
Chances are, Conrad Gregor will begin the 2015 season back with the Corpus Christi Hooks, where he finished the 2014 season. Although he struggled with the Hooks, posting a .239/.323/.376 batting line, Gregor also managed to draw 13 walks in 124 plate appearances. With a second shot at the Texas League, Gregor could well continue to place himself amongst the top minor leaguers for the Astros.
Conrad Gregor has certainly performed well enough to garner plenty of attention heading into 2015. He will certainly be worth keeping an eye on next year.