Astros Top Prospects: MLB Pipeline Top-30 Part 2

15th through 11th Astros top prospects

Feb 26, 2015; Kissimmee, FL, USA; Houston Astros outfielder Preston Tucker poses for a picture during photo day at Osceola County Stadium Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

#15 Preston Tucker – OF (stock increased, #17 in 2014)

I’m going to try to maintain my composure with this one because all he has done is hit when he is not expected to be able to hit. He was the first interview I did with Climbing Tal’s Hill, and Morgan Ensberg has nothing but good things to say about Tucker. He may not have the best overall skills, but he always finds a way to hit the ball and hit it hard. Last spring, Bo Porter was raving about his skills. Jeff Luhnow said that he hoped that Tucker will become what Allen Craig was with the Cardinals. He might get the call at some point in 2015. However, he plays a position at which the Astros are loaded. He has played at first base in college, but hasn’t really been given the chance in the minors much. Tucker has moved quickly through the minors and reached AAA last year.

Check out Preston Tucker’s Interview Here

2014 Stats: 536 AB/.282 Avg/ 151 hits/ 35 doubles/ 0 triples/ 24 homers/ 94 RBI/ 5 stolen base.

MLB Pipeline ETA: 2015

Ceiling: Allen Craig

Floor: Colby Rasmus

Position blocker: Domingo Santana and Jake Marisnick

#14 Tony Kemp – 2B (stock on the rise, ranked #15 last year)

I got a chance to interview the two Vanderbilt boys drafted by the Astros in 2013, Conrad Gregor and Tony Kemp. Both players have risen quickly through the minors. Kemp is a natural second baseman, but he is currently blocked by another short second baseman named Jose Altuve. He has played in the outfield before, and for him to make the big leagues, he might have to make that transition. He has speed and the ability to score runs. Looking at the numbers below, he compares very well to Jose Altuve.

Check out Tony Kemp’s Interview Here

Check out Tony Kemp’s Prospect Profile Here

2014 Stats: 528 AB/.316 Avg/ 121 runs/ 30 doubles/ 8 triples/ 8 homers/ 58 RBI/ 41 stolen base.

MLB Pipeline ETA: 2016

Ceiling: Jose Altuve

Floor: Dee Gordon

Position blocker: Jose Altuve

May 26, 2013; Hoover, AL, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores infielder Tony Kemp (6) tosses his helmet after grounding out in the tenth inning against the LSU Tigers during the championship game of the SEC baseball tournament at the Hoover Met. LSU defeated Vanderbilt 5-4 in 11 innings. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

#13 J.D. Davis – 3B (stock on the rise, ranked #18 last year)

J.D. Davis was drafted in the 3rd round of the 2014 draft by the Astros. He pitched in college throwing the ball 93 mph, but the scouts liked his hitting ability better. With the trade of Rio Ruiz, J.D. Davis might overtake Colin Moran as the future at third base for the Astros. He profiles as a Ryan Zimmerman type of third baseman, someone who can hit 20+ home runs while hitting for a decent batting average. He reached Low A ball in his first season, so he could be possibly be moved quickly through the system with his college experience.

2014 Stats: 266 AB/.293 Avg/ 78 hits/ 16 doubles/ 1 triples/ 13 homers/ 52 RBI/ 5 stolen base.

MLB Pipeline ETA: 2017

Ceiling: Ryan Zimmerman

Floor: Morgan Ensberg

Position blocker: Colin Moran

#12 A.J. Reed – 1B (slight decline in ranking, ranked #11 last year)

A.J. Reed was another one of the pitching and hitting prospects that the Astros drafted in the 2014 draft. He won the 2014 Golden Spike Award for his pitching and hitting. He was better known for his pitching at one point, but he offers power that’s rare for a left-handed hitter. He has become a good overall hitter and not just a power threat. The Astros have made him a full-time first baseman because his speed won’t allow him to play any other position. He could be fast tracked if Jon Singleton becomes Brett Wallace 2.0.

2014 Stats: 249 AB/.289 Avg/ 72 hits/ 20 doubles/ 1 triples/ 12 homers/ 54 RBI/ 2 stolen base.

MLB Pipeline ETA: 2017

Ceiling: Matt Adams

Floor: Eric Hosmer

Position blocker: Jon Singleton

#11 Derek Fisher – OF (Slight decrease in stock, ranked #10 in 2014)

The draft slot that the Astros received in the Bud Norris trade along with L.J. Hoes and Josh Hader, turned into young Derek Fisher. He is a fast runner, but lacks an arm to play center or right. His speed and bat might help him accelerate his rise to the major league roster, but like many Astros outfield prospects, there may not be many openings when he is ready. He profiles as a disruptive runner on the base paths and solid hitter, possibly an Alex Rios type of player.

2014 Stats: 155 AB/.310 Avg/ 48 hits/ 5 doubles/ 3 triples/ 2 homers/ 18 RBI/ 17 stolen bases.

MLB Pipeline ETA: 2017

Ceiling: Alex Rios

Floor: Ben Revere

Position blocker: Tony Kemp and Jake Marisnick

Next: Summary of Part II of the Astros top prospects