Astros Minor League: AA Corpus Christi Roster Best Ever?

Jun 18, 2013; Dayton, OH, USA; West pitcher Lance McCullers throws against the East All Stars in the first inning during the Midwest League-All Star Game at Fifth Third Field. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports

With the Astros minor league players being assigned to specific teams for the season, several names at Corpus Christi should peak Astros fan’s interest. The core group of the current Double-A players played in High-A ball Lancaster last year. Why does that matter? Because this core group of players have moved up together, and they have had some experience winning.

More from Prospects

• Astros 1st-Round Draft Pick Drew Gilbert Done for the Year
• Astros Utility Prospect David Hensley Called Up to MLB
• Who Should the Astros Consider for a September Call-Up?
• Could the Astros Have 2 Rookie Catchers Next Year?
• First-Round Pick Drew Gilbert Already Called Up to Single-A

In 2013, this group won the Midwest League Championship with the Quad Cities River Bandits (Low-A). They then took the show to Lancaster (High-A), where in 2014 they won the California League Championship. If history has anything to do with this year’s outcome, things could be bright for one of the best minor league cities. Can we say 2015 Texas League Champions with the Hooks? Well, I don’t want to jinx it (thanks, Fresno). The Hooks slogan is “I’m Hooked,” and my eyes will be hooked on the MiLB App this year to look at the box scores.

Lets look at the released 2015 opening day roster for the Corpus Christi Hooks.

Next: Hitters

 Hitters

Mar 8, 2015; Lakeland, FL, USA; Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa (76) at bat against the Detroit Tigers at a spring training baseball game at Joker Marchant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Catcher

Probable Starter: Tyler Heineman

Back-up: Roberto Pena

Back-up: Brett Booth

Heineman broke out in 2013 with the Lacaster batting .286/ 13 HR/ 71 RBI. He was a 8th round pick in 2012, but he struggled in 2014 in AA batting .242/ 1 HR/ 25 RBI. If he can equal his 2013 numbers, he should earn his way up to AAA. Pena is known for his defensive abilities.

First Base

Probable Starter: Conrad Gregor

Back-up: Telvin Nash

Gregor was drafted in the fourth round of the 2013 draft. He and Kemp were drafted out of Vanderbilt. In 2014 between three teams, he batted .311/ 16 HR/ 86 RBI.

Click here for Gregors’s Interview with CTH.

Second Base

Probable Starter: Tony Kemp (#14 Astros Top Prospect MLB Pipeline)

Back-up: Nolan Fontana (#17 Astros Top Prospect MLB Pipeline)

Like Gregor, Kemp was drafted in the 5th round of the 2013 draft by the Astros. Between two minor league teams last year, Kemp batted .316/ 8 HR/ 58 RBI/ 41 SB. Do those numbers look familiar? Jose Altuve part II maybe?

Click here for Kemp’s Interview with CTH.

More from Prospects

• Astros 1st-Round Draft Pick Drew Gilbert Done for the Year
• Astros Utility Prospect David Hensley Called Up to MLB
• Who Should the Astros Consider for a September Call-Up?
• Could the Astros Have 2 Rookie Catchers Next Year?
• First-Round Pick Drew Gilbert Already Called Up to Single-A

Third Base

Probable Starter: Colin Moran (#6 Astros Top Prospect MLB Pipeline)

Back-up: Nolan Fontana (#17 Astros Top Prospect MLB Pipeline)

Moran was obtained in the Jarred Cosart deal in 2014, along with current center fielder Jake Marisnick. Depending on how Moran develops could decide who won that trade. Moran is a contact hitter, who won’t hit for much power. The first round pick in 2013 by the Marlins, hit .294/ 7 HR/ 55 RBI between two teams in 2014.

Shortstop

Probable Starter: Carlos Correa (#6 Astros Top Prospect MLB Pipeline)

Back-up: Jiovanni Mier

Correa’s stay in Corpus Christi might be a short one, but it could be legendary. The 2013 number one pick is top five prospects in all of baseball. Before being sent to minor league camp, Correa was on fire for the Astros during spring games.

Outfield

Right Fielder – Jon Kemmer

Center Fielder – Teoscar Hernandez (#8 Astros Top Prospect MLB Pipeline)

Left Field – Leo Heras

Backup – Brandon Meredith

The biggest name here is Teoscar Hernandez, who signed a deal out of the Dominican Republic in 2011. He offers a rare power-speed combination. In 2014, Hernandez hit .292/ 21 HR/ 85 RBI/ 33 SB.

Designated Hitter – Tyler White

White was drafted in 2013, and in 2014 he hit .290/ 15 HR/ 64 RBI.

Next: Rotation