Astros Top-Eight Prospects After First 2 Rounds

Astros Top Prospects Four to Three

Oct. 14, 2014; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; Houston Astros pitcher

plays for the Salt River Rafters during an Arizona Fall League game against the Surprise Saguaros at Salt River Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Fourth Best Astros Prospect is Mark Appel

Appel, drafted with the first overall pick in the 2013 MLB draft, has had an up and down career so far. His stuff has remained the same; he just has become more hittable this season. Appel has struggled this season so far in Double-A with a 3-1 record along with a 5.20 ERA. In 45 innings, Appel has struck out 32 batters.

What is wrong with the former number one pick, in my opinion I think that he is bored and frustrated. He was expected to reach the majors quickly after being drafted in 2013. A change of scenery might be needed for Appel to gain back his confidence, as he was expected to be the most MLB-ready out of college. The way to get Appel back on track could be by promoting him to Triple-A or to the Astros to pitch out of the bullpen.

Third Best Astros Prospect is Daz Cameron

Daz Cameron was rated the fifth best prospect in the 2015 draft. However, there were concerns that he would only sign for a certain amount, which was only available in the first five picks of the draft. Jim Callis predicted that he expected Cameron to fall out of the first round because of signability issues. The Astros signed two people like that in 2012; their names were Lance McCullers andRio Ruiz.

What does Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com think of Cameron?

"“While his upside has leveled off a bit since then, he still profiles as a center fielder who could have at least solid tools across the board. In addition to his physical ability, he shows fine instincts in all phases of the game. Cameron should have at least average big league power, but he doesn’t worry about home runs at this point. The Florida State recruit laces line drives all over the field with a short right-handed swing and plenty of bat speed. While he’s not a blazer, he can steal a few bases and chases down balls in the gaps.” – Jonathan Mayo."

Getting Cameron with the 37th pick was awesome for the Astros, but his signability remains in question. During the draft coverage, it was mentioned that people around the league had an idea that a team already offered Cameron an ‘unofficial’ guarantee of five million. Jim Callis suspected that the only team with that financial space would be the Astros. The Astros better hope that Cameron’s word is stronger than oak if that is the case.

Astros Draft Targets: Daz Cameron

Next: Astros Top Two Prospects