Houston Astros: In Luhnow We Trust?

Jeff Luhnow validated?

The 2014 draft was not the disaster it seemed at the time. It was simply bad timing for an organization and fan base that felt like it was being kicked when it had already been down for so long. But looking back, it proved to show a fundamental problem with the rules of the draft system itself. How can a team be expected to commit millions of dollars without first seeing that players’ medical records. I doubt Mr. Luhnow or the Astros would ever admit to a sense of validation when Brady Aiken had to undergo Tommy John surgery this spring.

It was recently discovered that there was an ongoing federal investigation into the hacking of the Astros database and that members of the St. Louis Cardinals may be responsible. Former Cardinals scouting director Chris Correa was fired as a result of the investigation.

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The Jarred Cosart trade is looking rather good for the Astros at the moment. Cosart was recently sent to the minors, while Jake Marisnick, Colin Morin and Francis Martes have all experienced success this year. Also, the draft pick received in the Cosart trade was used to select Daz Cameron who has signed with the Astros and recently began his career with a 2-4 night, including a RBI and 2 stolen bases.

That brings us full circle to this year’s draft. Jeff Luhnow and Mike Elias had a draft to remember. Notable selections include: Alex Bregman (2 overall), Kyle Tucker (5), Daz Cameron(37), Thomas Eshleman(46), Riley Ferrell(79) and recently signed Patrick Sandoval (319). Sandoval was an 11^th round selection only because it was believed he was going to honor his commitment to Southern California. The 6-3 lefthander was ranked #139 overall by MLB.

What’s Important Now?: It’s still the Process

Jeff Luhnow and the Astros have had quite a year. They now sit in first place in the American League West with a young exciting team and a farm system that is the envy of all in baseball. Most of the questions about Luhnow have been answered positively and the future seems bright. No one is going to be right all the time, so there is no need to dwell on the Kris Bryant and Delino Deshields decisions. Every new day and every new game is still part of the “Process”. I urge every Astros fan to relax and enjoy it.

Baseball is experiencing a renaissance in Houston and hopefully a new golden (and red, orange rainbow) era. The Houston Astros are in good hands. In Luhnow we trust? Absolutely! Go ‘Stros!

Next: An Inside Look at Astros Offseason Through Luhnow’s Eyes

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