Astros Top Prospects: MLB.com Top 30 Fresno Grizzlies

22nd-10th Top Astros Prospects

Apr 26, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Asher Wojciechowski (59) takes the field for warm ups before the game against the Oakland Athletics at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports

#22 Asher Wojciechowski

I’m only ok with Wojciechowski being on this list at #22 if he’s there as a bullpen option. Wojciechowski has shown that he’s not a top prospect as a starting pitcher, when he got his shot in the majors earlier this season. In his four starts for the Astros back in April, Wojo was unable to pitch past the fourth inning, which is definitely unacceptable for any major league starter.

In a relief role, however, Wojo made one brief appearance in Oakland on Friday night where he got an out in a tight ballgame. He looked a bit refreshed to be back in the majors and seemed more comfortable during his brief appearance, which is good to see. It’s definitely unfortunate for him that he had to be sent back down to AAA Fresno in order to make room for the Astros newest acquisition, Oliver Perez.

Here are Wojo’s stats for AAA Fresno: 6-2 record with a 5.42 ERA, 88.0 IP, 25 BB allowed, 67 Ks, 11 home runs allowed, and a 1.44 WHIP.

Wojciechowski doesn’t really have any strike out pitches, but he has pretty good control and a solid ability to mix up his pitches effectively. He can work well when he locates his pitches to both sides of the plate, but he’s unable to overpower anyone with a low-90s fastball. He has had his shot in the big leagues as a starter, and it didn’t really work out.

If Wojo can keep working on his stuff, he’ll be in an Astros uniform again soon. The Astros bullpen hasn’t been its finest lately, and its in need of a young arm to liven it a bit. Hopefully Perez can help out with that, but Wojo’s services might be in need again soon. I think he’ll be a steady contributor in the Astros bullpen in 2016.

#12 Tony Kemp

Kemp has been an absolute beast in the Astros’ farm system in 2015, playing all around the field and continuing to rake at the plate. His good performance earned him a quick promotion to AAA, but since then his hitting has declined a little bit. He has been forced to learn how to play outfield quickly if he wants to make it to the Astros, as Jose Altuve will occupy second base in Houston for many years to come.

The former SEC Player of the Year at Vanderbilt who was also named to the USA’s roster for the 2015 Futures Game is a really exciting player to watch and Astros fans can’t wait to see him get up to Houston. He seems to make a highlight reel play in the outfield at least once a week, which fits right in with the other outfielders for the Astros right now.

Here are Kemp’s stats at AAA Fresno: .267/ .319/ .333/ .653 slash line with five doubles, two home runs, 23 RBIs, and 14 stolen bases out of 17 attempts. He also has 13 walks compared to 23 strikeouts.

Kemp has definitely erased all questions about his size. Much like Altuve, Kemp has overcome his genetics to become a great baseball player. Kemp’s power is definitely not the strong point of his game, but his contact and speed will make him a useful player for the Astros. An outfield of Kemp, Carlos Gomez, and George Springer would definitely be able to cover a lot of ground in Minute Maid Park’s outfield.

Also, Kemp would be another great top of the lineup hitter for the Astros. He’d be the type of player that could get on base with Altuve and set up plenty of RBI chances for Carlos Correa, Evan Gattis, and Preston Tucker.

Next: Astros Top Prospect at AAA Fresno