Astros Minor League Update: Looking at the Hooks.
Even this late in the season, the Corpus Christi Hooks are still getting contributions from new players. The most recent player to start impacting the team is outfielder Drew Ferguson. Since his call-up a few weeks ago, Ferguson has proved to be a reliable option for the Hooks in right field.
Drew Ferguson was drafted just last year in the 19th round out of Belmont University. He has been a great player no matter what team he plays for, with a .307 career batting average. Last year he started with Quad Cities and was promoted to Tri-City after just 44 games.
He excelled even more, once arriving at the Valleycats, hitting .328 and more home runs in 17 games than he did in the 44 with Quad Cities. The continued excellence from Ferguson is the reason he has moved so quickly through the Astros’ system.
This year Ferguson started the year in Class-A Advanced Lancaster. He really broke out here and added many new elements to his game, most notably the long ball. After hitting just 4 in his first year, Ferguson has hit 16 homers and 74 RBI this year combined between Lancaster and Corpus Christi. With the Hooks in 12 games, he has hit .317 and has looked very good for the team.
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Where does he fit in with the Astros?
Ferguson has developed into a player with many strengths. As previously mentioned, he has learned to hit for power; an attribute very coveted in the farm system of the Astros. But aside from power and always an impressive batting average, he also is a threat to steal bases.
Ferguson has stolen 30 bases this year and has only been caught stealing nine times. He is also a versatile outfielder who can play all three positions. All-in-all, Drew Ferguson has really stepped up his game this year and can really develop into an outstanding prospect.
Next: Astros Prospects: Corpus Christi Player Spotlight - Antonio Nunez
Ferguson is in the perfect spot as an Astros’ prospect. The outfield is the area of question for the team, and if he continues to tear the cover off the ball, he could find himself in Houston sooner than later, maybe next season or the season after. He does not have too many weaknesses in his game, and it will be exciting to see him grow even more as a prospect.
*All stats via milb.com*