Astros Prospect Stock Report: Volume 1
Just like the stock market, prospects’ stock will go up and down throughout the season. he season is in full stride and we have seen some great performances thus far. Unfortunately, there have been a few players that have struggled out of the gate. Every 2-3 weeks I will take a look at a hitter and pitcher who has seen their stock rise and who has seen their stock fall. Here is volume 1.
Disclaimer – Being on the stock down part of this list does not necessarily mean the player is a bad prospect. More just noting the rough patch are experiencing this season.
⇑ Stock Up ⇑
Hitter – Kyle Tucker
Hard to imagine his stock going up since he is already a consensus top 100 prospect but it has. Tucker had a solid season last year hitting .285 with 9 HR, 69 RBI between Quad Cities and Lancaster. There weren’t many questions coming into the season for Tucker but he has swung the bat well turining into a run producer. In just 19 games this season he has a .972 OPS with 21 RBI. STOCK: Moving Up
2017 Stats: 19 G, .319 BA/.375 OBP/.597 SLG, 7 2B, 2 3B, 3 HR, 21 RBI, 6 SB
Pitcher – Rogelio Armenteros
Armenteros was signed for just $40,000 in late 2014 out of Cuba. Armenteros finished 2016 leading the Astros minor league system in strikeouts with 140 K in 127.1 innings pitching with Quad Cities, Lancaster, and Corpus Christi. He has a low to mid 90s fastball and a plethora of off-speed pitches with his curveball being his best. After a solid showing in Double-A last season, he has continued to dominate the Texas League posting a 1.40 ERA with 7 BB/27 K in 19.1 innings. STOCK: Rising Quickly
2017 Stats: 2-0, 1.40 ERA, 19.1 IP, 10 H, 3 ER, 5 BB, 27 K
⇓ Stock Down⇓
Hitter – Osvaldo Duarte
Duarte was signed by the Astros as an international free agent in 2013. He had a solid 2016 season which saw him hit .265 with 25 2B, 10 HR, 19 SB between Quad Cities and Lancaster. He has loud tools and can play shortstop and center field. Unfortunately, it hasn’t came together for him so far this season. He is currently striking out 37.8% of the time and is only hitting .197 despite a .343 BABIP. STOCK: Going Down
2017 Stats: 17 G, .197 BA/.258 OBP/.230 SLG, 2 2B, 5 RBI, 5 BB/25 SO
Pitcher – Cy Sneed
Sneed was acquired by the Astros in the trade that sent Jon Villar to the Brewers. The 3rd round pick in 2014 had a solid first full season posting a 2.58 ERA in 139.1 innings in 2015. He had an okay season in 2016 striking out 112 in 118 innings with a 3.50 FIP. So far in 2017, he has a 6.08 ERA (5.20 FIP) and is struggling to miss bat with just 7 BB/7 K in 13.1 innings. STOCK: Falling
2017 Stats: 1-1, 6.08 ERA (5.20 FIP), 13.1 IP, 14 H, 7 BB, 7 K
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**Photo Credit: Tammy Tucker**
