Astros Prospects - from BP

[Angels]

2. A.J. Reed, 1B
DOB: 05/10/1993
Height/Weight: 6’4” 240 lbs.
Bats/Throws: L/L
Drafted/Acquired: Drafted 42nd overall in the 2014 MLB Draft, University of Kentucky (KY); signed for $1.35 million
Previous Ranking(s): Unranked
2015 Stats: .340/.432/.612, 34 HR, 0 SB in 622 PA at High-A Lancaster and Double-A Corpus Christi
Future Tools: 65 power, 55 hit, 60 arm
Role: 60–First-division first baseman

Yep, that line you see above is real, and it’s spectacular. Reed was sensational in 2015, and it wasn’t smoke and mirrors. His approach is as good as any prospect in the game, and his ability to recognize pitches he can drive while not swinging at pitches outside the zone makes him an on-base machine. The one thing that keeps the hit tool from grading plus is the lack of contact borne of a long swing that lacks elite bat speed. He’s insanely strong, and his natural loft pairs with excellent weight transfer, giving him borderline plus-plus power.

Reed won’t remind anyone of John Olerud around the bag, but it doesn’t appear that this is a future DH candidate, either. His hands are soft. He’s a 30 runner at best, but he’s nimble enough, and he has a plus throwing arm (he was Kentucky’s Friday starter in 2014) that can help turn the double play or nail the runner as a cutoff man.

If Reed hits in Triple-A the way he did in 2015, this will be a spot too low. Only the lack of positional value keeps him at two, but consider this a compliment to Bregman rather than an insult to Reed. He can really hit.

Bret Sayre’s Fantasy Take: This is not a drill. Slowly reach for the oxygen mask, and place yours around your head before helping anyone else. Take deep breaths. Have a sip of water. Now that you’re calm, imagine standing in the middle of a field, imagine being tackled by Brian Cox. Or cross checked by Chris Chelios. (Yes, both my football and hockey references are out of date.) This is what it’s like to be a baseball being thrown to Reed. The potential is there for a 30-plus home run hitter with a .270-.280 average and even better on-base skills. Invest.


4. Daz Cameron, OF
DOB: 01/15/1997
Height/Weight: 6’2” 185 lbs.
Bats/Throws: R/R
Drafted/Acquired: Drafted 37th overall in the 2015 MLB Draft, Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy (McDonough, GA); signed for $4 million
Previous Ranking(s): No. 13 on Top 125 MLB Draft Prospects
2015 Stats: .251/.353/.309, 0 HR, 24 SB in 211 PA at Gulf Coast League and Appy League Greenville
Future Tools: 55 hit, 60 speed, 55 glove
Role: 55–above-average regular in center field

Someday I won’t feel old writing about Mike Cameron’s son, but not today. Not today.

Cameron is a smart hitter who seems to make hard contact every time he swings. His plus speed and ability to work counts make him an excellent candidate to hit at the top of a lineup. He doesn’t have the same power as his dad, but he’s not a slap hitter, with just enough bat speed and lift to project average power as he matures. He has outstanding instincts on the bases, and could become a 30-plus stolen base guy at the next level.

Daz doesn’t compare to his father when it comes to defense but he is quite good defensively, with excellent instincts and enough athleticism to stick in the middle, where he’ll provide above-average offensive numbers for the position.

Bret Sayre’s Fantasy Take: Cameron may be a safe investment, but that doesn’t make him a particularly great one in dynasty leagues. Despite the high ranking (and the spot in the 101), he’s a better real life player than fantasy one as he doesn’t have any carrying tools in fantasy. The most likely outcome at this point is a 10-15 homer, 15-20 steal outfielder who helps a bit in batting average, but not a ton. There is value in that as an OF3/OF4, but it’s not like people get too excited about Dexter Fowler these days.


Five who are just interesting:

Riley Ferrell, RHP— If you’re looking for someone from last year’s draft who could make a contribution in 2016, you’re on some kind of weird scavenger hunt. Ferrell might be your answer, though. There are two plus-plus pitches in his right arm: a fastball that touches 98 and a slider with ridiculous tilt. He doesn’t often know where either of these pitches is going and he lacks a competent third offering, but this is absolutely a high-leverage relief profile (or closer, if you prefer that vernacular) if he can throw enough strikes.