The Houston Astros' 2012 MLB regular season will be highlighted by three things: a disappointing win-loss record, a rumor-filled trade deadline and the development of young players. Here's to the future.
With the next few seasons looking anything but playoff bound, the Houston Astros are in prime position to piece together a contender and properly develop team chemistry. With a solid amateur draft in 2012, including the landing of the first-overall draft choice, the future appears to be bright in the field.
But which arms will take the Astros to the Promised Land?
Fair warning: Wandy Rodriguez is not a part of this equation.
Bud Norris, RHP
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Throwing Arm: R
Age: 27
Height & Weight: 6'0" & 208 pounds
Don't let Bud Norris' numbers fool you; until a horrendous 1.2-inning outing in which he allowed nine earned runs, his ERA was sitting pretty at 3.34 with a 5-1 record. After that outing, he's now at 5-2 with a 4.52 ERA.
Simmer down now.
Norris has come a long way since he first debuted, changing up his pitches and finding a great balance between his fastball and off-speed pitches. His slider has come a long way, as well, and has developed into a very reliable pitch for the former Cal Poly star.
Norris may have his ups and downs, but over the next few seasons, he will develop into a very respected pitcher.
Season Statistics: 11 GS, 5-2, 4.52 ERA, 1.43 WHIP, 64 SO
Jarred Cosart, RHP
Throwing Arm: R
Age: 22
Height & Weight: 6'3" & 180 pounds
Jarred Cosart is the most prized pitching prospect in the Houston Astros' farm system.
He was the key to the infamous Philadelphia Phillies" href="http://aol.sportingnews.com/mlb/feed/2011-07/mlb-trade-deadline/story/hunter-pence-philadelphia-phillies-houston-astros" target="_self">Hunter Pence trade and could be anywhere from an All-Star pitcher to a shutdown closer.
Although his follow-through could be a bit less harsh on his lower body, Cosart's delivery is a beauty.
He has a lightning-quick arm and a smooth release that could potentially catch hitters off balance. While he's yet to truly discover how to work his command, his upside is much higher than any other prospect in the Astros' system.
His fastball is explosive, hitting 99 on the gun and averaging roughly 94 or 95 miles per hour. While his curve and changeup could be better, it is encouraging to see a young player with a versatile repertoire.
If nothing else, Cosart's elite athletic ability should be encouraging enough for those in doubt of his ability to improve.
Double-A Season Statistics: 9 GS, 3-4, 4.32 ERA, 1.44 WHIP, 42 SO
Jordan Lyles, RHP
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Throwing Arm: R
Age: 21
Height & Weight: 6'4" & 208 pounds
Jordan Lyles may not be off to the best of starts in 2012, but he's a kid with true top-of-the-rotation potential. He just needs to stop his heavy reliance upon a first-pitch fastball.
Lyles has a good head on his shoulders and developing stuff to follow.
He constantly targets the outside and lower parts of the plate, although he misses the black on too many occasions. This trait is likely to improve over time, as Lyles develops a fourth pitch to cut corners.
His fastball is solid already, with a decent curve and changeup in the making. The key for Lyles is finding a greater balance in pitch selection.
2012 Season Statistics: 1-1, 4.97 ERA, 1.41 WHIP, 21 SO
Dallas Keuchel, LHP
Throwing Arm: L
Age: 24
Height & Weight: 6'3" & 200 pounds
Dallas Keuchel is another guy whose ERA is inflated by the rare, horrific outing.
In Keuchel's case, it was a combined 19 earned runs over two outings that lasted 7.2 innings. Not too encouraging.
Over the span of his other 10 starts, however, Keuchel has posted a 3.56 ERA and gone 5-2 in the process.
He's also allowed just four home runs on the season and walked less than one batter every five innings. He's improving over time and could be a solid end-of-the-rotation option within the next few years.
2012 Triple-A Season Statistics: 12 GS, 5-4, 4.30 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, 39 SO
Mike Foltynewicz, RHP
Throwing Arm:
Age: 20
Height & Weight: 6'4" & 190 pounds
Although there could be skepticism about whether or not Foltynewicz is ready for this slot in the rotation, there is no way around how good this kid could be.
His fastball has excellent velocity, hitting up to 98 on the radar, and solid bite that induces plenty of ground balls. He also has a developing slurve to go with his strong changeup.
Foltynewicz is a serious corner painter with improving command of his pitches. He sometimes gets into trouble when he misses the strike zone, but with growing control of his pitches, he could become a dominant pitcher.
A solid rotational option early in his career. A potential ace if he develops at a solid enough pace.
2012 Class-A Statistics: 12 GS, 7-1, 2.14 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, 58 SO
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