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Thursday, June 28, 2012

Houston Astros: 5 Prospects Who Could Be Making Their Way Up to ... - Bleacher Report

The Houston Astros have one of the worst records in MLB this year.

Fortunately, help may be on the way.

The Astros have already seen some of that help arrive, as rookie left-hander Dallas Keuchel has allowed only 10 hits and two runs in his first 14 innings of work, including a six-hit, complete game against the Cleveland Indians.

But, of course, just one starter isn't enough to turn an entire team around.

So, let's look at a few others who could be making their way up the ranks to Houston soon.

Fernando Martinez

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Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

The Astros could certainly use an upgrade in the corners of their outfieldâ€"particularly in right, where Brian Bogusevic has been hitting just .229 with 18 RBI.

Those are not acceptable numbers for an everyday player.

This is where Fernando Martinez may come in. Martinez has had a few stints in the majors with both the Mets and the Astros, but hasn't quite blossomed yet.

However, he is currently hitting .340 with eight home runs and 40 RBI for Houston's Triple-A squad in Oklahoma City.

He may not be the hottest prospect out there, but Houston doesn't have much to lose by replacing Bogusevic with Martinez at this point.

Mickey Storey

Photo Credit: FAUOwlAccess.com
Photo Credit: FAUOwlAccess.com

Current Houston right-hander Jordan Lyles was 5-0 with a 3.54 ERA and 33 strikeouts when he was called up to the big show.

Current Oklahoma City right-hander Mickey Storey isn't too far behind, at 5-2 with a 3.68 ERA and 46 strikeouts on the season.

The Astros pitching staff could use some reinforcementâ€"especially if they end up dealing Wandy Rodriguezâ€"and a proven pitcher in Storey might be that guy.

Like Martinez, Storey isn't a big-time prospect or a guy who has had scouts drooling for some time, but he is a proven player and Houston could use some arms.

Don't be surprised if you see him moved up before too long.

George Springer

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Bob Levey/Getty Images

George Springer is one of Houston's hottest prospects right now.

He has belted 14 home runs and driven in 51 runs while hovering around the .300 mark, currently at .296 for the Class-A Lancaster JetHawks.

The athletic outfielder out of UConn has the tools to be a star at the next level.

It's hard to say exactly when he'll make it up to the big show, as the Astros appear content to take their time with this one.

But once he arrives, Springer could make waves in MLB and turn into, at the very least, a reliable everyday player. 

Jonathan Singleton

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Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

This may be Carlos Lee's final season in Houston, as he is in the final year of his contract.

If Springer isn't the prospect with the highest expectations in this organization, then it's probably Singleton, who is expected to replace Lee at first base for the Astros.

The Harbor City, CA native hasn't quite lived up to those expectations yet, as he is still at Double-A Corpus Christi.

There he is only batting .265 with 11 home runs and 42 RBIâ€"but Singleton has shown that he can hit for some power, which the Astros could certainly use, especially in replacement of Lee.

Singleton hasn't shown that he is ready to be moved up yet, but the Astros need him to be.

The time is now for him to meet those expectations. 

Jose Trinidad

Photo Credit: MiLB.com
Photo Credit: MiLB.com

Jose Trinidad has been dynamite out of the bullpen for Houston's Single-A club in Lancaster this season.

The Dominican right-hander is 6-3 with a 2.27 ERA so far this year.

As a relatively unknown player, it may be a stretch to say that he'll be making his way up soon, but he has shown potential to be effective out of the bullpen.

Any team can use another arm in the bullpen, and the Astros are no different.

It may be some time before we see it, but Trinidad could be making his presence known out of a big league bullpen if he keeps up with this kind of performance.

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