Better Know a Prospect: Astros

Wondering which young players could have an impact in the majors this year? Let MLB FanHouse guide the way in Better Know a Prospect. In this edition we look at three players from the Ed Wade-ravaged upper level of the Astros' farm system.

Brian Bogusevic, OF: The Astros picked Bogusevic in the first round back in 2005 and marked the two-way Tulane star as a pitcher. That didn't go terribly well, as Bogusevic put up an ERA over 5.00 with a terrible K/BB ratio for a highly touted prospect across the low minors. Then, late last year, Bogusevic switched back to the outfield and scorched Double-A pitching. On the season, he put up a .371/.447/.556 line in 42 games with 31 of those games coming as an outfielder. The Astros sent him to the Arizona Fall League and he kept on crushing the ball there, hitting .338 with a .414 OBP. It's hard to tell how he's going to pan out since he's been a professional hitter for such a short period of time, but if he tees off on Triple-A pitching the way he did on Double-A and AFL pitching, the Astros certainly have a place for him in the outfield with Michael Bourn, and his .288 OBP currently holding down center field.



Bud Norris, SP: The fact that Norris is second on the list of prospects that might influence the Astros in 2009 should tell you what kind of shape the upper levels of the Astros' minor league system is in. Norris throws hard, but it seems like he's rarely got any idea where the ball is going. In Double-A last year, he struck out 84 batters in 80 innings, but walked 31. That control is an improvement over the lower levels of the minors, though, and he'll likely start the year out in Triple-A. The Astros need all kinds of pitching help, so if Norris can't rein his control in he might still be useful this year out of the 'pen.

Chris Johnson, 3B: I was thinking about putting Felipe Paulino third here, but his health is too much of an issue. Instead I'll take Johnson, who had a nice year at Double-A in 2008 before struggling in a cameo with Triple-A Round Rock. He's a third baseman and Ty Wigginton is gone, which means that right now only Geoff Blum and Aaron Boone are ahead of him on the depth chart. Yes, both of those guys still play Major League Baseball. If the scouting reports on Johnson are true, he may find himself playing for the Astros this year because of his glove, even though it may take his bat a while to catch up.

For comprehensive coverage of the minor leagues, visit John Sickels at Minor League Ball and Baseball America. For minor league statistics, visit Baseball-Reference and Minor League Splits.