41. Fernando Nieve: Houston Astros (SP)- 22 AA (TEX): 2.65 62/85 96/29 7 AAA (PCL): 3.38 33/32 20/13 3 While the Astros have been very quick to aggressively promote prospects this year, they have taken the correct route with Nieve. Slow to develop in the minors, the Astros are milking Nieve's breakout in the minors. My guess is that he breaks camp with Houston next year, and should be considered one of the favorites to come second to Conor Jackson in the Rookie of the Year race. 46. Troy Patton: Houston Astros (SP)- 19 A- (SAL): 1.94 59/78.2 94/20 3 Everyone has known the Astros had the steal of the 2004 draft since last season ended. But, for a long time, they thought that steal was Mitch Einertson. With the Appy League home run champ struggling in low-A, Patton has taken off after Houston surprisingly talked him out of a college commitment. Given his confident, solid three-pitch arsenal, expect he and Gio Gonzalez to be battling for top southpaw prospect spot very soon. Recently promoted to the Carolina League. 53. Hunter Pence: Houston Astros (OF)- 22 A- (SAL): .337/.413/.667 35/52 in 276 AB It's hard for me to evaluate players like Hunter Pence and Eric Patterson, along with (to a lesser degree) Sergio Pedroza. These guys are simply doing what we expected, which is dominating competition that they should be dominating. But Pence is the best of the group because of his size, power and position. Before we can get a perfect handle on Pence, though, he needs a challenge. --

※ 发信站: 批踢踢实业坊(ptt.cc) ◆ From: 210.68.184.55