How come Luke Scott isn't considered a top candidate for an outfield position for the Astros? Carlos Beltran is gone, Craig Biggio should go to second base and Lance Berkman is injured. They have Jason Lane, but Scott has put up tremendous numbers through out his minor league career. What's the deal? Darren Heal Staten Island, N.Y. In what's believed to be an Ask BA first, we have two former teammates asking questions. Heal played with Scott at Indian River (Fla.) CC and Oklahoma State, as well as at Falmouth in the Cape Cod League, where Scott won the home run title with 11 in 2000. Cleveland's ninth-round pick in 2001, Scott didn't make his pro debut until the following year because he required Tommy John surgery on his right (throwing) elbow. A byproduct of the Jeriome Robertson-Willy Taveras trade last March, Scott was 25 at the time and ready for at least Double-A. But because he joined the Astros late in spring training after they had most of their minor league rosters set, Scott started 2004 in high Class A. When he was promoted to Double-A at midseason, he responded with a vengeance, batting .298/.401/.654 with 19 homers and 62 RBIs in 63 games. The Astros liked Scott enough to add him to their 40-man roster, but he's not going to contend for a starting job in spring training. Their top prospect, Chris Burke, is ready to take over at second base, which will keep Biggio in the outfield. Lane will get a long-overdue chance to play regularly, and while that still leaves one spot open, Houston is expected to pursue some veterans (perhaps Jeromy Burnitz) to fill that hole. If Scott keeps mashing in Triple-A, he could get an opportunity later in the season. The Astros are short on lefthanded power, and that's his best tool. They love his makeup but want to see him do a better job of using the whole field and dealing with breaking pitches. His speed and arm are below average but not terrible, and he fits better in left field than in right. --

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