Jay Austin – Houston Astros OF

H/W: 5-11 170 lb. B/T: L/L DOB: 8/10/90

The Houston Astros used their 2nd round pick of the '08 draft to select this 1st team All-American OF out of Atlanta. Austin was widely regarded as the speediest player in the draft and an elite prep football player. Despite his small frame, Jay belted 15 HR and 52 RBI during his senior season. Things didn't go so well during his debut professional season at Greenville where he hit an anemic .198 with just 6 XBH and 14 SB in 24 attempts. Offensively, Austin is extremely raw with sub-par plate discipline (19 BB/69 K) and several mechanical flaws in his swing. Austin has some extreme defensive upside, as his world class speed and strong throwing arm plays well at any OF position. The Astros farm system has been ravaged in recent years by trades, losses of draft picks, and dubious draft selections. The upside for Austin is extremely high, but he will need to overcome several developmental obstacles if he wishes to separate himself from the rest of the underachieving pack.

2009 Projection: Austin, despite his slow start, will likely get a taste of Low-A ball. The Astros are hoping an offseason of hard work and good instruction will help to iron out some of the technical deficiencies in Austin's game. Don't be shocked if the Astros send him back to extended spring training if Jay struggles in the early going. Given his considerable upside, Austin will be handled with care and thoroughness. Look at the BB/K rates early on as well as the XBH. If he can make improvements in these numbers, Austin could quickly vault the glut of mediocre OF prospects (Eli Iorg, Collin DeLome, Mitch Einertson, Jordan Parraz, etc..). That, however, is by no means a foregone conclusion.