Astros Future Interview: Jon Kemmer
Building a deep farm system. Seems like something every general manager would push for and when a team is drafting high, it is believed to be easy. The reality is, this isn’t true. The key to building a deep farm system is not only hitting on the high picks, but being able to find diamonds in the rough deep in the draft.
This is the case of Astros outfielder Jon Kemmer. Kemmer was drafted by the Astros in the 21st round of the 2013 MLB draft. The last position player drafted in the 21st round to make it to the MLB was Logan Watkins in 2008. The last position player drafted in the 21st round, make it to the MLB and provide a positive WAR total was Irving Falu in 2003. It is safe to say the numbers are stacked against him. Up to this point, these numbers haven’t mattered.
Jon Kemmer (Photo Credit: Tammy Tucker)
Kemmer has produced at every full season level. After being drafted he was assigned to Tri-City where he hit .221 with 4 HR in 65 games. This was the last time he was worse than league average. In 2014, Kemmer split time between Quad Cities and Lancaster combining for a .291 BA and 16 HR in 91 games. Kemmer started the 2015 season with Corpus Christi and really made a name for himself. Kemmer hit .327 with 28 2B, 18 HR in 104 games. It looks like Kemmer should start 2016 in AAA with Fresno.
In this interview Kemmer talks about his first big league spring training and learning from Carlos Gomez and Colby Rasmus. Kemmer also talks about the feeling of being drafted and defying the odds as a 21st round pick.
Let’s get to the interview!
https://soundcloud.com/astrosfuture/jimmy-interview-jon-kemmer
The future is bright and go Astros!
** Photo Credit: Tammy Tucker**
