Astros Draft Picks: Rounds 3-10
On Day 2 of the MLB Draft, the Astros held 8 picks in the Rounds 3-10. Here are their selections:
Rd 3, #102) Jeremy Pena, SS, University of Maine
While many shortstop prospects in college end up moving off the position, Pena looks like a lock to stay at short. He has good speed which leads to good range and possesses a plus arm. He has some pop in his bat but it might need a little refining. Pena hit .308 with .862 OPS his junior season. He is just 20 years old.
Rd 4, #132) Alex McKenna, OF, Cal Poly
McKenna broke onto the scene as a sophomore when he hit .356 for Cal Poly. He followed that up with .339 BA but also increased his walk % and decreased his k %. He has an advanced bat with a line drive approach. He is a center fielder now, though some scouts think he may have to move to left. If he sticks in center, his status will definitely rise. Just like Pena, he is also 20 years old.
Rd 5, #162) Cody Deason, RHP, Arizona
Deason has a 3 pitch mix and a chance to be a starter at the MLB level. His fastball sits 90-94 and also have a very good low 80s curveball. He had a 2.87 ERA in 14 starts for Arizona this season.
Rd 6, #192) R.J. Freure, RHP, Pittsburgh
Freure is a right handed reliever who posted great strikeout rates in college. This season he struck out 95 in 58.2 innings, but did walk 35. He is deceptive and throws in the low 90s.
Rd 7, #222) Cesar Salazar, C, Arizona
Cesar is a lefty hitting catcher listed at 5-9, 185 lbs. He hit .339 with a .432 OBP this season for Arizona. He blocks and receives well and has quick hands which helps his arm play up. He is also seen as a leader on the field.
Rd 8, #252) Austin Hansen, OF, Oklahoma
Hansen is another reliever who posted great numbers this year. He had a 2.37 ERA with 52 K in 38 innings leading the Sooners in save. He is also the younger brother of current minor league pitcher, Alec Hansen.
Rd 9, #282) Scott Schreiber, OF, Nebraska
Schreiber is a righty hitting outfielder who possesses solid power. He played all four years for Nebraska and clubbed 18 HR while hitting .369 this season.
Rd 10, #312) Chandler Taylor, LF, Alabama
Taylor is a lefty hitter and thrower who has pop hitting 38 HR in 157 college games. He only hit .223 this season but hit better in previous seasons and has always posted good on base numbers.
**Photo Credit: Getty Images**
