I have been noticing a trend that seems to be accelerating this year. As Duman commented last year, the Astros always seem to be grooming a “future super sub” in the minors, but this year it seems to be accelerating. Additionally, more even than in past years, it seems that catching prospects are not only getting extra ABs at DH, but are also getting regular time in the field. Here are some examples by level:
Fayetteville
- Sandro Gaston - 13G @ catcher; 5 @ 1B
- John Garcia - 8G @ catcher; 7 in LF
Asheville
- Collin Price - 11G @ catcher; 8 @ 1B
- Miguel Palma - 8G @ catcher; 11 @ 1B
- Tim Borden - 9G @ 2B; 6 @ 3B; 3 @ SS
Corpus Christi
- CJ Stubbs - 15G @ catcher; 6 @ 1B
- JC Correa - 12G @ catcher; 9 @ 2B
- Joey Loperfido - 9G @ 2B; 5 in CF; 4 in RF; 2 @ 1B [including time in Asheville]
- Shay Whitcomb - 15G @ SS; 5 @ 2B; 4 @ 3B
Sugar Land
- Luke Barryhill - 13G @ catcher; 4 @ 1B
- Grae Kessinger - 15G @ SS; 10 @ 2B; 7 @ 3B
- Pedro Leon - 8G @ 2B; 13 in CF; 5 in RF
There are a few others that could also have been included in this list. I do realize that many of these are not difficult transitions, but it sure seems to me that it is happening more than ever this year.