Rule 5 Draft: Houston Astros Select Nate Freiman First Basemen

First watch this:

Nate Freiman is a 26 year old first basemen out of the San Diego Padres farm system. He had a big year for the Padres last year in AA hitting .294/.364/.502 in 581 plate appearances that includes 24 homeruns. He was drafted by San Diego Padres in the eight round of the 2009 MLB Rule IV Draft. The keyword I'm hearing about Freiman is power, power, power. He's also fairly tall at 6'7" and I expect him and Altuve to be asked to take many photos together during Spring Training.

This selection is likely a backup plan in case the Astros fail to find a good option as their designated hitter (DH). Does this preclude from signing a DH? No, I think they'll still pursue some people but Freiman isn't a bad option to take a look at in Spring Training.

Funny thing about #Astros Rule 5 pick Nate Freiman: He was the guy @austinwates robbed with this incredible catch: youtu.be/-7_1sLagZ0Q

— Greg Rajan (@GregRajan) December 6, 2012

Goldstein said Nate Freiman is for real. Great splits, crushes fastballs. Astros happy and surprised they picked him up.

— Brian T. Smith (@ChronAstros) December 6, 2012

From John Sickels of Minor League Ball:

Age 25, Freiman hit .298/.370/.502 with 24 homers, 49 walks, and 95 strikeouts in 516 at-bats this year for Double-A San Antonio. An eight-round pick in 2009 from Duke University, he's a huge 6-7, 225 pound right-handed hitter. He offers solid power and his glove at first isn't bad, but he doesn't run well enough to play the outfield, reducing his versatility. CHANCE TO STICK: Moderate.