TCB Top 30: Prospect scouting reports for Nos. 16-26

In conjunction with Part II of the TCB Top 30 Podcast, here are some brief blurbs of each prospect from No. 16 to No. 26.

26 - Nolan Fontana SS/2B - C (3.923)

The closest thing the Astros have to the "Greek God of Walks" that was Kevin Youkalis. Entirely different player, but man can this guy draw a walk. But he can also swing and miss a lot too. Fontana has been polarizing for many fans as everyone loves the 20% walk rate. However, his unique profile leads many to question his future success. It doesn’t help that it appears he won’t be able to hold down shortstop defensively. -Subber10

25 - Kent Emanuel LHP - C (3.958)

One of the few draft picks that the Astros fan base has questioned strongly under Jeff Luhnow’s tenure is the selection of Kent Emanuel. Emanuel has very average stuff but has good control. His command is lacking which could be a significant problem. However, there has to be something there. Bad pitchers just don’t usually post sub-4 FIPs and SIERAs in Lancaster in over 100 innings. -Subber10

24 - Aaron West RHP - C+ (4.036)

As an individual, you’d be hard pressed to find a player the TCB staff loves more. West has an interesting background and has been a guest on the podcast. This past season was far from as planned as he spent the majority of the season rehabbing from forearm tightness and then elbow pain. It’s tough to take anything from his stats considering. The talent remains despite being a year older. He throws in the upper 90’s and can command it, that’s a hard pitch to find. -Subber10

23 - Joe Musgrove RHP - C+ (4.125)

"I love me some Joe Musgrove!" was a frequent cry amongst a small group of TCB writers during our email discussions late last season. It seemed like every time he took the mound, he made a statement that he was back and ready to live up to his former prospect hype. He posted a stunning 6.7 K/BB ratio and his ERA of 2.81 nearly matched his FIP of 2.84. Limiting walks continued to be a strong suit, and on his injury-hampered career, he’s walked just 1.4 batters per nine innings. Throw in a 53.6% ground ball rate thanks to his heavy fastball, and there’s real cause for optimism that, if healthy, 2015 could be a big breakout year. -Brian

22 - Joe Sclafani IF - C+ (4.179)

This is an aggressive ranking for a utility infielder, to be sure, but for those who give significant weight to a player’s floor and major league readiness, Sclafani delivers. Drafted in the 14th round in 2012 as a shortstop out of Dartmouth, Sclafani provides versatility in addition to a well-rounded skillset that makes him a very strong utility infielder candidate in the majors - perhaps as early as 2015.  - Anthony Boyer

21 - Andrew Aplin OF - C+ (4.393)

Massive walk rates, enough defense to stay in center, inconsistent power ("pop" would be more accurate), 15-20 stolen bags...who needs Dexter Fowler when you have his clone down in AAA? It’s not a perfect comparison, but it’s fair; Aplin’s solid speed, defensive range and ability to find his way on base will keep him in the Majors for a good while. He’ll have to hit a little more consistently if he wants to start, but his floor is definitely a Major Leaguer. Expect him to be one of the guys knocking on the door in 2015 if injuries or ineffectiveness is plaguing the MLB outfield corps. -Brian

20 - Jason Martin OF - C+ (4.417)

The Astros’ 8th-round pick in the 2013 draft as a seventeen-year-old out of Orange Lutheran High School, where he was also a defensive back on the football team before an injury, Martin flashes a toolset that has drawn comparisons to pre-breakout Brett Phillips. Plus speed, a plus glove, and a nice hit tool should carry him whether he’s able to add power or not.  - Anthony Boyer

19 - Kyle Smith RHP - C+ (4.429)

It’s tough to argue against his results at AA. I questioned them after last season and he proved me wrong for AA. He has a profile that that is very tough to succeed with as he has average velocity and lives on painting the black. His calling card is the curve which is quite good. He’ll face doubters every step of the way, but the noise they make is growing quieter. -Subber10

18 - Max Stassi C - C+ (4.536)

Despite having ML experience on his resume, Stassi did not have a season to write home about. His power did not look as good as it did in AA and he continues to not impress in concerns of his overall offensive profile. He has a good defensive reputation which the Astros are known for taking much pride in for their catchers. -Subber10

17 - Daniel Mengden RHP - C+ (4.542)

Considered a first- or second-round talent out of Texas A&M prior to the draft, Mengden fell to the Astros in the fourth round and was signed under slot. He boasts a four-pitch arsenal including a plus fastball that usually sits in the low nineties (but has touched 95), an above-average to plus slider, a spike curveball, and an average- to above-average change. He commands all four well and can throw any of them for strikes. A back injury plagued his final year at Texas A&M, but he recovered in time to add 11 dominant pro innings in 2014, striking out seventeen batters and walking just one.  - Anthony Boyer

16 - J.D. Davis 3B - C+ (4.679)

We’ve seen the Astros target power bats, warts and all, at the MLB level this off-season, but it should come as little surprise given some of their recent draftees. Davis’ big calling card is his raw power, easily a six out of eight, and possibly a seven depending on who you talk to. Splitting time between Tri-City and Quad-Cities in his debut season, he posted a .215 ISO overall, knocking 13 homers in 73 games. He figures to strike out a fair amount, but if he reaches his 30 home run potential and can maintain some level of defensive value, he’ll find his way onto a Major League roster somewhere.-Brian