Friday, January 27, 2012

California League Prospect

By Corey R. Cunningham


Today’s we take a look at 1B prospect Jonathan Singleton of the Houston Astros organization. He was one of the prospects that were sent to Houston in part of the Oswalt deal, which sent him to the Phillies.


Before Singleton was traded, Philly was in a difficult spot. They already had their power slugging 1B in Ryan Howard, and now had this young and rising star in Jonathan Singleton. The problem, they both play 1B. The Phillies try to experience Singleton in LF, perhaps to come up and replace what ever short term option they had until his call up. Apparently, they had found better options while shipping him to Houston.


Singleton has good plate discipline sees several pitches, and then acts on those pitches. While his power did not show up in 2011, his plate discipline improved. Not exactly sure if his power will come back into play in the near future, but you can find defense just about anywhere on the FA market. His contact numbers will need to stand pat if he wants to continue his journey to the MLB.


In 2010 while still in the Phillies organization, he hit for a .290 average batting for Lakewood. Along with his BA, he slugged 14 HR, while driving in 77 RBI. He had good slugging percentage (479) as well as OPS (872).


In 2011 he started the year out in high A Clearwater, where he played 93 games. In those games he hit for .284 BA, 9 HR, and 47 RBI. While advancing to a higher level, his SLG and OPS dipped just a bit at .413 SLG and .800 for OPS. After being traded to Lancaster, he stepped right in and didn’t lose a thing. He played a total of 35 games, hitting .333, SLG .512 and OPS of .917.


My dislike about Singleton is his K/BB ratio. His totals through Rookie ball to High A was 210 K’s and only 150 BB. Some people would look at this stat and say he is swinging too much, but I say his patience at the plate needs to improve.


I am not sure what the future holds for this potential superstar, however, I can say he will most likely start the season at AA. He will be drafted in Dynasty League Minor drafts only. If drafting in those, you can secure Jonathan within the 5th-8th round.

3 comments:

  1. Singleton was involved in the Hunter Pence trade, not the Oswalt deal. Not trying to be a dick, just saying.

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  2. I apologize for the mistake in the trade. I got Pence and oswalt prospects flipped. Sorry for the inconvience.

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  3. No inconvenience, just wanted to point that out for you and those reading.

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