Joe Musgrove
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Considering his slow and steady progress after being selected in the compensation round of the 2011 MLB Draft, one could be forgiven for not having Musgrove on their prospect radar entering the 2015 season. The same courtesy cannot in good conscience be extended if the same oversight exists entering 2016, as Musgrove’s dominant 2015 campaign, spanning three levels and 100.2 in which he produced a 99 strikeouts against just 8 walks, was as loud a statement as you are likely to receive from an up-and-coming arm. Musgrove returned to the Texas League to begin this season, and he’s picked up right where he left off, logging two starts thus far combining for nine innings pitched while allowing no runs just four hits and two walks while striking out ten. Musgrove attacks hitters with a heavy low-90s heater that can reach 95 mph up in the zone and an above-average curveball with downer action. He’ll also mix in a quality slider and changeup, showing comfort with and command of all four offerings. Musgrove projects as a solid mid-rotation arm in the mold of a John Lackey, and could be ready to contribute in Houston as early as late this summer. –Nick J. Faleris |