It seems like yesterday when the Astros traded Hunter Pence to the Phillies, the Astros received top prospects pitcher Jarred Cosart, and first baseman Jonathan Singleton.
Almost a full calendar year after the trade, Singleton is finding himself in the midst of a success season on a contending Double-A Corpus Christi Hooks team.
In his first full year in Double-A, Singleton is hitting .271 has an on-base percentage of .393, and is slugging .487. Singleton’s high production numbers have turned heads in not only the Astros minor league organization, but by scouts everywhere. Singleton has earned his first ever trip to the MLB All-Star Futures Game during the All-Star Game festivities.
Singleton spoke about his first ever opportunity to participate in the event “It’s definitely an honor, I’m just gonna go out there and have fun. They chose me for the skills I have, I’m definitely gonna showcase those skills. I’m very proud to be here.” Singleton also went on to say “It’s gonna be a great experience, I’m just here to have fun”
There is a reason to be excited for the future, Singleton went 3-4, batted in one run and scored two of his, and showed major league level discipline at the plate drawing the walk in what was a close game. There is something more to Singleton’s performance, despite only hitting singles, Singleton’s base knocks were screamers that tore through the infield and allowed him to get to first safely.
With Carlos Lee gone, the door at first base is left wide open for either Brett Wallace or Singleton to take. Singleton just may be a late September call up to either Oklahoma City or even Houston to get reps at the major league level. In his recent stint with the Astros, Brett Wallace hit .333 and slugged for .583 in only 11 games. The battle between these two for the starting spot will be heated, but may not happen, Wallace had been working at third base in Oklahoma City, so maybe Jeff Luhnow may have this conflict already solved and the formula is ready for the Major Leagues.
Singleton seems primed to make a staple on a major league roster in maybe a year or two. Singleton has indeed showcased his skills and his abilities on the diamond. He is definitely a stud to keep an eye on.
Click to view slideshow.(photo credit: David Eulitt The Kansas City Star)
- Richard Perez
