Why Marek Houston is One of the Fastest Risers Among Top-100 Prospects

[DJL44]

13 hours ago, Steve Lein said:

Houston also basically copied the hitting production of Culpepper in doing so. Just with the OPS driven by a higher batting average instead of slugging percentage. 

So they’re both going to be better than Bobby Witt? They’ll have to trade off winning MVP awards.

[TopGunn#22]

There is no doubt Marek Houston will challenge Bobby Witt Jr. for future Gold Gloves.  Watching this kid play defense would be entertainment enough.  But he's really looking like he could be a plus offensive player.  I agree 200% with HerbieFan...don't try to add "more loft-more power" to his swing.  If he hits .280 with an OPS of .750-.780 with the stolen bases and defense, he will be a tremendous addition to the big league club.

I agree with the idea that he probably needs 45-60 days at St. Paul.  BUT...let's see how he does in spring training.  The Glove is ready to play NOW.  If the Twins are really ready to dramatically improve the ballclub's defense, Houston will be the trigger to taking a BIG step.  Having a SS capable guy like Culpepper at 2B with Lee at 3B is a rock solid infield.  Add Jenkins and E-Rod to Buxton in the OF and that's a much better defensive team. 

Houston has been my favorite prospect since the Jenkins pick because I know how sub-par we have been at SS, especially defensively.  His glove alone would be an immediate, tremendous upgrade.  If his bat eventually gets to what I said above he will become many Twins fans favorite player.  

[bean5302]

23 hours ago, TopGunn#22 said:

There is no doubt Marek Houston will challenge Bobby Witt Jr. for future Gold Gloves.

There's plenty of doubt. Witt probably has better physical skills than Houston, Witt has proven himself to have a excellent glove, outstanding range and a strong arm with accurate throws at the MLB level.

Houston is scouted as an excellent shortstop. He's proven nothing at the MLB level, and scouting fielding is still very much based upon the eye test and the way players "look" while fielding.