L.J. Hoes

The Astros acquired Hoes from the Orioles as part of the package for Bud Norris, and it was with Houston that he got his first real taste of the majors. The young outfielder appeared in 47 games over the final two months of the season and hit .282/.332/.365 with one home run, 10 RBI and seven steals. Despite decent production, Hoes will have to compete with several other outfielders for a roster spot out of camp. Should he not break camp with the club, the chance remains likely that he will see time in Houston this season in a platoon role or as a fourth outfielder, but he could also end up serving as organizational depth at Triple-A.

Hoes took some positive steps forward in 2012, hitting even better after his midseason promotion to Triple-A. The Orioles even gave Hoes a call in September, but the team was in contention and there was no place to give him an audition. Hoes can hit for average and he has some speed, but power is not his game. He cut his strikeout rate to 12 percent, the best of his minor league career. The jury is out on whether Hoes can be a starter at the MLB level or whether he is better suited as a fourth outfielder. With Adam Jones and Nick Markakis entrenched in center and right, Hoes will have to try to break in at the left field position. Look for him to start the season at Triple-A.

Hoes made a big improvement as a 21-year-old in Double-A, hitting .307/.381/.414 in 394 plate appearances. He won't hit for much power - he has just 16 home runs dating back to 2008 - but he makes plenty of contact and showed the ability to take a walk last season. That can play at second base in the majors, if he ends up at that position (he played 85 games in left field and 31 games at second base in the minors last year), while the ongoing concussion issues plaguing Brian Roberts could create an opportunity for Hoes with the Orioles sooner rather than later.

Hoes made his way to High-A by the end of the season and Baltimore's 2008 third-round draft gamble has paid off. He doesn't have a lot of power, but he could be a good hitter at the MLB level given his combination of contact skills and eye at the plate. Unfortunately, rotisserie owners are going to need to see more tools before investing in him as a growth stock for keeper leagues as his 2010 numbers didn't hint at much potential just yet. Brian Roberts is signed through 2013, so the 21-year-old will have plenty of time to continue his development, which should continue with Double-A Bowie to begin 2011.