36. Chris Burke - 2B Astros - Age 25 - ETA: Now Previous rankings: mid-2003 #146, 2004 #142, mid-2004 #78 .315/.396/.507, 16 HR, 52 RBI, 76/55 K/BB, 37 SB in 483 AB for 3A New Orleans .059/.200/.059, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 3/3 K/BB, 0 SB in 17 AB for Houston The Astros are still debating about whether to insert him into the starting lineup at the start of this year, but Burke should be the team’s long-term second baseman and No. 2 hitter. The 2001 first-round pick is probably more Mark Loretta than Craig Biggio, but there’s not anything wrong with that. A former shortstop, he shows plenty of range at second base, though he lacks consistency at times. His basestealing ability could make him a $20 fantasy second baseman once he gets the at-bats. The Astros are expected to let him compete for a starting job this spring, with Biggio moving back to second base if things don’t work out. He’ll bat at the bottom of the lineup initially, but he should eventually switch spots with Adam Everett. 78. Fernando Nieve - RHP Astros - Age 23 - ETA: July 2006 Previous rankings: 2004 #119, mid-2004 #59 10-6, 2.96 ERA, 136 H, 117/40 K/BB in 149 IP for Single-A Salem 2-0, 1.56 ERA, 12 H, 17/8 K/BB in 17 1/3 IP for Double-A Round Rock Despite a great ERA for Single-A Salem, Nieve didn’t make as much progress as the Astros would have liked last season. That mostly had to do with his curve and especially his changeup. Nieve relies on a low-90s sinking fastball to generate grounders and strikeouts. His curve is a plus pitch at times. His change isn’t, but he is working on it. Nieve has the potential to be a No. 2 starter if the changeup comes. He shouldn’t see the majors this year. 89. Ezequiel Astacio - RHP Astros - Age 25 - ETA: July 2005 Previous rankings: none 13-10, 3.89 ERA, 155 H, 185/56 K/BB in 176 IP for Double-A Round Rock The third pitcher acquired from the Phillies in the Billy Wagner deal may now be the most valuable property. Astacio put up fine ERAs while in the Philadelphia farm system, but weak strikeout numbers made him look like little more than a middle reliever. Incredibly, he fanned more batters last year than he did the previous two years combined. He’s added velocity yet still has plenty of movement on his fastball, giving him No. 3-starter potential. He’ll probably be the first starter called up by the Astros this season. 99. Taylor Buchholz - RHP Astros - Age 23 - ETA: May 2006 Previous rankings: 2003 #114, mid-2003 #66, 2004 #58, mid-2004 #51 6-7, 5.23 ERA, 107 H, 74/29 K/BB in 98 IP for Triple-A New Orleans Buchholz immediately became the Astros’ top prospect after being picked up in the Wagner trade, but he had a disappointing first half for New Orleans and he hurt his shoulder not long after it looked like he had turned things around. He underwent offseason surgery, leaving his status unclear for the beginning of this season. With his 91-94 mph fastball and top-notch curve, Buchholz still has plenty of upside, and he is a full two years younger than Astacio. It appears less likely that he’ll contribute this year, but there’s no reason to give up on him yet. 106. Mitch Einertson - OF Astros - Age 18 - ETA: 2009 --

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