• Full name Thomas R Steele
  • Born 09/21/1986 in Tucson, AZ
  • Profile Ht.: 6'3" / Wt.: 205 / Bats: R / Throws: R
  • School Canyon De Oro
  • Drafted in the 4th round (122nd overall) by the Houston Astros in 2008 (signed for $267,000).
    View Draft Report
    Steele played at Canyon del Oro High, a powerhouse program in Tucson that is the alma mater of big leaguers such as Chris and Shelley Duncan and Ian Kinsler, among others. He stayed in Tucson for college and has been a three-year starter at Arizona. Steele's athletic ability stands out in a college class short on such players. He's a plus runner with good range in center field; combined with his instincts and adequate arm, he's an above-average defender. Steele has raw power potential and good instincts to go with his speed on the bases, and potentially could be a middle-of-the-order, 20-homers, 20-steals threat. However, Steele's bat lacks refinement, mostly due to too much aggressiveness and too little pitch recognition. Miscast as a leadoff hitter, Steele gets himself out early in counts too often and isn't patient enough to bring his plus raw power to the fore. Steele isn't the average college draft pick in several ways and should take more time to develop than most. But in a year nearly devoid of college outfielders with upside, he stands out.

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  • Rated Best Defensive Outfielder in the Houston Astros in 2010

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