- Full name Mike Hill
- Born
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
-
Because they didn't have a high Class A affiliate, the Astros had several outfielders who had productive seasons while trapped in low Class A last year. Jon Topolski and Henry Stanley had slightly better numbers, but Hill is a slightly better prospect. Another astute college senior sign by Houston, Hill ranked among the NCAA Division I leaders with 23 homers and 88 RBIs in his final season at Oral Roberts. In three pro seasons, he has hit for average and gap power. His body, leverage, extension and bat speed all portend more homers in the future. He showed more patience at the plate in 2001. He runs well for his size and has a solid right-field arm, though he needs more work going back on fly balls. Hill is ready for Double-A, where the Astros hope he finally can put together a completely healthy season. He missed much of 2000 with ribcage and knee injuries, and he played through shoulder and ankle problems last year. -
The Astros like to save money by taking college seniors in the draft, though they've also found a number of prospects that way. Hill is one of six such players on this list, joining Keith Ginter (No. 10), Morgan Ensberg (No. 15), Chad Qualls (No. 19), Ryan Lane (No. 22) and Royce Huffman (No. 26). Hill capped his college career by ranking among the NCAA Division I leaders and topping the Mid-Continent Conference with 23 homers and 88 RBIs in 1999, then showed power and speed in his pro debut that summer. He continued to do the same in 2000, though he missed most of the year with a ribcage pull and a knee strain. He did come back to hit .374 in August and help Michigan win the Midwest League championship. He has a quick bat that enables him to catch up to quality fastballs, and the ball jumps off his bat. He has instincts to match his quickness on the bases, and he'd make a good right fielder if he could improve his throwing. He'll also need to work on his plate discipline. Because he's already 24, Hill figures to reach Double-A at some point in 2001 despite his inexperience as a pro.
