D.J. Houlton

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Houston Astros #26 prospect in 2004
  Selecting college seniors is one way to save money in the draft, and the Astros are nothing if not thrifty. They're also efficient at spotting talent that has been overlooked. Big leaguers Morgan Ensberg and Kirk Saarloos were senior signs, as were eight members of this top 30. Houlton handled the jump from low A to Double-A last year with aplomb, though he hit the wall in Triple-A. He doesn't have a standout pitch but he has succeeded with a deep repertoire, good command and a feel for mixing locations and speeds. The Astros give him credit for getting further with his stuff than most pitchers would. The consensus is that Houlton's best pitch is his big 12-to-6 curveball, with his changeup right behind. His fastball runs from 86-92 mph, and he gets nice bore on his two-seamer. He doesn't hesitate to challenge batters inside. He also throws a cutter, slider and a splitter. Houlton got into trouble in Triple-A when he changed his style and tried to become more of a power pitcher. He tried to impress the radar guns and went to too many four-seam fastballs, which lacked movement and got pounded when he didn't spot them on the corners. He also went with his slider more than his curveball. If Houlton gets back to his basics in Triple-A this year, he could reach Houston by September.
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  Ranked Houston Astros #26 prospect in 2003
  The Astros have a few finesse righthanders who have had success, including Mike Burns (2.49 ERA, Midwest League-best 181 innings in 2002) and Nick Roberts (team-high 12 wins at Round Rock). The best is Houlton, one of six players among the top 30 signed as a college senior--an Astros specialty. (The others are Jason Lane, Chad Qualls, Henri Stanley, Charlton Jimerson and Todd Self). Some Houston officials cite his curveball as his best pitch, while others give the nod to his changeup. What is certain is that Houlton's prime asset is his ability to change speeds and spot his stuff around the strike zone. He has a deceptive delivery that makes hitters react as if his average fastball were in the low 90s. Houlton also throws a slider, but it's slurvy and it detracts from his other pitches. He trusted his stuff more last year than he did in his 2001 pro debut. He'll have to prove himself at every level and will get a chance in high Class A this year.

Minor League Top Prospects

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  Ranked Texas League #18 prospect in 2004
  While Astacio put up the big strikeout numbers, Houlton was Round Rock's most consistent and effective pitcher. He ranked second in the league in ERA and strikeouts, despite not having a pitch any scout or manager termed above-average. That stood in contrast to Astacio or fellow Express starter Jared Gothreaux, who has a plus slider, but Houlton has the best command of the bunch and profiles as a fourth starter. Houlton does it with a varied, deep repertoire. He throws his fastball in the 87-92 mph range, averaging right around 90 with it and throwing it for strikes to all parts of the strike zone. Houlton also throws a solid average changeup and curveball, and managers were split as to whether the curve or the change was his best pitch. He also toys with a splitter and slider. "He's got a great feel for the ball," said a scout with an American League club. "He throws three pitches that are average, but he moves them all around the strike zone. I like his chances."
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  Ranked American League #19 prospect in 2001
  Both the Houston front office and opposing Appy League coaching staffs raved about the job Martinsville pitching coach Jack Billingham did with his staff. His prized pupil turned out to be Houlton, who was named the league's all-star righthander at season's end. "Jack really brought D.J. along, particularly with his mechanics," Bluefield manager Joe Almaraz said. "He was balanced with all of his pitches, which led to the consistency that he showed over the course of the season." Houlton did a great job of keeping hitters off balance. He also has uncanny control for a Rookie-level pitcher, surrendering just seven walks in 72 innings. He’s not afraid to challenge hitters but tends to be too perfect in some situations, resulting in seven homers allowed, tying him for second-most in the Appy League

• December, 2000 Scouting Report
  Both the Houston front office and opposing Appy League coaching staffs raved about the job Martinsville pitching coach Jack Billingham did with his staff. His prized pupil turned out to be Houlton, who was named the league's all-star righthander at season's end. "Jack really brought D.J. along, particularly with his mechanics," Bluefield manager Joe Almaraz said. "He was balanced with all of his pitches, which led to the consistency that he showed over the course of the season." Houlton did a great job of keeping hitters off balance. He also has uncanny control for a Rookie-level pitcher, surrendering just seven walks in 72 innings. He’s not afraid to challenge hitters but tends to be too perfect in some situations, resulting in seven homers allowed, tying him for second-most in the Appy League