Houston Astros' George Springer: 10 Outfielders Top Pick Could Resemble by 2015
George Springer was the Houston Astros' first-round pick this year, and all reports are they got a good one. Now the fun part begins as fans can start speculating on what type of player Springer will be.
Scouting reports out there are describing the center fielder as one of the top athletes in this year's draft who brings five-tool ability to the game.
If he becomes the superstar many envision is yet to be seen, but here is a list of 10 players currently in the majors who George Springer might play like in 2015.
Hunter Pence
1 of 10
Like Hunter Pence, George Springer plays with a noticeable passion and excitement for the game. In an interview with MLB Trade Rumors, Springer was asked what people will notice about his play and he said:
""100 percent—this’ll probably sound dumb—but just balls out all the time. Not playing with any fear. Not afraid to fail."
"
I think this would be a great way to describe Hunter Pence as well.
Adam Jones
2 of 10
Another player that Springer may end up playing like is Baltimore Orioles' center fielder Adam Jones.
I think Springer will be more of a threat on the basepaths but will have similar power numbers to Jones, who has hit 19 home runs in 2009 and 2010.
Torii Hunter
3 of 10
In that same interview with MLB Trade Rumors, Springer was asked if there is a player he looks up to and he said:
""Well there’s actually a guy—I wouldn’t necessarily say I do things like him—but I model my game, my style of play, after him and it’s Hunter—Torii Hunter. I used to watch him play when he was in New Britain. When he was in Double-A [in 1997-8] I watched him play with the Twins. He’ll get after it. He plays without fear. He’ll run into a wall or he’ll run through a wall. He’s not just going to swing to swing, he’s going to swing hard. I think that seeing him play as a kid [influenced] who I resemble the most."
"
I think if Springer can play with that no fear mindset he has the physical tools to play like Torii Hunter.
.png?w=256)
Mike Cameron
4 of 10
When I say Mike Cameron, I am talking about pre-Boston Red Sox Mike Cameron.
The player who averaged over 20 home runs and around 20 steals for the San Diego Padres and Milwaukee Brewers while providing good defense in the outfield.
Matt Kemp
5 of 10
Matt Kemp is having a great season, and while I hope Springer can play up to that level, I am thinking more 2009 Matt Kemp when he hit .297 with 26 home runs, 101 RBI and 34 stolen bases.
I don't think anyone would complain if Springer was able to produce like that.
Andrew McCutchen
6 of 10
Both play good defense and have good speed on the basepaths, but I think Springer will have more power than McCutchen who hasn't hit more than 16 in his short career.
Another thing they have in common is that they were both drafted in the 11th spot.
Justin Upton
7 of 10
Justin Upton has a very similar skill set to George Springer, but I think Springer is stronger in the field.
I would not be surprised to see Springer end up moving to one of the corner infield spots, the same position as Upton, because of the presence of Michael Bourn. Not necessarily because he can't play the center field position
Carlos Gonzalez
8 of 10
Carlos Gonzalez had a great year last year, and while I think his power numbers may be a little inflated due to Coors Field, he still is one of the top hitters in the game.
I think playing at any other home field he would be considered a gap hitter similar to Springer. Both Springer and Gonzalez have the speed on the basepaths and the great defensive ability.
Drew Stubbs
9 of 10
Drew Stubbs had a good first full season in the majors hitting 22 home runs and 30 stolen bases last year.
It is hard not to believe that Springer can't do that once he reaches the Astros, especially considering he was 72 for 84 in stolen bases attempts in his career with UConn and will play in a hitters park like Minute Maid Park.
Grady Sizemore
10 of 10
According to this article, Peter Gammon referred to George Springer as Grady Sizemore's little brother. I hope Peter was talking about the healthy Grady Sizemore and not the one who has unfortunately been dealing with injuries the past year.
If the Astros are able to get a Grady Sizemore clone like Peter believes, then I can't wait to see this kid play in a Houston jersey in Minute Maid Park.
.png?w=480)
