6-189: OF Brett Phillips

With the 1st pick in the 6th Round (189th overall), the Astros select 6'0" 175lb L/R CF Brett Phillips, out of Seminole HS (FL).

MLB.com:
He has a quick, compact swing and handles the bat well, with the ability to hit the ball to all fields. He has pretty good bat speed and could develop some power in the future. Phillips is the type of maximum effort player that scouts love.

Phillips was expecting to be at least a 4th Round pick, and had workouts for the Mariners< Cubs, Padres, Pirates, Blue Jays, and Rays. On May 28, Jim Callis said he was a 2nd/3rd Round pick. ESPN's Kiley McDaniel said that Phillips "should be gone by the end of the third round and is expected to turn pro."

Phillips:
“I just can’t wait for the draft, to get everything settled and know where I’m going."

Coach, Jeff Pincus, on Phillips:
“He’s a one-of-a-kind kid. He is truly a five-tool player. I think his arm is major-league caliber right now.”

Phillips, on his defensive abilities:
“Not to be cocky, but anything hit out there I’ll catch it. Anything hit between 403 and 388 (outfield signs), that’s me, that’s my ball. I’ll catch anything for my pitcher. And I’ll throw the ball as well. I’ll throw my arm out to get somebody at the plate. It may cost me my big-league career, but I’ll do it.”

He has committed to NC State:
“I take academics seriously. I have a 3.2 GPA and I carry out my business in the classroom. To play baseball in college is big and that was a milestone for me and committing to a college was a hard decision. But if anyone has that opportunity, take full pride in that experience cause its awesome.”

Phillips was named MVP of the Bay Area All-Star Game on May 31.