With the 1st pick of the 8th Round (227th overall), the Astros select 5'10" 175lb Jason Martin, a left-handed hitting CF from Orange Lutheran High School in California.
Jason Martin was a 2013 Rawlings 3rd Team All-American, and California All-Region 1st Team, hitting .408/.483 with 1 HR and 7 RBI in 49 AB this year.
Jonathan Mayo says this about Martin:
"With his all-out style play and his short, yet well built physique, Martin is the type of player that fans love. Martin is an above-average defensive center fielder with solid range and good instincts. At the plate, he has a quick, compact swing and sprays line drives to all fields. He is an aggressive baserunner and has great instincts on the basepaths. Martin will attend Long Beach State if he doesn't sign."
So Cal Preps had this to say:
"Martin is a prototypical leadoff hitter that possesses plus-plus speed. He has narrowed his LH stance from last season and it's paying dividends. Martin's disciplined approach at the plate has really improved his recognition of off-speed pitches. His swing is smooth with good hip rotation and nothing seems forced. Defensively, he combines his speed with a strong arm and great instincts. Understands angles very well. Has played all OF positions which offers flexibility on the next level."
He is profiled by Perfect Game USA over here, with a prospect video over here.
We didn't come out here to play tiddlywinks, son.
-Hal Smith
