Yeah, But Can He Sing?

Houstonist was shocked when we heard our Houston Astros used their 10th overall selection in the baseball draft on Jason Castro, the dreadlocked Aggie who was a top five finalist on American Idol this season. Our hearts then slowed to a normal pace when we discovered the Astros selected Jason Castro, a 6-foot-3, 210-pound junior catcher from Stanford.

Hailing from Castro Valley, Calif., Castro is batting .372 with 12 home runs and 63 RBI’s. This year, he was named to the All-Pac-10 team and was recently named as one of the three finalists for the 2008 Coleman Company-Johnny Bench Award.

Could this be the Astros’ catcher of the future? With Brad Ausmus seemingly in his last year, and J.R. Towles’ recent option down to Round Rock, how fast will the Astros push Castro into the limelight? With a pick that high, you normally would like to see production sooner rather than later. The Astros, however, have been known to take their time grooming their young talent.

Rounding out the top five picks, the Astros also selected Jordan Lyles (RHP, Hartsville, S.C.), Joseph Austin (CF, North Atlanta HS), Charles Davidson (OF, Milton HS, Ga.), and Ross Seaton (RHP, Second Baptist School, Texas).

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Photo: flickr user mrp1001