Who are these guys anyway?

Names of Astros' prospects have been tossed around carelessly over the past couple of weeks, especially in response to the Dunn-to-Houston mania. I know little about the prospects being rumored, but I thought I'd try to educate both myself and our loyal reader(s) by posting some info from Baseball America's 2005 Top 10 Prospects, initially published January 31, 2005 (subscription required):

NOTE - for less-visible guys, I've included some 2005 numbers.

1. Chris Burke - described as a "Mark Loretta with speed"...was rated by PCL managers as the best defensive second baseman in 2004...praised for having outstanding work ethic and professionalism...has excelled at every level

2. Zeke Astacio - best fastball in Astros' system, with drastic improvements in both velocity and sink from 2002 to 2004...also has plus curve and plus splitter...occassionally loses focus

3. Wily Taveras - prolific speed and quickness...above-average arm...needs to improve strength and plate patience

4. Mitch Einertson - 18 y/o OF - 2005 in Low-A Lexington: .224 avg, .353 obp, .354 slg, 6 HR, 42/77 bb/k
- tied all-time HR record in 2004 in rookie ball, won MVP while leading league in extra-base hits, RBI, total bases and slugging...projects as corner OF with great pop...must control the K's, especially as he moves up in class

5. Troy Patton - plus fastball, plus change-up, plus curve...good location...needs more consistency in his mechanics

6. Matt Albers - 22 y/o RHP - 2005 in High-A Salem: 3-9 w/ 5.36 ERA, 102 H in 87 IP, 42/78 BB/K
- Houston area kid who's had a stint in alcohol rehab...durable and pitches with power...lacks control on and off field

7. Taylor Buchholz - headlined Wagner trade...great curveball and plus fastball...shoulder and elbow problems in 2003...hard on himself and tries to out-think himself at times

8. Fernando Nieve - 22 y/o RHP - 2005 in AA 4-3 w/ 2.65 ERA, 62 H in 85 IP, 29/96 BB/K...2005 in AAA 2-2 w/ 3.00 ERA, 28 H in 27 IP, 8/15 BB/K
- electric fastball of which he throws several variations (sinker, rising four-seamer, cutter)...strong body and arm...needs more consistency with off-speed pitches...could project as power reliever if doesn't improve off-speed pitches

9. Josh Anderson - 22 y/o LH OF - 2005 AA - .280 avg, .332 obp, .319 slg, 0 HR, 32 SB
- outstanding speed, incredibly aggressive (needs to tone it down a notch)

10. Hunter Pence - 21 y/o RH OF - 2005 Low-A Lexington - .336 avg, .415 obp, .683 slg, 24 HR, 34/50 bb/k
- Astros' 2004 top draft pick...doesn't look as powerful (long and lean) but has great raw power...below average defensive OF

By the way, in the 2005 Baseball America Top 100 Prospects, the Astros were represented at #60 by Chris Burke and #80 by Zeke Astacio.