Baseball America's Bests

Compiled from interviews with managers and scouts, Baseball America recently put together an interesting list of 'Best Tools' players from the minors up through the majors. Here's how the Astros ranked:

Major Leagues (Best in NL):
Fastest Baserunner - Willy Taveras (3rd)
Best Curveball - Roy Oswalt (3rd)
Best Slider - Brad Lidge (2nd)
Best Pick Off Move - Andy Pettitte (2nd)
Best Defensive Catcher - Brad Ausmus (3rd)
Best Defensive Shortstop - Adam Everett (3rd)

Triple-A:
Best Baserunner - Charlton Jimerson
Best Control - Jason Hirsh (making big league debut Saturday v. San Diego)

Double-A:
Best Strike-Zone Judgment - Ben Zobrist (now in bigs at Tampa Bay)
Best Baserunner - Josh Anderson
Fastest Baserunner - Josh Anderson
Best Breaking Pitch - Paul Estrada
Most Exciting Player - Hunter Pence

High A:
Best Breaking Ball: Jimmy Barthmaier
Best Defensive SS: Edwin Maysonet

Low A:
Best Control: Tip Fairchild (now at Salem)
Best Defensive Catcher: J. R. Towles
Best Defensive Second Baseman: Eric King
Best Defensive Shortstop: Tommy Manzella