Name: Chris Burke
DOB: 3.11.1980
T/H: R/R;
Team: Houston Astros;
Drafted: 1^st round, 10^th overall
Position: 2B

In 2001 the Houston Astros drafted University of Tennessee (Volunteer pride!) product Chris Burke who was a promising middle infielder at the time. In his final year with the Vols, Burke hit .435 with an OBP of .537 along with 20 HR’s. These are pretty good numbers for anybody, but especially a second baseman with leadoff skills.

Burke’s transition to professional baseball was slightly hidden by his gaudy .300 batting average his first season. His OBP with Class A Michigan was not that great, but still good. He showed little power, but that was to be expected. In 2002, Burke struggled in AA with a .264 batting average and a .330 on-base percentage; his OPS of .686 further indicated he just wasn’t getting it. In 2003, Burke repeated Double A and lit up the league to the tune of .301 with a .379 OBP. In 2004, Burke moved up to AAA and tore the league apart with a .315 batting average, near .400 OBP, and 16 home runs. Offensively he seems to be either a leadoff hitter because of his ability to get on base or a number two hitter because of his ability to get extra base hits along with a few homers per season.

On the bases, Burke is a little bit shakier. He stole 34 bases each of the previous two seasons, but was caught a total of 24 times. He has excellent foot speed, but if he puts everything together, he can swipe 15 at the highest level.

Defensively, Burke was an average shortstop until the Astros converted him to second because of his weak arm. In the course of a season, Burke has learned his way around the keystone position and he definitely won’t embarrass himself there. He has become able to make the double play and has the range of a shortstop, both very important things to have.

The Astros are desperate for a leadoff hitter since Craig Biggio’s skills began to diminish and they need a second baseman since Jeff Kent’s departure. For the 2006 season, it looks like Burke has both of those roles on the Astros club, but I would hit him lower in the season next year to give him time to learn the ropes. Given a full season worth of at-bats right now, Burke would produce at a .270 clip with a .350 OBP and 10 stolen bases.

The Astros have a solid second baseman for the future here. Best of luck to you this coming season in Houston, Mr. Burke.

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