HOUSTON ASTROS PROSPECT MAY BE NEXT BIG LEAGUE ALUM FOR STEAMERS

 

Edenton, NC – The Edenton Steamers have enjoyed historic success in the Coastal Plain League over the last six seasons, posting a winning record and reaching the postseason Petitt Cup tournament following each of those campaigns.  The team highlights during this span are the two league championships (2004, 2005) and eight North Division half titles.  There has also been peak individual player success from a franchise perspective, as numerous players have garnered individual awards and captured statistical category crowns.  Perhaps the most exciting player achievements during this time, however, were seeing Edenton’s first two alumni reach the Major Leagues: Joe Smith (2005 Steamers, Wright State University, 2006 3rd round New York Mets, 2007 Major Leagues with the Mets, currently with the Cleveland Indians) and Ryan Sadowski (2002 Steamers, University of Florida, 2003 12th round San Francisco Giants, 2009 Major Leagues with the Giants, currently in AAA for the Giants with the Fresno Grizzlies).  Evan Englebrook is positioned to possibly join them as the next Steamer alumnus in The Show.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Englebrook starred for the Edenton Steamers in his junior summer of 2003, ironically the last season the Teal & Black failed to make the playoffs, and shone as one of the few bright spots on an outfit that concluded the season with a franchise-worst 12-34 record.  He is the product of Shippensburg University, an NCAA Division II program in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference.  And while that geographic region of the country, including that conference specifically, may not be well-known for its professional baseball prospects, this program has produced a steady trickle of minor league players in recent years, arguably headlined by Englebrook.  It was obvious to everyone that he possessed some special physical gifts, standing 6’8” tall, but also featuring coordination and athleticism honed from a swimming background, and armed with a fastball that reached the mid-90s.  The Houston Astros took notice and selected him in the 8th round of the 2004 draft.

 

After enjoying success as a starter in college (Edenton summer: 8 starts, 46 IP, 2.15 ERA, 48 K, .170 batting average against) and early in his minor league career, the Astros transitioned him to a relief role in A ball.  His recent success in AA, and more importantly his prospective Major League role, comes from the bullpen.  Combined in 2008-2009 for the Corpus Christi Hooks of the AA Texas League, Englebrook has totaled 53 appearances in relief, 75 innings pitched, a 3.48 ERA, .242 batting average against, only 4 home runs allowed, a 1.72 groundout:flyout ratio, and converted 13 of 15 save chances.  This success and a hint towards a successful Major League future prompted the Astros to put Englebrook on its 40-man roster this off-season.  The significance of this designation, in the short term, meant that no other team could take the right-hander this past December in the annual Rule V Draft when clubs can raid the minor league rosters of their counterparts for veteran players, who are left off the 40-man.  In the bigger picture, it is an indication by Houston decision makers that they feel he will contribute at some point on the big league staff.

 

Baseball America recently ranked Englebrook 23rd in the Houston Astros organization within its annual publication of The Prospect Handbook, where it details the top 30 prospects in each Major League organization.  To be included anywhere on the list is considered an honor due to the prestige of the list’s reputation, track record, along with the sheer mathematical improbability that any player encounters on his way to the Majors.  In its write-up of Englebrook, Baseball America’s Ben Badler writes:

           

“Taller pitchers sometimes take longer to develop, and that has been the case with Englebrook…  He throws in the mid-90s and tops out at 97 mph.  Despite his velocity, he’s more of a groundball guy than a strikeout pitcher…  His height and three-quarters arm slot give him good downhill angle towards the plate…  After winning a spot on the 40-man roster in November, he’ll probably open 2010 in Triple-A.”

 

When asked how he feels about his professional development and possibly being in the mix of Houston’s bullpen at some point, Evan replied:

“I’ve worked hard to get here; and this has been my goal; but now I have other goals I want to reach.  The (Houston) organization is pushing for me and I feel I am ready to help the team.  I’m really happy and excited; I love baseball…  I got the call (about being added to the 40-man) while I was in the airport coming back from the Arizona Fall League…  The Astros have been real patient with me; I was a late bloomer: I was 6’7”, 215 (lbs.) when I was with the Steamers and now I’m 6’8” and 260 (lbs.).  They have really worked on helping my mechanics and developing my execution…  You just have to stay focused and believe the opportunity is going to come.”

 

Englebrook later commented that his junior summer in the Coastal Plain League benefited him for pro ball:

“I remember Edenton having such Southern hospitality; everyone there was so nice…  We didn’t win that much that summer (2003), but at the (summer) college level the focus is on developing so it was still an important experience for me.”

 

As Evan Englebrook prepares for the 2010 professional baseball season, in what could be a pivotal one for his career, the Edenton Steamers look forward to following him and all its other currently active alumni as its own summer season draws closer.