Chris Sampson

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Houston Astros #12 prospect in 2007
  Originally drafted by Houston as a shortstop, Sampson retired after hitting .239 in his pro debut. He drifted into coaching at Collin County (Texas) Community College, where he threw batting practice and began to wonder if he might have potential on the mound. He contacted the Astros and was re-signed in January 2003. From the day he returned, Sampson has shown amazing command and feel. His stuff doesn't leave him much margin for error, so he just doesn't make many mistakes. He led Triple-A Pacific Coast League starters in fewest unintentional walks (1.1) and baserunners (9.4) per nine innings, and he threw 67 percent of his pitches for strikes in the majors last season. Sampson's best pitch is his 87-92 mph sinker, followed by his slider. He also has an 11-to-5 curveball and a changeup, and he has come up with a promising splitter. He has plus command to both sides of the plate and he's unflappable. He likes to back lefthanders off the plate by throwing his slider down and in to them, and he could come up with a four-seam fastball to go up and in against righties. As would be expected given his background, Sampson hits better than most pitchers. He batted .391 in Triple-A last year, including a 5-for-15 (.333) performance as a pinch-hitter. He handled every role Houston threw at him in the majors, allowing just one earned run in three starts and pitching well out of the bullpen. He should make the Opening Day roster in 2007 and projects as either an effective No. 5 starter or as a set-up man.