Craig Biggio

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Houston Astros #1 prospect in 1988
  The Astros’ first-round selection last June out of Seton Hall, Biggio has the tools to develop into a solid big league player. He has power (17 doubles, nine home runs and 49 RBIs in 216 at-bats at low Class A Asheville in his first taste at pro ball). He has speed (31 stolen bases). And he knows the strike zone (39 walks and 33 strikeouts). He also has a strong arm and hustles all the time. The question, though, is where Biggio will eventually play in the big leagues. For now, the Astros will try to refine him into a decent catcher. He is part of that new breed of one-handed catchers who is going to have to make marked improvement in the quickness with which he moves his free hand. His throwing mechanics also need refining if he wants to make a big league career out of crouching behind the plate.

Minor League Top Prospects

• 
  Ranked South Atlantic League #4 prospect in 1987
  Managers were in agreement that Biggio, Houston’s first-round draft pick in June, has all the tools and intangibles to make the major leagues. The disagreement is where. Few think it will be as a catcher. “He is definitely the top prospect or among the top two,” Asheville manager Keith Bodie said. “He probably will play in the big leagues before anyone in this league.” Why? Biggio can hit, hit with power, throw and run. Run, that’s right. He stole 31 bases for Asheville, while batting .375, in just 64 games. “That kid impressed me,” Savannah manager Mark DeJohn said. “He laid down a bunt (and reached base), and I was concerned if he was going to steal second and third.” The opinions on Biggio's arm strength varied from good to fair. Managers also raved about his desire, hustle and any other cliche you want to add.

• December, 1987 Scouting Report
  The Astros’ first-round selection last June out of Seton Hall, Biggio has the tools to develop into a solid big league player. He has power (17 doubles, nine home runs and 49 RBIs in 216 at-bats at low Class A Asheville in his first taste at pro ball). He has speed (31 stolen bases). And he knows the strike zone (39 walks and 33 strikeouts). He also has a strong arm and hustles all the time. The question, though, is where Biggio will eventually play in the big leagues. For now, the Astros will try to refine him into a decent catcher. He is part of that new breed of one-handed catchers who is going to have to make marked improvement in the quickness with which he moves his free hand. His throwing mechanics also need refining if he wants to make a big league career out of crouching behind the plate.
• December, 1986 Scouting Report
  Managers were in agreement that Biggio, Houston’s first-round draft pick in June, has all the tools and intangibles to make the major leagues. The disagreement is where. Few think it will be as a catcher. “He is definitely the top prospect or among the top two,” Asheville manager Keith Bodie said. “He probably will play in the big leagues before anyone in this league.” Why? Biggio can hit, hit with power, throw and run. Run, that’s right. He stole 31 bases for Asheville, while batting .375, in just 64 games. “That kid impressed me,” Savannah manager Mark DeJohn said. “He laid down a bunt (and reached base), and I was concerned if he was going to steal second and third.” The opinions on Biggio's arm strength varied from good to fair. Managers also raved about his desire, hustle and any other cliche you want to add.