Jon Singleton was one of the major pieces along with Jarred Cosart, that the Astros acquired in the Hunter Pence trade with the Phillies back in July of 2011.  Singleton has been a highly touted prospect for years, and at age 22 is already in his sixth season in the minors.  Singleton is putting together a fine campaign in AAA and is not making it easy for the Astros to keep him down there.

During April Singleton was named the top player of the month while slashing his way to a .293 batting average, 23 runs, a Pacific Coast leading nine homeruns and was second in RBI with 27.  One downfall to Singleton, much like most of the Astros lineup, he does have a tendency to strikeout.  Singleton averages a strikeout per game which has hampered his batting average at times.  Despite this he has flashed his power lately making him an enticing case to call up.

When you look at the Astros lineup right now it’s easy to envision Singleton playing everyday with the struggles of their everyday players.  Three names that jump out right away are Chris Carter, Jesus Guzman, and Marc Krauss who are the main starters at first base and designated hitter.  None of those guys have been impressive this year and of the three only Guzman is even batting over .200, albeit just barely at .203.  None of these players even batted .230 last season, and Carter is the only one of them to display any type of power with 29 homeruns last season.  This year though the power has been virtually non existent with only four homeruns, and has struck out a whopping 40 percent of the time with exactly 40 strikeouts in 100 at bats!  

With such a lack of production from the positions that Singleton plays it only makes sense for him to get called up soon.  It’s not as if he needs more time to develop considering that he has spent six season as a minor leaguer.  Singleton is red hot and clearly the player with the most potential of the players I have previously named.  Anytime a highly touted prospect with his fair share of minor league at bats is named player of the month it’s only a matter of time before he gets called up.

All things considered, now would be a good time to pick up Singleton if your team is not injury riddled and you can afford to hold onto a player who still needs to be called up.  The Astros need as much production as they can get from their weak lineup and Singleton would make a good addition when he gets the call to play for the major league club.