There are several TOP PROSPECTS entering the 2014 season that we feel are ‘special’. Astros outfielder George Springer is in our top five of position players that you should keep an eye on entering the final rounds of your drafts…

This former UCONN Husky, OF George Springer, could turn out to be the ‘steal of the draft’. Photo: Bob Levey/Getty Images North America

We have been following this kid since the beginning of last season and if he is called up early as we suspect, he will be a great find for those in draft rooms looking for special sleepers that have eluded other owners late in the draft. And speaking of last season, Springer was named the Minor League Offensive Player of the Year. The former UCONN Husky played at Double-A Corpus Christi and Triple-A Oklahoma City.

Springer ended the season blasting 37 home runs, stealing 45 bases, and batting .303, numbers that helped garner him that prestigious award. He can obviously hit for power and has tremendous speed. We won’t directly compare him to a former Yankees Hall of Famer quite yet, but in the very early stages of his career he reminds us of CF Mickey Mantle early in his career before his knees wore down.

Springer’s only downside is that he is prone to striking out  a lot-161 times just last year. Of course, as long as he is able to put up those kinds of numbers you can look past the strike outs. With a bit more patience at the plate, it’s hard to imagine just how good this kid could be.

More than likely, Springer will start the season in Triple-A but should be called up rather quickly to play right field after the addition of Dexter Fowler who will man center.

Springer also caught our eye because he runs the bases with reckless abandon, reminiscent of Pete Rose as he isn’t afraid to slide head first into any base while running full speed. He’s just one hell of an exciting player to watch while all you need to do is add up all his fantasy points each and every week…

OF George Springer about to make one of his patented head-first slides into home plate will prove to be one exciting ballplayer to keep your eyes on this season. Photo: AP

“He’s got it all man!” -Dan Radison, Astros Special Assignment Coach, who spent 10 years coaching in the Yankees organization.