Welcome to The New Age

     Tuesday marked the first time since roughly 2007 that an Astros fan could truly get excited about a top tier prospect, more than one for that matter, and was it ever refreshing. Jarred Cosart followed up his stellar debut by spinning a solid 7 innings of 1 run, 7 hit, 3 walk, 4 strikeout baseball. It was very encouraging to see the way he handled himself and kept his composure on the bump with traffic on the basepaths. His fastball location looked very good, and he mixed speeds and locations well. Jarred pitched to his strength yet again and induced many a ground ball, and I believe three double plays, staying low in the zone throughout. It was such a treat to see the man, the myth, the legend, in person and hear the echo of the mitt ring throughout Minute Maid Park. Even with the high BB/9 rate he's posted in the minors, 4.8 this year and 3.6 as a career total, if he maintains his very impressive ground ball ratio he should be able to get by with a higher walk rate. 

     Jonathan Villar had himself a day as well on Tuesday going 3-4 w/ his first and second major league doubles. Villar played solid defense at short and showcased his toolshed of tools again in his second major league contest. He started the game by lacing a double down the right field line, bouncing a single up the middle, and later slapping a ball into the left field corner to leg out a double and later score the game winning run in the 9th. He rolled a couple smooth double plays, and showcased his legs on the double in the 9th. The kid absolutely can fly. If the 22 year old can meet his potential and stick, he profiles as the SS of  the future, which could spur the move of Correa to 3rd base. It's far to early to say, but it's a conversation that Luhnow and Co. will have to have if Villar shows out the rest of the year and coming season and entrenches himself as the starting SS of the near future. It's going to be very exciting to watch him continue to develop and hopefully put all of those tools together. 

     It's just elating to see quality young talent at the major league once again, and not a revolving door of stop gaps and waiver wire burnouts. Jarred Cosart and Jonathon Villar signal the beginning to the end of the rebuild, and they have launched a new era in Houston Astros baseball. They may scuffle this year in adapting to the bigs as the vast majority of young prospects do, but don't count them out or allow your patience to grow thin as many have with Jordan Lyles for example. Kick back, enjoy the ups and downs, and appreciate that top tier talent is finally occupying Minute Maid Park yet again. Oh, and you might should send a thank you tweet to the Phillies organization. Ruben Amaro has been quite generous to the Houston Astros of tomorrow. 

Go 'Stros!!