Morgan Ensberg
Houston Astros
Position: 3B Height: 6-2 Weight: 210 Born: 8/26/75 Bats: Right Throws: Right

Year	Team	Level	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	K	SB	CS	BA	OBP	SLG
1999	Kissimmee	A	123	427	72	102	25	2	15	69	68	90	17	6	.239	.353	.412
2000	R. Rock	AA	137	483	95	145	34	0	28	90	92	107	9	12	.300	.416	.545
2001	New Or.	AAA	87	316	65	98	20	0	23	61	45	60	6	3	.310	.397	.592

Background
The Astros drafted Ensberg in the ninth round in 1998, out of the University of Southern California. Southern Cal won the College World Series that year, and Ensberg was a major part of their success, hitting .344 and leading the club with 21 home runs and 20 steals. But he was a senior, and as a player with only "marginal" tools, he was not a highly-regarded draftee. He hit just .239 in his first full season in '99, though he did show power and patience, then broke out with an outstanding campaign for Double-A Round Rock in '00. He continued battering the ball in Triple-A in '01, and is the front runner in the third base competition for the Astros this spring.

The Rookies

Throughout spring training, John Sickels will provide in-depth reports on 10 of the hottest rookies to watch. Here's the complete schedule: Feb. 26: Josh Beckett, Marlins March 2: Carlos Pena, A's March 5: Nick Johnson, Yankees March 8: Sean Burroughs, Padres March 12: Juan Cruz, Cubs March 15: Mike Cuddyer, Twins March 19: Morgan Ensberg, Astros March 22: Kurt Ainsworth, Giants March 26: Hank Blalock, Rangers March 29: Jon Rauch, White Sox

Scouting report
Ensberg is physically strong, and has worked hard to craft his swing to translate that strength into power. He controls the strike zone, seldom swings at bad pitches, and does not strike out much for a power hitter. He destroys mediocre fastballs, and while super-blazing stuff can overpower him, the same can be said for all but the absolute best hitters. He hangs in well against breaking pitches, and while he becomes too pull-conscious at times, he does have good opposite field pop when he stays within himself. Ensberg shows a strong arm, but his range and hands are only average. He doesn't have great running speed, though his instincts are sound. He works hard, and is regarded as a team leader.

Performance
His numbers since reaching Double-A are pretty much flawless: he hits for average and power, draws walks, and doesn't strike out much. His MLEs peg him as a .270-.290 hitter, with as many as 30 homers in a full season, with plenty of walks. I see no reason to doubt these projections, especially since he'll play in ex-Corrupt Energy Company with Close Ties to Very Important Politicians Who Coincidentally Happen to Determine Energy Policy Field. About the only real flaw in his record is his age: at age 26, he is old for a prospect, a by-product of his signing as a college senior and not really establishing himself until 2000.

Health record
Ensberg missed about a third of last season with a broken hamate bone, but he is not expected to have long-term ill effects.

What to expect
The trade of Chris Truby to Montreal seems to open third base for Ensberg once and for all. But he's hitting just .206 in 12 games this spring (albeit with two homers and six RBI), and it seems possible he'll have to share some time with Geoff Blum, at least early in the year. Still, Ensberg should get the majority of playing time at third base this year and Jimy Williams announced Tuesday that Ensberg is the Astros' starting third baseman. He has nothing left to prove in the minor leagues, and will be a solid Rookie of the Year candidate if the Astros keep faith in him if he gets off to a slow start.

John Sickels is the author of the 2002 STATS Minor League Scouting Notebook. He is currently writing a biography of Bob Feller. He lives in Lawrence, Kansas, with his wife, son, and two cats. You can send John questions or comments at JASickels@aol.com, or you can visit his homepage at hometown.aol.com/jasickels/page1.html.