By Ben Lipson

Mitch Einertson may not be a household name just yet, but after the summer he put up for the Houston Astros' rookie level Greeneville, Tennessee affiliate, he is likely to be one of the most watched Single-A prospects in 2004.

Houston's 5th round pick in the 2004 draft out of Rancho Buena Vista (CA) High School introduced himself to Appalachian League pitching by clubbing a league record tying 24 Home Runs, while batting .308 with a league leading 67 RBI in 63 Games for Greeneville.

Einertson went yard twice more in the playoffs. The power display was more than enough to earn the 18 year old, Appalachian League Player of the Year honors as he lead Greeneville to an Appy League championship season. He also earned a late season call up to Houston's Short Season Single-A team the Tri City Valley Dusters where Einertson wasted little time in clubbing his 27th homer in his debut and adding another in the post season for a total of 28 dingers on the year.

While the power numbers were outstanding, like may young power hitting prospects, Einertson often times struggled with his plate discipline. In 227 At Bats with Greenville, he struck out an alarming 70 times while drawing 32 base on balls.

Strikeout numbers aside, the Astros have got to be happy the dividends their fifth round pick has paid thus far. Einertson passed up a baseball scholarship to San Diego State to sign with Houston out of high school. Drafted as an outfielder, the Astros are hoping to convert Einertson into a second baseman and he is expected to experiment at that position during the instructional league this winter.

I would expect Einertson begin the 2005 season at Single-A Salem of the Carolina League. With a strong first half it would be possible that he could earn a midseason call up, but it is most likely that Einertson will be making Salem his home for the better part of next year. It will be interesting to see if Einertson is able to adjustments to his swing as he moves up the minor league chain, or if his strikeout numbers will rise even higher as the quality of pitching he faces increases.

There is no reason not to pick up Einertson with a late round pick in a keeper league, however I would not recommend using a pick on him in any traditional fantasy leagues as he will not be featured in the bigs until the latter part of the 2007 season at the earliest.