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2007 Quick quiz: who led the minor leagues in extra-base hits last year? If you guessed some top prospect such as Alex Gordon, you`re wrong, it was Conrad. One of those undersized, max-effort, low-tools/big-heart guys, all Conrad has done is hit at every level. He`s still not a great prospect. A long swing means plenty of strikeouts and a low batting average, but he can play second and third base, switch hit, and he has some pop, so there`s some sort of value here. The problem is that he`s blocked by Biggio playing out the string at second, and Mike Lamb providing lefty sock at the corners from the bench. 2006 One of the Astros` more annoying habits is the snail-like pace with which they promote advanced college hitters. Conrad starred at Arizona State, but he`s had to spend two full seasons below Double-A. At that pace, some guys would be better off skipping affiliation and just signing with the indy leagues, because at least there they might attract attention instead of watching their careers slowly wither on the vine. Conrad`s a better right-handed hitter, but between some speed and power and underrated defensive skills, he`d make a decent temp for a team in need of a second baseman. Having seen his career stagnate with this organization, he`d be lucky to get the opportunity. 2005 It's worth mentioning that PECOTA sees better things in 2005 for Conrad than it does for Burke, with the former's power and walks carrying the day. They're the same age, both taken out of college in the 2001 draft. Conrad has trailed Burke largely because he started in the New York-Penn League, while Burke debuted in the Midwest. Conrad is good trade bait, someone who could end up starting for your team in September.
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