Bud Norris

2013

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2012

With a slider, a change-up and a fastball that ranges from 91-93 mph, Norris pitched well for the Astros last season, striking out nearly a batter an inning and doing a decent job of limiting the walks. In fact, his improved control (2.05 K/BB in 2010 to 2.51 K/BB in 2011) coupled with his first season with a sub-1.350 WHIP suggests an improvement on his 6-11 record is in store. As one of the few homegrown, young talents remaining on the Astros, Norris figures to be with the team for a while. He should continue to show growth in 2012, even if the wins don't come in bunches.

2011

Norris had a very up-and-down 2010, starting off cold then posting an excellent July, before pitching on-again / off-again to close out the year. End of season numbers aside, he has far more potential than he has shown thus far -- but like many young pitchers with power arms, he's an injury risk and needs to improve his control. Norris is something of a sleeper entering 2011, but the true breakout may still be another year away. Still, an opportunity to log 185-190 innings paired with an excellent strikeout rate (9.3 K/9IP) makes it difficult to pass him up as an endgame option for your rotation.

2010

Norris found his way into the Astros' rotation when the team released Russ Ortiz in July. He did an admirable job down the stretch as the fourth starter, posting a 1.57 ERA and 1.173 WHIP in September. He's got a live fastball, touching the upper 90s when he's on top of his game, but he needs to develop a third pitch to remain a starting option long term. There's some upside here as a fifth starter, if he can figure out how to keep the ball in the park, while the lack of depth in the Houston rotation could ultimately miscast him as a middle-of-the-rotation type.

2009

Norris went 3-8 with a 4.05 ERA in 19 starts with Double-A Corpus Christi last season, despite being limited by an elbow strain. He flashed good strikeout stuff, fanning 84 batters in 80 innings, but he was very hittable -- due in part to a .364 BABIP -- with .286 batting average against and eight homers allowed. He may return to Corpus Christi to begin 2009, but a late-season callup to Houston is within reason provided that he transitions well to Triple-A Round Rock. Norris is one of a few intriguing prospects in a mostly barren Houston farm system. The Astros may eventually decide to shift him into a relief role, where he may have a future as an eventual closer with a late-moving fastball touching 97 mph.