Q&A with Astros' 34th-round pick Scott Migl

June 18, 12:38 PMHouston Astros ExaminerStephen Goff

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Texas A&M right-hander Scott Migl was drafted by the Houston Astros in the 34th round of the 2009 First-Year Player Draft. (Daniel Bates/The Battalion)

Houston Astros assistant general manager of scouting Bobby Heck utilized the final day of the 2009 First-Year Player Draft to select potential late-round sleepers.

History proves that late-round selections can develop into All-Star-caliber players at the big league level.

Mark Buehrle, Roy Oswalt, Andy Pettitte, Mike Piazza, Jorge Posada, Kenny Rogers and Ryne Sandberg represent some of the standout players who were overlooked by numerous teams in the draft.

Heck invested 12 out of the Astros' final 20 picks on pitching with the hope of discovering the next Oswalt.

The talented scouting director has a distinct eye for identifying the right kind of talent for an organization. 

Who's going to be the next Oswalt or Pettitte from the Astros' 2009 Draft class?

With the right coaching and development, minor league prospects have the opportunity to climb the ladder toward playing in the big leagues.  

Astros scout Rusty Pendergrass, who reports to Heck, evaluates collegiant and high-school talent in the state of Texas. He was influential in the drafting and signing of Matt Albers, Hunter Pence, Troy Patton, Ross Seaton, as well as the free-agent signing of Texarkana Gunslinger standout Jack Tilghman.   

Pendergrass spent the past few years evaluating a potential sleeper in Texas A&M right-hander Scott Migl. Based on his recommendation, the Astros selected the Houston native in the 34th round of the 2009 First-Year Player Draft.

The 6-foot-4, 190-pound Aggie features a strong arm, excellent command and a repertoire of pitches, which keeps opposing hitters off balance and guessing. He mixes his low-90s fastball with a wicked curve, effective slider and solid changeup.  

Migl graduated from St. Pius High School in 2006 before heading to College Station.

The talented right-hander led his team to the TAPPS 5A state title in 2003 and 2005, tossing a three-hit shutout in the 2005 state championship game. Also, St. Pius advanced to the state semifinals in 2004 and 2006.

He earned first-team All-State honors his junior and senior year, striking out 100 hitters over 87 innings in 2006.

Remarkably, Migl walked only three batters while posting a 0.91 ERA his senior year.     

"Migl's a command pitcher who throws strikes," Pendergrass said. "I've been watching him since high school. He's a guy we wanted to draft and develop. As long as he keeps getting better, he'll be a special player in the Astros system."

Recently, Migl spoke with Houston Astros Examiner Stephen Goff about being drafted by the Astros, growing up in the Houston area, his positive baseball influences and signing his first professional contract.

Q: How did you find out the Houston Astros drafted you?

A: My mom was following the draft online. When the Astros drafted me, she immediately called me and told me the great news. At the time, I was asleep. It didn't sink in right away until I woke up and realized that my hometown team drafted me. It's really fun to experience this thrill.

Q: Being from Houston, how big of an Astros fan are you?

A: The Astros have always been my favorite team. I'm a huge fan of Jeff Bagwell and Craig Biggio. It's really cool to be drafted by my favorite team and get the chance to hopefully play one day with the Astros and help them win. 

Q: Did you follow any of the collegiant teams in Houston or the state of Texas growing up?

A: I've always been a fan of UH and Rice. Being from Houston, I cheer for both teams. Wayne Graham and Rayner Noble are great coaches with a respectful rivalry. Ironically, I was more of a Longhorn than an Aggie growing up. Funny enough, I ended up playing college ball for the Aggies.

Q: Which teams expressed the most interest in possibly drafting you?

A: Well, I knew the Astros were interested. Also, the St. Louis Cardinals and Washington Nationals showed some interest leading up to the draft. I figured one of these three teams would draft me.

Q: How did your experience at St. Pius High School influence your career?

A: I was a member of two state championship teams at St. Pius. Also, we made the state semifinals my sophomore and senior years. I really began developing as a senior. This opened the door for options in my baseball career.

Q: Were you heavily recruited out of high school?

A: Not really. Navarro College heavily recruited me. Tulane generated some interest, but I didn't hear much from them after the hurricane. Liberty University in Virginia, as well as Rice showed little interest. I was planning on going to Navarro until Texas A&M came into the picture. I chose to become an Aggie.

Q: Who are some of your biggest baseball influences?

A: I grew up playing for Proway Baseball Academy in Houston. All the coaches associated with Proway helped in my development as a pitcher. I will always be thankful to Dean Crowe, Sid Holland, Scipio Spinks, and especially Darwin Pennye. Darwin is the coach of all coaches. I still talk to him and seek advice on how to get better.

Q: Do you feel you're ready to play professional baseball after three years at Texas A&M?

A: Yes. I'm ready to make the jump to pro ball. I want the thrill of a new challenge and look forward to playing minor league ball for the Astros. I love to play baseball, and it's what I want to do for a living. 

Q: Describe the feeling of being one of the 22 draft picks to already sign with the Astros?

A: Very rewarding. I signed with the Astros through Rusty (Pendergrass). I'm very excited to get started. I want to be part of the Astros organization. It's not everyday where your hometown team drafts you. It feels right and I'm ready to roll.

Q: Now that you're signed, where does the Astros organization plan to assign you?

A: I'll be heading to Rookie-Advanced Greeneville in Tennessee on Thursday. I'm eager to learn, get better and do what they tell me. It's going to be new for me. I'm used to balancing baseball and school. Now, all I have to do is focus on baseball, so it will be an adjustment process.