Where Are They Now: Lou Santangelo

TROY, N.Y. -- Many high profile catching prospects for the Houston Astros have passed through Joseph L. Bruno Stadium over the course of their minor league career. From the Astros first selection and 10th overall in the 2008 Major League Baseball Draft, Jason Castro, to the third baseman turned catcher, Koby Clemens.

One former ValleyCats catcher may be the first former 'Cats backstop to reach the major leagues and his name is not Castro or Clemens. Lou Santangelo joined the ValleyCats in 2004 after playing college ball at Clemson. The Staten Island native showcased power in his first professional season as a member of the ValleyCats in 2004. In 47 games, Santangelo hit six home runs and drove in 20 RBI in 47 games.

The Astros promoted Santangelo to the next level, Lexington, in 2005 the right-hander hit .268 with 14 home runs in 70 games. Santangelo continued to increase his power production with the Class A Advanced Salem Avalanche in 2006 with 18 long-balls.

Santangelo spent the 2007 and majority of the 2008 season with Double A Corpus Christi before earning a promotion to Triple A Round Rock. Having just played in 13 games, Santangelo hit three home runs.

The 2009 baseball season is fast approaching and the Astros will be reporting to Spring Training in Kissimmee in February. The Astros have announced that Santangelo will be joining the major league club in Spring Training, closing the gap between the catcher's minor league career and his major league debut.