Where Are They Now: Drew Sutton

TROY, N.Y. - Twelve former ValleyCats have complete the journey from "The Joe to the Show", reaching the major leagues. Perhaps the next ValleyCat to do so will be second baseman Drew Sutton. Sutton, 26, was named the Astros Double-A affiliate Corpus Christi Hooks' Most Valuable Player in 2008.

Sutton was drafted in the 15th round of the 2004 First-Year Player Draft. That June, Sutton reported to the ValleyCats to begin his professional baseball career. Suttong hit .280 with one home run and 16 RBI for the 'Cats in 2004, earning him a promotion to Lexington in 2005.

The 6'3, 190 pound second baseman split time between Single-A Lexington and A-Advanced Salem in 2005. In 62 games for Lexington, Sutton drastically increased his home run production hitting 13 long-balls while driving in 42 runs and compiling a batting average of .286. Sutton participated in 43 games for Salem, hitting .257 with three home runs and 12 RBI. His brief stint provided a glimpse of the upcoming year in which he spent the entire 2006 season with Salem.

Sutton continued to add more power to his hitting arsenal in 2006. With the Avalanche, Sutton hit .263, belted 15 home runs and hit 27 doubles. The next season, 2007, Sutton played at Double-A Corpus Christi, where he continued to be a threat, hitting 28 doubles and nine home runs.

Sutton enjoyed his best professional season in 2008. Sutton led Corpus Christi with 39 doubles, 20 home runs and 69 RBI. He also posted career-highs in batting average (.317), on-base percentage (.408) and runs scored (102). Sutton's outstanding season earned him recognition as the Hooks' Most Valuable Player.

Sutton enters the 2009 season on the brink of reaching the Major Leagues. Competing for playing time at second base for the Astros, Sutton will undoubtedly fulfill his professional dream and reach the Major Leagues in 2009.