TOLEDO, Ohio -- Some young players start their professional careers on top-prospect lists by virtue of their draft position, signing bonus or pedigree.
Others get on the radar the old-fashioned way: They simply exceed expectations at every level.
That's how outfielder Jacob Robson and right-handed pitcher Zac Houston pushed their way into their Tigers' organizational picture.
Two summers ago, they were drafted in the middle rounds after wrapping up their playing careers at Mississippi State.
They spent most of last season as teammates at Class A West Michigan.
Today they're together again in Triple-A Toledo right now, one call away from the big leagues.