HOUSTON -- The Astros' deal to acquire Ken Giles from the Phillies in a trade that sent five players to Philadelphia, including former No. 1 overall pick Mark Appel, demonstrates just how deep Houston's farm system has become.
The cupboard was pretty bare when Jim Crane bought the club four years ago and hired general manager Jeff Luhnow, but Luhnow went on a trading frenzy. Any player with value not bolted to the floor was shipped out in exchange for prospects, and the Astros' three consecutive 100-loss seasons meant more high Draft picks as well.