2014 Topps Heritage High Numbers George Springer

I might end up hoarding a 'low-end' mini-collection of Springer after finding some of his cards recently, including this one I found for $0.40 - he has the potential to be an impact player through his prime, if he stays relatively healthy.

Featured autograph - George Springer

I didn't know who Springer was when I first stumbled upon his USA cards three or four years ago - as he was climbing up through the minors in the Houston Astros system, he put up some big numbers, but I thought he was still a bit raw and might only be a good prospect with some warts.

Now that he's shown a little something in his first year in the major leagues, maybe I see Springer as a poor man's Mike Trout - Springer might be little leaner, maybe a little taller but almost has the same batting stance as Trout and offers the same set of athletic skills.

Springer has shown the ability to be an impact player [like Trout], whether as a batter, base runner or defender - though at 24, Springer is a little older MLB rookie who maybe close to hitting his peak [as opposed to Trout, who still has youth on his side, even though he has already played in parts of four seasons in the major leagues].

Ranking the 30 MLB teams on my watch - Houston Astros #29 of 30

The team that will be relevant some day is not the one playing on the field right now - the Astros have a crop of young players in the minors they hope turn into a foundation of talent like George Springer, Carlos Correa, Jared Cosart, Jonathan Singleton, Delino DeShields, Nolan Fontana, Michael Foltynewicz, et al.

Until then, the doormats of the American League will probably lose 90-100 games - until some of those prospects start to arrive and establish themselves.