The MLB outlooks were quite different for Jonathan Singleton (1B, HOU) and George Springer (OF, HOU) in April. Though he entered the season serving a 50-game suspension for a positive marijuana test, Singleton was expected to be in Houston by now. He was coming off of a  .284/.396/.497 line in 2012 with 21 HR in a difficult Double-A environment, during which he showcased his excellent patience (88 walks in 461 AB). Singleton's two HR and four BB over 15 AB during a brief 2013 spring training stint added to the general opinion that he was on his way.

But following a quick June promotion to Triple-A, Singleton struggled amid initial reports of conditioning issues and reduced range at 1B. He's ticked up in August, (.256 BA...