Astros ink pair of Dominican prospects

The Astros added to their international prospects haul on Friday, signing a pair of players out of the Dominican Republic.

Houston inked 16-year-olds Frankeny Fernandez and Felix Lucas to deals. Fernandez plays shortstop; Lucas is an outfielder. Both players, scouted and signed by Astros director of international Oz Ocampo, will report to the club's complex in the Dominican.

Fernandez, who finished high school at the age of 16, stands six feet tall and weighs 170 pounds. Ocampo said he expects him to stay in the middle of the diamond.

"He is not a showcase player, but he shows the ability to recognize pitches, take competitive at-bats, and hit in games against quality pitching," Ocampo said. "He also stands out for his plus makeup -- he is intelligent, hard working and focused on his craft."

Lucas stands 6-foot-3 and weighs 195 pounds.

"Offensively, we like his swing, especially for a power hitter," Ocampo said. "Lucas is one of only a handful of players in this year's international market who showed plus raw power and plus arm strength, and he is the youngest of all of them. He is a high-risk, high-reward player who we believe has the right work ethic and aptitude to put it all together."