2001 First Round Pick Chris Burke 

2002 Upper Deck # 8
Chris Burke, the 2001 Southeastern Conference Player of the year at the University of Tennessee, was selected by the Astros with their number one pick (tenth overall) in that year's June draft.He was immediately thrown into the mix at Single A Michigan, and was very good down the stretch for the Battlecats, hitting .300 with 11 doubles, six triples and 21 stolen bases in 56 games.
2002 Upper Deck Minor League # 10
 

In 2002 at AA Round Rock, things were not quite as good for Burke. While unfairly criticized for a lack of power he never had anyway, Burke still saw his average plummet. His triples were more or less consistent with what he'd accomplished at Michigan in 2001, but doubles rate dropped big time, and he was caught stealing in very nearly half of his 31 atttempts. Having started the year at short, a late season surge got his numbers respectable after the Express moved him back to second base, the position he'd played for the Volunteers.

2002 Upper Deck Minor League
Game Jersey # J-BU
As with Ramon German, Burke was adversely affected by the lack of a High A affiliate for the Astros in 2002. But reports of a hole in his swing developing as his frustration grew at Round Rock are not encouraging for a guy who is projected as a leadoff hitter. And Tommy Whiteman, who's got more natural power with the same kind of strikeout numbers. may end up being the High A infield prospect who the Astros feel has the best chance to help the big league club. We'll see.
2002 Upper Deck Minor League Signature Collection