Astros' second-round pick A.J. Reed wins Golden Spikes Award

A.J. Reed, a second-round draft choice by the Astros and former University of Kentucky first baseman, was given the Golden Spikes Award today. The award, created by USA Baseball and sponsored by the MLB Players Association, is given each year to the country's top amateur player. 

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Reed was named the 2014 SEC Male Athlete of the Year after leading college baseball with 23 home runs in 62 games. He also started 16 games as a pitcher, going 12-2 with a 2.09 ERA. 

Reed is currently playing for the Astros short-season Class A affiliate, the Tri-City ValleyCats. In 28 games he is batting .311 with a .900 OPS.

Oregon State's Michael Conforto and LSU's Aaron Nola were also finalists for the award.

- Dan Gartland