Toronto Blue Jays move 51s standout Brett Wallace to Houston Astros

Sam Morris

J.P. Arencibia (L) and Brett Wallace talk to reporters during media day for the 51’s Tuesday, April 6, 2010 at Cashman Field.

By Ryan Greene

Thursday, July 29, 2010 | 2:20 p.m.

The Toronto Blue Jays organization on Thursday dealt one of its top prospects — Las Vegas 51s first baseman Brett Wallace — to the Houston Astros.

In return, the Jays receive 19-year-old outfield prospect Anthony Gose, who was acquired by the Astros just hours earlier in the club's deal that sent star pitcher Roy Oswalt to Philadelphia.

Wallace, who Toronto received last summer in a trade with the Phillies in return for ace right-hander Roy Halladay, had flourished this season for the 51s after being moved from third base to first base.

In 95 games with Las Vegas, Wallace hit .301 with 18 home runs, 61 RBI and 24 doubles with an on-base percentage of .359 and an OPS of .802.

Earlier this season Wallace was rumored to be a potential call-up option for the Jays as Lyle Overbay struggled to find his footing at first base, but after the veteran eventually heated up offensively, Toronto said it had no plans of promoting Wallace during the 2010 season.

That might change with Houston. The Astros are 42-59 and out of postseason contention, meaning they could be looking to give some prospects opportunities in the majors later this year in preparation for next season.

Despite being just 23 years old, Wallace is a minor league journeyman of sorts despite his lofty status as a prospect.

Taken 13th overall in the 2008 MLB Amateur Draft by St. Louis, he was involved in two previous blockbuster trades — the Halladay deal and a trade that sent Matt Holliday from Oakland to St. Louis last season.

Despite moving around and playing at three minor-league levels in three professional seasons, he's hit .304 in 287 career games with 46 homers, 160 RBI and a .375 on-base percentage.

He's also excelled in the field after his position switch, posting a .992 fielding percentage this season.

The 6-foot-1, 190-pound left-handed Gose hit .263 with 17 doubles, 11 triples, four home runs, 20 RBI and 36 steals this season in 103 games for Clearwater, which is the Phillies' affiliate in the Florida State League (Class A).

Gose, the Phillies' 2008 second-round pick, led all minor leaguers with 76 steals last year playing for Lakewood of the Single-A South Atlantic League (Class A).