OrangeWhoopass.com Forums
General Discussion => The Bus Ride Discussion Forum => Topic started by: OregonStrosFan on June 25, 2015, 11:52:08 am
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Two Astros MiLB'ers make the US Team Roster (http://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/2015-futures-game-u-s-capsules/):
Mark Appel, RHP
Career Transactions: Selected by Astros in first round (first overall) of 2013 draft.
Background: The No. 1 overall pick in the 2013 draft hasn’t dominated any level of the minors (career 5.36 ERA), but the former Stanford ace shows three plus pitches in some starts.
What To Watch For: Appel more consistently locates his mid-90s fastball these days, but feel for his slider and changeup can be elusive, leading to the occasional big inning.
Tony Kemp, 2B
Career Transactions: Selected by Astros in fifth round of 2013 draft.
Background: Kemp is one of the shortest players in the game, but that hasn’t slowed down his ascent to Houston. The Southeastern Conference player of the year at Vanderbilt in 2013, he has hit .315 as a pro.
What To Watch For: Kemp’s versatility is as important as his hitting ability. He’s not spectacular at any defensive position, but he can handle center field, left field and second base.
No Astros MiLB'ers on the World Team Roster (http://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/2015-futures-game-world-capsules/) (although that doesn't surprise me, as IIRC there can be a max of two players representing each MLB franchise), though Corpus Christi manager Rodney Linares is on the World Team staff (per Berman tweet (https://twitter.com/MarkBermanFox26/status/614112484820041729)).
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I am thinking "The Peter Principle" might make a fair nickname for Appel at this point in his career. It's better, anyway, than "George W. Bush".
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Kemp walked twice (getting picked off on one of those occasions) and flew out in his 3 ABs today in the game.
Appel gave up a single in his 1 inning of work, hitting 98 on the gun.