Ask and Ye Shall Maybe Receive: Season 3, Vol I

[Jacksonian]

New season, new thread.  All 4 full-season teams start the season on Thursday April 5.

[matadorph]

The Hooks arrived in Round Rock with 25 players on the roster, although fireballing right-hander Felipe Paulino remains in Florida with an undisclosed arm problem and hasn't left for Texas. He could begin the season on the disabled list.

http://www.caller.com/ccct/hooks/article/0,1641,CCCT_17996_5457431,00.html

Any idea what happened to him?

[Jacksonian]

Any idea what happened to him?

The Astros are notorious for not giving away injury information.  We'll try to get it, but Paulino's had arm problems before that kept him out for nearly a year.  Hopefully, it's just tendonitis or similar.

[Duman]

On the CC roster, I saw where 3 guys are on the inactive list.  I know this means they cannot play but are there rules that govern this?

I had read somewhere on here that Paulino was nursing a hurt arm, Why is he inactive and not on the DL? 

I assume Mackor is the bullpen catcher?

Any idea why Torbert is inactive?

[VirtualBob]

I assume Mackor is the bullpen catcher?

Maybe Mackor is the new Tank Fatheree.  Jeff "Mack Truck" Mackor.

[Jacksonian]

Any idea why Torbert is inactive?

I haven't heard.  It's for an excused absence, usually "personal" reasons.  His travelling with the team suggests he'll be on the list for the short term.

[VirtualBob]

I haven't heard.  It's for an excused absence, usually "personal" reasons.  His travelling with the team suggests he'll be on the list for the short term.

It looks to me like the Astros were as surprised as anyone that Bruntlett cleared waivers.  Gotta make room for him; Self to CC.  Oh ... now we have to make room there ... Torbert on the inactive list while we figure it all out.  Now back to sorting through the pitching mess at AAA ... let's see ... 8 starters, no ... geez ... I'm gonna have to get back to you on that one.

[VirtualBob]

It looks to me like the Astros were as surprised as anyone that Bruntlett cleared waivers.  Gotta make room for him; Self to CC.  Oh ... now we have to make room there ... Torbert on the inactive list while we figure it all out.  Now back to sorting through the pitching mess at AAA ... let's see ... 8 starters, no ... geez ... I'm gonna have to get back to you on that one.

OK ... Here's the deal ... How about we put Driskill & Sauerbeck on the inactive list for a while and see if things sort themseles out.  Walker is outta here, that get's us down to 5 or 6starters.  We're probably gonna have to send Nieve or Albers or both back to Houston before long anyway, so if we hang on to these old guys they will come in handy.

[Jacksonian]

All 4 full-season teams start tonight!  Round Rock goes at 7 central. Corpus, Salem, and Lexington go at 6 central.

To listen to all 4 online go to http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/multimedia/audio.jsp and select the game you want to hear.  Milb.com also has gameday for AAA games.  If you go to roundrockexpress.com you may also be able to get online video.

According to Salem all of their games will be available online.  I haven't heard from anyone else but I wouldn't be surprised if the other 3 were available online all season as well.

[matadorph]

Online video streaming is indeed available at the Express website, but unlike last year's freebie, you gotta pay 6.95 for the season pass (home games only).

[Froback]

And so it begins again.  Qualben got a pick off in last night's game for Lex.
I don't recall off the top of my head, but wasn't he a starter last year, and now he is a reliever... (or is it just too early to figure out where they have people slotted there?)

[Jacksonian]

And so it begins again.  Qualben got a pick off in last night's game for Lex.
I don't recall off the top of my head, but wasn't he a starter last year, and now he is a reliever... (or is it just too early to figure out where they have people slotted there?)

They've actually got 6 pitchers on the team who were starters last year.  I haven't heard that the Astros have committed Qualben to a relief role.  It's more likely they'll try to get as many innings as possible out of those 6 guys throughout the year including getting Qualben some starts.

[jbm]

Any information on Ronald Ramirez?

I didn't see him listed at Lexington.  Is he slated for Tri City?

If so, what do the short season guys do till those teams start?

[Jacksonian]

Any information on Ronald Ramirez?

I didn't see him listed at Lexington.  Is he slated for Tri City?

If so, what do the short season guys do till those teams start?

He'll be in short-season, but to my knowledge those rosters are not set yet.  They toil away at extended spring training in Florida.

[Uncle Charlie]

I haven't heard that the Astros have committed Qualben to a relief role.  It's more likely they'll try to get as many innings as possible out of those 6 guys throughout the year including getting Qualben some starts.

Qualben got the start last night and seems to have pitched one heck of a game.

[Uncle Charlie]

A couple of quick questions:

Was the minor league umpire issue settled?  I remember comments about Iorg, etc. strikeouts, inconsistant play being discussed here as a potential outcome of the horrible umpiring that took place down there.

Also, has anybody seen/heard much on the Salem front about Flores, Iorg, Bogie etc.  Some of those guys at Salem (I didn't list all of them )-  seem to be at important stages of their career where they could breakout...

[Jacksonian]

A couple of quick questions:

Was the minor league umpire issue settled?  I remember comments about Iorg, etc. strikeouts, inconsistant play being discussed here as a potential outcome of the horrible umpiring that took place down there.

Also, has anybody seen/heard much on the Salem front about Flores, Iorg, Bogie etc.  Some of those guys at Salem (I didn't list all of them )-  seem to be at important stages of their career where they could breakout...

To the best of my knowledge the umpiring situation is fine.

For the Salem hitters it's way early.  None of them has even 25 at-bats this season.  But, Flores, Iorg, and Manzella are off to hot starts.  After going 0 for 9 to start the season Billy Hart has gone 4 for his last 9 with a double.

As for the arms, Bogusevic is healthy.  He, Brad James, and Raymar Diaz had good first outings.  Sergio Perez and Chris Salamida got beat up a bit in their first starts.  None of the starters has more than 1 start.

I intend to recap April in early May for the prospects.

[Duman]

On the CC roster, I saw where 3 guys are on the inactive list.  I know this means they cannot play but are there rules that govern this?

I had read somewhere on here that Paulino was nursing a hurt arm, Why is he inactive and not on the DL? 

I assume Mackor is the bullpen catcher?

Any idea why Torbert is inactive?

Baseball America is listing these guys on the Minor League Disabled list. http://www.baseballamerica.com/blog/prospects/?p=144

[Duman]

Is there going to be list of players at EST available this year?

[Jacksonian]

Is there going to be list of players at EST available this year?

We'll see what we can dig up.

[Jacksonian]

Torbert was activated today and is playing right field for Corpus.

[Duman]

He actually sneaked in Tuesday Night as a pinch hitter.  I guess Fairchild going on the DL made room on the roster.

[Jacksonian]

He actually sneaked in Tuesday Night as a pinch hitter.  I guess Fairchild going on the DL made room on the roster.

Well screw me.  That'll teach me to believe everything I read.

[BudGirl]

Do you have a report on Johnny Ash in CC?  He was mentioned at work the other day and I have found very little about him.

[rgs]

Do you have a report on Johnny Ash in CC?  He was mentioned at work the other day and I have found very little about him.

From MiLB.com

Jonathan Ash 2B 22 86 11 29 7 2 1 11 43 10 4 0 2 .418 .500 .337 .918

Good start with average of .337, OBP of .418 and Slg of .500.

[Jacksonian]

Do you have a report on Johnny Ash in CC?  He was mentioned at work the other day and I have found very little about him.

Fringe prospect at this point.  Hard worker. Gets the most out of limited talent.  He's more a slap/gap hitter for average.  Won't hit for much power.  His ceiling is utility guy.  He plays second.  Played third at Stanford so he's got significant experience at more than one position.  He's a good but not great defender.  If the Astros can't use Brunt and Conrad it's unlikely they'll call up Ash.  He was drafted in 04 and was older than 19 at the time of signing so he'll be due to be added to the 40-man this fall or be exposed to the Rule 5 draft.  What happens then should tell you a lot about how the Astros and the league feel about him.

[VirtualBob]

Fringe prospect at this point.  Hard worker. Gets the most out of limited talent.  He's more a slap/gap hitter for average.  Won't hit for much power.  His ceiling is utility guy.  He plays second.  Played third at Stanford so he's got significant experience at more than one position.  He's a good but not great defender.  If the Astros can't use Brunt and Conrad it's unlikely they'll call up Ash.  He was drafted in 04 and was older than 19 at the time of signing so he'll be due to be added to the 40-man this fall or be exposed to the Rule 5 draft.  What happens then should tell you a lot about how the Astros and the league feel about him.

He played mostly at 3B at Tri-City in 04, too.

[JaneDoe]

How is Mitch Einertson doing?  I read an article about him recently that had him listed as one of the Astros top 10 minor league prospects.  I don't follow much below AAA, just don't have time.  Thanks for the info.

[Jacksonian]

How is Mitch Einertson doing?  I read an article about him recently that had him listed as one of the Astros top 10 minor league prospects.  I don't follow much below AAA, just don't have time.  Thanks for the info.

Any article that has Einertson listed as a top 10 prospect is either years old or a publication you should not be reading.

Since his big rookie ball debut he's been mediocre at best.  He's been the 3rd/4th outfielder this year at high-A Salem.

Check the list of outfield prospects near the end of our top 10 this year.  That should tell you where he stands as a prospect.

[Lefty]

Sergio Perez left Salem's game tonight with an injury after K'ing the 2nd batter of the game   Any idea how serious?

[Jacksonian]

Sergio Perez left Salem's game tonight with an injury after K'ing the 2nd batter of the game   Any idea how serious?

First word out is strained groin.  He's apparently had this problem before.  No stated timetable for returning.

[Lefty]

First word out is strained groin.  He's apparently had this problem before.  No stated timetable for returning.

Right on.  Was worried it was his arm.

[Towlie]

Max Sapp as of today is hitting .309; he has no home runs though. Is he the better hitting prospect out of him and Hendriquez?

[Jacksonian]

Max Sapp as of today is hitting .309; he has no home runs though. Is he the better hitting prospect out of him and Hendriquez?

That is the expectation.  Though there is doubt about Sapp staying behind the plate.

[Uncle Charlie]

Publicly the Astros have said they believe he is and will remain a C while most others saw him as a non-C headed into the draft.  Is this belief by the Astros starting to waiver (at least internally)?

[Jacksonian]

Publicly the Astros have said they believe he is and will remain a C while most others saw him as a non-C headed into the draft.  Is this belief by the Astros starting to waiver (at least internally)?

Teams say a lot of stuff prior to drafting a player.  The true evaluation begins after the player enters the org.

[Froback]

from BBA site: http://www.baseballamerica.com/blog/prospects/?p=334

Houston Astros
Released: RHP Johnattan Echarry, RHP Travis Phelps, RHP Ramon Prieto, C Nelson Gord
Recalled: LHP Mark McLemore
Optioned to Double-A: RHP Matt Albers
Reinstated from disabled list: 1B James Van Ostrand

McLemore, 26, went 0-1, 1.91 with 37-19 strikeouts-walks in 33 innings for Triple-A Round Rock. He pitched a scoreless inning in his big league debut May 24.

[JSAstrosFan]

Optioned to Double-A: RHP Matt Albers

Is this a typo?

[Duder]

Is this a typo?

Yeah, he pitched the other night for Round Rock.

[Fletch]

Any specific reason that Max Sapp has not been playing?

[Duman]

My understanding is he has a tweaked quad or groin that he got in his last catching assignment.  It hasn't warranted a trip to the DL yet.

[VirtualBob]

While we're at it ... how about Danny Klassen?  He hasn't been playing lately ... maybe just the revolvong door with the big club, but he was contrbuting more than Burke, for sure.

[Jacksonian]

Cesar Quintero got promoted to Salem from Lex.  He will replace Tim Torres who was recently promoted to Salem from Lex.  Torres will go back to Lex.

[VirtualBob]

Cesar Quintero got promoted to Salem from Lex.  He will replace Tim Torres who was recently promoted to Salem from Lex.  Torres will go back to Lex.

Thanks for the info ... I was intrigued by Cesar when he had a hot start before disappearing last year.  This year he has played all three outfield positions well and hit well at the top of the lineup all season.  IIRC, he played some in the infield at the beginning of '06, but maybe only 1B?  In any case, it will be interesting to see how Salem uses him.

[Jacksonian]

Thanks for the info ... I was intrigued by Cesar when he had a hot start before disappearing last year.  This year he has played all three outfield positions well and hit well at the top of the lineup all season.  IIRC, he played some in the infield at the beginning of '06, but maybe only 1B?  In any case, it will be interesting to see how Salem uses him.

The promotion does make some sense.  He's 24, too old for Lex.  They hadn't really replaced Iorg on the roster.  He did hit well and as you said can play all the outfield positions.  He will no doubt fit into the rotation as the 3 or 4 outfielder.

[Duman]

 I went last week and watched Lex play.  I was impressed by Q's play in center, he also hit a lead off home run on the games first pitch.

[Duman]

My understanding is he has a tweaked quad or groin that he got in his last catching assignment.  It hasn't warranted a trip to the DL yet.

I was at least in the general vicinity.

Legends DH Max Sapp, back in the lineup Wednesday after missing six games because of a hip flexor, is unavailable to catch. He was injured blocking a ball in the dirt.

http://www.kentucky.com/271/story/91898.html

[jbm]

Torres semed to come out of nowhere, got a promotion and played well.  Is moving him back down simply to allow both him and Manzella time at short or just a result of the roster needs at Salem?   Also, I see Torres playing both short and second, is he one of those guys who has no future at short, but might have one at second?

[Duman]

Torres semed to come out of nowhere, got a promotion and played well.  Is moving him back down simply to allow both him and Manzella time at short or just a result of the roster needs at Salem?   Also, I see Torres playing both short and second, is he one of those guys who has no future at short, but might have one at second?

His move up was to address a position need while Sutil was dinged up.  He has now returned and the position need is in the OF. 

[VirtualBob]

His move up was to address a position need while Sutil was dinged up.  He has now returned and the position need is in the OF. 

Right 2 HR & 6 2B in 29 AB's and a ~1300 OPS on top of the season-long 900 OPS at Lex wasn't enough I guess. 

But seriously, his stick has been a question in past years which may be why he is seen as "extra".  It would be nice, though, if this is some kind of break-through.  I have not seen him play, but have heard that he is decent at SS so he could potentially play either middle infield position.

[Jacksonian]

Right 2 HR & 6 2B in 29 AB's and a ~1300 OPS on top of the season-long 900 OPS at Lex wasn't enough I guess. 

But seriously, his stick has been a question in past years which may be why he is seen as "extra".  It would be nice, though, if this is some kind of break-through.  I have not seen him play, but have heard that he is decent at SS so he could potentially play either middle infield position.

In his 2 years at Oral Roberts he spent his first in center.  So, he's athletic enough to play mulitple positions.  Let's see how he manages at the plate the entire season.  This hot streak could just be an anomoly.

[Duman]

Several roster moves and injury updates out of Lexington:

The Injuries:

The Legends' Ralphie Henriquez rolled his right ankle while running out a ninth-inning grounder. If he is unavailable today, Jim Goethals will catch, backed by Eric Taylor. Max Sapp (hip flexor) is limited to DH.

The Moves:

RHP Bryan Hallberg, who worked 32/3 innings last night, has been reassigned to Tri-City, which opens play June 19 in the New York-Penn League. ... Two RHPs are due to join the Legends bullpen today. Nick Cavanagh reports from High-A Salem. Reid Kelly comes from extended spring training.

http://www.kentucky.com/271/story/93646.html

[Duman]

Updated injury and movement:

RHP Corey Bass (shoulder tightness) has been placed on the disabled list and likely will not play until after the All-Star break. ... C Ralphie Henriquez, who rolled his right ankle Saturday night, is available to play, but was given a day off.

http://www.kentucky.com/271/story/94334.html

[Duman]

Kevin Davidson released:

"He's one of those guys if he doesn't find a job he's got a future as a coach," Clark said of Davidson. "He has a great mind for the game."

http://www.caller.com/news/2007/jun/16/hooksnotes/

[austro]

How does one transition from player to coach? Are assistant coaching positions essentially on-the-job training for coaches? Are there different paths if you intend to coach in high school/college vs minor (and, hopefully, major) league baseball?

[Hornstros]

Do promotions normally take place right about this time (mid-season) throughout the minor league system?

This is the first year i've really followed the farm system closely.  Parraz, Einertson, James....heard that all 3 of them stand a good chance at moving to the next level

[Jacksonian]

Do promotions normally take place right about this time (mid-season) throughout the minor league system?

This is the first year i've really followed the farm system closely.  Parraz, Einertson, James....heard that all 3 of them stand a good chance at moving to the next level

Right about now, esp for A-ball level.  AA All-Star game is a little later.

[jbm]

Do you think Douglass has a chance at a promotion?

He has a 1.74 era over his last 57 IP.
57IP..42 Hits..11ER..13BB..41K

Anyone seen him throw?  Only description I could quickly find was "fastball/change-up pitcher with good command." 

[Jacksonian]

Do you think Douglass has a chance at a promotion?

He has a 1.74 era over his last 57 IP.
57IP..42 Hits..11ER..13BB..41K

Anyone seen him throw?  Only description I could quickly find was "fastball/change-up pitcher with good command." 

Off the top of my head the best comp I can come up with is DJ Houlton.  Decent stuff but appears to be AAAA at least as far as the Astros are concerned.  Tony McKnight is another comp.  Fastball is run of the mill.  Off-speed stuff keeps him in the game.

Patton is more likely to get the call to AAA, IMO.

[homer]

Do promotions normally take place right about this time (mid-season) throughout the minor league system?

This is the first year i've really followed the farm system closely.  Parraz, Einertson, James....heard that all 3 of them stand a good chance at moving to the next level

Chronicle article on possible upcoming promotions

[BALUA]

It seems that Sergio Perez  pitched not well so far,I know that his last two outing is outstanding
(10IP 0ER),but overall status still not good.Does he has any injury or just refine his delivery,pitch like changeup,slider??

Thanks very much

[Duman]

Sergio had a groin problem in early May http://www.orangewhoopass.com/forums/index.php?topic=101455.msg118426;topicseen#msg118426 as Jacksonian reported. 

Since then he has been building up and is looking better.  Over the last 4 starts (20 1/3) innings, he has a 1.8 ERA.  He has still yet to go deeper than 5 1/3 innings since the injury.  Looks like slow and steady is the plan for Sergio.

[Hornstros]

Are we even close to signing Deitrich??  I know the question has probably been asked a couple times over the past week.  I'm a little worried because according to some of the articles i've been reading signing him is not supposed to be an issue...yet we haven't signed him.  Doesn't add up.  Is there some specific reason why there isn't a contract yet?

[Jacksonian]

Are we even close to signing Deitrich??  I know the question has probably been asked a couple times over the past week.  I'm a little worried because according to some of the articles i've been reading signing him is not supposed to be an issue...yet we haven't signed him.  Doesn't add up.  Is there some specific reason why there isn't a contract yet?

The devil is in the details.  Patience is required.  Unless he's being a complete ass, he'll sign.

[Uncle Charlie]

While zooming through box scores the other day, I thought I saw that Brad James only pitched 3 innings.  Any reason why?  Again, I was zooming through them, so I didn't interogate this at all and could have mis-read.

[stubbyc]

While zooming through box scores the other day, I thought I saw that Brad James only pitched 3 innings.  Any reason why?  Again, I was zooming through them, so I didn't interogate this at all and could have mis-read.

Had to sit through a rain delay. They didn't send him back out there after the delay.

[Jacksonian]

Had to sit through a rain delay. They didn't send him back out there after the delay.

2 hours +

http://www.salemavalanche.com/cgi-bin/dist/news.cgi?id=3

[MusicMan]

Is the organization waiting on anything in particular to release Chan Ho Suck?

[VirtualBob]

Is the organization waiting on anything in particular to release Chan Ho Suck?

As if they have better options ready for AAA?  Or any chance whatsoever of making the AAA playoffs??

My guess is that he will play out the string this season in RR and disappear forever from organized baseball thereafter.

[Kent's Moustache]

Is the organization waiting on anything in particular to release Chan Ho Suck?

[rimshot] You mean, Chan Ho "Leaving the" Park? [/rimshot]

Thank you, thank you... I'll be here all week.  Try the potato salad, it's great.

[S.P. Rodriguez]

I noticed a while back that Tim Raines is playing RR.  Can anyone offer a breakdown on him?  It looks like Houston picked him up as a minor league FA but I'm not sure.  I'll keep looking but any insight is appreciated.

[Kent's Moustache]

I noticed a while back that Tim Raines is playing RR.  Can anyone offer a breakdown on him?  It looks like Houston picked him up as a minor league FA but I'm not sure.  I'll keep looking but any insight is appreciated.

Yep, the Astros signed Raines as a minor league FA this off-season.

Raines started the season at Corpus Christi and was promoted to Round Rock at about the same time that the Astros called Hunter Pence up to Houston.  He was serving mainly as the Express' fourth OF until Pence's injury resulted in Jason Lane being recalled by Houston, which has created more playing time for Raines.

Ironically, Raines has hit better as a part-time player at Round Rock (.327/.365/.478) than he did as an everyday starter at Corpus (.244/.319/.329).

http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Tim20Raines&pos=OF&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=406428

[BALUA]

Ryan McKeller pitched not bad  this year and his command seems like have improved,does Astros consider moving him back to rotation in the future??
Thanks

[Duman]

Ryan McKeller pitched not bad  this year and his command seems like have improved,does Astros consider moving him back to rotation in the future??
Thanks

Right now they are looking at him as a closer in Salem:

Reliever Ryan McKeller was named pitcher of the month.

McKeller went 1-1 with a 1.02 ERA in 12 appearances and made three saves. He struck out 18 batters in 1723 innings and walked three.

McKeller has been used more in the role of closer lately, in part because the Avalanche is trying to get closer Sammy Gervacio more than one inning of work in his outings and thus fewer outings.

[S.P. Rodriguez]

His name hasn't come up in some time, from what I've seen/read, but what's the status on Fernando Nieve?

[Jacksonian]

His name hasn't come up in some time, from what I've seen/read, but what's the status on Fernando Nieve?

Continuing to recover.  In his case no news is good news.

[jbm]

Any news on Ryan Thompson?  I assume he is injured, but couldn't find anything.

I remember seeing him throw a few times this year and remember just how aggressive he was.  He was fun to watch.  I looked up his line. and in 48 innings, he had 47 K and 8 BB, nearly a 6:1 ratio, pretty impressive.............but he has also given up 13 HRs.  I always found that an interesting pitching line. 

[Duman]

He actually pitched last night.  It was his first outing since July 23rd.

I like to pull for guys like Thompson.  NDFA relievers who make it to double AA are rare. 

[VirtualBob]

From the Round Rock transaction page ...

8/22 Delete C Danny Ardoin Traded Round Rock

I could not find any details.  Anyone else have info?

[Jacksonian]

From the Round Rock transaction page ...
I could not find any details.  Anyone else have info?

I know he's playing for Memphis now.  I want to say he was released rather than traded.  I'm still trying to dig it up.

[Duman]

I know he's playing for Memphis now.  I want to say he was released rather than traded.  I'm still trying to dig it up.

the info I can find from Scout.com shows he had been released and signed a minor league contract with them.
http://stlcardinals.scout.com/a.z?s=321&p=9&c=2&cid=671423&nid=3320713&fhn=1&ssf=1&RequestedURL=http%3a%2f%2fstlcardinals.scout.com%2fa.z%3fs%3d321%26p%3d9%26c%3d2%26cid%3d671423%26nid%3d3320713%26fhn%3d1

[JimR]

i wondered about him during the last home stand after Towles came up to coach first base.

Ardoin hit one OVER the LF roof one night when i was there. incredible blast, but not as long or far as Jimerson's two.

[VirtualBob]

i wondered about him during the last home stand after Towles came up to coach first base.

I was wondering about that, too ... It seems a bit of a waste for JR. 

[JimR]

I was wondering about that, too ... It seems a bit of a waste for JR. 

i have heard he has been pretty overmatched early on.

[I'm Richies Dad]

Has anyone been called up to RR to replace Gutierrez and Driskill?  And I guess Driskill goes back down when Patton comes up?

[rgs]

I noticed that Koby didn't play much during the last week of the season.  Any reason for that?  Thanks.

[Duman]

I noticed that Koby didn't play much during the last week of the season.  Any reason for that?  Thanks.

I must be wasting my time (sigh)

Check out the Minor league news & reports section on from Labor Day & Today.  The article linked in todays MLNR gives this account of his injury:

Last Tuesday, he lacerated his other pinkie, taking an unnecessary throw off the tip of the finger. (With one out and three balls on the batter, runners on first and second took off for a double steal. However, the pitch was a ball, making the “steals” a dead-ball play.)

“It’s just really brutal,” he said. “The ball just squirted up my finger, perfect.”

[jbm]

The write up on Salem's game last night reminded me to ask, Anyone seen Trinidad in person, or have reliable scouting reports?  All I can tell is that he is a lefty that gave up too many home runs, but otherwise performed well.

[Jacksonian]

The write up on Salem's game last night reminded me to ask, Anyone seen Trinidad in person, or have reliable scouting reports?  All I can tell is that he is a lefty that gave up too many home runs, but otherwise performed well.

From a source that's watched him at Salem: "He throws fastball, slider, changeup and has thrown 'em all for strikes."

[jaklewein]

The winter leagues...is it common to send a prospect there and tell him to work on his changeup, etc. (to hell with the results)? 

Thanks to Duman for the winter league updates.  Some of our pitchers numbers in the DR league triggered this question.

[Duman]

The winter leagues...is it common to send a prospect there and tell him to work on his changeup, etc. (to hell with the results)? 

Thanks to Duman for the winter league updates.  Some of our pitchers numbers in the DR league triggered this question.

Yes, that is why Brad James' numbers weren't great in AFL.  He was working on some additional pitches. 

I think also the numbers are hurt by lack of appearances.  For example Severino (Who I really liked when he was in Greeneville), has 8 appearances but has 1 outing where he faced only one batter (BB) and then 4 more where he only pitched 1/3 of an inning.  So one bad outing is magnified due to sample size. 

The number on Severino I found most interesting and most skewed because of sample size.  Ground ball to Air out ratio and opponent batting average. 

Against the 3 innings of facing righties, he has a 0.50 GO/AO ratio but a .200 opponents batting average.
Against the 2 innings of facing lefties, he has a 5.00 GO/AO ratio but a .333 opponents batting average.

Which of those do you get excited about the fact that he is getting lefties out or the fact that righties are pounding the ball into the ground?

Need more innings to know which, if not both, are an aberration.