Author Topic: Lexington - 2011 (Read 37161 times)

OregonStrosFan · « **on:** April 06, 2011, 12:01:38 pm »

Your one stop shop for all talk of the 2011 Lexington Legends (Single-A).

OregonStrosFan · « **Reply #1 on:** April 06, 2011, 12:06:57 pm »

Mark Maloney at the Lexington Herald-Leader with his yearly (and informative) introduction of the Legend staff and team. LINK

More from Maloney: 2011 Legends baseball team boasts speed and power

OregonStrosFan · « **Reply #2 on:** April 06, 2011, 05:24:12 pm »

Maloney article on LEX opening day starter Mike Foltynewicz. LINK

Duder · « **Reply #3 on:** April 06, 2011, 06:18:27 pm »

Tomorrow's game (4/7) will be broadcast on MiLB.tv for anyone with a MiLB.tv subscription ($30 bucks for full season). I look forward to watching the Legends and Folty tomorrow as well as Lyles.

OregonStrosFan · « **Reply #4 on:** April 06, 2011, 06:21:38 pm »

Quote from: Duder on April 06, 2011, 06:18:27 pm

Tomorrow's game (4/7) will be broadcast on MiLB.tv for anyone with a MiLB.tv subscription ($30 bucks for full season). I look forward to watching the Legends and Folty tomorrow as well as Lyles.

Thanks for the heads-up. BTW, IIRC there is a $10 MiLB.tv add-on special right now for MLB.tv subscribers.

ETA: See this link for MiLB.TV info: http://www.spikesnstars.com/forums/index.php?topic=112497.0

OregonStrosFan · « **Reply #5 on:** April 07, 2011, 04:07:42 pm »

Lexington 4/7 lineup: (@LexingtonLegend via Twitter).

2B Delino DeShields Jr.; SS Jiovanni Mier; DH Enrique Hernandez; 1B Jhonny Medrano; 3B Mike Kvasnicka; CF Daniel Adamson; RF Adam Bailey C Roberto Pena; and LF Bryce Lane.

SP: Mike Foltynewicz

OregonStrosFan · « **Reply #6 on:** April 07, 2011, 05:12:38 pm »

From the Baseball America Minor League Opening Day Chat: LINK

Guy (Lafayette, LA): Do the Lexington Legends have the most intriguing infield in the minors? (1B - Nash, 2B - DeShields, SS - Mier, 3B Kvasnicka) Also, does Lancaster lead the minors in stolen bases this year with Austin, Villar, Altuve, and Wates?

Matthew Eddy: A subject close to my heart: former Appy League Astros. I like DeShields' chance to hit as he moves up. He's a strong athlete with great speed and surprising pop. If he can handle second base he could surprise people. Mier had a bad 2010 season with the bat, no doubt, but he showed some improvement in the second half. He'll never be a power threat, but he already has a good idea of the zone, so upping his average will determine whether he projects as big league regular or utility type. Mier also has the intangibles, i.e. leadership ability, that managers love.

VirtualBob · « **Reply #7 on:** April 07, 2011, 05:46:48 pm »

Anyone know why Medrano is starting instead of Nash at 1B in the opener?

Duder · « **Reply #8 on:** April 07, 2011, 05:47:30 pm »

This was posted in the same chat, although it isn't anything we didn't already know.

Skrip (Chicago): Thanks for the chat! I am very intrigued by three of the opening day starters, Tyler Skaggs, David Holmberg, and Mike Foltynewicz. BA has talked quite a bit lately about Skaggs, so I won't ask you to go into too much detail on him. Can you tell us more about Holmberg and Folty, their ceilings and what you expect from them this year? Thanks for taking my question!

Matthew Eddy: Skaggs has the highest ceiling and the toughest assignment (Cal League) this season, but as to Holmberg (Pioneer) and Foltynewicz (Appy), you can read more about them in last year's league Top 20s. A quick rundown: Holmberg is a big-bodied lefty with a fringe fastball but good secondary stuff and feel for pitching. Foltynewicz is almost the opposite: a projectable high school righty with arm strength and spotty secondary.

OregonStrosFan · « **Reply #9 on:** April 07, 2011, 06:10:13 pm »

Quote from: VirtualBob on April 07, 2011, 05:46:48 pm

Anyone know why Medrano is starting instead of Nash at 1B in the opener?

Per tweet from @ValleyCats: "Nash has been placed on the DL."

No additional info given (though I don't think it is required in MiLB IIRC).

Reuben · « **Reply #10 on:** April 07, 2011, 09:11:05 pm »

Quote from: OregonStrosFan on April 07, 2011, 04:07:42 pm

Lexington 4/7 lineup: (@LexingtonLegend via Twitter).

2B Delino DeShields Jr.; SS Jiovanni Mier; DH Enrique Hernandez; 1B Jhonny Medrano; 3B Mike Kvasnicka; CF Daniel Adamson; RF Adam Bailey C Roberto Pena; and LF Bryce Lane.

SP: Mike Foltynewicz

Not too often you see a LF batting 9th.

Duder · « **Reply #11 on:** April 07, 2011, 09:34:39 pm »

Quote from: Reuben on April 07, 2011, 09:11:05 pm

Not too often you see a LF batting 9th.

Or a team's entire outfield batting after the 5-hole.

roadrunner · « **Reply #12 on:** April 07, 2011, 09:43:56 pm »

Looks like Folty got knocked around a little bit. Mier went 2-3 with a double, though.

astrosfan76 · « **Reply #13 on:** April 08, 2011, 08:14:50 am »

Quote from: OregonStrosFan on April 07, 2011, 06:10:13 pm

Per tweet from @ValleyCats: "Nash has been placed on the DL."

No additional info given (though I don't think it is required in MiLB IIRC).

Nash tweeting about messing up his groin. Gotta love Twitter to find out what the papers don't report.

astrosfan76 · « **Reply #14 on:** April 11, 2011, 08:30:05 am »

Kvasnicka's off to a torrid start, hitting .478 with a double, triple, and 6 RBI in 17 AB. He's walked once and struck out twice in the four games. He could be a guy that moves quickly, if he doesn't have trouble switching to 3B. He's not really blocked at the higher levels, either. Meyer is the starter at Lancaster, and he's also off to a good start, but he's not likely to be much of an obstacle, at this point.

Duman · « **Reply #15 on:** April 11, 2011, 03:32:44 pm »

Quote from: Reuben on April 07, 2011, 09:11:05 pm

Not too often you see a LF batting 9th.

Lane is smallish for LF - played more CF last year. Astros have been putting a leadoff type bat in the 9 hole for several teams (Altuve in Lan).

jbm · « **Reply #16 on:** April 12, 2011, 11:33:46 am »

Looked to see if Folty was throwing game 2 today. Saw it was Gabriel Garcia. Wondered who that was and saw that he is 21 years old and is listed at 5'11", 140. It is really hard for me to believe that any pro 21 year old pitcher is that small.

I assume that they take these measurements the time they are signed and Milb never changes them over the years. I've never had this answered for sure, but is this the case? If so, why don't they update these things. Is this supposed to be proprietary info or something.

astrosfan76 · « **Reply #17 on:** April 12, 2011, 03:56:09 pm »

Quote from: jbm on April 12, 2011, 11:33:46 am

Looked to see if Folty was throwing game 2 today. Saw it was Gabriel Garcia. Wondered who that was and saw that he is 21 years old and is listed at 5'11", 140. It is really hard for me to believe that any pro 21 year old pitcher is that small.

I assume that they take these measurements the time they are signed and Milb never changes them over the years. I've never had this answered for sure, but is this the case? If so, why don't they update these things. Is this supposed to be proprietary info or something.

They don't update that information very often. Carlos Hernandez was 5'10" 145 for years before suddenly becoming 175 at ~23.

Duman · « **Reply #18 on:** April 12, 2011, 06:11:54 pm »

Quote from: jbm on April 12, 2011, 11:33:46 am

Looked to see if Folty was throwing game 2 today. Saw it was Gabriel Garcia. Wondered who that was and saw that he is 21 years old and is listed at 5'11", 140. It is really hard for me to believe that any pro 21 year old pitcher is that small.

I assume that they take these measurements the time they are signed and Milb never changes them over the years. I've never had this answered for sure, but is this the case? If so, why don't they update these things. Is this supposed to be proprietary info or something.

Gabriel Garcia might not be 5' 10'' He is a little lefty.

Duder · « **Reply #19 on:** April 13, 2011, 04:05:13 pm »

Folty is getting ready to pitch versus Hagerstown on MiLB.TV. Game is just about to start.

OregonStrosFan · « **Reply #20 on:** April 13, 2011, 05:15:40 pm »

Quote from: Duder on April 13, 2011, 04:05:13 pm

Folty is getting ready to pitch versus Hagerstown on MiLB.TV. Game is just about to start.

Thanks for the heads-up! Kid likes to work fast, doesn't he?

Folty through 5: 0 R, 4 hits, 3 SO, 0 BB.

OregonStrosFan · « **Reply #21 on:** April 13, 2011, 05:33:02 pm »

Foltynewicz started the 6th with a HBP and then a walk to Harper, got a DP on the next batter, and was 1-2 until he allowed a 2B to the gap in right center. Next batter flied out to left.

Foltynewicz thru 6 IP: 5 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 3 SO.

OregonStrosFan · « **Reply #22 on:** April 13, 2011, 05:56:36 pm »

Legends lose game 1 of the double-header (7 inning games) 1-0.

Foltynewicz line: 6.0 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 3 SO.

Duder · « **Reply #23 on:** April 14, 2011, 10:19:08 am »

I ended up watching the archive video of Folty's start. A few observations on Folty.
- works extremely quickly
- has an exceptional pick off move
- threw his fastball the majority of the time and has pretty good control of it
- got a good amount of swinging misses on his changeup
- do not recall him missing a single bat with the curve, he also left it up a couple of times

It's quite enjoyable watching him work on the mound since he works quickly and pounds the lower half of the zone with his fastball. He got a lot of ground balls. The only player on Hagerstown that seemed to give him trouble was Bryce Harper. Harper squared up pitches on his first two ABs (1st AB - laser straight to RFer, 2nd AB - line drive single to right). Folty nibbled around the plate and ended up walking Harper in his third AB.

jbm · « **Reply #24 on:** April 14, 2011, 10:32:11 am »

Thanks for the observations.

I will soon bite the bullet and re-up my Milb tv, despite how much they irritate me. Do they have velocity readings on the Lexington feed?

Duder · « **Reply #25 on:** April 14, 2011, 10:41:53 am »

Sadly, there is no radar on the Lexington feed. He only had 3Ks, but he missed a lot more bats than his K total indicates.

OregonStrosFan · « **Reply #26 on:** April 14, 2011, 12:09:07 pm »

Something I didn't catch until I saw it in the 'Cats Corner blog this morning was that Kikè Hernandez started in left in both games of the double-header yesterday. Interesting...

VirtualBob · « **Reply #27 on:** April 15, 2011, 07:26:31 am »

Telvin Nash sighting: 1 for 5 w/HR last night at DH

astrosfan76 · « **Reply #28 on:** April 15, 2011, 08:31:02 am »

Good start for Bushue last night: 8 IP, 0 R, 5 H, 2 BB, and 4 K. Only one of the hits went for extra bases (a double). Not a dominating start, but it's probably the longest outing of his career and he's still only 19.

OregonStrosFan · « **Reply #29 on:** April 15, 2011, 11:53:53 am »

Quote from: astrosfan76 on April 15, 2011, 08:31:02 am

Good start for Bushue last night: 8 IP, 0 R, 5 H, 2 BB, and 4 K. Only one of the hits went for extra bases (a double). Not a dominating start, but it's probably the longest outing of his career and he's still only 19.

Was throwing a 2-hitter through 5. VERY nice to see. I'm really looking forward to watching this team progress through the year!

Duman · « **Reply #30 on:** April 15, 2011, 02:00:05 pm »

If the storms hold off - I will be watching them first hand tonight in Asheville. Looking forward to my first game of the season.

Navin R Johnson · « **Reply #31 on:** April 17, 2011, 03:18:19 pm »

Lexington is going nuts today. Leading 18-8 in the 7th inning. Wallace and Nash already have 3 homers, each. Wallace is 4-5 with a double, 3 homers and nine RBI. Jio is also 3-4 for the day and now hitting about .340 for the season.

chuck · « **Reply #32 on:** April 17, 2011, 04:17:07 pm »

NINE RBI for Wallace? Come on, that is ludicrous.

OregonStrosFan · « **Reply #33 on:** April 17, 2011, 04:23:43 pm »

Quote from: Navin R Johnson on April 17, 2011, 03:18:19 pm

Lexington is going nuts today. Leading 18-8 in the 7th inning. Wallace and Nash already have 3 homers, each. Wallace is 4-5 with a double, 3 homers and nine RBI. Jio is also 3-4 for the day and now hitting about .340 for the season.

We were commenting on that in th GZ today, WOW! BOX SCORE

Wallace: 5-6, 4 R, 2B, 3 HR, 9 RBI (.444 AVG);
Nash: 5-6, 4 R, 2B, 3 HR, 4 RBI (.412 AVG);
Jio: 3-5, 4 R, 2 RBI, BB (.343 AVG);
Bryce Lane: 3-5, R, RBI, SO (.259 AVG);
Orloff: 2-6, 2 R, 2B (.286 AVG).

Duder · « **Reply #34 on:** April 17, 2011, 04:38:26 pm »

I think Wallace, Nash, and Bailey may be 1-2-3 in the SAL HR race after today's game.

roadrunner · « **Reply #35 on:** April 17, 2011, 07:19:48 pm »

I've heard a lot about Nash, but what's the story with Wallace? If he's a catcher with a bat, I assume he must be lacking in defense or else he'd be a more popular prospect.

OregonStrosFan · « **Reply #36 on:** April 17, 2011, 07:28:51 pm »

Wallace is a Houston kid that grew up rooting for the Astros. He was surprised that he was picked up in the 16th round last year - he thought he'd go quite a bit later. Old for the SAL, but has done nothing but mash since the Astros drafted him. I'm not aware of any defensive concerns with him, but AppyAstros could speak to that subject better than me. STATS LINK

Here is MiLB game story on Wallace and Nash. LINK (btw, I presume the batting helmet is a carry over from getting his obital socket crushed (fractured) by a Barret Loux fastball at the College Classic a couple of years ago, as I'm not aware of any re-injury).

Duman · « **Reply #37 on:** April 18, 2011, 04:08:27 am »

Wallace's bat is his best tool. Receiving is solid but not spectacular. Arm is adequate.

Yes the face mask is from being hit in the face. He has screws in his cheek bones and another hit could do serious damage.

Apparently Enrique Hernandez hurt his ankle and is going on the DL. I expect Barry Butera to be called up from Extended.

VirtualBob · « **Reply #38 on:** April 18, 2011, 02:20:11 pm »

After twice through the order, here is how things stand in Lexington.
Record: 5-5

Rotation:
Foltynewicz: 0-2 4.91 5K/2BB 1.18 WHIP
Bushue: 2-0 2.57 7K/2BB 0.93 WHIP
Dydalewicz: 0-1 1.93 5K/6BB 1.50 WHIP
Quevedo: 2-0 6.55 5K/1BB 1.36 WHIP
Minaya: 0-1 5.40 6K/3BB in 1 start; Alaniz pressed into spot starter duty due to a rain-delay caused doubleheader.

Notable: Dydalewicz is still struggling with control, though he seems to have gotten away with it for the most part. Bushue looking very strong in his repeat of the level.

Bullpen:
Pretty even workload so far, and pretty effective. Five guys (Chowning, DeLeon, Garcia, Sogard & Streilein) have WHIP under 0.75. Garcia & Gouvea have K/9 of 12 or more, and Alaniz has 10.1 (though has been rocked for 11 hirs and 8 ER in 5.1 IP). Garcia looks like a guy to watch here.

Behind the plate:
Pena (6) & Wallace (4) are splitting time pretty evenly, but Wallace (.386/.486/.700 with 2 HR before his 3 HR’s in game 11) also has 5 starts at DH. Pena (.167/.250/.278 & 6K in 21 AB) is struggling a little early. Pena has thrown out 33% of attempted base-stealers, and Wallace erased the one attempt against him.

Infield:
Nash started the season on the DL, so Burnett (.333/.412/.667) and Medrano (.118/.167/.176) split the first 8 games at 1B. Nash homered in his first game (at DH) and added three more in game 11. The rest of the infield is pretty set with Kvasnicka (3B .353/.405/.471; 8K in 34 AB), Mier (SS .300/.447/.467; 9K in 30AB but 8BB) and DeShields (2B .194/.237/.333 with 9K in 36AB). Orloff (.250/.400/.250) has started twice at 2B & once at SS, while Hernandez (.227/.346/.273) filled in once at 2B but has started 4 games in LF. In late breaking news, though, it sounds like he has hurt his ankle and is headed for the DL. Notable: when you add in Nash’s 4K in 11AB, it is a very windy starting infield (30K in 111AB). Both Kvasnicka and DeShields have already recorded 5 errors, which is not very encouraging.

Outfield:
Adamson (CF .361/.378/.556) and Bailey (RF .353/.361/.735 with 4HR and 9RBI) are the regulars. Lane (.182/.333/.273) has started 8 games (6 in LF) and is struggling at the plate. As noted above, Hernandez has the other 4 starts in LF.

Notable: with more consistency from the starting pitchers, this team looks like it will do very well.

OregonStrosFan · « **Reply #39 on:** April 18, 2011, 03:17:55 pm »

Chris Wallace gets some love in this weeks Ask BA. Baseball America LINK

The hottest hitter in the first week and a half of the minor league season has been Astros catcher Chris Wallace, who hit three homers for low Class A Lexington on Sunday, boosting his batting line to .444/.535/1.000. A 16th-round pick from the University of Houston in 2010, Wallace was a senior sign who may be slugging his way into being a prospect. He earned Rookie-level Appalachian League all-star honors as a DH in his pro debut. He'll be 23 by the end of the month, so the Astros may want to accelerate his development if he keeps hitting.

Jacksonian · « **Reply #40 on:** April 18, 2011, 03:37:59 pm »

Quote from: VirtualBob on April 18, 2011, 02:20:11 pm

After twice through the order, here is how things stand in Lexington.
Record: 5-5

Rotation:
Foltynewicz: 0-2 4.91 5K/2BB 1.18 WHIP
Bushue: 2-0 2.57 7K/2BB 0.93 WHIP
Dydalewicz: 0-1 1.93 5K/6BB 1.50 WHIP
Quevedo: 2-0 6.55 5K/1BB 1.36 WHIP
Minaya: 0-1 5.40 6K/3BB in 1 start; Alaniz pressed into spot starter duty due to a rain-delay caused doubleheader.

Notable: Dydalewicz is still struggling with control, though he seems to have gotten away with it for the most part. Bushue looking very strong in his repeat of the level.

Bullpen:
Pretty even workload so far, and pretty effective. Five guys (Chowning, DeLeon, Garcia, Sogard & Streilein) have WHIP under 0.75. Garcia & Gouvea have K/9 of 12 or more, and Alaniz has 10.1 (though has been rocked for 11 hirs and 8 ER in 5.1 IP). Garcia looks like a guy to watch here.

Behind the plate:
Pena (6) & Wallace (4) are splitting time pretty evenly, but Wallace (.386/.486/.700 with 2 HR before his 3 HR’s in game 11) also has 5 starts at DH. Pena (.167/.250/.278 & 6K in 21 AB) is struggling a little early. Pena has thrown out 33% of attempted base-stealers, and Wallace erased the one attempt against him.

Infield:
Nash started the season on the DL, so Burnett (.333/.412/.667) and Medrano (.118/.167/.176) split the first 8 games at 1B. Nash homered in his first game (at DH) and added three more in game 11. The rest of the infield is pretty set with Kvasnicka (3B .353/.405/.471; 8K in 34 AB), Mier (SS .300/.447/.467; 9K in 30AB but 8BB) and DeShields (2B .194/.237/.333 with 9K in 36AB). Orloff (.250/.400/.250) has started twice at 2B & once at SS, while Hernandez (.227/.346/.273) filled in once at 2B but has started 4 games in LF. In late breaking news, though, it sounds like he has hurt his ankle and is headed for the DL. Notable: when you add in Nash’s 4K in 11AB, it is a very windy starting infield (30K in 111AB). Both Kvasnicka and DeShields have already recorded 5 errors, which is not very encouraging.

Outfield:
Adamson (CF .361/.378/.556) and Bailey (RF .353/.361/.735 with 4HR and 9RBI) are the regulars. Lane (.182/.333/.273) has started 8 games (6 in LF) and is struggling at the plate. As noted above, Hernandez has the other 4 starts in LF.

Notable: with more consistency from the starting pitchers, this team looks like it will do very well.

A couple of notes to add perspective.

In the rotation Quevedo is the old-man turning 22 on 9/30. Bushue and Alaniz turn 20 in June, Dydalewicz is 21 for the season, Foltynewicz turns 20 in October, and Minaya turns 21 in September. That's 3 kids who started the year as teenagers. That's a pretty young rotation overall even for low-A.

Of the fielders Mier turns 21 in August, DeShields turns 19 in August, Kvasnicka is 22 for the season. Kvasnicka and DeShields are learning new positions. Catcher Pena turns 19 in June. Nash is 20 for the season. Kiki turns 20 in August.

There is a lot of youth and inexperience out there but also a lot of talent.

VirtualBob · « **Reply #41 on:** April 18, 2011, 10:06:29 pm »

Quote from: Jacksonian on April 18, 2011, 03:37:59 pm

A couple of notes to add perspective.

//snip//

There is a lot of youth and inexperience out there but also a lot of talent.

Agreed ... and thanks for highlighting the ages.

OregonStrosFan · « **Reply #42 on:** April 19, 2011, 06:14:18 pm »

Goff talks with Wallace and Nash. LINK

Nice read, but I particularly liked the following exchange with Nash:

Nash recognizes the abundance of talent surrounding him, but wants to see the team step up and develop more of a killer instinct.

"It's kind of hard to put into words, but I'm so hungry right now," Nash said. "I'm taking my game to another level. I have great teammates around me. This is such a talented team. Look at all the first-round picks we have here. As the season rolls on, I want to see us get more of a killer instinct. It's still early in the season, so it's going to take a little time, as we learn playing together.".

astrosfan76 · « **Reply #43 on:** April 19, 2011, 07:44:53 pm »

Quote from: OregonStrosFan on April 19, 2011, 06:14:18 pm

Goff talks with Wallace and Nash. LINK

Nice read, but I particularly liked the following exchange with Nash:

Nash recognizes the abundance of talent surrounding him, but wants to see the team step up and develop more of a killer instinct.

"It's kind of hard to put into words, but I'm so hungry right now," Nash said. "I'm taking my game to another level. I have great teammates around me. This is such a talented team. Look at all the first-round picks we have here. As the season rolls on, I want to see us get more of a killer instinct. It's still early in the season, so it's going to take a little time, as we learn playing together.".

Bringing his football mentality to the field. I like the swagger; could use a little more of it at the big-league level.

Navin R Johnson · « **Reply #44 on:** April 20, 2011, 12:54:51 pm »

Great performance from Tanner Bushue last night, 6IP, 2 H, 2BB, 2K, 0R. Legends win 2-0

Knoxbanedoodle · « **Reply #45 on:** April 20, 2011, 05:51:47 pm »

Quote from: OregonStrosFan on April 17, 2011, 04:23:43 pm

We were commenting on that in th GZ today, WOW! BOX SCORE

Wallace: 5-6, 4 R, 2B, 3 HR, 9 RBI (.444 AVG);
Nash: 5-6, 4 R, 2B, 3 HR, 4 RBI (.412 AVG);
Jio: 3-5, 4 R, 2 RBI, BB (.343 AVG);
Bryce Lane: 3-5, R, RBI, SO (.259 AVG);
Orloff: 2-6, 2 R, 2B (.286 AVG).

I was at this game. The wind, needless to say, was blowing out, and McCormick Field is something of a bandbox, but that said, the kids were nuts. Killer instinct, indeed.

Fynn · « **Reply #46 on:** April 22, 2011, 11:19:28 pm »

Chris Wallace has another great night. 4/5 with 2 triples and a 3 run HR. He will be in Lancaster soon.

Duder · « **Reply #47 on:** April 22, 2011, 11:58:04 pm »

Quote from: Fynn on April 22, 2011, 11:19:28 pm

Chris Wallace has another great night. 4/5 with 2 triples and a 3 run HR. He will be in Lancaster soon.

I don't think there's much sense in promoting any advanced hitting prospect from Lexington to Lancaster.

Fynn · « **Reply #48 on:** April 23, 2011, 12:07:41 am »

Quote from: Duder on April 22, 2011, 11:58:04 pm

I don't think there's much sense in promoting any advanced hitting prospect from Lexington to Lancaster.

I would actually like to see him with Corpus, and if he continues putting up great numbers perhaps he will skip Lancaster.

astrosfan76 · « **Reply #49 on:** April 23, 2011, 09:26:03 pm »

Quote from: Fynn on April 23, 2011, 12:07:41 am

I would actually like to see him with Corpus, and if he continues putting up great numbers perhaps he will skip Lancaster.

Esposito and Hernandez seem overwhelmed at Corpus, so they probably don't present much of an obstacle. But, has he moved past Heath & Garcia on the depth chart? How is his defense compared to theirs?

Fynn · « **Reply #50 on:** April 23, 2011, 10:56:12 pm »

Quote from: astrosfan76 on April 23, 2011, 09:26:03 pm

Esposito and Hernandez seem overwhelmed at Corpus, so they probably don't present much of an obstacle. But, has he moved past Heath & Garcia on the depth chart? How is his defense compared to theirs?

Lately it seems that Wallace is the DH in most games. That brings up a myriad of questions as to why.

astrosfan76 · « **Reply #51 on:** April 24, 2011, 10:14:11 am »

Quote from: Fynn on April 23, 2011, 10:56:12 pm

Lately it seems that Wallace is the DH in most games. That brings up a myriad of questions as to why.

Speculation, but could just be a way to keep his bat in the lineup while also getting starts for Pena. With the way he's been hitting, it would be hard to keep him out of the lineup.

Hornstros · « **Reply #52 on:** April 25, 2011, 03:32:54 pm »

FYI for you MiLB.tv subscribers - Tanner Bushue's start tonight will be on MiLB.tv at 6:05 PM CST

OregonStrosFan · « **Reply #53 on:** April 25, 2011, 03:46:45 pm »

Quote from: Hornstros on April 25, 2011, 03:32:54 pm

FYI for you MiLB.tv subscribers - Tanner Bushue's start tonight will be on MiLB.tv at 6:05 PM CST

Thanks for the heads-up!

OregonStrosFan · « **Reply #54 on:** April 25, 2011, 06:54:24 pm »

The LEX game was taken down from the MiLB 4/25 listings and I can't find it. IIRC, this has happened a couple of times now...

OregonStrosFan · « **Reply #55 on:** April 25, 2011, 08:35:07 pm »

Bushue's scoreless innings streak snapped at 22.0 IP.

Line: 6.2IP, 8H, 4R, 4ER, BB, 2SO, HR. 2.70 ERA

DeLeon gives up a couple in T9, giving Bushue the no decision.

ETA: LEX had 3 errors in T9 (2 throwing errors by Jhonny Medrano, 1 throwing by Kvasnicka). Both runs unearned.

VirtualBob · « **Reply #56 on:** April 26, 2011, 07:23:34 pm »

7 runs on 7 hits in 3 2/3 innings. At this point I almost hope Dydalewicz is injured. If not, he may be a lost cause.

Duman · « **Reply #57 on:** April 26, 2011, 07:59:53 pm »

Quote from: VirtualBob on April 26, 2011, 07:23:34 pm

7 runs on 7 hits in 3 2/3 innings. At this point I almost hope Dydalewicz is injured. If not, he may be a lost cause.

I wonder if the 19mph wind blowing out to center impacted him any.

VirtualBob · « **Reply #58 on:** April 26, 2011, 08:09:27 pm »

Quote from: AppyAstros on April 26, 2011, 07:59:53 pm

I wonder if the 19mph wind blowing out to center impacted him any.

could be. I will hope so and wait for the next start. I do notice, though that the bad guys seem to be taking more advanage of the wind than the good guys.

Duman · « **Reply #59 on:** April 27, 2011, 12:48:48 pm »

I wonder if he is using the same wind we are using.

austro · « **Reply #60 on:** April 27, 2011, 12:53:25 pm »

Quote from: AppyAstros on April 27, 2011, 12:48:48 pm

I wonder if he is using the same wind we are using.

Do you guys have the CF fans pointed the right way? They're supposed to blow in when the opposition is batting.

OregonStrosFan · « **Reply #61 on:** April 29, 2011, 06:40:40 pm »

Note: Levine is in Lexington to report on the Legends today through Sunday (04/29-05/01) and is taking questions. LINK; Levine Twitter feed. Ask away!

astrosfan76 · « **Reply #62 on:** April 29, 2011, 07:53:30 pm »

Levine tweet:

"Goal for this trip was to see a Nash homerun and he made me wait 2 ABs, but he obliged. Crushed and looked so easy."

Man, I hope that kid can climb the ladder.

OregonStrosFan · « **Reply #63 on:** April 29, 2011, 08:28:27 pm »

Yordani is back with the Legends. Levine via Twitter

Yordany Ramirez joined Astros Class A Lexington today. With OF career aborted, working on restart as hard-throwing RHP. -Z

OregonStrosFan · « **Reply #64 on:** April 30, 2011, 06:44:28 pm »

SHIT!!!

Levine says Nash felt a 'pop' in his wrist. Don't know what the problem is, but they're not real optimistic...

Let me repeat, SHIT!!!

rifraft · « **Reply #65 on:** April 30, 2011, 11:52:11 pm »

Quote from: OregonStrosFan on April 30, 2011, 06:44:28 pm

SHIT!!!

Levine says Nash felt a 'pop' in his wrist. Don't know what the problem is, but they're not real optimistic...

Let me repeat, SHIT!!!

sounds like (pun intended) a broken hamate bone.

OregonStrosFan · « **Reply #66 on:** May 01, 2011, 12:01:45 am »

Quote from: rifraft on April 30, 2011, 11:52:11 pm

sounds like (pun intended) a broken hamate bone.

Didn't Big Papi have something like that happen involving his wrist sheath(?)?

OregonStrosFan · « **Reply #67 on:** May 03, 2011, 04:06:54 pm »

Nash to the DL with a "with left hand/wrist injury" per McTaggart (via Twitter).

Levine article on Foltynewicz: LINK

OregonStrosFan · « **Reply #68 on:** May 03, 2011, 07:06:34 pm »

Some misc. numbers from the Legends 15-2 win over Augusta (continuation game from 5/2, 5/3 game just starting).

Delino DeShields Jr: 2-6, HR (3rd HR of season);
Kvasnicka 2-4, 3R (.317 avg);
Chris Wallace 3-5 (.396 avg);
Adamson 2-4, 2B (.353avg);
Jio Mier 1-2, 3R, 3BB (.289, T-2 for SAL lead in walks at 18);
Adam Bailey 1-5, HR (.330);
Dydalewicz: 2.0IP, H, BB, 2SO (started 5/2 portion of game until it was called after 2); and
Carlos Quevedo: 7.0IP, 6H, 2ER, 5SO, 1HR (3.86 ERA).

Ebby Calvin · « **Reply #69 on:** May 03, 2011, 09:37:27 pm »

Quote from: OregonStrosFan on May 03, 2011, 07:06:34 pm

Kvasnicka 2-4, 3R (.317 avg);

First of all, thanks to all of the Bus Drivers around here. I've been riding the Bus a bit more in the last year, and you guys do a great job.

How does Kvalphabet project? Is he manning 3B? Any power?

Navin R Johnson · « **Reply #70 on:** May 03, 2011, 09:38:54 pm »

Lexington wins game two 8-4 and sweeps Augusta. Lex is now 8-3 in their last 11 and sit in 1st place in the division with a 15-11 record

astrosfan76 · « **Reply #71 on:** May 05, 2011, 10:44:33 am »

Per Levine tweet (paraphrased):

The popping sound that Nash heard has been diagnosed. He has a fractured hamate bone in his left hand. A little surgery, six weeks off, and he'll be back to showing swagger.

Reuben · « **Reply #72 on:** May 05, 2011, 05:04:07 pm »

Quote from: astrosfan76 on May 05, 2011, 10:44:33 am

Per Levine tweet (paraphrased):

The popping sound that Nash heard has been diagnosed. He has a fractured hamate bone in his left hand. A little surgery, six weeks off, and he'll be back to showing swagger.

I was worried that the hamate was one of those things that occasionally will just never heal up right- I thought Nomar Garciaparra or somebody had been sidelined perpetually with one, but I guess not. Here is Wikipedia's list of prominent ballplayers who've broken the hamate:
* Jose Canseco, Oakland Athletics outfielder (1989)
* Ken Griffey, Jr., Seattle Mariners outfielder (1996)
* Jim Thome, Cleveland Indians outfielder (1996)
* Eric Hinske, Atlanta Braves first baseman (2003)
* Ryan Kalish, Boston Red Sox outfielder (2007)
* Dustin Pedroia, Boston Red Sox second baseman (2007)
* Troy Tulowitzki, Colorado Rockies shortstop (2010)
* Domonic Brown, Philadelphia Phillies outfielder (2011)
* Pablo Sandoval, San Francisco Giants third baseman (2011)
* Chase Woofter, Kansas City Royals second baseman (2011)

Looks like Brown started his rehab assignment six weeks after his surgery.

mrpink · « **Reply #73 on:** May 05, 2011, 06:00:49 pm »

Quote from: Reuben on May 05, 2011, 05:04:07 pm

I was worried that the hamate was one of those things that occasionally will just never heal up right- I thought Nomar Garciaparra or somebody had been sidelined perpetually with one, but I guess not. Here is Wikipedia's list of prominent ballplayers who've broken the hamate:
* Jose Canseco, Oakland Athletics outfielder (1989)
* Ken Griffey, Jr., Seattle Mariners outfielder (1996)
* Jim Thome, Cleveland Indians outfielder (1996)
* Eric Hinske, Atlanta Braves first baseman (2003)
* Ryan Kalish, Boston Red Sox outfielder (2007)
* Dustin Pedroia, Boston Red Sox second baseman (2007)
* Troy Tulowitzki, Colorado Rockies shortstop (2010)
* Domonic Brown, Philadelphia Phillies outfielder (2011)
* Pablo Sandoval, San Francisco Giants third baseman (2011)
* Chase Woofter, Kansas City Royals second baseman (2011)

Looks like Brown started his rehab assignment six weeks after his surgery.

[sesame street]One of these things is not like the other...[/sesame street]

Seriously, who is Chase Woofter and why is he prominent?

Reuben · « **Reply #74 on:** May 05, 2011, 06:34:54 pm »

Quote from: mrpink on May 05, 2011, 06:00:49 pm

[sesame street]One of these things is not like the other...[/sesame street]

Seriously, who is Chase Woofter and why is he prominent?

You know, I thought I was just out of touch with other (and esp. AL) teams and their hot young players, but damned if there is no one on the Royals or at bb-ref with that name. [shaking fist at computer] Wiki-peed-i-ahhhhh!

I did, however, find out that the Royals have just called up Hot Young Prospect/Future Hall of Famer Eric (?) Hosmer. So, good for them.

Navin R Johnson · « **Reply #75 on:** May 05, 2011, 06:51:33 pm »

It appears that Chase is a HS Wrestler in the KC area.

http://varsity.kansascity.com/custom/article&news_id=4563

I am guessing one of his friends or he decided to update Wikipedia.

juliogotay · « **Reply #76 on:** May 05, 2011, 09:18:04 pm »

Quote from: Reuben on May 05, 2011, 05:04:07 pm

I was worried that the hamate was one of those things that occasionally will just never heal up right- I thought Nomar Garciaparra or somebody had been sidelined perpetually with one, but I guess not. Here is Wikipedia's list of prominent ballplayers who've broken the hamate:
* Jose Canseco, Oakland Athletics outfielder (1989)
* Ken Griffey, Jr., Seattle Mariners outfielder (1996)
* Jim Thome, Cleveland Indians outfielder (1996)
* Eric Hinske, Atlanta Braves first baseman (2003)
* Ryan Kalish, Boston Red Sox outfielder (2007)
* Dustin Pedroia, Boston Red Sox second baseman (2007)
* Troy Tulowitzki, Colorado Rockies shortstop (2010)
* Domonic Brown, Philadelphia Phillies outfielder (2011)
* Pablo Sandoval, San Francisco Giants third baseman (2011)
* Chase Woofter, Kansas City Royals second baseman (2011)

Looks like Brown started his rehab assignment six weeks after his surgery.

While an Astro, Abreu had this injury in Spring Training.

austro · « **Reply #77 on:** May 05, 2011, 09:26:15 pm »

Quote from: juliogotay on May 05, 2011, 09:18:04 pm

While an Astro, Abreu had this injury in Spring Training.

I thought Bagwell had a busted hamate, but maybe I'm all mixed up.

VirtualBob · « **Reply #78 on:** May 05, 2011, 09:46:03 pm »

Quote from: austro on May 05, 2011, 09:26:15 pm

I thought Bagwell had a busted hamate, but maybe I'm all mixed up.

Those two thoughts are not mutually exclusive.

austro · « **Reply #79 on:** May 05, 2011, 09:52:44 pm »

Quote from: VirtualBob on May 05, 2011, 09:46:03 pm

Those two thoughts are not mutually exclusive.

That's certainly true.

OregonStrosFan · « **Reply #80 on:** May 07, 2011, 07:57:44 pm »

Good piece from Mark Malone (Lexington Herald-Leader) on Chris Wallace. LINK

OregonStrosFan · « **Reply #81 on:** May 08, 2011, 03:54:39 pm »

Brutal game for Dydalewicz and Yordany today... BOX SCORE

The good (batters):

Jr (aka Delino): 3-4, 3 R, 2B, HR, RBI, BB (.250);
Jio: 2-5, 2 R, 2 2B, 2 RBI (.284);
Adam Bailey: 1-5, R, HR, 2 RBI, 2 SO (.307);
Kvas: 1-4, R, 2B, BB, SO (.287);
Daniel Adamson: 3-5, 2 R, 2B, 2 SO (.347); and
Emilio King: 2-4, R, HR, 4 RBI (.556).

Reuben · « **Reply #82 on:** May 08, 2011, 06:17:19 pm »

Quote from: OregonStrosFan on May 08, 2011, 03:54:39 pm

Brutal game for Dydalewicz and Yordany today... BOX SCORE

The good (batters):

Jr (aka Delino): 3-4, 3 R, 2B, HR, RBI, BB (.250);
Jio: 2-5, 2 R, 2 2B, 2 RBI (.284);
Adam Bailey: 1-5, R, HR, 2 RBI, 2 SO (.307);
Kvas: 1-4, R, 2B, BB, SO (.287);
Daniel Adamson: 3-5, 2 R, 2B, 2 SO (.347); and
Emilio King: 2-4, R, HR, 4 RBI (.556).

All 4 of Yordany's runs allowed came on a 1-out Grand Slam. So maybe he had bright spots?

Note that King also threw out Bryce Harper at 3rd. Not a bad first two games of A-ball for the kid- 5 hits, 2 HR, 6 RBI. Be interested to read the game story for this one.

Duman · « **Reply #83 on:** May 08, 2011, 10:10:08 pm »

Quote from: Reuben on May 08, 2011, 06:17:19 pm

All 4 of Yordany's runs allowed came on a 1-out Grand Slam. So maybe he had bright spots?

Note that King also threw out Bryce Harper at 3rd. Not a bad first two games of A-ball for the kid- 5 hits, 2 HR, 6 RBI. Be interested to read the game story for this one.

Kings arm is outstanding. One of if not the best outfield arm I have seen in G'ville. His bat wasn't great last year. Off to a hot start this year. Plenty of power in his build.

BTW looks like the assist started a double play:

Quote

David Freitas singles on a ground ball to left fielder Emilio King. Double play, left fielder Emilio King to third baseman Michael Kvasnicka to second baseman Delino DeShields. Bryce Harper out at 3rd. David Freitas out at 2nd.

OregonStrosFan · « **Reply #84 on:** May 11, 2011, 03:45:15 pm »

Nash tweeted that his surgery yesterday went really well. Good to hear!

Duman · « **Reply #85 on:** May 13, 2011, 05:42:39 am »

C Ryan McCurty added to roster after Yordany called up to Lan. Things don't look good for Bubby Williams who spent last year in Lex. Still in extended spring training.

VirtualBob · « **Reply #86 on:** May 13, 2011, 10:51:37 am »

Quote from: AppyAstros on May 13, 2011, 05:42:39 am

C Ryan McCurty added to roster after Yordany called up to Lan. Things don't look good for Bubby Williams who spent last year in Lex. Still in extended spring training.

"spent last year in Lex" is a bit of a stretch ... He started 7 games at C and entered 3 more as a defensive replacement plus 2 games at DH. He spent well over half the season in Greenville. Also, his "impressive" .353 OPS in Lex did not exactly demand that he stay at that level.

I expect him to be the starter at Tri City this year, though at 22 he will be a bit old for that level.

Duman · « **Reply #87 on:** May 13, 2011, 05:35:01 pm »

Quote from: VirtualBob on May 13, 2011, 10:51:37 am

"spent last year in Lex" is a bit of a stretch ... He started 7 games at C and entered 3 more as a defensive replacement plus 2 games at DH. He spent well over half the season in Greenville. Also, his "impressive" .353 OPS in Lex did not exactly demand that he stay at that level.

I expect him to be the starter at Tri City this year, though at 22 he will be a bit old for that level.

Thanks for clarifying my fuzzy memory. I guess I assumed since he has spent 2 season in G'ville and spent the end of the last season in Lex he was likely slotted for there this year.

pots · « **Reply #88 on:** May 13, 2011, 06:38:36 pm »

Impressive. Dydalewicz doesn't manage to get a single out in his start

Jacksonian · « **Reply #89 on:** May 13, 2011, 08:30:31 pm »

Quote from: pots on May 13, 2011, 06:38:36 pm

Impressive. Dydalewicz doesn't manage to get a single out in his start

I wouldn't bet he makes it through the season. Alaniz did a great job in relief.

OregonStrosFan · « **Reply #90 on:** May 14, 2011, 01:24:25 am »

Quote from: Jacksonian on May 13, 2011, 08:30:31 pm

I wouldn't bet he makes it through the season. Alaniz did a great job in relief.

(1) Was surprised/disappointed Alaniz had been relegated to 6th starter/long relief status, but glad to see him have a game like tonight; and

(2) What 'do' you do with Dydalewicz? Dropped $750K + college money on him. Had a legit arm at one point. Is obviously having (beyond massive) control problems (as well as, I'd presume, severe confidence problems as well). You don't really give up on / cut a 20 year old like him, do you? Back to extended Spring Training? Any guesstimates?

Jacksonian · « **Reply #91 on:** May 14, 2011, 09:23:00 pm »

Quote from: OregonStrosFan on May 14, 2011, 01:24:25 am

(1) Was surprised/disappointed Alaniz had been relegated to 6th starter/long relief status, but glad to see him have a game like tonight; and

(2) What 'do' you do with Dydalewicz? Dropped $750K + college money on him. Had a legit arm at one point. Is obviously having (beyond massive) control problems (as well as, I'd presume, severe confidence problems as well). You don't really give up on / cut a 20 year old like him, do you? Back to extended Spring Training? Any guesstimates?

I don't know how he is throwing. I wouldn't be surprised if he's injured.

OregonStrosFan · « **Reply #92 on:** May 15, 2011, 01:01:36 am »

Quote from: Jacksonian on May 14, 2011, 09:23:00 pm

I don't know how he is throwing. I wouldn't be surprised if he's injured.

He might be, but his huge decline came about last season and lasted the entire season for the most part before continuing throughout this season. Given that his pitching this season has just been more of the same, it'd seem that if there were an injury it was last year.

The kid has some skills and is still young and worth taking some time with. I'm just not seeing throwing him out there for 2 innings at a time and getting his brains bashed in every time as good for his development... So the question is, how do you get him back on track developmentally? If its an injury, go get it taken care of. I dunno...

VirtualBob · « **Reply #93 on:** May 15, 2011, 02:53:06 am »

Carlos Quevedo had an interesting start last night ... He allowed 4 solo HRs and struck out 13 in 6 IP on the way to a no-decision. (Lex eventually won with a run in the bottom of the 8th.)

jbm · « **Reply #94 on:** May 15, 2011, 08:24:36 am »

Quote from: OregonStrosFan on May 15, 2011, 01:01:36 am

The kid has some skills and is still young and worth taking some time with. I'm just not seeing throwing him out there for 2 innings at a time and getting his brains bashed in every time as good for his development... So the question is, how do you get him back on track developmentally? If its an injury, go get it taken care of. I dunno...

I doubt it is an injury. He is probably just ones of those good arms that can't be developed.

That Quevedo line is an interesting one.

VirtualBob · « **Reply #95 on:** May 15, 2011, 02:14:14 pm »

For the "What have you done for me lately" file, I have been looking at May performances. Here are a few things that jump out for the first half of the month:

Ben Orloff is batting .333/.478/.444 (.354/.446/.417 for the season). He needs more playing time somewhere (though at 24, he is old for this league).

Chris Wallace has cooled off (.237/.333/.395) and only 1 HR compared to .398/.468/.795 and 7 HR for April.

Michael Kvasnicka may have put it together. .373/.439/.471 for May after .284/.354/.446 for April. Tied for the team lead in errors with 8 for the season, but we've seen a lot worse at Lex in prior years.

Adam Bailey has played 33 of 36 games total in RF and is hitting a very consistent .317/.360/.554 for the season w/8 HR. At 23, he needs to be moved up and challenged.

Emilio King has been the regular in LF since he joined the team and is hitting .433/.433/.700 in 30 AB's.

Jiovanni Mier has apparently learned how to get on base ... .271/.397/.458 in May (very consistent w/April) and leads the team with 25 walks on the season.

Brad Dydalewicz is averaging just over an inning per start in May and has an ERA approaching 40 for the month. Brutal.

Carlos Quevedo has struck out 20 in 16 2/3 innings in May, yet still sports an ERA over 7 due to 5 HR.

Brian Streilein has not allowed a run in 5 May appearances with a WHIP of 0.9 and 6 K in 6 2/3 IP.

Tanner Bushue has managed to go 2-1 in 3 May starts despite an ERA of 6.

Garrett Bullock was activated to replace Yordani Ramirez and also took over his "old man of the team" role at age 25. I woiuld still rather have Gabe Garcia back from the DL.

OregonStrosFan · « **Reply #96 on:** May 15, 2011, 05:49:52 pm »

Good stuff VB!

OregonStrosFan · « **Reply #97 on:** May 15, 2011, 05:50:57 pm »

Jose Altuve speaks with MiLB.com (video)
Kody Hinze interview by Ben Hill at MiLB.com (video)

OregonStrosFan · « **Reply #98 on:** May 15, 2011, 09:27:47 pm »

Per Farmstros (via Twitter):

Dydalewicz "assigned to Tri-City"; Garrett Bullock to Lexington from Extended Spring

Duman · « **Reply #99 on:** May 15, 2011, 11:33:28 pm »

Quote from: OregonStrosFan on May 15, 2011, 01:01:36 am

He might be, but his huge decline came about last season and lasted the entire season for the most part before continuing throughout this season. Given that his pitching this season has just been more of the same, it'd seem that if there were an injury it was last year.

The kid has some skills and is still young and worth taking some time with. I'm just not seeing throwing him out there for 2 innings at a time and getting his brains bashed in every time as good for his development... So the question is, how do you get him back on track developmentally? If its an injury, go get it taken care of. I dunno...

I think it is mechanical. He has always had a jerky delivery. The game I saw him pitcher earlier this year, he looked good for 3 innings and battled through not throwing strike for one and then totally lost it in the 5th. He was bouncing balls up to the plate. Granted the rain might have had something to do with it but the relief pitcher didn't have any trouble. I think he losses his slot.

pots · « **Reply #100 on:** May 18, 2011, 04:45:27 pm »

Folty's first win!!!

Plus Bailey with a HR in each game of the double header, now 10 on the year.

astrosfan76 · « **Reply #101 on:** May 18, 2011, 06:08:21 pm »

Beat a pretty good pitcher in the process.

astrosfan76 · « **Reply #102 on:** May 19, 2011, 08:19:09 am »

He carried a no-hitter into the 6th before hitting a wall. Good start to build off of.

Duder · « **Reply #103 on:** May 19, 2011, 05:07:26 pm »

Juri Perez gets his first start for Lexington tonight. He was excellent in Greeneville in '09 (2.79 ERA and 60K in 52 IP), but I believe he got hurt and barely pitched last season.

OregonStrosFan · « **Reply #104 on:** May 19, 2011, 05:16:46 pm »

Quote from: Duder on May 19, 2011, 05:07:26 pm

Juri Perez gets his first start for Lexington tonight. He was excellent in Greeneville in '09 (2.79 ERA and 60K in 52 IP), but I believe he got hurt and barely pitched last season.

FWIW, this game is slated to be on MiLB.TV.

Duder · « **Reply #105 on:** May 19, 2011, 06:45:17 pm »

Quote from: OregonStrosFan on May 19, 2011, 05:16:46 pm

FWIW, this game is slated to be on MiLB.TV.

Thanks for the heads up. I'll be sure to watch the archive of the game. Juri is dealing through 3 IP. He has only allowed one hit to go with no walks and 6Ks.

OregonStrosFan · « **Reply #106 on:** May 19, 2011, 07:08:39 pm »

Quote from: Duder on May 19, 2011, 06:45:17 pm

Thanks for the heads up. I'll be sure to watch the archive of the game. Juri is dealing through 3 IP. He has only allowed one hit to go with no walks and 6Ks.

Wheels fell off in T4. Had the first 2 batters at 2-strike counts. Ended up allowing 5 runs (3 on a blast to LF, IIRC on a 2-strike count).

pots · « **Reply #107 on:** May 23, 2011, 12:25:51 pm »

Quote from: pots on May 18, 2011, 04:45:27 pm

Folty's first win!!!

Followed by win #2. 7 inning, 5 Hit, 2 BB, 2 K, 4 double plays and a pickoff.

astrosfan76 · « **Reply #108 on:** May 25, 2011, 02:17:55 pm »

Legends win today with an WNBA score of 15-10. Every Legend other than Wallace drove and scored at least 1 run, with Kvasnicka driving in 4 via a HR and 2 singles. DDS went 2-5 with a triple and has driven in 6 in his last 3 games.

OregonStrosFan · « **Reply #109 on:** May 25, 2011, 04:22:45 pm »

Chris Wallace "On the Bus with the Legends" via Farmstros blog at the Chron. LINK

“I will have to admit, when I imagined bus trips in minor league baseball my first thought went to the scene in Bull Durham...

VirtualBob · « **Reply #110 on:** May 29, 2011, 09:12:30 pm »

Quote from: pots on May 23, 2011, 12:25:51 pm

Followed by win #2. 7 inning, 5 Hit, 2 BB, 2 K, 4 double plays and a pickoff.

No win tonight thanks to a blown save, but 6 shutout innings is nice to see.

VirtualBob · « **Reply #111 on:** June 02, 2011, 12:51:58 pm »

Saw that Alex Sogard is announced to start tonight. Any insight on whether this is a spot start or a permanent move to the rotation?

jbm · « **Reply #112 on:** June 02, 2011, 01:01:57 pm »

Looks to be Minaya's turn, but he has been struggling bigtime lately. Maybe he's injured or maybe they have grown tired of the control issues. He's one of the biggest disappointments at Lex this year, IMO. I've seen tape of a couple of his starts. He still looks promising to me, but I am obviously way off on my assessment.

VirtualBob · « **Reply #113 on:** June 02, 2011, 07:39:13 pm »

May in Review – Lexington

Rotation

Alaniz moved into the rotation mid-month to replace Dydalewicz when he was sent to extended spring training/Tri City. The rest of the rotation (Foltynewicz, Bushue, Quevedo, Minaya) was pretty stable. Bushue did miss a start with a short stint on the DL and lasted less than 5 innings in his two starts following. Alaniz has not dominated, nut he has a sub-5 ERA and 32 K in 27 1/3 May IP.

Folty may be putting it together, going 2-2 with a 3.67 ERA and 1.37 WHIP after 0-4/5.86/1.34 in April. He also struck out 20 but walked 12 in 27 May IP.

Quevedo had a weird month. 28 2/3 IP in 5 outings (1 in “relief” for the May 3 continuation of the May 2 rainout) and a 6.59 ERA, due mostly to 8 HR allowed. But he also K’d 28 and walked none. It’s not exactly “pitch to contact”, but when they do make contact it is trouble.

As I type, Minaya is missing his turn tonight (Alex Sogard getting the nod) after two ,onths of struggling. His May stats … 6.04 ERA, 9BB & 22K in 22 1/3 IP … is an improvement on April … 7.64; 17BB; 16K; 17 2/3 IP … but it is still pretty disappointing.

Bullpen

Chowning, Gouvea and Sogard have been the workhorses with 7 or 8 appearances and 17 or 18 IP each. Gouvea continues to struggle with control but the other two are doing well. Gabe Garcia came off the DL and had 5 appearances with a 1.04 WHIP and 7 K’s in 8 2/3 IP against 2 BB. If he can stay healthy, I still think he can be a dominant force out of the pen. Martinez & Streilein each got a spot start in May and each sports an ERA over 7. Garrett Bullock joined out of extencded ST and was hit hard in 3 appearances. Jorge DeLeon spent a short stint on the DL but put together a decent month … 12 K in 11 IP and 4 saves; her also had a 1.09 WHIP and only 3 BB (1 intentional). Luis Cruz was demoted to the Lexington bullpen after 4 unimpressive starts at Lancaster, and continued to stink things up, albeit with a small sample size. I expect he will take some time to build up his game-strength after the injury.

Lineup

Pena and Wallace continue to split time at C with Pena getting about twice the number of starts. Wallace is also the regular DH, but he slumped badly in May … .219/.294/.344 with 22 K in 96 May AB after a .398/.468/.795 April. Pena has thrown out base-stealers at a 44% clip (11 of 25) this season and appears to be the preferred receiver. He’s flirting with the Mendoza line on the season, though, at .206/.265/.314 and striking out about 25% of the time.

With Nash on the DL, Tyler Burnet is getting the lion’s share of PT at 1B. He’s doing a pretty good Dick Stuart impersonation, though, and leads the team in errors (7 in May alone and 11 for the season). And lest anyone think he makes up for his defense with his offensive contribution [/ducking], his May line was .247/.297/.353. As a 17th rounder, I am not sure how much patience the brass will have.

The rest of the infield consists of DeShields, Mier & Kvasnicka … a trio with somewhat higher expectations. Mier has gotten a solid “vote of conficdence” (aka “kiss of death”) recently, but it is telling that he did not figure in the Memorial Day Roster Shakeup. He does seem to be improving on defense, and 17 May BB against only 19K is encouraging, but a .245/.354/.383 May line in a low-A repeat year is not. Kvasnicka, on the other hand, is beginning to show the promise that jiustified his sandwich pick. He hit .320/.388/.427 in May to raise his season line to .305/.374/.435 and he leads the team with 13 doubles. 42K in 177AB (and 6 GIDP) are alittle worrisome, but if he can turn some of those 2B into HR as he matures, I guess ther ‘stros can live with the fans. DeShields is an enigma (not to be confused with an enema); He is only 8 of 16 in SB and has a season line of .225/.303/.669 with 48K in 178AB. And there were those who thought the pick might be a reach. WTF?

The outfield is a bright spit. Emilio King joined from EST and has hit .400/.438/.533 while patrolling LF & CF with aplomb. He only has 2 outfield assists, but his arm is giving 3B coaches cause for pause. He has split time between CF and LF while Adam Bailey continues to patrol RF. Bailey leads the team with 11 long balls and has a consistent .314/.363/.552 line for the year. He also has 8 OF assists. Bryce Lane, the most frequent starter in LF, heated up a little in early May, and about the time he passed the Mendoza line, he was promoted to Lancaster. Daniel Adamson followed up a .346/.409/.513 April in CF with a .308/.395/.492 May, but went on the DL late in the month.

Reserves of note include Kike Hernandez (mostly playing OF this year), Jhonny Medrano (who has raised his season line to .192/.266/.313 after a horrendous .093/.152/.140 April) and Ben Orloff, who has been spelling both Mier and DeShields while racking up a .338/.420/.416 line. He has also played decent defense, and one wonders how long it will be before the 2009 9th-rounder will get a little more respect.

Ron Brand · « **Reply #114 on:** June 02, 2011, 09:13:22 pm »

Thank you for this review, VB!

roadrunner · « **Reply #115 on:** June 02, 2011, 09:36:28 pm »

Thanks for the review. Very little to be encouraged about it sounds like, unfortunately.

How long is Nash on the DL?

jbm · « **Reply #116 on:** June 02, 2011, 09:50:33 pm »

Quote from: roadrunner on June 02, 2011, 09:36:28 pm

Thanks for the review. Very little to be encouraged about it sounds like, unfortunately.

How long is Nash on the DL?

I'm thinking a couple more weeks. I thought it was about 6 or 8 weeks total.

I think there are a lot of positives on that club. Alaniz and Folty for sure on the mound. Numerous other pitchers and position players including mier, deshields, kvasnicka, wallace.

VirtualBob · « **Reply #117 on:** June 02, 2011, 10:19:41 pm »

Quote from: jbm on June 02, 2011, 09:50:33 pm

I'm thinking a couple more weeks. I thought it was about 6 or 8 weeks total.

I think there are a lot of positives on that club. Alaniz and Folty for sure on the mound. Numerous other pitchers and position players including mier, deshields, kvasnicka, wallace.

Folty & Kvasnicka for sure. Probably Bushue as well. The others, not so much. Mier's non-promotion speaks volumes, DeShields is underperforming, and Wallace is not being allowed near a glove ... never a good sign for a high-value defensive position like catcher. Alaniz shows flashes of brilliance, but still seems to get hit pretty hard. Still ... at only 20 years old, I suppose there is time for him to develop.
ETA - With Nash's hamate bone injury, I expect him to come back slowly; definitely a bad break [pun intended]

jbm · « **Reply #118 on:** June 02, 2011, 10:41:19 pm »

The stats are meaningless on Alaniz, just as they are for Folty and Deshields. I'd be surprised if the org isn't excited/pleased about all of them.

VirtualBob · « **Reply #119 on:** June 02, 2011, 11:02:09 pm »

Quote from: jbm on June 02, 2011, 10:41:19 pm

The stats are meaningless on Alaniz, just as they are for Folty and Deshields. I'd be surprised if the org isn't excited/pleased about all of them.

I agree about stats ... my concern about Alaniz is how hard he is being hit. That said, his K numbers are encouraging, and I agree that he has plenty of ceiling. As to whether "the org" is "pleased with" DeShields, I have no insight. It looks to me, though, like he was the stretch people thought he might be. I hope he develops, but from my chair it does not look encouraging. I would love to hear some first-hand observations.

OregonStrosFan · « **Reply #120 on:** June 02, 2011, 11:12:21 pm »

Quote from: VirtualBob on June 02, 2011, 11:02:09 pm

I agree about stats ... my concern about Alaniz is how hard he is being hit. That said, his K numbers are encouraging, and I agree that he has plenty of ceiling. As to whether "the org" is "pleased with" DeShields, I have no insight. It looks to me, though, like he was the stretch people thought he might be. I hope he develops, but from my chair it does not look encouraging. I would love to hear some first-hand observations.

He was voted LEX defensive player of the month (though I'm fairly certain that it was almost completely a result of Chuck's lobbying...).

chuck · « **Reply #121 on:** June 02, 2011, 11:22:03 pm »

Quote from: OregonStrosFan on June 02, 2011, 11:12:21 pm

He was voted LEX defensive player of the month (though I'm fairly certain that it was almost completely a result of Chuck's lobbying...).

He must have delivered the ball to first from the second base fielding area without sending anyone to the hospital. I think what he won was May's Knoblauch Award.

austro · « **Reply #122 on:** June 03, 2011, 08:48:30 am »

Quote from: chuck on June 02, 2011, 11:22:03 pm

He must have delivered the ball to first from the second base fielding area without sending anyone to the hospital. I think what he won was May's Knoblauch Award.

He's fast enough that he's decided to quit throwing it over there and just runs it over instead.

hostros7 · « **Reply #123 on:** June 03, 2011, 09:46:31 am »

Quote from: austro on June 03, 2011, 08:48:30 am

He's fast enough that he's decided to quit throwing it over there and just runs it over instead.

My optimistic thought pattern is this:
- DDJR is the son of a major leaguer and has been pre-ordained as a future star his whole life.
- DDJR played against a low level of competition at a private HS in Atlanta, leading him to believe that his skills are unparalleled and succeeds on raw talent alone.
- His high first round draft pick solidifies all of this in his own mind.
- DDJR has all the tools but is an undisciplined little shit that thinks the game comes easy.
- He will get his shit kicked in playing A ball and learning a new position.
- Realizing that the track to the bigs will be arduous to travel, he has the make-up and desire to succeed that this kicks him into gear to work harder than anyone else to prove that he was worthy of the pick.
- He develops the raw talent that he has and turns it into skill that can be successful in the MLB.

Optimism!

chuck · « **Reply #124 on:** June 03, 2011, 11:55:29 am »

Quote from: austro on June 03, 2011, 08:48:30 am

He's fast enough that he's decided to quit throwing it over there and just runs it over instead.

OutSTANDing analysis!

Quote from: hostros7 on June 03, 2011, 09:46:31 am

My optimistic thought pattern is this:
- DDJR is the son of a major leaguer and has been pre-ordained as a future star his whole life.
- DDJR played against a low level of competition at a private HS in Atlanta, leading him to believe that his skills are unparalleled and succeeds on raw talent alone.
- His high first round draft pick solidifies all of this in his own mind.
- DDJR has all the tools but is an undisciplined little shit that thinks the game comes easy.
- He will get his shit kicked in playing A ball and learning a new position.
- Realizing that the track to the bigs will be arduous to travel, he has the make-up and desire to succeed that this kicks him into gear to work harder than anyone else to prove that he was worthy of the pick.
- He develops the raw talent that he has and turns it into skill that can be successful in the MLB.

OutSTANDing analysis!

OregonStrosFan · « **Reply #125 on:** June 03, 2011, 12:01:40 pm »

Quote from: chuck on June 03, 2011, 11:55:29 am

OutSTANDing analysis!

OutSTANDing analysis!

You're gonna miss Drayton. I know you are!

chuck · « **Reply #126 on:** June 03, 2011, 12:05:03 pm »

Quote from: OregonStrosFan on June 03, 2011, 12:01:40 pm

You're gonna miss Drayton. I know you are!

I already do miss that crazy bastard. Hell, I didn't get to hang out with him at all last spring.

Let's face it, there is no one else on the face of the earth who would dare label a prohibition on fans bringing food and drink into the park a 'tradition.' You really have to warm to that sort of audacity.

JaneDoe · « **Reply #127 on:** June 03, 2011, 12:07:29 pm »

Quote from: chuck on June 03, 2011, 12:05:03 pm

I already do miss that crazy bastard. Hell, I didn't get to hang out with him at all last spring.

Let's face it, there is no one else on the face of the earth who would dare label a prohibition on fans bringing food and drink into the park a 'tradition.' You really have to warm to that sort of audacity.

Wonder if the new guy will change his stance on that. It was so cool to visit Coors field and take in a cooler.

jbm · « **Reply #128 on:** June 04, 2011, 05:48:33 pm »

Saw bits and pieces of the Folty-Taillon matchup. Wasn't much of a duel, although it is easy to see why they were both first rounders.

Folty was breezing, then lost focus. A shitload of walks, a roller through the infield, and jam shot later, four runs were on the board.

Deshields hit a home run off Taillon. Not a cheap one either. Made a nice rangy play to his right with a strong, athletic throw to first. Then he had a simple turn on a dp and threw an awful throw to first for an error. The throws are obviously an issue (he blows easy ones), but the guy is quite an athlete. Most of the grumbling about him seems misplaced. It's easy to see why he was a high draft pick.

Kvasnicka hit a nice double off Taillon and showed pretty quick movement on a nubber well in front of him. Seems athletic enough to hold down the position defensively.

chuck · « **Reply #129 on:** June 04, 2011, 07:26:45 pm »

I'm not grumbling, I'm just telling everyone who hasn't seen him that he can't throw worth a fuck.

jbm · « **Reply #130 on:** June 04, 2011, 07:51:47 pm »

Your observations are first hand, good info, and accurate. Seeing a shitty average and assuming its a busted pick is grumbling.

OregonStrosFan · « **Reply #131 on:** June 04, 2011, 08:20:11 pm »

Saw Alaniz on MiLB.TV a bit ago. Has he filled out some? For whatever reason, I was thinking he was a bit of a beanpole - didn't look like it on the telecast though...

chuck · « **Reply #132 on:** June 04, 2011, 08:25:51 pm »

Quote from: jbm on June 04, 2011, 07:51:47 pm

Your observations are first hand, good info, and accurate. Seeing a shitty average and assuming its a busted pick is grumbling.

Cool. I've said a thousand times the fucking guy is 18 years old. I mean, come on. He has years to figure out how to throw the ball 25 yards with reasonable accuracy. To me that seems like the least of our concerns. If he can hit the pitching that he encounters at each level as he progresses then someone will eventually figure out how to calm him down into accurate throws.

Duman · « **Reply #133 on:** June 05, 2011, 05:39:48 am »

Quote from: OregonStrosFan on June 04, 2011, 08:20:11 pm

Saw Alaniz on MiLB.TV a bit ago. Has he filled out some? For whatever reason, I was thinking he was a bit of a beanpole - didn't look like it on the telecast though...

I thought the same when I saw him in Asheville a few starts ago.

astrosfan76 · « **Reply #134 on:** June 05, 2011, 05:31:25 pm »

Great start by Bushue today: 5IP 3H 0R 2BB 8K's

He's had starts where he worked deeper, but based on the number of baserunners and K's, this could have been his most dominant start.

VirtualBob · « **Reply #135 on:** June 06, 2011, 08:09:19 am »

Quote from: astrosfan76 on June 05, 2011, 05:31:25 pm

Great start by Bushue today: 5IP 3H 0R 2BB 8K's

He's had starts where he worked deeper, but based on the number of baserunners and K's, this could have been his most dominant start.

I think they are limiting his workload as he continues to build strength after DL stint.

OregonStrosFan · « **Reply #136 on:** June 06, 2011, 10:26:05 am »

Quote from: VirtualBob on June 06, 2011, 08:09:19 am

I think they are limiting his workload as he continues to build strength after DL stint.

My thoughts as well.

astrosfan76 · « **Reply #137 on:** June 07, 2011, 10:46:03 am »

Per Levine tweet:

Bailey, Jio, and Wallace named Sally All-Stars. A little surprised about Jio, but maybe there aren't a lot of shortstops who are putting up good numbers in the league.

OregonStrosFan · « **Reply #138 on:** June 11, 2011, 06:57:24 pm »

DDJ doesn't hit a lot, but when he does it seems to go a long way. HR 6 in T1 tonight for LEX. BOX SCORE

Deline DeShields, Jr. stats LINK: 45-206 (HRs per 7.5 hits).

cougar · « **Reply #139 on:** June 12, 2011, 12:05:19 pm »

Quote from: chuck on June 04, 2011, 08:25:51 pm

Cool. I've said a thousand times the fucking guy is 18 years old. I mean, come on. He has years to figure out how to throw the ball 25 yards with reasonable accuracy. To me that seems like the least of our concerns. If he can hit the pitching that he encounters at each level as he progresses then someone will eventually figure out how to calm him down into accurate throws.

I suggest the Victoria's Secret catalogue. Hey it worked for Rube Baker, and he had to throw it all the way to the pitcher's mound!

OregonStrosFan · « **Reply #140 on:** June 13, 2011, 04:06:18 pm »

Bushue to the DL (again) per Astros County. LINK

austro · « **Reply #141 on:** June 13, 2011, 04:08:37 pm »

Quote from: OregonStrosFan on June 13, 2011, 04:06:18 pm

Bushue to the DL (again) per Astros County. LINK

Can I take any encouragement from the fact that it's the 7-day DL? Or is that just the normal starting point for any injury?

OregonStrosFan · « **Reply #142 on:** June 13, 2011, 04:13:15 pm »

Quote from: austro on June 13, 2011, 04:08:37 pm

Can I take any encouragement from the fact that it's the 7-day DL? Or is that just the normal starting point for any injury?

All MiLB DL stints are 7-day, aren't they?

jbm · « **Reply #143 on:** June 13, 2011, 04:15:06 pm »

What was his injury earlier in the year?

Duman · « **Reply #144 on:** June 14, 2011, 04:27:21 am »

Can't remember this year but there were back issues last year.

OregonStrosFan · « **Reply #145 on:** June 17, 2011, 01:38:30 pm »

Quote from: astrosfan76 on June 07, 2011, 10:46:03 am

Per Levine tweet:

Bailey, Jio, and Wallace named Sally All-Stars. A little surprised about Jio, but maybe there aren't a lot of shortstops who are putting up good numbers in the league.

Kvasnicka added to the All Star team roster as well. LINK

astrosfan76 · « **Reply #146 on:** June 19, 2011, 06:02:28 pm »

Folty's starting to get the hang of this winning thing, getting a W in his fourth straight decision. Nothing special about his start, but 2 ER over 5 innings should get the job done most days.

Duder · « **Reply #147 on:** June 19, 2011, 06:08:20 pm »

Quote from: astrosfan76 on June 19, 2011, 06:02:28 pm

Folty's starting to get the hang of this winning thing, getting a W in his fourth straight decision. Nothing special about his start, but 2 ER over 5 innings should get the job done most days.

He had another pick-off today. It seems like Folty is averaging one pick-off per game.

ETA : Went through box scores of games that Folty pitched. He has 7 pick-offs in 14 starts. Also, all three of his errors are on pick-off attempts.

austro · « **Reply #148 on:** June 19, 2011, 06:43:50 pm »

Quote from: Duder on June 19, 2011, 06:08:20 pm

He had another pick-off today. It seems like Folty is averaging one pick-off per game.

That means he's allowing baserunners. Cut him!

Hornstros · « **Reply #149 on:** June 23, 2011, 08:17:36 pm »

Chia-Jen Lo is back from injury and pitched the 6th inning tonight giving up one run on a HR, striking out 2

Haven't noticed this before but apparently Juan Minaya has been moved to the pen for Lexington. He's repeating Lexington after an up and down 2010 in the rotation. Based on box scores alone he seemed like he dominated some games last season and other games his control or lack thereof would get the best of him

OregonStrosFan · « **Reply #150 on:** June 25, 2011, 03:53:24 pm »

Mark Maloney on Adam Bailey. LINK

OregonStrosFan · « **Reply #151 on:** June 28, 2011, 08:17:28 pm »

Looks like Nash is back with the Legends.

And in other LEX news... 4 Legends suspended for 3 games for their parts in a bench clearing brawl from last nights game. Story LINK. The West Virginia local TV games story WITH VIDEO can be seen here: LINK

roadrunner · « **Reply #152 on:** June 28, 2011, 09:33:34 pm »

Looked like bush league from Bailey. Oh well, he's probably trash and he'll never pan out anyways.

Reuben · « **Reply #153 on:** July 13, 2011, 07:37:31 pm »

Telvin Nash hit a walk-off 2-run HR to win Game 1 of a double-header today, 2-0. Looks like solid pitching from Sogard and DeLeon.

By the way, I may have missed this, but what's the story with Ben Heath? He's in LEX after putting up decent numbers at LAN (.775 OPS- yes, I know, it's LAN...), and even getting a coffee cup at Corpus last year.

OregonStrosFan · « **Reply #154 on:** July 14, 2011, 09:28:02 pm »

Nice start from Folty tonight. BOX SCORE

Line: 6.0 IP, 4 H, R, ER, 2 BB, 9 SO, HR, 4.19 ERA

Chowning and DeLeon also pitched a couple of strong innings in relief:

Chowning: 2.0 IP, 5 SO, 1.97 ERA

DeLeon: 1.0 IP, 2 SO, 2.72 ERA

Duman · « **Reply #155 on:** July 15, 2011, 05:37:10 am »

Quote from: Reuben on July 13, 2011, 07:37:31 pm

Telvin Nash hit a walk-off 2-run HR to win Game 1 of a double-header today, 2-0. Looks like solid pitching from Sogard and DeLeon.

Here is video of Nash's oppo field homerun.

pots · « **Reply #156 on:** July 19, 2011, 07:53:12 am »

DeBloodlines Jr. batting .380 with a .455 OBP over the last 8 games

pots · « **Reply #157 on:** July 22, 2011, 07:58:40 am »

Quote from: pots on July 19, 2011, 07:53:12 am

DeBloodlines Jr. batting .380 with a .455 OBP over the last 8 games

Make that batting .444 with a .500 OBP over the last 10 games.

36 ABs, 16 Hits, just 1 2B, 5 SBs (no CS), 6 BBs, 5 Ks.

Duman · « **Reply #158 on:** July 22, 2011, 09:04:38 am »

Quote from: pots on July 22, 2011, 07:58:40 am

Make that batting .444 with a .500 OBP over the last 10 games.

36 ABs, 16 Hits, just 1 2B, 5 SBs (no CS), 6 BBs, 5 Ks.

Looks like the switch has flipped. He is more successful with getting on base but has lost all power. Hitting .308 since AllStar break but only one double. I'll gladly take a this slash line (post ASB) .308/.369/.319 from my lead off rather than (pre) .198/.288/.336)

Uncle Charlie · « **Reply #159 on:** July 22, 2011, 09:15:54 am »

Quote from: AppyAstros on July 22, 2011, 09:04:38 am

Looks like the switch has flipped. He is more successful with getting on base but has lost all power. Hitting .308 since AllStar break but only one double. I'll gladly take a this slash line (post ASB) .308/.369/.319 from my lead off rather than (pre) .198/.288/.336)

Power will come. He just has to be patient.

accougars · « **Reply #160 on:** July 22, 2011, 05:40:28 pm »

Quote from: Uncle Charlie on July 22, 2011, 09:15:54 am

Power will come. He just has to be patient.

Exactly, just make contact and get your ass on base. The gap/doubles power will come.

OregonStrosFan · « **Reply #161 on:** August 03, 2011, 10:32:20 am »

Good article on Foltynewicz, including comments on mechanical adjustments (as well as a BORK sighting). LINK (h/t Astros County)

roadrunner · « **Reply #162 on:** August 03, 2011, 11:18:04 am »

With the strong 2nd half and expedited development the Astros are implementing, there's no way DeShields is repeating in Lexington, right?

Navin R Johnson · « **Reply #163 on:** August 03, 2011, 11:48:15 am »

You wouldn't think. One question though, if Altuve sticks would they start playing Deshields in the OF at some point?

roadrunner · « **Reply #164 on:** August 03, 2011, 12:25:36 pm »

Quote from: Navin R Johnson on August 03, 2011, 11:48:15 am

You wouldn't think. One question though, if Altuve sticks would they start playing Deshields in the OF at some point?

I thought about this as well. Maybe LF and he becomes our Carl Crawford?

Navin R Johnson · « **Reply #165 on:** August 03, 2011, 12:28:41 pm »

I was hoping more for CF, but have no idea if he has the tools to handle that. Of course that is what they drafted Springer for...

roadrunner · « **Reply #166 on:** August 03, 2011, 12:50:23 pm »

Quote from: Navin R Johnson on August 03, 2011, 12:28:41 pm

I was hoping more for CF, but have no idea if he has the tools to handle that. Of course that is what they drafted Springer for...

Just for fun, 2014 starting lineup:

LF - DeShields
2B - Altuve
CF - Springer
1B - Singleton
RF - Martinez
3B - Paredes...ehh
C - Castro
SS - Villar

SP - Cosart
SP - Lyles
SP - Norris
Last two SP spots between Oberholtz/Keuchel/Folty/2012 1st overall pick

Obviously absolutely none of this is a sure thing, but the best case scenario of each player in this lineup and rotation could be competitive. Of course we'll probably get 1 best case scenario, 1 mediocre guy, and the rest are AAAA guys that are playing in Houston.

jbm · « **Reply #167 on:** August 03, 2011, 01:30:02 pm »

I was always under the impression the choice for DeShield's position was between second and center. I assume center was due to his speed and that he probably doesn't profile as enough of a slugger for a corner spot. So, assuming that Altuve stuck at second and both DeShields and Springer were starters, I'd assume center for DeShields and right for Springer.

Duman · « **Reply #168 on:** August 03, 2011, 02:37:36 pm »

Here is my crystal ball shot at the 2014 line up:

SS - Villar
2B - Altuve
CF - Springer
1B - Singleton
RF - Wates
LF - Martinez
3B - Johnson
C - Castro

SP - Cosart
SP - Lyles
SP - Norris
SP Oberholtz
SP Keuchel

MusicMan · « **Reply #169 on:** August 03, 2011, 02:38:30 pm »

I don't see a chance in hell of Johnson being this team's 3b in 3 years.

hostros7 · « **Reply #170 on:** August 03, 2011, 02:48:10 pm »

Quote from: MusicMan on August 03, 2011, 02:38:30 pm

I don't see a chance in hell of Johnson being this team's 3b in 3 years.

If it's not Kvasnicka, he's probably a bust, right? I would think expectations were such given he was a first round (supp) out of college.

GreatBagwellsBeard · « **Reply #171 on:** August 03, 2011, 02:59:28 pm »

Not that we've been given any indication in either direction, but you might figure that at least one spot in that lineup/rotation would be occupied by a veteran FA signing.

Bench · « **Reply #172 on:** August 03, 2011, 03:04:59 pm »

Quote from: GreatBagwellsBeard on August 03, 2011, 02:59:28 pm

Not that we've been given any indication in either direction, but you might figure that at least one spot in that lineup/rotation would be occupied by a veteran FA signing.

Bill Hall will probably still be around.

moriartp · « **Reply #173 on:** August 03, 2011, 03:20:23 pm »

Man. 3B is a void in this organization.

jbm · « **Reply #174 on:** August 03, 2011, 03:24:58 pm »

Quote from: moriartp on August 03, 2011, 03:20:23 pm

Man. 3B is a void in this organization.

It sure seems to be. Since it hasn't been a priority in any of these trades, I figure they are higher on someone than the pundits are, or they figure to fill that void through free agency.

Reuben · « **Reply #175 on:** August 03, 2011, 04:26:29 pm »

No Ovando in RF? Maybe 2014 is too soon (not to mention the attrition rate is that much higher for 16-year-old signees). If he goes:
2012 LEX
2013 LAN-CC
then maybe a call-up in 2014 would be best-case scenario.

As for 3B, perhaps they'd move Altuve there to make room for DeShields, if they're both hitting enough.

Duman · « **Reply #176 on:** August 04, 2011, 12:20:22 pm »

Quote from: MusicMan on August 03, 2011, 02:38:30 pm

I don't see a chance in hell of Johnson being this team's 3b in 3 years.

I knew that would get a reaction. I don't think there is a 3B in the org that will be there by 14, he IMO has a better shot than the rest. Kvasnicka might but he needs to turn it on.

DeShields is just won't be 19 until next week. He could stand to repeat the Sally League to avoid what is happening to Austin this season (being sent backwards a year and a half later at 20). At the start of 2014, he will just be 21. Don't see him ready yet.

My best case scenario path for Ovando is as follows:

12 - Lex/ late call up to Lan (18)
13 - Lan/ CC (19)
14 - CC/ Sept Call to MLB (20)
15 - AAA/MLB (21)
16 MLB full time (22)

Reuben · « **Reply #177 on:** August 04, 2011, 01:01:23 pm »

I saw that Van Ostrand is playing 3B at CC now...

Navin R Johnson · « **Reply #178 on:** August 16, 2011, 03:27:23 pm »

Footer on Folty

http://footer.mlblogs.com/2011/08/16/top-pitching-prospect-foltynewicz-19-years-old-and-loaded-with-talent/

Jacksonian · « **Reply #179 on:** August 16, 2011, 04:47:06 pm »

Don't look now kids but Luis Cruz is getting back to form.

jbm · « **Reply #180 on:** August 16, 2011, 04:52:15 pm »

Lets hope that form can translate to a higher level. Getting destroyed at Lancaster is something he will have to mentally overcome.

cougar · « **Reply #181 on:** August 18, 2011, 08:36:37 am »

I see they knocked around Strasburg last night. So, you know, they've got that going for them.

pots · « **Reply #182 on:** August 23, 2011, 08:38:17 pm »

Nash on a bit of a tear. 12 for his last 25 with 7 doubles and 2 HRs. K'd 9 times with only 2 walks over that span, but still nice.

VirtualBob · « **Reply #183 on:** September 07, 2011, 09:19:24 am »

Season in Review – Lexington Legends

Record: 59-79 (.428)
Hitting: .255/.327/.389 109HR 1034K 429BB 102SB 45CS 119GIDP
Pitching: 4.65ERA 1.41WHIP 136HR 1001K 385BB

Offensive Leaders
Michael Kvasnicka – G/AB/H/2B/3B(tie)/RBI/GIDP
Delino DeShields – PA/R/SB/BB/K/Sac/SF
Adam Bailey – HR(16)
Ben Orloff – 3B(tie)/HBP

Pitching Leaders
Carlos Quevedo – W-L/GS(tie)/IP/BF
Alex Sogard – ERA(4.14)/K/WP
Ruben Alaniz – WHIP/HB
Jorge De Leon – G/GF/SV
Michael Foltynowicz – GS(tie)

As the season progresses
April: 12-11 (.522)
May: 13-16 (.448)
June: 12-14 (.462)
July: 11-17 (.393)
August: 11-21 (.344)

Outfield
April LF: Lane(Nash/Hernandez); CF: Adamson(King); RF: Bailey
May LF: King/Hernandez/(Lane/Medrano); CF: Adamson; RF: Bailey
June LF: Scott/Hernandez; CF: King; RF: Bailey
July LF: Hernandez/Lane/(Nash); CF: Austin(King); RF: King(Bailey/Lane)
August LF: Lane/(Sosa/Burnett/Adamson); CF: King/Austin/(Adamson); RF: Santana/King
Injuries (King, Adamson, Hernandez, Nash, Lane), promotions/demotions (Bailey, Adamson, Austin, Lane, Scott) and trades (Santana) kept things chaotic in the outfield this year. Adam Bailey (.282/.329/.494 and a team-leading 16 HR) was tearing up Sally League pitching before being promoted to Lancaster in early July. Jay Austin exchanged places with him and continued to struggle, going .203/.301/.260 the rest of the way. Bryce Lane was up and down and injured, finishing at .238/.329/.370, while Daniel Adamson did a little better … coming back from injury to post a .295/.365/.454 line and earn an August promotion to Lancaster. The OF transition of 19-year-old Kike Hernandez was hampered by injuries early and late, but he looked very good at times, posting a .247/.341/.326 line in 249 PA on the year. Another 19-year-old, Jordan Scott, posted a respectable .277/.327/.340 while replacing Adamson on the active roster before the Greeneville season opened. Emilio King, perhaps the best defensive OF in the lower minors, spent time at all three OF positions after missing April with injuries, and led the team with 14 OF assists. He was an offensive contributor as well, finishing at .293/.332/.439. 18-year-old Domingo Santana took over RF full time after coming over in the Pence trade, and hit .382/.447/.662. Perhaps even more encouraging, he struck out “only” 15 times in 68 AB. (His full season numbers were .287/.362/.471 with 12 HR and 135 K in 467 Sally League PA.)

Infield
April 1B: Burnett/(Nash/Medrano); 2B: DeShields(Orloff); 3B: Kvasnicka; SS: Mier
May 1B: Burnett(Medrano); 2B: DeShields(Orloff); 3B: Kvasnicka(Medrano); SS: Mier(Orloff)
June 1B: Burnett(Medrano); 2B: DeShields; 3B: Kvasnicka(Medrano); SS: Orloff(Mier)
July 1B: Burnett/Nash; 2B: DeShields; 3B: Kvasnicka; SS: Orloff
August 1B: Nash/Burnett; 2B: DeShields; 3B: Kvasnicka; SS: Orloff
Injuries to Telvin Nash and the promotion of Jiovanni Mier caused a bit of upset in the infield, but Delino DeShields and Michael Kvasnicka put in solid seasons and Ben Orloff (.284/.359/.373) stepped up to replace Mier at SS. At 24, though, Orloff is running out of time and opportunities. Tyler Burnett was forced to spend a little time in LF after Nash returned, and the two shared most of the late-season DH duty as well. DeShields struggled early (.197/.288/.336 with 66K in 238 first-half AB) but seemed to figure it out with a .320 July. Unfortunately, he tailed off again to a .175 August and finished with .220/.305/.322 and 118K in 469AB. The real wind was generated by Nash, though, who did his best Charleton Jimerson imitation, striking out 103 times in 268AB. He also hit 14HR (5 in April before the broken hamate bone) and finished at .269/.373/.485, which is probably pretty good considering the injury he was coming back from. Kvasnicka continued to “learn” 3B, committing 31 errors in 116 games, and hit a solid-though-not-impressive .260/.328/.368. He also completed the trio of triple-digit fans (with 106) and led the team in GIDP (with 17).

Catcher
April Pena(Wallace)
May Pena(Wallace)
June Pena(Wallace)
July Pena(Heath)
August Pena(Heath)
19-year-old Roberto Pena was the regular all season and was obviously there for his defense. He committed only 8 errors and threw out 39% of would-be base-stealers (27 or 70). At that rate he does not have to improve much on his .217/.266/.310 batting line to move up. In addition to spelling Pena, Chris Wallace had 35 starts at DH before his early July promotion to Corpus Christi. At the time, he was raking at a .285/.356/.550 clip with a then-team-leading 14 HR. Ben Heath came down from Lancaster to replace him on the roster in a similar role, logging 22 starts at DH the rest of the way and hitting at a .245/.291/.383 rate.

Rotation
April Foltynewicz/Bushue/Dydalewicz/Quevedo/Minaya
May Foltynewicz/Bushue/Quevedo/Minaya/Alaniz
June Foltynewicz/Quevedo/Alaniz/Sogard/(Bushue/Cruz)
July Foltynewicz/Quevedo/Alaniz/Sogard/Cruz
August Foltynewicz/Quevedo/Alaniz/Cruz/Bushue/Martinez
Michael Foltynewicz started the season 0-4 with a 5.86 April ERA, but continued to rack up the innings ending up 5-11 with a 4.97 ERA for the year. He still has a lot to learn, but at 19 he has time to learn it. Carlos Quevedo was the other rotation constant, finishing at 8-6 with a 4.53 ERA and 1 110:19 K:BB ration in 151 IP. He did give up a Myeresque 22 HR, though. Brad Dydalewicz only made it 7 starts into his repeat season and put up an atrocious 11.57 ERA with 10K and 15BB in 21 IP before being demoted. In his defense, though, he was probably hurting, as he eventually went on the DL for most of the middle of the season before making 3 relief appearances in late August. He was replaced in the rotation by Ruben Alaniz, who was inconsistent, but very effective when “on”. He ended up at 7-10 with a 4.44 ERA, a team-leading 1.29 WHIP and 96K in 115+ IP. Juan Minaya made it until the end of May before being demoted to the bullpen for control problems. By that time he was 1-4 with a 6.75 ERA and 38K (but 26BB) in 40 IP. (He fared no better the rest of the way, posting a 7.05 ERA, 38K, 31BB and 37 IP in 19 relief appearances.) Minaya was replaced by Alex Sogard for the middle of the season. He was 0-3 with a 5.40 ERA as a starter, but ended up posting a combined record of 3-4 with 4 saves, a 4.34 ERA and a team-leading 112 K in 104 total IP. Tanner Bushue was dominant early (6-2 with a 3.48 ERA in 11 first-half starts) but was on and off the DL for most of June and July. He ended up 6-6 with a 4.66 ERA in 16 starts. Luis Cruz, who had started the season on the Lancaster DL, was demoted to fill Bushue’s spot in the rotation, and he seemed to put it together, finishing at 5-4 with a 4.45 R+ERA and 92K in 91 IP over 14 starts and 4 relief appearances. David Martinez made it a 6-man rotation in August as make-up days combined with injury returns to disrupt the normal pattern.

Bullpen – by IP
April Garcia/Alaniz/Streilein/Martinez/DeLeon/Gouvea/Chowning/Sogard
May Chowning/Gouvea/Sogard/Martinez/Streilein/DeLeon/Garcia/Ramirez
June Streilein/Chowning/DeLeon/Garcia/Minaya/Martinez/Gouvea
July Garcia/DeLeon/Streilein/Chowning/Gouvea/Martinez/Minaya
August Sogard/Gouvea/Garcia/Streilein/Minaya/DeLeon/Chowning/Martinez/Dydalewicz
Converted SS Jorge De leon was the closer, and handled the duties well, posting a 6-4 record to go with 16 saves, 51 K in 55+ IP, a 3.42 ERA and a 1.10 WHIP. The workload was spread pretty evenly; 7 other guys exceeded De Leon’s totals either mostly or exclusively out of the bullpen. These included Sogard, Minaya, Murilo Gouvea (3.98 ERA, 83 K, 29 BB in 74+ IP), Brian Streilein (3.99, 40, 19 in 70 IP), Gabe Garcia (3.76, 68, 16 in 69+ IP), Martinez (4.18, 44, 17 in 66+ IP including 5 starts), and Jason Chowning (2.45, 60, 23 in 58+ IP). Yordany Ramirez also made 4 early seson appearances before being promoted to Lancaster, but his transition to pitcher did not go as well as De Leon’s.

In sum: Lexington bore the brunt of the problems higher up in the chain this year, especially on offense As higher-level prospects were rushed to Houston, anyone who did well in Lexington was pressed into replacement duty. Comparing the first half with Wallace & Bailey against the second half with Heath & Austin goes a long way to explain the difference between the 35-35 first-half record and the 24-44 record the rest of the way. Of course, pitching failures and injuries did not help either. Still, there are reasons to pay attention to a number of these guys as they progress. Key contributors on offense and in the rotation were at or below the 21/22 age that is “typical” for the Sally League and teenagers like DeShields, Pena, Santana, Foltynewicz and even Hernandez should be fun to watch as they mature.