Lancaster - 2012

[Duman]

Your place to complain about the park factor at Clear Channel Stadium, home of the High A JetHawks

[astrosfan76]

Santana, Springer, and Nash will be quite a punch in the middle of the lineup, especially at Lancaster.  Throw in Meyer's potential and this could be a fun team to watch.

[Fynn]

Santana, Springer, and Nash will be quite a punch in the middle of the lineup, especially at Lancaster.  Throw in Meyer's potential and this could be a fun team to watch.

Punch is the correct term...Nash has homered tonight, and Springer just hit a grand slam to tie the game.

[Reuben]

Punch is the correct term...Nash has homered tonight, and Springer just hit a grand slam to tie the game.

I don't know why you guys are getting excited about guys already in high-A ball... don't you know, Keith Law says the Astros won't be competitive again until 2018? What you really should be paying attention to is this year's Little League World Series...

[moriartp]

Telvin Smash goes 3-5 with a double tonight, and his slugging percentage drops. I never get tired of early-season stats.

[Fynn]

Telvin Smash goes 3-5 with a double tonight, and his slugging percentage drops. I never get tired of early-season stats.

Batting in Lancaster can make a guy feel like Barry Bonds....if Nash can get past that and cut down on his strike outs he could move quickly.

[VirtualBob]

Telvin Smash goes 3-5 with a double tonight, and his slugging percentage drops. I never get tired of early-season stats.

Note also that he has moved back to LF.  Looks like the new org is rejecting a bunch of position changes (Hernandez, Kvasnicka, Paredes, Nash and probably a few I have missed).

[VirtualBob]

I notice that Domingo Santana has gone on the DL ... Any idea what the injury is and how serious?

[pots]

Nash with his 4th 5th HR tonight and they haven't played at home yet

[astrosfan76]

Nash with his 4th 5th HR tonight and they haven't played at home yet

The 3/3 BB/K ratio in 6 games is encouraging, also.  All of the K's came in 1 game, as well.  I'm not expecting those ratios to stick, but if he just ends the season striking out less than once per game, that would be a big step forward. 

[OregonStrosFan]

Nash with his 4th 5th HR tonight and they haven't played at home yet

Evidently Luhnow tweeted a link to the video of the Nash HR off Zach Lee.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Evidently Luhnow tweeted a link to the video of the Nash HR off Zach Lee.

That pitcher has almost exactly the same name as the kid who played QB at Nebraska a couple of years back.

[juliogotay]

That pitcher has almost exactly the same name as the kid who played QB at Nebraska a couple of years back.

This Zack Lee, from McKinney where I live, had committed to LSU to play QB.

[jbm]

Nash is a pretty big guy. Appy, how much bigger is he now than he was a Greeneville?

[Duman]

He has beefed up a fair amount.  I think he was listed as 215 or 220 then.  He is listed as 240 now.  His thighs were always large.  He has added more upper body weight (muscle or fat..... I am not sure).

[OregonStrosFan]

Telvin Nash hit his 6th HR tonight (leads CAL).  BOX SCORE

[astrosfan76]

Telvin Nash hit his 6th HR tonight (leads CAL).  BOX SCORE

As well as the rest of MiLB.

[Navin R Johnson]

Has Nash played any 1B?  Is there a chance he battles for Carlos' position next year, or is he LF/DH guy?

[Reuben]

Has Nash played any 1B?  Is there a chance he battles for Carlos' position next year, or is he LF/DH guy?

He played mainly 1B last year at LEX (and DH, I guess). This year it seems they're giving him time in LF and 1B. But, I'd be really surprised if he was ready for the majors by next year; the kid's only 21 and still strikes out a ton.

[pots]

He played mainly 1B last year at LEX (and DH, I guess). This year it seems they're giving him time in LF and 1B. But, I'd be really surprised if he was ready for the majors by next year; the kid's only 21 and still strikes out a ton.

With an OBP of .395 and a slugging of .816.  does it matter if he strikes out a 3rd of the time?  He's got Adam Dunn written all over his stats.  Though Dunn didn't strike out as often in the minors.

[VirtualBob]

Has Nash played any 1B?  Is there a chance he battles for Carlos' position next year, or is he LF/DH guy?

With 10 games above low-A ball it might be a bit premature to talk about Houston next year.

As to the heart of your question, though, he has always been an outfielder in the past but played primarily 1B last year (as noted).  I do not have detailed scouting reports, but I recall that he was not exactly a "natural" at the position.  He is not a fast man, but apparently plays an adequate LF.  Of course, with the DH in our future, that may be moot.

Meanwhile, Jonathan Singleton is splitting time between 1B (his historical position) and LF at Corpus and is probably a higher-ceiling guy all around than Nash.  It would be nice to have them both in the lineup in 2014 or 2015, though.

[jbm]

When I looked last night, saw Lancaster down 3-0 in the 2nd.  Alaniz had given up 8 hits in two innings, and I thought he was getting a good dose of the Cal League, and assumed he was close to done for the night.  I check this morning, and he went the next four hitless, ending with a victory and a very respectable line for the game. 

It seems like the ability to hang in and battle is at a premium there.  It's kind of like a boot camp for young pitchers.

[juliogotay]

When I looked last night, saw Lancaster down 3-0 in the 2nd.  Alaniz had given up 8 hits in two innings, and I thought he was getting a good dose of the Cal League, and assumed he was close to done for the night.  I check this morning, and he went the next four hitless, ending with a victory and a very respectable line for the game. 

It seems like the ability to hang in and battle is at a premium there.  It's kind of like a boot camp for young pitchers.

Unless you are a top prospect in which they prefer they not be exposed to Lancaster. I wonder if the Luhnow team has reversed that thinking. I guess we'll see when Folty is ready for a promotion.

[Jacksonian]

Unless you are a top prospect in which they prefer they not be exposed to Lancaster. I wonder if the Luhnow team has reversed that thinking. I guess we'll see when Folty is ready for a promotion.

They'll run all the pitching prospects through there.  It is an excellent teacher for mastering pitch location.

[jbm]

They'll run all the pitching prospects through there.  It is an excellent teacher for mastering pitch location.

Good to hear that.  Seems like a good change. 

[pots]

Nash with number 7.  Now leads the California League by 3.   Unfortunately he's averaging 2 ks over his last 7 games.  All or nothing baby!

[Knoxbanedoodle]

Is Telvin a relation of Toe's?

[tlott33]

So it was an odd night for the Jethawks. You have your number nine hitter in Rene Garcia going 4-4 with a double and two runs scored and you have your number three hitter in George Springer go 0-5 with 5 strikeouts.

What is worse than the golden sombrero? Is platinum next on the list?

[roadrunner]

Nash hit #8 last night.

[pots]

Nash hit #8 last night.

He also collected 3 of the 5 walks given out last night.  Never a bad sign when you are being selected as the guy who pitchers are avoiding.

[Navin R Johnson]

So it was an odd night for the Jethawks. You have your number nine hitter in Rene Garcia going 4-4 with a double and two runs scored and you have your number three hitter in George Springer go 0-5 with 5 strikeouts.

What is worse than the golden sombrero? Is platinum next on the list?

Nice bounce back from Springer.  Last night he went 4-4 with 2 triples and 3 RBI.

[OregonStrosFan]

Ruben Alaniz with another good outing for the JetHawks. 4/27 BOX SCORE

Game Line: 7.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 7 K, 0 HR, 2.90 ERA.

Season Totals: 2 W, 0 L, 2.90 ERA, 5 G, 5 GS, 0 CG, 0 SO, 0 CG (has gone 6.0, 6.0, 7.2, 7.0), 0 SC, 31.0 IP, 27 H, 12 R, 10 ER, 0 HR, 7 BB, 26 SO, 1.18 GO/AO, .237 AVG, 1.1 WHIP.

[VirtualBob]

The Jethawks are through for the month, so I thought I would get a head start on “April in Review”.  With luck, I’ll have time to comment on the other affiliates as well.

Lancaster opened the season 3-7 and has gone 7-7 since then to finish at 10-14 for the month.  There has been a pretty set rotation of Martinez, Alaniz, Grimmett, Doran & Musick, though Martinez is currently on the 7-day DL and missed his last start.  Rather than promote a starter from Lexington, though, they cobbled together a cast of thousands from the bullpen.  This leads me to believe that Martinez will be activated before his regular turn on Wednesday.  Among the starters, both Ruben Alaniz (2-0, 2.90 ERA, 26:7 K:BB, 1.097 WHIP) and Wes Musick (2-1, 2.96, 22:5, 1.151) had excellent months.  Bobby Doran (2-1, 3.30, 23:9, 1.300) is also much improved on last year’s disaster.  Zach Grimmett leads the team in K’s with 29, but has also given up 37 hits in 26.1 innings and is tied (with Martinez) at 5 HR allowed … all of this accounting for his 7.18 ERA.  David Martinez is also struggling some (6.52 ERA).

Alex Sogard pitched well out of the bullpen and was recently promoted to CC as part of a series of moves resulting from Weiland’s trip to the DL, but he has been a bit wild (17 K and 8 BB in 16 IP).  Jorge De Leon seems to be filling the closer role, though he also got the start in the all-bullpen game.  The bullpen is a collective 3-9 with 4 saves and an ERA over 6, though, so not exactly a strong point.  Of note, Brad Dydalewicz has been activated and had one decent outing and one poor one.  Hopefully he can get back on track from a couple of years ago.

In the field, the cast has been pretty consistent:
   C – Rene Garcia
   1B – Rafael Valenzuela
   2B – Kike Hernandez
   3B – Jonathan Meyer
   SS – Jiovanni Mier
   LF – Telvin Nash/Adam Bailey
   CF – George Springer
   RF – Domingo Santana/Adam Bailey
Nash & Erik Castro have been the most frequent entries at DH; Ben Heath has gotten a few appearances at both C and DH, and Ben Orloff has started games at all three infield positions.  Daniel Adamson was released after starting the season 1-for-12 (a HR) and Ryan McCurdy has recently been activated as a 3rd catcher.

Offensive performances of note include:
 
Springer (.278/.321/.454) leads the team in H, 3B, RBI, SB & K (with 30 in 97 AB).  A little more plate discipline would be nice, but a pretty good start.  Mier (.288/.406/.388) has been a real encouragement in his partial repeat year.  15 BB against only 17 K is a huge improvement.  Meyer (.309/.345/.481) has also looked good at the plate, and Nash (.247/.348/.623) has already mashed 9 HR (though he also has 28 K in 77 AB).  Worth noting is that Springer, at age 22, is the oldest of this bunch.

Meanwhile, Castro is back in Lancaster after missing most of 2011 and all of 2010 with injuries, and his .304/.368/.594 line may put him in line for a promotion.  At age 24, he needs to move up or move out.  Garcia (.281/.324/.328) is improved at the plate, but still not too much of a threat, while 19-year-old Domingo Santana still seems to be adjusting.  He did miss a week or so early in the season due to injury.

That leaves my two candidates for “most surprising names on the roster” … Hernandez & Valenzuela.  24-year-old Valenzuela is trying to bounce back after a couple of injury-plagued years.  He opened the season with a .278/.333/.333 line for the first 10 games but has cooled off to .211/.286/.263 over the last 14.  20-year-old Hernandez appears to have moved past Delino DeShields on the depth chart and is playing a pretty solid 2B while leading the team in 2B hits.  After a slow start (.185/.214/.296 for the first 10 games) he has improved to .250/.269/.422.

[juliogotay]

Thanks. Nice summary.

[Jacksonian]

Additionally, had Mier and Meyer gone to college this would be their draft year.  And, they'd likely spend it at short season ball, getting to high-A for the first time next year.

[Duman]

Saw on @Jethawks twitter feed Nash is having some wrist issues that have kept him out for a few days. 

[juliogotay]

Saw on @Jethawks twitter feed Nash is having some wrist issues that have kept him out for a few days. 

Uh-oh. He missed alot of time last year with the hamate bone issue. Chronic wrist problems?

[OregonStrosFan]

Uh-oh. He missed alot of time last year with the hamate bone issue. Chronic wrist problems?

IIRC, the kid is married so chronic wrist problems shouldn't be an issue...

And it was a broken hamate bone...

[astrosfan76]

Springer continues his hot streak, going 1/3 with a HR, 2 walks, and 2 runs scored.  Over his last 10 games, he's hitting .372 with 3 doubles, 3 triples, 4 steals, and a HR.  He does have 15 K's over that time, though (5 in 1 game). 

Musick had a strong start, as well, going 8 innings of 1-run ball, walking 2, and striking out 4.  The outing lowered his ERA to 2.51 for the season.

[jbm]

Any reports on whether he can actually stick in center?

[juliogotay]

Any reports on whether he can actually stick in center?

I don't know why he couldn't. However, looking at the make-up of the present club I think you'd have to say RF is where the opportunity is. I'm not sure Springer has the power to be a legit RFer but neither do the people holding down that spot now.

[astrosfan76]

I don't know why he couldn't. However, looking at the make-up of the present club I think you'd have to say RF is where the opportunity is. I'm not sure Springer has the power to be a legit RFer but neither do the people holding down that spot now.

I've seen Mike Cameron comps for him, which I'd be fine with (especially defensively).  I think they'd like for Santana to hold down RF in the future, but his future appears more volatile right now.  If Springer is a 20-20 player in RF, I think we could live with that.  The way that the team is built right now, speed is going to play a bigger factor in our success than power.  Not that we couldn't use guys who hit 30 HR at any position, but he may be the best we can do in RF for now.  Plus, keeping Shafer isn't a bad thing.

[jbm]

I was just wondering what his ultimate value could be, if things pan out.  It would be great to have two legit center fielders.

There will be lots of tough decisions for the GM if a number of the youngsters pan out.   

[juliogotay]

Schafer may be one of those guys that wears his body out quickly with all of the sliding, bouncing off of fences. He could have lost a step by time Springer is ready. That would make him a much less desirable player.

[astrosfan76]

Schafer may be one of those guys that wears his body out quickly with all of the sliding, bouncing off of fences. He could have lost a step by time Springer is ready. That would make him a much less desirable player.

It's possible, but Springer doesn't seem like he's too far away.  They thought enough of him to start him at Lancaster, so he could be on a reasonably fast track, whatever that means with the new regime.  I would guess that he could be up before '14 is over.

[Navin R Johnson]

Springer is starting to sound Drew Stubbs-ish.

[moriartp]

Springer is starting to sound Drew Stubbs-ish.

Someone at BA made that comparison a while back but added that Springer's bat was more advanced coming out of college.

[jbm]

My recollection of Stubbs is that he also struck out a lot at Texas, and I don't recall hearing that about Springer at UConn.  However, my recall ain't the best.

[juliogotay]

My recollection of Stubbs is that he also struck out a lot at Texas, and I don't recall hearing that about Springer at UConn.  However, my recall ain't the best.

Stubbs hasn't grown out of that high stike-out habit. I'd be surprised if he did by now. 

[VirtualBob]

Tyson Perez made a pretty impressive debut at Lancaster last night after being called up to take Wes Musick's spot in the rotation.  He allowed 1 run on 2 hits with 4 K's and no walks in 6 IP.

Last year he was only 2-5 with a 5.07 ERA in 13 starts for Greeneville.

[astrosfan76]

Tyson Perez made a pretty impressive debut at Lancaster last night after being called up to take Wes Musick's spot in the rotation.  He allowed 1 run on 2 hits with 4 K's and no walks in 6 IP.

Last year he was only 2-5 with a 5.07 ERA in 13 starts for Greeneville.

He did have a 49/13 K/BB ratio last year in 55 innings. He gave up 62 hits, which isn't bad, but 10 of those were homeruns.  Still, he must have made an impression to jump past Folty, and even more impressively, Tropeano. 

[jbm]

So, he came out of extended spring?  Is this really a jump past, or just filling a spot start.

BTW, Jonathon Meyer seems to improve gradually every year.  Hope he keeps it up. 

[Duman]

Perez (12/27/89) is also older than Folty (10/7/91) by almost two years. 

Perez looked good at times in Gville last year but was inconsistent.  Big bodied kid.

[OregonStrosFan]

BA with some misc. on Nash: LINK

[VirtualBob]

BA with some misc. on Nash: LINK

This kind of sloppiness drives me crazy:

He's also learning to play left field after primarily being a first baseman before this year.

The reality is that he tried to learn 1B last year with (apparently) limited success, and is back mostly in LF this year where he has played most of his life.  The article does a good job summarizing the stats, but it would be nice for a real journalist to provide real insight beyond the box scores.

[Duman]

I watched him play left field in Greeneville.  He is still learning to play left field.  He was absolutely horrible.  He was subbed out for late in every close game that season.

Still I agree it is sloppy reporting.

[juliogotay]

Sounds like Nash is an AL type player.

[VirtualBob]

Sounds like Nash is an AL type player.

His motto - "Still a better fielder than Jack Cust"

[Reuben]

This kind of sloppiness drives me crazy:The reality is that he tried to learn 1B last year with (apparently) limited success, and is back mostly in LF this year where he has played most of his life.  The article does a good job summarizing the stats, but it would be nice for a real journalist to provide real insight beyond the box scores.

I thought the same thing. Five minutes of research would've helped.

[OregonStrosFan]

Henceforth May 11 shall be forever more known as "Springer Day".

Top Prospect Alert ‏ @MinorLeagueBlog
#Astros George Springer has hit 3 HOME RUNS in Game 2 of a Doubleheader at High-A Lancaster. He's got 4 HR's on the day. 8 on the year.  LINK

Game 1 BOX SCORE;  Game 2 BOX SCORE.

[Duman]

those 4 hr were in four consecutive at bats.

[pots]

Henceforth May 11 shall be forever more known as "Springer Day".

Top Prospect Alert ‏ @MinorLeagueBlog
#Astros George Springer has hit 3 HOME RUNS in Game 2 of a Doubleheader at High-A Lancaster. He's got 4 HR's on the day. 8 on the year.  LINK

Game 1 BOX SCORE;  Game 2 BOX SCORE.

In the second game all 3 HRs came off the same guy.  Burn me once, burn me twice, burn baby burn

[OregonStrosFan]

Klima at 'Baseball Prospect Report' (formerly 'Baseball Beginnings') with a Pro Scouting Update/Video: Jonathan Meyer, Houston Astros.

[juliogotay]

Klima at 'Baseball Prospect Report' (formerly 'Baseball Beginnings') with a Pro Scouting Update/Video: Jonathan Meyer, Houston Astros.

His last sentence about the one Lancaster infielder he'd want being Meyer. OK, good for Meyer. Let's see, who else is in that infield? Oh, yea...a first-round draft choice.

[jbm]

Yes, that is a pointed jab at Mier.  IIRC, wasn't Klima down on Mier before he was drafted?

[chuck]

Meyer can play, Mier can't. Mier is ARod compared to Delino.

[OregonStrosFan]

Yes, that is a pointed jab at Mier.  IIRC, wasn't Klima down on Mier before he was drafted?

Didn't seem to be too down on him.  SCOUTING REPORT LINK

[jbm]

Thanks.  My memory failed me.  I think it was the scouting the sally guy. Wow, those we're pretty high grades for Mier.  

[Navin R Johnson]

Did I miss something, Springer is now sitting out his 4th game in a row.  How did he get injured?

[jbm]

He was hit by a pitch on the hand or wrist. Wasn't thought to be serious, but I didn't get the impression he would miss four games either. 

[juliogotay]

Meyer can play, Mier can't. Mier is ARod compared to Delino.

I'm not down on Delino. He is still young and still learning a new position. All indications are that he's making good progress and has a great tool in +speed. 

Mier too is progressing but he is no longer young for his level and not looking like he will ever be a plus hitter for a middle infielder. I don't think he's a bad pick I just think he was a reach for the first round as was Castro. You don't have to use a first round choice on a good-field, no-hit SS or on a catcher with mid-level defensive abilities. Seems to me they were projecting on these two because of intangibles.

[astrosfan76]

Didn't seem to be too down on him.  SCOUTING REPORT LINK

Pretty generous power projection; 60 power would be something like 20-25 HR per season.  I remember projections of 12-15 HR per season with lots of doubles, which would be a 50, at best.  He hasn't progressed as quickly as expected, but his numbers are pretty decent this year as a 21-year old.  Before going down with a hamstring injury, he was hitting .309/.414/.447 with a couple of homeruns in 26 games with good defense.  The J.J. Hardy and Nomar comparisons were probably a little lofty, but I'm not ready to give up on him, yet.

[pots]

I'm not down on Delino. He is still young and still learning a new position. All indications are that he's making good progress and has a great tool in +speed.  

I am a bit.  I remember wanting a Sale.  And still would rather have a Sale.  

[hostros7]

I am a bit.  I remember wanting a Sale.  And still with rather have a Sale. 

If we're going be wistful and talk about changing history, we might as well start with Mike Trout over Jio.

[Matt]

If we're going be wistful and talk about changing history, we might as well start with Mike Trout over Jio.

Shit. Was Trout available when they picked Jio?

[hostros7]

Shit. Was Trout available when they picked Jio?

Sadly, yes.  And the outrage isn't all in hindsight. Scout groupthink at the time was that generally the Astros (and other teams) were nuts to pass on Trout.

There is a backstory I don't remember as to why Trout fell as far as he did, but the Angels made it work so I suppose the Astros can be handed some blame.  Maybe the org was worried about a repeat of the "no signing" 2007 debacle? 

[MusicMan]

Keep in mind that Trout fell to 25.  Astros weren't alone in this one.

[juliogotay]

I remember Heck saying they had Jio as the best player in the draft. Not the best player available.

[Jacksonian]

I remember Heck saying they had Jio as the best player in the draft. Not the best player available.

If he said best player that was bullshit for the media.  That was the Strasburg draft.  He may have been BPA for the Astros at 21.

[moriartp]

Here's the article with the "best player" quote.

As for why Trout fell to the Angels at 25, there's a lot that went into that. He wasn't from an area that was scouted very heavily, and I think I remember reading that his season was shortened by weather or somesuch. Teams just weren't familiar enough to justify the risk of taking him as a result. The Angels had five of the top fifty picks, so while other teams might also have liked him, the Angels were in a lot better position to take a risk. I don't remember seeing anything published that had him pegged as a top-five type guy.

ETA: Trout was actually the second player the Angels took that year. They took Houston-area guy Randal Grichuk right before Trout at 24.

[OregonStrosFan]

Here's the article with the "best player" quote.

As for why Trout fell to the Angels at 25, there's a lot that went into that. He wasn't from an area that was scouted very heavily, and I think I remember reading that his season was shortened by weather or somesuch. Teams just weren't familiar enough to justify the risk of taking him as a result. The Angels had five of the top fifty picks, so while other teams might also have liked him, the Angels were in a lot better position to take a risk. I don't remember seeing anything published that had him pegged as a top-five type guy.

ETA: Trout was actually the second player the Angels took that year. They took Houston-area guy Randal Grichuk right before Trout at 24.

And IIRC, that was a year that MLB was making a big push for players to show up at the televised draft, and the only potential draftee that did was Mike Trout.  And they panned to him a couple of times as he waited, and waited, and waited for his name to be called.  Guess he got the last laugh on that one...

[OregonStrosFan]

Klima of Baseball Scouting Report (formerly Baseball Beginnings) with his Pro Scouting Update/Video: George Springer, CF, Houston Astros.

[jbm]

Thanks for the link.  His game swings weren't as wild as the few I saw in spring training, or what I imagined after reading about him, but the difference between the cage and the box swings is pretty noticable.   

[Matt]

And IIRC, that was a year that MLB was making a big push for players to show up at the televised draft, and the only potential draftee that did was Mike Trout.  And they panned to him a couple of times as he waited, and waited, and waited for his name to be called.  Guess he got the last laugh on that one...

I've seen him quite a bit lately since his call up and he looks like a solid player.

[Reuben]

Here's the article with the "best player" quote.

As for why Trout fell to the Angels at 25, there's a lot that went into that. He wasn't from an area that was scouted very heavily, and I think I remember reading that his season was shortened by weather or somesuch. Teams just weren't familiar enough to justify the risk of taking him as a result. The Angels had five of the top fifty picks, so while other teams might also have liked him, the Angels were in a lot better position to take a risk. I don't remember seeing anything published that had him pegged as a top-five type guy.

ETA: Trout was actually the second player the Angels took that year. They took Houston-area guy Randal Grichuk right before Trout at 24.

Down at the bottom of that article, I was struck by this quote about 3rd-rounder Nash: "The Astros like his athleticism and foot speed, which should make it easy for him to play a corner-outfield spot." ...From what AppyAstros and others have said, I thought of Nash as a lumbering, plodding type. Does he, in fact, have athleticism and foot speed, but just takes bad routes, etc. in the outfield?

[Duman]

He is an athlete, he just has hands of steel and get's horrible reads. In the 2010 season, there were seven players who saw time in LF in a 68 games season.  Nash saw action in 51 of those.  The other six saw time in 40 games.  Now I am no math major but when you have 91 appearances in LF in a 68 game schedule, that means some serious subbing took place.  Nash was removed for a defensive replacement anytime the game was close. 

Nash made 7 errors in LF in 51 games that season.  By comparison, here are the TEAM error in LF for other season:

2006 - 4
2007 - 8
2008 - 5
2009 - 4
2011 - 4

So far this season, he has not made an error in LF in 20 games.  Maybe he has really improved.  It would be great if he had the positional flexibility to play somewhere besides 1B or DH. Now if we can just fix the strike outs.

[Reuben]

Much thanks. Let's hope so with the improvement.

[VirtualBob]

It would be great if Nash had the positional flexibility to play somewhere besides 1B or DH. Now if we can just fix the strike outs.

It's not clear to me he has the positional flexibility to play 1B.  He was subbed in late innings a few times last year and the 1B "experiment" seems mostly over.  He has no range and from what I have read, gives the other infielders no help on less-than-adequate throws.

[Navin R Johnson]

Sounds like he will fit in well in the AL.

[Navin R Johnson]

From Lancaster PBP guy on twitter....

Jason Schwartz ‏@jasondschwartz
George Springer sitting out 4th straight game with sore hand. Still day-to-day. Will not go on DL. #jethawks

[astrosfan76]

Tyson Perez proving he belongs at High-A, pitching a complete game 2-hitter, allowing just 1 walk and 1 run (on a HR, of course).  Over his three starts, he's allowed 1 ER in each of them (all on HR, go figure) spanning 20 innings, giving him a nice 1.35 ERA.  His peripherals aren't too shabby, either:  9 hits and 2 walks against 11 strikeouts, giving him a .55 WHIP.  I don't think he wants to go back to EST.

[jbm]

At first, I thought it was just a spot start, but now I assume they thought high A is where he belonged all along and some injury caused the delay.  Anyways, nice to see new arms with some success, and the general success of the pitching at Lancaster this year.  Somewhat surprising, to me at least.   Credit is due somewhere. 

[Fynn]

Springer is back in the lineup-was 2 for 5 tonight.

[Navin R Johnson]

It appears the time off and injured hand didn't slow down Springer.  He went 4-5 with a homer last night.  He is now 6 for 10 with 1 double, homer, SB and only 1 K since getting back in the lineup.

[Navin R Johnson]

MILB.com has an article this morning on Springer's hot streak.

http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120520&content_id=31780986&fext=.jsp&vkey=news_milb

"...Springer has raised his average from .214 on April 23 to .331, a figure that ranks ninth in the California League.

...During his hitting streak, Springer is 20-for-38 (.526). In May, he's batting .417 with seven of his nine homers and an .833 slugging percentage."

[roadrunner]

So when do we see Springer in Corpus.  June? July?

[Navin R Johnson]

Domingo Santana with another HR last night, his 3rd in 2 games.   He has been on a tear along with Springer.

Santana's last 10 games, .350 BA, 3 doubles, 5, HRs, 11 RBI, 1.200 OPS.   He turns 20 in August.  He is also 6'5", I didn't realize the guy was so tall.

[pots]

So when do we see Springer in Corpus.  June? July?

If Wates is hurt...

[jbm]

Is Wates hurt?  

I have no first hand knowledge but it appears to me that the minor league escalator has slowed a bit.  Maybe they are making sure that the player achieves what they want achieved before the graduate them.  Sounds like Springer has a lot of work on his approach to hitting, and maybe mechanics (based on the Klima piece).

[pots]

Is Wates hurt?  

I have no first hand knowledge but it appears to me that the minor league escalator has slowed a bit.  Maybe they are making sure that the player achieves what they want achieved before the graduate them.  Sounds like Springer has a lot of work on his approach to hitting, and maybe mechanics (based on the Klima piece).

As stated in the Hooks thread, pinch run for after HBP.  No word of extent

[Fynn]

As stated in the Hooks thread, pinch run for after HBP.  No word of extent

Wates was hit on the left shin--he seemed to be in extreme pain for awhile.  He took his base and advanced to second base on a  hit, but then took himself out of the game. 

[Fynn]

Just looking at Nash' strikeout rate so far this year-incredible-69K's in 155AB.  This rate is worse than Adam Dunn who averages about one strikeout/3AB.

[Reuben]

Just looking at Nash' strikeout rate so far this year-incredible-69K's in 155AB.  This rate is worse than Adam Dunn who averages about one strikeout/3AB.

Yeah, I think those penciling him in as next year's (shudder) DH might be a tad overly optimistic.

[austro]

Yeah, I think those penciling him in as next year's (shudder) DH might be a tad overly optimistic.

He can be the DK.

[VirtualBob]

He can be the DK.

Meaning that he dishes out the soft serve at Dairy Queen?

[VirtualBob]

I notice Jorge De leon is making his 5th start for Lancaster tonight.  It looks like they may be trying to stretch him out, as this will be the 4th start since his last relief appearance (May 9).  He got beat up pretty well in 2 of those 3 and has lasted only 9 IP total (11 IP including his earlier start on April 26).  Before this year, it seems that he was mostly used in short relief (as far as I remember).  Any insights into how he looks or what the organization is thinking for him?

[jbm]

31 mph out to right. A pitchers paradise.

[pots]

Even though Springer, Santana and Nash only had 3 singles combined over the past 3 games, Jethawks scored 42 runs

[Fynn]

Just read that Jason Chowning has been promoted.  Good luck to him.

[jbm]

Any word on Santana?  Saw he left a few days ago mid-game and has not returned to the lineup.

[Navin R Johnson]

Santana got injured, gonna be out a few games, nothing serious.

[moriartp]

Yep, hamstring.

[Navin R Johnson]

Santana is back today, triples in his first at bat and is 2-2 on the day. Springer on the other hand is getting his 3rd straight day off.  He was lifted from a game on Thursday after getting HBP.

[pots]

Springer on the other hand is getting his 3rd straight day off.  He was lifted from a game on Thursday after getting HBP.

Springer is back.  First AB, HR.

[jbm]

Interestingly, he is DHing and Jio is back, playing third. I assume both "positions" are less demanding on their respective healing injuries.  

ETA
Nevermind.  I could have sworn it had Jio Mier and has now changed, or maybe I really am seeing things. It is Meyer. 

[moriartp]

Nevermind.  I could have sworn it had Jio Mier and has now changed, or maybe I really am seeing things. It is Meyer. 

I've seen box scores that mix those two up from time to time. No worries, you're sane.

[pots]

Chowning not having a good start after his promotion, 10 hits and 4 walks over 3 innings

[Duman]

Interestingly, he is DHing and Jio is back, playing third. I assume both "positions" are less demanding on their respective healing injuries.  

ETA
Nevermind.  I could have sworn it had Jio Mier and has now changed, or maybe I really am seeing things. It is Meyer. 

Even with today's technology, Minor League official scorers often call their line ups in to the MILB office (some where in an undisclosed location).  A mistake like this could be easily made if a Scorer says Meyer at 3rd and the guy in the MILB office selects the wrong one.  I know here in Greeneville, the scorer sends an email with a stringer sheet attached with the line ups, the umps and the weather conditions. 

[tlott33]

Bobby Doran and George Springer named California League All-Stars. Springer is in the starting line-up.

http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120611&content_id=33128604&vkey=news_t580&fext=.jsp&sid=t580

[roadrunner]

2 more bombs for Springer last night, including one to RF.

[astrosfan76]

After going 3-4 in last night's 14-4 win, Santana is up to a very respectable .288/.360/.535 on the season. The Hangar hasn't hurt, but he's still sporting an OPS of .867 on the road. He's even shown greater discipline this month, walking 4 times and "only" striking out 8 times in 8 games in June (still a big improvement). The HR haven't been there this month, but after hitting 8 in May, I'm not worried.

[Navin R Johnson]

FYI, All-star game is tonight.  Springer is also in the home run derby.

Lancaster ended the 1st half in a 3 way tie, but lost out on the title through tie breakers.

[OregonStrosFan]

BA's Matt Eddy on Springer (LINK):

For all Billy Hamilton's speed or Xander Bogaerts' offensive potential, Astros center fielder George Springer probably had the most expansive tool set among players on either the California or Carolina league squads. The 22-year-old hits, he hits for power, he runs, he fields and he throws.

[geezerdonk]

BA's Matt Eddy on Springer (LINK):

For all Billy Hamilton's speed or Xander Bogaerts' offensive potential, Astros center fielder George Springer probably had the most expansive tool set among players on either the California or Carolina league squads. The 22-year-old hits, he hits for power, he runs, he fields and he throws.

Let's see what he can do at Corpus Christi.

[astrosfan76]

On the bright side, Nash hit his 21st last night, but accompanied it with strikeouts in his 4 other at-bats, giving him the minor-league lead. I don't think we have any members dispatched to Lancaster, but Sanatana seems to be putting together a nice season, to this point. Granted, his home OPS is about 170 points higher than his away figure (.961 vs .804), but he's still having a great season for a 19-year old at High-A, K rate, notwithstanding. How much the strikeouts hurt him next year at AA, I don't know, but he seems to have adjusted to this level pretty well, hopefully he can make adjustments as he advances.

[OregonStrosFan]

Speaking of Nash...  via Jason Schwartz (Twitter LINK)

Bizarre play of the day: Telvin Nash gets hit in nose by foul ball in dugout and is taken to hospital. He is day-to-day.

[chuck]

Speaking of Nash...  via Jason Schwartz (Twitter LINK)

Bizarre play of the day: Telvin Nash gets hit in nose by foul ball in dugout and is taken to hospital. He is day-to-day.

So I guess we can forget about his playing third base.

[OregonStrosFan]

Per Alex Margulies, voice of the @ModestoNuts (Class High A @Rockies Affiliate) (@marguliespxp via Twitter):

Impressive job by Lancaster's Nick Tropeano in Cal League debut: 8IP, 5H, R (0E), 2BB, 9K - Perhaps best stuff I've seen this year ‪#Astros‬

[juliogotay]

Per Alex Margulies, voice of the @ModestoNuts (Class High A @Rockies Affiliate) (@marguliespxp via Twitter):

Impressive job by Lancaster's Nick Tropeano in Cal League debut: 8IP, 5H, R (0E), 2BB, 9K - Perhaps best stuff I've seen this year ‪#Astros‬

I have a good feeling about this guy.

[moriartp]

This article (via Astros County) says Tropeano touched 96. I don't remember hearing any reports that his velocity got anywhere near that high, so unless that's confirmed somewhere, I'll be assuming it was a hot gun. In any case, he's an exciting prospect.

[Navin R Johnson]

from an interview he stated he throws 92-94.  So touching 96 isn't out of the question.

http://whattheheckbobby.blogspot.com/2012/05/interview-with-nick-tropeano.html

[Navin R Johnson]

Any word on Jio Mier?  He had a hamstring injury and hasn't played since May 4th.  Is he close to coming back?

[jbm]

In his blog two days ago, Levine said 10 more days. 

[Navin R Johnson]

Thanks, did a quick google search and all I saw was stuff around June 10th saying he was a couple weeks out.

[Reuben]

Domingo Santana with another big night- 4-for-5 with a homer and 2 RBI. The 2-3-4 hitters - Springer, Erik Castro, and Santana - have 61, 61, and 62 RBIs respectively.

And how about leadoff man Grant Hogue? In 20 games (was he in EST, or injured?) he's hit .446 with a .514 OBP, 11 SB (1 CS), and 22 runs. Not bad. Considering he's 26 years old, I'm guessing he's not seen as a "prospect" by anyone, but he has shown a pretty good ability to get on base at all levels.

[Duman]

Hogue missed much of the first half with a broken hamate bone in his hand.  Then he came to Lancaster on fire and had a hamstring issue.  He is seen as an organizational guy but is a great clubhouse guy so I think he will be given every chance to hang around. 

My favorite Hogue moment in Gville was when there was some jawing by a batter toward a Greeneville pitcher, and tempers start to flair.  Hogue comes sprinting out of center field.  He was ready to rumble.  He plays with passion. 

[OregonStrosFan]

Carlos Quevedo made his Lancaster debut this evening (with Luhnow in attendance).  Via @JetHawks Twitter feed:  

Carlos Quevedo with his 1st save, 5 strikeouts, 1 walk, no hits or runs allowed. JetHawks win 10-8. Great debut for Quevedo!

[jbm]

Carlos Quevedo made his Lancaster debut this evening (with Luhnow in attendance).  Via @JetHawks Twitter feed:  

Carlos Quevedo with his 1st save, 5 strikeouts, 1 walk, no hits or runs allowed. JetHawks win 10-8. Great debut for Quevedo!

True, he put up zeros in the land of crooked numbers. The Jethawks sorely need a reliever who can do that.

[Duman]

Last year he struggled with the long ball. He has improved that this year but is still more of a fly ball pitcher.  He simply doesn't walk batters very much though.  Is having his best strike out year ever with more Ks than IP.  Smart kid too. 

[OregonStrosFan]

Hmmmm... I've seen this somewhere before, no?!?

VISALIA, CA - Wednesday night's series opener at Rawhide Ballpark in Visalia was postponed due to wet grounds.***An overnight irrigation problem soaked the field and it was deemed to be unplayable just before game time.

[Navin R Johnson]

Still no Mier and now Moon has been called up to play SS. 

[MusicMan]

Interesting take from Goldstein at BP:

Domingo Santana, OF, Astros (High-A Lancaster)
While 2011 first-round pick George Springer and his .331/.408/.576 line seem to get all the attention in Lancaster, not all scouts are convinced he's a better prospect than Santana. With a 6-for-11 weekend that included two doubles and two home runs, Santana is hitting .313/.383/.556 to nearly match Springer, and here's the kicker: he's almost three full years younger, and doesn't turn 20 until August. He doesn't have Springer's all-around tools, and has the same kind of contact issues, but he also has a classic right-field profile, as well as home/road splits that aren't nearly as jarring. When ranking the two, it's much closer than it seems at first glance.

[roadrunner]

Interesting take from Goldstein at BP:

Nice.  Santana was the Pence deal, right? 

[MusicMan]

Nice.  Santana was the Pence deal, right? 

Yes - he was the PTBNL.

[geezerdonk]

I would like to see what Springer and Santana could do in AA the rest of the year.

[astrosfan76]

Interesting take from Goldstein at BP:

And I'm alright with that.  The big reason is that it gives us another top-notch prospect who can hit for power, which we are seriously lacking on the big-league club.  I think Springer's CF ability gives him an edge, without going too deep in analysis.  I remember reading that they were working on some things with Springer's swing.  I don't know if his K issues have been mainly related to missing pitches or being passive aggressive at the plate, but he seems to be doing better (less than 1 K per game over the past 1 1/2 months).  

[pots]

Brian Streilein released

[S.P. Rodriguez]

And I'm alright with that.  The big reason is that it gives us another top-notch prospect who can hit for power, which we are seriously lacking on the big-league club.  I think Springer's CF ability gives him an edge, without going too deep in analysis.  I remember reading that they were working on some things with Springer's swing.  I don't know if his K issues have been mainly related to missing pitches or being passive aggressive at the plate, but he seems to be doing better (less than 1 K per game over the past 1 1/2 months).  

Springer sounds like Mike Cameron, offensively.  Is he anywhere near as good in the field?

[Noe]

One thing about the move to the American League, Houston has to concern itself with homegrown hitters more than retread veterans with a high price ticket. Guys like Santana and even Telvin Nash bode well for an American league version of the Astros.

[VirtualBob]

One thing about the move to the American League, Houston has to concern itself with homegrown hitters more than retread veterans with a high price ticket. Guys like Santana and even Telvin Nash bode well for an American league version of the Astros.

Yeah -- if T-Mash can cut his K rate back to 25% or so he would make an ideal long-term DH.

[Noe]

Yeah -- if T-Mash can cut his K rate back to 25% or so he would make an ideal long-term DH.

Dave Kingman, think Dave Kingman!

[astrosfan76]

Springer sounds like Mike Cameron, offensively.  Is he anywhere near as good in the field?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjT7juTf2Fk

[geezerdonk]

A good outing by Tropeano last night - 6 innings, no runs and he started 2 double plays.
Santana has another home run and 3 rbis.

[Navin R Johnson]

Not sure if it was on purpose but it is interesting to note that Santana hit his HR in his first AB, his next AB was a HBP.

[astrosfan76]

New addition Carlos Perez will be headed to Cali to join the 'Hawks.

[moriartp]

New addition Carlos Perez will be headed to Cali to join the 'Hawks.

Does Pena head back to Lexington as a result?

[Reuben]

I have a sneaking suspicion the Astros have told Springer to focus on making contact more. In his last 10 games, he's hitting .410 with 15 singles, 0 2B, 0 3B, 1 HR, 6 BB and 7 Ks. Since the All-Star break, he's hitting .407 with 17 BB and "only" 26 K in 28 games - compared to 77 Ks in 62 games before that. It's still a fairly high K rate, but it's an improvement, and hard to quibble when a guy's hit .400 for the past month.

Oh, and he stole 3 more bases last night, giving him 24 on the year with only 5 CS.

[roadrunner]

I have a sneaking suspicion the Astros have told Springer to focus on making contact more. In his last 10 games, he's hitting .410 with 15 singles, 0 2B, 0 3B, 1 HR, 6 BB and 7 Ks. Since the All-Star break, he's hitting .407 with 17 BB and "only" 26 K in 28 games - compared to 77 Ks in 62 games before that. It's still a fairly high K rate, but it's an improvement, and hard to quibble when a guy's hit .400 for the past month.

Oh, and he stole 3 more bases last night, giving him 24 on the year with only 5 CS.

I'm sure they have.  It is well known that his K's are his biggest weakness.  I bet there is some sort of K-based challenge he has to meet in order to earn a promotion to Corpus.

[pots]

I count 8 starters at Lancaster:

Tropeano
Doran
Perez
Alaniz
Grimmett
De Leon
Martinez
Walters

Grimmett may have already been moved to the pen.  De Leon can be moved back to the pen.  That leaves 6. 

[VirtualBob]

I count 8 starters at Lancaster:

Tropeano
Doran
Perez
Alaniz
Grimmett
De Leon
Martinez
Walters

Grimmett may have already been moved to the pen.  De Leon can be moved back to the pen.  That leaves 6. 

Grimmett has been mostly used in the pen until recently while Alaniz was on the DL.  And the De Leon experiment needs to end.  Soon.  He hits like a pitcher, but his SS arm is not making the transition.  And he has been worse since the starter experiment (which was probably as much about building arm strength as about his projected role).  I figure he will be banished to the bullpen or the Atlantic League.

[astrosfan76]

Tropeano was on the losing end of a rare pitchers duel last night, with the JetHawks losing 3-1.  Tropeano threw 5 innings of 3 run (2 ER) ball, giving up 7 hits, 1 walk, and striking out 8.  DeLeon followed with 2 scoreless innings of 1 hit, 1 walk ball, striking out 3.  Then, the 8th was pitched by CJ Lo (!), making his full-season debut for 2012 and striking out 2 in a perfect inning.

[OregonStrosFan]

Tropeano was on the losing end of a rare pitchers duel last night, with the JetHawks losing 3-1.  Tropeano threw 5 innings of 3 run (2 ER) ball, giving up 7 hits, 1 walk, and striking out 8.

Good article on Tropeano at BA (behind the pay wall though...). LINK

A few snippets though:

"We get first-year guys coming off college and they have pitched extensively, and their velocity falls as they adjust to throwing every five days," Astros pitching coordinator Jon Matlack said. "But Nick has shown a lot of improvement. His velocity has jumped anywhere from 5-6 mph and there may be more upside because he has room to fill out."
***
The New York native had one of the best changeups in the 2011 draft, but Tropeano could become too reliant on it. Astros coaches got him to use his fastball more and changeup less, and Tropeano's velocity began to increase with the additional usage, jumping to 91-94 mph.
***
Tropeano also added a hard-biting, 80-82 mph split-finger that he deploys as a strikeout pitch, and Brokowski calls it "nasty."

There is quite a bit more info in the article as well.

[jbm]

Another interesting tidbit is in order to force him to develop his slider, they have him throw it whenever he would previously use his change.

Thanks for the link.

[astrosfan76]

Springer joins the 20/20 club for 2012 with his 20th HR last night (he has 26 steals).  30-30 is a long shot at this point (possible, but still a long shot), but a 25-30 season seems well within his grasp. 

[pots]

I'm dumbfounded.  Certainly there are plenty of other pitchers who seemed more qualified to be let go.  For example Jorge De Leon who supports a 1.89 WHIP and is 2 months older than Chowning.  Not to mention his release frees a 40 man spot.  Odd, makes you think there is something else involved.

http://farmstros.blogspot.com/2012/07/release-of-chowning-is-head-scratcher.html

[jbm]

Probably is something.  Wasn't he one of those guys who tweeted about the org not promoting him?   I doubt that was the sole reason, but it may have been a factor.  Maybe they just figured his likelihood to make it was low and couple that with shit that players like De Leon don't give them, they decided to cut bait.  Happens every day in the real world.

[Duman]

De Leon, who is a converted short stop, has a higher ceiling and they felt Clark has already reached his ceiling. 

[Navin R Johnson]

From Taggert on Jio

The chances of former first-round pick Jiovanni Mier returning to Class A Lancaster in the near future appear to be diminishing.

Mier, the Astros' top pick in the 2009 Draft, hasn't played since May 4 because of a pulled hamstring. Mier has been rehabbing with the Astros' Gulf Coast League team in Kissimmee, Fla., and will likely resume his season there when he's healthy. Mier was hitting .309 with two homers and 13 RBIs in 26 games.

"He's not quite ready yet and he's very frustrated," Astros director of player development Fred Nelson said. "He just can't seem to get over the hump. He's close, but he's been away so long we're going to be forced to keep him down there. He can play some Gulf Coast League games on rehab and it would give him a chance to take some ground balls and see some pitches before we throw him back out in the fire."

A bunch more info at http://houston.astros.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120730&content_id=35813478&notebook_id=35813480&vkey=notebook_hou&c_id=hou

[Reuben]

Tropeano with a rough game that looks like it hinged on a two pitches- gave up a 2 out, 3-run HR in the 1st, and a 1 out, 3-run HR in the 3rd; final line 6 ER, 6 H, 4 BB, 4 K in 3 IP.

[Jacksonian]

Jio's back.  Playing 3b tonight.

[OregonStrosFan]

Jio's back.  Playing 3b tonight.

Springer hit HR 22 tonight as well (MinorLeagueBall via Twitter):

Top Prospect Alert
‏@MinorLeagueBlog
#Astros George Springer has hit his 22nd Home Run at High-A Lancaster.

[Navin R Johnson]

Jio's back.  Playing 3b tonight.

Unless I am missing something (highly likely), Jio Mier is still in GCL, and Johnathon Meyer is playing 3B for Lancaster

[Duman]

Unless I am missing something (highly likely), Jio Mier is still in GCL, and Johnathon Meyer is playing 3B for Lancaster

Mix up at MILB.com - Confused Mier with Meyer.  It has happened once before this year. Some locations call in their line ups to MILB.  I can see how this could happen.

[Navin R Johnson]

Mix up at MILB.com - Confused Mier with Meyer.  It has happened once before this year. Some locations call in their line ups to MILB.  I can see how this could happen.

So the box score says Meyer, but it was actually Mier?  That would be good news.

[jbm]

So the box score says Meyer, but it was actually Mier?  That would be good news.

No, the box score said Mier last night, but has been corrected to say Meyer.  Those bastards caught me earlier in the year, I read Jacksonian's post and was caught again. 

[Navin R Johnson]

No, the box score said Mier last night, but has been corrected to say Meyer.  Those bastards caught me earlier in the year, I read Jacksonian's post and was caught again. 

Ok, thanks for the clarification.

[Fynn]

Unless I am missing something (highly likely), Jio Mier is still in GCL, and Johnathon Meyer is playing 3B for Lancaster

Jio is playing today in the GSL and is 1 for 3 so far.  Hopefully will be back in Lancaster within a week.

[Reuben]

Where In The World Is Chia-Jen Lo rolls on... Lo struck out 4 in 2 IP last night for LAN. He's now thrown in 5 games (9 IP) there with a 2.00 ERA and 10 Ks, after 11 scoreless in the GCL. He's now thrown more innings than 2010-11 combined (17). Next stop, Corpus?

[Matt]

Where In The World Is Chia-Jen Lo rolls on... Lo struck out 4 in 2 IP last night for LAN. He's now thrown in 5 games (9 IP) there with a 2.00 ERA and 10 Ks, after 11 scoreless in the GCL. He's now thrown more innings than 2010-11 combined (17). Next stop, Corpus?

Dude has always had great K rates...if he can only stay healthy

[OregonStrosFan]

From the 'I was better off not knowing' files... I hadn't realized this about Telvin Nash until the Tweet below, so of course I'm passing along the 'horror'...

Kevin Goldstein ‏@Kevin_Goldstein
#QuestFor50PercentKs RT @sp11ke: @Kevin_Goldstein [Telvin] Nash with [strikeout] #150 in his 300th AB. Called strike three.

[VirtualBob]

From the 'I was better off not knowing' files... I hadn't realized this about Telvin Nash until the Tweet below, so of course I'm passing along the 'horror'...

Kevin Goldstein ‏@Kevin_Goldstein
#QuestFor50PercentKs RT @sp11ke: @Kevin_Goldstein [Telvin] Nash with [strikeout] #150 in his 300th AB. Called strike three.

Dude has always had great K rates... (too bad he's not a pitcher)

[astrosfan76]

Ouch, and on the same night that Springer went platinum.

[jbm]

That is one awful line to look at: 5, a bunch of zeros, and 5.  Those Ks better be correctable, or he is going to be a bust. 

[astrosfan76]

Jio makes his return tonight, per Jason (may the) Schwartz (be with you).

[astrosfan76]

Came across this Tropeano video:

http://www.minorleagueball.com/2012/7/25/3187830/nicholas-tropeano-prospect-video

Has some arm-side run on his fastball and the changeups are just nasty.

[jbm]

Thanks a bunch for the link.  Love seeing that much data, and the different views.  Never know what to expect with those lower level guys. 

He still looks pretty raw to me.  Wonder how he'll look in a few years.

[astrosfan76]

Thanks a bunch for the link.  Love seeing that much data, and the different views.  Never know what to expect with those lower level guys. 

He still looks pretty raw to me.  Wonder how he'll look in a few years.

Yeah, man.  I expected him to have better control than he showed in that video.  A lot of the balls were low and could have been borderline (hard to tell from the angle), but I thought the reputation was that he threw strikes.  Not that he was terrible (or anywhere close), but I was more impressed with the quality of the stuff than his ability to pitch.  Could have just been that start, though.

[tlott33]

Yeah, man.  I expected him to have better control than he showed in that video.  A lot of the balls were low and could have been borderline (hard to tell from the angle), but I thought the reputation was that he threw strikes.  Not that he was terrible (or anywhere close), but I was more impressed with the quality of the stuff than his ability to pitch.  Could have just been that start, though.

I got to see his last start against San Jose, and he had fantastic command on all of his pitches. At least in that start he did. He could work his change-up to either side of the plate as well as his fastball. He really didn't need his slider at all. I was very impressed with him.

It should also be noted that in his two starts against San Jose he has allowed only one run in 13 innings pitched. In his second start where he only allowed one run, San Jose had just come off of a six game road trip that they scored 62 runs. His fastball sat 90-93 by the way.

[moriartp]

18 games left this season for Lancaster. DeShields currently stands at 85 stolen bases. He's only swiped a couple since his promotion, but if he goes on a rampage he just might make 100. It'll be fun to watch.

[Reuben]

I got to see his last start against San Jose, and he had fantastic command on all of his pitches. At least in that start he did. He could work his change-up to either side of the plate as well as his fastball. He really didn't need his slider at all. I was very impressed with him.

It should also be noted that in his two starts against San Jose he has allowed only one run in 13 innings pitched. In his second start where he only allowed one run, San Jose had just come off of a six game road trip that they scored 62 runs. His fastball sat 90-93 by the way.

Thanks for the eye-witness report, please feel free to share more.

[OregonStrosFan]

Thanks for the eye-witness report, please feel free to share more.

BA pretty much echos tlott33's comments (from the 'team photo' in this weeks Hot Sheet) (initially posted by moriartp):

Astros RHP Nick Tropeano dominated the South Atlantic League in the first half, and though his ERA stood at 3.76 through nine starts for high Class A Lancaster, that actually places him a full run below the California League average. The 21-year-old Tropeano delivered two of his best starts of the season, striking out 11 against one walk and two earned runs in 13 innings, including a home start against High Desert, the highest scoring team in the league in one of the most offensive parks in the minors.

Edited in futile effort to un-Cabrera myself... again...

[roadrunner]

I really hope the new regime is able to find a way out of Lancaster after this year.

[MusicMan]

I really hope the new regime is able to find a way out of Lancaster after this year.

Apropos of nothing: I just finished "A Game of Thrones", and keep thinking this thread reads "Lannister - 2012".

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

Apropos of nothing: I just finished "A Game of Thrones", and keep thinking this thread reads "Lannister - 2012".

Winter (GM meetings) is coming.

[moriartp]

Apropos of nothing: I just finished "A Game of Thrones", and keep thinking this thread reads "Lannister - 2012".

Keep reading. It's a fun series.

[Reuben]

Just checked out the Jethawks boxscore and they're leading 14-5 in the 5th inning. Mier and Nash went deep in the first, DDS has 2 steals, Aplin 3 hits. Nice to see the latter two coming on after a brief slow start at the higher level, and Jio has had some good games with the bat since coming off the DL. I'm still pulling for him to put it all together.

[astrosfan76]

And DDS with 3 more steals last night, giving him 13 in 14 games at Lancaster and 96 on the season.  He's pretty good at that.  Erik Castro also hit his 24th HR of the season last night, putting him 2 behind Nash.  Anyone have him before the season with a shot at the team lead with Springer, Nash, and Santana on the team? 

[astrosfan76]

97 and counting.  He also threw in a couple of triples for good measure. 

[jbm]

97 and counting.  He also threw in a couple of triples for good measure. 

I am not big on lists, or on commenting on guys I haven't seen much, but from all the angles which seem to drive those lists (stats, tools, draft position, buzz), I'm surprised he hasn't moved way up, both the Astros list and the league list. 

[astrosfan76]

I am not big on lists, or on commenting on guys I haven't seen much, but from all the angles which seem to drive those lists (stats, tools, draft position, buzz), I'm surprised he hasn't moved way up, both the Astros list and the league list. 

I think we'll have to wait to see exactly where he ends up, but no, it doesn't look like he'll end up as high as he ought to.  I think the Ks will still hurt him, since they are high for a guy with his profile.  I'm curious to see how they rank him and Billy Hamilton.  Hamilton obviously has the better speed and hit for a higher average this year, but DDS has the better all-around game.  His walk rate is similar, has an arm, has a defensive home that doesn't have to be projected, hits for more power, and still steals a crapload of bases.  Oh, and he's two years younger than Hamilton.  Hamilton will get recognition from setting the record and his speed is off-the-charts, but how high do you rate Juan Pierre with better speed?

[jbm]

I hear bad reports on Hamilton's defense.  I saw one ball hit to him during the futures game.  Was brutal.  Looked liked a fifteen year old who wasn't destined for short. 

I hadn't really focused on DD's Ks, just his OBP.  He is also a muscular guy who might well add some pop.  I think I remember seeing him take Taillon deep last year.  There is a lot of upside to the guy.  Could be a real gem. 

[astrosfan76]

I hear bad reports on Hamilton's defense.  I saw one ball hit to him during the futures game.  Was brutal.  Looked liked a fifteen year old who wasn't destined for short. 

I hadn't really focused on DD's Ks, just his OBP.  He is also a muscular guy who might well add some pop.  I think I remember seeing him take Taillon deep last year.  There is a lot of upside to the guy.  Could be a real gem. 

Yeah, everything I've read says he'll move to CF and can track everything down with his speed, but he's still at short.  Once he does move, how well will he be able to take to the position?  He'll have to learn to read balls; speed can only help so much if he can't judge where the ball's going.  Once the ball gets to him, baserunners have no reason to respect his arm at this point. 

I like DDS a lot.  I'd have no problem putting him as high as #4 on the club's list (behind Singleton, Springer, and Cosart/Correa).  If he keeps progressing, I could see him as an All-Star at some point, and I'm not talking about a "have to have a representative" All-Star, either.  The upside is very high.

[OregonStrosFan]

I was fairly down on DDS, and am more than happy to be eating massive quantities of crow this season!

[OregonStrosFan]

DDS at 98 stolen bases on the year, with 2 games left to play. Stats LINK

[Reuben]

DDS at 98 stolen bases on the year, with 2 games left to play. Stats LINK

Very cool, and actually it looks like they have 5 games left including tonight's, so he has a good shot at 100. link

[OregonStrosFan]

Very cool, and actually it looks like they have 5 games left including tonight's, so he has a good shot at 100. link

Yeah, but there are only 2 left in August... (thanks for the clarification - totally escaped me to look and see if/how many games LAN had in September... [/brainfart]).

[jbm]

Anyone know about this Kenny Long guy?  He has been quite successful in his first year as he is already throwing important relief innings in high A. 

6'1" and 155 lbs after 4 years of college?  I am assuming he is a lefty with one plus pitch, but really don't know.

[Reuben]

Anyone know about this Kenny Long guy?  He has been quite successful in his first year as he is already throwing important relief innings in high A. 

6'1" and 155 lbs after 4 years of college?  I am assuming he is a lefty with one plus pitch, but really don't know.

When I saw him in Tri-City two months ago, he threw sidearm and had a very slow sweeping breaking ball.

Exciting win for the Jethawks last night. Tyson Perez threw 7 1/3 scoreless, aided by two tag plays at the plate: DDS threw one guy out in the 6th, and in the 7th, according to the game write-up, "Rolando Gomez hit a one-out triple against Perez in the seventh. With the infield drawn in again, pinch-hitter Ricky Pacione hit a ground ball to the left of Meyer at third base. Meyer fielded the ball, spun and fired to the plate where Perez tagged out Gomez. Jose Jimenez grounded out to end the inning."

Looks like Meyer was the hero of the game, because he broke the scoreless tie in the top of the 9th with a 2-run, 2-out single. link

The Jethawks' magic number is down to 1, with 4 to play. They have Tropeano going tonight.

[OregonStrosFan]

Anyone know about this Kenny Long guy?  He has been quite successful in his first year as he is already throwing important relief innings in high A. 

6'1" and 155 lbs after 4 years of college?  I am assuming he is a lefty with one plus pitch, but really don't know.

Here is the Astros County draft write-up on him: LINK

I've gotta believe that the 'touches 82 mph' on the fastball (in the original BA article) was a type-o. After all, wouldn't it be something along the lines of 'only gets to the low 80s with his fastball' rather than 'touches 82 with his fastball'?!?

[moriartp]

There may be better (and more up-to-date) sources out there, but a quick search says that number might just be accurate.

[OregonStrosFan]

There may be better (and more up-to-date) sources out there, but a quick search says that number might just be accurate.

Love this quote from that article: “He throws pooh, and he throws slop and he throws strikes,” Orleans field manager Kelly Nicholson told the Cape Cod Times after two perfect innings from Long against Cotuit last Friday.

[juliogotay]

Love this quote from that article: “He throws pooh, and he throws slop and he throws strikes,” Orleans field manager Kelly Nicholson told the Cape Cod Times after two perfect innings from Long against Cotuit last Friday.

Sounds like a recipe for disaster.

[moriartp]

He must be infuriating to face. Imagine what it must be like to watch him throw that junk from the on-deck circle in a close game, knowing you'll take it 500 feet out to left, then before you know it you're his fourth strikeout victim in 2 innings. Unlikely as it is, I really hope he makes it to Houston someday.

[Uncle Charlie]

35 runs scored in the High Desert last night.  It's a great box to read (LINK).  DDS had a HR and SB.


(OSF edited to add box score link)

[Reuben]

DeShields with 2 games left to get SB #100.

[astrosfan76]

DeShields with 2 games left to get SB #100.

And he gets thrown out in the first in tonight's game.  You know he wants it.

[OregonStrosFan]

And he gets thrown out in the first in tonight's game.  You know he wants it.

Walked in T7 tonight and proceeded to steal second (100 on the season) and then third (101).  Congrats DDS, AWESOME accomplishment!!! BOX SCORE

[Reuben]

Walked in T7 tonight and proceeded to steal second (100 on the season) and then third (101).  Congrats DDS, AWESOME accomplishment!!! BOX SCORE

Very cool. I see as well that Nash wrapped up his season in appropriate fashion.

[astrosfan76]

Very cool. I see as well that Nash wrapped up his season in appropriate fashion.

I'm just amazed that he didn't reach 200.  Striking out in 50.4% of his AB is pretty impressive, though.

[moriartp]

Great Q&A with DeShields over at Fangraphs.

[VirtualBob]

I am getting around to some post-season analysis, and discovered something interesting.  One of the keys to the Jethawk's drive to the championship has got to have been the way David Martinez turned things around mid-season.  He was a workhorse all season, finishing at 9-5 with a 4.38 ERA and a 114:33 K:BB ratio in 160 1/3 innings.  Over the last two months of the season, though, he was 7-2, 3.01 and 53:13 in 74 2/3.  He was a bit overshadowed in August by Nick Tropeano, and at 24 he is a bit old for high-A, but he must have at least gotten on someone's radar with this season's performance.  The fact that they ran him out there every 5 games earlier in the season when he was struggling with results also speaks volumes about his potential.