Quad Cities River Bandits 2016

[Duman]

Steal all your good bandits info here.

[Duman]

Local story about roster

[Duman]

Roster

[austro]

Roster

Yikes! Chris Holt is the pitching coach?

[Nate Colbert]

Yikes! Chris Holt is the pitching coach?

Different Chris Holt.

[austro]

Different Chris Holt.

Ah, thanks. I mean, I wish our old Chris Holt well, but I don't think I'd want him training the future pitching staff.

[Nate Colbert]

From yesterday's QC Times article:

"Quad-Cities will again use a modified tandem rotation on its pitching staff, with eight pitchers rotating through a set-up up that includes two pitchers scheduled to throw on the first two days, one pitcher scheduled in the third and fourth days and two pitchers scheduled to work on the fifth day. [Rogelio] Armentaros and Alex Winkelman, an all-star in the New York-Penn League last season, are scheduled to pitch for the River Bandits tonight in Cedar Rapids, with Jose Hernandez and Albert Abreu taking the mound on Friday. Chris Murphy and Matt Bower are listed as the probable starters for Saturday and Sunday games at Modern Woodmen Park against Cedar Rapids, while Kevin McCanna and Sebastian Kessay will form the tandem currently scheduled to pitch Monday at Peoria."

[Nate Colbert]

Steve Batterson ‏@sbatt79  4 hours ago
#qctimes Quad-Cities with four errors, two wild pitches and a passed ball five outs into the game. Welcome to the Midwest League.

Final count in a forgettable night in Cedar Rapids: the River Bandits had 5 errors, 4 wild pitches, walked 6 and had that 1 PB (on the plus side, they did draw 10 walks but didn't particularly take advantage of that in terms of scoring runs).

[Nate in IA]

It was not a night for baseball last night and not one for baseball today/night as well.    Not an excuse for poor play of course but dang it's cold.

[Nate Colbert]

Daz Cameron overmatched in the early going--10 whiffs and just 1 hit in his first 16 ABs.

[Nate Colbert]

OF Pat Porter to the DL, INF Connor Goedert (Greeneville in 2015) activated out of EST.

[Nate Colbert]

Ex-Horn Brooks Marlow with 5 hits on the night (3 of which were off former Big 12 foe and Horned Frog Preston Morrison).

[JJxvi]

Please tell me that 27 strikeouts in 63 at bats for Cameron is some kind of typo in the stats.

[astrosfan76]

Please tell me that 27 strikeouts in 63 at bats for Cameron is some kind of typo in the stats.

Does 13 over his last 40 AB sound better?

[Duman]

Albert Abreu takes the hard luck loss today.  Fans 9 in 6 innings allowing just 1 run on 1 hit and 3 BB. 

Lots of K's and lots of BB so far for Abreu.  22 2/3 IP/ 13 H/ 12 BB/ 33 K

[Nate Colbert]

Brian McTaggart ‏@brianmctaggart  23 hours ago
Daz Cameron, who was hitting .143 at Quad Cities with 33 strikeouts in 77 ABs, has been sent to extended spring to work on his swing.

Last game Cameron played was on Sunday when he went 2-3 against West Michigan. None of these player movements are showing up on the MWL transactions page but Cameron's place on the active roster was take by Pat Porter when he was activated off the DL on Tuesday.

[Reuben]

Last game Cameron played was on Sunday when he went 2-3 against West Michigan. None of these player movements are showing up on the MWL transactions page but Cameron's place on the active roster was take by Pat Porter when he was activated off the DL on Tuesday.

Shit, that's not good.

[Mr. Happy]

Last game Cameron played was on Sunday when he went 2-3 against West Michigan. None of these player movements are showing up on the MWL transactions page but Cameron's place on the active roster was take by Pat Porter when he was activated off the DL on Tuesday.

I read that Cameron was sent back to EST to work on his swing.

[Duman]

It shows that he wasn't ready for full season ball.  Not a big deal.  He is young (turned 19 in Jan).  Let him get some at bats in a non-pressure situation and when the short season teams start in a month, he can go to Tri Cities or back up to QC.

[Reuben]

I read that Cameron was sent back to EST to work on his swing.

You might have even read it in the very post you were quoting from.

[Mr. Happy]

You might have even read it in the very post you were quoting from.

That post didn't say where he went. I simply pointed out that elsewhere (rotowire, I think) it had indicated that they sent Cameron back to EST.

[BizidyDizidy]

Look at his post again - he's quoted McTaggart's tweet about EST.

[Mr. Happy]

Look at his post again - he's quoted McTaggart's tweet about EST.

You're right. I was referring to what I read on rotowire and didn't read the post that closely, I guess. Oh well.

[VirtualBob]

It shows that he wasn't ready for full season ball.  Not a big deal.  He is young (turned 19 in Jan).  Let him get some at bats in a non-pressure situation and when the short season teams start in a month, he can go to Tri Cities or back up to QC.

This.

[bubba]

How do you outhit the opponent 10-1 and still lose in a shut-out? Hopefully, not a foreshadowing of the Astro's future.

[VirtualBob]

How do you outhit the opponent 10-1 and still lose in a shut-out? Hopefully, not a foreshadowing of the Astro's future.

9 walks.  5 by Kessay in first 2 innings (resulting in the lone Lugnut run).

[Nate Colbert]

RB's shut out for the 3rd time in the last 5 games.

[Nate Colbert]

Lots of K's and lots of BB so far for Abreu.  22 2/3 IP/ 13 H/ 12 BB/ 33 K

After tonight's outing, Abreu now with 38 K in 24.1 innings. The 20-year old is tied for 4th in the MWL in strikeouts. His K/9 of 14.1 leads the league.

[Nate Colbert]

Kyle Tucker having a big day in the matinee game vs Burlington. 3-4 with a walk, double and 3 RBIs has the BA near the .300 mark on the year. Has also swiped 3 bases and his 14 SBs is tied for the MWL lead. Also threw out a runner.

[Nate Colbert]

Recent QC Times profiles of RHP Ryan Deemes (who's off to a terrific start) and INF/OF Connor Goedert (who isn't).

Factoids from those articles: Deemes and RB catcher Christian Correa were teammates at Nicholls State while Goedert's brother Jared was a 9th round pick of the Indians back in 2009 and later reached AAA.

[Nate Colbert]

Jacob Dorris, who had been somewhat ineffective for the RBs, got promoted to Lancaster (and pitched in the JetHawks game this evening).

That open roster spot on the pitching staff might be filled by Yoanis Quiala, who's currently listed as the starting pitcher for Thursday's game at Beloit.

[Nate Colbert]

Kyle Tucker having a big day in the matinee game vs Burlington. 3-4 with a walk, double and 3 RBIs has the BA near the .300 mark on the year. Has also swiped 3 bases and his 14 SBs is tied for the MWL lead. Also threw out a runner.

Hits in both games of today's DH give Tucker the Younger a 5-game hit streak in which he's batting .500 (10-20).

[VirtualBob]

Chris Murphy needed only 62 pitches in a CG 7 inning shutout last night.

[Nate Colbert]

That open roster spot on the pitching staff might be filled by Yoanis Quiala, who's currently listed as the starting pitcher for Thursday's game at Beloit.

Quiala will indeed be making his full season debut tonight. Recapping, the 22-year Cuban righty was signed last year to a reported $794K bonus. Prior to the signing, he had last pitched in Cuba's Serie Nacional in the 2012 season where as an 18-year old he put up a 2.22 ERA and 1.196 WHIP in 52.2 IP with 33 Ks and 14 BBs. According to Baseball America, Quiala was:

"...throwing 90-95 mph and touched 97 for the Astros before he signed. The Astros saw a potential plus slider with late bite, feel for a changeup with good depth and a splitter, so they plan to groom him as a starter with a four-pitch mix."

Like they did with OF Alejandro Garcia (now at Lancaster), the Astros put Quiala in the DSL last year to shake the rust off and ease the transition. The numbers he put up were excellent (1.54 ERA and 1.00 WHIP, 34 Ks and 9 BBs in 35 IP) but of course that all came against younger players.

His Milb.com page lists him at 6'3" 235 lbs.

[pots]

Tucker May split:

395/460/535
4 BBs, 8 Ks, 10 SBs, 1 CS


This kid can't grow up fast enough.

[Nate Colbert]

After the Brooks Marlow callup, INF Keach Ballard has been activated out of EST. Ballard was a 31st-rounder from last June out of Oklahoma Baptist who after being drafted played at TRC where he "hit" .208/.291/.224.

RHP Justin Ferrell has been placed on the DL.

[VirtualBob]

RHP Justin Ferrell has been placed on the DL.

Sure that is not Riley Ferrell (who recently had shoulder surgery)?  Justin still shows as "active" in the QC roster page.

[Nate Colbert]

Sure that is not Riley Ferrell (who recently had shoulder surgery)?  Justin still shows as "active" in the QC roster page.

It was based on this tweet from the local beat writer:

Steve Batterson ‏@sbatt79  5 hours ago
#qctimes @QCRiverBandits roster moves. IF Brooks Marlow to Lancaster, IF Keach Ballard from extended spring to QC, P Justin Ferrell 7-day DL

He's been extemely reliable in the past and often has those transactions before they hit the "official" pages.

Also, just as one example as to how unreliable the "official" pages have been this year (and I commented on this in an earlier post), Daz Cameron is still shown as "active" on the QC roster even though he was sent to EST two weeks ago.

[Nate Colbert]

Batterson is also reporting two pitchers will be joining the River Bandits effective tomorrow (giving even more credence to the Justin Ferrell DL report):

RHP Franklin Perez--the 15th-ranked international prospect by BA two years ago, he was signed by the Astros to a $1MM bonus. Pitched as a 17-year old in the DSL and GCL last season, thus a big jump for him to the MWL.

RHP Makay Nelson--20th rounder last year out of College of Southern Idaho. Pitched in 12 games for the G-Astros after being drafted.

[Nate Colbert]

Batterson on the changes lefty Alex Winkelman (21st rounder last year out of SE Missouri State) has made to string together 4 straight excellent starts in which he has a combined 24 Ks and 6 BBs in 20.1 IP and has allowed just 3 runs on 13 hits.

[Nate Colbert]

For those checking the milb.com roster pages, Justin Ferrell is shown on the DL and other sundry transactions like Daz Cameron being sent to EST have finally been reflected (even if it was two weeks after the fact).

[Nate Colbert]

RHP Franklin Perez--the 15th-ranked international prospect by BA two years ago, he was signed by the Astros to a $1MM bonus. Pitched as a 17-year old in the DSL and GCL last season, thus a big jump for him to the MWL.

Perez in his 2016 debut tonight: 3 IP 4 H 2 R 2 ER 2 W 5 K. Velocity-wise (at least when he entered the game):

QC River Bandits ‏@QCRiverBandits  2 hours ago
First four pitches for Franklin Perez 3 fastballs (94, 94, 96) then a 79 MPH breaker gets the swing-and-miss strike three #Astros #Cheddar

I believe Perez is the youngest pitcher in the 16-team MWL (and 2nd youngest player overall by about 3 months). BA had him at #21 on its Top 30 Houston prospects coming into the season. MLB.com has him at #18.

[VirtualBob]

For those checking the milb.com roster pages, Justin Ferrell is shown on the DL and other sundry transactions like Daz Cameron being sent to EST have finally been reflected (even if it was two weeks after the fact).

They probably count on you to get their updates.

[Reuben]

They probably count on you to get their updates.

I know I do.

[Reuben]

Perez in his 2016 debut tonight: 3 IP 4 H 2 R 2 ER 2 W 5 K. Velocity-wise (at least when he entered the game):

QC River Bandits ‏@QCRiverBandits  2 hours ago
First four pitches for Franklin Perez 3 fastballs (94, 94, 96) then a 79 MPH breaker gets the swing-and-miss strike three #Astros #Cheddar

I believe Perez is the youngest pitcher in the 16-team MWL (and 2nd youngest player overall by about 3 months). BA had him at #21 on its Top 30 Houston prospects coming into the season. MLB.com has him at #18.

I'd been wondering what his status was. It'll be really interesting to follow his development at QC.

[Nate Colbert]

The cascade effect of course continues. To fill the shoes of Sewald and Nunez, promoted from EST are:

OF Myles Straw--drafted last year in the 12th round out of juco. The speedy outfielder hit .268/.355/.344 last season for the G-Astros.

INF Arturo Michelena--the bat-challenged Venezuelan also was at Greeneville last year. Signed back in 2011 for a reported $220K bonus.

[VirtualBob]

The cascade effect of course continues. To fill the shoes of Sewald and Nunez, promoted from EST are:

OF Myles Straw--drafted last year in the 12th round out of juco. The speedy outfielder hit .268/.355/.344 last season for the G-Astros.

INF Arturo Michelena--the bat-challenged Venezuelan also was at Greeneville last year. Signed back in 2011 for a reported $220K bonus.

I'm eager to see Straw at this level, and Michelena is still young enough that the bat may come around.

[Duman]

I know I do.

+1

[Nate Colbert]

Not sure why he was pulled so early but Albert Abreu lasted only 2/3 of an inning tonight, throwing just 32 pitches (average pitch count in his previous 7 outings was around 70). Yanked after he had just struck out a batter.

ETA:

No injury. Steve Batterson was kind enough to respond to my query and I found out something interesting. Not only do the Astros have aggregate pitch count limits but also per inning pitch count limits. Abreu's per inning limit was 35 and thus he was pulled before he faced the next batter.

[Nate Colbert]

RHP Ralph Garza opened the year on the QC roster but has been sent to EST. Returning there with him is RHP Juan Santos. Replacing them are LHP Luis Ramirez and RHP Ricardo Castro who are both 20 years old. The Venezuelan Ramirez threw in the GCL last year (and briefly at Greeneville) and was originally signed by the Astros back in 2014. Making an even bigger jump is Castro who pitched in the DSL in 2015 (his first year in the system). The Mexican-born hurler put up some very good numbers (including an 0.94 WHIP) in 7 starts over 27 2/3 innings.

[juliogotay]

After tonight's outing, Abreu now with 38 K in 24.1 innings. The 20-year old is tied for 4th in the MWL in strikeouts. His K/9 of 14.1 leads the league.

Luhnow says there are 3 or 4 other guys in the lower levels from Latin America that throw like Abreu in the Astros system.
No names provided.

[Nate Colbert]

RHP Ralph Garza opened the year on the QC roster but has been sent to EST. Returning there with him is RHP Juan Santos. Replacing them are LHP Luis Ramirez and RHP Ricardo Castro who are both 20 years old. The Venezuelan Ramirez threw in the GCL last year (and briefly at Greeneville) and was originally signed by the Astros back in 2014. Making an even bigger jump is Castro who pitched in the DSL in 2015 (his first year in the system). The Mexican-born hurler put up some very good numbers (including an 0.94 WHIP) in 7 starts over 27 2/3 innings.

Apparently done just to have fresh arms available for yesterday's game (Castro and Ramirez both saw action) as this transaction was reversed today with Garza and Santos again being activated.

[Reuben]

Apparently done just to have fresh arms available for yesterday's game (Castro and Ramirez both saw action) as this transaction was reversed today with Garza and Santos again being activated.

I guess if you've got to warm up a pitcher every time someone gets anywhere close to 35 pitches in an inning, you're gonna have a lot of tired arms.

[Nate Colbert]

RHP Elieser Hernandez, who had struggled big-time with the JetHawks (2.16 WHIP), demoted from Lancaster.

RHP David Schmidt assigned to the RBs from Corpus.

[Nate Colbert]

RHP Justin Ferrell has been placed on the DL.

Activated, offsetting move is Makay Nelson back to EST.

[Nate Colbert]

QC River Bandits ‏@QCRiverBandits  1 hour ago
NEWS: Kyle Tucker has been named a starting outfielder for 2016 Midwest League All-Star Game. Tucker is hitting .306, 1 HR, 31 RBI and 23 SB.

[Nate Colbert]

Activated, offsetting move is Makay Nelson back to EST.

Nelson returns as LHP Zac Person goes to the DL.

[VirtualBob]

Pat Porter is 0-for-June with 9 K in 19 AB. Ugly.

[Nate Colbert]

10 walks and 3 WPs for Albert Abreu in his last two outings (5.2 IP, including 3 innings tonight).

[Nate Colbert]

RHP Juan Santos back to EST with LHP Austin Nicely up from EST for the first time this season. Nicely of course is the 10th-round pick from 2013 who was an above-slot signing at $610K. Has only thrown 83 innings total over his first three pro seasons. When he has been on the hill, not a lot of success with just 44 Ks vs 43 Ws.

[VirtualBob]

Pat Porter is 0-for-June with 9 K in 19 AB. Ugly.

Looks like I jinxed the no-hitter. He singled today.

[Nate Colbert]

Kyle Tucker to the DL, Hector Roa up from EST to take his spot on the roster. Roa hit a combined .283/.313/.515 between Greeneville and Tri-City last year.

[Duman]

Hector Roa up from EST to take his spot on the roster. Roa hit a combined .283/.313/.515 between Greeneville and Tri-City last year.

THE ROA CONSTRICTOR!

[VirtualBob]

I'm eager to see Straw at this level, and Michelena is still young enough that the bat may come around.

Straw seems to be acclimating. 3/6 last night to raise his avg above .300.

[Nate Colbert]

RHP Juan Santos back to EST with LHP Austin Nicely up from EST for the first time this season.

Transaction reversed after Nicely threw just 10 pitches (walking 2 and giving up a homer and a single) in his only outing Friday night.

[Reuben]

Transaction reversed after Nicely threw just 10 pitches (walking 2 and giving up a homer and a single) in his only outing Friday night.

Wow. It's hard to imagine a 10-pitch outing being much worse than that.

[Jacksonian]

I've got 1/2 of an eye on Osvaldo Duarte.  Just sayin'.

[Nate Colbert]

QC River Bandits ‏@QCRiverBandits  1 hour ago
NEWS: Kyle Tucker has been named a starting outfielder for 2016 Midwest League All-Star Game. Tucker is hitting .306, 1 HR, 31 RBI and 23 SB.

Rice-ex Kevin McCanna added to the A/S squad.

[Nate Colbert]

Jose Hernandez--far and away the best performance of his (still young) career: 7 IP 1 H 0 R  1 W 12 K. Five of the last six outs he recorded before being removed from the game were via whiff.

Game Story

[Nate Colbert]

I've got 1/2 of an eye on Osvaldo Duarte.  Just sayin'.

Does that make him a 1/4 of a prospect?

Anyway no need to keep any eyes (or portions thereof) on Mr Duarte after tonight.

[jbm]

Jose Hernandez--far and away the best performance of his (still young) career: 7 IP 1 H 0 R  1 W 12 K. Five of the last six outs he recorded before being removed from the game were via whiff.

Game Story

Any idea what his bonus was?  If so, where is that info and do they list the bonus amounts (international) for the entire club, by year?

[Reuben]

Does that make him a 1/4 of a prospect?

Anyway no need to keep any eyes (or portions thereof) on Mr Duarte after tonight.

What happened?

[Jacksonian]

What happened?

0-4 with 2 K's.

He's the second youngest position player on the team behind Tucker.

[VirtualBob]

0-4 with 2 K's.

I guess that settles it then. Let's trade him for a backup catcher.

[Nate Colbert]

What happened?

He was on something like a 10-game hitting streak that was busted by that 0fer last night.

[Nate Colbert]

Any idea what his bonus was?  If so, where is that info and do they list the bonus amounts (international) for the entire club, by year?

Other media outlets do report occasionally regarding bonuses but Baseball America is pretty much the gold standard as far as comprehensive reporting. They'll do a lot of it next month when the 7/2 signing period starts up. BA also does an annual article that covers also all the significant international signings for the previous year. In that article they report all the 6-figure bonuses and occasionally some of the smaller bonuses. The most recent article was in March (might be behind a paywall) that covered significant signings in 2015.

Although the above article was to cover 2015 IFA signings, it did mention one signing from 2014 and that was of Jose Hernandez. No signing bonus was given however so that implies it was below $100K (or that BA was unable to find out that info).

It is interesting to note that Hernandez is one of a number of amateur signings the Astros have made out of Mexico the last two years. Others include Gerardo Bojorquez, Humberto Castellanos, Ricardo Castro, Enrique Chavez, Bernardo Heras, Juan Lopez, Juan Robles, and Francisco Villegas. Heras is a catcher but all the remaining are pitchers. Five are currently playing in the DSL while Castro, Chavez and Robles are likely to be on SS rosters when they open up.

Much more than you wanted to know, I'm sure.

[jbm]

Much more than you wanted to know, I'm sure.

No, it's a wealth of much appreciated info. 

[Mr. Happy]

Other media outlets do report occasionally regarding bonuses but Baseball America is pretty much the gold standard as far as comprehensive reporting. They'll do a lot of it next month when the 7/2 signing period starts up. BA also does an annual article that covers also all the significant international signings for the previous year. In that article they report all the 6-figure bonuses and occasionally some of the smaller bonuses. The most recent article was in March (might be behind a paywall) that covered significant signings in 2015.

Although the above article was to cover 2015 IFA signings, it did mention one signing from 2014 and that was of Jose Hernandez. No signing bonus was given however so that implies it was below $100K (or that BA was unable to find out that info).

It is interesting to note that Hernandez is one of a number of amateur signings the Astros have made out of Mexico the last two years. Others include Gerardo Bojorquez, Humberto Castellanos, Ricardo Castro, Enrique Chavez, Bernardo Heras, Juan Lopez, Juan Robles, and Francisco Villegas. Heras is a catcher but all the remaining are pitchers. Five are currently playing in the DSL while Castro, Chavez and Robles are likely to be on SS rosters when they open up.

Much more than you wanted to know, I'm sure.

Nate, you fucking rock!!! No, it's never too much.

[Nate Colbert]

Thanks, guys.

[VirtualBob]

Much more than you wanted to know, I'm sure.

A theoretical limit that can only be approached, never exceeded.

[Nate Colbert]

Anthony Hermelyn to the inactive list, replaced by Marlon Avea up from EST.

[Nate Colbert]

Kyle Tucker to the DL...

Strained hip flexor was the injury that knocked him out as mentioned in this article which discusses his rotation this year among the various OF spots:

"I'm fine with playing anywhere in the outfield," Tucker said. "Before pro ball, I mainly played center. That's where I played in high school. Last year, I played mainly right field. This year, they've divided it up more. Each outfielder plays each position to gain more experience at each position. I've been playing more center this year, and I'm more comfortable with that."

"Kyle has so much ability, he can play all three positions in the outfield very well," [QC manager Omar] Lopez said. "He has the perfect package, the perfect tools to be in center field. The routes are an area he's really been progressing in. In the beginning, he struggled with routes and jumps and reading the ball off the bat," Lopez continued. "He's put in a lot of work in practice to improve in that area. He's playing more games in center field, so he's gaining experience, and that will help him a lot. He's working hard to become the complete package in the outfield. He has the arm, the speed, the legs, and obviously for his age that you don't see very often, is his accuracy when he throws to the bases."

[juliogotay]

Strained hip flexor was the injury that knocked him out as mentioned in this article which discusses his rotation this year among the various OF spots:

"I'm fine with playing anywhere in the outfield," Tucker said. "Before pro ball, I mainly played center. That's where I played in high school. Last year, I played mainly right field. This year, they've divided it up more. Each outfielder plays each position to gain more experience at each position. I've been playing more center this year, and I'm more comfortable with that."

"Kyle has so much ability, he can play all three positions in the outfield very well," [QC manager Omar] Lopez said. "He has the perfect package, the perfect tools to be in center field. The routes are an area he's really been progressing in. In the beginning, he struggled with routes and jumps and reading the ball off the bat," Lopez continued. "He's put in a lot of work in practice to improve in that area. He's playing more games in center field, so he's gaining experience, and that will help him a lot. He's working hard to become the complete package in the outfield. He has the arm, the speed, the legs, and obviously for his age that you don't see very often, is his accuracy when he throws to the bases."

So is Kyle or Preston adopted?

[Reuben]

So is Kyle or Preston adopted?

Are you saying either Tommy or Henry Aaron must've been adopted?

[Nate Colbert]

After the Brooks Marlow callup, INF Keach Ballard has been activated out of EST. Ballard was a 31st-rounder from last June out of Oklahoma Baptist who after being drafted played at TRC where he "hit" .208/.291/.224.

Evidently the JetHawks needed a body as Ballard today got sent up to Lancaster. Hitting just .229/.319/.349 for the Bandits.

[Nate Colbert]

From tonight's game report:

"Myles Straw helped the offensive effort with a two-run double in the sixth and then made the defensive play of the game in the home seventh; crashing into the left field wall for a catch, then popping to his feat to throw the ball all the way back to the first base bag, rolling to McCall at the bag just before David Denson could get back, for a double play."

[Reuben]

Kyle Tucker hit his 2nd HR of the season last night. Now hitting .304/.372/.424 with 35 RBI.

[Nate Colbert]

Straw seems to be acclimating. 3/6 last night to raise his avg above .300.

After his 5-hit game tonight, now at .333/.403/.444 on the season.

[Nate Colbert]

RHP Juan Santos sent down to the ValleyCats.

[Nate Colbert]

Nelson returns as LHP Zac Person goes to the DL.

Person activated today.

[Nate Colbert]

From tonight's game report:

"Myles Straw helped the offensive effort with a two-run double in the sixth and then made the defensive play of the game in the home seventh; crashing into the left field wall for a catch, then popping to his feat to throw the ball all the way back to the first base bag, rolling to McCall at the bag just before David Denson could get back, for a double play."

Threw another runner out tonight, giving him 15 assists in just 89 games as a professional.

[Nate Colbert]

Luhnow says there are 3 or 4 other guys in the lower levels from Latin America that throw like Abreu in the Astros system.
No names provided.

Very well could be talking about different guys but Oz Ocampo tweeted yesterday regarding "Latin American power starter arms" and noted that three would be pitching last night: Franklin Perez (QC), Framber Valdez (TRC) and Carlos Sanabria (GRN).

[Nate Colbert]

And here's a QC Times profile of Straw.

[Nate Colbert]

Jose Hernandez over his last 7 outings: 39 Ks/4 BBs and 30 hits allowed in 39 IP.

[Nate Colbert]

Jose Hernandez over his last 7 outings: 39 Ks/4 BBs and 30 hits allowed in 39 IP.

After another outstanding outing tonight (13 Ks in 6 IP): 52 Ks/4 BBs and 35 hits allowed in 45 IP with an 0.60 ERA.

[Nate Colbert]

Also from BP: scouting report on Franklin Perez (although a small part of it may be behind the paywall).

[juliogotay]

I haven't heard much about this young man but Elieser Hernandez pitching line last night 6.1/3/2/2/14  Yes, 14 Ks in less than 7 IPs.
For the year he has 57Ks in 44 IPs.

[Nate Colbert]

Jose Hernandez, 12th in WHIP and 5th in ERA in the Midwest League, gets promoted to Lancaster. Hector Perez promoted from the ValleyCats to take his place.

[Nate Colbert]

Southpaw Framber Valdez, 43 Ks vs 10 BBs in 32 IP with the V-Cats and G-stros, promoted to the River Bandits.

[Jacksonian]

Southpaw Framber Valdez, 43 Ks vs 10 BBs in 32 IP with the V-Cats and G-stros, promoted to the River Bandits.

So did Wrenn despite hitting .200 over his last 20 games.

[Nate Colbert]

So did Wrenn despite hitting .200 over his last 20 games.

Those bastards, how dare they!!!!

[Mike S.]

Clearly, Luhnow must've read my post in the Tri-Valley thread about a promotion for Wrenn. 

[Reuben]

Clearly, Luhnow must've read my post in the Tri-Valley thread about a promotion for Wrenn.

Nah, I think he just hates Jacksonian and did it to piss him off.

[Nate Colbert]

Southpaw Framber Valdez, 43 Ks vs 10 BBs in 32 IP with the V-Cats and G-stros, promoted to the River Bandits.

Not shabby in first outing: 5 IP 5 H 1 ER 2 W 6 K.

[juliogotay]

Not shabby in first outing: 5 IP 5 H 1 ER 2 W 6 K.

I'm glad to see a lefty in the organization. Not near enough of them.

[VirtualBob]

I'm glad to see a lefty in the organization. Not near enough of them.

AAA - Chapman, Cotton, Guduan
AA - Emanuel, Freeman, Grills, Holmes, Minnis
A+ - Winkelman
A - Bower, Person, Valdez
SS - Adcock[DL], Brey, Kessay, Nicely, Ramirez, B.Smith, Stutzman
R+ - Hiraldo, Montano, P.Sandoval, N.Thompson
R - Acosta, Santamaria

The cupboard is not completely bare, though a few more in the GCL would be nice.  Not sure how many have much of a ceiling either.

[juliogotay]

AAA - Chapman, Cotton, Guduan
AA - Emanuel, Freeman, Grills, Holmes, Minnis
A+ - Winkelman
A - Bower, Person, Valdez
SS - Adcock[DL], Brey, Kessay, Nicely, Ramirez, B.Smith, Stutzman
R+ - Hiraldo, Montano, P.Sandoval, N.Thompson
R - Acosta, Santamaria

The cupboard is not completely bare, though a few more in the GCL would be nice.  Not sure how many have much of a ceiling either.

Kent Emanuel may be the best starting LHer in the MiLs. Maybe some of the lower level ones have a better ceiling and I'm not aware of them. Maybe Emanuel has a Bob Knepper ceiling? That would be pretty good if so but I also may be optimistic about that.

[Jacksonian]

Jake Rogers up from Tri-City.

[Nate Colbert]

Jake Rogers up from Tri-City.

13th-rounder and ex-Aggie Ryne Birk also moves up with Rogers.

[Nate Colbert]

Myles Straw batting .427 in the 30 games since July 1. In his current 7-gamer, cranking it even higher at a .559 pace (19-34). During that latter stretch, has belted out 5 XBHs (3 doubles, 2 triples) which for him nearly qualifies as a massive power surge.

[Nate Colbert]

13th-rounder and ex-Aggie Ryne Birk also moves up with Rogers.

Birk to DL with thumb injury.

[Nate Colbert]

PDC between the Astros and QC has been extended thru 2018.

Link

[Duman]

Spencer Johnson Called up from TC to replace Myles Straw who moved up to Lan

[Nate Colbert]

Birk to DL with thumb injury.

Activated and played in today's game.

[Nate Colbert]

A couple of pitching promotions to the RBs from Tri-City. Ex-Coog Nick Hernandez moves up as does Enrique Chavez.

[Nate Colbert]

RHP Agapito Barrios to the DL for the 2nd time this season (and 3rd time in the last year).

[Nate Colbert]

Pitchers Sebastian Kessay and Carlos Sierra up from the V-Cats (Kessay's 2nd stint with the RBs after having started the year with the club).

Another pitcher, Agapito Barrios, also moves up from TRC while QC hurlers Chris Murphy and Juan Santos are Lancaster-bound.

[Nate Colbert]

Tyler Britton and his 55 Ks vs 6 BBs in 35 IP has been promoted from Tri-City.

Franklin Perez went to the DL.

[Nate Colbert]

Southpaw Framber Valdez, 43 Ks vs 10 BBs in 32 IP with the V-Cats and G-stros, promoted to the River Bandits.

Gonna get his feet wet in high-A ball as he gets jumped to the Jethawks after just 6 starts with QC.