Author Topic: Futures Game 2016 (Read 10259 times)

Nate Colbert · « **on:** June 28, 2016, 03:00:17 pm »

Joe Musgrove and Alex Bregman both named to the roster.

Ex Josh Hader also on the US roster.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #1 on:** July 10, 2016, 12:24:50 pm »

Reminder: The game will be on at 6 central on the MLB Network this evening.

juliogotay · « **Reply #2 on:** July 10, 2016, 12:34:16 pm »

Quote from: Nate Colbert on July 10, 2016, 12:24:50 pm

Reminder: The game will be on at 6 central on the MLB Network this evening.

Thanks for the heads-up Nate. I had totally forgotten.

Reuben · « **Reply #3 on:** July 10, 2016, 06:14:42 pm »

It's being streamed on the mlb.com homepage. Musgrove just had a quick 1-2-3 1st inning, Bregman due up 2nd for the US team.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #4 on:** July 10, 2016, 06:23:44 pm »

Bregman tripled into the R/CF gap in his first AB. Off Alex Reyes, the #2 overall prospect who has a FB that hit 100 a couple of times in his appearance (the pitch Bregman hit was 98).

juliogotay · « **Reply #5 on:** July 10, 2016, 06:34:41 pm »

Quote from: Reuben on July 10, 2016, 06:14:42 pm

It's being streamed on the mlb.com homepage. Musgrove just had a quick 1-2-3 1st inning, Bregman due up 2nd for the US team.

Musgrove didn't mess around. Went right at him. got a couple of pitches on the hands. He throws what is often called a heavy ball.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #6 on:** July 10, 2016, 06:58:55 pm »

And now a double to L/CF for Bregman in his second AB.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #7 on:** July 10, 2016, 07:56:05 pm »

LD single off shortstop's glove in Bregman's third AB.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #8 on:** July 10, 2016, 07:59:54 pm »

John Manuel ‏@johnmanuelba 40 minutes ago
What else could you want out of Bregman? Nice running play on slow roller to 3rd to end top 4th. He's been best player on the field today.

Buster Olney ‏@Buster_ESPN 42 minutes ago
Sat with a bunch of scouts raving about Astros phenom Alex Bregman. And that was before the Futures Game.

Ken Rosenthal ‏@Ken_Rosenthal 1 hour ago
Just asked a scout what stood out most to him at the Futures Game. His response: “Bregman is ready.”

BizidyDizidy · « **Reply #9 on:** July 10, 2016, 08:02:16 pm »

HR short of a cycle

austro · « **Reply #10 on:** July 10, 2016, 08:28:33 pm »

Quote from: BizidyDizidy on July 10, 2016, 08:02:16 pm

HR short of a cycle

Did you hear the guys giving him the business about the popup to 1st? "Just short of a homer!" Pretty funny.

WVastro · « **Reply #11 on:** July 10, 2016, 09:03:46 pm »

It's great seeing Alou on a baseball field again. Love that dude.

Duman · « **Reply #12 on:** July 10, 2016, 09:26:18 pm »

Saw Bregman's first AB. The way he attacked the ball impressed me. Even on the foul balls, he was making good contact.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #13 on:** July 10, 2016, 09:27:31 pm »

Bregman finished 3-5, popping out and whiffing in his final ABs.

Navin R Johnson · « **Reply #14 on:** July 10, 2016, 10:39:59 pm »

So does he show up in Seattle on Friday? I hope so, I will be there...

juliogotay · « **Reply #15 on:** July 11, 2016, 08:54:12 am »

Quote from: WVastro on July 10, 2016, 09:03:46 pm

It's great seeing Alou on a baseball field again. Love that dude.

He looked like he could step into a ML batter's box and bang out line drives still.

juliogotay · « **Reply #16 on:** July 11, 2016, 08:55:17 am »

Quote from: Nate Colbert on July 10, 2016, 07:59:54 pm

John Manuel ‏@johnmanuelba 40 minutes ago
What else could you want out of Bregman? Nice running play on slow roller to 3rd to end top 4th. He's been best player on the field today.

Buster Olney ‏@Buster_ESPN 42 minutes ago
Sat with a bunch of scouts raving about Astros phenom Alex Bregman. And that was before the Futures Game.

Ken Rosenthal ‏@Ken_Rosenthal 1 hour ago
Just asked a scout what stood out most to him at the Futures Game. His response: “Bregman is ready.”

Bregman said the same. When interviewed and asked the question he said "I'm ready".

JimR · « **Reply #17 on:** July 11, 2016, 09:07:01 am »

Quote from: WVastro on July 10, 2016, 09:03:46 pm

It's great seeing Alou on a baseball field again. Love that dude.

if this is Mo, he was my favorite Astro in those years.

Mr. Happy · « **Reply #18 on:** July 11, 2016, 10:18:43 am »

Quote from: WVastro on July 10, 2016, 09:03:46 pm

It's great seeing Alou on a baseball field again. Love that dude.

Absolutely. That's a great baseball family. Moises Alou was one of the best pure fastball hitters I ever saw play. He could turn any heater around and in a hurry.

juliogotay · « **Reply #19 on:** July 11, 2016, 10:42:42 am »

Was the late '90s the best talent Astros put together? Bagwell, Biggio, Alou, Hidalgo with Berkman coming up in '00.
I think this team could possibly match that if Reed and Bregman reach their projections and keeping Altuve, Springer and Correa healthy.

BizidyDizidy · « **Reply #20 on:** July 11, 2016, 10:56:04 am »

2001 was pretty badass.

Biggio
Bagwell
Berkman
Alou
Hidalgo
Castilla
With the Great Bill Spiers, Orlando Merced, and Daryle Ward coming off the bench

Oswalt
Wade Miller
Shane Reynolds
Billy Wagner
Octavio Dotel

Getting swept by that Atlanta team was brutal.

MusicMan · « **Reply #21 on:** July 11, 2016, 11:44:01 am »

Quote from: BizidyDizidy on July 11, 2016, 10:56:04 am

Getting swept by that Atlanta team was brutal.

Damn you. Now I'm having flashbacks and WHY THE HELL ARE YOU HITTING TRUBY HERE, DIERK?!?!

Mr. Happy · « **Reply #22 on:** July 11, 2016, 03:01:24 pm »

Quote from: MusicMan on July 11, 2016, 11:44:01 am

Damn you. Now I'm having flashbacks and WHY THE HELL ARE YOU HITTING TRUBY HERE, DIERK?!?!

Damn you too. I could have gone another decade without thinking about that.

doyce7 · « **Reply #23 on:** July 11, 2016, 04:04:03 pm »

2004 was pretty good also.
Bagwell
Biggio
Berkman
Beltran
Kent
Everett
then
Oswalt
Clemens
Lidge
Also pettite and Miller even though they were hurt a lot

Eta I always think about how much better that team was than the 05 team

jbm · « **Reply #24 on:** July 11, 2016, 04:45:16 pm »

Quote from: juliogotay on July 10, 2016, 06:34:41 pm

Musgrove didn't mess around. Went right at him. got a couple of pitches on the hands. He throws what is often called a heavy ball.

He threw a fastball to the first batter, IIRC, that had some very unusual movement for a 90+ heater. I doubt it was intentional since I only saw it once (it probably just happens occasionally), but it was something else.

JimR · « **Reply #25 on:** July 11, 2016, 06:01:50 pm »

Quote from: doyce7 on July 11, 2016, 04:04:03 pm

2004 was pretty good also.
Bagwell
Biggio
Berkman
Beltran
Kent
Everett
then
Oswalt
Clemens
Lidge
Also pettite and Miller even though they were hurt a lot

Eta I always think about how much better that team was than the 05 team

If Andy P. Had been healthy, this team would have won the WS.

The 98 team is the one I cry about. All that hitting AND Randy Johnson.

MusicMan · « **Reply #26 on:** July 11, 2016, 06:48:16 pm »

Quote from: JimR on July 11, 2016, 06:01:50 pm

The 98 team is the one I cry about. All that hitting AND Randy Johnson.

That fucking schedule.

That fucking Leyritz HR.

Lefty · « **Reply #27 on:** July 12, 2016, 08:42:08 am »

Quote from: MusicMan on July 11, 2016, 06:48:16 pm

That fucking Leyritz HR.

Which one?

MusicMan · « **Reply #28 on:** July 12, 2016, 08:43:31 am »

BP write-ups on Futures Game:

Bregman:

Quote

Has no place in the minor leagues still; hard line drives in BP, worked the field; first game AB against Alex Reyes was a thing of beauty: all over a 98 and fouled it straight back, fought off a 79 hammer, barreled another 98 to the oppo gap; 4.19 dig, actions looked smooth and quick at third, started a double play with fluidity and a quick transfer, then made a stellar play charging hard but controlled, transferring and firing on the run with velocity and accuracy. He’s ready.

Musgrove:

Quote

Perfect one-inning microcosm of The Musgrove Experience: dozen or so pitches, most of them strikes, outstanding east-west command of a 91-94 fastball with run and serious plane to the bottom of the zone, couple 50ish sliders with short break mixed in, three groundball outs, back in the dugout. Smooth delivery, elasticity, low-effort mechanics, clean arm action with easy deceleration, minimal effort.

MusicMan · « **Reply #29 on:** July 12, 2016, 08:43:44 am »

Quote from: Lefty on July 12, 2016, 08:42:08 am

Which one?

The one off Wagner.

JimR · « **Reply #30 on:** July 12, 2016, 08:52:30 am »

Quote from: MusicMan on July 12, 2016, 08:43:31 am

BP write-ups on Futures Game:

Bregman:
Musgrove:

if Bregman comes up, I feel certain there will be a trade, not only to clear space but also to fill needs.

MusicMan · « **Reply #31 on:** July 12, 2016, 08:58:49 am »

Quote from: JimR on July 12, 2016, 08:52:30 am

if Bregman comes up, I feel certain there will be a trade, not only to clear space but also to fill needs.

When Luhnow said Sunday they he was working on a couple of deals, I felt this also.

PS: As much as I love having Feldman, his $5M salary and ability to start make him one hell of a trade chip.

jbm · « **Reply #32 on:** July 12, 2016, 09:04:54 am »

Quote from: MusicMan on July 12, 2016, 08:58:49 am

When Luhnow said Sunday they he was working on a couple of deals, I felt this also.

PS: As much as I love having Feldman, his $5M salary and ability to start make him one hell of a trade chip.

Also make him useful on a club with questionable starters. I'd be dealing a bat.

MusicMan · « **Reply #33 on:** July 12, 2016, 09:08:15 am »

Quote from: jbm on July 12, 2016, 09:04:54 am

Also make him useful on a club with questionable starters. I'd be dealing a bat.

Apparently I'm the only one that thinks the offense is what needs help.

jbm · « **Reply #34 on:** July 12, 2016, 09:09:10 am »

Quote from: MusicMan on July 12, 2016, 09:08:15 am

Apparently I'm the only one that thinks the offense is what needs help.

Well, isn't that what Bregman is supposed to help?

juliogotay · « **Reply #35 on:** July 12, 2016, 09:22:49 am »

Quote from: MusicMan on July 12, 2016, 09:08:15 am

Apparently I'm the only one that thinks the offense is what needs help.

Luhnow has said as recent as Sunday that they could use help at the top of the rotation. Feldman may be more valuable than what he would bring in a deal?

JimR · « **Reply #36 on:** July 12, 2016, 09:25:32 am »

Quote from: MusicMan on July 12, 2016, 09:08:15 am

Apparently I'm the only one that thinks the offense is what needs help.

the playoffs are 100% about beating their best starter 2-1. maybe offense does need help, but we need shut down SPs more, imo.

MusicMan · « **Reply #37 on:** July 12, 2016, 09:30:08 am »

Hey, I'd love to Chris Sale. You're going to give up the farm for him, though.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

JimR · « **Reply #38 on:** July 12, 2016, 09:35:18 am »

Quote from: MusicMan on July 12, 2016, 09:30:08 am

Hey, I'd love to Chris Sale. You're going to give up the farm for him, though.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I doubt he's available.

juliogotay · « **Reply #39 on:** July 12, 2016, 09:47:53 am »

Quote from: MusicMan on July 12, 2016, 09:30:08 am

Hey, I'd love to Chris Sale. You're going to give up the farm for him, though.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Regarding "the farm"....I'm assuming the Astros still have a Rule 5 problem going into the next off-season.

Lefty · « **Reply #40 on:** July 12, 2016, 09:54:16 am »

Quote from: MusicMan on July 12, 2016, 08:43:44 am

The one off Wagner.

Just pump another fastball in there, Billy. Gotta "get beat with your best" and all that.

At least they won that game, iirc.

Jacksonian · « **Reply #41 on:** July 12, 2016, 10:07:09 am »

Quote from: MusicMan on July 12, 2016, 09:08:15 am

Apparently I'm the only one that thinks the offense is what needs help.

I too think Bregman is the step here.

Navin R Johnson · « **Reply #42 on:** July 12, 2016, 10:16:16 am »

IN the Luhnow interview I heard on Sunday he stated that there were virtually zero front end starters available this year. Prying one away would from a team that isn't that interested in moving their ace is gonna take way more than the Astros would be willing to offer. Which I read as Bregman, Martes as the starting point.

The best chance of the Astros obtaining a front line guy is Keuchel returning to 2015 Keuchel form.

Jacksonian · « **Reply #43 on:** July 12, 2016, 10:24:33 am »

Quote from: Navin R Johnson on July 12, 2016, 10:16:16 am

IN the Luhnow interview I heard on Sunday he stated that there were virtually zero front end starters available this year. Prying one away would from a team that isn't that interested in moving their ace is gonna take way more than the Astros would be willing to offer. Which I read as Bregman, Martes as the starting point.

The best chance of the Astros obtaining a front line guy is Keuchel returning to 2015 Keuchel form.

Just looking through the current non-contending teams the established aces I saw were Greinke (probably not back from the DL until the end of July) and Archer (though Archer isn't having a great year). The young pitchers having the best year were Pomeranz and, ironically, Velasquez.

MusicMan · « **Reply #44 on:** July 12, 2016, 10:27:05 am »

Quote from: Navin R Johnson on July 12, 2016, 10:16:16 am

The best chance of the Astros obtaining a front line guy is Keuchel returning to 2015 Keuchel form.

Completely agree with this.

Navin R Johnson · « **Reply #45 on:** July 12, 2016, 10:28:52 am »

Archer's name came up. But he has a long term CHEAP deal. You'd have to give a way a shit ton, to get him. And like you said he isn't even pitching that well right now.

MusicMan · « **Reply #46 on:** July 12, 2016, 10:38:43 am »

Quote from: Navin R Johnson on July 12, 2016, 10:28:52 am

Archer's name came up. But he has a long term CHEAP deal. You'd have to give a way a shit ton, to get him. And like you said he isn't even pitching that well right now.

Something something danger zone

juliogotay · « **Reply #47 on:** July 12, 2016, 10:52:15 am »

Quote from: MusicMan on July 12, 2016, 10:27:05 am

Completely agree with this.

I was encouraged by his outing Sunday.

Reuben · « **Reply #48 on:** July 12, 2016, 11:49:26 am »

Quote from: MusicMan on July 12, 2016, 10:27:05 am

Completely agree with this.

Me too. And probably the best chance of a #2 is for McCullers to get a handle on his fastball command, fast.

I also wouldn't mind seeing Fiers or even McHugh replaced by someone more effective. Maybe Musgrove could be ready by August - of course that's a risk.

BUWebguy · « **Reply #49 on:** July 12, 2016, 11:56:21 am »

Quote from: Navin R Johnson on July 12, 2016, 10:16:16 am

The best chance of the Astros obtaining a front line guy is Keuchel returning to 2015 Keuchel form.

Keuchel's last 5 starts (basically the month pre-All-Star break):
3-0, 2.78 ERA, 32.1 IP (between 6-7 IP each start), 10 ER, 30 H, 23 K, 8 BB.

That averages out to 6.1 IP, 2 ER, 6 H, 5 K, 2 BB.
His average start last year? 7 IP, 2 ER, 6 H, 7 K, 2 BB.

Small sample size, sure, but encouraging results.

pots · « **Reply #50 on:** July 12, 2016, 11:58:52 am »

Quote from: Reuben on July 12, 2016, 11:49:26 am

I also wouldn't mind seeing Fiers or even McHugh replaced by someone more effective. Maybe Musgrove could be ready by August - of course that's a risk.

Likely Brady Rodgers

Jacksonian · « **Reply #51 on:** July 12, 2016, 12:17:30 pm »

Quote from: BUWebguy on July 12, 2016, 11:56:21 am

Keuchel's last 5 starts (basically the month pre-All-Star break):
3-0, 2.78 ERA, 32.1 IP (between 6-7 IP each start), 10 ER, 30 H, 23 K, 8 BB.

That averages out to 6.1 IP, 2 ER, 6 H, 5 K, 2 BB.
His average start last year? 7 IP, 2 ER, 6 H, 7 K, 2 BB.

Small sample size, sure, but encouraging results.

There's still room for improvement as he still is not locating on the corners consistently like he did last year.

juliogotay · « **Reply #52 on:** July 12, 2016, 12:58:46 pm »

Quote from: Reuben on July 12, 2016, 11:49:26 am

Me too. And probably the best chance of a #2 is for McCullers to get a handle on his fastball command, fast.

I also wouldn't mind seeing Fiers or even McHugh replaced by someone more effective. Maybe Musgrove could be ready by August - of course that's a risk.

I could see Fiers losing his spot but not McHugh. Not this year unless he is included in a deal.

Lefty · « **Reply #53 on:** July 12, 2016, 07:01:54 pm »

Quote from: Reuben on July 12, 2016, 11:49:26 am

I also wouldn't mind seeing Fiers or even McHugh replaced by someone more effective. Maybe Musgrove could be ready by August - of course that's a risk.

McHugh? No. Fiers, Fister? Start talking.

juliogotay · « **Reply #54 on:** July 12, 2016, 08:21:39 pm »

Quote from: Lefty on July 12, 2016, 07:01:54 pm

McHugh? No. Fiers, Fister? Start talking.

Fister has been as good as anyone on the staff.

mrpink · « **Reply #55 on:** July 12, 2016, 09:21:25 pm »

Quote from: juliogotay on July 12, 2016, 08:21:39 pm

Fister has been as good as anyone on the staff.

He's been pretty mediocre lately.

Lefty · « **Reply #56 on:** July 12, 2016, 10:36:52 pm »

Quote from: juliogotay on July 12, 2016, 08:21:39 pm

Fister has been as good as anyone on the staff.

I would agree with the "has been". He sure knows how to pitch, but I think we've seen the best of him already. Really hope I'm wrong.

pots · « **Reply #57 on:** July 13, 2016, 12:01:09 am »

2 singles, a double and 3 walks allowing 2 runs over 8 innings in his last start. How did he make the list of guys to cut?

Lefty · « **Reply #58 on:** July 13, 2016, 12:44:01 am »

Quote from: pots on July 13, 2016, 12:01:09 am

2 singles, a double and 3 walks allowing 2 runs over 8 innings in his last start. How did he make the list of guys to cut?

That may be the smallest of small sample sizes I've ever seen used in an argument. (or is this abuse, I get confused?)

pots · « **Reply #59 on:** July 13, 2016, 12:55:20 am »

Quote from: Lefty on July 13, 2016, 12:44:01 am

That may be the smallest of small sample sizes I've ever seen used in an argument. (or is this abuse, I get confused?)

Perhaps then I'll just use his numbers for the year? Where against the other starters he is #1 in ERA, WHIP, AVG. Your argument seemed to be referring to him declining. His last start was one of his best.

jbm · « **Reply #60 on:** July 13, 2016, 08:02:43 am »

I happen to think Fister is a cut above Fiers, and on par with McHugh, and I am not inclined to use current stats to predict the future two months. I also realize I am often wrong.

The interesting thing to me is that this discussion illustrates the difficulty of being a GM. "Do we need more arms (or bats), and if the answer is yes, what kind of arms and who will they replace?" All of these are critical questions that the club has to contemplate and each one is real easy to get wrong.

mrpink · « **Reply #61 on:** July 13, 2016, 09:00:17 am »

Thsi year Fister has the highest walk rate of his career by a large margin and he's given up homers at a rate higher than any year since his rookie season.

He's had a much better first half than people expected, but he's also been very lucky.

Duman · « **Reply #62 on:** July 13, 2016, 05:09:25 pm »

Babip may be the best stat to look at here.

McCullars .395
Giles . 355
McHugh .348
Keuchel .318
Friers .306
League Average .303
Feliz . 291
Devo .289
Feldman .283
Harris .283
Fister .255
Gregerson .250
Neshek .186

So most of our starters have been on the unlucky end for the first half of the year. Our bullpen on the other hand looks lucky.

pots · « **Reply #63 on:** July 13, 2016, 05:24:20 pm »

Quote from: Duman on July 13, 2016, 05:09:25 pm

Babip may be the best stat to look at here.

McCullars .395
Giles . 355
McHugh .348
Keuchel .318
Friers .306
League Average .303
Feliz . 291
Devo .289
Feldman .283
Harris .283
Fister .255
Gregerson .250
Neshek .186

So most of our starters have been on the unlucky end for the first half of the year. Our bullpen on the other hand looks lucky.

really not surprising that the guys that pitch to contact are lucky. Guessing line drive percentage will show a similar order.

Duman · « **Reply #64 on:** July 13, 2016, 05:53:07 pm »

Quote from: Duman on July 13, 2016, 05:09:25 pm

Babip may be the best stat to look at here. With Line drive % added

McCullars .395 24%
Giles . 355 31%
McHugh .348 21%
Keuchel .318 22%
Friers .306 31%
League Average .303 25%
Feliz . 291 17%
Devo .289 34%
Feldman .283 22%
Harris .283 17%
Fister .255 20%
Gregerson .250 20%
Neshek .186 25%

So most of our starters have been on the unlucky end for the first half of the year. Our bullpen, on the other hand looks lucky.

Can't see a correlation when LD % added in.

Reuben · « **Reply #65 on:** July 13, 2016, 06:18:58 pm »

Quote from: Duman on July 13, 2016, 05:53:07 pm

Can't see a correlation when LD % added in.

Well, come on, there's some correlation.

Only 1 of the 7 "lucky" Astro pitchers is above the league line-drive %, Devenski at 34%. Harris and Feliz are substantially lower.

Meanwhile, 2 of the 5 "unlucky" guys are above the line-drive average - Giles and Fiers both substantially over at 31%.

So based on the given info I'd say McCullers and McHugh have been very unlucky. Feliz probably has, too. Neshek and Devenski have definitely been lucky, and I'd say Fiers has been lucky too to manage even a .306 BABIP.

Fly ball rate could be important too... but do we really want to turn this into a whole big BABIP debate?

pots · « **Reply #66 on:** July 13, 2016, 06:49:26 pm »

Yikes Devenski has a horseshoe lodged somewhere

Jacksonian · « **Reply #67 on:** July 13, 2016, 09:38:15 pm »

Quote from: Duman on July 13, 2016, 05:09:25 pm

Babip may be the best stat to look at here.

McCullars .395
Giles . 355
McHugh .348
Keuchel .318
Friers .306
League Average .303
Feliz . 291
Devo .289
Feldman .283
Harris .283
Fister .255
Gregerson .250
Neshek .186

So most of our starters have been on the unlucky end for the first half of the year. Our bullpen on the other hand looks lucky.

I don't know about luck or not but those guys above the average have left a lot of pitches up and over the plate more often than those below the average.

JimR · « **Reply #68 on:** July 16, 2016, 07:35:57 pm »

Quote from: Jacksonian on July 13, 2016, 09:38:15 pm

I don't know about luck or not but those guys above the average have left a lot of pitches up and over the plate more often than those below the average.

Funny how that works