Author Topic: Fall and Winter Ball 2016-2017 (Read 16618 times)

Nate Colbert · « **on:** August 31, 2016, 01:52:37 pm »

The Astros announced their Arizona Fall League contingent:

Pitchers Francis Martes, David Paulino, and Jacob Dorris plus catcher Garrett Stubbs along with INF Nick Tanielu and OFs Ramon Laureano and Jason Martin.

Jacksonian · « **Reply #1 on:** August 31, 2016, 03:59:51 pm »

Quote from: Nate Colbert on August 31, 2016, 01:52:37 pm

The Astros announced their Arizona Fall League contingent:

Pitchers Francis Martes, David Paulino, and Jacob Dorris plus catcher Garrett Stubbs along with INF Nick Tanielu and OFs Ramon Laureano and Jason Martin.

Martin is scheduled for the taxi squad meaning he'll play only sparingly.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #2 on:** August 31, 2016, 06:33:58 pm »

Interesting decision by the Astros to send Martes to the AFL. Paulino is understandable as he needs additional innings after having missed those six weeks in June and July. With another start scheduled tomorrow for the Hooks, Martes will end up having pitched close to 130 innings this season. That's roughly 30 innings more than he pitched in 2015 (and 80 innings more than what he averaged in 2012-2014). Normally, high-end pitching prospects who've pitched their full complement of innings don't get sent to the AFL.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #3 on:** August 31, 2016, 07:46:27 pm »

BTW, kudos to Jacob Dorris. From NDFA to AA in his second pro season and now being selected to the AFL, that's pretty impressive no matter what the future brings for him.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #4 on:** September 06, 2016, 04:48:02 pm »

Jake Kaplan ‏@jakemkaplan 1 minute ago
Sidenote to Paulino promotion: if he spends the rest of the season with the Astros, it's unlikely he will pitch in the Arizona Fall League.

Duman · « **Reply #5 on:** September 26, 2016, 02:50:03 pm »

RHP Rogelio Armenteros has been added to the AFL Roster.

Also the Dominican Winter League (Lidom) had its player draft a few weeks ago. Several Astros farm hands were taken:

Aguiles:
9th round Framber Valdez
15th round Antionio Nunez

Escogido:
20th round Randy Cesar

Tigres de Licey:
4th rd Albert Abreu
13th rd Hector Perez
21st rd Hector Roa

Estrellas
2nd rd Osvaldo Duarte

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #6 on:** September 30, 2016, 05:36:49 pm »

ICYMI, McTaggart tweeted previously a list of players currently in instructional league.

And Jim Callis yesterday had some comments yesterday on some of the players attending the camp noting in particular the next wave of outfielders (K. Tucker, Daz Cameron, Gilberto Celestino, Ronnie Dawson, Stephen Wrenn and Myles Straw) beyond Teo and Derek Fisher.

Beyond those names:

Indicated 4th-rounder Brett Adcock not in instructs due to continuing rehab after the knee surgery.
Noted that 5th-rounder Abraham Toro-Hernandez is continuing the attempt to transition to catcher.
Again, the young Dominican arms were highlighted including Jorge Alcala, Framber Valdez, Enoli Paredes, Hector Perez, Christian Javier and Jorge Guzman.

Excellent article, give it a read.

Not mentioned in the article or listed on the IL roster was last year's 3rd-rounder Riley Ferrell, so presumably he's still rehabbing after the shoulder aneurysm surgery.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #7 on:** October 01, 2016, 02:08:25 am »

Quote from: Nate Colbert on August 31, 2016, 06:33:58 pm

Interesting decision by the Astros to send Martes to the AFL. Paulino is understandable as he needs additional innings after having missed those six weeks in June and July. With another start scheduled tomorrow for the Hooks, Martes will end up having pitched close to 130 innings this season. That's roughly 30 innings more than he pitched in 2015 (and 80 innings more than what he averaged in 2012-2014). Normally, high-end pitching prospects who've pitched their full complement of innings don't get sent to the AFL.

According to Kaplan, Martes will work out of the bullpen while in the AFL so that will keep his innings down.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #8 on:** October 02, 2016, 11:09:15 pm »

Quote from: Nate Colbert on September 30, 2016, 05:36:49 pm

Not mentioned in the article or listed on the IL roster was last year's 3rd-rounder Riley Ferrell, so presumably he's still rehabbing after the shoulder aneurysm surgery.

Also among the missing is 2014 7th-rounder Derick Velazquez. He's now missed all of 2015 and 2016 since undergoing TJS.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #9 on:** October 06, 2016, 05:24:21 pm »

Teo Hernandez and Max Stassi will both be playing for Toros del Este in the DWL. That'll be Teo's 4th season with the club while it's Stassi's first time with the Toros after playing last year in the Puerto Rican Winter League.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #10 on:** October 07, 2016, 11:28:06 pm »

Arizona Fall League season kicks off on Tuesday though tomorrow there is a Bowman Hitting Challenge competition in which Ramon Laureano is one of the 30 participants (one from each organization).

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #11 on:** October 10, 2016, 05:16:29 pm »

Quote from: Nate Colbert on September 30, 2016, 05:36:49 pm

And Jim Callis yesterday had some comments yesterday on some of the players attending the camp noting in particular the next wave of outfielders (K. Tucker, Daz Cameron, Gilberto Celestino, Ronnie Dawson, Stephen Wrenn and Myles Straw) beyond Teo and Derek Fisher.

Beyond those names:

Indicated 4th-rounder Brett Adcock not in instructs due to continuing rehab after the knee surgery.
Noted that 5th-rounder Abraham Toro-Hernandez is continuing the attempt to transition to catcher.
Again, the young Dominican arms were highlighted including Jorge Alcala, Framber Valdez, Enoli Paredes, Hector Perez, Christian Javier and Jorge Guzman.

Eric Longenhagen of BP also saw some of the Astros' instructs. In a chat today, when asked to provide the name of a breakout prospect for next year (all organizations, not just Astros) he mentioned Toro-Hernandez.

Also said the best tool of anyone in the organization was Jake Rogers' defense.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #12 on:** October 10, 2016, 11:31:11 pm »

Quote from: Nate Colbert on October 06, 2016, 05:24:21 pm

Teo Hernandez and Max Stassi will both be playing for Toros del Este in the DWL. That'll be Teo's 4th season with the club while it's Stassi's first time with the Toros after playing last year in the Puerto Rican Winter League.

Will be joined in the Dominican by Jordan Jankowski who'll pitch for the Gigantes del Cibao. He pitched in both the DWL (for Escogido) and PRWL last offseason.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #13 on:** October 11, 2016, 03:27:49 pm »

Garrett Stubbs (DHing today for the Glendale Desert Dogs) hits a HR in his first AB in the AZL this afternoon.

Rough outing for Rogelio Armenteros, allowing 2 runs on 3 hits/1 BB/1 WP in 1.1 IP.

FWIW, Tremendously Talented Tim Tebow went 0-3 in the game for the Scottsdale Scorpions.

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Nate Colbert · « **Reply #14 on:** October 12, 2016, 03:57:49 pm »

Ramon Laureano in the leadoff spot for the Desert Dogs today--single, double and triple in first 3 ABs.

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Duman · « **Reply #15 on:** October 13, 2016, 02:46:59 pm »

Quote from: Nate Colbert on October 11, 2016, 03:27:49 pm

FWIW, Tremendously Talented Tim Tebow went 0-3 in the game for the Scottsdale Scorpions.

[/url]

Yeah but he is still making an impact - healing umpire's vision

Knoxbanedoodle · « **Reply #16 on:** October 13, 2016, 03:38:56 pm »

Quote from: Duman on October 13, 2016, 02:46:59 pm

Yeah but he is still making an impact - healing umpire's vision

That is hilarious. This one is great too.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #17 on:** October 13, 2016, 11:30:07 pm »

Quote from: Nate Colbert on October 01, 2016, 02:08:25 am

According to Kaplan, Martes will work out of the bullpen while in the AFL so that will keep his innings down.

Yeah, didn't happen. But he was limited to 40 pitches in his start tonight and was ineffective, giving up 3 runs on 3 hits and 2 walks in 1.2 IP.

Laureano keeps hitting, going 2-3 out of the 5th spot with a walk and RBI (including a single which started the Desert Dogs' game-winning rally in the bottom of the 9th). Stubbs led off and was behind the plate and went 1-4.

Jacob Dorris with a scoreless 9th, whiffing 2.

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Duman · « **Reply #18 on:** October 14, 2016, 08:57:12 am »

Laureano comes in at #4 on the initial AFL hot sheet.

Jacksonian · « **Reply #19 on:** October 14, 2016, 09:09:16 am »

Quote from: Nate Colbert on October 13, 2016, 11:30:07 pm

Yeah, didn't happen. But he was limited to 40 pitches in his start tonight and was ineffective, giving up 3 runs on 3 hits and 2 walks in 1.2 IP.

Laureano keeps hitting, going 2-3 out of the 5th spot with a walk and RBI (including a single which started the Desert Dogs' game-winning rally in the bottom of the 9th). Stubbs led off and was behind the plate and went 1-4.

Jacob Dorris with a scoreless 9th, whiffing 2.

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There's a tweet out there somewhere saying Martes was sitting mid-90's with a good breaking slider but almost no control over them.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #20 on:** October 14, 2016, 11:25:14 pm »

Jason Martin continues the streak of Astros' prospects getting a hit in their first AB in the AFL, belting a ground rule double in tonight's game. He ended up 2-4 on the night with that double and a walk.

Laureano was 1-2 off the bench and is now 6-10 in his first 3 games. Also picked up his 2nd SB.

David Paulino debuted with a scoreless frame, whiffing one. Armenteros was plastered again yielding a HBP, double and pair of singles in his 1/3 of an inning.

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Nate Colbert · « **Reply #21 on:** October 15, 2016, 08:12:43 pm »

Laureano making it look way too easy, now 8-14 in AZL play after picking up a pair of XBHs in today's game along with a walk and his 3rd SB.

Stubbs was 0-3 with a walk out of the catcher's spot.

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Nate Colbert · « **Reply #22 on:** October 17, 2016, 05:12:04 pm »

Eric Longenhagen of BP names Laureano as having the "Loudest Contact" in his wrap up of week #1 coverage of the AFL (along with some video) and later calls Ramon a "Top 5 Prospect" for the Astros in his chat. Also said that Stubbs' defense has "looked bad" (though he qualified that some later in the chat).

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #23 on:** October 17, 2016, 05:54:32 pm »

Laureano and Stubbs hitting #1 and #2 in today's Desert Dogs' lineup with the former going hitless for the first time in 5 AFL games while the latter reaches 3 times (LD single, CI, walk) in 4 trips.

Defensively, Stubbs committed a throwing error in today's game (2nd error in 3 games in the AFL). The previous miscue was a catcher's interference. He's thrown out 3 of 6 attempted basestealers thus far after tossing out 51% (27 of 53) during the regular season. After 10 PBs in 67 regular season games, the USC-ex has had 1 PB thus far in 3 games behind the plate in the AFL.

Jacob Dorris takes the loss and the blown save, as 2 walks (1 intentional) and a HBP in the 9th along with a single led to 2 runs scoring.

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Nate Colbert · « **Reply #24 on:** October 17, 2016, 07:35:15 pm »

Scouting reports and video from the AFL on Martes and Dorris from a new blogger.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #25 on:** October 18, 2016, 02:08:02 pm »

Arizona Fall League ‏@MLBazFallLeague 35 minutes ago
.@astros prospect, Glendale Desert Dogs OF Ramon Laureano named AFL Player of the Week after hitting .571. #AFL25

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #26 on:** October 18, 2016, 11:24:23 pm »

A DHing Stubbs 0-4 today with a couple of whiffs. Jason Martin in his 2nd game was 1-2 off the bench.

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Nate Colbert · « **Reply #27 on:** October 19, 2016, 11:14:20 pm »

Martes had a much better outing in his 2nd try, going 3 innings and allowing no earned runs on 4 hits and whiffing 2 (one of his whiffees was ex Brett Phillips, who's batting just .133 in the early going). Martes threw 45 pitches.

Laureano had a double (his 3rd in 6 games) but also K'd in his three other trips to the plate.

Stubbs DNP.

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Nate Colbert · « **Reply #28 on:** October 20, 2016, 07:16:28 pm »

Laureano doubled, reached on a HBP and swiped a base today. Continues to rank in the Top 3 in the AFL in doubles (4), triples (2), steals (4) and OPS (1.168).

Stubbs caught today and had 4 SBs against him (has now thrown out 3 of 10 in four games). Went 0-2 with a walk at the plate.

Armenteros picked up the save, K'ing 2 in the 9th.

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In other AFL news:

Jake Kaplan ‏@jakemkaplan 2 hours ago
Astros minor league INF Nick Tanielu flew to Arizona today to join AFL team. Missed beginning of league schedule with left hand injury.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #29 on:** October 20, 2016, 07:41:41 pm »

The LIDOM (aka Dominican Winter League) season kicks off tonight with Gigantes del Cibao vs Aguilas Cibaenas. Joining previously-noted Jordan Jankowski on the Gigantes pitching staff is Reymin Guduan.

Remaining clubs kick off tomorrow. Besides Max Stassi on Toros del Este (Teo Hernandez is not yet shown on the roster), Mike Hauschild is listed on the Escogido roster. Edison Frias and Cesar Valdez will be pitching for Licey and Andy Aplin plays the OF for that club. Osvaldo Duarte is listed on the Estrellas roster.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #30 on:** October 21, 2016, 06:52:47 pm »

Stubbs catching went 2-3 at the plate with a double. Now 3-11 in tossing out baserunners in 5 games after a SB allowed today.

Laureano DNP.

Jacob Dorris walked 2 in a scoreless 1 IP but also struck out 3.

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Nate Colbert · « **Reply #31 on:** October 22, 2016, 08:12:42 pm »

Martin in his 3rd game (2nd start) of the season today led off and played CF for the Desert Dogs, had a double and walk in 5 trips. Also threw out a runner at the plate.

Laureano went hitless in 4 ABs with a walk. Now 2-15 with 7 whiffs since that 8-14 start.

Nick Tanielu saw his first action, going 0-2 off the bench.

Stubbs DNP.

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Nate Colbert · « **Reply #32 on:** October 23, 2016, 02:16:20 pm »

Notable performance in the Dominican yesterday:

Hauschild went 5.1 IP yesterday for Escogido, allowing 0 ER on 4 hits and 1 BB while whiffing 5.

LIDOM Box

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #33 on:** October 23, 2016, 02:31:02 pm »

News from the LVBP (aka Venezuelan Winter League):

Miguelangel Sierra was added to the Tigres de Aragua roster and played in his first game yesterday, going 2-5 with a double and 3 RBIs.

LVBP Box

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #34 on:** October 24, 2016, 11:51:26 pm »

Stubbs with his 6th game behind the dish (8th overall), had a nice night at the plate as he went 3-4 with a double. With one Scottsdale Scorpions SB, now 3 for 12 in throwing out basestealers.

Nick Tanielu was 1-5 in his first start, whiffing 3 times.

Laureano DNP.

Rogelio Armenteros touched up for 3 runs in 1 IP yielding a single, triple and a walk in the process.

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Nate Colbert · « **Reply #35 on:** October 25, 2016, 07:25:35 pm »

Laureano playing RF was hitless today, now 2-18 with 7 Ks in last 5 games. Was PH for in the 8th by Martin who grounded out.

Stubbs, Tanielu DNP.

Martes surrendered 3 runs on 8 hits/walks in 4 IP. Threw 60 pitches.

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Nate Colbert · « **Reply #36 on:** October 26, 2016, 01:45:58 am »

According to this profile on Laureano at milb.com, Saturday will be his last game in the AFL.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #37 on:** October 26, 2016, 08:18:44 pm »

Stubbs caught his 7th game, went 0-4 at the plate.

Laureano, Tanielu DNP.

Dorris tossed 1.2 scoreless but with 2 walks has now given up 6 BB in 4.1 AFL innings.

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Nate Colbert · « **Reply #38 on:** October 27, 2016, 06:45:49 pm »

Laureano led off and played CF, going 1-5.

Stubbs DH'd, going hitless in 5 trips with a walk.

Tanielu DNP.

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Nate Colbert · « **Reply #39 on:** October 28, 2016, 05:15:05 pm »

Laureano singled in 4 trips. Also swiped a base and is now a perfect 5 for 5 in steals (though he did get picked off in today's game). Also threw out a runner at 2nd base.

Stubbs hitless today in 4 ABs and an 0fer over his last 3 games. Threw out a basestealer at 2B, now 4 out of 13 in tossing out runners in AFL play.

Tanielu DNP.

Paulino tossed another scoreless inning, his 2nd in Arizona.

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Hauschild's 2nd outing for Escogido: 4 IP 6 H 2 ER 1 BB 5 K

LIDOM Box

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #40 on:** October 29, 2016, 08:37:28 am »

The LBPRC (Liga de Beisbol Profesional Roberto Clemente, aka Puerto Rican Winter League) recently started play. Catchers Roberto Pena and Ruben Castro are on the Santurce roster along with pitcher Evan Grills (currently a MLFA) and outfielder Nestor Muriel. Pitcher Juan Santos is on the Carolina club. Josh James is on the Mayaguez roster though is currently shown on the "Reserve" list so we'll see if/when he actually pitches for them. Ditto for Derick Velasquez--especially interesting given his inactivity for the last 2 seasons after undergoing TJS (and whatever else may be plaguing him).

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #41 on:** October 29, 2016, 07:09:54 pm »

Martin reached 4 times on 2 walks, a HBP and a double out of the leadoff spot. Now at .385/.556/.615 in 5 games.

Laureano 1-3 with a sac fly and 3 RBIs and finishes his AFL play at .295/.340/.477.

Stubbs, Tanielu DNP.

Dorris pitched the 8th and like his other outings it was eventful if ultimately scoreless (single, K, single, K and K).

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Grills in his first outing for Santurce allows 1 ER on 5 hits over 5 IP.

LBPRC Box

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #42 on:** October 31, 2016, 05:25:23 pm »

Impressive outing for Martes today as he goes 4.2 scoreless while giving up just 3 hits/walks and K'ing 7. Tossed 75 pitches.

Stubbs 0-3 with a walk, currently .190/.277/.310 in 12 AFL games. 9 of those have been behind the plate where he's now 4 of 14 in throwing out baserunners.

Tanielu 2-4 with a 2-bagger.

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Nate Colbert · « **Reply #43 on:** October 31, 2016, 09:29:39 pm »

Martes and Paulino both selected for the "Fall Stars" game (the AFL All-Star game) this Saturday.

Game to be televised on MLB Network at 7:00 CT.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #44 on:** November 01, 2016, 05:52:46 pm »

In the leadoff spot again, Martin walked and reached on a catcher's interference in 5 trips while scoring twice.

Tanielu, Stubbs DNP.

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In AFL news, it appears that OF Alejandro Garcia was selected by the Astros as the now-departed Laureano's replacement. He's now listed on the Desert Dogs roster.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #45 on:** November 02, 2016, 05:12:04 pm »

Tanielu out of the #3 spot in the lineup goes 3-4 (all singles) and also reaches on a plunk.

Stubbs DH'ing hitless in 4 trips.

Paulino tosses 3rd scoreless frame of the fall. Has just 1 K in those 3 IP.

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Nate Colbert · « **Reply #46 on:** November 02, 2016, 07:05:03 pm »

Fastball velocity tracker from 2080baseball.com for the AFL (including Martes, Paulino, Armenteros and Dorris).

ETA:

Spreadsheet has been updated with some additional data, including some on the hitters (including Laureano and Stubbs).

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #47 on:** November 03, 2016, 05:49:03 pm »

Tanielu 0-4.

Garcia saw his first action and also went hitless.

Stubbs DNP.

Armenteros tossed a scoreless 6th. Dorris followed him to the mound and yielded a single, double and 2 walks but somehow avoided giving up a run due to a runner being thrown out at the plate. Also had a K in his 2/3 of an inning.

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Nate Colbert · « **Reply #48 on:** November 04, 2016, 03:15:41 pm »

Quote from: Nate Colbert on November 03, 2016, 05:49:03 pm

Tanielu 0-4.

Garcia saw his first action and also went hitless.

Stubbs DNP.

Armenteros tossed a scoreless 6th. Dorris followed him to the mound and yielded a single, double and 2 walks but somehow avoided giving up a run due to a runner being thrown out at the plate. Also had a K in his 2/3 of an inning.

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Some video on Armenteros from that game yesterday.

Also from yesterday, in a game last night in Puerto Rico Grills tossed 6 scoreless innings for Santurce. Has an 0.91 WHIP thru 2 starts (11 IP) for the Cangrejeros.

LBPRC Box

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #49 on:** November 04, 2016, 06:23:59 pm »

10th game in catcher's gear (14 games overall) for Stubbs. Credited with a couple CS today, now 6 for 16 in nailing baserunners. Doubled and walked in 5 trips at the plate.

Tanielu was 2-4 with a double himself while Garcia walked and singled in 4 PA's.

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Nate Colbert · « **Reply #50 on:** November 04, 2016, 08:52:35 pm »

Martes #4 on the AFL Hot Sheet this week in which JJ Cooper writes:

"Martes is the best pitching prospect in the AFL. Sure, Royals righthander Josh Staumont and Red Sox righthander Michael Kopech throw 100 mph, but Martes sits 94-96 and has touched 100 himself. He also throws a hard breaking ball and changeup that both grade as plus to double-plus at their best. Martes stands in a similar place as the Cardinals’ Alex Reyes was at the end of 2015, though Martes has consistently thrown more strikes than Reyes."

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #51 on:** November 05, 2016, 09:45:32 pm »

A rather thick-looking Francis Martes allowed the first hit for the West squad (LD single to center) tonight in T5. Also gave up two other hard-hit balls in his 1 inning of work, including a double to former battery-mate Jacob Nottingham and a HR.

Paulino had better results in his 1 inning. After allowing a leadoff double, he retired the next 3 batters (among those were #17 overall prospect Gleyber Torres and #23 overall prospect Eloy Jimenez) which included a couple of whiffs. FWIW, his outing was rated one of Jonathan Mayo's top nine performances in the game.

AFL All-Star Game Box

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #52 on:** November 07, 2016, 06:23:28 pm »

The Desert Dogs blasted out 16 hits today, including 3 doubles and 4 HRs, but Stubbs (0-3) and Tanielu (0-2) didn't participate in the fun. The former did draw a couple of walks.

It was Stubbs 11th game behind the plate in AFL play and 15th game overall. Now 6 for 17 in throwing out would-be basestealers.

Armenteros tossed a 1-2-3 8th with 1 K.

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Nate Colbert · « **Reply #53 on:** November 08, 2016, 12:03:16 am »

Kaplan talks about the AFL play of Martes (working on changeup), Stubbs (working on bulking up) and Laureano (impressed the hell out of everybody before leaving for the Dominican).

Duman · « **Reply #54 on:** November 08, 2016, 07:37:16 am »

Quote from: Nate Colbert on November 08, 2016, 12:03:16 am

Kaplan talks about the AFL play of Martes (working on changeup), Stubbs (working on bulking up) and Laureano (impressed the hell out of everybody before leaving for the Dominican).

90 MPH Change up....... wow.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #55 on:** November 08, 2016, 06:51:41 pm »

Getting one of his twice-weekly starts, leadoff man Jason Martin had a single and walk in five trips and swiped 2nd and 3rd base for his first 2 SBs in the AFL.

Stubbs, Tanielu DNP.

Same/same for Dorris with baserunners (hit, single), strikeouts (2) but no runs in his 1 IP. 14 Ks vs 9 BBs and 8 hits allowed in his 7 frames of AFL work but no earned runs allowed.

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Nate Colbert · « **Reply #56 on:** November 09, 2016, 11:01:01 pm »

Tanielu 2-5 today while Garcia had a 1-5 game. Stubbs had a single and 2 walks in five trips and now has 10 BBs vs 9 Ks in 16 games.

In 12 games behind the plate, Stubbs now with 3 errors (2 throwing, 1 catcher's interference) and is 6 for 18 (33%) throwing out runners.

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Nate Colbert · « **Reply #57 on:** November 10, 2016, 04:17:13 pm »

Stubbs DH'ing reached on a HBP and belted his 4th 2-bagger of the AFL campaign. Also swiped his 2nd base. Martin grounded out in a PH appearance.

Tanielu, Garcia DNP.

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Nate Colbert · « **Reply #58 on:** November 10, 2016, 06:11:36 pm »

From a recent FG chat w/their prospect guy Eric Longenhagen:

Kosch: Do any Stros young’ins contribute in 2017? in the majors of course?

Eric A Longenhagen: Aside from the obvious guys like Paulino I think Laureano and Stubbs could come up and play interesting roles. Stubbs more gadgety and versatile than impactful.

juliogotay · « **Reply #59 on:** November 11, 2016, 09:23:01 am »

Quote from: Nate Colbert on November 10, 2016, 06:11:36 pm

From a recent FG chat w/their prospect guy Eric Longenhagen:

Kosch: Do any Stros young’ins contribute in 2017? in the majors of course?

Eric A Longenhagen: Aside from the obvious guys like Paulino I think Laureano and Stubbs could come up and play interesting roles. Stubbs more gadgety and versatile than impactful.

Not sure what the Stubbs comment means but o.k. Nate, how is Laureano's defense? Strictly a corner OFer?

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #60 on:** November 11, 2016, 11:34:10 am »

Quote from: juliogotay on November 11, 2016, 09:23:01 am

Not sure what the Stubbs comment means but o.k. Nate, how is Laureano's defense? Strictly a corner OFer?

Over here I linked to three different scouting reports on Laureano's defense. The quick summary here: 2 of the 3 feel he has the tools to handle all three OF positions while the third says he's more a corner guy who can play the occasional CF.

Re Stubbs, because of his smallish build questions have been raised whether he's durable enough to last behind the plate (in fact the Astros are having him try and bulk up this winter). So apparently Longenhagen thinks a move from catcher to take advantage of his speed might be in Stubbs' future and he'd transition to more of a utility guy. I could see that happening but not as early as 2017.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #61 on:** November 11, 2016, 10:53:51 pm »

Tanielu and Stubbs each went 1-5 tonight while Martin went hitless in his 5 ABs.

Stubbs in his 13th game catching threw out a runner (now has bagged 7 out of 19 in Arizona).

Martes with the start, goes 4 IP and allows 1 ER on 4 hits and 1 walk. Whiffed 4 in the 63 pitch effort.

Paulino scoreless frame, no strikeouts. Armenteros retired only 2 batters he faced.

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Nate Colbert · « **Reply #62 on:** November 12, 2016, 04:50:06 pm »

Tanielu onbase 3 times on 2 walks and a single and also had a SF. Martin (in his 4th game this week, so obviously no longer on the taxi squad) reached on a couple of walks. Garcia hitless in 4 trips.

Stubbs DNP.

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The AFL ends play on Thursday.

austro · « **Reply #63 on:** November 12, 2016, 04:55:23 pm »

Quote from: Nate Colbert on November 12, 2016, 04:50:06 pm

Tanielu onbase 3 times on 2 walks and a single and also had a SF. Martin (in his 4th game this week, so obviously no longer on the taxi squad) reached on a couple of walks. Garcia hitless in 4 trips.

Stubbs DNP.

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The AFL ends play on Thursday.

Nate, thanks for the ongoing coverage. I don't say it often enough, but I really appreciate all of the minor league updates.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #64 on:** November 14, 2016, 02:42:10 pm »

Quote from: Nate Colbert on October 06, 2016, 05:24:21 pm

Teo Hernandez and Max Stassi will both be playing for Toros del Este in the DWL. That'll be Teo's 4th season with the club while it's Stassi's first time with the Toros after playing last year in the Puerto Rican Winter League.

According to a tweet from the club, Hernandez apparently was put on the active Toros del Este roster today.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #65 on:** November 15, 2016, 09:20:24 pm »

Stubbs hitless today, dropping his AFL batting average to .179. Tanielu 2-4 and Garcia 1-3 but was thrown out in a SB attempt.

Armenteros with his 4th consecutive scoreless outing. Paulino with a scoreless frame of his own but again no whiffs.

AFL Box

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #66 on:** November 16, 2016, 06:10:46 pm »

Tanielu 2 hits today, his 4th double and 1st homer in Arizona. Now hitting .340/.370/.480 in 13 AFL games.

Stubbs, Garcia and Martin DNP.

AFL Box

Regular season finale tomorrow.

The Australian Baseball League (ABL) is kicking off its season. Astros farmhand Connor MacDonald is on the Brisbane Bandits roster.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #67 on:** November 17, 2016, 07:36:41 pm »

Martes picks up the win for Glendale with his best start of the AFL season, working 5 scoreless innings with just 4 hits/walks allowed and whiffing 7. From the game story:

Quote

He operated at 93-97 mph with his fastball, topping out at 98, and showed feel for commanding it, both laterally and vertically, throughout. Meanwhile, Martes' sharp, late-breaking slider at 83-84 mph was even more impressive, as he used the pitch to record six of his seven strikeouts, including four called third strikes. Martes also showed confidence in his 88-90 mph changeup in the outing, throwing it to right- and left-handed hitters alike.

Tanielu went 2-4 to finish with a .352 average (2nd on the club). Stubbs finished with a .171 BA after going 0-3.

Martin, Garcia DNP.

AFL Box

Despite the win, the Desert Dogs failed to make the playoffs.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #68 on:** November 19, 2016, 11:30:04 pm »

Quote from: Nate Colbert on November 14, 2016, 02:42:10 pm

Teo Hernandez and Max Stassi will both be playing for Toros del Este in the DWL. That'll be Teo's 4th season with the club while it's Stassi's first time with the Toros after playing last year in the Puerto Rican Winter League.

According to a tweet from the club, Hernandez apparently was put on the active Toros del Este roster today.

Goes 3-4 in debut today with a double and triple.

LIDOM Box

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #69 on:** November 22, 2016, 01:06:48 pm »

An All-AFL squad from Bernie Pleskoff over at FanRag Sports includes Martes and (on the bench) Tanielu. For an ex-scout, Pleskoff doesn't put together the most sophisticated of reports but as far as what he wrote on Martes:

"He looks heavier than his listed weight. Martes can be very good and then suddenly, he becomes mediocre. It takes a bit for him to get going, but he can pitch. Lots of strikeouts, but command can leave him quickly. Fastball, slider and curveball are all in his repertoire. His fastball hits up to 97 miles per hour with ease. Velocity differential on all pitches helps him deceive hitters. When he’s “on” his command and control rule the day."

On a separate note, no Astros made the MLBPipeline.com AFL All-Star Team. OTOH, Ramon Laureano did make their AFL Top Ten Breakout Prospects list.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #70 on:** November 27, 2016, 05:40:11 pm »

A scouting report from 2080baseball.com on Martes based on his AFL work.

Also some video on Tanielu.

And from the same website, a blurb on Stubbs (noting that in the AFL he was "exposed by defensive shifts as teams load the right side of the infield against him") and a previously linked-to but now updated for AFL play scouting report.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #71 on:** November 28, 2016, 12:07:24 am »

Quote from: Nate Colbert on November 22, 2016, 01:06:48 pm

On a separate note, no Astros made the MLBPipeline.com AFL All-Star Team. OTOH, Ramon Laureano did make their AFL Top Ten Breakout Prospects list.

From last week: Callis & Co. also put together a Top 25 AFL Prospects list with Martes at #6 and Laureano at #24.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #72 on:** November 29, 2016, 08:27:08 pm »

Quote from: Nate Colbert on November 28, 2016, 12:07:24 am

From last week: Callis & Co. also put together a Top 25 AFL Prospects list with Martes at #6 and Laureano at #24.

Martes also at #6 on similar list from BA.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #73 on:** December 02, 2016, 10:03:21 pm »

Quote from: Nate Colbert on November 19, 2016, 11:30:04 pm

Teo Hernandez and Max Stassi will both be playing for Toros del Este in the DWL. That'll be Teo's 4th season with the club while it's Stassi's first time with the Toros after playing last year in the Puerto Rican Winter League.

According to a tweet from the club, Hernandez apparently was put on the active Toros del Este roster today.

Goes 3-4 in debut today with a double and triple.

LIDOM Box

Teo just 3-34 in 9 games since, including 0-3 in today's game.

LIDOM Box

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #74 on:** December 19, 2016, 10:02:37 pm »

Drew Ferguson is playing for Santurce. In his most recent game on Sunday, he played CF and led off while going 2-3 with a walk.

LBPRC Box

Newly-signed Juan Centeno is playing for Aguadilla in the same league and is currently hitting .235/.327/.282.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #75 on:** December 21, 2016, 07:06:30 pm »

Quote from: Nate Colbert on November 27, 2016, 05:40:11 pm

A scouting report from 2080baseball.com on Martes based on his AFL work.

Another scouting report on Martes, also based on his time in the AFL but this one from a different writer.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #76 on:** January 15, 2017, 07:09:08 pm »

Quote from: Nate Colbert on December 19, 2016, 10:02:37 pm

Drew Ferguson is playing for Santurce. In his most recent game on Sunday, he played CF and led off while going 2-3 with a walk.

Triples, doubles and drives in three runs in the Puerto Rican Winter League Finals.

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Nate Colbert · « **Reply #77 on:** January 17, 2017, 10:17:49 pm »

Drew Ferguson with 3 hits in tonight's game, now hitting .290 in the LBPRC playoffs as Santurce is up 2 games to 1 in the finals vs. Caguas.

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Nate Colbert · « **Reply #78 on:** January 24, 2017, 06:59:15 pm »

So what caused Max Stassi to leave the DWL after just two games back in late October? Concussion.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #79 on:** February 22, 2017, 07:40:23 pm »

OF Cesar Cortez was named MVP of the Panama League. The soon-to-be 18 year old hit .375/.500/.500 this winter. Signed for $100K back in 2015, Cortez debuted in the DSL this past year posting .228/.343/.322 numbers.

chuck · « **Reply #80 on:** February 23, 2017, 10:09:03 am »

Quote from: Nate Colbert on February 22, 2017, 07:40:23 pm

OF Cesar Cortez was named MVP of the Panama League. The soon-to-be 18 year old hit .375/.500/.500 this winter. Signed for $100K back in 2015, Cortez debuted in the DSL this past year posting .228/.343/.322 numbers.

This is the league he was playing in, the Campeonato Nacional de Béisbol Juvenil:

http://deadspin.com/youth-baseball-games-in-panama-are-rowdier-than-anythin-1792532613

Reuben · « **Reply #81 on:** March 16, 2017, 07:13:09 pm »

Quote from: chuck on February 23, 2017, 10:09:03 am

This is the league he was playing in, the Campeonato Nacional de Béisbol Juvenil:

http://deadspin.com/youth-baseball-games-in-panama-are-rowdier-than-anythin-1792532613

Quote

Panama’s list of players who made it to Major League Baseball is somewhat short, though any mention of baseball to an eager ear quickly results in a rattling off of names including Carlos “Chooch” Ruiz, Roberto Kelly, Ben Ogilvie, Bruce Chen, and Ruben Tejada.

How the fuck did the author delve deep enough to mention players as banal as Bruce Chen and Ruben Tejada, and completely neglect to mention Carlos Fucking Lee, easily the 3rd-best Panamanian after Mariano Rivera and Rod Carew?

Manny Sanguillen was pretty good, too.

chuck · « **Reply #82 on:** March 16, 2017, 07:44:21 pm »

Quote from: Reuben on March 16, 2017, 07:13:09 pm

How the fuck did the author delve deep enough to mention players as banal as Bruce Chen and Ruben Tejada, and completely neglect to mention Carlos Fucking Lee, easily the 3rd-best Panamanian after Mariano Rivera and Rod Carew?

Manny Sanguillen was pretty good, too.

I wondered about that, too. Chen pitched for China in the WBC, by the way. Or at least he was on the team. I didn't follow them closely enough to know if he actually pitched.

I'm surprised no one commented on the fact that people celebrate at youth games by hurling their beers skyward.