Ex-Bus Rider News 2016-2017

[Nate Colbert]

Three players from the CC Hooks 2006 Texas League championship team have now won World Series rings--Ben Zobrist, Hunter Pence and Juan Gutierrez. Gutierrez of course was a member of that '14 Giants squad with Pence.

(From a tweet by Hooks' broadcaster @CoffinMJC)

[Nate Colbert]

Duman mentioned his conversion from outfielder to pitcher in the previous thread, but former Astros 22nd-round pick (2011) Drew Muren is now hitting 100 on the gun in the D-Backs organization and is profiled by Bobby DeMuro over at FanRag.

[Reuben]

Duman mentioned his conversion from outfielder to pitcher in the previous thread, but former Astros 22nd-round pick (2011) Drew Muren is now hitting 100 on the gun in the D-Backs organization and is profiled by Bobby DeMuro over at FanRag.

Great story; I'll be rooting for him - former Valleycat and all. Thanks for posting.

[Nate Colbert]

Lefty David Rollins claimed off waivers by the Cubs from the Mariners.

[Duman]

Hader and Phillips added to Brewers 40 man roster before deadline for rule 5 draft.

[Nate Colbert]

Hader and Phillips added to Brewers 40 man roster before deadline for rule 5 draft.

As was Mark Appel by the Phillies.

[Reuben]

As was Mark Appel by the Phillies.

JJ Cooper at BA characterized it as not quite a no-brainer.

[Nate Colbert]

Duman mentioned his conversion from outfielder to pitcher in the previous thread, but former Astros 22nd-round pick (2011) Drew Muren is now hitting 100 on the gun in the D-Backs organization and is profiled by Bobby DeMuro over at FanRag.

And now BA puts him on their list of 12 "cream of the crop" players eligible for the Rule 5.

[Nate Colbert]

Lefty David Rollins claimed off waivers by the Cubs from the Mariners.

And now ping-pongs to the Rangers after being waived by the Cubs.

[juliogotay]

And now ping-pongs to the Rangers after being waived by the Cubs.

Interesting that the Astros obviously have no interest.

[Nate Colbert]

RHP Jason Stoffel signed a minor league deal with the Pirates with an invite to big league camp.

Spent parts of five seasons in the Astros system, coming from the Giants back in 2011 in the Jeff Keppinger deal and exiting the organization in 2015 in a trade with the Orioles for cash considerations in 2015.

[Nate Colbert]

Lefty David Rollins claimed off waivers by the Cubs from the Mariners.

And now ping-pongs to the Rangers after being waived by the Cubs.

And quickly becoming this offseason's version of Ronald Torreyes as he bounces again, this time to the Phillies.

[Nate Colbert]

After re-signing with the organization earlier as a MLFA, the Tigers have now announced that Ruben Alaniz will be non-roster invitee to big league camp.

[Nate Colbert]

just like last season, catcher Rene Garcia (former 35th round pick of the Astros back in 2008) with the non-roster invite to Brewers camp. Split 55 games last year between AA Biloxi and AAA Colorado Springs.

[Nate Colbert]

Lefty David Rollins claimed off waivers by the Cubs from the Mariners.

And now ping-pongs to the Rangers after being waived by the Cubs.

And quickly becoming this offseason's version of Ronald Torreyes as he bounces again, this time to the Phillies.

And may be on the move yet again as the Phillies DFA'd him today.

[VirtualBob]

And may be on the move yet again as the Phillies DFA'd him today.

Maybe he should consider changing his deodorant or something.

[Nate Colbert]

According to the twitter feed of Jim Stevenson (who scouted and signed them both for the Astros), a couple of ex-farmhands have signed with the Tigers and Royals organizations respectively. Ronnie Mitchell signs as a MLFA with Detroit after playing in the Marlins organization last year after his release mid-season by the Astros. He was a 38th rounder in 2013 out of DBU. Signing with KC is former 23rd rounder (2011) Ruben Sosa. I believe he exited the organization back in 2015 after having his contract assigned to the Mexican League. That was where he played last season, putting up .371/.458/.517 numbers for Laguna.

[Nate Colbert]

OF Eury Perez, who went to camp last spring with the Astros and spent part of last year with the Grizzlies before being traded to Tampa Bay for cash, has signed a minor league deal w/camp invite with the Pirates.

[Reuben]

BA just came out with their Phillies Top 10 Prospects list, and Mark Appel did not make it (neither did Eshelman, FWIW). Here's what was said in the chat (hope I'm not overquoting here):

Kevin (Lake Tahoe): What do we even make of Mark Appel at this point?

Ben Badler: There’s about a billion Mark Appel questions in here. He’s been a disappointment relative to where he was drafted, but I do think there’s a major league future for him. The injury is a setback, but h still shows two pitches that grade out plus or better in his fastball and slider, and the fastball still touches the upper-90s. I would like to see him follow the footsteps of guys like Wade Davis, Dellin Betances and Luke Hochevar as longer-limbed pitchers who struggled as starters into their mid-20s, then moved to the bullpen where the stuff ticked up and the light bulb went on. The problem for that with Appel is that a lot of his struggles come out of the stretch when he has to pitch with runners on base. The Phillies are planning to keep him as a starter, but I would be very intrigued to see if he could transform his career letting the stuff play up in short stints.
Read more at http://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/phillies-top-10-prospects-chat/#vG4IKq2xoM7PxphM.99

[juliogotay]

BA just came out with their Phillies Top 10 Prospects list, and Mark Appel did not make it (neither did Eshelman, FWIW). Here's what was said in the chat (hope I'm not overquoting here):

Thanks for posting that. I was wondering about him the other day. Mostly in the "I wish we had taken Bryant instead of Appel" but I do wish him well.

[Nate Colbert]

Not unexpected given 2016 performances, but Josh Hader is #2 on BA's Brewers Top Ten Prospect list after not making the list last season while Brett Phillips goes the opposite way falling off the list after ranking as the #4 Milwaukee prospect a year ago. Jacob Nottingham also did not make their top ten.

[Nate Colbert]

Lefty David Rollins claimed off waivers by the Cubs from the Mariners.

And now ping-pongs to the Rangers after being waived by the Cubs.

And quickly becoming this offseason's version of Ronald Torreyes as he bounces again, this time to the Phillies.

And may be on the move yet again as the Phillies DFA'd him today.

Rangers claimed him for the 2nd time this offseason.

[Nate Colbert]

Lefty David Rollins claimed off waivers by the Cubs from the Mariners.

And now ping-pongs to the Rangers after being waived by the Cubs.

And quickly becoming this offseason's version of Ronald Torreyes as he bounces again, this time to the Phillies.

And may be on the move yet again as the Phillies DFA'd him today.

Rangers claimed him for the 2nd time this offseason.

And now Ken Rosenthal of all people is reporting that the Cubs (like the Rangers) have now claimed him for the 2nd time this offseason. That's the 5th time he's been claimed by an organization since Nov. 18th.

[Nate Colbert]

37 year old Brooks Conrad, who hit just .161/.329/.242 in 20 games for the Skeeters this past season, gets a minor league deal with the Royals. Possible stepping stone to a coaching position?

[Nate Colbert]

Ex-2nd rounder Andrew Thurman, who went to the Braves in the Evan Gattis trade (along with Folty and Rio Ruiz) and was released by Atlanta last August, signed to a minor league deal by the Dodgers.

[Lefty]

I can't believe Brooks Conrad is 37.  I guess I can, but that just sounds too old.

[Nate Colbert]

Former 8th round pick (2006) Jimmy Van Ostrand was recently named the Mariners Player Development Coordinator for Character/Leadership Development. He's profiled here.

(BTW, Pete Harnisch also works in player development for Seattle as a special assistant).

[Nate Colbert]

Josh Hader #1 LHP prospect in all of baseball on MLB.com's new list.

Beyond the top ten, Brady Aiken mentioned in the "next up" category.

[Duman]

And Jacob Nottingham comes in at #10 on the catcher list.

[Nate Colbert]

Former Bus Rider Jordan Mills makes the Indy Ball top 20 at # 10 http://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/dalton-wheat-art-charles-top-loaded-indy-prospects-list/?_wcsid=6D7AC5A0226DF457AB74003610640D76E0BD81DE042395D5#abFZTAwHbiTcRu4u.97

Back in affiliated ball as the Nationals recently signed him.

[Nate Colbert]

Former 13th-rounder (2009) OF Jake Goebbert signs minor league deal with D-Backs. Played last 2 seasons at AAA El Paso (Padres) and Durham (Rays).

[Nate Colbert]

Jayne Hansen ‏@JayneWTHB  3 hours ago
Jonathan Meyer, #Astros 2009 3rd round draft pick has joined the San Antonio Missions coaching staff.

Most will be familiar but to refresh: the (now) 26-year old Meyer reached AAA OKC in 2014 but was released by the Astros in ST 2015. Picked up and released by the Padres (the Missions' parent club) soon after. Finished up his playing career that same season with Hickory in the Rangers' organization.

[Nate Colbert]

Lefty David Rollins claimed off waivers by the Cubs from the Mariners.

And now ping-pongs to the Rangers after being waived by the Cubs.

And quickly becoming this offseason's version of Ronald Torreyes as he bounces again, this time to the Phillies.

And may be on the move yet again as the Phillies DFA'd him today.

Rangers claimed him for the 2nd time this offseason.

And now Ken Rosenthal of all people is reporting that the Cubs (like the Rangers) have now claimed him for the 2nd time this offseason. That's the 5th time he's been claimed by an organization since Nov. 18th.

Possibly on the move again as the Cubs DFA'd him today.

[Nate Colbert]

Lefty David Rollins claimed off waivers by the Cubs from the Mariners.

And now ping-pongs to the Rangers after being waived by the Cubs.

And quickly becoming this offseason's version of Ronald Torreyes as he bounces again, this time to the Phillies.

And may be on the move yet again as the Phillies DFA'd him today.

Rangers claimed him for the 2nd time this offseason.

And now Ken Rosenthal of all people is reporting that the Cubs (like the Rangers) have now claimed him for the 2nd time this offseason. That's the 5th time he's been claimed by an organization since Nov. 18th.

Possibly on the move again as the Cubs DFA'd him today.

An ESPN profile of Rollins and his travelin' man offseason.

[Nate Colbert]

Lefty David Rollins claimed off waivers by the Cubs from the Mariners.

And now ping-pongs to the Rangers after being waived by the Cubs.

And quickly becoming this offseason's version of Ronald Torreyes as he bounces again, this time to the Phillies.

And may be on the move yet again as the Phillies DFA'd him today.

Rangers claimed him for the 2nd time this offseason.

And now Ken Rosenthal of all people is reporting that the Cubs (like the Rangers) have now claimed him for the 2nd time this offseason. That's the 5th time he's been claimed by an organization since Nov. 18th.

Possibly on the move again as the Cubs DFA'd him today.

An ESPN profile of Rollins and his travelin' man offseason.

His travels appear to be at an end--reports are today he cleared waivers and will remain with the Cubs, going to camp as a NRI.

[Duman]

Delino Deshields says the Astros "stunted his growth"

What he does best is run. He showcased that with 101 stolen bases in in 2012 between Single-A and High-A. It showed, at least early on, in his bunting ability. But at some point that changed. DeShields Jr.’s approach changed at the plate, appearing to try for more home runs. It was a learning process in the field, too. He’d spend one practice at second base, the next in left, the next in center and then back at second. Ultimately, it was an environment and culture that DeShields Jr. believes stunted his growth.

“I was in a situation in Houston where they weren’t really pushing guys,” he said. “After all the good years that I did have, it was slow for me even though I felt like I was contributing on a high level. I felt like I was ready to go. For me being 21 years old, it was kind of discouraging.

“I’m not saying I didn’t care. I was obviously wanting to play, and I always play to win.”

 

[chuck]

Weird. The Astros stunted Altuve's growth, too.

[BudGirl]

Weird. The Astros stunted Altuve's growth, too.

I would nominate this, if such a thing were possible.

[MusicMan]

Weird. The Astros stunted Altuve's growth, too.

Kemp, too. It's like they have it in for second basemen.

[juliogotay]

Kemp, too. It's like they have it in for second basemen.

You are assuming Deshields was a second baseman.

[chuck]

Every time this fucking idiot comes up my general annoyance is mitigated tremendously by the happy memory of Melvin's brilliant 'one toke over Delino' which as far as I'm concerned is as funny now as ever.

[juliogotay]

Every time this fucking idiot comes up my general annoyance is mitigated tremendously by the happy memory of Melvin's brilliant 'one toke over Delino' which as far as I'm concerned is as funny now as ever.

The problem with this player is that, as an OFer, he hits like a middle infielder.  I recall your scouting report one Spring from Florida on him.

[Duman]

Every time this fucking idiot comes up my general annoyance is mitigated tremendously by the happy memory of Melvin's brilliant 'one toke over Delino' which as far as I'm concerned is as funny now as ever.

Almost spewed my diet coke out over that one.  That is great.

[VirtualBob]

Almost spewed my diet coke out over that one.  That is great.

It is great, but fails to mitigate my annoyance level much. He is way over delino to me.

[WVastro]

It is great, but fails to mitigate my annoyance level much. He is way over delino to me.

Mark it zero.

[Nate Colbert]

Tommy Shirley, who spent 7 years in the system before being released and finishing 2016 with AA Erie (Tigers), signed earlier this month with Lancaster of the independent Atlantic League.

Another former organization lefty, Joe Bircher (10th round, 2012) is also still chasing the dream in the indy leagues. He recently signed on for his 4th season with Sioux Falls of the American Association.

And INF Albert Cartwright (played in the system from 2007-2010) and OF Adron Chambers (2014) both recently re-upped with Ottawa of the Can-Am League.

[Nate Colbert]

Tommy Shirley, who spent 7 years in the system before being released and finishing 2016 with AA Erie (Tigers), signed earlier this month with Lancaster of the independent Atlantic League.

Another former organization lefty, Joe Bircher (10th round, 2012) is also still chasing the dream in the indy leagues. He recently signed on for his 4th season with Sioux Falls of the American Association.

And INF Albert Cartwright (played in the system from 2007-2010) and OF Adron Chambers (2014) both recently re-upped with Ottawa of the Can-Am League.

Via Astros County:

LHP Bryan Radziewski (9th round, 2014) signed to play with Sioux City of the American Association (no that's not a typo, both Sioux City and Sioux Falls have teams in the AA).

[Nate Colbert]

From his chat today:

Andy: Any word on Brady Aiken’s velo?
Keith Law: Upper 80s. Not good.

[Nate Colbert]

Nolan Fontana, claimed on waivers by the Angel last November, had a decent spring in their big league camp (.270/.400/.514) but was sent to the minors today.

[Nate Colbert]

24-year old LHP Chris Lee (traded to Baltimore back in 2015) was one of the candidates for the final spot in the Orioles rotation this spring but was sent to their minors camp today.  2.77 ERA in 13 spring innings.

[Nate Colbert]

Astro-for-a-nanosecond Anthony Gose (came from the Phillies along with JA Happ and Jonathan Villar in the Oswalt trade, immediately flipped to the BJs for Brett Wallace) is being sent to the minors by the Tigers to try and convert to pitcher.

[Nate Colbert]

LHP Mitch Lambson, one of a number of former Astros' draftees in the Milwaukee system, released by the Brewers today. 19th-rounder in 2011 who eventually eached Fresno but was traded to the Braves in 2015 for cash considerations before ex-Astros asst GM David Stearns nabbed him in the minor league portion of the 2015 Rule 5 draft.

[Nate Colbert]

Outfielder-turned-pitcher Ariel Ovando, recipient of a $2.6MM signing bonus and most certainly the Astros' biggest international signing bust of all time, was released by the Angels.

[Nate Colbert]

Former Astros' 1st rounder (and 21st overall pick in 2009) Jio Mier just signed as a minor league free agent with the Mets. He spent last year at AAA Buffalo in the BJs organization.

[Duman]

David Martinez who spent 11 years in the Astros org (05-15) was released by the Tigers.

[Nate Colbert]

With Didi Gregorius on the shelf until May with that shoulder strain suffered in the WBC, Ronald Torreyes enters the season as the likely starting shortstop for the Yankees.

[Reuben]

With Didi Gregorius on the shelf until May with that shoulder strain suffered in the WBC, Ronald Torreyes enters the season as the likely starting shortstop for the Yankees.

Torreyes was the player cited as the guy the Astros foolishly added to the 40-man instead of DeShields Jr., right? It will be interesting to see who winds up having the better MLB career. Probably neither will come close to being as successful as Odubel Herrera (plucked by the Phillies from the Rangers in that same Rule 5).

[Nate Colbert]

Torreyes was the player cited as the guy the Astros foolishly added to the 40-man instead of DeShields Jr., right?

Yes. Irrelevant factoids about Mr. Torreyes: (1) By the time he had turned 23, he had been with seven different major league organizations. (2) One of his managers in the Reds minor league system was Delino DeShields Sr.

[Nate Colbert]

From Heyman's weekly notes column:

Some scouts are calling third baseman Rio Ruiz the “most improved” player they’ve seen this spring.

Ruiz (who made his MLB debut with the Braves in 2016 as a Sept callup), however, will open the year back at AAA Gwinnett. The former Astros' 4th-rounder (2012) is still just 22 years old.

[Duman]

Rene Garcia taken to hospital after collision at plate  video of play

Update:  NO significant injuries.  Going through concussion protocol.

[Nate Colbert]

Ronnie Mitchell signs as a MLFA with Detroit after playing in the Marlins organization last year after his release mid-season by the Astros. He was a 38th rounder in 2013 out of DBU.

Was just released by the Tigers.

Former 13th-rounder (2009) OF Jake Goebbert signs minor league deal with D-Backs. Played last 2 seasons at AAA El Paso (Padres) and Durham (Rays).

Released by Arizona.

[Nate Colbert]

So where does a former Astros catcher go after leaving the organization? To the Brewers of course, where David Stearns signs the recently released Kevin Martir who now joins exes Tyler Heineman, Rene Garcia (who's apparently still on the DL after that collision at the end of ST) and Jake Nottingham.

[Reuben]

Featured in BA's "Prospect Report" today:

Albert Abreu, rhp, Yankees. Abreu, acquired from the Astros along with fellow righthanded flame-thrower Jorge Guzman for Brian McCann, was throwing bullets Wednesday for low Class A Charleston. Abreu was touching 100 mph, according to the RiverDogs’ Twitter account, and struck out a career-high 11 in 5.2 innings in a 4-0 win over Augusta (Giants).

[geezerdonk]

Featured in BA's "Prospect Report" today:

Albert Abreu, rhp, Yankees. Abreu, acquired from the Astros along with fellow righthanded flame-thrower Jorge Guzman for Brian McCann,

He should make to the Yankees just about the same time as Altuve and Correa do.

[Nate Colbert]

Some recently released players signed on to continue their careers in the indy leagues:

• Chase McDonald--Kansas City T-Bones of the American Association
• Mitch Lambson--Winnipeg Goldeyes of the American Association
• Conrad Gregor--New Jersey Jackals of the Can Am League
• Hector Roa--Washington Wild Things of the Frontier League

In related news, less than 4 months from his 40th birthday Fehlandt Lentini re-signs with the Long Island Ducks in what will be his 17th year in minor league baseball. It'll be his 4th straight season with the Ducks and 5th overall in the Atlantic League. He finished 5th in that league last season with a .313 batting average. Someone should write a book about this dude. Yeah folks like Julio Franco played the game longer and at a higher level but still gotta admire someone who sticks with it for this long.

[Knoxbanedoodle]

He's an extremely colorful character in The Only Rule is it Has to Work, but you probably knew that.

[Nate Colbert]

He's an extremely colorful character in The Only Rule is it Has to Work, but you probably knew that.

Nope. Actually I'm familiar with the book but had no clue he's covered in it. I'm glad you pointed it out.

[Duman]

Some recently released players signed on to continue their careers in the indy leagues:

• Chase McDonald--Kansas City T-Bones of the American Association
• Mitch Lambson--Winnipeg Goldeyes of the American Association
• Conrad Gregor--New Jersey Jackals of the Can Am League
• Hector Roa--Washington Wild Things of the Frontier League

Here is a pretty comprehensive list of of indy ball and foreign league former minor and major astros: 

[Nate Colbert]

Southpaw and LSU-ex Chris Cotton signs with the Dodgers.

[Nate Colbert]

RHP Cesar Valdez--the MLFA signed a minor league deal with the A's. The Astros had signed the 31-year old ex-MLBer off the scrap heap last January after he had been pitching in the Mexican League the previous four years. Turned into one of the most effective starting pitchers in the PCL this past season.

Has been called up to the bigs to make a spot start for the A's tomorrow.

[Nate Colbert]

Rule 5er Mike Hauschild struggling in early going with Rangers--gives up 3 longballs today and has allowed 5 HRs in his first 8 innings of work.

[MusicMan]

Rule 5er Mike Hauschild struggling in early going with Rangers--gives up 3 longballs today and has allowed 5 HRs in his first 8 innings of work.

And DFA'd today.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Nate Colbert]

Rule 5er Mike Hauschild struggling in early going with Rangers--gives up 3 longballs today and has allowed 5 HRs in his first 8 innings of work.

DFA'd by the Rangers today as noted by MM above. If no other organization claims him, then must be offered back to the Astros for $50,000.

[Duman]

DFA'd by the Rangers today as noted by MM above. If no other organization claims him, then must be offered back to the Astros for $50,000.

I thought is was for $25K.  They had to pay 50 to draft him

[Nate Colbert]

I thought is was for $25K.  They had to pay 50 to draft him

Rules were changed--I seem to recall you even posted about them back at the time of the draft:

According to BA, here are the changes to the rule 5 draft

1. $100,000 per major league draft pick up from $50,000

2 $24,000 for each minor league portion pick up from $12,000.

3. AA portion of draft is gone. So what was the AAA portion is now the only option.

Anyhow, the return fee is now $50,000.

[Duman]

How dare you point out that I don't know as much as a used to!  Old memory files are hard to erase.  Thanks.

[VirtualBob]

Looks like Fresno will be facing former bus-rider Troy Scribner tonight.  He's started pretty well for the Salt Lake Be-Goods this year ... 10.2 IP in 2GS; 1-0 1.69 ERA; 13K 2BB; 0.844 WHIP.  He split time as a starter between AA and AAA last year, posting a combined 12-5 record with 3.68 ERA, 1.167 WHIP and 117 K.  The big difference seems to be control.  He walked 56 in 132 IP last year (his first as an Angel).

[Nate Colbert]

Looks like Fresno will be facing former bus-rider Troy Scribner tonight.  He's started pretty well for the Salt Lake Be-Goods this year ... 10.2 IP in 2GS; 1-0 1.69 ERA; 13K 2BB; 0.844 WHIP.  He split time as a starter between AA and AAA last year, posting a combined 12-5 record with 3.68 ERA, 1.167 WHIP and 117 K.  The big difference seems to be control.  He walked 56 in 132 IP last year (his first as an Angel).

Yeah, really nice story of a NDFA doing well. At the extreme opposite end of the spectrum...

Mark Appel in his first 3 starts for AAA Lehigh Valley: has allowed 17 hits (including 3 HRs) and issued 6 walks and 3 wild pitches in just 12.1 IP.

[MusicMan]

BP is pretty direct today on Appel:

"There’s not much, if any, projection left with Appel and he appears to be a solid Triple-A organizational depth arm that could make a few spot starts in case of emergency at the major league level."


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[juliogotay]

BP is pretty direct today on Appel:

"There’s not much, if any, projection left with Appel and he appears to be a solid Triple-A organizational depth arm that could make a few spot starts in case of emergency at the major league level."


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I'm sad to read that.

[chuck]

I'm sad to read that.

I'm astounded to learn that anyone thinks he can pitch in the major leagues.

[Mr. Happy]

BP is pretty direct today on Appel:

"There’s not much, if any, projection left with Appel and he appears to be a solid Triple-A organizational depth arm that could make a few spot starts in case of emergency at the major league level."


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

It's amazing that Luhnow was able to move him.

[Knoxbanedoodle]

It's amazing that Luhnow was able to move him.

For a fraction of Ken Giles and Jonathan Arauz? I don't think "amazing" is the word--though I'd much rather have Derek Fisher or whomever it was going to be that Appel replaced.

[Nate Colbert]

RHP Cesar Valdez--the MLFA signed a minor league deal with the A's. The Astros had signed the 31-year old ex-MLBer off the scrap heap last January after he had been pitching in the Mexican League the previous four years. Turned into one of the most effective starting pitchers in the PCL this past season.

Has been called up to the bigs to make a spot start for the A's tomorrow.

DFA'd today after making 4 appearances for Oakland.

[Nate Colbert]

RHP Cesar Valdez--the MLFA signed a minor league deal with the A's. The Astros had signed the 31-year old ex-MLBer off the scrap heap last January after he had been pitching in the Mexican League the previous four years. Turned into one of the most effective starting pitchers in the PCL this past season.

DFA'd today after making 4 appearances for Oakland.

Claimed off waivers by the Blue Jays. He'll go to AAA Buffalo.

[Reuben]

For a fraction of Ken Giles and Jonathan Arauz? I don't think "amazing" is the word--though I'd much rather have Derek Fisher or whomever it was going to be that Appel replaced.

Yes, it was Fisher who was originally in the deal. It was changed to include Appel and the Arauzes after flags were raised about someone's physical - can't remember if it was Velasquez, or Fisher himself.

[juliogotay]

Yes, it was Fisher who was originally in the deal. It was changed to include Appel and the Arauzes after flags were raised about someone's physical - can't remember if it was Velasquez, or Fisher himself.

I believe it was Fisher with the issue. This may turn out to be a great stroke of luck.

[Nate Colbert]

According to the BA transactions page, two previously released players were signed by the Rockies--RHP Edison Frias and 3B Bobby Wernes. Frias was assigned to AA Hartford, doesn't appear Wernes has yet been assigned to a club.

Ex-Bobcat RHP Travis Ballew was released by the Marlins and subsequently signed with the Skeeters.

[Nate Colbert]

From Heyman's weekly notes column:

Some scouts are calling third baseman Rio Ruiz the “most improved” player they’ve seen this spring.

Ruiz (who made his MLB debut with the Braves in 2016 as a Sept callup), however, will open the year back at AAA Gwinnett. The former Astros' 4th-rounder (2012) is still just 22 years old.

Currently hitting .262/.305/.447 for Gwinnett, he was called up by the Braves today as a result of the Freddie Freeman injury.

[Nate Colbert]

Nolan Fontana, claimed on waivers by the Angel last November, had a decent spring in their big league camp (.270/.400/.514) but was sent to the minors today.

Called up today by CAA. In the starting lineup for tonight's game against the Rays. Was hitting .265/.374/.426 at AAA Salt Lake City.

Congrats to him.

[Nate Colbert]

From Heyman's weekly notes column:

Some scouts are calling third baseman Rio Ruiz the “most improved” player they’ve seen this spring.

Ruiz (who made his MLB debut with the Braves in 2016 as a Sept callup), however, will open the year back at AAA Gwinnett. The former Astros' 4th-rounder (2012) is still just 22 years old.

***************************************************************************************

Currently hitting .262/.305/.447 for Gwinnett, he was called up by the Braves today as a result of the Freddie Freeman injury.

ICYMI, hit his first major league home run on Saturday (off Max Scherzer).

[Reuben]

Good for both Fontana and Ruiz. I wonder what Fontana figured out (or changed) this past year that made such a turnaround in his AAA success - he was awful for OKC/Fresno.

[Reuben]

Astro-for-a-nanosecond Anthony Gose (came from the Phillies along with JA Happ and Jonathan Villar in the Oswalt trade, immediately flipped to the BJs for Brett Wallace) is being sent to the minors by the Tigers to try and convert to pitcher.

From BA's prospect report today:

...he took the mound for the first time as a pro and threw gas, touching 99 mph at high Class A Lakeland, according to the team’s assistant general manager Dan Lauer. Lakeland manager Andrew Graham told BA the team’s gun had Gose at 98 twice and he sat 97. Gose allowed a run on a hit in his one inning of work. Gose, 26, spent the past seven weeks in extended spring training working on his transition to the mound after struggling as a hitter (.657 OPS) in nine pro seasons.

[Reuben]

Mark Appel creamed again in AAA: 2.2 IP, 4 H, 6 ER, 6 BB, 1 K. ERA now at 7.59.

[VirtualBob]

Mark Appel creamed again in AAA: 2.2 IP, 4 H, 6 ER, 6 BB, 1 K. ERA now at 7.59.

Sounds like a candidate for the Fresno rotation.

[juliogotay]

Mark Appel creamed again in AAA: 2.2 IP, 4 H, 6 ER, 6 BB, 1 K. ERA now at 7.59.

I'm starting to feel bad for him.

[Reuben]

I'm starting to feel bad for him.

As long as he wasn't a complete fool with investing his bonus money, he will be able to live a very comfortable life, even if he never throws a major league pitch. I don't feel too bad for him.

[juliogotay]

As long as he wasn't a complete fool with investing his bonus money, he will be able to live a very comfortable life, even if he never throws a major league pitch. I don't feel too bad for him.

I feel worse for Astro fans. Bryant would look pretty good playing 1B in blue and orange.

[Nate Colbert]

RHP Arcenio Leon was signed by the Astros back in 2005 out of Venezuela and pitched in the organization through 2012 (he even spent 2 years on the 40-man roster, first being added after the 2010 season). He later pitched in the Brewers and White Sox organizations before moving on to the Mexican League in 2016. Signed by the Tigers in the offseason, a nice spring in big league camp for them (when he wasn't pitching for Venezuela in the WBC) got him assigned to AAA Toledo at the outset of the season. The closer for the Mud Hens, he notched 10 saves with an 0.85 WHIP.

At age 30 (and after 12 minor league seasons), yesterday he was called called up to the big leagues for the first time. Hope he does well for Detroit.

[doyce7]

RHP Arcenio Leon was signed by the Astros back in 2005 out of Venezuela and pitched in the organization through 2012 (he even spent 2 years on the 40-man roster, first being added after the 2010 season). He later pitched in the Brewers and White Sox organizations before moving on to the Mexican League in 2016. Signed by the Tigers in the offseason, a nice spring in big league camp for them (when he wasn't pitching for Venezuela in the WBC) got him assigned to AAA Toledo at the outset of the season. The closer for the Mud Hens, he notched 10 saves with an 0.85 WHIP.

At age 30 (and after 12 minor league seasons), yesterday he was called called up to the big leagues for the first time. Hope he does well for Detroit.

Good for him. Gotta love the perseverance of a guy that can spend so long in the minors and not give up. Go get em Arcenio

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[Mr. Happy]

Good for him. Gotta love the perseverance of a guy that can spend so long in the minors and not give up. Go get em Arcenio

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He threw a scoreless frame last night. I saw him throw in Toledo. Not a bad arm. AAAA player.

[Reuben]

Good for him. Gotta love the perseverance of a guy that can spend so long in the minors and not give up. Go get em Arcenio

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Yep. Very cool to see that perseverance finally pay off.

[Nate Colbert]

Yes, it was Fisher who was originally in the deal. It was changed to include Appel and the Arauzes after flags were raised about someone's physical - can't remember if it was Velasquez, or Fisher himself.

Todd Zolecki  @ToddZolecki 26m ago
Fisher originally in the Ken Giles trade, but removed for Mark Appel because Phillies had health concerns about Vince Velasquez.

Zolecki is the Phillies beat writer for MLB.com.

[Nate Colbert]

OF Brett Phillips was just called up by the Brewers.

[Nate Colbert]

OF Brett Phillips was just called up by the Brewers.

Got the start in tonight's game, went 1-3 and had an outfield assist.

[Duman]

OF Brett Phillips was just called up by the Brewers.

Genuinely one of the nicest kids that came through Greeneville.  Almost too good to be true level.  Glad to see him get this shot, even if it is only for a few days while a player is home with his new baby.

[Knoxbanedoodle]

Speaking of the Maverick (or is it just Maverick? or did that nick get left behind in the trade?), I can't get enough of this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9EYyGRJXQo

[juliogotay]

Speaking of the Maverick (or is it just Maverick? or do that nick get left behind in the trade?), I can't get enough of this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9EYyGRJXQo

That's great.

[Reuben]

Genuinely one of the nicest kids that came through Greeneville.  Almost too good to be true level.  Glad to see him get this shot, even if it is only for a few days while a player is home with his new baby.

Yeah, good to see. Part of me has not wanted to see him, Hader, and Domingo Santana do well because of how shitty Gomez and Fiers turned out to be, but I suppose that's not their fault.

[Mr. Happy]

Yeah, good to see. Part of me has not wanted to see him, Hader, and Domingo Santana do well because of how shitty Gomez and Fiers turned out to be, but I suppose that's not their fault.

I always pull for the player.

[Duman]

Speaking of the Maverick (or is it just Maverick? or did that nick get left behind in the trade?), I can't get enough of this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9EYyGRJXQo

I found this enjoyable too Tim Dillard & Brett Phillips do Yo Mama jokes on Mother's day. 

[Nate Colbert]

OF Brett Phillips was just called up by the Brewers.

Got the start in tonight's game, went 1-3 and had an outfield assist.

Phillips got sent back down yesterday but now the Brewers have called up Josh Hader (last of the 4 players sent in the Carlos Gomez trade to see big league time). Hader has walked 31 in 52 IP for Colorado Springs this year and his K rate is down considerably from last year.

[Jacksonian]

Phillips got sent back down yesterday but now the Brewers have called up Josh Hader (last of the 4 players sent in the Carlos Gomez trade to see big league time). Hader has walked 31 in 52 IP for Colorado Springs this year and his K rate is down considerably from last year.

Colorado Springs.  Where pitcher's confidence goes to die.

[Duman]

Phillips got sent back down yesterday but now the Brewers have called up Josh Hader (last of the 4 players sent in the Carlos Gomez trade to see big league time). Hader has walked 31 in 52 IP for Colorado Springs this year and his K rate is down considerably from last year.

Phillips back to the brew crew.  Due to Travis Shaw being placed on family medical emergency leave.  He is in the line up tonight. Hope everything is okay with Shaw's family:

As mentioned before, the Brewers had already called up Phillips to make his big league debut earlier this week, but he went back down when Travis Shaw returned from paternity leave and Paolo Espino was needed to make yesterday’s start. Normally a player cannot be recalled within 10 days of getting optioned to the minor leagues, but this is an atypical situation that allows Phillips to be immediately brought back to Milwaukee. There has been no official announcement regarding Shaw’s family emergency, but the timing is especially concerning given that him and his wife had a baby only a few days ago. His family will be in our thoughts and prayers.

[Nate Colbert]

Phillips got sent back down yesterday but now the Brewers have called up Josh Hader (last of the 4 players sent in the Carlos Gomez trade to see big league time). Hader has walked 31 in 52 IP for Colorado Springs this year and his K rate is down considerably from last year.

In his debut yesterday: scoreless inning, 2 walks and 1 K.

[Nate Colbert]

Featured in BA's "Prospect Report" today:

Albert Abreu, rhp, Yankees. Abreu, acquired from the Astros along with fellow righthanded flame-thrower Jorge Guzman for Brian McCann, was throwing bullets Wednesday for low Class A Charleston. Abreu was touching 100 mph, according to the RiverDogs’ Twitter account, and struck out a career-high 11 in 5.2 innings in a 4-0 win over Augusta (Giants).

Abreu has since been promoted to hi-A Tampa of the FSL.

Guzman, meanwhile, was assigned to Staten Island of the NY-P and in his first appearance there last night:

Josh Norris @jnorris427 53m ago
Heard Jorge Guzman hit 100 mph 10 times in his start last night for Staten Island.

[Nate Colbert]

Impressive Cal League outing today for former draftee Jacob Nix: 9 IP 2 H 0 R 0 BB 11 K. For the season at Lake Elsinore for the 7th-ranked Padres prospect: 36 Ks vs 4 BBs in 38 IP. Groin injury put him on the DL to start the year.

[Nate Colbert]

Guzman, meanwhile, was assigned to Staten Island of the NY-P and in his first appearance there last night:

Josh Norris @jnorris427 53m ago
Heard Jorge Guzman hit 100 mph 10 times in his start last night for Staten Island.

He faced off against the V-Cats tonight, whiffing 10 over 6.2 innings of scoreless ball.

[Nate Colbert]

Yes, it was Fisher who was originally in the deal. It was changed to include Appel and the Arauzes after flags were raised about someone's physical - can't remember if it was Velasquez, or Fisher himself.

Harold Arauz for Clearwater (Hi-A Florida State League): 1.15 ERA and an 0.80 WHIP in 31 IP.

[Nate Colbert]

Not really an ex but what the hell...

How's Cavan Biggio doing in his 2nd year of pro ball? .258/.346/.388 for Dunedin in hi-A FSL with 83 whiffs in 291 ABs.

[Duman]

Learned this weekend that Pedro Gonzalez, a catcher who played in the Astros org from 05-09 rising as high as Low A, is the manager for one of the Cubs DSL teams. 

[Nate Colbert]

"The Lehigh Valley IronPigs on Thursday placed right-hander Mark Appel on the disabled list with a right shoulder strain, a week after he was shelled in Syracuse and didn't make it out of the first inning."

Link

[VirtualBob]

"The Lehigh Valley IronPigs on Thursday placed right-hander Mark Appel on the disabled list with a right shoulder strain, a week after he was shelled in Syracuse and didn't make it out of the first inning."

Link

Schadenfreude

[juliogotay]

Schadenfreude

Seriously?

[Nate Colbert]

Telvin Nash was released yesterday from Winston-Salem as the White Sox make room for those incoming former Cubs' prospects.

[Duman]

Jio Mier got the last few outs against Fresno last night

#Astros AAA @FresnoGrizzlies have 22 runs on 22 hits (6 HR) thru 8 inn. vs Las Vegas. Scored last run off Astros '09 1st rd pick SS Jio Mier

Mier gave up 2 hits, then next 5 batters faced- Reed:sac fly; Moran:4-3; Centeno lined out to 2B; Tucker:K (swinging); Kemmer:K (swinging)

[Nate Colbert]

Jio Mier got the last few outs against Fresno last night

Yes, I seem to recall that.

[Nate Colbert]

Southpaw and LSU-ex Chris Cotton signs with the Dodgers.

Has been released.

[Nate Colbert]

RHP Cesar Valdez--the MLFA signed a minor league deal with the A's. The Astros had signed the 31-year old ex-MLBer off the scrap heap last January after he had been pitching in the Mexican League the previous four years. Turned into one of the most effective starting pitchers in the PCL this past season.

DFA'd today after making 4 appearances for Oakland.

Claimed off waivers by the Blue Jays. He'll go to AAA Buffalo.

Called up several times since by Toronto, he's been decent in 4 relief innings but stepped it up tonight in spot start against Oakland w/ 6 innings of 1-run ball.

[Nate Colbert]

Quote from: VirtualBob on April 24, 2017, 04:41:12 PM
Looks like Fresno will be facing former bus-rider Troy Scribner tonight.  He's started pretty well for the Salt Lake Be-Goods this year ... 10.2 IP in 2GS; 1-0 1.69 ERA; 13K 2BB; 0.844 WHIP.  He split time as a starter between AA and AAA last year, posting a combined 12-5 record with 3.68 ERA, 1.167 WHIP and 117 K.  The big difference seems to be control.  He walked 56 in 132 IP last year (his first as an Angel).


Yeah, really nice story of a NDFA doing well.

And the story apparently is getting better. Transaction not officially announced yet, but reports are that he's been called up by the Angels and will be activated tomorrow.

Congrats to him.

[Nate Colbert]

Harold Arauz for Clearwater (Hi-A Florida State League): 1.15 ERA and an 0.80 WHIP in 31 IP.

Threw a 7-inning no-hitter for the Threshers today with 10 Ks and just 1 BB.

Now 70 Ks vs 13 BBs in 73.2 IP this season.

[Nate Colbert]

Impressive Cal League outing today for former draftee Jacob Nix: 9 IP 2 H 0 R 0 BB 11 K. For the season at Lake Elsinore for the 7th-ranked Padres prospect: 36 Ks vs 4 BBs in 38 IP. Groin injury put him on the DL to start the year.

The 21-year old was moved up to AA San Antonio today after posting the following numbers in the Cal: 78 hits allowed in 66.2 IP with 51 Ks vs 10 BBs.

[Nate Colbert]

RHP Aaron West, released three weeks ago, was signed by the Mariners and assigned to AA Arkansas.

[Duman]

RHP Arcenio Leon was signed by the Astros back in 2005 out of Venezuela and pitched in the organization through 2012 (he even spent 2 years on the 40-man roster, first being added after the 2010 season). He later pitched in the Brewers and White Sox organizations before moving on to the Mexican League in 2016. Signed by the Tigers in the offseason, a nice spring in big league camp for them (when he wasn't pitching for Venezuela in the WBC) got him assigned to AAA Toledo at the outset of the season. The closer for the Mud Hens, he notched 10 saves with an 0.85 WHIP.

At age 30 (and after 12 minor league seasons), yesterday he was called called up to the big leagues for the first time. Hope he does well for Detroit.

All good stories must come to an end.  Leon was released by the Tigers

[VirtualBob]

Jake Buchanan released by the snakes, too.