Fresno Grizzlies 2017

[Nate Colbert]

Luhnow said White will play second, third and some first base at Triple-A. Moran will play third and first and perhaps some shortstop. Reed will be first base/designated hitter.

Link

[VirtualBob]

Luhnow said White will play second, third and some first base at Triple-A. Moran will play third and first and perhaps some shortstop. Reed will be first base/designated hitter.

Link

Leaves Kemp n a crowded outfield?

[Nate Colbert]

Leaves Kemp n a crowded outfield?

Crowded indeed: P. Tucker, Fisher, Teoscar, Kemmer, Aplin, Alejandro Garcia (and Laureano at some point later in the year).

[Reuben]

I wonder if Aplin might be released. He has completely stalled out at AAA.

[Jacksonian]

I wonder if Aplin might be released. He has completely stalled out at AAA.

He is also out of options.

[Nate Colbert]

He is also out of options.

No, he's not.

--He still has one option year left *after* this season.

--He was just added to the 40-man roster prior to the 2016 season.

[Jacksonian]

No, he's not.

--He still has one option year left *after* this season.

--He was just added to the 40-man roster prior to the 2016 season.

Heh.  I'd pulled that from an older article that has since been taken down, and I wrote that knowing he'd been optioned about a week ago or so.

[Reuben]

Heh.  I'd pulled that from an older article that has since been taken down, and I wrote that knowing he'd been optioned about a week ago or so.

It's Spring Training for everyone.

[Nate Colbert]

No surprises here as Chron article indicates Juan Centeno and Max Stassi will share backstop duties for the Grizz which of course means Tyler Heineman is very much on the bubble at this stage.

[Reuben]

No surprises here as Chron article indicates Juan Centeno and Max Stassi will share backstop duties for the Grizz which of course means Tyler Heineman is very much on the bubble at this stage.

That surprises me, and makes me wonder if they just feel that Heineman's defense is not MLB-caliber. Because Stassi and Centeno certainly aren't significant prospects any more, while Tyler did manage a .344 OBP with Fresno last year. He's got no power, of course, but a decent AVG and OBP can be useful from a backup catcher, if he's also good behind the dish.

[Nate Colbert]

That surprises me, and makes me wonder if they just feel that Heineman's defense is not MLB-caliber. Because Stassi and Centeno certainly aren't significant prospects any more, while Tyler did manage a .344 OBP with Fresno last year. He's got no power, of course, but a decent AVG and OBP can be useful from a backup catcher, if he's also good behind the dish.

I pretty much assumed when Centeno was signed in the offseason that he was going to be the primary AAA depth piece in case of injury to either McCann or Gattis, particularly with Stassi being out of options and likely to be gone. Centeno does basically have a full season as a backup catcher in the big leagues and from what little I've seen/heard from the broadcast guys this spring *seems* to suggest he's reasonably competent defensively. Stassi ended up slipping thru waivers and having been around the big club for parts of five seasons perhaps that's working in his favor.

And as far as backup catcher of the future, doesn't Stubbs (given his defensive reputation) have that job nailed down?

[Reuben]

Sure, I didn't mean to imply that Heineman was a likely important part of the parent club's future. And I think you're right that Centeno and Stassi having MLB experience works in their favor. Then again, the Astros will be Centeno's 4th team in as many years... maybe there's a reason why he keeps getting released.

I hope Stubbs can be a quality backup, at least. The Astros certainly need to find a long-term answer at Catcher, and we know Gattis is not going to be a primary ever due to his injury issues.

[juliogotay]

Remember the Astros took a catcher named Rogers fairly high in the last draft and he is supposedly a defensive catcher of some renown.

[Jacksonian]

Remember the Astros took a catcher named Rogers fairly high in the last draft and he is supposedly a defensive catcher of some renown.

His bat is a giant question mark.

[MusicMan]

His bat is a giant question mark.

An exclamation point would make a much better bat.

[chuck]

An exclamation point would make a much better bat.

A question mark is way better if you have a hole in your swing.

[VirtualBob]

A question mark is way better if you have a hole in your swing.

Or maybe it is a way of exclaiming that you do have a hole in your swing.

[Nate Colbert]

3B? 1B? OF? Surely not back to the Texas League to begin the season? More questions than answers from McLaggard in this article regarding J.D. Davis.

[Nate Colbert]

3B? 1B? OF? Surely not back to the Texas League to begin the season? More questions than answers from McLaggard in this article regarding J.D. Davis.

Although not definitive about it, Luhnow on the broadcast today did say Davis may have to start the season back in AA and also confirmed he is likely to see action at 3B/1B/LF throughout the season.

[Lefty]

A question mark is way better if you have a hole in your swing.

or if you're playing jai alai

[Nate Colbert]

No surprises here as Chron article indicates Juan Centeno and Max Stassi will share backstop duties for the Grizz which of course means Tyler Heineman is very much on the bubble at this stage.

Traded to Brewers for PTBNL or cash.

ETA:

Could join former Astros' prospects Josh Hader, Brett Phillips and Jake Nottingham on Milwaukee's AAA Colorado Springs squad (though it appears that to begin the year Nottingham is ticketed for a 2nd season at AA Biloxi).

[Nate Colbert]

We've seen previous articles about Francis Martes working on his changeup. Like here. And here. Oh, and here's another today from Josh Norris of BA (who also noted Martes is trying to keep his head still during delivery to improve command).

[Nate Colbert]

The preliminary Grizz roster:

PITCHERS (12): Dayan Diaz, Reymin Guduan, Edison Frias, Brian Holmes, James Hoyt, Jordan Jankowski, Francis Martes, Tyson Perez, Brady Rodgers, Asher Toliver, Aaron West, Keegan Yuhl
CATCHERS (2): Juan Centeno, Max Stassi
INF (5): Reid Brignac, Tony Kemp, Colin Moran, A.J. Reed, Tyler White
OF (5): Andy Aplin, Derek Fisher, Teoscar, Jon Kemmer, Preston Tucker

[Nate Colbert]

Francis Martes makes his AAA debut on Monday in game #5 for the Grizzlies. Brady Rodgers, Brian Holmes and Edison Frias are the probables for games 2-4 with Collin McHugh making his previously announced rehab start in the opener tomorrow night.

[VirtualBob]

Francis Martes makes his AAA debut on Monday in game #5 for the Grizzlies. Brady Rodgers, Brian Holmes and Edison Frias are the probables for games 2-4 with Collin McHugh making his previously announced rehab start in the opener tomorrow night.

Good news? 20% of Fresno pitchers are allowing less than one run per inning.

[Nate Colbert]

Derek Fisher goes longball for the 2nd straight night.

[Nate Colbert]

RHP Jared Mortensen (who was picked up in the minor league portion of the Rule 5 draft in December) apparently has been activated while RHP Edison Frias goes to (I presume) the inactive list.

[Nate Colbert]

RHP Jared Mortensen (who was picked up in the minor league portion of the Rule 5 draft in December) apparently has been activated...

The knuckleballer pitched 2 scoreless innings tonight.

[Reuben]

The knuckleballer pitched 2 scoreless innings tonight.

Reymin Guduan did not fare so well: 2/3 IP, 5 singles, 5 ER, 2K.

On the bright side, Francis Martes scattered 5 singles and 3 walks over 5 scoreless.

"He was good, really good. He threw some good breaking balls and several changeups that were pretty good," Fresno pitching coach Dyar Miller said. "His fastball command [was] a little iffy, but he did a nice job."
link

[Nate Colbert]

Reid Brignac gets bragging rights over Tyler White and Andy Aplin, I suppose.

[Reuben]

Reid Brignac gets bragging rights over Tyler White and Andy Aplin, I suppose.

21-6, what an ugly game.

I wonder what the odds-makers would've seen as more likely when he was drafted: Tyler White pitching in a AAA game, or Tyler White starting at SS in a AAA game? Turns out both happened on the same day, crazy world.

[Tonywatson]

Tyler White has also pitched for the Astros. I guess he really is a utility guy... not bad for a college catcher.


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[Nate Colbert]

Tyler White has also pitched for the Astros. I guess he really is a utility guy... not bad for a college catcher.

Just a slight correction: he did do some catching in HS but while at Western Carolina he was exclusively an infielder (1B and 3B).

[Tonywatson]

Sorry. My misunderstanding


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[Nate Colbert]

RHP Jared Mortensen (who was picked up in the minor league portion of the Rule 5 draft in December) apparently has been activated while RHP Edison Frias goes to (I presume) the inactive list.

Frias activated, Keegan Yuhl off the active roster.

[Nate Colbert]

Moran playing LF tonight, his first career start in the outfield in 5 years as a professional.

[Reuben]

Moran playing LF tonight, his first career start in the outfield in 5 years as a professional.

His uncle played all over the place, why shouldn't he?

[Nate Colbert]

Brian Holmes de-activated, David Martinez (who had been de-activated back on the 12th) was re-activated.

[Nate Colbert]

After his 2-run poke tonight...

Paul Braverman @PaulBraverman 33m ago
Preston Tucker now batting .429 (12-for-28) with 2 homers, 3 doubles, 9 RBI, 4 runs and a walk during his 8-game hit streak.

[Nate Colbert]

RHP Jared Mortensen (who was picked up in the minor league portion of the Rule 5 draft in December) apparently has been activated while RHP Edison Frias goes to (I presume) the inactive list.

Frias activated, Keegan Yuhl off the active roster.

Yuhl activated, Mortensen de-activated.

[VirtualBob]

Yuhl activated, Mortensen de-activated.

They are just continuing the trend last year of keeping an extra 1-3 players around all the time and abusing the "inactive" status.  I expect we will see a rule change eventually if this keeps happening.

[Duman]

They are just continuing the trend last year of keeping an extra 1-3 players around all the time and abusing the "inactive" status.  I expect we will see a rule change eventually if this keeps happening.

Every team does it and no one ever complains.  They used to not post those transactions.  The manager just took the line up card with the available players to the ump.  I saw a game once where the pitcher came in from the pen and the ump called the manager back out.  That player wasn't on the roster that day so he was removed without ever throwing a pitch. 

[Nate Colbert]

Hoyt of course up to the Astros and RHP Aaron West has been de-activated. Taking their roster spots, RHP Ryan Thompson and LHP Sean Stutzman up from CC. This is more about filling a need, but nonetheless quite the rise for NDFA Stutzman, who this time last year was pitching out of the bullpen for Dallas Baptist (and wasn't even the closer).

[Nate Colbert]

From Heyman's notes column:

Outfield prospect Derek Fisher could be a big star. “A more athletic Paul O’Neill,” one scout calls him.

[Nate Colbert]

Paul Braverman @PaulBraverman 1m ago
Make it .447 for Preston Tucker in the 11-game hit streak.  2-for-2 tonight.

[Nate Colbert]

Brian Holmes de-activated, David Martinez (who had been de-activated back on the 12th) was re-activated.

Holmes activated, Edison Frias de-activated.

Aaron West activated (and pitched tonight), Tyson Perez de-activated.

[Nate Colbert]

They are just continuing the trend last year of keeping an extra 1-3 players around all the time and abusing the "inactive" status.  I expect we will see a rule change eventually if this keeps happening.

It looks like they've taken it a step further this year by not even using the inactive list. Using that list required the player to sit out 3 games. Now they simply say the player was assigned to (say) the Tri-City ValleyCats and then reverse the transaction the next day. That's just what happened with Aaron West, who was de-activated for yesterday's game and then re-activated for tonight's game.

What they're currently doing of course is similar to what's been proposed at various times for the major league level--have a 26 or 27-man roster but for any given game you can only have 25 active players. Like Duman, I don't see this as an abusive situation. Most of the time it involves pitchers and obviously they're trying to save arms and reduce injury risk. I do think the minors need to modify their rules and do away with the fiction of "Player XYZ was assigned to a lower level roster" and use more transparent language (i.e, "Player XYZ was de-activated for tonight's game").

[Nate Colbert]

This is more about filling a need, but nonetheless quite the rise for NDFA Stutzman, who this time last year was pitching out of the bullpen for Dallas Baptist (and wasn't even the closer).

Effective AAA debut for the lefty, going 2 scoreless tonight.

[MusicMan]

Mike Hauschild has been returned to the Astros and will be assigned to Fresno.


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[VirtualBob]

Mike Hauschild has been returned to the Astros and will be assigned to Fresno.

Glad to have him back, though I am not sure he will ever be much more than an 'extra' in the bullpen somewhere.  He seems like a hard worker and I hope he fools me.

[VirtualBob]

Glad to have him back, though I am not sure he will ever be much more than an 'extra' in the bullpen somewhere.  He seems like a hard worker and I hope he fools me.

Just looked at the Fresno match ups today and came up with an easy answer to whose spot Hauschild will take.  I was surprised they resigned D-Mart and not particularly surprised by his performance thus far.  Obviously, I have not seen him pitch (ever) and even if I had, my pitcher-scouting abilities are somewhere below T-Ball level, so take that all with a grain of salt (as if people here need that warning ever).

[Nate Colbert]

Brady Rodgers, pulled early from his last start, has been placed on the DL.

[VirtualBob]

Brady Rodgers, pulled early from his last start, has been placed on the DL.

I guess that makes room for Hauschild.  Though D-Mart seems to be struggling in the third tonight ... double, single, HBP, GiDP (run scores), single (run scores), single ... ??

Fly to LF ends the inning.

[Nate Colbert]

Edison Frias activated, Asher Tolliver to DL.

[Nate Colbert]

Brady Rodgers, pulled early from his last start, has been placed on the DL.

Arm issue, currently being evaluated by doctors say twitter.

[Nate Colbert]

Brady Rodgers, pulled early from his last start, has been placed on the DL.

Arm issue, currently being evaluated by doctors say twitter.

Elbow, more specifically.

[Nate Colbert]

Mike Hauschild has been returned to the Astros and will be assigned to Fresno.

According to this Fresno Bee article, will be looking to regain the feel for his sinkerball as he re-joins a particularly tattered-looking Grizzlies rotation. Will be limited to 50 pitches in his first start either on Sunday or Monday.

[Nate Colbert]

Derek Fisher with his 3rd homer in the last 6 games.

[Nate Colbert]

RHP Trent Thornton promoted from CC to take a spot in the Grizz rotation (and in fact he starts tonight at Reno).

Offsetting move was RHP Ryan Thompson to 7-day DL.

[VirtualBob]

RHP Trent Thornton promoted from CC to take a spot in the Grizz rotation (and in fact he starts tonight at Reno).

Offsetting move was RHP Ryan Thompson to 7-day DL.

Whose rotation spot?

[Nate Colbert]

Whose rotation spot?

In the short term (and assuming the pitching probables shown for the next five games are accurate) it appears Keegan Yuhl is the odd man out.

[Nate Colbert]

More attempted bolstering of the pitching staff with the purchase of the contract of Casey Coleman from the Atlantic League's New Britain Bees.

Yes, that Casey Coleman--son and grandson of MLB pitchers (both name Joe), came up with the Cubs and pitched for them in 2010-2012 and last pitched in the bigs with KC in 2014. Pitched in the minors for KC, Tampa and Seattle in 2015-2016 before finding himself in indy ball this season. 12 hits and 2 walks allowed in 10.1 IP for the Bees with 7 Ks.

[Nate Colbert]

Martes missing a start this week.

[Nate Colbert]

Tony Kemp officially activated after being sent down. Colin Moran to 7-day DL.

[Nate Colbert]

Reed 12-24 over last 6 games. 3 doubles, 1 HR. 6 walks vs 3 strikeouts.

[VirtualBob]

Just looking at the Fresno pitching situation and it truly is uninspiring.  Only four pitchers have managed as many as 18 IP (2/3 IP per team game).  The rate-stat leaders in this group are Edison Frias (5.40 ERA) and David Martinez (1.615 WHIP).  Only Martinez has fewer than 14 walks (6) and only Frias has more than 14 K (16).  As a group they have given up 8 HR, hit 6 batters and uncorked 6 wild pitches.  They also sport a combined 2-10 W-L record.  Yikes.

ETA:  The other two members of this group are Brian Holmes and Keegan Yuhl.

[Nate Colbert]

More attempted bolstering of the pitching staff with the purchase of the contract of Casey Coleman from the Atlantic League's New Britain Bees.

Yes, that Casey Coleman--son and grandson of MLB pitchers (both name Joe), came up with the Cubs and pitched for them in 2010-2012 and last pitched in the bigs with KC in 2014. Pitched in the minors for KC, Tampa and Seattle in 2015-2016 before finding himself in indy ball this season. 12 hits and 2 walks allowed in 10.1 IP for the Bees with 7 Ks.

When Coleman was activated yesterday to pitch in last night's game, LHP Brian Holmes was de-activated.

[Nate Colbert]

Edison Frias activated, Asher Tolliver to DL.

Tolliver coming off DL today is the offsetting move to Dayan Diaz moving up to the big club.

[Nate Colbert]

Trent Thornton might just have the two best outings of any Grizz starter to date (not that there's been a heckuva lot of competition). In his 2 starts since his move from the Hooks, has allowed just 1 run on 7 hits and 2 walks over 12 IP.

[juliogotay]

Trent Thornton might just have the two best outings of any Grizz starter to date (not that there's been a heckuva lot of competition). In his 2 starts since his move from the Hooks, has allowed just 1 run on 7 hits and 2 walks over 12 IP.

this is encouraging with the lack of depth in the starting pitching and McHugh not likely to contribute until late this season if at all.

[Nate Colbert]

12-gamer for Derek Fisher. Batting .411 with 6 doubles and 3 HRs over that stretch.

[Nate Colbert]

When Brian Holmes was activated to pitch in today's game, offsetting move was Keegan Yuhl to the 7-day DL.

[Nate Colbert]

Edison Frias, who had been in the system for 7 years, was released today.

[Nate Colbert]

Edison Frias, who had been in the system for 7 years, was released today.

Dayan Diaz back down from the Astros was the offsetting move.

[Jacksonian]

More attempted bolstering of the pitching staff with the purchase of the contract of Casey Coleman from the Atlantic League's New Britain Bees.

Yes, that Casey Coleman--son and grandson of MLB pitchers (both name Joe), came up with the Cubs and pitched for them in 2010-2012 and last pitched in the bigs with KC in 2014. Pitched in the minors for KC, Tampa and Seattle in 2015-2016 before finding himself in indy ball this season. 12 hits and 2 walks allowed in 10.1 IP for the Bees with 7 Ks.

I missed this last week.  Apparently David Paulino threw 2 innings in extended spring training on the 1st.  I haven't seen anything about him since then.  He's expected to go to Fresno when he's healthy.  Here's hoping that will happen soon.

[Duman]

I missed this last week.  Apparently David Paulino threw 2 innings in extended spring training on the 1st.  I haven't seen anything about him since then.  He's expected to go to Fresno when he's healthy.  Here's hoping that will happen soon.

Your hope is happening:

David Paulino is scheduled to make his season debut with Triple-A Fresno on Thursday. He had been out with a bone bruise in his elbow.

[Nate Colbert]

Last night's start by Paulino was officially a rehab appearance. He's now been taken off the major league DL and officially optioned to Fresno. Will require offsetting roster move.

ETA:
Which was LHP Sean Stutzman being de-activated.

[Nate Colbert]

Fresno Grizzlies  @FresnoGrizzlies 17m ago
Fisher extends hit streak to 15 games: 26-for-66 (.394), 5 HR, 6 2B, 14 RBI, 10 R.

[Reuben]

Fresno Grizzlies  @FresnoGrizzlies 17m ago
Fisher extends hit streak to 15 games: 26-for-66 (.394), 5 HR, 6 2B, 14 RBI, 10 R.

If he can keep this up, it would be quite cool. Perhaps he's finally figured out how to use his HR power without sacrificing so much batting average.

[juliogotay]

If he can keep this up, it would be quite cool. Perhaps he's finally figured out how to use his HR power without sacrificing so much batting average.

He's put together a nice little run since Spring Training. Sure looks like he's ready. Could he be substituted for KTucker in some trade talks for pitching?

[MusicMan]

He's put together a nice little run since Spring Training. Sure looks like he's ready. Could he be substituted for KTucker in some trade talks for pitching?

Let's keep perspective here. He was previously swapped out in a trade for Mark Appel, a pitcher who pretty much everyone recognizes sucks ass. I know he's improved, but swapping him for a top-15 prospect in all of baseball?


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[Nate Colbert]

Tony Kemp officially activated after being sent down. Colin Moran to 7-day DL.

Moran came off DL and played in tonight's game. RHP David Martinez  was de-activated.

[Nate Colbert]

Paul Braverman @PaulBraverman 3m ago
A.J. Reed leads @TripleABaseball with 24 walks (35 G). Who leads all of @MiLB? That'd be Jon Singleton, with 36 for @cchooks (33 G).

[Nate Colbert]

Martes struggles again--now 19 walks in 19 IP plus 26 hits allowed.

[Reuben]

Paul Braverman @PaulBraverman 3m ago
A.J. Reed leads @TripleABaseball with 24 walks (35 G). Who leads all of @MiLB? That'd be Jon Singleton, with 36 for @cchooks (33 G).

Singleton's impressive walk rate and OBP aren't that encouraging when you take into account his .245 AVG and the fact that he's back in AA. In all seriousness I wonder what went wrong with him?

[Nate Colbert]

Trent Thornton de-activated today. Makes room (at least in the short term) for Dayan Diaz returning to the Grizz.

[Nate Colbert]

Jake Kaplan  @jakemkaplan 2m ago
The Astros released Triple-A Fresno righthander Keegan Yuhl, who had a 15.56 ERA in 19 2/3 innings this season.

Had previously been on DL, so no roster spot opened by his release.

[Nate Colbert]

Moran came off DL and played in tonight's game. RHP David Martinez  was de-activated.

Martinez activated, RHP Ryan Thompson de-activated.

[Nate Colbert]

Eduardo de Oleo up from Buies Creek to fill in while Juan Centeno is with the Astros.

[Nate Colbert]

9-gamer for Colin Moran since coming off DL. Hitting .364 (12-33) during that span with plenty o' pop: 4 homers and 3 doubles.

[Jacksonian]

Jankowski (not on the 40-man) gets called up to take Tolliver's place on the 25-man.  I'm betting the off-setting move on the 40-man is Aplin being waived.

[jaklewein]

Jankowski (not on the 40-man) gets called up to take Tolliver's place on the 25-man.  I'm betting the off-setting move on the 40-man is Aplin being waived.

Good call.

[Jacksonian]

Good call.

Really he's the only one that made sense.

[Nate Colbert]

Amongst the other roster moves impacting the Grizz today, Brian Holmes was re-activated.

[Nate Colbert]

Aplin was traded to the Mariners for cash or a PTBNL and then assigned by Seattle to AAA Tacoma.

[VirtualBob]

Aplin was traded to the Mariners for cash or a PTBNL and then assigned by Seattle to AAA Tacoma.

There goes one of the better pitchers in Fresno.  Only 5 games, but a WHIP of 1.0 and an ERA of 1.80 in mop-up duty.  Trouble is, with the starters average ERA above 7.00 the mops are being used way too often with way too little effect.

[VirtualBob]

Singleton back in the lineup tonight. Did we ever learn what was up with the (short) suspension?

[juliogotay]

Singleton back in the lineup tonight. Did we ever learn what was up with the (short) suspension?

To be blunt, is Singleton even relevant anymore?

[VirtualBob]

To be blunt, is Singleton even relevant anymore?

Good point.  And I have no idea why I put this in the AAA thread anyway.  My bad.

[Reuben]

Good point.  And I have no idea why I put this in the AAA thread anyway.  My bad.

I think his comment was mainly an excuse to use a weed pun, in any case.

[VirtualBob]

I think his comment was mainly an excuse to use a weed pun, in any case.

And me without my stepladder.

[Nate Colbert]

Astros scout Tim Bittner on Derek Fisher (who he signed):

“Getting to read the [Astros organization] reports everyday, I think Derek has been conscious about it over the last two years or so – Derek and I have talked about it – with the amount of time he has put into sharpening up his defense. He played center field in high school and he was a question mark, but I think because of his speed and athleticism and the work he’s put in, he’ll be a viable option in center. That would be the one thing that I’ve seen him really progress, with watching him whenever I can and reading the reports, is his defense has gotten noticeably better.”

[juliogotay]

Astros scout Tim Bittner on Derek Fisher (who he signed):

“Getting to read the [Astros organization] reports everyday, I think Derek has been conscious about it over the last two years or so – Derek and I have talked about it – with the amount of time he has put into sharpening up his defense. He played center field in high school and he was a question mark, but I think because of his speed and athleticism and the work he’s put in, he’ll be a viable option in center. That would be the one thing that I’ve seen him really progress, with watching him whenever I can and reading the reports, is his defense has gotten noticeably better.”

Being able to handle CF makes him more valuable as a trade chip than strictly a LFer. Just sayin'.

[Nate Colbert]

LHP Asher Tolliver to 7-day DL as RHP Brendan McCurry returns from drug suspension.

[MusicMan]

Derek Fisher's last 31 games:

.376 /.420/.662, 11 2B, 9 HR, 26 RBI, 7 SB



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[juliogotay]

Derek Fisher's last 31 games:

.376 /.420/.662, 11 2B, 9 HR, 26 RBI, 7 SB



Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

He looks like he's ready to play with the big boys.

[Reuben]

He looks like he's ready to play with the big boys.

Sure does. When's the last time they had a player who looked that good and that ready, but no spot for him? Berkman before Roger cedeno's injury?

[Nate Colbert]

Movement continues with Dean Deetz up from CC as well as OF Alejandro Garcia.

[Nate Colbert]

Derek Fisher's last 31 games:

.376 /.420/.662, 11 2B, 9 HR, 26 RBI, 7 SB

Another deep fly tonight. Third consecutive game with a homer.

[Nate Colbert]

Tony Eusebio Juan Centeno now has a 19-game hitting streak which, because of sharing time with Max Stassi behind the plate, stretches back to April 16. Centeno has only gone hitless in 2 games this year.

The 19-gamer is sandwiched around those awesome 2 games with the Astros. So between majors and minors, he's hit in 21 straight games.

[Reuben]

If he keeps up this pace, he'll be more valuable than Pence!

[Nate Colbert]

RHP Jared Mortensen (who was picked up in the minor league portion of the Rule 5 draft in December) apparently has been activated while RHP Edison Frias goes to (I presume) the inactive list.

Mortensen has been released.

[VirtualBob]

Mortensen has been released.

About time.

[Nate Colbert]

With Dayan Diaz up to the Astros, Ralph Garza has been moved up from BC.

[Nate Colbert]

It's contagious (or related): Francis Martes scratched from his start tonight.

[Reuben]

It's contagious (or related): Francis Martes scratched from his start tonight.

I would assume the next guy to come up in place of Diaz would be Jankowski, unless he hasn't been down the requisite 10 days.

[Reuben]

I would assume the next guy to come up in place of Diaz would be Jankowski, unless he hasn't been down the requisite 10 days.

...and I was wrong. Jankowski isn't eligible to come back up until tomorrow, anyway.

[Nate Colbert]

LHP Asher Tolliver to 7-day DL as RHP Brendan McCurry returns from drug suspension.

Tolliver healthy and now activated with Ralph Garza back to BC the offsetting move.

[Nate Colbert]

Derek Fisher 2nd in PCL in homers, 1st in total bases, 5th in hits, 7th in BA, 2nd in OPS and 3rd in slugging. The few players ahead of him in those categories play in hitter havens such as Reno, Colorado Springs, Albuquerque and Las Vegas.

[Nate Colbert]

Kyle Smith has been promoted from Corpus.

[Jacksonian]

Don't look now but Colin Moran is resurgent.  He's altered his swing a bit to generate more lift.  The result has been a serious increase in extra base hits and a small decline in his batting average.

[Nate Colbert]

Matt Grilli @themattgrilli 1h ago
8 consecutive multi-hit games for @FresnoGrizzlies Tyler White, who is batting .500 (17-34) w/ 6 XBH, 3 HR, 11 RBI and 9 R in that span.

 

[juliogotay]

Don't look now but Colin Moran is resurgent.  He's altered his swing a bit to generate more lift.  The result has been a serious increase in extra base hits and a small decline in his batting average.

.874 OPS for Moran. I hope that he could be a part of a deal for a pitcher.

[Nate Colbert]

Matt Grilli @themattgrilli 1h ago
8 consecutive multi-hit games for @FresnoGrizzlies Tyler White, who is batting .500 (17-34) w/ 6 XBH, 3 HR, 11 RBI and 9 R in that span.

Make it 10 straight after cranking out 9 hits the last 2 nights. Batting .565 (26-for-46) during that stretch with 5 HR, 8 doubles, 18 RBI and 14 runs.

Up to .307/.378/.480 on the year.

[Nate Colbert]

The 96 home runs by the Grizz leads all of minor league baseball.

[geezerdonk]

Given up or hit?

[geezerdonk]

Fresno leads/trails the PCL with a whopping 5.92 team ERA almost half a run worse the next closest team. 

[Nate Colbert]

Don't look now but Colin Moran is resurgent.  He's altered his swing a bit to generate more lift.  The result has been a serious increase in extra base hits and a small decline in his batting average.

16th tonight for Moran. If he keeps up that pace, on track for 32 longballs. Previous season high: 10. Career homers (4 seasons) entering this year: 30.

[Navin R Johnson]

SELL SELL SELL !!!

[Reuben]

SELL SELL SELL !!!

The Astros have always loved Moran much more than any other team, it seems. Even with this power surge I wonder how much trade value he really has, relative to how much they value him.

[Tonywatson]

I don't know how much value he has, but he is having a good season. People always looking for 3B help but he's going up need to show extended power probably to get people interested in him beyond a throw in. I think he's blocked by Bergman and also by JD Davis, even though JD is at AA.


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[Uncle Charlie]

3 for 5 with another dinger last night.  He's a good asset at this point, whether used for trade .  It's easy to forget, he's only a 1 1/2 yrs older than Bregman.

[Nate Colbert]

Jordan Jankowski to DL.

[Nate Colbert]

I believe it was based on a fan vote but Colin Moran and Derek Fisher were selected as starters for the AAA All-Star game.

[geezerdonk]

Super outing by Musgrove last night. 7 innings, 1 hit, 2 walks, 7 strike outs, 0 runs, 84 pitches.

[Reuben]

Super outing by Musgrove last night. 7 innings, 1 hit, 2 walks, 7 strike outs, 0 runs, 84 pitches.

That's great to see. I'm sure the Astros will need him again this year.

[Nate Colbert]

In the month on June:

Colin Moran .327/.381/.663 with 9 home runs.
Tyler White   .381/.455/.733 with 9 home runs.

[geezerdonk]

In the month on June:

Colin Moran .327/.381/.663 with 9 home runs.
Tyler White   .381/.455/.733 with 9 home runs.

And yet, they are probably stuck behind Centeno, Fisher and Kemp for the first call up (depending on need).

[VirtualBob]

Tolliver back up to Houston; Armenteros up from Corpus.

[Nate Colbert]

Armenteros in his AAA debut: 6 scoreless with 8 whiffs and 5 hits/walks allowed.

[Nate Colbert]

Jordan Jankowski to DL.

And comes off today.

[Nate Colbert]

From the Grizz PR folks:

Kevin Comer ranks 5th among PCL relievers in K/9 at 10.51 (51 Ks in 43.2 IP).

[Nate Colbert]

Another lefty bites the dust: former 13th rounder (2012) Brian Holmes has been released. A decent performance for CC in 2016 gave way to an awful 2017 for the Grizz with a 1.91 WHIP and 9.11 ERA.

Indy league signee Casey Coleman also let go.

Jacob Dorris and Andrew Thome called up from CC.

[Nate Colbert]

Armenteros in his AAA debut: 6 scoreless with 8 whiffs and 5 hits/walks allowed.

Another good outing tonight and now over his 1st 2 Fresno starts: 12 IP 5 H 1 ER 5 W 11 K.

And Brendan McCurry over his last 6 relief outings: 9.1 IP 4 H 1 ER 1 BB 14 K.

[Nate Colbert]

The Grizz have gone 31-12 since starting the season 18-29.

[VirtualBob]

The Grizz have gone 31-12 since starting the season 18-29.

Starting pitchers seem to be the difference. Martinez has improved and other new faces have helped.

[juliogotay]

Just saw Moran crack a line drive HR in the AAA All-Star Game. He's playing 3rd.
Ironically, it was hit off of Eshelman.

[Nate Colbert]

Just saw Moran crack a line drive HR in the AAA All-Star Game. He's playing 3rd.
Ironically, it was hit off of Eshelman.

Moran later added an excuse me half-swing infield hit to go 2-4 in the game. Derek Fisher (playing CF and batting 2nd) went 0-3 while Max Stassi had a single in two trips.

RHP Troy Scribner was another ex who played in the game, besides Eshelman.

[Nate Colbert]

Kemp batting .423 (33-78) during his 19-gamer.

[Nate Colbert]

Kent Emanuel up from CC to take Guduan's spot on roster. And the triumvirate (Emanuel, Moran, Thornton) from that 2013 NC Tarheel team* gets reunited.

*The 2013 season was one of the best in school history. The Tar Heels were ranked #1 in the Baseball America poll for most of the season, and won their first ACC tournament title in six years. They made the 2013 NCAA Division I Baseball Tournament as the overall number-one seed, and advanced to the 2013 College World Series (they were eliminated by eventual CWS winner UCLA in the semi-finals).

[Nate Colbert]

In that 8 home runs (combined) 22-8 blowout at Las Vegas last night (a not exactly atypical game for that stadium), the Grizz scored there final run off former Astros' 1st rounder Jio Mier.

Tony Kemp extended his hit streak to 22 games while Alejandro Garcia has a 10-gamer.

Jon Kemmer had a big night and now leads the Grizzlies with a .951 OPS, which ranks 6th in the PCL (2nd if you discount those players ahead of him who play in extreme hitter-friendly home parks such as Reno and Colorado Springs).

[juliogotay]

In that 8 home runs (combined) 22-8 blowout at Las Vegas last night (a not exactly atypical game for that stadium), the Grizz scored there final run off former Astros' 1st rounder Jio Mier.

Tony Kemp extended his hit streak to 22 games while Alejandro Garcia has a 10-gamer.

Jon Kemmer had a big night and now leads the Grizzlies with a .951 OPS, which ranks 6th in the PCL (2nd if you discount those players ahead of him who play in extreme hitter-friendly home parks such as Reno and Colorado Springs).

I had to remind myself what position Mier was drafted in the first round. It was the 21 spot four spots ahead of Mike Trout's selection by Angels.  That was the Strasberg draft with he going #1 but there weren't that many guys that have created a big splash out of that first round. Interestingly, Trout was the Angels second first round pick having taken Randal Grichuk immediately before him at #20. Pollock went in that draft at #17, to Ari., and Gibson that started Sunday game against Houston for Twins went directly behind Mier @ #22. Some other familiar names from that draft included Matt Purke and Shelby Miller. Mike Leake was a good pick at #8 for Cincy.

[Navin R Johnson]

Since getting to .344 on June 3rd, Fisher is batting .227 in his last 27 games at Fresno.   He does have 6 homers & 9 doubles in that time (110 ABs).   His OB% is .307 and SLG% .491.   20Ks/13BB

[Nate Colbert]

Relievers Tyson Perez and Aaron West have been released.

7 and 6 years, respectively, in the organization with both being former 17th rounders.

[Nate Colbert]

So 41 runs on 41 hits for the Grizz in the first 2 games of the Vegas series, including 8 doubles and 12 longballs. Combined for both teams: 61 runs on 73 hits with 14 doubles, 1 triple and 18 HRs.

2 more games left in the series.

[MusicMan]

Teo went 3-3 with 3 3B, 3 R, and 3 RBI.

Upon seeing all those 3s, Daryl Morey immediately traded for him.


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[Nate Colbert]

Calmer happenings in game #3 at Cashman Field.

Trent Thornton with his 3rd decent outing in a row. Over that stretch, a combined 17 strikeouts vs 4 walks in 17 IP with 4 runs on 17 hits allowed.

24-gamer for Kemp, 11-gamer for A. Garcia and JD Davis singled in both of his first 2 AAA ABs.

[Nate Colbert]

So 41 runs on 41 hits for the Grizz in the first 2 games of the Vegas series, including 8 doubles and 12 longballs.

For the 4-game series, Fresno scored 61 runs on 66 hits with 12 doubles and 19 home runs.

The Grizzlies' minor-league leading HR total now stands at 149. Majors and minors, only their parent club has hit more.

[Navin R Johnson]

Since getting to .344 on June 3rd, Fisher is batting .227 in his last 27 games at Fresno.   He does have 6 homers & 9 doubles in that time (110 ABs).   His OB% is .307 and SLG% .491.   20Ks/13BB

8 for 13 with  2 doubles a homer and 4 RBI since this post...batting average up to .314

[Nate Colbert]

7th home run in last 10 games for AJ Reed and his 9th in the month of July.

[Nate Colbert]

Kyle Smith was released. A 4th round pick by KC in 2011, he came to the organization in 2013 in the Justin Maxwell trade. He joins Edison Frias, Keegan Yuhl, Jared Mortensen, Brian Holmes, Casey Coleman, Tyson Perez and Aaron West among Grizz pitchers who have been released this year.

[Lefty]

Kyle Smith was released. A 4th round pick by KC in 2011, he came to the organization in 2013 in the Justin Maxwell trade. He joins Edison Frias, Keegan Yuhl, Jared Mortensen, Brian Holmes, Casey Coleman, Tyson Perez and Aaron West among Grizz pitchers who have been released this year.

Not that he was any sort of a prospect, but was there anything to Smith getting cut other than lack of health and performance?  He seemed like decent roster filler to me at least.

[juliogotay]

Not that he was any sort of a prospect, but was there anything to Smith getting cut other than lack of health and performance?  He seemed like decent roster filler to me at least.

I suspect they needed the room with all the promotions occurring between levels.

[Nate Colbert]

The Grizzlies' minor-league leading HR total now stands at 149. Majors and minors, only their parent club has hit more.

Grizz now leads the Astros in HRs (168 vs 167).

[Nate Colbert]

With a depleted roster, OF Drew Ferguson gets moved up from CC and OF/1B Spencer Johnson gets moved up from BC.

[Nate Colbert]

Whether this a short term move to simply fill out a minor league roster or something more (PR-type at the big league level), the Astros purchased the contract of speedster Rico Noel out of the indy leagues. Noel was leading the Atlantic League with 34 steals while his minor league high was 90 SBs back in 2012 while in the Padres' organization. Has also been in the Yankees and Dodgers organizations. His only major league service time was 15 games as a Sept callup in 2015 while with NY. Pretty much an outfielder but recently with Lancaster had been playing some 2B. Career .252 hitter over 7 years in affiliated minors.

I haven't seen an announcement where the Astros are assigning Noel but it seems a foregone conclusion that he'll be heading to the Grizz.

[Nate Colbert]

I haven't seen an announcement where the Astros are assigning Noel but it seems a foregone conclusion that he'll be heading to the Grizz.

Nope. Sent to Corpus.

[Nate Colbert]

JD Davis with his 5th longball in 16 AAA games and 26th on the season overall.

[Nate Colbert]

With Centeno up to the big club, Garrett Stubbs moves up from CC.

Also, INF Alex De Goti has been brought up from BC.

[Nate Colbert]

Tony Kemp over his last 60 games: .349/.401/.543 with 11 doubles, 6 triples, 9 HRs, 13 SBs, 7.0 BB%, 8.4 K%.

[geezerdonk]

See you September 1 Tony - if not sooner.

[Nate Colbert]

Kyle Smith joins Edison Frias, Keegan Yuhl, Jared Mortensen, Brian Holmes, Casey Coleman, Tyson Perez and Aaron West among Grizz pitchers who have been released this year.

You can add Ashur Tolliver to this list.

[geezerdonk]

Armenteros' last two outings - 15 innings, 3 hits, 0 runs, 17 strikeouts.

[doyce7]

Armenteros' last two outings - 15 innings, 3 hits, 0 runs, 17 strikeouts.

Is that good?

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[juliogotay]

Is that good?

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Luhnow says he is candidate for rotation for next year.

[Navin R Johnson]

I hadn't been following Rogelio Armenteros, at all, until the last couple weeks.   His stats this and last season can't be glossed over though.   How high does this guy jump in the Astros prospect rankings at year end?   Top 10?

His before the season scouting reports are pretty meh, basically ceiling backend rotation guy, solid FB/CB/CH, but no plus pitch.   But his IP/K and IP vs Hits are pretty damn impressive, not sure how you rack his numbers with average stuff.

[jbm]

Who knows with a Cuban.  Might just be better instruction, late blooming, Fidel's final demise.

[Jacksonian]

I hadn't been following Rogelio Armenteros, at all, until the last couple weeks.   His stats this and last season can't be glossed over though.   How high does this guy jump in the Astros prospect rankings at year end?   Top 10?

His before the season scouting reports are pretty meh, basically ceiling backend rotation guy, solid FB/CB/CH, but no plus pitch.   But his IP/K and IP vs Hits are pretty damn impressive, not sure how you rack his numbers with average stuff.

Never look at projections.  If the Astros think he can start in the majors he'll be there.  If he's the highlight of a big trade that'll tell what some other team thinks of him.  He's rule 5 eligible after the 18 season.  Let's see what happens with him this off-season.  At this point in his career he looks like he'll get a shot to pitch in the majors.  From there it's all about production.

[BUWebguy]

His before the season scouting reports are pretty meh, basically ceiling backend rotation guy, solid FB/CB/CH, but no plus pitch.   But his IP/K and IP vs Hits are pretty damn impressive, not sure how you rack his numbers with average stuff.

Isn't this pretty much how Musgrove was described just before he hit the big leagues?

[Jacksonian]

Isn't this pretty much how Musgrove was described just before he hit the big leagues?

The view of Musgrove was rosier but with injury history.

[juliogotay]

I understand Armenteros definitely has a +ChangeUp.

[Navin R Johnson]

Isn't this pretty much how Musgrove was described just before he hit the big leagues?

Not sure but comparing #s as 22/23 year olds.   Both played in A, A+ & AA as 22 year olds, and AA, AAA as 23 year olds

Musgrove 22:  1.88 ERA, 100 IP, 85 H, 8 BB, 99 Ks
Musgrove 23:  2.74 ERA,  85 IP, 79 H, 10 BB, 87 Ks

Armenteros 22: 3.52 ERA, 127 IP, 116 H, 44BB, 140 Ks
Armenteros 23: 2.04 ERA, 123 IP, 93 H, 38 BB,  146 Ks

Musgrove clearly had better BB #s, but Armenteros H/IP and K/IP are substantially better.