Author Topic: Ex-Bus Rider News 17-18  (Read 19069 times)

the KEG

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Ex-Bus Rider News 17-18
« on: November 21, 2017, 02:12:31 am »
Mark Appel didn't make the 40-man cut for the Phils. Hard to believe he already turns 27 next season.

toddthebod

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Re: Ex-Bus Rider News 17-18
« Reply #1 on: November 21, 2017, 08:21:15 am »
How the mighty have fallen.  What's the story with someone who is DFA'ed.  If another team picks him up do they have to put him on their 40 man roster?  Or can he get a minor league deal?
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Re: Ex-Bus Rider News 17-18
« Reply #2 on: November 21, 2017, 09:02:25 am »
How the mighty have fallen.  What's the story with someone who is DFA'ed.  If another team picks him up do they have to put him on their 40 man roster?  Or can he get a minor league deal?

If he’s picked up before going through waivers he’s on that team’s 40 man.  If he gets through waivers he can be assigned to the Phillies minor league system or elect free agency.
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Re: Ex-Bus Rider News 17-18
« Reply #3 on: December 08, 2017, 05:29:11 pm »
BA is reporting that Colin Walsh has signed with the Relatively-Close-to-Los-Angeles Angels.
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Re: Ex-Bus Rider News 17-18
« Reply #4 on: December 14, 2017, 11:46:48 am »
Former Astro farm hand, former outfielder, Drew Muren was selected in the Rule 5 (AAA) portion  as a RHP by the Blue Jays. He can add former Giant to his former list.
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« Last Edit: December 22, 2017, 03:34:11 pm by Duman »
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Re: Ex-Bus Rider News 17-18
« Reply #6 on: February 17, 2018, 02:32:55 pm »
MLB is reporting that Fernando Abad has signed with Philliws and has been invited to spring training.
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Re: Ex-Bus Rider News 17-18
« Reply #8 on: March 14, 2018, 03:59:37 pm »
I truly don't recommend watching it (I haven't) but a TV station in Corpus has obtained the footage of Danry Vasquez hitting his girlfriend, which precipitated his arrest and release.  Now that the video's pubic, the Indy League team he was playing for has released him.
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Re: Ex-Bus Rider News 17-18
« Reply #9 on: June 19, 2018, 09:47:03 am »
Rough day on the mound for Adrian Houser. His line for the day,  2 hits, 1 run, 2 pukes.
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Re: Ex-Bus Rider News 17-18
« Reply #10 on: June 25, 2018, 07:01:15 pm »
RHP Ruben Alaniz is still hanging on after 9 years and 3 organizations. Currently in the bullpen for the AAA Durham Bulls (Rays).

Alaniz elected minors FA after 6 years in the Astros organization after the 2015 season.

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Re: Ex-Bus Rider News 17-18
« Reply #11 on: June 25, 2018, 10:34:39 pm »
What's up for a couple of former outfielders involved in recent trades?

Jason Martin (Gerrit Cole) hitting .333/.396/.537 for AA Altoona. MLB.com has him ranked as the Pirates' 21st best prospect.

Ramon Laureano (Brandon Bailey) with a .263/.356/.412 line for AAA Nashville. 20th-ranked A's prospect. Missed first 6 weeks of season with broken finger.

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Re: Ex-Bus Rider News 17-18
« Reply #12 on: June 28, 2018, 08:57:35 pm »
Jason Martin (Gerrit Cole) hitting .333/.396/.537 for AA Altoona. MLB.com has him ranked as the Pirates' 21st best prospect.

Just got promoted to AAA Indianapolis.

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Re: Ex-Bus Rider News 17-18
« Reply #13 on: June 29, 2018, 03:18:22 am »
Add Austin Wates to Ben Orloff and Kirk Saarloos on the list of ex-Bus Riders who are now assistants at D1 baseball programs. The former 3rd round pick (2010) was recently named to the coaching staff at Kansas State. Spent parts of 5 years in the system before going to the Marlins in the Marisnick trade.

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Re: Ex-Bus Rider News 17-18
« Reply #14 on: July 05, 2018, 10:31:37 am »
Nowhere else to put this so...

He's trailed off the last month or so but Cavan Biggio is batting .266/.394/.532 for AA New Hampshire (Eastern League).

Kody Clemens hit his first 2 professional home runs in a game yesterday for low-A West Michigan (MWL).

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Re: Ex-Bus Rider News 17-18
« Reply #15 on: July 05, 2018, 10:13:13 pm »
A couple of pieces in the Verlander swap both playing at AA Erie:

Daz Cameron: .352/.410/.690*
Jake Rogers: .210/.306/.371**

*17 games since being called up from FSL
**Throwing out 57% of baserunners

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Re: Ex-Bus Rider News 17-18
« Reply #16 on: July 06, 2018, 12:01:24 pm »
Add Austin Wates to Ben Orloff and Kirk Saarloos on the list of ex-Bus Riders who are now assistants at D1 baseball programs. The former 3rd round pick (2010) was recently named to the coaching staff at Kansas State. Spent parts of 5 years in the system before going to the Marlins in the Marisnick trade.

And in some more D1 news, Alex Sogard (who had been pitching coach) named the head coach at Wright State. Sogard was a 26th round pick of the Astros in 2010 and spent 5 years in the system.


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Re: Ex-Bus Rider News 17-18
« Reply #17 on: July 06, 2018, 01:04:55 pm »
Jayne with the extremely comprehensive update on which former Bus Riders are currently playing in the NPB, KBO, Mexican and indy leagues.

https://whattheheckbobby.blogspot.com/2018/07/former-astros-in-foreignindependent.html


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Re: Ex-Bus Rider News 17-18
« Reply #18 on: July 09, 2018, 07:49:17 pm »
Jacob Nottingham with his first major league hit tonight for the Brew Crew. He had gone hitless in an earlier callup this season.

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Re: Ex-Bus Rider News 17-18
« Reply #19 on: July 21, 2018, 02:30:03 pm »
Looking at Baseball America's updated top 10 Pirates prospects. Though he was not among the 10, they mentioned Jason Martin as a "Riser":
Quote
OF Jason Martin, acquired from Houston in the Gerrit Cole trade, continues to exceed evaluators’ projections and has hit .321/.378/.509 between Double-A and Triple-A.

It'll be hard for Martin to crack Pittsburgh's lineup anytime soon, considering they have Dickerson, Marte, and Polanco in the OF, plus two well-regarded young guys in Meadows and Luplow.
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Re: Ex-Bus Rider News 17-18
« Reply #20 on: July 21, 2018, 02:49:41 pm »
Nick Tropeano takes the mound for the LAAA tonight against the good guys ... not sure how many (if any) are former teammates.
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Re: Ex-Bus Rider News 17-18
« Reply #21 on: July 21, 2018, 05:06:00 pm »
Quick look says: Springer, Stassi, McHugh, Devo & Peacock. And he did make one Houston appearance during 2014 so he would have known some of the MLB guys from that and spring training.
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Re: Ex-Bus Rider News 17-18
« Reply #22 on: July 24, 2018, 04:09:18 pm »
Delino Deshields Jr Optioned to Minors by Texas.  Hitting .204/.300/.270 on the season
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Re: Ex-Bus Rider News 17-18
« Reply #23 on: July 24, 2018, 04:26:42 pm »
Wow, sort of surprised.  Kept hearing all the gold glove talk, but didn't realize the bat was that bad, even by Rangers standards.

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Re: Ex-Bus Rider News 17-18
« Reply #24 on: July 24, 2018, 06:48:04 pm »
Wow, sort of surprised.  Kept hearing all the gold glove talk, but didn't realize the bat was that bad, even by Rangers standards.
Same bat he has always had. Same glove, too, and nowhere close to “gold”.
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Ex-Bus Rider News 17-18
« Reply #25 on: July 24, 2018, 06:59:05 pm »
No arm, no gold glove; no matter how good he might be in all other areas.
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Re: Ex-Bus Rider News 17-18
« Reply #26 on: July 24, 2018, 07:07:29 pm »
Same bat he has always had. Same glove, too, and nowhere close to “gold”.
By any honest assessment, if you’ve watched him over the years, his glove has improved quite a bit in the last few years, and the statcast guys had him with the most runs saved this year for an AL CF this year, iirc.  And his bat this year is way worse than last year, and his July production is way worse than the previous three months. Other than that, I agree.

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Re: Ex-Bus Rider News 17-18
« Reply #27 on: August 02, 2018, 11:56:55 am »
OF Ramon Laureano with his first shot in the bigs after getting the callup to the A's. He was hitting .297/.380/.524 at AAA Nashville after missing time early in the season when he broke his hand in ST.

Good for him and hope he does well.

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Re: Ex-Bus Rider News 17-18
« Reply #28 on: August 02, 2018, 06:35:40 pm »
Mike Hauschild was signed by the Blue Jays and immediately added to their 25-man roster. He'll apparently be available for their game tonight vs the Mariners.

ETA #1:
Wow! 4 scoreless innings with just 3 hits and 1 walk allowed.

ETA #2:
They brought him out for 2 more innings and he continued to shine. Final line: 6 IP 4 H 0 R 1BB 5 K.
« Last Edit: August 02, 2018, 11:52:36 pm by Nate Colbert »

Snuffy

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Re: Ex-Bus Rider News 17-18
« Reply #29 on: August 02, 2018, 11:00:49 pm »
Mike Hauschild was signed by the Blue Jays and immediately added to their 25-man roster. He'll apparently be available for their game tonight vs the Mariners.

ETA:
Wow! 4 scoreless innings with just 3 hits and 1 walk allowed.

Great update!   Nice move by the Astros to set him free.
Just noticed that he was not just eating innings, the game is still tied after he was taken out.
« Last Edit: August 02, 2018, 11:02:43 pm by Snuffy »
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Re: Ex-Bus Rider News 17-18
« Reply #30 on: August 03, 2018, 06:27:24 am »
Literally signed his contract 30 minutes before the game. What a story!


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Re: Ex-Bus Rider News 17-18
« Reply #31 on: August 03, 2018, 07:43:12 am »
Literally signed his contract 30 minutes before the game. What a story!


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Indeed, a great story - for him and the Astros!  Good PR is needed now.
How much can he earn during the rest of the season?

PS: He did not just pitch last night.  He gave them six scoreless innings and got the WIN!!!
https://www.mlb.com/gameday/blue-jays-vs-mariners/2018/08/02/531048#game_state=final,game_tab=,game=531048

His five SO are highlighted here.  https://www.mlb.com/video/servais-on-offensive-struggles/c-2342193583
Could the headline read "Ex-Astro farmhand helps former team with 1st career win - in 1st 5th ML appearance!"
« Last Edit: August 03, 2018, 09:19:07 am by Snuffy »
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Re: Ex-Bus Rider News 17-18
« Reply #32 on: August 03, 2018, 09:11:16 am »
Mike Hauschild was signed by the Blue Jays and immediately added to their 25-man roster. He'll apparently be available for their game tonight vs the Mariners.

ETA #1:
Wow! 4 scoreless innings with just 3 hits and 1 walk allowed.

ETA #2:
They brought him out for 2 more innings and he continued to shine. Final line: 6 IP 4 H 0 R 1BB 5 K.

Nice scoop, Nate.  TY for this thread!
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Duman

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Re: Ex-Bus Rider News 17-18
« Reply #33 on: August 03, 2018, 04:28:48 pm »
Indeed, a great story - for him and the Astros!  Good PR is needed now.
How much can he earn during the rest of the season?


Major League minimum is 545,000. With 55 games left in the season (counting last nights game), he will earn just over 185,000 for the rest of the year if he stays with the big league club.  That is American Dollars.  I don't do canadian currency exchange rates.
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Re: Ex-Bus Rider News 17-18
« Reply #34 on: August 04, 2018, 05:56:18 am »
Major League minimum is 545,000. With 55 games left in the season (counting last nights game), he will earn just over 185,000 for the rest of the year if he stays with the big league club.  That is American Dollars.  I don't do canadian currency exchange rates.

TY.  Christmas came in August for the Hauschild family!
Any idea what he might have been making @ Fresno?
Thanks again,
Snuff
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Re: Ex-Bus Rider News 17-18
« Reply #35 on: August 04, 2018, 06:09:49 am »
Ramon Laureano got called up to the A’s. Walk off hit in debit plus some nice defense. Good for him! http://mlb.com/r/game_article?gid=2018_08_03_detmlb_oakmlb_1&mode=recap&c_id=oak




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Re: Ex-Bus Rider News 17-18
« Reply #36 on: August 04, 2018, 06:35:33 am »
Ramon Laureano got called up to the A’s. Walk off hit in debit plus some nice defense. Good for him! http://mlb.com/r/game_article?gid=2018_08_03_detmlb_oakmlb_1&mode=recap&c_id=oak

Yes!  Great stuff.
Here is a link to his highlights. 
https://www.mlb.com/video/must-c-laureanos-heroic-debut/c-2345903183
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Re: Ex-Bus Rider News 17-18
« Reply #37 on: August 06, 2018, 08:38:36 pm »
Mike Hauschild was signed by the Blue Jays and immediately added to their 25-man roster. He'll apparently be available for their game tonight vs the Mariners.

ETA #1:
Wow! 4 scoreless innings with just 3 hits and 1 walk allowed.

ETA #2:
They brought him out for 2 more innings and he continued to shine. Final line: 6 IP 4 H 0 R 1BB 5 K.

He'll get the start in Wednesday's game against the Red Sox.

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Re: Ex-Bus Rider News 17-18
« Reply #38 on: August 08, 2018, 12:52:00 pm »
Jacob Nix is expected to be called up by the Padres and will make his MLB debut this weekend.

http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sports/padres/sd-sp-padres-jacob-nix-debut-0808-story.html

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Re: Ex-Bus Rider News 17-18
« Reply #39 on: August 09, 2018, 01:28:52 am »
Japhet "El Gigante de Mulege" Amador suspended by the NPB for 6 months for banned substance. Had been playing in Japan for the last 3 years and was batting .269/.338/.580 with 20 homers this season for Rakuten.

Signed by Luhnow out of the Mexican League, he played a handful of games at AAA back in 2013-2014. He was sent to the Arizona Fall League the first season to get in some reps and the Astros brought him to big league camp the following spring.

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Re: Ex-Bus Rider News 17-18
« Reply #40 on: August 09, 2018, 01:35:36 am »
Japhet "El Gigante de Mulege" Amador suspended by the NPB for 6 months for banned substance.

What did he do, eat a vegetable?
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Re: Ex-Bus Rider News 17-18
« Reply #41 on: August 10, 2018, 11:03:25 pm »
Jacob Nix is expected to be called up by the Padres and will make his MLB debut this weekend.

http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sports/padres/sd-sp-padres-jacob-nix-debut-0808-story.html

6 scoreless innings tonight vs the Phillies.

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Re: Ex-Bus Rider News 17-18
« Reply #42 on: August 11, 2018, 08:15:15 pm »
LHP Buddy Boshers called up by the Pirates.

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Re: Ex-Bus Rider News 17-18
« Reply #43 on: August 11, 2018, 09:56:46 pm »
OF Ramon Laureano with his first shot in the bigs after getting the callup to the A's. He was hitting .297/.380/.524 at AAA Nashville after missing time early in the season when he broke his hand in ST.

Good for him and hope he does well.

Oh my...

https://twitter.com/NBCSAthletics/status/1028466523671748608

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Re: Ex-Bus Rider News 17-18
« Reply #46 on: August 17, 2018, 06:24:34 am »
Sebastian Kessay was picked up out of indy ball by the Dbacks. Had one very bad outing (4 1/3 IP, 8 H, 8 ER, 3 BB, 4 K) and then a solid one inning outing and the was placed on the DL. 
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Re: Ex-Bus Rider News 17-18
« Reply #47 on: August 17, 2018, 06:10:23 pm »
A couple of pieces in the Verlander swap both playing at AA Erie:

Daz Cameron: .352/.410/.690*
Jake Rogers: .210/.306/.371**

*17 games since being called up from FSL
**Throwing out 57% of baserunners

Cameron gets his 2nd promotion of the year. The Tigers have now moved him up to AAA Toledo after hitting .285/.367/.470 in 53 games for Erie.

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Re: Ex-Bus Rider News 17-18
« Reply #48 on: August 20, 2018, 11:07:20 pm »
Laureano goes deep twice tonight, 5 RBIs so far in the game vs the Rangers.

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Re: Ex-Bus Rider News 17-18
« Reply #49 on: August 21, 2018, 09:40:59 am »
Laureano goes deep twice tonight, 5 RBIs so far in the game vs the Rangers.

Is this a flash in the pan or could he be another J. D. Martinez?
Only time will tell.
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Re: Ex-Bus Rider News 17-18
« Reply #50 on: August 21, 2018, 09:42:17 am »
Laureano goes deep twice tonight, 5 RBIs so far in the game vs the Rangers.

Is this a flash in the pan or could he be another J. D. Martinez?
Only time will tell.
Can only protect a few, and there is a lot of talent in the system.
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Re: Ex-Bus Rider News 17-18
« Reply #51 on: August 24, 2018, 10:24:23 pm »
Laureano goes deep twice tonight, 5 RBIs so far in the game vs the Rangers.

His 3rd homer tonight. 9 RBIs in his 1st 16 games with the A's.

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Re: Ex-Bus Rider News 17-18
« Reply #52 on: August 25, 2018, 07:40:33 am »
His 3rd homer tonight. 9 RBIs in his 1st 16 games with the A's.

I was watching him the other night against the Twins. He's stockier than I imagined.
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Re: Ex-Bus Rider News 17-18
« Reply #53 on: August 25, 2018, 11:50:31 pm »
Don't want to make this the Laureano thread but since he is helping out our division rival...

2 walks and RBI single tonight. .304/.347/.522 after 17 games.

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Re: Ex-Bus Rider News 17-18
« Reply #54 on: August 26, 2018, 08:51:06 am »
Don't want to make this the Laureano thread but since he is helping out our division rival...

2 walks and RBI single tonight. .304/.347/.522 after 17 games.

It's a great story, even tho Laureano's success puts pressure on his FORMER team. 
To this point he is having a similar debut as Tyler White in 2016 and - hopefully - a few years later.
Keep the updates coming. 
The highlights Houston's ability to find and develop talent - and a farm system that is so stacked that there is not enough room for all the talent to reach the majors with the big league club. 
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Re: Ex-Bus Rider News 17-18
« Reply #55 on: September 01, 2018, 07:56:36 pm »
Nowhere else to put this so...

He's trailed off the last month or so but Cavan Biggio is batting .266/.394/.532 for AA New Hampshire (Eastern League).

Currently hitting .256/.393/.509 with 26 HRs and 98 RBIs and today named league MVP. BJs are also sending him to the AFL.

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Re: Ex-Bus Rider News 17-18
« Reply #56 on: September 07, 2018, 11:02:44 pm »
Mike Hauschild outrighted by the BJs today.

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Re: Ex-Bus Rider News 17-18
« Reply #57 on: September 08, 2018, 12:55:20 am »
29 games into his MLB career, Laureano with his second 2-homer game. Was batting leadoff for the A's.

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Re: Ex-Bus Rider News 17-18
« Reply #58 on: September 13, 2018, 10:17:39 pm »
MLB Pipeline @MLBPipeline 2 hours ago
Ramon Laureano has a pair of outfield assists tonight and has seven total on the season. He's tied for third in the AL ... and has played just 33 games. He also led the Texas League with 16 assists in 2017.

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Re: Ex-Bus Rider News 17-18
« Reply #59 on: September 14, 2018, 12:47:46 am »
MLB Pipeline @MLBPipeline 2 hours ago
Ramon Laureano has a pair of outfield assists tonight and has seven total on the season. He's tied for third in the AL ... and has played just 33 games. He also led the Texas League with 16 assists in 2017.

Didn't help him tonight.
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Re: Ex-Bus Rider News 17-18
« Reply #60 on: September 14, 2018, 02:16:34 am »
BTW, in the Klawchat today was this re Laureano:

Quote
Keith Law: I really liked him out of AFL 2016, then the Astros changed his swing and he stunk.

http://meadowparty.com/blog/2018/09/13/klawchat-9-13-18/

The "what changed for Laureano between 2017 and 2018" has been a recurring theme in prospect circles recently and this is the first time I've seen a swing change blamed for his 2017 troubles. Setting aside the obvious (why would the Astros have wanted to change his swing given Laureano's terrific regular season and AFL performance in 2016?), the consequences of this would have been:

Swing change----->Bad 2017----->Decision to not protect Laureano in 2017 Rule 5 draft----->Trade him to Oakland (who had inquired previously about him) in advance of the draft to avoid losing him w/o compensation

Just to be friggin' clear: no finger-pointing going on here. Given lack of information, it's far more productive to try and understand why decisions were made rather than necessarily criticize the decision that was made.

Laureano's physical tools (howitzer for an arm, speed) were fairly obvious to all. There was some question about his future power. So let's pretend for a moment that the organization did tinker with his swing to generate a better launch angle. If that failed in 2017, given his physical tools wouldn't the better course of action have been to go ahead and protect him and have him revert to the old swing in 2018 rather than end up selling low? Obviously those decisions don't get made in a vacuum and putting him on the roster may have had knock-on effects elsewhere (although in hindsight there was an open roster spot which apparently Luhnow & Co. were saving for...Anthony Gose).

Or did his poor 2017 at the plate suggest to the decision-makers that his 2016 numbers were merely an outlier (2/3 of that season was spent at Lancaster, his AFL performance was  SSS involving just 12 games, 2014/2015 numbers weren't particularly exceptional, unconscious bias against a 16th-round pick out of a podunk Okie juco)? Until I see some further evidence that a swing change actually occurred, if I were pinned down I would guess the "2016 was a mirage" mindset as the reason for the trade.

There obviously may have been other reasons for the trade and I await your criticism of my speculations own rationales.

Whatever the reason for the trade, lessons to be learned here may be that swimming against the tide may not be helpful in all situations and the Astros should follow a couple of baseball truisms: (1) don't do prospect for prospect trades (2) don't make trades within your division.

[One thing more about a possible swing change. Let's again assume that in fact it did happen. Who's to say it didn't take until 2018 for Laureano to master it and is just now seeing it come to fruition with the unprecedented pop (for him anyway)?]

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Re: Ex-Bus Rider News 17-18
« Reply #61 on: September 14, 2018, 09:05:08 am »
BTW, in the Klawchat today was this re Laureano:

http://meadowparty.com/blog/2018/09/13/klawchat-9-13-18/

The "what changed for Laureano between 2017 and 2018" has been a recurring theme in prospect circles recently and this is the first time I've seen a swing change blamed for his 2017 troubles. Setting aside the obvious (why would the Astros have wanted to change his swing given Laureano's terrific regular season and AFL performance in 2016?), the consequences of this would have been:

Swing change----->Bad 2017----->Decision to not protect Laureano in 2017 Rule 5 draft----->Trade him to Oakland (who had inquired previously about him) in advance of the draft to avoid losing him w/o compensation

Just to be friggin' clear: no finger-pointing going on here. Given lack of information, it's far more productive to try and understand why decisions were made rather than necessarily criticize the decision that was made.

Laureano's physical tools (howitzer for an arm, speed) were fairly obvious to all. There was some question about his future power. So let's pretend for a moment that the organization did tinker with his swing to generate a better launch angle. If that failed in 2017, given his physical tools wouldn't the better course of action have been to go ahead and protect him and have him revert to the old swing in 2018 rather than end up selling low? Obviously those decisions don't get made in a vacuum and putting him on the roster may have had knock-on effects elsewhere (although in hindsight there was an open roster spot which apparently Luhnow & Co. were saving for...Anthony Gose).

Or did his poor 2017 at the plate suggest to the decision-makers that his 2016 numbers were merely an outlier (2/3 of that season was spent at Lancaster, his AFL performance was  SSS involving just 12 games, 2014/2015 numbers weren't particularly exceptional, unconscious bias against a 16th-round pick out of a podunk Okie juco)? Until I see some further evidence that a swing change actually occurred, if I were pinned down I would guess the "2016 was a mirage" mindset as the reason for the trade.

There obviously may have been other reasons for the trade and I await your criticism of my speculations own rationales.

Whatever the reason for the trade, lessons to be learned here may be that swimming against the tide may not be helpful in all situations and the Astros should follow a couple of baseball truisms: (1) don't do prospect for prospect trades (2) don't make trades within your division.

[One thing more about a possible swing change. Let's again assume that in fact it did happen. Who's to say it didn't take until 2018 for Laureano to master it and is just now seeing it come to fruition with the unprecedented pop (for him anyway)?]

Pudnit hindsighting is ridiculous.

He was dealt because there was no room for him.  The Astros have Springer and Reddick through the 20 season.  Tucker is perceived to have the brighter future.  Alvarez had just stepped forward as a very young and very promising upcoming player.  Laureano had not demonstrated that he could be in either of the other two's class of hitter.  They have Marisnick through at least 2020 as a defensive player as well.  For the current window no one saw him as a right now, fills a need, guy.  So why have him hold a 40-man spot for nothing until at least 2021?
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Re: Ex-Bus Rider News 17-18
« Reply #62 on: September 14, 2018, 09:22:00 am »
He was dealt because there was no room for him.  The Astros have Springer and Reddick through the 2020 season.  Tucker is perceived to have the brighter future.  Alvarez had just stepped forward as a very young and very promising upcoming player.  Laureano had not demonstrated that he could be in either of the other two's class of hitter.  They have Marisnick through at least 2020 as a defensive player as well.  For the current window no one saw him as a right now, fills a need, guy.  So why have him hold a 40-man spot for nothing until at least 2021?

That's a fair counterpoint. And Derek Fisher was also considered to be ahead of him in the pecking order adding to the perceived glut.

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Re: Ex-Bus Rider News 17-18
« Reply #63 on: September 14, 2018, 09:27:33 am »


Pudnit hindsighting is ridiculous.

He was dealt because there was no room for him.  The Astros have Springer and Reddick through the 20 season.  Tucker is perceived to have the brighter future.  Alvarez had just stepped forward as a very young and very promising upcoming player.  Laureano had not demonstrated that he could be in either of the other two's class of hitter.  They have Marisnick through at least 2020 as a defensive player as well.  For the current window no one saw him as a right now, fills a need, guy.  So why have him hold a 40-man spot for nothing until at least 2021?


See also Teoscar Hernandez. Pretty clear they felt set in the outfield and were willing to use their depth to shore up other areas.

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Re: Ex-Bus Rider News 17-18
« Reply #64 on: September 14, 2018, 10:51:16 am »


See also Teoscar Hernandez. Pretty clear they felt set in the outfield and were willing to use their depth to shore up other areas.

Plus he nearly Adam Everrett'd Altuve.
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Ex-Bus Rider News 17-18
« Reply #65 on: September 14, 2018, 01:51:17 pm »
Don't forget Tony.
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Re: Ex-Bus Rider News 17-18
« Reply #66 on: September 15, 2018, 10:14:55 pm »
Former Bus Rider Juan...

Scott Merkin  @scottmerkin 58m ago
Minaya had a 10.80 ERA when he went to Triple A Charlotte after an outing on May 3. In his return, covering 41 games and 39.1 IP, his ERA is 2.75.



Tweet a bit misleading though. He's walked 19 during that stretch contributing to a 1.32 WHIP in that span. And walks have been an issue for him going back to his Houston days.

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Re: Ex-Bus Rider News 17-18
« Reply #67 on: September 26, 2018, 11:24:23 am »
Former V-Cats' manager Stubby Clapp (2011-2012) being mentioned as a possible successor for John Gibbons.

Was also a hitting coach in the system prior to his Tri-City stint.

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Re: Ex-Bus Rider News 17-18
« Reply #68 on: September 26, 2018, 12:43:16 pm »
Former V-Cats' manager Stubby Clapp (2011-2012) being mentioned as a possible successor for John Gibbons.

Was also a hitting coach in the system prior to his Tri-City stint.

Stubby Clapp sounds like a vaudeville name.

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Re: Ex-Bus Rider News 17-18
« Reply #69 on: September 26, 2018, 12:55:48 pm »
Stubby Clapp sounds like a vaudeville name.

Or an STD.

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Re: Ex-Bus Rider News 17-18
« Reply #70 on: September 28, 2018, 04:33:09 pm »
Laureano supplanting Dustin Fowler as the A's everyday CF:

A’s EVP Billy Beane tells [beat writer Susan] Slusser that the “job is [Laureano’s],” adding that the 24-year-old “has played that position just about as well as anyone we’ve ever had here.”

https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2018/09/al-west-notes-paxton-buttrey-laureano-astros-roster.html

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Re: Ex-Bus Rider News 17-18
« Reply #71 on: October 08, 2018, 06:29:45 pm »
Some exes who are now MLFAs:

RHP Mike Hauschild
LHP Buddy Boshers
LHP Anthony Gose
C Tim Federowicz
C Juan Centeno
OF JB Shuck

https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/minor-league-transactions-sept-17-oct-4/

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Re: Ex-Bus Rider News 17-18
« Reply #72 on: October 25, 2018, 05:48:54 pm »
Cuban pitcher Jesus Balaguer signed with Washington of the Frontier League after his release by the Astros back in July. He quickly racked up 47 K's in 25.2 innings for the Wild Things but also exhibited the control problems that plagued him with Houston with 16 walks. Anyhoo, he had his contract sold to the D-Backs earlier this month.

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Re: Ex-Bus Rider News 17-18
« Reply #73 on: November 06, 2018, 10:05:54 pm »
Some exes who are MLFAs:

Pitchers: Jake Buchanan, Asher Wojciechoski, Mitch Talbot, Brett Oberholtzer, Kevin Comer, Kevin Chapman, Ian Hardman, Samil De Los Santos, Harold Arauz, David Rollins, Ruben Alaniz, Rhiner Cruz
Catchers: Tyler Heineman, Kevin Martir, Roberto Pena, Carlos Perez
Infielders: Jake Elmore   
OFs: Preston Tucker, LJ Hoes, Andrew Aplin

https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/minor-league-free-agents-2018/?amphtml&__twitter_impression=true

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Re: Ex-Bus Rider News 17-18
« Reply #74 on: November 06, 2018, 10:09:14 pm »
Some exes who are MLFAs:

Pitchers: Jake Buchanan, Asher Wojciechoski, Mitch Talbot, Brett Oberholtzer, Kevin Comer, Kevin Chapman, Ian Hardman, Samil De Los Santos, Harold Arauz, David Rollins, Ruben Alaniz, Rhiner Cruz
Catchers: Tyler Heineman, Kevin Martir, Roberto Pena, Carlos Perez
Infielders: Jake Elmore   
OFs: Preston Tucker, LJ Hoes, Andrew Aplin

https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/minor-league-free-agents-2018/?amphtml&__twitter_impression=true
I would not mind seeing Pena or Perez back in the system.
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Re: Ex-Bus Rider News 17-18
« Reply #75 on: November 15, 2018, 11:24:17 pm »
Some signings: Andrew Aplin and Tyler Heineman to the D-Backs, Juan Centeno to the Red Sox, Jake Buchanan to the A's (which included a ST invite), Jose Cisnero to the Tigers and Mike Hauschild to the Cardinals.

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Re: Ex-Bus Rider News 17-18
« Reply #76 on: November 20, 2018, 11:33:10 am »
Longtime AAA manager (OKC 2011-14, Fresno 2015-17) and Astros' interim manager Tony DeFrancesco interviews for bench coach position with the Mets.

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Re: Ex-Bus Rider News 17-18
« Reply #77 on: November 20, 2018, 07:54:33 pm »
Some signings: Andrew Aplin and Tyler Heineman to the D-Backs, Juan Centeno to the Red Sox, Jake Buchanan to the A's (which included a ST invite), Jose Cisnero to the Tigers and Mike Hauschild to the Cardinals.

Also, Ruben Alaniz was signed by the Mariners last week and added to their 40-man roster. 9 years in the minors, the first 6 of which were with the Astros.

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Re: Ex-Bus Rider News 17-18
« Reply #78 on: November 20, 2018, 08:09:21 pm »
Recent 40-man roster additions:
  • RHP Franklin Perez by the Tigers
  • RHP Jorge Guzman by the Marlins
  • OF Jason Martin by the Pirates
  • RHPs Hector Perez and Trent Thornton by the Blue Jays

Not surprising given his struggles at the AAA level this past season but RHP Tom Eshelman was not protected by the Phillies.

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Re: Ex-Bus Rider News 17-18
« Reply #79 on: November 22, 2018, 07:01:42 am »
Rodney Linares named 3rd base coach for Rays.

Quote
The Tampa Bay Times reported last week Linares, 41, had emerged as the leading candidate for the job. He also fills the Rays' need for a Spanish speaker on the coaching staff in what will be his first major-league assignment after 22 years with the Astros.

"I was speechless, it took me a little while to gather my thoughts after I  was told. It was such a blessing," Linares said Wednesday. "I immediately started crying and I called my dad right away. It was just a special moment. You work your whole life to get to the big leagues and now this opportunity arises. It's an amazing feeling."

Thrilled for him.

« Last Edit: November 22, 2018, 07:06:03 am by Duman »
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Re: Ex-Bus Rider News 17-18
« Reply #80 on: November 22, 2018, 10:38:24 am »

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Re: Ex-Bus Rider News 17-18
« Reply #81 on: December 10, 2018, 01:22:51 pm »
Mike Elias and the Orioles claimed Rio Ruiz off waivers from the Braves.

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Re: Ex-Bus Rider News 17-18
« Reply #82 on: December 10, 2018, 09:17:41 pm »
Mike Elias and the Orioles claimed Rio Ruiz off waivers from the Braves.
Good luck to him.
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Ran across this Nov article about Daz Cameron...
« Reply #83 on: December 15, 2018, 10:09:18 pm »
Cameron gets his 2nd promotion of the year. The Tigers have now moved him up to AAA Toledo after hitting .285/.367/.470 in 53 games for Erie.
Did not show up in a search, so here's a link:
http://www.baseballessential.com/news/2018/11/17/tigers-prospect-daz-cameron-is-content-bucking-the-current-mlb-trend/
Quote
.... For Cameron, that means using his elite speed and above average bat-to-ball and defensive skills in center field. The former Houston Astros prospect finished the Arizona Fall League season with a .342 average and nine stolen bases in 79 at-bats and 20 games
Nothing worthwhile comes without pain, ask any Astros fan.

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Re: Ex-Bus Rider News 17-18
« Reply #84 on: December 20, 2018, 01:43:14 am »
Former 2nd round pick (2012) Nolan Fontana signs minor league deal with the Rangers. He had been released by the Angels in September.

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Re: Ex-Bus Rider News 17-18
« Reply #85 on: February 03, 2019, 09:43:46 pm »
Add Austin Wates to Ben Orloff and Kirk Saarloos on the list of ex-Bus Riders who are now assistants at D1 baseball programs. The former 3rd round pick (2010) was recently named to the coaching staff at Kansas State. Spent parts of 5 years in the system before going to the Marlins in the Marisnick trade.

With the retirement of legendary coach Mike Gillespie, Orloff has moved up and is now the HC for UC Irvine.

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Re: Ex-Bus Rider News 17-18
« Reply #86 on: February 05, 2019, 10:51:07 am »
With the retirement of legendary coach Mike Gillespie, Orloff has moved up and is now the HC for UC Irvine.

In the meantime, poor old Mike Martin trudges on. I got to spend some time with him and Skip Bertman together back in 1986 at Florida State. He's such a gentleman and a class act, but he's still chasing that first CWS championship-often a bridesmaid but never the bride. Mike's unbelievably still coaching. Skip told a group of us that he wouldn't be an old man coach, and he wasn't. Of course, Nick Saban told me the same thing back when he was still at LSU, but the money and success obviously made it easy for him to stay at Alabama. I'd stay too with that well-oiled machine.
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Re: Ex-Bus Rider News 17-18
« Reply #87 on: May 16, 2019, 03:12:14 pm »
Jacob Nottingham recalled today by the Brew Crew.
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Re: Ex-Bus Rider News 17-18
« Reply #88 on: May 18, 2019, 07:22:48 pm »
Jacob Nottingham recalled today by the Brew Crew.

And hit a home run last night.
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