Author Topic: Week 7/5 - 07/11: Ask And Ye Shall Maybe Receive vol. XVIII (Read 9243 times)

Jacksonian · « **on:** July 05, 2005, 12:04:30 pm »

Finally got around to adding a new "week". 4 of the Astros top 5 draft picks have yet to play an inning.

Duman · « **Reply #1 on:** July 05, 2005, 12:25:31 pm »

What concerns me more than the innings played is that 2 of the five haven't signed yet. Esp. #1.

Any word on the 3 HS kids of the first 10 rounds who haven't signed:

Lindblom, Clemens, & Meaker?

Jacksonian · « **Reply #2 on:** July 05, 2005, 12:34:16 pm »

Quote:

What concerns me more than the innings played is that 2 of the five haven't signed yet. Esp. #1.

Any word on the 3 HS kids of the first 10 rounds who haven't signed:

Lindblom, Clemens, & Meaker?

I really believe it's just a matter of time before Bogusevic is signed. I'm not concerned about the timing because the Astros have already said they are going to go very easy on his arm this season.

I heard last week that Lindblom is still negotiating but is far from a deal. I'd speculate that the Astros haven't offered anywhere near the signing bonus Lindblom wants.

I have not heard anything on Clemens or Meaker. I don't keep close track of Clemens because I'm sure the Houston media are constantly on watch for anything from him.

Jacksonian · « **Reply #3 on:** July 07, 2005, 11:54:51 am »

Went to the Frisco/Corpus game last night with Hirsh facing off against hard throwing Edison Volquez.

Volquez's fastball was 94-96 all night. His secondary pitch is a curveball. He had trouble controlling it. After a while the Hooks batters were measuring the fastball.

Hirsh had trouble in the first inning. He looked to me to be rushing a bit and leaving a lot of pitches up. He also missed inside a bit. His mechanics weren't where they should have been and you could tell by watching him come off the mound after the first that he wasn't happy.

After that, he started to improve his work. His delivery was better in the second and improved through the 6th inning. In fact he was totally in control and dominating in the 4th, 5th, and 6th innings. Also, his control was very good.

IIRC, Frisco batters hit the ball hard only twice off Hirsh all night. The leadoff double in the third and a flyout to Jimerson in deep right in the 6th.

Hirsh's fastball ranged from 89-93. He was normally at 91-92 though. He threw a few sliders at 83mph. His changeup was quite effective at 81.

It was very interesting to watch the 2 starters last night. After Jimerson stole 2nd in the 5th inning, Volquez looked a little unnerved. He gave up a hit to the next batter to score Jimerson, and if the following batter hadn't hit into a freak double play, the Hooks might have scored more that inning. Wade Robinson smoked a liner to short to end that inning. In the 6th and 7th innings you could see the frustration in Volquez rising as the Hooks teed off on his fastball, and he couldn't get his curve over the plate when he needed it. He seemed to fall apart a bit.

Hirsh on the otherhand seemed to stay quite composed despite the problems in the first inning and in the 3rd when he had to deal with a number of baserunners.

Aaron Williams, Salem's closer earlier this year, relieved Hirsh. He's got a funky 3/4 delivery. His fastball sits at 92. He had some control issues and got hit a bit but survived.

Offensively, Gimenez seems to have a good idea what he's doing at the plate right now. I hadn't seen him hit before. For those who have, is always pull happy? All three hits were smoked, esp the triple to right center. But, he really seemed to be swinging to pull on every swing.

Anderson reminded me a bit of Steve Finley, without the power. I'm not sure why, but he looks punch and judy at the plate.

Jimerson looked better last night than he did earlier this season. He ripped a double over the left fielder's head that had he gotten under it would have gone for days.

That's it. If you have questions, fire away.

jasonact · « **Reply #11 on:** July 07, 2005, 04:18:26 pm »

Ah yes. Missed that one. Anyway, good that it's done.

Fletch · « **Reply #12 on:** July 07, 2005, 06:22:07 pm »

Is his foot causing problems?

Uncle Charlie · « **Reply #14 on:** July 07, 2005, 09:29:52 pm »

I got to see Corpus earlier this year and was impressed with Gimenez as well. I was also very impressed with Saccamano. What did you think about him?

Jacksonian · « **Reply #16 on:** July 08, 2005, 12:04:00 pm »

Manzella made his debut last night and went 2 for 5 with a RBI and run scored. He DH'ed.

Uncle Charlie · « **Reply #17 on:** July 08, 2005, 02:48:35 pm »

What's the view on Klassen. He was once a pretty good prospect, but had been derailed with leg/foot injuries. Given his age, he'll never again be called a prospect, but could he help a team in a utility role?

Duman · « **Reply #18 on:** July 08, 2005, 03:03:43 pm »

Troy Patton is interviewed by BA about his season and why he hasn't been pitching lately ("They shut me down because I had some tightness in my shoulder. It's just minor tendonitis, and they were just very cautious. I'm ready to go, and start throwing again (Thursday) actually.").

The Link

jaklewein · « **Reply #21 on:** July 12, 2005, 10:39:37 am »

Points of interest:

Hirsh pitched a complete game shutout...K-ing 11, walking none. I'd love to hear details on his performance if anyone was in attendance. You put Astacio, Nieve, Bucholtz, Hirsh and Mclemore together and that's a pretty good group of pitching talent. While Pup may not want to give up three of them...surely he would consider moving one, maybe even two in the right deal for a bat.

Quintero went 1-3 and picked a runner off first. He looks to be getting back into the swing of things.

JAnderson had a good game which included three steals. I read a couple articles where the Pirates are looking for a CF or 3B prospect. With Taveras already with the big club you would think Anderson might be one of the few areas besides pitching where they could trade from a strength. I think CWilson would be a nice pickup.

Also, Whiteman played SS...so don't know what his future holds within the org anymore.

Duman · « **Reply #22 on:** July 12, 2005, 12:24:38 pm »

"DeJesus said Troy Patton will likely get his first start for the Avalanche on Saturday. Patton will be on a limit of 50 to 60 pitches, or three innings, then Matt Albers will take over."

The Link

Duman · « **Reply #23 on:** July 12, 2005, 12:49:10 pm »

Tolbert who was the 17th round draft pick out of Faulkner University in 2004 is showing some life. He was happered with a thigh injury during 2004 in Greeneville and has had an achilies injury right after his call up to Lexington this year.

On July 1, his average was at .091. Since then, he has raised it to .222. He has a 7 game hitting streak and during the streak he is: 12 for 28 (.429), 6 runs, 6 doubles, 5 RBI's, a triple and two stolen bases.

He plays a solid outfield and has good size 6' 4" and 205.

Let's see if he can keep it up.