Astros Instructional League Roster with notes.
The instructional leagues are run to provide players more of *something* under controlled circumstances. This is as opposed to simply playing winter ball in, say, the Dominican. A player may be sent to the instructional league to work on hitting or pitching mechanics. He may be sent there to work on his defensive skills. If the parent club believes a position switch is possible the player would receive instruction on how to play that position. The league is also provided to give players who may have signed late a chance to workout and play in game situations (instructional league do have games) with the club’s coaching staff present. Injured players may be sent there to work on rehab or build conditioning or strength. There may be other reasons a player is sent to instructional league as well.
Here is the list of players who attended the Astros Florida Instructional League this winter. Comments are provided for some of the players. The Astros were not always willing to provide detailed information for each player.
Pitchers:
Douglas Arguello , LHP: 20 years old for the 2005 season. Pitched out of the bullpen in Greeneville.
Jimmy Barthmaier , RHP: 21 years old for the 2005 season. Starter at Greeneville.
Evan Englebrook , RHP: 23 for the 2005 season. Starter at Tri-City.
Paul Estrada , RHP: 22 for most of the 2005 season. Bullpen at Tri-City.
Juan Gutierrez , RHP: Turns 22 in July. Starter at Greeneville. He was recently added to the Astros 40-man roster. The Astros consider hi mature for his age. They believe he has good command of an above average fastball, slider, and changeup. The also believe he has more raw potential than Nieve. He could possibly be at AA by 06.
Jason Hirsh , RHP: 23 for the 2005 season. Starter at Salem.
Brad James , RHP: 21 in June. Starter at Greeneville. Astros see him in the bullpen long-term.
Ryan McKeller , RHP: 22 in July. Starter at Tri-City.
Josh Muecke , LHP: 23 for the 2005 season. Swingman at Lexington.
Troy Patton , LHP: 20 in September. Starter at Greeneville.
Felipe Paulino , RHP: 21 for 2005. Starter at Greeneville. He injured his arm during the 2004 season. The Astros say they are being cautious and not saying much about his progress.
Chad Reineke , RHP: 23 for 2005. Bullpen at Tri-City. Astros see him as a potential workhorse out of the pen and needing to refine his off-speed stuff.
Mitch Talbot , RHP: 21 for 2005. Starter at Lexington.
Aaron Williams , RHP: 24 for 2005. Bullpen for 2005.
Catchers:
Eric Cavers , R/R: 22 for 2005. Astros like his athleticism.
Brady Koch , R/R: 23 in September. Late free agent signee in 04.
Zack Riera , R/R: 26 for 2005. Late free agent signee in 04.
Lou Santangelo , R/R: 22 for 2005. Started most of the games at Tri-City. Astros are very excited about his defensive potential and makeup. They see no need to rush his offensive development. They think it will come.
Justin Towles , R/R: 22 for 2005. Started more than half of the games at Greeneville. Twice drafted by the A’s as dfe.
Infielders:
Jonny Ash , L/R: 23 in september. Primarily at 3b for Tri-City. Also worked at 2b. Astros like his makeup and see him as likely a utility guy.
Mitch Einertson , R/R: 19 for 2005. Cf for Greeneville. Received instruction at 2b. The Astros say they are still experimenting. His future position unknown, but if he hits they’ll find a spot for his glove.
Mario Garza , L/R: 24 for 2005. 1b for Tri-City.
Edwin Maysonet , R/R: 23 for 2005. 2b and some ss for Lexington.
Scott Robinson , L/L: 21 for 2005. 1b for Lexington. He’s a hard worker. Astros were not giving out specifics but he’s expected to show more over the next few seasons.
Wade Robinson , L/R: 24 for 2005. SS for Salem.
Mark Saccomanno , R/R: 25 for 2005. 1b and dh for Salem. Astros do not see him at 3b.
Drew Sutton , S/R: 22 in June. 2b for Tri-City.
Bryan Triplett , R/R: 23 for 2005. 2b and 3b for Greeneville.
Ben Zobrist , S/R: 24 for 2005. SS for Tri-City. Astros say he has a good chance to be the regular ss for Salem.
Outfielders:
Anthony Acevedo , L/L: 27 for 2005. OF at Round Rock.
Josh Anderson , L/R: 23 in August. CF for Lexington and Salem.
Francisco Caraballo , R/R: 21 for 2005. OF for Tri-City. Astros see him as likely a corner outfielder. He is raw with the potential to be a good player.
Jordan Parraz , R/R: 20 for 2005. OF for Greeneville. He started 04 slowly and had a nice 2nd half. Astros are very excited about his ability to take instruction and make adjustments.
Hunter Pence , R/R: 22 for 2005. OF for Tri-City. He worked on all facets of his game. Astros would not provide specifics.
Ryan Reed , L/L: 21 for 2005. OF for Greeneville. He is athletic, similar to Colin Porter but with a shorter quicker stroke. Like Caraballo, he is raw with the potential to be a good player.