The Astros Farmhands are through with their AFL season. Here is how they faired.
Drew Sutton started off hot and cooled off towards the end of the season. He only had 4 hits in his last 30 AB on the season. He had 8 straight 2 strike out games to wrap up the season. He still finished with a .315 average. His 32 runs scored ranked him in a tie for 3rd most. He tied for 7th most doubles (9) ,5th most HR (7) and 8th most total bases (66). He took 24 walks on the season which lead the league but also fanned 31 times which was 7th most in the league. He finished just out of the top 10 in OPS (1.036). Projection for spring – AAA
As Sutton cooled off, Brian Bogusevic warmed up. After starting the season with a limp, he found his stride and finished with a solid .338 average. He finished with 5 extra base hits after not having one for quite some time. He finished the season with a 3 for 4 day with a double and a HR. This outing snapped a 3 game hitless streak. Projection for spring – AAA
Chris Johnson dropped below .300 at the end of the season to finish at .296. His 9 doubles tied him with Sutton and two other players for 6th most in the league. His 32 Ks placed him in 6th most in the league. Projection for spring – AAA
Mark Ori finished with a respectable .255 in limited playing time. He only was held hitless in one game. He finished the season with going 4 for 7 in his last two games. He did strike out 1 out of every 3 AB (17/51). Projection for spring -AA
Bud Norris was impressive this spring. He finished with a 1.89 ERA which was 2nd best in the league. He pitched scoreless ball for his last 6 outings. In those outings, he went 9 combined innings, giving up just 4 hits and striking out 12. Walks are the only trouble spot for Norris. In those last 9 IP, he walked 7 batters. We will see how his control looks in the spring but he looks bound for AAA. He appears to be the pitcher closest to the big leagues.
Sergio Perez finished with a 3.52 ERA, how ever, 4 of his 9 earned runs came in one outing. Perez had some control problems of his own. He hit 6 batters on the season which was the most in the league. Projection for spring – AAA
Brad James had a rough AFL. Let’s hope he was working on his change up because he was shelled. His season ERA was 10.64. Opponents had a .365 average against him. His GO/AO ratio went from 1.96 in Corpus to 0.64 in the AFL. Projection for spring – AAA.