His hometown newspaper does a story on Bud and his chances of making the jump to the Bigs.
On his AFL performance:
Bud Norris“Team ERAs were around five or six, so a lot of (pitchers) went down there and did not succeed,” Norris said. “But the guys that did go down there and succeed were obviously, I feel, a lot more prepared for the next level.”
For those players who are not ready for the Caribbean leagues but who are from that country, there is the Parallel league. Yesterday, I found the Venezuelan League’s page for it’s liga paralela. Houston has a team by itself in the league for the time being. I am sure this will cease now that the Astros are closing their academy in Venezuela. Here are some notable performances from the Parallel League Season:
Jose Altuve – The little 2nd baseman was 5th in the league in average (.341), tied for 3rd with 3 triples and finished 9th with a slugging % of 0.480. He lead the team in the following categories: hits (42), doubles (8), RBI (20), total bases (59), walks (19), Stolen bases (9 in 12 attempts), on base % (.441). Altuve did commit 15 errors in 35 games, which also lead the team.
Read More
It is playoff time in the tropics. The Dominican League’s playoffs have already started and the other two are close behind. Let’s check on the progress of those with Astros connections.
Puerto Rico
Gigantes de Carolina
Tyler Lumsden, LHP – Had two good outings before Christmas. Combined 3 1/3 innings with no runs, 2 hits, 2 walks & 2 Ks. Season ERA is sitting at 7.27 through 17 1/3 IP.
Lobos de Arecibo
Edwin Maysonet, SS – Appeared in two games since the last update. Season average down to .295 in 61 AB. Has made 3 errors.
Read More
J. R. has made an appearance in the Dominican Winter League. He is on Aguilas Cibaenas. So far he is 0 for 6 with an RBI and a run scored. We will add him to our list of players to watch in the Caribbean.
Here is the latest from warmer climates. We are still waiting to see J. R. Towles show up on a roster in the DWL. I have stopped tracking the Minor League Free Agents, so the list is shorter this time.
Puerto Rico
Gigantes de Carolina
Tyler Lumsden, LHP -Had one appearance since our last visit. He gave up 1 earned run on 2 hits and a walk in 1 IP.
Lobos de Arecibo
Edwin Maysonet, SS -Hasn’t appeared in a game since 11/28. Hitting .302 on the season.Read More
Cue the steel drums. It’s December and time for a winter ball update.
Puerto Rico
Gigantes de Carolina
Tyler Lumsden, LHP – New acquisition from the Royals. Has had one good start (5 IP, 6K, 0 ER, 1 hit, 2 BB) but otherwise has been pedestrian. Season line up to this point 13 IP, 16 hits, 13 Runs/ER, 10 BB, 11K. Trend looks to be improving however.
Lobos de Arecibo
Raymar Diaz, RHP -released by Houston and will no longer be tracked.
Edwin Maysonet, SS -Bounced back with a descent week going 3 for 11 with a double and a triple. Now hitting .302 on the season.Read More
