Iorg at 90%

Posted on March 18, 2008 by Duman in From the Bus Stop

KRIS out of Corpus went to spring training for this report with video of Iorg:

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Astros Director of Player Development, Ricky Bennett, said, “Very athletic, can play all three outfield positions. He can play some left and some right, and he is gonna play right in the middle of our lineup. But, he is a guy who can swing the bat, run the bases well, good speed. He’s a good all around player that we’re excited about where he is in his development.”

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Iorg said, “Right now, I am at 90%, but two weeks ago I was 80%, so you know I am getting there.”

Eli Iorg

Dixon in OF, other minor updates

Posted on March 12, 2008 by Duman in From the Bus Stop

Astros.com provides us with updates on Brad James (he was okay with being sent down), Josh Muecke is likely headed for RR and the decision on whether Neive will break camp with RR or stay for Extended Spring.

Biggest news was that Russell Dixon, who was drafted as a second baseman will go into the outfield in Lexington this spring.

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“In our Elite Camp and our [Spring Training] minicamp, he took a lot of ground balls, but we made a decision the other day to put him in the outfield exclusively,” Bennett said.

Russell Dixon

Gervacio could help Astros this year

Posted on March 10, 2008 by Duman in From the Bus Stop

The Chronicle highlights up and coming pitcher Sammy Gervacio:

On his side arm delivery:

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“When I was little, I started throwing like that,” Gervacio said. “When I throw over the top, my arm hurts, so I like it more down.”

Ricky Bennett’s take:

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“He’s got a good arm and two good off-speed pitches he can throw for strikes. They’re average-to-plus pitches. He’s got a good slider, a real good changeup, and one thing we’ve worked on with him is trying to get him to use his fastball.”

Gervacio

Devon Torrence’s Conflicted Spring

Posted on March 9, 2008 by Duman in From the Bus Stop

This little blurb from Bob Hunter of the Columbus Dispatch tells us the conflicted nature of Devon Torrence’s spring:

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Devon Torrence remains interested in playing baseball for a Houston Astros farm team and football for Ohio State, but he might be getting concerned that he’s missing a lot of baseball without seeing a lot of playing time as an OSU receiver.Read More

Devon Torrence

Koby’s progress and a few other updates

Posted on March 6, 2008 by Duman in From the Bus Stop

Astros.com gives us these updates:

On Koby’s progress moving from 3rd to behind the plate:

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“He’s gaining every day,” Wiedenbauer said. “There are many challenges with that position. I would imagine the biggest challenge is the patience that it’s going to take, because it’s such an intricate position. It’s not going to happen overnight.

Astros Farm Helping Canada

Posted on March 5, 2008 by Duman in From the Bus Stop

Stubby Clapp, Lexington Legends hitting coach, and Jimmy VanOstrand, who played for the Legends last year are on the Canadian Olympic Team that is currently playing in Asia in an exhibition series with Australia to prepare for the Olympic Qualifier. The Qualifier is in Taipei March 7 – 15th.
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Canada, Minor News, Stubby Clapp, VanOstrand