Tag’s recap

When the Astros win like this, it’s hard not to get excited about the team. The starting pitching was cask-aged Mike Hampton, 1998 vintage, the offense was potent with a broad range of contributors, and even the game management was solid, saving us from another hilariously profane meltdown by Mr. Zipp. Everything was perfect.  Too perfect.

You see, I’m still having trouble figuring this team out.  The whole “just when you count them out, they rebound” thing has become so predictable that it’s starting to feel like an episode of Two and a Half Men (oh, Charlie, you insufferable cad!  When will you learn?) Some days, it feels like all the team needs is another piece to make the puzzle complete, and on others, you pray for flesh eating bacteria to devour the entire bullpen and coaching staff (except Clark, of course).  Inevitably, I get sucked back in to the optimist’s view.  Where’s Jake Peavy’s agent’s number, anyway?

Friday’s game saw Hampton making the Pyroots his bitch (again), throwing seven strong innings that looked like a more wily version of the old bulldog we knew and loved before the Intervening Unpleasantness. Even Fulchino got in on the act, providing two solid innings, saving the marquee (-ish) arms of the bullpen to fight another day.  On the other side, Jeff Karsten’s day started pretty well, until his irrestistable suckiness met the immovable object (Q, who took advantage of a rare start to rope an even more rare triple, plating two runs in the sixth).  After that, all hell broke loose, with eleven batter in the inning, capped by El Kabong’s grand slam off newly arrived reliever Evan Meek (who will inherit only a trip back to AAA instead of the earth).

When the dust settled, the eleven hitters had scored 7 runs, giving Hampton the foundation for his fourth win of the season, bringing his record to an even 4-4.   Fulchino didn’t earn a hold, because that’s a bullshit stat,  which even Bill James will tell you.

The Mud and Blood have two more games ahead against the Bucs, one of which is already underway, because I’m a lazy ass and I blacked out last night after reading OregonStrosFan’s brutal Carradine joke in the Game Zone last night.  Turns out fits of laughter are another, more productive way to pass out by yourself.

Series Preview by Craig

Talk it up in the regularly scheduled Game Zone (already in progress)

A Walk To The Park from Andy Tomczeszyn on Vimeo.

Whores one and all

So the Astros are playing host to the Rangers this weekend, and since Dallas always shows such great hospitality (cough), it’s high time that we hospitalized them.   While none of the particular players on the current Rangers team inspire much hatred, the Metroplex itself is more than worthy of every chunk of shit we can lob its way.  Without further ado, let the hate begin!

• As has been mentioned ad infinitum, people from Dallas are pretentious, status-obsessed assholes with enormous egos.  And that’s when you compare them to the residents of Tanglewood.
• The freeway system in the Metroplex is among the worst in the civilized world.  Not so much because of the traffic, but for sheer incomprehensibility.  While a map of Houston’s freeways looks like a slightly off-kilter compass, with an axis for every suburb, DFW thoroughfares meander, change from freeways to surface streets and back, all while following routes that can only leave you with the impression that the civil engineer who laid out the master plan had a rather impressive weed habit.
• Dallas has a virtual monopoly on loathsome sports franchise owners.  Mark Cuban AND Jerry Jones in the same city?  Meanwhile, Tom Hicks is (allegedly) close to being forced to sell the Rangers after losing his shirt in this recession thing. With any luck, Al Davis or Peter Angelos will come calling and complete the trifecta.
• As much as everyone rags on Tony LaRussa (rightly so) for having blinders on in both Oakland and St. Louis about steroids, the late 90’s Rangers teams look like a pharmacist’s wet dream: Juan Gone, Canseco, Pudge…shit.  Nevermind.
• Dallas in the final frontier of Tex-Mex; anywhere north of I-20, the salsa becomes suspect, the queso becomes Velveeta, and margaritas on the rocks are unheard of.  Ergo, Dallas is the end of civilization.
• The fucking Cowboys.  Why does this matter in our discussion of the Rangers?  Because the Rangers have been and forever will be third-class citizens in DFW, behind the Cowboys and wearing pearls to go to H-E-B.  Just once, I want the Rangers to make a deep run in the playoffs, so that we can see a completely empty Ballpark for a crucial Sunday game, while everyone is at home screaming at Tony Romo.
• They stole Nolan Ryan.  Fuckers.

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.  Now, if you’re an Astros fan in exile in north Texas, take hope.  Blink us a message in Morse Code, like hostages do on those grainy videotapes, and let us know how you’re doing.  With all the overblown talk of seccession by Governor Goodhair, I think there may be an opportunity for us here: let the Metroplex carve itself out of Texas, and give them to Colorado so everyone can be closer to their ski lodge anyway.  Far fetched? It works for Lethoso and the Vatican.

Projected Starters from Astros.com

Friday, May 22nd, 7:05pm

Derek Holland (1-1, 4.85) v. Felipe Paulino (1-3, 6.93)

Holland is one of the Rangers’ highly-touted  pitching prospects (or at least one of the ones that they didn’t give up to get Josh Hamilton), and after tearing up their minor league system en route to an 13-1 record in 2008, his promotion to the Bigs was written on the wall.  After appearing in 7 games as a reliever, he gets the start for the first time this year on Friday.  He obviously hasn’t faced any Astros hitters yet, so we’re faced with one of two likely scenarios: either we chase the guy in the early innings after jumping all over him, or he dominates us and forces SportsCenter to run clips from the fucking Kerry Wood game again.

Paulino is pencilled in as the starter today, but it’s possible that Coop made a mistake and actually wants Fulchino to start.  If this is the case, the official rules state that Cooper must actually leave the dugout and prostrate himself in front of the pitchers mound, bowing in the direction of Earl Weaver’s tomb (in which Earl is currently spinning) until the correct pitcher arrives.  (ed. It has recently come to our attention that Earl Weaver is actually alive, and is fucking livid at our insinuation of his demise.  He sent his message through his former Boy Scout troop leader, Jim Raup.) Felipe has shown flashes of brillance when starting, including the ability to work himself out of jams and overpower hitters with his heater.  Working out of the bullpen, not so much.  So while Brandon Backe continues to soak up some tasty waves on his Rehab That Will Not End, Paulino gets the chance to strut his stuff in the rotation.  He’s looking forward to bouncing back from a rough outing in Denver where he surrendered seven earned runs in just four innings.  Like Holland, Paulino hasn’t ever played against his intra-state, inter-league, cross-cultural rivals, which makes this whole exercise kinda pointless.  Moving on…

Saturday, May 23rd, 3:10pm

Scott Feldman (2-0, 4.04) v. Brian Moehler (1-2, 7.71)

Corey’s more successful brother has started one game against the Astros in the past; he gave up 2 runs in four innings and didn’t get a decision.  Those two runs were the result of a two-run homer by none other than Michael Bourn, who’s really, really due for a nickname that doesn’t involve Matt Damon.  In 2009, Feldman has put together a string of successful outings, and the Rangers are 4-1 in games he’s started.

Moehler has had two consecutive strong outings, including a win over the FTCubs in Chicago.  He’s seems to be rounding into over-acheiver mode again, which would be just the boost that the back of the rotation could use, not to mention the over-taxed ‘pen.  Against the Rangers in his career, he’s dominated Josh Hamilton (who has yet to get a hit on him), Andruw Jones (.231, $100 million), and Marlon Byrd (.125); on the flipside, he’s been hit well by Omar Visquel (.440), Hank Blalock (.667), and Ian Kinsler (.400).  Maybe Moehler will jump on the Plunk Kinsler 2009 sensation that’s been sweeping the nation, because the bastard has obviously done something to deserve the pincushion treatment, right?

Sunday, May 24th, 1:05PM

Brandon McCarthy (3-2, 5.60) v. Mike Hampton (2-3, 5.23)

McCarthy is a tall righty who came up in the White Sox organization before being shipped down to Dallas in another floundering attempt to pretend that they cared about pitching.  He’s started against the Astros once, taking a win in a 14-1 blowout, but has also taken an extra-innings loss, giving him a 1-1 record lifetime.  Miggy pretty well owns him, having homered both times he’s faced McCarthy, and Pudge (.600), Pence (.667) and Q (.500) have had success as well.  Otherwise, he’s shut down Puma and Caballo, both of whom are looking for their first hit against him.

Hampton’s owie has apparently healed, so he’s scheduled to start on Sunday.  As a precautionary measure, he’s not washing his hands between now and then, making himself Public Enemy #1 of moms who are scared of swine flu.  Among current Rangers, only Michael Young (.667, 1 HR) has had anything to brag about.  Andruw Jones (.243, $150 million) and Hank Blalock (.000) have particularly bitched out.  If the cut from Wrigley’s razor-sharp soap dispensers is healed, then Hampton will only have to worry about keeping the ball in the park, which he was struggling to do before a Decepticon took the form of a shower appliance.

Notable Promotions

This being the Lone Star Series and all that good stuff, they’re pulling out all the stops this weekend: caps! t-shirts! fireworks! Reckless Kelly!  Okay, Reckless Kelly (who plays after Saturday’s game) is pretty cool.

Injury Report

Astros:

Coop – Massive head wound, hopefully day-to-day before given his walking papers.

Brandon Backe – cursed to wander the earth for all eternity until a spot in the rotation opens up.

Aaron Boone – roadie for Heart

Doug Brocail – regretting cutting off goatee

Geoff Geary – bicep tendinits.  There’s nothing funny about bicep tendinitis.  It’s not that it’s super-serious, either, just no jokes to be made.  Sorry.

Papa Grande – Sword fighting the Black Knight

Rangers:

Joaquin Benoit – obscurity

Willie Eyre – auditioning to become a John Steinbeck character

Frank Fransisco – film noir private dick, done in by femme fatale

Eric Hurley – on the run for furniture store arson

Dustin Nippert – hehehehe…his last name sounds like “nipples”.  Strained nipple.

Things To Watch For:

More Cowboys gear than Rangers

Angry, anthropomorphic soap dispensers

Flaming sofa debris from EYE-fortyfivenorthatTidwellanparker

Geoff Blum showing Coop how to tie his shoes

Talk about the games in the Game Zone!

The Nationals offense is strong, with five starters hitting at or within a hundredth or two of .300, including Adam Dunn, who is somehow not leading the team in strike outs. Dunn and Ryan Zimmerman are both mashing the ball pretty well, too. So why are the Nats so bad? It ain’t the vaunted NL East competition; the Mets were last seen consulting the Treasury Department Chart of Judgment, and the Phillies are back to getting booed, while everyone eats the Marlins dust. (On the upside, we’re two more years away from another Marlins post-WS fire sale!) The Nats are awful because they’re the East Coast version of the Rangers, with a ridiculous offense, but pitching so bad that they actually had Tim Redding start 33 games for them last year. 33! Their best starter this year is rookie Jordan Zimmerman, who sports a startlingly mediocre 4.24 ERA to go with his 2-1 record. Alert Tom Hicks! This man deserves a $60 million contract!

The Nationals also remind me of one of my favorite bands. Lest you think that such a reminders stems from one of my favorite bands being one that favors bluster over fundamentals (sorry, Animal Collective!), rest assured that I’m talking about The National. This Brooklyn band puts together darkly beautiful odes to domesticity and urban angst that are the perfect soundtracks for both brooding nights at home, and raucous forays into the streets in search of brown liquor and companionship. Two of my favorite tracks below:

“Fake Empire” on Letterman

“The Geese of Beverly Road” with some lame montage crap.

Projected Matchups from Astros.com

Monday

Brian Moehler (0-2, 27.00) v. John Lannan (0-3, 4.61)

The man who is holding Felipe Paulino back from the starting rotation gets to take the mound for the first time since coming off the DL. Moehler obviously needed some time to get into shape, as he was starting to look more and more like the second coming of Chan Ho Park than the 2008 Moehler who anchored the back of the rotation. The knee is supposedly better now, though, so let’s hope for the best. Against the Nats, he’s 2-4 lifetime, and has had success against Adam Dunn (.176, 2 K’s) and Nick Johnson (.231, 3 K’s). Unfortunately, the rest of the Nationals hit him pretty damned well: Cristian Guzman (.462), Austin Kearns (.500, 1 homer), and Ryan Zimmerman (.500) among them. This could get ugly, but at least the bullpen is well rest…fuck me, Coop. Would one more inning from Wandy killed you?

Big lefty Lannan was the Nats opening day starter this year, which is pretty awesome because you’ve never heard his name until now. He tends to give up one big inning in each of his starts, which actually makes him sound like another Opening Day starter we know. He has been hit well by the Puma (.500) and Caballo (.333 and a homer) and PENCE!!! (.400); the top of the lineup has not fared well against him, with Bourn and Kaz still looking for their first career hits against him.

The Ski Club of Washington sponsors John Lannan’s Baseball-Reference.com page. Just thought I’d throw that out there.

Tuesday

Roy Oswalt (0-2, 3.82) v. Scott Olsen (1-3, 6.08)

Roy only threw 13 pitches in his previous start in Atlanta, so he’s get a chance to throw at least 14 this time out. He’s still looking for his first win, which sounds about as strange as Limey being unable to find a pint. A combination of Oswalt Innings and bullpen explosions have left him winless, and I’m sure he’d like to get that monkey off his back. Questions are lingering about whether or not he’s really the Wizard anymore in the first place, and whether he’ll have to become more crafty to get outs instead of blowing guys away. Picking on the Nats would be a great place to start, since he’s made them his double bitch on numerous occasions. He’s 3-1 with a 2.59 ERA against the Washingtonians, and has been particularly effective against Nick Johnson (.111) and Austin Kearns (.171). Meanwhile, Adam Dunn is Adam Dunn against Roy-O (4 homers, 19 K’s, .250), and Ryan Zimmerman stands as the most successful player against Roy at .375 and 2 HR. From the looks of it, if Dunn and Zimmerman do connect against Roy, at least the bases will be empty.

Scott Olsen, smoker and taser victim, was acquired from the Marlins this offseason, and has already made himself at home in DC by stinking up the joint. He’s a fireballer, so hopefully the big boppers can all turn some of that velocity around and keep his ERA high. He did have success in his most recent outing against the Phillies, but his numbers against the Good Guys suggest that it’ll either be feast or famine. Kaz and Carlos (sounds like a morning drive-time radio show, huh?) both hit .333 against him, and Puma goes one better with a .444 BA; everyone else who has faced young Mr. Olsen (including Miggy, Pence, and Towles) are all 0-fer against him. I think it’s pretty safe to say that Olsen’s kind of an asshole, so here’s hoping he gets his smoke break early.

Notable Promotions

Tuesday: T-shirt Tuesdays continues with a t-shirt featuring Teddy Roosevelt wearing a sombrero. Seriously. I think some of the crack rocks from Baltimore may have made their way inside the Beltway.

Injury Reports

Astros

Aaron Boone: Gone to see the Wizard, see if he can get a heart before that Tin Man motherfucker does.

Brandon Backe: Still rehabbing. Rehabbing his intercostal muscle, mind you, not “oh my god, I think I just snorted coke at the table during Easter dinner” rehab.

Doug Brocail: day-to-day, last seen yelling at his hamstring to whip it into shape.

Humberto Qunitero: The Thing is still on the 15-day DL, but could be back next week.

Jose Valverde: Papa Grande is still leaking fluid like a Pontiac Grand Am, and won’t be back this month.

Nationals

Roger Bernadina: Mismatched first and last name, 60 day DL.

Matt Chico: Running a bail bond company, 60 day DL.

Dmitri Young: Choking the hell out of a Lady Cop, 15 day DL

Terrell Young: Late for Buffalo Bills training camp, is a locker room cancer, 15 day DL

What To Look For:

Rain

Roy

Revitalized Puma

Discuss the games in the GameZone!

Picking on the Pirates is a lot like farting in church: you know you shouldn’t do it, but it’s just too much fun to stop. The Buccos have been awful for so long that the last time they were any good, most of their current roster was watching Ninja Turtles. Thus, pointing out how bad they are is abusing a deceased equine in the worst way. But the fact is, they’re awful, and they’re not getting any better.

A series win over the Co-ards to start the season, and a split with the Reds make the Pirates a strong candidate for that one team each year that gets a special segment on SportsCenter about how they’re surprising everyone in April and “they may be frisky enough to make the playoff picture”. The next step of this process is the team falling apart like a Plymouth Reliant on May 1^st, and the baseball world righting itself. This will mark the final time all season the SportsCenter acknowledges that Pittsburgh has a baseball team, unless Jack Wilson begins dating Alyssa Milano or gets traded to the Yankees. Or both. Bottom line: the Pirates have been in the cellar so long, they’re starting to resemble a Mason jar of pickled beets.

The Mud and Blood have struggled out of the gate against strong opponents (Chicago and St. Louie), and some Vitamin P might be just what the doctor ordered. However, the games still have to be played, and they’d be remiss to sleep on these Pirates, as bad as they might be. Coop has also promised to rotate in some of the reserves during this series, which might be just the shot in the arm that this lineup needs.  Then again, given Cooper’s lineup-making prowess, we could see Quintero leading off.

On the tee-vee:

Monday, April 13, 12:35pm – FSN

Wednesday, April 15, 6:05pm – my20

Thursday, April 16, 11:35am – FSN

Projected Matchups from Astros.com

Monday

Brian Moehler (0-1, 37.80 (seriously)) v. Zach Duke (1-0, 1.42)

Moehler has a chance to rebound from a jinxed outing against the Scrubs that saw him lit up like a pinball machine. Unfortunately, he’s been hit well by the Pirates in past meetings: Nate McLouth is 6-11 against him, and Adam LaRoche has hit .364 with 6 RBI vs. Moehler.

Duke is one of the stronger arms (literally and figuratively) on the Bucs staff, but he’s had very little success against the Astros in the past. He’s 1-4 for his career against us, and has been hit well by the Puma (.300), El Caballo (.318) and Pence (.333), though he’s never given up a homer to a current Astro. I think it’s time to change that.

Tuesday

Everyone goes a little crazy while stuck in Pittsburgh on an off day.

Wednesday

Mike Hampton (0-1, 5.40) v. Ross Ohlendorf (0-1, 3.00)

Hampton’s Hams didn’t have much to oink about after the prodigal son’s return to Houston; three runs over five innings and an early exit were not what we were hoping for out of the former All-Star, but we’re taking an optimistic approach to this start, given that Hampton tends to beat the Bucs like a rented mule when they match up; he’s 10-3 for his career, and owns Jack Wilson (.111, some sobbing in the dugout) and Ramon Vasquez (.143 and rocking back and forth silently, staring at his bat).

Ohlendorf is a Princeton man, and you know what they say about Princeton men. (If you know what they say, please let us know. We only have Harvard and T-sip jokes here.) He’s a converted reliever, and while he had a strong showing in his first start against the Co-ards, there’s reason for hope. Namely, Miggy eats his lunch (.667), Bourn gets on base against him (.429) and of course Berkman, who puts up preposterous numbers against him, including a 1.600 slugging percentage (to go with .600 BA and 2.200 OPS). Time to remind Ohlendorf that the best college in New Jersey…is still in New Jersey.

Thursday

Russ Ortiz (no starts yet this year, 110-82 career) v. Jeff Karstens (0-0, 5-11 career)

Time for our first glimpse of Russ Ortiz during this series. As part of the continuing Let’s Put Together A Team That Looks Awesome on Paper (2001 Edition) plan, the ‘stros brought in Ortiz on a look-see deal before Spring Training, and he impressed sufficiently to be named the fifth starter. Ortiz is 8-1 for his career against the Bucs, with a respectable 3.21 ERA. He’s been hit well by Jack Wilson (.421), Nate McLouth (.667) and Ryan Doumit (.500); however, McLouth and Doumit were (scientifically speaking) fetuses the last time that Ortiz faced them, and the samples sizes are pretty small. Russ is strong against Chris Gomez (.100) and Freddy Sanchez (.200). He hasn’t faced much of the rest of the Pirates roster, owing to his 2008 absence and the fact that those players were all in high-A ball last year.

Red Raider Karstens is a ground ball pitcher who came up in the Yankees organization, and (much like Ortiz) is making his first start of the season this week. He’s coming off a weak spring, but you don’t exactly have to be the second coming of Cy Young to be the fifth starter for Pittsburgh. Hell, last year’s fifth starter was a fan who won a contest on opening day by sitting in the right section of PNC Park at the right time. Owing to his past stint in the Bronx, the only ‘stros to face him are former AL players, including Tejada, Keppinger, and Erstad. Erstad is perfect for his career against him, while the other two haven’t registered a hit yet.

Injuries

Good Guys – Aaron Boone is out for the season (shot through the heart, you’re to blame). Brandon Backe was joined on the 15-day DL by Doug Brocail, who’s been struggling with a sore shoulder. Much like most other 41 year olds, a little rest and some time in front of the tv should mend Brocail just fine. Everyone else is healthy, which takes away that excuse for the poor offensive performance at Shitty Beer Stadium this weekend.

Pirates – Phil Dumatrait (an actual, real baseball player) is pulling a Backe and taking an “extended spring training” on the DL to overcome some injuries. However, his injuries did not come at the loving hands of Galveston’s Finest.

Additional thoughts

– I didn’t get to see much of this weekend’s bloodbath in St. Louis because I was driving all over the Houston metroplex to see my in-laws. I guess the sensation was about the same, but the food here was better.

– One of the attractions of PNC Park in Pittsburgh is the ability to see across the river into downtown. Which is great, because that way you can see all the people headed to wor…HAHAHAHA, just kidding. Northern industrial cities are dying.

– Phil Dumatrait’s MLB headshot looks like he just got arrested for manufacturing methamphetamine. Seriously, that’s the look of the guy who goes to Walgreen’s and asks for ten boxes of Sudafed like it’s not a big deal.

Discuss the games in the Game Zone, and remember: it’s April, don’t feed the trolls. Oh yeah: fuck the Cubs.

As has been discussed in the Bus Ride Discussion Forum last year’s draft was the last that DFE’s are allowed thanks to the agreements in the new Collective Bargaining Agreement.  As such the approach to this draft was a little different in the later rounds with teams choosing players with intent to sign them rather than encouraging them to go the junior college, JUCO, route and follow their progress.  We’ll see how that plays out with signing later round JUCO and high school draftees.  The Astros now have until just August 15 to sign players or lose all rights to them.

This year the Astros we’re going to concentrate on raw talent early in the draft according to Paul Ricciarini, Senior Director of Player Personnel.  General Manager Tim Purpura wanted the Astros to add higher ceiling high school and JUCO players to the organization as opposed to almost solely locking in on the best available four-year college talent.  They wanted the Astros system to sport more youth and athleticism as well as adding talent all over the diamond.  The lack of first and second picks has allowed the Astros to look deeper at the depth of this draft class instead of having to spend an inordinate amount of resources ensuring that their first round pick was indeed the right selection.

This year the Astros selected 17 right-handed pitchers, 2 left-handed pitchers, 0 first basemen, 2 second basemen, 3 shortstops, 3 third basemen, 4 catchers, 0 left fielders, 5 center fielders, 4 right fielders, and 2 outfielders.  Broken down by school type, the Astros selected 11 high school players, 7 JUCO players, and 23 4-year college players.

3rd Round:  Derek Dietrich; 3B; L/R; 6’1”, 190; DOB 7/18/1989; St. Ignatius High School, Ohio.

This is the second year in a row the Astros have taken a left-handed hitting right-handed high schooler (makes sense?) with their first pick.  This is also the highest they’ve taken a third baseman in I don’t know how long.  Dietrich, still just 17 as of this writing, was a shortstop through high school.  This year he hit .435 with 10 homers, 11 doubles, and 43 RBI.  In his high school career he has participated in the AFLAC All-American Game, Northeast Top Prospect Showcase, Graduate National Championship, Perfect Game National Showcase, and the East Coast Professional Showcase.  Derek was an Aflac All-American and First Team All-State selection in 2006.  In 2007 he was named a pre-season All-American by Baseball America and Louisville Slugger.  He was also named the Gatorade Baseball Player of the Year in Ohio and the Cuyahoga River Baseball Conference Player of the Year.

Dietrich is a very good student and has participated in community service.  He was a tutor and has volunteered with inner-city youth.  His maternal grandfather, Steve Demeter, had been involved with major league baseball for more than 50 years until retiring recently.  Derek has honored his grandfather by wearing his old stirrups in games.

Derek has signed to play baseball at Georgia Tech but signing him to a professional contract does not appear to be a problem.  The Astros intend to move Derek to third base at some point in his career but for now intend to have him play shortstop while he acclimates to pro ball.  The Astros like his bat and believe he has power potential.  The Astros worked him out about a week before the draft so they know what they were getting when they picked him.  When he signs expect him to be assigned to Greeneville.

4th Round:  Brett Eibner; RHP; R/R; 6’3”, 195; DOB 12/02/1988; The Woodlands High School, Texas.

Eibner moved to Texas from North Carolina before his junior year.  He earned a starting job late last year.  This year he was a two-way player for The Woodlands.  He started in right field and logged just 35 innings on the hill this year.  At the plate he hit .417 with 6 homers slugging .783.  On the mound he was 5-0 with a 2.80 ERA.  He struck out 58.  The Astros like him on the mound.  His fastball has reached 94, and he throws a curveball and change.  He’s raw, but the Astros like his stuff.  He has signed to play at Arkansas where his brother is on the golf team.  If he signs we expect him to also be assigned to Greeneville.

5th Round:  Collin DeLome; CF; L/R; 6’2”, 195; DOB 12/18/1985; Lamar University.

DeLome hit .329 with 15 doubles, 7 triples, and 10 home runs this season for the Cardinal.  He struck out 39 times while walking just 12 times.  He was 8 of 11 in stolen bases.  He is Lamar’s all-time triples leader with 22.  He was named to the All-Southland Conference second team this year and was the 2006 SLC player and hitter of the year.  Ricciarini sees Collin as a potential 2-hole hitter.  The Astros believe he has an advanced feel for hitting and could be a gap power hitter.  They also see him as a high intangibles player.  DeLome has been a lifelong Astros fan and so shouldn’t be a holdout.  We expect him to report to Tri-City.

Signed 6/13. Assigned to Tri-City.

6th Round:  David Dinelli; RHP; R/R; 6’3”, 215, DOB 3/14/1987; Sierra Junior College, California.

Dinelli was the #1 pitcher for Sierra this year.  He threw 85.2 innings giving up 53 hits and 58 walks while striking out 118.  He finished with a 3.36 ERA.  One report out of California has David hitting 93 on the radar gun in early February.  Dinelli also played in the wood bat Central Illinois Collegiate League last summer where he acquitted himself nicely.  Over the winter he signed a NLI with Texas Tech.  He has indicated he’ll sign for a reasonable bonus.  A raw talent with a strong arm if signed we expect him to report to Greeneville.

Signed 6/21.  Assigned to Greeneville.

7th Round:  David Dixon; 2B; L/R; 6’2”, 205; DOB 8/28/1985; Auburn University.

Dixon did not play this year with Auburn thanks to a broken thumb.  In the past two seasons he played right field and DHed for the Tigers.  He hit pretty well and displayed solid gap power as a sophomore in 2006.  If he’s healthy enough to get playing time this summer he could go to Greeneville to begin the switch to second base.  If he’s not ready, he’ll spend the summer at extended spring training.

Signed 6/13. Assigned to Tri-City.

8th Round:  Chad Bettis; RHP; R/R; 6’1”, 180; DOB 4/26/1989; Monterey High School, Texas.

Bettis is another Texas Tech signee.  He was selected All-District and District MVP after recording a 7-1 record with a 1.15 ERA.  He struck out 66 in 55 innings pitched before the state playoffs.  He throws in the low-90’s, and his delivery has been compared to Jake Peavy.  He had arthroscopic knee surgery missed early part of season but is fine now.  Chad is on record as willing to sign if the money is right.  If he signs he’ll go to Greeneville.

9th Round:  Luis Pardo; RHP; R/R; 6’5”, 230; DOB 7/14/1985; Florida Gulf Coast University.

This is the second year in a row the Astros have looked to FGCU for a draftee.  Justin Stiver was FGCU’s first ever draft pick when the Astros took him in round 17 last year.  Pardo is their third ever draftee.  Luis threw 76.2 innings, allowing 81 hits and 18 walks, while striking out 87 and finishing with a 2.93 ERA.  He’s already signed, and we expect him to be assigned to Tri-City.

Signed 6/13. Assigned to Tri City.

10th Round: Matthew Cusick; 2B; L/R; 5’10”, 190; DOB 5/05/1986; University of Southern California.

Cusick led the Trojans this season with a .324 batting average.  He stroked 11 doubles, 2 triples, and 1 homer.  He walked 31 times and struck out just 17 in 204 at-bats.  Last summer he played in the Cape Cod League and hit over .300 and earned All-Cape Cod League honors.  Something of a Jonny Ash clone, Cusick is a versatile infielder having spent the 2006 season as the USC starting third baseman.  He’s a grinder with average tools.  He is signed and should be at Tri-City this season.

Signed 6/13. Assigned to Tri-City.

11th Round: Robert Bono; RHP; R/R; 6’2”, 175; DOB 12/12/1988; Waterford High School, Connecticut.

Bono was the top pitcher and starting catcher (when he wasn’t pitching) for Waterford.  He finished the season 10-0 with 94 strikeouts in 65 innings and an ERA of 0.33.  Rob was named to the Rawlings/Perfect Game Preseason Northeast Region All High School Senior First Team.  His fastball has been clocked in the low 90’s.  He is a UConn signee.  There is no indication yet whether he will sign.  If he does he’ll report to Greeneville.

Signed 6/19.  Assigned to Greeneville.

12th Round: Brian Pellegrini; 3B; R/R; 6’1”, 240; DOB 10/03/1984; St. Bonaventure University.

Pellegrini was the offensive force for the Bonnies.  He led the team with a .391 batting average, 24 doubles, 17 home runs, 59 RBI, .833 SLG, 68 hits, 33 walks, and .498 OBP.  He also had 1 triple and struck out 31 times.  He owns school career records for hits, runs scored, doubles, homers, and RBI.  He is a two-time Atlantic 10 Player of the Year.  He was named to the Louisville Slugger All-American Third Team.  Brian is a four time All-Conference selection.  He is the Bonnies’ highest ever draft pick.  Pellegrini has been the Bonnies’ first baseman and DH this season but was at one time their closer and a starting pitcher.  He hasn’t played third base but has the arm to do so.  His glove though may be another matter.  He committed 10 errors as a first baseman this year, and though some of them may have been throwing his progress bears watching.  Brian tore his right labrum during his junior and had surgery to fix it last summer.  It is fully healed, and Brian’s arm strength is fine.  He has signed and should be in Tri-City this summer.

Signed 6/13. Assigned to Tri-City.

13th Round: Chad Jones; CF; L/L; 6’3”, 215; DOB 10/05/1988; Southern University Lab High School, Louisiana.

Jones is an exceptional athlete.  It has been well documented that Jones is a top football signee of the LSU Tigers.  If he stays healthy he could be an immediate impact defensive back in the SEC.  However he also is an excellent baseball player with all 5 tools scouts drool over.  A hurricane Katrina refugee, Chad hit .537 with 9 homers last year his first in Baton Rouge.  This year he hit .577 with 6 homers.  He has stated his first love is baseball by a wide margin.  But, he says it will take first round money to sign him.  Speculation is that if he were not a signability concern he would have gone late in the first round or in the supplemental first round.  If the Astros pony up the cash and sign Chad he will start his professional career in Greeneville.

14th Round: Craig Corrado; RF; R/R; 6’2”, 185; DOB 9/10/1984; University of Tampa.

Corrado was the offensive leader for the NCAA Division II National Champion Spartans.  He hit .420 with 113 hits, 25 doubles, 4 triples, and 10 homers in 269 at-bats.  He walked 14 times and struck out 26.  Craig was named a First Team Division II All-American.  He played both third base and right field this year.  He’s plenty athletic and has plenty of arm to be in right field.  He has signed and should report to Tri-City.

Signed 6/13. Assigned to Tri-City.

15th Round: Matthew Fitts; RHP; R/R; 6’1”, 205; DOB 9/14/1985; Lewis and Clark State College.

Fitts is a draft eligible sophomore who transferred from Long Beach State University.  Matt helped lead the powerhouse Warriors to the 2007 NAIA championship.  His teammate Beau Mills was drafted 13th this year.  Fitts threw 65 innings, recording 75 strike outs while allowing 46 hits and 22 walks and finishing with a 2.08 ERA.  He has a strong but raw arm and could return to Lewis and Clark as he has 2 years of eligibility remaining.  If he signs we expect him to be assigned to Greeneville.

16th Round: Devon Torrence; CF; R/R; 6’0”, 190; DOB 5/08/1989; Canton South High School, Ohio.

Torrence hit .420 this season in 29 games, with 9 triples, 23 RBI, 43 runs, 28 walks and 20 stolen bases.  Devon is a football recruit of the OSU Buckeyes and like Jones is a standout defensive back.  He’s labeled his chances of signing at 50/50 with everything depending on the signing bonus.  Without signability issues it’s likely he would have been taken in the 2nd or 3rd round.  Torrence has skipped a football all-star game in order to keep his signing options open.  If he signs expect to see him in Greeneville.

Signed 6/18.  Assigned to Greeneville.

17th Round: Mason “Rusty” Roberts; RHP; R/R; 6’3”, 200; DOB 12/11/1985; Cisco Junior College, Texas.

Rusty pitched 76 innings, striking out 69 with a 2.61 ERA.  He allowed 77 hits and 21 walks. He was a First Team All-State selection in 2006 his senior year of high school.  Rusty has already signed and should be assigned to Greeneville.

Signed 6/13.  Assigned to Greeneville.

18th Round: Brian Esperson; RHP; R/R; 6’2”, 235; DOB 5/18/1986; Mercyhurst College.

Esperson was the staff ace for the NCAA Division II Lakers.  He threw 60 innings, allowing 51 hits and 30 walks.  He struck out 69 and finished the season with a 3.15 ERA.  Brian was named to the Daktronics All-North Central Region Second Team and the All-GLIAC Second Team.  He has signed and should report to Tri-City.

Signed 6/13. Assigned to Tri-City.

19th Round: Jonathan Fixler; C; R/R; 6’1”, 205; DOB 6/13/1986; Indiana University.

Fixler hit .286 in 161 at-bats.  He had 9 doubles, 1 triple, and 2 homers.  He was not the Hoosiers regular catcher this year instead playing first base, DH, and catcher.  He is signed and should report to Tri-City.

Signed 6/13. Assigned to Tri-City.

20th Round: Jeffrey “Kyle” Greenwalt; RHP; R/R; 6’0”, ; DOB 9/29/1988; Souderton Area Senior High School, Pennsylvania.

Greenwalt possesses a low-90’s fastball and can throw a curveball and change-up.  This season he was 10-2 with a 1.84 ERA as of this writing, including a no-hitter.  In 12 games (10 starts) he gave up 41 hits, 26 walks and 18 earned runs with 107 strike outs over 67.1 innings.  He says the Astros have offered him fifth-round money and will sign.  Therefore he will not honor his commitment to the University of South Carolina.  He should be sent to Greeneville some time after returning from his senior trip, June 26.

Signed 6/17.  Assigned to Greeneville.

21st Round: Kyle Miller; C; R/R; 6’1”, 220; DOB 9/01/1986; Central Florida Community College.

Miller was the starting third baseman for the Patriots this season until he was hit by a pitch in mid-March.  He missed a month, returning in time to finish the season as the team DH. Kyle hit .331 over 139 at-bats.  He slugged 11 doubles, 2 triples, and 6 homers.  He walked 16 times and struck out 32.  He has signed and should be at Greeneville to begin the transition to catcher.

Signed 6/13.  Assigned to Greeneville.

22nd Round: Bernard “Drew” Anderson; RF; R/R; 5’11”, 200; DOB 4/22/1984; University of New Orleans.

Anderson hit .268 over 235 at-bats while walking 19 times and striking out 71 times. He hit 15 doubles, 1 triple, and 15 homers.  Drew appears headed to Greeneville to add depth and experience to the rookie level squad.

Signed 6/13.  Assigned to Greeneville.

23rd Round: Charles Gamble; 3B; R/R; 6’6”, 235; DOB 1/18/1985; North Carolina A&T State University.

Gamble was the Aggie’s offensive leader leading the team with a .409 batting average while playing in every game.  Charlie slugged 19 doubles, 3 triples, and 10 home runs.  He walked 29 times while striking out 41 times.  He committed 16 errors at third base leading to a .935 fielding percentage.  He has signed and should be at Tri-City this summer.

Signed 6/13.  Assigned to Tri-City.

24th Round: Philip Stringer; SS; R/R; 5’9”, 175; DOB 12/27/1984; Auburn University.

Stringer had a very bad year at the plate for the Tigers.  He hit just .198 in 96 at-bats.  He doubled 3 times and homered once.  Philip’s father Martin played ball in the Royals minor league system and is now the director of the RBI Youth Diamond Sports League in Houston, a part of Major League Baseball’s Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities program.  He has signed and will likely add depth to Greeneville’s infield.

Signed 6/13.  Assigned to Greeneville.

25th Round: Kevin Carkeek; C; R/R; 6’3”, 200; DOB 10/20/1984; Oakland University.

Over 141 at-bats Carkeek hit .333, slugging 17 doubles and 9 home runs.  He walked 14 times while striking out 16 times.  He is a two-time All-Mid-Continent Conference first team selection.  He has signed and should be catching at Tri-City.

Signed 6/13.  Assigned to Tri-City.

26th Round: Sal Iacono; C; R/R; 5’9”, 190; DOB 3/04/1985; Princeton University.

Iacono was the Tigers’ primary offensive weapon this season.  He hit .413 over 150 at-bats, clubbing 12 doubles, 1 triple, and 5 homers. He walked 13 times and struck out 17 times.  Sal split time between third base and catcher this year.  He has signed and will be at Tri-City.

Signed 6/13.  Assigned to Tri-City.

27th Round: Brett Robinson; RHP; R/R; 6’0”, 185; DOB 1/23/1985; Florida Southern College.

Robinson, a relief pitcher all four years at Florida Southern, made 26 appearances tallying 34.2 innings.  He gave up 33 hits and 11 walks while recording 32 strike outs and finishing with a  3.63 ERA.  He has signed and appears headed to Greeneville to give them a mature presence in the bullpen.

Signed 6/13.  Assigned to Greeneville.

28th Round: Jared Pitts; RF; R/R; 6’2”, 210; DOB 9/11/1985; Stephen F Austin State University.

Pitts is the first of three Lumberjacks drafted by the Astros.  He hit .311 this season with 10 doubles, 1 triple, and 11 homers.  He walked 30 times and led the team with 75 strike outs.  He has signed and should be in the outfield rotation at Greeneville.

Signed 6/13.  Assigned to Greeneville.

29th Round: Travis Sweet; OF; R/R; 6’0”, 190; DOB 4/17/1986; University of Iowa.

Sweet was the Hawkeye sparkplug this season.  He was the team leader in batting average (.413), doubles (13), triples (4), and stolen bases (25).  He also had 8 home runs in 206 at-bats.  Travis was a first-team All-Big Ten selection.  He has already signed and will be in Tri-City.

Signed 6/13. Assigned to Tri-City.

30th Round: Danny Gil; RHP; R/R; 6’3”, 205; DOB 3/28/1985; University of Miami.

Gil served as the Hurricane’s primary closer, 6 saves, though he did start 3 games.  He appeared in 34 games, amassing 54 innings pitched, allowing 40 hits and 32 walks, while striking out 53.  Gil has signed and will move north to Tri-City.

Signed 6/13.  Assigned to Tri-City.

31st Round: Jason Dominguez; RHP; R/R; 6’2”, 195; DOB 12/17/1985; Pepperdine University.

As the Waves closer Dominguez racked up 12 saves in 29 appearances.  He threw 39 innings, striking out 26.  He allowed 37 hits and 21 walks.  Jason has signed and should be in the ValleyCats bullpen at Tri-City.

Signed 6/13.  Assigned to Tri-City.

32nd Round: David Miller; RHP; L/R; 6’10”, 210; DOB 9/29/1984; Stephen F Austin State University.

Miller joins Pitts as the second of three Lumberjacks taken by the Astros this year.  At 6’10” Miller is the tallest Astros draftee this year.  In 18 appearances including 3 starts David threw 24 innings earning a 7.88 ERA, giving up 27 hits and 22 walks while striking out 28.  He has signed and has been assigned to Tri-City.

Signed 6/13.  Assigned to Tri City.

33rd Round: Cody Phipps; CF; R/R; 6’3”, 205; DOB 4/24/1989; Vauxhall High School, Canada.

Vauxhall High School is a high school/baseball academy.  It opened just two years ago.  Apparently it saved the town of Vauxhall from extinction.  Phipps was the lone player drafted from the academy this year.  His statistics are not available.  He has signed to play at the University of British Columbia.  If he signs he’ll be sent to Greeneville.

Signed 8/1.  Assigned to Greeneville.

34th Round: Brian Wabick; RHP; R/R; 6’0”, 180; DOB 8/03/1987; Oakton Community College, Illinois.

Wabick was the Raiders staff ace this season.  He logged a team high 72 innings pitched.  He struck out 78 and finished with a 2.25 ERA.  He gave up 61 hits and 15 walks.  For his work Brian was named to the Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference All-Conference First Team.  Sporting a solid fastball Wabick has signed a NLI to play for Long Island University.  He is signed and will likely report to Greeneville.

Signed 6/13.  Assigned to Greeneville.

35th Round: Jordan Powell; RHP; R/R; 6’2”, 205; DOB 4/14/1985; Southern Illinois University – Carbondale.

The Saluki’s Friday starter Powell threw 87.1 innings allowing 98 hits and 24 walks.  He struck out 56 and finished with a 5.05 ERA.  He is signed and appears headed to Greeneville.

Signed 6/13.  Assigned to Greeneville.

36th Round: Albert Cartwright; CF; R/R; 5’10”, 180; DOB 10/31/1987; Polk Community College, Florida.

Cartwright hit .344 over 183 at-bats with 7 doubles, 3 triples, and 1 homer.  He stole 21 bases.  Albert drew 17 walks and struck out 42 times.  If he signs he’ll go to Greeneville.

Signed 6/29.  Assigned to Greeneville.

37th Round: Robert Leonhardt; RHP; R/R; 6’5”, 220; DOB 9/27/1984; Stephen F Austin State University.

Previously drafted by Washington in 2005, Leonhardt is the last of the Lumberjacks taken in this draft.  He went 29.1 innings over 13 appearances that included 5 starts.  He gave up 32 hits and 15 walks.  He struck out 19 and finished with a 7.98 ERA.  He is signed and has been assigned to Tri-City.

Signed 6/13.  Assigned to Tri City.

38th Round: Robert “Robbie” Weinhardt; RHP; R/R; 6’2”, ; DOB 12/08/1985; Oklahoma State University.

Cowboy relief pitcher Weinhardt made 21 appearances including 1 start.  He threw 41 innings allowing 45 hits and 9 walks.  He earned a 4.39 ERA and struck out 47.  A junior, if he signs Robbie will likely be sent to Tri-City.

39th Round: Scott Fletcher; SS; R/R; 6’0”, 175; DOB 10/26/1988; Starrs Mill High School, Georgia.

Brian is the son of former MLBer Scott Fletcher.  He hit .412 with 8 homeruns and 25 RBI for the Starrs Mill Panthers last season.  He has signed to play college ball with Auburn University, making him the third draftee with Auburn ties.  Early indications are that he will go to college. If he signs with the Astros, he will be assigned to Greeneville.

40th Round: Kyle Erdman; LHP; L/L; 6’5”, 210; DOB 1/11/1988; Oakton Community College, Illinois.

The second player taken from Oakton, Kyle, a freshman, was 2-1 with a 3.54 ERA in 20.1 innings in 10 games for the Raiders.  He fanned 17 batters.  If he signs he is likely headed to Greeneville.

41st Round: Jim “Colton” Pitkin; LHP; R/L; 6’3”, 210; DOB 8/10/1989; Ross S Sterling High School, Texas.

Colton is the second of the LHP taken by the Astros in this draft.  He brings a low 90’s fast ball, and a curve.  He is reportedly working on adding a change up.  He got a chance to try out for scouts from the mound at Minute Made Park with Nolan Ryan observing.  His cousin Cade Johnson played AA ball as a catcher and has been working with Colton to prepare him for the life of a pro ball player.  He has been taking classes at San Jacinto while waiting for a contract to be negotiated.  When and if he signs he will be assigned to Greeneville.

Signed 6/29.  Assigned to Greeneville.

42nd Round: Christopher Turner; OF; S/R; 5’10”, 175; DOB 10/21/1988; Brandon High School, Florida.

Chris is a speedster outfielder out of Florida.  It is reported that his sixty time ranges from 6.47 to 6.59.  He is also reported to have gap power.  Chris committed to attend Vanderbilt.  He has signed with the Astros and should be heading to Greeneville.

Signed 6/13.  Assigned to Greeneville.

43rd Round: Marques Williams; RF; R/R; 6’0”, ; DOB 10/24/1985; Compton Community, California.

Williams is far and away the feel good pick of the draft.  A year ago, he was attending Cal State Fullerton and had been refused the chance to walk on to the baseball team as a freshman.  He kept playing Sunday sandlot ball and was referred to the Urban Academy at Compton CC.  He ended up transferring from Cal State Fullerton to Compton to be able to play ball.  He is another speedy outfielder.  He has one more year of eligibility if he chooses to pass up the chance to sign with the Astros.   If he signs he will likely go to Greeneville.

Signed 8/9.  Assigned to Greeneville.

44th Round: Cat Everett; SS; S/R; 6’1”, 190; DOB 10/05/1985; Tulane University.

Yet another draft pick with local ties, Everett played in all 60 games for the Green Wave in this his junior season.  He hit .307 with 5 extra base hits (all doubles).  He was 9 of 13 in stolen bases. He struck out 32 times in 228 at bats.  He made 8 errors.   He has played in wooden bat leagues the last two summers.  He hit .246 in the Valley league in 2005 and .177 in the Cape Cod League.  Despite his poor average, he led the league in sacrifice bunts (12).  He has signed and should be reporting to Tri-City.

Signed 6/13. Assigned to Tri-City.

The Astros went with higher risk players early in this draft selecting high schoolers with 3 of their first 6 picks.  Further they took 2 raw collegians and 1 player who sat out all year with an injury.  Still, they stuck mostly to collegians using 23 of their first 30 selections on college players.  The Astros also selected a couple of high risk/high reward players.  They took two players who have NLI’s to play football for high profile BCS schools.  Owing to the leverage of being a stellar athlete in more than one sport both are major signability issues.  Signing either or both could be a major coup for the Astros.  Other than the lack of left-handed pitchers, who were rare after the first 2 rounds, Ricciarini believes they did a good job of getting a balanced draft class.  The quality of this draft class is dependent on the development of the young, raw players selected in this draft.  Give them at least 5 seasons before grading them out.