13th round pick Jake Goebbert is one example of how this strategy is being used.  He had already committed to play in the Cape Cod League.  He missed a fair amount of the season with a lacerated kidney.  He sustained the injury hitting an outfield wall at a dead sprint in April at the Metrodome.  He just was cleared to swing a bat three weeks ago.  He will be followed by Astros’ scouts during his time playing for the Harwich (Ma.) Mariners.  Then he will sign or can return to Northwestern for his senior season.

Colin Delome had memorable debut in Salem. He homered in his first at bat in the Carolina league and then later doubled as well.

“I was teasing the guys on the bench, saying, ‘See it’s not that hard,’” Avalanche manager Jim Pankovits said.

The Avs won 7-4. The game featured a little hint of basebrawl as well.

Kinston’s manager had been thrown out for arguing a call at the plate in the fourth inning.

Salem reliever Chris Salamida hit Niuman Romero square in the back with a pitch to lead off the eighth inning, and drew a bench warning from the umpires.

In the bottom of the eighth, Pontius walked the leadoff batter and then threw behind the head of the next batter, Parraz, before striking him out. He also went high against Tim Torres before getting him to fly out, and eventually plunked Ori.

Pontius then walked toward Ori, who was walking toward first base. Players from both teams moved up the steps from the dugouts and out of the bullpens but didn’t get to the field. Pankovits stepped between Ori and Pontius, who were then ejected from the game.

“That’s baseball,” Pankovits said. “Hopefully it’s over with and we can get on with baseball.”

Round Rock

The Express had their own excitement between pitcher and batter.

Round Rock defeated host Albuquerque 7-4 on Wednesday, the second straight night the two teams engaged in a middle-of-the-infield tussle at Isotopes Park.
This one came after Round Rock Express starter Josh Muecke and Isotope Andrew Beattie were ejected in the seventh inning.
Muecke was tossed for tossing a head-high delivery that nicked Beattie’s bat as he ducked for cover. Beattie was tossed for heading toward the mound. Benches and bullpens emptied to meet in the infield, but little was exchanged except rhetoric. That is, until Round Rock reliever Ray King, who hadn’t been in the game, lingered and started up with manager Dean Treanor. Then everyone came back, patty-caking for another minute or so before order was restored.

“I guess he felt he needed to talk to me,” said Treanor of King.

Corpus Christi

The Hooks got clutch hitting and held onto a late lead to win 3-2. The Hooks are trying to get a head start on playing well heading into the second half.

“It’s been tough, because the first month of the season we probably hit more than anybody, scored more than anybody, hit more doubles than anybody,” Hooks manager Luis Pujols said. “Through my experience I knew it was going to catch up with us. It was only a matter of time.

“My concern right now is to be sure the players are still playing hard and executing when we have the opportunity to do it,” Pujols said. “When you play games like tonight and you have a chance to execute one time, like Paz did, we end up winning the game.”

Caller.com has a good piece on Tip Fairchild’s rehab and return.

“The way I thought about it last year was I was basically a year ahead of schedule being in Double-A,” Fairchild said. “I was like, ‘I’m going to miss the year and I’m going to be right back there with those guys on schedule next year.’ I won’t be as good as I’ve been in the past because I’ll be rehabbing still, but I’ll still kind of be where I’m supposed to be. That’s the (attitude) I’m taking.”

Billy Hart is on the DL due to a groin injury.

Lexington

The Legends let one slip away late to Greensboro last night. Fernando Abad only gave up one hit in 2 2/3 innings of relief but that one hit was a home run to Hunter Mense that lost the lead and allowed the Hoppers to jump by the Legends 6-5.

Draft Pick News

Our second round pick is a Braves fan?

“I was more of a Braves fan, but now I’m an Astros fan, so I bought an Astros hat,” said Austin, whose roommate could be Milton first baseman Chase Davidson, Houston’s third-round pick. “But I will always be a Braves fan.”

Maybe that should have been a point of discussion at batting practice on Wednesday.

Jimmy Van Ostrand went 1-4 in his last appearence as a Salem Avalanche for the time being. He was promoted to Corpus Christi after the Av’s 3-2 loss last night. He leaves the team hitting .304.

Brian Hallburg is making some heads turn in the Salem bullpen. He has only allowed 2 runs in his last 12 appearences. During those 18 innings, he has given up 12 hits, 4 walks and no HR while striking out 15 batters.

Lexington

Tommy Vessella had a rough outing. He didn’t get out of the 4th inning, giving up 7 earned runs in the Legends’ 13-4 loss.

After the game, Colin Delome got the call up to Salem.

Corpus Christi

The Hooks let one get away late as they lost 5-4 last night. They just can’t seem to put the pieces together to start a winning streak.

“It’s more that we’re kind of in a funk as a team, and you just try to do something to break it and you hope it comes soon,” said Bogusevic, who was denied his first victory of the season after a 0-5 start.

…”Anytime you lead off the game with a triple, we hit two triples today and Bogusevc scored on the one. But anytime you have runners on first and third with nobody out and your third through fifth hitters up, I expect to score at least one run,” Pujols said. “We were not able to do that.”

The silver lining last night?

“Bogusevic threw the ball great. He’s just having a tough time trying to find a way to win a game,” Pujols said. “He pitched well enough to win.”

Round Rock

Runelvys Hernandez was due for a bad outing. He had given 7 quality starts in his last 8. He got his bad one out of the way last night. In 5 innings, he gave up 6 earned runs. The bullpen brought their gas hoses as they fanned the flames instead of putting them out. Fernando Nieve gave up 5 runs in one inning; giving up 2 home runs. The final damage was 12-3.

Draft Signings

OregonStrosFan has updated the draft signing tracker (Bus Ride version)with 10 more names bringing the total to 22 out of 52 players drafted.

Lexington

Legends batters struck out 12 times, Greensboro got 13 hits. That adds up to a 7-4 loss for the Legends.

Corpus Christi

When you play in an 8 team league, you are going to see the same pitchers often. The Hooks hope they don’t see Vince Mazzaro any more this season. With his 7 2/3 strong innings last night, he brought his record against the Hooks to 3-0 in 4 starts allowing 3 earned runs and striking out 22 batters. Here is his scouting report on the Hooks batters.

“I know they’re free swingers and I just wanted to run my two-seam (fastball) and try to get early contact with them,” Mazzaro said. “My change-up was working pretty well tonight and so was my slider for the out pitch.

“I just go out there every night and tell myself to throw strikes, run my two-seamer in and get ground balls and stuff like that. Tonight, the umpire gave me fastballs away. So my game plan was to go with fastballs away until they made adjustments and then go inside.”

You want answers?

Greg Rajan of the Corpus Christi Caller answers the top 10 questions regarding the Hooks and the Astros farm system in todays edition of the Caller. Here is a sample.

Q: Houston scouting director Bobby Heck recently described the Astros’ minor-league system as “thin.” Is it safe to say this year’s draft is a critical one?

A: Is breathing important? It pretty much goes without saying the Astros need to hit a grand slam, not just a home run, with this draft to help replenish their system. Owner Drayton McLane loosening the purse strings wouldn’t hurt, either. According to Baseball America, with last year’s draft debacle, the Astros became the first team since the 1980 Yankees to fail to sign a player before the fifth round. A large reason for that was McLane’s reported reluctance to go over slot money (i.e. MLB guidelines) for draft picks. That must change.

Draft Expectations

Bobby Heck sets his goals for the 2008 Amateur Draft that starts today.

“I’d like more than four (big leaguers) and should with the two extra picks we have up top,” Heck said. “Obviously, beyond the number of four would hopefully deem it a quality draft. You’d like to hit on every guy.

“There’s been drafts that have come up with 15 big leaguers, and the average over time is four. There’s been some drafts that have none, and that would be a complete disaster. The return I expect to get is more than four big leaguers from this.”

You can follow the draft in the Bus Ride today.

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.