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General Discussion => The Bus Ride Discussion Forum => Topic started by: VirtualBob on April 01, 2014, 07:43:25 am
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Placeholder for this year's thread ... maybe someone can make it sticky.
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Greg Rajan tweeted out a preliminary roster:
P: Rollins, Jankowski, Ballew, Sogard, Rodgers, A. Robinson, West, Seaton, Heidenriech, Shirley, De Leon, Geith, Cain, L. Cruz.
C: Tyler Heineman, Rene Garcia, M.P Cokinos
IF: Nolan Fontana, Jio Mier, Enrique Hernandez, Matt Duffy, Joe Sclafani.
OF: Andrew Aplin, DeLino DeShields Jr., Leo Heras, Chris Epps, Preston Tucker.
27 players, 2 over the limit. At least one pitcher (perhaps two) would need to go.
As far as position players, I assume Cokinos will slot in as the 1B. Don't see any huge surprises elsewhere, although you could argue that Tucker should be at OKC. But since he only played a half-season with the Hooks last year, I'm not really shocked to see him back here.
Among the pitchers, I'm guessing the 8-man rotation would consist of Cruz, Cain, Rodgers, West, Heidenreich, Rollins, Seaton and Shirley.
I would have thought we'd see Kyle Smith among the pitchers. Wonder if there's an injury.
Position players are pretty much as I expected. I wonder if we are going to see Cokinos more at DH than 1B, with Duffy getting time at both corners and Sciafani getting time at both 2B and 3B. Heras & Epps will also probably see some DH time, though. The inclusion of Aplin makes the outfield pretty full.
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They previewed Velasquez on the Hooks webpage, but he is not on the roster. Damn.
I wonder if Fontana will be more utility infielder or set position.
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I wonder if Fontana will be more utility infielder or set position.
I think that depends on how Jio does in April ... a quick start may redeem him and banish Fontana to utility role, but a slow star will probably see Jio on the bench and Fontana getting regular PT at SS. My money is on the latter.
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I think Fontana is the future 2b of the Astros. Say 2016.
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I think Fontana is the future 2b of the Astros. Say 2016.
Maybe if Altuve flames out... I see Fontana more as the future Spiers type, backing up all around the IF, pinch-hitting, and starting or platooning for longer periods of time as needed due to injuries or trades. I imagine he'll play pretty much every day at CC, but move around 2B/SS/3B/DH. But this is a big year for him. Can his bat become enough of a threat to prevent pitchers from pounding the strike zone on him, negating his walk-drawing ability?
The OF does look quite full. I wonder if Aplin and DDS will split CF equally? Aplin has the arm to play RF, too, while DDS from all reports has a LF arm that they hope can play in CF.
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The OF does look quite full. I wonder if Aplin and DDS will split CF equally? Aplin has the arm to play RF, too, while DDS from all reports has a LF arm that they hope can play in CF.
Yes ... DDS is this generation's Omar Moreno ... steals bases, covers a lot of ground, arm like a wet noodle.
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The OF does look quite full. I wonder if Aplin and DDS will split CF equally? Aplin has the arm to play RF, too, while DDS from all reports has a LF arm that they hope can play in CF.
Per official CCHooks tweet, Epps has been made inactive (along with Geith and McCurdy). SO I guess Aplin will be in LF?
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Per official CCHooks tweet, Epps has been made inactive (along with Geith and McCurdy). SO I guess Aplin will be in LF?
They'll probably rotate all 3 to some extent, but I would imagine Heras would play more LF than Aplin, who has a good arm, making him a better fit for RF. Tucker has played some RF, too, but I'm guessing he'll mostly DH.
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They'll probably rotate all 3 to some extent, but I would imagine Heras would play more LF than Aplin, who has a good arm, making him a better fit for RF. Tucker has played some RF, too, but I'm guessing he'll mostly DH.
You may be right. I expect Tucker to play regularly in RF with Heras at DH, but neither of us is in charge. :)
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The Hooks get a shot at Jonathan Gray tonight.
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You may be right. I expect Tucker to play regularly in RF with Heras at DH, but neither of us is in charge. :)
I'm just going by what I've read of Heras, which is that he's a solid OF who could fill in at CF. I only saw Tucker 2-3 games at Tri-city, and he seemed OK in RF, but his rep is that hitting is his strong suit.
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Hooks vs Gray Pt. 2 definitely went in favor of the the Hooks. Gray didn't make it out of the first inning (2/3 IP), giving up 6 runs (all earned) on 7 hits (1 HR by Hernandez), striking out 1.
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Dave Rollins walked the lead-off batter the other day and then was lifted. Any report on what happened? Sounds a lot like an injury, but I have not seen anything on it.
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Dave Rollins walked the lead-off batter the other day and then was lifted. Any report on what happened? Sounds a lot like an injury, but I have not seen anything on it.
I have no details but the Hooks website did indicate injury in the game recap.
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I read it was an oblique strain.
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Rollins DL'd, Geith activated (Greg Rajan tweet).
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Rollins DL'd, Geith activated (Greg Rajan tweet).
Confirmed on Texas League transaction page. Thanks.
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Greg Rajan tweet:
IF Enrique Hernandez to OKC; LHP T.J. Geith released; LHP Patrick Urckfitz to CC from OKC; IF Telvin Nash activated from DL.
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Costly loss for the Hooks, as DDS left the game in the 7th after being hit in the face by a fastball. He walked off on his own, but was taken to the hospital, where he'll have X-rays taken today. Here's a pitcure of him in his hospital bed.
https://twitter.com/ctcase10/status/457384494337904640 (https://twitter.com/ctcase10/status/457384494337904640)
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That sucks. Hoping for a quick recovery.
Fucking Rangers.
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I was there. It was a glancing blow in that the ball went all the way to the backstop. I thought it had hit his hands until he hit the deck. He was on all fours facing down for 3-4 minutes before getting up and walking off the field with the trainer assisting him. Could have been much worse. Hooks had a 3-0 lead until late when Frisco scored four runs on a couple of HRs and some very poor defensive play by Cokinos at 1B. On the bright side, West pitched very well. His FB was in the 88-92 range several times hitting 90+. I didn't realize he had that much gas. But he is a pitcher mixing stuff up with good command. I liked what I saw of Bellew in his inning of work.
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Costly loss for the Hooks, as DDS left the game in the 7th after being hit in the face by a fastball. He walked off on his own, but was taken to the hospital, where he'll have X-rays taken today. Here's a pitcure of him in his hospital bed.
https://twitter.com/ctcase10/status/457384494337904640 (https://twitter.com/ctcase10/status/457384494337904640)
Fractured cheekbone. (http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20140419&content_id=72642636¬ebook_id=72641986&vkey=notebook_hou&c_id=hou)
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Fractured cheekbone. (http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20140419&content_id=72642636¬ebook_id=72641986&vkey=notebook_hou&c_id=hou)
THis is the first time I read that he didn't see the ball although he made no discernable effort to get out of the way. That's why I thought it hit his hand or bat. There was no "thud" just a "tick".
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Shirley putting himself back on the prospect map. 17 and a 1/3 innings so far. 22 Ks to 3 BBs. Given up 10 singles and 2 doubles. G/F=7.33
Most importantly he is healthy (knock, knock)
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Hope to see him and Ballew at OKC soon.
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I know I asked this years ago and someone answered it, but what was his injury? IIRC, it wasn't arm related.
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I know I asked this years ago and someone answered it, but what was his injury? IIRC, it wasn't arm related.
Right knee injury cost him most of the 2011 season. 2012 was mostly a rehab year. Last year was real good with an increase in velocity as the year went on.
What the heck bobby interview from last year (http://whattheheckbobby.blogspot.com/2013/11/an-interview-with-lhp-tommy-shirley.html)
My healthy comment was misleading. It's not like he's had a rash of injuries. But one pesky one that set his career back almost 2 years.
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Thanks for the info. I want to see him live some day.
Fontana with 4 hits and 0 walks. Knocks in Mier in the 12th for a victory.
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Thanks for the info. I want to see him live some day.
Fontana with 4 hits and 0 walks. Knocks in Mier in the 12th for a victory.
Sounds like Chris Epps had a nice game too. Grand Slam and 3 BBs.
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Shirley putting himself back on the prospect map. 17 and a 1/3 innings so far. 22 Ks to 3 BBs. Given up 10 singles and 2 doubles. G/F=7.33
Most importantly he is healthy (knock, knock)
Shirley adds 6 more innings tonight
23 1/3 28Ks to 4 BBs. 16 singles and 2 doubles
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Cool excerpt from tonight's box score:
BASERUNNING
SB: Epps (2, home ...)
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Some good news today:
[quote@brianmctaggart: Delino Deshields could be better in the next week to 10 days. Healing well, going through concussion protocol][/quote]
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Some good news today:
[quote@brianmctaggart: Delino Deshields could be better in the next week to 10 days. Healing well, going through concussion protocol]
That would be great. It was a week ago tonight.
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Another fine outing by Shirley.
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Another fine outing by Shirley.
What fucking good does that comment do? Post a few numbers, for gods fucking sake. You do this shit all the fucking time.
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What fucking good does that comment do? Post a few numbers, for gods fucking sake. You do this shit all the fucking time.
Maybe a link to the box score (http://www.milb.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?gid=2014_04_30_coraax_mroaax_1&t=g_box&did=milb&sid=t482) will help out.
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Maybe a link to the box score (http://www.milb.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?gid=2014_04_30_coraax_mroaax_1&t=g_box&did=milb&sid=t482) will help out.
Now that's a fine example of someone contributing something.
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Now that's a fine example of someone contributing something.
True enough ... I wonder how Jacksonian manages to find all these obscure sources of insight and information.
[/sarcasm]
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Shirley adds 6 more innings tonight
23 1/3 28Ks to 4 BBs. 16 singles and 2 doubles
Summation:
28 1/3 34Ks to 4 BBs. 16 singles, 3 doubles and a HR
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Per various tweets, Kyle Smith has been promoted from Lancaster (Kent Emanuel up from QC to take Smith's spot in the rotation at Lancaster).
Further tweets say Smith is replacing Aaron West in the CC rotation as West has been DL'd. That I believe makes 3 Hooks' tandem starters currently on the DL (Colton Cain and David Rollins being the others).
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Makes sense. He spent all of 2013 in Hi-A and did very well (though most of it came in the Carolina League in the Royals org). And he's dominated so far this year.
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True enough ... I wonder how Jacksonian manages to find all these obscure sources of insight and information.
[/sarcasm]
Sure, we're all capable of finding a box score, but part of the point of posting is to aggregate valuable info here, in one handy place, for others to see and then not have to spend the time to go to the CC Hooks website every single day.
You, Jacksonian, astrosfan76 and many many others who come here and post their thoughts along with helpful links, quotes, and numbers get that. But then there are those (at present I can only think of one) who apparently like to just fart out little drive-by comments, devoid of context, without bothering to post anything useful or informative.
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Summation:
28 1/3 34Ks to 4 BBs. 16 singles, 3 doubles and a HR
That's not a bad line for a pitcher.
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But then there are those (at present I can only think of one) who apparently like to just fart out little drive-by comments, devoid of context, without bothering to post anything useful or informative.
What did I ever do to you?
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What did I ever do to you?
He was surely talking about me.
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Brrrrrrrrrrrrrpt.
'Scuse me.
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OF Marc Wik to CC from extended spring training; OF Leo Heras to disabled list.
(Greg Rajan tweet)
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Nice...DDS returns from the beaning and homers in his 1st two ABs.
Box (http://www.milb.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?gid=2014_05_09_coraax_friaax_1&t=g_box&sid=milb)
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Nice...DDS returns from the beaning and homers in his 1st two ABs.
Box (http://www.milb.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?gid=2014_05_09_coraax_friaax_1&t=g_box&sid=milb)
That's impressive. Especially since the team only collected five hits for the night.
BTW, his four HRs have come in only 15 games this season.
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Kyle Smith is having a rough adjustment to AA ball.
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Kyle Smith is having a rough adjustment to AA ball.
Yes. It usually tends to happen to straight, fastball pitchers it seems but I thought Smith had a plus curve too? Anyone seen him and why hrs getting hit hard?
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Yes. It usually tends to happen to straight, fastball pitchers it seems but I thought Smith had a plus curve too? Anyone seen him and why hrs getting hit hard?
Haven't ever seen him, but a) it's only 2 starts, and b) while he's gotten hit around (15 H, 4 HR), in 8 2/3 IP he also has 12 K and just 1 BB. So it could just be a combination of a few pitches left up and some bad luck with balls falling in, mixed in with otherwise pretty good pitching.
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Tommy Shirley allows 4 H and 3 BB in 4 IP, and the 1 ER raises his ERA to 1.67. DDS had another 2 hits, stole 2B, and was caught stealing home. box (http://www.milb.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?gid=2014_05_10_coraax_friaax_1&t=g_box&did=milb&sid=t482)
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DDS with two more hits today...both singles. I believe he has had six hits in three games since returning.
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Midway through the game, DDS with 1 AB, 1 hit, 2BBs, 3 swipes and 3 runs scored (all 3 of The Hooks' runs)
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This from the Texas League transaction page (http://www.milb.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?t=l_trn&lid=109&sid=t482):
05/11/2014 Status Change Corpus Christi Hooks Thomas Shirley Corpus Christi Hooks placed LHP Thomas Shirley on the reserve list.
This is a new one for me ... "reserve list"? How is that different from "inactive"? And does anyone know why this happened?
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This from the Texas League transaction page (http://www.milb.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?t=l_trn&lid=109&sid=t482):
This is a new one for me ... "reserve list"? How is that different from "inactive"? And does anyone know why this happened?
Here is what MILB says about it (http://www.milb.com/milb/info/faq.jsp?mc=onfield)
Reserve list: This is now a little-used term, primarily seen in the Mexican League where teams have a 35-man roster but only 30 players may be active per game, so the other five players are technically on the reserve list.
I don't think they usually make those formal transactions.
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Here is what MILB says about it (http://www.milb.com/milb/info/faq.jsp?mc=onfield)
I don't think they usually make those formal transactions.
That is exactly what I saw as "inactive" ... I wonder what the difference is?
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Was able to attend 2+ games against the Missions. After digesting it all, I figured I got a glimpse of the transition to Luhnow's system. The position players I saw were about 50/50 Luhnow and pre-Luhnow, but even the pre-Luhnow ones have had plenty of time now under his system. Basic observations were similar to what I had read:
Much greater patience at the plate. Almost every batter sees at least 3 pitches and few swing at the first pitch;
Not too many ABs where the hitter is chasing bad pitches;
Many of the hitters might let a cookie pass by on their way deep into counts;
Most guys have decent contact skills. Not a lot of swing and miss, but given that they get into a lot of deep counts, the Ks will come; and
Most of the Luhnow guys seem to lack loud tools, but on the flip side, they don't have glaring weaknesses either. All have a nice balance of less-loud tools.
Overall, through the course of the games, I came away feeling better about the descriptions above than I felt when I arrived. In general, I love to see a hitter jump on the most hittable pitch they will see, but realize that few do that and that ultimately, the skills they now demonstrate (patience and pitch recognition) might be necessary precursors to the higher level skill.
On the pitching side, only Ballew really impressed, but I obviously caught Cruz on the wrong night. I think I expected something else from him, but it looks like his success depends on commanding multiple pitches well, ala Keuchel and Obie, and not on stuff alone. Without that command, success is unlikely.
Individual observations:
Fontana - is what I assumed, but slightly better. Can handle SS, but arm is marginal. Patient, maybe too patient at the plate, but can make contact and is more than a slappy bat.
Aplin - looked better the more I saw. Looked like a solid fielder in right, had good ABs and gap power.
Tucker - has that flat, line drive swing, but will have to hit better to provide real value, IMO
Deshields - it is hard for me to erase everything I have read about him, both in his skills what it takes to maximize those skills. He misplayed one at the wall, but he reads the ball well/gets good jumps and his routes are fine. In other words, he can handle the position, but exceeding at it seems up in the air. He has good pitch recognition and some pop.
Nash - would love to see him stay healthy to see what he can do. I have heard about his power and don't doubt it. He put one out to left on a slider that he didn't even time or turn well on.
Mier - his swing looks better to me. I realize the results aren't there, but he looked better.
Garcia - Always impresses me. Good contact skills and seems to handle the position defensively.
All in all, they all seemed like solid players and with further improvements, some will have a future on the Astros. If I had to put money on the ones I saw, I'd bet Aplin, Fontana, Deshields and Ballew have the best chance to succeed.
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Good, thorough report. Did Rogers start one of the games you saw? If so, what did you see? I know his last outing was poor but he's been pretty much as advertised with that exception.
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No Rodgers.
Saw Urkfitz, Ballew, Cruz, Robinson, Sogard, Dimock, Cain, Jankowski, and DeLeon
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Great stuff, thanks jbm. Aplin is only playing RF to accommodate DDS in center; from what I saw in Tri-City in 2012, and his scouting reports, he is a Very good-to-excellent CF, perhaps lacking elite speed but making up for it with outstanding reads, jumps, and athleticism, plus a good arm. A lot like Brandon Barnes, in other words. Hitting-wise, seems to lack HR power but he seems to have a knack for driving in runs nonetheless, and he's drawn a crazy number of walks this year. Even more than Fontana. Like Wates, he gets slapped with the "4th OF ceiling" tag, but he's a very, very interesting guy.
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Shirley's stay on the reserve list was short. He pitched last night - and did well.
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Yes. It usually tends to happen to straight, fastball pitchers it seems but I thought Smith had a plus curve too? Anyone seen him and why hrs getting hit hard?
Smith with a good outing yesterday. 6/1/1/2/4
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And Shirley continues his impressive streak. 6IPs tonight, 1H, 0R, 0BB, 5Ks.
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And Smith follows up his last outing with another impressive job tonite. 6/4/1/1/1/5
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Some tidbits from today's game notes (http://www.milb.com/documents/1/6/4/76788164/2014_GN_May_25_at_NWA_u6azucex.pdf):
Preston Tucker, who drilled a line drive to the top of the berm in right last night, now has 5 home runs in his
last 8 games. During this stretch, Tucker is hitting .275 with 7 runs, 9 RBIs and 6 walks. The former Florida Gator leads the Texas League with 24 extra-base hits and 98 total bases. He shares the top spot in the circuit with 11 home runs and slots 2nd in RBIs (31). Tucker’s .510 slugging percentage sits at fifth.
I see a promotion in the near future.
Andrew Robinson has yet to allow a home run, walking 8 while striking out 26 in 23.2 innings. He has not allowed a run in his last 6 games, fanning 11 against 2 walks in 10.0 IP.
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LHP #cchooks Tommy Shirley named Texas League Pitcher o Week. Had 6 SHo IP v Arkansas. Ranks 3d in TL in Ks (51) 2d in ERA (1.51)
George Vondracek tweet
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Tids & bits from today's game notes (http://www.milb.com/documents/8/4/6/76876846/2014_GN_May_26_at_NWA_8kvbtp18.pdf):
Nolan Fontana saw hitting streak snapped at 7, but, as per usual, had a productive night at the plate. Fontana, who has reached safely in 31 of his last 32 games, walked twice and laid down a sac bunt. He is now tied for 1st in the league with 35 free passes and 10 sac bunts. Fontana also slots 2nd in on-base percentage at .421.
Jio Mier plated 2 runs last night and notched his first multi-hit game since May 1. Mier has now hit safely in 8 consecutive games, batting .321 with 4 runs, a double and 3 RBIs. His average sits at .343 with men in scoring position.
Matt Duffy’s 2-run home run in the sixth last night extended his hit streak to 6 games. Duffy now stands 2nd in the Texas League with 32 RBIs and 55 hits. He has notched hits in 20 of his last 23 games, batting .333 with 12 runs, 2 doubles, a triple, 3 home runs and 17 RBIs.
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Joe Sclafani, playing in his 2nd pro game in the outfield, makes a sensational diving catch w/ the bases loaded.
CC Hooks game tweet
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Nate, you are doing fine work. Thanks for all of the info/updates across the board.
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Nate, you are doing fine work. Thanks for all of the info/updates across the board.
+1
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Delino news (http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20140527&content_id=77003994&fext=.jsp&vkey=news_milb&sid=milb)
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Duffy sent to OKC. Meyer sent to Corpus.
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Other moves:
-RHP Tyson Perez to CC from Lancaster
-RHP Jorge De Leon from CC to Oklahoma City
Big step backward for Meyer, who was getting into a position to at least have his name in the picture at 3B.
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Big step backward for Meyer, who was getting into a position to at least have his name in the picture at 3B.
That's the pint. He was NOT getting into that position.
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That's the pint. He was NOT getting into that position.
I'd say by reaching AAA, he was clearly on the radar. They definitely saw him as a prospect at that position. His lackluster performance at OKC surely took away some of the momentum he had going into the season, though. That's not saying he was a big threat to take Dominguez's job, but he was in a good spot on the depth chart.
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Yeah, Meyer has certainly disappointed this year. Seems like Hernandez has got some time at third recently. Wonder if that will continue.
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Yeah, Meyer has certainly disappointed this year. Seems like Hernandez has got some time at third recently. Wonder if that will continue.
Kike is playing all over the infield -- even passably well at SS -- and also has significant time in RF ... future utility guy is what it looks like.
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Set your DVRs:
Today @MiLB announced the @CBSSportsNet Games of the Week & the #CCHooks June 12 game will be available across the country!
CC Hooks tweet
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Thanks. I was going to get to see that game live. Might change my plans now.
Do they broadcast many minor league games?
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Thanks. I was going to get to see that game live. Might change my plans now.
Do they broadcast many minor league games?
CBS Sports Network started broadcasting a Minor League game of the week back on May 1 and does so every Thursday night.
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5/30 Game Notes (http://www.milb.com/documents/4/3/6/77496436/2014_GN_May_30_vs._NWA_yfozcaj3.pdf):
Catcher Rene Garcia was one of the few bright spots last night for the Hooks offensively. Garcia reached base in all 3 of his plate appearances, going 1-for-1 with a single and 2 walks. The 24-year-old from Vega Alta, Puerto Rico, has hits in 17 of his last 21 games, batting .297 with 10 runs, 6 doubles, 2 home runs, 5 RBIs, 5 walks and 5 strikeouts. Garcia is averaging 17.14 plate appearances per strikeout and has thrown out 44% of runners attempting to steal.
Thus far during this homestand, Corpus Christi’s starting staff, comprised of Tommy Shirley, Brady Rodgers and David Rollins, has pitched well. The trio features an ERA of 1.93 and a .224 batting average against over the last 3 games. The staff, as a whole, is faring much better at home than on the road. Hooks hurlers are 14-11 with a 2.83 ERA in 25 contests at Whataburger Field, holding the opposition to 9 home runs and a .232 batting average. On the road, the team’s ERA jumps to 4.08 ERA with the club allowing 32 home runs and a .262 batting average against.
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Preston Tucker 4-5 with a couple of long pokes to take the (outright) lead in the TL with 13 home runs.
Per the game log, the lefty swinger:
- Preston Tucker homers (12) on a fly ball to right field.
- Preston Tucker doubles (16) on a line drive to center fielder Lane Adams.
- Preston Tucker homers (13) on a fly ball to left field.
- Preston Tucker singles on a ground ball to left fielder Edinson Rincon.
Nolan Fontana with a single, double and 2 walks to run his OBP up to .427 (2nd in the TL).
Andrew Robinson with 2 more scoreless frames.
Box (http://www.milb.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?gid=2014_05_31_nwaaax_coraax_1&t=g_box&sid=milb)
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@Greg Rajan keeps us updated on the Hooks game:
Kyle Smith with 8 K's for #cchooks after six innings. Delino DeShields Jr. with great diving catch in CF with one on for final out. 1-0 CC
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6/3 Game Notes (http://www.milb.com/documents/3/9/4/78031394/2014_GN_June_3_at_MID_yk2zggqo.pdf):
Luis Cruz to DL, Richard Rodriguez up from Lancaster to replace him, and Doug Brocail takes over as interim pitching coach.
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Shirley continues to look like he needs a bigger challenge. Tonight in Midland 7IP/2H/1R/1ER/1BB/4K. Lone run on a HR.
Shirley left with a 3-1 which was squandered by Tyson Perez in what may have been his AA debut and it is 3-3 after 8.
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Too much good pitching at OKC keeping Shirley, Robinson and Ballew in CC. I wonder if the Astros could package some of that pitching to trade for a decent major league outfielder.
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Too much good pitching at OKC keeping Shirley, Robinson and Ballew in CC. I wonder if the Astros could package some of that pitching to trade for a decent major league outfielder.
I'd rather hold onto the depth....the injuries will come.
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Too much good pitching at OKC keeping Shirley, Robinson and Ballew in CC. I wonder if the Astros could package some of that pitching to trade for a decent major league outfielder.
That's a good thought, but I believe that you never have enough pitching, so I think that I'd rather hold onto them for now.
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Too much good pitching at OKC keeping Shirley, Robinson and Ballew in CC. I wonder if the Astros could package some of that pitching to trade for a decent major league outfielder.
These guys may be throw-ins for such a deal but I'm thinking it would take a bigger prospect to get a ML OFer that is an upgrade over what we have. Maybe Santana plus a couple of these guys for a guy that has a couple years until his walk year?
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These guys may be throw-ins for such a deal but I'm thinking it would take a bigger prospect to get a ML OFer that is an upgrade over what we have. Maybe Santana plus a couple of these guys for a guy that has a couple years until his walk year?
Fowler?
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Maybe Santana plus a couple of these guys for a guy that has a couple years until his walk year?
Blasphemy. The one thing the farm doesn't have a lot of you suggest to trade away.
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Blasphemy. The one thing the farm doesn't have a lot of you suggest to trade away.
I'm not advocating such a deal. I'm conjecturing on what it would take to get a ML OFer better than what we have on the current ML roster.
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I'm not advocating such a deal. I'm conjecturing on what it would take to get a ML OFer better than what we have on the current ML roster.
It may take some patience. There is still a ton of talent we haven't gotten to yet.
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It may take some patience. There is still a ton of talent we haven't gotten to yet.
Exactly right.
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6/4 Game Notes (http://www.milb.com/documents/8/9/6/78190896/2014_GN_June_4_at_MID_5cqz2cpp.pdf):
Tommy Shirley penned another chapter to his remarkable start to the season. The Hooks Pitcher of the Month for April and May stands 5-2 with a 1.51 ERA in 12 appearances (9 starts). Shirley has struck out 56 and walked 14 in 59.2 innings, yielding 4 home runs and a .181 batting average against. The southpaw’s ERA ranks 2nd in the Double-A ranks behind Tulsa’s Daniel Winkler. Shirley also ranks within the top 10 in the minors in ERA (7th), WHIP (0.87, 8th) and BAA (T-8th). He has held the opposition to 2 earned runs or less in all 12 of his outings with the Hooks.
This series pits the top two base thieves in the Texas League against each other - Billy Burns of Midland and Corpus Christi’s Delino DeShields, Jr. The duo enters play tonight tied for first in the circuit with 25 stolen bases. DeShields, who has been caught 4 times this year, is on pace to swipe 95 bags in 2014. Corpus Christi’s single-season record for stolen bases is 50, achieved in 2005 by Josh Anderson.
Nolan Fontana reached in each of his 5 plate appearances last night, going 2-for-2 with a double and 3 walks. Fontana now leads the Texas League with 45 walks and a .437 on-base percentage, while slotting 2nd with 17 doubles. His walk total also tops all Double-A players and ranks 4th in the minors. Fontana has reached safely in 37 of his last 39 games and has hits in 19 of his last 26, batting .344 with 8 doubles, a home run, 15 RBIs and 33 walks.
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6/4 Game Notes (http://www.milb.com/documents/8/9/6/78190896/2014_GN_June_4_at_MID_5cqz2cpp.pdf):
I think pasting entire articles is frowned on.
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I think pasting entire articles is frowned on.
If pasting 3 paragraphs of an article which is 11 pages long is pasting the entire article, then yes I pasted the entire article.
This was a post in the draft thread on May 29:
http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/writer/jon-heyman/24575310/astros-may-draft-rodon-or-aiken-no-1-overall-or-pull-surprise-with-Gordon
Houston, who has the No. 1 pick a third straight year, is hard to predict.
The Astros were said as of last week to be in internal debates about which of two top lefthanded pitching prospects -- Carlos Rodon of NC State or San Diego high-schooler Brady Aiken -- to take with the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming baseball draft.
Either of those players would not represent any sort of surprise, but a rumor was gaining steam in recent days that the Astros may consider going off the board and taking talented high school shortstop Nicholas Gordon instead.
That may well just be a rumor, but it's stirring additional intrigue in baseball circles. Folks view the Astros as nothing if not unpredictable, so perhaps it shouldn't be such a surprise.
Gordon's decision to skip the Florida high school All-Star game triggered speculation he may already have a deal. Although, according to a source close to Gordon (think brother Dee of the Dodgers with more power and a better arm) he only passed on that game for a more mundane reason; he has nothing more to gain by playing, which most certainly is true. If he doesn't go No. 1, he most likely will be gone by No. 5 (Twins), or at the latest No. 7 (Phillies).
For weeks, the three top draft prospects have been viewed as Rodon, who features a superb slider, Aiken, a polished three-pitch high-schooler, and righthander Tyler Kolek, a 100-mph prep thrower from Texas. But in recent days, power-hitting outfielder/catcher Alex Jackson, yet another San Diego high school product, LSU pitcher Aaron Nola and especially Gordon, like Dee the son of long-time major league pitcher Tom Gordon, are threatening to break into that top triumvirate.
The Astros have the first choice for an unprecedented third straight season, and rivals say they can't even guess what they will do in the annual June 5 amateur draft, which is said to be well-stocked with talent despite the usual naysayers.
The Astros surprised more than a few folks two years ago by taking Puerto Rico high school shortstop Carlos Correa in a pick that looks prescient now that Correa is playing like a future superstar, then they went for a more conventional choice last year when they drafted first hard-throwing Stanford righthander Mark Appel, who was rated No. 1 or 2 on most boards (though Appel received the second biggest bonus to No. 2 pick Kris Bryant, who went to the Cubs).
By signing Correa, who didn't insist on slot money for the first overall pick but instead agreed to a below-slot $4.8-million bonus, the Astros were able to sign multiple players above the slot number later in that draft, including highly-regarded pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. and top infielder Rio Ruiz. One agent predicted the Astros could do the same again, perhaps picking the top player who's willing to do the right deal, which would allow them to spend more later.
"The Astros are all about the deal,” another agent said.
If that's true, they may well pass on Rodon, who word is won't be looking to offer a discount as a Scott Boras client and easily the major-league readiest of the consensus top-five players. The others, all talented high-schoolers, have longer roads and presumably come with more question marks. Here is a rundown of the top five players, plus one more, which is thought to be the full list of a half-dozen Astros considerations.
(Astros GM Jeff Luhnow, who was scouting in Japan, didn't return a text.)
1. Carlos Rodon, LHP, N.C. State. The consensus No. 1 pick coming into the year probably still rates highest if money isn't an issue. But Rodon will be cutting no bargains, so he could fall a few spots. He didn't have a perfect college season, but he is a hard thrower (mid 90s) with an 89-mph slider that “disappears” when he's on plus an unintended cutter (one scouting director likens him to Al Leiter, which isn't bad). Word is, the Astros' front office was favoring Rodon while the team's scouts may prefer Aiken. Should he be passed over by the Astros, the Marlins might be tempted to form a dynamic one-two Cuban pitching combo with also Jose Fernandez (and Rodon is a Miami product), though the power-hitting Jackson also has been linked to Miami, which needs position players more.
2. Brady Aiken, LHP, San Diego Cathedral Catholic HS. He has a superb three-pitch repertoire and is seen as a very advanced prep pitcher. He's certainly a candidate to go first, and would probably cost less than Rodon. There's no evident risk in him other than the long history of top-rated prep pitchers failing to love up to his early billing (no high school pitcher ever picked No. 1 overall has had a long and distinguished major-league career).
3. Nicholas Gordon, SS, Orlando (Fla.) Olympia HS. The five-tool Gordon has emerged recently as likely to-five pick after being seen only a couple months ago as only a top-15 choice. He's played baseball since he was very small, unlike his half brother Dee, who originally preferred basketball. Dee Gordon's emergence this year as an impact player with the Dodgers can't hurt, either. Almost every scout who talks about Gordon mentions “bloodlines” as one of the key factors in his ascendance. Besides the Astros, the Cubs, who pick fourth, the Twins (fifth) and Phillies (seventh) have shown particular interest in Gordon. Few seem him getting past Minnesota, and if he does, Philadelphia, who is looking to work him out, would almost surely snap him up.
4. Alex Jackson, C/OF, Rancho Bernardo HS, Escondido, Calif. Jackson lives up to his great baseball name and is viewed as the best power prospect in the draft and a certain middle-of-the-order hitter. As a bonus, he also has a huge arm. Some could see him moving to the outfield or even third base, but he may also stick as a catcher. He draws comparisons to Bryce Harper, though he isn't quite the teen prodigy Harper was.
5. Tyler Kolek, RHP, Shepherd (Tex.) HS. He is the hardest-throwing of all the top prospects, as he's touched 102 mph and pitches in the high 90s. Texas has a history of producing terrific high school arms, from Nolan Ryan to Josh Beckett, though one scout offered a slightly less flattering comparison of Brad Penny, as he is a bit big-bodied. He also has a slider and curveball, rounding out an all-time repertoire for a high-schooler. He is also the most geographically desirable, as his hometown of Shepherd is exactly a one-hour drive to Houston.
6. Aaron Nola, RHP, LSU. He'd be a surprise at No. 1, but like Rodon, he's seen as a “fast mover.” He has a dynamic slider to go with a mid 90s fastball and is viewed as a terrific athlete. His brother Austin, a former LSU Tiger, is an infielder in the Marlins organization.
The hard-throwing East Carolina righthander Jeff Hoffman would have been in the middle of that group (Cubs honchos Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer were said to have been blow away by what they saw of him before he went down) but will be delayed a year after having Tommy John surgery, though scouts still see him going in the top half of the first round.
So might UNLV fireballer Erick Fedde, who suffered the same fate after rapidly climbing boards. As it stands, Evansville lefthander Kyle Freeland, Oregon State outfielder Michael Conforto, North Carolina State shortstop Trea Turner probably are other top-10 picks.
As for pick No. 1, while Rodon and Aiken may be the most logical, the multitalented Gordon could be intriguing. While he'd represent something of a surprise, especially since the Astros took a shortstop No. 1 two years ago (and Correa looks to remain a shortstop based on the brilliant early returns), there are obvious risks that come with taking pitchers.
The near epidemic of Tommy John surgeries and other concerns among talented young pitchers might give more than a team or two pause. “A lot of people are on their heels with some of these arm injuries,” one scouting director said.
If that weighs into Houston's thinking, they may indeed take a close look at Gordon. Or maybe even Jackson. With them, who knows?
So using your keen powers of observation, which of the two involves posting the "entire article"?
And I did not notice you (or anyone else for that matter) commenting about that earlier post or similar ones like it.
Hell yes I link to a bunch of articles (and I wish Pravata was still around doing same so I didn't have to). But given what I've done in turns of excerpting versus what I've seen others do, it seems to me you've gotten your delicate panties in a wad over nothing.
But I will certainly turn this over to the mods: is 3 paragraphs out of an 11 page article excessive in your mind?
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Posting entire articles is forbidden as VB indicated even with proper linkages. Posting excerpts without proper linkages is forbidden. As for your game notes post, considering the length of the pdf I think the 3 items are fine. As for the post in the other thread I did not see it. I am going to modify it to what is preferred.
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If pasting 3 paragraphs of an article which is 11 pages long is pasting the entire article, then yes I pasted the entire article.
This was a post in the draft thread on May 29:
So using your keen powers of observation, which of the two involves posting the "entire article"?
And I did not notice you (or anyone else for that matter) commenting about that earlier post or similar ones like it.
Hell yes I link to a bunch of articles (and I wish Pravata was still around doing same so I didn't have to). But given what I've done in turns of excerpting versus what I've seen others do, it seems to me you've gotten your delicate panties in a wad over nothing.
But I will certainly turn this over to the mods: is 3 paragraphs out of an 11 page article excessive in your mind?
NC: I'm with you. I really appreciate your posts. Don't stop.
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NC: I'm with you. I really appreciate your posts. Don't stop.
Thanks, Hap!
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NC: I'm with you. I really appreciate your posts. Don't stop.
I *like* them too ... I just thought the total volume (rather than the percentage) might run afoul of the rules ... I was making an observation, not a criticism.
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Yeah, Nate, keep the info coming, but, you were a tad touchy there. V-Bob was just trying to keep us all from getting in trouble with the law and whatnot.
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6/4 Game Notes (http://www.milb.com/documents/8/9/6/78190896/2014_GN_June_4_at_MID_5cqz2cpp.pdf):
How is Fontana's defense? Anyone?
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In my limited views, I'd describe it as serviceable at short. I'd assume it is fine at second.
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Hopefully he plays tomorrow in Houston.
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Wild one wrapping up in Minute Maid with SA leading CC 15-14 in the bottom of the 9th. 32 combined hits so far. Tucker with two HRs giving him 17. I believe the second one was a bomb to the RF upper deck.
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Wild one wrapping up in Minute Maid with SA leading CC 15-14 in the bottom of the 9th. 32 combined hits so far. Tucker with two HRs giving him 17. I believe the second one was a bomb to the RF upper deck.
Preston is for real. The second HR seemed like it we going to hit the Budweiser sign.
Not much pitching by either team, obviously.
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@MEliasBaseball: Every inch of it "@jluhnow: 460 feet on @PrestonTucker25 homerun according to our data! #bomb”
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Preston is for real. The second HR seemed like it we going to hit the Budweiser sign.
Not much pitching by either team, obviously.
I've been following him (not literally) since he was drafted because of the comments Luhnow has made about him comparing him to a LH Alan Craig. I'd like to see him promoted to OKC.
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The Hooks will be on the national telly tomorrow. CBS Sports Network
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Got to see two Hooks games, one of which was televised.
Things which caught my attention:
Jio can field;
Jio/Fontana is a good combo. I think i saw four or five DPs turned, none of which were cake;
Heineman really impressed me. Solid ABs and an amazing mid air snatch of a fouled bunt. I didn't get a read on his arm and he is small for a catcher, but he was impressive;
Tucker looked better in the one game I saw. He hit most everything hard. I wouldn't say I am a buyer, but I'm not a seller either;
Nothing new, but Gallo has mad power and swings and misses a lot. He got beat with marginal fastballs and Rodriguez threw him five or six sliders out of the zone to strike him out, but if he connects, it might be special. One night, he looked unnatural at third; the next night, he was serviceable;
Was nice to see Cruz on a good night. Ave velocity on his fastball, but plays up. Change seemed to be his go to pitch. Not a lot of movement, but deceptive and effective. Solid command. More of a 12-6 curve. Don't know if he can get in righties, but overall, he looked good. Didn't realize he was on a pitch count. I should pay more attention;
Thought Rodriguez was impressive. Fastball/slider guy with both pitches impressive. Could see him ultimately helping with improvement in either of those pitches.
Most importantly, I didn't notice any fucking Rangers fans. Corpus still seems like Astros territory.
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Got to see two Hooks games, one of which was televised.
Things which caught my attention:
Jio can field;
Jio/Fontana is a good combo. I think i saw four or five DPs turned, none of which were cake;
Heineman really impressed me. Solid ABs and an amazing mid air snatch of a fouled bunt. I didn't get a read on his arm and he is small for a catcher, but he was impressive;
Tucker looked better in the one game I saw. He hit most everything hard. I wouldn't say I am a buyer, but I'm not a seller either;
Nothing new, but Gallo has mad power and swings and misses a lot. He got beat with marginal fastballs and Rodriguez threw him five or six sliders out of the zone to strike him out, but if he connects, it might be special. One night, he looked unnatural at third; the next night, he was serviceable;
Was nice to see Cruz on a good night. Ave velocity on his fastball, but plays up. Change seemed to be his go to pitch. Not a lot of movement, but deceptive and effective. Solid command. More of a 12-6 curve. Don't know if he can get in righties, but overall, he looked good. Didn't realize he was on a pitch count. I should pay more attention;
Thought Rodriguez was impressive. Fastball/slider guy with both pitches impressive. Could see him ultimately helping with improvement in either of those pitches.
Most importantly, I didn't notice any fucking Rangers fans. Corpus still seems like Astros territory.
Good eye. Thanks for the report.
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Jeff Luhnow @jluhnow 4h
18 ks and 3 bbs for @cchooks pitchers last night... well done @Kyle_T_Smith @ShirBird24 @ImBallewDabaDi
Kyle Smith in his last 6 starts:
- 1.36 ERA
- .188 BAA
- 35 K's vs 8 BB's in 33 IP
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Andy Aplin and DDS are all stars (of the replacement variety). (http://www.caller.com/sports/hooks/hooks-race-to-win-in-11_10619107)
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Pat Urkfitz also a replacement All-Star, and Nolan Fontana since May 1 second in OBP at .474 among all minor leaguers just behind Kris Bryant and just ahead of Joey Gallo. (http://www.milb.com/documents/9/3/8/80076938/2014_GN_June_16_at_SA_6kic3ikn.pdf)
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How nice would it be to have Kris Bryant in the system knocking on the door of the big club later this summer?
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How nice would it be to have Kris Bryant in the system knocking on the door of the big club later this summer?
He's a first-ballot HOF fer sure.
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Andy Aplin placed on DL with bruised ribs (http://www.milb.com/documents/6/0/6/80232606/2014_GN_June_17_at_SA_3wkwqjwc.pdf).
Rene Garcia and Tyler Heineman lead the Texas League with a 41% CS rate (http://www.milb.com/documents/6/0/6/80232606/2014_GN_June_17_at_SA_3wkwqjwc.pdf).
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Andy Aplin placed on DL with bruised ribs[/]
(http://www.milb.com/documents/6/0/6/80232606/2014_GN_June_17_at_SA_3wkwqjwc.pdf)
Have to love the heart:
Andrew Aplin, who was scratched from the lineup yesterday, has been placed on the disabled list. Aplin bruised his ribs after crashing on top of the fence in front of the right-field bullpen Saturday night at Whataburger Field. He was trying to rob Andrew Robinson of a home run in the 9th.
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How nice would it be to have Kris Bryant in the system knocking on the door of the big club later this summer?
I'd rather have Mike Schmidt.
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I'd rather have Mike Schmidt.
I don't know. He's 64 He's probably lost a step or two.
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And the first post-ASB promotion from Lancaster is...
OF Jordan Scott (http://www.milb.com/documents/4/0/0/80440400/2014_GN_June_18_at_SA_kjxxx4cj.pdf)
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And the first post-ASB promotion from Lancaster is...
OF Jordan Scott (http://www.milb.com/documents/4/0/0/80440400/2014_GN_June_18_at_SA_kjxxx4cj.pdf)
Sorry to see Aplin go on the DL but glad to see Jordan get a shot at AA ... doubt he will get any further, but he seems to be a hard worker.
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And more All-Star replacement(s):
Kyle Smith goes to the Texas League All-Star game in place of Pat Urkfitz (https://twitter.com/Caller_GeorgeV/status/479680729605890048) (who in turn had replaced Andrew Robinson) who was promoted to OKC.
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Mitch Lambson up from Lancaster (http://www.milb.com/documents/3/4/2/80602342/2014_GN_June_19_vs._FRI_g0gtydwy.pdf) to take Urkfitz's spot on the roster.
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I am officially giving up in Jonathan Meyer. His fielding just sucks. I tried to convince myself that it was just bad groundskeeping at the lower levels; or maybe he was getting to extra balls and not quite making the plays. Then I saw him a couple of times earlier this year at OKC, and he did not look comfortable at all. Tonight he threw away the game (literally) in the 10th. He sucks. And his offense is not all that. Give up already.
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I am officially giving up in Jonathan Meyer. His fielding just sucks. I tried to convince myself that it was just bad groundskeeping at the lower levels; or maybe he was getting to extra balls and not quite making the plays. Then I saw him a couple of times earlier this year at OKC, and he did not look comfortable at all. Tonight he threw away the game (literally) in the 10th. He sucks. And his offense is not all that. Give up already.
I had been led to believe that defense was his strongpoint?
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I had been led to believe that defense was his strongpoint?
I have read that, too, but his error totals have always been high and I was definitely NOT impressed either when I saw him (once) at Lexington a few years ago or (twice) this year in Round Rock. Nobody is paying me to scout anyone, but I saw Brooks Robinson a few times early in his career, and Meyer is no Brooks Robinson.
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Fontana out with broken pinkie (https://twitter.com/Caller_GeorgeV/status/480110207624695808).
Cue the "Correa to Corpus" chant.
And before it gets lost in all the potential hooplah, really feel bad for Nolan who was having a very nice season.
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I've seen Meyer a lot. Never thought he was a plus defender (think Dominguez), but always thought he would be an average third baseman (think CJ of recent memory) which is still not something you see manning third base for most minor league clubs.
I am certainly not a scout either, so take my judgement and categories with caution. Meyer's bat has always been his weakness, so in that sense, his glove was his strong suit. Also, for a guy who hasn't hit much, I don't think he would have ever made AAA with a poor glove at third.
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Fontana out with broken pinkie (https://twitter.com/Caller_GeorgeV/status/480110207624695808).
Cue the "Correa to Corpus" chant.
And before it gets lost in all the potential hooplah, really feel bad for Nolan who was having a very nice season.
Luhnow said earlier this week (before yesterday) that Correa would definitely reach CC this season. I don't see them moving him up if they don't think he's ready, but this gives them the opportunity to without demoting anyone. Losing Fontana doesn't help the team, though. I'm sure this will just end up as a hiccup in his career.
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I've seen Meyer a lot. Never thought he was a plus defender (think Dominguez), but always thought he would be an average third baseman (think CJ of recent memory) which is still not something you see manning third base for most minor league clubs.
I am certainly not a scout either, so take my judgement and categories with caution. Meyer's bat has always been his weakness, so in that sense, his glove was his strong suit. Also, for a guy who hasn't hit much, I don't think he would have ever made AAA with a poor glove at third.
I haven't seen much of Meyer, but I agree with your assessment. If he has a strong suit, and that is in doubt, it is his glove. I don't see him going any farther without some significant improvement on both scores.
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Luhnow said earlier this week (before yesterday) that Correa would definitely reach CC this season. I don't see them moving him up if they don't think he's ready, but this gives them the opportunity to without demoting anyone. Losing Fontana doesn't help the team, though. I'm sure this will just end up as a hiccup in his career.
I think of Fontana as the anti-Khris Karter (and others). Kid walks A LOT.
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I think of Fontana as the anti-Khris Karter (and others). Kid walks A LOT.
Unfortunately, he's struck out at just about the same rate this season: 76 in 229 AB (Fontana) vs. 78 in 216 AB (Carter). But, he has an OPS that is 96 points higher than the slugger thanks to those walks and higher hit rate. I still think his future role is the same, but pitchers are only going to get better at throwing borderline pitches for strikes. How will he adjust?
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Manager Keith Bodie says Fontana will be out eight weeks (https://twitter.com/Caller_GeorgeV/status/480473912254287872).
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Mike Hauschild pitching awfully well tonight.
Box (http://www.milb.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?gid=2014_06_21_friaax_coraax_1&t=g_box&sid=milb)
ETA:
Hauschild's no-hitter broken up after 6 innings.
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Hooks RHP Michael Dimock traded to Padres (https://twitter.com/EvanDrellich/status/481522594693140480) for RHP Miguel Severino (21-year old Dominican with major control issues: 59 walks in 60 career IP).
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Should we assume that the Astros initiated this one, finding something in Severino, or was it the other way around? Just curious about the dynamics behind such a low-level, off the radar deal.
eta. 9 BBs in 1.2 innings this year. 1 HBP, 1 balk and 8 wild pitches. Probably not a comfortable AB.
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My guess it's about roster management more than anything else. Clearing a roster spot in the upper levels in the system with guys coming off the DL and/or rehab list (Albers, Bass, Fields, Wojo and eventually Crain) and creating a cascading effect at OKC and then CC. This way they get a body for Dimock as opposed to nothing if they ended up having to release him.
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Makes sense.
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Lancaster JetHawks @JetHawks 1h
2B @tonykemp6 promoted to AA! He’ll be missed at The Hangar.
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That's some good news. I look forward to seeing him play.
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I think that's the first of the gang, and you'll see more as the summer progresses.
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CC beating Tulsa tonight like a redheaded stepchild behind Shirley with another great outing. Five innings, no runs, 2 hits.
Kemp is hitting .440+ so far in his short AA experience.
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Luis Cruz (remember, he's on the 40-man roster...) with another nice start for CC today: 6 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 6 K. He's rebounded from a rough May to toss 21 innings in June, giving up only 14 H, 4 BB, 3 ER, with 21 K.
Hooks lose in the 13th, though. Jon Gray gave up 4 H, 2 BB, 2 ER with 5 K in 5 IP for Tulsa.
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Alex Sogard has been dealt to Arizona for a 20yr old third baseman. http://www.mlbdailydish.com/2014/7/6/5875591/astros-trade-alex-sogard-to-diamondbacks
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Alex Sogard has been dealt to Arizona for a 20yr old third baseman. http://www.mlbdailydish.com/2014/7/6/5875591/astros-trade-alex-sogard-to-diamondbacks
Another yawn.
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Tony Kemp named Texas League Player of the Week (http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20140707&content_id=83513708&fext=.jsp&vkey=news_t482&sid=t482).
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So I went to the Corpus game last night.
Nash is worse at the plate than I thought he was. I figured he just couldn't see sliders or some such. He was beat consistently by 90mph fastballs. And he's a "first baseman." His footwork is not good.
Kemp lost a popup in the second. Had no clue but it was probably the sun. Otherwise he looked quite sound offensively and defensively.
DeShields was quite frustrated with his hitting. Nothing really hard hit. He kept shaking his head after every out and none of the outs required a great play.
Heras can play baseball but there's something not quite right about him. It's telling when a coach in AA goes to the top of the dugout in the second inning and has to yell at you to take your hands off your knees.
The homerun Sosa hit was a screaming liner that got out in a hurry.
Jankowski's fastball is 88-90 and nothing special. But his slider (80-82) was deadly. A lot of swings and misses and half swings.
Kyle Smith had no command. His fastball sat about 90. He also has a slider and curve. His saving grace is that Frisco isn't very good.
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I was wondering about Jankowski's success last night. His slider was inconsistent when I saw it, but it doesn't surprise me that, if on, it would be a weapon. It was kind of one-plane when I saw it, but still effective at times.
Thanks for the write up.
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Thanks for the report. That's not very encouraging regarding Smith. He's been very successful but you are not painting a pretty picture. I guess he's normally a command guy?
You live in the Metroplex?
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I was wondering about Jankowski's success last night. His slider was inconsistent when I saw it, but it doesn't surprise me that, if on, it would be a weapon. It was kind of one-plane when I saw it, but still effective at times.
Thanks for the write up.
It was very effective last night.
More. The recap online says: Teodoro Martinez singles on a soft pop up to shortstop Carlos Perdomo. It's funny. It was actually the third inning not the second. It was a towering popup. Perdomo picked up the ball in front of Kemp who went to the ground to try to avoid getting hit by the ball.
They employed the shift on Gallo late in the game. Gallo tried to pull everything even on 2 strikes. I couldn't believe with 2 strikes he simply didn't try to poke the ball to the left side. They needed base runners not homers. Instead he struck out.
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Thanks for the report. That's not very encouraging regarding Smith. He's been very successful but you are not painting a pretty picture. I guess he's normally a command guy?
You live in the Metroplex?
He's a command guy for sure. A lot of 2 ball and 3 ball counts. Most of the batted balls were hit hard even if for outs. I thought it was funny that he threw fastballs for the first 8 or 9 pitches. He was sitting 90-91 in the 6th. His off-speed stuff was bad. In the seventh his command came up enough to get two K's but he dialed back the fastball to 88. Just a couple miles and hour but you could see the difference. In the 8th he gave up a hard hit single past Kemp then a fielders choice 4-6. But Nash, IMO, cost him the double play with bad footwork. Perdomo's throw was off-balance and toward the homeplate side of first. Nash did a two-step to get to it. His feet tangled. However he was only 3 or 4 feet from the bag when he caught it. He's 6'4". If he shifts his feet left and stretches the batter is out by a step. That should have been 2 outs in the 8th with no one on or in.
Yep. But my schedule keeps me from attending games more than once every two or so years.
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I see Aplin played CF with DDS in Left. Earlier in the year it seemed DDS was always in CF, Aplin RF, Heras LF, though I had a feeling Aplin and DDS were best suited to last night's alignment. Any thoughts/observations?
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I see Aplin played CF with DDS in Left. Earlier in the year it seemed DDS was always in CF, Aplin RF, Heras LF, though I had a feeling Aplin and DDS were best suited to last night's alignment. Any thoughts/observations?
Not much. The balls hit to left were easily playable so nothing out there to indicate DeShields ability. Same in center.
It was Heras in right who had to work. He made 2 sliding catches. The first one was a sinking liner to his left. As for the the other a fly ball was hit to right but he misjudged it. It wasn't hit as hard as he thought. He sprinted in and made a sliding catch.
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If DDS makes it to Houston I can't see him playing CF ahead of Springer, Fowler or whomever. He doesn't have a plus arm I don't think.
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Oh and my kids got Ballew's autograph. It so surprised and thrilled his mother, who was there, that she came over to talk to the mother of the kids who got his autograph.
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Oh and my kids got Ballew's autograph. It so surprised and thrilled his mother, who was there, that she came over to talk to the mother of the kids who got his autograph.
That's great! I'm rooting for him, very good starter in college at my folks' alma mater, got to see him pitch senior year a couple of times, and he's transitioned to the pen with great results. He may be a Saarloos type, but I'm a fan nonetheless.
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Kemp is 3-4 tonight with a triple as Hooks are plundering Frisco. Average sits at .371. This organization is deep at 2B.
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Kemp is 3-4 tonight with a triple as Hooks are plundering Frisco. Average sits at .371. This organization is deep short at 2B.
FIFY
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Kemp is good kidnap insurance
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Kemp is another Hook that is going to get promoted before DeShields.
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Kemp is another Hook that is going to get promoted before DeShields.
Maybe so although not sure where he would play at OKC. And remember DDS was originally a second baseman (converted).
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Kemp is another Hook that is going to get promoted before DeShields.
He's also a year older than DDS
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Nash trying to put himself back into people's thoughts:
July's slash line so far:
375/429/875
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Nash trying to put himself back into people's thoughts:
July's slash line so far:
375/429/875
His horn went beep beep beep.
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His horn went beep beep beep.
Not sure what you were trying to convey with this?
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Not sure what you were trying to convey with this?
Someone will get the reference.
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His horn went beep beep beep.
Beep Beep by the Playmates?
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Little Mash Rambler. Ah... Little Nash rambler. Got it
Hey buddy how can I get this car out of second gear!
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Little Mash Rambler. Ah... Little Nash rambler. Got it
Hey buddy how can I get this car out of second gear!
+1
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Beep Beep by the Playmates?
You, sir, are old enough to know better.
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Conrad Gregor promoted from Lancaster today.
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Conrad Gregor promoted from Lancaster today.
Wow that was quick. Making room for Reed? Nash to AAA or is there room at DH?
ETA.
Perhaps this is why:
HBP: Meredith (by Claudio). (http://www.milb.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?gid=2014_07_20_coraax_friaax_1&t=g_box&sid=milb)
Of course he walked and singled after that
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Conrad Gregor promoted from Lancaster today.
Great. He was laying waste to the California League. He hasn't showed much power except at Lancaster. Good BB/SO ratio and OBP. Anxious to see how he does at AA.
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Great. He was laying waste to the California League. He hasn't showed much power except at Lancaster. Good BB/SO ratio and OBP. Anxious to see how he does at AA.
Yes. Will be interesting.
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Wow that was quick. Making room for Reed? Nash to AAA or is there room at DH?
ETA.
Perhaps this is why:
HBP: Meredith (by Claudio). (http://www.milb.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?gid=2014_07_20_coraax_friaax_1&t=g_box&sid=milb)
Of course he walked and singled after that
Leo Heras being placed on the DL on Saturday created the roster spot being filled by Gregor. That does leave DH/1B awfully crowded with Gregor/Nash/Meredith/Cokinos and maybe there is another shoe to drop but Meredith can play some LF and Cokinos wasn't getting much playing time anyway.
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Nah, nobody's gonna be checking out the box score on this game.
@GregRajan 12m
Mark Appel is slated to make his Double-A debut Wednesday vs. San Antonio. He's slated to start, with Chris Devenski to follow for #cchooks.
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Nah, nobody's gonna be checking out the box score on this game.
Over/Under on batters faced? Outs recorded?
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Over/Under on batters faced? Outs recorded?
I'll go with innings pitched: I'll say he doesn't make it through 4. And I hope to hell he proves me wrong.
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I'll go with innings pitched: I'll say he doesn't make it through 4. And I hope to hell he proves me wrong.
SA Just got done sweeping the Hooks. Could be a good measuring stick.
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Nash DL'd (http://www.milb.com/documents/8/9/2/86738892/2014_GN_July_28_vs._SA_4j8hpniv.pdf) after being injured in a 1B collision last night.
Bad timing given his .282/.404/.679 numbers over the last 24 games.
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Nash DL'd (http://www.milb.com/documents/8/9/2/86738892/2014_GN_July_28_vs._SA_4j8hpniv.pdf) after being injured in a 1B collision last night.
Bad timing given his .282/.404/.679 numbers over the last 24 games.
If he didn't have bad luck, he'd have no luck at all.
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Nash DL'd (http://www.milb.com/documents/8/9/2/86738892/2014_GN_July_28_vs._SA_4j8hpniv.pdf) after being injured in a 1B collision last night.
Bad timing given his .282/.404/.679 numbers over the last 24 games.
They must have anticipated this what with all the 1B/DH candidates on the roster.
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- 1-2-3 first inning for Appel (no strikeouts).
- No damage allowed in the 2nd with a walk and a WP but 2 strikeouts.
- All sorts of traffic in 3rd (2 walks, single) but no runs.
- Clean 4th including 2 strikeouts.
- Leadoff walk followed by 2 straight outs, then a single. Gets the groundout to finish with 5 shutout innings.
Finished with 83 pitches (49 strikes), several times reaching 97 on the gun (per various twitterers including @GregRajan).
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- 1-2-3 first inning for Appel (no strikeouts).
- No damage allowed in the 2nd with a walk and a WP but 2 strikeouts.
Are you there?
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Are you there?
Nope.
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Nope.
I guess neither is Josh Hader.
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4 scoreless and in just issued a leadoff walk in the 5th
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I guess neither is Josh Hader.
Pot stirrer.
Good outing. Wish I could actually see it.
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@GregRajan
The #cchooks one hit has been changed to an error, meaning they've been no-hit for the third time in franchise history.
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Pot stirrer.
Good outing. Wish I could actually see it.
Very encouraging. If he can just follow this up with another 50 or so consecutive scoreless innings, he might pass Kris Bryant on a few prospect lists.
Unfortunately for the Hooks, they got no-hit (http://www.milb.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?gid=2014_07_30_sanaax_coraax_1&t=g_box&did=milb&sid=t482)by 3 SA Missions pitchers. No hits, no walks, looks like SA was one error short of a perfect game.
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If I know Appel (and I think I do), First and foremost on his mind is "Eat a dick, Mr Happy"
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If I know Appel (and I think I do), First and foremost on his mind is "Eat a dick, Mr Happy"
Speaking figuratively, of course.
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Speaking figuratively, of course.
Of course
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Can anyone give me a report on Sosa at SS? He is getting a lot of work there recently, which really surprises me. He has gone back and forth between 2B & (usually) LF most of his MILB career, and seemed to me to be a man without a position. Switching to SS this late seems very odd.
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Just saw the video of Appel's effort last night. Hard to tell from the video, but my thoughts:
His slider was average to great. Easy to tell that it can be a real money pitch;
His change was below average, but a few were showed real promise;
His fastball was hard to judge, other than to note just how much trouble he had locating anywhere near the target. Seriously, I'd estimate only 30% were mildly close to the target. So, it was hard to gauge how hitters react to it.
He looks more upright during his motion.
I assume they are working on his mechanics and they are far from done, but like in college, you can tell the secondaries might be real nice, and it depends on how his fastball plays, but that can't be determined until he gets back on track. In the long term, I'd be curious to see if he can develop real command of it. Like before the draft, it seems safe to say that the ceiling is still there, but he's still has a ways to go.
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They've been tweaking his stride. I think it was to help him hide the ball better.
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With the Aplin promotion to OKC, I would think a decent bet is that Teo Hernandez gets the call from Lancaster.
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Colin Moran batting 5th in the CC lineup tonight. Interestingly, Jonathan Meyer is playing SS.
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Probably not that interesting for the CC pitcher. Not Brett Wallace bad, but still.
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If I know Appel (and I think I do), First and foremost on his mind is "Eat a dick, Mr Happy"
Oh well. Can't get them all right.
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Moran 1-5 w/ a double in debut.
Box (http://www.milb.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?gid=2014_08_01_coraax_mroaax_1&t=g_box&sid=milb)
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Moran 1-5 w/ a double in debut.
Box (http://www.milb.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?gid=2014_08_01_coraax_mroaax_1&t=g_box&sid=milb)
Luhnow calls him a doubles machine. Nice to see Gregor get a couple of hits...he's gotten off to a slow start in AA. Kemp is struggling lately.
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Good one to be wrong about
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Watched the video of Moran's bats last night. He is one skinny dude. I wonder just how much weight and strength he can actually gain.
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Sosa and Rodgers to OKC
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Rogers first outing at OKC was a success against Colorado Springs. 6/2/0/0/1/4 in a winning effort, 8-1. 3 hits for Scalfani who is on a tear, 4 for Torreyes and Tucker with 2 HRs.
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Teo Hernandez does get the expected promotion from Lancaster (https://twitter.com/Eric_L_Smith/status/496326698967646208).
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Josh Hader also gets the call (https://twitter.com/Eric_L_Smith/status/496338844002701313).
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Josh Hader also gets the call (https://twitter.com/Eric_L_Smith/status/496338844002701313).
Has he tweeted about it yet?
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It should be noted that Jayne of WTHB had reported earlier in the day that the Hernandez/Hader moves were going to happen. She also notes (http://whattheheckbobby.blogspot.com/2014/08/astros-minor-league-roster.html) (although not as yet confirmed) that Luis Cruz was moving up to OKC from CC and that Brett Phillips was getting promoted from QC to Lancaster.
The Phillips and Cruz moves have just been confirmed by the Astros.
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It should be noted that Jayne of WTHB had reported earlier in the day that the Hernandez/Hader moves were going to happen. She also notes (http://whattheheckbobby.blogspot.com/2014/08/astros-minor-league-roster.html) (although not as yet confirmed) that Luis Cruz was moving up to OKC from CC and that Brett Phillips was getting promoted from QC to Lancaster.
The Phillips and Cruz moves have just been confirmed by the Astros.
The Philips move was prepped a couple of days ago with the promotion of a GCL outfielder, Melendez, straight to Quad Cities.
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Is it just me or is the FO moving guys up at a quicker pace than over the last 2-3 years?
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Is it just me or is the FO moving guys up at a quicker pace than over the last 2-3 years?
Not necessarily. Making a number of promotions with a month to go in the minor league season to let players get their feet wet in the leagues they'll be assigned to the following year has been fairly common under the Luhnow regime.
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Not necessarily. Making a number of promotions with a month to go in the minor league season to let players get their feet wet in the leagues they'll be assigned to the following year has been fairly common under the Luhnow regime.
Ah, I didn't realize how far along we are in the season.
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Is it just me or is the FO moving guys up at a quicker pace than over the last 2-3 years?
These moves are a result of injuries to outfielders, the trade and the move of Folty to the majors.
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These moves are a result of injuries to outfielders, the trade and the move of Folty to the majors.
But I think Nate's point is relevant here, too - they're following a pattern of promoting players for the last month of the season. I remember a lot in 2012 at least, and Velazquez last year.
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4 1/3 IP
4 ER
6 H
4 K
Appel's line. Blah
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There you go Mr Happy
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4 1/3 IP
4 ER
6 H
4 K
Appel's line. Blah
It must be time to move him up.
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There you go Mr Happy
They'll figure out what is holding Appel back. He's got too much arm.
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Briefly watched the video of the game. Thought Appel looked much better than the first outing. Generally, his fastball was in the vicinity of the target, enough to get a read on how it plays. Hitters square it up pretty often, but if he ever develops real command, he might be able to get by down in the zone and get some swing and miss up in the zone. His slider still looks good and his change shows promise. All in all, a real improvement over his first outing.
Teoscar looks to be a player. Made a damn fine play in center, and looks like he knows what he is doing in the batters box.
I've now seen at least ten ABs from Moran and a few fielding plays, and have yet to see a hint of why he is a highly ranked prospect. It's early of course, but I haven't seen any glimpses of a player who could even unseat Dominguez.
Meyer is still at short. Let's just say that that isn't his natural position.
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Teoscar looks to be a player. Made a damn fine play in center, and looks like he knows what he is doing in the batters box.
Awesome. A good example where a box score doesn't tell all because 3 strikeouts and an infield single would have suggested differently.
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Meyer is still at short. Let's just say that that isn't his natural position.
Can I nominate this post for some sort of tact award? Of course, there is very little competition on this board, but still ... that was a hall-of-fame example.
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I wonder if they wish the previous regime had kept Meyer at Catcher.
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Not much of a news flash, but Hader looks pretty good. Don't know how durable he is or will be (he is only 20) and don't know how much more he will grow, but the stuff looked legit on the video. A step above what you often see at that level, especially for someone so young.
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Teo Hernandez and Colin Moran with their 1st AA home runs!
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Teo Hernandez and Colin Moran with their 1st AA home runs!
I wish the Hooks still had some games scheduled in Frisco this year. Would like to see those two plus possibly Appel and Hader.
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Appel today: 5/8/4/4/1/7 no HRs. ERA sits at 5.02 after this outing. Hmmmm.
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Appel today: 5/8/4/4/1/7 no HRs.
If we're trying to find niblets of corn among the shit, he did retire 7 of the last 9 tonight and 6 of them were by strikeouts.
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If we're trying to find niblets of corn among the shit, he did retire 7 of the last 9 tonight and 6 of them were by strikeouts.
Good to hear. I think he's getting there but struggling with some bad habits or something. I'm sure it's hard to work on changes in game action without falling back into old habits. He needs a healthy spring to get some of this worked out. I bet he's in the Houston rotation sometime next year but it may be August.
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If we're trying to find niblets of corn among the shit, he did retire 7 of the last 9 tonight and 6 of them were by strikeouts.
I listened to the 6th inning (after Appel was done), and the CC radio guy mentioned that and said that once again, Appel had good stuff. Later alluded to many of the Arkansas hits in the game being dribblers or bloops.
Arkansas also knocked around Colton Cain, scoring 4 runs in his 1st inning of work.
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I listened to the 6th inning (after Appel was done), and the CC radio guy mentioned that and said that once again, Appel had good stuff. Later alluded to many of the Arkansas hits in the game being dribblers or bloops.
If I understand correctly he's not quite hitting spots the way he needs to which is why those dribblers and bloops (nothing new to him this year by the way) are falling in instead of being outs.
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If I understand correctly he's not quite hitting spots the way he needs to which is why those dribblers and bloops (nothing new to him this year by the way) are falling in instead of being outs.
I read on another board that this is a repeating pattern with Appel from his college days. Hot and cold in the same game. I don't know if that is accurate.
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I didn't see a lot of dribblers or bloops in the two games I saw. People were squaring him up. IMO, he is exactly where he was in college: a fastball that, if not located well, gets tagged. He had poor command in college as well, but the difference is that fewer hitters could square up 97, even in their sweet zone.
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I didn't see a lot of dribblers or bloops in the two games I saw. People were squaring him up. IMO, he is exactly where he was in college: a fastball that, if not located well, gets tagged. He had poor command in college as well, but the difference is that fewer hitters could square up 97, even in their sweet zone.
He's a slider-change guy, right? I wonder if he needs to throw more changeups, or a slow curve, to keep them from timing his fastball so well.
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Yeah, his slider is his best pitch, and his change is a work in progress. Using if frequently might lead to more damage.
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Moran hit a game-tying 3-run homer with 2 outs in the 8th last night. His AVG is over .300 so far.
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Moran hit a game-tying 3-run homer with 2 outs in the 8th last night. His AVG is over .300 so far.
I don't see a lot wrong with a 3B who can hit .300 with an .800 OPS and a good glove. Plus, the guy may still grow into his power - he's still hitting a high ratio of 2B to HR...
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Appel with a nice outing last night: 6 5 1 1 1 2
And Telvin Nash hit a walk-off 2-run double to turn around a 1-0 deficit with 2 outs, 0-2 count in the 9th.
Game story (http://www.caller.com/sports/hooks/nashs-walkoff-double-boosts-hooks-past-travelers_80144408)
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Watched the Appel start and he was impressive. So much improvement from his first start at CC. Starting to look like a legit 1.1 pick.
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Watched the Appel start and he was impressive. So much improvement from his first start at CC. Starting to look like a legit 1.1 pick.
Interesting. Was it just much better location, or did he have the slider and the change working, or something else? Going off of the box score only, one might be inclined to see only 2 K's as not-super-impressive.
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Interesting. Was it just much better location, or did he have the slider and the change working, or something else? Going off of the box score only, one might be inclined to see only 2 K's as not-super-impressive.
In general terms, he was just more consistent: better location with his fastball, few way-off-target wasted pitches, basically a guy more in charge of his craft. The better location with the fastball limited the hard contact and got him in better counts where his slider and change played up. Despite the lack of Ks, he looked in control of Arkansas.
I don't have a real good eye for mechanics, but his upper body is more vertical during his motion and his momentum is more in line with the plate. Though it occasionally happened, there were fewer off balance finishes to the first base side.
Whatever they have been working on is taking effect. If he gets the next incremental improvement in command, he's MLB level in stuff and skills, IMO. I could see him legitimately compete for a starting spot next year with that improvement.
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Great stuff, thanks.
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That is very encouraging
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Appel with a nice outing last night: 6 5 1 1 1 2
And Telvin Nash hit a walk-off 2-run double to turn around a 1-0 deficit with 2 outs, 0-2 count in the 9th.
Game story (http://www.caller.com/sports/hooks/nashs-walkoff-double-boosts-hooks-past-travelers_80144408)
On Appel's evening, 10/1 groundouts/flyouts. You gotta love that.
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On Appel's evening, 10/1 groundouts/flyouts. You gotta love that.
It's kind of strange that his psyche is so fragile that he really was affected by being put in A-Ball. You kinda have to wonder what happens when they move him down to the Astros.
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It's kind of strange that his psyche is so fragile that he really was affected by being put in A-Ball. You kinda have to wonder what happens when they move him down to the Astros.
Gold.
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Appel was scheduled to go Wednesday but that game was rained out and he was skipped on Thursday. Last night Hooks beat Midland 5-0 behind Jankowski who went 5/3/0/0/2/9. Nash with his 21st and Moran 1-4 with an RBI now hitting .292.
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He wasn't skipped; he pitched game one. I don't know why the game isn't appearing on the Milb page, but IIRC, it was six innings, four runs, three earned, seven Ks and a walk. Had one inning where he gave up multiple base hits and three runs. The Hooks lost.
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Kemp enjoying a 5-5 game tonight in 7-3 game in the 8th in San Antonio. Hader pitched the first 5 giving up 3 runs on 5 hits, with 3 BBs, and 4Ks.
He is finding challenge in the step-up from Lancaster. Moran has his 16th RBI tonight in only 20 games. I hope he can challenge Dominguez next spring.
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I hope he can challenge Dominguez next spring.
I'd like to see Sclafani or Duffy challenge him right now. It's disheartening to watch him hit.
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Look for Sclafani to fill that utility role soon. Maybe by next season.
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I'm not sure about Sclafani, but you're more likely to have Petit challenge than Duffy. Also, people tend to pencil in Moran for whatever reasons, but that seems premature, IMO.
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DDS having a big night tonight early in game against old San Antone with a HR and 3B and four RBIs. Hooks lead 10-5 in 5th.
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Appel sure looking like a 1-1 tonight. 7IP, 1H, 1BB, 0R, 9K so far.
*on 79 pitches
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Final line. 8 IP, 2H, 0R, 1 BB, 10K 89 pitches.
He came out for the 9th and gave up a leadoff double and was removed, Hooks hang on to win 1-0.
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Outstanding. ERA at Corpus now 3.15. That's more like what people were expecting from him.
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Outstanding. ERA at Corpus now 3.15. That's more like what people were expecting from him.
Unless I'm missing something he'll get one more start before the end of the season.
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Unless I'm missing something he'll get one more start before the end of the season.
plus he's going to the AZ Fall League.
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Outstanding. ERA at Corpus now 3.15. That's more like what people were expecting from him.
Didn't I tell all of the Chicken Littles to give Appel some time?
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Saw a tweet from Luhnow on another site with some additional Appel stats from last night. Ave. FB 96, top 98, 16 1st pitch strikes.
7 GOs, 4 FOs, only one 3-ball count.
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Didn't I tell all of the Chicken Littles to give Appel some time?
i said the same thing about Burke, and look where that got me.
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i said the same thing about Burke, and look where that got me.
He may have been worth the frustration just for one at-bat.
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He may have been worth the frustration just for one at-bat.
That was a great at-bat.
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That was a great at-bat.
True. But there was also a LOT of frustration. Watching him at RR was just brutal.
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i said the same thing about Burke, and look where that got me.
Hell, I probably said the same thing about Bogusevic. And Wallace. And Harrell. I've been a dumbass optimist about a lot of guys at one time or another.
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It's the only way to be.
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It's the only way to be.
So you've heard.
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This Jankowski guy continues to get it done. After 6 tonight his line is 6/1/0/0/9. 4-0 Hooks over Frisco through 6.
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Didn't I tell all of the Chicken Littles to give Appel some time?
Both Chicken Little and Newton knew the Appel was falling.
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Both Chicken Little and Newton knew the Appel was falling.
Don't pull anything stretching like that.
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Both Chicken Little and Newton knew the Appel was falling.
You are going to strain your APL* doing that.
*Awful Pun Ligament
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Alaniz suspended 50 games for second positive drug test. After a miserable season this year, I wonder if he is done?
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Alaniz suspended 50 games for second positive drug test. After a miserable season this year, I wonder if he is done?
Isn't he pretty much roster filler at this point? I suspect he would be squeezed out anyway.
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This from Greg Rajan of CC Caller-Times has a quote from Appel on why he was better at AA. It also is full of snark from Rajan that kind of surprised me.
http://www.caller.com/sports/hooks/rajan-hooks-season-ends-in-fitting-fashion_16138525
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That is some short-sighted snark all right.
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One man's snark is another's honest (and, as it happens, correct) evaluation.
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Article was behind paywall for me. Anyone care to summarize/quote?
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Article was behind paywall for me. Anyone care to summarize/quote?
+1
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+1
The "snarky" part was just rehashing everybody else says regarding Luhnow. The part about Appel, which is the only reason I posted this, was that he was very adamant that being on a regular routine at C.C. of starting every fifth day was making it easier for him to be comfortable and be effective. He did not mention the tandem system in Lancaster but that was the inference.
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Article was behind paywall for me. Anyone care to summarize/quote?
Copy the url of the original article.
Paste it into google's search box.
Hit return.
Profit.
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Workaround didn't work for me. If Appel doesn't like the tandem and has the audacity to infer it, then they should just trade him. EVERYONE MUST BE ON THE SAME PAGE.
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Workaround didn't work for me.
Me either, that was the first thing I tried and just tried again. No dice.
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That's weird. It doesn't work for me, either, now. It still works for the Chronicle if for some strange reason you want to read articles there.
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When you Google it, try clicking on the cached link.
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Wait, what?
From BP, regarding Tony Kemp:
He'll get a shot to make the big club next spring training, as the Astros view him as a super utility player with the ability to play second base and all three outfield positions.
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Wait, what?
From BP, regarding Tony Kemp:
The OF part isn't surprising - he played 2B and CF in college - but the "next spring" thing is, and may just be BP making shit up/guessing badly.
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Tony Kemp (#15) and DDS (#20) make BA's Top 20 Texas League Prospects List (http://www.baseballamerica.com/majors/2014-league-top-20-prospects-index/).
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Tony Kemp (#15) and DDS (#20) make BA's Top 20 Texas League Prospects List (http://www.baseballamerica.com/majors/2014-league-top-20-prospects-index/).
Huh. Interesting report on Kemp. They praise his hitting and baserunning, even noting that he can hit homers to right or left field. But they say the bat is ahead of the glove,
Kemp is a raw fielder who relies on athleticism to succeed at second base—a position currently manned by
another diminutive sparkplug in Houston. The Astros will give him a shot at center field but aren’t confident he can play there on an everyday basis.
Kemp should at least fill a utility role in the big leagues and will go as far as his bat will take him.
Not sure what "aren’t confident he can play there on an everyday basis." means... that he wouldn't be a good enough fielder in CF, or that his bat wouldn't "profile" there?
As for DDS, they call him a "hard-nosed player" which seems to contradict the frequent reports that he doesn't give full effort; also of note:
DeShields still tends to get pull-happy and swing for the fences too frequently instead of using the whole field and taking advantage of his speed with a small-ball approach that would require improved bunting skills.
...
he did a better job of reading the ball off the bat this season instead of simply relying on his speed to chase down balls. He has a below-average arm.
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Not sure what "aren’t confident he can play there on an everyday basis." means... that he wouldn't be a good enough fielder in CF, or that his bat wouldn't "profile" there?
I'm sure it's because he's short. Short guys can't play baseball.
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The TL Top 20 chat had lots of Astros info - the guy filling in is doing the Astros for their Handbook. Here's a few highlights:
-Vincent Lara-Cinisomo: The Astros love Hader, equating him to some of the world’s nastiest lefties. Listen, you’d expect that, they traded Bud Norris for him. That said, scouts also like him a lot, comparing his arm slot to Randy Johnson, with an above average fastball and deception. Durability will be a question, but they’ll go as far as they can with him as a starter and then figure it out.
-"...the Astros certainly believe they got a steal in Moran. They believe he could easily be a .290 15 HR/30 doubles guy who plays an average third base."
-"scouts I talked to say they “throw out the Lancaster experience” because of the notoriously hitter friendly environs. Appel was hitting 97 last night in the AFL and team officials and scouts remain bullish about his future."
-on DDS, (the Astros) "believe the hit tool is average to below, largely because he fell in love with power after hitting 12 in 2012. They’d rather he focus on being a guy who hits 10 homers or fewer and steals 60 bases. At this point, they’re not certain he’ll hit enough for an everyday job in the outfield, but could be a super weapon as an IF/OF guy with some pop and plus-plus speed."
-on Luis Cruz, he says a Wandy comp is "fair" and notes "89-92 fastball, curveball a tick above average and average change."
-says Kemp's expected move to CF is less about his defense at 2B and more about Altuve at 2B. Thinks .280 with 5-7 HR and 30 SB is feasible for him in MLB
I tried to pull sparingly, so hope that's not too much pasting.
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-says Kemp's expected move to CF is less about his defense at 2B and more about Altuve at 2B. Thinks .280 with 5-7 HR and 30 SB is feasible for him in MLB
When I saw Kemp play he seemed to be less fielding grounders than using his body to corral the ball. He just seemed quite uncomfortable.
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I wish I knew what the Astros were thinking about Moran and Ruiz. Are they thinking let the best man win the job or of moving one to another position. Who is the best defender at 3rd. I'm not sure either one is anything but average defensively if that.
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I wish I knew what the Astros were thinking about Moran and Ruiz. Are they thinking let the best man win the job or of moving one to another position. Who is the best defender at 3rd. I'm not sure either one is anything but average defensively if that.
Or if they are both great, keep the lesser of the two (because he would cost less in the long run) and trade the better one for MiLBs.
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Or if they are both great, keep the lesser of the two (because he would cost less in the long run) and trade the better one for MiLBs.
Yes, they should always make sure they keep the less-talented players and trade away the better ones. That's how it works... right?
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I was going to post this in a new thread, but I don't know that we can't at least mention J.D. Reed in this conversation. He's probably a year behind the others developmentally, but played well in 43 games at QC this season, so he could easily make a case to start '15 at Lancaster. This from MiLB.com's organizational All-Stars:
It's not that surprising that the Cal State Fullerton product bashed in his pro debut -- the 2014 third-rounder was drafted with a solid offensive reputation. Still, his .293 average, .878 OPS and 13 homers in 73 games split between Tri-City and Quad Cities stood out.
More importantly from a development standpoint, the big-bodied Californian made a strong impression at third base, where he proved surprisingly nimble with an arm Goldstein described as, "easy plus, maybe more." There's still work to be done if Davis is going to make third base work, but Houston was encouraged by their first in-house look.
For what it's worth, Ruiz was named Honorable Mention at the position. There's a lot of good stuff in the article; watching Brett Phillip's HR alone is worth the click.
http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20141010&content_id=97434616&fext=.jsp&vkey=news_milb&sid=milb (http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20141010&content_id=97434616&fext=.jsp&vkey=news_milb&sid=milb)
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FIFY
I was going to post this in a new thread, but I don't know that we can't at least mention J.D. Reed Davis in this conversation. He's probably a year behind the others developmentally, but played well in 43 games at QC this season, so he could easily make a case to start '15 at Lancaster. This from MiLB.com's organizational All-Stars:
For what it's worth, Ruiz was named Honorable Mention at the position. There's a lot of good stuff in the article; watching Brett Phillip's HR alone is worth the click.
http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20141010&content_id=97434616&fext=.jsp&vkey=news_milb&sid=milb (http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20141010&content_id=97434616&fext=.jsp&vkey=news_milb&sid=milb)
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FIFY
Yeah, him too. Thanks.
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I was going to post this in a new thread, but I don't know that we can't at least mention J.D. Reed in this conversation. He's probably a year behind the others developmentally, but played well in 43 games at QC this season, so he could easily make a case to start '15 at Lancaster. This from MiLB.com's organizational All-Stars:
For what it's worth, Ruiz was named Honorable Mention at the position. There's a lot of good stuff in the article; watching Brett Phillip's HR alone is worth the click.
http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20141010&content_id=97434616&fext=.jsp&vkey=news_milb&sid=milb (http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20141010&content_id=97434616&fext=.jsp&vkey=news_milb&sid=milb)
Thanks for posting that. This totally contradicts what he read elsewhere about Kemp's defense at 2B.
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...There's a lot of good stuff in the article; watching Brett Phillip's HR alone is worth the click.
http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20141010&content_id=97434616&fext=.jsp&vkey=news_milb&sid=milb (http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20141010&content_id=97434616&fext=.jsp&vkey=news_milb&sid=milb)
Tucker's opposite-field shot off a lefty was rather nice.
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That Phillips HR was pretty great. He looks like he's got some room to fill out that frame, too.
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That Phillips HR was pretty great. He looks like he's got some room to fill out that frame, too.
Yeah, I was surprised how skinny he looked; thought I'd read he had a football physique.
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Thanks for posting that. This totally contradicts what he read elsewhere about Kemp's defense at 2B.
When I saw him he looked completely uncomfortable. He took long routes to grounders to avoid the backhand play and seemed to use his glove to knock down balls more than field them. I went in expecting to see fluid play making. He was not fluid.
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Isn't it exciting to have real prospects at 3B? Remember when Koby Clemens was all we had to look forward to?