OrangeWhoopass.com Forums
General Discussion => The Bus Ride Discussion Forum => Topic started by: Jacksonian on April 03, 2015, 10:05:14 am
-
Chat about the Hooks here.
-
Appel, Hader, McCullers, Correa, Moran, Kemp, Hernandez. Heck this team is better than half of the MLB rosters
-
Starting pitching assignments (https://cchooksmlb.wordpress.com/2015/04/07/emanuel-earns-opening-day-nod/) (using the modified tandem approach from end of last season):
Thursday - Emanuel
Friday - Appel/West
Satuday - Hader/Devenski
Sunday - McCullers
Monday - Hauschild
Tuesday - West/Emanuel
-
Correa 1-4 with a double and a walk in AA debut.
-
Correa 1-4 with a double and a walk in AA debut.
He got as many hits today as the Astros.
-
@cchooks: Another single for Tony Kemp...he's 8-for-6 to begin the year. We go to the home 4th with the #cchooks up 5-0
I'll take that pace. Hooks up 5-0 , at the moment.
-
I'll take that pace. Hooks up 5-0 , at the moment.
Me too!
By the same token, Correa has 2 doubles and 2 walks through 6 innings tonight and is now 7-3 with 3 walks and 3 doubles.
-
Me too!
By the same token, Correa has 2 doubles and 2 walks through 6 innings tonight and is now 7-3 with 3 walks and 3 doubles.
Does anyone on this board live in Corpus? I look forward to seeing them when they come to play Frisco. Looks like an exciting ball club.
Appel's line last night 5/2/1/1/1/4 63 pitches/41 strikes. Only run a solo HR.
-
Good grief, Correa 3-5 with 2 more doubles tonight.
Nearly has as many XBHs in 3 games (5) than the Astros had in their first 4 games (6).
-
Telvin Nash tonight with a double and first dinger of the season. In an early season curiosity surely to quickly rectify itself, he's only whiffed twice in his first 15 ABs.
-
Michael Coffin @CoffinMJC 25 minutes ago
Lance McCullers showing strong stuff today. Flashing 99 mph on the ONEOK Field radar gun.
-
We should do an OWA outing at CC.
-
6 hits on the season now for Correa and they're all doubles.
-
Corpus Christi Hooks @cchooks 12 minutes ago
Jandel Gustave, flashing 99 mph on the ONEOK Field radar gun, dispatches the Drillers in the 8th.
-
Pardon me if this is a dumb question, but what is ONEOK, and how is it pronounced?
-
The answer to what is better than two Okies.
I think it is a gas company. One Oak is the way I have heard it
-
Pardon me if this is a dumb question, but what is ONEOK, and how is it pronounced?
One Oak. It's a gas utility based out of Oklahoma. Sponsor/advertiser for the Hooks.
-
One Oak. It's a gas utility based out of Oklahoma. Sponsor/advertiser for the Hooks.
I don't know if they are a sponsor of the Hooks but the new stadium, five years or so, in downtown Tulsa is named for them. It is a nice venue with a view of downtown Tulsa. The northside of Tulsa is actually a very nice place.
-
Correa goes deep but the Hooks lose their first game of the year 2-1. Carlos at .308/.379/.654 thru 6 games.
-
he's only whiffed twice in his first 15 ABs.
jinx
-
Roberto Pena finally activated:
George Vondracek @Caller_GeorgeV 5 minutes ago
.@cchooks moves: C Roberto Pena (and No. 23 prospect) from extended spring training to CC; C Brett Booth placed on inactive list.
-
Another good outing tonight from Appel. 5/2/0/0/1/4
Hooks leading 8-0 over Springfield in the 8th. Correa with 2 hits sitting at .345. Nash with his 3rd HR.
-
Great to hear about Appel. Also nice to see Nash putting it all together early on. Hopefully both of these guys can keep it up over an extended period of time...both have had interesting minor league careers so far.
-
Just another day at the office for Correa: 3-4, 2 2B, 2R, 2RBI. Manchild now hitting .394
-
Was planning on heading down to CC this summer. May need to make that early summer.
-
10 innings, 12 SOs, 0 runs for McCullers in 2 starts this year.
-
So if Correa keeps on keeping on. And gets called up late this year. Does Lowrie just slide over to 3rd?
-
So if Correa keeps on keeping on. And gets called up late this year. Does Lowrie just slide over to 3rd?
I'm not convinced that he gets called up this season.
-
I'm not convinced that he gets called up this season.
Yeah, they'll do the Service Time Tango with him next year, and he'll get called up about now-ish 2016.
-
I think early next season is when see correa in an Astros uniform. Unless we somehow end up with a shot at the playoffs. Otherwise there isn't much upside to bringing him up this year
-
OK, then next year. Lowrie is on a 2 year deal right?
-
I'm betting he gets the call this year, as they'll be In a playoff hunt in a crappy division and Correa will be needed. Lowrie will then become a utility player.
-
The same thing with Appel too. He'll also be needed for the playoff race and will be called up.
-
OK, then next year. Lowrie is on a 2 year deal right?
IIRC, Lowrie's contract is 3 years 24 million
-
IIRC, Lowrie's contract is 3 years 24 million
At this point, Lowrie could be a DH.
-
According to baseball prospectus his contract is 3 years 22 million with a 4th year option worth 6 million
-
Jose Rodriguez @Caller_JR · 5 minutes ago
#CCHooks RHP Jandel Gustave out here hitting triple digits on the radar gun.
-
Tony Kemp playing CF tonight (his 2nd game this season in the OF) with the the nice leaping grab (http://www.milb.com/multimedia/vpp.jsp?content_id=82257583).
-
Tony Kemp playing CF tonight (his 2nd game this season in the OF) with the the nice leaping grab (http://www.milb.com/multimedia/vpp.jsp?content_id=82257583).
Correa goes 2-4, as well, with a HR. Season line of .356/.431/.667 with 13 RBI. On the mound, Aaron West threw 4 2/3 innings of shutout ball, allowing only 3 hits, while striking out 5.
-
I'll continue to wait patiently for Moran to start hitting.
Edit: too negative, he was better last year than I remembered.
-
On the mound, Aaron West threw 4 2/3 innings of shutout ball, allowing only 3 hits, while striking out 5.
He needs to be more efficient though ... 83 pitches and failing to get out of the 5th inning is not going to work.
-
The same thing with Appel too. He'll also be needed for the playoff race and will be called up.
You were just kidding about that part, right?
As for Correa, I actually think he could be called up in September, even if they're not seriously in contention. Say he's crushing AAA pitching from July to August, and showing that he's clearly ready for the majors. Say the Astros have looked decent enough to give them reason to think they really can seriously contend in 2016. Wouldn't they want to give Correa a September to acclimate, rather than throwing him into the fire in early April 2016?
The Angels did basically that with Trout. He got called up (from AA) for 40 games at the end of 2011, and hit .220. The next year, he started in AAA, hit .403 in 20 games, came up in late April and was a monster right away.
I could see Appel called up even sooner; again, assuming he continues to do really well.
Besides, a September with Correa and Appel could = a winter of brisk 2016 season ticket sales. Helps balance out the service time clock thing a bit, perhaps. And there's also the possibility they work out a long-term deal with Correa before bringing him up.
-
No, I'm not kidding. The division is weak, IMO, and around 500 ball puts a team in contention. I see no reason the Astros can't stay near 500.
As to Appel, I understand that he is a long way (hopefully) from what he will be, but the question is whether where he is now is better than the other options, and whether the call up would hinder his development. I think he is arguably better than all the AAA options, and might be as good as Wojo and possibly Feldman and Hernandez. So, if someone gets hurt and they're in the race, why not?
As to whether his call up would hinder his development, I'm not a big believer in that concept ( for guys he have stardom potential), but Luhnow and Co. presumably have a good read on that. I see Appel kind of like Scherzer: a guy who for years lived off his stuff and mediocre command to be a decent to good pitcher. Once his command improved, he was an ace. Appel can compete with his stuff; whether he ever improves his command is unknown and will become apparent after many, many innings. Most of those innings might as well be at the major leagues.
-
No, I'm not kidding. The division is weak, IMO, and around 500 ball puts a team in contention. I see no reason the Astros can't stay near 500.
As to Appel, I understand that he is a long way (hopefully) from what he will be, but the question is whether where he is now is better than the other options, and whether the call up would hinder his development. I think he is arguably better than all the AAA options, and might be as good as Wojo and possibly Feldman and Hernandez. So, if someone gets hurt and they're in the race, why not?
As to whether his call up would hinder his development, I'm not a big believer in that concept ( for guys he have stardom potential), but Luhnow and Co. presumably have a good read on that. I see Appel kind of like Scherzer: a guy who for years lived off his stuff and mediocre command to be a decent to good pitcher. Once his command improved, he was an ace. Appel can compete with his stuff; whether he ever improves his command is unknown and will become apparent after many, many innings. Most of those innings might as well be at the major leagues.
On a somewhat related note, Rodon has been called up by ChiSox.
-
Jose Rodriguez @Caller_JR
#CCHooks roster moves: RHP Jonas Dufek activated from disabled list; RHP Daniel Minor placed on inactive list.
Dufek missed all last year after undergoing TJS. In 2013, the 9th round pick (2011) joined the Hooks in July and was 7-0 with an 0.47 ERA in 14 appearances while striking out 20 against 1 walk in 19.1 innings.
-
I took in the first seven innings of the Hooks game last night in Frisco. CC wins 8-2 with 7 2Bs with Heineman and Moran having two each. Correa was 2-5 with a double and both of his hits were screamers. He also participated in three double plays. All told the Hooks had 13 hits and lit up a Jake Thompson a highly ranked Rangers prospect and former 2nd round pick by Detroit. Appel started and only went four
with a 4/6/2/2/0/3 line. That's a little deceiving as he gave up a single marker in the first on a bunt single that Moran had to eat and a single against the shift that the batter placed right where the third baseman normally played. The second marker was a second inning HR down the RF line. There was no gun readings on the scoreboard so I don't know his velocity but it looked good. He threw 51 strikes of his 71 pitches.
-
No, I'm not kidding. The division is weak, IMO, and around 500 ball puts a team in contention. I see no reason the Astros can't stay near 500.
As to Appel, I understand that he is a long way (hopefully) from what he will be, but the question is whether where he is now is better than the other options, and whether the call up would hinder his development. I think he is arguably better than all the AAA options, and might be as good as Wojo and possibly Feldman and Hernandez. So, if someone gets hurt and they're in the race, why not?
As to whether his call up would hinder his development, I'm not a big believer in that concept ( for guys he have stardom potential), but Luhnow and Co. presumably have a good read on that. I see Appel kind of like Scherzer: a guy who for years lived off his stuff and mediocre command to be a decent to good pitcher. Once his command improved, he was an ace. Appel can compete with his stuff; whether he ever improves his command is unknown and will become apparent after many, many innings. Most of those innings might as well be at the major leagues.
Agreed with all of this. I'd much rather see Appel than Peacock, Straily, or any of the other AAA options. I also think if Appel hadn't experienced such a weird start to his pro career he would be in AAA. Hopefully Luhnow & co feel the same.
-
Agreed with all of this. I'd much rather see Appel than Peacock, Straily, or any of the other AAA options. I also think if Appel hadn't experienced such a weird start to his pro career he would be in AAA. Hopefully Luhnow & co feel the same.
It is sometimes hard to determine command by sitting in the stands and not having the benefit of a CF camera as on tv but Appel was throwing strikes last night, 51/71, and for the most part keeping the ball down. He was pounding the zone around the knees. That being said, there were several good swings on him and some solid contact. It seemed to me that every thing was hard, not a lot of changing speeds but, again, without a gun reading it was somewhat hard to tell the velocity.
-
It is sometimes hard to determine command by sitting in the stands and not having the benefit of a CF camera as on tv but Appel was throwing strikes last night, 51/71, and for the most part keeping the ball down. He was pounding the zone around the knees. That being said, there were several good swings on him and some solid contact. It seemed to me that every thing was hard, not a lot of changing speeds but, again, without a gun reading it was somewhat hard to tell the velocity.
My bet is that if he continues to be this successful through May he'll get called up to AAA. End of May Corpus is in Arkansas and Fresno visits OKC.
-
8 RBIs last night in a twinbill at Frisco for Moran. Hooks won both handily before a crowd of 11,000.
-
I just watched a recording of the Hooks game today with Frisco in which CC wins 5-2 to sweep a four game series. Correa had three hits including an opposite field double that was hit on a line that hit the fence on one hop, a single to left and a HR to left that was a screamer that never got very high and left the yard in about 2.5 seconds. The Frisco announcers said the HR he hit last night was a majestic shot that was very high and very deep to LF. He also started a perfectly executed DP in which he went to his right and threw a strike at the letters for the second basemen to handle and relay to first. The Frisco announcers were very high on him as well as McCullers who was very sharp today in relief. He struck out the first six and has a ML CB. A real hammer that he keeps down and it breaks very sharply. McCullers has a chance to be a top-of-the-rotation guy or closer. I saw no evidence of control issues I had read about.
The Frisco announcing crew was also really impressed with Devenski who threw 6.1 no-hit innings last night before getting pulled two outs away from a no-hit game since it was a 7inning nightcap. They said his change is outstanding to go with an 89-92 MPH FB.
Something they said that I did not know...Tony Kemp won a MiL Gold Glove last year for 2B. Only one GG is awarded per position for all of the minor leagues. Pena won the Catcher GG.
The Frisco announcing crew, which included a color guy that writes about the MiLeagues, said the CC team was one of the most talented they could remember coming through the Texas league recently.
-
Dammit. it's looking like Correa won't be there when I make that Corpus game in June.
-
Dammit. it's looking like Correa won't be there when I make that Corpus game in June.
He could graduate AA any day based on his skill level and maturity. Oh yea, something else I learned from listening to the Frisco announcers...the CC roster is the youngest in the Texas League. Their positional players are the youngest and their pitching staff is the youngest. I would be surprised if CC is in CC in June. He could possibly solve that #2 hole problem in Houston if they skipped Fresno.
-
Video proof of what happens when Correa decides to hit a HR, from Saturday. People talk about raw power vs. game power, this is Correa tapping into the former. And yes," majestic" is an accurate adjective for the shot.
http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20150426&content_id=120607168&fext=.jsp&vkey=news_milb&sid=milb (http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20150426&content_id=120607168&fext=.jsp&vkey=news_milb&sid=milb)
-
Video proof of what happens when Correa decides to hit a HR, from Saturday. People talk about raw power vs. game power, this is Correa tapping into the former. And yes," majestic" is an accurate adjective for the shot.
http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20150426&content_id=120607168&fext=.jsp&vkey=news_milb&sid=milb (http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20150426&content_id=120607168&fext=.jsp&vkey=news_milb&sid=milb)
His HR from Sunday was just as impressive but it was a rope. http://www.milb.com/multimedia/vpp.jsp?content_id=91095983&sid=t482
And, yes, that was Frisco announcers.
-
Wow. Just amazing. Those were crushed. 20-25 homerun power my ass. That's 30+ easy. Move over Buxton, you just got lapped
-
Dammit. it's looking like Correa won't be there when I make that Corpus game in June.
I'll be there on the 23rd of May. I hope he is still there.
-
Moran now with a 5-game hit streak in which he's 11-23. No longballs but does have 6 two-baggers in that stretch. Coincidentally or not, the streak started when moved ahead of Correa in batting order.
Telvin Nash got the start in RF. Just the 4th start out there in 6+ year minor league career and 1st since 2012 at Lancaster.
-
Moran now with a 5-game hit streak in which he's 11-23. No longballs but does have 6 two-baggers in that stretch.
If Moran, or Gregor for that matter, ever develop power, they are going to be excellent hitters
-
Jio Mier got plunked yesterday and was immediately removed from the game and has been placed on the 7-day DL. Joe Sclafani moves down from Fresno to take his spot on the roster (and played in tonight's game).
-
Correa 2-2 this afternoon with a double (#11), HR (#5), SB (#3) and 2 walks.
Now at .400/.468/.800.
-
Good gravy, this kid seems too good to be real.
-
Michael Coffin @CoffinMJC 4m
With his 8th-inning HR today, @cchooks SS Carlos Correa is batting .611 (11-for-18) against left-handed pitching. He leads the TL w/ 22 RBIs
-
How about .400/.468/.800/1.268? And zero errors by the way.
-
Correa 2-2 this afternoon with a double (#11), HR (#5), SB (#3) and 2 walks.
Now at .400/.468/.800.
A first inning double. Then two 5-pitch walks. Then a 2 out solo homer in the 8th when down by 6. If he's either going to be pitched around when it's close or grooved pitches when it's out of hand they might as well promote him.
-
A first inning double. Then two 5-pitch walks. Then a 2 out solo homer in the 8th when down by 6. If he's either going to be pitched around when it's close or grooved pitches when it's out of hand they might as well promote him.
I'm coming around to moving him up. All the way to Houston if Lowrie is out for a while. (1) AA is too easy for him. (2). He's red-hot now which would give him a better chance to have some success at a higher level.
-
He leads the Texas League in batting average, slugging, OPS, hits , doubles, total bases, runs and rbi. He's second in homers and 3rd in obp.
-
He's second in homers and 3rd in obp.
Lollygagger.
-
Yesterday's homerun was oppo. Looked like they were trying to get in on his hands and lost it out over the plate. (http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20150428&content_id=121046486&fext=.jsp&vkey=news_milb&sid=milb)
-
Jose Rodriguez @Caller_JR 1 minute ago
#CCHooks roster moves: LHP Kent Emanuel placed on disabled list; RHP Daniel Minor activated.
-
Per TL transactions page (http://www.milb.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?t=l_trn&lid=109&sid=t482), Joe Sclafani moved back to Fresno and Jon Kemmer has been activated.
-
Good outing for Hader last night in a Hooks 8-1 win. 5/5/1/1/0/5. Devenski was even better in his four innings.
-
Good outing for Hader last night in a Hooks 8-1 win. 5/5/1/1/0/5. Devenski was even better in his four innings.
Nice to see Devenski putting it all together at AA. Been following him since this game (http://www.milb.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?gid=2012_09_01_romafx_lexafx_1&t=g_box&sid=milb)
-
Moran may be out for a little while:
Brian McTaggart ⚾️ @brianmctaggart 3m3 minutes ago
Moran suffered the injury sliding into second base and an errant throw struck him.
Happened in the first inning of yesterday's game.
-
Moran may be out for a little while:
Non-displaced jaw fracture, just to clarify.
-
And Chan Moon promoted from Lancaster apparently to take Moran's spot on the roster:
Lancaster JetHawks @JetHawks 2 minutes ago
Congratulations to @cjmoon91 on his promotion to AA Corpus Christi!
-
Non-displaced jaw fracture, just to clarify.
That is some awful luck there.
-
Nice to see Devenski putting it all together at AA. Been following him since this game (http://www.milb.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?gid=2012_09_01_romafx_lexafx_1&t=g_box&sid=milb)
C'mon, it's not like he threw a perfect game or anything...
-
McCullers gives up 1st earned runs of year on a jack but still an extremely good outing (6/2/2/2/2/7).
Now 28/8 K to W in 20 IP.
-
I believe I heard Luhnow say on the broadcast tonight that Moran would be out at least 4 weeks.
-
He also hinted around that Correa would be heading to AAA in the next couple weeks.
-
He also hinted around that Correa would be heading to AAA in the next couple weeks.
Kemp deserves to move up there, too, at least based on his batting numbers. Obviously Fontana, Torreyes, and Sclafani aren't gonna block Correa if he needs to move up, but I wonder what they will do with them.
-
From a CC Caller article by Jose Rodriguez (http://www.caller.com/sports/hooks/hooks-again-squander-scoring-opportunities-in-loss-to-frisco_33998947) (twitter: @Caller_JR)
- Though he homered in today's game, Telvin Nash also struck out three different times with the bases loaded.
- Tony Kemp out of the lineup today but expected back Monday after being plunked on the elbow on Saturday.
- Jio Mier likely activated from DL on Tuesday.
-
From a CC Caller article by Jose Rodriguez (http://www.caller.com/sports/hooks/hooks-again-squander-scoring-opportunities-in-loss-to-frisco_33998947) (twitter: @Caller_JR)
- Though he homered in today's game, Telvin Nash also struck out three different times with the bases loaded.
- Tony Kemp out of the lineup today but expected back Monday after being plunked on the elbow on Saturday.
- Jio Mier likely activated from DL on Tuesday.
Nash would be a perfect replacement for Chris Carter.
-
Bad Appel has returned. Last two starts: 7.2 IP, 8 earned runs on 12 hits and 6 walks allowed. Did have 7 strikeouts tonight though.
-
Correa goes 3-5 including the game-winning 3-run double in the B9.
-
Bad Appel has returned. Last two starts: 7.2 IP, 8 earned runs on 12 hits and 6 walks allowed. Did have 7 strikeouts tonight though.
Better move him up to AAA. He's clearly not happy.
-
Correa goes 3-5 including the game-winning 3-run double in the B9.
Great video of it in this article (http://m.astros.mlb.com/news/article/122402872/byron-buxton-carlos-correa-deliver-walk-off-winners).
-
Bad Appel has returned. Last two starts: 7.2 IP, 8 earned runs on 12 hits and 6 walks allowed. Did have 7 strikeouts tonight though.
Didn't get to actually see it, but judging from the recap, he wasn't getting tagged a lot. I worry more when I see that.
I'd like to hear reports on the control issue last night. Maybe he is working on something new.
-
Ask BA answers the burning question:
With Kris Bryant now in the big leagues, who is the best prospect in baseball?
Bryan Ramsey
Chicago
BA:
Since the season began, No. 1 prospect Kris Bryant and No. 3 prospect Addison Russell have both been promoted to the big leagues and now it’s well worth asking who’s No. 1...To get a sense of what MLB front offices are thinking we polled a cross-section of upper level front office officials to get their viewpoint. No one with the Astros, Dodgers or Twins were polled since it was their teams’ players involved in the discussion of who should be No. 1.
http://www.baseballamerica.com/international/ask-ba-whos/ (http://www.baseballamerica.com/international/ask-ba-whos/)
-
Didn't get to actually see it, but judging from the recap, he wasn't getting tagged a lot. I worry more when I see that.
I'd like to hear reports on the control issue last night. Maybe he is working on something new.
Yeah, I looked at the game log, and it doesn't seem that bad to me. He struck out the side in the first, got an inning-ending K in the 2nd with runners in scoring position, and then gave up the runs while still racking up K's in between.
Corpus is still doing the tandem as far as I know, so it's not like he was going past the fifth anyway.
-
Yeah, I looked at the game log, and it doesn't seem that bad to me. He struck out the side in the first, got an inning-ending K in the 2nd with runners in scoring position, and then gave up the runs while still racking up K's in between.
Corpus is still doing the tandem as far as I know, so it's not like he was going past the fifth anyway.
If he's working a particular pitch or mechanical issue ok. If it's just him working then the control issues are troublesome. 4 walks in 3.2 innings over 90 pitches is remarkably inefficient.
-
If he's working a particular pitch or mechanical issue ok. If it's just him working then the control issues are troublesome. 4 walks in 3.2 innings over 90 pitches is remarkably inefficient.
Then there's a quote from Luhnow in the online Crock that he wants to see multiple dominant outings from Appel. That tells me there's nothing he's really working on. He's just not locating well, consistently.
-
Drellich tweeted today that Luhnow said Correa will be in AAA at some point this month.
-
Evan Drellich @EvanDrellich 6 minutes ago
Vince Velasquez nearing assignment to a minor league affiliate. Been pitching in extended spring training. Probably AA Corpus.
-
Ben Badler @BenBadler 4 minutes ago
My nightly Carlos Correa fawning: Two innings in, he already has a three-run home run and stole third base (12-for-12 on the year). Amazing.
Finishes 3-4 with one more SB (13-13).
And I'm sure you're bored reading all the superlatives being thrown at Correa but here's one more (http://www.baseballamerica.com/international/ask-ba-whos/).
-
Evan Drellich @EvanDrellich 6 minutes ago
Vince Velasquez nearing assignment to a minor league affiliate. Been pitching in extended spring training. Probably AA Corpus.
Great news. I love it when I realize that I've sort of forgotten about some really good and/or intriguing player the Astros have in their system. VV's been off my radar since early in ST.
-
George Vondracek @Caller_GeorgeV 45 minutes ago
.@cchooks moves RHP Jonas Dufek promoted to Triple-A @FresnoGrizzlies. RHP Juan Minaya activated from DL for Wed game v @RockHounds.
-
Juan Minaya still hanging around. Would love to see him make it.
-
- Jio Mier likely activated from DL on Tuesday.
Got activated today (per tweets).
-
Baseball's best prospect just touched one off in his first AB tonight. #7.
-
Wild man McCullers with 7 ks through 3. But 3 walks, hit batter and wild pitch. Finished well. Ended up with 9Ks in 5 innings.
5.0/3/0/0/3/9/0
-
Wild man McCullers with 7 ks through 3. But 3 walks, hit batter and wild pitch.
It's the JR Richard school of intimidation.
-
Great news. I love it when I realize that I've sort of forgotten about some really good and/or intriguing player the Astros have in their system. VV's been off my radar since early in ST.
Activated today and scheduled to pitch tonight.
-
Tony Kemp has been placed on the inactive list.
-
What is the inactive list? I saw a tweet about him going to his college graduation today, is he just getting a day or 2 off?
-
What is the inactive list? I saw a tweet about him going to his college graduation today, is he just getting a day or 2 off?
Virtual Bob asked about the inactive list in another thread (http://www.orangewhoopass.com/forums/index.php?topic=117697.0). Here was my response:
35 man reserve roster, 25 man active roster at those two levels. Three days is the minimum period for placing a player on the inactive list. So theoretically you could have 10 players on the inactive list at any given time (teams obviously are never gonna do that).
It can be used in situations like Kemp's. Also, as VB noted in that other thread, you'll often see the Astros using it with regard to the starting pitchers to carry an extra pitcher or two (deactivating a guy who's just thrown and activating another guy who is scheduled to pitch that day).
-
Velasquez not too shabby in his 2015 debut. 5/3/1/1/10. 52 strikes in 74 pitches.
-
Velasquez not too shabby in his 2015 debut. 5/3/1/1/10. 52 strikes in 74 pitches.
Michael Coffin of the Hooks radio crew reported that VV touched 98 mph on the gun.
-
All that is very encouraging. Can never have too many potential starters in waiting.
-
Velasquez not too shabby in his 2015 debut. 5/3/1/1/10. 52 strikes in 74 pitches.
Nice! Between McCullers, Devenski, Hader and now Valesquez. Statistically, Appel is your 5th starter
-
Nice! Between McCullers, Devenski, Hader and now Valesquez. Statistically, Appel is your 5th starter
"Get Amaro on the phone... see what he wants for Cole Hamels... our #5 starter from Corpus? Well, OK, I guess..."
-
"Get Amaro on the phone... see what he wants for Cole Hamels... our #5 starter from Corpus? Well, OK, I guess..."
Why does Hamels not excite me much? Am I missing the boat on him? Looks like a #3 at this stage of his career although that would help the team. But I wouldn't overpay for him. Somebody will.
-
Why does Hamels not excite me much? Am I missing the boat on him? Looks like a #3 at this stage of his career although that would help the team. But I wouldn't overpay for him. Somebody will.
Even if he is a number 3 at this point, kuechel McHugh hamels looks pretty good to me for a 123 punch.
-
Even if he is a number 3 at this point, kuechel McHugh hamels looks pretty good to me for a 123 punch.
He's 31 now. Two years from now (2017 season), when things are really starting to pay off, he'll be 33, and you'll still be on the hook for something like $45MM (approximately; he's on a 7-year, $159MM contract through 2018, and I don't know how it's actually structured) through his age-34 season. Plus whatever talent you gave up in the deal. I think he's declining too fast to make this worth the risk.
-
Hooks win 11-1 last night against S.A. Appel has an odd line at 5/8/1/0/1/1. His ERA is 3.71 after last night.
The prodigy goes 2/5 with a 2B and sitting at .389. I don't know much about Tyler White, 33rd rd choice in 2013, but he is hitting .353 in 16 games with a .522 OBP. Played 3rd last night.
-
Correa's not in the lineup today. His days in Corpus might be over.
-
Correa's not in the lineup today. His days in Corpus might be over.
or
He's played for 16 consecutive days including a double header on the first of those 16 games. Now a morning game after a night game. Could just be a day off.
-
Michael Coffin @CoffinMJC 45 minutes ago
Heck of a run by @ddddeevvvoooo. Devenski's scoreless innings streak ends at 27. @AsherWojo holds the club record at 33.
-
CC wins today 2-1. Nash with a 2-run dinger. Devinski ERA now at 0.31. Gustave with a two inning save. Mier was at SS.
-
Got a chance to see the Hooks today. First time seeing Devenski. Honestly, I have no idea how this guy went so long without giving up a run. A lot of batters squared him up. One guy didn't tag when he should have and one got thrown out at home, but then a lefty hit a liner that cleared the right field wall by a foot or so.
Devenski has pretty good command, an average fastball, slightly less than average breaking balls, but he has a very effective change. It's unusual in that it comes in about 15 mph slower. Not a lot of movement, but hitters rarely time it. It's hard for me to envision him having success in the major leagues with just that pitch, but I might be dead wrong or he might add another wrinkle.
I love to watch Kemp bat. I missed his first AB, but saw him drill a strong oppo fly out into a mild wind, pull a sharp grounder for a single, get robbed on an oppo left center line drive and weakly groundout to the right side. He and Jio also turned a fine DP. I'd be surprised if he isn't annoying some opponent in the majors one day.
Gregor also looked good. Heineman as well.
Gustave has an arm. 96-97. Not a lot of swing and miss with his fastball, but not a ton of hard contact either. Slider was so so.
-
Got a chance to see the Hooks today. First time seeing Devenski. Honestly, I have no idea how this guy went so long without giving up a run. A lot of batters squared him up. One guy didn't tag when he should have and one got thrown out at home, but then a lefty hit a liner that cleared the right field wall by a foot or so.
Devenski has pretty good command, an average fastball, slightly less than average breaking balls, but he has a very effective change. It's unusual in that it comes in about 15 mph slower. Not a lot of movement, but hitters rarely time it. It's hard for me to envision him having success in the major leagues with just that pitch, but I might be dead wrong or he might add another wrinkle.
I love to watch Kemp bat. I missed his first AB, but saw him drill a strong oppo fly out into a mild wind, pull a sharp grounder for a single, get robbed on an oppo left center line drive and weakly groundout to the right side. He and Jio also turned a fine DP. I'd be surprised if he isn't annoying some opponent in the majors one day.
Gregor also looked good. Heineman as well.
Gustave has an arm. 96-97. Not a lot of swing and miss with his fastball, but not a ton of hard contact either. Slider was so so.
Nice report.
-
As expected, Chan Moon back to CC from Fresno (per tweets).
-
Nice report.
Very nice. Thanks, JBM. Any specific impressions of Gregor? Fielding or hitting-wise?
-
Yeah, he made a high reaching grab of a screaming liner. Quick reaction, vertically at least. I didn't see anything else either positive or negative on his defense. Offensively, it was only a few ABs, but he played right into what I had read: lefty with a solid bat, but more of a line drive stroke than a power stroke. I wouldn't characterize him as lacking power, because he hit a few balls real hard. His single to center looked to be accelerating mid flight, just no loft.
On a side note, I enjoyed the pitch clock. It's sort of a soft clock, kind of like the clock in the PGA, but it did seem to keep the game moving.
-
McCullers: 4 innings, 6 whiffs, zilch baserunners (except on an error).
-
McCullers: 4 innings, 6 whiffs, zilch baserunners (except on an error).
If not for Correa's amazing start, we'd probably be talking a lot more about how dominant McCullers has been. After the struggles he had last year, it sure is great to see.
I wonder if he's finally started to improve his changeup, or if it's more his control of the FB and curveball, or what.
-
If not for Correa's amazing start, we'd probably be talking a lot more about how dominant McCullers has been. After the struggles he had last year, it sure is great to see.
I wonder if he's finally started to improve his changeup, or if it's more his control of the FB and curveball, or what.
Getting out of Lancaster probably helps a bit as well.
-
I wonder if he's finally started to improve his changeup, or if it's more his control of the FB and curveball, or what.
I wonder the same thing. I'm hoping it is simply repeating his delivery, leading to consistency and command of his two plus pitches. That type of improvement is more bankable long term.
I'd also include Kemp as a story somewhat obscured by Correa's success. His OBP is off the charts (440ish).
-
Per TL transactions page (http://www.milb.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?t=l_trn&lid=109&sid=t482), Brandon Meredith has been DL'd.
-
Per the game notes (http://www.milb.com/documents/5/1/2/124407512/2015_GN_May_14_at_FRI_5xhpnisa.pdf):
2B Tony Kemp, who notched 2 hits and 1 walk Tuesday, has reached safely in 16 consecutive games. In
his last 9 contests, Kemp is hitting .395 (15-for-38) with 6 runs, 4 doubles, 5 RBIs, 4 walks and 3 strikeouts. The former Vanderbilt Commodore ranks among the Texas League leaders in on-base percentage (.452, 3rd), walks (20, T-5th) and batting average (.340, 7th).
Also while the early going has been rough for Teoscar Hernandez maybe he's finally turning things around. He's currently on a 6-game hitting streak in which he's 9-23 with 3 longballs.
-
Michael Coffin @CoffinMJC 37 minutes ago
Big win by Aaron West today. West retired 9 of the 11 men he faced, striking out 5. @cchooks pitchers own a 1.12 ERA in the last 10 games.
-
Wormy Appel, ladies and germs--
Tonight: 4 IP, 6 H, 5 ER, 5 W, 4 K
Last 4 starts: 16.2 IP, 26 H, 13 ER, 12 W, 12 K
-
Wormy Appel, ladies and germs--
Tonight: 4 IP, 6 H, 5 ER, 5 W, 4 K
Last 4 starts: 16.2 IP, 26 H, 13 ER, 12 W, 12 K
Fuck.
-
Wormy Appel, ladies and germs--
Tonight: 4 IP, 6 H, 5 ER, 5 W, 4 K
Last 4 starts: 16.2 IP, 26 H, 13 ER, 12 W, 12 K
I am more and more convinced that for all his physical talents he lacks the mental game to be effective.
-
I am more and more convinced that for all his physical talents he lacks the mental game to be effective.
+1 ... I hate to give up on him but it is hard to keep any sort of optimism.
-
I am more and more convinced that for all his physical talents he lacks the mental game to be effective.
Appel over Bryant is going to go down as an all timer. Fortunately it looks like 2012 will offset 2013.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
You pays your money, you takes your chances.
-
You pays your money, you takes your chances.
Can you imagine a Bryant-Correa-Altuve-Singleton infield in a year or two? Backed by a Tucker-Marisnick-Springer outfield? Yikes.
-
I am more and more convinced that for all his physical talents he lacks the mental game to be effective.
I've read that scouts have a more colorful, derogatory name for it.
-
I've read that scouts have a more colorful, derogatory name for it.
Which is?
-
Which is?
I don't know, but we used to call them pussies.
-
I don't know, but we used to call them pussies.
If that is the case, I am putting my money on Brocail to either fix him or eat him.
-
I don't know, but we used to call them pussies.
I've not seen it spelled out, but that was my guess too. And I get the impression it's a perception that some have had since he was at Stanford.
-
I've read that scouts have a more colorful, derogatory name for it.
You down with OPP?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
If that is the case, I am putting my money on Brocail to either fix him or eat him.
Some guys aren't fixable. I suspect Brocail will wind up eating him.
-
I've not seen it spelled out, but that was my guess too. And I get the impression it's a perception that some have had since he was at Stanford.
Yes
-
Can you imagine a Bryant-Correa-Altuve-Singleton infield in a year or two? Backed by a Tucker-Marisnick-Springer outfield? Yikes.
Or put Phillips in LF to maintain the "3 CFer concept" and let Tucker DH perhaps platooning with Gattis and jettisoning Karter.
-
With Grossman/Hoes/Presley/Santana all crowding the OF at Fresno, Andy Aplin gets demoted to the Hooks (per game notes (http://www.milb.com/documents/0/9/8/124789098/2015_GN_May_16_at_FRI_6zvvpfm4.pdf)).
-
Or put Phillips in LF to maintain the "3 CFer concept" and let Tucker DH perhaps platooning with Gattis and jettisoning Karter.
If Kemp is the real deal, he'll crack the starting nine somewhere. They'll find a way.
-
If Kemp is the real deal, he'll crack the starting nine somewhere. They'll find a way.
It's also now possible to see Houston as a "destination" for interesting free agents.
-
I just learned from the Frisco broadcast that the CC catcher Pena is the son of former Astro SS Bert Pena.
-
Going extras tonight in Frisco with score knotted at 13. The Hooks have 20 hits through nine led by Aplin's four in his return to AA. The wind is blowing out.
-
Going extras tonight in Frisco with score knotted at 13. The Hooks have 20 hits through nine led by Aplin's four in his return to AA. The wind is blowing out.
That's a tough Frisco lineup with Josh Hamilton (now exited) along with the Rangers' top four prospects (Gallo, Alfaro, Mazara and Williams).
-
That's a tough Frisco lineup with Josh Hamilton (now exited) along with the Rangers' top four prospects (Gallo, Alfaro, Mazara and Williams).
The two teams entered tonight's game with exact opposite records. CC at 23-12 I think and Frisco at 12-23. Frisco has won their share with CC this year though.
-
Am watching Hader pitch against Hamilton and the Friscoes. Hamilton just double off of him in his second AB but Hader got him on a flyout in the first. Frisco announcers making the obligatory Sale references. I can see where he would be very tough for a LH batter.
His control isn't real sharp. I can see where he could be something special if he can command the zone.
-
If I am in charge, we keep Carter.
I would how tough and direct they have been with Appel. He has too much talent to pitch like that.
-
Am seeing Devenski pitch now. He is as advertised. Great change and command. Keeps everything low. Not overpowering by any means but a guy that can pitch.
Devenski just k'd Hamilton on the change. His change up dives to the feet.
-
I would not be surprised to see Appel to be a part of a trade package for a top pitcher if one is made this year.
-
I would not be surprised to see Appel to be a part of a trade package for a top pitcher if one is made this year.
Boy I can't imagine trading him now would be worth it.
-
Boy I can't imagine trading him now would be worth it.
Me either. That would be selling low, IMO.
I can't believe I am defending Appel, but some tend to react a bit too much to few bad starts. Without knowing what is going on, I'm going to give him the benefit of the doubt and assume he is working on something or has a minor physical issue. I be surprised if anyone posting here know for sure if he is a weak-willed pansy of not. If he is, it will surely limit his ceiling, but he should still be a useful component for the future.
-
It's not really a few bad starts though. He's got more mediocre to bad starts than good ones up to this point in his minor league career. There's just been no consistency with him.
-
It's not really a few bad starts though. He's got more mediocre to bad starts than good ones up to this point in his minor league career. There's just no consistency with him.
I understand the concern as everyone assuredly expected more consistency from him, but I don't think one can judge a developing minor league player on their body of work. Some develop in fits and starts, and the in between struggles become irrelevant.
I'd be more likely hold a negative view if he already hadn't proved me wrong once. Last year, I assumed he was a mental midget destined to become a giant bust, but I was dead wrong. He also looked pretty decent in the few innings I saw in spring. So, I'm going to give him some slack before I write him off again.
-
I understand the concern as everyone assuredly expected more consistency from him, but I don't think one can judge a developing minor league player on their body of work. Some develop in fits and starts, and the in between struggles become irrelevant.
I'd be more likely hold a negative view if he already hadn't proved me wrong once. Last year, I assumed he was a mental midget destined to become a giant bust, but I was dead wrong. He also looked pretty decent in the few innings I saw in spring. So, I'm going to give him some slack before I write him off again.
+1 Some kids just don't play well in the minor leagues. They blossom in the big leagues. He'll get his chance, and probably sooner than later.
-
I'm wondering if Appel is having problems adjusting to the tandem system (again). He is no fan of this schedule, and I wonder if he just needs to be promoted to Fresno to get some longer starts.
-
I'm wondering if Appel is having problems adjusting to the tandem system (again). He is no fan of this schedule, and I wonder if he just needs to be promoted to Fresno to get some longer starts.
If that is true, and I haven't read anything to confirm that, it shows immaturity on Appel's part. It's reminiscent of Lucas Harrell's fits out on the mound in reaction to the shifts behind him.
-
RHP Angel Baez has been released (http://www.milb.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?t=l_trn&lid=109&sid=t482).
He was acquired from the Royals this spring for cash.
-
+1 Some kids just don't play well in the minor leagues. They blossom in the big leagues. He'll get his chance, and probably sooner than later.
And some kids are Tim Redding and can't put all their tools together. I hope that doesn't happen to Appel, but at some point in the near future he's got to start pitching well game in and game out if he's ever going to live up to his draft spot.
-
I'm wondering if Appel is having problems adjusting to the tandem system (again). He is no fan of this schedule, and I wonder if he just needs to be promoted to Fresno to get some longer starts.
He has not been part of the tandem. He has started every game he has appeared in, and while he has not gone past 5 innings (that I recall), I am not sure that was a "plan" so much as a response to him getting shelled.
-
And some kids are Tim Redding and can't put all their tools together. I hope that doesn't happen to Appel, but at some point in the near future he's got to start pitching well game in and game out if he's ever going to live up to his draft spot.
+1
-
Nice AA debut for Brian Holmes: 5/4/1/1/2/5.
-
From today's game notes (http://www.milb.com/documents/3/6/8/125342368/2015_GN_May_19_vs._SA_4s01eaeo.pdf):
3B Tyler White went 2-for-4 with a run scored last night. Now with 101 plate appearances under his belt, White is eligible to be counted among the Texas League leaders. His .505 on-base percentage tops the circuit while his .342 batting average slots 4th. White is hitting .410 with 9 runs, 1 home run, 5 RBIs and 8 walks in his last 11 games. White has worked 23 walks against 12 strikeouts on the season.
-
From today's game notes (http://www.milb.com/documents/3/6/8/125342368/2015_GN_May_19_vs._SA_4s01eaeo.pdf):
And he was second string behind Moran, right? What's this guy's history?
-
Me either. That would be selling low, IMO.
I can't believe I am defending Appel, but some tend to react a bit too much to few bad starts. Without knowing what is going on, I'm going to give him the benefit of the doubt and assume he is working on something or has a minor physical issue. I be surprised if anyone posting here know for sure if he is a weak-willed pansy of not. If he is, it will surely limit his ceiling, but he should still be a useful component for the future.
I watch him pitch. I look at all of non-verbal language. My view is that his goal is to have good mechanics and throw strikes. After that he hopes for the best. The problem as I see it is that his goal should be to get the batter out. The means to that goal should be good mechanics and throw strikes. When the goal is getting the batter out I would expect a higher quality of strike than when the goal is just throw a strike. This view explains a great deal to me about why batters make good contact against him more often than you'd expect with his level of talent.
-
And he was second string behind Moran, right? What's this guy's history?
24 years old, bats and throws RH. Drafted out of Western Carolina in '13 in the 33rd round. Listed on Hooks site as DH for position but playing 3rd in Moran's absence.
The most ABs he has had at one stop was in '14 at QC where he hit .290 with a .410 OPB, .911 OPS with 23 BBs and only 12Ks.
He does not run much. He has 23 MiL HRs in 704 ABs.
-
I watch him pitch. I look at all of non-verbal language. My view is that his goal is to have good mechanics and throw strikes. After that he hopes for the best. The problem as I see it is that his goal should be to get the batter out. The means to that goal should be good mechanics and throw strikes. When the goal is getting the batter out I would expect a higher quality of strike than when the goal is just throw a strike. This view explains a great deal to me about why batters make good contact against him more often than you'd expect with his level of talent.
A pitcher's overarching goal should be to get every hitter out, however that must be done.
-
24 years old, bats and throws RH. Drafted out of Western Carolina in '13 in the 33rd round. Listed on Hooks site as DH for position but playing 3rd in Moran's absence.
The most ABs he has had at one stop was in '14 at QC where he hit .290 with a .410 OPB, .911 OPS with 23 BBs and only 12Ks.
He does not run much. He has 23 MiL HRs in 704 ABs.
He has hit everywhere he stopped ... moving through 3 levels in 2013 (GCL, Appy, NY-Penn) and 2 last year (A, A+). He also has a good eye ... career slash line at all levels: .307/.420/.480 with 113 BB and only 103 K in 855 PA. He has gap power with doubles topping HR by a 2:1 margin. He is mostly a 3B-man, though he did appear in ~40 games at 1B last year. I think he was listed as a DH simply because he was ready for AA but not seen as being a better prospect than either Moran or Gregor (o maybe even Nash).
I have not seen him play, but the picture I get by studying box scores is one of a solid but not spectacular fielder who makes good contact and makes the most of his skills at the plate.
-
A pitcher's overarching goal should be to get every hitter out, however that must be done.
of course, but in the minors they work on stuff, and the brass is not always that concerned with stats.
-
of course, but in the minors they work on stuff, and the brass is not always that concerned with stats.
Luhnow's on record in the past month expecting him to dominate. So he's concerned with results now. The time for simply working on things is past.
-
Luhnow's on record in the past month expecting him to dominate. So he's concerned with results now. The time for simply working on things is past.
I'm sure Appel, like everyone else familiar with the draft, has noticed Bryant's meteoric rise and immediate MLB impact and is feeling that much more pressure to prove his own worth as a 1-1 pick. Maybe he can right the ship and make adjustments, like he did last year.
Then again, until David Price plays long enough to catch them, Andy Benes and Mike Moore stand as the most valuable pitchers ever drafted #1 overall. Maybe the Astros just fucked up by failing to learn from the lessons of history.
-
interesting on Benes and Moore. I never would have thought that was the case.
-
Then again, until David Price plays long enough to catch them, Andy Benes and Mike Moore stand as the most valuable pitchers ever drafted #1 overall. Maybe the Astros just fucked up by failing to learn from the lessons of history.
There have been much better pitchers in the history of the league than these three guys. Trust your scouts to identify the BPA in their opinion, pitcher or not. There is no meaningful analytical significance to a draft slot vis a vis a particular position -- what you're suggesting borders on superstition.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
interesting on Benes and Moore. I never would have thought that was the case.
Yeah, it's kind of crazy how run-of-the-mill the 1/1 pitchers have been. Going by career Wins:
Moore 161
Benes 155
Belcher 146
F. Bannister 134
Price 89
McDonald 78
Kris Benson 70
Strasburg 46
Hochevar 43
Paul Wilson 40
Gerritt Cole 26
David Clyde 18
Matt Anderson 15
Bryan Bullington 1
Brien Taylor (no MLB games)
Appel TBD
Aiken TBD
Link (http://www.baseball-reference.com/draft/)
-
Slew of player moves (via Jose Rodriguez @Caller_JR):
- C Tyler Heineman and LHP Mitch Lampson move up to Fresno.
- C Luis Flores moves down from Fresno but is placed on CC inactive list.
- C/1B/OF Trent Woodward (20th-rounder, 2014) activated out of EST.
- RHP Michael Feliz and LHP Chris Cotton up from Lancaster.
- RHP Daniel Minor (9th-rounder, 2012) released.
-
From the Hooks blog discussing today's player movement (https://cchooksmlb.wordpress.com/2015/05/21/flurry-of-thursday-moves/):
Heineman, 23, was hitting .318 with 7 doubles and 5 RBIs in 22 games for the Hooks. He worked 8 walks and struck out just 6 times in 85 at-bats for a .383 on-base percentage. The switch-hitting backstop notched hits in 18 of 22 contests, reaching base in 20 of those affairs. Heineman, who departs the circuit riding a 7-game hit streak, threw out 7 of 13 runners attempting to steal for a .538 caught-stealing percentage.
-
Feliz to Corpus is a rather aggressive promotion. I wonder if they'll keep him in the rotation, or if this is the beginning of an effort to fast-track him as a blow-em-away late-inning reliever?
Come to think of it, they've been aggressive with several pitcher promotions this year. Gustave, Guduan, McCullers, Feliz... hmmm.
-
Feliz to Corpus is a rather aggressive promotion. I wonder if they'll keep him in the rotation, or if this is the beginning of an effort to fast-track him as a blow-em-away late-inning reliever?
Come to think of it, they've been aggressive with several pitcher promotions this year. Gustave, Guduan, McCullers, Feliz... hmmm.
And Feliz is on the 40-man.
-
Feliz to Corpus is a rather aggressive promotion. I wonder if they'll keep him in the rotation, or if this is the beginning of an effort to fast-track him as a blow-em-away late-inning reliever?
Come to think of it, they've been aggressive with several pitcher promotions this year. Gustave, Guduan, McCullers, Feliz... hmmm.
That's 9 guys now in Corpus who have been starting regularly, not including Emanuel who is on the DL. Something's gotta give.
-
Appel is a mess.
-
Appel is a mess.
Good grief--
Tonight: 3.2 IP, 8 H, 7 ER, 1 W, 2 K
Last 5 starts: 20.1 IP, 34 H, 20 ER, 13 W, 14 K
-
Good grief--
Tonight: 3.2 IP, 8 H, 7 ER, 1 W, 2 K
Last 5 starts: 20.1 IP, 34 H, 20 ER, 13 W, 14 K
Tonight he threw 82 pitches with 54 strikes which doesn't seem like he was wild. Unless he was wild in the zone. For the year he has thrown 34 innings with an ERA sitting at 6.03. Looking at other CC pitchers with similar IP.
Devinski 34IP 0.53 ERA
Hauschild 32.2 IP 3.58 ERA
West 31.2 IP 3.13 ERA
Hader 28.2 IP 3.14 ERA
and McCullers is in Houston after starting out in CC.
-
I think we all know this is a horribly blown pick. This guy might eventually become a major league pitcher but it won't be with the Astros.
It'll be intersting to see if the Correa draft is something Astros fans can look forward to every now and then or if that was a total outlier.
-
Tonight he threw 82 pitches with 54 strikes which doesn't seem like he was wild. Unless he was wild in the zone. For the year he has thrown 34 innings with an ERA sitting at 6.03. Looking at other CC pitchers with similar IP.
Devinski 34IP 0.53 ERA
Hauschild 32.2 IP 3.58 ERA
West 31.2 IP 3.13 ERA
Hader 28.2 IP 3.14 ERA
and McCullers is in Houston after starting out in CC.
I don't have faith in the mental side of his game, but I hope there isn't an injury issue in there either.
-
I think we all know this is a horribly blown pick. This guy might eventually become a major league pitcher but it won't be with the Astros.
It'll be intersting to see if the Correa draft is something Astros fans can look forward to every now and then or if that was a total outlier.
I don't blame them for last year. They were uniquely bitten by the system. Upfront medicals like in the NFL and they take someone else. Appel had performance red flags going into the draft. Aiken had none.
-
That's 9 guys now in Corpus who have been starting regularly, not including Emanuel who is on the DL. Something's gotta give.
Early results say Kyle Westwood is the odd man out.
-
I don't have faith in the mental side of his game, but I hope there isn't an injury issue in there either.
Didn't he have forearm tightness in ST?
-
I don't blame them for last year. They were uniquely bitten by the system. Upfront medicals like in the NFL and they take someone else. Appel had performance red flags going into the draft. Aiken had none.
Appel definitely had some red flags coming off of his junior season but he had seemingly answered most of the questions with the way he pitched his senior year.
-
Didn't he have forearm tightness in ST?
Yes (http://blog.chron.com/ultimateastros/2015/03/09/mark-appel-scratched-with-mild-forearm-tightness/#30721101=0).
-
Oddity: Jio has two dongs.
Link (http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20150523&content_id=126118636&fext=.jsp&vkey=news_milb)
-
I think we all know this is a horribly blown pick. This guy might eventually become a major league pitcher but it won't be with the Astros.
It'll be intersting to see if the Correa draft is something Astros fans can look forward to every now and then or if that was a total outlier.
Meh....it happens. A lot of top picks, including 1-1, don't become much. Appel was a consensus top three guy in both '12 and '13. There was nothing wrong with the pick at the time. And he can still turn it around. Even if he doesn't, though, it's not like the 2013 draft is barren. The 6th-round HS C Nottingham is hitting .316/.385/.581. The 8th-round HS OF Martin is hitting .304/.359/.435. And the 5th-rounder Kemp is hitting .333/.439/.384. Having a pitcher like Musgrove break out also lessens the hit of Appel's struggles. Musgrove has 1 bb and 45 so in 39.2 innings pitched along with a 1.36 era and 0.96 whip.
And as Jacksonian said, the '14 draft was just an unfortunate occurrence. Aiken was the consensus top guy by the time of the draft and had shown no signs of anything being amiss. The Astros get 1-2 and 1-5 in this upcoming draft along with a gigantic bonus pool. That will be a definite boost to the system and will hopefully put the Aiken debacle completely in the past. Not to mention that the 2014 CBA pick Fisher, the 2nd-round pick Reed, the 3rd-round pick Davis, and the 4th-round pick Mengden have all looked good. Fisher is 7 for 8 in stolen bases with a line of .320/.404/.539. Reed is hitting .293/.403/.607. Davis is hitting .294/.358/.469. And Mengden has a 0.98 whip and a 1.16 era in 38.2 ip. I'm also intrigued by guys like Ritchie, Tanielu, Derick Velasquez, Radziewski, Dykxhoorn, and Ben Smith.
-
Yes (http://blog.chron.com/ultimateastros/2015/03/09/mark-appel-scratched-with-mild-forearm-tightness/#30721101=0).
Thought so. Hope he doesn't have a tjs in his near future. But at least that might explain why he's been so bad this year. I've heard that his velocity has been down and in the low 90s a good amount of the time.
-
With McCullers promoted to the ML level and Appel struggling with mechanics etc., who are your favorite pitchers left in the system at the moment? Anybody completely behind trading some of these guys for pitchers like Kazmir, Hamels, and Cueto?
Vincent Velasquez, Musgrove, Feliz, Hader, Martes, Mengden, West, Devenski, Kyle Smith, Emanuel, Harold Arauz, David Paulino, Franklin Perez, Houser
-
I think we all know this is a horribly blown pick. This guy might eventually become a major league pitcher but it won't be with the Astros.
It'll be intersting to see if the Correa draft is something Astros fans can look forward to every now and then or if that was a total outlier.
The hope, obviously, is that this draft will be a coup for us, but after this one, we may not have the benefit of high picks for a while. They can always try to acquire supplemental picks via trade, or eventually, losing players to free agency. But, if we begin picking toward the end of rounds, we'll have to temper our expectations of drafting a *potential* superstar through the draft every year.
-
With McCullers promoted to the ML level and Appel struggling with mechanics etc., who are your favorite pitchers left in the system at the moment? Anybody completely behind trading some of these guys for pitchers like Kazmir, Hamels, and Cueto?
Vincent Velasquez, Musgrove, Feliz, Hader, Martes, Mengden, West, Devenski, Kyle Smith, Emanuel, Harold Arauz, David Paulino, Franklin Perez, Houser
None of those guys in my mind are untouchables. And with the obvious solitary exception, I'd say the same about the position players. They're all trade bait.
-
I think I read Cueto is hurt. I'd rather get a LHP if possible.
-
I think I read Cueto is hurt. I'd rather get a LHP if possible.
I'd prefer a guy that isn't a free agent at the end of the year.
-
I think I read Cueto is hurt. I'd rather get a LHP if possible.
Cueto has a sore shoulder that will cause to miss at least one start. And he hasn't really been himself this year. I worry about something serious going on there.
-
Cueto has a sore shoulder that will cause to miss at least one start. And he hasn't really been himself this year. I worry about something serious going on there.
I'm attempting to shift this discussion to the Trade Talk (http://www.orangewhoopass.com/forums/index.php?topic=117798.msg519906#msg519906) thread in the TZ.
-
Nash released.
-
Nash released.
Goodbye, Mr. 3TO.
Brandon Meredith also activated from DL.
TL Transactions Page (http://Goodbye, Mr. 3TO.)
-
Velasquez may be able to contribute in Houston this year. Tonight's line for VV is 5/3/0/0//1/8. He only has 14.1 IP in though so he needs work but maybe by July if they need a guy? Or he may be a chip in a trade. Feliz then came on and pitched a 3/1/1/1/0/5. Going to the ninth with CC up 2-1.
-
Velasquez may be able to contribute in Houston this year. Tonight's line for VV is 5/3/0/0//1/8. He only has 14.1 IP in though so he needs work but maybe by July if they need a guy? Or he may be a chip in a trade. Feliz then came on and pitched a 3/1/1/1/0/5. Going to the ninth with CC up 2-1.
Feliz finished at 4/1/1/1/0/7.
One heck of a combined pitching job against a Northwest Arkansas lineup that contained some of the Royals best position prospects (Raul Mondesi Jr, Hunter Dozier, Jorge Bonifacio).
-
@EvanDrellich: Danry Vasquez promoted to AA. Remember, part of Nash release was that Vasquez and Phillips would be on way up soon.
Both were putting up great numbers, Phillips arguably better. But, Vasquez having a full season+ at Lancaster was likely the tie-breaker. I imagine Phillips won't be too much longer.
-
Both were putting up great numbers, Phillips arguably better. But, Vasquez having a full season+ at Lancaster was likely the tie-breaker. I imagine Phillips won't be too much longer.
Phillips is not in the same class as Vasquez. Highly doubt Phillips' promotion is tied to anything other than Phillips.
-
Both were putting up great numbers, Phillips arguably better. But, Vasquez having a full season+ at Lancaster was likely the tie-breaker. I imagine Phillips won't be too much longer.
I believe Vasquez is Rule 5 eligible after this season. Could be part of the equation. Phillips isn't.
-
Velasquez may be able to contribute in Houston this year. Tonight's line for VV is 5/3/0/0//1/8. He only has 14.1 IP in though so he needs work but maybe by July if they need a guy? Or he may be a chip in a trade. Feliz then came on and pitched a 3/1/1/1/0/5. Going to the ninth with CC up 2-1.
Velasquez hit 98 on the final pitch of his last strikeout.
-
VV was already eligible last year. We add him to 40-man at last minute.
-
VV was already eligible last year. We add him to 40-man at last minute.
You might want to reread what I wrote.
-
I believe DV was also eligible last year, but was (understandably) left unprotected.
In any case, Feliz was the pitcher added at "the last minute", not Vincent V, who was added earlier, sans drama.
-
Velasquez hit 98 on the final pitch of his last strikeout.
I don't remember VV having this kind of velocity before. I thought he was more of a low-90s with excellent command and solid repertoire kind of guy. Now that McCullers is up, I can't think of a starting pitcher I'm more excited about in the system. 2nd rounder in, what, 2011?
-
I don't remember VV having this kind of velocity before. I thought he was more of a low-90s with excellent command and solid repertoire kind of guy. Now that McCullers is up, I can't think of a starting pitcher I'm more excited about in the system. 2nd rounder in, what, 2011?
Kevin Goldstein was sitting in for Luhnow on the radio pregame "GM" segment of the week Sunday past. He specifically mentioned VV as throwing very well and someone they were very excited about.
-
I believe Vasquez is Rule 5 eligible after this season. Could be part of the equation. Phillips isn't.
I just seriously doubt Danry has anything to do with Phillips' progress. One is on the verge of organizational filler the other is a top prospect. If they want Phillips in CC they will move him there and there isn't anyone currently at AA that will block him. Phillips is still 20, will be so all year. He has tons of growing to do yet. Certainly hasn't learned how to steal a base yet. Just guessing, but if Phillips is in Lancaster, it's because they want him there
-
I just seriously doubt Danry has anything to do with Phillips' progress. One is on the verge of organizational filler the other is a top prospect. If they want Phillips in CC they will move him there and there isn't anyone currently at AA that will block him. Phillips is still 20, will be so all year. He has tons of growing to do yet. Certainly hasn't learned how to steal a base yet. Just guessing, but if Phillips is in Lancaster, it's because they want him there
Vasquez isn't org filler. He and Phillips are the same age. Vasquez has enough talent to be a major league player. And they both have a lot of room to grow.
-
I think rule 5 eligibility may be a key factor in which kids get included in possible trades this year. There are only so many you can protect in both the major league portion and the AAA & AA portions.
-
Vasquez isn't org filler. He and Phillips are the same age. Vasquez has enough talent to be a major league player. And they both have a lot of room to grow.
Agreed. Danry's great start to the season is really encouraging - he's been seen as a kid with a plus hit tool and good contact skills, but uber-skinny physique and questionable power. If he's starting to fill out and learning to hit for power, he is a very intriguing prospect. Doesn't sound like he'll ever be much defensively but the bat ceiling is high.
-
Vasquez isn't org filler. He and Phillips are the same age. Vasquez has enough talent to be a major league player. And they both have a lot of room to grow.
On the verge was a poor choice of words. But with Danry, the odds are likely still against him on succeeding at being a MLB regular. Not from a personal standpoint, but prospects similar to Danry fail more than succeed. Not impossible of course.
One correction:
I was wrong with Phillips age. He'll be 21 on Saturday, Read his DOB wrong.
-
On the verge was a poor choice of words. But with Danry, the odds are likely still against him on succeeding at being a MLB regular. Not from a personal standpoint, but prospects similar to Danry fail more than succeed. Not impossible of course.
I'm not sure why you're calling him out. Generally speaking more prospects fail than succeed. Until last year Phillips looked like he might not figure it out. Vasquez looks like he might have figured things out as a 21 year old. Both guys could end up being AAAA players.
-
I'm not sure why you're calling him out. Generally speaking more prospects fail than succeed. Until last year Phillips looked like he might not figure it out. Vasquez looks like he might have figured things out as a 21 year old. Both guys could end up being AAAA players.
I'm not calling him out. I was propping up Phillips. IMO, when it comes to Phillips, they will promote him to AA when they feel he will benefit more by being there. Regardless of where Danry or any other prospect is. Phillips is a far better prospect. At this point, likely has a better chance of at least being a MLB regular than a AAAA player. And a ceiling of an Allstar.
-
Vasquez called up to Corpus.
https://cchooksmlb.wordpress.com/2015/05/27/vasquez-and-booth-arrive/
-
Vasquez called up to Corpus.
https://cchooksmlb.wordpress.com/2015/05/27/vasquez-and-booth-arrive/
Vasquez was previously noted. The linked article notes that C Bret Booth was called up from Lancaster and C Trent Woodward sent back to EST.
-
Conrad Gregor remembers just what it is 1B are supposed to do and hit his 1st HR of the season last night.
-
Appel came out after 92 pitches after allowing 9 hits and 3 walks over 5 2/3. Had only one inning in which he retired the side in order.
If you're looking for positives, all the hits allowed were singles and only 3 of those were of the LD variety.
-
Gregor homered for the 2nd straight game... that's a positive. He also doubled and walked. Kemp was 2-for-2 with 2 walks, now hitting .329 with a .430ish OBP.
Hard to find much positive about Appel right now. At least most of the damage came in his final inning of work. Curious to hear what his stuff was like.
-
Appel came out after 92 pitches after allowing 9 hits and 3 walks over 5 2/3. Had only one inning in which he retired the side in order.
If you're looking for positives, all the hits allowed were singles and only 3 of those were of the LD variety.
What keeps circling in my head is: "Looks like TJ time for Appel..." No logic behind that at all, of course, but you have to wonder these days...
-
If you're looking for positives, all the hits allowed were singles and only 3 of those were of the LD variety.
Another positive is this line from the 5th inning:
Alex Liddi singles on a soft ground ball to shortstop Jiovanni Mier.
Kenny Diekroeger singles on a line drive to left fielder Brandon Meredith. Alex Liddi to 2nd.
Ethan Chapman singles on a bunt ground ball to pitcher Mark Appel. Alex Liddi to 3rd. Kenny Diekroeger to 2nd.
Terrance Gore pops out to second baseman Tony Kemp in foul territory.
Raul Mondesi pops out to second baseman Tony Kemp on the infield fly rule.
Jorge Bonifacio pops out to shortstop Jiovanni Mier.
3 pop-ups on the infield to strand the bases loaded...MARBLES!!!
-
What keeps circling in my head is: "Looks like TJ time for Appel..." No logic behind that at all, of course, but you have to wonder these days...
I'm not the least bit concerned with that. At least no more so than with any pitcher any time. Don't think there is any evidence for that. I strongly suspect that he is still struggling with some changes they are making with his mechanics. But there is no evidence for that either.
-
I believe I heard Luhnow say on the broadcast tonight that Moran would be out at least 4 weeks.
Activated today and in the lineup tonight.
-
Devo doesn't allow a hit in his 5 innings of work tonight. Lowers Texas League leading ERA to 0.59.
-
Andy Aplin 1-3 tonight to extend hitting streak to 9 games and has reached base in all 13 games since re-visiting CC.
-
Activated today and in the lineup tonight.
Glad that he's back, it could have been worse.
-
Moran was replaced by White after going 1-for-2, I wonder what the story is there.
-
Saw in a recap the Kemp was injured in a take outside and gas to be carried off the field. Apparently it was a high slide and the reactions to it caused the benches to clear.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
Moran and Kemp both day to day.
Moran out with back spasms. Manager Rodney Linares said Kemp could have played today but decided to give him the day off so that combined with the off day tomorrow would have a couple days rest.
Pre-game show audio (https://cchooksmlb.wordpress.com/2015/05/31/sunday-with-the-skipper/) (about 1:36 in).
-
Thanks for the info. Good to hear that it's nothing serious with Kemp.
-
Corpus Christi Hooks @cchooks 1 hour ago
Jio Mier exits the game in the 4th. Roberto Pena forced to play second base and is the pivot man on a double play against the next hitter.
-
I've never seen Pena play, but I suspect it was less ridiculous than Brett Wallace at SS.
-
I've never seen Pena play, but I suspect it was less ridiculous than Brett Wallace at SS.
They are built similarly. Pena maybe a little shorter.
-
I've never seen Pena play, but I suspect it was less ridiculous than Brett Wallace at SS.
I seem to remember Peña at 2B a couple of times in the past.
-
I seem to remember Peña at 2B a couple of times in the past.
Remember, his dad was an Astros SS.
-
I seem to remember Peña at 2B a couple of times in the past.
Yep he played one game at 2nd for QC back in 13. He also played one game at 3rd in winter ball but didn't have any balls hit to him.
-
NW Arkansas not able to catch up to VV's 96 mph heater thru 6 innings. At all.
-
They gonna tandem him out of his chance?
He's looking like a legit option, if they feel they need it.
-
They gonna tandem him out of his chance?
Moot now that he's allowed a solo shot in the 7th, otherwise striking out the side in the frame. 9 whiffs.
ETA:
From the CC Caller article on the game (http://www.caller.com/sports/hooks/velasquez-hurls-hooks-past-naturals-61_45752418)--
Velasquez threw 98 pitches, 61 for strikes, and touched 98 mph on the radar gun in the seventh inning.
-
Kent Emanuel tweeted out that he underwent TJS today.
-
Kent Emanuel tweeted out that he underwent TJS today.
That took a while - his last game was April 27. Hope he makes a full recovery; as a "low-ceiling" guy he's one that didn't get much hype but I was looking forward to seeing him make his way up the ladder.
-
Appel tonight was 5/2/1/0/0/3. Hooks win 3-2 over a pretty good NW Ark. team that is 32-19.
-
Appel tonight was 5/2/1/0/0/3. Hooks win 3-2 over a pretty good NW Ark. team that is 32-19.
From the game recap (http://www.caller.com/sports/hooks/appel-delivers-strong-performance-in-leading-hooks-to-victory_10595312):
"He threw the ball well," Hooks manager Rodney Linares said. "He made them uncomfortable by pitching them inside. I really liked his velocity. He was throwing 97 or 98 (mph) early in the game, and he threw some really good sliders. That's a really good team over there, and Mark made some really good hitters look pretty bad."
-
Kent Emanuel tweeted out that he underwent TJS today.
Keith Law says he knows where the blame lies (https://twitter.com/keithlaw/status/606239458703380480)
UNC badly overworked him in CWS. Least surprising injury of the year.
-
Everyone knows until they don't.
It would be nice if he tweeted something after the "abuse" in the CWS. You know, "I predict Emamuel will have Tommy John in the near future."
-
Everyone knows until they don't.
It would be nice if he tweeted something after the "abuse" in the CWS. You know, "I predict Emamuel will have Tommy John in the near future."
I dunno about Law specifically, but I remember being aware of Emanuel being pitched to death at the end of that season, getting bombed, and just a general impression that he was totally gassed. I think the media commented on it a fair amount but I can't be sure.
-
Everyone knows until they don't.
It would be nice if he tweeted something after the "abuse" in the CWS. You know, "I predict Emamuel will have Tommy John in the near future."
Law has been a frequent critic of college overuse as seen in this article: (http://www.cdispatch.com/printerfriendly.asp?aid=32765)
ESPN baseball senior writer Keith Law, formerly a writer for Baseball Prospectus and an employee in the front office for the Toronto Blue Jays, has been critical of college coaches for abusing pitchers before they get a chance in professional baseball. Most recently, he was critical of North Carolina State's usage of Carlos Rodon, the projected No. 1 pick in the 2014 MLB draft.
In a start April 11 at Duke, Rodon returned to the mound for the eighth inning after having thrown 118 pitches.
"This was a clear example of a coaching staff putting their own interests over those of a pitcher, a perfect example of moral hazard at work in amateur baseball, one that calls for regulation by the NCAA," Law wrote in his blog for ESPN.com "The Wolfpack, despite having two of the best college players in the country this year, are 5-11 in the ACC (19-14 overall) and in danger of missing the NCAA tournament, a result that would be devastating given their talent level. The potential cost of missing the tournament is so high that the coaching staff has the incentive to try to win at all costs, including asking players to do things that may not be in their own best interests, such as throwing 134 pitches in one outing."
Law said later in the blog that only one MLB pitcher -- San Francisco Giants right-hander Tim Lincecum -- threw 134 pitches in an outing last season. Lincecum did that July 13 in a no-hitter.
Interestingly enough guess who's overuse is talked about later in the article?
In last year's NCAA Regionals, ESPN analyst Kyle Peterson, who was an All-American at Stanford and was selected in the first round by the Milwaukee Brewers, openly questioned the use of a North Carolina pitcher as a reliever during a nationally televised game against Florida Atlantic. Peterson, serving as a studio analyst that night, said the time had come to institute a pitch count in college baseball. North Carolina coach Mike Fox called left-handed pitcher Kent Emanuel out of the bullpen in a 13-inning victory against Florida Atlantic that sent his team to the Super Regional against South Carolina, and eventually to the College World Series in Omaha, Neb.
Emanuel threw 51 pitches in 1 2/3 innings. His velocity was down, according to Peterson and John Manuel of Baseball America, who was providing color commentary for ESPN's telecast of the game. Emanuel had thrown 124 pitches in 7 2/3 innings two days earlier in a start against Towson. After being selected days earlier by the Houston Astros in the third round, the club reached an agreement with Emanuel for $747,700, a source confirmed to MLB.com.
"My arm feels great," Emanuel said. "Believe it or not, I just got done getting an MRI, and the doctor said my shoulder and elbow look as good as any he's seen in this draft class. I'm good to go."
Did he call his shot? No, but he has been consistent in his message about overuse by college coaches and he is not alone saying Emanuel was overused.
Other sources who talked about it at the time:
Grantland (http://grantland.com/the-triangle/how-concern-over-pitcher-usage-can-actually-give-college-coaches-a-recruiting-edge/)
College coaches are paid to win. By the time Emanuel had thrown 238 pitches over eight days this spring, it was well known that he’d be off to the Houston Astros as soon as the Tar Heels were eliminated. So if he needed Tommy John surgery or even labrum surgery down the line, North Carolina wouldn’t lose any games as a result.
NY Times also did a story on overuse after the CWS that year. (http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/21/sports/baseball/a-top-pitchers-heavy-workload-comes-under-scrutiny.html?_r=2&) Interesting note at the end mentioned that the number of pitchers throwing over 133 pitches in an outing had dropped from 281 in 2003 down to 77 in 2003. One of the pitchers who threw over 133 in 2003 was Mike Elias at Yale, who needed Labrium surgery after the season was over.
-
Well, it's hard to refute such an elusive argument (Law's, not yours): "he was overworked, and then two years later, he has Tommy John. See, obvious cause and effect."
Similar to my first comment, Law should make a list of all college pitchers he thinks have been abused this year, and make a substantive claim about the future. Something along the lines of: these pitchers will have an X% higher rate of surgery in the next X years. That's a claim we can later discuss as to having merit or not. I'm not really trying to trash his idea about abuse of college pitchers, as I know nothing scientific about the subject, but his claim on Emanuel does seem like Monday morning quarterbacking to me.
-
BP has a scouting report up (http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=26547) for Josh Hader.
-
C Luis Flores, picked up over the winter in the minor league portion of the Rule 5 draft, was released today (http://www.milb.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?t=l_trn&lid=109&sid=t482).
-
RHP Mike Hauschild (and not Chris Devenski) and INF Chan Moon kicked upstairs to Fresno.
TL Transactions page (http://www.milb.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?t=l_trn&lid=109&sid=t482)
-
RHP Ruben Alaniz activated out of EST (http://www.milb.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?t=l_trn&lid=109&sid=t482).
Like the recently-activated Andrew Walter, Alaniz had drawn a 50-game penalty for "cokin' and tokin'".
-
Joe Musgrove gets promoted for the 2nd time this season, coming up from the JetHawks.
Per various tweets.
-
Damn, wasn't he there just a short time?
-
Appel with another credible outing: five innings, three hits, two solo shots by the same Rockhound, two earnies.
-
Joe Musgrove gets promoted for the 2nd time this season, coming up from the JetHawks.
Per various tweets.
I hope to see Musgrove next time CC comes thru Frisco.
-
Appel with another credible outing: five innings, three hits, two solo shots by the same Rockhound, two earnies.
Not to look for the dark cloud enveloping the silver lining but Westwood's line yesterday was as good or better. 4/2/0/0/1/6
But it is encouraging to see Appel with a quality start. Would like to see him dominate a little though.
-
I wonder what Tony Kemp has to do to get moved up. And for that matter, what Brett Phillips has to do to move up to CC. Both guys spent a month or more at their current level last year and did well; both are doing even better this year.
-
Yeah, I sort of wondered about Kemp. It's becoming clear to me that the org thinks less of him than I do. My working logic was as follows:
he can hit and get on base, even if he has no power; he is also athletic enough to play the outfield, even if his arm is lacking (I have no idea on this). The major league club has very few hitters who can make contact or get on base, so use this time to get Kemp familiar with a position where he can play because the club can definitely use him.
Since none of this appears to be happening, at least not with any urgency, it makes me think my opinion of his abilities is too optimistic.
-
I wonder what Tony Kemp has to do to get moved up. And for that matter, what Brett Phillips has to do to move up to CC. Both guys spent a month or more at their current level last year and did well; both are doing even better this year.
If there are any issues they may not be physical.
-
If there are any issues they may not be physical.
You mean like maturity issues? Or working on mental approach to certain aspects of the game (defense, perhaps) kinda thing?
-
You mean like maturity issues? Or working on mental approach to certain aspects of the game (defense, perhaps) kinda thing?
Yes. Anything other than just performance that shows up in the stats.
-
If there are any issues they may not be physical.
It could also be that there is nowhere to play him everyday in AAA.
-
From the game notes (http://www.milb.com/documents/5/9/6/129819596/2015_GN_June_10_at_MID_wb5gnmyz.pdf):
RHP Kyle Westwood boasts a 1.50 ERA and a .186 opponents’ batting average during his current 3-game winning streak. Westwood and RHP Mark Appel’s performance last night continued Corpus Christi’s run of excellent pitching. In the last 13 games, Hooks hurlers own a 1.86 ERA and 100 strikeouts against 30 walks in 111.1 IP, averaging 3.3 Ks per BB and 8.1 Ks per 9.0 IP. Foes have hit .206 (81 H / 394 AB) with 5 home runs during this stretch. For the season, Corpus Christi features a Double-A best 2.98 ERA.
-
It could also be that there is nowhere to play him everyday in AAA.
I have no idea what Jacksonian's cryptic post means exactly (maybe something non physical actually is the answer), but just based on his bat, no one in Fresno should be blocking. Besides, you would be grooming him for a potential utility role, so you could easily find spots on any given night. That club ain't loaded with prospects. Real ones at least.
-
I have no idea what Jacksonian's cryptic post means exactly (maybe something non physical actually is the answer), but just based on his bat, no one in Fresno should be blocking. Besides, you would be grooming him for a potential utility role, so you could easily find spots on any given night. That club ain't loaded with prospects. Real ones at least.
Fontana has been playing second and he is hitting about .220 but he has a .350 or so OBA. I was a high pick too and I''m sure the Astros aren't ready to give up on him. He has played SS this year too but now with Villar and Chan Moon down there it is getting a little crowded wiis th guys that are more than roster filler. I want to say that's what is holding Kemp back but they did just promote Moon over him. Moon has moved pretty fast.
-
what Brett Phillips has to do to move up to CC.
Think this one is more a matter of working on a few things before moving up.
Devenski on the other hand. Not sure what he has to do to move up. Guy has given up 4 runs in 55 innings.
-
I have no idea what Jacksonian's cryptic post means exactly (maybe something non physical actually is the answer), but just based on his bat, no one in Fresno should be blocking. Besides, you would be grooming him for a potential utility role, so you could easily find spots on any given night. That club ain't loaded with prospects. Real ones at least.
It means that if he's dominating on the field and still not being promoted then there must be something else. That something else is very often not physical.
-
Devinski goes 7-0. ERA down to 0.65.
Kemp hitting .358 with a .453 OBP.
-
Brian McTaggart ⚾️ @brianmctaggart 1 hour ago
3B Colin Moran, who injured his left ankle running out a two-run double last night, has been placed on the 7-day DL at Corpus.
-
In his first AA start, Musgrove goes 7 innings, gives up 6 hits and one earned run while striking out 3.
-
Nice to see them let him stretch it out to seven innings.
-
Nice to see them let him stretch it out to seven innings.
He threw a very efficient 87pitches over the 7 IP. 56 were strikes. I bet Musgrove is in the mix for an Astros rotation spot next year.
-
Pena, Gregor, White, Devenski, Ballew and Gustave all selected to TL All-Star game.
Link (http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20150615&content_id=130778564&fext=.jsp&vkey=news_t482&sid=t482)
-
Pena, Gregor, White, Devenski, Ballew and Gustave all selected to TL All-Star game.
Link (http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20150615&content_id=130778564&fext=.jsp&vkey=news_t482&sid=t482)
Interesting to see that former Bus rider David Martinez made the team in VV's spot after VV was called up.
-
Promotions continue fast and furious: Adrian Houser up from Lancaster.
TL transactions page (http://www.milb.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?t=l_trn&lid=109&sid=t482)
-
George Vondracek @Caller_GeorgeV 1 hour ago
Moran's close to coming off the DL (ankle). Still day to day, but close.
-
George Vondracek @Caller_GeorgeV 1 hour ago
Moran's close to coming off the DL (ankle). Still day to day, but close.
Activated and playing DH in 1st game of DH today.
-
Best outing of the year for Appel (7 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 W, 6 K) as he builds on a strong June: 20/5 strikeouts to walks in 23 IP with just 15 hits allowed.
-
Best outing of the year for Appel (7 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 W, 6 K) as he builds on a strong June: 20/5 strikeouts to walks in 23 IP with just 15 hits allowed.
Luhnow on the radio preshow today said they were pleased with Appel and he had been working on FB command. Added that he would hopefully be headed to AAA soon and that he was on track for Houston possibly this year but definitely next year.
-
Chris Blake @ChrisCBlake 53 minutes ago
Adrian Houser made his Double-A debut tonight for the #cchooks and touched 97 mph.
Gave up a couple of runs on 4 hits/walks in 3 IP while whiffing 3.
-
Roberto Pena's arm on display tonight: picked off a guy at 1B and also threw out 3 of 4 runners trying to steal.
-
Evan Drellich @EvanDrellich 6 minutes ago
Brett Phillips has been promoted to Class AA Corpus Christi.
-
Why are they rushing him? He wasn't even hitting .350.
-
Why are they rushing him? He wasn't even hitting .350.
Luhnow waited until after the league All-Star Game in which Phillips participated. I think that is a nice gesture.
-
Luhnow waited until after the league All-Star Game in which Phillips participated. I think that is a nice gesture.
Agreed.
-
Leo Heras has been seeing time at 2B lately ... any word on how he looks there? Or why they are even trying it??
-
Leo Heras has been seeing time at 2B lately ... any word on how he looks there? Or why they are even trying it??
Because OF is about to get a helluva lot more crowded than it already is.
-
Chris Devenski is a guy that must look at Appel's promotion and wonder WTH. After a line yesterday of 4/1/0/0/0/6 he now has thrown 70 AA IP
with a 61/16 SO/BB ratio and 48 hits. I don't have his GB/FB ratio.
-
Josh Hader is sorta quietly putting together a nice season. In his last 10 outings his ERA is 3.10 and he has given up 2 ERs or fewer in 11 of his last 15 outings. During that time he has 8.65K/3.34BB per nine. And he is LHed.
-
Josh Hader is sorta quietly putting together a nice season. In his last 10 outings his ERA is 3.10 and he has given up 2 ERs or fewer in 11 of his last 15 outings. During that time he has 8.65K/3.34BB per nine. And he is LHed.
His starter vs. reliever splits indicate he prefers starting as well.
-
Just completed my monthly stat compilation/review a day early since the Hooks are on their all-star break. Two things jumped out at me that I had not expected.
Mark Appel. I have joined the ranks of the cynics here, looking forward almost with Schadenfreude to seeing his line in the box score. I was quite surprised to see his June stats before his promotion to Fresno. In 4 starts he was 2-0 with a 1.54 ERA and a WHIP of 0.86 - both leading the team for June. (Devenski was only 3rd in ERA and 2nd in WHIP.) Appel also struck out 20 against only 5 walks in 23 1/3 IP.
Jon Kemmer. This one really snuck up on me. Splitting time between the OF and DH (with one appearance at 1B), Kemmer racked up a .403/.451/.611 slash line (all team-leading numbers) and also led the team in hits (29) and tied Tyler White for the lead in HR (4).
Other observations for June:
Jio Mier took over full-time at SS and led the team in errors (5) and K (18) while putting up a .262/.357/.345 slash line. No real contest in the battle of first-rounders.
Conrad Gregor slumped to .212/.303/.318 for the month and might be making room for AJ Reed to get a look at AA pitching.
Chris Devenski "slumped" to a 2.25 ERA (3rd) and a 1.00 WHIP (2nd) but still struck out 26 against 4 walks in 24 IP.
Michael Feliz led the team in games lost and was 7th in ERA (4.42) among 7 pitchers with at least 18 IP, which earned him a promotion to Houston. (The 1.04 WHIP may have helped.)
Jandel Gustave is looking good as closer ... only one (unearned) run in 6 appearances and a team-high 4 saves.
Aaron West is adapting quite well to full-time bullpen status. In 7 appearances (14 IP) he was 2-1 with a 1.29 ERA and a 0.86 WHIP. He also struck out 13 against a single walk.
Ruben Alaniz is being hit hard after his return from suspension.
-
Josh Hader was named to the USA team competing in the Pan Am Games. He'll leave at the end of the week and return when the games are over July 19.
Ex-Astro Brian Bogusevic is also on the squad.
Link (http://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/pros-set-represent-u-s-pan-games-toronto/)
-
Chris Devenski tossed a couple of perfect innings in the TL All-Star game tonight. Travis Ballew and Jandal Gustave had brief but ineffective outings; Aaron West brief but effective. Tyler White, Conrad Gregor and Roberto Pena were hitless in a combined 6 ABs. White I believe won the HR derby prior to the game.
Devenski quoted in the game report (http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20150701&content_id=133951036&fext=.jsp&vkey=news_milb):
"There was an electric energy out there," said Devenski, who went 7-1 with a 1.16 ERA in the first half. "I felt like I was walking down Electric Avenue. My changeup is the pitch I'm kind of known for … it's the pitch that has its own nickname, so I threw that to start off the game. It goes for a called strike and, man, I just took off from there."
-
After starting the year and playing 13 games in QC and then getting promoted to Lancaster for 27 games, C Alfredo Gonzalez has now been bumped up to the Hooks.
TL Transactions Page (http://www.milb.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?t=l_trn&lid=109&sid=t482)
-
I haven't followed him at all. Is this promotion one of those "he's a quick riser" promotions or is it to temporarily fill a need at CC. If he is a quick riser, any information on him is appreciated.
-
Prior to this year, I would have called him "just a guy" but he has kinda exploded this year. Through 40 games this year, split between QC & Lan, he has hit .336/.419/.416. He had never hit above .250 in any of his short season stints, so this could be a flash in the pan or a epiphany. Time will tell. He has also thrown out 56% of base stealers this year. Prior highest was 45%.
-
Prior to this year, I would have called him "just a guy" but he has kinda exploded this year. Through 40 games this year, split between QC & Lan, he has hit .336/.419/.416. He had never hit above .250 in any of his short season stints, so this could be a flash in the pan or a epiphany. Time will tell. He has also thrown out 56% of base stealers this year. Prior highest was 45%.
The organization seems to have some catchers with a high throw-out rate. Pena I believe and maybe Heinemen?
-
There was a tweet several months ago from one of the BA guys (I forget which one) saying the Astros were excited by Gonzalez's defense.
-
There was a tweet several months ago from one of the BA guys (I forget which one) saying the Astros were excited by Gonzalez's defense.
And he only needs maybe 6 more games played to establish a new career-high, so it seems they are excited about him overall.
-
Joe Musgrove placed on the DL. With the promotion of Gonzalez, C Bret Booth was placed on the inactive list.
TL Transactions Page (http://www.milb.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?t=l_trn&lid=109&sid=t482)
-
Brandon Meredith activated from DL (he had been placed on the DL back on June 5th in his 2nd DL stint of the year) and playing in tonight's game.
Reymin Guduan promoted to CC from Lancaster (now both Gustave & Guduan throwing heat in the Hooks pen!).
TL Transactions Page (http://www.milb.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?t=l_trn&lid=109&sid=t482)
-
Joe Musgrove placed on the DL. With the promotion of Gonzalez, C Bret Booth was placed on the inactive list.
TL Transactions Page (http://www.milb.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?t=l_trn&lid=109&sid=t482)
Do we know what ails Musgrove?
-
Do we know what ails Musgrove?
I know the question has been asked but haven't yet seen a response. Yesterday's game notes only talked about Brandon Meredith's injuries (shoulder problem 1st DL stint, hammy issue 2nd DL stint).
-
A third member of the Astros organization will be playing in the Pan Am Games, joining Josh Hader (USA) and Brock Dykxhoorn (Canada). According to today's game notes (http://www.milb.com/documents/5/9/4/134705594/2015_GN_July_4_at_TUL_6woy0nfn.pdf), C Roberto Pena will be playing for Puerto Rico.
Explains the advancement of Alfredo Gonzalez.
-
INF Jack Mayfield up from Lancaster, INF/OF Leo Heras to DL.
Various tweets.
-
INF Jack Mayfield up from Lancaster, INF/OF Leo Heras to DL.
Various tweets.
Really happy for Jack. He seems to work hard and get the most out of his talent.
-
After 46 games and 170 odd ABs, Moran with his first longball of the year.
-
After 46 games and 170 odd ABs, Moran with his first longball of the year.
Well, at least he's hitting for a high average and getting on base.
Oh, wait...
At least he's showing improvement on his numbers at the same level last year.
Oh, wait...
Umm... hey, his Isolated SLG% is .009 higher than it was last year!
-
OF Brandon Meredith (6th round, 2011) was released earlier today.
TL Transactions Page (http://www.milb.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?t=l_trn&lid=109&sid=t482)
-
OF Brandon Meredith (6th round, 2011) was released earlier today.
TL Transactions Page (http://www.milb.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?t=l_trn&lid=109&sid=t482)
Overdue.
-
From the game notes (http://www.milb.com/documents/1/6/2/136566162/2015_GN_July_13_vs._SPR_y9lu4813.pdf) re lefty-hitting Jon Kemmer:
The 24-year-old from Shippenville, PA, owns hits In 19 of his last 23 games, batting .388 with 12 runs, 5 doubles, 5 home runs and 13 RBIs. Since the calendar flipped to May, Kemmer is tied for 3rd in the Texas League with 11 homers.
Nice job by the 21st rounder (2013) from an NAIA school.
-
Decent profile (http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20150713&content_id=136536818&fext=.jsp&vkey=news_t482&sid=t482) of LSU alum and lefty reliever Chris Cotton, who's compiled a 53/13 strikeout to walk ratio in 44.1 IP in 2015:
"I'm 5-10 on a good day..."
"Someone said I hit 92 a couple of times. I'm more of an off-speed pitcher. I throw my curve ball and change-up in any count. I feel like I have the location and change up in velocity."
-
With that double last night in his TL debut, A.J. Reed now has a 38-game on base streak. That's the 2nd longest currently in the minors. The longest? 40 games by Domingo Santana.
-
INF Jack Mayfield up from Lancaster, INF/OF Leo Heras to DL.
Various tweets.
Heras was activated yesterday.
-
Moran's bat showing some life, at least over the last 2 weeks. Now 14-36 in current 9-game hitting streak (and has hits in 11 of his last 12 games).
-
Moran's bat showing some life, at least over the last 2 weeks. Now 14-36 in current 9-game hitting streak (and has hits in 11 of his last 12 games).
With a bit of pop too - July slash line of .340/.400/.500
-
Do we know what ails Musgrove?
ICYMI from the other day:
Evan Drellich @EvanDrellich Jul 15
Joe Musgrove’s been out with a groin strain.
-
A little light on the strikeouts but otherwise sterling numbers for Michael Feliz over his last 5 starts including tonight's outing: 26.1 IP, 17 H, 4 ER, 6 W, 17 K.
-
From today's Game Notes (http://www.milb.com/documents/2/2/0/137236220/2015_GN_July_18_vs._FRI_f1mmh9gr.pdf):
[Jandel] Gustave, who fanned a season-high 4 batters over 2.0 shutout innings last night, has not allowed an earned run in his last 10 assignments. He is 1-0 and 6-for-6 in save chances during this run, striking out 13 in 13.1 IP.
-
1st AA yack for Mr Reed gives him 24 HRs and 89 RBIs in 87 games on the year.
-
1st AA yack for Mr Reed gives him 24 HRs and 89 RBIs in 87 games on the year.
I am not among those expecting him to play in the majors this season, but it's definitely exciting to think about what he could do there next year.
-
Reed almost certainly couldn't do worse than Singleton
-
July 2015
Reed almost certainly couldn't do worse than Singleton
May 2015
Singleton almost certainly couldn't do worse than Carter
July 2014
Singleton almost certainly couldn't do worse than Krauss
July 2013
Krauss almost certainly couldn't do worse than Wallace
May-July 2012/2011/2010
Wallace almost certainly couldn't do worse than Pena/Lee
etc.
You'll pardon me if I'm not clamoring for him to be brought up tomorrow. And maybe, just maybe, Singleton actually should be given more than a handful of games as a trial this year before writing him off completely.
-
July 2015
May 2015
Singleton almost certainly couldn't do worse than Carter
July 2014
Singleton almost certainly couldn't do worse than Krauss
July 2013
Krauss almost certainly couldn't do worse than Wallace
May-July 2012/2011/2010
Wallace almost certainly couldn't do worse than Pena/Lee
etc.
You'll pardon me if I'm not clamoring for him to be brought up tomorrow. And maybe, just maybe, Singleton actually should be given more than a handful of games as a trial this year before writing him off completely.
Yes he should. I will be surprised if it works out at this point though. He doesn't seem to be very instinctive at 1B either.
-
July 2015
May 2015
Singleton almost certainly couldn't do worse than Carter
July 2014
Singleton almost certainly couldn't do worse than Krauss
July 2013
Krauss almost certainly couldn't do worse than Wallace
May-July 2012/2011/2010
Wallace almost certainly couldn't do worse than Pena/Lee
etc.
You'll pardon me if I'm not clamoring for him to be brought up tomorrow. And maybe, just maybe, Singleton actually should be given more than a handful of games as a trial this year before writing him off completely.
We don't need perspective; we need a goat.
-
Josh Hader was named to the USA team competing in the Pan Am Games. He'll leave at the end of the week and return when the games are over July 19.
Hader gets the start tonight as the USA squad takes on Canada in the gold medal game.
-
Hader gets the start tonight as the USA squad takes on Canada in the gold medal game.
Is that going to be on TV?
-
Is that going to be on TV?
ESPN 3 is doing some streaming of the Pan Am Games. You would think the gold medal baseball game would be included but I don't see that on the schedule (http://espn.go.com/watchespn/#type/livenow/).
You might check out ESPN 2 at 6:00--my Uverse guide has the event simply listed as "2015 Pan American Games" without specifying which sport(s) are going to be shown. Doesn't sound very promising.
-
Hader gets the start tonight as the USA squad takes on Canada in the gold medal game.
Gave up 3 runs on 3 hits and 2 walks over 4 IP while whiffing 4.
-
July 2015
May 2015
Singleton almost certainly couldn't do worse than Carter
July 2014
Singleton almost certainly couldn't do worse than Krauss
July 2013
Krauss almost certainly couldn't do worse than Wallace
May-July 2012/2011/2010
Wallace almost certainly couldn't do worse than Pena/Lee
etc.
You'll pardon me if I'm not clamoring for him to be brought up tomorrow. And maybe, just maybe, Singleton actually should be given more than a handful of games as a trial this year before writing him off completely.
I want Reed to tear up AA/AAA the rest of the year, then make it really difficult next Spring
Singleton has a month or 2 to do something at the MLB level.
-
For those that have kind of written Colin Moran off, his July splits are .361/.426/.492 /.918
-
For those that have kind of written Colin Moran off, his July splits are .361/.426/.492 /.918
Yep, he's been on fire. Hopefully he'll he grow into a bit more power eventually. He's still pretty skinny.
-
A.J. Reed leaving the game after a couple of ABs:
Brian McTaggart ⚾️ @brianmctaggart 3 hours ago
I am told A.J. Reed is just a little ill. That's all.
-
Giving Singleton 2 months in the majors to "figure it out" is a fine plan when your team is 30-44, not so much when you are a game out of 1st.
Good news is the last 3 games he has been better, had a great AB in the 1st inning yesterday and hit a pea to the opposite field. His next 3 ABs he hit infield pop ups. Those pop ups would have been swinging stikes a few days ago, so maybe there is hope.
-
Well, one was a sac fly at least, so let's at least be honest in criticizing him. Also, let's not forget that the club got in first place with less than Singleton's done his last three games.
-
Well, one was a sac fly at least, so let's at least be honest in criticizing him. Also, let's not forget that the club got in first place with less than Singleton's done his last three games.
should have been two SF
-
Gave up 3 runs on 3 hits and 2 walks over 4 IP while whiffing 4.
And Canada ended up winning of a botched pick-off that allowed 2 runs to score.
http://deadspin.com/the-united-states-lost-at-baseball-1719005658
-
Musgrove off the DL and gets tonight's start.
TL Transactions Page (http://www.milb.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?t=l_trn&lid=109&sid=t482)
-
Brett Phillips went 3-for-5 tonight with his 1st AA homer, and 4th triple. Now hitting .311.
Moran 1-for-2 with a sac fly and a walk, hitting .303.
Reed with a triple and 2 walks.
Jed Lowrie 0-for-2.
Hooks win.
-
Hooks defeat the dreaded Frisco Rough Riders in Frisco last evening 9-3. Lowrie played 3rd and was 2-3 with a 2b and RBI.
Teoscar may be starting to figure it out. He hit HR #13 and has hit quite a few in the last couple of weeks I believe. His average is still only .203 but it's heading uphill. On the hill, Feliz threw down this line 5/7/3/3/2/5. Musgrove bested him with a 4/1/0/0/1/5.
-
Reed continues to find AA to his liking. HR #5 tonight in his 16th AA game. Now hitting .322 with a 1.078 OPS (just under the OPS Correa put up in 29 AA games). CC wins 7-6 over SA. Phillips was 4-5 with a 2b and is at .321. Moran continues to find his stroke
with a double in four ABs and is at .297. Devenski struggled again but still has an ERA at 3.09 after five innings of work. Feliz pitched the final 4.1 innings and did not allow a baserunner with 3ks. His ERA is at 3.09.
-
Another great outing tonight from Musgrove. 7 IP, 2 H, 0 R and 6Ks.
-
For those that have kind of written Colin Moran off, his July splits are .361/.426/.492 /.918
Moran just continues to rake. Since the AA Allstar break (117 ABs): 368/436/573
-
Went to see the Hooks tonight in SA, mainly to see Feliz. Guess I lucked out missing the mess up north.
Anyways, Feliz looked like he still needs some serious polish. FB 93-98, mainly 93-95. Decent amount of swing and miss, not squared much, command is average. A very strong foundational pitch. He is athletic and his heat is free and easy. His slider and change were below average. Sometimes, it was hard to tell if it was a slider or a change. It was that bad. In short, he is still promising, but needs some quality secondaries.
Finally got to see Minaya live. Lucky, since he threw two last night, IIRC. He is 95-97 with some sink. Started with about 8 FBs and then a plus slider, followed by three shitty ones, then a FB squared to deep center that Teoscar almost ran down. I like Minaya and think he still has an outside shot to help.
Gustave came in throwing 97-102 (can't vouch for their gun). Like last time I saw him, the FB doesn't get much swing and miss, but it doesn't get squared either. His slider is average. Overall, he is impressive, but not "wow" impressive. Like the other arms, he needs a plus secondary to play off that FB, IMO.
-
Vasquez - I was cautiously impressed with his ability. Good defender in left., both jumps and coverage. Pretty good contact ability, but looked like an extreme pull hitter. So much so, it might be a liability.
Teoscar - still has a shitload of talent. Covers center like Springer, Gomez or Marisnick (without the long strides). Haven't witnessed his arm yet. At the plate, he looks confused, like he is trying to be a high OBP guy, but it's not exactly taking. Patient early and chasing late. The highlight of the game was his straight steal of home. A thing of beauty. Lefty from the stretch on the mound, lefty hitting, third baseman way off the bag. First pitch, he goes almost halfway before the pitcher even started his delivery. I was laughing thinking he could really pull it off, but there were two outs with Kemmer up. Next pitch, he didn't show much. Next pitch, he was gone and made it safely. Overall, I still have a positive vibe about him.
Moran - he has filled out a bit since last year. Looked as advertised: high average, not much power. Doesn't seem to be a great fielder, but not a liability either. Whether that combo works at third is anyone's guess.
Kemmer - remember Jacksonian touting him and that looks deserved. He's not slow, arm looked marginal, but he looks to have Moran's contact ability with actual pop. Used all fields. I was impressed.
Reed - meh. Hopefully, it was just a bad game. He hustled to beat out double plays on two occasions, to his credit, both to get RBIs, but he is slow. Looked bad at first, and didn't really square anything up.
Pena - real nice arm
Jio- usually dependable glove. Not tonight. Almost single handedly gave the lead away in the ninth.
-
Wanted to add that West also looked better than I expected. More of a starter in a reliever role, but not without talent.
-
Gustave came in throwing 97-102 (can't vouch for their gun). Like last time I saw him, the FB doesn't get much swing and miss, but it doesn't get squared either. His slider is average. Overall, he is impressive, but not "wow" impressive. Like the other arms, he needs a plus secondary to play off that FB, IMO.
I saw some video of Gustave in Frisco a few nights ago. He threw 2 or 3 innings. His slider was devastating. IIRC he didn't give up more than a hit or two. I wonder if you caught him on a bad night.
-
Vasquez - I was cautiously impressed with his ability. Good defender in left., both jumps and coverage. Pretty good contact ability, but looked like an extreme pull hitter. So much so, it might be a liability.
Teoscar - still has a shitload of talent. Covers center like Springer, Gomez or Marisnick (without the long strides). Haven't witnessed his arm yet. At the plate, he looks confused, like he is trying to be a high OBP guy, but it's not exactly taking. Patient early and chasing late. The highlight of the game was his straight steal of home. A thing of beauty. Lefty from the stretch on the mound, lefty hitting, third baseman way off the bag. First pitch, he goes almost halfway before the pitcher even started his delivery. I was laughing thinking he could really pull it off, but there were two outs with Kemmer up. Next pitch, he didn't show much. Next pitch, he was gone and made it safely. Overall, I still have a positive vibe about him.
Moran - he has filled out a bit since last year. Looked as advertised: high average, not much power. Doesn't seem to be a great fielder, but not a liability either. Whether that combo works at third is anyone's guess.
Kemmer - remember Jacksonian touting him and that looks deserved. He's not slow, arm looked marginal, but he looks to have Moran's contact ability with actual pop. Used all fields. I was impressed.
Reed - meh. Hopefully, it was just a bad game. He hustled to beat out double plays on two occasions, to his credit, both to get RBIs, but he is slow. Looked bad at first, and didn't really square anything up.
Pena - real nice arm
Jio- usually dependable glove. Not tonight. Almost single handedly gave the lead away in the ninth.
Interesting on Moran regarding lack of power. That may have just been last night because he's got 6 extra base hits in his last 10 games.
Kemmer may be in a very similar boat to Tucker.
Reed has been very cold lately.
Despite the 2 strike outs last night Hernandez has reduced his strike out rate from earlier this season. He's clearly trying to develop a better approach at the plate which you seem to have tapped into.
-
Fantastic stuff as usual, thanks JBM.
I'm still hopeful for Teoscar, too. Seems to finally be shaking off his horrific April, and he won't turn 23 until this October. If everything clicks he could be special.
-
Fantastic stuff as usual, thanks JBM.
I'm still hopeful for Teoscar, too. Seems to finally be shaking off his horrific April, and he won't turn 23 until this October. If everything clicks he could be special.
Will need a toolsy CFer in 2017 if Gomez is not re-signed. With Phillips out of the picture I would think Teoscar is the next best toolsy CF prospect and he should either be ready by then or deemed to be lacking. Or traded.
But keep an eye on Jason Martin, too.
-
Moran 2-2 tonight with a 2B and HR.
-
Daz Cameron is a toolsy CF. Of course, 2017 would be an extremely fast ascent, late 2018 or 2019 being more likely.
-
Daz Cameron is a toolsy CF.
So is that Springer guy.
-
Will need a toolsy CFer in 2017 if Gomez is not re-signed. With Phillips out of the picture I would think Teoscar is the next best toolsy CF prospect and he should either be ready by then or deemed to be lacking. Or traded.
But keep an eye on Jason Martin, too.
Is Springer not toolsy enough CF for you? Esp if the fences are brought in?
-
Is Springer not toolsy enough CF for you? Esp if the fences are brought in?
Sure he is. I was just looking at the minor leaguers and not the ML roster. I don't understand why he was moved to RF when he got to the majors although he is obviously among the more athletic RFers around.
-
Moran 2-5 with 2 HR tonight. He's now equaled his 2014 HR total despite playing ~ 40 less games. Dude seems to be finding his stroke...could make a excellent fit at 3B if he can continue.
-
Moran 2-5 with 2 HR tonight. He's now equaled his 2014 HR total despite playing ~ 40 less games. Dude seems to be finding his stroke...could make a excellent fit at 3B if he can continue.
Both were oppo shots too.
"It always feels good to see the ball go over the fence and everything," Moran said. "It's not really my intention when I go up there. I'm just trying to go up and hit the ball hard and see where it goes. Whether it goes over the fence or not, you really can't control too much of where it goes.
"One was a fastball and one was a curveball. Our park kind of helps you out to left field, I guess I would say. I just tried to look for something over the plate, hit it hard and make something happen. It was nice to see them go over."
Game story (http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20150809&content_id=142078708&fext=.jsp&vkey=news_milb&sid=milb).
-
Is Jon Kemmer considered a prospect. I really didn't know much of him until googling. 2013 21st round pick from a NAIA school. Went to JUCO for 2 years, then hometown university in PA, then onto a NAIA school in Georgia. He has put up good #s the last 2 years. In Corpus this year, 19 doubles and 16 HRs, 312/403/561.
This is his 1st stop where he isn't old for the league, but he is already 24.
-
If he's not on a list, he ain't a prospect. Seriously, I saw him only one game, but he looked prospectful to me.
-
If he's not on a list, he ain't a prospect. Seriously, I saw him only one game, but he looked prospectful to me.
A few years ago he would have been a Top 10 Houston prospect.
Saw a little of the Dodger game last night and Kike Hernandez smashed a HR to straight away CF. I didn't get to see him not having Astros TV the last two years but he is bigger than thought.
-
He still may end up being the best player in that deal.
-
He still may end up being the best player in that deal.
Not sure if he will achieve the same peak of his career but he reminds me of Martin Prado. Kinda of a super utility guy.
-
Another good outing by Musgrove last night.
-
Tough to see your day ending well when it involves seeing Feliz, VV and Gustave over 9 innings. So was the case for NW Arkansas today. Hooks win.
-
Kemmer love. (http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20150825&content_id=145243094&fext=.jsp&vkey=news_t482&sid=t482) NTTAWWT
-
Ben Badler @BenBadler 16h16 hours ago
Last year, Francis Martes was in the GCL. In May, he was still in extended spring training. Now he's a 19-year-old moving up to AA. Flying.
Went 4-1 with a 2.31 ERA at the Hangar after going 3-2 with a 1.04 ERA for QC.
-
Published yesterday: Francis Martes Scouting Report from Fangraphs (http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/astros-power-arm-martes-emerges-as-top-prospect/)
-
Published yesterday: Francis Martes Scouting Report from Fangraphs (http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/astros-power-arm-martes-emerges-as-top-prospect/)
Thanks, sounds like a badass.
-
Thanks, sounds like a badass.
A two level jump to AA in one year by a 19 year old. I'd say the Astros believe he's a badass.
-
That trade is looking better and better
-
J.R. Reed is pretty good. 4-4 last night with 1HR, 1 2B and now hitting .352 for the campaign.
-
J.R. Reed is pretty good. 4-4 last night with 1HR, 1 2B and now hitting .352 for the campaign.
AJ Reed. JR Reid was the UNC basketball player in the 80's.
-
A two level jump to AA in one year by a 19 year old. I'd say the Astros believe he's a badass.
Who finished last year in the GCL and hadn't made it out of EST in May.
-
A small step back as Francis gets bombed by the Rockhounds last night.
-
Well Reed only had 2 hits tonight. Both homeruns
-
Well Reed only had 2 hits tonight. Both homeruns
Now hitting .355 with CC. Of note, he has really struggled vs. LHP there, whereas with LAN he had virtually even splits.
-
Chris Blake @ChrisCBlake
With a 10-2 win over Frisco tonight, the Hooks set a club record with 84 regular season wins. Still six games to play
-
And Reed hit another HR.
-
Just glancing at them recently, seems like Vasquez has been hitting well lately. Like Hernandez, I still think he could get back on the radar.
-
A small step back as Francis gets bombed by the Rockhounds last night.
Great recovery vs. Frisco - 6 IP, 0 R, 9K
-
Some tweets say Feliz was scratched from his Friday start. Call up?