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General Discussion => The Bus Ride Discussion Forum => Topic started by: VirtualBob on March 28, 2019, 03:24:20 am
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It's great to have the Astrolets back in Round Rock. Looks like the 2019 roster (http://www.milb.com/roster/index.jsp?sid=milb&cid=102) is posted.
Pitchers: Forrest Whitley, Rogelio Armenteros, Corbin Martin, Ryan Hartman, Akeem Bostick, Brady Rodgers, Cy Sneed, Cionel Perez, Dean Deetz, Kent Emanuel, Ralph Garza, Reymin Guduan, Brendan McCurry, Francis Martes (suspended; PEDs).
Catchers: Garrett Stubbs, Jamie Ritchie.
Infield: AJ Reed, Taylor Jones, Jack Mayfield, Alex De Goti, Nick Tanielu.
Outfield: Yordan Alvarez, Myles Straw, Kyle Tucker, Derek Fisher, Drew Ferguson.
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There's a lot of potential on that team. They should be fun to watch!
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That really is a fantastic roster. They might come third in the AL Central this year.
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the wife and I have bought a house in Georgetown and will be moving down from north Texas as soon as ours sells. Looking forward to catching some RR games.
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The 'Stros coming back to RR is one of the reasons that this void has seemed more voidy than most to me. Got my fireworks package for Christmas. Can't wait!
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That really is a fantastic roster. They might come third in the AL Central this year.
I'd love to see them play Arlington or Baltimore.
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Well ... they did not look great in a 7-3 loss to the Hooks toddy.
Jamie Ritchie may be the worst excuse for a catcher I have seen in pro ball. He was even dropping/missing warm up pitches. I was not scoring, but there were at least 2 passes balls along with at least 1 wild pitch where he could have recovered more quickly.
Myles Straw started at SS and I am convinced that he belongs in the OF. Throws were tentative with 1 E and another safe st first due to the weak throw. Nothing like the OF cannon i saw last year.
Yordan Alvarez started in LF and made me think of Jack Cust. He made a couple of routine fly balls look way to exciting, and misplayed another into a 3-base error. He did blast a solo HR, though.
Akeem Bostick looked pretty good in the start. Reymin Guduan was bringing heat but hittable. Kent Emmanuel looked solid. Corbin Martin had a tough couple of innings, but grandad duty kept me from watching him closely.
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I'm gonna try to make a few games this year. Anyone going to opening day next Tuesday?
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RR off to a great start. Rained out. :-(
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They needed more rain. 1 hit to go with 17 strikeouts in the opener.
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3 jacks last nite from Yordan Alvarez.
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3 jacks last nite from Yordan Alvarez.
And Fisher
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And Alvarez again today. Nice to see that power develop.
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And Alvarez again today. Nice to see that power develop.
Hinch's "DH by committee" strategy might get rethunk in a few months.
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I am going to be doing color with Capps for a game or two each month this season. I am so looking forward to talking about some guys I know a little about. Lots of talent in RR in April.
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I am going to be doing color with Capps for a game or two each month this season. I am so looking forward to talking about some guys I know a little about. Lots of talent in RR in April.
Please give us a heads-up when you are going to be on.
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Please give us a heads-up when you are going to be on.
4/12 and 26.
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4/12 and 26.
Wow. Thanks for the heads-up.
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4/12 and 26.
That is so cool! Can't wait.
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Myles Straw started at SS and I am convinced that he belongs in the OF. Throws were tentative with 1 E and another safe st first due to the weak throw. Nothing like the OF cannon i saw last year.
The conversion to utility player is still on. Today is Straw's third start at short stop in five games.
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The conversion to utility player is still on. Today is Straw's third start at short stop in five games.
Started in CF yesterday I do believe.
Luhnow said they'd give him a couple of weeks to see if he can handle SS and then re-evaluate things.
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A few years ago, they tried someone at short who made no sense (not an opinion on Straw at SS). A Reed-type body, IIRC (well, maybe not that bad). Who was it?
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A few years ago, they tried someone at short who made no sense (not an opinion on Straw at SS). A Reed-type body, IIRC (well, maybe not that bad). Who was it?
Tyler White?
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Yes. Thank you. Looked him up on BB Ref and see he had 31 games played at SS from 2016-18.
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I am going to be doing color with Capps for a game or two each month this season. I am so looking forward to talking about some guys I know a little about. Lots of talent in RR in April.
This is outstanding. It's made my day!!!
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Has anyone who's been to a game have a scouting report on Tucker? His spring training scuffling seems to have carried over into the season. I know small sample size and all that, but I'm almost wondering if he's hurt.
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Has anyone who's been to a game have a scouting report on Tucker? His spring training scuffling seems to have carried over into the season. I know small sample size and all that, but I'm almost wondering if he's hurt.
No idea yet on Tucker. It's early though?
Alvarez hit yet another bomb last night to go along with a couple of doubles, and spent the whole game playing 1B. I'd love to know how he looked there.
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Has anyone who's been to a game have a scouting report on Tucker? His spring training scuffling seems to have carried over into the season. I know small sample size and all that, but I'm almost wondering if he's hurt.
Only saw him in the Hooks exhibition, but he still looks stiff with a long swing to me — more like a tennis stroke. If it was something that obvious, though, smarter baseball minds than mine would have given up on him long ago.
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Only saw him in the Hooks exhibition, but he still looks stiff with a long swing to me — more like a tennis stroke. If it was something that obvious, though, smarter baseball minds than mine would have given up on him long ago.
Aren't the Astros on record stating they have no intentions of altering Tucker's swing? I don't know how he hits with that loop, but the numbers are there at every level so far (except the one that matters).
I wouldn't be concerned with his output yet, Slow starts seem to be in his DNA.
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Aren't the Astros on record stating they have no intentions of altering Tucker's swing? I don't know how he hits with that loop, but the numbers are there at every level so far (except the one that matters).
I wouldn't be concerned with his output yet, Slow starts seem to be in his DNA.
FWIW, I agree. I just don't understand.
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Listen to the Express games here (https://tunein.com/radio/Round-Rock-Express-Baseball-Network-s306493/?_branch_match_id=646385464682144992). They're playing right now. 5-1 Memphis.
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Not a good outing by Forrest.
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Aren't the Astros on record stating they have no intentions of altering Tucker's swing? I don't know how he hits with that loop, but the numbers are there at every level so far (except the one that matters).
I wouldn't be concerned with his output yet, Slow starts seem to be in his DNA.
Hinch is on record as saying he needs to make changes in his swing, but I do not know what kind. I agree his swing is unorthodox-stiff and long.
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I read a short interview with Hinch where he said Tucker needed a ‘B’ swing for certain situations and they were working with him on that.
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I read a short interview with Hinch where he said Tucker needed a ‘B’ swing for certain situations and they were working with him on that.
If so, that may explain his RR numbers. It will be interesting to look at monthly splits.
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still seems strange when the local Austin news comes on and Round Rock comes up in sports, I had drowned it out for so many years and all at once you hear Forest W , Tucker, other names and Houston Astros...music to the ears.
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Alvarez with #7
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Brady Rodgers' stats look really good so far. It looks like he has knocked off some of the rust after ST. Has anyone seen him throw in RR yet?
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I’d forgotten this, but they’ve finally started using MLB balls at AAA this season. And early returns show the ball—by design or not, no need to rehash that here—is flying farther and faster than ever. Expect some AAA hitters and pitchers to put up career high home run totals.
Of course, because it’s the MLB ball now, I guess those “inflated” AAA numbers should be ever-so-slightly more indicative of that we can expect when guys reach the bigs.
Link (https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/new-ball-is-sparking-an-offensive-explosion-in-triple-a/)
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I’d forgotten this, but they’ve finally started using MLB balls at AAA this season. And early returns show the ball—by design or not, no need to rehash that here—is flying farther and faster than ever. Expect some AAA hitters and pitchers to put up career high home run totals.
Of course, because it’s the MLB ball now, I guess those “inflated” AAA numbers should be ever-so-slightly more indicative of that we can expect when guys reach the bigs.
Link (https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/new-ball-is-sparking-an-offensive-explosion-in-triple-a/)
I thought PCL was already a hitters league. This makes it more so.
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Even though there may be discounting factors, Alvarez is now at 9 homers, hitting 315 with a 1309 OPS. A pretty solid start.
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Even though there may be discounting factors, Alvarez is now at 9 homers, hitting 315 with a 1309 OPS. A pretty solid start.
Another HR, 2B and 3 RBI on a 3-hit day.
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I'm so ready for Alvarez to come to Houston.
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Let's play good news/bad news from last night:
Tucker -
Good news - Hit a home run
Bad News - K'd 2 times
Straw -
Good news - 1 for 4 with an RBI and is hitting .309 for the year
Bad News - made his 2nd error at short stop (maybe not really that bad his early fielding percentage is .947)
Offense -
Good news - scored 2 runs with only 6 base runners (5H, 1 BB). Showed pop with a HR (Tucker) and a 2B (Ferguson)
Bad news - K'd 14 times and only had 6 base runners.
Pitchers (Martin/Perez/Guduan)
Good news - Combined to allow 8 hits, no runs, 1 BB and 9 Ks to shut out New Orleans. Martin also picked off 2 runners at 1st. (also got 2 double plays turned behind them)
Bad news - everyone allowed a hit???? Really I got nothing.
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This San Antonio pitcher hasn’t been able to get anyone out. 2 runs in and two on.
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Six to nothing now and still no one out in the top of the first.
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Dell Diamond is so very much nicer place than Nelson Wolfe. Too bad San Antonio couldn’t get that new downtown stadium.
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Now there’s a rain delay, lightning but no rain. Must be on the way. I might have to leave, I don’t
Know how much of REO riding the storm out I can stand. Okay now Stevie Ray, better. Still not a drop but the tarp is out. 6 - 1 after 4 1/2.
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Dell Diamond is so very much nicer place than Nelson Wolfe. Too bad San Antonio couldn’t get that new downtown stadium.
Have you checked out the video batting cage, whatever they call it?
It is awesome.
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Have you checked out the video batting cage, whatever they call it?
It is awesome.
I didn't. I'm going back Monday. It's 50 minutes from my house to The Wolfe and 1 hour and 20 minutes to Dell Diamond. 2 hrs and 20 minutes to MMP.
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Went to the game last night, hoping to see Whitley, but he wasn't scheduled. Anyway, Alvarez with two more homers, both to left. The first was more of a line drive on a better than excuse me swing, but not an aggressive cut. The other was a towering fly ball that made it over after fighting off a slew of 3-2 pitches. I left before his final AB, where he had another double to left. I think I've seen four homers of his in person and have yet to see one on his pull side of center field. I was impressed on one catch he had. Off the bat, I figured it would land between him and Fisher, then midway, I assume Fisher would track it, but instead it was Alvarez who got there. Not a wow play by any means, but solid.
Only saw one ball hit to Straw at SS. He ranged to his right and got a force at third.
Urquidy. Good fastball (94-98) that probably is decent in the spin rate they talk about. Seems to generally stay off bats. I assume he was working on his change as he threw it a lot. Not a good pitch at all. No deception or movement. Meat. He could command his slider but it was just average.
Reed hit a homer after I left, but prior to that, he looked like someone who didn't really want to be playing baseball. That was my impression at least.
Was surprised how small Stubbs was, but he put a charge into one line drive deep into the left field alley. Hardest hit ball of the night, IMO.
Either they had absolutely no respect for the Sounds catcher or they are making a concerted effort to steal bases. The first three guys I recall that made it to first left on the first pitch. All successful.
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About that last AB. He was tagging to get to 3rd, looked over his shoulder to see that the center fielder was in no hurry to throw it, sped up, rounded 3rd and easily scored. It was my favorite part of the game.
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Went to the game last night, hoping to see Whitley, but he wasn't scheduled. Anyway, Alvarez with two more homers, both to left. The first was more of a line drive on a better than excuse me swing, but not an aggressive cut. The other was a towering fly ball that made it over after fighting off a slew of 3-2 pitches. I left before his final AB, where he had another double to left. I think I've seen four homers of his in person and have yet to see one on his pull side of center field. I was impressed on one catch he had. Off the bat, I figured it would land between him and Fisher, then midway, I assume Fisher would track it, but instead it was Alvarez who got there. Not a wow play by any means, but solid.
Only saw one ball hit to Straw at SS. He ranged to his right and got a force at third.
Urquidy. Good fastball (94-98) that probably is decent in the spin rate they talk about. Seems to generally stay off bats. I assume he was working on his change as he threw it a lot. Not a good pitch at all. No deception or movement. Meat. He could command his slider but it was just average.
Reed hit a homer after I left, but prior to that, he looked like someone who didn't really want to be playing baseball. That was my impression at least.
Was surprised how small Stubbs was, but he put a charge into one line drive deep into the left field alley. Hardest hit ball of the night, IMO.
Either they had absolutely no respect for the Sounds catcher or they are making a concerted effort to steal bases. The first three guys I recall that made it to first left on the first pitch. All successful.
Thanks for the report. Now that I have re-located to Georgetown I need to get out there and take in a game or two.
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Wee need an OWA viewing party.
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# 18 for Yordan today
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What was up with the Express last night? They brought Jamie Ritchie in to pitch the 12th and he promptly gave up 2 for the loss. No real pitchers left?
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Round Rock is averaging about 8,600 people/game. The Marlins are averaging about 9,800/game.
I'd take the Express over the Marlins right now in a best of 3 series.
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Round Rock is averaging about 8,600 people/game. The Marlins are averaging about 9,800/game.
I'd take the Express over the Marlins right now in a best of 3 series.
Tickets sold, not AIS, in RR.
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Saw Whitley last night. Ugly line: 2IP, 7 Runs, 2 homers. A play not-made in the outfield could have trimmed 3 runs of the line, but it would have been just as ugly a performance.
He seems like he is in an extreme mechanical rut. I watched him warm up in the pen and he looked very uncomfortable and was inconsistent: looked frustrated about his plant foot and/or the mound. The warmup was a preview of the game. He was inconsistent, behind in the counts, looking like just throwing a strike was more important than attacking the hitter. Anyways, as you would guess, if you can't execute what you intend, you lose focus and confidence. The vicious cycle where the rut is becoming a hole. He and the coaches have their work cut out for them.
Good news is that the inherent ability is still there, at least IMO. I have not read any reports from the org or scouts, giving an knowledgeable opinion on his struggles.
My data set of watching pitchers is limited, but I always wonder if the tall, somewhat gangly guys often take a longer time learning to repeat their delivery. That's my hope at least.
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My data set of watching pitchers is limited, but I always wonder if the tall, somewhat gangly guys often take a longer time learning to repeat their delivery. That's my hope at least.
Was the delivery more repeatable at lower levels, or was he just able to get away with it because of the relative inexperience of those hitters?
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Was the delivery more repeatable at lower levels, or was he just able to get away with it because of the relative inexperience of those hitters?
I only saw him once at AA. He was sharp for about 75%, but would have stretches of about 5 pitches in a row where he’d lose it. About 3 or 4 times during the game, but infrequent enough that it didn’t affect his aggressiveness or his confidence. Those 5 pitch stretches were all he had yesterday.
He may have been rushed, and who knows, a demotion or change of scenery might help him, but he’d have been crushed at AA last night also. Some of the same guys he dominated in SA AA where I saw him were the same guys he faced last night. His pitches, when right, will play at any level, IMO.
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McTaggart says Whitley is being placed on the IL with shoulder fatigue and is being sent to Florida for rehab.
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I assume something was going to happen; it couldn't continue like this. If all his troubles are injury related, hope it's minor and heals quickly. Otherwise, I hope he regains form down there and comes back as the top prospect he was two months ago.
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I talk to an informed opinion regularly. Injury aside, could be he simply was not yet ready for AAA. He has been moved along quickly and lost a lot of time to suspension and injuries.
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I talk to an informed opinion regularly. Injury aside, could be he simply was not yet ready for AAA. He has been moved along quickly and lost a lot of time to suspension and injuries.
Sounds spot on. Luhnow just said after he’s done rehabbing he’ll get back out to “one of our affiliates.” He was asked specifically whether Whitley would go back to AAA and he wouldn’t commit to it. Merely said he’s talented enough to pitch in AAA but that they’d want to build him back up and build his confidence back up. Translation: they realized they rushed him to AAA.
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Sounds spot on. Luhnow just said after he’s done rehabbing he’ll get back out to “one of our affiliates.” He was asked specifically whether Whitley would go back to AAA and he wouldn’t commit to it. Merely said he’s talented enough to pitch in AAA but that they’d want to build him back up and build his confidence back up. Translation: they realized they rushed him to AAA.
I'm not sure that "they realized they rushed him to AAA." I can understand an argument that he could of, or should have spent more time in AA. In some ways, it makes sense, especially with hindsight. However, I also understand that in spring training, he was viewed as probably the top, can't miss pitcher in the minors, a probable #1 or #2. He also had a possibility, although outside, to stick with the club. It's hardly unusual to move guys like that up.
Anyways, there's always at least two sides to whether someone was rushed or not, and if he hadn't lost his mechanics, he probably would have been on the mound last night in MM. I think the question is why he lost his mechanics, was it competition or something someone like him was always likely to do.
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I'm not sure that "they realized they rushed him to AAA." I can understand an argument that he could of, or should have spent more time in AA. In some ways, it makes sense, especially with hindsight. However, I also understand that in spring training, he was viewed as probably the top, can't miss pitcher in the minors, a probable #1 or #2. He also had a possibility, although outside, to stick with the club. It's hardly unusual to move guys like that up.
Anyways, there's always at least two sides to whether someone was rushed or not, and if he hadn't lost his mechanics, he probably would have been on the mound last night in MM. I think the question is why he lost his mechanics, was it competition or something someone like him was always likely to do.
Some realize he was rushed.
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Some realize he was rushed.
+1
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Some realize he was rushed.
Agreed. He pitched a ton his SR year, and has thrown 160 innings in the 4 years since. The kid's still 21.
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If it is just a time to get his head and mechanics figured out, it is the perfect time. If he does any extended spring pitching, he will be facing more experienced guys now than he will in a few weeks after the just drafted kids get there and the EST guys head to Tri Cities.
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Round Rock was just going through the motions tonight. Didn't get a hit until the 6th, and those two hits were both infield dribblers. Missed cuts, dropped throws, jogging out ground balls. It was hard to be encouraged that there's much more help available.
If somebody wants to give us a pitcher in exchange for Tucker, they're welcome to him.
Alvarez hit a couple of semi-deep flies, but nothing scary. It looks like his arm might be ok in LF, but he'll top out as an average defender at best. It didn't look to me like he moves particularly well. He's not a slug, but he's just not smooth.
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Round Rock was just going through the motions tonight. Didn't get a hit until the 6th, and those two hits were both infield dribblers. Missed cuts, dropped throws, jogging out ground balls. It was hard to be encouraged that there's much more help available.
I mainly watched AA over the last decade and only seen a few AAA games during that time. From that small sample size, I agree that a lot of AAA players just appear to be going through the motions. However, I've concluded that you can't take much away from that. I saw Fisher just last week loaf out a ball hit to second, and it was difficult to watch but he's hustling in the big leagues now.
AA is a better product IMO as the games have more intensity.
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I mainly watched AA over the last decade and only seen a few AAA games during that time. From that small sample size, I agree that a lot of AAA players just appear to be going through the motions. However, I've concluded that you can't take much away from that. I saw Fisher just last week loaf out a ball hit to second, and it was difficult to watch but he's hustling in the big leagues now.
AA is a better product IMO as the games have more intensity.
Excellent observation, and it is certainly in line with my thoughts as well. I've seen lots of both AA and AAA ball. AAA has become a storing place for "insurance policy" players, e.g., the third catcher, backup starting pitching, etc., while most of the real prospects are at AA. Many of these AAA players who are on the 40 man roster frequently shuttle back and forth to the big leagues. Detroit shuttles players back and forth here to Toledo almost every day. Often, these players have some time in the show. For example, I just saw Logan Morrison and Brad Miller playing for Scranton-Wilks Barre (and Morrison not very well, hitting about .130).
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Excellent observation, and it is certainly in line with my thoughts as well. I've seen lots of both AA and AAA ball. AAA has become a storing place for "insurance policy" players, e.g., the third catcher, backup starting pitching, etc., while most of the real prospects are at AA. Many of these AAA players who are on the 40 man roster frequently shuttle back and forth to the big leagues. Detroit shuttles players back and forth here to Toledo almost every day. Often, these players have some time in the show. For example, I just saw Logan Morrison and Brad Miller playing for Scranton-Wilks Barre (and Morrison not very well, hitting about .130).
What does Detroit have to do with anything re: the Astros?
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Excellent observation, and it is certainly in line with my thoughts as well. I've seen lots of both AA and AAA ball. AAA has become a storing place for "insurance policy" players, e.g., the third catcher, backup starting pitching, etc., while most of the real prospects are at AA.
This has been true for a very long time. Hot prospects and marginal ones fighting to keep hope alive populate AA. AAA has a few blocked prospects and a lot of AAAA insurance players.
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What does Detroit have to do with anything re: the Astros?
Do I really need to explain that the use of Detroit was as an example? The Yankees and Scranton Wilkes-Barre do the same thing, so I could have used them.
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Do I really need to explain that the use of Detroit was as an example? The Yankees and Scranton Wilkes-Barre do the same thing, so I could have used them.
Just a question of talent. The AA/AAA dichotomy has been around for ages.
Regardless of nothing, here's a great read: https://www.statesman.com/sports/20190602/pipeline-gushes-talent-for-astros-express
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Just a question of talent. The AA/AAA dichotomy has been around for ages.
Regardless of nothing, here's a great read: https://www.statesman.com/sports/20190602/pipeline-gushes-talent-for-astros-express
Rojas kinda flies under the radar but I think he will play in the MLs a long time.
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Rojas kinda flies under the radar but I think he will play in the MLs a long time.
The Astros seem to have a patent on the process for developing these uber-utility players. Rojas, De Goti, Duarte, Angarita, E.Valdez, Hensley, T.Dawson, Dennis & Wielansky are all at various levels in the minors with multiple position exposure. And even Freudis Nova, the hot-shot SS getting his first taste of full season ball, is seeing all three IF positions regularly.
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Round Rock scored 26 runs last night. Alvarez 0-4; Tucker with 2 home runs.
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Round Rock scored 26 runs last night. Alvarez 0-4; Tucker with 2 home runs.
Who in the world were they playing?
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Who in the world were they playing?
Las Vegas. Who are no longer aliens but aviators for some reason.
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Urquidy with another fine performance last night - six shutout innings. In four AAA starts has 40 SOs to 7 BBs, a 3.16 era and a i WHIP.
Alvarez with his 23rd HR. He now has 71 RBIs in 56 games; 50 SOs against 49 walks.
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54 runs in the last 3 games.
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Anyone know if Altuve will be playing tonight?
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Anyone know if Altuve will be playing tonight?
Should be. Saw a Round Rock tweet saying one more chance to see him
Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk
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Anyone know if Altuve will be playing tonight?
DH. Could be his last rehab game.
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Only caught the end while driving home, but Altuve had a sun/sky aided triple early to go with a couple of Ks.
The 9th inning was a mess. Trailing 3-2, DeGoti gets HBP, Altuve walks (booth was saying he took a 2-0 pitch that should have been drilled). Reyes took a 2-1 pitch that should have been drilled, ended up K'ing. Tucker K's feebly. Taylor takes a pitch or 2 down the middle but ends up walking to load the bases, Ferguson who had a couple of triples and a single taps out to the mound on the first pitch.
They left Altuve in to run in the 9th which has to be a good sign.
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Thanks, guys.
It was a disappointing result but fun game regardless. Both of Altuve's strikeouts were looking, IIRC. There were several other backward K's for his teammates.
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Anyone know why Fisher was moved to the inactive list?
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
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Anyone know why Fisher was moved to the inactive list?
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
This is a good unanswered question. He hasn’t been playing and I can’t find anything with my lousy search skills.
See that Bielak had a good outing today: 7 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 9 K. He looked good in ST, but has had a rough go in RR. Nice to see him with a good outing.
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Joshua Rojas is having a real good year, starting in AA but now in AAA. 26 round pick in 2017.
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Joshua Rojas is having a real good year, starting in AA but now in AAA. 26 round pick in 2017.
He's got a Marwin look to him next Spring if he keeps this up.
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Urquidy with another good outing last night - 6 Innings, 9 SOs, no runs. For the AAA season an ERA under 3 and a WHIP under 1.
Rojas continues his hot hitting. 2-4. 20 RBIs in 25 AAA games.
Tucked 0-4 with 3 SOs; hitting .235 in the last ten games.
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Framber goes 6.2 innings strikes out 10 gives up 4 singles, 3 walks, 0 runs.
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Framer with three innings, two runs and seven Ks, but doesn’t come out for the fourth. I hope all is well.
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Went to Dell Diamond last night for the game against Omaha. With the exception of Mayfield, I don't think there's anybody left in Round Rock who will be useful to the big club this year. Specific observations:
1. Framber started, and his control was no better than his last few starts in Houston, and possibly worse. There were at least five pitches where he almost hit right-handed batters in the feet. A couple of them actually went *behind* the batters. He gave up 5 runs in 3.1 or 3.2 innings. He struck out 6 mostly because the Omaha hitters don't know what to do with his curve. He also walked 5. Sound familiar?
2. Tucker was at 1st base, hopefully showcasing his versatility for a trade. Except that he's pretty awkward over there. And this is probably unfair and a function of my preexisting prejudices, but he just seems to exude a teenager's sense of "It's not fair! i should be in Houston!" Jogging here, shuffling there, just lousy body language. He went 0-4, and on a couple of ground ball outs he didn't even make it half-way to 1st before he was thrown out, just shuffling along like Festus or something. If he can be traded for a real pitcher, I'll be ecstatic.
3. Correa made a fine diving grab of a ball up the middle in a drawn-in infield, and threw the guy out from the seat of his pants. His night at the plate was meh, with only one reasonably hard-hit ball that wound up as a fly ball out in RCF. And 4 LOBsters, so he should be able to hit the ground running when he returns to the Astros on Friday.
4. McCormick (CF) made an outstanding diving grab going to his right on the warning track. Almost Marisnickian.
5. This was the first time I've seen Jones (he was in LF). He needs more work, but he could be interesting.
6. Rojas was at DH, and went 2-4. He seems small, but it's hard to argue with the numbers he's putting up: .321/.411/.614 in 47 games and 184 ABs at Round Rock. And after looking up his size, he's not actually that small: 6'1", 195 lbs, according to MiLB. So he could be interesting, too.
7. SuperJack deposited a ball nearly on the walkway behind the berm in LCF.
8. Valdez and Bostick and were painful to watch on the mound. What we once thought was an overflowing garden of pitching now looks much less promising. Scheetz's numbers for the night look better than he did.
9. No sign of Fisher. Where is he?
10. It was a beautiful night at the park. Temperature was 90 or 91, the humidity was down, and it was just downright pleasant. The only downside was missing Baggy in the booth.
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Thanks for the report. I haven’t seen Rojas play but I’ve heard pretty positive things from someone who see a lot of games. Sort of Marwin like, is what I was told.
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Thanks for the report. I haven’t seen Rojas play but I’ve heard pretty positive things from someone who see a lot of games. Sort of Marwin like, is what I was told.
I've seen him play a few times, and he always seems to have quality ABs and plays respectable defense. But he and Mayfield have the same problem: where are you going to put them?
Oh, one more thing that some folks may be interested in: Apollo 11 lids are available in the Round Rock team store. Or at least they were last night.
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You are 100% right about Tucker. He has not made many friends.
Capps is very high on Rojas. He looks like he can play.
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I've seen him play a few times, and he always seems to have quality ABs and plays respectable defense. But he and Mayfield have the same problem: where are you going to put them.
The Marwin comparison is your clue. You put them (especially Rojas) anywhere. Super utility makes the 13-pitcher roster work.
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I've seen him play a few times, and he always seems to have quality ABs and plays respectable defense. But he and Mayfield have the same problem: where are you going to put them?
Oh, one more thing that some folks may be interested in: Apollo 11 lids are available in the Round Rock team store. Or at least they were last night.
Rojas has really taken a solid step forward this year. The Astros are in an interesting position here with the utility players. Diaz and Kemp are out of options. And they are under club control for several more years. Straw has options through 2021 and club control for longer than that. Rojas isn't rule 5 draft eligible until after the 2020 season. The Astros are in a position (assuming all these players continue to be or prove to be mlb worthy) to move one guy out (via free agency or trade) while having another guy ready to take his place. And there are others lower in the system who are on track to be in this position in a few years as well. Another example of the Astros enviable volume of talent.
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Rojas has really taken a solid step forward this year. The Astros are in an interesting position here with the utility players. Diaz and Kemp are out of options. And they are under club control for several more years. Straw has options through 2021 and club control for longer than that. Rojas isn't rule 5 draft eligible until after the 2020 season. The Astros are in a position (assuming all these players continue to be or prove to be mlb worthy) to move one guy out (via free agency or trade) while having another guy ready to take his place. And there are others lower in the system who are on track to be in this position in a few years as well. Another example of the Astros enviable volume of talent.
Rojas is very versatile and can hit.
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Rojas is very versatile and can hit.
And now the Kemp move moves Rojas closer to a call-up some day.
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You are 100% right about Tucker. He has not made many friends.
Capps is very high on Rojas. He looks like he can play.
And I was just looking at July splits. .216/.365/.314 with 1 HR, 10 RBI & 16 K in 63 PA. Not exactly eye-popping.
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And I was just looking at July splits. .216/.365/.314 with 1 HR, 10 RBI & 16 K in 63 PA. Not exactly eye-popping.
Is that Tucker?
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Is that Tucker?
Yes.
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Yes.
I have no, nada, zip, none, inside info on him, but my guess is he is sulky and pouting because Álvarez shot past him and is hitting in Houston, unlike Tucker in 2018.
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It's always a bit weird listening to failed GMs critique successful GMs, but the Phillips and Bowdens of the world still consider Tucker to be the best prospect with a decent chance of being traded.
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It's always a bit weird listening to failed GMs critique successful GMs, but the Phillips and Bowdens of the world still consider Tucker to be the best prospect with a decent chance of being traded.
Works for me.
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I have no, nada, zip, none, inside info on him, but my guess is he is sulky and pouting because Álvarez and Straw shot past him and is hitting in Houston, unlike Tucker in 2018.
Plus Rojas threatening to do the same.
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Tucker out of the lineup last night. Hitting .156 in his last ten games. Rojas, Ferguson, Mayfield, Jones, Fisher, Tanielu and DeGoti all hitting for better average than Tucker.
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Framber tonight: 7 IP, 4 hits, 2 BB, 11 K. Not eager to see him back in Houston unless he can string a few of these together, but it is encouraging.
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Yes, nice to see Framber pitch well. He still has talent and potential.
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Framber tonight: 7 IP, 4 hits, 2 BB, 11 K. Not eager to see him back in Houston unless he can string a few of these together, but it is encouraging.
He can be very good.
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Toro gets moved to Round Rock. Effectively replacing Rojas.
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Toro gets moved to Round Rock. Effectively replacing Rojas.
Thanks for the update. I was quietly hoping he would not get traded yesterday.
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Toro gets moved to Round Rock. Effectively replacing Rojas.
does he primarily play corner IF? I was wondering if he had Rojas' versatility?
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does he primarily play corner IF? I was wondering if he had Rojas' versatility?
He doesn’t. Mainly third and second.
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does he primarily play corner IF? I was wondering if he had Rojas' versatility?
3rd, 1st & 2nd — a lot of 2nd lately.
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does he primarily play corner IF? I was wondering if he had Rojas' versatility?
He doesn't have it yet but he has the potential for it. Right now he can play 1st, 3rd, & 2nd. IMO he has the tools to learn OF. They drafted him with plans to turn him into a catcher but that experiment didn't work (his receiving had a long way to go but his bat was ready to move up levels - arm was good though). He is going to have to show flexibility to get to the show with Houston with the current players that have in the IF.
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JimR -
How did Castellanos look last night? A 21 year old who skipped AA.
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JimR -
How did Castellanos look last night? A 21 year old who skipped AA.
He has not really “skipped” AA. He is on his 2nd or 3rd short stint in RR firing a season played st A ball. He will probably spend 3020 at AA.
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He will probably spend 3020 at AA.
He'll probably be a bit old for the league.
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JimR -
How did Castellanos look last night? A 21 year old who skipped AA.
He was great.
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He has not really “skipped” AA. He is on his 2nd or 3rd short stint in RR firing a season played st A ball. He will probably spend 3020 at AA.
If he pitches like he did on 8/1, he’ll stay in RR.
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Heading out to RR tonight. Who should I be looking at?
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Heading out to RR tonight. Who should I be looking at?
No one there you don’t know from ST. Toro has only been up two games. I would watch him if he plays.
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He'll probably be a bit old for the league.
Oops.
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Went to Dell Diamond last night for the game against Omaha. With the exception of Mayfield, I don't think there's anybody left in Round Rock who will be useful to the big club this year. Specific observations:
2. Tucker was at 1st base, hopefully showcasing his versatility for a trade. Except that he's pretty awkward over there. And this is probably unfair and a function of my preexisting prejudices, but he just seems to exude a teenager's sense of "It's not fair! i should be in Houston!" Jogging here, shuffling there, just lousy body language. He went 0-4, and on a couple of ground ball outs he didn't even make it half-way to 1st before he was thrown out, just shuffling along like Festus or something. If he can be traded for a real pitcher, I'll be ecstatic.
I didn’t care for Tucker’s body language last year when they called him up. It isn’t just the fact that the kid never cracked a smile. It was more that there seemed to be no sense of urgency in anything he did. He seemed very nonchalant about being in the big leagues. He almost seemed to exude an attitude of I don’t care if I’m here or not.
Hopefully I read him wrong, but that’s the vibe I got thru the tv..
When they call him up in September, I hope he rakes.
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If anyone ever learns what the Guduan suspension was all about, I'm all ears.
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Another good outing by Castellanos yesterday. 2 innings, 2 walks, no hits, no runs, 1 SO.
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If anyone ever learns what the Guduan suspension was all about, I'm all ears.
Not drugs. My friends says he thinks that cause must be clearly stated in the announcement.
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My experience in a minor league town, team rules usually means something that might have got the attention of the police but not charges were filed. Like a fight at a bar or the team hotel. I would guess if this were the case, it wouldn't have been the first time.
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My experience in a minor league town, team rules usually means something that might have got the attention of the police but not charges were filed. Like a fight at a bar or the team hotel. I would guess if this were the case, it wouldn't have been the first time.
Sounds plausible.
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Urquidy didn’t react well to the demotion, giving up 10 ER in 3.2 IP.
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Urquidy didn’t react well to the demotion, giving up 10 ER in 3.2 IP.
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Ouch
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Looks like Tucker reacted well to not being traded. Last 10 games, .325, 5 HRs, 15 RBI
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Looks like Tucker reacted well to not being traded. Last 10 games, .325, 5 HRs, 15 RBI
I have been told to discount anything they do on western road trips.
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Welp, 7 of the 10 games were in RR.....but 4 of the 5 home runs were in Iowa or El Paso
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I have been told to discount anything they do on western road trips.
It's like Coors without the humidor.
Urquidy was beaten up but El Paso pitchers gave up 20 runs to the Express.
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Welp, 7 of the 10 games were in RR.....but 4 of the 5 home runs were in Iowa or El Paso
2 in El Paso last night. Iowa is more a pitchers park than a hitters park.
Take out last night's 3-4 and over the previous 9 games he's hitting .278 with 3 HR and 11 RBI.
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Welp, 7 of the 10 games were in RR.....but 4 of the 5 home runs were in Iowa or El Paso
Iowa probably is legit. EP, maybe not.
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Bostick released.
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Abraham Toro, the quondam Quebecois, is duplicating Rojas' success at AAA looking to move past Tucker on the prospect list.
.429/.571/1.071 and a .500 OBP in 15 games.
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Abraham Toro, the quondam Quebecois, is duplicating Rojas' success at AAA looking to move past Tucker on the prospect list.
.429/.571/1.071 and a .500 OBP in 15 games.
anyone know what position(s) Toro has been playing? Does he approach the versatility of Rojas?
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anyone know what position(s) Toro has been playing? Does he approach the versatility of Rojas?
Third base. Box scores are available every day on the RR MiLB site.
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Toro called up, according to Kaplan. No corresponding 25 or 40 man move yet.
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Toro called up, according to Kaplan. No corresponding 25 or 40 man move yet.
Bad news coming on Correa?
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Toro called up, according to Kaplan. No corresponding 25 or 40 man move yet.
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Wow. Look up the phrase "meteoric rise" and Toro's face should be there.
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anyone know what position(s) Toro has been playing? Does he approach the versatility of Rojas?
He's played both 3b and 2b. More 3b than 2b though.
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Bad news coming on Correa?
Nope. Super Jack down.
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Nope. Super Jack down.
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Except that's not the 40-man move.
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Except that's not the 40-man move.
True but Luhnow said no change in Correa’s status
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He's played both 3b and 2b. More 3b than 2b though.
But more 2B recently than earlier. Working on versatility, but he is no SuperJack. .
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But more 2B recently than earlier. Working on versatility, but he is no SuperJack. .
And 1B also, apparently,
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Ronnie Dawson in RF tonight with a rag arm. Rainbow throw allowed a 1B to stretch to a double. Good throw nails the runner by 6 feet.
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Taking in my first game in a while and last one this year at the Dell. Thought I would comment on a few guys I have not seen before.
The infield was solid (Tanielu, SuoerJack, De Goti & Jones. And Tucker in LF was also “old hat” (though his prospect status continues to be “exhibit A” in why I am not a professional scout. Tanielu & Jones both looked very good.
First impressions:
Bielak is good. 4-seamer @ 95 and cutter @ 92-93 with a slider and straight change both in the low-to-mid 80s. Lots of strikes and lots of weak contact. Kept his cool in a 2bd inning defensive meltdown too.
Quintana is terrible. Looks bad In each AB and worse behind the plate. Hot dogging faked PB with a runner in 3rd (though the guy only got there on a real PB). And he missed 2-3 balls every inning. His release on the throw to 2B is painfully slow. And he was the big reason behind botched defense that led to a delayed steal of home.
ETA - He did Single in the winning run in the 9th after 3 Ks.
Ronnie Dawson is still 0-for-AAA , but looks OK at the plate. He is an adventure in the OF though. He starts back on everything, then circles under it like he struggles to see it. And the one throw that mattered was a rainbow with nothing on it that gifted the batter a triple. (Same gut that later scored.)
Drew Ferguson looked good in CF and legged out a triple in the first - barely besting the throw from a right fielder with a canon. He did get run later after being rung up on an odd play. A clear checked swing followed by a passed ball (former bus rider Tyler Heinemann) and a silent appeal while Drew’s back was turned. When the throw went to first he was completely surprised.
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Working the game Monday and may go out Sunday too. Season is almost done.
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Taking in my first game in a while and last one this year at the Dell. Thought I would comment on a few guys I have not seen before.
The infield was solid (Tanielu, SuoerJack, De Goti & Jones. And Tucker in LF was also “old hat” (though his prospect status continues to be “exhibit A” in why I am not a professional scout. Tanielu & Jones both looked very good.
First impressions:
Bielak is good. 4-seamer @ 95 and cutter @ 92-93 with a slider and straight change both in the low-to-mid 80s. Lots of strikes and lots of weak contact. Kept his cool in a 2bd inning defensive meltdown too.
Quintana is terrible. Looks bad In each AB and worse behind the plate. Hot dogging faked PB with a runner in 3rd (though the guy only got there on a real PB). And he missed 2-3 balls every inning. His release on the throw to 2B is painfully slow. And he was the big reason behind botched defense that led to a delayed steal of home.
ETA - He did Single in the winning run in the 9th after 3 Ks.
Ronnie Dawson is still 0-for-AAA , but looks OK at the plate. He is an adventure in the OF though. He starts back on everything, then circles under it like he struggles to see it. And the one throw that mattered was a rainbow with nothing on it that gifted the batter a triple. (Same gut that later scored.)
Drew Ferguson looked good in CF and legged out a triple in the first - barely besting the throw from a right fielder with a canon. He did get run later after being rung up on an odd play. A clear checked swing followed by a passed ball (former bus rider Tyler Heinemann) and a silent appeal while Drew’s back was turned. When the throw went to first he was completely surprised.
I am at the Sunday game. Tucker is not playing. Sorry, Snuffy. Quintana is the DH and just hit a bomb halfway up the Home Run Porch. Javier looks good. 1-0 RR going to the 6th.
ETA: Josh James gave up the tying run in the th, and RR lost 2-1.
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I am at the Sunday game. Tucker is not playing. Sorry, Snuffy.,,,.
Aw, Jim, Tucker earned the rest (https://www.milb.com/milb/news/houston-astros-kyle-tucker-joins-pacific-coast-league-3030-club/c-310265356).
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Aw, Jim, Tucker earned the rest (https://www.milb.com/milb/news/houston-astros-kyle-tucker-joins-pacific-coast-league-3030-club/c-310265356).
Yeah, boy. Hitting .267 is exhausting. Surprised he did not PH in a 2-1 game. They are in a dogfight with SA for the title.
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Working the game Monday and may go out Sunday too. Season is almost done.
Looking forward to listening tonight
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Looking forward to listening tonight
Pressure!
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Pressure!
No worries!
https://youtu.be/YoDh_gHDvkk
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Looking forward to listening tonight
Found it. AM 1300 The Zone
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Loving the broadcast. I can only get it in my truck, so I'm getting a beverage inside and heading back outside.
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Loving the broadcast. I can only get it in my truck, so I'm getting a beverage inside and heading back outside.
Here is a link: https://www.iheart.com/live/am-1300-the-zone-2181/?pname=kvet-am&campid=play_bar&cid=index.html (https://www.iheart.com/live/am-1300-the-zone-2181/?pname=kvet-am&campid=play_bar&cid=index.html)
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Loving the broadcast. I can only get it in my truck, so I'm getting a beverage inside and heading back outside.
Thank you! ‘Twas fun.
ETA: Urquidy was masterful tonight.
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Working the game Monday and may go out Sunday too. Season is almost done.
Nice hearing a fan in the broadcast booth; both of you enjoyed the game, and made it enjoyable.
Was that you predicting Ferguson's SB attempts and Dawson's attempt? Well done!
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Nice hearing a fan in the broadcast booth; both of you enjoyed the game, and made it enjoyable.
Was that you predicting Ferguson's SB attempts and Dawson's attempt? Well done!
It was I, and thanks.
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It was I, and thanks.
That was a great broadcast. You seem like a natural...I would be nervous as shit and talk nonstop, or something like that.
Any thoughts from management or Capps as to who might come up 9/1 and who will stay there through the PCL Playoffs?
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That was a great broadcast. You seem like a natural...I would be nervous as shit and talk nonstop, or something like that.
Any thoughts from management or Capps as to who might come up 9/1 and who will stay there through the PCL Playoffs?
Thanks so much. I was a regular color guy during the first season (2000?) and off and on since then. I have worked with Mike a lot. Doing color on the radio, at least with Mike as pbp, has a rhythm, which I have learned and settled into over time. I can anticipate when he is through, and I have time to say something succinctly and get back out so he can call the next pitch. He and I have been friends for 30+ years, and we have a rapport both on the air and off. I appreciate the compliments. I always wonder what listeners think.
Astros management runs the tightest of ships so Express brass rarely if ever shares info with him. We have not talked about 9/1 and after in Houston. He is focused on RR and on this close race to the wire.
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Despite a depleted roster, Round Rock up 2-0 in the playoffs with two extra inning wins.
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Despite a depleted roster, Round Rock up 2-0 in the playoffs with two extra inning wins.
Miracle comeback in game 1 (gave up 2, scored 3), another late inning rally in game 2. Both games were 10 innings at home.
ETA: Whitley is back in RR and will start game 5 if it gets that far.
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ETA: Whitley is back in RR and will start game 5 if it gets that far.
That would be interesting. A pressure filled situation for him.
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That would be interesting. A pressure filled situation for him.
Good. Some growing up to do.
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Good. Some growing up to do.
This is a test for him. Hope like hell he passes it with flying colors.
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This is a test for him. Hope like hell he passes it with flying colors.
.Org showing faith in him.
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.Org showing faith in him.
Yep. That too.
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Wonder if the series goes less than 5, looking very possible with them up 2-0, if he'll get a start in the next round.
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.Org showing faith in him.
He did not exactly rise to the challenge, but a 7-run 3rd by the good guys took him off the hook (and won the PCL).
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(and won the PCL).
Well, half of it.
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He did not exactly rise to the challenge, but a 7-run 3rd by the good guys took him off the hook (and won the PCL).
He did ok.
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He did not exactly rise to the challenge, but a 7-run 3rd by the good guys took him off the hook (and won the PCL).
Whitley: 4 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 5 BB, 6 K
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After two road game in Sacramento, RR is down 0-2 in the best of five Championship series. Games Fri-Sun in RR.