Messages

1

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Corpus Christi - 2011

« on: July 19, 2011, 10:05:05 am »

I went to Corpus two weekends ago and watched three games....  Paredes is awful in the field.  His hands aren't soft at all.  He is super athletic and gets to a lot of balls, but he doesn't have good enough footwork to get into a good fielding position.  Even if he does, his hands are like bricks.  He screwed up two routine plays that even guys on my slow-pitch softball team could make.  I think he will end up in the outfield.

I have some video i took of a couple of Altuve and Villar at bats... I'll see if I can get them up.

2

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Corpus Christi 2010

« on: September 07, 2010, 10:36:30 am »

I went to the Hooks game on Sunday.  A few observations:

J.D. Martinez: in a previous post, i mentioned a wristy bat whip that bothered me.  He no longer does that.  He has gone to an almost Chuck Knoblauch type of load mechanism.  He didn't seemed to be getting fooled or blown away by fastballs, though Davis was only throwing in the 90-91 range consistently.  No hits, but this this time around he didn't looked completely overmatched.  I am convinced removing the bat whip in his load has made it easier for him to wait a little longer.  He played  RF, and it wasn't a thing of beauty.  He didn't muff any plays, but he looked a bit uncomfortable out there.  He did show a decent arm, however.

Shane Wolf- looked good.  I'd say he is a LOOGY in the making.  Good arm slot for a left reliever.  Breaking ball didn't bite real hard, but had enough to get the lefties out in front.  Pretty clean delivery.  My only complaint is that he brings his arm so far back that he gives the hitter a chance to see the ball and get their timing.  If he hides the ball a bit better (i.e. keep his hand behind his shoulder instead of bringing it nearly behind his back), he could be a very good lefty out of the bullpen. Though he brought the ball pretty far back, it didn't appear that he was scapular loading as he didn't really squeeze it back there. Fastball touched 91, but was consistently at 90.

Albert Cartwright - got carved up at the plate.  for as fast as he is, i wasn't impressed with his range at second.  It wasn't really a good night for him.

Polin Trinidad - This was the first time i had seen him...  I have trouble believing he ever makes it to the big leagues.  He only touched 86 with his fastball, but was consistently 84.  His arm angle doesn't give him an advantage over lefties as it's a little higher than I expected.  His curve/slider (not sure what he was throwing) broke way too early to be effective.  I just didn't see much to like.

Matt Nevarez - has a serious problem with slowing his delivery when he is throwing offspeed pitches.  You could tell the hitters were picking it up as they all laid off the offspeed stuff.  He only touched 93 once, but was consistently 91 with the FB.  He got better the longer he was out there, but the arm speed on his offspeed pitches as well as slowing his delivery would worry me going forward.

Jon Gaston - has much better range in the OF than you would guess. 


Everyone pretty much had a rough night as Davis took a no-no into the 8th. 

3

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Corpus Christi 2010

« on: August 02, 2010, 04:43:54 pm »

Oh, and my picks for athletic are the obvious ones: Crawford, Bourn, the Uptons, Hanley, but those are the uber athletics.

Pence is athletic, just doesn't know how to take a good route to a ball.  He's not pretty to watch, but you can tell there is some athleticism there.  David Wright is athletic, Mauer for a catcher is off the charts, Carlos Gonzales is a decent athlete, Dexter Fowler is up there as well.  Andrus and Escobar are off the charts... I could go on for while.  My point is that guys with more athleticism have a better chance to get the big leagues and be contributors.

4

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Corpus Christi 2010

« on: August 02, 2010, 04:32:22 pm »

Thanks for the observations. 

So, no good curves from Lyles, just a loopy show pitch?  Wade mentioned that "some in the organization feel Lyles could compete now in the majors."  I don't doubt that he could, and maybe it might be best to challenge him, but I would think having a decent breaking pitch would greatly enhance his ability to keep hitters off balance.

Thanks for the observation on Martinez, as I have not heard much on him. 

When he was warming up in the bullpen, he was throwing a knuckle-curve (at least that was the grip he was using), but in the game it looked more like a slurvy slider.  The one loopy curve was a 1st pitch show me pitch in the 5th inning (i think).

5

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Corpus Christi 2010

« on: August 02, 2010, 04:29:53 pm »

Can you give some indication as to what you mean by athletic?  What recent major leaguers do you consider to appear athletic?  Not being an ass, just looking for a frame of reference.

His motions aren't fluid.  His actions while running, stretching, etc was like watching a little kid run.  All of the parts weren't working together fluidly.  I would compare him slightly to the modern day Vladimir Guerrero.  It's just not pretty when he runs.  I am not talking about young Vlad.  I view athleticism as having fluid movements that don't seem forced.  He's all knees and elbows, and they don't seem to be going the same direction.  Not to mention, he was pretty slow.  However, he only put the ball in play once on a lazy fly ball, so I am sure I didn't see him at his top speed.

Don't get me wrong, he has a very quick bat, and I think if he fixes his load mechanism, he could be a solid hitter.  I just don't think he will be a very good outfielder at all and would lack the footwork to be a decent 1B.

6

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Corpus Christi 2010

« on: August 02, 2010, 10:13:08 am »

I was in Corpus for the games on Friday and Saturday night.  Some observations:


 
J.B. Shuck- His build is very similar to Biggio's when he was younger, but is not as athletic.  Very slappy.  Doesn't use much of his lower body in his swing.  Not a whole lot of action in OF for him. Was called up after the game.

J.D. Martinez - is getting chewed up by offspeed stuff.  He saw one fastball the entire night and lifted a lazy fly ball to left.  He is not athletic at all.  The only guy with less athleticism on the team is Jimmy Van Ostrand...and that's not a good thing.  He's very slender, but moves like a 15 year that is growing into his body.  I can see why there are concerns from a position standpoint.  He DH'd, so I didn't get to see him play the field, but watching his warmups, it was obvious that he isn't athletic.  He has a wrist flip in his load mechanism that will expose him to good fastballs.  If he quiets his hands during load, he might improve there.  He has to cheat, thus not being able to adjust to the off-speed stuff. 

Jon Gaston - is more athletic than I anticipated.  He played Center on Friday and played well except for one ball that he went back to the fence for and misplayed it.  It looked more like he was unaware of where the fence was and got a little gun-shy.  On Saturday, he played RF and looked much better out there.  Good range.  Decent arm.  As compared to Pence, he looked like he knew what he was doing out there.  I'd trust Gaston in RF more than Pence.  At the plate, he reminds me a lot of Blum.  Similar setup, but swings with more intent.  He has a bit of a loop in his swing.

Albert Cartwright (Sat) - Athletic, but a smaller guy.  Fast, but not a burner.  He looks a little raw in the field to me.  Not exactly smooth.  Seemed to be a little nervous in his first at bat (which is understandable). He had a bit of a dip in his stride that would concern me.  It was hard to form an opinion of him because you could tell he was a bit amped up/nervous.

Jordan Lyles (Sat) - Very athletic build.  I can see why he was offered scholarships as a WR.  During warmups/stretching, you can tell he has good body control.  He could handle an extra 20-25 lbs and be just fine.  Legs are athletic, but still a bit thin, same for upper body.  Arm speed reminds me of Roy Halladay.  It's not whippy and it doesn't make you say "man that's a quick arm".  Very easy delivery without a bunch of moving parts.  2-seamer was 90-91 touching 93.  Cutter was 88 consistently.  Slider/curve was 85-87.  He threw one loopy curve that was 79.  His change-up is filthy.  Consistently in the low 80s.  He made Adrian Cardenas (A's top ten prospect) look stupid 3 times on change ups. He was getting swings and misses easily with the change up. The homer he gave up was on a fastball that drifted over the middle of the plate.  The good thing to see was that he was angry (not overly) with himself about that pitch...shows me he is a competitor.  I think there could be more velocity there if he were to add a few pounds and be just a bit less firm on his front leg.  Pitches down in the zone consistently.

Though Clemens didn't play, he was all over the field chatting it up with teammates and keeping the mood light.  I can see how that would be a good thing if he turns out to be a bench player. 

There it is if any cares about my non-professional assessment.  It was fun nonetheless.

7

Talk Zone / Re: Roy O to Phillies

« on: July 29, 2010, 03:54:11 pm »

Wallace was a third baseman until this year, right? Anyone know/read anything about his abilities there? Could he be moved back there if Berkman is still around next year?

I recall Callis stating in a chat last year that there was no way that Wallace could stay at 3B.  That is the reason he was dealt in the first place.  Premium bat, average defender at 1B.  

8

Talk Zone / Re: Roy O to Phillies

« on: July 29, 2010, 03:47:09 pm »

please excuse my previous FireEdWade.com post.

I feel better now.

9

Talk Zone / Re: Roy O to Phillies

« on: July 29, 2010, 03:45:11 pm »

this makes me feel better: http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2010/07/astros-to-send-anthony-gose-to-blue-jays.html

10

Talk Zone / Re: Roy O to Phillies

« on: July 29, 2010, 02:57:29 pm »

Hat tip to Astros County for finding this: http://twitter.com/TBrownYahoo/status/19850167475

Scouting Report from BA on Gose:

6.      Anthony Gose, of   Born: Aug. 10, 1990 • B-T: L-L • Ht: 6-1 • Wt: 190
 Drafted: HS—Bellflower, Calif., 2008 (2nd round) • Signed by: Tim Kissner
Anthony GoseBackground: Gose had as much arm strength as any high school lefthander this decade, reaching 97 mph at times, but had no desire to pitch as a professional. He also had a shoulder problem as a senior, so the Phillies popped him as an outfielder and paid him a $772,000 bonus. His tools were evident in 2009, as managers rated him the best and fastest baserunner, best defensive outfielder and most exciting player in the South Atlantic League.

Strengths: Gose earns 70 grades on the 20-80 scouting scale for three tools: his arm, his center-field defense and his speed. He led the minor leagues with 76 steals in 96 attempts, and he'll be even more dangerous as he gets on base more often and refines his basestealing instincts. His arm helped him rack up 13 assists, third among SAL outfielders. Despite hitting just two homers in 2009, he has solid-average raw power.

Weaknesses: His weakest tool is his bat, and Gose will need time to rework his offensive approach and improve his pitch recognition. His power gets him in trouble as he takes wild hacks at times. He gives away too many at-bats and lacks a two-strike approach.

The Future: The Phillies believe in Gose and will give him plenty of time to learn and improve, but he may need 2,000 minor league at-bats. Some scouts liken his offensive upside to that of Carl Crawford, and Gose would have more defensive value. He'll advance to high Class A in 2010.

11

Talk Zone / Re: Roy O to Phillies

« on: July 29, 2010, 02:27:58 pm »

If the Astros just swapped Oswalt and $11MM for Happ, Gose and Villar, they have been officially anally raped without lube. 

100% agree.

12

Talk Zone / Re: Roy O to Phillies

« on: July 29, 2010, 02:16:30 pm »

I am in favor of starting a FireEdWade.com if this is the haul for Roy Oswalt and $11MM.

13

Talk Zone / Re: Trade Deadline...

« on: July 22, 2010, 01:40:31 pm »

I'll take 20 extra losses this season for guys who contribute to five extra wins in 2012 or 2013. Who cares about the rest of this season other than getting young guys some playing time? Getting good value for Oswalt, Myers and Rodriguez would be a big improvement to the team's long-term outlook.

Agree 100%.  20 more losses might get you another stud prospect: Anthony Rendon or Matthew Purke.

14

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: 2010 July 2nd Int'l Free Agent signing period

« on: July 07, 2010, 03:59:18 pm »

scouting report via BA:

Ovando (also referred to by some scouts as Ogando) trains with Carlos Guzman, a prominent Dominican trainer who in recent years has worked with Padres $900,000 third baseman Duanel Jones and Cardinals $1.3 million third baseman Roberto de la Cruz. At 16, Ovando is one of the most physically impressive hitters on the market, a long-framed 16-year-old with a projectable frame and plus to plus-plus raw power thanks to his size, strength and bat speed. Ovando can draw attention in batting practice and his hit well for some teams against live pitching, but his set-up has a good amount of extraneous movement and his size gives him a long swing, which causes him to swing and miss and get tied up against pitches in on his hands. Ovando's potential is in his bat, as he doesn't run or throw well, which means he's limited to left field or first base.

15

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: 2010 July 2nd Int'l Free Agent signing period

« on: July 02, 2010, 09:28:59 am »

Video of Sanchez: http://vimeo.com/5270029

Serious bat speed for that age.  Geeez

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The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Draft 2010

« on: June 09, 2010, 10:18:28 am »

Last, OSF kicks all your asses.

+1

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The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Draft 2010

« on: June 08, 2010, 04:34:50 pm »

It sounds like $1.5 Mil is the number on Jones : http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/article/20100606/SPORTS/100605007

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The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Draft 2010

« on: June 08, 2010, 04:27:49 pm »

His coach has been quoted as saying he was under the impression that the Astros, as well as a couple other teams, would be willing to go over slot for him (via Astros County).

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The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Draft 2010

« on: June 08, 2010, 04:21:59 pm »

I really really like that pick.  May be an over slot guy, but I hope they make that one happen.  I was hoping they would take him in the 4th, but getting him this late may be a blessing.

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The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Draft 2010

« on: June 07, 2010, 04:43:21 pm »

Bobby Heck knows a lot more about this than we do. And note that his past "overdrafts" have worked out pretty well so far.

I agree 100%

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The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Draft 2010

« on: June 07, 2010, 04:40:07 pm »

I would rather have more of an impact bat at #8.  Sale seems to have that type of ceiling.  DD sounds like a table setter type.  I'd take Sale.

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The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Dominican Summer Astros 2010

« on: June 07, 2010, 11:37:40 am »

Who, other than Ferreira, are the kids to watch down there?

23

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Draft 2010

« on: June 07, 2010, 11:27:11 am »

If Biddle is available at 1S/1 (33), I would bet that he is the pick there.  I wouldn't mind J. Sale at either 1st round pick.

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The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Draft 2010

« on: May 27, 2010, 10:34:10 am »

Personally, I believe the Astros may be "leaking" interest in Cox to keep people off of the guy they are targeting.  They may be planting a scout at his games to lead others to believe they have substantial interest.  I do see the Delino DeShields talk as a match.  Maybe at 19 unless a prep pitcher falls to them.

I could see Lewis as the 1S/1 pick.  Even though he is a 3B, he is described as a plus defender with possible plus power.  He has some holes, but that's what the minor leagues are for: find those and work on them.

I don't know why I am trying to figure this out.  Heck is the baseball draft philosophical equivalent to Immanuel Kant (trying to give teams preconceived notions so that they can only think within the restraints of those notions).

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The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Lexington 2010

« on: May 13, 2010, 02:01:15 pm »

I wonder if that shoulder issue is impacting his performance...

Can anyone give a first hand account of how he looks at the plate?

26

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Jean Carlos Batista

« on: May 10, 2010, 11:13:12 am »

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sOkmwY85fh0

27

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Jean Carlos Batista

« on: May 10, 2010, 08:54:03 am »

http://www.dplbaseball.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=117:jean-carlos-batista-agreed-to-terms-with-the-astros&catid=1:latest-news

Does anyone know where to find a scouting report on him?

28

Talk Zone / Re: Valverde declines arbitration

« on: December 08, 2009, 01:19:47 pm »

I hope Hunsicker really likes Valverde.

Ditto.

29

Talk Zone / Re: Valverde declines arbitration

« on: December 08, 2009, 10:21:09 am »

I'd say it's looking pretty good that one of those comp picks will be a first rounder.  No one in the top 16 (the Cubs pick at 16 is protected because of the compensation pick that the Rangers have at 15 for not signing Purke) is likely to pay $10M for a closer.  The only chance is that the Cubs might... but other than that, I don't see any of the top 15 doing it.  What do you guys think?

Draft order for 2010:

 1. Nationals (59-103)
  2. Pirates (62-99)
  3. Orioles (64-98)
  4. Royals (65-97)
  5. Indians (65-97)
  6. Diamondbacks (70-92)
  7. Mets (70-92)
  8. Astros (74-88)
  9. Padres (75-87)
10. Athletics (75-87)
11. Blue Jays (75-87)
12. Reds (78-84)
13. White Sox (79-83)
14. Brewers (80-82)
15. Rangers (for Matt Purke)
16. Cubs (83-78)
17. Rays (84-78)
18. Mariners (85-77)
19. Tigers (86-77)
20. Braves (86-76)
21. Twins (87-76)
22. Rangers (87-75)
23. Marlins (87-75)
24. Giants (88-74)
25. Cardinals (91-71)
26. Rockies (92-70)
27. Phillies (93-69)
28. Dodgers (95-67)
29. Red Sox (95-67)
30. Angels (97-65)
31. Rays (for LeVon Washington)
32. Yankees (103-59)

30

Talk Zone / Re: Live Chat w/ Brad Mills on 12/8

« on: December 08, 2009, 10:16:16 am »

I second that boycott.  Inferiority complexes turn "journalists" into inferior "journalists"

It drives me crazy that he insists on predicating every entry on "________ told ME, yada yada, yada."

I wish Levine worked for a more reputable news outlet.  Then I would never have a reason to visit chron online ever again.

31

Talk Zone / Re: Surprisingly reasonable take from BP

« on: December 04, 2009, 10:46:28 am »

Yes, the discussion was based on if they had picked up at least one solid starter.  (in this crazy scenario, 2).  I can find no quotes from Wade(or anyone else with any power) saying Norris has a spot locked so I guess I'll have to retract the whole Norris is locked up thing. Oh well.

Not in writing, but on Astroline, Wade pretty much said Bud was the number 3 for next season and that Paulino was the leading contender for the #4 spot.  It's archived on astros.com

32

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: BA Top 10

« on: November 30, 2009, 08:41:06 am »

It's by Levine and is virtually word for word the same blog post he had on chron.com from a month or so ago when he interviewed Mier.

33

Talk Zone / Re: Let the Hot Stove season begin

« on: November 05, 2009, 02:26:46 pm »

If the player accepts an offer of arbitration, he is considered a signed player.  No need to "opt out".

34

Talk Zone / Re: Let the Hot Stove season begin

« on: November 05, 2009, 09:32:02 am »

The GM meetings start on Monday (11/9) in Chicago.

35

Talk Zone / Re: No, not Cruuuuuuuuuuuuuuuz

« on: October 14, 2009, 09:35:33 am »

please. MLB is not HS. how much "coaching" do you think those guys will accept?

Well, if they play like high schoolers, they should be treated like high schoolers.  And don't give me any lectures on "accepting coaching".  Two of my cousins were MLB pitchers.  They gladly accepted any help that kept them in the league.  They work to inflate their paychecks.  The better they are as a player, the more money they make.  They understand that.

36

Talk Zone / Re: No, not Cruuuuuuuuuuuuuuuz

« on: October 14, 2009, 08:49:58 am »

I'd like to add my vote of disgust for JJdO.

Cruz was great to watch as a player, and it was great to see #25 on the field every night, but let's look at his coaching...

Supposedly, he coached the outfielders.  Does anyone remember Bourn's WTF? with Carlos where they both stood there looking at each other?  This wasn't the only time that situations like this arose over the past couple of years.  Pence takes some of the worst routes I've ever seen to get to a fly ball.  It's almost as if he has to touch every space on the Candy Land board before the gets to the end and then puts on that nifty pink bonnet to proclaim he's reached his destination does a dance and then catches the ball.  These types of things are part the player, but he should be coached up. Extra work could help.  After a couple of the communication problems in the OF, Cruz should have made Bourn walk around declaring his space everywhere he went (walks into the John, enters a stall and declares with full enthusiasm- "MINE!!!), just to remind him that he is in control out there.

Like I said, a lot of player, but a hell of a lot of coaching.

37

Talk Zone / Re: Rudy Jaramillo

« on: October 08, 2009, 02:00:22 pm »

i second that nomination.

38

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Minors Best Tools

« on: August 14, 2009, 10:21:44 am »

I would say that Abercrombie is less likely since the 40 man roster is full.

Of course, that doesn't mean they can't trim it, but those moves usually aren't made until after the season as they prepare for the Rule V.

39

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: IF Chan-jong Moon

« on: August 14, 2009, 08:16:27 am »

ditto on getting blocked by that site; however, i did find this:

http://eastwindupchronicle.com/cubs-keep-making-it-rain-in-asia-astros-sign-moon/

40

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Minors Best Tools

« on: August 13, 2009, 03:00:50 pm »

Baseball America is releasing its best tools list... I have a subscription so I will post as they come out:

Triple A:
PCL:
Best Pitching Prospect: Bud Norris
Best Breaking Pitch: Bud Norris
Best Defensive Outfielder: Yordany Ramirez
Best Outfield Arm: Yordany Ramirez

Texas League:
Best Defensive 3B: Jhon Florentino


am I wrong to want Yordany up as a 4th outfielder type for next year?  Good defensively, pinch runner type???

41

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Corpus Christi 2009

« on: August 12, 2009, 04:29:10 pm »

It's mostly talking about how he is making Heck and Wade look smart for passing on Smoak.  Castro discusses how once he got settled in at Corpus his offense started coming around (he was more concerned with learning the pitching staff and getting that in order first).  He also mentions that he will work this offseason to put on some weight.

The theme of the article is "He is good, not just 'good for a catcher'" 

Pujols praises how intelligent he is and how he can make adjustments on the fly after being coached.

Levine comments that the seabreeze in from right field may be impacting his power numbers, but Bennett says he's seen marked improvement in driving the ball to the gaps.

not a lot of meat and potatoes regarding the nuts and bolts of what he is working on.   I have been disappointed in my subscriptions except for the access to scouting reports on the top 10 prospects for each club.

42

Talk Zone / Re: Bourn update

« on: August 06, 2009, 03:29:37 pm »

this is how fast...

http://mlb.mlb.com/media/video.jsp?mid=200809263554744

43

Talk Zone / Re: Ortiz released

« on: July 30, 2009, 04:48:23 pm »

I just heard a chorus singing "Halleluiah"

44

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Minor Notes

« on: July 14, 2009, 10:32:55 am »

I just want to claim that question to Callis which prompted his debate on this.  I am a Baseball America subscriber and use every opportunity to get them to discuss Astros prospects. 

I am just glad he took the time to use my question.... and give us something to chew on over here.

45

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Corpus Christi Hooks 7/4/2009

« on: July 07, 2009, 02:04:31 pm »

Sutil looked okay.  He's quick, but really didn't see a lot of action when I was there.  He generated a lot of attention when he was on first.  I didn't really see enough swings to say much about his offensive game.  He didn't urge a derogatory comment from me.  i suppose that is good.


The Brewster Street Grill accross the parking lot was a pretty neat little bar to do some pregaming.  They do serve Whataburgers there, but decided to skip it since I can get those anywhere.

I did really like the 2010 Camaro sitting out in front of the park though.  I am a big Camaro fan.

46

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Corpus Christi Hooks 7/4/2009

« on: July 07, 2009, 09:35:37 am »

The trip was great.  Whataburger Field is nice place to see a game.  You can tell that they wanted it to be a "family" destination, and I am certain that it is.  The games were well attended.

The only bummer was that I didn't get to see Castro play.  He had gotten hit on Thursday night pretty bad and was really sore and didn't play over the weekend (i spoke to him while getting his autograph).  I agree with what someone said a few weeks ago: he's a little lanky and will need to add some beef to take the pounding of catching everyday.

Other observations:

Einertson- has a really quick, compact swing, but struggles with pitch recognition.  He seemed like he was guessing every time he swung.

Van Ostrand- the most unathletic looking player I think i've ever seen.  he's not fat, but he looks like he doesn't have a single fast twitch muscle in his body

DeLome- He was the only position player I saw that looks like a major leaguer.  He seemed confident, has a good swing, runs well, decent (but not outstanding) arm.

Florentino- he looks as if he lacks the mental concentration to play in the big leagues.  there were a few plays that should have been routine that he seemed like he wasn't focused and made more difficult than needed to be.  Does have a good arm, but not really impressed overall with him.

McKeller- actually looked really good. not sure if it was just a good night for him (Friday), but he looked solid.

Lumsden- good fastball, but struggled with his release point on his off-speed stuff. 

Locke- pitchers have figured out he can't hit the off speed stuff.  On friday night, I only saw them throw him one fastball the entire night.  Even though he was 3x4 on Friday, none of them were even remotely struck well.  He carries himself well, runs well enough, but he'll get chewed up even more at AAA.  It must have just taken half a season to figure out his weakness.

It was really fun seeing these guys play.  There is only so much you can get from reading about these guys from various fortune tellers, so it was fun to make my own observations. The park was nice, nice selection of beer, food was blah, but at least it wasn't nearly as expensive as MMP.  I will most assuredly will be going again.

47

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Corpus Christi Hooks 7/4/2009

« on: June 17, 2009, 01:50:33 pm »

I'll put Brewster St. on my to do list.

BTW, I still have 3 tix for the 4th of July game if anyone wants them...

48

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Corpus Christi Hooks 7/4/2009

« on: June 16, 2009, 05:10:53 pm »

I am originally from Corpus and now live in Houston.  I am of course a big homer when it comes to professional baseball and I am now a fan of the local nine.

I am going back to Corpus for the 4th of July and bought tix to the games for the 3rd and 4th.  In my eagerness, I mistakenly bought 3 extra tickets for the game on the 4th.  Is there anyone here that wants them?  They are section 125 row 7.


This is my first time back to Corpus in at least 4 years and my first trip to Whataburger Field.  Anyone have some suggestions for bars/restaurants/concession stands that I should hit in and around the ball park?

And yes, I scheduled this trip because Castro was called up.

49

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: 2009 Draft

« on: June 10, 2009, 11:17:10 am »

4th Round: BJ Hyatt RHP U South Carolina-Sumter  6' 4" 205lbs

anyone have any scouting videos or scouting reports on this guy?

50

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: 2009 Draft

« on: May 19, 2009, 02:31:37 pm »

I agree with Noe's post.  here is BA's scouting report on Lyles:

Background: The Astros veered off the board in drafting Lyles in 2008 draft. He was not in BA's predraft Top 200, though he was the top prep prospect in South Carolina and briefly flirted with playing college football as a receiver. He signed for $930,000 on the night of his high school graduation, spurning a University of South Carolina scholarship.

Strengths: Lyles has a free and easy, classic delivery that the Astros say needs little tweaking. He shelved his cutter once in pro ball, and saw an immediate improvement in his fastball as it jumped from 86-88 mph in the spring to 90-96 all summer. He had good command of it even with the added velocity. His curveball has rotation and shape to it, and he also has shown a feel for a changeup.

Weaknesses: Consistency will be paramount as Lyles advances through the system. He has trouble repeating his secondary stuff, especially the curveball. It flattens out at times. He has a tendency to elevate his fastball, and that will get him knocked around higher up in the minors.

The Future: Lyles projects to be a solid No. 3 starter at this point, with a shot to be a No. 2. The Astros have plenty of time to nurture him and will tag-team him with Ross Seaton at Lexington to open 2008.

the radar gun wouldn't have told you much about lyles, but obviously the Astros figured out that if he gave up the cutter, he'd pick up some velocity...

i was just trying to make the point earlier that Velocity and Stats are not essential corner posts to finding elite talent. 

51

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: 2009 Draft

« on: May 19, 2009, 08:45:52 am »

i have the subscription to BA and they had an interview with the MLB scouting director (MLB scouts all players on their own to give teams a "list" of kids they need to go see.  His rationale was that with no vested interest in the draft, they give all kids a chance at being looked at without all of the politics of the individual organizations). They also have video services that would be impossible for teams to get video of every possible prospect (that's where those videos on the MLB.com scouting reports come from).

He mentioned that stats are not even looked at when teams are scouting someone, especially with pitchers.  They look at arm action, arm speed, their build, how they carry themselves, their delivery(how much work it needs, and is it repeatable) and movement on pitches.  So the fact that some college guys have an ERA of 5 or better probably doesn't even register with the scouts.  he even says that more than half of the scouts don't even look at the radar gun.

Those college guys you speak of  are probably pleasant to watch pitch even though their numbers don't show that.  Projectability is still something to consider even in college kids even though it is a far greater criteria in HS kids.

52

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: 2009 Draft

« on: May 15, 2009, 11:10:13 am »

I agree, you won't get a good sense until a week or two before the draft when you hear rumblings about an increase in scout visits in the homes of these kids.

Personally, I think Williams would be an overdraft here.  I do believe that the SS Jiovanni Mier is interesting at this pick.  But as mentioned, they just need to take the best available player without regards to position.

53

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Lexington Legends 2009

« on: May 12, 2009, 08:52:22 am »

On the general manager's show last night on 740am, Wade mentioned that "the young pitchers" at Lexington will be moving up to Lancaster soon.  He didn't say specifically who in the group were moving up, but in the interview he mentioned Seaton, Dydalewicz, and Lyles repeatedly.

Does any have a scoop on this?  I find it hard to believe that Dydalewicz would move up after only pitching 17 innings and then being DL'd.  At least Wade is sticking to his guns of moving kids through the system quickly.

Of course he didn't mention a date for the promotion, he just said it's coming soon.

54

Talk Zone / Jason Smith DFA

« on: May 06, 2009, 04:53:06 pm »

Dulati on 790 is reporting that Jason Smith has been designated for assignment.  It was mentioned that they are going with a 13 man pitching group.  Anyone here who was added?

the list:
Oswalt
Rodriguez
Hampton
Ortiz
Moehler
Paulino
Sampson
Geary
Fulchino
Hawkins
Wright
Byrdak

DL:
Brocail
Valverde

I haven't heard who the callup is.... someone post if you hear who it is.

55

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Lexington Legends 2009

« on: May 06, 2009, 08:47:59 am »

I got Callis to give Seaton some run on BA.   He expects him to be a top 100 prospect next year:

http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/ask-ba/2009/268051.html

56

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Lexington Legends 2009

« on: May 04, 2009, 01:01:35 pm »

update on Dydalewicz at the bottom of Tag's update:

http://blogs.chron.com/gamedayastros/2009/05/chiajen_lo_off_to_quick_start.html

57

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Lexington Legends 2009

« on: May 01, 2009, 09:30:36 am »

uh oh...

that's too bad.  he has the lowest batting avg. against in the entire minor leagues: .089

let us know of any info that becomes available.

58

Talk Zone / Re: PTBNL in Keppinger deal to be announced this week

« on: April 16, 2009, 02:10:07 pm »

My money is on Iorg.  I mentioned this on the Bus Ride.  On restricted list for no reason?  I think not.

59

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Round Rock Express 2009

« on: April 16, 2009, 08:59:20 am »

Maybe he is the PTBNL in the Keppinger deal?