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The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Baseball Prospectus Top 10
« on: November 15, 2019, 12:32:38 pm »
I do not have a subscription, but if anyone wants to post the list here, that would be great.
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Game Zone 2019 / 2019 World Series Game 1; October 22, 2019
« on: October 22, 2019, 05:51:15 pm »
I have concluded that attending a World Series game live keeps you (or at least me) young!
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The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Lost, Stolen or Strayed ...
« on: March 28, 2019, 04:10:10 am »
With the posting of the MiLB rosters (still preliminary, of course) I have a few observations.
Corbin Martin (and to a lesser extent Ryan Hartman) at Round Rock (ahead of JB Bukauskas and others) surprised me a little. There are at least six (and possibly eight) starters on the roster, so a couple of those will probably see mostly bullpen action.
It was encouraging to see Tyler Ivey at Corpus. I was surprised to see Kit Scheetz assigned there instead of Round Rock though. I was also surprised to see Jake Adams stay in Fayetteville, meaning that one or more of the six outfielders will be manning 1B. I have seen reports elsewhere that JJ Matijevic is listed in the infield, so I am assuming he is the most likely candidate. I think Chas McCormick saw a little 1B action last year, too, but I am not going to look it up right now.
Fayetteville is mostly as I had expected, though two of my questions in the other thread are answered here (Angarita & De La Cruz). I had also expected Jake Adams to start in Corpus and Scott Schreiber here (instead of Quad Cities). It will be interesting to see who gets the most playing time at catcher between Michael Papierski (with his amazing BB rate) and newcomer Scott Manea. I was also surprised not to find another newcomer, Alejandro Flores, here (or anywhere, for that matter).
Quad Cities likewise held only a few surprises ... though I usually do not even try to project the pitching staff at this level. I am a bit surprised to see Jonathan Lacroix here again, and I had thought to see the recently released Luis Encarnacion at 1B. The biggest surprise was four catchers, none of them named Nathan Perry. Of course, Alex Holderbach also saw time at 1B last year, so he and Schreiber may split time there.
Missing in action: In addition to catchers Alejandro Flores and Nathan Perry, there were a few Tri-City regulars that I expected to make the jump to full season ball. These include infielder Michael Wielansky and outfielder Ramiro Rodriguez.
Corbin Martin (and to a lesser extent Ryan Hartman) at Round Rock (ahead of JB Bukauskas and others) surprised me a little. There are at least six (and possibly eight) starters on the roster, so a couple of those will probably see mostly bullpen action.
It was encouraging to see Tyler Ivey at Corpus. I was surprised to see Kit Scheetz assigned there instead of Round Rock though. I was also surprised to see Jake Adams stay in Fayetteville, meaning that one or more of the six outfielders will be manning 1B. I have seen reports elsewhere that JJ Matijevic is listed in the infield, so I am assuming he is the most likely candidate. I think Chas McCormick saw a little 1B action last year, too, but I am not going to look it up right now.
Fayetteville is mostly as I had expected, though two of my questions in the other thread are answered here (Angarita & De La Cruz). I had also expected Jake Adams to start in Corpus and Scott Schreiber here (instead of Quad Cities). It will be interesting to see who gets the most playing time at catcher between Michael Papierski (with his amazing BB rate) and newcomer Scott Manea. I was also surprised not to find another newcomer, Alejandro Flores, here (or anywhere, for that matter).
Quad Cities likewise held only a few surprises ... though I usually do not even try to project the pitching staff at this level. I am a bit surprised to see Jonathan Lacroix here again, and I had thought to see the recently released Luis Encarnacion at 1B. The biggest surprise was four catchers, none of them named Nathan Perry. Of course, Alex Holderbach also saw time at 1B last year, so he and Schreiber may split time there.
Missing in action: In addition to catchers Alejandro Flores and Nathan Perry, there were a few Tri-City regulars that I expected to make the jump to full season ball. These include infielder Michael Wielansky and outfielder Ramiro Rodriguez.
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The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Round Rock 2019
« on: March 28, 2019, 03:24:20 am »
It's great to have the Astrolets back in Round Rock. Looks like the 2019 roster 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.
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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The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Corpus Christi 2019
« on: March 28, 2019, 03:18:45 am »
Looks like the Hooks have posted their 2019 roster.
Pitchers: Brett Adcock, Brandon Bailey, Brandon Bielak, JB Bukauskas, Jose Hernandez, Tyler Ivey, Carson LaRue, Ronel Blanco, Justin Ferrell, Colin McKee, Erasmo Pinales, Kit Scheetz, Gabriel Valdez.
Catchers: Lorenzo Quintana, Chuckie Robinson.
Infield: JJ Matijevic (who is apparently moving to 1B), Odvaldo Duarte, Anibal Sierra, Abraham Toro.
Outfield: Josh Rojas, Ronnie Dawson, Stephen Wrenn, Chas McCormick, Carmen Benedetti.
Pitchers: Brett Adcock, Brandon Bailey, Brandon Bielak, JB Bukauskas, Jose Hernandez, Tyler Ivey, Carson LaRue, Ronel Blanco, Justin Ferrell, Colin McKee, Erasmo Pinales, Kit Scheetz, Gabriel Valdez.
Catchers: Lorenzo Quintana, Chuckie Robinson.
Infield: JJ Matijevic (who is apparently moving to 1B), Odvaldo Duarte, Anibal Sierra, Abraham Toro.
Outfield: Josh Rojas, Ronnie Dawson, Stephen Wrenn, Chas McCormick, Carmen Benedetti.
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The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Fayetteville 2019
« on: March 28, 2019, 03:13:13 am »
Looks like the Woodpeckers (I already hate that name) have posted their 2019 roster.
Pitchers: Peter Solomon, Edgardo Sandoval, Carlos Sanabria, Cesar Rosado, Leovanny Rodriguez, Yohan Ramirez, Enoli Paredes, Parker Mushinski, Cristian Javier, JP France, Chad Donato, Tommy DeJuneas, Bryan Abreu.
Catchers: Scott Manea, Michael Papierski.
Infield: Jake Adams, Miguelangel Sierra, Jonathan Arauz, Colton Shaver, Alfredo Angarita.
Outfield: Seth Beer, Jacob Meyers, Corey Julks, Chandler Taylor, Bryan De La Cruz.
Pitchers: Peter Solomon, Edgardo Sandoval, Carlos Sanabria, Cesar Rosado, Leovanny Rodriguez, Yohan Ramirez, Enoli Paredes, Parker Mushinski, Cristian Javier, JP France, Chad Donato, Tommy DeJuneas, Bryan Abreu.
Catchers: Scott Manea, Michael Papierski.
Infield: Jake Adams, Miguelangel Sierra, Jonathan Arauz, Colton Shaver, Alfredo Angarita.
Outfield: Seth Beer, Jacob Meyers, Corey Julks, Chandler Taylor, Bryan De La Cruz.
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The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Quad Cities 2019
« on: March 28, 2019, 03:08:18 am »
Looks like the River Bandits have announced their 2019 roster.
Pitching staff: Humberto Castellanos, Willy Collado, Brett Conine, Devin Conn, Brett Daniels, Shawn Dubin, Tanner Duncan, RJ Freure, Luis Garcia, Austin Hansen, Mark Moclair, Nivaldo Rodriguez, Matt Ruppenthal, Jairo Solis (7-day DL).
Catchers: Ruben Castro (7-day DL), Cesar Salazar, Alex Holderbach, Oscar Campos.
Infield: Scott Schreiber, David Hensley, Jeremy Pena, Trey Dawson, Enmanuel Valdez.
Outfield: Jonathan Lacroix, Marty Costes, Ross Adolph, Andy Pineda, Alex McKinna (7-day DL).
Pitching staff: Humberto Castellanos, Willy Collado, Brett Conine, Devin Conn, Brett Daniels, Shawn Dubin, Tanner Duncan, RJ Freure, Luis Garcia, Austin Hansen, Mark Moclair, Nivaldo Rodriguez, Matt Ruppenthal, Jairo Solis (7-day DL).
Catchers: Ruben Castro (7-day DL), Cesar Salazar, Alex Holderbach, Oscar Campos.
Infield: Scott Schreiber, David Hensley, Jeremy Pena, Trey Dawson, Enmanuel Valdez.
Outfield: Jonathan Lacroix, Marty Costes, Ross Adolph, Andy Pineda, Alex McKinna (7-day DL).
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Talk Zone / ALCS Attendees
« on: October 12, 2018, 06:16:18 pm »
Not sure what the protocol is since the only meetup I have had in person was with Coach at Round Rock a few years ago. I just sprung for a seat in section 212 for game 5. Anyone else planning on attending that one?
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The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Tri-City 2018
« on: June 14, 2018, 09:01:29 am »
Any word on when we will see a roster? There are a lot of interesting guys floating around from last year's short-season squads that I am curious about.
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The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Problems with MiLB.com
« on: April 15, 2018, 06:34:37 pm »
Does anyone else have problems with the milb.com scoreboard? When I access on my iPhone the pop-up adds hijack the browser and I have to close it out. Also, I periodically get a warning about it being a deceptive website (although I expect that the warning itself is deceptive).
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Anybody hear anything in when Yuli is expected to rejoin the team? I like Davis, but I think he needs more time at AAA.
ETA - Answered my own question. 10 day DL for hand surgery effective April 3.
ETA - Answered my own question. 10 day DL for hand surgery effective April 3.
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The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Expanded BA Paywall
« on: April 02, 2018, 08:30:35 am »
BA has expanded their paywall to include the weekly summary of minor league transactions (excluding me). I guess I will have to spend more time sifting through the milb.com listings.
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The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Jherson Pereira
« on: March 01, 2018, 05:01:50 pm »
So ... Who is this guy? Venezuelan, but I find no background on him.
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Talk Zone / RIP Tito Francona
« on: February 15, 2018, 09:54:25 am »
Passing of a great guy. http://m.mlb.com/news/article/206640530/terry-francona-guides-indians-to-world-series
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The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Releases
« on: December 23, 2017, 03:25:11 pm »
WTHB has a good write-up on MiLB releases.
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The Championship Season Game Zone 2017 / Great Name Change
« on: November 03, 2017, 09:39:16 pm »
That is all.
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Beer and Queso / NRG?
« on: February 05, 2017, 10:01:31 pm »
My wife while watching the Super Bowl:
They are playing in Houston, right? What does NRG stand for? Not Real Good?
They are playing in Houston, right? What does NRG stand for? Not Real Good?
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Beer and Queso / Shiner 108
« on: February 02, 2017, 07:34:09 pm »
Coffee - it's not just for breakfast anymore. But I may try this for breakfast!! Good.
Anyone else try it yet?
Anyone else try it yet?
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Talk Zone / The Outfield Controversy
« on: July 28, 2016, 08:36:34 am »
Seems like there have been opinions on upgrading the outfield (or at least the offensive production from outfielders) in a number of recent threads. I was looking at July performance recently and noticed this slash line:
.325/.341/.425
Anyone care to guess which outfielder that belongs to?
.325/.341/.425
Anyone care to guess which outfielder that belongs to?
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The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Double Double
« on: July 10, 2015, 08:07:41 pm »
We have a double double going tonight. Kolbey Carpenter (Tri City) and Alex Bregman (Quad Cities) are both 2 for 2 in the HBP category tonight.
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The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Minor League Roster Machinations
« on: April 22, 2015, 03:28:07 pm »
Something I noticed last year has again become common in the Astros organization. They are essentially carrying an extra pitcher (or two) at both Lancaster and Quad Cities ... moving someone to the "inactive list" right after they pitch several innings and "activating" someone who is ready to pitch. What are the rules on this sort of thing? Are there any limits at all, or do they just have to stick with the roster limit on a game-by-game basis?
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The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Minor League Free Agent List?
« on: October 01, 2014, 07:05:04 pm »
I thought I remembered somebody posting a list of potential Astro MiLB FAs, but I can't seem to find it. Does anyone have a link or a reference?
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The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Player Development Case Study
« on: August 08, 2014, 11:52:59 am »
For whatever reason, I have been following Jonathan Meyer very closely since I saw him playing for Lexington in 2010. The game I saw, he looked raw, but seemed to have potential. I saw him in a couple of games at the Dell Diamond earlier this year, though, and after 550 games at 3B (prior to this year), he still did not look comfortable there. The last thing I expected was a move to SS, where he had only appeared in 1 prior game as a professional (2011 at Lancaster). So I decided to do a little research and see what I could find.
He was a supplemental 3rd round pick in 2009 (111 overall) out of Simi Valley High School in California at 3B. (As an aside, Jake Marisnick went #104 to the Blue Jays in the same draft.) This is the same draft that brought the Astros Jio Mier (1/21), Tanner Bushue (2/69), Telvin Nash (3/100), Kike Hernandez (6/191) and Dallas Keuchel (7/221) among others. The Astros also passed on a few 4th rounders of note: Jason Stoffel (117 to the Giants), Max Stassi (123 to the A’s) and Matt Heidenreich (133 to the White Sox). Other 3B in the draft included the oft-injured Bobby Borchering (1/16 to Arizona), the recently released Erik Castro (10/311) and the recently retired Adam Nelubowich (14/413 to the Mariners but unsigned). In short, it does not appear to have been a banner year at the hot corner.
The pre-draft write-up on Meyer was revealing:
He began his pro career at Greeneville, where he led the team in games, plate appearances, at-bats, RBI, walks and strikeouts while posting a .190/.301/.299 line. He also committed 16 errors in 62 games at 3B (trailing only Mier who had 18 miscues at SS). He jumped to Lexington the next year at age 19 and seemed to get a little more comfortable at the plate. There he posted a .245/.304/.317 line and cut his K-rate from about 25% of PA to about 20%. He was still a “work in progress” at 3B, though, with 29 errors in 119 games.
His offence improved over the next two years, but with both spent at Lancaster, it is hard to gauge the park effect. He did hit 14 HR in 2011 and 8 in 2012, but his two-year composite line was .268/.329/.387. He cut his strikeout rate from about 22% in 2011 to about 19% in 2012, but his walk rate also fell. Moving up to AA in 2013 (still only 22), he began to show some power, with 15 HR and a slash line of .260/.318/.403. He also kept his strikeout rate below 20%. His error rates were consistent over the three years at 17 each year (1 of those in his only prior appearance at SS). He then went to the AZL last fall to work on his offense.
Comparing the hit charts at MLBFarm.com it would seem that the goal was to get him to pull the ball less. He is hitting more ground balls this year, and more balls to center, whereas he was hitting fly balls to leftfield more often in previous years. He is still striking out about 20% of the time, though, and his power seems to have evaporated. His performance is almost identical between AAA (where he spent April & May) and AA where he has played since. His combined slash line is .219/.276/.286. So he at least hits like a SS even if his 24 errors (22 in 100 games at 3B) are still a problem.
So … Is there a point to all this? I’m not sure. Maybe it is just further confirmation that the previous regime's drafting record was abysmal. Or maybe it says something about player development. I can find no knock on his work ethic, and the change in batting approach seems to indicate teachability, even if the results are not there. Frankly, I still cannot see why he is seen as a “glove man”, but having seen only 3 games in person, I certainly do not want to contradict the experts. He will be a 6-year free agent after this season, though, and unless something changes radically, I do not expect him to be in the Astros system next year.
He was a supplemental 3rd round pick in 2009 (111 overall) out of Simi Valley High School in California at 3B. (As an aside, Jake Marisnick went #104 to the Blue Jays in the same draft.) This is the same draft that brought the Astros Jio Mier (1/21), Tanner Bushue (2/69), Telvin Nash (3/100), Kike Hernandez (6/191) and Dallas Keuchel (7/221) among others. The Astros also passed on a few 4th rounders of note: Jason Stoffel (117 to the Giants), Max Stassi (123 to the A’s) and Matt Heidenreich (133 to the White Sox). Other 3B in the draft included the oft-injured Bobby Borchering (1/16 to Arizona), the recently released Erik Castro (10/311) and the recently retired Adam Nelubowich (14/413 to the Mariners but unsigned). In short, it does not appear to have been a banner year at the hot corner.
The pre-draft write-up on Meyer was revealing:
Quote
Meyer is a versatile high schooler who plays shortstop and catches while also closing for his team. In the future, he's likely a third baseman or a catcher, which is just fine with him. With a great makeup and work ethic, he's learned how to switch-hit in his senior season to increase his versatility. With a plus arm and good hands, to go along with some good raw power, a team might be interested in seeing what he can do behind the plate. And everyone knows how well catchers can be drafted. Even if he's an infielder, his combination of skills and attitude should be attractive to many teams.He was also characterized as a “solid” baserunner, though slow out of the box, and as being “an above-average defender with good hands” who “does not profile as a shortstop”. They also suggested he may be a man without a position.
He began his pro career at Greeneville, where he led the team in games, plate appearances, at-bats, RBI, walks and strikeouts while posting a .190/.301/.299 line. He also committed 16 errors in 62 games at 3B (trailing only Mier who had 18 miscues at SS). He jumped to Lexington the next year at age 19 and seemed to get a little more comfortable at the plate. There he posted a .245/.304/.317 line and cut his K-rate from about 25% of PA to about 20%. He was still a “work in progress” at 3B, though, with 29 errors in 119 games.
His offence improved over the next two years, but with both spent at Lancaster, it is hard to gauge the park effect. He did hit 14 HR in 2011 and 8 in 2012, but his two-year composite line was .268/.329/.387. He cut his strikeout rate from about 22% in 2011 to about 19% in 2012, but his walk rate also fell. Moving up to AA in 2013 (still only 22), he began to show some power, with 15 HR and a slash line of .260/.318/.403. He also kept his strikeout rate below 20%. His error rates were consistent over the three years at 17 each year (1 of those in his only prior appearance at SS). He then went to the AZL last fall to work on his offense.
Comparing the hit charts at MLBFarm.com it would seem that the goal was to get him to pull the ball less. He is hitting more ground balls this year, and more balls to center, whereas he was hitting fly balls to leftfield more often in previous years. He is still striking out about 20% of the time, though, and his power seems to have evaporated. His performance is almost identical between AAA (where he spent April & May) and AA where he has played since. His combined slash line is .219/.276/.286. So he at least hits like a SS even if his 24 errors (22 in 100 games at 3B) are still a problem.
So … Is there a point to all this? I’m not sure. Maybe it is just further confirmation that the previous regime's drafting record was abysmal. Or maybe it says something about player development. I can find no knock on his work ethic, and the change in batting approach seems to indicate teachability, even if the results are not there. Frankly, I still cannot see why he is seen as a “glove man”, but having seen only 3 games in person, I certainly do not want to contradict the experts. He will be a 6-year free agent after this season, though, and unless something changes radically, I do not expect him to be in the Astros system next year.
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I ran across something I had written a long time ago (winter 2006/07) and forgotten about. In a fit of narcissism I decided to visit it upon you. Enjoy (or not) ... and comments are welcome.
---------
Winter Baseball
"The Perfessor" from the comic strip Shoe once remarked that football plays an important role in American society ... it keeps the brain warm between the World Series and Spring Training. This came to mind when a friend recently reminded me a response Rogers Hornsby once gave to the question of how he spent his winters:
I was dozing in and out the night after the game that sent the Astros to the World Series. It was that time of day when the most convoluted and obscure philosophical problems seem to suddenly become crystal clear, and it suddenly occured to me that team sports, and baseball in particular, are a wonderful confirmation of the principles of federalism. After 43 years of waiting, we were going to the World Series. We had suffered from several near misses though the years (as well as extended period of genuine mediocrity), but now we were about to be ushered into the promised land. How is it that the we includes people like me? He of the .037 little league batting average? He whose slow-pitch softball career came to an end two decades ago? How is that possible?
Clearly, the principles of federalism are at work. The current crop of Astros represent me and my aspirations for victory in battle and the attendant glory. I cringe with them when things go wrong; I share their despair when victory is wrenched from their expectant grasp by a 9th inning homerun; and I somehow actually participate in the glory of ultimate victory; taking to myself some reflection (at least) of the praises that they have earned on my behalf. I didn't elect them to be my federal representatives, and they certainly did not invite me to the party in any formal sense; somehow it was just part of the natural order of things. Ordered, that is, by the One who orders all things.
When I try to capture these thoughts in the light of day, they seem somewhat less profound; less helpful as an insight into the meaning of life. But that night, it seemed that I had hit on an essential truth: we want to be included; we want to share in the glory. And that is what God invites us to do through Jesus Christ, our federal representative, who has earned eternal glory and invites us to join with Him in the eternal celebration of that victory.
Maybe its just baseball. Maybe its just entertainment. But for a moment that night, it seemed to me to be life's ultimate metaphor.
---------
Winter Baseball
"The Perfessor" from the comic strip Shoe once remarked that football plays an important role in American society ... it keeps the brain warm between the World Series and Spring Training. This came to mind when a friend recently reminded me a response Rogers Hornsby once gave to the question of how he spent his winters:
Quote
"People ask me what I do in the winter, when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do: I stare out the window and wait for spring."All of this brought to mind my disappointment at this year's near miss by the Astros and my elation at last year's NL championship. And so, having only recently launched my blogging voyage, I decided to dredge up a short piece I emailed several friends after last year's success. While the triggering event is dated, the insight is as valid (or not) as it was the night it struck me.
I was dozing in and out the night after the game that sent the Astros to the World Series. It was that time of day when the most convoluted and obscure philosophical problems seem to suddenly become crystal clear, and it suddenly occured to me that team sports, and baseball in particular, are a wonderful confirmation of the principles of federalism. After 43 years of waiting, we were going to the World Series. We had suffered from several near misses though the years (as well as extended period of genuine mediocrity), but now we were about to be ushered into the promised land. How is it that the we includes people like me? He of the .037 little league batting average? He whose slow-pitch softball career came to an end two decades ago? How is that possible?
Clearly, the principles of federalism are at work. The current crop of Astros represent me and my aspirations for victory in battle and the attendant glory. I cringe with them when things go wrong; I share their despair when victory is wrenched from their expectant grasp by a 9th inning homerun; and I somehow actually participate in the glory of ultimate victory; taking to myself some reflection (at least) of the praises that they have earned on my behalf. I didn't elect them to be my federal representatives, and they certainly did not invite me to the party in any formal sense; somehow it was just part of the natural order of things. Ordered, that is, by the One who orders all things.
When I try to capture these thoughts in the light of day, they seem somewhat less profound; less helpful as an insight into the meaning of life. But that night, it seemed that I had hit on an essential truth: we want to be included; we want to share in the glory. And that is what God invites us to do through Jesus Christ, our federal representative, who has earned eternal glory and invites us to join with Him in the eternal celebration of that victory.
Maybe its just baseball. Maybe its just entertainment. But for a moment that night, it seemed to me to be life's ultimate metaphor.
27
The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Positional Analysis - Outfielders
« on: May 21, 2014, 06:37:15 am »
Name Age Level Pos
Alex Presley* 28 MLB LF/RF
Dexter Fowler 28 MLB CF
George Springer 24 MLB RF
L.J. Hoes 24 MLB LF/RF
Robbie Grossman# 24 AAA LF/CF
Domingo Santana 21 AAA LF/RF
Andrew Simunic 28 AAA RF
Adron Chambers* 27 AAA CF
Austin Wates 25 AAA CF/RF
Preston Tucker* 23 AA RF/LF
Andrew Aplin* 23 AA CF/RF
Chris Epps* 25 AA OF
Delino DeShields 21 AA CF
Leonardo Heras* 24 AA LF
Ruben Sosa# 23 A+ LF/2B
Teoscar Hernandez 21 A+ CF
Danry Vasquez* 20 A+ RF
Jordan Scott* 22 A+ OF
Brett Phillips* 20 A CF/RF
James Ramsay* 22 A CF/RF
Tanner Mathis* 23 A LF
Jon Kemmer* 23 A LF/RF
Ronnie Mitchell 23 A LF/RF
Mark Wik 21 EST OF
Justin Gominsky 24 EST OF
Ydarqui Marte 21 EST OF
Ariel Ovando 20 EST RF
Jason Martin 18 EST CF
Hector Roa 19 EST OF
Alex Presley* 28 MLB LF/RF
Dexter Fowler 28 MLB CF
George Springer 24 MLB RF
L.J. Hoes 24 MLB LF/RF
Robbie Grossman# 24 AAA LF/CF
Domingo Santana 21 AAA LF/RF
Andrew Simunic 28 AAA RF
Adron Chambers* 27 AAA CF
Austin Wates 25 AAA CF/RF
Preston Tucker* 23 AA RF/LF
Andrew Aplin* 23 AA CF/RF
Chris Epps* 25 AA OF
Delino DeShields 21 AA CF
Leonardo Heras* 24 AA LF
Ruben Sosa# 23 A+ LF/2B
Teoscar Hernandez 21 A+ CF
Danry Vasquez* 20 A+ RF
Jordan Scott* 22 A+ OF
Brett Phillips* 20 A CF/RF
James Ramsay* 22 A CF/RF
Tanner Mathis* 23 A LF
Jon Kemmer* 23 A LF/RF
Ronnie Mitchell 23 A LF/RF
Mark Wik 21 EST OF
Justin Gominsky 24 EST OF
Ydarqui Marte 21 EST OF
Ariel Ovando 20 EST RF
Jason Martin 18 EST CF
Hector Roa 19 EST OF
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The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Positional Analysis Catchers
« on: May 20, 2014, 08:41:38 am »
Name Age Level Pos
Carlos Corporan# 30 MLB C
Jason Castro* 27 MLB C/DH
Max Stassi 23 AAA C/DH
Carlos Perez 23 AAA C
Ryan McCurdy 26 AAA C
Rene Garcia 24 AA C
Tyler Heineman# 23 AA C/DH
Roberto Pena 22 A+ C
Jobduan Morales# 23 A+ C
Jake Rodriguez 22 A C
Brian Holberton* 22 A C
Brett Booth 23 A C
Alfredo Gonzalez 21 EST C
Ricky Gingras 23 EST C
Jacob Nottingham 19 EST C
Brett Clements 23 EST C
Pedro Coa 21 EST C
Carlos Corporan# 30 MLB C
Jason Castro* 27 MLB C/DH
Max Stassi 23 AAA C/DH
Carlos Perez 23 AAA C
Ryan McCurdy 26 AAA C
Rene Garcia 24 AA C
Tyler Heineman# 23 AA C/DH
Roberto Pena 22 A+ C
Jobduan Morales# 23 A+ C
Jake Rodriguez 22 A C
Brian Holberton* 22 A C
Brett Booth 23 A C
Alfredo Gonzalez 21 EST C
Ricky Gingras 23 EST C
Jacob Nottingham 19 EST C
Brett Clements 23 EST C
Pedro Coa 21 EST C
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The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Positional Analysis - DH/Firstbase
« on: May 20, 2014, 08:30:40 am »
Name Age Level Pos
Chris Carter 27 MLB DH/1B
Jesus Guzman 30 MLB 1B
Marc Krauss* 26 MLB 1B
Jon Singleton* 22 AAA 1B
Erik Castro* 26 AAA DH/1B
Japhet Amador 27 MEX DH/1B
MP Cokinos 24 AA 1B
Telvin Nash 23 AA 1B
Dan Gulbransen* 23 A+ DH/1B/OF
Bobby Borchering# 23 A+ 1B
Brandon Meredith 24 A+ 1B
Conrad Gregor* 22 A 1B
Chase McDonald 22 EST DH/1B
Yonathan Mejia 21 EST DH
Chris Carter 27 MLB DH/1B
Jesus Guzman 30 MLB 1B
Marc Krauss* 26 MLB 1B
Jon Singleton* 22 AAA 1B
Erik Castro* 26 AAA DH/1B
Japhet Amador 27 MEX DH/1B
MP Cokinos 24 AA 1B
Telvin Nash 23 AA 1B
Dan Gulbransen* 23 A+ DH/1B/OF
Bobby Borchering# 23 A+ 1B
Brandon Meredith 24 A+ 1B
Conrad Gregor* 22 A 1B
Chase McDonald 22 EST DH/1B
Yonathan Mejia 21 EST DH
30
The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Positional Analysis - Infielders
« on: May 20, 2014, 06:12:52 am »| Name | Age | Level | Pos |
| Jonathan Villar# | 23 | MLB | SS |
| Jose Altuve | 24 | MLB | 2B |
| Marwin Gonzalez# | 25 | MLB | IF/OF |
| Matt Dominguez | 24 | MLB | 3B |
| Gregorio Petit | 29 | AAA | SS/3B |
| Ronald Torreyes | 21 | AAA | 2B/SS |
| Jonathan Meyer | 23 | AAA | 3B |
| Enrique Hernandez | 22 | AAA | IF/OF |
| Jiovanni Mier | 23 | AA | SS/3B |
| Joe Sclafani# | 24 | AA | IF |
| Matt Duffy | 25 | AA | 3B/1B |
| Nolan Fontana* | 23 | AA | 2B/SS |
| Tony Kemp* | 22 | A+ | 2B |
| Rio Ruiz* | 20 | A+ | 3B |
| Carlos Correa | 19 | A+ | SS |
| Carlos Perdomo | 24 | A+ | IF |
| Chan Moon# | 23 | A | 2B |
| Tyler White | 23 | A | 3B |
| David (Jack) Mayfield | 23 | A | SS/2B |
| Thomas Lindauer | 22 | A | SS |
| Austin Elkins# | 23 | A | 2B/3B |
| Alex Gonzalez | 22 | EST | 3B |
| Jose Fernandez | 20 | EST | SS |
| Juan Santana | 19 | EST | 2B/SS |
| Adam Nelubowich | 23 | EST | 3B |
| Jose Solano | 22 | EST | 2B/3B |
| Jean Estrella | 18 | EST | 2B |
| Luis Reynoso | 19 | EST | SS |
31
The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Corpus Christi - 2014
« on: April 01, 2014, 07:43:25 am »
Placeholder for this year's thread ... maybe someone can make it sticky.
32
Talk Zone / BA Projected Lineup
« on: March 27, 2014, 04:21:49 pm »
Bored and waiting for the season I ran across this ...
They actually did not do too badly, though most of the guys starting are starting for someone else. Too optimistic on DDSjr, JD & Walrus and their projection of Folty has been affected by all the new talent (as well as being a little optimistic). They quit doing these projections as of this year, and I miss them ... more for their humor value than predictive accuracy, but still.
Quote
PROJECTED 2014 LINEUP
Catcher Jason Castro
First Base Brett Wallace
Second Base Delino DeShields Jr.
Third Base Chris Johnson
Shortstop Jonathan Villar
Left Field J.D. Martinez
Center Field Michael Bourn
Right Field Hunter Pence
No. 1 Starter Jordan Lyles
No. 2 Starter Wandy Rodriguez
No. 3 Starter Mike Foltynewicz
No. 4 Starter Brett Myers
No. 5 Starter J.A. Happ
Closer Bud Norris
They actually did not do too badly, though most of the guys starting are starting for someone else. Too optimistic on DDSjr, JD & Walrus and their projection of Folty has been affected by all the new talent (as well as being a little optimistic). They quit doing these projections as of this year, and I miss them ... more for their humor value than predictive accuracy, but still.
33
Talk Zone / Altuve at Cleanup?
« on: March 26, 2014, 05:15:43 pm »
I have noticed that Altuve is being used in the #4 spot in the order very regularly ... is this a hint of what is to come? I have not seen any commentary about it, but I would love to hear some opinions from this group.
34
Talk Zone / McBraggart on Appel #fail
« on: March 21, 2014, 06:33:09 pm »
Does this guy just make everything up?
From McBraggart's story on Appel
Tip: If you are going to insert something into a player quote to add context, at least get the context right!!
From McBraggart's story on Appel
Quote
"It was good to get back out there," Appel said. "It's good to face batters. I think it had been close to seven months since I last got to face a hitter in a game situation [last season at Stanford]. I'm just happy to be back and be healthy after the appendectomy, and just ready to get going and ready for the season to start."
Tip: If you are going to insert something into a player quote to add context, at least get the context right!!
35
Talk Zone / McBraggart Blog
« on: March 16, 2014, 05:32:20 pm »
Made the mistake of following a link to McBraggart's "analysis" of the infield situation ... I stopped at this:
How can he get that wrong? And more to the point, how can he expect ANYone to take him seriously when he screws up the basics like that?
Quote
Gonzalez, who isn't on the 40-man roster, ...
How can he get that wrong? And more to the point, how can he expect ANYone to take him seriously when he screws up the basics like that?
36
Talk Zone / Dexter K Fowler
« on: March 13, 2014, 09:41:57 am »
Is anyone else worried that Fowler is striking out at a 50% rate in ST? I know ... small sample size. But still, that is not what I was expecting from a prototypical leadoff guy.
38
Talk Zone / Feature Fail?
« on: August 18, 2013, 09:07:40 am »
The feature that lets me see replies to my posts has disappeared. Is that permanent? Or even intentional?
39
The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Lots of Bus Traffic Lately
« on: August 09, 2013, 02:38:21 pm »
There has been a lot of movement lately throughout the minors, revealing some things about how the powers that be see things.
GCL to Greeneville
Kevin Ferguson (joining Raul Rivera & Chris Munnelly who were promoted in July)
Greeneville to Tri City
Troy Scribner
Tyler Brunnemann
Jack Mayfield
Tyler White
... joining JD Osborne who was promoted in July. Note that this is the second promotion of the year for Scribner and White, both of whom started the season in the GCL. They join GCL teammate Brett Booth who was promoted directly to TC in July.
Tri City to Quad Cities
Tony Kemp
Zach Morton
Patrick Christensen
... joining Mark Appel who was promoted in July after a cameo appearance in TC
Quad Cities to Lancaster
Luis Alvarez
Dan Gulbransen
Jesse Wierzbicki
Jordan Jankowski
Colton Cain
Note that this is the second promotion this year for Alvarez and Gulbransen, both of whom started the season in TC
Lancaster to Corpus Christi
David Rollins
Kyle Hallock (who has played at almost every level this year)
Cameron Lamb (ETA: Also his second promotion, having started out at QC)
Matt Duffy
Ryan McCurdy (who appears to be the 'extra guy' wherever he is needed)
Corpus Christi to Oklahoma City
Rene Garcia
David Martinez
ETA Bobby Doran who was promoted 8/1
Oklahoma City to Corpus Christi
Alex Sogard (who has been unhittable at AA but struggled on both sides of a stint on the AAA DL)
Released
Zach Johnson (from CC after having been promoted earlier in the season)
Juri Perez (from QC)
Notable by their non-promotions
Tanner Bushue (TC), who at 22 is actually pitching very well at TC, but it seems like they need to push him back to lo-A to see if his turn-around is genuine ... unless they believe it is not
Roberto Pena (QC), who has cooled off at the plate since the start of the season, but is still excellent behind it; has he been passed by Alvarez, or do they just want to make sure he continues to get regular PT?
Delino DeShieds and/or Nelson Fontana (Lan), both of whom are doing very well at the plate and would seem to have earned a look at the next level
Jiovanni Mier (CC) ... I include him not because he deserves it, but because he should have deserved it by now given his once-bright future in the organization. He is now on the 7-day DL, but it seems only a matter of time before his career moves officially to the slow lane.
GCL to Greeneville
Kevin Ferguson (joining Raul Rivera & Chris Munnelly who were promoted in July)
Greeneville to Tri City
Troy Scribner
Tyler Brunnemann
Jack Mayfield
Tyler White
... joining JD Osborne who was promoted in July. Note that this is the second promotion of the year for Scribner and White, both of whom started the season in the GCL. They join GCL teammate Brett Booth who was promoted directly to TC in July.
Tri City to Quad Cities
Tony Kemp
Zach Morton
Patrick Christensen
... joining Mark Appel who was promoted in July after a cameo appearance in TC
Quad Cities to Lancaster
Luis Alvarez
Dan Gulbransen
Jesse Wierzbicki
Jordan Jankowski
Colton Cain
Note that this is the second promotion this year for Alvarez and Gulbransen, both of whom started the season in TC
Lancaster to Corpus Christi
David Rollins
Kyle Hallock (who has played at almost every level this year)
Cameron Lamb (ETA: Also his second promotion, having started out at QC)
Matt Duffy
Ryan McCurdy (who appears to be the 'extra guy' wherever he is needed)
Corpus Christi to Oklahoma City
Rene Garcia
David Martinez
ETA Bobby Doran who was promoted 8/1
Oklahoma City to Corpus Christi
Alex Sogard (who has been unhittable at AA but struggled on both sides of a stint on the AAA DL)
Released
Zach Johnson (from CC after having been promoted earlier in the season)
Juri Perez (from QC)
Notable by their non-promotions
Tanner Bushue (TC), who at 22 is actually pitching very well at TC, but it seems like they need to push him back to lo-A to see if his turn-around is genuine ... unless they believe it is not
Roberto Pena (QC), who has cooled off at the plate since the start of the season, but is still excellent behind it; has he been passed by Alvarez, or do they just want to make sure he continues to get regular PT?
Delino DeShieds and/or Nelson Fontana (Lan), both of whom are doing very well at the plate and would seem to have earned a look at the next level
Jiovanni Mier (CC) ... I include him not because he deserves it, but because he should have deserved it by now given his once-bright future in the organization. He is now on the 7-day DL, but it seems only a matter of time before his career moves officially to the slow lane.
40
Talk Zone / Lineup Puzzlement
« on: July 20, 2013, 03:21:01 pm »
Two things I have noted recently that are very puzzling:
First: DH Ronny Cedeno (e.g. yesterday) -- Huh? There is only one good thing I can think of about this lineup entry, and that is that Cedeno will not be playing SS in this situation. Of course, the other current option is not much better, so I'm not sure how positive this is.
Second: Carlos Pena leading off (e.g. today) -- Huh?? How can CP possibly be the best leadoff candidate on the squad? Or conversely, how can leadoff be the best place to hide CP?? I know that he walks (or at least waddles) a lot, but really?
First: DH Ronny Cedeno (e.g. yesterday) -- Huh? There is only one good thing I can think of about this lineup entry, and that is that Cedeno will not be playing SS in this situation. Of course, the other current option is not much better, so I'm not sure how positive this is.
Second: Carlos Pena leading off (e.g. today) -- Huh?? How can CP possibly be the best leadoff candidate on the squad? Or conversely, how can leadoff be the best place to hide CP?? I know that he walks (or at least waddles) a lot, but really?
41
The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Position Summary Pitching (Relievers)
« on: May 06, 2013, 05:54:13 am »
End of April and a business trip gives me some time on my hands, so … early season positional analysis: Relief Pitchers.
Houston
The bullpen has been called on way too early and way too often, throwing 105 innings over the first 27 games. Worse, it seems they often make matters worse for the starter … I wish I had stats on inherited runners scored, because it seems like most of them do. I’m not going to go into much detail here, since most readers already know the MLB stuff. I will point out, though, that three prospects, Paul Clemens, Jose Cisnero and Dallas Keuchel all looked pretty good (or maybe just less bad), though Keuchel got caught in the numbers game and was sent down to OKC briefly.
Oklahoma City
The bullpen at OKC has consisted of Jose Valdez (the closer, with 7 saves and only 8 hits and 3 walks in 12.2 IP), Kyle Hallock, Kevin Chapman, Josh Zeid, CJ Fick, Eric Berger and Lance Day. The last three have struggled, and Day has been sent back to EST in the recent shuffling. Zeid (2.61 ERA and 15K in 10.1 IP) and Chapman (2.19 ERA and 13K in 12.1 IP) had very nice Aprils.
Corpus Christi
The bullpen at AA has been excellent. Alex Sogard has yet to allow an earned run, and only Pat Urckfitz (2.79) has an ERA over 2. The workload has been spread fairly evenly among closer Jason Stoffel (1.23 ERA, 5 saves, and 7K’s in 7.1 IP without a walk), Urckfitz (6G, 9.2 IP), Sogard (7G, 8.1 IP), Jorge De Leon (1.17 ERA, 4G, 7.2 IP) and Andrew Robinson (1.93 ERA, 5G, 4.2 IP). I am especially pleased to see De Leon’s progress this year. His K-rate is down, but he has walked only 1 and generally seems to have turned a corner, though one month is not much of a sample size.
Lancaster
The bullpen in Lancaster has been in a bit of flux. Carlos Quevedo appeared in 2 games before being promoted to AA, and Kenny Long has appeared in 2 games since joining the team out of EST. Thommy Shirley has been used very sparingly (3.2 IP) and has not fared well (9.82 ERA and 1.909 WHIP with 3BB and only 1K). The four mainstays, Blair Walters (not counting 1 late-April start), Travis Ballew, Jonas Dufek and Theron Geith) have each pitched 7.2 innings. Ballew has been impressive as the closer, with 3 saves and 17 K (a rate of 20 per 9IP). Dufek has struggled, giving up 12 hits (3 HR). Walters moved into the rotation in late April, so perhaps one of the others woill start to get more chances.
Quad Cities
Three of the bullpen staff in Quad Cities (Gera Sanchez, Mitch Lambson & John Neely) have gotten the most work, with over 10 IP each. Cameron Lamb and Michael Dimock (a late arrival out of EST) have about 2/3 that many IP, while Kyle Hallock made one early-season appearance before being promoted to OKC. Dimock has been in the right place at the right time, posting a 3-0 record in 6 appearances, while Neely leads the team in saves with 3. I expect there is some talent here, but it is hard to get too excited about low-A relievers. Maybe someone with first-hand exposure can tell us who we should be watching here.
Houston
The bullpen has been called on way too early and way too often, throwing 105 innings over the first 27 games. Worse, it seems they often make matters worse for the starter … I wish I had stats on inherited runners scored, because it seems like most of them do. I’m not going to go into much detail here, since most readers already know the MLB stuff. I will point out, though, that three prospects, Paul Clemens, Jose Cisnero and Dallas Keuchel all looked pretty good (or maybe just less bad), though Keuchel got caught in the numbers game and was sent down to OKC briefly.
Oklahoma City
The bullpen at OKC has consisted of Jose Valdez (the closer, with 7 saves and only 8 hits and 3 walks in 12.2 IP), Kyle Hallock, Kevin Chapman, Josh Zeid, CJ Fick, Eric Berger and Lance Day. The last three have struggled, and Day has been sent back to EST in the recent shuffling. Zeid (2.61 ERA and 15K in 10.1 IP) and Chapman (2.19 ERA and 13K in 12.1 IP) had very nice Aprils.
Corpus Christi
The bullpen at AA has been excellent. Alex Sogard has yet to allow an earned run, and only Pat Urckfitz (2.79) has an ERA over 2. The workload has been spread fairly evenly among closer Jason Stoffel (1.23 ERA, 5 saves, and 7K’s in 7.1 IP without a walk), Urckfitz (6G, 9.2 IP), Sogard (7G, 8.1 IP), Jorge De Leon (1.17 ERA, 4G, 7.2 IP) and Andrew Robinson (1.93 ERA, 5G, 4.2 IP). I am especially pleased to see De Leon’s progress this year. His K-rate is down, but he has walked only 1 and generally seems to have turned a corner, though one month is not much of a sample size.
Lancaster
The bullpen in Lancaster has been in a bit of flux. Carlos Quevedo appeared in 2 games before being promoted to AA, and Kenny Long has appeared in 2 games since joining the team out of EST. Thommy Shirley has been used very sparingly (3.2 IP) and has not fared well (9.82 ERA and 1.909 WHIP with 3BB and only 1K). The four mainstays, Blair Walters (not counting 1 late-April start), Travis Ballew, Jonas Dufek and Theron Geith) have each pitched 7.2 innings. Ballew has been impressive as the closer, with 3 saves and 17 K (a rate of 20 per 9IP). Dufek has struggled, giving up 12 hits (3 HR). Walters moved into the rotation in late April, so perhaps one of the others woill start to get more chances.
Quad Cities
Three of the bullpen staff in Quad Cities (Gera Sanchez, Mitch Lambson & John Neely) have gotten the most work, with over 10 IP each. Cameron Lamb and Michael Dimock (a late arrival out of EST) have about 2/3 that many IP, while Kyle Hallock made one early-season appearance before being promoted to OKC. Dimock has been in the right place at the right time, posting a 3-0 record in 6 appearances, while Neely leads the team in saves with 3. I expect there is some talent here, but it is hard to get too excited about low-A relievers. Maybe someone with first-hand exposure can tell us who we should be watching here.
42
The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Position Summary - Pitching (Starters)
« on: May 06, 2013, 05:52:37 am »
End of April and a business trip gives me some time on my hands, so … early season positional analysis: Starting Pitchers.
Houston
The rotation was pretty stable in April, consisting of Norris, Harrell, Humber, Peacock & Bedard. The results, however, were not pretty (bold indicates team leader):
Luke Harrell – 6GS, W3-L2, 3.60 ERA, 1.543 WHIP, 16BB, 24K & 35IP (<6/start)
Bud Norris – 6GS, 3-3, 4.20, 1.633, 13BB, 22K & 30IP (5/start)
Phillip Humber – 6GS, 0-6, 7.58, 1.820, 10BB, 15K & 29.2IP (<5/start)
Brad Peacock – 5GS, 1-3, 9.41, 1.909, 13BB, 19K & 22IP (~4/start)
Erik Bedard – 4GS, 0-2, 7.98, 1.773, 8BB, 19K & 14.2IP (~3/start)
Bedard’s best outing was his game 1 relief appearance, and he is headed back to the pen in May, while Peacock was banished to the bullpen and thence to Oklahoma at the end of April.
Oklahoma City
Injuries, weather and promotions wreaked havoc on the piggyback system in OKC, and even when it was in place, it did not seem to be applied equally to all participants. Except for Cosart & Musick, this has not been a strength so far.
Here are the numbers for the “regular” starters:
Jarred Cosart – 6G; 5GS, 3-0, 2.63, 1.098, 11BB, 29K & 27.1IP
Jordan Lyles – 6G; 5GS, 2-2, 5.32, 1.521, 6BB, 11K & 23.2IP (<4/start)
Brett Oberholtzer – 4G; 4GS, 1-2, 7.79, 1.615, 4BB, 11K & 17.1IP (4+/start)
Ross Seaton – 4G; 3GS, 0-1, 11.57, 2.286, 6BB, 8K & 14IP (<4/start)
Rudy Owens – 4G; 3GS, 0-3, 3.71, 1.706, 9BB, 13K & 17IP (<5/start) on DL
Wes Musick – 6G; 1GS, 1-0, 2.87, 0.894, 5BB, 15K & 15.2IP (<3/game)
Jose Cisnero – 3G; 1GS, 1-1, 9.35, 2.308, 7BB, 7K & 8.2IP before promotion
Oberholtzer also pitched in 1 game in relief for Houston, and Seaton started his first game at Corpus. Three other players (Travis Blackley in what was essentially a rehab assignment, Paul Clemens before his promotion & Dallas Keuchel during a one-game demotion) each started one game. Keuchel got a 6-inning complete game shutout. And finally, Kyle Hallock should probably be considered in this group, since he took the extended back-end of a couple games and has already gotten one start in May.
Corpus Christi
The piggyback system was much more evenly applied in Corpus, where 7 players all got at least three starts. Carlos Quevedo should probably be considered the last member of the group even though he only got one start. As noted above, Ross Seaton also started one game for Corpus before moving to AAA, going the full 5 innings. This was definitely a strength, with 6 of the 8 posting ERAs below 2.50 and only one above 4.50. 3 of them also posted a WHIP below 1.
Here are the numbers:
Jake Buchanan – 7G; 5GS, 2-0, 1.47, 0.717, 2BB, 16K & 30.2IP
Asher Wojciechoski – 6G; 3GS, 2-1 (1 SV), 2.08, 0.923, 7BB, 27K & 26IP
Nick Tropeano – 6G; 3GS, 0-2 (3 SV), 2.16, 1.200, 5BB, 29K & 25IP
Bobby Doran – 6G; 3GS, 3-0, 2.31, 1.200, 8BB, 22K & 23.1IP
David Martinez – 6G; 3GS, 2-0, 1.19, 0.882, 5BB, 13K & 22.2IP
Ruben Alaniz – 6G; 3GS, 0-3, 4.43, 1.522, 5BB, 12K & 22.1IP
Matt Heidenreich – 6G; 3GS, 1-2, 8.15, 1.981, 4BB, 14K & 17.2IP
Carlos Quevedo – 6G, 1GS, 1-1, 1.62, 1.080, 4BB, 14K & 16.2IP after promotion
Lancaster
The piggyback system worked much better here, as well, with 7 players getting at least 3 starts. Alex Gillingham made 1 start but went on the DL after his third appearance, and Aaron West also missed one appearance due to a short DL stint. Blair Walters was mostly in spot relief during April, but made one start near the end of the month and appears to be taking over a regular spot in the rotation. The numbers are not great, but this is the launching pad. Four of the seven (Folty, Rodgers, Cruz & West) have struck out at least a batter per inning.
Mike Foltynewicz – 6G; 4GS, 1-0, 4.09, 1.682, 12BB, 23K & 22IP
David Rollins – 6G; 3GS, 2-2 (2 SV), 4.78, 1.215, 6BB, 24K & 26.1IP
Chris Devenski – 6G; 3GS, 2-1, 3.96, 1.280, 7BB, 21K & 25IP
Brady Rodgers – 6G; 3GS, 1-1, 4.50, 1.583, 5BB, 24K & 24IP
Luis Cruz – 6G; 3GS, 1-1 (1 SV), 3.47, 1.243, 11BB, 30K & 23.1IP
Tyson Perez – 6G; 3GS, 1-0 (1 SV), 5.96, 1.588, 8BB, 12K & 22.2IP
Aaron West – 5G; 3GS, 0-1, 6.87, 1.800, 2BB, 19K & 18.1IP
Alex Gillingham – 3G; 1GS, 1-1, 11.25, 2.625, 5BB, 6K & 8IP on DL
Quad Cities
Again, the piggyback system worked out pretty evenly with the original eight guys sharing the workload (or at least workload opportunity) of the first 23 games pretty evenly. The results were a bit more uneven, with a 10 IP difference between top and bottom and ERAs ranging between 1.93 (McCullers) and 11.40 (Cain). Velasquez has looked especially sharp with a 2.45 ERA and a WHIP of ~0.8. His 31K also contribute to a 10.9 K/IP and a 4.4 K/BB rate.
The numbers:
Vincent Velasquez – 6G; 3GS, 3-0 (2 SV), 2.45, 0.818, 7BB, 31K & 25.2IP
Joe Bircher – 6G; 3GS, 1-0 (2 SV), 2.92, 1.095, 4BB, 16K & 24.2IP
Daniel Minor – 5G; 3GS, 2-0, 3.72, 1.138, 4BB, 17K & 19.1IP
Jordan Jankowski – 5G; 3GS, 0-0 (1 SV), 3.32, 1.421, 5BB, 10K & 19IP
Lance McCullers – 5G; 3GS, 0-2, 1.93, 1.393, 7BB, 19K & 18.2IP (0 HR allowed)
Brian Holmes – 5G; 3GS, 2-2, 5.40, 1.145, 4BB, 18K & 18.1IP
Mike Hauschild – 5G; 2GS, 1-0, 3.93, 1.200, 5BB, 11K & 18.1IP
Colton Cain – 5G; 3GS, 0-2, 11.40, 2.400, 4BB, 10K & 15IP
Houston
The rotation was pretty stable in April, consisting of Norris, Harrell, Humber, Peacock & Bedard. The results, however, were not pretty (bold indicates team leader):
Luke Harrell – 6GS, W3-L2, 3.60 ERA, 1.543 WHIP, 16BB, 24K & 35IP (<6/start)
Bud Norris – 6GS, 3-3, 4.20, 1.633, 13BB, 22K & 30IP (5/start)
Phillip Humber – 6GS, 0-6, 7.58, 1.820, 10BB, 15K & 29.2IP (<5/start)
Brad Peacock – 5GS, 1-3, 9.41, 1.909, 13BB, 19K & 22IP (~4/start)
Erik Bedard – 4GS, 0-2, 7.98, 1.773, 8BB, 19K & 14.2IP (~3/start)
Bedard’s best outing was his game 1 relief appearance, and he is headed back to the pen in May, while Peacock was banished to the bullpen and thence to Oklahoma at the end of April.
Oklahoma City
Injuries, weather and promotions wreaked havoc on the piggyback system in OKC, and even when it was in place, it did not seem to be applied equally to all participants. Except for Cosart & Musick, this has not been a strength so far.
Here are the numbers for the “regular” starters:
Jarred Cosart – 6G; 5GS, 3-0, 2.63, 1.098, 11BB, 29K & 27.1IP
Jordan Lyles – 6G; 5GS, 2-2, 5.32, 1.521, 6BB, 11K & 23.2IP (<4/start)
Brett Oberholtzer – 4G; 4GS, 1-2, 7.79, 1.615, 4BB, 11K & 17.1IP (4+/start)
Ross Seaton – 4G; 3GS, 0-1, 11.57, 2.286, 6BB, 8K & 14IP (<4/start)
Rudy Owens – 4G; 3GS, 0-3, 3.71, 1.706, 9BB, 13K & 17IP (<5/start) on DL
Wes Musick – 6G; 1GS, 1-0, 2.87, 0.894, 5BB, 15K & 15.2IP (<3/game)
Jose Cisnero – 3G; 1GS, 1-1, 9.35, 2.308, 7BB, 7K & 8.2IP before promotion
Oberholtzer also pitched in 1 game in relief for Houston, and Seaton started his first game at Corpus. Three other players (Travis Blackley in what was essentially a rehab assignment, Paul Clemens before his promotion & Dallas Keuchel during a one-game demotion) each started one game. Keuchel got a 6-inning complete game shutout. And finally, Kyle Hallock should probably be considered in this group, since he took the extended back-end of a couple games and has already gotten one start in May.
Corpus Christi
The piggyback system was much more evenly applied in Corpus, where 7 players all got at least three starts. Carlos Quevedo should probably be considered the last member of the group even though he only got one start. As noted above, Ross Seaton also started one game for Corpus before moving to AAA, going the full 5 innings. This was definitely a strength, with 6 of the 8 posting ERAs below 2.50 and only one above 4.50. 3 of them also posted a WHIP below 1.
Here are the numbers:
Jake Buchanan – 7G; 5GS, 2-0, 1.47, 0.717, 2BB, 16K & 30.2IP
Asher Wojciechoski – 6G; 3GS, 2-1 (1 SV), 2.08, 0.923, 7BB, 27K & 26IP
Nick Tropeano – 6G; 3GS, 0-2 (3 SV), 2.16, 1.200, 5BB, 29K & 25IP
Bobby Doran – 6G; 3GS, 3-0, 2.31, 1.200, 8BB, 22K & 23.1IP
David Martinez – 6G; 3GS, 2-0, 1.19, 0.882, 5BB, 13K & 22.2IP
Ruben Alaniz – 6G; 3GS, 0-3, 4.43, 1.522, 5BB, 12K & 22.1IP
Matt Heidenreich – 6G; 3GS, 1-2, 8.15, 1.981, 4BB, 14K & 17.2IP
Carlos Quevedo – 6G, 1GS, 1-1, 1.62, 1.080, 4BB, 14K & 16.2IP after promotion
Lancaster
The piggyback system worked much better here, as well, with 7 players getting at least 3 starts. Alex Gillingham made 1 start but went on the DL after his third appearance, and Aaron West also missed one appearance due to a short DL stint. Blair Walters was mostly in spot relief during April, but made one start near the end of the month and appears to be taking over a regular spot in the rotation. The numbers are not great, but this is the launching pad. Four of the seven (Folty, Rodgers, Cruz & West) have struck out at least a batter per inning.
Mike Foltynewicz – 6G; 4GS, 1-0, 4.09, 1.682, 12BB, 23K & 22IP
David Rollins – 6G; 3GS, 2-2 (2 SV), 4.78, 1.215, 6BB, 24K & 26.1IP
Chris Devenski – 6G; 3GS, 2-1, 3.96, 1.280, 7BB, 21K & 25IP
Brady Rodgers – 6G; 3GS, 1-1, 4.50, 1.583, 5BB, 24K & 24IP
Luis Cruz – 6G; 3GS, 1-1 (1 SV), 3.47, 1.243, 11BB, 30K & 23.1IP
Tyson Perez – 6G; 3GS, 1-0 (1 SV), 5.96, 1.588, 8BB, 12K & 22.2IP
Aaron West – 5G; 3GS, 0-1, 6.87, 1.800, 2BB, 19K & 18.1IP
Alex Gillingham – 3G; 1GS, 1-1, 11.25, 2.625, 5BB, 6K & 8IP on DL
Quad Cities
Again, the piggyback system worked out pretty evenly with the original eight guys sharing the workload (or at least workload opportunity) of the first 23 games pretty evenly. The results were a bit more uneven, with a 10 IP difference between top and bottom and ERAs ranging between 1.93 (McCullers) and 11.40 (Cain). Velasquez has looked especially sharp with a 2.45 ERA and a WHIP of ~0.8. His 31K also contribute to a 10.9 K/IP and a 4.4 K/BB rate.
The numbers:
Vincent Velasquez – 6G; 3GS, 3-0 (2 SV), 2.45, 0.818, 7BB, 31K & 25.2IP
Joe Bircher – 6G; 3GS, 1-0 (2 SV), 2.92, 1.095, 4BB, 16K & 24.2IP
Daniel Minor – 5G; 3GS, 2-0, 3.72, 1.138, 4BB, 17K & 19.1IP
Jordan Jankowski – 5G; 3GS, 0-0 (1 SV), 3.32, 1.421, 5BB, 10K & 19IP
Lance McCullers – 5G; 3GS, 0-2, 1.93, 1.393, 7BB, 19K & 18.2IP (0 HR allowed)
Brian Holmes – 5G; 3GS, 2-2, 5.40, 1.145, 4BB, 18K & 18.1IP
Mike Hauschild – 5G; 2GS, 1-0, 3.93, 1.200, 5BB, 11K & 18.1IP
Colton Cain – 5G; 3GS, 0-2, 11.40, 2.400, 4BB, 10K & 15IP
43
The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Minor League Transactions?
« on: April 11, 2013, 03:53:21 pm »
Does anybody know what has happened to Baseball America's minor league transaction feed? It has not been updated since March 20 (unless I missed it somewhere). League transactions can be found on MiLB, but it was nice to have everything in one place at BA.
(Note: I did post some transaction activity to the various team threads sourced from MiLB).
(Note: I did post some transaction activity to the various team threads sourced from MiLB).
44
Talk Zone / Amidst the Euphoria
« on: April 01, 2013, 12:51:34 pm »
I am as excited as anyone about win last night, but ...
Did anyone else notice 13 K's (37% of PA's)? Of course, the pitching had something to do with that, but it is not a particularly good sign.
Did anyone else notice 13 K's (37% of PA's)? Of course, the pitching had something to do with that, but it is not a particularly good sign.
46
Talk Zone / JA Happ doing his bit
« on: February 25, 2013, 07:44:33 am »
Nothing personal, but as a life-long Yankee-Hater I gotta say that JA Happ has just gotten my vote of confidence.
47
The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Position Summary - Outfield
« on: January 22, 2013, 09:14:29 pm »
Spring will be here very soon, and like last year, I thought I would take a stab at predicting who will end up where when the national anthem sounds for real. I depend completely on secondary sources for this … no insider information. This post deals with outfielders.
As far as I can tell, there are 36 players under Astros control that can be seen primarily as outfielders (not counting guys ike Ruben Sosa, Mike Kvasnicka, Kike Hernandez and Telvin Nash that were dealt with elsewhere). Given the sometimes-smaller roster limits at lower levels, there are probably only 20-25 full-season roster slots.
I see four guys (JD Martinez, Fernando Martinez, Jimmy Paredes and Justin Maxwell) as potential starters in Houston with the odd man out getting plenty of playing time as well. Brandon Barnes is the most likely 5th outfielder, though Trevor Crowe or even Rick Ankiel could play himself in during the spring.
AAA will be crowded, and as noted elsewhere, one of the odds-on favorites in the outfield (Marc Krauss) may end up filling in for Singleton at 1B early in the season. Austin Wates and Robbie Grossman will probably be starters, and one of Crowe and Ankiel will probably make the team in a “AAAA emergency” role. The last spot will probably go to Jake Goebbert or Che-Hsuan Lin with the other one being released.
George Springer and Domingo Santana will probably start in CF & RF at Corpus Christie, while newcomer Michael Burgess and holdovers Adam Bailey and Drew Muren seem the most likely candidates to join them. Grant Hogue may also have a shot, but at 26 he is also probably on the chopping block if he does not show real progress in the spring.
Lancaster is beginning to be crowded with some real prospects. I expect Andrew Aplin to return to CF (after his late-season promotion from Tri-City), flanked by Preston Tucker and (probably) Brandon Meredith (who seemed to really put it together last year). Justin Gominsky, Chris Epps and Jordan Scott will probably compete for the final 1-2 positions with the other(s) headed to Quad Cities.
Teoscar Hernandez seems like the strongest candidate to join the losers of the Lancaster competition in the Quad Cities outfield, but (in decreasing order of probability) Dan Gulbransen, Terrell Joyce, Mark Wik and possibly Ariel Ovando should also be in the mix. That still leaves some pretty strong talent in extended ST destined for Tri City or Greeneville.
Note: I tried to rush Ovando last year, which probably means I have erred on the other side this year. We’ll see.
age name 2012 2013
25 JDMartinez Hou/OKC Houston – LF
29 JMaxwell Houston Houston – CF
24 JParedes Hou/OKC Houston – RF/CF
24 FMartinez Hou/OKC Houston – RF/LF
26 BBarnes Hou/OKC Houston (?)
29 TCrowe FA Hou? OKC? Cut?
33 RAnkiel FA OKC? Cut? Hou??
23 RGrossman OKC Oklahoma City – RF
25 MKrauss CC/OKC Oklahoma City – LF/1B
24 AWates Corpus Christi Oklahoma City – CF/LF
26 JGoebbert OKC Oklahoma City
24 CLin FA Oklahoma City? Cut?
23 GSpringer CC/OKC Corpus Christi – CF
20 DSantana Lancaster Corpus Christi – RF
24 ABailey Lan/CC Corpus Christi – LF?
24 MBurgess <Cubs – AA> Corpus Christi – LF?
24 DMuren Lex/Lan CC? Lan?
26 GHogue Lancaster CC? Lan? Cut?
22 AAplin TC/Lan Lancaster – CF
23 BMeredith Lexington Lancaster – LF
22 PTucker Tri City Lancaster – RF
23 JGominsky Lex/TC Lancaster
24 CEpps Lex/Lan Lan? QC – LF?
21 JScott Lexington QC – LF? Lan?
20 THernandez GCL/Lex Quad Cities – CF
22 DGulbransen Tri City Quad Cities – LF?
20 TJoyce Greeneville Quad Cities – RF?
20 MWik Greeneville Quad Cities – LF? (SS)
21 JMonzon Greeneville SS
19 AOvando Greeneville SS
21 DToney Greeneville SS
20 WGonzalez GCL SS
18 BPhillips GCL SS
21 EGomez GCL SS
21 LDeLaRosa GCL SS
20 YMarte GCL SS
As far as I can tell, there are 36 players under Astros control that can be seen primarily as outfielders (not counting guys ike Ruben Sosa, Mike Kvasnicka, Kike Hernandez and Telvin Nash that were dealt with elsewhere). Given the sometimes-smaller roster limits at lower levels, there are probably only 20-25 full-season roster slots.
I see four guys (JD Martinez, Fernando Martinez, Jimmy Paredes and Justin Maxwell) as potential starters in Houston with the odd man out getting plenty of playing time as well. Brandon Barnes is the most likely 5th outfielder, though Trevor Crowe or even Rick Ankiel could play himself in during the spring.
AAA will be crowded, and as noted elsewhere, one of the odds-on favorites in the outfield (Marc Krauss) may end up filling in for Singleton at 1B early in the season. Austin Wates and Robbie Grossman will probably be starters, and one of Crowe and Ankiel will probably make the team in a “AAAA emergency” role. The last spot will probably go to Jake Goebbert or Che-Hsuan Lin with the other one being released.
George Springer and Domingo Santana will probably start in CF & RF at Corpus Christie, while newcomer Michael Burgess and holdovers Adam Bailey and Drew Muren seem the most likely candidates to join them. Grant Hogue may also have a shot, but at 26 he is also probably on the chopping block if he does not show real progress in the spring.
Lancaster is beginning to be crowded with some real prospects. I expect Andrew Aplin to return to CF (after his late-season promotion from Tri-City), flanked by Preston Tucker and (probably) Brandon Meredith (who seemed to really put it together last year). Justin Gominsky, Chris Epps and Jordan Scott will probably compete for the final 1-2 positions with the other(s) headed to Quad Cities.
Teoscar Hernandez seems like the strongest candidate to join the losers of the Lancaster competition in the Quad Cities outfield, but (in decreasing order of probability) Dan Gulbransen, Terrell Joyce, Mark Wik and possibly Ariel Ovando should also be in the mix. That still leaves some pretty strong talent in extended ST destined for Tri City or Greeneville.
Note: I tried to rush Ovando last year, which probably means I have erred on the other side this year. We’ll see.
age name 2012 2013
25 JDMartinez Hou/OKC Houston – LF
29 JMaxwell Houston Houston – CF
24 JParedes Hou/OKC Houston – RF/CF
24 FMartinez Hou/OKC Houston – RF/LF
26 BBarnes Hou/OKC Houston (?)
29 TCrowe FA Hou? OKC? Cut?
33 RAnkiel FA OKC? Cut? Hou??
23 RGrossman OKC Oklahoma City – RF
25 MKrauss CC/OKC Oklahoma City – LF/1B
24 AWates Corpus Christi Oklahoma City – CF/LF
26 JGoebbert OKC Oklahoma City
24 CLin FA Oklahoma City? Cut?
23 GSpringer CC/OKC Corpus Christi – CF
20 DSantana Lancaster Corpus Christi – RF
24 ABailey Lan/CC Corpus Christi – LF?
24 MBurgess <Cubs – AA> Corpus Christi – LF?
24 DMuren Lex/Lan CC? Lan?
26 GHogue Lancaster CC? Lan? Cut?
22 AAplin TC/Lan Lancaster – CF
23 BMeredith Lexington Lancaster – LF
22 PTucker Tri City Lancaster – RF
23 JGominsky Lex/TC Lancaster
24 CEpps Lex/Lan Lan? QC – LF?
21 JScott Lexington QC – LF? Lan?
20 THernandez GCL/Lex Quad Cities – CF
22 DGulbransen Tri City Quad Cities – LF?
20 TJoyce Greeneville Quad Cities – RF?
20 MWik Greeneville Quad Cities – LF? (SS)
21 JMonzon Greeneville SS
19 AOvando Greeneville SS
21 DToney Greeneville SS
20 WGonzalez GCL SS
18 BPhillips GCL SS
21 EGomez GCL SS
21 LDeLaRosa GCL SS
20 YMarte GCL SS
48
The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Position Summary - Corner Infield
« on: January 22, 2013, 01:54:45 pm »
Spring will be here very soon, and like last year, I thought I would take a stab at predicting who will end up where when the national anthem sounds for real. I depend completely on secondary sources for this … no insider information. This post deals with corner infielders.
As far as I can tell, there are 24 players under Astros control that can be seen primarily as corner infielders. This includes guys like Chan Moon and John Hinson (who also saw time at SS or 2B in 2012) and Bobby Borchering (who was primarily an OF in the past), but excludes Andrew Simunic and others who probably are not corner infielders in the long term. There are probably 15-18 slots on full season clubs.
Newcomer Carlos Pena will probably see some time at 1B for the Astros, but has already been announced as the full-time DH. Matt Dominguez appears to be the default at 3B, and I expect Rule-5 selection Nate Freiman to stick at 1B, perhaps as a backup to Brett Wallace (who will probably also see time at 3B). All in all, this is not an inspiring crew, but Freiman and Dominguez at least have a chance to develop.
Jonathan Singleton’s lock on the 1B position at Oklahoma City went up in smoke a couple of weeks ago. That probably opens the door for Erik Castro to start the season there. Bobby Borchering and Brandon Laird will probably split time at 3B as well as backing up Castro. When Singleton returns it will be decision time … either Laird will be gone or Castro will be sent back to Corpus.
Jonathan Meyer will probably start at 3B in Corpus Christi, and I expect Rafael Valenzuela to move up as well and start at 1B. This likely would have been Castro’s slot if not for the Singleton suspension. Telvin Nash should probably make the move as well, though he may set new records for AA strikeouts. It is not clear to me, though, that there is any benefit in leaving him at Lancaster with its tempting short fences. Meyer has rarely missed a game over the past few years, but if he needs a real back-up at 3B it will probably have to come from Simunic or Wikoff.
Lancaster will probably see Zach Johnson and Matt Duffy move up in tandem. Chan Moon may backup 3B with Duffy getting a few starts at 1B. Ben Orloff (another future utility guy I handled in the middle infield piece) may also get into the mix here, and John Hinson is a long-shot. He has been both error-prone and injury-prone, but is still (apparently) pretty well thought of.
There are plenty of options at Quad Cities. I expect Rio Ruiz to win the 3B job, but his glove is a bit suspect. John Hinson is another option. Jesse Wierzbicki should finally graduate from SS ball and take over 1B, but Jean Batista is another strong option there. Angel Ibanez and Michael Martinez are other long-shots for a backup role.
The wildcard, though, is Chase Davidson. If he is healthy, he may end up as 1B/DH almost anywhere. Regardless, he will probably get plenty of PA trying to make up for lost time in 2012.
age Name 2012 2013
34 CPena FA Houston – DH/1B
23 MDominguez Hou/OKC Houston – 3B
26 NFreiman Rule 5 Houston – 1B
26 BWallace Hou/OKC Houston
21 JSingleton CC Suspended (OKC)
25 ECastro Lancaster Oklahoma City – 1B
22 BBorchering CC Oklahoma City – 3B
25 BLaird Houston Oklahoma City
25 RValenzuela Lancaster Corpus Christi – 1B
22 JMeyer Lancaster Corpus Christi – 3B
22 TNash Lancaster Corpus Christi – DH
23 CDavidson Tri City CC? Lan? QC?
22 CMoon Lex/Lan CC? Lan?
25 ZJohnson Lexington Lancaster – 1B
24 MDuffy Lexington Lancaster – 3B
24 JHinson TC/Lex Lan? QC?
24 JWierzbicki TC/Lex Quad Cities – 1B?
21 JBatista Gre/TC Quad Cities – 1B?
19 RRuiz Greeneville Quad Cities – 3B?
22 AIbanez Greeneville Quad Cities ?
23 MMartinez Greeneville Quad Cities ?
22 RDineen Tri City SS
21 DRivera GCL SS
20 YMejia GCL SS
As far as I can tell, there are 24 players under Astros control that can be seen primarily as corner infielders. This includes guys like Chan Moon and John Hinson (who also saw time at SS or 2B in 2012) and Bobby Borchering (who was primarily an OF in the past), but excludes Andrew Simunic and others who probably are not corner infielders in the long term. There are probably 15-18 slots on full season clubs.
Newcomer Carlos Pena will probably see some time at 1B for the Astros, but has already been announced as the full-time DH. Matt Dominguez appears to be the default at 3B, and I expect Rule-5 selection Nate Freiman to stick at 1B, perhaps as a backup to Brett Wallace (who will probably also see time at 3B). All in all, this is not an inspiring crew, but Freiman and Dominguez at least have a chance to develop.
Jonathan Singleton’s lock on the 1B position at Oklahoma City went up in smoke a couple of weeks ago. That probably opens the door for Erik Castro to start the season there. Bobby Borchering and Brandon Laird will probably split time at 3B as well as backing up Castro. When Singleton returns it will be decision time … either Laird will be gone or Castro will be sent back to Corpus.
Jonathan Meyer will probably start at 3B in Corpus Christi, and I expect Rafael Valenzuela to move up as well and start at 1B. This likely would have been Castro’s slot if not for the Singleton suspension. Telvin Nash should probably make the move as well, though he may set new records for AA strikeouts. It is not clear to me, though, that there is any benefit in leaving him at Lancaster with its tempting short fences. Meyer has rarely missed a game over the past few years, but if he needs a real back-up at 3B it will probably have to come from Simunic or Wikoff.
Lancaster will probably see Zach Johnson and Matt Duffy move up in tandem. Chan Moon may backup 3B with Duffy getting a few starts at 1B. Ben Orloff (another future utility guy I handled in the middle infield piece) may also get into the mix here, and John Hinson is a long-shot. He has been both error-prone and injury-prone, but is still (apparently) pretty well thought of.
There are plenty of options at Quad Cities. I expect Rio Ruiz to win the 3B job, but his glove is a bit suspect. John Hinson is another option. Jesse Wierzbicki should finally graduate from SS ball and take over 1B, but Jean Batista is another strong option there. Angel Ibanez and Michael Martinez are other long-shots for a backup role.
The wildcard, though, is Chase Davidson. If he is healthy, he may end up as 1B/DH almost anywhere. Regardless, he will probably get plenty of PA trying to make up for lost time in 2012.
age Name 2012 2013
34 CPena FA Houston – DH/1B
23 MDominguez Hou/OKC Houston – 3B
26 NFreiman Rule 5 Houston – 1B
26 BWallace Hou/OKC Houston
21 JSingleton CC Suspended (OKC)
25 ECastro Lancaster Oklahoma City – 1B
22 BBorchering CC Oklahoma City – 3B
25 BLaird Houston Oklahoma City
25 RValenzuela Lancaster Corpus Christi – 1B
22 JMeyer Lancaster Corpus Christi – 3B
22 TNash Lancaster Corpus Christi – DH
23 CDavidson Tri City CC? Lan? QC?
22 CMoon Lex/Lan CC? Lan?
25 ZJohnson Lexington Lancaster – 1B
24 MDuffy Lexington Lancaster – 3B
24 JHinson TC/Lex Lan? QC?
24 JWierzbicki TC/Lex Quad Cities – 1B?
21 JBatista Gre/TC Quad Cities – 1B?
19 RRuiz Greeneville Quad Cities – 3B?
22 AIbanez Greeneville Quad Cities ?
23 MMartinez Greeneville Quad Cities ?
22 RDineen Tri City SS
21 DRivera GCL SS
20 YMejia GCL SS
49
The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Position Summary - Middle Infield
« on: January 22, 2013, 11:13:04 am »
Spring will be here very soon, and like last year, I thought I would take a stab at predicting who will end up where when the national anthem sounds for real. I depend completely on secondary sources for this … no insider information. This post deals with middle infielders.
As far as I can tell, there are 24 players under Astros control that can be seen primarily as middle infielders. There were a few guys who floated between 3B and 2B/SS. I included Andrew Simunic and Jose Solano here (and also Ruben Sosa, who played some OF), but Chan Moon and John Hinson under corner infielders. There are probably 15-18 slots on full season clubs.
Lowrie and Altuve seem set for the big club, and I expect Marwin Gonzalez to fill the backup role again (unless his leg problems sideline him). Jake Elmore may also have a shot, but I expect (and hope) that Tyler Greene will be gone.
I expect to see Villar and Martinez at AAA, with Brandon Wikoff as the backup (assuming he is recovered from injury). Andrew Simunic could also be in the mix here, but at 27 he is no longer a prospect. This makes him vulnerable if the organization decides it needs to keep Elmore around, either in Houston or Oklahoma City.
AA is a bit more up in the air. I expect Jiovanni Mier to start at SS, but I am not sure about 2B. Last year Kike Hernandez was jumped past Delino DeShields, but with the numbers DDj put up last year, it may be hard not to start him in CC. I am going to give the nod to Hernandez, though, with Ben Orloff (or maybe Alex Todd) backing up and DDj starting the season in Lancaster.
Whoever loses out for starting 2B in Corpus will probably get that role in Lancaster, with Nolan Fontana joining him at SS. I see Alex Todd (or maybe Ben Orloff) as the backup here. In spite of some good AB’s last year, I do not see either of them as fast-track material. Ruben Sosa may also end up at Lancaster and get some PT at 2B.
Quad Cities could be interesting in terms of the “new future”. Austin Elkins did very well in his pro debut (though he tailed off in August), and I expect him to hold down 2B from opening day. And increasingly I am convinced that the Astros will “rush” Carlos Correa into full season ball to cover the other side of the middle infield. Joe Sciafani and/or Brian Blasik should fill out the roster.
age Name 2012 2013
28 JLowrie Houston Houston - SS
22 JAltuve Houston Houston – 2B
23 MGonzalez Houston Houston
25 JElmore Reno/AZ OKC?/Houston?/cut?
29 TGreene Houston cut
21 JVillar CC Oklahoma City – SS
27 JMartinez CC/OKC Oklahoma City – 2B
24 BWikoff CC Oklahoma City (?)
27 ASimunic CC/OKC OKC? CC? cut?
22 JMier Lancaster Corpus Christi - SS
21 EHernandez Lan/CC ?Corpus Christi – 2B
25 BOrloff Lan/CC CC? Lan?
20 DDeShields Lex/Lan ?Lancaster – 2B
22 NFontana Lexington Lancaster - SS
23 ATodd Lex/Lan Lan? CC?
22 RSosa Lexington Lan? QC? OF?
22 AElkins Tri-City Quad Cities – 2B
18 CCorrea GCL/Gre Quad Cities – SS (?)
23 JScafiani Tri-City Quad Cities
23 BBlasik Greeneville Quad Cities ?
19 JFernandez Lex/Gre SS
21 JSolano GCL SS
18 JSantana GCL SS
19 YSilfa GCL SS
As far as I can tell, there are 24 players under Astros control that can be seen primarily as middle infielders. There were a few guys who floated between 3B and 2B/SS. I included Andrew Simunic and Jose Solano here (and also Ruben Sosa, who played some OF), but Chan Moon and John Hinson under corner infielders. There are probably 15-18 slots on full season clubs.
Lowrie and Altuve seem set for the big club, and I expect Marwin Gonzalez to fill the backup role again (unless his leg problems sideline him). Jake Elmore may also have a shot, but I expect (and hope) that Tyler Greene will be gone.
I expect to see Villar and Martinez at AAA, with Brandon Wikoff as the backup (assuming he is recovered from injury). Andrew Simunic could also be in the mix here, but at 27 he is no longer a prospect. This makes him vulnerable if the organization decides it needs to keep Elmore around, either in Houston or Oklahoma City.
AA is a bit more up in the air. I expect Jiovanni Mier to start at SS, but I am not sure about 2B. Last year Kike Hernandez was jumped past Delino DeShields, but with the numbers DDj put up last year, it may be hard not to start him in CC. I am going to give the nod to Hernandez, though, with Ben Orloff (or maybe Alex Todd) backing up and DDj starting the season in Lancaster.
Whoever loses out for starting 2B in Corpus will probably get that role in Lancaster, with Nolan Fontana joining him at SS. I see Alex Todd (or maybe Ben Orloff) as the backup here. In spite of some good AB’s last year, I do not see either of them as fast-track material. Ruben Sosa may also end up at Lancaster and get some PT at 2B.
Quad Cities could be interesting in terms of the “new future”. Austin Elkins did very well in his pro debut (though he tailed off in August), and I expect him to hold down 2B from opening day. And increasingly I am convinced that the Astros will “rush” Carlos Correa into full season ball to cover the other side of the middle infield. Joe Sciafani and/or Brian Blasik should fill out the roster.
age Name 2012 2013
28 JLowrie Houston Houston - SS
22 JAltuve Houston Houston – 2B
23 MGonzalez Houston Houston
25 JElmore Reno/AZ OKC?/Houston?/cut?
29 TGreene Houston cut
21 JVillar CC Oklahoma City – SS
27 JMartinez CC/OKC Oklahoma City – 2B
24 BWikoff CC Oklahoma City (?)
27 ASimunic CC/OKC OKC? CC? cut?
22 JMier Lancaster Corpus Christi - SS
21 EHernandez Lan/CC ?Corpus Christi – 2B
25 BOrloff Lan/CC CC? Lan?
20 DDeShields Lex/Lan ?Lancaster – 2B
22 NFontana Lexington Lancaster - SS
23 ATodd Lex/Lan Lan? CC?
22 RSosa Lexington Lan? QC? OF?
22 AElkins Tri-City Quad Cities – 2B
18 CCorrea GCL/Gre Quad Cities – SS (?)
23 JScafiani Tri-City Quad Cities
23 BBlasik Greeneville Quad Cities ?
19 JFernandez Lex/Gre SS
21 JSolano GCL SS
18 JSantana GCL SS
19 YSilfa GCL SS
50
The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Position Summary - Catcher
« on: January 20, 2013, 07:51:10 pm »
Spring will be here very soon, and like last year, I thought I would take a stab at predicting who will end up where when the national anthem sounds for real. I depend completely on secondary sources for this … no insider information. I’ll start with Catcher. (Last year I was overly optimistic on most of the starters, so I will probably fall off the other side of the horse this year.
As far as I can tell, there are 21 catchers under Astros control as of now, and room for 10-12 on full season clubs. I also see the potential for another AAAA-type signing late in spring training.
It looks like Corporan has the nod as the backup to Jason Castro in Houston, with newcomer Jason Jaramillo and (probably) the AAAA-type mentioned above in Oklahoma City. If there is no signing, 24yo Chris Wallace may get the promotion and see if his defense can catch up to his offense at that level.
Rene Garcia spent most of last year repeating Lancaster, and I (again) expect him to be the primary starter in Corpus this year – splitting time with Wallace (if he is not in AAA) and/or Carlos Perez & Ben Heath. Michael Kvasnicka may have an outside chance at a slot in AA as well.
Roberto Pena is another one who repeated a level (Lexington) for most of last year, and another one that I again expect to get the starting role at the next level (Lancaster). He is still only 20, and (IMO) one of the brighter spots in the organization at this position. I expect Mike Kvasnicka to start the season there as well, with the possibility that Ben Heath (if he does not make the AA roster and is not cut) or perhaps Jobduan Morales to have a shot as well.
I expect the 21yo Morales to be the starter at QC, and there are a number of candidates for the backup position(s). Ryan McCurdy (25) seems to have a few of his nine lives left, so he is probably the default if none of the rest are ready. He is also versatile enough to be the third catcher/utilityman if needed. 2011 draftee Miles Hamblin will be 24 this year and has suffered from injuries each of the past two years. If he does not make the QC roster, he will probably be gone. will also be 23. Tyler Heineman (21) had a good first season as a pro, and is my best guess at the regular backup slot at QC, but Ernesto Genoves (21) and Luis Alvarez (23) are also in the mix.
My best guesses:
age name 2012 2013
25 JCastro Houston Houston
29 CCorporan Hou/RR Houston
xx tbd FA Oklahoma City
29 JJaramillo various Oklahoma City
24 CWallace CC OKC/CC??
23 RGarcia Lan?CC Corpus Christi
22 CPerez Lancaster CC/Lan
24 BHeath Lan/CC Lan/CC/cut?
24 MKvasnicka Lexington Lancaster
20 RPena Lex/Lan Lancaster
22 JMorales TC/Lex Quad Cities
25 RMcCurdy various QC?
21 THeineman Tri-Cities QC?
24 MHamblin Lex/DL QC? Cut?
23 LAlvarez Greeneville SS
21 EGenoves Greeneville SS
23 CMoronta various SS
24 MCokinos TC SS
22 RGingras Greeneville SS
23 JCarnahan GCL SS
20 AGonzalez GCL SS
As far as I can tell, there are 21 catchers under Astros control as of now, and room for 10-12 on full season clubs. I also see the potential for another AAAA-type signing late in spring training.
It looks like Corporan has the nod as the backup to Jason Castro in Houston, with newcomer Jason Jaramillo and (probably) the AAAA-type mentioned above in Oklahoma City. If there is no signing, 24yo Chris Wallace may get the promotion and see if his defense can catch up to his offense at that level.
Rene Garcia spent most of last year repeating Lancaster, and I (again) expect him to be the primary starter in Corpus this year – splitting time with Wallace (if he is not in AAA) and/or Carlos Perez & Ben Heath. Michael Kvasnicka may have an outside chance at a slot in AA as well.
Roberto Pena is another one who repeated a level (Lexington) for most of last year, and another one that I again expect to get the starting role at the next level (Lancaster). He is still only 20, and (IMO) one of the brighter spots in the organization at this position. I expect Mike Kvasnicka to start the season there as well, with the possibility that Ben Heath (if he does not make the AA roster and is not cut) or perhaps Jobduan Morales to have a shot as well.
I expect the 21yo Morales to be the starter at QC, and there are a number of candidates for the backup position(s). Ryan McCurdy (25) seems to have a few of his nine lives left, so he is probably the default if none of the rest are ready. He is also versatile enough to be the third catcher/utilityman if needed. 2011 draftee Miles Hamblin will be 24 this year and has suffered from injuries each of the past two years. If he does not make the QC roster, he will probably be gone. will also be 23. Tyler Heineman (21) had a good first season as a pro, and is my best guess at the regular backup slot at QC, but Ernesto Genoves (21) and Luis Alvarez (23) are also in the mix.
My best guesses:
age name 2012 2013
25 JCastro Houston Houston
29 CCorporan Hou/RR Houston
xx tbd FA Oklahoma City
29 JJaramillo various Oklahoma City
24 CWallace CC OKC/CC??
23 RGarcia Lan?CC Corpus Christi
22 CPerez Lancaster CC/Lan
24 BHeath Lan/CC Lan/CC/cut?
24 MKvasnicka Lexington Lancaster
20 RPena Lex/Lan Lancaster
22 JMorales TC/Lex Quad Cities
25 RMcCurdy various QC?
21 THeineman Tri-Cities QC?
24 MHamblin Lex/DL QC? Cut?
23 LAlvarez Greeneville SS
21 EGenoves Greeneville SS
23 CMoronta various SS
24 MCokinos TC SS
22 RGingras Greeneville SS
23 JCarnahan GCL SS
20 AGonzalez GCL SS
51
The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Round Rock Nostalgia
« on: December 13, 2012, 07:13:11 am »
I know many of us on the bus were part of the earliest excitement about the Round Rock Express. So with too much time on my hands and the knowledge that our class A team is actually returning to Quad Cities this year, I thought I would look at how they did the last time they were an Astros franchise. The 1998 roster featured:
C - Mike Rose (later traded to Diamondbacks but appearing in a Diablo uniform at the Dell in 2000)
1B - Aaron McNeal (all hype; no glove)
2B - Aaron Miles (made it to the show, but not to RR)
LF - Kyle Logan (heads up behind 1B)
CF - Barry Wesson
RF - Eric Cole
SP - Eric Ireland, Wilfredo Rodriguez, Tom Shearn (& Brad Lidge for 4 the 4 games he was healthy)
Brings back the "good ol' days".
ETA other RR stalwarts who were in QC earlier:
Brian Dallimore, Nelson Samboy, Kevin Burns, Bryan Braswell, Jason Green (1st RR alum to MLB), and Jeriome "15GW" Robertson.
C - Mike Rose (later traded to Diamondbacks but appearing in a Diablo uniform at the Dell in 2000)
1B - Aaron McNeal (all hype; no glove)
2B - Aaron Miles (made it to the show, but not to RR)
LF - Kyle Logan (heads up behind 1B)
CF - Barry Wesson
RF - Eric Cole
SP - Eric Ireland, Wilfredo Rodriguez, Tom Shearn (& Brad Lidge for 4 the 4 games he was healthy)
Brings back the "good ol' days".
ETA other RR stalwarts who were in QC earlier:
Brian Dallimore, Nelson Samboy, Kevin Burns, Bryan Braswell, Jason Green (1st RR alum to MLB), and Jeriome "15GW" Robertson.
52
Beer and Queso / Friday Beer Thread (a Little Early)
« on: October 22, 2012, 03:24:55 pm »
I have to get this started. I have spent the past weekend (and much of this evening) doing a comparison of Belgian Abbey style ales. Corsendonk keeps coming out the winner, though Westmalle (the dubbel & the trippel) along with Orval and T'Stropke are all very nice. Leffe (both Blonde & Bruin) from the tap are also way better than the bottled stuff we get at Central Market.
I think I like it here ... even though game 7 does not air until 2:00am tomorrow.
I think I like it here ... even though game 7 does not air until 2:00am tomorrow.
53
Beer and Queso / Tour d' France & Skewer d' Lance
« on: October 22, 2012, 06:41:33 am »
I hope the seven new Tour d' France whiners winners will be subject to the same level of scrutiny he was subject to. I am not shocked (I guess) that he was doing something, but given how long he :got away with it" I would be truly shocked if he were alone.
55
The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Charleton Jimerson - Where is he now?
« on: October 19, 2012, 05:47:52 pm »
Stumbled across this fascinating link on the former Round Rock K-King: Charleton Jimerson. I wish him well.
57
The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / TDC Renewal/Status?
« on: September 06, 2012, 11:06:48 am »
I read somewhere that the Astros have renewed their TDC with Tri-City through 2014, and I seem to recall [speculation] that the agreement with Corpus runs through 2014 [/speculation]. Does anybody have the real scoop on where they stand with the whole organization? I know Lancaster is up this year, and like pretty much everyone else I am hoping for a change ... preferably back to the Carolina League.
I'd love for this to become a central clearing house for news and commentary on the process.
I'd love for this to become a central clearing house for news and commentary on the process.
58
Game Zone 2012 Archive / Tuesday at Pirates
« on: September 04, 2012, 06:11:24 pm »
Damn. All set to watch this one live and they are rolling out the tarp. Figures.
60
Beer and Queso / 1. Bundesliga 2012-13
« on: August 21, 2012, 03:28:21 pm »
Saw the EPL thread and wondered if there is enough interest to discuss the Bundesliga as well. I doubt it, but "juneberno".
So ... three Aufsteiger this year ...
Greuther Fürth topped the 2. Liga last year after a 4th the previous year. First shot at the big time (at least in the last 15 years).
Eintracht Frankfurt missed the top spot by 2 points and returns to the 1. Liga after a single year of relegation.
Fortuna Düßeldorf beat Hertha to join the 1. Liga after spending only 2 seasons there in their climb to the top rung.
Thoughts on which (if any) will stick? I'm thinking Hamburg, Freiburg and maybe Augsburg are vulnerable.
Meanwhile, any thoughts on whether Hertha, Köln, or Kaiserslautern have a chance to replicate Eintracht's feat and return to the 1. Liga for next year? I think Köln has a chance, but Hertha may struggle to be considered middle-of-the-pack.
So ... three Aufsteiger this year ...
Greuther Fürth topped the 2. Liga last year after a 4th the previous year. First shot at the big time (at least in the last 15 years).
Eintracht Frankfurt missed the top spot by 2 points and returns to the 1. Liga after a single year of relegation.
Fortuna Düßeldorf beat Hertha to join the 1. Liga after spending only 2 seasons there in their climb to the top rung.
Thoughts on which (if any) will stick? I'm thinking Hamburg, Freiburg and maybe Augsburg are vulnerable.
Meanwhile, any thoughts on whether Hertha, Köln, or Kaiserslautern have a chance to replicate Eintracht's feat and return to the 1. Liga for next year? I think Köln has a chance, but Hertha may struggle to be considered middle-of-the-pack.
61
Talk Zone / One man's trash ...
« on: August 18, 2012, 03:42:50 pm »
BA had this to say about the number of waiver claims on the 25/40 man roster:
Quote
Perhaps no other team exemplifies the maxim that one man's trash is another's treasure.I think the W-L record may indicate a slightly different interpretation of the data.
62
Talk Zone / Calling Mike Capps!!
« on: August 13, 2012, 05:07:48 pm »
Saw this ... http://houston.astros.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120813&content_id=36616126&vkey=news_hou&c_id=hou
Anything would be an improvement.
Anything would be an improvement.
63
The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / More former Busriders
« on: May 30, 2012, 11:10:35 am »
BA is tweeting that TJ Steele has already signed with SD and will play in San Antonio. Another former Hook, Jon Gaston, has signed with the White Sox organization out of indy ball.
64
The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Maysonet Ransomed
« on: May 23, 2012, 05:44:07 pm »
In old busrider news ... Brewers claim Cody Ransom off waivers and option Edwin Maysonet to AAA.
65
The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Which Martinez?
« on: May 05, 2012, 10:58:06 am »
Martinez may be the most popular name in the Astro system this year. So here's a "which Martinez" quiz:
Who currently leads in HR?
Who currently leads in HR?
66
The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Outfield Shifting
« on: April 10, 2012, 06:26:10 am »
I notice a few changes as the rosters are settling ... Jake Goebbert has been sent back to CC and Adam Bailey to Lancaster. Definitely a step backward for two guys who had very good years last year.
Meanwhile, Domingo Santana has gone on the DL at Lancaster. That could mean that the demotions are just to ensure playing time and fill the gap Domingo left, which would not be such a negative.
Meanwhile, Domingo Santana has gone on the DL at Lancaster. That could mean that the demotions are just to ensure playing time and fill the gap Domingo left, which would not be such a negative.
67
Talk Zone / Funny Looking RFer
« on: March 07, 2012, 03:12:12 pm »
Just caught the end of the Astros game on MLB network and watched a few of the highlights. Who was that funny-looking guy in RF with the rag arm for the Phillies?
68
Talk Zone / Bourn Supremacy
« on: March 05, 2012, 01:28:09 pm »
I am already tired of reading stuff like this ...
Quote
Micjael Bourn triples (1) on a fly ball to center fielder Jordan Schafer. Joe Slobovich scores.That is just soooo wrong.
69
Beer and Queso / Urgent - Thai food near Richmond & Beltway 8?
« on: February 28, 2012, 06:23:38 pm »
Business has stranded me much closer to home than usual and i have two nights to find good Thai food near Richmond & Beltway 8 ... Any suggestions?
70
Talk Zone / Projection/Simulation
« on: February 14, 2012, 07:27:41 pm »
WARNING - DON'T READ THIS IF YOU EXPECT IT TO BE ABOUT REAL BASEBALL.
I always get tired of waiting for spring, but I decided to try something different this year. With all the talk about lineups and simulations and the like, I decided to put together my own personal combination of projection and simulation based on various permutations on the lineup. I actually ended up with individual stats for 18 batters (plus an aggregate "pitcher" stolen from 2011) and about 10% too many plate appearances. I am not going to go into too much detail about the methodology, because (a) it is boring, and (b) it is not rigorous enough to stand up to criticism. It follows loosely a lot of the projection approaches that are more rigorous and I tinkered with it to create a variety of scenarios. I mostly used variations on the projected lineup Tags posted a few days ago. I'll post some extracts here, and if I do not get laughed or shouted off the board, I may come back and say something about the pitchers later.
I have the offense scoring about 705 runs in 2012 (compared to 615 in 2011) with both more power (123HR vs 95) and speed (131SB vs 118). A lot depends on Carlos Lee both playing better than last year and staying with the Astros all season. Of course, the chances of him doing both are unlikely, since the former reduces the probability of the latter. Anyway, here are the regulars ...
- Carlos Lee: .279/.338/.477 24HR 98RBI batting cleanup
- Jose Altuve: .282/.307/.401 10HR 24SB batting 2nd
- Jed Lowrie: .235/.312/.393 15HR
- Jordan Schafer: .232/.305/.304 25SB 143K (and I hope I'm wrong on this one)
- JD Martinez: .278/.335/.434 15HR 87RBI
- Brian Bogusevic: .269/.342/.422 10HR 25SB
- Jimmy Paredes: .268/.295/.384 24SB
I split the time equally among the catchers and they all sucked on offense. The best showing was 8HR and a .731 OPS for Snyder in 70G. Bench players of note included Jason Bourgeois (team leading 26SB in 280PA) and Jack Cust (7HR and a .810 OPS in 180PA). I also could not resist projecting a couple of rookies:
- Marwin Gonzalez: .228/.267/.316 in 120PA
- Fernando Martinez: .246/.287/.444 in 150PA
OK - Let the laughter begin.
I always get tired of waiting for spring, but I decided to try something different this year. With all the talk about lineups and simulations and the like, I decided to put together my own personal combination of projection and simulation based on various permutations on the lineup. I actually ended up with individual stats for 18 batters (plus an aggregate "pitcher" stolen from 2011) and about 10% too many plate appearances. I am not going to go into too much detail about the methodology, because (a) it is boring, and (b) it is not rigorous enough to stand up to criticism. It follows loosely a lot of the projection approaches that are more rigorous and I tinkered with it to create a variety of scenarios. I mostly used variations on the projected lineup Tags posted a few days ago. I'll post some extracts here, and if I do not get laughed or shouted off the board, I may come back and say something about the pitchers later.
I have the offense scoring about 705 runs in 2012 (compared to 615 in 2011) with both more power (123HR vs 95) and speed (131SB vs 118). A lot depends on Carlos Lee both playing better than last year and staying with the Astros all season. Of course, the chances of him doing both are unlikely, since the former reduces the probability of the latter. Anyway, here are the regulars ...
- Carlos Lee: .279/.338/.477 24HR 98RBI batting cleanup
- Jose Altuve: .282/.307/.401 10HR 24SB batting 2nd
- Jed Lowrie: .235/.312/.393 15HR
- Jordan Schafer: .232/.305/.304 25SB 143K (and I hope I'm wrong on this one)
- JD Martinez: .278/.335/.434 15HR 87RBI
- Brian Bogusevic: .269/.342/.422 10HR 25SB
- Jimmy Paredes: .268/.295/.384 24SB
I split the time equally among the catchers and they all sucked on offense. The best showing was 8HR and a .731 OPS for Snyder in 70G. Bench players of note included Jason Bourgeois (team leading 26SB in 280PA) and Jack Cust (7HR and a .810 OPS in 180PA). I also could not resist projecting a couple of rookies:
- Marwin Gonzalez: .228/.267/.316 in 120PA
- Fernando Martinez: .246/.287/.444 in 150PA
OK - Let the laughter begin.
71
Talk Zone / Another Nice Effort from McTaggart
« on: February 13, 2012, 11:54:44 am »
Competition is Open (soon)
Among other things, he projects a batting order:
Projected batting order
1. CF Jordan Schafer :
.242 BA, .309 OBP, .315 SLG, 2 HR, 13 RBIs in 2011
2. 2B Jose Altuve:
.276 BA, .297 OBP, .357 SLG, 2 HR, 12 RBIs in 2011
3. LF J.D. Martinez:
.274 BA, .319 OBP, .423 SLG, 6 HR, 35 RBIs in 2011
4. 1B Carlos Lee:
.275 BA, .342 OBP, .446 SLG, 4 HR, 18 RBIs in 2011
5. RF Brian Bogusevic:
.287 BA, .358 OBP, .457 SLG, 4 HR, 15 RBIs in 2011
6. 3B Jimmy Paredes:
.286 BA, .320 OBP, .393 SLG, 2 HR, 18 RBIs in 2011
7. SS Jed Lowrie:
.252 BA, .303 OBP, .382 SLG, 6 HR, 36 RBIs in 2011
8. C Jason Castro:
.205 BA, .286 OBP, .287 SLG, 2 HR, 8 RBIs in 2010
Among other things, he projects a batting order:
Projected batting order
1. CF Jordan Schafer :
.242 BA, .309 OBP, .315 SLG, 2 HR, 13 RBIs in 2011
2. 2B Jose Altuve:
.276 BA, .297 OBP, .357 SLG, 2 HR, 12 RBIs in 2011
3. LF J.D. Martinez:
.274 BA, .319 OBP, .423 SLG, 6 HR, 35 RBIs in 2011
4. 1B Carlos Lee:
.275 BA, .342 OBP, .446 SLG, 4 HR, 18 RBIs in 2011
5. RF Brian Bogusevic:
.287 BA, .358 OBP, .457 SLG, 4 HR, 15 RBIs in 2011
6. 3B Jimmy Paredes:
.286 BA, .320 OBP, .393 SLG, 2 HR, 18 RBIs in 2011
7. SS Jed Lowrie:
.252 BA, .303 OBP, .382 SLG, 6 HR, 36 RBIs in 2011
8. C Jason Castro:
.205 BA, .286 OBP, .287 SLG, 2 HR, 8 RBIs in 2010
72
The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Positional Analysis - Starting Pitching
« on: February 12, 2012, 04:49:06 pm »
Spring will be here very soon, so I could not resist the temptation to dig into my notes from last year along with various scouting resources (none of the “insider” variety) and try to see who will end up where when the national anthem sounds for real.
I basically suck at trying to evaluate pitchers … partly because it seems like there is more scouting required, and most of the resources even in prospect lists etc.tend to concentrate on stats. I’ll take a stab at it, though … at least for starters.
As far as I can tell, there are about 47 pitchers under Astros control that can be seen primarily as starters as of the end of last season. There was some movement back and forth last year, and it is not always clear (at least to me) how the Astros brain trust sees this, so there will probably be some “surprises”. In any case, there are 25 full-season rotation slots that I will try to fill.
Before Luhnow’s recent remarks, I would have set the rotation in Houston as Myers, Wandy, Norris, Lyles & Happ. I guess there is some chance now that Livan beats Lyles out, but I am not counting on that. There has also been some noise about Paul Clemens, but I seriously doubt he will be in the mix (though he may be called on during the season.)
Oklahoma City looks to me like a mixture of spare parts with a few prospects thrown in. I figure Clemens & Hernandez will start there along with Dallas Keuchel and (if he has not worn out his welcome) Sergio Perez. That leaves one slot for Aneury Rodriguez, Luke Harrell, Kyle Weiland and maybe Jarrad Cosart to fight over. An-Rod & Weiland may also be candidates for the bullpen in Houston, and I figure Cosart to start the season back at Corpus Christi.
Joining Cosart at CC I have Jake Buchanan, Brett Oberholtzer, Ross Seaton and Rob Donovan. I suppose Henry Sosa & Henry Villar should be in the mix somewhere, too, but I have them (probably) moving to the bullpen at Oklahoma City.
In Lancaster, I have Jose Cisnero, Ruben Alaniz, Luis Cruz, Bobby Doran (if he has recovered from last season’s shell-shock) and probably Thommy Shirley. I expect Kyle Greenwalt to be moved to the bullpen, but he may be another candidate as a repeater here. Tanner Bushue is another candidate to force his way into the rotation, with Doran the likely loser if he does.
I see Folty repeating at Lexington (though that may just be too much of a focus on stats). I also have Bushue likely to do a three-peat there joined by Carlos Quevedo and Nick Tropeano. The fifth slot will probably be someone else from last year’s Tri-City squad, with Jonas Dufak or Kyle Hallock the likely candidates. Luis Ordosgoitti, Euris Quezada are also possibilities. I kept trying to slot Adrian Houser in here, but at 19 I expect him to be the ace at Tri-City.
I’m going to skip the table here, since including all the potential moves back and forth to the bullpen would make it way to long. If you have that much time, just look at the Baseball Reference site for yourself. Similarly, I am going to omit the bullpen projections. There are just too many possibilities. I will express my hope, though, that most of the clowns who masqueraded as relievers last year for Houston will be given an opportunity to excel elsewhere (David Carpenter excluded).
I'm sure there are others who have better insights into the pecking order here, so please chime in with your corrections.
I basically suck at trying to evaluate pitchers … partly because it seems like there is more scouting required, and most of the resources even in prospect lists etc.tend to concentrate on stats. I’ll take a stab at it, though … at least for starters.
As far as I can tell, there are about 47 pitchers under Astros control that can be seen primarily as starters as of the end of last season. There was some movement back and forth last year, and it is not always clear (at least to me) how the Astros brain trust sees this, so there will probably be some “surprises”. In any case, there are 25 full-season rotation slots that I will try to fill.
Before Luhnow’s recent remarks, I would have set the rotation in Houston as Myers, Wandy, Norris, Lyles & Happ. I guess there is some chance now that Livan beats Lyles out, but I am not counting on that. There has also been some noise about Paul Clemens, but I seriously doubt he will be in the mix (though he may be called on during the season.)
Oklahoma City looks to me like a mixture of spare parts with a few prospects thrown in. I figure Clemens & Hernandez will start there along with Dallas Keuchel and (if he has not worn out his welcome) Sergio Perez. That leaves one slot for Aneury Rodriguez, Luke Harrell, Kyle Weiland and maybe Jarrad Cosart to fight over. An-Rod & Weiland may also be candidates for the bullpen in Houston, and I figure Cosart to start the season back at Corpus Christi.
Joining Cosart at CC I have Jake Buchanan, Brett Oberholtzer, Ross Seaton and Rob Donovan. I suppose Henry Sosa & Henry Villar should be in the mix somewhere, too, but I have them (probably) moving to the bullpen at Oklahoma City.
In Lancaster, I have Jose Cisnero, Ruben Alaniz, Luis Cruz, Bobby Doran (if he has recovered from last season’s shell-shock) and probably Thommy Shirley. I expect Kyle Greenwalt to be moved to the bullpen, but he may be another candidate as a repeater here. Tanner Bushue is another candidate to force his way into the rotation, with Doran the likely loser if he does.
I see Folty repeating at Lexington (though that may just be too much of a focus on stats). I also have Bushue likely to do a three-peat there joined by Carlos Quevedo and Nick Tropeano. The fifth slot will probably be someone else from last year’s Tri-City squad, with Jonas Dufak or Kyle Hallock the likely candidates. Luis Ordosgoitti, Euris Quezada are also possibilities. I kept trying to slot Adrian Houser in here, but at 19 I expect him to be the ace at Tri-City.
I’m going to skip the table here, since including all the potential moves back and forth to the bullpen would make it way to long. If you have that much time, just look at the Baseball Reference site for yourself. Similarly, I am going to omit the bullpen projections. There are just too many possibilities. I will express my hope, though, that most of the clowns who masqueraded as relievers last year for Houston will be given an opportunity to excel elsewhere (David Carpenter excluded).
I'm sure there are others who have better insights into the pecking order here, so please chime in with your corrections.
73
The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Positional Analysis - Outfield
« on: February 12, 2012, 03:29:28 pm »
Spring will be here very soon, so I could not resist the temptation to dig into my notes from last year along with various scouting resources (none of the “insider” variety) and try to see who will end up where when the national anthem sounds for real. This post deals with outfielders.
As far as I can tell, there are 39 players under Astros control that can be seen primarily as outfielders. A few can play in the infield (including Kike Hernandez who was moved off 2B by DDSjr last year), but a few of the guys already covered elsewhere can also play OF. Given the sometimes smaller roster limits at lower levels, there are probably only 20-25 full-season roster slots.
There has to be a lot of uncertainty across the board among candidates for those slots. Several have not progressed as quickly as expected, and there is a new sherrif in town. Add to that a very large number of free agent addtions, and there is bound to be a bit of a shuffle. That makes my relatively uniformed speculations even less likely to match reality than normal. But I won’t let that stop me.
I see the starters in Houston as Martinez, Schafer & Bogusevic, but per Lutnow’s comments, any of them could miss the boat to Minute Maid in April. In declining order of probability, I have Fernando Martinez, Jack Cust, Jason Bourgeois, Justin Ruggiano and Brad Snyder fighting it out for the other two slots (though JB Shuck may also have an outside chance).
Any (or even several) of the above could end up opening the season in Oklahoma, but I have Shuck, Bourgeois and Jake Goebbert as the likely starters (L/C/R). Colin DeLome and Brandon Barnes have the best chance to beat out the leftover journeymen, but I will be surprised if they are both with the Astros when ST breaks. Travis Buck gets thrown into the mix here, too.
As with other positions, the prospect quotient picks up at AA. At least a little. I see Austin Wates in LF (or maybe CF) and Adam Bailey returning in RF. Barnes might start here again, too, and holdovers fighting for a roster slot somewhere include TJ Steele & Jon Gaston. Grant Hogue & Daniel Adamson have a chance to slide in here if there is a real housecleaning. My guess is that they will carry four – Wates, Bailey, Steele and one of the others.
I think George Springer will start the season patrolling CF in Lancaster, flanked by Domingo Santana in RF and (probably) Adamson in LF. Emilio King is another candidate for LF, and will probably compete with Hogue for the 4th OF position. Potential 5th OF candidates (if they carry 5) are Jay Austin (still only 21), Bryce Lane and (longshot) Kike Hernandez.
Somebody has to play CF in Lexington, which may be the strongest argument against placing King in Lancaster. Jordon Scott in LF and Ariel Ovando in RF are my best guess, with Hernandez returning to get regular time both places. I also think Chris Epps will start the season in Lexington, playing some at corner OF and splitting DH time with Chase Davidson. Bryce Lane may be in the mix here, too (and I may be rushing Ovando!)
As far as I can tell, there are 39 players under Astros control that can be seen primarily as outfielders. A few can play in the infield (including Kike Hernandez who was moved off 2B by DDSjr last year), but a few of the guys already covered elsewhere can also play OF. Given the sometimes smaller roster limits at lower levels, there are probably only 20-25 full-season roster slots.
There has to be a lot of uncertainty across the board among candidates for those slots. Several have not progressed as quickly as expected, and there is a new sherrif in town. Add to that a very large number of free agent addtions, and there is bound to be a bit of a shuffle. That makes my relatively uniformed speculations even less likely to match reality than normal. But I won’t let that stop me.
I see the starters in Houston as Martinez, Schafer & Bogusevic, but per Lutnow’s comments, any of them could miss the boat to Minute Maid in April. In declining order of probability, I have Fernando Martinez, Jack Cust, Jason Bourgeois, Justin Ruggiano and Brad Snyder fighting it out for the other two slots (though JB Shuck may also have an outside chance).
Any (or even several) of the above could end up opening the season in Oklahoma, but I have Shuck, Bourgeois and Jake Goebbert as the likely starters (L/C/R). Colin DeLome and Brandon Barnes have the best chance to beat out the leftover journeymen, but I will be surprised if they are both with the Astros when ST breaks. Travis Buck gets thrown into the mix here, too.
As with other positions, the prospect quotient picks up at AA. At least a little. I see Austin Wates in LF (or maybe CF) and Adam Bailey returning in RF. Barnes might start here again, too, and holdovers fighting for a roster slot somewhere include TJ Steele & Jon Gaston. Grant Hogue & Daniel Adamson have a chance to slide in here if there is a real housecleaning. My guess is that they will carry four – Wates, Bailey, Steele and one of the others.
I think George Springer will start the season patrolling CF in Lancaster, flanked by Domingo Santana in RF and (probably) Adamson in LF. Emilio King is another candidate for LF, and will probably compete with Hogue for the 4th OF position. Potential 5th OF candidates (if they carry 5) are Jay Austin (still only 21), Bryce Lane and (longshot) Kike Hernandez.
Somebody has to play CF in Lexington, which may be the strongest argument against placing King in Lancaster. Jordon Scott in LF and Ariel Ovando in RF are my best guess, with Hernandez returning to get regular time both places. I also think Chris Epps will start the season in Lexington, playing some at corner OF and splitting DH time with Chase Davidson. Bryce Lane may be in the mix here, too (and I may be rushing Ovando!)
| age | name | 2011 | 2012 |
| 24 | JDMartinez | CC/Houston | Houston - LF |
| 25 | JSchafer | <Houston> | Houston - CF |
| 28 | BBogusevic | Hou/OKC | Houston - RF |
| 23 | FMartinez | FA | Houston (?) |
| 33 | JCust | FA | Houston (?) |
| 30 | JBourgeois | OKC/Hous | OKC – CF (or maybe Houston) |
| 24 | JBShuck | Oklahoma City | Oklahoma City - LF |
| 29 | JRuggiano | FA | Hou? OKC? |
| 29 | BSnyder | FA | OKC? Hou? |
| 24 | JGoebbert | CC/OKC | Oklahoma City - RF |
| 26 | CDeLome | OKC (time on DL) | OKC? Released? |
| 28 | TBuck | FA | Oklahoma City? |
| 25 | BBarnes | CC/OKC | OKC? CC? cut? |
| 24 | ABailey | Lan/CC | Corpus Christi - RF |
| 23 | AWates | Lancaster | Corpus Christi – LF |
| 25 | TJSteele | Corpus Christi | Corpus Christi - CF |
| 24 | DAdamson | Lex/Lan | Lancaster – LF (CC?) |
| 25 | GHogue | Lancaster | CC? Lan? |
| 25 | JGaston | Corpus Christi | CC? released? |
| 22 | GSpringer | Tri-City | Lancaster - CF |
| 21 | JAustin | Lan/Lex | Lan? Lex – CF? cut? |
| 19 | DSantana | Lexington | Lancaster - RF |
| 22 | EKing | Lexington | Lan LF? Lex – CF? |
| 20 | EHernandez | Lexington | Lexington |
| 22 | BLane | Lexington | Lexington? |
| 20 | JScott | various SS | Lexington - LF |
| 23 | CEpps | various SS | Lexington – OF/DH |
| 18 | AOvando | Greeneville | Lexington - RF |
| 22 | JGominsky | Tri-City | SS |
| 22 | BMeredith | Tri-City | SS |
| 23 | AMuren | Tri-City | SS |
| 19 | WGonzalez | GCL | SS |
| 22 | JMcKinney | GCL | SS |
| 20 | JMonzon | Greeneville | SS |
| 20 | JVargas | Greeneville | SS |
| 21 | GWright | Gre (time on DL) | SS |
| 19 | YMarte | GCL | SS |
| 19 | JReynolds | GCL | SS |
| 19 | KVizcaino | GCL | SS |
74
The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Positional Analysis - Corner Infield
« on: February 12, 2012, 02:45:28 pm »
Spring will be here very soon, so I could not resist the temptation to dig into my notes from last year along with various scouting resources (none of the “insider” variety) and try to see who will end up where when the national anthem sounds for real. This post deals with corner infielders.
As far as I can tell, there are 23 players under Astros control that can be seen primarily as corner infielders. This includes Carlos Lee and Matt Downs along with a few guys at lower levels who can also play other positions. Additionally, some of the guys included in the middle infielder analysis can also play 3B and may end up there eventually. There are probably ~15 slots on full season clubs … bearing in mind that this is a good source of DH candidates, but some leagues have lower roster limits as well.
Carlos is a given at 1B this year, but the other two slots (3B and 6th IF) shape up as one of the most interesting battles of the spring (the other being 5th OF). Jimmy Paredes has to be the favorite to return at 3B, but given Lutnow’s recent comments, I could see a big spring by some combination of CJ, Brett Wallace and Marwin Gonzalez forcing Paredes to AAA. Why Gonzalez? I figure Matt Downs is pretty close to a “lock” and his ability to play 2B becomes more valuable if the Astros decide to carry the Rule 5 pick. As noted elsewhere, Johnson & Wallace are really on the ropes, though I think CJ’s superior versatility gives him the inside track.
AAA will present some interesting challenges. Kody Hinze probably needs to move up … if for no other reason than to make room for Jonathan Singleton. I have him splitting time with Brett Wallace at 1B & DH, with free agent Scott Moore at 3B. CJ may end up here though (in which case Moore will probably be gone) and guys like Thurston or even Sanchez could figure here as well.
I think Corpus Christi will be pretty interesting this year with Singleton at 1B and Jonathan Meyer at 3B (among many other prospects around the diamond). The fans deserve a break after last year! I suppose Hinze might end up here (mostly at DH), but I predict that the “extra” infielder (if needed) will come from James Van Ostrand, Erik Castro or David Flores. I doubt if any of that trio is guaranteed a roster spot anywhere, though.
Telvin Nash figures to step up to Lancaster and make up for some time he lost at the beginning of last year to a hamate bone injury. Mike Kvasnicka will probably hold down 3B. “Extra infielder” candidates include Castro, Flores and maybe Tyler Burnett. If Andrew Simunic ends up here again, his versatility could free up a spot, though.
1B in Lexington is a bit of a question mark. Burnett will probably repeat, but I have this inkling that they will push Chase Davidson. Since Burnett also had a few starts at 3B last year, the two may split 1B with Davidson getting some starts at DH and Burnett backing up Matthew Duffy, who I expect to get his first full-season experience as the starter at 3B. Rafael Valenzuela and Justin Shults would be the most likely candidates to start at Lexington if Burnett makes the Lancaster roster.
As far as I can tell, there are 23 players under Astros control that can be seen primarily as corner infielders. This includes Carlos Lee and Matt Downs along with a few guys at lower levels who can also play other positions. Additionally, some of the guys included in the middle infielder analysis can also play 3B and may end up there eventually. There are probably ~15 slots on full season clubs … bearing in mind that this is a good source of DH candidates, but some leagues have lower roster limits as well.
Carlos is a given at 1B this year, but the other two slots (3B and 6th IF) shape up as one of the most interesting battles of the spring (the other being 5th OF). Jimmy Paredes has to be the favorite to return at 3B, but given Lutnow’s recent comments, I could see a big spring by some combination of CJ, Brett Wallace and Marwin Gonzalez forcing Paredes to AAA. Why Gonzalez? I figure Matt Downs is pretty close to a “lock” and his ability to play 2B becomes more valuable if the Astros decide to carry the Rule 5 pick. As noted elsewhere, Johnson & Wallace are really on the ropes, though I think CJ’s superior versatility gives him the inside track.
AAA will present some interesting challenges. Kody Hinze probably needs to move up … if for no other reason than to make room for Jonathan Singleton. I have him splitting time with Brett Wallace at 1B & DH, with free agent Scott Moore at 3B. CJ may end up here though (in which case Moore will probably be gone) and guys like Thurston or even Sanchez could figure here as well.
I think Corpus Christi will be pretty interesting this year with Singleton at 1B and Jonathan Meyer at 3B (among many other prospects around the diamond). The fans deserve a break after last year! I suppose Hinze might end up here (mostly at DH), but I predict that the “extra” infielder (if needed) will come from James Van Ostrand, Erik Castro or David Flores. I doubt if any of that trio is guaranteed a roster spot anywhere, though.
Telvin Nash figures to step up to Lancaster and make up for some time he lost at the beginning of last year to a hamate bone injury. Mike Kvasnicka will probably hold down 3B. “Extra infielder” candidates include Castro, Flores and maybe Tyler Burnett. If Andrew Simunic ends up here again, his versatility could free up a spot, though.
1B in Lexington is a bit of a question mark. Burnett will probably repeat, but I have this inkling that they will push Chase Davidson. Since Burnett also had a few starts at 3B last year, the two may split 1B with Davidson getting some starts at DH and Burnett backing up Matthew Duffy, who I expect to get his first full-season experience as the starter at 3B. Rafael Valenzuela and Justin Shults would be the most likely candidates to start at Lexington if Burnett makes the Lancaster roster.
| age | name | 2011 | 2012 |
| 35 | Carlos Lee | Houston (LF/1B) | Houston – 1B |
| 23 | Jimmy Paredes | CC/Hou | Houston – 3B |
| 28 | Matt Downs | Houston | Houston – PH/util |
| 27 | Chris Johnson | Hou/OKC | Houston (or OKC – 3B? or traded?) |
| 25 | Brett Wallace | Hou/OKC | OKC – 1B/DH (or Hou? or traded?) |
| 28 | Scott Moore | FA | Oklahoma City – 3B |
| 24 | Kody Hinze | Lan/CC | Oklahoma City – DH/1B |
| 21 | Jonathan Meyer | Lancaster | Corpus Christi – 3B |
| 20 | Jonathan Singleton | Lancaster | Corpus Christi - 1B |
| 27 | James Van Ostrand | Corpus Christi | CC? released? |
| 25 | David Flores | CC/Lan | CC? Lan? Cut? |
| 24 | Erik Castro | Lan (time on DL) | CC? Lan? Cut? |
| 21 | Telvin Nash | Lexington | Lancaster – 1B |
| 23 | Mike Kvasnicka | Lexington | Lancaster – 3B |
| 22 | Tyler Burnett | Lexington | Lexington – 1B (or Lan?) |
| 24 | Justin Shults | GCL | SS (or maybe Lex?) |
| 22 | Chase Davidson | Gre/TC | Lexington 1B (?) |
| 24 | Rafael Valenzuela | Gre/TC | SS or maybe Lex |
| 23 | Zach Johnson | Tri-City | SS |
| 23 | Jesse Wierzbicki | Greeneville | SS |
| 20 | Darwin Rivera | Greeneville | SS |
| 20 | Max Ayarza | GCL | SS |
| 20 | Kyle Redinger | GCL | SS |
75
The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Positional Analysis - Middle Infield
« on: February 12, 2012, 02:03:27 pm »
Spring will be here very soon, so I could not resist the temptation to dig into my notes from last year along with various scouting resources (none of the “insider” variety) and try to see who will end up where when the national anthem sounds for real. This post deals with middle infielders.
As far as I can tell, there are 24 players under Astros control that can be seen primarily as middle infielders. I did not count guys like Matt Downs (who I will deal with under corner infielders) but I did include some questionables like Brian Bixler (who played mostly OF last year) and Andrew Simunic (who played everywhere but catcher). There are probably 15-18 slots on full season clubs.
I am penciling in Lowrie at SS and Altuve at 2B for the Astros. Somehow I do not see The Altuve as a candidate for the step backward that Lutnow hinted at. I would like to see Marwin Gonzalez really “earn” the backup role, but Angel Sanchez and Diroy Hernandez (at least) are definitely in the mix. There are a bunch of NRI’s that might fit here, and I expect that not all of them will be in the Astros organization when the dust settles.
I have taken a long look at the system in light of Lutnow’s comments, and have backed off from placing Villar at AAA. I now project Sanchez & Hernandez as the starters there with Brandon Wikoff as the backup. Of course, if Gonzalez does not stick, that would promote Wikoff to starter and make room for Bixler or Thurston.
I now expect Villar to return to CC for at least the start of the season, and the most likely candidate to join him in the DP combination would be Jose Carlos Thompson. There are a variety of candidates for the backup position including Bixler/Thurston, Andrew Simunic or maybe even Alex Todd, who was bounced to Lancaster from SS ball at the end of last season. If Villar is pushed to AAA, look for Mier to start in Corpus, but I am increasingly doubtful that that will happen.
So Mier will start at Lancaster, and the question is whether they will “rush” DDSjr or not. I am leaning to “yes” with Alex Todd filling the backup role there. Ruben Sosa (who can also play CF) is another potential.
If I am right about DeShields starting at Lancaster, that leaves Ben Orloff and Ruben Sosa as the most likely candidates to start in Lexington. Todd could show up here too (probably as the starter), and they could consider moving Kike Hernandez back to 2B full time (though I am continuing to track him in the OF). I figure Jean Batista is the most likely candidate for the third roster spot here, though Chan Moon (who is 6 months older) would also be a possibility.
As far as I can tell, there are 24 players under Astros control that can be seen primarily as middle infielders. I did not count guys like Matt Downs (who I will deal with under corner infielders) but I did include some questionables like Brian Bixler (who played mostly OF last year) and Andrew Simunic (who played everywhere but catcher). There are probably 15-18 slots on full season clubs.
I am penciling in Lowrie at SS and Altuve at 2B for the Astros. Somehow I do not see The Altuve as a candidate for the step backward that Lutnow hinted at. I would like to see Marwin Gonzalez really “earn” the backup role, but Angel Sanchez and Diroy Hernandez (at least) are definitely in the mix. There are a bunch of NRI’s that might fit here, and I expect that not all of them will be in the Astros organization when the dust settles.
I have taken a long look at the system in light of Lutnow’s comments, and have backed off from placing Villar at AAA. I now project Sanchez & Hernandez as the starters there with Brandon Wikoff as the backup. Of course, if Gonzalez does not stick, that would promote Wikoff to starter and make room for Bixler or Thurston.
I now expect Villar to return to CC for at least the start of the season, and the most likely candidate to join him in the DP combination would be Jose Carlos Thompson. There are a variety of candidates for the backup position including Bixler/Thurston, Andrew Simunic or maybe even Alex Todd, who was bounced to Lancaster from SS ball at the end of last season. If Villar is pushed to AAA, look for Mier to start in Corpus, but I am increasingly doubtful that that will happen.
So Mier will start at Lancaster, and the question is whether they will “rush” DDSjr or not. I am leaning to “yes” with Alex Todd filling the backup role there. Ruben Sosa (who can also play CF) is another potential.
If I am right about DeShields starting at Lancaster, that leaves Ben Orloff and Ruben Sosa as the most likely candidates to start in Lexington. Todd could show up here too (probably as the starter), and they could consider moving Kike Hernandez back to 2B full time (though I am continuing to track him in the OF). I figure Jean Batista is the most likely candidate for the third roster spot here, though Chan Moon (who is 6 months older) would also be a possibility.
| age | name | 2011 | 2012 |
| 27 | JLowrie | FA | Houston - SS |
| 21 | JAltuve | Lan/CC/Hou | Houston – 2B |
| 22 | MGonzalez | Rule 5 | Houston ?? |
| 28 | ASanchez | Houston | OKC – SS (or Hou?) |
| 27 | DHernandez | FA | Oklahoma City – 2B |
| 23 | BWikoff | CC/OKC | OKC – util (or SS?) |
| 32 | JThurston | FA | OKC? CC? cut? |
| 20 | JVillar | Lan/CC | Corpus Christi - SS |
| 29 | BBixler | FA (OF) | OKC? CC? cut? |
| 24 | JThompson | various | Corpus Christi – 2B |
| 21 | JMier | Lex/Lan | Lancaster - SS |
| 22 | ATodd | TC/Lan | Lancaster (or Lex?) |
| 26 | ASimunic | various | CC? released? |
| 19 | DDeShields | Lexington | Lancaster – 2B |
| 21 | RSosa | Gre/Lex | Lexington – 2B |
| 24 | BOrloff | Lexington | Lexington - SS |
| 21 | CMoon | Greeneville | SS (or maybe Lex?) |
| 20 | JBatista | GCL | Lexington ? |
| 23 | JHinson | 2011 | SS |
| 24 | NJohnson | 2011 | SS |
| 20 | JMagee | 2011 | SS |
| 18 | JFernandez | 2011 | SS |
| 19 | LMartone | 2011 | SS |
| 19 | YMejia | 2011 | SS |
76
The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Positional Analysis - Catcher
« on: February 12, 2012, 01:08:00 pm »
Spring will be here very soon, so I could not resist the temptation to dig into my notes from last year along with various scouting resources (none of the “insider” variety) and try to see who will end up where when the national anthem sounds for real. I’ll start with Catcher.
As far as I can tell, there are 21 catchers under Astros control as of now, and room for 10-12 on full season clubs.
I am assuming that either Q or Snyder will back up Castro with the other sharing time with Corporan at AAA, but I would not be surprised to see Castro start the season on the DL, which probably keeps Frostad on the AAA roster.
Rene Garcia did will in Lancaster last year, and I expect him to be the primary starter in Corpus this year, with Chris Wallace backing him up (and getting plenty of starts at DH). Frostad might end up in the mix here too as general purpose back-up and veteran “presence”. Either Garcia (if his bat is not ready) or Wallace (if they want him to really work on receiving) might end up starting at Lancaster.
Roberto Pena did pretty well at Lexington last year at age 19. The new regime may want him to repeat, but I expect him to move up to Lancaster. Ben Heath split time last year between Lancaster & Lexington (moving down when Wallace went to Corpus), and I expect him to start the season backing up Pena and getting some extra AB’s at DH. Comadena played some OF and some C, but I question whether there is a roster spot for him this year … unless, of course, Pena repeats at Lex.
It’s now or never for 23yo Bubby Williams, and 2011 draftee Miles Hamblin will also be 23. I figure they will both move up to Lexington to start the season, with Hamblin more likely to do most of the receiving, and Williams getting a bunch of starts at DH. Ryan McCurdy is probably another "odd man out" unless they carry three catchers somewhere.
My best guesses:
As far as I can tell, there are 21 catchers under Astros control as of now, and room for 10-12 on full season clubs.
I am assuming that either Q or Snyder will back up Castro with the other sharing time with Corporan at AAA, but I would not be surprised to see Castro start the season on the DL, which probably keeps Frostad on the AAA roster.
Rene Garcia did will in Lancaster last year, and I expect him to be the primary starter in Corpus this year, with Chris Wallace backing him up (and getting plenty of starts at DH). Frostad might end up in the mix here too as general purpose back-up and veteran “presence”. Either Garcia (if his bat is not ready) or Wallace (if they want him to really work on receiving) might end up starting at Lancaster.
Roberto Pena did pretty well at Lexington last year at age 19. The new regime may want him to repeat, but I expect him to move up to Lancaster. Ben Heath split time last year between Lancaster & Lexington (moving down when Wallace went to Corpus), and I expect him to start the season backing up Pena and getting some extra AB’s at DH. Comadena played some OF and some C, but I question whether there is a roster spot for him this year … unless, of course, Pena repeats at Lex.
It’s now or never for 23yo Bubby Williams, and 2011 draftee Miles Hamblin will also be 23. I figure they will both move up to Lexington to start the season, with Hamblin more likely to do most of the receiving, and Williams getting a bunch of starts at DH. Ryan McCurdy is probably another "odd man out" unless they carry three catchers somewhere.
My best guesses:
| age | name | 2011 | 2012 |
| 24 | JCastro | DL | Houston (DL?) |
| 32 | HQuintero | Houston | Houston |
| 31 | CSnyder | FA | Houston (OKC?) |
| 28 | CCorporan | OKC/Hou | Oklahoma City |
| 29 | EFrostad | CC/OKC | Oklahoma City? |
| 23 | CWallace | Lex/CC | Corpus Christi |
| 22 | RGarcia | Lancaster | Corpus Christi |
| 23 | BHeath | Lan/Lex | Lancaster |
| 26 | JComadena | Lancaster | Lan? |
| 19 | RPena | Lexington | Lancaster |
| 23 | BWilliams | Tri-City | Lexington |
| 23 | MHamblin | Tri-City | Lexington |
| 24 | RMcCurdy | various | Lex? |
| 22 | LAlvarez | Greeneville | SS |
| 20 | EGenoves | Greeneville | SS |
| 22 | CMoronta | Greeneville | SS |
| 24 | KGonzalez | GCL | SS |
| 23 | JMeskin | GCL | SS |
| 23 | JWitkowski | GCL | SS |
| 19 | KDiaz | GCL | SS |
| 19 | AGonzalez | GCL | SS |
77
Talk Zone / Filling Dead Air on Twitter
« on: February 08, 2012, 11:16:42 am »
Someone should tell @daveraymond4 that twitter is not the radio ... he does not have to make inane comments every 30 seconds about whatever springs unbidden into what passes for his mind. It is OK to have an un-tweeted thought ... even a very small one.
78
The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / MLB.com Top 20 List
« on: February 08, 2012, 11:04:53 am »
Here is the latest on Top 20 prospects from MLB.com
I think they were a bit generous with the label in some cases, and a bit biased toward offense, but it is a decent list. With one exception.
What in the heck is pitchability? It was used of at least half the pitchers on the list.
How to construct pitchability:
1. Start with a perfectly good verb ... "pitch"
2. Turn it into a serviceable adjective by adding "-able" to get "pitchable" -- Note that this is not analogous to "hitable" ... a ball is "hitable" if it is grooved over the plate by the pitcher. And perhaps the batter is "hitable" if he digs in and leans over the plate. And of course pitchers can be said to be "hitable" when that is the common result of their mound labors. But whatever else "hitable" means, it has nothing to do with doing the hitting, but rather with being hit. -- but I digress.
3. Turn it into a rather awkward noun by adding "-ity" and morphing "-able" appropriately to get "pitchability" -- this is a stretch, but language is designed (more or less) to stretch this way. And going back to "hitable", it is not too much of a stretch to come up with a good use for "hitability" ... a term that might describe the degree to which a pitcher is "hitable" for instance.
But what in the heck does "pitchability" describe then? The degree to which the batter is "pitchable"? (That would be a stretch.) Or the degree to which the ball is pitchable? Compared, I suppose, to a bowling ball? But again ... we are not really through with this rant yet.
4. Take the awkward noun above and use it as an adjective, as in "a pitchability guy". I give up! ... Who's on first?
I think they were a bit generous with the label in some cases, and a bit biased toward offense, but it is a decent list. With one exception.
What in the heck is pitchability? It was used of at least half the pitchers on the list.
How to construct pitchability:
1. Start with a perfectly good verb ... "pitch"
2. Turn it into a serviceable adjective by adding "-able" to get "pitchable" -- Note that this is not analogous to "hitable" ... a ball is "hitable" if it is grooved over the plate by the pitcher. And perhaps the batter is "hitable" if he digs in and leans over the plate. And of course pitchers can be said to be "hitable" when that is the common result of their mound labors. But whatever else "hitable" means, it has nothing to do with doing the hitting, but rather with being hit. -- but I digress.
3. Turn it into a rather awkward noun by adding "-ity" and morphing "-able" appropriately to get "pitchability" -- this is a stretch, but language is designed (more or less) to stretch this way. And going back to "hitable", it is not too much of a stretch to come up with a good use for "hitability" ... a term that might describe the degree to which a pitcher is "hitable" for instance.
But what in the heck does "pitchability" describe then? The degree to which the batter is "pitchable"? (That would be a stretch.) Or the degree to which the ball is pitchable? Compared, I suppose, to a bowling ball? But again ... we are not really through with this rant yet.
4. Take the awkward noun above and use it as an adjective, as in "a pitchability guy". I give up! ... Who's on first?
79
Beer and Queso / Friday Shiner Thread
« on: February 02, 2012, 11:02:28 am »
Last night I got my hands (and tastebuds) on the new 103 ... Wild Hare Pale Ale. IMO, the best offering out of Shiner since their black lager. You gotta get some!
80
Talk Zone / Home Field Advantage
« on: January 22, 2012, 12:28:11 pm »
Here is a great piece on home field advantage in team sports (from Limeyland).
81
Talk Zone / Benedict Arnold Wade
« on: December 20, 2011, 03:31:57 pm »
Just got an email from a friend in the Philadelphia area. He claims (referencing a he-who-shall-not-be-named tweet) that Ed Wade has "completed his secret mission" and come in from the cold, taking up his permanent title of "Senior VP of Player Acquisition". He (my friend) thanks us for our service.
82
Beer and Queso / On Getting Old Gracefully (or not)
« on: December 02, 2011, 04:11:40 am »
I have to share this story somewhere, and given the warm welcome so common here, I chose this venue. Before I start, though, I should point out that I am happily married. Not only that, but I reject all the crap about "window shopping" being OK or "look don't touch" or "it doesn't matter where I get my appetite as long as I eat at home." That said, though, I am not blind.
So I'm headed in to work this morning and as I enter the U-Bahn station I notice that a fellow passenger 20 yards or so in front of me is doing an excellent job at filling out her skinny jeans. Long blonde hair flowing down her back, covered by a short leather jacket completed the picture of youth & vitality (to say nothing of sexuality). The train was crowded and as we entered the same car more or less together I took up my stance at the end of the compartment near the pole that everyone is supposed to hold on to. She took the fold-down seat just to my left ... the last available "Sitzplatz". As we both settled in, we made brief eye contact.
Remember -- happily married; no fantasies here, though I did smile slightly in a friendly way. Then it happened.
She got a worried look on her face and said something to the effect of, "Would you like to sit down, sir?"
Arrgghhhhh I really hate getting old.
So I'm headed in to work this morning and as I enter the U-Bahn station I notice that a fellow passenger 20 yards or so in front of me is doing an excellent job at filling out her skinny jeans. Long blonde hair flowing down her back, covered by a short leather jacket completed the picture of youth & vitality (to say nothing of sexuality). The train was crowded and as we entered the same car more or less together I took up my stance at the end of the compartment near the pole that everyone is supposed to hold on to. She took the fold-down seat just to my left ... the last available "Sitzplatz". As we both settled in, we made brief eye contact.
Remember -- happily married; no fantasies here, though I did smile slightly in a friendly way. Then it happened.
She got a worried look on her face and said something to the effect of, "Would you like to sit down, sir?"
Arrgghhhhh I really hate getting old.
83
Talk Zone / I miss the Clarks
« on: September 28, 2011, 12:40:11 pm »
This place was more exciting with fresh blood in the water. I, for one, would be willing to put up with a little spam in order to bring the Clarks back.
Anyone else feel that way?
Anyone else feel that way?
84
Talk Zone / MiLB Seasons in Review
« on: September 06, 2011, 06:26:47 am »
I just posted the first of what I hope will be a full set of minor league "Seasons in Review" over at the Bus Station. I'd appreciate feedback ... especially if nobody really wants to see my musings. I have tried to take into account second- and third-hand information from people who actually watched these guys play, but mostly this is based on stats. However, the one stat that I find most helpful, at least at the lower levels, is games played. If the organization is giving a guy a chance to play every day, that tells me a lot more about his potential than a .148 batting average. (I'm talking about you, Kyle Redinger.)
85
Talk Zone / Crane and reincarnation
« on: July 31, 2011, 01:13:44 pm »
I am having Charley Finley flashbacks. Where is the Comish that is willing to intervene when an owner tries to set a bew record for losses?
86
The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Guess Who
« on: June 24, 2011, 03:34:19 am »
Here are a couple of offensive lines from OKC to date. One of them is from a slugging corner infielder who many argued should get a shot at the Astros this spring. The other is from a light-hitting middle infielder who many thought should be benched/demoted in spite of his glove. Ideas on which is which?
Door #1: Hitting .231/.332/.396 with 8 HR, 33 RBI, 29 BB & 64 K in 225 AB.
Door #2: Hitting .270/.355/.432 with 6 HR, 37 RBI, 29 BB & 72 K in 241 AB.
Not sure what this means, of course, but there you have it.
Door #1: Hitting .231/.332/.396 with 8 HR, 33 RBI, 29 BB & 64 K in 225 AB.
Door #2: Hitting .270/.355/.432 with 6 HR, 37 RBI, 29 BB & 72 K in 241 AB.
Not sure what this means, of course, but there you have it.
87
The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / An even more minor league
« on: April 05, 2011, 06:16:23 am »
The Berlin Sluggers split their season-opening double-header with Dortmund marking their first win after being promoted to the top German league this year.
I just knew you would want to know.
I just knew you would want to know.
89
Talk Zone / Cabrera's Guide to Fandom
« on: March 02, 2011, 12:37:41 pm »
I expect someone else already posted this Guide to Fandom, but I could not find it. And it *needs* to be found (and savored).
See especially the Yankme & sCrUBs indicators.
See especially the Yankme & sCrUBs indicators.
90
Talk Zone / Tags on ST Invitees
« on: February 11, 2011, 09:20:46 am »
Tag has his Astros Blast up with a focus on the 63 guys in camp. He quotes Wade on the goal for some of the younger players ...
Now that should be a real eye-opener. He did not actually say whether or not they should emulate his approach, so I guess there is some hope.
Quote
... watch how seasoned pros like Pence ... go about their business
Now that should be a real eye-opener. He did not actually say whether or not they should emulate his approach, so I guess there is some hope.
91
The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Frank Piliere Top 100
« on: February 09, 2011, 12:54:40 pm »
http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2011/02/09/baseballs-top-100-prospects-of-2011/?a_dgi=aolshare_twitter
Jordon Lyles (#38): " Level: Double-A (Eastern League)"
So much for credibility.
Jordon Lyles (#38): " Level: Double-A (Eastern League)"
So much for credibility.
92
Beer and Queso / Board/Bored Sociology
« on: February 04, 2011, 10:04:20 am »
I think it is an interesting commentary on priorities when we compare the lack of posting on a snow day with the frequent posting on a "work" day.
93
Talk Zone / Hardly Researched Astro Update
« on: January 26, 2011, 08:31:38 pm »
Click here at your own risk for the HardballTalk HardlyballBS "research" on the 2011 Astros. One guy on their depth chart signed weeks ago with another organization. What a waste of time.
94
The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Latest Release &c
« on: January 14, 2011, 10:32:42 am »
From BA
Astros release Kemp & Rorabaugh.
Former busrider Tom Vessela signs w/Giants
Astros release Kemp & Rorabaugh.
Former busrider Tom Vessela signs w/Giants
95
Beer and Queso / Grandfatherhood
« on: January 10, 2011, 08:11:56 am »
I guess the fact that I am posting this here indicates a level of excitement about a role I had not expected to assume so early in life. Or maybe it is not as early as I thought?
Anyway ... I'm not sure how to say "Virtual Bob" in Spanish, but my namesake was born late last night in Nicaragua. Mother & baby are fine and my son is like a kid with a new toy. Hope he does not dismantle it to see how it works (as he has done so often in the past).
Anyway ... I'm not sure how to say "Virtual Bob" in Spanish, but my namesake was born late last night in Nicaragua. Mother & baby are fine and my son is like a kid with a new toy. Hope he does not dismantle it to see how it works (as he has done so often in the past).
96
The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / So wrong ...
« on: December 16, 2010, 04:17:08 pm »
From mlb.com transactions page
This is just so wrong.
Quote
Texas Rangers outrighted Ryan Tucker to Round Rock Express.
This is just so wrong.
97
Talk Zone / Someone on the internet is wrong ...
« on: September 02, 2010, 01:37:05 pm »
and I can't help myself.
I pasted this from the Yahoo Astros team report, but it has shown up many places. Just think about this for a minute. *Of course* a team can claim someone off waivers and keep them on the 25-man roster right from the start. This happens all the time and to claim otherwise is inexcusable for any professional journalist. (Are you listening @brianmctaggert ??)
The actual rule has nothing to do with waiver claims and everything to do with option assignments. When Downs was claimed off waivers, he was then optioned to AAA. Any player (whether claimed off waivers or not) who is given an option assignment to the minors must stay there 10 days before being recalled. This rule has been on the books for a *long* time and is designed to prevent abuses of the 25-man roster limit. (A rookie starter could be optioned back to AAA for 3 days at a time making room for an extra reliever, for instance.) There is an injury exception in that the optioned player can be recalled to replace a player who is sent to the DL.
So why don't people who are *paid* to "report" on baseball know how these rules work? How hard is it to get a copy of the rules and read them?? I really don't get it.
Quote
• INF Matt Downs(notes) got the call from the Astros to come to the big leagues on Tuesday, but he will have to wait until Saturday before he can play. Downs was claimed off waivers from San Francisco on Aug. 22, and players claimed off waivers must officially stay in the minor leagues for 10 days.<emphasis mine>
I pasted this from the Yahoo Astros team report, but it has shown up many places. Just think about this for a minute. *Of course* a team can claim someone off waivers and keep them on the 25-man roster right from the start. This happens all the time and to claim otherwise is inexcusable for any professional journalist. (Are you listening @brianmctaggert ??)
The actual rule has nothing to do with waiver claims and everything to do with option assignments. When Downs was claimed off waivers, he was then optioned to AAA. Any player (whether claimed off waivers or not) who is given an option assignment to the minors must stay there 10 days before being recalled. This rule has been on the books for a *long* time and is designed to prevent abuses of the 25-man roster limit. (A rookie starter could be optioned back to AAA for 3 days at a time making room for an extra reliever, for instance.) There is an injury exception in that the optioned player can be recalled to replace a player who is sent to the DL.
So why don't people who are *paid* to "report" on baseball know how these rules work? How hard is it to get a copy of the rules and read them?? I really don't get it.
98
Talk Zone / RIP Calvin Coolidge McLish
« on: August 29, 2010, 06:27:30 am »
One of my favorite players as a kid ... probably because of the novelty of his name more than his pitching. BR has a nice little obituary here.
99
Talk Zone / Berkman & Bogusevic
« on: July 11, 2010, 11:20:51 pm »
I notice that Bogusevic has had 4 straight starts at 1B for RR ... I wonder if he is getting a few reps at that position in case Berkman is traded. Any thoughts/rumors/laughter?
100
Talk Zone / WSJ on Strasburg Confounding the Umps
« on: June 18, 2010, 03:07:46 am »
This take from the Wall Street Journal is quite interesting.
Quote
"I've known guys who couldn't sleep the night before they had to ump a pitcher like that," said Don Denkinger ...
101
Beer and Queso / Fowler doesn't mean dick
« on: June 16, 2010, 06:55:30 am »
I thought this Economist post was oddly appropriate for this forum. Read and enjoy.
102
The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Return of a Busrider
« on: June 07, 2010, 01:28:11 pm »
Per the box scores from Saturday, Jailen Peguero has rejoined the Astros organization and is pitching out of the bullpen for Corpus Christi. The same box score reveals that TJ Burton has been sent back to CC from RR.
103
Talk Zone / Crimson Chin
« on: June 03, 2010, 11:03:10 am »
Bruntlett releases by Nats per BA MiLB transaction list.
104
Talk Zone / Former Busriders Taking a Hike
« on: May 15, 2010, 12:54:05 am »
Tim Redding (COL) and Josh Anderson (CIN) released per latest BA transaction list.
105
Talk Zone / Carlos Lee & Cabrera
« on: April 24, 2010, 12:02:47 pm »
Cabrera may have already discussed this in the GZ, but I took the easy route and just started here.
Does anyone else see Carlos dogging it? I have not had a chance to watch too many games this year, but I did see the horrible error the other night. Then yesterday he contributes to Kepp getting nailed at the plate by providing zero guidance, then stands and watches a pop fly in left rather than running with the hit. (It fell, and he got to 2B anyway, but there is no excuse for watching a pop-up as if it were over the train tracks.) Seems to me he was loafing a little later in the game, too, though my memory has blotted out the details.
So what's up with that?
Does anyone else see Carlos dogging it? I have not had a chance to watch too many games this year, but I did see the horrible error the other night. Then yesterday he contributes to Kepp getting nailed at the plate by providing zero guidance, then stands and watches a pop fly in left rather than running with the hit. (It fell, and he got to 2B anyway, but there is no excuse for watching a pop-up as if it were over the train tracks.) Seems to me he was loafing a little later in the game, too, though my memory has blotted out the details.
So what's up with that?
106
Talk Zone / Perspective on the Cubs
« on: April 10, 2010, 02:39:46 pm »
Twenty one major events that have occurred since the cubs won the world series.
The post above also includes some great quotes:
"If I managed the Cubs, I'd be an alcoholic."--Whitey Herzog
"Noise pollution can't be that much of a problem. There's nothing to cheer about."--State Rep. John F. Dunn, arguing for the installation of lights at Wrigley Field
"The Cubs were taking batting practice, and the pitching machine threw a no-hitter."--Radio deejay
"One thing you learn as a Cubs fan: When you bought your ticket, you could bank on seeing the bottom of the ninth."--Joe Garagiola
Check out the whole list!
The post above also includes some great quotes:
"If I managed the Cubs, I'd be an alcoholic."--Whitey Herzog
"Noise pollution can't be that much of a problem. There's nothing to cheer about."--State Rep. John F. Dunn, arguing for the installation of lights at Wrigley Field
"The Cubs were taking batting practice, and the pitching machine threw a no-hitter."--Radio deejay
"One thing you learn as a Cubs fan: When you bought your ticket, you could bank on seeing the bottom of the ninth."--Joe Garagiola
Check out the whole list!
107
The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Sticky Thread Suggestion
« on: April 09, 2010, 09:27:47 am »
Is there any interest in having sticky threads for each minor league team in order to collect/discuss general impressions?
108
The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Tanner Bushue
« on: April 09, 2010, 08:17:54 am »
Tanner had a pretty good outing last night. He got a quick hook after 4 1/3 when he allowed his first hit.
109
The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Jason Lane in LF ...
« on: April 08, 2010, 07:04:06 pm »
Jason Lane in LF against the Express tonight.
110
The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Hooks visit Express
« on: April 07, 2010, 08:25:05 am »
Anyone else planning to catch the game today? I think I will get to sneak out there.
111
Beer and Queso / England beat Bangladesh by Two Wickets in ODI
« on: March 02, 2010, 10:47:52 am »
England beat Bangladesh by two wickets
OK ... Slow day at the office, I know. But Bangladesh? Two wickets only? I'm thinking not England's finest hour (or day, as it were).
OK ... Slow day at the office, I know. But Bangladesh? Two wickets only? I'm thinking not England's finest hour (or day, as it were).
112
The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / A few former bus riders in new uniforms
« on: March 02, 2010, 07:25:53 am »
From the latest BA transaction page ...
Colorado Rockies
Signed: RHP Tim Redding, LHP Josh Muecke
Washington Nationals
Signed: C Carlos Maldonado
Colorado Rockies
Signed: RHP Tim Redding, LHP Josh Muecke
Washington Nationals
Signed: C Carlos Maldonado
113
The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Brian Gordon on a new bus
« on: February 07, 2010, 01:58:42 am »
According to BA, Brian Gordon (formerly of RR & CC) has signed with the Phillies.
114
The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Kevin Cash
« on: January 22, 2010, 02:14:49 pm »
Kevin Cash
Signed as FA. Hook 'em.
Signed as FA. Hook 'em.
115
The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Mike Capps Wins Award
« on: November 19, 2009, 07:46:44 am »
Mike Capps wins Baseball Digest Broadcaster of the Year Award.
116
Beer and Queso / Footer Tweet
« on: October 28, 2009, 03:39:19 pm »
The one everyone has been waiting for ...
From Footer's tweet:
It may be a little out of context, but I'm just sayin' ...
From Footer's tweet:
Quote
I'm looking for a guy that's had experience, passion ... and a lot of energy ...
It may be a little out of context, but I'm just sayin' ...
117
The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Charleton Jimerson
« on: October 13, 2009, 10:39:39 am »
Charlton Jimerson getting some BA love ... second team "All Indy" selection with .335/.387/.567 playing for Newark.
118
Talk Zone / Pitch Velocity
« on: September 30, 2009, 09:48:20 am »
Ran across this interesting table of velocity by pitch type for Astro pitchers.
http://www.astroscounty.com/2009/09/lets-talk-velocity.html
http://www.astroscounty.com/2009/09/lets-talk-velocity.html
119
The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Armando Benitez
« on: August 25, 2009, 05:50:12 am »
Now there was a good pick-up.
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090825&content_id=6603606&vkey=news_milb&fext=.jsp
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090825&content_id=6603606&vkey=news_milb&fext=.jsp
120
So ... Sampson clearly looks like he was not all the way back from injury when Coop let him get murdered. And after demoting him to RR, in spite of Sampson's claim that he needed rest or a return to the DL, not more work, the slugfest has continued. So here is the question. Does Sampson have any sort of recourse against the Astros for the misuse/abuse? What if his career is permanently affected by being sent out there when hurt? Or should he have just refused to pitch?
I know he is not a future HoFer, but he was a solid and effective reliever before being ground up and spit out by Coop. maybe I'm just angry about that.
I know he is not a future HoFer, but he was a solid and effective reliever before being ground up and spit out by Coop. maybe I'm just angry about that.
121
Talk Zone / Hirsh to work for the Devil
« on: July 30, 2009, 10:09:51 am »
Hirsh traded to the yanks. Appropriate given his 6.66 ERA.
123
Beer and Queso / Journey of Hope Update
« on: June 22, 2009, 01:02:31 pm »
http://wes-rides-joh.blogspot.com/
Thanks again to those in this forum who helped make this ride possible.
Quote
Day four was ominous, it's the day talked about by every pi alpha I have ever met. The infamous Kirkwood is a 60 mile climb straight up two mountain passes rising from a base elevation of 1200ft and rising to 8100 before dropping down about 700 and then rising to a final elevation of 8500 ft at Carson Pass. The small glimmer of hope is the remaining 20 miles is all downhill into the bustling metropolis of Markleeville, Californi, pop. 300. The Jackson Lions guys showed up to our campsite and feed us burgers and chili and we all fell fast asleep. My paceline finished the 80 mile day in 8hrs17mins so needless to say, we needed the rest.
Thanks again to those in this forum who helped make this ride possible.
124
Talk Zone / Tank Commander Defends Reputation (sic)
« on: June 04, 2009, 12:56:42 pm »
Looks everyone is all a-twitter about La Genius, and he isn't gonna take it anymore.
Edit - link fixed
Edit - link fixed
125
The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Mike Burns
« on: June 03, 2009, 12:37:02 pm »
Former Express pitcher Mike Burms had a nice outing yesterday after being called up from Nashville ... 4 shutout innings in relief after Parra had let things get out of hand. Burns was 6-2 with a 2.98 ERA in 10 starts with Nashville this year and last saw action at the MLB level in 2006 with Cincinnati and Boston.
126
Beer and Queso / Shameless Appeal
« on: April 29, 2009, 08:56:07 am »
Some of you may have noticed the "low key" appeal as represented by my new avatar. I am now making it more explicit.
My son graduates from Furman in a couple of weeks and next on his schedule is a bike ride from San Francisco to Washington DC. !! He is doing it as part of the Journey of Hope to raise funds and awareness for people with disabilities. He is now in the last push to meet his fundraising goal, with a deadline rapidly approaching. If you are interested, please see his fundraising profile here. Any support would be greatly appreciated.
My son graduates from Furman in a couple of weeks and next on his schedule is a bike ride from San Francisco to Washington DC. !! He is doing it as part of the Journey of Hope to raise funds and awareness for people with disabilities. He is now in the last push to meet his fundraising goal, with a deadline rapidly approaching. If you are interested, please see his fundraising profile here. Any support would be greatly appreciated.
127
The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Jose Lopez
« on: April 26, 2009, 05:10:52 pm »
I noticed that Lopez was activated ... where was he assigned? And how does that affect all the recent catcher moves?
128
Talk Zone / Lidge tipping pitches again?
« on: April 08, 2009, 05:37:22 pm »Lidge 0.1 1 1 1 0 1 1 6.75
Gave up a 1-out HR to Diaz to cut the lead in half. There is obviously no other expanation possible.
129
Talk Zone / Express Tix for Thursday?
« on: April 07, 2009, 06:50:18 pm »
Plans change and suddenly I am free on opening night. But there are no decent tickets available.
Any chance that someone here has 4 tickets to Thursday's game that you can't use?
PM me if you do (or know of someone who might).
Thanks.
Any chance that someone here has 4 tickets to Thursday's game that you can't use?
PM me if you do (or know of someone who might).
Thanks.
130
Talk Zone / Cody Ransom
« on: March 31, 2009, 02:31:50 pm »
Cody Ransom makes the Yankme's opening day roster.
131
The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Restricted List
« on: March 02, 2009, 02:57:33 pm »
What does it mean that Jacob Priday was placed on the Restricted List? Is that some kind of code for "he never showed up, but he still belongs to us"?
http://www.baseballamerica.com/blog/prospects/?p=2386#more-2386
http://www.baseballamerica.com/blog/prospects/?p=2386#more-2386
132
Beer and Queso / Fußball Update
« on: February 25, 2009, 05:42:56 pm »
Champions League -- Bayern with a 5:0 victory over Sporting Lisbon! Amazing!!
http://www.kicker.de/news/fussball/chleague/startseite/artikel/504864/
http://www.kicker.de/news/fussball/chleague/startseite/artikel/504864/
133
Talk Zone / Carlos Hernandez Sighting
« on: February 25, 2009, 12:36:30 pm »
Carlos had a nice line today in the ST opener:
I sure wish he had not hurt his arm sliding!
Quote
Tampa Bay IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA
Hernandez, C 2.0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0.00
I sure wish he had not hurt his arm sliding!
134
The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Mark McLemore back in the fold
« on: February 23, 2009, 02:46:48 pm »
BA says McLemore has resigned with the Astros as a minor league FA after missing last season with an injury.
135
Talk Zone / Roster Speculation
« on: February 11, 2009, 10:50:51 am »
The void gets voidier just before pitchers and catchers report. Anyway, I could not refrain from a little speculation on the roster chances of the 57 players invited to MLST.
I figure that 16 spots are "locks": Oswalt, Hampton, Rodriguez, Valverde, Geary, Hawkins, Byrdak, Wright, Lee, Bourn, Pence, Erstad, Berkman, Matsui, Tejada, Blum.
I also figure there is at least an even chance that they will carry three catchers ... possibly at the expense of a 5th outfielder, or less likely at the expense of a 12th pitcher. That leaves my speculative 25-man roster with room for 2 starters, 2 (or maybe only 1) relievers, 3 catchers (or maybe only 2) and 2 other position players (or possibly 3). My thoughts on the candidates:
Pitchers:
Sampson -- 95% chance; almost certainly in the bullpen, which assumes he is all the way back from surgery.
Moehler -- 90% chance of being the 4th starter (or possibly the long/swing man in the pen).
Brocail -- 70% chance of making the pen; most likely to be booted from that role.
Backe -- 65% chance of making the rotation; most likely to be booted from that role
Hensley -- 20% chance of dislodging someone
Ortiz -- 10% chance ... probably as a starter
Arias -- 10% chance of making the bullpen
Norris, Nieve, Paulino -- 5% chance for each of them to make the rotation and a combined 5% for one of them to make the bullpen.
De la Vara, Lumsden -- 1-2% chance each to make the team; De la Vara gets a slight edge as a rule 5 pick.
Catchers:
Quintero -- 80%; leading candidate to start
Palmisano -- 70%; mostly on the basis of his rule 5 status, and one of the reasons I think they may carry 3 catchers
Hall, Towles -- 50% each; I see this as the 25/26 bubble position for the whole roster.
Infielders:
Boone -- 90%; his spot to loose, but I don't see him as a "lock"
Newhan -- 65%; most likely to be dislodged by one of the "kids", but his versatility and expereince give him the inside track
Sutton -- 30%; versatility gives him the edge among the rookies
Johnson -- 20%; a big spring could move him into a platoon with Blum at Boone's expense
Manzella -- 10%; most likely to be the full-time SS at RR to be recalled in case of emergency
Kata -- 5%; probably AAAA roster-filler
Saccomanno, Maysonet, Smith, Gall -- 1% each (and generous at that)
Outfielders:
Abercrombie -- 40%; most likely to make the roster if they go with only 2 catchers
Ramirez, Michaels -- 1-2% each (more evidence of generosity)
Chaff (AAAA players with no realistic shot):
Paronto, Capellan, Graves, Fulchino, Esposito
Kids (prospects on the 40-man with no realistic shot):
James, Perez, Gervacio, Trinidad, Bogusevic, Castro, Santangelo
Any interest in joining me in speculation??
I figure that 16 spots are "locks": Oswalt, Hampton, Rodriguez, Valverde, Geary, Hawkins, Byrdak, Wright, Lee, Bourn, Pence, Erstad, Berkman, Matsui, Tejada, Blum.
I also figure there is at least an even chance that they will carry three catchers ... possibly at the expense of a 5th outfielder, or less likely at the expense of a 12th pitcher. That leaves my speculative 25-man roster with room for 2 starters, 2 (or maybe only 1) relievers, 3 catchers (or maybe only 2) and 2 other position players (or possibly 3). My thoughts on the candidates:
Pitchers:
Sampson -- 95% chance; almost certainly in the bullpen, which assumes he is all the way back from surgery.
Moehler -- 90% chance of being the 4th starter (or possibly the long/swing man in the pen).
Brocail -- 70% chance of making the pen; most likely to be booted from that role.
Backe -- 65% chance of making the rotation; most likely to be booted from that role
Hensley -- 20% chance of dislodging someone
Ortiz -- 10% chance ... probably as a starter
Arias -- 10% chance of making the bullpen
Norris, Nieve, Paulino -- 5% chance for each of them to make the rotation and a combined 5% for one of them to make the bullpen.
De la Vara, Lumsden -- 1-2% chance each to make the team; De la Vara gets a slight edge as a rule 5 pick.
Catchers:
Quintero -- 80%; leading candidate to start
Palmisano -- 70%; mostly on the basis of his rule 5 status, and one of the reasons I think they may carry 3 catchers
Hall, Towles -- 50% each; I see this as the 25/26 bubble position for the whole roster.
Infielders:
Boone -- 90%; his spot to loose, but I don't see him as a "lock"
Newhan -- 65%; most likely to be dislodged by one of the "kids", but his versatility and expereince give him the inside track
Sutton -- 30%; versatility gives him the edge among the rookies
Johnson -- 20%; a big spring could move him into a platoon with Blum at Boone's expense
Manzella -- 10%; most likely to be the full-time SS at RR to be recalled in case of emergency
Kata -- 5%; probably AAAA roster-filler
Saccomanno, Maysonet, Smith, Gall -- 1% each (and generous at that)
Outfielders:
Abercrombie -- 40%; most likely to make the roster if they go with only 2 catchers
Ramirez, Michaels -- 1-2% each (more evidence of generosity)
Chaff (AAAA players with no realistic shot):
Paronto, Capellan, Graves, Fulchino, Esposito
Kids (prospects on the 40-man with no realistic shot):
James, Perez, Gervacio, Trinidad, Bogusevic, Castro, Santangelo
Any interest in joining me in speculation??
136
Talk Zone / Cubs perspective
« on: February 06, 2009, 10:45:09 am »
Another <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/comics/nonsequitur;_ylt=Amo26HYR1SmaSL7UZJp7e.UDwLAF" target="_blank">important perspective[/url] on the Cubs.
139
The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Brian Esposito
« on: December 18, 2008, 02:11:12 pm »
I found this guy http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Brian%20Esposito&pos=C&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=449145 on the Corpus Christi roster at MiLB ... Any info on when he signed or what his role might be??
141
Beer and Queso / Is this a picture of Ty?
« on: December 15, 2008, 09:31:32 am »
http://www2.tbo.com/content/2008/dec/15/na-moms-ideal-gift-is-wife-for-son/
Heard about this on the radio this moring and I had to ask.
Heard about this on the radio this moring and I had to ask.
142
The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Thanks for the Fall/Winter League Updates
« on: November 10, 2008, 11:41:45 am »
I *love* the regular front page feature, Duman. I have done this myself in past years ... or at least tried to do it part of the time. I really appreciate the research and reporting.
143
Anyone else notice that Carl Crawford stopped running in his first at bat last night? Then he was out by a whisker after ?Rollins? managed to track down the ball that had trickled out of his glove. I guess if you're "all that" you don't have to run hard out of the box on a routine grounder.
144
The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Minor League FA's
« on: October 17, 2008, 10:28:35 am »
Is there a solid source out there for who is and is not a minor league FA after this season? It looks to me like the following are eligible as 6-year FA's this year:
Muecke, McLemore, Miller, Douglass, Middleton, McKeller, Diaz.
In addition, I believe that all of the FA signees from past years are eligible, too. If so, that would include Chiavacci, Regilio, Houston, King, Hernandez, Gorneault, Sadler, House, Perez, Klassen from RR; Van Hekken, Oyervidez, Paz, Cosby, Majewski from CC.
Anyone else?
Muecke, McLemore, Miller, Douglass, Middleton, McKeller, Diaz.
In addition, I believe that all of the FA signees from past years are eligible, too. If so, that would include Chiavacci, Regilio, Houston, King, Hernandez, Gorneault, Sadler, House, Perez, Klassen from RR; Van Hekken, Oyervidez, Paz, Cosby, Majewski from CC.
Anyone else?
145
Talk Zone / Beer Friday?
« on: September 05, 2008, 02:42:05 pm »
Lamb signs with brew crew. http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/transactions
146
Talk Zone / Dumb Stats
« on: August 12, 2008, 03:22:43 pm »
[soapbox]
There has already been some recent discussion elsewhere on the 'save', but when perusing the minor league boxes today I came across yet another instance of the dummest stat in the game (with the possible exception of fielding percentage, which actually rewards a fielder for not trying to catch a ball). I speak, of course, of the "Hold". Consider these two pitching lines:
Which guy pitched better? Neither was particularly dominant [/sarc], but one ghuy actually seemed capable of recording outs ... even missing bats. But of course the other guy was credited with a "Hold" because there was a three-run lead when he entered in the 6th inning (no inherited runners scored). The second guy got tagged with a blown save and a loss, which was certainly deserved, but what's with this crazy "hold"?? How can anyone who pitches that poorly end up with a positive stat???
[/soapbox]
BTW, the line comes from yesterday's Lexington game, and our fireballing independent league acquisition is now 1 for 1 in the all-crucial "hold" department.
There has already been some recent discussion elsewhere on the 'save', but when perusing the minor league boxes today I came across yet another instance of the dummest stat in the game (with the possible exception of fielding percentage, which actually rewards a fielder for not trying to catch a ball). I speak, of course, of the "Hold". Consider these two pitching lines:
| IP | 0.1 | 2.0 |
| H | 2 | 1 |
| ER | 2 | 2 |
| BB | 2 | 0 |
| K | 0 | 3 |
| HBP | 0 | 1 |
Which guy pitched better? Neither was particularly dominant [/sarc], but one ghuy actually seemed capable of recording outs ... even missing bats. But of course the other guy was credited with a "Hold" because there was a three-run lead when he entered in the 6th inning (no inherited runners scored). The second guy got tagged with a blown save and a loss, which was certainly deserved, but what's with this crazy "hold"?? How can anyone who pitches that poorly end up with a positive stat???
[/soapbox]
BTW, the line comes from yesterday's Lexington game, and our fireballing independent league acquisition is now 1 for 1 in the all-crucial "hold" department.
148
The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Is Nieve hurting?
« on: July 09, 2008, 12:20:58 am »
Based on box scores, I have to ask ... he is getting shelled. Anyone have any inside info or first-hand observations? What does he look like on the mound?
149
The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Trade "News"
« on: July 02, 2008, 11:36:47 am »
I periodically peruse the independent league stats and transactions in search of former astro prospects, suspects, rejects, etc. In doing so today, I ran across a very interesting trade:
Now that's something to tell the grandkids about!
Quote
May 20http://www.goldenbaseball.com/subcontent.aspx?SecID=849
Calgary Vipers: Traded RHP John Odom to the Laredo Broncos of the United League for 10 Prairie Sticks Maple Bats, double-dipped black 34 inch C243 style.
Now that's something to tell the grandkids about!
150
The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / MiLB Standings
« on: July 01, 2008, 04:37:37 pm »
I usually follow the individual players and their development more than the team standings, but when I casually perused the standings today, I was amazed at how bad the system is.
RR: 37-47 .440 14th of 16 teams. With the distinction of actually being better than two teams in their league, they get the "franchise of the system" award.
CC: 34-47 .420 8th of 8.
Sal: 33-48 .407 8th of 8.
Lex: 23-58 .284 16th of 16. On track to lose 100 games!
TC: 6-8 .429 three-way tie for 11th in 14-team league. (Only better than State College.)
Gre: 4-10 .286 9th of 10. At least they are better than Burlington, which sports a .077 winning percentage to start the year.
Overall ... 137-218 .386 ... Translated to a 162 game season they would be 62-99 going into the last game. Lets hope they finish strong.
RR: 37-47 .440 14th of 16 teams. With the distinction of actually being better than two teams in their league, they get the "franchise of the system" award.
CC: 34-47 .420 8th of 8.
Sal: 33-48 .407 8th of 8.
Lex: 23-58 .284 16th of 16. On track to lose 100 games!
TC: 6-8 .429 three-way tie for 11th in 14-team league. (Only better than State College.)
Gre: 4-10 .286 9th of 10. At least they are better than Burlington, which sports a .077 winning percentage to start the year.
Overall ... 137-218 .386 ... Translated to a 162 game season they would be 62-99 going into the last game. Lets hope they finish strong.
151
Talk Zone / There. That feels better.
« on: June 19, 2008, 10:19:14 pm »
You run across the darndest things surfing the internet aimlessly after a frustrating loss ...
http://customwire.ap.org/dynamic/stories/R/RUSSIA_ENEMA_MONUMENT
http://customwire.ap.org/dynamic/stories/R/RUSSIA_ENEMA_MONUMENT
152
Beer and Queso / Enjoying Beer
« on: June 13, 2008, 05:54:07 pm »
Probably should have done this before, but here is an interesting website I frequent:
http://www.wittenberghall.com/enjoyingbeer/
Of course, tonight I have been "enjoying Spaten" at the Spaten Haus after watching the Netherlands destroy France in the EuroMeisterschaft.
http://www.wittenberghall.com/enjoyingbeer/
Of course, tonight I have been "enjoying Spaten" at the Spaten Haus after watching the Netherlands destroy France in the EuroMeisterschaft.
153
The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Tom Shearn
« on: May 30, 2008, 06:24:32 pm »
From the MLB Transaction page:
Now I'll have to figure out how to find stats in Korean.
Quote
Cincinnati RedsShearn had been doing pretty well at Louisville, although his last start raised is ERA to 4.53. I've been pulling for him since his early RR days, but it looks like he just doesn't have enough to make it to "the bigs".
Sold the contract of Minor League RHP Tom Shearn to the Samsung Lions of the Korean Professional League;
Now I'll have to figure out how to find stats in Korean.
154
Talk Zone / Game Recaps
« on: April 30, 2008, 08:37:43 am »
For a long time I have found the OWA/SnS game recaps to be much more satisfying than the other on-line (or print) otpions. Part of this, of course, is the real baseball knowledge encapsulated, and I certainly appreciate that. However, it finally hit me that one of the key differences is that you guys have abandoned an extremely irritating journalistic 'trick'. To be precise, you seem to have figured out that most games begin in the first inning, proceeding through any and all subsequent innings in sequential order all the way to the end of the game. You do lead with the main point(s), of course, which often requires a reference to a later inning in the first paragraph, and that is fine. Good, even. But check out how many recaps in the sports pages start at the end and then back up through the whole game, making it difficult or impossible to "follow" what really happened and giving no sense of how things unfolded.
Thanks!
Thanks!
155
Talk Zone / Weather Changing in Seattle
« on: April 12, 2008, 05:47:54 pm »
Per local news outlets, Seattle weather is expected to get much less windy for at least the rest of this month.
And in other news (from MLB.com transactions) ...
And in other news (from MLB.com transactions) ...
Quote
Seattle Mariners
Recalled OF Greg Norton from Triple-A Tacoma; designated OF Charlton Jimerson for assignment.
156
The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Express Alumni - 2001 Edition
« on: April 11, 2008, 04:35:34 pm »
I posted a "where are they now" piece last summer covering the 2000 Express roster, and since I would otherwise have had to work this afternoon, I decided to update it for the 2001 alumni.
2001
Starters
C: Carlos Maldonado 2001 was the 2nd of his three seasons in the Astros organization, mostly with the Express. He then spent two years in the White Sox organization at Birmingham (AA) and the past three years in the Pirates organization at Altoona (AA) & Indianapolis (AAA). He did have a brief look at the majors for Pittsburgh in 2006. He was an NRI to spring training in 2008 and is currently on the 7 day DL at Indianapolis.
1B: Charlie Carter After a brief stint with the Express in 2000 (filling in for Burns), Charlie was a regular at 1B in 2001, but left after the season as a free agent. He played for AA Erie in the Tigers organization in 2002 and then, having signed with Baltimore, retired before spring training in 2003. After three years out of baseball, he played briefly in 2007 for the independent Fort Worth Cats.
1B/DH: Kevin Burns Split time in both 2000 and 2001 between the Express and AAA New Orleans, with most of the time in Round Rock. As a six-year free agent in 2002 he signed with Anaheim, but a back injury sidelined him early. After a brief attempt at a comeback for AA Arkansas, he was released in July, 2002.
2B: David Matranga After spending most of 2000 and 2001 with the Express, he spent two years in New Orleans before returning to the AA Express in 2004. He did get a brief shot at the majors in 2003, going yard in his first at bat. Most of the last three years have been spent knocking around AAA at Salt Lake City, Portland and Oklahoma, often struggling with minor injuries. He signed a minor league deal with Kansas City for 2008 and is listed on the Omaha roster.
3B: Royce Huffman A late call-up in 2000, Royce became a Round Rock institution over the next seven years. A starter at 3B in 2001 and at 1B in 2002, he then spent 2003 and 2004 with AAA New Orleans. With the Express moving to AAA, Royce returned to the Dell Diamond, playing mostly 1B in 2005 and 2006. After spending 2007 with AAA Portland (San Diego), he signed with the White Sox and was an NRI at spring training. He is currently a reserve at Charlotte (AAA).
SS: Eric Bruntlett The regular SS in 2001, Bruntlett began 2002 in New Orleans before being sent back to RR where he split time at the middle infield positions. He got a taste of the big leagues in 2003 and has spent most of his time there since as a utility player. Involved in the Bourn trade, he is now filling that role for the Phillies.
LF/CF: Jason Lane After tearing up the Texas League in 2001, Jason earned a call-up from new Orleans in 2002 and again in 2003 before reaching Houston full time in 2004. Struggling often, he spent time in Round Rock again in 2006 and 2007 before heading to the Padres at the end of the year. Having been non-tendered, he signed with the Yankees and was a late cut in spring training. He is now tearing up the International League at Scranton Wilkes-Barre.
CF: Colin Porter Assigned to RR for a second season, Colin hit .320 for the first month and was promoted to New Orleans, where he spent most of the next three years (getting a brief taste of the majors in 2003). Claimed off waivers by St. Louis, he spent most of 2004 at AAA Memphis and then split time in 2005 between the Yankee and Diamondback organizations, mostly at AAA. Signed by Milwaukee in the off-season, he was released in April 2006 and has not played since.
CF/LF: Barry Wesson After being demoted to Kissimmee for much of the 2000 season, Barry returned to Round Rock in 2001 and moved on to AAA New Orleans in 2002, even getting a brief shot with the Astros at the end of the season. After two years mostly at AAA Salt Lake City in the Angels organization, he returned to Round Rock in 2005. He then spent most of 2006 playing for the independent Bridgeport Bluefish, before coming back to Round Rock for the play-off season. He spent most of 2007 in a reserve OF role for the Express, but appears to be out of baseball at this point.
RF: Kyle Logan Another outfielder who spent time in Kissimmee in 2000, Kyle returned to Round Rock in 2001 and then spent three years with AAA New Orleans. Finding no takers as a minor league free agent, he played for the independent Joliet JackHammers in 2005 before leaving baseball.
Bench
C: Chris Tremie A serviceable journeyman, Chris spent 2001 as the first of three years with the AA Express. He then spent two more at AAA, the last a return to the Dell Diamond for the first year in the PCL. He joined the Indians in 2006 as a roving catching instructor, and became the maager of the GCL Indians in 2007 where his contract was renewed for 2008.
C: Danny Fatheree A long-time bullpen catcher in the Astros organization, “Tank” made brief appearances in Round Rock in both 2001 and 2002. He spent 2003 and 2004 in New Orleans with very little playing time before returning to AA Corpus Christi in 2005. He remained in Corpus Christi in 2006 & 2007, but was inactive. He signed with the Chicago Cubs for 2008, but is not on an active roster.
C: Scott Chapman An early season cut, Scott finished out 2001 with the independent Yuma Bulldogs. After sitting out a year, he signed a minor league deal with the Mets in 2003, but was released during spring training. He is out of baseball.
IF: Jason Alfaro Jason saw a lot of action in 2001 as a utility IF/OF. He returned in 2002 as the regular 3B, then spent most of 2003 and all of 2004 in New Orleans. A six-year free agent, he bounced around AAA for the next three years -- Syracuse, in 2005; Indianapolis & Buffalo in 2006; New Orleans (Mets) in 2007. He is apparently out of baseball this year.
IF: Cristian Berroa Received from San Diego for Aaron McNeal, Berroa spent time in Michigan & New Orleans as well as Round Rock in 2001. Selected by Colorado in the AAA portion of the Rule 5 draft, he spent the 2002 season in Salem, where he played a utility role. Released after 2002, he started 2003 with Brevard County (Expos) before being demoted to Savannah and then traded to the Pirates who assigned him to Lynchburg. He was out of baseball from 2004-2006, before attempting a comeback with the independent Camden Riversharks. Cut in May, he is now (again) out of baseball.
IF: Tommy Whiteman The ‘Great Red Hope’, Whiteman got a taste of Round Rock at the end of 2001, then started there in 2002 before being sent back to Lexington for more seasoning. He spent all of 2003 and most of 2004 in RR as a regular (either SS or 3B). When Round Rock joined the PCL, Tommy came along for most of 2005 (spending some time in Corpus Christi). He signed with Colorado for 2006 and spent the season in Colorado Springs before leaving baseball.
IF/OF: Cesar Morillo Coming to the Express early in 2000 for Brian Dallimore, Cesar became a crowd favorite and near-regular fill-in at a number of positions. Returning in 2001, he was injured early in the year and has not played since.
OF: Mike Rosamond Promoted from Lexington late in the year, Mike spent the next two years in the RR OF (CF in 2002, RF in 2003) while setting records for K’s that only Charleton Jimerson would threaten. He started 2004 at AA Tulsa (Colorado) before being cut mid-year and signed by Pittsburgh (High-A Lynchburg). He then spent 2005 and 2006 with the Mississippi Braves (except for a brief stint the first year in Richmond) before leaving baseball.
OF: Kerry Hodges Drafted out of Texas Tech, Kerry spent a whole game in RR (2 K in 3 AB) before being assigned to Martinsville. He spent an unimpressive year with Michigan in 2002 before retiring before ST the following year.
Pitchers
SP: Carlos Hernandez Carlos tore up the Texas League and earned a late season call-up to Houston. He started 2002 in the Astros rotation, but injured his shoulder in a baserunning mis-hap. After missing 2003 for surgery, he spent most of the next two years at AAA attempting a comeback, but he just didn’t have it. After opening the 2006 season on the DL, he eventually pitched sparingly for Corpus Christi before retiring.
SP: Travis Smith A veteran “AAAA” pitcher whose career began with the Brewers in 1995, Travis joined RR in 2001 and set a record for wins in a season (15) that still stands. He also got into one game for AAA New Orleans. He split 2002 between St. Louis and Memphis, then after a year in Korea, followed a similar pattern in 2004 (Atlanta/Richmond), 2005 (Florida/Abuquerque) and 2006 (Atlanta/Richmond). After spending most of 2007 with AAA Las Vegas, he appears to be out of baseball.
SP: Tim Redding Timmy dominated the Texas League for half a season before being promoted to AAA New Orleans and eventually to Houston. He spent most of 2002 with New Orleans again, before getting the call to Houston where he spent all of 2003 and most of 2004 (having beaten out 15GWJ-Rob for the last spot in the starting rotation). It did not last, though, and he was traded to San Diego before the 2005 season for Humberto Quintero and from there to the Yankees in July for Paul Quantrill, where he was eventually demoted to AAA Columbus. He spent all of 2006 with the White Sox organization at AAA Charlotte. After a solid half-season at AAA Columbus, he joined the Washington Nationals rotation in mid-2007 where he remains this season.
SP: Greg Miller Greg lost the end of 2001 and the beginning of 2002 to injury, then spent most of 2003 with Round Rock before being promoted to New Orleans. He signed with the White Sox for 2004, but was cut during ST and is out of baseball.
SP: Kyle Kessel A return from 2000, Kylesplit time in 2001 between the Express and AAA New Orleans before being released in August. He finished the season with the Mets organization at AA Binghamton and then signed with the Tigers after the season. Cut during spring training 2002, he pitched that season in the independent leagues for the Long Island Ducks and Pensylvania Road Warriors before leaving baseball for good.
SP: Ryan Jamison Finished 2001 with RR after starting at Lexington. Ryan was released mid-way through 2002 and finished the season with AA Binghamton (Mets). He spent most of the next four years in the independent leagues with the Fargo-Moorhead Redhawks (2003), Kalamazoo Kings (2004) and Calgary Vipers (2006). He is currently out of baseball.
SP: Nick Roberts Finished 2001 with RR after starting at Lexington. Nick spent all of 2002 with RR, and after opening the season on the DL and a brief rehab assignment at Salem, came back again in 2003. Unsigned as a FA, he started 2004 with independent Fargo-Moorhead, before being signed by Anaheim and assigned to Arkansas (AA). Released again in August, he is now out of baseball.
SP: Brad Lidge Lights out as a starter, Brad was 2-0 with 42 K’s in 26 IP’s and 5 starts before blowing his arm out. He arrived in Houston as a reliever in 2002 (after spending time at both AA and AAA) and the rest (including his trade to Philly this off-season) is well-known history.
SP/RP: Tom Shearn A rotation fixture in 2000, Shearn returned to the Express to be the mainstay of the bullpen in 2001 (although he did get 8 starts as well). Promoted to AAA in 2002 he again worked out of the pen before injuring his arm. He was released after the season and missed all of 2003 with elbow surgery. He has been on the comeback trail with Cincinnati, spending 2004 at AA Chattanooga and most of the past three years at AAA Louisville, where he has returned to a starting role. He did get 6 starts in Cincinnati last year, but is back in Louisville to start 2008. His first two starts this year looked pretty good.
SP/RP: Wilfredo Rodriguez Wilfredo rejoined Round Rock in 2001 and got a September call-up to Houston. After elbow surgery in the off-season, he missed all of 2002 and 2003 where he languished on the Cubs AAA DL. Signed by Montreal in 2004, he started at AAA Edmonton, falling first to AA Harrisburg and then High-A Brevard County before being released and finishing the season with the independent Winnepeg Goldeyes. He did pitch well in the Venezuela winter leagues, and was signed by the Rangers prior to the 2005 season. He split time in 2005 between AA Frisco and AAA Oklahoma, but could not reclaim the magic. Signed by Milwaukee in the off-season, he was cut at the end of spring training and pitched briefly with the independent San Angelo Colts before leaving baseball for good.
SP/RP: Doug Sessions After spending most of 2000 to 2002 in the Express bullpen with a few spot starts, Doug got the call to AAA New Orleans where he spent all of 2003 and part of 2004. Released in June, he was signed by Montreal where he split time between AAA Edmonton and AA Harrisburg. A free agent again after the season, he signed with the Angels and pitched for AAA Salt Lake City before being released in June and leaving baseball for good.
SP/RP: Mark Guerra Started the season in Round Rock, but spent most of 2001 and all of 2002 in the rotation at New Orleans. He started 2003 with AAA Indianapolis, but has been out of baseball since being released in May of that year.
RP: Travis Wade The closer in 2001, Travis spent most of 2000 to 2003 in the Express bullpen (with a brief 2002 stint with AAA New Orleans). He was released in June 2003 and signed by the Giants, finishing the year at AA Norwich. He has spent the past three years with the independent Newark Bears, moving to the Long Island Ducks for the 2007 season. No word on whether he is still playing in 2008.
RP: Brandon Puffer Reclaimed from the independent leagues in 2000, Brandon saw heavy action out of the RR pen in 2001. He split time in 2002-03 between New Orleans and Houston, then continued to bounce back and forth in 2004-05 with San Diego, Boston and San Francisco. He returned to AAA Round Rock to start 2006, but was released and finished the year with Sacramento. He returns this year to AA Frisco (Rangers) where he spent all of 2007.
RP: Jeriome Robertson Jeriome excelled out of the bullpen for the Express in 2001. He moved back to a starting role in 2002 at New Orleans and earned a late season call up to the Astros where he became infamous as “15 game winner J-Rob” in 2003 despite a 5.10 ERA and an average of 5 IP per start. Traded to Cleveland for Willy T and Luke before the 2004 season, he split time between the Indians and AAA Buffalo before being dealt to Montreal and finishing the season at AAA Edmonton. He spent all of 2005 at AAA Louisville in the Reds organization, then started 2006 with the independent Newark Bears before being signed by the Mets and assigned to AAA Norfolk. Returning to the Newark Bears at the beginning of 2007, he finished the season with Rieleros de Aguascalientes of the Mexican League. He appears to be out of baseball now.
RP: Mark Persails Released by the Express in May, 2001 after an inauspicious start to his AA repeat year, Mark finished the season in the Tigers organization, moving from High-A Lakeland to AA Erie and eventually AAA Toledo. Released by the Tigers in spring training, 2002, he appears to have sat out the year before joining the independent Jackson Senators for the 2003 season. He split time in the independent leagues in 2004 between the Senators, the San Angelo Colts, the Coastal Bend Aviators and the Atlantic City Surf. He returned to Atlantic City for 2005 and 2006, but appears to have left baseball for good after last season.
RP: James Lira Splitting time in both 2001 and 2002 between the Express and one of their two low-A affiliates those years, Lira was released mid-season 2003. Most of the rest of 2003 and all of 2004-06 were spent with the independent Coastal Bend Aviators, though he did get a brief trial in 2003 with AA Norwich in the Giants organization. He spent 2007 with the independent Lancaster Barnstormers who still own his contract.
2001
Starters
C: Carlos Maldonado 2001 was the 2nd of his three seasons in the Astros organization, mostly with the Express. He then spent two years in the White Sox organization at Birmingham (AA) and the past three years in the Pirates organization at Altoona (AA) & Indianapolis (AAA). He did have a brief look at the majors for Pittsburgh in 2006. He was an NRI to spring training in 2008 and is currently on the 7 day DL at Indianapolis.
1B: Charlie Carter After a brief stint with the Express in 2000 (filling in for Burns), Charlie was a regular at 1B in 2001, but left after the season as a free agent. He played for AA Erie in the Tigers organization in 2002 and then, having signed with Baltimore, retired before spring training in 2003. After three years out of baseball, he played briefly in 2007 for the independent Fort Worth Cats.
1B/DH: Kevin Burns Split time in both 2000 and 2001 between the Express and AAA New Orleans, with most of the time in Round Rock. As a six-year free agent in 2002 he signed with Anaheim, but a back injury sidelined him early. After a brief attempt at a comeback for AA Arkansas, he was released in July, 2002.
2B: David Matranga After spending most of 2000 and 2001 with the Express, he spent two years in New Orleans before returning to the AA Express in 2004. He did get a brief shot at the majors in 2003, going yard in his first at bat. Most of the last three years have been spent knocking around AAA at Salt Lake City, Portland and Oklahoma, often struggling with minor injuries. He signed a minor league deal with Kansas City for 2008 and is listed on the Omaha roster.
3B: Royce Huffman A late call-up in 2000, Royce became a Round Rock institution over the next seven years. A starter at 3B in 2001 and at 1B in 2002, he then spent 2003 and 2004 with AAA New Orleans. With the Express moving to AAA, Royce returned to the Dell Diamond, playing mostly 1B in 2005 and 2006. After spending 2007 with AAA Portland (San Diego), he signed with the White Sox and was an NRI at spring training. He is currently a reserve at Charlotte (AAA).
SS: Eric Bruntlett The regular SS in 2001, Bruntlett began 2002 in New Orleans before being sent back to RR where he split time at the middle infield positions. He got a taste of the big leagues in 2003 and has spent most of his time there since as a utility player. Involved in the Bourn trade, he is now filling that role for the Phillies.
LF/CF: Jason Lane After tearing up the Texas League in 2001, Jason earned a call-up from new Orleans in 2002 and again in 2003 before reaching Houston full time in 2004. Struggling often, he spent time in Round Rock again in 2006 and 2007 before heading to the Padres at the end of the year. Having been non-tendered, he signed with the Yankees and was a late cut in spring training. He is now tearing up the International League at Scranton Wilkes-Barre.
CF: Colin Porter Assigned to RR for a second season, Colin hit .320 for the first month and was promoted to New Orleans, where he spent most of the next three years (getting a brief taste of the majors in 2003). Claimed off waivers by St. Louis, he spent most of 2004 at AAA Memphis and then split time in 2005 between the Yankee and Diamondback organizations, mostly at AAA. Signed by Milwaukee in the off-season, he was released in April 2006 and has not played since.
CF/LF: Barry Wesson After being demoted to Kissimmee for much of the 2000 season, Barry returned to Round Rock in 2001 and moved on to AAA New Orleans in 2002, even getting a brief shot with the Astros at the end of the season. After two years mostly at AAA Salt Lake City in the Angels organization, he returned to Round Rock in 2005. He then spent most of 2006 playing for the independent Bridgeport Bluefish, before coming back to Round Rock for the play-off season. He spent most of 2007 in a reserve OF role for the Express, but appears to be out of baseball at this point.
RF: Kyle Logan Another outfielder who spent time in Kissimmee in 2000, Kyle returned to Round Rock in 2001 and then spent three years with AAA New Orleans. Finding no takers as a minor league free agent, he played for the independent Joliet JackHammers in 2005 before leaving baseball.
Bench
C: Chris Tremie A serviceable journeyman, Chris spent 2001 as the first of three years with the AA Express. He then spent two more at AAA, the last a return to the Dell Diamond for the first year in the PCL. He joined the Indians in 2006 as a roving catching instructor, and became the maager of the GCL Indians in 2007 where his contract was renewed for 2008.
C: Danny Fatheree A long-time bullpen catcher in the Astros organization, “Tank” made brief appearances in Round Rock in both 2001 and 2002. He spent 2003 and 2004 in New Orleans with very little playing time before returning to AA Corpus Christi in 2005. He remained in Corpus Christi in 2006 & 2007, but was inactive. He signed with the Chicago Cubs for 2008, but is not on an active roster.
C: Scott Chapman An early season cut, Scott finished out 2001 with the independent Yuma Bulldogs. After sitting out a year, he signed a minor league deal with the Mets in 2003, but was released during spring training. He is out of baseball.
IF: Jason Alfaro Jason saw a lot of action in 2001 as a utility IF/OF. He returned in 2002 as the regular 3B, then spent most of 2003 and all of 2004 in New Orleans. A six-year free agent, he bounced around AAA for the next three years -- Syracuse, in 2005; Indianapolis & Buffalo in 2006; New Orleans (Mets) in 2007. He is apparently out of baseball this year.
IF: Cristian Berroa Received from San Diego for Aaron McNeal, Berroa spent time in Michigan & New Orleans as well as Round Rock in 2001. Selected by Colorado in the AAA portion of the Rule 5 draft, he spent the 2002 season in Salem, where he played a utility role. Released after 2002, he started 2003 with Brevard County (Expos) before being demoted to Savannah and then traded to the Pirates who assigned him to Lynchburg. He was out of baseball from 2004-2006, before attempting a comeback with the independent Camden Riversharks. Cut in May, he is now (again) out of baseball.
IF: Tommy Whiteman The ‘Great Red Hope’, Whiteman got a taste of Round Rock at the end of 2001, then started there in 2002 before being sent back to Lexington for more seasoning. He spent all of 2003 and most of 2004 in RR as a regular (either SS or 3B). When Round Rock joined the PCL, Tommy came along for most of 2005 (spending some time in Corpus Christi). He signed with Colorado for 2006 and spent the season in Colorado Springs before leaving baseball.
IF/OF: Cesar Morillo Coming to the Express early in 2000 for Brian Dallimore, Cesar became a crowd favorite and near-regular fill-in at a number of positions. Returning in 2001, he was injured early in the year and has not played since.
OF: Mike Rosamond Promoted from Lexington late in the year, Mike spent the next two years in the RR OF (CF in 2002, RF in 2003) while setting records for K’s that only Charleton Jimerson would threaten. He started 2004 at AA Tulsa (Colorado) before being cut mid-year and signed by Pittsburgh (High-A Lynchburg). He then spent 2005 and 2006 with the Mississippi Braves (except for a brief stint the first year in Richmond) before leaving baseball.
OF: Kerry Hodges Drafted out of Texas Tech, Kerry spent a whole game in RR (2 K in 3 AB) before being assigned to Martinsville. He spent an unimpressive year with Michigan in 2002 before retiring before ST the following year.
Pitchers
SP: Carlos Hernandez Carlos tore up the Texas League and earned a late season call-up to Houston. He started 2002 in the Astros rotation, but injured his shoulder in a baserunning mis-hap. After missing 2003 for surgery, he spent most of the next two years at AAA attempting a comeback, but he just didn’t have it. After opening the 2006 season on the DL, he eventually pitched sparingly for Corpus Christi before retiring.
SP: Travis Smith A veteran “AAAA” pitcher whose career began with the Brewers in 1995, Travis joined RR in 2001 and set a record for wins in a season (15) that still stands. He also got into one game for AAA New Orleans. He split 2002 between St. Louis and Memphis, then after a year in Korea, followed a similar pattern in 2004 (Atlanta/Richmond), 2005 (Florida/Abuquerque) and 2006 (Atlanta/Richmond). After spending most of 2007 with AAA Las Vegas, he appears to be out of baseball.
SP: Tim Redding Timmy dominated the Texas League for half a season before being promoted to AAA New Orleans and eventually to Houston. He spent most of 2002 with New Orleans again, before getting the call to Houston where he spent all of 2003 and most of 2004 (having beaten out 15GWJ-Rob for the last spot in the starting rotation). It did not last, though, and he was traded to San Diego before the 2005 season for Humberto Quintero and from there to the Yankees in July for Paul Quantrill, where he was eventually demoted to AAA Columbus. He spent all of 2006 with the White Sox organization at AAA Charlotte. After a solid half-season at AAA Columbus, he joined the Washington Nationals rotation in mid-2007 where he remains this season.
SP: Greg Miller Greg lost the end of 2001 and the beginning of 2002 to injury, then spent most of 2003 with Round Rock before being promoted to New Orleans. He signed with the White Sox for 2004, but was cut during ST and is out of baseball.
SP: Kyle Kessel A return from 2000, Kylesplit time in 2001 between the Express and AAA New Orleans before being released in August. He finished the season with the Mets organization at AA Binghamton and then signed with the Tigers after the season. Cut during spring training 2002, he pitched that season in the independent leagues for the Long Island Ducks and Pensylvania Road Warriors before leaving baseball for good.
SP: Ryan Jamison Finished 2001 with RR after starting at Lexington. Ryan was released mid-way through 2002 and finished the season with AA Binghamton (Mets). He spent most of the next four years in the independent leagues with the Fargo-Moorhead Redhawks (2003), Kalamazoo Kings (2004) and Calgary Vipers (2006). He is currently out of baseball.
SP: Nick Roberts Finished 2001 with RR after starting at Lexington. Nick spent all of 2002 with RR, and after opening the season on the DL and a brief rehab assignment at Salem, came back again in 2003. Unsigned as a FA, he started 2004 with independent Fargo-Moorhead, before being signed by Anaheim and assigned to Arkansas (AA). Released again in August, he is now out of baseball.
SP: Brad Lidge Lights out as a starter, Brad was 2-0 with 42 K’s in 26 IP’s and 5 starts before blowing his arm out. He arrived in Houston as a reliever in 2002 (after spending time at both AA and AAA) and the rest (including his trade to Philly this off-season) is well-known history.
SP/RP: Tom Shearn A rotation fixture in 2000, Shearn returned to the Express to be the mainstay of the bullpen in 2001 (although he did get 8 starts as well). Promoted to AAA in 2002 he again worked out of the pen before injuring his arm. He was released after the season and missed all of 2003 with elbow surgery. He has been on the comeback trail with Cincinnati, spending 2004 at AA Chattanooga and most of the past three years at AAA Louisville, where he has returned to a starting role. He did get 6 starts in Cincinnati last year, but is back in Louisville to start 2008. His first two starts this year looked pretty good.
SP/RP: Wilfredo Rodriguez Wilfredo rejoined Round Rock in 2001 and got a September call-up to Houston. After elbow surgery in the off-season, he missed all of 2002 and 2003 where he languished on the Cubs AAA DL. Signed by Montreal in 2004, he started at AAA Edmonton, falling first to AA Harrisburg and then High-A Brevard County before being released and finishing the season with the independent Winnepeg Goldeyes. He did pitch well in the Venezuela winter leagues, and was signed by the Rangers prior to the 2005 season. He split time in 2005 between AA Frisco and AAA Oklahoma, but could not reclaim the magic. Signed by Milwaukee in the off-season, he was cut at the end of spring training and pitched briefly with the independent San Angelo Colts before leaving baseball for good.
SP/RP: Doug Sessions After spending most of 2000 to 2002 in the Express bullpen with a few spot starts, Doug got the call to AAA New Orleans where he spent all of 2003 and part of 2004. Released in June, he was signed by Montreal where he split time between AAA Edmonton and AA Harrisburg. A free agent again after the season, he signed with the Angels and pitched for AAA Salt Lake City before being released in June and leaving baseball for good.
SP/RP: Mark Guerra Started the season in Round Rock, but spent most of 2001 and all of 2002 in the rotation at New Orleans. He started 2003 with AAA Indianapolis, but has been out of baseball since being released in May of that year.
RP: Travis Wade The closer in 2001, Travis spent most of 2000 to 2003 in the Express bullpen (with a brief 2002 stint with AAA New Orleans). He was released in June 2003 and signed by the Giants, finishing the year at AA Norwich. He has spent the past three years with the independent Newark Bears, moving to the Long Island Ducks for the 2007 season. No word on whether he is still playing in 2008.
RP: Brandon Puffer Reclaimed from the independent leagues in 2000, Brandon saw heavy action out of the RR pen in 2001. He split time in 2002-03 between New Orleans and Houston, then continued to bounce back and forth in 2004-05 with San Diego, Boston and San Francisco. He returned to AAA Round Rock to start 2006, but was released and finished the year with Sacramento. He returns this year to AA Frisco (Rangers) where he spent all of 2007.
RP: Jeriome Robertson Jeriome excelled out of the bullpen for the Express in 2001. He moved back to a starting role in 2002 at New Orleans and earned a late season call up to the Astros where he became infamous as “15 game winner J-Rob” in 2003 despite a 5.10 ERA and an average of 5 IP per start. Traded to Cleveland for Willy T and Luke before the 2004 season, he split time between the Indians and AAA Buffalo before being dealt to Montreal and finishing the season at AAA Edmonton. He spent all of 2005 at AAA Louisville in the Reds organization, then started 2006 with the independent Newark Bears before being signed by the Mets and assigned to AAA Norfolk. Returning to the Newark Bears at the beginning of 2007, he finished the season with Rieleros de Aguascalientes of the Mexican League. He appears to be out of baseball now.
RP: Mark Persails Released by the Express in May, 2001 after an inauspicious start to his AA repeat year, Mark finished the season in the Tigers organization, moving from High-A Lakeland to AA Erie and eventually AAA Toledo. Released by the Tigers in spring training, 2002, he appears to have sat out the year before joining the independent Jackson Senators for the 2003 season. He split time in the independent leagues in 2004 between the Senators, the San Angelo Colts, the Coastal Bend Aviators and the Atlantic City Surf. He returned to Atlantic City for 2005 and 2006, but appears to have left baseball for good after last season.
RP: James Lira Splitting time in both 2001 and 2002 between the Express and one of their two low-A affiliates those years, Lira was released mid-season 2003. Most of the rest of 2003 and all of 2004-06 were spent with the independent Coastal Bend Aviators, though he did get a brief trial in 2003 with AA Norwich in the Giants organization. He spent 2007 with the independent Lancaster Barnstormers who still own his contract.
157
The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Round Rock Roster Ravings
« on: March 19, 2008, 04:16:56 pm »
In case anyone lurking here does not also monitor the Talk Zone, I thought I would point out that this topic: http://www.orangewhoopass.com/forums/index.php?topic=105182.0, which was originally about McLemore's assignment to AAA has morphed into a speculative discussion about the RR roster. It probably belongs in this forum, but I guess the whole site is not well-known for following rules of etiquette.
158
Talk Zone / McLemore outrighted to AAA
« on: March 19, 2008, 02:21:36 pm »
McLemore was outrighted to Round Rock (removing him from the 40-man roster) per Astros.com. Does anyone know if this means he has already passed through waivers, or whether it is a precursor to a potential waiver claim?
159
Talk Zone / Astro Alumni in ST
« on: March 12, 2008, 08:51:20 am »
No attempt to be exhaustive, but having looked up a few Astros alums (especially those with Express connections), I thought I'd summarize their ST stats in case anyone else in interested:
Brooks Conrad is hitting .444 and slugging .815 (7 extra base hits) in 13 games for the A’s as an NRI. Fellow NRI Kirk Saarloos has a 4:1 K:BB ratio and a 4.50 ERA in 6 IP.
Josh Anderson is hitting .375 with an .881 OPS in 13 games for the Braves.
Chris Burke is hitting .393 with 2 HR and 8 RBI for the Diamondbacks and learning to play 1B. He is expected to see time in the OF and at all 4 IF positions this year (which should make for some interesting video clips). Tim Raines Jr. is hitting .176 with 5 K’s in 17 AB’s as a D-back NRI. Out of the D-back pen, Juan Gutierrez is being hit hard & Chad Qualls has been very sharp.
Charleton Jimerson is hitting .286 with only 1 XBH and 6 K in 14 AB’s for the Mariners, and NRI Phil Barzilla is unscored on in 3 IP. He also has K’d 5 while hitting one batter and giving up 6 H.
Ruddy Lugo has 5 K’s in 3.1 IP over 4 appearances for the steM.
Tim Redding sports a 7.50 ERA in 2 starts for the Nats.
Luke Scott is 6/15 with 3 2B and 1 HR in only 5 games for the O’s. Matt Albers has K’d 5 in 5 IP over 3 appearances out of the Oriole pen.
Eric Bruntlett is hitting .333 with 2 2B and 1 3B and filling in at several positions for the Phillies.
Keith Ginter is hitting .294 in 9 games with the Red Sox as an NRI.
Tom Shearn carries a 4.50 ERA and 3 K in 4 IP for the Reds as an NRI.
Willie Taveras is hitting only .208 for the Rockies. Taylor Buchholz has K’d 9 in 6 IP with a 3.00 ERA, and Jason Hirsh has been limited to 1 2-IP outing due to injury.
Adam Everett is 4/14 and Mike Lamb is 6/13 (each with 2 2B) as they fill out the left side of the Twins infield.
Royce Huffman is 4/11 with an .897 OPS as an NRI for the White Sox.
Jason Lane is 7/21 with 2 HR and a 1.153 OPS as an NRI for the Yankees. Fellow NRI, Morgan Ensberg, is 6/15 with a 1.167 OPS.
Brooks Conrad is hitting .444 and slugging .815 (7 extra base hits) in 13 games for the A’s as an NRI. Fellow NRI Kirk Saarloos has a 4:1 K:BB ratio and a 4.50 ERA in 6 IP.
Josh Anderson is hitting .375 with an .881 OPS in 13 games for the Braves.
Chris Burke is hitting .393 with 2 HR and 8 RBI for the Diamondbacks and learning to play 1B. He is expected to see time in the OF and at all 4 IF positions this year (which should make for some interesting video clips). Tim Raines Jr. is hitting .176 with 5 K’s in 17 AB’s as a D-back NRI. Out of the D-back pen, Juan Gutierrez is being hit hard & Chad Qualls has been very sharp.
Charleton Jimerson is hitting .286 with only 1 XBH and 6 K in 14 AB’s for the Mariners, and NRI Phil Barzilla is unscored on in 3 IP. He also has K’d 5 while hitting one batter and giving up 6 H.
Ruddy Lugo has 5 K’s in 3.1 IP over 4 appearances for the steM.
Tim Redding sports a 7.50 ERA in 2 starts for the Nats.
Luke Scott is 6/15 with 3 2B and 1 HR in only 5 games for the O’s. Matt Albers has K’d 5 in 5 IP over 3 appearances out of the Oriole pen.
Eric Bruntlett is hitting .333 with 2 2B and 1 3B and filling in at several positions for the Phillies.
Keith Ginter is hitting .294 in 9 games with the Red Sox as an NRI.
Tom Shearn carries a 4.50 ERA and 3 K in 4 IP for the Reds as an NRI.
Willie Taveras is hitting only .208 for the Rockies. Taylor Buchholz has K’d 9 in 6 IP with a 3.00 ERA, and Jason Hirsh has been limited to 1 2-IP outing due to injury.
Adam Everett is 4/14 and Mike Lamb is 6/13 (each with 2 2B) as they fill out the left side of the Twins infield.
Royce Huffman is 4/11 with an .897 OPS as an NRI for the White Sox.
Jason Lane is 7/21 with 2 HR and a 1.153 OPS as an NRI for the Yankees. Fellow NRI, Morgan Ensberg, is 6/15 with a 1.167 OPS.
160
Talk Zone / Ryan Houston, MIA?
« on: March 06, 2008, 05:24:28 am »
I was looking through a couple of on-line "Astros Reports" and both mentioned Ryan Houston as a likely candidate for the eventual 7-man bullpen. Which got me to thinking ... where is that guy? As far as I can tell he has yet to appear in a grapefruit league game. Anyone know if he is still in the mix??
161
Talk Zone / Jennings to Rangers
« on: January 17, 2008, 08:28:39 am »
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=ap-rangers-jennings&prov=ap&type=lgns
Unbelievably, this does not seem to have been posted yet.
Unbelievably, this does not seem to have been posted yet.
162
The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Ralph Henriquez
« on: December 14, 2007, 09:42:52 am »
I mentioned this in passing on another thread, but I expect it has gotten lost.
There was a recent reference here to "the Henriquez trade", implying an actual fact. I seem to recall sometime in the last month some speculation about a trade (to the Mets maybe?) involving a "Houston catching prospect" being Henriquez. I have scoured all the "usual suspects" when it comes to minor league transaction news, and also searched this discussion forum, but have been unable to come up with any confirmation.
Does anyone actually *know* whether (and to whom and for whom) Ralphie has been traded?
Thanks.
There was a recent reference here to "the Henriquez trade", implying an actual fact. I seem to recall sometime in the last month some speculation about a trade (to the Mets maybe?) involving a "Houston catching prospect" being Henriquez. I have scoured all the "usual suspects" when it comes to minor league transaction news, and also searched this discussion forum, but have been unable to come up with any confirmation.
Does anyone actually *know* whether (and to whom and for whom) Ralphie has been traded?
Thanks.
163
The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Avalanche
« on: December 10, 2007, 04:03:18 pm »
http://www.salemavalanche.com/cgi-bin/dist/news.cgi?id=1
Salem Avalanche now owned by Fenway Sports Group, parent of the Boston Red Sox.
I'll bet we're looking for another option in 2009, though. Any thoughts on who might be available in the Carolina League? The Sox would be abandinong Lancaster (California), and I think they are also an 8 team league.
Salem Avalanche now owned by Fenway Sports Group, parent of the Boston Red Sox.
Quote
The Houston Astros, which became Salem’s Major League affiliate in 2003, will maintain that relationship for the 2008 season.
I'll bet we're looking for another option in 2009, though. Any thoughts on who might be available in the Carolina League? The Sox would be abandinong Lancaster (California), and I think they are also an 8 team league.
164
The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Tom Shearn (out-of-town bus)
« on: December 05, 2007, 06:56:31 pm »
Noticed this former Astro farmhand got a ST invite from the Reds. Hope he makes it. Is there anyone who cares enough to have an opinion on his chances?
165
Talk Zone / Hector Gimenez to Rays
« on: November 27, 2007, 02:07:45 pm »
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/transactions
Another catcher hits the road. I suppose that leaves Q & Lou for Round Rock.
Another catcher hits the road. I suppose that leaves Q & Lou for Round Rock.
166
The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Tank Fatheree
« on: November 26, 2007, 03:29:38 pm »
I'm probably the only one who cares, but it is sad to see one of my favorite [non] players move to the Cubs. http://www.baseballamerica.com/blog/prospects/?p=669
Tank has been around the Astros organzation almost forever in a bullpen/emergency catcher role. I expect he is headed for management, and I wish him well.
Tank has been around the Astros organzation almost forever in a bullpen/emergency catcher role. I expect he is headed for management, and I wish him well.
167
The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Jonny Ash?
« on: November 26, 2007, 09:18:50 am »
I may be losing it, but I swear I saw something recently about Ash signing with another club ... Did anyone else see that? Link??
169
The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Snakebit RR
« on: August 28, 2007, 07:58:34 pm »
Great start to a game. 8 batters; 6 hits; 1 run; then the pitcher strikes out to end the second inning.
170
The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Gordon, Park & AAA Umpiring
« on: August 22, 2007, 10:52:08 am »
I don't usually post a game report, but I also do not usually come back from a game that was totally dominated by bad umpiring. It began in the bottom of the first when Cody Ransom was called out on strikes to end the inning. He dropped his bat and helmet and began walking out to his position at 3B, when the umpire apparently called something to him. He turned around and they exchanged a couple of words while Cody was continuing to take off his batting gloves. Cody looked both surprised (at the umpire initiating the discussion) and frustrated at what was clearly a bad call (imo ... I was sitting pretty close behind the plate). He flipped his batting gloves in the general direction of the dugout, and the wind carried them a little (*not* a lot) toward the umpire, who immediately ejected him. Jackie argued, but ...
Then in the bottom of the second, Barry Wesson hit a wind-blown fly that struck the yellow line on top of the wall, bounced into the bullpen railing *above* the wall and carromed back onto the field where it was ruled "in play" by one of the other stallwarts in blue. This is one of those cases that is obvious from a mile away ... a ball simply does not hit the yellow line and bounce that far *up* and back onto the field ... a point Jackie Moore made quite vehemently before he got tossed.
Then just about the time things were getting started again, the same Ump pointed into the RR dugout and ejected the hitting coach, who immediately ran onto the field with apparent physical violence on his mind.
After that, the umpiring actually went downhill. Mike DeFilice looked pretty good on the mound for "Mash"ville, but the zero walks through five innings was more a result of a 5' wide strike zone than anything else.
The when Q hit a bomb into the homerun porch in the 5th or so, the opposing catcher tried to start a fight with him when he crossed the plate. Both benches emptied, but somehow the umps could'nt find their red cards, so nobody was ejected.
Please tell me that somebody somewhere reviews this kind of thing and takes action against these arrogant umps who initiate arguments and then control the game (in a whole different sense than is usually intended) by their own actions.
Meanwhile, Chan Ho Outta-the Park got tattoed ... many balls, including a DP grounder were absolutely hammered, but right at someone. He escaped with 4 runs in 6 innings on an outing that could easily have been just the reverse. Q looked good at the plate; Raines Jr's first inning HR was a slicing, wind-blown pop-up that barely cleared the wall in LF, but he did swipe a base cleanly later in the game. Garcia worked some defensive magic at SS, and Torbert had a key PH single.
The highlight for me, though was seeing Brian Gordon on the mound for the first time. He threw mostly slow curves (~70 on the gun) and was freezing guys. His few fastballs were at 88 or 89, but nobody was able to pick up the speed difference until it was too late. I was impressed.
Then in the bottom of the second, Barry Wesson hit a wind-blown fly that struck the yellow line on top of the wall, bounced into the bullpen railing *above* the wall and carromed back onto the field where it was ruled "in play" by one of the other stallwarts in blue. This is one of those cases that is obvious from a mile away ... a ball simply does not hit the yellow line and bounce that far *up* and back onto the field ... a point Jackie Moore made quite vehemently before he got tossed.
Then just about the time things were getting started again, the same Ump pointed into the RR dugout and ejected the hitting coach, who immediately ran onto the field with apparent physical violence on his mind.
After that, the umpiring actually went downhill. Mike DeFilice looked pretty good on the mound for "Mash"ville, but the zero walks through five innings was more a result of a 5' wide strike zone than anything else.
The when Q hit a bomb into the homerun porch in the 5th or so, the opposing catcher tried to start a fight with him when he crossed the plate. Both benches emptied, but somehow the umps could'nt find their red cards, so nobody was ejected.
Please tell me that somebody somewhere reviews this kind of thing and takes action against these arrogant umps who initiate arguments and then control the game (in a whole different sense than is usually intended) by their own actions.
Meanwhile, Chan Ho Outta-the Park got tattoed ... many balls, including a DP grounder were absolutely hammered, but right at someone. He escaped with 4 runs in 6 innings on an outing that could easily have been just the reverse. Q looked good at the plate; Raines Jr's first inning HR was a slicing, wind-blown pop-up that barely cleared the wall in LF, but he did swipe a base cleanly later in the game. Garcia worked some defensive magic at SS, and Torbert had a key PH single.
The highlight for me, though was seeing Brian Gordon on the mound for the first time. He threw mostly slow curves (~70 on the gun) and was freezing guys. His few fastballs were at 88 or 89, but nobody was able to pick up the speed difference until it was too late. I was impressed.
171
The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / 1, 2 Punch (out)
« on: August 21, 2007, 01:44:34 pm »
Just noticed that Brooks Conrad leads the PCL in K's w/128 and Cody Ransom is 2nd w/118. That's some serious windage.
172
Talk Zone / Porter - Beer, not Baseball
« on: August 15, 2007, 10:19:33 pm »
http://www.wittenberghall.com/enjoyingbeer/ has a great piece on Porter. I know it's early for a Friday beer thread, but who needs rules anyway?
173
The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Round Rock Outfield Stability (sic)
« on: August 07, 2007, 09:46:41 am »
An interesting oddity concerning the ever-changing outfield alignment in Round Rock this year.
If Josh Anderson starts his 35th game in CF tonight (which seems reasonable), he will move past Bruntlett's 34 starts there as the most frequent CF starter this season. He is already the most frequent starter in LF (30 starts vs. Tim Raines at 23 and Mike Rodriguez at 22) and in RF (43 starts vs. Jason Lane at 38 and Barry Wesson at 22).
So far, there have been nine different starters in LF, six in CF and seven in RF.
If Josh Anderson starts his 35th game in CF tonight (which seems reasonable), he will move past Bruntlett's 34 starts there as the most frequent CF starter this season. He is already the most frequent starter in LF (30 starts vs. Tim Raines at 23 and Mike Rodriguez at 22) and in RF (43 starts vs. Jason Lane at 38 and Barry Wesson at 22).
So far, there have been nine different starters in LF, six in CF and seven in RF.
174
Talk Zone / Non-Chicago Trip (non BB)
« on: July 27, 2007, 07:47:41 am »
I had to share this: http://de.news.yahoo.com/afp/20070727/tts-japan-sex-spiele-erfindungen-leute-c1b2fc3.html It's safe for work in spite of the URL. It's almost better if you don't know the language, by the way. Here is the title:
Quote
Japaner bringt klanggesteuerten Dildo auf den MarktIt's a new variant on the iPod.
175
Talk Zone / Jennings & Backe
« on: July 18, 2007, 01:28:41 pm »
Nice to see Jason auditioning for prospective trade partners today ... How soon can we get Backe back in the rotation??
176
The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / 2000 Express - Where are they now?
« on: July 10, 2007, 11:00:41 am »
Sitting with Jim & Mark at the game the other night, I got to reminiscing about past Express teams. So ... I tracked down what has happened to the inaugural 2000 team, and decided to share it in case anyone else is interested. I left out a couple of very minor "contributors" (E.g. Brandon Buckley and his 5 AB; Greg Miller and his 2.1 IP), but I covered most everyone that had a real role. Enjoy.
Starters
C: Carlos Maldonado After three seasons mostly with the Express, he spent two years in the White Sox organization at Birmingham (AA) and the past three years in the Pirates organization at Altoona (AA) & Indianapolis (AAA). He did have a brief look at the majors for Pittsbugh in 2006. Currently on the inactive list at Indianapolis.
1B: Aaron McNeal Traded after 2000 for the forgettable Cristian Berroa, Aaron knocked around several organizations mostly at AA before being cut by Colorado in June, 2005.
1B/DH: Kevin Burns Split time in both 2000 and 2001 between the Express and AAA New Orleans, with most of the time in Round Rock. As a six-year free agent in 2002 he signed with Anaheim, but a back injury sidelined him early. After a brief attempt at a comeback for AA Arkansas, he was released in July, 2002.
2B: Keith Ginter Included in the 2002 trade with Milwaukee for Mark Loretta, he spent most of 2003-04 in the majors before being traded to Oakland. He spent much of 2005 in a utility role there before being optioned to Sacramento where he spent all of 2006. This year he has been playing at Buffalo (AAA) in the Indians organization. He has never come close to the performance he gave in 2000.
3B: Morgan Ensberg No comment necessary.
SS: David Matranga After spending most of 2000 and 2001 with the Express, he spent two years in New Orleans before returning to the AA Express in 2004. He did get a brief shot at the majors in 2003, going yard in his first at bat. Most of the last three years have been spent knocking around AAA at Salt Lake City, Portland and now Oklahoma. He has also struggled with minor injuries during that time.
RF/LF: Eric Cole Left off the 40-man roster after seeing regular action in 2001 for AAA New Orleans, he signed with the Rangers and spent most of 2002 at AAA Oklahoma before returning to Round Rock in 2003 where he played mostly 1B. He then spent 2004 and 2005 patrolling the outfield for the independent league Schaumberg Flyers before leaving baseball.
CF: Colin Porter Although Colin did return for some of 2001 to the Express, he spent most of 2001 - 2003 with AAA New Orleans, getting a brief taste of the majors in 2003. Claimed off waivers by St. Louis, he spent most of 2004 at AAA Memphis and then split time in 2005 between the Yankee and Diamondback organizations, mostly at AAA. Signed by Milwaukee in the off-season, he was released in April 2006 and has not played since.
LF: Barry Wesson After being demoted to Kissimmee for much of the 2000 season, Barry returned to Round Rock in 2001 and moved on to AAA New Orleans in 2002, even getting a brief shot with the Astros at the end of the season. After two years mostly at AAA Salt Lake City in the Angels organization, he returned to Round Rock in 2005. He then spent most of 2006 playing for the independent Bridgeport Bluefish, before coming back to Round Rock for the play-off season. He continues in a reserve OF role for the Express this season.
RF: Kyle Logan Another outfielder who spent time in Kissimmee in 2000, Kyle returned to Round Rock in 2001 and then spent three years with AAA New Orleans. Finding no takers as a minor league free agent, he played in 2005 for the independent Joliet JackHammers in 2005 before leaving baseball.
Bench
OF: Jhonny Perez A free agent after 2000, Jhonny spent the next three years playing 2B in the Tigers organization, splitting time between AA Erie and AAA Toledo. He then spent 2004 playing for the independent Somerset Patriots before leaving baseball.
OF: Nelson Samboy Released early in the 2000 season, Nelson knocked around the independent leagues through 2003 playing for the Westbury Spirit, the New Jersey Jackals, the Berkshire Black Bears and the Pensacola Pelicans.
C: Jerrey Thurston A seldom-used backup, he was promoted to AAA New Orleans mid-season. He split time in 2001 between Chattanooga (AA) and Lake Elsinore (High A) before retiring from baseball.
C: Joe Depastino Signed mid-year to replace Thurston, Joe then spent the next three years in the Mets organization at Norfolk (AAA). After backup duty at AAA Richmond in 2004 and AAA Syracuse in 2005, he retired from baseball.
IF: Brian Dallimore Traded to Arizona early in the season, Brian spent most of 2000 and 2001 at AA El Paso before getting the call to AAA Tucson in 2002. He spent the next three years in the Giants organization, mostly at AAA Fresno, but with a brief look at the majors in both 2004 and 2005. He signed with Milwaukee in the off season, but retired before spring training in 2006.
IF/OF: Cesar Morillo Coming to the Express in return for Dallimore, Cesar became a crowd favorite and near-regular fill-in at a number of positions. Returning in 2001, he was infured early in the year and has not played since.
1B: Charlie Carter After a brief stint with the Express in 2000 (filling in for Burns), Charlie was a regular at 1B in 2001, but left after the season as a free agent. He played for AA Erie in the Tigers organization in 2002 and then, having signed with Baltimore, retired before spring training in 2003. After three years out of baseball, he is playing OF this year for the independent Fort Worth Cats.
IF: Royce Huffman A late call-up in 2000 who saw some time at 2B, Royce became a Round Rock institution over the next seven years. A starter at 3B in 2001 and at 1B in 2002, he then spent 2003 and 2004 with AAA New Orleans. With the Express moving to AAA, Royce returned to the Dell Diamond, playing mostly 1B in 2005 and 2006. Signed by San Diego as a free agent, he has spent this year at AAA Portland.
Pitchers
SP: Eric Ireland Hailed as the staff ace before the season, Eric had a solid but unimpressive year. Removed from the 40-man roster, he was claimed by the Cubs and immediately traded to Oakland. Assigned to AAA, he pitched in 2001 for Sacramento before being released in spring training, 2002. After spending most of 2002 with the independent Long beach Breakers, he returned to Round Rock at the end of the season and spent most of 2003 in the Express bullpen before leaving baseball for good.
SP: Tom Shearn A rotation fixture in 2000, Shearn returned to the Express to be the mainstay of the bullpen in 2001; playing the same role in 2002 at New Orleans after his promotion. He was released after the season and missed all of 2003 with elbow surgery. He has been on the comeback trail with Cincinnatti, spending 2003 at AA Chattanooga and most of the past three years at AAA Louisville, where he has returned to a starting role.
SP: Roy Oswalt Called up from Kissimmee for a spot start early in the year, he struck out 15 and never looked back. Easily the most impressive Express alumnus.
SP: Kyle Kessel Split time in 2001 between the Express and AAA New Orleans before being released in August. He finished the season with the Mets organization at AA Binghamton and then signed with the Tigers after the season. Cut during spring training 2002, he pitched that season in the independent leagues for the Long Island Ducks and Pensylvania Road Warriors before leaving baseball for good.
SP: Wilfredo Rodriguez Wilfredo joined the Express late after an injury suffered in spring training … a harbinger of things to come. He showed flashes of brilliance in his two years on the Express staff, but could never develop consistency, though he did get a 3-inning look at the majors in September of 2001. After elbow surgery in the off-season, he missed all of 2002 and 2003 where he languished on the Cubs AAA DL. Signed by Montreal in 2004, he started at AAA Edmonton, falling first to AA Harrisburg and then High-A Brevard County before being released and finishing the season with the independent Winnepeg Goldeyes. He did pitch well in the Venezuela winter leagues, and was signed by the Rangers prior to the 2005 season. He split time in 2005 between AA Frisco and AAA Oklahoma, but could not reclaim the magic. Signed by Milwaukee in the off-season, he was cut at the end of spring training and pitched briefly with the independent San Angelo Colts before leaving baseball for good.
SP: Jeriome Robertson After struggling in 2000 at three levels (Kissimmee, Round Rock and New Orleans), Jeriome excelled out of the bullpen for the Express in 2001. he moved back to a starting role in 2002 at New Orleans and earned a late season call up to the Astros where he became infamous as “15 game winner J-Rob” in 2003 despite a 5.10 ERA and an average of 5 IP per start. Traded to Cleveland for Willy T and Luke before the 2004 season, he split time between the Indians and AAA Buffalo before being dealt to Montreal and finishing the season at AAA Edmonton. He spent all of 2005 at AAA Louisville in the Reds organization, then started 2006 with the independent Newark Bears before being signed by the Mets and assigned to AAA Norfolk. Returning to the Newark Bears at the beginning of this season, he was recently sold to Rieleros de Aguascalientes of the Mexican League, where he looks to be used as a starter.
SP/RP: Brian Braswell Having repeated AA without much success in 2000, Brian signed with the Mets in the off-season and spent most of 2001 and 2002 at Binghamton (AA) before leaving baseball.
SP/RP: Scott Navarro Also a free agent after the season, Scott spent part of 2001 with the A’s at High-A Visalia before finishing the season with the independent Chico Heat. He returned to the heat in 2002 and then split time in 2003 between the Somerset Patriots and the Atlantic City Surf before leaving baseball for good.
SP: Tony McKnight Tony had a few starts early in the year before being promoted to AAA New Orleans and getting six promising starts for Houston (4-1, 3.86 ERA). After starting 2001 in New Orleans, he was traded to Pittsburgh where he finished the season before being outrighted to AAA Nashville where he pitched all of 2002. Signed by the Dodgers and assigned to AAA Las Vegas, he was released in August, 2003 and has not played since.
SP: Tim Redding A familiar saga, Timmy the head case finished the season in Round Rock and then started with the Express in 2001 before being promoted to AAA New Orleans and eventually to Houston. He spent most of 2002 with New Orleans again, before getting the call to Houston where he spent all of 2003 and most of 2004 (having beaten out 15GWJ-Rob for the last spot in the starting rotation). It did not last, though, and he was traded to San Diego before the 2005 season for Humberto Quintero and from there to the Yankees in July for Paul Quantrill, where he was eventually demoted to AAA Columbus. He spent all of 2006 with the White Sox organization at AAA Charlotte before returning this season to AAA Columbus, now a Washington Nationals affiliate. He was recently recalled to the Nationals.
RP: Jason Green The Express closer before being promoted to New Orleans and eventually to Houston, Jason did one of the world’s fastest disappearing acts. Claimed by Colorado off waivers, he spent all of 2001 on the DL and then was assigned to High-A Tri City (NWL) before being released in June 2002.
RP: Doug Sessions After spending most of 2000 to 2002 in the Express bullpen with a few spot starts, Doug got the call to AAA New Orleans where he spent all of 2003 and part of 2004. Released in June, he was signed by Montreal where he split time between AAA Edmonton and AA Harrisburg. A free agent again after the season, he signed with the Angels and pitched for AAA Salt Lake City before being released in June and leaving baseball for good.
RP: Travis Wade Called up from Kissimmee when Green was promoted, Travis spent most of 2000 to 2003 in the Express bullpen (with a brief 2002 stint with AAA New Orleans). He was released in June 2003 and signed by the Giants, finishing the year at AA Norwich. He has spent the past three years with the independent Newark Bears, moving to the Long Island Ducks for the 2007 season.
RP: Mark Persails Released by the Express in May, 2001 after an inauspicious start to his AA repeat year, Mark finished the season in the Tigers organization, moving from High-A Lakeland to AA Erie and eventually AAA Toledo. Released by the Tigers in spring training, 2002, he appears to have sat out the year before joining the independent Jackson Senators for the 2003 season. He split time in the independent leagues in 2004 between the Senators, the San Angelo Colts, the Coastal Bend Aviators and the Atlantic City Surf. He returned to Atlantic City for 2005 and 2006, but appears to have left baseball for good after last season.
RP: Fernando Hernandez Called up to AAA New Orleans early in 2000, Fernando was unsigned after the season. He spent 2001 in the Mexican league before leaving baseball for good.
RP: David Glick Released after the season, David spent all of 2001 and part of 2002 with the independent Sioux City Explorers before catching on with the Giants where he finished 2002 at AA Norwich. He signed with the Yankees in 2003, but saw limited duty assigned to AA Trenton. He was resigned by Houston in 2004, but cut at the end of spring training. He returned to Sioux City, but was dealt to the Winnipeg Goldeyes where he finished the season. 2005 saw him back in Sioux City while he split time in 2006 between Winnipeg and the Newark Bears. He began this season with the independent St. Joe Blacksnakes, but was cut in June; current status not known.
RP: Russ Herbert Unsigned after the season, Russ spent 2001 with the independent Tyler Roughnecks and 2002 – 2003 with the independent Jackson Senators before leaving baseball for good.
Starters
C: Carlos Maldonado After three seasons mostly with the Express, he spent two years in the White Sox organization at Birmingham (AA) and the past three years in the Pirates organization at Altoona (AA) & Indianapolis (AAA). He did have a brief look at the majors for Pittsbugh in 2006. Currently on the inactive list at Indianapolis.
1B: Aaron McNeal Traded after 2000 for the forgettable Cristian Berroa, Aaron knocked around several organizations mostly at AA before being cut by Colorado in June, 2005.
1B/DH: Kevin Burns Split time in both 2000 and 2001 between the Express and AAA New Orleans, with most of the time in Round Rock. As a six-year free agent in 2002 he signed with Anaheim, but a back injury sidelined him early. After a brief attempt at a comeback for AA Arkansas, he was released in July, 2002.
2B: Keith Ginter Included in the 2002 trade with Milwaukee for Mark Loretta, he spent most of 2003-04 in the majors before being traded to Oakland. He spent much of 2005 in a utility role there before being optioned to Sacramento where he spent all of 2006. This year he has been playing at Buffalo (AAA) in the Indians organization. He has never come close to the performance he gave in 2000.
3B: Morgan Ensberg No comment necessary.
SS: David Matranga After spending most of 2000 and 2001 with the Express, he spent two years in New Orleans before returning to the AA Express in 2004. He did get a brief shot at the majors in 2003, going yard in his first at bat. Most of the last three years have been spent knocking around AAA at Salt Lake City, Portland and now Oklahoma. He has also struggled with minor injuries during that time.
RF/LF: Eric Cole Left off the 40-man roster after seeing regular action in 2001 for AAA New Orleans, he signed with the Rangers and spent most of 2002 at AAA Oklahoma before returning to Round Rock in 2003 where he played mostly 1B. He then spent 2004 and 2005 patrolling the outfield for the independent league Schaumberg Flyers before leaving baseball.
CF: Colin Porter Although Colin did return for some of 2001 to the Express, he spent most of 2001 - 2003 with AAA New Orleans, getting a brief taste of the majors in 2003. Claimed off waivers by St. Louis, he spent most of 2004 at AAA Memphis and then split time in 2005 between the Yankee and Diamondback organizations, mostly at AAA. Signed by Milwaukee in the off-season, he was released in April 2006 and has not played since.
LF: Barry Wesson After being demoted to Kissimmee for much of the 2000 season, Barry returned to Round Rock in 2001 and moved on to AAA New Orleans in 2002, even getting a brief shot with the Astros at the end of the season. After two years mostly at AAA Salt Lake City in the Angels organization, he returned to Round Rock in 2005. He then spent most of 2006 playing for the independent Bridgeport Bluefish, before coming back to Round Rock for the play-off season. He continues in a reserve OF role for the Express this season.
RF: Kyle Logan Another outfielder who spent time in Kissimmee in 2000, Kyle returned to Round Rock in 2001 and then spent three years with AAA New Orleans. Finding no takers as a minor league free agent, he played in 2005 for the independent Joliet JackHammers in 2005 before leaving baseball.
Bench
OF: Jhonny Perez A free agent after 2000, Jhonny spent the next three years playing 2B in the Tigers organization, splitting time between AA Erie and AAA Toledo. He then spent 2004 playing for the independent Somerset Patriots before leaving baseball.
OF: Nelson Samboy Released early in the 2000 season, Nelson knocked around the independent leagues through 2003 playing for the Westbury Spirit, the New Jersey Jackals, the Berkshire Black Bears and the Pensacola Pelicans.
C: Jerrey Thurston A seldom-used backup, he was promoted to AAA New Orleans mid-season. He split time in 2001 between Chattanooga (AA) and Lake Elsinore (High A) before retiring from baseball.
C: Joe Depastino Signed mid-year to replace Thurston, Joe then spent the next three years in the Mets organization at Norfolk (AAA). After backup duty at AAA Richmond in 2004 and AAA Syracuse in 2005, he retired from baseball.
IF: Brian Dallimore Traded to Arizona early in the season, Brian spent most of 2000 and 2001 at AA El Paso before getting the call to AAA Tucson in 2002. He spent the next three years in the Giants organization, mostly at AAA Fresno, but with a brief look at the majors in both 2004 and 2005. He signed with Milwaukee in the off season, but retired before spring training in 2006.
IF/OF: Cesar Morillo Coming to the Express in return for Dallimore, Cesar became a crowd favorite and near-regular fill-in at a number of positions. Returning in 2001, he was infured early in the year and has not played since.
1B: Charlie Carter After a brief stint with the Express in 2000 (filling in for Burns), Charlie was a regular at 1B in 2001, but left after the season as a free agent. He played for AA Erie in the Tigers organization in 2002 and then, having signed with Baltimore, retired before spring training in 2003. After three years out of baseball, he is playing OF this year for the independent Fort Worth Cats.
IF: Royce Huffman A late call-up in 2000 who saw some time at 2B, Royce became a Round Rock institution over the next seven years. A starter at 3B in 2001 and at 1B in 2002, he then spent 2003 and 2004 with AAA New Orleans. With the Express moving to AAA, Royce returned to the Dell Diamond, playing mostly 1B in 2005 and 2006. Signed by San Diego as a free agent, he has spent this year at AAA Portland.
Pitchers
SP: Eric Ireland Hailed as the staff ace before the season, Eric had a solid but unimpressive year. Removed from the 40-man roster, he was claimed by the Cubs and immediately traded to Oakland. Assigned to AAA, he pitched in 2001 for Sacramento before being released in spring training, 2002. After spending most of 2002 with the independent Long beach Breakers, he returned to Round Rock at the end of the season and spent most of 2003 in the Express bullpen before leaving baseball for good.
SP: Tom Shearn A rotation fixture in 2000, Shearn returned to the Express to be the mainstay of the bullpen in 2001; playing the same role in 2002 at New Orleans after his promotion. He was released after the season and missed all of 2003 with elbow surgery. He has been on the comeback trail with Cincinnatti, spending 2003 at AA Chattanooga and most of the past three years at AAA Louisville, where he has returned to a starting role.
SP: Roy Oswalt Called up from Kissimmee for a spot start early in the year, he struck out 15 and never looked back. Easily the most impressive Express alumnus.
SP: Kyle Kessel Split time in 2001 between the Express and AAA New Orleans before being released in August. He finished the season with the Mets organization at AA Binghamton and then signed with the Tigers after the season. Cut during spring training 2002, he pitched that season in the independent leagues for the Long Island Ducks and Pensylvania Road Warriors before leaving baseball for good.
SP: Wilfredo Rodriguez Wilfredo joined the Express late after an injury suffered in spring training … a harbinger of things to come. He showed flashes of brilliance in his two years on the Express staff, but could never develop consistency, though he did get a 3-inning look at the majors in September of 2001. After elbow surgery in the off-season, he missed all of 2002 and 2003 where he languished on the Cubs AAA DL. Signed by Montreal in 2004, he started at AAA Edmonton, falling first to AA Harrisburg and then High-A Brevard County before being released and finishing the season with the independent Winnepeg Goldeyes. He did pitch well in the Venezuela winter leagues, and was signed by the Rangers prior to the 2005 season. He split time in 2005 between AA Frisco and AAA Oklahoma, but could not reclaim the magic. Signed by Milwaukee in the off-season, he was cut at the end of spring training and pitched briefly with the independent San Angelo Colts before leaving baseball for good.
SP: Jeriome Robertson After struggling in 2000 at three levels (Kissimmee, Round Rock and New Orleans), Jeriome excelled out of the bullpen for the Express in 2001. he moved back to a starting role in 2002 at New Orleans and earned a late season call up to the Astros where he became infamous as “15 game winner J-Rob” in 2003 despite a 5.10 ERA and an average of 5 IP per start. Traded to Cleveland for Willy T and Luke before the 2004 season, he split time between the Indians and AAA Buffalo before being dealt to Montreal and finishing the season at AAA Edmonton. He spent all of 2005 at AAA Louisville in the Reds organization, then started 2006 with the independent Newark Bears before being signed by the Mets and assigned to AAA Norfolk. Returning to the Newark Bears at the beginning of this season, he was recently sold to Rieleros de Aguascalientes of the Mexican League, where he looks to be used as a starter.
SP/RP: Brian Braswell Having repeated AA without much success in 2000, Brian signed with the Mets in the off-season and spent most of 2001 and 2002 at Binghamton (AA) before leaving baseball.
SP/RP: Scott Navarro Also a free agent after the season, Scott spent part of 2001 with the A’s at High-A Visalia before finishing the season with the independent Chico Heat. He returned to the heat in 2002 and then split time in 2003 between the Somerset Patriots and the Atlantic City Surf before leaving baseball for good.
SP: Tony McKnight Tony had a few starts early in the year before being promoted to AAA New Orleans and getting six promising starts for Houston (4-1, 3.86 ERA). After starting 2001 in New Orleans, he was traded to Pittsburgh where he finished the season before being outrighted to AAA Nashville where he pitched all of 2002. Signed by the Dodgers and assigned to AAA Las Vegas, he was released in August, 2003 and has not played since.
SP: Tim Redding A familiar saga, Timmy the head case finished the season in Round Rock and then started with the Express in 2001 before being promoted to AAA New Orleans and eventually to Houston. He spent most of 2002 with New Orleans again, before getting the call to Houston where he spent all of 2003 and most of 2004 (having beaten out 15GWJ-Rob for the last spot in the starting rotation). It did not last, though, and he was traded to San Diego before the 2005 season for Humberto Quintero and from there to the Yankees in July for Paul Quantrill, where he was eventually demoted to AAA Columbus. He spent all of 2006 with the White Sox organization at AAA Charlotte before returning this season to AAA Columbus, now a Washington Nationals affiliate. He was recently recalled to the Nationals.
RP: Jason Green The Express closer before being promoted to New Orleans and eventually to Houston, Jason did one of the world’s fastest disappearing acts. Claimed by Colorado off waivers, he spent all of 2001 on the DL and then was assigned to High-A Tri City (NWL) before being released in June 2002.
RP: Doug Sessions After spending most of 2000 to 2002 in the Express bullpen with a few spot starts, Doug got the call to AAA New Orleans where he spent all of 2003 and part of 2004. Released in June, he was signed by Montreal where he split time between AAA Edmonton and AA Harrisburg. A free agent again after the season, he signed with the Angels and pitched for AAA Salt Lake City before being released in June and leaving baseball for good.
RP: Travis Wade Called up from Kissimmee when Green was promoted, Travis spent most of 2000 to 2003 in the Express bullpen (with a brief 2002 stint with AAA New Orleans). He was released in June 2003 and signed by the Giants, finishing the year at AA Norwich. He has spent the past three years with the independent Newark Bears, moving to the Long Island Ducks for the 2007 season.
RP: Mark Persails Released by the Express in May, 2001 after an inauspicious start to his AA repeat year, Mark finished the season in the Tigers organization, moving from High-A Lakeland to AA Erie and eventually AAA Toledo. Released by the Tigers in spring training, 2002, he appears to have sat out the year before joining the independent Jackson Senators for the 2003 season. He split time in the independent leagues in 2004 between the Senators, the San Angelo Colts, the Coastal Bend Aviators and the Atlantic City Surf. He returned to Atlantic City for 2005 and 2006, but appears to have left baseball for good after last season.
RP: Fernando Hernandez Called up to AAA New Orleans early in 2000, Fernando was unsigned after the season. He spent 2001 in the Mexican league before leaving baseball for good.
RP: David Glick Released after the season, David spent all of 2001 and part of 2002 with the independent Sioux City Explorers before catching on with the Giants where he finished 2002 at AA Norwich. He signed with the Yankees in 2003, but saw limited duty assigned to AA Trenton. He was resigned by Houston in 2004, but cut at the end of spring training. He returned to Sioux City, but was dealt to the Winnipeg Goldeyes where he finished the season. 2005 saw him back in Sioux City while he split time in 2006 between Winnipeg and the Newark Bears. He began this season with the independent St. Joe Blacksnakes, but was cut in June; current status not known.
RP: Russ Herbert Unsigned after the season, Russ spent 2001 with the independent Tyler Roughnecks and 2002 – 2003 with the independent Jackson Senators before leaving baseball for good.
177
The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / 1B at Salem
« on: July 06, 2007, 09:40:13 am »
Billy Hart has gotten several starts lately and neither Mark Ori nor Ole Sheldon, both of whom were apparently doing well, have disappeared from the box scores. Any news?
178
Talk Zone / Andruw the "Beef Animal"
« on: June 07, 2007, 02:43:50 pm »
I could not resist linking to this (http://sports.aol.com/fanhouse/2007/06/06/beijing-bans-water-closets-for-olympics/) article on "Engrish" or "Chinglish" that is primarily about the Beijing olympics. Here is the gem, though:
Quote
BTW, the mistranslation goes both ways between English and Chinese. The tattoo on the back of the Atlanta Braves' Andruw Jones' neck, which we're sure he was told meant "bull," actually means any old kind of cow, meaning Jones isn't sporting a statement of absolute masculinity on his neck, but instead just wearing the Chinese symbol for "beef animal" on his flesh.
179
The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / RR Defense
« on: May 18, 2007, 10:50:26 am »
I thought it was a typo when I saw it in the paper, but every source agrees:
RF Saccomanno
1B Anderson
?
I think that is the first professional appearance for Saccomanno on the OF ... Is this an experiemnt to see what an outfiled full of infielders looks like (LF Bruntlett; CF Burke)? Or are the Astros really in full-scale panic mode for OF help?? And does this say something about the prospects (sic) Anderson and Rodriguez? It looks like they are plumbing the deeper portions of the depth chart. In particular, if Anderson can't hit well enough to hold down CF, how is he going to make it at 1B?
Just wondering.
RF Saccomanno
1B Anderson
?I think that is the first professional appearance for Saccomanno on the OF ... Is this an experiemnt to see what an outfiled full of infielders looks like (LF Bruntlett; CF Burke)? Or are the Astros really in full-scale panic mode for OF help?? And does this say something about the prospects (sic) Anderson and Rodriguez? It looks like they are plumbing the deeper portions of the depth chart. In particular, if Anderson can't hit well enough to hold down CF, how is he going to make it at 1B?
Just wondering.
180
The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Roster Moves
« on: May 14, 2007, 07:36:16 pm »
I noticed Chris Burke is in LF for RR, so I checked the roster to see who was moved. I also noticed that Kevin Davidson is up with RR and Travis Phelps is back with CC. That still leaves one too many on the RR roster unless I missed something. Also notived that JR Towles is on CC roster now. Any other moves?
181
The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Saturday
« on: March 30, 2007, 10:41:27 am »
Couldn't make it yesterday, but I'm planning to be there Saturday when the Hooks & Express go at it.
Any insider comments on ST surprises to watch for? If yesterday's lineups (AA in Florida and AAA here) are any indication, there do not seem to be many surprises except that I thought they might make room for Ash in RR.
Any insights?
Any insider comments on ST surprises to watch for? If yesterday's lineups (AA in Florida and AAA here) are any indication, there do not seem to be many surprises except that I thought they might make room for Ash in RR.
Any insights?
182
Talk Zone / Footer on Berkman
« on: March 12, 2007, 06:30:07 pm »Quote:
If pancakes and bacon are his preferred breakfast, I say, pass the maple syrup. (Mailbag)
Reminds me of Lincoln's reputed comment when his advosors complained about Grant's drinking ... "Find out what brand he drinks and send a case to all my other generals."
183
Talk Zone / Re: NYCU Clank's D
« on: March 08, 2007, 11:06:44 am »Quote:
Lamb's defense below average?
Footer contrasts Lamb's good hit, bad defense, with Everett and Ausmus. She makes no comment regarding the difference in the amount of playing time.
Garner thinks, "He's a good defensive player. ...People aren't doing their homework. ...Somebody said he couldn't play defensively five years ago, and everyone buys into it. ... Nobody gets to the second baseman as good as him on a double-play ball. ..."
I've noted that, when he's rushed, his throws to 2nd sail. But,
Would Garner have any hesitation to play Lamb regularly at third base, should Morgan Ensberg struggle?
"Absolutely none, whatsoever," Garner said.
Read between the lines ... it looks like Garner is putting it in a positive light, but he does not spend too much time on the "D". His comment about "get[ting] to the second baseman on a double play ball" is clearly referring to his baserunning skills, not his throwing skills.
paraphrasing:
Q: How's Clank's D?
A: Not as bad as it was six years ago. And do you see how he runs the bases? Of course I would play him at third if Mo falters.
Clearly an endorsement of Lamb as a player, but as a gloveman? ... not so much.
184
Talk Zone / Missing Ashes Update
« on: January 04, 2007, 03:12:11 am »
Limey --
Would you believe I was just curious if I asked for an Ashes update?
Would you believe I was just curious if I asked for an Ashes update?
185
Talk Zone / We need a Friday beer thread
« on: November 21, 2006, 06:00:37 pm »
Is it ever too early to have a beer thread?
And on that note, is anyone else enjoying Shiner 97 as much as I am??
And on that note, is anyone else enjoying Shiner 97 as much as I am??
186
Talk Zone / Jakes Camcel Promotion
« on: September 25, 2006, 11:38:13 am »
This just in ... The planned "St. Louis Cardinal Action Figure" give away (free to the first 5,000 fans under 12) has been recalled due to choking hazard.
187
Talk Zone / Beer League Transaction
« on: August 31, 2006, 12:17:12 am »
I love the independent leagues ...
Golden League Transaction Page
Quote:
April 27
Fullerton Flyers: Acquired Nigel Thatch of the Schamburg Flyers for a pallet (60 cases) of beer.
Golden League Transaction Page
188
Talk Zone / BB History Question/Request
« on: August 29, 2006, 12:40:43 am »
I am trying to find a box score for Babe Ruth's last home run, which I believe was hit at Forbes Field between 9/16 & 9/19 1935.
Anyone have any ideas?
Thanks.
Anyone have any ideas?
Thanks.
189
Talk Zone / Mike Burns Toast
« on: April 19, 2006, 11:35:02 pm »
Burns got torched in his last outing and is taking his toaster to Louisville. Maybe (as someone suggested a month or so ago) he will turn into a usefull pitcher, but he apparently has not done so yet.
190
Talk Zone / Gallo (NYCU)
« on: January 19, 2006, 03:58:53 pm »
Great article Pravata unearthed over at NYCU on 'Rooster'. Did anyone else notice that he is planning to pitch for Italy in the World Baseball Classic? What's up with that?
192
Talk Zone / Biggio, Burke & Barzilla
« on: December 01, 2005, 07:15:14 pm »
Yikes. This guy needs to get out more! I'd quote some of the worst of it, but there's nowhere to stop!
Serves me right for taking my monthly trek on the 1st.
Serves me right for taking my monthly trek on the 1st.
193
Talk Zone / One more spot on the 40-man
« on: November 16, 2005, 02:10:56 pm »
The Astros released Charles Gipson yesterday (per mlb.com). That opens up another spot on the 40-man, though probably not as a surprise to anyone.
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