1001
Game Zone 2015 Archive / Re: Hinch has gone f'in batshit crazy Astros @ A's 8/6
« on: August 06, 2015, 09:39:39 pm »Nice thread title, by the way.
I tried but couldn't resist
This section allows you to view all posts made by this member. Note that you can only see posts made in areas you currently have access to.
Nice thread title, by the way.
I would have assumed his replacement would be Hoes or Grossman. Who else would they bring up?I deleted the post because they still could move Deduno to the 60 day and get a spot. My guess it has solely to do with them not considering Straily to have any value going forward. They'll need the spot come September but not now
A man who values understatement.
geesh, 5 pitches and done. all ground outs. The weakness of Diekman was his lack of control. would have been nice to take a strike
Straily getting hit decently hard, minimal damage so far
I have really negative feelings about alot of these Rangers.
For those interested, this is a ranking of Astros by the percent of time they've driven in a runner on base this year:
Jose Altuve - 18.3
Carlos Correa - 17.4
Evan Gattis - 16.8
Hank Conger - 15.2
Chris Carter - 15.1
Preston Tucker - 15.0
Colby Rasmus - 13.9
Jonathan Villar - 12.2
Jason Castro - 12.0
Jed Lowrie - 12.0
Marwin Gonzalez - 11.4
George Springer - 10.4
Jake Marisnick - 10.4
Luis Valbuena - 10.3
The data was taken from BP.
I was thinking about that as well. It almost seems like Hinch runs everybody in and out of the outfield so much that there's really no 4th outfielder, or maybe there are 4 of them. Maybe that changes with Gomez here and Marisnick not starting as much in center.
It's interesting to think of the conversations they may have had with McCullers about going down.
Scenario A: Lance, we're going to need you for the stretch run, and we've got to get you some rest. That means we may move you up and down a bit to keep the roster stocked. It has absolutely nothing to do with tonight, we all have our off-nights (except of course for Correa). We'll see you in 10 days.
Scenario B: Son, you call that pitching. That was the worst performance I've seen yet from one of our starters. Down you go until you get your act together.
Scenario C: It's got nothing to do with your pitching. That is the ugliest beard I've ever seen on a grown man. You shave and we'll think about bringing you back up.
For those that have kind of written Colin Moran off, his July splits are .361/.426/.492 /.918
Hinch said he wasn't going to pitch next time around in Oakland anyway, so it's not like this move is going to take away a start.Now that I didn't know. My point was he had stew for at least 10 days after his worst start but I guess he would of had to anyways
Man that bites for McCullers. Such a great season and have to go down after that start.
[/quote
Seriously, do you not understand what is happening?
Yes. McCullers is going down for 10 days
Straily called up to start tomorrow. McCullers sent to Fresno.
You are fucking batshit crazy. Take your OBP and go home. That is not why he is on the team.
12-9, that's 4? I'll never understand baseball.
who gets sent down?
So, does Kazmir pitch tomorrow?
Sipp warming up.
"Going" to get ugly? You sir, have low standards of beauty.
Is it just me or does DeShields seem like an ass now that he is a Ranger?
I think they said Fields was up.
I would like to see at least one LHer in the top 4 of the lineup against a RH pitcher.
Really, it doesn't matter. Hinch will mix it up almost daily.
Does he go straight back to the leadoff spot, or do the additions since he was injured change that?
Springer, Altuve, CarGo, Correa? Or Altuve, Cargo, Correa, Correa, Gattis, Springer?
Singleton optioned to make room for Gomez.
I could not agree more and said this during the game. To some, it almost seems like the minors are the more important team.
On the flip side, the Astros kept Phillips in Lancaster well beyond his demonstrating mastery of the level. There may be something to him that only a few in the org know that they don't like. So, compare his rise to Bregman's who they love. He's already in Lancaster.
Boofuckinghoo. There be a draft next year.
I think it's going to be important to carry four outfielders that you don't mind playing every day, because I'm afraid that the way Springer goes after everything means that he's going to spend non-trivial periods of time on the DL every year.
It is a little hard to stomach when we knew what the Mets were going to pay for Gomez. Then again, Fiers could be very valuable for several years.
The most important thing here is that the opportunity is now. I am thrilled that the front office is doing their best to take advantage of a chance to make the playoffs the next few years.
Would Phillips beat out Gomez next year at mid-year?
I like this deal. Phillips hurts bad, but the rest of the package doesn't bother me at all.
God, I hate think kind of stuff. He has been stockpiling talent for this very reason. If Phillips could help the team NOW, he would be in Houston. I am sure he is very talented, but there are lots of others with talent in the system. Folks have been wanting Gomez for weeks, and now we have him, the hand-wringing begins. Gomez has speed and power, and if he was a hot dog elsewhere, he will learn quickly it is not the Astros Way. He is an experienced Springer, and the more interesting issue to me is the lineup tomorrow and whether Luhnow is done or is still pursuing Chapman. Why is Singleton sitting?
The man is trying to win now. Are we so beat down from losing we cannot appreciate what he is doing? Houston is the ultimate, not the Bus Ride.
This is weak 20-20 hindsight. That trade was for the World Series, and I was blown away by Hunsicker's ability to pull it off. I do not care if the Gus we gave up made the HOF. It was a great trade.
He chose the teams in October, but your point remains the same. He still had the chance to come here and said "No", so he obviously had made plans for October that don't involve baseball. His loss.
Again, why deal for a starting pitcher who might not make your post-season roster? If you best 3 going into the post-season are Keuchel, Kazmir, and McCullers then anyone they pick up has to be better than McHugh. I don't think there's any guarantee that Ross or Cashner will out-pitch McHugh down the stretch.
Tigers are apparently looking for McCullers or Valesquez as a part of Price rental. Don't think that will happen.
I'm in agreement, just pointing out how special McCullers is.
What do Ross or Cashner bring that would be an upgrade over McHugh, Feldman, or McCullers?
Rangers/Yankees now 19-5 Wow.
You know, I appreciate the things that Valbuena has managed to do this year, and I like the dependable defense he has provided, but the Astros really need a real third baseman. I wonder if they think that's going to be Correa as soon as Bregman is ready.
I disagree. I think he's been a solid RBI man.
DH is definitely his best position.
10. Colin Moran, 3b, Astros
HoustonAstros
Team: Double-A Corpus Christi (Texas)
Age: 22
Why He’s Here: .478/.519/.783 (11-for-23), 7 R, 1 2B, 2 HR, 8 RBIs, 3 BB, 5 SO, 0-for-0 SB
The Scoop: Moran’s season has been dogged by injuries, including a broken jaw when he took a throw in the infield off the face. When he returned in June, his timing was slow to come back, but he’s been outstanding in July, compiling an 1.021 OPS, although the over-the-fence power some scouts project has yet to show.
14. A.J. Reed, 1b, Astros
HoustonAstros
Team: Double-A Corpus Christi
Age: 22
Why He’s Here: .381/.516/.714 (8-for-21), 6 R, 2 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 7 RBIs, 8 BB, 4 SO
The Scoop: Reed should become the next in a long line of prospects who went from Baseball America College Player of the Year to eventual MLB standout. A standout at the plate and on the mound last year at Kentucky, Reed slipped to the second round, where the Astros got a steal. One of the draft’s elite college performers has had no trouble handling minor league pitching so far, and while much of his success this year has come at high Class A Lancaster, he’s no ballpark fluke. In his first 10 games since getting promoted to Double-A, Reed is batting .333/.455/.576 with nine walks and seven strikeouts. He’s 6-foot-4, 240 pounds, limited to first base and may not have the prettiest build, but he’s a potential plus bat, plus power combo who understands the strike zone and can get on base at a high clip. He’s not going to help them in Houston this year, but he should be their everyday first baseman very soon.
One of my favorite plays, ever.
I will add Mike Lamb to the list, not as versatile as the others mentioned, but his bat seemed to always be hot, know matter how much playing time he saw.
They ruled a single for Hosmer. Obviously there's also an error on the play allowing the runner to 3B.
I strongly believe in defense up the middle. That's why I said to replace Jake, they would need an all around center fielder, meaning that player better be a really good defender as well. Otherwise, you hurt your pitchers. The only available player that might be worth it is Gomez in Milwaukee, if his defense is good enough.
And yes, 1B is much easier to upgrade via trade and a position of need as well.
Miley is not chopped liver. He one hit Anaheim through 7 innings last time out.
I had not thought about this added benefit of the deal. If the org believes there's strong mutual interest in a deal for next season, they can sign do so without having to give up a 2016 pick. I'm assuming he'd qualify as a Type A?
Bold statement. STL is really good.
Excited about the move. What is the likelihood the team opts for a 6 man rotation to keep innings down for the younger guys?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
So assuming there's still interest in a bat, who is it?
Does he start tomorrow instead of Feldman?
I would think they have enough talent to shore up several positions. I would think a Velasquez for Arrenado deal would work. There'd still be enough talent to bring in a rental SP.
Between MLB and AA high end SP young and under control: McCullers, Velasquez, Appel, Musgrove, Hader, Feliz. That doesn't even include the years of control left over Keuchel, McHugh, and Oberholtzer. OF in that category: Springer, Tucker, Marisnick, Santana, Kemp, Phillips. My view is the SP is much deeper than the OF prospects.
I agree on the lack of match. Too I can't imagine Luhnow is looking for another young and inexperienced arm to put in the rotation.
Do you think they want more Hoes?
Baltimore is rumored to be dangling Gausman to teams in an effort to get an OF bat. This is the type of player I'd love to see the team go after. I realize we aren't the best match but a young controllable SP would be well worth giving up some of our best prospects.
because he plays LF. this is not a computer game.
I don't understand his thinking on that unless it is strictly because the price of prospects would be cheaper. Although Price is not going to be cheap under any condition.
So Luhnow's looking at SP, RP, and bats that aren't high power high strikeout.
Would you do this deal: Hundley and Boone from the Rockies for Castro, Wojo, and Buchanan?
Hundley is having a career year though his road hitting isn't great it's better than Castro's and is a free agent after 2016. Castro is a FA after 2016.
Boone's road work has been very good, and he's a lefty.
Ahhh, but walks aren't the same as hits. His avg w/ no runners is .235, and with runners is .257. Of course his .slg goes way up with runners on, which kinda kills my argument. And of course he's only hitting .228 with runners in scoring position.
Plus he's only walked 13 times all season, so I guess OBP doesn't matter much. I'm surprised somebody even bothers to calculate Chuckie's walk rate.
Speaking of real oddities: http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/splits/_/id/29486/chris-carter
I agree he's a wild swinger (even when I can't spell), but I disagree he doesn't bat differently with runners. I can prove it with a Fangraphs article.
Just watch Gaddis.
Fo realz. This kid for some reason thinks he's Jonah Hill talking to the room full of Stoopid Old Scouts in the Moneyball movie. It's really not that black and white, kid.
And just to play Devil's Advocate here: would you rather have a hitter with a career .300/.340/.480 line, or a hitter with a career .210/.350/.480 line?
That's pretty incredible, especially with how much Conger has caught him this year and how bad Conger is at throwing. In theory "bases taken" stat should be really low because of his control and the amount of grounders he gets. I love that Dallas Keuchel is an Astro
Sent from my HTC One M9 using Tapatalk
Looks like Carter is DL bound. Singleton has 2 weeks to show he belongs.
I figured that's where I read it.
Singleton swinging through FB after FB. Depressing.
DH, First and Third
I haven't heard. He rolled it pretty good, but it wasn't like he had to be helped off the field either. I'm sure he's "day to day" at this point.
Correa having none of it. (and Gattis)
Thirdbase coach quickly squashing this rally
7 hits, 9 outs. No problem.
DDS Jr with a 9 pitch single
Why is Evan Gattis not a possibility at 1b?
Hoes hasn't been up long enough to know to strand that runner. 1-0 good guys
Just got here. Was there a double play? An out at home?
"Well on his way" based on what? It's certainly true that the Astros hardly gave him any ABs in 2014 Spring Training, but seriously man, every marginal MLB hitter shows up in March with a "revamped" swing. Brett Wallace did it annually. And while I don't understand why the Astros straight-up released JD (being "nice" to give him an opportunity elsewhere?), there was probably nothing that any non-time-traveler could have seen by that March that indicated he would go from a career 88 OPS+ guy to a 150 OPS+. I'm pretty sure the Tigers didn't expect it either - they were probably just looking for AAA roster depth.
J.D. was put on waivers and not one team claimed him. Not even Detroit. And then they only brought him in as a free agent bc of Clark. Seems like most of the league thought J.D. was worthless and they've been proven wrong.
I agree, but the coddling goes on throughout the minor leagues. they likely have no choice with VV because of his injury history. I think I heard on TV he only pitched 55 innings last year.
I'm definitely not in favor of running young hurlers into the ground like the FTC did with Wood and Prior (and even Zambrano). I just think that coddling pitchers is a principal reason why pitchers have arm injuries.
I'm really happy for JD. Too bad it didn't work out for him and the Astros. No one to blame, he was given ample opportunity in Houston. Who knew he would figure it out eventually?
This is such bullshit. We need that kid in order to contend. Oberholtzer is nothing more than a placeholder. VV can be something special. I get that. Oberholtzer-not so much.
I guess not. Gregerson in. Not a save situation.
Actually over the last 10 games Presley has been more successful at the plate than Hoes.
Presley just got called up, I assume that mean DL for Springer. Shit
There are girls in college.
That $1.2 MM (or $1.3MM if you will) in turn becomes around $2MM when you factor in the 75% tax.
at some point Luhnow almost has to move some prospects because of the limitations of the 40-man and Rule 5. I'd rather not move the names you mentioned but there are going to be some tough decisions to make for roster management and the trade deadline would be a logical time to make some of those.
Same here. If you can get 3-4 years out of a frontline starter, that's fine. But, 6 years of club control is too much for a two-month rental.
I was hoping Ferrell would start at least in Lancaster with the potential to help the big league club this year a la Brandon Finnegan last year.
So with the LSU SS signing, how are the Astros chances of signing Daz Cameron looking?
Drellich reporting that the deal for Bregman is expected to be $6M. LINK
Alex Bregman, the Astros’ top pick in this year’s draft, has agreed to a signing bonus expected to be $6 million, a person close to the process told the Chronicle. The slot value for the No. 2 overall selection is $7.42 million.
In case anyone is wondering...we're headed to the 13th, still tied at 1.
So much for this being a getaway day.
Says who? Another common misconception that you can't be charged an error if you get an out on the play. or you can't "assume the double play".
Rule 9.12(d) Comment: When a fielder muffs a thrown ball
that, if held, would have completed a double play or triple play,
the official scorer shall charge an error to the fielder who drops
the ball and credit an assist to the fielder who made the throw.
Carter can absolutely be charged an error on that.
A runner reaching base on a missed throw is certainly cause for crediting an error.
More and more Lowrie looking like a first baseman.
Shit. Carter just whiffed at that double play ball. I assume Correa will get the error, but it should be on Carter.
Glad we're making this twiddledick look like Cy Fucking Young so far. STOP POPPING EVERYTHING UP!
Ugh
This week: Tony Kemp at 11
Carter, Valbuena and Castro have combined for 8 strikesouts...in 7 innings.
It was low in the zone and in a bit. It was not a horrible pitch by any means, nor was it really a hanger.
Gonzales has been on fire.
Saw MLB channel programming this morning talking about batted ball velocity. I'll might be bricking the numbers here, but they basically said there are ____ players in MLB that have 10+ batted balls this season with a velocity of 100+MPH. Miguel Cabrerra and 3 or 4 other players, including Correa lead MLB with 13 of these 100+MPH batted balls.
Kid is a beast!
Are you saying you think Riley Ferrell will be overslot by roughly Hermelyn's $272k?
Plus, I think there were reports of the Twins wanting Tucker at #6, that slot was about $3.9m. For Bregman, on the other hand, Colorado was almost certainly not taking him at #3, leaving the Rangers at #4 with a $5,026,500 slot value as his best shot if the Astros passed on him at #2. So I'd guess his bonus could very well be around $5m.
I don't think Keuchel's worth discussing.
That is a bit surprising but not by much. I was thinking around 3.7-3.8
According to Jonathan Mustard, the Astros have signed Kyle Tucker, though only save about $200k off the slot value.
5. Domingo Santana, rf, Astros
Team: Triple-A Fresno (Pacific Coast)
Age: 22
Why He’s Here: .500/.667/.929 (7-for-14), 5 R, 3 B, 1 HR, 6 RBIs, 6 BB, 4 SO
The Scoop: Santana always has had a long swing that leads to lots of strikeouts, but he has evolved as a hitter to show more patience at the plate in recent years. He set a career high with 64 walks in 120 games last year at Triple-A, and he’s taking even more walks this year, which has boosted his on-base percentage to .433. Power never has been in question for Santana, and while he always will have a high strikeout rate, being able to offset those empty at-bats with more walks to go with his power would make him a much more viable player at the next level.
16. Brett Phillips, cf, Astros
Team: high Class A Lancaster (California)
Age: 21
Why He’s Here: .382/.400/.735 (13-for-34), 9 R, 2 2B, 2 3B, 2 HR, 12 RBIs, 1 BB, 7 SO
The Scoop: Here’s the one guy the Astros won’t call up this year . . . maybe. With the callups of top prospects Carlos Correa, Lance McCullers Jr., Vince Velasquez and Michael Feliz (briefly), Phillips (or possibly Houston’s dual 2015 first-rounders) suddenly has a chance to become the No. 1 prospect in the organization this offseason. But such has been the rise of the Florida prep star who passed on North Carolina State to sign for $300,000 in 2012. His combo of athleticism, feel for hitting and power the past two seasons have made scouts second-guess their doubts about his ability to be an everyday center fielder.
Who gives a fuck about his OBP. Gattis is here to drive in runs and he has done a pretty good job of that thus far. 5-6 are the perfect spots in the batting order for him.
At some point I expect to see 1 Springer, 2 Altuve, 3 Correa.
He looks like a ten-year vet out there.
what Brett Phillips has to do to move up to CC.
#1009 (34th round): Conor Biggio, Notre Dame OF
Courtesy pick.
Reserve player for the Fighting Irish who played in just 18 games this past season, batting .200/.294/.333 in the process. His career numbers as a backup: .223/.348/.257.
Quote
Evan Drellich @EvanDrellich 1m1 minute ago
Sources told me that Daz Cameron’s asking for less than $5 million, which was the rumored figure on draft day.
1. Donny Everett, rhp, Clarksville (Tenn.) HS (No. 21)
Everett might be the hardest-throwing prep pitcher in this year’s class. He’s committed to Vanderbilt, so if he is not picked early on Tuesday, he may end up getting to campus.
6. Justin Hooper, lhp, De La Salle HS, Concord, Calif. (No. 39)
Hooper’s ceiling is as high as any prospect in the class. He battled some issues with consistency this spring, but he’s a 6-foot-7 lefthander with elite fastball velocity. Hooper is committed to UCLA.
10. Kyle Molnar, rhp, Aliso Niguel HS, Aliso Viejo, Calif. (No. 53)
Molnar has battled issues with consistency, but he has the potential for three average or better pitches. Molnar is committed to UCLA.
1. Donny Everett, rhp, Clarksville (Tenn.) HS (No. 21)
Everett might be the hardest-throwing prep pitcher in this year’s class. He’s committed to Vanderbilt, so if he is not picked early on Tuesday, he may end up getting to campus.
6. Justin Hooper, lhp, De La Salle HS, Concord, Calif. (No. 39)
Hooper’s ceiling is as high as any prospect in the class. He battled some issues with consistency this spring, but he’s a 6-foot-7 lefthander with elite fastball velocity. Hooper is committed to UCLA.
9. Joe McCarthy, of, Virginia (No. 46)
McCarthy might have been in line to go earlier in the draft if not for a back injury that sidelined him for most of the season. He has been slow to return, but has shown progress in Virginia’s postseason run to the College World Series.
10. Kyle Molnar, rhp, Aliso Niguel HS, Aliso Viejo, Calif. (No. 53)
Molnar has battled issues with consistency, but he has the potential for three average or better pitches. Molnar is committed to UCLA.
Chalmers got popped at #97 by Oakland.Thanks. Missed that one
1. Donny Everett, rhp, Clarksville (Tenn.) HS (No. 21)
Everett might be the hardest-throwing prep pitcher in this year’s class. He’s committed to Vanderbilt, so if he is not picked early on Tuesday, he may end up getting to campus.
3. Dakota Chalmers, rhp, North Forsyth HS, Cumming, Ga. (No. 34)
Chalmers is oozing with projection, and scouts can dream on him as a potential middle-of-the-rotation arm. He is committed to Georgia.
6. Justin Hooper, lhp, De La Salle HS, Concord, Calif. (No. 39)
Hooper’s ceiling is as high as any prospect in the class. He battled some issues with consistency this spring, but he’s a 6-foot-7 lefthander with elite fastball velocity. Hooper is committed to UCLA.
7. Demi Orimoloye, of, St. Matthew HS, Orleans, Ontario, Canada (No. 41)
A dynamic athlete with a high ceiling both offensively and defensively, Orimoloye could be an early pick on Tuesday. He is committed to Oregon.
8. David Hill, rhp, San Diego (No. 44)
Hill asserted himself as one of the most polished pitchers in the college class this spring. His stuff isn’t explosive, but he can pitch in the low 90s and has feel for three average pitches.
9. Joe McCarthy, of, Virginia (No. 46)
McCarthy might have been in line to go earlier in the draft if not for a back injury that sidelined him for most of the season. He has been slow to return, but has shown progress in Virginia’s postseason run to the College World Series.
10. Kyle Molnar, rhp, Aliso Niguel HS, Aliso Viejo, Calif. (No. 53)
Molnar has battled issues with consistency, but he has the potential for three average or better pitches. Molnar is committed to UCLA.
By the way, for those who say the Astros "reached" on Bregman: I have no opinion of him, but he was ranked #4 or so on BA and/or MLB.com lists. Perhaps you can quibble with HOU for not taking Rodgers, but after that, it seems like the next 5-10 guys (Tucker included) had very little separation between them. We'll probably never know if the Astros genuinely think Bregman is a better player than Rodgers, or if they just decided they had to compromise in order to get Cameron at 37. But it's not like they passed on multiple clear-cut superior players in order to take a guy who clearly wasn't in the same league.
If Metuella is available tomorrow do the Astros take him? Has he fallen enough to be cheap?
Aiken is still with Close. Nix fired* him earlier this year.
*to the degree that an advisor—who has no contract with the draftee, and offers counsel purely out of the goodness of his own heart—can be fired
That stand on principle cost him dearly in principal. I strongly suspect that he thought that he could get more money the next year.
I find that hard to believe. More likely, they expected to stay healthy and get more than 5 million.
I'm assuming that Close gave Aiken sufficient CYA concerning the $5,000,000 bird in the hand. If he didn't, then the difference between that figure and what he ultimately signs for will be the quantum of the malpractice claim. Surely, Close is too good to have gotten himself into such a pickle.
Luhnow was the best hire.
Kirby off the board, still Matuella
Swanson won't be a big discount for them at 1/1 Maybe $7m?. How could they afford to give Daz $5m at #43?
How much can they go over slot?
Everybody will want to take a discount in order to play with the developing juggernaut.
Oh cool, we get to see 4 picks then
Will they get to #37 tonight, or is that a tomorrow thing?
Interesting that funkhouser and buehler are both still available. My uninformed hope is that they land Daz.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Bregman, Tucker and Daz would be 4, 5, and 8 on BA's list
True BPA.
Waiting for #37 maybe. Likely have the 5 million available. Daz would give them 3 top 10 players
Luhnow seems less than enthusiastic in the presser.
Doubt it. All indications were that the Rangers were on him at 4.
I don't get the Bregman hate? He's a very good hitter and doesn't strikeout. He's also a good athlete. 36 walks and just 21 strikeouts. Exactly the kind of hitter this lineup could use in the future. Nothing wrong with a college career slash of .334/.407/.514.
(Edit going bolder)
For a prediction, pretty much this ^^^
- Rodgers at 2.
- Tate at 5
- Daz at #37
Want for me is #2 Swanson, #5 Fulmer, #37 Daz
It's Daz Cameron. You're thinking of the former Black Flag singer/guitarist, Dez Cadena.
I think for once the experts have the Astros pretty much nailed:
Bregman 2, Benintendi 5, Daz 37.
If the D'backs don't take Swanson, maybe the Astros take him and have to improvise a bit.
It's Daz Cameron. You're thinking of the former Black Flag singer/guitarist, Dez Cadena.
I think for once the experts have the Astros pretty much nailed:
Bregman 2, Benintendi 5, Daz 37.
If the D'backs don't take Swanson, maybe the Astros take him and have to improvise a bit.
This draft is wacko. Everything depends on Arizona. But my guess is, if he isn't taken at #1 then Rodgers is the guy at 2. If Rodgers is gone at #1 then it's Swanson at 2. At 5 I'm thinking either Tate or Benintendi or Fulmer. 37 will be a high ceiling high schooler.
Not an attorney, but I'm pretty sure Marwin has an option left. He was added to the 40-man in 2012, spent the entire year on the big league roster. Optioned in 2013, then spent all of last year in the Bigs. He's only used one option, I believe.
I didn't say anything about college players, just safe picks. I'm sure there are a lot of high upside, high risk picks in the college pool.
The 25-man decision doesn't need to be done till Wednesday. What it does clear up is who. Villar has options, Marwin does not. Therefore by DFA'ing Dominguez you can assume they are just sending Villar down.
Edit:
Ummm, maybe I'm wrong with Marwin's options. Need an attorney to read this one:
Options
This doesn't clear up the active roster picture. We have 2 in, 1 out so far on the 25 man.
Screw safe picks. Those are guys you can eventually acquire in free agency.
I would not be disappointed in Tucker just because I keep hearing he has a higher ceiling than Preston.
Bah, I dislike it when folks peak early. Like to go after guys like Bryant and Nola where they improve year over year and you don't know where their limits might be.
Now witness the power of this fully operational battle station.
I'm surprised they didn't opt to keep Buchanan for the pen rather than Hernandez.
Devenski isn't on the 40-man. That's probably a big part of why.
For the record, I agree with you if we're talking about current Bregman. He looked much better as a freshman.
I haven't seen this noted elsewhere: Heyman has a Draft column where he notes that Casey Close is the advisor for Swanson, Rodgers, and Tucker, among others. Hmmm...
I wouldn't be altogether surprised if there are some Scott Boras fingerprints there as well.
Not gonna PH with Tucker at this point. That's a ton of strikes with RISP though.
In the interest of accuracy, the hill was a copy, too.
If the hill is a remotely good idea, why does no other ballpark in the world have one?
I never liked the hill - a silly and potentially dangerous gimmick. Good riddance.
"And if we go to the playoffs we might be working more than 24 hours a day and we hope that's the case."
Correa is illegally drinking an '85 Henri Jayer Richebourg Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits, France.
Colin McHugh has occasional trouble locating his highball.
Yes, the ball acts like a spring to store energy that is released after the ball is hit. The speed of the ball coming off the bat is much more sensitive to the bat speed though.
According to the game feed, Tucker's grounder came off the bat at 100 MPH. By comparison, Gattis' HR came off the bat at 102 & Luis' HR came off the bat at 103. Carter's single in the was 107 MPH
Tucker's 1st inning (ground out to second) was hit hard too at 103 MPH. They didn't give exit speeds for his other two ABs.
It doesn't have to be a press release saying who they are looking at, but writers do get a sense of who some teams are considering.
I'll quite happily take Swanson as the 2nd pick.
holy shit. He now is 4-5 with the 3 HRs and a 2B. For the day, 12 RBIs and 11 TBs.
Ha! Homered in first 2 ABs for the JetHawks.
It is softening the blow because you if you do your draft correctly, you should get your best players early not later. You can chose to take several views of how this draft worked out.
1. The Astros were better at scouting college players than HS players in that draft.
2. They got lucky and got some late round bargains. And they were unlucky with injuries with some of their top picks.
Stevenson, who signed one-time top prospect Yovani Gallardo, said Keuchel is the pick he takes the most pride in. The scout compares him to Kenny Rogers and Mark Buehrle.
"You would go away unimpressed (in college if you watched him once)," Stevenson said. "You'd walk away and go, 'Ho hum.' If you didn't know him and didn't catch him on a regular basis, you could not appreciate what he did week after week after week."
Stevenson would put down his radar gun when Keuchel took the mound to pretend he had little interest.
When draft day came around in 2009, Keuchel hadn't been seen by Astros scouting director Bobby Heck - only by Stevenson and crosschecker Ralph Bratton.
Stevenson thought the lefty was second-round material.
"I was wearing out Ralph," Stevenson said. "I'm at home watching it on the Internet and literally (telling Bratton), Dallas Keuchel, Dallas Keuchel, Dallas Keuchel. Just wearing him out."
He was theirs in the seventh round.
Dallas Keuchel, I didn't see him pitch that spring," Heck said. "First time I saw Dallas Keuchel was instructional league, after his draft. There's always some anxiety when you take a guy in the first 10 rounds and you didn't see him as scouting director. And then when I saw him, you want to hug the guys that did a good job on him."
The Astros, like most teams, missed out on Mike Trout in the 2009 draft. The team's first-round pick that year, shortstop Jiovanni Mier at No. 21 overall, hasn't developed offensively. Trout went four selections later.
"I think we could have done a better job on Michael Trout," Heck said. "You know Jio Mier, at the time we thought we were taking the best high school shortstop in the draft."
Heck said the Astros just didn't scout Trout well enough.
I'm not sure why you're calling him out. Generally speaking more prospects fail than succeed. Until last year Phillips looked like he might not figure it out. Vasquez looks like he might have figured things out as a 21 year old. Both guys could end up being AAAA players.
Vasquez isn't org filler. He and Phillips are the same age. Vasquez has enough talent to be a major league player. And they both have a lot of room to grow.
I believe Vasquez is Rule 5 eligible after this season. Could be part of the equation. Phillips isn't.
Both were putting up great numbers, Phillips arguably better. But, Vasquez having a full season+ at Lancaster was likely the tie-breaker. I imagine Phillips won't be too much longer.
Springer at leadoff both today and yesterday. I guess trying to protect Altuve?
I think we need to get used to players succeeding on other teams. There is a ton of talent in this system and the rules won't allow them all to stay.
Not sure I agree with you about Villar. If it comes down to keeping Marwin or Villar, I don't think it clearly falls in Marwin's favor.
Is there some particular reason why this is a day game?
I think we'll have a better feel for how good this team is after Detroit.
Interesting. Not that I don't buy that his change has improved, I just don't believe that can account for his apparent jump from a promising A+ pitcher to an dominant AA pitcher. Similarly, I've never had the impression that Fernandez was an absolute stud due to the presence of his change in his repertoire, but instead due to his consistent mastery of two dominant pitches.
Judging by the clips they show from his CC outings, that curve is absolute filth. If he can locate a mid 90s fastball and avoid too many hangers, one would expect him to compete.
I would not be surprised to see Appel to be a part of a trade package for a top pitcher if one is made this year.
They have the Astros taking Swanson and Tucker, saying rumor is Luhnow loves all 3 Vandy guys including Buehler.
Michael Feliz #18 on this week's Hot Sheet.
Elias was hired in January of 2012 and was considered Luhnow's "right-hand man" in St. Louis. There is no question that Heck had input but I think Elias had a bunch of pull as well.
The Houston Astros amateur scouting director helped select Carlos Correa in 2012 then made the call to draft Mark Appel first overall in 2013.
http://www.sportsnet.ca/baseball/mlb/astros-elias-details-search-for-elite-draft-talent/
Luhnow on Elias:
"I knew that I wanted him over here," Luhnow said. "He could help in a variety of ways. At the time, I didn't know if he would end up being a scouting director or farm director or assistant general manager. I knew there would be some role for him. He did such a nice job helping [former scouting director] Bobby [Heck] out in that first Draft."
http://www.crawfishboxes.com/2014/5/29/5761432/thursdays-three-astros-things
Elias was also based in Florida already due to his time with the Cards and was one of the guys at Correa's workout.
Astros staff was "blown away" by Carlos Correa's workout in Kissimee this weekend. One says he's the best Puerto Rican talent since Beltran
https://twitter.com/pgammo/status/206874435104419841
Luhnow has a history picking Vandy guys.
But 15 or a bit more isn't out of the question at all.
Your initial point, though, was that Luhnow had a pattern of taking the consensus BPA. And I don't think that's true, regardless of the extent to which Correa was a Heck-driven choice. In 2013 consensus was about 50/50 Gray-Appel, with Bryant close behind. Even in 2014 when Aiken became the consensus #1 by Draft day, in some ways the Astros bucked expectations by not taking Rodon. I don't think we can assume they'll take Rodgers even if the Dbacks don't.
Heck was just a figurehead by that point. They only kept that group in place because they had already been scouting the 2012 class for several months. There is no doubt in my mind that Heck with final say would have gone with Buxton looking at his past picks for the team (raw, toolsy guys with upside and speed to burn like Springer and DDJ). Heck always said he liked to pick "best athlete available". Luhnow brought Elias in prior to that draft and Elias was one of the guys blown away by Correa's workout in Kissimmee. Correa was Luhnow/Elias all the way.
I meant from the standpoint of the volatility of the top 3 or so. The Aiken and Appel years seemed to be fairly stable with the names at the top. This year not as much.
This year looks much more like the Correa year to me.
I think that given Luhnow's track record of secrecy everything out there in print is a smokescreen.
Right, they have to wait until enough other guys get called up this season so that he's outside of the top 22% of service time among players brought up to the majors this season.
So if they delay Correa some more, then he won't have enough service time to be in that top 22%?
Can someone explain in simple terms a physicist can understand what this Super 2 timing stuff is about?
Well it's very possible that you've paid better attention than me. I'm assuming Matuella and Allard go in the Top 20 (a la Hoffman, Fedde, Giolito), Aiken is irrelevant for the Astros, Kirby seems likely to go before #37. Who else is there that's viewed as a Top-15-type talent?
I realize, of course, that a lot can change between now and June 8th, and that there may also be signability guys (a la McCullers) who drop that far, too.
Velasquez not too shabby in his 2015 debut. 5/3/1/1/10. 52 strikes in 74 pitches.
Pots, in his interview, Tucker said he was expecting fastball and got a change and was out early on it. Just happy to hit it hard.
You guess? He didn't hit a blooper. He didn't get lucky. He stood in there, got a pitch to handle, turned on it, kept his head on the ball and drove it. All of that with a tough closer on the mound, in the 9th inning, down by a run, and the tying run in scoring position. You're bitching that it wasn't the side of the field you would have liked? Seriously?
No kidding. He drove the ball past a diving infielder. He hit the ball hard, which is all he should try to do. Unreal complaint.
I'm not sure what you were watching. That wasn't a slow roller with eyes, the ball was stung pretty good. More importantly, I still can't understand why you're upset with it.
Interesting. That made me look up Bagwell's minor league stats (not that he was there long) and oddly enough he only had 6 steals and was caught 8 times according to b-r.
Your going to be negative about an Astros player getting a hit with a runner in scoring position??
This doesn't seem like a draft where a $3-4m-type player is going to be available at #37, though, does it?
So that's what broke the streak. Once Justice got on board, the boat started leaking.
C – Hank Conger: Acquired from the Angels via trade in the offseason (in what was Luhnow’s most head-scratching move so far). Rated as the best pitch framer in all of baseball. Barely hit his weight in LA, has done better at the plate so far with a little pop. Switch-hitter, so if Castro struggles, could push to be the starter.
They also have pick 5. An underslot deal could add another 1 mil or so.
Kiley McDaniel of FG on what he's hearing about the D-Backs and their plans for 1/1:
He also indentifies the price tag for SS Brendan Rodgers is "at least" $6MM and Tate would be "just below" that.
Law was responding to a question that directly asked if money was why the Astros might not be interested and he indicated otherwise.
By health issue I mean maybe something that Law in his expert opinion doesn't think is a big deal but the Astros do. But I have no clue what that could be, or how anyone would know about it.
Maybe Rodgers has Close as his agent, and that's what he meant. He also said "may be giving them pause" so it's entirely speculative.
Wonder what "variables" he could be referring to? Health issue? Personality?
I don't really know the answer to your question, but I suspect you can add the Aggie pitcher, Mengden. Pretty high draft choice who is doing well.
Correa, Tucker, McCullers, and Phillips ALL on the Hot Sheet this week.
I really like Rasmus but since he's on a 1-year deal I'm wondering if the 2016 OF isn't Tucker/Marisnick/Springer
Non-displaced jaw fracture, just to clarify.
Why is that odd? On walk off hits, the batter is entitled credit for as many bases as he would otherwise get, so long as he runs them out. The caveat being he can only get credit for as many bases as the winning run advances. So for example, last night Marwin was in 2B, so Altuve could have been credited with a double had he ran all the way to 2B. However, if Marwin had been on 3B, he could only have been credited with a single. The exception is a home run. On a walk off HR, the batter gets credit for the HR and any runs it drives in count, again provided he touches all the bases. If he doesn't touch them all, he only gets credit for as many bases as the winning run advancesa. An infamous example of this is Robin Ventura's would be walk off grand slam, that turned into a single when his teammates mobbed him in between 1b and 2b and didn't let him finish his trot. Instead of a HR and four RBIs, he was awarded a single and one RBI.
Good outing for Hader last night in a Hooks 8-1 win. 5/5/1/1/0/5. Devenski was even better in his four innings.
Bret Maverick Phillips sitting at .341 after last night with a 3-5 including a HR (#4) and double.
there is this thing called the score. what is it?
could get pinch hit for. now likely as carter moves to second, no one out and Dallas in the hole
i'm sending him back out, but I will not be surprised to see the closer.
She's pretty weird.
Rasmus!
My wife thinks Rasmus looks like someone you'd find in a public library in the 1970s. We've started referring to him as "the Library."
I thought this was pretty common Astros lore. At any rate, you learn something new every day.
I assume this is rhetorical and you know this, but for anyone who doesn't...
Eight...by Jim Deshaies of the Houston Astros
So what is the record for strikeouts to start a game?
I think next year, Correa is the starting SS and Lowrie is playing 3rd. Lowrie is signed thru 2017, so unless they dealt him, he is gonna play. 3rd seems as good as spot as any for Jed.
According to Astros.com, Luhnow likes the idea of Correa facing the pitchers in the 8-team Texas League multiple times, so they can make adjustments to him and he can adjust to those adjustments. Luhnow resistant to the idea for now.
http://m.astros.mlb.com/news/article/121141388/jed-lowrie-injury-wont-speed-astros-prospect-carlos-correa-ascent
Villar not in the Fresno lineup today...
That tweet was from April 9th. I just don't see them calling up CC at this point, but it would be exciting as hell if they did.
I'm 99% certain it will be Villar.
The three of them combined?
12. Carlos Correa, ss, Astros
Age: 20
Why He’s Here: .345/.441/.655 (10-for-29), 6 R, 6 2B, 1 HR, 10 RBIs, 4 BB, 6 SO, 1 HBP, 1-for-1 SB
The Scoop: A modern marvel, Correa has shown no ill effects from the season-ending broken leg he suffered last June at high Class A Lancaster. By hitting .326 with two home runs in 20 games this spring, he was the toast of big league camp, but what’s really impressive is how he has rapidly adjusted to life at Double-A after missing the entire second half of 2014 and also winter ball. He leads the Texas League with six doubles and 10 RBIs, and just two minor league players have collected more extra-base hits than his seven thus far.
8. Brett Phillips, of, Astros
Team: high Class A Lancaster (California)
Age: 20
Why He’s Here: .484/.515/.742 (15-for-31), 9 R, 3 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 6 RBIs, 2 BB, 7 SO, 1-for-3 SB
The Scoop: Phillips, who skyrocketed up the Astros’ list to No. 6 entering the season after a fantastic season at low and high Class A in 2014, is only adding to his resume this season in what should be a brief repeat of the California League. His over-the-fence power might be his only question mark, but he rates as a solid-average hitter with good bat control. He plays an aggressive game and has three triples already this season.
10. J.D. Davis, 3b, Astros
Team: high Class A Lancaster (California)
Age: 22
Why He’s Here: .419/.444/.710 (13-for-31), 7 R, 3 2B, 2 HR, 9 RBIs, 3 BB, 8 SO, 0-for-0 SB
The Scoop: The Astros’ third-rounder out of Cal-State Fullerton, the 6-foot-3 righthanded hitter has slid in adeptly at third base, the position Houston scouted him at Fullerton when Matt Chapman, the A’s first-rounder last June, was injured. A two-way player for the Titans, the Astros liked what they saw after moving him to third. They were already impressed was his above-average raw power, which he has carried into 2015. The Astros are loaded at first base and DH at the major league level, so the move to third base could speed his ascension. The mature Davis could be in Double-A by midseason if he continues to have success.
After tonight's game, now 15-29 during 7-game hitting streak.
The more I look the more I'm thinking that if Rodgers goes 1 then Fulmer goes 2.
Maybe Aiken was calling the shots and ignored Close's advice. It's possible.
Wow...career ending. I want the Astros to look good in this, but if that happened I would definitely feel bad for the kid.
Certainly you don't really believe that do you?
Springer is the one who worries me the most, much more than Singleton. It's been basically a year now, and it appears that like Baez, he is entirely unwilling or unable to change his approach. Specifically, swing for the fences on just about every pitch.
Neither Chapman or Hoyt seem in much of a hurry to get back to Houston. Hoyt came into the game with a 5 run lead, failed to get a batter out, and left with the bases loaded and the lead down to 3. Chapman took over and allowed all 3 runs to score ... tie game. Grizlies finally won in the 11th after starting out by scoring 7 in the 1st.
And in other news, they are slated to face Nick Tropeano tonight.
Preston Tucker with his 2nd and 3rd deep flies of the year as Fresno wins 12-4 to go 4-2. Andy Aplin finally sees action and goes 2-2 with a 2B, 2 walks and a swipe of third base.
Wilson Karaman of Minor League Ball gets an early look at some of the JetHawks:
He also discusses Brett Phillips and Edison Frias.
Well one thing is for sure, Gattis is due
10 whiffs, 16 ABs. Okay.
1B/C M.P. Cokinos - Drafted in the 31st round in 2012
RHP Jamaine Cotton - Drafted in the 15th round in 2010
RHP John Gatlin - Signed as a non-drafted free agent in 2014
1B/C Ricky Gingras - Drafted in the 18th round in 2012
RHP Gerardo Juarez - International Free Agent signed April 2013
3B Jonathan Meyer - Drafted in the 3rd round in 2009
OF Jordan Scott - Drafted in the 14th round in 2010
RHP Robert Stock (MiLB free agent signed earlier this month)
I wonder if they want Wojo to open in minors to have him under club control for another year. If Hernandez is shaky they bring him up later.
astros.com saying Carmonandez has been told he's in the rotation. Wojo could still make it if Obie's not ready to start the season.
So they'll need to create 2 spots on the 40-man. Looking it over, Hoes seems an obvious candidate, and maybe Presley, who's out of options anyway. Or do they cut bait/risk losing someone like White or Buchanan?
I think what the reaction of Drellich and some others boils down to at this point is basically "Ok, so maybe the Astros had good reason to to do what they did, but... they still, potentially, might have sort of been jerks about it. Ok, maybe not jerks, but at least slightly too business-like and computer-y, and not super-nice warm fuzzy touchy-feely guys like we seem to believe every GM and executive should be."
Would I prefer to have strong reason to believe that the members of the Astros FO are all super-nice, compassionate and considerate guys who go out of their way to treat every player and employee well no matter what? Sure.
Do I need to believe that in order to enjoy rooting for the success of the Houston Astros baseball team? No.
Would them being occasionally less than super-nice, compassionate and considerate, and perhaps a little too focused on conducting business in a business-like fashion make them different from the vast majority of upper-level management people in America? I doubt it.
I normally like what he has to say, but I disagree heavily with CJ Nitkowski's take on the situation (the first part is Aiken's statement):
What's he supposed to say, that he really should have taken the money and that he had some measure of guilt with how things played out last year? Please. Not only does that imply fault in his camp's behavior, but also that he should have acknowledged then that he was a medical risk. That's just not going to happen.
As for the "support system" crap, what does that even mean? He felt pretty comfortable with the organization before the medical or he wouldn't have flown in to sign the contract. Could the organization have handled some things better? I would agree that they could have. But, the nature and context of his comments do nothing to further indemnify them.
http://blog.chron.com/ultimateastros/2015/03/27/ex-astros-pitcher-aiken-surgery-hardly-a-win-for-team/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter#12840101=0
Not sure exactly what it entails, but there is this:
Aiken at 1...interesting.
He still needs to clear waivers though and he may not. If you look at his numbers last year at QC he looks like he needs more time in A-ball.
That Valbuena must be the best player in ML history for a WAR of about 11.
Any team that claims him subject to the same rules (must keep him on the 25-man roster all season). If not claimed on waivers, then gets offered back to the Astros.
Pots, minor nit here; they didn't pay Nix $1.5m, the settlement was for a "six-figure" sum.
Grossman in a slump. Wonder if he can play his way out of a job that he may have played himself into. Still a couple of weeks left. Should be interesting
Grossman Ks, Villar walks and steals 2nd, Valbuena walks, Gattis hits into 6-4-3 DP. End of the 1st. Braves 2-0.
I'm not sure that was a mistake. The mess with Aiken was unprecedented in the new CBA with cap limits. He had agreed to a number and everything was going on as normal. A wacky physical from out of nowhere derailed it. I think of it more as a something to be learned under this CBA.
They had to offer a minimum amount (4.5 mil) to be able to get the compensation pick for not signing him. Then they sweetened that pot to try to avoid losing Nix as well.
I still don't quite understand that signing. I was happy with an outfield of Springer, Marisnick, and some combo of Grossman/Gattis/Presley/Hoes.
Houston up 10-4. Correa just homered.
I will stand by that.
By what metric?
Let's look at 2013 which was the last season in which they both got significant ABs together. One had a .403 SLG and .690 OPS in 152 games. The other had a .378 SLG and a .650 OPS in 86 games. Care to match the player with the stats? Dominguez is two years younger and a good defensive player. JD was as big a flyer as Dominguez would be.
Someone would pick up Dominguez if he was released. Someone picked up JD Martinez and that turned out pretty good for them.
It's just me trying to get things straight. Aren't they both out of option years?
Locks : Altuve, Lowrie, Carter, Gattis, Springer, Rasmus, Valbuena, Gonzalez, Dominguez, Castro, Conger
That leaves two slots for: Singleton, Marisnick, Grossman, Villar, Presley
Interesting game today, Grossman, Singleton, Mrasnick, Dominguez, Villar and Petit all in the line up. All of them fighting for a position/role on the team
Outside of the TV, having some semblance of a bullpen (fingers crossed) is probably what I am most excited about when it comes to the actual roster.
not looking forward to the defense, and very curious to see how the assembled pitching staff performs.
I seem to remember Singleton starting off fairly strong when he was called up then fading for the rest of the season. I don't know if that is the fault of the pitcher's knowing what he will swing at or something about Singleton.
well, the season hasn't really started yet either.
If they win, they will come.