lefty bats

[Duman]

Here is a list of ALL the left handed hitters in the astros system.  I don't see a whole lot here to be excited about.  Sapp, Dixon & Delome have some promise but above A, I don't see an every day player in the Majors? 

Josh Anderson - AAA
Mike Rodriguez – AAA
Jonathan Ash - AA
Todd Self – AA
Mark Ori – High A
Ryan Reed – High A
Max Sapp – A
Russell Dixon – A Short Season
Matt Cusick – A Short Season
Colin Delome – A Short Season
Pedro Gonzalez - Rookie

That was so discouraging, I decided to make the Switch Hitter List as well.

Brooks Conrad  - AAA
Drew Sutton – AA
Ralph Henriquez – A
Tim Torres – A
Greg Buchanan- A
Catlin Everett – A Short Season
Chris Turner - Rookie

5 of the 7 are infielders whose glove is more important than their bat.  Henriquez is working hard to stay above 200 and Turner is working hard to stay above 100.

Any thoughts on these list?

[Jimbo]

not much power on either list.  That's why it would be crazy to trade Lamb or Scott.  We are a much better team with three left handers in the lineup.  That's the reason I was looking for stats on Bogusuevic.  He was a pretty good left handed batter in college.  I was hoping that he was still working on his hitting.  Do A ball pitchers even take batting practice during the season?

[Duman]

Only as an occasional reward.  Brian B has had plenty of pitching to be working on, so I doubt he has seen much on the hitting end of BP.

[jaklewein]

not much power on either list.  That's why it would be crazy to trade Lamb or Scott.  We are a much better team with three left handers in the lineup.  That's the reason I was looking for stats on Bogusuevic.  He was a pretty good left handed batter in college.  I was hoping that he was still working on his hitting.  Do A ball pitchers even take batting practice during the season?

The last thing I want to be doing is rooting for a Rick Ankiel type turn of events.

[Jacksonian]

Any thoughts on these list?

Yes.  Finding quality left-handed hitters is a bitch.  IMO, that has a lot to do with the Astros drafting in the top 10 just twice in the last 15 years.

[Froback]

I know I am the minority, but I am pulling for Ash.  I just keep getting the feeling he is the type of player who always will hit around .280-.300 and have an OBP around .360-.380 at any level, but not much power or speed.  He is the reason why I am not concerned if Burke is moved in a trade and Biggio retires, I think Ash could step in and be ok at 2B.

But like I said, I am in the minority in that opinion.

[Towlie]

I know I am the minority, but I am pulling for Ash.  I just keep getting the feeling he is the type of player who always will hit around .280-.300 and have an OBP around .360-.380 at any level, but not much power or speed.  He is the reason why I am not concerned if Burke is moved in a trade and Biggio retires, I think Ash could step in and be ok at 2B.

But like I said, I am in the minority in that opinion.

I with you on that one as well.

[Jacksonian]

I know I am the minority, but I am pulling for Ash.  I just keep getting the feeling he is the type of player who always will hit around .280-.300 and have an OBP around .360-.380 at any level, but not much power or speed.  He is the reason why I am not concerned if Burke is moved in a trade and Biggio retires, I think Ash could step in and be ok at 2B.

But like I said, I am in the minority in that opinion.

I understand your sentiment.  But, I believe one of the reasons Purp has stayed with Burke is the speed and athleticism.  IMO he's looking for those traits to install at the middle positions.  Ash doesn't quite qualify.

Wildass guess of the day: With his fielding troubles at 3b continuing despite the Astros best efforts look for Billy Hart to move to 2b before 2009 if he keeps hitting.

[VirtualBob]

I understand your sentiment.  But, I believe one of the reasons Purp has stayed with Burke is the speed and athleticism.  IMO he's looking for those traits to install at the middle positions.  Ash doesn't quite qualify.

All that athleticism will be of no avail if he does not learn how to actually field some position adequately.  Ash can at least do that, although his range is (so I have heard) only average.

Wildass guess of the day: With his fielding troubles at 3b continuing despite the Astros best efforts look for Billy Hart to move to 2b before 2009 if he keeps hitting.

I have not seen Hart play.  Does this mean that his problems are mostly related to the fast reactions needed at third?  or maybe the long throws??  I had just assumed he was overall a bad fielder.  If he can develop average or better range at 2B and if his current problems are more arm or reaction time than glove and footwork, then this might be a very nice move.  I notice that he got a few starts at 1B with Ori/Sheldon on the shelf and Osborn not yet signed, but his bat does not seem to live up to expectations for a future first-sacker.

Just my two cents.

[Jacksonian]

I have not seen Hart play.  Does this mean that his problems are mostly related to the fast reactions needed at third?  or maybe the long throws??  I had just assumed he was overall a bad fielder.  If he can develop average or better range at 2B and if his current problems are more arm or reaction time than glove and footwork, then this might be a very nice move.  I notice that he got a few starts at 1B with Ori/Sheldon on the shelf and Osborn not yet signed, but his bat does not seem to live up to expectations for a future first-sacker.

Just my two cents.

Recall Hart was USC's 3b, but he was raw.  He was also their backup QB.  Arm strength is not a problem.  He just doesn't seem able to handle the hot corner efficiently.  The Astros have worked with him but have become increasingly frustrated.  Note Johnson's promotion despite not tearing up the Sally League.  Hart's athletic enough, IMO, to move to 2b, and if he can continue his recent good work at the plate I'd at least try him there.

[Duman]

I understand your sentiment.  But, I believe one of the reasons Purp has stayed with Burke is the speed and athleticism.  IMO he's looking for those traits to install at the middle positions.  Ash doesn't quite qualify.

Wildass guess of the day: With his fielding troubles at 3b continuing despite the Astros best efforts look for Billy Hart to move to 2b before 2009 if he keeps hitting.

Jacksonian showing why he is the Driver of the Bus Ride:

King was Salem's defensive player of the month in June, playing 16 error-free games at second base.

http://www.roanoke.com/sports/baseball/wb/wb/xp-124261