i now have figured it out

[JimR]

AAA actually is the most difficult level of them all. that is why Pence, Anderson and Towles--who were anywhere from ok to not-so-hot in RR--are tearing up MLB.

boy, it would be great to see this sucess be an accurate predictor.

[Froback]

AAA actually is the most difficult level of them all. that is why Pence, Anderson and Towles--who were anywhere from ok to not-so-hot in RR--are tearing up MLB.

boy, it would be great to see this sucess be an accurate predictor.

Actually I think it was just a matter that they were pressing because they knew you were watching.

Actually I find it very interesting that they are all having the level of success they are.  Small sample sizes and all, they are doing really well.  Although, I have not been able to attend any of these games to acutally watch them to see that they are playing well defensively.  (the challenges of being a fan from a distance)

But it has long been reported that Anderson and Towles are pretty good defensively, and Pence is destined to be a LFer. It should be interesting to see if these surges by Towles and Anderson actually make an impact on the teams moves this off-season.  Particularly Anderson who would solve the CFer and lead-off issue if he is given the job based on what he is doing so far.  This move would likely put Scott out of a regular job, but then he could slide into the lefty power role off the bench.  It will be interesting to see how this all plays out.

And yes I am aware of Anderson's track record in the minors.

[geezerdonk]

This has been a miserable season from an overall performance/achievement standpoint but it hasn't been unenjoyable to watch. Seeing Biggio wrap up his career and the advent of Pence has counterbalanced the disappointment. Now with Anderson and Towles on the scene every game to the end of the season will be worth watching. Lots to wonder and dream about over the winter.

[remy]

This has been a miserable season from an overall performance/achievement standpoint but it hasn't been unenjoyable to watch. Seeing Biggio wrap up his career and the advent of Pence has counterbalanced the disappointment. Now with Anderson and Towles on the scene every game to the end of the season will be worth watching. Lots to wonder and dream about over the winter.

Don't forget about lil' Cody.

[Jacksonian]

AAA actually is the most difficult level of them all. that is why Pence, Anderson and Towles--who were anywhere from ok to not-so-hot in RR--are tearing up MLB.

boy, it would be great to see this sucess be an accurate predictor.

That could be interpreted as a knock on the developmental guys. 


Pence has been better than I thought he'd be.

Some of Anderson's at-bats still bother me.

I have no idea what to expect of Towles next season.


But, let's see what happens next year.

[HudsonHawk]

But it has long been reported that Anderson and Towles are pretty good defensively,

Everything I've heard about Towles is that he's not too good defensively.  I've not seen him play much, so I can't really give a personal opinion. 

[Froback]

Everything I've heard about Towles is that he's not too good defensively.  I've not seen him play much, so I can't really give a personal opinion. 

I guess it depends on the definition of good defensively.  I have heard he calls a good game, manages pitchers well, and blocks above average, but his arm isn't anything special.

Jacksonian can probably provide better info though.

[hostros7]

I guess it depends on the definition of good defensively.  I have heard he calls a good game, manages pitchers well, and blocks above average, but his arm isn't anything special.

Jacksonian can probably provide better info though.

JD mentioned he had poor footwork in the broadcast a night or two ago.  One very compelling reason to try and resign Ausmus for one more year, imo. 

[Jacksonian]

Everything I've heard about Towles is that he's not too good defensively.  I've not seen him play much, so I can't really give a personal opinion. 

I'm not an expert on catching, so I provide what I've been told and heard.  His arm is ok, but good enough.  He still need to work on the mechanics of the catch and throw.  Footwork needs refining.  His blocking skills are good.  He needs more experience there.  He's pretty quiet behind the plate and shows a good target.  He's not going to be in Mauer's class.  I've heard from more than one person outside the Astros say he's going to be good enough to be an everyday catcher if he stays healthy.

[Mr. Happy]

Everything I've heard about Towles is that he's not too good defensively.  I've not seen him play much, so I can't really give a personal opinion. 

The radio play-by-play guys said last night that the pitchers like his calling the game behind the plate and how he handles them.

[Fredia]

The radio play-by-play guys said last night that the pitchers like his calling the game behind the plate and how he handles them.

well for sure seemed to be working for wandy last night. i am glad it was the cards.would not have been the same level of fun ot watch had it been like the marlins

[HudsonHawk]

The radio play-by-play guys said last night that the pitchers like his calling the game behind the plate and how he handles them.

Well, game calling is the least important defesnive skill.  I've just heard, from people in and out of baseball, that he's no great shakes defensively.  He could certainly improve though.  Like I said, I haven't seen him enough to form much of an opionion, though I'll say he seems to be pretty quiet and has soft hands, but could use some work on his pitching blocking.  I dont' think I've seen him throw yet, so I can't comment on his arm.

[HudsonHawk]

I guess it depends on the definition of good defensively.  I have heard he calls a good game, manages pitchers well, and blocks above average, but his arm isn't anything special.

Jacksonian can probably provide better info though.

From what I've seen, his blocking skills are poor.  I haven't really seen his arm.  He seems to call a good game and the pitchers seem to like throwing to him.  As for what constitutes "good defensively", I think it's a guy who has soft hands, catches the ball quietly, frames pitches well, blocks pitches well, has quick feet, a quick release, an accurate arm, fields his position well, and pays attention to what's going on.  Notice I didn't say "strong arm".  I think that's an overrated skill, and not nearly important as quickness and accuracy.  Quintero has a cannon for an arm, but I think he's a poor defensive catcher.  I'll admit I'm pretty hard on catchers, moreso than other positions.  Just kind of the way I'm wired.

[Jacksonian]

From what I've seen, his blocking skills are poor.  I haven't really seen his arm.  He seems to call a good game and the pitchers seem to like throwing to him.  As for what constitutes "good defensively", I think it's a guy who has soft hands, catches the ball quietly, frames pitches well, blocks pitches well, has quick feet, a quick release, an accurate arm, fields his position well, and pays attention to what's going on.  Notice I didn't say "strong arm".  I think that's an overrated skill, and not nearly important as quickness and accuracy.  Quintero has a cannon for an arm, but I think he's a poor defensive catcher.  I'll admit I'm pretty hard on catchers, moreso than other positions.  Just kind of the way I'm wired.

I have heard that privately the Astros developmental guys like Santangelo long-term as a catcher more than Towles.  But, admit that he may not hit well enough to warrant a spot on the 25-man.  And the suspension didn't help either.

[kevwun]

Besides it bringing his character in to question, he still wasn't able to hit well in AA with the help of steroids.

[Phil_in_CS]

Don't forget about lil' Cody.

We will know know about his future when we see how they deal with Loretta. Ty seems to the guy for 3rd, we (me, at least) want AE back at short, so can Cody play 2nd? RR watchers say he didn't play there this year, but he can play SS and 3B pretty well.

2B is the hole to be filled on the infield.

[MusicMan]

Does anyone really think that the gap from Loretta to Ransom/Bruntlett/Burke next year would be so great that you should pass up the chance to get a pick or two for Loretta?

[Phil_in_CS]

Does anyone really think that the gap from Loretta to Ransom/Bruntlett/Burke next year would be so great that you should pass up the chance to get a pick or two for Loretta?

That's a good point; as depleted as the team is for prospects, extra draft choices are a big deal.

ETA: too bad the PR winter league is folding. Would have been really nice to get Cody there on Cheo's team to work at 2B. I'm sure Cody will be spending the winter playing somewhere at 2B.

[Taras Bulba]

That's a good point; as depleted as the team is for prospects, extra draft choices are a big deal.

Just curious: who's going to be in the market for Loretta? 

[MusicMan]

Just curious: who's going to be in the market for Loretta? 

Fair, but who thought the Astros would be in the market for him this year?

[Taras Bulba]

Fair, but who thought the Astros would be in the market for him this year?

I had no idea beforehand, but it seemed to be a great pick up for Houston; a team that seemingly had playoff asperations--a solid veteran who could give them an extra push.  Looking at the landscape and Loretta a year later, I'm just trying to come up with a team that would think he's a fit, losing the pick in the process.

[juliogotay]

JD mentioned he had poor footwork in the broadcast a night or two ago.  One very compelling reason to try and resign Ausmus for one more year, imo. 

It seems to me that the reason Ausmus would be wanted back as a back-up would be to work with Towles. The Astros are not in need of a back-up catcher...they have other options that would be cheaper and adaquate IMO.

[BUWebguy]

What are the odds that they go with three catchers (including Ausmus), and also have him as a utility guy? It sounds odd, but why else have they been playing him all over the infield recently?

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

AAA actually is the most difficult level of them all. that is why Pence, Anderson and Towles--who were anywhere from ok to not-so-hot in RR--are tearing up MLB.

boy, it would be great to see this sucess be an accurate predictor.

Must be the food.

[BudGirl]

Because they had a 1 run lead?

Ausmus, if he signs, knows he would be the back up. 

And depending on the salary, he might be a reasonable back-up.  He is making ~2 million this year, how much do you think he is going to expect?  Plus, it seems many expect him to be a coach/player, what is the going rate for that?

[HudsonHawk]

What are the odds that they go with three catchers (including Ausmus), and also have him as a utility guy? It sounds odd, but why else have they been playing him all over the infield recently?

Ausmus can't be a ulility guy.  He's fine for a backup catcher, but not as a utility guy.  Munson may fill the role of 3rd string catcher/UTL, but not Ausmus.

[Mr. Happy]

Ausmus can't be a ulility guy.  He's fine for a backup catcher, but not as a utility guy.  Munson may fill the role of 3rd string catcher/UTL, but not Ausmus.

Why was Ausmus at 3B last night? And he played 1B once or twice also this year.

[juliogotay]

What are the odds that they go with three catchers (including Ausmus), and also have him as a utility guy? It sounds odd, but why else have they been playing him all over the infield recently?

makes sense if Munson is one of three. He can play 1B and, gulp, 3B. With two other catchers on the 25 man he could be used as a PHer which may be important if Lamb is not back.

[David in Jackson]

What are the odds that they go with three catchers (including Ausmus), and also have him as a utility guy? It sounds odd, but why else have they been playing him all over the infield recently?

It makes no sense to carry three catchers before rosters expand.   Munson has decent power for a backup catcher.   He is a terrible offensive player at any other position he could play (1b only, I assume).

[Fredia]

Fair, but who thought the Astros would be in the market for him this year?

who thought the astros would have this dismial season. something will probably be done just from the point of view of keeping the natives happy