Salem Avalanche/ Lancaster JetHawks

[Duman]

Welcome to the Salem Avalanche 2008 thread.  Here is where we will welcome your thoughts, questions, observations and especially your first hand accounts of the Avalanche this season.   

[Duman]

Nice spread on the Avs roster with some quotes and photos on a few players. 

[JaneDoe]

Nice spread on the Avs roster with some quotes and photos on a few players. 

Thanks for the link.  Great find. 

I was looking at the ages of the players.  Is this typical of most of the teams at this level?  I was surprised to find only one player under the age of 22 (Koby Clemens-21).

[Sleeper08]

Yeah Salem is advanced A ball so it takes a proven good talent to make it there. Truth is something like 5% of players drafted make it 3 years in minor league baseball so it is tough to make it to advanced A ball. Also the astros dont hurry people threw there system. Hunter pence took two years to get passed Lexington.

[J.D. of Salem]

The first homestand ended today so I thought I would give a brief impression of the team so far.

I would give them a C+ for the first three games. Almost all of the offence came in a 4 run inning (5th) the first game and another 4 run inning (8th) in the second game. They could not get anything going the third game.

Pitching: Starting pitching was good. (B+)  Relief pitching was not consistant (C)
Polin Trinadad had the hitters off balance scattering 4 hits over 6 innings, giving up 2 runs in the first game.

Douglas Arguello started today and also looked good pitching 5 innings and gave up 1 unearned run and had 3 K's.

Erick Abreu seems like he is going to be the go to guy out of the bullpen. He has made two appearances so far. He came in today with bases loaded and no outs. He got the first two outs before giving up a single to left which Cesar Quintaro dropped and two runs scored. Abreu then struck up the last batter of the inning.

Fielding: Fielding was Ok (B+)
I saw a couple of strong arms in Jnon Florentino and Jordan Parraz. I also saw a couple of throws to the wrong base by the outfield, but all in all the outfield seems to be solid. The infield also had a solid fielding effort during these three games.

Catching: (B)
I know everyone wants to know about Koby Clemens at catcher, so here goes. Koby dropped an inside pitch in the first game to put the tying run in scoring position on Friday. Luckely the runner never scored. For some reason it was scored a wild pitch even though in went off of Koby's glove. Today he did the same thing with a high pitch off of his glove to move a runner to second. Next batter he dropped the third strike and kicked it around before picking it up and tagging the batter, in the mean time the runner went to third. Next batter Koby had a pitch in the dirt go threw his legs and the runner scored.  Other than these plays he has looked ok. He is framing pitches well and so far hasn't had a runner attempt to steal on him. Don't think I am trying to micro manage, he really has looked as good as any one else.

Hitting:  (C-) I'll stick with Koby. He got the first RBI of the season, has a couple of hits, and struck out a couple times. He also hit a double off of the top of the wall at the 340 mark. The hit was about 18 feet up the wall, the problem was the wall is 20 feet high, but it was a nice hit.

Mark Ori is leading the team with 4 hits. Parraz, Torres, Rosales each have 3 hits. Van Ostrand hasn't looked very good at the plate yet. He just hasn't gotten full wood on the bat yet.

Thats about all of the hitting highlights. Not much to brag about so far, but its early. The Avs left a lot of runners on base and just didn't get anything going, exept for the two innings mentioned above.

Thats about it from Salem.

[Duman]

Yeah Salem is advanced A ball so it takes a proven good talent to make it there. Truth is something like 5% of players drafted make it 3 years in minor league baseball so it is tough to make it to advanced A ball. Also the astros dont hurry people threw there system. Hunter pence took two years to get passed Lexington.

Where are you getting your stats from?  That 5% is low unless you include those who never sign.

Pence was in Salem half way through his second season, and his first season didn't start until June.  So he was there about a year after he was drafted.

[Sleeper08]

Sorry it is actually 8%. I Knew it was a single digit number and now I have just got the specific number. if catching doesn't pan out for Koby whats next? Pitching? Haha! The astros wouldn't keep Koby around till Rogers 10 year personal service contract is up would they?

[SaltyParker]

Sorry it is actually 8%. I Knew it was a single digit number and now I have just got the specific number

Can you back that up with a link please?

[J.D. of Salem]

if catching doesn't pan out for Koby whats next? Pitching? Haha! The astros wouldn't keep Koby around till Rogers 10 year personal service contract is up would they?

Koby is doing OK at the plate in Salem so far. He has shown a little bit of pop in his bat, just not enough. I went to Winston Salem last night and watched Salem play a road game, and Koby hit a deep fly ball that came up about 15 short of the fence, again.

I also counted ten balls that he dropped, missed, or let get by him. Most were with no runners on, but he did get one passed ball charged to him. He also dropped a pop up and was charged with an error. I have never been a catcher but I am thinking that the catcher is supposed to flip his helmet off to play a fly ball, so far I have seen him miss two pop ups while still wearing his catchers mask/helmet.

I am not trying to trash Koby at catcher, I know it will be a long learning process for him, and so far everyone loves him and he is not getting boo'd.

[Andyzipp]

Koby is doing OK at the plate in Salem so far. He has shown a little bit of pop in his bat, just not enough. I went to Winston Salem last night and watched Salem play a road game, and Koby hit a deep fly ball that came up about 15 short of the fence, again.

I also counted ten balls that he dropped, missed, or let get by him. Most were with no runners on, but he did get one passed ball charged to him. He also dropped a pop up and was charged with an error. I have never been a catcher but I am thinking that the catcher is supposed to flip his helmet off to play a fly ball, so far I have seen him miss two pop ups while still wearing his catchers mask/helmet.

I am not trying to trash Koby at catcher, I know it will be a long learning process for him, and so far everyone loves him and he is not getting boo'd.

Depends what kind of helmet he's wearing...if it's the traditional style, then yeah, it's easier to see.  If it's the goalie mask, then it's easier to leave it on, because your vision isn't reduced as much, and it's hard to get it off quick.

[Sleeper08]

Can you back that up with a link please?

Don't know of a link I just herd this from a friend who is a pro scout and I put that 5% number out I thought I better be sure so I called my friend up and he immediatly said 8%. Im sure that number includesonly that have signed.

[JimR]

Don't know of a link I just herd this from a friend who is a pro scout and I put that 5% number out I thought I better be sure so I called my friend up and he immediatly said 8%. Im sure that number includesonly that have signed.

what is the scout's name? what organization?

[Sleeper08]

what is the scout's name? what organization?

Not saying names that is not right, but he is a Ranger scout

[VirtualBob]

I notice Doug Arguello is starting for Salem tonight (and has already pitched 4 innings).  He also started and pitched 4 innings on Saturday.  Anyone know why they would bring him back on 1 day rest? 

[J.D. of Salem]

notice Doug Arguello is starting for Salem tonight (and has already pitched 4 innings).  He also started and pitched 4 innings on Saturday.  Anyone know why they would bring him back on 1 day rest? 

Where ever you saw that, it must have been a miss print. Qualben, Diaz, and Santo pitched to day for Salem.

[Duman]

Don't know of a link I just herd this from a friend who is a pro scout and I put that 5% number out I thought I better be sure so I called my friend up and he immediatly said 8%. Im sure that number includesonly that have signed.

Well okay, let me give you some anecdotal but yet concrete #'s.

The 2004 Astros Draft had atleast 17 players who played for the org in 2007 out of 50 total players drafted.  That includes those who didn't sign.  That means that 34% had played the 04, 05, 06 and 07 seasons. I would ask your scout friend to explain that again. 

Maybe he meant of those who sign contracts which would include the latin players who only play for a year or two then wash out but if you are saying drafted, there is no way that is right.   

[VirtualBob]

Where ever you saw that, it must have been a miss print. Qualben, Diaz, and Santo pitched to day for Salem.

It was on MiLB.com, but now that I check again they fixed it.  I had expected Qualben based on the rotation ... I guess I should take such "surprises" a little less seriously.

[VirtualBob]

Nice run-down on Salem, Duman.

I also notice that Sutil is apparently a super-utility guy this year.  Through Monday he had more starts (18) than any other infielder (17 each) but no regular position.  (Last night's game evens then all up at 18.)

Through Monday:
Infielder (2B/3B/SS)
Sutil (4/6/8)
Buchanan (17/0/0)
Florentino (0/17/0)
Torres (2/0/15)

[jbm]

Anyone seen Clemens catch, or have any reports on his ability or progress?

[J.D. of Salem]

Anyone seen Clemens catch, or have any reports on his ability or progress?

I watch him regularly. I would rate him as average for the league. He has thrown out a couple of runners at second. And a couple of the pitchers have complimented him on the way he calls the game, which surprises me that the coaches are letting him call the pitches. His down side is he either drops or lets 8-10 pitches get by him per game. Some are wild pitches, some are passed balls, some are when there is no runner on base so its just another pitch. But the fact is he drops or misses balls that hit his glove and don't get his body in front of bad pitches.

At the plate Koby looks OK. His average is that, just average, but he is making good contact. He hits the ball hard, and has several doubles and a HR.

Koby is like the rest of the team when it comes to pressure situation hitting, he makes an out. Salem is not a clutch team yet. They just keep loosing leads late and leaving runners stranded.

[jbm]

Thanks.  Mishandling 8 - 10 pitches per game seems like a lot.  Sounds like he has a long way to go. 

[Duman]

Sutil on his way to CC

[VirtualBob]

Sutil on his way to CC

Saw that in the catch-up piece.  I have always been a lot more enthusiastic about him than the Astros seem to have been, so I am looking forward to seeing how he does in AA.

[Hornstros]

Sutil on his way to CC

Is that the writing on the wall for Cusick to be called up in the near future?

[farmstros]

What are the chances Osvaldo Fernando plays for Salem for a while?  Until Cusick is ready to come up from LEX.  Fernando is coaching the Avalanche at the moment.

[astrostros]

OF Nick Moresi was moved up from Lexington late last night / early this morning.

The Lexington radio host mentioned an interview earlier in the season in which speculation was made that Moresi would only be in Lexington for a month before being moved up. The boost of confidence may help his average out a bit.

[J.D. of Salem]

Saw that in the catch-up piece.  I have always been a lot more enthusiastic about him than the Astros seem to have been, so I am looking forward to seeing how he does in AA.

Bob, to be honest I am not real sorry to see Sutil go. After three season's here in Salem, it is his time to show his stuff. So far he has not done it here, so for his sake I hope a change of scenary will help him.

The reason I am not sorry to see him go is that he is a very inconsistant fielder. A good example is about three or four games ago he had a play on a ball hit by the first batter in the game, he was at third (which he don't look comfortable at), on the grass and a ball was hit on the ground to him, first he boots it, then picks it up and throws in the dirt to first. That runner went on to score. Later in the same game he makes a great diving stop and throws out the runner at first.

Sutil is a good kid and a fast runner, just not a clean fielder.

Part of his problem could be that they are trying to make him into a utility infielder, but maybe he needs a set  possition to get comfortable at.

Salem has made a lot of errors this year, so hopefully this move will help clean the infield up.

[Duman]

Ryan Reed Released

The Houston Astros organization released outfielder Ryan Reed after Saturday's game, Pankovits said. Reed spent all of last season with the Avalanche and went 10-for-51 with two doubles and a triple for Salem this year. Reed will be replaced on the Avalanche roster by Nick Moresi. In 24 games with low-A Lexington (Ky.) the 6-foot-4, 180-pound right-hander from Concord, Calif., hit .224 with three doubles, two triples, two home runs and 11 RBIs in 24 games in center field.

[Towlie]

Do you think Cusick will be in Salem by the all star break?

[Duman]

Do you think Cusick will be in Salem by the all star break?

That will be interesting to see.  We haven't seen much of this regime's style of movement.  Prior to this year, they have waited to at the All Star break to make moves unless the move was made due to injury or suspension (Towles).

I would expect Cusick to spend the second half with Salem.  However, his defense must improve. 

[astrostros]

There's another open spot in Salem now, one of the Catchers has left possibly due to the attention that Clemens has been receiving.

[Towlie]

Who is the Fixler guy in Lexington, hes been hitting well...not much power but he gets his singles >.>

[J.D. of Salem]

There's another open spot in Salem now, one of the Catchers has left possibly due to the attention that Clemens has been receiving.

Thats interesting, where did you hear that from. Knowone around here (Salem) has gotten wind of that move. All three catchers have played in the last four days, so it must be something that has just happened.

[Duman]

Who is the Fixler guy in Lexington, hes been hitting well...not much power but he gets his singles >.>

Fixler was drafted in the 19th round last year.  He played in TC but only in 7 games last year.  So he is still a bit of an unknown. With Sapp on the DL, he is getting a chance to play regularly and he is making the most of it. 

[jbm]

I would expect Cusick to spend the second half with Salem.  However, his defense must improve. 

How bad is his defense?  Is he at least athletic enough, that with improvement, he could handle second?  Is he seen as enough glove for third, but not enough bat and enough bat for second but not enough glove.

[Jacksonian]

Who is the Fixler guy in Lexington, hes been hitting well...not much power but he gets his singles >.>

From last year's draft recap:
19th Round: Jonathan Fixler; C; R/R; 6’1”, 205; DOB 6/13/1986; Indiana University.

Fixler hit .286 in 161 at-bats.  He had 9 doubles, 1 triple, and 2 homers.  He was not the Hoosiers regular catcher this year instead playing first base, DH, and catcher.  He is signed and should report to Tri-City.

[Jacksonian]

How bad is his defense?  Is he at least athletic enough, that with improvement, he could handle second?  Is he seen as enough glove for third, but not enough bat and enough bat for second but not enough glove.

He needs more time in.  IMO, his biggest limitation is his average speed and range.  He was drafted by Purpura's regime.  We'll see what Wade's people think of him soon enough.

[JimR]

Jacksonian--check your PM.

[Jacksonian]

Jacksonian--check your PM.

Back at ya.

[farmstros]

FYI: the salem roster at MILB.com is showing Carkeek, C and Mena, IF up from Lexington also, Iacono, C, is no longer on the roster.  No mention of these changes at Salem's or Lexington's websites.

http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?t=t_ros&cid=414

[J.D. of Salem]

FYI: the salem roster at MILB.com is showing Carkeek, C and Mena, IF up from Lexington also, Iacono, C, is no longer on the roster.  No mention of these changes at Salem's or Lexington's websites.

This was confirmed by the Roanoke Times and also by Duman in "From the bus stop".

Good job you guys, of being the first to pick this move up.

I don't know that I am thrilled to get two new players that neither one has broken .200 batting avg. in low "A". Time will tell. I guess that the system is so week that each team has only about four players really playing well, so if they "rob peter to pay paul" that leaves one team very week.

[J.D. of Salem]

Koby's struggle at catcher cost the Avs the game last night. By the end of the 7th, Koby had missed 5 pitches by my count, and cost the team a run.(I had to leave the game after the 7th due to a flooded basement)

In the second a batter was hit by a  pitch. Advanced to second on a wild pitch(all Koby had to do was stand up, but he just raised his glove and the pitched bounced off of it). The runner advanced to third on a ground out and then score on another wild pitch. Again Koby got his glove on it, but did not catch it.

In the ninth with the Avs up 2-1 and 2 outs, batter gets a single. Goes to second on a passed ball. Outfielders move in and the next batter hits the ball over their head, one run scores. Batter goes all the way to third, and then another wild pitch. Runner scores and Fredrick hangs on to win 3-2.

I am not an official scorer, but when Koby catches, there are more wild pitches, than any other catcher I have seen.

I will say that Koby is handling the bat well. He is one of the more reliable hitters on the team. He is showing some decent power and has a good average.

[Duman]

Koby's struggle at catcher cost the Avs the game last night. By the end of the 7th, Koby had missed 5 pitches by my count, and cost the team a run.(I had to leave the game after the 7th due to a flooded basement)

In the second a batter was hit by a  pitch. Advanced to second on a wild pitch(all Koby had to do was stand up, but he just raised his glove and the pitched bounced off of it). The runner advanced to third on a ground out and then score on another wild pitch. Again Koby got his glove on it, but did not catch it.

In the ninth with the Avs up 2-1 and 2 outs, batter gets a single. Goes to second on a passed ball. Outfielders move in and the next batter hits the ball over their head, one run scores. Batter goes all the way to third, and then another wild pitch. Runner scores and Fredrick hangs on to win 3-2.

I am not an official scorer, but when Koby catches, there are more wild pitches, than any other catcher I have seen.

I will say that Koby is handling the bat well. He is one of the more reliable hitters on the team. He is showing some decent power and has a good average.

Growing pains are to be expected. And I almost said something about that in the recap this morning BUT then I remembered he correctly handled a failed suicide squeeze play the game before and gunned down the runner getting credit for a pick off.  That runner represented the tying run if my memory serves me right. 

His bat improvement is most impressive.  And that makes the struggles behind the plate more palatable. 

[rgs]

What is the read on Dominiquez?  Is the wild pitch / passed balls due to a tough slider or something similar.  He appears by the numbers to be very effective.

[Duman]

The paper quotes Dominguez as saying it was his issue.  Either he is a stand up guy and didn't want to put his team mate under the bus or he was taking responsibility.

After Tripp's hit, "It just kind of snowballed from there," Dominguez said. "The team's on a roll and I feel like I kind of blew it."...
"I threw him a 3-2 slider and left it up and he hit it hard," Dominguez said.....
"I need to find that person, because right now it's not working," Dominguez said. "But tomorrow is a new day. I need to clear this one out and start again."....

Remember, he was pitching in Tri Cities last year.  He has skipped a level but they are leaving him in the closer role despite only being 3 for 7 in save opportunities.

[Duman]

Koby's struggle at catcher cost the Avs the game last night. By the end of the 7th, Koby had missed 5 pitches by my count, and cost the team a run.(I had to leave the game after the 7th due to a flooded basement)

In the second a batter was hit by a  pitch. Advanced to second on a wild pitch(all Koby had to do was stand up, but he just raised his glove and the pitched bounced off of it). The runner advanced to third on a ground out and then score on another wild pitch. Again Koby got his glove on it, but did not catch it.

In the ninth with the Avs up 2-1 and 2 outs, batter gets a single. Goes to second on a passed ball. Outfielders move in and the next batter hits the ball over their head, one run scores. Batter goes all the way to third, and then another wild pitch. Runner scores and Fredrick hangs on to win 3-2.

I am not an official scorer, but when Koby catches, there are more wild pitches, than any other catcher I have seen.

I will say that Koby is handling the bat well. He is one of the more reliable hitters on the team. He is showing some decent power and has a good average.

Reality Check time:  I went back and checked the stats for the month of May (this doesn't include the suspended game because the box isn't up on it.)

Koby caught in 8 games. Others have caught 4
Passed balls KC 5 others 1 (lack of experience shows the most here)
Wild Pitches KC 7 others 3 (ratio about equal)
Stolen bases KC 12 SB/7 CS others 5 SB/2 CS (That is a 58% CS verses a 40% CS.  And 5 of KC's came in one game)

All the while Koby has hit .333 for the month of May with 5 doubles, 1 triple, 2 homers, 7 RBI, 7 Runs scored, a 694 slugging.  That is an impressive line out any player.

He might have contributed to the loss last night.  But looking at those numbers it looks like he has contributed to more towards winning than some of his team mates.

[J.D. of Salem]

Reality Check time:  I went back and checked the stats for the month of May (this doesn't include the suspended game because the box isn't up on it.)

Koby caught in 8 games. Others have caught 4
Passed balls KC 5 others 1 (lack of experience shows the most here)
Wild Pitches KC 7 others 3 (ratio about equal)
Stolen bases KC 12 SB/7 CS others 5 SB/2 CS (That is a 58% CS verses a 40% CS.  And 5 of KC's came in one game)

All the while Koby has hit .333 for the month of May with 5 doubles, 1 triple, 2 homers, 7 RBI, 7 Runs scored, a 694 slugging.  That is an impressive line out any player.

He might have contributed to the loss last night.  But looking at those numbers it looks like he has contributed to more towards winning than some of his team mates.

I guess it does sound like I am throwing Koby under the bus, but I really am not meaning to. I do like him and he is contributing at the plate. The problem is the team is sub par for this league and it hurts to buy season tickets for the worst team in the league, it is frustrating.

As far as Koby's stats go, he is benifiting from a generous official scorer. Quite a few of the wild pitches credited to the pitchers are balls that should have been caught. Koby does not have good lateral movement. Most of the times he puts his glove out and the ball bounces off. I have heard serval spectators mention that he needs a differant style catchers mitt. Maybe, maybe not, I don't know, I am not an expert on that.

Also there have been several instances that a runner will break before the pitcher pitches the ball, the pitcher throws to first, who then throws out the runner at second, and it is listed the next day in the box scores as "Caught Stealing". I don't know if that is where some of Koby's caught stealing numbers comes from, but I haven't seen him throw out anywhere near 7 runners so far. However I have seen at least five runners picked off in this manner. The pitcher are doing a very good job picking off runners this year.

[Jacksonian]

The problem is the team is sub par for this league and it hurts to buy season tickets for the worst team in the league, it is frustrating.

Well, you won't have to worry about that soon enough.

[J.D. of Salem]

Well, you won't have to worry about that soon enough.

Yeah that is true, but I am not real happy about that. I have enjoyed having the Astros as our parent team. It has been nice watching players progress threw the system and make it to the Major League. There have been quite a few players come threw Salem and make it all the way, plus a lot of players have been involved in big trades.

Plus I hate the Red Sox!

[Duman]

Clemens & Van Ostrand named to All Star Team

[J.D. of Salem]

Here is a link to a story about Koby Clemens that appeared in the Roanoke Times today.
http://www.roanoke.com/sports/baseball/wb/166949


 

[J.D. of Salem]

The local paper is reporting today the following roster moves for Salem Avalanche:

OF Jimmy Van Ostrand will stay in Salem. He reportedly was only coming back to A ball for the All Star game. Avs Manager Jim Pakovits said Wednesday that Van Ostrand will stay in Salem when they return to playing.

Catcher Justin Tellam has been released.

Catcher James Goethals has been added to Salem's roster.

Pitcher Chad Wagler has been placed on injured reserve list. No injury was listed.

[Duman]

The local paper is reporting today the following roster moves for Salem Avalanche:

OF Jimmy Van Ostrand will stay in Salem. He reportedly was only coming back to A ball for the All Star game. Avs Manager Jim Pakovits said Wednesday that Van Ostrand will stay in Salem when they return to playing.

Catcher Justin Tellam has been released.

Catcher James Goethals has been added to Salem's roster.

Pitcher Chad Wagler has been placed on injured reserve list. No injury was listed.

That means that Hart must be close to coming of the DL or the new guy they signed from the Atl. League is working out. 

RE: Wagler:

Relief pitcher Chad Wagler is still a "couple of weeks" away from being able to pitch, Avalanche manager Jim Pankovits said.

Wagler pulled something in his abdomen on May 30, withdrawing from a scheduled start and hasn't been able to pitch since. ...

[Duman]

Jimmy Van Ostrand named to Team Canada

[Towlie]

Video i found about Koby Clemens.

http://www.wsls.com/sls/sports/minors/minors_baseball/article/koby_clemens_having_strong_2008/13634/

[Uncle Charlie]

Video i found about Koby Clemens.

http://www.wsls.com/sls/sports/minors/minors_baseball/article/koby_clemens_having_strong_2008/13634/

Good video.  Any update from the Salem crowd as to how his catching is coming along?  The video infered rather well, but you can't always tell with those things.

[farmstros]

I see in Baseball America that Jhon Florentino is highly rated as a defensive third baseman... best in Carolina League as well as best arm in the league.  Yet, his power numbers are lacking for a third baseman.  Is it conceivable that he moves to 2B?  or somewhere else?  Just curious if anyone has any insight on him.

[Andyzipp]

I see in Baseball America that Jhon Florentino is highly rated as a defensive third baseman... best in Carolina League as well as best arm in the league.  Yet, his power numbers are lacking for a third baseman.  Is it conceivable that he moves to 2B?  or somewhere else?  Just curious if anyone has any insight on him.

Wouldn't "best arm" be completely wasted at 2nd?

[J.D. of Salem]

I see in Baseball America that Jhon Florentino is highly rated as a defensive third baseman... best in Carolina League as well as best arm in the league.  Yet, his power numbers are lacking for a third baseman.  Is it conceivable that he moves to 2B?  or somewhere else?  Just curious if anyone has any insight on him

Florintino is in his first full season at 3rd, he as played SS in the past, maybe even some 2B I 'm not sure. He has a fair number of "E's" this year, but most are due to fielding. He has made some great diving stops this year, but playing in at the grass is something new for someone that is used to SS, and it has shown.

His power numbers are not as high as a lot of 3B because he is just not that big of a guy. He has had several extra base hits and a HR this past week, but he is a very streaky hitter. He is built more like a base stealer than a HR hitter.

One thing for sure, Florintino DOES have a very strong arm, not what is usually seen in the Carolina League.

[Duman]

At 6 foot 155 lbs at almost 25 years old, don't expect much power to develop.  His slugging is up slightly from last year but not much.  He made 27 errors last season in Lex playing 67 games at short and 13 at 3rd.

I wonder if he has tried pitching?

[VirtualBob]

Florintino is in his first full season at 3rd, he as played SS in the past, maybe even some 2B I 'm not sure.

2006 (Tri City) - 20 games at 3B (19 starts) and 31 (30) at SS.
2007 (Lex) - 13 games at 3B (12 starts) and 66 (all starts) at SS.

ETA:  I missed a mid-game switch ... 67 (66 starts) at SS in '07

[J.D. of Salem]

The end of this pathetic season is here, I would be glad to give a little bit of imput on what I have seen in the Salem players this year, if anyone is interested. There are several promising players (when they aren't getting arrested) on this team.

But as for the whole team, they stink, and many of the players will be released either this fall or next.

[OregonStrosFan]

The end of this pathetic season is here, I would be glad to give a little bit of imput on what I have seen in the Salem players this year, if anyone is interested. There are several promising players (when they aren't getting arrested) on this team.

Am interested to read the observations.

BTW, arrested?

[J.D. of Salem]

BTW, arrested?

Mark Ori, Koby Clemens, and Jimmy Goethals were arrested this morning (2:00am Sunday) in the parking lot of a local bar following an altercation.
http://www.roanoke.com/news/breaking/wb/175222

[Russe]

Has Parraz been injured the last few weeks? He doesn't seem to be playing much.

[Duman]

Problem with his hand/thumb has kept Parraz on the bench.

[Jacksonian]

Salem has now officially signed a PDC with the Red Sox.

The Astros are currently searching for a high-A affiliate.

[Duman]

Salem has now officially signed a PDC with the Red Sox.

The Astros are currently searching for a high-A affiliate.

It is looking more and more likely that they will have to go to California for atleast a year if not two.

[Jacksonian]

It is looking more and more likely that they will have to go to California for atleast a year if not two.

Have you heard anything about Winston-Salem?  They're the only Carolina League team that is open.  The White Sox PDC expired this year.  I don't know if they have re-uped and just not announced it.  If not, you can bet the Astros are pushing as hard as they can to get W-S.

[Duman]

Have you heard anything about Winston-Salem?  They're the only Carolina League team that is open.  The White Sox PDC expired this year.  I don't know if they have re-uped and just not announced it.  If not, you can bet the Astros are pushing as hard as they can to get W-S.

BA reported this afternoon on their business blog that the Astros & White Sox are competing for Winston Salem, BTW the Warthogs move into a new stadium this year.  White Sox been there since 97.

[VirtualBob]

BA reported this afternoon on their business blog that the Astros & White Sox are competing for Winston Salem,...

Saw that too, but you gotta wonder ... Is that reportage, or just logical deduction?  Only two teams left.

[farmstros]

http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/?id=3720491

According to this link, the Astros have signed with Lancaster.

[moriartp]

Yup, it's official. Nice catch.

[Jacksonian]

Interesting.  The articles make it appear as if the Astros will move to the Cali League long-term.  Most of the Carolina League PDC's expire in 2010.  But the articles appear to say the Astros will sign-on through 2012.  Also, Lancaster is fairly new so I don't see that team moving to the Carolina League in 2010.  They do get good crowds, and the field plays hitter friendly.

I've updated the Bus Ride intro sticky.

[Towlie]

thank you for the wonderful reporting guys.

[farmstros]

if the astros are staying in California through 2012, which these articles seem to indicate, and two California League teams move to Carolina in 2010 as has been speculated, won't one WESTERN team have to move to the EAST to compensate? 

[Duman]

if the astros are staying in California through 2012, which these articles seem to indicate, and two California League teams move to Carolina in 2010 as has been speculated, won't one WESTERN team have to move to the EAST to compensate? 

I am beginning to wonder if the move of teams from the Car. to the Cal has fallen through or is shakey.  There was some pretty strong negative things being said by the Cal. owners after the plan was leaked. It sounds like someone may have gotten the cart before the horse.

Cal League president Joe Gagliardi announced last week that the Cal League will have 10 teams in 2009, ending any speculation that High Desert and Bakersfield would be relocating to the Carolina League before the start of next season.

“I’m upset with the Carolina League. They were talking about this before they had two cities on board,” Gagliardi told the San Bernardino Sun.

Bakersfield is definitely out as a city for Minor League baseball, but I am not seeing anything that says they have to move east. 

Blaze owner D.G. Elmore said Wednesday that fans will have one more year to see California League baseball in Bakersfield.

"It's one last hurrah," said Elmore of the team's announcement to return to Bakersfield for the 2009 season. "But unless something happens to change the state of affairs, baseball is not going to allow us to play beyond 2009.

"This is beyond me, this is beyond the Cal League, this is minor league baseball and Major League Baseball."

What is the this?  It's not moving to Carolina it is the conditions in Bakersfield:

"If there was a new stadium, or one under construction or a tangible sign that one would be built, we don't make this move," he said. "Bakersfield made (the decision to move the Blaze) easy.

"I'm not trying to blast the city, I'm dealing in reality," he said. "The stadium is borderline horrible. It's not conducive to developing players and it's not drawing 1,000 fans a night. They need a new ballpark."

[Duman]

Let's hope local reporting gets better as they get to know the system.  This is just sloppy.

Houston's Low-A affiliate in Lexington, Ky. - which figures to send several players to the JetHawks in 2009 - was 24-45 in 2008.

 

Um, that is a half season stat, they are a full season team. 

Bennett mentioned outfielder Collin DeLome, who hit .305 in 68 games at High-A -the JetHawks' class level - in 2008, and third baseman Koby Clemens, Roger Clemens' son, who drove in 108 RBI while splitting time between Low-A and High-A.

Delome hit .232 in 68 games at Salem, his OBP was .305.  And he spent time in both Lex & Salem; Clemens spent the whole season in Salem. But if your count the last two years, yes he split time between Lex & Salem and it also took him two years to get those 108 RBI.  He had 56 with Lex and 52 with Salem.

[MikeyBoy]

Let's hope local reporting gets better as they get to know the system.  This is just sloppy. 

Maybe the Antelope Valley Press is an affiliate of the Houston Chronical.

[Duman]

Out Clause on 4 year agreement:

Both the Astros or Lancaster have the option to back out of the deal before the conclusion of the ‘09 season.