I got to see a couple of Hooks games last week, one of which was already televised.
I'm curious to see Backe's fate. His fastball was high 80s and his curve was very poor by his standards. I heard they have to make a decision on him in a week or so. I'm not sure what options the Astros have with him, but he did not look ready.
As Duman pointed out in another thread, none of their position players destined for everyday major league ball. Locke did seem like a damn good hitter for that level. Two bombs to left. The lefty got him with three changeups, but otherwise, I was impressed. Delome hit a nice opposite field shot one night but looked bad the next. Flores looked overmatched every other at bat it seemed.
There was nothing about Smoak that made me feel the Astros missed some big opportunity.
James' fastball, when down in the zone is a very nice pitch: lows 90s with good movement. Up in the zone, not much. I take it this guy has not progressed too much, in developing secondary pitches or fastball command. It's a shame cause at times, that fastball is impressive. Don't know why he only threw three innings.
