Author Topic: Lancaster Jethawks 2009 (Read 24899 times)

Duman · « **on:** April 02, 2009, 03:19:18 pm »

This is your tread to discuss the new Astro's affiliate - The Lancaster JetHawks. Sit back and enjoy the California bus ride.

Duman · « **Reply #1 on:** April 04, 2009, 08:29:22 pm »

A taste of the roster is out via press release. Here's who we know and where they played last season. Notice the number of players who jumped from Tri Cities to Salem

C:
Castro (Tri)
Clemens (Salem)

INF:
Craig Corrado (Lex)
Eric Taylor (Lex)
David Flores (Tri)
Chris Jackson (Tri/Lex)
Marcus Cabral (Blue Jays org - MLFA)
Chris Minaker (Mariners org - MLFA)

OF:
T.J. Steele (Tri)
Jack Shuck (Tri)
Jonathon Gaston (Tri)
Brian Pelligrini (Lex)
Nick Moresi (Lex/Salem)

SP:
David Duncan (Tri)
Christopher Hicks (Tri)
Shane Wolf (Tri)
Jeff Icenogle (Lex)
Jose Duran (Lex)

RP:
J.J. Pacella (Lex/Salem)
Fernando Abad (Lex)

Jacksonian · « **Reply #2 on:** April 04, 2009, 10:39:28 pm »

Quote from: Duman on April 04, 2009, 08:29:22 pm

A taste of the roster is out via press release. Here's who we know and where they played last season. Notice the number of players who jumped from Tri Cities to Salem

C:
Castro (Tri)
Clemens (Salem)

INF:
Craig Corrado (Lex)
Eric Taylor (Lex)
David Flores (Tri)
Chris Jackson (Tri/Lex)
Marcus Cabral (Blue Jays org - MLFA)
Chris Minaker (Mariners org - MLFA)

OF:
T.J. Steele (Tri)
Jack Shuck (Tri)
Jonathon Gaston (Tri)
Brian Pelligrini (Lex)
Nick Moresi (Lex/Salem)

SP:
David Duncan (Tri)
Christopher Hicks (Tri)
Shane Wolf (Tri)
Jeff Icenogle (Lex)
Jose Duran (Lex)

RP:
J.J. Pacella (Lex/Salem)
Fernando Abad (Lex)

Roster from the JetHawks page: http://www.jethawks.com/team/roster/

I'm not sure the article is entirely correct. Severino to the bullpen? Duran to the rotation?

Interesting that Disher will go to Lex. Odd that Taylor is mentioned in the article but not listed on the roster. There's time to update though.

Russe · « **Reply #3 on:** April 05, 2009, 08:22:34 pm »

What are the chances Disher skips up to AA? I can't imagine it happening, but it seems odd to send a hitter like that to low A--he'd be the one of the oldest players in the Sally League.

Duman · « **Reply #4 on:** April 05, 2009, 09:16:56 pm »

Quote from: Russe on April 05, 2009, 08:22:34 pm

What are the chances Disher skips up to AA? I can't imagine it happening, but it seems odd to send a hitter like that to low A--he'd be the one of the oldest players in the Sally League.

There is no chance he will be at AA. Look for him in Lex, if he performs well, he will move up to Lancaster.

Duman · « **Reply #5 on:** April 08, 2009, 02:35:51 pm »

Taylor is on the updated roster today.

VirtualBob · « **Reply #6 on:** April 08, 2009, 04:20:08 pm »

Quote from: Duman on April 08, 2009, 02:35:51 pm

Taylor is on the updated roster today.

I think Pedro Gonzalez was added, too, unless I just missed him earlier. That would be quite a jump for him if it sticks. They are now up to 27 players, though, so I expect there will be some changes before tomorrow.

hubert · « **Reply #7 on:** April 16, 2009, 04:08:51 am »

Shane Woolf (9k), CJ Lo(7k), and Bryan Hallberg(2k) combined 18SO, set new team strikeout record on 4/14.

Jonathan Gaston and Brian Pellegrini both hit 3 HRs on 4/15.

5+7 · « **Reply #8 on:** April 28, 2009, 04:29:06 pm »

Lo's numbers have been pretty ridiculous so far:

14.2 IP, 1-0, 0.61 ERA, 1 SV, 5 H, 7 BB, 24 K

I seem to remember when we signed him that he was a starter, has anyone heard why he's been moved to the pen?

Duman · « **Reply #9 on:** April 28, 2009, 07:14:39 pm »

Quote from: 5+7 on April 28, 2009, 04:29:06 pm

Lo's numbers have been pretty ridiculous so far:

14.2 IP, 1-0, 0.61 ERA, 1 SV, 5 H, 7 BB, 24 K

I seem to remember when we signed him that he was a starter, has anyone heard why he's been moved to the pen?

Always been a reliever first. Here is what Glen Barker said when he was signed:

Quote

"He really likes the closer role," Barker said of Lo. "He has that look in his eye when he gets out on the mound. He's ready to go. That's what he likes to do. He has four pitches, so that possibility is there. He has a real overpowering fastball, really a good split, a good curve and a slider. He has a potential to be a starter."

Duman · « **Reply #10 on:** April 30, 2009, 09:13:45 am »

April's good and bad can be found on the front page.

Matt · « **Reply #11 on:** April 30, 2009, 11:53:15 am »

Quote from: 5+7 on April 28, 2009, 04:29:06 pm

Lo's numbers have been pretty ridiculous so far:

14.2 IP, 1-0, 0.61 ERA, 1 SV, 5 H, 7 BB, 24 K

I seem to remember when we signed him that he was a starter, has anyone heard why he's been moved to the pen?

Those are pretty ridiculous numbers.

Russe · « **Reply #12 on:** April 30, 2009, 01:45:06 pm »

Quote from: Matt on April 30, 2009, 11:53:15 am

Those are pretty ridiculous numbers.

Agreed. I know it's early, but those kind of numbers (especially in a park like Lancaster's) warrant a promotion sooner rather than later.

Jacksonian · « **Reply #13 on:** April 30, 2009, 02:58:27 pm »

Quote from: Russe on April 30, 2009, 01:45:06 pm

Agreed. I know it's early, but those kind of numbers (especially in a park like Lancaster's) warrant a promotion sooner rather than later.

Most promotions are of the mid-season variety, except in the case of injury. Look at how he's doing come early June and how well Corpus's relievers are faring.

Duman · « **Reply #14 on:** May 04, 2009, 02:09:42 pm »

Quote from: 5+7 on April 28, 2009, 04:29:06 pm

Lo's numbers have been pretty ridiculous so far:

14.2 IP, 1-0, 0.61 ERA, 1 SV, 5 H, 7 BB, 24 K

I seem to remember when we signed him that he was a starter, has anyone heard why he's been moved to the pen?

The latest from McTaggart on the bullpen v. starter issue:

Quote

Lo, 23, had never pitched more than three innings in any game in his career, so the Astros are keeping him in middle relief. He pitched three innings April 14, striking out seven batters in his longest stint of the season.

"We're going to keep him in that role for a while and hopefully down the road we can stretch him out as he continues to go through a transition period, adjusting to life in the state and things like that," Bennett said...."A lot of it is going to be on his ability to get stretched out," he said. "Ideally, we put all of our better arms in the rotation. If he's more comfortable in the bullpen, we'll leave him in his current role."

5+7 · « **Reply #15 on:** May 04, 2009, 05:47:40 pm »

Yeah I saw that. I swear I remember reading somewhere after he was signed that he was projected as a 4th or 5th starter, but I don't know where I saw that.

Duman · « **Reply #16 on:** May 12, 2009, 08:48:14 am »

Clemens sent back to Lancaster after getting some tutoring from CC manager Luis Puljos

Quote

“The last couple of games he played, he did a nice job,” Hooks manager Luis Pujols said. “I showed him how to do a couple of things and he felt more comfortable catching and it paid off. It’s up to him to take what he learned here to (Lancaster) and keep working on it.”

hubert · « **Reply #17 on:** May 13, 2009, 10:43:39 am »

there are some 5/6 videos on Youtube.

http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=farmsystem&view=videos

Castro, Gaston, Shuck, and Lo

Duman · « **Reply #18 on:** May 13, 2009, 11:53:12 am »

Quote from: hubert on May 13, 2009, 10:43:39 am

there are some 5/6 videos on Youtube.

http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=farmsystem&view=videos

Castro, Gaston, Shuck, and Lo

Thanks for posting these. Looks like Lo works exclusively from the stretch.

moriartp · « **Reply #19 on:** May 21, 2009, 10:56:35 am »

The Jethawks played one hell of a game last night. After 17 innings they finally pulled out a 5-3 victory over Lake Elsinore. Here's the box.

Duman · « **Reply #20 on:** May 21, 2009, 11:31:02 am »

Quote from: muircheartaigh on May 21, 2009, 10:56:35 am

The Jethawks played one hell of a game last night. After 17 innings they finally pulled out a 5-3 victory over Lake Elsinore. Here's the box.

Here is the game report

Some notes of interest:

Koby Clemens went 3 for 8. He was 0-4 in the first 9 innings and 3 for 4 in the last 8.

Jack Tilghman made a solid debut out of the pen. He went 3 innings giving up one hit and fanning 5

Fernando Abad left the game after facing just 2 batters. No reason given as to why.

Nick Moresi had two outfield assist in the game.

Duman · « **Reply #21 on:** May 28, 2009, 05:11:28 pm »

The good and bad report is up for May. Don't read if you have a queasy stomach. It's mostly bad.

jbm · « **Reply #22 on:** June 02, 2009, 08:06:19 am »

What do y'all know about either Shuck or Gaston. In the prospect blurb, it said Shuck was a lefty. Is he a true centerfielder? How is his defense?

Same with Gaston. How is his defense? He has seven steals or so, so I assume he is not a slug destined for first or DH.

As mentioned in the chronicle story, there is a lot of depth in the outfield on the farm; it seems like the Astros will have to make some decisions after this year to clear up some space at the higher levels.

Jacksonian · « **Reply #23 on:** June 02, 2009, 09:39:30 am »

Quote from: jbm on June 02, 2009, 08:06:19 am

What do y'all know about either Shuck or Gaston. In the prospect blurb, it said Shuck was a lefty. Is he a true centerfielder? How is his defense?

Same with Gaston. How is his defense? He has seven steals or so, so I assume he is not a slug destined for first or DH.

As mentioned in the chronicle story, there is a lot of depth in the outfield on the farm; it seems like the Astros will have to make some decisions after this year to clear up some space at the higher levels.

I presume you're talking about Levine's latest article. Not informative. Of the outfielders in AAA and AA, as we sit here today Bogusevic is the only one with any real shot at a regular major league gig. YRam will have to prove he can hit for an entire season, not just one month.

Shuck is a centerfielder. Good arm. He can play all 3 positions. He is a lefty. Offensively, think Brett Butler.

Gaston is a rightfielder. He good wheels and enough arm to stay there. I've only heard he's fine defensively so I presume he can track batted balls reasonably well. Offensively he's got pure power. The question is will he strikeout too much and hit for enough average?

jbm · « **Reply #24 on:** June 02, 2009, 10:02:24 am »

Thanks for the info. Always appreciated

The number of eventual major leaguers from the current AA and AAA bunch is probably limited, but it seems like some space needs to cleared at one of those levels for next year. Maybe they could bring up one or two of the AAA guys as a forth or fifth outfielder. If not, it appears that at least one of Abercrombie, Ramirez or Locke would need to moved or released, or let Locke continue to destroy AA pitching, which I doubt they would do.

Jacksonian · « **Reply #25 on:** June 02, 2009, 10:17:32 am »

Quote from: jbm on June 02, 2009, 10:02:24 am

Thanks for the info. Always appreciated

The number of eventual major leaguers from the current AA and AAA bunch is probably limited, but it seems like some space needs to cleared at one of those levels for next year. Maybe they could bring up one or two of the AAA guys as a forth or fifth outfielder. If not, it appears that at least one of Abercrombie, Ramirez or Locke would need to moved or released, or let Locke continue to destroy AA pitching, which I doubt they would do.

Any outfield movement at the minor league level will be dictated by injuries and/or trades. They won't move anyone at AA or AAA unless one or both of those things happen.

Duman · « **Reply #26 on:** June 12, 2009, 07:36:05 am »

Quote from: Jacksonian on June 02, 2009, 10:17:32 am

Any outfield movement at the minor league level will be dictated by injuries and/or trades. They won't move anyone at AA or AAA unless one or both of those things happen.

Moresi moved to AA, Barnes to Lancaster, Austin activated from DL today. Don't know yet what cause Moresi to move up.

astrosfan76 · « **Reply #27 on:** June 12, 2009, 08:13:41 am »

Quote from: Duman on June 12, 2009, 07:36:05 am

Moresi moved to AA, Barnes to Lancaster, Austin activated from DL today. Don't know yet what cause Moresi to move up.

sink or swim time?

Duman · « **Reply #28 on:** June 12, 2009, 06:50:26 pm »

Quote from: Duman on June 12, 2009, 07:36:05 am

Moresi moved to AA, Barnes to Lancaster, Austin activated from DL today. Don't know yet what cause Moresi to move up.

Flores to the DL

Russe · « **Reply #29 on:** June 17, 2009, 04:18:47 am »

Has anyone heard anything regarding the reason that Chris Hicks and David Duncan have been so bad thus far? It seems like everytime they pitch they just get absolutely pounded. I know Lancaster's a hitter's park, but it can't be THAT bad, can it?

ETA: Also, has anyone heard anything new about Jacob Priday? I assume he's still on the restricted list, but does anyone know what exactly happened?

Duman · « **Reply #30 on:** June 17, 2009, 04:23:03 am »

Quote from: Russe on June 17, 2009, 04:18:47 am

Has anyone heard anything regarding the reason that Chris Hicks and David Duncan have been so bad thus far? It seems like everytime they pitch they just get absolutely pounded. I know Lancaster's a hitter's park, but it can't be THAT bad, can it?

Heard nothing specific but Duncan is on the DL inactive list now.

ETA- fix above and to say that Duncan has been sighted in Tri Cities.

Quote

Among the players back from last year is outfielder-third baseman Danny Meier, who hit only .200 in 180 at-bats but supplied some power, infielder Jeff Hulett and starting pitchers David Duncan and Antonio Noguera, as well as reliever Kyle Godfrey.

Duman · « **Reply #31 on:** June 20, 2009, 04:51:02 am »

Koby Clemens was hit by a pitch last night and left the game. No further report of severity of the injury.

juliogotay · « **Reply #32 on:** June 20, 2009, 10:13:03 am »

Quote from: Duman on June 20, 2009, 04:51:02 am

Koby Clemens was hit by a pitch last night and left the game. No further report of severity of the injury.

Did you see Steele's line? 4-5 with two triples and 4 RBIs. Hitting .383 for the season with 25 RBI in 24 games. Will they be moving him to CC this year?

Duman · « **Reply #33 on:** June 20, 2009, 08:28:31 pm »

He is kind of locked right now. If there is an injury, he could move up though

Jacksonian · « **Reply #34 on:** June 24, 2009, 01:28:22 pm »

California/Carolina Leagues All-Star game was last night. Gaston was the only Jethawk to appear. He started and played the entire game in LF. 3 K's in 4 AB's, but he hit the walkoff solo shot in the bottom of the 10th to win it and was named the game MVP.

Reuben · « **Reply #35 on:** June 24, 2009, 08:48:47 pm »

If I'm not mistaken, that makes two Astros farmhands with big home runs in All-Star Games this week.

Duman · « **Reply #36 on:** June 24, 2009, 09:48:09 pm »

Quote from: Reuben on June 24, 2009, 08:48:47 pm

If I'm not mistaken, that makes two Astros farmhands with big home runs in All-Star Games this week.

Correct. Rosario hit one in the Sally League game

Leeaire · « **Reply #37 on:** July 08, 2009, 03:23:03 am »

Gaston makes BA's all surprise team

Quote

DH *Jon Gaston, Lancaster (Astros)

Gaston has shown both power and speed, ranking second in the Cal League in home runs and leading the league in triples. He's not just a product of hitter-friendly Lancaster either, as he's slugging .519 on the road.

http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/prospect-bulletin/2009/268482.html

OregonStrosFan · « **Reply #38 on:** July 14, 2009, 09:26:11 pm »

Koby Clemens has been raking for the Jethawks this past week.

7/7/09 - 5 AB, 1 R, 2 H (2 doubles), 0 BB, 2 Ks

7/8/09 - 4 AB, 1 R, 1 H, 1 RBI, 1 HR, 0 BB, 2 Ks

7/9/09 - 4 AB, 2 R, 2 H, 3 RBIs, 1HR, 0 BB, 1 K: Koby Clemens 10th Inning Home Run Gives JetHawks 8-7 Win.

7/11/09 - 5 AB, 1 R, 2 H, 4 RBI, 1 HR, 1 Ks: Clemens Hits Another Walkoff, JetHawks Vault Into First Place

7/12/09 - 4 AB, 0 R, 2 H, 1 RBI, 0 HR, 1 Ks

7/13/09 - 5 AB, 3 R, 4 H (2B, 3B, HRx2), 7 RBIs, 2 HRs, ) 0 BB, 0 K: Surging JetHawks Pound Inland Empire To Take Series

Duder · « **Reply #39 on:** July 14, 2009, 10:20:15 pm »

Quote from: OregonStrosFan on July 14, 2009, 09:26:11 pm

7/13/09 - 5 AB, 3 R, 4 H (2B, 3B, HRx2), 7 RBIs, 2 HRs, ) 0 BB, 0 K: Surging JetHawks Pound Inland Empire To Take Series

How often does a guy needing only a single to complete the cycle, head to the plate in his last at bat, then blasts another homer out? Also, has anyone ever seen someone come up to bat only needing a single to complete the cycle and proceed to hit one in the gap, but the hitter stays on first to claim the cycle?

moriartp · « **Reply #40 on:** July 14, 2009, 10:28:15 pm »

Quote from: Duder on July 14, 2009, 10:20:15 pm

How often does a guy needing only a single to complete the cycle, head to the plate in his last at bat, then blasts another homer out?

Mike Lamb almost did it in 2006. He was robbed by Gary Matthews, who for a single moment summoned the ability to jump halfway to Mars.

Duder · « **Reply #41 on:** July 14, 2009, 11:01:24 pm »

Quote from: muircheartaigh on July 14, 2009, 10:28:15 pm

Mike Lamb almost did it in 2006. He was robbed by Gary Matthews, who for a single moment summoned the ability to jump halfway to Mars.

I remember that game. That catch by Matthews was one of the best I have ever seen.

VirtualBob · « **Reply #42 on:** July 15, 2009, 08:46:53 am »

Quote from: Duder on July 14, 2009, 10:20:15 pm

How often does a guy needing only a single to complete the cycle, head to the plate in his last at bat, then blasts another homer out? Also, has anyone ever seen someone come up to bat only needing a single to complete the cycle and proceed to hit one in the gap, but the hitter stays on first to claim the cycle?

My memory has lost track of the details, but I remember a time ~20 or so years ago when the Dodgers third base coach held someone up at second on a sure triple in order to ensure the cycle. It was late in a game that was clearly decided and the batter already had the 1,3 & 4.

Reuben · « **Reply #43 on:** July 15, 2009, 09:20:32 am »

Was Clemens moved from 3B to C because for some reason they thought he would be better defensively there? Or simply they didn't think he'd hit enough for a 3rd baseman? Is his catching coming along this year, or still horrible?

Jacksonian · « **Reply #44 on:** July 15, 2009, 12:51:38 pm »

Quote from: Reuben on July 15, 2009, 09:20:32 am

Was Clemens moved from 3B to C because for some reason they thought he would be better defensively there? Or simply they didn't think he'd hit enough for a 3rd baseman? Is his catching coming along this year, or still horrible?

More like he couldn't play 3b well and is not well suited to any other position.

VirtualBob · « **Reply #45 on:** July 15, 2009, 02:37:43 pm »

Quote from: Jacksonian on July 15, 2009, 12:51:38 pm

More like he couldn't play 3b well and is not well suited to any ~~other~~ position.

the obligatory "fix" ... although he does show some promise as a DH this year.

roadrunner · « **Reply #46 on:** July 15, 2009, 03:31:52 pm »

It doesn't make sense to me to move a guy who can't play anywhere else in the field to catcher. It's not like you can just throw anyone at catcher, which is why teams often try to think of emergency catchers. First base was the place you stuck guys who can't play anywhere else.

Hornstros · « **Reply #47 on:** July 17, 2009, 09:46:47 am »

TJ Steele has been out the past couple of games after tweaking his hamstring during Monday's game. He missed time at the beginning of the season due to a hamstring injury

http://www.avpress.com/n/14/0714_s11.hts

juliogotay · « **Reply #48 on:** July 17, 2009, 10:09:02 am »

Quote from: Hornstros on July 17, 2009, 09:46:47 am

TJ Steele has been out the past couple of games after tweaking his hamstring during Monday's game. He missed time at the beginning of the season due to a hamstring injury

http://www.avpress.com/n/14/0714_s11.hts

I hope he's not an injury-prone type. He can play.

Duder · « **Reply #49 on:** July 17, 2009, 10:15:53 am »

Quote from: Hornstros on July 17, 2009, 09:46:47 am

TJ Steele has been out the past couple of games after tweaking his hamstring during Monday's game. He missed time at the beginning of the season due to a hamstring injury

http://www.avpress.com/n/14/0714_s11.hts

Thanks for the update. I hadn't seen him in the lineup for a while and was wondering what was up. He has been flat out hitting in Lancaster. Hopefully it's just a coincidence that he hurt his hammy again, and it's not something that will be recurring.

Russe · « **Reply #50 on:** July 17, 2009, 10:28:16 am »

Quote from: juliogotay on July 17, 2009, 10:09:02 am

I hope he's not an injury-prone type. He can play.

I think it's too early to label him injury-prone--hamstrings are tricky and take a very long time to heal, especially if you're trying to play baseball every night.

Jacksonian · « **Reply #51 on:** July 17, 2009, 01:39:46 pm »

Quote from: Hornstros on July 17, 2009, 09:46:47 am

TJ Steele has been out the past couple of games after tweaking his hamstring during Monday's game. He missed time at the beginning of the season due to a hamstring injury

http://www.avpress.com/n/14/0714_s11.hts

He missed time last year at Tri-City to injury as well.

juliogotay · « **Reply #52 on:** July 18, 2009, 11:17:31 am »

Quote from: Jacksonian on July 17, 2009, 01:39:46 pm

He missed time last year at Tri-City to injury as well.

Was it legs last year, too? Sometime guys are just susceptible to leg problems.

juliogotay · « **Reply #53 on:** July 21, 2009, 08:00:35 am »

Gaston with two more HR's last night. He's up to 25. Is that park just ridiculous or something?

OregonStrosFan · « **Reply #54 on:** July 21, 2009, 08:31:05 am »

Quote from: juliogotay on July 21, 2009, 08:00:35 am

Gaston with two more HR's last night. He's up to 25. Is that park just ridiculous or something?

Speaking of ridiculous...

Not only does Gaston lead the California League in homers (by 3), he also leads the league in OPS (1.052), slugging (by .021 at .659) and in triples (with 13). He ranks 7th in hits (108), T10th in doubles (23) and is T20th in steals (12).

MikeyBoy · « **Reply #55 on:** July 21, 2009, 08:51:53 am »

Quote from: OregonStrosFan on July 21, 2009, 08:31:05 am

Speaking of ridiculous...

Not only does Gaston lead the California League in homers (by 3), he also leads the league in OPS (1.052), slugging (by .021 at .659) and in triples (with 13). He ranks 7th in hits (108), T10th in doubles (23) and is T20th in steals (12).

Also...I'm not sure how he's performing defensively this season, but as I recall from his video clips from the draft and watching him in the CWS last year, he has an absolute canon for an arm. Regarding his power, I'm not surprised at all, he has a very short, compact stroke making him quick to the ball with pop. His build and swing (from the waist up) reminds me of a left-handed Jeff Bagwell.

moriartp · « **Reply #56 on:** July 21, 2009, 03:40:42 pm »

2 more today.

Box

Duman · « **Reply #57 on:** July 21, 2009, 09:03:20 pm »

That makes 7 in his last 6 games.

austro · « **Reply #58 on:** July 21, 2009, 09:11:12 pm »

14 now!

Russe · « **Reply #59 on:** July 22, 2009, 01:40:41 am »

It'd be nice to see him promoted to AA, with Locke going up to AAA...at this point, neither of them seem to have much left to prove in their current league.

VirtualBob · « **Reply #60 on:** July 22, 2009, 10:38:00 am »

Quote from: Jacksonian on July 15, 2009, 12:51:38 pm

More like he [edit: Clemens]couldn't play 3b well and is not well suited to any other position.

Started in LF Monday ... the traditional place for hitters who cannot field. We'll see how long this experiment works. They are *really* trying to find someplace to hide his glove.

astrosfan76 · « **Reply #61 on:** July 22, 2009, 11:47:31 am »

Quote from: VirtualBob on July 22, 2009, 10:38:00 am

Started in LF Monday ... the traditional place for hitters who cannot field. We'll see how long this experiment works. They are *really* trying to find someplace to hide his glove.

Levine has that they're throwing him out there some while Steele is out. I don't think they would be doing it if they had a healthy OF, but you can't blame them for trying to find a way to get his bat in the lineup.

http://blogs.chron.com/unofficialscorer/2009/07/astros_am_report_thats_what_yo.html

jonbloozy · « **Reply #62 on:** July 25, 2009, 06:25:06 pm »

Clemens named MiLB California League Player of the Week

Duman · « **Reply #63 on:** July 26, 2009, 05:20:43 am »

Reid Kelly has been released. His roster spot has been filled, as reported in another thread, by Tip Fairchild. Kelly had been on the DL since June.

Jacksonian · « **Reply #64 on:** July 29, 2009, 09:17:24 am »

Steele returned. Went 3 for 4 with a double and triple then got pulled for a pinch runner after an infield single in the 7th.

Duder · « **Reply #65 on:** July 30, 2009, 12:13:18 am »

Gaston hit his 29th homer of the season tonight. Clemens continues to rake, going 4-5 with a double and homer. His average is up to (.336) . Steele wasn't in the lineup tonight.

chuckd · « **Reply #66 on:** July 30, 2009, 01:58:09 pm »

Does anyone know if the Red Socks players have hit home runs at Lancaster in the past like Gaston is doing ? thxs for any info.

Russe · « **Reply #67 on:** July 30, 2009, 02:17:03 pm »

Well, let's take a look at the Sox current top prospect, power-hitting 1B Lars Anderson. In 2007, Anderson hit 1 HR in 47 PA. In 2008, he hit 13 HR in 358 PA. In contrast, Gaston has hit 29 HR in 455 PA. Now, that doesn't mean someone in the Sox org hasn't hit more, but it's an interesting comp nonetheless.

moriartp · « **Reply #68 on:** July 30, 2009, 02:19:11 pm »

From 2005 to 2008 (over which time Lancaster switched from a Diamondbacks to a Red Sox affiliate), the most home runs hit by a player in a single season was 26. There were plenty of 20+ home run seasons, but no one's hit as many as Gaston has this year (which is even more impressive since Gaston hasn't yet completed the season).

astrosfan76 · « **Reply #69 on:** July 30, 2009, 03:56:39 pm »

The closest performance I found was Mark Reynolds' '06 stint. In 273 AB, he hit 23 HR and had a .667 SLG%. In 381 AB, Gaston has hit 29 and has a .661 SLG%. Reynolds hit homeruns more frequently (1 every 11.8 AB to 1 every 13.1), but Gaston has the edge in extra-base hits.

Hornstros · « **Reply #70 on:** July 30, 2009, 06:59:36 pm »

Quote from: chuckd on July 30, 2009, 01:58:09 pm

Does anyone know if the Red Socks players have hit home runs at Lancaster in the past like Gaston is doing ? thxs for any info.

i assume you're referring to the fact that his HR total may be inflated due to Lancaster's ballpark. His home/road splits as far as HRs go really don't show a significant difference. He's hit 16 at Lancaster and 13 on the road

Reuben · « **Reply #71 on:** July 31, 2009, 12:06:55 am »

Quote from: Hornstros on July 30, 2009, 06:59:36 pm

i assume you're referring to the fact that his HR total may be inflated due to Lancaster's ballpark. His home/road splits as far as HRs go really don't show a significant difference. He's hit 16 at Lancaster and 13 on the road

Oddly, he's hit a lot more doubles (17 vs. 6) and triples (11 vs. 3) at Lancaster than on the road. So I'm guessing there's more to the home park's hitter friendliness than just the OF dimensions. Overall Gaston's road numbers are still pretty solid- .270 BA, .369 OBP, .546 Slg. His home numbers are just crazy- .327/.416/.770.

Duder · « **Reply #72 on:** August 02, 2009, 10:56:48 pm »

Quote from: Jacksonian on July 29, 2009, 09:17:24 am

Steele returned. Went 3 for 4 with a double and triple then got pulled for a pinch runner after an infield single in the 7th.

Is Steele hurt again? He hasn't been in the lineup since his first game back on July 28th.

juliogotay · « **Reply #73 on:** August 03, 2009, 11:32:29 am »

Quote from: Duder on August 02, 2009, 10:56:48 pm

Is Steele hurt again? He hasn't been in the lineup since his first game back on July 28th.

I think he left that game early. Probably aggravated the hammy.

OregonStrosFan · « **Reply #74 on:** August 13, 2009, 04:49:12 pm »

Unfortunately I've no Duman'esque observations to pass along, but did get an opportunity to watch the JetHawks pound the Lake Elsinor Storm last night in Lancaster.

Never been to a Single-A game before, but enjoyed the experience.

Very nice venue. Comfortable seating (4,600 seats, can hold 7,000). Berms in left and right field foul territory. 350' to left and right, 385' in the power alleys and 410' to center. Decent in between innings promos (including an opportunity to run from right to left field in between one of the innings). Sat by a couple of long time season ticket holders a couple of rows behind HP. Interesting conversation, though not a ton of 'insider type' info.

As for the game, Clemens drove in his 100th RBI in B1. Weston hit a 2 run no-doubter (12th) in the 3rd and Barnes followed that with one (9th) in the 5th. Cespedes went 7 innings, giving up 4 hits and 1 run (HR in the 7th). Lost his control a bit in the 4th(?), but regained it and got out of the inning unscathed. Threw a number of breaking balls in the dirt away, but Clemens blocked them nicely. Clemens also threw out a runner at 2B (old timers said his defense at C has improved quite a bit behind the plate this year, but questioned his arm). A tad disappointed that Gaston wasn't in the lineup.

Biggest surprise I guess was the overall team size (smallish). Rosario (listed 6'3") was this biggest position player in the game, but lanky.

Again, enjoyed the 'Jethawk experience' and will definitely come back when I head through town again.

ETA: Almost forgot about 'passing the hat' after home runs. Not sure if this is typical MiLB or not (know they don't do it in Portland), but after each home run, ushers came by and collected money for the kid who hit the home run from anyone willing to give. Thought it was pretty cool.

Duman · « **Reply #75 on:** August 14, 2009, 04:38:28 pm »

I know they pass the hat in Lexington too.

BUWebguy · « **Reply #76 on:** August 14, 2009, 05:08:41 pm »

Wow - I thought that was just an old-timey thing. That's cool.

VirtualBob · « **Reply #77 on:** August 17, 2009, 08:58:48 am »

Quote from: Duman on August 14, 2009, 04:38:28 pm

I know they pass the hat in Lexington too.

and Round Rock.

jonbloozy · « **Reply #78 on:** August 17, 2009, 08:25:26 pm »

Quote from: Duman on August 14, 2009, 04:38:28 pm

I know they pass the hat in Lexington too.

I'm just curious - do they pass the hat when the starting pitcher shuts out the other team? Or just pitches a good game? It sounds like a good tradition, but seems to reinforce the idea that baseball fans care more about home runs than good pitching. Not that the hitters shouldn't be recognized, but it still seems unfair to the other players. And yes, Duman, it is all your fault.

Uncle Charlie · « **Reply #79 on:** August 24, 2009, 02:52:17 pm »

They did it in Amarillo several years ago when they had the Dillas as part of the indy league.

Here's another article about Clemens from JdJo, this time citing his work both and behind the plate from Cabell and Bennett: http://blogs.chron.com/baseballblog/archives/2009/08/clemens_shines.html

Reuben · « **Reply #80 on:** August 24, 2009, 09:04:13 pm »

Quote from: Uncle Charlie on August 24, 2009, 02:52:17 pm

They did it in Amarillo several years ago when they had the Dillas as part of the indy league.

Here's another article about Clemens from JdJo, this time citing his work both and behind the plate from Cabell and Bennett: http://blogs.chron.com/baseballblog/archives/2009/08/clemens_shines.html

Sincere thanks for posting that, but wow, what a magnificently un-thorough article. You're a reporter, you're (as you quickly allude to) eating breakfast with Enos Cabell and Ricky Bennett, and you don't ask them any more than that? Maybe something about whether they want Koby to keep catching or focus on LF and hitting, things like that?

juliogotay · « **Reply #81 on:** August 24, 2009, 10:00:43 pm »

Quote from: Reuben on August 24, 2009, 09:04:13 pm

Sincere thanks for posting that, but wow, what a magnificently un-thorough article. You're a reporter, you're (as you quickly allude to) eating breakfast with Enos Cabell and Ricky Bennett, and you don't ask them any more than that? Maybe something about whether they want Koby to keep catching or focus on LF and hitting, things like that?

He was probably just in the same room and overheard the Clemens conversation. He was probably not actually a part of it. That would qualify as blog-worthy journalism.

Uncle Charlie · « **Reply #82 on:** August 25, 2009, 09:42:14 am »

Quote from: Reuben on August 24, 2009, 09:04:13 pm

Sincere thanks for posting that, but wow, what a magnificently un-thorough article. You're a reporter, you're (as you quickly allude to) eating breakfast with Enos Cabell and Ricky Bennett, and you don't ask them any more than that? Maybe something about whether they want Koby to keep catching or focus on LF and hitting, things like that?

Maybe the Migas were just that fucking good.

Reuben · « **Reply #83 on:** August 26, 2009, 10:38:49 pm »

Quote from: Uncle Charlie on August 25, 2009, 09:42:14 am

Maybe the Migas were just that fucking good.

I hadn't considered that; perhaps I was too harsh.

Duman · « **Reply #84 on:** August 30, 2009, 05:32:00 am »

Gaston hit #32 last night breaking the Lancaster franchise record.

Duman · « **Reply #85 on:** September 02, 2009, 12:00:01 pm »

Brandon Barnes promoted to CC last night.

juliogotay · « **Reply #86 on:** September 04, 2009, 09:21:57 am »

I suppose Steele is still hurt? Maybe he's shut down for the season?