"A heavy emphasis on winning at all levels in 2010"

[OregonStrosFan]

Assistant Tri-Cities GM Vic Christopher has a brief Q&A with ValleyCats manager Jim Pankovits in his blog today. LINK

What can ValleyCats fans expect in the upcoming season?

The Astros organization has placed a heavy emphasis on winning at all levels in 2010.  I can asure you that we will field the best team possible and we will be competitive.

***

Which former ValleyCats in particular have impressed you at the start of Spring Training?

Barry Butera (2009 ValleyCats MVP) has really opened up some eyes.  He’s in great shape and he’s taken well to playing some shortstop this spring after being used primarily in the outfield last season.

J.D. Martinez (2009 New York-Penn League Batting Champion) picked up right where he left off and continues to be an offensive force at the plate.  He’s swinging a real hot bat right now.

Dallas Keuchel (2 wins in 2009 CWS) Is having an outstanding spring. Everyone here is excited to see a well-rested Dallas pitch after an arduous 2009 season.

[Reuben]

That all sounds good, thanks for finding that, OSF.

[OregonStrosFan]

The Astros organization has placed a heavy emphasis on winning at all levels in 2010. 

With a month+ for MLB and just under a month for MiLB, how is that commitment to winning at all levels going??

Astros: 9-20, last in the NL / 29th in the majors;
Express: 10-18, last in the PCL;
Hooks: 13-15, 5th of 8 in the Texas League;
JetHawks: 9-17, last in the CAL; and
Legends: 12-17, 11th of 14 in the SAL.

[roadrunner]

Bright side: it can't get much worse

[OregonStrosFan]

Bright side: it can't get much worse

Ya know, I was in a piss poor mood when I wrote that post...  My bad.

Bright sides: Jordan Lyles, Tanner Bushue, Jose Altuve, JD Martinez - just to name a few.

[Ron Brand]

Just a couple of years ago the bright spot was J. R. Towles and not much else. They're making progress.

[OregonStrosFan]

With a month+ for MLB and just under a month for MiLB, how is that commitment to winning at all levels going??

Express: 10-18, last in the PCL;
Hooks: 13-15, 5th of 8 in the Texas League;
JetHawks: 9-17, last in the CAL; and
Legends: 12-17, 11th of 14 in the SAL.

With the first half of the season over for all but the Express (2 games left), here are where the Astros affiliates fall:

Express: 32-41, last in the PCL American South (4th of 4, 14th of 16th in the PCL) [22-23 over last 45 games];
Hooks: 36-34, 2nd in the TEX south (and 4 of 8 overall), were in the playoff hunt with 3 games left in the season [23-19 over last 42 games];
JetHawks: 23-47, last (of 10) in the CAL [14-30 over last 44 games]; and
Legends: 35-35, 4th of 7 in the SAL Southern (7th of 14 overall) [23-18 over last 41 games].

Making progress...