Author Topic: Oklahoma City - 2011 (Read 26555 times)

OregonStrosFan · « **on:** April 06, 2011, 11:58:00 am »

Your one stop shop for all talk of the 2011 RedHawks.

OregonStrosFan · « **Reply #1 on:** April 07, 2011, 05:18:37 pm »

FWIW, Jordan Lyles OKC Opening Day start is being televised on MiLB.TV (as is Foltynewicz' start with LEX).

jbm · « **Reply #2 on:** April 13, 2011, 09:16:15 am »

Are they trying to limit Lyle's work over the course of the year, or just starting slowly? I hope nothing is wrong, but last night they took him out after 4 innings and 65 pitches.

astrosfan76 · « **Reply #3 on:** April 16, 2011, 09:19:04 am »

Koby off to a great start: .364/.500/.727 with 2 HR and 8 RBI in 7 games. Strikeouts are still a concern, averaging 1 per game, but if he can maintain any semblance of those other stats, it's a fair trade-off. Shuck's also off to a strong start, hitting .379/.455/.448 and who cares about his power stats because they're non-existent. But, he does have a 4-3 walk to strikeout ratio in 9 games.

On a related note, I'm finally breaking the habit of clicking on Round Rock's scores on milb.com.

OregonStrosFan · « **Reply #4 on:** April 16, 2011, 01:53:46 pm »

Quote from: astrosfan76 on April 16, 2011, 09:19:04 am

On a related note, I'm finally breaking the habit of clicking on Round Rock's scores on milb.com.

I know what you mean... I navigate off the Astros.MiLB page (or tabs I've set up in chrome) so clicking on RR hasn't been my problem. Rather,I'll see something along the lines of 'RedHawks score 2 to take a 5-2 lead' on my Twitter feed, and still find myself think the opposing side just went up on 'us'; or will see other Twitter feeds noting 'great night for Round Rock's __________,' and think 'wait, who is that now? Nevermind...". I'm getting better about it, but its gonna take a bit still...

Reuben · « **Reply #5 on:** April 17, 2011, 07:29:03 pm »

It only a few days ago dawned on me that the Astros now have the Jet- and Red-hawks.

VirtualBob · « **Reply #6 on:** April 18, 2011, 07:11:06 am »

After twice through the order, here is how things stand in Oklahoma City.
Record: 4-6

Rotation:
Lyles: 0-1 5.62 5K/2BB 1.88 WHIP
Perez: 0-1 2.45 13K/1BB 1.00 WHIP
Nieve: 1-1 7.45 14K/2BB 1.76 WHIP
Villar: 0-0 10.50 3K/2BB 1.83 WHIP
Rowland-Smith: 0-0 7.71 in 1 start replacing …
Arguello: 0-1 3.86 who went on DL after 1 start.

Notable: Perez looking strong early; Nieve is being hit hard, but the K/BB ratio is reason for hope.

Bullpen:
The bullpen has gotten a lot of work early … almost 40 IP through 10 games and several (Chacin, Escalona, Fien, Rodriguez, Wolf) with more than 6 IP. Valdez (2.45, 1-0 with 2 saves in 3 appearances) has just gotten the call to Houston; Van Hekken was activated to fill his roster slot and was hit hard in his lone appearance. Rodriguez (1.42 with 9K’s, 1BB & WHIP of 1.1) and Fien (2.84, 8K, 2BB, WHIP of 0.95) both are having good starts.

Behind the Plate:
Corporan & Cancel splitting time almost equally and both are hitting better than expected. They have also thrown out 6 of 7 would-be base-stealers; 4 by Corporan against no successed.

Infield:
Manzella has started all 10 games at SS and is hitting .314 (OBP .375; SLG .543) with 3 2B,1 3B & 1 HR. Clemens (1B 7 starts), Hernandez (2B 5 starts; 3B 3 starts) and Navarro (3B 7 starts) make up the rest of the regulars, though Vallejo also has 5 starts at 2B. Dopirak backs up Clemens at 1B with 3 starts. Clemens (.346/.485/.654 with 2 HR) is the offensive leader, but Navarro (.348/.429/.435) also has had a good start. Hernandez (.171/.171/.257 with 8 K’s) has struggled.

Outfield:
Bogusevic has started every game, 9 in RF and 1 in CF. His .324/.455/.529 line plus 4 SB’s indicate that he is not sulking about missing the last OF slot in Houston. Three guys share the other two OF positions. Shuck has 8 starts (4 each in LF & CF) while Delome (5 CF & 1 LF) and Locke (5 LF & 1 RF) have 6 each. All three are hitting above .300 and Shuck leads the team at .353. Shuck also leads with 5 CS against no successes, though.

Reuben · « **Reply #7 on:** April 18, 2011, 09:11:29 am »

Quote from: VirtualBob on April 18, 2011, 07:11:06 am

Shuck also leads with 5 CS against no successes, though.

I wonder what the (MLB) record is for consecutive CS without a SB. Probably something like 5, but over the course of 2 or 3 seasons, a really slow guy whose manager likes to hit and run.

Thanks for the breakdown, lots of useful info in there.

Which Rodriguez is in the 'pen?

VirtualBob · « **Reply #8 on:** April 18, 2011, 10:58:50 am »

Quote from: Reuben on April 18, 2011, 09:11:29 am

Which Rodriguez is in the 'pen?

Fernando

VirtualBob · « **Reply #9 on:** April 23, 2011, 10:48:05 am »

Noticed Manzella got a start at 2B last night. I think his first as a pro.

OregonStrosFan · « **Reply #10 on:** April 23, 2011, 11:06:29 pm »

Lyles went 7, allowing 3 hits, no runs, with a walk and 3 strikeouts. RedHawks beat the Express 5-0. BOX SCORE

Russe · « **Reply #11 on:** April 24, 2011, 12:11:59 pm »

It's great to see him have a strong game--sometimes that first one is all a guy needs to get over the hump.

jbm · « **Reply #12 on:** April 24, 2011, 12:52:24 pm »

I got to see him throw last night. For the first five innings or so, he looked like I saw him at CC. It was mostly fastballs with exceptional command. The ump's zone was fair, but I got the impression that if the zone was just slightly expanded, Lyles would exploit it. His fastball command is near top notch.

Threw some changes throughout. Not so good last night, but I've seen it where it was real good. He started to mix in his cutter mid game. Not a strong pitch, but provided a wrinkle. His curve is still inconsistent, even in his bullpen, pre-inning warmups and during the game. I'd say about 50% get very little spin at all, 40% get some spin and slight break and 10% look real good. He did have one really good one in the game. The first really good one I have seen from him, so I know it is possible.

All in all, it is still about him developing his secondary pitches, mainly breaking pitches IMO. He still looks like he could add some bulk. Don't know if that translates to an uptake in velocity or not.

VirtualBob · « **Reply #13 on:** April 26, 2011, 04:10:16 pm »

Looks like the pride of Nicaragua will be back on the mound for the Redhawks tonight ... http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110426&content_id=18271406&vkey=news_t102&fext=.jsp&sid=t102

VirtualBob · « **Reply #14 on:** April 26, 2011, 05:54:37 pm »

Manzella to start at 3B tonight. So this brings up a question ... is he suddenly being groomed for a utility spot with the Astros, or is someone else evaluating his potential as a trade component?

For my money, he needs to be at SS if his bat is going to be in the lineup. There would have to be better options ... especially at 3B ... unless he turns all Barry Bonds on us or something.

MusicMan · « **Reply #15 on:** April 27, 2011, 01:30:08 pm »

OK, I'll say it.

At what point does Koby become a legitimate MLB prospect, even as a 1b?

Jacksonian · « **Reply #16 on:** April 27, 2011, 02:06:32 pm »

Quote from: MusicMan on April 27, 2011, 01:30:08 pm

OK, I'll say it.

At what point does Koby become a legitimate MLB prospect, even as a 1b?

He already is. As long as he hits and with power he will be. The question is what is he in the majors? Is he a starter? Backup? 1B? DH?

OregonStrosFan · « **Reply #17 on:** April 27, 2011, 03:01:38 pm »

Quote from: MusicMan on April 27, 2011, 01:30:08 pm

OK, I'll say it.

At what point does Koby become a legitimate MLB prospect, even as a 1b?

Serious prospect? I'd have to think that is now. I wouldn't imagine he'd get a serious shot at the next level until the strikeouts dip some though. STATS LINK

Koby struck out 109 times in 423 ABs (25.8%) with 51 walks for Lancaster in 2009.
He struck out 143 times in 452 ABs (31.6%) with 69 walks for Corpus in 2010.
Thusfar in OKC, he has struck out 18 times in 63 ABs (28.6%) with 7 walks.

jbm · « **Reply #18 on:** April 27, 2011, 04:27:46 pm »

Quote from: Jacksonian on April 27, 2011, 02:06:32 pm

He already is. As long as he hits and with power he will be. The question is what is he in the majors? Is he a starter? Backup? 1B? DH?

The Astros seems like a bad fit for him at the moment. He is not going to overtake Wallace, there is no DH, and I wonder if he is considered an acceptable backup for any position but first.

VirtualBob · « **Reply #19 on:** April 27, 2011, 07:03:50 pm »

I had been wondering what would happen to the OKC rotation after Arguello took Nieve's rotation slot yesterday. Levine tweets that Nieve is headed for Korea. Problem solved.

OregonStrosFan · « **Reply #20 on:** April 27, 2011, 07:07:11 pm »

Quote from: VirtualBob on April 27, 2011, 07:03:50 pm

I had been wondering what would happen to the OKC rotation after Arguello took Nieve's rotation slot yesterday. Levine tweets that Nieve is headed for Korea. Problem solved.

Could have been worse for him, he could have been banished back to the Mets...

austro · « **Reply #21 on:** April 27, 2011, 07:38:02 pm »

Quote from: OregonStrosFan on April 27, 2011, 07:07:11 pm

Could have been worse for him, he could have been banished back to the Mets...

Yeah, he'll probably get paid in Korea.

VirtualBob · « **Reply #22 on:** April 28, 2011, 04:00:43 pm »

Tags tweets that Brandon Barnes has been called up, presumably one BB to replace another (and to serve as OF4).

astrosfan76 · « **Reply #23 on:** April 29, 2011, 09:16:32 pm »

Lyles line for the night: 6 IP, 0 R, 5 H, 1 BB, 8 K

Starting to put together some good starts. If he keeps this up and the big-league pitching doesn't improve, he may be up before much longer.

pots · « **Reply #24 on:** May 03, 2011, 08:30:50 am »

OKC staff has gotten a whole lot better with Douglas Arguello replacing Nieve. If this guy puts together a successful year at OKC, I don't see how he isn't considered for a 2012 roster spot. After 2 successful years at Corpus and a successful year at high A before that.

VirtualBob · « **Reply #25 on:** May 03, 2011, 10:22:13 am »

Quote from: pots on May 03, 2011, 08:30:50 am

OKC staff has gotten a whole lot better with Douglas Arguello replacing Nieve. If this guy puts together a successful year at OKC, I don't see how he isn't considered for a 2012 roster spot. After 2 successful years at Corpus and a successful year at high A before that.

More love for the pride of Nicaragua. ¡Aribe!

Jacksonian · « **Reply #26 on:** May 03, 2011, 11:44:55 am »

Quote from: pots on May 03, 2011, 08:30:50 am

OKC staff has gotten a whole lot better with Douglas Arguello replacing Nieve. If this guy puts together a successful year at OKC, I don't see how he isn't considered for a 2012 roster spot. After 2 successful years at Corpus and a successful year at high A before that.

Dunno. Soft tossing lefty. John Halama was successful in the minors too. And, he's 26.

pots · « **Reply #27 on:** May 03, 2011, 12:55:06 pm »

Quote from: Jacksonian on May 03, 2011, 11:44:55 am

Dunno. Soft tossing lefty. John Halama was successful in the minors too. And, he's 26.

Aye, but so was Wandy. If he succeeds at AAA too, I think you have to give him a try.

jbm · « **Reply #28 on:** May 03, 2011, 02:14:14 pm »

Wandy is not exactly a soft tossing lefty. He hits 90 and throws the FB a lot.

pots · « **Reply #29 on:** May 03, 2011, 02:53:24 pm »

Quote from: jbm on May 03, 2011, 02:14:14 pm

Wandy is not exactly a soft tossing lefty. He hits 90 and throws the FB a lot.

Yeah I wasn't sure how fast Arguello was. Had to go on what I could find.

http://www.crawfishboxes.com/2010/6/13/1516453/candidates-for-mid-season
"A quick scouting report on Arguello simply states he is a soft tossing lefty who sits in the upper 80’s and will on occasion touch 91."

That with a decent curve and change up, smelled like a Wandy.

Ran accross a similar report on another site. But I certainly defer to those that have seen him or know him better.

Jacksonian · « **Reply #30 on:** May 03, 2011, 04:11:47 pm »

Quote from: pots on May 03, 2011, 02:53:24 pm

Yeah I wasn't sure how fast Arguello was. Had to go on what I could find.

http://www.crawfishboxes.com/2010/6/13/1516453/candidates-for-mid-season
"A quick scouting report on Arguello simply states he is a soft tossing lefty who sits in the upper 80’s and will on occasion touch 91."

That with a decent curve and change up, smelled like a Wandy.

Ran accross a similar report on another site. But I certainly defer to those that have seen him or know him better.

My understanding is that he usually sits 86-88, and that hitting 90 is rare.

chuck · « **Reply #31 on:** May 03, 2011, 10:02:32 pm »

Quote from: Jacksonian on May 03, 2011, 04:11:47 pm

My understanding is that he usually sits 86-88, and that hitting 90 is rare.

I've seen him - but not very much - and high 80's seems about right to me.

Navin R Johnson · « **Reply #32 on:** May 04, 2011, 10:42:40 pm »

OKC wins tonight on a walkoff Drew Locke homer with 2 outs in the 10th. Lyles goes 6, allows 2 runs on 5 hits and 2 walks while striking out 9. 109 pitchs, 73 strikes. Lyles ERA is now down to 3.55.

Reuben · « **Reply #33 on:** May 04, 2011, 11:31:20 pm »

Quote from: Navin R Johnson on May 04, 2011, 10:42:40 pm

OKC wins tonight on a walkoff Drew Locke homer with 2 outs in the 10th. Lyles goes 6, allows 2 runs on 5 hits and 2 walks while striking out 9. 109 pitchs, 73 strikes. Lyles ERA is now down to 3.55.

Yeah, but can he roll out of bed and throw one-~~hit~~error shutout ball over 5 innings in Cincy?

astrosfan76 · « **Reply #34 on:** May 05, 2011, 09:34:55 am »

Corporan to miss a month after breaking his right middle finger last night. Esposito up to AAA, Fixler reinstated to Corpus.

Hornstros · « **Reply #35 on:** May 09, 2011, 10:30:01 am »

Lyles vs. KC Prospect Mike Montgomery at 11:05AM CST for an MiLB.tv subscribers out there

astrosfan76 · « **Reply #36 on:** May 09, 2011, 02:11:15 pm »

Didn't turn out to be much of a pitching battle. Lyles with a 5 1/3 6-hit 5 ER showing and an atypical 6 walks. Montgomery wasn't as bad, but nothing special: 5IP and 3 ER.

astrosfan76 · « **Reply #37 on:** May 10, 2011, 12:11:36 pm »

Astros sign former stud catching prospect, Max Ramirez, to take Corporan's spot as emergency backup catcher. He'll be sent to OKC.

http://blog.chron.com/ultimateastros/2011/05/10/astros-sign-ex-ranger-ramirez-to-boost-catching-depth/

Duder · « **Reply #38 on:** May 10, 2011, 10:45:09 pm »

Manzella hit for the cycle tonight.

pots · « **Reply #39 on:** May 11, 2011, 07:41:56 am »

Quote from: astrosfan76 on May 10, 2011, 12:11:36 pm

Astros sign former stud catching prospect, Max Ramirez, to take Corporan's spot as emergency backup catcher. He'll be sent to OKC.

http://blog.chron.com/ultimateastros/2011/05/10/astros-sign-ex-ranger-ramirez-to-boost-catching-depth/

Big news in this article belongs in the Hooks thread:
" In other news from the minor leagues, J.D. Martinez should return to the Class AA Corpus Christi lineup from his hamstring injury at the end of the week, Nelson said. He was hitting .340 with a .560 slugging percentage when he went down last Thursday and had to be placed on the 7-day disabled list because of an already thin outfield."

Jacksonian · « **Reply #40 on:** May 11, 2011, 11:35:12 pm »

Hyphen stating his case.

OregonStrosFan · « **Reply #41 on:** May 20, 2011, 12:35:50 am »

Max Ramirez with his first OKC HR (2-5), Kepp went 0-5. BOX SCORE

OregonStrosFan · « **Reply #42 on:** May 20, 2011, 11:58:46 pm »

OKC beat SAC 3-1

SAC;s run came in B8 with 2 outs and a runner on 2B. SAC manages a double on the 2-strike pitch, scoring the baserunner from 2B. Lyles was pulled for a David Carpenter, who fishied the end of the 8th and all of the 8th for the save. BOX SCORE: 5/20/11

Pitching lines:

Jordan Lyles (W, 2-3): 7.2 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 5 SO, 0 HR, 3.57 ERA;and
David Carpenter: (S, 1): 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 SO, 0 HR, ERA,

Hitting lines:

Cancel, R (C): 3-4, RBI, .282 AVG;
Max Ramirez (C): 1-3, R, 2B, BB, SO, .262AVG; and
Keppinger (2B): 1-3, RBI, .250 AVG.

OregonStrosFan · « **Reply #43 on:** May 26, 2011, 01:14:56 am »

OKC won 5-1 tonight. BOX SCORE

Lyles went 6 for OKC tonight and got the win. He finished the 6th on 77 pitches (47 strikes), but didn't start the B7 (OKC announcer said he was fine though, no injury-type issue). Line: 6.0 IP, 4 H, BB, SO. 3.20 ERA.

OF Brandon Barnes went yard twice for OKC tonight and Catcher Robinson Cancel hit a HR as well. Barnes as hit 7 HRs in 106 Triple-A at bats and has 10 HRs on the season (hit 3 with Corpus in 58 ABs).

Drew Locke went 2-4, 2B, RBI, 2 SO on the evening as well.

astrosfan76 · « **Reply #44 on:** May 27, 2011, 08:28:05 am »

Chacin (cue cologne commercial) moving into the rotation for Nashville series, Arguello moving to the pen. per Darren Headrick(?)

OregonStrosFan · « **Reply #45 on:** May 29, 2011, 06:06:32 pm »

Quote from: astrosfan76 on May 27, 2011, 08:28:05 am

Chacin (cue cologne commercial) moving into the rotation for Nashville series, Arguello moving to the pen. per Darren Headrick(?)

Also per Headrick, Meszaros promoted from CC to OKC to take Lyles' roster spot, and went 1.0 IP, 0 R, 0 BB, SO in his OKC debut today.

VirtualBob · « **Reply #46 on:** June 02, 2011, 06:31:11 pm »

Lineups posted tonight and there are a couple of points of interest. Jason Boo-zhwah is starting his rehab assignment in CF and Koby Klemens gets a rare start at 3B.

VirtualBob · « **Reply #47 on:** June 02, 2011, 10:58:55 pm »

May in Review – Oklahoma City

AAA is always a bit fluid, especially when the big league club has struggled with both mediocrity and injuries as is the case with “your Houston Astros” this year.

Rotation

The rotation has actually been surprisingly stable given the above. Lyles put up a 2-1, 2.81 ERA month in 5 starts before getting the call up on May 31st. Sergio Perez was 3-1 with a 4.24 ERA despite a 1.62 WHIP in May and Ryan Hyphen managed a 2-3 record despite a 5.35 May ERA and a 1.57 WHIP. Are they playing in the Brick Yard or the Launching Pad?

The Pride of Nicaragua (Douglas Arguello) was 1-4 in May and while he led the team with 30K, he also led with 23BB in 30 1/3 IP and was banished to the bullpen before month’s end. Nelson Figueroa (2-1, 3.38 ERA) pitched creditably in 3 starts after his demotion and replaced Henry Villar (1-1, 8.44) in the rotation. Villar was sent to the bullpen and thence to the DL. It looks like Chacin and Van Hekken will join the rotation after the moves above, and each had 1 May start. Van Hekken has really earned a shot with a 0.98 May ERA in 10 relief appearances plus the start.

Bullpen

The bullpen has been even more fluid with Fernando Rodriguez, Sergio Escalona and Jose Valdez all earning (or at least receiving) promotions to Houston, Fernando aBad beinf banished from Houston, Ftrancis Beltran being signed as a free agent, and David Carpenter & Danny Meszaros being promoted from Corpus. aBad continues to beBad with a 5.14 ERA in Oklahoma. Neither Carpenter nor Meszaros allowed an ER in their stints, though. In the midst of the confusion, Wesley Wright and Ross Wolf continued to be the bullpen workhorses as each had more than 15IP in the month. Both were reasonably effective, but both struggled with control.

Lineup

The lineup was also somewhat fluid. Injuries at catcher were significant as Carlos Corporan went on the DL and Robinson Cancel was promoted to take Q’s spot in Houston. Free agent signee Max Ramirez has been forced into a starting role with offensive juggernaut Brian Esposito (.375 in 8 AAA AB’s) as backup. Who knows … with KKKoby Klemens assigned at random, he may even end up behind the dish.

Speaking of Clemens, he is still the semi-regular 1B, but has seen time at 3B and LF in May. It is not clear whether this is punishment for his .220/.318/.275 May line (along with 25K in 91AB) or whether it is an attempt to provide more excitement when the Hawks are in the field, but either way, KKKoby is looking less like a prospect and more like a minor league journeyman.

Tommy Manzella, on the other hand, is making the most of his enforced banishment. He is playing well in the field and putting up decent numbers at the plate (.269/.358/.406 through the end of May). His team-leading 23BB are especially encouraging. The rest of the infield consists of low-budget insurance policies in the personages of Anderson Hernandez, Jose Vallejo and Oswado Navarro, none of whom are particularly interesting. Brian Dopirak (.321/.361/.603 with 5 HR in May) is showing some signs of life, mostly as a DH, but I find it hard to get excited about him, either.

In the outfield there is the underperforming JB Shuck (.224/.322/.263 in May), Brandon Barnes (.242/.322/.578 since being promoted in mid-April) and journeyman Drew Locke (.205/.271/.375 in May). Colin DeLome was beginning to heat up (.296/.383/.493) before he went on the DL in early May, and Brian Bogusevic seems to have “earned” his brief promotion primarily on the basis of ST. His May line (.150/.190/.300) is not too compelling.

All in all, this team is making it much easier to adjust to having the stRangers in Round Rock.

OregonStrosFan · « **Reply #48 on:** June 03, 2011, 12:03:42 pm »

Misc note: After going a career long 106(?) ABs between HRs, Koby has gone yard in back-to-back games.

OregonStrosFan · « **Reply #49 on:** June 08, 2011, 06:16:08 pm »

Per McTaggart (via Twitter):

IF Wladimir Sutil has been promoted to Oklahoma City from Double-A Corpus Christi.

VirtualBob · « **Reply #50 on:** June 09, 2011, 07:25:45 am »

Quote from: OregonStrosFan on June 08, 2011, 06:16:08 pm

Per McTaggart (via Twitter):

IF Wladimir Sutil has been promoted to Oklahoma City from Double-A Corpus Christi.

And Jose Vallejo has apparently been demoted to CC to make room.

Duder · « **Reply #51 on:** June 16, 2011, 04:34:14 pm »

McTaggart Twitter :

Astros promote P Patrick Urckfitz to OKC, release OKC C Max Ramirez and IF Brian Dopirak. Esposito and Delome activated.

OregonStrosFan · « **Reply #52 on:** June 28, 2011, 12:16:25 am »

Levine (via Twitter):

David Carpenter threw his 19th straight scoreless outing for Class AAA @okcredhawks and is the subject of Tuesday's minor league notebook.

VirtualBob · « **Reply #53 on:** July 05, 2011, 03:10:41 pm »

25 Man Roster?

With Mickey Storey's recent two appearances, the Red Hawks have now had 25 different pitchers* appear out of the bullpen. Two more pitchers, Lyles & Nieve, appeared only as starters.

* This does include two catchers, Esposito & Frostad, pressed into emergency relief duty.

mrpink · « **Reply #54 on:** July 18, 2011, 09:36:10 am »

Has anyone seen Lucas Harrell pitch? I didn't even realize we had picked him up until I saw he threw 5 shutout innings for OKC last night. Looks like he was having some success for the White Sox AAA club before that.

astrosfan76 · « **Reply #55 on:** July 20, 2011, 07:04:10 pm »

Cedeno called up to OKC, per Darren Headrick (retweeted by McTaggart). Not that he's a bad choice, but curious why he gets the nod over Keuchel?

Jacksonian · « **Reply #56 on:** July 20, 2011, 08:31:48 pm »

Quote from: astrosfan76 on July 20, 2011, 07:04:10 pm

but curious why he gets the nod over Keuchel?

And pitching like he's pissed. 5IP, 2H, 0ER, 0BB, 5K so far.

austro · « **Reply #57 on:** July 20, 2011, 08:46:26 pm »

Quote from: Jacksonian on July 20, 2011, 08:31:48 pm

And pitching like he's pissed. 5IP, 2H, 0ER, 0BB, 5K so far.

That's Keuchel's line? Or Cedeno's?

Jacksonian · « **Reply #58 on:** July 20, 2011, 08:54:30 pm »

Quote from: austro on July 20, 2011, 08:46:26 pm

That's Keuchel's line? Or Cedeno's?

Of the two who would be pissed?

6IP, 4H, 1ER, 0BB, 6K.

austro · « **Reply #59 on:** July 20, 2011, 09:03:42 pm »

Quote from: Jacksonian on July 20, 2011, 08:54:30 pm

Of the two who would be pissed?

6IP, 4H, 1ER, 0BB, 6K.

Keuchel, of course. But this is the OKC section.

Jacksonian · « **Reply #60 on:** July 20, 2011, 09:09:39 pm »

Quote from: austro on July 20, 2011, 09:03:42 pm

Keuchel, of course. But this is the OKC section.

I know where we are, but a reply to the post wouldn't have fit in the CC section. Besides what's in OKC worth posting about anyway?

hostros7 · « **Reply #61 on:** July 20, 2011, 09:11:25 pm »

Maybe no point in promoting keuchel yet? if myers/wandy get traded, perhaps he'll be brought to Houston? Just a guess.

austro · « **Reply #62 on:** July 20, 2011, 09:17:28 pm »

Quote from: Jacksonian on July 20, 2011, 09:09:39 pm

Besides what's in OKC worth posting about anyway?

Good point.

astrosfan76 · « **Reply #63 on:** July 20, 2011, 09:26:17 pm »

Quote from: hostros7 on July 20, 2011, 09:11:25 pm

Maybe no point in promoting keuchel yet? if myers/wandy get traded, perhaps he'll be brought to Houston? Just a guess.

It's possible, depending on the return.

Jacksonian · « **Reply #64 on:** July 20, 2011, 09:47:45 pm »

Cedeno is two years older than Keuchel. Plus Cedeno is a FA after this season. Keuchel will continue to be under club control. The Astros have to know what Cedeno is worth now.

OregonStrosFan · « **Reply #65 on:** July 20, 2011, 09:58:04 pm »

Quote from: Jacksonian on July 20, 2011, 09:47:45 pm

Cedeno is two years older than Keuchel. Plus Cedeno is a FA after this season. Keuchel will continue to be under club control. The Astros have to know what Cedeno is worth now.

Makes complete sense, thanks!

Uncle Charlie · « **Reply #66 on:** July 21, 2011, 09:01:27 am »

Quote from: Jacksonian on July 20, 2011, 09:47:45 pm

Cedeno is two years older than Keuchel. Plus Cedeno is a FA after this season. Keuchel will continue to be under club control. The Astros have to know what Cedeno is worth now.

If they add him to the 40-man prior to the end of the season, he isn't a FA is he?

VirtualBob · « **Reply #67 on:** July 24, 2011, 01:35:10 am »

Quote from: Uncle Charlie on July 21, 2011, 09:01:27 am

If they add him to the 40-man prior to the end of the season, he isn't a FA is he?

Exactly ... thus the need to figure out whether to do that.

Jacksonian · « **Reply #68 on:** July 25, 2011, 10:04:43 pm »

I missed it, but Cedeno was sent back down to Corpus on Saturday. He pitched in relief there tonight.

chuck · « **Reply #69 on:** July 25, 2011, 10:12:40 pm »

This last stretch of day games with the Cubs gave me several opportunities to watch OKC. It's a comfortably familiar experience to anyone accustomed to watching the Astros.

Jacksonian · « **Reply #70 on:** July 25, 2011, 10:14:24 pm »

Quote from: chuck on July 25, 2011, 10:12:40 pm

This last stretch of day games with the Cubs gave me several opportunities to watch OKC. It's a comfortably familiar experience to anyone accustomed to watching the Astros.

To be fair, OKC is the last full bastion of the Purp era suck.

MusicMan · « **Reply #71 on:** July 25, 2011, 10:15:40 pm »

Quote from: Jacksonian on July 25, 2011, 10:14:24 pm

To be fair, OKC is the last full bastion of the Purp era suck.

Are we really going to differentiate these eras of suck?

chuck · « **Reply #72 on:** July 25, 2011, 10:17:02 pm »

Quote from: MusicMan on July 25, 2011, 10:15:40 pm

Are we really going to differentiate these eras of suck?

Yes. It helps keep us focused on who to be outraged by.

Jacksonian · « **Reply #73 on:** July 25, 2011, 10:17:39 pm »

Quote from: MusicMan on July 25, 2011, 10:15:40 pm

Are we really going to differentiate these eras of suck?

Wade has brought in some talent with Martinez, a debatable everyday left fielder, and Keuchel, a back of the rotation starter. There isn't anyone at OKC that can match those 2.

Col. Sphinx Drummond · « **Reply #74 on:** July 27, 2011, 06:11:00 am »

Quote from: Jacksonian on July 20, 2011, 09:09:39 pm

Besides what's in OKC worth posting about anyway?

The National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum is a good visit. They have a really nice Zoo. Thoroughbred racing in the fall.

juliogotay · « **Reply #75 on:** July 27, 2011, 07:26:41 am »

Quote from: Sphinx Drummond on July 27, 2011, 06:11:00 am

The National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum is a good visit. They have a really nice Zoo. Thoroughbred racing in the fall.

The team plays in a nice ballpark.

mrpink · « **Reply #76 on:** July 28, 2011, 03:07:14 am »

Harrell just notched his 3rd straight excellent start since joining OKC. 6IP, 4H, 3BB, 8Ks.

He's got a 1.00 ERA 18 innings into his Astros career.

Navin R Johnson · « **Reply #77 on:** August 03, 2011, 11:46:35 am »

Dallas Keuchel has been moved from Corpus to OKC.

Navin R Johnson · « **Reply #78 on:** August 04, 2011, 09:13:09 pm »

Wallace goes 4-4 in his debut. Single in his 1st at bat tonight and Chris Johnson knocks him in with a homer, his first hit in OKC.

austro · « **Reply #79 on:** August 04, 2011, 09:36:11 pm »

Quote from: Navin R Johnson on August 04, 2011, 09:13:09 pm

Wallace goes 4-4 in his debut. Single in his 1st at bat tonight and Chris Johnson knocks him in with a homer, his first hit in OKC.

Why are those guys in the minors? Get them up with the big club where they can do some good!

Navin R Johnson · « **Reply #80 on:** August 04, 2011, 10:43:01 pm »

Keuchel *struggling* a bit tonight, 3.1IP 11ER 0Ks

chuck · « **Reply #81 on:** August 05, 2011, 01:46:56 am »

Quote from: Navin R Johnson on August 04, 2011, 10:43:01 pm

Keuchel *struggling* a bit tonight, 3.1IP 11ER 0Ks

The 51s won a pitcher's duel tonight in Las Vegas. Not Keuchie's best work, nor Cedeño's:

http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=t238&t=g_box&gid=2011_08_04_orhaaa_lvgaaa_1

On the bright side, Abad pitched a whole inning and managed not to allow a single run.

This is one of the more fucked up box scores you will see. The RedHawks out homered the 51s 4-1 yet lost 17-10.

Navin R Johnson · « **Reply #82 on:** August 05, 2011, 07:39:59 am »

I listened to the 1st inning online and it sounded like Keuchel was getting blooped to death. Gets the first batter to ground out, then blooper to CF. Next a hard hit ball goes off the heel of Johnsons glove into LF (ruled a hit, it was off the bat of the guy leading the PCL in hitting...), then a walk, then a bloop over the 1st baseman on a chk swing that results in a double, Sac Fly, another texas leaguer to CF. Gets a pick off to end the inning.

pots · « **Reply #83 on:** August 05, 2011, 07:50:58 am »

Quote from: Navin R Johnson on August 05, 2011, 07:39:59 am

I listened to the 1st inning online and it sounded like Keuchel was getting blooped to death. Gets the first batter to ground out, then blooper to CF. Next a hard hit ball goes off the heel of Johnsons glove into LF (ruled a hit, it was off the bat of the guy leading the PCL in hitting...), then a walk, then a bloop over the 1st baseman on a chk swing that results in a double, Sac Fly, another texas leaguer to CF. Gets a pick off to end the inning.

Aye, but given Keuchel is a groundball pitcher, something wasn't working last night

Reuben · « **Reply #84 on:** August 05, 2011, 09:16:56 am »

Wow, Jason Lane doing pretty well for them. I see they also have the guy who starred in all the Fellini films, plus Adam Loewen, who seems to be handling the conversion to power hitter better than Bogusevic did.

astrosfan76 · « **Reply #85 on:** August 06, 2011, 07:50:19 am »

Sosa with a strong RedHawks debut: 7IP, 5H, 0R, 3BB, 3K. That lowered his PCL ERA to 8.01 (remnants of his his time there with the Giants).

Jacksonian · « **Reply #86 on:** August 10, 2011, 12:24:35 pm »

Quote from: Navin R Johnson on August 04, 2011, 10:43:01 pm

Keuchel *struggling* a bit tonight, 3.1IP 11ER 0Ks

Two starts now. Two ass kickings. Not sure it really matters but both starts were out west.

OregonStrosFan · « **Reply #87 on:** August 10, 2011, 02:06:04 pm »

Quote from: Jacksonian on August 10, 2011, 12:24:35 pm

Two starts now. Two ass kickings. Not sure it really matters but both starts were out west.

Didn't he get rocked a bit in his first couple of Corpus Starts as well last year?

S.P. Rodriguez · « **Reply #88 on:** August 10, 2011, 03:21:06 pm »

MLBTradeRumors indicating Manzella was dfa'd....

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/

BUWebguy · « **Reply #89 on:** August 10, 2011, 03:56:03 pm »

DFA'ing Manzella seems an odd move here and now... Is he really holding someone back? Are they ready to push Villar to AAA?

MusicMan · « **Reply #90 on:** August 10, 2011, 04:07:59 pm »

Presumably a 40-man roster issue? Was Sosa not on the 40-man?

GreatBagwellsBeard · « **Reply #91 on:** August 10, 2011, 04:14:09 pm »

Quote from: MusicMan on August 10, 2011, 04:07:59 pm

Presumably a 40-man roster issue? Was Sosa not on the 40-man?

That was McTaggart's explanation.

Ron Brand · « **Reply #92 on:** August 10, 2011, 04:37:54 pm »

Quote from: GreatBagwellsBeard on August 10, 2011, 04:14:09 pm

That was McTaggart's explanation.

So, DFA'd and then resigned?

Jacksonian · « **Reply #93 on:** August 15, 2011, 12:26:14 pm »

Hypen doing a good job since his return. 1 start and 2 relief appearances. 8IP, 4H, 1ER, 3BB, 5K.

mrpink · « **Reply #94 on:** August 18, 2011, 09:02:20 am »

Lucas Harrell with a no-hitter through 5.1 last night. Threw 7 scoreless overall and allowed 2 hits. Nifty 2.17 ERA in 37.1 innings since coming to OKC.

VirtualBob · « **Reply #95 on:** August 19, 2011, 12:25:04 am »

Quote from: Ron Brand on August 10, 2011, 04:37:54 pm

So, DFA'd and then resigned?

That is what I thought too, but he stole a base last night for the opposition. Looks like that was game #5 with Reno beginning August 12. Sorry to see him go, actually ... I really thought he could be a good fielder with adequate plate discipline ... especially after his mid-season surge this year. I wish him well.

Reuben · « **Reply #96 on:** August 19, 2011, 10:22:06 am »

Quote from: VirtualBob on August 19, 2011, 12:25:04 am

That is what I thought too, but he stole a base last night for the opposition. Looks like that was game #5 with Reno beginning August 12. Sorry to see him go, actually ... I really thought he could be a good fielder with adequate plate discipline ... especially after his mid-season surge this year. I wish him well.

Yeah, AZ grabbed him off waivers. Which means he could play some SS for a pennant-race team (sans Stephen Drew) this September...

Is Sutil still in the Astros org? He wasn't much with the glove anyway, right?

Duman · « **Reply #97 on:** August 19, 2011, 05:28:05 pm »

sutil has good glove. More of a AA1/2 bat.

OregonStrosFan · « **Reply #98 on:** August 26, 2011, 09:38:30 am »

Home Keuchel had another legit outing last night for OKC (lowering his Triple-A ERA to 9.26 in the process): LINK

In his 2 home starts (home as in affiliate home, and as in Keuchel's home state home) he has: 2 GS, 13.0 IP, 11 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 7 SO, 1 HR, 1.38 ERA, .244 AVG

Away Keuchel (3 of his first 4 Triple-A starts) has: 3 GS, 10.1 IP, 27 H, 22 R, 22 ER, 7 BB, 3 SO, 2 HR, 19.16 ERA, .529AVG

roadrunner · « **Reply #99 on:** August 26, 2011, 09:42:53 am »

Lyles got lit up last night

Ron Brand · « **Reply #100 on:** August 26, 2011, 10:29:26 am »

Quote from: roadrunner on August 26, 2011, 09:42:53 am

Lyles got lit up last night

Whew. Sent him down just in time.

Reuben · « **Reply #101 on:** August 31, 2011, 11:13:04 am »

Paul Clemens promoted to OKC, according to Rajan on twitter. I guess they need arms with Harrell and the other looming call-ups.

Jacksonian · « **Reply #102 on:** September 05, 2011, 02:11:11 pm »

Talk about righting the ship. Keuchel went 7 today giving up 7 hits, 1 BB, 1 ER, and 4K's over just 86 pitches for his first AAA W.

VirtualBob · « **Reply #103 on:** September 09, 2011, 01:50:27 pm »

Season in Review – Oklahoma City Redhawks

Record: 68-75 (.476)
Hitting: .260/.341/.381 88HR 1016K 540BB 143SB 62CS 124GIDP
Pitching: 4.63ERA 1.52WHIP 135HR 984K 506BB

Offensive Leaders
Anderson Hernandez – G/PA/AB/R/H/SB/TB/Sac(tie)/AVG
Koby Clemens – HR(16)/K
Drew Locke – 2B/RBI/SLG
J.B. Shuck – BB/OBP
J.R. Towles – HBP
Oswaldo Navarro – SF
Robinson Cancel – OPS
Tommy Manzella – GIDP

Pitching Leaders
Andy Van Hekken – W-L/ERA(3.40)/IP/K/BF/WHIP
Sergio Perez – GS/BB/HB/WP
David Carpenter/Jose Valdez – SV(tie)
Ross Wolf – G/GF

As the season progresses
April: 8-14 (.364)
May: 15-15 (.500)
June: 11-18 (.379)
July: 11-17 (.393)
August: 23-11 (.676)

AAA rosters are always in a state of flux, but this year’s Redhawks took it to an extreme with 31 position players and 36 pitchers. And that does not count 2 catchers who went over to the dark side to see what the other end of the battery looks like. There are typically a few real prospects honing their skills as they await their chance in the majors, but most of the roster is made up of veterans who provide emergency insurance for the big league club and so-called “AAAA” players who fill roster holes in an attempt to field a winning team. In 2011, this attempt fell short of the mark until August when, bolstered by Chris Johnson & Brett Wallace, the ‘hawks surged to a by-then-too-late 23-11 mark. Stats matter at this level but do not always translate into success at the next level; it is easy to be fooled by a AAAA player having a career year. This is especially true in the bullpen where one or two bad outings can cause a major distortion.

Outfield
April LF: Shuck(Locke); CF: Bogusevic/DeLome/(Shuck); RF: Bogusevic/Locke/(DeLome)
May LF: Shuck/(Clemens/Inglett); CF: Barnes; RF: Locke(Bogusevic/Shuck)
June LF: Shuck(Locke); CF: Barnes(DeLome); RF: Bogusevic(Locke)
July LF: Shuck/(Durango/DeLome); CF: Durango(Barnes/Bogusevic); RF: Locke/DeLome
August LF: Goebbert/(Durango/DeLome); CF: Durango/DeLome; RF: Locke(Goebbert)
Brian Bogusevic (.261/.362/.399 and 20/3 SB/CS) was back and forth between OK and Houston, where he has actually posted better numbers. He looks like he is establishing himself in RF or at least as OF4 for next year.
J.B. Shuck (.297/.398/.367 and 20/11 SB/CS) has also spent some time in Houston, but his lack of power makes him a long-shot to stick next year.
Drew Locke put up a .264/.335/.432 line, but at age 28 has probably reached his ceiling.
Colin DeLome was injured early in the season and ended up at .256/.317/.420 in <300 PA. While his power was down a little, this was an improvement over last year’s .224/.270/.452. He plays all three OF positions well. At 25, if he can stay healthy and put together a solid season in 2012, he may compete for a OF4/5 someplace.
Brandon Barnes was promoted when DeLome went on the DL, but hit a disappointing .197/.294/.402 (albeit with 8 HR) in 263 PA. At 25, he is probably out of time.
Luis Durango was claimed off waivers from San Diego in June and put up a .273/.362/.299 line with 18/9 SB/CS and only 3 XBH in 180 PA. He has zero XBH in 74 big league PA and only 1 HR in over 1800 full-season MiLB PA (in 2008 in the Midwest League). I see him as a spare part only.
Jacob Goebbert was promoted in August (replacing Barnes who was sent back to CC) and hit .283/.345/.415. This was his second promotion of the year, and he has solidified his “prospect” status. He should be interesting to watch next year.

Infield
April 1B: Clemens; 2B: Hernandez/Vallejo 3B: Navarro(Hernandez); SS: Manzella
May 1B: Clemens(Dopirak); 2B: Vallejo(Hernandez/Inglett); 3B: Hernandez(Navarro); SS: Manzella(Hernandez)
June 1B: Clemens(Dopirak/Bogusevic); 2B: Hernandez/(Manzella/Sutil/Vallejo); 3B: Navarro/(Hernandez/Clemens); SS: Manzella(Sutil/Hernandez)
July 1B: Clemens(Cancel); 2B: Hernandez/(Sutil); 3B: Navarro(Clemens); SS: Manzella(Sutil)
August 1B: Wallace(Clemens); 2B: Vallejo/Navarro(Hernandez) 3B: Johnson(Navarro); SS: Hernandez(Manzella)
Koby Clemens was the regular at 1B for most of the season, and also played 21 games at 3B and 7 in LF. At 24, he led the team in HR, and his .234/.331/.424 line was consistent with last year’s AA line of .241/.350/.476. If he can continue to improve, he may get a shot with Houston by 2013 … especially if they end up needing a DH.
Anderson Hernandez (.300/.366/.400) played regularly but his regular position varied according to the surrounding cast. He led the team in most offensive categories (as well as errors) by simply playing in 136 of 143 games. At 28, though, he is definitely a AAAA insurance policy, not a prospect.
Osvaldo Navarro (.267/.348/.333) spent time at 2B and 3B according to need but did not improve on last year’s .271/.361/.424 in about the same number of PA. He is only 25, but probably more “suspect” than “prospect”.
Jose Vallejo was injured and played at several levels, posting a .273/.344/.309 line in 62 PA as the semi-regular 2B in August – an improvement that gave him a full year line of .233/.311/.295. At 24, he will probably be back.
As noted above, Brett Wallace (.356/.437/.481) and Chris Johnson (.272/.372/.506) both spent August in the Oklahoma Penalty Box, helping the team to post its only month with a winning record. In other news, Brian Dopirak (.252/.287/.420) was cut after being a regular at 1B/DH in April & May; Wlad Sutil posted a .222/.296/.254 line in June and July before being sent back to CC; and both Andrew Simunic (April) and Brandon Wikoff (August) made cameo appearances without much success. The 23-year-old Wikoff may be back.

Catcher
April Corporan(Cancel)
May Cancel(Ramirez)
June Cancel/(Ramirez/Esposito)
July Towles/(Cancel/Esposito)
August Cancel/Towles
Who are these guys? They put up decent offensive numbers as a group (.279/.362/.391 led by Robinson Cancel at . 299/.374/.396) and threw out 39% of would-be base-stealers. I just do not see any of them as more than place-holders, except maybe J.R. Towles (.276/.430/.400 in 136 PA) who continues to get way more chances than he really earned with his long-ago magical September.

Rotation
April Lyles/Perez/Villar/(Arguello/Nieve/Rowland-Smith)
May Lyles/Perez/Rowland-Smith/Arguello/(Villar/Figueroa)
June Perez/Rowland-Smith/Figueroa/Chacin/Van Hekken
July Perez/Figueroa/Van Hekken/Hennessey/(Chacin/Harrell)
August Van Hekken/Harrell/Keuchel/Rowland-Smith/(Happ/Cedeno)
Jordan Lyles was the story here … 1-2/3.67 in April improving to 2-1/2.81 in May before getting the call to Houston. He was moved to the bullpen (and for a week or so back to AAA) in August to limit his workload. He looks like at least a middle-of-the-rotation starter for quite a while.
The “other story” was Andy Van Hekken (9-6/3.40 with 111 K in 129+ IP; 19 starts and 16 relief appearances). He was moved into the rotation at the end of May (replacing Arguello) and pitched well enough to improve his chances of returning to the majors where he started 5 games for Detroit while most of his teammates had yet to turn pro.
For the second year in a row and three of the last four, Sergio Perez (5-9/4.25) missed time due to injury. More was expected of the 2006 second-rounder who has never seen short-season play. His control problems are not improving (~4BB/9 over his career) and his WHIP has grown with every jump in level (1.61 this year). I would not be shocked to see him leave via minor league free agency.
Ryan Rowland-Smith hoped to be playing in Houston this year. Instead, he spent a disappointing year in AAA (2-10/6.19) including a stint on the DL.
Henry Villar made the jump to AAA, but after a mediocre start (2-1/6.81; 15 K & 25 BB in 38+ innings) he went to the bullpen, the DL and eventually to AA.
Doug Arguello was injured early, but pitched well … going 1-1/3.72 in 2 April starts and 1-4/4.75 in May after coming off the DL. He was banished to the bullpen where he pitched very well (1-1/0.44 with 15K in 20+ IP in June & July). He still struggled with control, though and was eventually released in August after an especially brutal outing, finishing at 5-7/3.67. He may find a home somewhere, but I doubt the Astros will regret his release.
Nelson Figueroa pitched poorly and was released.
Gustavo Chacin pitched poorly and was released.
Fernando Nieve pitched poorly and was released to go to Korea.
Brad Hennessey pitched poorly and was released.
Dallas Keuchel pitched poorly after being promoted, but ended on a high note, giving up 1 run on 7 hits in 7 innings for his last start of the year. He finished at 1-1/7.50 in AAA and should anchor the rotation next year.
J.A. Happ pitched poorly in Houston, but posted a 1-0 record and a 1.50 ERA in three starts at AAA before being recalled.
Lucas Harrell, picked up from the White Sox off waivers, pitched well (5-2/1.72) and was called up to the Astros in September.
Henry Sosa, picked up in the Keppinger deal, pitched 7 innings of shutout ball in his one-start stopover between Corpus and Houston (apparently directed by an Aggie mapmaker).
Xavier Cedeno had three starts after being promoted and also spent some time in the bullpen, ending up 2-3 with a 6.23 ERA and 27 K in 26 IP. He should be in the OKC rotation in 2012 (if he is not forced into service in Houston).
Paul Clemens, picked up in the Bourn deal, got hit hard in one AAA start at the end of the season.

Bullpen – by IP
April F.Rodriguez/R.Wolf/Chacin/Fien/Escalona/Van Hekken/Wright
May Van Hekken/Wright/R.Wolf/Chacin/Carpenter/F.Rodriguez/Abad/Escalona
June Meszaros/Wright/R.Wolf/Carpenter/Valdez/Arguello/Abad/Urckfitz
July Wright/Gervacio/Storey/R.Wolf/Arguello/Fien/Fulchino/Abad
August Cedeno/Storey/Abad/Gervacio/Wright/J.Abreu/Valdez/Fulchino
The bullpen was even more in flux than the rotation … partly because of injury, partly because there was moving back and forth between roles and partly because of the revolving door in Houston as the Astros struggled to find someone who could theoretically hold a lead if they ever got one.
Guys who ended up in Houston (along with their AAA stats) included Wesley Wright (65+ IP; 3-1/2.07; 2 saves in 3 starts and 36 relief appearances), Fernando Rodriguez (24 IP; 2-3/1.50; 2 saves), David Carpenter (19 IP; 9 saves; zero ER), Sergio Escalona (17 IP; 1-0/3.18; 3 saves) and Juan Abreu (9+ IP; 1-0/1.86; 3 saves). Honorable mention goes to Jeff Fulchino (16 IP; 1-0/0.56; 3 saves) who was plucked off waivers by San Diego.
Guys who ended up in AA included Danny Meszaros (25+ IP; 1-1/4.56) as well as Pat Urckfitz and Erick Abreu, who both had double-digit ERA’s in 4 relief appearances. And in an echo of the comments above, both Casey Fien and Francis Beltran pitched poorly and were released.
Ross Wolf (4-3/4.76; 3 saves) was the bullpen workhorse with 56 appearances and 73+ IP. At 28, he is definitely “filler”. Sammy Gervacio (33+ IP; 4-0/4.01), Fernando Abad (30 IP; 2-3/4.80) and Jose Valdez (20+ IP; 1-0/5.66) all had their chances with Houston, but ended up in Oklahoma. Mickey Storey (29+ IP; 1-0/3.99; 2 saves after being signed in early July) also figured in the mix, while Jonnathan Aristil and Arcenio Leon each made one late-season appearance after being promoted from Corpus Christi. All of these guys figure to compete for playing time next year, but none seems destined for greatness.

In sum: This was a depressing year to be an Astros fan, and the instability at AAA was one of the most obvious symptoms of the disease. There is little in terms of prospective help for the 2012 Astros to be found, and apart from the late-season call-ups, not much beyond 2012. And any help next year will probably have to come from outside the organization, as the real prospects have mostly been rushed all the way to Houston. An appropriate motto for next year might be, “Wait for next year” … let’s hope it does not become a habit.

VirtualBob · « **Reply #104 on:** September 10, 2011, 03:05:11 am »

Quote from: VirtualBob on September 09, 2011, 01:50:27 pm

Season in Review – Oklahoma City Redhawks

//snip//

Doug Arguello was injured early, but pitched well … going 1-1/3.72 in 2 April starts and 1-4/4.75 in May after coming off the DL. He was banished to the bullpen where he pitched very well (1-1/0.44 with 15K in 20+ IP in June & July). He still struggled with control, though and was eventually released in August after an especially brutal outing, finishing at 5-7/3.67. He may find a home somewhere, but I doubt the Astros will regret his release.

I read today that Arguello signed with the Rangers and has been placed on the Round Rock roster.