Greeneville Astros 2014

[Duman]

Draft is over, short season teams will be starting soon. Discuss the G-Stros here

[Duman]

The G-Stros had a meet and greet last night.  Here is the roster they passed out last night. Only a couple of returners from last year. 

Pitchers
Agapito Barrios
Zach Davis (LHP)
Dean Deetz
Brock Dykxhoorn
Devonte German
Reymin Guduan (LHP)
Angel Heradia
Joshua James
Gerado Juarez
Jose Montero
Austin Nicely (LHP)
Jorge Perez
Eric Peterson
Juan Santos
Keegan Yuhl

Catcher:
Brett Clemens
Jacob Nottingham
Trent Woodward

Infielders:
Conner Goedert
Yonathan Mejia
Bryan Muniz
Antonio Nunez
Dayne Parker
Luis Reynoso
Juan Santana

Outfielders:
Ydarqui Marte
Jason Martin
Sean McMullen
Ramon Laureano

Coaches:
Josh Bonifay (Manager)
Josh Miller (Pitching)
Cesar Cedeno (Hitting)
Wlad Sutil (coach)

[Reuben]

Funny, Mejia and Marte (the YM's) were on the initial Tri-City roster. Certainly you've got some intriguing arms to watch, like Guduan and Nicely. I wonder if Aiken and Nix will start in the GCL?

[Duman]

Funny, Mejia and Marte (the YM's) were on the initial Tri-City roster. Certainly you've got some intriguing arms to watch, like Guduan and Nicely. I wonder if Aiken and Nix will start in the GCL?

That has been the pattern.  High round HS kids get their feet wet in GCL then come to Gville in mid July or so. 

[moriartp]

Wlad Sutil, that's a name I haven't seen in a while. Is he new to the coaching staff?

[VirtualBob]

Wlad Sutil, that's a name I haven't seen in a while. Is he new to the coaching staff?

That is cool.

[Duman]

Wlad Sutil, that's a name I haven't seen in a while. Is he new to the coaching staff?

Yes, he was a surprise. Looks like he is here to learn the ropes from Cesar & Josh.  There were a bunch of roving guys in town for the meet & greet too.  They didn't mingle but they were on the field for practice. Paul Runge , Doug White and a few other guys were helping out with practice.

[Duman]

Greeneville Rotation for first five games:

Nicely - 10th rounder 2013 - 19 years old
German - 11th rounder from 13 - 19 years old
Juarez - 21 year old signed from Nicaragua in 2012
Montero - 21 years old - signed in 2010 for $350K - 38 K in 38 2/3 IP last year between GCL & Gville
Barrios -  20 years old, - signed in 2010 out of Panama -

[Reuben]

Nicely and German were both well over slot as I recall.

[Nate Colbert]

The roster is up at milb.com.

The only difference between it and what was handed out it earlier is no Brock Dykxhoorn. We'll see if he shows up on the GCL roster (or if perhaps the earlier mentioned visa issues have delayed things for the Canadian).

[Duman]

Nicely and German were both well over slot as I recall.

Yes Nicely signed for 610K and German for $300K. 

I saw Nicely last night.  Fastball was 91-93.  Most of the hits came on off speed pitches.  Defense didn't help him and got him in some long innings.  Several of the hits were 6 bounces up the middle.  Threw 71 pitches in 3 2/3.  Deserved a better fate. 

Defense had the chance to turn three double plays and completed none of them.  E-Twins had some speed but there were some issues.  Sutil has his work cut out. 

Nottingham is very raw behind the plate.  5 wild pitches from 4 different pitchers - tells me he needs to work on his blocking.  Should have had some of those. 

Santos had one of the more spectacular pitching melt downs I have seen in the 8th. 
Ground out
HBP
HBP
Line out
Wild pitch moves runners up.
BB
HBP

Keegan Yuhl came in to relieve him and took a line drive off his triceps that went past the 3rd baseman for a double.  He is lucky it hit muscle and not bone.  He wanted to stay in the game but wiser heads prevailed. 

Eric Peterson looked solid striking out 3 in 1 1/3.

Overall it was an ugly night:  Give up 13 hits, make 3 errors, hit 4 batters, walk 6 batters.  Then on offense you strike out 12 times and go 1 for 11 with runners in scoring position..... you will lose that game. 

Will be back at the park tonight and hope to see a cleaner game.

German is on the mound tonight.

[astrosfan76]

The roster is up at milb.com.

The only difference between it and what was handed out it earlier is no Brock Dykxhoorn. We'll see if he shows up on the GCL roster (or if perhaps the earlier mentioned visa issues have delayed things for the Canadian).

He is definitely with the team. Maybe the visa issues are preventing him from playing, but saw this tweet (w/ pic) earlier.

@GSunDarrenReese: Astros' sixth-round draft pick Brock Dykxhoorn signs autographs during a @GvilleAstros rain delay http://t.co/Jb9UdCG3k3

[jbm]

Visa issues?  Wasn't the guy just acquired in the draft?

[Nate Colbert]

He is definitely with the team. Maybe the visa issues are preventing him from playing, but saw this tweet (w/ pic) earlier.

Dykshoorn himself tweeted this out a few hours ago:

Dykxy8 @Dykxy8  ·  3h
Just signed my first pro contract. Officially a part of the Houston Astros

[Nate Colbert]

Visa issues?  Wasn't the guy just acquired in the draft?

Canadians are subject to the MLB draft (unlike other int'l players) but still need work visas:

Because he’s a native of Ontario, Canada, he said he would need to acquire a work visa before he could report to a Minor League club.

[jbm]

Thanks. Didn't realize they drafted one of "those guys."

[Duman]

Greeneville had a bit of drama last night:

Top of the 10th:

In the top of the 10th inning, the Rays had the bases loaded with one out. Then Astros' left-handed sidearmer Zach Davis, a 25th round selection in the 2014 First-Year Player Draft, stepped up and struck out the next two Princeton batters to keep the score even.....

In the bottom half of the 10th:

With two outs and Nunez in as a pinch-runner following a Connor Goedert double, Ramon Laureano headed to first when the ball hit the dirt on strike three. When Princeton's catcher Taylor Hawkins attempted to throw him out, Laureano reached safely as the ball skipped passed the first baseman. That allowed Nunez just enough time to head home and beat the throw back in for the winning score.

A walk off strikeout.  Gotta love rookie ball.

[VirtualBob]

Greeneville had a bit of drama last night:
In the bottom half of the 10th:
     ...
A walk off strikeout.  Gotta love rookie ball.

Actually, a walk-off strikeout is not that uncommon ... a walk-off winning strikeout, though, is a but more rare.

[Duman]

I know it is early but I am not sure Nottingham is going to be able to stay at catcher.  The G-Stros pitching staff has 12 wild pitches this year through 4 games.  Four of them have been with runners on third.  While WP are attributed to the pitcher, the catcher has a great deal to do with them with his blocking skills.  Nottingham does not do well at getting down on balls in the dirt.  He may be destined to move to 1st if this doesn't improve. 

Meanwhile, he crushes the ball when he makes contact.

[Duman]

Santos looked good tonight. 91-93 with the fastball. Saw it hit 94 once. Curve 85 change 80. Gave up just two hits, one was a bunt single. 5 Ks

Jason Martin has a good night with three hits to lead the 14 hit attack.

[La Verdad]

Juan Santana went 4-6 with a double, a solo homer (1), 2 stolen bases, and scored 5 runs last night.

[Duman]

Caught two games this weekend.  Both were 4-2 losses. Here are my observations:

Saturday nights game - it was a game of mostly back ups giving the regulars a night off
1.  Ramon Laureano put on a show at the plate. HR to left that just hooked the foul pole and two line drive singles.  Also stole a base.
2. Antonio Nunez was in the lead off spot and got on base three times.  Single & 2 BB. 
Not much else to talk about on the offensive front. Astros were shut down by Martires Arias.  In fairness to the Astros hitters, Arias is in his 3rd season in the Appy and is one of the oldest players in the league at 2 1/2 hears older than league average. He needs to go pick on someone his own size.  Which might be tough since his is 6'7" and weighs in at a slight 210. 

Pitching
1. Austin Nicely deserved better.  With two outs in the first, three seeing eye singles make their way through the infield.  Then he walks a batter and gives up a hard hit double.  Didn't allow another hit and pitched out of trouble of his own making in the third.  After two walks to lead off the inning, K, caught stealing at 3rd, K to get out of the jam.
2. Juan Santos looked good but left the game with shoulder pain.  One to watch.  Struggles with control but has the stuff to be good.
3. Angel Heredia K'd 5 in 2 2/3 innings of relief.  Pitched better after he took a line drive off his pitching hand.  After that play, he struck out the next four batters he faced.

Sunday's game:
1st inning trouble was the problem again.  The Bristol Pirates scored 3 times without getting a hit in the first.  Starter Reymin Guduan got the first man out on a ground out.  He walked the next two and looked to be out of trouble with a ground ball that looked like a ready made double play BUT no, Antonio Nunez booted the ball and everyone was safe.  Guduan then walked the next batter forcing in a run.  Guduan struck out a batter before Nunez booted another ball allowing two runs to score.   The final out was a nice pick off by catcher Jacob Nottingham of the runner at first.

After that inning of torture, the G-Stros only allowed one more run all night (it was also unearned).  Guduan has great velocity and a wicked slider.  But he can't repeat his delivery to save his life.  On the year, he has 19 Ks and 12 walks in 15 1/3 IP.  Opponents are just hitting .196 off him this year.

Robert Kahana pitched three innings in relief - he fanned 3 and walked 2.  He comes over the top and the ball seems to jump out of his hand.

Zach Davis dominated.  He fanned 5 in 2 innings pitched.  To quote my 14 year old "he is making them look three stooges silly". He is a lefty who comes from an almost side arm slot. 

At the plate, Jason Martin hit a triple.  He is fun to watch run.  He has 4 triples this year already.  He could be poised for a break out year.  He got off to a slow start but has hit in 8 of his last 10.  He had multi hit games 4 times in his last ten.  He looks good in center too.

Jacob Nottingham had just one hit but he hit the ball hard consistently.  He looked much better behind the plate last night.  He picked a runner off first, picked one off second and nabbed a runner trying to steal 2nd. 

Antonio Nunez had the other hit for the G-Stros.  He makes contact and doesn't strike out.  He has only fanned 2x in 33 at bats with 10 walks.  Not much power but good contact. 

Nunez and Santana have swapped back and forth between second and SS recently.  Nunez has 7 games at short and 4 games at 2nd.  Santana has 6 games at short and 8 games at 2nd.  Both looked uncomfortable last night, especially early (see two errors in the first).  But as the game went on, both looked much better.  We will see where they land as the season plays out. 

[juliogotay]

Always enjoy your observations. Thanks.

[Reuben]

Always enjoy your observations. Thanks.

Seconded, heartily.

[Duman]

Recently acquired Cesar Carrasco (3b) is on the G-stros roster. 

Last night, the G-Stros hit 3 triples in their 15-3 victory over the Pirates. 
Juan Santana 4 for 6 with 4 runs scored
Sean McMullen 2 for 4 with a HR & a 3B - 5 RBI.
Jason Martin 2 for 4 with a 3B

11 batters had a appearance - 9 batters had hits, 10 scored runs

[Duman]

Was at the game last night.  Another weird walkoff. 0-0 in the 10th.  Nunez is on second after being inserted as a pinch runner for Carrasco.  Wild pitch gets away from catcher, Nunez tries for 3rd.  Catcher throws the ball out of reach of 3B so the run scores on a WP, E2. 

Observations:

First of all, the Cardinal's pitcher Ian McKinney is a name to know.  He is a LHP who is 19.  In 4 starts in the Appy League, he has 21 K's, 4 BB, 11 H and just one run in 25 IP.  The G-stros gave him 5 of those hits and two of those walks in his 7 IP last night.   He was impressive. 

For Gville on the mound:

Joshua James got his first start of the year.  In 4 IP, he gave up 2 hits & 2 BB while fanning 3.  Lowers his ERA to 0.82 in 11 IP. 

Jose Montero was the other half of the piggyback.  He fanned 7 in 4 IP.  He now has 23 K in 19 IP on the year.  He fanned the 3,4,5 hitters in the (9th all swinging) to wrap up his outing.  He was hitting mid 90's with his fastball.

In the field:

Nottingham continues to show improvement behind the plate.  The one wild pitch last night was all the pitcher's responsibility.  That was not the case earlier in the year.  He also gunned down two runners.  The first was out by a mile.  The second looked like he got hung out to dry on a failed bunt attempt.  He was so out he stopped between 1st and 2nd and tried to return to 1st for the rare 2-6-3 caught stealing.

Martin looks very good in CF.

At the plate:

Martin is starting to come around.  He has a 6 game hitting streak going.  He has 2 hits in 5 of those six games.  He has also taken 7 walks and 4 triples during that time frame.  His slash line for the the last 6 games is .458/.581/.792.  Yeah, he's kinda hot right now.  Last night, he had a single up the middle to lead off the game.  Then got picked off.  Next at bat, he walked and was picked off/caught stealing.  Next at bat, leading off the 6th in a 0-0 game, he pushed a beautiful bunt past the pitchers mound for a base hit.  He struck out looking in his fourth time up.   So it's rookie ball and he needs to work on his base running but he was facing a LHP with a pretty good move.

On more thing on Martin.  I love BR's split they give on younger pitcher/older pitcher.  Of his 85 PA this year, Martin has only had one PA against a younger pitcher.

Santana just missed a HR in the 9th.

Carrasco's double was at the base off the wall in right center. 

Roster Note:

Jeffry Santos was added to the roster in Gville today. 

[Duman]

Took in the game last night:

On the mound:
Robert Kahana got the start and went 4 innings.  He only allowed one hit and two walks. The only run allowed was unearned.  He didn't strike out anyone but he got 9 ground ball outs. 

Austin Nicely came in as the second half of the piggyback.  He did well through three innings and then lost the zone in the 7th.  After a lead off out, he surrendered back to back walks and a single.  His night was over.  There were several outs that were hard hit balls off of him last night.

Zach Davis wasn't as sharp has he was the first time I saw him but he got the job done.

In the field, everyone had a good night except Connor Godert who had 3 errors.  He has really been struggling and appears to be pressing in the field. 

At the plate:
Juan Santana went 3 for 4 with a 2B.  Since the calendar turned to July, he is 18 for 36 (.500) with 4 2B and a HR.
Cesar Carrasco went 2 for 4
Ydarqui Marte was 2 for 4 with 2 2B. 
Yonathan Majia roped a triple down the LF line for his only hit of the night.

Ramon Laureano was hit on the hand/wrist by a pitch during a swing.  He left the game and was in a good amount of pain.  He was replaced by Jason Martin who continues to impress me at the plate and in the field.  However, he is still struggling on the bases.  He was at 3rd and another runner was at second with no outs.  A sinking line drive was hit to left.  For some reason, Martin left for home when the LFer dove for the ball.  The LF made the catch and doubled Martin off 3rd.  If he waits, he can tag with no problem.  Still raw.

Wlad Sutil coached 3rd last night.  Tom Lawlless was in town as acting manager.  Josh Bonifay and his wife welcomed a new baby girl last night in Charlotte.  He will be away from the team for a few days. 

[La Verdad]

Jason Martin has reached base in 23 of Greeneville's 25 games this season. Now, he's on an 11-game hitting streak, and he's recorded a hit in 21 of those 25.

[Duman]

My report from tonight's game:

At the plate:

Martin leads off the game on a line drive double over the LF's head.  He was several steps around second before slamming on the brakes.  He is fast. 
Luis Reynoso went 2 for 3 and had the big RBI to give the G-Stros the lead. 
Woodward went 0 for 1 but had 2 BBs and a sac fly.  Productive night. 
As a team, they were 4 for 7 with RISP.  Five runs off of 7 hits & 2 walks is efficient.


On the mound:
Keegan Yuhl got the start and was solid.  Allowed just one hit and one walk over three innings.  He sat around 91-93 on his fastball. 

Dean Deetz had a rough inning.  The first two hits were unlucky.  A ground ball off the outstretched glove of the 2nd baseman and a blooper just over the 1st baseman's head.  The next two hits were rockets to LF. 

Krishawn Holley walked a tightrope and got away with it.  Loaded the bases with a two out walk but got a fly ball.  None of the balls hit that inning were on the ground.

Brock Dykxhoorn pitched three solid innings.  He gave up one hit, one run (earned), one walk and fanned 3.  He sat between 88-90 but located well.  I expected more power from the 6'8" RHP.

Zach Davis closed things out with a stressful 9th.  A lead off single was followed by a K.  The next batter reached on a single to right to move the runner to 3rd.  So the tying run was at 1st with 1 out.  Next batter grounded out to 2nd.  It was a nice play by Nunez to nab the runner.  He ranged far to this left to make the play.  The last out came on a ground out to the pitcher. 

In the field:

Jason Martin is impressive in CF.  He get's great jumps.  He sprints to where the ball is heading and has time to wait for it to come down.  There was one ball that was hit well over his head.  He sprinted with his back to home, stopped found the ball, saw he needed to move deeper, turned and sprinted and still had time to wait on the ball.  He was given credit for an outfield assist on a play where the batter decided to try to take second on the throw home.  Martin made a great throw to where the cutoff man had the choice to cut or to let it go.  He cut it and the runner was toast between 1st & 2nd. 

Luis Reynoso made a stellar play at 3rd in the 7th.  The batter laid down a beauty of a bunt.  Reynoso charged and barehanded the ball. He threw across his body with his momentum carrying him towards home.  The throw beat the runner by a step.  Great play. 

Kristian Trompiz made his home debut at SS.  He made some nice plays.  He made an error on a throw that was a tough play.  He charged a slow bouncer behind the mound and his throw pulled Mejia off the bag.  It would have be a great play.  It looked like his timing was off a little on the exchanges at 2nd but he appears to have all the tools to adjust.

Jacob Nottingham continues to show improvement behind the plate. 

Wasn't impressed with Trent Woodward's routes in LF.  Looks like he gets late jumps. 

 

[Nate Colbert]

My report from tonight's game:


 

Excellent, as always.

[Reuben]

Great stuff. You think Martin could be in line for a bump to TC later on (perhaps if Boyd gets bumped to QC, which I guess is unlikely)?

I'm drawing a blank on Yuhl. Late pick in this year's draft?

[Nate Colbert]

I'm drawing a blank on Yuhl. Late pick in this year's draft?

35th-round college senior out of an NAIA school.

[Duman]

Great stuff. You think Martin could be in line for a bump to TC later on (perhaps if Boyd gets bumped to QC, which I guess is unlikely)?

I'm drawing a blank on Yuhl. Late pick in this year's draft?

Our season ends a few days before TC.  I could see him getting a call up then.  When you think about the growing depth in CF it is impressive.  Martin, Boyd, Phillips, Hernandez, Applin, DeShields, and even Wates.  It will be difficult to move too quickly.

If the season ended today.  Martin is my MVP. 

[Duman]

GStros have not scored in 32 innings. Can you say slump?

[Duman]

Unique ways to win games continue for the G-Stros.  Here is the top 9 last night in Elizabethton

Greeneville Top of the 9th
Elizabethton Twins Batting Coach Jeff Reed ejected by 1B umpire Russ Weich.
Pitching Change: Keaton Steele replaces Randy LeBlanc.
Jason Martin grounds out, second baseman Pat Kelly to first baseman Tyler Kuresa.
Antonio Nunez walks.
Ydarqui Marte singles on a ground ball to right fielder Jeremias Pineda. Antonio Nunez to 2nd.
With Yonathan Mejia batting, passed ball by Brett Doe, Antonio Nunez to 3rd. Ydarqui Marte to 2nd.
Yonathan Mejia walks.
Hector Roa called out on strikes.
With Bryan Muniz batting, wild pitch by Keaton Steele, Antonio Nunez scores. Ydarqui Marte scores. Yonathan Mejia to 2nd. Throwing error by catcher Brett Doe.
Bryan Muniz strikes out swinging.

2nd time this year an E2 has been a part of the winning runs scoring in the 9th.

The G-Stros are now 20-19 on the season and are 1/2 game up on JC Cardinals for the wild card spot in the Appy West. 

[Reuben]

Unique ways to win games continue for the G-Stros.  Here is the top 9 last night in Elizabethton

2nd time this year an E2 has been a part of the winning runs scoring in the 9th.

The G-Stros are now 20-19 on the season and are 1/2 game up on JC Cardinals for the wild card spot in the Appy West. 

How do they rule an E2 on a bases-loaded Wild Pitch? Allowing the trail runners to move up? I'd think they'd have moved up anyway.

[Jacksonian]

How do they rule an E2 on a bases-loaded Wild Pitch? Allowing the trail runners to move up? I'd think they'd have moved up anyway.

I'd bet it's on the second run scoring rather than just being at 3rd.

[Reuben]

I'd bet it's on the second run scoring rather than just being at 3rd.

D'oh! Somehow I completely missed the fact that 2 runs scored on the play.

[Reuben]

Brock Dykxhoorn has rebounded nicely from a beating a couple weeks back. In 3 games since, he's thrown 9 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 9 K.

I listened to a BA podcast yesterday talking about the Aiken non-deal. In the midst of them slamming the Astros (even chuck might have thought they were a bit harsh) for failing to pony up the $6.5m to sign Aiken/Nix, John Manuel pointed out that the top pitchers signed by the team in this year's draft are now Dykxhoorn and "Daniel Mengden and his balky back".

So, it's all on your shoulders, Brock. No pressure, kid.

[Lefty]

Brock Dykxhoorn Daniel Mengden and his balky back

There's band name in here somewhere

[roadrunner]

If you fail to sign 3 of your top 5-6 picks or whatever it was, it's going to be difficult to call 2014 a successful draft regardless.

Hopefully Reed and Fisher turn out to something.

[Duman]

If you fail to sign 3 of your top 5-6 picks or whatever it was, it's going to be difficult to call 2014 a successful draft regardless.

Hopefully Reed and Fisher turn out to something.

What do you  mean 3 of your top 5-6 picks? They failed to sign #1 and their 5th rounder (6th pick).  They also failed to sign their 21st rounder (22nd pick) who was a long shot to sign from the beginning.    Marshall was never considered one of their top picks.  He had already enrolled at LSU shortly after the draft.  Even if Aiken & Nix sign, it was no sure thing that he signed too.

It is disappointing but it is way too early to call it a failure.  I remember when everyone was singing the Rays praises for drafting Tim Beckham 1-1 in 2008. He signed and through this point in time has appeared in 5 MLB games.  And he is the only player from that Ray's draft to play in the MLB.  That is a failed draft.  Let's give some time before we assess it a success or a failure.

[Reuben]

Exactly. They weren't getting Marshall, any more than they were getting Virant in 2012. He was picked, in the 21st round, in case extra money opened up somewhere. Now, you can find fault with them for not taking another kid later on who wanted less than Marshall, maybe in the $500k-$1m range. If there was someone out there in that range.

But let's revisit the basic math here. They lost the #1 overall pick and his slot money ($7.9m). And they lost 5th round pick slot money ($375k). They are getting back the #2 overall pick and money next year (probably over $7m). Between that and their regular top 5ish pick they'll have a shitload of pool money and leverage. So in all likelihood they'll wind up with the same number and quality of talent, minus a slot-value 5th-round pick, which is not the end of the world, and with a year of development lost which may or may not be a huge factor in the grand scheme of things.

[juliogotay]

What do you  mean 3 of your top 5-6 picks? They failed to sign #1 and their 5th rounder (6th pick).  They also failed to sign their 21st rounder (22nd pick) who was a long shot to sign from the beginning.    Marshall was never considered one of their top picks.  He had already enrolled at LSU shortly after the draft.  Even if Aiken & Nix sign, it was no sure thing that he signed too.

It is disappointing but it is way too early to call it a failure.  I remember when everyone was singing the Rays praises for drafting Tim Beckham 1-1 in 2008. He signed and through this point in time has appeared in 5 MLB games.  And he is the only player from that Ray's draft to play in the MLB.  That is a failed draft.  Let's give some time before we assess it a success or a failure.

I guess the Hun was in charge at TB at the time of that 2008 draft? As much as I liked the guy in Houston they were never draft wizards.

[Duman]

Game report: 7/31 4-1 loss to the JC Cards

On the mound:

Joshua James has a very good slider.  He struggles to locate his fast ball. Tends to throw across his body sometimes and falls to the 1st base side.
Aaron Greenwood got hit hard. The NDFA doesn't show alot of promise
Angel Heradia  was hitting 90-93 and peaked at 94 a few times.  In 4 innings, he fanned 5 and allowed 3 hits and no walks.   In his last 7 outings, he has pitched 15 1/3 IP, allowing just 6 H and 5 BB while fanning 17.  He has allowed two runs but they were both unearned.  Opponents are hitting .122 against him during that stretch.  He is old for the league so I would see him getting challenged soon with a jump to TriCity or QC.

In the field:

Martin continues to get great jumps on balls in CF.  He did make one error last night.  He was moving to his left on a ball and it bounced and had some side spin on it.  He went sideways and he tried to bare hand it and missed. 

Nottingham is showing growth behind the plate.  I saw him make very good blocks on balls to his right last night.  He was swiping at those earlier in the year.  He also gunned a runner at 2nd. 

Due to injuries, several players are playing out of position.  Kristian Trompiz has been playing at 3rd (he is a SS/2B) and Luis Reynoso who had been playing 3rd has been in LF.  Sean McMullen and Trent Woodward have both been dealing with injuries and should be back in the line up any day now.  That being said, the defense was pretty solid.  There were a couple of moments of excitement with fly balls near the line in shallow left.  Reynoso, Trompiz and Santos are all used to playing short and taking charge of that play.  Trompiz at 3rd made the plays but there was a bunch of shouting over each other calling for the ball. 

At the plate:

Jacob Nottingham looked as lost as last year's easter egg.  His first swing tends to be from his heels and it looks like he is guessing.  His strike out swings look awful.  Needs to work on approach and make adjustments.  It appears the league has figured him out. 

G-Stros couldn't make things happen with runners in scoring position.  In the 4th Martin leads off with a double and is bunted to 3rd.  A pop out and a K strand him there. 

In the 7th with the bases loaded and one out, Martin & Nunez K.

The run they did get came from a one out single by Jeffry Santos with runners at 1st & 3rd.  Trompiz and Santos each had two hits on the night.

Other observation:  Santos is a stick! 6'2" 150.  He has hit in 6 of his last 7.  He plays a solid SS too.  A slow roller was hit to 2nd and was fielded by Nunez.  The runner at 1st was bearing down and you hear Santos yelling "vamonos" as Nunez is fielding the ball.  A quick flip from Nunez, a smooth turn by Nunez and a solid double play.

[Duman]

Took in the game last night.  A 4-2 loss to the Bristol Pirates (worst team in the league)

On the mound:

Dean Deitz struggled with control as he gave up three runs on 1 hit.  He walked two and hit one batter.  He also committed an error on a sac bunt that allowed the runner to score from first and the bunter to end up at 3rd. 

Astros pitchers combined for six walks while fanning nine.  Dale Ford, former MLB ump was working behind the plate.  He caught grief from the fans for his strike zone all night. 

In the field:

Not much new to report here. Nottingham had a rough day behind the plate.  3 wild pitches by on pitcher but several should have been blocked. 

At the plate:

13 K's by GStro batters.  Luis Reynoso had 3, Martin, Ceasar Carrasco and Nottingham had two each. 

Martin had two hits - a bloop over the 3rd baseman on a pitch he was fooled on and a solid ground ball to RF. 
Edwin Medina also had two hits - ground ball to RF and bunt single. 

On the Bases:

GStros ran all over the Pirates for much of the game.  The highlight of the game was in the third.  Medina singled to put runners at the corners.  He stole second on the front half of a double steal (Trompiz scored from 3rd).  He then stole third and scored on a sac fly.  He was later picked off 1st by a Lefty with a pretty good move.

Trompiz also had 2 stolen bases on the game.

All the stolen bases came in the 3rd and 4th innings.  The Pirates changed catchers in the 5th.  No more stolen bases and the sub also hit a HR for an insurance run.

[Nate Colbert]

Dale Ford, former MLB ump was working behind the plate.  He caught grief from the fans for his strike zone all night. 

A "fill in" ump I presume? Good god, he's 72 years old.

[Duman]

A "fill in" ump I presume? Good god, he's 72 years old.

Yep the scheduled ump took a foul off the face mask Friday.  He called Sat nights game in the field but started having concussion symptoms later in the evening.  So Ford was pressed into action.  He only works behind the plate, none of this running around the field stuff for him.

Umps take baseline concussion test in spring training.  If they can't perform up to that level after symptoms, they are held out of the game. 

[Duman]

Last night on the road, Reymin Guduan (who throws in the upper 90's) put up this line: 5 IP, 5 H, 1 R/ER, 1 BB, 10 K.  Look for him to move to the pen as he moves up.  He is also a bit older (22) so he will  need to move quickly.  He also has a slider but he has trouble controlling it.

They lost 1-0.   

The G-Stros have very little going on offensively right now.  Very little power but they do lead the league in walks.   

[Reuben]

The 6 BB/9 this year is brutal, and even that is better than his career rate. But of course you give a lefty with that kind of heat every chance to figure it out. Do you think a move to the pen and/or pitching solely out of the stretch will make enough of a difference with his control?

[Duman]

The 6 BB/9 this year is brutal, and even that is better than his career rate. But of course you give a lefty with that kind of heat every chance to figure it out. Do you think a move to the pen and/or pitching solely out of the stretch will make enough of a difference with his control?

I think something has clicked this year.  In July, he had 14 walks in 15 innings.  In August, he has just 4 walks in 16 innings.  If this improvement can continue in instructionals, he could be one to watch in QC next year.

The reason I say he is likely to be in the pen is he really only has 2 pitches FB & Slider.  He needs a 3rd if he is going to start.

[Duman]

The game last night ended badly with 6 runs given up in the 9th. 

Harold Arauz was impressive.  Good fastball/change combination and a pretty good curve.  He is a young 19 and was just named the pitcher of the week in the Appy League.  Last night, he went 6 IP/2 H/0R/0 BB/ 5 K.  The two hits were soft flairs down opposite field lines. 

Juan Santos had an epic meltdown.  After two good innings, he hit two and walked one in the 9th.  That is his second outing that resulted in a similar meltdown this season. 

At the plate, Jeffery Santos reached three times from the lead off spot.  Two walks and a single.  Yonathan Mejia had two hits but also was picked off and K'd his other two at bats.  Nottingham K'd 3 times to bring his season total to 52 in 49 games (162 BA).

Cesar Carrasco had a rough night in the field.  He made one error and was saved by another by an after game scoring change.   

This team's chances of contending went away when Jason Martin & Juan Santana were promoted.  The offence has struggled since then. 

[Duman]

Dykxhoorn fans 10 in 5 IP tonight and earns the win.  He has improved his numbers each month this season.

[Duman]

Randy Cesar was called up from GCL yesterday.  He went 2 for 4 with a HR in his debut with the G-Stros.  He is a 19 year old corner infielder from DR.  Here is what BA said about him when he signed two years ago: 

Dominican third baseman Randy Cesar, signed in July for $100,000, is also still raw. A 17-year-old from Santo Domingo, Cesar was coached by former big league infielder Enrique Wilson. Cesar shows occasional power but is still learning the fundamentals.

Other roster moves yesterday included Gerado Juarez moving back the Gville from GCL.  Juarez pitched on 6/21 and then was shutdown.  He made three rehab appearances this month in the GCL  He pitched 1 2/3 innings last night.  No runs, hits or walks.  One K. This amounts to a lost season for Juarez.  He was signed at 20 from Nicaragua and made a big splash last year in the DSL/GCL striking out 58 in 59 2/3 innings while only walking 10 batters.  He had an ERA of 1.81 for the 2013 season.  He could show up on a full season roster if he has a good instructional season and spring training.   

Kristian Trompiz was moved up to Tri Cities.  He started the year in the GCL. He was signed for 300K in 2011.  In the GCL, he hit .317/405/476 while playing mostly middle infield.  In Greeneville he saw some time at 2nd & SS but played the majority of his time at 3rd.  His bat cooled some in the Appy hitting .245/317/309.  However he was playing a new position.  He went 2 for 4 with a double & 2 Ks in his TC debut last night.

[VirtualBob]

@Duman --

What can you tell us about Agapito Barrios?  I was looking at the end-of-year stats and was pretty impressed with his August numbers ... 2-0 with a 0.77 ERA and 0.557 WHIP; 9 hits, 4 walks and 22 K's in 23 1/3 IP.  On the year he led the ream in IP, ERA and WHIP going 5-0/2.09 in 13 games (6 starts).  Is he the real deal?  What does he throw?  How is he seen by the org (as far as you can tell/guess)?

[Duman]

@Duman --

What can you tell us about Agapito Barrios?  I was looking at the end-of-year stats and was pretty impressed with his August numbers ... 2-0 with a 0.77 ERA and 0.557 WHIP; 9 hits, 4 walks and 22 K's in 23 1/3 IP.  On the year he led the ream in IP, ERA and WHIP going 5-0/2.09 in 13 games (6 starts).  Is he the real deal?  What does he throw?  How is he seen by the org (as far as you can tell/guess)?

He was impressive but I only saw him once.  He was clearly the ace on the staff.  His ERA went down just about every start.  He was signed out of Panama in 2010 , for less than 100K.  To give you an idea of his progress, others in that class were: Ariel Ovando, Juan Santana and Michael Feliz.  He was close to league average age so it will be interesting to see he lands.  Wish I could give more first hand observations but that is all I have. Definitely one to watch next season.

[VirtualBob]

He was impressive but I only saw him once.  He was clearly the ace on the staff.  His ERA went down just about every start.  He was signed out of Panama in 2010 , for less than 100K.  To give you an idea of his progress, others in that class were: Ariel Ovando, Juan Santana and Michael Feliz.  He was close to league average age so it will be interesting to see he lands.  Wish I could give more first hand observations but that is all I have. Definitely one to watch next season.

Thanks.

[Reuben]

No G-Stros made BA's Top 20 Appy Prospects List. No mention of Jason Martin even in the chat.

[Duman]

No G-Stros made BA's Top 20 Appy Prospects List. No mention of Jason Martin even in the chat.

I was surprised that Martin, or Barrios didn't get a mention.  It just highlights the job Josh Bonifay did in keeping them in the race without many prospects.