Say Hello to Fresno

[Nate Colbert]

or Corpus as the case may be.

OF Domingo Santana, LHP Luis Cruz and NRI C Luis Flores reassigned to minor league camp.

Santana, who was 0-for-17 with 14 strikeouts last year during his first stint in the majors, was 0-for-10 with six strikeouts over five games this spring.

57 players left in major league camp.

[Nate Colbert]

Feliz, Velasquez, Torreyes and Rodgers all move their belongings over to minor league camp.

Regards Feliz, VV and Rodgers:

While Feliz certainly showed good command of a fastball that both skipper A.J. Hinch and general manager Jeff Luhnow called "electric," his focus will now be on further refining his secondary pitches, particularly his slider.

[VV is] coming off a really good fall league, where he flashed some brilliance, so we know what we have in him. It's just a matter of getting him healthy."

"[Rodgers is] a guy we see as a starter," Luhnow said. "He's going to be in the rotation at Triple-A this year and he's a guy who we feel will help us down the road".

RHP Jordan Jankowski and UTIL Joe Sclafani were also sent down today.

53 51 remaining with the big boys.

[juliogotay]

Feliz, Velasquez, Torreyes and Rodgers all move their belongings over to minor league camp.

Regards Feliz, VV and Rodgers:

53 remaining with the big boys.

Man, Luhnow really loves Rodgers.

[Nate Colbert]

More on Feliz:

The Astros will now debate whether to eventually accelerate his march to the majors as a reliever or starter. He’ll focus on improving his slider in the minors. “Jeff (Luhnow) asked me how I felt as a starter or closer,” [Feliz] said. “I told him I can close, but he said that I can pitch in the majors now and dominate righthanded hitters with the fastball I have. But I have to keep working on the lefthanded hitters. I need a secondary pitch to dominate the lefthanded hitters.”

[Nate Colbert]

Unless you somehow were of the belief that Alex White was a lock to make the rotation, no surprises in the latest cuts:

...sending seven players to the minor league side: corner infielder Matt Duffy, infielder Nolan Fontana, third baseman Colin Moran, catcher Roberto Pena, righty Jason Stoeffel, outfielder Preston Tucker and righty Alex White.

44 players left in big man's camp.

[chuck]

I haven't been paying attention at all. Did Moran get any ABs?

[juliogotay]

I haven't been paying attention at all. Did Moran get any ABs?

9 ABs, 4H. All singles I believe. Walked once with 2ks.

[MusicMan]

Per Twitter, Appel, Aplin, and Straily were sent to the minors this morning.

[jbm]

Per Twitter, Appel, Aplin, and Straily were sent to the minors this morning.

Sort of surprised about Straily, at least this soon. 

[Mr. Happy]

Per Twitter, Appel, Aplin, and Straily were sent to the minors this morning.

I was pulling for Straily. They must want him to start rather than be in the bully.

[Reuben]

Sort of surprised about Straily, at least this soon. 

Me too. I guess it's down to Hernandez, Wojo, and maybe Deduno for the #5 spot?

[BudGirl]

Me too. I guess it's down to Hernandez, Wojo, and maybe Deduno for the #5 spot?

I'm going to put money on Wojo as #5 with Hernandez as long relief. 

[MusicMan]

I'm going to put money on Wojo as #5 with Hernandez as long relief. 

I don't see Hernandez doing that.  I think it's Wojo #5, Deduno to the pen.

[Jacksonian]

I don't see Hernandez doing that.  I think it's Wojo #5, Deduno to the pen.

I'm betting the guy with options loses out.

[BudGirl]

I'm betting the guy with options loses out.

If Wojo hadn't gotten hurt last spring I think he would have been in Houston.  I think he goes.  I'll give up the Hernandez for DeDuno though.

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

If Wojo hadn't gotten hurt last spring I think he would have been in Houston.  I think he goes.  I'll give up the Hernandez for DeDuno though.

Wojo could start the season on the DL.  Just like Kyle Weiland.

[Mr. Happy]

If Wojo hadn't gotten hurt last spring I think he would have been in Houston.  I think he goes.  I'll give up the Hernandez for DeDuno though.

I would too. Fausto always seems to pitch just good enough to lose.

[Jacksonian]

Wojo could start the season on the DL.  Just like Kyle Weiland.

Hate you.

[JimR]

WTF is up with Santana?

[juliogotay]

I don't see Hernandez doing that.  I think it's Wojo #5, Deduno to the pen.

Me too.

[Reuben]

I'm betting the guy with options loses out.

Me too. If they put Wojo in AAA, they can keep Carmonanandez and Deduno. Otherwise, they probably lose one of the two, and their SP depth gets that much thinner.

And of course it might all be totally different by the time May rolls around.

[jbm]

I'm hoping Wojo too, simply cause he looks like a better pitcher than Hernandez and Deduno.

[Jacksonian]

Me too. If they put Wojo in AAA, they can keep Carmonanandez and Deduno. Otherwise, they probably lose one of the two, and their SP depth gets that much thinner.

And of course it might all be totally different by the time May rolls around.

And it will because Peacock will return before then.

[Reuben]

And it will because Peacock will return before then.

I still don't quite understand the FO's apparent fascination with Peacock. But maybe one day it will all make sense.

[juliogotay]

I still don't quite understand the FO's apparent fascination with Peacock. But maybe one day it will all make sense.

Ashby has been bragging on him saying he has lost 30 lbs or so and is feeling good since the hip procedure. He also said that he was throwing very hard and looked to be ready to go.
It is possible the hip  has hindered him for a couple of years.

[jbm]

He never seemed overweight to me, at least not 30 lbs overweight.  That is a lot for someone his size.

I understand why they like him as he has the best assortment of secondary pitches on the staff.  I'd say top 20% of the league.  If he ever developed fastball command and could get in favorable counts to use those pitches, he would be special.  Also, he is still relatively cheap with potential, although fading potential.  Probably worth another try for a club lacking starter depth.

[juliogotay]

He never seemed overweight to me, at least not 30 lbs overweight.  That is a lot for someone his size.

I understand why they like him as he has the best assortment of secondary pitches on the staff.  I'd say top 20% of the league.  If he ever developed fastball command and could get in favorable counts to use those pitches, he would be special.  Also, he is still relatively cheap with potential, although fading potential.  Probably worth another try for a club lacking starter depth.

I can see where a bad hip would hinder a pitchers' delivery. I'm hoping it makes a difference for him.

[Mr. Happy]

I can see where a bad hip would hinder a pitchers' delivery. I'm hoping it makes a difference for him.

A bad hip can ruin a pitcher. That's where you get your torque. It would make a huge difference.

[Nate Colbert]

Alex Presley cleared waivers, outrighted to minors.

[Nate Colbert]

According to the MLB transactions page, Alex White also apparently cleared waivers and has been outrighted as well.

[Nate Colbert]

Jacksonian called it in the GZ.

Houston Astros ‏@astros  1 hour ago
#Astros manager A.J. Hinch announced Asher Wojciechowski will be sent down tonight and Brad Peacock will start tomorrow night.

[Jacksonian]

Jacksonian called it in the GZ.

It's my ability to think like a GM that scares the hell out of people at work.

[VirtualBob]

It's my ability to think like a GM that scares the hell out of people at work.

With WoJo coming in in relief and Peacock scheduled for another Fresno start on WoJo's schedule, this really was not a hard call.

[Jacksonian]

With WoJo coming in in relief and Peacock scheduled for another Fresno start on WoJo's schedule, this really was not a hard call.

And yet so many could not even see it.

[VirtualBob]

And yet so many could not even see it.

Or maybe they didn't even look?

In any case, this was not intended to challenge your GM-Guru status.  I am among the many who have appreciated your insights.

[Jacksonian]

Or maybe they didn't even look?

In any case, this was not intended to challenge your GM-Guru status.  I am among the many who have appreciated your insights.

Stop looking at my ass.

[Fredia]

what website is that on again?

[Nate Colbert]

Houston Astros ‏@astros  7 minutes ago
The #Astros have officially activated RHP Josh Fields from the DL and have optioned IF Jonathan Villar to Triple A Fresno.

[MusicMan]

How many assholes relievers we got in this place, anyway?

[austro]

I think there's just a couple o' guys up there and this asshole is one of them!

[NeilT]

Silverado quotes.  Outstanding.

[MusicMan]

Wojo headed back down:

Astros are going to call up OF L.J. Hoes & option RHP Asher Wojciechowski to Fresno. That gives them extra position player for Padres series

[Reuben]

Actually, it gives them a typical number of position players, 13. They HAD an "extra" pitcher.

[Nate Colbert]

Brian McTaggart ⚾️ ‏@brianmctaggart  12 minutes ago
Hinch said Deduno, Jake Buchanan and Dan Straily are all candidates to start on Friday (Wojo's spot).

Buchanan goes tonight for Fresno while Straily is on the schedule to start tomorrow night for the Grizzlies.

[Fredia]

works  nicely now , but would be nice to have a  aaa club closer to austin

[subnuclear]

I realize Hoes has been on a hot streak in AAA, but what are they going to do with him? Pinch-runner? DH? Platoon with Rasmus?

[Noe]

I realize Hoes has been on a hot streak in AAA, but what are they going to do with him? Pinch-runner? DH? Platoon with Rasmus?

Yes to all. Plus gives Hinch a left-handed bat option on the bench that is not Jason Castro (when Conger is catching). There was talk that Gattis was going to play left-field during this series with the Padres, so at this point, Gattis starts, Hoes plays as a defensive replacement, pinch runner for Gattis... and Rasmus is the left handed bat off the bench. Don't know how long term Hoes is in their thinking though.

[Reuben]

Just sayin', Hoes bats righty. Which is why I think subnuke may be on to something about possible part-time platoon ABs with Rasmus (since Grossman has done nothing so far in that role).

[Noe]

Just sayin', Hoes bats righty. Which is why I think subnuke may be on to something about possible part-time platoon ABs with Rasmus (since Grossman has done nothing so far in that role).

Hmmm... here i thought Hoes was a switch-hitter. Shows how much attention I've been paying.

[NeilT]

Hmmm... here i thought Hoes was a switch-hitter. Shows how much attention I've been paying.

not all Hoes are switch hitters.

[Fredia]

well said but those that do probably have  more action

[Nate Colbert]

LJ Hoes back to the Grizz. LHP Kevin Chapman promoted.

Per tweets.

[doyce7]

Evan drellich tweeting Preston Tucker will be called up and meet the club in time for the halos. Lowrie to the 60 day DL, Springer goes to DL but not sure if 15 or 7 day. I'm assuming 7 day concussion DL.

[Fredia]

concussion does not seem to be the normal bb injury.  how serious is it. i know if you held up three fingers and got anything close you were sent back into the game.

[juliogotay]

concussion does not seem to be the normal bb injury.  how serious is it. i know if you held up three fingers and got anything close you were sent back into the game.

Thankfully times have changed. It looks like they created a seven-game DL strictly for concussion issues?

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

I'd like to see an extra layer or two of padding added to the outfield wall. I don't think Springer can help himself and I don't like seeing him get hurt.

[JimR]

I'd like to see an extra layer or two of padding added to the outfield wall. I don't think Springer can help himself and I don't like seeing him get hurt.

shades of Pete Reiser

[hostros7]

The highlight reel catch he had prior to the concussion catch reminded me of the Griffey catch in center when he broke his wrist.  Definitely cringed seeing his glove collide with the wall at that angle.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[doyce7]

Thankfully times have changed. It looks like they created a seven-game DL strictly for concussion issues?

Yes they created a 7-day DL specifically for concussions and if you are diagnosed with a concussion it's mandatory that you be placed on it.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

shades of Pete Reiser

Yes, I don't want to hear, "He could have been great but for the injuries."

[Reuben]

Yes they created a 7-day DL specifically for concussions and if you are diagnosed with a concussion it's mandatory that you be placed on it.

According to Dr. Drellich the Astros should have diagnosed him quicker, and added a 14th pitcher to the roster.

[roadrunner]

According to Dr. Drellich the Astros should have diagnosed him quicker, and added a 14th pitcher to the roster.

You've got to hand it to Drellich, he will not pass up any opportunity to rip on the Astros no matter how small or trivial it may be.  I actually am pretty sure he seeks them out.

[astrosfan76]

Say what you want about Justice, but I thought this was funny the other day:

Brian McTaggart ⚾️ @brianmctaggart  ·  May 3

There actually are columnists in Houston who care about the Astros. Check out latest from Richard Justice: http://m.astros.mlb.com/news/article/122181832/richard-justice-red-hot-astros-starting-to-believe-they-are-for-real …

[jbm]

So that's what broke the streak.  Once Justice got on board, the boat started leaking.

I personally don't get the Drellich hate.  The "you're either with us or against us" mindset seems to blur objectivity.

[astrosfan76]

So that's what broke the streak.  Once Justice got on board, the boat started leaking.

I personally don't get the Drellich hate.  The "you're either with us or against us" mindset seems to blur objectivity.

I don't hate him, but he can come off as petty.  As a result of that pettiness, he can lose objectivity.  It doesn't bother me if he grew up an Astros fan or if he is a transplant who cheered for another team, just don't act like you have an agenda in your writing.   

[Nate Colbert]

Evan drellich tweeting Preston Tucker will be called up and meet the club in time for the halos. Lowrie to the 60 day DL, Springer goes to DL but not sure if 15 or 7 day. I'm assuming 7 day concussion DL.

That Lowrie to the 60 day DL didn't happen. Instead, Ronny Torreyes was DFA'd (per various tweets).

Torreyes of course was added to the 40-man in advance of last year's Rule 5 draft.

[Lefty]

That Lowrie to the 60 day DL didn't happen. Instead, Ronny Torreyes was DFA'd (per various tweets).

Torreyes of course was added to the 40-man in advance of last year's Rule 5 draft.

And Drellich is naturally taking the opportunity to get in some jabs at the front office.

[pots]

So that's what broke the streak.  Once Justice got on board, the boat started leaking.

Don't worry, he'll be the first one off

[roadrunner]

So that's what broke the streak.  Once Justice got on board, the boat started leaking.

I personally don't get the Drellich hate.  The "you're either with us or against us" mindset seems to blur objectivity.

Drellich leads the charge in the anti-Astros media parade, which was a very strong parade the last 3 years but has pretty much disappeared as the team's performance turned around and the truth unfolded about Aiken. 

I would hate a homer reporter all the same. 

Of course, we were very spoiled with Levine so it's hard to live up to him.

[Nate Colbert]

With Springer being activated tomorrow, Grossman exits. As does Chapman with the Oberholtzer activation.

Various tweets.

[juliogotay]

With Springer being activated tomorrow, Grossman exits. As does Chapman with the Oberholtzer activation.

Various tweets.

So, if true Tucker stays. I don't see the logic in that if he isn't playing.

[Fredia]

sadly mr spock has departed and logic does not seem to fit in

[Nate Colbert]

Per various and sundry tweets, Feliz back down to Corpus to create room for Oberholtzer to be activated.

[Nate Colbert]

Per various and sundry tweets, Feliz back down to Corpus to create room for Oberholtzer to be activated.

And now the reverse apparently:

Evan Drellich ‏@EvanDrellich 31 minutes ago
Source: Michael Feliz has left Corpus Christi. Presumed replacement for Brett Oberholtzer.

[Jacksonian]

Straily will get the start Friday.  I'd guess a corresponding move would come after tonight's game with the day off tomorrow and then subsequent road games.

[Jacksonian]

Straily will get the start Friday.  I'd guess a corresponding move would come after tonight's game with the day off tomorrow and then subsequent road games.

Feliz optioned back to Corpus.

[Nate Colbert]

VV optioned to Corpus as a means of limiting his innings. Will not pitch for Hooks but will be on throwing program.

Obie up from Fresno to start on Thursday vs Indians.

Link

[Mr. Happy]

VV optioned to Corpus as a means of limiting his innings. Will not pitch for Hooks but will be on throwing program.

Obie up from Fresno to start on Thursday vs Indians.

Link

This is such bullshit. We need that kid in order to contend. Oberholtzer is nothing more than a placeholder. VV can be something special. I get that. Oberholtzer-not so much.

[jaklewein]

This is such bullshit. We need that kid in order to contend. Oberholtzer is nothing more than a placeholder. VV can be something special. I get that. Oberholtzer-not so much.

Such bullshit?  I don't know.  The high as far as IP for VV in his career with the Astros is 124 and that was back in '13.  Last year he only logged 64 IP.  This year he's already up to 58.  I'm worried about McClullers too.  His high as far as IP is 104, and like VV, that was back in '13.  Last year he only logged 97 IP.  I don't think anyone expected this team to be this good, this year, including MGT.  Hence the lack of starting pitching, or in this case, pitching with IP'd under their belt.

I'm not happy to see VV get sent down, but I am happy to see Obie get another shot, and so quickly after his demotion.  He's pitched pretty well during his short career in the bigs and I think the club wants to try and get the best evaluation (and let other clubs see as well) of what they have in him before the trade deadline gets here, which isn't far off.  If we can limit VV's IP over the next 3 weeks or so in the meantime, great.

[Mr. Happy]

Such bullshit?  I don't know.  The high as far as IP for VV in his career with the Astros is 124 and that was back in '13.  Last year he only logged 64 IP.  This year he's already up to 58.  I'm worried about McClullers too.  His high as far as IP is 104, and like VV, that was back in '13.  Last year he only logged 97 IP.  I don't think anyone expected this team to be this good, this year, including MGT.  Hence the lack of starting pitching, or in this case, pitching with IP'd under their belt.

I'm not happy to see VV get sent down, but I am happy to see Obie get another shot, and so quickly after his demotion.  He's pitched pretty well during his short career in the bigs and I think the club wants to try and get the best evaluation (and let other clubs see as well) of what they have in him before the trade deadline gets here, which isn't far off.  If we can limit VV's IP over the next 3 weeks or so in the meantime, great.

I understand that. Then we're quickly going to fall out of contention unless we make some moves to get some more experienced and seasoned arms. I'm not opposed to Oberholtzer getting another chance. That's not it.

[jbm]

So, Thursday was scheduled for McHugh, and he is apparently being moved back to Friday at TB.  Happy, didn't you say something about the Tribe having trouble with lefties?

[Mr. Happy]

Yes, the Tribe is susceptible to portsiders.

[pots]

This is such bullshit. We need that kid in order to contend. Oberholtzer is nothing more than a placeholder. VV can be something special. I get that. Oberholtzer-not so much.

The Astros got to where they were before VV's or McCullers' call up.  And with Obie and Feldman coming back, the young guns being saved for the pennant chase in September makes a ton of sense.  Expect to see McCullers get some down time as well.  If the Astros want to make a serious run this year they will add an arm this month.  My money is on Cueto.

Let us learn from the Cubs mistakes instead of repeating them.

[Mr. Happy]

So, Thursday was scheduled for McHugh, and he is apparently being moved back to Friday at TB.  Happy, didn't you say something about the Tribe having trouble with lefties?

The stats don't bear me out, but the Tribe has had trouble scoring runs in general. I watch a lot of their games up here, and they have some pretty ugly swings against lefties, particularly Brandon Moss. And Carlos Santana isn't nearly as good from the right side. Hence, Kluber's 4-9 record and winless June.

[geezerdonk]

Chances for a split with Cleveland not looking good.

[Mr. Happy]

The Astros got to where they were before VV's or McCullers' call up.  And with Obie and Feldman coming back, the young guns being saved for the pennant chase in September makes a ton of sense.  Expect to see McCullers get some down time as well.  If the Astros want to make a serious run this year they will add an arm this month.  My money is on Cueto.

Let us learn from the Cubs mistakes instead of repeating them.

I'm definitely not in favor of running young hurlers into the ground like the FTC did with Wood and Prior (and even Zambrano). I just think that coddling pitchers is a principal reason why pitchers have arm injuries.

[pots]

I'm definitely not in favor of running young hurlers into the ground like the FTC did with Wood and Prior (and even Zambrano). I just think that coddling pitchers is a principal reason why pitchers have arm injuries.

Damned if you do, damned if you don't.  A whole lot easier to shut them down now and have them for September then to be in the thick of it on September 1st and having to decide to risk the kids' careers.  I really think they pull the trigger on an elite arm this month.  And if Lowrie is going to be out too long, maybe a bat.

[JimR]

I'm definitely not in favor of running young hurlers into the ground like the FTC did with Wood and Prior (and even Zambrano). I just think that coddling pitchers is a principal reason why pitchers have arm injuries.

I agree, but the coddling goes on throughout the minor leagues. they likely have no choice with VV because of his injury history. I think I heard on TV he only pitched 55 innings last year.

[pots]

I agree, but the coddling goes on throughout the minor leagues. they likely have no choice with VV because of his injury history. I think I heard on TV he only pitched 55 innings last year.

55.1 at Lancaster (15 games)
8.2 GCL (3 games)
13.2 Salt River (winter ball) (5 games)

77.2 total innings over 23 games

[juliogotay]

Damned if you do, damned if you don't.  A whole lot easier to shut them down now and have them for September then to be in the thick of it on September 1st and having to decide to risk the kids' careers.  I really think they pull the trigger on an elite arm this month.  And if Lowrie is going to be out too long, maybe a bat.

I think they will swing a deal or two as well. I expect it. I'm hoping they don't deal Phillips or Reed.

[Nate Colbert]

Yes, the Tribe is susceptible to portsiders.

If things go as planned, they would also have Oberholtzer for the Rangers series (the first series after the A/S break). Texas is batting just .197 against southpaws over their last 40 games.

[roadrunner]

I just think that coddling pitchers is a principal reason why pitchers have arm injuries.

Not that I disagree, but do you have any resources describing logic and evidence of this?

I do think at some point these kids need their arms stretched out.  It makes sense to limit VV due to his recent injury history, but at what point do you just let loose with LMJ?

[Mike S.]

I think they will swing a deal or two as well. I expect it. I'm hoping they don't deal Phillips or Reed.

Me as well, which also raises the question of who do the Astros consider untouchable?

[juliogotay]

Me as well, which also raises the question of who do the Astros consider untouchable?

Now that Correa is in the ML I wonder if they consider anyone untouchable?

[Mr. Happy]

Not that I disagree, but do you have any resources describing logic and evidence of this?

I do think at some point these kids need their arms stretched out.  It makes sense to limit VV due to his recent injury history, but at what point do you just let loose with LMJ?

Look at the Japanese pitchers. Additionally, Leo Mazzone, who was one of the best pitching coaches in my opinion, said that pitchers need to throwin his book.

[JimR]

Look at the Japanese pitchers. Additionally, Leo Mazzone, who was one of the best pitching coaches in my opinion, said that pitchers need to throwin his book.

Belisle stated in the Braves org. he said they threw every day.

[moriartp]

Look at the Japanese pitchers. Additionally, Leo Mazzone, who was one of the best pitching coaches in my opinion, said that pitchers need to throwin his book.

Are Japanese pitchers regarded as particularly durable? I know they throw a lot more when they're young than pitchers do here, but do they hold up any better over their careers as a result?

Also, don't NPB pitchers start only once a week? No idea what standard practice is for bullpen sessions between starts though.

[AllHailCaptainCorrea]

Are Japanese pitchers regarded as particularly durable? I know they throw a lot more when they're young than pitchers do here, but do they hold up any better over their careers as a result?

Also, don't NPB pitchers start only once a week? No idea what standard practice is for bullpen sessions between starts though.

Seems like a lot of them have arm troubles. Or maybe it's just the well-known ones....Tanaka, Darvish, Matsuzaka, Iwakuma

[Nate Colbert]

Hoes up, Straily down.

[Nate Colbert]

Hoes up, Straily down.

Straily tonight for the Grizzlies: 7/7/2/2/1/9.

[Nate Colbert]

Alex Presley being DFA'd the offsetting move with Feldman getting activated for tonight's start.

Per tweet.

[Bench]

Hoes back to Fresno to make room for Kazmir.

[hostros7]

Hoes back to Fresno to make room for Kazmir.

Hoes always getting the shaft.

[Jacksonian]

Hoes always getting the shaft.

Yeah, Hoes is fucked.

[geezerdonk]

I thought for sure that it would be Singleton.

[Fredia]

a hoe does have a shaft

[jbm]

I thought for sure that it would be Singleton.

I thought so too, but it seems like the club is not comfortable with Carter and/or the emergency crew filling 1B.  Singleton's number is probably up when Lowrie comes back though.