Author Topic: Corpus Christi 2015 (Read 60630 times)

Jacksonian · « **on:** April 03, 2015, 10:05:14 am »

Chat about the Hooks here.

Astrofan59 · « **Reply #1 on:** April 03, 2015, 05:10:32 pm »

Appel, Hader, McCullers, Correa, Moran, Kemp, Hernandez. Heck this team is better than half of the MLB rosters

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #2 on:** April 07, 2015, 04:34:10 pm »

Starting pitching assignments (using the modified tandem approach from end of last season):

Thursday - Emanuel
Friday - Appel/West
Satuday - Hader/Devenski
Sunday - McCullers
Monday - Hauschild
Tuesday - West/Emanuel

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #3 on:** April 09, 2015, 10:22:52 pm »

Correa 1-4 with a double and a walk in AA debut.

NeilT · « **Reply #4 on:** April 09, 2015, 10:26:52 pm »

Quote from: Nate Colbert on April 09, 2015, 10:22:52 pm

Correa 1-4 with a double and a walk in AA debut.

He got as many hits today as the Astros.

astrosfan76 · « **Reply #5 on:** April 10, 2015, 08:24:17 pm »

Quote

@cchooks: Another single for Tony Kemp...he's 8-for-6 to begin the year. We go to the home 4th with the #cchooks up 5-0

I'll take that pace. Hooks up 5-0 , at the moment.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #6 on:** April 10, 2015, 08:54:18 pm »

Quote from: astrosfan76 on April 10, 2015, 08:24:17 pm

I'll take that pace. Hooks up 5-0 , at the moment.

Me too!

By the same token, Correa has 2 doubles and 2 walks through 6 innings tonight and is now 7-3 with 3 walks and 3 doubles.

juliogotay · « **Reply #7 on:** April 11, 2015, 08:22:41 am »

Quote from: Nate Colbert on April 10, 2015, 08:54:18 pm

Me too!

By the same token, Correa has 2 doubles and 2 walks through 6 innings tonight and is now 7-3 with 3 walks and 3 doubles.

Does anyone on this board live in Corpus? I look forward to seeing them when they come to play Frisco. Looks like an exciting ball club.

Appel's line last night 5/2/1/1/1/4 63 pitches/41 strikes. Only run a solo HR.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #8 on:** April 11, 2015, 09:28:50 pm »

Good grief, Correa 3-5 with 2 more doubles tonight.

Nearly has as many XBHs in 3 games (5) than the Astros had in their first 4 games (6).

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #9 on:** April 11, 2015, 09:50:12 pm »

Telvin Nash tonight with a double and first dinger of the season. In an early season curiosity surely to quickly rectify itself, he's only whiffed twice in his first 15 ABs.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #10 on:** April 12, 2015, 03:38:21 pm »

Quote

Michael Coffin ‏@CoffinMJC 25 minutes ago
Lance McCullers showing strong stuff today. Flashing 99 mph on the ONEOK Field radar gun.

BudGirl · « **Reply #11 on:** April 12, 2015, 03:41:30 pm »

We should do an OWA outing at CC.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #12 on:** April 13, 2015, 09:24:09 pm »

6 hits on the season now for Correa and they're all doubles.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #13 on:** April 13, 2015, 10:17:00 pm »

Quote

Corpus Christi Hooks ‏@cchooks 12 minutes ago
Jandel Gustave, flashing 99 mph on the ONEOK Field radar gun, dispatches the Drillers in the 8th.

Reuben · « **Reply #14 on:** April 13, 2015, 10:31:56 pm »

Pardon me if this is a dumb question, but what is ONEOK, and how is it pronounced?

jbm · « **Reply #15 on:** April 13, 2015, 10:56:25 pm »

The answer to what is better than two Okies.

I think it is a gas company. One Oak is the way I have heard it

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #16 on:** April 13, 2015, 10:58:08 pm »

Quote from: Reuben on April 13, 2015, 10:31:56 pm

Pardon me if this is a dumb question, but what is ONEOK, and how is it pronounced?

One Oak. It's a gas utility based out of Oklahoma. Sponsor/advertiser for the Hooks.

juliogotay · « **Reply #17 on:** April 14, 2015, 06:10:22 am »

Quote from: Nate Colbert on April 13, 2015, 10:58:08 pm

One Oak. It's a gas utility based out of Oklahoma. Sponsor/advertiser for the Hooks.

I don't know if they are a sponsor of the Hooks but the new stadium, five years or so, in downtown Tulsa is named for them. It is a nice venue with a view of downtown Tulsa. The northside of Tulsa is actually a very nice place.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #18 on:** April 14, 2015, 05:08:32 pm »

Correa goes deep but the Hooks lose their first game of the year 2-1. Carlos at .308/.379/.654 thru 6 games.

Jacksonian · « **Reply #19 on:** April 15, 2015, 11:54:05 am »

Quote from: Nate Colbert on April 11, 2015, 09:50:12 pm

he's only whiffed twice in his first 15 ABs.

jinx

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #20 on:** April 16, 2015, 02:45:23 pm »

Roberto Pena finally activated:

Quote

George Vondracek ‏@Caller_GeorgeV 5 minutes ago
.@cchooks moves: C Roberto Pena (and No. 23 prospect) from extended spring training to CC; C Brett Booth placed on inactive list.

juliogotay · « **Reply #21 on:** April 16, 2015, 09:48:44 pm »

Another good outing tonight from Appel. 5/2/0/0/1/4
Hooks leading 8-0 over Springfield in the 8th. Correa with 2 hits sitting at .345. Nash with his 3rd HR.

roadrunner · « **Reply #22 on:** April 17, 2015, 07:28:39 am »

Great to hear about Appel. Also nice to see Nash putting it all together early on. Hopefully both of these guys can keep it up over an extended period of time...both have had interesting minor league careers so far.

Lefty · « **Reply #23 on:** April 17, 2015, 10:05:19 pm »

Just another day at the office for Correa: 3-4, 2 2B, 2R, 2RBI. Manchild now hitting .394

WakePhil · « **Reply #24 on:** April 18, 2015, 12:12:10 pm »

Was planning on heading down to CC this summer. May need to make that early summer.

geezerdonk · « **Reply #25 on:** April 20, 2015, 11:27:53 am »

10 innings, 12 SOs, 0 runs for McCullers in 2 starts this year.

Navin R Johnson · « **Reply #26 on:** April 20, 2015, 12:18:20 pm »

So if Correa keeps on keeping on. And gets called up late this year. Does Lowrie just slide over to 3rd?

Mr. Happy · « **Reply #27 on:** April 20, 2015, 12:51:00 pm »

Quote from: Navin R Johnson on April 20, 2015, 12:18:20 pm

So if Correa keeps on keeping on. And gets called up late this year. Does Lowrie just slide over to 3rd?

I'm not convinced that he gets called up this season.

GreatBagwellsBeard · « **Reply #28 on:** April 20, 2015, 01:00:36 pm »

Quote from: Mr. Happy on April 20, 2015, 12:51:00 pm

I'm not convinced that he gets called up this season.

Yeah, they'll do the Service Time Tango with him next year, and he'll get called up about now-ish 2016.

doyce7 · « **Reply #29 on:** April 20, 2015, 01:00:55 pm »

I think early next season is when see correa in an Astros uniform. Unless we somehow end up with a shot at the playoffs. Otherwise there isn't much upside to bringing him up this year

Navin R Johnson · « **Reply #30 on:** April 20, 2015, 01:18:21 pm »

OK, then next year. Lowrie is on a 2 year deal right?

jbm · « **Reply #31 on:** April 20, 2015, 01:23:25 pm »

I'm betting he gets the call this year, as they'll be In a playoff hunt in a crappy division and Correa will be needed. Lowrie will then become a utility player.

jbm · « **Reply #32 on:** April 20, 2015, 01:30:53 pm »

The same thing with Appel too. He'll also be needed for the playoff race and will be called up.

Astrofan59 · « **Reply #33 on:** April 20, 2015, 02:02:03 pm »

Quote from: Navin R Johnson on April 20, 2015, 01:18:21 pm

OK, then next year. Lowrie is on a 2 year deal right?

IIRC, Lowrie's contract is 3 years 24 million

BudGirl · « **Reply #34 on:** April 20, 2015, 02:37:06 pm »

Quote from: Astrofan59 on April 20, 2015, 02:02:03 pm

IIRC, Lowrie's contract is 3 years 24 million

At this point, Lowrie could be a DH.

doyce7 · « **Reply #35 on:** April 20, 2015, 03:45:12 pm »

According to baseball prospectus his contract is 3 years 22 million with a 4th year option worth 6 million

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #36 on:** April 20, 2015, 09:30:37 pm »

Quote

Jose Rodriguez @Caller_JR · 5 minutes ago
#CCHooks RHP Jandel Gustave out here hitting triple digits on the radar gun.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #37 on:** April 21, 2015, 12:15:15 am »

Tony Kemp playing CF tonight (his 2nd game this season in the OF) with the the nice leaping grab.

astrosfan76 · « **Reply #38 on:** April 21, 2015, 07:54:44 am »

Quote from: Nate Colbert on April 21, 2015, 12:15:15 am

Tony Kemp playing CF tonight (his 2nd game this season in the OF) with the the nice leaping grab.

Correa goes 2-4, as well, with a HR. Season line of .356/.431/.667 with 13 RBI. On the mound, Aaron West threw 4 2/3 innings of shutout ball, allowing only 3 hits, while striking out 5.

moriartp · « **Reply #39 on:** April 21, 2015, 12:49:34 pm »

I'll continue to wait patiently for Moran to start hitting.

Edit: too negative, he was better last year than I remembered.

VirtualBob · « **Reply #40 on:** April 21, 2015, 01:43:55 pm »

Quote from: astrosfan76 on April 21, 2015, 07:54:44 am

On the mound, Aaron West threw 4 2/3 innings of shutout ball, allowing only 3 hits, while striking out 5.

He needs to be more efficient though ... 83 pitches and failing to get out of the 5th inning is not going to work.

Reuben · « **Reply #41 on:** April 21, 2015, 07:06:47 pm »

Quote from: jbm on April 20, 2015, 01:30:53 pm

The same thing with Appel too. He'll also be needed for the playoff race and will be called up.

You were just kidding about that part, right?

As for Correa, I actually think he could be called up in September, even if they're not seriously in contention. Say he's crushing AAA pitching from July to August, and showing that he's clearly ready for the majors. Say the Astros have looked decent enough to give them reason to think they really can seriously contend in 2016. Wouldn't they want to give Correa a September to acclimate, rather than throwing him into the fire in early April 2016?

The Angels did basically that with Trout. He got called up (from AA) for 40 games at the end of 2011, and hit .220. The next year, he started in AAA, hit .403 in 20 games, came up in late April and was a monster right away.

I could see Appel called up even sooner; again, assuming he continues to do really well.

Besides, a September with Correa and Appel could = a winter of brisk 2016 season ticket sales. Helps balance out the service time clock thing a bit, perhaps. And there's also the possibility they work out a long-term deal with Correa before bringing him up.

jbm · « **Reply #42 on:** April 21, 2015, 08:10:38 pm »

No, I'm not kidding. The division is weak, IMO, and around 500 ball puts a team in contention. I see no reason the Astros can't stay near 500.

As to Appel, I understand that he is a long way (hopefully) from what he will be, but the question is whether where he is now is better than the other options, and whether the call up would hinder his development. I think he is arguably better than all the AAA options, and might be as good as Wojo and possibly Feldman and Hernandez. So, if someone gets hurt and they're in the race, why not?

As to whether his call up would hinder his development, I'm not a big believer in that concept ( for guys he have stardom potential), but Luhnow and Co. presumably have a good read on that. I see Appel kind of like Scherzer: a guy who for years lived off his stuff and mediocre command to be a decent to good pitcher. Once his command improved, he was an ace. Appel can compete with his stuff; whether he ever improves his command is unknown and will become apparent after many, many innings. Most of those innings might as well be at the major leagues.

juliogotay · « **Reply #43 on:** April 21, 2015, 08:19:16 pm »

Quote from: jbm on April 21, 2015, 08:10:38 pm

No, I'm not kidding. The division is weak, IMO, and around 500 ball puts a team in contention. I see no reason the Astros can't stay near 500.

As to Appel, I understand that he is a long way (hopefully) from what he will be, but the question is whether where he is now is better than the other options, and whether the call up would hinder his development. I think he is arguably better than all the AAA options, and might be as good as Wojo and possibly Feldman and Hernandez. So, if someone gets hurt and they're in the race, why not?

As to whether his call up would hinder his development, I'm not a big believer in that concept ( for guys he have stardom potential), but Luhnow and Co. presumably have a good read on that. I see Appel kind of like Scherzer: a guy who for years lived off his stuff and mediocre command to be a decent to good pitcher. Once his command improved, he was an ace. Appel can compete with his stuff; whether he ever improves his command is unknown and will become apparent after many, many innings. Most of those innings might as well be at the major leagues.

On a somewhat related note, Rodon has been called up by ChiSox.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #44 on:** April 23, 2015, 07:29:03 pm »

Quote

Jose Rodriguez ‏@Caller_JR
#CCHooks roster moves: RHP Jonas Dufek activated from disabled list; RHP Daniel Minor placed on inactive list.

Dufek missed all last year after undergoing TJS. In 2013, the 9th round pick (2011) joined the Hooks in July and was 7-0 with an 0.47 ERA in 14 appearances while striking out 20 against 1 walk in 19.1 innings.

juliogotay · « **Reply #45 on:** April 24, 2015, 08:02:17 am »

I took in the first seven innings of the Hooks game last night in Frisco. CC wins 8-2 with 7 2Bs with Heineman and Moran having two each. Correa was 2-5 with a double and both of his hits were screamers. He also participated in three double plays. All told the Hooks had 13 hits and lit up a Jake Thompson a highly ranked Rangers prospect and former 2nd round pick by Detroit. Appel started and only went four
with a 4/6/2/2/0/3 line. That's a little deceiving as he gave up a single marker in the first on a bunt single that Moran had to eat and a single against the shift that the batter placed right where the third baseman normally played. The second marker was a second inning HR down the RF line. There was no gun readings on the scoreboard so I don't know his velocity but it looked good. He threw 51 strikes of his 71 pitches.

roadrunner · « **Reply #46 on:** April 24, 2015, 10:02:44 am »

Quote from: jbm on April 21, 2015, 08:10:38 pm

No, I'm not kidding. The division is weak, IMO, and around 500 ball puts a team in contention. I see no reason the Astros can't stay near 500.

As to Appel, I understand that he is a long way (hopefully) from what he will be, but the question is whether where he is now is better than the other options, and whether the call up would hinder his development. I think he is arguably better than all the AAA options, and might be as good as Wojo and possibly Feldman and Hernandez. So, if someone gets hurt and they're in the race, why not?

As to whether his call up would hinder his development, I'm not a big believer in that concept ( for guys he have stardom potential), but Luhnow and Co. presumably have a good read on that. I see Appel kind of like Scherzer: a guy who for years lived off his stuff and mediocre command to be a decent to good pitcher. Once his command improved, he was an ace. Appel can compete with his stuff; whether he ever improves his command is unknown and will become apparent after many, many innings. Most of those innings might as well be at the major leagues.

Agreed with all of this. I'd much rather see Appel than Peacock, Straily, or any of the other AAA options. I also think if Appel hadn't experienced such a weird start to his pro career he would be in AAA. Hopefully Luhnow & co feel the same.

juliogotay · « **Reply #47 on:** April 24, 2015, 10:24:36 am »

Quote from: roadrunner on April 24, 2015, 10:02:44 am

Agreed with all of this. I'd much rather see Appel than Peacock, Straily, or any of the other AAA options. I also think if Appel hadn't experienced such a weird start to his pro career he would be in AAA. Hopefully Luhnow & co feel the same.

It is sometimes hard to determine command by sitting in the stands and not having the benefit of a CF camera as on tv but Appel was throwing strikes last night, 51/71, and for the most part keeping the ball down. He was pounding the zone around the knees. That being said, there were several good swings on him and some solid contact. It seemed to me that every thing was hard, not a lot of changing speeds but, again, without a gun reading it was somewhat hard to tell the velocity.

Jacksonian · « **Reply #48 on:** April 24, 2015, 10:28:39 am »

Quote from: juliogotay on April 24, 2015, 10:24:36 am

It is sometimes hard to determine command by sitting in the stands and not having the benefit of a CF camera as on tv but Appel was throwing strikes last night, 51/71, and for the most part keeping the ball down. He was pounding the zone around the knees. That being said, there were several good swings on him and some solid contact. It seemed to me that every thing was hard, not a lot of changing speeds but, again, without a gun reading it was somewhat hard to tell the velocity.

My bet is that if he continues to be this successful through May he'll get called up to AAA. End of May Corpus is in Arkansas and Fresno visits OKC.

juliogotay · « **Reply #49 on:** April 26, 2015, 09:36:09 am »

8 RBIs last night in a twinbill at Frisco for Moran. Hooks won both handily before a crowd of 11,000.

juliogotay · « **Reply #50 on:** April 26, 2015, 10:13:00 pm »

I just watched a recording of the Hooks game today with Frisco in which CC wins 5-2 to sweep a four game series. Correa had three hits including an opposite field double that was hit on a line that hit the fence on one hop, a single to left and a HR to left that was a screamer that never got very high and left the yard in about 2.5 seconds. The Frisco announcers said the HR he hit last night was a majestic shot that was very high and very deep to LF. He also started a perfectly executed DP in which he went to his right and threw a strike at the letters for the second basemen to handle and relay to first. The Frisco announcers were very high on him as well as McCullers who was very sharp today in relief. He struck out the first six and has a ML CB. A real hammer that he keeps down and it breaks very sharply. McCullers has a chance to be a top-of-the-rotation guy or closer. I saw no evidence of control issues I had read about.
The Frisco announcing crew was also really impressed with Devenski who threw 6.1 no-hit innings last night before getting pulled two outs away from a no-hit game since it was a 7inning nightcap. They said his change is outstanding to go with an 89-92 MPH FB.
Something they said that I did not know...Tony Kemp won a MiL Gold Glove last year for 2B. Only one GG is awarded per position for all of the minor leagues. Pena won the Catcher GG.

The Frisco announcing crew, which included a color guy that writes about the MiLeagues, said the CC team was one of the most talented they could remember coming through the Texas league recently.

NeilT · « **Reply #51 on:** April 26, 2015, 10:16:52 pm »

Dammit. it's looking like Correa won't be there when I make that Corpus game in June.

juliogotay · « **Reply #52 on:** April 26, 2015, 10:32:28 pm »

Quote from: NeilT on April 26, 2015, 10:16:52 pm

Dammit. it's looking like Correa won't be there when I make that Corpus game in June.

He could graduate AA any day based on his skill level and maturity. Oh yea, something else I learned from listening to the Frisco announcers...the CC roster is the youngest in the Texas League. Their positional players are the youngest and their pitching staff is the youngest. I would be surprised if CC is in CC in June. He could possibly solve that #2 hole problem in Houston if they skipped Fresno.

astrosfan76 · « **Reply #53 on:** April 27, 2015, 06:52:35 am »

Video proof of what happens when Correa decides to hit a HR, from Saturday. People talk about raw power vs. game power, this is Correa tapping into the former. And yes," majestic" is an accurate adjective for the shot.

http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20150426&content_id=120607168&fext=.jsp&vkey=news_milb&sid=milb

juliogotay · « **Reply #54 on:** April 27, 2015, 07:53:25 am »

Quote from: astrosfan76 on April 27, 2015, 06:52:35 am

Video proof of what happens when Correa decides to hit a HR, from Saturday. People talk about raw power vs. game power, this is Correa tapping into the former. And yes," majestic" is an accurate adjective for the shot.

http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20150426&content_id=120607168&fext=.jsp&vkey=news_milb&sid=milb

His HR from Sunday was just as impressive but it was a rope. http://www.milb.com/multimedia/vpp.jsp?content_id=91095983&sid=t482

And, yes, that was Frisco announcers.

pots · « **Reply #55 on:** April 27, 2015, 09:49:59 am »

Wow. Just amazing. Those were crushed. 20-25 homerun power my ass. That's 30+ easy. Move over Buxton, you just got lapped

BudGirl · « **Reply #56 on:** April 27, 2015, 10:52:34 am »

Quote from: NeilT on April 26, 2015, 10:16:52 pm

Dammit. it's looking like Correa won't be there when I make that Corpus game in June.

I'll be there on the 23rd of May. I hope he is still there.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #57 on:** April 27, 2015, 09:49:51 pm »

Moran now with a 5-game hit streak in which he's 11-23. No longballs but does have 6 two-baggers in that stretch. Coincidentally or not, the streak started when moved ahead of Correa in batting order.

Telvin Nash got the start in RF. Just the 4th start out there in 6+ year minor league career and 1st since 2012 at Lancaster.

Astrofan59 · « **Reply #58 on:** April 27, 2015, 09:56:14 pm »

Quote from: Nate Colbert on April 27, 2015, 09:49:51 pm

Moran now with a 5-game hit streak in which he's 11-23. No longballs but does have 6 two-baggers in that stretch.

If Moran, or Gregor for that matter, ever develop power, they are going to be excellent hitters

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #59 on:** April 27, 2015, 10:17:55 pm »

Jio Mier got plunked yesterday and was immediately removed from the game and has been placed on the 7-day DL. Joe Sclafani moves down from Fresno to take his spot on the roster (and played in tonight's game).

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #60 on:** April 28, 2015, 02:24:42 pm »

Correa 2-2 this afternoon with a double (#11), HR (#5), SB (#3) and 2 walks.

Now at .400/.468/.800.

Navin R Johnson · « **Reply #61 on:** April 28, 2015, 02:28:36 pm »

Good gravy, this kid seems too good to be real.

Navin R Johnson · « **Reply #62 on:** April 28, 2015, 02:29:51 pm »

Michael Coffin ‏@CoffinMJC 4m
With his 8th-inning HR today, @cchooks SS Carlos Correa is batting .611 (11-for-18) against left-handed pitching. He leads the TL w/ 22 RBIs

geezerdonk · « **Reply #63 on:** April 28, 2015, 02:46:28 pm »

How about .400/.468/.800/1.268? And zero errors by the way.

Jacksonian · « **Reply #64 on:** April 28, 2015, 02:56:50 pm »

Quote from: Nate Colbert on April 28, 2015, 02:24:42 pm

Correa 2-2 this afternoon with a double (#11), HR (#5), SB (#3) and 2 walks.

Now at .400/.468/.800.

A first inning double. Then two 5-pitch walks. Then a 2 out solo homer in the 8th when down by 6. If he's either going to be pitched around when it's close or grooved pitches when it's out of hand they might as well promote him.

juliogotay · « **Reply #65 on:** April 28, 2015, 03:14:07 pm »

Quote from: Jacksonian on April 28, 2015, 02:56:50 pm

A first inning double. Then two 5-pitch walks. Then a 2 out solo homer in the 8th when down by 6. If he's either going to be pitched around when it's close or grooved pitches when it's out of hand they might as well promote him.

I'm coming around to moving him up. All the way to Houston if Lowrie is out for a while. (1) AA is too easy for him. (2). He's red-hot now which would give him a better chance to have some success at a higher level.

kevwun · « **Reply #66 on:** April 28, 2015, 03:27:45 pm »

He leads the Texas League in batting average, slugging, OPS, hits , doubles, total bases, runs and rbi. He's second in homers and 3rd in obp.

Lefty · « **Reply #67 on:** April 29, 2015, 12:43:49 am »

Quote from: kevwun on April 28, 2015, 03:27:45 pm

He's second in homers and 3rd in obp.

Lollygagger.

pots · « **Reply #68 on:** April 29, 2015, 09:44:05 am »

Yesterday's homerun was oppo. Looked like they were trying to get in on his hands and lost it out over the plate.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #69 on:** April 29, 2015, 04:25:57 pm »

Quote

Jose Rodriguez ‏@Caller_JR 1 minute ago
#CCHooks roster moves: LHP Kent Emanuel placed on disabled list; RHP Daniel Minor activated.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #70 on:** April 30, 2015, 06:38:31 pm »

Per TL transactions page, Joe Sclafani moved back to Fresno and Jon Kemmer has been activated.

juliogotay · « **Reply #71 on:** May 01, 2015, 09:16:33 am »

Good outing for Hader last night in a Hooks 8-1 win. 5/5/1/1/0/5. Devenski was even better in his four innings.

pots · « **Reply #72 on:** May 01, 2015, 09:22:52 am »

Quote from: juliogotay on May 01, 2015, 09:16:33 am

Good outing for Hader last night in a Hooks 8-1 win. 5/5/1/1/0/5. Devenski was even better in his four innings.

Nice to see Devenski putting it all together at AA. Been following him since this game

astrosfan76 · « **Reply #73 on:** May 01, 2015, 02:49:34 pm »

Moran may be out for a little while:

Quote

Brian McTaggart ⚾️ ‏@brianmctaggart 3m3 minutes ago

Moran suffered the injury sliding into second base and an errant throw struck him.

Happened in the first inning of yesterday's game.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #74 on:** May 01, 2015, 02:59:33 pm »

Quote from: astrosfan76 on May 01, 2015, 02:49:34 pm

Moran may be out for a little while:

Non-displaced jaw fracture, just to clarify.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #75 on:** May 01, 2015, 03:04:27 pm »

And Chan Moon promoted from Lancaster apparently to take Moran's spot on the roster:

Quote

Lancaster JetHawks ‏@JetHawks 2 minutes ago
Congratulations to @cjmoon91 on his promotion to AA Corpus Christi!

pots · « **Reply #76 on:** May 01, 2015, 03:22:41 pm »

Quote from: Nate Colbert on May 01, 2015, 02:59:33 pm

Non-displaced jaw fracture, just to clarify.

That is some awful luck there.

Reuben · « **Reply #77 on:** May 02, 2015, 03:23:53 pm »

Quote from: pots on May 01, 2015, 09:22:52 am

Nice to see Devenski putting it all together at AA. Been following him since this game

C'mon, it's not like he threw a perfect game or anything...

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #78 on:** May 02, 2015, 08:57:21 pm »

McCullers gives up 1st earned runs of year on a jack but still an extremely good outing (6/2/2/2/2/7).

Now 28/8 K to W in 20 IP.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #79 on:** May 02, 2015, 11:23:03 pm »

I believe I heard Luhnow say on the broadcast tonight that Moran would be out at least 4 weeks.

Navin R Johnson · « **Reply #80 on:** May 03, 2015, 10:48:17 am »

He also hinted around that Correa would be heading to AAA in the next couple weeks.

Reuben · « **Reply #81 on:** May 03, 2015, 02:20:55 pm »

Quote from: Navin R Johnson on May 03, 2015, 10:48:17 am

He also hinted around that Correa would be heading to AAA in the next couple weeks.

Kemp deserves to move up there, too, at least based on his batting numbers. Obviously Fontana, Torreyes, and Sclafani aren't gonna block Correa if he needs to move up, but I wonder what they will do with them.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #82 on:** May 03, 2015, 10:14:52 pm »

From a CC Caller article by Jose Rodriguez (twitter: ‏@Caller_JR)

Though he homered in today's game, Telvin Nash also struck out three different times with the bases loaded.
Tony Kemp out of the lineup today but expected back Monday after being plunked on the elbow on Saturday.
Jio Mier likely activated from DL on Tuesday.

juliogotay · « **Reply #83 on:** May 04, 2015, 07:52:45 am »

Quote from: Nate Colbert on May 03, 2015, 10:14:52 pm

From a CC Caller article by Jose Rodriguez (twitter: ‏@Caller_JR)

Though he homered in today's game, Telvin Nash also struck out three different times with the bases loaded.
Tony Kemp out of the lineup today but expected back Monday after being plunked on the elbow on Saturday.
Jio Mier likely activated from DL on Tuesday.

Nash would be a perfect replacement for Chris Carter.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #84 on:** May 04, 2015, 09:38:11 pm »

Bad Appel has returned. Last two starts: 7.2 IP, 8 earned runs on 12 hits and 6 walks allowed. Did have 7 strikeouts tonight though.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #85 on:** May 04, 2015, 10:47:40 pm »

Correa goes 3-5 including the game-winning 3-run double in the B9.

NeilT · « **Reply #86 on:** May 05, 2015, 08:12:30 am »

Quote from: Nate Colbert on May 04, 2015, 09:38:11 pm

Bad Appel has returned. Last two starts: 7.2 IP, 8 earned runs on 12 hits and 6 walks allowed. Did have 7 strikeouts tonight though.

Better move him up to AAA. He's clearly not happy.

Reuben · « **Reply #87 on:** May 05, 2015, 09:48:53 am »

Quote from: Nate Colbert on May 04, 2015, 10:47:40 pm

Correa goes 3-5 including the game-winning 3-run double in the B9.

Great video of it in this article.

jbm · « **Reply #88 on:** May 05, 2015, 09:54:16 am »

Quote from: Nate Colbert on May 04, 2015, 09:38:11 pm

Bad Appel has returned. Last two starts: 7.2 IP, 8 earned runs on 12 hits and 6 walks allowed. Did have 7 strikeouts tonight though.

Didn't get to actually see it, but judging from the recap, he wasn't getting tagged a lot. I worry more when I see that.

I'd like to hear reports on the control issue last night. Maybe he is working on something new.

astrosfan76 · « **Reply #89 on:** May 05, 2015, 11:15:08 am »

Ask BA answers the burning question:

Quote

With Kris Bryant now in the big leagues, who is the best prospect in baseball?

Bryan Ramsey
Chicago

BA:

Since the season began, No. 1 prospect Kris Bryant and No. 3 prospect Addison Russell have both been promoted to the big leagues and now it’s well worth asking who’s No. 1...To get a sense of what MLB front offices are thinking we polled a cross-section of upper level front office officials to get their viewpoint. No one with the Astros, Dodgers or Twins were polled since it was their teams’ players involved in the discussion of who should be No. 1.

http://www.baseballamerica.com/international/ask-ba-whos/

GreatBagwellsBeard · « **Reply #90 on:** May 05, 2015, 03:06:57 pm »

Quote from: jbm on May 05, 2015, 09:54:16 am

Didn't get to actually see it, but judging from the recap, he wasn't getting tagged a lot. I worry more when I see that.

I'd like to hear reports on the control issue last night. Maybe he is working on something new.

Yeah, I looked at the game log, and it doesn't seem that bad to me. He struck out the side in the first, got an inning-ending K in the 2nd with runners in scoring position, and then gave up the runs while still racking up K's in between.

Corpus is still doing the tandem as far as I know, so it's not like he was going past the fifth anyway.

Jacksonian · « **Reply #91 on:** May 05, 2015, 03:17:47 pm »

Quote from: GreatBagwellsBeard on May 05, 2015, 03:06:57 pm

Yeah, I looked at the game log, and it doesn't seem that bad to me. He struck out the side in the first, got an inning-ending K in the 2nd with runners in scoring position, and then gave up the runs while still racking up K's in between.

Corpus is still doing the tandem as far as I know, so it's not like he was going past the fifth anyway.

If he's working a particular pitch or mechanical issue ok. If it's just him working then the control issues are troublesome. 4 walks in 3.2 innings over 90 pitches is remarkably inefficient.

Jacksonian · « **Reply #92 on:** May 05, 2015, 03:30:35 pm »

Quote from: Jacksonian on May 05, 2015, 03:17:47 pm

If he's working a particular pitch or mechanical issue ok. If it's just him working then the control issues are troublesome. 4 walks in 3.2 innings over 90 pitches is remarkably inefficient.

Then there's a quote from Luhnow in the online Crock that he wants to see multiple dominant outings from Appel. That tells me there's nothing he's really working on. He's just not locating well, consistently.

roadrunner · « **Reply #93 on:** May 05, 2015, 03:41:55 pm »

Drellich tweeted today that Luhnow said Correa will be in AAA at some point this month.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #94 on:** May 05, 2015, 04:58:18 pm »

Quote

Evan Drellich ‏@EvanDrellich 6 minutes ago
Vince Velasquez nearing assignment to a minor league affiliate. Been pitching in extended spring training. Probably AA Corpus.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #95 on:** May 05, 2015, 08:00:41 pm »

Quote

Ben Badler ‏@BenBadler 4 minutes ago
My nightly Carlos Correa fawning: Two innings in, he already has a three-run home run and stole third base (12-for-12 on the year). Amazing.

Finishes 3-4 with one more SB (13-13).

And I'm sure you're bored reading all the superlatives being thrown at Correa but here's one more.

Reuben · « **Reply #96 on:** May 06, 2015, 12:03:14 am »

Quote from: Nate Colbert on May 05, 2015, 04:58:18 pm

Evan Drellich ‏@EvanDrellich 6 minutes ago
Vince Velasquez nearing assignment to a minor league affiliate. Been pitching in extended spring training. Probably AA Corpus.

Great news. I love it when I realize that I've sort of forgotten about some really good and/or intriguing player the Astros have in their system. VV's been off my radar since early in ST.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #97 on:** May 06, 2015, 03:11:21 pm »

Quote

George Vondracek ‏@Caller_GeorgeV 45 minutes ago
.@cchooks moves RHP Jonas Dufek promoted to Triple-A @FresnoGrizzlies. RHP Juan Minaya activated from DL for Wed game v @RockHounds.

jbm · « **Reply #98 on:** May 06, 2015, 03:24:48 pm »

Juan Minaya still hanging around. Would love to see him make it.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #99 on:** May 07, 2015, 03:11:22 pm »

Quote from: Nate Colbert on May 03, 2015, 10:14:52 pm

Jio Mier likely activated from DL on Tuesday.

Got activated today (per tweets).

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #100 on:** May 07, 2015, 07:44:06 pm »

Baseball's best prospect just touched one off in his first AB tonight. #7.

pots · « **Reply #101 on:** May 07, 2015, 08:02:01 pm »

Wild man McCullers with 7 ks through 3. But 3 walks, hit batter and wild pitch. Finished well. Ended up with 9Ks in 5 innings.
5.0/3/0/0/3/9/0

austro · « **Reply #102 on:** May 07, 2015, 08:15:24 pm »

Quote from: pots on May 07, 2015, 08:02:01 pm

Wild man McCullers with 7 ks through 3. But 3 walks, hit batter and wild pitch.

It's the JR Richard school of intimidation.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #103 on:** May 08, 2015, 04:08:53 pm »

Quote from: Reuben on May 06, 2015, 12:03:14 am

Great news. I love it when I realize that I've sort of forgotten about some really good and/or intriguing player the Astros have in their system. VV's been off my radar since early in ST.

Activated today and scheduled to pitch tonight.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #104 on:** May 08, 2015, 04:12:01 pm »

Tony Kemp has been placed on the inactive list.

Navin R Johnson · « **Reply #105 on:** May 08, 2015, 04:21:45 pm »

What is the inactive list? I saw a tweet about him going to his college graduation today, is he just getting a day or 2 off?

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #106 on:** May 08, 2015, 04:34:14 pm »

Quote from: Navin R Johnson on May 08, 2015, 04:21:45 pm

What is the inactive list? I saw a tweet about him going to his college graduation today, is he just getting a day or 2 off?

Virtual Bob asked about the inactive list in another thread. Here was my response:

Quote

35 man reserve roster, 25 man active roster at those two levels. Three days is the minimum period for placing a player on the inactive list. So theoretically you could have 10 players on the inactive list at any given time (teams obviously are never gonna do that).

It can be used in situations like Kemp's. Also, as VB noted in that other thread, you'll often see the Astros using it with regard to the starting pitchers to carry an extra pitcher or two (deactivating a guy who's just thrown and activating another guy who is scheduled to pitch that day).

juliogotay · « **Reply #107 on:** May 08, 2015, 08:57:27 pm »

Velasquez not too shabby in his 2015 debut. 5/3/1/1/10. 52 strikes in 74 pitches.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #108 on:** May 08, 2015, 09:20:30 pm »

Quote from: juliogotay on May 08, 2015, 08:57:27 pm

Velasquez not too shabby in his 2015 debut. 5/3/1/1/10. 52 strikes in 74 pitches.

Michael Coffin ‏of the Hooks radio crew reported that VV touched 98 mph on the gun.

jbm · « **Reply #109 on:** May 08, 2015, 09:26:05 pm »

All that is very encouraging. Can never have too many potential starters in waiting.

pots · « **Reply #110 on:** May 08, 2015, 10:38:38 pm »

Quote from: juliogotay on May 08, 2015, 08:57:27 pm

Velasquez not too shabby in his 2015 debut. 5/3/1/1/10. 52 strikes in 74 pitches.

Nice! Between McCullers, Devenski, Hader and now Valesquez. Statistically, Appel is your 5th starter

Reuben · « **Reply #111 on:** May 08, 2015, 11:53:00 pm »

Quote from: pots on May 08, 2015, 10:38:38 pm

Nice! Between McCullers, Devenski, Hader and now Valesquez. Statistically, Appel is your 5th starter

"Get Amaro on the phone... see what he wants for Cole Hamels... our #5 starter from Corpus? Well, OK, I guess..."

juliogotay · « **Reply #112 on:** May 09, 2015, 10:02:40 am »

Quote from: Reuben on May 08, 2015, 11:53:00 pm

"Get Amaro on the phone... see what he wants for Cole Hamels... our #5 starter from Corpus? Well, OK, I guess..."

Why does Hamels not excite me much? Am I missing the boat on him? Looks like a #3 at this stage of his career although that would help the team. But I wouldn't overpay for him. Somebody will.

doyce7 · « **Reply #113 on:** May 09, 2015, 11:27:42 am »

Quote from: juliogotay on May 09, 2015, 10:02:40 am

Why does Hamels not excite me much? Am I missing the boat on him? Looks like a #3 at this stage of his career although that would help the team. But I wouldn't overpay for him. Somebody will.

Even if he is a number 3 at this point, kuechel McHugh hamels looks pretty good to me for a 123 punch.

austro · « **Reply #114 on:** May 09, 2015, 12:22:51 pm »

Quote from: doyce7 on May 09, 2015, 11:27:42 am

Even if he is a number 3 at this point, kuechel McHugh hamels looks pretty good to me for a 123 punch.

He's 31 now. Two years from now (2017 season), when things are really starting to pay off, he'll be 33, and you'll still be on the hook for something like $45MM (approximately; he's on a 7-year, $159MM contract through 2018, and I don't know how it's actually structured) through his age-34 season. Plus whatever talent you gave up in the deal. I think he's declining too fast to make this worth the risk.

juliogotay · « **Reply #115 on:** May 10, 2015, 01:45:10 pm »

Hooks win 11-1 last night against S.A. Appel has an odd line at 5/8/1/0/1/1. His ERA is 3.71 after last night.
The prodigy goes 2/5 with a 2B and sitting at .389. I don't know much about Tyler White, 33rd rd choice in 2013, but he is hitting .353 in 16 games with a .522 OBP. Played 3rd last night.

kevwun · « **Reply #116 on:** May 11, 2015, 11:58:59 am »

Correa's not in the lineup today. His days in Corpus might be over.

BudGirl · « **Reply #117 on:** May 11, 2015, 12:57:18 pm »

Quote from: kevwun on May 11, 2015, 11:58:59 am

Correa's not in the lineup today. His days in Corpus might be over.

or

Quote from: Jacksonian on May 11, 2015, 12:12:50 pm

He's played for 16 consecutive days including a double header on the first of those 16 games. Now a morning game after a night game. Could just be a day off.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #118 on:** May 11, 2015, 01:34:29 pm »

Quote

Michael Coffin ‏@CoffinMJC 45 minutes ago
Heck of a run by @ddddeevvvoooo. Devenski's scoreless innings streak ends at 27. @AsherWojo holds the club record at 33.

juliogotay · « **Reply #119 on:** May 11, 2015, 04:07:18 pm »

CC wins today 2-1. Nash with a 2-run dinger. Devinski ERA now at 0.31. Gustave with a two inning save. Mier was at SS.

jbm · « **Reply #120 on:** May 11, 2015, 04:23:27 pm »

Got a chance to see the Hooks today. First time seeing Devenski. Honestly, I have no idea how this guy went so long without giving up a run. A lot of batters squared him up. One guy didn't tag when he should have and one got thrown out at home, but then a lefty hit a liner that cleared the right field wall by a foot or so.

Devenski has pretty good command, an average fastball, slightly less than average breaking balls, but he has a very effective change. It's unusual in that it comes in about 15 mph slower. Not a lot of movement, but hitters rarely time it. It's hard for me to envision him having success in the major leagues with just that pitch, but I might be dead wrong or he might add another wrinkle.

I love to watch Kemp bat. I missed his first AB, but saw him drill a strong oppo fly out into a mild wind, pull a sharp grounder for a single, get robbed on an oppo left center line drive and weakly groundout to the right side. He and Jio also turned a fine DP. I'd be surprised if he isn't annoying some opponent in the majors one day.

Gregor also looked good. Heineman as well.

Gustave has an arm. 96-97. Not a lot of swing and miss with his fastball, but not a ton of hard contact either. Slider was so so.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #121 on:** May 12, 2015, 03:19:09 pm »

Quote from: jbm on May 11, 2015, 04:23:27 pm

Got a chance to see the Hooks today. First time seeing Devenski. Honestly, I have no idea how this guy went so long without giving up a run. A lot of batters squared him up. One guy didn't tag when he should have and one got thrown out at home, but then a lefty hit a liner that cleared the right field wall by a foot or so.

Devenski has pretty good command, an average fastball, slightly less than average breaking balls, but he has a very effective change. It's unusual in that it comes in about 15 mph slower. Not a lot of movement, but hitters rarely time it. It's hard for me to envision him having success in the major leagues with just that pitch, but I might be dead wrong or he might add another wrinkle.

I love to watch Kemp bat. I missed his first AB, but saw him drill a strong oppo fly out into a mild wind, pull a sharp grounder for a single, get robbed on an oppo left center line drive and weakly groundout to the right side. He and Jio also turned a fine DP. I'd be surprised if he isn't annoying some opponent in the majors one day.

Gregor also looked good. Heineman as well.

Gustave has an arm. 96-97. Not a lot of swing and miss with his fastball, but not a ton of hard contact either. Slider was so so.

Nice report.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #122 on:** May 12, 2015, 03:21:46 pm »

As expected, Chan Moon back to CC from Fresno (per tweets).

Reuben · « **Reply #123 on:** May 12, 2015, 05:07:31 pm »

Quote from: Nate Colbert on May 12, 2015, 03:19:09 pm

Nice report.

Very nice. Thanks, JBM. Any specific impressions of Gregor? Fielding or hitting-wise?

jbm · « **Reply #124 on:** May 12, 2015, 05:31:17 pm »

Yeah, he made a high reaching grab of a screaming liner. Quick reaction, vertically at least. I didn't see anything else either positive or negative on his defense. Offensively, it was only a few ABs, but he played right into what I had read: lefty with a solid bat, but more of a line drive stroke than a power stroke. I wouldn't characterize him as lacking power, because he hit a few balls real hard. His single to center looked to be accelerating mid flight, just no loft.

On a side note, I enjoyed the pitch clock. It's sort of a soft clock, kind of like the clock in the PGA, but it did seem to keep the game moving.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #125 on:** May 12, 2015, 10:10:56 pm »

McCullers: 4 innings, 6 whiffs, zilch baserunners (except on an error).

Reuben · « **Reply #126 on:** May 12, 2015, 10:25:09 pm »

Quote from: Nate Colbert on May 12, 2015, 10:10:56 pm

McCullers: 4 innings, 6 whiffs, zilch baserunners (except on an error).

If not for Correa's amazing start, we'd probably be talking a lot more about how dominant McCullers has been. After the struggles he had last year, it sure is great to see.

I wonder if he's finally started to improve his changeup, or if it's more his control of the FB and curveball, or what.

AllHailCaptainCorrea · « **Reply #127 on:** May 12, 2015, 10:28:52 pm »

Quote from: Reuben on May 12, 2015, 10:25:09 pm

If not for Correa's amazing start, we'd probably be talking a lot more about how dominant McCullers has been. After the struggles he had last year, it sure is great to see.

I wonder if he's finally started to improve his changeup, or if it's more his control of the FB and curveball, or what.

Getting out of Lancaster probably helps a bit as well.

jbm · « **Reply #128 on:** May 12, 2015, 11:33:22 pm »

Quote from: Reuben on May 12, 2015, 10:25:09 pm

I wonder if he's finally started to improve his changeup, or if it's more his control of the FB and curveball, or what.

I wonder the same thing. I'm hoping it is simply repeating his delivery, leading to consistency and command of his two plus pitches. That type of improvement is more bankable long term.

I'd also include Kemp as a story somewhat obscured by Correa's success. His OBP is off the charts (440ish).

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #129 on:** May 14, 2015, 04:52:56 pm »

Per TL transactions page, Brandon Meredith has been DL'd.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #130 on:** May 14, 2015, 06:22:30 pm »

Per the game notes:

Quote

2B Tony Kemp, who notched 2 hits and 1 walk Tuesday, has reached safely in 16 consecutive games. In
his last 9 contests, Kemp is hitting .395 (15-for-38) with 6 runs, 4 doubles, 5 RBIs, 4 walks and 3 strikeouts. The former Vanderbilt Commodore ranks among the Texas League leaders in on-base percentage (.452, 3rd), walks (20, T-5th) and batting average (.340, 7th).

Also while the early going has been rough for Teoscar Hernandez maybe he's finally turning things around. He's currently on a 6-game hitting streak in which he's 9-23 with 3 longballs.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #131 on:** May 14, 2015, 11:12:38 pm »

Quote

Michael Coffin ‏@CoffinMJC 37 minutes ago
Big win by Aaron West today. West retired 9 of the 11 men he faced, striking out 5. @cchooks pitchers own a 1.12 ERA in the last 10 games.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #132 on:** May 15, 2015, 08:44:07 pm »

Wormy Appel, ladies and germs--

Tonight: 4 IP, 6 H, 5 ER, 5 W, 4 K
Last 4 starts: 16.2 IP, 26 H, 13 ER, 12 W, 12 K

Reuben · « **Reply #133 on:** May 15, 2015, 09:04:29 pm »

Quote from: Nate Colbert on May 15, 2015, 08:44:07 pm

Wormy Appel, ladies and germs--

Tonight: 4 IP, 6 H, 5 ER, 5 W, 4 K
Last 4 starts: 16.2 IP, 26 H, 13 ER, 12 W, 12 K

Fuck.

Jacksonian · « **Reply #134 on:** May 15, 2015, 11:18:06 pm »

Quote from: Nate Colbert on May 15, 2015, 08:44:07 pm

Wormy Appel, ladies and germs--

Tonight: 4 IP, 6 H, 5 ER, 5 W, 4 K
Last 4 starts: 16.2 IP, 26 H, 13 ER, 12 W, 12 K

I am more and more convinced that for all his physical talents he lacks the mental game to be effective.

VirtualBob · « **Reply #135 on:** May 16, 2015, 07:29:47 am »

Quote from: Jacksonian on May 15, 2015, 11:18:06 pm

I am more and more convinced that for all his physical talents he lacks the mental game to be effective.

+1 ... I hate to give up on him but it is hard to keep any sort of optimism.

MusicMan · « **Reply #136 on:** May 16, 2015, 07:49:02 am »

Quote from: Jacksonian on May 15, 2015, 11:18:06 pm

I am more and more convinced that for all his physical talents he lacks the mental game to be effective.

Appel over Bryant is going to go down as an all timer. Fortunately it looks like 2012 will offset 2013.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

NeilT · « **Reply #137 on:** May 16, 2015, 08:12:42 am »

You pays your money, you takes your chances.

austro · « **Reply #138 on:** May 16, 2015, 08:20:24 am »

Quote from: NeilT on May 16, 2015, 08:12:42 am

You pays your money, you takes your chances.

Can you imagine a Bryant-Correa-Altuve-Singleton infield in a year or two? Backed by a Tucker-Marisnick-Springer outfield? Yikes.

Reuben · « **Reply #139 on:** May 16, 2015, 08:25:21 am »

Quote from: Jacksonian on May 15, 2015, 11:18:06 pm

I am more and more convinced that for all his physical talents he lacks the mental game to be effective.

I've read that scouts have a more colorful, derogatory name for it.

Lefty · « **Reply #140 on:** May 16, 2015, 08:52:46 am »

Quote from: Reuben on May 16, 2015, 08:25:21 am

I've read that scouts have a more colorful, derogatory name for it.

Which is?

Mr. Happy · « **Reply #141 on:** May 16, 2015, 09:17:03 am »

Quote from: Lefty on May 16, 2015, 08:52:46 am

Which is?

I don't know, but we used to call them pussies.

juliogotay · « **Reply #142 on:** May 16, 2015, 09:22:32 am »

Quote from: Mr. Happy on May 16, 2015, 09:17:03 am

I don't know, but we used to call them pussies.

If that is the case, I am putting my money on Brocail to either fix him or eat him.

Reuben · « **Reply #143 on:** May 16, 2015, 11:04:52 am »

Quote from: Mr. Happy on May 16, 2015, 09:17:03 am

I don't know, but we used to call them pussies.

I've not seen it spelled out, but that was my guess too. And I get the impression it's a perception that some have had since he was at Stanford.

MusicMan · « **Reply #144 on:** May 16, 2015, 12:32:39 pm »

Quote from: Reuben on May 16, 2015, 08:25:21 am

I've read that scouts have a more colorful, derogatory name for it.

You down with OPP?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

austro · « **Reply #145 on:** May 16, 2015, 12:34:37 pm »

Quote from: juliogotay on May 16, 2015, 09:22:32 am

If that is the case, I am putting my money on Brocail to either fix him or eat him.

Some guys aren't fixable. I suspect Brocail will wind up eating him.

Jacksonian · « **Reply #146 on:** May 16, 2015, 02:38:26 pm »

Quote from: Reuben on May 16, 2015, 11:04:52 am

I've not seen it spelled out, but that was my guess too. And I get the impression it's a perception that some have had since he was at Stanford.

Yes

juliogotay · « **Reply #147 on:** May 16, 2015, 03:15:21 pm »

Quote from: austro on May 16, 2015, 08:20:24 am

Can you imagine a Bryant-Correa-Altuve-Singleton infield in a year or two? Backed by a Tucker-Marisnick-Springer outfield? Yikes.

Or put Phillips in LF to maintain the "3 CFer concept" and let Tucker DH perhaps platooning with Gattis and jettisoning Karter.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #148 on:** May 16, 2015, 05:38:10 pm »

With Grossman/Hoes/Presley/Santana all crowding the OF at Fresno, Andy Aplin gets demoted to the Hooks (per game notes).

jbm · « **Reply #149 on:** May 16, 2015, 06:43:19 pm »

Quote from: juliogotay on May 16, 2015, 03:15:21 pm

Or put Phillips in LF to maintain the "3 CFer concept" and let Tucker DH perhaps platooning with Gattis and jettisoning Karter.

If Kemp is the real deal, he'll crack the starting nine somewhere. They'll find a way.

austro · « **Reply #150 on:** May 16, 2015, 06:47:18 pm »

Quote from: jbm on May 16, 2015, 06:43:19 pm

If Kemp is the real deal, he'll crack the starting nine somewhere. They'll find a way.

It's also now possible to see Houston as a "destination" for interesting free agents.

juliogotay · « **Reply #151 on:** May 16, 2015, 08:59:08 pm »

I just learned from the Frisco broadcast that the CC catcher Pena is the son of former Astro SS Bert Pena.

juliogotay · « **Reply #152 on:** May 16, 2015, 10:48:25 pm »

Going extras tonight in Frisco with score knotted at 13. The Hooks have 20 hits through nine led by Aplin's four in his return to AA. The wind is blowing out.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #153 on:** May 16, 2015, 10:59:11 pm »

Quote from: juliogotay on May 16, 2015, 10:48:25 pm

Going extras tonight in Frisco with score knotted at 13. The Hooks have 20 hits through nine led by Aplin's four in his return to AA. The wind is blowing out.

That's a tough Frisco lineup with Josh Hamilton (now exited) along with the Rangers' top four prospects (Gallo, Alfaro, Mazara and Williams).

juliogotay · « **Reply #154 on:** May 16, 2015, 11:03:38 pm »

Quote from: Nate Colbert on May 16, 2015, 10:59:11 pm

That's a tough Frisco lineup with Josh Hamilton (now exited) along with the Rangers' top four prospects (Gallo, Alfaro, Mazara and Williams).

The two teams entered tonight's game with exact opposite records. CC at 23-12 I think and Frisco at 12-23. Frisco has won their share with CC this year though.

juliogotay · « **Reply #155 on:** May 17, 2015, 05:19:12 pm »

Am watching Hader pitch against Hamilton and the Friscoes. Hamilton just double off of him in his second AB but Hader got him on a flyout in the first. Frisco announcers making the obligatory Sale references. I can see where he would be very tough for a LH batter.
His control isn't real sharp. I can see where he could be something special if he can command the zone.

JimR · « **Reply #156 on:** May 17, 2015, 05:33:47 pm »

If I am in charge, we keep Carter.

I would how tough and direct they have been with Appel. He has too much talent to pitch like that.

juliogotay · « **Reply #157 on:** May 17, 2015, 06:35:38 pm »

Am seeing Devenski pitch now. He is as advertised. Great change and command. Keeps everything low. Not overpowering by any means but a guy that can pitch.

Devenski just k'd Hamilton on the change. His change up dives to the feet.

Duman · « **Reply #158 on:** May 18, 2015, 10:04:15 am »

I would not be surprised to see Appel to be a part of a trade package for a top pitcher if one is made this year.

pots · « **Reply #159 on:** May 18, 2015, 11:59:15 am »

Quote from: Duman on May 18, 2015, 10:04:15 am

I would not be surprised to see Appel to be a part of a trade package for a top pitcher if one is made this year.

Boy I can't imagine trading him now would be worth it.

jbm · « **Reply #160 on:** May 18, 2015, 12:49:44 pm »

Quote from: pots on May 18, 2015, 11:59:15 am

Boy I can't imagine trading him now would be worth it.

Me either. That would be selling low, IMO.

I can't believe I am defending Appel, but some tend to react a bit too much to few bad starts. Without knowing what is going on, I'm going to give him the benefit of the doubt and assume he is working on something or has a minor physical issue. I be surprised if anyone posting here know for sure if he is a weak-willed pansy of not. If he is, it will surely limit his ceiling, but he should still be a useful component for the future.

kevwun · « **Reply #161 on:** May 18, 2015, 02:31:29 pm »

It's not really a few bad starts though. He's got more mediocre to bad starts than good ones up to this point in his minor league career. There's just been no consistency with him.

jbm · « **Reply #162 on:** May 18, 2015, 02:50:57 pm »

Quote from: kevwun on May 18, 2015, 02:31:29 pm

It's not really a few bad starts though. He's got more mediocre to bad starts than good ones up to this point in his minor league career. There's just no consistency with him.

I understand the concern as everyone assuredly expected more consistency from him, but I don't think one can judge a developing minor league player on their body of work. Some develop in fits and starts, and the in between struggles become irrelevant.

I'd be more likely hold a negative view if he already hadn't proved me wrong once. Last year, I assumed he was a mental midget destined to become a giant bust, but I was dead wrong. He also looked pretty decent in the few innings I saw in spring. So, I'm going to give him some slack before I write him off again.

Mr. Happy · « **Reply #163 on:** May 18, 2015, 02:53:58 pm »

Quote from: jbm on May 18, 2015, 02:50:57 pm

I understand the concern as everyone assuredly expected more consistency from him, but I don't think one can judge a developing minor league player on their body of work. Some develop in fits and starts, and the in between struggles become irrelevant.

I'd be more likely hold a negative view if he already hadn't proved me wrong once. Last year, I assumed he was a mental midget destined to become a giant bust, but I was dead wrong. He also looked pretty decent in the few innings I saw in spring. So, I'm going to give him some slack before I write him off again.

+1 Some kids just don't play well in the minor leagues. They blossom in the big leagues. He'll get his chance, and probably sooner than later.

Fynn · « **Reply #164 on:** May 18, 2015, 03:30:11 pm »

I'm wondering if Appel is having problems adjusting to the tandem system (again). He is no fan of this schedule, and I wonder if he just needs to be promoted to Fresno to get some longer starts.

Mr. Happy · « **Reply #165 on:** May 18, 2015, 03:32:19 pm »

Quote from: Fynn on May 18, 2015, 03:30:11 pm

I'm wondering if Appel is having problems adjusting to the tandem system (again). He is no fan of this schedule, and I wonder if he just needs to be promoted to Fresno to get some longer starts.

If that is true, and I haven't read anything to confirm that, it shows immaturity on Appel's part. It's reminiscent of Lucas Harrell's fits out on the mound in reaction to the shifts behind him.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #166 on:** May 18, 2015, 03:34:41 pm »

RHP Angel Baez has been released.

He was acquired from the Royals this spring for cash.

kevwun · « **Reply #167 on:** May 18, 2015, 03:35:33 pm »

Quote from: Mr. Happy on May 18, 2015, 02:53:58 pm

+1 Some kids just don't play well in the minor leagues. They blossom in the big leagues. He'll get his chance, and probably sooner than later.

And some kids are Tim Redding and can't put all their tools together. I hope that doesn't happen to Appel, but at some point in the near future he's got to start pitching well game in and game out if he's ever going to live up to his draft spot.

VirtualBob · « **Reply #168 on:** May 18, 2015, 04:01:46 pm »

Quote from: Fynn on May 18, 2015, 03:30:11 pm

I'm wondering if Appel is having problems adjusting to the tandem system (again). He is no fan of this schedule, and I wonder if he just needs to be promoted to Fresno to get some longer starts.

He has not been part of the tandem. He has started every game he has appeared in, and while he has not gone past 5 innings (that I recall), I am not sure that was a "plan" so much as a response to him getting shelled.

VirtualBob · « **Reply #169 on:** May 18, 2015, 04:03:33 pm »

Quote from: kevwun on May 18, 2015, 03:35:33 pm

And some kids are Tim Redding and can't put all their tools together. I hope that doesn't happen to Appel, but at some point in the near future he's got to start pitching well game in and game out if he's ever going to live up to his draft spot.

+1

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #170 on:** May 18, 2015, 09:15:05 pm »

Nice AA debut for Brian Holmes: 5/4/1/1/2/5.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #171 on:** May 19, 2015, 06:44:11 pm »

From today's game notes:

Quote

3B Tyler White went 2-for-4 with a run scored last night. Now with 101 plate appearances under his belt, White is eligible to be counted among the Texas League leaders. His .505 on-base percentage tops the circuit while his .342 batting average slots 4th. White is hitting .410 with 9 runs, 1 home run, 5 RBIs and 8 walks in his last 11 games. White has worked 23 walks against 12 strikeouts on the season.

Knoxbanedoodle · « **Reply #172 on:** May 20, 2015, 08:26:51 am »

Quote from: Nate Colbert on May 19, 2015, 06:44:11 pm

From today's game notes:

And he was second string behind Moran, right? What's this guy's history?

Jacksonian · « **Reply #173 on:** May 20, 2015, 10:11:47 am »

Quote from: jbm on May 18, 2015, 12:49:44 pm

Me either. That would be selling low, IMO.

I can't believe I am defending Appel, but some tend to react a bit too much to few bad starts. Without knowing what is going on, I'm going to give him the benefit of the doubt and assume he is working on something or has a minor physical issue. I be surprised if anyone posting here know for sure if he is a weak-willed pansy of not. If he is, it will surely limit his ceiling, but he should still be a useful component for the future.

I watch him pitch. I look at all of non-verbal language. My view is that his goal is to have good mechanics and throw strikes. After that he hopes for the best. The problem as I see it is that his goal should be to get the batter out. The means to that goal should be good mechanics and throw strikes. When the goal is getting the batter out I would expect a higher quality of strike than when the goal is just throw a strike. This view explains a great deal to me about why batters make good contact against him more often than you'd expect with his level of talent.

juliogotay · « **Reply #174 on:** May 20, 2015, 11:13:09 am »

Quote from: Knoxbanedoodle on May 20, 2015, 08:26:51 am

And he was second string behind Moran, right? What's this guy's history?

24 years old, bats and throws RH. Drafted out of Western Carolina in '13 in the 33rd round. Listed on Hooks site as DH for position but playing 3rd in Moran's absence.

The most ABs he has had at one stop was in '14 at QC where he hit .290 with a .410 OPB, .911 OPS with 23 BBs and only 12Ks.
He does not run much. He has 23 MiL HRs in 704 ABs.

Mr. Happy · « **Reply #175 on:** May 20, 2015, 02:54:48 pm »

Quote from: Jacksonian on May 20, 2015, 10:11:47 am

I watch him pitch. I look at all of non-verbal language. My view is that his goal is to have good mechanics and throw strikes. After that he hopes for the best. The problem as I see it is that his goal should be to get the batter out. The means to that goal should be good mechanics and throw strikes. When the goal is getting the batter out I would expect a higher quality of strike than when the goal is just throw a strike. This view explains a great deal to me about why batters make good contact against him more often than you'd expect with his level of talent.

A pitcher's overarching goal should be to get every hitter out, however that must be done.

VirtualBob · « **Reply #176 on:** May 20, 2015, 04:05:08 pm »

Quote from: juliogotay on May 20, 2015, 11:13:09 am

24 years old, bats and throws RH. Drafted out of Western Carolina in '13 in the 33rd round. Listed on Hooks site as DH for position but playing 3rd in Moran's absence.

The most ABs he has had at one stop was in '14 at QC where he hit .290 with a .410 OPB, .911 OPS with 23 BBs and only 12Ks.
He does not run much. He has 23 MiL HRs in 704 ABs.

He has hit everywhere he stopped ... moving through 3 levels in 2013 (GCL, Appy, NY-Penn) and 2 last year (A, A+). He also has a good eye ... career slash line at all levels: .307/.420/.480 with 113 BB and only 103 K in 855 PA. He has gap power with doubles topping HR by a 2:1 margin. He is mostly a 3B-man, though he did appear in ~40 games at 1B last year. I think he was listed as a DH simply because he was ready for AA but not seen as being a better prospect than either Moran or Gregor (o maybe even Nash).

I have not seen him play, but the picture I get by studying box scores is one of a solid but not spectacular fielder who makes good contact and makes the most of his skills at the plate.

JimR · « **Reply #177 on:** May 20, 2015, 04:18:39 pm »

Quote from: Mr. Happy on May 20, 2015, 02:54:48 pm

A pitcher's overarching goal should be to get every hitter out, however that must be done.

of course, but in the minors they work on stuff, and the brass is not always that concerned with stats.

Jacksonian · « **Reply #178 on:** May 20, 2015, 04:26:13 pm »

Quote from: JimR on May 20, 2015, 04:18:39 pm

of course, but in the minors they work on stuff, and the brass is not always that concerned with stats.

Luhnow's on record in the past month expecting him to dominate. So he's concerned with results now. The time for simply working on things is past.

Reuben · « **Reply #179 on:** May 20, 2015, 06:04:29 pm »

Quote from: Jacksonian on May 20, 2015, 04:26:13 pm

Luhnow's on record in the past month expecting him to dominate. So he's concerned with results now. The time for simply working on things is past.

I'm sure Appel, like everyone else familiar with the draft, has noticed Bryant's meteoric rise and immediate MLB impact and is feeling that much more pressure to prove his own worth as a 1-1 pick. Maybe he can right the ship and make adjustments, like he did last year.

Then again, until David Price plays long enough to catch them, Andy Benes and Mike Moore stand as the most valuable pitchers ever drafted #1 overall. Maybe the Astros just fucked up by failing to learn from the lessons of history.

juliogotay · « **Reply #180 on:** May 20, 2015, 08:00:14 pm »

interesting on Benes and Moore. I never would have thought that was the case.

hostros7 · « **Reply #181 on:** May 20, 2015, 08:32:50 pm »

Quote from: Reuben on May 20, 2015, 06:04:29 pm

Then again, until David Price plays long enough to catch them, Andy Benes and Mike Moore stand as the most valuable pitchers ever drafted #1 overall. Maybe the Astros just fucked up by failing to learn from the lessons of history.

There have been much better pitchers in the history of the league than these three guys. Trust your scouts to identify the BPA in their opinion, pitcher or not. There is no meaningful analytical significance to a draft slot vis a vis a particular position -- what you're suggesting borders on superstition.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Reuben · « **Reply #182 on:** May 20, 2015, 08:33:43 pm »

Quote from: juliogotay on May 20, 2015, 08:00:14 pm

interesting on Benes and Moore. I never would have thought that was the case.

Yeah, it's kind of crazy how run-of-the-mill the 1/1 pitchers have been. Going by career Wins:

Moore 161
Benes 155
Belcher 146
F. Bannister 134
Price 89
McDonald 78
Kris Benson 70
Strasburg 46
Hochevar 43
Paul Wilson 40
Gerritt Cole 26
David Clyde 18
Matt Anderson 15
Bryan Bullington 1
Brien Taylor (no MLB games)
Appel TBD
Aiken TBD

Link

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #183 on:** May 21, 2015, 04:15:42 pm »

Slew of player moves (via Jose Rodriguez @Caller_JR):

C Tyler Heineman and LHP Mitch Lampson move up to Fresno.
C Luis Flores moves down from Fresno but is placed on CC inactive list.
C/1B/OF Trent Woodward (20th-rounder, 2014) activated out of EST.
RHP Michael Feliz and LHP Chris Cotton up from Lancaster.
RHP Daniel Minor (9th-rounder, 2012) released.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #184 on:** May 21, 2015, 06:26:06 pm »

From the Hooks blog discussing today's player movement:

Quote

Heineman, 23, was hitting .318 with 7 doubles and 5 RBIs in 22 games for the Hooks. He worked 8 walks and struck out just 6 times in 85 at-bats for a .383 on-base percentage. The switch-hitting backstop notched hits in 18 of 22 contests, reaching base in 20 of those affairs. Heineman, who departs the circuit riding a 7-game hit streak, threw out 7 of 13 runners attempting to steal for a .538 caught-stealing percentage.

Reuben · « **Reply #185 on:** May 21, 2015, 10:00:16 pm »

Feliz to Corpus is a rather aggressive promotion. I wonder if they'll keep him in the rotation, or if this is the beginning of an effort to fast-track him as a blow-em-away late-inning reliever?

Come to think of it, they've been aggressive with several pitcher promotions this year. Gustave, Guduan, McCullers, Feliz... hmmm.

Jacksonian · « **Reply #186 on:** May 21, 2015, 10:35:45 pm »

Quote from: Reuben on May 21, 2015, 10:00:16 pm

Feliz to Corpus is a rather aggressive promotion. I wonder if they'll keep him in the rotation, or if this is the beginning of an effort to fast-track him as a blow-em-away late-inning reliever?

Come to think of it, they've been aggressive with several pitcher promotions this year. Gustave, Guduan, McCullers, Feliz... hmmm.

And Feliz is on the 40-man.

Jacksonian · « **Reply #187 on:** May 22, 2015, 09:58:27 am »

Quote from: Reuben on May 21, 2015, 10:00:16 pm

Feliz to Corpus is a rather aggressive promotion. I wonder if they'll keep him in the rotation, or if this is the beginning of an effort to fast-track him as a blow-em-away late-inning reliever?

Come to think of it, they've been aggressive with several pitcher promotions this year. Gustave, Guduan, McCullers, Feliz... hmmm.

That's 9 guys now in Corpus who have been starting regularly, not including Emanuel who is on the DL. Something's gotta give.

Jacksonian · « **Reply #188 on:** May 22, 2015, 10:23:41 pm »

Appel is a mess.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #189 on:** May 22, 2015, 10:44:12 pm »

Quote from: Jacksonian on May 22, 2015, 10:23:41 pm

Appel is a mess.

Good grief--

Tonight: 3.2 IP, 8 H, 7 ER, 1 W, 2 K
Last 5 starts: 20.1 IP, 34 H, 20 ER, 13 W, 14 K

juliogotay · « **Reply #190 on:** May 22, 2015, 10:55:20 pm »

Quote from: Nate Colbert on May 22, 2015, 10:44:12 pm

Good grief--

Tonight: 3.2 IP, 8 H, 7 ER, 1 W, 2 K
Last 5 starts: 20.1 IP, 34 H, 20 ER, 13 W, 14 K

Tonight he threw 82 pitches with 54 strikes which doesn't seem like he was wild. Unless he was wild in the zone. For the year he has thrown 34 innings with an ERA sitting at 6.03. Looking at other CC pitchers with similar IP.

Devinski 34IP 0.53 ERA
Hauschild 32.2 IP 3.58 ERA
West 31.2 IP 3.13 ERA
Hader 28.2 IP 3.14 ERA
and McCullers is in Houston after starting out in CC.

chuck · « **Reply #191 on:** May 22, 2015, 11:18:29 pm »

I think we all know this is a horribly blown pick. This guy might eventually become a major league pitcher but it won't be with the Astros.

It'll be intersting to see if the Correa draft is something Astros fans can look forward to every now and then or if that was a total outlier.

Jacksonian · « **Reply #192 on:** May 22, 2015, 11:26:41 pm »

Quote from: juliogotay on May 22, 2015, 10:55:20 pm

Tonight he threw 82 pitches with 54 strikes which doesn't seem like he was wild. Unless he was wild in the zone. For the year he has thrown 34 innings with an ERA sitting at 6.03. Looking at other CC pitchers with similar IP.

Devinski 34IP 0.53 ERA
Hauschild 32.2 IP 3.58 ERA
West 31.2 IP 3.13 ERA
Hader 28.2 IP 3.14 ERA
and McCullers is in Houston after starting out in CC.

I don't have faith in the mental side of his game, but I hope there isn't an injury issue in there either.

Jacksonian · « **Reply #193 on:** May 22, 2015, 11:29:40 pm »

Quote from: chuck on May 22, 2015, 11:18:29 pm

I think we all know this is a horribly blown pick. This guy might eventually become a major league pitcher but it won't be with the Astros.

It'll be intersting to see if the Correa draft is something Astros fans can look forward to every now and then or if that was a total outlier.

I don't blame them for last year. They were uniquely bitten by the system. Upfront medicals like in the NFL and they take someone else. Appel had performance red flags going into the draft. Aiken had none.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #194 on:** May 23, 2015, 03:14:48 am »

Quote from: Jacksonian on May 22, 2015, 09:58:27 am

That's 9 guys now in Corpus who have been starting regularly, not including Emanuel who is on the DL. Something's gotta give.

Early results say Kyle Westwood is the odd man out.

AllHailCaptainCorrea · « **Reply #195 on:** May 23, 2015, 03:49:08 am »

Quote from: Jacksonian on May 22, 2015, 11:26:41 pm

I don't have faith in the mental side of his game, but I hope there isn't an injury issue in there either.

Didn't he have forearm tightness in ST?

AllHailCaptainCorrea · « **Reply #196 on:** May 23, 2015, 03:51:32 am »

Quote from: Jacksonian on May 22, 2015, 11:29:40 pm

I don't blame them for last year. They were uniquely bitten by the system. Upfront medicals like in the NFL and they take someone else. Appel had performance red flags going into the draft. Aiken had none.

Appel definitely had some red flags coming off of his junior season but he had seemingly answered most of the questions with the way he pitched his senior year.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #197 on:** May 23, 2015, 03:58:37 am »

Quote from: AllHailCaptainCorrea on May 23, 2015, 03:49:08 am

Didn't he have forearm tightness in ST?

Yes.

Nate Colbert · « **Reply #198 on:** May 23, 2015, 04:13:00 am »

Oddity: Jio has two dongs.

Link

AllHailCaptainCorrea · « **Reply #199 on:** May 23, 2015, 04:13:34 am »

Quote from: chuck on May 22, 2015, 11:18:29 pm

I think we all know this is a horribly blown pick. This guy might eventually become a major league pitcher but it won't be with the Astros.

It'll be intersting to see if the Correa draft is something Astros fans can look forward to every now and then or if that was a total outlier.

Meh....it happens. A lot of top picks, including 1-1, don't become much. Appel was a consensus top three guy in both '12 and '13. There was nothing wrong with the pick at the time. And he can still turn it around. Even if he doesn't, though, it's not like the 2013 draft is barren. The 6th-round HS C Nottingham is hitting .316/.385/.581. The 8th-round HS OF Martin is hitting .304/.359/.435. And the 5th-rounder Kemp is hitting .333/.439/.384. Having a pitcher like Musgrove break out also lessens the hit of Appel's struggles. Musgrove has 1 bb and 45 so in 39.2 innings pitched along with a 1.36 era and 0.96 whip.

And as Jacksonian said, the '14 draft was just an unfortunate occurrence. Aiken was the consensus top guy by the time of the draft and had shown no signs of anything being amiss. The Astros get 1-2 and 1-5 in this upcoming draft along with a gigantic bonus pool. That will be a definite boost to the system and will hopefully put the Aiken debacle completely in the past. Not to mention that the 2014 CBA pick Fisher, the 2nd-round pick Reed, the 3rd-round pick Davis, and the 4th-round pick Mengden have all looked good. Fisher is 7 for 8 in stolen bases with a line of .320/.404/.539. Reed is hitting .293/.403/.607. Davis is hitting .294/.358/.469. And Mengden has a 0.98 whip and a 1.16 era in 38.2 ip. I'm also intrigued by guys like Ritchie, Tanielu, Derick Velasquez, Radziewski, Dykxhoorn, and Ben Smith.