September callups

[Mr. Happy]

So far, mlb.com is reporting Villar, Fields and Thatcher. In order to make room on the 40-man roster, Jake Buchanan was DFA'd.

[ValpoCory]

Tucker tomorrow most likely.

[Fredia]

he deserves it

[jbm]

So far, mlb.com is reporting Villar, Fields and Thatcher. In order to make room on the 40-man roster, Jake Buchanan was DFA'd.

Was Thatcher the one who wasn't on the 40 man?

If so, I assume this is plan B for the playoffs if Perez doesn't improve.

[Uncle Charlie]

Was Thatcher the one who wasn't on the 40 man?

If so, I assume this is plan B for the playoffs if Perez doesn't improve.

Yes.

[Uncle Charlie]

I really don't understand the idea of blocking Tyler White and maybe Matt Duffy.  I don't care if White doesn't have to be protected this winter - if you think he can help you in a glaring fucking hole at 1B, then give him a shot.  At worst, he's going to have a relatively good eye and manage the strike zone well.  1B has produced .201/.308/.380 this year.

[doyce7]

Was Thatcher the one who wasn't on the 40 man?

If so, I assume this is plan B for the playoffs if Perez doesn't improve.

Not sure if Thatcher will be playoff eligible, has to be in organization on Aug 31st. He might have signed yesterday though.

[HudsonHawk]

Not sure if Thatcher will be playoff eligible, has to be in organization on Aug 31st. He might have signed yesterday though.

They resigned Thatcher a few days after DFAing him. He's been at Fresno the last month, where he's been pitching really well.

[Jacksonian]

I really don't understand the idea of blocking Tyler White and maybe Matt Duffy.  I don't care if White doesn't have to be protected this winter - if you think he can help you in a glaring fucking hole at 1B, then give him a shot.  At worst, he's going to have a relatively good eye and manage the strike zone well.  1B has produced .201/.308/.380 this year.

I would rather have the current Marwin/Valbuena platoon at 1b.

[doyce7]

They resigned Thatcher a few days after DFAing him. He's been at Fresno the last month, where he's been pitching really well.

Ah ok, I didn't recall that.

[Mr. Happy]

I would rather have the current Marwin/Valbuena platoon at 1b.

+1

[MusicMan]

I would rather have the current Marwin/Valbuena platoon at 1b.

I would rather have them AND a roster spot, certainly.

[Uncle Charlie]

I would rather have the current Marwin/Valbuena platoon at 1b.

That's fine, but it would be nice to have a bat on the bench and the ability to start White if desired...or a PH that isn't all or nothing.

[Reuben]

That's fine, but it would be nice to have a bat on the bench and the ability to start White if desired...or a PH that isn't all or nothing.

Tucker will provide that. I imagine they may eventually call up Hoes or Grossman, too.

[Jacksonian]

That's fine, but it would be nice to have a bat on the bench and the ability to start White if desired...or a PH that isn't all or nothing.

Everyone is assuming White can hit at the major league level.  I'm as big a bus driver as their is, but even I am not going to assume that about anyone.

[ValpoCory]

Everyone is assuming White can hit at the major league level.  I'm as big a bus driver as their is, but even I am not going to assume that about anyone.

I think they are assuming he can hit at least a little better than Chris Carter. 

[Navin R Johnson]

How much is not calling up Reed or White have to do with the 40 man vs how well they could do in MLB right now?

Who all is going to be need to be added at the end of the year to avoid the rule 5?

Charlie P was ranting about this on the radio yesterday and claims there is only 1 player that is going to be needed to added, I think he said it was Musgrove.

[Uncle Charlie]

I think they are assuming he can hit at least a little better than Chris Carter.

Yup.  Plus - I think that he has a good eye really helps.  His BB/K ratio down right phenomenal.  In a situation where you want a chance at a runner on base or putting the ball in play - he's something we simply don't have on the bench at the moment.

[Uncle Charlie]

How much is not calling up Reed or White have to do with the 40 man vs how well they could do in MLB right now?

Who all is going to be need to be added at the end of the year to avoid the rule 5?

Charlie P was ranting about this on the radio yesterday and claims there is only 1 player that is going to be needed to added, I think he said it was Musgrove.

Here's the list:  http://whattheheckbobby.blogspot.com/2015/08/astros-rule-5-draft-primer-and-2015.html

It's longer than just Musgrove in my opinion.  But one has to consider F/A, trades, roster openings, etc which will create room.

[juliogotay]

Here's the list:  http://whattheheckbobby.blogspot.com/2015/08/astros-rule-5-draft-primer-and-2015.html

It's longer than just Musgrove in my opinion.  But one has to consider F/A, trades, roster openings, etc which will create room.

I think Teoscar could well be taken. Not sure he would stick but he has tools at least equal to DeShields I think. And Gustave is on the list again. Probably would be taken again and may stick this time.

[Navin R Johnson]

Here's the list:  http://whattheheckbobby.blogspot.com/2015/08/astros-rule-5-draft-primer-and-2015.html

It's longer than just Musgrove in my opinion.  But one has to consider F/A, trades, roster openings, etc which will create room.

Thanks, some interesting names on that list.   So any thoughts on which AAA-AA position players could stick on a MLB roster next year if they were snatched away?

[JimR]

I would rather have the current Marwin/Valbuena platoon at 1b.

which is not a "fucking big hole."

[Uncle Charlie]

In August the 1B position, which has mainly been the Valbuena/Gonzalez platoon with a bit of Carter sprinkled, has hit 216/303/361.  That's down right terrible.  I know Carter brought down the average, though it's still terrible.

[geezerdonk]

Is Marwin getting all of hits when he is playing a position other than first base?

[Reuben]

Thanks, some interesting names on that list.   So any thoughts on which AAA-AA position players could stick on a MLB roster next year if they were snatched away?

The ones that seem at most risk to me are:

Guduan
Gustave
Musgrove
Paulino
Teoscar H.
R. Peña

I could also see some team like the A's taking a flyer on Aplin or even Fontana depending on need. Ditto Heineman for any team with poor catching depth.

[pots]

Gustave
Musgrove

Only 2 you need to protect

[Reuben]

Only 2 you need to protect

Elaborate, please.

[EasTexAstro]

Everyone is assuming White can hit at the major league level.  I'm as big a bus driver as their is, but even I am not going to assume that about anyone.

+1

[pots]

Elaborate, please.

Guduan- has walked more than a batter per inning at AA.  He isn't ready
Paulino - Still too far away, maybe next year
Teoscar H. - Probably the one that gives you a little pause.  But he took a gigantic step backwards this year.  He doesn't have the on base skills that DDS Jr had to showcase his speed.  He has more power though.  Just too unlikely to put it together at the majors.  If he gets taken odds are in favor of getting him back. 
R. Peña - You do actually have to bat occasionally as a catcher.   I do respect a good defensive catcher.  But he has a limited ceiling due to his offense and is not worth the 40 man spot at this time (IMO)

[Reuben]

A team that's in full-on rebuild mode and short on prospects could take a chance on any of those guys. Impossible to predict who would stick, of course.

[Jacksonian]

Guduan- has walked more than a batter per inning at AA.  He isn't ready
Paulino - Still too far away, maybe next year
Teoscar H. - Probably the one that gives you a little pause.  But he took a gigantic step backwards this year.  He doesn't have the on base skills that DDS Jr had to showcase his speed.  He has more power though.  Just too unlikely to put it together at the majors.  If he gets taken odds are in favor of getting him back. 
R. Peña - You do actually have to bat occasionally as a catcher.   I do respect a good defensive catcher.  But he has a limited ceiling due to his offense and is not worth the 40 man spot at this time (IMO)

On Guduan.  Any pitcher, much less a lefty like him, who throws 100 mph is going to be taken.  If it's the right team at the right time they'll be able to stash him and hope for improved control.

[The Spleen]

Fresno just won its division, so front line (in AAA at least) players like White might be held back until the playoffs are over.

[BudGirl]

Unless there is a need, I think the guys here are the ones that will win it or lose it.  This isn't a "let's see what we got" season.  This is a a "win it all" season.  No need to test-drive players.

[HudsonHawk]

Fresno just won its division, so front line (in AAA at least) players like White might be held back until the playoffs are over.

Why on earth would they hold back a player who they think can help them win a pennant?

[Mr. Happy]

Fresno just won its division, so front line (in AAA at least) players like White might be held back until the playoffs are over.

Nonsense. The minor league teams are there to support the parent club. If Luhnow thought that the entire starting nine of Fresno could help the Astros, he'd call them up in an instant.

[The Spleen]

Why on earth would they hold back a player who they think can help them win a pennant?

That's just my best guess. I'm not sure what other reason makes sense other than "they just don't think he's very good."
Yes, it would be dumb to just hand White the first base job for the last month, but I can't see why adding an extra bat to a struggling offense, at a position that's been especially problematic, should be a problem.

[Fredia]

agreed

[Mr. Happy]

That's just my best guess. I'm not sure what other reason makes sense other than "they just don't think he's very good."
Yes, it would be dumb to just hand White the first base job for the last month, but I can't see why adding an extra bat to a struggling offense, at a position that's been especially problematic, should be a problem.

Let's just say that this particular guess wasn't good and leave it at that. The club called up Correa, and they'll call up others when they feel that a player can help. Simply because a position isn't producing isn't sufficient because there are no guarantees that White would even be worth the spot on the 40-man roster.

[The Spleen]

So the consensus is that White is staying down because (at least in the opinion of Luhnow and company) he's just not that good.

This is an interesting story and one I'd like to learn more about. There's certainly no guarantee we'll ever know more, as management has no reason to share their player evaluation discussion with the public. But I still have to wonder:

What exactly is wrong with White that makes him not as good as his crazy minor league numbers would suggest?

Did Luhnow try to use him as a chip in one of the deadline trades?

Did other teams pass on him because they saw the same flaws the Astros did?

[Mr. Happy]

So the consensus is that White is staying down because (at least in the opinion of Luhnow and company) he's just not that good.

This is an interesting story and one I'd like to learn more about. There's certainly no guarantee we'll ever know more, as management has no reason to share their player evaluation discussion with the public. But I still have to wonder:

What exactly is wrong with White that makes him not as good as his crazy minor league numbers would suggest?

Did Luhnow try to use him as a chip in one of the deadline trades?

Did other teams pass on him because they saw the same flaws the Astros did?

You'll have to ask Luhnow those questions. It's not that White isn't good, although I would take the crazy numbers with a grain of salt because he's not facing big league pitching. There have been scores of players who destroyed the minor leagues and then did nothing in the Show. I see a fair amount of AAA pitching. Most of these guys are throwing 88-89 mph with weak secondary offerings. They're minor league journeymen.

[hostros7]

See: Singleton, Jonathan.


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[jbm]

See: Singleton, Jonathan.


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What is this in reference to?  That he is a minor league journeyman?

IMO, they should bring him up, unless he is some kind of malcontent. 

[Navin R Johnson]

Just for Reference.   

Singleton's minor league career: he has never hit over .300.  His career in the minors is 275/.384/.472
Singleton has stuck out 599 times in 2249 ABs (27%).  400 Walks in 2249 ABs.

White's minor league career: .311/.422/.491  159 Ks in 1013 ABS. (15%).  171 Walks in 1013 ABs

[chuck]

I read or heard or both that the organization places considerable importance on willing at all levels and that rather than advance certain players they would in some cases keep them with their teams should those teams be in playoff contention or should they make the playoffs.

Why what happens in Fresno would be in the same universe of importance as what happens in Houston I simply cannot say, but that's what was reported.

[hostros7]

What is this in reference to?  That he is a minor league journeyman?

IMO, they should bring him up, unless he is some kind of malcontent.

My only point was that his hitting at the major league level has been far inferior to his performance in the minor leagues. I have no view on whether or not he'll eventually figure it out and be successful, nor do I have any problem calling him up given the other options available on the MLB roster. 

[Reuben]

Just for Reference.   

Singleton's minor league career: he has never hit over .300.  His career in the minors is 275/.384/.472
Singleton has stuck out 599 times in 2249 ABs (27%).  400 Walks in 2249 ABs.

White's minor league career: .311/.422/.491  159 Ks in 1013 ABS. (15%).  171 Walks in 1013 ABs

That's pretty damn impressive by White. The obvious counterpoint is that Singleton has been very young for every level of the minors, (until he treaded water at AAA) so in that context his numbers may be more comparable.

[pots]

Luhnow said that they will bring a few folks up right a way and others after the minor league playoffs are complete.  He felt that the playoff experience even at the minor league level is important.  He also felt that hamstringing a minor league club with too many callups was a bad thing to do. 


Added audio link

[pots]

That's pretty damn impressive by White. The obvious counterpoint is that Singleton has been very young for every level of the minors, (until he treaded water at AAA) so in that context his numbers may be more comparable.

White's biggest problem is the 40-man.  With Valbuena and Marwin stepping up over the last few weeks, the benefit of White was limited. It's extremely doubtful he will be called up given the 40 man rule 5 draft problem.  At this point he couldn't be used in the playoffs unless there was an injury. 

What White will do is make it easier to release Carter at the end of the year.  And Reed could make Valbuena an off-season trade candidate.  As well as Gattis (which would require a re-sign of Rasmus who I'd rather see on the team). 

[Jacksonian]

White's biggest problem is the 40-man.  With Valbueana and Marwin stepping up over the last few weeks, the benefit of White was limited. It's extremely doubtful he will be called up given the 40 man rule 5 draft problem.  At this point he couldn't be used in the playoffs unless there was an injury. 

What White will do is make it easier to release Carter at the end of the year.  And Reed could make Valbuena an off-season trade candidate.  As well as Gattis (which would require a re-sign of Rasmus who I'd rather see on the team).

Maybe White will and maybe he won't.  But what is clear is that the Astros don't consider him awesome enough to remove even Robbie Grossman from the 40-man for him.

[pots]

Maybe White will and maybe he won't.  But what is clear is that the Astros don't consider him awesome enough to remove even Robbie Grossman from the 40-man for him.

Grossman is unlikely to remain on the 40 man, he's not in the equation

[Duman]

Luhnow said that they will bring a few folks up right a way and others after the minor league playoffs are complete.  He felt that the playoff experience even at the minor league level is important.  He also felt that hamstringing a minor league club with too many callups was a bad thing to do. 


Added audio link

The rational behind this is better to get more at bats in a high pressure situation than to sit on the bench in Houston getting reps every now and then.

If any of the call ups was good enough to to be starting in Houston, they would already be there.

[Jacksonian]

Grossman is unlikely to remain on the 40 man, he's not in the equation

I'm talking about right now. Today. They don't think enough of White to remove Grossman from the 40-man right now to get him to Houston.

[pots]

I'm talking about right now. Today. They don't think enough of White to remove Grossman from the 40-man right now to get him to Houston.

You don't get to add White to the 40 man and then remove him in November.  If you add White now you lose the spot.  Grossman is likely coming off in November already, he's going to be 26 in a couple weeks and just had a ho hum year at AAA. 

[Reuben]

You don't get to add White to the 40 man and then remove him in November.  If you add White now you lose the spot.  Grossman is likely coming off in November already, he's going to be 26 in a couple weeks and just had a ho hum year at AAA.

Agree completely. Grossman and some others will be dropped from the 40 in November to make room for Musgrove, Gustave, Guduan, and whoever else. Plus whatever FAs they sign. While there's definitely some candidates to take off the 40 (Chapman, Wojo, Hoes, maybe Luis Cruz...) it could still be an issue. Keeping White off until next season could allow them space to keep Teoscar or Fontana or someone else from being nabbed in the Rule 5.

(Apologies if I'm beating a dead horse or stating the blatantly obvious here. It's late and I'm typing on my damn phone instead of going to sleep for some reason...)

I think Duman's point is very relevant, too. Not calling up a guy who should be starting would be one thing. Letting him experience the playoffs instead of PHing once every 3 or 4 games is another. But it'll be interesting to see who they add after Fresno's season ends.

[Reuben]

Luhnow mentioned on the pre-game radio spot yesterday that Singleton would probably come up after the AAA playoffs. Interestingly, he also said Matt Duffy might. Duffy, of course, was just named MVP of the PCL. He's never really cracked the prospect lists, partly due to age (he turned 26 back in February).

This year, Duffy had 20 HR and 104 RBI in 127 games, all with Fresno, putting up a .294/.366/.484 line. His career slash line is very similar. He's mostly been a 3B, but has played a fair amount of 1B too.

Maybe a callup would be primarily about rewarding him for 5 years of being a good org player and capping it with the MVP this year. Maybe they see him as a RH bench weapon (he did hit LHP better than RHP, this year at least). He started the year off slowly but in both July and August hit over .300 with an OPS near 1.000.

[pots]

Luhnow mentioned on the pre-game radio spot yesterday that Singleton would probably come up after the AAA playoffs. Interestingly, he also said Matt Duffy might. Duffy, of course, was just named MVP of the PCL. He's never really cracked the prospect lists, partly due to age (he turned 26 back in February).

This year, Duffy had 20 HR and 104 RBI in 127 games, all with Fresno, putting up a .294/.366/.484 line. His career slash line is very similar. He's mostly been a 3B, but has played a fair amount of 1B too.

Maybe a callup would be primarily about rewarding him for 5 years of being a good org player and capping it with the MVP this year. Maybe they see him as a RH bench weapon (he did hit LHP better than RHP, this year at least). He started the year off slowly but in both July and August hit over .300 with an OPS near 1.000.

Nothing lost in bringing him on the 40 man.  He is rule 5 draft eligible anyways.  If you decide to remove him later, it's basically the same risk.

[jbm]

Chron says Straily has been called up.

[JimR]

Chron says Straily has been called up.

yesterday. Brown said Singleton will be.