Corpus Christi Hooks 2016

[Duman]

Hook em if you got em

[Duman]

Roster

[Nate Colbert]

Stout starting staff--the MMP guys (Martes, Musgrove and Paulino) plus Brian Holmes, Kyle Smith, Cy Sneed. Edison Frias and Keegan Yuhl round out the rotation.

[VirtualBob]

Looks like the rotation is posted (sort of) on MiLB.com ...
4/7 - Musgrove
4/8 - Paulino
4/9 - Martes
4/10 - Holmes
4/11 - Sneed

[Nate Colbert]

Musgrove and Yuhl combine on the 2-hitter. Derek Fisher 2-4 and Alex Bregman 1-4 in AA debuts. A rehabbing Evan Gattis 1-4 with a double.

[WVastro]

A rehabbing Evan Gattis 1-4 with a double.

What?! No triple? Slacker!

[Nate Colbert]

Baseball America says the Hooks have the 2nd best roster in prospect terms in all the minors.

Link

[Nate Colbert]

Bregman with 2 dingers tonight including the walkoff in the 12th.

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

Bregman with 2 dingers tonight including the walkoff in the 12th.

That walk-off was a shot.

[Nate Colbert]

Apparently in temporary need of some warm bodies arms, RHPs David Schmidt and Edgardo Sandoval activated out of EST. Schmidt pitched at TRC last year while Sandoval was in the GCL and at Greeneville.

TL transactions page

[juliogotay]

That walk-off was a shot.

#3 tonight for Bregman

[BudGirl]

#3 tonight for Bregman

Can he be turned into a catcher?

[pots]

Can he be turned into a catcher?

Sure you can.  Likely require a name change to Lucroy though.  Brewers are going no where in that division.  Bregman continues his hot start and you might not need much else. 

[MusicMan]

Can he be turned into a catcher?

Let's move him to 3b first.

[Mr. Happy]

Let's move him to 3b first.

Exactly.

[BudGirl]

Let's move him to 3b first.

While I understand your point and do not disagree, I was just wanting a hitting catcher. 

[MusicMan]

While I understand your point and do not disagree, I was just wanting a hitting catcher. 

I'll echo pots... I think that happens at the trade deadline.

[Duman]

While I understand your point and do not disagree, I was just wanting a hitting catcher.

I don't remember your request for that when Ausmus was the catcher.  Why is that?

[VirtualBob]

I don't remember your request for that when Ausmus was the catcher.  Why is that?

The memory is the second thing to go.

[BudGirl]

I don't remember your request for that when Ausmus was the catcher.  Why is that?

Because Ausmus had a higher batting average and is way better looking.

[juliogotay]

#3 tonight for Bregman

Estimated at 443 feet.

[juliogotay]

I'll echo pots... I think that happens at the trade deadline.

I would be hesitant to change the dynamics by bringing in a new catcher four months into the season. For all of the frustration with Castros' hitting the pitchers, one Cy Young winner in particular, seem to like working with him. This team has plenty of hitters. They can afford to support a light-hitting catcher. If they have trouble scoring runs it is not the catchers' fault.

[Nate Colbert]

Bregman tonight w/ 4th longball in last 4 games.

On the pitching side, Kyle Smith being taken out of the game after being hit by a comebacker was only for "precautionary reasons" (says the Hooks tweet).

[Nate Colbert]

RHP Yeyfry Del Rosario activated out of EST and joined the Hooks today. Pitched at TRC last year.

[Nate Colbert]

From today's game notes:

"SS Alex Bregman notched 2 more knocks last night, becoming the only Texas Leaguer to hit safely in all 9 games this year. Bregman went 5-for-12 with 3 runs scored, a double, grand slam and 6 RBIs in the 3-game set at Tulsa. Houston’s top prospect leads the circuit in homers (4), RBIs (11), hits (13), runs scored (9) and total bases (26)."

[Nate Colbert]

BregMAN extended hit streak to 10 games with his 5th longball and a couple of singles (thus far) in today's game.

[Nate Colbert]

RHP Yeyfry Del Rosario activated out of EST and joined the Hooks today. Pitched at TRC last year.

Sent back to EST today.

[VirtualBob]

Sent back to EST today.

... with a AA win on his resumé.

[Nate Colbert]

OF James Ramsay and LHP Chris Cotton both activated for the first time this season (both had been on the DL).

RHP David Schmidt returns to EST.

[Nate Colbert]

Saw a report that Bregman left last night's game with a hamstring issue.

[Nate Colbert]

Saw a report that Bregman left last night's game with a hamstring issue.

Placed on DL. INF Chan Moon up from EST to take his roster spot. RHP David Schmidt also returns.

[austro]

Placed on DL. INF Chan Moon up from EST to take his roster spot. RHP David Schmidt also returns.

Fuck. If he goes to the DL immediately, that probably means it's an ugly one that will cost him 3-4 weeks. And speaking from experience, he'll be more prone to those problems from here on out.

[Nate Colbert]

Fuck. If he goes to the DL immediately, that probably means it's an ugly one that will cost him 3-4 weeks. And speaking from experience, he'll be more prone to those problems from here on out.

FWIW, the Astros think it's likely to be a brief stay. Also I don't recall him having any hammy issues at LSU. So fingers crossed...

[austro]

FWIW, the Astros think it's likely to be a brief stay. Also I don't recall him having any hammy issues at LSU. So fingers crossed...

I sure hope so. He seems like a legitimate talent.

[Nate Colbert]

After an effective 4 IP in last night's 14-inning affair, RHP David Schmidt has again been sent back to EST. Replacing him on the roster is RHP Juan Santos, who like Schmidt spent 2015 at TRC.

[Nate Colbert]

21 Ks/2 BBs in 17 IP for Joe Musgrove so far this year after tonight's stint vs Midland.

[Nate Colbert]

21 Ks/2 BBs in 17 IP for Joe Musgrove so far this year after tonight's stint vs Midland.

Also an impressive 23 Ks/4 BBs in 17 IP for David Paulino after his outing tonight.

[Reuben]

Placed on DL. INF Chan Moon up from EST to take his roster spot. RHP David Schmidt also returns.

Weird career path for Moon. The Astros thought enough of him to send him to the AFL last year, then he gets banished to EST. Not that he's ever had real "prospect status," just odd.

[Duman]

Weird career path for Moon. The Astros thought enough of him to send him to the AFL last year, then he gets banished to EST. Not that he's ever had real "prospect status," just odd.

Early guys called up from EST may have been left back because of injuries.  I suspect that is the case here, though I have no factual evidence.

[Nate Colbert]

Replacing him on the roster is RHP Juan Santos, who like Schmidt spent 2015 at TRC.

Aaaaaaand back to EST he goes after making the one appearance for the Hooks.

[Nate Colbert]

Joe Musgrove is 2nd in the Texas League with an 0.81 WHIP. Keegan Yuhl and David Paulino rank 6th and 7th with 0.98 and 1.00 WHIPs, repectively.

[Nate Colbert]

Fireballing southpaw reliever Reymin Guduan, off to perhaps the best start in his career with 17 Ks and just 3 BBs in 12 IP, placed on DL.

David Schmidt returns from EST to take Guduan's place on the roster.

[Duman]

Joe Musgrove is 2nd in the Texas League with an 0.81 WHIP.

Musgrove today.  6 IP/5 H/ O R/ 1 BB/ 5 K.  Raises his WHIP but lowers his ERA to 0.39!

[Nate Colbert]

From today's game notes:

"In his last 5 contests, [Chase] McDonald is 7-for-18 (.389) with 6 runs scored, 4 home runs and 12 RBIs. The 23-year-old slugger is tied for 2nd in the Texas League with 7 home runs. Of his 17 RBIs, which are tied for 4th in the TL, 13 have come in the last 6 games. McDonald is averaging 1 dinger for every 10.14 at-bats, the best ratio in the loop."

Overall hitting-wise, the Hooks are last in the Texas League with a .203 team batting average. The next closest is Tulsa at .241.

ETA:
McDonald added another longball tonight to give him 5 in his last 6 games.

[Nate Colbert]

Francis Martes shit the bed again tonight for what is his 4th poor performance in a row. 4 walks and 5 hits allowed in just 3.2 IP tonight gives him a 2.81 WHIP in those last four games.

[Nate Colbert]

Bregman activated and back in lineup tonight. J.D. Davis to inactive list offsetting roster move.

[Navin R Johnson]

CC gets walloped 13-0 and only had 2 hits, 1 was a double from Bregman.

[Nate Colbert]

Bregman 2-4 tonite with 2 doubles and a walk. Has hits in 13 of the 15 games he's played in.

[austro]

Bregman 2-4 tonite with 2 doubles and a walk. Has hits in 13 of the 15 games he's played in.

I'm glad my worries about his hammy were unfounded.

[Nate Colbert]

C Trent Woodward to EST offsetting roster move to make way for Evan Gattis.

[Nate Colbert]

Gattis caught 7 innings in the combined 5-hit shutout from Keegan Yuhl/Joe Musgrove (and Brendan McCurry). Threw out the only attempted basestealer. No PBs.

Further regarding Musgrove: 26 of the 32 pitches he threw were for strikes as he lowered his ERA to 0.34 and his WHIP to 0.84. Now has the very cool 30 Ks and just 3 Ws in 26.1 innings.

[Nate Colbert]

J.D. Davis reactivated today and in lineup. Chan Moon banished back to EST limbo.

According to today's game notes, OF Ronnie Mitchell has also been released. Mitchell was a 38th round pick back in 2013 out of DBU.

[Nate Colbert]

Further regarding Musgrove: 26 of the 32 pitches he threw were for strikes as he lowered his ERA to 0.34 and his WHIP to 0.84. Now has the very cool 30 Ks and just 3 Ws in 26.1 innings.

Musgrove, ad infinitum: that 0.34 ERA this season ranks 2nd in all of minor league ball. In 14 appearances at the AA level (8 games in 2015 and 6 games this year), the El Cajon native has a 1.51 ERA and 0.88 WHIP in 71.1 IP. 63 Ks vs 9 BBs.

[Nate Colbert]

Fireballing southpaw reliever Reymin Guduan, off to perhaps the best start in his career with 17 Ks and just 3 BBs in 12 IP, placed on DL.

David Schmidt returns from EST to take Guduan's place on the roster.

Transaction unwound today with Guduan activated from DL and Schmidt sent back to EST.

[juliogotay]

Bregman with HR #6 tonight. He has Kd only 7xs and has walked 10xs this season. 

[Nate Colbert]

 Michael Coffin ‏@CoffinMJC  23 minutes ago
.@cchooks closer Reymin Guduan struck out 2 in perfect 9th for his 2nd SV. Guduan has retired 25 of the last 27 batters he's faced.

[Nate Colbert]

Gattis caught 7 innings in the combined 5-hit shutout from Keegan Yuhl/Joe Musgrove (and Brendan McCurry). Threw out the only attempted basestealer. No PBs.

After DHing last night, Gattis with his 2nd game behind the plate tonight. Went the full 9 innings. And FWIW, again no PBs and the one attempted basestealer was successful.

[Nate Colbert]

Obviously having to do with the roster needs of the Grizzlies but Jack Mayfield gets promoted to Fresno. Still nice to see a NDFA such as Mayfield climb the ladder and reach AAA.

[Nate Colbert]

The CC Caller on Aaron West:

West's fastball, slider, change-up and curveball — "It's still a work in progress but it's definitely improving," West said of the latter pitch that he added to his arsenal this year — have helped him record 24 strikeouts. That is second in the league among full-time relievers, one behind teammate Brendan McCurry. Perhaps the biggest change in West's mechanical approach is he works exclusively out of the stretch now instead a full windup.

[Nate Colbert]

A further flurry of roster moves per the TL transactions page:

INF Chan Moon back from EST to take the vacated Jack Mayfield spot.

Reliever Angel Heredia up from Lancaster to take Reymin Guduan's place in the pen (Heredia struggled some with the JetHawks so we'll see how long that move lasts).

1B Conrad Gregor, who has totally collapsed at the plate this season in this his 3rd year with the Hooks (including 33 games in 2014), goes to the inactive list.

C (and occasional 1B) Trent Woodward activated in lieu of Gregor.

[jbm]

Fisher with 2 HRs last night and 4 in last 4 games.  Average is only 237, but slugging is 491.  Not the best contact guy, but showing some real power. 

[MusicMan]

Highly relevant: Bregman is playing 3b tonight.


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[Jacksonian]

Highly relevant: Bregman is playing 3b tonight.


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It was only a matter of time.

[Nate Colbert]

Seven years in the system and LHP Evan Grills finally makes it to AA. The former 10th round pick in 2010 gets promoted after putting up excellent numbers this year at Lancaster (0.94 WHIP).

[Nate Colbert]

Gattis caught his 3rd and 4th games the last 2 nights. No attempted basestealers, no PBs.

[Nate Colbert]

Seven years in the system and LHP Evan Grills finally makes it to AA. The former 10th round pick in 2010 gets promoted after putting up excellent numbers this year at Lancaster (0.94 WHIP).

Grills says AA is too fuckin' easy after throwing the 7 inning 1-hit shutout tonight against Frisco (the 2nd-best hitting team in the Texas League).

[Lefty]

It was only a matter of time.

Any reports on how he looked?

[Nate Colbert]

C Roberto Pena demoted from the Grizzlies.

[Nate Colbert]

J.D. Davis since the beginning of the month: .310/.326/.643.

[juliogotay]

Bregman reports being very comfortable, or will be soon, at 3rd. Article posted with more details including the fact he gained 20lbs during the off-season. http://m.mlb.com/news/article/178094568/astros-prospect-alex-bregman-plays-third-base?topicid=151437456

[Nate Colbert]

1B Conrad Gregor activated after taking time off to go attend his graduation ceremonies at Vandy. RHP Edison Frias in turn has been placed on the DL.

[Nate Colbert]

From today's game notes:

RHP David Paulino now stands 1-1 with a 1.74 ERA in 7 games (5 starts) this season. Paulino, who has struck out 34 against 6 walks in 31 innings, ranks among the Texas League leaders in ERA (2nd), WHIP (0.97, 3rd) and batting average against (.211, 5th).

[Nate Colbert]

Bregman started his 2nd game at 3B tonight. Later shifted back to SS in a series of defensive changes after LF Danry Vasquez and SS Mott Hyde collided and both left the game.

Bregman 3-4 at the plate with 2 doubles, a homer (#8) and a walk.

ETA:

Among TL hitters, Alex ranks:

• 1st in OPS at 1.131
• 1st in OBP at .438
• 1st in K% at 8.5%
• T2nd in HRs with 8
• 3rd in BA at .330

[juliogotay]

Bregman started his 2nd game at 3B tonight. Later shifted back to SS in a series of defensive changes after LF Danry Vasquez and SS Mott Hyde collided and both left the game.

Bregman 3-4 at the plate with 2 doubles, a homer (#8) and a walk.

ETA:

Among TL hitters, Alex ranks:

• 1st in OPS at 1.131
• 1st in OBP at .438
• 1st in K% at 8.5%
• T2nd in HRs with 8
• 3rd in BA at .330

That collision apparently was quite scary as the game was delayed 45 minutes. Hyde carted off with head injury after colliding with Vasquez' knee.

[Duman]

Video of the injury

[juliogotay]

Video of the injury

That was scary. Hyde must have been completely out for some time. Vasquez reportedly has a serious knee injury.
I remember when Jesus Alou and Hector Torres collided. Alou reportedly swallowed his tongue, or almost swallowed his tongue, and was saved by Doc Ewell.

[VirtualBob]

That was scary.

Exactly.

[WVastro]

Although not any type of diagnosis or indication of catastrophic injury, when you see someone breathe like that after a head injury it's scary as hell. I hope all involved make speedy recoveries.

[Fynn]

According to a local station,  Hyde came out ahead  in the collision-suffering a busted lip and nose but no concussion, whereas Vasquez had a torn ACL.

[Nate Colbert]

According to a local station,  Hyde came out ahead  in the collision-suffering a busted lip and nose but no concussion, whereas Vasquez had a torn ACL.

Thanks for the update. According to the game notes, both have been placed on the DL.

[Nate Colbert]

Nothing wrong with Mr. Martes tonight, either with the velocity--

Corpus Christi Hooks ‏@cchooks  1 hour ago
Francis Martes strikes out Nick Torres with a 99 mph fastball to end the 4th.

or the results--

6 IP 4 H 1 R 1 W 5 K.

[Reuben]

Very nice to see after all his struggles this year.

[astrosfan76]

Hooks with their 9th win in a row today, giving them 14 in their last 17 games.  Bregman led the way again, going 2-4 with his 9th HR (a 2-run shot) and his 3rd steal of the season.  For anyone interested, he was stationed at SS.  On the mound, Cy Sneed went 5 innings of 2 run ball, striking out 7.  In the second part of the tandem, Evan Grills allowed only 3 hits in 4 scoreless frames, striking out 2 and running his scoreless streak to 11 to begin his tenure at AA.

[Nate Colbert]

INF/OF Rodrigo Ayarza called up from EST to help plug the roster hole. Played at Greeneville and in the GCL last season. Orginally signed by and then released by the Rangers before the Astros picked him in 2014.

Saw brief action in today's game with a PH appearance and as a defensive replacement in LF (the shortfall in bodies has seen usual 1B Conrad Gregor starting in LF the last couple of games, his first action out there since 2013).

[jbm]

Went to the game today. Didn't even see Fisher warm up. Is he hurt?

Anyways, three homers to right, with the aid of a rare north wind.  Ramsay, Davis and Bregman

Sneed had a solid FB, easily his best pitch and a good one at that. 90-94 with some natural cut. His secondaries were poor.  Good command.

Grills has a 88 mph fastball with some movement and a solid change. This game, the change appeared to be his go to offering.  I oddly don't recall a breaking ball in four innings.  Good command also.

Davis showed some oppo pop with a homer and a liner.

Ramsay looks to sell out a bit to pull the ball, but he did pull one over right field fence.

Bregman looked good at the plate. One notable thing was his team mates relative disinterest in his homer.  Might have been a planned thing or a reflection of his team mates attitudes.  I hesitate to read much into it without real knowledge, but the observation stuck with me.

Gonzalez, for obvious reasons, looks frustrated with his struggles. Hard to explain those numbers.

[roadrunner]

Thanks for the report.  Have to believe Bregman is in Fresno this summer.

[Nate Colbert]

Thanks for the report.

+1

[Nate Colbert]

INF Nick Tanielu and OF Alejandro Garcia promoted from Lancaster.

[Lefty]

JD Davis hit a 2 run bomb in the 8th and another in the 9th to go along with his solo shot earlier in the game.  He's on a bit of a hot streak recently.

ETA:  Bregman with another ho-hum 2-5 day.  Hit his 10th HR but had his 10th K as well.

[Nate Colbert]

JD Davis hit a 2 run bomb in the 8th and another in the 9th to go along with his solo shot earlier in the game.

Michael Coffin ‏@CoffinMJC 5 minutes ago
J.D. Davis is the first Texas Leaguer since 2013 to hit 3 home runs in a game. Davis now has 7 bombs in his last 12 games.

[Nate Colbert]

INF/OF Rodrigo Ayarza called up from EST to help plug the roster hole.

Hole plugged via the Lancaster callup(s), sent back to EST today.

[Nate Colbert]

Alejandro Garcia and Nick Tanielu contribute immediately in AA debuts. Garcia was 2-4 and his double in the 10th led to him scoring the winning run. Tanielu hit a 2-run shot in the 7th to tie the game.

That Tanielu HR was the 53rd for the Hooks this season which leads all of minor league ball.

[jbm]

Good for them, and the Hooks.

Garcia wasn't exactly lighting it up in the Cal League. Is this one of those temporary things, or a legit promotion.

[Nate Colbert]

Good for them, and the Hooks.

Garcia wasn't exactly lighting it up in the Cal League. Is this one of those temporary things, or a legit promotion.

The season-ending injury to Danry Vasquez was obviously the impetus but the fact that Garcia is already 25 (or will be in about a month) probably had something to do with the promotion. He was also one of 5 outfielders with the JetHawks who were all getting roughly the same amount of playing time (which meant having to sit 2 out of every 5 games unless he saw some DH duty which wasn't all that often). So he might have a chance for increased playing time with the Hooks. Unless he sucks horribly, I think he might stay at CC for awhile.

[Nate Colbert]

JD Davis now with a 10-game hit streak after his 3-5 day with a pair of doubles. Batting .419 (18-43) with 5 homers and 5 doubles during that period.

Overall in May, now up to .351/.368/.757 with 9 doubles and 7 longballs.

[Nate Colbert]

Apparently Francis Martes ran afoul of the per inning pitch count limit and was removed from the game tonight after just 2/3 of an inning and throwing 34 pitches.

[chuck]

Apparently Francis Martes ran afoul of the per inning pitch count limit and was removed from the game tonight after just 2/3 of an inning and throwing 34 pitches.

Excuse my ignorance but does anyone else use a hard, per-inning pitch count? That just seems bizarrely fucked up and counter-productive, and I wonder if it's another brilliant Ground Control innovation or some stupid shit that's in vogue around baseball at the moment.

[Mr. Happy]

Excuse my ignorance but does anyone else use a hard, per-inning pitch count? That just seems bizarrely fucked up and counter-productive, and I wonder if it's another brilliant Ground Control innovation or some stupid shit that's in vogue around baseball at the moment.

Actually, Chuck, I think that there is more to the pitch limit per inning than overall pitch count limitation. The longer you stay out there, the harder it gets to repeat your mechanics. As you know, I'm not a big fan of overall pitch count limits.

[juliogotay]

Apparently Francis Martes ran afoul of the per inning pitch count limit and was removed from the game tonight after just 2/3 of an inning and throwing 34 pitches.

How do they someone warmed up to come in with that practice? Do they claim injury to the pitcher so the new guy has plenty of throws to get loose?

[Jacksonian]

Actually, Chuck, I think that there is more to the pitch limit per inning than overall pitch count limitation. The longer you stay out there, the harder it gets to repeat your mechanics. As you know, I'm not a big fan of overall pitch count limits.

I believe there is also a teaching aspect to it.  They can use it to teach efficiency.  You want to stay out longer then you need to learn how to get outs quickly.

[pots]

Bregman and Davis are getting all the press, but what is also interesting is the remarkable improvements Teoscar Hernandez is making.  Now sporting a  338/400/521 slash line for the month of May.   Just 9 Ks so far this month.   Given the lack of outfield help at the upper levels, his prospect revival is refreshing. 

[juliogotay]

Bregman and Davis are getting all the press, but what is also interesting is the remarkable improvements Teoscar Hernandez is making.  Now sporting a  338/400/521 slash line for the month of May.   Just 9 Ks so far this month.   Given the lack of outfield help at the upper levels, his prospect revival is refreshing.

I had noticed earlier he was playing well and wondered why he wasn't getting any press. Glad to see he is sustaining it. I agree that there is a lack of outfield talent at the upper levels which makes it out to me that we dealt Phillips, Santana and even, apparently, were willing to deal Fisher in the Giles deal before the deal was altered to include Appel.

[Jacksonian]

apparently, were willing to deal Fisher in the Giles deal before the deal was altered to include Appel.

I don't know that this was ever confirmed.  I only ever saw reports without substantiation.

[chuck]

I believe there is also a teaching aspect to it.  They can use it to teach efficiency.  You want to stay out longer then you need to learn how to get outs quickly.

Sure, but I would think that when the occasion arose you'd also want to teach a pitcher to pitch out of a jam. Anyway, does anyone know if other teams employ a per-inning pitch count?

[VirtualBob]

Bregman and Davis are getting all the press, but what is also interesting is the remarkable improvements Teoscar Hernandez is making.  Now sporting a  338/400/521 slash line for the month of May.   Just 9 Ks so far this month.   Given the lack of outfield help at the upper levels, his prospect revival is refreshing.

He covers a lot of ground in the outfield ... just not very well.  Often near the team lead in errors and (per some reports I have seen) not very accurate with or smart about using his arm.

[jbm]

I can't recall any observations on his arm, but I'm surprised to hear about bad routes.  I've seen him a number of times and thought he was fine covering center field. 

[juliogotay]

He covers a lot of ground in the outfield ... just not very well.  Often near the team lead in errors and (per some reports I have seen) not very accurate with or smart about using his arm.

Maybe he would make a better RFer? Springer could move over but I wonder if there is some reason they don't like Springer in CF.
I kinda figure little Tucker will be a RFer when he is ready.

[Nate Colbert]

Per game notes, RHP Eric Peterson up from Lancaster and RHP David Schmidt activated out of EST for the 154th time this season. Also saw on twitter that Martes went to the inactive list (no injury of course and he is scheduled to make his next start).

[VirtualBob]

I can't recall any observations on his arm, but I'm surprised to hear about bad routes.  I've seen him a number of times and thought he was fine covering center field.

I don't know about routes. It is dropping the ball when he gets to it that worries me.

[Nate Colbert]

Two pitchers coming off TJ surgeries, moving in different directions:

RHP Kyle Smith is being placed on the DL with manager Rodney Linares saying--

"I think just coming back from the injury, just bouncing back between starts, it's taken him a little while," Linares said. So we're going to look at it and see how we can help him out and fix it. For me, I think coming back from the Tommy John he needs a little bit of a break, a little bit of rest. He goes hard. He works his behind off, man. He's one of those kids that you pull for every time he's out there."

And (as noted in the other thread) LHP Kent Emanuel being activated and getting the start tonight which will be his first game action since 4/27/15.

[Nate Colbert]

According to a local station,  Hyde came out ahead  in the collision-suffering a busted lip and nose but no concussion, whereas Vasquez had a torn ACL.

According to this, the report about the torn ACL was incorrect and Vasquez will miss only a couple of weeks due to a dislocated kneecap.

[Reuben]

Two pitchers coming off TJ surgeries, moving in different directions:

RHP Kyle Smith is being placed on the DL with manager Rodney Linares saying--

"I think just coming back from the injury, just bouncing back between starts, it's taken him a little while," Linares said. So we're going to look at it and see how we can help him out and fix it. For me, I think coming back from the Tommy John he needs a little bit of a break, a little bit of rest. He goes hard. He works his behind off, man. He's one of those kids that you pull for every time he's out there."

And (as noted in the other thread) LHP Kent Emanuel being activated and getting the start tonight which will be his first game action since 4/27/15.

Great to hear that Emanuel is back. He may have never been healthy as an Astro. I'm pulling extra hard for him because he went to UNC and, of course, because he loves Cookout milkshakes.

[jbm]

Yeah, great to see this. Looks like he did well tonight.

[Reuben]

Yeah, great to see this. Looks like he did well tonight.

5 4 1 1 1 2 and a W. 61 pitches. Very nice indeed.

[juliogotay]

5 4 1 1 1 2 and a W. 61 pitches. Very nice indeed.

Does Emanuel have a chance to be a ML starter? Typical LH soft-tosser?

[Reuben]

Does Emanuel have a chance to be a ML starter? Typical LH soft-tosser?

Who knows and yes. But he was very effective in college. UNC's ace.

[astrosfan76]

Has an extra kick in his delivery that probably affects hitters' timing.  Secondary pitches are decent, also.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBYWcN10ve8

[Nate Colbert]

RHP Edison Frias in turn has been placed on the DL.

Activated and pitching in today's game.

[Knoxbanedoodle]

Paulino and Emanuel dealing in Arkansas last night:

http://www.milb.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?gid=2016_06_02_coraax_arkaax_1&t=g_box&sid=milb

[Jacksonian]

Bregman is ice cold.  .189 batting average over his last 10 games.  His season BA is down to .301.  Another hitless game tomorrow would have his average below .300 for the first time this season.

[Navin R Johnson]

Curious of some reports on Bregman's fielding.  I see he is fielding .950, which isn't good.   Every time Correa makes an error sports talk callers want to move Carlos to 3rd and bring up Bregman.    Just from what little I have read on the subject, Correa sounds like the better fielder right now, and CC is a year younger.

[juliogotay]

Curious of some reports on Bregman's fielding.  I see he is fielding .950, which isn't good.   Every time Correa makes an error sports talk callers want to move Carlos to 3rd and bring up Bregman.    Just from what little I have read on the subject, Correa sounds like the better fielder right now, and CC is a year younger.

I don't have anything to add on Bregman's abilities at short but I heard Luhnow say he could make a good LFer.

[jbm]

I've seen him a number of times at SS, but not enough to have a firm opinion.  Based on what I have read and my limited viewing, his ability as a SS is pretty much like Correa's: between serviceable and the higher end of serviceable.  I had assumed that switching the two (if Bregman develops) would depend on Correa losing something and dropping to the lower end of serviceable.  If Correa retains his ability, they would find another spot for Bregman. 

[Nate Colbert]

Two pitchers coming off TJ surgeries, moving in different directions:

RHP Kyle Smith is being placed on the DL with manager Rodney Linares saying--

"I think just coming back from the injury, just bouncing back between starts, it's taken him a little while," Linares said. So we're going to look at it and see how we can help him out and fix it. For me, I think coming back from the Tommy John he needs a little bit of a break, a little bit of rest. He goes hard. He works his behind off, man. He's one of those kids that you pull for every time he's out there."

And (as noted in the other thread) LHP Kent Emanuel being activated and getting the start tonight which will be his first game action since 4/27/15.

Smith activated today.

[Jacksonian]

Bregman is ice cold.  .189 batting average over his last 10 games.  His season BA is down to .301.  Another hitless game tomorrow would have his average below .300 for the first time this season.

After last night he's down to .162 in the last 10 and .299 overall.  5 K's in June so far while having just 9 in all of May.

[juliogotay]

After last night he's down to .162 in the last 10 and .299 overall.  5 K's in June so far while having just 9 in all of May.

Maybe Gomez rubbed off on him down there. Is Bregman losing his helmet and falling down when he swings?

[astrosfan76]

Bregman goes 2-4 last night to put himself back over .300 (.304) with his 4th stolen base.  On the season, he has a 26/19 BB/K ratio.

[Reuben]

Only 4 steals? That's surprising. Bregman was a prolific base thief in college.

[Nate Colbert]

Only 4 steals? That's surprising. Bregman was a prolific base thief in college.

Hammy issue might have slowed him a tad this year.

[Nate Colbert]

Francis Martes with arguably his best start of the year tonight: 6.2 IP 5 H 0 R 1 BB 9 K.

Over his last 5 outings: 23 K/8 BB in 22.2 IP.

[astrosfan76]

Only 4 steals? That's surprising. Bregman was a prolific base thief in college.

Didn't run a ton last year, either with 13 steals in 272 AB.  That still comes out to ~30 in a full season, which I think is about what we'll see from him as he develops.

[astrosfan76]

No-doubt walkoff shot from Bregman last night as the Hooks beat the Missions 5-4 in the 10th.  Watch how fast he turns around on a 97-100 MPH heater from the reliever:

http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20160612&content_id=183593106&fext=.jsp&vkey=news_milb&sid=milb

[juliogotay]

No-doubt walkoff shot from Bregman last night as the Hooks beat the Missions 5-4 in the 10th.  Watch how fast he turns around on a 97-100 MPH heater from the reliever:

http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20160612&content_id=183593106&fext=.jsp&vkey=news_milb&sid=milb

Monster shot. Bregman is interviewed on the current Astros Weekly or whatever that show is called that plays on ROOT Sports before the pregame show comes on. Very mature young guy. Anxious to get to the Show.

[Nate Colbert]

Bregman is ice cold.  .189 batting average over his last 10 games.  His season BA is down to .301.  Another hitless game tomorrow would have his average below .300 for the first time this season.

After last night he's down to .162 in the last 10 and .299 overall.  5 K's in June so far while having just 9 in all of May.

He's on a 6-game hitting streak since you spoke ill of him.

[Jacksonian]

He's on a 6-game hitting streak since you spoke ill of him.

It's all about the BBG's, baby.

[Nate Colbert]

After tonight's 4-inning whitewash, Aaron West hasn't allowed a run in has last 17 IP. Since May 1 he has a 1.04 ERA and 1.00 WHIP (26 innings).

[VirtualBob]

Note to Nate:

It's all about the BBG's, baby.

[Nate Colbert]

Note to Nate:

Yep, and Myles Straw says he wants his .300 BA back.

[VirtualBob]

Yep, and Myles Straw says he wants his .300 BA back.

:-)

[Nate Colbert]

A Sanudo sighting! Spent a large chunk of last season on loan to the Diablos Rojos, Gonzalo was activated off the DL today and will see action for the first time this season. Replacing Brian Holmes on the roster, who was DL'd after exiting last night's game early after having thrown 64 pitches.

[Nate Colbert]

8 Hooks named to TL All-Star squad: Bregman (starter), Fisher (starter), Teo (starter), Davis, Paulino, Holmes, Yuhl, and McCurry.

Link

[VirtualBob]

Yep, and Myles Straw says he wants his .300 BA back.

Don't look.

[pots]

Mr. Tools, Teoscar Hernandez, continues his march back into prospect relevance.  Walkoff 2 out double in the bottom of the 12th last night to finish a 4 for 6 evening. 

Month over month slash lines:
241/355/342
327/370/469
364/435/473

[VirtualBob]

Mr. Tools, Teoscar Hernandez, continues his march back into prospect relevance.  Walkoff 2 out double in the bottom of the 12th last night to finish a 4 for 6 evening. 

Month over month slash lines:
241/355/342
327/370/469
364/435/473

And just as importantly, he seems to have figured out what that big hunk of leather he wanders around the outfield with is good for.

[jbm]

Hernandez already gone deep twice tonight. 

[Nate Colbert]

Replacing Brian Holmes on the roster, who was DL'd after exiting last night's game early after having thrown 64 pitches.

Elbow tightness was the injury there.

Link

[Nate Colbert]

8 Hooks named to TL All-Star squad: Bregman (starter), Fisher (starter), Teo (starter), Davis, Paulino, Holmes, Yuhl, and McCurry.

Link

Evan Grills added as a replacement pitcher.

[Nate Colbert]

Hernandez already gone deep twice tonight.

One to left, one to center and now a double to RF.

[Reuben]

One to left, one to center and now a double to RF.

The power was the only thing missing from his offensive revival this year.

[pots]

Game recap with video

Sounds like he'll be in Fresno soon (maybe after the break  June 28th is the AA All-star game).  Really not a lot at AAA holding him back. 

[Reuben]

From cchooks Twitter:

#cchooks win the Texas League South first half title! CC secures a 2016 playoff berth...that makes 5 postseason trips in the last 6 seasons

[Nate Colbert]

When Danry Vasquez and Mott Hyde were activated for last night's game, pitchers Edison Frias and Evan Grills went to the inactive list so there will be some further roster moves to come.

[juliogotay]

When Danry Vasquez and Mott Hyde were activated for last night's game, pitchers Edison Frias and Evan Grills went to the inactive list so there will be some further roster moves to come.

Glad to see they are up and around after that nasty collision.

[Uncle Charlie]

What's the story & scouting report on Keegan Yuhl? Numbers look pretty damn good but i don't know about the kid.

[juliogotay]

What's the story & scouting report on Keegan Yuhl? Numbers look pretty damn good but i don't know about the kid.

Speak of the devil. http://www.astroscounty.com/2016/06/in-appreciation-of-keegan-yuhl.html

[Duman]

He gave a couple of interviews last spring.  You can learn a fair amount from his own assessment and what he is working on.

From Jayne @ WTHB :

As is usually the case, I asked about Yuhl's pitch repertoire. He features a 2-seam and a 4-seam fastball, a split change and a slider. His fastball velocity was generally around 88 to 93 mph in his first season and around 90 to 93 in his final year of college. Yuhl generally works off his fastball, but considers his split change to be his best offspeed pitch. "I use my fastball a lot. I think it's just the fact that I can generally put it in the area where I want it that I trust it. I'm not afraid to throw 90 to 93 in a good spot. I'm not trying to be sweet with it and try and be tricky. I'm just going to try and pitch my game and get the outs the best way I know how to get outs," said Yuhl.

And from another blog:

CTH: Give us an idea of your pitching repertoire.

Yuhl: I throw a four-seam fastball, two-seam fastball, slider, and a split-changeup.

CTH: What do you need to work on to get yourself big league ready in the next two–three years?

Yuhl: I need to keep on working on my offspeed, it can be really good to average, just need to work on consistency. I don’t miss the plate too often.

Both mention he has lost a fair amount of weight after being drafted.  He was tubby when he was in Greeneville in 2014 after the draft.  If you do a google image search you can see the significant amount of weight he has lost. 

[juliogotay]

He gave a couple of interviews last spring.  You can learn a fair amount from his own assessment and what he is working on.

From Jayne @ WTHB :

And from another blog:
Both mention he has lost a fair amount of weight after being drafted.  He was tubby when he was in Greeneville in 2014 after the draft.  If you do a google image search you can see the significant amount of weight he has lost.

Sounds a bit like a Brady Rodgers type. Luhnow saying yesterday that Rodgers is ready to pitch in the MLs now if a need occurred. He also mentioned that a few guys at CC were ready for AAA but there is no room for them there....specifically Bregman, Teoscar and a pitcher that I can't recall.

[Duman]

Sounds a bit like a Brady Rodgers type. Luhnow saying yesterday that Rodgers is ready to pitch in the MLs now if a need occurred. He also mentioned that a few guys at CC were ready for AAA but there is no room for them there....specifically Bregman, Teoscar and a pitcher that I can't recall.

Paulino was the pitcher

[Nate Colbert]

Ryan Thompson promoted from Lancaster to take Brendan McCurry's spot in the Hooks pen.

[Nate Colbert]

8 Hooks named to TL All-Star squad: Bregman (starter), Fisher (starter), Teo (starter), Davis, Paulino, Holmes, Yuhl, and McCurry.

Evan Grills added as a replacement pitcher.

And now Edison Frias replaces McCurry for the game which is a week from tomorrow night.

[juliogotay]

And now Edison Frias replaces McCurry for the game which is a week from tomorrow night.

What is the deal with McCurry? Promoted?

[Jacksonian]

What is the deal with McCurry? Promoted?

Yes to AAA.

[Nate Colbert]

Bregman removed from game after being plunked in 8th inning tonight. Haven't seen anything further.

ETA:

Alex Bregman ‏@ABREG_1  38 minutes ago
I'm fine. Thanks everybody!

[Nate Colbert]

Brian McTaggart ‏@brianmctaggart  26 minutes ago

Bregman out of lineup tonight as precaution after taking 94 mph fastball off head yesterday. He's fine.

[Jacksonian]

Bregman's cold again.

[moriartp]

Bregman's cold again.

Yet even over the rough patch, he's still managing to help out at the plate: .367 OBP in his last 10, .374 in June. Nice to see.

[Nate Colbert]

LHP Albert Minnis activated today after a rehab assignment to TRC.

[MusicMan]

When Bregman gets promoted, will it be a Bregxit?


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[Nate Colbert]

David Paulino to the inactive list this past Wed.? Suspension.

Asked Saturday about the suspension, Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow said Paulino "violated a team policy." Luhnow did not elaborate as to the nature of the violation but said "it wasn't anything major." The suspension shouldn't be for an extended period of time, according to the GM.

[Nate Colbert]

When Bregman gets promoted, will it be a Bregxit?

Will a Bregxit be followed by a Texit?

[Nate Colbert]

LHP Albert Minnis activated today after a rehab assignment to TRC.

Tweet from the official Valleycat account earlier was wrong--Minnis went instead to Lancaster.

[Reuben]

Martes with 7 shutout IP last night, 3 H, 1 BB, 5 K. ERA down to 3.65.

Bregman had a double and 2 walks and a steal. Fisher with his 18th steal as well.

[Jacksonian]

McTag tweets Bregman and Hernandez to Fresno after the AA all-star break.

[MusicMan]

That's one crowded infield.


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[pots]

That's one crowded infield.


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Outfield will be quite crowded as well.  Teoscar, Kemp, Tucker, Alpin, Kemmer.  Guessing Kemmer is demoted.  On the infield, I'd guess one of Singleton, Duffy and Fontana are sold for cash (or in Singleton's case, sold with cash). 

[jbm]

I'm a Kemmer fan, so I am biased, but I don't see them demoting him.  He's slowly improved his BA over the year and imagine the power will follow.

[pots]

I'm a Kemmer fan, so I am biased, but I don't see them demoting him.  He's slowly improved his BA over the year and imagine the power will follow.

Needs to get ABs.  A demotion might be a blessing.

[Reuben]

Outfield will be quite crowded as well.  Teoscar, Kemp, Tucker, Alpin, Kemmer.  Guessing Kemmer is demoted.  On the infield, I'd guess one of Singleton, Duffy and Fontana are sold for cash (or in Singleton's case, sold with cash).

One of the five OFs can DH (not needing DH to fit both singleton and Reed anymore), Kemp can play a little 2B here and there, Aplin can probably get less playing time... I think they can make it work. Singleton and Duffy have both played several games in LF this year, so I'm not quite sure how the Astros feel about the incumbents.

I would guess Duffy is gone, but I've been guessing that a few times this year and he still around, so I dunno. It will be interesting to see  how much 3B vs. SS Bregman plays with Moran there.

[Nate Colbert]

LHP Albert Minnis activated today after a rehab assignment to TRC.

Tweet from the official Valleycat account earlier was wrong--Minnis went instead to Lancaster.

Minnis now with the Hooks. For real.

[Nate Colbert]

With a vacancy at catcher due to the exit of Alfredo Gonzalez, Garrett Stubbs get promoted from the JetHawks.

(Fill-in catcher Marlon Avea takes Stubbs' spot at Lancaster.)

[Nate Colbert]

From suspension to injury...

Jake Kaplan ‏@jakemkaplan  3 hours ago
According to Astros, pitching prospect David Paulino (right arm soreness) given clean bill of health. He's in Fla. building arm strength.

[VirtualBob]

Looks like Jack Mayfield does not want to remain with the Hooks for long ... July slash line is .438/.444/1.188 with 3 doubles and 3 dingers in 4 July games.

[Nate Colbert]

LHP Chris Cotton back down to the Hooks from the Grizzlies after rehabbing his most recent injury at TRC.

INF Chan Moon to the DL.

[Nate Colbert]

INF Chan Moon to the DL.

Comes off, while OF Alejandro Garcia goes on DL.

[Nate Colbert]

LHP Michael Freeman to the DL.

[Lefty]

LHP Michael Freeman to the DL.

Any idea why?

I've thought of him someday being useful in the pen.

[Nate Colbert]

Any idea why?

Haven't seen anything at this point.

I've thought of him someday being useful in the pen.

At the beginning of the year I had hopes he could at least be a September callup but man he's really struggled with his control this season (besides getting totally decimated by righties).

[Nate Colbert]

Comes off, while OF Alejandro Garcia goes on DL.

Garcia activated.

[Nate Colbert]

Red-hot OF Ramon Laureano promoted to the Hooks from Lancaster.

[Nate Colbert]

Last year's 5th rounder Trent Thornton, who posted some terrific numbers in the Cal League (89 Ks and just 16 Ws in 89.2 IP), gets the promotion to the Hooks. Will join former Tar Heel teammate Kent Emanuel in the starting rotation for  CC.

(Colin Moran was also on that 2013 UNC squad.)

[Nate Colbert]

With Matt Duffy's exit, Garrett Stubbs moves into the #25 slot on the updated MLB.com prospect list.

[VirtualBob]

With Matt Duffy's exit, Garrett ...

I saw him DFA but have not seen where he ended up. Anyone?

[Jacksonian]

I saw him DFA but have not seen where he ended up. Anyone?

Rangers

[Nate Colbert]

LHP Michael Freeman to the DL.

Activated today, Gonzalo Sanudo released.

[Nate Colbert]

CC Caller:

"[Manager Omar] Linares said he expects right-hander David Paulino (undisclosed arm injury) and lefty Brian Holmes (left elbow tightness) back early next month. Paulino has been on the DL since June 30 and Holmes has been shelved since June 13."

(Holmes of course is currently rehabbing with the GCL club.)

[Nate Colbert]

Hooks get some infield help with the callup of Antonio Nunez from Lancaster.

[Reuben]

CC Caller:

"[Manager Omar] Linares said he expects right-hander David Paulino (undisclosed arm injury) and lefty Brian Holmes (left elbow tightness) back early next month. Paulino has been on the DL since June 30 and Holmes has been shelved since June 13."

(Holmes of course is currently rehabbing with the GCL club.)

Great to hear about paulino.

[Nate Colbert]

Danry Vasquez suspended for 3 games for charging the mound the other night.

BTW, Vasquez is hitting .303/.367/.461 in the 2nd half (26 games).

[Nate Colbert]

Last year's 5th rounder Trent Thornton, who posted some terrific numbers in the Cal League (89 Ks and just 16 Ws in 89.2 IP), gets the promotion to the Hooks.

Nice debut tonight (6 IP 4 H 2 ER 1 W 5 K).

Red-hot OF Ramon Laureano promoted to the Hooks from Lancaster.

And remains afire at AA going 6-15 with five of those hits of the extra-base variety (3 doubles, 1 triple, 1 HR).

[juliogotay]

Great game from Martes tonight in victory over S.A.   7/1/0/0/2/9  Hooks win 3-0.

[Nate Colbert]

Danry Vasquez suspended for 3 games for charging the mound the other night.

Ramon Laureano also suspended 3 games for participating in the scrum that followed. He begins serving his suspension tomorrow.

[Nate Colbert]

CC Caller re Laureano:

He possesses speed, power potential and a solid arm in the outfield, traits that remind Hooks manager Rodney Linares of another former player — Teoscar Hernandez, now playing with Triple-A Fresno.

"He plays really good outfield defense. He kind of fits the mold a little bit of Teoscar where he can play both sides, he can run," Linares said. "Whenever he comes back he'll play every day, either in center or in right. Like I said he probably has the best arm out of all my outfielders. He profiles really good in right field and he can play some center, too."

[Nate Colbert]

RHP Kevin Comer moves up from Lancaster as LHP Chris Cotton goes back to Fresno.

[Nate Colbert]

From a BA article noting strong second half performances included this on Francis Martes:

"His fastball command needs improvement and he’s prone to losing his release point, which led to his lack of control early in the season and still causes him problems, but he looks like a future midrotation starter. He used his breaking ball to great effect in his last start (7 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 9 SO), flashing as an above-average pitch. It’s a curveball that he manipulates for true top-to-bottom action at times, slider-like break at others and a hybrid, three-quarters shape at others to give hitters different looks."

[Nate Colbert]

After tonight's outing, Martes with 76 Ks vs 20 BBs in 63.2 IP since June 1.

[Reuben]

After tonight's outing, Martes with 76 Ks vs 20 BBs in 63.2 IP since June 1.

September call-up to get his feet wet out of the pen?

[austro]

September call-up to get his feet wet out of the pen?

Would that make this year count as one of his option years? I can't remember if September call-ups are special in that regard or not.

[Reuben]

Would that make this year count as one of his option years? I can't remember if September call-ups are special in that regard or not.

Whenever he gets added to the 40-man roster, that starts using his option years. I think he was added last winter, no?

The bigger issue is that if they don't call him up until, say, mid-April of 2017, they gain an entire extra year of team control before he hits free agency. The same result could still be achieved if he's a September call-up, but it would mean him spending at least a month and a half in AAA to start 2017.

[juliogotay]

Whenever he gets added to the 40-man roster, that starts using his option years. I think he was added last winter, no?

The bigger issue is that if they don't call him up until, say, mid-April of 2017, they gain an entire extra year of team control before he hits free agency. The same result could still be achieved if he's a September call-up, but it would mean him spending at least a month and a half in AAA to start 2017.

Good explanation. I learned something there.

[Nate Colbert]

I think he was added last winter, no?

No, Martes is not on the 40-man roster. You must be thinking of Paulino.

[Reuben]

No, Martes is not on the 40-man roster. You must be thinking of Paulino.

Aye. Thanks for the catch. Makes it a little less likely they call him up then, I suppose.

[Nate Colbert]

Homecoming of sorts for Jacob Dorris, who gets promoted today from Lancaster. The former NDFA played for the Islanders at A&M-CC.

[Nate Colbert]

Part of the various movement of OFs today also includes the promotion of Bobby Boyd from Lancaster.

[Nate Colbert]

David Paulino to be activated after those three rehab starts in the GCL.

Link

[Navin R Johnson]

Hooks getting perfect gamed through 6.

[Nate Colbert]

Hooks getting perfect gamed through 6.

Perfecto continued thru 8 2/3 until Laureano walked. Boyd and Tanielu then singled followed by a WP and the Hooks ended up winning the game 2-1.

Gurriel 0-3 tonight with 2 whiffs tonight. Now 1-10 at AA with 4 Ks.

[Nate Colbert]

David Paulino to be activated after those three rehab starts in the GCL.

Link

Expected to start on Sunday, says the CC Caller.

[Nate Colbert]

Paulino goes 6 innings in return, allowing just the one run on a solo shot while K'ing 6 and walking none. That's only the 5th longball allowed by him in 182 innings in his career.

72 K/11 BB in 64 IP for CC this season.

[juliogotay]

Paulino goes 6 innings in return, allowing just the one run on a solo shot while K'ing 6 and walking none. That's only the 5th longball allowed by him in 182 innings in his career.

72 K/11 BB in 64 IP for CC this season.

Looks like Paulino could help the Astros next year. He's older, and I think a little more advanced, than Martes.
Would the Astros possibly consider having a rotation including Paulino, Musgrove and Rodgers? To go with Keuchel and McCullers (if healthy).

[Jacksonian]

Looks like Paulino could help the Astros next year. He's older, and I think a little more advanced, than Martes.
Would the Astros possibly consider having a rotation including Paulino, Musgrove and Rodgers? To go with Keuchel and McCullers (if healthy).

I wouldn't be surprised if they tried to re-sign Fister.

[MusicMan]

I wouldn't be surprised if they tried to re-sign Fister.

Give him the QO, hold fast to your price tag.


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[VirtualBob]

Looks like Paulino could help the Astros next year ...

He does look good, but with only 180 or so career IP I doubt they will rely on him next April. It is easy to rush these talent guys and not wait for them to learn their craft too.

[Nate Colbert]

Danry Vasquez hasn't played for over two weeks and given these criminal charges it would appear it's just a matter of time until he's released.

[Knoxbanedoodle]

Hmm. Likely future Ranger.

[WVastro]

Hmm. Likely future Ranger.

He does seem to be going for the Odor style chin pubes....

Don't even bother showing that scumbag the door.

[MusicMan]

Danry Vasquez hasn't played for over two weeks and given these criminal charges it would appear it's just a matter of time until he's released.

I hope he's released in a pen of feral hogs.


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[Jacksonian]

I hope he's released in a pen of feral hogs.


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Apparently the released part happened today.

[Nate Colbert]

Rogelio Armenteros up from the J-Hawks.

[Uncle Charlie]

How would you describe Stubbs receiving and how he works with pitchers?

[Nate Colbert]

How would you describe Stubbs receiving and how he works with pitchers?

I linked to this scouting report from earlier in the season.

[Nate Colbert]

LHP Albert Minnis back from Fresno. OF Drew Ferguson promoted from Lancaster.

[Nate Colbert]

Don't think I've linked to these particular scouting reports before--one on Ramon Laureano and the other on Garrett Stubbs. The previous scouting report I linked to on Stubbs was from 2080baseball.com. These latter two scouting reports are from Bobby DeMuro at todaysknuckleball.com who saw both players while they were still at Lancaster. Video on both players are at the link.

[Nate Colbert]

Rogelio Armenteros up from the J-Hawks.

Terrific debut with 7 scoreless frames today. From the game report:

"With Armenteros on the mound, I had caught him a bunch at [Class A Advanced] Lancaster, so I knew the kind of stuff he had," [Garrett] Stubbs said. "We stuck to what his strengths are, and he executed his pitches incredibly well all game. There wasn't too much hard contact because he was locating so well, getting ahead in counts. His command of the zone was incredible, and when you throw strikes and put pressure on hitters, that's the result you get: a 1-0 ballgame."

Speaking of Stubbs, he went 4-4 to raise his CC numbers to .319/.406/.516 in 24 games.

Ramon Laureano currently at .306/.422/.612 in the 25 games since his callup from Lancaster.

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

I'm starting to get excited about Stubbs.  And only 50% of that is because he has a HoF-level Catcher Name.

[Nate Colbert]

J.D. Davis with a .296/.345/.519 second half after a .245/.324/.448 first half.

[Nate Colbert]

From today's game notes:

Incorporating his California League numbers, Trent Thornton is 7-1 with a 2.48 ERA & .245 BAA in his last 11 starts, striking out 63 against 7 walks in 72.2 IP.

[Nate Colbert]

Michael Coffin ‏@CoffinMJC  9 minutes ago
Drew Ferguson, who scored 4 runs for the @cchooks last night, has reached in 43 of last 45 games. .410 OBP ranks 9th in @MiLB. Ferguson's @cchooks teammate Ramon Laureano is 2nd in @MiLB with a .425 OBP. @astros farmhand Myles Straw is 1st at .427.

[VirtualBob]

Michael Coffin ‏@CoffinMJC  9 minutes ago
Drew Ferguson, who scored 4 runs for the @cchooks last night, has reached in 43 of last 45 games. .410 OBP ranks 9th in @MiLB. Ferguson's @cchooks teammate Ramon Laureano is 2nd in @MiLB with a .425 OBP. @astros farmhand Myles Straw is 1st at .427.

Not bad.

[Reuben]

Michael Coffin ‏@CoffinMJC  9 minutes ago
Drew Ferguson, who scored 4 runs for the @cchooks last night, has reached in 43 of last 45 games. .410 OBP ranks 9th in @MiLB. Ferguson's @cchooks teammate Ramon Laureano is 2nd in @MiLB with a .425 OBP. @astros farmhand Myles Straw is 1st at .427.

Be interesting to see where these three rank on Astros prospect lists this winter. Straw has no power and a poor CS%, but he hit friggin' .374 for QC and flat gets on base. None of these guys has a high "pedigree," but the results are certainly there.

[Nate Colbert]

Martes, Thornton and Armenteros are the scheduled starters for the first 3 games of the 1st round of the TL playoffs against Midland which begin tonight.

[Nate Colbert]

Martes allows 3 runs on 10 hits over 6 innings as Hooks fall 6-2 in game #1 to the Rockhounds. Drew Ferguson with a double and triple. Stubbs, Tanielu (homer) and Davis also with 2 hits apiece. Laureano a single and a walk.

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[Nate Colbert]

CC wins game #2 in the best of 5 series against Midland. Tanielu had 3 hits on the night while Laureano had 2 singles, a double, a walk and threw a guy out at the plate. Stubbs with a hit and 3 walks. On the not-so-good side, Davis and Ferguson both took 0-5s.

Thornton with another decent outing on the mound (6.2/7/1/1/1/5).

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[Nate Colbert]

Hooks lose 7-5 as Midland scores 5 runs in B9. Davis and Stubbs with 3 hits apiece and the latter is now 6-12 with 3 walks in the 3 games. Armenteros allowed just a run on 6 hits in his 5 IP.

Game #4 tonight with Cy Sneed starting.

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[Nate Colbert]

CC exits playoffs with 5-2 loss to Midland. Ramon Laureano had the 3-4 game and went 8-17 in the series with 2 doubles and 2 walks.

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[Jacksonian]

CC exits playoffs with 5-2 loss to Midland. Ramon Laureano had the 3-4 game and went 8-17 in the series with 2 doubles and 2 walks.

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He's been quite the surprise this year.