Fresno 2018

[Duman]

Here is your preliminary roster for AAA to start the year:


PITCHERS

Rogelio Armenteros

Buddy Boshers*

Jacob Dorris

Kent Emanuel*

Reymin Guduan*

Mike Hauschild

Francis Martes

Brendan McCurry

Chris Nunn*

David Paulino

Matt Ramsey
Cy Sneed

Andrew Thome

Trent Thornton

CATCHERS

Tim Federowicz

Garrett Stubbs*

INFIELDERS

Tony Kemp

Jack Mayfield

Antonio Nuñez

AJ Reed*

Tyler White

OUTFIELDERS

Drew Ferguson

Alejandro Garcia

Jon Kemmer*

Kyle Tucker*

* - left-hander / left-handed hitter

# - switch-hitter

[VirtualBob]

This is going to be a strong rotation; a pleasant change from the usual crop of journeymen.

[Astrofan59]

Kyle Tucker with his first home run of the very young season

[mrpink]

Tyler White has really taken off to start the year.  He's showing more a lot power than before by hitting .341/.423/.682 in 52 plate appearances so far.  That includes 4 homers and 2 doubles with more walks than strikeouts. 

[Reuben]

Tyler White has really taken off to start the year.  He's showing more a lot power than before by hitting .341/.423/.682 in 52 plate appearances so far.  That includes 4 homers and 2 doubles with more walks than strikeouts.

Who else is off to a hot start at Fresno? I asked myself. Let's see:

JD Davis- .429/.484/.714 with 2 HR and 8 RBI in 7 games since his demotion.
Drew Ferguson - .344/.444/.541 with 12 RBI in 15 games.
Tony Kemp - .339/.459/.424 with 13 R in 15 games, plus 5/5 SB.
catching tandem - Federowicz and Stubbs are hitting .423 and .395 with a combined 18 R and 13 RBI in 16 games.

LH SP Kent Emanuel - 2-0, 1.08 ERA, 16.2 IP, 9 H, 2 BB, 16 K, 0.66 WHIP.
Guduan - 5 G, 9.1 IP, 2 H, 7 BB(!), 15 K, 1.93 ERA, 0.96 WHIP. (obviously the walks are bad).

Tony Kemp deserves a shot at being a 2B on some team like the Marlins or Rays or something.

[VirtualBob]

Who else is off to a hot start at Fresno? /snip:

Tony Kemp deserves a shot at being a 2B on some team like the Marlins or Rays or something.

Hopefully some team with a quality LH reliever to spare.

[Reuben]

Tucker 2-for-4 with a double, and threw out a runner at home from LF. Davis and Ferguson stay hot, the latter with his 2nd HR.

Martes got rocked, his ERA is up to 6.91.

Guduan was rocked for 3 H, 2 BB, HR in his IP.

[Reuben]

JD Davis has played in LF the last two games. Last night went 2-3 with a walk, including a go-ahead RBI double in the 8th.

Batting around .380 with a 1.000+ OPS, it seems they’re considering him as a replacement for Fisher.

edit: Davis is back at 3B tonight.

[Duman]

Luhnow mentioned on the pre game radio interview Sunday to look for Emanuel to start moving to the pen.  With Paulino being activated, Paulino will piggy back a start and then Emanuel will move to the pen.  He said that is Emanuel's quickest path to the Astros and sees him being able to help this year.  Looks like they think that is the LH relief arm they have been looking for.

[Jacksonian]

Luhnow mentioned on the pre game radio interview Sunday to look for Emmanuel to start moving to the pen.  With Paulino being activated, Paulino will piggy back a start and then Emmanuel will move to the pen.  He said that is Emmanuel's quickest path to the Astros and sees him being able to help this year.  Looks like they think that is the LH relief arm they have been looking for.

He's been quite sharp.  I guess he's fully recovered from TJS and back to form.

[Reuben]

Luhnow mentioned on the pre game radio interview Sunday to look for Emmanuel to start moving to the pen.  With Paulino being activated, Paulino will piggy back a start and then Emmanuel will move to the pen.  He said that is Emmanuel's quickest path to the Astros and sees him being able to help this year.  Looks like they think that is the LH relief arm they have been looking for.

Very interesting. I wonder if his FB will tick up in relief. He's what, around 87-89 mph?

[Duman]

Very interesting. I wonder if his FB will tick up in relief. He's what, around 87-89 mph?

He has touched 93 before.  I wonder if it will trend more low 90's in shorter outings.

[juliogotay]

Luhnow mentioned on the pre game radio interview Sunday to look for Emanuel to start moving to the pen.  With Paulino being activated, Paulino will piggy back a start and then Emanuel will move to the pen.  He said that is Emanuel's quickest path to the Astros and sees him being able to help this year.  Looks like they think that is the LH relief arm they have been looking for.

any more guys you recall Luhnow talking about Sunday? I try to catch the Sunday pre-games just to hear him but was tied up.

[BUWebguy]

any more guys you recall Luhnow talking about Sunday? I try to catch the Sunday pre-games just to hear him but was tied up.

I haven't listened yet, but FYI, Astros Radio puts the pre-/postgame interviews in a podcast for your (our) convenience:
http://houston.astros.mlb.com/fan_forum/podcasts/index.jsp?c_id=hou

[juliogotay]

I haven't listened yet, but FYI, Astros Radio puts the pre-/postgame interviews in a podcast for your (our) convenience:
http://houston.astros.mlb.com/fan_forum/podcasts/index.jsp?c_id=hou

Thanks BUW.

[VirtualBob]

Luhnow mentioned on the pre game radio interview Sunday to look for Emanuel to start moving to the pen.  With Paulino being activated, Paulino will piggy back a start and then Emanuel will move to the pen.  He said that is Emanuel's quickest path to the Astros and sees him being able to help this year.  Looks like they think that is the LH relief arm they have been looking for.

Emanuel starting tonight so I guess this move is not seen as urgent.

[VirtualBob]

I wish there was a good way to track the seriousness of some of these injuries.  Perusing the PCL transaction page yields the following:
Thome activated from 7-day DL (after 7 days)
De Oleo activated from 7-day DL (where he has languished all season)
McCurry placed on 7-day DL
Mayfield placed on 7-day DL

And in other news, Josh James was promoted from Corpus Christi a few days ago, but has yet to appear and Kent Emanuel finally made a relief appearance.  (Yet to be seen whether that is a "move" or an anomaly.)

[Reuben]

I noticed that about Emanuel too. Gave up a HR to the first batter he faced, then retired the next six.

JD Davis went 4-5 with another double; now hitting .450 with a 1.180 OPS. AJ Reed hit a homer but was removed after 2 ABs; did not see any mention why. Tony Kemp has a 15-game hitting streak and a .336 AVG.

The Grizzlies had 20 Hits altogether. I know Vegas is supposed to be a big offensive environment, but it didn’t bother Rogelio Armenteros, who scattered 6 singles and a walk over 6 shutout innings.

[Jacksonian]

I wish there was a good way to track the seriousness of some of these injuries.  Perusing the PCL transaction page yields the following:
Thome activated from 7-day DL (after 7 days)
De Oleo activated from 7-day DL (where he has languished all season)
McCurry placed on 7-day DL
Mayfield placed on 7-day DL

And in other news, Josh James was promoted from Corpus Christi a few days ago, but has yet to appear and Kent Emanuel finally made a relief appearance.  (Yet to be seen whether that is a "move" or an anomaly.)

James is tonight's starter.

[Duman]

Kaplan has a story in the Athletic about Josh James improvement by sleeping better. His velo has jumped from high 80's/low 90's to upper 90's since the diagnosis of sleep apnea

The story of how he discovered he had sleep apnea traces back to 2015, when his roommate with low-Class A, a pitcher named Ryan Thompson, complained of James’ intolerable snoring and encouraged him to get it checked out by a doctor.

During his 2016 season in high-Class A , James felt exhausted, his velocity lagged into the high 80s and he began to gain weight. As a result, James decided to see a sleep specialist in his offseason hometown of Fort Lauderdale, Fla. He underwent a sleep study that he said revealed he was waking up almost 30 times a night when lying on his back and another 15 or so when on his side.

[VirtualBob]

My last installment of May-in-Review.  At AAA the 'game' is all about effectiveness of game-to-game and at-bat-to-at-bat adjustments.  Players are always working on things, but actual production starts being a more important measure of whether those "things" worked out.  Of course, production here does not always translate to the next level (see Lane, Jason, for example), but it often earns guys a shot.

Fresno went 15-14 for the month (following a 17-8 April) but without much real fall-off in individual production.  Details ...

Catcher:  Garrett Stubbs was on the DL for most of the month but hit well while healthy  (9 games: .367/.429/.567).  Tim Fedorowicz (.270/.352/.492) caught about half the games before being called up to Houston when McCann went on the DL there.  The other 8 games saw Eduardo De Oleo (.290/.333/.355) behind the dish.  Stubbs has hit well so far in June, too, and is the only real 'prospect' of the three.

Utility:  Tyler White just keeps hitting:  .367/.471/.500 in May with 12 K and 17 BB in 98 PA.  He saw almost equal time at all four infield positions.

Middle Infield:  Antonio Nuñez (.286/.348/.405) was the regular at SS before going on the DL at which point Jack Mayfield (.227/.239/.364) came off the DL and took over.  (Mayfield's offensive performance has picked up in June.)  Tony Kemp was the regular at 2B early in the month, and also saw some time in CF before being called up.  Cody Bohanek slashed a respectable .242/.257/.242 while "on loan" from Quad Cities and was the regular at 2B thereafter.  (Mayfield also saw some time at 2B.)

Corner Infield:  AJ Reed held down 1B and led the team with 7 HR and 24 RBI while slashing .278/.413/.577.  JD Davis was at 3B until his mid-month return to Houston and had 12 doubles, 24 RBI and a .470/.520/.773 slash line (!!).  I am not sure what else he has to prove, but there is clearly no room right now for him in Houston.  Nick Tanielu was promoted to replace Davis and struggled at the higher level ... .152/.264/.239.  And, of course, Tyler White saw action here as well.

Outfield:  Drew Ferguson was the regular in CF (giving way to Kemp in spot duty and Marisnick during his brief demotion), but cooled off to .268/.455/.293.  He led the team in both walks (25) and strike outs (24) but managed only 2 XBH and 5 RBI for the month.  Kyle Tucker split time evenly between RF and LF, slashing .267/.347/.476 with 5 HR and 23 RBI.  This represented a fall-off from April except in the power numbers.  His K-rate remains constant at about 20% of PA.  Alejandro Garcia (.194/.222/.194) got most of the rest of the OF action, and has recently been released (unsurprisingly).  Jon Kemmer (.258/.339/.454) was mostly used at DH but also got a few starts at corner OF; not earth-shattering numbers but a big improvement on his .195/.330/.427 April.

Rotation:  The Grizzlies are going with a 6-man rotation with the following May results:
- Rogelio Armenteros: 3-0, 2.70 ERA, 1.125 WHIP, 25:8 K:BB in 26.2 IP at age 24.
- Cy Sneed: 3-2, 4.83, 1.232, 26:8 in 31.2 IP (6+ per start) at age 25
- Mike Hauschild: 0-3, 5.53, 1.590, 23:14 in 27.2 IP (and at age 28, probably not a huge future)
- Trent Thornton:  1-2, 3.22, 0.985, 25:4 K:BB in 22.1 IP after returning from the DL early in the month (also age 24)
- Josh James: 1-2, 3.38, 1.125, 29:8 in 21.1 IP (4 starts after an early-month promotion; age 25)
- David Paulino:  0-0, 5.40, 1.000, 18:3 in 3 starts (15 IP) before returning to the DL
- Brock Dykxhoorn:  0-0, 3.60, 1.000, 11:2 in 2 starts (10 IP) after being promoted to take Paulino's spot.  Brock is only 23.

Bullpen:  The bullpen got a lot of work in May.  Three guys had 10 or more appearances ... James Hoyt (0-2, 2.25, 0.750, 16:3 K:BB, 3 saves), Reymin Guduan (2-0, 2.70, 1.050, 22:6 in 13.1 IP), and Buddy Boshers (0-1, 3.38, 0.938, 14:1).  Four more had more than 10 IP ... Kent Emanuel (1-0, 6.11, 1.642, 16:6 including one early-month start before his transition to the pen), Matt Ramsey (1-0, 2.25, 1.063, 25:4 in 16 IP before landing on the DL), Brandon McCurry (1-1, 5.25, 1.333 with 3 saves), and Andrew Thome (1-1, 4.76, 1.412 and a 6:6 K:BB ratio on either side of a DL stint).  Jacob Dorris, Ralph Garza and Chris Nunn all saw some action as well, with Dorris being classified as "inactive" for much of the month.

[Reuben]

Great stuff, thanks again.

I didn't realize Paulino was on the DL again. What's the deal there? And I can't seem to find any updates on Martes' "elbow discomfort" or whatever. You'd like to see at least one of those two guys get back on track.

[Jacksonian]

A look at Drew Ferguson's evolution as a hitter.

[VirtualBob]

Myles Straw now a home run short of a cycle in his first AAA game. And saved a hit with a great catch in CF.

[VirtualBob]

Clean single with 2 out in the 8th breaks up the no hit bid. 

[Nate Colbert]

Clean single with 2 out in the 8th breaks up the no hit bid.

Trent Thornton and his 0.96 WHIP leads the PCL.

[VirtualBob]

Trent Thornton and his 0.96 WHIP leads the PCL.

He improved on that tonight. Straw also looked good, as did Mayfield & Davis. AJ Reed is slow and did not show much range at 1B.

[VirtualBob]

Armenteros is a BIG guy!

[VirtualBob]

Sample size = 1,but Straw"s Arm was neither strong nor accurate.

[juliogotay]

Trent Thornton and his 0.96 WHIP leads the PCL.

Is Thornton a power pitcher or more of a control guy?

[Jacksonian]

Is Thornton a power pitcher or more of a control guy?

Control

[juliogotay]

Control

Thank you.

[Nate Colbert]

Kyle Tucker hitting .385/.425/.600 in June.

[MusicMan]

Kyle Tucker hitting .385/.425/.600 in June.

Tucker killing the ball. Straw red hot. Marisnick’s gotta be getting nervous. 


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[toddthebod]

Tucker killing the ball. Straw red hot. Marisnick’s gotta be getting nervous. 


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And Derek Fisher.  Seems that he has really been passed.  Tucker was always ahead of Fisher.  But Kemp is having far more success than Fisher did at the major league level.  And Straw has probably passed Fisher as well.  Seems to me that Fisher needs to be traded.  Because he's never going to see the Astros again. 

As for Marisnick, he's still the Astros best defensive outfielder.  So I guess there's a place for him. 

[BlownRanger]

And Derek Fisher.  Seems that he has really been passed.  Tucker was always ahead of Fisher.  But Kemp is having far more success than Fisher did at the major league level.  And Straw has probably passed Fisher as well.  Seems to me that Fisher needs to be traded.  Because he's never going to see the Astros again. 

As for Marisnick, he's still the Astros best defensive outfielder.  So I guess there's a place for him.

I don't think there would be much interest in Fisher.  We're not the only ones who were watching the last year,

When Tucker does get the call, everyone needs to remember that his career pattern after every promotion has been to have a handful of big games followed by a fairly lengthy slump before righting the ship.

[juliogotay]

I don't think there would be much interest in Fisher.  We're not the only ones who were watching the last year,

When Tucker does get the call, everyone needs to remember that his career pattern after every promotion has been to have a handful of big games followed by a fairly lengthy slump before righting the ship.

I bet plenty of teams would take Fisher. Too many tools to give up on already.

[jbm]

I realize that this board isn't that fond of Fisher, but I bet that there is still a decent amount of interest out there for him.  Not as a centerpiece for a marquee player, but still a useful chip. 

[Nate Colbert]

Luhnow: Francis Martes continues to be shut down with right elbow injury and won't start throwing again until early July. Likely won't pitch in a game until late July/early August.

https://www.chron.com/sports/astros/article/Astros-shut-down-righthander-Francis-Martes-13015627.php

[Nate Colbert]

Cy Sneed with the 2-hitter, whiffing 11.

1.14 WHIP ranks 2nd to Thornton in PCL, 2.97 ERA is 7th in the league.

[Reuben]

Luhnow: Francis Martes continues to be shut down with right elbow injury and won't start throwing again until early July. Likely won't pitch in a game until late July/early August.

https://www.chron.com/sports/astros/article/Astros-shut-down-righthander-Francis-Martes-13015627.php

No wonder it was so hard to find updates on Martes. “We’re not sure really what the issue is” does not look good in the press.

[Nate Colbert]

Offseason pickup (waivers from San Diego) LHP Chris Nunn released. Good numbers at CC, not so good for the Grizz.

[Nate Colbert]

I don't think I've seen this noted previously:

"David Paulino went to the disabled list with right shoulder discomfort. Images revealed no structural damage, Luhnow said."

6/20 BA article

[Nate Colbert]

Andrew Thome (NDFA 2015) released. Riley Ferrell up from CC.

Ferrell had not allowed an earned run in his last 12 appearances for the Hooks, striking out 22 with just 5 hits and 2 walks allowed in 15 innings.

[Reuben]

Andrew Thome (NDFA 2015) released. Riley Ferrell up from CC.

Ferrell had not allowed an earned run in his last 12 appearances for the Hooks, striking out 22 with just 5 hits and 2 walks allowed in 15 innings.

RF finally buzz-sawing through minor league batters the way many expected him to the year he was drafted.

[jbm]

Yeah, I can't even remember how he was at TCU.  Looking at his stats as a pro, I wondered if he had control problems at TCU.  Appears that in his last year there. he walked 20 in 31.2 innings.

As an aside, while this org is great at identifying and developing talent overall, developing relievers seems like a weakness.  I'm likely forgetting someone, but are there any relievers that have been brought up through the system, either this year or in recent years?

eta  Of course, Devo.  How the hell did I forget him.

[Lefty]

Yeah, I can't even remember how he was at TCU.  Looking at his stats as a pro, I wondered if he had control problems at TCU.  Appears that in his last year there. he walked 20 in 31.2 innings.

As an aside, while this org is great at identifying and developing talent overall, developing relievers seems like a weakness.  I'm likely forgetting someone, but are there any relievers that have been brought up through the system, either this year or in recent years?

eta  Of course, Devo.  How the hell did I forget him.

That Hader guy is good.  Ugh.

[jbm]

True, but he's a bit of an outlier IIRC: he wasn't drafted by the Astros, then he was an Astro for a short while, then he wasn't again.  A lot of that development was in other orgs.

[jbm]

But, to your point, we didn't draft Devo either, even though most of his development was with the Astros.   That trade (Brett Myers) certainly worked well.

[Lefty]

True, but he's a bit of an outlier IIRC: he wasn't drafted by the Astros, then he was an Astro for a short while, then he wasn't again.  A lot of that development was in other orgs.

Yep, I completely forgot that we got him in the Norris deal.

[juliogotay]

But, to your point, we didn't draft Devo either, even though most of his development was with the Astros.   That trade (Brett Myers) certainly worked well.

Devo was a starting pitcher in the MiLs.

[Lefty]

Devo was a starting pitcher in the MiLs.

Things may have changed, but a lot/most guys that project to be MLB relievers start in the minors so they can get consistent work.

[Nate Colbert]

With the callup of Reed to the big club, Taylor Jones gets moved up from CC to man 1B.

[Reuben]

With the callup of Reed to the big club, Taylor Jones gets moved up from CC to man 1B.

Is that typical, to fill a 3-day (or less) temporary hole in AAA? It doesn’t seem like there’d be any room for Jones to stay once Reed comes back down.

[Nate Colbert]

Is that typical, to fill a 3-day (or less) temporary hole in AAA? It doesn’t seem like there’d be any room for Jones to stay once Reed comes back down.

If JD Davis is getting called up to fill the Correa roster spot tomorrow, once Reed comes back don't see why he and Jones can't alternate at first and DH.

[Reuben]

If JD Davis is getting called up to fill the Correa roster spot tomorrow, once Reed comes back don't see why he and Jones can't alternate at first and DH.

That’s a good point re. Davis. In that scenario Kemmer would be the odd man out, assuming the OF is primarily Fisher/Straw/Tucker.

Davis not in the lineup tonight. Tucker is, and homered in the 1st.

Edit: Jones just hit a two-run HR in his first AB with Fresno.

[Fynn]

With the callup of Reed to the big club, Taylor Jones gets moved up from CC to man 1B.

Would love to see Jones stay in Fresno.  Cannot believe he didn't even hit .250 in Quad Cities or BC last year.  Quite a cinderella story if he continues to produce.

[Jacksonian]

If I'm counting the years correctly (and I might not be) I believe all six of the Grizzlies current starting pitchers are Rule 5 eligible this winter: Armenteros, Dykxhoorn, Hauschild, James, Sneed, Thornton.

[Reuben]

Interesting. Looking at the current 40-man, Boshers surely will be gone, and then there’s several still-young arms they’ll have to make decisions on: Deetz, Guduan, Gustave, Rodgers. Hoyt is not young and probably expendable. Martes and Paulino will presumably stay on the 40 unless their injuries are really serious.

I would think James, Armenteros, and Thornton are the priorities of the Fresno 6, but I dunno. One or two of those may even get added and brought up in September. Ditto Whitley.

[VirtualBob]

I would think James, Armenteros, and Thornton are the priorities of the Fresno 6, but I dunno. One or two of those may even get added and brought up in September. Ditto Whitley.

Hauschild was already lost once, and I don't expect them to protect him this year either.  Dykxhoorn is interesting, but very unlikely (imo) to stick with anyone or even be selected.  I do think your three are the top candidates, though I would place Armenteros ahead of the other two after seeing them in RR recently.  Don't confuse me with someone who knows how to scout pitchers, though.

[Nate Colbert]

Josh James with 12 whiffs in 5 innings today. Now has 114 Ks in 71.2 IP this season.

[Reuben]

Josh James with 12 whiffs in 5 innings today. Now has 114 Ks in 71.2 IP this season.

Future Astros Closer?

[Reuben]

Kyle Tucker was ejected in the 3rd inning of today’s game. So anyone seeing that he left the game early, rest assured he’s (probably) not injured, traded, or getting called up.

[Nate Colbert]

Catcher Jamie Ritchie up from CC.

[Reuben]

Catcher Jamie Ritchie up from CC.

In place of whom? Are they going to have a 3-catcher rotation?

[jbm]

Straw now has 45 swipes in 81 games.  Caught 7 times.  Never seen this guy play, but with that speed and ability to get on, he seems hard to ignore when projecting future rosters.

[Reuben]

In place of whom? Are they going to have a 3-catcher rotation?

Ok, now this makes more sense. McCann to the DL, Federowicz up to Houston.

[Nate Colbert]

Chandler Rome @Chandler_Rome 49m ago
Asked if he thought Garrett Stubbs was ready to contribute at the major league level, Jeff Luhnow said he thinks so. "We like Stubbs a lot, we're high on Stubbs. A good chance he'll be here in September, if not before."

[Nate Colbert]

Yordan Alvarez gets the call from CC.

Jon Kemmer traded to Twins for cash.

[Jacksonian]

Yordan Alvarez gets the call from CC.

Jon Kemmer traded to Twins for cash.

Twins must have been looking for minor league outfield depth.

[Nate Colbert]

I don't think I've seen this noted previously:

"David Paulino went to the disabled list with right shoulder discomfort. Images revealed no structural damage, Luhnow said."

6/20 BA article

Made a rehab appearance today in the GCL.

[Reuben]

Yordan Alvarez gets the call from CC.

Jon Kemmer traded to Twins for cash.

Makes sense. With the promotions of Alvarez and Jones, and continued presence of Davis, Reed, Tucker, Fisher, and Straw, there was zero room for him in Fresno. In fact, that’s still a crowded picture.

[Nate Colbert]

Paul Braverman @PaulBraverman 1h ago
.@FresnoGrizzlies LHP Reymin Guduan is allowing the lowest batting average (.152, 19-for-125) among PCL relievers (.058 vs. left).  His 13.37 strikeouts per nine innings pitched also leads the league, with 52 punchouts in 35.0 IP.

[moriartp]

Yordan Alvarez gets the call from CC.

Huh. He's been crushing it, but I still didn't expect that yet. Great sign that they're convinced he's ready for the jump.

[jbm]

Who made the AAA all star game from Fresno and does anyone know if it will be on the tube?

[Nate Colbert]

Who made the AAA all star game from Fresno and does anyone know if it will be on the tube?

I saw a report that said at 6:00 on MLB Network. That's not what my Uverse schedule shows currently so we'll see.

Reed, Davis and Stubbs I believe.

[jbm]

Thanks. Direct tv didn’t have it listed either.

[Nate Colbert]

https://www.milb.com/milb/news/toolshed-houston-astros-myles-straw-dashing-slapping-away/c-282145358

That's a profile on Myles Straw from a few weeks ago that I just now got around to reading. Found it an interesting read and you might too.

And in case you were wondering what's been keeping Drew Ferguson out of action, the article notes it's a wrist injury.

[jbm]

That is a good read. 

I'm sort of surprised by the tone of his instruction leading him towards more power.  I don't doubt that they have worked it out analytically, but there still seems to be a role for the tough out, keep the line moving type guys (high OBP).  At least the crude analytics-in-my-head concludes that.  I think of Kemp and guys like that who just seem to be that special ingredient that makes the dish so much better, even though it's hard to describe why.

[Nate Colbert]

I saw a report that said at 6:00 on MLB Network. That's not what my Uverse schedule shows currently so we'll see.

Apparently they're showing it on a tape-delayed basis next Wednesday.

[jbm]

James, again with 12 Ks in 6IP, 4 H, 3 ER.

Any idea on what changed.  He's gone from averaging around 9K/9 for his first 4 years to 14K/9 this year.  I assume it is related to mastering or adding a pitch, but does anyone around here know?  Basically, what is his calling card this year?

[jbm]

Well, I found something at minor league ball which says that he's addressed a sleep apnea issue, mechanical adjustments and is relatively new as a pitcher and thus has just developed a lot.   I guess, those can result in improving a mix from decent to dominant.  At any rate, they show a short video of him at Fresno: a big dude, with good FB command (in that AB) and a sharp slider.

https://www.minorleagueball.com/2018/6/13/17454028/thoughts-on-houston-astros-prospect-josh-james-sleep-apnea

Sorry if this has already been posted, as I am pretty airheaded

[Reuben]

Yeah, that’s been the oft-cited reason. Seems like a future Closer, no?

[jbm]

I hope he has that ability, but as the article says, and I agree, it makes sense to see if he can be a starter.  It was just one AB, but it's not hard to imagine a good starter from that clip also.

[juliogotay]

I hope he has that ability, but as the article says, and I agree, it makes sense to see if he can be a starter.  It was just one AB, but it's not hard to imagine a good starter from that clip also.

My God, that clip of him I thought I was looking at a young J.R. Richard from the CF camera. Stands on the mound just like him.

[juliogotay]

Well, I found something at minor league ball which says that he's addressed a sleep apnea issue, mechanical adjustments and is relatively new as a pitcher and thus has just developed a lot.   I guess, those can result in improving a mix from decent to dominant.  At any rate, they show a short video of him at Fresno: a big dude, with good FB command (in that AB) and a sharp slider.

https://www.minorleagueball.com/2018/6/13/17454028/thoughts-on-houston-astros-prospect-josh-james-sleep-apnea

Sorry if this has already been posted, as I am pretty airheaded

Addressing that sleep apnea problem also led to a healthy weight loss. Luhnow spend some time in May on his Sunday radio pre-game show talking about James and he was clearly excited about the changes and how it improved his performance.

[Nate Colbert]

Eric Longenhagen's notes from the Futures Game:

"Astros 1B Yordan Alvarez had an underwhleming BP and looked heavy and stiff. A scout with whom I was sitting during BP told me they thought Alvarez was a DH-only guy."

https://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/the-futures-game-was-black/

[Nate Colbert]

Apparently JD Davis, Taylor Jones and Tyler White all drew the short straws tonight.

[Reuben]

Apparently JD Davis, Taylor Jones and Tyler White all drew the short straws tonight.

How do you mean? Not playing? I didn’t realize White was sent back down.

[Jacksonian]

How do you mean? Not playing? I didn’t realize White was sent back down.

They didn't play that night.  White was sent down at the break.

[VirtualBob]

They didn't play that night.  White was sent down at the break.

And JD is active for tonight’s game in Anaheim.

[Lefty]

Catch by Straw in CF today:  https://twitter.com/ABQTopes/status/1020481827734159360

[Nate Colbert]

Catch by Straw in CF today:  https://twitter.com/ABQTopes/status/1020481827734159360

Shit, might've been a natural for Tal's Hill.

[austro]

Shit, might've been a natural for Tal's Hill.

Reminded me of Berkman.

[Lefty]

Those are literally the first 2 things I thought of when I saw that.

[juliogotay]

Those are literally the first 2 things I thought of when I saw that.

'Topes Slope? Wonder where they got that idea.

[Nate Colbert]

Taylor Jones back down to the Hooks.

[Nate Colbert]

If I'm counting the years correctly (and I might not be) I believe all six of the Grizzlies current starting pitchers are Rule 5 eligible this winter: Armenteros, Dykxhoorn, Hauschild, James, Sneed, Thornton.

Unrelated, but since the return a couple of weeks ago of Brady Rodgers are the Grizzlies now employing a 7-man rotation?

It gets even more interesting considering that David Paulino likely doesn't have too many more rehab starts in the hopper and absent a setback will need to rejoin the Fresno rotation in a week or two.

Armenteros, Dykxhoorn, James, Sneed and Thornton have all pitched effectively. Hauschild, despite ranking 13th in the PCL with 91 strikeouts (James, Sneed, Armenteros and Thornton are all in the top 10), seems the likeliest to go considering his relative underperformance and the fact he's almost certainly gone anyway at the end of the season since he's a MLFA. But it'll be interesting to see what other moves over the next several weeks might be made.

[DallasAstro]

James looks to be a STUD!   I would rate him directly below Whitley at the moment and would not give him up for a rental.   Striking out 10+ per game is amazing - although his best spot may end up being in the bullpen

[Mr. Happy]

James looks to be a STUD!   I would rate him directly below Whitley at the moment and would not give him up for a rental.   Striking out 10+ per game is amazing - although his best spot may end up being in the bullpen

This is just a bit of a stretch. James is a good AAA pitcher, but he may just be a AAAA pitcher. Whitley, on the other hand, has the tools to be a no. 1-2 starter.

[VirtualBob]

James looks to be a STUD!   I would rate him directly below Whitley at the moment and would not give him up for a rental.   Striking out 10+ per game is amazing - although his best spot may end up being in the bullpen

Generating eye-popping stats and really looking like a stud are not the same. Even at AAA. He has improved this year )per scouting reports) but let’s not get carried away just yet.

[Nate Colbert]

What MLB Pipeline (in their Top 30 Prospects capsules) has to say about Trent Thornton:

"Thornton has added a couple ticks of velocity to his fastball in 2018, working at 93-95 mph and topping out at 97 with riding action. He has an interesting array of secondary pitches, including a curveball with some power and depth and an improved slider that he can turn into a true cutter. He needs to refine and trust his changeup more to find success against left-handers, however."

[Nate Colbert]

Brian McTaggart  @brianmctaggart 1h ago
Here are a couple of more notes:
-- RHP Jandel Gustave, who underwent TJ surgery last June, recently had ulnar nerve transposition surgery and is out until 2019.
-- RHP Francis Martes (elbow sprain) is scheduled to throw live BP next few days & could return to competition in Aug.

[austro]

"ulnar nerve transposition surgery"? That doesn't sound encouraging.

[Nate Colbert]

Unrelated, but since the return a couple of weeks ago of Brady Rodgers are the Grizzlies now employing a 7-man rotation?

Armenteros made his first relief appearance of the season tonight (a 3-inning stint).

Perhaps a modified tandem approach for a while.

[Nate Colbert]

Taylor Jones back for a 2nd stint with the Grizz, replacing Tyler White.

[Nate Colbert]

Hauschild, despite ranking 13th in the PCL with 91 strikeouts (James, Sneed, Armenteros and Thornton are all in the top 10), seems the likeliest to go considering his relative underperformance and the fact he's almost certainly gone anyway at the end of the season since he's a MLFA.

Umm, yeah. The Astros released him today.

Best of luck to him. At least he was able to get some big league time in with the Rangers back in 2017.

[VirtualBob]

Umm, yeah. The Astros released him today.

Best of luck to him. At least he was able to get some big league time in with the Rangers back in 2017.

Actually a player-friendly move by the organization.  Hauschild was going nowhere ever with Houston, but is probably worth a look as an inning-eating swing man for a second-division club at the MLB level.  I will be surprised if he stays unsigned for long, and not surprised at all to see him back in MLB before the end of the season.  I don't see him with a long career, though.

[Duman]

Actually a player-friendly move by the organization.  Hauschild was going nowhere ever with Houston, but is probably worth a look as an inning-eating swing man for a second-division club at the MLB level.  I will be surprised if he stays unsigned for long, and not surprised at all to see him back in MLB before the end of the season.  I don't see him with a long career, though.

For a 33rd round Sr sign in 2012, his career has exceeded all expectations. Best of luck to him moving forward.

[Nate Colbert]

Reliever Matt Ramsey has finished his rehab and will rejoin the Grizz on Wednesday.

[VirtualBob]

For a 33rd round Sr sign in 2012, his career has exceeded all expectations. Best of luck to him moving forward.

+1

[Nate Colbert]

Unrelated, but since the return a couple of weeks ago of Brady Rodgers are the Grizzlies now employing a 7-man rotation?

It gets even more interesting considering that David Paulino likely doesn't have too many more rehab starts in the hopper and absent a setback will need to rejoin the Fresno rotation in a week or two.

Armenteros, Dykxhoorn, James, Sneed and Thornton have all pitched effectively. Hauschild, despite ranking 13th in the PCL with 91 strikeouts (James, Sneed, Armenteros and Thornton are all in the top 10), seems the likeliest to go considering his relative underperformance and the fact he's almost certainly gone anyway at the end of the season since he's a MLFA. But it'll be interesting to see what other moves over the next several weeks might be made.

The next shoe dropped:

Paul Braverman @PaulBraverman 23m ago
RHP Brock Dykxhoorn has been transferred to Double-A @cchooks from @FresnoGrizzlies.  Next time through Fresno rotation is Sneed, Armenteros, Rodgers, Thornton, James.

[VirtualBob]

The next shoe dropped:

Paul Braverman @PaulBraverman 23m ago
RHP Brock Dykxhoorn has been transferred to Double-A @cchooks from @FresnoGrizzlies.  Next time through Fresno rotation is Sneed, Armenteros, Rodgers, Thornton, James.

So back to a 5-man rotation?  At least for a while??

[Jacksonian]

So back to a 5-man rotation?  At least for a while??

Except that Perez is there.  I can't imagine he'll be working in relief.

[Nate Colbert]

Except that Perez is there.  I can't imagine he'll be working in relief.

Actually he will. Reported as such when the Astros sent him down.

[VirtualBob]

Actually he will. Reported as such when the Astros sent him down.

Right.

[Nate Colbert]

Francis Martes with a rehab outing in the GCL today. First outing in a game situation since Apr 29.

[Nate Colbert]

Alex De Goti with the callup from CC. Over his last 57 games with the Hooks, he was batting .304/.348/.520.

[Nate Colbert]

Nick Tanielu since July 22 is hitting .367 (18-49) with 6 doubles and a deep fly in 12 games.

[Nate Colbert]

Chandler Rome @Chandler_Rome 6h ago
On @AstrosRadioMLB, Jeff Luhnow listed Brady Rodgers, Josh James, Trent Thornton, Rogelio Armenteros and Framber Valdez are the "main candidates" to possibly make starts with the major league club should Lance McCullers Jr. be out a while.

[Nate Colbert]

5 scoreless frames for Kent Emanuel in his spot start tonight. FWIW, this year:

As a starter:  33.1 IP /   24 H / 6   BB /  31 K  / .198 BAA  / 0.90 WHIP   
As a reliever: 34.0 IP /  57 H / 11 BB / 37   K / .370 BAA / 2.00 WHIP

[VirtualBob]

5 scoreless frames for Kent Emanuel in his spot start tonight. FWIW, this year:

As a starter:  33.1 IP /   24 H / 6   BB /  31 K  / .198 BAA  / 0.90 WHIP   
As a reliever: 34.0 IP /  57 H / 11 BB / 37   K / .370 BAA / 2.00 WHIP

Yeah. That attempt to turn him into a Loogy as a fast track to the show did not work out as expected.

[BUWebguy]

Yeah. That attempt to turn him into a Loogy as a fast track to the show did not work out as expected.

Any explanation as to why? Seems the opposite of what you generally see when starters move to the pen.

[Nate Colbert]

Astros clear a spot on the 40-man by waiving LHP Buddy Boshers (who was claimed by the Pirates).

[jbm]

Astros clear a spot on the 40-man by waiving LHP Buddy Boshers (who was claimed by the Pirates).

I have no opinion on Boshers, but what do you think the reason for this is, at this moment?  I think they were at 39 before removing him.  Anyways, is this just to add some non-40 man palyers for possible inclusion on the roster in September?  Just trying to understand it.

[Nate Colbert]

Anyways, is this just to add some non-40 man players for possible inclusion on the roster in September?

That would be my guess.

[Nate Colbert]

Framber Valdez gets the promotion from the Hooks.

[Snuffy]

(from Ex Astros News 17-18 Thread)

Tim Federowicz elected free agency and signed a minor-league deal with the Reds.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Who will get more time behind the plate with Federowicz now with the Reds?

[Nate Colbert]

(from Ex Astros News 17-18 Thread)
Who will get more time behind the plate with Federowicz now with the Reds?

Jamie Ritchie was called up from Corpus back at the beginning of July. He and Garrett Stubbs are the current Grizz catchers.

[Snuffy]

Jamie Ritchie was called up from Corpus back at the beginning of July. He and Garrett Stubbs are the current Grizz catchers.

TY, Nate.  I should have asked who is getting more playing time...
Wow, a 31-year-old vet replaced by a 25-yr-old as catcher, joining another 25-yr-old as catcher!
Thanks

[Nate Colbert]

Nick Tanielu since July 22 is hitting .367 (18-49) with 6 doubles and a deep fly in 12 games.

Updated: .404/.414/.667 with 6 two-baggers and 3 home runs in 14 games.

[Nate Colbert]

And in case you were wondering what's been keeping Drew Ferguson out of action, the article notes it's a wrist injury.

Or this...

Paul Braverman @PaulBraverman 53m
Broke his hand on a HBP June 13 at New Orleans.  Could cost him the season, but perhaps a chance to return.  Not up to speed on how his rehab is going in WPB.

[Nate Colbert]

5 scoreless frames for Kent Emanuel in his spot start tonight.

Dude really wants to stay in the starting rotation--throws another 6 scoreless innings tonight. So:

As a starter:  39.1 IP /   27 H / 8   BB /  39 K  / .190 BAA  / 0.89 WHIP   
As a reliever: 34.0 IP /  57 H / 11 BB / 37   K / .370 BAA / 2.00 WHIP

[Nate Colbert]

Any explanation as to why? Seems the opposite of what you generally see when starters move to the pen.

Even Emanuel can't explain it:

"It's tough to tell. I've been getting that question a lot, just because my splits between starting and relieving have been pretty wide this season," he said. "But if I knew the answer, it would have made my job in the bullpen a lot easier. But I don't really know. I think it's just, I've just tried to stay in attack mode and it's just worked out these past two games."

https://www.milb.com/milb/news/kent-emanuel-turns-in-another-gem-for-fresno-grizzlies/c-290250954?tcid=tw_article_290250954

[VirtualBob]

Framber Valdez gets the promotion from the Hooks.

And scheduled for his first AAA start tonight.

[Nate Colbert]

Back-to-back 2-homer games for JD Davis and now has 7 dingers in his last 6 games.

[Reuben]

Back-to-back 2-homer games for JD Davis and now has 7 dingers in his last 6 games.

I would love to see someone analyze Davis’ swing, approach, etc. and explain how he can post such poor results (and look mostly bad doing so) in the majors while so thoroughly dominating AAA. This is not a Reed or Fisher or Singleton-type discrepancy; those guys have never hit .350 with an OPS over 1.000 in AAA. And while I do realize that Davis had never hit quite so awesomely in the minors prior to this year, he has been very solid; it doesn’t seem like his 2018 AAA success can just be explained away by “he’s been lucky”.

[Jacksonian]

I would love to see someone analyze Davis’ swing, approach, etc. and explain how he can post such poor results (and look mostly bad doing so) in the majors while so thoroughly dominating AAA. This is not a Reed or Fisher or Singleton-type discrepancy; those guys have never hit .350 with an OPS over 1.000 in AAA. And while I do realize that Davis had never hit quite so awesomely in the minors prior to this year, he has been very solid; it doesn’t seem like his 2018 AAA success can just be explained away by “he’s been lucky”.

I would think it’s more about having enough exposure.  At some point he’ll have enough at-bats that things will click.  I think it took Kemp until his third season (this one) and more than 150 at-bats for it to click.  White was similar I believe.

[Nate Colbert]

Whether he figures it out at the big league level or ultimately is a AAAA guy, Davis talks about what he's doing differently this year at the plate:

"Watching film from up in the big leagues and my mechanics and comparing to Spring Training when I had the big jump, I broke it down," he said. "I spread my stance out to be a little more balanced. It's about loading up my hips to keep things simple. And I continue to work on my plate discipline because that goes a long way, too." Davis' career strikeout percentage is 24.6 percent, but this season it's 18.8, a statistic that's not lost on him. He credits Fresno hitting coach Darryl Robinson and big league instructor Jeff Albert.

"It goes along with my swing, I had a big loop in my swing. That allowed me to catch some off-speed out in front and still hit homers, but with learning how to deliver my back elbow in time with my back hip, I can time my swing," he explained. "And it allows me to foul off tough pitches and stay through the ball a little more. I can also make it to a 3-2 count and then put the ball in play [more]. I do make a really good effort now to hit the fastball, make contact or foul it off," he said. "That's the biggest thing to make improvement from 2017 to now, [especially] against high velocity."

https://www.milb.com/milb/news/hiouston-astros-jd-davis-hits-two-more-homers-for-fresno-grizzlies/c-290838118

[Nate Colbert]

Back-to-back 2-homer games for JD Davis and now has 7 dingers in his last 6 games.

Since being sent back down to the Grizz on Aug. 10: .457/.548/1.171 with 8 longballs in 10 games.

[Nate Colbert]

And while I do realize that Davis had never hit quite so awesomely in the minors prior to this year, he has been very solid; it doesn’t seem like his 2018 AAA success can just be explained away by “he’s been lucky”.

Although never underestimate the PCL road bump:

Home: .299/.373/.488 with 4 HRs in 34 games.
Away: .396/.449/.707 with 12 HRs in 40 games.

[Nate Colbert]

The next shoe dropped:

Paul Braverman @PaulBraverman 23m ago
RHP Brock Dykxhoorn has been transferred to Double-A @cchooks from @FresnoGrizzlies.  Next time through Fresno rotation is Sneed, Armenteros, Rodgers, Thornton, James.

Dykxhoorn back with the Grizz and starting tonight.

[Nate Colbert]

Fresno Grizzlies  @FresnoGrizzlies 13h ago
With 10 strikeouts tonight, Grizz lead PCL with 1,221 Ks.  That's a new franchise record, with 12 regular season games to go.  2016 Grizz struck out 1,213- but Fresno now has their sites on the modern era PCL record (since 1958); last year's @okc_dodgers struck out 1,277.

[Nate Colbert]

Kyle Tucker's last 11 games with the Grizzlies (between stints with the big league club): .435/.480/.891 with 1 double, 1 triple and 6 HRs.

[Nate Colbert]

Taylor Jones back for a 2nd stint with the Grizz, replacing Tyler White.

And back down again to the Hooks.

[VirtualBob]

And back down again to the Hooks.

And Marisnick is in CF leading off for the Griz tonight.

[Nate Colbert]

Kyle Tucker's last 11 games with the Grizzlies (between stints with the big league club): .435/.480/.891 with 1 double, 1 triple and 6 HRs.

So...

• Went 3-5 tonight with two more longballs.
• 10-15 with 5 homers in his last 3 games with the Grizz
• Blasted 8 deep flies in his last 7 Fresno games

[juliogotay]

So...

• Went 3-5 tonight with two more longballs.
• 10-15 with 5 homers in his last 3 games with the Grizz
• Blasted 8 deep flies in his last 7 Fresno games

seems like now to be the time to get him back up and play him. His confidence has to be sky-high now.

[geezerdonk]

He was playing very well right before he was hurt.

[Nate Colbert]

Ho hum...just a 3-run walkoff HR from Tucker tonight to clinch a playoff spot for the Grizz. Also singled and walked.

[moriartp]

Good gracious.

[Nate Colbert]

And in case you were wondering what's been keeping Drew Ferguson out of action, the article notes it's a wrist injury.

Back with the Grizz today after rehabbing.

[Nate Colbert]

Tucker doing Tucker things...HR #24.

[Nate Colbert]

Brady Rodgers with his best outing since before the TJS: 7 IP / 1 H/ 0 R / 2 BB / 4 K.

[Nate Colbert]

INF Nick Tanielu with the 9-gamer in which he's batting .405 (15-37). Just 3 XBH though (all doubles).

[Nate Colbert]

In his 6th minor league season, Akeem Bostick finally makes it to AAA.

And Ralph Garza with his umpteenth trip between CC and Fresno this year.

[Nate Colbert]

Myles Straw wraps up the regular season with his 70th steal--35 in AAA and 35 in AA. Caught just 9 times.

[Nate Colbert]

INF Nick Tanielu with the 9-gamer in which he's batting .405 (15-37). Just 3 XBH though (all doubles).

Finished with a 10-gamer batting a slick .439 (18-41) over that stretch. Over his last 29 games, slashed at a .374/.397/.539 rate.

[Duman]

Myles Straw wraps up the regular season with his 70th steal--35 in AAA and 35 in AA. Caught just 9 times.

Pretty impressive to finish first in one league and second in the other for the season. 

[Nate Colbert]

Nick Tanielu continued his hot hitting over the last month or so, going 2-4 with a homer last night as Fresno took the 1st game of the playoff series with El Paso.

[VirtualBob]

Nick Tanielu continued his hot hitting over the last month or so, going 2-4 with a homer last night as Fresno took the 1st game of the playoff series with El Paso.

And another long ball tonight.

[Nate Colbert]

1 game away from clinching semifinal series with the 7-5 win. Tanielu a pair of singles in addition to that homer. Tucker 2-4 after going hitless in game #1. Trent Thornton allowed quite a bit of traffic (7 hits, 2 walks) in 5 innings but limited the damage to one run while whiffing 9.

[Nate Colbert]

Chihuahuas' pitcher Cal (son of Paul) Quantrill shuts down the offense as El Paso takes game #3 by a 2-0 count. Nick Tanielu with 1 of the 3 Grizz hits, Tucker and Alvarez with the others. Rogelio Armenteros was fine on the hill (6 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 7 K). Justin Ferrell was slick in his AAA debut tossing 2.2 scoreless/hitless frames.

[Nate Colbert]

Headed for a game #5 rubber match later today as EP ties up the series with a 4-2 win. Akeem Bostick struck out the side in his 1 inning of relief work. Yordan Alvarez went 2-4 with a dinger.

[Nate Colbert]

Grizz win 10-1 to advance to the finals.

Among others, the offense was led by Kyle Tucker and Garrett Stubbs with 2 hits apiece with the latter swatting a 2-run shot. Yordan Alvarez also with a pair of hits, including a double. And red-hot Nick Tanielu had 3 hits and hit .474 (9-19) with 2 HRs in the series.

Brock Dykxhoorn was solid on the mound with 5 innings of 1-run baseball with 5 whiffs.

Fresno will host Games 1 and 2 of the PCL Championship Finals on Tuesday and Wednesday night against the Memphis Redbirds. The final games of the best-of-five series will be played in Memphis.

[Nate Colbert]

With the Hooks out of the playoffs, Taylor Jones added to the Grizz roster for tomorrow night's series opener against Memphis. Offsetting transaction was a paper move of adding Antonio Nunez to the CC roster.

[Nate Colbert]

Grizz lose game #1 by a 10-4 score.  Brady Rodgers kinda sucked (again, his 1st playoff start against the Chihuahuas wasn't too swell either) allowing 6 runs in 5 1/3. Matt Garza and Kent Emanuel were then ineffective out of the pen. Justin Ferrell's 7th was somewhat busy but scoreless. The other Ferrell Riley was inserted in the 8th which then went single, single, GIDP, walk, HBP before being removed for Matt Ramsey who promptly allowed a triple that wiped the bases clean. Akeem Bostick had a clean 9th in which he whiffed 1.

Offensively, 3 of the 4 hitting heroes from the 5-game El Paso series again led the way:

• Nick Tanielu was 1-3 tonight with a double and walk
• Garrett Stubbs 2-4 with a double of his own after batting .313 with a homer in the semi's
• Yordan Alvarez hit .400 with a HR and 3 doubles versus El Paso and was 1-3 with a walk against the Redbirds

Drew Ferguson who posted a .962 OPS vs EP did not play in this game.

Game #2 tonight with the series shifting to Memphis for Game #3 on Friday.

[Nate Colbert]

Roles reversed as the Grizz dumped on the Redbirds 10-1 to knot the series at a game apiece. Pitching was sterling with Trent Thornton leading the charge with 6 innings of 1-run ball. Nick Tanielu naturally led the offense with the 3-5 night including a double. Drew Ferguson and Kyle Tucker mirrored one another with 2-5 games that included a home run.

[Nate Colbert]

Paul Braverman @PaulBraverman 33m ago
Including playoff games, Kyle Tucker has hit safely in 16 of his last 18 games since being optioned to @FresnoGrizzlies on August 22.  Batting .411 in that time (30-for-73), with 8 HR, 24 RBI, 18 runs, 12 BB and 5 SB.  Includes a pair of two-homer games. 

Paul Braverman @PaulBraverman 37m ago
3B Nick Tanielu is hitting .481 (13-for-27) in seven @FresnoGrizzlies playoff games, with two homers, two doubles, five RBI and eight runs scored.  He has two three-hit games, including Wednesday during Game 2 of the PCL Finals. 

[Nate Colbert]

Grizzlies lose 2-1 are also now down in the series 2-1. Kyle Tucker provided the only Fresno run with a big fly.

[Nate Colbert]

Fresno Grizzlies  @FresnoGrizzlies 2m ago
B2 | A leaping catch by 2B Jack Mayfield keeps the score 3-0, stranding a runner at 3B and doubling off a runner at 1B to end the inning.  What a series he's had with the glove.

[Nate Colbert]

Memphis the PCL champs with the 5-0 win. About the only positive tonight for the Grizz was Akeem Bostick who pitched 4 scoreless frames.