Corpus Christi 2018

[Duman]

Preliminary roster released by the Astros (Link in FRESNO 2018 Thread)
PITCHERS

Akeem Bostick

Brock Dykxhoorn

Riley Ferrell

Ralph Garza

Ryan Hartman*

Kevin Hill

Josh James

Cionel Pérez*

Erasmo Pinales

Yoanys Quiala

Sean Stutzman*

Framber Valdez*

Alex Winkelman*

CATCHERS

Lorenzo Quintana

Jamie Ritchie

INFIELDERS

Ryne Birk*

Randy César

Alex De Goti

Taylor Jones

Arturo Michelena

Nick Tanielu

OUTFIELDERS

Yordan Alvarez*

Carmen Benedetti*

Myles Straw

Stephen Wrenn

[VirtualBob]

I love seeing Benedetti make this jump. I had him on the bubble. Taylor Jones was a bit of a surprise, but with McCall being released and Singleton being Singleton, the depth at 1B is not what it could be.

[VirtualBob]

Also, as Jayne mentioned on WTHBobby, Eduardo de Oleo has resigned (3/23 per milb.com transactions) and assigned to CC. Maybe as bullpen catcher?

[mrpink]

Taylor Jones was a bit of a surprise, but with McCall being released and Singleton being Singleton, the depth at 1B is not what it could be.

Jones has responded to the promotion by hitting 7 doubles and a homer in 44 ABs.

Also killing it....Myles Straw has a .545 OBP and 11 stolen bases in his first 15 games.

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

Jones has responded to the promotion by hitting 7 doubles and a homer in 44 ABs.

Also killing it....Myles Straw has a .545 OBP and 11 stolen bases in his first 15 games.

The Athletic had a stat showing that (as of Friday morning) Straw had more infield hits (9) than outfield hits (.

[mrpink]

The Athletic had a stat showing that (as of Friday morning) Straw had more infield hits (9) than outfield hits (.

That's crazy.  Is he the fastest guy in the organization? 

[Duman]

Yes,  I recently heard Hinch talk about considering bringing him up last September just to be used as a pinch runner. 

[MusicMan]

That's crazy.  Is he the fastest guy in the organization?

Seems like a straw man argument.


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[Reuben]

Seems like a straw man argument.


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Is that better than someone who's a fisher for compliments?

[MusicMan]

Is that better than someone who's a fisher for compliments?

Come with me, and I will make you a fisher of strikeouts.


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[Knoxbanedoodle]

Come with me, and I will make you a fisher of strikeouts.


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Mighty white of you, there, MusicMan.

[Reuben]

Myles Straw, now batting .398, somehow just hit his first two doubles of the year (to go with his two triples).

Yordan Alvarez threw out two runners from LF.

[VirtualBob]

I notice that Riley Ferrel has gone to the DL as of yesterday ... any news on how serious the issue is?

[MusicMan]

Myles Straw, now batting .398, somehow just hit his first two doubles of the year (to go with his two triples).

Yordan Alvarez threw out two runners from LF.

The Athletic had quotes from Luhnow saying Straw has “70 speed” and wouldn’t need to hit a ton to be a major-league regular. I think he’ll get a lot of consideration as a late-season/postseason pinch runner.


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[Jacksonian]

The Athletic had quotes from Luhnow saying Straw has “70 speed” and wouldn’t need to hit a ton to be a major-league regular. I think he’ll get a lot of consideration as a late-season/postseason pinch runner.


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If Jake's bat doesn't snap out of it there's a real possibility that some time in the not too distant future Straw could replace him as the 4 man as well.

[jbm]

Not sure if 70 speed translates to 70 center fielder.  In other words, Straw's skill set seems like a clear replacement for Fisher rather than Jake, since pinch running/running seems like Fisher's main skill at this point.  Jake is still a quality center fielder, but I never get that impression the same can be said for Fisher

[Jacksonian]

Not sure if 70 speed translates to 70 center fielder.  In other words, Straw's skill set seems like a clear replacement for Fisher rather than Jake, since pinch running/running seems like Fisher's main skill at this point.  Jake is still a quality center fielder, but I never get that impression the same can be said for Fisher

Fisher's current role is placeholder for Tucker.  Jake is the 4th outfielder.  Straw is a quality defender as well.  One thing Jake does that Straw does not is hit for power.

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

Fisher's current role is placeholder for Tucker.  Jake is the 4th outfielder.  Straw is a quality defender as well.  One thing Jake does that Straw does not is hit for power.

Same is true of Fisher, too.  He's got more pop than Straw.

[Jacksonian]

Same is true of Fisher, too.  He's got more pop than Straw.

True, but Fisher is not a higher end defender.  You have to be to be a 4th outfielder.  You have to hit to be an everyday player.  He's done neither.  If they thought Tucker was ready he'd be in Houston, and Fisher would be out.

[Jacksonian]

Several moves were made yesterday.  The most notable was Corbin Martin being promoted to Corpus after several dominant appearances for Buies Creek.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Several moves were made yesterday.  The most notable was Corbin Martin being promoted to Corpus after several dominant appearances for Buies Creek.

He's pretty good.

[Reuben]

After hitting 2 homers last night, Yordan Alvarez is at .303/.394/.573 with 6 HR and 24 RBI in 23 games. After playing a lot of 1B last season, he has played almost exclusively in LF this year. A lefty batter, he's done quite well vs. LHP - no HR, but he's batting .400 in 30 ABs.

He's 20 years old.

Meanwhile, 2016 19th-round pick Taylor Jones deserves some recognition for his .378 AVG, and 1.107 OPS through 21 games. Incredible.

[juliogotay]

After hitting 2 homers last night, Yordan Alvarez is at .303/.394/.573 with 6 HR and 24 RBI in 23 games. After playing a lot of 1B last season, he has played almost exclusively in LF this year. A lefty batter, he's done quite well vs. LHP - no HR, but he's batting .400 in 30 ABs.

He's 20 years old.

Meanwhile, 2016 19th-round pick Taylor Jones deserves some recognition for his .378 AVG, and 1.107 OPS through 21 games. Incredible.

I'd always thought Alvarez was the future 1B in Houston but he has been LF. I guess that's his future. Maybe because the front office thinks that is where he could help the parent club the soonest.

[Jacksonian]

I'd always thought Alvarez was the future 1B in Houston but he has been LF. I guess that's his future. Maybe because the front office thinks that is where he could help the parent club the soonest.

Positional versatility.

[VirtualBob]

After hitting 2 homers last night, Yordan Alvarez is at .303/.394/.573 with 6 HR and 24 RBI in 23 games. After playing a lot of 1B last season, he has played almost exclusively in LF this year. A lefty batter, he's done quite well vs. LHP - no HR, but he's batting .400 in 30 ABs.

He's 20 years old.

Meanwhile, 2016 19th-round pick Taylor Jones deserves some recognition for his .378 AVG, and 1.107 OPS through 21 games. Incredible.

Yes. I have been pleased to see how Jones has made progress.

[Reuben]

Positional versatility.

I thought I read a while back where some scouts thought he was better in LF than 1B. Despite his size, BA describes him as very athletic.

[MusicMan]

I thought I read a while back where some scouts thought he was better in LF than 1B. Despite his size, BA describes him as very athletic.

I had read that despite his size, he has fast twitch reactions that will play better at 1B.


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[Jacksonian]

He's pretty good.

Thud

[VirtualBob]

Thud

He is going to need all his fingers AND toes to compute that ERA.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Thud

That one out was pretty good.

[VirtualBob]

In the last few days ...
Riley Ferrell activated from 7-day DL
Ralph Garza activated from 7-day DL
Justin Ferrell promoted from Buies Creek
Kevin Hill placed on 7-day DL
Josh James promoted to Fresno

[Jacksonian]

For those of you not keeping track we are 2 weeks from the end of Whitley's suspension.

[BudGirl]

For those of you not keeping track we are 2 weeks from the end of Whitley's suspension.

I wasn't keeping track but have been wondering.  Think he learned anything?

[VirtualBob]

Carlos Sierra has joined the Hooks from Buies Creek, too.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Think he learned anything?

At the very least I hope he learned not to do things that will get you suspended.

[VirtualBob]

Yordan Alvarez to the DL ... Anyone know the story?

[MusicMan]

Yordan Alvarez to the DL ... Anyone know the story?

Hit on the hand, originally thought he could avoid DL.


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[jbm]

As the club has gotten good, I've lost touch with the under the radar minor leaguers.  Anyone seen Hartman throw?  Lefty, steady progression up the ladder and at least statistically doesn't seemed to be overwhelmed by the ladder rises, and again, he is a lefty and this pen might need lefties in the future. 

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

As the club has gotten good, I've lost touch with the under the radar minor leaguers.  Anyone seen Hartman throw?  Lefty, steady progression up the ladder and at least statistically doesn't seemed to be overwhelmed by the ladder rises, and again, he is a lefty and this pen might need lefties in the future.

I listened to the game last night, the SA Missions announcers were quite complimentary, almost gushing over his performance last night.

[Jacksonian]

As the club has gotten good, I've lost touch with the under the radar minor leaguers.  Anyone seen Hartman throw?  Lefty, steady progression up the ladder and at least statistically doesn't seemed to be overwhelmed by the ladder rises, and again, he is a lefty and this pen might need lefties in the future.

I've never seen him, and I've yet to see a scouting report.  Coming from a NAIA school he was a no radar draftee.  If he continues this level of success you may start to see reports on him pop up here and there.

[Reuben]

I listened to the game last night, the SA Missions announcers were quite complimentary, almost gushing over his performance last night.

Did they say anything interesting about Fernando Tatis Jr., of the Missions? He sounds sorta like Correa Lite.

[Jacksonian]

Last night Martin was completely dominant.

If he's truly figured it out, a Martin/Whitley combo in the future could be deadly.

[juliogotay]

Last night Martin was completely dominant.

If he's truly figured it out, a Martin/Whitley combo in the future could be deadly.

Martin's last four starts: 21IP, 12H/2ER, 20K:5BB.  Anyone know what is going on with Bukauskas?

[Lefty]

Anyone know what is going on with Bukauskas?

All I've heard:

Matt H (Houston): J.B. Bukauskas seems to be stuttering. She we be concerned?

Ben Badler: Based on the feedback we've had from scouts who've seen him this year, yes.

https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/top-mlb-prospects-host-sheet-chat-52218/

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Martin's last four starts: 21IP, 12H/2ER, 20K:5BB.  Anyone know what is going on with Bukauskas?

Not saying anything.

[Lefty]

Not saying anything.

Saying you're not saying anything is actually saying there's something you don't want to say.

[juliogotay]

All I've heard:

Matt H (Houston): J.B. Bukauskas seems to be stuttering. She we be concerned?

Ben Badler: Based on the feedback we've had from scouts who've seen him this year, yes.

https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/top-mlb-prospects-host-sheet-chat-52218/

What does this mean?

[jbm]

All I've heard:

Matt H (Houston): J.B. Bukauskas seems to be stuttering. She we be concerned?

Ben Badler: Based on the feedback we've had from scouts who've seen him this year, yes.

https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/top-mlb-prospects-host-sheet-chat-52218/

Haven't kept since I inquired earlier this year, on the QC thread, but I'm surprised by this quote as I didn't think he was even throwing in a place scouts would see him.  I just assumed he had an injury, not that he sucked.

[Jacksonian]

Haven't kept since I inquired earlier this year, on the QC thread, but I'm surprised by this quote as I didn't think he was even throwing in a place scouts would see him.  I just assumed he had an injury, not that he sucked.

He's been on the disabled list for a month.

[Jacksonian]

Saying you're not saying anything is actually saying there's something you don't want to say.

Do not poke that bear.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Did they say anything interesting about Fernando Tatis Jr., of the Missions? He sounds sorta like Correa Lite.

Nothing more than the usual talk about potential and pedigree.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Saying you're not saying anything is actually saying there's something you don't want to say.

I'm not going to say that Martin is pretty good, because last time I said that he didn't make it out of the first inning.

[juliogotay]

*Cionel Perez's 1st pitch of the game last night? 97mph. He would go on to strike out ten batters in 4.2IP as the Hooks lost in extras for the second straight night. Myles Straw stole his 30th base of the season.

[juliogotay]

Fast guy Miles Straw went 5x5 with three runs scored and his 31st stolen base of the season. He ranks 1st in the Texas League in hits and runs, 2nd in batting average, and 3rd in OBP.

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

Fast guy Miles Straw went 5x5 with three runs scored and his 31st stolen base of the season. He ranks 1st in the Texas League in hits and runs, 2nd in batting average, and 3rd in OBP.

I really want him as our 4th OF in 2019.

[VirtualBob]

I really want him as our 4th OF in 2019.

Marisnick without the power or the breeze.

[Jacksonian]

I really want him as our 4th OF in 2019.

I would think that he would need to spend some time at AAA facing experienced junk ballers before he got a real shot at the 25-man roster.

[BUWebguy]

Marisnick without the power or the breeze.

Good defense?

[Jacksonian]

Good defense?

Yes.

[juliogotay]

Yes.

Referred to as +CF defense by Brandon Taubman on Sunday pre-game radio. "Jake Marisnick without the power or the strikeouts" he said.

[VirtualBob]

Referred to as +CF defense by Brandon Taubman on Sunday pre-game radio. "Jake Marisnick without the power or the strikeouts" he said.

Quoting me, I guess?

[juliogotay]

Quoting me, I guess?

No doubt.

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

From the sounds of it, he's got two things Marisnick doesn't have: base stealing skill (as distinct from raw speed) and the ability to take walks at a high rate.

[VirtualBob]

Yoanys Quiala shows as 'suspended' per MILB roster page and transactions.  Any idea what the story is?

[VirtualBob]

Akeem Bostick was activated from the DL and went three strong as the starter last night.

Sean Stutzman was released to make room for him.  Stutzman showed some promise last year, but with 24 walks in 24.2 IP, this was pretty expected.

[VirtualBob]

Another installment of my May-in-Review series.  AA is typically where the "prospects" separate themselves from the "suspects".  Outcomes (stats) start to become more important, but the emphasis is still on adjustments, situational awareness, learning an extra pitch or tinkering with the swing mechanics, so the stats can still be misleading here.  I have always tried to look at age-for-level and playing time as the best indicators of how the organization feels about prospect status.

The Hooks went 16-12 for the month, with batters improving a bit from April and pitchers slipping a bit.  Details ...

Catcher:  Jamie Ritchie (.269/.345/.327) and Lorenzo Quintana (.196/.255/.294) split time about equally in May.  Interestingly, Ritchie has not seen time at 1B this season where he got significant PT over the past two years.  At 25 he is definitely falling into the "suspect" category, and at 29 Quintana is just roster-filler.

Utility:  The Astros seem to have a lot of these guys who are combining offensive performance and defensive versatility to maximize their shots at "the bigs".  Josh Rojas fits that description to a T, posting a .350/.410/.573 slash line in May and leading the team in doubles (8 ) and triples (3) while seeing time at LF, 3B, 2B & SS plus DH.

Middle Infield:  Alex De Goti (.273/.301/.414) saw most of the reps at SS again in May, though he also appeared at 2B and 3B.  He is (apparently) a better fielder than Rojas, but also seems to be working on versatility.  Ryne Birk manned 2B and struggled at the plate to a .198/.286/.253 line ... almost 100 points lower than his April numbers.  Ryne does not display much versatility, and I was a bit surprised to find that he is only 23.  He seems to have been around longer than that.

Corner Infield:  Taylor Jones has been opening eyes this year at 1B.  His May numbers (.354/.467/.626 leading the team with 7 home runs, 27 RBI and 17 BB) follow a similarly productive April.  At 24, it seems to me that he needs to move up, but with Reed, Davis, White, etc. ahead of him, I doubt it will happen soon.  He has started to see time in LF, though, which may provide him with options to move up.  Randy Cesar is the regular at 3B and has also been productive.  He improved only slightly from April by posting a .394/.417/.606 slash line in May, though he struck out 28 times against only 4 walks in 108 PA.  25-year-old Nick Tanielu (.349/.356/.465), whose 2017 was lost to injury, saw time at both 1B and 3B before getting the call to Fresno in mid-month.

Outfield:  Myles Straw (CF) and Stephen Wrenn (RF) have been regulars all season.  Straw has been very consistent (.379/.471/.427 in May after .361/.461/.458 in April) and had 31 SB against only 6 CS for the two months combined.  He has also struck out fewer times (29) than he has walked (32) and plays excellent defense.  Wrenn (.267/.377/.433) is also a good defender, with perhaps a better arm and more power potential.  His 17:4 SB:CS ratio would look better if he were not always compared to Straw.  LF has been a revolving door.   Yordan Alvarez (.360/.393/.680 in 28 PA) was the regular early in the month before heading to the DL.  Carmen Benedetti has appeared at both corner spots and posted a .312/.346/.416 line before joining Alvarez on the DL late in the month. Josh Rojas and Taylor Jones were covered above.  19-year-old prospect Gilberto Celestino appeared in one game at the end of the month, but I will be surprised if he does not open the season at Tri-City.

Rotation:  With Akeem Bostick on the DL most of the month and Josh James promoted to Fresno after a single start, there were some new faces here in May.  Chief among them was Corbin Martin who led the team in May starts (5) after his promotion from Buies Creek.  He posted a 1-1 record with a 2.96 ERA and a 1.151 WHIP, which includes a disastrous AA debut in which he failed to get out of the first inning.  Fellow 22-year-old, Cionel Perez (3-0, 1.66, 0.923 with 31 K in 21.2 IP), was the standout in May, while Ryan Hartman (3-1, 3.16, 1.091 and 33:4 K:BB ratio) also pitched well.  23-year-old Brock Dykxhoorn (0-0, 4.66, 1.293) had three starts before his promotion to Fresno.  Yoanys Quiala (4-2, 4.60, 1.159), Framber Valdez (1-0, 5.40, 1.360) and Alex Winkelman (1-2, 4.43, 1.623 with 13 BB in 20.1 IP) rounded out the rotation.

Bullpen:  Riley Ferrell (0-1, 4.32, 1.200) seems to be being groomed as a closer.  He threw 8.1 IP while appearing in 8 games (6 finishes and 2 saves).  Erasmo Piñales (0-1, 4.20, 1.467) and Justin Ferrell (2-1, 3.29, 1.171) are the workhorses.  Piñales had a gaudy 22 K (against 7 BB) in 15 May IP, and J-Ferrell had a respectable 13:3 ratio in 13.2 IP after his promotion from Buies Creek.  Ralph Garza (0-0, 3.00, 1.111) was up and down and back up again to Fresno, while Chris Nunn (4.15, 1.615), Sean Stutzman (10.57, 2.609 contributing to his recent release) and Carlos Sierra (6.23, 1.846) saw more limited action with limited success.  Kevin Hill has been on the DL since early in the month, and Brendan Feldman was banished to Iowa.

[Jacksonian]

Whitley will be on the mound for the game tomorrow.

[Jacksonian]

Whitley will be on the mound for the game tomorrow.

His line tonight: 4IP, 1H, 5K.  Dominant in his return.  One note I saw had him at 98 at least once.

[austro]

His line tonight: 4IP, 1H, 5K.  Dominant in his return.  One note I saw had him at 98 at least once.

Good news.

[Nate Colbert]

Randy Cesar is the regular at 3B and has also been productive.  He improved only slightly from April by posting a .394/.417/.606 slash line in May, though he struck out 28 times against only 4 walks in 108 PA. 

32-game hitting streak with the single in tonight's game.

(Jacob Nix on the hill for SA in his 3rd start of the year after missing time with groin injury).

[jbm]

That’s pretty impressive.

This club seems to have more prospects this year. Need to get off my ass and go see them.

[Reuben]

His line tonight: 4IP, 1H, 5K.  Dominant in his return.  One note I saw had him at 98 at least once.

Whitley had his 2nd start yesterday: 4 IP, 2 H, 2 BB, 0 R, 6 K

[Nate Colbert]

7 Hooks named to the TL South all star squad--first baseman Taylor Jones, third baseman Randy Cesar, outfielder Myles Straw and utilityman Josh Rojas, and pitchers Cionel Perez, Ryan Hartman, and Corbin Martin.

Gotta give some props to Rojas--from a roster filler-type draft pick ($1K bonus) to an All Star selection at the AA level in his first full pro season. Same kind of underdog story for Hartman. Although a 9th round pick (2016), he was actually an underslot senior sign out of NAIA Tennesse Wesleyan who cost the Astros peanuts (just $10K bonus).

You can certainly throw Jones in this group as well. As a 19th-round senior sign in 2016, he likely would have gotten a bonus similar to Rojas (i.e., $1K).

Not on the prospect lists (yet), but rooting for all. Also, terrific scouting by the Astros.

(BTW, decent article on Jones in the The Runner Sports if you haven't seen it: http://therunnersports.com/astros-aa-prospect-taylor-jones-from-hoops-to-mound-to-slugger/)

[Nate Colbert]

For anyone wandering about Randy Cesar and his (now) 35-game hitting streak: out the last 2 nights with a sore left thumb.

That streak is 2 games short of the Texas League record which was set back in 1969.

[Nate Colbert]

7 Hooks named to the TL South all star squad--first baseman Taylor Jones, third baseman Randy Cesar, outfielder Myles Straw and utilityman Josh Rojas, and pitchers Cionel Perez, Ryan Hartman, and Corbin Martin.

Make it 8--Framber Valdez was added to the squad as an injury replacement.

[Nate Colbert]

Myles Straw up to Fresno.

Yordan Alvarez off DL.

[VirtualBob]

Myles Straw up to Fresno.

Yordan Alvarez off DL.

Good news times two.

[Nate Colbert]

Yordan Alvarez off DL.

2 longballs so far tonight and a 12-game hitting streak (spanning that 6-week DL stint).

[Nate Colbert]

Yordan Alvarez to the DL ... Anyone know the story?

Updating what MM said previously, tonight's game notes said he "[injured] his right wrist during a collision in left field".

[Nate Colbert]

For anyone wandering about Randy Cesar and his (now) 35-game hitting streak: out the last 2 nights with a sore left thumb.

Make that 3 straight nights.

[chuck]

When Nate is starting to quote himself that's when I know things are back on track around here.

[Nate Colbert]

• Hooks claim 1st half title in TL South.
• Yordan Alvarez with 4th homer in 3 games (tho 1st two didn't count due to that rain washout).
• Randy Cesar out for 4th day in a row.
• Forrest Whitley yet to give up a run in 12 IP with 8 hits/walks allowed versus 18 Ks.
• Riley Ferrell over last 10 outings: 0 ER, 5 H, 2 BB, 18 K, 13 IP.

[juliogotay]

• Hooks claim 1st half title in TL South.
• Yordan Alvarez with 4th homer in 3 games (tho 1st two didn't count due to that rain washout).
• Randy Cesar out for 4th day in a row.
• Forrest Whitley yet to give up a run in 12 IP with 8 hits/walks allowed versus 18 Ks.
• Riley Ferrell over last 10 outings: 0 ER, 5 H, 2 BB, 18 K, 13 IP.

Wow....those Whitely numbers. And glad to see Riley Ferrell turning it on. Maybe he can help in the pen when the rosters expand?

[Jacksonian]

Wow....those Whitely numbers. And glad to see Riley Ferrell turning it on. Maybe he can help in the pen when the rosters expand?

Whitley would be at AAA right now if he hadn’t been suspended.

[jbm]

Finally got to see the Hooks and Whitley. Knew they were basically tied, but didn’t realize it was for the first half title. My observations (apologize for length):

Whitley - listed at 6’7”  Thought I read he had a weight problem earlier, but not now. He’s not a stick by any stretch but can definitely get stronger. Semi-athletic, but seems a bit awkward in the lower half.  Delivery starts from a stretch/sideways position. Someone told me it’s changed quite a bit since HS.

He has four quality pitches. I’d call them FB, cutter, change and breaking ball/slider. FB was 96 on stadium gun. Decent amount of swing and miss and only squared up about twice. Cutter is 91 and quite impressive. He was using his change a lot, even against righties. At first, I assumed it was org policy or just working on it, but over time, it became apparent that it was a useful and at times a go-to pitch. 84 without a lot of movement but good deception (he consistently had the hitters on their front foot). His breaking ball was solid. Not humpy, with late mainly downward break.

Overall, he had trouble repeating his delivery. You know, inconsistent: streaks of solid offerings broken by stretches of way-off pitches. Seemed like a guy honing multiple things rather than a guy honing his go-to identity. But, he has four legit pitches for someone so young and if things fall into a groove, he can be real special.

Alvarez - a big, strong guy. Looks like he will need to watch his weight over time, as I can envision him as too huge. Presently moves well enough for left. Arm looked a LF arm.

Patient hitter who looks like he might get into a lot of two-strike counts. Rolled over first tow ABs. Hit a freaking rocket single third AB, the kind of hit that sounds and looks different. K’d on a breaking ball his fourth AB. In his fifth AB, he hit an oppo liner foul. As I was explaining how impressive that foul was to my wife, he launched a mammoth homer to center. I though it might actually clear the batters eye, but I don’t think it did. Guy has serious fucking power. He looks like a “wow” hitter.

Jones- swing a bit long. Hit two real hard pull liners over third. Slow runner

Sierra - better hitter than stats indicate

Tatis - (Padres hotshot prospect) could see him being a quality bat, but don’t see him sticking at short.

[BizidyDizidy]

Finally got to see the Hooks and Whitley. Knew they were basically tied, but didn’t realize it was for the first half title. My observations (apologize for length):

Whitley - listed at 6’7”  Thought I read he had a weight problem earlier, but not now.

The adderall will do that.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

This coming Sunday evening, everyone in attendance gets a replica world series ring.

[Reuben]

Thanks for a great write-up, jbm.

[Nate Colbert]

Thanks for a great write-up, jbm.

+1.

[Nate Colbert]

36-gamer for Randy Cesar.

[Nate Colbert]

Cesar ties record (set back in '69) for longest hitting streak in TL history.

The league has been around since 1902.

[jbm]

That is sweet. I saw that last night, he got an infield hit on his last AB

[Nate Colbert]

Dean Deetz continuing with the "rehab" tour after that 80-game PED suspension, pitching a scoreless inning tonight after 3 outings for QC.

[Jacksonian]

Cesar with a hit early in tonight’s game.

[Jacksonian]

Quiala gets an 80 game suspension for doping.

[Nate Colbert]

Kevin Hill with a scoreless inning tonight after missing 7 weeks with some sort of injury.

[jbm]

See Cesar got his sole hit on his last AB. A sharp triple past Anthony Gose in center. I thought Gose was an arm these days, but he’s a AA center fielder.

[Nate Colbert]

I thought Gose was an arm these days, but he’s a AA center fielder.

Rangers have him doing both.

[WVastro]

Rangers have him doing both.

The Rangers marketing team needs an answer to Ohtani.

[Nate Colbert]

• Randy Cesar now with a 40-gamer.
• And speaking of hitting streaks, Alvarez has an 18-gamer (started before he missed 6 weeks). 7 homers during the streak.
• Carmen Benedetti returned today from a month on the DL .
• CC winning streak now at 10 and the Hooks have the 2nd best winning percentage in all of MiLB .
• INF Alex De Goti added to Texas League All-Star squad.

[Nate Colbert]

Kevin Hill with a scoreless inning tonight after missing 7 weeks with some sort of injury.

And (per the milb transactions page) is promptly released today.

Former 25th-round pick from 2016. Decent numbers throughout his time with the Astros. Shouldn't have a problem getting picked up by another organization.

Carlos Sierra was activated in his spot.

[Nate Colbert]

From the Hooks' game notes:

Only 15 players in the 151-year history of Minor League Baseball boast a longer hit streak than Cesar. The MiLB record for longest hitting streak is 69 games, established in 1919 by Joe Wilhoit of the Wichita Jobbers of the Western League. In addition to his Major League best 56-game hit streak, Joe DiMaggio hit safely in 61 consecutive games during the 1933 season for the San Francisco Seals of the Pacific Coast League. Cesar is chasing the modern record of 50 games, set in 2016 by Indians catching prospect Francisco Mejia with High-A Lynchburg.

[geezerdonk]

Whitely shelled yesterday.

[Nate Colbert]

Taylor Jones the TL All-Star game MVP. Went 2-4 with a double in the game, and then with the game knotted at 2 after nine won the Sudden Death Home Run Derby used as the tiebreaker.

[juliogotay]

Taylor Jones the TL All-Star game MVP. Went 2-4 with a double in the game, and then with the game knotted at 2 after nine won the Sudden Death Home Run Derby used as the tiebreaker.

That's wild.

[Nate Colbert]

Righty Brandon Bielak gets the promotion from BC.

[Nate Colbert]

1st inning double for Cesar makes it a 42-gamer.

[Reuben]

Taylor Jones the TL All-Star game MVP. Went 2-4 with a double in the game, and then with the game knotted at 2 after nine won the Sudden Death Home Run Derby used as the tiebreaker.

Corbin Martin and Cionel Perez each tossed a perfect inning in the game, too.

[Jacksonian]

1st inning double for Cesar makes it a 42-gamer.

The streak is over. 0-4 tonight.

[VirtualBob]

The streak is over. 0-4 tonight.

He did well to keep it going so long. Congratulations!

[jbm]

Yes he did. Great accomplishment. Hope to see him in the future.

[Reuben]

Yes he did. Great accomplishment. Hope to see him in the future.

Same here.

[Nate Colbert]

Lefty Cionel Perez is 3rd in the league in WHIP (1.13), 1st in ERA (2.10) and 2nd in K/9 (10.5).

Fellow lefty Ryan Hartman ranks 4th in WHIP (1.20), 4th in ERA (2.96) and 1st in K/9 (10.7).

[Nate Colbert]

Len Hayward  @Caller_Len 13m ago
Uh oh, trainer is coming out to look at Forrest Whitley. He's pointing to his lower left back and now leaves the game.


ETA:

They're calling it left oblique discomfort.

[Nate Colbert]

Ronel Blanco w/ the strong TL debut: 4 scoreless/hitless frames with 8 Ks.

Last 26.2 IP: 10 hits, 8 walks, 32 strikeouts.

[Nate Colbert]

Haven't seen any discussion as to what's dogging Carmen Benedetti. Was on the DL from May 24 to June 22. He then played in 5 straight games and was removed from a 6th (on July 1) after 1 AB. He's now gone back on the DL.

[Reuben]

Len Hayward  @Caller_Len 13m ago
Uh oh, trainer is coming out to look at Forrest Whitley. He's pointing to his lower left back and now leaves the game.


ETA:

They're calling it left oblique discomfort.

Thanks for the info, Nate. I saw in the box score that he left in the 1st inning, and I came here first to find out what happened.

Hope it’s a minor thing.

[Nate Colbert]

And Abraham Toro is getting the call from BC.

[Nate Colbert]

And Abraham Toro is getting the call from BC.

Hit a 3-run homer tonight in his debut.

[Nate Colbert]

Righty Brandon Bielak gets the promotion from BC.

Over last 7 outings (BC & CC): 30.1 IP / 20 H / 32 K / 9 BB. Just 1 ER allowed.

[Nate Colbert]

Ronel Blanco w/ the strong TL debut: 4 scoreless/hitless frames with 8 Ks.

Last 26.2 IP: 10 hits, 8 walks, 32 strikeouts.

Oz@OcampoBaseball  Jul 6
DR RHP Ronel Blanco was a 5SR equivalent that we signed from the DR.  In three pro years he's jumped from the DSL to @cchooks, FF 93/95 with SL, CH, CB mix.  Couldn't be happier for him and for our scouts/coaches who brought him along the way @DSLAstros #Astros

[Nate Colbert]

Southpaw Framber Valdez over his last 9 outings: 44 IP / 37 Hs / 47 Ks / 11 BBs / 1.09 WHIP.

[Nate Colbert]

Utility:  The Astros seem to have a lot of these guys who are combining offensive performance and defensive versatility to maximize their shots at "the bigs".  Josh Rojas fits that description to a T, posting a .350/.410/.573 slash line in May and leading the team in doubles (8 ) and triples (3) while seeing time at LF, 3B, 2B & SS plus DH.

Versatile indeed. Games started this season for either BC or CC at:

• 1B--7
• 2B--15
• 3B--16
• SS--3
• LF--25
• RF--6

[Reuben]

Luhnow was asked about Forrest Whitley on the pregame radio segment yesterday, and while he thought the injury was probably minor (Whitley was about to be checked by a specialist in Houston), he basically said this ended any chance of him making it to the majors this year. He did say they'll probably have him make up some innings in the Arizona Fall League.

[juliogotay]

Luhnow was asked about Forrest Whitley on the pregame radio segment yesterday, and while he thought the injury was probably minor (Whitley was about to be checked by a specialist in Houston), he basically said this ended any chance of him making it to the majors this year. He did say they'll probably have him make up some innings in the Arizona Fall League.

Yesterday he also mentioned Straw would get some work at middle IF to make him a more valuable ML roster piece in the future. Talked about Reed, Davis being blocked despite being ML-ready (Reed is ML ready?) and gave me the impression they may need to move on this off-season.

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

Yesterday he also mentioned Straw would get some work at middle IF to make him a more valuable ML roster piece in the future. Talked about Reed, Davis being blocked despite being ML-ready (Reed is ML ready?) and gave me the impression they may need to move on this off-season.

There's going to be quite the 40 man squeeze ahead of the Rule 5 draft.  Good problem to have, I guess.

[Reuben]

Yesterday he also mentioned Straw would get some work at middle IF to make him a more valuable ML roster piece in the future. Talked about Reed, Davis being blocked despite being ML-ready (Reed is ML ready?) and gave me the impression they may need to move on this off-season.

AJ Reed? Yeah, I’d say he is what he is at this point - nothing left to prove in AAA might be a better way to put it. He certainly doesn’t look as promising as he did a couple years ago.

[Duman]

They will make more of the trades like the Hoyt one to make room on the 40 man roster if possible.  Better to get a C prospect with potential than to lose them for nothing on waivers.

[Nate Colbert]

29-year old catcher Lorenzo Quintana with 3 longballs tonite, giving him 8 in 42 games.

The most he hit in the Cuban Serie Nacional  was 7 in the 2012-2013 and 2013-2014 seasons in 79 and 83 games, respectively. The last time he played in Cuba was 2014-2015 so he may now just be shaking the rust off. Now with a 7-gamer and hits in 10 of his last 11 games. During the streak, he's batting .462 (12-26) with a double and 5 homers.

From the game report:

"I didn't know a whole lot about him since he was playing in Cuba," Corpus Christi hitting coach Troy Snitker said. "But his reputation was that of an offensive-minded backstop. We got some glimpses of him in Spring Training. ... In fact, the first swing I ever saw him take resulted in a line drive off the top of the left-field wall. I think we knew then he definitely had some offensive tools."

https://www.milb.com/milb/news/lorenzo-quintana-fuels-corpus-christi-hooks-with-three-homer-game/c-285074336?tcid=tw_article_285074336

[Nate Colbert]

Rojas may be heating up again after a June swoon. 9-24 during current 7-gamer with 8 walks and 3 doubles.

[VirtualBob]

... Talked about Reed, Davis being blocked despite being ML-ready (Reed is ML ready?) and gave me the impression they may need to move on this off-season.

He is "ML ready" if you are selling.

[juliogotay]

He is "ML ready" if you are selling.

Good point. I'm still a believer in Davis. Don't know if they will make room for him but he will have a solid ML career I believe.

[VirtualBob]

Good point. I'm still a believer in Davis. Don't know if they will make room for him but he will have a solid ML career I believe.

I agree on Davis.  Not too sure about Reed -- especially after I saw him in person in RR last month.

[Nate Colbert]

Perez for Perez: with Cionel back to the bigs, Hector gets the callup from BC.

Carmen Benedetti also comes off the DL as Carlos Sierra visits same.

[MusicMan]

I thought Carmen Bendetti was a character from The Bad News Bears in Breaking Training.


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[juliogotay]

I thought Carmen Bendetti was a character from The Bad News Bears in Breaking Training.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I thought he was the LFer for the BoSox.

[VirtualBob]

I thought Carmen Bendetti was a character from The Bad News Bears in Breaking Training.


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I think you are thinking of Carmen Sandiego.

[MusicMan]

I think you are thinking of Carmen Sandiego.

Take us out, Rockapella.


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[Nate Colbert]

Southpaw Framber Valdez over his last 9 outings: 44 IP / 37 Hs / 47 Ks / 11 BBs / 1.09 WHIP.

Dominance continued tonight with 3rd straight scoreless outing.

Last 10 games: 50 IP / 40 Hs / 57 Ks / 14  BBs / 2.88 ERA.

[Nate Colbert]

10-game hitting streak for Quintana. He's hitting .455/.514/1.152 thus far in July. Yes, that's a 1.665 OPS.

[Nate Colbert]

Milb transactions page says Framber Valdez has been suspended. Since we haven't seen a press release (yet anyway), I'm guessing it's of the "violation of team rules" variety and not the PED version.

[VirtualBob]

Milb transactions page says Framber Valdez has been suspended. Since we haven't seen a press release (yet anyway), I'm guessing it's of the "violation of team rules" variety and not the PED version.

I hope you are right, but Quiana followed the same pattern. Suspended for almost two weeks before an announcement was made.

[Lefty]

I hope you are right, but Quiana followed the same pattern. Suspended for almost two weeks before an announcement was made.

Who?  What?  Don't recall, searched the forum and got nuthin.

[jbm]

Search for Quiala

[Lefty]

Aha, thank you.  Was his short suspension in early June related to his PED suspension?  He came back and pitched a few games before the 80-game hammer dropped.

[VirtualBob]

Aha, thank you.  Was his short suspension in early June related to his PED suspension?  He came back and pitched a few games before the 80-game hammer dropped.

He was suspended, then returned briefly, then suspended again without explanation for a few more days before the hammer fell.

[Lefty]

He was suspended, then returned briefly, then suspended again without explanation for a few more days before the hammer fell.

Thanks, wanted a clearer picture of how it went down.  Hopefully Valdez isn't on the same path.

[Nate Colbert]

Two pitchers added to Hooks roster: Ralph Garza back again from the Grizzlies and Brett Adcock promoted from BC.

[Nate Colbert]

Jorge Alcala hitting 99 tonight in one of his better outings since being called up to the Hooks.

[Nate Colbert]

Terrific article/interview by Jayne regarding Corbin Martin with this quote from BC pitching coach Drew French:

"He has three plus off-speed pitches that he can throw to either bat side. The curveball was really improving during the short time he was here, being able to land it in zone and expand with two strikes. His changeup is a great weak contact pitch that he can locate down and started to become a two-strike weapon before his promotion. His slider is a wipeout pitch that got a ton of swing and miss."

https://whattheheckbobby.blogspot.com/2018/07/getting-to-know-astroshooks-rhp-corbin.html

[juliogotay]

Terrific article/interview by Jayne regarding Corbin Martin with this quote from BC pitching coach Drew French:

"He has three plus off-speed pitches that he can throw to either bat side. The curveball was really improving during the short time he was here, being able to land it in zone and expand with two strikes. His changeup is a great weak contact pitch that he can locate down and started to become a two-strike weapon before his promotion. His slider is a wipeout pitch that got a ton of swing and miss."

https://whattheheckbobby.blogspot.com/2018/07/getting-to-know-astroshooks-rhp-corbin.html

There is a lot to like in that  piece.

[Reuben]

There is a lot to like in that  piece.

Great piece, and seems like a great, mature kid.

[Reuben]

Brett Adcock allowed just one baserunner in his 3 IP AA debut. Struck out the last 4 batters he faced. Scoreless streak up to 16 IP including his time in BC.

[BudGirl]

Any idea who the projected starter is for Sunday's game?

[Jacksonian]

Any idea who the projected starter is for Sunday's game?

This far out, based on usage to now, my guess is the Hector Perez/Brett Adcock tandem.

[Nate Colbert]

Any idea who the projected starter is for Sunday's game?

My guess is Bielak or Alcala.

Should know more on Thursday when Hooks' website comes out with projected starter for that game.

[BudGirl]

I am in no way close to able to scout, but is there anything I should be on the lookout?

[Jacksonian]

I am in no way close to able to scout, but is there anything I should be on the lookout?

IMO, the pitchers certainly.  Their everyday players aren't top of the heap prospects though 3B Randy Cesar had the long hitting streak this year.  Other than that if Quintana catches, he's an interesting player.  He's been hot lately.

[MusicMan]

IMO, the pitchers certainly.  Their everyday players aren't top of the heap prospects though 3B Randy Cesar had the long hitting streak this year.  Other than that if Quintana catches, he's an interesting player.  He's been hot lately.

Everyone in the state has been hot lately.


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[Reuben]

The Astros are long overdue to have another catcher named Quint___ on the team.

[Nate Colbert]

Milb transactions page says Framber Valdez has been suspended. Since we haven't seen a press release (yet anyway), I'm guessing it's of the "violation of team rules" variety and not the PED version.

Active roster as of yesterday and is listed as the schedule starter tomorrow in SA vs the Missions.

[Nate Colbert]

Haven't seen any discussion as to what's dogging Carmen Benedetti. Was on the DL from May 24 to June 22. He then played in 5 straight games and was removed from a 6th (on July 1) after 1 AB. He's now gone back on the DL.

Since coming off the DL a second time on July 11, the U of Michigan ex is batting .361/.429/.694 in 11 games with 3 home runs. He'd managed only 3 home runs in the 66 games prior to that (going back to last season at BC).

[Nate Colbert]

OF Stephen Wrenn takes over the TL lead in steals with 36 (been caught just 6 times). Myles Straw was 35-6 in SBs before moving up to Fresno.

[Nate Colbert]

The Astros seem to have a lot of these guys who are combining offensive performance and defensive versatility to maximize their shots at "the bigs".  Alex De Goti (.273/.301/.414) saw most of the reps at SS again in May, though he also appeared at 2B and 3B.  He is (apparently) a better fielder than Rojas, but also seems to be working on versatility. 

Since May 26 (53 games), De Goti is batting .304/.351/.534 with 10 longballs. The former 15th round pick (2016) hit just 8 HRs in 109 games last season in time split between QC and BC. It's been interesting to see the Miami native's bat develop. Hit just .161/.232/.215 in three seasons at Long Beach State before returning "home" and resurrecting his draft hopes with some good numbers as a senior at D2 Barry University.

[BudGirl]

Here's my unprofessional scouting report.

Perez started. Lots of swings and misses off his Curve.  Consistent 95
First hit in the 5th. Three straight for two runs.

Hooks not patient at the plate.  57 pitches through 5 innings.  Definitely made for a fast game.

Adcock pitched other 4.   Nothing seemed special but he did a great job of going scoreless.

Quintana got hit by a pitch of adcock's. Not sure where but it seemed like it hurt bad.  Stayed in the game.

Wrenn. Runs hard and takes chances. Makes the defense make plays -thankfully was safe on his double.


Midland had a player named Skye bolt. Just thought it was an interesting name.

Bracewell pitched for the hounds. Did a good job.   Seemed to be in the zone all night though.

3 scouts. One in a Toronto shirt. Just an observation. I don't know if they were watching anyone in particular.

[Mr. Happy]

Here's my unprofessional scouting report.

Perez started. Lots of swings and misses off his Curve.  Consistent 95
First hit in the 5th. Three straight for two runs.

Hooks not patient at the plate.  57 pitches through 5 innings.  Definitely made for a fast game.

Adcock pitched other 4.   Nothing seemed special but he did a great job of going scoreless.

Quintana got hit by a pitch of adcock's. Not sure where but it seemed like it hurt bad.  Stayed in the game.

Wrenn. Runs hard and takes chances. Makes the defense make plays -thankfully was safe on his double.


Midland had a player named Skye bolt. Just thought it was an interesting name.

Bracewell pitched for the hounds. Did a good job.   Seemed to be in the zone all night though.

3 scouts. One in a Toronto shirt. Just an observation. I don't know if they were watching anyone in particular.

Thanks, BG. Damn fine report.

[Fynn]

Thanks, BG. Damn fine report.

Spot on.

[Nate Colbert]

Ronnie Dawson up from.BC.

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[jbm]

Spot on.

Ditto. Thanks for the first hand report.

[Nate Colbert]

Framber Valdez over his last 5 outings: 26.1 IP / 17 H / 6 BBs / 39 Ks and just one run allowed.

And over his last 12 games: 62.1 IP / 48 Hs / 78 Ks / 16  BBs / 2.45 ERA.

[VirtualBob]

Ronnie Dawson up from.BC.

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Sounds like another “up or out” move to me.

[geezerdonk]

Last night Framber goes 7.2 innings with 2 hits, no walks, no runs, 12 SOs.

[Nate Colbert]

As the club has gotten good, I've lost touch with the under the radar minor leaguers.  Anyone seen Hartman throw?  Lefty, steady progression up the ladder and at least statistically doesn't seemed to be overwhelmed by the ladder rises, and again, he is a lefty and this pen might need lefties in the future.

Dated info (2 years old) but all I've been able to find so far. From BA's scouting report on him from 2016 draft (behind paywall):

"His fastball works mostly in the upper 80s, reaching as high as 91. He has an average changeup. Multiple scouts questioned his makeup."

And from the always terrific Jayne:

I spoke with Tri-City Pitching Coach Drew French about Hartman, "He's going to be a really good lefthander. He's got kind of a 3/4 arm slot, some really smooth transitional things that he does in his delivery, a really nice arm stroke and he's got some life on his fastball. He's got a really good change up. He clearly relies heavily upon it, and has a lot of his career up to this point." Hartman also throws a curveball that French is working with him on tightening up. Throwing a consistently good breaking pitch will be the key for Hartman as he progresses through the system.

https://whattheheckbobby.blogspot.com/2016/07/getting-to-know-astrosvalleycats-lhp.html

ETA:
I just listened to an interview with Hooks' pitching coach Bill Murphy who was discussing Hartman. Apparently that FB has not progressed from 2 years' ago and is still in the upper 80s range. He was laughing about it and basically admitted he had no clue as to the reasons why Hartman was able to get so much swing and miss on it.

https://soundcloud.com/hooks-radio/8118-bill-murphy-pregame-interview

[Jacksonian]

Both Correa and Osuna will be on the Hooks roster starting tonight.

[Nate Colbert]

Here's my unprofessional scouting report.

Perez started. Lots of swings and misses off his Curve.  Consistent 95

3 scouts. One in a Toronto shirt. Just an observation. I don't know if they were watching anyone in particular.

Eagle eye, BG, eagle eye.

[BudGirl]

Eagle eye, BG, eagle eye.

I really did like Perez though.  He didn't go as deep as I would have liked but he seemed to pitch a good game.

[VirtualBob]

I really did like Perez though.  He didn't go as deep as I would have liked but he seemed to pitch a good game.

I think we will miss Franklin more than Hector, but of the recent departures he may edge out Jorge Alcala in significance.

[Jacksonian]

I think we will miss Franklin more than Hector, but of the recent departures he may edge out Jorge Alcala in significance.

Franklin's on the shelf again and will miss the rest of the year, IIRC.

[juliogotay]

Franklin's on the shelf again and will miss the rest of the year, IIRC.

Capsular shoulder inflammation. Less than 20 IP this season.

[Nate Colbert]

Carmen Benedetti also comes off the DL as Carlos Sierra visits same.

Sierra sent to the GCL on rehab assignment.

[VirtualBob]

Franklin's on the shelf again and will miss the rest of the year, IIRC.

Yes. And that could (obviously) change things, but “IIRC”, this is not usually debilitating.

[Nate Colbert]

Justin Ferrell over his last 12 outings: 19 IP / 11 H / 7 BB / 23 K / 0.94 ERA / .164 BAA.

[juliogotay]

Justin Ferrell over his last 12 outings: 19 IP / 11 H / 7 BB / 23 K / 0.94 ERA / .164 BAA.

I get the Ferrell's mixed up. Isn't Riley considered the better prospect?

[Nate Colbert]

I get the Ferrell's mixed up. Isn't Riley considered the better prospect?

Yes, and he's currently at Fresno.

[Nate Colbert]

LHP Kit Scheetz wrote this last year about the journey from his high school JV team to pitching in the ACC despite blowing out his ACL and later having to have TJS. When he went undrafted after his senior year at Virginia Tech, he made phone calls to 10 clubs begging them to sign him and then finally was able to sign with the Astros as a NDFA after having to go thru a post-draft workout.

https://www.amateurauthorco.com/single-post/2017/10/24/A-Doubtful-Opportunity

76/14 strikeout to walks in 58 combined innings this year between BC and CC. #35 on FG's Astros prospect board.

[Nate Colbert]

Nate Colbert on July 30, 2018, 02:42:06 pm
Ronnie Dawson up from BC.

Sounds like another “up or out” move to me.

A shiny .351/.385/.730 slash line in his 1st 10 games for the Hooks w/3 doubles, 1 triple and 3 homers. A not so shiny 33% K rate.

[VirtualBob]

Sounds like another “up or out” move to me.


A shiny .351/.385/.730 slash line in his 1st 10 games for the Hooks w/3 doubles, 1 triple and 3 homers. A not so shiny 33% K rate.

Yes. I am pleasantly surprised.

[geezerdonk]

Another solid outing by Martin last night. I wonder if he will get a shot at Fresno this year.

[Nate Colbert]

Forrest Whitley is scheduled to be activated and make the start for the Hooks on Tuesday.

[Nate Colbert]

And Abraham Toro is getting the call from BC.

Maybe the adjustment period is over and he's settling in at AA: .324/.359/.541 over his last 11 games.

[Nate Colbert]

Randy Cesar to DL.

Explains why 1B Luis Encarnacion was brought up from the V-Cats to fill-in.

[Nate Colbert]

Sam Levitt @SammyLev 1m ago
Whitley has thrown 2 scoreless innings...no hits allowed. 35 pitches. He’s likely done for the night...as goal was to get him to around that pitch count in return from DL.

[Nate Colbert]

Sam Levitt @SammyLev 4h ago
It’s remarkable the success @cchooks have had all year despite losing many key players to @FresnoGrizzlies, trades, etc. Just 3 players of the 12 (9 in lineup, 3 pitchers) who played on Opening Night are still on CC’s roster. Hooks still have the best overall record at AA.

[Nate Colbert]

Since coming off the DL a second time on July 11, the U of Michigan ex is batting .361/.429/.694 in 11 games with 3 home runs. He'd managed only 3 home runs in the 66 games prior to that (going back to last season at BC).

Expanding further on this as the power continues to show up: Carmen Benedetti now has 6 home runs in his last 22 games (including the one he hit tonight). He had just 8 HRs in the previous 178 games of his minor league career.

[Nate Colbert]

Maybe the adjustment period is over and he's settling in at AA: .324/.359/.541 over his last 11 games.

Toro now batting .360/.385/.560 over his last 14 games. He's also got a 9-game hit streak going on in which he's whacking at a .424 clip (14-33).

[Nate Colbert]

Josh Rojas scores on a sac fly...to the catcher.

http://www.milb.com/multimedia/vpp.jsp?sid=milb&content_id=2398552183

"Josh is one our players that have such great instincts to play the game," [manager Omar] Lopez said. "His game awareness is above average. He's very aggressive and he knows how to play the game. He's always looking for opportunities to take advantage and do something that some players are not able to do because he's always ahead of the game."

https://www.milb.com/milb/news/hooks-rojas-scores-on-unusual-sac-fly/c-290835028?tcid=tw_article_290835028

[Nate Colbert]

1st inning double for Cesar makes it a 42-gamer.

Hard regression to the mean as he's batting just .221/.297/.279 in the 42 games since the streak ended.

[Nate Colbert]

For whatever reason, Forrest Whitley scratched from his start tonight.

[juliogotay]

For whatever reason, Forrest Whitley scratched from his start tonight.

Well, it isn't September 1st so I can't think that is a good thing for him.

[austro]

Well, it isn't September 1st so I can't think that is a good thing for him.

Unless there's some blockbuster trade we haven't sniffed yet.

[Nate Colbert]

For whatever reason, Forrest Whitley scratched from his start tonight.

Right lat discomfort.

[austro]

Right lat discomfort.

So, an alligator took out four of his ribs.

[Nate Colbert]

Not many pitching categories that Ryan Hartman doesn't lead the league in:

• 1st in ERA (2.75)
• 1st in strikeouts (134)
• 1st in K/9 (10.5)
• 1st in fewest BB/9 (1.9)
• 1st in K/BB ratio (5.4)
• 2nd in WHIP (1.10)

ETA:
31/1 strikeouts to walks in August with just 15 hits allowed in 24.1 IP.

[BudGirl]

For whatever reason, Forrest Whitley scratched from his start tonight.

Think he'll pitch Saturday or Sunday?

[Nate Colbert]

Think he'll pitch Saturday or Sunday?

Wouldn't think so.

[BudGirl]

Wouldn't think so.

Damn. I'll be at those games.  At least I'll get to see McCann.

[Nate Colbert]

Chandler Rome @Chandler_Rome 4h ago
Jeff Luhnow said Forrest Whitley's scratch on Friday was "very precautionary." He would have pitched if the game was meaningful, Luhnow said. Whitley will likely pitch somewhere during the fall, Luhnow said.

[BudGirl]

Bailey pitched a great game tonight.

[Nate Colbert]

LHP Kit Scheetz wrote this last year about the journey from his high school JV team to pitching in the ACC despite blowing out his ACL and later having to have TJS. When he went undrafted after his senior year at Virginia Tech, he made phone calls to 10 clubs begging them to sign him and then finally was able to sign with the Astros as a NDFA after having to go thru a post-draft workout.

https://www.amateurauthorco.com/single-post/2017/10/24/A-Doubtful-Opportunity

76/14 strikeout to walks in 58 combined innings this year between BC and CC. #35 on FG's Astros prospect board.

.200 BAA with a 27 K / 4 BB in 20.2 IP since July 9.

[Snuffy]

.200 BAA with a 27 K / 4 BB in 20.2 IP since July 9.

Great story - Kit Scheetz - highlighting the impact of scouts actually have eyes on prospects. 

Did anyone see "Trouble with the Curve" (Clint Eastwood)?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efWgBKLzVZk

[Nate Colbert]

RHP Akeem Bostick with the nice little spurt over the last month or so: 32.2 IP / 20 H / 9 BB / 43 K / 2.20 ERA since Jul 22.

I believe last night's 11 whiffs was the first double digit strikeout game in his 6-year minor league career.

[Nate Colbert]

Chandler Rome @Chandler_Rome 4h ago
Jeff Luhnow said Forrest Whitley's scratch on Friday was "very precautionary." He would have pitched if the game was meaningful, Luhnow said. Whitley will likely pitch somewhere during the fall, Luhnow said.

Officially to the DL today, retroactive to Saturday.

[Nate Colbert]

From today's game notes:

"The Hooks have struck out 1,267 this season (9.8 K per 9 IP), which leads Double-A and stands as the Texas League record. San Antonio penned 1,186 strikeouts last season to set the circuit standard. The previous Hooks record for strikeouts in a season is 1,132, notched in 2016."

http://www.milb.com/documents/3/6/6/292306366/2018_GN_Aug_28_at_FRI.pdf

[Nate Colbert]

Not many pitching categories that Ryan Hartman doesn't lead the league in:

• 1st in ERA (2.75)
• 1st in strikeouts (134)
• 1st in K/9 (10.5)
• 1st in fewest BB/9 (1.9)
• 1st in K/BB ratio (5.4)
• 2nd in WHIP (1.10)

ETA:
31/1 strikeouts to walks in August with just 15 hits allowed in 24.1 IP.

He wraps up his regular season with another strong outing tonight: 6 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 9 K. Updating the numbers and his rank in the Texas League (which shouldn't change with just a few games left in the season):

• 1st in ERA (2.69)
• 1st in strikeouts (143)
• 1st in K/9 (10.7)
• 1st in fewest BB/9 (1.9)
• 1st in K/BB ratio (5.5)
• 2nd in WHIP (1.08)

Finished up August with 40/2 strikeouts to walks with 18 hits allowed in 30.1 IP.

[juliogotay]

He wraps up his regular season with another strong outing tonight: 6 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 9 K. Updating the numbers and his rank in the Texas League (which shouldn't change with just a few games left in the season):

• 1st in ERA (2.69)
• 1st in strikeouts (143)
• 1st in K/9 (10.7)
• 1st in fewest BB/9 (1.9)
• 1st in K/BB ratio (5.5)
• 2nd in WHIP (1.08)

Finished up August with 40/2 strikeouts to walks with 18 hits allowed in 30.1 IP.

And yet Hartman is not on the Astros Top 30 Prospect list?

[Nate Colbert]

And yet Hartman is not on the Astros Top 30 Prospect list?

I'm guessing the prospect folks are writing him off as a soft-tossing lefty.

[Nate Colbert]

Sam Levitt @SammyLev 4m ago
A tremendous Double-A debut for @JBukauskas22. The @DiamondHeels alum goes 6 scoreless innings and gives up just 1 hit. Struck out 8. Fastball was sharp, sitting in low to mid 90s. Slider is very, very impressive. Good stuff for a top @astros prospect.

[jbm]

Got to see his last four innings. Pretty solid. Mid 90s FB that plays up a bit. Slider is consistent - he didn’t hang any that I could tell, which is rare for a slider-heavy pitcher. To me, the success of the slider is more in its consistency, rather than it being a wipeout pitch. Maybe a few changes, but it was a hard pitch to discern. Overall command is average.  He looked pretty good, although I was honestly hoping for a bit more.

Dawson looked good in center. A good jump on a shot where he made it look easy, and another good jump on one to right center where he covered a ton of ground to make a relatively easy catch on a ball I didn’t think he would reach off the bat. Also hit a few balls hard.

ETA. Bukauskas also did a brain dead thing with a runner on first.  I think the count was 1-2 and he went into the windup. The pitch ended the inning, but one of the largest, out of shape left fielders I’ve seen in my life was on first, took off for second and was probably going to get his first steal since little league, but the batter bounced out.

[Nate Colbert]

I had to look it up to see who it was you were talking about--Josh Naylor, a former 12th overall pick (brother Bo was also taken in the 1st round). But yeah, he is most definitely hefty, hefty, hefty...

Thanks, JBM.

[Nate Colbert]

Ryan Hartman wraps up his regular season with another strong outing tonight: 6 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 9 K. Updating the numbers and his rank in the Texas League (which shouldn't change with just a few games left in the season):

• 1st in ERA (2.69)
• 1st in strikeouts (143)
• 1st in K/9 (10.7)
• 1st in fewest BB/9 (1.9)
• 1st in K/BB ratio (5.5)
• 2nd in WHIP (1.08)

Finished up August with 40/2 strikeouts to walks with 18 hits allowed in 30.1 IP.

Just the 4th pitcher in Texas League history to win the pitching equivalent of the Triple Crown (leader in ERA, strikeouts and wins).

[Reuben]

Just the 4th pitcher in Texas League history to win the pitching equivalent of the Triple Crown (leader in ERA, strikeouts and wins).

Damn. That’s a pretty cool accomplishment.

[Reuben]

I had to look it up to see who it was you were talking about--Josh Naylor, a former 12th overall pick (brother Bo was also taken in the 1st round). But yeah, he is most definitely hefty, hefty, hefty...

Thanks, JBM.

Yes, great stuff jbm.

Nate, I think Noah is the other Naylor you’re referring to - C picked this year 29th overall by CLE.

[Nate Colbert]

Nate, I think Noah is the other Naylor you’re referring to - C picked this year 29th overall by CLE.

Noah "Bo" Naylor.

[Nate Colbert]

Len Hayward  @Caller_Len 1h ago
.@cchooks rotation for 1st 3 games vs. @missionsmilb in Texas League South Division Series
Game 1: Ryan Hartman
Game 2: Corbin Martin
Game 3: Forrest Whitley

[Jacksonian]

Game 3: Forrest Whitley

Packing in all the work they can get him this year.

[jbm]

Thought I had seen the last of Nelson Wolff, but they're tempting me.

[JimR]

Thought I had seen the last of Nelson Wolff, but they're tempting me.

Love that park. My ‘97 Knights won a big game there.

[Nate Colbert]

Another Hartmanesque outing (7.2 IP, 3 H, 0 BB, 7 K) as he and Brandon Bielak blank the Missions, 7-0. Josh Rojas with a pair of doubles on the offensive side as CC takes game #1 of the best of 5. Ronnie Dawson singled and walked twice. Abraham Toro with a couple of singles.

[jbm]

Any word on Dawson?  Out for a defensive sub after running the bases last night and not in the lineup tonight.

[Nate Colbert]

Any word on Dawson?  Out for a defensive sub after running the bases last night and not in the lineup tonight.

Hit in the face with a ball, couple of stitches but apparently nothing serious.

[Nate Colbert]

Corbin Martin shut down the Missions as CC takes a 2-0 lead in the series with the 5-1 win. Top of the lineup provided most of the run-scoring for the Hooks, with Chas McCormick and Stephen Wrenn combining for 3 longballs. Randy Cesar, who didn't play in the first game, went 3-3 tonight with 2 two-baggers.

Adam McInturff of 2080baseball.com was at the game and had good things to say about Martin:

Adam McInturff @2080adam 1h ago
#Astros RHP Corbin Martin went 5.2 scoreless tonight, striking out nine. FB touched 95, sat 92-4 with command. Solid three-pitch mix, SL could wind up a 55-grade pitch. I’m a believer. Quietly entering Top 125 discussion.

[Nate Colbert]

Forrest Whitley went 2.2 innings tonight in his return from the DL and was effective: combined 2 walks/hits allowed with 6 punchouts. 1 run did score on a WP. Tossed 48 pitches.

[jbm]

Forrest Whitley went 2.2 innings tonight in his return from the DL and was effective: combined 2 walks/hits allowed with 6 punchouts. 1 run did score on a WP. Tossed 48 pitches.

So, was he just on a pitch count?  No discomfort thing?

[Nate Colbert]

So, was he just on a pitch count?  No discomfort thing?

I haven't seen anything reported but I'd bet on pitch count.

[Nate Colbert]

Game suspended due to rain with score tied 8-8 in the bottom of the 11th. Will resume at noon today with game #4 (if needed) to follow.

[Nate Colbert]

Game suspended due to rain with score tied 8-8 in the bottom of the 11th. Will resume at noon today with game #4 (if needed) to follow.

Game complete, Hooks lose 9-8. The 4-some of Quintana, Sierra, McCormick and Wrenn went deep with consecutive homers in the 4th inning last night. That tied a TL record set back in 1922. That was McCormick's 3rd and Wrenn's 2nd homer of the playoffs. Carlos Sierra threw 2.2 scoreless/hitless frames, whiffing 5.

Bukauskas taking the hill for game #4.

[Nate Colbert]

Bukauskas taking the hill for game #4.

He did perfectly fine (6 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 3 BB, 7 K) but it wasn't enough as the Missions win 3-1 and tie up the series at 2 games apiece. Series decider is tomorrow in Corpus.

OF Chas McCormick with a double in 4 trips.

[Nate Colbert]

Hooks out of the playoffs with the 8-1 loss to the Missions.

Looks like Brett Adcock got bit by the per-inning pitch count limit in the 1st inning. Carson LaRue, who was just added to the roster from BC, was stout in relief going 7 innings and allowing 2 ERs while K'ing 7.

What little offense CC had came from Randy Cesar who went 2-4 with a solo shot. Also with 2 hits was Ronnie Dawson. In the three games he played in the series (ball to the face kept him out of the other 2), Dawson went 4-8 with 4 walks out of the leadoff spot.

[Jacksonian]

Here's a video of Dawson homering.  As an added bonus Bill Brown was there to make the call.

[juliogotay]

Here's a video of Dawson homering.  As an added bonus Bill Brown was there to make the call.

I wonder why Brownie was calling the game?

[Jacksonian]

I wonder why Brownie was calling the game?

https://www.milb.com/corpus-christi/news/august-25-former-astros-voice-bill-brown-signs-books-at-whataburger-field/c-291610620

[juliogotay]

https://www.milb.com/corpus-christi/news/august-25-former-astros-voice-bill-brown-signs-books-at-whataburger-field/c-291610620

Good find.