Author Topic: Minors Spring Training 2019  (Read 4397 times)

Nate Colbert

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Minors Spring Training 2019
« on: February 12, 2019, 12:17:51 pm »
According to an article by Kaplan in The Athletic (some day I'm going to get that wrong and refer to it as "The Atlantic"), spring training for minor leaguers starts on March 3 (pitchers and catchers) and March 7 (everyone else). Per usual, there is a mini-camp that starts sooner for several dozen of the minors guys. That begins on Feb. 21. Those invited:

Pitchers: Adcock, Bailey, Donato, Garza, Ivey, Javier, Paredes, Scheetz, Solomon.

Catchers: Manea, Papierski, Salazar

Infielders: Arauz, Duarte, Matijevic, Pena, Sierra, Valdez

Outfielders: Beer, Benedetti, Goetzman, Julks, Wrenn


Scott Manea came in the JD Davis trade.

Granden Goetzman was signed last July but barely played after being released by the Cardinals. I suspect they're trying to convert the long-time OF into a pitcher.

Nate Colbert

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Re: Minors Spring Training 2019
« Reply #1 on: February 18, 2019, 05:17:18 pm »
Ronnie Dawson, in his first big league camp, on what he worked on over the winter...

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...asked the club to give him a list of things he needed to work on. He was told to work on his arm strength, continuing to improve his defense and being more consistent with his load during his stance so he can hit lefties better.

https://www.mlb.com/astros/news/josh-reddick-looking-to-hit-to-opposite-field/c-304104044

Nate Colbert

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Re: Minors Spring Training 2019
« Reply #2 on: February 19, 2019, 11:11:04 am »
Short profile on Josh Rojas with the news that apparently he'll also be playing some CF this year.

Nate Colbert

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Re: Minors Spring Training 2019
« Reply #3 on: February 20, 2019, 05:01:18 pm »

Nate Colbert

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Re: Minors Spring Training 2019
« Reply #4 on: February 20, 2019, 11:32:16 pm »

Nate Colbert

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Re: Minors Spring Training 2019
« Reply #5 on: February 21, 2019, 07:27:12 pm »
Another article on Ronnie Dawson, again noting his increased arm strength and the fact he has his weight down to 215 lbs (he's listed at 225 lbs on milb.com and elsewhere).

https://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/astros/article/Astros-prospect-Ronnie-Dawson-is-finding-his-13635327.php

Nate Colbert

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Re: Minors Spring Training 2019
« Reply #6 on: February 24, 2019, 08:17:59 pm »
Article in the Chron about Brendan McCurry's multiple arm slots and his path from a 2B at Howard JC to becoming the closer at Okla. State.

https://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/texas-sports-nation/astros/article/How-Astros-prospect-Brendan-McCurry-became-a-13640861.php

Nate Colbert

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Re: Minors Spring Training 2019
« Reply #7 on: February 27, 2019, 02:43:32 pm »
Nice Chandler Rome profile on Nick Tanielu and his journey back from the torn ACL that wiped out his 2017 season.

https://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/texas-sports-nation/astros/amp/Fully-healthy-Nick-Tanielu-shows-off-versatility-13647192.php?__twitter_impression=true

Tanielu hit .335 over his final 58 regular season games for Fresno last year and .371 with two homers, two doubles, five RBI and eight runs scored in PCL playoffs. He's 4-8 with a double, triple and homer thus far in the spring for the Astros.


« Last Edit: February 27, 2019, 03:51:35 pm by Nate Colbert »

Nate Colbert

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Re: Minors Spring Training 2019
« Reply #8 on: February 28, 2019, 03:10:24 pm »
https://www.mlb.com/astros/news/alex-bregman-open-to-extension-with-astros

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Pitcher Akeem Bostick, who split last year between Triple-A and Double-A and is in his first big league camp, has been working hard on improving the spin rate on his curveball while trying to get better command of his cutter. In his outing against the Nationals on Wednesday, Bostick – an imposing 6-foot-6 right-hander – said his curveball spin rate was close to 2,300 rpm, which is a step in the right direction. He said he’s typically around 2,100 rpm and is trying to reach 2,400 or 2,500 rpm.

Nate Colbert

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Re: Minors Spring Training 2019
« Reply #9 on: February 28, 2019, 07:34:28 pm »
Granden Goetzman was signed last July but barely played after being released by the Cardinals. I suspect they're trying to convert the long-time OF into a pitcher.

Actually they're trying to adjust his swing angle...

Robert Ford @raford3 10 minutes ago
Goetzman’s average exit velo is comparable to Giancarlo Stanton, but he was always hitting the ball on the ground. Astros seem to feel they can help him tap into his power.


If they're able to fix the former 2nd round pick of the Rays, will be interesting to see just where he would be assigned given all the outfielders who are due playing time at AAA and AA at some point this season--Tucker, Straw, Fisher, Alvarez, Dawson, Julks, Benedetti, Wrenn, Rojas (both LF and now CF in addition to his infield duties), Matijevic, McCormick, Beer, De La Cruz, Meyers).

Nate Colbert

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Re: Minors Spring Training 2019
« Reply #10 on: March 01, 2019, 10:56:26 pm »
Toro and what he's doing differently at the plate...

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An offensive adjustment prior to his Arizona Fall League tenure allowed him an eye-popping turnaround. Toro and Astros assistant hitting coach Troy Snitker refined his stance, taking out the pronounced leg kick with his front foot. Toro, who stands 6-foot-1, sets his feet closer together and bends lower at his knees. He still delivers a leg kick when he begins his swing, though it is considerably less demonstrative. [In the AFL] Toro knocked 23 hits in 66 at-bats, accruing a 1.023 OPS. A .463 on-base percentage was bolstered by as many walks (12) as strikeouts.

Hinch: “A very intriguing guy because of the work that he does and hits the ball as hard — or harder — than any of the new guys we have here. As he works on his defense and becomes comfortable at both corners, he becomes even more intriguing.”

https://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/astros/article/Astros-non-roster-invitee-Abraham-Toro-off-to-a-13657212.php

Nate Colbert

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Re: Minors Spring Training 2019
« Reply #11 on: March 08, 2019, 09:57:48 am »
JBB and the additions to his arsenal...


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The morning after Bukauskas' third Grapefruit League outing, McCullers recited the rookie's velocities and pitch sequences. The changeup Bukauskas claimed has "come a long way" got rave reviews. "The beautiful thing is he's got a live fastball and he's got a quick, deceiving arm action and the changeup is just a f----ing power pitch," McCullers said. "He doesn't realize it yet, but it is and it will be, when he learns kind of how to mix and match and do his things and creates that plan."

In five innings, Bukauskas has five strikeouts. All appearances have been from the bullpen, not unusual in spring training but unconventional for Bukauskas. One of his most preeminent takeaways from his first month in camp is his seamless implementation of a reliever routine — a trait which could serve well should the major league team require his services later in the season. On Wednesday against the Marlins, Bukauskas sat at 97 mph consistently through a 30-pitch outing.

Bukauskas can incorporate a cutter, too. He began throwing it in West Palm Beach last year, while rehabilitating from a car accident in which he suffered a slipped disc in his back. Using it in Grapefruit League play and seeing a major league hitter break his bat against it bolstered Bukauskas' confidence.

https://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/texas-sports-nation/astros/article/Astros-veterans-aim-to-bring-out-the-best-in-J-B-13672491.php


Nate Colbert

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Re: Minors Spring Training 2019
« Reply #13 on: March 08, 2019, 10:03:19 pm »
The actual Johnny Bench plans to be in the stands when former Johnny Bench award winner Garrett Stubbs makes his MLB debut.

https://theathletic.com/858326/2019/03/08/catching-the-ultimate-break-how-an-astros-prospect-struck-up-a-friendship-with-johnny-bench/


juliogotay

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Re: Minors Spring Training 2019
« Reply #14 on: March 08, 2019, 10:21:15 pm »
The actual Johnny Bench plans to be in the stands when former Johnny Bench award winner Garrett Stubbs makes his MLB debut.

https://theathletic.com/858326/2019/03/08/catching-the-ultimate-break-how-an-astros-prospect-struck-up-a-friendship-with-johnny-bench/

That's a great story. I've heard Bench interviewed on the radio a couple of times and he really is funny and seems like a great guy. Pretty cool for the young guy to have that relationship and be able to discuss his trade with one of the best.

Nate Colbert

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Re: Minors Spring Training 2019
« Reply #15 on: March 10, 2019, 05:43:18 am »
More praise for Brandon Bielak after his 3 shutout innings yesterday
Quote
:

Chandler Rome @Chandler_Rome 13h ago
A.J. Hinch: Bielak "probably should be talked about as a guy in the same breath as Whitley and Bukauskas and Martin," Hinch said. "He's got great stuff."

Nate Colbert

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Re: Minors Spring Training 2019
« Reply #16 on: March 11, 2019, 01:40:29 am »
Fixing that previous post:

More praise for Brandon Bielak after his 3 shutout innings yesterday:

Chandler Rome @Chandler_Rome 13h ago
A.J. Hinch: Bielak "probably should be talked about as a guy in the same breath as Whitley and Bukauskas and Martin," Hinch said. "He's got great stuff."

Nate Colbert

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Re: Minors Spring Training 2019
« Reply #17 on: March 11, 2019, 01:50:51 am »
Yordan Alvarez and his play in LF:

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...but the prospect has impressed both Hinch and outfield coach Gary Pettis with his work in left field. "He's a little more athletic and a little bit better in left field than I had anticipated, just because there's so much attention and talk about his bat," Hinch said of Álvarez. [His] size almost pigeonholes him to first base. Instead, the Astros view him more as an option in left field, especially in Minute Maid Park's small configuration. Hinch said this week Álvarez will take a few grounders at first base but will see game time mostly in left field. "He's a big fella that has to work on being fairly perfect with his fundamentals," Hinch said. "He's good in his space — I don't think range is going to be huge for him — but he's attentive, we let him know that needs to be important for him because it gives us an option to call him up."

https://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/astros/article/Defense-key-Houston-Astros-prospect-Yordan-Alvarez-13677455.php#photo-17050255

jbm

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Re: Minors Spring Training 2019
« Reply #18 on: March 11, 2019, 08:01:20 am »
More praise for Brandon Bielak after his 3 shutout innings yesterday
Quote
:

Chandler Rome @Chandler_Rome 13h ago
A.J. Hinch: Bielak "probably should be talked about as a guy in the same breath as Whitley and Bukauskas and Martin," Hinch said. "He's got great stuff."

Damn, I hadn't followed this thread.  I saw him throw a week or so ago, when he had a solid 8th and a shaky 9th (ending on an illegal slide).  Anyways, I'm not sure I would put him in that category, but he was impressive.   Didn't have that career minor league or AAAA look. 
« Last Edit: March 11, 2019, 08:03:10 am by jbm »

Nate Colbert

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Re: Minors Spring Training 2019
« Reply #19 on: March 12, 2019, 03:42:10 pm »
Mascai is the recently-turned 18 year old Brazilian who hit .259/.336/.388 in the DSL last year in his first year after signing...

Thiago Ramos De Sousa @Thiago_Baseball 18h ago
Just heard good news! 1B/OF Victor Mascai is being promoted from DSL to the GCL Astros! ⚾️👏🇧🇷 #Astros

Nate Colbert

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Re: Minors Spring Training 2019
« Reply #20 on: March 13, 2019, 06:27:53 pm »
BA's Fifteen Players Turning Scouts' Heads At Spring Training

Not-so-random scout on Nick Tanielu:

 "He’s absolutely raking, and he’s making me a believer. Granted the stuff he’s facing is not the stuff he’s going to be facing in the big leagues if he gets there this year, but he’s kind of interesting. I think he’s just a hitter. He plays second base and they've had him play some outfield, but he’s just a hitter for me. He could start in the big leagues for some teams, although probably not on a World Series team.”

https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/fifteen-players-turning-scouts-heads-at-spring-training/