Author Topic: Ask And Ye Shall Maybe Receive: Season 2, Vol 6. (Read 19759 times)

Jacksonian · « **on:** June 12, 2006, 11:56:58 am »

New thread. We're post draft. Draftees are being signed. Short-season rosters are being formed. The short-season clubs get underway starting next Tuesday the 20th. And, I'm working on the draft recap.

Froback · « **Reply #1 on:** June 13, 2006, 12:07:00 pm »

I think it official, the Hooks can say thank you to the Pirates for House and Cortes... Holy Cow are they producing well... even if you take into account their advanced age, they are helping keep that offense rolling along even as the younger guns occassionally hit some snags.

What have we heard about Cortes? As a minor league FA I would guess this might be his best season to-date, but what is his story about his OF play (and other aspects)?

Greg D · « **Reply #2 on:** June 13, 2006, 03:43:21 pm »

Quote:

I think it official, the Hooks can say thank you to the Pirates for House and Cortes... Holy Cow are they producing well... even if you take into account their advanced age, they are helping keep that offense rolling along even as the younger guns occassionally hit some snags.

What have we heard about Cortes? As a minor league FA I would guess this might be his best season to-date, but what is his story about his OF play (and other aspects)?

Not enough pop to man the corner OF positions and not enough speed to run down balls in CF (though he did play some in center while in the Pirates organization).

Froback · « **Reply #3 on:** June 14, 2006, 12:26:14 pm »

Cortes won both offensive and defensive player of the month for AA.

Although if you look at the list on the Astros site they change the s to z at the end of his name for defensive player. So when listing him as offensive player he is Cortes and defensive player he is Cortez.

Thought that a big oops on someone's part.

Froback · « **Reply #4 on:** June 14, 2006, 12:47:21 pm »

What is the story with Muecke this year?

He was never "great" in previous seasons but was decent to good. This year he has been getting lit almost every time out. Is he just overmatched at AA? Injury issue? bad mechanics? While I never though of him much more than a fringe type guy to this point, the way he is getting beat up is a bit surprising to me.

Duman · « **Reply #6 on:** June 14, 2006, 04:04:24 pm »

I know rosters are being put together right now but I am looking at the EST list and I see the following as likely to repeat.

Most likely to repeat:
Ryan Mitchell
Tim Johnson
Ralph Henriquez
Allen Langdon
Edgar Babilonia (old but learning a new position and was awful last year
Corey Bass

Do any of you see others on the list that are likely to stay at Rookie Ball another year?

Uncle Charlie · « **Reply #9 on:** June 15, 2006, 10:25:54 am »

I heard on a news channel last night (can't remember which one) that although Luke Scott belted his 18th HR last night that he would be in Houston today to have his elbow examined. Apparently it's been bothering him. Anyone have any info about it?

Duman · « **Reply #12 on:** June 16, 2006, 09:25:05 am »

The Link

Froback · « **Reply #13 on:** June 16, 2006, 11:56:38 am »

I am all for getting young guys in the system, but Kyle DeYoung at 5 years old might be pushing it a bit.

Froback · « **Reply #14 on:** June 16, 2006, 12:03:48 pm »

Some really useless trivia that I noticed after a quick glance at this roster.

We have a pitcher and 3B who have the same DOB. Both are the youngest memebers of the team at 20.

Well youngest other than Kyle DeYoung that is.

Froback · « **Reply #17 on:** June 16, 2006, 03:07:53 pm »

how much should be read into the fact that last years #2 pick (a catcher) and this years #1 pick (a catcher) both are not being assigned to Tri-City, thus both likely going to Greeneville?

Who is going to player Catcher? Does this mean our pick this year is being moved already to 1B? Just a thought that occured to me.

Also based on the OFers assigned to Tri-City, who plays the outfield, as it looks like they have 4 candidates for 3 spots (2 from this year's top 10 picks and 2 hold overs from last season)

Froback · « **Reply #18 on:** June 16, 2006, 04:12:18 pm »

It was appearing to be a for-gone conclusion, but it has happend.

Looking for a better link but here is one:

link (at bottom)

Greg D · « **Reply #20 on:** June 17, 2006, 08:28:49 am »

here at milb.com..

I don't think it's worth hashing around at this point until it gets closer to being finalized.

Uncle Charlie · « **Reply #22 on:** June 19, 2006, 02:39:00 pm »

IIRC, the club typically moves a few players around at mid-season (ASB) if they are performing (i.e. Patton, Pence, Nieve and others last year). What players should we expect to see moved following this years' series of minor league ASBs?

Duman · « **Reply #23 on:** June 20, 2006, 09:37:39 am »

"I?ve got no indication on who is going to be called up," Lind said. "I would assume there will be a handful. Eli is still on the comeback trail ? so to speak ? after the slow start, but I can see him getting a chance at some point this season, maybe not at the half. Hopefully he does and puts himself in a position to play Double-A next season."

The Link
For some reason I can't link to the artcle so here is the front page, the title of Article is "Slow start at plate put Iorg in early rut"

Duman · « **Reply #24 on:** June 20, 2006, 11:25:11 am »

Any word on why he isn't on the roster yet?

Greg · « **Reply #26 on:** June 20, 2006, 08:22:29 pm »

I'm headed to Corpus for the weekend and was wondering how the hell do I figure out who is pitching? As far as I can find, the CC hooks website doesn't give me any good information. Anyone know any good resources to find this out?

Greg · « **Reply #29 on:** June 21, 2006, 03:13:21 am »

Thanks alot, i really do appreciate it, Cheers.

cutter · « **Reply #33 on:** June 21, 2006, 12:08:24 pm »

At some point the player development staff has to wake up to the fact that santangelio has yet to master ANY level he's been at. Hitting less than 250 and being at the top of the league in strike outs again ths year makes it hard to build a case to promote him again. Looking at his last 3 years nothing has changed.
It is interesting that santangelio has never hit above 275, even in college even with an alumium bat. He's shown promise at hitting a pitchers mistake, but we all know pitchers make fewer mistakes as they mover up.
Your insite, as to the astros thoughts, would be appreciated.

Jacksonian · « **Reply #36 on:** June 21, 2006, 03:39:57 pm »

The Link

For the US side the Astros are represented by Jason Hirsh and Hunter Pence. Jackie Moore will serve as one of the coaches.

For the World side Dave Clark will serve as one of the coaches.

Duman · « **Reply #39 on:** June 21, 2006, 05:20:24 pm »

I stumbled on this yesterday. It isn't updated until later in the morning but it has all the box scores for all Houston's affiliates on one page.

I would also be interested in you guys take on their projection tools

The Link

Greg D · « **Reply #40 on:** June 22, 2006, 12:39:18 am »

in Greeneville's 13-5 opening game loss.

Last year's 7th-round pick, who hit just .192 in 2005 for the G-Astros, also went 0-3 at the plate.

Froback · « **Reply #41 on:** June 22, 2006, 12:24:00 pm »

Well if the first two games for Tri-City is any indicator, hitting won't be an issue. 15 hits in game 1 (a loss) and 17 in game 2 (a win).

BTW, Bogusevic started Game 2 (gave up 1 unearned run in 2 IP). So it looks like he will start up in Tri-City again this year.

stubbyc · « **Reply #43 on:** June 24, 2006, 03:05:52 am »

7 strikeouts in 3 innings of relief bring Estrada's strikeout total to 86 in 52 IP for AA CC. What's the reason for the major strikeout spike? Anyone have a scouting report?

Duman · « **Reply #46 on:** June 27, 2006, 12:36:57 am »

Thanks to a rain out of my son's game, we were able to take in our first Greeneville Astros game of the year.

Liked:

Rosales - had one at bat where he fouled off at least 7 pitches, he didn't get a hit but it was impressive to see him battle in a late inning at bat. He also had a nice stolen base.

Brown - runs well in the field and on the bases. First ball, fast ball hitter

Henriquez - took two walks, that brings him up to 5 for the season through 6 games. He only had 6 all of last year. Had several nice blocks of balls in the dirt.

On the mound, Bass was inconsistant but did pitch out of a bases loaded, no out jam only allowing one run. But he had put him self in the jam with a 4 pitch walk.

Fox looked pretty good. Mayora looked the best until the 10th.

In the 10th, with a runner on 3rd and two outs, DeJesus came out to the mound to visit with Mayora. I thought he would walk Tyler Flowers, who had hit a monster home run earlier. Instead, Mayora pitched to him and he knocked a double to the wall which gave the Braves the lead and eventually was the winning run. Mayora may have been told to pitch around Flowers and made a mistake but I still think an inintial walk was in order.

Team must cut down on K's and runners left on base.

Uncle Charlie · « **Reply #47 on:** June 27, 2006, 10:44:55 am »

Towles left the game early yesterday, anyone know why?

austro · « **Reply #49 on:** June 28, 2006, 05:56:56 pm »

I missed the report and haven't been able to find anything: do we know why Astacio is on the DL?

Duman · « **Reply #52 on:** June 30, 2006, 07:33:32 am »

Made it out to Pioneer Park last night:

Allen Langdon is simply tearing the cover off the ball. Even his outs our well hit.

Raphie E had two doubles one a bloop and one a drive.

Severino was good but wild. Went 5 and gave up just one hit but 3 walks. That gives him 5 walks in 10 innings on the year.

Good fundamentals:
In the 5th, Brandon Caipen led off with a double. Re. Ramirez hit the ball to the right side to move him over and Rosales hit a sac fly to bring him home.

Odd Play:
In the Greeneville half of the 8th, with runners at 1 & 3, Caipen grounds to short. The shortstop then drills the crouching field ump in the tricept. The ball deflected up the first base line almost to the bullpen allowing two runs to score and Caipen to advance to 3rd. The ump was able finish the game but I bet he is sore this morning.

chuckd · « **Reply #53 on:** June 30, 2006, 06:21:48 pm »

What is the scoop on Walter Young at Corpus?

Duman · « **Reply #55 on:** July 03, 2006, 10:18:56 am »

Allen Langdon is tearing up the appy league through the first 12 games. Langdon was drafted in the 10th round of the 05 draft and sat out much of last year hurt. Will turn 20 in September.

He is currently hitting .440, with a double, a triple and a HR. OPS = 1.256. 6 walks and 6 k's in 25 AB's. Looks like he might be visiting a higher level soon if he keeps this up.

jbm · « **Reply #57 on:** July 03, 2006, 12:52:45 pm »

Just looking at his offensive stats through the minors, he looks great, especially for a middle infielder. However, he doesn't seem to generate much excitement on the prospect lists. He wasn't on BA's list of top ten prospects and was only #8 on John Sickle's list.

Is this sentiment based on his age relative to his competition? Are there some serious fielding issues keeping his stock down? Just curious.

VirtualBob · « **Reply #59 on:** July 03, 2006, 04:45:18 pm »

It has gradually dawned on me that Gimenez has not been seen in action for a long time. Q has caught 6-8 games ina row, and not even a PH appearance for Hector. Any insight into his status?

Knoxbanedoodle · « **Reply #60 on:** July 03, 2006, 06:50:42 pm »

I'm sure this has been discussed extensively, but I just did a search and didn't come up with anything. How's Zobrist defensively?

Thanks.

Greg D · « **Reply #64 on:** July 04, 2006, 08:47:28 am »

apparently his performance on Saturday night for Tri-City was good enough to warrant a return to Lexington. At least that's what the Chron is saying, which is reporting Bogusevic is scheduled to return to the Legends' rotation sometime this week.

The Link

Duman · « **Reply #67 on:** July 05, 2006, 08:07:04 am »

Last night, Greeneville responded to a packed house of over 3200 and survived 2 rain delays totaling just over 2 hours to win 11-3 over the Elizabethton Twins. They singled them to death. Only 2 of the 17 hits were extra base hits, both doubles.

Sergio Severino went 5 and looked good. 2 hits, no runs, two bb's, 1 hbp and 3 k's. ERA for through 3 starts is 0.60

Ralph Enriquez led the 17 hit charge with a 4 for 5 night.

stubbyc · « **Reply #68 on:** July 06, 2006, 12:17:08 am »

I noticed he left tonight's start after just 64 pitches and he was throwing a 1 hitter. Was this just to get Baker work or did Hirsh leave with an injury?

Duman · « **Reply #70 on:** July 06, 2006, 07:17:33 am »

Afterward, the Legends bid adieu to first baseman Ole Sheldon, who became the first Legend to be promoted this season.

Sheldon sat out a third straight game with wrist tendinitis. But he expects to be ready today, when he reports to High-A Salem.

The Link

IndianaAstro · « **Reply #74 on:** July 06, 2006, 04:43:08 pm »

Is it better for him to start in AAA or pitch out of the pen in the majors?

Froback · « **Reply #78 on:** July 06, 2006, 08:08:22 pm »

I think Zobrist and Hirsh are going to stay where they are for the rest of this season because of the numbers game. No real spot to move them to at the next level.

I think both could be on the ML squad next year though, Hirsh as a starter and Zobrist as a utility Infielder. But that is speculation at this point.

But the odds look much better for Hirsh next season (again because of the numbers game). Pettitte and Clemens are both in final years, and Pettitte has made some pre-season rumblings about this being his last season potentially... unless things change in a hurry I can see no reason to re-sign him at the price he would likely command. Given those suppositions, Hirsh has a potential slot to fight for along with Zeke, Buchholz and Nieve. I think Backe might find himself fighting those 3 off as well.

While the last part might get some people miffed, I have seen nothing from Backe that would indicate a good 4/5 starter (occassional brilliance but average overall). Whereas Hirsh has potential #1 stuff and Buchholz #2 stuff... I like Nieve, but still see him as a Dotel type, which is still a great pitcher, but maybe only a good starter.

Sorry to be so long in this (just back from vacation and missing Astros talk)

Duman · « **Reply #81 on:** July 08, 2006, 05:44:23 am »

He gave up a home run with one out in the 9th

"James faced 28 batters, striking out eight, walking two and hitting one. Eight outs came on grounders, eight on fly balls.

Lind said James' pitch limit was supposed to be 85 to 90 pitches, or seven innings. Instead, he threw 102 pitches.

"No-hitters fall into the special covenant," Lind said. "It was exciting, no doubt about it. He pitched a great game."

James' fastball consistently hit 94 mph and topped out at 97."

The Link

Article also says Fairchild promoted to Salem

Also at the game it was determined the umps needed to get a life:

"Public address announcer Brad Link and cameraman Larry Wintergreen were ejected by plate umpire Dan Oliver in the middle of the seventh inning. A video-board antic in which a cartoon "pie in the face" is superimposed over live shots of people at the park included one of the umpire."

The Link

Duder · « **Reply #82 on:** July 08, 2006, 07:37:05 am »

Anyone know where Cliff Davis has been this year? I was expecting the Fairchild promotion for the last couple weeks. Will Sergio Perez take his spot in the rotation?

Greg D · « **Reply #85 on:** July 08, 2006, 10:38:37 am »

This article from Greg Rajan notes that Blake Allen (who was the temporary starter with Juan Gutierrez on the shelf) has been released and that CC is to receive a starting pitcher sometime next week.

With Fairchild moving into the Salem starting rotation, that might suggest a promotion for one of the current Avalanche starters. Chad Reineke would seem to be the most likely choice if somebody does move up. Obviously, he's been far and away the most consistent starter this season for Salem. It should also be noted that CC needs a starter for Tuesday's game (that would have been Allen's next scheduled start). Tuesday would in fact be Reineke's next scheduled day to pitch.

The other possible promotion to CC would be Troy Patton, who's really come on of late. But if there is to be a promotion, I'd put my money on Reineke.

If someone from Salem does get promoted, it does beg the question as to what will happen when Guti comes back from the DL. But I suspect the Astros will be extremely cautious with him and may hold him out longer than originally projected.

My speculative take for the day...

astroline · « **Reply #86 on:** July 08, 2006, 05:42:58 pm »

it's reineke

stubbyc · « **Reply #87 on:** July 09, 2006, 03:30:43 am »

What's his contract situation? Did he just sign a 1 year minor league contract or do the Astros retain his rights next year as well?

Duder · « **Reply #89 on:** July 09, 2006, 12:03:33 pm »

Jason Hirsh was named the starter for today's Futures Game.

The Link

Duder · « **Reply #91 on:** July 10, 2006, 03:36:20 am »

This is what Baseball America had to say about Pence after watching him take batting practice.

"U.S. team memebers Stephen Drew (Diamondbacks), Josh Fields (White Sox), Alex Gordon (Royals), Howie Kendrick (Angels) and Hunter Pence (Astros) took part in the first group, which was actually not when you wanted to hit. The American team hardly had time to stretch before the quintet hopped into the batting cage, so they were just getting stretched out in their first round or two. Pence stood out the most in the group for several reasons--his shots sounded the loudest and traveled the farthest, and he did it a little differently, with a unique setup. Pence stood in with the bat slightly off his shoulder, then had a slight hand pump as he strided, helping to trigger his fast hands and powerful swing."

The Link

He also talks a little about how he prefers inside pitches.

Author Topic: Ask And Ye Shall Maybe Receive: Season 2, Vol 6. (Read 19759 times)

No? in Austin