Author Topic: Ask and Ye Shall Maybe Receive: 06-07 Off-Season (Read 26978 times)

Jacksonian · « **on:** September 19, 2006, 03:10:48 pm »

With the minor league seasons now complete I thought I'd go ahead and post the off-season thread. This thread will remain until 2007 spring training.

A big thanks to Greg D for stepping back into a moderater role and doing yeoman's work including keeping all up to speed on the minors playoff runs.

A big thanks to all the readers who keep us in business!

We'll consider changes to the forums this off-season as well, but no promises.

Duman · « **Reply #1 on:** September 20, 2006, 09:36:39 am »

On Deck Baseball has released their Appy League rankings following the year. This ranking system has some questionable structure (he doesn't count strikeouts for batters "they are part of the learning process" and he doesn't factor W,L & S for pitchers), it does provide some discussion fodder.

For Greeneville in the top 40 Prospects:
15: LHP Sergio Severino
16 RHP Ryan Mitchell
20 LHP Polin Trinidad

Only two position players were ranked among the top 50 batters: Ronald Ramirez at 34 and Steve Brown at 36

The Link

Duman · « **Reply #2 on:** September 25, 2006, 03:54:57 pm »

Quote:

The Appalachian League Top 20 Prospects list issued by BA (based at least in part on their survey of league managers) includes the following Greeneville players:

* INF Ronald Ramirez (#17)
* LHP Sergio Severino (#20)

The Link

A player who received some consideration but did not quite make the list was LHP Polin Trinidad. One would guess that his advanced age (21 versus the typical 18/19 for the Appy) plus the fact he was repeating the league had something to do with his not cracking the Top 20. Of course, one could say the same thing about Severino who did make the list.

Thought it would be interesting to look back at who made BA's Appy League Top 20 Prospects lists in past years:

2005

* OF Josh Flores (#8)
* OF Eli Iorg (#14)
* 3B Koby Clemens (#16)
* RHP Ryan Mitchell (#19)

2004

* OF Mitch Einertson (#1)
* LHP Troy Patton (#10)
* RHP Juan Gutierrez (#12)
* OF Jordan Parraz (#13)

I noticed that for the first time in 3 years, a guy from the VSL or DSL made the list verses draft picks.

I think the reason Severino rated higher than Trinadad was due to Trinadad starting hot and cooling off and Severino finishing stronger. Of the two, I liked Severino better.

Here's hoping for more talent next year.

Froback · « **Reply #4 on:** September 25, 2006, 04:20:21 pm »

After looking at the list I wonder if this is almost the kiss of death for Astros' prospects. Most of those who had great success, fell on their faces the following year (in some cases they have not gotten up either).

Could just reinforce how bad the drafts have been. I love the pitching depth of the system, but holy cow the position players as a group are pretty terrible. I can't look at them right now and say any of them are close to the other kiss of death title "Can't Miss".

Duman · « **Reply #8 on:** September 26, 2006, 11:05:48 pm »

I am trying to understand the buzz about Max Sapp. His numbers don't look that impressive
BA: .227
OPS: .619
Decent plate discipline (1K every 4.5 at bats) and 22 walks.

Is it just he was an 18 year old in an older league so his potential moves him up or is he extra special behind the plate. Please enlighten me.

Greg D · « **Reply #9 on:** September 27, 2006, 02:14:04 am »

First seasons in pro ball (both at the SS level):

Player	AB	H	2B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	AVG	OBP	SLG
X	100	22	5	2	11	10	22	.220	.295	.330
Sapp	166	38	9	1	20	22	37	.229	.317	.301

Sapp of course and Player X are both lefty-hitting catchers. Both are roughly the same height and weight. Sapp was a 1st-rounder while Player X was taken in the 2nd round. Both had questions surrounding them at the time they were drafted as to whether they would ultimately stay behind the plate or end up at first base. Player X is now in his first full season at the major league level and is doing (ahem) rather well at the plate. This is pretty obvious, but who's player X?

Jacksonian · « **Reply #15 on:** October 02, 2006, 11:19:10 am »

With the season now over and the Astros out of the playoffs I thought I'd mention that the Astros will pick 17th in next year's draft. In case of a arb-offered FA signing by the Astros their first round pick is not safe.

VirtualBob · « **Reply #17 on:** October 02, 2006, 03:10:50 pm »

Just noticed a former Astro farm-hand (Devorn Hansack) closed the season with a rain-shortened no-hitter for Boston. I seem to recall he left Lex with personal problems a couple of years ago; seems he has them straightened out.

Froback · « **Reply #21 on:** October 24, 2006, 01:04:54 pm »

BBA has a pay link where they rank each positions top 10-20 players in the minors. It also rates how good each position is as a group (5 star ratings).

3 Astros prospects show up.

Max Sapp at #10 of the Catchers (3.5 Stars for Catchers)
Hunter Pence at #7 of the Corner OFs (4.5 Stars for Corner OF)
Troy Patton at #5 of the LHP (4.5 Stars for LHP)

just for the record the number of prospects listed were:
C:10 - 3.5 stars
1B:10 - 2.5 stars
2B:10 - 2 stars
3B:10 - 4.5 stars
SS:10 - 3 stars
Corner OF: 10 - 3.5 stars
CF: 10 - 5 stars
RHP: 20 - 5 stars
LHP: 12 - 4.5 stars
Closers: 5 - 2 stars

No other Astro prospects are mentioned. I am assuming Hirsh and Albers were not mentioned because of their time in the ML, but a couple of other guys in their list did have cups of coffee this year so who knows.

jbm · « **Reply #22 on:** October 24, 2006, 01:33:18 pm »

I like BA, and love reading the scout's opinions, but rankings solely based on potential, such as Sapp's, kind of bother me.

IMO, They should break it down by AA and above, since these guys have actually played enough to get some confidence in their projections, and the A and below crowd who you just don't have enough data on. Too many ifs.

btw, Albers looks promising, but I don't think he was ever ranked up there with Patton, Hirsh, or Pence.

Burzmali · « **Reply #23 on:** October 24, 2006, 04:10:18 pm »

I'm not sure if this is the right place to ask this, but what are yall's thoughts on Patton's chances on pitching in the majors next year?

CarolinaStro · « **Reply #28 on:** October 31, 2006, 09:18:02 pm »

A few questions on a boring Tuesday night:

1) How would you rank (I know it is early but please indulge me) the 06 class in relative terms to recent classes? Not as good as 04 but surely better than 05?

2) Saw Bougsevic(sp) pitch this year since I live in the area. I came away thinking he was awful raw. I realize he wasn't a full-time pitcher in college but he seems like a longshot a this point to be an impact player. Have I got the wrong vibe?

3) With the obvious exception of Pence, are you guys considering any position players for your annual top ten list? Maybe Parraz gets a sniff? Despite the nice press he is getting, Sapp is still too much of a projection I am guessing.

CarolinaStro · « **Reply #30 on:** November 01, 2006, 05:27:46 pm »

Saw Bogusevic early on in the season. He got blasted the second time through the order and didn't make it out of 4th, IIRC. It was not so much the hits and walks but the way they were hit and way they were walked. But it was just one game in low A ball so it probably means little.

Saw Towles play that day as well. He had a couple nice knocks but damn is he one skinny little catcher. He needs to visit the Bagwell school of strength and conditioning.

jbm · « **Reply #32 on:** November 01, 2006, 06:53:51 pm »

What was Bogusevic's injury? I remember him having some success near the end, but I assume he is shut down for the winter. I wonder if there would be some temptation to try him as an outfielder if he has another injury filled season.

CarolinaStro · « **Reply #35 on:** November 03, 2006, 10:39:30 pm »

Organizational Review post-season. Nothing too interesting really... MinorLeagueBaseball

VirtualBob · « **Reply #36 on:** November 06, 2006, 06:41:59 pm »

Timmah the head case has gone national ... err ... signed with the Nationals, that is.

Seriously ... I wish him luck. An arm (like that) is a terrible thing to waste.

cutter · « **Reply #37 on:** November 08, 2006, 11:09:40 am »

In respone to Towles looks skinny....Towles is 6'2" and started the season at 195 then dropped to 188-190 by the end of the season. Not that unusuall for a catcher to lose weight under that kind of grind. He is solid and strong as mesquite. He's taken 6 charges at home in the past 2 yrs and held on to the ball for outs each time. In the future he will probably stay around 200-205 to keep his speed, quickness and reduce the wear and tear on his knees. Don't be fooled by appearence....

Greg D · « **Reply #38 on:** November 08, 2006, 05:30:13 pm »

and will go to spring training with the big club as a non-roster invitee. SD also just so happens to be the organization that drafted his brother Chad in the 2nd round this past June.

With player movement season gearing up, now seems as good a time as any to open up a new transaction thread.

Duman · « **Reply #39 on:** November 13, 2006, 09:54:05 am »

Reading about Conrad's performance in the AFL got me thinking if he was eligable for rule 5. Who in our system are likely rule 5 targets this year?

Froback · « **Reply #43 on:** November 13, 2006, 04:00:17 pm »

Would his success make Burke potentially expendable via a trade? After all Biggio is going to start until 3K occurs, which means we need a back-up who is ready to take over full time if needed and ready to fill that role (potentially) next year.

Conrad seems like he might be able to do that. Just a thought.

Greg D · « **Reply #46 on:** November 19, 2006, 08:13:46 pm »

Tomorrow is the date for finalizing rosters in advance of the Rule 5. And I believe that Dec. 7 (last day of the winter meetings) is the date for the draft itself.

Greg D · « **Reply #47 on:** November 21, 2006, 02:19:58 am »

except it wasn't as an Astro.

2007 Transactions

CarolinaStro · « **Reply #48 on:** November 25, 2006, 09:24:09 am »

Do we or when will we know if the Stros lost draft picks with the Lee & Williams signings?

CarolinaStro · « **Reply #52 on:** November 25, 2006, 07:17:23 pm »

Gotcha, thanks.

Duman · « **Reply #53 on:** November 27, 2006, 09:49:05 am »

Davis who was released last year by the Astros has walked on as a QB at Ole Miss.

See bottom of article

Apparently, he has a pretty good arm:

"Davis can throw the football 70 yards. When the Rebels practice indoors he throws the ball from the 35 to simulate the kickoff." The Link

Edit to fix link

Froback · « **Reply #55 on:** November 29, 2006, 06:43:29 pm »

article

Greg D · « **Reply #56 on:** November 29, 2006, 11:04:57 pm »

but someone's keeping track of the rotten banana peels.

The Link

I only link to this because sooner or later someone (Duman!

) would have discovered it and would have posted it here anyway. So call it a preemptive strike. View at your own risk! Blindness has been known to occur upon viewing. Do not click on a empty stomach as nausea may also ensue.

Uncle Charlie · « **Reply #59 on:** December 06, 2006, 02:04:53 pm »

Houston Minor Leaguers who will be at the Tri-star show in January according to their website are:

Matt Albers & JR Towles

Other minor leaguers of note w/ Texas/Houston ties:
Drew Stubbs, Kyle Drabek, Wade Towsend, Kyle McCullough and a few others...

CarolinaStro · « **Reply #60 on:** December 10, 2006, 11:52:22 am »

MiLB put out their post-06 top 50 prospect list. Hunter is number 37 and Jason is number 48.

Link

Greg D · « **Reply #61 on:** December 14, 2006, 10:02:05 am »

Well, foreign minor leaguers apparently will be if this bill as expected becomes law.

In the past, foreign players have fallen into two separate visa categories. Major leaguers were issued P-1 visas. The United States does not put a limitation on the number of those visas it issues each year. Minor leaguers, on the other hand, fell into the H2-B category. Those are issued to seasonal workers and there is a limitation on those (currently 65,000).

What with all the other seasonal workers who come to the United States annually (farm workers and the like), baseball clubs over the last several years have found themselves facing annual quotas on the numbers of foreign players they could bring in to staff their minor league clubs in the U.S. Organizations would generally assign the limited number of visas first to players on their upper level clubs. Hence, it was the rookie league teams (including the Appy League) that were most impacted. That's at least part of the reason why a number of guys in the VSL and DSL sometimes return to those leagues for a second or even third season rather than making the expected leap to the U.S.

Anyhoo, back to the bill. It will put minor leaguer baseball players into the P-1 category alongside their major league brethren. Both the Senate and House have approved the bill. If as expected Bush signs it, then no more visa restrictions on minor league players. Clubs like the Astros may still other reasons for a go slow approach in terms of bringing players out of the VSL and DSL to the U.S., but at least lack of a visa won't enter into the equation anymore.

jaklewein · « **Reply #62 on:** December 14, 2006, 07:17:13 pm »

Good info as always...thanks.

CarolinaStro · « **Reply #63 on:** December 16, 2006, 12:31:49 pm »

2007 Houston Astros Prospects
By John Sickels
Posted on Sat Dec 16, 2006 at 09:00:01 AM CST

2007 Houston Astros Prospects

Hunter Pence, OF, Grade A- (I see nothing not to like)

Troy Patton, LHP, Grade B+ (One of the better southpaw prospects in the game)

Matt Albers, RHP, B+ (made huge progress last year but control still an issue)

Jimmy Barthmaier, RHP, B+ (can't decide between B and B+ here)

J.R. Towles, C, B (He looks good to me, good glove, strong bat)

Max Sapp, C, B (I don't want to overreact to poor NY-P numbers given his youth. Might downgrade to B-)

Juan Gutierrez, RHP, B- (live arm, needs to sustain command)

Paul Estrada, RHP, B- (overlooked prospect with a live arm)

Sergio Perez, RHP, B- (one of my favorites from the 2006 draft)

Felipe Paulino, RHP, C+ (outstanding arm but still learning how to pitch)

Lincoln Holdzkom, RHP, C+ (rule 5 guy from the Cubs)

Chris Sampson, RHP, C+ (Should be a useful control pitcher, old for a prospect)

Chad Reineke, RHP, C+ (another guy who can be a good utility pitcher)

Brian Bugosevic, LHP, C+ (2005 hot draft pick has injury concerns)

Jordan Parraz, OF, C+ (can he hit above the NY-P?)

Bud Norris, RHP, C+ (live arm from '06 draft)

Brooks Conrad, 2B, C (old for a prospect but he does a lot of things right)

Eli Iorg, OF, C (great tools, but skills are sketchy)

Drew Sutton, 2B, C (similar to Conrad but two levels behind him)

Chance Douglass, RHP, C (another guy who can be a decent utility pitcher)

Others of Note: Josh Anderson, OF; Raymar Diaz, RHP; Thomas Fairchild, RHP; Sam Gervacio, RHP; Hector Gimenez, C; Casey Hudspeth, RHP; Charlton Jimerson, OF; Chris Johnson, 3B; Tommy Manzella, SS; Nick Moresi, OF; Chris Salamida, LHP; Sergio Severino, LHP.
The Astros in One Sentence: This system has some quality guys at the top, and there is a decent group of potential spare parts, but some of the college bats expected to bring depth have disappointed lately.

Jason Hirsh would have ranked number two before his trade to Colorado. Again, there isn't a lot to distinguish the C/C+ guys, and some of those grades are fluid and may be changed.

Greg D · « **Reply #64 on:** December 28, 2006, 06:51:57 am »

As has been noted quite a bit previously, draft and follows will be a thing of the past once the new CBA completely kicks in with the 2007 draft. I had read this article a while back and meant to post it but forgot until I recently came across it again. It's written by David Rawnsley, the former Astros assistant director of scouting operations. It's basically his requiem for the DFE, with a generous dose of Astros' history thrown in. It's familiar ground, but still an interesting read.

The Link

Greg D · « **Reply #65 on:** December 28, 2006, 03:52:38 pm »

That would be the Minor League Broadcaster of the Year.

The Link

JimR · « **Reply #66 on:** December 29, 2006, 01:35:57 pm »

hot dog!

take that, Drayton.

Greg D · « **Reply #67 on:** January 03, 2007, 02:19:27 pm »

discussed in this article as possible increasing sources of talent, particularly as the costs (and risks) of operating in Venezuela go up.

It should be noted that the Astros opened up an academy in Colombia this past year to go along with its two other academies in VZ and in the DR. The club has also signed players in the past out of both Panama and Nicaragua.

VirtualBob · « **Reply #68 on:** January 05, 2007, 11:04:14 am »

Greg --

I'll bite on your teaser in the other thread ... which internal candidates do you see as potential RR 1B this year? Maybe I've lost track of some of the FA's, but with Huffman gone to SD, I don't see any prospects between Houston & Salem. I assume Sheldon will make the jump to CC, but as you indicated, that leaves RR with the minor league FA universe. Hence my speculation that Munson might end up there while waiting also being the emergency backup at C should Ausmus/Q/G need help. Derek Nicholson is also a possibility, I suppose ... I have not seen him sign anywhere. Walter Young & Josh Bonifay (at CC last year) are also possibilities if available.

Am I missing a real prospect somewhere?

Mike · « **Reply #69 on:** January 05, 2007, 02:24:26 pm »

Maybe this should be a new thread but Fox is reporting 2 players signed to minor league contracts with the Astros P Stephen Randolph and P Kevin Walker

Mike · « **Reply #72 on:** January 05, 2007, 02:46:04 pm »

Thanks appreciate the pointer

Greg D · « **Reply #75 on:** January 05, 2007, 05:33:07 pm »

played 48 games at 1B in 2005 and 69 games in 2004. That was due at least in part to the shoulder injury that hindered his throwing.

Edited to add:

Saccomanno also played some 1B his senior year at Baylor. In fact, over the course of his college career I think he played all four infield spots.

I'm Richies Dad · « **Reply #77 on:** January 05, 2007, 06:47:56 pm »

Munson might spend some time behind the plate. Giminez and Quintero are both out of options, and both can't make the Stros, so one is gone I'd bet. I bet the Stros aren't through signing minor leaguers.

I'm Richies Dad · « **Reply #79 on:** January 05, 2007, 09:55:22 pm »

I even emailed Derrick Grubbs who I knew as D D Grubbs a long time ago at A&M and he said he knew nothing. I know a former express pitcher pretty well, and he's usually in the know, all he said was Travis Driskoll had been practicing at the Dell Diamond, and assumed he'd resign.

Duman · « **Reply #80 on:** January 06, 2007, 08:23:03 am »

Any word on when the Ryan camp will be this year and who will be attending?

Greg D · « **Reply #81 on:** January 06, 2007, 02:53:11 pm »

The Nolan Ryan Elite Pitchers & Jeff Bagwell Elite Hitters Camps I believe will be the week of the 29th. Haven't heard anything yet as far as invitees

Uncle Charlie · « **Reply #82 on:** January 16, 2007, 03:25:15 pm »

Looks like they've added the following:

Pence, Anderson, & Patton.

They also added Brad Lincoln

Uncle Charlie · « **Reply #84 on:** January 16, 2007, 05:31:33 pm »

The Link

I'm Richies Dad · « **Reply #85 on:** January 19, 2007, 12:08:51 pm »

Any ideas on who might play 3b and 1b for RR? Ransom 3b? I would assume that Anderson and Pence move up to RR, and human K machine Charlton Jimerson are the outfield? Where does Mike Rodriguez play?

Thoughts?

I'm Richies Dad · « **Reply #88 on:** January 19, 2007, 03:43:44 pm »

I am hoping his butt is sitting on the other team.

Regaring Saccomanno didn't he DH a lot? I have no idea how he plays in the field.

JimR · « **Reply #89 on:** January 19, 2007, 04:19:10 pm »

Jimerson is a prime candidate to be released.

I'm Richies Dad · « **Reply #93 on:** January 19, 2007, 06:07:13 pm »

I heard something that Gordon was going to start pitching or something. I've heard other places that Todd Self might be back as well.

I would be stoked if they just released Jimerson. I took a friend from Boston to a game and I said now watch this guy leading off is gonna strike out on three pitches and he sure did.

I'm Richies Dad · « **Reply #96 on:** January 19, 2007, 08:33:42 pm »

You don't want to know because you all will probably make me leave the forum, but there is a guy on the espn boards who claims he knows Self and he allegedly got a call from the Astros this week. So we'll see.

CarolinaStro · « **Reply #97 on:** January 19, 2007, 11:24:59 pm »

and I took him off my top ten list at the last second. That's gonna cost me the title

Hardball Times

memememe · « **Reply #101 on:** January 24, 2007, 12:35:50 pm »

I was looking on Baseball America, and they had updates on their organization reports, and on January 12,2007, they posted information on the "Bagwell Camp". Amoung the players listed were, righthanders Matt Albers, Tip Fairchild, Brad James, Bud Norris, Sergio Perez and Chad Reineke and lefthanders Brian Bogusevic, the club's 2005 first-round pick, and Chris Salamida.

Catchers Max Sapp, the Astros' first-rounder a year ago, and Louis Santangelo will participate in the camp, along with third baseman Koby Clemens, outfielder Eli Iorg, shortstop Tommy Manzella and outfielder Hunter Pence.

To check it out yourself, go to Baseballamerica.com, and in the search bar type Bagwell Camp.

There are not as many players attending the camp this year compaired to last year. Can you think of any reasons? Do you think this is the complete list of players?

I'm Richies Dad · « **Reply #107 on:** January 25, 2007, 05:35:38 pm »

Nothing. You know it's a ploy to get Daddy involved.

memememe · « **Reply #112 on:** January 26, 2007, 08:04:24 pm »

Now that we know about the Bagwell and Nolan camps, when can we expect information on the minor league minicamp that follows this one?

InRoyWeTrust · « **Reply #116 on:** February 05, 2007, 01:03:03 pm »

Brian Bogusevic pitched in the TulaneU alumni vs baseball game. He only pitched an inning, but goodness gracious, the guy looked absolutely dominant. It was like watching Mark Mulder in his Oakland days.

Call me a Tulane homer, but I think he's going to have a huge year this year if he stays healthy (big if, I suppose). Hopefully he can provide the system with a quality starting lefthander.

Froback · « **Reply #118 on:** February 05, 2007, 04:51:36 pm »

Do we have any?

Or was it just, these guys showed up, worked out.

I mean, any details like, So-and-So looked good. Stuff like that? I know Pence took Roger deep once, but was that his only time making contact or did he look very comfortable, and impress the brass?

Stuff like that. Anyone got any news? Or is it just pretty much what can be found with a google search?

Froback · « **Reply #120 on:** February 07, 2007, 12:39:23 pm »

based on the interview of Paul Ricciarini that Greg posted on MO, there is some news. Especially about Pence and Johnson hitting wise and Salamida and Holdzkom pitching wise.

I think it will be interesting this spring, based on how many guys without options the Astros have that might get bumped out of a slot on the 25-man roster. Although only Holdzkom of the ones I have listed might be doing the bumping. But some of the minor league contract guys the Astros just signed, might force some others out of spot too, not to mention 2 of the 3 catchers vying for the back-up slot.

While I am not sure many would yield much in ML ready guys, maybe some adding some AA type prospects might be possible via the trade late in Spring Training.

Duman · « **Reply #121 on:** February 23, 2007, 03:25:06 pm »

Any word on who is hanging out with Roger & Koby in Fla?