Thursday, May 31, 2012

An Interview with RHP Ross Seaton

Drafted in the 3rd round as a compensation pick in 2008 out of Second Baptist High School in Houston, Seaton is in his second season with Corpus. In 2011, he finished the season 4-9 with a 5.23 ERA and a 1.387 WHIP; however, in 6 starts in August 2011, he had a 3.00 ERA and a 1.000 WHIP. In 2012, he has continued with the progress he made last season. In 10 starts with Corpus Christi, he is 4-3 with a 3.28 ERA and a 1.301 WHIP.

Now on to the questions ~

WTH: First of all, can you tell me about your pitch arsenal? What pitches do you use? Best pitch(es)? Velocity? Movement?

RS: My pitches include both a 4 seam and 2 seam fastball, a change up, slider, and curveball. I use all of them throughout the course of game but depend on my fastball to set the tone for the game. All the other pitches work off my fastball, so I would say a located fastball is my best pitch. This season my velocity has been down slightly but has been steadily picking back up.

WTH: You've never been primarily a strikeout pitcher. What is the key to your success on the mound?

RS: Pitching to contact provides the greatest chance of success. Throwing the ball in the strike zone forces the batters to swing at pitches and keeps pitch counts down. Obviously there are times when a strikeout is needed, but even a strikeout requires getting two strikes on the hitter first! Taking all of that into consideration, making quality pitches down in the zone (or at the top) puts the odds in my favor.

WTH: At 21, you were somewhat young for the AA level in 2011. Can you tell me a little about how you handled that and what you learned about yourself in getting thrown into the fire, so to speak? (Also, how glad were you not to have to pitch in Lancaster again?)

RS: All I will say about Lancaster is I never want to go back, ever. Experiencing AA baseball at 21 was a great opportunity for me. Of course, it took me a little while to settle in and realize I belonged there, but it opened up my eyes to quality baseball games. Everyone plays smarter here than in A ball. I learned so much from my older teammates like Jimmy Van Ostrand and Brian Esposito not only about the game itself, but also about how to handle myself on and off the field. It helped me mature and "grow up" much quicker. The 2011 season will always be one of my fondest seasons because of the people I was around and how much I learned about baseball.

WTH: Over the winter, my readers voted you most likely to be the Breakthrough Pitcher for 2012, largely based on the improvement you showed toward the end of last season. So far, so good - 5 of your last 6 starts have been excellent [NOTE: Ross had another strong start on Wednesday after this interview was complete]. Do you feel that you are, indeed, making that next step in your development?

RS: First I'm honored that I was voted to be the Breakthrough Pitcher for 2012! Thanks everyone! I honestly do believe I have made great strides since the last third of the 2011 season. It all deals with my mindset and approach to the game. I finally gave everything over to God and trusted that He has great plans for me (Romans 8:28 is a verse that my life proves). As soon as I gave results and my career to Him, a huge burden was lifted off my shoulders. I literally felt lighter. Now it's all about going out and enjoying pitching. No more stressing out on the mound or trying to do too much. Pitching relaxed, calm, and focused is much more efficient than over complicating the simplicity of the task at hand. In addition, this year I have worked on gaining confidence in the game. Confidence shows on the field and directly translates into your performance, so the more you have the better you will be! As always, all glory goes to God since everything I have comes from Him.

WTH: You were a good hitter at Corpus in 2011. I mean, a REALLY good hitter (.286/.304/.476). Are you going to miss getting to hit when Houston moves to the AL?

RS: Of course I'm going to miss hitting! I missed it my few seasons in pro ball! Who doesn't like hitting??

WTH: If you could steal a pitch from any pitcher in the Astros system, whose would it be?

RS: I would definitely take Bud Norris' slider. It has so much spin and looks just like his fastball until the very end. The later the break the more effective the pitch.

WTH: Which player in the Astros system would you least like to face in the batters box?

RS: My teammate Jose Martinez would be a formidable opponent in the box. He has solid plate discipline and squares up more balls than most other players. He's also a quality teammate who brings energy to the whole team.

WTH: You got married over the off-season. How difficult is marriage for a minor league player?

RS: Because Houston is only 3 hours away from Corpus, being apart from my wife has not been as difficult as most people experience. She has been able to come out and see me at least every other weekend. However, it would be much more enjoyable if she could travel with me everywhere we go. Additionally, she encourages me when things get tough and always supports my endeavors in the game. Having her in my life has greatly enhanced my ability in the game.

WTH: Can you tell me something about yourself that most people don't know and might be surprised to hear?

RS: These are always tough ones to answer. I am turning into a car fanatic. One of my dreams is to restore a classic car from the muscle car era. I plan on purchasing a 1973 Chevy truck from a good friend and mentor of mine this off season that will be my first "project". Cars and baseball. Classic American passions.

Thank you for your time, Ross. Congratulations on your marriage and the best of luck to you as you continue to make your way up the ladder in life and in baseball!

Minor League Schedule and Recaps

THURSDAY'S GAMES

Rome at Lexington at 6:05 CST
Probable Pitchers: RHP Ryan Weber (1-1, 6.30) and RHP Jonas Dufek (1-1, 5.56)
Available on MiLB.tv

Nashville at Oklahoma City at 7:05 CST
Probable Pitchers: RHP Mark Rogers (1-2, 4.93) and LHP Wes Musick (0-1, 5.40)
Available on MiLB.tv

Corpus Christi at Arkansas at 7:10 CST
Probable Pitchers: RHP Jose Cisnero (2-5, 5.36) and RHP A.J. Schugel (2-5, 3.54)

Lancaster at Visalia at 9:00 CST
Probable Pitchers: RHP David Martinez (1-3, 6.12) and LHP David Holmberg (6-3, 3.13)

WEDNESDAY'S RESULTS

Lexington over Augusta 6-1
Despite a slight hiccup in his last start, Luis Cruz has been simply terrific. In his last seven starts, he has five wins and two no decisions with a 1.56 ERA and a 1.044 WHIP over 46 innings. Cruz gave up no runs on seven hits with one walk and five strikeouts to lower his ERA to 2.84. Evan Grills gave up the only run on two hits in two innings of relief. The offense in this game was dominated by relative newcomers Chan Moon (three-for-three with a walk and two runs) and Jesse Wierzbicki (two-for-four with a triple, two RBIs, SB). Delino DeShields stole his 32nd bag of the season.

Oklahoma City over Nashville 7-2
Brand new Astro Brian Bass (W, 1-0) had a heckuva debut, allowing no runs on five hits with one walk and two strikeouts over six innings pitched. Enerio del Rosario and Adalberto Flores each allowed a run in relief, while Jose Valdez pitched the final inning giving up only one hit. Brett Wallace hit his eighth home run of the season (he only hit six all last season between the major leagues and the minor leagues); Scott Moore and Carlos Corporan each had two RBIs; Jimmy Paredes and Brandon Barnes each had two hits. Barnes stole two bases while J.B. Shuck stole one.

Lancaster over Visalia 4-3
Ruben Alaniz (W, 5-1) continues to prove that he belongs as he allowed only two runs on seven hits over eight innings. Andrew Robinson came in for the ninth but failed to record an out against his two batters and was pulled for Kirk Clark who got his sixth save of the season. A two run Erik Castro home run and a RBI double from Rafy Valenzuela accounted for most of the scoring, but George Springer also contributed with smart base-running as he scored from third on a wild pitch. Alex Todd had a double, three walks and a stolen base to his credit, and Springer also stole his 13th bag of the season.

GAME OF THE DAY
Corpus Christi over Arkansas 3-2

What went right: Good pitching and effective (and timely) small ball hitting.

Ross Seaton didn't get the win, but he kept the Hooks in the game in this low-scoring affair. Josh Zeid who has had a couple of spectacularly bad outings this season had his third scoreless outing in a row. And Jason Stoffel continues to impress, getting the save and lowering his ERA to 1.21. The pitching was key as the Hooks only had five hits, scoring on a Jose Martinez ground out, a Jonathan Villar fly out and a Jon Singleton solo homer (his tenth of the season). Austin Wates stole two bases, his 11th and 12th of the season. Andy Simunic stole a bag as well.

Ross Seaton - 6.2IP 9H 2R 0BB 1SO
Josh Zeid (W, 2-0) - 1.1IP 0H 0R 0BB 1SO
Jason Stoffel (S, 6) - 1IP 1H 0R 0BB 0SO

Austin Wates - 1x2 BB R 2SB
Jon Singleton - 1x4 HR RBI SO R
Jake Goebbert - 1x4 2B SO

What went wrong: A fielding error by Villar and a wild pitch by Seaton is about all I can find.

PITCHER OF THE DAY
Luis Cruz pitched seven innings, giving up no runs on seven hits and one walk with five strikeouts. That is pitcher of the day worthy to me.

PLAYER OF THE DAY
Brandon Barnes was two-for-four with an RBI, a run scored and two stolen bases. He's hitting .333 after four games. I think he feels right at home in Oklahoma City.

Happy Birthday - 5/31

No future Astros and only one former Astro with a birthday today ~

CF Kenny Lofton (45)
Drafted by Houston in the 17th round in 1988, Lofton only played in 20 games for Houston in 1991 out of his 17 year major league career. He was traded, along with Dave Rohde, to Cleveland for RHP Willie Blair and C Ed Taubensee in December 1991 in what turned out to be a spectacularly bad trade. In 1992, Lofton was second in Rookie of the Year voting to Pat Listach. He was a six-time All-Star and a four-time Gold Glove. He played for 11 teams and had a career batting line of .299/.372/.423 with 622 stolen bases.

Tweet of the Day

Cockroach

Chris Wallace breaks up the chants of "cheese dip" with a two-out single in the 9th. (Fans would have recieved a coupon if he struck out.)

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Roster Moves - 5/30

Oklahoma City
RHP Brian Bass assigned to Oklahoma City
LHP Dallas Keuchel placed on the temporary inactive list (I think this is probably just a move to juggle a full roster, since Dallas was the last starter and won't be needed for a few days.)

The Crawfishboxes

And, just because I don't have anything else to do, I posted a look at some of The Regulators In Waiting from the minor league system over at the Crawfishboxes site. Take a peek if you are so inclined.

The Futurists - We Don't Stink!

If you get a chance, come over and see me at The Futurists where I look at the Astros minor league records and the vast improvement over last season.

Minor League Schedule and Results

WEDNESDAY'S GAMES

Augusta at Lexington at 6:05 CST
Probable Pitchers: RHP Christopher Marlowe (1-1, 2.55) and LHP Luis Cruz (4-1, 3.20)
Available on MiLB.tv

Nashville at Oklahoma City at 7:05 CST
Probable Pitchers: RHP Seth McClung (1-4, 5.28) and TBD
Available on MiLB.tv

Corpus Christi at Arkansas at 7:10 CST
Probable Pitchers: RHP Jarred Cosart (3-2, 2.79) and RHP Matt Oye (1-2, 4.08)

Lancaster at Visalia at 9:00 CST
Probable Pitchers: RHP Ruben Alaniz (4-1, 3.88) and RHP Jeffrey Sheilds (1-1, 7.71)

TUESDAY'S RESULTS

Augusta over Lexington 2-1 in 11 innings
Three solo home runs accounted for all of the scoring in this pitching duel. Mike Foltynewicz pitched beautifully, giving up one run (a solo homer) on five hits with one walk and five strikeouts over seven innings. Dayan Diaz provided two hitless innings and Murilo Gouvea was charged with the loss as he gave up a home run in his second inning of relief. Delino DeShields provided all of Lexington's offense with his third home run of the season. Matt Duffy's seventh inning double broke up Augusta pitcher Clayton Blackburn's no-hit bid.

Lake Elsinore over Lancaster 7-4
Jorge de Leon (L, 0-5) continues to struggle -- six runs on five hits and five walks in only three innings. Zach Grimmett provided five solid innings of long relief, surrendering only one run on five hits. Ben Orloff was one-for-four with a two run single, Kike Hernandez hit a solo home run and Adam Bailey had an RBI double and an outfield assist in his last appearance as a JetHawk before his promotion to Corpus Christi today. Domingo Santana was two-for-four with a walk.

Corpus - Off Day

GAME OF THE DAY
Oklahoma City over Nashville 2-0 (Game called after five innings)

What went right: A great start by Dallas Keuchel and a little intervention from Mother Nature.

Dallas Keuchel needed a good start since his last two had been a bit rocky (to say the least) and he got it. Keuchel worked quickly and efficiently, allowing only four scattered hits and striking out three. He had only thrown 59 pitches so he appeared to be good for the long haul, but Mother Nature intervened with high winds, rain and then hail and the game was called. Brad Snyder and Jimmy Paredes provided the offense with RBI doubles.

Dallas Keuchel (W, 5-4) - 5IP 4H 0R 0BB 3SO

Brad Snyder - 1x2 2B RBI BB SO
Jimmy Paredes - 1x2 2B RBI
Carlos Corporan - 1x1 2B R

What went wrong: Not much of anything.

PITCHER OF THE DAY
Mike Foltynewicz continues to make a statement. He pitched seven innings for only the second time this season. I think his pitching deeper into games on a routine basis will help him immensely when he gets the eventual promotion for which he is rapidly making a very good case.

PLAYER OF THE DAY
I'll go with Delino DeShields for showing us that he does indeed have a little pop in his bat.

Happy Birthday - 5/30

No future Astros and only one former Astro with a birthday today ~

RHP Mike "Buffie" LaCoss (56)
A third round draft pick by the Reds in 1974, LaCoss was a waiver claim by the Astros in April 1982. He pitched in 118 games (43 starts) for Houston from 1982 to 1984. He had an 18-18 record with a 3.83 ERA and a 1.418 WHIP. LaCoss was an All Star for Cincinnati in 1979. For more on LaCoss, check out Bryan Trostel's Random Random Astros post at Astros County.

Tweet of the Day

Enrique Hernandez

 our wolf pack separated by one selfish guy who's playing his last single a baseball game tonight!

Adam scott bailey
  I am sorry I told them we came as a pack. Its a no go.

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Roster Moves - 5/29

Oklahoma City
RHP Jordan Lyles was optioned back to Oklahoma City from Houston.
RHP Chris Hicks was activated from the DL and assigned from Corpus Christi to Oklahoma City.

Corpus Christi
CONFIRMED Unconfirmed, but according to numerous player tweets it looks as though OF Adam Bailey will be sent from Lancaster to Corpus Christi on Wednesday (and will play at Lancaster tonight).

Lancaster
CONFIRMED Also, not confirmed by the Astros, but OF Grant Hogue confirmed in a tweet to Bryan Trostel of Astros County that he was being assigned from Extended Spring Training to Lancaster. He had started the season on the DL after breaking a hamate bone in Spring Training. Updated to Add: This move is not official until Wednesday as well.

Jay Austin Sighting

Sean (@native_astro) brought up a good question the other day on twitter, wondering whether or not Jay Austin is ready to be activated from Extended Spring Training. For those who don't know or remember, he broke his hand at the very beginning of Spring Training. Well, I did a little detective work and this photo of Jay was taken May 25th. He's definitely playing (although I still have no idea about any timetable on him). Now, you know as much as I do.

Jay Austin, Photo Courtesy Bryan Green

Talking Dominican Academy with Allen Rowin

I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Allen Rowin, Player Development Coordinator for the Astros, to talk about his baby -- the Astros Academy in Guerra, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. With a BA in Spanish and Political Science from UCLA and an MBA in Sports Business Management from San Diego State, Rowin was a natural to spearhead the planning, construction and ongoing operations of the Academy which was completed in 2010.


Rowin speaks with obvious pride about the complex which was two years in the planning and construction stages before becoming a reality. Having a facility complete with dorms, computer lab and classrooms helps the Astros become more competitive in player development in the Dominican. "You see the benefits of that when you have the players on site. You can do extra work. You can do early work. You can do English classes. You can do other classes that help them with their interpersonal skills ... You have a more captive audience ... more readily available for instruction," according to Rowin.

And the complex is in use most of the year. Rowin described a dizzying number of player moves in and out of the complex before the Dominican Summer League season as DSL players, players destined for full season teams in  the U.S., and players destined for short season teams in the U.S. all operate on different schedules in January through March with the latter two groups headed to the U.S. for regular Spring Training or Extended Spring Training, respectively.

The complex is closed for the better part of April until the DSL team starts training late in the month for games starting in June and going through August. After being closed in September, the Dominican Instructional League starts in October and runs parallel with the Fall Instructional League in Florida and operates in much the same vein. The Dominican Instructional League features DSL prospects plus many of the Latin players who have played in the U.S. for a year or so and continues through the early part of December before the complex shuts down for the holidays.

Then in January, it starts all over again. Lather, rinse, repeat. Rowin described it as Baseball 365. "You're always looking at the next program that's going to start and planning for what's going to happen."

I asked Rowin about a typical day for a player during the DSL season. The day starts early with breakfast at 6:30, early work at 7:00, and on the field by around 8:30. Depending on whether there is a scheduled game with another DSL team or just a split squad game, they will start playing from around 10:00 to 11:00 in time to finish and get off the field by no later than 1:00 or 2:00 in order to avoid the worst of the heat and the sun. According to Rowin, getting enough nutrition in the bodies of 16 to 18 year old athletes is enough of a challenge as it is without factoring in playing in the tropical heat of the day.

And Rowin worries about nutrition and language skills and facilities and maintenance and personnel because the Academy is truly his baby. He oversees the operations of the complex in addition to his everyday duties handling the minutiae of player development and minor league rosters. It is a lot of work, but it is obviously a labor of love.


Minor League Schedule and Results

TUESDAY'S GAMES

Augusta at Lexington at 6:05 CST
Probable Pitchers: RHP Clayton Blackburn (1-2, 4.26) and RHP Mike Foltynewicz (6-1, 2.40)
Available on MiLB.tv

Nashville at Oklahoma City at 7:05 CST
Probable Pitchers: RHP Michael Fiers (1-3, 4.42) and LHP Dallas Keuchel (4-4, 4.52)
Available on MiLB.tv

Lancaster at Lake Elsinore at 9:05 CST
Probable Pitchers: RHP Jorge de Leon (0-4, 8.63) and RHP Don Roach (2-1, 1.57)

Corpus - Off Day

MONDAY'S RESULTS

Albuquerque over Oklahoma City 11-9
Aneury Rodriguez only lasted three innings in this one as he gave up seven runs on seven hits, including a two run home run from Matt Kemp (on a rehab assignment). Sergio Perez pitched three effective innings of relief, giving up one run before giving way to Adalberto Flores who gave up another three runs in the final two innings. All of the starters except Aneury got at least one hit, with Scott Moore, Brian Bixler and Brandon Barnes having multi-hit games. Angel Sanchez hit a solo home run.

Springfield over Corpus Christi 3-2
Jake Buchanan got a quality start in this one (three runs on six hits over seven innings) and the loss as Corpus came oh so close to pulling this one out, but stranded the tying run at third to end it. Arcenio Leon and Jason Stoffel took it the rest of the way. Stoffel continues to impress me and has whittled his ERA down to 1.27. There were no extra base hits in this one, but Jose Martinez and Brandon Wikoff each had two hits. Austin Wates, Brandon Wikoff and Chris Wallace all stole bases.

Lake Elsinore over Lancaster 8-5
Tyson Perez did not have a quality start, thanks in large part to two home runs which accounted for four of the five runs he allowed on eight hits over seven innings. The problem was exacerbated as Brian Streilein (L, 1-3) couldn't get an out in the eighth, allowing a Perez runner to score plus another three runs on three hits and a walk before all was said and done. Brad Dydalewicz came in to stop the bleeding, but the damage was done and Lancaster's lead had evaporated. Domingo Santana had an RBI double and a two run home run. George Springer had an RBI triple. Ben Orloff and Erik Castro each had two hits. Santana is hitting .341 over his last ten games.

GAME OF THE DAY
Lexington over Augusta 4-3

What went right: Good pitching and timely hitting.

Luis Ordosgoitti had his second straight quality start as he tries to establish himself in the League. It's a shame that he didn't get the win, but the Legends saved their scoring for late in the game. Carlos Quevedo was the recipient of the Legend hitters largesse as he got his fourth win of the year, all in relief. Lexington scored twice on a ground out and a fielder's choice in the eighth to tie it up, only to fall behind a run in the top of the next frame. Matt Duffy played hero in the bottom of the ninth with his eighth home run of the season to re-knot the game and force extra innings. A Jordan Scott RBI single in the tenth gave the Legends the only W of the day for the Astros organization.

Luis Ordosgoitti - 7IP 6H 2R 1BB 6SO
Carlos Quevedo (W, 4-1) - 3IP 2H 1ER 0BB 6SO
Jason Chowning (S, 9) - 1IP 0H 0R 0BB 1SO

Delino DeShields - 2x4 BB
Jordan Scott - 2x5 RBI SO
Matt Duffy - 1x4 HR RBI SO R
Chris Epps - 2x4 2B 2R

What went wrong: A caught stealing by Jimmy Howick and a fielding error by Duffy is about all I can find.

PITCHER OF THE DAY
Luis Ordosgoitti has lowered his ERA from 8.49 to 4.50 over his last two starts. That's good enough for me.

PLAYER OF THE DAY
Matt Duffy is my guy!

Happy Birthday - 5/29

RHP Juan Delis (18)
Delis was signed as a non-drafted free agent out of Panama and played for the DSL Astros in 2011. In 15 appearances (one start), he was 1-0 with a 4.44 ERA and a 1.890 WHIP.

RHP Harold Arauz (17)
Arauz signed as a NDFA out of Panama in July 2011 and hasn't played an official game for the Astros yet. According to Baseball America:
Arauz, 16, has a projectable 6-foot-4 frame and was the MVP of the Dominican Prospect League all-star game in May, when he struck out five of the six hitters he faced.
Former Astros with birthdays today ~

LHP Trever Miller (39)
Originally drafted by Detroit in the first round in 1991, Miller first came to Houston in this trade:
December 10, 1996: Traded by the Detroit Tigers with Brad AusmusJose LimaC.J. Nitkowski and Daryle Ward to the Houston Astros for Doug BrocailBrian HunterTodd JonesOrlando Miller and cash. 
He pitched on the major league level for Houston in 1998 and 1999 before being traded to Philadelphia in March of 2000. Miller came back to Houston for two additional seasons in 2006 and 2007. In 230 games for the Astros, he was 7-5 with a 3.96 ERA and a 1.435 WHIP. He holds the record for the most appearances in a season (76) without getting a decision in 2007.
A fourth round pick by the Giants in 1983, Hayes played in only 31 games for Houston at the end of his major league career in 2001. He played for seven teams over 14 seasons. His best season was in 1993 for Colorado when he hit .305/.355/.522 with 45 doubles, two triples and 25 home runs.

Tweet of the Day

Jiovanni Mier

Happy Memorial Day! God bless all the men and women who have served and are currently serving our country today. 

Monday, May 28, 2012

Roster Moves - 5/28

Oklahoma City
RHP Enerio del Rosario was assigned to Oklahoma City as RHP David Carpenter was recalled to Houston.
RHP Brian Bass was signed to a minor league deal and is to be assigned to Oklahoma City.

Minor League Schedule and Results

MONDAY'S GAMES

Oklahoma City at Albuquerque at 2:35 CST
Probable Pitchers: RHP Aneury Rodriguez (2-4, 5.10) and RHP Mike Parisi (1-1, 2.57)
Available on MiLB.tv

Lancaster at Lake Elsinore at 4:05 CST
Probable Pitchers: RHP Tyson Perez (3-1, 3.20) and RHP Jerry Sullivan (1-2, 5.66)

Augusta at Lexington at 6:05 CST
Probable Pitchers: RHP Joe Biagini (0-3, 10.67) and RHP Luis Ordosgoitti (1-1, 5.21)
Available on MiLB.tv

Springfield at Corpus Christi at 7:05 CST
Probable Pitchers: RHP Richard Castillo (1-0, 1.93) and RHP Jake Buchanan (2-3, 5.40)
Available on MiLB.tv

SUNDAY'S RESULTS

Springfield over Corpus Christi 10-1
After a good start last time around, Brett Oberholtzer reverted to form as he continues to struggle to find his way pitching in the Texas League. In six innings, he gave up five runs on six hits, including two home runs. Henry Villar followed with his third perfect inning since coming off the DL. Erick Abreu was not perfect, however, as he gave up four runs (2 earned) on two hits in only one inning. Alex Sogard got touched for a run in his one inning as well. The Hooks were held to six singles and one double (hit by Brett Oberholtzer) with no one player having a multi-hit game. Jonathan Villar stole two bags and is now at 21 for the season with five caught stealing.

Lake Elsinore over Lancaster 6-5 in 14 innings
This one was a heartbreaker as Lancaster scored one in the top of the tenth, only to have Gabriel Garcia give up a solo home run in the bottom of the frame to tie it back up. Bobby Doran had a good start, but was the victim of a throwing error that caused two of his four runs to be unearned over his 7.1 innings. Kirk Clark pitched 1.2 innings of scoreless relief despite walking three batters, Garcia was charged with a blown save and Jose Trinidad got the loss. Domingo Santana was three-for-six with a triple and two RBIs. Jonathan Meyer also had three hits.

Albuquerque over Oklahoma City 11-9
This was another heartbreaker as Oklahoma City scored eight runs in the final two frames only to fall short in the end. Paul Clemens (L, 5-4) is still struggling to find consistency on the mound as he gave up eight runs on 11 hits, five runs courtesy of the long ball, although he did have eight strikeouts. Juan Abreu and Jonnathan Aristil gave up the final three runs in relief. The Redhawks really battled in the eighth and ninth getting all eight runs playing small ball. Scott Moore was two-for-four with a double, two RBIs and two runs scored; Landon Powell was one-for-one with a double and two RBIs; and Angel Sanchez was two-for-two with a double, an RBI and two runs scored. Brandon Barnes was one-for-four with an RBI and a walk in his season debut for Oklahoma City.

GAME OF THE DAY
Lexington over Hickory 6-4

What went right: Just a good old-fashioned team win.

Nick Tropeano wasn't exactly overwhelming the hitters in this one, but he kept Lexington in the game. Murilo Gouvea kept things under control in 1.2 innings and Jason Chowning sealed the deal in the ninth for his ninth save of the season. Zach Johnson hit a solo shot for his 52nd RBI of the season. Chris Epps hit a two run double.

Nick Tropeano (W, 3-3) - 6.1IP 12H 4R 0BB 4SO
Murilo Gouvea - 1.2IP 3H 0ER 0BB 2SO
Jason Chowning (S, 9) - 1IP 0H 0R 0BB 1SO

Zach Johnson - 1x3 HR RBI BB SO 2R
Matt Duffy - 2x4 2B SO R
Brandon Meredith - 2x5 2B SO R
Chris Epps - 1x4 2B 2RBI SO R

What went wrong: Delino DeShields (three strikeouts) and Justin Gominsky both had 0-fers.

PITCHER OF THE DAY
Jason Chowning got his ninth save of the season and lowered his ERA to 0.75 and his WHIP to 0.791. His strikeout rate is 13.5 SO/9 innings and his SO/BB ratio is 4.5. Why he is still at Lexington is a total mystery to me.

PLAYER OF THE DAY
I'll have to go with Domingo Santana who is hitting .333/.408/.714 over his last ten games.

Happy Birthday - 5/28

No future Astros, only former Astros with birthdays today ~

2B Bill Doran (54)
Doran was drafted in the sixth round in 1979 by Houston and played nine seasons for the Astros before being traded to the Reds in August of 1990. In 1165 games for Houston from 1982 to 1990, he hit .267/.355/.374. In 1987, he hit .283 while playing in all 162 games and leading the National League in fielding percentage for a second baseman.

2B/SS Rafael Landestoy (59)
Landestoy was signed by the Dodgers in 1972 out of the Dominican Republic and came to Houston in a July 1978 trade. He played for the Astros from July 1978 until he was traded in June 1981 to the Reds. In 372 games, he hit .250/.312/.315. His best season was 1979 when he hit .270 in 129 games.

C Skip Jutze (66)
Originally drafted by the Cardinals in the fourth round in 1968, Jutze came to Houston in a November 1972 trade and played for the Astros from 1973 to 1976. In 191 games, he hit .210/.250/.244.

Tweet of the Day

Mike Kvasnicka

First official tweet. The first of many, I guess. To both of my followers, don't get your hopes up...

Sunday, May 27, 2012

Roster Moves - 5/27

Oklahoma City
LHP Xavier Cedeno was called up to Houston to fill in for Fernando Abad who went on the DL with a strained right intercoastal.
The move of CF Brandon Barnes from Corpus Christi to Oklahoma City was made official.

Corpus Christi
According to Greg Rajan of the Corpus Christi Caller Times, OF T.J. Steele was released and IF Brandon Wikoff, who started the season on the disabled list, was activated from extended spring training and will be assigned to Corpus Christi.

Minor League Schedule and Results

SUNDAY'S GAMES

Springfield at Corpus Christi at 1:05 CST
Probable Pitchers: RHP Trevor Rosenthal (3-4, 2.81) and LHP Brett Oberholtzer (2-2, 5.36)
Available on MiLB.tv

Lexington at Hickory at 4:00 CST
Probable Pitchers: RHP Nick Tropeano (2-3, 2.73) and RHP Santo Perez (2-3, 6.16)

Lancaster at Lake Elsinore at 4:05 CST
Probable Pitchers: RHP Bobby Doran (4-3, 3.62) and RHP Matthew Andriese (3-3, 3.97)

Oklahoma City at Albuquerque at 7:05 CST
Probable Pitchers: RHP Paul Clemens (5-3, 5.84) and LHP Michael Antonini (1-2, 5.31)
Available on MiLB.tv

SATURDAY'S RESULTS

Hickory over Lexington 11-2
Jonas Dufek (4IP) and Euris Quezada (3IP) both got roughed up in this one, allowing ten earned runs between them. Even the normally reliable Dayan Diaz gave up a run in the final inning. Matt Duffy hit a solo home run. Delino DeShields, Justin Gominsky and Chan Moon each had two hits. DeShields had his third caught stealing in as many games. Ultimately, this one is best forgotten so let's do that and move on.

Albuquerque over Oklahoma City 7-4
Wes Musick (L, 0-1) hit a wall during his second AAA start, giving up six runs (five earned) on 11 hits over 5.2 innings. Adalberto Flores allowed the final run in his 1.1 innings and Jose Valdez pitched a perfect final frame. It was a quiet night for the Redhawks hitters with Fernando Martinez and J.B. Shuck getting the only extra base hits, each hitting a double. Shuck was three-for-three with a walk for the night.

Lancaster over Inland Empire 5-4 in 10 innings
David Martinez gave up four runs on eight hits over six innings pitched, but only two of the runs were earned thanks to an Alex Todd fielding error. Brian Streilein pitched three innings in relief allowing only one single and keeping the game tied. Pat Urckfitz and Jose Trinidad shared duties in the tenth with Trinidad getting the win as Rene Garcia hit a two-out single that scored Telvin Nash in the 10th for the win. There were several good nights at the plate with Telvin Nash hitting his 13th home run, George Springer hitting a two run triple, Jonathan Meyer and Ben Orloff having two-hit nights and Rene Garcia having three hits, including the game winning RBI.

GAME OF THE DAY
Corpus Christi over Springfield 6-5

What went right: According to Greg Rajan of the Corpus Christi Caller Times, this was the Hooks first win this season when trailing after six or seven innings, but there's a first time for everything.

Jose Cisnero seemed to have turned things around a bit in this start after struggling in his last few as he gave up two runs on five hits in five innings. Unfortunately, Alex Sogard had a tough night giving up three runs (two earned) in one inning and getting charged with a blown save. Fortunately, Josh Zeid pitched two terrific innings in which he gave up only one hit and Kevin Chapman got the win after pitching a perfect ninth. Brandon Barnes hit a solo home run in his finale with the Hooks before earning his promotion to Oklahoma City. Also hitting home runs were Jon Singleton (the two run variety) and Jonathan Villar (the walk off variety). Jake Goebbert was three-for-four on the night and Chris Wallace was three-for-three in his first game since being activated.

Jose Cisnero - 5IP 5H 2R 0BB 5SO HR
Alex Sogard - 1IP 3H 3R/2ER 0BB 2SO
Josh Zeid - 2IP 1H 0R 0BB 1SO
Kevin Chapman (W, 3-2) - 1IP 0H 0R 0BB

Jonathan Villar - 2x5 HR RBI SO 2R SB
Jon Singleton - 2x4 HR 2RBI R
Brandon Barnes - 1x4 HR RBI R
Jake Goebbert - 3x4 2R
Chris Wallace - 3x3  2B

What went wrong: Austin Wates was 0-5 (but with no strikeouts).

PITCHER OF THE DAY
Brian Streilein is my guy for holding Inland Empire to one hit over three innings of relief and giving Lancaster the opportunity to win the game.

PLAYER OF THE DAY
Rene Garcia gets the nod for a two-out extra-inning game-winning RBI single, his third hit of the night.

Happy Birthday - 5/27

No future Astros, only former Astros with birthdays today ~

1B Jeff Bagwell (44)
Originally drafted by Boston in the fourth round in 1989, Bagwell came to Houston in the infamous Larry Andersen trade in August 1990 and played his entire major league career from 1991 to 2005 as an Astro. In 15 seasons he hit .297/.408/.540 with 488 doubles, 32 triples, 449 home runs and 202 stolen bases. From Baseball-Reference, here are just some of his accomplishments:
  • 1991 NL Rookie of the Year Award
  • 4-time NL All-Star (1994, 1996, 1997 & 1999)
  • NL MVP (1994)
  • NL Gold Glove Winner (1994)
  • 3-time NL Silver Slugger Award Winner (1994, 1997 & 1999)
  • NL Slugging Percentage Leader (1994)
  • NL OPS Leader (1994)
  • 3-time NL Runs Scored Leader (1994, 1999 & 2000)
  • NL Total Bases Leader (1994)
  • NL Doubles Leader (1996)
  • NL RBI Leader (1994)
  • NL Bases on Balls Leader (1999)
  • 20-Home Run Seasons: 12 (1993-2004)
  • 30-Home Run Seasons: 9 (1994 & 1996-2003)
  • 40-Home Run Seasons: 3 (1997, 1999 & 2000)
  • 100 RBI Seasons: 8 (1994, 1996-2001 & 2003)
  • 100 Runs Scored Seasons: 9 (1994, 1996-2001, 2003 & 2004)
Anyone who doubts that this man belongs in the Hall of Fame doesn't deserve to vote for the honor.

MGR Terry Collins (63)
Collins managed the Astros from 1994 to 1996 and compiled a 224-197 record with the team finishing in second place each of his three seasons. He is currently managing the New York Mets.

One more birthday today ~


Your friendly neighborhood blogger seen here with birthday boy Jeff Bagwell in September 2010 celebrates a birthday today as well, but I'd rather not say which one if you don't mind (but I'm somewhere between Jeff and Terry).

Tweet of the Day

Rafael Valenzuela

Another great win boys!! Come from behind two nights in a row.. Whoops!! 

Saturday, May 26, 2012

Roster Moves - 5/26

Oklahoma City
OF Justin Ruggiano was traded to the Miami Marlins for C Jobduan Morales.
UPDATED TO ADD: CF Brandon Barnes was promoted from Corpus Christi to Oklahoma City.

Corpus Christi
C Chris Wallace activated from the temporary inactive list.
2B J.C. Thompson was released.


Minor League Schedule and Results

SATURDAY'S GAMES

Lexington at Hickory at 5:00 CST
Probable Pitchers: RHP Jonas Dufek (1-0, 4.76) and RHP Nicholas Martinez (1-1, 4.26)

Springfield at Corpus Christi at 7:05 CST
Probable Pitchers: RHP Seth Maness (1-0, 0.00) and RHP Jose Cisnero (2-5, 5.59)
Available on MiLB.tv

Oklahoma City at Albuquerque at 8:05 CST
Probable Pitchers: LHP Wes Musick (0-0, 3.00) and RHP John Ely (3-3, 3.64)
Available on MiLB.tv

Inland Empire at Lancaster at 9:00 CST
Probable Pitchers: RHP Manny Correa (3-2, 2.93) and RHP David Martinez (1-3, 6.55)

FRIDAY'S RESULTS

Hickory over Lexington 8-7
This one started off so well with Zach Johnson hitting a two run first inning homer, but Luis Cruz got picked on by the Hickory hitters, giving up six runs on nine hits. But it was Nate Pettus, not Cruz, who got pegged with the loss as the Legends battled back to tie it in the eighth thanks in large part to a two run Mike Kvasnicka home run, only to fall short the next inning. Zach Johnson was three-for-four with two RBIs (his 50th and 51st); Matt Duffy was two-for-five; Chris Epps also hit a two run home run; and Delino DeShields stole his 31st bag and got caught stealing for the third time. Justin Gominsky also stole two bases. Pettus and Duffy had fielding errors and Roberto Pena had a throwing error.

Oklahoma City over Albuquerque 10-4
Mickey Storey (W, 2-2) did a nice job in his second spot start for the Redhawks giving up three runs on eight hits over five innings. Sergio Perez and Xavier Cedeno took it the rest of the way. Brad Snyder was three-for-five with two bombs and a stolen base, and Landon Powell hit a three run shot. Jimmy Paredes and Angel Sanchez both had two hits for the night and Paredes stole his 15th base.

Lancaster over Inland Empire 4-3 in 11 innings
Ruben Alaniz went five innings and gave up three runs on eight hits, followed by a very strong 3.2 innings from Andrew Robinson. Pat Urckfitz got the final out in the ninth and kept it tied so that Kirk Clark could pitch two extra innings for the win. Lancaster's comeback in the bottom of the ninth was an unlikely outcome given the circumstances. After cutting Inland Empire's lead to one on a Rafy Valenzuela home run, his first of the season, the JetHawks were down to their final out. A Ben Orloff walk, a George Springer single, a wild pitch to advance the runners and another wild pitch on a strikeout by Adam Bailey to get Ben Orloff home tied the game. In the 11th, a two out single by Orloff brought Valenzuela home to seal the deal. Valenzuela had a great night, going three-for-four with a double and a home run. Jonathan Meyer and Rene Garcia had two hits each.

GAME OF THE DAY
Corpus Christi over Arkansas 7-2

What went right: Excellent pitching and the Jon Singleton show.

Ross Seaton had another great outing, this time holding the opposing hitters to two runs on three hits over seven innings. Arecenio Leon and Jason Stoffel kept the door firmly shut in relief. Jon Singleton enjoyed hitting a two run home run in the first inning so much that he decided to add on a three run home run in the fifth just for grins. Brandon Barnes added a solo shot in the seventh. Austin Wates and Jonathan Villar also had nice nights at the plate. While you were watching Jon Singleton go yard, Villar has quietly gotten his average up to .262, hitting .372 in his last 10 games.

Ross Seaton (W, 4-3) - 7IP 3H 2R 2BB 5SO
Arcenio Leon - 1IP 1H 0R 0BB
Jason Stoffel - 1IP 0H 0R 0BB

Austin Wates - 2x5 SB
Jonathan Villar - 3x5 RBI SO R
Jon Singleton - 2x4 2HR 5RBI 2R
Brandon Barnes - 1x3 HR RBI BB 2SO R SB

What went wrong: Kody Hinze and Ryan McCurdy both had 0-fers.

PITCHER OF THE DAY
Over his last four starts, Ross Seaton is 3-0 with a 1.67 ERA and a 1.037 WHIP. He's not just my pitcher of the day; he's on the short list for pitcher of the month.

PLAYER OF THE DAY
Jon Singleton's two home runs and five RBIs make this one easy for me.

Happy Birthday - 5/26

No future Astros, only former Astros with birthdays today ~

LHP Rob Murphy (52)
A first round pick by Cincinnati in 1981, Mahoney came to Houston as a free agent in January 1992 and played just that one season for Houston. In 59 games pitched he was 3-1 with a 4.04 ERA and a 1.383 WHIP.

SS Jim Mahoney (78)
Mahoney came from Cleveland prior to the 1963 season and only played in five major league games for Houston in 1965. Those games proved to be his final major league games although he continued to play for various minor league teams until 1970.

Tweet of the Day

Kirk Clark

Big W tonight! Walkoff by captain orloff! 

Friday, May 25, 2012

Minor League Schedule and Results

FRIDAY'S GAMES

Lexington at Hickory at 6:00 CST
Probable Pitchers: LHP Luis Cruz (4-1, 2.50) and TBD

Arkansas at Corpus Christi at 7:05 CST
Probable Pitchers: RHP A.J. Schugel (2-4, 3.04) and RHP Ross Seaton (3-3, 3.48)
Available on MiLB.tv

Oklahoma City at Albuquerque at 8:05 CST
Probable Pitchers: RHP Mickey Storey (1-2, 5.40) and RHP Stephen Fife (3-3, 5.32)
Available on MiLB.tv

Inland Empire at Lancaster at 9:00 CST
Probable Pitchers: LHP Max Russell (2-4, 4.50) and RHP Ruben Alaniz (4-1, 3.75)

THURSDAY'S RESULTS

Game 1: Oklahoma City over Colorado Springs 7-4
Jordan Lyles only pitched two innings (33 pitches) which presumably leaves him open to start in one of the Astros doubleheader games in Colorado on Monday on short rest. He gave up two hits, including a solo home run. Aneury Rodriguez pitched the next 3.2 innings, giving up three runs on five hits with no walks, two strikeouts and a home run. Rodriguez got the win and David Carpenter got a four out save (his first), allowing only one hit. Oklahoma City had 10 hits, including a Ruggiano home run and a Scott Moore double (both went two-for-four); Fernando Martinez was three-for-four with a caught stealing.

Corpus Christi over Arkansas 13-4
It wasn't exactly smooth sailing for Jarred Cosart, with 12 hits, a hit batter and a balk, but he held on through seven innings for the win. Kevin Chapman and Henry Villar pitched the final two innings of scoreless relief. And the Hooks batters brought their big boy bats, particularly Jose Martinez (three-for-five with two doubles, a home run and three RBIs), Jon Singleton (four-for-five with a home run and four RBIs), and Ryan McCurdy (two-for-four with a double and a grand slam).

Game 2: Colorado Springs over Oklahoma City 9-2
I'm not sure what's going on with Dallas Keuchel (L, 4-4) in his last couple of starts, but they have not been pretty. In Keuchel's first seven appearances, he gave up a total of 13 earned runs. In his last two starts, he's given up 19 earned runs. Keuchel only lasted 3.2 innings in this one with Juan Abreu, Adalberto Flores and Jonnathan Aristil taking it the rest of the way. Scott Moore was two-for-three, Fernando Martinez and Brett Wallace both doubled and Brad Snyder hit a solo home run.

Inland Empire over Lancaster 12-6
Inland Empire jumped all over starter Jorge de Leon as he gave up six runs (four earned) on six hits over two innings. Three fielding errors and back to back home runs didn't help his cause. Zach Grimmett fared a tad bit better over five innings of relief; unfortunately, he pitched 5.1 innings and that last third of an inning was his undoing as he ended the night with six runs on eight hits. Jose Trinidad had clean up duty. Domingo Santana was two-for-three with a double, home run (his third in the last two games), two RBIs and scored three runs. Erick Castro and Jonathan Meyer also had two hits for the night.

GAME OF THE DAY
Lexington over Hickory 7-3

What went right: Solid pitching and solid hitting.

Mike Foltynewicz has spoiled me. I found myself disappointed that, despite the fact that he got his sixth win, he only just had a quality start. Three runs allowed. Pffft. Not acceptable. Seriously, though, I would like to see him get stretched out a bit. He's only pitched more than six innings once. Carlos Quevedo pitched two scoreless innings of relief and Jason Chowning closed it out with a scoreless frame. The Legends had thirteen hits, including a two-run home run by Roberto Pena and a triple by Delino DeShields, six walks and three stolen bases (and only one of those was DeShields).

Mike Foltynewicz (W, 6-1) - 6IP 7H 3R 2BB 7SO
Carlos Quevedo - 2IP 1H 0R 0BB 2SO
Jason Chowning - 1IP 0H 0R 0BB 1SO (0.78 ERA & 0.826 WHIP)

Delino DeShields - 2x3 3B RBI 2BB 2R SB(30th) CS(2nd)
Jordan Scott - 3x4 RBI BB SB CS
Zach Johnson - 0x5 RBI(48th) SO
Matt Duffy - 2x4 BB 2R SB
Roberto Pena - 1x5 HR 2RBI R
Chris Epps - 2x5 2RBI SO
Jimmy Howick - 2x4 2-2B R

What went wrong: Zach Johnson and Brandon Meredith both had 0-fers, but Johnson still managed an RBI and Meredith walked and scored a run.

PITCHER OF THE DAY
No one really blew me away, but I'll go with David Carpenter for getting a four-out save, his first of the season.

PLAYER OF THE DAY
Ryan McCurdy gets some love for hitting his first professional home run and doing it right with a grand slam.

Happy Birthday - 5/25

RF Brad Snyder (30)
Originally drafted by Cleveland in the first round in 2003, Snyder signed with Houston as a free agent in the offseason in 2011 after playing with both the Cleveland and Chicago organizations.  He is currently hitting .295/.391/.589 for Oklahoma City.

RHP Jarred Cosart (22)
Cosart was a 38th round draft pick by the Phillies in 2008, going in the lower rounds primarily because of signability issues. He came to Houston in July 2011 along with Jon Singleton, Josh Zeid and Domingo Santana in the Hunter Pence trade. In seven starts at Corpus Christi, Cosart is 3-2 with a 3.79 ERA and a 1.684 WHIP.

Former Astros with birthdays today ~

LHP Bob Knepper (58)
A second round draft pick by the Giants in 1972, Knepper came to Houston in December of 1980 as a part of  the Giant's trade for Enos Cabell. He pitched for Houston from 1981 to 1989 with a 93-100 record, a 3.66 ERA and a 1.306 WHIP in 284 games (267 starts). His best season for the Astros was in 1986 when he went 17-12 with a 3.14 ERA and a 1.140 WHIP. He was an All Star for Houston in 1981 and 1988, and let the National League in shutouts in 1978 and 1986 (for the Giants and Astros, respectively).

SS Miguel Tejada (38 as far as I know)
Originally signed by Oakland out of the Dominican Republic in 1993, Tejada came to Houston in a December 2007 trade with the Orioles for Luke Scott, Dennis Sarfate, Matt Albers, Troy Patton and Mike Costanzo one day before being named in the Mitchell Report in connection with steroids. He played in 316 games for Houston in 2008 and 2009, hitting .298/.327/.435. He was an All Star six times, won the Silver Slugger two times, was American League MVP in 2002, among many other notable achievements during his career.




Tweet of the Day

Alex Sogard

Big Props to McCurdy on his 1st pro bomb! He did it big by going Granny style   

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Minor League Schedule and Results

THURSDAY'S GAMES


Game 1: Oklahoma City at Colorado Springs at 5:05 CST
Probable Pitchers: RHP Jordan Lyles (5-0, 3.49) and LHP Drew Pomeranz (2-0, 0.00)
Available on MiLB.tv


Lexington at Hickory at 6:00 CST
Probable Pitchers: RHP Mike Foltynewicz (5-1, 2.15) and LHP Victor Payano (3-2, 3.57)

Arkansas at Corpus Christi at 7:05 CST
Probable Pitchers: RHP Eddie McKiernan (3-2, 1.47) and RHP Jarred Cosart (2-2, 3.48)
Available on MiLB.tv


Game 2: Oklahoma City at Colorado Springs
Probable Pitchers: LHP Dallas Keuchel (4-3, 3.75) and RHP Guillermo Moscoso (2-3, 5.40)
Available on MiLB.tv


Inland Empire at Lancaster at 9:00 CST
Probable Pitchers: LHP Ryan Crowley (0-2, 4.76) and RHP Jorge de Leon (0-3, 7.77)

WEDNESDAY'S RESULTS

Corpus Christi over Arkansas 9-5
Jake Buchanan (W, 2-3) was two outs away from a complete game, but with two runs in, the bases loaded and only one out in the top of the ninth, he was pulled for Josh Zeid. Zeid proceeded to allow two more runners to score on wild pitches before getting the last two outs on strikeouts. The good news is that the offense, which has been largely stifled as of late, came out with a vengeance, banging out 14 hits with two home runs (Jonathan Villar and Brandon Barnes) and two doubles (Austin Wates and Jon Singleton). Brandon Barnes was three-for-four with a three-run home run.

Oklahoma City - Rain out

Lancaster - Off Day

GAME OF THE DAY
Lexington over West Virginia 4-0

What went right: An excellent start by Ordosgoitti and a bullpen in lockdown mode.

In his fourth start since being called up, Luis Ordosgoitti lowered his ERA from 8.49 to 5.21 as the 19-year old attempts to show that he belongs at this level. Murilo Gouvea and Dayan Diaz pitched the final 1.2 innings to complete the shutout. Matt Duffy and Mike Kvasnicka both went two-for-four. Duffy had two RBIs and a double. Jordan Scott hit a triple and had an outfield assist.

Luis Ordosgoitti (W, 1-1) - 7.1IP 4H 0R 3BB 4SO
Murilo Gouvea - 0.2IP 0H 0R 1BB
Dayan Diaz - 1IP 0H 0R 2BB 2SO

Delino DeShields - 1x5 RBI SO
Jordan Scott - 1x4 3B SO R
Matt Duffy - 2x4 2B 2RBI R
Mike Kvasnicka - 2x4 SO R

What went wrong: No stolen bases from Delino DeShields and no RBIs from Zach Johnson. Slackers! (For the humor impaired, that's a joke.)

PITCHER OF THE DAY
Luis Ordosgoitti gets his first win at Lexington and his first Pitcher of the Day award from WTHB. The excitement is almost palpable!

PLAYER OF THE DAY
Brandon Barnes continues to prove that his hot start at Corpus isn't a fluke. After 41 games, he is hitting .320/.382/.549.

Happy Birthday - 5/24

RHP Henry Villar (25)
Signed as a non-drafted free agent out of the Dominican Republic in 2005, Villar has had mixed results at Corpus Christi so far this season. In seven games (two starts), he is 2-2 with a 7.50 ERA and a 1.444 WHIP, but he has fared considerably better as a reliever - 2-0 with a 4.50 ERA and a 1.083 WHIP.  In 2010, he made eight appearances for the big club with a 4.50 ERA and a 1.333 WHIP.

One former Astro with a birthday today ~

2B Mike Richardt (54)
A first round draft pick by the Rangers in 1978, Richardt came to Houston in a trade in 1984. Richardt only had 15 plate appearances in 16 games for Houston in 1984 and hit .267/.267/.333.


Tweet of the Day

Andy Simunic

Great performance by  tonight on the bump and glad to see  display the power stroke 

Roster Moves - 5/23

Oklahoma City
SS Diory Hernandez was released by the Astros. In 44 at bats, he was hitting .159/.240/.159.

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

An Interview with 2B Delino DeShields, Jr.

Delino DeShields, Jr. was the Astros first round draft pick in 2010 out of Woodward Academy in College Park, Georgia. He is in his third professional season at the ripe old age of 19 and is playing for the Lexington Legends LoA team. He is currently hitting .241/.361/.333 with seven doubles, one triple, two home runs and 15 RBIs, and has walked 28 times while striking out 40 times. He leads the South Atlantic League with 29 stolen bases and is tied for fifth in the league with 33 runs scored. If Delino played in all of the remaining games for Lexington, he is on a pace to steal 95 bases this season. He has been caught once.

When I was in Lexington last month, I saw two Delinos. Off the field, he was quiet, thoughtful and observant, taking in everything around him. On the field, he was still thoughtful and observant, but there was nothing quiet about him. His diving catches on defense and his relentless approach on the basepaths did his talking for him.

Delino DeShields, Jr. April 2012
After stealing second and third

WTH: I know that last season your focus was more on the defensive end and really learning to play second base. By all accounts from your teammates and coaches, your defense is night and day from last season. How do you feel about your progress as a defensive player? What are you still working on in that regard?

DD: I feel like I progressed a lot from when I first started. I've been trying to stay focused, put in the necessary work so that one day I'll be great. I know I still have a long way to go. I still have unmet goals that I've set for myself but if I keep putting in the work I believe that I will get to where I want to be soon enough.

WTH: To what do you attribute your improvement at the plate this season? How would you describe yourself as a hitter? What are you working on?

DD: After last year, I have a better idea of what the level of dedication and commitment to professional ball is about. I know my strengths now and I've dedicated this year to work on my weaknesses at the plate. I would describe myself as a guy who will do anything to get on base. If that means driving the ball gap to gap or laying down a bunt, then that's what I have to do. I have some pop in the bat to knock it out of the park occasionally and if the situation is right I can do my job.

WTH: You were an equally talented football player in high school. Was the decision to pick baseball over football a difficult one?

DD: Not necessarily. Please don't get me wrong, I love football but I had to look at the big picture. I wanted to go to college to play football, however I didn't have plans on playing in the NFL. Going to college to play football would have been more recreational than anything and I didn't the feel the pros outweighed the cons if I went that route. The Big Picture for me has always be about getting to the Big Leagues so it made sense to go ahead and put all my eggs in one basket and get started in pursuing my career. So really, at the end of the day it wasn't a tough decision for me.

WTH: How are you like your father as an athlete/baseball player? How are you different?

DD: Dad and I are similar in a lot of ways. We both were very talented athletes in high school. We both can run and we have similar playing styles. The main difference that I think we have is that I have more 'thunder' than he does at the plate.

WTH: I read an article recently that you had tweeted a link to about the dwindling number of black athletes pursuing baseball. What would you do if you were the Commissioner of Baseball to change that?

BB: I really can't say what I would do if I were the commissioner but as a person and a baseball player who loves this game, if given the opportunity to make it in the Big Leagues, I would try to give young black athletes somewhere where they could play and showcase their talents. Baseball just happens to be one of those sports that can be very expensive, especially when you factor in all the costs that come with traveling on the competitive level. Some people can't afford it and it's not necessarily fair.

WTH: Do you feel added pressure as a first round draft pick?

DD: I did initially, because I was only 17 years old. Now that I'm a little older, there's still pressure, but I've grown to learn that as much as I would like to, I can't possibly please everyone all the time. I just have to play for me and my team. And people just look at numbers, but it's not always about numbers -- it's about the little things that we do to help the team win.

WTH: Can you tell me something about yourself that most people don't know and that might surprise them?

DD: I love playing the guitar. It relaxes me when I'm not playing baseball. Music for me is very therapeutic.

Thanks for your time Delino. Keep stealing those bases and getting that uniform good and dirty!

Minor League Schedule and Results

WEDNESDAY'S GAMES

West Virginia at Lexington at 6:05 CST
Probable Pitchers: RHP Robbie Rowland (0-0, 9.00) and RHP Luis Ordosgoitti (0-1, 8.49)
Available on MiLB.tv

Oklahoma City at Colorado Springs at 7:05 CST
Probable Pitchers: RHP Aneury Rodriguez (1-4, 4.89) and LHP Drew Pomerantz (2-0, 0.00)
Available on MiLB.tv

Arkansas at Corpus Christi at 7:05 CST
Probable Pitchers: RHP Orangel Arenas (2-3, 3.59) and RHP Jake Buchanan (1-3, 5.80)
Available on MiLB.tv

Lancaster - Off Day

TUESDAY'S RESULTS

High Desert over Lancaster 12-8
Tyson Perez (L, 3-1) wasn't able to recreate the phenomenal success of his first three starts as he went to the mound for the fourth time for Lancaster. In 5.1 innings, he gave up six runs on nine hits. Five of Perez' runs came via the long ball. Brian Streilein and Kirk Clark also struggled to be effective, allowing another six runs over the next 2.2 innings. Brad Dydalewicz was the only pitcher not to get mauled as he pitched the final frame. The ball was flying out of the park as the teams combined to hit eight home runs for the day. Down 12-3 going in to the bottom of the eighth, the JetHawks at least made it interesting, scoring five runs in the eighth, including back to back to back solo home runs by George Springer, Adam Bailey (3x5) and Domingo Santana (his second of the day) but the deficit proved to be too great to overcome.

Lexington over West Virginia 3-2
Nick Tropeano deserved a better fate than a no decision, but that's what he got with the blown save from Carlos Quevedo (who went on to get the win). Tropeano pitched 6.1 innings, giving up four hits and a run (on a runner Quevedo allowed to score) with no walks and eight strikeouts. The pitching staff didn't have much room for error as Lexington only had three hits. Thankfully one of those hits was a two run home run by Drew Muren which proved to be the game winner. Five walks and two stolen bases (including Delino Deshields 29th) helped the Legends cause; Zach Johnson got an RBI (his 48th) on a ground out thanks to two walks, a wild pitch and a stolen base in front of him. Jason Chowning got his eighth save, giving up one hit with three strikeouts.

Corpus Christi - Off Day

GAME OF THE DAY
Oklahoma City over Colorado Springs 9-5

What went right: Long balls from Jimmy Paredes, Brett Wallace and Brad Snyder.

Paul Clemens wasn't exactly overpowering in his start, but it didn't matter as his offense came to the rescue with three-run home runs from Brett Wallace and Brad Snyder and a solo shot by Jimmy Paredes. The bullpen only allowed one run over the final four innings. In addition to some great hitting, Paredes stole a pair of bags and Fernando Martinez added a couple of outfield assists to the mix. It was a solid team effort.

Paul Clemens (W, 5-3) - 5IP 8H 4R 1BB 4SO
Sergio Perez - 1IP 2H 1R 1BB
Xavier Cedeno - 2IP 0H 0R 3SO
David Carpenter - 1IP 1H 0R

Jimmy Paredes - 2x5 HR RBI SO 2R SB
Fernando Martinez - 1x4 2B BB 2SO 2R
Scott Moore - 3x3 2B 2RBI BB R
Brett Wallace - 1x4 HR 3RBI 2SO 2R
Brad Snyder - 1x1 HR 3RBI R
Landon Powell - 2x3 BB SO

What went wrong: Brian Bixler was 0-for-6 with three strikeouts, but since he is still hitting .331, I'll overlook it.

PITCHER OF THE DAY
I'm going to declare a tie. Nick Tropeano pitched extremely well and should have gotten the win. Jason Chowning got his eighth save; he has no walks and 19 strikeouts in his last seven appearances.

PLAYER OF THE DAY
Brad Snyder gets the glory for a pinch hit three run jack.

Happy Birthday - 5/23

No future Astros, only former Astros with birthdays today ~

SS Ricky Gutierrez (42)
A first round draft pick by Baltimore in 1988, Gutierrez came to Houston in this megatrade:
December 28, 1994: Traded by the San Diego Padres with Derek Bell, Doug Brocail, Pedro Martinez, Phil Plantier and Craig Shipleyto the Houston Astros for a player to be named later, Ken Caminiti, Andujar Cedeno, Steve Finley, Roberto Petagine and Brian Williams. The Houston Astros sent Sean Fesh (minors) (May 1, 1995) to the San Diego Padres to complete the trade.
He played for Houston from 1995 to 1999, hitting .266/.337/.340 over 469 games.

Saarloos was drafted by Houston in the third round in 2001 and pitched for Houston in 2002 and 2003 before being traded to Oakland for Chad Harville in April of 2004. In 53 games (21 starts), Saarloos was 8-8 with a 5.61 ERA and a 1.478 WHIP.

Originally drafted by Houston in the eighth round in 1999 as a shortstop, Sampson had retired in 2000 and gone on to coach baseball for Collin College in Plano where he came to realize his potential as a pitcher. After contacting the Astros and being given a tryout, he was signed to a minor league contract in 2003. Sampson went on to pitch in 174 games (33 starts) for Houston from 2006 to 2010 with a 20-15 record, a 4.42 ERA and a 1.330 WHIP.







Tweet of the Day


Josh Zeid@Josh_Zeid14
Ping pong by the pool on our day off w

pic.twitter.com/F1eP9n6E

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Roster Moves

Lexington
2B John Hinson placed on the 7-day disabled list.
1B Jesse Wierzbicki assigned from extended spring training to Lexington.

Minor League Schedule and Results

TUESDAY'S GAMES

High Desert at Lancaster at 1:00 CST
Probable Pitchers: LHP Cameron Hobson (0-1, 11.57) and RHP Tyson Perez (3-0, 1.35)

West Virginia at Lexington at 6:05 CST
Probable Pitchers: TBD
Available on MiLB.tv

Oklahoma City at Colorado Springs at 7:05 CST
Probable Pitchers: RHP Paul Clemens (4-3, 5.67) and RHP Edgar Gonzalez (2-1, 4.99)
Available on MiLB.tv

MONDAY'S RESULTS
West Virginia over Lexington 4-3
Jonas Dufek pitched a solid seven innings giving up three runs with no big innings, but Murilo Gouvea gave up one run in then tied game and was charged with the loss. Zach Johnson was 2x3 with another RBI, his 47th of the season. To put things in perspective, if Johnson played in all remaining 97 games for Lexington, he is on a pace for 158 RBIs. And Delino DeShields, who stole his 28th base and scored two runs, is on a pace to steal 94 bases.

Oklahoma City over Colorado Springs 5-3
Wes Musick fared extremely well in his AAA debut as he pitched six innings, giving up two runs on six hits with one walk and two strikeouts. Adalberto Flores pitched two innings getting a blown save and a win and Jose Valdez got the save, his tenth of the season. After four home runs in the previous game, the Redhawks won this one playing small ball as Brett Wallace contributed the only extra base hit of the evening, a double, as he went 2x4. J.B. Shuck and Jimmy Paredes were both 3x5 for the night. Paredes is now hitting .329. Fernando Martinez and Mike Hessman each had two RBIs.

High Desert over Lancaster 8-2
Starter Bobby Doran (L, 4-3) was cruising along nicely until he got to the seventh inning. With one out, one run in and two baserunners on, Doran was pulled for Andrew Robinson who allowed both of Doran's runners to score plus added two of his own for good measure before mercifully inducing a double play to end the inning. At that point the damage was done and the JetHawks' four hits were not enough to get them back in the game. DH Erik Castro hit a solo home run, his seventh of the season.

GAME OF THE DAY
Corpus Christi over Midland 5-2

What went right: Great nights for Brett Oberholtzer and Jonathan Villar.

Thanks to a great start by Brett Oberholtzer, Corpus Christi had a shutout going until the eighth inning. With two outs in the eighth inning, Kevin Chapman was pulled for Arcenio Leon after allowing a single and a walk. Leon allowed a single, hit a batter and issued a bases loaded walk without recording any outs which led to Erick Abreu coming in to get a four out save, his first save of the season. The Hooks got 11 hits and four of those belonged to Jonathan Villar. Brandon Barnes had the only extra base hit, a double.

Brett Oberholtzer (W, 2-2) - 6IP 8H 0R 1BB 9SO
Kevin Chapman - 1.2IP 1H 2R 1BB 2SO
Arcenio Leon - 0.0IP 1H 1BB
Erick Abreu (S, 1) - 1.1IP 0H 0R 0BB 2SO

Jonathan Villar - 4x5 RBI SO R SB
Jose Martinez - 2x4 RBI SO
Brandon Barnes - 1x4 2B SO R

What went wrong: Kody Hinze was 0x3 with a walk and three strikeouts as he continues his struggles at the plate. He is currently hitting .213 for the season.

PITCHER OF THE DAY
Brett Oberholtzer gets the nod.

PLAYER OF THE DAY
Jonathan Villar. After a 4x5 night, he now has his average up to .247 and he's hitting .333 over his last 10 games. Good to see!

No Birthdays Today ...

So I thought I'd share another episode of T. Sean Shannon's Baseball Card Theatre. Enjoy!




Tweet of the Day

Andy Simunic

Rookie karaoke not a bad way to start this trip back home

Roster Moves

Oklahoma City
RHP Jordan Lyles optioned from Houston to Oklahoma City.
RHP Enerio del Rosario recalled from Oklahoma City to Houston.
The previously reported LHP Wes Musick move from Corpus Christi to OKC was also confirmed.

Also, according to a tweet from Joe Witkowski, 1B Jesse Wierzbicki is headed to Lexington, but this information HAS NOT been confirmed yet.

Monday, May 21, 2012

An Interview with Lancaster Closer Kirk Clark

RHP Kirk Clark was signed as a non-drafted free agent in 2009 and recently surpassed the 50 save mark for the Astros organization. At Lancaster this season, he has a 2-1 record with a 2.76 ERA, a 1.163 WHIP and five saves in 15 games.

WTH: First things first. Since the Lancaster games aren't available on MiLB.tv, I've never gotten the opportunity to see you pitch. If I got that chance, what would I see? What are your best pitches? Velocity? Movement?

KC: Well the first thing you'll notice is that I'll be the aggressor. I'm going to go after hitters. I'm not gonna just let em get a free base. I'm going to challenge them with strikes. My arsenal consists of a fastball that just hovers at 90 with some good movement. My next pitch is a circle change up that when it's on looks like a split. Thirdly, is a curve I've been working on this season.

WTH: I know it's still early in the season (and that bullpen ERAs are subject to a lot of volatility), but your ERA and WHIP so far this season are substantially better than last season. To what do you attribute that? Have you just figured out how to be more effective in the tough environs of Lancaster?

KC: My thought process is just to go after hitters no matter what the conditions are here in California. If I get hit, it's gonna be because I fell behind or made a bad pitch. I've been just working a lot on locating and not giving teams free bases. It's also easy when I have a great defensive team behind me as well. I feel confident if or when they put the ball in play, that the play will be made.

WTH: Speaking of Lancaster, I have a theory. It seems to me that if a pitcher has decent command to start with, Lancaster can actually help him become a better pitcher as he fine-tunes his command. In other words, he has to pitch, not just throw. Am I on to something or am I just full of it?

KC: You are on to something. You can't just gear up and throw fastballs by people here. Hitters are always looking for something out over the plate that they can drive. You have to be able to read people's swings [both] when someone else is pitching or in the middle of an at bat. Not always is a well executed pitch going to work in your favor but most of the time it will.

WTH: I also noticed that you aren't striking out as many batters so far this season. Is that by design, trying to get more groundball outs? [The day I sent Clark this question, he struck out the side that night.]

KC: I usually don't pay attention to strike outs. As long as I'm doing my job by getting outs and winning games, that's way more important to me. ... [If] I'm throwing a lot of strikes or pitches that look like strikes coming out of my hand, [it] makes hitters antsy [that I will be] around the zone so [they had] better be ready early in the count. And as I said before, the defense has been great making plays for me as well so I know when I pitch to contact, they'll be ready to make the play for me.

WTH: You haven't gotten a lot of save opportunities so far this season. Are you being used in a different role? [At the time I asked this question, Clark only have three saves; he's gotten two additional saves since.]

KC: I've been in games where I'd come into games in the 7th, 8th, or 9th. I really don't think about getting save opportunities. I just think about doing my job no matter what it is and putting our team in a good spot to win.

WTH: As someone who was signed as a non-drafted free agent, what can you do to set yourself apart?

KC: To be honest I don't think about being a NDFA. As long as you produce, do your job, and work your butt off, you'll get the same opportunities as anyone. You just have to come out guns blazing all the time and compete. Some days you'll get beat, some days you'll beat yourself, some days you'll do your job. You just have to be consistent in what you do.

WTH: I understand that you pitched in the Alaskan Summer League a while back. Can you tell me a little about that experience?

KC: Well the Alaska summer league was amazing! Just imagine playing ball games at 10 pm and not having to worry about lights. It's gorgeous. It's 75-80 everyday with no humidity. It was a great experience. The people up there are also just amazing. Everyone was extremely friendly and would always lend a hand if you needed any help. Go glacier pilots! And ... it [was also ...] so much fun because we had a bunch of great guys on the team and we became great friends.

Thanks for your time Kirk. I hope to see you in Corpus soon!