Friday, July 31, 2015

Astros Minor League Recaps

Results for Wednesday, July 29, and Thursday, July 30, 2015

Better late than never, I always say.

I'm going to do these recaps a little differently. But first, let me start off with a few words.

Looking at the reaction to Jayne's reaction to the trade that saw Brett Phillips, Josh Hader, Domingo Santana, and Adrian Houser traded to Milwaukee for Carlos Gomez and Michael Fiers last night was incredibly disappointing and also made my blood boil.

As far as the Major League club is concerned, Jayne is not oblivious to the process. She knows that trades happen, and players who are untouchable to her will likely leave, as well.  To see her being patronized and mocked because she actually gives a shit (pardon my language) about the players who were being sent to Milwaukee was completely uncalled for. Why does the fact that she roots for the Minor League players in the Astros system bother you so much? Jayne also roots for the person, in addition to the player. We're all Astros fans. Some of us root for them in different ways. For some reason, this last statement is a source of irritation for a segment of Astros Twitter.

Ever since I stumbled across this site years ago, my interest in the Minors has skyrocketed. I know that the ultimate goal is a World Series, and I know that improving the Major League club takes precedent. But, I take great pleasure in tracking the progress of all the Minor Leaguers in the organization. If they win a Midwest League title along the way, that's pretty neat, too. They worked their butts off to win it, and I think that deserves some recognition. We all know the top prospects, but I prefer rooting for the late-round success stories like Tyler White, and I think there are a couple more such stories in the making with Keegan Yuhl and Steve Naemark. I know the vast majority of them will never make it to Houston, but I still follow regardless.

Oh crap, I'll probably be accused of having some type of prospect attachment by said segment of Astros Twitter now....

Although I never got to see 3 of the 4 players involved in yesterday's trade, it was obvious, from Jayne's interviews of all 4 of them, that they were good players and even better men. Better than the moronic haters, for sure. Brett, Domingo, Josh, and Adrian will all be missed, and I wish them nothing but the best for the future.... even if they have to play for Bud Selig's team now. This last paragraph is about 70% sarcastic.

The lesson I learned from last night is that prospect attachment is apparently taboo on Astros Twitter. Hooks fans, don't get too torn up the day A.J. Reed gets promoted to Fresno (or leaves Corpus, in general). You'll be torn apart by a segment of Astros Twitter. 

Alright, now that that's done, I will begin the regularly scheduled recaps. Like I said at the beginning, these will be a little different from the usual multi-day recaps.

Fresno

The Grizzlies split the first 2 games of their series in Reno, losing 10-4 on Wednesday and winning 10-7 on Thursday. 

Domingo Santana, in his final game as a member of the Astros organization, ripped a 2-run double in the 1st inning of Wednesday's game. The Grizz were up 4-1 after the 2nd that night, but the Aces closed that game on a 9-0 run.

It was a tough night on the mound for Mike Hauschild, who allowed 6 runs on 8 hits (solo and 3-run homers), walked 2, and struck out 2 in 4.2 innings.

On Thursday, Fresno pounded out 17 hits and a 5-run 2nd turned out to be huge for them. L.J. Hoes went 3-6 with 2 steals (14) and an RBI single in that 2nd inning. Joe Sclafani also had 3 hits; he had a sac fly in the 2nd and a couple of RBI singles in the 3rd and the 7th. Jonathan Villar finished 2-6 and both of his hits were RBI singles, coming in the 2nd and the 9th. Villar was a terror on the bases as he stole 2, including a theft of home in the 2nd. He now has 17 stolen bases in Fresno. Tyler White ripped an RBI double in the 4th and whacked a solo shot in the 8th, his 3rd with Fresno and 10th of the season.

Asher Wojciechowski went 6 innings and allowed 4 runs on 6 hits (2 solo homers), walked 1, and struck out 4. James Hoyt slammed the door shut for his 5th save of the season, striking out 1 in a 1-2-3 9th inning.

On this, the final day of July, the Grizzlies and Aces will wrap up their series. Dan Straily will take on Aaron Blair at 7:05 Pacific.

Corpus Christi

The Hooks wrapped up their series with San Antonio with a 7-6 win on Wednesday, and they blanked Midland 4-0 in the series opener last night. 

Against the Missions, they scored 3 in the bottom of the 8th to take the lead. In what turned out to be his final game in the organization, Brett Phillips went 4-5 with a double and the go-ahead RBI single in the 8th inning. A.J. Reed's 3 hits all drove in runs: he hit 2 RBI singles in the 3rd and the 5th, and drove himself in with a solo shot in the 8th, his 5th in Corpus and 28th of the year. 

Chris Devenski struggled, but Michael Feliz picked him up with 4.1 perfect innings and 3 strikeouts. Feliz's pitching bought time for the Hooks offense to get themselves going, and they came out with a big win.

In Midland, Colin Moran finished 3-5 with RBI singles in the 4th and the 5th. Jon Kemmer clubbed a 2-run double in the 4th. Danry Vásquez, Teoscar Hernandez, and Jack Mayfield had 2 hits apiece. 

Joe Musgrove had a no-hitter through 5.2 innings. Ultimately, he allowed just the 1 hit, walked 1, and struck out 6 over 7 shutout innings. Chris Cotton and Jandel Gustave brought it home. Cotton allowed 2 hits as he got 2 outs in the 8th, 1 via strikeout. Gustave freed him from the burden of that inning and closed it out. allowing just 1 hit. 

Kyle Westwood will start game 2 of this series. First pitch is at 7:00.

Lancaster

The JetHawks finished their series with Rancho Cucamonga with a 4-2 win, but they dropped a 5-3 game in the first of 4 against High Desert.

They got 2 in the 7th and 2 in the 8th against Rancho to take control. The 2 in the 7th came on an inside-the-park home run from Mott Hyde, who hit his first homer in the California League. Ronnie Mitchell and Marc Wik added to the lead in the 8th with an RBI double and a sac fly, respectively.

Keegan Yuhl allowed a run on 7 hits, walked 1, and struck out 5 in 6 innings of work. The only hit that Albert Minnis allowed in his 2 innings was a solo homer to Brandon Dixon in the 8th. He struck out 1. Tyler Brunnemann struck out 1 in a 1-2-3 9th to finish it.

Lancaster scored 2 in the 8th to take a 3-2 lead in High Desert... and then the Mavs scored 3 in the bottom of the inning to regain the lead. Sigh. This game finally got off the ground after a rain delay that lasted over 4 hours.

In his California League debut, David Paulino went 5 innings and allowed 2 runs (1 earned) on 3 hits, walked 2, and struck out 4. Francis Martes' outing went well enough, but they got to him for 3 in the 8th, which included a 2-run homer from Ronald Guzman. Martes allowed 4 other hits, walked 1, and struck out 3. 

James Ramsay hit an RBI single in the 3rd inning. In the 8th, D.J. Fisher ripped an RBI triple, and J.D. Davis hit an RBI double. 

In game 2 of this series, Kevin Comer will take on Connor Sadzeck. First pitch is at 7:05 Pacific.

Quad Cities

Quad Cities took two 4-3 games over Beloit to sweep the series. The second one took them 12 innings. 

Eric Peterson and Riley Ferrell combined for 5 scoreless innings of relief. Peterson allowed 3 hits, walked 1, and struck out 5 in 3 innings, and Ferrell walked 1 and struck out 2 in 2 innings.

All 4 of their runs on Wednesday came in the 5th inning, and all of them came on home runs. Ryan Bottger (6) and Nick Tanielu (4) hit solo shots, and Jason Martin (8) hit a 2-run homer. 

On Thursday, they got 2 in the 9th to tie and took the lead in the top of the 12th inning. Bryan Muñiz smacked an RBI double in the 6th. The 2 tying runs came courtesy of a double from Luis Reynoso, and Nick Tanielu put the Banditos on top with an RBI single. 

In his Midwest League debut, Agapito Barrios allowed a hit and struck out 3 over 5 shutout innings. Dean Deetz, also making his MWL debut, allowed 3 runs (2 earned, 1 inherited runner charged to him) on 5 hits, walked 2, and struck out 4 in 2.1 innings. Zach Davis allowed a hit in an inning (final out of 6th, 2 in 7th). Angel Heredia allowed a hit and struck out 2 in 2.2 innings, and Ryan Thompson struck out 1 in a 1-2-3 12th for the win.

Elieser Hernandez will start game 1 of the Bandits' weekend series with Wisconsin. First pitch is at 7:00.

Tri-City

The ValleyCats swept West Virginia, winning 5-4 on Wednesday and 5-3 on Thursday.

Cesar Carrasco and Brooks Marlow put Tri-City on the board with an RBI groundout and an RBI single, respectively. In the 5th, Aaron Mizell hit an RBI single and Bobby Wernes added a 2-run single. Wernes and Mizell had 2 hits apiece. 

Trent Thornton allowed a run on 4 hits (solo homer), walked 1, and struck out 4. Scott Weathersby went 3 innings and allowed 2 unearned runs in the 8th on 2 hits, walked 1, and struck out 2. Adam Whitt threw a 1-2-3 9th to end it.

On Thursday, the ValleyCats used a 4-run 3rd to propel them to a win. Mizell drew a bases-loaded walk, Wernes hit another 2-run single, and Pat Porter hit a sac fly. Marlow hit his 4th homer of the season in the 7th inning.

Alex Winkelman allowed 2 runs (1 earned) on 2 hits, walked 1, and struck out 4 in 5 innings. Juan Carlos Santos allowed a solo homer to Logan Hill and struck out the side in the 6th. Jacob Dorris allowed a hit and struck out 2 over 3 scoreless.

Tonight, the ValleyCats will begin a 3-game series with Mahoning Valley. Junior Garcia will make his first start for Tri-City as he takes on Leandro Linares at 7:00 Eastern.

Greeneville

The Appy Astros dropped their series in Bristol, losing 9-7 and 4-3. 

On Wednesday, they were down 9-2 and couldn't quite recover. Hector Roa hit a 2-run homer (6) in the 2nd inning. In the 4th, Brauly Mejia (3) hit a solo homer. Roa added an RBI single in the 6th, and he and Mejia later scored as Luis Payano reached on an error. Ford Stainback scored on another error in the 7th. 

Albert Abreu was the third Greeneville pitcher on Wednesday. He allowed 3 hits, walked 2, and struck out 7.

They scored 2 in the 8th to make Thursday's game a one-run affair, but... no cigar.

Connor Goedert opened the scoring with an RBI double in the 1st, and their 2 runs in the 8th came on a groundout from Stainback and a triple from Roa.

In his Appy League debut, Diogenes Almengo allowed a run on 4 hits, walked 3, and struck out 3 in 3.2 innings. Joselo Pinales allowed a hit and fanned 1 in 2.1 innings. The Pirates got to Alejandro Solarte for 3 runs on 3 hits in the 7th, and Lachlan Madden struck out 2 in a 1-2-3 8th.

Greeneville will welcome Kingsport to Pioneer Park this weekend. In game 1, Erasmo Pinales will take on Nabil Crismatt at 7:00 Eastern.

GCL Astros

The Kissimmee Stros dropped 2 games against the Pirates by final scores of 2-0 and 7-5.

DSL Astros

The Blue team split 2 games with the A's, losing 2-1 on Wednesday and rebounding for a 7-3 win on Thursday.

Meanwhile, the Orange team lost 5-0 and 5-1 to the Nationals.

Astros Minor League Transactions

In addition to the moves reported earlier this week, these are the latest Astros minor league moves. Check back throughout the day; I will update with any corresponding moves that will take place in conjunction with the players lost to trade.

FRESNO GRIZZLIES
7-31: 1B Jon Singleton optioned to Fresno
7-30: OF Leo Heras placed on the 7-day DL
7-30: RHP Jose Veras released
7-30: OF Domingo Santana traded to the Brewers

CORPUS CHRISTI HOOKS
7-30: OF Brett Phillips traded to the Brewers
7-30: RHP Adrian Houser traded to the Brewers
7-30: LHP Josh Hader traded to the Brewers

TRI-CITY VALLEYCATS
8-1: OF Hector Roa assigned from Greeneville to Tri-City
7-31: RHP Ryan Deemes assigned from Greeneville to Tri-City

GREENEVILLE ASTROS
8-1: OF Kyle Tucker assigned from the GCL to Greeneville
8-1: OF Daz Cameron assigned from the GCL to Greeneville

GULF COAST LEAGUE ASTROS
8-1: RHP Juan Robles assigned from the DSL to the GCL

Tweet of the Day

Thursday, July 30, 2015

Weighing in on the Carlos Gomez Trade

I'll be honest. I wasn't very happy when I saw this late this afternoon.

I have nothing against Carlos Gomez. And I'd never even heard of Mike Fiers until a couple of hours ago. I want the Astros to be better and if this trade helps them get better, I'm all for it. But let me tell you a little about the players we're losing.

I love Adrian Houser. He's a competitor. I did my first interview with him when he was only 18. The first time I watched him pitch, he was just a kid about 30 pounds lighter than he is now, but showed great rhythm and athleticism on the mound. He was fun to watch. And then I saw him grow and develop and find his command. Each time I saw him, he had matured as a man and as a pitcher.

Domingo Santana was the opposite, physically at least. He was HUGE the first time I saw him at High A in 2012, the year after the trade, but he was what I called a little "doughy." By the time he got to Corpus Christi the next season, he had transformed himself. He was nothing but muscle and incredibly strong at the plate. And he had also started to transform himself defensively. I'll admit that I occasionally cringed when I saw him in right field. But he worked hard and started to learn what routes to take to balls and how to play smarter in the outfield. In late May in Fresno, there was a constant chatter going in Spanish between he and Carlos Correa on either side of the batting cage. I have no idea what they were talking about, but they were having a whole lot of fun together.

Josh Hader is just a good kid who likes sweet tea and country music ... until he gets on the mound. Then he's as hard-nosed and competitive a pitcher as you will ever see. He once told me that he wanted to "assassinate" the hitter. A little hyperbole, sure, but to see him go from laidback country guy to a ninja assassin with a deceptive delivery was quite entertaining.

I did like and do like all three of those players very much, but I will honestly tell you that I think they will all have a clearer path to the majors with another organization. If you haven't noticed, things are getting a little crowded at the top. There are a lot of moving parts as the Astros are having to get more and more and more creative with the 40-man roster. Houser would likely be lost in the Rule 5 draft this coming year if not protected, and Santana would not make it through waivers if he was removed from the 40-man roster. It makes sense to get something for those players now rather than losing them for nothing later.

However, I had three players in the minor league system that were, to me, untouchables. I won't reveal the other two because I don't want Jeff Luhnow to get any more ideas and further break my heart. But Brett Phillips was at the top of that list of three players.

Brett Phillips is a phenomenal talent. Quick twitch athleticism, speed, a canon arm, the ability to hit for average and for power. I see Phillips as becoming a legit 5-tool player in the major leagues and I think he will make his debut by the end of 2016 if not sooner. And I'm not the only one. MLB Pipeline had Phillips as the number 2 prospect in the Astros system. More than that, though, is Phillips' special ability to connect with everyone and to lead a team. He is going to become a very special player, one that can become the heart and soul of a team. And, yes, I am very sad to see him go. This one is going to hurt. It already does. As one person said, in a trade you have to give up good players, but you should make sure you keep the ones that can be great.

Tweets of the Day

Happy Birthday - 7/30

Wishing a Very Happy Birthday to ...

RHP Jorge Perez (22)
Perez was born on July 30, 1993 in Jamaica, New York, and was drafted by the Astros in the 30th round in 2013 out of Seminole State College in Seminole, Oklahoma. He is currently playing for the Low A Quad Cities River Bandits.

Manager Josh Bonifay (37)
Bonifay was born on July 30, 1978 in Macon, Georgia. Originally drafted by the Pirates in 2006 out of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Bonifay ended his minor league career in the Houston organization. After serving as a Hitting Coach in the Astros system for two seasons, he was the Manager of the Rookie League Greeneville Astros in 2013 and 2014. 2015 is his first season as the Manager for the Low A Quad Cities team.

Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Astros Minor League Recaps

Results for Tuesday, July 28, 2015

Fresno was off

The Grizzlies will begin a 3-game series in Reno tonight at 7:05 Pacific. Mike Hauschild will take on Jhoulys Chacín.

Corpus Christi 3, San Antonio 2

W- Adrian Houser (1-2, 2-4 season)
L- Brandon Alger (3-4)
S- Juan Minaya (1)

CC home runs: None.

The Hooks were held to 4 hits, but they managed to get even in the series as Adrian Houser had a fine night on the mound.

Houser earned his first Texas League win as he allowed 2 runs on 5 hits (solo homer), walked 1, and struck out 4 in 7 innings of work. Juan Minaya struck out 2 over 2 perfect frames to get his first save of the year.

Brett Phillips put Corpus on the board in the 1st when he scored on an errant pickoff throw. Jon Kemmer scored on a double play in the 2nd to give the Hooks a 2-1 lead. After the Missions tied the game in the 6th, Conrad Gregor promptly un-tied it with an RBI single in the 7th, which proved to be the difference. Kemmer was 1-2 with 2 walks and 2 runs scored.

Chris Devenski will get the start in the series finale. He'll face James Needy at 7:05.

Rancho Cucamonga 9, Lancaster 6

W- Karch Kowalczyk (1-1)
L- Bryan Radziewski (3-4, 4-4 season)

Lancaster home runs: J.D. Davis (15, solo in 7th), D.J. Fisher (13, 19 season; solo in 9th)

The JetHawks led 4-2 after the first third of the game, but the Quakes closed out on a 7-2 run.

James Ramsay put Lancaster on the board with an RBI single in the 2nd inning. Their 3 runs in the 3rd came on 3 RBI doubles hit by J.D. Davis, Marc Wik, and Chase McDonald. Unfortunately, Rancho went on its run afterwards, and all Lancaster could muster up were solo homers from Davis in the 7th and D.J. Fisher in the 9th. Fisher finished 3-5, while Davis and Wik had 2 hits apiece. Alex Bregman, in his first start with the JetHawks, went 0-5. They had a shortage of position players, so Troy Scribner, who normally pitches, served as the DH. He went 0-4. I don't know how long it was since he last swung a bat in an actual game.

Bryan Radziewski went 4.1 innings and allowed 5 runs on 6 hits (solo and 3-run homers), walked 2, and struck out 4. Jordan Mills was the first man out; he allowed 4 runs (1 inherited runner charged to him) on 5 hits (solo homer), walked 1, and struck out 3. Andrew Walter allowed 2 hits and struck out 5 in 2 innings of work.

Keegan Yuhl will take on Chase De Jong in the series finale. First pitch is at 6:30 Pacific.

Quad Cities 11, Beloit 4

W- Christian Powell (3-1)
L- Junior Mendez (3-8)

QC home runs: Bobby Boyd (1, solo in 6th; first pro home run)

The Banditos seized control of this game with a 5-run 5th that broke a 2-2 tie.

Kristian Trompiz put Quad Cities on the board with an RBI double in the 3rd inning and put them in the lead when he scored on a Jason Martin sac fly. Nick Tanielu drove in the first of the 5 runs in the 5th with a sac fly, and Drew Ferguson followed with an RBI single. Jose Fernandez walked to re-load the bases, and Ramon Laureano promptly cleared them with a double. In the 6th, Bobby Boyd hit his first home run as a pro. And, for good measure, Tanielu cleared the bases with a double in the 8th inning. He, Trompiz (2B, RBI, 2 R), and Boyd (solo homer, 3 R) had 2 hits apiece.

Christian Powell allowed 3 runs (2 earned) on 5 hits, walked 2, and struck out 4 in 6 innings of work. Michael Freeman allowed 4 hits, walked 1, and struck out 1 in 2 scoreless, and Jorge Perez allowed a run on a single, walked 3, and struck out 1 in the 9th.

Game 2 of this series will be at 7:00. The Bandits' starter is TBA.

Tri-City 5, West Virginia 1

W- Rogelio Armenteros (1-1)
L- Dario Agrazal (4-2)

TC home runs: None.

The ValleyCats scored 5 unanswered runs to take the first of 3 against the Black Bears.

Tony Nuñez hit a 2-out double in the 5th and scored on an error following a Johnny Sewald single. Sewald, who advanced to 2nd, scored the go-ahead run on an RBI triple from Edwin Medina. Sewald reached on another error in the 7th, which allowed Cesar Carrasco to score. Later in the inning, Aaron Mizell smacked a 2-run double. Medina and Anthony Hermelyn had 2 hits apiece.

Rogelio Armenteros went 5 innings and allowed a run on 4 hits while striking out 2. Austin Nicely tagged in for 3 innings and allowed 2 hits, walked 1, and struck out 1. Zac Grotz got 2 strikeouts in the 9th, but only recorded 1 out. Steve Naemark got the final 2 outs of the game via strikeout.

In game 2 of this series, Trent Thornton will face Juan Paula. First pitch is at 7:00 Eastern.

Greeneville 12, Bristol 4

W- Jose Hernandez (1-0)
L- Logan Sendelbach (0-2)

Greeneville home runs: Randy Cesar (3, 2-run in 4th), Hector Roa (5, 3-run in 6th)

The Appy Astros pounded out 18 hits as they romped to a win in game 1.

Randy Cesar finished 3-4 and opened the scoring with an RBI single in the 1st. Arturo Michelena also finished 3-4; he ripped a 2-run double in the 2nd. He struck again in the 4th with an RBI single. Later in the inning, Cesar smacked a 2-run homer. All 3 of Cesar's hits drove in at least 1 run. He hit an RBI single in the 6th. Justin Garcia followed with an RBI single of his own, and then Hector Roa whacked his 5th homer of the year. Michelena drove in Greeneville's final run of the evening with a sac fly in the 9th. Garcia, Roa, Kevin Martir, and Ford Stainback had 2 hits apiece.

Jose Hernandez went 5 innings and allowed 2 runs on 5 hits, walked 2, and struck out 6. Yhoan Acosta allowed a hit, walked 2, and struck out 3 over 2 scoreless, and Starlyng Sanchez allowed 2 runs on 2 hits and struck out 1 in 2 innings.

In game 2 of this series, Salvador Montaño will take on Marek Minarik at 7:00 Eastern.

GCL Astros 2, GCL Yankees2 1

This game was suspended with the Kissimmee Stros leading 2-1 heading into the bottom of the 4th. It will be completed on August 12. So far, Daz Cameron has his 12th steal of the season.

DSL Astros Blue 9, DSL Phillies 0

W- Ricardo Castro (1-0)
L- Randy Alcantara (6-2)

Blue home runs: None.

The Blue team held the Phillies off the scoreboard and held them to 5 hits.

Ricardo Castro allowed 3 hits and struck out 4 over 5 innings. Hansel Paulino allowed 2 hits, walked 1, and struck out 4 in 3 innings, and Cristofer Melendez struck out the side in order in the 9th inning.

Andy Piñeda went 3-4 with a run scored and a stolen base (24). Cristopher Luciano whacked a 2-run triple in the 1st inning. Later in the inning, Orlando Marquez drove in a run on a groundout, and Angel Tejeda hit an RBI single. Carlos Canelon scored on a passed ball in the 6th, and then Ozziel Sanchez-Galan hit an RBI single. Sanchez-Galan made his way to 3rd on 2 wild pitches and scored on a Marcos Almonte single. Sanchez-Galan scored on a wild pitch in the 8th and Marquez drove in the final run of the day with an RBI double.

DSL Mariners2 11, DSL Astros Orange 1

W- Juan De Paula (3-3)
L- Maikel Sepulveda (2-2)

Orange home runs: None.

Juan Fuente's RBI double in the 3rd was the Orange team's only run.

Luis Vasquez allowed a hit as he got the final 2 outs of the 8th. He was the only Orange team pitcher to not allow a run.

Some Closing Thoughts on HOF Weekend

Due to a variety of travel issues, I haven't been able to weigh in with a few thoughts from HOF induction weekend before now. (In case you missed it, I posted a ton of pictures from the Parade of Legends here, and I'll try to put up the rest on Flickr this weekend.)

>>>>>>><<<<<<<

Travel problems coming and going to Cooperstown over the weekend did not detract from the main event. And the baseball gods answered the prayers of Astros fans everywhere on Sunday, granting us good weather for the induction ceremony. [Note to self: Be careful what you wish for! The sun was blazing hot and your intrepid correspondent thought she might pass out before Randy Johnson finished his speech.]

I don't care what the crowd estimates said. I personally thought that there were more people at the ceremony on Sunday than there were at last year's induction, based solely on my eyeball estimates of how many people were sitting on the hill last year versus this year, but in any event, it was at least a comparable number. But one thing cannot be disputed. Astros fans were well in the majority of those who attended. Everywhere you looked ...

Young fans


And not so young fans


And although there was a lot of orange, there was also a wide variety of Astros plumage in evidence ...




There were some very familiar faces in the crowd as well ...

Bill Brown

Tal Smith

Rex Jones

And one VERY familiar head of hair ...

Alyson Footer

The ceremony itself, honoring Craig Biggio, John Smoltz, Randy Johnson and Pedro Martinez, was wonderful. The chants of B-G-O were robust. The tears were flowing. And the Astros faithful were ecstatic to see their adopted son of Houston enshrined in the Hall as the first player to sport an Astros cap on his plaque.



  

There was one theme that kept emerging throughout the weekend. Everywhere that my sister and I went we looked for Astros merchandise. Outside of the Hall of Fame gift store, there were very few stores that carried ANY Astros gear other than a few dusty brick red open star hats. Those that did carry Astros gear sold out quickly. You might be able to find a few small size T-shirts here and there, but that was about it.

Everyone seemed to have been surprised by the number of Astros fans who descended upon Cooperstown for the weekend. Everyone ... shopkeepers, organizers and media alike ... seemed to have underestimated the Astros fan base. Similarly, everyone seems to be underestimating the team that is currently playing in Minute Maid Park.

Those shopkeepers haven't been paying attention and they weren't prepared for what was to come. The AL West teams are starting to figure it out, though. Underestimate the 2015 Astros at your own risk. This team may not get as far as fans hope they will this year. But, again, they just might. In any event, the Astros system is poised to remain in contention for a very long time. That should no longer come as a surprise to anyone.

One final note .... with the news that the Hall of Fame has finally culled their voting rolls of those writers who haven't covered baseball in more than a decade, I am suddenly much more optimistic as to Jeff Bagwell's chances to get into the Hall and to do so quickly. Those dinosaurs who hadn't covered a baseball game in years and who relied upon unsubstantiated rumor and innuendo in order to make their decisions will soon give way to writers who are actually engaged in watching baseball every single day during the season and who might actually have some informed insight into these things.

Which brings me to this. Shortly before heading to the airport on Monday, my sister and I had lunch at the Doubleday Cafe on Main Street in Cooperstown. This sign was in the restroom. When I left, I thought sadly that I probably wouldn't be back next year because Bagwell wouldn't be likely to get in for another year or two. Now my hopes have surged that the writing on this chalkboard was a happy omen.


I hope to be back in Cooperstown again next year and I hope to see another adopted son of our City become immortalized. I also hope to see another sea of orange in the crowds and in the shops. Do not ever underestimate the Astros faithful again, Cooperstown. We are a force to be reckoned with. Our team is a force to be reckoned with. It's no longer a secret and it should no longer be a surprise to anyone.

Tweet of the Day

Happy Birthday - 7/29

Wishing a Very Happy Birthday to ...

RHP Moreno Polanco (21)
Polano was born July 29, 1994 in La Terrenas, Dominican Republic and his first season in the Astros system was in 2014. He is currently playing for the Gulf Coast League Astros.

Moreno Polanco - June 2015
Photo Courtesy of Bryan Green

Tuesday, July 28, 2015

Astros Minor League Recaps

Results for Monday, July 27, 2015

Let's play 2 in Greeneville!

Tacoma 11, Fresno 10

W- Tyler Olson (2-3)
L- Jason Stoffel (3-2)
S- Tony Zych (1)

Fresno home runs: Domingo Santana (16, solo in 1st)

The Grizzlies trailed 8-3 after 2 innings and entered the 7th down 9-3. They proceeded to scored 7 runs in the inning to take the lead.... and then the Rainiers scored 2 in the 8th to re-take the lead. There was an apparent protest, but Fresno manager Tony DeFrancesco never formally filed the protest. Turns out that Tony Zych, who pitched the 9th for Tacoma, was not on the lineup card, but on the active roster. Clerical error, I guess.

Everyone in the Fresno lineup had a hit, led by Andrew Aplin, who finished 4-4 with a 2-run single in the 7th. He hit a single in the 2nd that scored Tony Kemp, but Kemp scored because an error occurred. Domingo Santana (solo HR, 2 R) and Kemp (2-run 3B, 2 R) both went 3-4. Robbie Grossman went 2-5 with a double and an RBI infield single in that big 7th inning. In fact, everyone in the Fresno lineup scored a run except for Tyler White, who hit an RBI single in the 1st to open the scoring.

Brady Rodgers went 2 innings and allowed 8 runs on 8 hits (3-run homer), walked 1, and struck out 2. Luis Cruz was the first man out; he allowed a run on a solo homer to Jabari Blash in the 5th. Cruz allowed 2 other hits, walked 3, and fanned 2 in 3.1 innings. Jason Stoffel had 2 inherited runners charged to him in 2 innings and struck out 1. Those 2 runs scored in the 8th because of 2 wild pitches from James Hoyt, and one of those wild pitches came on an intentional walk situation. Hoyt got the final 2 outs of the 8th, but the damage was done. He allowed a hit, walked 1, and fanned 1.

The Grizzlies will continue their roadtrip tomorrow in Reno.

San Antonio 13, Corpus Christi 7

W- Bryce Morrow (2-2)
L- Brian Holmes (4-5, 6-6 season)

CC home runs: A.J. Reed (4, 27 season; solo in 4th)

This game started out well enough for the Hooks as they led 4-0 after 3 innings, but the Missions turned everything upside down with an 8-run 4th inning.

Every position player who appeared in the game for the Hooks reached base, including Jed Lowrie, who went 1-5 with a run scored. Brett Phillips and Jon Kemmer had 2 hits apiece. A.J. Reed homered for the 2nd consecutive night; this one was a solo shot in the 4th, giving him 27 on the year.

The pitching staff struggled, and I'd like to leave it at that.

Adrian Houser will be on the mound for Corpus Christi tonight. He'll take on Casey Kelly at 7:05.

Lancaster 6, Rancho Cucamonga 5

W- Akeem Bostick (2-3, 5-4 season)
L- Brock Stewart (2-3)
S- Tyler Brunnemann (3)

Lancaster home runs: Sean McMullen (1, 6 season; solo in 2nd), J.D. Davis (14, 3-run in 3rd)

The JetHawks built a 6-1 lead after 3 innings, then saw it whittle away. However, the bullpen kept the Quakes at bay.

J.D. Davis and Sean McMullen were responsible for driving in all 6 JetHawks runs. Well, Davis shouldered the load. He opened the scoring with a 2-run double in the 1st and then whacked a 3-run homer in the 3rd inning. In between those hits, Sean McMullen hit his first homer in the California League in his first at-bat at the level in the 2nd inning. Davis, Jamie Ritchie (2B, 2 R), and James Ramsay (SB [8], R) had 2 hits apiece. Alex Bregman came on as a defensive replacement and went 0-1.

Akeem Bostick allowed 4 runs on 7 hits, walked 1, and struck out 3 in 5 innings. This was his first start in The Hangar. Troy Scribner went 2 innings and allowed a run, a double, walked 4, and struck out 2. Tyler Brunnemann threw 2 scoreless, allowing a hit, walking 1, and striking out 3.

In game 2 of this series, Bryan Radziewski will take on Jeff Brigham. First pitch is at 6:30 Pacific.

Quad Cities was off

The River Bandits are in Beloit tonight to begin a series. Christian Powell will take on Junior Mendez at 7:00.

Tri-City was off

The ValleyCats will welcome the West Virginia Black Bears (formerly known as the Jamestown Jammers) to Joe Bruno Stadium for 3 beginning tonight at 7:00 Eastern. In game 1, Rogelio Armenteros will face Dario Agrazal.

Game 1: Greeneville 4, Kingsport 1

W- Chris Murphy (1-0)
L- Harol Gonzalez (1-2)

Greeneville home runs: Arturo Michelena (1, solo in 6th), Justin Garcia (1, 2-run in 6th)

The Appy Astros took game 1 behind fine pitching performances from Makay Nelson and Chris Murphy.

It hasn't been a great start to Makay Nelson's career, but he delivered his best outing yet as he threw 3 perfect innings and struck out 1 on his 21st birthday. Here's hoping that it's a sign of better things to come for him. Chris Murphy allowed a run on 6 hits and struck out 1 over the final 4 innings.

Luis Payano broke a scoreless tie with a sac fly in the 5th. Michelena and Garcia tacked on 3 more runs with their home runs in the 6th inning. Ford Stainback finished 2-3.

Game 2: Kingsport 2, Greeneville 1

W- Witt Haggard (2-1)
L- Cris Santamaria (2-1)

Greeneville home runs: None.

The Appy Astros had to settle for a split in the twinbill as the K-Mets got 1 in the 7th to break a 1-1 tie.

Ford Stainback grounded into a force out that allowed Luis Payano to score in the 3rd inning. Payano finished 2-2, and he's gotten himself going at the plate as of late.

Andrew Thome allowed a run on 4 hits and fanned 3 in 3 innings. Matt Bower was the first man out and he struck out 2 over 2 perfect innings. Cris Santamaria allowed the go-ahead run on a single with 2 outs in the 7th. He walked 1 and struck out 2 in 2 innings.

Jose Hernandez will start the first game of a 3-game set in Bristol. First pitch is at 7:00 Eastern.

GCL Astros 4, GCL Yankees2 0 in 6 innings

W- Moreno Polanco (1-1)
L- Daris Vargas (2-2)

GCL home runs: None.

Moreno Polanco and Carlos Hiraldo combined to throw a rain-shortened no-hitter in Kissimmee.

Polanco walked 3 and struck out 3 over 5 shutout innings, and Hiraldo struck out 1 in a 1-2-3 6th.

Their 4 runs came in the 4th. Vicente Sanchez hit a sac fly, Miguelangel Sierra scored on an error, and then Kyle Tucker hit an RBI single. To top it all off, Connor MacDonald ripped an RBI double. Tucker finished 2-3. Daz Cameron stole 2 bases (11).

DSL Phillies 6, DSL Astros Blue 3

W- Oscar Marcelino (1-1)
L- Felipe Tejada (1-3)
S- Steiner Carmona (4)

Blue home runs: None.

The Phillies mounted a late uprising to take control of this game.

Cristopher Luciano went 3-5 with a double and a run scored. Angel Tejeda went 2-3. Wilson Amador scored the first run of the day on an error in the 1st inning. Oscar Campos had an RBI single in the 3rd, and Ozziel Sanchez-Galan hit a sac fly in the 8th.

Jose Ramos allowed a hit, walked 2, and struck out 3 over 5 shutout innings.

DSL Astros Orange 12, DSL Mariners2 11


W- Harlen Florencio (1-0)
L- Raul Pedie (6-1)
S- Yan De La Cruz (2)

Orange home runs: Juan Fuente (2, 2-run in 1st), Felix Lucas (3, 3-run in 8th)

The Orange team trailed 10-6 heading into the bottom of the 8th, but they put up 6 in the inning to take the lead again. That's the DSL for you...

Alejandro Garcia finished 4-5, a home run shy of the cycle. His triple cleared the bases in the 8th inning. Hector Martinez and Brandon Benavente had 2 hits apiece.

Angelo Serrano was the first reliever to appear; he allowed a hit, walked 2, and struck out 3 in 2.2 innings. Yan De La Cruz got the final 2 outs of the game.

Happy Birthday - 7/28

Wishing a Very Happy Birthday to ...

RHP Jorge Alcala (20)
Alcala was born July 28, 1995 in Bajos de Haina, Dominican Republic and was signed by the Astros prior to the 2015 season. He is currently playing for the Astros Blue team in the Dominican Summer League.


Monday, July 27, 2015

Astros Minor League Recaps

Results for Sunday, July 26, 2015

Tacoma 12, Fresno 5

W- Jordan Pries (5-3)
L- Brett Oberholtzer (3-3)

Fresno home runs: None.

This game started out well enough for the Grizzlies as they had a 3-0 lead after 3 innings, but the Rainiers finished the night on a 12-2 run.

Domingo Santana opened the scoring with an RBI single in the 1st inning. On the throw to 2nd, which got him, Tyler White also scored. Domingo, who went 2-5, struck again in the 3rd when he smacked an RBI double. Tyler Heineman hit a sac fly in the 6th, and Robbie Grossman stole 2nd (8). Grossman wound up scoring on the errant throw.

Tyler White's 2 hits were doubles. He's now on a 13-game hitting streak. Matt Duffy went 2-5 with a run scored.

Brett Oberholtzer went 5 innings and allowed 7 runs on 7 hits (2-run and 3-run homers), walked 2, and struck out 1. Jake Buchanan allowed 2 unearned runs in the 6th. Jose Veras allowed 3 runs (2 earned) on 2 hits and walked 1 in the 7th, and Jordan Jankowski struck out the side in order in the 8th inning.

In the series finale, Brady Rodgers will face Roenis Elias. First pitch is at 11:35 A.M. Pacific.

Corpus Christi 5, Frisco 2

W- R.J. Alaniz (3-2)
L- Juan Grullon (0-1)
S- Chris Cotton (4, 8 season)

CC home runs: A.J. Reed (3, 26 season; solo in 7th), Jon Kemmer (14, solo in 7th)

The Hooks took a road series in the Metroplex thanks to a pair of 2-run innings.

Josh Hader, in his first appearance since returning to the Hooks from Pan Am Games duty, went 4 innings and allowed a run on a double, walked 1, and struck out 6. He was apparently battling some blister issues. R.J. Alaniz tagged in for 3.2 innings and allowed a run on 3 hits, walked 1, and struck out 1. Chris Cotton struck out 2 over 1.1 perfect innings to get the save.

A.J. Reed opened up the scoring with an RBI single in the 1st. Jon Kemmer smacked an RBI double in the 5th, and Reed scored another run when Danry Vásquez grounded into a force out. Reed and Kemmer hit back-to-back solo shots in the 7th. They both had 2 hits and drove in 2 runs.

The Hooks are back home for another installment of the I-37 Series with San Antonio. In the first of 3, Brian Holmes will face Justin Hancock at 7:05.

Lancaster 18, Stockton 2

W- Austin Chrismon (4-2, 8-3 season)
L- Kyle Finnegan (6-7)

Lancaster home runs: D.J. Fisher 2 (12, 18 season; 2-run in 1st, grand slam in 7th), Ronnie Mitchell 2 (9; solo in 1st, 2-run in 7th)

The JetHawks got the split in emphatic fashion as they scored 10 in the 7th inning to turn this game into an absolute laugher.


Austin Chrismon allowed 2 runs on 4 hits (solo homer) and struck out 1 in 5 innings of work. Kevin Comer threw 3 scoreless, allowing a hit and fanning 3, and Andrew Walter worked around a hit to throw a scoreless 9th.

Akeem Bostick will be on the mound for Lancaster tonight as they begin a 3-game series with Rancho Cucamonga. He'll face Brock Stewart at 6:30 Pacific.

Quad Cities 5, Burlington 4

W- Josh James (3-2)
L- Jacob Kopra (0-1)
S- Angel Heredia (5)

QC home runs: None. 

The Banditos scored 3 in the 8th to take the lead, and eventually the series.

Nick Tanielu put the Bandits on the board first with an RBI single in the 1st, and Drew Ferguson scored on a double play in the 4th. In the meantime, the Bees scored 4 in the 6th to take a 4-2 lead. 

Alex Bregman led off the 8th by reaching on an error. He made his way around the bases and eventually scored on a sac fly from Sean McMullen. Trent Woodward and Luis Reynoso added RBI singles. Drew Ferguson and Ramon Laureano both finished 2-4 with a run scored.

Brock Dykxhoorn allowed 3 hits and struck out 4 over 5 shutout innings. Josh James went 2 innings and allowed 4 runs on 4 hits while striking out 1. Angel Heredia struck out 3 over 2 perfect frames to get the save.

After a travel day, the Bandits will begin a 3-game series in Beloit tomorrow evening.

Batavia 6, Tri-City 4

W- Jordan Holloway (2-3)
L- Zac Person (1-2)
S- Steven Farnworth (6)

TC home runs: None.

The ValleyCats dropped the series as the Muckdogs turned a 3-2 game into a 6-3 lead in their favor. 

Bryan Muñiz ripped a 2-run double in the 1st to open the scoring. He hit another RBI double in the 3rd. Aaron Mizell grounded into a force out in the 9th and on the ensuing error, Brooks Marlow scored. Mizell (2 R, SB [3, 6 season]), Muñiz (2 2B, 3 RBI), and Marlow (R) had 2 hits apiece. 

Ralph Garza Jr. went 4 innings and allowed 2 runs on 4 hits, walked 1, and struck out 7. Zac Person was the first man out; he allowed 2 runs (1 earned) on 3 hits, walked 1, and fanned 4 in 2 innings. Yeyfry Del Rosario and Kevin McCanna had identical lines. Both allowed a run on 3 hits and struck out 1 in the 7th and 8th innings, respectively.

The ValleyCats have today off. Tomorrow, they'll begin a 3-game series with the West Virginia Black Bears, formerly known as the Jamestown Jammers. Rogelio Armenteros will take on Dario Agrazal.

Greeneville 5, Burlington 4

W- Ryan Deemes (2-0)
L- Matt Ditman (0-3)

Greeneville home runs: None.

The Appy Astros avoided the sweep by walking off with a win in the series finale.

Connor Goedert opened up the scoring when he ripped an RBI double in the 1st. Hector Roa hit a 1-out double in the 2nd, advanced to 3rd on a balk, and scored on a wild pitch. Kevin Martir hit an RBI single in the 5th, and Roa smacked an RBI double in the 7th to tie the game at 4. 2 singles and a walk loaded the bases with 1 out in the bottom of the 9th for Luis Payano, who delivered the winner with an RBI single.

Roa (2 2B, RBI, R) and Payano (2B, walk-off RBI single) both finished 3-5, while Arturo Michelena (R, 2 BB), Goedert (2B, RBI, R), and Brauly Mejia (BB, winning run) all had 2-hit days.

Junior Garcia went 5 innings and allowed 4 runs (3 earned) on 6 hits (solo homer) and struck out 4. Ryan Deemes was excellent as he threw 4 scoreless. He allowed a hit, walked 1, and struck out 3.

Greeneville will conclude their homestand tonight with 2 games against Kingsport beginning at 5:00 Eastern. Andrew Thome will face Merandy Gonzalez in game 1, while Makay Nelson gets the start in game 2. He'll face Harol Gonzalez.

More Astros Minor League Moves

In addition to these roster moves reported Saturday, there have been a few more of note ...

CORPUS CHRISTI HOOKS
7-26: RHP Edison Frias assigned from Lancaster to Corpus Christi
7-22: C Brett Booth released

LANCASTER JETHAWKS
7-29: RHP Christian Powell assigned from Quad Cities to Lancaster
7-29: OF Edwin Medina assigned from Tri-City to Lancaster
7-27: SS Alex Bregman assigned from Quad Cities to Lancaster
7-27: OF Sean McMullen assigned from Quad Cities to Lancaster
7-26: RHP David Paulino assigned from Quad Cities to Lancaster

Obtained as a part of the Jose Veras trade (along with OF Danry Vasquez) with Detroit in July 2013, Paulino sat out the 2014 season recovering from Tommy John surgery. Since coming off the DL in June, he has rocketed up the Astros system, making two starts in Tri-City and five starts in Quad Cities prior to this promotion. He is 4-2 with a 1.18 ERA and a 0.895 WHIP with nine walks to 42 strikeouts in 38 innings.

QUAD CITIES RIVER BANDITS
7-29: RHP Dean Deetz assigned from Tri-City to Quad Cities
7-28: 2B Alex Hernandez released
7-27: 2B Jose Fernandez assigned from Lancaster to Quad Cities
7-27: 1B Bryan Muniz assigned from Tri-City to Quad Cities
7-26: RHP Agapito Barrios assigned from Tri-City to Quad Cities

TRI-CITY VALLEYCATS
7-29: RHP Chris Murphy assigned from Greeneville to Tri-City
7-27: RHP Junior Garcia assigned from Greeneville to Tri-City

GREENEVILLE ASTROS
7-29: RHP Moreno Polanco assigned from GCL Astros to Greeneville

GULF COAST LEAGUE ASTROS
7-29: RHP Michel Martinez assigned from DSL Astros Blue to GCL Astros
7-27: RHP Dariel Aquino assigned from DSL Astros Blue to GCL Astros
7-27: SS Miguelangel Sierra assigned from DSL Astros Orange to GCL Astros
7-25: LHP Patrick Sandoval assigned to the GCL Astros

Sandoval was drafted by the Astros in the 11th round out of Mission Viejo High School in California.

DSL ASTROS
7-29: SS Fredy Medina assigned to DSL Astros Blue
7-27: IF Reiny Beltre assigned from GCL Astros to DSL Astros Blue
7-27: OF Jose Hernandez assigned to DSL Astros Orange

Hernandez, a Dominican, will turn 20 on December 4. He's from Cotui, Teoscar Hernandez's hometown. Maybe a relative?

Medina, also a Dominican, will turn 18 on September 26.

Happy Birthday - 7/27

Wishing a Very Happy Birthday to ...

RHP Jacques Sambo (17)
Jacques Reeving Constantino Sambo was born July 27, 1998 in Curacao and was signed by the Astros in June 2015. He is currently playing for the Astros Blue team in the Dominican Summer League.

RHP Makay Nelson (21)
Nelson was born July 27, 1994 in Spanish Fork, Utah and was drafted by the Astros in the 20th round in 2015 out of the College of Southern Idaho in Twin Falls, Idaho. He is currently playing for the Greeneville Astros.

Hitting Coach Joel Chimelis (48)
Chimelis was born July 27, 1967 in Brooklyn, New York. He in in his 10th season coaching in the Astros organization, his third season as Hitting Coach for the Quad Cities River Bandits.


Tweets of the Day




Sunday, July 26, 2015

Astros Minor League Recaps

Results for Saturday, July 25, 2015

Saturday night.... not entirely all right in the Astros' system.

Tacoma 8, Fresno 7

W- Logan Bawcom (2-1)
L- Tyson Perez (1-3)

Fresno home runs: Nolan Fontana (4, 2-run in 4th)

The Grizzlies suffered a bullpen meltdown late and ended up walking off with a loss.

Mark Appel had a solid outing as he allowed a run on 4 hits, walked 3, and struck out 4 in 6 innings of work. However, he did not factor into the decision as the bullpen was unable to hold a 5-1 lead. James Hoyt allowed a run on 3 hits and struck out 2 in the 7th. Kevin Chapman allowed 5 runs (2 earned, 2 inherited runners charged to him) on 4 hits and only got 1 out in the 8th. Tyson Perez got the final 2 outs of the 8th, 1 via strikeout, but not before the Rainiers took the lead. Fresno tied the game with 2 in the 9th and he came out for the bottom of the 9th, but Jabari Blash greeted him with a walk-off solo shot.

Nolan Fontana put Fresno on the board and in the lead with a 2-run shot in the 4th inning. Tyler White ripped an RBI double in the 5th, and in the 7th, Robbie Grossman hit an RBI double of his own, and White struck once more with an RBI single. The Grizzlies found themselves down after that nightmare 8th inning, but they got back into it in the 9th as Matt Duffy drew a bases-loaded walk and Joe Sclafani hit a sac fly to tie the game.

White led the way with a 3-5 night. Grossman finished 2-5, while Jonathan Villar walked twice, scored twice, and stole a base (13).

The Grizz will be back at it this afternoon as Brett Oberholtzer takes on Jordan Pries. First pitch is at 1:35 Pacific.

Corpus Christi 7, Frisco 6 in 10 innings

W- Jandel Gustave (3-1)
L- David Martinez (2-5)

CC home runs: None.

The Hooks erased a 4-0 deficit, and when the Roughriders retook the lead, they forced extra innings and won it in the first extra frame.

They put up 5 in the 6th to take a 5-4 lead as A.J. Reed and Alfredo Gonzalez hit RBI singles. Danry Vásquez drew a bases-loaded walk, and Jio Mier followed with a 2-run single. Brett Phillips was called out on strikes to end the Hooks' half of the 6th, which I guess didn't sit too well with Hooks hitting coach Dan Radison, and he was eventually given his marching orders by home plate umpire Nestor Ceja. Phillips ended up scoring the tying run in the 9th when Jack Mayfield grounded into a double play. Reed struck out to end the inning, and apparently Ceja was intent on ejecting everyone in a Corpus Christi uniform. Reed took umbrage at a call he didn't like during the at-bat, and he too was tossed. Ceja decided to toss Hooks skipper Rodney Linares for good measure, too.

Colin Moran smacked a triple to lead off the 10th and scored on a sac fly from Alfredo. That run turned out to be the difference. Jio finished 3-5 with a steal (9) and the 2-run single, while Brett Phillips (2B, R) and Teoscar Hernandez (BB, R) had 2 hits apiece from the top of the order. Moran scored 2 runs.

Kyle Westwood went 5.1 innings and allowed 4 runs (3 earned) on 5 hits (2-run homer), walked 1, and struck out 6. Chris Cotton faced 4 batters after coming on in the 6th and failed to retire any of them. He allowed 2 runs on 2 hits, walked 1, and struck out 1, but that strikeout victim reached base. Aaron West got the final 2 outs of the 6th and threw a scoreless 7th inning, allowing a hit and fanning 2. Jandel Gustave allowed a hit, walked 1, and whiffed 4 over 3 scoreless for the win.

Josh Hader, who's now sporting a silver medal from the Pan Am Games, returns to the Hooks rotation tonight as he takes on Jose Leclerc. First pitch is at 6:05.

Stockton 5, Lancaster 3

W- Dan Mengden (3-1, 7-2 season)
L- Edison Frias (8-4)

Lancaster home runs: J.D. Davis (13, solo in 5th)

Dan Mengden shut down.... the JetHawks. They only had 3 hits in this game.

For 4.2 innings, they couldn't reach base, but J.D. Davis ended that by taking him deep for a solo shot in the 5th. That homer was the only hit that Mengden allowed in 5 innings, and he struck out 8. Ronnie Mitchell hit an RBI groundout in the 7th, and James Ramsay hit an infield single in the 8th, and on the ensuing error, Marc Wik scored.

Edison Frias went 5.2 innings and allowed 4 runs on 6 hits (3-run homer), walked 3, and struck out 6. Albert Minnis had an inherited runner charged to him in 1.1 innings. He allowed a double, walked 3, and struck out 2. Jordan Mills allowed 2 hits and fanned 2 in 1.2 innings.

In the series finale, Austin Chrismon will face Raúl Alcantara. First pitch is at 5:00 Pacific.

Burlington 4, Quad Cities 3

W- Austin Robichaux (8-4)
L- Elieser Hernandez (0-1, 0-2 season)
S- Eduardo Paredes (18)

QC home runs: Nick Tanielu (3, 2-run in 8th)

The Banditos got their bats going late, but... no cigar.

Quad Cities had the bases loaded in the 1st but came away empty-handed. Drew Ferguson scored the River Bandits' first run of the evening when Garrett Stubbs grounded into a double play in the 7th. Nick Tanielu brought them to within 1 with a 2-run shot in the 8th, his 3rd homer of the year. Ferguson finished 2-3.

Elieser Hernandez allowed 4 runs on 9 hits (2-run homer), walked 1, and struck out 3 in 4.1 innings. Ryan Thompson allowed a hit in 2.2 scoreless, and Riley Ferrell struck out 1 in a 1-2-3 8th.

Mr. Gold Medalist, Brock Dykxhoorn, will be on the mound in the series finale. He'll take on Jake Jewell at 2:00.

Tri-City 5, Batavia 4

W- Alex Winkelman (2-0, 4-1 season)
L- Kyle Keller (0-2)

TC home runs: None.

The ValleyCats got their bats going late and turned a 4-1 deficit into a win.

Kolbey Carpenter put Tri-City on the board with an RBI single in the 2nd. Aaron Mizell whacked an RBI triple in the 6th, and then he reached on an error that allowed Johnny Sewald to score in the 7th inning. Speaking of Sewald, he put the ValleyCats in front with a 2-run single in the 8th inning. He had a stolen base (16) to go along with his big hit. Pat Porter finished 2-4 with a run scored.

Harold Arauz allowed 4 runs on 7 hits (2-run homer), walked 2, and fanned 6 in 4.1 innings. He left 2 runners on for Jacob Dorris, who got the final 2 outs of the 5th without incident. Alex Winkelman tagged in and threw 4 scoreless, allowing just 2 hits while getting 7 whiffs.

Ralph Garza will face Jordan Holloway in the series finale. This game is just getting underway.

Burlington 3, Greeneville 1 in 10 innings

W- Jacob Bodner (1-0)
L- Joselo Pinales (0-2)

Greeneville home runs: None.

The Appy Astros tied the game in the bottom of the 9th... only to see the Royals score 2 in the first extra frame to re-take the lead. Ugh.

Down to their last out, Justin Garcia sent a ball right back up the middle to tie the game at 1. Ford Stainback and Randy Cesar (2B) had 2 hits apiece.

Devonte German went 4 innings and allowed a run on 3 hits and struck out 1. Erasmo Pinales allowed 4 hits, walked 2, and struck out a career-high tying 7 over 4 scoreless. Joselo Pinales allowed 2 runs (both in the 10th) on 6 hits, walked 1, and struck out 2 in 2 innings.

Greeneville will look to avoid the sweep as Junior Garcia will take on Julio Pinto at 2:00 Eastern.

DSL Rays 7, DSL Astros Blue 6

W- Angel Felipe (1-0)
L- Robert Corniel (0-1)
S- Marlon Constante (3)

Blue home runs: None.

The Blue team squandered a 6-2 lead.

Cristopher Luciano put them on the board with an RBI double in the 2nd inning. He finished 2-3 and struck again in the 3rd with a 2-run single, and then Orlando Marquez scored on a wild pitch. Luciano eventually scored on a passed ball. Marquez hit a sac fly in the 5th.

Jorge Guzman allowed 2 unearned runs on 5 hits, walked 3, and struck out 2 in 4 innings.

DSL Cardinals 6, DSL Astros Orange 1

W- Ronald Medrano (3-1)
L- Cesar Rosado (2-2)

Orange home runs: None.

The Orange team got on the board first, but it was all Cardinals afterwards.

Hector Martinez hit a single in the 4th and on the ensuing error, Randy Vasquez scored the first run of the game.

Bryan Abreu went 4.1 innings and allowed a run on 3 hits, walked 3, and struck out 3.

A Day in Cooperstown

Well, the first day in Cooperstown was a resounding success. What started as a sunny day ended up with just enough cloud cover to keep things comfortable and a few scattered raindrops later during the ceremony awarding the J.G. Taylor Spink Award honoring long-time Detroit writer Tom Gage and the Ford C. Frick Award honoring Broadcaster Dick Enberg.

The sun returned for the Parade of Legends which takes place after the Awards Ceremony on Saturday of Hall of Fame weekend and is always one of the highlights of the weekend. Seeing so many Hall of Famers in one place is truly something to behold ...

Dave Winfield looking back at us

George Brett says "Hey"

Carlton Fisk with a big thumbs up

Orlando Cepeda

Rollie Fingers twirling that famous 'stache

Tom Glavine and I having a moment

I see why they called Frank Thomas "The Big Hurt"

Johnny Bench working the crowd

Ricky Henderson

Hank Freaking Aaron!!!

Phil Neikro being coy

Robbie Alomar

Rod Carew was the epitome of cool

The honorees came last ...

John Smoltz with a thumbs up

Pedro Martinez never stopped dancing

Randy Johnson never put down the camera phone

And Craig Biggio never quit grinning

The B-G-O chant for Craig was very, very loud and the Astros were well represented in the crowd, rivaled only by Red Sox fans cheering for Pedro, but I still think we outnumbered them and most of us came from much further! I met many people that I know from twitter and hope to meet a few more today before all is said and done.

As I write this it's raining in Cooperstown and the forecast is not good for induction time, but I'm hoping and praying that the baseball gods will smile upon us and the sun will shine as brightly as Biggio's smile.

ALL PHOTOS BY JAYNE HANSEN
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Bonus Tweet of the Day

Tweets of the Day


Saturday, July 25, 2015

Astros Minor League Recaps

Results for Thursday, July 23, 2015 and Friday, July 24, 2015

Fireworks in Frisco.

Suddenly, Lancaster's series with Stockton became the Jake Nottingham/Dan Mengden Reunion Series.

Thursday: Las Vegas 9, Fresno 4

W- Dillon Gee (4-1)
L- Asher Wojciechowski (5-2)

Fresno home runs: Matt Duffy (15, solo in 4th)

The game started off well enough for the Grizz as they took an early 2-0 lead, but it was all Vegas after that.

Fresno got 2 runs in the 1st off a pair of RBI doubles from Tyler White and Matt Duffy. Duffy smacked a solo homer in the 4th to give the Grizzlies a 3-0 lead, but the 51s scored 4 in the bottom of the inning to take the lead. Max Stassi scored on an error in the 5th following a Tony Kemp lineout.

Duffy and Robbie Grossman had 2 hits apiece, while White drew 2 walks to go with his double.

Asher Wojciechowski went 4.2 innings and allowed 7 runs on 9 hits (3 2-run homers), walked 3, and struck out 2. Jason Stoffel was the first man out; he went 1.1 innings and allowed 2 runs on 4 hits, walked 1, and struck out 3. Jordan Jankowski and Kevin Chapman both pitched a scoreless inning. Jankowski walked 1 and struck out 1 in the 7th, and Chapman allowed a hit while striking out 1 in the 8th.

Friday: Fresno 9, Tacoma 3

W- Dan Straily (8-6)
L- James Gillheeney (1-2)

Fresno home runs: Jonathan Villar (3, led off game)

The Grizz were up 9-0, and despite a late snag, they came out with the win in the first of 4 games.

Jonathan Villar's homer led off the game. In the 2nd, Tyler Heineman added a 2-run single. Leo Heras ripped an RBI double in the 4th, and Heineman scored on a fielder's choice. Tyler White added a 2-run single to push the lead to 7-0. Domingo Santana hit a 2-run single of his own in the 6th.

Villar (2 RBI, 3 R) and Nolan Fontana (2B, R) had 3 hits apiece, while White (2B, 2 RBI, R) and Domingo (2 RBI) had 2-hit games.

Dan Straily allowed just 2 hits, walked 1, and struck out 7 over 8 shutout innings. Luis Cruz allowed 3 runs on 2 hits and walked 2 in the 9th, but that was alright, since he had an 8-run cushion to work with.

Mark Appel is on the mound tonight. He'll take on Forrest Snow in a battle of former Pac-12 pitchers at 7:05 Pacific.

Thursday: Frisco 6, Corpus Christi 5

W- Cody Ege (3-2)
L- Travis Ballew (3-4)
S- Andrew Faulkner (1)

CC home runs: Teoscar Hernandez (11, solo in 1st), Jon Kemmer (13, 2-run in 4th), Jack Mayfield (3, 10 season; 2-run in 6th)

Both teams hit 3 homers, which accounted for 5 of their runs. However, the Roughriders managed to get one over on the Hooks late to take this game.

In the Hooks' case, all 5 of their runs came on their 3 blasts. Teoscar Hernandez opened up the scoring with a solo shot in the 1st, his 11th of the season. Jon Kemmer hit a 2-run homer in the 4th, his 13th of the year, and Jack Mayfield hit a 2-run homer in the 6th, his 3rd in the Texas League and 10th overall. Kemmer went 2-4 and was the only Hook to finish with a multi-hit game.

Adrian Houser went 4.2 innings and allowed 5 runs on 7 hits (solo and 2 2-run homers), walked 4, and struck out 3. Juan Minaya was the first man out of the Corpus bullpen; he struck out 5 over 2.1 perfect innings. Travis Ballew got 2 outs in the 8th, but Frisco broke the tie off of him with a run on a force out. Chris Cotton got the final out of the 8th without incident.

Friday: Corpus Christi 9, Frisco 3

W- Michael Feliz (4-2, 5-3 season)
L- Lendy Castillo (2-1)
S- Joe Musgrove (1)

CC home runs: Teoscar Hernandez 2 (13; solo in 1st, 3-run in 6th), A.J. Reed (2, 25 season; 2-run in 9th)

The Hooks blew this game wide open with a 5-run 6th inning.

Teoscar opened up the scoring with a solo shot in the 1st, his 3rd consecutive game with a home run. Jed Lowrie continued his rehab by going 2-3 with a double. He also hit an RBI single in the 3rd inning. Roberto Peña put the Hooks in front in the 6th inning with a 2-run single, and Teoscar struck again with a 3-run home run. A.J. Reed topped it off with a 2-run homer in the 9th, his 25th of 2015.

Michael Feliz got the cobwebs out after a shaky start. He went 5 innings and allowed 3 runs on 7 hits (solo homer), walked 2, and fanned 5. Joe Musgrove allowed a hit, walked 1, and struck otu 5 over 4 scoreless.

In game 3 of this series, Kyle Westwood will face Vitcor Payano. First pitch is at 7:05.

Thursday: Lancaster 6, Stockton 1

W- Bryan Radziewski (3-3, 4-3 season)
L- Taylor Thompson (0-1)

Lancaster home runs: Ronnie Mitchell (7, solo in 5th), Jamie Ritchie (1, 5 season; solo in 7th)

The Ports got on the board first, but the duo of Keegan Yuhl and Bryan Radziewski held them to 3 hits and the JetHawks scored the final 6 runs of the evening.

Yuhl allowed an unearned run on 3 hits, walked 1, and struck out 6 in 5 innings of work. and Radziewski struck out 3 over 4 perfect frames.

Ronnie Mitchell put Lancaster on the board with a solo shot in the 5th. The JetHawks seized control with 4 in the 6th as Chase McDonald put them in the lead with an RBI single. They had the bases loaded later in the 6th and Mott Hyde cleared them with a double. Jamie Ritchie connected for his first home run in the California League with a solo shot in the 7th. Hyde (3-R 2B), McDonald (RBI single), and D.J. Fisher had 2 hits apiece. Jake Nottingham went 1-4 for Stockton.

Friday: Stockton 5, Lancaster 4

W- Sam Bragg (5-2)
L- Troy Scribner (2-5)
S- Brendan McCurry (20)

Lancaster home runs: None.

The Ports scored 3 in the 6th to take the lead, and the JetHawks were silenced the rest of the way.

Ronnie Mitchell opened the scoring in the 2nd when he scored on a passed ball. D.J. Fisher tripled to lead off the 3rd and scored on a Jamie Ritchie sac fly. Brian Holberton hit an RBI single in the 4th, and Chase McDonald added another RBI single in the 5th. Fisher finished 3-4.

In his Lancaster debut, Francis Martes went 5.2 innings and allowed 4 runs (2 inherited runners charged to him) on 6 hits, walked 2, and struck out 9. Troy Scribner went 1.1 innings and allowed a run on 2 hits (3-run homer; 2 runs were charged to Martes) and struck out 1. Tyler Brunnemann allowed 2 hits and struck out 1 over 2 innings.

Edison Frias will get the start for Lancaster tonight. He'll take on Dan Mengden at 6:00 Pacific.

Thursday: Kane County 5, Quad Cities 2

W- Wei-Chih Huang (5-1)
L- Jorge Perez (1-2)

QC home runs: None.

The River Bandits dropped the series, which was the first time this season that they've lost a series on the road. It took until late July for this to occur. Yeah, they've had a pretty good season. They tied the game at 2 in the top of the 8th, only to see the Cougars re-take the lead with 3 in the bottom of the 8th.

Bobby Boyd hit a 1-out triple in the 8th and trotted home on a Jason Martin triple. Martin came home on a sac fly from Alex Bregman. Trent Woodward finished 2-4.

Justin Ferrell allowed a run on 4 hits, walked 1, and struck out 1 in 6 innings of work. Jorge Perez pitched the final 2 innings and allowed 4 runs (1 earned) on 4 hits, walked 3, and struck out 1.

Friday: Quad Cities 1, Burlington 0

W- David Paulino (3-2, 4-2 season)
L- Justin Anderson (6-8)
S- Eric Peterson (5)

QC home runs: None.

1 run was enough to decide the outcome of this game as David Paulino and 2 relievers kept the Bees off the board.

Paulino allowed 3 hits, walked 3, and struck out 6 over 6.2 innings. Zach Davis, in his Quad Cities debut, worked around a couple of hits to pitch a scoreless inning (final out of the 7th, 2 outs in the 8th). Eric Peterson got the 4-out save, allowing a hit and striking out 3.

Ramon Laureano drove in the only run of the evening with a single in the 1st. Nick Tanielu was the only player on either side with a multi-hit game as he went 3-4 with 2 doubles.

In game 2 of this series, Elieser Hernandez will take on Austin Robichaux. First pitch is at 6:00.

Thursday: Tri-City 4, Lowell 2

W- Scott Weathersby (2-1)
L- Randy Perez (0-2)

TC home runs: None.

The ValleyCats took the series, and took the lead in the NYPL Stedler Division. There were 3 innings in which 2 runs were scored, and the ValleyCats won that aspect 2-1.

Aaron Mizell put Tri-City on the board with an RBI triple in the 2nd, and he later scored on an Anthony Hermelyn groundout. They broke the tie in the 7th as Brooks Marlow scored on a wild pitch, and Bobby Wernes hit a sac fly. Mizell, Pat Porter (2B), and Tony Nuñez each had 2 hits.

Friday: Batavia 8, Tri-City 6

W- Scott Squier (2-0)
L- Dean Deetz (4-2)
S- Steven Farnworth (5)

TC home runs: None.

A 7-0 deficit after 4 innings proved to be too much for the ValleyCats to overcome. However, with Lowell's loss, they retain 1st place.

They were no-hit through 4.1 innings until Pat Porter hit a triple. He scored himself on a wild pitch in the 5th. He ripped an RBI double in the 7th. Johnny Sewald followed by bringing him home with an RBI single. Bryan Muñiz added an RBI single of his own, and Bobby Wernes grounded into a force out that scored Tony Nuñez. Anthony Hermelyn hit an RBI groundout in the 8th. Porter went 2-4 at the bottom of the order. He's got a nice little 4-game hitting streak going.

Dean Deetz allowed 6 runs (5 earned, 1 inherited runner charged to him) on 6 hits (solo homer) and struck out 4 in 3.1 innings. David Schmidt got the final 2 outs of the 4th inning, but not before he allowed a 2-run homer to Stone Garrett (a graduate of George Ranch High School in Richmond), which resulted in a run being charged to Deetz. That was the only hit that Schmidt allowed, and he struck out 1. Agapito Barrios was next; he allowed a run on 3 hits and struck out 2 in 3 innings, and Juan Carlos Santos worked around 2 walks to throw a scoreless 8th, striking out 2.

In game 2 of this series, Harold Arauz will face Justin Jacome. First pitch is at 7:05 Eastern.

Thursday: Greeneville 8, Bluefield 1

W- Cris Santamaria (2-0)
L- Dalton Rodriguez (1-3)
S- Jose Hernandez (1)

Greeneville home runs: None.

The Appy Astros scored in the final 5 innings as they took 2 of 3 from the Blue Jays.

Justin Garcia put Greeneville on the board in the 4th with an RBI single. Ford Stainback scored the go-ahead run in the 5th on a fielder's choice, and then the floodgates opened. Kevin Martir added an RBI single in the 6th. In the 7th, Osvaldo Duarte hit a sac fly, and Marlon Avea ripped an RBI double. Avea tacked on 2 more in the 8th with a single, and Randy Cesar drove in the final run of the night with an RBI double.

Avea finished 3-4, while Ford Stainback (2 R) and Luis Payano (2B, 2 R) had 2 hits apiece at the bottom of the order.

Yhoan Acosta went 4 innings, allowing a run on 4 hits, walking 2, and striking out 4. Cris Santamaria threw a 1-2-3 5th for the win. Jose Hernandez allowed 2 hits and struck out 8 over 4 scoreless for the save.

Friday: Burlington 9, Greeneville 7 in 11 innings

W- Jake Kalish (1-0)
L- Samil De Los Santos (1-3)

Greeneville home runs: None.

The Appy Astros managed to erase an early 5-0 deficit, but the Royals forced extras and won it with 2 in the 11th. Oh well, the Major League Astros blanked the Major League Royals, so we'll take that instead.

Their 2 runs in the 1st came on RBI singles from Connor Goegert and Brauly Mejia. Goedert added a sac fly in the 5th. Luis Payano scored the first of 3 runs in the 7th on an error. Goedert followed with another sac fly, and Justin Garcia added a sac fly of his own. Osvaldo Duarte ripped an RBI triple in the 8th that gave Greeneville a 7-6 lead at that point. Duarte also stole his 10th base of the season.

Albert Abreu only got 2 outs in the 1st as he allowed 5 runs (2 earned) on 3 hits, walked 2, and struck out 1. Lachlan Madden stopped the bleeding as he threw 2.1 scoreless innings, allowing 1 hit, walking 2, and striking out 3. Alejandro Solarte was next; he allowed 3 hits over 2 scoreless. Salvador Montaño went 5 innings and allowed 2 runs on 6 hits, walked 1, and struck out 4. Samil De Los Santos allowed the 2-run homer to Brandon Dulin in the 11th that broke the tie. He allowed one other hit, walked 1, and struck out 2.

In game 2 of this series, Devonte German will take on Matt Tenuta. First pitch is at 6:00 Eastern.

GCL Astros

The Kissimmee Stros let another late lead slip away on Thursday and lost 4-2 in 10 innings to the Braves, and they lost 8-2 to the Tigers on Friday.

Daz Cameron showed off his wheels on Thursday as he stole 2 bases. Frankeny Fernandez went 2-4 with a double and a run scored. Diogenes Almengo was the third pitcher to appear on Thursday and allowed 3 hits, walked 3, and struck out 3 in 3 innings.

Kyle Tucker went 2-4 with a run scored on Friday.

DSL Astros Blue

The Blue team got 2 wins in 2 days, as they blanked the Royals 3-0 on Thursday and defeated the Rays 3-1 on Friday.

Leovanny Rodriguez and Framber Valdez combined on a 5-hitter on Thursday. Rodriguez allowed 3 hits and struck out 2 in 5 innings, and Valdez pitched the final 4 innings, allowing 2 hits, walking 2, and striking out 7.

Ozziel Sanchez-Galan opened the scoring with an RBI double in the 2nd. Oscar Campos had an RBI groundout in the 6th, and Orlando Marquez went 3-3 with an RBI single in the 7th.

The Blue team won on Friday despite being held to 4 hits. Marcos Almonte broke a scoreless tie with an RBI single in the 6th, and Cristopher Luciano drew a bases-loaded walk. Marquez ripped an RBI double in the 8th.

Yoanys Quiala allowed 2 hits, walked 2, and struck out 7 over 5 shutout innings. Michel Martinez allowed a run on 4 hits and walked 2 in 3 innings. Gabriel Pirela got 2 outs in the 9th but walked 2, and Dariel Aquino secured the win by getting the final out of the game.

DSL Astros Orange

The Orange team was mauled 19-4 by the Rangers 1 on Thursday, but they rebounded to beat the Cardinals 4-3 in 10 innings on Friday.

Marcos Almonte went 2-5 with a double and a run scored as they got pummeled on Thursday. Edwin Villarroel was the only Orange team pitcher to not get smashed as he allowed a hit and struck out 3 over 2 scoreless innings.

Alejandro Garcia (2B, 2 RBI, R) and Carlos Machado (2 R) went 3-4 from the top and the bottom of the order, respectively. Miguelangel Sierra put the Orange team ahead with a sac fly in the 10th inning. Randy Vasquez went 2-4 with a sac fly in the 8th.

Franklin Perez allowed a run on 2 hits, walked 1, and struck out 4 over 4 innings. He was followed by Javier Navas, who allowed 2 runs on 4 hits while striking out 3 in 3 innings. Juan Lopez walked 2 and struck out 2 in 2 innings, and he got the win in his first career appearance. Josue Uribe struck out the side in order in the 10th for the save.