Astros Farm Report: 3/21

Spring Training is in full swing and it's just 16 days until the Astros four minor league affiliates start their seasons! Here's what's happening in Astros MiLB land.

WISHING A VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO

3-21: OF Andrew Aplin (25)
3-22: RHP Ezequiel Madera (20)
3-23: RHP Adam Whitt (23)
3-23: IF Chan Moon (25)
3-23: LHP Steve Naemark (26)
3-24: RHP Jacob Dorris (23)
3-25: LHP Neal Cotts (36)
3-26: RHP Cristian Javier (19)
3-27: 1B Felix Lucas (19)

Andrew Aplin - Birthday Boy

TWEETS OF THE WEEK

@theineman13 how did you become magical?

— Tyler White (@twhite409) March 19, 2016

I'll trade you. My magic skills for your hitting ability https://t.co/rRRJflRS5V

— Tyler Heineman (@theineman13) March 19, 2016

My two picks for the national championship are out after the first round....

— Eric Peterson (@EricPeterson34) March 18, 2016

Join the crowd, Eric!

Earlier today, James Hoyt received his 2014-15 Dominican Winter League Championship ring from the Gigantes del Cibao pic.twitter.com/6YPQMaVPGe

— Houston Astros (@astros) March 14, 2016

NEWS AND LINKS

The World Baseball Classic Qualifying Rounds in Mexicali and Panama City were played over the last few days. A couple of current Astros minor league pitchers were on the roster for Spain: Rogelio Armenteros (2.0IP 9.00ERA 2.000WHIP) and Carlos Sierra (1.1IP 0.00ERA 1.500WHIP). The Spanish team lost to Colombia and France in the double elimination.

OF Leo Heras played for the Mexican team. In three games, Heras hit .333/.429/.833 and contributed a two-run home run in the finale last night as Mexico defeated Nicaragua to advance to the March 2017 World Baseball Classic.

Friend of the blog and former Astro farmhand, lefty Alex Sogard, was on the Czech Republic team for the second time, having appeared for them during the last WBC. In 6.2 innings, he had a 0.00 ERA and a 0.750 WHIP. The Czech team was eliminated, but received accolades for the progress they made since their last appearance in the Classic, particularly their pitching.

In Spring Training action, Tyler White continues to do his thang. He's doing what he has done since drafted. He's hitting like crazy (.344/.389/.500 in 14 games). I know that it's a small sample size, but inquiring minds want to know if he might not get that elusive 40th roster spot. Probably not, with the need for a backup catcher, but it's certainly one of the biggest stories of the spring.

In the meantime, Michael Feliz is reminding everyone that he would like a chance to join Fiers, Feldman, Fister and Fields when the Astros break camp. He has appeared in four games (one start) and has compiled a 0.00 ERA and a 1.300 WHIP in 10 innings, striking out eight and walking three. This fact was brought to you by the letter "F."

Jose de Jesus Ortiz had some good pieces on up-and-comers RHP David Paulino and RHP Joe Musgrove on what they took away from big league camp. And, of course, Tyler White continues to impress.

From Evan Drellich, we find that A.J. Reed has been getting shifted on for years.

MLB.com's Jonathan Mayo weighs in on the depth of the Astros system, despite trades and graduations.

And a reminder that being a minor leaguer isn't all fun and games.