Wednesday, November 30, 2016

Astros Fall and Winter League Recaps

Results for November 28-29, 2016

LIGA PARALELA

Nestor Tejada went 0-4 with a walk and two strikeouts in Caracas' 2-2 tie with Caimanes on Monday. He appeared as a pinch-hitter and then took over as the designated hitter on Tuesday, going 0-2 in a 4-4 tie with Aragua.


LIDOM

Tuesday's games

Andrew Aplin came into Licey's game as a defensive replacement in the 5th inning, going 0-1 with a walk in their 5-1 loss to Estrellas.

LIGA MEXICANA DEL PACIFICO

Leo Heras went 1-3 in Obregón's 9-1 to Navojoa on Tuesday.

Monday, November 28, 2016

Astros Fall and Winter League Recaps

Results for November 24-27, 2016

How did the Astros playing overseas fare during this Thanksgiving holiday?

LIDOM

Friday's games

Teoscar Hernandez finished 1-3 with a walk and scored a run in Toros' 5-3 win over Águilas. This was the only game that was played that night; the other two were rained out, which has been a problem in the Dominican this season.

Saturday's games

Teoscar went 1-4 and scored on a two-run single from Eugenio Velez, which turned out to be the decisive hit in Toros' 3-2 win over Estrellas.

AUSTRALIAN BASEBALL LEAGUE

The Brisbane Bandits split their series with Perth this past weekend. Connor MacDonald finished 3-15 with a run scored, two walks, and seven strikeouts. He was 2-3 in the first game of a doubleheader on Saturday, which Perth won 2-1.

LIGA MEXICANA DEL PACIFICO

Leo Heras weent 3-10 at the plate as Obregón swept Mexicali in a three-game series, their last one before the All-Star break. Heras also took part in the LMP All-Star Game and got the start in right field, striking out in both of his plate appearances.

LIGA PARALELA

Thursday's games

Nestor Tejada went 2-4 for Caracas in their 5-3 loss to Bravos/Caribes.

Eduardo Guzman was 0-2 in Zulia's 6-5 win over Aragua.

Juan Infante came on as a pinch runner and scored in La Guaira's 7-6 win over the Tigers.

Friday's games

Ronaldo Urdaneta went 1-3 with a double, but it was a long night for Zulia as they got thrashed 15-2 by Lara.

Thursday, November 24, 2016

Astros Farm Report: Thanksgiving Edition

A little bit of news, some minor league updates, but first things first ...

TWEET OF THE DAY
WISHING A VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO

11-23: C Alvaro Alvarez (19)
11-24: RHP Francis Martes (21)
11-25: RHP Erasmo Pinales (22)
11-26: OF Renaigel Martis (19)
11-27: LHP Luis Ramirez (21)
11-28: IF Yeuris Ramirez (18)
11-28: RHP Derick Velazquez (23)
11-29: RHP Dean Deetz (23)
11-30: RHP Agapito Barrios (23)

Erasmo Pinales - July 2016
Photo by Jayne Hansen

ROSTER MOVES/TRANSACTIONS

I've updated the Astros 2016-2017 Off-Season Transactions post here. Of particular note, former Astro/Grizzly IF Danny Worth signed a contract worth $700,000 with the SK Wyverns team in South Korea. The Wyverns are being managed by Astros 2016 Bench Coach Trey Hillman. Also of note to Astros and Grizzlies fans, 2012 Astros 2nd round draft pick IF Nolan Fontana was claimed off waivers by the Angels this week. I wish them both the best as they take the next steps in their baseball journeys. (Friend of the blog Larry McCoy is also reporting that Roberto Pena has signed with the White Sox as a minor league free agent, but I haven't seen confirmation of that yet.)

Nolan Fontana - May 2015
Photo by Jayne Hansen

ASTROS FALL/WINTER LEAGUE UPDATES

Here is how your Astros have fared thus far in fall/winter league play:

ARIZONA FALL LEAGUE (AFL) - SEASON OVER

OF Alejandro Garcia: .200/.304/.200 in 6 games (replaced Laureano on the roster)
OF Jason Martin: .194/.375/.290 w/3-2B 2RBI 9R in 11 games
OF Ramon Laureano: .295/.340/.477 w/ 4-2B 2-3B 8RBI 5SB 12R in 12 games (last played 10/29)
C Garrett Stubbs: .171/.280/.271 w/ 4-2B 1HR 6RBI 13R in 20 games
IF Nick Tanielu: .352/.379/.500 w/ 5-2B 1HR 5RBI 7R in 14 games

RHP Francis Martes: 2-1 in 6 starts with a 3.22 ERA/1.299 WHIP in 22.1IP
RHP Jacob Dorris: 1-1 in 8 games with a 3.38 ERA/2.375 WHIP in 8.0IP
RHP Rogelio Armenteros: 0-0 (1SV) in 8 games with a 11.05 ERA/1.909 WHIP in 7.1IP
RHP David Paulino: 0-0 (1SV) in 5 games with a 0.00 ERA/0.600 WHIP in 5.0IP

DOMINICAN WINTER LEAGUE (LIDOM)

OF Andrew Aplin: .125/.217/.125 in 14 games
OF Osvaldo Duarte: .000/.000/.000 in 2 games (last played 11/4)
OF Teoscar Hernandez: .143/.143/.286 in 5 games
C Max Stassi: .400/.400/.400 in 2 games (last played 10/22)

RHP Edison Frias: 0-0 in 2 games with a 4.50 ERA/0.500 WHIP in 2.0IP (last played 11/9)
LHP Reymin Guduan: 0-1 in 9 games with a 6.00 ERA/2.667 WHIP in 2.2IP
RHP Mike Hauschild: 0-1 in 5 starts with a 2.31 ERA/1.329 WHIP in 23.1IP (last played 11/13)
RHP Jordan Jankowski: 0-1 in 7 games with a 4.50 ERA/1.667 WHIP in 6.0IP (last played 11/5)

MEXICAN PACIFIC LEAGUE (LMP)

OF Leo Heras: .257/.357/.441 w/4-2B 6-3B 3HR 14RBI 26R in 37 games

VENEZUELAN WINTER LEAGUE (LVBP)

SS Miguel Sierra: .333/.333/.444 w/1-2B 3RBI in 3 games (last played 11/5)

Dustin also looked at the Liga Paralela (Venezuelan minor league) a couple days ago to see how a few of our Baby 'Stros are doing.

PUERTO RICAN WINTER LEAGUE (LBPRC)

RHP Juan Santos: 0-0 in 3 games with a 3.00 ERA/1.000 WHIP in 3.0IP

AUSTRALIAN BASEBALL LEAGUE (ABL)

1B Connor MacDonald: .182/.438/.182 in 4 games

NEWS AND LINKS

No Astros minor leaguers were protected at the deadline in advance of the upcoming Rule 5 Draft. Here is the list of the players that the Astros may lose.

Pinstriped Prospects looks at Albert Abreu who the Astros traded to the Yankees as a part of the Brian McCann deal. I'm linking to this mainly because Robert used one of my photos of Abreu for the piece and actually asked my permission. What a concept!

Matt Eddy at Baseball America really dug down deep as he looked at the minor league free agent class. A few former Astros make appearances in the analysis.

And, in anticipation of BA's Prospect Handbook that will come out early next year, they whetted our appetite with the Astros Top 10 prospects. Drumroll please ...

1. RHP Francis Martes
2. OF Kyle Tucker
3. RHP David Paulino
4. RHP Franklin Perez
5. 1B A.J. Reed
6. RHP Forrest Whitley
7. OF Teoscar Hernandez
8. 3B/1B Yulieski Gurriel
9. OF Derek Fisher
10. C Garrett Stubbs

The main analysis is insider only, but the Top Tools list and some other info is available here.

And the Astros announced that their Advanced A affiliate will be playing at Campbell University in Buies Creek (pronounced BOO-ees), North Carolina for the next two seasons as their new stadium in Fayetteville, NC is being built.

And finally, I was feeling a thankful for all of you (and a little nostalgic) last night and I decided to stroll down memory lane by posting some photos from my Astros MiLB trips in 2012. Check out my timeline for those and stay tuned as I intend to continue the journey over the next week or so.

Wednesday, November 23, 2016

Astros Fall and Winter League Recaps

Results for Tuesday, November 22, 2016

LIDOM

Reymin Guduan was tasked with getting Gigantes out of a rough 5th inning against Licey, but he allowed a hit and issued a couple of walks while failing to record an out in the 10-2 loss.

Teoscar Hernandez was 0-4 as Toros walked off with a 6-5 loss against Águilas.

LIGA PARALELA

Alfredo Angarita singled, drove in a run, and scored twice as the Bravos/Caribes team romped to an 11-1 win over Magallanes.

LIGA MEXICANA DEL PACIFICO

Leo Heras went 1-4 in Obregón's 3-1 loss to Los Mochis.

Tuesday, November 22, 2016

Astros Fall and Winter League Recaps

Results for Monday, November 21, 2016

With the Arizona Fall League season over, it's shaping up to be a pretty quiet winter...

LIDOM

Teoscar Hernandez went 0-4 in Toros' 3-1 win over Águilas.

LIGA MEXICANA DEL PACIFICO

Leo Heras finished 1-4 with a walk and a run scored as Obregón topped Los Mochis 7-6 in 11 innings.

LIGA PARALELA (VENEZUELA)

Not many Astros players have featured in Venezuela's main league, LVBP, but a few of them are playing in the Liga Paralela, the LVBP's minor league. Here's where they are playing, and their stats:

Bravos/Caribes
IF Alfredo Angarita: 8 games, .333/.333/.500, 3B, RBI, 3 R

Caracas
OF Nestor Tejada: 19 games, .234/.296/.277, 3B, 6 RBI, 7 R, 3 SB
RHP Gabriel Pirela: 1 appearance, 3.86 ERA, 2.1 IP, H, ER, 2 K, 0.43 WHIP

La Guaira
LHP Jose Orta: 1 appearance, 0.00 ERA, IP, BB, 2 K, 1.00 WHIP

Lara
RHP Jonger Ochoa: 1 appearance, 27.00 ERA, 0.1 IP, 2 H, ER, 2 BB

Ochoa was signed in July 2016; his signing was mentioned in an Astros press release announcing the signing of Anibal Sierra. He'll begin his professional career next season.

Zulia
C Oscar Campos: 10 games, .344/.400/.438, 3 2B, 3 RBI, 6 R, SB
IF Ronaldo Urdaneta: 8 games, .091/.130/.091, R

Monday, November 21, 2016

Astros Fall and Winter League Recaps

Results for November 19-20, 2016

LIDOM

Saturday's games

Andrew Aplin appeared as a defensive replacement in Licey's 3-1 loss to Escogido and grounded out in his only plate appearance in the 9th inning.

Teoscar Hernandez made his LIDOM debut for Toros on Friday and finished a home run shy of the cycle and scored a run in a 3-1 win over Estrellas.

Sunday's games

Toros topped Escogido 4-2; Teoscar went 0-5 with a couple of strikeouts. Aplin was 0-2 in Licey's 3-0 loss to Águilas.

LIGA MEXICANA DEL PACIFICO

Leo Heras finished 2-3 with a walk and scored a run in Obregón's 4-3 loss to Hermosillo on Saturday and went 0-4 with a walk and a run scored in an 8-2 win on Sunday.

LIGA DE BEISBOL PROFESIONAL ROBERTO CLEMENTE

Roberto Peña singled and walked before getting lifted for a pinch-hitter in Santurce's 6-5 loss to Mayagüez on Saturday.

AUSTRALIAN BASEBALL LEAGUE

Brisbane took their first series of the year with a 4-2 win over Canberra on Sunday. Connor MacDonald singled to lead off the 6th inning and scored the Bandits' first run on a single from Thomas Milone. MacDonald reached on an error in the 8th and was credited with an RBI on the play.

The Bandits will travel to Perth for a four-game set beginning on Thursday.

Saturday, November 19, 2016

Astros Fall and Winter League Recaps

Results for Friday, November 18, 2016

AUSTRALIAN BASEBALL LEAGUE

Connor MacDonald drove in the first of Brisbane's two runs with an RBI single in their 8-2 loss to Canberra.

LIGA MEXICANA DEL PACIFICO

Leo Heras went 1-5 and scored a run in Obregón's 5-4, 11-inning loss to Hermosillo.

Friday, November 18, 2016

Astros Fall and Winter League Recaps

Results for Thursday, November 17, 2016

ARIZONA FALL LEAGUE

Francis Martes' final appearance of the Arizona Fall League was his best. In five shutout innings, he allowed just two hits, walked two, and struck out seven in Glendale's 3-1 victory over Peoria.

Nick Tanielu capped off a strong showing in Arizona by going 2-4 with an RBI double in the 2nd inning. He would eventually score on a sacrifice fly from Garrett Stubbs.

LIDOM

César Valdéz allowed two hits and struck out four over six shutout frames and got the win as Licey blanked Gigantes 5-0.

LIGA MEXICANA DEL PACIFICO

Leo Heras went 2-3 and hit a solo home run in Obregón's 5-3 loss to Navojoa. Heras now has three home runs in the LMP campaign.

AUSTRALIAN BASEBALL LEAGUE

Connor MacDonald was in Brisbane's starting lineup once again, this time at first base. He finished 0-2 with a walk and a strikeout in the Bandits' 8-3 win over Canberra.

Thursday, November 17, 2016

Astros Fall and Winter League Recaps

Results for Wednesday, November 16, 2016

ARIZONA FALL LEAGUE

Nick Tanielu had a nice day at the plate, finishing 2-5 with a double and a solo home run in Glendale's 10-0 win over Mesa.

LIDOM

Reymin Guduan got the final out of the 7th in Gigantes' 10-6 loss to Licey.

LIGA MEXICANA DEL PACIFICO

Leo Heras opened the scoring with an RBI triple in the 1st inning in Obregón's 5-3 win over Navojoa; he was thrown out at the plate trying for an inside-the-park home run.

AUSTRALIAN BASEBALL LEAGUE

Because Australia is many hours ahead of the Central Time Zone, the ABL has already celebrated its Opening Day.

Connor MacDonald got the start in left field in Brisbane's 3-2 win over Canberra; he was 0-2 with a couple of walks and a couple of strikeouts.

Astros Farm Report: 11-17

Will there be Astros playing in the Arizona Fall League Championship game? That and more in today's Astros Farm Report. But first things first ...

WISHING A VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO

11-16: 2B Alfredo Angarita (20)
11-17: OF Jon Kemmer (26)
11-18: C Anthony Hermelyn (23)
11-18: RHP Yonatan Quintin (20)
11-18: SS Ronaldo Urdaneta (18)
11-19: LHP Framber Valdez (23)
11-21: LHP Chris Cotton (26)

Anthony Hermelyn - May 2016
Photo by Jayne Hansen

ROSTER MOVES/TRANSACTIONS

RHP Charlie Morton was signed by the Astros via free agency and was placed on the 40-man roster which now stands at 38.

LHP Evan Grills, a minor league free agent who was originally drafted by the Astros in the 10th round in 2010, was signed by the Rockies.

The 2016-2017 Astros Off-Season Transaction post has been updated here.

FALL/WINTER LEAGUE UPDATES

Here is how your Astros have fared thus far in fall/winter league play:

ARIZONA FALL LEAGUE (AFL)

OF Alejandro Garcia: .200/.304/.200 in 6 games (replaced Laureano on the roster)
OF Jason Martin: .194/.375/.290 w/3-2B 2RBI 9R in 11 games
OF Ramon Laureano: .295/.340/.477 w/ 4-2B 2-3B 8RBI 5SB 12R in 12 games (last played 10/29)
C Garrett Stubbs: .179/.295/.284 w/ 4-2B 1HR 5RBI 13R in 19 games
IF Nick Tanielu: .340/.370/.480 w/ 4-2B 1HR 4RBI 6R in 13 games

RHP Francis Martes: 1-1 in 5 starts with a 4.15 ERA/1.442 WHIP in 17.1IP
RHP Jacob Dorris: 1-1 in 8 games with a 3.38 ERA/2.375 WHIP in 8.0IP
RHP Rogelio Armenteros: 0-0 (1SV) in 8 games with a 11.05 ERA/1.909 WHIP in 7.1IP
RHP David Paulino: 0-0 (1SV) in 5 games with a 0.00 ERA/0.600 WHIP in 5.0IP

DOMINICAN WINTER LEAGUE (LIDOM)

OF Andrew Aplin: .147/.231/.147 in 11 games (last played 11/9)
OF Osvaldo Duarte: .000/.000/.000 in 2 games (last played 11/4)
C Max Stassi: .400/.400/.400 in 2 games (last played 10/22)

RHP Edison Frias: 0-0 in 2 games with a 4.50 ERA/0.500 WHIP in 2.0IP (last played 11/9)
LHP Reymin Guduan: 0-1 in 7 games with a 6.75 ERA/1.500 WHIP in 2.2IP
RHP Mike Hauschild: 0-1 in 5 starts with a 2.31 ERA/1.329 WHIP in 23.1IP
RHP Jordan Jankowski: 0-1 in 7 games with a 4.50 ERA/1.667 WHIP in 6.0IP (last played 11/5)
RHP Cesar Valdez (Free Agent): 0-2 in 4 starts with a 4.66 ERA/1.448 WHIP in 19.1IP

MEXICAN PACIFIC LEAGUE (LMP)

OF Leo Heras: .257/.352/.459 w/4-2B 6-3B 2HR 13RBI 21R in 30 games

VENEZUELAN WINTER LEAGUE (LVBP)

SS Miguel Sierra: .333/.333/.444 w/1-2B 3RBI in 3 games (last played 11/5)

PUERTO RICAN WINTER LEAGUE (LBPRC)

C Roberto Pena (Free Agent): .229/.245/.333 w/5-2B 3RBI 5R in 12 games

RHP Juan Santos: 0-0 in 1 game with a 9.00 ERA/2.000 WHIP in 1.0IP (last played 10/29)

AUSTRALIAN BASEBALL LEAGUE (ABL)

The Australian Baseball League started their season today and, because they're halfway around the world, they've already played today's games. Connor MacDonald appeared for the Brisbane Bandits, playing left field and going 0x2 with 2 walks and 2 strikeouts in his first appearance.

NEWS AND LINKS

Keep an eye out for Baseball America's Astros Top 10 coming out on Friday. They have the AL East and AL Central up here.

And Friday is also the deadline for Rule 5 protection! Here is my primer explaining the process and identifying the players at risk. And here is Brian MacTaggart's interview with Astros GM Jeff Luhnow regarding some of the players under consideration for protection.

The Arizona Fall League regular season comes to an end today with 5 of 6 teams still vying for a chance to play in the Championship game on Saturday. This post outlines all of the scenarios, but in a nutshell, if Surprise loses their game today and Glendale wins theirs, there will be a few Astros playing for the Championship. The game will be televised on MLB Network starting at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday.

Astros County gives us the inside scoop on the not yet 19-year old RHP Franklin Perez.

Franklin Perez - May 2016
Photo by Jayne Hansen

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Astros Fall and Winter League Recaps

Results for Tuesday, November 15, 2016

ARIZONA FALL LEAGUE

Glendale 1, Surprise 0

Nick Tanielu finished 2-4 and drove in the only run of the game with an RBI single in the opening frame. Garrett Stubbs went 0-4, and Alejandro Garcia finished 1-3.

Rogelio Armenteros worked around a couple of hits to throw a scoreless 7th, striking out two, and David Paulino retired the side in order in the 8th.

LIGA MEXICANA DEL PACIFICO

Leo Heras hit an RBI triple in the 3rd inning for Obregón in their 10-5 loss to Navojoa.

LIGA DE BEISBOL PROFESIONAL ROBERTO CLEMENTE

Evan Grills turned in another solid start for Santurce and got the win, allowing a run on six hits, walking one, and striking out four in five innings in the Crabbers' 3-1 victory. Roberto Peña doubled and scored a run.

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Astros Fall and Winter League Recaps

Results for Monday, November 14, 2016

ARIZONA FALL LEAGUE

Mesa 13, Glendale 5

Nick Tanielu doubled to lead off the 4th inning and eventually scored on a Jason Martin groundout. Jacob Dorris pitched the 6th inning, and the one hit he allowed was a three-run home run hit by Ian Happ. Dorris also walked one and struck out one.

And that was it for Astros in the offseason leagues on Monday. Glendale will take on Surprise at 12:35 Mountain.




Monday, November 14, 2016

Astros Fall and Winter League Recaps

Results for the weekend of November 11-13, 2016

ARIZONA FALL LEAGUE

Glendale came out with a couple of wins over Scottsdale this weekend.

Francis Martes got the start and the win in the Desert Dogs' 5-2 win on Friday. In four innings, Martes allowed two runs (one earned) on four hits, walked one, and struck out four. David Paulino walked one in a scoreless 6th, and Rogelio Armenteros recorded the final two outs of the 8th inning.

At the plate, Garrett Stubbs finished 1-4 with a run scored, Jason Martin was 0-5, and Nick Tanielu went 1-5.

In the 4-3 win on Saturday, Martin drew a couple of walks and scored a run before getting lifted for a pinch-hitter in the 6th inning. Tanielu singled, walked twice, and drove in the Desert Dogs' first run with a sacrifice fly in the opening frame. Garcia went 0-4 out of the #9 spot.

LIDOM

Friday's games

Reymin Guduan recorded the final out of the 8th with a strikeout in Gigantes' 1-0 loss to Escogido.

Sunday's games

Speaking of Escogido, Mike Hauschild went five innings in his start and allowed an unearned run on two hits, walked four, and struck out one. He did not factor in the decision as Licey scored two runs in the bottom of the 8th to break a 2-2 tie.

LIGA MEXICANA DEL PACIFICO

Alternate title: The Adventures of Leo Heras. He and Obregón took on Jalisco this weekend.

On Friday, Heras hit an RBI single in the 8th, advanced to second base on a wild pitch, stole third (4), and scored on a sac fly from Ricardo Valenzuela.

In Obregón's rain-shortened 6-1 win on Saturday, Heras walked twice and scored twice. Sunday's game was cancelled.

LIGA DE BEISBOL PROFESIONAL ROBERTO CLEMENTE

Roberto Peña and Santurce took two games over Aguadilla this weekend.

On Friday, the Crabbers won 6-4 in 12 innings. Peña went 2-6 with an RBI double in the 8th. He turned in another two-hit game on Saturday, scoring a run in the 3-0 victory.

Friday, November 11, 2016

Astros Fall and Winter League Recaps

Results for Thursday, November 10, 2016

ARIZONA FALL LEAGUE

Surprise 3, Glendale 1

Garrett Stubbs had two at-bats and hit a double in one of them. Jason Martin appeared as a pinch-hitter in the 9th and grounded out.

Francis Martes will get the start for Glendale today as they take on Scottsdale in the late game. First pitch is at 6:35 Mountain.

LIGA MEXICANA DEL PACIFICO

Leo Heras went 2-5 and scored a run in Obregón's 6-5, 12-inning victory over Mazatlán.

LIGA DE BEISBOL PROFESIONAL ROBERTO CLEMENTE

Roberto Peña went 0-4 with two strikeouts and a stolen base in Santurce's 3-1 loss to Carolina. Evan Grills, who took the loss, went four innings and allowed three runs (two earned) on five hits and struck out two.

Thursday, November 10, 2016

Astros Fall and Winter League Recaps

Results for Wednesday, November 10, 2016

ARIZONA FALL LEAGUE

Everyone in Glendale's lineup recorded a hit in their 10-0 romp over Salt River. Nick Tanielu finished 2-5 and scored two runs. Garrett Stubbs singled and scored the Desert Dogs' first run on a Courtney Hawkins double in the 2nd inning, and he drew a bases-loaded walk in the 4th. Alejandro Garcia finished 1-5 out of the #9 spot in the order.

LIDOM

Andrew Aplin went 1-4 out of the leadoff spot for Licey in their 5-0 loss to Toros. César Valdéz, who got the start and took the loss, went five innings and allowed three runs on seven hits, walked one, and struck out two.

LIGA MEXICANA DEL PACIFICO

Leo Heras went 0-3 with a couple of walks and a strikeout in Obregón's 4-3, 10-inning win over Mazatlán.

Astros Farm Report: 11/10

Fall/winter league info, a reminder about the Rule 5 and Laureano gets some love, but first things first ...

WISHING A VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO

11-9: OF Juan Infante (20)
11-11: 2B Ryne Birk (22)
11-11: OF Andy Pineda (20)
11-11: OF Johnny Sewald (23)
11-13: RHP Chris Devenski (26)
11-14: LHP Nathan Thompson (23)

Ryne Birk - July 2016
Photo by Jayne Hansen

ROSTER MOVES/TRANSACTIONS

I started up the cumulative 2016-2017 off-season transaction post which you can find here. I'll pin this to the sidebar and keep it updated throughout the off-season.

FALL/WINTER LEAGUE UPDATES

Here is how your Astros have fared thus far in fall/winter league play:

ARIZONA FALL LEAGUE (AFL)

OF Alejandro Garcia: .231/.375/.231 in 4 games (replaced Laureano on the roster)
OF Jason Martin: .300/.481/.450 w/3-2B 1RBI 8R in 7 games
OF Ramon Laureano: .295/.340/.477 w/ 4-2B 2-3B 8RBI 5SB 12R in 12 games
C Garrett Stubbs: .179/.303/.286 w/ 3-2B 1HR 5RBI 12R in 16 games
IF Nick Tanielu: .333/.355/.400 w/ 2-2B 1RBI 4R in 8 games

RHP Francis Martes: 0-1 in 4 starts with a 4.73 ERA/1.500 WHIP in 13.1IP
RHP Jacob Dorris: 1-1 in 7 games with a 0.00 ERA/2.429 WHIP in 7.0IP
RHP Rogelio Armenteros: 0-0 (1SV) in 6 games with a 14.29 ERA/2.118 WHIP in 5.2IP
RHP David Paulino: 0-0 (1SV) in 3 games with a 0.00 ERA/0.667 WHIP in 3.0IP

DOMINICAN WINTER LEAGUE (LIDOM)

OF Andrew Aplin: .133/.229/.133 in 10 games
OF Osvaldo Duarte: .000/.000/.000 in 2 games
C Max Stassi: .400/.400/.400 in 2 games (last played 10/22)

RHP Edison Frias: 0-0 in 2 games with a 4.50 ERA/0.500 WHIP in 2.0IP
LHP Reymin Guduan: 0-1 in 6 games with a 7.71 ERA/1.715 WHIP in 2.1IP
RHP Mike Hauschild: 0-1 in 4 starts with a 2.95 ERA/1.364 WHIP in 18.1IP
RHP Jordan Jankowski: 0-1 in 7 games with a 4.50 ERA/1.667 WHIP in 6.0IP
RHP Cesar Valdez (Free Agent): 0-1 in 3 starts with a 4.40 ERA/1.395 WHIP in 14.1IP

MEXICAN PACIFIC LEAGUE (LMP)

OF Leo Heras: .256/.350/.456 w/4-2B 4-3B 2HR 10BI 17R in 25 games

VENEZUELAN WINTER LEAGUE (LVBP)

SS Miguel Sierra: .333/.333/.444 w/1-2B 3RBI in 3 games

PUERTO RICAN WINTER LEAGUE (LBPRC)

C Roberto Pena (Free Agent): .200/.226/.300 w/3-2B 2RBI 3R in 8 games

LHP Evan Grills (Free Agent): 2-0 in 2 starts with a 1.64 ERA/0.909 WHIP in 11.0IP
RHP Juan Santos: 0-0 in 1 game with a 9.00 ERA/2.000 WHIP in 1.0IP (last played 10/29)

AUSTRALIAN BASEBALL LEAGUE (ABL) - starts regular season 11/17

NEWS AND LINKS

Friend of the Blog Ian Madden came up with this report about how current and former Aussie Astros did in the U23 World Baseball Cup:
As you may be aware the U23 World Baseball cup was just played in Monterrey Mexico. Just to update you, Australia won Silver beaten by Japan. In the Australian side was Connor MacDonald who won the home run award -- he had a great competition belting 2 home runs in the game against Panama, and 4 in total for the duration. Others to mention were ex-Astros Jared Cruz and Lachlan Madden. It was good to see both current and past Astros in a very good Australian side that came into the competition as the under dogs making it through to the Gold Medal match only to come up against the number 1 ranked Japanese side.

MacDonald was also named the tournament's All-World Team first baseman.

Bobby DeMuro of the Knuckleball Blog has a serious man-crush on Astros up-and-coming OF Ramon Laureano.

And speaking of Ramon Laureano, MiLB released their all-organization Astros minor league team with Laureano as a member. Three of the players named made their major league debuts in 2016.

As a reminder, the deadline for protecting player's in advance of December's Rule 5 draft is November 18th this year (as the 20th falls on a weekend). Here is my primer on the draft, along with the Astros players who will be eligible.

Wednesday, November 9, 2016

Astros Fall and Winter League Recaps

Results for November 7-8, 2016

ARIZONA FALL LEAGUE

Glendale lit up the scoreboard on Monday with a 15-3 waxing of Peoria. Most of the damage was done by non-Astros players, but Garrett Stubbs walked twice and scored twice. Nick Tanielu missed out on the party, going 0-2. Rogelio Armenteros retired the side in order in the 8th inning, striking out 1.

Tuesday was the exact opposite for the Desert Dogs as they got smacked by Scottsdale 13-3. Alejandro Garcia hit an RBI single in the 8th inning, and Jason Martin singled, scored a run, and stole two bases. Jacob Dorris struck out two in a scoreless 6th inning, working around a walk and a single to put up that zero.

LIDOM

Licey topped Escogido 3-2 on Tuesday. Andrew Aplin finished 1-2 with a walk for Licey. Mike Hauschild got the start for Escogido and allowed a run on four hits, walked two, and struck out six in 5.2 innings.

LIGA MEXICANA DEL PACIFICO

Leo Heras went 0-2 with a walk and a run scored in Obregón's 4-2 win over Mazatlán on Tuesday.

LIGA DE BEISBOL PROFESIONAL ROBERTO CLEMENTE

Roberto Peña was 0-4 in Santurce's 2-0 win over Carolina on Monday.

2016-2017 Astros Off-Season Transactions

I'm starting up the ongoing Astros off-season transaction list to keep track of the comings and goings at both the major and minor league levels. I'll keep the post updated throughout the winter with a link on the sidebar of the blog.

40-MAN ROSTER MOVES (Currently stands at 38 as of 9:00 AM April 9)

3-21: C Max Stassi cleared waivers and outrighted to AAA Fresno
3-18: C Max Stassi placed on waivers
3-13: LHP Kevin Chapman claimed off waivers by Braves
3-12: LHP Kevin Chapman reportedly placed on waivers
12-5: LHP Ashur Tolliver claimed off waivers from Angels
12-5: OF Carlos Beltrán signed as a free agent
11-23: OF Josh Reddick signed as a free agent
11-23: IF Nolan Fontana claimed off waivers by Angels
11-22: 1B Jon Singleton cleared waivers and outrighted to AAA Fresno
11-17: C Brian McCann acquired in trade from Yankees
11-16: RHP Charlie Morton signed as a free agent
11-5: LHP Reymin Guduan added to the 40-man roster
11-4: RHP Pat Neshek traded to Phillies for a PTBNL
11-3: C Jason Castro elected free agency
11-3: RHP Doug Fister elected free agency
11-3: OF Colby Rasmus elected free agency
11-3: 3B Luis Valbuena elected free agency
11-3: OF Norichika Aoki claimed off waivers from the Mariners

NEW TO THE SYSTEM

OF Norichika Aoki - Waiver Claim from Mariners
C Jose Mario Barajas - 18-year-old from Mexico signed on January 10
OF Carlos Beltrán - Free Agent signing
IF Reid Brignac - Minor league free agent signing (invited to Spring Training)
C Juan Centeno - Minor league free agent signing (invited to Spring Training)
C Freddy Chirino - 17-year-old from Venezuela signed on December 5
RHP Luis de Paula - 20-year old from the Dominican Republic signed November 4th
RHP Dayan Diaz - Minor league free agent signing (invited to Spring Training)
RHP Fredis Guerrero - 20-year-old from the Dominican Republic signed on December 7
LHP Denilson Lugo - 19-year-old signed February 13
RHP David Martinez - former Astro signed to MiLB free agent contract
C Brian McCann - Acquired from Yankees for RHP Jorge Guzman and RHP Albert Abreu
RHP Charlie Morton - Free Agent signing
RHP Jared Mortensen - Rule 5 draft pick from Rays (Minor league phase)
C Eduardo de Oleo - Rule 5 draft pick from D-Backs (Minor league phase)
RHP Wender Oberto - 17-year-old from Venezuela signed on November 17
LHP Cionel Perez - Cuban pitcher signed to a minor league contract
LHP Antonio Pujols - 18-year-old from the Dominican Republic signed on September 26
RHP Carlos Quintero - 17-year-old from Venezuela signed on December 20
OF Josh Reddick - Free Agent signing
RHP Fabricio Reina - 17-year-old signed March 22
LHP C.J. Riefenhauser - Minor league free agent signing (invited to Spring Training) - released
RHP Jose Rivera - 19-year old from the Dominican Republic signed on October 19th
RHP Bryan Solano - 19-year-old from Costa Rica signed March 30
LHP Ashur Tolliver - Waiver claim from Angels
RHP Renny Ugarte - 19-year-old from Venezuela signed on September 2
3B Oliver Van Der Wijst - 19-year-old from the Dominican Republic signed on March 8
LHP Nathanael Ventura - 21-year-old signed February 13

NO LONGER IN THE SYSTEM (Includes Free Agents who may be re-signed)

RHP Albert Abreu - Traded to Yankees for Brian McCann
C Marlon Avea - Released
IF Keach Ballard - Released
RHP Agapito Barrios - Released
3B Kolbey Carpenter - Released
C Jason Castro - MLB Free Agent - Signed with the Twins
LHP Kevin Chapman - Claimed off waivers by Braves
LHP Chris Cotton - Released
OF Angel De Leon - Released
LHP Eury de la Rosa - MiLB Free Agent
RHP Doug Fister - MLB Free Agent
IF Nolan Fontana - Claimed off waivers by Angels
1B Connor Goedert - Released
RHP Manuel Gonzalez - Released
1B Conrad Gregor - Released
LHP Evan Grills - MiLB Free Agent - Signed with the Rockies
IF Eduardo Guzman - Released
RHP Jorge Guzman - Traded to Yankees for Brian McCann
RHP Mike Hauschild - Selected by Rangers in major league phase of Rule 5 draft
C Tyler Heineman - Traded to Brewers for PTBNL or cash
OF Leo Heras - Released
OF Edgar Lorenzo - Released
1B Cristopher Luciano - Released
C Jorge Martinez - Released
C Kevin Martir - Released
RHP Kevin McCanna - Released
1B Chase McDonald - Released
OF Brauly Mejia - Released
2B Aaron Mizell - Released
2B Chan Moon - MiLB Free Agent
RHP Chris Murphy - Released
RHP Makay Nelson - Released (had been placed on restricted list a week earlier)
RHP Pat Neshek - Traded to Phillies for cash
LHP Austin Nicely - Released
OF Chaz Pal - Released
C Roberto Pena - MiLB Free Agent - Signed with the White Sox
LHP Zac Person - Released
LHP Bryan Radziewski - Released
OF James Ramsay - Released
OF Colby Rasmus - MLB Free Agent - Signed with the Rays
LHP C.J. Riefenhauser - granted unconditional release during Spring Training
OF/1B Hector Roa - Released
RHP Juan Santos - Released
RHP David Schmidt - Released
RHP Angelo Serrano - Released
OF Nestor Tejada - Released
RHP Josue Uribe - Released
3B Luis Valbuena - MLB Free Agent - Reportedly signing with the Angels
RHP Cesar Valdez - MiLB Free Agent - Signed with the Athletics
3B Bobby Wernes - Released
RHP Adam Whitt - Released
IF/OF Marc Wik - Reportedly retired during the offseason
IF Danny Worth - MiLB Free Agent - Signed with the SK Wyverns (South Korea)

OTHER MOVES

4-4: SS Jonathan Arauz suspended 50 games for testing positive for methamphetamine
12-22: RHP Brendan McCurry suspended 50 games for testing positive for methamphetamine
1-13: RHP Makay Nelson suspended 50 games for testing positive for an amphetamine - released

Monday, November 7, 2016

Astros Fall and Winter League Recaps

Results for Sunday, November 6, 2016

LIDOM

Licey 8, Águilas 2

Andrew Aplin was 0-3, but he hit a sacrifice fly in the 2nd inning and scored two runs.

LIGA MEXICANA DEL PACIFICO

Obregón 4, Culiacán 2

Leo Heras finished 3-4 with a two-run single in the 3rd inning for the Yaquis.

LIGA DE BEISBOL PROFESIONAL ROBERTO CLEMENTE

Carolina 4, Santurce 3

Roberto Peña drove in the game's first run with an RBI single in the 4th; it was also his only hit of the game.

Sunday, November 6, 2016

Astros Fall and Winter League Recaps

Results for November 4-5, 2016

ARIZONA FALL LEAGUE

Glendale defeated Peoria 5-1 on Friday.

Garrett Stubbs got the start behind the plate and doubled, walked, and scored a run. Nick Tanielu finished 2-4 with a double, and Alejandro Garcia singled, walked, and scored a run.

In Saturday's Fall Stars Game, Francis Martes came on for the 5th inning and allowed three runs on three hits; two of those runs scored on a home run hit by Ryan McMahon.

The Glendale Desert Dogs will be back in action on Monday when they take on Peoria.

LIDOM

Friday's games

Reymin Guduan got Alberto Tirado out of a predicament by recording the final two outs in the 7th inning of Gigantes' 8-2 win over Licey.

Osvaldo Duarte entered Estrellas' game with Escogido in the 10th inning as a pinch-runner. He was caught trying to steal second base for the final out of the inning.

Saturday's games

Guduan ended up taking the loss against Estrellas after a rough 6th inning. He was the first man out of the bullpen, but he committed an error on a sacrifice bunt attempt which allowed the two runners he inherited from Alec Asher to score. He issued a walk to the only other batter he faced, and the two runners he left on both came around to score. Jordan Jankowski got the final out of the 6th and worked around a couple of singles to throw a scoreless 7th. In 1.1 innings, Jankowski struck out two.

LIGA MEXICANA DEL PACIFICO

Leo Heras went 2-4 with a run scored in Obregón's 8-1 win over Culiacán on Friday and went 0-4 with a couple of strikeouts in a 2-1 loss on Saturday.

LIGA VENEZUELA BEISBOL PROFESIONAL

Miguelangel Sierra came on as a pinch-hitter in Aragua's game with Magallanes on Saturday and struck out

LIGA DE BEISBOL PROFESIONAL ROBERTO CLEMENTE

On Friday, Santurce suffered their first loss of the season as they were no-hit by Mayagüez. Roberto Peña went 0-3.

Friday, November 4, 2016

Astros Fall and Winter League Recaps

Results for Thursday, November 3, 2016

ARIZONA FALL LEAGUE

Glendale 2, Scottsdale 1

Alejandro Garcia made his Arizona Fall League debut for the Desert Dogs; he got the start in right field and went 0-3 out of the #9 spot in the order.

Rogelio Armenteros walked one and struck out one in a scoreless 6th. Jacob Dorris got the first two outs of the 7th, allowing two hits, walking two, and striking out one. He left the bases loaded for Jake Johansen, who got the final out of the frame without incident.

LIDOM

Gigantes 6, Escogido 5 in 13 innings

Jordan Jankowski struck out two in a 1-2-3 11th inning for Gigantes.

LIGA MEXICANA DEL PACIFICO

Obregón 3, Navojoa 2

Leo Heras went 1-3 with a double, scored a run on a sac fly in the 2nd, and also stole his third base of the LMP campaign.

LIGA DE BEISBOL PROFESIONAL ROBERTO CLEMENTE

Santurce 3, Mayagüez 0

Evan Grills tossed six shutout innings to get the victory, allowing just four hits, walking one, and striking out four. Roberto Peña got the start behind the plate and finished 0-3 with a strikeout.


Thursday, November 3, 2016

Astros Fall and Winter League Recaps

Results for Wednesday, November 2, 2016

ARIZONA FALL LEAGUE

Glendale 7, Mesa 4

Nick Tanielu started at second base and finished 3-4 with two runs scored. Garrett Stubbs went 0-4 as the designated hitter and scored a run, and David Paulino got the save with a 1-2-3 9th inning.

The Desert Dogs will take on Scottsdale at 12:35 Mountain.

LIDOM

Estrellas 6, Licey 3

Andrew Aplin's tough start continued as he went 0-3. César Valdéz went five innings and allowed four runs (three inherited runners charged to him) on four hits, walked four, and struck out three.

LIGA MEXICANA DEL PACIFICO

Obregón 6, Navojoa 4

Leo Heras finished 1-4; his hit was an RBI single in the 5th inning.

Wednesday, November 2, 2016

Astros Fall and Winter League Recaps

Results for Tuesday, November 1, 2016

ARIZONA FALL LEAGUE

Glendale 8, Scottsdale 7

Jason Martin finished 0-3, but he drew a walk and scored a couple of runs.

Glendale will face Mesa at 12:35 Mountain.

LIDOM

Toros 4, Licey 0

Andrew Aplin went 0-4 out of the leadoff spot for Licey. This was the only game that was played in the Dominican Republic; the other two were rained out.

LIGA MEXICANA DEL PACIFICO

Obregón 8, Navojoa 3

Leo Heras hit an RBI triple in the 5th and scored two runs for the Yaquis.

LIGA DE BEISBOL PROFESIONAL ROBERTO CLEMENTE

Santurce 4, Aguadilla 0

Roberto Peña got the start at first base for Santurce and finished 0-3 with a strikeout.

Tuesday, November 1, 2016

Astros Fall and Winter League Recaps

Results for Monday, October 31, 2016

It was a quiet Halloween in the fall and winter leagues....

ARIZONA FALL LEAGUE

Surprise 2, Glendale 0

Nick Tanielu got the start at second base for Glendale and finished 2-4 with a double out of the #6 spot in the order. Garrett Stubbs was right behind him in the order and went 0-3 with a walk and a stolen base.

Francis Martes got the start and allowed two hits, walked one, and struck out seven in 4.2 innings of work.

LIGA DE BEISBOL PROFESIONAL ROBERTO CLEMENTE

Santurce 8, Aguadilla 7

Roberto Peña's only hit of the game was an RBI double in the 7th, which sparked a 7-run outburst that gave Santurce the lead.