Monday, November 27, 2017

Astros Farm Report: 11/27

Checking in on the Astros playing in Winter Leagues and some news and links, but first things first ...

WISHING A HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO


Kristian Trompiz - July 2017
Photo by Jayne Hansen

11-27: LHP Luis Ramirez (22)
11-28: 3B Yeuris Ramirez (19)
11-29: RHP Dean Deetz (24)
11-29: 1B/C Rhandall Sanchez (19)
12-1: RHP Jean Reyes (20)
12-2: RHP Ronny Garcia (18)
12-2: SS Miguelangel Sierra (20)
12-2: IF Kristian Trompiz (22)

ARIZONA FALL LEAGUE (AFL) - SEASON OVER

The Mesa Solar Sox ended their fall campaign with a 16-13-1 record to lead the East, but ultimately fell 8-2 to the West in the Arizona Fall League Championship game on 11/18.

RHP Dean Deetz - 8G 4.91 ERA/1.182 WHIP 11.0IP 4BB:23SO
RHP Riley Ferrell - 9G 4.66 ERA/1.552 WHIP 9.2IP 9BB:7SO
RHP Brendan McCurry - 5G 4.05 ERA/1.350 WHIP 6.2IP 3BB:5SO (last played 10/30)
LHP Framber Valdez - 6G/6ST 3.20 ERA/1.627 WHIP 19.2IP 8BB:14SO
1B Yordan Alvarez - 4G .313/.353/.438 3B 1BB:6SO (last played 10/14)
3B/2B Nick Tanielu - 2G .000/.000/.000 (last played 10/16)
OF Kyle Tucker - 22G .214/.305/.310 6-2B 3B 9RBI 9BB:22SO 2SB:0CS

VENEZUELAN WINTER LEAGUE (LVBP)

Alfredo Angarita is the only active Astros player currently playing in this league, and he is only barely playing as of right now. His week consisted of three appearances as a pinch hitter or defensive replacement in which he was 1-for-3 with an RBI single and a strikeout.

Other Astros minor leaguers may be and likely are still with the teams and working out with them even if they aren't getting any playing time. In years past, the Liga Paralela (the Venezuelan version of the minor league) featured many Astros minor leaguers, but due to the current economic issues in Venezuela, the league was roughly cut in half and very few Astros players are participating this year.

Aguilas de Zulia (20-19 4th place)
SS Kristian Trompiz - 10G .227/.320/.227 3BB:4SO (last played 10/28)
RHP Elieser Hernandez - 5G/5ST 2.11 ERA/0.844 WHIP 21.1IP 6BB:22SO (last played 11/6)

Bravos de Margarita  (15-25 8th place)
2B Alfredo Angarita - 29G .304/.396/.337 2B 3B 8RBI 13BB:27SO 4SB:3CS

Leones del Caracas (25-16 1st place)
RHP Diosward Gonzalez - 2G 6.75 ERA/2.251 WHIP 1.1IP 2BB:0SO (last played 10/19)
RHP Yoanys Quiala - 4G/2ST 7.45 ERA/1.448 WHIP 9.2IP 5BB:8SO (last played 10/31)
C Gabriel Bracamonte - 3G .125/.125/.125 0BB:2O (last played 10/28)

MEXICAN WINTER LEAGUE (LMP)

Akeem Bostick - April 2017
Photo by Jayne Hansen

Akeem Bostick is back from his foot injury and has had two starts this past week; the first of those went decidedly better than the second. Last Tuesday, Bostick threw five shutout innings, allowing five hits and one walk while striking out seven. Last night didn't go quite so easily for Bostick. He allowed only four hits, but two of them happened to be two-run home runs, the second of which was hit by old friend Jason Bourgeois. In 4.1 innings, he allowed four hits, three walks, four earned runs and struck out eight batters.

Jacob Dorris only appeared once this week, successfully throwing 1.1 scoreless innings and stranding an inherited runner. He still has a ways to go to make up for one really rough outing last week though and his numbers reflect that.

Similarly, Drew Ferguson got off to a rough start as he has been unable to (initially) replicate his successful 2016 winter season in Puerto Rico. He was 1-fer his first four games as a lead-off hitter and was rewarded with sitting on the bench for the next two games.

Caneros de la Mochis (16-25 Tied for 8th)
RHP Akeem Bostick - 8G/8ST 3.09 ERA/1.188 WHIP 32IP 11BB:40SO
OF Drew Ferguson - 4G .056/.056/.111 0BB:8SO

Naranjeros de Hermosillo (24-17 2nd place)
RHP Jacob Dorris - 5G 7.94 ERA/2.293 WHIP 5.2IP 7BB:2SO

AUSTRALIAN BASEBALL LEAGUE (ABL)

Rodrigo Ayarza - July 2016
Photo by Jayne Hansen

Utility switch-hitter Rodrigo Ayarza continues to impress down under. In his second week of play, he was 5-for-17 with three doubles, a home run, two RBI and three runs scored. The only chink in the armor is that Ayarza has yet to draw a walk to go with his 12 strikeouts.

Adelaide Bite (1-7 6th place)
Rodrigo Ayarza - 8G .294/.294/.618 5-2B 2HR 4RBI 0BB:12SO

DOMINICAN WINTER LEAGUE (LIDOM)

No active Astros are currently playing in this league.

PUERTO RICAN WINTER LEAGUE (LBPRC)

I haven't seen that the LBPRC winter season has been officially canceled yet, but with the devastation to that island from Hurricane Maria, I find it likely.

NEWS AND LINKS

After the Astros WON THE WORLD SERIES and before Thanksgiving, I made a quick trip to Arizona to take in a couple of the Arizona Fall League games. (Travel tip: The week before Thanksgiving is a FABULOUS time to travel!!!) I took copious pictures of all of the prospects, not just the Astros in attendance. Here is the 11/14 Glendale (White Sox, Indians, Dodgers, Pirates and Phillies) at Mesa (Cubs, Tigers, Astros, A's and Nationals) game and here is the 11/16 Surprise (Royals, Twins, Cardinals, Rays and Rangers) at Mesa game. The photos aren't labeled yet, so you're on your own.

Unfortunately, I didn't get to see very many of my Astros in action, but did get to see Kyle Tucker and a brief outing from Riley Ferrell. Some fans seemed to be worried about Tucker's numbers for the AFL season. Don't be. He looked fine at the plate, but wasn't getting much of anything to hit during the two games I watched. He generally didn't chase out of the zone and put up decent at-bats. But the last game I saw him in (in which he was 1-for-4 with a double) was his 142nd of the season, not counting Spring Training and the Futures game and the Rising Stars game. His season lasted longer than that of his parent team who played through to the World Series. I'm not worried about Tucker and you shouldn't be either. One thing I would like to note, though, is that I really liked him in right field. He gets excellent reads and has tremendous range and a great arm and really shone in right.

Some other random notes from the AFL. Unfortunately, I didn't get the opportunity to see Washington prospect Victor Robles play, but there were a few other players that stood out for me.

Cubs C Ian Rice, a product of the University of Houston, isn't listed as a top Cubs prospect, but I enjoyed watching him work behind the plate. There were some wild pitchers in the two games I saw him catch and he handled them well, blocking balls in the dirt with the best of them, and he handled the wide-ranging pitching staff very well.

Another player with a Houston connection that stood out for me was Kody Eaves, a Pasadena High School product that made good contact at the plate and was solid at second. Eaves, who has played for the Tigers for the last two seasons after being traded from the Angels, is another non-ranked prospect, but I liked what I saw both on and off the field.

Oakland prospect Sheldon Neuse, who was traded to that team by the Nationals in July, did not get cheated at the plate. "Neuse" is pronounced "Noisy," a moniker that described his bat well. Neuse looked good in the field both at third and at short, but his build translates better to the hot corner. In any event, I liked his swing and his power potential.

In the Arizona Fall League, the pitchers often don't stay in long enough to really get a good feel for them, but I did find another non-ranked prospect that I liked in RHP Trevor Bettencourt, a 2016 29th round draft pick playing for the Phillies. I love a pitcher who works quickly, attacks hitters and shows no fear. That's what I saw from Bettencourt.

Several Astros minor leaguers are currently playing in the Pan-Am U-23 Baseball Tournament, including SS Jonathan Arauz (Panama) and RHP Yohan Ramirez, RHP Robert Corniel and UTIL Marcos Almonte for the Dominican Republic. Unfortunately, I've been unable to find any boxscores for the games, but the World Baseball Softball Confederation site has had a couple of articles on the tournament. Apparently Ramirez is doing the Astros proud. He not only got the Dominican Republic team's first win, he has also recorded the highest velocity of the tournament thus far, hitting 96 on the radar gun.

I found this article on the science behind lefties who excel in sports to be interesting. Take a gander if you're so inclined.

DeAnna, Social Media Goddess for WTHB, dug up this old post from Thanksgiving 2013. I'm thankful that those tough years made us really appreciate this World Series win even more!!!

And finally ... I keep meaning to put a link to my Instagram account if you're interested. I've found that Instagram is a good way to keep in touch with what's going on with the Astros Latin American players, many of whom aren't on Twitter. The account is mostly Astros minor league baseball stuff, but I will occasionally post a travel photo to mix things up.

Tuesday, November 21, 2017

Astros Farm Report: 11/21

Checking in on the Astros playing in fall and winter leagues, but first things first ...

WISHING A VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO

these Astros babies who are celebrating this week!!

Francis Martes - April 2016
Photo by Jayne Hansen

11-19: LHP Framber Valdez (24)
11-21: RHP Manny Ramirez (18)
11-22: 1B Roman Garcia (22)
11-22: LHP Parker Mushinski (22)
11-24: RHP Francis Martes (22)
11-25: RHP Erasmo Pinales (23)
11-26: OF Renaigel Martes (20)

ROSTER MOVES/TRANSACTIONS

Cionel Perez - August 2017
Photo by Jayne Hansen

LHP Cionel Perez (Corpus) and RHP Dean Deetz (Fresno) were added to the 40-man roster on Monday, the deadline for protecting players from the Rule 5 draft. Perez, a 21-year old Cuban, has only played in the affiliated system for one season, but was subject to the draft because he re-signed with the Astros after his original contract with the team had been voided due to concerns with his elbow. Perez made three stops in the Astros system in 2017, playing at Low A Quad Cities, High A Buies Creek and AA Corpus Christi and compiling a 6-4 record with a 4.13 ERA and a 1.292 WHIP, walking 27 and striking out 83 over 93.2 innings.

Deetz, who will be 24 at the end of this month, was originally drafted by the Astros in the 11th round in 2014. He started the season with AA Corpus Christi, putting up a 4-2 record with a 1.82 ERA and a 0.908 WHIP in eight appearances (six starts) before being promoted to AAA Fresno in early June. Although his numbers at Fresno were less than stellar, he showed continuous improvement during his time there and was particularly effective once he was moved to the bullpen late in the season (2.79 ERA and 1.552 WHIP and .171 opposing BA in 7 bullpen appearances). Similarly, Deetz ended his Arizona Fall League season with five scoreless bullpen outings (including one outing in the Championship game), allowing only one hit and two walks while striking out 15 batters over seven innings.

OF Ramon Laureano (Corpus), who would have been subject to the Rule 5 draft, was traded to the A's for RHP Brandon Bailey in advance of the deadline. Laureano, a premier defensive player, struggled at the plate in 2017. Although his stock has fallen, his career is far from over, and it is my sincere hope and belief that he will flourish with the A's. Bailey only has two professional seasons under his belt, having been drafted by the A's in the sixth round in 2016 out of Gonzaga. He appeared in 24 games (17 starts) between Low A and High A in 2017 and ended the season with a 3.26 ERA and a 1.088 WHIP. He walked 31 and struck out 120 in 91 innings of work.

Finally, RHP Carlos Pimentel (GCL) was placed on the restricted list last week. Pimentel, an undrafted free agent out of the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma, was suspended 56 games due to a positive test for Stanozolol.

Here is a complete list of the Astros offseason moves to date and here is the updated Rule 5 post showing which players will be subject to next month's draft.

ARIZONA FALL LEAGUE (AFL) - SEASON OVER

The Mesa Solar Sox ended their fall campaign with a 16-13-1 record to lead the East, but ultimately fell 8-2 to the West in the Arizona Fall League Championship game over the weekend.

Kyle Tucker was the only Astros position player remaining active. In his final week of work, he went 4-for-16 with a double (including two hits in the Championship game). Framber Valdez's final start of the fall season last Wednesday saw him allow three hits, two walks and two runs (one earned) in four innings while striking out five batters. Dean Deetz provided three scoreless innings of relief for the week, allowing two walks and striking out six. And Riley Ferrell allowed one hit in his one relief appearance; unfortunately, that one hit was a solo home run.

RHP Dean Deetz - 8G 4.91 ERA/1.182 WHIP 11.0IP 4BB:23SO
RHP Riley Ferrell - 9G 4.66 ERA/1.552 WHIP 9.2IP 9BB:7SO
RHP Brendan McCurry - 5G 4.05 ERA/1.350 WHIP 6.2IP 3BB:5SO (last played 10/30)
LHP Framber Valdez - 6G/6ST 3.20 ERA/1.627 WHIP 19.2IP 8BB:14SO
1B Yordan Alvarez - 4G .313/.353/.438 3B 1BB:6SO (last played 10/14)
3B/2B Nick Tanielu - 2G .000/.000/.000 (last played 10/16)
OF Kyle Tucker - 22G .214/.305/.310 6-2B 3B 9RBI 9BB:22SO 2SB:0CS

VENEZUELAN WINTER LEAGUE (LVBP)

Alfredo Angarita, a 20-year old Venezuelan signed by the Astros in November 2015, has cooled off somewhat since his excellent start to his LVBP season, but still has a .303 average. In his last six games, he is 4-for-20 with two walks, two runs scored and a hit by pitch. He is the only active Astros player currently playing in this league.

Aguilas de Zulia (17-15 4th place)
SS Kristian Trompiz - 10G .227/.320/.227 3BB:4SO (last played 10/28)
RHP Elieser Hernandez - 5G/5ST 2.11 ERA/0.844 WHIP 21.1IP 6BB:22SO (last played 11/6)

Bravos de Margarita  (13-21 8th place)
2B Alfredo Angarita - 25G .303/.392/.337 2B 3B 7RBI 13BB:26SO 4SB:3CS

Leones del Caracas (23-12 1st place)
RHP Diosward Gonzalez - 2G 6.75 ERA/2.251 WHIP 1.1IP 2BB:0SO (last played 10/19)
RHP Yoanys Quiala - 4G/2ST 7.45 ERA/1.448 WHIP 9.2IP 5BB:8SO (last played 10/31)
C Gabriel Bracamonte - 3G .125/.125/.125 0BB:2O (last played 10/28)

MEXICAN WINTER LEAGUE (LMP)

Akeem Bostick hasn't appeared since leaving the game on 11/8 with what was characterized as an injured foot. Jacob Dorris has appeared twice over the last week; he would probably like a do-over for one of those outings (3H 3BB 4R 1.0IP).

Caneros de la Mochis (14-21 7th place)
RHP Akeem Bostick - 6G/6ST 2.78 ERA/1.103 WHIP 22.2IP 7BB:25SO (last played 11/8)

Naranjeros de Hermosillo (20-15 1st place)
RHP Jacob Dorris - 4G 10.38 ERA/2.539 WHIP 4.1IP 6BB:2SO

AUSTRALIAN BASEBALL LEAGUE (ABL)

Rodrigo Ayarza - July 2016
Photo by Jayne Hansen

Utility switch-hitter Rodrigo Ayarza made his mark early with the Bite, hitting a home run in his first official game with the team. He followed up with two doubles over the next three games.

Adelaide Bite (0-4 6th place)
Rodrigo Ayarza - 4G .294/.294/.588 2-2B 1HR 2RBI 0BB:5SO

DOMINICAN WINTER LEAGUE (LIDOM)

No active Astros are currently playing in this league.

PUERTO RICAN WINTER LEAGUE (LBPRC)

I haven't seen that the LBPRC winter season has been officially canceled yet, but with the devastation to that island from Hurricane Maria, I find it likely.

Monday, November 13, 2017

Astros Farm Report: 11-13

Checking in on the Astros playing fall and winter ball plus an update on a former Astro, but first things first ...

WISHING A VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO

Here are this week's birthdays. All November birthdays can be found here.

11-12: RHP Charlie Morton (34)
11-13: RHP Chris Devenski (27)
11-14: OF J.J. Matijevic (22)
11-14: LHP Nathan Thompson (24)
11-15: RHP Luis de Paula (21)
11-16: IF Alfredo Angarita (21)
11:16: C Juan Centeno (28)
11-17: OF Jon Kemmer (27)
11-18: C Anthony Hermelyn (24)
11-18: RHP Angel Ortega (18)
11-18: OF Ronaldo Urdaneta (19)

TRANSACTIONS/ROSTER MOVES

Here are the latest transactions. I have also started my ongoing offseason transaction post here and will keep that updated and linked on the front page of the blog.

11-6: 2B Colin Walsh (Fresno) elected free agency
11-6: C Eduardo de Oleo (Fresno) elected free agency
11-6: RHP Kevin Comer (Fresno) elected free agency
11-6: SS Reid Brignac (Fresno) elected free agency
11-6: OF Rico Noel (Fresno) elected free agency
11-6: RHP David Martinez (Fresno) elected free agency
11-6: RHP Jumbo Diaz (Fresno) elected free agency
11-6: RHP Jandel Gustave (Houston) activated from the 60-day DL
11-6: RHP Brady Rodgers (Houston) activated from the 60-day DL
11-6: RHP David Paulino (Houston) activated from the 60-day DL
11-2: RHP Tyler Clippard (Houston) elected free agency
11-2: LHP Francisco Liriano (Houston) elected free agency
11-2: DH Carlos Beltran (Houston) elected free agency
11-2: RHP Luke Gregerson (Houston) elected free agency
11-2: OF Cameron Maybin (Houston) elected free agency

ARIZONA FALL LEAGUE (AFL)

Framber Valdez - August 2017
Photo by Jayne Hansen

The Mesa Solar Sox currently have the best record in the AFL at 15-10-1; they are in first place in the AFL East division, two and a half games in front of the Salt River Rafters with four games remaining in the season. If the standings hold, Mesa and Peoria would face off in the Championship game on Saturday.

Kyle Tucker is the only active Astros position player remaining active and, since I last wrote, he continued to scuffle until he (and the Solar Sox) broke out on Saturday, going 3-for-5 with a double, three RBI and two runs scored as Mesa stomped Salt River 16-2.

Framber Valdez had a very nice start on Thursday, contributing four shutout innings for Mesa. He allowed four hits and one walk while striking out two. Dean Deetz (1.0IP 2SO) and Riley Ferrell (2.0IP 1H 2BB 1SO) contributed one and two scoreless outings, respectively, since my last post.

RHP Dean Deetz - 7G 6.00 ERA/1.333 WHIP 9.0IP 3BB:19SO
RHP Riley Ferrell - 8G 4.15ERA/1.615 WHIP 8.2IP 9BB:6SO
RHP Brendan McCurry - 5G 4.05 ERA/1.350 WHIP 6.2IP 3BB:5SO (last played 10/30)
LHP Framber Valdez - 5G/5ST 3.45 ERA/1.723 WHIP 15.2IP 6BB:9SO
1B Yordan Alvarez - 4G .313/.353/.438 3B 1BB:6SO (last played 10/14)
3B/2B Nick Tanielu - 2G .000/.000/.000 (last played 10/16)
OF Kyle Tucker - 19G .222/.325/.319 5-2B 3B 9RBI 9BB:18SO 2SB:0CS

VENEZUELAN WINTER LEAGUE (LVBP)

Alfredo Angarita, a 20-year old Venezuelan signed by the Astros in November 2015, made it as far as the Gulf Coast League in 2017. Based on his ability to hit in the highly competitive LVBP, look for him to start rising a bit more rapidly in 2018! Over his last five appearances he is 6-for-18 with two RBI, four walks, four runs scored and a stolen base. He has hit safely in 17 of his 20 games.

Aguilas de Zulia (15-12 3rd place)
3B Arturo Michelena - Has not appeared yet
SS Kristian Trompiz - 10G .227/.320/.227 3BB:4SO (last played 10/28)
RHP Elieser Hernandez - 5G/5ST 2.11 ERA/0.844 WHIP 21.1IP 6BB:22SO (last played 11/6)

Bravos de Margarita  (10-18 8th place)
2B Alfredo Angarita - 20G .329/.420/.371 2B 3B 7RBI 11BB:17SO 4SB:3CS

Leones del Caracas (17-12 2nd place)
RHP Diosward Gonzalez - 2G 6.75 ERA/2.251 WHIP 1.1IP 2BB:0SO (last played 10/19)
RHP Yoanys Quiala - 4G/2ST 7.45 ERA/1.448 WHIP 9.2IP 5BB:8SO (last played 10/31)
C Gabriel Bracamonte - 3G .125/.125/.125 0BB:2O (last played 10/28)

MEXICAN WINTER LEAGUE (LMP)

Jacob Dorris - April 2017
Photo by Jayne Hansen

Jacob Dorris showed up in the LMP on Friday and was tagged with a run on an inherited runner after issuing a walk and hitting a batter, but he settled down in his second appearance Sunday, stranding a runner and contributing 1.1 scoreless innings. Akeem Bostick had an abbreviated outing on Wednesday, exiting the game after only one inning for what the game recap characterized as an injured foot.

Caneros de la Mochis (13-16 Tied for 6th)
RHP Akeem Bostick - 6G/6ST 2.78 ERA/1.103 WHIP 22.2IP 7BB:25SO

Naranjeros de Hermosillo (16-13 Tied for 2nd)
RHP Jacob Dorris - 2G 5.40 ERA/1.800 WHIP 1.2IP 1BB:1SO

Charros de Jalisco (15-14 Tied for 4th)
OF Rico Noel (Free Agent) - 2G .200/.200/.200 0BB:3SO (last played 10/12)

Yacquis de Obregon (11-18 8th place)
IF Reid Brignac (Free Agent) - 11G .206/.364/.265 2-2B RBI 7BB:11SO

DOMINICAN WINTER LEAGUE (LIDOM)

No active Astros have played since my last post.

Gigantes del Cibao (14-9 Tied for 1st)
C Eduardo de Oleo (Free Agent) - has not played yet

Toros del Este (9-14 Tied for 5th)
RHP Angel Heredia - has not pitched yet
RHP Jumbo Diaz (Free Agent) - 7G 4SV 2.70 ERA/1.200 WHIP 6.2IP 2BB:4SO (last played 11/6)

PUERTO RICAN WINTER LEAGUE (LBPRC)

I haven't seen that the LBPRC winter season has been officially canceled yet, but with the devastation to that island from Hurricane Maria, I find it likely.

AUSTRALIAN BASEBALL LEAGUE (ABL)

The first game of the season will take place on 11/16. I have not seen official rosters yet, but Utility Player Rodrigo Ayarza who played for Quad Cities and Buies Creek in 2017 will appear on the Adelaide Bite roster. Ayarza, a 22-year old Panamanian switch-hitter, already made his mark by hitting a lead-off double for the Bite in their first exhibition game last week.

FORMER ASTRO UPDATE

Michael Dimock - June 2014
Photo by Jayne Hansen

As I have perused the winter league boxscores of late, I couldn't help but notice that Friend of the Blog Michael Dimock has been doing some good work in the Dominican Winter League. Since being traded by the Astros to San Diego in 2014, he has spent time with the Padres and Angels organizations, but currently finds himself to be a man without an MLB affiliation. It appears that he would like to change that and has been very impressive out of the bullpen for Toros del Este. In eight appearances, he is 1-0 with one save, a 0.00 ERA and a 0.750 WHIP. In 5.2 innings, he has allowed four hits and no walks, striking out six.

Sunday, November 12, 2017

2017-2018 Astros Offseason Transactions

Keeping up with all the Astros offseason transactions ...

As of 4/1, the Astros 40-man roster is still at 38.

And here are your Astros MiLB full season opening day rosters (subject to change).

According to the twitterverse, the Astros signed 1B Luis Encarnación on 3/27 after his release by the Phillies.

Two additional releases on Tuesday, 3/28:

C/IF Ray Henderson - Drafted in the 22nd round in 2016 out of Grayson County College (TX)
1B/OF Jose Benjamin - Signed out of the Dominican Republic in June 2014

The following minor league releases were announced on Sunday, 3/25:
  • IF Rodrigo Ayarza - Signed as a MiLB free agent by the Astros in May 2014; originally signed by the Rangers out of Panama in June 2012
  • LHP Matt Bower - Drafted in the 23rd round in 2015 out of Washington State University
  • IF Wander Franco - Signed by the Astros out of the Dominican Republic in July 2013
  • C Anthony Hermelyn - Drafted in the 4th round in 2015 out of the University of Oklahoma
  • 1B Dexture McCall - Drafted in the 31st round in 2014 out of Hillsborough Community College (FL)
  • LHP Salvador Montaño - Signed by the Astros out of the Dominican Republic in November 2013
  • LHP Nathan Thompson - Drafted in the 27th round in 2016 out of Oklahoma Baptist University
  • 3B Brody Westmoreland - Drafted in the 30th round in 2016 out of the College of Southern Nevada

3/5/18: According to Jake Kaplan, LHP Anthony Gose has been placed on outright waivers; he was subsequently sent back to the Rangers
2/28/18: RHP Jherson Pereira signed out of Venezuela; he was 21 in January

In addition, I somehow missed a few international signings from the end of last season. It's a mixed bag as far as the information I could find, but here you go!

9/22/17: LHP Julio Robaina, originally from Cuba, signed for $220,000; he will be 17 later this month and is reported to throw in the low 90's with a developing curve
8/30/17: SS Hector Leon signed out of Venezuela; he turned 17 in February
8/24/17: RHP Franny Cobos, a converted pitcher out of Cuba, signed for $125,000; he turned 17 in February
8/23/17: RHP Jeremy Molero signed out of Venezuela; he was 18 in November
8/21/17: IF Rolando Espinosa, originally from Cuba, signed for $175,000; he turned 17 in January
8/18/17: LHP Daniel Bello signed out of the Dominican Republic; he was 21 in January
8/14/17: C Jonarkys Lopez signed out of Venezuela; he will be 17 on 8/13
8/9/17: SS Jose Mendoza signed out of Venezuela; he will be 17 on June 19th (click on link for a short, artsy video of Mendoza)
7/20/17: SS Sebastian Grullon signed out of the Dominican Republic for $150,000; he will not be 17 until July 19th

For those of you keeping track, that now makes 14 Cuban players in the Astros system. They are becoming a bigger and bigger part of the Astros future.

2-26: C Lorenzo Quintana assigned to Buies Creek
2-21: RHP Forrest Whitley (Corpus) suspended 50 games for a violation of the Minor League Drug Prevention and Treatment Program
1-31: 3B Richard Slenker (GCL) released
1-23: 1B Jon Singleton suspended 100 games for a third positive test for a drug of abuse
1-23: RHP Dean Deetz suspended 80 games for a positive test for a performance-enhancing drug
1-22: LHP Buddy Boshers claimed off waivers from Minnesota
1-13: RHP Gerrit Cole acquired from Pittsburgh for RHP Joe Musgrove, RHP Michael Feliz, 3B Colin Moran and OF Jason Martin
Info on some of the player releases
12-29: OF Renaigel Martis (DSL Orange) released
12-29: RHP Renny Ugarte (DSL Blue) released
12-29: OF Luis Coronel (DSL Blue) released
12-27: C Trent Woodward (Corpus) announced his retirement
12-22: C Freddy Chirino (DSL Blue) released
12-22: RHP Jonger Ochoa (DSL Blue) released
12-22: 2B Samir Caraballo (DSL Blue/Orange) released
12-22: 1B Michael Garcia (DSL Orange)  released
12-22: RHP Jesus Bernaez (DSL Orange) released
12-21: RHP Devin Raftery (Buies Creek/GCL) released
12-20: LHP Carlos Perdomo (DSL Orange) released
12-20: OF Euclides Chavez (DSL Orange) released
12-20: RHP Nathanael Ventura (DSL Blue) released
12-20: OF Fildex Perfecto (DSL Orange) released
12-20: 1B Anthony Rodriguez (DSL Blue) released
12-20: RHP Kilvio Peralta (DSL Blue) released
12-20: RHP Jean Reyes (DSL Blue) released
12-20: RHP Christopher Javier (DSL Blue) released
12-20: RHP Angel Matos (DSL Blue) released
12-20: RHP Mauricio Santana (DSL Orange) released
12-20: RHP Yulian Frontado (DSL Orange) released
12-20: RHP Miguel Matos (DSL Orange) released
12-20: RHP Gustavo Almonte (DSL Orange) released
12-20: RHP Diosward Gonzalez (GCL) released
12-20: RHP Carlos Pimentel (GCL) released; Pimentel was placed on the restricted list 11-17
12-20: RHP Saul Martinez (GCL) released
12-20: OF Vicente Sanchez (GCL) released
12-20: LHP Austin Kerns (GCL) released
12-20: C Ihan Bernal (GCL) released
12-20: RHP Johsson Arias (Greeneville) released
12-20: OF Frankeny Fernandez (Greeneville) released
12-20: SS Joan Mauricio (Greeneville) released
12-20: RHP Jheyson Caraballo (Greeneville) released
12-20: OF/DH Reid Russell (Greeneville) released
12-20: LHP Yhoan Acosta (Greeneville) released
12-20: RHP Reggie Johnson (Quad Cities/Tri-City) released
12-20: LHP Ben Smith (Tri-City) released
12-20: C Bernardo Heras (Tri-City/GCL) released
12-20: LHP Luis Ramirez (Tri-City) released
12-20: RHP Diogenes Almengo (Tri-City) released
12-20: RHP Ricardo Castro (Tri-City) released
12-20: LHP Devon Carr (Buies Creek/Quad Cities) released
12-20: RHP Enrique Chavez (DNP in 2017) released
12-20: RHP Lucas Williams (Quad Cities) released
12-20: OF Preston Tucker traded to Braves for player to be named later or cash considerations; Tucker was designated for assignment 12-15 as the corresponding move following Hector Rondon's signing.
12-18: RHP Ryan Deemes (Buies Creek/DL) released
12-15: RHP Hector Rondon signed by the Astros
12-15: OF Preston Tucker designated for assignment TRADED TO BRAVES 12-20
12-14: LHP Chris Nunn drafted by the Astros from the Cubs in the minor league phase of the Rule 5 draft
12-14: RHP Elieser Hernandez selected from the Astros by the Marlins in the Rule 5 draft
12-14: LHP Anthony Gose selected by the Astros in the Rule 5 draft
12-13: RHP Joe Smith to be signed to a two-year contract and added to the 40-man roster.
12-11: C Tim Federowicz signed by the Astros and assigned to Fresno
12-11: RHP Matt Ramsey signed by the Astros and assigned to Fresno
12-1: RHP Mike Fiers non-tendered; signed with the Tigers
11-27: C Juan Centeno (Houston) claimed off waivers by Rangers; Centeno was placed on waivers 11-22
11-20: LHP Cionel Perez (Corpus) added to the 40-man roster in advance of the Rule 5 Draft
11-20: RHP Dean Deetz (Fresno) added to the 40-man roster in advance of the Rule 5 Draft
11-20: OF Ramon Laureano (Corpus) traded to the A's for RHP Brandon Bailey
11-17: RHP Carlos Pimentel (GCL) placed on restricted list
*Pimentel, an undrafted free agent out of the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma, was suspended 56 games due to a positive test for Stanozolol. RELEASED 12/20
11-6: C Lorenzo Quintana signed by the Astros (28-year old Cuban)
11-6: 2B Colin Walsh (Fresno) elected free agency - signed with the Angels
11-6: C Eduardo de Oleo (Fresno) elected free agency - re-signed with the Astros 11/17
11-6: RHP Kevin Comer (Fresno) elected free agency - signed with the Tigers
11-6: SS Reid Brignac (Fresno) elected free agency - signed with the Nationals
11-6: OF Rico Noel (Fresno) elected free agency
11-6: RHP David Martinez (Fresno) elected free agency
11-6: RHP Jumbo Diaz (Fresno) elected free agency - signed with the Marlins
11-6: RHP Jandel Gustave (Houston) activated from the 60-day DL
11-6: RHP Brady Rodgers (Houston) activated from the 60-day DL
11-6: RHP David Paulino (Houston) activated from the 60-day DL
11-2: RHP Tyler Clippard (Houston) elected free agency - signed with the Blue Jays
11-2: LHP Francisco Liriano (Houston) elected free agency - signed with the Tigers
11-2: DH Carlos Beltran (Houston) elected free agency - retired
11-2: RHP Luke Gregerson (Houston) elected free agency - signed with the Cards
11-2: OF Cameron Maybin (Houston) elected free agency - signed with the Marlins

At the end of the minor league season, the players who ended the season on the DL are activated (most of the moves were posted retroactively). A few of these players were on the 60-day DL and have been rehabbing for quite some time.
  • 10-11: OF Jonathan Lacroix activated from the 60-day DL; Lacroix was drafted in the 12th round in 2017 and has not played in his first professional game yet
  • 9-27: 2B/3B Nick Tanielu activated from the 60-day DL; Tanielu ended the season with two rehab assignment games with the GCL and is now playing in the Arizona Fall League after missing most of the 2017 season following ACL surgery last fall
  • 9-27: RHP Angel Heredia activated from the 60-day DL; Heredia made seven rehab appearances toward the end of the 2017 season and is now on the Dominican Winter League's Toros del Este roster
  • 9-27: RHP Ryan Deemes activated from the 7-day DL; Deemes last pitched for Buies Creek on 5/7
  • 9-27: RHP Jose Hernandez activated from the 60-day DL; Hernandez missed the entire 2017 season and ended the 2016 season playing in High-A Lancaster
  • 9-27: IF/OF Marcos Almonte activated from the 7-day DL; Almonte missed the final six Quad Cities postseason games on the DL
  • 9-27: IF Osvaldo Duarte activated from the 7-day DL; Duarte last played for Quad Cities on 8/10
  • 9-27: RHP Gabriel Valdez activated from the 7-day DL; Valdez spent large chunks of July and August on the DL and last pitched for Quad Cities on 8/14
  • 9-27: RHP Edgardo Sandoval activated from the 7-day DL; Sandoval last appeared for Quad Cities on 5-3
  • 9-27: RHP Enrique Chavez activated from the 7-day DL; Chavez missed the entire 2017 season and last appeared for Quad Cities in September 2016 RELEASED 12-20
  • 9-27: RHP Enoli Paredes activated from the 7-day DL; Paredes last pitched for Quad Cities 5/31
  • 9-27: RHP Jose Bravo activated from the 7-day DL; Bravo missed the entire 2017 season and ended his 2016 season in the DSL
  • 9-10: LHP Yeremi Ceballos activated from the 7-day DL; Ceballos last pitched for the DSL team on 6/19
In addition, it was reported that OF Juan Ramirez would be the PTBNL in the Justin Verlander trade. Ramirez was 18 on 4/9 and spent his second pro season with the GCL, compiling a .301/.385/.362 batting line in 46 games. He walked 20 times to only 14 strikeouts and stole 11 bases. Ramirez signed with the Tigers in 2015 for a $185,000 bonus.

Tuesday, November 7, 2017

Astros Farm Report: Fall/Winter League Updates

Time to catch up with the Astros playing in fall and winter leagues ...

[I took some time off so that I could fully enjoy and savor the Astros World Series run, but I'll be back now with more regular postings. Thanks for your understanding.]

ARIZONA FALL LEAGUE (AFL)

Brendan McCurry - April 2016
Photo by Jayne Hansen

The Mesa Solar Sox are currently 13-9 and in first place in the AFL East division, a game and a half in front of the Scottsdale Scorpions. Kyle Tucker scuffled a bit to end the month of October going 0-for-9 in the final two games of that month, but he turned that around in his first November appearance for Mesa going 2-for-4 with a double, walk and two runs scored. Tucker was the lone representative of the Astros in the Arizona Fall League Fall-Star game. He went 1-for-1 with a walk to support the AFL East as they won the contest 4-2.

After a rough start to the fall season, Dean Deetz has been turning it around in his two appearances in November, allowing only one hit and no walks while striking out seven in three scoreless innings of work. Similarly, Brendan McCurry has allowed no runs in his last three appearances. After allowing no runs in his first three appearances, Riley Ferrell has allowed four in his last three outings causing his ERA to spike. Framber Valdez's fall season has been a bit of a mixed bag since his excellent first appearance.

The final regular season game will be next Thursday the 16th. If the Solar Sox hold on to first place, they will appear in the Championship game on Saturday the 18th.

RHP Dean Deetz - 6G 6.75 ERA/1.500 WHIP 8.0IP 3BB:17SO
RHP Riley Ferrell - 6G 5.40ERA/1.650 WHIP 6.2IP 7BB;5SO
RHP Brendan McCurry - 5G 4.05 ERA/1.350 WHIP 6.2IP 3BB:5SO
LHP Framber Valdez - 4G/4ST 4.63 ERA/1.886 WHIP 11.2IP 5BB:7SO
1B Yordan Alvarez - 4G .313/.353/.438 3B 1BB:6SO (last played 10/14)
3B/2B Nick Tanielu - 2G .000/.000/.000 (last played 10/16)
OF Kyle Tucker - 16G .203/.309/.305 4-2B 3B 6RBI 8BB:17SO 2SB:0CS

VENEZUELAN WINTER LEAGUE (LVBP)

Elieser Hernandez - August 2015
Photo by Jayne Hansen

Elieser Hernandez continues to excel. He is ranked fourth in ERA and second in WHIP for qualified pitchers in the league. Alfredo Angarita started his season with a ten-game hitting streak and has hit safely in 12 of his 15 games.

Aguilas de Zulia (12-11 4th place)
3B Arturo Michelena - Has not appeared yet
SS Kristian Trompiz - 10G .227/.320/.227 3BB:4SO (last played 10/28)
RHP Elieser Hernandez - 5G/5ST 2.11 ERA/0.844 WHIP 21.1IP 6BB:22SO

Bravos de Margarita  (10-13 Tied for 5th)
2B Alfredo Angarita - 15G .327/.407/.385 2B 3B 5RBI 7BB:15SO 3SB:2CS

Leones del Caracas (13-10 Tied for 2nd)
RHP Diosward Gonzalez - 2G 6.75 ERA/2.251 WHIP 1.1IP 2BB:0SO (last played 10/19)
RHP Yoanys Quiala - 4G/2ST 7.45 ERA/1.448 WHIP 9.2IP 5BB:8SO
C Gabriel Bracamonte - 3G .125/.125/.125 0BB:2O (last played 10/28)

MEXICAN WINTER LEAGUE (LMP)

Akeem Bostick - April 2017
Photo by Jayne Hansen

Bostick has been busy making up for his first start by putting up a 1.00 ERA and a 0.944 WHIP over his last four starts.

Caneros de la Mochis (11-12 6th place)
RHP Akeem Bostick - 5G/5ST 2.91 ERA/1.107 WHIP 21.2IP 6BB:24SO

Charros de Jalisco (13-10 2nd place)
OF Rico Noel - 2G .200/.200/.200 0BB:3SO (last played 10/12)

Yacquis de Obregon (8-15 8th place)
IF Reid Brignac - 8G .208/.394/.292 2-2B RBI 7BB:7SO

DOMINICAN WINTER LEAGUE (LIDOM)

Jumbo Diaz is the only 2017 Astros farm hand who has actually appeared in a LIDOM game so far. He has collected saves in four of his last five appearances for the Toros.

Gigantes del Cibao (11-7 2nd place)
C Eduardo de Oleo - has not played yet

Toros del Este (8-10 Tied for 4th)
RHP Angel Heredia - has not pitched yet
RHP Jumbo Diaz - 7G 4SV 2.70 ERA/1.200 WHIP 6.2IP 2BB:4SO

PUERTO RICAN WINTER LEAGUE (LBPRC)

I haven't seen that the LBPRC winter season has been officially canceled yet, but with the devastation to that island from Hurricane Maria, I find it likely.

AUSTRALIAN BASEBALL LEAGUE (ABL)

The Australian Baseball League will start their schedule with exhibition games on November 9th and will continue play through early/mid February.

Wednesday, November 1, 2017

November Astros Birthdays

Once the World Series ends, WTHB will be back posting a tad bit more regularly. In the meantime, here are your November Astros birthdays ...

Framber Valdez - August 2017
Photo by Jayne Hansen

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THESE ASTROS NOVEMBER BABIES

11-2: LHP Adam Bleday (23)
11-2: LHP Cole Watts (22)
11-3: C Bernardo Heras (22)
11-5: LHP Devon Carr (25)
11-5: OF Andres Santana (19)
11-6: RHP Juan Robles (20)
11-11: 2B Ryne Birk (23)
11-11: OF Andy Pineda (21)
11-12: RHP Charlie Morton (34)
11-13: RHP Chris Devenski (27)
11-14: OF J.J. Matijevic (22)
11-14: LHP Nathan Thompson (24)
11-15: RHP Luis de Paula (21)
11-16: IF Alfredo Angarita (21)
11:16: C Juan Centeno (28)
11-17: OF Jon Kemmer (27)
11-18: C Anthony Hermelyn (24)
11-18: RHP Angel Ortega (18)
11-18: OF Ronaldo Urdaneta (19)
11-19: LHP Framber Valdez (24)
11-21: RHP Manny Ramirez (18)
11-22: 1B Roman Garcia (22)
11-22: LHP Parker Mushinski (22)
11-24: RHP Francis Martes (22)
11-25: RHP Erasmo Pinales (23)
11-26: OF Renaigel Martes (20)
11-27: LHP Luis Ramirez (22)
11-28: 3B Yeuris Ramirez (19)
11-29: RHP Dean Deetz (24)
11-29: 1B/C Rhandall Sanchez (19)