Former Astros in Foreign/Independent Leagues: 2018 Update

Time for an update on former Astros playing internationally or with the Indy League clubs as a few more players have come and gone since my original post. I'm including a few stats on selected players which are generally through 7/5/18. If you see any former Astros or former Astros farm hands that I missed, leave a note in the comments and I'll include them in my next update.

Each year MLB affiliates pick up players from independent baseball. Last year, RHP Kevin McCanna (Astros 2015 13th round pick; 2015-2016 Astros farm system) started his season with the independent Sioux City Explorers club, but was picked up by the Diamondbacks organization and 1B Conrad Gregor (Astros 2013 4th round pick; 2013-2016 Astros farm system) was picked up by the Red Sox from the New Jersey Jackals. And 3B  Bobby Wernes (Astros 2015 30th round pick; 2015-2016 Astros farm system) had signed with the Traverse City Beach Bums, but was picked up by the Rockies organization before playing a single game for the Bums. There are several players on this list that could very well make their way back into affiliated baseball ... I wish them all the best of luck!

David Rollins - June 2014

Photo by Jayne Hansen

JAPAN CENTRAL LEAGUE

Hiroshima Carp
LHP Geronimo Franzua (2011-2013 Astros farm system)

Yakult Swallows
OF Nori Aoki (2017 Astros)
.306/.399/.459 in 68 games

JAPAN PACIFIC LEAGUE

Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles
1B/DH Japhet Amador (2013-2014 Astros farm system)

Fukuoka Softbank Hawks
RHP Dennis Sarfate (2007 Astros)
It is Sarfate's 8th season playing in Japan.

Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters
3B Brandon Laird (2012-2013 Astros system)

Saitama Seibu Lions
IF Kaz Matsui (2008-2010 Astros)

Chiba Lotte Marines
3B Matt Dominguez (2012-2015 Astros)

KOREAN BASEBALL ORGANIZATION
(Not updated because Baseball-Reference info is missing)

Doosan Bears
OF Jimmy Paredes (2010-2013 Astros system)

LG Twins
RHP Henry Sosa (2011-2012 Astros system)
Sosa is in his 7th season with the KBO.

MEXICAN LEAGUE

Diablos Rojas del Mexico
RHP Gonzalo Sanudo (2013-2016 Astros farm system)
C Carlos Corporan (2011-2014 Astros)
RHP Juan Robles (2015-2018 Astros farm system) - signed 7/4

Guerreros de Oaxaca
RHP Arcenio Leon (2005-2012 Astros farm system)

Leones de Yucatan
RHP Paul Clemens (2011-2014 Astros system) - signed with South Maryland Blue Crabs 5/11
OF Leo Heras (2013-2016 Astros farm system)
OF/2B Ruben Sosa (Astros 2011 23rd round pick; 2011-2014 Astros farm system)

Olmecas del Tabsco
2B Anderson Hernandez (2010 Astros)

Pericos de Puebla
LHP Mitch Lambson (Astros 2011 19th round pick; 2011-2015 Astros farm system) - now playing in the American Association
C Bernardo Heras (2016-2017 Astros farm system)
C Hank Conger (2015 Astros)

Saraperos de Saltillo
LHP Raul Valdes (Astros 2014)

Sultanes de Monterrey
RHP Edgar Gonzalez (2012-2013 Astros)
C Luis Flores (2015 Astros farm system)

Tecolotes de los Dos Loredos
RHP Gerardo Sanchez (2012-2013 Astros farm system)
2B J.C. Thompson (2011-2012 Astros farm system)
RHP Fernando Nieve (2001-2008, 2011 Astros system) - signed 7/3

Tigres de Quintana Roo
OF Jason Bourgeois (2010-2011 Astros)
RHP Lupe Chavez (2015-2016 Astros farm system) - signed 7/3

Toros de Tijuana
RHP Hector Ambriz (2012-2013 Astros)
3B Jio Mier (Astros 2009 1st round pick; 2009-2015 Astros farm system)

ATLANTIC LEAGUE

Lancaster Barnstormers
IF Rico Noel (2018 Astros farm system)
LHP Tommy Shirley (Astros 2010 9th round pick; 2010-2016 Astros farm system)

York Revolution
1B/OF Michael Burgess (2013 Astros farm system)
RHP Zac Grotz (Astros 2015 28th round pick, 2015 Astros farm system) - contract purchased by the Mets organization 6/10
RHP Jay Gause (Astros 2014 10th round pick; 2014 Astros farm system)

New Britain Bees
LHP Kevin Chapman (2012-2016 Astros system) - contract purchased by the Tigers organization 5/20
RHP Sam Gervacio (2005-2011 Astros system)
RHP Mark Hamburger (2013 Astros farm system)
LHP Andy Van Hekken (2008-2011 Astros farm system)
IF Reid Brignac (2017 Astros farm system)

Long Island Ducks
LHP Ashur Tolliver (2017 Astros system)

Pennsylvania Road Warriors
LHP Luis Cruz (Astros 2008 9th round pick; 2008-2015 Astros farm system)
1.70 ERA/1.108 WHIP in 25 games (37 IP)
C Marlon Avea (2011-2016 Astros farm system) - released 4/24
OF/1B Edwin Gomez (2012-2013 Astros farm system)

Somerset Patriots
LHP Brett Oberholtzer (2011-2015 Astros system) - contract purchased by the Rockies 4/24

Sugar Land Skeeters
RHP Jared Mortensen (Astros Rule 5 draft pick in December 2016; appeared in 3 games for Fresno in April 2017) - released 4/24
RHP Felipe Paulino (2003-2010 Astros system)
RHP Mitch Talbot (Astros 2002 2nd round pick; 2003-2006 Astros system) - contract purchased by the Cleveland organization 5/23
OF Luke Scott (2004-2007 Astros system) - released 4/23
OF Willy Taveras (2004-2006 Astros system) - released 4/23
2B Colin Walsh (2017 Astros farm system) - signed 5/5

South Maryland Blue Crabs
RHP Paul Clemens (2011-2014 Astros system) - signed 5/11

AMERICAN ASSOCIATION

Fargo-Moorhead Redhawks
RHP Travis Ballew (Astros 2012 23rd round pick; 2012-2015 Astros system)
2.78 ERA/1.237 WHIP in 23 games (32.1 IP)
LHP Sebastian Kessay (Astros 2013 22nd round pick; 2013-2017 Astros farm system)
2.25 ERA/1.275 WHIP in 7 starts (40 IP)

Gary Southshore Railcats
RHP Daniel Minor (Astros 2012 9th round pick; 2012-2105 Astros farm system)
2.62 ERA/1.121 WHIP in 11 starts (68.2 IP)

Sioux Falls Canaries
LHP Joe Bircher ( Astros 2012 10th round pick, 2012-2013 Astros farm system)
IF Tyler Wolfe (Astros 2016 39th round pick; 2016-2017 Astros farm system)

Winnipeg Goldeyes
OF Reggie Abercrombie (2008-2009 Astros system)
LHP Mitch Lambson (Astros 2011 19th round pick; 2011-2015 Astros farm system) - signed 6/14

Kansas City T-Bones
C Christian Correa (2015-2017 Astros system) - traded to Sussex County in the Can-Am League 5/16

Sioux City Explorers
OF Jay Austin (Astros 2008 2nd round pick, 2008-2012 Astros farm system)
.345/.410/.453 in 37 games
RHP Andrew Thurman (Astros 2013 2nd round pick, 2013-2014 Astros farm system) - released 5/15
1B Dex McCall (Astros 2014 31st round pick, 2014-2017 Astros farm system)
.297/.372/.388 in 45 games

Texas Airhogs
LHP Michael Freeman (Astros 2015 7th round pick; 2015-2017 Astros farm system) - released 5/16
LHP Sean Stutzman (2016-2018 Astros farm system) - signed 6/30

Chicago Dogs
RHP Tyson Perez (Astros 2011 17th round pick; 2011-2017 Astros farm system)

St. Paul Saints
RHP Andrew Thome (2015-2018 Astros farm system) - signed 7/3
LHP Chris Nunn (2018 Astros farm system) - signed 7/2

CAN-AM LEAGUE

Ottawa Champions
RHP Austin Chrismon (Astros 2013 26th round pick, 2013-2015 Astros farm system)

Rockland Boulders
RHP Ryan Deemes (Astros 2015 36th round pick; 2015-2017 Astros farm system) - released 6/21 (torn UCL; having TJ surgery)
C Marcus Nidiffer (2010 Astros farm system)
1B Conrad Gregor (Astros 2013 4th round pick; 2013-2016 Astros farm system) - signed 5/23
.320/.425/.493 in 41 games

Sussex County Miners
LHP David Rollins (2012-2014 Astros farm system)
1.25 ERA/0.912 WHIP in 9 starts (64.2 IP)
C Martin Figueroa (Astros 2017 32nd round pick; 2017 Astros farm system)
.416/.536/.511 in 45 games
C Christian Correa (2015-2017 Astros system) - traded from the American Association

Trois-Rivieres Aigles
RHP Chris Murphy (Astros 2015 24th round pick; 2015-2016 Astros farm system)
C Anthony Hermelyn (Astros 2015 4th round pick; 2015-2017 Astros farm system)

FRONTIER LEAGUE

Schaumberg Boomers
RHP Kyle Westwood (2013 13th round pick; 2013-2015 Astros farm system)
On the suspended list

Washington Wild Things
OF Hector Roa (2012-2016 Astros farm system)
.302/.339/.473 in 44 games

Windy City Thunderbolts
RHP Devin Raftery (2016-2017 Astros farm system)
1.96 ERA/1.093 WHIP in 18 games/1 start (23 IP)

Evansville Otters
LHP Austin Nicely (Astros 2013 10th round pick; 2013-2016 Astros farm system)

River City Rascals
RHP Reggie Johnson (2016-2017 Astros farm system) - released 5/18
RHP Lucas Williams (Astros 2016 40th round draft pick; 2016-2017 Astros farm system) - released 5/17

Lake Erie Crushers
LHP Ben Smith (Astros 2014 17th round pick; 2016-2017 Astros farm system) - released 6/13

PACIFIC ASSOCIATION

San Rafael Pacifics
C Ricky Gingras (Astros 2012 18th round pick; 2012-2014 Astros farm system)

Sonoma Stompers
LHP Cole Watts (Astros 2017 31st round pick; 2017-2018 Astros farm system)

Pittsburg Diamonds
C Gabriel Bracamonte (2014-2018 Astros farm system)

PECOS LEAGUE

Ruidoso Osos
SS Jose Fernandez (2010-2016 Astros farm system)

Trinidad Triggers
LHP Jose Orta (2016 Astros farm system)

Former Astros in Independent/International Leagues (2018)

There are several former Astros already playing internationally or who are slated to play with the Indy League clubs that start up between late April and mid-May. I'll update this post with any late additions I see as the independent baseball season gets closer. If you see any former Astros or former Astros farm hands that I missed, leave a note in the comments and I'll include them in my next update.

Each year MLB affiliates pick up players from independent baseball. Last year, RHP Kevin McCanna (Astros 2015 13th round pick; 2015-2016 Astros farm system) started his season with the independent Sioux City Explorers club, but was picked up by the Diamondbacks organization and 1B Conrad Gregor (Astros 2013 4th round pick; 2013-2016 Astros farm system) was picked up by the Red Sox from the New Jersey Jackals. And 3B  Bobby Wernes (Astros 2015 30th round pick; 2015-2016 Astros farm system) had signed with the Traverse City Beach Bums, but was picked up by the Rockies organization before playing a single game for the Bums. There are several players on this list that could very well make their way back into affiliated baseball ... I wish them all the best of luck!

Jio Mier - April 2014

Photo by Jayne Hansen

JAPAN CENTRAL LEAGUE

Yakult Swallows
OF Nori Aoki (2017 Astros)

JAPAN PACIFIC LEAGUE

Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles
1B/DH Japhet Amador (2013-2014 Astros farm system)

Fukuoka Softbank Hawks
RHP Dennis Sarfate (2007 Astros)
It is Sarfate's 8th season playing in Japan.

Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters
3B Brandon Laird (2012-2013 Astros system)

Saitama Seibu Lions
IF Kaz Matsui (2008-2010 Astros)

KOREAN BASEBALL ORGANIZATION

Doosan Bears
OF Jimmy Paredes (2010-2013 Astros system)

LG Twins
RHP Henry Sosa (2011-2012 Astros system)
Sosa is in his 7th season with the KBO.

MEXICAN LEAGUE

Diablos Rojas del Mexico
RHP Gonzalo Sanudo (2013-2016 Astros farm system)
C Carlos Corporan (2011-2014 Astros)

Guerreros de Oaxaca
RHP Arcenio Leon (2005-2012 Astros farm system)

Leones de Yucatan
RHP Paul Clemens (2011-2014 Astros system)
OF Leo Heras (2013-2016 Astros farm system)
OF/2B Ruben Sosa (Astros 2011 23rd round pick; 2011-2014 Astros farm system)

Olmecas de Tabasco
RHP Cesar Valdez (2016 Astros farm system)

Pericos de Puebla
LHP Mitch Lambson (Astros 2011 19th round pick; 2011-2015 Astros farm system)
C Bernardo Heras (2016-2017 Astros farm system)

Saraperos de Saltillo
LHP Raul Valdes (Astros 2014)

Sultanes de Monterrey
RHP Edgar Gonzalez (2012-2013 Astros)

Tecolotes de los Dos Loredos
IF Anderson Hernandez (2010-2011 Astros system)

Tigres de Quintana Roo
OF Jason Bourgeois (2010-2011 Astros)

Toros de Tijuana
RHP Hector Ambriz (2012-2013 Astros)
RHP Gerardo Sanchez (2012-2013 Astros farm system)
3B Jio Mier (Astros 2009 1st round pick; 2009-2015 Astros farm system)

ATLANTIC LEAGUE

Lancaster Barnstormers
IF Rico Noel (2018 Astros farm system)
LHP Tommy Shirley (Astros 2010 9th round pick; 2010-2016 Astros farm system)

York Revolution
1B/OF Michael Burgess (2013 Astros farm system)
RHP Zac Grotz (Astros 2015 28th round pick, 2015 Astros farm system)
RHP Jay Gause (Astros 2014 10th round pick; 2014 Astros farm system)

New Britain Bees
LHP Kevin Chapman (2012-2016 Astros system)
RHP Sam Gervacio (2005-2011 Astros system)
RHP Mark Hamburger (2013 Astros farm system)
LHP Andy Van Hekken (2008-2011 Astros farm system)
IF Reid Brignac (2017 Astros farm system)

Long Island Ducks
LHP Ashur Tolliver (2017 Astros system)

Pennsylvania Road Warriors
LHP Luis Cruz (Astros 2008 9th round pick; 2008-2015 Astros farm system)
C Marlon Avea (2011-2016 Astros farm system)
OF/1B Edwin Gomez (2012-2013 Astros farm system)

Somerset Patriots
LHP Brett Oberholtzer (2011-2015 Astros system)

Sugar Land Skeeters
RHP Jared Mortensen (Astros Rule 5 draft pick in December 2016; appeared in 3 games for Fresno in April 2017)
RHP Felipe Paulino (2003-2010 Astros system)
RHP Mitch Talbot (Astros 2002 2nd round pick; 2003-2006 Astros system)
OF Luke Scott (2004-2007 Astros system)
OF Willy Taveras (2004-2006 Astros system)

AMERICAN ASSOCIATION

Fargo-Moorhead Redhawks
RHP Travis Ballew (Astros 2012 23rd round pick; 2012-2015 Astros system)
LHP Sebastian Kessay (Astros 2013 22nd round pick; 2013-2017 Astros farm system)

Gary Southshore Railcats
RHP Daniel Minor (Astros 2012 9th round pick; 2012-2105 Astros farm system)

Sioux Falls Canaries
LHP Joe Bircher ( Astros 2012 10th round pick, 2012-2013 Astros farm system)
IF Tyler Wolfe (Astros 2016 39th round pick; 2016-2017 Astros farm system)

Winnipeg Goldeyes
OF Reggie Abercrombie (2008-2009 Astros system)

Kansas City T-Bones
C Christian Correa (2015-2017 Astros system)

Sioux City Explorers
OF Jay Austin (Astros 2008 2nd round pick, 2008-2012 Astros farm system)
RHP Andrew Thurman (Astros 2013 2nd round pick, 2013-2014 Astros farm system)

Texas Airhogs
LHP Michael Freeman (Astros 2015 7th round pick; 2015-2017 Astros farm system)

CAN-AM LEAGUE

Ottawa Champions
RHP Austin Chrismon (Astros 2013 26th round pick, 2013-2015 Astros farm system)

Rockland Boulders
RHP Ryan Deemes (Astros 2015 36th round pick; 2015-2017 Astros farm system)
C Marcus Nidiffer (2010 Astros farm system)

Sussex County Miners
LHP David Rollins (2012-2014 Astros farm system)
C Martin Figueroa (Astros 2017 32nd round pick; 2017 Astros farm system)

Trois-Rivieres Aigles
RHP Chris Murphy (Astros 2015 24th round pick; 2015-2016 Astros farm system)
C Anthony Hermelyn (Astros 2015 4th round pick; 2015-2017 Astros farm system)

FRONTIER LEAGUE

Schaumberg Boomers
RHP Kyle Westwood (2013 13th round pick; 2013-2015 Astros farm system)
On the suspended list

Washington Wild Things
OF Hector Roa (2012-2016 Astros farm system)

Windy City Thunderbolts
RHP Devin Raftery (2016-2017 Astros farm system)

Evansville Otters
LHP Austin Nicely (Astros 2013 10th round pick; 2013-2016 Astros farm system)

River City Rascals
RHP Reggie Johnson (2016-2017 Astros farm system)
RHP Lucas Williams (Astros 2016 40th round draft pick; 2016-2017 Astros farm system)

Lake Erie Crushers
LHP Ben Smith (Astros 2014 17th round pick; 2016-2017 Astros farm system)
(Pro debut was delayed due to recovery from Tommy John surgery followed by a battle with Burkitt lymphoma)

Happy Birthday - 12/21

Happy Birthday to ~

RHP Asher Wojciechowski (26)
A first round pick by Toronto in 2010, Wojciechowski came to the Astros in the July 2012 10-player trade with the Blue Jays. Wojo spent a good chunk of his season on the DL, but in his 15 games (14 starts) for the AAA Oklahoma City team in 2014, he was 4-4 with a 4.74 ERA and a 1.447 WHIP.

LHP David Rollins (25)
Drafted by Toronto in the 24th round in 2011, Rollins also came to Houston in the big July 2012 trade with the Blue Jays. Rollins pitched for the AA Corpus Christi team for the entire season and was transitioning from a starter to a relief role in the latter part of the season. In 27 games (12 starts), Rollins had a 3.81 ERA and a 1.231 WHIP. He walked 22 batters and struck out 77 in 78 innings. [NOTE: Rollins was claimed in the Rule 5 draft, but I'm currently in denial so I'm leaving him on the birthday list for now.]

2B Austin "Catfish" Elkins (24)
A 19th round pick out of Dallas Baptist by Houston in the 2012 draft, Elkins split the 2014 season between Quad Cities and Lancaster, but also spent a chunk of the season on the DL. In 62 games, he hit .254/.369/.340.

RHP Gerald Benzant (20)
An international free agent out of the Dominican Republic, Benzant pitched his first season in the Dominican Summer League. In 14 games (seven starts), he had a 7.17 ERA and a 1.912 WHIP.

These former Astros mark the day as well ~

RHP Howie Reed (died December 7, 1984 at 47)
Reed came to Houston in an October 1966 trade with the Angels. In four games (two starts) for the Astros in 1967, he was 1-1 with a 3.44 ERA and a 1.145 WHIP. His best season was 1965 when he played for the World Series Champion Los Angeles Dodgers.

RHP Joaquin Andujar (62)
Andujar first came to Houston in an October 1975 trade with the Reds and pitched for the Astros from 1976 to 1981 and again in 1988.  In 202 games with the Astros, he had a 3.67 ERA and a 1.377 WHIP.  He was an All-Star with Houston in 1977 and 1979. Andujar made two additional All-Star appearances and won a Gold Glove with the Cardinals, and he earned his one World Series ring with them  in 1982.

RHP LaTroy Hawkins (42)
Originally drafted by Minnesota in the seventh round in 1991, Hawkins came to Houston in a July 2008 trade with the Yankees. In 89 appearances for Houston in 2008 and 2009, he was 3-4 with a 1.71 ERA and a 1.091 WHIP. He has currently pitched 20 seasons for ten different teams with the latest being the Rockies in 2014. He may be turning 42, but I still wouldn't mess with him if I were you.

RHP Philip Humber (32)
Originally drafted by the Mets in the first round in 2004, Humber was claimed by the Astros off waivers from the White Sox in November 2012. In 17 appearances (seven starts) with the Astros in 2013, Humber went 0-8 with a 7.90 ERA and a 1.738 WHIP, a far cry from the perfect game he threw for the White Sox on April 21, 2012. Humber spent 2014 playing for the AAA Oakland affiliate.

Astros Roster Moves/Transactions

OKLAHOMA CITY REDHAWKS

1B/DH Japhet Amador was placed on the 7-Day disabled list retroactive to 4/13. 

2B/OF Andy Simunic was assigned to OKC from Extended Spring Training.

CORPUS CHRISTI HOOKS

LHP T.J. Geith was activated from the 7-Day disabled list.

LHP David Rollins was placed on the 7-Day disabled list.

Astros Minor League Recaps

Results for Friday, April 4, 2014

The system suffered a power outage... the 3 teams in action combined for just 3 runs on 11 hits.

Round Rock 5, Oklahoma City 0

W- Nick Tepesch (1-0)
L- Jake Buchanan (0-1)

OKC home runs: None.

The RedHawks were held to 4 singles as they got blanked. Max Stassi went 2-4; Austin Wates and George Springer had 1 each.

Jake Buchanan got dinged in the 1st by a 3-run homer from former RedHawk Brad Snyder. He ended up going 4 innings and allowed 4 runs (3 earned) on 4 hits, walked 2, and struck out 3. Chia-Jen Lo struck out 2 in a 1-2-3 5th to bridge the gap to Paul Clemens, who threw the final 3 innings, allowing a run on 2 hits, walking 1, and fanning 3.

Game 3 of this 4-game set will begin at 6:05. The team of Nick Tropeano and Collin McHugh will face off against Scott Baker.


Corpus Christi 2, Tulsa 1

W- Aaron West (1-0)
L- Bruce Kern (0-1)
S- Alex Sogard (1)

CC home runs: None.

Through 8 innings, there were 16 zeros on the box score. David Rollins started off with 4 scoreless and allowed 3 hits, walked 2, and fanned 6. Aaron West tagged in for 4 more scoreless innings, allowing a hit, walking 1, and striking out 2. He retired 7 in a row to end his outing.

This time, the Hooks were the beneficiaries of a wild pitch, as Preston Tucker scored the first run of the evening on one of those from Bruce Kern. Kiké Hernandez, who was at the plate, wound up walking, and he scored on a Jio Mier double. For the 2nd straight game, a Hook had a 2-steal game; this time, it was Delino DeShields.

Alex Sogard was summoned to close it out, and he got 2 quick outs in the bottom of the 9th. But all of a sudden, things got a little too close for comfort after he allowed 2 conseecutive doubles which resulted in the Drillers' first run. However, he pulled himself together and struck out Jayson Langfels to end the game.

In the series finale, Luis Cruz and Ross Seaton will take on the #1 prospect in the Colorado Rockies organization, Jonathan Gray. First pitch is at 7:05.


Lake Elsinore 6, Lancaster 1

W- Zach Eflin (1-0)
L- Lance McCullers (0-1)

Lancaster home runs: None.

The JetHawks weren't able to take off, as they only managed 3 hits. 2 of those 3 belonged to Tony Kemp; one of those was a double. Kemp also got plunked and scored the only Lancaster run of the game on a Carlos Correa groundout in the 6th inning. Teoscar Hernandez went 1-4 with a steal (1).

Lance McCullers gave up 2 solo shots in his 4 innings: the first was to Alberth Martinez to begin the game, and the other was to Luis Domoromo with 1 out in the 2nd. He allowed 1 other hit, walked 2, and struck out 7, so other than the solo shots, McCullers actually had a pretty good season debut. Yes, he got saddled with the loss, but he shouldn't fret over that.

Juan Minaya allowed a hit in the 5th; it was a 2-run homer for Hunter Renfroe. Both of those runs were unearned. And lastly, Kyle Smith allowed 2 runs on 5 hits, walked 1, and struck out 5 in 4 innings after tagging in.

Josh Hader and Chris Devenski will take on Colin Rea in game 3 of this series. First pitch is at 6:00 Pacific.


Quad Cities and Kane County was postponed

Due to cold weather, Friday night's game has been postponed. The @QCRiverBandits and @KCCougars will play a 3 p.m. Saturday doubleheader.
— QC River Bandits (@QCRiverBandits) April 4, 2014

Three Stars

Well, there's a tie for 1st star.

3.

Tony Kemp, 2B, Lancaster

2-3, 2B, R

Kemp has reached safely in all but 2 of his plate appearances this year. California League pitchers: In case you missed it, Anthony Kemp has declared war on all of you.

1.

 

Aaron West, P, and David Rollins, P, Corpus Christi

West: W (1-0), 4 IP, H, 2 K

Rollins: 4 IP, 3 H, 2 BB, 6 K

Honorable Mentions

Jio Mier had a big hit in a critical juncture of the game for Corpus, as his double gave the Hooks a vital run in the top of the 9th.

Paul Clemens was effective as the piggybacker for OKC as he threw 3 innings of 1-run ball. A very solid season debut from a guy who will vie to be one of the first callups to the Major League roster.

As I mentioned earlier, Lance McCullers was rather good, outside of the two solo homers he allowed.

Tweet of the Day

Total team effort to pull that one out! Great pitching performances by @rawdeezy14 and @Snacks_31 #ImHooked
— Tyler Heineman (@theineman13) April 5, 2014

Happy Birthday - 12/21

Happy Birthday to ~

C Pedro Coa (21)
Signed as a non-drafted free agent out of Venezuela, Coa appeared in 26 games for the Gulf Coast League Astros in 2013, hitting .133/.232/.167. He only appeared in eight games for the Tiburones in the Liga Paralela in Venezuela this winter, but hit a robust .387/.387/.516 in his limited time with the team.

RHP Asher Wojciechowski (25)
A first round pick by Toronto in 2010, Wojciechowski came to the Astros in the July 2012 10-player trade with the Blue Jays. Wojo split his 2013 season between Corpus Christi and Oklahoma City, compiling a combined 11-8 record with a 3.32 ERA and a 1.150 WHIP in 28 appearances (24 starts).

LHP David Rollins (24)
Drafted by Toronto in the 24th round in 2011, Rollins also came to Houston in the big July 2012 trade with the Blue Jays. Rollins spent the bulk of his season with the Lancaster team before a late season promotion to Corpus Christi. He even made a very successful spot start in Oklahoma City. In 30 appearances (20 starts), Rollins was 9-8 with a 3.89 ERA and a 1.210 WHIP. He walked 43 batters while striking out 137 in 136+ innings.

2B Austin "Catfish" Elkins (23)
A 19th round pick out of Dallas Baptist by Houston in the 2012 draft, Elkins spent his second professional season with Quad Cities. In 110 games, he hit .234/.368/.350. He walked 67 times while striking out 70.

Former Astros with birthdays today ~

RHP Howie Reed (died December 7, 1984 at 47)
Reed came to Houston in an October 1966 trade with the Angels. In four games (two starts) for the Astros in 1967, he was 1-1 with a 3.44 ERA and a 1.145 WHIP. His best season was 1965 when he played for the World Series Champion Los Angeles Dodgers.

RHP Joaquin Andujar (61)
Andujar first came to Houston in an October 1975 trade with the Reds and pitched for the Astros from 1976 to 1981 and again in 1988.  In 202 games with the Astros, he had a 3.67 ERA and a 1.377 WHIP.  He was an All-Star with Houston in 1977 and 1979. Andujar made two additional All-Star appearances and won a Gold Glove with the Cardinals, and he earned his one World Series ring with them  in 1982.

RHP LaTroy Hawkins (41)
Originally drafted by Minnesota in the seventh round in 1991, Hawkins came to Houston in a July 2008 trade with the Yankees. In 89 appearances for Houston in 2008 and 2009, he was 3-4 with a 1.71 ERA and a 1.091 WHIP. He has currently pitched 19 seasons for ten different teams with the latest being the Mets in 2013. He signed with the Rockies as a free agent in November shortly after he did this.

RHP Philip Humber (31)
Originally drafted by the Mets in the first round in 2004, Humber was claimed by the Astros off waivers from the White Sox in November 2012. In 17 appearances (seven starts) with the Astros in 2013, Humber went 0-8 with a 7.90 ERA and a 1.738 WHIP, a far cry from the perfect game he threw for the White Sox on April 21, 2012. Humber signed with Oakland as a free agent in October.

Astros Minor League Roster Moves

Oklahoma City
RHP Bobby Doran assigned from Corpus Christi to Oklahoma City
C Rene Garcia assigned from Corpus Christi to Oklahoma City

Corpus Christi
LHP David Rollins assigned from Lancaster to Corpus Christi
C Ryan McCurdy assigned from Lancaster to Corpus Christi

Lancaster
RHP Kyle Smith obtained in trade with Kansas City and assigned to Lancaster
[UPDATED] C Luis Alvarez assigned from Quad Cities to Lancaster

Quad Cities
LHP Josh Hader obtained in trade with Baltimore and assigned to Quad Cities

Astros Minor League Recaps

Saturday's Games

Pulaski Mariners, Greeneville Astros -Doubleheader 
Steve has a great eyewitness account of these games already up. You can check it out here.

GCL Tigers 3, GCL Astros 0  

The GCL Astros were four-hit, shut out Saturday, marking their fifth consecutive loss (not including the postponed game from the 25th). Yonathan Mejia had half of his team's hits, going two-for-four at the plate and striking out once. Neither Jacob Nottingham (0X2 SO) nor Jose Fernandez (0X2 SO) had a hit in the game, but both drew two walks. Fernandez also had a stolen base in the game. Jose Montero (1-1) started things off on the mound for the GCL Astros and after five innings of work had allowed three runs on four hits (HR), walked five and struck out three—good for the loss. Samil De Los Santos followed Montero for one inning and struck out all three he faced.

DSL Royals 4, DSL Astros 2

The Astros allowed four runs in the sixth inning and that ended up being too big of a crooked number to defeat Saturday. Gerardo Juarez (2-2) started, working the first five and two-thirds. Juarez recorded all four runs, six hits, two walks and five Ks in his outing. Hector Roa had a pair of hits in the game, closing out at two-for-four with a stolen base and run scored too. Roa doubled in the ninth to knock in his team's final run of the game. Luis Payano was the only other player in multiples for the Astros, batting two-for-four also.

Tri-City Valley Cats 0, Vermont Lake Monsters 4
The Valley Cats didn't get a hit until the fourth inning Saturday and it would be one of only five they collected in this shutout. Adrian Houser (0-2) took the loss after pitching the first five innings and allowing a pair of runs on seven hits, walking one and striking out a trio. Tanner Bushue took the mound next and threw through the seventh, tallying another two runs, two hits and walk as he struck out two. Anthony Kemp picked up his 15th stolen base of the year and batted one-for-three with a walk and strikeout. Chan Moon bat one-for-four, hitting a triple in the fifth inning for Tri-City's second hit of the game. The Valley Cats' first hit in the fourth inning was a Ronnie Mitchell (1X4) double.

Quad Cities River Bandits 6, Beloit Snappers 8
The River Bandits struck first yesterday, but a five-run sixth inning toppled their momentum. Chris Devenski was on the mound for the first five innings and in that time saw a pair of runs score, allowed ten hits (HR), walked one and struck out four. Juri Perez (0-2) entered to pitch next and in two outs time Perez faced eight batters, allowing five runs on five hits and a walk. Perez would snag the loss and the blown save, his first. Rio Ruiz brought home three runs Saturday, concluding the game at the plate two-for-four with a two-run homer, stolen base and two strikeouts. Teoscar Hernandez went two-for-five with a pair of runs scored while Carlos Correa hit two-for-four, swatting a double, scoring a run and collecting two RBI.

Lancaster JetHawks 5, Rancho Cucamonga Quakes 7
Only three of the Quakes' seven runs yesterday were earned. The other four runs were scored in conjunction with Lancaster's six errors in the game. Carlos Perdomo committed four errors on Saturday alone. Perdomo (0X3 RBI 2BB) was also one of four JetHawks to steal a base in the game. Delino DeShields (2X5 R 2B RBI SO), Chris Epps (2X4 R BB) and Andrew Aplin (0X4 RBI BB) were the other three to swipe bags. Matt Duffy (1X4 R HR RBI SO) hit a round-tripper in the fourth inning, his only hit of the day. Kyle Hallock (4-3) took the loss after starting and pitching four innings. Hallock conceded four runs (2ER), seven hits (HR), three walks and K-ed three. Michael Dimock took the hill for the next three innings and logged another three runs (1ER), four hits, walked one and struck out two.

Corpus Christi Hooks 12, Midland RockHounds 6 (7)

Max Stassi and Domingo Santana hit back-to-back homers in the first inning pushing the Hooks out to an early lead before falling behind in the bottom of the second. Corpus Christi pitching then buckled down and the offense rallied to pull out the win. Ross Seaton started and was on the mound for just one and two-thirds before exiting the game. In that span Seaton tallied six runs, six hits, walked two and struck out one. After Seaton left the game there were four Hooks pitchers in the game and only Chia-Jen Lo, who picked up the save in the ninth, allowed a hit as he struck out another. Theron Geith followed Seaton and retired all eight batters he faced in order, striking out three. Jonas Dufek (1-0) strode to hill after Geith and produced a carbon copy of his performance—down to the number of strikeouts—and picked up the win. The outing was Dufek's debut in Double-A. Preston Tucker (1X4 2R HR RBI BB SO) hit a solo homer in the seventh that put the Hooks ahead. Max Stassi (2X4 R HR 3RBI), Domingo Santana (2X4 R HR RBI) and Jonathan Meyer (2X4 SO) all had two hits in the game.

    

Iowa Cubs 0, Oklahoma City RedHawks 5
Oklahoma city shut down and shut out the Cubs at home Saturday, allowing just four hits and adding an inside-the-park home run to the score sheet. David Rollins started things off from the hill for the RedHawks, debuting in Triple-A, and went six innings. Rollins (1-0) saw three hits during his shift and not much else, walking one and striking out eight to earn the win. George Springer went two-for-three at the dish with three runs scored, an RBI, stolen base and couple of walks. Springer also legged out the inside-the-park homer when his fifth inning shot to center eluded the center fielder and escaped to the wall. Marwin Gonzalez finished two-for-three, the only other RedHawk in multiples, with a pair of RBI and a walk.

Player of the Day: An inside-the-park knock always deserves the honor. They are rare and take a special set of circumstances, not too mention a fast pair of feet. So George Springer, the crown is yours for the day (Note: While they are rare, Springer's inside-the-park homer was actually OKC's second this week).

Pitcher of the Day: David Rollins, come on down. Rollins made the trip up to three-A yesterday and had an outstanding outing, allowing just three hits, striking out eight and retiring the first nine he faced in order. That's respectable. Nicely done.

Also an honorable mentions go out to Jonas Dufek and T.J. Geith. Dufek, in his own debut, was lights out. Kind of like, errr, exactly like the guy on the mound before him T.J. Geith.

Tweet of the Day

David Rollins ‏@rawdeezy14
Anybody that can pee on a bus going through hills in Cali can do anything #milbprobs #skill

Astros Minor League Recaps

Thursday's Games

Oklahoma City over New Orleans 4-1
Jarred Cosart got six shutout innings, eight strikeouts and the win. He gave up four hits and didn't walk a batter. Rhiner Cruz and Alex Sogard took the next two innings with Sogard giving up the lone Zephyrs' run. Josh Zeid got his fifth save in style, striking out the side. The game was scoreless until OKC put up three in the sixth on a Carlos Perez RBI single (2x5 R) and a two-run double from Che-Hsuan Lin. Perez drove in the final run in the seventh inning as well. Brett Wallace was four-for-five with two doubles and scored two runs; Jon Singleton was one-for-three and walked twice; and Brandon Laird was two-for-five with a run.

Frisco over Corpus Christi 2-0
Jake Buchanan got the start, allowing two runs on four hits and a walk before giving way to three perfect innings from Carlos Quevedo and Sergio Escalona. The Hooks were held to three hits in the shutout with two of those hits belonging to Erik Castro.

Lancaster over Rancho Cucamonga 11-3
David Rollins got the win in commanding fashion, allowing only one hit over five innings while striking out nine. Tyson Perez (5H 1BB 5SO 1HR) allowed three runs in his four innings of work. The JetHawks wasted no time in getting their second half off to a good start by scoring five in the first inning on a wild pitch, a Telvin Nash (1x3 2RBI BB R) double and a Tyler Heineman home run. They added on one in the third with Andrew Aplin scoring on a throwing error. And then they went a little bit crazy in the fourth inning with doubles from Matt Duffy, Delino DeShields and Joe Sclafani, and two-run home runs from Chris Epps and M.P. Cokinos (2x3 BB 2R).

Quad Cities over Kane County 5-3
Juan Minaya allowed two runs on six hits and three walks while striking out four in four innings to start the game and was followed with a scoreless inning from Richard Rodriguez. Vincent Velasquez (5H 1R 3SO) pitched the next three frames and was awarded the win, and John Neely got his 11th save of the season. Rio Ruiz (3x4) doubled in the first run in the second before scoring later in the inning on an error. The next three came across on a Jesse Wierzbicki RBI single in the third, a Teoscar Hernandez (1x2 2B BB R) sac fly RBI in the fifth and a Rio Ruiz RBI double in the eighth. Roberto Pena was one-for-two with two walks and scored two runs.

Tri-City over Lowell 8-5 in 11 innings
Edison Frias got the start and allowed two runs on six hits and a walk in four innings and Charles Basford allowed another three in his two-thirds of an inning. Kyle Westwood only allowed one walk in his three and a third and Albert Minnis only allowed one hit in his two innings (and got the win). Chia-Jen Lo struck out the side in the 11th to earn his second save. It looked as though the Tri-City win streak might come to an end as they were shutout through seven, but they put up three in the eighth and two in the ninth to tie it and three more in the 11th to win it. Tony Kemp was two-for-five with a walk and scored two runs; Conrad Gregor was two-for-six with three RBI and a run scored; and Jose Fernandez was two-for-five and scored a run. Michael Martinez had the only extra base hit, a double. Martinez, D'Andre Toney and Jon Kemmer all had RBI.

Bluefield over Greeneville 5-0
Starter Enderson Franco allowed two runs on six hits and a walk with four strikeouts over five innings and was followed by two scoreless innings from Frederick Tiburcio and Jordan Mills. Gerardo Ramirez pitched the eighth and allowed three additional runs. Despite being shutout, Marc Wik (2x4 2B) and Wallace Gonzalez (2x3) had good outings.

DSL Red Sox over DSL Astros 4-3
Starter Juan Hernandez gave up three runs (one earned) on two hits and three walks while striking out three, but Junior Garcia (3.1IP 2H 1R 1BB 4SO) was charged with the loss after giving up a walk-off home run in the bottom of the ninth. The Astros were held to four hits with one of them being a Brian Pena home run. Jarico Reynoso was two-for-three with an RBI and a run scored.

Player of the Day: Rio Ruiz is slowly getting up to speed. I really think he's going to be a very special player and his two RBI doubles last night give us a glimpse of that.

Pitcher of the Day: I've got to give the WTHB love to Jarred Cosart today. It wasn't simply the six shutout innings or the eight strikeouts, it was also the zero walks. If he can limit those walks, he'll be in Houston very, very soon. Honorable mention to a great performance from David Rollins and a dominant save from Josh Zeid.

Funky Foto Friday

I've been playing with the BeFunky photo effect site again. Here are a few of my favorites. Enjoy!

Brady Rodgers

Brian Holmes

Carlos Quevedo

David Martinez

Joe Sclafani

Jonathan Meyer

Luis Cruz

T.J. Geith

Chris Devenski

David Rollins

George Springer

Kiké Hernandez

Astros Minor League Recaps

Sunday's Games

Albuquerque over Oklahoma City 4-2
Starter Ross Seaton got touched for four runs on seven hits and three walks in five and two-thirds innings before giving way to a scoreless inning from Kevin Chapman and a perfect one and a third from Jason Stoffel. All of the 'Hawks scoring came in the first on a Brandon Laird two-run home run. Brett Wallace and Fernando Martinez both doubled and Jonathan Villar was two-for-four with a stolen base.

Corpus Christi over Arkansas 5-3 in 8 innings (Game 1)
Mike Foltynewicz got the start in Game 1 and pitched four and a third innings allowing one run on three hits and three walks with five strikeouts. Sergio Escalona allowed the two tying runs to score in the sixth. Pat Urckfitz pitched a very strong final two innings and was rewarded with the win. The Hooks scoring got started with a Domingo Santana (2x4 3R) solo home run and a Michael Burgess RBI single in the second and continued with a Jonathan Meyer RBI single in the third. The tie was broken in the eighth on a Santana triple scoring Jose Martinez (3x4 2B) and a George Springer sac fly scoring Santana.

Corpus Christi over Arkansas 13-9 in 7 innings (Game 2)
Despite Corpus getting a 10-0 lead in the first inning, Arkansas actually made it little too close for comfort as David Martinez had an uncharacteristic and probably overdue tough start in which he allowed seven runs (five earned) in only two and a third innings. Jorge de Leon pitched two-thirds innings, allowing one of Martinez' inherited runs to score before shutting the door. Matt Heidenreich pitched four innings allowing two  runs and earning his third win of the season. The wild first inning featured five RBI from George Springer on a two-RBI double and a three-run home run. Domingo Santana also homered in the first driving in Springer. Max Stassi had an RBI single and Jose Martinez (4x5 3R) drove in two on a RBI single. It didn't look as though the Hooks would need any more runs, but the two scored in the fourth on a two-RBI double from Erik Castro (2x5) and Ben Orloff's steal of home in the fifth gave the Hooks a good cushion.

Lancaster over Visalia 16-1
The JetHawks offense currently represents as big a menace as the area wildfires do. Well, maybe not, but you get the idea. Terrific outings from David Rollins (5IP 3H 0R 3BB 5SO) and Tyson Perez (4IP 2H 1R 1BB 2SO 1HR) ensured that Lancaster's crazy five-run first inning would be all the offense they would need. And it was a crazy inning as the 'Hawks scored five runs on only one hit, a grand slam from Chris Epps. The first three batters walked and were followed by a bases-loaded Preston Tucker hit-by-pitch before Epps unloaded and cleared the bases. Lancaster added on two more in the third on an M.P. Cokinos (3x4 2-2B BB 5RBI 2R) home run, two in the fifth on a Cokinos RBI double and Matt Duffy RBI single, and another two in the sixth on Brandon Meredith's (2x4 BB 3R) sixth home run of the season. The 'Hawks continued to punish Visalia with five more runs in the eighth on a Tucker bases-loaded walk and back-to-back two-run doubles from Epps and Cokinos. Joe Sclafani reached base in all five plate appearances, going two-for-two with a double, stolen base and three more walks; he has walked nine times in his last four games. Preston Tucker extended his hitting streak to 17 games with a double in the third and scored three times. Delino DeShields swiped two bags for the day, bringing his total to 14.

Quad Cities over Beloit 3-2
Lance McCullers wasted no time in getting his second win of the season as he pitched five shutout innings, allowing two hits and one walk while striking out six. Daniel Minor followed up with three and a third innings in which he allowed a two-run home run in the ninth and was relieved by Cameron Lamb who converted his third save of the season. The River Bandits didn't put on much of an offensive show, but they gave McCullers and company enough to work with. Teoscar Hernandez was two-for-four with a double and an RBI. Carlos Correa and Ariel Ovando each drove in a run as well. Jordan Scott was also two-for-four at the plate.

Player of the Day: It's not everyday that guys with five RBI games don't earn Player of the Day honors, but that is the case today as, despite great outings from George Springer and M.P. Cokinos, I have to go with Chris Epps' six-RBI game. Epps is simply locked in as of late, hitting .442/.478/.930 with eight doubles, two triples, three home runs and 19 RBI over his last 10 games.

Pitcher of the Day: Lance McCullers gets today's honors. It took a long time to get that first win, but he wasted no time getting the second on a very strong outing. Honorable mention goes to David Rollins for his five shutout innings.

An Interview with Astros LHP David Rollins

There's something about David Rollins that makes me feel right at home. It could be the northeast Texas accent that reminds me of the town I grew up in, a town about 100 miles from Rollin's home in the Carthage area. Or it could just be his easy smile and good nature. Or it could be that he's a lefty pitcher with mid-90's velocity, a combination that will earn the key to my heart every time.

Before I talked to Rollins, I spoke with Pitching Coach Don Alexander who described Rollins as having a plus fastball and the makings of a plus slider and a plus changeup, "Ball comes out of his hand real easy. Easy velocity. Repeatable delivery. Competes. All those things you want in a starting pitcher, especially being left-handed. I'm excited about what he's doing and I'm excited about his future."

Manager Rodney Linares is also high on Rollins, "He's got good stuff. Left-hander with great angle and he's got something on the ball. 92 to 95 miles an hour. Pitches inside to right-handed hitters which a lot of lefties don't. He's aggressive." Linares wants to see increased focus from Rollins when he gets two quick outs to keep things from getting out of control, but also went on to praise Rollins for buying into the program with Alexander's teaching, saying of Rollins, "He's only gotten better."

David Rollins - May 2013

Photo by Jayne Hansen

Here's what Rollins had to say when I spoke with him earlier this month (edited for brevity and clarity):

On his velocity from the May 11th game: "Actually, last night (the 11th) was the hardest I’ve thrown all year. I was sitting at 94 and I topped out at 96. Usually I’m sitting 92, topping out at 94, and last night I think 92 was my lowest pitch I threw."

On what he's accomplished and what he's working on: "I think I’ve accomplished keeping the ball down and getting ahead of counts. We had a guy come in last week and he told us 'three pitches and get the guy out, get him out in three pitches.' It will pretty much save you a lot of trouble. [It’s] changing the mindset. The catcher sets up in one spot and you’re thinking you got to be right there perfect every time. I got the mindset my last game and last night. [It was] the first time I was thinking like that [and] I went out and I did pretty good. Then last night I did pretty good only giving up one hit. That’s what I’ve been working on a lot, keeping the ball down and actually working on getting my slider in the dirt when I’ve got 0-2 or 1-2, trying to put the guys away instead of giving up the 0-2, 1-2 hits, trying to eliminate that. Last night it really worked out for me. I could see the difference in the way I’ve been pitching the past couple of games. It’s a big difference."

Which Astros pitcher has a pitch he'd like to steal?: "I’d like to have Tyson's [Perez] cutter. He’s got a good cutter."

Which Astros hitter would he least like to face?: "I’d say [Matt] Duffy would be the one. Duffy and [Nolan] Fontana. Fontana is the only dude I’ve seen that hardly ever gets out. [Even] if he gets out, he’s always hitting the ball. He hardly ever strikes out. He’d be probably the toughest one. Him and Duff."

Who on the team makes him laugh?: "There are clowns. [Brandon] Meredith and [Chris] Epps, when they’re on their little spiel, those two are clowns. But they’re good dudes. I love having them around the field for me and in the lineup. They absolutely make me laugh all the time. Even Cruzy [Luis Cruz]. I live with Cruzy and he’s funny. He is hilarious."

What would he do if he couldn't play baseball?: "In the off-season I do baseball lessons. There’s a small town called Silver Springs, Texas. I think I was the only person that actually played pro ball besides my pitching coach that comes in and helps out the guys. When you come in, the kids are all listening, watching the whole time. I'd probably do lessons and probably get my golf game up because I’m a terrible golfer but I enjoy to play it."

Something most people don't know about him: "Well surprisingly, I can kind of cook a little bit. This off-season I moved to Dallas to start my hard training and I started working out real hard, kind of getting ready for the season and my trainer told me I had to learn how to cook. I’m pretty good with a George Foreman and a grill."

On the commuter trips in the California League: "They’re not bad. When you’re done playing, you've got to sit on a bus for about an hour, hour and a half. That’s not bad because I’d rather sleep in my own bed than a hotel bed because most of the hotel beds are terrible. I don’t mind them [the commuters]. It’s just part of the grind. You've just got to go and pay your dues."

During the interview, Rollins and I got off on a little tangent, talking about Rodney Linares who had just walked by and spoken with us. I told Rollins that I really like Rodney's style of management and he had this to say, "I love playing for him. He’s one of the better managers I’ve had. Being here with Rodney and after the trade, I just feel like I got accepted into the organization. It’s real nice."

I think the feeling is mutual. Rodney was effusive in his praise of Rollins, "He goes out there and he competes. So does Brady [Rodgers]. So does [Aaron] West. They all do to a certain point, but this kid is left-handed and the angle he creates ... they can't hit it. It's down. It looks like a strike, but it's down here and it's 95. That's good [stuff]." It sounds like I'm not the only one who's a sucker for a mid-90's throwing lefty.

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

Thanks for your time, David, and best of luck as the season unfolds.

Photo Friday - Lancaster Edition

I haven't labeled my Lancaster trip photos yet. I haven't even finished weeding out the bad ones, but if you're game to look through a ton of photos, you can find them here. In the meantime, here are some of my favorites.

 Brady Rodgers 

Chris Devenski

T.J. Geith

Delino DeShields

Luis Cruz

Tyler Heineman

David Rollins

Telvin Nash

Brady Rodgers

Photos by Jayne Hansen

 All Rights Reserved*

*The players featured in these photos are hereby granted permission to use these photos for personal use. All other uses require permission and acknowledgment.