Add insane hops to George Springer’s already impressive repertoire. #SpringTraining pic.twitter.com/C9NvA5Bisb
— MLB GIFS (@MLBGIFs) March 31, 2015
A LOOK AT THE ASTROS MINOR LEAGUE SYSTEM
Showing posts with label George Springer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label George Springer. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 31, 2015
Bonus Tweet of the Day
Friday, September 19, 2014
Happy Birthday - 9/19
Happy Birthday to ~
1B Yonathan Mejia (22)
Signed as a non-drafted free agent out of the Dominican Republic in 2009, Mejia spent the 2014 season playing for the Greeneville Astros. In 50 games, he hit .235/.297/.350 with eight doubles, two triples and three home runs.
OF George Springer (25)
Houston's first round 2011 draft pick out of the University of Connecticut started his season in Oklahoma City, but soon thereafter received the call to Houston, making his major league debut on April 16th. In 78 games, he hit .231/.336/.468 with eight doubles, one triple, 20 home runs and 51 RBI before ending up on the DL in late July.
Two former Astros celebrte the day as well ~
2B Joe Morgan (71)
Originally signed by the Colt .45's as a free agent in 1962, Morgan played for the Colt 45's and Houston Astros from 1963 to 1971 and again in 1980. In 1032 games over 10 seasons for Houston, Morgan hit .261/.374/.393 and earned two of his ten All-Star Nods. Following his trade to the Reds in November of 1971, Morgan hit his stride. It was with the Reds that the future Hall of Famer earned two National League MVP awards, two World Series rings, five Gold Gloves and made his other eight All-Star appearances.
C Joe Ferguson (68)
An eighth round draft pick by the Dodgers in 1968, Ferguson came to Houston in a November 1976 trade with the Cardinals. In 183 games for the Astros in 1977 and 1978, he hit .243/.375/.420
1B Yonathan Mejia (22)
Signed as a non-drafted free agent out of the Dominican Republic in 2009, Mejia spent the 2014 season playing for the Greeneville Astros. In 50 games, he hit .235/.297/.350 with eight doubles, two triples and three home runs.
OF George Springer (25)
Houston's first round 2011 draft pick out of the University of Connecticut started his season in Oklahoma City, but soon thereafter received the call to Houston, making his major league debut on April 16th. In 78 games, he hit .231/.336/.468 with eight doubles, one triple, 20 home runs and 51 RBI before ending up on the DL in late July.
Two former Astros celebrte the day as well ~
2B Joe Morgan (71)
Originally signed by the Colt .45's as a free agent in 1962, Morgan played for the Colt 45's and Houston Astros from 1963 to 1971 and again in 1980. In 1032 games over 10 seasons for Houston, Morgan hit .261/.374/.393 and earned two of his ten All-Star Nods. Following his trade to the Reds in November of 1971, Morgan hit his stride. It was with the Reds that the future Hall of Famer earned two National League MVP awards, two World Series rings, five Gold Gloves and made his other eight All-Star appearances.
C Joe Ferguson (68)
An eighth round draft pick by the Dodgers in 1968, Ferguson came to Houston in a November 1976 trade with the Cardinals. In 183 games for the Astros in 1977 and 1978, he hit .243/.375/.420
Friday, August 1, 2014
Tweet of the Day
Good luck to three of the best as they start a new journey. It was an honor to play with you guys @JarredCosart @kikehndez @austinwates
— George Springer (@gspringer_4) July 31, 2014
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
Astros Minor League Roster Moves/Transactions
In addition to the news that some guy named George Springer got promoted to Houston, I found a couple more transactions for today.
OKLAHOMA CITY
2B Enrique Hernandez was assigned from Corpus Christi to Oklahoma City
OF Robbie Grossman was optioned from Houston to Oklahoma City
LANCASTER
IF/OF Ruben Sosa was assigned from Oklahoma City to Lancaster
There was also this tweet noting that Telvin Nash was being assigned to Corpus Christi, but the transaction has not been posted on MiLB.com yet.
OKLAHOMA CITY
2B Enrique Hernandez was assigned from Corpus Christi to Oklahoma City
OF Robbie Grossman was optioned from Houston to Oklahoma City
LANCASTER
IF/OF Ruben Sosa was assigned from Oklahoma City to Lancaster
There was also this tweet noting that Telvin Nash was being assigned to Corpus Christi, but the transaction has not been posted on MiLB.com yet.
Old friend Telvin Nash activated off DL today and will join AA Corpus Christi. Sorry Texas League baseballs... #lighttowerpower
— Lancaster JetHawks (@JetHawks) April 16, 2014
Astros Minor League Recaps
Results for Tuesday, April 15, 2014
Let's play 2 in Davenport!
George Springer is coming! George Springer is coming!
Oklahoma City 11, Colorado Springs 9
Nothing in this game matters. All that matters is that GEORGE SPRINGER IS COMIN' TO HOUSTON, BABY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Whoops, sorry. Got carried away there.
W- Mike Foltynewicz (1-1)
L- Christian Friedrich (0-2)
S- Josh Zeid (1)
OKC home runs: George Springer (3, grand slam in 2nd)
The RedHawks jumped out to a 7-0 lead after 2 innings, and then they needed to hang on for dear life. Nevertheless, they came out on top in the series opener.
George Springer, in what might have been his final game in the Minor Leagues, made it an unforgettable one. He went 3-4 with a 2nd-inning grand slam (3 home runs) and scored 4 runs.
OKC got 3 in the 1st from Gregorio Petit scoring on an error and a pair of RBI singles from Domingo Santana and Max Stassi. It is actually Stassi who has the longest hitting streak in the organization; he has a hit in all of the 11 games that he has played. Santana grounded into a force out in the 5th, which allowed Jon Singleton to score. Springer scored on a Stassi GIDP in the 7th, and in a 1-run game in the top of the 9th, Stassi hit a 2-run double to create some much, much-needed separation. Singleton, who was 2-5, and Santana, who went 1-5 are both on 6-game hitting streaks.
After a rough beginning to life in AAA, Mike Foltynewicz spun his best start of the season, as he went 5 innings and allowed a run on 4 hits, walked 2, and struck out 6. Rudy Owens struggled through 1.1 innings, giving up 5 runs (4 earned, 1 inherited) on 6 hits (2-run HR) and striking out 1. Chia-Jen Lo got the final 2 outs of the 7th, but allowed a pair of home runs (solo and 2-run shots) in the process. Jason Stoffel was the only RedHawks pitcher to not allow a run; he allowed 2 hits and struck out 1. Josh Zeid shook off a solo homer from Ben Paulsen to close the door.
Game 2 will feature TBA (this spot was vacated by Paul Clemens) and Jake Buchanan as they take on Christian Bergman. Early start for this one; first pitch will be at 11:05 A.M. Mountain.
Springfield 2, Corpus Christi 1
W- Zach Petrick (2-0)
L- Tommy Shirley (1-2)
S- Ronnie Shaban (2)
CC home runs: None.
The Hooks dropped the series as they dropped their 2nd straight 2-1 decision.
Leo Heras hit an RBI single in the 2nd which tied the game at 1 at that point in time. Preston Tucker went 2-4 with a double. Other than the 2nd inning, the Hooks' chances for runs were few and far between; they stranded runners on the corners to end the 5th, which was the only time that the Hooks had more than one person on base at any point in the game.
Tommy Shirley got the start and went 4.1 innings, allowing 2 runs (1 inherited) on 5 hits, walking 1, and striking out 6. Andrew Robinson got the final 2 outs of the 5th, but he allowed the go-ahead single that resulted in one of the 3 runners he inherited from Shirley to score. Matt Heidenreich tagged in for 3 perfect innings, striking out 5. T.J. Geith (1st out) and Jorge De Leon (final 2 outs) combined on a 1-2-3 9th.
The Hooks will have a day off before they head up to the Metroplex to begin a 4-game series with Frisco. In Thursday's opener, Colton Cain and Brady Rodgers will take on Nick Martinez at 7:05.
Lancaster 5, High Desert 4
W- Vince Velasquez (3-0)
L- Blake Hauser (1-1)
S- Jamaine Cotton (2)
Lancaster home runs: None.
The JetHawks got even as a run in the 9th broke a 4-4 tie in their favor.
Everyone in the lineup had a hit; Carlos Correa, Teoscar Hernandez, and Dan Gulbransen had 2 apiece. Correa tied the game in the 3rd with an RBI triple. Lancaster got a pair in the 4th on a couple of RBI singles from Carlos Perdomo and Tony Kemp, and Brandon Meredith added an RBI single of his own in the 5th. Kemp led off the top of the 9th with a walk, advanced all the way to 3rd on a wild pitch, and scored the go-ahead run on a Hernandez double.
Kyle Westwood went 5 innings and allowed 2 runs on 3 hits, walked 1, and struck out 1. This was the first time that Westwood has allowed 2 earned runs in any appearance. He did allow 2 runs 3 times with Tri-City last year, but each time, there was an unearned run. Vince Velasquez tagged in for 3 innings and was dinged by a 2-run homer from Patrick Kivlehan in the 6th, which tied the game at 4. Vince allowed one other hit, walked 1, and struck out 3. Jamaine Cotton worked around a single to close the door, getting Tim Lopes to fly out to end the game. Cotton's one strikeout was of Steven Baron for the 2nd out of the 9th inning.
In the series finale, Kyle Smith and Lance McCullers will face Andrew Kittredge at 7:05 Pacific.
Game 1: West Michigan 6, Quad Cities 4
W- Matt Davenport (1-0)
L- Chris Cotton (0-2)
S- Joe Mantiply (2)
QC home runs: Brian Holberton (1, solo in 4th)
The Whitecaps put up 3 in the top of the 5th to take a 5-4 lead and scored 1 more in the 6th to take the first game in the twinbill.
QC got in the board first with 2 in the 2nd inning. Tanner Mathis reached on a force out which scored Conrad Gregor, and he would score on a Jon Kemmer double. James Ramsay went 2-3 with a double and led off the bottom of the 3rd with a triple; he scored on a Gregor single. Brian Holberton led off the 4th with a homer to put the River Bandits up 4-2 at that point in time.
Kent Emanuel went 4 innings and allowed 4 runs (3 earned; 2 of those 4 runs were inherited) on 7 hits, walked 1, and struck out 3. Chris Cotton couldn't hold the lead; he allowed both of the runners he inherited from Emanuel in the 5th to score, and then gave up 2 more of his own on 6 hits while striking out 1 in 3 innings.
Tough way to end game 1; would game 2 bring some good news for the River Bandits?
Game 2: Quad Cities 2, West Michigan 1 in 8 innings
W- Andrew Walter (1-1)
L- Scott Sitz (1-1)
QC home runs: None.
The River Bandits walked off with a split as Catfish Elkins delivered the game-winning RBI single in the bottom of the 8th! Jon Kemmer led off the 8th with a double, advanced to 3rd on a James Ramsay sac bunt, and Elkins brought him home.
Ramsay scored the River Bandits' other run in the 3rd as he reached on an error from Willy Adames and scored on another Adames error, which allowed Conrad Gregor to reach. Gregor hit a double to lead off the 2nd to extend his hitting streak to 6 games, although he saw his 5-game RBI streak come to an end.
Jandel Gustave allowed an unearned run on 5 hits, walked 2, and struck out 6 in 4.2 innings. Pat Christensen threw 1.1 scoreless and allowed a hit while striking out 2, and Andrew Walter tossed 2 scoreless, allowing a hit, walking 1, and fanning 2. He'd get the victory, thanks to Elkins' heroics.
In the series finale, Michael Feliz and Evan Grills will take the mound for QC, and they will be opposed by Chad Green. First pitch is at 7:00.
Three Stars
Today, there is only one.
George Springer, CF,Oklahoma City Houston
3-4, Grand Slam (3), 4 R
Let's play 2 in Davenport!
George Springer is coming! George Springer is coming!
Oklahoma City 11, Colorado Springs 9
Nothing in this game matters. All that matters is that GEORGE SPRINGER IS COMIN' TO HOUSTON, BABY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Whoops, sorry. Got carried away there.
W- Mike Foltynewicz (1-1)
L- Christian Friedrich (0-2)
S- Josh Zeid (1)
OKC home runs: George Springer (3, grand slam in 2nd)
The RedHawks jumped out to a 7-0 lead after 2 innings, and then they needed to hang on for dear life. Nevertheless, they came out on top in the series opener.
George Springer, in what might have been his final game in the Minor Leagues, made it an unforgettable one. He went 3-4 with a 2nd-inning grand slam (3 home runs) and scored 4 runs.
OKC got 3 in the 1st from Gregorio Petit scoring on an error and a pair of RBI singles from Domingo Santana and Max Stassi. It is actually Stassi who has the longest hitting streak in the organization; he has a hit in all of the 11 games that he has played. Santana grounded into a force out in the 5th, which allowed Jon Singleton to score. Springer scored on a Stassi GIDP in the 7th, and in a 1-run game in the top of the 9th, Stassi hit a 2-run double to create some much, much-needed separation. Singleton, who was 2-5, and Santana, who went 1-5 are both on 6-game hitting streaks.
After a rough beginning to life in AAA, Mike Foltynewicz spun his best start of the season, as he went 5 innings and allowed a run on 4 hits, walked 2, and struck out 6. Rudy Owens struggled through 1.1 innings, giving up 5 runs (4 earned, 1 inherited) on 6 hits (2-run HR) and striking out 1. Chia-Jen Lo got the final 2 outs of the 7th, but allowed a pair of home runs (solo and 2-run shots) in the process. Jason Stoffel was the only RedHawks pitcher to not allow a run; he allowed 2 hits and struck out 1. Josh Zeid shook off a solo homer from Ben Paulsen to close the door.
Game 2 will feature TBA (this spot was vacated by Paul Clemens) and Jake Buchanan as they take on Christian Bergman. Early start for this one; first pitch will be at 11:05 A.M. Mountain.
Springfield 2, Corpus Christi 1
W- Zach Petrick (2-0)
L- Tommy Shirley (1-2)
S- Ronnie Shaban (2)
CC home runs: None.
The Hooks dropped the series as they dropped their 2nd straight 2-1 decision.
Leo Heras hit an RBI single in the 2nd which tied the game at 1 at that point in time. Preston Tucker went 2-4 with a double. Other than the 2nd inning, the Hooks' chances for runs were few and far between; they stranded runners on the corners to end the 5th, which was the only time that the Hooks had more than one person on base at any point in the game.
Tommy Shirley got the start and went 4.1 innings, allowing 2 runs (1 inherited) on 5 hits, walking 1, and striking out 6. Andrew Robinson got the final 2 outs of the 5th, but he allowed the go-ahead single that resulted in one of the 3 runners he inherited from Shirley to score. Matt Heidenreich tagged in for 3 perfect innings, striking out 5. T.J. Geith (1st out) and Jorge De Leon (final 2 outs) combined on a 1-2-3 9th.
The Hooks will have a day off before they head up to the Metroplex to begin a 4-game series with Frisco. In Thursday's opener, Colton Cain and Brady Rodgers will take on Nick Martinez at 7:05.
Lancaster 5, High Desert 4
W- Vince Velasquez (3-0)
L- Blake Hauser (1-1)
S- Jamaine Cotton (2)
Lancaster home runs: None.
The JetHawks got even as a run in the 9th broke a 4-4 tie in their favor.
Everyone in the lineup had a hit; Carlos Correa, Teoscar Hernandez, and Dan Gulbransen had 2 apiece. Correa tied the game in the 3rd with an RBI triple. Lancaster got a pair in the 4th on a couple of RBI singles from Carlos Perdomo and Tony Kemp, and Brandon Meredith added an RBI single of his own in the 5th. Kemp led off the top of the 9th with a walk, advanced all the way to 3rd on a wild pitch, and scored the go-ahead run on a Hernandez double.
Kyle Westwood went 5 innings and allowed 2 runs on 3 hits, walked 1, and struck out 1. This was the first time that Westwood has allowed 2 earned runs in any appearance. He did allow 2 runs 3 times with Tri-City last year, but each time, there was an unearned run. Vince Velasquez tagged in for 3 innings and was dinged by a 2-run homer from Patrick Kivlehan in the 6th, which tied the game at 4. Vince allowed one other hit, walked 1, and struck out 3. Jamaine Cotton worked around a single to close the door, getting Tim Lopes to fly out to end the game. Cotton's one strikeout was of Steven Baron for the 2nd out of the 9th inning.
In the series finale, Kyle Smith and Lance McCullers will face Andrew Kittredge at 7:05 Pacific.
Game 1: West Michigan 6, Quad Cities 4
W- Matt Davenport (1-0)
L- Chris Cotton (0-2)
S- Joe Mantiply (2)
QC home runs: Brian Holberton (1, solo in 4th)
The Whitecaps put up 3 in the top of the 5th to take a 5-4 lead and scored 1 more in the 6th to take the first game in the twinbill.
QC got in the board first with 2 in the 2nd inning. Tanner Mathis reached on a force out which scored Conrad Gregor, and he would score on a Jon Kemmer double. James Ramsay went 2-3 with a double and led off the bottom of the 3rd with a triple; he scored on a Gregor single. Brian Holberton led off the 4th with a homer to put the River Bandits up 4-2 at that point in time.
Kent Emanuel went 4 innings and allowed 4 runs (3 earned; 2 of those 4 runs were inherited) on 7 hits, walked 1, and struck out 3. Chris Cotton couldn't hold the lead; he allowed both of the runners he inherited from Emanuel in the 5th to score, and then gave up 2 more of his own on 6 hits while striking out 1 in 3 innings.
Tough way to end game 1; would game 2 bring some good news for the River Bandits?
Game 2: Quad Cities 2, West Michigan 1 in 8 innings
W- Andrew Walter (1-1)
L- Scott Sitz (1-1)
QC home runs: None.
The River Bandits walked off with a split as Catfish Elkins delivered the game-winning RBI single in the bottom of the 8th! Jon Kemmer led off the 8th with a double, advanced to 3rd on a James Ramsay sac bunt, and Elkins brought him home.
Ramsay scored the River Bandits' other run in the 3rd as he reached on an error from Willy Adames and scored on another Adames error, which allowed Conrad Gregor to reach. Gregor hit a double to lead off the 2nd to extend his hitting streak to 6 games, although he saw his 5-game RBI streak come to an end.
Jandel Gustave allowed an unearned run on 5 hits, walked 2, and struck out 6 in 4.2 innings. Pat Christensen threw 1.1 scoreless and allowed a hit while striking out 2, and Andrew Walter tossed 2 scoreless, allowing a hit, walking 1, and fanning 2. He'd get the victory, thanks to Elkins' heroics.
In the series finale, Michael Feliz and Evan Grills will take the mound for QC, and they will be opposed by Chad Green. First pitch is at 7:00.
Three Stars
Today, there is only one.
George Springer, CF,
3-4, Grand Slam (3), 4 R
Welcome to Houston, Welcome to the Future
I was at the Astros game last night and it wasn't pretty. The starting pitcher, who only threw 56 of his 101 pitches for strikes, wasn't exactly helped out by an error from his left fielder, but that really wasn't the problem.
The Astros offense was, well, offensive. I'm not taking anything away from the Royal's Yordano Ventura, who at only 22 years of age, already looks like he could be a fixture in the Royals' rotation for a good long time. But it wasn't just last night's performance at the plate that was the problem.
At the beginning of last night's game, only two of the starters had batting averages over the Mendoza Line. Factor in Monday night's 12 strikeouts and the Astros team batting line for the nascent season is a very dismal .185/.258/.347.
As I left the game, I knew that this had to be the straw, the straw that would bring George Springer to the people. The dwindling crowd of diehard fans, including me, was starting to get restless, particularly after news spread that Springer had hit out a moon shot Grand Slam in Colorado Springs for the RedHawks last night. "It's time," I thought to myself, "How can the Astros not bring him up now?"
I wasn't home long when the news came that Springer did get the call and would be headed to Houston. Even though I thought Luhnow and Company would do their best to keep Springer down on the farm until the Super Two window closed, I knew that was no longer feasible. The long-suffering fans needed this. We can only take so much and the limit had been reached, at least mine had.
As fans, we don't need George Springer to be a superstar overnight. That is a lot of pressure to put on a pair of 24-year old rookie shoulders. But we need the hope that he represents. We need to see the light at the end of a very, very, very long tunnel. We've started to see some encouraging signs from the pitching staff, but now it's time to see a spark from the offense.
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Springer will provide a spark in more ways than one. He is a very special player. He is shy and quiet and thoughtful away from the field. But on the field, Springer is silly and gregarious and charismatic and very, very talented. His teammates have a nickname for him.
What I do know is that Springer will provide a much-needed spark for both the Astros and their fans. Welcome to Houston, George. Welcome to the future, Astros fans.
The Astros offense was, well, offensive. I'm not taking anything away from the Royal's Yordano Ventura, who at only 22 years of age, already looks like he could be a fixture in the Royals' rotation for a good long time. But it wasn't just last night's performance at the plate that was the problem.
At the beginning of last night's game, only two of the starters had batting averages over the Mendoza Line. Factor in Monday night's 12 strikeouts and the Astros team batting line for the nascent season is a very dismal .185/.258/.347.
As I left the game, I knew that this had to be the straw, the straw that would bring George Springer to the people. The dwindling crowd of diehard fans, including me, was starting to get restless, particularly after news spread that Springer had hit out a moon shot Grand Slam in Colorado Springs for the RedHawks last night. "It's time," I thought to myself, "How can the Astros not bring him up now?"
I wasn't home long when the news came that Springer did get the call and would be headed to Houston. Even though I thought Luhnow and Company would do their best to keep Springer down on the farm until the Super Two window closed, I knew that was no longer feasible. The long-suffering fans needed this. We can only take so much and the limit had been reached, at least mine had.
As fans, we don't need George Springer to be a superstar overnight. That is a lot of pressure to put on a pair of 24-year old rookie shoulders. But we need the hope that he represents. We need to see the light at the end of a very, very, very long tunnel. We've started to see some encouraging signs from the pitching staff, but now it's time to see a spark from the offense.
George Springer - May 2013
Photo by Jayne Hansen
Springer will provide a spark in more ways than one. He is a very special player. He is shy and quiet and thoughtful away from the field. But on the field, Springer is silly and gregarious and charismatic and very, very talented. His teammates have a nickname for him.
#Superman
— Jiovanni Mier (@JioMier) April 16, 2014
I don't know what to expect from Springer when he gets to Houston tonight. Will he be a Rookie of the Year candidate like Ryan Braun or Mike Trout? Or will he take a while to settle in, like a Jose Bautista? My best guess is he will fall somewhere in between. Fans will need to be patient with him at times and realize that sometimes he will be Superman, but sometimes he will be Clark Kent.What I do know is that Springer will provide a much-needed spark for both the Astros and their fans. Welcome to Houston, George. Welcome to the future, Astros fans.
Tweet of the Day
Source tells the Chronicle that George Springer is on his way to the majors tomorrow.
— Evan Drellich (@EvanDrellich) April 16, 2014
Friday, April 11, 2014
Astros Minor League Recaps
Results for Thursday, April 10, 2014
Oklahoma City 8, New Orleans 2
W- David Martinez (2-0)
L- Chaz Roe (0-1)
OKC home runs: George Springer (1, solo in 8th), Jon Singleton (2, solo in 8th)
Sweep! The RedHawks also got their 5th straight win in the process as they broke a 2-2 tie with 6 runs in the 8th. Before that outburst, Japhet Amador had all the RBIs for OKC, as he hit an RBI single in the 4th and added a sac fly in the 6th. Then, George Springer led off the 8th with his 1st home run of the year, and the RedHawks never looked back. One batter later, Jon Singleton went back-to-back (2) to double OKC's lead. Ronald Torreyes chipped in with an RBI single that scored Max Stassi, and on the ensuing error, Domingo Santana scored. And finally, Gregorio Petit provided the cherry with a 2-run double. He, Springer, and Jonathan Meyer had 2 hits apiece. Everyone in the lineup had a hit except for Austin Wates, who missed out on the party by going 0-4 with a walk and 2 strikeouts, snapping his season-opening 6-game hitting streak.
Bobby Doran went 4.2 innings and allowed 2 runs on 6 hits (solo homer) and struck out 3. Raúl Valdés retired the only batter he faced to end the 5th. David Martinez tagged in to get the victory with 4 scoreless. He allowed 3 hits, walked 1, and fanned 2.
Both teams will face off against each other in another 4-game series; the only difference will be a change of venue. Rudy Owens and Mike Foltynewicz will face Elih Villanueva in the opener in OKC at 7:05. Owens and Foltynewicz will be starting on two different Opening Days: They got the nod for the actual one on May 3, and they'll be taking the hill for OKC's first home game.
Corpus Christi 6, Tulsa 0
W- Luis Cruz (2-0)
L- Dan Winkler (0-1)
CC home runs: None.
The Hooks took the series opener despite being no-hit for 6 innings. But.... it appeared that the 7th inning stretch was exactly what the Hooks offense needed.
Nolan Fontana got things started by drawing a walk. Andrew Aplin then proceeded to break-up the no-hitter with a single that sent Fontana to 3rd. They didn't have to wait long for a 2nd hit, as Matt Duffy opened the scoring with a single to bring Fontana home. Preston Tucker followed suit by bringing Aplin home. Duffy would score the 3rd run of the game on a Leo Heras groundout. And then... what?
What GameDay says:
Jiovanni Mier reaches on a fielder's choice out, second baseman Taylor Featherston to third baseman Joey Wong to catcher Tom Murphy. Preston Tucker out at home. Enrique Hernandez scores. Jiovanni Mier to 3rd. Throwing error by shortstop Cristhian Adames.
Oklahoma City 8, New Orleans 2
W- David Martinez (2-0)
L- Chaz Roe (0-1)
OKC home runs: George Springer (1, solo in 8th), Jon Singleton (2, solo in 8th)
Sweep! The RedHawks also got their 5th straight win in the process as they broke a 2-2 tie with 6 runs in the 8th. Before that outburst, Japhet Amador had all the RBIs for OKC, as he hit an RBI single in the 4th and added a sac fly in the 6th. Then, George Springer led off the 8th with his 1st home run of the year, and the RedHawks never looked back. One batter later, Jon Singleton went back-to-back (2) to double OKC's lead. Ronald Torreyes chipped in with an RBI single that scored Max Stassi, and on the ensuing error, Domingo Santana scored. And finally, Gregorio Petit provided the cherry with a 2-run double. He, Springer, and Jonathan Meyer had 2 hits apiece. Everyone in the lineup had a hit except for Austin Wates, who missed out on the party by going 0-4 with a walk and 2 strikeouts, snapping his season-opening 6-game hitting streak.
Bobby Doran went 4.2 innings and allowed 2 runs on 6 hits (solo homer) and struck out 3. Raúl Valdés retired the only batter he faced to end the 5th. David Martinez tagged in to get the victory with 4 scoreless. He allowed 3 hits, walked 1, and fanned 2.
Both teams will face off against each other in another 4-game series; the only difference will be a change of venue. Rudy Owens and Mike Foltynewicz will face Elih Villanueva in the opener in OKC at 7:05. Owens and Foltynewicz will be starting on two different Opening Days: They got the nod for the actual one on May 3, and they'll be taking the hill for OKC's first home game.
Corpus Christi 6, Tulsa 0
W- Luis Cruz (2-0)
L- Dan Winkler (0-1)
CC home runs: None.
The Hooks took the series opener despite being no-hit for 6 innings. But.... it appeared that the 7th inning stretch was exactly what the Hooks offense needed.
Nolan Fontana got things started by drawing a walk. Andrew Aplin then proceeded to break-up the no-hitter with a single that sent Fontana to 3rd. They didn't have to wait long for a 2nd hit, as Matt Duffy opened the scoring with a single to bring Fontana home. Preston Tucker followed suit by bringing Aplin home. Duffy would score the 3rd run of the game on a Leo Heras groundout. And then... what?
Still not sure what I just witnesses on that last scoring fiasco!!! Craziness!
— Sarah Nelson (@HooksFanSarah) April 11, 2014
What GameDay says:
Jiovanni Mier reaches on a fielder's choice out, second baseman Taylor Featherston to third baseman Joey Wong to catcher Tom Murphy. Preston Tucker out at home. Enrique Hernandez scores. Jiovanni Mier to 3rd. Throwing error by shortstop Cristhian Adames.
So, in conclusion:
The Hooks added 2 more in the 8th on an Aplin sac fly and another Duffy RBI single. Duffy finished 2-4. Fontana went 1-3 with a double and scored twice. Delino DeShields was 0-3, but drew a walk, scored, and stole a base (5).
Ross Seaton tossed 5 shutout innings and allowed 5 hits, walked 1, and struck out 6. Luis Cruz had some harrowing moments in his 3 innings, but escaped unscathed every time. Most notably, he tightroped out of a bases-loaded, no out situation by getting 2 strikeouts and a force out at home. Cruz gave up 4 hits, walked 2, and struck out 4. Jordan Jankowski worked around a single to finish it, striking out 2.
In the middle game of this series, Matt Heidenreich and Tommy Shirley will face Jonathan Gray. First pitch is at 7:10.
Lancaster 6, Lake Elsinore 5 in 11 innings
W- Juan Minaya (1-0)
L- Trevor Gott (0-1)
S- Mitch Lambson (1)
Lancaster home runs: None.
The Storm forced extra innings with a pair in the bottom of the 9th, but the tie didn't last very long as Tony Kemp put the JetHawks ahead with a sac fly, and Mitch Lambson extricated himself from a little trouble to end it.
Kemp was 2-5 and scored the first run of the evening on a Teoscar Hernandez double. Hernandez also finished 2-5 and added a couple of steals (3). Brandon Meredith also had himself a 2-hit night; he led off the 4th on a single, advanced to 2nd on a Danry Vasquez groundout, and scored on an error that allowed Roberto Peña to reach. A pair of wild pitches in the 5th allowed Hernandez and Carlos Correa to score. Kemp hit a 2-out double in the 6th and would score on a ball that was smacked by Hernandez that was momentarily caught, then dropped. Hernandez wound up advancing to 3rd on the E, one of 4 on the night for Lake Elsinore.
Mark Appel fared much better in his second go; he allowed 2 runs on 3 hits (solo homer) and struck out 6 in 5 innings. Mike Hauschild had a solid piggyback outing, but the wheels fell off for him in the 9th. He went 4 innings and allowed 3 runs on 6 hits, walked 1, and struck out 4. Juan Minaya got the win by striking out 2 in a 1-2-3 10th, and Lambson worked around a hit and a walk to finish it off, striking out 2.
In game 2 of this series, Vince Velasquez and Kyle Westwood will join forces as they take on TBA at 7:05 Pacific.
Quad Cities 5, Lansing 3
W- Michael Feliz (1-0)
L- Brady Dragmire (0-1)
S- Andrew Walter (1)
QC home runs: None.
The River Bandits avoided the sweep as they scored 3 in the 7th and one more in the 9th to give themselves a little more separation.
Catfish Elkins was 0-4, but he brought home QC's first run of the evening with an RBI groundout in the 2nd. Jobduan Morales walked to lead off the 7th, and made has way to 3rd on a sac bunt and a groundout. Brett Phillips then drew a walk, and both of them would score on an from Lansing CF D.J. Davis that allowed Tyler White to take 2nd. White would eventually score on a Conrad Gregor single. James Ramsay doubled to begin the 9th and advanced to 3rd on a Phillips single. A White GIDP allowed Ramsay to score the all-important insurance run. Phillips finished 3-4 with a run scored and Gregor went 2-5.
Evan Grills had a very nice start; in 5 innings, he allowed a run on 5 hits and struck out 5. Michael Feliz tagged in for 2 innings, and he gave up 2 runs on 3 hits, walked 1, and struck out 4. Pat Christensen fanned 1 in a 1-2-3 8th, and Andrew Walter worked around a walk to close the door.
In the 2nd leg of their roadtrip, the River Bandits will travel to the heart of Michigan to play 3 games with the Great Lakes Loons. In the series opener, Gonzalo Sanudo and Adrian Houser will take on James Campbell. First pitch will be at 6:05 Eastern/5:05 Central.
Three Stars: Pitchers
3.
Mark Appel, RHP, Lancaster
5 IP, 3 H (solo HR), 2 ER, 6 K
2.
David Martinez, RHP, Oklahoma City
W (2-0), 4 IP, 3 H, BB, 2 K
1. Corpus Christi pitchers, combining on a shutout
Three Stars: Position Players
3.
2. The Lancaster 1-2 made their presence felt once again.
1. Cue "When will he be coming up?"
George Springer, RF, Oklahoma City
2-3, solo HR (1), 2 R, 2 BB, SB
The Hooks added 2 more in the 8th on an Aplin sac fly and another Duffy RBI single. Duffy finished 2-4. Fontana went 1-3 with a double and scored twice. Delino DeShields was 0-3, but drew a walk, scored, and stole a base (5).
Ross Seaton tossed 5 shutout innings and allowed 5 hits, walked 1, and struck out 6. Luis Cruz had some harrowing moments in his 3 innings, but escaped unscathed every time. Most notably, he tightroped out of a bases-loaded, no out situation by getting 2 strikeouts and a force out at home. Cruz gave up 4 hits, walked 2, and struck out 4. Jordan Jankowski worked around a single to finish it, striking out 2.
In the middle game of this series, Matt Heidenreich and Tommy Shirley will face Jonathan Gray. First pitch is at 7:10.
Lancaster 6, Lake Elsinore 5 in 11 innings
W- Juan Minaya (1-0)
L- Trevor Gott (0-1)
S- Mitch Lambson (1)
Lancaster home runs: None.
The Storm forced extra innings with a pair in the bottom of the 9th, but the tie didn't last very long as Tony Kemp put the JetHawks ahead with a sac fly, and Mitch Lambson extricated himself from a little trouble to end it.
Kemp was 2-5 and scored the first run of the evening on a Teoscar Hernandez double. Hernandez also finished 2-5 and added a couple of steals (3). Brandon Meredith also had himself a 2-hit night; he led off the 4th on a single, advanced to 2nd on a Danry Vasquez groundout, and scored on an error that allowed Roberto Peña to reach. A pair of wild pitches in the 5th allowed Hernandez and Carlos Correa to score. Kemp hit a 2-out double in the 6th and would score on a ball that was smacked by Hernandez that was momentarily caught, then dropped. Hernandez wound up advancing to 3rd on the E, one of 4 on the night for Lake Elsinore.
Mark Appel fared much better in his second go; he allowed 2 runs on 3 hits (solo homer) and struck out 6 in 5 innings. Mike Hauschild had a solid piggyback outing, but the wheels fell off for him in the 9th. He went 4 innings and allowed 3 runs on 6 hits, walked 1, and struck out 4. Juan Minaya got the win by striking out 2 in a 1-2-3 10th, and Lambson worked around a hit and a walk to finish it off, striking out 2.
In game 2 of this series, Vince Velasquez and Kyle Westwood will join forces as they take on TBA at 7:05 Pacific.
Quad Cities 5, Lansing 3
W- Michael Feliz (1-0)
L- Brady Dragmire (0-1)
S- Andrew Walter (1)
QC home runs: None.
The River Bandits avoided the sweep as they scored 3 in the 7th and one more in the 9th to give themselves a little more separation.
Catfish Elkins was 0-4, but he brought home QC's first run of the evening with an RBI groundout in the 2nd. Jobduan Morales walked to lead off the 7th, and made has way to 3rd on a sac bunt and a groundout. Brett Phillips then drew a walk, and both of them would score on an from Lansing CF D.J. Davis that allowed Tyler White to take 2nd. White would eventually score on a Conrad Gregor single. James Ramsay doubled to begin the 9th and advanced to 3rd on a Phillips single. A White GIDP allowed Ramsay to score the all-important insurance run. Phillips finished 3-4 with a run scored and Gregor went 2-5.
Evan Grills had a very nice start; in 5 innings, he allowed a run on 5 hits and struck out 5. Michael Feliz tagged in for 2 innings, and he gave up 2 runs on 3 hits, walked 1, and struck out 4. Pat Christensen fanned 1 in a 1-2-3 8th, and Andrew Walter worked around a walk to close the door.
In the 2nd leg of their roadtrip, the River Bandits will travel to the heart of Michigan to play 3 games with the Great Lakes Loons. In the series opener, Gonzalo Sanudo and Adrian Houser will take on James Campbell. First pitch will be at 6:05 Eastern/5:05 Central.
Three Stars: Pitchers
3.
Mark Appel, RHP, Lancaster
5 IP, 3 H (solo HR), 2 ER, 6 K
2.
David Martinez, RHP, Oklahoma City
W (2-0), 4 IP, 3 H, BB, 2 K
Evan Grills, LHP, Quad Cities
5 IP, 5 H, 5 K
1. Corpus Christi pitchers, combining on a shutout
Ross Seaton, RHP
5 IP, 5 H, BB, 6 K
Luis Cruz, LHP
W (2-0), 3 IP, 4 H, 2 BB, 4 K
Jordan Jankowski, RHP
IP, H, 2 K
Three Stars: Position Players
3.
Matt Duffy, 3B/1B, Corpus Christi
2-4, 2 RBI, R
Brett Phillips, CF, Quad Cities
3-4, R
2. The Lancaster 1-2 made their presence felt once again.
Teoscar Hernandez (#4 on right), CF
2-5, 2B, RBI, R, 2 SB (3)
Tony Kemp, 2B
2-5, 2B, RBI, 2 R
1. Cue "When will he be coming up?"
George Springer, RF, Oklahoma City
2-3, solo HR (1), 2 R, 2 BB, SB
Thursday, March 20, 2014
Astros Spring Training Roster Moves and a Mini-Soapbox
The news came this morning that OF George Springer, RHP Mike Foltynewicz (read this great piece from Evan Drellich re: Folty's four-seamer), OF Delino DeShields, 1B Jon Singleton, SS Carlos Correa (who is thankfully negative for a fracture after being hit in the hand by a pitch last night) and RHP Mark Appel have been re-assigned to minor league camp. 38 players remain in big league camp. They are:
PITCHERS
RHP Matt Albers
RHP Anthony Bass
LHP Kevin Chapman
RHP Jarred Cosart
RHP Jesse Crain
LHP Darin Downs
RHP Scott Feldman
RHP Josh Fields
RHP Lucas Harrell
LHP Dallas Keuchel
RHP Peter Moylan
LHP Brett Oberholtzer
RHP Brad Peacock
RHP Chad Qualls
LHP Raul Valdes
RHP Alex White
RHP Jerome Williams
RHP Asher Wojciechowski
RHP Josh Zeid
CATCHERS
Jason Castro
Carlos Corporan
Rene Garcia
Carlos Perez
INFIELDERS
Jose Altuve
Japhet Amador
Chris Carter
Matt Dominguez
Marwin Gonzalez
Jesus Guzman
Cesar Izturis
Marc Kraus (IF/OF)
Gregorio Petit
Jonathan Villar
OUTFIELDERS
Adron Chambers
Dexter Fowler
Robbie Grossman
L.J. Hoes
J.D. Martinez
Moving George Springer to minor league camp on the heels of yesterday's post from Ken Rosenthal has a lot of Astros fans wailing and gnashing teeth. While it is frustrating that Springer will not break camp with the Astros, it is not the end of the world.
Before the story came out that the Astros had offered Springer $23 million to lock him up for seven years, most of us assumed that he would not make the team out of Spring Training because of player control issues. That is still the case.
Jim Crane and Company are running a business. He has a fiduciary duty to the ownership group to get the most bang for the buck, particularly with the CSNHouston debacle dragging on and on and on and ....well, you get my point. It was perfectly reasonable for the Astros to make Springer an offer. And it was equally reasonable for Springer to decline that offer.
As Rosenthal himself points out:
PITCHERS
RHP Matt Albers
RHP Anthony Bass
LHP Kevin Chapman
RHP Jarred Cosart
RHP Jesse Crain
LHP Darin Downs
RHP Scott Feldman
RHP Josh Fields
RHP Lucas Harrell
LHP Dallas Keuchel
RHP Peter Moylan
LHP Brett Oberholtzer
RHP Brad Peacock
RHP Chad Qualls
LHP Raul Valdes
RHP Alex White
RHP Jerome Williams
RHP Asher Wojciechowski
RHP Josh Zeid
CATCHERS
Jason Castro
Carlos Corporan
Rene Garcia
Carlos Perez
INFIELDERS
Jose Altuve
Japhet Amador
Chris Carter
Matt Dominguez
Marwin Gonzalez
Jesus Guzman
Cesar Izturis
Marc Kraus (IF/OF)
Gregorio Petit
Jonathan Villar
OUTFIELDERS
Adron Chambers
Dexter Fowler
Robbie Grossman
L.J. Hoes
J.D. Martinez
Moving George Springer to minor league camp on the heels of yesterday's post from Ken Rosenthal has a lot of Astros fans wailing and gnashing teeth. While it is frustrating that Springer will not break camp with the Astros, it is not the end of the world.
Before the story came out that the Astros had offered Springer $23 million to lock him up for seven years, most of us assumed that he would not make the team out of Spring Training because of player control issues. That is still the case.
Jim Crane and Company are running a business. He has a fiduciary duty to the ownership group to get the most bang for the buck, particularly with the CSNHouston debacle dragging on and on and on and ....well, you get my point. It was perfectly reasonable for the Astros to make Springer an offer. And it was equally reasonable for Springer to decline that offer.
As Rosenthal himself points out:
The current system, however, discourages budget-conscious teams, in particular, from advancing their best young talent. The Astros, by delaying Springer's arrival, are acting no differently than most clubs do.Everyone games the system to their best advantage. No one seemed to have a particular problem with the way GM Jeff Luhnow gamed the draft system in 2012 when he passed on presumptive number one overall pick Mark Appel in order to sign Carlos Correa, Lance McCullers and Rio Ruiz and still ended up drafting Appel in 2013.
The system is what the system is. Owners will try to get the best deal at the expense of the players and players will try to get the best deal at the expense of the owners. At the end of the day, I'm personally just thankful that the front office is not looking for quick fixes, but is concentrating on long-term viability.
Thursday, March 13, 2014
2014 Grapefruit League Recap, Game 12
Houston Astros 10, Washington Nationals 9
2014 Grapefruit League record: 6-6
W- Raúl Valdés (2-0)
L- Xavier Cedeño (0-1)
Astros home runs: Jason Castro (2, 2-run in 3rd)
The Astros found themselves down 9-4 after surrendering 5 in the 5th, but they walked off with a victory by scoring 6 unanswered to close out the game. One big inning can change a game, but a scoring run can do just that, as well.
Starting Pitcher: Jerome Williams
Williams made his first start of the spring and had a couple of innings where he gave up 2 runs. All 4 of those runs were unearned, as they came off of a couple of Jonathan Villar errors. Villar had all the errors. Otherwise, Williams had a decent outing, and he has yet to issue a walk this spring.
Final line: 3.2 IP, 6 H, 4 R (all unearned), 3 K
Bullpen
The first man out was Jose Cisnero, who inherited 2 runners from Williams. None of them scored; Cisnero did his job and got out of the 4th inning with no further damage.
Rhiner Cruz got 2 outs in the 5th, but also got walloped in the process, giving up 4 runs (1 inherited).
Darin Downs got the Astros out of the 5th, but served up a 2-run homer to Nate McLouth before doing that. The homer allowed the runner he inherited from Rhiner to score. Downs had a much quieter 6th, as he erased Jamey Carroll (who singled to lead off the inning) on a double play that was upheld after review and got Tyler Moore to fly out.
Anthony Bass was excellent in his 2 scoreless frames, allowing a hit and striking out 2, and Raúl Valdés struck out 2 in a 1-2-3 9th.
Offense
Jason Castro tore it up at the plate today; he opened the scoring by crushing a double to right-center and sent a 2-run shot out in the 3rd.
Villar chipped in with an RBI single in the 4th. Then, after the big inning for the Nationals, the Astros activated comeback mode.
In the 6th, Japhet Amador reached on an error that allowed 2 runs to score, which made it 9-6. Marwin Gonzalez hit an RBI single in the 7th to cut the lead to 9-7. Then in the 9th...
Rene Garcia kept the game going with a 2-out single, and then Adron Chambers came on to pinch-run. He'd make it a 1-run game by scoring on a Delino DeShields single. Marwin's 3rd hit of the game was a double that tied the game at 9. It could've been, and in all honesty really should've been, the final out of the game, but Steven Souza, the Nationals RF, had uh... second thoughts about catching the ball. He caught a case of alligator arms. One batter later, George Springer completed the comeback by placing a ball smack-dab into left-center, allowing Marwin to come home with the winning run.
Castro, DeShields, and Springer had 2-hit afternoons. Marwin was a perfect 3-3 with 2 runs scored. Dexter Fowler also scored twice.
Three Stars
Interchangeable.
3.
Jason Castro, C
2-3, 2B, 2-R HR (2), 3 RBI, R
2.
George Springer, OF
Huh? Oh, sorry, I was mesmerized for a moment.
2-3, GW RBI single in 9th, R
1.
Marwin Gonzalez, SS/3B
3-3, 2B, 2 RBI, 2 R
Many apologies to Anthony Bass and Raúl Valdés.
Next Up
The Astros will travel to Dunedin to face the Blue Jays. On the mound, Dallas Keuchel will take on Esmil Rogers. First pitch will be at 1:05 Eastern.
2014 Grapefruit League record: 6-6
W- Raúl Valdés (2-0)
L- Xavier Cedeño (0-1)
Astros home runs: Jason Castro (2, 2-run in 3rd)
The Astros found themselves down 9-4 after surrendering 5 in the 5th, but they walked off with a victory by scoring 6 unanswered to close out the game. One big inning can change a game, but a scoring run can do just that, as well.
Starting Pitcher: Jerome Williams
Williams made his first start of the spring and had a couple of innings where he gave up 2 runs. All 4 of those runs were unearned, as they came off of a couple of Jonathan Villar errors. Villar had all the errors. Otherwise, Williams had a decent outing, and he has yet to issue a walk this spring.
Final line: 3.2 IP, 6 H, 4 R (all unearned), 3 K
Bullpen
The first man out was Jose Cisnero, who inherited 2 runners from Williams. None of them scored; Cisnero did his job and got out of the 4th inning with no further damage.
Rhiner Cruz got 2 outs in the 5th, but also got walloped in the process, giving up 4 runs (1 inherited).
Darin Downs got the Astros out of the 5th, but served up a 2-run homer to Nate McLouth before doing that. The homer allowed the runner he inherited from Rhiner to score. Downs had a much quieter 6th, as he erased Jamey Carroll (who singled to lead off the inning) on a double play that was upheld after review and got Tyler Moore to fly out.
Anthony Bass was excellent in his 2 scoreless frames, allowing a hit and striking out 2, and Raúl Valdés struck out 2 in a 1-2-3 9th.
Offense
Jason Castro tore it up at the plate today; he opened the scoring by crushing a double to right-center and sent a 2-run shot out in the 3rd.
Villar chipped in with an RBI single in the 4th. Then, after the big inning for the Nationals, the Astros activated comeback mode.
In the 6th, Japhet Amador reached on an error that allowed 2 runs to score, which made it 9-6. Marwin Gonzalez hit an RBI single in the 7th to cut the lead to 9-7. Then in the 9th...
Rene Garcia kept the game going with a 2-out single, and then Adron Chambers came on to pinch-run. He'd make it a 1-run game by scoring on a Delino DeShields single. Marwin's 3rd hit of the game was a double that tied the game at 9. It could've been, and in all honesty really should've been, the final out of the game, but Steven Souza, the Nationals RF, had uh... second thoughts about catching the ball. He caught a case of alligator arms. One batter later, George Springer completed the comeback by placing a ball smack-dab into left-center, allowing Marwin to come home with the winning run.
Castro, DeShields, and Springer had 2-hit afternoons. Marwin was a perfect 3-3 with 2 runs scored. Dexter Fowler also scored twice.
Three Stars
Interchangeable.
3.
Jason Castro, C
2-3, 2B, 2-R HR (2), 3 RBI, R
2.
George Springer, OF
Huh? Oh, sorry, I was mesmerized for a moment.
2-3, GW RBI single in 9th, R
1.
Marwin Gonzalez, SS/3B
3-3, 2B, 2 RBI, 2 R
Many apologies to Anthony Bass and Raúl Valdés.
Next Up
The Astros will travel to Dunedin to face the Blue Jays. On the mound, Dallas Keuchel will take on Esmil Rogers. First pitch will be at 1:05 Eastern.
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
2014 Grapefruit League Recap, Game 4
Houston Astros 4, Miami Marlins 0
2014 Grapefruit League record: 3-1
W- Dallas Keuchel (1-0)
L- Jacob Turner (0-1)
Home runs: Marc Krauss (1, solo)
And there's the first shutout of the spring for Houston, as 8 pitchers collaborated on a 4-hitter.
Starting Pitcher: Dallas Keuchel
For a 3rd straight day, an Astros starter breezed his way through 2 innings. Keuchel allowed a 1-out single to Jeff Baker in the 2nd and promptly ended the inning by inducing a double play. It took Keuchel 17 pitches (14 strikes) to get through his 2 innings.
Final line: 2 IP, H
Bullpen
Peter Moylan tightroped his way out of a bases-loaded situation in the 3rd by gettingMike Giancarlo Stanton to fly out to end the inning.
Matt Albers' outing was much more quiet compared to his other appearance, when he was a bit shaken up against the Braves. All he did in the 4th was strike out 2 in a 1-2-3 inning.
Rhiner Cruz tossed a 1-2-3 5th. Ditto for Darin Downs in the 6th. As did Kevin Chapman in the 8th.
Josh Zeid allowed a hit in a scoreless 7th, and Chia-Jen Lo finished it off (no save), allowing a hit and striking out 1.
Offense
Marc Krauss finished 2-4 and hit the first spring training home run for the Astros with a 1st-inning solo shot off of Jacob Turner.
George Springer drew all the walks. 4, to be exact. He also scored twice; the first run came on an RBI double from J.D. Martinez in the 7th and the other on a sac fly from Tyler Heineman in the 9th.
Marwin Gonzalez joined Krauss in the multi-hit club, going 2-2 with an RBI single in the 7th.
Dustin's Random Observations
Robert Ford and Steve Sparks were briefly discussing the Oscars in the 4th inning and they brought up Matthew McConaughey winning Best Actor. They mentioned that he graduated from Clements High School in Sugar Land. (He was actually raised in Longview, and graduated from Longview High.)
We're only 4 games into Spring Training, and we all know that spring statistics don't matter in the grand scheme of things. But, if you are a player who is looking to win one of the final roster spots on the 25-man Major League roster for Opening Day, would you have a different mindset?
Three Stars
3.
2.
1.
Next Up
Rudy Owens takes the mound for the Astros against the Mets, who will go with Zack Wheeler. First pitch is at 1:10 Eastern.
2014 Grapefruit League record: 3-1
W- Dallas Keuchel (1-0)
L- Jacob Turner (0-1)
Home runs: Marc Krauss (1, solo)
And there's the first shutout of the spring for Houston, as 8 pitchers collaborated on a 4-hitter.
Starting Pitcher: Dallas Keuchel
For a 3rd straight day, an Astros starter breezed his way through 2 innings. Keuchel allowed a 1-out single to Jeff Baker in the 2nd and promptly ended the inning by inducing a double play. It took Keuchel 17 pitches (14 strikes) to get through his 2 innings.
Final line: 2 IP, H
Bullpen
Peter Moylan tightroped his way out of a bases-loaded situation in the 3rd by getting
Matt Albers' outing was much more quiet compared to his other appearance, when he was a bit shaken up against the Braves. All he did in the 4th was strike out 2 in a 1-2-3 inning.
Rhiner Cruz tossed a 1-2-3 5th. Ditto for Darin Downs in the 6th. As did Kevin Chapman in the 8th.
Josh Zeid allowed a hit in a scoreless 7th, and Chia-Jen Lo finished it off (no save), allowing a hit and striking out 1.
Offense
Marc Krauss finished 2-4 and hit the first spring training home run for the Astros with a 1st-inning solo shot off of Jacob Turner.
George Springer drew all the walks. 4, to be exact. He also scored twice; the first run came on an RBI double from J.D. Martinez in the 7th and the other on a sac fly from Tyler Heineman in the 9th.
Marwin Gonzalez joined Krauss in the multi-hit club, going 2-2 with an RBI single in the 7th.
Dustin's Random Observations
Robert Ford and Steve Sparks were briefly discussing the Oscars in the 4th inning and they brought up Matthew McConaughey winning Best Actor. They mentioned that he graduated from Clements High School in Sugar Land. (He was actually raised in Longview, and graduated from Longview High.)
We're only 4 games into Spring Training, and we all know that spring statistics don't matter in the grand scheme of things. But, if you are a player who is looking to win one of the final roster spots on the 25-man Major League roster for Opening Day, would you have a different mindset?
Three Stars
3.
George Springer, CF
0-0, 2 R, 4 BB
2.
Dallas Keuchel, LHP
W (1-0), 2 IP, H
1.
Marc Krauss, RF
2-4, solo HR (1)
Next Up
Rudy Owens takes the mound for the Astros against the Mets, who will go with Zack Wheeler. First pitch is at 1:10 Eastern.
Thursday, February 6, 2014
Observations from the Fan Forums at Fan Fest, Part 3
In the first part of a series of ruminations from the Fan Forums at Fan Fest, new WTHB addition Nance shared her take on what Director of Player Development Quinton McCracken and Assistant GM David Stearns had to say. In the second part, we heard from Bo Porter. Today, we hear from Mark Appel, George Springer and Jason Castro.
Prospectations – Fan Forum Part III by Nance @Bbfanlady
Prospectations is a word I made up (or copied from somebody so long ago I have forgotten) that refers to discussions about our hopes and expectations for MLB prospects. When I was a little girl, my friends wanted to grow up and marry Prince Charming. I wanted to grow up and marry Sandy Koufax. That was the first of my Prospectations that did not come to fruition.
The following are from notes that I made during FanFest forums about two of the Astros top prospects, Mark Appel and George Springer and All-Star Jason Castro.
Mark Appel – Was very poised and seemed very comfortable speaking to an audience. He was asked how he balances lofty expectations and statistics. He said that he looks internally and doesn’t compare himself to other players. Says you have to have the right work ethic and attitude and become your own player. You cannot let expectations dictate how you play and just have to perform and compete. He said the thing he felt he needed to work on most was to develop a 4 seam fastball. He did say that if he were to face Springer in the batter’s box during spring training and Springer digs in, Mark would go in on him (laughter on stage and in room). Mark said that he views baseball as an entertainment business. He doesn’t want to feel like he’s a big shot. It is a human to human relation. He appreciates the fans so the caravan was a good experience to thank fans for their support. The guys in the minors all pull for each other. When he was at Lo A, they were constantly checking box scores to see if Springer reached 40 HR. They had an off day when Cosart made his home debut and they all got together and watched on TV. They are all pulling for each other and like that kind of excitement. He told one story that I thought was funny. He said he had a professor at Stanford that reminded him that people making decisions are your high school friends grown up.
George Springer – George was more reserved than Mark. I got the impression he was not as comfortable as Mark speaking in front of a live audience and several of his bosses. He said he doesn’t try to hit home runs. He swings hard and hopes he hits it. He laughed and said major league spring training is valuable as he watches how major leaguers prepare and see how they go about the day. He goes out and has fun and tries to learn all he can. He wants to be a sponge to soak up as much information as possible. He said he tries to hit the ball as hard as he can. When asked how he thinks he can reduce his strikeouts, he answered “Keep Swinging.” George said strikeouts were not a big deal to him and he wasn’t going to let fear of strikeouts keep him from playing the game. He plans to get prepared to hit his pitch. He said he thinks he can reduce strikeouts through proper preparation and by making sure he chooses the right pitch to swing at. He also wants to miss fewer pitches by not fouling it off when he gets his pitch to hit.
Jason Castro – Jason shared the stage with Bo Porter and since Bo was not short on things to say (see prior post), Jason didn’t get many questions. He looked and sounded poised and comfortable. When asked who the biggest practical joker was in the clubhouse, Jason said as a young team there was not much in the clubhouse in the way of pranks. He named Jarred Cosart and Dallas Kuechel as guys who were fun in the clubhouse and on the plane. He said those two were good at keeping the chemistry going.
Here’s wishing long and successful MLB careers to all of our prospects and players. And Sandy, I know you have had some arm trouble in the past, but I haven’t given up those little girl hopes and dreams yet and am still available.
Disclaimer: The content of this article is not intended to reflect direct quotes from the forum participants. Content is based on what I “heard”. I apologize in advance if my hearing was impaired.
Prospectations – Fan Forum Part III by Nance @Bbfanlady
Prospectations is a word I made up (or copied from somebody so long ago I have forgotten) that refers to discussions about our hopes and expectations for MLB prospects. When I was a little girl, my friends wanted to grow up and marry Prince Charming. I wanted to grow up and marry Sandy Koufax. That was the first of my Prospectations that did not come to fruition.
The following are from notes that I made during FanFest forums about two of the Astros top prospects, Mark Appel and George Springer and All-Star Jason Castro.
Mark Appel – Was very poised and seemed very comfortable speaking to an audience. He was asked how he balances lofty expectations and statistics. He said that he looks internally and doesn’t compare himself to other players. Says you have to have the right work ethic and attitude and become your own player. You cannot let expectations dictate how you play and just have to perform and compete. He said the thing he felt he needed to work on most was to develop a 4 seam fastball. He did say that if he were to face Springer in the batter’s box during spring training and Springer digs in, Mark would go in on him (laughter on stage and in room). Mark said that he views baseball as an entertainment business. He doesn’t want to feel like he’s a big shot. It is a human to human relation. He appreciates the fans so the caravan was a good experience to thank fans for their support. The guys in the minors all pull for each other. When he was at Lo A, they were constantly checking box scores to see if Springer reached 40 HR. They had an off day when Cosart made his home debut and they all got together and watched on TV. They are all pulling for each other and like that kind of excitement. He told one story that I thought was funny. He said he had a professor at Stanford that reminded him that people making decisions are your high school friends grown up.
George Springer – George was more reserved than Mark. I got the impression he was not as comfortable as Mark speaking in front of a live audience and several of his bosses. He said he doesn’t try to hit home runs. He swings hard and hopes he hits it. He laughed and said major league spring training is valuable as he watches how major leaguers prepare and see how they go about the day. He goes out and has fun and tries to learn all he can. He wants to be a sponge to soak up as much information as possible. He said he tries to hit the ball as hard as he can. When asked how he thinks he can reduce his strikeouts, he answered “Keep Swinging.” George said strikeouts were not a big deal to him and he wasn’t going to let fear of strikeouts keep him from playing the game. He plans to get prepared to hit his pitch. He said he thinks he can reduce strikeouts through proper preparation and by making sure he chooses the right pitch to swing at. He also wants to miss fewer pitches by not fouling it off when he gets his pitch to hit.
Jason Castro – Jason shared the stage with Bo Porter and since Bo was not short on things to say (see prior post), Jason didn’t get many questions. He looked and sounded poised and comfortable. When asked who the biggest practical joker was in the clubhouse, Jason said as a young team there was not much in the clubhouse in the way of pranks. He named Jarred Cosart and Dallas Kuechel as guys who were fun in the clubhouse and on the plane. He said those two were good at keeping the chemistry going.
Here’s wishing long and successful MLB careers to all of our prospects and players. And Sandy, I know you have had some arm trouble in the past, but I haven’t given up those little girl hopes and dreams yet and am still available.
Disclaimer: The content of this article is not intended to reflect direct quotes from the forum participants. Content is based on what I “heard”. I apologize in advance if my hearing was impaired.
Friday, January 24, 2014
Top 100 Prospect List
When Jonathan Mayo published his Top 100 Pre-Season Prospect List in 2013, there were four Astros players among them:
27. Jon Singleton
30. Carlos Correa
57. George Springer
89. Jarred Cosart
This year's list includes seven Astros, with three repeating and Cosart graduating to the big leagues.
8. Carlos Correa
17. Mark Appel
21. George Springer
50. Jon Singleton
52. Lance McCullers
54. Mike Foltynewicz
66. Delino DeShields
Only one team, the Red Sox with nine, has more players in the Top 100 than Houston. The Cubs tie Houston with seven in the Top 100. They are followed by the Pirates with six and the Twins with five. And here is how the AL West stacks up:
Astros - 7
Rangers - 5
Mariners - 2
A's - 1
Angels - 0
The Angels are the only team with zero in the Top 100, followed by the Brewers and A's with one each.
27. Jon Singleton
30. Carlos Correa
57. George Springer
89. Jarred Cosart
This year's list includes seven Astros, with three repeating and Cosart graduating to the big leagues.
8. Carlos Correa
17. Mark Appel
21. George Springer
50. Jon Singleton
52. Lance McCullers
54. Mike Foltynewicz
66. Delino DeShields
Only one team, the Red Sox with nine, has more players in the Top 100 than Houston. The Cubs tie Houston with seven in the Top 100. They are followed by the Pirates with six and the Twins with five. And here is how the AL West stacks up:
Astros - 7
Rangers - 5
Mariners - 2
A's - 1
Angels - 0
The Angels are the only team with zero in the Top 100, followed by the Brewers and A's with one each.
Thursday, September 19, 2013
Happy Birthday - 9/19
Happy Birthday to ~
1B Yonathan Mejia (21)
Signed as a non-drafted free agent out of the Dominican Republic in 2009, the switch-hitting second baseman was a standout with the GCL Astros this season, hitting .324/.356/.437 in 59 games, earning him an end-of-season promotion to Tri-City.
OF George Springer (24)
Houston's first round 2011 draft pick out of the University of Connecticut split his 2013 season between Corpus Christi and Oklahoma City. His composite batting line was .303/.411/.600 with 27 doubles, four triples, 37 home runs and 45 stolen bases.
Two former Astros with birthdays today ~
2B Joe Morgan (70)
Originally signed by the Colt .45's as a free agent in 1962, Morgan played for the Colt 45's and Houston Astros from 1963 to 1971 and again in 1980. In 1032 games over 10 seasons for Houston, Morgan hit .261/.374/.393 and earned two of his ten All-Star Nods. Following his trade to the Reds in November of 1971, Morgan hit his stride. It was with the Reds that the future Hall of Famer earned two National League MVP awards, two World Series rings, five Gold Gloves and made his other eight All-Star appearances.
C Joe Ferguson (67)
An eighth round draft pick by the Dodgers in 1968, Ferguson came to Houston in a November 1976 trade with the Cardinals. In 183 games for the Astros in 1977 and 1978, he hit .243/.375/.420
1B Yonathan Mejia (21)
Signed as a non-drafted free agent out of the Dominican Republic in 2009, the switch-hitting second baseman was a standout with the GCL Astros this season, hitting .324/.356/.437 in 59 games, earning him an end-of-season promotion to Tri-City.
OF George Springer (24)
Houston's first round 2011 draft pick out of the University of Connecticut split his 2013 season between Corpus Christi and Oklahoma City. His composite batting line was .303/.411/.600 with 27 doubles, four triples, 37 home runs and 45 stolen bases.
Two former Astros with birthdays today ~
2B Joe Morgan (70)
Originally signed by the Colt .45's as a free agent in 1962, Morgan played for the Colt 45's and Houston Astros from 1963 to 1971 and again in 1980. In 1032 games over 10 seasons for Houston, Morgan hit .261/.374/.393 and earned two of his ten All-Star Nods. Following his trade to the Reds in November of 1971, Morgan hit his stride. It was with the Reds that the future Hall of Famer earned two National League MVP awards, two World Series rings, five Gold Gloves and made his other eight All-Star appearances.
C Joe Ferguson (67)
An eighth round draft pick by the Dodgers in 1968, Ferguson came to Houston in a November 1976 trade with the Cardinals. In 183 games for the Astros in 1977 and 1978, he hit .243/.375/.420
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
Vote for Superman!
Vote for Superman, er, make that George Springer for USA Today's Minor League Player of the year. You can vote here. Voting continues through August 21st.
Saturday, August 10, 2013
Astros Minor League Recaps
Friday's Games
Kingsport Mets 6, Greeneville Astros 2
Greeneville didn't score outside of the third inning on Friday, allowing Kingsport to creep back and take the win in the final innings. Chris Lee pitched first for Greeneville and through four frames, allowed a run on four hits, four walks and struck out a trio. Lee pitched to two batters in the fifth before being replaced by Chris Munnelly, who threw the next three innings. Munnelly kept his scoreless and hitless, walking one, striking out five and retiring the last seven he faced in order. Krishawn Holley (3-2) picked up a loss and his third blown save after giving up five runs (3ER) on five hits and a walk through the final two innings. The Astros collected just four hits in this game and both of their runs scored when Chase McDonald (1X4 2B 2RBI 2SO) doubled in the third inning, marking his 21st and 22nd RBIs.
Greeneville didn't score outside of the third inning on Friday, allowing Kingsport to creep back and take the win in the final innings. Chris Lee pitched first for Greeneville and through four frames, allowed a run on four hits, four walks and struck out a trio. Lee pitched to two batters in the fifth before being replaced by Chris Munnelly, who threw the next three innings. Munnelly kept his scoreless and hitless, walking one, striking out five and retiring the last seven he faced in order. Krishawn Holley (3-2) picked up a loss and his third blown save after giving up five runs (3ER) on five hits and a walk through the final two innings. The Astros collected just four hits in this game and both of their runs scored when Chase McDonald (1X4 2B 2RBI 2SO) doubled in the third inning, marking his 21st and 22nd RBIs.
GCL Braves 5, GCL Astros 4 (7) -Game 1
This was the first of two games the GCL
Astros played on Friday. Francis Ramirez (0-1) was on the mound first and
picked up the loss after facing 19 batters in the first three and two-thirds
innings. Ramirez recorded five runs, four hits, four walks and struck out four.
In the fifth inning Luis Reynoso (1X2 R 2RBI BB) singled and drove in two runs
with his only hit of the game. Jose Solano went two-for-three, scored a run and
hit a double.
GCL Braves 2, GCL Astros 5 (7) -Game 2
The Astros scored four runs in the sixth
to come back and split the doubleheader in this game. Zachary Dando pitched the
first four innings, allowing two runs on two hits, walking two and striking out
three. Juan Santos (2-1) closed the game out from there and took the win,
keeping his frames scoreless, Santos allowed a pair of hits and struck out the
same. Mesac Laguna (1X3 R 2B 2RBI SO) began the comeback in the sixth inning
when he hit a double that brought home Jose Solano and Yonathan Mejia. Solano (2X2
2R 2B BB) and Mejia (2X3 R 2B) both had two hits in the game and all three
players doubled.
DSL
Astros 0, DSL Red Sox 2
The DSL Astros had five hits and zero
runs on Friday, getting shut out for their third loss in a row. Gerardo Juarez
(2-3) picked up his third loss, working the first five innings and giving up
two runs on five hits as he K-ed two. Brauly Mejia was the only Astro to hit
more than once in the game, finishing two-for-four at the plate with a pair of
strikeouts.
Jamestown Jammers 4, Tri-City Valley
Cats 10
The Valley Cats didn't score first, but
they scored more, hitting three homers in their fifth win in a row. Tyler White
(2X5 2R HR 2RBI) hit a two-run homer in the third inning, his first as a member
of Tri-City. Michael Martinez and Jack Mayfield both homered in the seventh
inning, Martinez's (1X3 R HR 3RBI BB SO) was a three-run bomb and Mayfield's
(3X4 3R 2,2B HR 2RBI SO) was a solo shot. Conrad Gregor hit three-for-five in
the game with a double, run scored and walk. Chris Cotton started things off on
the hill and through four frames allowed two runs on nine hits, walked one and
struck out two. Charles Basford (2-0) followed Cotton and picked up the win,
recording a run on a pair of hits and one K.
Clinton
LumberKings 3, Quad Cities River Bandits 7
The River Bandits scored all seven of
their runs by the fourth inning and rode them to the win at home on Friday. Chris
Devenski (2-2) pitched the first six frames, allowing three runs on 11 hits and
a walk while striking out five batters and earning the win. Jamaine Cotton
picked up his second save after finishing out the game with a nearly perfect
last three innings, striking out 1 (Cotton faced 9 batters, but hit one with a
pitch in the seventh). Tony Kemp (2X4 2R HR 2RBI SO) hit a two-run homer in the
fourth inning and one batter later Carlos Correa (1X3 R HR RBI) swatted a solo
long ball of his own, ending Quad Cities scoring in the game. Correa also stole
a base Friday, his ninth.
Lancaster JetHawks 8, High Desert
Mavericks 30
Lancaster had a rough day on the road,
Friday. After the first two innings the JetHawks were down 19 runs and they
closed the game 22 runs down. Starting pitcher Mike Hauschild (1-2), who took
the loss, worked just two outs into the game and faced 12 batters, allowing 10
runs, (5ER). Blair Walters followed Hauschild for two outs and faced 12 batters
of his own good for another ten runs, all earned. All together, Lancaster
pitchers allowed five homeruns in the game, good for 12 runs, including a grand
slam in the first inning. Here is a look at the pitching box before we go any
further to help make sense of it:
Delino DeShields homered on the first
pitch of the game and finished two-for-four at the plate with two runs scored,
the homer, three RBI and walk. Andrew Aplin went just one-for-four in the game
with a walk and strikeout, but hit a big three-run homer in the third inning.
Aplin finished with four RBI and is now four shy of 100. Brandon Meredith went
two-for-four, swatting his 20th double of the season, scoring a run, adding an
RBI and drawing a walk.
Arkansas
Travelers 2, Corpus Christi Hooks 3 (11)
Corpus Christi tied the game in the
ninth and won in it extras on a bases loaded walk. After a Jonathan Meyer
single to start the 11th, Matt Duffy reached on a throwing error and Erik
Castro was intentionally walked to load the bases. Michael Burgess, who entered
to pinch hit for Drew Muren, then worked a full count and drew a walk to push
across the winning run. Ross Seaton tossed the first six and two-thirds frames,
giving up two runs on seven hits and a walk while K-ing a trio. Jonas Dufek (3-0)
earned the win after pitching the 10th and 11th, allowing only two hits and
striking out four. Raoul Torrez (1X2 R HR RBI) began the Hooks comeback in the
seventh with two-out solo shot. Max Stassi was the only player with multiple
hits, batting two-for-five with a strikeout.
Oklahoma City RedHawks 6, Las Vegas 51s
4
The RedHawks were outhit by Las Vegas
eight to six, but won by two runs anyway on Friday—thanks in part to a George
Springer (1X2 2R HR 3RBI 2BB) two-run knock in the fifth inning. Bobby Doran
threw the first five innings and picked up the win. Doran allowed all three of
his runs in the first inning and after that kept his shift scoreless, tallying
six hits, two walks and three Ks. Hector Ambriz earned his second save after
working the ninth, giving up a solo homer before striking out the last batter
of the game. Jose Martinez batted two-for-four in the game and along with
Trevor Crowe (2X5 R SO), recorded one of two multi-hit performances for
Oklahoma City. Springer also swiped a bag in the game.
Player of the Day: George Springer wins it today, no contest. Friday Springer became the first minor league player since the 2009 season to record 30 steals and 30 home runs when he hit his two-run shot in the fifth.
Andrew Aplin also earned a mention with his four RBI last night, edging him closer to 100 on the season. Wow.
Pitcher of the Day: Jamaine Cotton and Chris Munnelly are sharing the honors today. Cotton was nearly perfect in his outing Friday and Munnelly dominated. Great games, guys.
Sunday, July 28, 2013
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Astros Minor League Recaps
Tuesday's Games
Round Rock over Oklahoma City 11-8
Starter Wade LeBlanc allowed nine runs on 11 hits (two home runs) and struck out six in three and a third innings and Jose Valdez added on another two runs without recording an out. Eric Berger, Rhiner Cruz, Philip Humber and Hector Ambriz stopped the bleeding, but the damage was already done. The RedHawks did bang out 17 hits, but were 2-for-15 with runners in scoring position. Marwin Gonzalez was three-for-five with a double and scored two runs; Brandon Laird was three-for-five and scored three runs; and George Springer went four-for-five with a triple, two home runs and five RBI.
Corpus Christi - Off Day
Lancaster over High Desert 7-5
David Rollins got the start, allowing two runs on three hits and three walks while striking out eight (including striking out the side in his sixth and final inning of work). Jonas Dufek then worked two-thirds of an inning, and allowed three unearned runs on a two-out bases clearing double that immediate followed a throwing error from Nolan Fontana. Michael Dimock earned the win and Travis Ballew earned his 15th save with scoreless outings. The 'Hawks got on the board with a two-run Tyler Heineman home run in the fourth and a two RBI double from M.P. Cokinos in the fifth. They then played add on with a Carlos Perdomo RBI single in the sixth, and a Heineman solo shot in the eighth. The final run came across in the ninth as Delino DeShields walked, tooked second base on an error, stole third base and then stole home on an intentional walk pitch. Yeah, that happened. DeShield has now stolen 10 bases in his last 10 games after stealing only 18 bags in his first 59 games.
Quad Cities - Off Day
Aberdeen over Tri-City 8-2 in 10 innings
Yeah, you read that right. Tri-City gave up six runs in the top of the 10th inning, a hill that was way too steep to climb in the bottom of the frame. Mark Appel had a strong start on his way out of town (as he received a quick promotion to Quad Cities), allowing only three hits and no walks in his three innings of work. He struck out five batters, four of them swinging. Evan Grills (5H 2R 2BB) pitched three and left with the bases loaded in the seventh. Kevin Comer (3.2IP 3H 4R 2BB 3SO) allowed two of Grills' runs to score, plus two of his own, plus another two were charged to Comer courtesy of Pat Christensen (0.1IP 3H 2R HR), who in turn gave up two runs of his own. This is not the right way to pay it forward, guys. Mike Martinez' two-run dinger in the fourth accounted for the only Tri-City runs. That was the only extra base hit of the game. Chan Moon and Tony Kemp each swiped a bag.
GCL Braves over GCL Astros 6-4
Ambiorix de Leon (5.1IP 4H 2R 2BB 4SO) got the start, Raul Rivera (0.2 3H 2R/1ER) got the blown save, and Juan Santos (1IP 1H 2R 3BB 1SO) got the loss. Erick Gonzalez (1IP 1H) was the only Astros pitcher to allow no runs in the game. The Astros got two in the third and then added on one in the seventh on a Jason Martin (2x4) RBI single and one in the eighth on a Brett Booth (1x3 BB) RBI double. Ydarqui Marte went two-for-four with a double and scored two runs. Tyler White also doubled in the game.
DSL Royals over DSL Astros 3-2 in 11 innings
Edwin Villarroel pitched the first five, allowing two runs on six hits and was followed by five from Gerardo Juarez, who allowed only one hit and struck out four. Yonquelys Martinez got the loss in extras. The Astros were held to five hits and two players got them all. Arturo Michelina was two-for-four with a double and an RBI; and Jean Estrella was three-for-four.
Player of the Day: George Springer, come on down. In addition to his four-for-five night, he is hitting .422/.519/.889 in the 13 games since his call-up to AAA.
Pitcher of the Day: Gerardo Juarez is starting to catch my attention. After this latest five-inning scoreless relief outing, Juarez has a 1.14 ERA and a 0.676 WHIP in seven appearances. He has walked only two batters while striking out 20.
Round Rock over Oklahoma City 11-8
Starter Wade LeBlanc allowed nine runs on 11 hits (two home runs) and struck out six in three and a third innings and Jose Valdez added on another two runs without recording an out. Eric Berger, Rhiner Cruz, Philip Humber and Hector Ambriz stopped the bleeding, but the damage was already done. The RedHawks did bang out 17 hits, but were 2-for-15 with runners in scoring position. Marwin Gonzalez was three-for-five with a double and scored two runs; Brandon Laird was three-for-five and scored three runs; and George Springer went four-for-five with a triple, two home runs and five RBI.
Corpus Christi - Off Day
Lancaster over High Desert 7-5
David Rollins got the start, allowing two runs on three hits and three walks while striking out eight (including striking out the side in his sixth and final inning of work). Jonas Dufek then worked two-thirds of an inning, and allowed three unearned runs on a two-out bases clearing double that immediate followed a throwing error from Nolan Fontana. Michael Dimock earned the win and Travis Ballew earned his 15th save with scoreless outings. The 'Hawks got on the board with a two-run Tyler Heineman home run in the fourth and a two RBI double from M.P. Cokinos in the fifth. They then played add on with a Carlos Perdomo RBI single in the sixth, and a Heineman solo shot in the eighth. The final run came across in the ninth as Delino DeShields walked, tooked second base on an error, stole third base and then stole home on an intentional walk pitch. Yeah, that happened. DeShield has now stolen 10 bases in his last 10 games after stealing only 18 bags in his first 59 games.
Quad Cities - Off Day
Aberdeen over Tri-City 8-2 in 10 innings
Yeah, you read that right. Tri-City gave up six runs in the top of the 10th inning, a hill that was way too steep to climb in the bottom of the frame. Mark Appel had a strong start on his way out of town (as he received a quick promotion to Quad Cities), allowing only three hits and no walks in his three innings of work. He struck out five batters, four of them swinging. Evan Grills (5H 2R 2BB) pitched three and left with the bases loaded in the seventh. Kevin Comer (3.2IP 3H 4R 2BB 3SO) allowed two of Grills' runs to score, plus two of his own, plus another two were charged to Comer courtesy of Pat Christensen (0.1IP 3H 2R HR), who in turn gave up two runs of his own. This is not the right way to pay it forward, guys. Mike Martinez' two-run dinger in the fourth accounted for the only Tri-City runs. That was the only extra base hit of the game. Chan Moon and Tony Kemp each swiped a bag.
GCL Braves over GCL Astros 6-4
Ambiorix de Leon (5.1IP 4H 2R 2BB 4SO) got the start, Raul Rivera (0.2 3H 2R/1ER) got the blown save, and Juan Santos (1IP 1H 2R 3BB 1SO) got the loss. Erick Gonzalez (1IP 1H) was the only Astros pitcher to allow no runs in the game. The Astros got two in the third and then added on one in the seventh on a Jason Martin (2x4) RBI single and one in the eighth on a Brett Booth (1x3 BB) RBI double. Ydarqui Marte went two-for-four with a double and scored two runs. Tyler White also doubled in the game.
DSL Royals over DSL Astros 3-2 in 11 innings
Edwin Villarroel pitched the first five, allowing two runs on six hits and was followed by five from Gerardo Juarez, who allowed only one hit and struck out four. Yonquelys Martinez got the loss in extras. The Astros were held to five hits and two players got them all. Arturo Michelina was two-for-four with a double and an RBI; and Jean Estrella was three-for-four.
Player of the Day: George Springer, come on down. In addition to his four-for-five night, he is hitting .422/.519/.889 in the 13 games since his call-up to AAA.
Pitcher of the Day: Gerardo Juarez is starting to catch my attention. After this latest five-inning scoreless relief outing, Juarez has a 1.14 ERA and a 0.676 WHIP in seven appearances. He has walked only two batters while striking out 20.
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
All-Star Futures Game
The All-Star Futures Game rosters were announced today and Astros farmhands George Springer and Delino DeShields made the cut. There will be a final participant on the U.S. team and the World Team as voted by fans. Carlos Correa is on the ballot for this final spot for the World Team and you can vote for him here. I do not believe that there is a limit to the number of votes you can make so I encourage everyone to vote early and vote often!!! The deadline for voting is Sunday, June 30th.
Astros Minor League Recaps
Tuesday's Games
Many thanks to Buca for pulling extra recap duty while I was traveling over the weekend!!!
Omaha over Oklahoma City 2-0 in 7 innings (first game)
Jarred Cosart pitched the full seven innings and ended up with the loss as he allowed two runs on six hits and a walk while striking out four. (Cosart has only allowed one walk in his last two appearances; in the prior eight games, he gave up 31 of them. I hope to see this trend continue.) The RedHawks were held to two singles in the shutout, one each from Robbie Grossman and Jon Singleton. Che-Hsuan Lin walked twice.
Oklahoma City over Omaha 5-4 in 7 innings (second game)
Bobby Doran was called up from Corpus Christi to make a spot start in the double-header and worked four and two-thirds scoreless innings before giving up a three-run home run in the fifth and giving way to Alex Sogard for the final out of the inning. Jason Stoffel allowed the final run in his inning of work before handing the ball to Josh Zeid for his sixth save of the season. The RedHawks got half of their six hits in the three-run first inning, a triple from Jonathan Villar (2x3 R) and doubles from Jimmy Paredes (1x3 RBI R) and Brandon Laird (1x3 RBI 2R). Jose Martinez (1x2 RBI) drove in the final 'Hawks run in the fifth with a sac fly.
Texas League South All-Stars over Texas League North All-Stars 6-0
David Martinez (1IP 1H), Jake Buchanan (1IP 2H) and Mike Foltynewicz (1IP 0H) all contributed toward the South's shutout of the North, and starting Catcher Rene Garcia was hitless in two at-bats and scored a run. But it was George Springer who shone, driving in three runs on two home runs and being awarded MVP of the game. Springer also walked and stole a base.
Lancaster over Bakersfield 11-2
Luis Cruz (5IP 6H 1R 1BB 3SO), Blair Walters (2IP 2H 1R 1BB 2SO HR) and Jonas Dufek (2IP 1H 3SO) combined to keep Bakersfield under control while the JetHawks offense had their way with Bakersfield pitching. M.P. Cokinos was three-for-four with a walk, two RBI and a run scored; Preston Tucker (2x5 4RBI 2R) hit his 15th home run of the season, a three-run dinger; and Carlos Perdomo was two-for-five with three RBI. Nolan Fontana, in his first action in 10 days, went one-for-three with a double, two walks and scored twice. Andrew Aplin stole a base and scored three of the 'Hawks runs. They have now won six games in a row.
Quad Cities over Peoria 4-1
Quad Cities extended its winning streak to six games as well with this one. Vincent Velasquez got his sixth win of the season in a dominating performance in which he only allowed two hits and struck out eight batters in five innings. He was followed by Juan Minaya (3H 1R 1BB 4SO) for the final four innings. The River Bandits put up two in the third on a Jesse Wierzbicki sac fly and a Roberto Pena (2x4) RBI single and two more in the fourth on Jordan Scott and Jobduan Morales RBI singles. Teoscar Hernandez was two-for-four with a walk and Austin Elkins went two-for-four with a triple and a run scored.
Tri-City over Connecticut 8-6
Kyle Westwood earned his first professional win with a commanding start, allowing only one hit and striking out four in five shutout innings. Andrew Walter (1.1IP 4H 5R 2SO HR) and Albert Minnis (1.2IP 1H 1R 3SO HR) followed with Chia-Jen Lo pitching the ninth for his fourth save. Tri-City put up a four-spot in the fourth and another four in the fifth, with Dan Gulbransen (3x5 2-2B RBI 2R), Ernesto Genoves (2x4 2B Sac 2R) and Ronnie Mitchell (2x4 3B HR 3RBI 2R) in the middle of all the action.
Elizabethton over Greeneville 8-4
See Appy Astros Eyewitness Report
GCL Astros over GCL Tigers 6-1
Troy Scribner (4H 1BB 5SO) gave up the only Tigers run in his four innings of work. Samil de los Santos (3IP 1H 1BB 5SO), Jorge Perez (1IP 1H 1BB 1SO) and Javier Lozano (1IP 1BB) took it the rest of the way with De los Santos getting the win. Tyler White had a big game, going three-for-four with two RBI and a run; Jason Martin was one-for-four with a triple, walk, stolen base and two runs; and Brett Booth was two-for-three with two RBI. Alex Gonzalez and Mesac Laguna both hit doubles in the game.
DSL Astros over DSL Dodgers 5-4
Edwin Villarroel (3IP 1H 1BB 2SO) got the start, but Rayderson Chevalier (4IP 2H 2R 1BB 5SO) got the win in relief. Randy Cesar was two-for-three with two walks and two runs and Hector Roa was one-for-two with three RBI, including a two-run home run.
DSL Astros over DSL Dodgers 5-1 in 7 innings
Elieser Hernandez (6IP 4H 1R 2BB 6SO) earned his third win of the season. Brian Pena was three-for-four with a double and two RBI; Arturo Michelina was two-for-four with a triple, RBI and run; and Brauly Mejia was two-for-three with a double, RBI and run.
Player of the Day: There were several good appearances at the plate on Tuesday, but there was only one MVP. George Springer, you're my MVP of the day too!
Pitchers of the Day: Vincent Velasquez and Kyle Westwood get to share the honors - five shutout innings from each and no walks ... I'll take it!
Many thanks to Buca for pulling extra recap duty while I was traveling over the weekend!!!
Omaha over Oklahoma City 2-0 in 7 innings (first game)
Jarred Cosart pitched the full seven innings and ended up with the loss as he allowed two runs on six hits and a walk while striking out four. (Cosart has only allowed one walk in his last two appearances; in the prior eight games, he gave up 31 of them. I hope to see this trend continue.) The RedHawks were held to two singles in the shutout, one each from Robbie Grossman and Jon Singleton. Che-Hsuan Lin walked twice.
Oklahoma City over Omaha 5-4 in 7 innings (second game)
Bobby Doran was called up from Corpus Christi to make a spot start in the double-header and worked four and two-thirds scoreless innings before giving up a three-run home run in the fifth and giving way to Alex Sogard for the final out of the inning. Jason Stoffel allowed the final run in his inning of work before handing the ball to Josh Zeid for his sixth save of the season. The RedHawks got half of their six hits in the three-run first inning, a triple from Jonathan Villar (2x3 R) and doubles from Jimmy Paredes (1x3 RBI R) and Brandon Laird (1x3 RBI 2R). Jose Martinez (1x2 RBI) drove in the final 'Hawks run in the fifth with a sac fly.
Texas League South All-Stars over Texas League North All-Stars 6-0
David Martinez (1IP 1H), Jake Buchanan (1IP 2H) and Mike Foltynewicz (1IP 0H) all contributed toward the South's shutout of the North, and starting Catcher Rene Garcia was hitless in two at-bats and scored a run. But it was George Springer who shone, driving in three runs on two home runs and being awarded MVP of the game. Springer also walked and stole a base.
Lancaster over Bakersfield 11-2
Luis Cruz (5IP 6H 1R 1BB 3SO), Blair Walters (2IP 2H 1R 1BB 2SO HR) and Jonas Dufek (2IP 1H 3SO) combined to keep Bakersfield under control while the JetHawks offense had their way with Bakersfield pitching. M.P. Cokinos was three-for-four with a walk, two RBI and a run scored; Preston Tucker (2x5 4RBI 2R) hit his 15th home run of the season, a three-run dinger; and Carlos Perdomo was two-for-five with three RBI. Nolan Fontana, in his first action in 10 days, went one-for-three with a double, two walks and scored twice. Andrew Aplin stole a base and scored three of the 'Hawks runs. They have now won six games in a row.
Quad Cities over Peoria 4-1
Quad Cities extended its winning streak to six games as well with this one. Vincent Velasquez got his sixth win of the season in a dominating performance in which he only allowed two hits and struck out eight batters in five innings. He was followed by Juan Minaya (3H 1R 1BB 4SO) for the final four innings. The River Bandits put up two in the third on a Jesse Wierzbicki sac fly and a Roberto Pena (2x4) RBI single and two more in the fourth on Jordan Scott and Jobduan Morales RBI singles. Teoscar Hernandez was two-for-four with a walk and Austin Elkins went two-for-four with a triple and a run scored.
Tri-City over Connecticut 8-6
Kyle Westwood earned his first professional win with a commanding start, allowing only one hit and striking out four in five shutout innings. Andrew Walter (1.1IP 4H 5R 2SO HR) and Albert Minnis (1.2IP 1H 1R 3SO HR) followed with Chia-Jen Lo pitching the ninth for his fourth save. Tri-City put up a four-spot in the fourth and another four in the fifth, with Dan Gulbransen (3x5 2-2B RBI 2R), Ernesto Genoves (2x4 2B Sac 2R) and Ronnie Mitchell (2x4 3B HR 3RBI 2R) in the middle of all the action.
Elizabethton over Greeneville 8-4
See Appy Astros Eyewitness Report
GCL Astros over GCL Tigers 6-1
Troy Scribner (4H 1BB 5SO) gave up the only Tigers run in his four innings of work. Samil de los Santos (3IP 1H 1BB 5SO), Jorge Perez (1IP 1H 1BB 1SO) and Javier Lozano (1IP 1BB) took it the rest of the way with De los Santos getting the win. Tyler White had a big game, going three-for-four with two RBI and a run; Jason Martin was one-for-four with a triple, walk, stolen base and two runs; and Brett Booth was two-for-three with two RBI. Alex Gonzalez and Mesac Laguna both hit doubles in the game.
DSL Astros over DSL Dodgers 5-4
Edwin Villarroel (3IP 1H 1BB 2SO) got the start, but Rayderson Chevalier (4IP 2H 2R 1BB 5SO) got the win in relief. Randy Cesar was two-for-three with two walks and two runs and Hector Roa was one-for-two with three RBI, including a two-run home run.
DSL Astros over DSL Dodgers 5-1 in 7 innings
Elieser Hernandez (6IP 4H 1R 2BB 6SO) earned his third win of the season. Brian Pena was three-for-four with a double and two RBI; Arturo Michelina was two-for-four with a triple, RBI and run; and Brauly Mejia was two-for-three with a double, RBI and run.
Player of the Day: There were several good appearances at the plate on Tuesday, but there was only one MVP. George Springer, you're my MVP of the day too!
Pitchers of the Day: Vincent Velasquez and Kyle Westwood get to share the honors - five shutout innings from each and no walks ... I'll take it!
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