Happy Birthday to ~
RHP Vincent Velasquez (22)
Velasquez was drafted by Houston in the second round in 2010 out of high school in California. In his first eight appearances (four starts) for Lancaster in 2014, Velasquez is 4-1 with a 2.89 ERA and a 0.929 WHIP. He suffered a groin injury last month and is currently on the DL.
C Jobduan Morales (23)
Obtained in a trade with the Marlins for Justin Ruggiano in May 2012, Morales excelled with Quad Cities in the Midwest Legaue in his first 20 games, hitting .310/.390/.451 leading to his promotion to Lancaster in mid-May where he has gotten off to a bit of a slow start.
C Oliver Toribio (18)
Toribio was signed out of the Dominican Republic in late 2012. He just started his professional career last week with the DSL Astros Blue team and has yet to collect his first hit. Here is some additional information on Toribio from when he signed.
One former Astro celebrates today as well ~
1B Roberto Petagine (43)
Originally signed as a NDFA out of Venezuela by the Astros in 1990, Petagine only played in eight games for Houston in 1994 (eight plate appearances and no hits), but he went on to play in a sporadic 242 games in the major leagues with a six season gap between 1998 and 2005, and had a career major league batting average of .227. In addition to his major league stints, Petagine played 20 seasons of minor league and foreign league ball, hitting .309/.418/.522.
I would also like to wish Astros radio announcer Robert Ford a Very Happy Birthday!
A LOOK AT THE ASTROS MINOR LEAGUE SYSTEM
Showing posts with label Jobduan Morales. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jobduan Morales. Show all posts
Saturday, June 7, 2014
Thursday, June 5, 2014
Astros Minor League Recaps
Results for Wednesday, June 4, 2014
Oklahoma City was off
They'll begin a 4-game series in Omaha tonight at 7:05. Brett Oberholtzer will face Aaron Brooks.
Midland 2, Corpus Christi 0
W- Shawn Haviland (4-2)
L- David Rollins (0-2)
S- Tucker Healy (1)
CC home runs: None.
The difference in this game was those 2 runs for the RockHounds off David Rollins in the 4th. Rollins pitched 4 innings and allowed 6 hits while striking out 5. Richard Rodriguez, in his AA debut, pitched 2 innings and allowed 2 hits and struck out 4. Tyson Perez issued 2 walks in the 7th, but allowed nothing more. Michael Dimock struck out 1 in a 1-2-3 8th.
Carlos Perdomo and Tyler Heineman had 2 hits apiece. The other 2 Hooks hits belonged to Jonathan Meyer and M.P. Cokinos.
In game 3 of this series, Mike Hauschild will take on Nate Long at 7:00.
Lancaster 12, Inland Empire 8
W- Chris Devenski (3-5)
L- Mark Sappington (0-3, 1-7 season)
Lancaster home runs: Conrad Gregor (2, 3 season; 3-run in 4th)
The JetHawks won the series behind a solid pitching performance from Chris Devenski and a perfect night at the plate from Conrad Gregor. It got hairy in the 6th, as the 66ers scored 5 in the frame to make it a 9-8 game, but the JetHawks pulled themselves together and were able to put IE away.
Devenski went 5 innings and allowed 3 runs (1 earned) on 4 hits and struck out 8. Josh Hader got knocked around in his 3 innings, allowing 5 unearned runs on 4 hits (3-run homer), walking 2 and striking out 3. Juan Minaya finished with a 1-2-3 9th, striking out 1.
Gregor finished 5-5 and was a triple shy of the cycle. He scored 3 runs, hit an RBI single in the 3rd and a 3-run homer in the 4th. Jordan Scott went 2-5 and opened up the scoring in the 2nd with an RBI double. One batter later, Tony Kemp ripped a 2-run double. Before Gregor's shot in the 4th, Carlos Correa grounded into a fielder's choice that allowed Teoscar Hernandez to score, and Dan Gulbransen hit an RBI single. Gregor scored the Taco Run when he came home on Ruben Sosa's sac fly in the 6th, and Jobduan Morales provided a little more separation with a 2-run single in the 7th. JetHawks batters drew 11 walks and struck out only 5 times. Correa's 7-game hitting streak was snapped, but he walked 3 times, scored a run, and went 2-3 on steals (17). Teoscar walked twice, scored twice, and stole 3 (19). Kemp also had a swipe, giving him 22 on the season.
The JetHawks will go for the sweep as Brian Holmes will take on Elliot Morris at 6:30 Pacific.
Burlington 6, Quad Cities 3
W- Alfonso Alcantara (3-3)
L- Jandel Gustave (5-3)
S- Brian Loconsole (1)
QC home runs: None.
The Banditos dropped the series opener as they fell behind 5-0 after the 5th. They got 3 in the 6th, but it's sort of tough to win when you only score in 1 inning. Also tough to win when you only get 2 hits, but then again, the Padres only had 1 hit last night and still beat the Pirates 3-2.
Chan-Jong Moon got QC on the board with a bases-loaded walk, and one batter later, Brett Phillips poked a 2-run single through the right side of the infield. The other QC hit belonged to Jake Rodriguez.
Jandel Gustave went 5 innings and allowed 5 runs on 8 hits (2-run homer), walked 1, and struck out 3. Pat Christensen pitched the final 3 innings and allowed a run on 4 hits, walked 2, and struck out 3.
The middle game of this series features Michael Feliz on the mound for the River Bandits. He'll be taking on Harrison Cooney at 6:30.
DSL Astros Blue 7, DSL Royals 2
W- Joselo Pinales (1-0)
L- Ofreidy Gomez (0-1)
S- Lachlan Madden (1)
Blue home runs: None.
The Blue team split their matchup with the Royals as they got 2 in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th to jump out to a 6-0 lead.
Jonathan Matute opened up the scoring with an RBI single, and Edgar Lorenzo hit a sac fly in the 2nd. In the 3rd, Joan Mauricio hit into a fielder's choice that allowed Wander Franco to score, and Carlos Canelon hit an RBI groundout. Connor MacDonald went 3-4 with a double, a 2-run single in the 4th, and 2 runs scored. Nestor Tejada grounded into a fielder's choice that scored Lorenzo in the 8th. Wander Franco went 1-3 with a double, 2 runs scored, and 2 walks.
Joselo Pinales went 5 innings and allowed an unearned run on 2 hits and struck out 4. Gabriel Pirela went 2 innings and gave up a run on 2 hits and struck out 2. Carlos Sanabria got 2 outs in the 8th, 1 via strikeout, but he issued 3 walks and left the bases loaded for Lachlan Madden, who averted disaster and got the save. He allowed a hit in the 9th and struck out 3.
The Blue team will welcome the Rays to their complex with a game set to begin at 10:30 Atlantic. The Dominican Republic is on standard time year-round, but right now, it's the same time as Eastern Daylight Time.
DSL Rangers1 6, DSL Astros Orange 3
W- Marcos Diplan (1-0)
L- Joel Belboder (0-1)
S- Albert Decena (2)
Orange home runs: None.
The Orange team is still on the schneid as a 4-run 5th from the Rangers did them in.
Luis Vásquez hit an RBI groundout in the 1st to put them on the board first. Rodrigo Ayarza, who spent the last 2 seasons with the Rangers' DSL club, hit an RBI single in the 7th, and Vicente Sanchez scored on an errant pickoff throw in the 8th.
Joel Belboder pitched 4.1 innings and gave up 3 runs (2 inherited runners charged to him) on 4 hits and walked 1. Bryan Abreu allowed 3 runs (2 earned) on 3 hits, walked 1, and struck out 1 in 2.2 innings. Juan Cuevas threw a 1-2-3 8th.
The Orange team will face the Yankees 2 at the Yankees' complex.
Three Stars: Position Players
3.
2.
1.
Three Stars: Pitchers
3.
2.
1. Joselo Pinales, RHP, DSL Astros Blue: 5 IP, 2 H, unearned run, 4 K
Oklahoma City was off
They'll begin a 4-game series in Omaha tonight at 7:05. Brett Oberholtzer will face Aaron Brooks.
Midland 2, Corpus Christi 0
W- Shawn Haviland (4-2)
L- David Rollins (0-2)
S- Tucker Healy (1)
CC home runs: None.
The difference in this game was those 2 runs for the RockHounds off David Rollins in the 4th. Rollins pitched 4 innings and allowed 6 hits while striking out 5. Richard Rodriguez, in his AA debut, pitched 2 innings and allowed 2 hits and struck out 4. Tyson Perez issued 2 walks in the 7th, but allowed nothing more. Michael Dimock struck out 1 in a 1-2-3 8th.
Carlos Perdomo and Tyler Heineman had 2 hits apiece. The other 2 Hooks hits belonged to Jonathan Meyer and M.P. Cokinos.
In game 3 of this series, Mike Hauschild will take on Nate Long at 7:00.
Lancaster 12, Inland Empire 8
W- Chris Devenski (3-5)
L- Mark Sappington (0-3, 1-7 season)
Lancaster home runs: Conrad Gregor (2, 3 season; 3-run in 4th)
The JetHawks won the series behind a solid pitching performance from Chris Devenski and a perfect night at the plate from Conrad Gregor. It got hairy in the 6th, as the 66ers scored 5 in the frame to make it a 9-8 game, but the JetHawks pulled themselves together and were able to put IE away.
Devenski went 5 innings and allowed 3 runs (1 earned) on 4 hits and struck out 8. Josh Hader got knocked around in his 3 innings, allowing 5 unearned runs on 4 hits (3-run homer), walking 2 and striking out 3. Juan Minaya finished with a 1-2-3 9th, striking out 1.
Gregor finished 5-5 and was a triple shy of the cycle. He scored 3 runs, hit an RBI single in the 3rd and a 3-run homer in the 4th. Jordan Scott went 2-5 and opened up the scoring in the 2nd with an RBI double. One batter later, Tony Kemp ripped a 2-run double. Before Gregor's shot in the 4th, Carlos Correa grounded into a fielder's choice that allowed Teoscar Hernandez to score, and Dan Gulbransen hit an RBI single. Gregor scored the Taco Run when he came home on Ruben Sosa's sac fly in the 6th, and Jobduan Morales provided a little more separation with a 2-run single in the 7th. JetHawks batters drew 11 walks and struck out only 5 times. Correa's 7-game hitting streak was snapped, but he walked 3 times, scored a run, and went 2-3 on steals (17). Teoscar walked twice, scored twice, and stole 3 (19). Kemp also had a swipe, giving him 22 on the season.
The JetHawks will go for the sweep as Brian Holmes will take on Elliot Morris at 6:30 Pacific.
Burlington 6, Quad Cities 3
W- Alfonso Alcantara (3-3)
L- Jandel Gustave (5-3)
S- Brian Loconsole (1)
QC home runs: None.
The Banditos dropped the series opener as they fell behind 5-0 after the 5th. They got 3 in the 6th, but it's sort of tough to win when you only score in 1 inning. Also tough to win when you only get 2 hits, but then again, the Padres only had 1 hit last night and still beat the Pirates 3-2.
Chan-Jong Moon got QC on the board with a bases-loaded walk, and one batter later, Brett Phillips poked a 2-run single through the right side of the infield. The other QC hit belonged to Jake Rodriguez.
Jandel Gustave went 5 innings and allowed 5 runs on 8 hits (2-run homer), walked 1, and struck out 3. Pat Christensen pitched the final 3 innings and allowed a run on 4 hits, walked 2, and struck out 3.
The middle game of this series features Michael Feliz on the mound for the River Bandits. He'll be taking on Harrison Cooney at 6:30.
DSL Astros Blue 7, DSL Royals 2
W- Joselo Pinales (1-0)
L- Ofreidy Gomez (0-1)
S- Lachlan Madden (1)
Blue home runs: None.
The Blue team split their matchup with the Royals as they got 2 in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th to jump out to a 6-0 lead.
Jonathan Matute opened up the scoring with an RBI single, and Edgar Lorenzo hit a sac fly in the 2nd. In the 3rd, Joan Mauricio hit into a fielder's choice that allowed Wander Franco to score, and Carlos Canelon hit an RBI groundout. Connor MacDonald went 3-4 with a double, a 2-run single in the 4th, and 2 runs scored. Nestor Tejada grounded into a fielder's choice that scored Lorenzo in the 8th. Wander Franco went 1-3 with a double, 2 runs scored, and 2 walks.
Joselo Pinales went 5 innings and allowed an unearned run on 2 hits and struck out 4. Gabriel Pirela went 2 innings and gave up a run on 2 hits and struck out 2. Carlos Sanabria got 2 outs in the 8th, 1 via strikeout, but he issued 3 walks and left the bases loaded for Lachlan Madden, who averted disaster and got the save. He allowed a hit in the 9th and struck out 3.
The Blue team will welcome the Rays to their complex with a game set to begin at 10:30 Atlantic. The Dominican Republic is on standard time year-round, but right now, it's the same time as Eastern Daylight Time.
DSL Rangers1 6, DSL Astros Orange 3
W- Marcos Diplan (1-0)
L- Joel Belboder (0-1)
S- Albert Decena (2)
Orange home runs: None.
The Orange team is still on the schneid as a 4-run 5th from the Rangers did them in.
Luis Vásquez hit an RBI groundout in the 1st to put them on the board first. Rodrigo Ayarza, who spent the last 2 seasons with the Rangers' DSL club, hit an RBI single in the 7th, and Vicente Sanchez scored on an errant pickoff throw in the 8th.
Joel Belboder pitched 4.1 innings and gave up 3 runs (2 inherited runners charged to him) on 4 hits and walked 1. Bryan Abreu allowed 3 runs (2 earned) on 3 hits, walked 1, and struck out 1 in 2.2 innings. Juan Cuevas threw a 1-2-3 8th.
The Orange team will face the Yankees 2 at the Yankees' complex.
Three Stars: Position Players
3.
Jobduan Morales, C, Lancaster
2-3, 2B, 2 RBI, 2 R, 2 BB
2.
Photo courtesy of Bryan Green
Connor MacDonald, 1B, DSL Astros Blue
3-4, 2B, 2 RBI, 2 R
1.
Three Stars: Pitchers
3.
Richard Rodriguez, RHP, Corpus Christi
2 IP, 2 H, 4 K; AA debut
2.
Chris Devenski, RHP, Lancaster
W (3-5), 5 IP, 4 H, 3 R (1 earned), 8 K
1. Joselo Pinales, RHP, DSL Astros Blue: 5 IP, 2 H, unearned run, 4 K
Thursday, April 24, 2014
Astros Minor League Recaps
Results for Wednesday, April 23
Oklahoma City was off
As part of a league-wide off day in the Pacific Coast League. Tonight, they'll begin a 4-game series at home against Nashville at 7:05. Mike Foltynewicz and Rudy Owens will start the opener against Ariel Peña.
Midland 3, Corpus Christi 1
W- Chris Jensen (2-0)
L- Luis Cruz (2-2)
S- Murphy Smith (1)
CC home runs: None.
The Hooks were held in check as they couldn't muster up anything in support of Luis Cruz, who had a nice outing. He went 6 innings and the only blemish on his line was a solo homer from Jefry Marte in the 5th. Cruz gave up 3 other hits and struck out 3 in his outing. R.J. Alaniz, who was making his season debut, pitched the final 3 innings and allowed 2 runs on 3 hits, walked 3, and struck out 2.
Nolan Fontana's RBI double in the 8th accounted for the lone Hooks run and the lone Hooks extra-base hit. Leo Heras went 2-4.
Tommy Shirley and Matt Heidenreich will be the pairing for the series finale, and they will face Andrew Werner at 7:10.
Inland Empire 4, Lancaster 3 in 12 innings
W- Eduard Santos (1-0)
L- Tyson Perez (0-1)
Lancaster home runs: None.
The JetHawks walked off with a loss a half-inning after they spoiled a situation with 2 runners in scoring position and no outs.
Mark Appel, who is well below-form at the moment, labored through 2.1 innings and allowed 3 runs on 6 hits, walked 1, and struck out 2. Juan Minaya was the first reliever out of the bullpen and struck out 2 over 1.2 perfect innings. Mitch Lambson worked around a walk to throw a scoreless 5th. Mike Hauschild came in to piggyback and threw 4 scoreless, allowing a hit, walking 1, and striking out 3. Tyson Perez was next up, and he went 2.1 innings and allowed a hit, walked 2, and struck out 3. He got the loss, as J.D. Osborne allowed one of the 2 runners he inherited to score, as Sherman Johnson delivered the game-winning single with 1 out in the 12th. Osborne faced 2 66ers and did not retire either of them.
Brandon Meredith drew a 1-out walk in the 2nd, advanced to 3rd on a Danry Vasquez single, and scored Lancaster's first run on a sac fly from Carlos Perdomo. The JetHawks tied the game with a pair of RBI singles from Meredith and Carlos Correa in the 6th. Roberto Peña went 3-4 with a double, and Rio Ruiz was 2-6 with a double.
In the series finale, Kyle Westwood and Vince Velasquez will take on Nate Smith at 7:05 Pacific.
Quad Cities 7, Clinton 1
W- Andrew Thurman (2-1)
L- Carlos Misell (3-1)
QC home runs: None.
The River Bandits have put up 15, 11, and now 16 hits in the first 3 games of this series. The game was tied at 1 after the 1st inning, but QC scored the final 6 runs to win handily. Everyone in the lineup had a hit except for Jon Kemmer, who went 0-5 with a K.
Tanner Mathis led off the game with a triple and Chan-Jong Moon opened the scoring with an RBI single one batter later. Moon, who finished 4-5, hit a triple of his own in the 3rd and wound up scoring on the play, thanks to an error. Jobduan Morales went 3-3, and all of his hits were doubles. 2 of those (in the 4th and 7th) resulted in an RBI, and he also walked twice. Moon added a 2-run single in the 6th, and Chase McDonald finished 2-4 with an RBI single in the 8th. Conrad Gregor also had a nice night at the plate as he went 3-5 with a double. 3 straight multi-hit games for Gregor has raised his average to an even .300.
Chris Lee went 4 innings and allowed a run on 5 hits and struck out 2. Andrew Thurman also went 4 innings as he got the victory; he allowed a hit and struck out 5. And finally, Albert Minnis struck out 1 in a 1-2-3 9th. Thurman has really turned it up as of late; this was another outstanding stint on the mound after two rough ones to open the season.
In the series finale, Kent Emanuel and Jandel Gustave will take on Jake Zokan. First pitch is at 6:30.
Carlos Correa, SS, Lancaster
1-4, RBI, R, 2 BB, 2 SB (4)
Chan-Jong Moon, SS, Quad Cities
4-5, 3B, 3 RBI, 2 R
Oklahoma City was off
As part of a league-wide off day in the Pacific Coast League. Tonight, they'll begin a 4-game series at home against Nashville at 7:05. Mike Foltynewicz and Rudy Owens will start the opener against Ariel Peña.
Midland 3, Corpus Christi 1
W- Chris Jensen (2-0)
L- Luis Cruz (2-2)
S- Murphy Smith (1)
CC home runs: None.
The Hooks were held in check as they couldn't muster up anything in support of Luis Cruz, who had a nice outing. He went 6 innings and the only blemish on his line was a solo homer from Jefry Marte in the 5th. Cruz gave up 3 other hits and struck out 3 in his outing. R.J. Alaniz, who was making his season debut, pitched the final 3 innings and allowed 2 runs on 3 hits, walked 3, and struck out 2.
Nolan Fontana's RBI double in the 8th accounted for the lone Hooks run and the lone Hooks extra-base hit. Leo Heras went 2-4.
Tommy Shirley and Matt Heidenreich will be the pairing for the series finale, and they will face Andrew Werner at 7:10.
Inland Empire 4, Lancaster 3 in 12 innings
W- Eduard Santos (1-0)
L- Tyson Perez (0-1)
Lancaster home runs: None.
The JetHawks walked off with a loss a half-inning after they spoiled a situation with 2 runners in scoring position and no outs.
Mark Appel, who is well below-form at the moment, labored through 2.1 innings and allowed 3 runs on 6 hits, walked 1, and struck out 2. Juan Minaya was the first reliever out of the bullpen and struck out 2 over 1.2 perfect innings. Mitch Lambson worked around a walk to throw a scoreless 5th. Mike Hauschild came in to piggyback and threw 4 scoreless, allowing a hit, walking 1, and striking out 3. Tyson Perez was next up, and he went 2.1 innings and allowed a hit, walked 2, and struck out 3. He got the loss, as J.D. Osborne allowed one of the 2 runners he inherited to score, as Sherman Johnson delivered the game-winning single with 1 out in the 12th. Osborne faced 2 66ers and did not retire either of them.
Brandon Meredith drew a 1-out walk in the 2nd, advanced to 3rd on a Danry Vasquez single, and scored Lancaster's first run on a sac fly from Carlos Perdomo. The JetHawks tied the game with a pair of RBI singles from Meredith and Carlos Correa in the 6th. Roberto Peña went 3-4 with a double, and Rio Ruiz was 2-6 with a double.
In the series finale, Kyle Westwood and Vince Velasquez will take on Nate Smith at 7:05 Pacific.
Quad Cities 7, Clinton 1
W- Andrew Thurman (2-1)
L- Carlos Misell (3-1)
QC home runs: None.
The River Bandits have put up 15, 11, and now 16 hits in the first 3 games of this series. The game was tied at 1 after the 1st inning, but QC scored the final 6 runs to win handily. Everyone in the lineup had a hit except for Jon Kemmer, who went 0-5 with a K.
Tanner Mathis led off the game with a triple and Chan-Jong Moon opened the scoring with an RBI single one batter later. Moon, who finished 4-5, hit a triple of his own in the 3rd and wound up scoring on the play, thanks to an error. Jobduan Morales went 3-3, and all of his hits were doubles. 2 of those (in the 4th and 7th) resulted in an RBI, and he also walked twice. Moon added a 2-run single in the 6th, and Chase McDonald finished 2-4 with an RBI single in the 8th. Conrad Gregor also had a nice night at the plate as he went 3-5 with a double. 3 straight multi-hit games for Gregor has raised his average to an even .300.
Chris Lee went 4 innings and allowed a run on 5 hits and struck out 2. Andrew Thurman also went 4 innings as he got the victory; he allowed a hit and struck out 5. And finally, Albert Minnis struck out 1 in a 1-2-3 9th. Thurman has really turned it up as of late; this was another outstanding stint on the mound after two rough ones to open the season.
In the series finale, Kent Emanuel and Jandel Gustave will take on Jake Zokan. First pitch is at 6:30.
Three Stars: Position Players
3.
Carlos Correa, SS, Lancaster
1-4, RBI, R, 2 BB, 2 SB (4)
2. And I want Korean food, all of a sudden.
Moon cooking our meal... pic.twitter.com/lkk41uyV
— brandon meredith (@bmeezytrain) June 4, 2012
Chan-Jong Moon, SS, Quad Cities
4-5, 3B, 3 RBI, 2 R
1.
Jobduan Morales, C, Quad Cities
3-3, 3 2B, 2 RBI, R, 2 BB
Three Stars: Pitchers
3.
Mike Hauschild's Twitter: @MikeHauschild3
Mike Hauschild, RHP, Lancaster
4 IP, H, BB, 3 K
2.
Luis Cruz, LHP, Corpus Christi
L (2-2), 6 IP, 4 H (solo HR), ER, 3 K
1.
Andrew Thurman, RHP, Quad Cities
W (2-1), 4 IP, H, 5 K
Andrew Thurman's last 3 appearances: 2-0, 0.68 ERA, 13.1 IP, 9 H, ER, BB, 18 K
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
Astros Minor League Recaps
Monday's Games
Oklahoma City over Colorado Springs 6-2
Oklahoma City broke its own record of 10 games by winning its 11th straight game. Wade LeBlanc got the start and the win by pitching a solid six innings (5H 1R 4BB 5SO). Jorge de Leon and Eric Berger kept it scoreless over the next two innings before Hector Ambriz gave up one run in the ninth. The RedHawks scored two on a Jon Singleton (2x4 2-2B 2RBI) double and another on a Jose Martinez sac fly in the fourth; Martinez singled in another run in the sixth. In the eighth, Marwin Gonzalez (2x4 2B 2R) doubled and was driven in by Martinez with his third RBI of the night. Martinez later came in to score on a wild pitch for the final 'Hawks run of the night. George Springer was 0-fer, but walked twice, stole a base and scored.
And in honor of OKC's 11th straight win ...
Corpus Christi - Off Day
Lancaster - Off Day
Quad Cities over Cedar Rapids 6-2
The River Bandits have now scratched their way back to second place overall for the season and are only a half a game behind Cedar Rapids in the second half standings. Josh Hader pitched a beauty in his first start as an Astro, going six innings and allowing only one hit and striking out a pair. Jamaine Cotton (3H 2R/1ER HR) got the three-inning save. QC got off to a good start with three in the first inning off RBI singles from Rio Ruiz (2x5 2RBI) and Jobduan Morales (2x4 RBI R), got another in the second on a Carlos Correa (3x4 BB RBI 2R) RBI single and one in the third as Jobduan Morales and Catfish Elkins executed a double steal with Morales stealing home. The final run scored in the ninth. Tony Kemp was two-for-four with a double, walk and run scored in his Quad Cities debut.
Tri-City - Off Day
Greeneville - Off Day
GCL Yankees1 over GCL Astros 3-1
The offense was stagnant in the loss as the Astros only scraped together five singles, one walk and an Alex Gonzalez double. Yoel Silfa singled, stole a base, advanced on a ground out and scored on a Javaris Reynolds single for the only Astros score of the game. Agapito Barrios (5IP 5H 2R/1ER 1BB 2SO) took the loss and was followed by Zach Dando (2.1IP 3H 1R/0ER 1BB 2SO) and Juan Santos (1.2IP 1H 2SO).
DSL Astros over DSL Athletics 2-1
Elieser Hernandez (5IP 5H 1R 1BB 2SO) got his fourth win and was followed by two scoreless innings from Starlyng Sanchez and Yonquelys Martinez. Angel Heredia got a two-inning save, his eighth save of the season, allowing two hits and striking out three. The Astros got all the runs they needed in the fifth as Arturo Michelena scored on a fielding error and Marlon Avea came across on a double play grounder. The Astros only collected three hits in the game.
Player of the Day: Jose Martinez was all over the Oklahoma City win, driving in half of their runs. He gets today's nod, but Jobduan Morales gets honorable mention. Stealing home should always merit at least an honorable mention.
Pitcher of the Day: Josh Hader made an excellent first impression in his first start since coming to the Astros in the Bud Norris trade. Nicely done, sir!
Oklahoma City over Colorado Springs 6-2
Oklahoma City broke its own record of 10 games by winning its 11th straight game. Wade LeBlanc got the start and the win by pitching a solid six innings (5H 1R 4BB 5SO). Jorge de Leon and Eric Berger kept it scoreless over the next two innings before Hector Ambriz gave up one run in the ninth. The RedHawks scored two on a Jon Singleton (2x4 2-2B 2RBI) double and another on a Jose Martinez sac fly in the fourth; Martinez singled in another run in the sixth. In the eighth, Marwin Gonzalez (2x4 2B 2R) doubled and was driven in by Martinez with his third RBI of the night. Martinez later came in to score on a wild pitch for the final 'Hawks run of the night. George Springer was 0-fer, but walked twice, stole a base and scored.
And in honor of OKC's 11th straight win ...
Corpus Christi - Off Day
Lancaster - Off Day
Quad Cities over Cedar Rapids 6-2
The River Bandits have now scratched their way back to second place overall for the season and are only a half a game behind Cedar Rapids in the second half standings. Josh Hader pitched a beauty in his first start as an Astro, going six innings and allowing only one hit and striking out a pair. Jamaine Cotton (3H 2R/1ER HR) got the three-inning save. QC got off to a good start with three in the first inning off RBI singles from Rio Ruiz (2x5 2RBI) and Jobduan Morales (2x4 RBI R), got another in the second on a Carlos Correa (3x4 BB RBI 2R) RBI single and one in the third as Jobduan Morales and Catfish Elkins executed a double steal with Morales stealing home. The final run scored in the ninth. Tony Kemp was two-for-four with a double, walk and run scored in his Quad Cities debut.
Tri-City - Off Day
Greeneville - Off Day
GCL Yankees1 over GCL Astros 3-1
The offense was stagnant in the loss as the Astros only scraped together five singles, one walk and an Alex Gonzalez double. Yoel Silfa singled, stole a base, advanced on a ground out and scored on a Javaris Reynolds single for the only Astros score of the game. Agapito Barrios (5IP 5H 2R/1ER 1BB 2SO) took the loss and was followed by Zach Dando (2.1IP 3H 1R/0ER 1BB 2SO) and Juan Santos (1.2IP 1H 2SO).
DSL Astros over DSL Athletics 2-1
Elieser Hernandez (5IP 5H 1R 1BB 2SO) got his fourth win and was followed by two scoreless innings from Starlyng Sanchez and Yonquelys Martinez. Angel Heredia got a two-inning save, his eighth save of the season, allowing two hits and striking out three. The Astros got all the runs they needed in the fifth as Arturo Michelena scored on a fielding error and Marlon Avea came across on a double play grounder. The Astros only collected three hits in the game.
Player of the Day: Jose Martinez was all over the Oklahoma City win, driving in half of their runs. He gets today's nod, but Jobduan Morales gets honorable mention. Stealing home should always merit at least an honorable mention.
Pitcher of the Day: Josh Hader made an excellent first impression in his first start since coming to the Astros in the Bud Norris trade. Nicely done, sir!
Thursday, July 4, 2013
Appy Astros - Catcher Development - Throwing Out More Runners
The other day I saw this tweet:
#qctimes @QCRiverBandits Roberto Pena throws out 3 LumberKings attempting to steal. He's denied 30 of 53. In '02 here, Joe Mauer 46-of-107That is an impressive stat and puts him in impressive company. It got me thinking about how well Roberto Pena has been throwing out runners this season and it made me curious about how much growth this showed. The growth with Pena was significant and I wondered if it was just him or were other catchers in the Astros organization showing similar growth. So I went back and looked across the system at each catcher who had caught in at least 20 games this season and compared their 2012 stolen base percentage (SB%) to their 2013 SB%. Click here to find out what I learned.
— Steve Batterson (@sbatt79) July 3, 2013
Friday, June 7, 2013
Happy Birthday - 6/7
RHP Vincent Velasquez (21)
Velasquez was drafted by Houston in the second round in 2010 out of high school in California. Velasquez made nine starts in Tri-City in 2012 after coming back from Tommy John surgery, going 4-1 with a 3.35 ERA and a 1.182 WHIP. This season Velasquez has made 14 appearances at Quad Cities with a 4-2 record, a 4.50 ERA and a 1.321 WHIP.
C Jobduan Morales (22)
Obtained in a trade with the Marlins for Justin Ruggiano in May 2012, Morales has hit .207.309./293 in his first 26 games for Tri-City this season and has a 30% caught stealing percentage during that time frame.
C Oliver Toribio (17)
Toribio was signed out of the Dominican Republic in late 2012. He has been assigned to the DSL Astros but has not played yet. Here is some additional information on Toribio from when he signed.
One former Astro with a birthday today ~
1B Roberto Petagine (42)
Originally signed as a NDFA out of Venezuela by the Astros in 1990, Petagine only played in eight games for Houston in 1994 (eight plate appearances and no hits), but he went on to play in a sporadic 242 games in the major leagues with a six season gap between 1998 and 2005, and had a career major league batting average of .227. In addition to his major league stints, Petagine played 20 seasons of minor league and foreign league ball, hitting .309/.418/.522. He appears to have finally hung up the spikes after one final season in the Japanese Pacific League in 2010.
Velasquez was drafted by Houston in the second round in 2010 out of high school in California. Velasquez made nine starts in Tri-City in 2012 after coming back from Tommy John surgery, going 4-1 with a 3.35 ERA and a 1.182 WHIP. This season Velasquez has made 14 appearances at Quad Cities with a 4-2 record, a 4.50 ERA and a 1.321 WHIP.
C Jobduan Morales (22)
Obtained in a trade with the Marlins for Justin Ruggiano in May 2012, Morales has hit .207.309./293 in his first 26 games for Tri-City this season and has a 30% caught stealing percentage during that time frame.
C Oliver Toribio (17)
Toribio was signed out of the Dominican Republic in late 2012. He has been assigned to the DSL Astros but has not played yet. Here is some additional information on Toribio from when he signed.
One former Astro with a birthday today ~
1B Roberto Petagine (42)
Originally signed as a NDFA out of Venezuela by the Astros in 1990, Petagine only played in eight games for Houston in 1994 (eight plate appearances and no hits), but he went on to play in a sporadic 242 games in the major leagues with a six season gap between 1998 and 2005, and had a career major league batting average of .227. In addition to his major league stints, Petagine played 20 seasons of minor league and foreign league ball, hitting .309/.418/.522. He appears to have finally hung up the spikes after one final season in the Japanese Pacific League in 2010.
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Astros Minor League Recaps
Tuesday's Games
Oklahoma City over Nashville 4-2
Jarred Cosart got the start for Oklahoma City, squashing any rumors that he might be the Thursday starter for Houston. In five and a third innings pitched, he allowed one run on four hits and two walks while striking out six. He was followed by scoreless outings from C.J. Fick and Kevin Chapman. Josh Zeid finished things off in the ninth allowing the second Nashville run on a solo home run. The RedHawks got on the board early with a three-run second that was highlighted by a Marc Krauss (2x3 BB) solo home run and Jonathan Villar's steal of home. Jimmy Paredes scored the final 'Hawks run in the sixth, scoring on a passed ball after leading off the inning with a double. Brett Wallace was one-for-three with a double and a walk and Trevor Crowe was one-for-three with a triple and a walk. The RedHawks are now on a five-game winning streak.
Corpus Christi over Midland 1-0
Corpus Christi prevailed in a nail biter at home as Jake Buchanan earned his second win of the season with five scoreless innings allowing only three singles and no walks. He was followed by scoreless outings from Carlos Quevedo and Alex Sogard (S, 2). The only Hooks run came courtesy of a Rene Garcia single in the third. Ben Orloff went two-for-four. J.D. Martinez was hitless in his first rehab start.
Inland Empire over Lancaster 3-2
Luis Cruz bounced back after a tough start his last go around by allowing only two hits in five scoreless innings and striking out five. The JetHawks drew first blood scoring two on a Preston Tucker (1x3 BB) double in the top of the sixth, but Tommy Shirley gave those back and more in the bottom of the frame as two lead-off walks were parlayed into three runs from Inland Empire. T.J. Geith pitched the next two innings without incident, but the 'Hawks never got anything going offensively the rest of the game. Nolan Fontana was two-for-four with a double and a run scored. Andrew Aplin also doubled and walked. Matt Duffy's hitting streak ended at 15.
Quad Cities over Great Lakes 17-6
Starter Joe Bircher kept the Loons at bay until the fourth inning when a lead-off hit batter was followed by a RBI double, the only extra base hit allowed by Bircher. Michael Dimock bailed Bircher out of a bases-loaded situation to get the final out of the fifth and to ensure that fourth inning run was the only run that Bircher would allow. Vincent Velasquez had a rare hiccup, allowing five runs (four earned) on four hits and a walk with six strikeouts. Two of Velasquez' runners came across under Gera Sanchez' watch. But by the time Velasquez gave up the first of those runs in the seventh, Quad Cities was already leading 12-1. Roberto Pena (2x5 4RBI) got the party started with an RBI double in the first. Three more came across in the second by way of a Terrell Joyce (2x4 2B BB) single, Teoscar Hernandez (2x5 BB 3R SB) double and a Carlos Correa (2x3 BB 3R) single. Jesse Wierzbicki (3x6 2B 2RBI 3R) added one in the fifth, scoring on a wild pitch. It was the seven-run sixth inning that put an exclamation point on the night with runs scoring on a Wierzbicki single, a Pena sac fly and a Jobduan Morales (2x5 5RBI) grand slam. But the Quad Cities crew weren't quite finished yet. Joe Sclafani (2x3 3BB 2RBI 2R) and Morales drove in three more runs in the seventh. And Roberto Pena capped things off with a two-run home run in the eighth. Ryan Dineen was one of only two starters to go hitless, but since he drew four walks, we'll let it go. Carlos Correa was hit on the hand and will be checked out further today.
Player of the Day: When you hit a grand slam, you are pretty much assured of getting Player of the Day honors. Jobduan Morales is the man for his five RBI night.
Pitcher of the Day: Jake Buchanan has simply been locked in on the mound so far this season. Not only did he only allow three singles in his outing last night, he didn't walk a batter. As a matter of fact, he's only walked two batters so far this season while striking out 16. He is now 2-0 with a 1.47 ERA and a 0.717 WHIP. He should definitely be a front runner to fill any vacancies that arise at Oklahoma City.
Oklahoma City over Nashville 4-2
Jarred Cosart got the start for Oklahoma City, squashing any rumors that he might be the Thursday starter for Houston. In five and a third innings pitched, he allowed one run on four hits and two walks while striking out six. He was followed by scoreless outings from C.J. Fick and Kevin Chapman. Josh Zeid finished things off in the ninth allowing the second Nashville run on a solo home run. The RedHawks got on the board early with a three-run second that was highlighted by a Marc Krauss (2x3 BB) solo home run and Jonathan Villar's steal of home. Jimmy Paredes scored the final 'Hawks run in the sixth, scoring on a passed ball after leading off the inning with a double. Brett Wallace was one-for-three with a double and a walk and Trevor Crowe was one-for-three with a triple and a walk. The RedHawks are now on a five-game winning streak.
Corpus Christi over Midland 1-0
Corpus Christi prevailed in a nail biter at home as Jake Buchanan earned his second win of the season with five scoreless innings allowing only three singles and no walks. He was followed by scoreless outings from Carlos Quevedo and Alex Sogard (S, 2). The only Hooks run came courtesy of a Rene Garcia single in the third. Ben Orloff went two-for-four. J.D. Martinez was hitless in his first rehab start.
Inland Empire over Lancaster 3-2
Luis Cruz bounced back after a tough start his last go around by allowing only two hits in five scoreless innings and striking out five. The JetHawks drew first blood scoring two on a Preston Tucker (1x3 BB) double in the top of the sixth, but Tommy Shirley gave those back and more in the bottom of the frame as two lead-off walks were parlayed into three runs from Inland Empire. T.J. Geith pitched the next two innings without incident, but the 'Hawks never got anything going offensively the rest of the game. Nolan Fontana was two-for-four with a double and a run scored. Andrew Aplin also doubled and walked. Matt Duffy's hitting streak ended at 15.
Quad Cities over Great Lakes 17-6
Starter Joe Bircher kept the Loons at bay until the fourth inning when a lead-off hit batter was followed by a RBI double, the only extra base hit allowed by Bircher. Michael Dimock bailed Bircher out of a bases-loaded situation to get the final out of the fifth and to ensure that fourth inning run was the only run that Bircher would allow. Vincent Velasquez had a rare hiccup, allowing five runs (four earned) on four hits and a walk with six strikeouts. Two of Velasquez' runners came across under Gera Sanchez' watch. But by the time Velasquez gave up the first of those runs in the seventh, Quad Cities was already leading 12-1. Roberto Pena (2x5 4RBI) got the party started with an RBI double in the first. Three more came across in the second by way of a Terrell Joyce (2x4 2B BB) single, Teoscar Hernandez (2x5 BB 3R SB) double and a Carlos Correa (2x3 BB 3R) single. Jesse Wierzbicki (3x6 2B 2RBI 3R) added one in the fifth, scoring on a wild pitch. It was the seven-run sixth inning that put an exclamation point on the night with runs scoring on a Wierzbicki single, a Pena sac fly and a Jobduan Morales (2x5 5RBI) grand slam. But the Quad Cities crew weren't quite finished yet. Joe Sclafani (2x3 3BB 2RBI 2R) and Morales drove in three more runs in the seventh. And Roberto Pena capped things off with a two-run home run in the eighth. Ryan Dineen was one of only two starters to go hitless, but since he drew four walks, we'll let it go. Carlos Correa was hit on the hand and will be checked out further today.
Player of the Day: When you hit a grand slam, you are pretty much assured of getting Player of the Day honors. Jobduan Morales is the man for his five RBI night.
Pitcher of the Day: Jake Buchanan has simply been locked in on the mound so far this season. Not only did he only allow three singles in his outing last night, he didn't walk a batter. As a matter of fact, he's only walked two batters so far this season while striking out 16. He is now 2-0 with a 1.47 ERA and a 0.717 WHIP. He should definitely be a front runner to fill any vacancies that arise at Oklahoma City.
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Astros Minor League Depth - Catcher
As Spring Training approaches, I've been looking at the Astros minor league depth, position by position. Today, we look at the catchers in the organization who had the best seasons in 2012.
One thing strikes me immediately when looking at this list -- youth. Except for Ben Heath and Chris Wallace who are each 24 years old, the rest of these players range from 20 to 22.
Tyler Heineman leads the list in his first year with the organization. The 2012 eighth round draft pick also leads this list in batting average and OPS. He was the New York-Penn League batting champion for 2012 as well. But Heineman isn't just a good hitter. He's also a great defensive catcher and had one of the top caught stealing percentages in the Astros minor league system at 41%. M. P. Cokinos would certainly have gotten much more attention for his offensive output had he not been playing alongside Heineman.
Another catcher who has everyone excited since he came into the system as a part of the 10-player Houston-Toronto trade in July is Carlos Perez. Much like Heineman, he looks to be the complete package offensively and defensively and boasted a 47% caught stealing rate at Lancaster (34% overall).
Also relatively new to the organization is Jobduan Morales who came to the Astros organization in the Justin Ruggiano trade with Miami. Morales' bat was valuable enough that he frequently appeared as a DH when he wasn't used behind the dish. That was true of his winter season in Puerto Rico as well.
Max Stassi just came in to the Astros organization this week as a part of the Jed Lowrie/Fernando Rodriguez trade with Oakland. He ranks in the middle of the pack with his on-base skills. It is his power potential that sets him apart from the rest of the group as he hit 18 doubles and 15 home runs on the way to a .468 slugging percentage. In 2012, he had a 24% caught stealing rate.
There are a couple players on this list whose playing time was very limited and many might question their inclusion. Luis Alvarez didn't see a great deal of playing time during the season, but put up some very good numbers. He followed up with an outstanding winter season with the Liga Paralela in Venezuela. That is enough to keep me interested in Alvarez. Pedro Coa was one of the few offensive bright spots on the DSL team in 2012. That, coupled with a 60% caught stealing rate, has me looking forward to seeing what he will do in 2013.
Heath and Rene Garcia were both having good years when injuries shortened their seasons. Roberto Pena was promoted to Lancaster largely due to injuries putting a strain on the catching staff throughout the system. Pena is widely regarded as a premium defensive catcher, but he struggled offensively after the promotion. I think the 20-year old will start to catch up with the more advanced pitching in the coming season if he is given regular playing time.
Chris Wallace had an uneven season offensively, but overall hit extremely well in the second half of the season. What he needs to focus on most, though, are base runners. He only managed a 12% caught stealing rate in 2012.
Ernesto Genoves' offensive output fell off from the prior season, but reports (from Appy Astros) are that he became much more solid defensively. I'm still intrigued by Genoves' potential, but he is going to have to show me that he is capable of getting to the next level developmentally in the coming season.
Tuesday: Lefty Starters
Wednesday: Lefty Relievers
Carlos Perez and Roberto Pena
Lancaster - August 2012
Photo by Jayne Hansen
The embedded chart shows catchers in the organization ranked from high to low in terms of OBP. I have noted their current age and the last level at which they played.
One thing strikes me immediately when looking at this list -- youth. Except for Ben Heath and Chris Wallace who are each 24 years old, the rest of these players range from 20 to 22.
Tyler Heineman leads the list in his first year with the organization. The 2012 eighth round draft pick also leads this list in batting average and OPS. He was the New York-Penn League batting champion for 2012 as well. But Heineman isn't just a good hitter. He's also a great defensive catcher and had one of the top caught stealing percentages in the Astros minor league system at 41%. M. P. Cokinos would certainly have gotten much more attention for his offensive output had he not been playing alongside Heineman.
Another catcher who has everyone excited since he came into the system as a part of the 10-player Houston-Toronto trade in July is Carlos Perez. Much like Heineman, he looks to be the complete package offensively and defensively and boasted a 47% caught stealing rate at Lancaster (34% overall).
Also relatively new to the organization is Jobduan Morales who came to the Astros organization in the Justin Ruggiano trade with Miami. Morales' bat was valuable enough that he frequently appeared as a DH when he wasn't used behind the dish. That was true of his winter season in Puerto Rico as well.
Max Stassi just came in to the Astros organization this week as a part of the Jed Lowrie/Fernando Rodriguez trade with Oakland. He ranks in the middle of the pack with his on-base skills. It is his power potential that sets him apart from the rest of the group as he hit 18 doubles and 15 home runs on the way to a .468 slugging percentage. In 2012, he had a 24% caught stealing rate.
There are a couple players on this list whose playing time was very limited and many might question their inclusion. Luis Alvarez didn't see a great deal of playing time during the season, but put up some very good numbers. He followed up with an outstanding winter season with the Liga Paralela in Venezuela. That is enough to keep me interested in Alvarez. Pedro Coa was one of the few offensive bright spots on the DSL team in 2012. That, coupled with a 60% caught stealing rate, has me looking forward to seeing what he will do in 2013.
Heath and Rene Garcia were both having good years when injuries shortened their seasons. Roberto Pena was promoted to Lancaster largely due to injuries putting a strain on the catching staff throughout the system. Pena is widely regarded as a premium defensive catcher, but he struggled offensively after the promotion. I think the 20-year old will start to catch up with the more advanced pitching in the coming season if he is given regular playing time.
Chris Wallace had an uneven season offensively, but overall hit extremely well in the second half of the season. What he needs to focus on most, though, are base runners. He only managed a 12% caught stealing rate in 2012.
Ernesto Genoves' offensive output fell off from the prior season, but reports (from Appy Astros) are that he became much more solid defensively. I'm still intrigued by Genoves' potential, but he is going to have to show me that he is capable of getting to the next level developmentally in the coming season.
Tuesday: Lefty Starters
Wednesday: Lefty Relievers
Friday, August 10, 2012
Roster Moves
Houston/Oklahoma City
IF Brian Bixler was designated for assignment to remove him from the 40-man roster to make room for IF Tyler Greene who was obtained in a trade with St. Louis for a PTBNL or cash.
OF J.D. Martinez was optioned from Houston to Oklahoma City (report date not set).
IF Matt Downs was optioned from Houston to Oklahoma City (report date not set).
2B Jose Martinez was assigned from Corpus Christi to Oklahoma City.
OF Fernando Martinez is being called up to Houston.
Corpus Christi
CF George Springer was assigned from Lancaster to Corpus Christi.
2B Kike Hernandez was assigned from Lancaster to Corpus Christi.
Lancaster
2B Delino DeShields Jr. was assigned from Lexington to Lancaster, not Corpus Christi. DDJ made a mistake in the tweet he sent out early this morning. Moving him directly to Corpus Christi didn't make sense to me so I waited for confirmation before posting.
LHP Kenny Long was assigned from Tri-City to Lancaster.
OF Andrew Aplin was assigned from Tri-City to Lancaster.
Lexington
SS Chan Moon was assigned from Lancaster to Lexington.
C Jobduan Morales was assigned from Tri-City to Lexington.
Tri-City
C Cristian Moronta was assigned from Lexington to Tri-City.
OF Emilio King was assigned from Lexington to Tri-City.
GCL Astros
SS Yoel Silfa was assigned from the DSL Astros to the GCL Astros.
IF Brian Bixler was designated for assignment to remove him from the 40-man roster to make room for IF Tyler Greene who was obtained in a trade with St. Louis for a PTBNL or cash.
OF J.D. Martinez was optioned from Houston to Oklahoma City (report date not set).
IF Matt Downs was optioned from Houston to Oklahoma City (report date not set).
2B Jose Martinez was assigned from Corpus Christi to Oklahoma City.
OF Fernando Martinez is being called up to Houston.
Corpus Christi
CF George Springer was assigned from Lancaster to Corpus Christi.
2B Kike Hernandez was assigned from Lancaster to Corpus Christi.
Lancaster
2B Delino DeShields Jr. was assigned from Lexington to Lancaster, not Corpus Christi. DDJ made a mistake in the tweet he sent out early this morning. Moving him directly to Corpus Christi didn't make sense to me so I waited for confirmation before posting.
LHP Kenny Long was assigned from Tri-City to Lancaster.
OF Andrew Aplin was assigned from Tri-City to Lancaster.
Lexington
SS Chan Moon was assigned from Lancaster to Lexington.
C Jobduan Morales was assigned from Tri-City to Lexington.
Tri-City
C Cristian Moronta was assigned from Lexington to Tri-City.
OF Emilio King was assigned from Lexington to Tri-City.
GCL Astros
SS Yoel Silfa was assigned from the DSL Astros to the GCL Astros.
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Tri-City All-Stars
Seven players from the Tri-City squad made the New York-Penn League All-Star team. The All-Star game will take place next Tuesday, August 14th.
OF Andrew Aplin
Aplin is hitting .348/.441/.547. His batting average leads the league (based on a minimum number of appearances) and his OBP and SLG rank second. He also leads the league in runs and stolen bases.
C Tyler Heineman
Heineman doesn't have enough plate appearances to qualify as a league leader, but his .377 batting average leads the ValleyCats team as does his .459 OBP. His SLG of .465 ranks third on the team.
2B Austin "Catfish" Elkins
Elkins is hitting .310/.378/.454 and is among the team leaders in those categories. He is second on the team in stolen bases.
C Jobduan Morales
Morales' SLG ranks sixth in the league and he is hitting .294/.366/.484. He leads the team in home runs.
RHP Aaron West
West leads the league in WHIP (0.760), is second in the league in ERA (0.90) and is tied for wins with six. He has 49 strikeouts to only five walks allowed.
LHP Brian Holmes
Holmes is tied for second on the team with five wins and is fourth in the league with a 0.895 WHIP. He is one of only two pitchers in the league with a complete game. His ERA is 2.40.
RHP Blake Ford
Ford leads the league in saves with 12. He has a 2.95 ERA and a 1.219 WHIP.
Congratulations and Good Luck!!!
OF Andrew Aplin
Aplin is hitting .348/.441/.547. His batting average leads the league (based on a minimum number of appearances) and his OBP and SLG rank second. He also leads the league in runs and stolen bases.
C Tyler Heineman
Heineman doesn't have enough plate appearances to qualify as a league leader, but his .377 batting average leads the ValleyCats team as does his .459 OBP. His SLG of .465 ranks third on the team.
2B Austin "Catfish" Elkins
Elkins is hitting .310/.378/.454 and is among the team leaders in those categories. He is second on the team in stolen bases.
C Jobduan Morales
Morales' SLG ranks sixth in the league and he is hitting .294/.366/.484. He leads the team in home runs.
RHP Aaron West
West leads the league in WHIP (0.760), is second in the league in ERA (0.90) and is tied for wins with six. He has 49 strikeouts to only five walks allowed.
LHP Brian Holmes
Holmes is tied for second on the team with five wins and is fourth in the league with a 0.895 WHIP. He is one of only two pitchers in the league with a complete game. His ERA is 2.40.
RHP Blake Ford
Ford leads the league in saves with 12. He has a 2.95 ERA and a 1.219 WHIP.
Congratulations and Good Luck!!!
Sunday, July 1, 2012
Minor League Schedule and Recaps
[Note: If you're reading this from RSS, you may have missed the standings I put on the front page. As of this morning, seven of eight Astros minor league affiliates are at .500 or better. Corpus Christi is now tied for first place in the overall standings while lagging by only one game behind the Missions in the second half race.]
Sunday's Games
Saturday's Results
DSL Astros over DSL Indians 3-2
Juan Hernandez gave up two runs in his five inning start, but Javier Saucedo got the win in relief as the Astros scored late. Randy Cesar (3x4), Jarico Reynoso (2x3, 3B), and Frederick Serrano (2x4, 2B) all had good days at the plate. The winning run came in courtesy of an Arturo Michelina walk-off single.
GCL Astros over GCL Nationals 3-2
Michael Feliz (W, 2-0) didn't get the start but did the heavy lifting, pitching six innings and allowing two runs. Erick Gonzalez got his third save of the season. Franny Polanco was three-for-three with two RBIs; Wallace Gonzalez was two-for-three with a double and a triple; and Darwin Rivera hit a solo home run.
Tri-City over Connecticut 14-5
Tri-City has now won eight in a row and they completely dominated Connecticut, leading from the first inning on and putting up three four-run innings. And I'm sure that starting pitcher Vincent Velasquez couldn't have been happier. Velasquez earned his second win, as he allowed one run on six hits with two walks and seven strikeouts over six innings. Relievers Brad Propst and Jamaine Cotton each allowed two runs. Big nights at the plate for Austin Elkins (3x4, 2R), Dan Gulbransen (3x3, 2B, HR, 5RBI, 2BB, 2R), Jesse Wierzbicki (2x4, BB, 2R); Joe Sclafini (2x4, 2RBI); and Jobduan Morales with a grand slam.
Asheville over Lexington 13-8
A seven-run seventh inning by Asheville was the nail in Lexington's coffin. Mike Foltynewicz (L, 9-2) had a rare subpar outing in his first loss since his first start of the season as he allowed six runs (five earned) over his six innings. Nate Pettus only managed to get one out in the seventh while allowing seven runs. He was quickly bailed out by Mitch Lambson in his first appearance since his promotion to Lexington. Luis Alvarez, a catcher, also pitched an inning and allowed no hits or runs. Matt Duffy was three-for-five with three RBIs; Justin Gominsky had two doubles; Roberto Pena was two-for-five with two runs; Ruben Sosa got two runs in his first appearance for Lexington; and Delino DeShields stole three bases to increase his season total to 57.
Memphis over Oklahoma City 20-6
Apparently, the Redhawks heard about Lexington having a catcher pitch in their game, so they decided to have a left fielder pitch in theirs! After a complete implosion by the OKC pitching staff, left fielder J.B. Shuck came in with one on and no outs, induced a double play and a ground out and got out of the inning unscathed. Which is more than can be said for OKC's other pitchers for the night. Brian Bass was charged with the loss after allowing six runs (one earned) over 4.2 innings. Brandon Barnes, Mike Hessman and J.B. Shuck were all two-for-five, with Barnes and Hessman hitting home runs.
Corpus Christi over Northwest Arkansas 13-7
The Hooks were gifted with lots of hits and lots of walks allowed by the opposing pitchers. As a matter of fact, four of the Hooks runs scored via the bases loaded walk. Really, that happened. Bobby Doran got his second win in as many starts for the Hooks as he put up a quality start. There were too many terrific hitting performances to list them all, but Austin Wates' three hits, and Jose Martinez' five RBIs and home run stood out.
Lancaster over Rancho Cucamonga 8-7
Lancaster struck early and hung on late. It looked as though this might be another one of "those" nights for Lancaster as starter Zach Grimmett (W, 3-5) gave up two in the top of the first, but he settled down nicely and allowed only two more runs over his next five. In the meantime the JetHawks bats went to work and chased out Rancho Cucamonga starter Angel Sanchez after only 2.2 innings as Lancaster scored all eight of their runs in the first three innings. Kirk Clark made it a bit more interesting than I would have liked by allowing three runs in relief to make it a one-run game, but Andrew Robinson nailed it down with his fifth save. Offensively, it was the Grant Hogue show as he went four-for-four with a triple, RBI, walk and scored three runs. Hogue is now hitting .611 for the JetHawks in 13 games. Kike Hernandez (two-for-three with a triple) and Domingo Santana (two-for-four with an RBI) also had good nights.
Game of the Day
Greeneville over Danville 13-4
This was a nice comeback for Greeneville after the 17-inning loss in their previous outing. The Astros led from the second inning on as the bats broke out in a big way. Richard Rodriguez earned his second win of the season. Jose Monzon provided some excitement with a three-run inside the park home run.
What went right: Hitting and lots of it.
What went wrong: 0-fer from Brian Blasik, lowering his batting average all the way down to .372.
Richard Rodriguez (W, 2-0) - 6IP 6H 2R 2BB 9SO
Scott Zuloaga - 2IP 4H 2R 0BB 2SO
Jordan Jankowski - 1IP 0H 0R 0BB 1SO
Ernesto Genoves - 3x5 2-2B RBI 2R
Mike Martinez - 2x3 HR 2RBI 2R
Ariel Ovando - 3x5 RBI SO 2R
Angel Ibanez - 2x4 RBI SO 2R
Jose Monzon - 3x4 HR 4RBI R
Jean Batista - 1x5 HR 2RBI R
Players of the Day: There were too many terrific performances to chose from. Let's let Dan Gulbransen's five RBIs, Jose Martinez' five RBIs, Jose Monzon's inside the park home run; Jobduan Morales' grand slam; and Grant Hogue's four-for-four night all share in the glory.
Pitchers of the Day: Vincent Velasquez edges out Richard Rodriguez, but J.B. Shuck and Luis Alvarez should also get honorable mention.
Sunday's Games
Asheville
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Lexington
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12:35 CST
MiLB.tv
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Greeneville
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Kingsport
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4:00 CST
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Tri-City
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Lowell
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4:05 CST
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NW Arkansas
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Corpus Christi
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6:05 CST
MiLB.tv
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Memphis
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Oklahoma City
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6:05 CST
MiLB.tv
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Lancaster
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Modesto
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8:05 CST
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Tropeano, Nick
(0-0, -.--)
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Saturday's Results
DSL Astros over DSL Indians 3-2
Juan Hernandez gave up two runs in his five inning start, but Javier Saucedo got the win in relief as the Astros scored late. Randy Cesar (3x4), Jarico Reynoso (2x3, 3B), and Frederick Serrano (2x4, 2B) all had good days at the plate. The winning run came in courtesy of an Arturo Michelina walk-off single.
GCL Astros over GCL Nationals 3-2
Michael Feliz (W, 2-0) didn't get the start but did the heavy lifting, pitching six innings and allowing two runs. Erick Gonzalez got his third save of the season. Franny Polanco was three-for-three with two RBIs; Wallace Gonzalez was two-for-three with a double and a triple; and Darwin Rivera hit a solo home run.
Tri-City over Connecticut 14-5
Tri-City has now won eight in a row and they completely dominated Connecticut, leading from the first inning on and putting up three four-run innings. And I'm sure that starting pitcher Vincent Velasquez couldn't have been happier. Velasquez earned his second win, as he allowed one run on six hits with two walks and seven strikeouts over six innings. Relievers Brad Propst and Jamaine Cotton each allowed two runs. Big nights at the plate for Austin Elkins (3x4, 2R), Dan Gulbransen (3x3, 2B, HR, 5RBI, 2BB, 2R), Jesse Wierzbicki (2x4, BB, 2R); Joe Sclafini (2x4, 2RBI); and Jobduan Morales with a grand slam.
Asheville over Lexington 13-8
A seven-run seventh inning by Asheville was the nail in Lexington's coffin. Mike Foltynewicz (L, 9-2) had a rare subpar outing in his first loss since his first start of the season as he allowed six runs (five earned) over his six innings. Nate Pettus only managed to get one out in the seventh while allowing seven runs. He was quickly bailed out by Mitch Lambson in his first appearance since his promotion to Lexington. Luis Alvarez, a catcher, also pitched an inning and allowed no hits or runs. Matt Duffy was three-for-five with three RBIs; Justin Gominsky had two doubles; Roberto Pena was two-for-five with two runs; Ruben Sosa got two runs in his first appearance for Lexington; and Delino DeShields stole three bases to increase his season total to 57.
Memphis over Oklahoma City 20-6
Apparently, the Redhawks heard about Lexington having a catcher pitch in their game, so they decided to have a left fielder pitch in theirs! After a complete implosion by the OKC pitching staff, left fielder J.B. Shuck came in with one on and no outs, induced a double play and a ground out and got out of the inning unscathed. Which is more than can be said for OKC's other pitchers for the night. Brian Bass was charged with the loss after allowing six runs (one earned) over 4.2 innings. Brandon Barnes, Mike Hessman and J.B. Shuck were all two-for-five, with Barnes and Hessman hitting home runs.
Corpus Christi over Northwest Arkansas 13-7
The Hooks were gifted with lots of hits and lots of walks allowed by the opposing pitchers. As a matter of fact, four of the Hooks runs scored via the bases loaded walk. Really, that happened. Bobby Doran got his second win in as many starts for the Hooks as he put up a quality start. There were too many terrific hitting performances to list them all, but Austin Wates' three hits, and Jose Martinez' five RBIs and home run stood out.
Lancaster over Rancho Cucamonga 8-7
Lancaster struck early and hung on late. It looked as though this might be another one of "those" nights for Lancaster as starter Zach Grimmett (W, 3-5) gave up two in the top of the first, but he settled down nicely and allowed only two more runs over his next five. In the meantime the JetHawks bats went to work and chased out Rancho Cucamonga starter Angel Sanchez after only 2.2 innings as Lancaster scored all eight of their runs in the first three innings. Kirk Clark made it a bit more interesting than I would have liked by allowing three runs in relief to make it a one-run game, but Andrew Robinson nailed it down with his fifth save. Offensively, it was the Grant Hogue show as he went four-for-four with a triple, RBI, walk and scored three runs. Hogue is now hitting .611 for the JetHawks in 13 games. Kike Hernandez (two-for-three with a triple) and Domingo Santana (two-for-four with an RBI) also had good nights.
Game of the Day
Greeneville over Danville 13-4
This was a nice comeback for Greeneville after the 17-inning loss in their previous outing. The Astros led from the second inning on as the bats broke out in a big way. Richard Rodriguez earned his second win of the season. Jose Monzon provided some excitement with a three-run inside the park home run.
What went right: Hitting and lots of it.
What went wrong: 0-fer from Brian Blasik, lowering his batting average all the way down to .372.
Richard Rodriguez (W, 2-0) - 6IP 6H 2R 2BB 9SO
Scott Zuloaga - 2IP 4H 2R 0BB 2SO
Jordan Jankowski - 1IP 0H 0R 0BB 1SO
Ernesto Genoves - 3x5 2-2B RBI 2R
Mike Martinez - 2x3 HR 2RBI 2R
Ariel Ovando - 3x5 RBI SO 2R
Angel Ibanez - 2x4 RBI SO 2R
Jose Monzon - 3x4 HR 4RBI R
Jean Batista - 1x5 HR 2RBI R
Players of the Day: There were too many terrific performances to chose from. Let's let Dan Gulbransen's five RBIs, Jose Martinez' five RBIs, Jose Monzon's inside the park home run; Jobduan Morales' grand slam; and Grant Hogue's four-for-four night all share in the glory.
Pitchers of the Day: Vincent Velasquez edges out Richard Rodriguez, but J.B. Shuck and Luis Alvarez should also get honorable mention.
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Happy Birthday - 6/7
RHP Vincent Velasquez (20)
Velasquez was drafted by Houston in the second round in 2010 out of high school in California and has not pitched professionally since the 2010 season, having missed the 2011 season due to Tommy John surgery. He is currently in Extended Spring Training and is expected to be assigned to one of the short season teams starting up June 18th. In eight appearances (six starts) for Greeneville in 2010, Velasquez was 2-2 with a 3.07 ERA, a 0.989 WHIP and 25 strikeouts to five walks.
C Jobduan Morales (21)
One of the newest members of the Astros family was just obtained in a trade with the Marlins for Justin Ruggiano. In three minor league seasons with the Marlins organization, he hit .272/.371/.383 with a 22% caught stealing percentage.
One former Astro with a birthday today ~
1B Roberto Petagine (41)
Originally signed as a NDFA out of Venezuela by the Astros in 1990, Petagine only played in eight games for Houston in 1994 (eight plate appearances and no hits), but he went on to play in a sporadic 242 games in the major leagues with a six season gap between 1998 and 2005, and had a career major league batting average of .227. In addition to his major league stints, Petagine played 20 seasons of minor league and foreign league ball, hitting .309/.418/.522. He appears to have finally hung up the spikes after one final season in the Japanese Pacific League in 2010.
Velasquez was drafted by Houston in the second round in 2010 out of high school in California and has not pitched professionally since the 2010 season, having missed the 2011 season due to Tommy John surgery. He is currently in Extended Spring Training and is expected to be assigned to one of the short season teams starting up June 18th. In eight appearances (six starts) for Greeneville in 2010, Velasquez was 2-2 with a 3.07 ERA, a 0.989 WHIP and 25 strikeouts to five walks.
C Jobduan Morales (21)
One of the newest members of the Astros family was just obtained in a trade with the Marlins for Justin Ruggiano. In three minor league seasons with the Marlins organization, he hit .272/.371/.383 with a 22% caught stealing percentage.
One former Astro with a birthday today ~
1B Roberto Petagine (41)
Originally signed as a NDFA out of Venezuela by the Astros in 1990, Petagine only played in eight games for Houston in 1994 (eight plate appearances and no hits), but he went on to play in a sporadic 242 games in the major leagues with a six season gap between 1998 and 2005, and had a career major league batting average of .227. In addition to his major league stints, Petagine played 20 seasons of minor league and foreign league ball, hitting .309/.418/.522. He appears to have finally hung up the spikes after one final season in the Japanese Pacific League in 2010.
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