I have a job next year!!!!!
— Peter Moylan (@PeterMoylan) November 22, 2013
In addition, two minor league free agents have left the Astros nest. IF Brandon Laird signed with the Royals and IF Jose Martinez signed with the Athletics.
A LOOK AT THE ASTROS MINOR LEAGUE SYSTEM
Showing posts with label Jose Martinez. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jose Martinez. Show all posts
Sunday, November 24, 2013
Roster Moves/Transactions
I'm a little late to the party on this one, but apparently the Astros signed free agent right-handed reliever Peter Moylan to a minor league deal with an invitation to Spring Training. The 34-year old (35 in December) Australian was originally signed by the Twins as an amateur free agent in 1996. Moylan made his major league debut 10 years later for the Braves. In 295 appearances for the Braves between 2006 and 2012, he had a 2.59 ERA and a 1.285 WHIP. In 2013, he signed with the Dodgers and appeared in a handful of games in June and September, putting up a 6.46 ERA and a 1.957 WHIP. Moylan spent the rest of his season with the AAA Albuquerque team, managing a more respectable 2.74 ERA and a 1.261 WHIP in 38 appearances. Moylan's reaction?
In addition, two minor league free agents have left the Astros nest. IF Brandon Laird signed with the Royals and IF Jose Martinez signed with the Athletics.
In addition, two minor league free agents have left the Astros nest. IF Brandon Laird signed with the Royals and IF Jose Martinez signed with the Athletics.
Monday, September 2, 2013
Astros Minor League Recaps
Sunday's Games
Oklahoma City over Memphis 5-4 in 11 innings
Blair Walters got the spot start and allowed two runs on four hits and three walks over four and a third innings. He struck out four. Pat Urckfitz (2.1IP 2H 2SO) and Jose Cisnero (1.1IP 1H 1BB 2SO) followed with scoreless relief. Hector Ambriz gave up the final two Memphis runs in the ninth inning, but benefited from the RedHawks scoring four in the bottom of the frame to tie it and earned the win after pitching the 10th and 11th. Down 4-0 with two outs in the bottom of the ninth, the RedHawks got to work. Che-Hsuan Lin (2x3 BB) doubled, Carlos Perez singled and then Jimmy Paredes (3x5 BB) doubled in Lin. Paredes was followed by a three-run Jose Martinez (3x6) home run to tie it up. Martinez was once again the hero in the bottom of the 11th as he drove in the winning run, walk-off style. Marc Krauss was two-for-five with a double and Carlos Perez went three-for-five and scored a run.
San Antonio over Corpus Christi 13-9
David Rollins got roughed up in this one to the tune of eight runs on 10 hits (including two home runs) over four and a third. T.J. Geith didn't fare much better as he allowed another five runs across on five hits in his two and two-thirds innings. Cameron Lamb and Carlos Quevedo each pitched a perfect frame. Down 13-3 at one point, the Hooks battled back but ultimately came up short. Luis Alvarez and Michael Burgess (2x3 3RBI) both provided a little fireworks with two-run shots while Preston Tucker (2x5 2B HR 3RBI) contributed a solo dinger. Domingo Santana went two-for-four with a double, walk and two runs scored, and Ronald Torreyes was two-for-four with a double and scored once.
Rancho Cucamonga over Lancaster 2-1 in 10 innings
Starter Vince Velasquez didn't allow a hit until the fifth inning and then allowed only two singles. His final line for the night was 6IP 2H 1R 1BB 8SO. He was followed by one and a third scoreless innings from Kenny Long. Travis Ballew then took it the rest of the way, allowing the game-winning run from the Quakes in the 10th. The 'Hawks sole run came in the fourth on a Brandon Meredith home run. Delino DeShields had the only other extra-base hit, a triple, and he stole his 51st base of the season. Dan Gulbransen collected two of the 'Hawks six hits.
Quad Cities over Beloit 8-7
The River Bandits took control early, with a six-run third inning featuring a two-RBI single from Carlos Correa and a two-run home run from Danry Vasquez. They added on two in the fifth on another Danry Vasquez home run and a Bobby Borchering (2x3) triple scoring Rio Ruiz (2x3 2-2B BB 2R). Leading 8-2 behind the start from Josh Hader (4.1IP 2H 2R 6BB 4SO) and some excellent relief pitching from Patrick Christensen, it looked like this was Quad Cities all the way. But Jorge Perez struggled to get out of the seventh and ultimately allowed five runs while only recording two outs. Andrew Walter came to the rescue converting a two and a third inning save opportunity.
Tri-City over Lowell 7-4
I cannot emphasize exactly how much Tri-City needed this win. They had not been able to put a dent in their magic number for five straight games. Now they have a chance, but it will likely come down to their final game on Wednesday. Michael Feliz got the start and things got squirrely early, as he allowed four runs across in the first inning, but he righted the ship and the next six innings were scoreless. Feliz' final line was 7IP 5H 4R 2BB 10SO. He was followed by Gonzalo Sanudo who struck out four in the final two innings to earn his seventh save in only eight games for Tri-City. The 'Cats answered the four-run first with a four-run third of their own, featuring a James Ramsay (2x5 BB 2R) RBI single, a Ryan Dineen sac fly RBI and a two-run single from Conrad Gregor (2x3 2B BB 3RBI). Tri-City added on one more in the seventh for the go ahead run and two more insurance runs in the eighth. Ronnie Mitchell went two-for-five with an RBI, and Chan Moon went three-for-four with a double, walk and scored twice.
Kingsport over Greeneville 3-1 (Playoff Game #1)
Jandel Gustave got the start and allowed three runs on five hits and two walks while striking out seven in five innings and was followed by four perfect innings from Joe Musgrove. The Astros only managed one run in the seventh as Brian Holberton doubled in Brett Phillips (3x4). Juan Santana also doubled in the game.
Player of the Day: Jose Martinez' four RBI day would put him in the running for Player of the Day anyway, but getting both the game tying and game winning runs in seals the deal. Honorable mention goes to Danry Vasquez.
Pitcher of the Day: Michael Feliz gets the honors. After getting hurt in the first inning, he bore down and only gave up one single and one walk the rest of the way. He gave his team a chance to come back in a crucial game and they did.
Oklahoma City over Memphis 5-4 in 11 innings
Blair Walters got the spot start and allowed two runs on four hits and three walks over four and a third innings. He struck out four. Pat Urckfitz (2.1IP 2H 2SO) and Jose Cisnero (1.1IP 1H 1BB 2SO) followed with scoreless relief. Hector Ambriz gave up the final two Memphis runs in the ninth inning, but benefited from the RedHawks scoring four in the bottom of the frame to tie it and earned the win after pitching the 10th and 11th. Down 4-0 with two outs in the bottom of the ninth, the RedHawks got to work. Che-Hsuan Lin (2x3 BB) doubled, Carlos Perez singled and then Jimmy Paredes (3x5 BB) doubled in Lin. Paredes was followed by a three-run Jose Martinez (3x6) home run to tie it up. Martinez was once again the hero in the bottom of the 11th as he drove in the winning run, walk-off style. Marc Krauss was two-for-five with a double and Carlos Perez went three-for-five and scored a run.
San Antonio over Corpus Christi 13-9
David Rollins got roughed up in this one to the tune of eight runs on 10 hits (including two home runs) over four and a third. T.J. Geith didn't fare much better as he allowed another five runs across on five hits in his two and two-thirds innings. Cameron Lamb and Carlos Quevedo each pitched a perfect frame. Down 13-3 at one point, the Hooks battled back but ultimately came up short. Luis Alvarez and Michael Burgess (2x3 3RBI) both provided a little fireworks with two-run shots while Preston Tucker (2x5 2B HR 3RBI) contributed a solo dinger. Domingo Santana went two-for-four with a double, walk and two runs scored, and Ronald Torreyes was two-for-four with a double and scored once.
Rancho Cucamonga over Lancaster 2-1 in 10 innings
Starter Vince Velasquez didn't allow a hit until the fifth inning and then allowed only two singles. His final line for the night was 6IP 2H 1R 1BB 8SO. He was followed by one and a third scoreless innings from Kenny Long. Travis Ballew then took it the rest of the way, allowing the game-winning run from the Quakes in the 10th. The 'Hawks sole run came in the fourth on a Brandon Meredith home run. Delino DeShields had the only other extra-base hit, a triple, and he stole his 51st base of the season. Dan Gulbransen collected two of the 'Hawks six hits.
Quad Cities over Beloit 8-7
The River Bandits took control early, with a six-run third inning featuring a two-RBI single from Carlos Correa and a two-run home run from Danry Vasquez. They added on two in the fifth on another Danry Vasquez home run and a Bobby Borchering (2x3) triple scoring Rio Ruiz (2x3 2-2B BB 2R). Leading 8-2 behind the start from Josh Hader (4.1IP 2H 2R 6BB 4SO) and some excellent relief pitching from Patrick Christensen, it looked like this was Quad Cities all the way. But Jorge Perez struggled to get out of the seventh and ultimately allowed five runs while only recording two outs. Andrew Walter came to the rescue converting a two and a third inning save opportunity.
Tri-City over Lowell 7-4
I cannot emphasize exactly how much Tri-City needed this win. They had not been able to put a dent in their magic number for five straight games. Now they have a chance, but it will likely come down to their final game on Wednesday. Michael Feliz got the start and things got squirrely early, as he allowed four runs across in the first inning, but he righted the ship and the next six innings were scoreless. Feliz' final line was 7IP 5H 4R 2BB 10SO. He was followed by Gonzalo Sanudo who struck out four in the final two innings to earn his seventh save in only eight games for Tri-City. The 'Cats answered the four-run first with a four-run third of their own, featuring a James Ramsay (2x5 BB 2R) RBI single, a Ryan Dineen sac fly RBI and a two-run single from Conrad Gregor (2x3 2B BB 3RBI). Tri-City added on one more in the seventh for the go ahead run and two more insurance runs in the eighth. Ronnie Mitchell went two-for-five with an RBI, and Chan Moon went three-for-four with a double, walk and scored twice.
Kingsport over Greeneville 3-1 (Playoff Game #1)
Jandel Gustave got the start and allowed three runs on five hits and two walks while striking out seven in five innings and was followed by four perfect innings from Joe Musgrove. The Astros only managed one run in the seventh as Brian Holberton doubled in Brett Phillips (3x4). Juan Santana also doubled in the game.
Player of the Day: Jose Martinez' four RBI day would put him in the running for Player of the Day anyway, but getting both the game tying and game winning runs in seals the deal. Honorable mention goes to Danry Vasquez.
Pitcher of the Day: Michael Feliz gets the honors. After getting hurt in the first inning, he bore down and only gave up one single and one walk the rest of the way. He gave his team a chance to come back in a crucial game and they did.
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
Astros Minor League Recaps
Tuesday's Games
Oklahoma City over Colorado Springs 6-3
The RedHawks have now won 12 in a row and lead the second place Albuquerque team by four games. They also have the best record in the PCL. Paul Clemens allowed only two hits in his five innings and was followed by one and a third innings from Philip Humber in which Humber allowed three runs to score. Alex Sogard and Kevin Chapman provided scoreless relief. Oklahoma City did all of their scoring in the third inning, starting with RBI doubles from Jimmy Paredes and Brandon Laird and punctuated by a three-run home run from Jose Martinez (3x4 2-2B HR 3RBI R). Trevor Crowe went two-for-four with a double and a run scored.
Corpus Christi over Northwest Arkansas 7-3
Corpus Christi also has the best record in its league for the season and is tied with the Missions for best record in the second half. And that is due in no small part to David Martinez who cruised to his team record 14th win last night. Martinez (8H 0BB 7SO) gave up two solo home runs last night over eight and a third innings. Andrew Robinson recorded the final two outs, but also allowed a solo homer for the third NWA run. The Hooks led the whole way, getting one in the first on Max Stassi's 16th home run of the season, and two in the second on a Ronald Torreyes (1x5 2B 3RBI) RBI double. They played add on with Preston Tucker's eighth AA home run in the fifth and put up the final three in the eighth inning. Matt Duffy went two-for-four with an RBI and a run scored in his AA debut. Jonathan Meyer was two-for-three with a walk and scored twice.
Modesto over Lancaster 2-1
Lancaster has the best record in the second half and only trails San Jose by a half game for the best overall record in the California League. With a 2-1 score, you know this one wasn't played at The Hangar. Luis Cruz threw the first six and gave up two runs (one earned) on four hits and two walks while striking out seven. Jordan Jankowski pitched two scoreless frames for his Hi-A debut. The 'Hawks actually outhit the Nuts 6-4, but only managed to get one run across. Dan Gulbransen went two-for-four with a double and scored the one 'Hawks run in his Hi-A debut, but he also made the fielding error that led to Modesto's second run. Jesse Wierzbicki was two-for-four and Joe Sclafani doubled.
Quad Cities over Cedar Rapids 7-2
The River Bandits have now scratched and clawed their way into second place in the overall standings and (drumroll please) just took first place in the second half standings last night with last night's win. Starter Mark Appel (5IP 2H 2R/0ER 1BB 2SO) earned his first professional win and received outstanding support from Patrick Christensen (3IP 1H 5SO) in his Quad Cities debut. Mitch Lambson (1IP 1H 3SO) pitched a very effective ninth. Quad Cities put up a three-spot in the first on a Danry Vasquez sac fly and a Bobby Borchering two-run homer. Brian Blasik (2x3 2B HR 2RBI 2R) then added a sac fly RBI in the third and a solo dinger in the fifth. The final runs came on a Carlos Correa (2x4 2-2B RBI R) RBI double and a Jordan Scott RBI single in the eighth and ninth innings. Roberto Pena was two-for-four with two doubles and scored twice.
Tri-City over Williamsport 10-2
Tri-City is in a virtual tie with Lowell in their division, but they lag slightly statistically-speaking due to the number of games played. Kevin Comer (5H 2R/1ER 3SO HR) went the first three and was followed by a scoreless frame from Randall Fant. Evan Grills then tossed four no-hit innings (1BB 6SO). Tyler Brunnemann pitched a perfect ninth in his Tri-City debut. I was lamenting Tri-City's offense yesterday in a discussion with one of my twitter friends ... nothing like pounding out 14 hits with four doubles and a home run to make me look silly for worrying. I'm going to cheat and put up the boxscore. Otherwise this could take a while.
Greeneville over Bristol 2-1
Greeneville leads its division by four games and has the third best record in the Appy League. This was a pitcher's duel all the way. Edison Frias (5IP 5H 1R 2BB 8SO) allowed the only Bristol run in the first inning and was followed by four no-hit innings from Chris Munnelly (2IP 2BB 4SO), Raul Rivera (1IP 1BB 2SO) and Gonzalo Sanudo (1IP 2SO). It was Sanudo's ninth save. The Astros were held to four hits; two of those belonged to Brian Holberton, a double and a solo home run. Holberton scored the second run as he doubled, stole third base and scored on a wild pitch.
GCL Astros over GCL Yankees1 6-2
Luis Ordosgoitti got charged with two runs over three and two thirds and was followed by scoreless outings from Joe Musgrove and Erick Gonzalez. Jean Batista was two-for-four with a walk and an RBI in his first rehab appearance in almost a month. Yonathan Mejia was two-for-five and scored a run; Jose Solano was three-for-four and scored twice; Alex Gonzalez was one-for-four with a double and drove in two; and Ydarqui Marte was two-for-three with a walk and two RBI.
DSL Astros over DSL Athletics 6-4
Harold Arauz (3H 2BB 2SO) pitched five and a third and was charged with three runs (two earned), two of those coming across under Victor Mesa's watch. Mesa added on a run of his own. Juan Hernandez earned his first win with his two innings of relief. The Astros had only scored one run (a second inning Hector Roa home run) before putting up five in the eighth inning, an inning in which they were gifted with two walks and two hit batters to help their cause. Randy Cesar was two-for-four and scored a run. Jean Estrella and Arturo Michelena were each credited with two RBI.
Player of the Day: Jose Martinez gets the honors for a second day in a row for his excellent night at the plate.
Pitcher of the Day: Evan Grills is getting a little WTHB love today for his four no-hit innings. I have been intrigued by Grills since I met him last season in Lexington. It is great to see the 21-year old lefty putting it together this season. He is 4-0 with a 2.61 ERA and a 1.184 WHIP in 10 appearances (four starts).
Oklahoma City over Colorado Springs 6-3
The RedHawks have now won 12 in a row and lead the second place Albuquerque team by four games. They also have the best record in the PCL. Paul Clemens allowed only two hits in his five innings and was followed by one and a third innings from Philip Humber in which Humber allowed three runs to score. Alex Sogard and Kevin Chapman provided scoreless relief. Oklahoma City did all of their scoring in the third inning, starting with RBI doubles from Jimmy Paredes and Brandon Laird and punctuated by a three-run home run from Jose Martinez (3x4 2-2B HR 3RBI R). Trevor Crowe went two-for-four with a double and a run scored.
Corpus Christi over Northwest Arkansas 7-3
Corpus Christi also has the best record in its league for the season and is tied with the Missions for best record in the second half. And that is due in no small part to David Martinez who cruised to his team record 14th win last night. Martinez (8H 0BB 7SO) gave up two solo home runs last night over eight and a third innings. Andrew Robinson recorded the final two outs, but also allowed a solo homer for the third NWA run. The Hooks led the whole way, getting one in the first on Max Stassi's 16th home run of the season, and two in the second on a Ronald Torreyes (1x5 2B 3RBI) RBI double. They played add on with Preston Tucker's eighth AA home run in the fifth and put up the final three in the eighth inning. Matt Duffy went two-for-four with an RBI and a run scored in his AA debut. Jonathan Meyer was two-for-three with a walk and scored twice.
Modesto over Lancaster 2-1
Lancaster has the best record in the second half and only trails San Jose by a half game for the best overall record in the California League. With a 2-1 score, you know this one wasn't played at The Hangar. Luis Cruz threw the first six and gave up two runs (one earned) on four hits and two walks while striking out seven. Jordan Jankowski pitched two scoreless frames for his Hi-A debut. The 'Hawks actually outhit the Nuts 6-4, but only managed to get one run across. Dan Gulbransen went two-for-four with a double and scored the one 'Hawks run in his Hi-A debut, but he also made the fielding error that led to Modesto's second run. Jesse Wierzbicki was two-for-four and Joe Sclafani doubled.
Quad Cities over Cedar Rapids 7-2
The River Bandits have now scratched and clawed their way into second place in the overall standings and (drumroll please) just took first place in the second half standings last night with last night's win. Starter Mark Appel (5IP 2H 2R/0ER 1BB 2SO) earned his first professional win and received outstanding support from Patrick Christensen (3IP 1H 5SO) in his Quad Cities debut. Mitch Lambson (1IP 1H 3SO) pitched a very effective ninth. Quad Cities put up a three-spot in the first on a Danry Vasquez sac fly and a Bobby Borchering two-run homer. Brian Blasik (2x3 2B HR 2RBI 2R) then added a sac fly RBI in the third and a solo dinger in the fifth. The final runs came on a Carlos Correa (2x4 2-2B RBI R) RBI double and a Jordan Scott RBI single in the eighth and ninth innings. Roberto Pena was two-for-four with two doubles and scored twice.
Tri-City over Williamsport 10-2
Tri-City is in a virtual tie with Lowell in their division, but they lag slightly statistically-speaking due to the number of games played. Kevin Comer (5H 2R/1ER 3SO HR) went the first three and was followed by a scoreless frame from Randall Fant. Evan Grills then tossed four no-hit innings (1BB 6SO). Tyler Brunnemann pitched a perfect ninth in his Tri-City debut. I was lamenting Tri-City's offense yesterday in a discussion with one of my twitter friends ... nothing like pounding out 14 hits with four doubles and a home run to make me look silly for worrying. I'm going to cheat and put up the boxscore. Otherwise this could take a while.
Greeneville over Bristol 2-1
Greeneville leads its division by four games and has the third best record in the Appy League. This was a pitcher's duel all the way. Edison Frias (5IP 5H 1R 2BB 8SO) allowed the only Bristol run in the first inning and was followed by four no-hit innings from Chris Munnelly (2IP 2BB 4SO), Raul Rivera (1IP 1BB 2SO) and Gonzalo Sanudo (1IP 2SO). It was Sanudo's ninth save. The Astros were held to four hits; two of those belonged to Brian Holberton, a double and a solo home run. Holberton scored the second run as he doubled, stole third base and scored on a wild pitch.
GCL Astros over GCL Yankees1 6-2
Luis Ordosgoitti got charged with two runs over three and two thirds and was followed by scoreless outings from Joe Musgrove and Erick Gonzalez. Jean Batista was two-for-four with a walk and an RBI in his first rehab appearance in almost a month. Yonathan Mejia was two-for-five and scored a run; Jose Solano was three-for-four and scored twice; Alex Gonzalez was one-for-four with a double and drove in two; and Ydarqui Marte was two-for-three with a walk and two RBI.
DSL Astros over DSL Athletics 6-4
Harold Arauz (3H 2BB 2SO) pitched five and a third and was charged with three runs (two earned), two of those coming across under Victor Mesa's watch. Mesa added on a run of his own. Juan Hernandez earned his first win with his two innings of relief. The Astros had only scored one run (a second inning Hector Roa home run) before putting up five in the eighth inning, an inning in which they were gifted with two walks and two hit batters to help their cause. Randy Cesar was two-for-four and scored a run. Jean Estrella and Arturo Michelena were each credited with two RBI.
Player of the Day: Jose Martinez gets the honors for a second day in a row for his excellent night at the plate.
Pitcher of the Day: Evan Grills is getting a little WTHB love today for his four no-hit innings. I have been intrigued by Grills since I met him last season in Lexington. It is great to see the 21-year old lefty putting it together this season. He is 4-0 with a 2.61 ERA and a 1.184 WHIP in 10 appearances (four starts).
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!
Monday, June 3, 2013
Roster Moves
Oklahoma City
RHP C. J. Fick activated from the DL
C Jason Jaramillo released
Corpus Christi
2B Jose Martinez assigned from OKC to Corpus
Quad Cities
LHP Brian Holmes placed on the 7-day DL retroactive to 5/30
DSL Astros
Tomas Lopez placed on the 7-day DL
LHP Erick Hurtado released
RHP C. J. Fick activated from the DL
C Jason Jaramillo released
Corpus Christi
2B Jose Martinez assigned from OKC to Corpus
Quad Cities
LHP Brian Holmes placed on the 7-day DL retroactive to 5/30
DSL Astros
Tomas Lopez placed on the 7-day DL
LHP Erick Hurtado released
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Roster Moves
There have been a few Oklahoma City roster moves the last couple of days.
C Chris Wallace assigned from Extended Spring Training to Oklahoma City
RHP John Ely placed on the 7-day DL
2B Jose Martinez placed on the 7-day DL
RHP Lance Day assigned to Oklahoma City (has been at Extended Spring Training)
Lance Day is a non-drafted free agent who signed last year with the Astros and had good results in his time at Tri-City. I am assuming that this is a temporary move while John Ely is on the DL. Even as a temporary move, it's a win/win situation. By bringing Day from Extended rather than moving in one of the established starters from another level, it limits the disruption to rosters (rather than moving players up and down in a short amount of time) and gives Day the experience and the opportunity to show what he may be able to do at a higher level.
C Chris Wallace assigned from Extended Spring Training to Oklahoma City
RHP John Ely placed on the 7-day DL
2B Jose Martinez placed on the 7-day DL
RHP Lance Day assigned to Oklahoma City (has been at Extended Spring Training)
Lance Day is a non-drafted free agent who signed last year with the Astros and had good results in his time at Tri-City. I am assuming that this is a temporary move while John Ely is on the DL. Even as a temporary move, it's a win/win situation. By bringing Day from Extended rather than moving in one of the established starters from another level, it limits the disruption to rosters (rather than moving players up and down in a short amount of time) and gives Day the experience and the opportunity to show what he may be able to do at a higher level.
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Tweets of the Day
The South Texas Winter Baseball Banquet was held in Corpus Christi last evening and three of our Astros were honored. RHP Daniel Minor, who was drafted by the Astros in the 9th round of the 2012 draft and had a terrific first season at Greeneville, was named the Texas A&M Corpus Christi Player of the Year. 2B Jose Martinez was name the Player of the Year for the Corpus Christi Hooks while RHP Jason Stoffel drew Pitcher of the Year honors for the Hooks team. In addition, Milo Hamilton was given a lifetime achievement award. Softball pitcher extraordinaire (and now coach) Cat Osterman was the featured speaker.
Congratulations to Daniel, Jose and Jason!
Congratulations to Daniel, Jose and Jason!
As if I don't feel short enough already, cat osterman makes it that much worse pic.twitter.com/4x2p6Uyw
The one and only milo Hamilton, listened to him growing up, never imagined I'd meet him in person pic.twitter.com/eYuYq34T
Happy Birthday - 1/24
Happy Birthday to ~
CF Javaris Reynolds (20)
Drafted by the Astros out of high school in 2011 in the seventh round, Reynolds played in only 11 games for the GCL Astros in 2012, hitting .214/.333/.214. He last played on July 13th but was never placed on the DL.
2B Jose Martinez (27)
Signed as a minor league free agent in 2012, Martinez split his time between Corpus Christi (.304/.362/.464 with 21 doubles, four triples and 13 home runs in 107 games) and Oklahoma City (.205/.272/.260 with two doubles and a triple in 23 games). He played in Venezuela this winter, hitting .287/.358/.401 in 46 games.
D'Andre Toney (21)
Toney was the PTBNL in the trade that sent Humberto Quintero and Jason Bourgeois to the Royals. Originally drafted by Kansas City in the 14th round in 2011, Toney played in 59 games for the Greeneville Astros, hitting .252/.351/.326.
RHP Juan Hernandez (20)
Signed as an amateur free agent from the Dominican Republic in 2012, Hernandez spent his first professional season with the DSL Astros. In 13 games (11 starts), he was 0-4 with a 3.78 ERA and a 1.510 WHIP.
Former Astros with birthdays today
LF Sandy Valdespino (74)
Valdespino came to Houston in a December 1968 trade with Atlanta and played in 41 games for the Astros in 1969, hitting .244/.326/.277.
LHP Ross Powell (45)
Originally drafted by the Reds in the third round in 1989, Powell came to Houston from Pittsburgh in July 1995. In 27 games for Houston in 1994 and 1995, he had a 6.61 ERA and a 2.327 WHIP.
CF Javaris Reynolds (20)
Drafted by the Astros out of high school in 2011 in the seventh round, Reynolds played in only 11 games for the GCL Astros in 2012, hitting .214/.333/.214. He last played on July 13th but was never placed on the DL.
2B Jose Martinez (27)
Signed as a minor league free agent in 2012, Martinez split his time between Corpus Christi (.304/.362/.464 with 21 doubles, four triples and 13 home runs in 107 games) and Oklahoma City (.205/.272/.260 with two doubles and a triple in 23 games). He played in Venezuela this winter, hitting .287/.358/.401 in 46 games.
D'Andre Toney (21)
Toney was the PTBNL in the trade that sent Humberto Quintero and Jason Bourgeois to the Royals. Originally drafted by Kansas City in the 14th round in 2011, Toney played in 59 games for the Greeneville Astros, hitting .252/.351/.326.
RHP Juan Hernandez (20)
Signed as an amateur free agent from the Dominican Republic in 2012, Hernandez spent his first professional season with the DSL Astros. In 13 games (11 starts), he was 0-4 with a 3.78 ERA and a 1.510 WHIP.
Former Astros with birthdays today
LF Sandy Valdespino (74)
Valdespino came to Houston in a December 1968 trade with Atlanta and played in 41 games for the Astros in 1969, hitting .244/.326/.277.
LHP Ross Powell (45)
Originally drafted by the Reds in the third round in 1989, Powell came to Houston from Pittsburgh in July 1995. In 27 games for Houston in 1994 and 1995, he had a 6.61 ERA and a 2.327 WHIP.
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Astros Minor League Depth - Second Base
Over the next few weeks as we approach Spring Training, I'll be looking at the Astros minor league depth, position by position. Today, we look at the second basemen in the organization who had the best seasons in 2012.
Leading the list is none other than Delino DeShields. Not only did DeShields have one of the best OBP in the Astros organization, he also raised his slugging percentage by over 100 points over the prior season while stealing 101 bases. And he just turned 20 in August.
Austin Elkins and Brian Blasik each had strong debut years while 18-year old Juan Santana showed much promise in his first season in the States after putting up an impressive first year with the DSL in 2011. Ruben Sosa spent more time as a DH than as a second baseman in his second season in the organization, but I think that has probably as much to do with finding playing time as anything else. He showed fairly strong on-base skills but little in the way of power.
Jose Martinez didn't fare well in his transition to Oklahoma City for the final 23 games of the season and that brought down his .304/.362/.464 line from his first 107 games at Corpus. He had a successful campaign in the Venezuelan winter league which is a very competitive league, though, so look for him to catch up to the AAA level this season. He is another player whose potential should not be discounted due to his age as injuries, coupled with a family tragedy, sidetracked his career prior to 2012.
Enrique Hernandez, also known as Kiké, had an interesting season. 2012 was his first season to be 100% healthy and to get regular playing time since an ankle injury sidetracked him. The combination agreed with him as he recaptured the promise that he had shown in his 2010 Tri-City season, leading to a late season promotion from Lancaster to Corpus Christi. Kiké will need to balance the aggressiveness he showed in 2012 with the more patient approach he showed at the plate in 2011 when he had a .341 OBP. Hernandez showed that balance this winter as he played in the Puerto Rican winter league, hitting .320/.379/.469 in 39 games.
Two other players to keep an eye on in 2013 are John Hinson (Lexington) and Brandon Wikoff (Corpus Christi) each of whom had injury-shortened seasons in 2012. Hinson was used primarily as a third baseman before his injury, but he played second base in 2011. Wikoff has played wherever needed and profiles as a solid utility infielder.
Monday: First Base
Coming Wednesday: Shortstop
Delino DeShields - April 2012
Photo by Jayne Hansen
The embedded chart shows second basemen in the organization ranked from high to low in terms of OBP. I have noted their current age, the last level at which they played and, if they spent significant time at multiple positions, that information is included as well. I did not include Jimmy Paredes since he has since been moved to the outfield.
Leading the list is none other than Delino DeShields. Not only did DeShields have one of the best OBP in the Astros organization, he also raised his slugging percentage by over 100 points over the prior season while stealing 101 bases. And he just turned 20 in August.
Austin Elkins and Brian Blasik each had strong debut years while 18-year old Juan Santana showed much promise in his first season in the States after putting up an impressive first year with the DSL in 2011. Ruben Sosa spent more time as a DH than as a second baseman in his second season in the organization, but I think that has probably as much to do with finding playing time as anything else. He showed fairly strong on-base skills but little in the way of power.
Jose Martinez didn't fare well in his transition to Oklahoma City for the final 23 games of the season and that brought down his .304/.362/.464 line from his first 107 games at Corpus. He had a successful campaign in the Venezuelan winter league which is a very competitive league, though, so look for him to catch up to the AAA level this season. He is another player whose potential should not be discounted due to his age as injuries, coupled with a family tragedy, sidetracked his career prior to 2012.
Enrique Hernandez, also known as Kiké, had an interesting season. 2012 was his first season to be 100% healthy and to get regular playing time since an ankle injury sidetracked him. The combination agreed with him as he recaptured the promise that he had shown in his 2010 Tri-City season, leading to a late season promotion from Lancaster to Corpus Christi. Kiké will need to balance the aggressiveness he showed in 2012 with the more patient approach he showed at the plate in 2011 when he had a .341 OBP. Hernandez showed that balance this winter as he played in the Puerto Rican winter league, hitting .320/.379/.469 in 39 games.
Two other players to keep an eye on in 2013 are John Hinson (Lexington) and Brandon Wikoff (Corpus Christi) each of whom had injury-shortened seasons in 2012. Hinson was used primarily as a third baseman before his injury, but he played second base in 2011. Wikoff has played wherever needed and profiles as a solid utility infielder.
Monday: First Base
Coming Wednesday: Shortstop
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Astros Winter League Cumulative Stats - Position Players
The regular seasons are over for all of the winter season leagues except for the Australian Baseball League so let's take a look at how your Astros did. On Monday, we looked at the pitchers. Today, let's look at the position players. There were several outstanding performances.
OF George Springer (Arizona Fall League)
Springer had a particularly good fall campaign. In 21 games, he hit .286/.412/.600 with four doubles, three triples, four home runs and five stolen bases. His OPS was fourth in the league and his SLG was third in the league. He was the only Astros winter league player with an OPS over 1.000.
SS Jio Mier (Arizona Fall League)
Jio Mier was designated as a taxi squad player (only intended to play twice a week), but ended up working his way into regular playing time later in the season and played some third base as well as shortstop. In 17 games, he hit .297/.333/.422 with eight doubles. This was particularly good to see since Jio missed a large chunk of the season due to injury. Also, it's harder to discount Jio's good stats at Lancaster this season when he was able to repeat good numbers against some of the best players in the minor leagues.
2B Jose Altuve (Venezuelan Winter League)
BREAKING NEWS!!! Jose Altuve can hit. What else is new? .336/.406/.441 with 10 doubles, a triple, a home run and eight stolen bases in 35 games sounds about right.
2B Enrique "Kiké" Hernandez (Puerto Rican Winter League)
I was very pleased to see Kiké build on his 2012 comeback season. In 39 games in the regular LBPRC season, he hit .320/.379/.469 with 12 doubles, two triples, two home runs and four stolen bases. He was sixth in the league in BA, 13th in OBP, eighth in SLG and fifth in OPS. Watch out Altuve, Kiké is catching up to you (and he's just as big a hit with the fans!). Although he primarily played second base, he also played several games at third.
OF Brandon Barnes (Venezuelan Winter League)
And speaking of fan favorites, Brandon Barnes quickly wowed the LVBP fans with his style of play. Brandon only played in 28 games and was back in the States in time to spend Thanksgiving with his wife and daughter, but the Caracas crowd had already adopted him as one of their own. He hit .292/.353/.491 with three doubles, three triples and four home runs.
Others of Note
2B Jose Martinez hit a healthy .287/.358/.401 with seven doubles and four home runs in 46 games and ranked in the top 20 in BA and OBP in the LVBP. C Carlos Corporan hit .293/.377/.466 with four doubles and two home runs in 23 games in the Puerto Rican Winter League regular season. C Carlos Perez hit a more than respectable .324/.398/.500 with 13 doubles and two home runs in 32 games in the Liga Paralela. And last, but certainly not least, C Luis Alavarez not only hit a robust .340/.398/.474 in 28 games in the Liga Paralela, he also went 6-for-7 with two home runs, five RBI and three runs scored in the playoffs as his Magallanes team won the Liga Paralela crown.
OF George Springer (Arizona Fall League)
Springer had a particularly good fall campaign. In 21 games, he hit .286/.412/.600 with four doubles, three triples, four home runs and five stolen bases. His OPS was fourth in the league and his SLG was third in the league. He was the only Astros winter league player with an OPS over 1.000.
SS Jio Mier (Arizona Fall League)
Jio Mier was designated as a taxi squad player (only intended to play twice a week), but ended up working his way into regular playing time later in the season and played some third base as well as shortstop. In 17 games, he hit .297/.333/.422 with eight doubles. This was particularly good to see since Jio missed a large chunk of the season due to injury. Also, it's harder to discount Jio's good stats at Lancaster this season when he was able to repeat good numbers against some of the best players in the minor leagues.
2B Jose Altuve (Venezuelan Winter League)
BREAKING NEWS!!! Jose Altuve can hit. What else is new? .336/.406/.441 with 10 doubles, a triple, a home run and eight stolen bases in 35 games sounds about right.
2B Enrique "Kiké" Hernandez (Puerto Rican Winter League)
I was very pleased to see Kiké build on his 2012 comeback season. In 39 games in the regular LBPRC season, he hit .320/.379/.469 with 12 doubles, two triples, two home runs and four stolen bases. He was sixth in the league in BA, 13th in OBP, eighth in SLG and fifth in OPS. Watch out Altuve, Kiké is catching up to you (and he's just as big a hit with the fans!). Although he primarily played second base, he also played several games at third.
OF Brandon Barnes (Venezuelan Winter League)
And speaking of fan favorites, Brandon Barnes quickly wowed the LVBP fans with his style of play. Brandon only played in 28 games and was back in the States in time to spend Thanksgiving with his wife and daughter, but the Caracas crowd had already adopted him as one of their own. He hit .292/.353/.491 with three doubles, three triples and four home runs.
Others of Note
2B Jose Martinez hit a healthy .287/.358/.401 with seven doubles and four home runs in 46 games and ranked in the top 20 in BA and OBP in the LVBP. C Carlos Corporan hit .293/.377/.466 with four doubles and two home runs in 23 games in the Puerto Rican Winter League regular season. C Carlos Perez hit a more than respectable .324/.398/.500 with 13 doubles and two home runs in 32 games in the Liga Paralela. And last, but certainly not least, C Luis Alavarez not only hit a robust .340/.398/.474 in 28 games in the Liga Paralela, he also went 6-for-7 with two home runs, five RBI and three runs scored in the playoffs as his Magallanes team won the Liga Paralela crown.
Here are the full regular season stats for all Astros position players participating in winter league play.
Friday, January 4, 2013
Happy Birthday - 1/4
Happy Birthday to ~
RHP Zach Dando (22)
Originally from Colorado, Zach was drafted by the Astros in the 32nd round in 2011 out of Central Arizona College. In 19 appearances in relief for Greeneville in 2012, he had a 3.18 ERA and a 1.265 WHIP.
RHP Zach Dando (22)
Originally from Colorado, Zach was drafted by the Astros in the 32nd round in 2011 out of Central Arizona College. In 19 appearances in relief for Greeneville in 2012, he had a 3.18 ERA and a 1.265 WHIP.
Also Jose Martinez, Pitching Coach for the 2012 DSL Astros, turns 42 today.
Former Astros with birthdays today ~
CF Jason Bourgeois (31)
Jason was drafted by the Texas Rangers in the 2nd round in 2000 out of Forest Brook High School in Houston and came to the Astros as a waiver claim in 2010. After putting up rather pedestrian numbers in 69 games for Houston in 2010, Jason found his groove in 2011 as he got more regular playing time. In 93 games for Houston in 2011, he compiled a .294/.323./.357/.680 batting line with 31 stolen bases. He was traded to Kansas City in March 2012 along with Humberto Quintero for Kevin Chapman and D'Andre Toney. Most recently, Bourgeois signed as a free agent with Tampa Bay in December.
RHP Don McMahon (died July 22, 1987 at 57)
McMahon was purchased by Houston from the Milwaukee Braves in May 1962 and pitched in 100 games for the 1962 and 1963 Colt 45's with a ERA of 2.81 and WHIP of 1.245. He was an All-Star for Milwaukee in 1958. He played a total of 18 seasons in the major leagues for seven teams with a 2.96 ERA and a 1.246 WHIP in 874 appearances.
RHP Larry Yellen (70)
Yellen was signed by Houston as an amateur free agent in 1963 and pitched in 14 games for the 1963 and 1964 Colt .45's with a 6.23 ERA and a 1.731 WHIP.
Former Astros with birthdays today ~
CF Jason Bourgeois (31)
Jason was drafted by the Texas Rangers in the 2nd round in 2000 out of Forest Brook High School in Houston and came to the Astros as a waiver claim in 2010. After putting up rather pedestrian numbers in 69 games for Houston in 2010, Jason found his groove in 2011 as he got more regular playing time. In 93 games for Houston in 2011, he compiled a .294/.323./.357/.680 batting line with 31 stolen bases. He was traded to Kansas City in March 2012 along with Humberto Quintero for Kevin Chapman and D'Andre Toney. Most recently, Bourgeois signed as a free agent with Tampa Bay in December.
RHP Don McMahon (died July 22, 1987 at 57)
McMahon was purchased by Houston from the Milwaukee Braves in May 1962 and pitched in 100 games for the 1962 and 1963 Colt 45's with a ERA of 2.81 and WHIP of 1.245. He was an All-Star for Milwaukee in 1958. He played a total of 18 seasons in the major leagues for seven teams with a 2.96 ERA and a 1.246 WHIP in 874 appearances.
RHP Larry Yellen (70)
Yellen was signed by Houston as an amateur free agent in 1963 and pitched in 14 games for the 1963 and 1964 Colt .45's with a 6.23 ERA and a 1.731 WHIP.
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Corpus Christi Hooks Season Recap
So far we have looked at the seasons for the DSL Astros, the GCL Astros, the Greeneville Astros, the Lexington Legends, and the Oklahoma City Redhawks. Now let's take a look at the AA Corpus Christi Hooks. Here's a quick look at how the 2011 and 2012 teams compare.
2011 Wins-Losses/Win Percentage: 50-90/.357
2012 Wins-Losses/Win Percentage: 81-59/.579
2011 Runs Scored - Runs Allowed = Run Differential: 605 - 761 = (156)
2012 Runs Scored - Runs Allowed = Run Differential: 736 - 628 = 108
2011 Team ERA & WHIP: 5.01 & 1.460
2012 Team ERA & WHIP: 4.07 & 1.332
2011 Team Batting Line: .258/.320/.388
2012 Team Batting Line: .268/.342/.410
This team not only won 31 more games than last season, they also had a 264-run swing in their run differential and made their first post-season appearance since 2006. I knew they would be a better team than last season, but Wow! In the Texas League, Corpus ranked first (out of eight teams) in batting average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, runs, hits, doubles and RBI.
Let's look at just a few of the outstanding position players for the Corpus team.
1B Jon Singleton finished the regular season hitting .284/.396/.497 with 27 doubles, four triples and 21 home runs. He was second in the league in walks and runs, and in the top 10 in on-base percentage, slugging percentage, doubles, home runs and RBI.
The triumverate of 2B Jose Martinez, OF Austin Wates and OF Jake Goebbert tied for fourth in the league in batting average. Martinez' .304/.362/.464 was good enough to land him in the top 10 in the league in SLG and OPS, and although he was at Oklahoma City for the final 23 games of the season, he was still in the top 10 in runs and RBI. Wates was tenth in the league in OBP with a batting line of .304/.375/.429. Goebbert quietly went about hitting fourth in the league in OBP, sixth in OPS and eighth in SLG as he hit .304/.399/.473 with 23 doubles, six triples and nine home runs. 3B Andy Simunic (.297/.349/.345) also ranked in the top 10 in batting average.
I will look at CF George Springer and 2B Kike Hernandez when I look at the Lancaster team since they played the majority of the season there, and we'll see how their stats stacked up in the California League.
Other players of note include SS Ben Orloff who only played in 39 games for the Hooks after playing the bulk of the season in Lancaster. He hit .295/.360/.352 at Corpus and .288/.362/.316 at Lancaster. And OF Drew Locke, playing in 68 games for the Hooks after a June pick-up, hit .295/.347/.456 and, it should be noted, provided the fans with a little extra excitement as he hit grand slams in back-to-back games.
As far as pitchers go, there were several very good pitchers for Corpus Christi who were promoted to Oklahoma City (Jarred Cosart, Jose Cisnero and Brett Oberholtzer) and I looked at their seasons in conjunction with the Oklahoma City season recap. However, one other starter at Corpus who came into his own this season was RHP Ross Seaton. Seaton was young for the Texas League last season. It showed at times and he repeated the level. In 25 starts for the Hooks this season, he was 8-8 with a 4.07 ERA (11th in the league among qualified pitchers) and a 1.274 WHIP (tied for 6th) and was also 7th in strikeouts. He dipped a toe in with four starts at Oklahoma City and was 0-1 with a 3.09 ERA and a 1.329 WHIP in those starts.
The relief corps was dominated by the one-two punch of LHP Kevin Chapman and RHP Jason Stoffel who pitched many an eighth and ninth innings for the Hooks with great results. Chapman was 6-3 with a 2.64 ERA and a 1.397 WHIP in 49 appearances while Stoffel was 2-1 with a 2.33 ERA, a 0.982 WHIP and a league-leading 27 saves in 56 appearances.
In limited time for the Hooks, newcomers RHP Asher Wojciechowski and RHP Matt Heidenreich had good results. Wojciechowski was 2-2 in eight starts with a 2.06 ERA and a 1.008 WHIP while Heidenreich was 3-1 with a 3.93 ERA and a 1.340 WHIP in eight games (seven starts). RHP Paul Clemens also fared well in his return to Corpus, after struggling in Oklahoma City this season, as he went 3-2 with a 3.98 ERA and a 1.248 WHIP in seven starts to end the season. I will look at RHP Bobby Doran in conjunction with the Lancaster recap.
Although the playoffs were disappointing, LHP Rob Rasmussen's performance was outstanding as he pitched seven shutout innings with a 1.143 WHIP.
I will look at the final two teams, Lancaster and Tri-City, when they finish post-season play.
2011 Wins-Losses/Win Percentage: 50-90/.357
2012 Wins-Losses/Win Percentage: 81-59/.579
2011 Runs Scored - Runs Allowed = Run Differential: 605 - 761 = (156)
2012 Runs Scored - Runs Allowed = Run Differential: 736 - 628 = 108
2011 Team ERA & WHIP: 5.01 & 1.460
2012 Team ERA & WHIP: 4.07 & 1.332
2011 Team Batting Line: .258/.320/.388
2012 Team Batting Line: .268/.342/.410
This team not only won 31 more games than last season, they also had a 264-run swing in their run differential and made their first post-season appearance since 2006. I knew they would be a better team than last season, but Wow! In the Texas League, Corpus ranked first (out of eight teams) in batting average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, runs, hits, doubles and RBI.
Let's look at just a few of the outstanding position players for the Corpus team.
1B Jon Singleton finished the regular season hitting .284/.396/.497 with 27 doubles, four triples and 21 home runs. He was second in the league in walks and runs, and in the top 10 in on-base percentage, slugging percentage, doubles, home runs and RBI.
The triumverate of 2B Jose Martinez, OF Austin Wates and OF Jake Goebbert tied for fourth in the league in batting average. Martinez' .304/.362/.464 was good enough to land him in the top 10 in the league in SLG and OPS, and although he was at Oklahoma City for the final 23 games of the season, he was still in the top 10 in runs and RBI. Wates was tenth in the league in OBP with a batting line of .304/.375/.429. Goebbert quietly went about hitting fourth in the league in OBP, sixth in OPS and eighth in SLG as he hit .304/.399/.473 with 23 doubles, six triples and nine home runs. 3B Andy Simunic (.297/.349/.345) also ranked in the top 10 in batting average.
I will look at CF George Springer and 2B Kike Hernandez when I look at the Lancaster team since they played the majority of the season there, and we'll see how their stats stacked up in the California League.
Other players of note include SS Ben Orloff who only played in 39 games for the Hooks after playing the bulk of the season in Lancaster. He hit .295/.360/.352 at Corpus and .288/.362/.316 at Lancaster. And OF Drew Locke, playing in 68 games for the Hooks after a June pick-up, hit .295/.347/.456 and, it should be noted, provided the fans with a little extra excitement as he hit grand slams in back-to-back games.
As far as pitchers go, there were several very good pitchers for Corpus Christi who were promoted to Oklahoma City (Jarred Cosart, Jose Cisnero and Brett Oberholtzer) and I looked at their seasons in conjunction with the Oklahoma City season recap. However, one other starter at Corpus who came into his own this season was RHP Ross Seaton. Seaton was young for the Texas League last season. It showed at times and he repeated the level. In 25 starts for the Hooks this season, he was 8-8 with a 4.07 ERA (11th in the league among qualified pitchers) and a 1.274 WHIP (tied for 6th) and was also 7th in strikeouts. He dipped a toe in with four starts at Oklahoma City and was 0-1 with a 3.09 ERA and a 1.329 WHIP in those starts.
The relief corps was dominated by the one-two punch of LHP Kevin Chapman and RHP Jason Stoffel who pitched many an eighth and ninth innings for the Hooks with great results. Chapman was 6-3 with a 2.64 ERA and a 1.397 WHIP in 49 appearances while Stoffel was 2-1 with a 2.33 ERA, a 0.982 WHIP and a league-leading 27 saves in 56 appearances.
In limited time for the Hooks, newcomers RHP Asher Wojciechowski and RHP Matt Heidenreich had good results. Wojciechowski was 2-2 in eight starts with a 2.06 ERA and a 1.008 WHIP while Heidenreich was 3-1 with a 3.93 ERA and a 1.340 WHIP in eight games (seven starts). RHP Paul Clemens also fared well in his return to Corpus, after struggling in Oklahoma City this season, as he went 3-2 with a 3.98 ERA and a 1.248 WHIP in seven starts to end the season. I will look at RHP Bobby Doran in conjunction with the Lancaster recap.
Although the playoffs were disappointing, LHP Rob Rasmussen's performance was outstanding as he pitched seven shutout innings with a 1.143 WHIP.
I will look at the final two teams, Lancaster and Tri-City, when they finish post-season play.
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.
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Minor League Results
Friday's Results
DSL Royals 5 DSL Astros 6
First off, the DSL Astros have now won 3 in a row. The third, Friday's game wasn't exactly a
charm either. The Astros had the lead until the 6th inning when they fell behind a run, 5-4.
The DSL Astros came back for a run in both the 7th and 8th innings to take back the win. Leading the offensive charge,
Pedro Coa hit 2 for 3 with 2 RBIs.
Hector Roa also went 2 for 3 with an RBI and a run scored. Nary a DSL Astro struck out on Friday. Juan Delis picked up his first win Friday after
coming on in the 6th to replace Yonquelys Martinez. Martinez was charged with the blown save. Delis threw 2 and 2-thirds, allowing only a hit, a walk and striking out
1. Rauldison Rodriguez picked up his
first save ever after clocking in for the final frame, keeping it scoreless,
walking 1 and fanning 1.
GCL Astros 8 GCL Nationals 3
The GCL Astros got on top early Friday, scoring all 8 of
their runs in the first 3 innings. The
Astros batted around the order in the 1st inning and scored 5 runs. Yonathan Mejia went 2 for 5 with 2 RBIs. Jon Carnahan had 2 RBIs of his own and went 2
for 4 at the plate. Jandel Gustave (2-0)
picked up the win even though he was the only Astros pitcher to allow any runs
all day (all 3 runs on 3 hits). Gusatve
also walked 3.
Greeneville Astros 12 Elizabethton Twins 9
The best time to give up 9 runs to the opponent is when you
plan on scoring 12. The opposition was
never really close Friday until a 5-run 8th inning got them within 2. The Astros brought their bats with them on
Friday; they had 17 hits. Jean Batista
(2 for 5, 4 RBI) and Ariel Ovando (2 for 5, RBI) both homered in the game. Angel Ibanez and Ricky Gingras both went 3
for 5 at the dish and Gingras had a pair of RBIs. Frederick Tiburcio (2-3) picked up the win
after tossing the first 5 innings.
Tiburcio had an interesting outing Friday, allowing 4 runs (3 ER) on 4
hits, 2 homers, walking 4 and striking out 6.
Jordan Jankowski picked up his first save after throwing the final 1 and
a third and striking out 2. Jankowskinow has 33 Ks in 19.2 innings.
Tri-City ValleyCats 4 Hudson Valley Renegades 2 (7)
In the first game of the doubleheader on Friday, the ValleyCats
got on top early and coasted to the victory.
Jobduan Morales couldn't be fooled in this game. Morales hit 3 for 3 with a pair of RBIs. Jesse Wierzbicki got in on the action too,
batting 2 for 4 and scoring 2 runs. Aaron
West (5-0) claimed another win after throwing the first 6 and a third
innings. West allowed 2 runs (1ER) on 7
hits, walked 2 and struck out 8. Blake
Ford came on for the final out and picked up save number 11 of the season.
Tri-City ValleyCats 7 Hudson Valley Renegades 0 (7)
Brian Holmes is, without a doubt, the man of the day for the
ValleyCats. Holmes came within a hair of
throwing a perfect game on Friday for Tri-City.
A single in the final frame ended the bid for Holmes. Holmes struck out 6 in his pursuit. The offense was behind him in the second game
of the doubleheader too. The ValleyCats
had 13 hits and 6 players with multi-hit games.
Jesse Wierzbicki remained strong at the plate Friday, batting 2 for 4,
with a 3-bagger and 2 RBIs. Joe Sclafani
was 2 of 3 with a walk, 2 runs scored and had his own pair of RBIs.
Hagerstown Suns Lexington Legends - Postponed
Inland Empire 66ers 15 Lancaster Jethawks 1
When the opponent scores 13 runs in the first 3 frames, it's
usually not a good day at the ballpark for the home team. This was the case on
Friday for Lancaster. Blair Walters had
a rough debut for Lancaster after coming over as part of the Brett Meyers trade
with the White Sox organization. Walters
was on the mound for the first 2 and a third and he allowed 9 runs on 10 hits,
1 dinger and walked a couple. Jorge De Leon came on for the next 2 and 2-thirds
and had about as tough of a time. De
Leon allowed 5 runs on 4 hits, 2 homers (one of which was a grand slam), walked
1 and struck out 3. Chia-Jen Lo came on
for frames 6 and 7 and had a perfect outing, striking out 1.
Midland RockHounds 5 Corpus Christi Hooks 6
It came down to the last out at Whataburger Field on Friday,
but the Hooks came back to hang 4 in the last frame and win the game. The Hooks were getting shut out until the 7th
when Adam Bailey hit a 2-run tater that scored Drew Locke. Bailey ended up 2 for 4 at the plate with 3
RBIs total. Jose Martinez was 1 for 4 on
the day with a walk, but his "1" was the walk off single that won the
game. Paul Clemens started the game for
Corpus Christi and through 6 and 2-thirds allowed 4 runs on 7 hits, 1 walk and
K-ed 7. Alex Sogard (2-1) got the win
after finishing out the game, allowing 1 run on a solo homer and striking out
1.
Iowa Cubs 5 Oklahoma City RedHawks 0
The RedHawks were shut out at home on Friday. There just wasn't much going for them in this
game. There were some accomplishments
however. Fernando Martinez found a way to go 2 for 3 at the plate and pick up
his 20th double of the season. Jimmy
Paredes got on base with a walk in the 3rd and stole his 30th base of the
season. Jarred Cosart (0-2) took the loss after
allowing 3 runs on 4 hits and walking 1.
Cosart also struck out 5 through his 3 and 2-thirds innings of
work.
Player of the Day:
Jose Martinez takes the cake today.
Any time you hit a walk off single to seal a last-inning comeback victory
you should be allowed to have a little cake.
Pitcher of the Day: Have
you been paying attention? Tri-City's Brian Holmes is the man today. Holmes came shudder-ingly close to a perfecto
on Friday and that kind of performance is special. Well done, Mr. Holmes.
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Minor League Results
Friday's Results
DSL Dodgers 8 DSL Astros 2
The DSL Astros had 5 hits on Friday and with the pitching
staff allowing 8 runs (6 ER), it just wasn't enough. Cristian Murillo drew 2 walks Friday, but
didn't get a hit and Hector Roa picked up a RBI-sacrifice-fly, but went hitless
as well. Elieser Hernandez picked up his
3rd loss of the season. Hernandez
allowed 4 runs on 6 hits in 2 innings pitched. Yonquelys Martinez came on for
the final two innings and kept them scoreless, giving up a single hit and a K.
GCL Astros 0 GCL Nationals 1
Lance McCullers made his professional debut Friday and what
better way to come in as a young pitcher than a duel? The two teams combined for 9 hits of which
the Astros owned 4. McCullers threw the
first 3 innings and kept them scoreless, giving up only a hit and striking out
two. Agapito Barrios, who came on to
pitch next, had a good outing as well.
Barrios allowed just one run on 4 hits over 5 and 2 thirds. That single run sealed the fate of the GCL
Astros on Friday.
Elizebethton Twins 2 Greeneville Astros 3 (10)
This game went back and forth all night and I do mean all
night. The game time was just under 3
hours with a matching 3 hour delay in the middle. The Astros had the lead twice before winning
it in the 10th. D'Andre Toney had a hit, a pair of walks and
scored a run. Brian Blasik went 1 for 5,
but his lone hit was the game winning, walk-off double to win it Friday
night. Euris Quezada came on to pitch
the final 3 frames Friday and collected the "W." Quezada kept the final 3 innings scoreless,
hitless and K'ed 5.
Tri-City ValleyCats 7 Williamsport Crosscutters 2
The ValleyCats were strong all around on Friday. 4 guys had multi-hit nights, two of those
were 3 hit performances (Austin Elkins and Tyler Heineman). Andrew Aplin even got in on the fun by
jacking his first professional tater. The
ValleyCats pitching staff was on Friday too.
They struck out 11 batters and kept the final 5 innings scoreless (4
were hitless). Vincent Velasquez picked up his third win
after pitching the first 6 innings, allowing 2 runs on 3 hits and striking out 8.
Kannapolis Intimidators 3 Lexington Legends 4
Lexington saved all their offense for the 7th inning on
Friday. With the help of 3 wild pitches
and Delino DeShields being hit by a pitch, they scored 4 in that inning. Jordan Scott went 2 for 4 at the plate Friday
with a couple RBIs and scored a run.
DeShields picked up stolen base number 65. Jonas Dufek was charged with all 3
Kannapolis runs, but still struck out 7 in 6 and 2 thirds innings pitched. Dayan Diaz picked up save number 13 after
allowing a hit and striking out 3.
Lancaster JetHawks 2 Visalia Rawhide 7 (7)
In the first game of the doubleheader on Friday, Nicholas
Tropeano had a rough outing and picked up his first loss (1-1). Tropeano gave up 5 runs on 7 hits in 5
innings pitched. One of those hits was a
2 out long ball. Brian Streilein, who
came on to relieve him, didn't do much better.
Streilein allowed 2 runs on 3 hits in his single inning of work. Rene Garcia
went 2 for 3 at the plate with a RBI.
The other RBI came from Enrique Hernandez.
Lancaster JetHawks 13 Visalia Rawhide 3 (7)
Lancaster made amends for the first game in a big way in the second contest. The JetHawks bats came
alive. George Springer went 3 for 3 with
a RBI and 2 runs scored. Ben Orloff also
went 3 for 3 with a double and a RBI.
Chris Epps went 2 for 3 and picked up 4 RBIs on a 4th inning grand slam. Carlos Quevedo picked up his first win after
pitching 3 frames, allowing 3 hits and striking out a trio.
Frisco RoughRiders 2 Corpus Christi Hooks 12
The headline on the Hooks website said it best for this one,
"Hooks Bomb RoughRiders," because, well, they did. The offense was staggering: every Hooks batter
got a hit, there were 5 homers, Jose Martinez had two of them, Austin Wates
went 4 for 5 and there were also 4 doubles.
The other 3 round-trippers belonged to Jon Singleton, Kody Hinze and
Jonathan Villar. Jake Buchanan (5-5)
added another win to his resume after allowing both runs on 9 hits and striking
out 1 in 6 innings on the bump. Kevin
Chapman came on to pitch the next 2 innings and allowed just a hit and struck
out 2. Alex Sogard finished it out and was
perfect on the mound, he struck out 1.
New Orleans Zephyrs 10 Oklahoma City RedHawks 8
The RedHawks certainly didn't lose this game for lack of
trying. The game had 5 lead changes and
the final change against the RedHawks wasn't made until the 8th inning. Carlos Corporan went 3 for 4 with 2 RBI, 3
runs scored and a homer. Brandon Barnes
also went 3 for 4 with a RBI and a double. Starter, Brian Bass struggled Friday and left
the game after 2 and 2 thirds innings.
Bass allowed 6 runs on 8 hits, struck out 4 and gave up a home run. Mickey Storey (7-3) took the loss after coming
on for 2 thirds in the 8th. Storey allowed 3 runs on a homer and struck out 1.
Player of the Day: There are two winners today. Lexington's Chris Epps gets the honor for his
grand slam Friday. Jose Martinez shares
the podium with him because, although he didn't hit a grand-salami, he hit two
home runs that net a grand total of 4 runs.
Pitcher of the Day: Lance McCullers gets the nod today for a
solid performance in his professional debut.
Now to do something about that kid's hair.
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Minor League Results
Saturday's Results
DSL Astros 4 DSL Cardinals 2 (10)
GCL Nationals 1 GCL Astros 0 (12)
The GCL Astros just couldn't get anything started on Saturday, despite having at least 1 base runner in every inning except 3 (1st, 8th and 12th) of this 12 inning game. Astros pitching posed the same problem for the Nationals Saturday too. Starting pitcher Agapito Barrios struck out 4 over 5 innings and allowed 3 hits. The next two pitchers , Brandon Culbreth and Erik Gonzalez, struck out 5 more and allowed just 2 hits each. Alan Abreu only gave up 2 hits too, but they were a single and a walk off double in the 12th. Abreu was charged with the loss. Teoscar Hernandez had 3 stolen bases on the day with one walk in 4 AB's (He also reached base on a throwing error). Juan Santana was the only Astro with a multi-hit game on Saturday, going 2 for 5.
Aberdeen IronBirds 2 Tri-City ValleyCats 8
The ValleyCats began a new 3 game series with the IronBirds Saturday and seem to have put the previous 3 game series sweep behind them. Aaron West claimed his second win after pitching 5 innings and giving up just 2 hits. West also struck out 3 and walked 1. All 4 Tri-City pitchers combined to give up just 6 hits all night. Neiko Johnson got on base every trip up with 1 hit and 4 walks (Aberdeen pitchers gave out 12 walks Saturday) and scored a couple runs. Tyler Heineman and Jesse Wierzbicki both went 2 for 4 with and RBI each.
Lexington Legends 6 Hagerstown Suns 9
Lexington dropped their 4th straight to Hagerstown Saturday. Nolan Fontana had a nice night at the plate though, hitting 3 for 5 with a double. Matt Duffy went 2 for 5 with a double and 3 RBI's bring him to 45 on the season. Luis Ordosgoitti had a rough outing, allowing 5 runs on 7 hits, but left the game in the 5th with the score all square. Nathan Pettus was charged with his 5th loss of the season after giving up the go ahead run in the 5th.
Stockton Ports 5 Lancaster JetHawks 9
Saturday was the second time in last 2 nights that Lancaster has come from behind to win the game. The comeback was a massive 7 run 5th inning that started with a Grant Hogue RBI single, included a game-tying Domingo Santana 2 run tater and ended with an Enrique Hernandez 2 RBI double. Santana went 4 for 5 on the night. George Springer went 2 for 4 with a walk, a RBI and a couple runs scored. One reason the bats were so hot Saturday night was that not one Lancaster Jethawk struck out all night. Tyson Perez started the game and gave up 3 runs on 5 hits before leaving in the 4th inning with a hand injury. Pat Urckfitz collected save number 6 after throwing the final 3 frames with 1 hit, 1 walk and 4 strikeouts.
Corpus Christi Hooks 7 NW Arkansas Naturals 3
Oklahoma City RedHawks 5 New Orleans Zephyrs 9
The score doesn't truly reflect what a rough game this was for Oklahoma City pitchers. The RedHawks pitchers allowed 7 long balls. Brett Oberholtzer tossed into 5 of them in his 4 innings of work and received the loss. Oberholtzer had 7 runs on 12 hits and 2 strike outs. Sergio Perez and Wilton Lopez, who both came on after Oberholtzer, teamed up to hand out just 2 hits each, but 50% of those were dingers too. Marwin Gonzalez had a nice night at the dish, hitting 2 for 4 with a walk, a double and 3 RBI. Carlos Corporan cooled off a little from Friday night, going 2 for 4 and scoring a couple runs.
Game of the Day
Bristol White Sox 2 Greeneville Astros 14
What went right: The bats were hot, the pitching was solid and Bristol committed 5 errors.
What went wrong: Andrew Walter squeaks by under the radar because his team scored 14 runs, but after coming on for the final frame, Walter walked 4 batters and allowed one to cross home on a wild pitch.
Francis Ramirez (W, 3-0)- 5IP 2H R 3BB 6SO
Tanner Bushue (H, 1)- 3IP 0H 0R 2BB 2SO WP
Andrew Walter- 1IP 0H R 4BB 1SO WP
Jean Batista- 2X5 2R 3B 2RBI SO
Brian Blasik- 2X5 R 2B RBI
Player of the Day: I've got 3 for you: First, Jose Martinez for his 3rd 5 RBI performance of the season. Second, Domingo Santana for tying up the 2nd game in a row and setting up a come back win, this time with a two run shot in the 5th inning Saturday. Last, but not least, Terrell Joyce gets some love for swatting his first career, 2 run homer.
Pitcher of the Day: Tri-City's Aaron West gets the honor today for giving up only a couple of hits in his start. After it was over and he had gotten his "W", West even said he "Felt like he could go further," according to the ValleyCats website.
DSL Astros 4 DSL Cardinals 2 (10)
GCL Nationals 1 GCL Astros 0 (12)
The GCL Astros just couldn't get anything started on Saturday, despite having at least 1 base runner in every inning except 3 (1st, 8th and 12th) of this 12 inning game. Astros pitching posed the same problem for the Nationals Saturday too. Starting pitcher Agapito Barrios struck out 4 over 5 innings and allowed 3 hits. The next two pitchers , Brandon Culbreth and Erik Gonzalez, struck out 5 more and allowed just 2 hits each. Alan Abreu only gave up 2 hits too, but they were a single and a walk off double in the 12th. Abreu was charged with the loss. Teoscar Hernandez had 3 stolen bases on the day with one walk in 4 AB's (He also reached base on a throwing error). Juan Santana was the only Astro with a multi-hit game on Saturday, going 2 for 5.
Aberdeen IronBirds 2 Tri-City ValleyCats 8
The ValleyCats began a new 3 game series with the IronBirds Saturday and seem to have put the previous 3 game series sweep behind them. Aaron West claimed his second win after pitching 5 innings and giving up just 2 hits. West also struck out 3 and walked 1. All 4 Tri-City pitchers combined to give up just 6 hits all night. Neiko Johnson got on base every trip up with 1 hit and 4 walks (Aberdeen pitchers gave out 12 walks Saturday) and scored a couple runs. Tyler Heineman and Jesse Wierzbicki both went 2 for 4 with and RBI each.
Lexington Legends 6 Hagerstown Suns 9
Lexington dropped their 4th straight to Hagerstown Saturday. Nolan Fontana had a nice night at the plate though, hitting 3 for 5 with a double. Matt Duffy went 2 for 5 with a double and 3 RBI's bring him to 45 on the season. Luis Ordosgoitti had a rough outing, allowing 5 runs on 7 hits, but left the game in the 5th with the score all square. Nathan Pettus was charged with his 5th loss of the season after giving up the go ahead run in the 5th.
Stockton Ports 5 Lancaster JetHawks 9
Saturday was the second time in last 2 nights that Lancaster has come from behind to win the game. The comeback was a massive 7 run 5th inning that started with a Grant Hogue RBI single, included a game-tying Domingo Santana 2 run tater and ended with an Enrique Hernandez 2 RBI double. Santana went 4 for 5 on the night. George Springer went 2 for 4 with a walk, a RBI and a couple runs scored. One reason the bats were so hot Saturday night was that not one Lancaster Jethawk struck out all night. Tyson Perez started the game and gave up 3 runs on 5 hits before leaving in the 4th inning with a hand injury. Pat Urckfitz collected save number 6 after throwing the final 3 frames with 1 hit, 1 walk and 4 strikeouts.
Corpus Christi Hooks 7 NW Arkansas Naturals 3
Oklahoma City RedHawks 5 New Orleans Zephyrs 9
The score doesn't truly reflect what a rough game this was for Oklahoma City pitchers. The RedHawks pitchers allowed 7 long balls. Brett Oberholtzer tossed into 5 of them in his 4 innings of work and received the loss. Oberholtzer had 7 runs on 12 hits and 2 strike outs. Sergio Perez and Wilton Lopez, who both came on after Oberholtzer, teamed up to hand out just 2 hits each, but 50% of those were dingers too. Marwin Gonzalez had a nice night at the dish, hitting 2 for 4 with a walk, a double and 3 RBI. Carlos Corporan cooled off a little from Friday night, going 2 for 4 and scoring a couple runs.
Game of the Day
Bristol White Sox 2 Greeneville Astros 14
What went right: The bats were hot, the pitching was solid and Bristol committed 5 errors.
What went wrong: Andrew Walter squeaks by under the radar because his team scored 14 runs, but after coming on for the final frame, Walter walked 4 batters and allowed one to cross home on a wild pitch.
Francis Ramirez (W, 3-0)- 5IP 2H R 3BB 6SO
Tanner Bushue (H, 1)- 3IP 0H 0R 2BB 2SO WP
Andrew Walter- 1IP 0H R 4BB 1SO WP
Jean Batista- 2X5 2R 3B 2RBI SO
Brian Blasik- 2X5 R 2B RBI
Player of the Day: I've got 3 for you: First, Jose Martinez for his 3rd 5 RBI performance of the season. Second, Domingo Santana for tying up the 2nd game in a row and setting up a come back win, this time with a two run shot in the 5th inning Saturday. Last, but not least, Terrell Joyce gets some love for swatting his first career, 2 run homer.
Pitcher of the Day: Tri-City's Aaron West gets the honor today for giving up only a couple of hits in his start. After it was over and he had gotten his "W", West even said he "Felt like he could go further," according to the ValleyCats website.
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.
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Minor League Schedule and Recaps
TUESDAY'S GAMES
DSL Rays at DSL Astros at 9:30 CST
West Virginia at Lexington at 6:05 CST
Probable Pitchers: TBD and Nick Tropeano (5-3, 2.82)
Available on MiLB.tv
Oklahoma City at New Orleans at 7:00 CST
Probable Pitchers: RHP Paul Clemens (7-4, 6.10) and RHP J.D. Martin (3-5, 6.50)
Available on MiLB.tv
San Antonio at Corpus Christi at 7:05 CST
Probable Pitchers: RHP Keyvius Sampson (2-6, 6.19) and LHP Brett Oberholtzer (4-3, 4.83)
Available on MiLB.tv
Lancaster at Rancho Cucamonga at 9:05 CST
Probable Pitchers: RHP Tyson Perez (4-1, 5.80) and RHP Zach Lee (2-2, 4.37)
MONDAY'S RECAPS
[Note: For the third straight day, all Astros minor league affiliates are at .500 or better. DSL Astros, it's up to you to make it four days!]
DSL Dodgers over DSL Astros 12-1
The Astros were held to five hits while allowing 16. As good as Harold Arauz (L, 0-1) was in his first start, he was equally bad in his second as he allowed two runs (one earned) on three hits, a wild pitch and a hit batter and was lifted after only 0.1 innings. He was followed by a virtual parade of bad pitching until Frangy Colon struck out his only batter faced. An Arturo Michelina triple was pretty much the only offensive highlight of the game.
Lexington over West Virginia 6-4
Jonas Dufek (W, 3-1) didn't have an overwhelming performance as he allowed four runs on eight hits and no walks with six strikeouts but it was definitely a solid one. Murilo Gouvea pitched a perfect eighth and Dayan Diaz converted his sixth save. Lexington led this one from the start with good offensive performances from Matt Duffy (two RBIs), Mike Kvasnicka (double, two-run home run), Drew Muren (two RBIs) and Delino DeShields (two-for-four).
New Orleans over Oklahoma City 4-3
Armando Galaragga pitched a scoreless 4.2 innings in his first start for the Redhawks and was followed by relief pitching with mixed results as Adalberto Flores gave up two runs and three walks; Juan Abreu pitched a scoreless 1.1 innings; and Jose Valdez had his second straight rocky outing and was charged with the loss as he gave up two runs in the ninth. Angel Sanchez hit his fourth RBI of the season; Carlos Corporan was two-for-three with a double and two runs scored; and Brandon Barnes was one-for-three with two RBIs.
Rancho Cucamonga over Lancaster 5-4
This one was a heartbreaker. A win would have put Lancaster in a 4-way tie for first place. Unfortunately, Jason Chowning's continued struggles as he adjusts to HiA Lancaster resulted in a blown save and the loss. Bobby Doran had another good start as he only gave up one earned run (two runs) in six innings and was followed by a resurgent Andrew Robinson who gave up no runs and has a 1.84 ERA over his last ten appearances. Jason Chowning (L, 0-1) struck out his first batter in short order, but then allowed two runs on three hits before being pulled for Kirk Clark who allowed the winning run to score. Domingo Santana is feeling fine since coming off the DL as he added another two RBIs to his total. Kike Hernandez was two-for-three with a run scored. George Springer had been day to day, but appeared to be none the worse for wear as he hit a solo home run in his first at bat.
GAME OF THE DAY
Corpus Christi over San Antonio 5-1
What went right: Excellent pitching and Jose Martinez' walk up music.
The Hooks broke this one open in the sixth on the weight of a three-run Jose Martinez home run after only getting one hit in the first five innings. Jose Cisnero (W, 3-6) had a very strong start followed by solid relief from Josh Zeid and Jason Stoffel. I was just about to tweet that I couldn't take Jose Martinez' walk up music even one more time after listening to it for four days solid when he hit his home run. I guess I could learn to like it. Adam Bailey also had two RBIs for the night and Jon Singleton who has been slow at the plate as of late hit two very convincing doubles.
Jose Cisnero (W, 3-6) - 7IP 6H 1R 0BB 6SO
Josh Zeid - 1IP 0H 0R 0BB 1SO
Jason Stoffel - 1IP 1H 0R 0BB 1SO
Jose Martinez - 1x4 HR 3RBI R
Jon Singleton - 2x3 2-2B BB 2R
Jair Fernandez - 2x3 SO R
Adam Bailey - 0x3 2RBI
What went wrong: Brandon Wikoff had a very unusual hitless night to go with his first error of the season.
PITCHER OF THE DAY
Jose Cisnero was one of the only Hooks players that I didn't get to at least say hello to over the past four days. I'm glad to know that he benefited from the WTH juju anyway.
PLAYER OF THE DAY
That song. That song. I can't get it out of my head. Jose Martinez, you are my player of the day for helping to ensure a fifth straight Corpus victory and for driving me insane with your walk up music.
DSL Rays at DSL Astros at 9:30 CST
West Virginia at Lexington at 6:05 CST
Probable Pitchers: TBD and Nick Tropeano (5-3, 2.82)
Available on MiLB.tv
Oklahoma City at New Orleans at 7:00 CST
Probable Pitchers: RHP Paul Clemens (7-4, 6.10) and RHP J.D. Martin (3-5, 6.50)
Available on MiLB.tv
San Antonio at Corpus Christi at 7:05 CST
Probable Pitchers: RHP Keyvius Sampson (2-6, 6.19) and LHP Brett Oberholtzer (4-3, 4.83)
Available on MiLB.tv
Lancaster at Rancho Cucamonga at 9:05 CST
Probable Pitchers: RHP Tyson Perez (4-1, 5.80) and RHP Zach Lee (2-2, 4.37)
MONDAY'S RECAPS
[Note: For the third straight day, all Astros minor league affiliates are at .500 or better. DSL Astros, it's up to you to make it four days!]
DSL Dodgers over DSL Astros 12-1
The Astros were held to five hits while allowing 16. As good as Harold Arauz (L, 0-1) was in his first start, he was equally bad in his second as he allowed two runs (one earned) on three hits, a wild pitch and a hit batter and was lifted after only 0.1 innings. He was followed by a virtual parade of bad pitching until Frangy Colon struck out his only batter faced. An Arturo Michelina triple was pretty much the only offensive highlight of the game.
Lexington over West Virginia 6-4
Jonas Dufek (W, 3-1) didn't have an overwhelming performance as he allowed four runs on eight hits and no walks with six strikeouts but it was definitely a solid one. Murilo Gouvea pitched a perfect eighth and Dayan Diaz converted his sixth save. Lexington led this one from the start with good offensive performances from Matt Duffy (two RBIs), Mike Kvasnicka (double, two-run home run), Drew Muren (two RBIs) and Delino DeShields (two-for-four).
New Orleans over Oklahoma City 4-3
Armando Galaragga pitched a scoreless 4.2 innings in his first start for the Redhawks and was followed by relief pitching with mixed results as Adalberto Flores gave up two runs and three walks; Juan Abreu pitched a scoreless 1.1 innings; and Jose Valdez had his second straight rocky outing and was charged with the loss as he gave up two runs in the ninth. Angel Sanchez hit his fourth RBI of the season; Carlos Corporan was two-for-three with a double and two runs scored; and Brandon Barnes was one-for-three with two RBIs.
Rancho Cucamonga over Lancaster 5-4
This one was a heartbreaker. A win would have put Lancaster in a 4-way tie for first place. Unfortunately, Jason Chowning's continued struggles as he adjusts to HiA Lancaster resulted in a blown save and the loss. Bobby Doran had another good start as he only gave up one earned run (two runs) in six innings and was followed by a resurgent Andrew Robinson who gave up no runs and has a 1.84 ERA over his last ten appearances. Jason Chowning (L, 0-1) struck out his first batter in short order, but then allowed two runs on three hits before being pulled for Kirk Clark who allowed the winning run to score. Domingo Santana is feeling fine since coming off the DL as he added another two RBIs to his total. Kike Hernandez was two-for-three with a run scored. George Springer had been day to day, but appeared to be none the worse for wear as he hit a solo home run in his first at bat.
GAME OF THE DAY
Corpus Christi over San Antonio 5-1
What went right: Excellent pitching and Jose Martinez' walk up music.
The Hooks broke this one open in the sixth on the weight of a three-run Jose Martinez home run after only getting one hit in the first five innings. Jose Cisnero (W, 3-6) had a very strong start followed by solid relief from Josh Zeid and Jason Stoffel. I was just about to tweet that I couldn't take Jose Martinez' walk up music even one more time after listening to it for four days solid when he hit his home run. I guess I could learn to like it. Adam Bailey also had two RBIs for the night and Jon Singleton who has been slow at the plate as of late hit two very convincing doubles.
Jose Cisnero (W, 3-6) - 7IP 6H 1R 0BB 6SO
Josh Zeid - 1IP 0H 0R 0BB 1SO
Jason Stoffel - 1IP 1H 0R 0BB 1SO
Jose Martinez - 1x4 HR 3RBI R
Jon Singleton - 2x3 2-2B BB 2R
Jair Fernandez - 2x3 SO R
Adam Bailey - 0x3 2RBI
What went wrong: Brandon Wikoff had a very unusual hitless night to go with his first error of the season.
PITCHER OF THE DAY
Jose Cisnero was one of the only Hooks players that I didn't get to at least say hello to over the past four days. I'm glad to know that he benefited from the WTH juju anyway.
PLAYER OF THE DAY
That song. That song. I can't get it out of my head. Jose Martinez, you are my player of the day for helping to ensure a fifth straight Corpus victory and for driving me insane with your walk up music.
Monday, April 16, 2012
In Luhnow We Trust?
Despite the extreme angst from bloggers and tweeps over Jeff Luhnow's off-season signing of Jack Cust, I really didn't have a huge problem with it because of what I'd seen from the way that Luhnow had operated up to that point. And, of course, Cust was subsequently released and the whole thing became a non-issue. There were only two off-season Luhnow signings that were, to me, puzzlers ... Jose Martinez and Mike Hessman.
Let's start with 2B Jose Martinez. After Martinez was signed, the first problem was figuring out which Jose Martinez, as Baseball-Reference currently lists 23 gentlemen with that name having played in the minor leagues. Once I determined that this was the correct individual, I was immediately concerned with the holes in his resume. He sat out all of 2009, only played 6 games in 2010 and sat out all of 2011. So, what happened to Martinez? Bryan Trostel at Astros County performed his Google-Fu magic and found this.
Despite the injuries and tragedy in Martinez' past, Jeff Luhnow felt that there was enough talent there to give the 26-year old former Cardinals farmhand another chance. How has Martinez repaid him for that chance? Through nine games with Corpus Christi, Martinez has 11 hits, three doubles, one triple, one home run and thirteen RBI's (which leads the team). His batting line is .333/.385/.576/.961 with four walks and only two strikeouts. He has no errors. Certainly it is too early in the season to know if Martinez will continue to perform at a high level, but he was certainly worth taking a chance on.
On the other side of the coin, we have the 34-year old 1B Mike Hessman. Hessman is a career .231 hitter in 17 seasons in the minor leagues (.188 in 109 games in the majors). He spent last season playing for the Orix Buffaloes in Osaka, Japan hitting .192. He has 1942 strikeouts in 6010 AB's in the minor leagues. What does he have going for him, you ask? Home runs. Hessman is the career active leader in the minors with 330.
In Hessman's first at bat for Oklahoma City, he hit a home run. Is Luhnow on to something? Not so much, at least not so far. After hitting well in the first three games, Hessman is hitless in the last six. He is hitting .194 with two walks and 13 strikeouts. Obviously, the season is young and anything can happen but at this point, I would have much preferred to have seen Jimmy VanOstrand at first base in Oklahoma City.
Luhnow appears to be batting .500 on these two moves. I will be interested to see if that changes during the course of the season.
Let's start with 2B Jose Martinez. After Martinez was signed, the first problem was figuring out which Jose Martinez, as Baseball-Reference currently lists 23 gentlemen with that name having played in the minor leagues. Once I determined that this was the correct individual, I was immediately concerned with the holes in his resume. He sat out all of 2009, only played 6 games in 2010 and sat out all of 2011. So, what happened to Martinez? Bryan Trostel at Astros County performed his Google-Fu magic and found this.
Despite the injuries and tragedy in Martinez' past, Jeff Luhnow felt that there was enough talent there to give the 26-year old former Cardinals farmhand another chance. How has Martinez repaid him for that chance? Through nine games with Corpus Christi, Martinez has 11 hits, three doubles, one triple, one home run and thirteen RBI's (which leads the team). His batting line is .333/.385/.576/.961 with four walks and only two strikeouts. He has no errors. Certainly it is too early in the season to know if Martinez will continue to perform at a high level, but he was certainly worth taking a chance on.
On the other side of the coin, we have the 34-year old 1B Mike Hessman. Hessman is a career .231 hitter in 17 seasons in the minor leagues (.188 in 109 games in the majors). He spent last season playing for the Orix Buffaloes in Osaka, Japan hitting .192. He has 1942 strikeouts in 6010 AB's in the minor leagues. What does he have going for him, you ask? Home runs. Hessman is the career active leader in the minors with 330.
In Hessman's first at bat for Oklahoma City, he hit a home run. Is Luhnow on to something? Not so much, at least not so far. After hitting well in the first three games, Hessman is hitless in the last six. He is hitting .194 with two walks and 13 strikeouts. Obviously, the season is young and anything can happen but at this point, I would have much preferred to have seen Jimmy VanOstrand at first base in Oklahoma City.
Luhnow appears to be batting .500 on these two moves. I will be interested to see if that changes during the course of the season.
Friday, February 24, 2012
Roster Moves - 2/23
According to Baseball America, the Astros have signed 26-year old 2B Jose Martinez. Described as a former number 8 prospect going into the 2008 season in this post on Scout.com from March 2011, they explain what went wrong for Martinez:
"His career stalled as he dealt with the after-effects of a very difficult family tragedy and several serious injuries, including a broken bone in his left foot and surgery on his right shoulder. Martinez missed almost all of the last two seasons in the process."
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