No future Astros with birthdays today, but these former Astros mark the day ~
RHP Josh Zeid (28)
Drafted by the Phillies in the 10th round in 2009 from Tulane, Zeid came to Houston as part of the Hunter Pence trade in July 2011. In 48 games for the Astros from 2013 through 2014, Zeid had a 5.21 ERA and a 1.552 WHIP. Zeid was claimed by Detroit off waivers in November 2014.
OF Jesus Alou (73)
Alou originally came to Houston as a part of the Rusty Staub trade with the Expos in January of 1969 and spent 1969 through part of the 1973 season with Houston and returned to the team for the 1978 and 1979 seasons as well. In 553 games for Houston, he hit .282/.313/.366. He spent all or parts of 15 seasons in the major leagues playing for four different teams, including the 1973 and 1974 World Series champion Oakland teams. He is the brother of Felipe and Matty Alou and uncle to Moises Alou.
RHP Jose Cabrera (43)
Acquired in a trade with Cleveland in May 1997, Cabrera pitched in 93 games over four seasons for Houston with a 4.32 ERA and a 1.302 WHIP before being claimed off waivers by Atlanta in April of 2001. He had his most successful season in the majors for Atlanta that year, going 7-4 in 55 games with a 2.88 ERA and a 1.298 WHIP. After one final season in the majors with Milwaukee in 2002, he kept playing in the minors, in independent ball and in Mexico. He last played for Tobasco in the Mexican League in 2012 where, at age 40, he went 1-0 with 23 saves, a 1.14 ERA and a 0.663 WHIP in 30 games.
RHP Jose "Papa Grande" Valverde (37)
Acquired in a trade with Arizona for Chris Burke, Juan Gutierrez and Chad Qualls in December 2007, Valverde pitched for Houston for two seasons, going 10-5 with 69 saves, a 2.93 ERA and a 1.159 WHIP. A three-time All-Star for Arizona and Detroit, he was the league leader in saves three times as well. After four seasons with Detroit, he played with the Mets briefly in 2014 until his release in May.
A LOOK AT THE ASTROS MINOR LEAGUE SYSTEM
Showing posts with label Josh Zeid. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Josh Zeid. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
Monday, October 27, 2014
Tweet of the Day
Horrifying news about Oscar Taveras. Say a prayer for his family tonight. The game of baseball will forever miss his future greatness.
— Josh Zeid (@Josh_Zeid14) October 27, 2014
Thursday, October 9, 2014
Tweet of the Day
I could really use a Hoveround.... It'd make getting out of bed and getting food so much easier... Who doesn't want a hovercraft?
— Josh Zeid (@Josh_Zeid14) October 8, 2014
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
Tweets of the Day
What a wild card game! All kinds of momentum shifts. Gotta love baseball #KCvsOAK
— Marc Krauss (@MarcKrauss25) October 1, 2014
If this game is any indication of how the playoffs are gonna be.....I can't wait!!
— Brady Rodgers (@Rodg_25) October 1, 2014
This is the craziest game I've ever seen
— Albert Minnis (@minnis33) October 1, 2014
#OMG what a game #ALWildcard
— Rudy Owens (@Rudy_Owens) October 1, 2014
Dear sleep... I need you , you need me... But this game is standing between us ... How can we solve this? #walkoffplease
— Josh Zeid (@Josh_Zeid14) October 1, 2014
Have to be up at 6am and head to the complex... BUT this @Royals @Athletics game is keeping me from getting my rest! #WildCard
— Antonio Nuñez (@nunezlife03) October 1, 2014
My eyes are burning but I can't close them.. #playoffbaseball
— Lance McCullers Jr. (@LMcCullers_41) October 1, 2014
One of the most exciting games I've seen all year!
— Joe Musgrove (@musgrove23Stros) October 1, 2014
Get out of bed to see what all the hype was about, turn tv.. on walkoff hit! All of you guys can thank me tomorrow.. Goodnight
— Brett Phillips (@Brett_Phillips8) October 1, 2014
Unbelievable start to the playoffs
— Tommy Shirley (@ShirBird24) October 1, 2014
Wow that was a great game. That's called never giving up. It's sad to think a team had to lose that one #royals #loveit #playoffbaseball
— Tyler White (@twhite409) October 1, 2014
Now that it's over I don't want To go to bed. If that game doesn't motivate you to want to play October baseball, check your pulse #ImAllin
— Josh Zeid (@Josh_Zeid14) October 1, 2014
Monday, September 29, 2014
Tweet of the Day
Congratulations @JoseAltuve27 on ur first AL batting title!! What an accomplishment. @astros fans have lots 2 look forward to after this yr!
— Josh Zeid (@Josh_Zeid14) September 28, 2014
Wednesday, September 3, 2014
Tweets of the Day
This is what I felt like during my first true leg workout of rehab today... pic.twitter.com/tMBOCPgNuN
— Josh Zeid (@Josh_Zeid14) September 2, 2014
What I actually looked like after doing 20 lb exercises #haha #sadday pic.twitter.com/4TafDdyo9s
— Josh Zeid (@Josh_Zeid14) September 2, 2014
Monday, May 5, 2014
Astros Minor League Recaps
Results for Sunday, May 4, 2014
Class debuts!
Omaha 4, Oklahoma City 1
W- Sugar Ray Marimon (3-1)
L- Rudy Owens (2-1)
S- Kameron Loe (1)
OKC home runs: Andy Simunic (1, solo in 7th)
The OKC offense has really hit a rut; this was the 6th straight game in which they've scored 3 runs or fewer, and they've scored just 10 runs over their last 6 contests.
Andy Simunic went 2-3, and his solo homer (1) in the 7th inning accounted for the RedHawks' lone run. Jon Singleton also went 2-3 with a double and a bunt single.
Rudy Owens threw 6 innings and allowed 4 runs (both on 2-run doubles) on 7 hits, walked 2, and struck out 3. Jason Stoffel walked 2 in the 7th, but also struck out 2 in the inning. Josh Zeid worked around a walk to strike out the side in the 8th.
The series finale will take place later this morning, as Mike Foltynewicz will face Ramon Troncoso at 11:05 A.M.
San Antonio 6, Corpus Christi 4
W- Devin Jones (4-1)
L- Kyle Smith (0-1, 4-1 season)
S- Johnny Barbato (7)
CC home runs: None.
The Hooks fought back from an early 6-0 deficit, but ran out of steam.
All 4 Hooks runs came in the 5th. Matt Duffy ignited the rally by drawing a walk, and he scored the first run of the game on a double from Preston Tucker. An error allowed Jio Mier to reach while Tucker took 3rd; they both came home on Tyler Heineman's 2-run triple. Heineman would score on an M.P. Cokinos groundout. Duffy and Heineman had 2 hits apiece.
The Missions greeted Kyle Smith rather rudely in his AA debut. He went 5 innings and gave up 6 runs on 9 hits (3 solo homers) and struck out 6. Alex Sogard allowed 3 hits and struck out 1 over 3 scoreless, and Jorge De Leon worked around a hit to throw a scoreless 9th.
Game 3 of this series has Tommy Shirley on the mound, and he'll be taking on John Hussey. First pitch is at 7:10.
Lancaster 8, San Jose 6
W- Dan Minor (2-1)
L- Jorge Bucardo (0-2)
S- Mitch Lambson (2)
Lancaster home runs: Teoscar Hernandez (4, solo in 2nd)
The power of the 7th-inning stretch. The JetHawks erased a 5-2 deficit with a 6-run bottom of the 7th to take the series finale and 2 of 3 in the series.
Roberto Peña went 2-4 and hit an RBI single in the 4th to put the JetHawks on the board, down 3-1. Teoscar Hernandez went 3-5 with a solo homer in the 5th (4). After seeing his average drop to .234 on April 30, Hernandez has responded by going 7-12 with a couple of 3-hit games in the series to raise his average to .269.
Danry Vasquez, Ruben Sosa, and Tony Kemp all walked to begin the 7th, and Hernandez promptly sent them all home with a double that tied the game. Teoscar was credited with 2 RBI, as an error was committed on the play. Carlos Correa then hit a single and advanced to 2nd on a throw to 3rd. Rio Ruiz walked to re-load the bases. After Dan Gulbransen and Peña became the first 2 casualties of the inning, Carlos Perdomo came through with a 2-run single. Vasquez, who went 2-3 with a double and started all of this with a leadoff walk, came back up and hit an RBI single. Carlos Correa was 2-5 with 2 runs scored.
Kent Emanuel went 4.2 innings and allowed 5 runs on 7 hits, walked 2, and struck out 3 in his High-A debut. Dan Minor threw 2.1 scoreless, allowing a walk while fanning 2. Mitch Lambson was taken deep by Mitch Delfino to begin his outing... but no matter. After the homer, Lambson struck out the side in the 8th, and worked around a hit batter to close it out. He struck out 4 in 2 innings, and Delfino's home run was the only hit he gave up.
The JetHawks will now hit the road to begin a 4-game series in Lake Elsinore. Lance McCullers gets the start in the opener; his opponent will be Joe Ross. First pitch is at 6:05.
Beloit 6, Quad Cities 3
W- Junior Mendez (1-2)
L- Adrian Houser (0-1)
S- Sam Bragg (2)
QC home runs: None.
Well, the crooked-numbered inning bit Quad Cities once again, as a 4-run 5th was the difference for the Snappers.
Chan-Jong Moon hit a 1-out single in the top of the 1st, stole 2nd (8), and came around to score on a Conrad Gregor single. That would be QC's only run until Chase McDonald hit a 2-run single in the 8th. Jack Mayfield was the only River Bandit with a multi-hit day, going 2-5 with a double and a run scored. Mayfield is now on a 6-game hitting streak. Brett Phillips extended his hitting streak to 5 with a single in the 3rd.
Adrian Houser pitched 3.2 innings and gave up 5 runs on 5 hits, walked 5, and struck out 2. 4 of those 5 runs came in the 5th and came in the form of a Tyler Marincov grand slam. Tyler Brunnemann struck out 1 over 1.1 perfect innings, and Gonzalo Sañudo allowed a run on a force out in the 8th, a hit, and walked 2 in 3 innings.
The River Bandits will return home to open up a 3-game series against the Cedar Rapids Kernels. TBA (was Kent Emanuel's spot in the rotation) will take on Ethan Mildren at 7:00.
Three Stars: Position Players
3.
Tyler Heineman, C, Corpus Christi
2.
1.
Honorable Mentions: Jon Singleton, Danry Vasquez, and Carlos Correa
Three Stars: Pitchers
The bullpens of all 4 teams combined to allow just 2 runs on 7 hits.
4. Quad Cities
3. Lancaster
2. Corpus Christi
1. Oklahoma City
Jason Stoffel, RHP
IP, 2 BB, 2 K
Class debuts!
Omaha 4, Oklahoma City 1
W- Sugar Ray Marimon (3-1)
L- Rudy Owens (2-1)
S- Kameron Loe (1)
OKC home runs: Andy Simunic (1, solo in 7th)
The OKC offense has really hit a rut; this was the 6th straight game in which they've scored 3 runs or fewer, and they've scored just 10 runs over their last 6 contests.
Andy Simunic went 2-3, and his solo homer (1) in the 7th inning accounted for the RedHawks' lone run. Jon Singleton also went 2-3 with a double and a bunt single.
Rudy Owens threw 6 innings and allowed 4 runs (both on 2-run doubles) on 7 hits, walked 2, and struck out 3. Jason Stoffel walked 2 in the 7th, but also struck out 2 in the inning. Josh Zeid worked around a walk to strike out the side in the 8th.
The series finale will take place later this morning, as Mike Foltynewicz will face Ramon Troncoso at 11:05 A.M.
San Antonio 6, Corpus Christi 4
W- Devin Jones (4-1)
L- Kyle Smith (0-1, 4-1 season)
S- Johnny Barbato (7)
CC home runs: None.
The Hooks fought back from an early 6-0 deficit, but ran out of steam.
All 4 Hooks runs came in the 5th. Matt Duffy ignited the rally by drawing a walk, and he scored the first run of the game on a double from Preston Tucker. An error allowed Jio Mier to reach while Tucker took 3rd; they both came home on Tyler Heineman's 2-run triple. Heineman would score on an M.P. Cokinos groundout. Duffy and Heineman had 2 hits apiece.
The Missions greeted Kyle Smith rather rudely in his AA debut. He went 5 innings and gave up 6 runs on 9 hits (3 solo homers) and struck out 6. Alex Sogard allowed 3 hits and struck out 1 over 3 scoreless, and Jorge De Leon worked around a hit to throw a scoreless 9th.
Game 3 of this series has Tommy Shirley on the mound, and he'll be taking on John Hussey. First pitch is at 7:10.
Lancaster 8, San Jose 6
W- Dan Minor (2-1)
L- Jorge Bucardo (0-2)
S- Mitch Lambson (2)
Lancaster home runs: Teoscar Hernandez (4, solo in 2nd)
The power of the 7th-inning stretch. The JetHawks erased a 5-2 deficit with a 6-run bottom of the 7th to take the series finale and 2 of 3 in the series.
Roberto Peña went 2-4 and hit an RBI single in the 4th to put the JetHawks on the board, down 3-1. Teoscar Hernandez went 3-5 with a solo homer in the 5th (4). After seeing his average drop to .234 on April 30, Hernandez has responded by going 7-12 with a couple of 3-hit games in the series to raise his average to .269.
Danry Vasquez, Ruben Sosa, and Tony Kemp all walked to begin the 7th, and Hernandez promptly sent them all home with a double that tied the game. Teoscar was credited with 2 RBI, as an error was committed on the play. Carlos Correa then hit a single and advanced to 2nd on a throw to 3rd. Rio Ruiz walked to re-load the bases. After Dan Gulbransen and Peña became the first 2 casualties of the inning, Carlos Perdomo came through with a 2-run single. Vasquez, who went 2-3 with a double and started all of this with a leadoff walk, came back up and hit an RBI single. Carlos Correa was 2-5 with 2 runs scored.
Kent Emanuel went 4.2 innings and allowed 5 runs on 7 hits, walked 2, and struck out 3 in his High-A debut. Dan Minor threw 2.1 scoreless, allowing a walk while fanning 2. Mitch Lambson was taken deep by Mitch Delfino to begin his outing... but no matter. After the homer, Lambson struck out the side in the 8th, and worked around a hit batter to close it out. He struck out 4 in 2 innings, and Delfino's home run was the only hit he gave up.
The JetHawks will now hit the road to begin a 4-game series in Lake Elsinore. Lance McCullers gets the start in the opener; his opponent will be Joe Ross. First pitch is at 6:05.
Beloit 6, Quad Cities 3
W- Junior Mendez (1-2)
L- Adrian Houser (0-1)
S- Sam Bragg (2)
QC home runs: None.
Well, the crooked-numbered inning bit Quad Cities once again, as a 4-run 5th was the difference for the Snappers.
Chan-Jong Moon hit a 1-out single in the top of the 1st, stole 2nd (8), and came around to score on a Conrad Gregor single. That would be QC's only run until Chase McDonald hit a 2-run single in the 8th. Jack Mayfield was the only River Bandit with a multi-hit day, going 2-5 with a double and a run scored. Mayfield is now on a 6-game hitting streak. Brett Phillips extended his hitting streak to 5 with a single in the 3rd.
Adrian Houser pitched 3.2 innings and gave up 5 runs on 5 hits, walked 5, and struck out 2. 4 of those 5 runs came in the 5th and came in the form of a Tyler Marincov grand slam. Tyler Brunnemann struck out 1 over 1.1 perfect innings, and Gonzalo Sañudo allowed a run on a force out in the 8th, a hit, and walked 2 in 3 innings.
The River Bandits will return home to open up a 3-game series against the Cedar Rapids Kernels. TBA (was Kent Emanuel's spot in the rotation) will take on Ethan Mildren at 7:00.
Three Stars: Position Players
3.
Tyler Heineman, C, Corpus Christi
2-4, 3B, 2 RBI, R
2.
Andy Simunic, Utility, Oklahoma City
2-3, solo HR (1) in 7th
1.
Teoscar Hernandez on Twitter: @TeoscarH
Teoscar Hernandez, CF, Lancaster
3-5, 2B, solo HR (4), 3 RBI, 2 R
Honorable Mentions: Jon Singleton, Danry Vasquez, and Carlos Correa
Three Stars: Pitchers
The bullpens of all 4 teams combined to allow just 2 runs on 7 hits.
4. Quad Cities
Tyler Brunnemann on Twitter: @TBruno35
Tyler Brunnemann, RHP
1.1 IP, K
Gonzalo Sañudo, RHP
3 IP, H, ER, 2 BB
He walked 2?!!!?!!???????
3. Lancaster
Dan Minor, RHP
W (2-1), 2.1 IP, BB, 2 K
Mitch Lambson, LHP
Save (2), 2 IP, H (solo HR), ER, 4 K
2. Corpus Christi
Alex Sogard, LHP
3 IP, 3 H, K
1. Oklahoma City
Jason Stoffel, RHP
IP, 2 BB, 2 K
Josh Zeid, RHP
IP, BB, 3 KFriday, May 2, 2014
Tweet of the Day
Pit stop in emporia Kansas. A little weather update for you guys pic.twitter.com/m6xMLoed2a
— Josh Zeid (@Josh_Zeid14) May 2, 2014
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Astros Minor League Recaps
Results for Tuesday, April 29, 2014
Let's play 2 in Davenport! Never mind.
Oklahoma City 2, Round Rock 0
W- Rhiner Cruz (1-0)
L- Justin Germano (1-3)
S- Josh Zeid (3)
OKC home runs: Gregorio Petit (2, 2-run in 1st)
This game lasted 2 hours and 7 minutes. This was the shortest OKC game since the 2012 season finale: September 3, 2012. The RedHawks topped Round Rock 1-0 that day in 2 hours, 2 minutes.
Well, there you have it. All the offense in this game came off the bat of Gregorio Petit in the 1st inning. That blast would also be the only OKC hit until the 6th, when Ronald Torreyes singled. Max Stassi had the other RedHawks hit, a single in the 7th.
The pitching staff combined on a 4-hitter. Mike Foltynewicz pitched 4 innings and allowed 2 hits, walked 4, and struck out 3. Rhiner Cruz threw 2 scoreless and allowed 2 hits while striking out 3. Chia-Jen Lo struck out 2 over 2 perfect frames, and Josh Zeid finished it with a 1-2-3 9th.
Jake Buchanan will face Ryan Feierabend in game 3 of this series. First pitch is at 7:05. The tandem system in OKC is now in a holding pattern, per Brian McTaggart.
Midland 9, Corpus Christi 8
W- Jesus Castillo (1-0)
L- Jorge De Leon (1-2)
CC home runs: Chris Epps (2, 3-run in 2nd)
The Hooks coughed up a 7-1 lead and wound up walking off with the loss after the RockHounds put up 4 in the bottom of the 9th.
7 of the 8 Corpus runs came in the 2nd inning. Tyler Heineman began the assault with a bases-clearing double. Chris Epps then clubbed a 3-run homer (2), and Matt Duffy added an RBI double. Andrew Aplin went 2-5 with an RBI single in the 9th, but was thrown out trying to stretch it into a double. Matt Duffy and M.P. Cokinos both finished 2-4, and everyone in the lineup scored a run except for Joe Sclafani, who was 0-2 with 3 walks.
Matt Heidenreich allowed 2 runs (1 earned) on a force out and a sac fly, a hit, walked 6, and struck out 2 in 4.2 innings of work. Jordan Jankowski went 1.1 innings and gave up 3 runs on 4 hits, walked 1, and struck out 3. Travis Ballew was the only Hooks pitcher with a scoreless outing, as he allowed 2 hits, walked 2, and struck out 1 over 2 innings. Jorge De Leon blew it.
Game 2 will feature Tommy Shirley as he faces Drew Granier at 11:00 A.M. Is the tandem system also on hold in Corpus?
Lancaster 5, High Desert 3
W- Lance McCullers (1-1)
L- Scott DeCecco (1-2)
S- Jamaine Cotton (3)
Lancaster home runs: Brandon Meredith (5, solo in 8th)
Before the game, a players-only meeting was held. According to Eric Smith, although no one discussed what was said behind closed doors, it seems that the purpose was to let some frustration go. The venting looked like it had a positive effect, as the JetHawks snapped a 3-game losing streak. Lance McCullers rendered the High Desert offense useless, and now they're in a 3-way tie with the Mavericks and Lake Elsinore at the top of the Cal League South division.
The JetHawks struck out 17 batters, which tied a team record set back in 1997, when they were a Mariners affiliate. McCullers tossed 5 shutout innings and allowed 3 hits, walked 1, and struck out a career-high 10. Kyle Smith allowed 3 runs (1 earned) on 6 hits (solo homer) and struck out 7 in 3.2 innings. Jamaine Cotton got D.J. Peterson to fly out for the final out of the game.
The Lancaster offense finally cracked Scott DeCecco, who had really shackled them in his first 2 appearances. Brandon Meredith went 3-4; he singled to lead off the bottom of the 4th and scored the first run of the night on Dan Gulbransen's double. Gulbransen would score on a Carlos Perdomo sac fly, and Ruben Sosa added an RBI single to wrap up the scoring in the 4th. Perdomo, who went 2-3, scored on a force out that was hit by Jake Rodriguez in the 6th, and Meredith hit a solo shot (5) in the 8th. Rodriguez finished 2-4 with a run scored and was credited with an RBI on his force out in the 6th.
Josh Hader and Chris Devenski will face Dylan Unsworth in game 3 of this series. First pitch is at 6:30 Pacific.
Quad Cities and Clinton was rained out, again
Due to wet grounds. They'll play two doubleheaders; 2 games tonight and 2 games on Thursday. Kent Emanuel (game 1) and Jandel Gustave (game 2) will be the pitchers for tonight. Emanuel will face Eddie Campbell and Gustave is taking on Tommy Burns. First pitch of game 1 will be at 6:00.
Three Stars: Position Players
3. ALL THE OFFENSE
Gregorio Petit, SS, Oklahoma City
1-3, 2-R HR (2) in 1st
2. They only had 1 hit apiece, but they sure made 'em count.
Tyler Heineman, C, Corpus Christi
1-3, 3-R 2B in 2nd, R
1.
Brandon Meredith, OF/1B, Lancaster
3-4, solo HR (5), 2 R
Three Stars: Pitchers
Hmm.... shutout, or team record?
2.
1. OKC shutout wins.
Josh Zeid
Save (3), IP
Let's play 2 in Davenport! Never mind.
Oklahoma City 2, Round Rock 0
W- Rhiner Cruz (1-0)
L- Justin Germano (1-3)
S- Josh Zeid (3)
OKC home runs: Gregorio Petit (2, 2-run in 1st)
This game lasted 2 hours and 7 minutes. This was the shortest OKC game since the 2012 season finale: September 3, 2012. The RedHawks topped Round Rock 1-0 that day in 2 hours, 2 minutes.
Well, there you have it. All the offense in this game came off the bat of Gregorio Petit in the 1st inning. That blast would also be the only OKC hit until the 6th, when Ronald Torreyes singled. Max Stassi had the other RedHawks hit, a single in the 7th.
The pitching staff combined on a 4-hitter. Mike Foltynewicz pitched 4 innings and allowed 2 hits, walked 4, and struck out 3. Rhiner Cruz threw 2 scoreless and allowed 2 hits while striking out 3. Chia-Jen Lo struck out 2 over 2 perfect frames, and Josh Zeid finished it with a 1-2-3 9th.
Jake Buchanan will face Ryan Feierabend in game 3 of this series. First pitch is at 7:05. The tandem system in OKC is now in a holding pattern, per Brian McTaggart.
Luhnow said OKC going with six-man rotation now that Seaton and Harrell out. Will go back to tandem starters later.
— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) April 29, 2014
OKC rotation: Owens, Foltynewicz, Buchanan, Tropeano, Martinez and Doran.
— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) April 29, 2014
Midland 9, Corpus Christi 8
W- Jesus Castillo (1-0)
L- Jorge De Leon (1-2)
CC home runs: Chris Epps (2, 3-run in 2nd)
The Hooks coughed up a 7-1 lead and wound up walking off with the loss after the RockHounds put up 4 in the bottom of the 9th.
7 of the 8 Corpus runs came in the 2nd inning. Tyler Heineman began the assault with a bases-clearing double. Chris Epps then clubbed a 3-run homer (2), and Matt Duffy added an RBI double. Andrew Aplin went 2-5 with an RBI single in the 9th, but was thrown out trying to stretch it into a double. Matt Duffy and M.P. Cokinos both finished 2-4, and everyone in the lineup scored a run except for Joe Sclafani, who was 0-2 with 3 walks.
Matt Heidenreich allowed 2 runs (1 earned) on a force out and a sac fly, a hit, walked 6, and struck out 2 in 4.2 innings of work. Jordan Jankowski went 1.1 innings and gave up 3 runs on 4 hits, walked 1, and struck out 3. Travis Ballew was the only Hooks pitcher with a scoreless outing, as he allowed 2 hits, walked 2, and struck out 1 over 2 innings. Jorge De Leon blew it.
Game 2 will feature Tommy Shirley as he faces Drew Granier at 11:00 A.M. Is the tandem system also on hold in Corpus?
Lancaster 5, High Desert 3
W- Lance McCullers (1-1)
L- Scott DeCecco (1-2)
S- Jamaine Cotton (3)
Lancaster home runs: Brandon Meredith (5, solo in 8th)
Before the game, a players-only meeting was held. According to Eric Smith, although no one discussed what was said behind closed doors, it seems that the purpose was to let some frustration go. The venting looked like it had a positive effect, as the JetHawks snapped a 3-game losing streak. Lance McCullers rendered the High Desert offense useless, and now they're in a 3-way tie with the Mavericks and Lake Elsinore at the top of the Cal League South division.
The JetHawks struck out 17 batters, which tied a team record set back in 1997, when they were a Mariners affiliate. McCullers tossed 5 shutout innings and allowed 3 hits, walked 1, and struck out a career-high 10. Kyle Smith allowed 3 runs (1 earned) on 6 hits (solo homer) and struck out 7 in 3.2 innings. Jamaine Cotton got D.J. Peterson to fly out for the final out of the game.
The Lancaster offense finally cracked Scott DeCecco, who had really shackled them in his first 2 appearances. Brandon Meredith went 3-4; he singled to lead off the bottom of the 4th and scored the first run of the night on Dan Gulbransen's double. Gulbransen would score on a Carlos Perdomo sac fly, and Ruben Sosa added an RBI single to wrap up the scoring in the 4th. Perdomo, who went 2-3, scored on a force out that was hit by Jake Rodriguez in the 6th, and Meredith hit a solo shot (5) in the 8th. Rodriguez finished 2-4 with a run scored and was credited with an RBI on his force out in the 6th.
Josh Hader and Chris Devenski will face Dylan Unsworth in game 3 of this series. First pitch is at 6:30 Pacific.
Quad Cities and Clinton was rained out, again
Due to wet grounds. They'll play two doubleheaders; 2 games tonight and 2 games on Thursday. Kent Emanuel (game 1) and Jandel Gustave (game 2) will be the pitchers for tonight. Emanuel will face Eddie Campbell and Gustave is taking on Tommy Burns. First pitch of game 1 will be at 6:00.
Three Stars: Position Players
3. ALL THE OFFENSE
Gregorio Petit, SS, Oklahoma City
1-3, 2-R HR (2) in 1st
2. They only had 1 hit apiece, but they sure made 'em count.
Chris Epps, OF, Corpus Christi
As the DH: 3-R HR (2) in the 2nd
4 of Epps' 7 hits have gone for extra bases. He's sporting an .848 OPS despite only hitting .206 through his first 10 games with the Hooks.
Tyler Heineman, C, Corpus Christi
1-3, 3-R 2B in 2nd, R
1.
Brandon Meredith, OF/1B, Lancaster
3-4, solo HR (5), 2 R
Three Stars: Pitchers
Hmm.... shutout, or team record?
2.
Lance McCullers
W (1-1), 5 IP, 3 H, BB, 10 K
Kyle Smith
3.2 IP, 6 H (solo HR), 3 R (1 earned), 7 K
Jamaine Cotton
Save (3); Recorded final out of the game
Cotton only needed to get one out, but his role was just as big as McCullers' and Smith's. Also, if a team's pitchers all performed well, then it would make sense to include all of them, right?
1. OKC shutout wins.
Mike Foltynewicz
4 IP, 2 H, 4 BB, 3 K
Rhiner Cruz
W (1-0), 2 IP, 2 H, 3 K
Chia-Jen Lo
2 IP, 2 K
Josh Zeid
Save (3), IP
Saturday, April 26, 2014
Astros Minor League Recaps
Results for Friday, April 25, 2014
Nashville 5, Oklahoma City 3
W- Mike Fiers (4-0)
L- Jake Buchanan (1-2)
OKC home runs: Kiké Hernandez (1, solo in 4th; 2 season)
The RedHawks offense was mowed down by Mike Fiers, who struck out 10 of them. Kiké Hernandez went 2-4 with a solo homer (1) in the 4th and scored 2 of the 3 OKC runs. They got a pair of RBI groundouts from Robbie Grossman and Ronald Torreyes in the bottom of the 9th. Gregorio Petit went 2-5, and Andy Simunic finished 3-4.
Jake Buchanan went 4 innings and allowed 3 runs (all on a homer from Hunter Morris) on 6 hits and struck out 2. 5 relievers pitched an inning each: Darin Downs (5th) gave up a run on 2 hits and struck out the side. Chia-Jen Lo (6th) worked around a hit and a walk to throw a scoreless inning. Ditto for Jason Stoffel (7th), who struck out 1. Kevin Chapman (8th) allowed a run on 2 hits and struck out 1, and Josh Zeid struck out the side in order in the 9th.
The series continues at 7:05 with Ross Seaton and Nick Tropeano taking on Brad Mills.
Corpus Christi 6, Frisco 4
W- Troy Scribner (1-0)
L- Jerad Eickhoff (1-2)
S- Jorge De Leon (1)
CC home runs: None.
With Jayne in attendance, the Hooks jumped out tot a 6-1 lead, although it got a little close for comfort at the end righ there. I don't know the exact record of all Astros affiliates when she's in attendance, but I'm pretty sure she's the good-luck charm.
The Hooks went all relievers in this one, although the guy that started has done so in the past. Jordan Jankowski got the start as the starting pitchers got an extra day of rest. He went 3 innings and gave up a run on 3 hits, walked 1, and struck out 2. The first man out of the bullpen was Troy Scribner, fresh from Kissimmee. Clearly not fazed from the effects of going straight to the Texas League from extended spring training, Scribner tossed 2 scoreless, allowing a hit, walking 2, and striking out 1 in the process. The organization's top facial hair prospect, Michael Dimock, was next, and he threw 2 scoreless. He allowed a hit and struck out 1. Pat Urckfitz allowed 2 unearned runs on 2 hits and struck out 1 as he got 2 outs in the 8th, 1 via strikeout. Jorge De Leon did allow an unearned run in the 9th, but was able to get the 4-out save, allowing a hit and striking out 1.
The Hooks got the scoring started in the 1st as Andrew Aplin scored on an error that allowed Preston Tucker to reach. After Frisco tied it with 1 in the top of the 2nd, the Hooks responded with a Tyler Heineman RBI single and a 2-run double from Nolan Fontana. Jio Mier chipped in with a 2-run double of his own in the 6th inning. Preston Tucker and Chris Epps had 2 hits apiece, while Leo Heras was 1-2 with 2 walks and 2 runs scored.
Brady Rodgers will take the mound in game 2 of this series; he'll be opposed by Luke Jackson. First pitch is at 7:10.
Lancaster 6, Rancho Cucamonga 3
W- Kyle Smith (4-0)
L- Geoff Brown (0-1)
S- Lance McCullers (2)
Lancaster home runs: Carlos Perdomo (1, solo in 5th)
The JetHawks were held in check by Clayton Kershaw for 5 innings. Let's see... the reigning Cy Young winner against a Class A Advanced lineup... that's to be expected, right?
Well, someone forgot to tell Carlos Perdomo that. On his 24th birthday, he had both of the JetHawks' hits off Kershaw, including a home run to lead off the 5th (1) that put them on the board, down 2-1. Perdomo was the only player on either side to have a multi-hit game; both teams only had 5 apiece.
After Kershaw exited, they got themselves going and finished on a 6-1 run. Rio Ruiz tied it with a double in the 6th and wound up scoring the go-ahead run on a wild pitch. Ruiz wasn't done yet; he drew a bases-loaded walk in the 7th, and Brandon Meredith provided some separation with a 2-run single. In the process, they rocked Julio Urias, the 17-year-old phenom from Mexico who was rated by Baseball America as the Dodgers' #3 prospect.
Kyle Smith fought hard against Kershaw. The result was a very solid outing for him, and he got the W to boot. In 5 innings, Smith gave up 2 runs (both on solo homers), one other hit, walked 1, and struck out 5. Lance McCullers had a bit of a scare, as he slipped on the mound and was favoring his elbow (initially leg) a little in the 9th.
At the time of this incident, there was 2 outs in the 9th. He shook it off and got that last out. McCullers went 4 innings and gave up a run on 2 hits, walked 3, and struck out 3.
Game 3 of this series has Chris Devenski and Josh Hader taking on TBA; the JetHawks game notes has Lindsey Caughel as the starter. First pitch is at 7:05.
Peoria 8, Quad Cities 4
W- Jimmy Reed (1-1)
L- Kent Emanuel (0-1)
QC home runs: None.
The River Bandits were victimized by the multi-run homer in this one; namely the 3-run home run and the grand slam. Peoria only scored in 2 innings, but they put up 4 in both of them.
Brian Holberton went 2-4 and put QC on the board first in the 1st with a 2-run double. James Ramsay hit an RBI single in the top of the 6th, and Conrad Gregor went 3-5 with an RBI double in the 7th. Chan-Jong Moon was 1-4 with 2 runs scored and 2 steals (6).
Kent Emanuel went 4 innings and gave up 4 unearned runs on 5 hits (3-run homer), walked 2, and struck out 3. Chris Cotton allowed a grand slam and struck out 2 in the 5th. Jandel Gustave allowed 2 hits and struck out 3 in 2 scoreless, and Tyler Brunnemann struck out the side in order in the 8th.
In the middle game of this series, Michael Feliz and Evan Grills will face Silfredo Garcia at 1:00.
Three Stars: Pitchers
3. Corpus FNGs
2. Striking out the side in order
Josh Zeid, RHP, Oklahoma City
1.
Three Stars: Position Players
3.
Brian Holberton, C, Quad Cities
2-4, 2B, 2 RBI
2.
1.
Nashville 5, Oklahoma City 3
W- Mike Fiers (4-0)
L- Jake Buchanan (1-2)
OKC home runs: Kiké Hernandez (1, solo in 4th; 2 season)
The RedHawks offense was mowed down by Mike Fiers, who struck out 10 of them. Kiké Hernandez went 2-4 with a solo homer (1) in the 4th and scored 2 of the 3 OKC runs. They got a pair of RBI groundouts from Robbie Grossman and Ronald Torreyes in the bottom of the 9th. Gregorio Petit went 2-5, and Andy Simunic finished 3-4.
Jake Buchanan went 4 innings and allowed 3 runs (all on a homer from Hunter Morris) on 6 hits and struck out 2. 5 relievers pitched an inning each: Darin Downs (5th) gave up a run on 2 hits and struck out the side. Chia-Jen Lo (6th) worked around a hit and a walk to throw a scoreless inning. Ditto for Jason Stoffel (7th), who struck out 1. Kevin Chapman (8th) allowed a run on 2 hits and struck out 1, and Josh Zeid struck out the side in order in the 9th.
The series continues at 7:05 with Ross Seaton and Nick Tropeano taking on Brad Mills.
Corpus Christi 6, Frisco 4
W- Troy Scribner (1-0)
L- Jerad Eickhoff (1-2)
S- Jorge De Leon (1)
CC home runs: None.
With Jayne in attendance, the Hooks jumped out tot a 6-1 lead, although it got a little close for comfort at the end righ there. I don't know the exact record of all Astros affiliates when she's in attendance, but I'm pretty sure she's the good-luck charm.
The Hooks went all relievers in this one, although the guy that started has done so in the past. Jordan Jankowski got the start as the starting pitchers got an extra day of rest. He went 3 innings and gave up a run on 3 hits, walked 1, and struck out 2. The first man out of the bullpen was Troy Scribner, fresh from Kissimmee. Clearly not fazed from the effects of going straight to the Texas League from extended spring training, Scribner tossed 2 scoreless, allowing a hit, walking 2, and striking out 1 in the process. The organization's top facial hair prospect, Michael Dimock, was next, and he threw 2 scoreless. He allowed a hit and struck out 1. Pat Urckfitz allowed 2 unearned runs on 2 hits and struck out 1 as he got 2 outs in the 8th, 1 via strikeout. Jorge De Leon did allow an unearned run in the 9th, but was able to get the 4-out save, allowing a hit and striking out 1.
The Hooks got the scoring started in the 1st as Andrew Aplin scored on an error that allowed Preston Tucker to reach. After Frisco tied it with 1 in the top of the 2nd, the Hooks responded with a Tyler Heineman RBI single and a 2-run double from Nolan Fontana. Jio Mier chipped in with a 2-run double of his own in the 6th inning. Preston Tucker and Chris Epps had 2 hits apiece, while Leo Heras was 1-2 with 2 walks and 2 runs scored.
Brady Rodgers will take the mound in game 2 of this series; he'll be opposed by Luke Jackson. First pitch is at 7:10.
Lancaster 6, Rancho Cucamonga 3
W- Kyle Smith (4-0)
L- Geoff Brown (0-1)
S- Lance McCullers (2)
Lancaster home runs: Carlos Perdomo (1, solo in 5th)
The JetHawks were held in check by Clayton Kershaw for 5 innings. Let's see... the reigning Cy Young winner against a Class A Advanced lineup... that's to be expected, right?
Well, someone forgot to tell Carlos Perdomo that. On his 24th birthday, he had both of the JetHawks' hits off Kershaw, including a home run to lead off the 5th (1) that put them on the board, down 2-1. Perdomo was the only player on either side to have a multi-hit game; both teams only had 5 apiece.
After Kershaw exited, they got themselves going and finished on a 6-1 run. Rio Ruiz tied it with a double in the 6th and wound up scoring the go-ahead run on a wild pitch. Ruiz wasn't done yet; he drew a bases-loaded walk in the 7th, and Brandon Meredith provided some separation with a 2-run single. In the process, they rocked Julio Urias, the 17-year-old phenom from Mexico who was rated by Baseball America as the Dodgers' #3 prospect.
Kyle Smith fought hard against Kershaw. The result was a very solid outing for him, and he got the W to boot. In 5 innings, Smith gave up 2 runs (both on solo homers), one other hit, walked 1, and struck out 5. Lance McCullers had a bit of a scare, as he slipped on the mound and was favoring his elbow (initially leg) a little in the 9th.
Grounder to McCullers and he slips on the mound and is pain. Looks to be holding his right leg. #JetHawks
— Eric Smith (@Eric_L_Smith) April 26, 2014
McCullers said he's fine. Landed on his right elbow and was scared for a second. #JetHawks #Astros
— Eric Smith (@Eric_L_Smith) April 26, 2014
At the time of this incident, there was 2 outs in the 9th. He shook it off and got that last out. McCullers went 4 innings and gave up a run on 2 hits, walked 3, and struck out 3.
Game 3 of this series has Chris Devenski and Josh Hader taking on TBA; the JetHawks game notes has Lindsey Caughel as the starter. First pitch is at 7:05.
Peoria 8, Quad Cities 4
W- Jimmy Reed (1-1)
L- Kent Emanuel (0-1)
QC home runs: None.
The River Bandits were victimized by the multi-run homer in this one; namely the 3-run home run and the grand slam. Peoria only scored in 2 innings, but they put up 4 in both of them.
Brian Holberton went 2-4 and put QC on the board first in the 1st with a 2-run double. James Ramsay hit an RBI single in the top of the 6th, and Conrad Gregor went 3-5 with an RBI double in the 7th. Chan-Jong Moon was 1-4 with 2 runs scored and 2 steals (6).
Kent Emanuel went 4 innings and gave up 4 unearned runs on 5 hits (3-run homer), walked 2, and struck out 3. Chris Cotton allowed a grand slam and struck out 2 in the 5th. Jandel Gustave allowed 2 hits and struck out 3 in 2 scoreless, and Tyler Brunnemann struck out the side in order in the 8th.
In the middle game of this series, Michael Feliz and Evan Grills will face Silfredo Garcia at 1:00.
Three Stars: Pitchers
3. Corpus FNGs
Photo courtesy of Bryan Green
Troy Scribner, RHP, Corpus Christi
W (1-0), 2 IP, H, 2 BB, K
Michael Dimock, RHP, Corpus Christi
2 IP, H, K
2. Striking out the side in order
Photo courtesy of John Whinery (greenevilleastrosphotos)
Tyler Brunnemann, RHP, Quad Cities
IP, 3 K
Josh Zeid, RHP, Oklahoma City
IP, 3 K
1.
Photo courtesy of Bryan Green
Kyle Smith, RHP, Lancaster
W (4-0), 5 IP, 3 H (2 solo HRs), 2 ER, BB, 5 K
Lance McCullers, RHP, Lancaster
Save (2), 4 IP, 2 H, ER, 3 BB, 3 K
Three Stars: Position Players
3.
Brian Holberton, C, Quad Cities
2-4, 2B, 2 RBI
2.
Enrique Hernandez, 2B/OF, Oklahoma City
2-4, solo HR (1, 2 season), 2 R
1.
Carlos Perdomo, SS, Lancaster
2-4, solo HR (1)
Thursday, April 17, 2014
Tweet of the Day
And it's baseball season in April, in Colorado. Gotta love it pic.twitter.com/tNXxQxYSDK
— Josh Zeid (@Josh_Zeid14) April 17, 2014
Monday, March 24, 2014
Happy Birthday - 3/24
Happy Birthday to ~
RHP Josh Zeid (27)
Drafted by the Phillies in the 10th round in 2009 from Tulane, Zeid came to Houston as part of the Hunter Pence trade in July 2011. Zeid spent the first 43 games of the 2013 season with the Oklahoma City AAA team before being called up to Houston to make his major league debut on July 30th. In 25 appearances in Houston, he had a 3.90 ERA and a 1.373 WHIP. In his final 11 appearances in September, Zeid had a 1.23 ERA, a 0.955 WHIP and held batters to a .196 batting average.
Former Astros celebrating today ~
OF Jesus Alou (72)
Alou originally came to Houston as a part of the Rusty Staub trade with the Expos in January of 1969 and spent 1969 through part of the 1973 season with Houston and returned to the team for the 1978 and 1979 seasons as well. In 553 games for Houston, he hit .282/.313/.366. He spent all or parts of 15 seasons in the major leagues playing for four different teams, including the 1973 and 1974 World Series champion Oakland teams. He is the brother of Felipe and Matty Alou and uncle to Moises Alou.
RHP Jose Cabrera (42)
Acquired in a trade with Cleveland in May 1997, Cabrera pitched in 93 games over four seasons for Houston with a 4.32 ERA and a 1.302 WHIP before being claimed off waivers by Atlanta in April of 2001. He had his most successful season in the majors for Atlanta that year, going 7-4 in 55 games with a 2.88 ERA and a 1.298 WHIP. After one final season in the majors with Milwaukee in 2002, he kept playing in the minors, in independent ball and in Mexico. He last played for Tobasco in the Mexican League in 2012 where, at age 40, he went 1-0 with 23 saves, a 1.14 ERA and a 0.663 WHIP in 30 games.
RHP Jose "Papa Grande" Valverde (36)
Acquired in a trade with Arizona for Chris Burke, Juan Gutierrez and Chad Qualls in December 2007, Valverde pitched for Houston for two seasons, going 10-5 with 69 saves, a 2.93 ERA and a 1.159 WHIP. A three-time All-Star for Arizona and Detroit, he was the league leader in saves three times as well. After four seasons with Detroit, he signed with the Mets in February of this year.
RHP Josh Zeid (27)
Drafted by the Phillies in the 10th round in 2009 from Tulane, Zeid came to Houston as part of the Hunter Pence trade in July 2011. Zeid spent the first 43 games of the 2013 season with the Oklahoma City AAA team before being called up to Houston to make his major league debut on July 30th. In 25 appearances in Houston, he had a 3.90 ERA and a 1.373 WHIP. In his final 11 appearances in September, Zeid had a 1.23 ERA, a 0.955 WHIP and held batters to a .196 batting average.
Former Astros celebrating today ~
OF Jesus Alou (72)
Alou originally came to Houston as a part of the Rusty Staub trade with the Expos in January of 1969 and spent 1969 through part of the 1973 season with Houston and returned to the team for the 1978 and 1979 seasons as well. In 553 games for Houston, he hit .282/.313/.366. He spent all or parts of 15 seasons in the major leagues playing for four different teams, including the 1973 and 1974 World Series champion Oakland teams. He is the brother of Felipe and Matty Alou and uncle to Moises Alou.
RHP Jose Cabrera (42)
Acquired in a trade with Cleveland in May 1997, Cabrera pitched in 93 games over four seasons for Houston with a 4.32 ERA and a 1.302 WHIP before being claimed off waivers by Atlanta in April of 2001. He had his most successful season in the majors for Atlanta that year, going 7-4 in 55 games with a 2.88 ERA and a 1.298 WHIP. After one final season in the majors with Milwaukee in 2002, he kept playing in the minors, in independent ball and in Mexico. He last played for Tobasco in the Mexican League in 2012 where, at age 40, he went 1-0 with 23 saves, a 1.14 ERA and a 0.663 WHIP in 30 games.
RHP Jose "Papa Grande" Valverde (36)
Acquired in a trade with Arizona for Chris Burke, Juan Gutierrez and Chad Qualls in December 2007, Valverde pitched for Houston for two seasons, going 10-5 with 69 saves, a 2.93 ERA and a 1.159 WHIP. A three-time All-Star for Arizona and Detroit, he was the league leader in saves three times as well. After four seasons with Detroit, he signed with the Mets in February of this year.
Saturday, March 22, 2014
2014 Grapefruit League Recap, Game 21
Miami Marlins 7, Houston Astros 2
2014 Grapefruit League record: 8-13
W- Nathan Eovaldi (1-1)
L- Scott Feldman (0-2)
Astros home runs: None.
Zzzzzz.... oh. Sorry. I didn't watch all of this game, and this happened to be one of the rare baseball games that put me to sleep.
Starting Pitcher: Scott Feldman
This year's Opening Day starter labored through 5 innings, and the defense behind him was shaky, as the Astros committed a pair of errors. Garrett Jones took him deep for a 2-run shot in the 1st. Feldman did record his usually healthy amount of groundball outs.
Final line: L (0-2), 5 IP, 7 H (2-R HR), 5 R (4 earned), BB, 3 K
Bullpen
Josh Zeid was the first reliever out of the bullpen and gave up a run in the 6th on a couple of singles, but responded by striking out the side in order in the 7th.
Matt Albers struck out 1 in a 1-2-3 8th, and Chad Qualls gave up a single to Austin Nola to begin the 9th, and uncorked a wild pitch to allow him to score. Qualls struck out 1 in his inning of work.
Offense
The Astros got their 2 runs on a pair of RBI singles from L.J. Hoes (in the 4th) and Carlos Corporán (in the 5th).
Robbie Grossman's double was the only extra-base hit, and Jose Altuve drew 2 walks.
Three Stars
3.
Carlos Corporán, C
1-3, RBI single in 5th
2.
1.
Josh Zeid, RHP
2 IP, 2 H, ER, 4 K
Next Up
Brett Oberholtzer will be on the bump for the Astros as they welcome the Cardinals to Kissimmee. They'll be getting a second look at Michael Wacha in the process as well. First pitch is at 1:05 Eastern.
3.
Carlos Corporán, C
1-3, RBI single in 5th
2.
Matt Albers, RHP
IP (8th), K
1.
Josh Zeid, RHP
2 IP, 2 H, ER, 4 K
Next Up
Brett Oberholtzer will be on the bump for the Astros as they welcome the Cardinals to Kissimmee. They'll be getting a second look at Michael Wacha in the process as well. First pitch is at 1:05 Eastern.
Sunday, March 16, 2014
2014 Grapefruit League Recap, Game 15
Detroit Tigers 14, Houston Astros 3
2014 Grapefruit League record: 7-8
W- Max Scherzer (3-1)
L- Lucas Harrell (1-2)
Astros home runs: Robbie Grossman (1, solo in 5th)
Ugh. I will still fulfill my obligation of recapping this game, though.
Starting Pitcher: Lucas Harrell
Well, at least he didn't walk anyone.
Final line: 1.2 IP, 12 H (2-R homer), 10 R (9 earned)
Bullpen
Jonas Dufek, summoned from Minor League camp, was the first man out of the pen for Houston, and he turned in a fine performance against some of the Tigers' biggest bats. That's some first impression right there. (See Tweet of the Day.) What he didn't mention in his tweet was that he also struck out Victor Martinez, who's no slouch with the bat, either.
Jonas Dufek has really taken off since his move to the bullpen, and he's looking to build upon his fine 2013 season and possibly put himself in consideration to be a callup at some point this year.
Chad Qualls gave up a solo homer to Ian Kinsler in the 4th. Matt Albers allowed a hit and walked 1 in a scoreless 5th. Peter Moylan opened the 6th with 2 straight walks and saw both of those runners score on an RBI single and a sac fly.
Josh Zeid pitched the final 2 innings, and the only hit he allowed was a solo homer to Tyler Collins to lead off the 7th. He walked 2 in the 8th and struck out 4 (2 in each inning). So, other than getting dinged to start his outing, Zeid was excellent during his time on the mound.
Offense
The Astros got single tallies in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th innings. Robbie Grossman was 2-3 with a solo homer off Max Scherzer in the 4th.
After Marc Krauss tripled to lead off the 2nd, he came home on a Jesús Guzmán single. Jonathan Villar hit a triple to begin the 3rd and scored on a Dexter Fowler groundout.
Andrew Aplin came on as a pinch-runner for Carlos Corporán in the 7th inning.
Three Stars
3.
Josh Zeid, RHP
2 IP, H (solo HR), ER, 2 BB, 4 K
2.
1.
Next Up
Brad Peacock will take on the organization that originally drafted him, as a split squad from the Nationals roll into Kissimmee. He'll be taking on Gio Gonzalez at 1:05 Eastern.
2014 Grapefruit League record: 7-8
W- Max Scherzer (3-1)
L- Lucas Harrell (1-2)
Astros home runs: Robbie Grossman (1, solo in 5th)
Ugh. I will still fulfill my obligation of recapping this game, though.
Starting Pitcher: Lucas Harrell
Well, at least he didn't walk anyone.
Final line: 1.2 IP, 12 H (2-R homer), 10 R (9 earned)
Bullpen
Jonas Dufek, summoned from Minor League camp, was the first man out of the pen for Houston, and he turned in a fine performance against some of the Tigers' biggest bats. That's some first impression right there. (See Tweet of the Day.) What he didn't mention in his tweet was that he also struck out Victor Martinez, who's no slouch with the bat, either.
Jonas Dufek has really taken off since his move to the bullpen, and he's looking to build upon his fine 2013 season and possibly put himself in consideration to be a callup at some point this year.
Chad Qualls gave up a solo homer to Ian Kinsler in the 4th. Matt Albers allowed a hit and walked 1 in a scoreless 5th. Peter Moylan opened the 6th with 2 straight walks and saw both of those runners score on an RBI single and a sac fly.
Josh Zeid pitched the final 2 innings, and the only hit he allowed was a solo homer to Tyler Collins to lead off the 7th. He walked 2 in the 8th and struck out 4 (2 in each inning). So, other than getting dinged to start his outing, Zeid was excellent during his time on the mound.
Offense
The Astros got single tallies in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th innings. Robbie Grossman was 2-3 with a solo homer off Max Scherzer in the 4th.
After Marc Krauss tripled to lead off the 2nd, he came home on a Jesús Guzmán single. Jonathan Villar hit a triple to begin the 3rd and scored on a Dexter Fowler groundout.
Andrew Aplin came on as a pinch-runner for Carlos Corporán in the 7th inning.
Three Stars
3.
Josh Zeid, RHP
2 IP, H (solo HR), ER, 2 BB, 4 K
2.
Robbie Grossman, OF
2-3, solo HR (1) in 5th
1.
Jonas Dufek, RHP
1.1 IP, H, K
Next Up
Brad Peacock will take on the organization that originally drafted him, as a split squad from the Nationals roll into Kissimmee. He'll be taking on Gio Gonzalez at 1:05 Eastern.
Saturday, January 25, 2014
Tweet of the Day
Feels good to be home.... Excited to see all the @astros fans tomorrow at Minute Maid for Fanfest. who's coming???
— Josh Zeid (@Josh_Zeid14) January 24, 2014
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
Tweets of the Day
Wow
— Brett Phillips (@Brett_Phillips8) January 7, 2014
Wow
— Peter Moylan (@PeterMoylan) January 7, 2014
I love college football
— Jiovanni Mier (@JioMier) January 7, 2014
Wowwwwwwwwwww
— Tyler White (@twhite409) January 7, 2014
Wow!! What a crazy game!
— J.D. Martinez (@JDMartinez14) January 7, 2014
This game is amazing. Everything you could hope for in a Nat'l championship Game
— Josh Zeid (@Josh_Zeid14) January 7, 2014
this is unbelievable and I don't even care who wins
— Brett Phillips (@Brett_Phillips8) January 7, 2014
Wow
— Tyler White (@twhite409) January 7, 2014
What the heck is going on in this game!!!!!
— J.D. Martinez (@JDMartinez14) January 7, 2014
Yikes this is intense
— Albert Minnis (@minnis33) January 7, 2014
Wow best championship game ive seen
— Jarred Cosart (@JarredCosart) January 7, 2014
Wooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooow
— Tyler White (@twhite409) January 7, 2014
Only got one word for that game
— Tyler White (@twhite409) January 7, 2014
Wooooooooow
— Tyler White (@twhite409) January 7, 2014
Jameis Winston... My god... What did u just say?
— Matt Duffy (@meduffy13) January 7, 2014
Thursday, October 31, 2013
It Was a Very Big Year For ...
Back in March, I wrote a piece about a few pitchers for whom I declared, "This is going to be a very big year." I would like to revisit what I said back in March and what ultimately happened with each of them. The article, in full, follows with updates.
A couple weeks ago, I wrote this piece about a few position players for whom THIS IS GOING TO BE A BIG YEAR. This is something I heard time and again in my recent conversations with John Manuel of Baseball America, Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com and others. With the Astros depth increasing, players will need to step up to keep up. For some, it may be a matter of staying healthy. For some, it will be recapturing earlier promise. For some, it will be taking that next step developmentally. Today, let's look at a few pitchers whose ultimate fate in the organization may be either helped or hindered by the year they have.
RHP Paul Clemens
Going into the 2012 season, Paul Clemens was ranked as the number 5 prospect in the Astros system by Baseball America. Coming into the 2013 season, he is ranked at number 27. What happened? Clemens struggled in 20 starts at AAA Oklahoma City (6.73 ERA and 1.741 WHIP) before being demoted to Corpus Christi at the end of the season. Clemens has a great deal of talent and I don't think the 25-year old will be going anywhere even if he has another subpar year in 2013. However, after seeing him pitch extremely effectively out of the bullpen in Kissimmee during Spring Training, I am convinced that he may eventually get moved in that direction unless he can start showing a more consistent and effective approach in his starts at the higher level.
UPDATE: Clemens made one appearance in Oklahoma City before making his major league debut on April 9th. He was used out of the bullpen with mixed results until struggles in July sent him back to Oklahoma City for a few games. When he got back to Houston, he was used as a starter in his final five appearances compiling a 3.71 ERA and a 1.500 WHIP in those games. As a reliever in Houston, his overall ERA was 6.32 with a 1.447 WHIP. When you back out his six appearances in July (when he was less than effective), that is lowered substantially to a 4.46 ERA and a 1.264 WHIP. None of those numbers are overwhelming one way or the other, but overall it was a decent season for a rookie. One thing I like about Clemens is that he always pitches like he's totally po'd at the world. Somehow, it works for him. Overall, though, I'm still a bit baffled by Clemens and I'm not sure where things will ultimately shake out for him, so I think it is safe to say that 2014 will be another big year for Paul.
RHP Josh Zeid
Josh Zeid is one of those guys that you cannot help but pull for. He is extremely nice and genuine, and he was probably one of the best teammates and biggest cheerleaders on the Hooks team last season. He also has excellent "stuff." What he doesn't have is consistency, but it is my sincerest belief that Zeid's lack of consistency is 99% mental. He needs to master the mental part of the game to get to the next level.
UPDATE: What a difference a season makes! After a solid season with Oklahoma City in which Zeid had a 3.50 ERA and a 1.443 WHIP, he was promoted to Houston where he made his major league debut on July 30th. After a couple of dicey outings early on, Zeid settled in very nicely and allowed only five earned runs in his last 18 appearances (and only one in his last nine outings) to end up with a 3.90 ERA and a 1.373 WHIP after the promotion. More importantly, he wasn't quite as prone to the BIG inning as he had been in 2012 and lowered his batting average allowed from .263 in 2012 to .238 in 2013. I would still like to see him cut back on his walks, but overall it was a good major league debut. When I posited my theory about Zeid's issues being primarily mental, a source told me that I was on to something and that he had seen a huge change in Zeid after his 2012 off-season marriage in that he seemed more relaxed and focused.
LHP Kyle Hallock
Hallock, the 10th round pick in 2011, had a very good freshman season with Tri-City that year but was largely ineffective in his seven appearances at Lexington. He ultimately had surgery to clean out loose bodies in his pitching elbow and was healthy enough to make five rehab appearances at the end of the season. If Hallock proves to be healthy and can recreate his excellent 2011 numbers, the 24-year old could open some eyes this season.
UPDATE: Hallock had a bit of an odd season and was moved five times among four levels. Overall, he did very well early in the season, but suffered in the latter couple of months. I'm only speculating, but I wonder if he was suffering from arm fatigue later in the season since his innings went from 30+ in 2012 (due to the surgery) to 96+ in 2013. Early in the season, Hallock pitched extremely well in Oklahoma City in nine appearances (3.72 ERA and 1.293 WHIP) and he pitched the first five innings of a combined no-hitter in Lancaster in May. But in 12 appearances in July and August at Lancaster and Corpus Christi, he had a whopping 13.35 ERA and a 2.629 WHIP. Whether this was due to fatigue or injury, I don't know, but the vast difference in the halves of the season seem to suggest something of the sort.
RHP Tanner Bushue
Drafted in the second round in 2009, Bushue took a giant step backward in his development in 2012 as he struggled badly at Lexington at the start of the season and was subsequently sent back to extended Spring Training. He ended up back in Greeneville where he made 16 appearances, all but one out of the bullpen, and ended with a 5.65 ERA, a 1.849 WHIP and 10.7 SO/9 at the level. He finished the season very strongly, however, with a 0.57 ERA, 0.894 WHIP and 13.2 SO/9 in August in seven long relief outings. There is still time for Bushue to get back on track as he will only be 22 in June, but coming into his fifth season in the system, he has a lot to prove and he will need to do so quickly and emphatically.
UPDATE: Bushue started off the season well in Tri-City, but did not dominate as he should have playing A-level ball in his fifth professional season. He ended the season with a 5.14 ERA and a 1.082 WHIP in 13 games (seven starts). In a footnote to a story about the Tri-City playoffs, the Albany Times Union reported that Bushue was retiring. And thus appears to end the professional career of the Astros second round pick from 2009 at the ripe old age of 22.
LHP Chris Lee
There are two reasons that the fourth round 2011 pick is probably not in danger of being released if he doesn't have a good season. He won't turn 21 until August and he's a lefty. Lefties always get extra looks. But with the infusion of left-handed pitching into the system by Jeff Luhnow and another draft imminent, he could find himself stuck back in Greeneville for his third season. If he can't find his way out of Greeneville and competing effectively at a higher level by the end of the season, all bets are off. Lee only pitched eight and two-thirds innings in five games in 2012 and had very poor results. He was never officially placed on the disabled list, but did not pitch again after July 26th.
UPDATE: This is my favorite story of the five pitchers profiled. Yes, he was back at Greeneville, but he dominated there. There is no reason to believe that he won't get a shot to play for full season Quad Cities in 2014. And if he pitches anything like he did this season, he should be successful. In 11 games (10 starts), he had a 3.10 ERA and a 1.095 WHIP. I had the opportunity to watch him pitch when I was in Greeneville and I can tell you that he really is an exciting player to watch. He is officially on my radar screen now. My interview with Lee (with copious quotes from Manager Josh Bonifay about Lee) can be found here.
Undoubtedly, 2013 will prove to be a BIG YEAR for many players in the Astros organization. These are just a few that I'm keeping my eye on.
A couple weeks ago, I wrote this piece about a few position players for whom THIS IS GOING TO BE A BIG YEAR. This is something I heard time and again in my recent conversations with John Manuel of Baseball America, Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com and others. With the Astros depth increasing, players will need to step up to keep up. For some, it may be a matter of staying healthy. For some, it will be recapturing earlier promise. For some, it will be taking that next step developmentally. Today, let's look at a few pitchers whose ultimate fate in the organization may be either helped or hindered by the year they have.
RHP Paul Clemens
Going into the 2012 season, Paul Clemens was ranked as the number 5 prospect in the Astros system by Baseball America. Coming into the 2013 season, he is ranked at number 27. What happened? Clemens struggled in 20 starts at AAA Oklahoma City (6.73 ERA and 1.741 WHIP) before being demoted to Corpus Christi at the end of the season. Clemens has a great deal of talent and I don't think the 25-year old will be going anywhere even if he has another subpar year in 2013. However, after seeing him pitch extremely effectively out of the bullpen in Kissimmee during Spring Training, I am convinced that he may eventually get moved in that direction unless he can start showing a more consistent and effective approach in his starts at the higher level.
UPDATE: Clemens made one appearance in Oklahoma City before making his major league debut on April 9th. He was used out of the bullpen with mixed results until struggles in July sent him back to Oklahoma City for a few games. When he got back to Houston, he was used as a starter in his final five appearances compiling a 3.71 ERA and a 1.500 WHIP in those games. As a reliever in Houston, his overall ERA was 6.32 with a 1.447 WHIP. When you back out his six appearances in July (when he was less than effective), that is lowered substantially to a 4.46 ERA and a 1.264 WHIP. None of those numbers are overwhelming one way or the other, but overall it was a decent season for a rookie. One thing I like about Clemens is that he always pitches like he's totally po'd at the world. Somehow, it works for him. Overall, though, I'm still a bit baffled by Clemens and I'm not sure where things will ultimately shake out for him, so I think it is safe to say that 2014 will be another big year for Paul.
RHP Josh Zeid
Josh Zeid is one of those guys that you cannot help but pull for. He is extremely nice and genuine, and he was probably one of the best teammates and biggest cheerleaders on the Hooks team last season. He also has excellent "stuff." What he doesn't have is consistency, but it is my sincerest belief that Zeid's lack of consistency is 99% mental. He needs to master the mental part of the game to get to the next level.
UPDATE: What a difference a season makes! After a solid season with Oklahoma City in which Zeid had a 3.50 ERA and a 1.443 WHIP, he was promoted to Houston where he made his major league debut on July 30th. After a couple of dicey outings early on, Zeid settled in very nicely and allowed only five earned runs in his last 18 appearances (and only one in his last nine outings) to end up with a 3.90 ERA and a 1.373 WHIP after the promotion. More importantly, he wasn't quite as prone to the BIG inning as he had been in 2012 and lowered his batting average allowed from .263 in 2012 to .238 in 2013. I would still like to see him cut back on his walks, but overall it was a good major league debut. When I posited my theory about Zeid's issues being primarily mental, a source told me that I was on to something and that he had seen a huge change in Zeid after his 2012 off-season marriage in that he seemed more relaxed and focused.
LHP Kyle Hallock
Hallock, the 10th round pick in 2011, had a very good freshman season with Tri-City that year but was largely ineffective in his seven appearances at Lexington. He ultimately had surgery to clean out loose bodies in his pitching elbow and was healthy enough to make five rehab appearances at the end of the season. If Hallock proves to be healthy and can recreate his excellent 2011 numbers, the 24-year old could open some eyes this season.
UPDATE: Hallock had a bit of an odd season and was moved five times among four levels. Overall, he did very well early in the season, but suffered in the latter couple of months. I'm only speculating, but I wonder if he was suffering from arm fatigue later in the season since his innings went from 30+ in 2012 (due to the surgery) to 96+ in 2013. Early in the season, Hallock pitched extremely well in Oklahoma City in nine appearances (3.72 ERA and 1.293 WHIP) and he pitched the first five innings of a combined no-hitter in Lancaster in May. But in 12 appearances in July and August at Lancaster and Corpus Christi, he had a whopping 13.35 ERA and a 2.629 WHIP. Whether this was due to fatigue or injury, I don't know, but the vast difference in the halves of the season seem to suggest something of the sort.
RHP Tanner Bushue
Drafted in the second round in 2009, Bushue took a giant step backward in his development in 2012 as he struggled badly at Lexington at the start of the season and was subsequently sent back to extended Spring Training. He ended up back in Greeneville where he made 16 appearances, all but one out of the bullpen, and ended with a 5.65 ERA, a 1.849 WHIP and 10.7 SO/9 at the level. He finished the season very strongly, however, with a 0.57 ERA, 0.894 WHIP and 13.2 SO/9 in August in seven long relief outings. There is still time for Bushue to get back on track as he will only be 22 in June, but coming into his fifth season in the system, he has a lot to prove and he will need to do so quickly and emphatically.
UPDATE: Bushue started off the season well in Tri-City, but did not dominate as he should have playing A-level ball in his fifth professional season. He ended the season with a 5.14 ERA and a 1.082 WHIP in 13 games (seven starts). In a footnote to a story about the Tri-City playoffs, the Albany Times Union reported that Bushue was retiring. And thus appears to end the professional career of the Astros second round pick from 2009 at the ripe old age of 22.
LHP Chris Lee
There are two reasons that the fourth round 2011 pick is probably not in danger of being released if he doesn't have a good season. He won't turn 21 until August and he's a lefty. Lefties always get extra looks. But with the infusion of left-handed pitching into the system by Jeff Luhnow and another draft imminent, he could find himself stuck back in Greeneville for his third season. If he can't find his way out of Greeneville and competing effectively at a higher level by the end of the season, all bets are off. Lee only pitched eight and two-thirds innings in five games in 2012 and had very poor results. He was never officially placed on the disabled list, but did not pitch again after July 26th.
UPDATE: This is my favorite story of the five pitchers profiled. Yes, he was back at Greeneville, but he dominated there. There is no reason to believe that he won't get a shot to play for full season Quad Cities in 2014. And if he pitches anything like he did this season, he should be successful. In 11 games (10 starts), he had a 3.10 ERA and a 1.095 WHIP. I had the opportunity to watch him pitch when I was in Greeneville and I can tell you that he really is an exciting player to watch. He is officially on my radar screen now. My interview with Lee (with copious quotes from Manager Josh Bonifay about Lee) can be found here.
Undoubtedly, 2013 will prove to be a BIG YEAR for many players in the Astros organization. These are just a few that I'm keeping my eye on.
Saturday, July 6, 2013
Tweet of the Day
Josh Zeid @Josh_Zeid14Charbroiled oysters at dragos in New Orleans with the Mrs :) no better way to start the day pic.twitter.com/jIpsjme5a5
Later that Day ...
Josh Zeid @Josh_Zeid14Port of call for best burgers and monsoons in New Orleans!! #getinmybelly pic.twitter.com/06tVNdHmSL
Friday, June 21, 2013
Astros Minor League Recaps
Thursday's Games
Oklahoma City over New Orleans 4-1
Jarred Cosart got six shutout innings, eight strikeouts and the win. He gave up four hits and didn't walk a batter. Rhiner Cruz and Alex Sogard took the next two innings with Sogard giving up the lone Zephyrs' run. Josh Zeid got his fifth save in style, striking out the side. The game was scoreless until OKC put up three in the sixth on a Carlos Perez RBI single (2x5 R) and a two-run double from Che-Hsuan Lin. Perez drove in the final run in the seventh inning as well. Brett Wallace was four-for-five with two doubles and scored two runs; Jon Singleton was one-for-three and walked twice; and Brandon Laird was two-for-five with a run.
Frisco over Corpus Christi 2-0
Jake Buchanan got the start, allowing two runs on four hits and a walk before giving way to three perfect innings from Carlos Quevedo and Sergio Escalona. The Hooks were held to three hits in the shutout with two of those hits belonging to Erik Castro.
Lancaster over Rancho Cucamonga 11-3
David Rollins got the win in commanding fashion, allowing only one hit over five innings while striking out nine. Tyson Perez (5H 1BB 5SO 1HR) allowed three runs in his four innings of work. The JetHawks wasted no time in getting their second half off to a good start by scoring five in the first inning on a wild pitch, a Telvin Nash (1x3 2RBI BB R) double and a Tyler Heineman home run. They added on one in the third with Andrew Aplin scoring on a throwing error. And then they went a little bit crazy in the fourth inning with doubles from Matt Duffy, Delino DeShields and Joe Sclafani, and two-run home runs from Chris Epps and M.P. Cokinos (2x3 BB 2R).
Quad Cities over Kane County 5-3
Juan Minaya allowed two runs on six hits and three walks while striking out four in four innings to start the game and was followed with a scoreless inning from Richard Rodriguez. Vincent Velasquez (5H 1R 3SO) pitched the next three frames and was awarded the win, and John Neely got his 11th save of the season. Rio Ruiz (3x4) doubled in the first run in the second before scoring later in the inning on an error. The next three came across on a Jesse Wierzbicki RBI single in the third, a Teoscar Hernandez (1x2 2B BB R) sac fly RBI in the fifth and a Rio Ruiz RBI double in the eighth. Roberto Pena was one-for-two with two walks and scored two runs.
Tri-City over Lowell 8-5 in 11 innings
Edison Frias got the start and allowed two runs on six hits and a walk in four innings and Charles Basford allowed another three in his two-thirds of an inning. Kyle Westwood only allowed one walk in his three and a third and Albert Minnis only allowed one hit in his two innings (and got the win). Chia-Jen Lo struck out the side in the 11th to earn his second save. It looked as though the Tri-City win streak might come to an end as they were shutout through seven, but they put up three in the eighth and two in the ninth to tie it and three more in the 11th to win it. Tony Kemp was two-for-five with a walk and scored two runs; Conrad Gregor was two-for-six with three RBI and a run scored; and Jose Fernandez was two-for-five and scored a run. Michael Martinez had the only extra base hit, a double. Martinez, D'Andre Toney and Jon Kemmer all had RBI.
Bluefield over Greeneville 5-0
Starter Enderson Franco allowed two runs on six hits and a walk with four strikeouts over five innings and was followed by two scoreless innings from Frederick Tiburcio and Jordan Mills. Gerardo Ramirez pitched the eighth and allowed three additional runs. Despite being shutout, Marc Wik (2x4 2B) and Wallace Gonzalez (2x3) had good outings.
DSL Red Sox over DSL Astros 4-3
Starter Juan Hernandez gave up three runs (one earned) on two hits and three walks while striking out three, but Junior Garcia (3.1IP 2H 1R 1BB 4SO) was charged with the loss after giving up a walk-off home run in the bottom of the ninth. The Astros were held to four hits with one of them being a Brian Pena home run. Jarico Reynoso was two-for-three with an RBI and a run scored.
Player of the Day: Rio Ruiz is slowly getting up to speed. I really think he's going to be a very special player and his two RBI doubles last night give us a glimpse of that.
Pitcher of the Day: I've got to give the WTHB love to Jarred Cosart today. It wasn't simply the six shutout innings or the eight strikeouts, it was also the zero walks. If he can limit those walks, he'll be in Houston very, very soon. Honorable mention to a great performance from David Rollins and a dominant save from Josh Zeid.
Oklahoma City over New Orleans 4-1
Jarred Cosart got six shutout innings, eight strikeouts and the win. He gave up four hits and didn't walk a batter. Rhiner Cruz and Alex Sogard took the next two innings with Sogard giving up the lone Zephyrs' run. Josh Zeid got his fifth save in style, striking out the side. The game was scoreless until OKC put up three in the sixth on a Carlos Perez RBI single (2x5 R) and a two-run double from Che-Hsuan Lin. Perez drove in the final run in the seventh inning as well. Brett Wallace was four-for-five with two doubles and scored two runs; Jon Singleton was one-for-three and walked twice; and Brandon Laird was two-for-five with a run.
Frisco over Corpus Christi 2-0
Jake Buchanan got the start, allowing two runs on four hits and a walk before giving way to three perfect innings from Carlos Quevedo and Sergio Escalona. The Hooks were held to three hits in the shutout with two of those hits belonging to Erik Castro.
Lancaster over Rancho Cucamonga 11-3
David Rollins got the win in commanding fashion, allowing only one hit over five innings while striking out nine. Tyson Perez (5H 1BB 5SO 1HR) allowed three runs in his four innings of work. The JetHawks wasted no time in getting their second half off to a good start by scoring five in the first inning on a wild pitch, a Telvin Nash (1x3 2RBI BB R) double and a Tyler Heineman home run. They added on one in the third with Andrew Aplin scoring on a throwing error. And then they went a little bit crazy in the fourth inning with doubles from Matt Duffy, Delino DeShields and Joe Sclafani, and two-run home runs from Chris Epps and M.P. Cokinos (2x3 BB 2R).
Quad Cities over Kane County 5-3
Juan Minaya allowed two runs on six hits and three walks while striking out four in four innings to start the game and was followed with a scoreless inning from Richard Rodriguez. Vincent Velasquez (5H 1R 3SO) pitched the next three frames and was awarded the win, and John Neely got his 11th save of the season. Rio Ruiz (3x4) doubled in the first run in the second before scoring later in the inning on an error. The next three came across on a Jesse Wierzbicki RBI single in the third, a Teoscar Hernandez (1x2 2B BB R) sac fly RBI in the fifth and a Rio Ruiz RBI double in the eighth. Roberto Pena was one-for-two with two walks and scored two runs.
Tri-City over Lowell 8-5 in 11 innings
Edison Frias got the start and allowed two runs on six hits and a walk in four innings and Charles Basford allowed another three in his two-thirds of an inning. Kyle Westwood only allowed one walk in his three and a third and Albert Minnis only allowed one hit in his two innings (and got the win). Chia-Jen Lo struck out the side in the 11th to earn his second save. It looked as though the Tri-City win streak might come to an end as they were shutout through seven, but they put up three in the eighth and two in the ninth to tie it and three more in the 11th to win it. Tony Kemp was two-for-five with a walk and scored two runs; Conrad Gregor was two-for-six with three RBI and a run scored; and Jose Fernandez was two-for-five and scored a run. Michael Martinez had the only extra base hit, a double. Martinez, D'Andre Toney and Jon Kemmer all had RBI.
Bluefield over Greeneville 5-0
Starter Enderson Franco allowed two runs on six hits and a walk with four strikeouts over five innings and was followed by two scoreless innings from Frederick Tiburcio and Jordan Mills. Gerardo Ramirez pitched the eighth and allowed three additional runs. Despite being shutout, Marc Wik (2x4 2B) and Wallace Gonzalez (2x3) had good outings.
DSL Red Sox over DSL Astros 4-3
Starter Juan Hernandez gave up three runs (one earned) on two hits and three walks while striking out three, but Junior Garcia (3.1IP 2H 1R 1BB 4SO) was charged with the loss after giving up a walk-off home run in the bottom of the ninth. The Astros were held to four hits with one of them being a Brian Pena home run. Jarico Reynoso was two-for-three with an RBI and a run scored.
Player of the Day: Rio Ruiz is slowly getting up to speed. I really think he's going to be a very special player and his two RBI doubles last night give us a glimpse of that.
Pitcher of the Day: I've got to give the WTHB love to Jarred Cosart today. It wasn't simply the six shutout innings or the eight strikeouts, it was also the zero walks. If he can limit those walks, he'll be in Houston very, very soon. Honorable mention to a great performance from David Rollins and a dominant save from Josh Zeid.
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Astros Minor League Recaps
Saturday’s Games
DSL Astros 0, DSL Athletics 2
The DSL Astros were one-hit shutout on Saturday. Edwin
Villarroel (1-1) took the loss after pitching the first five innings, allowing
one run on seven hits and striking out two. Joselo Pinales followed to finish
out the final three and during his time he gave up no hits, walked one and
struck out a pair as another, un-earned, run scored in the seventh-the result
of consecutive errors to lead off the bottom of that frame. The DSL Astros had
four errors on the day and three in the seventh inning. Kristian Trompiz went
one-for-four with the only hit of the day, a single in the first inning.
Burlington Bees 5, Quad Cities River Bandits 6 (9) Game 1
The River Bandits won their first match in the double dip at
home Saturday. Quad Cities was behind five runs after the second inning, but
steady pitching after that and Brian Blasik’s (2X4 R HR 4RBI) grand slam helped
them get back to tie the game and eventually win. Daniel Minor was the first on
the mound for the River Bandits and after the five runs (2ER) scored in the
first two frames, he settled in to allow just one more hit in his remaining two
and two thirds, finishing with six hits, a walk and a K. Juri Perez pitched
next and gave up a single hit in his three-inning long shift while walking two
and striking out a trio. Mitchell Lambson (4-3) closed out the final one and a
third to pick up the win, striking out one with two hits allowed. In the bottom
of the ninth, Teoscar Hernandez (2X5 2R HR RBI 2SO) led off with single and
scored the winning run after he was followed by Carlos Correa’s (3X5 R 2B RBI
SO) walk- off single. Hernandez also hit a solo-homer in the third to get Quad
Cities on the board.
Burlington Bees 2, Quad Cities River Bandits 1 (8) Game 2
The second game of the day in Modern Woodmen Park went into
extras too, but did not see a win for the home team. The River Bandits recorded
three hits all game and scored their only run in the third, utilizing two of
those hits-a Brett Phillips double and a Ruben Sosa RBI-single. The only other
hit was a single by Carlos Correa to lead off the home half of the seventh
frame. Lance McCullers threw the first five innings and tallied a run on six
hits as he struck out six. John Neely (1-4) worked the last inning and picked
up the loss, allowing the winning run on two hits. Gera Sanchez pitched the
sixth and seventh, and aside from giving up two walks and a hit, struck out
every other batter he faced, tying his career high of six.
Lancaster JetHawks 5, Lake Elsinore Storm 1
The JetHawks clinched the first half Saturday and secured a
return to the post season with their second consecutive win on the road in Lake
Elsinore. Kyle Hallock started on the mound and even though he gave up five
hits and five walks through his four and two thirds, he kept them scoreless.
Theron Geith entered for one out in the fifth to resolve a bases loaded
situation and struck out the batter he faced to end the inning. Luis Cruz (3-4)
took the hill for the next three innings, allowing the only run on two hits and
a walk while striking out five and earning the win. Matt Duffy went wild at the
plate on Saturday, batting three-for-four with a run scored, two doubles, two
RBI and a walk. Preston Tucker (2X5 R 2SO) and Andrew Aplin (2X5 R) also had multi-hit
games as well and Delino DeShields, who batted one-for-three, scored a run,
walked twice and hit his sixth triple of the season.
Corpus Christi Hooks 0, Frisco Rough Riders 3
The Hooks were three-hit shutout on Saturday after winning
their last four games in a row. David Martinez picked up his first loss of the
season, moving his record to nine wins and one loss. Martinez tossed the first
five frames for Corpus, allowing one run, three hits and struck out four. Aside
from a single in the second, Martinez retired every batter he faced in order
before reaching the fifth. Mike Foltynewicz followed on the hill for the next
two and a third and allowed another pair of runs on three hits, walked three
and K-ed two. Jonathan Singleton went nothing-for-two with a couple of walks
and a strikeout and Max Stassi hit one-for-two with a walk and a double in the
fifth inning.
Round Rock Express 4, Oklahoma City RedHawks 6
Oklahoma City didn’t score after the fourth inning, but by
then they had already recorded a big enough crooked number for the win at home.
Jarred Cosart (6-3) picked up the win after hurling the first six innings.
Cosart gave up two runs on four hits (HR), walked four and struck out three.
Kevin Chapman (2IP H ER 2SO) and Rhiner Cruz (.1 IP 2H ER BB HR) followed
Cosart on the hill and each added another run before Josh Zeid stepped in to
record the last two outs of the game and his third save of the season. Zeid
faced two batters: the first lined out and the second was whiffed. Half of the
RedHawks’ runs were the products of the longballs hit by Brett Wallace (1X4 R
RBI HR 2SO) and Jake Elmore (2X3 2R HR 2RBI). Wallace hit a solo shot to lead
off the bottom of the third and Elmore clubbed his in the fourth, scoring
Robbie Grossman (1X4 R 2SO). Marc Krauss hit an RBI single in the first inning
to draw first blood, scoring Elmore. Krauss finished at two-for-four with a
double, RBI and a strikeout.
Player of the Day: Brian Blasik hit a big one Saturday and a
grand slam always takes the honors here. Not only that, it was Blasik’s first
homer of the season and the second of his minor league career. Way to make it
count.
Pitcher of the Day: Two guys are splitting the honors
today, Theron Geith and Josh Zeid. These two combined for just three outs of work
all told on Saturday, but they stepped in and helped their teams when they
needed them the most. Geith faced just one batter, but it was to end a two-out,
bases-loaded jam and Zeid entered to record the last two outs of the game and secure
the win for his team when things started to get too close for comfort. A very honorable
mention goes out to Gera Sanchez and his six Ks in two innings as well.
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