Happy Birthday to ~
RHP Cristofer Melendez (17)
Signed by the Astros during the International Signing Period in July, Melendez has not yet made his professional debut.
RHP Austin Chrismon (22)
Drafted by Houston in the 26th round in 2013 out of East Carolina University (Greenville, NC), Chrismon spent his second professional season with the Tri-City ValleyCats. In 16 games (13 starts), he was 6-3 with a 3.69 ERA and a 1.171 WHIP. He walked 15 batters and struck out 49 in 68.1 innings pitched.
OF Robbie Grossman (25)
Originally drafted by the Pirates in the sixth round in 2008, Grossman came to the Astros in the July 2012 trade for Wandy Rodriguez. Grossman has currently played in 92 games in Houston this season, hitting .223/.327/.333 with 13 doubles, two triples and six home runs.
Two former Astros celebrate the day as well ~
SS Hector Torres (69)
The native of Mexico played for Houston from 1968 to 1970 and again in 1973. He was a starter in 1968, but then was relegated to bench duties in his latter three seasons with the Astros. He had a .206 BA and a .244 OBP in 666 AB's. In October of 1970, he was traded to the Cubs for Roger Metzger.
RHP Chad Harville (38)
Originally drafted by Oakland in the second round in 1997, Harville came to Houston in an April 2004 trade with the A's for Kirk Saarloos. Harville spent parts of the 2004 and 2005 seasons with Houston and in 93 regular season appearances, he was 3-4 with a 4.63 ERA and a 1.533 WHIP. In 4 post-season appearances (in the NLDS and NLCS in 2004), he had an ERA of 9.00 and a WHIP of 2.000. He played his final major league game with Tampa Bay August 12, 2006.
A LOOK AT THE ASTROS MINOR LEAGUE SYSTEM
Showing posts with label Robbie Grossman. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Robbie Grossman. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
Astros Minor League Recaps
Results for Tuesday, April 22, 2014
Sweep!
Oklahoma City 8, Memphis 3
W- David Martinez (3-2)
L- Scott McGregor (0-3)
OKC home runs: Jon Singleton (8, solo in 3rd), Jonathan Meyer (1, solo in 3rd)
The RedHawks earned the split as they jumped out to a 4-1 lead after the first third of the game, then added 3 more in the 7th to secure the victory.
David Martinez went 5 innings and allowed a run on 3 hits and walked 1. Bobby Doran tagged in for 3 innings and gave up 2 runs (both in the 8th) on 4 hits and walked 1, and Rhiner Cruz worked around a pair of 2-out hits to finish it off, striking out the side in the 9th. All 3 OKC strikeouts belonged to Cruz.
Robbie Grossman began the game with a walk and opened the scoring when he came home on a Domingo Santana single. Ronald Torreyes added an RBI single in the 2nd, and then Singleton and Meyer both hit solo blasts in the 3rd. Kiké Hernandez added to the lead in the 7th when he hit a 2-run double, and Singleton chipped in once again with a sac fly. Meyer, who finished 2-4, scored OKC's final run as he scored on a wild pitck from Nick Greenwood/Erik Castro walk in the 8th. Grossman reached safely in all 5 of his plate appearances, going 2-2 with 2 runs scored and 3 walks.
After getting today off, the RedHawks will welcome Nashville to Bricktown for a 4-game series beginning Thursday. Mike Foltynewicz and Rudy Owens are scheduled to be Thursday's pairing; they'll take on Ariel Peña at 7:05.
Corpus Christi 6, Midland 5 in 12 innings
W- Andrew Robinson (3-0)
L- Conner Crumbliss (0-1); he actually started in RF in this game.
CC home runs: Chris Epps (1, grand slam in 2nd)
The Hooks found themselves in a 5-0 hole as the RockHounds jumped on Aaron West in the first 2 innings. They responded by landing a haymaker in the 2nd in the form of Chris Epps' grand slam, and Andrew Aplin tied the game with an RBI single in the 4th. 15 zeros on the board later, Nolan Fontana finally put up a 1 in the bottom of the 12th with his 4th hit of the evening, a single to bring home Jio Mier. Aplin, Matt Duffy, and Mier all had 2 hits; Fontana finished 4-7.
West went 3.1 innings and allowed 5 runs on 6 hits, walked 2, and struck out 2. The bullpen proceeded to throw 8.2 scoreless to pick him up. Alex Sogard was first up, and he allowed 2 hits and walked 1 in 2.2. The next 3 relievers threw 2 innings apiece: Jordan Jankowski allowed a hit while striking out 3. Travis Ballew allowed 2 hits, walked 1, and struck out 1. And finally, Andrew Robinson allowed 3 hits, walked 2, and struck out 3.
Luis Cruz and Ross Seaton will take on Andrew Werner in game 3 at 7:10.
Lancaster 5, Inland Empire 1
W- Josh Hader (1-0)
L- Alex Keudell (0-3)
Lancaster home runs: Teoscar Hernandez (2, 2-run in 1st)
The JetHawks took off with 4 in the 1st... and they were never seriously threatened in this one as they won rather handily, leading 5-0 after 2 innings and holding the 66ers to 3 hits.
Tony Kemp led off with a single, and then Teoscar Hernandez opened things up with his 2-run homer. The blast extended Hernandez's hitting streak to 8 games. After Carlos Correa lined out, Rio Ruiz got on board with a single, then scored on a Brandon Meredith double. Meredith came around to score on Danry Vasquez's single. Jordan Scott led off the 2nd with a double, advanced to 3rd on a Kemp flyout, and scored on a wild pitch. Kemp, Correa, and Ruiz each had 2 hits; Correa now has 3 straight multi-hit outings.
Coming off his worst outing of the season, Josh Hader bounced back impressively. He went 5 innings and allowed a run on just 2 hits, walked 1, and struck out 7. Chris Devenski allowed a hit and struck out 2 over 3 scoreless frames, and Jamaine Cotton struck out 2 in a 1-2-3 9th.
Mark Appel, after a period of extended rest, will make his return to the JetHawks rotation. He and Mike Hauschild will face Tyler DeLoach at 7:05 Pacific.
Quad Cities 11, Clinton 2
W- Pat Christensen (1-1)
L- Eddie Campbell (1-1)
QC home runs: Thomas Lindauer 2 (2, 2-run in 3rd, 2-run in 4th)
Well, that was quick. In his 2nd game of the season, QC native Thomas Lindauer became the new clubhouse leader in home runs as he belted a couple of 2-run shots off of Clinton starter Eddie Campbell and added an RBI single in the 8th. In fact, the two new additions to the River Bandits roster wasted little time in making an impact on their club. Alex Gonzalez, who spent all of last year in the GCL, got the start at 3B and went 2-5 with a pair of run-scoring doubles in the 3rd (1 RBI) and the 9th (2). He also scored the only run that wasn't batted in when he came home on an error that allowed Jobduan Morales to reach in the 4th. Chase McDonald also had himself a pair of RBI doubles in the 3rd and the 9th.
Adrian Houser went 4 innings and gave up 2 runs on 4 hits, walked 4, and struck out 3. Pat Christensen worked around a hit to throw a scoreless 5th. Gonzalo Sañudo tagged in for 3 scoreless, allowing 2 hits and striking out 3. He's now on a 39-inning scoreless streak dating back to last season. Andrew Walter walked 1 and struck out 1 in a scoreless 9th to end it.
Chris Lee and Andrew Thurman will be the pairing for game 3, and they'll be taking on Carlos Misell. First pitch is at 6:30.
Three Stars: Pitchers
3.
2. Corpus bullpen
1.
Josh Hader, LHP, Lancaster
W (1-0), 5 IP, 2 H, ER, BB, 7 K
Chris Devenski, Lancaster
3 IP, H, 2 K
Three Stars: Position Players
3.
2.
1.
Sweep!
Oklahoma City 8, Memphis 3
W- David Martinez (3-2)
L- Scott McGregor (0-3)
OKC home runs: Jon Singleton (8, solo in 3rd), Jonathan Meyer (1, solo in 3rd)
The RedHawks earned the split as they jumped out to a 4-1 lead after the first third of the game, then added 3 more in the 7th to secure the victory.
David Martinez went 5 innings and allowed a run on 3 hits and walked 1. Bobby Doran tagged in for 3 innings and gave up 2 runs (both in the 8th) on 4 hits and walked 1, and Rhiner Cruz worked around a pair of 2-out hits to finish it off, striking out the side in the 9th. All 3 OKC strikeouts belonged to Cruz.
Robbie Grossman began the game with a walk and opened the scoring when he came home on a Domingo Santana single. Ronald Torreyes added an RBI single in the 2nd, and then Singleton and Meyer both hit solo blasts in the 3rd. Kiké Hernandez added to the lead in the 7th when he hit a 2-run double, and Singleton chipped in once again with a sac fly. Meyer, who finished 2-4, scored OKC's final run as he scored on a wild pitck from Nick Greenwood/Erik Castro walk in the 8th. Grossman reached safely in all 5 of his plate appearances, going 2-2 with 2 runs scored and 3 walks.
After getting today off, the RedHawks will welcome Nashville to Bricktown for a 4-game series beginning Thursday. Mike Foltynewicz and Rudy Owens are scheduled to be Thursday's pairing; they'll take on Ariel Peña at 7:05.
Corpus Christi 6, Midland 5 in 12 innings
W- Andrew Robinson (3-0)
L- Conner Crumbliss (0-1); he actually started in RF in this game.
CC home runs: Chris Epps (1, grand slam in 2nd)
The Hooks found themselves in a 5-0 hole as the RockHounds jumped on Aaron West in the first 2 innings. They responded by landing a haymaker in the 2nd in the form of Chris Epps' grand slam, and Andrew Aplin tied the game with an RBI single in the 4th. 15 zeros on the board later, Nolan Fontana finally put up a 1 in the bottom of the 12th with his 4th hit of the evening, a single to bring home Jio Mier. Aplin, Matt Duffy, and Mier all had 2 hits; Fontana finished 4-7.
West went 3.1 innings and allowed 5 runs on 6 hits, walked 2, and struck out 2. The bullpen proceeded to throw 8.2 scoreless to pick him up. Alex Sogard was first up, and he allowed 2 hits and walked 1 in 2.2. The next 3 relievers threw 2 innings apiece: Jordan Jankowski allowed a hit while striking out 3. Travis Ballew allowed 2 hits, walked 1, and struck out 1. And finally, Andrew Robinson allowed 3 hits, walked 2, and struck out 3.
Luis Cruz and Ross Seaton will take on Andrew Werner in game 3 at 7:10.
Lancaster 5, Inland Empire 1
W- Josh Hader (1-0)
L- Alex Keudell (0-3)
Lancaster home runs: Teoscar Hernandez (2, 2-run in 1st)
The JetHawks took off with 4 in the 1st... and they were never seriously threatened in this one as they won rather handily, leading 5-0 after 2 innings and holding the 66ers to 3 hits.
Tony Kemp led off with a single, and then Teoscar Hernandez opened things up with his 2-run homer. The blast extended Hernandez's hitting streak to 8 games. After Carlos Correa lined out, Rio Ruiz got on board with a single, then scored on a Brandon Meredith double. Meredith came around to score on Danry Vasquez's single. Jordan Scott led off the 2nd with a double, advanced to 3rd on a Kemp flyout, and scored on a wild pitch. Kemp, Correa, and Ruiz each had 2 hits; Correa now has 3 straight multi-hit outings.
Coming off his worst outing of the season, Josh Hader bounced back impressively. He went 5 innings and allowed a run on just 2 hits, walked 1, and struck out 7. Chris Devenski allowed a hit and struck out 2 over 3 scoreless frames, and Jamaine Cotton struck out 2 in a 1-2-3 9th.
Mark Appel, after a period of extended rest, will make his return to the JetHawks rotation. He and Mike Hauschild will face Tyler DeLoach at 7:05 Pacific.
Quad Cities 11, Clinton 2
W- Pat Christensen (1-1)
L- Eddie Campbell (1-1)
QC home runs: Thomas Lindauer 2 (2, 2-run in 3rd, 2-run in 4th)
Well, that was quick. In his 2nd game of the season, QC native Thomas Lindauer became the new clubhouse leader in home runs as he belted a couple of 2-run shots off of Clinton starter Eddie Campbell and added an RBI single in the 8th. In fact, the two new additions to the River Bandits roster wasted little time in making an impact on their club. Alex Gonzalez, who spent all of last year in the GCL, got the start at 3B and went 2-5 with a pair of run-scoring doubles in the 3rd (1 RBI) and the 9th (2). He also scored the only run that wasn't batted in when he came home on an error that allowed Jobduan Morales to reach in the 4th. Chase McDonald also had himself a pair of RBI doubles in the 3rd and the 9th.
Adrian Houser went 4 innings and gave up 2 runs on 4 hits, walked 4, and struck out 3. Pat Christensen worked around a hit to throw a scoreless 5th. Gonzalo Sañudo tagged in for 3 scoreless, allowing 2 hits and striking out 3. He's now on a 39-inning scoreless streak dating back to last season. Andrew Walter walked 1 and struck out 1 in a scoreless 9th to end it.
Chris Lee and Andrew Thurman will be the pairing for game 3, and they'll be taking on Carlos Misell. First pitch is at 6:30.
Three Stars: Pitchers
3.
Gonzalo Sañudo, RHP, Quad Cities
3 IP, 2 H, 3 K
2. Corpus bullpen
These are their mugshots on MiLB.com.
Combined: 8.2 IP, 8 H, 4 BB, 7 K
Alex Sogard, LHP, Jordan Jankowski, RHP, Travis Ballew, RHP, and Andrew Robinson, RHP
Sogard: 2.2 IP, 2 H, BB
Jankowski: 2 IP, H, 3 K
Ballew: 2 IP, 2 H, BB, K
Robinson: W (3-0), 2 IP, 3 H, 2 BB, 3 K
1.
@jhader17 was lights out in winning game #1 against the Snappers! pic.twitter.com/G1Hc4G54do
— RGuill (@QCBanditPhotog) September 8, 2013
Josh Hader, LHP, Lancaster
W (1-0), 5 IP, 2 H, ER, BB, 7 K
@ddddeevvvoooo En Fuego! pic.twitter.com/wV2IRNfXoH
— RGuill (@QCBanditPhotog) September 5, 2013
Chris Devenski, Lancaster
3 IP, H, 2 K
Three Stars: Position Players
3.
Robbie Grossman, CF, Oklahoma City
2-2, 2 R, 3 BB
2.
Alex Gonzalez, 3B, Quad Cities
2-5, 2 2B, 3 RBI
Nolan Fontana, 2B/SS, Corpus Christi
4-7, GW RBI single in 12th
1.
Thomas Lindauer, SS, Quad Cities
3-5, 2 HR (2), 5 RBI
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
Astros Minor League Roster Moves/Transactions
In addition to the news that some guy named George Springer got promoted to Houston, I found a couple more transactions for today.
OKLAHOMA CITY
2B Enrique Hernandez was assigned from Corpus Christi to Oklahoma City
OF Robbie Grossman was optioned from Houston to Oklahoma City
LANCASTER
IF/OF Ruben Sosa was assigned from Oklahoma City to Lancaster
There was also this tweet noting that Telvin Nash was being assigned to Corpus Christi, but the transaction has not been posted on MiLB.com yet.
OKLAHOMA CITY
2B Enrique Hernandez was assigned from Corpus Christi to Oklahoma City
OF Robbie Grossman was optioned from Houston to Oklahoma City
LANCASTER
IF/OF Ruben Sosa was assigned from Oklahoma City to Lancaster
There was also this tweet noting that Telvin Nash was being assigned to Corpus Christi, but the transaction has not been posted on MiLB.com yet.
Old friend Telvin Nash activated off DL today and will join AA Corpus Christi. Sorry Texas League baseballs... #lighttowerpower
— Lancaster JetHawks (@JetHawks) April 16, 2014
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
2014 Grapefruit League Recap, Game 24
Houston Astros 7, Atlanta Braves 5
2014 Grapefruit League record: 9-15
W- Jason Stoffel (1-0)
L- David Hale (0-3)
S- Ross Seaton (1)
Astros home runs: None.
Down 4-0 after the 1st, the Astros finished the game on a 7-1 run at Disney World.
Starting Pitcher: Dallas Keuchel
Keuchel served up a pair of home runs in the 1st inning to Chris Johnson (3-run) and Justin Upton (solo). That 4-run 1st wound up becoming the only inning in which he allowed a run. He also drew a walk at the plate! And scored on a wild pitch!!!
Final line: 4 IP, 5 H (2 homers), 4 ER (all on the home runs), 2 BB, 7 K
Bullpen
Jason Stoffel was the first man out for the Astros, and although he gave up a game-tyine homer to Freddie Freeman in the 5th, he still turned in a good outing, striking out 2 in his 1.2 innings. He bowed out with 2 outs in the 6th, and on came Kevin Chapman, who struck out Jason Heyward to end the inning.
That would be the only out that Chapman would record, as he walked B.J. Upton and allowed a single to Ernesto Mejia.
Andrew Robinson was summoned to escape a runners on the corners with no outs situation. He did just that, punching out Chris Johnson, getting Justin Upton to pop out, and Tyler Pastornicky to ground out. Robinson struck out Steven Lerud to begin the 8th and left after allowing a double to Ramiro Peña.
Raúl Valdés was next, and he finished the 8th by striking out our old pal Jordan Schafer, and getting Phil Gosselin to ground out.
Ross Seaton allowed a single to Derrick Mitchell to lead off the 9th, but he wound up shutting the door, striking out Edward Salcedo to end it.
Offense
The Astros pounded out 13 hits, with Dexter Fowler leading the charge with a 3-4 night. Robbie Grossman, Jose Altuve, and L.J. Hoes had 2 apiece.
Down 4-0, they put up 3 in the 4th, thanks to an RBI single from Fowler...
Keuchel trotted home on a wild pitch,
and then Grossman hammered an RBI triple to bring the Astros to within 1.
Another wild pitch allowed Altuve to score the tying run in the 5th,
and Chris Carter scored the go-ahead run as Jonathan Villar sacrificed himself. After the Braves tied it at 5 in the bottom of the 5th, Fowler broke the tie by scoring on a Jason Castro force out. Castro made it to 2nd, thanks to an error on the play. And finally, Carter hit a sac fly in the 9th to bring home Andrew Aplin, who entered as a pinch-runner for Castro.
Three Stars
3.
Robbie Grossman, OF
2-5, RBI 3B in 4th
2.
Jose Altuve, 2B
2-5, R, and this web gem:
1.
Dexter Fowler, OF
3-4, RBI, 2 R, BB
Next Up
Astros are off today and play their final Grapefruit League game tomorrow night.
— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) March 25, 2014
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.
Sunday, March 9, 2014
2014 Grapefruit League Recaps, Games 8 & 9
*I embedded some highlights from MLB.com, which may take time to fill the wide swaths of empty space in this post.
New York Yankees 9, Houston Astros 6
New York Yankees 9, Houston Astros 6
2014 Grapefruit League record, after this game: 3-5
W- Chase Whitley (1-2)
L- Jose Cisnero (0-1)
S- Chris Leroux (1)
Astros home runs: Chris Carter (1)
Astros home runs: Chris Carter (1)
After the Astros took a 6-4 lead courtesy of a 3-run homer from Chris Carter in the 5th, the Yankees responded with 5 unanswered (3 in the 6th, 2 in the 7th) to seize control of the game.
Starting Pitcher: Jarred Cosart
Cosart worked around a couple of walks to throw a scoreless 1st inning, striking out 2. In the 2nd, though, he gave up a leadoff single to Dean Anna, and an error on Jose Altuve allowed the Yankees to get on the board. An RBI double from Mason Williams drew the Yankees even in the inning. Cosart left after getting Brett Gardner to ground out for the 2nd out of the inning.
Final line: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 2 R (1 earned), 2 BB, 2 K
Bullpen
Jorge De Leon finished the 2nd by striking out Eduardo Nuñez.
Darin Downs came on for the next 2 innings and gave up a 2-run homer to Kelly Johnson in the 3rd. He threw a scoreless 4th, and walked 2 in his outing.
Chad Qualls struck out 2 in a 1-2-3 5th.
Jose Cisnero got tagged with the loss, as he gave up the Yankees' 3 runs in the 6th. Only one of those runs were earned. He allowed 3 hits, walked 1, and fanned 1.
Jake Buchanan gave up 2 in the 7th on a pop fly single and a fielder's choice. He also struck out 2 in a 1-2-3 8th.
Nick Tropeano allowed a 1-out single, but nothing came of it as he struck out 2 in a scoreless 9th.
Offense
Jason Castro went the other way with a nice 2-run double to open the scoring for the Astros in the 1st.
In the 2nd, Cesar Izturis dropped an RBI single right in between a couple of Yankee outfielders.
And finally, Chris Carter put the Astros in front at that point with this 3-run shot:
It was nice to see Rio Ruiz and Teoscar Hernandez see some action with the big club. They both went 0-1, with Rio drawing a walk and Teoscar scoring a run. Nolan Fontana came on as a pinch-hitter for Izturis in the 9th and doubled.
It was nice to see Rio Ruiz and Teoscar Hernandez see some action with the big club. They both went 0-1, with Rio drawing a walk and Teoscar scoring a run. Nolan Fontana came on as a pinch-hitter for Izturis in the 9th and doubled.
Philadelphia Phillies 11, Houston Astros 3
2014 Grapefruit League record, after Saturday: 3-6
W- Jesse Biddle (1-0)
L- Collin McHugh (0-1)
Astros home runs: None.
Astros home runs: None.
It was not exactly a banner spring training game day as both Astros squads wound up taking losses. This one got away in the middle portions of the game, as the Phillies went on an 11-2 run from the 5th to the 9th.
Starting Pitcher: Dallas Keuchel
Keuchel was excellent, delivering 3 no-hit innings. The only Phillies to reach on him were Chase Utley (via walk in the 1st) and Carlos Ruiz (via error from Matt Dominguez in the 2nd).
Final line: 3 IP, BB, 2 K
Bullpen
Collin McHugh was the first man out, and after a scoreless 4th, the wheels fell off. I'll leave it at that.
Jason Stoffel got the final 2 outs of the 6th, but allowed both of the runners he inherited from McHugh to score, and gave up one of his own.
Luis Cruz got rocked in the 7th; David Martinez had to clean up that mess.
Chia-Jen Lo allowed an unearned run in the 8th; Bobby Doran allowed that run to score, but was able to avoid further damage.
Offense
Robbie Grossman put the Astros on the board first with this exquisite hit-and-run:
Houston managed to tie the game at 3, as Jesse Biddle uncorked a wild one...
...and Gregorio Petit poked a hole through the left side of the Phillies infield.
Starting Pitcher: Dallas Keuchel
Keuchel was excellent, delivering 3 no-hit innings. The only Phillies to reach on him were Chase Utley (via walk in the 1st) and Carlos Ruiz (via error from Matt Dominguez in the 2nd).
Final line: 3 IP, BB, 2 K
Bullpen
Collin McHugh was the first man out, and after a scoreless 4th, the wheels fell off. I'll leave it at that.
Jason Stoffel got the final 2 outs of the 6th, but allowed both of the runners he inherited from McHugh to score, and gave up one of his own.
Luis Cruz got rocked in the 7th; David Martinez had to clean up that mess.
Chia-Jen Lo allowed an unearned run in the 8th; Bobby Doran allowed that run to score, but was able to avoid further damage.
Offense
Robbie Grossman put the Astros on the board first with this exquisite hit-and-run:
Houston managed to tie the game at 3, as Jesse Biddle uncorked a wild one...
...and Gregorio Petit poked a hole through the left side of the Phillies infield.
These guys were much more patient than the squad in Kissimmee, outwalking them 9-2.
Japhet Amador made his spring debut for the Astros, going 0-2 with a K after replacing Brett Wallace at DH.
Ruben Sosa and Chris Epps made appearances as pinch-hitters in the 9th. They both grounded out.
Three Stars
3.
Chris Carter, 1B/DH
vs. NYY 1-3, 3-R HR (1) in 5th
2.
Cesar Izturis, SS
vs. NYY: 2-3, RBI single in 2nd
1.
Dallas Keuchel, LHP
@PHI: 3 IP, BB, 2 K
Honorable Mentions: Jose Altuve, Jason Castro
Next Up
The Astros will have a full squad in Kissimmee to welcome the Blue Jays. Rudy Owens will look to rebound from a rough first start as he takes on R.A. Dickey at 1:05 Eastern.
Monday, September 16, 2013
Happy Birthday - 9/16
Happy Birthday to ~
RHP Austin Chrismon (21)
Drafted by Houston in the 26th round in 2013 out of East Carolina University (Greenville, NC), Chrismon spent his first professional season with the Greeneville Astros. In 11 games (two starts), he was 3-1 with a 3.06 ERA and a 1.021 WHIP.
OF Robbie Grossman (24)
Originally drafted by the Pirates in the sixth round in 2008, Grossman came to the Astros in the July 2012 trade for Wandy Rodriguez. Grossman split his time between Oklahoma City and Houston where he made his major league debut August 23rd. In 70 games for the RedHawks, he hit .281/.396/.364 with 11 doubles, two triples and two home runs. In a total of 63 games in Houston (in two different stints), he is hitting .268/.332/.370 with 14 doubles and four home runs. He has been on the DL since September 3rd with a strained oblique.
Two former Astros with birthdays today ~
SS Hector Torres (68)
The native of Mexico played for Houston from 1968 to 1970 and again in 1973. He was a starter in 1968, but then was relegated to bench duties in his latter three seasons with the Astros. He had a .206 BA and a .244 OBP in 666 AB's. In October of 1970, he was traded to the Cubs for Roger Metzger.
RHP Chad Harville (37)
Originally drafted by Oakland in the second round in 1997, Harville came to Houston in an April 2004 trade with the A's for Kirk Saarloos. Harville spent parts of the 2004 and 2005 seasons with Houston and in 93 regular season appearances, he was 3-4 with a 4.63 ERA and a 1.533 WHIP. In 4 post-season appearances (in the NLDS and NLCS in 2004), he had an ERA of 9.00 and a WHIP of 2.000. He played his final major league game with Tampa Bay August 12, 2006.
RHP Austin Chrismon (21)
Drafted by Houston in the 26th round in 2013 out of East Carolina University (Greenville, NC), Chrismon spent his first professional season with the Greeneville Astros. In 11 games (two starts), he was 3-1 with a 3.06 ERA and a 1.021 WHIP.
OF Robbie Grossman (24)
Originally drafted by the Pirates in the sixth round in 2008, Grossman came to the Astros in the July 2012 trade for Wandy Rodriguez. Grossman split his time between Oklahoma City and Houston where he made his major league debut August 23rd. In 70 games for the RedHawks, he hit .281/.396/.364 with 11 doubles, two triples and two home runs. In a total of 63 games in Houston (in two different stints), he is hitting .268/.332/.370 with 14 doubles and four home runs. He has been on the DL since September 3rd with a strained oblique.
Two former Astros with birthdays today ~
SS Hector Torres (68)
The native of Mexico played for Houston from 1968 to 1970 and again in 1973. He was a starter in 1968, but then was relegated to bench duties in his latter three seasons with the Astros. He had a .206 BA and a .244 OBP in 666 AB's. In October of 1970, he was traded to the Cubs for Roger Metzger.
RHP Chad Harville (37)
Originally drafted by Oakland in the second round in 1997, Harville came to Houston in an April 2004 trade with the A's for Kirk Saarloos. Harville spent parts of the 2004 and 2005 seasons with Houston and in 93 regular season appearances, he was 3-4 with a 4.63 ERA and a 1.533 WHIP. In 4 post-season appearances (in the NLDS and NLCS in 2004), he had an ERA of 9.00 and a WHIP of 2.000. He played his final major league game with Tampa Bay August 12, 2006.
Sunday, July 21, 2013
Astros Minor League Recaps
Saturday's Games
Greeneville Astros 11, Johnson City Cardinals
10 (10)
This game was the opposite of a pitchers' duel and Greeneville took advantage of four opposing errors, seven hits and nine walks to come out on top. They have now won nine games in a row. The Astros used five pitchers in their game Saturday and no one worked longer than two and two-thirds. Starter Enderson Franco pitched one and two-thirds and after a 1-2-3 first, gave up a hit and walked four in the second to be charged with four runs. The win went to Tyler Brunnemann (2-0) after taking the hill for the final two innings. Brunnemann hit two batters and threw a wild pitch, but didn't give up any hits and struck out two. Brian Holberton (1X3 2R HR RBI 2BB) and Juan Santana (2X5 R HR 3RBI 2SO) both homered in the game while Tyler White (1X3 2R 2RBI 2BB) collected a couple RBIs, including the go ahead run in the 10th. Tanner Mathis (1X5 2R BB) stole second twice on Saturday.
This game was the opposite of a pitchers' duel and Greeneville took advantage of four opposing errors, seven hits and nine walks to come out on top. They have now won nine games in a row. The Astros used five pitchers in their game Saturday and no one worked longer than two and two-thirds. Starter Enderson Franco pitched one and two-thirds and after a 1-2-3 first, gave up a hit and walked four in the second to be charged with four runs. The win went to Tyler Brunnemann (2-0) after taking the hill for the final two innings. Brunnemann hit two batters and threw a wild pitch, but didn't give up any hits and struck out two. Brian Holberton (1X3 2R HR RBI 2BB) and Juan Santana (2X5 R HR 3RBI 2SO) both homered in the game while Tyler White (1X3 2R 2RBI 2BB) collected a couple RBIs, including the go ahead run in the 10th. Tanner Mathis (1X5 2R BB) stole second twice on Saturday.
GCL Yankees1 2, GCL Astros 1
The Astros only allowed three hits to
their opponents outside of the first inning but still lost this one at home.
Troy Scribner (3-1) went six innings in his start before picking up his first
loss. Scribner was charged with two runs (1ER) on five hits and struck out ten.
Brett Booth went two-for-four at the plate with a double, a strikeout, stole a
base and scored the Astros' only run in the fourth.
Hudson Valley Renegades 7, Tri-City Valley Cats
5
Tri-City was in control of this game until the seventh inning when they allowed five runs to score, four of which were unearned. Randall Fant took the mound to start and threw five innings, allowing a pair of runs on seven hits, walking two and striking out one. Zach Morton entered in the seventh and finished the game, becoming the owner of the five runs (1ER) that upset the Valley Cats on Saturday after two errors, three hits, a HBP and a passed ball all occurred in the seventh. Morton (1-1) would retire the last seven batters of the game in order. Michael Martinez went three-for-four in the game and put the Tri-City on the board in the first with a two-out, two-run homer, finishing with three RBI. James Ramsay went two-for-three, scored a run, walked and collected an RBI.
Tri-City was in control of this game until the seventh inning when they allowed five runs to score, four of which were unearned. Randall Fant took the mound to start and threw five innings, allowing a pair of runs on seven hits, walking two and striking out one. Zach Morton entered in the seventh and finished the game, becoming the owner of the five runs (1ER) that upset the Valley Cats on Saturday after two errors, three hits, a HBP and a passed ball all occurred in the seventh. Morton (1-1) would retire the last seven batters of the game in order. Michael Martinez went three-for-four in the game and put the Tri-City on the board in the first with a two-out, two-run homer, finishing with three RBI. James Ramsay went two-for-three, scored a run, walked and collected an RBI.
Quad Cities River Bandits 3, Lake County
Captains 5
Chris Devenski had a rough outing from the get go on Saturday. Before leaving the first inning, Lake County had already connected for two home runs and a couple doubles, good for four scores. Devenski (0-2) pitched four innings and left with five runs on nine hits, a walk and seven strikeouts along the way. Quad Cities hit a pair of homers of their own on Saturday: Teoscar Hernandez (1X4 R HR RBI) put the River Bandits on the board in the sixth with a solo shot and Luis Alvarez (3X4 R HR RBI SO) followed suit in the seventh. Rio Ruiz didn't hit any homeruns but did finish two-for-four with an RBI.
Chris Devenski had a rough outing from the get go on Saturday. Before leaving the first inning, Lake County had already connected for two home runs and a couple doubles, good for four scores. Devenski (0-2) pitched four innings and left with five runs on nine hits, a walk and seven strikeouts along the way. Quad Cities hit a pair of homers of their own on Saturday: Teoscar Hernandez (1X4 R HR RBI) put the River Bandits on the board in the sixth with a solo shot and Luis Alvarez (3X4 R HR RBI SO) followed suit in the seventh. Rio Ruiz didn't hit any homeruns but did finish two-for-four with an RBI.
Lancaster JetHawks 3, Bakersfield Blaze 6
Lancaster was down five runs before they scored one of their own Saturday and that momentum proved to be a little too much to hurdle. Brady Rogers (8-6) threw the first five innings and tallied five runs on seven hits and a walk through the third inning before retiring the final eight batters he faced. Rogers K-ed four. Five JetHawks had multi-hit games and Delino DeShields (3X5 R 2B) topped them all with three hits. DeShields also stole two bases. Matt Duffy (2X3 R HR 2RBI) hit a two-run homer in the fourth inning, good for Lancaster's first score of the game. Chris Epps (2X4 R), Carlos Perdomo (2X4) and Ryan McCurdy (2X4 SO) were the other three players with two hits.
Lancaster was down five runs before they scored one of their own Saturday and that momentum proved to be a little too much to hurdle. Brady Rogers (8-6) threw the first five innings and tallied five runs on seven hits and a walk through the third inning before retiring the final eight batters he faced. Rogers K-ed four. Five JetHawks had multi-hit games and Delino DeShields (3X5 R 2B) topped them all with three hits. DeShields also stole two bases. Matt Duffy (2X3 R HR 2RBI) hit a two-run homer in the fourth inning, good for Lancaster's first score of the game. Chris Epps (2X4 R), Carlos Perdomo (2X4) and Ryan McCurdy (2X4 SO) were the other three players with two hits.
Frisco RoughRiders 1, Corpus Christi Hooks 9
The Hooks scored first and scored often on Saturday, collecting all nine of their runs before finally allowing one to Frisco in the seventh. Nick Tropeano (4-7) pitched the first seven innings and conceded the only opposing run on four hits, walked one and struck out five during his shift. Max Stassi had just one hit in three at bats, a two-run shot in the fifth—his ninth homer of the year—and accumulated three RBI. Erik Castro (3X4 2R 2B 3RBI) hit three-for-four and hit three RBI of his own while Jonathan Meyer (2X5 2R RBI SO) and Rene Garcia (2X5 R SO) had two hits apiece.
The Hooks scored first and scored often on Saturday, collecting all nine of their runs before finally allowing one to Frisco in the seventh. Nick Tropeano (4-7) pitched the first seven innings and conceded the only opposing run on four hits, walked one and struck out five during his shift. Max Stassi had just one hit in three at bats, a two-run shot in the fifth—his ninth homer of the year—and accumulated three RBI. Erik Castro (3X4 2R 2B 3RBI) hit three-for-four and hit three RBI of his own while Jonathan Meyer (2X5 2R RBI SO) and Rene Garcia (2X5 R SO) had two hits apiece.
Oklahoma City RedHawks 8, Memphis Redbirds 1
Oklahoma City too, collected all of their runs before finally allowing one in the seventh. Jake Buchanan (2-2) was on the mound for the scoreless, first six innings of the game and would earn the win, allowing five hits, four walks while striking out five. The RedHawks hit twice as many times as their opponents in the game (14-7) and Robbie Grossman (5X5 2R 3B RBI) had more than a third of their hits, finishing five-for-five on Saturday. Marwin Gonzalez (2X5 2B RBI), Jimmy Paredes (2X5 R) and Carlos Perez (2X4 R 2RBI 2SO) combined, have just one more hit than Grossman on the day. Just because "5X5" is fun to look at, here's the box:
Oklahoma City too, collected all of their runs before finally allowing one in the seventh. Jake Buchanan (2-2) was on the mound for the scoreless, first six innings of the game and would earn the win, allowing five hits, four walks while striking out five. The RedHawks hit twice as many times as their opponents in the game (14-7) and Robbie Grossman (5X5 2R 3B RBI) had more than a third of their hits, finishing five-for-five on Saturday. Marwin Gonzalez (2X5 2B RBI), Jimmy Paredes (2X5 R) and Carlos Perez (2X4 R 2RBI 2SO) combined, have just one more hit than Grossman on the day. Just because "5X5" is fun to look at, here's the box:
Player of the Day: Robbie "The Machine" Grossman had a tremendous game at the plate yesterday and deserves the honors today. Even though it was an eight run game with no homers, Grossman found a way to include some fireworks. Great game.
Pitcher of the Day: I am going against convention today and giving it to
a couple of guys who lost on Saturday but still stuck it out. First, Troy
Scribner did take a loss Saturday, but he also regained his composure after two
runs scored in the first to strike out the last three batters of the inning—the
first of his 10 Ks in the game. Second, there is Tri-City's Zach Morton who
entered the game yesterday to scoring as well and left having retired the last
seven in order. Both of these guys faced adversity Saturday and overcame it,
maybe not on the scoreboard, but right out there on the mound.
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Astros Minor League Recaps
Monday's Games - This is the one where Jayne starts getting cranky. If the Astros MiLB pitchers are going to phone it in, so am I, so short recaps today. Sounds harsh, but I have a headache and two days of nothing but losing is not helping!!!
Iowa over Oklahoma City 7-6
Phil Humber gave up a bunch of runs, like six times as many runs as the other four Astros pitchers combined. So there's that. Which means that Robbie Grossman's three-for-four game with two doubles, a triple, a walk, and a run was all for naught. As was Marc Krauss' three-for-four, double, home run, walk, two RBI and two runs scored. Grrrr.
San Antonio over Corpus 10-4
And then there's that whole R.J. Alaniz giving up six earned runs in one and a third innings thing. Did it really matter at that point that Jon Singleton went three-for-four with a double, RBI and a run, or that Jonathan Meyer hit a two-run home run? Not really, because they were behind the eight-ball at that point.
High Desert over Lancaster 8-3
And David, sweet David Rollins ... what are you doing to me? After a fantastic first inning, you forgot how to get an out in the second? Seven batters faced in the second without recording an out leading to seven earned runs from Rollins? It made the solo home runs from Nolan Fontana and Matt Duffy kind of worthless as well as Chris Epps' three-for-four outing with a double and a run.
Peoria over Quad Cities 5-1
And when Jamaine Cotton got lit up for five runs, the two singles each from Carlos Correa and Ruben Sosa and the one extra-base hit, a double from Roberto Pena, just didn't go very far.
DSL Astros at DSL Dodgers - Suspended due to rain after 3 innings with the Astros leading 4-0 (BUT AT LEAST THEY WERE AHEAD!!!)
Players of the Day: I am giving this to Robbie Grossman and Marc Krauss, who not only had very good outings, but also came very close to overcoming the pitching struggles for their team.
Pitcher of the Day: I will hand it to Tyson Perez. He did come in and give Lancaster four scoreless innings of two-hit ball, walking one and striking out four. See, it can be done guys.
[Editor's Note: No actual pitchers were injured in the writing of this commentary, but if they don't start putting up some W's today, all bets are off!!!]
Iowa over Oklahoma City 7-6
Phil Humber gave up a bunch of runs, like six times as many runs as the other four Astros pitchers combined. So there's that. Which means that Robbie Grossman's three-for-four game with two doubles, a triple, a walk, and a run was all for naught. As was Marc Krauss' three-for-four, double, home run, walk, two RBI and two runs scored. Grrrr.
San Antonio over Corpus 10-4
And then there's that whole R.J. Alaniz giving up six earned runs in one and a third innings thing. Did it really matter at that point that Jon Singleton went three-for-four with a double, RBI and a run, or that Jonathan Meyer hit a two-run home run? Not really, because they were behind the eight-ball at that point.
High Desert over Lancaster 8-3
And David, sweet David Rollins ... what are you doing to me? After a fantastic first inning, you forgot how to get an out in the second? Seven batters faced in the second without recording an out leading to seven earned runs from Rollins? It made the solo home runs from Nolan Fontana and Matt Duffy kind of worthless as well as Chris Epps' three-for-four outing with a double and a run.
Peoria over Quad Cities 5-1
And when Jamaine Cotton got lit up for five runs, the two singles each from Carlos Correa and Ruben Sosa and the one extra-base hit, a double from Roberto Pena, just didn't go very far.
DSL Astros at DSL Dodgers - Suspended due to rain after 3 innings with the Astros leading 4-0 (BUT AT LEAST THEY WERE AHEAD!!!)
Players of the Day: I am giving this to Robbie Grossman and Marc Krauss, who not only had very good outings, but also came very close to overcoming the pitching struggles for their team.
Pitcher of the Day: I will hand it to Tyson Perez. He did come in and give Lancaster four scoreless innings of two-hit ball, walking one and striking out four. See, it can be done guys.
[Editor's Note: No actual pitchers were injured in the writing of this commentary, but if they don't start putting up some W's today, all bets are off!!!]
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Roster Moves
(A couple of these are older moves, but I'm posting in case you missed them.)
Houston
RHP Brad Peacock recalled to Houston
Oklahoma City
OF Robbie Grossman optioned to Oklahoma City
RHP Josh Fields assigned to Oklahoma City for rehab assignment
Corpus Christi
LHP Sergio Escalona assigned to Corpus Christi from Extended Spring Training
Lancaster
C Ryan McCurdy placed on the 7-day DL
RHP Aaron West activated from the DL
Quad Cities
1B Jon Singleton activated from the restricted list and assigned to Quad Cities
Houston
RHP Brad Peacock recalled to Houston
Oklahoma City
OF Robbie Grossman optioned to Oklahoma City
RHP Josh Fields assigned to Oklahoma City for rehab assignment
Corpus Christi
LHP Sergio Escalona assigned to Corpus Christi from Extended Spring Training
Lancaster
C Ryan McCurdy placed on the 7-day DL
RHP Aaron West activated from the DL
Quad Cities
1B Jon Singleton activated from the restricted list and assigned to Quad Cities
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Roster Moves
HOUSTON
OF Justin Maxwell placed on the 15-day DL
OF Robbie Grossman assigned from Oklahoma City to Houston
LANCASTER
LF Telvin Nash activated from the DL
LHP Kenny Long activated from the DL
2B Raoul Torrez placed on the Temporary Inactive List
2B Raoul Torrez placed on the Temporary Inactive List
QUAD CITIES
LHP Joe Bircher assigned from Extended Spring Training to Quad Cities (Note: This was effective Sunday and he was just sent down five days prior to that.)
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Spring Training Update
Tuesday consisted of two split squad games. The first was called after six innings due to rain, but not before Jordan Lyles got roughed up to the tune of six runs in two innings. The second game went just a tad bit better with the offense showing some serious power. Robbie Grossman doubled; Rick Ankiel and Trevor Crowe had triples; and Jason Castro and Brett Wallace both homered in the win.
Spring Training Record: 2-2-1
Spring Training Game 4 Results: Rays 7, Astros (SS) 2 in six innings
Game 4 Minor League Standout: None.
Spring Training Game 5 Results: Astros (SS) 9, Detroit 4
Game 5 Minor League Standout: Robbie Grossman continues to impress with a double and two RBI in this game; he's hitting a brisk .571 so far this spring. LHP Kevin Chapman provided a perfect inning of relief.
Spring Training Game 6:
Astros at Blue Jays at 12:05 CST
SPRING TRAINING RESULTS
Spring Training Game 1 Results: Astros 8, Phillies 3
Spring Training Game 2 Results: Astros 7, Mets 7
Spring Training Game 3 Results: Cardinals 10, Astros 2
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Spring Training Update
'Stros Win! 'Stros Win! 'Stros Win! It was nice to get that first win under the new Bo Porter regime under the belt. Jeff Luhnow tweeted that the running game will be a big part of "Bo Ball," and I for one like it.
Spring Training Record: 1-0
Spring Training Game 1 Results: Astros 8, Phillies 3
Minor League Standouts: LF Robbie Grossman went 2-for-3 with a double and two RBI. Jarred Cosart pitched two innings in relief and allowed no hits, no runs and no walks while striking out one.
Spring Training Game 2: Mets (split squad) at Astros at 12:05 CST
Spring Training Record: 1-0
Spring Training Game 1 Results: Astros 8, Phillies 3
Minor League Standouts: LF Robbie Grossman went 2-for-3 with a double and two RBI. Jarred Cosart pitched two innings in relief and allowed no hits, no runs and no walks while striking out one.
Spring Training Game 2: Mets (split squad) at Astros at 12:05 CST
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Happy Birthday - 9/16
OF Robbie Grossman (23)
Originally drafted by the Pirates in the sixth round in 2008, Grossman came to the Astros in the July 2012 trade for Wandy Rodriguez. Grossman split his time between the Pirates AA affiliate and the Corpus Christi AA team with very comparable results. He ended the season hitting .266/.376/.410 with 28 doubles, six triples and ten home runs combined between the two teams.
Two former Astros with birthdays today ~
SS Hector Torres (67)
The native of Mexico played for Houston from 1968 to 1970 and again in 1973. He was a starter in 1968, but then was relegated to bench duties in his latter three seasons with the Astros. He had a .206 BA and a .244 OBP in 666 AB's. In October of 1970, he was traded to the Cubs for Roger Metzger.
RHP Chad Harville (36)
Originally drafted by Oakland in the second round in 1997, Harville came to Houston in an April 2004 trade with the A's for Kirk Saarloos. Harville spent parts of the 2004 and 2005 seasons with Houston and in 93 regular season appearances, he was 3-4 with a 4.63 ERA and a 1.533 WHIP. In 4 post-season appearances (in the NLDS and NLCS in 2004), he had an ERA of 9.00 and a WHIP of 2.000. He played his final major league game with Tampa Bay August 12, 2006.
Originally drafted by the Pirates in the sixth round in 2008, Grossman came to the Astros in the July 2012 trade for Wandy Rodriguez. Grossman split his time between the Pirates AA affiliate and the Corpus Christi AA team with very comparable results. He ended the season hitting .266/.376/.410 with 28 doubles, six triples and ten home runs combined between the two teams.
Two former Astros with birthdays today ~
SS Hector Torres (67)
The native of Mexico played for Houston from 1968 to 1970 and again in 1973. He was a starter in 1968, but then was relegated to bench duties in his latter three seasons with the Astros. He had a .206 BA and a .244 OBP in 666 AB's. In October of 1970, he was traded to the Cubs for Roger Metzger.
RHP Chad Harville (36)
Originally drafted by Oakland in the second round in 1997, Harville came to Houston in an April 2004 trade with the A's for Kirk Saarloos. Harville spent parts of the 2004 and 2005 seasons with Houston and in 93 regular season appearances, he was 3-4 with a 4.63 ERA and a 1.533 WHIP. In 4 post-season appearances (in the NLDS and NLCS in 2004), he had an ERA of 9.00 and a WHIP of 2.000. He played his final major league game with Tampa Bay August 12, 2006.
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Roster Moves
The huge infusion of talent that the Astros have added to the farm system via recent trades means that some of the current rosters are getting strained to the breaking point. There are only so many prolonged DL stints and temporary inactive designations before players will have to be released. We've already seen a couple of these at Lancaster with the recent releases of Brian Streilein and Kirk Clark. I will do my best to keep on top of these moves and let you know when I have confirmed information. With that said, here are your latest moves.
Oklahoma City
LHP Rudy Owenswill be has been assigned to Oklahoma City.
According to Sports Reporter (and Jake Buchanan girlfriend) Chelsa Messinger, RHP Jake Buchanan will be has been assigned from Corpus Christi to Oklahoma City.
ADDED: LHP Xavier Cedeno is being called up to Houston.
ADDED: RHP Jose Cisnero is being assigned from Corpus Christi to Oklahoma City.
ADDED: RHP Jarred Cosart is being assigned from Corpus Christi to Oklahoma City.
ADDED: RHP Jonnathan Aristil was released.
Corpus Christi
CF Robbie Grossman was assigned to Corpus Christi.
ADDED: IF Jordan Kreke was assigned from Oklahoma City to Corpus Christi.
ADDED: RHP Paul Clemens is being assigned from Oklahoma City to Corpus Christi.
ADDED: OF Austin Wates was placed on the 7-day DL.
ADDED: RHP Adalberto Flores was assigned from Oklahoma City to Corpus Christi.
Lancaster
RHP Chia-Jen Lo was assigned to Lancaster.
LHP Colton Cain was assigned to Lancaster.
LHP Brad Dydalewicz was placed on the 7-day DL.
DH Rafy Valenzuela was placed on the TI list.
LHP Blair Walters was activated.
Tri-City
RHP Steven Dennison was assigned from the GCL to Tri-City.
Greeneville
C Cristian Moronta was assigned from the GCL to Greeneville.
RHP Michael Feliz was assigned from the GCL to Greeneville.
GCL
RHP Raul Rivera was assigned from Tri-City to the GCL.
C Jon Carnahan was assigned to the GCL.
Oklahoma City
LHP Rudy Owens
ADDED: LHP Xavier Cedeno is being called up to Houston.
ADDED: RHP Jose Cisnero is being assigned from Corpus Christi to Oklahoma City.
ADDED: RHP Jarred Cosart is being assigned from Corpus Christi to Oklahoma City.
ADDED: RHP Jonnathan Aristil was released.
Corpus Christi
CF Robbie Grossman was assigned to Corpus Christi.
ADDED: IF Jordan Kreke was assigned from Oklahoma City to Corpus Christi.
ADDED: RHP Paul Clemens is being assigned from Oklahoma City to Corpus Christi.
ADDED: OF Austin Wates was placed on the 7-day DL.
ADDED: RHP Adalberto Flores was assigned from Oklahoma City to Corpus Christi.
Lancaster
RHP Chia-Jen Lo was assigned to Lancaster.
LHP Colton Cain was assigned to Lancaster.
LHP Brad Dydalewicz was placed on the 7-day DL.
DH Rafy Valenzuela was placed on the TI list.
LHP Blair Walters was activated.
Tri-City
RHP Steven Dennison was assigned from the GCL to Tri-City.
Greeneville
C Cristian Moronta was assigned from the GCL to Greeneville.
RHP Michael Feliz was assigned from the GCL to Greeneville.
GCL
RHP Raul Rivera was assigned from Tri-City to the GCL.
C Jon Carnahan was assigned to the GCL.
Fire Sale! Everything Must Go!
Before I talk about the Wandy Rodriguez trade, I just want to say that I have always been a fan of Wandy's. It always irked me that he never got the recognition that he deserved from the national sports media, from the previous front office and even from a lot of Astros fans. When Wandy was on, he was one of the best out there. I hate to see him go, but it is the best thing for the Astros team and, more importantly, it is the best thing for Wandy as he has had to deal with constant uncertainty for a couple of years now. I do hope that Wandy pitches for the Pirates on Saturday because I will be there and I will stand and I will cheer and I will thank him for his time as an Astro. Then I hope we beat him.
With that said, Wandy Rodriguez was dealt to the Pirates during last night's Astros game. My sister and I were at the game and she had her binoculars trained on the dugout as the rumors flew, watching Wandy. The second he left the dugout, we knew the trade was done. Then he came back to the dugout in a few minutes and started shaking hands and hugging players so there was no doubt.
What did the Astros receive in return? Three top 20 prospects from the Pirates organization! (Click on the player's name to see their current stats.)
OF Robbie Grossman - Grossman was ranked by Jonathan Mayo as #7 in the Pirates organization while Baseball America ranked him at #8 coming in to the season. The 22-year old switch hitter had a breakout season in 2011 with the Pirates Hi-A team, and excelled in the Arizona Fall League before suffering a broken hamate bone in his hand. According to Baseball America, he was the first minor leaguer to reach double digits in walks and runs since Nick Swisher did so in 2004. One thing he brings to the organization that is in short supply is his selectivity at the plate. He will report to Corpus Christi.
LHP Colton Cain - Cain was ranked by Mayo as #16, but BA ranked him higher at #13. Cain throws a low 90's fastball that touches the mid-90's and a curveball and changeup that are still works in progress but show much promise. He is described as fearless with a deceptive delivery and a frame built for durability. Baseball America projected him as a #3 or #4 starter coming in to the season. The 21-year old will also make a lateral move from the Pirates Hi-A team to the Astros Hi-A team in Lancaster.
LHP Rudy Owens - Baseball America ranked Owens as #16 in the Pirates organization going into the season while Jonathan Mayo has him at #12. Owens suffered from shoulder fatigue and reduced velocity in 2011 after being named as the Pirates minor league pitcher of the year in the two prior seasons. The 24-year old appears to be bouncing back this season. When he was at his most effective, he was throwing a 90-93 mph fastball with a "slurvy curveball" and a changeup that were still works in progress. He will report to AAA Oklahoma City.
With the infusion of new talent, there will be a lot of roster moves forthcoming as the existing rosters are full to bursting. I will try to keep a handle on the moves and post them as I have confirmed information.
With that said, Wandy Rodriguez was dealt to the Pirates during last night's Astros game. My sister and I were at the game and she had her binoculars trained on the dugout as the rumors flew, watching Wandy. The second he left the dugout, we knew the trade was done. Then he came back to the dugout in a few minutes and started shaking hands and hugging players so there was no doubt.
What did the Astros receive in return? Three top 20 prospects from the Pirates organization! (Click on the player's name to see their current stats.)
OF Robbie Grossman - Grossman was ranked by Jonathan Mayo as #7 in the Pirates organization while Baseball America ranked him at #8 coming in to the season. The 22-year old switch hitter had a breakout season in 2011 with the Pirates Hi-A team, and excelled in the Arizona Fall League before suffering a broken hamate bone in his hand. According to Baseball America, he was the first minor leaguer to reach double digits in walks and runs since Nick Swisher did so in 2004. One thing he brings to the organization that is in short supply is his selectivity at the plate. He will report to Corpus Christi.
LHP Colton Cain - Cain was ranked by Mayo as #16, but BA ranked him higher at #13. Cain throws a low 90's fastball that touches the mid-90's and a curveball and changeup that are still works in progress but show much promise. He is described as fearless with a deceptive delivery and a frame built for durability. Baseball America projected him as a #3 or #4 starter coming in to the season. The 21-year old will also make a lateral move from the Pirates Hi-A team to the Astros Hi-A team in Lancaster.
LHP Rudy Owens - Baseball America ranked Owens as #16 in the Pirates organization going into the season while Jonathan Mayo has him at #12. Owens suffered from shoulder fatigue and reduced velocity in 2011 after being named as the Pirates minor league pitcher of the year in the two prior seasons. The 24-year old appears to be bouncing back this season. When he was at his most effective, he was throwing a 90-93 mph fastball with a "slurvy curveball" and a changeup that were still works in progress. He will report to AAA Oklahoma City.
With the infusion of new talent, there will be a lot of roster moves forthcoming as the existing rosters are full to bursting. I will try to keep a handle on the moves and post them as I have confirmed information.
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