Happy Birthday to ~
RHP Ross Seaton (25)
Drafted in the third round as a compensation pick in 2008 out of Second Baptist High School in Houston, Seaton spent a large part of his 2014 season on the DL. In 16 games (7 starts) between Corpus Christi, Oklahoma City and a rehab stint in Kissimmee, he was 2-2 with a 4.20 ERA and a 1.500 WHIP.
1B Jon Singleton (23)
Originally drafted by the Phillies in the eighth round in 2009, Singleton came to the Astros in the Hunter Pence trade in July 2011. After spending the early part of the season in Oklahoma City, Singleton made his major league debut on June 4th. In 89 games, he is hitting .172/.292/.343.
RHP Juan Minaya (24)
Signed as a non-drafted free agent out of the Dominican Republic in 2008, Minaya spent the majority of his season at Lancaster until a late season promotion to Corpus Christi. In a total of 35 games (one start), he was 2-3 with a 4.19 ERA and a 1.453 WHIP.
Four former Astros celebrate the day as well ~
CF Tony Scott (63)
Originally drafted by Montreal in the 71st(!) round in 1969, Scott came to Houston in a June 1981 trade with the Cardinals. In 292 games played for the Astros from 1981 to 1984, he hit .249/.283/.320.
RHP Roger Mason (57)
Mason signed as a free agent with the Astros in February 1989 and pitched in only two games for the Astros that year. In one and a third innings pitched, he had a whopping 20.25 ERA and a 3.000 WHIP.
RHP Chris Holt (43)
Originally drafted by Houston in the third round in 1992, Holt pitched in 103 games (90 starts) for the Astros from 1996 to 2000 with a 21-42 record, a 4.51 ERA and a 1.456 WHIP before being traded to Detroit in December 2000.
C Mitch Meluskey (41)
A 12th round draft pick by Cleveland in 1992, Meluskey came to the Houston system in an April 1995 trade with Cleveland. He played in 135 games for the Astros from 1998 to 2000 before being included, along with fellow birthday boy Chris Holt, in a December 2000 trade to Detroit. He came back to play in 12 games for Houston again in 2003, signing as a free agent. All in all, he hit .287/.389/.465 for the Astros.
A LOOK AT THE ASTROS MINOR LEAGUE SYSTEM
Showing posts with label Ross Seaton. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ross Seaton. Show all posts
Thursday, September 18, 2014
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
Astros Minor League Recaps
Results for Monday, April 14
Swept.
New Orleans 14, Oklahoma City 8
W- Bryan Evans (1-1)
L- David Martinez (2-1)
OKC home runs: George Springer (2, solo in 4th)
After 2 fine outings, Team DorInez (Bobby Doran and David Martinez) got knocked around as the RedHawks were forced to settle for a split in this series. This game was the last of 8 straight against New Orleans, and OKC finished 6-2 in this stretch. OKC rallied with 4 in the 7th to make it a 10-8 game, but the Zephyrs put it away with a 4-1 run in the final 2 innings, getting 2 in the 8th and 9th.
Jon Singleton was 1-3 with an RBI groundout in the 1st, walked twice, and scored twice. George Springer went 2-3 with a homer (2) to lead off the 4th inning. Erik Castro added an RBI single later in the inning. Ruben Sosa opened the scoring in the 7th with a sac fly, and then the RedHawks got a pair of bases-loaded walks from Max Stassi and Castro, with a Domingo Santana RBI infield single sandwiched in between. Andy Simunic was just added to the roster and made his debut in this game; he went 1-2 with a run scored after coming on for Ronald Torreyes in the 7th.
Martinez went 4 innings and allowed 5 runs on 6 hits and walked 2. Doran only went 3.1 innings and gave up 6 runs (1 inherited) on 4 hits, walked 3, and struck out 2. Darin Downs pitched the final 1.2 innings, allowing 3 runs on 4 hits, walking 2, and striking out 1.
The RedHawks will now head out on a roadtrip. Their first stop will be in Colorado Springs for 4. Mike Foltynewicz and Rudy Owens will start the opener against Dan Houston. First pitch will be at 7:35/6:35 Mountain.
Springfield 2, Corpus Christi 1
W- Kurt Heyer (1-1)
L- Luis Cruz (2-1)
S- Dean Kiekhefer (2)
CC home runs: None.
The Hooks just couldn't get the bats going, and couldn't capitalize on a fine pitching performance in which Luis Cruz and Ross Seaton combined on a 3-hitter.
Nolan Fontana (2-3 with a triple and a double) and Andrew Aplin (3-4) went a combined 5-7; Aplin drove in Fontana with his 3rd single of the night in the 6th. Fontana hit a double in the 1st and attempted to score on Aplin's 1st single, but was thrown out at home.
Luis Cruz went 5 innings and allowed 2 runs (1 earned) on 2 hits, walked 2, and struck out 3. Ross Seaton had a fine outing after tagging in, as he allowed a hit and fanned 5 over 4 scoreless frames.
Tommy Shirley and Matt Heidenreich will take the hill for the series finale, and they will be opposed by Zach Petrick. First pitch is at 7:10.
High Desert 11, Lancaster 10
W- Andrew Kittredge (1-1)
L- J.D. Osborne (0-1)
S- Will Mathis (1)
Lancaster home runs: Rio Ruiz (1, 3-run in 8th)
Just your garden-variety California League game, with 22 runs, 29 hits, and crooked numbers aplenty. Of course, as a garden-variety California League game, it got topsy-turvy late: the Mavs scored 4 in the bottom of the 7th to take a 9-6 lead. Lancaster responded with 4 of their own in the top of the 8th to regain the lead, which was 10-9, and then in the bottom of the inning, the Mavs plated 2 without getting a hit to re-take the lead for themselves.
Mark Appel made his first appearance in the biggest hitter's park in professional baseball, and his first foray into High Desert lasted 3 innings. He allowed 3 runs on 5 hits (2-run homer) and struck out 4. Juan Minaya allowed a run on 2 hits, walked 1, and struck out 1 in the 4th. Mike Hauschild tagged in for 3 innings and gave up 5 runs on 8 hits (solo homer), walked 3, and struck out 3. J.D. Osborne came on for the 8th and issued 2 straight walks on 8 balls. Jamaine Cotton came on and walked the first batter he faced. He technically threw a scoreless inning, allowing a hit and walking one, but he allowed both of the runners that he inherited from Osborne to score via a double play and a wild pitch.
Teoscar Hernandez was on fire, as he went 3-5 with a 2-run double in the 3rd, another RBI double in the 6th, and an RBI single in the 8th. Rio Ruiz had a monster night as well; he finished 4-5 with a 2-run double of his own in the 3rd and a huge 3-run homer in the 8th which gave the JetHawks a 10-9 lead at that time. The only run that was not batted in was scored by Roberto Peña as he dashed home on a wild pitch in the 4th. It was a rather eventful night for Peña behind the plate as well; he was charged with 2 passed balls. On the flip side, he was 3-3 in catching potential base-stealers. High Desert CF Aaron Barbosa will be regretting the fact that he even thought about testing Peña, as he got caught stealing 2nd twice. The other victim was Vladimir Guerrero's nephew, Gabriel.
Carlos Correa lifted himself off the canvas by going 2-6 with 2 runs scored. However, he struck out with runners on 1st and 2nd to end the game.
Jordan Scott was 2-3 with a double, 2 walks, and 2 runs scored.
Game 2 of this series features the team of Kyle Westwood and Vince Velasquez as they take on Tyler Pike. First pitch is at 7:05 Pacific.
Quad Cities and West Michigan was postponed
Due to snow. A doubleheader is scheduled for 4:30 P.M. Kent Emanuel will face Jeff Thompson in game 1, and Jandel Gustave will oppose Kevin Ziomek in game 2.
Three Stars: Position Players
3.
2.
1.
Two Stars: Pitchers
1 (tie).
Swept.
New Orleans 14, Oklahoma City 8
W- Bryan Evans (1-1)
L- David Martinez (2-1)
OKC home runs: George Springer (2, solo in 4th)
After 2 fine outings, Team DorInez (Bobby Doran and David Martinez) got knocked around as the RedHawks were forced to settle for a split in this series. This game was the last of 8 straight against New Orleans, and OKC finished 6-2 in this stretch. OKC rallied with 4 in the 7th to make it a 10-8 game, but the Zephyrs put it away with a 4-1 run in the final 2 innings, getting 2 in the 8th and 9th.
Jon Singleton was 1-3 with an RBI groundout in the 1st, walked twice, and scored twice. George Springer went 2-3 with a homer (2) to lead off the 4th inning. Erik Castro added an RBI single later in the inning. Ruben Sosa opened the scoring in the 7th with a sac fly, and then the RedHawks got a pair of bases-loaded walks from Max Stassi and Castro, with a Domingo Santana RBI infield single sandwiched in between. Andy Simunic was just added to the roster and made his debut in this game; he went 1-2 with a run scored after coming on for Ronald Torreyes in the 7th.
Martinez went 4 innings and allowed 5 runs on 6 hits and walked 2. Doran only went 3.1 innings and gave up 6 runs (1 inherited) on 4 hits, walked 3, and struck out 2. Darin Downs pitched the final 1.2 innings, allowing 3 runs on 4 hits, walking 2, and striking out 1.
The RedHawks will now head out on a roadtrip. Their first stop will be in Colorado Springs for 4. Mike Foltynewicz and Rudy Owens will start the opener against Dan Houston. First pitch will be at 7:35/6:35 Mountain.
Springfield 2, Corpus Christi 1
W- Kurt Heyer (1-1)
L- Luis Cruz (2-1)
S- Dean Kiekhefer (2)
CC home runs: None.
The Hooks just couldn't get the bats going, and couldn't capitalize on a fine pitching performance in which Luis Cruz and Ross Seaton combined on a 3-hitter.
Nolan Fontana (2-3 with a triple and a double) and Andrew Aplin (3-4) went a combined 5-7; Aplin drove in Fontana with his 3rd single of the night in the 6th. Fontana hit a double in the 1st and attempted to score on Aplin's 1st single, but was thrown out at home.
Luis Cruz went 5 innings and allowed 2 runs (1 earned) on 2 hits, walked 2, and struck out 3. Ross Seaton had a fine outing after tagging in, as he allowed a hit and fanned 5 over 4 scoreless frames.
Tommy Shirley and Matt Heidenreich will take the hill for the series finale, and they will be opposed by Zach Petrick. First pitch is at 7:10.
High Desert 11, Lancaster 10
W- Andrew Kittredge (1-1)
L- J.D. Osborne (0-1)
S- Will Mathis (1)
Lancaster home runs: Rio Ruiz (1, 3-run in 8th)
Just your garden-variety California League game, with 22 runs, 29 hits, and crooked numbers aplenty. Of course, as a garden-variety California League game, it got topsy-turvy late: the Mavs scored 4 in the bottom of the 7th to take a 9-6 lead. Lancaster responded with 4 of their own in the top of the 8th to regain the lead, which was 10-9, and then in the bottom of the inning, the Mavs plated 2 without getting a hit to re-take the lead for themselves.
Mark Appel made his first appearance in the biggest hitter's park in professional baseball, and his first foray into High Desert lasted 3 innings. He allowed 3 runs on 5 hits (2-run homer) and struck out 4. Juan Minaya allowed a run on 2 hits, walked 1, and struck out 1 in the 4th. Mike Hauschild tagged in for 3 innings and gave up 5 runs on 8 hits (solo homer), walked 3, and struck out 3. J.D. Osborne came on for the 8th and issued 2 straight walks on 8 balls. Jamaine Cotton came on and walked the first batter he faced. He technically threw a scoreless inning, allowing a hit and walking one, but he allowed both of the runners that he inherited from Osborne to score via a double play and a wild pitch.
Teoscar Hernandez was on fire, as he went 3-5 with a 2-run double in the 3rd, another RBI double in the 6th, and an RBI single in the 8th. Rio Ruiz had a monster night as well; he finished 4-5 with a 2-run double of his own in the 3rd and a huge 3-run homer in the 8th which gave the JetHawks a 10-9 lead at that time. The only run that was not batted in was scored by Roberto Peña as he dashed home on a wild pitch in the 4th. It was a rather eventful night for Peña behind the plate as well; he was charged with 2 passed balls. On the flip side, he was 3-3 in catching potential base-stealers. High Desert CF Aaron Barbosa will be regretting the fact that he even thought about testing Peña, as he got caught stealing 2nd twice. The other victim was Vladimir Guerrero's nephew, Gabriel.
Carlos Correa lifted himself off the canvas by going 2-6 with 2 runs scored. However, he struck out with runners on 1st and 2nd to end the game.
Jordan Scott was 2-3 with a double, 2 walks, and 2 runs scored.
Game 2 of this series features the team of Kyle Westwood and Vince Velasquez as they take on Tyler Pike. First pitch is at 7:05 Pacific.
Quad Cities and West Michigan was postponed
Due to snow. A doubleheader is scheduled for 4:30 P.M. Kent Emanuel will face Jeff Thompson in game 1, and Jandel Gustave will oppose Kevin Ziomek in game 2.
Three Stars: Position Players
3.
Andrew Aplin, RF, Corpus Christi
3-4, RBI single in 6th
Nolan Fontana, SS, Corpus Christi
2-3, 2B, 3B, R, BB
2.
Photo courtesy of Brian Green
Teoscar Hernandez, CF, Lancaster
3-5, 2 2B, 4 RBI, 2 R, outfield assist
1.
Rio Ruiz, 3B, Lancaster
4-5, 2 2B, 3-R HR (1), 5 RBI
Two Stars: Pitchers
1 (tie).
Ross Seaton, RHP, Corpus Christi
4 IP, H, 5 K
Luis Cruz, LHP, Corpus Christi
L (2-1), 5 IP, 2 H, 2 R (1 earned), 2 BB, 3 K
Friday, April 11, 2014
Astros Minor League Recaps
Results for Thursday, April 10, 2014
Oklahoma City 8, New Orleans 2
W- David Martinez (2-0)
L- Chaz Roe (0-1)
OKC home runs: George Springer (1, solo in 8th), Jon Singleton (2, solo in 8th)
Sweep! The RedHawks also got their 5th straight win in the process as they broke a 2-2 tie with 6 runs in the 8th. Before that outburst, Japhet Amador had all the RBIs for OKC, as he hit an RBI single in the 4th and added a sac fly in the 6th. Then, George Springer led off the 8th with his 1st home run of the year, and the RedHawks never looked back. One batter later, Jon Singleton went back-to-back (2) to double OKC's lead. Ronald Torreyes chipped in with an RBI single that scored Max Stassi, and on the ensuing error, Domingo Santana scored. And finally, Gregorio Petit provided the cherry with a 2-run double. He, Springer, and Jonathan Meyer had 2 hits apiece. Everyone in the lineup had a hit except for Austin Wates, who missed out on the party by going 0-4 with a walk and 2 strikeouts, snapping his season-opening 6-game hitting streak.
Bobby Doran went 4.2 innings and allowed 2 runs on 6 hits (solo homer) and struck out 3. Raúl Valdés retired the only batter he faced to end the 5th. David Martinez tagged in to get the victory with 4 scoreless. He allowed 3 hits, walked 1, and fanned 2.
Both teams will face off against each other in another 4-game series; the only difference will be a change of venue. Rudy Owens and Mike Foltynewicz will face Elih Villanueva in the opener in OKC at 7:05. Owens and Foltynewicz will be starting on two different Opening Days: They got the nod for the actual one on May 3, and they'll be taking the hill for OKC's first home game.
Corpus Christi 6, Tulsa 0
W- Luis Cruz (2-0)
L- Dan Winkler (0-1)
CC home runs: None.
The Hooks took the series opener despite being no-hit for 6 innings. But.... it appeared that the 7th inning stretch was exactly what the Hooks offense needed.
Nolan Fontana got things started by drawing a walk. Andrew Aplin then proceeded to break-up the no-hitter with a single that sent Fontana to 3rd. They didn't have to wait long for a 2nd hit, as Matt Duffy opened the scoring with a single to bring Fontana home. Preston Tucker followed suit by bringing Aplin home. Duffy would score the 3rd run of the game on a Leo Heras groundout. And then... what?
What GameDay says:
Jiovanni Mier reaches on a fielder's choice out, second baseman Taylor Featherston to third baseman Joey Wong to catcher Tom Murphy. Preston Tucker out at home. Enrique Hernandez scores. Jiovanni Mier to 3rd. Throwing error by shortstop Cristhian Adames.
Oklahoma City 8, New Orleans 2
W- David Martinez (2-0)
L- Chaz Roe (0-1)
OKC home runs: George Springer (1, solo in 8th), Jon Singleton (2, solo in 8th)
Sweep! The RedHawks also got their 5th straight win in the process as they broke a 2-2 tie with 6 runs in the 8th. Before that outburst, Japhet Amador had all the RBIs for OKC, as he hit an RBI single in the 4th and added a sac fly in the 6th. Then, George Springer led off the 8th with his 1st home run of the year, and the RedHawks never looked back. One batter later, Jon Singleton went back-to-back (2) to double OKC's lead. Ronald Torreyes chipped in with an RBI single that scored Max Stassi, and on the ensuing error, Domingo Santana scored. And finally, Gregorio Petit provided the cherry with a 2-run double. He, Springer, and Jonathan Meyer had 2 hits apiece. Everyone in the lineup had a hit except for Austin Wates, who missed out on the party by going 0-4 with a walk and 2 strikeouts, snapping his season-opening 6-game hitting streak.
Bobby Doran went 4.2 innings and allowed 2 runs on 6 hits (solo homer) and struck out 3. Raúl Valdés retired the only batter he faced to end the 5th. David Martinez tagged in to get the victory with 4 scoreless. He allowed 3 hits, walked 1, and fanned 2.
Both teams will face off against each other in another 4-game series; the only difference will be a change of venue. Rudy Owens and Mike Foltynewicz will face Elih Villanueva in the opener in OKC at 7:05. Owens and Foltynewicz will be starting on two different Opening Days: They got the nod for the actual one on May 3, and they'll be taking the hill for OKC's first home game.
Corpus Christi 6, Tulsa 0
W- Luis Cruz (2-0)
L- Dan Winkler (0-1)
CC home runs: None.
The Hooks took the series opener despite being no-hit for 6 innings. But.... it appeared that the 7th inning stretch was exactly what the Hooks offense needed.
Nolan Fontana got things started by drawing a walk. Andrew Aplin then proceeded to break-up the no-hitter with a single that sent Fontana to 3rd. They didn't have to wait long for a 2nd hit, as Matt Duffy opened the scoring with a single to bring Fontana home. Preston Tucker followed suit by bringing Aplin home. Duffy would score the 3rd run of the game on a Leo Heras groundout. And then... what?
Still not sure what I just witnesses on that last scoring fiasco!!! Craziness!
— Sarah Nelson (@HooksFanSarah) April 11, 2014
What GameDay says:
Jiovanni Mier reaches on a fielder's choice out, second baseman Taylor Featherston to third baseman Joey Wong to catcher Tom Murphy. Preston Tucker out at home. Enrique Hernandez scores. Jiovanni Mier to 3rd. Throwing error by shortstop Cristhian Adames.
So, in conclusion:
The Hooks added 2 more in the 8th on an Aplin sac fly and another Duffy RBI single. Duffy finished 2-4. Fontana went 1-3 with a double and scored twice. Delino DeShields was 0-3, but drew a walk, scored, and stole a base (5).
Ross Seaton tossed 5 shutout innings and allowed 5 hits, walked 1, and struck out 6. Luis Cruz had some harrowing moments in his 3 innings, but escaped unscathed every time. Most notably, he tightroped out of a bases-loaded, no out situation by getting 2 strikeouts and a force out at home. Cruz gave up 4 hits, walked 2, and struck out 4. Jordan Jankowski worked around a single to finish it, striking out 2.
In the middle game of this series, Matt Heidenreich and Tommy Shirley will face Jonathan Gray. First pitch is at 7:10.
Lancaster 6, Lake Elsinore 5 in 11 innings
W- Juan Minaya (1-0)
L- Trevor Gott (0-1)
S- Mitch Lambson (1)
Lancaster home runs: None.
The Storm forced extra innings with a pair in the bottom of the 9th, but the tie didn't last very long as Tony Kemp put the JetHawks ahead with a sac fly, and Mitch Lambson extricated himself from a little trouble to end it.
Kemp was 2-5 and scored the first run of the evening on a Teoscar Hernandez double. Hernandez also finished 2-5 and added a couple of steals (3). Brandon Meredith also had himself a 2-hit night; he led off the 4th on a single, advanced to 2nd on a Danry Vasquez groundout, and scored on an error that allowed Roberto Peña to reach. A pair of wild pitches in the 5th allowed Hernandez and Carlos Correa to score. Kemp hit a 2-out double in the 6th and would score on a ball that was smacked by Hernandez that was momentarily caught, then dropped. Hernandez wound up advancing to 3rd on the E, one of 4 on the night for Lake Elsinore.
Mark Appel fared much better in his second go; he allowed 2 runs on 3 hits (solo homer) and struck out 6 in 5 innings. Mike Hauschild had a solid piggyback outing, but the wheels fell off for him in the 9th. He went 4 innings and allowed 3 runs on 6 hits, walked 1, and struck out 4. Juan Minaya got the win by striking out 2 in a 1-2-3 10th, and Lambson worked around a hit and a walk to finish it off, striking out 2.
In game 2 of this series, Vince Velasquez and Kyle Westwood will join forces as they take on TBA at 7:05 Pacific.
Quad Cities 5, Lansing 3
W- Michael Feliz (1-0)
L- Brady Dragmire (0-1)
S- Andrew Walter (1)
QC home runs: None.
The River Bandits avoided the sweep as they scored 3 in the 7th and one more in the 9th to give themselves a little more separation.
Catfish Elkins was 0-4, but he brought home QC's first run of the evening with an RBI groundout in the 2nd. Jobduan Morales walked to lead off the 7th, and made has way to 3rd on a sac bunt and a groundout. Brett Phillips then drew a walk, and both of them would score on an from Lansing CF D.J. Davis that allowed Tyler White to take 2nd. White would eventually score on a Conrad Gregor single. James Ramsay doubled to begin the 9th and advanced to 3rd on a Phillips single. A White GIDP allowed Ramsay to score the all-important insurance run. Phillips finished 3-4 with a run scored and Gregor went 2-5.
Evan Grills had a very nice start; in 5 innings, he allowed a run on 5 hits and struck out 5. Michael Feliz tagged in for 2 innings, and he gave up 2 runs on 3 hits, walked 1, and struck out 4. Pat Christensen fanned 1 in a 1-2-3 8th, and Andrew Walter worked around a walk to close the door.
In the 2nd leg of their roadtrip, the River Bandits will travel to the heart of Michigan to play 3 games with the Great Lakes Loons. In the series opener, Gonzalo Sanudo and Adrian Houser will take on James Campbell. First pitch will be at 6:05 Eastern/5:05 Central.
Three Stars: Pitchers
3.
Mark Appel, RHP, Lancaster
5 IP, 3 H (solo HR), 2 ER, 6 K
2.
David Martinez, RHP, Oklahoma City
W (2-0), 4 IP, 3 H, BB, 2 K
1. Corpus Christi pitchers, combining on a shutout
Three Stars: Position Players
3.
2. The Lancaster 1-2 made their presence felt once again.
1. Cue "When will he be coming up?"
George Springer, RF, Oklahoma City
2-3, solo HR (1), 2 R, 2 BB, SB
The Hooks added 2 more in the 8th on an Aplin sac fly and another Duffy RBI single. Duffy finished 2-4. Fontana went 1-3 with a double and scored twice. Delino DeShields was 0-3, but drew a walk, scored, and stole a base (5).
Ross Seaton tossed 5 shutout innings and allowed 5 hits, walked 1, and struck out 6. Luis Cruz had some harrowing moments in his 3 innings, but escaped unscathed every time. Most notably, he tightroped out of a bases-loaded, no out situation by getting 2 strikeouts and a force out at home. Cruz gave up 4 hits, walked 2, and struck out 4. Jordan Jankowski worked around a single to finish it, striking out 2.
In the middle game of this series, Matt Heidenreich and Tommy Shirley will face Jonathan Gray. First pitch is at 7:10.
Lancaster 6, Lake Elsinore 5 in 11 innings
W- Juan Minaya (1-0)
L- Trevor Gott (0-1)
S- Mitch Lambson (1)
Lancaster home runs: None.
The Storm forced extra innings with a pair in the bottom of the 9th, but the tie didn't last very long as Tony Kemp put the JetHawks ahead with a sac fly, and Mitch Lambson extricated himself from a little trouble to end it.
Kemp was 2-5 and scored the first run of the evening on a Teoscar Hernandez double. Hernandez also finished 2-5 and added a couple of steals (3). Brandon Meredith also had himself a 2-hit night; he led off the 4th on a single, advanced to 2nd on a Danry Vasquez groundout, and scored on an error that allowed Roberto Peña to reach. A pair of wild pitches in the 5th allowed Hernandez and Carlos Correa to score. Kemp hit a 2-out double in the 6th and would score on a ball that was smacked by Hernandez that was momentarily caught, then dropped. Hernandez wound up advancing to 3rd on the E, one of 4 on the night for Lake Elsinore.
Mark Appel fared much better in his second go; he allowed 2 runs on 3 hits (solo homer) and struck out 6 in 5 innings. Mike Hauschild had a solid piggyback outing, but the wheels fell off for him in the 9th. He went 4 innings and allowed 3 runs on 6 hits, walked 1, and struck out 4. Juan Minaya got the win by striking out 2 in a 1-2-3 10th, and Lambson worked around a hit and a walk to finish it off, striking out 2.
In game 2 of this series, Vince Velasquez and Kyle Westwood will join forces as they take on TBA at 7:05 Pacific.
Quad Cities 5, Lansing 3
W- Michael Feliz (1-0)
L- Brady Dragmire (0-1)
S- Andrew Walter (1)
QC home runs: None.
The River Bandits avoided the sweep as they scored 3 in the 7th and one more in the 9th to give themselves a little more separation.
Catfish Elkins was 0-4, but he brought home QC's first run of the evening with an RBI groundout in the 2nd. Jobduan Morales walked to lead off the 7th, and made has way to 3rd on a sac bunt and a groundout. Brett Phillips then drew a walk, and both of them would score on an from Lansing CF D.J. Davis that allowed Tyler White to take 2nd. White would eventually score on a Conrad Gregor single. James Ramsay doubled to begin the 9th and advanced to 3rd on a Phillips single. A White GIDP allowed Ramsay to score the all-important insurance run. Phillips finished 3-4 with a run scored and Gregor went 2-5.
Evan Grills had a very nice start; in 5 innings, he allowed a run on 5 hits and struck out 5. Michael Feliz tagged in for 2 innings, and he gave up 2 runs on 3 hits, walked 1, and struck out 4. Pat Christensen fanned 1 in a 1-2-3 8th, and Andrew Walter worked around a walk to close the door.
In the 2nd leg of their roadtrip, the River Bandits will travel to the heart of Michigan to play 3 games with the Great Lakes Loons. In the series opener, Gonzalo Sanudo and Adrian Houser will take on James Campbell. First pitch will be at 6:05 Eastern/5:05 Central.
Three Stars: Pitchers
3.
Mark Appel, RHP, Lancaster
5 IP, 3 H (solo HR), 2 ER, 6 K
2.
David Martinez, RHP, Oklahoma City
W (2-0), 4 IP, 3 H, BB, 2 K
Evan Grills, LHP, Quad Cities
5 IP, 5 H, 5 K
1. Corpus Christi pitchers, combining on a shutout
Ross Seaton, RHP
5 IP, 5 H, BB, 6 K
Luis Cruz, LHP
W (2-0), 3 IP, 4 H, 2 BB, 4 K
Jordan Jankowski, RHP
IP, H, 2 K
Three Stars: Position Players
3.
Matt Duffy, 3B/1B, Corpus Christi
2-4, 2 RBI, R
Brett Phillips, CF, Quad Cities
3-4, R
2. The Lancaster 1-2 made their presence felt once again.
Teoscar Hernandez (#4 on right), CF
2-5, 2B, RBI, R, 2 SB (3)
Tony Kemp, 2B
2-5, 2B, RBI, 2 R
1. Cue "When will he be coming up?"
George Springer, RF, Oklahoma City
2-3, solo HR (1), 2 R, 2 BB, SB
Sunday, March 23, 2014
2014 Grapefruit League Recap, Game 22
St. Louis Cardinals 5, Houston Astros 2
2014 Grapefruit League record: 8-14
W- Michael Wacha (3-0)
L- Brett Oberholtzer (0-2)
S- Seth Maness (1)
Astros home runs: Jose Altuve (1, solo in 7th)
The Cards jumped all over Brett Oberholtzer in the first third of the game, but the Astros held the Cards scoreless for the final 6 innings.
Starting Pitcher: Brett Oberholtzer
The Cardinals jumped all over him out of the gate as they got 4 in the 1st. But Obie picked himself up and allowed 1 run over his final 4 frames. Yes, his ERA is 11, but it's only Spring Training. It's only Spring Training.
Final line: L (0-2), 5 IP, 8 H (solo homer), 5 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
Bullpen
The relievers threw 4 scoreless to close it out; 4 relievers, 1 inning each.
Chad Qualls went 1-2-3 in the 6th, striking out 1; Matt Albers also threw a 1-2-3 7th. Josh Fields allowed a hit and struck out 1 in the 8th, and Ross Seaton struck out 1 in a 1-2-3 9th.
Offense
Marc Krauss put the Astros on the board in the 4th with a sac fly.
Dexter Fowler, who scored on the play, had 2 of the Astros' 5 hits. In percentage terms, he had 40% of the Astros' hits. Jose Altuve had 20% in the form of this solo home run, which came in the 7th:
Marwin González and Robbie Grossman also had a hit. No one drew a walk. On the other hand, they struck out 9 times. Considering the Astros' propensity to strike out last year, this certainly concerns me, even in spring.
Three Stars
3.
Dexter Fowler, CF
2-4, R
2.
Jose Altuve, 2B
1-3, solo HR (1) in 7th
1.
Bullpen: Ross Seaton, Chad Qualls, Matt Albers, and Josh Fields
Combined: 4 IP, H, 3 K
Next Up
The Astros will travel to Jupiter to take on the Cardinals at their place. Jerome Williams will be on the mound, and he will be opposed by Joe Kelly. First pitch is at 1:05 Eastern.
2014 Grapefruit League record: 8-14
W- Michael Wacha (3-0)
L- Brett Oberholtzer (0-2)
S- Seth Maness (1)
Astros home runs: Jose Altuve (1, solo in 7th)
The Cards jumped all over Brett Oberholtzer in the first third of the game, but the Astros held the Cards scoreless for the final 6 innings.
Starting Pitcher: Brett Oberholtzer
The Cardinals jumped all over him out of the gate as they got 4 in the 1st. But Obie picked himself up and allowed 1 run over his final 4 frames. Yes, his ERA is 11, but it's only Spring Training. It's only Spring Training.
Final line: L (0-2), 5 IP, 8 H (solo homer), 5 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
Bullpen
The relievers threw 4 scoreless to close it out; 4 relievers, 1 inning each.
Chad Qualls went 1-2-3 in the 6th, striking out 1; Matt Albers also threw a 1-2-3 7th. Josh Fields allowed a hit and struck out 1 in the 8th, and Ross Seaton struck out 1 in a 1-2-3 9th.
Offense
Marc Krauss put the Astros on the board in the 4th with a sac fly.
Dexter Fowler, who scored on the play, had 2 of the Astros' 5 hits. In percentage terms, he had 40% of the Astros' hits. Jose Altuve had 20% in the form of this solo home run, which came in the 7th:
Marwin González and Robbie Grossman also had a hit. No one drew a walk. On the other hand, they struck out 9 times. Considering the Astros' propensity to strike out last year, this certainly concerns me, even in spring.
Three Stars
3.
Dexter Fowler, CF
2-4, R
2.
Jose Altuve, 2B
1-3, solo HR (1) in 7th
1.
Bullpen: Ross Seaton, Chad Qualls, Matt Albers, and Josh Fields
Combined: 4 IP, H, 3 K
Next Up
The Astros will travel to Jupiter to take on the Cardinals at their place. Jerome Williams will be on the mound, and he will be opposed by Joe Kelly. First pitch is at 1:05 Eastern.
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
2014 Grapefruit League Recap, Game 17
Atlanta Braves 4, Houston Astros 0
*Game called after 5 innings (weather).
2014 Grapefruit League record: 7-10
W- Alex Wood (1-0)
L- Darin Downs (0-1)
Astros home runs: None.
Boo rain. That's all I have to say.
Starting Pitcher: Darin Downs
Brett Oberholtzer was scheduled to start, but due to the weather, started a minor league game instead. So, in his stead, Darin Downs got the start in the big league game, and he was pretty good in his 2 frames; the only run (and hit) he gave up was a solo homer to Dan Uggla in the 2nd inning.
Final line: L (0-1), 2 IP, H (solo HR), ER, BB, K
Bullpen
Kevin Chapman got dinged for 3 in the 3rd on 5 hits. He struck out 1. Josh Fields and Ross Seaton both threw a scoreless inning. Both of them allowed a hit, while Seaton struck out 1.
Offense
The Astros got singles from Robbie Grossman and Dexter Fowler, and Carlos Corporán drew a walk.
No Three Stars for this game; there weren't really any eye-opening performances in a 5-inning game. Also, gotta keep up with the theme of recapping a shortened game.
Next Up
The Astros will make their way to Jupiter to take on the Marlins. Dallas Keuchel will be opposing Jacob Turner. First pitch is at 1:05 Eastern.
*Game called after 5 innings (weather).
2014 Grapefruit League record: 7-10
W- Alex Wood (1-0)
L- Darin Downs (0-1)
Astros home runs: None.
Boo rain. That's all I have to say.
Starting Pitcher: Darin Downs
Brett Oberholtzer was scheduled to start, but due to the weather, started a minor league game instead. So, in his stead, Darin Downs got the start in the big league game, and he was pretty good in his 2 frames; the only run (and hit) he gave up was a solo homer to Dan Uggla in the 2nd inning.
Final line: L (0-1), 2 IP, H (solo HR), ER, BB, K
Bullpen
Kevin Chapman got dinged for 3 in the 3rd on 5 hits. He struck out 1. Josh Fields and Ross Seaton both threw a scoreless inning. Both of them allowed a hit, while Seaton struck out 1.
Offense
The Astros got singles from Robbie Grossman and Dexter Fowler, and Carlos Corporán drew a walk.
No Three Stars for this game; there weren't really any eye-opening performances in a 5-inning game. Also, gotta keep up with the theme of recapping a shortened game.
Next Up
The Astros will make their way to Jupiter to take on the Marlins. Dallas Keuchel will be opposing Jacob Turner. First pitch is at 1:05 Eastern.
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Happy Birthday - 9/18
Happy Birthday to ~
RHP Ross Seaton (24)
Drafted in the third round as a compensation pick in 2008 out of Second Baptist High School in Houston, Seaton split his 2013 season between Oklahoma City and Corpus Christi. In 15 games (14 starts at Oklahoma City) he was 3-7 with a 7.34 ERA and a 1.824 WHIP. In 10 games (9 starts) with Corpus Christi, he was 3-1 with a 4.77 ERA and a 1.226 WHIP.
1B Jon Singleton (22)
Originally drafted by the Phillies in the eighth round in 2009, Singleton came to the Astros in the Hunter Pence trade in July 2011. After a few tune-up starts at Quad Cities and Corpus Christi, Singleton played 73 games for Oklahoma City. His overall batting line for the season was .230/.351/.401 with 17 doubles, one triple and 11 home runs.
RHP Juan Minaya (23)
Signed as a non-drafted free agent out of the Dominican Republic in 2008, this is Minaya's fifth season in the Astros organization. In 24 appearances (5 starts) for Quad Cities this season, Minaya was 3-6 with a 4.77 ERA and a 1.573 WHIP.
Four former Astros with birthdays today ~
CF Tony Scott (62)
Originally drafted by Montreal in the 71st(!) round in 1969, Scott came to Houston in a June 1981 trade with the Cardinals. In 292 games played for the Astros from 1981 to 1984, he hit .249/.283/.320.
RHP Roger Mason (56)
Mason signed as a free agent with the Astros in February 1989 and pitched in only two games for the Astros that year. In one and a third innings pitched, he had a whopping 20.25 ERA and a 3.000 WHIP.
RHP Chris Holt (42)
Originally drafted by Houston in the third round in 1992, Holt pitched in 103 games (90 starts) for the Astros from 1996 to 2000 with a 21-42 record, a 4.51 ERA and a 1.456 WHIP before being traded to Detroit in December 2000.
C Mitch Meluskey (40)
A 12th round draft pick by Cleveland in 1992, Meluskey came to the Houston system in an April 1995 trade with Cleveland. He played in 135 games for the Astros from 1998 to 2000 before being included, along with fellow birthday boy Chris Holt, in a December 2000 trade to Detroit. He came back to play in 12 games for Houston again in 2003, signing as a free agent. All in all, he hit .287/.389/.465 for the Astros.
RHP Ross Seaton (24)
Drafted in the third round as a compensation pick in 2008 out of Second Baptist High School in Houston, Seaton split his 2013 season between Oklahoma City and Corpus Christi. In 15 games (14 starts at Oklahoma City) he was 3-7 with a 7.34 ERA and a 1.824 WHIP. In 10 games (9 starts) with Corpus Christi, he was 3-1 with a 4.77 ERA and a 1.226 WHIP.
1B Jon Singleton (22)
Originally drafted by the Phillies in the eighth round in 2009, Singleton came to the Astros in the Hunter Pence trade in July 2011. After a few tune-up starts at Quad Cities and Corpus Christi, Singleton played 73 games for Oklahoma City. His overall batting line for the season was .230/.351/.401 with 17 doubles, one triple and 11 home runs.
RHP Juan Minaya (23)
Signed as a non-drafted free agent out of the Dominican Republic in 2008, this is Minaya's fifth season in the Astros organization. In 24 appearances (5 starts) for Quad Cities this season, Minaya was 3-6 with a 4.77 ERA and a 1.573 WHIP.
Four former Astros with birthdays today ~
CF Tony Scott (62)
Originally drafted by Montreal in the 71st(!) round in 1969, Scott came to Houston in a June 1981 trade with the Cardinals. In 292 games played for the Astros from 1981 to 1984, he hit .249/.283/.320.
RHP Roger Mason (56)
Mason signed as a free agent with the Astros in February 1989 and pitched in only two games for the Astros that year. In one and a third innings pitched, he had a whopping 20.25 ERA and a 3.000 WHIP.
RHP Chris Holt (42)
Originally drafted by Houston in the third round in 1992, Holt pitched in 103 games (90 starts) for the Astros from 1996 to 2000 with a 21-42 record, a 4.51 ERA and a 1.456 WHIP before being traded to Detroit in December 2000.
C Mitch Meluskey (40)
A 12th round draft pick by Cleveland in 1992, Meluskey came to the Houston system in an April 1995 trade with Cleveland. He played in 135 games for the Astros from 1998 to 2000 before being included, along with fellow birthday boy Chris Holt, in a December 2000 trade to Detroit. He came back to play in 12 games for Houston again in 2003, signing as a free agent. All in all, he hit .287/.389/.465 for the Astros.
Thursday, August 22, 2013
Astros Minor League Roster Moves
Three moves from yesterday ~
Oklahoma City
RHP Ross Seaton assigned from Corpus Christi to Oklahoma City
Quad Cities
RHP Richard Rodriguez assigned from Tri-City to Quad Cities
Tri-City
RHP Krishawn Holley assigned from Greeneville to Tri-City
Oklahoma City
RHP Ross Seaton assigned from Corpus Christi to Oklahoma City
Quad Cities
RHP Richard Rodriguez assigned from Tri-City to Quad Cities
Tri-City
RHP Krishawn Holley assigned from Greeneville to Tri-City
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Corpus Christi Hooks - June 2012
Over the last couple of weeks, I've attempted to cull through and organize hundreds of photos I took at the various minor league venues during the 2012 season. Here are a few you may enjoy. I have also uploaded photos to Flickr. You can find my Corpus Christi photos from June 2012 here and from the September 7th playoff game here. Unfortunately, I haven't tagged the photos yet, but hope to do so at some point during the off-season. I'll be posting photos of my August trips to Lancaster and Greeneville tomorrow.
Josh Zeid
Jon Singleton
Jarred Cosart's radar reading (he got to 98 that day)
Jair "Jay" Fernandez
Ross Seaton
Brandon Wikoff
Photos by Jayne Hansen
All Rights Reserved*
*The players and coaches featured in these photos are hereby granted permission to use these photos for personal uses. All other uses require permission and acknowledgment.
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Happy Birthday - 9/18
RHP Ross Seaton (23)
Drafted in the third round as a compensation pick in 2008 out of Second Baptist High School in Houston, Seaton spent most of the 2012 season repeating the AA level at Corpus Christi (with a handful of starts in Oklahoma City) and fine-tuning his skills. Seaton really appears to have turned the corner in his development. Despite a career high 169.1 innings pitched, he actually got stronger toward the end of the season, ending it going 2-0 with a 1.56 ERA and a 0.865 WHIP in his final three starts. For the season, he was 8-9 with a 3.93 ERA and a 1.281 WHIP.
1B Jon Singleton (21)
Originally drafted by the Phillies in the eighth round in 2009, Singleton came to the Astros in the Hunter Pence trade in July 2011. In 131 games for Corpus Christi this season, he hit .284/.396/.497 with 27 doubles, four triples, 21 home runs, 94 runs scored and 79 RBI. And he's just turning 21. Be still, my beating heart!
RHP Juan Minaya (22)
Signed as a non-drafted free agent out of the Dominican Republic in 2008, this is Minaya's fourth season in the Astros organization. In 17 appearances (2 starts) for Tri-City this season, Minaya was 2-2 with a 4.66 ERA and a 1.391 WHIP.
Four former Astros with birthdays today ~
CF Tony Scott (61)
Originally drafted by Montreal in the 71st(!) round in 1969, Scott came to Houston in a June 1981 trade with the Cardinals. In 292 games played for the Astros from 1981 to 1984, he hit .249/.283/.320.
RHP Roger Mason (55)
Mason signed as a free agent with the Astros in February 1989 and pitched in only two games for the Astros that year. In one and a third innings pitched, he had a whopping 20.25 ERA and a 3.000 WHIP.
RHP Chris Holt (41)
Originally drafted by Houston in the third round in 1992, Holt pitched in 103 games (90 starts) for the Astros from 1996 to 2000 with a 21-42 record, a 4.51 ERA and a 1.456 WHIP before being traded to Detroit in December 2000.
C Mitch Meluskey (39)
A 12th round draft pick by Cleveland in 1992, Meluskey came to the Houston system in an April 1995 trade with Cleveland. He played in 135 games for the Astros from 1998 to 2000 before being included, along with fellow birthday boy Chris Holt, in a December 2000 trade to Detroit. He came back to play in 12 games for Houston again in 2003, signing as a free agent. All in all, he hit .287/.389/.465 for the Astros.
Drafted in the third round as a compensation pick in 2008 out of Second Baptist High School in Houston, Seaton spent most of the 2012 season repeating the AA level at Corpus Christi (with a handful of starts in Oklahoma City) and fine-tuning his skills. Seaton really appears to have turned the corner in his development. Despite a career high 169.1 innings pitched, he actually got stronger toward the end of the season, ending it going 2-0 with a 1.56 ERA and a 0.865 WHIP in his final three starts. For the season, he was 8-9 with a 3.93 ERA and a 1.281 WHIP.
1B Jon Singleton (21)
Originally drafted by the Phillies in the eighth round in 2009, Singleton came to the Astros in the Hunter Pence trade in July 2011. In 131 games for Corpus Christi this season, he hit .284/.396/.497 with 27 doubles, four triples, 21 home runs, 94 runs scored and 79 RBI. And he's just turning 21. Be still, my beating heart!
RHP Juan Minaya (22)
Signed as a non-drafted free agent out of the Dominican Republic in 2008, this is Minaya's fourth season in the Astros organization. In 17 appearances (2 starts) for Tri-City this season, Minaya was 2-2 with a 4.66 ERA and a 1.391 WHIP.
Four former Astros with birthdays today ~
CF Tony Scott (61)
Originally drafted by Montreal in the 71st(!) round in 1969, Scott came to Houston in a June 1981 trade with the Cardinals. In 292 games played for the Astros from 1981 to 1984, he hit .249/.283/.320.
RHP Roger Mason (55)
Mason signed as a free agent with the Astros in February 1989 and pitched in only two games for the Astros that year. In one and a third innings pitched, he had a whopping 20.25 ERA and a 3.000 WHIP.
RHP Chris Holt (41)
Originally drafted by Houston in the third round in 1992, Holt pitched in 103 games (90 starts) for the Astros from 1996 to 2000 with a 21-42 record, a 4.51 ERA and a 1.456 WHIP before being traded to Detroit in December 2000.
C Mitch Meluskey (39)
A 12th round draft pick by Cleveland in 1992, Meluskey came to the Houston system in an April 1995 trade with Cleveland. He played in 135 games for the Astros from 1998 to 2000 before being included, along with fellow birthday boy Chris Holt, in a December 2000 trade to Detroit. He came back to play in 12 games for Houston again in 2003, signing as a free agent. All in all, he hit .287/.389/.465 for the Astros.
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Corpus Christi Hooks Season Recap
So far we have looked at the seasons for the DSL Astros, the GCL Astros, the Greeneville Astros, the Lexington Legends, and the Oklahoma City Redhawks. Now let's take a look at the AA Corpus Christi Hooks. Here's a quick look at how the 2011 and 2012 teams compare.
2011 Wins-Losses/Win Percentage: 50-90/.357
2012 Wins-Losses/Win Percentage: 81-59/.579
2011 Runs Scored - Runs Allowed = Run Differential: 605 - 761 = (156)
2012 Runs Scored - Runs Allowed = Run Differential: 736 - 628 = 108
2011 Team ERA & WHIP: 5.01 & 1.460
2012 Team ERA & WHIP: 4.07 & 1.332
2011 Team Batting Line: .258/.320/.388
2012 Team Batting Line: .268/.342/.410
This team not only won 31 more games than last season, they also had a 264-run swing in their run differential and made their first post-season appearance since 2006. I knew they would be a better team than last season, but Wow! In the Texas League, Corpus ranked first (out of eight teams) in batting average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, runs, hits, doubles and RBI.
Let's look at just a few of the outstanding position players for the Corpus team.
1B Jon Singleton finished the regular season hitting .284/.396/.497 with 27 doubles, four triples and 21 home runs. He was second in the league in walks and runs, and in the top 10 in on-base percentage, slugging percentage, doubles, home runs and RBI.
The triumverate of 2B Jose Martinez, OF Austin Wates and OF Jake Goebbert tied for fourth in the league in batting average. Martinez' .304/.362/.464 was good enough to land him in the top 10 in the league in SLG and OPS, and although he was at Oklahoma City for the final 23 games of the season, he was still in the top 10 in runs and RBI. Wates was tenth in the league in OBP with a batting line of .304/.375/.429. Goebbert quietly went about hitting fourth in the league in OBP, sixth in OPS and eighth in SLG as he hit .304/.399/.473 with 23 doubles, six triples and nine home runs. 3B Andy Simunic (.297/.349/.345) also ranked in the top 10 in batting average.
I will look at CF George Springer and 2B Kike Hernandez when I look at the Lancaster team since they played the majority of the season there, and we'll see how their stats stacked up in the California League.
Other players of note include SS Ben Orloff who only played in 39 games for the Hooks after playing the bulk of the season in Lancaster. He hit .295/.360/.352 at Corpus and .288/.362/.316 at Lancaster. And OF Drew Locke, playing in 68 games for the Hooks after a June pick-up, hit .295/.347/.456 and, it should be noted, provided the fans with a little extra excitement as he hit grand slams in back-to-back games.
As far as pitchers go, there were several very good pitchers for Corpus Christi who were promoted to Oklahoma City (Jarred Cosart, Jose Cisnero and Brett Oberholtzer) and I looked at their seasons in conjunction with the Oklahoma City season recap. However, one other starter at Corpus who came into his own this season was RHP Ross Seaton. Seaton was young for the Texas League last season. It showed at times and he repeated the level. In 25 starts for the Hooks this season, he was 8-8 with a 4.07 ERA (11th in the league among qualified pitchers) and a 1.274 WHIP (tied for 6th) and was also 7th in strikeouts. He dipped a toe in with four starts at Oklahoma City and was 0-1 with a 3.09 ERA and a 1.329 WHIP in those starts.
The relief corps was dominated by the one-two punch of LHP Kevin Chapman and RHP Jason Stoffel who pitched many an eighth and ninth innings for the Hooks with great results. Chapman was 6-3 with a 2.64 ERA and a 1.397 WHIP in 49 appearances while Stoffel was 2-1 with a 2.33 ERA, a 0.982 WHIP and a league-leading 27 saves in 56 appearances.
In limited time for the Hooks, newcomers RHP Asher Wojciechowski and RHP Matt Heidenreich had good results. Wojciechowski was 2-2 in eight starts with a 2.06 ERA and a 1.008 WHIP while Heidenreich was 3-1 with a 3.93 ERA and a 1.340 WHIP in eight games (seven starts). RHP Paul Clemens also fared well in his return to Corpus, after struggling in Oklahoma City this season, as he went 3-2 with a 3.98 ERA and a 1.248 WHIP in seven starts to end the season. I will look at RHP Bobby Doran in conjunction with the Lancaster recap.
Although the playoffs were disappointing, LHP Rob Rasmussen's performance was outstanding as he pitched seven shutout innings with a 1.143 WHIP.
I will look at the final two teams, Lancaster and Tri-City, when they finish post-season play.
2011 Wins-Losses/Win Percentage: 50-90/.357
2012 Wins-Losses/Win Percentage: 81-59/.579
2011 Runs Scored - Runs Allowed = Run Differential: 605 - 761 = (156)
2012 Runs Scored - Runs Allowed = Run Differential: 736 - 628 = 108
2011 Team ERA & WHIP: 5.01 & 1.460
2012 Team ERA & WHIP: 4.07 & 1.332
2011 Team Batting Line: .258/.320/.388
2012 Team Batting Line: .268/.342/.410
This team not only won 31 more games than last season, they also had a 264-run swing in their run differential and made their first post-season appearance since 2006. I knew they would be a better team than last season, but Wow! In the Texas League, Corpus ranked first (out of eight teams) in batting average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, runs, hits, doubles and RBI.
Let's look at just a few of the outstanding position players for the Corpus team.
1B Jon Singleton finished the regular season hitting .284/.396/.497 with 27 doubles, four triples and 21 home runs. He was second in the league in walks and runs, and in the top 10 in on-base percentage, slugging percentage, doubles, home runs and RBI.
The triumverate of 2B Jose Martinez, OF Austin Wates and OF Jake Goebbert tied for fourth in the league in batting average. Martinez' .304/.362/.464 was good enough to land him in the top 10 in the league in SLG and OPS, and although he was at Oklahoma City for the final 23 games of the season, he was still in the top 10 in runs and RBI. Wates was tenth in the league in OBP with a batting line of .304/.375/.429. Goebbert quietly went about hitting fourth in the league in OBP, sixth in OPS and eighth in SLG as he hit .304/.399/.473 with 23 doubles, six triples and nine home runs. 3B Andy Simunic (.297/.349/.345) also ranked in the top 10 in batting average.
I will look at CF George Springer and 2B Kike Hernandez when I look at the Lancaster team since they played the majority of the season there, and we'll see how their stats stacked up in the California League.
Other players of note include SS Ben Orloff who only played in 39 games for the Hooks after playing the bulk of the season in Lancaster. He hit .295/.360/.352 at Corpus and .288/.362/.316 at Lancaster. And OF Drew Locke, playing in 68 games for the Hooks after a June pick-up, hit .295/.347/.456 and, it should be noted, provided the fans with a little extra excitement as he hit grand slams in back-to-back games.
As far as pitchers go, there were several very good pitchers for Corpus Christi who were promoted to Oklahoma City (Jarred Cosart, Jose Cisnero and Brett Oberholtzer) and I looked at their seasons in conjunction with the Oklahoma City season recap. However, one other starter at Corpus who came into his own this season was RHP Ross Seaton. Seaton was young for the Texas League last season. It showed at times and he repeated the level. In 25 starts for the Hooks this season, he was 8-8 with a 4.07 ERA (11th in the league among qualified pitchers) and a 1.274 WHIP (tied for 6th) and was also 7th in strikeouts. He dipped a toe in with four starts at Oklahoma City and was 0-1 with a 3.09 ERA and a 1.329 WHIP in those starts.
The relief corps was dominated by the one-two punch of LHP Kevin Chapman and RHP Jason Stoffel who pitched many an eighth and ninth innings for the Hooks with great results. Chapman was 6-3 with a 2.64 ERA and a 1.397 WHIP in 49 appearances while Stoffel was 2-1 with a 2.33 ERA, a 0.982 WHIP and a league-leading 27 saves in 56 appearances.
In limited time for the Hooks, newcomers RHP Asher Wojciechowski and RHP Matt Heidenreich had good results. Wojciechowski was 2-2 in eight starts with a 2.06 ERA and a 1.008 WHIP while Heidenreich was 3-1 with a 3.93 ERA and a 1.340 WHIP in eight games (seven starts). RHP Paul Clemens also fared well in his return to Corpus, after struggling in Oklahoma City this season, as he went 3-2 with a 3.98 ERA and a 1.248 WHIP in seven starts to end the season. I will look at RHP Bobby Doran in conjunction with the Lancaster recap.
Although the playoffs were disappointing, LHP Rob Rasmussen's performance was outstanding as he pitched seven shutout innings with a 1.143 WHIP.
I will look at the final two teams, Lancaster and Tri-City, when they finish post-season play.
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Minor League Recaps
Monday's Games
Bluefield over Greeneville 5-2
Francis Ramirez got the loss despite only allowing one run on four hits over four innings as Greeneville trailed this one from the start and waited until the eighth to put a notch in the run column. Michael Dimock allowed an additional run in his inning of work before giving way to Joe Musgrove who, despite pitching a very effective sixth inning, got into trouble in the seventh. After one quick out, Musgrove gave up a double followed by a triple followed by a wild pitch followed by an ejection and three more runs had scored before all was said and done. Tanner Bushue pitched clean up with two and two-thirds innings in which he allowed only one hit while striking out five. This is just the latest in a nice string of work for Bushue. Greeneville was held to four hits and Brian Blasik had two of them and drove in one. Mike Martinez drove in the other run. Greeneville only has one game remaining on the schedule.
Lowell over Tri-City 3-2
Starter Juri Perez gave up three runs in the first inning and was pegged with his first loss of the season. Perez allowed no further runs in his six innings. Jamaine Cotton, Blake Ford and Scott Zuloaga combined for scoreless relief. Tri-City scored their two runs in the second on a two-run Jarrod McKinney home run but were never able to scratch out another run despite a lead-off triple from Ryan Dineen in one inning and a Joe Sclafani lead-off double in the next.
Lexington - Off Day
Lancaster over Lake Elsinore 12-4
Colton Cain finally got that elusive first win since coming to the Astros organization. He had a solid start (two runs on four hits over six innings) but his team staking him to an 8-1 lead by the time the third inning was over didn't hurt either. Jose Trinidad gave up two runs in his two innings of work while Andrew Robinson allowed only one single in the ninth. Delino DeShields set the tone early hitting a triple in the first JetHawks at bat. He would end the night three-for-five with two triples and his 97th stolen base of the season. Home runs from Rafy Valenzuela (4th), Domingo Santana (20th) and Telvin Nash (27th) and doubles from Andrew Aplin and Jonathan Meyer added to the extra base onslaught. Telvin Nash ended the night with four RBI to go with his three strikeouts. The JetHawks have now padded their wild card lead to three games over Lake Elsinore and Rancho Cucamonga with seven games left to play.
Corpus Christi over San Antonio 3-0
Ross Seaton pitched a beauty as he and Erick Abreu combined to shut out the Missions. Seaton earned his eighth win as he allowed only four hits and no walks with nine strikeouts over seven innings while Erick Abreu earned his second save with a perfect eighth and ninth. Jon Singleton had a great three-for-four night with a double and a stolen base, but it was Ross Seaton's two-run triple that gave the Hooks all the runs they would need for the win.
Oklahoma City over Albuquerque 6-1
Despite walking five in five innings, Jarred Cosart got a quality start as he allowed only one run on five hits. What he didn't get was the win as the Redhawks scored late. Enerio del Rosario got the "W" as he allowed only one hit in his two innings of work. He was followed by Garrett Mock striking out the side in the eighth and a perfect ninth from Chuckie Fick. OKC finally got on the board in the seventh courtesy of a two-run single from Brad Snyder, a sac fly from Matt Downs and a solo home run from Mike Hessman (his 32nd). Snyder and Hessman would also factor in the scoring in the eighth as Snyder drove in another run with a single and Hessman drew a bases loaded walk. Carlos Corporan was two-for-three with a double, a walk and stole his second base of the season. Snyder, Downs, J.D. Martinez and Matt Dominguez each had two hits as well. Jordan Schafer was 0-for-two with a walk in his rehab appearance.
Pitcher of the Day: Ross Seaton not only set a career total in strikeouts in a totally dominating performance, he did it all last night, hitting a two-out, two-run triple and subsequently scoring.
Player of the Day: Delino DeShields, come on down. Triples are rare. Two triples in a game plus stealing your 97th bag of the season is out of this world.
Bluefield over Greeneville 5-2
Francis Ramirez got the loss despite only allowing one run on four hits over four innings as Greeneville trailed this one from the start and waited until the eighth to put a notch in the run column. Michael Dimock allowed an additional run in his inning of work before giving way to Joe Musgrove who, despite pitching a very effective sixth inning, got into trouble in the seventh. After one quick out, Musgrove gave up a double followed by a triple followed by a wild pitch followed by an ejection and three more runs had scored before all was said and done. Tanner Bushue pitched clean up with two and two-thirds innings in which he allowed only one hit while striking out five. This is just the latest in a nice string of work for Bushue. Greeneville was held to four hits and Brian Blasik had two of them and drove in one. Mike Martinez drove in the other run. Greeneville only has one game remaining on the schedule.
Lowell over Tri-City 3-2
Starter Juri Perez gave up three runs in the first inning and was pegged with his first loss of the season. Perez allowed no further runs in his six innings. Jamaine Cotton, Blake Ford and Scott Zuloaga combined for scoreless relief. Tri-City scored their two runs in the second on a two-run Jarrod McKinney home run but were never able to scratch out another run despite a lead-off triple from Ryan Dineen in one inning and a Joe Sclafani lead-off double in the next.
Lexington - Off Day
Lancaster over Lake Elsinore 12-4
Colton Cain finally got that elusive first win since coming to the Astros organization. He had a solid start (two runs on four hits over six innings) but his team staking him to an 8-1 lead by the time the third inning was over didn't hurt either. Jose Trinidad gave up two runs in his two innings of work while Andrew Robinson allowed only one single in the ninth. Delino DeShields set the tone early hitting a triple in the first JetHawks at bat. He would end the night three-for-five with two triples and his 97th stolen base of the season. Home runs from Rafy Valenzuela (4th), Domingo Santana (20th) and Telvin Nash (27th) and doubles from Andrew Aplin and Jonathan Meyer added to the extra base onslaught. Telvin Nash ended the night with four RBI to go with his three strikeouts. The JetHawks have now padded their wild card lead to three games over Lake Elsinore and Rancho Cucamonga with seven games left to play.
Corpus Christi over San Antonio 3-0
Ross Seaton pitched a beauty as he and Erick Abreu combined to shut out the Missions. Seaton earned his eighth win as he allowed only four hits and no walks with nine strikeouts over seven innings while Erick Abreu earned his second save with a perfect eighth and ninth. Jon Singleton had a great three-for-four night with a double and a stolen base, but it was Ross Seaton's two-run triple that gave the Hooks all the runs they would need for the win.
Oklahoma City over Albuquerque 6-1
Despite walking five in five innings, Jarred Cosart got a quality start as he allowed only one run on five hits. What he didn't get was the win as the Redhawks scored late. Enerio del Rosario got the "W" as he allowed only one hit in his two innings of work. He was followed by Garrett Mock striking out the side in the eighth and a perfect ninth from Chuckie Fick. OKC finally got on the board in the seventh courtesy of a two-run single from Brad Snyder, a sac fly from Matt Downs and a solo home run from Mike Hessman (his 32nd). Snyder and Hessman would also factor in the scoring in the eighth as Snyder drove in another run with a single and Hessman drew a bases loaded walk. Carlos Corporan was two-for-three with a double, a walk and stole his second base of the season. Snyder, Downs, J.D. Martinez and Matt Dominguez each had two hits as well. Jordan Schafer was 0-for-two with a walk in his rehab appearance.
Pitcher of the Day: Ross Seaton not only set a career total in strikeouts in a totally dominating performance, he did it all last night, hitting a two-out, two-run triple and subsequently scoring.
Player of the Day: Delino DeShields, come on down. Triples are rare. Two triples in a game plus stealing your 97th bag of the season is out of this world.
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Minor League Recaps
Wednesday's Games
DSL Athletics over DSL Astros 5-4
OK, let me be brutally honest. I have hit a wall covering the DSL crew. There are only three games left in their season. So I'm phoning it in. Five guys pitched and everybody was charged with at least one run except for the guy that let an inherited runner score. They are all so far away from ever making it to the majors, you don't really care and neither do I as I write this at 5:30 in the morning. Jean Carlos Cortorreal went three-for-five, but he's only .201 for the season so I don't really care about that at this particular point in my life either. (Zachary Levine deserves a medal for writing about the Astros every day, but at least he gets paid to do it.)
GCL Marlins over GCL Astros 4-2 (Game 1)
This was the completion of a suspended game from earlier. Kyle Hallock had started the game allowing two runs. Jandel Gustave picked up where he left off pitching a total of three and a third innings and allowing two runs on two hits and five walks. He was followed by Ricardo Batista who pitched a scoreless two and two thirds innings. The Astros came within two on a two-run Luis de la Rosa home run in the seventh. De la Rosa and Yoel Silfa each went two-for-three.
GCL Astros over GCL Marlins 7-5 in 7 innings (Game 2)
Jose Montero pitched the first three and two-thirds allowing only one run on five hits. Gera Sanchez was charged with two runs (one earned) but also was awarded the win as the Astros put up a four-spot in the seventh. Erick Gonzalez made things interesting as he allowed another two runs in the final inning but the Astros ultimately held on. Edwin Gomez had a big day with four RBI, including a bases clearing double. The Astros had two errors but that pales in comparison to the Marlins five errors so I'll let it slide.
Greeneville over Elizabethton 4-3
Michael Feliz got the start and gave up three runs on seven hits over four and two-thirds innings. Tanner Bushue pitched two and a third and earned the win in relief. (Bushue looked good when I saw him last weekend and has only allowed one earned run in his last 6 appearances for a 0.69 August ERA. I would love for him to turn a corner as he's still only 21.) Richard Rodriguez and Mike Hauschild (S, 3) were perfect in their outings. Luis Alvarez contributed half of the offense with two solo home runs. Brian Blasik drove in the other two runs with sac flies.
Brooklyn over Tri-City 4-1
Starter Lance Day allowed three runs on four hits over five innings and was followed by Juan Minaya who allowed one run on three hits over three innings. The ValleyCats offense couldn't scratch across a run beyond the second inning. Tyler Heineman was two-for-four with two doubles and scored the sole Tri-City run on a M.P. Cokinos RBI single. Dan Gulbransen and Cokinos were also two-for-four on the night. The good news is that the ValleyCats have clinched their division and a playoff berth.
Greensboro over Lexington 6-1
Lexington has now lost seven in a row. Don't make me break out Cher again. Luis Cruz was the latest victim as he gave up five runs on nine hits for the loss. Nate Pettus added on the final run before giving way to two scoreless innings from Mitch Lambson. Lexington didn't get a run across until the eighth and then only did so courtesy of a wild pitch. Jordan Kreke was two-for-four. Zach Johnson had the only extra base hit, a double.
Corpus Christi over Midland 4-2
Ross Seaton got the win in a very effective seven inning start. He gave up a two-run homer and not much else as he only allowed five hits and a walk with six strikeouts. Seaton was followed by what has become a lethal one-two combo of Kevin Chapman and Jason Stoffel (S, 25) to close things out. Every starter had one hit except for Jonathan Singleton who had one walk for the evening. Kike Hernandez' one hit was a solo home run. Jay Fernandez' one hit was a two-run single to put the Hooks in the lead in the sixth.
Rancho Cucamonga over Lancaster 8-7
Colton Cain was less than effective as he allowed six runs on six hits over only four innings of work. Carlos Quevedo and Pat Urckfitz held down the fort, but Andrew Robinson faltered as he allowed two unearned runs in the ninth and was charged with a blown save and the loss. Andrew Aplin was three-for-five with a two-run home run; Drew Muren was two-for-four with a two-run inside the park home run and a sac fly RBI; and Jonathan Meyer was three-for-four with a double, walk and scored two runs. Delino DeShields stole two more bases and is now at 92 for the season.
Oklahoma City over Iowa 6-3
Jarred Cosart had a terrific start as he pitched five scoreless innings with two hits, a walk and three strikeouts. Mark Hamburger was charged with a blown save as he gave up three runs in his one and a third innings, but Brian Sanches got the win in relief and Jose Valdez got his 17th save as the Redhawks came back late for the win. Brad Snyder was two-for-four with a two-run home run; Matt Dominguez was two-for-three with a double and a RBI; and Jimmy Paredes contributed an RBI triple to the mix.
Player of the Day: I have not given Drew Muren nearly enough love this season. He has excelled at three different levels and is currently hitting .324/.386/.419 for Lancaster in 19 games. An inside the park home run and three RBI makes Drew an easy choice. Honorable mention goes to Edwin Gomez for his four RBI day.
Pitcher of the Day: Ross Seaton gets the nod for his fine outing, plus for whittling the Hooks magic number to clinch a playoff spot down to three.
DSL Athletics over DSL Astros 5-4
OK, let me be brutally honest. I have hit a wall covering the DSL crew. There are only three games left in their season. So I'm phoning it in. Five guys pitched and everybody was charged with at least one run except for the guy that let an inherited runner score. They are all so far away from ever making it to the majors, you don't really care and neither do I as I write this at 5:30 in the morning. Jean Carlos Cortorreal went three-for-five, but he's only .201 for the season so I don't really care about that at this particular point in my life either. (Zachary Levine deserves a medal for writing about the Astros every day, but at least he gets paid to do it.)
GCL Marlins over GCL Astros 4-2 (Game 1)
This was the completion of a suspended game from earlier. Kyle Hallock had started the game allowing two runs. Jandel Gustave picked up where he left off pitching a total of three and a third innings and allowing two runs on two hits and five walks. He was followed by Ricardo Batista who pitched a scoreless two and two thirds innings. The Astros came within two on a two-run Luis de la Rosa home run in the seventh. De la Rosa and Yoel Silfa each went two-for-three.
GCL Astros over GCL Marlins 7-5 in 7 innings (Game 2)
Jose Montero pitched the first three and two-thirds allowing only one run on five hits. Gera Sanchez was charged with two runs (one earned) but also was awarded the win as the Astros put up a four-spot in the seventh. Erick Gonzalez made things interesting as he allowed another two runs in the final inning but the Astros ultimately held on. Edwin Gomez had a big day with four RBI, including a bases clearing double. The Astros had two errors but that pales in comparison to the Marlins five errors so I'll let it slide.
Greeneville over Elizabethton 4-3
Michael Feliz got the start and gave up three runs on seven hits over four and two-thirds innings. Tanner Bushue pitched two and a third and earned the win in relief. (Bushue looked good when I saw him last weekend and has only allowed one earned run in his last 6 appearances for a 0.69 August ERA. I would love for him to turn a corner as he's still only 21.) Richard Rodriguez and Mike Hauschild (S, 3) were perfect in their outings. Luis Alvarez contributed half of the offense with two solo home runs. Brian Blasik drove in the other two runs with sac flies.
Brooklyn over Tri-City 4-1
Starter Lance Day allowed three runs on four hits over five innings and was followed by Juan Minaya who allowed one run on three hits over three innings. The ValleyCats offense couldn't scratch across a run beyond the second inning. Tyler Heineman was two-for-four with two doubles and scored the sole Tri-City run on a M.P. Cokinos RBI single. Dan Gulbransen and Cokinos were also two-for-four on the night. The good news is that the ValleyCats have clinched their division and a playoff berth.
Greensboro over Lexington 6-1
Lexington has now lost seven in a row. Don't make me break out Cher again. Luis Cruz was the latest victim as he gave up five runs on nine hits for the loss. Nate Pettus added on the final run before giving way to two scoreless innings from Mitch Lambson. Lexington didn't get a run across until the eighth and then only did so courtesy of a wild pitch. Jordan Kreke was two-for-four. Zach Johnson had the only extra base hit, a double.
Corpus Christi over Midland 4-2
Ross Seaton got the win in a very effective seven inning start. He gave up a two-run homer and not much else as he only allowed five hits and a walk with six strikeouts. Seaton was followed by what has become a lethal one-two combo of Kevin Chapman and Jason Stoffel (S, 25) to close things out. Every starter had one hit except for Jonathan Singleton who had one walk for the evening. Kike Hernandez' one hit was a solo home run. Jay Fernandez' one hit was a two-run single to put the Hooks in the lead in the sixth.
Rancho Cucamonga over Lancaster 8-7
Colton Cain was less than effective as he allowed six runs on six hits over only four innings of work. Carlos Quevedo and Pat Urckfitz held down the fort, but Andrew Robinson faltered as he allowed two unearned runs in the ninth and was charged with a blown save and the loss. Andrew Aplin was three-for-five with a two-run home run; Drew Muren was two-for-four with a two-run inside the park home run and a sac fly RBI; and Jonathan Meyer was three-for-four with a double, walk and scored two runs. Delino DeShields stole two more bases and is now at 92 for the season.
Oklahoma City over Iowa 6-3
Jarred Cosart had a terrific start as he pitched five scoreless innings with two hits, a walk and three strikeouts. Mark Hamburger was charged with a blown save as he gave up three runs in his one and a third innings, but Brian Sanches got the win in relief and Jose Valdez got his 17th save as the Redhawks came back late for the win. Brad Snyder was two-for-four with a two-run home run; Matt Dominguez was two-for-three with a double and a RBI; and Jimmy Paredes contributed an RBI triple to the mix.
Player of the Day: I have not given Drew Muren nearly enough love this season. He has excelled at three different levels and is currently hitting .324/.386/.419 for Lancaster in 19 games. An inside the park home run and three RBI makes Drew an easy choice. Honorable mention goes to Edwin Gomez for his four RBI day.
Pitcher of the Day: Ross Seaton gets the nod for his fine outing, plus for whittling the Hooks magic number to clinch a playoff spot down to three.
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Roster Moves
Oklahoma City
RHP Jarred Cosart was activated from the DL.
RHP Enerio del Rosario was activated from the DL.
RHP Sergio Perez was placed on the 7-day DL.
Corpus Christi
RHP Ross Seaton was assigned from Oklahoma City to Corpus Christi.
RHP Jarred Cosart was activated from the DL.
RHP Enerio del Rosario was activated from the DL.
RHP Sergio Perez was placed on the 7-day DL.
Corpus Christi
RHP Ross Seaton was assigned from Oklahoma City to Corpus Christi.
Saturday, August 18, 2012
Minor League Recaps
Friday's Results
DSL Rays 7 DSL Astros 3
The DSL Astros had the lead until the eighth inning
yesterday, but couldn't hold on. Jesus
Castillo (0-1) took the loss after pitching the seventh inning and facing 2
batters in the eighth. Castillo was
charged with 2 runs (1ER) on no hits and walked 3. Luis Reynoso went 2 for 3 with a walk at the
plate on Friday. Reynoso also had a
stolen base, his seventh of the year.
GCL Nationals 5 GCL Astros 0 (Completed Early)
This game ended after the top of the seventh inning and the
GCL Astros had only 4 hits and no runs.
Only 3 Astros were struck out in the shortened game, but 7 hit into
ground outs. Agapito Barrios (1-4) took the loss, pitching the first 5 and
being charged with 4 runs (3ER) on 7 hits.
Barrios also struck out 2.
Offensively not much happened for the Astros on Friday. Not one player collected an extra base hit or
drew a walk.
Burlington Royals 1 Greeneville Astros 5
Greeneville got ahead early in this game and kept the
pressure on. In the eighth inning, after
giving up their first run of the game, Carlos Correa (2X4) hit a solo shot to
left field to take that run back. The
homer was his first since being in Greeneville.
Terrell Joyce went 2 for 4 in the game with a RBI, swatting his 12th
double of the season. Jose Monzon batted
2 for 3 and collected 2 RBIs. Daniel
Minor (2-2) earned the win Friday, pitching the first 6 scoreless innings. Minor gave out just 5 hits and struck out 6. Jordan
Jankowsi, who took the mound for the last inning, kept his performance
scoreless and hitless, striking out 2.
Brooklyn Cyclones 12 Tri-City ValleyCats 4
After this game Friday, Tri-City manager Stubby Clapp simply said, "It was ugly, there was no other way to describe it." The ValleyCats pitchers issued 10 walks in
the game and every pitcher gave up at least 2 runs. Starting pitcher Brian Holmes (6-2) took the
loss after throwing the first 3 and a third, allowing 4 runs on 5 hits, walking
4 and striking out 4. Travis Ballew, who
pitched the last 2 outs of the game, had a rough outing. Ballew was charged with 3 runs on 1 hit after
giving up a 2-out grand slam in the ninth inning. Ballew also walked 2 and struck out 1. Neiko Johnson went 2 for 5 at the plate and
collected his first double of the season. Tyler Heineman went 2 for 4 and hit a
double. In 137 ABs this season, Heineman is hitting .365.
Lexington Legends 8 Rome Braves 17
The good news is Lexington scored 8 runs on 8 hits; the bad
news is their opponents scored 17. Jonas
Dufek (6-3) took the loss after an inning and a third of work. In his time on the mound, Dufek was charged
with 8 runs on 8 hits, walked 2 and struck out 1. Murilo Gouvea also had a tough outing
Friday. After coming on to start the
eighth inning, Gouvea faced 6 batters without recording an out. Gouvea left the game with 6 runs (4 ER) on 3
hits and a walk. Nolan Fontana came alive at the plate Friday, hitting 2 for 3
with 2 walks and a RBI. Chan Moon hit 2
for 4 with a walk, a double and scored 2 runs.
Lancaster JetHawks 1 Inland Empire 66ers 5
The JetHawks got a solid pitching performance out of starter
Colton Cain, but couldn't get anything started offensively. Cain moved to 0-2 after going 6 innings
Friday and left the game with 2 runs on 8 hits, a walk and 3 Ks. Amidst the offensive stalemate, Drew Muren
hit 4 for 4. In 64 ABs with Lancaster,
Muren is batting .344. Domingo Santana
hit 2 for 3 with a double, a walk and scored a run. Santana now has 22 doubles this season.
Corpus Christi Hooks 1 Arkansas Travelers 6
The Hooks left 10 on base Friday in this road loss. Rob Rasmussen (4-3) went the first 5 innings
on the mound and ended up with the loss.
Rasmussen was charged with 4 runs on 4 hits, walked 1 and struck out
5. Rasmussen now has 33 Ks since joining
Corpus Christi (43 IP) and 108 all year (130.2 IP). Jake Goebbert hit 2 for 3 at the dish with a
walk and a run scored. Goebbert (1X4) scored the only run of the game on Adam
Bailey's on hit of the game, a RBI double in the sixth. Bailey also had a walk.
Fresno Grizzlies 2 Oklahoma City Redhawks 3 (12)
Oklahoma City hung on for an extra inning win at home on
Friday. Both teams combined for 26
stranded runners in the game. Jose
Martinez however, wasn't left stranded in the bottom of the 12th, when Brian Bass
knocked him in to win the game with a single.
That was Bass' second RBI of the season and his BA is now a ripe .083.
Matt Downs batted 2 for in the game with a walk and a RBI. With the RBI, Bass (2-5) took the win and
after an inning and a third of work gave out just a hit and struck out 1. Ross Seaton started the game for the RedHawks
and was charged with 2 runs (1 ER) on 8 hits, walked 1 and struck out 2 in his
time on the hill.
Player of the Day:
Ross Seaton is taking the honor today for his game winning performance
yesterday. Even though he is a pitcher,
he demonstrated his skill with a bat in a clutch situation. That takes the honor any day.
Pitcher of the Day:
Daniel Minor is back again for the WTHB accolades today. In 52 innings pitched this year Minor has
walked 9 and struck out 43. That's
pretty impressive.
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Minor League Recaps
Monday's Games
DSL Astros over DSL Athletics 4-0
Samil de los Santos sparkled in this one as he allowed only one hit and two walks over five innings of work with eight strikeouts. Geronimo Franzua, Jesus Castillo and Angel Heredia (W, 1-1) combined to provide hitless relief (although Franzua did allow three walks in his 0.1 inning and had to be bailed out by Castillo). CF Jarico Reynoso's name keeps popping up on these recaps as he is starting to really excel at the plate. In Monday's game, he was three-for-five, and he is hitting .353/.371/.382 over his last 10 games.
GCL Astros at GCL Marlins - Postponed
Johnson City over Greeneville 8-2 in 7 innings (Game 1)
Adrian Houser got roughed up more than a little as he surrendered all eight of the Johnson City runs on eight hits and two walks with three strikeouts in 4.1 innings pitched. Mike Hauschild and Andrew Walter combined for scoreless relief but Greeneville wasn't able to scratch anything across after the third inning. A Michael Martinez walk followed by doubles from D'Andre Toney and Angel Ibanez accounted for Greeneville's two runs. Ricky Gingras had the only other Astros hit as they were held to three.
Johnson City over Greeneville 5-2 in 7 innings (Game 2)
Lance McCullers gave up one hit and four walks with four strikeouts in four innings in his Appy League debut. Joe Musgrove also had his debut and gave up one run on four hits in 1.2 innings of work. Euris Quezada was charged with a blown save and a loss. Quezada, Scott Zuloaga and Michael Dimock combined to allow four runs in the final inning to seal Greeneville's fate. The Astros only managed four hits including a double from Jean Batista and an RBI double from Angel Ibanez.
Tri-City over Mahoning Valley 5-1
Brilliant pitching from Tri-City. Again. Brady Rodgers went to 5-2 on the season as he allowed only one run on five hits with eight strikeouts over six innings as was followed with a masterful three-inning performance in which Jeremiah Meiners gave up only one hit and no walks with four strikeouts. Joe Sclafani had a big day, going two-for-three with an RBI, walk, run scored and two stolen bases. Preston Tucker hit his second home run of the season and got a second RBI on a sac fly. Jobduan Morales tripled and scored. The ValleyCats were in thief mode as they stole a total of five bases, including one each from Catfish Elkins (as Austin prefers to be called apparently), Andrew Aplin and Ryan Dineen.
Lexington over Hagerstown 3-1
Mike Foltynewicz got his lucky 13th win as he allowed only two hits with seven strikeouts in his six innings of work. Murilo Gouvea pitched two scoreless innings of work before giving way to Dayan Diaz who gave up the lone Hagerstown run on his way to his 17th save. I didn't watch the game, but it was apparently a wild one as Hagerstown's pitching coach was ejected in the second and their batting coach was ejected in the eighth inning; and Lexington manager Ivan de Jesus was ejected in between, in the seventh. Lexington only managed four hits but took advantage of wild pitching from the Suns (two wild pitches, a balk and two hit batters) and Delino DeShields' speed as he scored Lexington's first run on a ground out after walking, stealing second and advancing to third on a wild pitch. It was DeShields 81st steal of the season. Matt Duffy, alas, was one of the hit batters and has now been plunked 34 times this season, four times in the last two games. Ouch.
Lancaster - Off Day
Midland over Corpus Christi 8-4
This game was pretty much over in the first inning as starter Matt Heidenreich allowed five runs on six hits without recording an out. Jake Buchanan, newly back with the Corpus team, came out of the 'pen and allowed two runs on five hits in his four innings of work. Adalberto Flores allowed the final run in his 2.2 innings and Alex Sogard pitched an uneventful 1.1 innings. Drew Locke was three-for-five with a double and an RBI.
Salt Lake over Oklahoma City 4-3 in 10 innings
Ross Seaton did a very good job in his second start for the Redhawks allowing one run on three hits in 5.1 innings. Mark Hamburger allowed two runs and Hector Ambriz gave up the winning run in the 10th. In between Juan Valdez pitched a perfect 1.1 innings. Oklahoma City did all of their scoring with two outs in the fifth inning on a Brandon Barnes single, a Jimmy Paredes RBI double and a Fernando Martinez two-run jack.
Player of the Day: I'm going with Tri-City SS Joe Sclafani for a very effective day at the plate and on the basepaths.
Pitchers of the Day: Mike Foltynewicz gets the nod with lucky win #13. His girlfriend did not call him a stud muffin this time which I find to be a gross oversight. Folty, you are my Pitcher of the Day and my Stud Muffin of the Day. Honorable mention has to go to Samil de los Santos, Lance McCullers, Brady Rodgers, Jeremiah Meiners and Ross Seaton for their good outings.
DSL Astros over DSL Athletics 4-0
Samil de los Santos sparkled in this one as he allowed only one hit and two walks over five innings of work with eight strikeouts. Geronimo Franzua, Jesus Castillo and Angel Heredia (W, 1-1) combined to provide hitless relief (although Franzua did allow three walks in his 0.1 inning and had to be bailed out by Castillo). CF Jarico Reynoso's name keeps popping up on these recaps as he is starting to really excel at the plate. In Monday's game, he was three-for-five, and he is hitting .353/.371/.382 over his last 10 games.
GCL Astros at GCL Marlins - Postponed
Johnson City over Greeneville 8-2 in 7 innings (Game 1)
Adrian Houser got roughed up more than a little as he surrendered all eight of the Johnson City runs on eight hits and two walks with three strikeouts in 4.1 innings pitched. Mike Hauschild and Andrew Walter combined for scoreless relief but Greeneville wasn't able to scratch anything across after the third inning. A Michael Martinez walk followed by doubles from D'Andre Toney and Angel Ibanez accounted for Greeneville's two runs. Ricky Gingras had the only other Astros hit as they were held to three.
Johnson City over Greeneville 5-2 in 7 innings (Game 2)
Lance McCullers gave up one hit and four walks with four strikeouts in four innings in his Appy League debut. Joe Musgrove also had his debut and gave up one run on four hits in 1.2 innings of work. Euris Quezada was charged with a blown save and a loss. Quezada, Scott Zuloaga and Michael Dimock combined to allow four runs in the final inning to seal Greeneville's fate. The Astros only managed four hits including a double from Jean Batista and an RBI double from Angel Ibanez.
Tri-City over Mahoning Valley 5-1
Brilliant pitching from Tri-City. Again. Brady Rodgers went to 5-2 on the season as he allowed only one run on five hits with eight strikeouts over six innings as was followed with a masterful three-inning performance in which Jeremiah Meiners gave up only one hit and no walks with four strikeouts. Joe Sclafani had a big day, going two-for-three with an RBI, walk, run scored and two stolen bases. Preston Tucker hit his second home run of the season and got a second RBI on a sac fly. Jobduan Morales tripled and scored. The ValleyCats were in thief mode as they stole a total of five bases, including one each from Catfish Elkins (as Austin prefers to be called apparently), Andrew Aplin and Ryan Dineen.
Lexington over Hagerstown 3-1
Mike Foltynewicz got his lucky 13th win as he allowed only two hits with seven strikeouts in his six innings of work. Murilo Gouvea pitched two scoreless innings of work before giving way to Dayan Diaz who gave up the lone Hagerstown run on his way to his 17th save. I didn't watch the game, but it was apparently a wild one as Hagerstown's pitching coach was ejected in the second and their batting coach was ejected in the eighth inning; and Lexington manager Ivan de Jesus was ejected in between, in the seventh. Lexington only managed four hits but took advantage of wild pitching from the Suns (two wild pitches, a balk and two hit batters) and Delino DeShields' speed as he scored Lexington's first run on a ground out after walking, stealing second and advancing to third on a wild pitch. It was DeShields 81st steal of the season. Matt Duffy, alas, was one of the hit batters and has now been plunked 34 times this season, four times in the last two games. Ouch.
Lancaster - Off Day
Midland over Corpus Christi 8-4
This game was pretty much over in the first inning as starter Matt Heidenreich allowed five runs on six hits without recording an out. Jake Buchanan, newly back with the Corpus team, came out of the 'pen and allowed two runs on five hits in his four innings of work. Adalberto Flores allowed the final run in his 2.2 innings and Alex Sogard pitched an uneventful 1.1 innings. Drew Locke was three-for-five with a double and an RBI.
Salt Lake over Oklahoma City 4-3 in 10 innings
Ross Seaton did a very good job in his second start for the Redhawks allowing one run on three hits in 5.1 innings. Mark Hamburger allowed two runs and Hector Ambriz gave up the winning run in the 10th. In between Juan Valdez pitched a perfect 1.1 innings. Oklahoma City did all of their scoring with two outs in the fifth inning on a Brandon Barnes single, a Jimmy Paredes RBI double and a Fernando Martinez two-run jack.
Player of the Day: I'm going with Tri-City SS Joe Sclafani for a very effective day at the plate and on the basepaths.
Pitchers of the Day: Mike Foltynewicz gets the nod with lucky win #13. His girlfriend did not call him a stud muffin this time which I find to be a gross oversight. Folty, you are my Pitcher of the Day and my Stud Muffin of the Day. Honorable mention has to go to Samil de los Santos, Lance McCullers, Brady Rodgers, Jeremiah Meiners and Ross Seaton for their good outings.
Friday, August 3, 2012
Roster Moves
Oklahoma City/Houston
RHP Mickey Storey's contract was purchased by and he was assigned to Houston as Francisco Cordero was placed on the DL.
Oklahoma City
RHP Ross Seaton was assigned from Corpus Christi to Oklahoma City.
RHP Garrett Mock was obtained in a trade from Boston for future considerations and will be assigned to Oklahoma City.
Corpus Christi
C Jason Castro was assigned to Corpus Christi for a rehab assignment.
RHP Bobby Doran was assigned from Lancaster to Corpus Christi.
Lexington
RHP Jonas Dufek was activated from the DL.
RHP Chris Devenski was obtained from the Chicago White Sox as the PTBNL in the Brett Myers trade and will be assigned to Lexington. For more information on Devenski, please see David Coleman's post at The Crawfishboxes.
RHP Mickey Storey's contract was purchased by and he was assigned to Houston as Francisco Cordero was placed on the DL.
Oklahoma City
RHP Ross Seaton was assigned from Corpus Christi to Oklahoma City.
RHP Garrett Mock was obtained in a trade from Boston for future considerations and will be assigned to Oklahoma City.
Corpus Christi
C Jason Castro was assigned to Corpus Christi for a rehab assignment.
RHP Bobby Doran was assigned from Lancaster to Corpus Christi.
Lexington
RHP Jonas Dufek was activated from the DL.
RHP Chris Devenski was obtained from the Chicago White Sox as the PTBNL in the Brett Myers trade and will be assigned to Lexington. For more information on Devenski, please see David Coleman's post at The Crawfishboxes.
Saturday, July 7, 2012
Minor League Recaps
Friday's Results
DSL Astros 6 DSL Mariners 11
The DSL Astros combined for 4 fielding errors, 1 throwing
error and 4 wild pitches Friday. The DSL
pitching staff allowed 11 runs (7 earned), but found a way to strike out 8
batters. Brauly Mejia, who leads the DSL Astros in BA (.269), stole 2nd and 3rd
in the 2nd inning and went 2 for 5 at the plate with 2 RBI's. Juan Hernandez is still looking for his first
win this season after collecting his 2nd loss in 6 starts.
GCL Nationals 1 GCL Astros 6
Michael Feliz pitched a solid 8 innings for the Astros Friday and picked up his 3rd win of the year. The Astros got on the board early, scoring 2 runs in the 2nd, 3rd and 4th innings. The combination was too much for The Nat's. So far, over 4 games and 23 and a 1/3 innings pitched, Feliz has a 1.16 ERA. Friday, Feliz allowed 1 run on 4 hits, struck out 4 and walked 1. Yonathan Mejia and Juan Santana both went 2 for 4 at the plate. Santana had 3 RBI's.
GCL Nationals 1 GCL Astros 6
Michael Feliz pitched a solid 8 innings for the Astros Friday and picked up his 3rd win of the year. The Astros got on the board early, scoring 2 runs in the 2nd, 3rd and 4th innings. The combination was too much for The Nat's. So far, over 4 games and 23 and a 1/3 innings pitched, Feliz has a 1.16 ERA. Friday, Feliz allowed 1 run on 4 hits, struck out 4 and walked 1. Yonathan Mejia and Juan Santana both went 2 for 4 at the plate. Santana had 3 RBI's.
Johnson City Cardinals 2 Greeneville Astros 4
(7)
The first game Friday for
Greeneville was a come from behind win.
After falling behind, 2-0 in the 1st, Greeneville began the rally in the
4th, scoring 4 over the next 3 innings. Jose Monzon went 1 for 2 with a walk
and a HR. Terrell Joyce went 3 for 3
with a double and scored a run. Zachary Dando picked up his 2nd "W"
of the year after pitching the final 2.
Johnson City Cardinals 1 Greeneville Astros 0
The second game of the doubleheader Friday wasn't decided until the last inning. The Astros only had 5 hits in the game. 2 of those hits came on Terrell Joyce singles. Adrian Houser had a nice start, but is still searching for his 1st win. Houser allowed 4 hits, walked 2 and struck out 6 over 7 innings. Mike Hauschild picked up the loss after coming on to close out the 8th inning. Hauschild struck out 2 and walked 1 over 1 and a 1/3 innings.
State College Spikes 3 Tri-City ValleyCats 1
The ValleyCats seem to be falling into a bit of a funk as they completed the series with State College Friday by being swept in 3 games. This comes on the heels of an 11 game ValleyCats winning streak. They also committed 3 errors Friday night. The only run of the game came on a Jesse Wierzbicki solo HR. Wierzbicki went 2 for 3. Andrew Aplin also got a couple of hits (2-4) with a double. Vincent Velasquez gave up all 3 of Spikes' runs in the game by the 3rd inning, walked 3 and struck out 4 over 5 innings. Velasquez also had a wild pitch and a balk.
The ValleyCats seem to be falling into a bit of a funk as they completed the series with State College Friday by being swept in 3 games. This comes on the heels of an 11 game ValleyCats winning streak. They also committed 3 errors Friday night. The only run of the game came on a Jesse Wierzbicki solo HR. Wierzbicki went 2 for 3. Andrew Aplin also got a couple of hits (2-4) with a double. Vincent Velasquez gave up all 3 of Spikes' runs in the game by the 3rd inning, walked 3 and struck out 4 over 5 innings. Velasquez also had a wild pitch and a balk.
Lexington Legends 4 Hagerstown Suns 5
Lexington is still having a rough go of it lately. This is the 3rd time (of 3 games) that the Legends have fallen to a come-from-behind win by Hagerstown. Not all was glum Friday for the Legends though. Delino DeShields picked up stolen base number 61 Friday and went 3 for 5 at the plate. Justin Gominsky got on base every trip up, going 2 for 3 with a walk and a run. Matt Duffy also had a notable night at the plate hitting 2 of 4, walking once and jacking a HR. Duffy also scored 2 and had an RBI. Luis Cruz didn't have a bad start for Lexington, allowing 3 runs on 7 hits and striking out 5 over 7. Murilo Gouvea was charged with his 4th blown save of the year but still found a way to strike out 4 batters over 2 innings.
Corpus
Christi Hooks 3 NW Arkansas Naturals 0
Ross Seaton stole the show at Avarest Ballpark Friday
night. He struck out 8, walked 2 and
allowed 3 hits all night. That's right,
3 hits. Jason Stoffel came on to face
the final 2 batters of the night and struck out 1, collecting his 14th save in
15 save appearances. Drew Muren went 3 for 3 at the plate, walked once and
scored a run. Jon Singleton drew 3 walks
in 4 AB's and scored a run as well.
Visalia Rawhide 5 Lancaster JetHawks 6
Come-from-behind wins are always fun, especially when they snap a losing streak and avoid the sweep. Lancaster scored 5 runs starting in the 7th (3 runs in the 9th) to take this one back. Jonathan Meyer went 2 for 5 at the plate with 2 RBI's Friday night. RBI number 2 being the game winner on a walk off single. Domingo Santana also went 2 for 5 with his bat and had a couple of RBI's. Nicholas Tropeano had a rough outing for the JetHawks Friday, giving up 5 runs on 7 hits, 2 of which were long balls. Tropeano also threw 4 wild pitches Friday night. Jose Trinidad picked up the win after coming on for the final 3. Trinidad walked 2 and struck out 4, not giving up a single hit. Trinidad's solid performance allowed Lancaster back in the game.
Game of the Day
Oklahoma City RedHawks 5 New Orleans Zephyrs 4 (11)
The only thing more fun than a come-from-behind win is a you-ain't-coming-back-on-us-tie extra innings game on the road. That's exactly what Oklahoma City had Friday night. Carlos Corporan even got in on the fun by going 5 for 5 and batting in the game winning run in the 11th after the game reached a 4-4 stalemate in the 7th. Angel Sanchez went 2 for 4 with a pair of RBI's and J.B. Shuck went 2 for 4 too with a couple of RBI'S and 2 walks. All 4 of New Orleans' runs came on Armando Galarraga's watch and he left the game in the 7th. Juan Abreu and Mickey Storey combined for 8 strikeouts over the final 5 innings. Storey gave up 2 hits; Abreu gave up none. Mickey Storey picked up the win moving him to 7-2 on the season.
What went right: Abreu and Storey took over last night and with their strong outings allowed Oklahoma the opportunity to get the win.
What went wrong: It took the RedHawks 4 innings to seize the opportunity. Oklahoma City left 5 runners on over the 8th, 9th and 10th innings. For example, the RedHawks had 2 on with 1 out in the 10th and failed to score.
Armando Galarraga- 6IP 6H 4R 0BB 6SO 2HR
Juan Abreu- 2IP 0H 0R 1BB 4SO
Mickey Storey (W, 7-2)- 3IP 2H 0R 0BB 4SO
Carlos
Corporan- 5X5 R 2B RBI BB
Mike Hessman- 1X5 R 2B RBI BB SO
Angel
Sanchez- 2X4 2RBI
J.B. Shuck- 2x4 R RBI BB
J.B. Shuck- 2x4 R RBI BB
Brett
Wallace- 1X4 2BB SO
Player of the Day: If I didn't say Carlos Corporan, how mad would you be? Of course it Corporan. He gets the honor for going 5 for 5 last night after not collecting more than 2 hits in any game this season.
Player of the Day: If I didn't say Carlos Corporan, how mad would you be? Of course it Corporan. He gets the honor for going 5 for 5 last night after not collecting more than 2 hits in any game this season.
Pitcher of the Day: Ross Seaton takes the cake for his 3 hitter last night. Seaton came 2 outs from becoming the 1st Hooks' pitcher with a 1 hitter, ever. That's tasty cake, no matter how you slice it.
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Minor League Schedule and Recaps
THURSDAY'S GAMES
DSL Astros at DSL Cardinals at 9:30 CST
GCL Astros at GCL Marlins at 11:00 CST
Vermont at Tri-City at 6:00 CST
Probable Pitchers: TBD
Greeneville at Johnson City at 6:00 CST
Probable Pitchers: RHP Francis Ramirez (0-0, -.--) and RHP Bryan Martinez (0-0, -.--)
Lexington at West Virgina at 6:05 CST
Probable Pitchers: LHP Luis Cruz (5-3, 3.49) and LHP Zach Dodson (1-5, 6.12)
Corpus Christi at San Antonio at 7:05 CST
Probable Pitchers: RHP Jose Cisnero (4-6, 3.68) and RHP Josh Geer (2-2, 5.77)
Available on MiLB.tv
Oklahoma City at Nashville at 7:05 CST
Probable Pitchers: RHP Armando Galarraga (1-0, 1.86) and RHP Marco Estrada (0-0, 0.00)
Available on MiLB.tv
Lancaster at Lake Elsinore at 9:05 CST
Probable Pitchers: TBD and RHP Matthew Andriese (4-3, 3.39)
WEDNESDAY'S RECAPS
DSL Mariners over DSL Astros 10-9
Seriously? The Mariners made seven errors and we still couldn't win? Despite getting an early lead with six runs in the first, the Astros ended up losing this one in 12 innings after allowing a big inning of their own later in the game. The Mariners played ugly in that first inning, too, as by my count the Astros scored their six runs on only two hits with help from five errors (three runners reached base on errors), two walks and a hit by pitch. Edwin Villarroel allowed four runs and Javier Saucedo allowed five (including a grand slam), and Yonquelys Martinez allowed only one run but got pegged with the loss, helping to prove that life is, indeed, not fair. Mesac Laguna (3x5, 3R), Frederick Serrano (2x5, 2B, RBI), Yoel Silfa (2x5, 2RBI), Marlon Avea (2x3, 2B, RBI), and Arturo Michelina (2x6, 2RBI) all had productive outings.
GCL Astros over GCL Marlins 4-0
Five pitchers combined on the shutout with Chia-Jen Lo getting the first inning. I was frankly very surprised to see Lo in a game since Fred Nelson was quoted as saying that the end of the season looked optimistic for his return in this article from Zachary Levine. But pitch he did! After one perfect inning from Lo, Edison Frias (W, 1-0) took over for 4.1 innings and allowed six hits and a walk with five strikeouts. Ricardo Batista, Erick Gonzalez and Ambiorix de Leon not only allowed no runs in relief, they also allowed no hits. The Astros struck early, scoring two in the first. Carlos Correa singled and was driven in by a Teoscar Hernandez double, scoring what turned out to be the winning run. Hernandez and Juan Santana were both two-for-four with a double, RBI and run scored. Brett Phillips stole two bags.
Vermont over Tri-City 7-4
Juri Perez got the start, giving up two runs (none earned) over his four innings before giving way to Travis Ballew for his two innings of scoreless relief. Jeremiah Meiners (L, 0-1) ran into trouble in the seventh, allowing three runs (one earned) on two hits and two walks without recording an out in the then tied game, before being replaced by an effective Jamaine Cotton for two innings. Brad Propst allowed another two runs during the ninth. Jobduan Morales was three-for-four with a double and a home run; Andrew Aplin was two-for-four with two RBIs; and Austin Elkins was two-for-four with one RBI and a stolen base. Errors really hurt Tri-City as Juri Perez, Emilio King (2 errors), and Jesse Wierzbicki all recorded fielding errors. Morales was charged with two passed balls as well.
Corpus Christi over San Antonio 2-1 in 12 innings
Yet another extra inning affair for Corpus Christi as they win game one of the second half. Ross Seaton pitched eight strong innings (four hits, including one solo home run) but was denied the win as the Hooks weren't able to scratch across much offense in part due to three GIDPs. Kevin Chapman, Erick Abreu (W, 8-2) and Jason Stoffel (S, 10) combined for scoreless relief. Seaton's RBI double in the fifth accounted for one of the Hooks runs and Adam Bailey's RBI single in the 12th accounted for the other.
Nashville over Oklahoma City 3-2
The Redhawks could only muster four hits on a pitching dominant night in Nashville. Brian Bass gave up two runs on three hits over five innings before being ejected, along with skipper Tony DeFranscesco, in the bottom of the fifth as he came to the plate. There was no indication in the game story as to what happened. The newest Astro, Hector Ambriz, was then pressed into service. Ambriz and Juan Abreu pitched scoreless relief, but Adalberto Flores wasn't as lucky as he gave up a walk-off home run in the ninth to get the loss. The Redhawks only scoring came as the result of an Angel Sanchez hit by pitch (he was hit in the helmet) and a Landon Powell walk followed by a J.B. Shuck triple.
GAME OF THE DAY
Greeneville over Johnson City 9-4
Richard Rodriguez had a terrific start, allowing only one earned run over five innings while striking out eight. But it took three pitchers to get through the sixth inning, with Jordan Jankowski getting Greeneville out of a jam and getting rewarded with his first win, as Greeneville posted five runs in the eighth to put them out of reach. Mitch Lambson also pitched beautifully, getting five strikeouts in the final two innings. The game was tied going into the eighth, but Greeneville played a little small ball; took advantage of a passed ball, a wild pitch and a fielding error; and added a couple more for good measure on a Jean Batista home run.
What went right: Greeneville took advantage of Johnson City's mistakes while minimizing the damage from their own mistakes.
DSL Astros at DSL Cardinals at 9:30 CST
GCL Astros at GCL Marlins at 11:00 CST
Vermont at Tri-City at 6:00 CST
Probable Pitchers: TBD
Greeneville at Johnson City at 6:00 CST
Probable Pitchers: RHP Francis Ramirez (0-0, -.--) and RHP Bryan Martinez (0-0, -.--)
Lexington at West Virgina at 6:05 CST
Probable Pitchers: LHP Luis Cruz (5-3, 3.49) and LHP Zach Dodson (1-5, 6.12)
Corpus Christi at San Antonio at 7:05 CST
Probable Pitchers: RHP Jose Cisnero (4-6, 3.68) and RHP Josh Geer (2-2, 5.77)
Available on MiLB.tv
Oklahoma City at Nashville at 7:05 CST
Probable Pitchers: RHP Armando Galarraga (1-0, 1.86) and RHP Marco Estrada (0-0, 0.00)
Available on MiLB.tv
Lancaster at Lake Elsinore at 9:05 CST
Probable Pitchers: TBD and RHP Matthew Andriese (4-3, 3.39)
WEDNESDAY'S RECAPS
DSL Mariners over DSL Astros 10-9
Seriously? The Mariners made seven errors and we still couldn't win? Despite getting an early lead with six runs in the first, the Astros ended up losing this one in 12 innings after allowing a big inning of their own later in the game. The Mariners played ugly in that first inning, too, as by my count the Astros scored their six runs on only two hits with help from five errors (three runners reached base on errors), two walks and a hit by pitch. Edwin Villarroel allowed four runs and Javier Saucedo allowed five (including a grand slam), and Yonquelys Martinez allowed only one run but got pegged with the loss, helping to prove that life is, indeed, not fair. Mesac Laguna (3x5, 3R), Frederick Serrano (2x5, 2B, RBI), Yoel Silfa (2x5, 2RBI), Marlon Avea (2x3, 2B, RBI), and Arturo Michelina (2x6, 2RBI) all had productive outings.
GCL Astros over GCL Marlins 4-0
Five pitchers combined on the shutout with Chia-Jen Lo getting the first inning. I was frankly very surprised to see Lo in a game since Fred Nelson was quoted as saying that the end of the season looked optimistic for his return in this article from Zachary Levine. But pitch he did! After one perfect inning from Lo, Edison Frias (W, 1-0) took over for 4.1 innings and allowed six hits and a walk with five strikeouts. Ricardo Batista, Erick Gonzalez and Ambiorix de Leon not only allowed no runs in relief, they also allowed no hits. The Astros struck early, scoring two in the first. Carlos Correa singled and was driven in by a Teoscar Hernandez double, scoring what turned out to be the winning run. Hernandez and Juan Santana were both two-for-four with a double, RBI and run scored. Brett Phillips stole two bags.
Vermont over Tri-City 7-4
Juri Perez got the start, giving up two runs (none earned) over his four innings before giving way to Travis Ballew for his two innings of scoreless relief. Jeremiah Meiners (L, 0-1) ran into trouble in the seventh, allowing three runs (one earned) on two hits and two walks without recording an out in the then tied game, before being replaced by an effective Jamaine Cotton for two innings. Brad Propst allowed another two runs during the ninth. Jobduan Morales was three-for-four with a double and a home run; Andrew Aplin was two-for-four with two RBIs; and Austin Elkins was two-for-four with one RBI and a stolen base. Errors really hurt Tri-City as Juri Perez, Emilio King (2 errors), and Jesse Wierzbicki all recorded fielding errors. Morales was charged with two passed balls as well.
Corpus Christi over San Antonio 2-1 in 12 innings
Yet another extra inning affair for Corpus Christi as they win game one of the second half. Ross Seaton pitched eight strong innings (four hits, including one solo home run) but was denied the win as the Hooks weren't able to scratch across much offense in part due to three GIDPs. Kevin Chapman, Erick Abreu (W, 8-2) and Jason Stoffel (S, 10) combined for scoreless relief. Seaton's RBI double in the fifth accounted for one of the Hooks runs and Adam Bailey's RBI single in the 12th accounted for the other.
Nashville over Oklahoma City 3-2
The Redhawks could only muster four hits on a pitching dominant night in Nashville. Brian Bass gave up two runs on three hits over five innings before being ejected, along with skipper Tony DeFranscesco, in the bottom of the fifth as he came to the plate. There was no indication in the game story as to what happened. The newest Astro, Hector Ambriz, was then pressed into service. Ambriz and Juan Abreu pitched scoreless relief, but Adalberto Flores wasn't as lucky as he gave up a walk-off home run in the ninth to get the loss. The Redhawks only scoring came as the result of an Angel Sanchez hit by pitch (he was hit in the helmet) and a Landon Powell walk followed by a J.B. Shuck triple.
GAME OF THE DAY
Greeneville over Johnson City 9-4
Richard Rodriguez had a terrific start, allowing only one earned run over five innings while striking out eight. But it took three pitchers to get through the sixth inning, with Jordan Jankowski getting Greeneville out of a jam and getting rewarded with his first win, as Greeneville posted five runs in the eighth to put them out of reach. Mitch Lambson also pitched beautifully, getting five strikeouts in the final two innings. The game was tied going into the eighth, but Greeneville played a little small ball; took advantage of a passed ball, a wild pitch and a fielding error; and added a couple more for good measure on a Jean Batista home run.
What went right: Greeneville took advantage of Johnson City's mistakes while minimizing the damage from their own mistakes.
What went wrong: Toney with one error and Ibanez with two errors.
Richard Rodriguez - 5IP 4H 2R/1ER 0BB 8SO
Zach Dando - 0.2IP 1H 2R/0ER 1BB 1SO
Scott Zuloaga (BS, 1) - 0IP 0H 0R 1BB 0SO
Jordan Jankowski - 1.1IP 2H 0R 0BB 2SO
Mitch Lambson - 2IP 1H 0R 0BB 5SO
Jean Batista - 2x5 HR 2RBI R
Marc Wik - 2x4 RBI BB 2SO 2R
Ariel Ovando - 2x5 2B 2RBI 2SO R
Jimmy Howick - 2x4 2B RBI R
Pitcher of the Day: Richard Rodriguez gets this as much for the ZERO walks as he does for his eight strikeouts.
Player of the Day: Ross Seaton may be a pitcher but he was responsible for the only Hooks run in the first nine innings in what could easily have been a 1-0 shutout.
Richard Rodriguez - 5IP 4H 2R/1ER 0BB 8SO
Zach Dando - 0.2IP 1H 2R/0ER 1BB 1SO
Scott Zuloaga (BS, 1) - 0IP 0H 0R 1BB 0SO
Jordan Jankowski - 1.1IP 2H 0R 0BB 2SO
Mitch Lambson - 2IP 1H 0R 0BB 5SO
Jean Batista - 2x5 HR 2RBI R
Marc Wik - 2x4 RBI BB 2SO 2R
Ariel Ovando - 2x5 2B 2RBI 2SO R
Jimmy Howick - 2x4 2B RBI R
Pitcher of the Day: Richard Rodriguez gets this as much for the ZERO walks as he does for his eight strikeouts.
Player of the Day: Ross Seaton may be a pitcher but he was responsible for the only Hooks run in the first nine innings in what could easily have been a 1-0 shutout.
Thursday, May 31, 2012
An Interview with RHP Ross Seaton
Drafted in the 3rd round as a compensation pick in 2008 out of Second Baptist High School in Houston, Seaton is in his second season with Corpus. In 2011, he finished the season 4-9 with a 5.23 ERA and a 1.387 WHIP; however, in 6 starts in August 2011, he had a 3.00 ERA and a 1.000 WHIP. In 2012, he has continued with the progress he made last season. In 10 starts with Corpus Christi, he is 4-3 with a 3.28 ERA and a 1.301 WHIP.
Now on to the questions ~
WTH: First of all, can you tell me about your pitch arsenal? What pitches do you use? Best pitch(es)? Velocity? Movement?
RS: My pitches include both a 4 seam and 2 seam fastball, a change up, slider, and curveball. I use all of them throughout the course of game but depend on my fastball to set the tone for the game. All the other pitches work off my fastball, so I would say a located fastball is my best pitch. This season my velocity has been down slightly but has been steadily picking back up.
WTH: You've never been primarily a strikeout pitcher. What is the key to your success on the mound?
RS: Pitching to contact provides the greatest chance of success. Throwing the ball in the strike zone forces the batters to swing at pitches and keeps pitch counts down. Obviously there are times when a strikeout is needed, but even a strikeout requires getting two strikes on the hitter first! Taking all of that into consideration, making quality pitches down in the zone (or at the top) puts the odds in my favor.
WTH: At 21, you were somewhat young for the AA level in 2011. Can you tell me a little about how you handled that and what you learned about yourself in getting thrown into the fire, so to speak? (Also, how glad were you not to have to pitch in Lancaster again?)
RS: All I will say about Lancaster is I never want to go back, ever. Experiencing AA baseball at 21 was a great opportunity for me. Of course, it took me a little while to settle in and realize I belonged there, but it opened up my eyes to quality baseball games. Everyone plays smarter here than in A ball. I learned so much from my older teammates like Jimmy Van Ostrand and Brian Esposito not only about the game itself, but also about how to handle myself on and off the field. It helped me mature and "grow up" much quicker. The 2011 season will always be one of my fondest seasons because of the people I was around and how much I learned about baseball.
WTH: Over the winter, my readers voted you most likely to be the Breakthrough Pitcher for 2012, largely based on the improvement you showed toward the end of last season. So far, so good - 5 of your last 6 starts have been excellent [NOTE: Ross had another strong start on Wednesday after this interview was complete]. Do you feel that you are, indeed, making that next step in your development?
RS: First I'm honored that I was voted to be the Breakthrough Pitcher for 2012! Thanks everyone! I honestly do believe I have made great strides since the last third of the 2011 season. It all deals with my mindset and approach to the game. I finally gave everything over to God and trusted that He has great plans for me (Romans 8:28 is a verse that my life proves). As soon as I gave results and my career to Him, a huge burden was lifted off my shoulders. I literally felt lighter. Now it's all about going out and enjoying pitching. No more stressing out on the mound or trying to do too much. Pitching relaxed, calm, and focused is much more efficient than over complicating the simplicity of the task at hand. In addition, this year I have worked on gaining confidence in the game. Confidence shows on the field and directly translates into your performance, so the more you have the better you will be! As always, all glory goes to God since everything I have comes from Him.
WTH: You were a good hitter at Corpus in 2011. I mean, a REALLY good hitter (.286/.304/.476). Are you going to miss getting to hit when Houston moves to the AL?
RS: Of course I'm going to miss hitting! I missed it my few seasons in pro ball! Who doesn't like hitting??
WTH: If you could steal a pitch from any pitcher in the Astros system, whose would it be?
RS: I would definitely take Bud Norris' slider. It has so much spin and looks just like his fastball until the very end. The later the break the more effective the pitch.
WTH: Which player in the Astros system would you least like to face in the batters box?
RS: My teammate Jose Martinez would be a formidable opponent in the box. He has solid plate discipline and squares up more balls than most other players. He's also a quality teammate who brings energy to the whole team.
WTH: You got married over the off-season. How difficult is marriage for a minor league player?
RS: Because Houston is only 3 hours away from Corpus, being apart from my wife has not been as difficult as most people experience. She has been able to come out and see me at least every other weekend. However, it would be much more enjoyable if she could travel with me everywhere we go. Additionally, she encourages me when things get tough and always supports my endeavors in the game. Having her in my life has greatly enhanced my ability in the game.
WTH: Can you tell me something about yourself that most people don't know and might be surprised to hear?
RS: These are always tough ones to answer. I am turning into a car fanatic. One of my dreams is to restore a classic car from the muscle car era. I plan on purchasing a 1973 Chevy truck from a good friend and mentor of mine this off season that will be my first "project". Cars and baseball. Classic American passions.
Now on to the questions ~
WTH: First of all, can you tell me about your pitch arsenal? What pitches do you use? Best pitch(es)? Velocity? Movement?
RS: My pitches include both a 4 seam and 2 seam fastball, a change up, slider, and curveball. I use all of them throughout the course of game but depend on my fastball to set the tone for the game. All the other pitches work off my fastball, so I would say a located fastball is my best pitch. This season my velocity has been down slightly but has been steadily picking back up.
WTH: You've never been primarily a strikeout pitcher. What is the key to your success on the mound?
RS: Pitching to contact provides the greatest chance of success. Throwing the ball in the strike zone forces the batters to swing at pitches and keeps pitch counts down. Obviously there are times when a strikeout is needed, but even a strikeout requires getting two strikes on the hitter first! Taking all of that into consideration, making quality pitches down in the zone (or at the top) puts the odds in my favor.
WTH: At 21, you were somewhat young for the AA level in 2011. Can you tell me a little about how you handled that and what you learned about yourself in getting thrown into the fire, so to speak? (Also, how glad were you not to have to pitch in Lancaster again?)
RS: All I will say about Lancaster is I never want to go back, ever. Experiencing AA baseball at 21 was a great opportunity for me. Of course, it took me a little while to settle in and realize I belonged there, but it opened up my eyes to quality baseball games. Everyone plays smarter here than in A ball. I learned so much from my older teammates like Jimmy Van Ostrand and Brian Esposito not only about the game itself, but also about how to handle myself on and off the field. It helped me mature and "grow up" much quicker. The 2011 season will always be one of my fondest seasons because of the people I was around and how much I learned about baseball.
WTH: Over the winter, my readers voted you most likely to be the Breakthrough Pitcher for 2012, largely based on the improvement you showed toward the end of last season. So far, so good - 5 of your last 6 starts have been excellent [NOTE: Ross had another strong start on Wednesday after this interview was complete]. Do you feel that you are, indeed, making that next step in your development?
RS: First I'm honored that I was voted to be the Breakthrough Pitcher for 2012! Thanks everyone! I honestly do believe I have made great strides since the last third of the 2011 season. It all deals with my mindset and approach to the game. I finally gave everything over to God and trusted that He has great plans for me (Romans 8:28 is a verse that my life proves). As soon as I gave results and my career to Him, a huge burden was lifted off my shoulders. I literally felt lighter. Now it's all about going out and enjoying pitching. No more stressing out on the mound or trying to do too much. Pitching relaxed, calm, and focused is much more efficient than over complicating the simplicity of the task at hand. In addition, this year I have worked on gaining confidence in the game. Confidence shows on the field and directly translates into your performance, so the more you have the better you will be! As always, all glory goes to God since everything I have comes from Him.
WTH: You were a good hitter at Corpus in 2011. I mean, a REALLY good hitter (.286/.304/.476). Are you going to miss getting to hit when Houston moves to the AL?
RS: Of course I'm going to miss hitting! I missed it my few seasons in pro ball! Who doesn't like hitting??
WTH: If you could steal a pitch from any pitcher in the Astros system, whose would it be?
RS: I would definitely take Bud Norris' slider. It has so much spin and looks just like his fastball until the very end. The later the break the more effective the pitch.
WTH: Which player in the Astros system would you least like to face in the batters box?
RS: My teammate Jose Martinez would be a formidable opponent in the box. He has solid plate discipline and squares up more balls than most other players. He's also a quality teammate who brings energy to the whole team.
WTH: You got married over the off-season. How difficult is marriage for a minor league player?
RS: Because Houston is only 3 hours away from Corpus, being apart from my wife has not been as difficult as most people experience. She has been able to come out and see me at least every other weekend. However, it would be much more enjoyable if she could travel with me everywhere we go. Additionally, she encourages me when things get tough and always supports my endeavors in the game. Having her in my life has greatly enhanced my ability in the game.
WTH: Can you tell me something about yourself that most people don't know and might be surprised to hear?
RS: These are always tough ones to answer. I am turning into a car fanatic. One of my dreams is to restore a classic car from the muscle car era. I plan on purchasing a 1973 Chevy truck from a good friend and mentor of mine this off season that will be my first "project". Cars and baseball. Classic American passions.
Thank you for your time, Ross. Congratulations on your marriage and the best of luck to you as you continue to make your way up the ladder in life and in baseball!
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