The Galveston Daily News is reporting that charges are still pending, kind of, against Brandon Backe and four other people for their "riot" at H2O in Galveston.
Meanwhile, Backe, Christopher Cornwell and Calvin Silva await adjudication in Galveston Municipal Court on misdemeanor chargers of interfering with a police officer and failure to appear, Alicia Cahill, a city spokeswoman, said.
American's Best Man: Still in the news.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Clemens, Gaston named to Topps All-Star Team
Topps and Minor League Baseball have named Koby Clemens and Jon Gaston to their Class-A All-Star team.
Rule 5 action
On the heels of McTaggart's new post, with the earlier news of taking Brad James off the 40-man, I'm going to agree with OremLK and go ahead and guess that the Astros will be active in the 2009 Rule V draft in a couple of weeks.
There are four spots available on the 40-man roster, and the Astros have not added Drew Locke, Koby Clemens, or Jon Gaston to the roster - guessing, hopefully correctly, that they wouldn't stick on a 25-man club for all of 2010.
That said, Fox Sports' Jon Paul Morosi is saying that Daniel Cabrera's live arm, nosebleed ERA, is looking for a 40-man roster spot. Whaddaya think?
Update: Everyone is correct, Gaston is not eligible for Rule V selection. I got carried away. It won't happen again. Until it does.
There are four spots available on the 40-man roster, and the Astros have not added Drew Locke, Koby Clemens, or Jon Gaston to the roster - guessing, hopefully correctly, that they wouldn't stick on a 25-man club for all of 2010.
That said, Fox Sports' Jon Paul Morosi is saying that Daniel Cabrera's live arm, nosebleed ERA, is looking for a 40-man roster spot. Whaddaya think?
Update: Everyone is correct, Gaston is not eligible for Rule V selection. I got carried away. It won't happen again. Until it does.
Paul White: Tejada "not likely" to return
In a Hot Stove Preview (what have we been doing to this point?), USA Today's Paul White breaks down some key decisions. One of those deals with Miguel Tejada:
The Houston Astros also are looking to reduce payroll, which means free agent shortstop Miguel Tejada isn't likely to return.
If we promise to kneecap Jeremy Schapp (knee-Schapp), think he'll return for League Minimum?
The Houston Astros also are looking to reduce payroll, which means free agent shortstop Miguel Tejada isn't likely to return.
If we promise to kneecap Jeremy Schapp (knee-Schapp), think he'll return for League Minimum?
Hey! That's not nice...
In an article on CBSSports.com, Larry Dobrow tries to save the A's, and their Moneyball philosophy:
Heading into what projects as a fourth straight sub-.500 season, you have to wonder whether, at some point, A's fans would prefer to win dumb rather than lose smart. Could it be time for the A's to start going about their business as thoughtlessly and recklessly as the Astros do?
God, no. Still, that doesn't mean the 2010 season has to be a write-off. The A's are in good shape for the long-term; let's see if we can Save This Franchise!™©® for the year immediately ahead.
Thoughtless? Maybe. Reckless? No. If anything, we operate under a controlled insanity...
Heading into what projects as a fourth straight sub-.500 season, you have to wonder whether, at some point, A's fans would prefer to win dumb rather than lose smart. Could it be time for the A's to start going about their business as thoughtlessly and recklessly as the Astros do?
God, no. Still, that doesn't mean the 2010 season has to be a write-off. The A's are in good shape for the long-term; let's see if we can Save This Franchise!™©® for the year immediately ahead.
Thoughtless? Maybe. Reckless? No. If anything, we operate under a controlled insanity...
Phillies easing up on Tejada?
The Phillies are reportedly focusing on Adrian Beltre or Mark DeRosa, potentially meaning that they're easing off Miguel Tejada as an option at 3B.
Back on November 12 there was speculation that the Phillies could be gearing up for a run at Miggs, provided he shifted to 3B.
Back on November 12 there was speculation that the Phillies could be gearing up for a run at Miggs, provided he shifted to 3B.
Astros are four men short of a 40-man roster
Alyson Footer is reporting that the Astros have optioned Brad James to Round Rock, and off the 40-man roster. This means there are now 36-men on the 40-man roster.
She also notes that the Astros have hired Bob Rossi as a professional scout. Rossi has been a scout with at least the Mets, Cubs, and Pirates. Maybe more.
She also notes that the Astros have hired Bob Rossi as a professional scout. Rossi has been a scout with at least the Mets, Cubs, and Pirates. Maybe more.
Where were you?
Big League Stew is counting up the top record-breaking and playoff home runs in the 2000s. Where does the Pujols/Lidge homer stand? Number three...
If you hadn't watched this one live, it'd be hard to believe that a three-run home run in Game 5 of the '05 NLCS could be ranked this high, especially when the Cardinals were eliminated in Game 6. But those who bore witness to Pujols' home run will still be talking about it 50 years from now. The hit was equal parts majesty (it hit near the train tracks atop Minute Maid Park) and devastation (Astros fans were one strike away from getting to celebrate the franchise's first World Series berth at home) and it still causes most fans to curse in amazement upon seeing the replay. The ball traveled so high and far that even the Astros made a joke to Lidge that they could see it outside their plane windows on the flight after the game. Quite simply a Hall of Fame moment for a Hall of Fame player.
Interestingly, the Astros figure in three of the top 10 moments. At #4 is the Podsednik Walk-Off in Game 2 of the 2005 World Series, and Chris Burke rounded out the list at #10 with the 18th-inning home run.
But for me, the most memorable home run in Astros history is the Pujols homer. I was in my lucky stance (in the kitchen, looking at the tv over the sink, hands clasped behind my head, and swaying left-to-right), waiting to celebrate the Astros' first trip to the World Series. Instead, as soon as the ball left Pujols' bat I crumpled to the floor, only to get up and vomit in the sink (true story. Ask La Constabless.) I didn't see the ball land until SportsCenter the next morning, after I had called in sick to work.
So, let's do this. Where were you when Pujols hit The Home Run?
Update: C70 at the Bat is referring to this heartbreaking poem.
If you hadn't watched this one live, it'd be hard to believe that a three-run home run in Game 5 of the '05 NLCS could be ranked this high, especially when the Cardinals were eliminated in Game 6. But those who bore witness to Pujols' home run will still be talking about it 50 years from now. The hit was equal parts majesty (it hit near the train tracks atop Minute Maid Park) and devastation (Astros fans were one strike away from getting to celebrate the franchise's first World Series berth at home) and it still causes most fans to curse in amazement upon seeing the replay. The ball traveled so high and far that even the Astros made a joke to Lidge that they could see it outside their plane windows on the flight after the game. Quite simply a Hall of Fame moment for a Hall of Fame player.
Interestingly, the Astros figure in three of the top 10 moments. At #4 is the Podsednik Walk-Off in Game 2 of the 2005 World Series, and Chris Burke rounded out the list at #10 with the 18th-inning home run.
But for me, the most memorable home run in Astros history is the Pujols homer. I was in my lucky stance (in the kitchen, looking at the tv over the sink, hands clasped behind my head, and swaying left-to-right), waiting to celebrate the Astros' first trip to the World Series. Instead, as soon as the ball left Pujols' bat I crumpled to the floor, only to get up and vomit in the sink (true story. Ask La Constabless.) I didn't see the ball land until SportsCenter the next morning, after I had called in sick to work.
So, let's do this. Where were you when Pujols hit The Home Run?
Update: C70 at the Bat is referring to this heartbreaking poem.
Progress!
Jonathan Mayo's look at Eddie's Farm underscores how far the System has to go, but sees some light in the midst of fog and darkness.
Ricky Bennett:
"That's always an ongoing process. You're never where you want to be and you're never as bad as people think you are. From a prospect standpoint, guys are starting to go through the system. At every level, we feel we're making progress."
What's the major-est problem?:
"If you look throughout, the depth, it's going to take time to improve the depth. We feel happy with the prospects, though, how they're progressing and where they are in the development process."
MLB.com's Pre-season Organizational Prospects of the Year: Jason Castro / Jordan Lyles:
On Castro:
The prediction was that the 10th overall pick in the 2008 Draft would excel in his first full season, proving he was worth the high selection while playing across two levels. That was pretty much spot on as Castro split the season between Lancaster and Corpus Christi before heading to play for Team USA's gold medal-winning team in the IBAF World Cup. Castro hit a combined .300 with a .380 OBP and .446 SLG over 119 games.
On Lyles:
It seemed like a tossup between young guns Lyles and Ross Seaton, but while Seaton was solid, Lyles was even better. Pay no attention to the win-loss record -- Lexington hit just .237 as a team. Instead, look at his 3.24 ERA, his 167 strikeouts (fourth overall in the Minors), his 10.39 K/9 rate and his extremely low walk rate (38 in 144 2/3 IP).
MLB.com's Post-season Selections: Koby Clemens / Jordan Lyles:
On Clemens:
Critics will say Clemens isn't a prospect, that prior to this season, he'd done nothing of note offensively, that his 2009 season was a product of one of the most extreme hitter's parks in Minor League baseball. That might be true, but it's impossible to look past what Clemens did, still at age 22, in the California League. Friendly confines or not, Clemens hit .341 overall with 22 homers and 121 RBIs. His .620 slugging percentage was second best in all of the Minors. He was fourth in batting average, tied for third in doubles and led all of the Minors in RBIs. And he hit pretty well on the road, too. He'll need to prove himself at the next level, but he's definitely worth watching in '10.
More on Lyles:
The numbers mentioned above made him an obvious choice for this honor. His season didn't start out all that well, with a 5.00 ERA after his first four starts. From there, though, he was pretty consistent, with monthly ERAs of 2.48, 3.18, 3.86 and 2.89 before finishing off with a one-run start in September. That he did that in his first full season at the age of 18 makes it even more exciting to see what he does for an encore.
Ricky Bennett:
"That's always an ongoing process. You're never where you want to be and you're never as bad as people think you are. From a prospect standpoint, guys are starting to go through the system. At every level, we feel we're making progress."
What's the major-est problem?:
"If you look throughout, the depth, it's going to take time to improve the depth. We feel happy with the prospects, though, how they're progressing and where they are in the development process."
MLB.com's Pre-season Organizational Prospects of the Year: Jason Castro / Jordan Lyles:
On Castro:
The prediction was that the 10th overall pick in the 2008 Draft would excel in his first full season, proving he was worth the high selection while playing across two levels. That was pretty much spot on as Castro split the season between Lancaster and Corpus Christi before heading to play for Team USA's gold medal-winning team in the IBAF World Cup. Castro hit a combined .300 with a .380 OBP and .446 SLG over 119 games.
On Lyles:
It seemed like a tossup between young guns Lyles and Ross Seaton, but while Seaton was solid, Lyles was even better. Pay no attention to the win-loss record -- Lexington hit just .237 as a team. Instead, look at his 3.24 ERA, his 167 strikeouts (fourth overall in the Minors), his 10.39 K/9 rate and his extremely low walk rate (38 in 144 2/3 IP).
MLB.com's Post-season Selections: Koby Clemens / Jordan Lyles:
On Clemens:
Critics will say Clemens isn't a prospect, that prior to this season, he'd done nothing of note offensively, that his 2009 season was a product of one of the most extreme hitter's parks in Minor League baseball. That might be true, but it's impossible to look past what Clemens did, still at age 22, in the California League. Friendly confines or not, Clemens hit .341 overall with 22 homers and 121 RBIs. His .620 slugging percentage was second best in all of the Minors. He was fourth in batting average, tied for third in doubles and led all of the Minors in RBIs. And he hit pretty well on the road, too. He'll need to prove himself at the next level, but he's definitely worth watching in '10.
More on Lyles:
The numbers mentioned above made him an obvious choice for this honor. His season didn't start out all that well, with a 5.00 ERA after his first four starts. From there, though, he was pretty consistent, with monthly ERAs of 2.48, 3.18, 3.86 and 2.89 before finishing off with a one-run start in September. That he did that in his first full season at the age of 18 makes it even more exciting to see what he does for an encore.
Linares, on Lexington
In a catch-up with 2009 Greeneville manager Rodney Linares, he discusses his appointment as the manager of the 2010 Lexington Legends (where he was the hitting coach in 2005-06, before managing the Gastros):
"I love Lexington, love Kentucky, love the fans. It's a great town. I still talk with many of the people I met there."
We won't know about the minor league assignments until late March, but some players will skip Tri-City and play for their old manager on a new team:
The Astros' top draft choice in 2009, shortstop Jiovanni Mier, is expected to be with the Legends in 2010. Count Linares among those who were impressed with Mier during his debut season with Greeneville.
"People like Jiovanni Mier don't come around that often - a kid at his age who can be a leader on and off the field," Linares said. "His maturity level is so 'up there' that I wouldn't be surprised if it takes him in the next two or three years to being a starting shortstop in the big leagues."
"I love Lexington, love Kentucky, love the fans. It's a great town. I still talk with many of the people I met there."
We won't know about the minor league assignments until late March, but some players will skip Tri-City and play for their old manager on a new team:
The Astros' top draft choice in 2009, shortstop Jiovanni Mier, is expected to be with the Legends in 2010. Count Linares among those who were impressed with Mier during his debut season with Greeneville.
"People like Jiovanni Mier don't come around that often - a kid at his age who can be a leader on and off the field," Linares said. "His maturity level is so 'up there' that I wouldn't be surprised if it takes him in the next two or three years to being a starting shortstop in the big leagues."
Tri-City ValleyCats: Sean Barksdale
Sean Barksdale
How did he get here?: Drafted, 38th Round (2009)
Stats: 6'0", 210 lbs, Bats/Throws: R/R
Age as of April 1, 2010: 23
Splits!
K:BB Ratio: 4.25
K/PA %: 30.4%
XBH/H %: 44.4%
Barksdale spent 35 of his 36 starts in the outfield, with 28 of them coming in right field. He didn't commit an error all season, and had two outfield assists.
Drafted out of Temple University, Barksdale, in three seasons, didn't hit worse than .307 (including a senior season in which he posted a line of .371/.413/.638). He hit 27 homers in his career, and stole 53 bases, as well. So his first professional season was, shall we say, unexpected. His stats are brutal at home and against lefties, though he did improve from the bases empty to RISP, with all stats ascending.
How did he get here?: Drafted, 38th Round (2009)
Stats: 6'0", 210 lbs, Bats/Throws: R/R
Age as of April 1, 2010: 23
Splits!
| Split | ABs | BA/OBP/SLG | K:BB | XBH-RBI |
| Season | 103 | .175/.234/.301 | 34:8 | 8-8 |
| vs LHP | 53 | .151/.167/.264 | 19:1 | 4-4 |
| vs RHP | 50 | .200/.298/.340 | 15:7 | 4-4 |
| Home | 55 | .109/.183/.145 | 18:5 | 2-0 |
| Away | 48 | .250/.294/.479 | 16:3 | 6-8 |
| Bases Empty | 63 | .159/.197/.254 | 24:3 | 5-0 |
| Runners On | 40 | .200/.289/.375 | 10:5 | 3-8 |
| w/RISP | 22 | .227/.370/.500 | 5:5 | 2-8 |
| June | 19 | .158/.200/.211 | 5:1 | 1-2 |
| July | 43 | .186/.239/.326 | 16:3 | 3-4 |
| August | 41 | .171/.244/.317 | 13:4 | 4-2 |
K:BB Ratio: 4.25
K/PA %: 30.4%
XBH/H %: 44.4%
Barksdale spent 35 of his 36 starts in the outfield, with 28 of them coming in right field. He didn't commit an error all season, and had two outfield assists.
Drafted out of Temple University, Barksdale, in three seasons, didn't hit worse than .307 (including a senior season in which he posted a line of .371/.413/.638). He hit 27 homers in his career, and stole 53 bases, as well. So his first professional season was, shall we say, unexpected. His stats are brutal at home and against lefties, though he did improve from the bases empty to RISP, with all stats ascending.
Tri-City ValleyCats: Jose Altuve
Time to start with the Tri-City ValleyCats of the New York-Penn League. And we begin with Jose Altuve, who was named Greeneville's Team MVP despite playing the last month of the season in Tri-City.
Jose Altuve
How did he get here?: Signed contract before 2007 season
Stats: 5'5", 148 lbs, Bats/Throws: R/R
Age as of April 1, 2010: 19
Splits (with Tri-City)
Season Total (both Greeneville and Tri-City)
K:BB Ratio: 0.76
K/PA %: 10.2%
XBH/H %: 38.9%
Altuve, our very own Phil Rizzuto (5'5", 148?), spent 63 of his 64 games at 2B (and one at DH), committing 10 errors in 308 chances for a .968 Fld%.
The Tri-City splits don't do justice to the year that Altuve had. Not only did he have a pretty slick glove and a good bat, but he also stole 28 bases (with 6 CS) for an 82% success rate. This is Altuve's third year in the organization, and his second in the States. He hit .343/.429/.441 as a rookie in the VSL, and then put up a .284/.320/.433 line in his first go-round in Greeneville in 2008. His power has stayed around the same (35% XBH/H rate in 2008) from last year, but his plate discipline significantly improved, after drawing eight walks in 152 PAs in 2008 - and Altuve posted his second upside-down K:BB ratio in three seasons in 2009.
Citizen Steve, what say you on Jose Altuve?
Altuve was a fan favorite. Very quick, and fit the leadoff position well. He had used composite bats prior to this year and still showed decent pop. He also makes amazing plays running into short right field and foul territory.
Let's see what he has in Lexington, shall we?
Jose AltuveHow did he get here?: Signed contract before 2007 season
Stats: 5'5", 148 lbs, Bats/Throws: R/R
Age as of April 1, 2010: 19
Splits (with Tri-City)
| Split | ABs | BA/OBP/SLG | K:BB | XBH-RBI |
| Season | 255 | .302/.387/.451 | 26:34 | 30-25 |
| w/GRN | 179 | .324/.408/.508 | 16:26 | 25-18 |
| w/TRI | 76 | .250/.337/.316 | 10:8 | 5-7 |
| vs LHP | 23 | .304/.385/.435 | 3:2 | 3-4 |
| vs RHP | 53 | .226/.317/.264 | 7:6 | 2-3 |
| Home | 32 | .188/.316/.281 | 5:5 | 3-2 |
| Away | 44 | .295/.354/.341 | 5:3 | 2-5 |
| Bases Empty | 49 | .245/.339/.306 | 6:5 | 3-0 |
| Runners On | 27 | .259/.333/.333 | 4:2 | 2-7 |
| w/RISP | 21 | .190/.261/.238 | 4:2 | 2-7 |
| August | 65 | .246/.329/.308 | 9:7 | 4-6 |
| September | 11 | .273/.385/.364 | 1:1 | 1-1 |
Season Total (both Greeneville and Tri-City)
K:BB Ratio: 0.76
K/PA %: 10.2%
XBH/H %: 38.9%
Altuve, our very own Phil Rizzuto (5'5", 148?), spent 63 of his 64 games at 2B (and one at DH), committing 10 errors in 308 chances for a .968 Fld%.
The Tri-City splits don't do justice to the year that Altuve had. Not only did he have a pretty slick glove and a good bat, but he also stole 28 bases (with 6 CS) for an 82% success rate. This is Altuve's third year in the organization, and his second in the States. He hit .343/.429/.441 as a rookie in the VSL, and then put up a .284/.320/.433 line in his first go-round in Greeneville in 2008. His power has stayed around the same (35% XBH/H rate in 2008) from last year, but his plate discipline significantly improved, after drawing eight walks in 152 PAs in 2008 - and Altuve posted his second upside-down K:BB ratio in three seasons in 2009.
Citizen Steve, what say you on Jose Altuve?
Altuve was a fan favorite. Very quick, and fit the leadoff position well. He had used composite bats prior to this year and still showed decent pop. He also makes amazing plays running into short right field and foul territory.
Let's see what he has in Lexington, shall we?
Roy can expect a phone call here soon
Buster Olney's new blog post this morning leads off with a quick story on Roy:
When Roy Oswalt went through his back trouble last season, specialists recommended that he go through a regimen of swimming, and the Astros expect that he'll be ready to go at full speed when spring training begins. New Houston manager Brad Mills and GM Ed Wade will soon meet with Oswalt, in a get-to-know conversation for Mills, who chatted up Lance Berkman and Carlos Lee last month.
That's good news for us, as Roy is the anchor of the rotation. And since we'll be holding our breath to see if Wandy's 2009 season was the real deal, Roy really needs to be healthy.
Olney then goes on to put the Astros' 2010 payroll in the $90-93 million range. We'll look a little bit later today at what $93 million will get them this year...
When Roy Oswalt went through his back trouble last season, specialists recommended that he go through a regimen of swimming, and the Astros expect that he'll be ready to go at full speed when spring training begins. New Houston manager Brad Mills and GM Ed Wade will soon meet with Oswalt, in a get-to-know conversation for Mills, who chatted up Lance Berkman and Carlos Lee last month.
That's good news for us, as Roy is the anchor of the rotation. And since we'll be holding our breath to see if Wandy's 2009 season was the real deal, Roy really needs to be healthy.
Olney then goes on to put the Astros' 2010 payroll in the $90-93 million range. We'll look a little bit later today at what $93 million will get them this year...
Rosenthal just isn't sure
Ken Rosenthal's new column predicts whether teams will offer arbitration to certain players. And one of those certain players is Jose Valverde.
Does Smilin' Ken Rosenthal think the Astros will offer arbitration to JV? He actually, honest-to-God says, "Unclear."
If the Astros offer Valverde arbitration, the worst-case scenario is that he will accept and return as their closer next season for a salary in the $10 million range.
That number might be too high for owner Drayton McLane, even for one year. The Astros, though, lack an obvious replacement for Valverde, who missed six weeks with a right calf strain in the first half but went 17-for-17 in save opportunities with a 1.64 ERA after the All- Star Game.
Of course, McLane does not like paying draft picks either, so maybe he will just pass on an arbitration offer rather than risk having to pay another first-round pick in addition to the No. 8 selection overall next year.
So McLane doesn't like paying big-leaguers and prospects. That makes all the sense in the world. So much sense that I'm now going to stand on my desk and do the can-can.
Does Smilin' Ken Rosenthal think the Astros will offer arbitration to JV? He actually, honest-to-God says, "Unclear."
If the Astros offer Valverde arbitration, the worst-case scenario is that he will accept and return as their closer next season for a salary in the $10 million range.
That number might be too high for owner Drayton McLane, even for one year. The Astros, though, lack an obvious replacement for Valverde, who missed six weeks with a right calf strain in the first half but went 17-for-17 in save opportunities with a 1.64 ERA after the All- Star Game.
Of course, McLane does not like paying draft picks either, so maybe he will just pass on an arbitration offer rather than risk having to pay another first-round pick in addition to the No. 8 selection overall next year.
So McLane doesn't like paying big-leaguers and prospects. That makes all the sense in the world. So much sense that I'm now going to stand on my desk and do the can-can.
Astros sign Ben Paxton
The Charleston (WV) Gazette is reporting that the Astros have signed pitcher Ben Paxton.
Paxton spent four years at Western Kentucky, starting seven of 93 career games with a career 5.27 ERA/1.58 WHIP. However, he did spend last season with Evansville in the independent Frontier League, going 1-1 with a 1.12 ERA in 40.1IP - and that was only because he allowed 4ER in his last outing. Before that, his ERA was 0.23.
Thus, Paxton was named independent league Prospect #4 by Baseball America. What did BA say?
An extreme groundball pitcher who relies on his defense (28 of his 34 hits allowed were singles), Paxton was pitching in front of the second-worst defense in the league (146 errors in 94 games) for a team that finished the season 28-66—no other pitcher on the team had an ERA below 4.60.
But Paxton's stuff stood out as a diamond among rhinestones. Paxton went 4-1, 3.62 as a sophomore in 2007 and 1-1, 3.41 as a junior in 2008 and seemed to be a potential senior sign as a later-round draft pick. But Paxton, who had converted to a sidearm delivery as a sophomore, struggled with his release point as a senior to slump to 1-1, 6.06.
Paxton adoped a higher low three-quarters delivery at Evansville. The new release point allowed him to add some velocity (he touched some 92s) and helped give his slider some newfound bite that made him more effective against lefties. Paxton found that his stuff actually plays better in pro ball. His 88-89 mph fastball has a natural boring action that can break wooden bats on pitches that were jam-job singles against metal.
Huzzah!
Paxton will be assigned to Lancaster come 2010.
Paxton spent four years at Western Kentucky, starting seven of 93 career games with a career 5.27 ERA/1.58 WHIP. However, he did spend last season with Evansville in the independent Frontier League, going 1-1 with a 1.12 ERA in 40.1IP - and that was only because he allowed 4ER in his last outing. Before that, his ERA was 0.23.
Thus, Paxton was named independent league Prospect #4 by Baseball America. What did BA say?
An extreme groundball pitcher who relies on his defense (28 of his 34 hits allowed were singles), Paxton was pitching in front of the second-worst defense in the league (146 errors in 94 games) for a team that finished the season 28-66—no other pitcher on the team had an ERA below 4.60.
But Paxton's stuff stood out as a diamond among rhinestones. Paxton went 4-1, 3.62 as a sophomore in 2007 and 1-1, 3.41 as a junior in 2008 and seemed to be a potential senior sign as a later-round draft pick. But Paxton, who had converted to a sidearm delivery as a sophomore, struggled with his release point as a senior to slump to 1-1, 6.06.
Paxton adoped a higher low three-quarters delivery at Evansville. The new release point allowed him to add some velocity (he touched some 92s) and helped give his slider some newfound bite that made him more effective against lefties. Paxton found that his stuff actually plays better in pro ball. His 88-89 mph fastball has a natural boring action that can break wooden bats on pitches that were jam-job singles against metal.
Huzzah!
Paxton will be assigned to Lancaster come 2010.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Greeneville Astros: Dan Sarisky
Hey! With Dan Sarisky, we're done with the Greeneville Astros. I realized how many more players we had to go, and how little time there is between now and Spring Training, and it was time to step it up...
Dan Sarisky
How did he get here?: Drafted, 40th Round (2009)
Stats: 6'1", 175 lbs, Throws: Left
Age as of April 1, 2010: 21
Splits!
Season Total (3.23)
K/9 Rate: 4.3
BB/9 Rate: 2.2
Groundout/Flyout Rate: 1.37
K:BB Ratio: 2.00
Hmm. I'm not so sure what to think about Mr. Sarisky. He did record five saves for Greeneville, and it's his first season in professional baseball, so that should absolutely be taken into account. But the .325 BAA, combined with the low strikeout rate, is something of a concern. In his last ten games, Sarisky had three outings in which he didn't allow an earned run. Only one of those was a 3+ out appearance. He does have a right-side-up groundout/flyout ratio, and his WHIP goes in the right direction as the situation becomes more precarious. Let's see what 2010 brings, when he can focus on baseball, and not being in a military academy.
Dan SariskyHow did he get here?: Drafted, 40th Round (2009)
Stats: 6'1", 175 lbs, Throws: Left
Age as of April 1, 2010: 21
Splits!
| Split | IP | ERA/WHIP | K:BB | BAA |
| Season | 29.1 | 6.14/1.74 | 14:7 | .325 |
| vs LHB | 10.2 | 3.38/1.03 | 6:2 | .243 |
| vs RHB | 18.2 | 7.71/1.98 | 8:5 | .360 |
| Home | 20.2 | 6.10/1.74 | 7:5 | .348 |
| Away | 8.2 | 6.23/1.38 | 7:2 | .270 |
| Bases Empty | 9.2 | x/2.07 | 8:3 | .340 |
| Runners On | 19.2 | x/1.42 | 6:4 | .316 |
| w/RISP | 14.1 | x/1.19 | 4:4 | .250 |
| June | 3 | 0.00/0.67 | 2:0 | .182 |
| July | 12 | 7.50/1.58 | 8:3 | .302 |
| August | 14.1 | 6.28/1.89 | 4:4 | .371 |
Season Total (3.23)
K/9 Rate: 4.3
BB/9 Rate: 2.2
Groundout/Flyout Rate: 1.37
K:BB Ratio: 2.00
Hmm. I'm not so sure what to think about Mr. Sarisky. He did record five saves for Greeneville, and it's his first season in professional baseball, so that should absolutely be taken into account. But the .325 BAA, combined with the low strikeout rate, is something of a concern. In his last ten games, Sarisky had three outings in which he didn't allow an earned run. Only one of those was a 3+ out appearance. He does have a right-side-up groundout/flyout ratio, and his WHIP goes in the right direction as the situation becomes more precarious. Let's see what 2010 brings, when he can focus on baseball, and not being in a military academy.
Greeneville Astros: Carlos Quevedo
Carlos QuevedoHow did he get here?: Signed contract prior to 2007 season
Stats: 6'1", 222 lbs, Throws: Right
Age as of April 1, 2010: 20
We can't do the splits with Quevedo, as he's with the Venezuelan Winter League, and we're not going to break down five innings of Winter League ball. So we're going to try something a little different...
| Year | G/GS | IP | ERA/WHIP | K:BB | HR All. | K/9 | BB/9 | K:BB |
| 2007 (VSL) | 11/9 | 54.1 | 2.32/1.03 | 25:15 | 1 | 4.1 | 2.5 | 1.67 |
| 2008 (VSL) | 14/14 | 68.1 | 1.98/0.98 | 53:11 | 2 | 7.0 | 1.4 | 4.82 |
| 2009 (GRN) | 13/13 | 54.2 | 5.60/1.39 | 55:9 | 9 | 9.1 | 1.5 | 6.11 |
Did you see what I did there? Bam! A couple of things to note: That strikeout/walk ratio is disgusting. But so is that home run rate. Nine of them in 54.2IP. Still, his ERA and WHIP took a considerable jump, but the walk rate was extremely low. So it seems to me that hitters were able to adjust pretty well to his pitches. But the strikeouts are pretty encouraging.
Citizen Steve, what say you on Carlos Quevedo?
If you look at his August numbers, he was starting to put it together. Especially in the last 5 starts. He's a big-bodied kid who will fill out and might have more power.
I wish we could look at his August numbers, Citizen Steve, I wish we could...
Greeneville Astros: Juri Perez
Juri PerezHow did he get here?: Signed contract prior to 2007 season
Stats: 5'11", 148 lbs, Throws: Right
Age as of April 1, 2010: 19
Splits)!
| Split | IP | ERA/WHIP | K:BB | BAA |
| Season | 51.2 | 2.79/1.20 | 60:19 | .219 |
| As Reliever | 15 | 3.60/1.00 | 23:10 | .207 |
| As Starter | 36.2 | 2.45/1.09 | 37:9 | .225 |
| vs LHB | 18.1 | 2.45/1.15 | 22:9 | .188 |
| vs RHB | 33.1 | 2.97/1.23 | 38:10 | .235 |
| Home | 19.2 | 3.66/1.27 | 26:6 | .247 |
| Away | 32 | 2.25/1.16 | 34:13 | .202 |
| Bases Empty | 28 | x/1.25 | 38:10 | .221 |
| Runners On | 23.2 | x/1.14 | 22:9 | .217 |
| w/RISP | 15.2 | x/0.70 | 12:7 | .087 |
| June | 6.1 | 4.26/2.05 | 6:6 | .259 |
| July | 18.2 | 2.89/1.02 | 26:6 | .186 |
| August | 26.2 | 2.36/0.94 | 28:7 | .232 |
Season Total
K/9 Rate: 10.5
BB/9 Rate: 3.3
Groundout/Flyout Rate: 1.05
K:BB Ratio: 3.16
In a lot of instances such as these, we're making an exception for a player who is in the States for the first time, yet Perez didn't make it a speedbump. In his third season with the organization, Perez posted ERAs of 4.32 and 2.68 in the Venezuelan Summer League before jumping to Greeneville, where in many instances, he posted better numbers than before. His ERA rose slightly, as did his WHIP (from 1.09 to 1.20), but his K-rate jumped from 4.4 in 2008 to 10.5 in 2009. Coming off a season in which he threw 57IP in 2008, he threw just under six fewer innings in 2009.
Perez did give up seven homers, three more than he did in his first 90.1IP combined. Three of those HRs came while he was a reliever, three of them were to LHBs (and the other four to RHBs, obviously). In his eight starts - his last eight appearances of the season - Perez allowed 0 or 1 ER in five of them. He allowed 3ER in two starts, and left his last start with an elbow injury after 0.1IP. and I'm looking to see how severe the injury is.
Citizen Steve, what say you on Juri Perez?
Had great stuff, but left his last start with an elbow injury. He was listed on the rehab list for the instructional league.
Englebrook throws hard
Baseball America got with Pitch F/X to list the velocities of Arizona Fall League pitchers.
Stephen Strasburg was, of course, tops with a 100.5 mph max fastball. But Evan Englebrook was 10th on the list with a 96.8 mph max fastball.
Elsewhere, Chia-Jen Lo recorded a 95.6 mph max fastball, Wilton Lopez threw a 95.3 mph fastball, Danny Meszaros threw a 93.9 mph fastball.
Average fastballs were as follows:
Evan Englebrook: 94.25 mph
Chia-Jen Lo: 92.7 mph
Danny Meszaros: 92.76 mph
Wilton Lopez: 91.29 mph
Stephen Strasburg was, of course, tops with a 100.5 mph max fastball. But Evan Englebrook was 10th on the list with a 96.8 mph max fastball.
Elsewhere, Chia-Jen Lo recorded a 95.6 mph max fastball, Wilton Lopez threw a 95.3 mph fastball, Danny Meszaros threw a 93.9 mph fastball.
Average fastballs were as follows:
Evan Englebrook: 94.25 mph
Chia-Jen Lo: 92.7 mph
Danny Meszaros: 92.76 mph
Wilton Lopez: 91.29 mph
Pence can't wait for Spring
Join the crowd, Hunter Pence. I'm ripping apart splits from the Appalachian League while THERE'S NOTHING ELSE GOING ON! But today, Brian McTaggart filed a report on what Hunter Pence is doing. Predictably, he's swinging a bat.
McTaggart:
Some of his aging Astros teammates are still trying to work out the physical pain from last season's 88-loss campaign, but Pence is working out four days a week with strength and conditioning coach Gene Coleman and -- as always -- trying to perfect his hitting.
Pence:
"I can't wait for Spring Training. I'm preparing to have a great season with the Astros. I'm coming to the ballpark and putting in the work with Doc [Coleman] and letting Doc show me the way. He's been doing it for a long time, and he knows how to get ready to play baseball. I'm doing that and trying to lay low...
...You always do your tee work and are in the cage. We have a cage and a pitching machine [at the ballpark] and people to throw to us. I listen to everyone, and I want to find a way to shorten up and be short to the ball and long through it."
Want to see Hunter Pence? Find a kid, and take him to the Legends Sports Complex in The Woodlands from December 21-23 for a winter baseball camp.
McTaggart:
Some of his aging Astros teammates are still trying to work out the physical pain from last season's 88-loss campaign, but Pence is working out four days a week with strength and conditioning coach Gene Coleman and -- as always -- trying to perfect his hitting.
Pence:
"I can't wait for Spring Training. I'm preparing to have a great season with the Astros. I'm coming to the ballpark and putting in the work with Doc [Coleman] and letting Doc show me the way. He's been doing it for a long time, and he knows how to get ready to play baseball. I'm doing that and trying to lay low...
...You always do your tee work and are in the cage. We have a cage and a pitching machine [at the ballpark] and people to throw to us. I listen to everyone, and I want to find a way to shorten up and be short to the ball and long through it."
Want to see Hunter Pence? Find a kid, and take him to the Legends Sports Complex in The Woodlands from December 21-23 for a winter baseball camp.
Tejada gets MVP vote
Miguel Tejada got some love from the voters a voter today in the MVP vote, finishing in 24th place with one 8th place vote. We can just let that percolate and revisit it at another time.
This is the 17th year in a row in which the Astros have had a player qualify as "valuable."
2008: Lance Berkman (5th)
2007: Carlos Lee (19th)
2006: Berkman (3rd)
2005: Ensberg (! 4th), Berkman (14th), Clemens (22nd), Oswalt (23rd), Pettitte (24th), Lidge (30th)
2004: Berkman (7th), Clemens (8th), Beltran (12th), Kent (13th), Oswalt (23rd)
2003: Bagwell (14th), Hidalgo (18th), Wagner (23rd)
2002: Berkman (3rd), Oswalt (23rd)
2001: Berkman (5th), Alou (14th), Oswalt (22nd)
2000: Bagwell (7th), Alou (20th), Hidalgo (20th)
1999: Bagwell (2nd), Biggio (12th), Wagner (16th), Carl Everett (17th), Hampton (21st)
1998: Alou (3rd), Biggio (5th), Randy Johnson (21st)
1997: Bagwell (3rd), Biggio (4th), Darryl Kile (24th)
1996: Bagwell (9th)
1995: Biggio (10th), Derek Bell (14th), Bagwell (15th)
1994: Bagwell (1st), Biggio (16th)
1993: Bagwell (20th)
1992: Doug Jones (14th), Bagwell (19th)
This is the 17th year in a row in which the Astros have had a player qualify as "valuable."
2008: Lance Berkman (5th)
2007: Carlos Lee (19th)
2006: Berkman (3rd)
2005: Ensberg (! 4th), Berkman (14th), Clemens (22nd), Oswalt (23rd), Pettitte (24th), Lidge (30th)
2004: Berkman (7th), Clemens (8th), Beltran (12th), Kent (13th), Oswalt (23rd)
2003: Bagwell (14th), Hidalgo (18th), Wagner (23rd)
2002: Berkman (3rd), Oswalt (23rd)
2001: Berkman (5th), Alou (14th), Oswalt (22nd)
2000: Bagwell (7th), Alou (20th), Hidalgo (20th)
1999: Bagwell (2nd), Biggio (12th), Wagner (16th), Carl Everett (17th), Hampton (21st)
1998: Alou (3rd), Biggio (5th), Randy Johnson (21st)
1997: Bagwell (3rd), Biggio (4th), Darryl Kile (24th)
1996: Bagwell (9th)
1995: Biggio (10th), Derek Bell (14th), Bagwell (15th)
1994: Bagwell (1st), Biggio (16th)
1993: Bagwell (20th)
1992: Doug Jones (14th), Bagwell (19th)
Olney, on payroll
Buster Olney is tweeting on the Astros payroll:
The Astros' payroll will end up being cut somewhere in the range of $15 m, from $107 m. to something in the low 90s. Not much flexibility.
The Astros' payroll will end up being cut somewhere in the range of $15 m, from $107 m. to something in the low 90s. Not much flexibility.
Ringolsby just can't help himself
Any time Tracy Ringolsby writes a Top Mistakes column, he just can't help but take a shot at the Astros. And today is no different.
In his Top 10 Free Agent Blunders, the Astros have a guy on the list. Who is it?
Carlos Lee: Signed to six-year, $100 million contract prior to 2007. On a team that is trying to cut costs -- and has done it at the expense of scouting and player development -- Lee is an expensive hood ornament. He's a one-dimensional player -- a run producer, and he has 305 RBI in three years with Houston -- but the total package is a negative. Not only is he defensive deficient, but he is a poster boy for a lack of hustle, and he's hauling in $55.5 million the next three years, Lee, combined with Lance Berkman and Roy Oswalt, account for $48 million of whatever payroll the Astros have in 2010.
I'll take issue with this. Sure, it would be nice to have an extra $18 million lying around, but Carlos Lee's defensive liability is minimized by the ground he doesn't have to cover in the small left-field at Minute Maid Park. And he sure doesn't belong on the same list as Milton Bradley, Barry Zito, Dontrelle Willis, and Carlos Silva.
In his three seasons in Houston, Lee has hit .305/.354/.524 with 321 RBI, 163K:131BB in 437 games. If Lee is on this list, then Berkman (and I know, he doesn't qualify as a free-agent blunder) should be held accountable for his lack of hustle and attitude issues.
To compare, Gary Matthews Jr (also on the list), has hit .248/.325/.383 with 168 RBI, 271K:140BB in 370 games.
And FanGraphs says that, over the three years Lee has been in Houston, his value has been worth a total $39.6 million, while making $41.5 million - a difference of $1.9 million, on the wrong side. So no, he wasn't worth the $18.5 million he made in 2009, but he has produced about on par for his salary to date. Is Lee a defensive liability? Absolutely. Is he a blunder? Absolutely not.
In his Top 10 Free Agent Blunders, the Astros have a guy on the list. Who is it?
Carlos Lee: Signed to six-year, $100 million contract prior to 2007. On a team that is trying to cut costs -- and has done it at the expense of scouting and player development -- Lee is an expensive hood ornament. He's a one-dimensional player -- a run producer, and he has 305 RBI in three years with Houston -- but the total package is a negative. Not only is he defensive deficient, but he is a poster boy for a lack of hustle, and he's hauling in $55.5 million the next three years, Lee, combined with Lance Berkman and Roy Oswalt, account for $48 million of whatever payroll the Astros have in 2010.
I'll take issue with this. Sure, it would be nice to have an extra $18 million lying around, but Carlos Lee's defensive liability is minimized by the ground he doesn't have to cover in the small left-field at Minute Maid Park. And he sure doesn't belong on the same list as Milton Bradley, Barry Zito, Dontrelle Willis, and Carlos Silva.
In his three seasons in Houston, Lee has hit .305/.354/.524 with 321 RBI, 163K:131BB in 437 games. If Lee is on this list, then Berkman (and I know, he doesn't qualify as a free-agent blunder) should be held accountable for his lack of hustle and attitude issues.
To compare, Gary Matthews Jr (also on the list), has hit .248/.325/.383 with 168 RBI, 271K:140BB in 370 games.
And FanGraphs says that, over the three years Lee has been in Houston, his value has been worth a total $39.6 million, while making $41.5 million - a difference of $1.9 million, on the wrong side. So no, he wasn't worth the $18.5 million he made in 2009, but he has produced about on par for his salary to date. Is Lee a defensive liability? Absolutely. Is he a blunder? Absolutely not.
Greeneville Astros: Scott Migl
Scott MiglHow did he get here?: Drafted, 34th Round (2009)
Stats: 6'4", 190 lbs, Throws: Right
Age as of April 1, 2010: 22
Splits (with Greeneville)!
| Split | IP | ERA/WHIP | K:BB | BAA |
| Season | 28.1 | 6.35/1.80 | 24:21 | .270 |
| w/GRN | 19.2 | 2.75/1.12 | 17:8 | .200 |
| w/TRI | 8.2 | 14.54/3.35 | 7:13 | .390 |
| vs LHB | 8 | 3.38/1.00 | 7:4 | .148 |
| vs RHB | 11.2 | 2.31/1.20 | 10:4 | .233 |
| Home | 14.1 | 3.14/1.26 | 13:6 | .231 |
| Away | 5.1 | 1.69/0.75 | 4:2 | .111 |
| Bases Empty | 12 | x/0.83 | 12:2 | .178 |
| Runners On | 7.2 | x/1.57 | 5:6 | .240 |
| w/RISP | 3.1 | x/2.40 | 2:4 | .308 |
| June | 1 | 0.00/0.00 | 2:0 | .000 |
| July | 4 | 0.00/0.25 | 2:1 | .000 |
| August | 14.2 | 3.68/1.43 | 13:7 | .255 |
Season Total (both Tri-City/Greeneville)
K/9 Rate: 7.6
BB/9 Rate: 6.7
Groundout/Flyout Rate: 1.64
K:BB Ratio: 1.14
Control was the big problem for A&M's Scott Migl, who started the season in Greeneville, got moved up to Tri-City on July 11, and got moved back to Greeneville on August 3. And it's pretty easy to see why, based on his numbers at Tri-City. Migl walked 13 in 8.2IP at Tri-City with three WPs. At Greeneville, it looked like he felt more comfortable, with August providing a more realistic representation of his season. As with all players in the 2009 draft class, let's give him a full 2010 before passing any judgment...
Bray Day, Episode 10
Aaron Bray was the 27th round draft pick for the Astros in last June's amateur draft. He was also the winner of the Astros County Adopt-a-Player contest. Each week, Aaron will write a column for Astros County detailing his off-season. Check the sidebar for archives.
Hello Astros fans!
Sorry for the late response. I had a good week, and I am looking forward to this week, with the short week of class and Thanksgiving coming up. I was able to go to Athens and watch Georgia play Kentucky; unfortunately, my team lost.
What was the atmosphere of the clubhouse like, and what was the best prank of the season?
Our locker room was good, we had a good atmosphere. Everyone got along, and we were always joking around with each other. That's what made the season go by well, because we had that good relationship. As for pranks, there weren't many. We got Jio Mier with the shaving cream after a walk-off bomb. When players got bats, we would hide the box of bats, just little things that would be funny - not harmful. Everybody have a good week and a great Thanksgiving!
Aaron Bray
Got a question for Aaron Bray? Email astroscounty@hotmail.com
Hello Astros fans!
Sorry for the late response. I had a good week, and I am looking forward to this week, with the short week of class and Thanksgiving coming up. I was able to go to Athens and watch Georgia play Kentucky; unfortunately, my team lost.
What was the atmosphere of the clubhouse like, and what was the best prank of the season?
Our locker room was good, we had a good atmosphere. Everyone got along, and we were always joking around with each other. That's what made the season go by well, because we had that good relationship. As for pranks, there weren't many. We got Jio Mier with the shaving cream after a walk-off bomb. When players got bats, we would hide the box of bats, just little things that would be funny - not harmful. Everybody have a good week and a great Thanksgiving!
Aaron Bray
Got a question for Aaron Bray? Email astroscounty@hotmail.com
Greeneville Astros: Tio McLean
Tio McLeanHow did he get here?: Undrafted free agent, signed June 2009
Stats: 6'4", 190 lbs, Throws: Right
Age as of April 1, 2010: 23 (turns 24 on April 6, 2010)
Splits!
| Split | IP | ERA/WHIP | K:BB | BAA |
| Season | 12.1 | 12.41/2.35 | 9:8 | .389 |
| w/GRN | 10.2 | 13.50/2.16 | 9:6 | .354 |
| w/GCL | 1.2 | 5.40/3.60 | 0:2 | .667 |
That's going to do it for the splits, since the splits reference his 1.2IP stint in the GCL. McLean was sent down from Greeneville to the GCL on August 25 after a rough go of it in July/August.
Season Total
K/9 Rate: 6.6
BB/9 Rate: 5.8
Groundout/Flyout Rate: 1.08
K:BB Ratio: 1.13
McLean was undrafted out of Tusculum College, but made 51 appearances (5th-highest in school history) for Tusculum, with a 3.04 career ERA. In his final season at Tusculum, McLean was 3-1 with a 1.76 ERA/1.24 WHIP, and 29K:7BB in 30.2IP. More impressive was that, in the 31 hits he allowed for the 2009 Fightin' Tusculums (not their real name), only three of them were for extra-bases, and they were all doubles.
Jason Grey has further thoughts on Castro
In ESPN's Rumor Central follow-up on Justice's post yesterday, Jason Grey has some thoughts on Jason Castro:
"Multiple scouts have wondered why Castro has not hit for more power than he has, given his frame, balance, and the loft in his swing. Part of it is that his best pop seems to be to straight-away center, and part of it is that he can still add more strength. It was tough to get a read on him at the Arizona Fall League, where Castro was fatigued and did not look good in his sporadic playing time, and the team sent him home early to rest. How much he taps into his above-average power potential is going to be key in determining his future and how quickly he moves. Castro has the skills to stay behind the dish, and the fact he hit .300 with doubles power between high Class-A and Double-A this year while controlling the strike zone well bodes well for his future, especially if more balls start clearing the fence. It may be a bit premature to expect him to have impact next season, but he should be the starting catcher in Houston by 2011."
"Multiple scouts have wondered why Castro has not hit for more power than he has, given his frame, balance, and the loft in his swing. Part of it is that his best pop seems to be to straight-away center, and part of it is that he can still add more strength. It was tough to get a read on him at the Arizona Fall League, where Castro was fatigued and did not look good in his sporadic playing time, and the team sent him home early to rest. How much he taps into his above-average power potential is going to be key in determining his future and how quickly he moves. Castro has the skills to stay behind the dish, and the fact he hit .300 with doubles power between high Class-A and Double-A this year while controlling the strike zone well bodes well for his future, especially if more balls start clearing the fence. It may be a bit premature to expect him to have impact next season, but he should be the starting catcher in Houston by 2011."
Greeneville Astros: David Martinez
David MartinezHow did he get here?: Signed contract prior to 2005 season
Stats: 6'2", 180 lbs, Throws: Right
Age as of April 1, 2010: 22
Splits!
| Split | IP | ERA/WHIP | K:BB | BAA |
| Season | 40 | 4.50/1.50 | 25:14 | .282 |
| vs LHB | 13.1 | 4.73/1.73 | 10:5 | .300 |
| vs RHB | 26.2 | 4.39/1.39 | 15:9 | .272 |
| Home | 18.2 | 6.27/2.04 | 13:8 | .370 |
| Away | 21.1 | 2.95/1.03 | 12:6 | .195 |
| Bases Empty | 21.1 | x/1.27 | 11:3 | .275 |
| Runners On | 18.2 | x/1.71 | 14:11 | .292 |
| w/RISP | 13 | x/1.38 | 9:6 | .261 |
| June | 4.1 | 6.23/2.31 | 4:1 | .474 |
| July | 21.2 | 2.49/1.25 | 11:5 | .247 |
| August | 14 | 7.07/1.64 | 10:8 | .273 |
Season Total
K/9 Rate: 5.6
BB/9 Rate: 3.2
Groundout/Flyout Rate: 1.58
K:BB Ratio: 1.79
Martinez just finished his fifth season in the Astros organization, having spent the previous four in the Venezuelan Summer League, with this ERA ascending in each year. July was the high-water mark of Martinez' season, but there's some cause for concern: His K:BB rate hit a career low, as did his K/9 rate. He posted 10+ H/9 for the second straight season, and had his highest HR/9 rate and BB/9 rate of his career, as well. 2010 might be his make-or-break year.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Congratulations, Chris Johnson's dad
Congratulations to Chris Johnson's dad, Ron Johnson, who will be named the Red Sox' first base coach.
Greeneville Astros: B.J. Hyatt
B.J. HyattHow did he get here?: Drafted, 4th Round (2009)
Stats: 6'4", 205 lbs, Throws: Right
Age as of April 1, 2010: 21
Splits!
| Split | IP | ERA/WHIP | K:BB | BAA |
| Season | 19.1 | 8.84/2.17 | 15:12 | .349 |
| as Reliever | 11 | 1.64/1.36 | 11:3 | .273 |
| as Starter | 8.1 | 18.36/3.24 | 4:9 | .429 |
| vs LHB | 6.1 | 9.95/2.21 | 3:7 | .292 |
| vs RHB | 13 | 8.31/2.15 | 12:5 | .371 |
| Home | 12 | 8.25/1.92 | 9:9 | .286 |
| Away | 7.1 | 9.82/2.59 | 6:3 | .432 |
| Bases Empty | 8.1 | x/2.16 | 8:5 | .333 |
| Runners On | 11 | x/2.18 | 7:7 | .362 |
| w/RISP | 8.1 | x/1.56 | 6:4 | .290 |
| June | 2 | 0.00/1.50 | 3:1 | .250 |
| July | 14 | 10.93/2.43 | 7:10 | .375 |
| August | 3.1 | 5.40/1.50 | 5:1 | .286 |
Season Total
K/9 Rate: 7.0
BB/9 Rate: 5.6
Groundout/Flyout Rate: 0.72
K:BB Ratio: 1.25
/slow-whistling. This was rough. It was probably a good idea to move him into a relief role, if only for the three-game starting stint from July 7-18, in which Hyatt gave up 17 ER in 8.1IP. There's a lot to take in here, such as the tendency to give up fly balls (but only two homers), and the high walk-rate, and the high batting average against. But we're still judging a pitcher by 19.1IP, and that just ain't fair.
Citizen Steve, what say you on BJ Hyatt?
Throws hard, but without much command. Very raw, and saw limited action due to overuse in college. I expect we'll get a better picture of him next year.
Baseball America on Jiovanni Mier
Hey, there's an article on Jiovanni Mier at Baseball America. But I'm not a subscriber (I need the $60), so I don't know what it says. If anyone is, and wants a guest post, let me know.
Astros to take it slow
Richard Justice's new post this morning talks about the approach the Astros will take with their young'uns come February. Some highlights, before we get into excerpts:
-The defense is pretty much set at 1B, LF, CF, and RF. Manzella figures to be SS1 and Matsui 2B1.
-But if the Astros Jovenes struggle in Spring Training (Johnson, Manzella, Castro), then alternate plans could be made.
(Note: Ed Wade gave Quintero and Towles all spring to fight it out for C1 before neither did anything and Wade signed Pudge.)
-Castro is "a tougher call." While it's exciting to get jazzed up about his promise, he still hasn't played in Triple-A, and this time last year he was finishing up a stint in Tri-City. There's talk that he could open the season at Round Rock, regardless of his Spring, to give him at least a look between Corpus and Houston.
-The Astros feel they can contend in 2010. They played in 75 games decided by two runs (Justice notes that the record was 24-23 in 1-run games and 15-13 in 2-run games).
Justice:
I think fans simply want to see a plan that makes sense. If that plans calls on taking some chances, they'll buy in. The Rockets will be hard-pressed just to make the playoffs this season, but fans are still showing up for games because they know the people in charge and very competent and sticking to a plan.
It could be a painful 2010 for the Astros, but by the end of the season, there should be a light at the end of the tunnel.
I think the Rockets are a fair benchmark by which to judge the Astros. Same fan base, same situation (except Berkman doesn't miss 90% of every season. Yeah, McGrady, that's at you). I feel that we offer a fair representation of Astros fans (maybe a little bit more obsessed/nit-picky), and I'm okay with giving the young guys time to develop and time to get seasoned. I certainly don't want to sacrifice 2011-2020 to try to contend in 2010. Whatever free agent decisions are made, as long as they don't affect the long-term plan - provided there is one - let it be. It's not as though the Astros can afford to go out and give $100 million to Roy Halladay, anyway.
-The defense is pretty much set at 1B, LF, CF, and RF. Manzella figures to be SS1 and Matsui 2B1.
-But if the Astros Jovenes struggle in Spring Training (Johnson, Manzella, Castro), then alternate plans could be made.
(Note: Ed Wade gave Quintero and Towles all spring to fight it out for C1 before neither did anything and Wade signed Pudge.)
-Castro is "a tougher call." While it's exciting to get jazzed up about his promise, he still hasn't played in Triple-A, and this time last year he was finishing up a stint in Tri-City. There's talk that he could open the season at Round Rock, regardless of his Spring, to give him at least a look between Corpus and Houston.
-The Astros feel they can contend in 2010. They played in 75 games decided by two runs (Justice notes that the record was 24-23 in 1-run games and 15-13 in 2-run games).
Justice:
I think fans simply want to see a plan that makes sense. If that plans calls on taking some chances, they'll buy in. The Rockets will be hard-pressed just to make the playoffs this season, but fans are still showing up for games because they know the people in charge and very competent and sticking to a plan.
It could be a painful 2010 for the Astros, but by the end of the season, there should be a light at the end of the tunnel.
I think the Rockets are a fair benchmark by which to judge the Astros. Same fan base, same situation (except Berkman doesn't miss 90% of every season. Yeah, McGrady, that's at you). I feel that we offer a fair representation of Astros fans (maybe a little bit more obsessed/nit-picky), and I'm okay with giving the young guys time to develop and time to get seasoned. I certainly don't want to sacrifice 2011-2020 to try to contend in 2010. Whatever free agent decisions are made, as long as they don't affect the long-term plan - provided there is one - let it be. It's not as though the Astros can afford to go out and give $100 million to Roy Halladay, anyway.
Greeneville Astros: Murillo Gouvea
Murillo Gouvea
How did he get here?: Acquired in trade with White Sox for future considerations, July 2009
Stats: 6'2", 190 lbs, Throws: Right
Age as of April 1, 2010: 21
Season line is cumulative, Splits are with Greeneville
Season Total
K/9 Rate: 10.1
BB/9 Rate: 3.9
Groundout/Flyout Rate (w/GRN): 0.92
K:BB Ratio: 2.61
Murillo Gouvea had a rougher time of it in Bristol, the White Sox' Appalachian League affiliate, and was traded for future considerations (who I hear has a wicked slider), where he performed much better for Greeneville. A couple of things stand out as far as the splits go, and that's how much he was rocked by LHBs, and dominated RHBs. And the home/away splits. If you're a right-handed batter at home, and Murillo Gouvea is on the mound, just go sit down. We'll find out next season if Gouvea just needed a change of scenery, or if the White Sox just gave up on him, or what the story is...
How did he get here?: Acquired in trade with White Sox for future considerations, July 2009
Stats: 6'2", 190 lbs, Throws: Right
Age as of April 1, 2010: 21
Season line is cumulative, Splits are with Greeneville
| Split | IP | ERA/WHIP | K:BB | BAA |
| Season | 53.1 | 4.56/1.44 | 60:23 | .270 |
| w/GRN | 28.2 | 3.77/1.08 | 30:8 | .228 |
| vs LHB | 9.1 | 8.68/1.61 | 7:3 | .333 |
| vs RHB | 19.1 | 1.40/0.84 | 23:5 | .169 |
| Home | 17.2 | 4.58/1.36 | 16:7 | .270 |
| Away | 11 | 2.45/0.64 | 14:1 | .158 |
| Bases Empty | 18.1 | x/0.98 | 19:5 | .197 |
| Runners On | 10.1 | x/1.26 | 11:3 | .286 |
| w/RISP | 5.1 | x/0.94 | 8:2 | .158 |
| August | 25.2 | 4.21/1.13 | 26:7 | .242 |
| September | 3 | 0.00/0.67 | 4:1 | .100 |
Season Total
K/9 Rate: 10.1
BB/9 Rate: 3.9
Groundout/Flyout Rate (w/GRN): 0.92
K:BB Ratio: 2.61
Murillo Gouvea had a rougher time of it in Bristol, the White Sox' Appalachian League affiliate, and was traded for future considerations (who I hear has a wicked slider), where he performed much better for Greeneville. A couple of things stand out as far as the splits go, and that's how much he was rocked by LHBs, and dominated RHBs. And the home/away splits. If you're a right-handed batter at home, and Murillo Gouvea is on the mound, just go sit down. We'll find out next season if Gouvea just needed a change of scenery, or if the White Sox just gave up on him, or what the story is...
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Greeneville Astros: Abraham Gonzalez
Abraham GonzalezHow did he get here?: Signed as free agent on August 1, 2009
Stats: 5'11", 185 lbs, Throws: Right
Age as of April 1, 2010: 23
Splits (with Greeneville)!
| Split | IP | ERA/WHIP | K:BB | BAA |
| Season | 14.2 | 1.23/0.82 | 18:3 | .173 |
| vs LHB | 6.1 | 0.00/0.63 | 7:1 | .136 |
| vs RHB | 8.1 | 2.16/0.96 | 11:2 | .200 |
| Home | 8.1 | 2.16/0.96 | 9:2 | .194 |
| Away | 6.1 | 0.00/0.63 | 9:1 | .143 |
| Bases Empty | 8.2 | x/1.04 | 10:3 | .188 |
| Runners On | 6 | x/0.50 | 8:0 | .150 |
| w/RISP | 4.1 | x/0.69 | 8:0 | .176 |
| August | 13.2 | 0.66/0.66 | 17:3 | .130 |
| September | 1 | 9.00/3.00 | 1:0 | .500 |
K/9 Rate: 11.0
BB/9 Rate: 1.8
Groundout/Flyout Rate: 1.27
K:BB Ratio: 6.00
Abraham Gonzalez started his second season with the Angels organization, with Orem of the Pioneer League. He was with Orem from June 24 until July 12, posting a 9.00 ERA/2.00 WHIP in six innings (five games) before getting cut loose, and played his first game with Greeneville on August 6, and saw an immediate improvement. Well, not immediate, he gave up 2H/1ER in his Appalachian League debut. And then that was it for earned runs until the last game of the season against Princeton on September 1. In his eight games with Greeneville, he had three hitless appearances, two with 1 hit, and three with 2+ hits. However, he only posted a .173 BAA for the season. On to Tri-City with you!
Greeneville Astros: Angel Gonzalez
Angel GonzalezHow did he get here?: Signed contract prior to 2007 season
Stats: 6'0", 160 lbs, Throws: Left
Age as of April 1, 2010: 21
Splits!
| Split | IP | ERA/WHIP | K:BB | BAA |
| Season | 53.2 | 7.38/1.57 | 42:16 | .311 |
| As Reliever | 9.2 | 10.24/1.66 | 10:4 | .308 |
| As Starter | 44 | 6.75/1.55 | 32:12 | .311 |
| vs LHB | 13 | 6.92/1.69 | 7:3 | .352 |
| vs RHB | 40.2 | 7.52/1.52 | 35:13 | .297 |
| Home | 37.1 | 7.47/1.61 | 32:10 | .329 |
| Away | 16.1 | 7.16/1.47 | 10:6 | .269 |
| Bases Empty | 27.2 | x/1.55 | 27:9 | .281 |
| Runners On | 26 | x/1.58 | 15:7 | .347 |
| w/RISP | 11 | x/2.36 | 8:6 | .377 |
| June | 4 | 11.25/1.75 | 4:0 | .368 |
| July | 21 | 9.86/1.71 | 17:7 | .337 |
| August | 23.2 | 5.70/1.52 | 18:7 | .296 |
| September | 5 | 1.80/1.00 | 3:2 | .188 |
K/9 Rate: 7.0
BB/9 Rate: 2.7
Groundout/Flyout Rate: 1.18
K:BB Ratio: 2.63
Okay, some notes about Gonzalez: First season in the States, third in the organization. His walk rate was down, but so was his strikeout rate. That said, his K:BB ratio was up from 2008, from 2.36 to 2.63. His ERA jumped from 2.95 in his second go-around in the Dominican Summer League to 7.38 in 2009, so that's disconcerting. But he turned 21 in August, and his numbers are quite inflated this year than in his previous two. He may spend 2010 in Greeneville again, but I would be surprised if his ERA is over 7.00 again.
Greeneville Astros: Gabe Garcia
Gabe GarciaHow did he get here?: Signed contract prior to 2007 season
Stats: 5'11", 142 lbs, Throws: Left
Age as of April 1, 2010: 20
Splits!
| Split | IP | ERA/WHIP | K:BB | BAA |
| Season | 38.2 | 7.91/1.94 | 32:6 | .401 |
| vs LHB | 8 | 4.50/2.12 | 5:1 | .421 |
| vs RHB | 30.2 | 8.80/1.89 | 27:5 | .396 |
| Home | 9.2 | 10.24/2.28 | 12:1 | .438 |
| Away | 29 | 7.14/1.72 | 20:5 | .387 |
| Bases Empty | 17 | x/2.12 | 14:3 | .388 |
| Runners On | 21.1 | x/1.80 | 18:3 | .414 |
| w/RISP | 12.1 | x/2.03 | 14:2 | .411 |
| June | 2.1 | 15.43/3.43 | 4:1 | .538 |
| July | 22 | 10.23/2.18 | 16:4 | .431 |
| August | 14.1 | 3.14/1.33 | 12:1 | .316 |
K/9 Rate: 7.4
BB/9 Rate: 1.4
Groundout/Flyout Rate: 1.20
K:BB Ratio: 5.33
The negatives pretty much speak for themselves. However, it's worth noting that in Garcia's first six starts, he had an ERA of 13.66. In his last four starts, his ERA was 3.82. His K:BB ratio was excellent, he just gave up a lot of hits. As he moves forward (and this was his first season in the States), that BAA should come down.
Greeneville Astros: Luis Cruz
Luis CruzHow did he get here?: Signed contract prior to 2008 season
Stats: 5'9", 170 lbs, Throws: Left
Age as of April 1, 2010: 19
Bummer is that he's now playing winter ball, and his splits have moved to the winter league, so we don't have the detailed splits from 2009.
2009 K/9 Rate: 6.8
2008 K/9 Rate: 7.2
2009 BB/9 Rate: 3.6
2008 BB/9 Rate: 2.7
2009 Groundout/Flyout Rate: 0.89
2009 K:BB Ratio: 1.86
2008 K:BB Ratio: 2.71
Cruz is coming off shoulder surgery, and as a result, had a rough year after what was an impressive rookie 2008 season (no runs in five of his seven starts in 2008). It wasn't just his second year in the organization - both in Greeneville - but he saw his ERA jump from 2.28 to 6.75. And his Home Runs Allowed from 2 to 10. That said, his IPs went north from 23.2 to 54.2, starting 12 of his 10 games. He had an upside-down GB/FB rate (contributing to 10HR in 54.2IP), and was 1-4 for the year. Cruz also had 5HBPs and 8WPs, lending more credence to the control-problem issue.
Citizen Steve, what say you of Luis Cruz?
Still working his way back from shoulder injury last year. He had some great starts, and some where he got shelled.
Greeneville Astros: Jose Cisnero
Jose CisneroHow did he get here?: Signed contract prior to 2008 season
Stats: 6'3", 185 lbs, Throws: Right
Age as of April 1, 2010: 20
Splits!
| Split | IP | ERA/WHIP | K:BB | BAA |
| Season | 55.2 | 3.56/1.11 | 64:30 | .165 |
| vs LHB | 26 | 4.15/0.92 | 25:10 | .165 |
| vs RHB | 29.2 | 3.03/1.28 | 39:20 | .165 |
| Home | 22.2 | 3.18/1.10 | 27:12 | .167 |
| Away | 33 | 3.82/1.12 | 37:18 | .164 |
| Bases Empty | 26.2 | x/1.39 | 35:19 | .173 |
| Runners On | 29 | x/0.86 | 29:11 | .156 |
| w/RISP | 18.1 | x/0.98 | 21:9 | .155 |
| June | 6.1 | 5.68/1.58 | 5:6 | .174 |
| July | 21 | 3.43/1.05 | 22:8 | .187 |
| August | 28.1 | 3.18/1.06 | 37:16 | .146 |
K/9 Rate: 10.3
BB/9 Rate: 4.9
Groundout/Flyout Rate: 1.20
K:BB Ratio: 2.13
Cisnero was the Gastros team leader among starters in IP, Ks, ERA and WHIP, and absolutely dominated opponents (just look at the BAA and the WHIP in July and August). Now in his second year in the Organization, Cisnero actually saw a rise in those key stats, but that he stayed close despite throwing in the States for the first time, and throwing 26.2IP more than 2008, and that he's 20 (turning 21 on April 11, 2010) is pretty exciting for Cisnero.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Greeneville Astros: Jeiler Castillo
Jeiler CastilloHow did he get here?: Signed contract prior to 2006 season
Stats: 6'0", 155 lbs, Throws: Right
Age as of April 1, 2010: 22
Splits!
| Split | IP | ERA/WHIP | K:BB | BAA |
| Season | 33.2 | 5.61/1.72 | 34:14 | .312 |
| vs LHB | 13.1 | 6.75/1.88 | 6:5 | .351 |
| vs RHB | 20.1 | 4.87/1.62 | 28:9 | .286 |
| Home | 22.2 | 5.96/1.90 | 18:11 | .333 |
| Away | 11 | 4.91/1.36 | 16:3 | .267 |
| Bases Empty | 17.1 | x/1.67 | 18:8 | .292 |
| Runners On | 16.1 | x/1.78 | 16:6 | .333 |
| w/RISP | 10.2 | x/2.06 | 13:4 | .367 |
| June | 6 | 3.00/1.33 | 9:1 | .292 |
| July | 13.2 | 8.56/1.98 | 14:6 | .344 |
| August | 14 | 3.86/1.64 | 11:7 | .286 |
K/9 Rate: 9.1
BB/9 Rate: 3.7
Groundout/Flyout Rate: 1.00
K:BB Ratio: 2.43
This is Castillo's fourth season in the Astros organization, with the first two in the Venezuelan Summer League, and the past two seasons in Greeneville. Castillo started 11 games for the VSL Astros, going 1-3 with a 2.69 ERA before shifting back to a reliever role in Greeneville. These numbers, on the surface, don't look great. Especially that rough July. But when you compare them to 2008, it gets better.
2008 K/9 Rate: 7.8
2008 BB.9 Rate: 9.1
2008 K:BB Ratio: 0.86
So the strikeouts are up, walks are down, and while his ERA dropped slightly from 5.66 to 5.61, his ERA dropped from 2.13 to 1.72. Not great, but improviement, and that's due to the 21 walks in 20.2IP improving to 14BB in 33.2IP.
Greeneville Astros: Garrett Bullock
Long-time Astros fan Garrett Bullock came out of Wake Forest as an undrafted free agent.
Garrett Bullock
How did he get here?: Undrafted free agent
Stats: 6'3", 195 lbs, Throws: Left
Age as of April 1, 2010: 23
Splits (Greeneville only):
(Season total)
K/9 Rate: 7.0
BB/9 Rate: 6.1
Groundout/Flyout Rate: 1.77
K:BB Ratio: 1.15
Bullock started out with the GCL, where he threw 6IP, and was brought up to Greeneville on July 30. We're talking about an incredibly small sample size, so when a reliever gets 13 innings at one level, and then gives up 2ER in 0.2IP - his first game in Greeneville, it's going to screw some things up. So luckily, since he played 10 games for Greeneville, we can see the game-by-game breakdown. In his 10 Greeneville games, Bullock gave up earned runs in two of them, he had 3+ out appearances in seven of the ten, and didn't give up an earned run in any of them (because, well, if you give up earned runs as a reliever, you're not going to be sticking around). He had two perfect outings in those ten games, so the walks are obviously going to need to come down.
Garrett Bullock
How did he get here?: Undrafted free agent
Stats: 6'3", 195 lbs, Throws: Left
Age as of April 1, 2010: 23
Splits (Greeneville only):
| Split | IP | ERA/WHIP | K:BB | BAA |
| Season | 19.1 | 3.26/1.76 | 15:13 | .276 |
| wGCL | 13 | 2.77/1.85 | 11:9 | .294 |
| wGRN | 6.1 | 4.26/1.58 | 4:4 | .240 |
| vs LHB | 2.1 | 7.71/1.29 | 2:2 | .111 |
| vs RHB | 10.2 | 1.69/1.97 | 9:7 | .333 |
| Home | 2.2 | 6.75/2.63 | 1:4 | .250 |
| Away | 10.1 | 1.74/1.65 | 10:5 | .308 |
| Bases Empty | 5 | x/2.80 | 6:6 | .333 |
| Runners On | 8 | x/1.25 | 5:3 | .259 |
| w/RISP | 5.1 | x/1.13 | 4:2 | .200 |
| July | 0.2 | 27.00/6.00 | 0:1 | .750 |
| August | 12.1 | 1.46/1.62 | 11:8 | .255 |
(Season total)
K/9 Rate: 7.0
BB/9 Rate: 6.1
Groundout/Flyout Rate: 1.77
K:BB Ratio: 1.15
Bullock started out with the GCL, where he threw 6IP, and was brought up to Greeneville on July 30. We're talking about an incredibly small sample size, so when a reliever gets 13 innings at one level, and then gives up 2ER in 0.2IP - his first game in Greeneville, it's going to screw some things up. So luckily, since he played 10 games for Greeneville, we can see the game-by-game breakdown. In his 10 Greeneville games, Bullock gave up earned runs in two of them, he had 3+ out appearances in seven of the ten, and didn't give up an earned run in any of them (because, well, if you give up earned runs as a reliever, you're not going to be sticking around). He had two perfect outings in those ten games, so the walks are obviously going to need to come down.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Heyman on Top 50 Free Agents
SI's Jon Heyman's new column deals with notes on the Top 50 Free Agents, and the Astros have a couple in there:
Miggs:
Nice year in Houston (.313, 86 RBIs) should draw interest. Philly, Texas and possibly the Giants all make some sense.
Valverde:
Terrific stuff makes him the cream of a very good crop of relievers. Likely to get a three-year deal from someone.
Would you give a three-year deal to Valverde?
Miggs:
Nice year in Houston (.313, 86 RBIs) should draw interest. Philly, Texas and possibly the Giants all make some sense.
Valverde:
Terrific stuff makes him the cream of a very good crop of relievers. Likely to get a three-year deal from someone.
Would you give a three-year deal to Valverde?
Baseball America's Top 10 Prospects
Baseball America released the Top 10 Astros prospects today, and they take their shots at the Astros (and are completely justified):
At the July 31 trading deadline, the Astros had a .500 record and ranked sixth in the National League wild-card race. Despite having the oldest roster in baseball and a run differential that suggested the team was due for regression, Houston stood pat rather than seizing an opportunity to trade big leaguers and rebuild a farm system that ranked dead last entering 2009.
The Astros tanked afterward, finishing 74-88 to drop to 17 games under .500 since they played in the 2005 World Series. Despite the eighth-highest Opening Day payroll ($103 million), Houston ranked 27th in baseball in scoring and 23rd in runs allowed.
The Crawfish Boxes have a good take that it was the easiest thing in the world to just trade a bunch of guys on July 31:
(Writer Ben Badler) makes it sound like the Astros had an easy fix this year at the trade deadline. Assuming the Astros do trade Valverde and Hawkins, do they really just steal away so many prospects that produces a night and day difference for the farm system's ranking? Maybe...but I don't think it's as dramatic as Balder tries to portray it.
Back to Badler:
Focusing on the big league club and neglecting their farm system, the Astros haven't acquired a significant prospect via trade in years. Instead, their strategy has been to sign veteran free agents (costing them draft picks as compensation) and to deal prospects for veterans. That philosophy proved painful last season when Ben Zobrist emerged as one of the game's better players, three years after Houston sent him to the Rays in a deal for Aubrey Huff. Zobrist wasn't highly regarded at the time but has proven a costly loss.
Okay, okay. Let's McGwire this, and not talk about the past:
Bobby Heck's first draft as scouting director in 2008 has yielded two promising prospects, catcher Jason Castro and righthander Jordan Lyles. Neither was a consensus choice at their draft slots, but Houston has seen rewards from going against the industry grain...
...Houston's 2009 first-rounder, shortstop Jiovanni Mier, also has exceeded expectations thus far.
Then there's some bad stuff, then this:
Where do the Astros go from here? Heck was a regional crosschecker for the Brewers when they built through the draft and jumped from No. 30 to No. 1 in BA's talent rankings from 2001 to 2004. Houston will have a prime opportunity to add to its system with the eighth overall pick in the 2010 draft, its highest selection since taking Phil Nevin No. 1 overall in 1992.
Dealing their big leaguers for youngsters could accelerate an Astros turnaround as well. But under owner Drayton McLane, the team has shied away from committing to rebuilding.
It hasn't occurred to me until reading this, but rebuilding would get the Astros into contention faster than just hoping that Mike Hampton-esque players can recapture one last season of magic. There's little chance that this crop of Astros can get to the playoffs before 2013, so why not chuck it in, shed some payroll, and get the farm team stocked.
Anyhow, let's get to the Top 10, ranked by Baseball America:
1. Jason Castro, c
2. Jiovanni Mier, ss
3. Jordan Lyles, rhp
4. Sammy Gervacio, rhp
5. Chia-Jen Lo, rhp
6. Ross Seaton, rhp
7. Tanner Bushue, rhp
8. Jay Austin, of
9. Jon Gaston, of
10. T.J. Steele, of
Best Hitter for Average: Jason Castro
Best Power Hitter: Jon Gaston
Best Strike-Zone Discipline: J.B. Shuck
Fastest Baserunner: Jay Austin
Best Athlete: Jay Austin
Best Fastball: Arcenio Leon
Best Curveball: Ashton Mowdy
Best Slider: Sammy Gervacio
Best Changeup: Jordan Lyles
Best Control: Fernando Abad
Best Defensive Catcher: Jason Castro
Best Defensive Infielder: Jiovanni Mier
Best Infield Arm: Jiovanni Mier
Best Defensive Outfielder: T.J. Steele
Best Outfield Arm: Yordany Ramirez
Que interesante! I'm surprised by the absence of Locke and Clemens. you?
At the July 31 trading deadline, the Astros had a .500 record and ranked sixth in the National League wild-card race. Despite having the oldest roster in baseball and a run differential that suggested the team was due for regression, Houston stood pat rather than seizing an opportunity to trade big leaguers and rebuild a farm system that ranked dead last entering 2009.
The Astros tanked afterward, finishing 74-88 to drop to 17 games under .500 since they played in the 2005 World Series. Despite the eighth-highest Opening Day payroll ($103 million), Houston ranked 27th in baseball in scoring and 23rd in runs allowed.
The Crawfish Boxes have a good take that it was the easiest thing in the world to just trade a bunch of guys on July 31:
(Writer Ben Badler) makes it sound like the Astros had an easy fix this year at the trade deadline. Assuming the Astros do trade Valverde and Hawkins, do they really just steal away so many prospects that produces a night and day difference for the farm system's ranking? Maybe...but I don't think it's as dramatic as Balder tries to portray it.
Back to Badler:
Focusing on the big league club and neglecting their farm system, the Astros haven't acquired a significant prospect via trade in years. Instead, their strategy has been to sign veteran free agents (costing them draft picks as compensation) and to deal prospects for veterans. That philosophy proved painful last season when Ben Zobrist emerged as one of the game's better players, three years after Houston sent him to the Rays in a deal for Aubrey Huff. Zobrist wasn't highly regarded at the time but has proven a costly loss.
Okay, okay. Let's McGwire this, and not talk about the past:
Bobby Heck's first draft as scouting director in 2008 has yielded two promising prospects, catcher Jason Castro and righthander Jordan Lyles. Neither was a consensus choice at their draft slots, but Houston has seen rewards from going against the industry grain...
...Houston's 2009 first-rounder, shortstop Jiovanni Mier, also has exceeded expectations thus far.
Then there's some bad stuff, then this:
Where do the Astros go from here? Heck was a regional crosschecker for the Brewers when they built through the draft and jumped from No. 30 to No. 1 in BA's talent rankings from 2001 to 2004. Houston will have a prime opportunity to add to its system with the eighth overall pick in the 2010 draft, its highest selection since taking Phil Nevin No. 1 overall in 1992.
Dealing their big leaguers for youngsters could accelerate an Astros turnaround as well. But under owner Drayton McLane, the team has shied away from committing to rebuilding.
It hasn't occurred to me until reading this, but rebuilding would get the Astros into contention faster than just hoping that Mike Hampton-esque players can recapture one last season of magic. There's little chance that this crop of Astros can get to the playoffs before 2013, so why not chuck it in, shed some payroll, and get the farm team stocked.
Anyhow, let's get to the Top 10, ranked by Baseball America:
1. Jason Castro, c
2. Jiovanni Mier, ss
3. Jordan Lyles, rhp
4. Sammy Gervacio, rhp
5. Chia-Jen Lo, rhp
6. Ross Seaton, rhp
7. Tanner Bushue, rhp
8. Jay Austin, of
9. Jon Gaston, of
10. T.J. Steele, of
Best Hitter for Average: Jason Castro
Best Power Hitter: Jon Gaston
Best Strike-Zone Discipline: J.B. Shuck
Fastest Baserunner: Jay Austin
Best Athlete: Jay Austin
Best Fastball: Arcenio Leon
Best Curveball: Ashton Mowdy
Best Slider: Sammy Gervacio
Best Changeup: Jordan Lyles
Best Control: Fernando Abad
Best Defensive Catcher: Jason Castro
Best Defensive Infielder: Jiovanni Mier
Best Infield Arm: Jiovanni Mier
Best Defensive Outfielder: T.J. Steele
Best Outfield Arm: Yordany Ramirez
Que interesante! I'm surprised by the absence of Locke and Clemens. you?
Astros sign Jose Valdez + Roster Moves
Playing catch up this afternoon, and first up is word that the Astros have signed free agent pitcher Jose Valdez, and added him to the club's 40-man Roster.
Valdez comes from the Yankees organization, where he spent time in Double-A Trenton and Triple-A Scranton-Wilkes Barre. Stats, you ask?
Valdez will be 27 on April 1, 2010, and spent the last seven seasons within the Yankees' farm teams. From 2002-2004 he advanced from the NY-Penn League to the Florida State League, and then missed the 2005 season. Coming back in 2006, he advanced from Rookie ball to appearing in nine games with the Triple-A club. He came back after 2005 as a reliever.
Season line:
Trenton (Double-A): 34 games, 10 saves, 38.1IP, 32H/13ER, 3.05 ERA/1.44 WHIP. 42K:23BB. 9.9 K/9 rate, 1.83 K:BB ratio.
SWB (Triple-A): 9 games, 19.1IP, 23H/9ER, 4.19ERA/1.71 WHIP. 18K:10BB. 8.4 K/9 rate, 1.80 K:BB ratio.
We also learn within the linked article that the Astros have purchased the contracts of Evan Englebrook, Matt Nevarez, and Henry Villar, adding them to the 40-man roster, as well.
Valdez comes from the Yankees organization, where he spent time in Double-A Trenton and Triple-A Scranton-Wilkes Barre. Stats, you ask?
Valdez will be 27 on April 1, 2010, and spent the last seven seasons within the Yankees' farm teams. From 2002-2004 he advanced from the NY-Penn League to the Florida State League, and then missed the 2005 season. Coming back in 2006, he advanced from Rookie ball to appearing in nine games with the Triple-A club. He came back after 2005 as a reliever.
Season line:
Trenton (Double-A): 34 games, 10 saves, 38.1IP, 32H/13ER, 3.05 ERA/1.44 WHIP. 42K:23BB. 9.9 K/9 rate, 1.83 K:BB ratio.
SWB (Triple-A): 9 games, 19.1IP, 23H/9ER, 4.19ERA/1.71 WHIP. 18K:10BB. 8.4 K/9 rate, 1.80 K:BB ratio.
We also learn within the linked article that the Astros have purchased the contracts of Evan Englebrook, Matt Nevarez, and Henry Villar, adding them to the 40-man roster, as well.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Astros have an offer in to LaHawk
I totally missed this when we talked about McTaggart's article this morning (so, captip to Ben Nicholson-Smith, but the Astros already have an offer on the table to LaHawk.
Back on October 3 I predicted around a $5 million contract for LaHawk. We shall see.
Back on October 3 I predicted around a $5 million contract for LaHawk. We shall see.
Greeneville Astros: Joan Belliard
Reliever Joan Belliard starts off the look at the pitchers of the Greeneville Astros...
Joan Belliard
How did he get here?: Signed contract prior to 2007 season
Stats: 6'2", 185 lbs, Throws: Right
Age as of April 1, 2010: 21
Splits!
K/9 Rate: 7.8
BB/9 Rate: 2.9
Groundout/Flyout Rate: 1.79
K:BB Ratio: 2.71
Lots of encouraging things about Belliard to note. This is his third season in the Astros' organization, and his second season in a full-time reliever role (meaning he only pitched in nine games in the Dominican Summer League in 2007). His IPs went from 35.2IP in 08 to 43.2IP in 09, so a nice easy increase over last year. Last year his strikeouts were up (8.1 per 9), and his K:BB ratio was an impressive 4.57:1. That said, I can handle that kind of WHIP across his splits. Lefties hit him pretty well, but he gets RHBs to ground out much more often (2.29:1 as opposed to 1.25:1 for LHBs). And seeing his WHIP drop as he gets into more precarious situations is encouraging.
Joan BelliardHow did he get here?: Signed contract prior to 2007 season
Stats: 6'2", 185 lbs, Throws: Right
Age as of April 1, 2010: 21
Splits!
| Split | IP | ERA/WHIP | K:BB | BAA |
| Season | 43.2 | 3.71/1.24 | 38:14 | .240 |
| vs LHB | 16 | 3.38/1.44 | 11:4 | .292 |
| vs RHB | 27.2 | 3.90/1.12 | 27:10 | .206 |
| Home | 21.1 | 5.06/1.55 | 22:9 | .276 |
| Away | 22.1 | 2.42/0.94 | 16:5 | .200 |
| Bases Empty | 18.1 | x/1.47 | 17:11 | .216 |
| Runners On | 25.1 | x/1.07 | 21:3 | .258 |
| w/RISP | 17.1 | x/0.81 | 17:3 | .186 |
| June | 4.2 | 1.93/1.50 | 4:2 | .278 |
| July | 17.1 | 3.63/1.15 | 10:6 | .219 |
| August | 21.2 | 4.15/1.27 | 24:6 | .247 |
K/9 Rate: 7.8
BB/9 Rate: 2.9
Groundout/Flyout Rate: 1.79
K:BB Ratio: 2.71
Lots of encouraging things about Belliard to note. This is his third season in the Astros' organization, and his second season in a full-time reliever role (meaning he only pitched in nine games in the Dominican Summer League in 2007). His IPs went from 35.2IP in 08 to 43.2IP in 09, so a nice easy increase over last year. Last year his strikeouts were up (8.1 per 9), and his K:BB ratio was an impressive 4.57:1. That said, I can handle that kind of WHIP across his splits. Lefties hit him pretty well, but he gets RHBs to ground out much more often (2.29:1 as opposed to 1.25:1 for LHBs). And seeing his WHIP drop as he gets into more precarious situations is encouraging.
Greeneville Astros: Bubby Williams
Completing our look at the hitters of the Greeneville Astros is catcher Bubby Williams.
David "Bubby" Williams
How did he get here?: Drafted in 11th round (2009)
Stats: 6'0", 190 lbs, Bats: Right Throws: Right
Age as of April 1, 2010: 21
Season line: 39 games, 138 PAs, 26x129 - .202/.239/.341, 42K:4BB, 9XBH-16RBI
Splits:
vs. LHP (22ABs): .364/.440/.500, 8K:1BB, 1XBH-4RBI
vs. RHP (107ABs): .168/.195/.308, 34K:3BB, 8XBH-12RBI
Home (61ABs): .148/.161/.279, 26K:0BB, 4XBH-7RBI
Away (68ABs): .250/.303/.397, 16K:4BB, 5XBH-9RBI
Bases Empty (71ABs): .183/.227/.310, 23K:2BB, 4XBH-2RBI
Runners on (58ABs): .224/.254/.379, 19K:2BB, 5XBH-14RBI
w/RISP (37ABs): .135/.150/.189, 14K:1BB, 2XBH-9RBI
June (13ABs): .231/.333/.308, 3K:1BB, 1XBH-4RBI
July (54ABs): .222/.254/.333, 15K:1BB, 3XBH-6RBI
August (59ABs): .153/.180/.271, 24K:2BB, 3XBH-4RBI
September (3ABs): .667/.667/2.000, 0K:0BB, 2XBH-2RBI
Season Total
K/PA rate: 30.4%
XBH/H rate: 34.6%
K:BB ratio: 10.5
Williams made seven errors and allowed eight passed balls in 279 chances (38 games) behind the plate. 42 bases were stolen off of him, and he caught 16 runners for a 28% CS rate.
That was a pretty bad August that Williams endured. He got almost as many extra-base hits in one September game than he did in the whole month of August. Obviously the strikeout percentage and K:BB ratio is going to have to come down.
Citizen Steve, what say you of Bubby Williams?
Intense fellow. Loves baseball, but was overmatched at the plate. He's a positive influence on pitchers, but projected to repeat at Greeneville or head to Tri-City.
David "Bubby" WilliamsHow did he get here?: Drafted in 11th round (2009)
Stats: 6'0", 190 lbs, Bats: Right Throws: Right
Age as of April 1, 2010: 21
Season line: 39 games, 138 PAs, 26x129 - .202/.239/.341, 42K:4BB, 9XBH-16RBI
Splits:
vs. LHP (22ABs): .364/.440/.500, 8K:1BB, 1XBH-4RBI
vs. RHP (107ABs): .168/.195/.308, 34K:3BB, 8XBH-12RBI
Home (61ABs): .148/.161/.279, 26K:0BB, 4XBH-7RBI
Away (68ABs): .250/.303/.397, 16K:4BB, 5XBH-9RBI
Bases Empty (71ABs): .183/.227/.310, 23K:2BB, 4XBH-2RBI
Runners on (58ABs): .224/.254/.379, 19K:2BB, 5XBH-14RBI
w/RISP (37ABs): .135/.150/.189, 14K:1BB, 2XBH-9RBI
June (13ABs): .231/.333/.308, 3K:1BB, 1XBH-4RBI
July (54ABs): .222/.254/.333, 15K:1BB, 3XBH-6RBI
August (59ABs): .153/.180/.271, 24K:2BB, 3XBH-4RBI
September (3ABs): .667/.667/2.000, 0K:0BB, 2XBH-2RBI
Season Total
K/PA rate: 30.4%
XBH/H rate: 34.6%
K:BB ratio: 10.5
Williams made seven errors and allowed eight passed balls in 279 chances (38 games) behind the plate. 42 bases were stolen off of him, and he caught 16 runners for a 28% CS rate.
That was a pretty bad August that Williams endured. He got almost as many extra-base hits in one September game than he did in the whole month of August. Obviously the strikeout percentage and K:BB ratio is going to have to come down.
Citizen Steve, what say you of Bubby Williams?
Intense fellow. Loves baseball, but was overmatched at the plate. He's a positive influence on pitchers, but projected to repeat at Greeneville or head to Tri-City.
Lessons Not Learned: Exhibit W
McTaggart tells us a lot of things we already know, or had generally figured out from context clues about the Astros and free agency.
-They won't be signing John Lackey
-Payroll is going down
-They want to bring back LaHawk, Valverde, and Tejada
-If they can find someone to play third base, they'll do it
However, some lessons may not be learned:
And don't be surprised to see Houston take a flier on a veteran starting pitcher willing to come to camp on a Minor League contract and compete for a spot in the rotation.
Wade:
"We've made contact with the agents for a lot of players. We do have a desire to see if there's a way to retain several of the guys who were with us a year ago. We'll continue to explore the market. The goal during the offseason is try to make sure we take advantage of every opportunity to get better.
"Free agency presents certain opportunities, and we have to see who the right fits are from the standpoint of talent, from the standpoint of salary and from the standpoint of length of contract. We'll be aggressive in our pursuit, whether we're out there making a lot of offers remains to be seen."
God help me, if the Astros sign Shane Reynolds or Bert Blyleven, that's it, I'm out.
-They won't be signing John Lackey
-Payroll is going down
-They want to bring back LaHawk, Valverde, and Tejada
-If they can find someone to play third base, they'll do it
However, some lessons may not be learned:
And don't be surprised to see Houston take a flier on a veteran starting pitcher willing to come to camp on a Minor League contract and compete for a spot in the rotation.
Wade:
"We've made contact with the agents for a lot of players. We do have a desire to see if there's a way to retain several of the guys who were with us a year ago. We'll continue to explore the market. The goal during the offseason is try to make sure we take advantage of every opportunity to get better.
"Free agency presents certain opportunities, and we have to see who the right fits are from the standpoint of talent, from the standpoint of salary and from the standpoint of length of contract. We'll be aggressive in our pursuit, whether we're out there making a lot of offers remains to be seen."
God help me, if the Astros sign Shane Reynolds or Bert Blyleven, that's it, I'm out.
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