The Astros maintain a 1.5-game lead in the AL West. Check the Playoff Odds at the sidebar.
*You can find the latest news and numbers from the 2015 Astros draft right here. For instance: the Astros are currently $311,100 under their bonus pool so far...
*Carlos Correa "exudes a desire to be great" on and off the field.
*After getting blasted by the Mariners yesterday, the Astros and McHugh will work on his mechanics.
*And Jeff Luhnow acknowledged that they're not going to be idle in trade talks over the next few weeks.
*The Astros think they avoided a disaster with Altuve's hamstring.
*Brad Peacock cut his rehab outing short due to some kind of setback.
*The Braves signed recently-released Alex White
We didn't come out here to play tiddlywinks, son.
-Hal Smith
Showing posts with label Alex White. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Alex White. Show all posts
Sunday, June 14, 2015
Friday, April 24, 2015
PreStros Morning Report: April 23
TL;DR
*Org goes 2-2 on the night; cumulative 37-21 (.638) record
*Fresno loses a pitcher's duel at Salt Lake, 1-0, despite Alex White's strong start.
*Corpus stormed back at Frisco to win 8-2 in a Mark Appel 4IP, 6H/2ER start. Tyler Heineman was 3x5 with two doubles and 2RBI.
*Lancaster's J.D. Davis was just a triple short of the cycle (see below for a joke) in an 11-5 loss to Modesto.
*Quad Cities got strong pitching from Austin Chrismon and A&M's Daniel Mengden to overcome three unearned runs in a 4-3 win.
Fresno (8-7)
While the Grizzlies held Salt Lake to one run on seven hits, Salt Lake did just a little bit better, holding the Grizzles to, um, no runs on two hits. Fresno loses, 1-0, which I imagine is a pretty rare thing in the Pacific Coast League. Alex White threw 5.2IP, 5H/1R (0ER - a Jon Singleton throwing error led to the run) - 2K:1BB; Darin Downs and Tyson Perez allowed a hit each in the last two innings.
Your only two hits came courtesy of Nolan Fontana, who had a double and a walk, and L.J. Hoes. The Grizzlies struck out ten times, walked twice, and were 0x3 w/RISP.
Man of the Match: Alex White
Corpus (9-4)
Corpus was down 2-1 at the end of the second and then got two in the 3rd and four in the 4th, cruising to an 8-2 win over Frisco. Mark Appel threw 4IP, 6H/2ER, 3K:0BB, HBP, with 51 of his 71 pitches for strikes and six groundouts to two flyouts. Angel Baez threw a perfect 5th inning, and Kyle Westwood threw 4IP of "relief," allowing 4H/0ER, 1K:1BB. So far for Appel, three outings, 14IP, 10H/3ER, 11K:2BB.
Tyler Heineman led the way, going 3x5 with two doubles and 2RBI; Colin Moran was 2x5 with two doubles and an RBI; Carlos Correa was 2x5 with a double and an RBI; Conrad Gregor and Brandon Meredith each went 2x4 with a double, walk, and an RBI. Tyler White was 1x3 with two walks, and Tony Kemp - back at 2B - was 1x4 with a walk.
Man of the Match: Tough one. How about Tyler Heineman?
Lancaster (8-7)
Modesto scored early and often as the JetHawks fall 11-5. Blaine Sims allowed 6H/4ER, 3K:3BB in 5IP, Randall Fant allowed 4H/4ER in 0.1IP; Tyler Brunnemann gave up 2H/0ER, 5K:2BB in 2.2IP, and Frederick Tiburcio allowed 2H/3ER, 1K:2BB in the 9th.
J.D. Davis was just a triple short of the cycle (reminder: a triple short of the cycle is like being a second girl short of a threesome. That's copyrighted by me, by the way.) going 3x4 with 3RBI. Brett Phillips (two doubles) and Chan Moon (2B) were each 2x5. Chase McDonald hit his 5th homer of the year, and Jose Fernandez hit his first home run of the year.
Man of the Match: J.D. Davis
Quad Cities (12-3)
Quad Cities overcame two errors and a 3-0 deficit in the 5th to defeat Peoria, 4-3. Austin Chrismon threw 5IP, 5H/3R (0ER), 6K:0BB, and Daniel Mengden allowed just 2H/0ER, 5K:1BB in 4IP.
Alfredo Gonzalez (BB, RBI) and Mott Hyde (2B, BB) had two hits each; Sean McMullen (2B), Jacob Nottingham (BB, RBI), Alex Hernandez, and Thomas Lindauer (2BB, SB) had your other hits.
Man of the Match: Chrismon and Mengden.
*Org goes 2-2 on the night; cumulative 37-21 (.638) record
*Fresno loses a pitcher's duel at Salt Lake, 1-0, despite Alex White's strong start.
*Corpus stormed back at Frisco to win 8-2 in a Mark Appel 4IP, 6H/2ER start. Tyler Heineman was 3x5 with two doubles and 2RBI.
*Lancaster's J.D. Davis was just a triple short of the cycle (see below for a joke) in an 11-5 loss to Modesto.
*Quad Cities got strong pitching from Austin Chrismon and A&M's Daniel Mengden to overcome three unearned runs in a 4-3 win.
Fresno (8-7)
While the Grizzlies held Salt Lake to one run on seven hits, Salt Lake did just a little bit better, holding the Grizzles to, um, no runs on two hits. Fresno loses, 1-0, which I imagine is a pretty rare thing in the Pacific Coast League. Alex White threw 5.2IP, 5H/1R (0ER - a Jon Singleton throwing error led to the run) - 2K:1BB; Darin Downs and Tyson Perez allowed a hit each in the last two innings.
Your only two hits came courtesy of Nolan Fontana, who had a double and a walk, and L.J. Hoes. The Grizzlies struck out ten times, walked twice, and were 0x3 w/RISP.
Man of the Match: Alex White
Corpus (9-4)
Corpus was down 2-1 at the end of the second and then got two in the 3rd and four in the 4th, cruising to an 8-2 win over Frisco. Mark Appel threw 4IP, 6H/2ER, 3K:0BB, HBP, with 51 of his 71 pitches for strikes and six groundouts to two flyouts. Angel Baez threw a perfect 5th inning, and Kyle Westwood threw 4IP of "relief," allowing 4H/0ER, 1K:1BB. So far for Appel, three outings, 14IP, 10H/3ER, 11K:2BB.
Tyler Heineman led the way, going 3x5 with two doubles and 2RBI; Colin Moran was 2x5 with two doubles and an RBI; Carlos Correa was 2x5 with a double and an RBI; Conrad Gregor and Brandon Meredith each went 2x4 with a double, walk, and an RBI. Tyler White was 1x3 with two walks, and Tony Kemp - back at 2B - was 1x4 with a walk.
Man of the Match: Tough one. How about Tyler Heineman?
Lancaster (8-7)
Modesto scored early and often as the JetHawks fall 11-5. Blaine Sims allowed 6H/4ER, 3K:3BB in 5IP, Randall Fant allowed 4H/4ER in 0.1IP; Tyler Brunnemann gave up 2H/0ER, 5K:2BB in 2.2IP, and Frederick Tiburcio allowed 2H/3ER, 1K:2BB in the 9th.
J.D. Davis was just a triple short of the cycle (reminder: a triple short of the cycle is like being a second girl short of a threesome. That's copyrighted by me, by the way.) going 3x4 with 3RBI. Brett Phillips (two doubles) and Chan Moon (2B) were each 2x5. Chase McDonald hit his 5th homer of the year, and Jose Fernandez hit his first home run of the year.
Man of the Match: J.D. Davis
Quad Cities (12-3)
Quad Cities overcame two errors and a 3-0 deficit in the 5th to defeat Peoria, 4-3. Austin Chrismon threw 5IP, 5H/3R (0ER), 6K:0BB, and Daniel Mengden allowed just 2H/0ER, 5K:1BB in 4IP.
Alfredo Gonzalez (BB, RBI) and Mott Hyde (2B, BB) had two hits each; Sean McMullen (2B), Jacob Nottingham (BB, RBI), Alex Hernandez, and Thomas Lindauer (2BB, SB) had your other hits.
Man of the Match: Chrismon and Mengden.
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
Wednesday Morning Link Dump
The Astros take on the Indians tonight at 7:10pm (Central) for Game 2. Meanwhile...
*Jeff Luhnow focused on acquiring players who still had options this off-season.
*Also within that link, Alex White and Alex Presley have been put on waivers. If White leaves the organization there will be nothing left of the fabled Wilton Lopez trade of 2012...
*A.J. Hinch made all the right moves (regarding Sipp over Qualls or Neshek) on Monday night, writes JJO.
*Here's a cool piece from Beyond the Box Score about George Springer and in-game adjustments.
*The Astros apparently have the least loyal fans in baseball.
*Jeff Luhnow focused on acquiring players who still had options this off-season.
*Also within that link, Alex White and Alex Presley have been put on waivers. If White leaves the organization there will be nothing left of the fabled Wilton Lopez trade of 2012...
*A.J. Hinch made all the right moves (regarding Sipp over Qualls or Neshek) on Monday night, writes JJO.
*Here's a cool piece from Beyond the Box Score about George Springer and in-game adjustments.
*The Astros apparently have the least loyal fans in baseball.
Friday, March 20, 2015
Seven More Optioned... Still No Surprises... Camp at 44
The Astros continued to send out minor-leaguers and NRI's, with seven more optioned Friday. Pitchers Jason Stoffel and Alex White, catcher Roberto Pena, infielders Colin Moran, Nolan Fontana and Matt Duffy, and outfielder Preston Tucker we all sent out. Six of the seven were reassigned as invitees, and Alex White was optioned, as he was on the 40-man.
Alex White was probably the only one of that group with a realistic chance of breaking camp with the Astros on Opening Day. He was competing for the last spots in the rotation / bullpen swingman role. However, he continued to struggle - as he has done since he lost 2013 to surgery - in the 4 innings that he pitched. He gave up 7 earned runs on 8 hits, with six walks versus no strikeouts. He pitched his way off the team, plus the Astros really needed to give innings to Sam Deduno and Wojo in preference to White, so this move isn't a shock.
Preston Tucker probably attended spring training with an outside chance of forcing his way into a crowded outfield / DH roster. His plans for a hot spring were derailed by a HBP to his hand, which resulted in a break from baseball activities for a little more than a week. He went hitless in 11 plate appearances, but walked twice (and took first on the afore-mentioned HBP) versus three strikeouts. Tucker will undoubtedly get a look at some stage - but perhaps not in 2015 - and for now he will man the outfield in Fresno.
Colin Moran (.444, BB in 10 PA's) and Matt Duffy (2-7, 2BB, HR in 9 PA's) both turned some heads, but were unlikely to make the remain in camp by virtue of the play of Luis Valbuena and the need for reps at 3B for Valbeuna, Dominguez, Petit and Gonzalez.
Nolan Fontana struggled in 11 PA's, recording one single but walking twice. Shortstop and second base are about as crowded as third base, with two established up-the-middle regulars, and the utility guys needing a look. So no surprise with his exit, either. And Roberto Pena didn't record manage to get on base in 5 PA's, and again, was likely the victim of a busy catcher-rotation. No surprise.
These moves leave us with little clue as to how the spring-training battles are shaking down, but things are starting to get closer to a resolution. Of the Astros remaining in camp - and according to MLBTR - only Chris Carter, Alex Presley and Luis Valbeuna (and the free-agent signings) cannot get optioned to minor-league camp, although Sam Deduno is out of options as well (according to the Chronicle) and appears to be so, given his years on the ML roster. Joe Thatcher and Roberto Hernandez have XX(B) protection, which means they require a roster spot five days out from opening day, or the team will need to pay a $100K retention bonus and the player will need to agree to head to AAA to start the season. XX(B) players also get a opt out option for June 1 if they are not in the major leagues on that date, so there is some additional options for Roberto and Joe.
Interestingly, there have been trade rumour rumblings from teams in need of lefty-relievers and starting pitchers. The Orioles - in particular - are looking at lefty relievers according to MLBTR, and the Blue Jays and Rays are both looking for starting pitching due to injuries. Neither of the XX(B) players will demand a great deal in a trade because of their XX(B) opt-out dates, but the Astros may explore trade options for others in the same position battle, such as Kevin Chapman or Dan Straily (names listed only as examples). This may also have the effect of clearing roster space for Thatcher or Hernandez to be added.
But all this is speculation. For mine, the big questions are also the predictable ones. Will Dominguez even make the 25-man? What will the outfield look like? And who will throw in the back-end of the rotation and man the last couple of spots in the 'pen?
Alex White was probably the only one of that group with a realistic chance of breaking camp with the Astros on Opening Day. He was competing for the last spots in the rotation / bullpen swingman role. However, he continued to struggle - as he has done since he lost 2013 to surgery - in the 4 innings that he pitched. He gave up 7 earned runs on 8 hits, with six walks versus no strikeouts. He pitched his way off the team, plus the Astros really needed to give innings to Sam Deduno and Wojo in preference to White, so this move isn't a shock.
Preston Tucker probably attended spring training with an outside chance of forcing his way into a crowded outfield / DH roster. His plans for a hot spring were derailed by a HBP to his hand, which resulted in a break from baseball activities for a little more than a week. He went hitless in 11 plate appearances, but walked twice (and took first on the afore-mentioned HBP) versus three strikeouts. Tucker will undoubtedly get a look at some stage - but perhaps not in 2015 - and for now he will man the outfield in Fresno.
Colin Moran (.444, BB in 10 PA's) and Matt Duffy (2-7, 2BB, HR in 9 PA's) both turned some heads, but were unlikely to make the remain in camp by virtue of the play of Luis Valbuena and the need for reps at 3B for Valbeuna, Dominguez, Petit and Gonzalez.
Nolan Fontana struggled in 11 PA's, recording one single but walking twice. Shortstop and second base are about as crowded as third base, with two established up-the-middle regulars, and the utility guys needing a look. So no surprise with his exit, either. And Roberto Pena didn't record manage to get on base in 5 PA's, and again, was likely the victim of a busy catcher-rotation. No surprise.
These moves leave us with little clue as to how the spring-training battles are shaking down, but things are starting to get closer to a resolution. Of the Astros remaining in camp - and according to MLBTR - only Chris Carter, Alex Presley and Luis Valbeuna (and the free-agent signings) cannot get optioned to minor-league camp, although Sam Deduno is out of options as well (according to the Chronicle) and appears to be so, given his years on the ML roster. Joe Thatcher and Roberto Hernandez have XX(B) protection, which means they require a roster spot five days out from opening day, or the team will need to pay a $100K retention bonus and the player will need to agree to head to AAA to start the season. XX(B) players also get a opt out option for June 1 if they are not in the major leagues on that date, so there is some additional options for Roberto and Joe.
Interestingly, there have been trade rumour rumblings from teams in need of lefty-relievers and starting pitchers. The Orioles - in particular - are looking at lefty relievers according to MLBTR, and the Blue Jays and Rays are both looking for starting pitching due to injuries. Neither of the XX(B) players will demand a great deal in a trade because of their XX(B) opt-out dates, but the Astros may explore trade options for others in the same position battle, such as Kevin Chapman or Dan Straily (names listed only as examples). This may also have the effect of clearing roster space for Thatcher or Hernandez to be added.
But all this is speculation. For mine, the big questions are also the predictable ones. Will Dominguez even make the 25-man? What will the outfield look like? And who will throw in the back-end of the rotation and man the last couple of spots in the 'pen?
Friday, May 23, 2014
PreStros Morning Report: May 22
I thought that I would do the Pre-Stros this morning, to allow the Constable to engage in what he does best - pertinent and humorous analysis of all things Astros.
Summary:
* Affiliates go 2-2 on the day, combined record 100-87. Boom. The Astros hit 100 wins. Just not at the major league level.
* Oklahoma City were the architects of a sloppy extra-inning loss to the Zephyrs.
* Corpus won their third in a row, against Arkansas.
* Lancaster lost on the road, and it wasn't especially close.
* Quad Cities record a solid win in a high-scoring affair.
Oklahoma City (26-22)
Oklahomachoked away a win engaged in a series of "defensive miscues" to lose a tight one to New Orleans, by a score of 3-2. Oklahoma led 1-0 going in to the ninth, but gave up one in the bottom of the inning to tie the game, before scoring one in the top of the tenth. New Orleans scored two in the bottom of the tenth for the walk-off win. The RedHawks made two errors in the ninth, and one in the tenth.
Mound: This game was notable for three good pitching performances. Nick Tropeano started and pitched 6.2 scoreless, giving up three hits, walking two and striking out eight. Kevin Chapman relieved and retired the only batter he faced, stranding the runner. Then, possibly-soon-to-be-seen-in-the-Houston-pen Alex White pitched a perfect 7th. Rhiner Cruz wore the loss, with 1.1IP, giving up 3 hits and two walks, and striking out one. He gave up three runs, one earned.
Plate: Robbie Grossman was the standout performer, going 3-5 with a double, and scoring a run. Jon Singleton (1-4), Max Stassi (1-4, 2B), Enrique Hernandez (1-5), Gregorio Petit (1-4), Andy Simunic (1-3, BB) and Carlos Perez (1-4) all recorded hits.
MoTM: Trop, with 6.1 strong, lowered his ERA to 2.53. Possibly coming soon to a Major-League rotation near you, depending on health and effectiveness of both the current crop, and of Nick himself.
Corpus Christi (25-21)
Corpus engineered a 3-run top-of-the-seventh to beat the Arkansas Travellers (21-24) by a score of 3-1. In doing so, they recorded their third win in a row and their sixth win in their last eight.
Mound: Kyle Smith started, and was solid-solid. His line: 6IP, 4H, 1R/ER, 1BB, 5K. He gave up a run in the first after a leadoff double, but dominated most of the rest of the time. Pat Urckfitz pitched two, giving up 2H, but striking out 3. Michael Dimock earned the save (1IP, H, K)
Plate: Nolan Fontana (1-4), BB) had the clutch hit - a two-out, two-run double in the seventh. Also recording hits: Delino DeSheilds (1-4, BB, SB), Andrew Aplin (1-5), Matt Duffy (2-4), Leo Heras (1-3, 2B), Tyler Heineman (1-4, 2B), Jio Meir (1-4) and Telvin Nash (1-3, BB).
MoTM: Nolan Fontana, for his clutchiness.
Lancaster (27-21)
Lancaster lost to a strong (31-17) Bakersfield team by a score of 8-2. Not close for the whole game, really, with Bakersfield scoring 2 in the first, 3 in the fourth, 1 in the sixth, and 2 in the seventh. Lancaster had a pair of 1-run innings.
Mound: Kent Emmanuel started, and struggled, going 5, allowing 7 hits, giving up 5R/ER, and striking out 4. Tyson Perez relieved and also struggled (2IP, 5H, 3R/ER, 2BB, 2K). Jamaine Cotton threw the eighth, giving up a hit. His ERA for the season sits at 1.17.
Plate: Not much happening tonight at the plate, aside from an Anthony Kemp and Rio Ruiz home runs (both 1-4). Carlos Correa and Bobby Borchering went 1-3, BB and Dan Gulbransen went 1-2, 2BB. That was the sum total of the base runners.
MoTM: Kemp isn't just short. He has a hit tool (.353 average) with some pop (.508 SLG, 12x2B, 4X3B, 3HR). Fast too - 19 SB versus 5 CS. Diminutive second basemen are the new market inefficiency.
Quad Cities (22-23)
Quad Cities, perhaps buoyed by the news that they are the owners of the fourth most awesome minor league cap, won the series opener against the Ceder Rapids Kernels by a score of 11-6. A 6-run third and 3-run fourth meant that the River Bandits built a handy advantage. The 6-run third was the highest scoring single River Bandit inning for 2014.
Mound: Chris Lee started, and was solid enough given the events of the game. His line: 5IP, 5H, 4R, 2ER, 2BB, 5K. His ERA sits at 2.77 for the year, but his FIP is nearly a run higher, mostly due to a BB/9 which is more than 5. Andrew Thurman relieved, and pitched 3IP, giving up 2H, 2R/ER, 2BB, but striking out 5. Frederick Tiburcio allowed 1 hit and struck out one in a scoreless ninth.
Plate: The six-run third went thusly (with one out): single-bunt single-double steal-2R double-double-single-HR. The fourth inning was remarkable for 2 doubles, a triple and an RBI single, in that order.
The top six of the order all recorded 2 hits (Ramsay - 2-5, 2B; Moon - 2-5, 2B; Philips 2-4, 3B; Gregor 2-5, 2B; White 2-3, 2B; Holberton 2-4) while the bottom 3 all recorded one hit (Mitchell 1-3, HR, 4RBI; Rodriguez 1-3, BB; Lindauer 1-4).
But the big hit was Robbie Mitchell's hit, earning him...
MoTM: Ronnie Mitchell.
Despite the 17-run game, it was over in less than 3 hours.
Thanks for reading.
Summary:
* Affiliates go 2-2 on the day, combined record 100-87. Boom. The Astros hit 100 wins. Just not at the major league level.
* Oklahoma City were the architects of a sloppy extra-inning loss to the Zephyrs.
* Corpus won their third in a row, against Arkansas.
* Lancaster lost on the road, and it wasn't especially close.
* Quad Cities record a solid win in a high-scoring affair.
Oklahoma City (26-22)
Oklahoma
Mound: This game was notable for three good pitching performances. Nick Tropeano started and pitched 6.2 scoreless, giving up three hits, walking two and striking out eight. Kevin Chapman relieved and retired the only batter he faced, stranding the runner. Then, possibly-soon-to-be-seen-in-the-Houston-pen Alex White pitched a perfect 7th. Rhiner Cruz wore the loss, with 1.1IP, giving up 3 hits and two walks, and striking out one. He gave up three runs, one earned.
Plate: Robbie Grossman was the standout performer, going 3-5 with a double, and scoring a run. Jon Singleton (1-4), Max Stassi (1-4, 2B), Enrique Hernandez (1-5), Gregorio Petit (1-4), Andy Simunic (1-3, BB) and Carlos Perez (1-4) all recorded hits.
MoTM: Trop, with 6.1 strong, lowered his ERA to 2.53. Possibly coming soon to a Major-League rotation near you, depending on health and effectiveness of both the current crop, and of Nick himself.
Corpus Christi (25-21)
Corpus engineered a 3-run top-of-the-seventh to beat the Arkansas Travellers (21-24) by a score of 3-1. In doing so, they recorded their third win in a row and their sixth win in their last eight.
Mound: Kyle Smith started, and was solid-solid. His line: 6IP, 4H, 1R/ER, 1BB, 5K. He gave up a run in the first after a leadoff double, but dominated most of the rest of the time. Pat Urckfitz pitched two, giving up 2H, but striking out 3. Michael Dimock earned the save (1IP, H, K)
Plate: Nolan Fontana (1-4), BB) had the clutch hit - a two-out, two-run double in the seventh. Also recording hits: Delino DeSheilds (1-4, BB, SB), Andrew Aplin (1-5), Matt Duffy (2-4), Leo Heras (1-3, 2B), Tyler Heineman (1-4, 2B), Jio Meir (1-4) and Telvin Nash (1-3, BB).
MoTM: Nolan Fontana, for his clutchiness.
Lancaster (27-21)
Lancaster lost to a strong (31-17) Bakersfield team by a score of 8-2. Not close for the whole game, really, with Bakersfield scoring 2 in the first, 3 in the fourth, 1 in the sixth, and 2 in the seventh. Lancaster had a pair of 1-run innings.
Mound: Kent Emmanuel started, and struggled, going 5, allowing 7 hits, giving up 5R/ER, and striking out 4. Tyson Perez relieved and also struggled (2IP, 5H, 3R/ER, 2BB, 2K). Jamaine Cotton threw the eighth, giving up a hit. His ERA for the season sits at 1.17.
Plate: Not much happening tonight at the plate, aside from an Anthony Kemp and Rio Ruiz home runs (both 1-4). Carlos Correa and Bobby Borchering went 1-3, BB and Dan Gulbransen went 1-2, 2BB. That was the sum total of the base runners.
MoTM: Kemp isn't just short. He has a hit tool (.353 average) with some pop (.508 SLG, 12x2B, 4X3B, 3HR). Fast too - 19 SB versus 5 CS. Diminutive second basemen are the new market inefficiency.
Quad Cities (22-23)
Quad Cities, perhaps buoyed by the news that they are the owners of the fourth most awesome minor league cap, won the series opener against the Ceder Rapids Kernels by a score of 11-6. A 6-run third and 3-run fourth meant that the River Bandits built a handy advantage. The 6-run third was the highest scoring single River Bandit inning for 2014.
Mound: Chris Lee started, and was solid enough given the events of the game. His line: 5IP, 5H, 4R, 2ER, 2BB, 5K. His ERA sits at 2.77 for the year, but his FIP is nearly a run higher, mostly due to a BB/9 which is more than 5. Andrew Thurman relieved, and pitched 3IP, giving up 2H, 2R/ER, 2BB, but striking out 5. Frederick Tiburcio allowed 1 hit and struck out one in a scoreless ninth.
Plate: The six-run third went thusly (with one out): single-bunt single-double steal-2R double-double-single-HR. The fourth inning was remarkable for 2 doubles, a triple and an RBI single, in that order.
The top six of the order all recorded 2 hits (Ramsay - 2-5, 2B; Moon - 2-5, 2B; Philips 2-4, 3B; Gregor 2-5, 2B; White 2-3, 2B; Holberton 2-4) while the bottom 3 all recorded one hit (Mitchell 1-3, HR, 4RBI; Rodriguez 1-3, BB; Lindauer 1-4).
But the big hit was Robbie Mitchell's hit, earning him...
MoTM: Ronnie Mitchell.
Despite the 17-run game, it was over in less than 3 hours.
Thanks for reading.
Thursday, May 22, 2014
Thursday Morning Hot Links
#Win the #Watercooler and #Rovell your #Brand with these hot links for Thursday morning.
*George Springer got hit in the butt with a pickoff throw, kicked in the face by Albert Pujols, picked off first, and strained his hip flexor...all in a matter of seconds. Springer says he's fine, and he's not going to have an MRI.
*Alex White is still projected as a starter, but he's going to come out of the bullpen in 2014 with the idea that it's the fastest way to get on the 25-Man, and he could be added once his rehab stint is over.
*Brent Strom wants to see more intensity from Scott Feldman's curveball.
*Down on Weiland Island, Mark Appel hit 98mph. He'll make one more start in Extended Spring Training, and then "probably" return to Lancaster. Luhnow also thinks that Jesse Crain will be able to pitch this season.
*John Royal breaks down why CSN Houston is doomed.
*Here's a good profile on Quad Cities' Jon Kemmer.
*George Springer got hit in the butt with a pickoff throw, kicked in the face by Albert Pujols, picked off first, and strained his hip flexor...all in a matter of seconds. Springer says he's fine, and he's not going to have an MRI.
*Alex White is still projected as a starter, but he's going to come out of the bullpen in 2014 with the idea that it's the fastest way to get on the 25-Man, and he could be added once his rehab stint is over.
*Brent Strom wants to see more intensity from Scott Feldman's curveball.
*Down on Weiland Island, Mark Appel hit 98mph. He'll make one more start in Extended Spring Training, and then "probably" return to Lancaster. Luhnow also thinks that Jesse Crain will be able to pitch this season.
*John Royal breaks down why CSN Houston is doomed.
*Here's a good profile on Quad Cities' Jon Kemmer.
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Wednesday Morning Hot Links
Here's what you need to promote your #brand and increase your #watercooler #knowledge
"If I throw strikes, I'm good. If I don't, I'm not very good. I'd rather throw strikes and be good." - Dallas Keuchel.
*Jose Cisnero will undergo season-ending Tommy John surgery. Meanwhile, Jesse Crain is still on Weiland Island, and Matt Albers is still a couple of weeks away from returning. Asher Wojciechowski and Alex White will be going on rehab assignments in the next couple of weeks, and Mark Appel will rejoin an affiliate "in the next couple of weeks."
*Be sure to read the recap of Lancaster's combined no-hitter over Bakersfield from last night. Josh Hader missed J.D. Osborne's section of the game because he was working out.
*The Astros and Nationals continue to talk to Palm Beach County about sharing a Spring Training site.
*Collin McHugh updated his blog.
*Be sure to check out the Astros County Roundtable.
*No, you're not any closer to seeing CSN Houston on DirecTV.
*Dirk Hayhurst has an excellent piece about life in the minors.
*2011 11th Round pick Justin Gominsky has asked for his release from the Astros, and will play for the Gary RailCats. Gominsky played five games for the Astros in 2014 after missing all of 2013.
*Random: 2001 22nd Round pick Justin Humphries is the executive director of an investment firm for athletes and business leaders. Humphries pitched for the Astros organization from 2001-2005, with his best season coming in 2003, when he hit .269/.376/.467 for Lexington.
"If I throw strikes, I'm good. If I don't, I'm not very good. I'd rather throw strikes and be good." - Dallas Keuchel.
*Jose Cisnero will undergo season-ending Tommy John surgery. Meanwhile, Jesse Crain is still on Weiland Island, and Matt Albers is still a couple of weeks away from returning. Asher Wojciechowski and Alex White will be going on rehab assignments in the next couple of weeks, and Mark Appel will rejoin an affiliate "in the next couple of weeks."
*Be sure to read the recap of Lancaster's combined no-hitter over Bakersfield from last night. Josh Hader missed J.D. Osborne's section of the game because he was working out.
*The Astros and Nationals continue to talk to Palm Beach County about sharing a Spring Training site.
*Collin McHugh updated his blog.
*Be sure to check out the Astros County Roundtable.
*No, you're not any closer to seeing CSN Houston on DirecTV.
*Dirk Hayhurst has an excellent piece about life in the minors.
*2011 11th Round pick Justin Gominsky has asked for his release from the Astros, and will play for the Gary RailCats. Gominsky played five games for the Astros in 2014 after missing all of 2013.
*Random: 2001 22nd Round pick Justin Humphries is the executive director of an investment firm for athletes and business leaders. Humphries pitched for the Astros organization from 2001-2005, with his best season coming in 2003, when he hit .269/.376/.467 for Lexington.
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Wednesday Morning Hot Links
What you knead to no:
*Brian McTaggart got a raven from Weiland Island before last night's blues implosion. Scott Feldman is expected to rejoin the rotation this weekend as his DL time expires on Saturday; Alex White's velocity is back to where it was before his injury and could go on a rehab assignment soon; Asher Wojciechowski threw a live BP session; Jesse Crain threw off flat ground; and Delino DeShields is taking live BP and rehabbing while Corpus is on a road trip.
*OKC is moving out of the tandem pitching system and into a six-man rotation due to fatigue, the trade of Lucas Harrell, and the promotion of Collin McHugh. The Astros did this last year at OKC, when everyone sucked or got injured, and they had to abandon the piggyback. Luhnow did say that, as soon as they get eight starting pitchers at OKC, they'll go back to it. That said, it also shows me that McHugh may be staying up in Houston for a while (not like he hasn't earned it).
*Two draft pieces to read over: Jim Callis thinks the Astros may be leaning toward Brady Aiken or Tyler Kolek with the 1-1 pick though the Astros have narrowed their choices down to seven players (the others seem to include Carlos Rodon, Jeff Hoffman, Alex Jackson, and Aaron Nola). Jonathan Mayo says that Rodon has started to "right the ship" (striking out 15 Georgia Tech hitters will do that), while Hoffman is in a "holding pattern" after being shutdown with shoulder soreness. Mayo polled nine scouting directors on who they would take with the 1-1 pick, and only one picked Rodon - Aiken and Kolek each got four votes; Aiken because he's apparently smart ("mound intelligence" as Mayo puts it, which is a little too NSFW if you ask me) and Kolek because he's a Texas boy. We'll have a The Case For... series next month.
*Quinton McCracken says that Jon Singleton has the chance to be a "perennial All-Star" in the Majors. "The bottom line is, when he shows the organization he's ready to play consistently at the next level, and the opportunity presents itself, he will get his opportunity."
*Straight Outta 2006: Roger Clemens and Brian McNamee were back in court.
*Anthony Rendon's return to Houston was nice.
*Brian McTaggart got a raven from Weiland Island before last night's blues implosion. Scott Feldman is expected to rejoin the rotation this weekend as his DL time expires on Saturday; Alex White's velocity is back to where it was before his injury and could go on a rehab assignment soon; Asher Wojciechowski threw a live BP session; Jesse Crain threw off flat ground; and Delino DeShields is taking live BP and rehabbing while Corpus is on a road trip.
*OKC is moving out of the tandem pitching system and into a six-man rotation due to fatigue, the trade of Lucas Harrell, and the promotion of Collin McHugh. The Astros did this last year at OKC, when everyone sucked or got injured, and they had to abandon the piggyback. Luhnow did say that, as soon as they get eight starting pitchers at OKC, they'll go back to it. That said, it also shows me that McHugh may be staying up in Houston for a while (not like he hasn't earned it).
*Two draft pieces to read over: Jim Callis thinks the Astros may be leaning toward Brady Aiken or Tyler Kolek with the 1-1 pick though the Astros have narrowed their choices down to seven players (the others seem to include Carlos Rodon, Jeff Hoffman, Alex Jackson, and Aaron Nola). Jonathan Mayo says that Rodon has started to "right the ship" (striking out 15 Georgia Tech hitters will do that), while Hoffman is in a "holding pattern" after being shutdown with shoulder soreness. Mayo polled nine scouting directors on who they would take with the 1-1 pick, and only one picked Rodon - Aiken and Kolek each got four votes; Aiken because he's apparently smart ("mound intelligence" as Mayo puts it, which is a little too NSFW if you ask me) and Kolek because he's a Texas boy. We'll have a The Case For... series next month.
*Quinton McCracken says that Jon Singleton has the chance to be a "perennial All-Star" in the Majors. "The bottom line is, when he shows the organization he's ready to play consistently at the next level, and the opportunity presents itself, he will get his opportunity."
*Straight Outta 2006: Roger Clemens and Brian McNamee were back in court.
*Anthony Rendon's return to Houston was nice.
Monday, February 17, 2014
Meat Wagon update
Evan Drellich has some Meat Wagon updates for you on this terribly boring afternoon.
*Mark Appel is recovering from his emergency appendectomy and could throw a bullpen this week.
*Asher Wojciechowski has a right lat strain. An MRI showed that there was some fluid and he won't throw for a few days.
*Alex White got up to 30 pitches to live batters in his Tommy John recovery, and will add breaking balls to the sessions next week.
*Mark Appel is recovering from his emergency appendectomy and could throw a bullpen this week.
*Asher Wojciechowski has a right lat strain. An MRI showed that there was some fluid and he won't throw for a few days.
*Alex White got up to 30 pitches to live batters in his Tommy John recovery, and will add breaking balls to the sessions next week.
Sunday, January 19, 2014
HAWT ASTORS TAKEZ
Okay, so with a cracked rib to go along with the flu, bronchitis, and the beginning stages of pneumonia, the Astros were pretty low on my list of things of which I was thinking last week. So I didn't post much, mainly because sitting up was extremely hard until everything started kicking in. But I did try to keep up - a little bit - on Twitter. So here are the big stories from last week, along with a HAWT TAKE.
*The Astros do not appear to be one of five teams reported to have made an offer for Masahiro Tanaka, but we do know (think) the Astros met with Tanaka's agent, Casey Close. The New York Daily News said the Yankees (who have money available thanks to A-Rod) and Dodgers (who are just printing money, apparently) have made equal offers. The Diamondbacks apparently offered 6yrs/$120m, and the White Sox and Cubs are in with 6yrs/$100m+ offers, as well.
HAWT TAKE: I had a dream two nights ago that the Astros signed Tanaka, and you should have just seen my beaming, sweating, grey face. It was adorable. I swear, those few minutes before I realized it was just a dream advanced my recovery by at least 24 hours. Then I found out they hadn't, and went to bed for another six hours.
*As Cockroach graciously reminded you last week, the Astros and Jason Castro avoided arbitration with a 1-year $2.45m deal, and they did the same with Jesus Guzman for around $1.3m. Chris Cotillo is reporting via a source that the Astros and Castro have not yet begun negotiations on a long-term contract.
HAWT TAKE: So what? Castro has had one decent year, one good year, and is under team control for two more seasons. Why not see how 2014 goes, and reopen negotiations if it looks like 2014 is sustainable?
*Jon Singleton is still MLB.com's #1 1B prospect heading into 2014.
HAWT TAKE: This may say more about 1B prospects across the league, but Jon Homerton will ride again. He'll likely need to tear the cover off the ball this Spring in order to make the OD2014 roster to jump Wallace, Krauss, and Guzman. And remember, Homerton has less than 300 PAs at Triple-A.
*Alex White had Tommy John surgery last April, began throwing in August, and is expected to be able to participate in Spring Training with no restrictions.
HAWT TAKE: Luhnow plans on White being a part of the Astros in 2014, and it's easy to forget that White made the team out of Spring Training last year before the TJ surgery. It's also easy to forget that Rudy Owens had an outside shot at a roster spot, as well, before the foot isssue.
*Evan Drellich throws out what we know in our brains, but our hearts don't want to agree: The timing of Springer's debut is more important than our fandom. Why? Straight cash homey.
HAWT TAKE: Of course the Astros will want to avoid an extra year of arbitration with Springer, or risk losing him to free agency a year early. Those two factors will outweigh whether or not the Astros are five games under .500 or ten games under .500 when the projected Super Two cutoff will land. (Doesn't mean it won't hurt, though.)
*Way late on this one, but the Astros are moving the Community Leaders signs!
HAWT TAKE: Good.
*The Astros do not appear to be one of five teams reported to have made an offer for Masahiro Tanaka, but we do know (think) the Astros met with Tanaka's agent, Casey Close. The New York Daily News said the Yankees (who have money available thanks to A-Rod) and Dodgers (who are just printing money, apparently) have made equal offers. The Diamondbacks apparently offered 6yrs/$120m, and the White Sox and Cubs are in with 6yrs/$100m+ offers, as well.
HAWT TAKE: I had a dream two nights ago that the Astros signed Tanaka, and you should have just seen my beaming, sweating, grey face. It was adorable. I swear, those few minutes before I realized it was just a dream advanced my recovery by at least 24 hours. Then I found out they hadn't, and went to bed for another six hours.
*As Cockroach graciously reminded you last week, the Astros and Jason Castro avoided arbitration with a 1-year $2.45m deal, and they did the same with Jesus Guzman for around $1.3m. Chris Cotillo is reporting via a source that the Astros and Castro have not yet begun negotiations on a long-term contract.
HAWT TAKE: So what? Castro has had one decent year, one good year, and is under team control for two more seasons. Why not see how 2014 goes, and reopen negotiations if it looks like 2014 is sustainable?
*Jon Singleton is still MLB.com's #1 1B prospect heading into 2014.
HAWT TAKE: This may say more about 1B prospects across the league, but Jon Homerton will ride again. He'll likely need to tear the cover off the ball this Spring in order to make the OD2014 roster to jump Wallace, Krauss, and Guzman. And remember, Homerton has less than 300 PAs at Triple-A.
*Alex White had Tommy John surgery last April, began throwing in August, and is expected to be able to participate in Spring Training with no restrictions.
HAWT TAKE: Luhnow plans on White being a part of the Astros in 2014, and it's easy to forget that White made the team out of Spring Training last year before the TJ surgery. It's also easy to forget that Rudy Owens had an outside shot at a roster spot, as well, before the foot isssue.
*Evan Drellich throws out what we know in our brains, but our hearts don't want to agree: The timing of Springer's debut is more important than our fandom. Why? Straight cash homey.
HAWT TAKE: Of course the Astros will want to avoid an extra year of arbitration with Springer, or risk losing him to free agency a year early. Those two factors will outweigh whether or not the Astros are five games under .500 or ten games under .500 when the projected Super Two cutoff will land. (Doesn't mean it won't hurt, though.)
*Way late on this one, but the Astros are moving the Community Leaders signs!
HAWT TAKE: Good.
Monday, December 9, 2013
Winter Meetings Day 1 running post
We'll be keeping track of events of some importance at the Winter Meetings here...
6:12pm: For whatever reason, the Chronicle decided to ask Ron Washington what he thought about the Astros. He likes Bo Porter, and he likes Scott Feldman. Also, Jeff Luhnow and the Astros promised their new acquisitions that they wouldn't become immediate trade bait.
6:05pm: If you saw What The Heck Bobby's cumulative Winter Ball stats, you would see that Jon Singleton is hitting .283/.405/.565. That doesn't mean that the Astros aren't willing to *try* to upgrade at 1B - even with "Chris Carter" and "Brett Wallace" on the 40-Man.
5:31pm: Jayson Stark says the Astros are looking for a reliever who might be able to close. Among them? Jose Veras.
4:57pm: Apparently Lucas Harrell is drawing some trade interest.
4:14pm: Three execs talked to Buster Olney, all of whom guessed David Price would end up in Seattle.
4:09pm: Jonathan Mayo has a Rule 5 preview
3:00pm: Astros officially announce the release of Eric Thames
2:00pm: Alex White is throwing off the mound in Kissimmee and is on track to begin Spring Training healthy.
1:30pm: One GM says Chris Sale isn't really on the market.
12:51pm: According to McTaggart, the Astros will "take a flier" on a Rule 5 pick
11:58am: The White Sox would want a package better than what David Price will get to trade Chris Sale.
11:56am: The Phillies are shopping Domonic Brown. (Brown hit .272/.324/.494 with 97K in 540 PAs in 2013).
11:10am: Angels outfielder Mark Trumbo is "in play."
10:18am: Lancaster GM Derek Sharp was named the California League Executive of the Year
10:12am: White Sox pitcher Chris Sale is available for a ridiculous package of players in return.
10:03am: Astros announce they have hired Tom Koch-Weser as Coordinator of Advance Information, and will be responsible for advanced scouting, with an emphasis on video. Koch-Weser has written for Yahoo Sports as well as the blog for STATS.
9:56am: Roy Halladay is retiring.
9:10am: Joe Torre, Wife-beatin' Bobby Cox, and Drunk Drivin' Tony LaRussa have been unanimously elected by the Veterans' Committee to the Hall of Fame.
8:10am: Rakuten's president may not post Masahiro Tanaka this season.
7:19am: Matt Kemp's agent will be surprised if he isn't traded this off-season.
6:11am: Jon Heyman says Reid Ryan is a nice guy. (Ed. Note: Today needs to get going.)
Brian McTaggart: Luhnow looking at another reliver and a bat this week.
Evan Drellich: Astros preparing for Thursday's Rule 5 draft.
6:12pm: For whatever reason, the Chronicle decided to ask Ron Washington what he thought about the Astros. He likes Bo Porter, and he likes Scott Feldman. Also, Jeff Luhnow and the Astros promised their new acquisitions that they wouldn't become immediate trade bait.
6:05pm: If you saw What The Heck Bobby's cumulative Winter Ball stats, you would see that Jon Singleton is hitting .283/.405/.565. That doesn't mean that the Astros aren't willing to *try* to upgrade at 1B - even with "Chris Carter" and "Brett Wallace" on the 40-Man.
5:31pm: Jayson Stark says the Astros are looking for a reliever who might be able to close. Among them? Jose Veras.
4:57pm: Apparently Lucas Harrell is drawing some trade interest.
4:14pm: Three execs talked to Buster Olney, all of whom guessed David Price would end up in Seattle.
4:09pm: Jonathan Mayo has a Rule 5 preview
3:00pm: Astros officially announce the release of Eric Thames
2:00pm: Alex White is throwing off the mound in Kissimmee and is on track to begin Spring Training healthy.
1:30pm: One GM says Chris Sale isn't really on the market.
12:51pm: According to McTaggart, the Astros will "take a flier" on a Rule 5 pick
11:58am: The White Sox would want a package better than what David Price will get to trade Chris Sale.
11:56am: The Phillies are shopping Domonic Brown. (Brown hit .272/.324/.494 with 97K in 540 PAs in 2013).
11:10am: Angels outfielder Mark Trumbo is "in play."
10:18am: Lancaster GM Derek Sharp was named the California League Executive of the Year
10:12am: White Sox pitcher Chris Sale is available for a ridiculous package of players in return.
10:03am: Astros announce they have hired Tom Koch-Weser as Coordinator of Advance Information, and will be responsible for advanced scouting, with an emphasis on video. Koch-Weser has written for Yahoo Sports as well as the blog for STATS.
9:56am: Roy Halladay is retiring.
9:10am: Joe Torre, Wife-beatin' Bobby Cox, and Drunk Drivin' Tony LaRussa have been unanimously elected by the Veterans' Committee to the Hall of Fame.
8:10am: Rakuten's president may not post Masahiro Tanaka this season.
7:19am: Matt Kemp's agent will be surprised if he isn't traded this off-season.
6:11am: Jon Heyman says Reid Ryan is a nice guy. (Ed. Note: Today needs to get going.)
Brian McTaggart: Luhnow looking at another reliver and a bat this week.
Evan Drellich: Astros preparing for Thursday's Rule 5 draft.
Friday, April 5, 2013
Astros announce corresponding roster move
The Astros have designated Edgar Gonzalez for assignment in the wake of the Travis Blackley trade, meaning that Rhiner Cruz will have further opportunities to terrify opposing batters as they have no idea where the ball is going (if only because Rhiner Cruz has no idea where the ball is going, but it's going hard).
And in the linked piece, we also find that Alex White is in fact going to have Tommy John surgery. I defer to my Neighborhood Doctor over at the Crawfish Boxes, Subber10, and their piece on White's injury/recovery. That's what I get for studying history, not being able to comment intelligently on injuries.
See you at the end of 2014, Alex White.
And in the linked piece, we also find that Alex White is in fact going to have Tommy John surgery. I defer to my Neighborhood Doctor over at the Crawfish Boxes, Subber10, and their piece on White's injury/recovery. That's what I get for studying history, not being able to comment intelligently on injuries.
See you at the end of 2014, Alex White.
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Alex White might have Tommy John surgery
Brian Smith tweeted this morning that, while nothing has been determined, Alex White is starting to accept that he'll need Tommy John surgery.
Saturday, March 30, 2013
Alex White to DL, likely to never be heard from again
Alex White has apparently always dealt with minor triceps tendinitis, but when he was informed that his four-seam fastball was only hitting 86mph, he was alarmed. That alarm, as it turns out, was warranted as he had an MRI this morning and the results mean that he has been transferred from the 25-man roster to the 60-Day DL.
This means that we will never hear anything about Alex White again. He has been Kyle Weilanded. Remember Kyle Weiland? He was acquired in the Mark Melancon trade (Which I still cannot believe actually happened), made three starts in 2012, and then was literally never heard from again. Kyle Weiland is the pitcher equivalent of being sent to a farm in Connecticut, so he could run and play.
This is what will happen to Alex White. Light a candle, pour one out, whatever your heart desires.
Edgar Gonzalez has been called up to replace him.
Also, Fernando Martinez has been put on the DL, with J.D. Martinez replacing him on the roster.
This means that we will never hear anything about Alex White again. He has been Kyle Weilanded. Remember Kyle Weiland? He was acquired in the Mark Melancon trade (Which I still cannot believe actually happened), made three starts in 2012, and then was literally never heard from again. Kyle Weiland is the pitcher equivalent of being sent to a farm in Connecticut, so he could run and play.
This is what will happen to Alex White. Light a candle, pour one out, whatever your heart desires.
Edgar Gonzalez has been called up to replace him.
Also, Fernando Martinez has been put on the DL, with J.D. Martinez replacing him on the roster.
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Brad Peacock is your SP4
My goodness, it's almost like we called it two weeks ago. Here is your rotation, with the final piece set this morning:
SP1: Bud Norris
SP2: Lucas Harrell
SP3: Phil Humber
SP4: Brad Peacock
SP5: Erik Bedard
Alex White has been moved to the bullpen and will likely appear in long relief and probably make spot starts, as well.
The bullpen? Well, Hector Ambriz, Rhiner Cruz and Josh Fields have made the Opening Day roster while Edgar Gonzalez has been sent to OKC. So the bullpen likely looks like this:
Hector Ambriz
Xavier Cedeno
Rhiner Cruz
Josh Fields
Jose Veras
Alex White
Wesley Wright
SP1: Bud Norris
SP2: Lucas Harrell
SP3: Phil Humber
SP4: Brad Peacock
SP5: Erik Bedard
Alex White has been moved to the bullpen and will likely appear in long relief and probably make spot starts, as well.
The bullpen? Well, Hector Ambriz, Rhiner Cruz and Josh Fields have made the Opening Day roster while Edgar Gonzalez has been sent to OKC. So the bullpen likely looks like this:
Hector Ambriz
Xavier Cedeno
Rhiner Cruz
Josh Fields
Jose Veras
Alex White
Wesley Wright
Saturday, March 16, 2013
Breaking down the starting rotation
Lucas Harrell and Bud Norris are in. That much we know. SP 3-5? We don't know so much.
Here are your candidates:
Jordan Lyles
Good God his Spring Training has been rough - and while you don't typically put much stock in Spring Training starts (for reasons previously explained), Lyles' 19.13 ERA/3.38 WHIP is not encouraging. In 8IP this spring Lyles has allowed 26H/17ER. He's only walked one batter, so the issue seems to be that all the batters know what he's doing, all the time. Lyles also has options left, so he wouldn't have to pass through waivers.
Alex White
White is one of three pitchers (as of 10:15am on March 16) to throw 10+ IP, and he's allowed 17H/8ER in his 10.1IP. Opponents are hitting .362 against him thus far, and he has a 2.03 WHIP. That said, in his last start against the Nationals on Thursday, White threw 4IP, 7H/2ER, 1K, and Jason Castro raved about the late life in his sinker.
Phil Humber
Has thrown exceptionally well. With a team-high 14IP, Humber has only allowed 5H/2ER, with 7K:4BB. On Monday, he threw 5IP, 1H/0ER, with 3Ks. Humber is also out of options, meaning if the Astros were to send him to OKC, he'd have to go through waivers first and I think his spring has been strong enough that there's no way he doesn't get claimed. I'm putting Humber in the rotation.
Brad Peacock
Peacock has really come along, pitching very well in his last start - allowing 4H/1ER, 5K:4BB in 5IP. 54 of his 80 pitches were for strikes. Porter was extremely complimentary, throwing his breaking ball for strikes when behind in the count.
Erik Bedard
Bedard has been limited this spring, only throwing 3IP thanks to his strained Bedardadonk. He threw an inning on Wednesday and will throw again on Sunday. There are two sides to this one: not throwing means he might actually stay healthy longer, or he could get edged out simply because the Astros haven't seen enough of him in game action. Bedard addressed this possibility after his appearance on Wednesday, but Porter likened him to Jamie Moyer - using craft and deception to get through his outing - and made special mention of hoping that the young pitchers (which narrows it down to "Everybody Else") were paying attention to how he worked. Could get a spot simply as a matter of Veteranism.
Dallas Keuchel
Another tough one, simply because he has options left and hasn't had a great Spring, throwing 7IP and allowing 7ER. That said, he's really the only LHP option out of this whole group. Out of every pitcher the Astros currently have in camp, he's one of two lefties (Bedard) to be a candidate.
John Ely
John Ely is a distinguished member of the double-digit ERA club, joining Jordan Lyles thanks to his 10.13 ERA. He also has options left, so he might just find himself back in the Pacific Coast League to start the season, with a go-bag packed to join the Astros.
So there you have it. How do you fashion a rotation out of that? If we're going based on Spring Training results alone (dangerous), your rotation might look like this:
1. Norris
2. Harrell
3. Humber
4. Peacock
5. Keuchel (lefty).
The other question is, where the heck is Luhnow going to put the guys he sends down? OKC's rotation could be jammed up, as well. Rotation candidates for the RedHawks include Jarred Cosart, Rudy Owens, Ross Seaton, Brett Oberholtzer, Jose Cisnero, Paul Clemens (who may actually move to the bullpen for Houston), and Asher Wojciechowski.
Allow me to do the math for you: We've looked at seven pitchers for three spots, leaving four guys who aren't going to make the Astros' rotation. If Bedard doesn't make the rotation, he'll probably just be released, which would leave three starting pitchers heading down to OKC, where there are six guys already there to challenge for a rotation spot.
Update: The commenter below is correct (and I can't find the link right now): Luhnow did say at some point this off-season that OKC will proceed with two starting pitchers per game.
I do think Humber is a lock for the rotation. So who do you pick for SPs 4/5?
Here are your candidates:
Jordan Lyles
Good God his Spring Training has been rough - and while you don't typically put much stock in Spring Training starts (for reasons previously explained), Lyles' 19.13 ERA/3.38 WHIP is not encouraging. In 8IP this spring Lyles has allowed 26H/17ER. He's only walked one batter, so the issue seems to be that all the batters know what he's doing, all the time. Lyles also has options left, so he wouldn't have to pass through waivers.
Alex White
White is one of three pitchers (as of 10:15am on March 16) to throw 10+ IP, and he's allowed 17H/8ER in his 10.1IP. Opponents are hitting .362 against him thus far, and he has a 2.03 WHIP. That said, in his last start against the Nationals on Thursday, White threw 4IP, 7H/2ER, 1K, and Jason Castro raved about the late life in his sinker.
Phil Humber
Has thrown exceptionally well. With a team-high 14IP, Humber has only allowed 5H/2ER, with 7K:4BB. On Monday, he threw 5IP, 1H/0ER, with 3Ks. Humber is also out of options, meaning if the Astros were to send him to OKC, he'd have to go through waivers first and I think his spring has been strong enough that there's no way he doesn't get claimed. I'm putting Humber in the rotation.
Brad Peacock
Peacock has really come along, pitching very well in his last start - allowing 4H/1ER, 5K:4BB in 5IP. 54 of his 80 pitches were for strikes. Porter was extremely complimentary, throwing his breaking ball for strikes when behind in the count.
Erik Bedard
Bedard has been limited this spring, only throwing 3IP thanks to his strained Bedardadonk. He threw an inning on Wednesday and will throw again on Sunday. There are two sides to this one: not throwing means he might actually stay healthy longer, or he could get edged out simply because the Astros haven't seen enough of him in game action. Bedard addressed this possibility after his appearance on Wednesday, but Porter likened him to Jamie Moyer - using craft and deception to get through his outing - and made special mention of hoping that the young pitchers (which narrows it down to "Everybody Else") were paying attention to how he worked. Could get a spot simply as a matter of Veteranism.
Dallas Keuchel
Another tough one, simply because he has options left and hasn't had a great Spring, throwing 7IP and allowing 7ER. That said, he's really the only LHP option out of this whole group. Out of every pitcher the Astros currently have in camp, he's one of two lefties (Bedard) to be a candidate.
John Ely
John Ely is a distinguished member of the double-digit ERA club, joining Jordan Lyles thanks to his 10.13 ERA. He also has options left, so he might just find himself back in the Pacific Coast League to start the season, with a go-bag packed to join the Astros.
So there you have it. How do you fashion a rotation out of that? If we're going based on Spring Training results alone (dangerous), your rotation might look like this:
1. Norris
2. Harrell
3. Humber
4. Peacock
5. Keuchel (lefty).
The other question is, where the heck is Luhnow going to put the guys he sends down? OKC's rotation could be jammed up, as well. Rotation candidates for the RedHawks include Jarred Cosart, Rudy Owens, Ross Seaton, Brett Oberholtzer, Jose Cisnero, Paul Clemens (who may actually move to the bullpen for Houston), and Asher Wojciechowski.
Allow me to do the math for you: We've looked at seven pitchers for three spots, leaving four guys who aren't going to make the Astros' rotation. If Bedard doesn't make the rotation, he'll probably just be released, which would leave three starting pitchers heading down to OKC, where there are six guys already there to challenge for a rotation spot.
Update: The commenter below is correct (and I can't find the link right now): Luhnow did say at some point this off-season that OKC will proceed with two starting pitchers per game.
I do think Humber is a lock for the rotation. So who do you pick for SPs 4/5?
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
In Defense of the Lopez Deal
The Wilton Lopez deal has come under some scrutiny, questioning the return for the Astros closer. I am not a scout, and don't have a feel for how Alex White will do outside of Coors Field, but I do believe that these are the kinds of deals that the Astros have to make right now. If we have any trust in the Astros scouting and player development side, which I do, I think we have to accept that this deal has the potential to help.
The thing about relievers is they are the most fungible assets a team has. A shutdown closer is a luxury for any team, and an unnecessary one for a rebuilding team. If the Astros can turn their closer into a young starting pitcher with upside, even one with question marks, I believe they have to do it. And I don't have any doubts that White has upside. His numbers were awful last year, but he was only 23 in Coors Field. His peripherals, if not his results, were better on the road. He has consistently dominated in the minors, and was a top 50 prospect as recently as 2011. Will he pan out? I have no idea, but he is in no way a lost cause.
Looking at this another way, the Astros traded 70 innings for 150 -180 innings. That has value, even if the quality of the pitching is not equivalent. In 2011, Wilton Lopez was very good, pitching 71 innings with a 2.79 era. He accumulated .5 WAR. In 2012, Alex White was horrible, pitching 98 innings with a 5.51 era. He accumulated .5 WAR. WAR is obviously not perfect, particularly when it comes to relievers, but it does demonstrate how much more valuable a starting pitcher is than a reliever. If we see even marginal improvement in White, combined with more innings, White can easily match the 1.4 WAR from Lopez's stellar 2012. (To put that in perspective, Bud Norris has 1.5 WAR last year. Can White match Norris' 2012? I sure hope so). None of this takes into account Lopez's health issues, which allegedly killed a previous deal, or the other Alex that came back in the deal.
At the end of the day, White might never live up to the high expectations he has had so recently, and this deal might be looked back on as an abject failure. But I still think that this is a deal that has to be made.
The thing about relievers is they are the most fungible assets a team has. A shutdown closer is a luxury for any team, and an unnecessary one for a rebuilding team. If the Astros can turn their closer into a young starting pitcher with upside, even one with question marks, I believe they have to do it. And I don't have any doubts that White has upside. His numbers were awful last year, but he was only 23 in Coors Field. His peripherals, if not his results, were better on the road. He has consistently dominated in the minors, and was a top 50 prospect as recently as 2011. Will he pan out? I have no idea, but he is in no way a lost cause.
Looking at this another way, the Astros traded 70 innings for 150 -180 innings. That has value, even if the quality of the pitching is not equivalent. In 2011, Wilton Lopez was very good, pitching 71 innings with a 2.79 era. He accumulated .5 WAR. In 2012, Alex White was horrible, pitching 98 innings with a 5.51 era. He accumulated .5 WAR. WAR is obviously not perfect, particularly when it comes to relievers, but it does demonstrate how much more valuable a starting pitcher is than a reliever. If we see even marginal improvement in White, combined with more innings, White can easily match the 1.4 WAR from Lopez's stellar 2012. (To put that in perspective, Bud Norris has 1.5 WAR last year. Can White match Norris' 2012? I sure hope so). None of this takes into account Lopez's health issues, which allegedly killed a previous deal, or the other Alex that came back in the deal.
At the end of the day, White might never live up to the high expectations he has had so recently, and this deal might be looked back on as an abject failure. But I still think that this is a deal that has to be made.
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Meet the Alexes
Earlier tonight, the Astros traded Wilton Lopez and a PTBNL to the Rockies for RHPs Alex White and Alex Gillingham. Who are these guys?
Alex White
Alex White is a 24-year old RHP (6'3" 215lbs), and was the Indians' 1st Round pick in 2009. He was acquired by the Rockies in the Ubaldo Jimenez deal. He's not arbitration-eligible until 2015, and won't be a free agent until 2018.
In 23 games (20 starts), White threw 98IP, allowing 114H/60ER, for a 5.51 ERA/1.68 WHIP, with 64K:51BB. His FIP was a little better, 5.23, while his xFIP was 4.72.
Ben Badler tweeted: Alex White's stock has tumbled. Perception isn't as good as reality here.
Back in March, White was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving, coming in at a .174 BAL. GM Dan O'Dowd said:
We have not seen any indication of this since we got the kid. He's been a choirboy, but he screwed up.
And everyone lived happily ever after.
Alex Gillingham
Gillingham is a 23-year old 6'3" 200lb RHP, drafted in the 11th Round of the 2011 draft by Colorado.
For Low-A Asheville in the South Atlantic League in 2012, Gillingham was 6-8 in 19 starts with a 3.66 ERA (3.43 FIP), allowing 122H/50ER in 123IP, with 83K:28BB. Gillingham allowed just five homers in all of 2012, good for a 0.4 HR/9 rate.
Alex White
Alex White is a 24-year old RHP (6'3" 215lbs), and was the Indians' 1st Round pick in 2009. He was acquired by the Rockies in the Ubaldo Jimenez deal. He's not arbitration-eligible until 2015, and won't be a free agent until 2018.
In 23 games (20 starts), White threw 98IP, allowing 114H/60ER, for a 5.51 ERA/1.68 WHIP, with 64K:51BB. His FIP was a little better, 5.23, while his xFIP was 4.72.
Ben Badler tweeted: Alex White's stock has tumbled. Perception isn't as good as reality here.
Back in March, White was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving, coming in at a .174 BAL. GM Dan O'Dowd said:
We have not seen any indication of this since we got the kid. He's been a choirboy, but he screwed up.
And everyone lived happily ever after.
Alex Gillingham
Gillingham is a 23-year old 6'3" 200lb RHP, drafted in the 11th Round of the 2011 draft by Colorado.
For Low-A Asheville in the South Atlantic League in 2012, Gillingham was 6-8 in 19 starts with a 3.66 ERA (3.43 FIP), allowing 122H/50ER in 123IP, with 83K:28BB. Gillingham allowed just five homers in all of 2012, good for a 0.4 HR/9 rate.
Wilton Lopez traded to the Rockies
A timeline of the Wilton Lopez trade to the Rockies:
10:27pm: McTaggart, quoting Luhnow, says White will be in the rotation. Luhnow says Ambriz and Cosart are possibilities for the now-vacant closer role in Houston.
10:11pm: @Rockies:
Rockies have acquired RHP Wilton Lopez and player to be named later or cash from HOU for RHPs Alex White and Alex Gillingham.
10:08pm: Troy Renck:
Rockies acquire Lopez for Alex White and a minor-league pitcher.
10:01pm: Troy Renck:
I expect Rockies to land Lopez...teams ironing out last few wrinkles.
9:53pm: Brian McTaggart:
Wilton Lopez to the Rockies. More to come.
9:26pm: Troy Renck:
Rockies would look to send two young pitchers to Houston for Lopez, a proven setup man. Parker Frazier would not be in deal.
9:11pm: Troy Renck tweets:
Rockies closing in on acquiring Wilton Lopez from Astros. Know that the Astros like AA pitcher Parker Frazier.
7:51pm: Troy Renck:
Rockies continue looking to add relief help and have talked with Astros about Wilton Lopez. If health fine, and told is OK, he'd help.
10:27pm: McTaggart, quoting Luhnow, says White will be in the rotation. Luhnow says Ambriz and Cosart are possibilities for the now-vacant closer role in Houston.
10:11pm: @Rockies:
Rockies have acquired RHP Wilton Lopez and player to be named later or cash from HOU for RHPs Alex White and Alex Gillingham.
10:08pm: Troy Renck:
Rockies acquire Lopez for Alex White and a minor-league pitcher.
10:01pm: Troy Renck:
I expect Rockies to land Lopez...teams ironing out last few wrinkles.
9:53pm: Brian McTaggart:
Wilton Lopez to the Rockies. More to come.
9:26pm: Troy Renck:
Rockies would look to send two young pitchers to Houston for Lopez, a proven setup man. Parker Frazier would not be in deal.
9:11pm: Troy Renck tweets:
Rockies closing in on acquiring Wilton Lopez from Astros. Know that the Astros like AA pitcher Parker Frazier.
7:51pm: Troy Renck:
Rockies continue looking to add relief help and have talked with Astros about Wilton Lopez. If health fine, and told is OK, he'd help.
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