Astros Depth Charts: the Corner Infield Edition

Welcome to the Corner Infield Edition of the Astros Depth Charts.  If any dedicated readers are interested in the earlier articles in this series, I can indicate that the primer can be found here, the catchers here, the middle infielders here, the CF depth chart here, and the corner outfielders here.

This article - the corner infielders - is really the one that inspired the series.  In the middle of the long, dreary offseason, I found my thoughts drifting toward the corner infield of the Astros, and wondering how the position battles would shake out.  In the vast majority of the positions already discussed, there seemed to be a relatively clear line from starter, to backup, and into the minor-leagues.  In the corner infield - a weak point for most recent Astros teams - no such clear line exists.  What there is could more accurately be described as a mishmash of roughly similar players, because they all seem to be competing on a level footing for a small number of jobs.

And about that level footing.  It isn't really level, because contract-details matter.  The particular details that matter are the various deadlines that include the late April "deadline" (to delay service time, allowing for six years of control until free agency) and the Super-Two "deadline" (three rather than four trips through arbitration, which normally falls in early- to mid-June).  After the super-two "deadline" has passed, I would expect to see most of the below mentioned players being treated as per the results of their production, with only the anticipated results related to waiver status of a player outrighted off the 40-man roster creating a possible pecking order.

The corner infield is traditionally a power-hitters haven.  The projected starters - Valbuena and Singleton - certainly fit that profile, as does top prospect A.J. Reed.  Some of the others in the mish-mash (such as Matt Duffy, Tyler White and Colin Moran) appear to project more as high OBP or contact orientated bats, which the Astros potentially could afford by virtue of the power they have at other positions.  So it will be interested to see how the profile plays out as the season progresses.

The only other point that I think needs to be made before launching into the projections is that Marwin González, who will see some time at the infield corners, has already been projected in the middle-infield edition.  Carlos Correa will likely slide across to third base at some stage of his career, but I would be surprised to see it happen in 2016.  Evan Gattis or Preston Tucker may see time at first base as well.  All of those guys have been covered in previous instalments.


One of the Corners:  Luis Valbuena (30, turns 31 in November)

Valbuena is a veteran of 8 major-league seasons, six of which have resulted in more than 300 plate appearances. He was signed as an amateur free-agent by the Mariners in 2002, originally as a second-baseman.  He had a combined AAA line (acquired over parts of six seasons) of .304/.385/.476 in nearly 1200 plate appearances - his career has been one of slowly growing into his left-handed power.

After a .249/.341/.435 triple slash in 2014 for the Cubs (547 PA's), Valbuena was traded to the Astros with Dan Straily in exchange for Dexter Fowler.  The Cubs had Kris Bryant primed to take over third base along with a well-documented infield logjam, so they were happy to let tow years of Valbuena go in exchange for a year of Fowler.  Valbuena was waiver-wire material as recently as the 2011-2012 offseason - which is how the Cubs acquired him - but he busted out with the Cubs in 2014, posting a 115 OPS+.

With the Astros last season, he posted a .224/.310/.438 line in 493 plate appearances.  He also hit a career-high 25 home runs, but had stretches when he was pretty awful, such as a .163/.212/.337 May (in 104 plate appearances).  His season was also remarkable for some in-season tinkering, which the commentators frequently noting that Valbuena was being coached to go up the middle more, and not try to pull everything (which is where all of his power is from).  Other tinkering included a positional change: an infield reshuffle was forced by Carlos Correa's promotion and Jed Lowrie's return from injury.  That resulted in Valbuena shifting across the diamond to First Base for 31 games, where he had not previously appeared in his professional career (according to B-R).  Not that there was anything wrong with Valbuena at third.

Moving to the projections, Marcel projects Valbuena to have a .235/.323/.426 season with 19 home runs - a similar line to last year with a little more contact and a little less power.  Steamer sees a similar line with even less power: .234/.323/.411 with 16 home runs, a walk-rate approaching 11% and a strikeout rate approaching 21%.  ZiPS projects perhaps the best season for Valbuena: .238/.330/.425, with a walk rate and strikeout rate slightly above 11% and 21% respectively.

Valbuena has agreed to a salary of $6.125MM this season - his last before his first opportunity as a free agent.  He is going to be an interesting guy to watch in his walk-year - if he plays well this season, he enters a weak free-agent class, but may be burdened by a Qualifying Offer.  Personally, I doubt that a QO will be offered unless Valbuena has a total bust-out.


In the Corner-Infield Mish-Mash:  Jon Singleton (24, turns 25 in September)

"Singles" (ha!) was drafted in 2009 in the 8th round by the Phillies, and was traded to the Astros in 2011 as part of the exchange for Hunter Pence.  He debuted in slightly controversial circumstances in 2014, shorting after signing a 5-year, $10MM contract through the 2018 season.  The contract has three options - a $2.5MM option for 2019, a $5MM option for 2020 and a $13MM option for 2021.

Anyhow, Singleton bats and throws left, and is defensively restricted to first baseman or DH.  He has a .274/.383/.473 career minor-league line in just over 2700 plate appearances.  That line may not jump out at you, but remember that - aside from 21 at-bats in Quad Cities in 2013 - the closest he has been to the average age of each level is 2.3 years young.  He has constantly been well below the average age for each level throughout his career, often by between 3 and 5 years.

Singleton's potential has not translated into an exciting minor-league line, however.  He has 420 plate appearances over parts of two seasons with Houston, posting a .171/.290/.331 line overall.  That line isn't great, but on the up side, he has posted an isolated slugging north of .160 and a walk rate of 14.3%.  On the down side, his career K-rate of 36% is... um... concerning.

I would think that Singleton is likely to open the season at first base for the Astros, getting a chance to grab that spot.  I doubt that the Astros will want to bring other big bats up until late-April (lest they be granted free-agency a year earlier) or mid-June (to avoid super-two status).  I would think the most likely possibility is that Jon Singleton gets April at first base to see what he has, but things are much more uncertain after that.

Marcel likes Singleton to improve - positive regression it what that is called - predicting a .212/.306/.385 line.  That said, the other projections - which utilise minor-league stats a little more - also think that Singleton has significant improvement in him.  Steamer projects him for a .229/.330/.422 line with a walk rate approaching 13% and a strikeout rate of 27%.  ZiPS is a little less enamoured, projecting a .216/.316/.422 triple-slash, with a near-identical walk-rate, and a strikeout rate a whisker below 1-in-3.  None of these projections are particularly good, but they do indicate positive progress in terms of his career, and Singleton wouldn't kill the Astros with such a performance should it be sustained over a whole season.


In the Corner-Infield Mish-Mash:  Matt Duffy (26, turns 27 in Feb)

Matthew Edward Duffy - the one who plays for the Astros - made the majors for the first time last year.  In a grand total of nine plate appearances he mashed, posting a line of .375/.444/.500, including one double, one walk and two strikeouts.  He was a 2011 draftee (20th round) out of the University of Knoxville, and is currently on the 40-man roster.  He bats and throws right - which is possibly significant given the current corner infield and outfield mix.

Duffy earned his promotion by virtue of a solid year at Fresno, where he posted a .294/.366/.484 line in just over 550 plate appearances.  That included 20 home runs and 29 doubles, with 90 strikeouts versus 48 walks.  Not too shabby, but he isn't young anymore, and needed to make a serious move in 2015 to stay with the organisation.

Moving to the projections, Marcel thinks about Mr Duffy in very simplistic terms, merely regressing Duffy's gaudy line from last year to .261/.325/.424.  Steamer offers a projected triple-slash of .248/.299/.387, with a league-average-ish strikeout rate of 21% and a walk rate of 5.5%.  ZiPS sees similar production: .242/.297/.388, with a similar walk and strikeout rate.  Those lines place Duffy firmly in the category of role-player - which, as a righty backup bat in the infield - he could possibly be granted the opportunity to try.


In the Corner-Infield Mish-Mash:  Tyler White (25, turns 26 in October)

In the last exciting depth-chart instalment, I mentioned that Tyler White in the same breath as Preston Tucker - guys without the traditional athletic body habitus that the Astros seem to be drafting with more regularity since Jeff Luhnow took the reins.  White was taken in the 33rd round of the 2013 draft, from another noted baseball powerhouse - Western Carolina University.  He has been old for most of the levels he has played at in the minors, but ascended from Rookie Ball after being drafted to Fresno / AAA inside of 2 years.  That hasn't happened by accident.

White can rake, as his .311/.422/.489 minor-league line shows.  He has walked (174) more than he struck out (164).  At Fresno, he recorded a remarkable line: in just over 250 plate appearances, White mashed to the tune of .368/.467/.559, which is remarkable line, albeit in an offensively-friendly league.  The peripherals supported that, too, with 84 walks against 73 strikeouts, which is arguably something that Astros could really do with at the major-league level.  He kept raking after the Fresno season finished, too, winning the MVP of the Dominican Winter League.

White has been a catcher in the past, but he currently seems restricted to the corner infield spots - at absolute best - for now.  He  was mostly a third baseman in Corpus, then became mostly a first baseman at Fresno.  I assume he that he won't be seen as a major-league contributor anywhere but first base or DH, but having an emergency catcher around isn't the worst thing in the world.

White has not yet made his major-league debut, and isn't currently on the 40-man.  That is a significant disadvantage if he wants to make the team out of Spring Training.  I doubt the Astros would promote him prior to the end of April (to ensure a sixth year of control prior to free agency), and perhaps until after the estimated super-two date has passed.

White hit only 14 home runs last year in just under 300 plate appearances, so whether he has enough power for a corner-infield position remains to be seen.  He is certainly a unique profile as a hitter in general, so the projections will be doubly interesting.

Marcel does not project those with no major-league plate appearances, so B-R offers no projections for White.  Steamer likes him a fair bit, projecting for a .260/.339/.401 plate appearance, with a walk-rate just south of 10% and a strikeout rate of just under 18%.  That amounts of a slightly above average wRC+ of 105.  ZiPS is a little less bullish, projecting a .251/.336/.381 line, with very similar strikeout and walk rates.  ZiPS sees White hitting 10 home runs in just under 500 PA's, for what it is worth.

It remains to be seen whether White's contact-heavy skills will translate into decent major-league production.  Both of the abovementioned projection systems think not, at least in his first year of play.  Although Tyler White has nothing left to prove in AAA, but I think he will return there to open the season, giving Jon Singleton a chance to play a little.


In the Corner Infield Mish-Mash:  A.J. Reed  (22, turns 23 in May)

Andrew Joseph Reed was originally drafted in the 25th round out of an Indiana High School by the Mets on 2011.  He didn't sign, opting to attend the University of Kentucky instead.  He was then drafted in the 2nd round of the 2014 draft by the Astros as a two-way player.  The Astros saw more potential in his bat, and developed him as a first baseman / DH type.

Reed is like White in a bunch of ways.  He is not considered a super-athletic type.  He has raced through a bunch of minor-league levels in a short time.  And also he has a ridiculous career minor-league line: .324/.415/.583.  Reed recorded 237 PA's at Corpus to end the 2015 season, where he mashed to the tune of .332/.405/.571 with 11 home runs.  He is a lefty-swinger with perhaps a long swing that may leave him a little prone to strikeouts, but his batting eye and power seem to be for real.

Most Astros fans are lying in wait for the Next Great Astros First Baseman.  In the pre-Bagwell days, there were some useful seasons sprinkled around, but no one consistently dominated at the position for a long period.  Jeff Bagwell was the guy for the 1990's and early 2000's.  The Big Puma took over at first until the mid-way through 2010 season.  Since then, the Astros have only managed middling returns from first base on a series of poor teams.  Chris Carter put it together in stretches, but had long stretches of being struck out a lot as well.  Astros fans are crossing their fingers in the hope that either Reed or White is that guy, and 2016 is the year which we may find out whether that is the case.

The projections like Reed to be a slightly above-average producer in Houston in 2016.  Steamer projects a .258/.327/.424 line in 240-odd plate appearances, with 8 home runs.  Steamer thinks that Reed will have a roughly-average strikeout rate, with a walk rate approaching 9%.  ZiPS is significantly more bullish on Reed, projecting a .261/.338/.456 line with 26 home runs despite a 25% strikeout rate (and a 10% walk rate).  The line that ZiPS projects - ranked by wOBA - would be fifth on the team.  Neither of those lines would be a bad line for a first year player.


In the Corner Infield Mish-Mash:  Colin Moran (23, turns 24 in October)

Colin Moran, famously, was in the mix for the first overall pick in the 2013 draft.  At the time, he was a left-handed hitting, well-rated third base prospect with a big-league bloodline out of UNC.  The Astros went with Mark Appel instead, but they picked up Colin Moran in the Jarred Cosart heist at the trade deadline of 2014.

It hasn't always been plain sailing for Moran, however.  The Marlins seemed to have given up on him at the time of the trade, and it is still not entirely clear that their decision was wrong.  He did reasonably well after the trade to the Astros in 123 AA bats  - a level that he had not played previously.  Importantly, he showed steady improvement in 2015, where he remained in Corpus for the entire year.  His 2015 line of .306/.381/.459 is not gaudy, but he struck out less than 19% and walked more than 10% of the time.  He managed nine home runs in 417 at-bats.

Neither available projection system likes Moran all that much.  Steamer projects him to post a .259/.308/.374 line, with a walk rate of 6.3% and an average strikeout rate just below 20%.  ZiPS sees some subtle differences, forecasting a .252/.299/.380 line, with a 6% walk rate, and a strikeout rate just above 23%.

That isn't great for Moran, and I doubt that we will see him in Houston in 2016 because of the presence of Luis Valbuena.  Moran also probably sits below Reed and Singleton on the left-handed hitters depth chart for the Corner Infielders.  He would need to be added to the 40-man, which the Astros don't need to do until after the 2016 season if they want to protect him from the Rule 5.


Probably out of the Corner Infield Mish-Mash:  Conrad Gregor (23, turns 24 on Feb 27)

Conrad Gregor was a 40th-round draftee of the Chicago White Sox in 2010, but he didn't sign and attended Vanderbilt instead.  The Astros nabbed him in the fourth round of the 2013 draft, and he has ascended from short-season ball at Tri-City up to AA ball, where he has spent the last one-and-one-third seasons, or 634 at-bats.

Gregor has a .239/.335/.382 line at AA for his career, which has included 13 home runs, and 78 walks against 123 strikeouts.  He is playing his age 24 season this year, so he still has time of put it together, but things don't look great for him at this point.  He will need to make significant progress this year to appear seriously on any depth-charts.

Marcel declined to offer a projection, but Steamer sees a middling .237/.303/.364 line for Gregor, which includes an average strikeout rate of just under 21%, and a walk rate of 8%.  ZiPS is less enamoured, forecasting a .228/.295/.343 line, with a the same walk rate, but a strikeout rate of 24%.

Safe to say that Gregor probably sits a fair way from the major-leagues at this point in time.


Free Agent:  Pedro Álvarez (28, turns 29 on Feb 6)

Just to be clear, I am not suggesting or supporting the Astros' signing of El Toro, the veteran of six seasons play in Pittsburgh.  But, as a point of comparison, I thought I would include him as someone the Astros could have signed, had they not accumulated the abovementioned players over the last few years.  Plus, the 2011 Astros probably would have signed him already, because he was warm, had a pulse, and used to be an All Star.

Let's forget any discussions about his place in the field, a likely contract value, and whether it could have been used to buy out a free-agent year or two.  We will briefly mention his agent, Scott Boras, where he went to school (Vanderbilt) and when he was drafted (second overall pick of 2008 draft).  Alvarez has some useful years on his resumé - he has an OPS+ between 112 and 115 in four of his six seasons - so he certainly isn't worth nothing, but he was just non-tendered a contract by the Pirates, so it also probably isn't serious breakout material.

Marcel forecasts a .239/.310/.448 season for Álvarez, with 24 home runs in 490 plate appearances.  Steamer sees a little more improvement: .242/.321/.462, with a strikeout rate approaching 29%, and a walk rate sitting solidly at 10%.  However, Steamer sees a large drop in the number of at-bats, perhaps forecasting a platoon role for Alvarez.  For some reason, Alvarez's projection has been left off the ZiPS page for Pittsburgh - normally players are included on the clubs that they are exiting from, so that is a little puzzling.

Just to point out a direct comparison: A.J. Reed has a Steamer line of .258/.327/.424, whereas Alvarez has a line of .242/.321/.462, and would likely cost multiple millions.  While the extra 40-odd points in slugging would be nice, does anyone think that would be worth 5 or 6 million dollars??


Trade Target:  Freddie Freeman (26, turns 27 in September)

Freddie Freeman, in the midst of a $135MM contract (which expires after the 2021 season) has often be mentioned as the answer to the Astros' first-base difficulties.  I think, personally, this would not be a bad idea, aside from the effect it would have on blocking the guys behind him.  His OPS+'s for the last three seasons read 147, 139 and 134, and his worst OBP over the same period was .370.  Looking at the numbers, it is possible to argue that he has been declining, but he apparently played through 2015 with a wrist injury, which may have hampered his production somewhat.  The Astros would probably be unwilling to part with a huge haul to reel in Freeman, mostly because of the amount of money owed to him, but also the sheer number of players with significant upside that they see getting a go in the corner infield over the next two seasons.

Marcel sees continued solid production from Freeman, forecasting a .290/.377/.474 line.  Steamer does not disagree: .283/.374/.480 with a walk-rate approaching 12%, and a league-average strikeout rate (20.1%).  ZiPS sees Freeman as being the best of the Braves bats with a .280/.374/.469 line, with a walk rate of 12% and a strikeout rate of 21.3%.

That is what $12MM for the 2016 season - and $20MM+ for the five seasons after that - buys.  That line would look good in the middle of the Astros' line up.


Summary:  The Astros have a host of young, interesting players to fill the corner infield for the next few seasons.  None projects as a can't-miss-superstar, however, but they have enough potentially good players and depth to ensure that the players manning the corner-infield positions will perform at around the level of a league-average player.

I may be wrong in assuming this, but I think that both Tyler White and A.J. Reed are valuable enough for the Astros to be careful about when they will be called to the major leagues.  Specifically, both will probably that their call-ups delayed until late April to ensure another year of free-agency.  They both may have any potential call-ups delayed until after the Super-Two deadline, which is normally projected for early- to mid-June.  There may also be a case in assuming that handedness matters here - A.J. Reed probably lines up behind Jon Singleton, whereas Tyler White probably lines up behind Matt Duffy on the relative depth charts to open the season.  But if the Astros get off to a poor start in 2016, I think the offseason plans could easily be ditched, and whomever is playing well could see themselves as having significant time either at the infield corners opposite Luis Valbuena and/or at DH.

I haven't really answered too many questions with this column, only to say that Tyler White, A.J. Reed and Colin Moran all seem like solid prospects who wouldn't let the Astros down from an offensive perspective if they were promoted early in the 2016 season.  All have reasonable offensive upside, but it may be that those players are primed to make more of an impact in 2017.

Thanks, everyone, for reading.  Next up, I will have a stab at predicting the 12 or 13 position players who will break camp with the Astros, plus projecting some of the guys (like Danny Worth, J.D. Davis and Alex Bregman) who have not made these lists, mostly by virtue of not having reached AA.  Then, I guess, we should look at the pitchers.

Sunday Morning Link Dump

Back from vacation and with two decent nights' sleep behind me, let's get back to some postings, eh?

At 43-34, the Astros have a 53.9% chance to win the division, according to FanGraphs, and a 66% chance of making the postseason. Baseball Prospectus puts the division chance at 46.7% with postseason chance at 61.2%.

*A.J. Hinch said he was "disappointed" at Oberholtzer throwing at A-Rod, which led to his ejection and, seemingly, his demotion to Triple-A after the game. Hinch talked to both A-Rod and manager Joe Girardi.

*Oberholtzer said he wasn't throwing at A-Rod, just that his command sucked all game. It didn't prevent CC Sabathia from storming the field and having to be restrained by Girardi.

*Michael Feliz may be coming up to replace Oberholtzer.

*Cole Hamels hasn't ruled out a trade to the Astros, but admitted that he didn't think they would be this good. Hamels:
I had to make a list back in October. I came up with a criteria based on a lot of things - winning and losing, family. It was only nine teams. Those teams were in the middle of the pack...(The Astros) just didn't make the nine-team list. When I made the list in October - who knew?

*Corpus' Conrad Gregor's defense from the beginning of the season to now is "like night and day."

*Scott Feldman is progressing in his rehab stint, throwing a workout session before yesterday's game.

*Colby Rasmus has a skin infection on his arm.

*As the season progresses, the Astros will try to skip starts or make some relief appearances in order to limit McCullers' and Velasquez's innings. And Scott Boras likes the Astros' plan. (Whew!)

*Chris Young vs. Houston, career: .336/.399/.615. Chris Young at Minute Maid Park, career: .407/.445/.769. Don't pitch to Chris Young.

Prestros Morning Report: May 28

TL;DR

*Org goes 2-2 on the day; 116-72 on the year
*Joe Sclafani hit a walkoff single in the 11th to give Fresno the win.
*Mark Appel threw 5.2IP, 9H/3ER, 4K:3BB in a 3-2 loss to NW Arkansas
*Evan Grills and Bryan Radziewski combined for 5H/0ER, 7K:0BB in a Lancaster win.
*Quad Cities couldn't overcome a 4-run 2nd inning in a 5-2 loss

Fresno (27-20)

Joe Sclafani's walkoff single in the 11th was the first Grizzlies run in 7+ innings, and gave Fresno a 5-4 win over Memphis. Brady Rodgers threw 5.1IP, 6H/4ER, 1K:2BB; Mitch Lambson's one hit allowed accounted for two of Rodgers' runs; Tyson Perez threw 1.1IP, 1H/0ER, 0K:1BB; Kevin Chapman allowed a hit in 1IP and Richard Rodriguez improved to 5-0 with 2IP, 1H/0ER, 1K:1BB.

Tyler Heineman was 3x5 with a double and 2RBI; Joe Sclafani was 3x4 with a walk and an RBI; L.J. Hoes was 2x5 with an RBI and an outfield assist, getting a runner at home; Matt Dominguez (2B) and Alex Presley had two hits each.

Man of the Match: Joe Sclafani

Corpus (31-15)

Corpus had a 2-1 lead in the 6th, but NW Arkansas got two in the bottom half for a 3-2 win over Corpus. Mark Appel threw 5.2IP, allowing 9H/3ER, 4K:3BB and 60 of his 92 pitches for strikes. Travis Ballew inherited the bases loaded by Appel, and allowed just one run (charged to Appel), throwing 1.1IP, 2H/0ER, 2K:0BB; Juan Minaya struck out two in the 8th.

Tony Kemp was 2x2 with two walks, and Conrad Gregor was 2x4 with a double and a solo homer. Jio Mier was 1x3 with a double, walk, and RBI. Danry Vasquez got his first Double-A hit.

Man of the Match: Conrad Gregor

Lancaster (24-23)

Lancaster had a 2-0 lead after one, 3-0 lead after two, and tacked on three in the fourth, going on to a 6-0 win at Stockton. Evan Grills threw 5IP, 2H/0ER, 2K:0BB and Bryan Radziewski tossed 4IP, 3H/0ER, 5K:0BB.

J.D. Davis was 2x5 with two doubles and 2RBI; A.J. Reed was 2x4 with a 2-run homer and a walk. Ronnie Mitchell was 1x2 with two walks and a stolen base; James Ramsay was 1x3 with two walks, Marc Wik was 1x3 with a walk.

Man of the Match: A.J. Reed

Quad Cities (34-14)

Kane County put up four runs in the 2nd and cruised to a 5-2 win at Quad Cities. Brock Dykxhoorn threw 5IP, 5H/4ER, 3K:3BB, WP, Balk; Eric Peterson threw 2.2IP, 2H/1R (0ER), 3K:0BB, 2HBP; Jordan Mills retired the four batters he faced.

Bobby Boyd was 1x3 with a walk and two stolen bases; Derek Fisher and Nick Tanielu were each 2x4 with an RBI.

Man of the Match: Bobby Boyd.

PreStros Morning Report: July 21

TL;DR

*Astros domestic affiliates go 4-3 on the day
*Mike Foltynewicz struggled in a loss to Round Rock.
*Corpus got lit up at San Antonio, despite newly-promoted Conrad Gregor's two hits.
*Rio Ruiz hit a late game-tying 3-run homer and Teoscar Hernandez provided the 12th inning walkoff for Lancaster
*Adrian Houser throws a strong start and Chase McDonald hits a three-run walk-off homer for Quad Cities.
*Tri-City cruised to a win over State College behind Joe Musgrove's strong start.
*Greeneville got shut down and shut out by Danville.
*GCL Astros beat the GCL Blue Jays as Cristhoper Santamaria strikes out nine in 5IP.

Oklahoma City (52-52, 3.0 GB)

Wild one in OKC last night as Round Rock kept trying to surge ahead, and OKC kept clawing back in. OKC, at various points, were down 4-1, 5-1, 8-5, 8-6, 9-6, and 9-7. They tied it up in the bottom of the 8th, but gave up two in the top of the 9th to fall 11-9. Mike Foltynewicz got rocked, giving up 9H/8ER, 3K:3BB in 4IP to send his ERA over 5.00. Richard Rodriguez allowed 1H/1ER, 2K:0BB in 3IP; Jorge De Leon gave up 5H/2R (1ER) in 1.2IP, and Kevin Chapman allowed a hit that scored the 11th run, but was charged to De Leon.

Austin Wates was 3x5 with a 2nd inning grand slam; Marc Krauss was 3x5 with a double anr 2RBI; Jonathan Villar (RBI) and Jio Mier (HR, BB, three runs scored) had two hits each. Domingo Santana was 0x2 with two strikeouts and three walks.

Man of the Match: Austin Wates

Corpus (16-15, 3.5 GB; 50-51 overall)

Corpus was down 7-0 before they got on the board at San Antonio, ultimately falling 8-3. Jordan Jankowski gave up 8H/7R (6ER), 2K:2BB in 5IP; Travis Ballew allowed 2H/1ER, 1K:2BB in 3IP.

Andrew Aplin (RBI) and newly-promoted-to-Corpus Conrad Gregor had two hits each. Telvin Nash hit his 15th homer of the season and drew a walk. Tony Kemp was 1x4 with a walk.

Man of the Match: Let's give it to the newbie - Conrad Gregor.

Lancaster (15-16, 4.0 GB; 59-42 overall*)

*clinched playoff berth

This one was kerrazy! Down 5-2 in the bottom of the 8th to Modesto, Rio Ruiz hit a game-tying three run homer that sent it to extra innings. Despite Modesto getting the go-ahead run in the top of the 12th, Teoscar Hernandez hit a shot to center that scored Chan Moon for a 7-6 JetHawks win. Brian Holmes threw 6IP, 5H/4ER, 4K:2BB; Juan Minaya threw 2H/1ER, 3K:0BB in 2IP; Jamaine Cotton threw 3IP, allowing just 2H/0ER, and Daniel Minor got the win with 2H/1ER, 3K:0BB in the 12th.

Chan Moon (BB, SB, 2RBI), Teoscar Hernandez (2B, SB, RBI) and Danry Vasquez had two hits each; Rio Ruiz hit the aforementioned three-run homer. Jack Mayfield and Jobduan Morales added hits.

Man of the Match: Let's go with Teoscar Hernandez

Quad Cities (15-15, 4.0 GB; 50-49 overall)

Carrying a 2-1 lead into the top of the 9th vs Lake County, Quad Cities gave up the tying run to send it to extras. But it only went to the 10th thanks to Chase McDonald's three-run walk-off homer to give Quad Cities a 5-2 win. Adrian Houser threw 6IP, 3H/1R (0ER), 6K:3BB; Frederick Tiburcio walked one in a scoreless inning; Andrew Walter gave up the unearned run in 3IP to send it to the 10th, but struck out five in 3IP.

J.D. Davis was 2x4 with a walk; Marc Wik was 2x3 with a walk, double, two stolen bases, and an RBI. Chase McDonald hit the three-run walk-off, while James Ramsay, Brett Phillips, and Jose Fernandez (3B, 2BB) had your other hits. Ronnie Mitchell was 0x2 with two walks and a stolen base.

Man of the Match: Marc Wik

Tri-City (25-12, 6.0 up)

Tri-City held State College to five hits in a 4-1 win. Joe Musgrove got the start for the ValleyCats, throwing 6IP, 2H/0ER, 6K:1BB; Bryan Radziewski struck out five in two shutout innings, and Jordan Mills allowed 2H/1ER in the 9th.

Derek Fisher (BB, SB, RBI) and Jamie Ritchie (2B, RBI) had two hits each; Mott Hyde was 1x2 with a double and two walks, while Bobby Boyd was 1x4 with a walk, RBI, and a stolen base.

Man of the Match: Joe Musgrove

Greeneville (14-16, 4.5 GB)

Danville scored a run in the 1st, and that was all they needed, holding Greeneville to four hits in a 4-0 defeat. Joshua James allowed 7H/3R (2ER), 3K:0BB in 5IP; Jose Montero allowed 2H/1ER, 6K:1BB in 4IP.

Jason Martin had two of the Gastros' four hits and a stolen base, with Jacob Nottingham and Ydarqui Marte providing the other two. Cesar Carrasco drew a walk.

Man of the Match: Jason Martin

GCL Astros (14-13, 2.5 GB)

The GCL Astros trailed 3-2 going into the 6th, but popped off for the next six runs in an 8-3 win over the GCL Blue Jays. Christhopher Santamaria allowed 4H/3ER, but with 9K:0BB in 5IP; John Gatlin threw a scoreless 6th, and Joselo Pinales threw 3IP, 0H/0ER, 2K:2BB.

Ruben Castro (2RBI) and Brian Pena (RBI) had two hits each; Brauly Mejia had a hit, stolen base and two walks, Alexander Melendez (2B, RBI), and Jean Estrella had a hit and a walk each. Luis Payano was 1x4 with a triple and two RBI.

Man of the Match: Christhopher Santamaria

PreStros Morning Report: July 17

TL;DR

*Astros affiliates go 3-4 on the day.
*Corpus got a strong start from Luis Cruz in a 3-2 win at Frisco.
*Lancaster loses despite Conrad Gregor's 4x5, 2HR/triple, 5RBI day.
*Chase McDonald homered for Quad Cities, but Andrew Thurman struggled in a loss to Ft. Wayne.
*Tri-City scores five in the bottom of the 8th in a 6-4 win.
*Greeneville gets dominated top to bottom in a shutout loss
*GCL Astros split a double-header with the GCL Phillies, Edwin Medina goes 3x3 with a walk and four stolen bases in G2.

Oklahoma City (50-49, 2.5 GB)

Game with Nashville postponed due to rain

Corpus (15-12, 2.5 GB; 49-48 overall)

Frisco struck first in the series opener, taking an early 1-0 lead, but Corpus got one in the 4th and two in the 5th and held on to a 3-2 win. Luis Cruz threw 5IP, 2H/1R (0ER), 3K:0BB; Brady Rodgers gave up 2H/1ER, 3K:1BB in 3.2IP, and Tyson Perez recorded the final out of the game (Perez has allowed 13H/2R (1ER) in 22IP for Corpus this season.

Corpus scattered six hits via Delino DeShields (2BB, 2SB), Tony Kemp, Andrew Aplin (RBI), Rene Garcia, and MP Cokinos (2B, RBI).

Man of the Match: Luis Cruz

Lancaster (12-15, 6.0GB; 56-41 overall - already clinched playoff berth)

Crazy game in Lancaster. The JetHawks were up 3-0, then down 6-3, then tied 6-6, then down 12-6, and that was pretty much it. Visalia and Lancaster combined for 23 runs, 25 hits, and five errors as Lancaster falls 14-9. Lance McCullers allowed 2H/2ER, 6K:3BB in 3.2IP; Zach Morton gave up 4H/7R (6ER), 1K:3BB in 2.2IP and Juan Minaya allowed 7H/5ER, 2K:0BB (and two of Morton's runs) in 2.2IP.

Conrad Gregor had him a day, going 4x5 with a triple, two homers, and 5RBI. Rio Ruiz, Tyler White (BB), and Roberto Pena (2B, RBI) had two hits each; Tanner Mathis hit a 3-run homer and drew a walk.

Man of the Match: Conrad Gregor

Quad Cities (12-14, 6.0 GB; 47-48 overall)

Quad Cities' losing streak reaches five as the River Bandits fall behind early and can't recover in a 7-4 loss to Fort Wayne. Andrew Thurman gave up 6H/5R (4ER), 3K:1BB in 4IP; Chris Lee allowed 1H/0ER, 1K:2BB in 3IP; Frederick Tiburcio was charged with 3H/2ER, 0K:1BB in 1IP and Albert Minnis threw 1.2IP, allowing only a hit.

Brett Phillips was 2x3 with a walk; Chase McDonald was 2x4 with a homer and 2RBI, and Jose Fernandez was 2x3 with a walk and an RBI. J.D. Davis and Ronnie Mitchell (RBI) had your other hits.

Man of the Match: Chase McDonald

Tri-City (22-11, 6.0 up)

Tri-City was down 3-1 heading into the bottom of the 8th before exploding for five runs in a 6-4 win over Aberdeen. Luis Ordosgoitti threw 4IP, 2H/2ER, 6K:2BB; Raul Rivera allowed 1H/0ER in 1IP; Chris Munnelly allowed 1H/1R (0ER), 6K:3BB in 3IP, and Ryan Thompson allowed 2H/1ER, 1K:1BB in 1IP.

Bobby Boyd (BB, RBI) and Nick Tanielu (RBI) had two hits each. Ricky Gingras (BB, RBI), Ariel Ovando (RBI), and Jamie Ritchie (RBI) had your other hits, meaning the ValleyCats put up six runs with zero extra-base hits.

Man of the Match: Luis Ordosgoitti

Greeneville (12-14, 3.5 GB)

Greeneville got straight worked over at Bluefield last night, committing more errors (4) than they recorded hits (3) in an 8-0 loss. Austin Nicely allowed 7H/4R (1ER), 0K:2BB in 4IP; Jorge Perez gave up 5H/4R (3ER) in 2.2IP and Aaron Greenwood allowed 2H/0ER, 3K:0BB in 1.1IP.

Yonathan Mejia had two hits and a walk, and Jason Martin collected the other hit on the night.

Man of the Match: Yonathan Mejia.

GCL Astros (13-11, 0.5 GB)

Game 1: Vincent Velasquez made his second rehab start, allowing 3H/2ER, 5K:1BB, 2HBP in 2.2IP; John Gatlin allowed 2H/0ER (but one of Velasquez's runs), 0K:2BB in 1IP, and Harold Arauz allowed 3H/2ER, 5K:2BB in 2.1IP. GCL Astros lose 4-1.

Osvaldo Duarte had your RBI single while Ruben Castro and Richard Gonzalez had a hit and a walk each.

Man of the Match: Vincent Velasquez

Game 2: The GCL Astros won on a Brauly Mejia walk-off single in the bottom of the 8th, 3-2. Junior Garcia alowed 3H/1ER, 1K:0BB in 3IP and a bullpen of Christian Perdomo (0.1IP, 1H/1ER, 1K:3BB), Justin Ferrell (1H/0ER in 2.2IP), Samil De Los Santos (1IP, 1H/0ER) and Juan Delis (1IP, 2K) closed it out.

Edwin Medina was 3x3 with a walk and four stolen bases. Osvaldo Duarte, Brauly Mejia (RBI), Brian Pena and Luis Payano (2B) had your other hits.

Man of the Match: Edwin Medina

Friday Morning Hot Links

#win the #watercooler and #rovell your #brand with your Friday morning hot links:

*The Orioles are a little butthurt over the safe Castro call at the plate last night.

*ESPN Stats & Info takes a closer look at George Springer. Scott Feldman says that Springer's run reminds him of Josh Hamilton.

*Bo Porter is going to keep the six-man rotation for now;

*Jesse Crain is looking at a late-June return.

*The headline is atrocious, but here's a great article from Jeff Sullivan on the month the Astros are having.

*Here is a longer story on Conrad Gregor's dad catching his first homer of the season. 

*Mark Appel is rejoining Lancaster this weekend. Scott Boras, Appel's agent, had this to say about Appel and the tandem pitching plan:

I don’t think there’s one approach for everybody. And in Mark’s case … He’d been pitching on a once-a-week schedule for a long time, dating back to high school, so that’s what he was used to. … It was just a cumulative thing, where after a few starts on the four-day (schedule), I don’t think it worked for him. They had a conversation about it.

*Hall of Famer, and Houston resident, Monte Irvin laments the lack of African-Americans in baseball.

While You Were Drinking: Memorial Day Weekend Edition

Here's the Tuesday Morning Hot Links to help you catch up...

*Conrad Gregor hit a three-run go ahead homer for Quad Cities, his first HR of the season, on Saturday night. His dad caught the ball.

*The Chronicle's Randy Harvey has an answer for the Astros' "Radical Ways."

*Robbie Grossman has a new name, and no, it's not Bob.

*Mariners manager Lloyd McClendon said that Dallas Keuchel was just an average pitcher ("I saw average stuff. We didn't swing the bats very good. At some point you've got to stop giving credit to average pitchers."), so Bo Porter called the Mariners' clubhouse (McClendon wasn't there). Maybe he wasn't impressed by Keuchel kicking a ball directly to first base.

*Carlos Rodon just might be looking for Gerrit Cole money ($8m), and Scott Boras predictably is not a fan of capping spending limits on the draft.

*Jon Singleton's Twitter feed from last night might get him in trouble.

*Hunter Pence lost his scooter.

PreStros Morning Report: April 25

TL;DR

*Astros affiliates go 2-2 on the day (Composite 49-36 record)
*OKC falls to Nashville 5-3, Enrique Hernandez hit his first homer at Triple-A.
*Troy Scribner gets his first win of the season as Corpus downs Frisco.
*Carlos Perdomo hit a homer off rehabbing Clayton Kershaw and Lancaster pounced on the Rancho Cucamonga bullpen in a 6-3 win.
*Conrad Gregor went 3x5 but Peoria beat Quad Cities 8-4.

Oklahoma City (13-9)

Nashville hit a three-run homer in the 3rd and got out to a 5-1 lead by the bottom of the 9th, when an OKC rally fell short in a 5-3 loss. Jake Buchanan allowed 6H/3ER, 2K:0BB in 4IP and the bullpen got their piggyback work in, with five relievers going an inning each to close the game. Darin Downs struck out the side but allowed 2H/1ER, Kevin Chapman allowed 2H/1ER and Josh Zeid turned in a clean 9th.

Andy Simunic was 3x4, Gregorio Petit (2B) and Enrique Hernandez (HR, RBI) had two hits each. Jon Singleton was 0x3 with a walk and Jonathan Meyer was 1x3 with a walk.

Man of the Match: Enrique Hernandez

Corpus (13-8)

Corpus jumped out to a 4-1 lead after two, and held on for a 6-4 win over Frisco. Jordan Jankowski allowed 3H/1ER, 2K:1BB in 3IP; newly-promoted Troy Scribner allowed 1H/0ER, 1K:2BB in 2IP and got his first win of the season; Michael Dimock (2IP/0ER), Pat Urckfitz (0.2IP, two unearned runs) and Jorge De Leon (1.1IP, one unearned run) finished out the game.

Preston Tucker (2 2B) and Chris Epps (SB) had two hits each; Nolan Fontana was 1x5 with 2RBI, Leo Heras (2B, 2BB, SB), Tyler Heineman (BB, RBI) and Jio Mier (2B, 2RBI) also contributed hits.

Man of the Match: Let's go with Preston Tucker

Lancaster (14-8)

Clayton Kershaw rehabbed for Rancho Cucamonga and Carlos Perdomo took him deep in an otherwise smooth outing - 5IP, 2H/1ER, 6K:1BB. But the Quakes' bullpen couldn't keep Lancaster off the board, with the JetHawks rallying for six runs from the 5th-7th innings. JetHawks win, 6-3. Kyle Smith threw 5IP, 3H/2ER, 5K:1BB; Lance McCullers allowed 2H/1ER, 3K:3BB in 4IP.

Carlos Perdomo's homer got things started while Rio Ruiz (2B, BB) and Brandon Meredith (BB) drove in two runs each. Tony Kemp drew a walk and stole two bases. Roberto Pena had a hit and a walk.

Man of the Match: Gotta give it to Perdomo for taking Kershaw deep.

Quad Cities (9-11)

Peoria put up a pair of four-run innings in an 8-4 win over Quad Cities. Kent Emanuel allowed 5H/4R - none of them earned - 3K:2BB in 4IP; Chris Cotton allowed 4H/4ER, 2K:0BB in 1IP; Jandel Gustave threw 2IP, 2H/0ER, 3K:0BB and Tyler Brunnemann struck out the side and lowered his ERA to 0.73 (his last three outings: 6IP, 0H/0ER, 8K:1BB).

Conrad Gregor was 3x5 with a double and an RBI; Brian Holberton was 2x4 with a double and 2RBI; Chan Moon, Tyler White, and Brett Phillips added a hit and a walk each.

Man of the Match: Conrad Gregor

PreStros Playoff Report: September 11

Lancaster

Welp. That sucks. Lancaster had a 3-1 lead going into the 8th inning in the fifth and deciding game of the series with Inland Empire, but a sac fly in the 8th and three singles in the 9th tied the game up at 3-3 going into extras. Lancaster had the bases loaded with one out in the 13th, and got nothing. They had the bases loaded with no outs in the 14th, and got nothing (Delino DeShields was tagged out trying to score in a foul-out to 3rd). Inland Empire scored the winning run on an RBI double to take the game 4-3 in 15 innings, and the series 3-2.

Kyle Smith: 5IP, 7H/1ER, 5K:1BB
Jordan Jankowski: 0.2IP, 1H, 1BB
Blair Walters: 0.1IP, 1K:1BB
Mike Hauschild: 0.1IP
Kenny Long: 1.1IP, 3H/1ER
Travis Ballew: 2.1IP, 4H/1ER, 3K:0BB
Michael Dimock: 3IP, 5H/0ER, 2K:0BB
Tyson Perez: 2IP, 2H/1ER, 3K:1BB

Carlos Perdomo was 3x7 with an RBI; Delino DeShields (BB, RBI), Nolan Fontana (3BB), Andrew Aplin (2B, 2BB), and Brandon Meredith (2B, BB) had two hits each.

Man of the Match: Nolan Fontana, on base five times (no runs scored).

Series: Inland Empire wins 3-2
Next Up: 2014.

Quad Cities

Quad Cities took a 1-0 lead in the third inning, and gave it back in the 4th, allowing South Bend to score two runs. Jordan Scott hit a game-tying solo home run in the 7th and Rio Ruiz knocked in Danry Vasquez with two outs in the 8th to preserve a 3-2 series opening win. Chris Devenski threw 7IP, allowing 6H/2ER, 9K:0BB; Pat Christensen (0.2IP) and Andrew Walter (1.1IP) threw scoreless outings.

Carlos Correa was 2x3 with a walk and is hitting .455 in the post-season. Danry Vasquez (2B, RBI) and Brian Blasik (2B) each had a hit and a walk. Jordan Scott's lone hit was your game-tying homer.

Man of the Match: Chris Devenski

Series: Quad Cities leads 1-0 (Best-of-Five)
Next Up: Game 2 at South Bend, Thursday 6:05pm Central

Tri-City

Tri-City, facing elimination, took extended a 1-0 lead with a four-run 6th. In the bottom half, they gave those four runs back but held on for a 5-4 series-tying win. Michael Feliz threw 5.2IP, 5H/4R (2ER), 5K:3BB; Tyler Brunnemann threw 1.1IP, 1H/0ER and Gonzalo Sanudo struck out two and allowed two hits in 2IP.

Conrad Gregor was 3x4 with a walk, a home run and 2RBI; James Ramsay, Jack Mayfield (two 2B), Brian Holberton, Jon Kemmber (2B, RBI) and Chan Moon (3B) had two hits each. Ronnie Mitchell was 1x4 with a double and 2RBI.

Man of the Match: Conrad Gregor

Series: Tied 1-1 (Best-of-Three)
Next Up: Game 3 at State College, Thursday 6:05pm Central

Playoff Report: September 6

Oklahoma City

Well, that sucks. OKC had a 5-0 lead in the middle of the 3rd, a 6-2 lead after the 5th, a 6-4 lead after the 7th, but Omaha got three runs in the bottom of the 8th for a 7-6 win to sweep OKC in the first round of the playoffs. Jake Buchanan threw 4.2IP, allowing 3H/2ER, 2K:5BB; Pat Urckfitz allowed 3H/2ER in 0.1IP; Rhiner Cruz threw 1.2 scoreless and Jason Stoffel gets the BS/L with 1H/3ER, 0K:2BB.

Jimmy Paredes was 3x5 with an RBI; George Springer was 2x5 with a two-run homer; Jon Singleton (BB), Japhet Amador (HR, 2RBI), Eric Thames (HR, BB, RBI) and Rene Garcia had two hits each. OKC was 2x12 w/RISP and left 12 men on base.

Man of the Match: George Springer

Series: Omaha wins 3-0
Next Up: 2014

Corpus

San Antonio struck first with three runs in the bottom of the first, and Corpus responded with two runs in the top of the 3rd. It was 3-2 San Antonio in the bottom of the 7th when the Missions tacked on another run to make it 4-2. Corpus got two back in the top of the 8th...and gave two back in the bottom half of the inning. But wait! Corpus scored two more runs in the top of the 9th to tie it up, and sent the game into extras. In the bottom of the 12th, San Antonio got a lead-off double, a groundout, and an intentional walk. Cory Spangenburg flew out to center, but a throwing error by Drew Muren scored that leadoff runner for the walk-off, 7-6 San Antonio win.

Luis Cruz threw 6.1IP, 4H/4ER, 6K:3BB; Alex Sogard allowed 3H/2ER in 1IP; Jonas Dufek threw 3.2IP, 1H/0ER, 2K:0BB and Carlos Quevedo took the loss with 1H/1R (0ER), 0K:1BB in 0.2IP.

Leo Heras was 3x5 with a double and an RBI; Ronny Torreyes (BB, 2R), Domingo Santana (RBI), Drew Muren and Enrique Hernandez had two hits each. Erik Castro was 1x5 with 2RBI. The Hooks were 4x16 w/RISP and left 11 on base.

Man of the Match: Leo Heras

Series: San Antonio leads 2-1 (Best-Of-Five)
Next Up: At San Antonio for Game 4, Saturday @ 7:05pm Central

Lancaster

Starts a Best-of-Five series with Inland Empire tonight at 9pm Central.

Quad Cities

Starts a Best-of-Three series with Beloit tonight at 5:30pm Central

Tri-City

TIGHT. It was 0-0 heading into the top of the 9th (Tri-City only had one hit going into the top of the 7th) when, with one out, Tri-City's Conrad Gregor hit a solo homer to right field...and that was all the scoring as Tri-City takes a 1-0 series lead with a 1-0 win at Aberdeen. Michael Feliz allowed 3H/0ER, 8K:0BB in 7IP; Chris Munnelly got the win with a scoreless 8th, and Gonzalo Sanudo got the save with 2H/0ER, 1K:0BB.

Conrad Gregor was 2x4 with the game-winning homer; James Ramsay (2B), Tyler White, Yonathan Mejia, Jake Rodriguez, and Chan Moon had your other hits.

Man of the Match: Split - Conrad Gregor and Michael Feliz

Series: Tri-City up 1-0 (Best-of-Three)
Next Up: Vs. Aberdeen, tonight at 6pm Central

PreStros Morning Report: September 1

*OKC, Corpus, Lancaster, Quad Cities all begin playoff series this week.
*Tri-City 0.5 up with three to play

Oklahoma City (81-62)

Memphis took a 4-0 lead into the bottom of the 9th, but OKC erupted for four runs with two outs in the bottom half on Jimmy Paredes' two-run triple and Jose Martinez's two-run homer, and got the walk-off in the 11th on Jose Martinez's single that scored Jon Singleton. OKC wins its 81st game (the most for an Astros' Triple-A franchise since the 2005 Express won 85 games in 2006. Blair Walters came up from Lancaster for the start and allowed 4H/2ER, 4K:3BB in 4.1IP; Pat Urckfitz (2.1IP) and Jose Cisnero (1.1IP) threw scoreless outings, striking out two each; Hector Ambriz got the win with 5H/2ER, 1K:0BB in 3IP.

Martinez was 3x6 with the aforementioned homer and 4RBI on the day; Jimmy Paredes (BB, RBI) and Carlos Perez were each 3x5. Marc Krauss (2B) and Che-Hsuan Lin (2B, BB) had two hits each. George Springer was 0x4 with a walk and a stolen base; Jon Singleton was 1x5 with the game-winning run.

Man of the Match: Jose Martinez

Corpus (82-57)

San Antonio had a 5-3 lead going into the 5th...when they scored eight runs. Corpus mounted a rally, but fell 13-9. David Rollins allowed 10H/8ER, 4K:3BB in 4.1IP; Theron Geith gave up 5H/5ER (plus two charged to Rollins) in 2.2IP; Cameron Lamb and Carlos Quevedo threw perfect 8th and 9th innings, respectively.

Preston Tucker (2B, HR, 3RBI), Domingo Santana (2B, BB), Michael Burgess (HR, 3RBI), and Ronny Torreyes (2B) had two hits each.

Man of the Match: How about Preston Tucker?

Lancaster (81-58)

Lancaster had a 1-0 lead heading into the bottom of the 5th, when Rancho Cucamonga got the tying run. Chris Epps was thrown out at home plate to end the top of the 10th and Rancho Cucamonga tacked on the walk-off in the bottom of the 10th for a 2-1 win over Lancaster. Vincent Velasquez allowed 2H/1ER, 8K:1BB in 6IP; Kenny Long allowed two hits over four outs and Travis Ballew took the loss in a 2H/1ER, 4K:0BB, 2IP outing.

Dan Gulbransen was 2x5; Delino DeShields was 1x4 with a walk and his 51st stolen base of the season. Brandon Meredith provided the lone run on a 4th inning solo home run. MP Cokinos and Carlos Perdomo had your other hits.

Man of the Match: Vincent Velasquez

Quad Cities (80-57)

Quad Cities withstood a 5-run 7th from Beloit to win their 80th game of the season, 8-7. Josh Hader allowed 2H/2ER, 4K:6BB in 4.2IP; Pat Christensen scattered three hits and two strikeouts over 1.1 scoreless; Jorge Perez, fresh up from the GCL, allowed 5H/5ER, 1K:1BB; Andrew Walter got the save with 1H/0ER in 2.1IP.

Danry Vasquez was 2x4 - both hits leaving the yard for 3RBI; Rio Ruiz (2 doubles and a walk) and Bobby Borchering (3B, BB, RBI) had two hits each. Carlos Correa was 1x4 with 2RBI; Austin Elkins and Jordan Scott had a hit and a walk each.

Man of the Match: Danry Vasquez

Tri-City (42-31), 0.5 up

Lowell got four runs in the bottom of the 1st for what looked like would put them up 1.5 with three games to play, but Tri-City answered with four in the top of the third to tie it, and three runs in the 7th and 8th for a 7-4 win to put the ValleyCats back on top of the division. Michael Feliz allowed 5H/4ER, 10K:2BB in 7IP and Gonzalo Sanudo got the save with 1H/0ER, 4K:1BB (his first walk issued since June 23) in 2IP. That's 48K:4BB in 37IP this season for Sanudo.

Chan Moon was 3x4 with a double, walk, and two runs scored; James Ramsay (BB, RBI), Conrad Gregor (2B, BB, 3RBI), and Ronnie Mitchell (RBI) had two hits each; Jon Kemmer (SB) and Tyler White (RBI) had a hit and a walk each.

Man of the Match: Conrad Gregor

PreStros Morning Report: August 23

Playoff Picture

OKC up 7.0 with 10 to play
Quad Cities up 4.5 for 2nd playoff spot with 10 to play
Tri-City up 2.0 with 11 to play
Greeneville 0.5 GB with 7 to play
Corpus and Lancaster already clinched a playoff spot

Oklahoma City (77-57), 7.0 up

A 2-0 Round Rock lead evaporated as OKC scored the final four runs of the game in a 4-2 win that pushed the division lead back to 7.0 games with ten to play. Asher Wojciechowski threw 6.2IP, 7H/2ER, 6K:1BB; Wade LeBlanc and Jason Stoffel each got two outs and Jorge De Leon closed it out with a perfect 9th inning.

George Springer hit his 18th home run - a two-run shot - for OKC (37HR/41SB on the season); Jimmy Paredes was 2x4 with a double, Jon Singleton was 1x3 with a walk and his first stolen base for Oklahoma City. Trevor Crowe added his third homer for OKC.

Man of the Match: Asher Wojciechowski

Corpus (37-23, 1.0 GB) 78-52 overall

Midland had a 3-1 lead heading into the 6th, but the Hooks chipped away, tying it up in the 7th. Ryan McCurdy started the bottom of the 9th with a walk, Ronald Torreyes bunted him over to second, Enrique Hernandez was intentionally walked, and then Leo Heras drew a walk to load the bases for Erik Castro, who knocked a single up the middle for the walk-off 4-3 Corpus win. Mike Foltynewicz struggled with some control, allowing 4H/3ER, 4K:4BB in 4.2IP; Carlos Quevedo inherited a bases-loaded jam in the 5th, but emerged unscathed; Alex Sogard threw 2.2IP, 1H/0ER, 1K:1BB and Jonas Dufek got the final out of the 9th.

Erik Castro was 2x2 with three walks and the walk-off single; Enrique Hernandez was 1x2 with two walks; Leo Heras was 1x4 with a double and a walk in his Corpus debut. Matt Duffy was 1x4 with a solo homer. Preston Tucker was 0x4 with 2K but had two outfield assists.

Man of the Match: Erik Castro

Lancaster (37-23, 8.0 up), 76-54 overall

Lancaster and Rancho Cucamonga traded runs, leaving the game at 3-3 heading into the bottom of the 10th, when Delino DeShields hit a triple to lead off the inning and a fielding error by the RC center fielder allowed him to complete the inside-the-park walkoff triple/error. Lancaster wins 4-3. Kyle Smith threw 6IP, 7H/3ER, 6K:1BB; Tyson Perez (2IP), Travis Ballew (1IP) and Kenny Long (1IP) retired the last 12 batters in order.

MP Cokinos was 3x4 with a 2-run homer and two runs scored; Tyler Heineman was 2x4; Dan Gulbransen was 1x3 with an RBI and an outfield assist. Delino DeShields was 1x4 with the aforementioned walkoff, a walk, and two runs scored.

Man of the Match: Delino DeShields

Quad Cities (35-24, 4.5 GB), 73-55 overall

The River Bandits scored in the 6th and 7th to edge out Cedar Rapids 3-2 in the rubber match. Joe Bircher threw 5.2IP, 7H/2ER, 2K:0BB; Andrew Walter allowed just 1H/0ER, 5K:0BB in 3.1IP. Teoscar Hernandez was 2x4; Tony Kemp, Danry Vasquez and Jordan Scott each had a hit and an RBI. Carlos Correa and Jobduan Morales drew walks.

Man of the Match: Andrew Walter

Tri-City (38-25) 2.0 up

A 9-run third inning paced Tri-City to an 11-6 win over Staten Island. Troy Scribner allowed 6H/4ER, 5K:3BB in 4IP; Zach Dando allowed two hits in a scoreless inning, and Kyle Westwood gave up 6H/2R (1ER), 2K:1BB in 4IP for the win.

D'Andre Toney (2B, 2RBI, SB), Tyler White (RBI), Conrad Gregor (HR, 3RBI), and Jake Rodriguez had two hits each. James Ramsay added 2RBI and a stolen base.

Man of the Match: Conrad Gregor

Greeneville (35-26), 0.5 GB

Greeneville recovered from Thursday's heartbreaker with a 5-3 win at Danville. Luis Ordosgoitti allowed 5H/1R (0ER), 3K:3BB in 5IP; Jose Montero gave up 3H/2ER, 4K:3BB, 3WP in 1.1IP and Jordan Mills allowed 3H/0ER, 2K:3BB in 2.2IP.

Chase McDonald was 3x4 with a homer and 3RBI; Angel Ibanez and Ariel Ovando added the other RBIs. Tanner Mathis had a hit and a walk.

Man of the Match: Chase McDonald

GCL Astros (25-29)

Suspended due to rain

PreStros Morning Report: August 18

Oklahoma City (73-56), 6.0 up

OKC scored the first five runs of the game, Albuquerque got the next four, and that's how it ended with a 5-4 OKC win. Asher Wojciechowski threw 7.1IP, 7H/3ER, 8K:1BB; Pat Urckfitz allowed a hit to the only batter he faced, and Jason Stoffel allowed a hit which scored Wojo's inherited runner. Jorge De Leon allowed 2H/1ER, 1K:0BB in the 9th.

Seven RedHawks combined for seven hits, with Che-Hsuan Lin getting 3RBI. Jimmy Paredes had an RBI triple, and George Springer hit his 16th homer with OKC - 35 overall for the season.

Man of the Match: Asher Wojciechowski

Corpus (33-23, 2.0 GB), 75-51 overall

Arkansas got on the board in the bottom of the 1st, Corpus tied it up in the 6th, and that's where it was heading into the 10th. Two Corpus singles and a Max Stassi HBP loaded up the bases with two outs in the 10th, and Erik Castro singled to center to provide the runs for a 3-1 Corpus win. Mike Foltynewicz allowed 2H/1ER, 4K:0BB in 6IP; Ruben Alaniz gave up a hit and two walks in 3IP, and Jonas Dufek got his 2nd Corpus save.

Erik Castro was 3x5 with the aforementioned 2RBI; Enrique Hernandez hit his 12th homer of the season.

Man of the Match: Mike Foltynewicz

Lancaster (35-21, 8.0 up) 74-52 overall

The JetHawks never trailed in this one, and with four runs in the bottom of the 7th cruised to a 9-3 win over High Desert. Colton Cain threw 6.1IP, 5H/3ER, 2K:3BB while a bullpen of Jordan Jankowski (0.2IP, 1K), Kenny Long (0.2IP, 1K) and Travis Ballew (1.1IP, 2K:1BB) held High Desert hitless over the final 2.2IP.

Tyler Heineman was 2x4 with a triple, homer and 2RBI and has a seven-game hit streak (a four-game multi-hit streak) and is hitting .371/.465/.686 in his last ten games with 6K:5BB. Joe Sclafani was 2x3 with a walk; Nolan Fontana was 1x5 with a triple and 2RBI; MP Cokinos was 1x4 with 2RBI;

Man of the Match: Tyler Heineman

Quad Cities (31-23, 5.5 GB) 69-54 overall

Burlington tied the game at 2-2 in the top of the 9th when Wendell Soto hit a ball off pitcher Juan Minaya, allowing the tying run to score, but Rio Ruiz made sure to get it back, hitting a lead-off, walk-off homer in the bottom of the 9th for a 3-2 win. Brian Holmes threw 5.1IP, 7H/1R (0ER), 6K:3BB; Zach Morton threw 2.2 perfect innings, and Minaya allowed 3H/1ER, 1K:1BB in the 9th.

Every River Bandit got on base at least once. Carlos Correa was 1x4 with an RBI triple; Jobduan Morales hit his 2nd homer of the season, and Ruiz hit the walk-off. Danry Vasquez got a single and a walk on the day.

Man of the Match: Rio Ruiz

Tri-City (35-24) 0.5 up

Mike Martinez hit a game-tying two-run homer in the top of the 9th, but Staten Island's Eric Jagielo got his 4th hit of the game in the 11th with a walk-off homer for a 3-2 Staten Island win. Kevin Comer allowed 3H/0ER, 5K:2BB in 3.2IP; Evan Grills gave up 7H/2R (1ER), 1K:0BB in 4IP; Richard Rodriguez allowed two baserunners in 0.2IP; Gonzalo Sanudo struck out two more batters (36K:3BB in 29IP), and Tyler Brunnemann took the loss in the 11th.

The ValleyCats only managed five hits: D'Andre Toney, Conrad Gregor (2BB), Mike Martinez (HR/2RBI), Jack Mayfield and Jake Rodriguez.

Man of the Match: Conrad Gregor

Greeneville (34-23), 2.5 up

Greeneville had a 2-1 lead heading into the bottom of the 7th, but Elizabethton got four runs in the bottom half for a 5-2 win over the Gastros. Edison Frias allowed 5H/1ER, 4K:2BB in 6IP; Kevin Ferguson gave up 4H/4ER, HBP in 1IP and Sebastian Kessay allowed a hit to the only batter he faced before rain called the game early.

Tanner Mathis was 2x3 with a walk; Juan Santana was 1x3 with two walks; Angel Ibanez was 0x2 with two walks and an RBI; Chase McDonald was 1x3 with a walk and an RBI.

Man of the Match: Edison Frias

GCL Astros

Off.

PreStros Morning Report: August 10

Oklahoma City (69-52), 4.0 up

OKC got out to a 1-0 lead in the top of the 1st, but Las Vegas answered with one in the bottom half, and then put up three more runs in a 4-1 win over OKC in which the RedHawks recorded just three hits. Jake Buchanan allowed 7H/3ER, 4K:2BB in 6IP; Jason Stoffel gave up 2H/1ER, 3K:0BB in 2IP.

George Springer was 1x3 with a walk and a solo homer - his 31st. More on him in a separate post later this morning. Trevor Crowe was 1x4 with an outfield assist. Rene Garcia had your only other hit, whie Jose Martinez drew two walks.

Man of the Match: George Springer, of course.

Corpus (30-19, 1.0 GB) 72-47 overall

Corpus, down 2-1 in the bottom of the 9th, win in walk-off fashion after Erik Castro hit the game-tying homer and Jonathan Meyer went yard immediately after for the 3-2 win. David Rollins is adjusting to Double-A nicely, giving up just 5H/2R (1ER), 5K:2BB in 6.2IP; Andrew Robinson allowed 2H/0ER, 2K:0BB in 2.1IP.

The Hooks only got four hits on the night - three of them home runs, by Castro and Meyer, and Preston Tucker added a solo shot in addition to two walks.

Man of the Match: Hard to pick. David Rollins.

Lancaster (30-19, 4.5 up), 69-50 overall

One night after getting beat 30-8 (which was noted by SportsCenter, which we'll also get to later), newly acquired Kyle Smith (in the Kansas City trade for Justin Maxwell) fired a complete game, two-hit shutout, going 9IP, 2H/0ER, 9K:0BB. JetHawks win, 6-0.

Nolan Fontana was 1x3 with 2BB, 2RBI; Jesse Wierzbicki hit his first High-A homer, a two-run shot, in addition to drawing a walk. Joe Sclafani added a run-scoring double.

Man of the Match: Please. Kyle Smith.

Quad Cities (29-18, 1.5 GB), 67-49 overall

Oof. Wisconsin held the River Bandits to one hit in a 7-0 win at Quad Cities. Joe Bircher allowed 9H/6ER, 4K:0BB, 2HR in 5IP; Daniel Minor gave up 1H/1ER, 3K:2BB, 1HR, 2HBP, and Pat Christensen allowed 2H/0ER, 4K:1BB in the final 2IP.

Danry Vasquez had the only hit and Bobby Borchering drew the only walk.

Man of the Match: Pat Christensen

Tri-City (31-22), 1.5 up

Down 2-0 to Jamestown, Tri-City got them back in the 3rd and 5th innings, but in the top of the 9th a throwing error by 3B Tyler White allowed Edwin Espinal to reach 2nd, a Troy Scribner balk got him to 3rd, and a sac fly scored the go-ahead run in a 3-2 win over Tri-City. Randall Fant threw 4IP, 6H/2R (1ER), 2K:2BB, Albert Minnis allowed just a hit in 2IP, striking out two; and Scribner took the hard-luck loss, allowing 1H/1R (0ER), 5K:0BB in 3IP in his New York-Penn League debut. In 36.2IP across the GCL, Appy League, and now the NYPL, Scribner - an undrafted free agent - has 53 strikeouts and seven walks in 36.2IP.

Conrad Gregor was 3x3 with a walk, stolen base, and an RBI; James Ramsay was 1x4 with a solo homer; D'Andre Toney was 1x3 with a double, walk, and a stolen base.

Man of the Match: Conrad Gregor.

Greeneville (32-16), 4.0 up

After allowing Kingsport to tie the game at 2-2 in the top of the 7th, the Gastros scored the final three runs of the game for a 5-2 win. Jandel Gustave threw 4IP, 4H/1R (0ER), 5K:0BB; Kevin Ferguson bounced back from a disastrous pro debut (0.1IP, 3H/5ER, 1K:3BB on Aug 7) to throw 2IP, 1H/0ER, 3K:0BB; Ryan Connolly allowed 2H/1ER, 1K:0BB in 1IP and Gonzalo Sanudo struck out six of the eight batters he faced. Sanudo has thrown 20IP for Greeneville this season, striking out 29 of the 72 batters he has faced and walking just one. He hasn't allowed an earned run since July 9, and since that game has allowed two hits with 20K:0BB in 13IP, opponents are 2x41 - both singles - for an .049/.049/.049 line.

Alfredo Gonzalez was 2x3 with a triple and a homerun; Ariel Ovando was 1x3 with a double, walk, and 2RBI (now hitting .209).

Man of the Match: I'm going with Gonzalo Sanudo.

GCL Astros (21-23, 6.0 GB)

The GCL Braves beat the GCL Astros 6-2. Agapito Barrios allowed 6H/4ER, 3K:1BB in 5IP; Reymin Guduan struck out seven, walked one, and didn't allow a hit in 3IP; Samil De Los Santos allowed a hit to the only batter he faced, and Joe Musgrove allowed a hit and an unearned run in 1IP.

Ydarqui Marte was 3x4 with an RBI; Jason Martin had a double and a walk; Yonathan Mejia added a double.

Man of the Match: Reymin Guduan

PreStros Morning Report: August 7

Oklahoma City (68-50), 4.0 up

Off

Corpus (28-18), 0.0 GB

Enrique Hernandez got to play the heroes role as the Hooks beat the Naturals 4-2. Mike Foltynewicz threw 5.1 IP and allowed 2H/2R with 3K:4BB. Kyle Hallock, Carlos Quevedo, and Jonas Dufek finished up the game without allowing another run.

Hernandez, who pinch hit in the eighth inning, was 1x1 with a 3 run HR. Domingo Santana went 1x4 with 1 HR and 2 R. Raoul Torrez was 2x4 with 2 2B.

Man of the Match: Enrique Hernandez

Lancaster (29-17), 5.0 up

The JetHawks held off a late rally to beat Modesto 8-6. Aaron West went 7 IP, giving up 5H/2R with 5 K. Blair Walters threw 1 IP and gave up 3H/3R with 1K:2BB. Tyson Perez gave up 2H/1R in .1 IP. Kenny Long finished up the last .2 IP with 2 K.

Carlos Perdomo was 1x4 with 1 R and 2 RBI. Joe Sclafani went 3x4 with 1 2B, 1 HR, 2 R, and 2 RBI.

Man of the Match: Joe Sclafani

Quad Cities (27-17), 0.5 GB

The River Bandits bullpen gave up 5 runs in the 7th as QC lost 7-5 to Clinton. Lance McCullers threw 6 IP and allowed 5H/2R (0 ER) with 7K:1BB. Gerardo Sanchez went 2 IP and gave up 6H/5R with 3K:1BB. Daniel Minor went the last 1 IP with 2 H and 1 K. 

Tony Kemp was 2x4 with 1 BB, 1 SB,  1 R, and 1 RBI. Carlos Correa went 2x4 with 2 2B, 1 R, and 1 RBI. Danry Vasquez was 2x4 with 1 R and 1 RBI. Bobby Borchering went 2x4 with 1 2B, 1 R, and 1 RBI. 

Man of the Match: Tony Kemp

Tri-City (29-21) 0.0 up

In a well fought game that saw the score tied in the 4th, 7th, and 8th innings the ValleyCats came out on top with an 8-7 win over the CrossCutters on a walk-off, 2 run homer by Conrad Gregor. Adrian Houser threw 4.2 IP and allowed 5H/2R with 8 K. Alber Minnis threw .1 IP. Tanner Bushue pitched 2.1 IP and gave up 4H/4R with 2 K. JD Osborne went the last 1.2 IP and gave up 2H/1R with 4K:2BB. 

Conrad Gregor was 2x5 with 1 2B, 1 HR, 1 R, and 3 RBI. Michael Martinez went 2x3 with 1 BB, 1 HR, 1 R, and 1 RBI. Jack Mayfield went 2x3 with 1 RBI.

Man of the Match: Conrad Gregor

Greeneville (30-15), 4.0 up

Despite giving up 8 runs in the bottom of the ninth, the Astros beat the White Sox 11-10. Frederick Tiburcio threw 5 IP and allowed 3H/2R with 5K:2BB. Ryan Connelly threw 2 scoreless innings with 1 H and 1 K. Christian Garcia went 1.1 IP and gave up 0H/3R with 3K:5BB. Kevin Ferguson threw .1 IP and allowed 3H/5R with 1K:3BB. Krishawn Holley got the last .1 IP with 2 BB.

Juan Santana went 2x6 with 2 R and 1 RBI. Ariel Ovando was 2x4 with 1 BB and 2 R. Chase McDonald was 2x5 with 1 R and 2 RBI. Brian Holberton went 2x5 with 1 HR, 2 R, and 3 RBI. Darwin Rivera was 2x5 with 1 2B and 3 RBI. Alfredo Gonzalez went 2x5 with 1 2B and 1 R. Thomas Lindauer went 3x4 with 1 BB, 1 2B, 1 HR, 2 R, and 1 RBI.

Man of the Match: Thomas Lindauer

GCL Astros (20-20), 4.0 GB

The Astros were beat by the Blue Jays 10-3. Austin Nicely threw 4 IP and gave up 7H/4R (2 ER) with 2K:1BB. Reymin Guduan went 2 IP and gave up 2H/2R with 2K:1BB. Samil De Los Santos threw 1.1 IP and gave up 4H/4R with 2K:1BB. Javier Lozano and Devonte German each added .1 IP.

Mesac Laguno went 2x4 with 1 2B and 3 RBI.

Man of the Match: Mesac Laguno

DSL Astros (30-26) 6.0 GB

The Astros gave up 3 unearned runs in the ninth to lose 4-3 to the Mariners. Edwin Villarroel threw 5 IP and gave up 5H/1R with 5K:2BB. Cristhopher Santamaria went 1.2 IP with 2 H and 2 K. Yonquelys Martinez threw 1.1 IP with 2K:1BB. Angel Heredia took the final 1 IP and allowed 2H/3R (0 ER) with 1 BB.

Brian Pena was 2x3 with 1 BB, 1 R, and 1 RBI.

Man of the Match: Edwin Villarroel

PreStros Morning Report: June 27

Oklahoma City (41-38), 4.0 GB

Nashville had a 5-0 lead before OKC got on the board, and rode it out for a 5-2 win. Asher Wojciechowski allowed a symmetrical 5H/4ER, 5K:4BB in 5.2IP; Eric Berger allowed 3H/1ER, 3K:0BB in 1.1IP; Kevin Chapman gave up a hit in 1IP.

Jonathan Villar, Brandon Laird (2B) and Marwin Gonzalez each had two hits; Carlos Perez was 1x2 with an RBI and a walk; Jimmy Paredes hit his 5th homer for OKC. Jon Singleton and George Springer were each 0x4 with 3K.

Man of the Match: Uh. Carlos Perez?

Corpus (4-4), tied

Welp. That was stupid. The Hooks carried a 4-1 lead into the top of the 9th but I'll be a monkey's uncle if Springfield didn't score five runs in the top of the 9th, and despite getting one back in the bottom haf, the Hooks lost 6-5. Kyle Hallock threw 5.1IP, 1H/1ER, 2K:4BB; Andrew Robinson (1.2IP, 2BB) and Jorge De Leon (K) threw scoreless outings. Pat Urckfitz allowed 5H/4ER in 0.2IP while Carlos Quevedo allowed a solo homer and two of Urckfitz's runs for the BS.

Max Stassi continued his tear with a 3x5 night; Jonathan Meyer (two doubles, BB, RBI) and Zach Johnson (2B, RBI) had two hits each. Preston Tucker (BB, RBI) and Michael Burgess (HR, 2RBI, BB) had a hit and a walk each.

Man of the Match: Jonathan Meyer

Quad Cities (5-2) 2.0 GB, 43-33 overall

Peoria never trailed in this one, beating Quad Cities 5-4. Jamaine Cotton allowed 5H/5R (4ER), 1K:3BB in 3.2IP; Mitchell Lambson allowed a hit in 1.1IP and Colton Cain gave up 2H/0ER in 3IP.

Carlos Correa was 2x4; Roberto Pena was 1x4 with a HR.

Man of the Match: Colton Cain

Tri-City (9-2) 4.0 up

The ValleyCats came back from an early 2-1 deficit, scoring the next six runs in a 9-4 win against Lowell. The battery of Evan Grills and Kevin Comer did it again - Grills threw 5IP, 4H/3ER, 2K:1BB and Comer allowed 1H/1ER, 2K:1BB in 4IP.

James Ramsay (HR, 2RBI), Dan Gulbransen (RBI), and Ronnie Mitchell (SB, BB, 3RBI) had three hits each. Conrad Gregor was 2x3 with two walks and three runs scored. Michael Martinez drew a hit and a walk.

Man of the Match: Conrad Gregor

Greeneville (3-5), 4.0 GB

That is a Win Streak, my friends! Greeneville scored in the first inning, one in the 7th and six runs in the 8th, but that first one was all they needed. Astros pitching held Kingsport to no runs on two hits in an 8-0 win. Jandel Gustave struck out seven and walked three in six hitless innings; Sebastian Kessay struck out two in 1IP and J.D. Osborne allowed 2H/0ER, 5K:0BB as Kingsport struck out 14 times on the night.

Alfredo Gonzalez was 3x4 with a double and 2RBI; Edwin Gomez was 2x5 with a double; Tanner Mathis (2BB) Juan Santana (2RBI), and Darwin Rivera (HR) provided your RBIs.

Man of the Match: Jandel Gustave

GCL Astros (4-2), 1.0 up

The GCL Astros had a 4-3 lead in the bottom of the 9th, but the Yankees struck last with two runs in a walk-off. Yankees win 5-2. Agapito Barrios allowed 4H/2ER, 6K:2BB in 5IP; Jorge Perez (2BB), Kevin Ferguson (ER, K), and Juan Santos (H) each threw an inning. Erick Gonzalez got the BS/L (The Brandon Lyon) with 0.2IP, 2H/2ER giving up the walk-off 2-run homer.

Jason Martin was 3x5 with an RBI; Alex Gonzalez and Javaris Reynolds had two hits each.

Man of the Match: Jason Martin

PreStros Morning Report: June 20

Oklahoma City (38-33), 2.0 GB

OKC never trailed in this game, and behind a strong start from Jarred Cosart, defeat New Orleans 4-1. Cosart threw 6IP, 4H/0ER, 8K:0BB (67 of 104 pitches for strikes) to move to 7-3 on the year with a 3.09 ERA. Rhiner Cruz walked a batter, Alex Sogard allowed the lone run, and Josh Zeid struck out the side in the 9th for his 5th save.

Brett Wallace was 4x5 with two doubles and two runs scored. Brandon Laird and Carlos Perez (2RBI) had two hits each; Che-Hsuan Lin was 1x4 with 2RBI. Robbie Grossman was 0x2 with two walks.

Man of the Match: Jarred Cosart

Corpus (1-2), 1GB (43-30 overall)

Frisco got two runs in the 1st inning, which was all they needed in a 2-0 win over Corpus in which both teams combined for seven hits. Jake Buchanan threw 5IP, 4H/2ER, 1K:1BB in a nice bounce-back start; Carlos Quevedo (2IP) and Sergio Escalona (1IP) held Frisco hitless over the final three innings.

Erik Castro was 2x3, and was caught stealing second base both times he was on base. Raoul Torrez had your other Hooks hit.

Man of the Match: Jake Buchanan

Lancaster (1-0), tied, (40-31 overall)

That was a beat-down. The JetHawks opened the 2nd half of the season by scoring the first 11 runs of the game in an 11-3 win over Rancho Cucamonga. David Rollins was dealing, allowing 1H/0ER, 9K:2BB in 5IP; Tyson Perez allowed 5H/3ER, 5K:1BB in the final 4IP.

MP Cokinos hit his 6th homer in a 2x3, BB night. Tyler Heineman and Chris Epps hit a 2-run homer each, while Telvin Nash (2RBI), Joe Sclafani (RBI) had a hit and a walk each.

Man of the Match: Jeez. How about David Rollins?

Quad Cities (1-0), tied, (39-31 overall)

Quad Cities only trailed for a half-inning on their way to a 5-3 win over Kane County. Juan Minaya threw 4IP, 6H/2ER, 4K:3BB; Richard Rodriguez gave up a hit in 1IP; Vincent Velasquez got the win with 3IP, 5H/1ER, 3K:0BB and John Neely gave up 2H/0ER, 1K:0BB in the 9th.

Rio Ruiz announced his second half presence with authority with a 3x4, two-double, 2RBI night; Teoscar Hernandez drew a walk, hit a sac fly, and got a double. Jesse Wierzbicki was 1x4 with an RBI and Roberto Pena was 1x2 with two walks.

Man of the Match: Rio Ruiz

Tri-City (4-0), 1.5 up

I told you Tri-City wouldn't lose a game this season. So far I'm right. Down 5-0 heading into the 8th, the ValleyCats got three in the 8th, two in the 9th, and three in the 11th for an 8-5 comeback win at Lowell. Edison Frias allowed 6H/2ER, 2K:1BB in 4IP; new Astro/ValleyCat Charles Basford (acquired in the Fernando Martinez trade) allowed 3H/3R (1ER), 1K:1BB; Kyle Westwood threw 3.1IP, allowing 0H/0ER, 2K:1BB; Albert Minnis moved to 2-0 with one hit in two scoreless innings and Chia-Jen Lo struck out the side for his 2nd save of the year.

Tony Kemp (BB), Conrad Gregor (3RBI) and Jose Fernandez had two hits each; Michael Martinez was 1x3 with a double, RBI, and a walk; D'Andre Toney had an RBI sac fly in the 9th and Ryan Dineen was 1x3 with two walks and three runs scored.

Man of the Match: Conrad Gregor

Greeneville Astros (0-1)

The Gastros opened their season by getting shutout by Toronto affiliate Bluefield, 5-0. Enderson Franco allowed 6H/2ER, 4K:1BB in 5IP; Frederick Tiburcio and Jordan Mills each walked a batter in 1IP and Gerardo Ramirez allowed 3H/3ER, 1K:1BB in the 8th.

Marc Wik (2B) and Wallace Gonzalez had two hits each; Darwin Rivera, Juan Santana and Tanner Mathis provided your other hits. Bobby Borchering, who ended 2012 in Corpus and somehow finds himself in Greeneville, was 0x4 with 2K.

Man of the Match: Enderson Franco.

Conrad Gregor signing bonus announced

Baseball America's Jim Callis announced this morning that 4th Round pick Conrad Gregor signed for $481,900, which is right at the slot recommendation for the 4-107 pick.

The Astros total confirmed bonuses now sit at $816,600 with $10,548,100 remaining and are still $27,300 under their pool for the picks in which they have signed.

Conrad Gregor has signed

According to Jeff Lockridge, Vanderbilt's beat writer for The Tennessean, 4th Round pick Conrad Gregor has signed with the Astros. More info as it becomes available.

Slot value for that pick is $481,900.

2nd Day Draft Pick Reactions

Mark Appel, on the negotiations with the Astros:
Mr. Boras is my agent and he will handle negotiations. Obviously, I will be very involved. But I trust him, and he's done a great job so far.

On 3rd Round pick Kent Emanuel, Mike Elias said:
We liked that he's a crafty thrower. He's a pitchability left-hander that spots up his pitches. When you have a competitor like that, it checks off a lot of boxes. 

Emanuel:
I don't know too much about the specifics of the franchise, but I'm sure I will soon. I'm going to do my research, that's for sure. I know they're an up-and-coming bunch that wants to win again badly.

4th Round pick Conrad Gregor on signing:
Right now, I'm undecided, but the next few weeks are about my teammates, getting to the College World Series. I'll make the decision with my family, because it's a big one.

Elias, on 5th Round pick Tony Kemp:
We loved Tony Kemp. The word 'sparkplug' is used quite a bit. He has a ferocious approach at the plate and treats at-bats like they're wars.

Elias, on 6th Round pick Jacob Nottingham:
We think he's a steal. We evaluated Jacob as a top-five-round talent, at minimum.

Elias, on 7th Round pick James Ramsay:
He turned into one of the most captivating leadoff guys in college baseball and was arguably the best center fielder in the country. 

Elias, on 8th Round pick Jason Martin:
He's got what we call a very strong profile. He's left-handed, can run, hits for average and can defend. That's a leadoff hitter's tool set.

Elias, on 9th Round pick Brian Holberton, Elias said:
He's one of the guys who made (UNC's) lineup click. He has the power and the bat to slot anywhere in your order....What pushed him into our Top 10 rounds was that we saw him catch in the ACC Tournament, so we're going to try him out there. If that works out, we might really have something. He's just a solid ballplayer.

Elias, on 10th Round pick Austin Nicely, and his back injury last summer:
We're not really concerned about the injury. He's an athletic kid, and we saw him healthy at our player tryouts a few weeks ago. He impressed.