*Baseball America released their Top 10 Astros Prospects with a system overview, best tools, and projected 2021 lineup. Click the link for the overview, etc., but here are the Astros' top ten prospects:
1. Forrest Whitley
2. Kyle Tucker
3. Yordan Alvarez
4. J.B. Bukauskas
5. Freudis Nova
6. Jairo Solis
7. Hector Perez
8. Jorge Alcala
9. David Paulino
10. J.D. Davis
Click here for the chat with J.J. Cooper.
*J.D. Davis still can't believe the Astros won the World Series.
*Davis and Astros County Favorite Rogelio Armenteros were honored as the 2017 Hooks Player and Pitcher of the Year last night at the 14th Annual South Texas Winter Baseball Banquet.
*Jim Callis ranked the prospect duo of Kyle Tucker/Forrest Whitley as the 3rd best hitting/pitching tandem in baseball.
*Baseball is going to a pitch clock and limiting mound visits in an attempt to appease casual fans and attract new ones who don't understand why the batter doesn't just hit the pitcher with the top of his helmet.
*Jenny Dial Creech: The Gerrit Cole trade shows the Astros want nothing less than a repeat.
*George Springer is getting married tomorrow, and A.J. Hinch is staying at Dave Roberts' house.
*Reid Ryan got to take the Commissioner's Trophy home to Alvin.
*Delino DeShields remembers that 2014 Rule 5 Draft very well, and the 2017 World Series even better:
It puts a little chip on my shoulder. I want to go out there and take some of the wind out of their sails.
*CC Sabathia knows people hate the Yankees, and he loves it.
Last year we were the team that everybody loved (Ed. Note: [looks around, eyebrows arched, palms half-turned up]) that feel-good story. But getting Giancarlo just brings us back to being that hated team. That's what we like, man, we want to go out there and put the best team on the field and, you know, crush everybody every game.
*The Athletic is after all the beat writers.
We didn't come out here to play tiddlywinks, son.
-Hal Smith
Showing posts with label Delino DeShields. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Delino DeShields. Show all posts
Friday, January 19, 2018
Wednesday, March 8, 2017
Wednesday Morning Hot Links
*Bovada pegs the Astros as 13/2 favorites to win the AL Pennant this season, behind the Red Sox (9/4) and Indians (7/2). They're odds-on favorites (6/5) to win the AL West.
*NumberFire has three burning questions about the Astros.
*Dallas Keuchel threw a 39-pitch simulated game yesterday, facing three minor-leaguers three times each. He struck out four and said he was ready to start a game. Hinch:
I thought today was the most comfortable that I've seen him, really this entire offseason and into the spring.
*Keuchel will make his ST debut on Sunday.
*Jeff Sullivan: The single best sign out of Astros camp.
*Carlos Correa will play 3B for Puerto Rico.
*SABR looked back at J.R. Richard's 15-strikeout debut for the Astros in 1971. #Retire50
*You can click through this slideshow to see who Jake Kaplan thinks will make the Opening Day roster.
*Delino DeShields said the Astros weren't pushing him through the minors:
I was in a situation in Houston where they weren't really pushing guys. After all the good years that I did have, it was slow for me even though I felt like I was contributing on a high level. I felt like I was ready to go. For me being 21 years old, it was kind of discouraging.
*Tim Brown: Meet the guy with the worst job in sports.
*Meet the last great ticket scalper.
*The Astros will play the Mets at 12:05pm Central, with Charlie Morton making his second start.
*NumberFire has three burning questions about the Astros.
*Dallas Keuchel threw a 39-pitch simulated game yesterday, facing three minor-leaguers three times each. He struck out four and said he was ready to start a game. Hinch:
I thought today was the most comfortable that I've seen him, really this entire offseason and into the spring.
*Keuchel will make his ST debut on Sunday.
*Jeff Sullivan: The single best sign out of Astros camp.
*Carlos Correa will play 3B for Puerto Rico.
*SABR looked back at J.R. Richard's 15-strikeout debut for the Astros in 1971. #Retire50
*You can click through this slideshow to see who Jake Kaplan thinks will make the Opening Day roster.
*Delino DeShields said the Astros weren't pushing him through the minors:
I was in a situation in Houston where they weren't really pushing guys. After all the good years that I did have, it was slow for me even though I felt like I was contributing on a high level. I felt like I was ready to go. For me being 21 years old, it was kind of discouraging.
*Tim Brown: Meet the guy with the worst job in sports.
*Meet the last great ticket scalper.
*The Astros will play the Mets at 12:05pm Central, with Charlie Morton making his second start.
Wednesday, April 20, 2016
Wednesday Morning Hot Links
*AAAHHHHHHHHHASFFEGRSDGRBTBRBR
This includes having a runner on third with less than two outs on two separate occasions, and that runner then walking back to the dugout without having crossed the plate when the inning was over.
*Lance McCullers threw off the bullpen mound at Arlington yesterday.
*A.J. Hinch says Max Stassi is getting closer to going to Extended Spring Training games for rehab.
*The new CBA will place more emphasis on player marketing and promotion.
*Delino DeShields doesn't have any ill feelings toward the Astros.
*Brett Myers: Country singer.
Astros are hitting .184 with RISP through 14 games.— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) April 20, 2016
This includes having a runner on third with less than two outs on two separate occasions, and that runner then walking back to the dugout without having crossed the plate when the inning was over.
*Gerry Fraley: If this is going to be a rivalry, the Astros should try winning some games against the Ramgers.Current mood watching this #Astros game: pic.twitter.com/DBHWyGtINe— Robert Flores (@RoFlo) April 20, 2016
*Lance McCullers threw off the bullpen mound at Arlington yesterday.
*A.J. Hinch says Max Stassi is getting closer to going to Extended Spring Training games for rehab.
*The new CBA will place more emphasis on player marketing and promotion.
*Delino DeShields doesn't have any ill feelings toward the Astros.
*Brett Myers: Country singer.
Friday, September 25, 2015
Friday Morning Reset
You can't count on the A's for anything. The Rangers beat the A's 8-1 to extend their division lead to XX. But hey, the Twins lost to the Indians! So here we are:
Rangers: -
Astros: -3.5
Astros: -
Twins: -1.5
Indians: -1.5
Orioles: -3.5
The Astros' division odds are now a meager 10.9% while their chances of holding on to the 2nd Wild Card spot are at 71%.
McHugh said the team knows what's up with the Rangers coming to town tonight:
You know it's important. Everybody knows it's important. They're in first place. We get them at our place. We're chasing them, and these are swing games. There's no zero sum gain. You win, they lose. You gain a game or you lose a game. That's the way it is. For us right now, it's about winning games.
Hinch wants the AL West:
It's really important to focus on winning the division. If you set your sights too low, the downside of that is out of the playoffs. You have to keep your sights set really high, and if you end up falling back into the next scenario below that, the wild-card game and the one-game playoff, I want our guys focused on the division.
Jim Crane said that if the Astros don't make the playoffs, he's going tocastrate somebody be disappointed:
With the team improving considerably this year, we've also gotten some more people in the ballpark and created a little excitement. It would be a big disappointment if we don't at least get in the playoffs as a wild card, so they have some work to do...A lot of guys have come through. You've seen the farm develop over the years. We got Carlos up. We've had a few injuries that kind of set us back with some of our key players...I think it's great.
Jerome Solomon talks about Crane looking forward, not back.
Delino DeShields is the Rangers' spark plug:
I think it was just somebody just giving me a chance, and being straightforward and telling me what they expected of me and what they wanted; just being real with me from the beginning. They told me that I was going to be a fifth outfielder in the beginning, but opportunity may come later on down the road where you can do something.
Gonna go spend some quality time until 7:00
Rangers: -
Astros: -3.5
Astros: -
Twins: -1.5
Indians: -1.5
Orioles: -3.5
The Astros' division odds are now a meager 10.9% while their chances of holding on to the 2nd Wild Card spot are at 71%.
McHugh said the team knows what's up with the Rangers coming to town tonight:
You know it's important. Everybody knows it's important. They're in first place. We get them at our place. We're chasing them, and these are swing games. There's no zero sum gain. You win, they lose. You gain a game or you lose a game. That's the way it is. For us right now, it's about winning games.
Hinch wants the AL West:
It's really important to focus on winning the division. If you set your sights too low, the downside of that is out of the playoffs. You have to keep your sights set really high, and if you end up falling back into the next scenario below that, the wild-card game and the one-game playoff, I want our guys focused on the division.
Jim Crane said that if the Astros don't make the playoffs, he's going to
With the team improving considerably this year, we've also gotten some more people in the ballpark and created a little excitement. It would be a big disappointment if we don't at least get in the playoffs as a wild card, so they have some work to do...A lot of guys have come through. You've seen the farm develop over the years. We got Carlos up. We've had a few injuries that kind of set us back with some of our key players...I think it's great.
Jerome Solomon talks about Crane looking forward, not back.
Delino DeShields is the Rangers' spark plug:
I think it was just somebody just giving me a chance, and being straightforward and telling me what they expected of me and what they wanted; just being real with me from the beginning. They told me that I was going to be a fifth outfielder in the beginning, but opportunity may come later on down the road where you can do something.
Gonna go spend some quality time until 7:00
Thursday, July 9, 2015
Thursday Morning Hot Links
Well after Joe Thatcher's meltdown last night in the 8th (a hard-hit ball to left by Lindor that Rasmus was a fraction of a second late on throwing out at second, a walk, and a crushed ball to right), there is but a half of a game separating the Astros and Angels in the projected standings by FanGraphs. The Astros' division odds have fallen to 48.5% while their playoff odds are 72.4%. The Astros' division lead, even with the Angels winning nine of ten, is at 1.5 games.
*Tyler Bauer struck out nine batters in 8IP and retired 12 straight from the 4th-8th innings. Hinch wants to tip his cap:
We're facing some good pitching. They've exploited a few chase counts. These guys have good pitching.
Hey guess what? If the Astros are going to finish this crazy season off, they're not going to have the luxury of teeing off on Joe Blanton three times in a five-game series, they're going to face some good pitching in the playoffs. And swinging at 58-footers like this is cricket four times a game isn't going to get anything done.
*Tyler Bauer's reaction to Gattis' lumberjack homer was fantastic:
I love Gattis. His approach is awesome. I threw the first one - it was like 94 down the middle - and he fouled it back, and it struck me as weird. I was like, that doesn't look like a normal foul ball. I'm just going to throw a fastball up, out of the zone and kind of reset. I didn't know what pitch to throw next. So I threw a fastball up, and it was two feet out of the strike zone. So what are you going to do? It's great. I love baseball for that reason. Because stuff like that happens.
*The Astros might want to consider some gas-throwing bullpen additions, writes Evan Drellich.
*MLBTR has some hard-throwing names on non-contending clubs that might not cost an arm and a bat in prospects: Jake Diekmann and Ken Giles (Phillies), Bryan Morris and Sam Dyson (Marlins), Jeremy Jeffress (Brewers).
*The Astros don't plan to option McCullers to the minors like they did Velasquez, who wanted Velasquez's roster spot for the bullpen.
*Mark Buehrle had been drinking beer during Game 4 of the 2005 World Series. That was the Ezequiel Astacio/14-inning game where the White Sox got two runs in the 14th inning to win 7-5 and take a 3-0 series lead. Buehrle faced Adam Everett with two outs and Orlando Palmeiro on 3rd and Ausmus on 2nd, and got Everett to pop up to short to end the game.
*Sports On Earth's Anthony Castrovince predicts the Astros will hold on to the AL West lead.
*Here's a nice profile on Astros fan and proprietor of the invaluable Baseball Savant website Daren Willman. I'm very happy for the notice he's received.
*Delino DeShields wanted to buy a Porsche, and his parents wouldn't let him.
*Hey guys, Casey Close is at it again, this time with 1st Round Braves pick Kolby Allard
*Tyler Bauer struck out nine batters in 8IP and retired 12 straight from the 4th-8th innings. Hinch wants to tip his cap:
We're facing some good pitching. They've exploited a few chase counts. These guys have good pitching.
Hey guess what? If the Astros are going to finish this crazy season off, they're not going to have the luxury of teeing off on Joe Blanton three times in a five-game series, they're going to face some good pitching in the playoffs. And swinging at 58-footers like this is cricket four times a game isn't going to get anything done.
*Tyler Bauer's reaction to Gattis' lumberjack homer was fantastic:
I love Gattis. His approach is awesome. I threw the first one - it was like 94 down the middle - and he fouled it back, and it struck me as weird. I was like, that doesn't look like a normal foul ball. I'm just going to throw a fastball up, out of the zone and kind of reset. I didn't know what pitch to throw next. So I threw a fastball up, and it was two feet out of the strike zone. So what are you going to do? It's great. I love baseball for that reason. Because stuff like that happens.
*The Astros might want to consider some gas-throwing bullpen additions, writes Evan Drellich.
*MLBTR has some hard-throwing names on non-contending clubs that might not cost an arm and a bat in prospects: Jake Diekmann and Ken Giles (Phillies), Bryan Morris and Sam Dyson (Marlins), Jeremy Jeffress (Brewers).
*The Astros don't plan to option McCullers to the minors like they did Velasquez, who wanted Velasquez's roster spot for the bullpen.
*Mark Buehrle had been drinking beer during Game 4 of the 2005 World Series. That was the Ezequiel Astacio/14-inning game where the White Sox got two runs in the 14th inning to win 7-5 and take a 3-0 series lead. Buehrle faced Adam Everett with two outs and Orlando Palmeiro on 3rd and Ausmus on 2nd, and got Everett to pop up to short to end the game.
*Sports On Earth's Anthony Castrovince predicts the Astros will hold on to the AL West lead.
*Here's a nice profile on Astros fan and proprietor of the invaluable Baseball Savant website Daren Willman. I'm very happy for the notice he's received.
*Delino DeShields wanted to buy a Porsche, and his parents wouldn't let him.
*Hey guys, Casey Close is at it again, this time with 1st Round Braves pick Kolby Allard
Sunday, March 15, 2015
Sunday Morning Hot Links
Here are the hawtest links in the land...
*MLBPA head Tony Clark spoke to the Chronicle about the Astros, who are working their way off the union's crap list. Trying to change Ryan Vogelsong's contract after his medical (sound familiar?) doesn't help.
*Collin McHugh struggled, Michael Feliz didn't, and Brad Peacock and Preston Tucker are on the mend.
*Jonathan Villar was hit by a pitch above the right knee BUT! is okay.
*The Astros helped a little league team.
*A producer who worked on The Imitation Game has picked up the rights to a movie about Roger Clemens.
*Delino DeShields is out for the Rangers with a sore hamstring. If he doesn't make the Rangers' Opening Day roster, he comes back to the Astros.
*Brian Bogusevic hit two homers for the Phillies.
*Here's a great story about former Astro Enrique Hernandez
*Former Astros executive and 1953 MVP Al Rosen passed away at age 91
*MLBPA head Tony Clark spoke to the Chronicle about the Astros, who are working their way off the union's crap list. Trying to change Ryan Vogelsong's contract after his medical (sound familiar?) doesn't help.
*Collin McHugh struggled, Michael Feliz didn't, and Brad Peacock and Preston Tucker are on the mend.
*Jonathan Villar was hit by a pitch above the right knee BUT! is okay.
*The Astros helped a little league team.
*A producer who worked on The Imitation Game has picked up the rights to a movie about Roger Clemens.
*Delino DeShields is out for the Rangers with a sore hamstring. If he doesn't make the Rangers' Opening Day roster, he comes back to the Astros.
*Brian Bogusevic hit two homers for the Phillies.
*Here's a great story about former Astro Enrique Hernandez
*Former Astros executive and 1953 MVP Al Rosen passed away at age 91
Thursday, December 18, 2014
Thursday Morning Link Dump
*Here's an interesting report from Evan Drellich on redrafting Brady Aiken or Jacob Nix in 2015, and that the Astros won't lose their top two draft picks next year.
*The Rangers don't have any questions regarding Delino DeShields' work ethic. Neither did the Astros.
*Trey Hillman is excited.
*The Rangers don't have any questions regarding Delino DeShields' work ethic. Neither did the Astros.
*Trey Hillman is excited.
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
Wednesday Morning Link Dump
A surprisingly large dump for you this morning. Wait...
*The Astros still have money left in the checkbook, but it seems as though their big spending this off-season is pretty much over. Within that Chron link, there's a good salary breakdown by position type.
*Even though Venezuelan Winter League club Magallanes tweeted that Jose Altuve would be joining them in a couple of weeks, the Astros have not yet given their approval for him to do so.
*The Astros treated Lowrie "like a goal, not a contingency" this off-season, said Brodie Van Wagenen, Lowrie's agent.
*Keith Law, on Jed Lowrie ($):
It's a deal that underpays him based on expected performance but prices in his injury risk and the probability that he's not able to stay at shortstop for the entire deal.
*Houston signed Dan Johnson to a minor-league deal with an invitation to Major League Spring Training. Johnson has spent just 114 games in the Majors from 2008-2014, but hit a cool homer in the bottom of the 9th during G162 for the Rays that helped them get to the playoffs. So that's what the Astros will be looking for this September: playoff-clinching homers.
*Palm Beach County commissioners approved a deal to seek a land-swap with the city of West Palm Beach on a proposed Astros/Nationals Spring Training facility, but it may not happen. Line of the day comes from Palm Beach County commissioner Steve Abrams, regarding the deal:
It looks like we're trading Giancarlo Stanton for a .200 hitter on the Astros.
*Delino DeShields just wants to help the Rangers, despite being hesitant:
I was hoping I would get selected, but not by the Rangers, of all team, the Texas rival. It's a good opportunity to get my career going...They can move me around a little bit if they want to. I didn't forget how to play second base. It's only been a year. I adjusted to the outfield pretty good. I'm athletic enough to do whatever they tell me to do. Whatever role I have on this team I just want to do whatever I can to help.
*Not sure how I missed this from earlier in the off-season but the Braves not only hired Bo Porter as their 3B coach, they hired former Astros bench coach Dave Trembley as their Director of Player Development and Minor League Field Coordinator. Former Astros catcher Robinson Cancel will manage the Braves' Gulf Coast League team.
*Wesley Wright signed with Baltimore.
*The Astros still have money left in the checkbook, but it seems as though their big spending this off-season is pretty much over. Within that Chron link, there's a good salary breakdown by position type.
*Even though Venezuelan Winter League club Magallanes tweeted that Jose Altuve would be joining them in a couple of weeks, the Astros have not yet given their approval for him to do so.
*The Astros treated Lowrie "like a goal, not a contingency" this off-season, said Brodie Van Wagenen, Lowrie's agent.
*Keith Law, on Jed Lowrie ($):
It's a deal that underpays him based on expected performance but prices in his injury risk and the probability that he's not able to stay at shortstop for the entire deal.
*Houston signed Dan Johnson to a minor-league deal with an invitation to Major League Spring Training. Johnson has spent just 114 games in the Majors from 2008-2014, but hit a cool homer in the bottom of the 9th during G162 for the Rays that helped them get to the playoffs. So that's what the Astros will be looking for this September: playoff-clinching homers.
*Palm Beach County commissioners approved a deal to seek a land-swap with the city of West Palm Beach on a proposed Astros/Nationals Spring Training facility, but it may not happen. Line of the day comes from Palm Beach County commissioner Steve Abrams, regarding the deal:
It looks like we're trading Giancarlo Stanton for a .200 hitter on the Astros.
*Delino DeShields just wants to help the Rangers, despite being hesitant:
I was hoping I would get selected, but not by the Rangers, of all team, the Texas rival. It's a good opportunity to get my career going...They can move me around a little bit if they want to. I didn't forget how to play second base. It's only been a year. I adjusted to the outfield pretty good. I'm athletic enough to do whatever they tell me to do. Whatever role I have on this team I just want to do whatever I can to help.
*Not sure how I missed this from earlier in the off-season but the Braves not only hired Bo Porter as their 3B coach, they hired former Astros bench coach Dave Trembley as their Director of Player Development and Minor League Field Coordinator. Former Astros catcher Robinson Cancel will manage the Braves' Gulf Coast League team.
*Wesley Wright signed with Baltimore.
Thursday, December 11, 2014
Rule 5 Draft news
In keeping with the recent frantic tone of the winter meetings, the Rule 5 draft was a surprise to most pundits who expected a quiet one. Only four teams sat out the first 15 picks. Which means action for the Astros, who could not protect everyone and probably had more useful and exposed pieces than most.
Heading out of the Houston organisation is:
Delino DeShields Jr (Rangers)
Jandel Gustave (Red Sox, but traded to the Royals)
David Rollins (Mariners)
Heading into the Houston organisation is:
Jason Garcia (Red Sox)
Garcia was subsequently flipped to the Orioles for cash considerations (or, possibly, a PTBNL).
Other than the Astros, only the Rockies organisation lost more than one player in the first round. They lost two. Also losing players were the Rays, the Marlins, the Braves, the Rangers, the Cubs, the Twins and the Mets.
Remember that the most likely outcome is that the player is returned to the organisation of origin because keeping a Lo-A pitcher or outfielder-with-attitude on the 25-man for the whole year is difficult. Unless, that is, unless they discover an "injury" that allows for time on the DL. So we may well see these guys back in the fold at some stage prior to the end of the 2015 season.
Update: And because AC readers are the absolute best, we have an update. Big-bonus-baby and yet-to-stay-in-full-season-ball Ariel Ovando (who is 21) was claimed in the minor league phase, with the intention of turning him into a pitcher. He throws lefty, so not a bad gamble. Thanks, Andrew!!
Heading out of the Houston organisation is:
Delino DeShields Jr (Rangers)
Jandel Gustave (Red Sox, but traded to the Royals)
David Rollins (Mariners)
Heading into the Houston organisation is:
Jason Garcia (Red Sox)
Garcia was subsequently flipped to the Orioles for cash considerations (or, possibly, a PTBNL).
Other than the Astros, only the Rockies organisation lost more than one player in the first round. They lost two. Also losing players were the Rays, the Marlins, the Braves, the Rangers, the Cubs, the Twins and the Mets.
Remember that the most likely outcome is that the player is returned to the organisation of origin because keeping a Lo-A pitcher or outfielder-with-attitude on the 25-man for the whole year is difficult. Unless, that is, unless they discover an "injury" that allows for time on the DL. So we may well see these guys back in the fold at some stage prior to the end of the 2015 season.
Update: And because AC readers are the absolute best, we have an update. Big-bonus-baby and yet-to-stay-in-full-season-ball Ariel Ovando (who is 21) was claimed in the minor league phase, with the intention of turning him into a pitcher. He throws lefty, so not a bad gamble. Thanks, Andrew!!
Thursday Morning Link Dump
*Contract details - Neshek: 2yrs/$12.5m with an option for a 3rd year that could push it to $21m. Gregerson: 3yrs/$18m with a possibility of a total of $21m based on performance. Click the link, because Neshek details how the negotiations unfolded.
We like our rotation but feel like there is room for one proven major league starter to write in there somewhere in the middle of the rotation.
Luhnow would go on to say that Scott Feldman, Dallas Keuchel, Collin McHugh are locks for the rotation. The Astros believe Mike Foltynewicz and Asher Wojciechowski are possibilities for the SP5 slot.
Unsurprisingly, the Astros are "not competing for the top guys in the market." So I guess I can cancel that Scherzer jersey I had pre-ordered.
*Evan Drellich writes in this article that the Astros may lose Delino DeShields and catcher Ramiro Pena in the Rule 5 draft, which takes place this morning. The Astros have the 1.4 pick, but aren't expected to select anyone for the first time since Oprah was born.
*The Astros - among several other teams - are still engaged in talks with Jed Lowrie, The Nationals "seem like a fit," but don't seem to be heavily involved. Within the 2nd link here, the Astros did apparently ask the Nationals about Tyler Clippard, but the Nats want "better than a low-tier prospect" and aren't just interested in dumping Clippard's (projected) $9m salary.
*Dallas Keuchel will headline the South Texas Winter Baseball Banquet in Corpus on January 28.
*Unrelated to the Astros: Here's a good piece by Yahoo's Tim Brown on a wild day for the Dodgers.
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
Wednesday Morning Link Dump
Here's what happened over the last 24 hours in Luhnow Does San Diego...
*Jim Crane says that $20m is there to spend this off-season, but not just for the sake of spending it.
We're not going to spend it just to spend it. I think definitely the money's available if they need it, and we're looking to fill some voids and improve the team. That could include spending the money and making some trades...Definitely that money's available if they need it, and we could stretch a little if we need to and something came in our direction we felt was the right piece that improved the team.
The right piece needs to be willing to take the money first, though...
*Meanwhile, at some point in the last year, Jeff Luhnow got himself an extension. Though with the timeline given to Evan Drellich by Crane, this extension came before someone leaked Ground Control, or Brady Aiken and Jacob Nix and Mac Marshall went unsigned, or Bo Porter was fired.
*Two of Jon Heyman's sources "familair" (sic) with the Astros' thinking say Chase Headley isn't very high on Houston's priority list, and openly wonders if the NYDN's Bill Madden (who said the Astros offered 5yrs/$65m) didn't fall for a phantom report.
*Jerry Crasnick says that the Astros are one of three teams involved in serious talks with reliever Pat Neshek.
*The Astros have also talked to Sergio Romo and Luke Gregerson.
*L.J. Hoes is being dangled in potential trades involving, yes, relievers.
*The Astros talked to the Nationals about Tyler Clippard, but things "didn't get very far."
*The Astros offering Andrew Miller a potential 5yr/$50m contract - that Miller subsequently turned down - is seen as a positive within baseball, writes Evan Drellich.
*With the Rule 5 draft set for tomorrow (Thursday) morning, Luhnow is gambling that Delino DeShields Jr won't be taken by another team.
*Evan Drellich writes the article about the Astros Tax that we would have written, if we had things like "Access," and "Money/Time to Fly To San Diego."
*The Astros and Kissimmee are almost a lock to break up for Spring Training.
*Could be worse, Astros fans. Nobody from the Brewers has even met with an agent or a representative from another team yet.
*Jim Crane says that $20m is there to spend this off-season, but not just for the sake of spending it.
We're not going to spend it just to spend it. I think definitely the money's available if they need it, and we're looking to fill some voids and improve the team. That could include spending the money and making some trades...Definitely that money's available if they need it, and we could stretch a little if we need to and something came in our direction we felt was the right piece that improved the team.
The right piece needs to be willing to take the money first, though...
*Meanwhile, at some point in the last year, Jeff Luhnow got himself an extension. Though with the timeline given to Evan Drellich by Crane, this extension came before someone leaked Ground Control, or Brady Aiken and Jacob Nix and Mac Marshall went unsigned, or Bo Porter was fired.
*Two of Jon Heyman's sources "familair" (sic) with the Astros' thinking say Chase Headley isn't very high on Houston's priority list, and openly wonders if the NYDN's Bill Madden (who said the Astros offered 5yrs/$65m) didn't fall for a phantom report.
*Jerry Crasnick says that the Astros are one of three teams involved in serious talks with reliever Pat Neshek.
*The Astros have also talked to Sergio Romo and Luke Gregerson.
*L.J. Hoes is being dangled in potential trades involving, yes, relievers.
*The Astros talked to the Nationals about Tyler Clippard, but things "didn't get very far."
*The Astros offering Andrew Miller a potential 5yr/$50m contract - that Miller subsequently turned down - is seen as a positive within baseball, writes Evan Drellich.
*With the Rule 5 draft set for tomorrow (Thursday) morning, Luhnow is gambling that Delino DeShields Jr won't be taken by another team.
*Evan Drellich writes the article about the Astros Tax that we would have written, if we had things like "Access," and "Money/Time to Fly To San Diego."
*The Astros and Kissimmee are almost a lock to break up for Spring Training.
*Could be worse, Astros fans. Nobody from the Brewers has even met with an agent or a representative from another team yet.
Friday, November 21, 2014
So Let's Recap the 40-man News
As expected, a flurry of moves - from all teams, not just the Astros - occurred just prior to the Thursday 20 roster deadline at midnight ET. A large number of players were DFA'd, waived, claimed, and added to various rosters all around baseball. Lets look at what the Astros did.
But firstly, a large nod - well, a bow, really - in Batguy's direction for looking at the habits of the Astros in the Rule V Drafts since the late 1990's. Really worth a read if you haven't already. And secondly, thanks to Framin' Mike Fast - or at least someone who knows about the November 20 deadline with a google account called "Mike Fast" - for stopping by and answering a question. ZOMG!!! Someone who actually knows about baseball (other than the other 17 learned readers that frequent these web-pages) actually reads this blog. And is good enough to comment after stopping laughing at my crappy, uninformed analysis. Excellent!!
Lets look at what actually happened.
Added to the 40-man were Vincent Velasquez, Ronald Torreyes and - at the 11th hour, according to the previously linked MLBTR page - Michael Feliz.
Subtracted from the 40-man roster were Anthony Bass (I guess we have to disconnect the 534-8455 bullpen phone number now - not that it was either funny, clever or used much) and Josh Zeid. Zeid was subsequently claimed by the Tigers, who, like, really need bullpen help. Given that his sesamoid bones in his foot were playing up all year (ie. he was pitching with an injury) and he has decent velocity, that is probably a great grab for them.
By my count, the 40-man sits at 39 now. Feliz isn't listed on the publicly-listed roster at the time of writing this, which sits at 38. I am guessing that the webpage-update-programmer is asleep in bed, as they should be.
I whiffed on DDS, thinking that he would be added, but as Evan Drellich/Jeff Luhnow elegantly pointed out, it is waaaaay easier to stash a pitcher in the back of the 'pen than short-hand your bench with a guy whose hitting may be questionable. The counter argument would be something along the lines of "gosh, it is a weak FA market at CF this year, lets take a flyer on this guy", whereas the counter-counter argument would be "the Astros already have 5 guys (including Aplin) above DDS on the depth chart who can man an at-least-passable CF". I won't even bother with the counter-counter-counter argument, which would be something about the additional possibility of an infield-gig.
I find this process so interesting - which probably says more about me than the actual process. MLBTR has been frenetic all day. There must be tactics employed by teams - like shoving everyone through on waivers when there are a lot of other transactions in the hope that the teams that are looking to acquire talent may either not realise a valued player is trying to slip through, or that teams have already gorged themselves on talent from other clubs already. There must be counter-intelligence - like "Team A will grab Player B if he is available, so lets add him to the roster, or wait until Team A's 40-man is full". Those subtleties will be lost on the casual observer, but it must be pretty intense for those participating. All because young talent is important, cheap, and hard to get.
I also find it interesting that the Astros have left one spot on the 40-man free - perhaps with a specific target in mind for the Rule V draft, or perhaps looking to get a good waiver-claim in. Or to add Mike Trout in a trade. Time will tell.
My guess is that this process has really tightened up over the last decade - for all teams - because of a huge change in how talent is perceived. Teams can't afford to whiff on players they like anymore. Everyone is looking for an edge, and it is a fine line between success and failure.
Anyhow, the gist of all of this is that Delino DeShields Jr, Jandel Gustave, Roberto Pena, Mitch Lambson (who would have been extensively scouted in Arizona recently) and Danry Vasquez (who is apparently having a good winter season) are all available to be nabbed in the December Rule V draft. All of those guys scream "lottery ticket" to me (perhaps not Lambson, but he is a reliever) and perhaps Johan Santana would have as well. We will find out what the other teams think.
In terms of those definitely staying, Ronald Torreyes seems to have an interesting mix of skills at a very young age, despite doubtful scouting opinions regarding his build and stature, and how it will impact on his power. Vincent Velasquez and Michael Feliz are a couple of good, mid-rotation righties with a chance to be better, so the Astros thought it important to protect them. None of these guys are going anywhere, unless they are outrighted or traded between now and April.
The whole thing is fascinating. Lets see what happens next.
Update: Apparently, Feliz may have been initially left off the 40-man because the extra roster flexibility was needed for a trade, but Evan Drellich appears dubious about this explanation, and wonders whether the FO reassessed its position with an hour to go. Like I said, fascinating!
But firstly, a large nod - well, a bow, really - in Batguy's direction for looking at the habits of the Astros in the Rule V Drafts since the late 1990's. Really worth a read if you haven't already. And secondly, thanks to Framin' Mike Fast - or at least someone who knows about the November 20 deadline with a google account called "Mike Fast" - for stopping by and answering a question. ZOMG!!! Someone who actually knows about baseball (other than the other 17 learned readers that frequent these web-pages) actually reads this blog. And is good enough to comment after stopping laughing at my crappy, uninformed analysis. Excellent!!
Lets look at what actually happened.
Added to the 40-man were Vincent Velasquez, Ronald Torreyes and - at the 11th hour, according to the previously linked MLBTR page - Michael Feliz.
Subtracted from the 40-man roster were Anthony Bass (I guess we have to disconnect the 534-8455 bullpen phone number now - not that it was either funny, clever or used much) and Josh Zeid. Zeid was subsequently claimed by the Tigers, who, like, really need bullpen help. Given that his sesamoid bones in his foot were playing up all year (ie. he was pitching with an injury) and he has decent velocity, that is probably a great grab for them.
By my count, the 40-man sits at 39 now. Feliz isn't listed on the publicly-listed roster at the time of writing this, which sits at 38. I am guessing that the webpage-update-programmer is asleep in bed, as they should be.
I whiffed on DDS, thinking that he would be added, but as Evan Drellich/Jeff Luhnow elegantly pointed out, it is waaaaay easier to stash a pitcher in the back of the 'pen than short-hand your bench with a guy whose hitting may be questionable. The counter argument would be something along the lines of "gosh, it is a weak FA market at CF this year, lets take a flyer on this guy", whereas the counter-counter argument would be "the Astros already have 5 guys (including Aplin) above DDS on the depth chart who can man an at-least-passable CF". I won't even bother with the counter-counter-counter argument, which would be something about the additional possibility of an infield-gig.
I find this process so interesting - which probably says more about me than the actual process. MLBTR has been frenetic all day. There must be tactics employed by teams - like shoving everyone through on waivers when there are a lot of other transactions in the hope that the teams that are looking to acquire talent may either not realise a valued player is trying to slip through, or that teams have already gorged themselves on talent from other clubs already. There must be counter-intelligence - like "Team A will grab Player B if he is available, so lets add him to the roster, or wait until Team A's 40-man is full". Those subtleties will be lost on the casual observer, but it must be pretty intense for those participating. All because young talent is important, cheap, and hard to get.
I also find it interesting that the Astros have left one spot on the 40-man free - perhaps with a specific target in mind for the Rule V draft, or perhaps looking to get a good waiver-claim in. Or to add Mike Trout in a trade. Time will tell.
My guess is that this process has really tightened up over the last decade - for all teams - because of a huge change in how talent is perceived. Teams can't afford to whiff on players they like anymore. Everyone is looking for an edge, and it is a fine line between success and failure.
Anyhow, the gist of all of this is that Delino DeShields Jr, Jandel Gustave, Roberto Pena, Mitch Lambson (who would have been extensively scouted in Arizona recently) and Danry Vasquez (who is apparently having a good winter season) are all available to be nabbed in the December Rule V draft. All of those guys scream "lottery ticket" to me (perhaps not Lambson, but he is a reliever) and perhaps Johan Santana would have as well. We will find out what the other teams think.
In terms of those definitely staying, Ronald Torreyes seems to have an interesting mix of skills at a very young age, despite doubtful scouting opinions regarding his build and stature, and how it will impact on his power. Vincent Velasquez and Michael Feliz are a couple of good, mid-rotation righties with a chance to be better, so the Astros thought it important to protect them. None of these guys are going anywhere, unless they are outrighted or traded between now and April.
The whole thing is fascinating. Lets see what happens next.
Update: Apparently, Feliz may have been initially left off the 40-man because the extra roster flexibility was needed for a trade, but Evan Drellich appears dubious about this explanation, and wonders whether the FO reassessed its position with an hour to go. Like I said, fascinating!
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
Phew! Presley Avoids Arbitration!
Alex Presley signs for a cool million. Thank goodness he is locked up!! Another vital cog in the Astros rebuild in Houston for another year!
Unnecessary snark aside - and only written to support the headline - this is quite an interesting development. Lets start at the beginning, as I see it.
The Astros' 2015 roster has been taking shape for a few years now, and I am pretty sure most AC readers would be able to guess what most of it looks like next year. That guy Altuve will get a look. As will Springer and Singleton. Chris Carter had a great half-season, and with the scarcity of RH power in the Majors at the moment, he can also expect to be staying. The starting pitching is starting to sort itself out, with three slots pretty much decided for next season, barring injury. And in the 'pen, Fields, Qualls and Sipp form the backbone, with a bunch of other live arms getting the chance to establish themselves.
I find the outfield situation most fascinating at the moment. I count five outfielders for four or five slots, with a couple of potential guys knocking on the door. Springer, barring ongoing quadriceps issues, has RF locked up. Presley has just signed for a mil - perhaps that portends a trade, but it probably signals that he will be the fourth or fifth OF next year. Fowler is an established major-league player, and as Batguy elegantly pointed out, he was pretty decent offensively for an AL CF last year. Marisnick has nothing more to prove at AAA, and boasts better D - via both the eye and the stats - than Fowler. Grossman has been given a bunch of chances, and has managed to tease with elite OBP for decent periods that sandwich suckitude during his short career. The FO seems resistant to giving up on him.
L.J. Hoes and Domingo Santana round-out the 40-man outfielders - the former seems to be used as a contact-first platoon bat, and the latter seems to be the LF of the future, if he can get his strikeout percentage below 80%. Joe Sclafani - who has been taking some OF reps in the AFL - and Preston Tucker are also outside candidates to bolt onto the 40-man, and onto the active roster either at the start of the season, or part way through 2015.
As opposed to the rotation (where there is clearly room for an upgrade) or the infield (which desperately needs an upgrade), there is a plethora of similar talents in the outfield. All players there have their warts. A couple are capable of carrying a team offensively. The remainder need to have a go, so that Baseball can work out what the rest of their careers look like. Springer, Presley, Marisnick and Grossman are all cheap. Fowler projects to earn in the 10-million range in arbitration. Much can happen during Spring Training to upset the proverbial applecart, including injuries.
Gosh, this conversation would be quite different with one Julio Daniel Martinez still on the roster.
I am fascinated with Fowler. He is arguably the fourth best defensive CF on the roster. The Astros traded for him last year, and he has proven he can hit away from Coors Field. He has one year to go to free agency - which can be a bonus (qualifying offer) or loss (not going to be around for long), depending on your point of view. But trading Fowler means losing valuable production in an outfield where perhaps only Springer is the only other good candidate for an above-average bat. Fowler also isn't going to agree to a move away from CF anytime soon - that would cost him millions in free agency next year - so he is not going to suddenly agree to a move to LF to allow Marisnick to get the starts there.
Anyhow, what also makes the Presley signing interesting is that the Astros need to finalise the 40-man very shortly. The deadline is midnight ET, Thursday night, for the 40-man to be set, otherwise they would risk losing unprotected eligible players in December's Rule V draft.
By my count, the 40-man stands at 38. Continuing the maths, there are two players that are highly likely to be added to the 40-man: Vince Velasquez and Delino DeShields, who would take up the remaining two slots. Harder decisions will need to be made with catcher Roberto Pena, short-statured and young utility-man and infielder Ronald Torreyes and flame balling starter Michael Feliz. I would be a little surprised if two other eligible players - Danry Vasquez and Jandal Gustave - are added in the next 36-odd hours, especially at the expense of the five guys mentioned earlier in this paragraph. That is all I can think of that is worth a mention - please comment below if I have missed anyone important.
Of course, even if an unprotected player does get selected from the Astros, there is probably a greater-than-even chance they get returned - usually prior to the end of Spring Training. Roster spots are valuable, and aside from a couple of famous Rule V wins and losses, the Draft normally nets either useful pieces, like Marwin Gonzalez, or is a brief holiday for the player drafted before being returned to his original team.
If you want to add more than Valasquez and DeShields to the 40-man, then more spots would need to be created. Looking a little shaky with regards to being put through waivers - and obviously currently on the 40-man - are Marc Krauss, Anthony Bass, Sam Deduno, Jake Buchanan and Hoes, I would think. But that is pure speculation on my part, and I have been wrong before.
The wildcard in all of this 40-man spot creation is the catcher situation. Russell Martin just signed with the Jays for a cool 5-and-82, leaving a number of wealthy teams waiting at the alter. The Pirates, Cubs and Dodgers were all publicly linked to Martin, although none of those teams desperately need a catcher, with some probably-acceptable in-house options available. A bunch of other teams not mentioned could certainly use a catcher upgrade.
The Astros have four catchers on the 40-man, and not enough playing time to distribute between them, so that could create another 40-man slot, potentially via a trade, or a DFA. Obviously Castro and Conger aren't candidates for a DFA, but certainly are for a trade.
Lastly, with reference to the 40-man and Rule V draft, this year likely represents the first year in a while where the Astros will probably not be looking to draft Rule V players from other clubs. Technically, they passed on the opportunity to draft last year as well, because they consummated the Bass trade with the Padres immediately after grabbing someone with the 1-1 pick. But I would certainly be surprised if the Astros took anyone in the draft, and if they do, it will be a targeted player that they consider a direct upgrade over what they have available. Most likely a bullpen piece or infielder.
Going to be interesting.
Unnecessary snark aside - and only written to support the headline - this is quite an interesting development. Lets start at the beginning, as I see it.
The Astros' 2015 roster has been taking shape for a few years now, and I am pretty sure most AC readers would be able to guess what most of it looks like next year. That guy Altuve will get a look. As will Springer and Singleton. Chris Carter had a great half-season, and with the scarcity of RH power in the Majors at the moment, he can also expect to be staying. The starting pitching is starting to sort itself out, with three slots pretty much decided for next season, barring injury. And in the 'pen, Fields, Qualls and Sipp form the backbone, with a bunch of other live arms getting the chance to establish themselves.
I find the outfield situation most fascinating at the moment. I count five outfielders for four or five slots, with a couple of potential guys knocking on the door. Springer, barring ongoing quadriceps issues, has RF locked up. Presley has just signed for a mil - perhaps that portends a trade, but it probably signals that he will be the fourth or fifth OF next year. Fowler is an established major-league player, and as Batguy elegantly pointed out, he was pretty decent offensively for an AL CF last year. Marisnick has nothing more to prove at AAA, and boasts better D - via both the eye and the stats - than Fowler. Grossman has been given a bunch of chances, and has managed to tease with elite OBP for decent periods that sandwich suckitude during his short career. The FO seems resistant to giving up on him.
L.J. Hoes and Domingo Santana round-out the 40-man outfielders - the former seems to be used as a contact-first platoon bat, and the latter seems to be the LF of the future, if he can get his strikeout percentage below 80%. Joe Sclafani - who has been taking some OF reps in the AFL - and Preston Tucker are also outside candidates to bolt onto the 40-man, and onto the active roster either at the start of the season, or part way through 2015.
As opposed to the rotation (where there is clearly room for an upgrade) or the infield (which desperately needs an upgrade), there is a plethora of similar talents in the outfield. All players there have their warts. A couple are capable of carrying a team offensively. The remainder need to have a go, so that Baseball can work out what the rest of their careers look like. Springer, Presley, Marisnick and Grossman are all cheap. Fowler projects to earn in the 10-million range in arbitration. Much can happen during Spring Training to upset the proverbial applecart, including injuries.
Gosh, this conversation would be quite different with one Julio Daniel Martinez still on the roster.
I am fascinated with Fowler. He is arguably the fourth best defensive CF on the roster. The Astros traded for him last year, and he has proven he can hit away from Coors Field. He has one year to go to free agency - which can be a bonus (qualifying offer) or loss (not going to be around for long), depending on your point of view. But trading Fowler means losing valuable production in an outfield where perhaps only Springer is the only other good candidate for an above-average bat. Fowler also isn't going to agree to a move away from CF anytime soon - that would cost him millions in free agency next year - so he is not going to suddenly agree to a move to LF to allow Marisnick to get the starts there.
Anyhow, what also makes the Presley signing interesting is that the Astros need to finalise the 40-man very shortly. The deadline is midnight ET, Thursday night, for the 40-man to be set, otherwise they would risk losing unprotected eligible players in December's Rule V draft.
By my count, the 40-man stands at 38. Continuing the maths, there are two players that are highly likely to be added to the 40-man: Vince Velasquez and Delino DeShields, who would take up the remaining two slots. Harder decisions will need to be made with catcher Roberto Pena, short-statured and young utility-man and infielder Ronald Torreyes and flame balling starter Michael Feliz. I would be a little surprised if two other eligible players - Danry Vasquez and Jandal Gustave - are added in the next 36-odd hours, especially at the expense of the five guys mentioned earlier in this paragraph. That is all I can think of that is worth a mention - please comment below if I have missed anyone important.
Of course, even if an unprotected player does get selected from the Astros, there is probably a greater-than-even chance they get returned - usually prior to the end of Spring Training. Roster spots are valuable, and aside from a couple of famous Rule V wins and losses, the Draft normally nets either useful pieces, like Marwin Gonzalez, or is a brief holiday for the player drafted before being returned to his original team.
If you want to add more than Valasquez and DeShields to the 40-man, then more spots would need to be created. Looking a little shaky with regards to being put through waivers - and obviously currently on the 40-man - are Marc Krauss, Anthony Bass, Sam Deduno, Jake Buchanan and Hoes, I would think. But that is pure speculation on my part, and I have been wrong before.
The wildcard in all of this 40-man spot creation is the catcher situation. Russell Martin just signed with the Jays for a cool 5-and-82, leaving a number of wealthy teams waiting at the alter. The Pirates, Cubs and Dodgers were all publicly linked to Martin, although none of those teams desperately need a catcher, with some probably-acceptable in-house options available. A bunch of other teams not mentioned could certainly use a catcher upgrade.
The Astros have four catchers on the 40-man, and not enough playing time to distribute between them, so that could create another 40-man slot, potentially via a trade, or a DFA. Obviously Castro and Conger aren't candidates for a DFA, but certainly are for a trade.
Lastly, with reference to the 40-man and Rule V draft, this year likely represents the first year in a while where the Astros will probably not be looking to draft Rule V players from other clubs. Technically, they passed on the opportunity to draft last year as well, because they consummated the Bass trade with the Padres immediately after grabbing someone with the 1-1 pick. But I would certainly be surprised if the Astros took anyone in the draft, and if they do, it will be a targeted player that they consider a direct upgrade over what they have available. Most likely a bullpen piece or infielder.
Going to be interesting.
Wednesday, June 11, 2014
Delino DeShields pulled from Hooks game
Hooks manager Keith Bodie pulled Delino DeShields from last night's game at Minute Maid Park in the 4th inning for not running out a pop up.
Bodie:
I did not remove him from the game. He removed himself. We have rules. When you hit the ball in fair territory, you got to run the ball out. He didn’t run a ball out. He made a mistake. He’s going to learn from it. He’s going to be better from it. But, no, he’s not injured.
DeShields was nonplussed:
It was just a pop up in the infield, man on first base. I just didn’t run the ball out. That’s all. I didn’t think it was that big of a deal, but to him it was and he pulled me, so that’s all I got to say.
Bodie:
I did not remove him from the game. He removed himself. We have rules. When you hit the ball in fair territory, you got to run the ball out. He didn’t run a ball out. He made a mistake. He’s going to learn from it. He’s going to be better from it. But, no, he’s not injured.
DeShields was nonplussed:
It was just a pop up in the infield, man on first base. I just didn’t run the ball out. That’s all. I didn’t think it was that big of a deal, but to him it was and he pulled me, so that’s all I got to say.
Thursday, May 1, 2014
Thursday Lunchtime Hot Links
Here's what's up:
*Jim Callis says he would draft Brady Aiken with next month's 1-1 pick. Aiken currently has 80K:7BB in 43.2IP, has been more consistent than Rodon or Jeff Hoffman, and is more polished than Tyler Kolek. Callis:
Aiken's heater now operates at 92-94 mph and reaches 97, and he has maintained the life on the pitch and his ability to command it. His curve has added more power and depth as well, and his circle changeup has become more deceptive.
*Jonathan Mayo says the Astros should stick with Carlos Rodon. Mayo:
There's a reason Rodon is regarded as the best college lefty since David Price. Stuff-wise, he offers two plus pitches (and his changeup will be plenty good enough to give him three), all coming from a big, strong, workhorse-type body.
*Sports on Earth's Mike Pielluci says NC State's head coach has cost Carlos Rodon at least a couple of million dollars.
*John Sickels released his updated Top 150 prospects list. On it:
Carlos Correa (#13), George Springer (#15), Jon Singleton (#28), Lance McCullers (#48), Mark Appel (#51), Mike Foltynewicz (#58), Vince Velasquez (#90), Delino DeShields (#102), Rio Ruiz (#150 #105).
*Jim Callis says he would draft Brady Aiken with next month's 1-1 pick. Aiken currently has 80K:7BB in 43.2IP, has been more consistent than Rodon or Jeff Hoffman, and is more polished than Tyler Kolek. Callis:
Aiken's heater now operates at 92-94 mph and reaches 97, and he has maintained the life on the pitch and his ability to command it. His curve has added more power and depth as well, and his circle changeup has become more deceptive.
*Jonathan Mayo says the Astros should stick with Carlos Rodon. Mayo:
There's a reason Rodon is regarded as the best college lefty since David Price. Stuff-wise, he offers two plus pitches (and his changeup will be plenty good enough to give him three), all coming from a big, strong, workhorse-type body.
*Sports on Earth's Mike Pielluci says NC State's head coach has cost Carlos Rodon at least a couple of million dollars.
*John Sickels released his updated Top 150 prospects list. On it:
Carlos Correa (#13), George Springer (#15), Jon Singleton (#28), Lance McCullers (#48), Mark Appel (#51), Mike Foltynewicz (#58), Vince Velasquez (#90), Delino DeShields (#102), Rio Ruiz (
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.
Friday, April 25, 2014
Black Friday: Things fall apart
Oh Jeez. Every Bad Thing is happening this afternoon. Let's unpack this.
*Matt Albers has been placed on the 15-Day DL, and Jose Cisnero has been called up to replace him.
*Jesse Crain has developed bursitis. That early May return isn't going to happen, since he won't be able to throw for at least another week.
*2013 1-1 pick Mark Appel has been sent from Lancaster back to Kissimmee for Extended Spring Training, but not because he's injured (as we wondered yesterday morning).
Regardless, this is a pretty stunning move. It's obviously good that Appel isn't injured, but the Astros aren't willing to let him get injured in order for him to become adjusted to a four-to-five day rotation. Due to injuries and call-ups thanks to how much the Astros sucked in 2013, the tandem system didn't last much past May. I wonder if the Astros are going to keep Appel in Kissimmee until a similar situation arises and Appel can get his strength up and adjust to a "more regular" schedule at a place where we're not writing about his every pitching appearance.
*How about some good news? Delino DeShields is healing up, and is expected to be "better" in the next 7-10 days.
*Matt Albers has been placed on the 15-Day DL, and Jose Cisnero has been called up to replace him.
*Jesse Crain has developed bursitis. That early May return isn't going to happen, since he won't be able to throw for at least another week.
*2013 1-1 pick Mark Appel has been sent from Lancaster back to Kissimmee for Extended Spring Training, but not because he's injured (as we wondered yesterday morning).
"It's a little unsettling and the results aren't what we expect," Luhnow said of Appel's adjustment to pro ball. Appel was top 2013 pick.There is no timetable for his return. Now remember a couple of things: this is Appel's first full season, and the piggyback system isn't exactly standard operating procedure. Mike Foltynewicz developed some elbow discomfort last season, and Rudy Owens complained about how his arm hurt earlier this season in regards to the tandem pitching plan. Also, Appel had the whole appendicitis thing in late January, and didn't get a normal Spring Training. Were he to have these numbers (6.23 ERA in 13IP) in March, would we be as nervous?
— Jose de Jesus Ortiz (@OrtizKicks) April 25, 2014
Regardless, this is a pretty stunning move. It's obviously good that Appel isn't injured, but the Astros aren't willing to let him get injured in order for him to become adjusted to a four-to-five day rotation. Due to injuries and call-ups thanks to how much the Astros sucked in 2013, the tandem system didn't last much past May. I wonder if the Astros are going to keep Appel in Kissimmee until a similar situation arises and Appel can get his strength up and adjust to a "more regular" schedule at a place where we're not writing about his every pitching appearance.
*How about some good news? Delino DeShields is healing up, and is expected to be "better" in the next 7-10 days.
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
Tuesday Morning Hot Links
Here's what you need to know while we try not to doze off at work from staying up until midnight last night celebrating (quietly) the win over Seattle.
*Jim Crane would like a resolution to CSN Houston within 30 days.
*Jimmy Traina interviewed new celebrity Delino DeShields about getting hit in the face last weekend. DeShields: "I do have a good sense of humor about it because it could be a lot worse and I'm not dead."
Also, DeShields is a bawse:
I have a football mindset. I'm gonna get in the box and it's still gonna be a battle between me and whoever is throwing and you're still trying to win. If anything, I'll have nerve because I'm excited to play again, but as far as being scared, naw, that's not me. If I get hit in the face again, so be it. I signed up, I'm committed to play this sport, there's nothing in the contract or rules that say you aren't gonna get hit in the face or be injured or anything like that, and I know that so I'm just gonna go and continue and do what I love to do. Nothing will change.
*The Crawfish Boxes says not to panic about the offensive woes.
*George Springer went to live with Seattle's Brad Miller this offseason because of Connecticut weather.
*Via What The Heck Bobby we find that Japhet Amador has been loaned back to Diablos Rojos.
*Lookout Landing says Mike Zunino's freaking moonshot last night may have been fair after all.
*John Sickels profiled Jon Singleton as his prospect of the day.
*Finally, slide on down and meet the newest writer for Astros County, the Masked Marvel.
*Jim Crane would like a resolution to CSN Houston within 30 days.
*Jimmy Traina interviewed new celebrity Delino DeShields about getting hit in the face last weekend. DeShields: "I do have a good sense of humor about it because it could be a lot worse and I'm not dead."
Also, DeShields is a bawse:
I have a football mindset. I'm gonna get in the box and it's still gonna be a battle between me and whoever is throwing and you're still trying to win. If anything, I'll have nerve because I'm excited to play again, but as far as being scared, naw, that's not me. If I get hit in the face again, so be it. I signed up, I'm committed to play this sport, there's nothing in the contract or rules that say you aren't gonna get hit in the face or be injured or anything like that, and I know that so I'm just gonna go and continue and do what I love to do. Nothing will change.
*The Crawfish Boxes says not to panic about the offensive woes.
*George Springer went to live with Seattle's Brad Miller this offseason because of Connecticut weather.
*Via What The Heck Bobby we find that Japhet Amador has been loaned back to Diablos Rojos.
*Lookout Landing says Mike Zunino's freaking moonshot last night may have been fair after all.
*John Sickels profiled Jon Singleton as his prospect of the day.
*Finally, slide on down and meet the newest writer for Astros County, the Masked Marvel.
DDJ is Famous, Worldwide
Delino DeShields Jr is famous, even in the Southern Hemisphere.
As an aside (and I have posted a heap of unmitigated crap already today), I used to play cricket, the Australasian analogue of baseball. I was 16, playing in the top Secondary School competition when I caught a bouncer in the face while I was batting. The guy that hit me was throwing it down around 135kph (80-85mph) - plenty fast for a 16 year old, and remember that a cricket ball is harder and heavier than a baseball.
Anyhow, I totally lost the ball in the orange roof in the background and it hit me in the mouth, on an ascending trajectory. My two front teeth got pushed up toward the top of my head, then out, and destroyed the tooth sockets in the process. I also had another few teeth that later needed root canals, and my orthodontist remarked that I may have had my life saved by my retainer plate because it provided some resistance to the ball going in. Collapse of the hard palate in the roof of the mouth can sometimes cause airway occlusion, I found it. The orthodontist had seen it with hockey puck injuries.
Anyhow, I initially bounced back pretty quickly immediately post injury. My mood was ok given that my dentition had been rearranged, and I had become a toothless 16 year old. In the months and years afterward, I needed 3 or 4 operations including bone grafts, all under GA. And it was only in the years afterward that I realised the enormity of the whole thing, and how much it affected me.
Immediately afterward, I took around a fortnight off cricket, then tried to get back into it. After a few months, what I discovered is that every time a ball was up near my head, it was not fun - flashbacks and everything. Batting was no longer much fun, and mentally I was impatient, and prone to all sorts of idiot shotmaking. Never really played after the comeback didn't go so well - did some mucking around in the game after I left school, but that is about all. Still love watching the game, and still occasionally umpire.
I sure as heck hope that nothing like that happens to DDJ. It is even more important as he is hoping to make a living from the game, and I never had anything approaching a ceiling like that. From a mental perspective, pitches up-and-in may not be that much fun for him in the future, but I imagine that a professional sports organisation would have a bunch of experts available to address that. Plus, that is without even talking about physical difficulties, like the trapping of tiny little eye muscles in unseen eye-socket fractures, blurred vision, concussions and so forth.
Amongst the slightly lighthearted tone of the social media communications and press articles, I remain cognisant of the significant potential fallout from this tiny portion of time, mental and physical. He may not play again this year, but I hope he does. Positive vibes in your direction, DDJ.
As an aside (and I have posted a heap of unmitigated crap already today), I used to play cricket, the Australasian analogue of baseball. I was 16, playing in the top Secondary School competition when I caught a bouncer in the face while I was batting. The guy that hit me was throwing it down around 135kph (80-85mph) - plenty fast for a 16 year old, and remember that a cricket ball is harder and heavier than a baseball.
Anyhow, I totally lost the ball in the orange roof in the background and it hit me in the mouth, on an ascending trajectory. My two front teeth got pushed up toward the top of my head, then out, and destroyed the tooth sockets in the process. I also had another few teeth that later needed root canals, and my orthodontist remarked that I may have had my life saved by my retainer plate because it provided some resistance to the ball going in. Collapse of the hard palate in the roof of the mouth can sometimes cause airway occlusion, I found it. The orthodontist had seen it with hockey puck injuries.
Anyhow, I initially bounced back pretty quickly immediately post injury. My mood was ok given that my dentition had been rearranged, and I had become a toothless 16 year old. In the months and years afterward, I needed 3 or 4 operations including bone grafts, all under GA. And it was only in the years afterward that I realised the enormity of the whole thing, and how much it affected me.
Immediately afterward, I took around a fortnight off cricket, then tried to get back into it. After a few months, what I discovered is that every time a ball was up near my head, it was not fun - flashbacks and everything. Batting was no longer much fun, and mentally I was impatient, and prone to all sorts of idiot shotmaking. Never really played after the comeback didn't go so well - did some mucking around in the game after I left school, but that is about all. Still love watching the game, and still occasionally umpire.
I sure as heck hope that nothing like that happens to DDJ. It is even more important as he is hoping to make a living from the game, and I never had anything approaching a ceiling like that. From a mental perspective, pitches up-and-in may not be that much fun for him in the future, but I imagine that a professional sports organisation would have a bunch of experts available to address that. Plus, that is without even talking about physical difficulties, like the trapping of tiny little eye muscles in unseen eye-socket fractures, blurred vision, concussions and so forth.
Amongst the slightly lighthearted tone of the social media communications and press articles, I remain cognisant of the significant potential fallout from this tiny portion of time, mental and physical. He may not play again this year, but I hope he does. Positive vibes in your direction, DDJ.
Saturday, April 19, 2014
Delino DeShields got hit in the face with a baseball
In last night's game for Corpus, DeShields got hit in the face by a 90mph fastball and fractured his cheekbone. He walked off the field, because he's The Man. Want to see a picture? Courtesy of Diamond DeShields - Delino's sister and all-around incredible athlete:
And here's one more, from Delino himself:
And here's one more, from Delino himself:
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)