Blackley DFA'd, Chapman's Coming to Town

This morning Travis Blackley tweeted about being on waivers.

On waivers waiting to see my fate. Hopefully someone could use a lefty the rest of the way. Everything happens for a reason!
— Travis Blackley (@Travis_Blackley) August 8, 2013

We all wondered if he didn't understand  the month of August...turns out he was announcing his own DFA before the Astros had the chance.

As tweeted by Brian T. Smith of the Houston Chronicle -

#Astros add LHP Kevin Chapman. Travis Blackley DFA. #MLB
— Brian T. Smith (@ChronAstros) August 8, 2013

So there we have it - another bullpen change. Let's hope this one has a positive effect.  More to come on Chapman, who's been pitching for AAA Oklahoma City, shortly.

Chapman, who came to Houston in the Bourgeois/Quintero trade with Kansas City, is 1-2 for OKC in 45 games (50.2IP), with a 3.20 ERA/1.54 WHIP. He has allowed 42 hits, while the Walk Bug bit him to the tune of 36 walks, or 6.4 BB/9. If it makes you feel better, Chapman walked 18 batters and April and May (101 plate appearances), and 18 walks since (128 plate appearances). May was a particularly bad month - when he allowed a .250/.449/.417 line with 10K:12BB. And that is mainly due to a rough five appearances in nine days when he walked nine batters.

This also makes Oakland the clear winner of the Blackley/Jake Goebbert trade. Goebbert was hitting 268/.352/.480 at Double-A Midland before getting promoted to Triple-A Sacramento. In four games with Sacramento, Goebbert is 3x9 with a double, homer, one strikeout and six walks.

Pissing contest with Billy Beane continues

First there was the Lowrie trade, then the A's claimed Nate Freiman, and now the Astros have traded 2009 13th Round pick Jake Goebbert to the A's for 30-year old Travis Blackley, ensuring that the Pissing Contest between Luhnow and Billy Beane continues into Month Two.

I loved Jake Goebbert. I actually had a post scheduled to go live at 6pm for Minor-League Opening Night with all my Minor-League Man Crushes, and Jake Goebbert was my OKC Man Crush.

He was drafted out of Northwestern, enticed by $100,000 to sign with the Astros after having missed the last part of the season with a lacerated kidney, which he got from crashing headlong into the outfield wall at the old Metrodome. My favorite part of the story? He thought he only cracked a rib, so he stayed in the game, hit a double off the wall in his next AB, and knew something was wrong when he couldn't catch his breath. 

In 456 minor-league games, Goebbert hit .285/.363/.431 and hit .304/.399/.473 in 114 games for Corpus last season.

Blackley, a left-handed Australian not named Ryan Rowland-Smith, pitched in 24 games for the A's (15 starts) and went 6-4 with a 3.86 ERA/1.17 WHIP in 102.2IP (striking out 69 batters, and walking 30). It'll be interesting to see how the Astros use Blackley. As a starter (79.1IP), he had a 4.54 ERA/1.24 WHIP in 2012. As a reliever (28.1IP), he had a 2.86 ERA/1.13 WHIP but with a worse K:BB ratio.

Blackley's opponent OPS, by month in 2012:
May (16IP): .610
June (30.1IP): .625
July (27.1IP): .666
August (21.1IP): .746
Sept/Oct (12.2IP): .903

That last month is all jacked up, because at Texas on September 27 Blackley faced eight batters, gave up 5H/5ER and 2HR, and got three outs. So. Overall he had a 4.10 ERA, a 3.96 FIP, and a 4.32 xFIP. FanGraphs gave him a 1.1 WAR for 2012.

He'll report to Houston tomorrow, so that means someone has to get optioned off the 40-man roster. I'm not going to speculate, because I'm terrible at that sort of thing. But right now (and I'm seeing some of the speculation on Twitter as I type) Rhiner Cruz looks a little vulnerable...

Immediate Update: Brian McTaggart's new blog post says Blackley will be used in long relief.

Luhnow:
"He's a left-handed long man, which is something we've been trying to figure out how to work into our roster."

They've apparently had their eye on him all spring, and once he got DFA'ed by the A's (DFAthletic'ed amirite?) got a deal done.

Sunday Morning Links

*The Astros made their first round of cuts this morning, and there are no surprises:

Reassigned to minor-league camp were: Delino DeShields, Jake Goebbert, Marc Krauss, George Springer, and Chris Wallace. Optioned to minor-league camp were Rudy Owens and Sam Demel.

Again, no surprises, bu the Astros got to see DeShields and Springer for a handful of ABs. Sam Demel threw in five games and lasted 2.1IP, allowing 10H/11ER, 4HR, 1K:3BB - so it's absolutely not a surprise that he got optioned down.

*Luhnow said that we could see Krauss in Houston at some point this year. The next round of cuts will likely be Wednesday.

*Rick Ankiel is giving back to the younger Astros.

*Jake Goebbert discusses his off-season job as a farmer.

*The owner/GM of The Woodlands Strykers is pretty jazzed up about the possibility of a Triple-A team nearby.

PreStros Morning Report: August 19

Oklahoma City (68-60)

OKC scored the last five runs of the game, erasing a 2-0 deficit for a 5-2 win over Round Rock. Fernando Abad pitched well in his third start of the season, allowing 6H/2ER, 3K:1BB in 5.1IP. Mark Hamburger got the win - his first of the season - allowing 1H/0ER, 1K:1BB in 1.2IP. Hector Ambriz allowed four baserunners in 1.2IP, but didn't allow a run, and Jose Valdez struck out the last batter of the game for his 16th save.

Carlos Corporan led the way with a 3x4, 3RBI game; while Brad Snyder added the other RBI. Matt Downs and J.B. Shuck had a hit and a walk. Jimmy Paredes was 0x5 with 2GIDPs.

Man of the Match: Carlos Corporan

Corpus (71-54)

Corpus took a 3-0 lead in the 4th and never gave it up, winning 7-1 at Springfield. Paul Clemens improved to 2-2 at Corpus with 7IP, 6H/1R (0ER, 3K:1BB, WP, and an HBP. Alex Sogard have up two hits and no runs in 0.2IP, and Jason Stoffel got a 4-out save, his 23rd of the year.

The top four in the lineup - Austin Wates (BB, 2RBI), Andy Simunic (RBI), Jon Singleton (2B, BB), and Jake Goebbert (BB, HR, 3RBI) - had two hits each. Kike Hernandez also had two hits. George Springer managed a hit, but also three walks.

Man of the Match: Jake Goebbert

Lancaster (63-62)

The JetHawks held Inland Empire to three hits in the series finale and improved to one game over .500 with a 6-0 road win. The fifth start was the lucky one for Blair Walters, who had allowed 9ER, 5ER, 4ER, and 2ER in his first four starts, respectively. Walters threw 6IP, 2H/0ER, 3K:3BB for his first win since coming over from the White Sox in the Myers trade. Chia-Jen Lo threw 2IP, 1H/0ER, lowering his ERA to 1.26. Kenny Long walked one in 0.2IP and Andrew Robinson got the final out of the game.

Jio Mier was 2x4 with 3RBI, and Domingo Santana was 2x4 with an RBI. Grant Hogue was 1x3 with 2RBI. Delino DeShields was 1x4 with his 4th stolen base. As WTHB noted yesterday, he is now tied for the Astros' minor-league stolen base record, with 87 on the season.

Man of the Match: Blair Walters.

Lexington (67-57)

Postponed due to wet grounds.

Tri-City (43-16)

Tri-City was all over Staten Island with an 11-0 win that saw ValleyCats pitchers holding the Yankees to three hits. Joe Bircher allowed just 2H/0ER, 6K:2BB in 6IP; Euris Quezada, Scott Zuloaga, and Blake Ford threw a combined 3IP, allowing 1H/0ER, 3K:0BB.

Preston Tucker hit a 3-run homer and added another RBI while Joe Sclafani (3B, BB, RBI), Jesse Wierzbicki (RBI), Austin Elkins (2B, RBI), and Emilio King (RBI) had two hits each. Neiko Johnson drew two walks, and M.P. Cokinos and Jarrod McKinney had a hit and a walk each.

Man of the Match: Joe Bircher

Greeneville (32-27)

Burlington jumped out to a 5-0 lead and didn't look back on their way to an 8-4 win over Greeneville. Lance McCullers threw 3IP, 5H/3ER, 6K:2BB; Brad Propst threw a scoreless inning; Kevin Comer made his organizational debut, throwing 3IP, giving up 4H/1ER, 2K:1BB; Richard Rodriguez (Rich-Rod, anyone? Anyone?) allowed 4H/2ER in 1.2IP, and Michael Dimock got the last out of the game.

Terrell Joyce hit his 6th homer of the year, and Ernesto Genoves hit a 3-run shot, his 5th of the year.

Man of the Match: Kevin Comer.

GCL Astros (25-27)

Off.

PreStros Morning Report: August 13

Oklahoma City (63-59)

The losing continues for OKC - 10 straight and counting - as Sacramento scored the final four runs of the game in an 8-5 win over the RedHawks. Jose Cisnero lasted 2IP, allowing 5H/4R (2ER), 3K:1BB; Sergio Perez was charged with a third unearned run in his 3.2IP; Brian Sanches took the Brandon Lyon (BS/L) with 1H/1ER, 0K:2BB in 1.2IP. Jose Valdez allowed 3H/2ER, with the rare 4Ks in 1IP. Mark Hamburger faced one batter and got two outs to close the game. Landon Powell, Jose Valdez, and manager Tony DeFrancesco (whom Subber10 noted has perhaps lost the clubhouse) were all ejected in the 8th inning by home plate umpire Stephen Barga.

J.B. Shuck led the way with a 3x5, RBI night; Marc Krauss was 2x4, and Matt Downs was 1x5 with 2RBI. Mike Hessman hit his 30th homer of the season in the 2nd inning. Brian Bixler drew a walk and got a hit, scoring both times he reached base.

Man of the Match: J.B. Shuck.

Corpus (68-52)

A three-run 2nd inning by Springfield was all they needed, in a 5-2 win over Corpus to avoid the sweep. Paul Clemens gave up 9H/3ER, 3K:2BB with two wild pitches for the loss. Kevin Chapman threw 1.2IP, giving up 2H/0ER and striking out three. Jason Stoffel gave up 2ER on 3H in 1.1IP.

Jake Goebbert (2B) and Andy Simunic (2B) had your multi-hit games, while Jon Singleton got a double and a walk. The Hooks were 2x9 w/RISP and left six in scoring position with two outs.

Man of the Match: Uhhh, how about Jake Goebbert? I like him.

Lancaster (61-58)

Off.

Lexington (66-53)

Lexington scored two runs in the top of the 9th, but the comeback bid ultimately failed in a 4-3 loss at Savannah. SP Chris Devenski made his second start for the Legends (after coming over from Kannapolis in the Brett Myers trade), and went 5IP, with 6H/4ER, 5K:4BB. Tommy Shirley threw three scoreless innings, allowing three hits, with 5K:2BB.

C.J. Moon was 2x5 with an RBI; Matt Duffy and Jobduan Morales had your other hits; while Brandon Meredith drew two walks and Justin Gominsky drew three walks on the night. Jay Austin was 0x3 with a walk and 2 GIDPs as the Legends were 1x11 with RISP.

Man of the Match: Justin Gominsky.

Tri-City (40-14)

Off. All-Star Break.

Greeneville (28-25)

Off.

GCL Astros (23-26)

The GCL Astros won a wild one over the GCL Cardinals, 11-10, after scoring the go-ahead runs in the bottom of the 8th after the GCL Cardinals overcame a 6-run Astros' 2nd inning. Kyle Hallock continued his rehab with 2H/0ER in 1IP; Enderson Franco gave up a nutso 12H/6ER with 4K in 5IP; Ambiorix De Leon had an Ugly, with 6H/4ER in 0.1IP. Gera Sanchez took the win with 2H/0ER in 2.2IP.

Catcher Alfredo Gonzalez was 3x4 with a double; 2B Yoel Silfa made his Stateside debut and went 2x3 with a double and 4RBI; Edwin Gomez (RBI) and Darwin Rivera (2RBI) had two hits each, and Brett Phillips was 1x3 with two walks, an RBI, and his 7th stolen base of the season.

Man of the Match: Yoel Silfa.

PreStros Farm Report: July 14

PreStros: July 14

Oklahoma City (53-40) 

The RedHawks couldn’t get anything going against New Orleans (MIA), getting shutout 8-0.

Armando Galarraga threw 5 innings, allowing 5 R on 6 H and 5 BB with 3 K. Aneury Rodriguez pitched 3 innings and gave up 3 R on 3 H and 1 BB with 2 K. Jannathan Aristil went the final 2 innings with 1 H and 2 K.

3B-Matt Dominguez was 2x3 with 1 BB and 1 2B. PH/LF-JB Shuck was 1x2 with 1 BB.

Man of the Match: Matt Dominguez

*Notes: Carlos Corporan currently leads all PCL catchers in CS% at 43.6 %. Angel Sanchez has a nine game hit streak. He’s hitting .433 over that stretch.

Corpus Christi (51-40) 

The Hooks dropped a wild back-and-forth game against Frisco (TEX) 11-7.

Rob Rasmussen lasted 3 innings, giving up 6 R on 8 H and 1 BB. Erick Abreu threw 2 innings, allowing 1 R on 4 H with 1 K. Henry Villar threw 2 innings, allowing 1 R on 3 H. Josh Zeid pitched 2 innings and gave up 3 R on 4 H with 2 K.

1B-Jon Singleton was 2x4 with 1 2B and 2 R. RF-Drew Locke was 2x4 with 1 R and 1 RBI. C-Chris Wallace went 2x3 with 1 BB and 1 2B. LF-Jake Goebbert was 1x3 with 1 BB, 1 2B, 1 R, and 2 RBI.

Man of the Match: Jake Goebbert

*Notes: Jose Cisnero, Jonathan Villar, and Andrew Simunic were named the CC players of the month by the Astros. Villar is expected to miss six weeks after breaking his hand punching a door.

Lancaster (47-45) 

Except for a home run by Domingo Santana, the JetHawks couldn’t get anything going as they lost 11-3 to Modesto (COL).

Jorge De Leon threw 5 innings and gave up 6 R on 9 H and 2 BB with 3 K. Pat Urckfitz pitched 2 innings, allowing 2 R on 4 H with 3 K. Kirk Clark went 1 inning, allowing 3 R on 2 H and 2 BB with 2 K. Jose Trinidad threw 1 inning with 2 H and 1 K.

CF-George Springer was 2x3 with 1 BB and 1 R. 1B-Erik Castro was 2x4 with 1 2B, 1 R, and 1 RBI. RF-Domingo Santana went 2x4 with 1 HR and 2 RBI.

Man of the Match: Domingo Santana

*Notes: Jose Trinidad, Ben Heath, and Ben Orloff were named Lancaster players of the month by the Astros. The JetHawks are second in the league in runs scored, batting average, and home runs.

Lexington (47-45) 

The excitement of the last several games finally caught up with Lexington as the Legends lost 9-4 to Hagerstown (WSH).

Juri Perez threw 4 innings and gave up 5 R on 6 H and 3 BB with 6 K. Evan Grills pitched 2 innings, allowing 3 R on 4 H with 1 K. Nathan Pettus went 3 innings and allowed 1 R on 4 H and 2 BB with 1 K.

SS-Nolan Fontana was 3x4 with 1 R. RF-Mike Kvasnicka was 2x4 with 1 R and 2 RBI. DH-Chan Moon was 2x4 with 2 2B and 2 RBI.

Man of the Match: Mike Kvasnicka

*Notes: Mike Foltynewicz, Delino DeShields, and Zach Johnson were named Lexington players of the month by the Astros. Juri Perez made his Lexington debut in this game. In four starts this season with Tri-City Perez had a 0.76 ERA. Matt Duffy leads the league in hit by pitches (17).

Tri-City (19-7) 

The ValleyCats scored six runs in the third inning as they cruised to an 11-1 victory over Jamestown (MIA).

Aaron West lasted 6 innings, allowing 1 R on 3 H with 4 K. John Neely threw 3 scoreless innings and gave up 1 H and 2 BB with 1 K.

CF-Andrew Aplin was 1x2 with 1 BB, 1 3B, and 2 R. 2B-Austin Elkins was 2x6 with 1 2B, 3 R, and 2 RBI. 1B-Jesse Wierzbicki was 3x5 with 2 RBI. C-Tyler Heineman went 2x5 with 1 2B, 1 R, and 2 RBI. 3B-Ryan Dineen was 1x1 with 4 BB, 1 SB, and 2 R.

Man of the Match: Austin Elkins

*Notes: Andrew Aplin left the game after being hit by a pitch. No information is available yet as to the severity of the injury.

Greeneville (14-9) 

Postponed

*Notes: Greeneville has moved into a tie for first with Elizabethton.

GCL Astros (11-13) 

The Astros held off a late rally to beat the Nationals 8-6.

Jose Valdez threw 1 scoreless inning, allowing 1 H and 1 BB with 2 K. Raul Rivera pitched 2 innings and gave up 2 R (1 earned) on 4 H with 1 K. Edison Frias went 4 innings and allowed 1 R on 4 H and 2 BB with 1 K. Brandon Culbreth pitched 1 inning, giving up 3 unearned runs on 2 H and 1 BB. Erick Gonzalez threw 1 scoreless inning with 1 H.

3B-Darwin Rivera was 3x4 with 1 HR, 2 R, and 3 RBI. 2B-Jose Solano was 1x4 with 1 HR and 2 R.

Man of the Match: Darwin Rivera

*Notes: The Astros pitchers are tied for most walks allowed and are next to last in strikeouts.

DSL Astros (11-24) 

Off

*Notes: Samil De Los Santos, Randy Cesar, and Yoel Silfa were named the DSL players of the month for June by the Astros. The team is hitting just .206 on the season.

PreStros Farm Report: May 19

PreStros: May 19

Oklahoma City (23-19) 

Dallas Keuchel came crashing back down to earth last night as the RedHawks lost 14-9 to Reno (ARI).

Keuchel lasted 4 innings and gave up 12 R on 13 H with 3 BB. Sergio Perez went 2 innings and allowed 2 R on 5 H and 1 BB. Jose Valdez and Jonnathan Aristil each threw 1 scoreless inning to finish the game.

2B-Jimmy Paredes was 3x5 with 1 2B, 1 3B, and 4 R. 1B-Mike Hessman went 2x4 with 1 BB, 1 2B, 1 HR, and 2 RBI. 3B-Brett Wallace was 3x5 with 1 HR and 3 RBI. C-Carlos Corporan was 1x4 with 1 HR and 2 RBI.

Man of the Match: Brett Wallace

*Notes: Dallas Keuchel’s ERA jumped from a league leading 2.09 before the game to 3.75 after the game.

Corpus Christi (18-24) 

The Hooks overcame a 3-0 deficit to beat Midland (OAK) 5-4.

Ross Seaton threw 7 innings and allowed 4 R (2 earned) on 7 H, 4 BB, and 1 HBP with 5 K. Jason Stoffel went the final 2 innings and allowed 1 H and 1 BB with 2 K.

1B-Jon Singleton was 1x3 with 2 BB, 1 2B, and 2 R. RF-Jake Goebbert was 2x3 with 1 BB, 1 2B, 1 R, and 1 RBI. DH-Kody Hinze went 2x4 with 1 R and 1 RBI.

Man of the Match: Jake Goebbert

*Notes:  Corpus catchers have only caught four would be base stealers and are last in the league with a caught stealing percentage of just 13%.

Lancaster (23-20) 

The JetHawks completed the sweep of Inland Empire (LAA) with an 8-4 victory, giving them sole possession of 1st place in their division.

Ruben Alaniz threw 6 innings and gave up 2 R on 6 H and 1 HBP with 3 K. Gabriel Garcia and Brian Streilein each pitched 1 scoreless inning. Brad Dydalewicz gave up 2 R on 3 H and 1 BB in .2 innings. Andrew Robinson got the final out for his 1st save of the season.

SS-Ben Orloff was 3x5 with 2 R and 3 RBI. CF-George Springer was 4x5 with 1 HR. 2B-Kike Hernandez went 2x4 with 1 2B, 2 R, and 1 RBI.

Man of the Match: Ben Orloff

*Notes: Kirk Clark has yet to allow a home run in 15 appearances.

Lexington (21-20) 

The Legends took the lead in the fifth and cruised to a 7-5 victory over Kannapolis (CHW).

Mike Foltynewicz went 6 innings and gave up 4 R on 5 H and 4 BB with 2 K. Murilo Gouvea pitched 1 scoreless inning, giving up 1 H. Jason Chowning earned his seventh save with 2 innings, allowing 1 unearned run with 4 K.

2B-Delino DeShields was 1x2 with 2 BB, 1 SB, 1 2B, and 2 R. CF-Jordan Scott went 2x5 with 1 2B and 2 RBI. SS-Chan Moon was 2x3 with 2 R and 2 RBI.

Man of the Match: Chan Moon

*Notes: John Hinson has seven multi-hit games in 14 games played for Lexington. Mike Foltynewicz has won his last five decisions since his opening day loss, and has lowered his ERA from 6.75 to 2.15 over that stretch.

Tri-City (0-0) 

Season begins June 18.

Greeneville (0-0) 

Season begins June 19.

GCL Astros (0-0) 

Season begins June 18.

DSL Astros (0-0) 

Season begins June 2nd.

PreStros Farm Report: May 18

PreStros: May 18

Oklahoma City (23-18) 

Hot Diamondbacks prospect Trevor Bauer held the RedHawks to just one run over eight innings as OKC lost 2-1 to Reno (ARI).

Aneury Rodriguez lasted 5.2 innings, and 102 pitches, and gave up 2 R on 5 H and 3 BB with 2 K. Enerio Del Rosario threw .2 innings and allowed 1 H with 1 K. Xavier Cedeno went 1.2 innings with 4 K.

LF-Scott Moore was 2x4. 3B-Brett Wallace went 2x4. C-Landon Powell was 1x2 with 1 BB and 1 HR.

Man of the Match: Landon Powell

*Notes: Mike Hessman is the active career minor league home run leader with 338. He is tied for third in home runs this season (9) in the PCL. Scott Moore now leads the league in doubles (15). OKC is .5 games behind Albuquerque in the PCL American-South Division. Through 16.2 innings, Xavier Cedeno still has a 0.00 ERA.

Corpus Christi (17-24) 

After scoring two runs in both the eighth and ninth innings to tie the game back up, the Hooks lost 6-5 on a walkoff sac fly by Midland (OAK).

Jarred Cosart went 5.2 innings and gave up 4 R on 6 H and 4 BB with 5 K. Erick Abreu threw 1.1 scoreless innings with 2 BB and 2 K. Kevin Chapman allowed 2 R (1 earned) in 1.1 innings on 2 H and 3 BB. Jason Stoffel got the final out but gave up the winning sac fly.

LF-Jake Goebbert was 1x4 with 1 BB, 1 R, and 2 RBI. 1B-Jon Singleton was 2x5 with 1 RBI. DH-Kody Hinze went 1x3 with 1 BB and 2 RBI.

Man of the Match: Jake Goebbert

*Notes:  Jonathan Villar leads the Texas League with 17 steals despite only having a .287 on base percentage.

Lancaster (22-20) 

Pitching was again the story for Lancaster, but his time it was the bullpen. JetHawks relievers put together five scoreless innings as Lancaster beat Inland Empire (LAA) 5-3.

Jorge De Leon went 4 innings, allowing 3 R (2 earned) on 2 H and 2 BB with 2 K. Zach Grimmett threw 3.1 scoreless innings with 2 H, 2 BB, and 2 K. Andrew Robinson pitched .2 innings with 1 K. Kirk Clark got his fifth save with a scoreless ninth, allowing 1 H.

CF-George Springer went 2x5 with 1 2B, 1 SB, and 2 R. LF-Adam Bailey was 2x5 with 2 R. RF-Domingo Santana went 2x4 with 1 BB and 2 RBI. DH-Ben Heath was 2x4 with 1 RBI. 2B-Kike Hernandez was 2x4 with 1 RBI.

Man of the Match: George Springer

*Notes: The JetHawks have the second best team AVG (.278), SLG (.452), and OPS (.791). They also have the second most offensive strikeouts (365).

Lexington (20-20) 

The Legends took advantage of the wildness of the Kannapolis (CHW) pitching staff, which allowed nine walks, to pick up the 7-3 victory.

Luis Ordosgiotti lasted 4 innings and allowed 2 R on 6 H and 3 BB with 3 K. Carlos Quevedo went 4 innings and gave up 1 R on 3 H with 6 K. Murilo Gouvea pitched 1 inning with 2 K.

3B-John Hinson was 2x6 with 2 2B, 1 R, and 3 RBI. LF-Brandon Meredith was 4x5 with 1 2B and 2 RBI. C-Roberto Pena went 2x5 with 1 R. RF-Chris Epps was 1x2 with 3 BB and 2 R.

Man of the Match: John Hinson

*Notes: Carlos Quevedo, who had spent his professional career as a starter until early this season, has pitched well out of the bullpen in 2012. He’s seen his K/9 increase by three over his career average to 9.6 while maintaining his impressive walk rate, 1.3 BB/9. He’s giving up two fewer H/9 as well.

Tri-City (0-0) 

Season begins June 18.

Greeneville (0-0) 

Season begins June 19.

GCL Astros (0-0) 

Season begins June 18.

DSL Astros (0-0) 

Season schedule not yet posted. Opening Day June 2nd.

PreStros Farm Report: May 5

PreStros: May 5

Oklahoma City (17-13) 

A wild finish saw three lead changes in the final three innings before the RedHawks lost to Omaha (KC) 10-9 in the eleventh.

Jordan Lyles threw 6 innings, giving up 5 R on 7 H, 3 HBP, and 3 BB with 2 K. Xavier Cedeno went 1 scoreless inning with 1 K. Rhiner Cruz went .2 innings, allowing 2 R (1 ER) on 1 BB and 1 HBP with 2 K. Jose Valdez also turned in .2 innings, allowing 2 R on 2 H and 2 BB. Mickey Storey took the loss with the final .2 innings, giving up 1 R on 3 H with 1 K.

3B-Scott Moore went 2x4 with 1 R and 1 RBI. OF-Justin Ruggiano was 2x5 with 2 R and 2 RBI with 1 SB. 1B-Mike Hessman was 2x5 with 1 HR and 2 R. DH-Brett Wallace was 1x5 with 1 HR and 3 RBI. RF-Brad Snyder went 2x3 with 2 BB and 1 HR.

Man of the Match: Scott Moore

Corpus Christi (12-17) 

The Hooks losing streak reached seven games after getting shutout by San Antonio (SD) 6-0.

Brett Oberholtzer went 6 innings and gave up 4 R on 5 H, including 3 HR, and 3 BB with 5 K. Erick Abreu threw 3 innings, allowing 2 R on 2 H with 2 K.

LF-Austin Wates was 1x4 with 1 SB. RF-Jake Goebbert went 2x4.

Man of the Match: Jake Goebbert

Lancaster (14-15) 

After a crazy finish in which both teams scored five runs in the ninth inning, the JetHawks held on to win 8-7 against Stockton (OAK).

Bobby Doran had a strong start, lasting 7.1 innings and allowing 2 R on 7 H and 1 BB with 3 K. Jorge De Leon has roughed up in 1.1 innings, giving up 5 R on 5 H. Pat Urckfitz shut the door for the final out.

SS-Ben Orloff went 2x4 with 1 BB and 1 R. 1B-Erik Castro was 2x3 with 1 BB and 2 R. 3B-Jonathan Meyer was 2x4 with 1 2B, 2 R, and 1 RBI. LF-Adam Bailey went 2x3 with 1 BB, 2 HR, and 5 RBI. Bailey has back-to-back two home run games.

Man of the Match: Adam Bailey

Lexington (14-15) 

The Legends opened their series in Asheville (COL) with a 5-1 victory.

Nick Tropeano went 7 shutout innings, giving up just 2 H and 2 BB with 8 K. Murilo Gouvea went the final 2 innings, allowing 1 R on 2 H with 2 K.

2B-Delino DeShields went 1x3 with 1 BB. LF-Jordan Scott was 1x5 with 1 SB and 1 RBI. DH-Brandon Meredith was 2x4 with 1 2B, 1 R, and 1 RBI. RF-Chris Epps was 1x4 with 1 2B and 2 RBI.

Man of the Match: Nick Tropeano

Tri-City (0-0) 

Season begins June 18.

Greeneville (0-0) 

Season begins June 19.

GCL Astros (0-0) 

Season begins June 18.

DSL Astros (0-0) 

Season schedule not yet posted. Opening Day June 2nd.

PreStros Farm Report: May 4

PreStros: May 4

Oklahoma City (17-12) 

RedHawk hitters couldn’t touch Omaha (KC) starter Ryan Verdugo, leading to the 4-2 loss.

Dallas Keuchel went the distance in the loss, tossing 8 innings and giving up 4 R on 9H and 2 BB with 2 K.

SS-Angel Sanchez was 2x4 with 1 SB. 3B-Scott Moore went 1x4 with 1 HR.

Man of the Match: Scott Moore

Corpus Christi (12-16) 

The streaky Hooks dropped their sixth straight when they lost 6-5 to Midland (OAK).

Jose Cisnero went 3.2 innings, giving up 4 R on 3 H, 4 BB, and 1 HBP with 4 K. Alex Sogard threw 3.1 inning and allowed 1 R on 2 H and 2 BB with 2 K. Jason Stoffel went 1.1 innings and gave up 1 R on 2 H and 2 BB with 1 K. Kevin Chapman gave up the walkoff hit to the only batter he faced, with the run scored being charged to Stoffel.

LF-Austin Wates was 1x5 with 1 HR. RF-Jake Goebbert was 1x4 with 1 BB, 1 HR, and 2 R. 1B-Jon Singleton went 2x4 with 1 2B, 1 R, and 1 RBI. SS-Jonathan Villar was 2x4 with 1 R.

Man of the Match: Jake Goebbert

Lancaster (12-15) 

Two home runs by Adam Bailey, including one inside-the-park, and strong pitching led the JetHawks to a 3-2 victory over Stockton (OAK).

David Martinez went 6 innings and allowed 2 R on 5 H and 1 BB with 6 K. Kirk Clark got the win with 3 scoreless innings, allowing just 1 H.

SS-Ben Orloff went 2x4 with 1 2B and 1 R. CF-George Springer was 2x5 with 1 RBI. 3B-Jonathan Meyer was 2x4 with 1 2B. RF-Adam Bailey went 3x4 with 2 HR. C-Ben Heath went 2x3 with 1 BB.

SS-Jio Mier left the game in the 1st inning with a leg injury suffered on the base paths trying to turn his lead-off double into a triple. If this injury is serious we’ll let everyone know.

Man of the Match: Adam Bailey

Lexington (12-14) 

Fans at Fluor Field were treated to an exciting game that was close the entire nine innings. Delino DeShields’ solo home run in the eighth inning and Jason Chowning’s slider combined to put the game away, as the Legends took the series with a 6-5 victory.

Jonas Dufek went 5.1 innings, giving up 5 R (4 earned) on 7 H and 3 BB with 3 K. Evan Grills battled through 1.2 innings, but held the Drive scoreless with 2 H and 1 BB. Jason Chowning slammed the door with 2 perfect innings and 4 K. The Drive had no chance against Chowning’s slider last night.

2B-Delino DeShields went 1x4 with 1 BB, 2 SB, 1 HR, and 2 R. 1B-Matt Duffy went 2x3 with 1 BB and 1 RBI. SS-Alex Todd went 2x3 with 2 BB, 1 2B, 1 R, and 1 RBI.

Man of the Match: DeShields/Chowning

Tri-City (0-0) 

Season begins June 18.

Greeneville (0-0) 

Season begins June 19.

GCL Astros (0-0) 

Season begins June 18.

DSL Astros (0-0) 

Season schedule not yet posted. Opening Day June 2nd.

PreStros Farm Report: May 3

PreStros: May 3

Oklahoma City (17-11) 

The Isotopes (LAD) went off on Paul Clemens for a seven run third inning as OKC lost 15-5.

Clemens lasted just 2 innings, plus 4 batters in the 3rd, and was charged with 7 R on 10 H and 1 BB. Sergio Perez gave up 4 R on 7 H, 1 HBP, and 2 BB in 4 innings. Adalberto Flores allowed 3 R on 3 H with 3 K in 1 inning. Juan Abreu gave up 1 R on 4 H with 1 K in 1 inning.

LF-Fernando Martinez was 2x4 with 1 BB and 2 R with 1 outfield assist. 3B-Scott Moore was 3x5 with 2 2B, 2 R, and 1 RBI. CF-Justin Ruggiano went 1x5 with 1 HR and 2 RBI. 2B-Jimmy Paredes was 2x5 with 1 RBI.

Man of the Match: Scott Moore

Corpus Christi (12-15) 

Poor defense kept the Hooks from ever being in this game, as a pair of errors in the second led to a six run inning for Midland (OAK). CC ultimately lost 10-2.

Ross Seaton threw 3 innings (plus two batters in the 4th), allowing 9 R (4 earned) on 7 H and 3 BB with 1 K. Arecenio Leon went 2 innings and gave up 1 R (unearned) on 2 H with 2 K. Jonnathan Aristil went the final 3 innings with 2 H, 1 BB, and 6 K.

LF-Jake Goebbert was 2x4 with 1 3B, 1 R, and 1 RBI.

Man of the Match: Jake Goebbert

Lancaster (12-15) 

Thursday’s game against Bakersfield (CIN) was close all the way, but the JetHawks made the final push to win 8-6.

Ruben Alaniz had his first rough start this season, but still earned the win with 6 IP, giving up 6 R on 9 H and 1 BB with 2 K. Pat Urckfitz threw 2 scoreless innings with 1 H and 1 K. Jorge De Leon pitched a perfect 9th with 2 K to get the save.

SS-Jio Mier was 3x5 with 1 SB, 2 R, 1 RBI, and 1 HR. 1B-Rafy Valenzuela was 2x5 with 1 SB, 2 R and 1 RBI. CF-George Springer went 2x5 with 1 2B, 2 R, and 1 RBI. LF-Telvin Nash was 2x3 with 1 BB, 1 2B, 1 R, and 2 RBI. DH-Erik Castro went 2x5 with 2 RBI.

Man of the Match: Jiovanni Mier

Lexington (11-14) 

A shaky debut by recently called up reliever Euris Quezada resulted in a 5-3 loss to Greenville (BOS).

Luis Cruz had a second straight good start, lasting 6 innings and allowing 2 R on 7 H, 1 HBP, and 1 BB with 5 K. Euris Quezada’s night started with seven straight balls and a balk and never got much better, as he recorded just one out (on a sacrifice fly) and gave up 3 R on 3 H and 1 BB for the loss. Carlos Quevedo went the final 1.2 innings, allowing just 1 H.

3B-Matt Duffy went 3x4 with 3 2B and 2 R.

Man of the Match: Matt Duffy

I’m attending this series and will have a few general observations afterwards. I’ve managed to land some credentials so hopefully I’ll be able to get some behind the scenes insight. Stay tuned.

Tri-City (0-0) 

Season begins June 18.

Greeneville (0-0) 

Season begins June 19.

GCL Astros (0-0) 

Season begins June 18.

DSL Astros (0-0) 

Season schedule not yet posted. Opening Day June 2nd.

Trio of PreStros honored

Three of our minor leaguers received player of the week honors from their respective leagues for the week ending April 15th.

Dallas Keuchel was named Pacific Coast League pitcher of the week. For the week, Keuchel was 2-0 with a 0.00 ERA and 0.46 WHIP. He threw 13 innings and allowed just six hits with no walks and eight strikeouts.

Keuchel currently has the most innings pitched without allowing a run in the PCL and the lowest WHIP among starters.

Brandon Barnes and Jake Goebbert shared the title of offensive player of the week for the Texas League. Barnes hit .432 for the week with one homerun, nine RBIs, 10 runs and two steals. Goebbert hit .429 with a .500 OBP, two homeruns, 10 RBIs, and 10 runs.

Barnes is currently leading the Texas League with 17 hits, nine doubles, and a .415 batting average.

PreStros Farm Report: April 16

PreStros: April 16

Oklahoma City (8-4) 

The RedHawks were shutout in Memphis (STL) as they fell 2-0.

Aneury Rodriguez went 5 innings and allowed 1 R on 5 H and 3 BB with 5 K. Rodriguez is now tied for the PCL lead in strikeouts with 21, though he’s reached that total in 6.1 fewer innings than the other guy.

2B-Jimmy Paredes was 2x3. LF-Fernando Martinez went 1x4 with 1 2B.

Man of the Match: Aneury Rodriguez

Dallas Keuchel was named Pacific Coast League pitcher of the week.

Corpus Christi (5-5) 

Corpus dropped their third straight, falling to Tulsa (COL) 7-1.

Henry Villar, having been pressed into relief services just three days prior, left after 3 innings in which he allowed 3 R on 3 H and 1 BB with 1 K and 1 HBP. Erick Abreu went 3 innings, allowing 3 R on 5 H with 2 K. Adalberto Flores pitched a scoreless inning with 2 K in his first outing for Corpus since being sent down from OKC. Jason Stoffel gave up his first run of the year in 1 IP.

SS-Jonathan Villar was 1x5 with 1 2B. CF-Brandon Barnes was 1x4 with 1 2B. 2B-Jose Martinez was 1x4 with a solo HR. C-Jair Fernandez was 0x1 with 3 BB, and had 1 PO and 1 CS behind the plate.

Man of the Match: Jose Martinez.

Brandon Barnes and Jake Goebbert were named co-offensive players of the week for the Texas league.

Lancaster (3-8) 

The High Desert Mavericks (SEA) unloaded in a 4 run 13th inning to beat the JetHawks 7-3.

David Martinez turned in a quality start, lasting 6 innings and giving up 3 R on 7 H and 1 BB with 3 K. Alex Sogard went 3 scoreless innings with 2 H and 5 K. Pat Urckitz held down the next 3 innings allowing 2 H and 1 BB with 3 K. Brian Streilein got hung with the loss after allowing 4 R on 2 H and 2 BB while getting just 1 out in the 13th.

LF-Telvin Nash was 2x5 with 1 BB and 1 R. DH-Erik Castro went 2x6 with 1 HR, 1 R, and 2 RBI. 3B-Jonathan Meyer was 3x5 with 1 3B, 1 BB, and 1 R. C-Rene Garcia was 2x4. RF-Domingo Santana was 0x5 with 1 BB and 3 K in his return from a hamstring injury.

Man of the Match: Erik Castro

Lexington (4-8) 

Lexington won this one going away as they beat the Greenville Drive (BOS) 6-2.

Mike Foltynewicz continued his strong start this season with 7 innings allowing 2 runs (1 earned) on 3 H and 2 BB with 6 K. Folty had 13 groundouts in the game with zero flyouts. Scott Zuloaga finished the game with 2 scoreless innings allowing 1 H and 1 BB with 4 K.

1B-Zach Johnson was 2x4 with 1 2B, 1 R, and 2 RBI. 3B-Matt Duffy was 2x4 with 1 RBI. SS-James Howick went 1x3 with 1 BB, 2 SB, 1 R, and 1 RBI.

Man of the Match: Mike Foltynewicz

Tri-City (0-0) 

Season begins June 18.

Greeneville (0-0) 

Season begins June 19.

GCL Astros (0-0) 

Season begins June 18.

DSL Astros (0-0) 

Season schedule not yet posted.

PreStros Farm Report: April 13

Oklahoma City (7-2)

So how great is it to beat any level of a Cardinals team? Memphis took a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the 1st off Jordan Lyles, but the RedHawks scored 11 of the next 12 runs for an 11-3 win. Lyles gave up 3H/2ER, with 7K:0BB, in 7IP. The first three Memphis batters got on base (HBP, HR, Single), and then faced 21 batters from that point forward. Adalberto Flores gave up 3H/1ER in 1IP, and Enerio Del Rosario threw a perfect 9th inning to close out the game.

The Astros tagged up Shelby Miller for 6H/4ER, 2HR in 5IP as Brian Bixler showed how unhappy he was with getting send down by going 4x5 with an RBI and 2SBs; Fernando Martinez hit two homers for 6RBI, Angel Sanchez went 3x5 with a HR, 2RBI, and Brett Wallace was 3x5. Jordan Lyles added a two-run double. The RedHawks were 6x13 w/RISP.

Man of the Match: How about Fernando Martinez?

Corpus (5-3)

Corpus got 12 runs for the 2nd consecutive game with seven 9th inning runs at NW Arkansas for a 12-2 win. Jose Cisnero threw 6IP, 3H/0ER, 7K:2BB; Henry Villar threw 2IP, 1H/0ER; and Josh Zeid gave up the two Naturals runs with 3H/2ER in 1IP.

The Hooks knocked around Royals prospect with 5H/5ER, 5K:4BB in 4.1IP, and drew 12 walks as a team. Brandon Barnes was 3x5 with 2RBI; Jake Goebbert was 2x4 with two doubles, a walk, and 3RBI. Chris Wallace was 1x4 with a walk and 3RBI; Austin Wates was 1x5 with a walk and 2RBI. Kody Hinze was 1x2 with 3BB, and T.J. Steele was 0x2 with an RBI and 2BBB.

Man of the Match: Jake Goebbert

Lancaster (2-6)

Game vs. Lake Elsinore postponed due to rain.

Lexington (3-6)

Lexington was down 3-0 going in to the 5th, scored five runs, gave up the tying runs in the 8th, and got a two-out walk-off homer courtesy of Alex Todd in the bottom of the 11th for a 6-5 win. Jonas Dufek threw 5IP, 6H/2ER, 6K:0BB; Evan Grills gave up 3H/1ER in 2IP; Murilo Gouvea gave up 3H/2ER, 1K:1BB, HR in 1IP, and Dayan Diaz got the win with 1H/0ER, 5K:1BB in 3IP of relief.

Alex Todd, in addition to the walk-off, was 3x6; Matt Duffy was 3x5 with 2RBI, and Justin Gominsky was 2x5 with an RBI; Delino DeShields was 1x5 with a double, walk, and 2Ks.

Man of the Match: Dayan Diaz.

PreStros Farm Report: April 9

PreStros: April 9

Oklahoma City (4-1) 

The RedHawks used just one inning to beat the Sounds 4-2 Monday night. After being no-hit through four innings, OKC scored all four runs in the 5th as they batted around in the inning.

Henry Sosa pitched well through 4 innings, allowing 1 run on 4 hits and 2 walks with 4 strikeouts and picking a runner off 1st before giving way to a quartet of OKC relievers. Not all at once, of course; that would be against the rules.

The RedHawk batters managed just 5 singles all game, but thankfully they were all bunched together. LF-Fernando Martinez was 1x3 with 2 RBI and 1 BB. C-Landon Powell was 1x2 with 1 R and 1 BB. 2B-Jimmy Paredes went 1x3 with 1R/1RBI.

Man of the Match: Henry Sosa

Corpus Christi (3-2) 

After being down 4-1 in the 6th inning, Corpus stormed back to win 7-4 on a walkoff 3R HR by Jacob Goebbert

Starter Jake Buchanan battled through 5.1 innings, giving up 4 runs on 8 hits and 1 BB with 6 K. Kevin Chapman threw 1.2 scoreless innings allowing 1 hit with 3K/1BB and went 1x1 at the plate with a single. Josh Zeid finished the game for the win with 2 no-hit innings with 3K/1BB.

LF-Austin Wates continued his assault on AA pitching as he went 3x5 with 1 R. CF-TJ Steele was 1x4 with a 2R HR and 3K. RF-Jake Goebbert went 2x5 with 2R/3RBI and 1 HR.

Man of the Match: Jake Goebbert

Lancaster (1-4) 

Lancaster got their first win of the season at Rancho Cucamonga as the shutout the Quakes 6-0.

Wes Musick pitched well through 5 scoreless innings as he gave up 4 hits and 1 BB with 6K. Pat Urckfitz, Kirk Clark, and Jorge De Leon finished out the shutout.

1B-Rafy Valenzuela was 2x5 with 1R. DH-Telvin Nash went 3x5 with 1 2B and 1R/1RBI. 3B-Jonathan Meyer was 3x5 with 2R/3RBI, 1 HR, 1 SB, and 1 error.

Man of the Match: Wes Musick

Lexington (1-4) 

After battling back from an early 6-1 deficit, Lexington lost another heart-breaker 8-7 in 11 innings.

Starter Kyle Hallock lasted just .2 innings giving up 2 hits, including a Grand Slam, with 4 BB. Nicholas Tropeano came on in the 4th inning and turned in 5 strong innings as he gave up 1 run on 4 hits with 1 BB and an outstanding 10 K. Dayan Diaz struck out the side with 1 BB in his 1 IP. Luis Cruz took the loss after pitching 1.2 innings with 2 K, 3 hits, and the fateful final run.

2B-Delino DeShields went 2x5 with 2 R, 1 BB, 1 2B, and 1. SS-Alex Todd went 3x6 with 2 2B and 2R/2RBI. 1B-Zachary Johnson was 3x5 with 3 RBI.

Man of the Match: Nick Tropeano

Tri-City (0-0) 

Season begins June 18.

Greeneville (0-0) 

Season begins June 19.

GCL Astros (0-0) 

Season begins June 18.

DSL Astros (0-0) 

Season schedule not yet posted.

Camp Notes!

Brian McTaggart has some camp notes for us (and here and here):

Invited to Major-League Spring Camp:
Jonathan Singleton
Delino DeShields
George Springer
Jake Goebbert
Jonathan Villar

In that third link, we find the Astros have signed another outfielder, 29-year old Austin native Justin Ruggiano. Ruggiano has played in parts of three seasons (07, 08, 11) with Tampa Bay, hitting a combined .226/.262/.359, but posting a career-high .248/.273/.400 in 111 PAs with the Rays in 2011.

In five seasons at Triple-A, Ruggiano has hit .289/.362/.473 with 546K:188BB, and 68HR in 2064 PAs.

Read about Jake Goebbert and David Martinez

Baseball America has a little feature up where they highlight the "32nd Team:"

We provide a Top 30 Prospects list for each of the 30 organizations, and we used to call the leftover reports "The 31st Team." In 2009, we created a bonus supplement for readers who buy the Handbook directly from us, giving them one prospect for each farm system. That essentially became the 31st team, so now we consider the extras as "The 32nd Team."

Click the link to read more about Jake Goebbert:
He wouldn't be a factor if he didn't hit lefthanded, but the platoon advantage gives him a chance to become a second-division regular on an outfield corner if he keeps hitting.

David Martinez:
His ability to sink the ball should allow him to survive in one of the minors' toughest pitching environments. He still projects as a reliever in the long term.

Salt River Rafters: October 10

We'll be better about this in the coming days, but here's your Salt River Rafters (Arizona Fall League) Astros recap from yesterday, October 10:

Salt River defeated Surprise, 13-6.

Kody Hinze: 3x5, HR, 2RBI
Jake Goebbert: 1x4, 2BB
Jason Stoffel: 1IP, OH/0ER, 3K:1BB, 19 pitches - 11 for strikes

Arizona Fall League Preview

Minor League Ball is going through the rosters of all the AFL teams and recently highlighted the Salt River Rafters rosters, the team the Astros prospects were assigned to. Included were blurbs on Keuchel, Hinze, Austin, and Goebbert. Quick little read.

Arizona Fall League rosters announced

Zach Levine has the rosters for the Arizona Fall League:

-Jay Austin
-Jason Castro
-Jake Goebbert
-Chris Hicks
-Kody Hinze
-Dallas Keuchel
-Jason Stoffel
-Josh Zeid