Tanner Bushue retires

Via What the Heck, Bobby, we find within this story from the Albany Times-Union on the ValleyCats playoff push, we find that 2009 2nd Round pick Tanner Bushue has retired from baseball.

Bushue pitched in five games in 2009 (2.42 ERA/1.03 WHIP) before stress fractures in his spine shut him down for the season, but still was good enough for Baseball America's 9th-ranked GCL prospect for 2009 and their Astros' 7th-best prospect following the season.

He spent 2010 in Lexington where he threw 133.2IP, allowing 129H/61ER, 114K:48BB for a 4.11 ERA/1.32 WHIP, which got Bushue the #3 Astros prospect ranking from FanGraphs, #5 from the Hardball Times and Keith Law, and #6 from Jonathan Mayo following the season.

Injuries saw Bushue go on and off the DL in 2011, a season where he threw just 85.1IP, 103H/47ER, 58K:17BB for a 4.96 ERA/1.41 WHIP.

In 2012 between Greeneville and Lexington, Bushue threw just 39.2IP, 59H/41ER, 44K:27BB for a 9.30 ERA/2.17 WHIP (18.82 ERA/3.00 WHIP in six games for Lexington). What happened? WTHB talked to Dave Borkowski and found that his injuries and execution were limiting his effectiveness.

In 49IP for Tri-City in 2013, Bushue allowed 40H/28ER, 40K:13BB, for a 5.14 ERA/1.08 WHIP. Best wishes to Bushue, who is still only 22, after all.

Only nine eight picks from the 2009 draft are still with the organization: Major-Leaguers Dallas Keuchel (7th Round) and J.D. Martinez (20th Round); and PreStros Jio Mier (1st Round), Telvin Nash and Jonathan Meyer (3rd Round), Brandon Wikoff (5th Round), Enrique Hernandez (6th Round), Ben Orloff (9th Round) and Erik Castro (10th Round).

PreStros Morning Report: June 23

Oklahoma City (40-35), 3.5 GB

Game 1: OKC beats Omaha in Game 1 of a double-header, 6-5, in 10 innings. Brad Peacock had one of the strangest lines I've seen with 6IP, 7H/5R (2ER), 1K:6BB; Kevin Chapman allowed a hit in 1IP, Jason Stoffel allowed 2H/0ER, 1K:1BB in 2IP and Josh Zeid gets the win by allowing just one hit in the 10th inning.

Brandon Laird was 2x5 with a 6th inning 2-run homer and the walkoff RBI double with two outs in the 10th. Jose Martinez was 2x4 with an RBI. Jon Singleton, hitting 6th, was 1x2 with two walks and no strikeouts.

Man of the Match: Brandon Laird

Game 2: Omaha overcame a 2-0 deficit to take a 3-2 lead into the bottom of the 6th. OKC tied it up, but Omaha got the run back in the 7th for a Sunday split, 4-3 win over OKC. Brady Rodgers made the spot start, throwing 5IP, 5H/1ER, 4K:0BB in his Triple-A debut. Eric Berger allowed 2H/2ER, 0K:2BB in 0.2IP and Rhiner Cruz took the loss, giving up 2H/1ER, 1K:1BB in 1.1IP.

Robbie Grossman was 2x4 with 2RBI and two stolen bases; Cody Clark was 2x3. Che-Hsuan Lin was 1x3 with a walk and an outfield assist.

Man of the Match: Brady Rodgers

Corpus (3-3), 1.0 GB

Corpus jumped out to a 3-0 lead and was able to hold on for a 6-3 win at Frisco. David Martinez took the mound for the first three innings, allowing 2H/1ER, 3K:1BB; Mike Foltynewicz allowed 5H/1ER, 1K:1BB in the next 3IP; Andrew Robinson allowed 3H/1ER, 2K:0BB; Kenny Long gave up a hit to the only batter he faced and Pat Urckfitz got the four-out save.

Rene Garcia was 3x5 with an RBI; Jonathan Meyer (RBI) and Zach Johnson (SB) were each 2x5 with a double. George Springer hit his 19th home run in what is likely his final Double-A game. and Enrique Hernandez and Raoul Torrez each had a hit and a walk.

Man of the Match: Rene Garcia

Lancaster (4-0), 1.0 up

Lancaster competed a four-game sweep of Rancho Cucamonga with a 12-6 win. Chris Devenski threw 4IP, 5H/4ER, 3K:1BB; Jonas Dufek got the win with 2IP, 2H/0ER, 4K:0BB; Theron Geith allowed 3H/2ER; Cameron Lamb and Blair Walters threw scoreless outings to close the game.

So many homers. Andrew Aplin was 3x4 with an RBI and a walk; Tyler Heineman was 2x4 with an RBI. Joe Sclafani was 1x3 with a homer and two walks; Carlos Perdomo was 2x4 with a homer and a walk; But Preston Tucker swung the Big Bat, with two three-run homers and 6RBI total.

Man of the Match: Preston Tucker

Quad Cities (4-0), tied

Quad Cities jumped on Kane County early, taking a 4-0 lead in the 1st and riding it out for a 6-1 win. Lance McCullers threw 5IP, 1H/0ER, 7K:2BB; Daniel Minor threw two perfect innings, and Mitchell Lambson gave up 5H/1ER, 1K:0BB in 2IP.

Carlos Correa was 3x5 and has an eight-game hitting streak in which six of those games are multi-hit games. He's hitting .488/.532/.561 in his last ten games. Teoscar Hernandez was 3x5 with a HR and 2RBI; Jesse Wierzbicki (SB), Rio Ruiz (2SB, 2RBI) and Ruben Sosa (SB, BB, 2RBI) had two hits each. Miles Hambin drew three walks.

Man of the Match: Lance McCullers

Tri-City (6-1), 2.5 up

Wild one at Connecticut yesterday with a scoreless game heading into the 10th, but Tri-City put up five and withstood a Connecticut rally for a 5-2 win. Adrian Houser threw 5IP, 2H/0ER, 6K:2BB; Tanner Bushue then threw four hitless/scoreless innings with six strikeouts and no walks; Pat Christensen allowed 2H/2ER in 1IP.

Dan Gulbransen was 2x5 with 2RBI; Jose Fernandez was 1x3 with two walks and an RBI. Ronnie Mitchell had a hit and a walk.

Man of the Match: Houser and Bushue

Greeneville (1-3) 3.0 GB

Home opener for the Gastros saw a 3-0 lead slip away in the 8th and a 5-3 Elizabethton win in the 10th.
Frederick Tiburcio threw 4IP, 1H/0ER, 5K:1BB while Krishawn Holley gave up 1H/0ER, 2K:1BB in 3IP; Tyler Brunnemann allowed 3H/3ER, 1K:0BB in 0.2IP. Gonzalo Sanudo gave up 4H/2ER (and two of Brunnemann's runs) in 1.2IP; Ryan Connolly allowed 1H/0ER in the final 0.2IP.

Darwin Rivera was 2x4 with a double, Tanner Mathis was 2x4; Edwin Gomez was 1x4 with a double and 2RBI. Jack Mayfield was 1x3 with a stolen base.

Man of the Match: Frederick Tiburcio

GCL Astros

Off.

Field reports on Bushue and Hallock

Jayne over at What the Heck Bobby had a chance to talk with Lexington pitching coach Dave Borkowski about the struggles of Tanner Bushue and Kyle Hallock. As we noted earlier, both pitchers were sent back to extended spring training yesterday.

Three players sent to Extended Spring Training

What the Heck Bobby says that three Lexington players: Emilio King, Tanner Bushue, and Kyle Hallock are being sent to Extended Spring Training. All three have struggled in 2012.

PreStros Farm Report: April 23

PreStros: April 23

Oklahoma City (12-7) 

The Isotopes (LAD) and RedHawks squared off in a pitcher’s duel but OKC got the loss 3-2..

Dallas Keuchel had another good game, but not quite as good as the opposing pitcher. Keuchel went 7 innings and allowed 3 R on 7 H and 3 BB with 2 K along with 11 groundouts. Juan Abreu threw the last 2 innings and allowed 1 H and 1 BB with 3 K. Keuchel is now 3-1 on the season with a 1.67 ERA

3B-Brett Wallace went 1x4 with a solo HR, his second of the season. 2B-Jimmy Paredes was 3x4 with 1 2B and 1 R with 2 SB. RF-Justin Ruggiano went 0x4 at the plate but had 2 OF assists, both times throwing out Albuquerque catcher Tim Federowicz at home.

Man of the Match: Jimmy Paredes

Corpus Christi (9-8) 

Corpus pulled out all the stops, including a steal of home, to beat Midland (OAK) 9-3.

Erick Abreu, in his first start of the season, lasted 4 innings, giving up just 1 R on 5 H and 2 BB with 5 K. Henry Villar went the next 4 innings and gave up 2 R on 3 H and 1 BB with 1 K. Kevin Chapman took the ninth in a non-save situation and allowed just 1 H with 1 K. Chapman has looked good since coming over in the Bourgeois/Quintero trade, with 9.2 IP over seven games with 13 strikeouts and a 1.86 ERA.

The Hooks offense spread the wealth, as several players had good nights. LF-Austin Wates went 2x5 with 1 R. RF-Jake Goebbert was 2x5 with 1 2B, 1 R, and 1 RBI. 1B-Jonathan Singleton was 2x4 with 1 BB, 2 2B, 2 R, 1 RBI, and 1 SB, the aforementioned steal of home. CF-Brandon Barnes was 1x2 with 1 BB, 1 R, 4 RBI, and 1 HR. 2B-Jordan Kreke went 2x3 with 1 2B, 2 R, 1 BB, and 2 SB. 3B-Andy Simunic was 2x4 with 2 R. Simunic has four straight multi-hit games and is hitting .692 over that stretch.

Man of the Match: Brandon Barnes

Lancaster (6-12) 

Telvin Nash and Jiovanni Mier helped stake the JetHawks to an early lead and Lancaster cruised to victory over Rancho Cucamonga (LAD) 8-4.

Zach Grimmett got the win with 5.1 IP allowing 4 R on 7 H , 1 HBP, and 2 BB with 7 K. Brian Streilein threw 2.2 scoreless innings with 1 H, 1 BB, and 3 K. Kirk Clark allowed 1 H in 1 IP.

SS-Jio Mier went 1x5 with 1 3B and 3 RBI. LF-Telvin Nash was 1x2 with 3 BB and a solo HR, his 8th of the year. 1B-Erik Castro was 1x4 with 1 BB, 1 3B, and 2 R. 3B-Jonathan Meyer went 2x4 with 1 SB, 1 3B, 1 R, and 1 RBI. RF-Adam Bailey went 3x4 with 1 R and 1 RBI with 1 OF assist. C-Rene Garcia was 4x4 with 1 2B, 2 R, and 1 RBI. Garcia came into the game hitting just .181 and left with a .250 average.

Man of the Match: Rene Garcia

Lexington (8-10) 

OFF

Off Day Spotlight

Tanner Bushue
Born:                June 20, 1991

Bats/Throws:   R/R
Height/Weight: 6’4”/180lbs
Acquired:     Drafted by Houston Astros, 2009 (2nd Round)

Position:          SP

Tanner started his professional career well but may have hit a wall, as this is his third season now with Lexington. Tanner was one of the Astros top 10 prospects heading in to 2011. He throws four pitches as a starter, including a fastball that hits 93 mph and a curve ball that has potential to be a plus pitch. His homerun allowed rate has increased each of the last three seasons and he’s been letting too many runners on to get away with it. He’s still young though (he’ll turn 21 in June) so there’s plenty of time for him to get back on track.

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.

Houser, Bushue leaving the GCL

In separate tweets, 2nd Round pick Adrian Houserannounced he's heading to Greeneville, and Tanner Bushue is heading...somewhere.

Eddie's Farm: July 25

Oklahoma City (46-57)

SWEEP. OKC allows two Memphis runs in the top of the 1st, but then scores the next eight runs of the game for an 8-2 win over Memphis. Sergio Perez allowed 5IP, 7H/2ER, 1K:0BB; Mickey Storey gave up two hits and a walk in 0.1IP, leaving the bases loaded for Doug Arguello, who got out of it, and ultimately just allowed 1H/0ER, 2K:1BB in 1.1IP. Ross Wolf threw 1.1 hitless IP, and Jeff Fulchino closed it out with two Ks in the 9th.

J.B. Shuck (3B, 3RBI, SB) and Collin DeLome (2RBI) had two hits each. Luis Durango and Brian Bogusevic (2B, RBI, 2SB) drew two walks each. Anderson Hernandez was 1x3 with an RBI, BB, and 2SB.

Man of the Match: J.B. Shuck

Corpus (39-61)

Corpus got a six-run 4th inning, and rode it out for a 9-3 win over Frisco. Dallas Keuchel threw 6IP, 7H/3ER, 1K:1BB; Arcenio Leon allowed 1H/0ER, 1K:1BB in 0.2IP; Xavier Cedeno returned for 1.1IP, allowing 1BB, and Henry Villar threw the final 1IP, giving up a hit.

Johnathan Villar was a double short of the cycle, going 3x5 with a triple and a homer and 3RBI. Coincidentally, those were your only extra-base hits. J.D. Martinez (RBI), Jimmy Van Ostrand (2RBI), and T.J. Steele (RBI) had two hits each.

Man of the Match: Johnathan Villar

Lancaster (38-63)

The JetHawks had a 4-3 lead going into the 8th, but gave up a run in each of the 8th and 9th innings for a 5-4 loss to Lake Elsinore. Our Boy Andrew Robinson threw 6IP, 6H/3ER, 5K:4BB; Wes Musick allowed an ER in 1.1IP with Kirk Clark giving up Musick's run, Shane Wolf gave up the go-ahead run, and Bobby Doran continued his easing back into pitching, facing the final two batters, and giving up a hit.

Adam Bailey was 2x5 with a homer, 2RBI, and Grant Hogue was 2x3 with a double, walk, and a stolen base. Jonathan Meyer was 1x3 with a double and two walks. Austin Wates also had a hit and two walks.

Man of the Match: Adam Bailey

Lexington (46-55)

Savannah got three runs in the 6th inning to send them ahead of Lexington for good, 5-4. Mike Foltynewicz threw 5IP, 7H/4ER, 5K:0BB; Jason Chowning allowed all three runs in the 6th (two charged to Foltynewicz), getting the BS/L; Jorge De Leon struck out two of the three batters he faced.

Delino DeShields (2B), Mike Kvasnicka (2B, 3RBI), and Roberto Pena had two hits each. Ben Heath hit his 3rd homer of the season, and Tyler Burnett added a double. Telvin Nash and Emilio King struck out three times each.

Man of the Match: Mike Kvasnicka

Tri-City (15-22)

Staten Island got the go-ahead run in the 8th for a 2-1 win over Tri-City. Juri Perez threw 6IP, 4H/1ER, 8K:0BB; Travis Smink allowed 2H/1ER (getting the loss), and Travis Blankenship gave up the hit that scored Smink's run, in 0.2IP.

John Hinson was 2x3, and Justin Gominsky (BB), Miles Hamblin, Zach Johnson, and Drew Muren had your other hits. Matt Duffy had your lone RBI.

Man of the Match: Juri Perez

Greeneville (12-22)

Johnson City scored all their runs in the first three innings, including a 6-run 3rd, for an 8-2 win over Greeneville. Luis Ordosgoitti allowed 7H/6R (5ER) in 2IP; Zach Dando allowed 3H/2ER, 4K:0BB in 4IP, and Paris Shewey gave up 2H in 2IP.

Jordan Scott, Josh Magee, and Jesse Wierzbicki (3B, RBI, BB) had two hits each. Ariel Ovando was 1x4 with an outfield assist.

Man of the Match: Jesse Wierzbicki

GCL Astros (8-22)

Low-scoring affair in Kissimmee as the GCL Astros fall to the GCL Marlins, 2-1. Tanner Bushue made another rehab start, allowing 4IP, 6H/1ER, 2K:0BB; Adrian Houser came in for long relief, allowing 2H/1ER, 4K:3BB, 2WP in 4.1IP, and Juan Mojica got the final two outs.

The Astros only got three hits: Kelvin Vizcaino (BB), Jose Fernandez, and Yonathan Mejia. Jean Carlos Batista drew a walk and got your lone RBI.

Man of the Match: Tanner Bushue

Bushue injured

Tanner Bushue was placed on the 7-Day DL yesterday, and Bryce Lane was called up from Tri-City to take his roster spot.

Bushue allowed 5H/3ER, 1K:2BB in 4IP on June 11.

Tranzactionz: Greenwalt sent down, Astros claim Blake King

A couple of tranzactionz to report for you:

Activated:
Tanner Bushue

Sent Down:
Juri Perez, from Lexington to Tri-City
Kyle Greenwalt, from Corpus to Tri-City

Claimed on waivers:
Blake King (May 26), assigned to Corpus
-

Tough news for Greenwalt, who was dropped two levels and sent to Extended Spring Training. Greenwalt broke out in 2008 with Greeneville, throwing 77.2IP, allowing 80H/26ER, with 58K:16BB to get everyone all excited about his future, as well as teammate Jordan Lyles. He pitched reasonably well in Lexington in 2009, going 8-13, but with a 4.20 ERA/1.31 WHIP. But things started to fall apart in 2010, when he had a 1.71 WHIP in 136.2IP, with 90K:42BB in 136.2IP, and in nine starts for Corpus in 2011, he allowed 58H/40ER, with just 28K:12BB in 38.2IP for a 9.31 ERA/1.81 WHIP, and eight homers allowed.

Who is this Blake King? He's a 24 year old RHP from Tulsa (same high school as Dallas Keuchel), drafted in the 44th Round of the 2005 draft by the Cardinals. In six seasons with the Cardinals, he's 25-24 with a 4.14 ERA/1.48 WHIP, with 511K:324BB in 428.2IP, averaging 10.7 K/9.

In 2010, he lit up Double-A Springfield, throwing 68IP - all in relief - and allowing 40H/22ER, with 84K:48BB (yes, more walks than hits allowed). But things just haven't got his way in 2011, where between AA/AAA, he has allowed 16H/18ER, 19K:24BB in 14.1IP for a robust 2.79 WHIP, after which he was placed on waivers.

Tranzactionz!

Lots of transactions over the course of the last couple of days.

May 11

*Lancaster placed pitcher Jose Trinidad on the 7-day DL.
*David Carpenter brought up to OKC from Corpus.

May 12

*Lexington sent Yordany Ramirez to Lancaster, bringing up catcher Ryan McCurdy from Tri-City.
*OKC activated Doug Arguello from the 7-Day DL.

May 13

*Legends place Tanner Bushue on the 7-Day DL, activating Enrique Hernandez from the same.
*Corpus activated Dallas Keuchel from the 7-Day DL.
*Oklahoma City sent Erick Abreu back to Corpus.

May 14
*Lexington sent Brad Dydalewicz to Tri-City, bringing up Garrett Bullock to take his place.
*Lancaster placed pitcher Wes Musick on the 7-Day DL, and Corpus sent Our Boy Andrew Robinson to Lancaster to take his place.

Eddie's Farm Employees of the Month: April 2011

And now we can start up the Employees of the Month segment again. Just a reminder, Employees of the Month get to park up front, and get 10% off in the store.

Oklahoma City

Position Player: Koby Clemens. Led the team with a .923 OPS, hitting .284/.369/.554, with five doubles and five homers.

Pitcher: Jordan Lyles. In 27IP, allowed 29 hits and walked six batters, with 19Ks.

Corpus

Position Player: Would have gone to Brandon Wikoff, if he had played in more than 13 games. Wladimir Sutil was also in on the honor, but we're going with J.D. Martinez. Martinez hit .341/.394/.553 in 22 games, with 12 doubles and 23RBI, and also drew 10 walks.

Pitcher: Dallas Keuchel. In four starts, Keuchel posted a 3.81 ERA/1.15 WHIP, and walked only three batters in 26IP.

Lancaster

Position Player: Jose Altuve. Altuve hit .435/.485/.652, but also had 11K:10BB and stole 12 bases during April. His 40 hits in April are 13 more than 2nd-best Kody Hinze and Jay Austin.

Pitcher: Jake Buchanan. Threw 28.1IP with a 1.91 ERA/0.88 WHIP, walking just six batters over the month.

Lexington

Position Player: Chris Wallace, obviously. Wallace hit .368/.468/.795 with 17 of his 33 hits coming in for extra-bases.

Pitcher: Tanner Bushue. Bushue was 3-0 with a 2.70 ERA/0.97 WHIP, walking just five batters in 26.2IP.

Eddie's Farm: April 19

Oklahoma City

Round Rock only scored in two innings. Problem was, they were both 3-run innings, and the RedHawks drop, 6-2. Sergio Perez got the start, allowing all six runs in an 8H/6ER, 1K:1BB performance in 4IP. Fernando Rodriguez, Sergio Escalona, Gustavo Chacin, and Wesley Wright held the Express to 2H/0ER, 5K:3BB over the rest of the 5IP.

Tommy Manzella was 3x3 with a walk and two SBs, and Collin DeLome was 0x4, with 3Ks, but the lone RBI. Brian Bogusevic (BB, SB) and Robinson Cancel had the other two walks, while J.B. Shuck and Anderson Hernandez had the only other hits.

Man of the Match: Tommy Manzella

Corpus

Corpus trailed twice in the game, but rallied each time for a 5-3 win over NW Arkansas. Jonnathan Aristil threw 6.2IP, 6H/2ER, 6K:4BB, allowing two homers in the win, while Erick Abreu allowed a run in 1.1IP. David Carpenter got his second save with a perfect 9th inning.

Jimmy Van Ostrand was 2x3 with a double, RBI, and a walk; and Jimmy Paredes hit a two-run, two-out homer in the 3rd inning (and added 2SBs). Wlad Sutil was 1x5 (and is hitting .386/.438/.477 over his last ten games), and Federico Hernandez and J.D. Martinez offered up the other RBIs.

Man of the Match: Jimmy Paredes

Lancaster

The sound effect of the game was a "Boom!" Lancaster hit six homers in a 13-3 win over High Desert. More on that in a second. Robby Donovan got his first win of the season with 6IP, 3H/2ER, 9K:0BB; Zach Grimmett threw 2IP, 3H/1ER, 2K:1BB, and Jose Trinidad walked one and struck out one in the 9th inning.

Seven JetHawks had two hits each: Jay Austin (RBI), Jose Altuve (SB), Kody Hinze (2HR, 2RBI, BB), Jake Goebbert (2HR, 2RBI), Ben Heath (HR, 2RBI), Miguel Arrendell (RBI), and Grant Hogue (RBI). Austin Wates also popped a 3-run shot and added a walk for a 4RBI day. Goebbert and Hinze are tied atop the CAL League with five homers each, and eight of the JetHawks 13 runs were with two outs on the board.

Man of the Match: Goebbert and Hinze

Lexington

Tanner Bushue improved to 3-0 with a solid 2-0 win over Savannah. Bushue allowed 2H/0ER, 2K:2BB in 6IP to lower his ERA to 1.80, and Brian Streilein allowed two baserunners (1H, 1HBP) in 3IP to close it out.

Adam Bailey (currently leading the Adopt-A-Player poll) was 2x4, with Delino DeShields (SB), Chris Wallace, and Telvin Nash adding the other hits. Mike Kvasnicka had your lone RBI of the game.

Man of the Match: Tanner Bushue.

Eddie's Farm: April 14

Oklahoma City

A pulled groin/stomach bug sidelined The Constable from attending this game. He says the two are unrelated, but I'm not so sure. Anyhow, he missed a good one, as the RedHawks battled for a 6-5 win to earn the series split. Ryan Rowland-Smith lasted 2IP, giving up 6H/4ER, 3K:1BB, 2HR. Fernando Rodriguez struck out five batters in 3IP of relief. After Chacin gave up a run, Casey Fien came in and struck out five of the six batters he faced, but took the Blown Save/Win (giving up the run charged to Chacin), and Jose Valdez locked it down for his second save. Tommy Manzella was 3x5 with a double/2RBI, Koby Clemens was 2x4 with his first HR of the season and 4RBI, and Carlos Corporan added two hits, as well.

Man of the Match: Koby Clemens - a homer, and the GWRBI.

Corpus

Corpus took the opener from Tulsa in fine fashion, winning 8-2, snapping an L3 streak. Jonnathan Aristil threw 4.2IP, 3H/2R (1ER), 4K:2BB and Erick Abreu got the win. Patrick Urckfitz threw 2IP, allowing 2H, and David Carpenter continued his scoreless streak with a 1IP, 1H/0ER, 2K:0BB performance. Jimmy Paredes was 3x4 with 3R, 2B, and 2SB. Jon Gaston (2B, 2RBI) and T.J. Steele (2B, RBI, SB) had two hits each. J.D. Martinez hit his 1st HR of the season off Christian Friedrich and finished the day 1x3, HR, 4RBI.

Man of the Match: Jimmy Paredes

Lancaster

The JetHawks tried to rally in the 9th, but fell short for a 5-3 loss at Rancho Cucamonga. Robby Donovan threw 4IP, 7H/3ER, 2K:4BB for the loss, while Wander Alvino threw 3IP, 2H/0ER, 4K:2BB, and Mike Ness gave up 2H/2ER, 1K:2BB. Jay Austin was 2x4 with a walk, but was an adventure on the basepaths, stealing two bases, but getting picked off and caught stealing. Ben Heath was 0x2, but drew two walks in another appearance at DH (seriously, why isn't he behind the plate?).

Man of the Match: Jay Austin

Lexington

Lexington dominated Hagerstown in the series closer, winning 7-0. Tanner Bushue did work, throwing 8IP, 5H/0ER, 4K:2BB and Brian Streilein closed it out, allowing one hit and striking out one. Jiovanni Mier was 2x3 with 2BB, while Chris Wallace (2B, RBI), Mike Kvasnicka (2B, BB, RBI), Enrique Hernandez, and Tyler Burnett (2B) had two hits each. Telvin Nash hit a two-run shot in the 4th, followed by a solo homer from Dan Adamson.

Man of the Match: Tanner Bushue

Jonathan Mayo's Top 10 Prospects

MLB.com's Jonathan Mayo drops his Top 10 Astros prospect list, and he kind of takes a dump on Keith Law's Top 10 list. Here's the short version:

1. Jordan Lyles - Even if he goes back to Triple-A, he'll be in Houston at some point in 2011.
2. Delino DeShields - He should hit the ground running with Class A Lexington this year.
3. Jonathan Villar - He has a plus arm and range, and can steal bases, but he's still very raw, striking out too much and making mistakes in the field as well.
4. Mike Foltynewicz - All he needs is experience to refine his stuff, and he has the chance to be a frontline starter in the future.
5. Jiovanni Mier - Now with Villar to push him, it will be interesting to see what year No. 2 has to offer.
6. Tanner Bushue - All of his pitches show flashes. Added consistency, and strength, should help him move up the ladder.
7. Ariel Ovando - He's just 17, and Astros fans will likely get to see him at a short-season club this summer.
8. J.D. Martinez - Even if he starts back in Double-A, Martinez could help out in Houston by the end of the season.
9. Jimmy Paredes - A switch-hitter, he's largely played second base, but a now-healed shoulder should allow him to play on the left side of the infield in 2011, as he moves up to the California League.
10. Austin Wates - He may not have a ton of power, but his speed should make him a good basestealer. It also should allow him to play a decent center field.

Keith Law's Top 10 Astros prospects

Continuing Keith Law Day, he posted his (Insider-Only, natch) Astros top ten prospects:

1. Jordan Lyles, RHP
2. Delino DeShields, Jr., CF
3. Ariel Ovando, OF
4. Austin Wates, OF
5. Tanner Bushue, RHP
6. Jiovanni Mier, SS
7. Telvin Nash, LF
8. Jonathan Villar, SS
9. Vincent Velasquez, RHP
10. J.D. Martinez, RHP

Interesting...

The Hardball Times' Top 10 Prospect List

The fellas over at The Hardball Times listed their Top 10 prospects for 2011, with a pull from their summation (click the link for the full article):

1. Jordan Lyles - He has a chance to be the next Oswalt-level Houston hurler.
2. Jiovanni Mier - He is still one of my favorite players in the minor leagues but needs to bounce back.
3. Delino DeShields - I like him but don't love him.
4. Mike Foltynewicz - The tools are likable, but there is so much to prove.
5. Tanner Bushue - His curveball has shown promise, but his overall command has been inconsistent.
6. Jonathan Villar - Villar's strikeout rate and fielding percentage don't inspire much confidence, but he is 19 years old, has some speed to work with, and a nice line-drive swing.
7. Jimmy Paredes - Whether or not his power develops could be his make-or-break factor.
8. Austin Wates - Some say his power could take off, while others think his plate discipline could separate him.
9. J.D. Martinez - His displayed home run power is pushing Martinez up prospect boards, but his flat swing makes me think it won't show at higher levels.
10. Jay Austin - Austin has game changing speed, but his strikeout-to-walk ratio isn't doing him any favors.

Minor League Ball's preliminary prospect list

One of our favorite prospect blogs, Minor League Ball, has posted its preliminary Top 20 prospect list.

Here are the Top 10, you'll have to click it to get the next 10:

1) Jordan Lyles
2) Delino DeShields
3) Mike Foltynewicz
4) Austin Wates
5) J.D. Martinez
6) Tanner Bushue
7) Aneury Rodriguez
8) Mark Melancon
9) Jonathan Villar
10) Jimmy Paredes

Interesting that Rule 5 pick Anuery Rodriguez is now our 7th-best prospect. And all of these come in on the Ed Wade tenure.

FanGraphs' Top 10 Astros Prospects

And FanGraphs throws us a bone by listing the Astros' Top 10 prospects. We'll provide the list, and an excerpt from the explanation. You click the link for the full version.

1. Jordan Lyles
Lyles doesn’t have a huge ceiling but he profiles as a durable No. 3 starter.

2. Delino DeShields, Jr.
He should open 2011 in low-A ball and could move relatively quickly if his defense catches up to his bat.

3. Tanner Bushue
Bushue has a four-pitch repertoire and projects to be a solid No. 3 starter. He displays good control for his age...

4. Jiovanni Mier
Mier’s power took a significant dip last year and needs to look to drive the ball more consistently to the gaps.

5. Mike Kvasnicka
He has a chance to be a solid regular but he’s not likely to be a star player.

6. Mike Foltynewicz
Foltynewicz has a higher ceiling than (Bushue) because he projects to throw in the mid-90s with a plus changeup.

7. Jay Austin
After posting a .326 wOBA in the (Cal) league in 2010 as a teenager, Austin could return in 2011 – at least for the first two or three months. Keep tabs on this prospect as a 2011 breakout candidate.

8. J.D. Martinez
Martinez isn’t a true slugger but he projects to hit 20 homers in a full MLB season. Defensively, he’s not a great fielder and is still learning to read the ball. He also has chronic arthritis in his knees, which could limit his range over time.

9. Vincent Velasquez
His delivery appeared to put a lot of stress on his pitching elbow, so the organization may have to re-work his throwing motion upon his return.

10. Jonathan Villar
His lack of consistent contact is the largest weakness in his offensive game right now, as he posted a strikeout rate of 27.8% in low-A and 38.9% in high-A.

I find it interesting that, with the exception of Jay Austin, all of these players were drafted - or acquired, in Lyles' and Villar's case - in 2009 and 2010. What say you?

Eddie's Farm: July 25

Round Rock

Iowa put up three separate multi-run innings on their way to a 14-2 win over Round Rock. Thanks to errors by Matt Kata, Tommy Everidge, and Edwin Maysonet, three runs were unearned. Polin Trinidad threw 5IP, 12H/9R (7ER), and Brad Thompson threw the final 4IP, allowing 4IP, 7H/5R (4ER)4ER), 1K:1BB. The Express were 0x7 w/RISP, and they only got seven hits total - four by Drew Locke. Matt Kata was 2x4 with a triple, and Maysonet was 1x3 with a walk and an RBI.

Man of the Match: 4x4 Drew Locke

Corpus

Frisco took it to Corpus for a 4-0 win. Jeremy Johnson threw 7.1IP, 11H/4ER, 2K:2BB, and Evan Englebrook allowed 1H in the final 0.2IP. The Hooks got six hits on the night, by six different players, with Kody Kirkland getting the only XBH - a double, and the Hooks were 0x3 w/RISP. Jose Vallejo was 0x3, and is now hitting .129.

Man of the Match: Kody Kirkland

Lancaster

Lancaster led this game for half an inning - going into the bottom of the 1st - and Modesto won 7-4. Starter Pat Urckfitz lasted 3IP, 4H/4R (3ER), 4K:3BB. Kyle Godfrey allowed 1H/3BB in 2IP, while Ashton Mowdy got tagged for 1H/3ER, 0K:2BB in 0.2IP. Mike Modica and David Berner allowed 3H/0ER, 2K:1BB in 2.1IP. Andy Simunic (2B), Jay Austin (3B, BB), Lee Cruz (2RBI), Federico Hernandez (2 2B), and Jhon Florentino (RBI) had two hits each. Brian Pellegrini hit a solo homer in the 1st.

Man of the Match: Lee Cruz

Lexington

Continuing this trend of getting outscored by their opponents, the Legends dropped a 3-0 game to Savannah. Tanner Bushue threw 6IP, 6H/2ER, 6K:1BB for the (undeserved) loss. Colton Pitkin allowed an unearned run in 1.1IP, and Kirk Clark struck out two in 1.2IP. Jiovanni Mier had your lone multi-hit game, with two doubles, and Jose Altuve got a hit and stole his 37th base of the season.

Man of the Match: Tanner Bushue

Tri-City

That's a rally! Tri-City comes back from a 7-3 deficit with three runs in the 7th and two in the 8th to win 10-8 over Vermont. Carlos Quevedo threw 3.1IP, 8H/7R (6ER), 3K:1BB. Joan Belliard allowed 2H/1ER, 3K:4BB in 1.2IP. Jason Chowning got the win with 3IP, 2H/0ER, 4K:0BB, and Mike Ness recorded his 3rd save of the season. Mike Kvasnicka was 3x4 with two runs, a homer, and 4RBI. Wilton Infante, Ben Orloff (RBI), Jacke Healey (2RBI), and Oscar Figueroa (2R, BB) had your multi-hit games.

Man of the Match: Mike Kvasnicka

Greeneville

But the good times end in Tri-City. Taking a 10-4 lead into the bottom of the 8th, Kingsport scored seven runs for an 11-10 win over the Gastros. Mike Foltynewicz threw 5.2IP, 6H/4R (2ER), 4K:2BB with a pickoff, while Brian Streilein allowed 6H/5ER in 1.2IP. Three of those runs can be put on Paul Gerrish's shoulders, who allowed 3H/2ER in 0.2IP. Our Boy Bubby Williams went 3x5 with a solo homer and 2RBI. Hector Rodriguez (2B, 3B, RBI), Chris Wallace (3R, HR, 2RBI, 2BB), Rafael Valenzuela (2B), and Emilio King (BB) had two hits each. Marcus Nidiffer was 1x2 with a homer, 3RBI, 2SB, sac fly, and a walk.

Man of the Match: Marcus Nidiffer

GCL Astros

There's a win - GCL Astros defeat the GCL Mets 4-3. Mark Jones got the win, with 8H/2R (1ER), 4K:0BB. Emmanuel Cedano allowed 1ER on 0H/1BB, and Kristian Bueno made his debut, striking out two in 1IP. Jordan Scott and Ronald Sanchez both had two hits, Kyle Redinger hit a triple and a walk, and the GCL Astros scored four runs without collecting an RBI.

Man of the Match: Mark Jones.

Eddie's Farm: July 20

Round Rock

Express put up two four-run innings and defeat New Orleans 11-9. Polin Trinidad got the start, and went 4IP, 7H/5ER, 0K:3BB, 2HR. T.J. Burton took the loss, allowing 2H/2ER in 1IP. Brad Thompson and Jonah Bayliss threw scoreless innings, while Danny Meszaros struggled in his second outing - allowing 1H/2ER, 1K:3BB in 1IP. Roy Corcoran got his 6th save of the game. Brian Esposito was 3x3 with 2BB, 2RBI; Wladimir Sutil was 2x3 with 2BB, and Brian Bogusevic was 1x3 with an RBI and 2BB. Tommy Everidge hit a 2-run homer and German Duran hit a pinch-hit 3-run HR in the 5th.

Man of the Match: This is going to Brian Esposito, got on base in all five of his PAs.

Corpus

The Hooks enjoyed a 6-run outburst in the 7th for a 9-5 win over Midland. Jeremy Johnson allowed 9H/3ER, 4K:2BB in 4.2IP, with Fernando Abad picking up the win with 2.1IP of 3H/0ER relief (Note: Abad will be the subject of a future "Free (Insert Name Here)!"). Matt Nevarez allowed 2H/2ER, 1K:1BB in 1IP, and Jeilen Peguero threw a perfect 9th. Jon Gaston was 3x4 with a triple and a solo homer, Jimmy Van Ostrand was 2x5 with two doubles and 4RBI, while Freddy Parejo and Michael Affronti had two hits each. Koby Clemens was 1x2 with 3BB, and J.D. Martinez hit a 2-run homer - his first in Double A - with a walk.

Man of the Match: Jimmy Van Ostrand.

Lancaster

Lancaster got down 5-0 at the end of three, and that took care of it for a 5-2 loss. Pat Urckfitz allowed 6H/5ER, 5K:1BB for the loss, Ashton Mowdy allowed 2H/0ER, 5K:2BB in 4IP, and David Duncan threw a perfect 8th. Andy Simunic was 2x4, while Jay Austin, Lee Cruz, Federico Hernandez, David Flores (RBI), and Brandon Wikoff (RBI) added hits. Of the JetHawks' seven hits, four of them were doubles. David Flores also committed three fielding errors at 3B.

Man of the Match: Ashton Mowdy

Lexington

Lexington cruised to a fairly easy 3-1 win over Rome. Tanner Bushue dominated, throwing 7IP, 3H/0ER, 5K:1BB. Wander Alvino allowed the lone run on a solo shot, and Kirk Clark recorded his 21st save. The Legends still only got five hits - one each from Altuve, Goebbert, Our Boy Aaron Bray, Arrendell, and Hogue. Altuve and Hogue provided the RBI while Jiovanni Mier and Miguel Arrendell drew two walks each.

Man of the Match: Tanner Bushue

Tri-City

Hey, if you're going to give up a walk-off homer in the 11th, it may as well be a grand slam. As Joan Belliard did. ValleyCats lose at Aberdeen 9-5. Bobby Doran allowed 5IP, 7H/4ER, 4K:0BB. Jason Chowning and Adam Champion threw a scoreless inning each, while Brandt Walker allowed 2H/1ER, 1K:2BB in 2IP, and Joan Belliard allowed the 4ER in 1.2IP. Jacke Healey followed up his first homer of his career with his second and two walks. Enrique Hernandez had two hits. Ben Orloff (2RBI) and Wilton Infante (RBI), with Healey, provided the RBI.

Man of the Match: Jacke Healey.

Greeneville

Greeneville gave up a 2-1 lead to Bristol to fall 5-2. Mike Foltynewicz threw 5.1IP, 6H/3ER, 5K:2BB for the loss, while Garrett Bullock allowed 1H/2R (0ER), 1K:3BB. Brian Streilein allowed just one walk in 2.1IP. Telvin Nash was 2x4, and Marcus Nidiffer was responsible for the two runs with a homer in the first. Rafael Valenzuela committed two errors at third.

Man of the Match: Marcus Nidiffer.