Steve Campbell has a post up about T.J. Steele, who has five tools - and one of those might be a stethoscope.
Fred Nelson, on the oft-injured Steele:
“You talk about a guy who ventures on the term of a five-tool player (run, throw, field, hit, hit for power). He’s very talented. He can drive the ball. The ball comes off his bat very well. He’s a guy who’s going to have range, can throw, can run. He basically has all the ingredients you look for in a quality player at the major league level. We just need to keep him on the field.
What kind of hitter are you, Steele?
“I’m honestly not sure what kind of hitter I am yet. I need to learn. I need to figure that out. That will come with some at-bats.”
We didn't come out here to play tiddlywinks, son.
-Hal Smith
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Oh yeah, that announcement
So the pleasing announcement from yesterday is that The Constable sold out and joined the Chronicle's blog team. Some questions, answered:
What does this mean for him?
It means that he'll be even more of an insufferable prick.
What does this mean for Astros County?
Not a single thing. He'll be providing some commentary a couple of times a week over at the Chronicle, and we'll link to it.
What does this mean for the Chronicle?
Personally, the rest of us think that the Chronicle has made a serious mistake. They don't know what they've gotten themselves in to. Keep watching, because the train is about to crash. Or maybe we're jealous. Oh well - he started the blog, he should be responsible for its demise.
What does this mean for him?
It means that he'll be even more of an insufferable prick.
What does this mean for Astros County?
Not a single thing. He'll be providing some commentary a couple of times a week over at the Chronicle, and we'll link to it.
What does this mean for the Chronicle?
Personally, the rest of us think that the Chronicle has made a serious mistake. They don't know what they've gotten themselves in to. Keep watching, because the train is about to crash. Or maybe we're jealous. Oh well - he started the blog, he should be responsible for its demise.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Meat Wagon update
McTaggart provided the analysis and reaction to ST13, and we even get an update on Michaels and Norris.
Michaels: Is fine. Will be back in the lineup tomorrow.
Norris: Also fine. Threw off the mound with no complications.
Michaels: Is fine. Will be back in the lineup tomorrow.
Norris: Also fine. Threw off the mound with no complications.
All you Yankees fans, shut up about your pitching. Because it's all set.
With a captip to MLBTR, the Yankees aren't exploring any trades regarding their pitching situation.
So shut up about Myers (or whatever variation of the spelling of his name you prefer) or Wandy.
So shut up about Myers (or whatever variation of the spelling of his name you prefer) or Wandy.
From the Office of the County Clerk - ST13: Astros v. Mets
So the Astros dropped to 3-10 today, losing 7-2 to the Mets.
Notably, J.D. Martinez and Matt Downs both hit homers today. For Martinez, that was his first of the Spring, while Downs connected on his second homer.
Angel Sanchez had your lone multi-hit game of the season, going 2x4 with a double.
Ryan Rowland-Smith got your start, throwing 3IP, allowing 1H/2ER, 1K:3BB, and a homer to Josh Thole.
Jordan Lyles allowed 5H/2ER in 3IP, with 2K:0BB; Fernando Abad gave up 2H/2ER in 1IP, and Enerio Del Rosario stays earned-runless with 1H/1R (0ER), 1K:1BB.
Notably, or not, Brian Esposito was 0x2 (and a CS on Josh Thole) while Carlos Corporan was 0x1 with a K. Towles didn't play.
Three of the Astros' six hits were for extra-bases, while the Astros struck out eight times (two from Clemens, one each from Wallace, Locke, Corporan, Gaston, Downs, and Esposito), and didn't draw a walk.
Lyles struck out Jason Bay and Lucas Duda in the 4th for his first two Ks of the Spring.
Notably, J.D. Martinez and Matt Downs both hit homers today. For Martinez, that was his first of the Spring, while Downs connected on his second homer.
Angel Sanchez had your lone multi-hit game of the season, going 2x4 with a double.
Ryan Rowland-Smith got your start, throwing 3IP, allowing 1H/2ER, 1K:3BB, and a homer to Josh Thole.
Jordan Lyles allowed 5H/2ER in 3IP, with 2K:0BB; Fernando Abad gave up 2H/2ER in 1IP, and Enerio Del Rosario stays earned-runless with 1H/1R (0ER), 1K:1BB.
Notably, or not, Brian Esposito was 0x2 (and a CS on Josh Thole) while Carlos Corporan was 0x1 with a K. Towles didn't play.
Three of the Astros' six hits were for extra-bases, while the Astros struck out eight times (two from Clemens, one each from Wallace, Locke, Corporan, Gaston, Downs, and Esposito), and didn't draw a walk.
Lyles struck out Jason Bay and Lucas Duda in the 4th for his first two Ks of the Spring.
Nice little announcement coming
Astros County is pleased to announce the following:
There will be a pleasing announcement to come - maybe at some point today.
There will be a pleasing announcement to come - maybe at some point today.
Nice piece on Bogusevic
The Crawfish Boxes have a nice piece on the development of Brian Bogusevic:
Your close:
He is not done developing, and heading into what many consider the prime years of a player he has an opportunity to really surprise some people.
After all, we said the same thing about Chris Johnson a year ago.
Your close:
He is not done developing, and heading into what many consider the prime years of a player he has an opportunity to really surprise some people.
After all, we said the same thing about Chris Johnson a year ago.
Maybe it's been the leg-kick
Clint Barmes has been trying out a leg kick. Said leg kick has not been working (.167/.231/.250).
Barmes:
"The last couple of days I'm working on going back to keeping it simple and eliminated the leg kick. I gave it a shot. I believed it was something that could help me. The timing was off, and I wasn't able to either pull the trigger on some pitches, or I was either too early or too late to swing. I'm kind of going back to keeping it simple and being able to control the bat, especially hitting second [in the order]."
We are in full agreement that he should knock that crap off.
Barmes:
"The last couple of days I'm working on going back to keeping it simple and eliminated the leg kick. I gave it a shot. I believed it was something that could help me. The timing was off, and I wasn't able to either pull the trigger on some pitches, or I was either too early or too late to swing. I'm kind of going back to keeping it simple and being able to control the bat, especially hitting second [in the order]."
We are in full agreement that he should knock that crap off.
Would you trade Hunter Pence for Kenshin Kawakami
Hell no, you wouldn't. But Tomahawk Take would. Of course they would.
The Astros are probably the best fit. They came to camp with Wandy Rodriguez, Brett Meyers, and 29 other pitchers hoping to fill the last three starting spots.The club is for sale and are in a major rebuilding period while trying not to spend any money so the payroll is small enough to be attractive to say Mark Cuban. They lost their arbitration case to Hunter Pence and are saddled with Carlos Lee’s huge contract full of diminishing returns. The NL Central looks to be the Reds, Brewers and everyone else. KK would start every fifth day, keep the ball in the ballpark and put up ok numbers. Ideally we’d get Pence in return...
The Astros would save $600K and gain a pitcher. Maybe we throw in a Brent Cleven or other minor leaguer as well (not a ranked prospect) to make it sweeter.
Jeebus. The Cards don't even apparently have a prayer, and apparently J.A. Happ and Bud Norris aren't locks for the rotation.
The Astros are probably the best fit. They came to camp with Wandy Rodriguez, Brett Meyers, and 29 other pitchers hoping to fill the last three starting spots.The club is for sale and are in a major rebuilding period while trying not to spend any money so the payroll is small enough to be attractive to say Mark Cuban. They lost their arbitration case to Hunter Pence and are saddled with Carlos Lee’s huge contract full of diminishing returns. The NL Central looks to be the Reds, Brewers and everyone else. KK would start every fifth day, keep the ball in the ballpark and put up ok numbers. Ideally we’d get Pence in return...
The Astros would save $600K and gain a pitcher. Maybe we throw in a Brent Cleven or other minor leaguer as well (not a ranked prospect) to make it sweeter.
Jeebus. The Cards don't even apparently have a prayer, and apparently J.A. Happ and Bud Norris aren't locks for the rotation.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Astros sign a catcher
Jon Heyman tweeted that the Astros have signed catcher Robinson Cancel to a minor-league contract.
Who is this Robinson Cancel? Well, he...
*Will be 35 in May.
*Was drafted by the Brewers in the 16th Round of the 1994 Draft.
*Has played 43 Major-League games: 15 for Milwaukee in 1999, 27 for the Mets in 2008, and one for the Mets in 2009 - posted a .547 career OPS (42 OPS+).
*Spent 2007-2010 in the Mets' organization, mainly with the Triple-A team. In seven Triple-A seasons, he has hit .267/.318/.388, with 162K:67BB in 288 games.
*Has a career 40% CS rate in 16 minor-league seasons.
We can look at this a couple of ways:
1. We already have a career minor-league catcher in his 30s, and Brian Esposito is younger than Cancel.
2. At least Wade didn't trade anybody for a stop-gap catcher.
Heyman said this:
The Astros are at a catching deficit with Castro out. Cancel gives them another option.
So I don't know how worked up we should get about this signing. It's only a minor-league deal, but it would indicate (to my uninformed opinion) that the Astros are - for now - out on Jesus Flores, Ryan Doumit, or any other catcher. Could Ed Wade go out and get another catcher? Of course he could. Don't screw this up, Towles.
UPDATE: Brian McTaggart says Cancel will be in minor-league camp. So stay tuned...
UPDATED UPDATE: Steve Campbell notes that Cancel is not seen as a candidate to replace Jason Castro. It's simply to boost minor-league depth.
Catchers in Eddie's Farm (with ages), minus Castro, with their 2010 level (short-season ball not included):
Robinson Cancel (36)
Brian Esposito (32) - AAA
Humberto Quintero (31) - MLB
Lou Santangelo (28) - AA/AAA
Carlos Corporan (27) - AAA
J.R. Towles (27) - AA/MLB
John Curtis (26) - AA
Jon Fixler (25) - AA/A
Jordan Comadena (25) - AA/A
Federico Hernandez (23) - A+
Ben Heath (22) - AA/A
Bubby Williams (22) - A
So. Barring another trade, adding another 30-something catcher would indicate that he'll see some time in Oklahoma City, while the Astros will carry Quintero and someone else on the Opening Day roster. If Towles was going back to the minors, where the heck would he play? So I realize that this is a "depth move," but bringing in another catcher after signing Cancel just seems like a bizarre move to me.
Rene Garcia (21) - A
Who is this Robinson Cancel? Well, he...
*Will be 35 in May.
*Was drafted by the Brewers in the 16th Round of the 1994 Draft.
*Has played 43 Major-League games: 15 for Milwaukee in 1999, 27 for the Mets in 2008, and one for the Mets in 2009 - posted a .547 career OPS (42 OPS+).
*Spent 2007-2010 in the Mets' organization, mainly with the Triple-A team. In seven Triple-A seasons, he has hit .267/.318/.388, with 162K:67BB in 288 games.
*Has a career 40% CS rate in 16 minor-league seasons.
We can look at this a couple of ways:
1. We already have a career minor-league catcher in his 30s, and Brian Esposito is younger than Cancel.
2. At least Wade didn't trade anybody for a stop-gap catcher.
Heyman said this:
The Astros are at a catching deficit with Castro out. Cancel gives them another option.
So I don't know how worked up we should get about this signing. It's only a minor-league deal, but it would indicate (to my uninformed opinion) that the Astros are - for now - out on Jesus Flores, Ryan Doumit, or any other catcher. Could Ed Wade go out and get another catcher? Of course he could. Don't screw this up, Towles.
UPDATE: Brian McTaggart says Cancel will be in minor-league camp. So stay tuned...
UPDATED UPDATE: Steve Campbell notes that Cancel is not seen as a candidate to replace Jason Castro. It's simply to boost minor-league depth.
Catchers in Eddie's Farm (with ages), minus Castro, with their 2010 level (short-season ball not included):
Robinson Cancel (36)
Brian Esposito (32) - AAA
Humberto Quintero (31) - MLB
Lou Santangelo (28) - AA/AAA
Carlos Corporan (27) - AAA
J.R. Towles (27) - AA/MLB
John Curtis (26) - AA
Jon Fixler (25) - AA/A
Jordan Comadena (25) - AA/A
Federico Hernandez (23) - A+
Ben Heath (22) - AA/A
Bubby Williams (22) - A
So. Barring another trade, adding another 30-something catcher would indicate that he'll see some time in Oklahoma City, while the Astros will carry Quintero and someone else on the Opening Day roster. If Towles was going back to the minors, where the heck would he play? So I realize that this is a "depth move," but bringing in another catcher after signing Cancel just seems like a bizarre move to me.
Rene Garcia (21) - A
Castro still the future C1
It's not like the Astros are moving on from Jason Castro, as Mark Berman reports.
Quoting Ed Wade:
"We know that we are going to have to navigate most of, if not all of the season without Jason. Anything we do will be designed to continue to have the environment where he is the number one catcher."
Quoting Ed Wade:
"We know that we are going to have to navigate most of, if not all of the season without Jason. Anything we do will be designed to continue to have the environment where he is the number one catcher."
Jason Michaels out with back spasms
Alyson Footer tweeted that Jason Michaels has been scratched with back spasms, that he experienced during BP.
Michaels:
"It's a spasm, just a little stiff. I don't think it's serious, but we decided to play it safe."
Michaels:
"It's a spasm, just a little stiff. I don't think it's serious, but we decided to play it safe."
Lyles' fastball is kind of referred to as our Lord and Savior
Steve Campbell has an article on Jordan Lyles, and how easy he makes everything look. It's quite complimentary.
But Burt Hooton had this to say about Lyles' fastball:
“It’s an easy, live fastball. It has what I call a second coming. He’s got such an easy delivery that the hitters see it well and they think they’re on it, but when it gets to the plate, it gets on them a little bit quicker. A second coming.”
Lyles:
“I can’t really control what clubhouse I start in. I can control the mindset I bring to the field every day. That’s really how I am. I’m just trying to get better. Wherever I go, I’ll try to get myself better. Whenever that time comes, I’ll be ready.”
But Burt Hooton had this to say about Lyles' fastball:
“It’s an easy, live fastball. It has what I call a second coming. He’s got such an easy delivery that the hitters see it well and they think they’re on it, but when it gets to the plate, it gets on them a little bit quicker. A second coming.”
Lyles:
“I can’t really control what clubhouse I start in. I can control the mindset I bring to the field every day. That’s really how I am. I’m just trying to get better. Wherever I go, I’ll try to get myself better. Whenever that time comes, I’ll be ready.”
Update on Norris
Brian McTaggart has an update on Bud Norris, and his hamstring.
Norris:
"I overextended a little bit and I felt a little tweak in my right hammy. I've never really had that before in my career. I'm not really worried about it. It's just a slight one. [Trainer] Nate [Lucero] did some tests on me and it's going to be fine. We're just going to see how it goes the next couple of days and take care of it."
Norris:
"I overextended a little bit and I felt a little tweak in my right hammy. I've never really had that before in my career. I'm not really worried about it. It's just a slight one. [Trainer] Nate [Lucero] did some tests on me and it's going to be fine. We're just going to see how it goes the next couple of days and take care of it."
It's never comforting to know that the other team is desperate to move a player
The Nats Blog talks about the potential deal with Houston for Jesus Flores:
It's not clear what Flores could bring in return for the Nationals, but if he is traded it will bring a quiet end to what once seemed to be a promising beginning. With two seasons under his belt before the age of 24, many were hopeful that in 2009 Flores could take the next step with his solid gap power and decent bat control. The backstop had a decent arm, averaging about 30% caught stealing, and blocked the plate well. However, as we all know, he couldn't stay healthy enough to take the step into broader relavency.
It's not clear what Flores could bring in return for the Nationals, but if he is traded it will bring a quiet end to what once seemed to be a promising beginning. With two seasons under his belt before the age of 24, many were hopeful that in 2009 Flores could take the next step with his solid gap power and decent bat control. The backstop had a decent arm, averaging about 30% caught stealing, and blocked the plate well. However, as we all know, he couldn't stay healthy enough to take the step into broader relavency.
Attention former Rangers fans who happen to live in Central Oklahoma
RedHawks single-game tickets go on sale next Tuesday.
This includes the March 29 exhibition game between the RedHawks and Astros:
Tickets for the RedHawks-Astros game range from $20 for club seats to $10 for lawn seats. Field and bleacher seats in the lower bowl are available for $16, and upper-deck terrace seats along the third-base line are $12.
“They’re a little more than regular RedHawks tickets, but it’s still not bad for a major league baseball team,” RedHawks director of media relations and broadcasting J.P. Shadrick said.
This includes the March 29 exhibition game between the RedHawks and Astros:
Tickets for the RedHawks-Astros game range from $20 for club seats to $10 for lawn seats. Field and bleacher seats in the lower bowl are available for $16, and upper-deck terrace seats along the third-base line are $12.
“They’re a little more than regular RedHawks tickets, but it’s still not bad for a major league baseball team,” RedHawks director of media relations and broadcasting J.P. Shadrick said.
Joel Roza on Lyles' readiness
Joel Roza has a good take on Jordan Lyles, saying that maybe the Astros should pump the brakes a bit on anointing Lyles 2011's SP5:
What leads me to believe that Lyles isn’t quite ready is that in his two appearances (2 IP against NYY, 3 IP against STL), while he’s putting zeros on the board; he’s not putting any Ks in the scorecard. Sounds trivial, but for a guy who averaged over 9 strikeouts per 9 innings in his minor league career, it tells me that he needs to get comfortable attacking hitters again. He’s not being knocked around now, but his straight-forward approach, minus the strikeouts, would almost certainly be a disaster at the big league level.
What leads me to believe that Lyles isn’t quite ready is that in his two appearances (2 IP against NYY, 3 IP against STL), while he’s putting zeros on the board; he’s not putting any Ks in the scorecard. Sounds trivial, but for a guy who averaged over 9 strikeouts per 9 innings in his minor league career, it tells me that he needs to get comfortable attacking hitters again. He’s not being knocked around now, but his straight-forward approach, minus the strikeouts, would almost certainly be a disaster at the big league level.
Great. This Jesus Flores thing might actually happen.
Apparently, it's getting more serious. MASN's Byron Kerr, in a story about some other catcher, referred to the Astros:
The Houston Astros were looking at Jesus Flores so Norris was limited to one at bat yesterday, but thinks he might be back in the lineup some time later in the week.
It's a throw-away line for Nationals fans, but it's a pretty decent indication that the Astros are thinking about moving on Flores.
The Houston Astros were looking at Jesus Flores so Norris was limited to one at bat yesterday, but thinks he might be back in the lineup some time later in the week.
It's a throw-away line for Nationals fans, but it's a pretty decent indication that the Astros are thinking about moving on Flores.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Nice piece on Jose Carlos Thompson
Want to know more about Cuban-born Jose Carlos Thompson? So did the Astros.
Wade, on Manager of Latin American Operations Felix Francisco:
"Felix talked about the plus bat speed, and we've seen that. Felix saw him at shortstop and thought he profiled more as a second baseman. He's shown good hands and pretty good range and seems to run pretty well. It's all short snippets. It's all pretty much drills we're looking at. We've liked what we've seen so far, and it certainly looks like he'll go to the other side [Minor League camp], and we'll pay a lot of attention to him going forward."
Wade, on Manager of Latin American Operations Felix Francisco:
"Felix talked about the plus bat speed, and we've seen that. Felix saw him at shortstop and thought he profiled more as a second baseman. He's shown good hands and pretty good range and seems to run pretty well. It's all short snippets. It's all pretty much drills we're looking at. We've liked what we've seen so far, and it certainly looks like he'll go to the other side [Minor League camp], and we'll pay a lot of attention to him going forward."
Because I was a fan of The Darkness, I will not honor this request
Farmstros has a little post on what various future Astros like to be called.
You can click for yourself, but the one we will not take note of is Shuck's preference to be called "J.B." Because I liked The Darkness (and, on occasion, still do). They have a song called Black Shuck, which will melt your face, and because Jack Shuck is close enough to that to make me chuckle, Jack Shuck he shall be.
You can click for yourself, but the one we will not take note of is Shuck's preference to be called "J.B." Because I liked The Darkness (and, on occasion, still do). They have a song called Black Shuck, which will melt your face, and because Jack Shuck is close enough to that to make me chuckle, Jack Shuck he shall be.
Astros interested in Jesus Flores?
The Examiner's Stephen Goff references a MASN report that the Astros are interested in Nationals catch Jesus Flores.
Goessling reports the Astros may scout Flores over the course of this week; however, Bill Ladson of MLB.com states that Houston remains concerned about the condition of his right shoulder.
Flores is 26, but is 3rd on the depth chart. Just so we're clear, the Astros may be checking out the Nationals' 3rd-string catcher to be Houston's C1a.
Goessling reports the Astros may scout Flores over the course of this week; however, Bill Ladson of MLB.com states that Houston remains concerned about the condition of his right shoulder.
Flores is 26, but is 3rd on the depth chart. Just so we're clear, the Astros may be checking out the Nationals' 3rd-string catcher to be Houston's C1a.
Everyone can take a deep breath
Bud Norris left his start today being helped off the mound by the training staff. But don't worry, it seems as though he tweaked his hamstring, and Mills was satisfied with what he had seen from Norris.
Mills:
"It's more like a tweak that grabbed him. There was no reason to push him. He had already thrown two innings."
Mills:
"It's more like a tweak that grabbed him. There was no reason to push him. He had already thrown two innings."
Lyles makes a case, and cuts are coming
Jordan Lyles is making things difficult for the Astros, with another solid outing over the weekend.
Arnsberg:
"He looked real comfortable, and that's really exciting to see out of a 20-year-old. That's pretty impressive. I had talked to people in the organization, and this was the first two times I had seen him throw. Nothing bothers him... If he continues to be around the zone and continues to hit on one of his two or both of his breaking balls and his changeup, he can pitch in the big leagues right away."
-
And cuts are coming in the next few days. Ed Wade:
"But I don't know when it's going to happen. As you know, we don't telegraph that stuff. The extenuating circumstances are these split-squad games. We might be slower than normal because we added the Boston split games later in the schedule, [on Tuesday and 13]. We have to navigate those and see where we're at before we start sending bodies over [to Minor League camp]. We had been supplementing our unit over here with the [Minor League] mini-camp guys."
Arnsberg:
"He looked real comfortable, and that's really exciting to see out of a 20-year-old. That's pretty impressive. I had talked to people in the organization, and this was the first two times I had seen him throw. Nothing bothers him... If he continues to be around the zone and continues to hit on one of his two or both of his breaking balls and his changeup, he can pitch in the big leagues right away."
-
And cuts are coming in the next few days. Ed Wade:
"But I don't know when it's going to happen. As you know, we don't telegraph that stuff. The extenuating circumstances are these split-squad games. We might be slower than normal because we added the Boston split games later in the schedule, [on Tuesday and 13]. We have to navigate those and see where we're at before we start sending bodies over [to Minor League camp]. We had been supplementing our unit over here with the [Minor League] mini-camp guys."
Astros still not sure what to do about the catcher situation
Steve Campbell's post on C1 has some interesting nuggets, as Drayton and Easy Eddie met to re-evaluate payroll.
Run-DMc:
“It’s hard to make a trade now. Most teams are assessing where they are. But at the end of spring training, we’re certainly going to look at what we do at the start of the season. That’s what I’ve done for 18 previous years: We adjust as we go.”
Wade:
“We’re not going to go overboard to chase somebody. But at least it gives me a sense of feel for some of the parameters we’re operating on. Even if there was a guy out there making substantial dollars available, I’m not sure we would be in the mix to be able to go do something like that.”
More Wade, on what Towles/Corporan should do:
“Every opportunity they get to go out there and put their best foot forward, they should take advantage of it. We’re not saying we’re (definitely) going outside to do something.”
So how are they doing? In four Spring Training games, Carlos Corporan is 3x5 with three singles, and J.R. Towles is 2x8 with a double and an RBI. Quintero is 3x7 with two doubles, 3RBI, and a 1.214 OPS (limited sample size implied).
Run-DMc:
“It’s hard to make a trade now. Most teams are assessing where they are. But at the end of spring training, we’re certainly going to look at what we do at the start of the season. That’s what I’ve done for 18 previous years: We adjust as we go.”
Wade:
“We’re not going to go overboard to chase somebody. But at least it gives me a sense of feel for some of the parameters we’re operating on. Even if there was a guy out there making substantial dollars available, I’m not sure we would be in the mix to be able to go do something like that.”
More Wade, on what Towles/Corporan should do:
“Every opportunity they get to go out there and put their best foot forward, they should take advantage of it. We’re not saying we’re (definitely) going outside to do something.”
So how are they doing? In four Spring Training games, Carlos Corporan is 3x5 with three singles, and J.R. Towles is 2x8 with a double and an RBI. Quintero is 3x7 with two doubles, 3RBI, and a 1.214 OPS (limited sample size implied).
Yankees interested in Myers
Alright, we're just going to pick up where we left off on Saturday morning. Thanks for your messages regarding The Constable's family.
With a captip to Hardball Talk, apparently the Yankees are interested in Brett Myers.
George King:
The consensus in the Yankees' clubhouse following a wind-blown, 10-8 victory was that Myers "knows how to pitch." His fastball was clocked at 90 to 91 mph and he gave up two runs and five hits in three innings in his second spring start.
Apparently it took ten years of Major League experience for the Yankees to decide that Myers knows how to pitch.
Would the Astros trade him? I wouldn't think so, but according to One NL Talent Evaluator:
"You haven't heard his name mentioned yet, but they need players and if they fall out of it I would assume they would listen on everybody."
King's close:
Last July they lost Cliff Lee to the Rangers. You want to bet against them losing the best pitcher on the market this coming July? They have the chips. Chances are they will also have a need.
Doesn't it make you feel good to know that our Ace is the Yankees back-up plan?
With a captip to Hardball Talk, apparently the Yankees are interested in Brett Myers.
George King:
The consensus in the Yankees' clubhouse following a wind-blown, 10-8 victory was that Myers "knows how to pitch." His fastball was clocked at 90 to 91 mph and he gave up two runs and five hits in three innings in his second spring start.
Apparently it took ten years of Major League experience for the Yankees to decide that Myers knows how to pitch.
Would the Astros trade him? I wouldn't think so, but according to One NL Talent Evaluator:
"You haven't heard his name mentioned yet, but they need players and if they fall out of it I would assume they would listen on everybody."
King's close:
Last July they lost Cliff Lee to the Rangers. You want to bet against them losing the best pitcher on the market this coming July? They have the chips. Chances are they will also have a need.
Doesn't it make you feel good to know that our Ace is the Yankees back-up plan?
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Weekend note
Citizens,
There's been a death in the family, so posting will be sporadic this weekend.
The Constable.
There's been a death in the family, so posting will be sporadic this weekend.
The Constable.
Friday, March 4, 2011
I can't quit you, Berkman
Jerome Solomon has an article up in which he talks to Lance Berkman.
How does Berkman feel about the reportedly improved chemistry after he got traded?
"When you're losing, which we were — we got off to a terrible start — when you're underperforming as a veteran player, you do tend to sulk a little bit. We were used to (thinking) 'Hey, we're right here. If we're not the best team in the division, we can certainly contend for that.' For the majority of Roy's and my careers, we had a good team, and we had a chance every year. You get spoiled.
"I didn't do a very good job last year when things weren't going well. It's difficult when you look around and see that things weren't going well and you look around and realize that it's going to be tough to contend. I wish that I could go back and do it differently. I'm not proud of how that was last year. I'm sure that it was a better environment (after the trades)."
Sigh. /Slow Clap.
How does Berkman feel about the reportedly improved chemistry after he got traded?
"When you're losing, which we were — we got off to a terrible start — when you're underperforming as a veteran player, you do tend to sulk a little bit. We were used to (thinking) 'Hey, we're right here. If we're not the best team in the division, we can certainly contend for that.' For the majority of Roy's and my careers, we had a good team, and we had a chance every year. You get spoiled.
"I didn't do a very good job last year when things weren't going well. It's difficult when you look around and see that things weren't going well and you look around and realize that it's going to be tough to contend. I wish that I could go back and do it differently. I'm not proud of how that was last year. I'm sure that it was a better environment (after the trades)."
Sigh. /Slow Clap.
Castro out for the year
As suspected yesterday, it looks as though Jason Castro will be out for (most of) the year with a torn ACL.
Wade:
"The recovery for ACL and meniscus is about six months plus conditioning. There's going to be things as a catcher he's not going to be able to do. We're looking at sometime in September before he'll be back playing."
What the hell do we do now? Doesn't it seem strange to fret so much over a player with a .573 OPS (59 OPS+)? Well, the Astros are now going to take a harder look at J.R. Towles and Carlos Corporan. Brian Esposito and Rene Garcia are also in camp, but it's likely that the catcher they choose will get the majority of starts, as the Astros are sticking with Quintero at C2.
Free Agency, you say? Yeah...the only catcher available on the free agent market is Bengie Molina. And I'm not sure I want the Astros to go down that road. Molina is 36, and made $4.5m in 2010. Of course, you're virtually assured of going to the World Series with him on your roster. But still, Molina will likely want at least $4m, and his OPS+ was 67 in 2010. That won't cut it. Can J.R. Towles post a .623 OPS? Maybe, but it's worth saving that money to try to find out. And now that his nemesis, Roy Oswalt, is gone, there's less of a chance that a pitcher will go all Michael Jordan v. Kwame Brown on him. And I know it feels like Towles is as old as Molina, he's still only 27.
I just can't envision a scenario where a trade makes any sense. J.R. Towles, you've got more lives than an alley cat. Make it count.
Wade:
"The recovery for ACL and meniscus is about six months plus conditioning. There's going to be things as a catcher he's not going to be able to do. We're looking at sometime in September before he'll be back playing."
What the hell do we do now? Doesn't it seem strange to fret so much over a player with a .573 OPS (59 OPS+)? Well, the Astros are now going to take a harder look at J.R. Towles and Carlos Corporan. Brian Esposito and Rene Garcia are also in camp, but it's likely that the catcher they choose will get the majority of starts, as the Astros are sticking with Quintero at C2.
Free Agency, you say? Yeah...the only catcher available on the free agent market is Bengie Molina. And I'm not sure I want the Astros to go down that road. Molina is 36, and made $4.5m in 2010. Of course, you're virtually assured of going to the World Series with him on your roster. But still, Molina will likely want at least $4m, and his OPS+ was 67 in 2010. That won't cut it. Can J.R. Towles post a .623 OPS? Maybe, but it's worth saving that money to try to find out. And now that his nemesis, Roy Oswalt, is gone, there's less of a chance that a pitcher will go all Michael Jordan v. Kwame Brown on him. And I know it feels like Towles is as old as Molina, he's still only 27.
I just can't envision a scenario where a trade makes any sense. J.R. Towles, you've got more lives than an alley cat. Make it count.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Options "inside and outside" abound for the Astros to replace Castro
Steve Campbell's article on Jason Castro lets us peer into the mind of Ed Wade, as he weeps and gnashes his teeth about the knee of Jason Castro, and just who in the world is going to start the season (because it ain't gonna be Castro).
Wade:
“We’ll give J.R. lots of opportunities, Corporan lots of opportunities, and Q will continue to do what he’s been doing, and we’ll see if we have any answers internally. If we don’t, then we’ll look for possibilities. There’s not a lot of quality depth out there. I don’t know what we’ll necessarily be able to go outside the organization and get anybody the quality of Jason Castro.”
Wade:
“We’ll give J.R. lots of opportunities, Corporan lots of opportunities, and Q will continue to do what he’s been doing, and we’ll see if we have any answers internally. If we don’t, then we’ll look for possibilities. There’s not a lot of quality depth out there. I don’t know what we’ll necessarily be able to go outside the organization and get anybody the quality of Jason Castro.”
From the Office of the County Clerk - ST4: Astros v. Marlins
So the Astros have kinda-sorta won two in a row with a 5-3 win over the Marlins today.
*As the Astros look at different options for temporary C1, Humberto Quintero was 2x2 with 2RBI. Drew Locke had your other multi-hit game, going 2x2 (3B) with a run.
*Brett Wallace was 1x3 with a two-out, 2RBI hit.
*Jason Michaels (1x2), Chris Johnson (0x2), and Koby Clemens (0x1) all drew walks, while Clemens and Bill Hall provided the only strikeouts on the day. Walking more than you strikeout, as a team = good.
*Somehow Michael Bourn grounded into two double plays. Either the Marlins are all on speed, or Bourn is lolly-gagging. There is no in between, no other possibilities.
*Nelson Figueroa was relatively sharp with 2IP, 2H/0ER, 0K:1BB. Aneury Rodriguez (who is legally required to refer to as "Rule 5 pick Aneury Rodriguez") threw 2IP, 3H/1ER, 1K:1BB.
*Enerio Del Rosario had your only perfect outing of the day. Wesley Wright allowed two hits and a walk, and Henry Villar allowed a triple to Whatshisname Bonifacio, and a sac to allow the Marlins to cut the score to its final margin.
Man of the Match: Humberto Quintero! Step up and claim your prize!
Goat of the Game: Michael Bourn. Though he was 1x4 with a run, those two GIDPs...
*As the Astros look at different options for temporary C1, Humberto Quintero was 2x2 with 2RBI. Drew Locke had your other multi-hit game, going 2x2 (3B) with a run.
*Brett Wallace was 1x3 with a two-out, 2RBI hit.
*Jason Michaels (1x2), Chris Johnson (0x2), and Koby Clemens (0x1) all drew walks, while Clemens and Bill Hall provided the only strikeouts on the day. Walking more than you strikeout, as a team = good.
*Somehow Michael Bourn grounded into two double plays. Either the Marlins are all on speed, or Bourn is lolly-gagging. There is no in between, no other possibilities.
*Nelson Figueroa was relatively sharp with 2IP, 2H/0ER, 0K:1BB. Aneury Rodriguez (who is legally required to refer to as "Rule 5 pick Aneury Rodriguez") threw 2IP, 3H/1ER, 1K:1BB.
*Enerio Del Rosario had your only perfect outing of the day. Wesley Wright allowed two hits and a walk, and Henry Villar allowed a triple to Whatshisname Bonifacio, and a sac to allow the Marlins to cut the score to its final margin.
Man of the Match: Humberto Quintero! Step up and claim your prize!
Goat of the Game: Michael Bourn. Though he was 1x4 with a run, those two GIDPs...
FanGraphs' Team Preview
Here's your FanGraphs preview for the 2011 Astros.
It's a decent rundown, and here's your money quote:
The best-case scenario has Houston finishing fourth in the division, as they did in 2010. If the Astros hit some bad luck, there is a good chance they finish last in the division and maybe the league.
It's a decent rundown, and here's your money quote:
The best-case scenario has Houston finishing fourth in the division, as they did in 2010. If the Astros hit some bad luck, there is a good chance they finish last in the division and maybe the league.
Earmuffs! Castro has a torn meniscus
Jason Castro is likely headed for surgery after being diagnosed with a meniscus tear, and no one knows just how long he'll be out.
Mills:
"If he does have to have surgery, they're going to have to see once they get in there how much damage and what they have to do. If they have to do more. It might be a little bit longer. We'll see."
Castro:
"It could have been a lot worse. We still have to talk to Dr. Lintner and get his opinion on everything. Once we speak and I'm able to see him and we'll just go from there. Obliviously, it's frustrating. It's happened and it's over with and now we have to really focus on doing everything I can to get back as soon as I can."
Berkman dealt with a moderately similar injury last spring, and we all saw how well that worked out for him.
According to Dr. Jonathan Cluett, a torn meniscus is often accompanied with ACL/MCL injuries, as well.
So who benefits from this development? J.R. Towles, whom Alyson Footer has already noted will get more ABs in Spring Training, though the Opening Day catcher is yet to be determined.
Mills:
"If he does have to have surgery, they're going to have to see once they get in there how much damage and what they have to do. If they have to do more. It might be a little bit longer. We'll see."
Castro:
"It could have been a lot worse. We still have to talk to Dr. Lintner and get his opinion on everything. Once we speak and I'm able to see him and we'll just go from there. Obliviously, it's frustrating. It's happened and it's over with and now we have to really focus on doing everything I can to get back as soon as I can."
Berkman dealt with a moderately similar injury last spring, and we all saw how well that worked out for him.
According to Dr. Jonathan Cluett, a torn meniscus is often accompanied with ACL/MCL injuries, as well.
So who benefits from this development? J.R. Towles, whom Alyson Footer has already noted will get more ABs in Spring Training, though the Opening Day catcher is yet to be determined.
Castro Update
Steve Campbell has an update on Jason Castro's knee:
(Over two tweets):
Astros C Jason Castro waiting on results of MRI he had on his right knee this a.m. Castro says knee fees pretty much the same as yesterday...Castro said there has been no additional swell, which he takes as good sign. Has been icing knee and taking anti-inflammatory medication.
He's had the MRI, but the results have not yet been revealed.
(Over two tweets):
Astros C Jason Castro waiting on results of MRI he had on his right knee this a.m. Castro says knee fees pretty much the same as yesterday...Castro said there has been no additional swell, which he takes as good sign. Has been icing knee and taking anti-inflammatory medication.
He's had the MRI, but the results have not yet been revealed.
Collectively, FANs think the Astros are a disgrace
David Cameron posted a link to FanGraphs' FAN projections (which I got a little fussy about, admittedly) for 2011.
Where can you find the Astros? 60-102.
Where can you find the Astros? 60-102.
J.A. Happ is an anomaly
I'm left-handed. I write left-handed. But I bat right (poorly), swing a golf club right (also, poorly), play guitar (somewhat better, but overall, poorly) right.
J.A. Happ throws left. But he writes with his right-hand. And does everything else right-handed. You know what that makes him? Weird.
Happ:
"I don't know why. It's a weird thing. I would think I would at least kick with my left."
Castro:
"His biggest asset is not only does he have good stuff, he's very deceptive when he throws. He's very, very hard to pick up. He hides the ball really well."
J.A. Happ throws left. But he writes with his right-hand. And does everything else right-handed. You know what that makes him? Weird.
Happ:
"I don't know why. It's a weird thing. I would think I would at least kick with my left."
Castro:
"His biggest asset is not only does he have good stuff, he's very deceptive when he throws. He's very, very hard to pick up. He hides the ball really well."
From the Office of the County Clerk - ST3b: Astros v. Tigers
Well, well. Collect your $500,000 if you bet a dollar on Oswaldo Navarro getting the first homer of the Spring. The Astros defeat the Tigers 6-3 for the first Grapefruit League win.
*Navarro's homer was a three-run, two out shot in the 8th inning that made the game 6-1.
*T.J. Steele was 2x4 (2R), Hunter Pence was 2x3 (RBI), and Tommy Manzella was 2x3 for the multi-hit games.
*Chris Johnson was 0x3 with a K, and others who may make the 25-Man Roster include Angel Sanchez (1x4, R, RBI).
*Austin Wates was 0x0 with a sacrifice. Drew Locke was 0x3 with a BB, SB, R.
*J.A. Happ threw 2IP, 1H/0ER, 1K. Ross Wolf threw 2IP, 1H/0ER, and David Carpenter (picked up in the Pedro Feliz trade with STL - ha ha), threw two perfect innings.
*Wilton Lopez also threw a perfect inning with a K. Sergio Escalona had another rough outing with 1IP, 2H/1ER, 0K:1BB. Jorge De Leon gave up 1H/2ER, 1K:1BB, WP in the 9th inning.
*Navarro's homer was a three-run, two out shot in the 8th inning that made the game 6-1.
*T.J. Steele was 2x4 (2R), Hunter Pence was 2x3 (RBI), and Tommy Manzella was 2x3 for the multi-hit games.
*Chris Johnson was 0x3 with a K, and others who may make the 25-Man Roster include Angel Sanchez (1x4, R, RBI).
*Austin Wates was 0x0 with a sacrifice. Drew Locke was 0x3 with a BB, SB, R.
*J.A. Happ threw 2IP, 1H/0ER, 1K. Ross Wolf threw 2IP, 1H/0ER, and David Carpenter (picked up in the Pedro Feliz trade with STL - ha ha), threw two perfect innings.
*Wilton Lopez also threw a perfect inning with a K. Sergio Escalona had another rough outing with 1IP, 2H/1ER, 0K:1BB. Jorge De Leon gave up 1H/2ER, 1K:1BB, WP in the 9th inning.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
From the Office of the County Clerk - ST3a: Astros v. Yankees
The Astros snatched defeat out of the jaws of victory by allowing five 9th inning runs for a 6-5 loss.
*The Astros actually out-hit the Yankees, 12-8, with two hits coming from Jason Michaels (2x3), Bill Hall (2x3), and Jack Shuck (2x4). J.R. Towles was 1x3 (2B, 2R).
*Among the Players Not Likely To Be On the 25-Man roster, Jay Austin was 1x2 (with an outfield assist), Jio Mier was 0x3 (BB, 2K), Jon Gaston was 1x1 (RBI), Jonathan Villar was 0x1, as was Mike Kvasnicka and Rene Garcia.
*Brett Wallace grounded into two double plays, and continuing the miscues, errors by Kvasnicka and Mier helped the Yankees put up the five-spot.
*Bud Norris got the start, going 2IP, 1H/1ER, 0K:1BB. Jordan Lyles threw 2IP, 1H/0ER, 0K:2BB. Jose Valdez was the only pitcher to have a perfect outing.
*Doug Arguello got 0.2IP, but allowed 4H/5R (2ER), 0K:2BB, WP, and left the bases loaded for Lance Pendleton, who walked the game-winning run in.
*The Astros actually out-hit the Yankees, 12-8, with two hits coming from Jason Michaels (2x3), Bill Hall (2x3), and Jack Shuck (2x4). J.R. Towles was 1x3 (2B, 2R).
*Among the Players Not Likely To Be On the 25-Man roster, Jay Austin was 1x2 (with an outfield assist), Jio Mier was 0x3 (BB, 2K), Jon Gaston was 1x1 (RBI), Jonathan Villar was 0x1, as was Mike Kvasnicka and Rene Garcia.
*Brett Wallace grounded into two double plays, and continuing the miscues, errors by Kvasnicka and Mier helped the Yankees put up the five-spot.
*Bud Norris got the start, going 2IP, 1H/1ER, 0K:1BB. Jordan Lyles threw 2IP, 1H/0ER, 0K:2BB. Jose Valdez was the only pitcher to have a perfect outing.
*Doug Arguello got 0.2IP, but allowed 4H/5R (2ER), 0K:2BB, WP, and left the bases loaded for Lance Pendleton, who walked the game-winning run in.
It took approximately 27 hours for one of Will Carroll's prophecies to come true
Yesterday, Will Carroll said that Jason Castro was on Red Alert for an injury. Today, it happened.
Alyson Footer:
Castro sprained knee running down line & trying to avoid tag. He stepped on side of base, his foot stuck and his upper body kept turning.
Tweets from McTaggart and Steve Campbell say that Castro is "cautiously optimistic," but that he will have an MRI tomorrow.
Alyson Footer:
Castro sprained knee running down line & trying to avoid tag. He stepped on side of base, his foot stuck and his upper body kept turning.
Tweets from McTaggart and Steve Campbell say that Castro is "cautiously optimistic," but that he will have an MRI tomorrow.
Mills just referenced Arias' career in talking about his shoulder
Scary words from Brad Mills regarding Alberto Arias' shoulder:
"He's going to be behind, there's no doubt. This latest incident that has come up is really going to put him back there. The important thing is to get him healthy and strong and going again. In the long run, we hope that's going to happen for him.
"We haven't seen him pitch now in quite a while. We need to get him back and healthy and strong for his sake and his career, and if he can help benefit us, we're all better off."
"He's going to be behind, there's no doubt. This latest incident that has come up is really going to put him back there. The important thing is to get him healthy and strong and going again. In the long run, we hope that's going to happen for him.
"We haven't seen him pitch now in quite a while. We need to get him back and healthy and strong for his sake and his career, and if he can help benefit us, we're all better off."
The Astros gave out the 2nd-highest bonus in the league
When the Astros gave Ariel Ovando $2.6m, it was the 2nd-highest bonus given out to an international player, $200K behind the Blue Jays' bonus to Adonys Cardona.
Arias' news getting worse
Brian McTaggart continues to share bad news about Alberto Arias, as he'll have an MRI today on his shoulder.
Farmstros posts Locked In With Drew
Farmstros has managed to get Drew Locke to post regular updates from Spring Training. Give it a click and read.
Duncan back with the Astros
With a captip to Farmstros, Baseball America tells us that the Astros have re-signed pitcher David Duncan.
Follow him on Twitter.
Follow him on Twitter.
Chris Johnson's approach: To not have an approach
Steve Campbell's article on Chris Johnson is an interesting one, with the traditional "veteran-tricks-rookie" story, courtesy of Roy Oswalt.
But on to how Chris Johnson is going to adjust to pitching in 2011:
“Everybody’s always asking me, ‘What adjustments are you going to make this year, because guys are going to adjust to you?’ I really don’t know the adjustment yet. I don’t know what they’re going to do. I’m going to stick with what I was doing until it doesn’t work. Then I’m going to have to adjust.”
Ed Wade:
“CJ last year got challenged late in the season and made the adjustments. He made them in a very significant way. I wouldn’t be surprised at the end of the season to see CJ hit 30-plus home runs.”
30 HRs? Johnson hit homers at a rate of one every 32.9 plate appearances. So to hit 30 homers - based on last year's limited sample - he would need 987 plate appearances. Of course, this doesn't take into account any growth on his part over the course of the season. That number came down slightly in August-September, with a homer coming every 32.3 PAs (1HR/21.4PAs in September alone). What say you? Does Johnson have 30+ HR power?
But on to how Chris Johnson is going to adjust to pitching in 2011:
“Everybody’s always asking me, ‘What adjustments are you going to make this year, because guys are going to adjust to you?’ I really don’t know the adjustment yet. I don’t know what they’re going to do. I’m going to stick with what I was doing until it doesn’t work. Then I’m going to have to adjust.”
Ed Wade:
“CJ last year got challenged late in the season and made the adjustments. He made them in a very significant way. I wouldn’t be surprised at the end of the season to see CJ hit 30-plus home runs.”
30 HRs? Johnson hit homers at a rate of one every 32.9 plate appearances. So to hit 30 homers - based on last year's limited sample - he would need 987 plate appearances. Of course, this doesn't take into account any growth on his part over the course of the season. That number came down slightly in August-September, with a homer coming every 32.3 PAs (1HR/21.4PAs in September alone). What say you? Does Johnson have 30+ HR power?
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Meat Wagon Update
McTaggart has your ST2 reaction and some injury updates, which we'll pass along here:
-T.J. Steele (elbow) and Anderson Hernandez (back) are dealing with some issues, but were cleared to play.
-J.D. Martinez (quad) will be out until Thursday, when the Astros can reevaluate him.
-Fernando Abad had a temperature of 101, and was sent back to The Facility.
-T.J. Steele (elbow) and Anderson Hernandez (back) are dealing with some issues, but were cleared to play.
-J.D. Martinez (quad) will be out until Thursday, when the Astros can reevaluate him.
-Fernando Abad had a temperature of 101, and was sent back to The Facility.
Ed Wade: Friends are fleeting, but Major League glory IS FOREVER
McTaggart has an article on the Law Offices of Shuck, Steele, and Gaston, and the friendship they've developed from playing next to each other since the dawn of time.
Not so fast, sez Ed Wade:
"We tend not to look at them as a trio. We tend to look at them as individuals, because we're not looking for all them to graduate at the same time to the big league level. We're looking for the best player who can help us at any particular time and can get here and excel.
"It's great for them to have the camaraderie they've got and established those relationships, but at the end of the day, we're putting the best 25 players on the field, and if at some point in time, one of them is here, or all of them are here, the No. 1 criterion is how they help the Major League club."
'Stros before Bros.
Gaston realizes that, with the Astros outfield as it is, he may be auditioning for someone else, too:
"It's not just playing for the Astros, because you're playing for the other 29 teams, too. Whether you make it with the Astros or not, ultimately your goal is to make it to the Major Leagues. You've just got to get your opportunity and take advantage of it."
Not so fast, sez Ed Wade:
"We tend not to look at them as a trio. We tend to look at them as individuals, because we're not looking for all them to graduate at the same time to the big league level. We're looking for the best player who can help us at any particular time and can get here and excel.
"It's great for them to have the camaraderie they've got and established those relationships, but at the end of the day, we're putting the best 25 players on the field, and if at some point in time, one of them is here, or all of them are here, the No. 1 criterion is how they help the Major League club."
'Stros before Bros.
Gaston realizes that, with the Astros outfield as it is, he may be auditioning for someone else, too:
"It's not just playing for the Astros, because you're playing for the other 29 teams, too. Whether you make it with the Astros or not, ultimately your goal is to make it to the Major Leagues. You've just got to get your opportunity and take advantage of it."
From the Office of the County Clerk: ST2 - Astros v. Braves
Your Astros drop to 0-2 on the Spring, with the pitching holding up but the offense doing two things:
1. Jack
2. Crap
in a 3-0 loss to Atlanta.
Hunter Pence got a triple for the Astros' first extra-base hit of the Spring, with Carlos Lee and Brian Bogusevic collecting your other hits. Lee also drew the only walk of the day.
Eight pitchers got work in today, including starter Brett Myers (2IP, 2H/0ER, 1K:0BB), and Brandon Lyon (1IP, 2H/1ER, HBP). The Astros then trotted out three pitchers who had perfect outings - Ryan Rowland-Smith, Mark Melancon, and Jeff Fulchino. Pat Urckfitz got knocked around for 3H/2ER, 1K:1BB in his 1IP, while Wesley Wright (1H) and Gustavo Chacin (perfecto!) closing out the game.
Your Astros not likely to make the Opening Day squad saw some action on the day: T.J. Steele (0x1), Jon Gaston (0x1, K), Drew Locke (0x1), Koby Clemens (0x3, 2K).
So. What can we take away from it? Pitchers were good. Hitters were bad.
Man of the Match: Brett Myers, I suppose. Nine pitches, nine strikes.
Goat of the Game: Anyone who held a bat.
1. Jack
2. Crap
in a 3-0 loss to Atlanta.
Hunter Pence got a triple for the Astros' first extra-base hit of the Spring, with Carlos Lee and Brian Bogusevic collecting your other hits. Lee also drew the only walk of the day.
Eight pitchers got work in today, including starter Brett Myers (2IP, 2H/0ER, 1K:0BB), and Brandon Lyon (1IP, 2H/1ER, HBP). The Astros then trotted out three pitchers who had perfect outings - Ryan Rowland-Smith, Mark Melancon, and Jeff Fulchino. Pat Urckfitz got knocked around for 3H/2ER, 1K:1BB in his 1IP, while Wesley Wright (1H) and Gustavo Chacin (perfecto!) closing out the game.
Your Astros not likely to make the Opening Day squad saw some action on the day: T.J. Steele (0x1), Jon Gaston (0x1, K), Drew Locke (0x1), Koby Clemens (0x3, 2K).
So. What can we take away from it? Pitchers were good. Hitters were bad.
Man of the Match: Brett Myers, I suppose. Nine pitches, nine strikes.
Goat of the Game: Anyone who held a bat.
Will Carroll's Team Health Report
Our collective man-crush on Will Carroll is well-documented, but he straight brings it today on SI with the Astros' Team Health Report (including an incredible intro paragraph).
Read it for yourself, but there are seven players on his Red Light list:
I don't expect to see the Astros anywhere near October glory but if they surprise us, it will be because the medical staff worked a miracle, holding together a team that's risk profile is alarmingly high. If it all goes wrong and the Astros are back on the bottom of a weak NL Central, the DL days stacking like so much cordwood, don't blame the medical staff. This one's on the front office.
The players with a higher injury risk: Jason Castro, whom Carroll describes him as such: The System seems to have something against Castro, rating him as one of the highest risks in the league despite a clean injury history. Also, Brett Myers, Wandy Rodriguez, J.A. Happ, Bud Norris (yes, four of the five starting pitchers), Carlos Lee, and Brandon Lyon.
Can you imagine what will happen if all these actually stop at the Red Light? Apocalypse.
Read it for yourself, but there are seven players on his Red Light list:
I don't expect to see the Astros anywhere near October glory but if they surprise us, it will be because the medical staff worked a miracle, holding together a team that's risk profile is alarmingly high. If it all goes wrong and the Astros are back on the bottom of a weak NL Central, the DL days stacking like so much cordwood, don't blame the medical staff. This one's on the front office.
The players with a higher injury risk: Jason Castro, whom Carroll describes him as such: The System seems to have something against Castro, rating him as one of the highest risks in the league despite a clean injury history. Also, Brett Myers, Wandy Rodriguez, J.A. Happ, Bud Norris (yes, four of the five starting pitchers), Carlos Lee, and Brandon Lyon.
Can you imagine what will happen if all these actually stop at the Red Light? Apocalypse.
Rob Neyer had a hard time coming with with one interesting thing about the Astros
It's basically, if Chris Johnson and Brett Wallace can hit...
...there might actually be a couple of reasons to watch the 2010 Astros, even when Wandy Rodriguez isn't pitching.
...there might actually be a couple of reasons to watch the 2010 Astros, even when Wandy Rodriguez isn't pitching.
Barmes or Wallace could be hitting #2
Brian McTaggart mentions within this notebook that the 2-hole is up for grabs, with Barmes - or Wallace - hitting in that spot.
Oh great, Abad is sick
Brian McTaggart just noted that Fernando Abad has been sent home because he's ill. And apparently not in the Beastie Boys sense of the word.
Delino DeShields got himself a #54
Baseball America posted a list of the prospects who each received a vote on somebody's Top 150 list.
Delino DeShields peaked on Somebody's Ballot at #54.
Delino DeShields peaked on Somebody's Ballot at #54.
The Most Vague Travel Guide Ever
Yahoo.com has the most vague guide to Minute Maid Park, where it's pretty clear the writer didn't actually visit the venue.
Lance Pendleton isn't really interested in rejoining the Yankees
Steve Campbell interviewed Lance Pendleton yesterday (as did Stephen Goff), and found that Pendleton isn't so interested in going back to the Yankees.
Pendleton:
"I enjoyed my time with the Yankees, but if you understand, I'm not really itching to go back,. I want to stay."
Arnsberg:
"I like him a lot. I like his stuff. He's kind of that older guy with a younger arm, a fixed arm, a new arm. I see some great upside."
Mills:
He's throwing the ball very well. He's really made a good impression. He's a strike-thrower. He's been consistent so far. That shows he was really working in the offseason."
Pendleton was one of three pitchers to not crap his pants on the mound yesterday, so that's a good start for the Rule 5 pick.
Pendleton:
"I enjoyed my time with the Yankees, but if you understand, I'm not really itching to go back,. I want to stay."
Arnsberg:
"I like him a lot. I like his stuff. He's kind of that older guy with a younger arm, a fixed arm, a new arm. I see some great upside."
Mills:
He's throwing the ball very well. He's really made a good impression. He's a strike-thrower. He's been consistent so far. That shows he was really working in the offseason."
Pendleton was one of three pitchers to not crap his pants on the mound yesterday, so that's a good start for the Rule 5 pick.
Bagwell to Clemens: Maybe it won't work out here
Jerome Solomon has an interesting article up today, in which Bagwell talks to Koby Clemens:
“I told him, ‘You can’t worry about who is in the big leagues. You’ve just got to do your thing. As long as you keep hitting, they’re going to find a spot for you. There is a place for you to play, and if it’s not here, it’ll be somewhere else.’
“There are not a lot of guys who get drafted by and finish with the same organization.”
This one time, I was dating a girl who told me, "You're going to make some girl the luckiest girl in the world." That was nice to hear. And then she broke up with me. This sounds like that.
“I told him, ‘You can’t worry about who is in the big leagues. You’ve just got to do your thing. As long as you keep hitting, they’re going to find a spot for you. There is a place for you to play, and if it’s not here, it’ll be somewhere else.’
“There are not a lot of guys who get drafted by and finish with the same organization.”
This one time, I was dating a girl who told me, "You're going to make some girl the luckiest girl in the world." That was nice to hear. And then she broke up with me. This sounds like that.
Monday, February 28, 2011
ST1 Reaction
McTaggart has your reaction from ST1 vs. Atlanta.
3x3 Wallace:
"We've all been champing at the bit to get out there and play games, and to finally get out there and play another team it's definitely exciting. I think we were all so ready to go. We faced some good pitchers today and it's you start to get timing down and see balls coming out of guys' hands."
Ball-rocked Wandy:
"You know what, today I tried to work on my location and I got a lot of guys behind in the count. That was my mistake today."
Bald Brad Mills:
"It happened with a couple of guys today, but with Wandy I think he missed on a couple of pitches early in counts with guys in that second inning. He tried to make adjustments mechanically and left some balls right over the middle of the plate, and they hit them hard."
3x3 Wallace:
"We've all been champing at the bit to get out there and play games, and to finally get out there and play another team it's definitely exciting. I think we were all so ready to go. We faced some good pitchers today and it's you start to get timing down and see balls coming out of guys' hands."
Ball-rocked Wandy:
"You know what, today I tried to work on my location and I got a lot of guys behind in the count. That was my mistake today."
Bald Brad Mills:
"It happened with a couple of guys today, but with Wandy I think he missed on a couple of pitches early in counts with guys in that second inning. He tried to make adjustments mechanically and left some balls right over the middle of the plate, and they hit them hard."
From the Office of the County Clerk - ST1: Astros v. Braves
(This post is brought to you with the disclaimer that it's Spring Training for the County Clerk, too. And he'll likely suck up the joint until April 1.
-TC)
Jeebus, Wandy. And the entire bullpen. No pitcher made it through their prescribed outs without allowing a baserunner as the Braves racked up 15 hits and drew eight walks in a 13-3 win over the Astros for ST1.
Wandy opened up the Grapefruit League by getting rocked, posting a final line of 1.2IP, 5H/6ER, 0K:3BB - though to be fair, two of those runs came courtesy of Enerio del Rosario, who inherited a field in which every single base was occupied by Braves.
del Rosario went 1.1IP, 2H/0ER, 1K:0BB, and Aneury Rodriguez is now -1 on Lance Pendleton with his 1IP, 3H/2ER, 0K:2BB performance.
Sergio Escalona kept up the ass-whoopin' with 1IP, 3H/4ER, 0K:2BB. The second half of the bullpen did fairly well, allowing 2H/1ER, 3K:1BB in 3IP - with Lance Pendleton allowing 1H/0ER, Henry Villar allowing 1H/1ER, and Fernando Rodriguez as the only pitcher to not give up a hit, but got 2K:1BB.
Brett Wallace was 3x3 with three singles on the day. Other Astros collecting multiple hits were T.J. Steele (2x2), Carlos Lee (2x3, RBI), and Tommy Manzella (2x3).
Jason Castro was 0x3 with a K and an inning-ending GIDP in the 5th. The GIDPs were a trend, as the Astros hit into five of them sum-bitches (four of them inning-ending GIDPs), went 4x14 w/RISP, and left ten men on base.
Of course, of the 14 hits the Astros got, 14 of them were singles (100% single rate).
Man of the Match: Brett Wallace! Hit 1.000 for the entire year, and expect a FanGraphs post entitled "Brett Wallace...meh."
Goat of the Game: The pitchers.
-TC)
Jeebus, Wandy. And the entire bullpen. No pitcher made it through their prescribed outs without allowing a baserunner as the Braves racked up 15 hits and drew eight walks in a 13-3 win over the Astros for ST1.
Wandy opened up the Grapefruit League by getting rocked, posting a final line of 1.2IP, 5H/6ER, 0K:3BB - though to be fair, two of those runs came courtesy of Enerio del Rosario, who inherited a field in which every single base was occupied by Braves.
del Rosario went 1.1IP, 2H/0ER, 1K:0BB, and Aneury Rodriguez is now -1 on Lance Pendleton with his 1IP, 3H/2ER, 0K:2BB performance.
Sergio Escalona kept up the ass-whoopin' with 1IP, 3H/4ER, 0K:2BB. The second half of the bullpen did fairly well, allowing 2H/1ER, 3K:1BB in 3IP - with Lance Pendleton allowing 1H/0ER, Henry Villar allowing 1H/1ER, and Fernando Rodriguez as the only pitcher to not give up a hit, but got 2K:1BB.
Brett Wallace was 3x3 with three singles on the day. Other Astros collecting multiple hits were T.J. Steele (2x2), Carlos Lee (2x3, RBI), and Tommy Manzella (2x3).
Jason Castro was 0x3 with a K and an inning-ending GIDP in the 5th. The GIDPs were a trend, as the Astros hit into five of them sum-bitches (four of them inning-ending GIDPs), went 4x14 w/RISP, and left ten men on base.
Of course, of the 14 hits the Astros got, 14 of them were singles (100% single rate).
Man of the Match: Brett Wallace! Hit 1.000 for the entire year, and expect a FanGraphs post entitled "Brett Wallace...meh."
Goat of the Game: The pitchers.
Dierker: Screw Spring Training, it's too long
Larry Dierker has a "Spring Training is too long" column on MLB.com:
I think every team could be ready to go in a month. Players are generally in better shape when they arrive in Spring Sraining than they were in my day. Most teams have offseason training programs to make sure they can hit the ground running in February. Agonizing over which players to cut and which to keep isn't really necessary. It seems like a big deal, and it gets a lot of print in the last week of spring training, but by the time May comes around, most teams have sent some guys down and brought others up anyway.
Some compelling arguments here, but I disagree if only to note that I would have been ready to rampage if baseball hadn't "started" today. Waiting another couple of weeks would have been like waiting for Christmas 25 years ago.
I think every team could be ready to go in a month. Players are generally in better shape when they arrive in Spring Sraining than they were in my day. Most teams have offseason training programs to make sure they can hit the ground running in February. Agonizing over which players to cut and which to keep isn't really necessary. It seems like a big deal, and it gets a lot of print in the last week of spring training, but by the time May comes around, most teams have sent some guys down and brought others up anyway.
Some compelling arguments here, but I disagree if only to note that I would have been ready to rampage if baseball hadn't "started" today. Waiting another couple of weeks would have been like waiting for Christmas 25 years ago.
USA Today's Power Rankings
USA Today released their Power Rankings today, and we find the Astros at #25.
Need strong pitching to avoid tumbling to bottom on NL.
And in other news, grass is green.
And in other actual news, Astros County's Top 25 will return next Monday morning!
Need strong pitching to avoid tumbling to bottom on NL.
And in other news, grass is green.
And in other actual news, Astros County's Top 25 will return next Monday morning!
Update on J.D. Martinez
Alyson Footer tells us a little more about J.D. Martinez' sore leg:
JD Martinez has tight quad and will be sidelined a couple of days.
JD Martinez has tight quad and will be sidelined a couple of days.
Monday Morning Catch-Up
As Astros County was busy doing husband/boyfriend/loser things (respectively) all weekend, here's what you missed from Saturday and Sunday:
*If Brett Wallace can be Brett Wallace, he won't be seeing Oklahoma City.
*The State loves them some Jordan Lyles.
*Chris Johnson knows his defense kind of sucked.
*The cuts will come early and often in March.
*Koby Clemens dominated Astros pitchers, again. J.D. Martinez was supposed to start, but already has a sore leg, so he was the DH, and went 1x2, BB.
*In signings news, the Astros agreed to deals with J.A. Happ ($474,000) and Angel Sanchez ($432,500)
*In today's Spring Training opener, the following players will see some action: Castro, Wallace, Manzella, Johnson, Lee, Bourn, Pence, and Downs.
*If Brett Wallace can be Brett Wallace, he won't be seeing Oklahoma City.
*The State loves them some Jordan Lyles.
*Chris Johnson knows his defense kind of sucked.
*The cuts will come early and often in March.
*Koby Clemens dominated Astros pitchers, again. J.D. Martinez was supposed to start, but already has a sore leg, so he was the DH, and went 1x2, BB.
*In signings news, the Astros agreed to deals with J.A. Happ ($474,000) and Angel Sanchez ($432,500)
*In today's Spring Training opener, the following players will see some action: Castro, Wallace, Manzella, Johnson, Lee, Bourn, Pence, and Downs.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Towles taking grounders at 1B
In one of the what I'm sure will be, "Huh." moments of the Spring we learn that J.R. Towles is taking grounders at 1B "to increase versatility."
Would you rather see Carlos or Towles at 1B if Brett Wallace struggles?
Would you rather see Carlos or Towles at 1B if Brett Wallace struggles?
One bullpen session, one cortisone shot
McTaggart tweeted this morning that Alberto Arias took a cortisone shot in his shoulder after being examined by the team physician.
So this isn't looking good for Arias.
So this isn't looking good for Arias.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Wesley Wright is no longer a starter
McTaggart has an article for you on Wesley Wright, who is no longer a starter.
Wade:
"We feel with the competition we have going on right now [for the fifth spot in the rotation] and the guys that are stretched out and in position to assume more of the longer innings, Wright's probably in the bullpen at this stage."
Wright, on the importance of getting lefties out:
"You ask any left-handed reliever, and that should be their main focus," Wright said. "Now the way the game is specialized, your opponents' batting average against lefties is very, very important. Most teams feel they should be able to get righties out and you need to the lefties to be able to come in and get lefties out, especially in this division."
Wade:
"We feel with the competition we have going on right now [for the fifth spot in the rotation] and the guys that are stretched out and in position to assume more of the longer innings, Wright's probably in the bullpen at this stage."
Wright, on the importance of getting lefties out:
"You ask any left-handed reliever, and that should be their main focus," Wright said. "Now the way the game is specialized, your opponents' batting average against lefties is very, very important. Most teams feel they should be able to get righties out and you need to the lefties to be able to come in and get lefties out, especially in this division."
Now BP is just being mean
A few hours after projecting the Astros to go 10-152 in 2011, BP's Ben Lindbergh posted a column on ESPN (Insider-Only) calling Hunter Pence "among the worst Team MVPs" in baseball.
The problem with Pence is that he's, at best, a complementary player in a good lineup. Most clubs would be happy to have him audition for a supporting role, but he would be miscast as the leading man in a championship-caliber production. From 2008 to 2010, NL right fielders as a group produced a .266/.341/.443 triple-slash line, comparable to Pence's .278/.330/.466 performance, although the Astros' unremarkable offense was bolstered by his above-average work in the field and on the bases.
If the Astros do the unthinkable this season and go to the playoffs, it's stories like this that I will refer to when I explain why I set cars on fire and urinated off high-rise buildings while screaming.
The problem with Pence is that he's, at best, a complementary player in a good lineup. Most clubs would be happy to have him audition for a supporting role, but he would be miscast as the leading man in a championship-caliber production. From 2008 to 2010, NL right fielders as a group produced a .266/.341/.443 triple-slash line, comparable to Pence's .278/.330/.466 performance, although the Astros' unremarkable offense was bolstered by his above-average work in the field and on the bases.
If the Astros do the unthinkable this season and go to the playoffs, it's stories like this that I will refer to when I explain why I set cars on fire and urinated off high-rise buildings while screaming.
Thankfully, we don't have to actually play these games in 2011
Because Baseball Prospectus' projections are out! And it's ugly.
So ugly that, at 67-95, the Astros have the worst record in baseball, four games behind the Pirates.
So ugly that, at 67-95, the Astros have the worst record in baseball, four games behind the Pirates.
SI has a nice little recap
SI's Joe Lemire has a nice article up on the off-season, and it's not a "Jeebus, you guys suck" article.
Lots of good stuff, but we'll pull our favorite part - click it and read.
Lemire:
The Astros have the makings of a nucleus that should contend in the NL Central in a couple years.
Much of that group -- largely at the urging of All-Star rightfielder Hunter Pence -- worked out together at Minute Maid Park four days per week in November and December and five days per week starting in January. Among the young players working out regularly alongside Pence, 27, were third baseman Chris Johnson, 26; Norris, 25; catcher Jason Castro, 23; Wallace, 24; and outfielder Brian Bogusevic, 26.
In all, about a dozen major leaguers and the rest minor leaguers gathered to have their butts collectively kicked by Coleman.
"When they went to walk out the door," Coleman said, "they could barely walk to the door."
Lots of good stuff, but we'll pull our favorite part - click it and read.
Lemire:
The Astros have the makings of a nucleus that should contend in the NL Central in a couple years.
Much of that group -- largely at the urging of All-Star rightfielder Hunter Pence -- worked out together at Minute Maid Park four days per week in November and December and five days per week starting in January. Among the young players working out regularly alongside Pence, 27, were third baseman Chris Johnson, 26; Norris, 25; catcher Jason Castro, 23; Wallace, 24; and outfielder Brian Bogusevic, 26.
In all, about a dozen major leaguers and the rest minor leaguers gathered to have their butts collectively kicked by Coleman.
"When they went to walk out the door," Coleman said, "they could barely walk to the door."
Lyles could open the season as SP5
It's something we've heard about for a while: If Jordan Lyles goes out and earns the SP5 job, they'll give it to him. But Ed Wade is okay with Lyles going back to Triple-A.
Wade:
"His performance and the level of competition around him will dictate the timetable as to when he gets here or if he stays here. If we're only focusing on the fifth spot, we do have competition and we do have some experienced guys there who conceivably could put Jordan in a position where he's back at Triple-A getting more experience...
..."I've said all along, in a perfect world, he gets more time [in the Minor Leagues]. His performance could dictate otherwise, and he could be here sooner rather than later. We're not closed-minded about it, but at the same time, he shouldn't be putting added pressure on himself."
Don't underestimate the allure of keeping him in the minors until the All-Star Break, so the Astros don't give him a Super-Two status, and give him an extra year of arbitration (see: Pence, Hunter).
Wade:
"His performance and the level of competition around him will dictate the timetable as to when he gets here or if he stays here. If we're only focusing on the fifth spot, we do have competition and we do have some experienced guys there who conceivably could put Jordan in a position where he's back at Triple-A getting more experience...
..."I've said all along, in a perfect world, he gets more time [in the Minor Leagues]. His performance could dictate otherwise, and he could be here sooner rather than later. We're not closed-minded about it, but at the same time, he shouldn't be putting added pressure on himself."
Don't underestimate the allure of keeping him in the minors until the All-Star Break, so the Astros don't give him a Super-Two status, and give him an extra year of arbitration (see: Pence, Hunter).
The Astros will continue to play like it's August 2010
Fox Sports Houston has an article up on whether or not the Astros can carry the success they enjoyed in the 2nd half of 2010 to the 1st half of 2011:
Chris Johnson:
"We're a group of guys who are going to work hard and come to play every day. That's how it happened. We just gelled. But we still have a lot to prove, and we can't wait to get into the games and continue to progress. That's the key. We want to build and improve on what we started. We're not banking on anything. So even in spring training, we're going to take a different approach, with more intensity, ready to play and ready to win."
Bourn:
"We were very loose and we didn't just throw the season away when things weren't going well. We just relaxed and concentrated on playing baseball. I see the same thing this year. Even though this is a different season, we still have the same energy that we had last year. You can feel it in the clubhouse."
Chris Johnson:
"We're a group of guys who are going to work hard and come to play every day. That's how it happened. We just gelled. But we still have a lot to prove, and we can't wait to get into the games and continue to progress. That's the key. We want to build and improve on what we started. We're not banking on anything. So even in spring training, we're going to take a different approach, with more intensity, ready to play and ready to win."
Bourn:
"We were very loose and we didn't just throw the season away when things weren't going well. We just relaxed and concentrated on playing baseball. I see the same thing this year. Even though this is a different season, we still have the same energy that we had last year. You can feel it in the clubhouse."
Drew Meyer retires
According to the South Carolina State, former Astros prospect Drew Meyer will retire from baseball.
I missed my friends and family. Over the years, being away made me realize there’s more to life than just baseball.”
He'll return to USC to finish up his business degree.
Meyer was the Rangers' 1st Round pick in 2002, and played in Corpus in 2009, hitting .291/.362/.395, and played 46 games in 2010 at Round Rock, where he hit .241/.339/.352. He was released last July, and finished up the season with the Angels' Triple-A team.
I missed my friends and family. Over the years, being away made me realize there’s more to life than just baseball.”
He'll return to USC to finish up his business degree.
Meyer was the Rangers' 1st Round pick in 2002, and played in Corpus in 2009, hitting .291/.362/.395, and played 46 games in 2010 at Round Rock, where he hit .241/.339/.352. He was released last July, and finished up the season with the Angels' Triple-A team.
Arias' shoulder now beyond rest
McTaggart has an update on Alberto Arias, whose shoulder has not loosened up after reporting tightness over last weekend.
Mills:
"He's still a little on the stiff and sore side, and we kind of want the doctor to take a look at him."
Arias was scratched from his scheduled BP session yesterday.
Mills:
"He's still a little on the stiff and sore side, and we kind of want the doctor to take a look at him."
Arias was scratched from his scheduled BP session yesterday.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Not to be outdone, Jim Bowden ranks his Top 50
With a captip to Steve Campbell, Jim Bowden ranked his Top 50 prospects.
Jordan Lyles comes in at #37:
He has a smooth, easy delivery with deception. A consistent release point allows him to throw four different pitches average or above with his change-up being his best pitch. His up-side looks to be a middle of the rotation starter unless his velocity improves from 89-91.
And Anthony Gose, who was an Astro for about eight minutes before getting traded for Brett Wallace? He's #43:
Acquired in a deal of top prospects with the Houston Astros, Gose is expected to be the Blue Jays long-term solution to CF and the leadoff spot in the lineup. Gose is a burner but still need to improve his base-running and base-stealing. He has above average range in CF, a strong arm and a solid glove. His batting needs to improve and he needs to learn how to bunt and slap the ball to better utilize his speed. He won’t be fast to the big leagues and his bat will determine his future success.
Jordan Lyles comes in at #37:
He has a smooth, easy delivery with deception. A consistent release point allows him to throw four different pitches average or above with his change-up being his best pitch. His up-side looks to be a middle of the rotation starter unless his velocity improves from 89-91.
And Anthony Gose, who was an Astro for about eight minutes before getting traded for Brett Wallace? He's #43:
Acquired in a deal of top prospects with the Houston Astros, Gose is expected to be the Blue Jays long-term solution to CF and the leadoff spot in the lineup. Gose is a burner but still need to improve his base-running and base-stealing. He has above average range in CF, a strong arm and a solid glove. His batting needs to improve and he needs to learn how to bunt and slap the ball to better utilize his speed. He won’t be fast to the big leagues and his bat will determine his future success.
2011 Astros = 2005 Brewers
McTaggart has a Q&A with Bill Hall, who was asked what he thought of this team:
"This team is what you would say is in a transition period with Roy [Oswalt] being gone and [Lance] Berkman being gone, and they have some younger guys who are expected to go out and produce and help this team win. In Milwaukee, I was one of the first guys to come - prospects - and I was in the clubhouse first and got to be with all those other guys who are turning into superstars now, with Ryan Braun, Prince Fielder, Rickie [Weeks] and J.J. [Hardy], when he was there. All of us came up at the same time as a group and had to learn how to win together and know the meaning of going out and competing every day. That's the knowledge I can give to these guys, being that I was through it before and I know what they're feeling."
"This team is what you would say is in a transition period with Roy [Oswalt] being gone and [Lance] Berkman being gone, and they have some younger guys who are expected to go out and produce and help this team win. In Milwaukee, I was one of the first guys to come - prospects - and I was in the clubhouse first and got to be with all those other guys who are turning into superstars now, with Ryan Braun, Prince Fielder, Rickie [Weeks] and J.J. [Hardy], when he was there. All of us came up at the same time as a group and had to learn how to win together and know the meaning of going out and competing every day. That's the knowledge I can give to these guys, being that I was through it before and I know what they're feeling."
Hell no the rotation isn't set yet
While it looks like Myers is lined up for the Opening Day start vs. Roy Halladay, the rest of the rotation isn't set, as far as Mills is concerned:
"No, no, not at all yet. We come up and read in the paper some clubs are already announcing their rotation for the season. This is just our club I'm talking about, but if we start to make those plans now, we don't know what's going to happen as far as injuries, how guys throw the ball, how guys do things.
"We're going to utilize this time to the best of our ability to kind of let guys get in shape and do the things they need to do to be ready. There's enough first time through that we can kind of map things through later."
There's also asad funny story about Carlos Lee's conditioning in Footer's blog.
"No, no, not at all yet. We come up and read in the paper some clubs are already announcing their rotation for the season. This is just our club I'm talking about, but if we start to make those plans now, we don't know what's going to happen as far as injuries, how guys throw the ball, how guys do things.
"We're going to utilize this time to the best of our ability to kind of let guys get in shape and do the things they need to do to be ready. There's enough first time through that we can kind of map things through later."
There's also a
What sign should grace the Astros' clubhouse?
With the news yesterday, or the day before (who really cares?), that the Yankees have a sign in their clubhouse that just says, "Compete," that got us thinking:
What sign should the Astros have in their clubhouse? This is a photo contest, so send your signs to astroscounty (at) gmail.com! We'll get you started:
(And there's nothing we can apparently do to get it to be in the right orientation.)
What sign should the Astros have in their clubhouse? This is a photo contest, so send your signs to astroscounty (at) gmail.com! We'll get you started:
(And there's nothing we can apparently do to get it to be in the right orientation.)
Astros sign three more
The Astros have agreed to terms with:
Matt Downs ($421,000)
Cesar Carrillo ($414,000)
Lance Pendleton ($414,000)
As Zach Levine notes, the only unsigned players are now J.A. Happ, Tommy Manzella, Angel Sanchez, and Mark Melancon.
Matt Downs ($421,000)
Cesar Carrillo ($414,000)
Lance Pendleton ($414,000)
As Zach Levine notes, the only unsigned players are now J.A. Happ, Tommy Manzella, Angel Sanchez, and Mark Melancon.
You, too, can take a shot at Ed Wade!
I'm a fan of Rob Neyer, and was insanely jealous when he spurned writing for Astros County to join SB Nation. But today, he has a post in which he reference Justice's post on the Brandon Lyon signing last December.
Justice:
All heck broke loose when Astros GM Ed Wade gave Brandon Lyon a 3-year, $15-million contract in December 2009. They said Ed got taken to the cleaners. They said Ed would end up looking real bad. Let's just say I'm real glad I was on Ed's side.
Neyer, today:
I don't remember all heck breaking loose, if only because it's real hard to look real bad when you're committing only $15 million over three years...
...We might expect Lyon to wind up giving the Astros around $10 million in value, for their $15 million. Was three years and $15 million an overpay? Absolutely. But Ed Wade has done far, far sillier things since taking over in Houston.
That's interesting. On the day of the signing David Cameron wrote:
Ed Wade is the GM equivalent of a bad SNL sketch. The first time he overpaid a middle reliever, we figured out that he didn’t really know how to build a roster. Now, when he gives Brandon Lyon a 3 year, $15 million deal, we just shrug our shoulders and say, “Yeah, that’s Ed Wade for ya.”...
...They don’t have any money to spend to fix the rest of their bad, old roster, but they can commit $5 million a year to Brandon Lyon through 2012. Moves like this are why the team isn’t good, and won’t be good any time soon. This move is just the latest act in a joke that’s gone on far too long.
Neyer, referencing Cameron, on Dec 10, 2009:
I'm glad Cameron said it instead of me ... but, yeah...
...The No. 1 argument against Ed Wade's competence is not this ridiculous contract. The Astros should be able to blow $5 million per season on freely available talent like Brandon Lyon and still win. The No. 1 argument against Wade's competence is that the Astros have been outscored by 232 over the last four seasons, and there's no reason for optimism about 2010 or beyond.
It's not hell breaking loose, and Neyer was somewhat consistent from December 2009 to today, but at what point is Wade allowed some slack? We're just one year into a three-year deal. Lindstrom was expendable - and traded - because Lyon was solid, more solid than Lindstrom, and brought in two prospects. Was Lyon lucky in 2010? Apparently that's what giving up two home runs in 2010 means. Neyer quotes FanGraphs as saying that Lyon was worth approximately $4m in 2010. If he does as well in 2011 as he did in 2010, the Astros will have gotten out of him almost what they put in.
Justice:
All heck broke loose when Astros GM Ed Wade gave Brandon Lyon a 3-year, $15-million contract in December 2009. They said Ed got taken to the cleaners. They said Ed would end up looking real bad. Let's just say I'm real glad I was on Ed's side.
Neyer, today:
I don't remember all heck breaking loose, if only because it's real hard to look real bad when you're committing only $15 million over three years...
...We might expect Lyon to wind up giving the Astros around $10 million in value, for their $15 million. Was three years and $15 million an overpay? Absolutely. But Ed Wade has done far, far sillier things since taking over in Houston.
That's interesting. On the day of the signing David Cameron wrote:
Ed Wade is the GM equivalent of a bad SNL sketch. The first time he overpaid a middle reliever, we figured out that he didn’t really know how to build a roster. Now, when he gives Brandon Lyon a 3 year, $15 million deal, we just shrug our shoulders and say, “Yeah, that’s Ed Wade for ya.”...
...They don’t have any money to spend to fix the rest of their bad, old roster, but they can commit $5 million a year to Brandon Lyon through 2012. Moves like this are why the team isn’t good, and won’t be good any time soon. This move is just the latest act in a joke that’s gone on far too long.
Neyer, referencing Cameron, on Dec 10, 2009:
I'm glad Cameron said it instead of me ... but, yeah...
...The No. 1 argument against Ed Wade's competence is not this ridiculous contract. The Astros should be able to blow $5 million per season on freely available talent like Brandon Lyon and still win. The No. 1 argument against Wade's competence is that the Astros have been outscored by 232 over the last four seasons, and there's no reason for optimism about 2010 or beyond.
It's not hell breaking loose, and Neyer was somewhat consistent from December 2009 to today, but at what point is Wade allowed some slack? We're just one year into a three-year deal. Lindstrom was expendable - and traded - because Lyon was solid, more solid than Lindstrom, and brought in two prospects. Was Lyon lucky in 2010? Apparently that's what giving up two home runs in 2010 means. Neyer quotes FanGraphs as saying that Lyon was worth approximately $4m in 2010. If he does as well in 2011 as he did in 2010, the Astros will have gotten out of him almost what they put in.
Lyles, Villar part of BA's Top 100 prospects
Over at Baseball America, they have their Top 100 prospects, and Jordan Lyles (#42) and Jonathan Villar (#94) are right on there.
Levine on the waiver wire
And the final catch-up post of the morning has Zach Levine talking about the waiver wire, and how effectively the Astros have used it. Seven players on the 40-man roster were waiver wire pickups, meaning that 18% of the Astros' 40-man roster consists of players other teams didn't want.
Ed Wade:
“Our pro scouting staff does a tremendous job all year long in putting ourselves in position to evaluate talent. In the case of Wilton Lopez, Fulchino, Bourgeois, any number of guys wearing our uniform right now, it’s a direct result of the work our pro scouting staff does.”
Ed Wade:
“Our pro scouting staff does a tremendous job all year long in putting ourselves in position to evaluate talent. In the case of Wilton Lopez, Fulchino, Bourgeois, any number of guys wearing our uniform right now, it’s a direct result of the work our pro scouting staff does.”
Steve Campbell breaks down everyone else's "Big Three"
Here's an interesting article from Steve Campbell about how the Astros' rotation compares to the rest of the NL Central.
Meat Wagon Update!
With the arrival of Bill Hall, who is now off diaper duty until October, everyone's in camp.
With that, we get a couple of Meat Wagon updates:
-Angel Sanchez is about ready to hit him some singles. Mills:
“He’s stepping up a little bit, and we’re hoping that he can hit against live pitchers tomorrow."
-Alberto Arias might not be able to throw live BP tomorrow. Mills qualified his scheduled appearance with a "hopefully."
With that, we get a couple of Meat Wagon updates:
-Angel Sanchez is about ready to hit him some singles. Mills:
“He’s stepping up a little bit, and we’re hoping that he can hit against live pitchers tomorrow."
-Alberto Arias might not be able to throw live BP tomorrow. Mills qualified his scheduled appearance with a "hopefully."
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Bald Barmes is ready to get this going
McTaggart has an article up on Bald Clint Barmes, and his role in 2011.
Barmes:
"I was excited to hear they said the majority of my time was going to be at shortstop. Hearing that and getting an opportunity to get back to the other side [of second base] and play every day, I was very excited about that. Colorado was starting to look at moving me into a utility role, and I feel I have a lot of years left to play and I want to do it as long as I can. I was very excited to get an opportunity to come over here and do that...
..."I like the direction this team is going and I would like to stay here. I'm going to go out and have a solid year and compete, and every team's coming in looking to try to get to the playoffs and win a championship, and this team is going in that direction. I'm not saying this year could be one of those years, but I'm excited to be thrown in the middle of it all. Hopefully I stick."
Click the link for info on what exactly happened with his numbers over the last two seasons...
Barmes:
"I was excited to hear they said the majority of my time was going to be at shortstop. Hearing that and getting an opportunity to get back to the other side [of second base] and play every day, I was very excited about that. Colorado was starting to look at moving me into a utility role, and I feel I have a lot of years left to play and I want to do it as long as I can. I was very excited to get an opportunity to come over here and do that...
..."I like the direction this team is going and I would like to stay here. I'm going to go out and have a solid year and compete, and every team's coming in looking to try to get to the playoffs and win a championship, and this team is going in that direction. I'm not saying this year could be one of those years, but I'm excited to be thrown in the middle of it all. Hopefully I stick."
Click the link for info on what exactly happened with his numbers over the last two seasons...
McTaggart's Update
Brian McTaggart has his update from today's Spring Training:
-Keep Nelson Figueroa in your thoughts and prayers, as his grandfather has passed away, and Figueroa will miss some time to attend the funeral.
Figueroa:
"He instilled that hard-work mentality into my father and he instilled that into me, and dad still works as hard as ever. I go and play this game with a workman mentality and take nothing for granted, and realize I'm blessed to play this game. I've paid my dues time and time again, and will continue to do so in [his grandfather's] honor. We're a very close family, and this will make us even tighter."
-Bill Hall is expected in camp for the first time tomorrow, as he has been with his fiancee for the birth of their child.
-Keep Nelson Figueroa in your thoughts and prayers, as his grandfather has passed away, and Figueroa will miss some time to attend the funeral.
Figueroa:
"He instilled that hard-work mentality into my father and he instilled that into me, and dad still works as hard as ever. I go and play this game with a workman mentality and take nothing for granted, and realize I'm blessed to play this game. I've paid my dues time and time again, and will continue to do so in [his grandfather's] honor. We're a very close family, and this will make us even tighter."
-Bill Hall is expected in camp for the first time tomorrow, as he has been with his fiancee for the birth of their child.
Astros agree to deal with Abad
Zach Levine says the Astros have agreed to the one-year deal with reliever Fernando Abad for $418,000.
Abad not a candidate for the rotation
Fernando Abad is no longer in the running for the SP5 spot, according to Zach Levine.
Wade:
“In the meetings that we’ve had, we think that the role that he’s capable of playing in the bullpen as a key lefty for us probably takes precedent at this point in his career. That doesn’t mean that at some point he isn’t going to be a successful starter, but for the time being, we’re going to focus on him as a reliever.”
So that leaves the candidates for SP5 as such:
Rule 5 picks Lance Pendleton and Aneury Rodriguez, as well as Ryan Rowland-Smith, Nelson Figueroa, and Jordan Lyles.
I'm not sure how I feel about this. The Astros do already have two lefties in the rotation with Happ and Wandy (and Rowland-Smith is a lefty), but Abad dominated in the Winter Leagues this off-season. It is comforting to note that the Astros haven't completely ruled Abad out for the rotation. Ah, so be it.
Wade:
“In the meetings that we’ve had, we think that the role that he’s capable of playing in the bullpen as a key lefty for us probably takes precedent at this point in his career. That doesn’t mean that at some point he isn’t going to be a successful starter, but for the time being, we’re going to focus on him as a reliever.”
So that leaves the candidates for SP5 as such:
Rule 5 picks Lance Pendleton and Aneury Rodriguez, as well as Ryan Rowland-Smith, Nelson Figueroa, and Jordan Lyles.
I'm not sure how I feel about this. The Astros do already have two lefties in the rotation with Happ and Wandy (and Rowland-Smith is a lefty), but Abad dominated in the Winter Leagues this off-season. It is comforting to note that the Astros haven't completely ruled Abad out for the rotation. Ah, so be it.
No one gets this excited when I put on 20 pounds
Jiovanni Mier has done some working out this off-season, apparently.
Director of Player Development Fred Nelson:
"One of the things that we were hoping he'd be able to do over time would be to add some weight, hopefully body strength, and by the same token not lose any quickness or running speed."
Wade, on what Mier needs to develop:
"It's consistency and plate discipline more than anything. He's going to grow into a little bit of power with the body he's got, but it's really just a case of getting professional at-bats."
As Levine mentions, Mier is kind of behind the eight-ball with the Astros trading for Jimmy Paredes, who's officially one-step ahead of Mier in the system. Mier's 2011 destination is up in the air, but it's logical to think he'll be back in Lexington to start the year.
Director of Player Development Fred Nelson:
"One of the things that we were hoping he'd be able to do over time would be to add some weight, hopefully body strength, and by the same token not lose any quickness or running speed."
Wade, on what Mier needs to develop:
"It's consistency and plate discipline more than anything. He's going to grow into a little bit of power with the body he's got, but it's really just a case of getting professional at-bats."
As Levine mentions, Mier is kind of behind the eight-ball with the Astros trading for Jimmy Paredes, who's officially one-step ahead of Mier in the system. Mier's 2011 destination is up in the air, but it's logical to think he'll be back in Lexington to start the year.
Well, not having a cyst in your shoulder will help that
Brad Mills noted yesterday that Brandon Lyon was "light years ahead of where he was last year."
Monday, February 21, 2011
Matt Musil breaks down Day Two
KHOU's Matt Musil has a pretty nice rundown of the 2nd full day of full-squad workouts. Among the nuggets:
-Apparently Chris Johnson looks much more comfortable at 3B than he did last year.
-Nelson Figueroa's grandfather isn't doing so well in New Jersey.
-Hunter Pence wants to win every Spring Training game.
-Apparently Chris Johnson looks much more comfortable at 3B than he did last year.
-Nelson Figueroa's grandfather isn't doing so well in New Jersey.
-Hunter Pence wants to win every Spring Training game.
Bourn tried to recruit Crawford
So apparently it came up in conversation between Bourn and Carl Crawford that Crawford should take his talents to the Gulf Coast.
Bourn:
"Yeah, I said something to him, but whenever you've got the Yankees and Boston involved, it's kind of hard. He didn't say he wouldn't play in Houston, but you know, it's kind of hard to turn down $142 million."
Yeah, especially when the Astros can't offer more than $14.2m...
Bourn:
"Yeah, I said something to him, but whenever you've got the Yankees and Boston involved, it's kind of hard. He didn't say he wouldn't play in Houston, but you know, it's kind of hard to turn down $142 million."
Yeah, especially when the Astros can't offer more than $14.2m...
Here's some good news
Hunter Pence just tweeted:
This team has come together more than any I've been a part of.
Considering the team has been together as a whole for approximately 36 hours, that's damn skippy.
This team has come together more than any I've been a part of.
Considering the team has been together as a whole for approximately 36 hours, that's damn skippy.
Pendleton and Rodriguez are under the microscope
While other pitchers and position players hope to impress, Rule 5 picks Lance Pendleton and Aneury Rodriguez have to impress, if they want to stay with the club, according to McTaggart (and the general rules of baseball).
Wade:
"To some extent, they're under more scrutiny. There is a timetable that dictates you have to make your determination sooner rather than later. Every time one of those guys steps on the mound, you're going to have to be bearing down on what they're seeing."
Click the link to see how both are dealing with the pressure, and words of wisdom from Wesley Wright.
Wade:
"To some extent, they're under more scrutiny. There is a timetable that dictates you have to make your determination sooner rather than later. Every time one of those guys steps on the mound, you're going to have to be bearing down on what they're seeing."
Click the link to see how both are dealing with the pressure, and words of wisdom from Wesley Wright.
Lyles isn't so much with the Twitter
A nice little piece on Jordan Lyles from his hometown paper gives us a glimpse into the life of a 20-year old, who in his very hands holds our hopes and dreams. A vulnerable, creepy feeling, no?
(Lyles' agent Lee) Long and his marketing team at Palmetto Sports Group wanted him to start a Twitter account, but he passed on the idea.
“His response was, ‘that brings more attention to myself,’” Long said. “It is refreshing to see that a kid with all the accolades and praise he has maintains that kind of humility.”
More Long:
“He has shown a maturity and commitment this offseason. His post-workout evaluation was just off the chart. He has really grown and proper nutrition and putting time in the weight room.”
So what do you think? September? Or earlier?
More Long:
“I would never bet against Jordan Lyles. He might be considered to some as an underdog, but any time he has been in that role he has thrived. So it wouldn’t surprise me one bit if he creates a situation where the Astros have a very tough decision to make. Ed Wade has made it clear that if Jordan Lyles is the best guy to win the position, that it will be his job.”
(Lyles' agent Lee) Long and his marketing team at Palmetto Sports Group wanted him to start a Twitter account, but he passed on the idea.
“His response was, ‘that brings more attention to myself,’” Long said. “It is refreshing to see that a kid with all the accolades and praise he has maintains that kind of humility.”
More Long:
“He has shown a maturity and commitment this offseason. His post-workout evaluation was just off the chart. He has really grown and proper nutrition and putting time in the weight room.”
So what do you think? September? Or earlier?
More Long:
“I would never bet against Jordan Lyles. He might be considered to some as an underdog, but any time he has been in that role he has thrived. So it wouldn’t surprise me one bit if he creates a situation where the Astros have a very tough decision to make. Ed Wade has made it clear that if Jordan Lyles is the best guy to win the position, that it will be his job.”
Apparently it took Mills' Panama trip for Carlos to feel wanted
USA Today's Seth Livingstone talked to Carlos Lee, who was downright flattered by Mills going to Panama this off-season.
Lee:
"I didn't know he liked me that much. It means a lot. It makes you feel like you're part of the main guys. We talked about the team and expectations. We talked about everything. "We had a great time. He was there for 50 hours. We talked baseball for 52."
I don't get it.
Lee:
"I didn't know he liked me that much. It means a lot. It makes you feel like you're part of the main guys. We talked about the team and expectations. We talked about everything. "We had a great time. He was there for 50 hours. We talked baseball for 52."
I don't get it.
Plutko impressive for UCLA
This will likely be the last time we bring this up, but we feel bad for leaving you hanging out to dry for the weekend and most of Monday. Remember 6th Round pick Adam Plutko, who turned down the Astros' reported offer of $1m+ to go to UCLA? Yeah...he threw 6IP, 2H/0ER, 6Ks in his college debut against San Francisco. Ah, well.
How pumped would you be to go 1-2 to start the year?
Especially with Phillies.com's Todd Zolecki's report that it looks like the Astros will face Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, and Roy Oswalt to start the season...
Astros agree with Arias
And speaking of paying the protected, the Astros have signed Alberto Arias to his requisite one-year deal for $439,500.
Astros to treat Arias like he's carrying eggs
Brian McTaggart lets everyone know the Astros are treating Arias like he's got a Johnny Damon arm after feeling some tightness in his surgically-repaired shoulder.
Mills:
"We're going to have to give him a couple of more days off and see how he comes back and how he works with that. He wasn't able to throw the ball like he really wanted to [Sunday], but we'll see how he is after a couple of days off. We're going to bring him along slower to build up that range of motion and everything else."
We also learn that Manzella is going to consider himself a Jeff Keppinger-esque player, all over the infield:
"I'm a pretty strong believer, and I think a lot of people will agree, that if you can play shortstop, a lot of the other positions -- I don't want to say easier -- but they're easier to transition to rather than if you were a second baseman who tried to switch to third or tried to learn third base, or a third baseman trying to learn second. Just from seeing the game from the shortstop's perspective, it makes those two a little bit easier to transition to."
Mills:
"We're going to have to give him a couple of more days off and see how he comes back and how he works with that. He wasn't able to throw the ball like he really wanted to [Sunday], but we'll see how he is after a couple of days off. We're going to bring him along slower to build up that range of motion and everything else."
We also learn that Manzella is going to consider himself a Jeff Keppinger-esque player, all over the infield:
"I'm a pretty strong believer, and I think a lot of people will agree, that if you can play shortstop, a lot of the other positions -- I don't want to say easier -- but they're easier to transition to rather than if you were a second baseman who tried to switch to third or tried to learn third base, or a third baseman trying to learn second. Just from seeing the game from the shortstop's perspective, it makes those two a little bit easier to transition to."
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