More on Tyler Greene

Look at Tyler Greene's Baseball-Reference page, and you are likely unimpressed. The next walk he draws (his 14th) will be a career-high in the majors. The 70 OPS+.

Then you go over to his minor-league stats, and you're likely more impressed. Particularly with his 66-game stint with Triple-A Memphis, where in 303 plate appearances, he posted an OPS of 1.001, hitting .323/.422/.579 - all of which are easily career highs. Greene had posted one season with an OPS over .850 - and that was in 2009, again with Memphis, hitting .291/.369/.482.

So what was so different about 2011? Other than that he was 27, and this was his fourth go-round at Triple-A?

Well, for one, for a guy with a career .286 BABIP, posting a .407 BABIP in those 66 games sure didn't hurt. But wait. He's routinely enjoyed a high BABIP - particularly in Triple-A, where from 2008-10 he had BABIPs of .342, .349, and .361, respectively.

In 49 games for St. Louis from April 2-June 17, 2011, Greene hit .198/.308/.267, good enough for 31 OPSPBJS (OPS Points Below Jordan Schafer), and he had five extra-base hits, and 31K in 117 plate appearances - all of which is sure to end up in a demotion for anybody.

In his first three series back at Memphis, he went 12x42 with two doubles and ten strikeouts. But then something clicked, I guess. Because for the rest of his 2011 Triple-A Memphis stint, starting on July 4, he went 72x212 (.340) with 33 XBH, and hitting seven homers in a two-week span in August.

What does it mean? Greene went on a tear, and couldn't replicate it in St. Louis. So with a 71 OPS+ for the Cardinals in 2012, he finds himself with a "Change of Scenery" trade.

As Derrick Goold quotes manager Mike Matheny in his piece on the trade for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
"I think we’ve seen it at times. It’s just the (lack of) consistency. There have been flashes of brilliance. Defensively, we’ve seen some plays to his glove side that not too many people would ever get to. We’ve seen power. We’ve seen speed. We’ve seen it all there...It’s the consistency. It’s not normally the talent."

A Cardinals fan tweeted at AC today (he's presumably a Cardinals fan - lots of shouting, and all. Clearly one of the best fans in America): chronic underachiever. raw talent, 10-cent head

We'll see. He'll get his fresh start, and with Jed Lowrie's seemingly unhealable injuries, he'll get pressure-free playing time. Maybe it'll turn into the consistency that has been expected of him, and maybe Jeff Luhnow will end up getting the most out of one of the first players he ever drafted.

Astros acquire Tyler Greene from Cardinals

The Astros acquired Tyler Greene from the Cardinals this morning for a PTBNL and/or cash. In response, the Astros DFA'ed Brian Bixler off of the 40-man roster, and there has not been a corresponding 25-man roster move as of yet.

The 28-year old - he'll be 29 next week - Greene is a utility man, primarily playing 2B, SS, and 3B, and was the Cardinals' 1st Round pick (30th overall) in the 2005 draft.

In 227 major-league games, Greene has hit .218/.295/.329, with 25 steals (and two caught stealin's). In 77 games (197 PAs), Greene has hit .218/.272/.358 with 56K:13BB.

He won't be arbitration-eligible until 2014, and won't be a free-agent (represented by Scott Boras) until 2017.

In four seasons at Triple-A (1204 PAs), Greene has hit .291/.373/.477, with 38 homers and 68 steals. Last season for Triple-A Memphis, Greene hit .323/.422/.579 with 14 homers, 75K:37BB.

PreStros Farm Report: August 8

PreStros: August 8

Oklahoma City (63-55) 

The RedHawks continued their slump and have now lost 10 of their last 11 games after losing to Sacramento (LAA) 8-7 in 10 innings.

Fernando Abad threw 3.2 innings and gave up 3 R on 5 H and 1 BB with 3 K. Brian Sanches pitched .1 innings and allowed 2 R on 3 H. Mark Hamburger went .2 innings, allowing 2 H and 1 BB with 1 K. Garrett Mock threw 1.1 innings, giving up 2 R on 3 H with 2 K. Hector Ambriz threw 2 innings and allowed 1 H and 1 BB with 2 K. Jose Valdez pitched 1.1 innings, allowing 1 unearned R on 2 H and 1 BB with 1 K.

C-Jason Castro was 1x3 with 1 BB and 1 HR. 3B-Matt Dominguez was 4x4 with 1 2B, 3 R, and 1 RBI. 2B-Angel Sanchez was 2x4 with 1 BB and 1 R.

Man of the Match: Matt Dominguez

*Notes: Angel Sanchez is hitting .452 over his last eight games. Brian Bixler is hitting just .091 since returning to OKC. The RedHawks have given up at least five runs in 20 of the last 25 games and their team ERA of 5.35 is the worst in the minors.

Corpus Christi (66-49) 

The Hooks were shutout by Arkansas (LAA) 4-0.

Paul Clemens threw 6 innings and gave up 1 R on 3 H and 3 BB with 5 K. Arcenio Leon went 1 inning, allowing 3 R (2 earned) on 1 H and 1 BB with 2 K. Alex Sogard pitched 2 scoreless innings with 2 K.

SS-Andrew Simunic was 2x4.

Man of the Match: Paul Clemens

*Notes: The Hooks had the league’s best record in June (18-8) and July (20-10).

Lancaster (59-56) 

The JetHawks gave up four runs in the eighth to lose to High Desert (SEA) 8-6.

Blair Walters threw 5 innings and gave up 4 R on 6 H with 6 K. Jorge De Leon pitched 1.1 scoreless innings with 2 H and 1 K. Pat Urckfitz went .2 innings, allowing 3 R on 3 H with 1 K. Andrew Robinson took the final inning and gave up 1 R on 1 H.

SS-Alex Todd was 2x4 with 1 BB, 1 2B, 1 HR, and 2 RBI. 1B-Erik Castro was 1x5 with 1 HR and 4 K. 3B-Jonathan Meyer was 3x4 with 1 HR and 2 R. C-Carlos Perez went 2x4 with 1 2B and 1 RBI.

Man of the Match: Alex Todd

*Notes: The JetHawks batters take up three of the top five spots on the leaderboard for most strikeouts. Telvin Nash leads the league with 151, George Springer is tied for third with 131, and Erik Castro is fifth with 127.

Lexington (65-50) 

Lexington continued their assault on the Sally League as they beat West Virginia (PIT) 6-3, their seventh win in eight games.

Luis Cruz went 6 innings, giving up 3 R on 7 H and 1 BB with 5 K. Evan Grills threw 2 scoreless innings with 1 BB. Dayan Diaz pitched 1 scoreless inning for this 18^th save.

2B-Delino DeShields was 2x3 with 1 BB, 1 SB, and 2 R. DH-Brandon Meredith was 2x4 with 1 2B and 3 RBI.

Man of the Match: Brandon Meredith

*Notes: Brandon Meredith has quietly moved up to 12^th in the South Atlantic League in OPS (.906).

Tri-City (36-14) 

The ValleyCats lost a heartbreaker after going into the bottom of the ninth with a 2-0 lead before falling 3-2 to Aberdeen (BAL).

Aaron West threw 7 scoreless innings with 6 H and 8 K. Juan Minaya threw .1 innings with 2 BB. Jamaine Cotton pitched .2 innings with 1 H. Blake Ford took the loss in .1 innings, allowing 3 R (2 earned) on 2 H and 1 BB.

1B-Jesse Wierzbicki was 2x4 with 1 2B and 1 R. DH-Jobduan Morales was 2x3.

Man of the Match: Aaron West

*Notes: The ValleyCats have seven players named to the NYPL All-Star team. Andrew Aplin and Tyler Heineman were named as starters. Austin Elkins, Jobduan Morales, Aaron West, Brian Holmes, and Blake Ford also made the team. Morales will be competing in the Home Run Derby with Aplin as an alternate.

Greeneville (26-23) 

The Astros brought out the whoopin’ sticks to beat Pulaski (SEA) 9-4.

Francis Ramirez threw 5 innings and gave up 2 R on 5 H and 2 BB with 4 K. Brad Propst pitched 1 inning, allowing 1 R on 1 H and 1 BB. Jordan Jankowski threw 1 scoreless inning with 1 K. Andrew Walter pitched 2 innings and gave up 1 R on 3 H and 1 BB with 3 K.

3B-Angel Ibanez was 2x5 with 1 2B, 2 R and 1 RBI. 2B-Brian Blasik was 4x4 with 1 BB and 3 R. SS-Jean Batista went 2x4 with 1 2B, 2 R, and 4 RBI. RF-Ariel Ovando was 2x5 with 2 RBI. DH-Terrell Joyce was 2x5 with 1 2B and 1 RBI.

Man of the Match: Jean Batista

*Notes:

GCL Astros (21-23) 

The Astros held off a late charge by the Cardinals to win 6-5.

Raul Rivera went 5 innings, allowing 1 R on 5 H and 1 BB with 2 K. Ricardo Batista threw 1 scoreless inning. Gera Sanchez pitched 1 inning, allowing 2 R on 5 H. Erick Gonzalez pitched 2 innings and gave up 2 R on 3 H and 1 BB with 3 K.

SS-Carlos Correa was 3x5 with 1 3B, 2 R, and 2 RBI. DH-Rio Ruiz was 3x5 with 1 SB (of home!), 1 R, and 2 RBI. 3B-Darwin Rivera was 2x5. C-Alfredo Gonzalez was 2x3 with 1 BB, 1 R, and 1 RBI.

Man of the Match: Carlos Correa

*Notes:

DSL Astros (17-39) 

Postponed

*Notes: 

From the Office of the County Clerk: G112 - Astros v. Nationals

Gio Gonzalez (13-6, 3.34) vs Armando Galarraga (0-1, 5.23)

If it's any consolation to Astros fans this series, they've lost three games to the winningest team in the majors, but at least they've lost all three games with the tying and/or winning runs on base. So they've been really close to winning three games against the winningest team in the majors. The other side of that coin, however, is that it's a crushing way to keep losing. Tonight's final: 4-3 Washington, and the 2012 Astros remain a game back of the 2011 Astros, at 36-76.

*New and exciting ways to lose! Tonight, Armando Galarraga allowed three runs on a balk, a hit batter, and a home run to the opposing pitcher. But his line was great if you like palindromes: 5 IP / 6 H / 3 R / 3 ER / 6 BB / 5 K. That was it for earned runs, as Xavier Cedeno and Rhiner Cruz each worked a scoreless inning on either side of Chuckie Fick's two innings of work. Fick allowed an unearned run on a Matt Downs throwing error, however, which ended up the difference in the game.

Observations:

*Justin Maxwell remained hot and drove in Houston's first run, going 2 for 3 with a walk and a strikeout.

*Jose Altuve scored that first run, finishing 2 for 4 with a double, a walk, a steal, and a strikeout.

*J.D. Martinez went 1 for 3 with a run scored.

*Carlos Corporan went 0 for 3, but drove in Martinez on a sac fly.

*Brandon Barnes got his first big league hit on a single in the 9th, going 1 for 4 with a strikeout and a run scored, after Ben Francisco singled to drive him in.

*Steve Pearce (1 for 3) and Matt Downs (1 for 5, K) also had hits for Houston.

Turning Point:

Gio Gonzalez deserves credit for pitching a great game, but it looked like the Astros might finally get the better of him in the 9th. After a lead-off ground out by Corporan, Brandon Barnes singled, then advanced to second on a ground out by Marwin Gonzalez. Ben Francisco drove in Barnes on a single to make it 4-3, then Jose Altuve singled and advanced to second on the throw, putting the tying and winning runs in scoring position. Matt Downs struck out swinging to end the game.

Man of the Match:

Jose Altuve. He only scored once, but he got on base and got himself into scoring position three times in five plate appearances.

Goat of the Game:

Matt Downs. His error in the 7th cost the Astros a run, then he struck out with the chance to be a hero in the 9th.

Would You Rather?

Let's take a look at seven pitchers early work, and you tell me which one you would bet to have the best major league future. If you figure out who any of these players are (at least one should be easy) before I reveal the answers tomorrow, please don't give away the answer. Just refer to them by letter in the comments. If you're dying to know, DM me on twitter and I'll tell you if you're right.

	Age	Innings	ERA	WHIP	K/BB	HR/9	Average Game Score
Pitcher A	24	187	5.43	1.55	1.8	1.2	50
Pitcher B	21	186	5.53	1.45	2.4	1.6	45
Pitcher C	26	180	6.76	1.87	1.2	1.5	39
Pitcher D	22	202	5.36	1.73	1.2	1.2	46
Pitcher E	25	152	5.73	1.5	2.3	1.7	47
Pitcher F	21	172	6.06	1.53	2.0	1.6	44
Pitcher G	21	187	5.59	1.66	1.4	1	43

Pitcher A is Gio Gonzalez
Pitcher B is Jordan Lyles
Pitcher C is Colby Lewis
Pitcher D is Ryan Dempster
Pitcher E is Ted Lilly
Pitcher F is Javier Vazquez
Pitcher G is Greg Maddux

Between the comments and twitter replies, five people voted for Jordan Lyles and one person voted for Ted Lilly.

This was not to say that Lyles will be better than any of them, just to provide a little perspective to those questioning his development based on his results to this point.

Seven ValleyCats named to NYPL All-Star Team

Seven members of the Tri-City ValleyCats have been named to the New York-Penn League All-Star Team. This makes sense, as the ValleyCats currently are three games up on Hudson Valley for the best record in the NYPL, and 12 games up on Vermont for the Stedler Division title. The All-Stars are...

OF Andrew Aplin: .356/.450/.550
C Tyler Heineman: .382/.465/.473
IF Austin "Catfish" Elkins: .318/.386/.465
C/1B Jobduan Morales: .285/.360/.480
SP Aaron West: 6-0, 1.05 ERA/0.74 WHIP
SP Brian Holmes: 5-1, 2.40 ERA/0.90 WHIP
RP Blake Ford: 2.14 ERA/1.10 WHIP, 12 saves

Morales will also participate in the Home Run Derby.

Jio Mier done with rehab

2009 1st Round pick Jio Mier, who has been out for three months with a hamstring injury, is done with his rehab, and presumably heading back to Lancaster, according to none other than Jio Mier.

Mier on track for his best season in full-season baseball, hitting .309/.414/.447 in 26 games for Lancaster before the injury. In five rehab games for the GCL Astros, he hit .214/.250/.286.

Jonathan Mayo praises Houston's future

Jonathan Mayo, MLB Draft & MiLB expert extraordinaire, has some very good things to say about the new state of the Astros' farm system and their business approach under new leadership.

From Bobby Heck:

"It was no secret that we were No. 30 in terms of our farm system," Heck said. "Now I think we've built it into a top-10 system."

If you need some happy after the last two games (and don't we all?), go read the whole thing and get excited.

From the Office of the County Clerk: G111 - Astros v. Nationals

Ross Detwiler (6-4, 3.02) vs Jordan Lyles (2-8, 5.95)

As the latest of their fan-friendly initiatives in 2012, the Astros have begun extending the end time of their remaining home games to going on midnight CDT. This will help fans adjust to the increased slate of Pacific Time Zone games when Houston moves to the AL West next season. As an added bonus, fans get more than 9 innings of baseball with each ticket purchase! Unfortunately for the 2012 Astros, extra innings mean more losses. At least they didn't make themselves an Internet laughingstock again, but still Houston loses 3-2 in 12, falling to 0-11 in extras and 36-75 overall.

*Jordan Lyles was rock solid last night, limiting the Nationals offense to two runs and three hits over seven innings complete. Both runs scored in the 2nd on a Danny Espinosa home run, but Lyles held Washington well in check after that, finishing with a 7 IP / 3 H / 2 R / 2 ER / 3 BB / 6 K line. The Houston bullpen was good again, with Wesley Wright, Fernando Rodriguez, Wilton Lopez, and Mickey Storey combining for four scoreless innings before Storey finally allowed the winning run to cross in the 12th.

Observations:

*Houston's only two runs likewise came on an early 2-run homer, theirs by Ben Francisco in the 1st. Francisco went 1 for 4 with a walk.

*Jose Altuve walked ahead of Francisco's homer to account for the other run, adding a single later on to go 1 for 4 with a steal.

*Steve Pearce singled twice to go 2 for 4 with a walk.

*Matt Downs (1 for 3) was the only other Astro with a hit, but Scott Moore, Chris Snyder, and Carlos Corporan each added a walk.

*Brandon Barnes started in center field and made his MLB debut, going 0 for 3.

Turning Point:

After Washington scored in the top of the 12th to take the 3-2 lead, Pearce led off the bottom of the inning with a single off Nationals closer Tyler Clippard to give Houston hope. Moore popped up and J.D. Martinez struck out to make it one on with two away, but then Corporan worked a full-count walk to put the tying run in scoring position, and the winning run on base. That brought up Brett Wallace, who drove a 2-2 pitch deep to the wall in left center, but Roger Bernadina made a running, leaping, heartbreaking catch to end the game.

Man of the Match:

Jordan Lyles. This may have been his best game of the year, but as so often has been the story for Houston starters this season, the bats couldn't do enough in support to earn him a much-deserved win.

Goat of the Game:

I don't want to give it to Mickey Storey, who only made one bad pitch - a lead-off double to Michael Morse that turned into the winning run. Storey has pitched well in his brief stint in the big leagues so far, but his one mistake last night cost Houston the game.

Schafer to DL, Juan Abreu DFA'd

It's a bad day for Ed Wade's Michael Bourn trade. To make room on the active roster for Brandon Barnes, Jordan Schafer has been put on the 15-day DL with shoulder separation, and to make room on the 40-man roster, Juan Abreu has been designated for assignment.

Abreu, of course, came to the Astros along with Schafer, Paul Clemens, and Brett Oberholtzer in exchange for Bourn last season. He pitched in 7 games for Houston last season, posting a 2.70 ERA over 6.2 IP. But he never made it back to the bigs this season, putting up an ugly 7.09 ERA in 45.2 IP (38 games) with Oklahoma City.

Barnes, meanwhile, is in Houston and will make his ML debut tonight.

PreStros Farm Report: August 6

PreStros: August 6

Oklahoma City (63-53) 

The RedHawks lost for the eighth time in nine games, getting beat 4-3 by Salt Lake (LAA) in 10 innings.

Ross Seaton threw 5.1 innings, allowing 1 R on 3 H and 2 BB with 5 K. Mark Hamburger pitched 1.1 innings and gave up 2 R on 3 H and 1 BB with 2 K. Jose Valdez threw 1.1 scoreless innings with 2 K. Hector Ambriz went 1.2 innings, allowing 1 R on 1 H and 1 BB with 2 K.

CF/2B-Jimmy Paredes was 2x5 with 1 2B, 1 R, and 1 RBI. 3B-Matt Dominguez was 2x4.

Man of the Match: Ross Seaton

*Notes: The team’s recent slump has put them 2.5 games behind Albuquerque for the division lead. On July 19 they had a two game lead.

Corpus Christi (66-48) 

Corpus couldn’t get out of the hole they dug by allowing a five run 1^st inning as the Hooks lost to Midland (OAK) 8-4.

Matt Heidenreich couldn’t get an out as he gave up 5 R on 6 H. Jake Buchanan threw 4 innings, allowing 2 R (1 earned) on 5 H and 2 BB with 1 K. Adalberto Flores pitched 2.2 innings, giving up 1 R on 2 H with 6 K. Alex Sogard threw 1.1 innings with 1 H and 1 K.

RF-Drew Locke was 3x5 with 1 2B and 1 RBI. LF-Marc Krauss was 1x3 with 2 BB, 1 SB, 1 R, and 1 RBI. 3B-Bobby Borchering was 1x3 with 2 BB.

Man of the Match: Marc Krauss

*Notes: Marc Krauss was named Texas League player of the week after hitting .423 with 10 runs, five home runs, and 15 RBI.

Lancaster (58-55) 

Off

*Notes: The JetHawks have the fewest errors in the California League.

Lexington (64-50) 

Lexington pitchers were able to work around giving up seven walks to lead the Legends to a 3-1 victory over Hagerstown (WAS).

Mike Foltynewicz threw 6 scoreless innings, allowing 2 H and 4 BB with 7 K. Murilo Gouvea pitched 2 scoreless innings and gave up 1 H and 2 BB with 2 K. Dayan Diaz took the final inning, giving up 1 R on 2 H and 1 BB with 2 K.

2B-Delino DeShields was 1x3 with 1 BB, 1 SB, 1 R, and 1 RBI. DH-Brandon Meredith was 1x3 with 1 BB and 1 R.

Man of the Match: Mike Foltynewicz

*Notes: Matt Duffy set two records for being hit by pitches. His three times getting hit Sunday were a Sally League record for most in one game, and his season total of 33 is a Sally League record for most in a season.

Tri-City (35-13) 

Tri-City won their fifth in a row, beating Mahoning Valley (CLE) 5-1.

Brady Rodgers went 6 innings, allowing 1 R on 5 H with 8 K. Jeremiah Meiners threw 3 scoreless innings with 1 H and 4 K.

SS-Joe Sclafani was 2x3 with 1 BB, 2 SB, 1 R, and 1 RBI. RF-Preson Tucker was 1x3 with 1 HR and 2 RBI.

Man of the Match: Brady Rodgers

*Notes: The ValleyCats are first in the New York-Penn League in runs scored, home runs, steals, batting average, on base percentage, and slugging percentage.

Greeneville (25-21) 

The Astros dropped both ends of the doubleheader against Johnson City (STL), losing the first 8-2 and the second 5-1.

Game 1

Adrian Houser threw 4.1 innings, giving up 8 R on 8 H and 2 BB with 3 K. Mike Hauschild pitched 1.2 scoreless innings with 2 H, 1 BB, and 1 K. Andrew Walter went 1 scoreless inning with 3 H. CF-D’Andre Toney was 1x3 with 1 2B and 1 R. 3B-Angel Ibanez was 1x3 with 1 2B and 2 RBI.

Man of the Match: Angel Ibanez

Game 2

Lance McCullers threw 4 scoreless innings with 1 H, 4 BB, and 4 K. Joe Musgrove pitched 1.2 innings, giving up 1 R on 4 H and 1 BB. 3B-Angel Ibanez was 1x2 with 1 BB, 1 2B, and 1 RBI.

Man of the Match: Lance McCullers

*Notes:

GCL Astros (20-21) 

Postponed

*Notes:

DSL Astros (17-37) 

The Astros won for the first time since July 27 as they one-hit the Athletics, beating them 4-0.

Samil De Los Santos threw 5 shutout innings, allowing just 1 H and 2 BB with 8 K. Geronimo Franzua went .1 innings with 3 BB. Jesus Castillo pitched 2.2 innings with 1 BB and 1 K. Angel Heredia pitched 2 innings with 1 BB and 2 K.

CF-Jarico Reynoso was 3x5. SS-Luis Reynoso was 2x4. 2B-Jean Carlos Cortorreal was 1x4 with 1 3B, 1 R, and 3 RBI.

Man of the Match: Samil De Los Santos

*Notes: 

The case for moving Jordan Schafer

With Brandon Barnes' "Yes. No. Oh, yes." callup today, a corresponding move will have to be made. What will it be?

A lot of guys probably deserve to not have a major-league job, I'm of the opinion that Jordan Schafer should move on to a farm in Connecticut.

I don't have to tell you that Jordan Schafer hasn't played well this season. His .606 OPS is worst among all MLB outfielders - and that's with a .308 BABIP. His .302 SLG is 25 points worse than next-worst, Cameron Maybin. Also, keep in mind that the Astros currently officially have six outfielders on the roster (even though Matt Downs has been playing mostly infield). Adding Barnes, yet another outfielder, would leave at least six, potentially seven, outfielders on the active roster. Why bring the guy up if you're just going to sit him?

At this point, Schafer has 885 career MLB plate appearances, with a .224/.308/.304 line in those plate appearances. So his dismal season - worst among MLB outfielders - is only six points lower than his career line.

A similar case can be made for J.D. Martinez, Brian Bogusevic, and Ben Francisco. Maybe they'll be the ones on the move. But after 885 plate appearances, you should start to know what you have on your hands. Schafer has - by all accounts - been healthy for the first time this year. And, as the centerpiece in the Bourn deal, he may stick around to see if he can turn it around and act as the actual face of the franchise. Not the best face, but the most representative face, of the franchise.

Brandon Barnes called up

The Hooks, oddly enough, have tweeted that Brandon Barnes has been called up from Oklahoma City.

Barnes has hit .323/.383/.477 for Oklahoma City in 263 plate appearances (62 games) in 2012. He was the 6th Round pick by the Astros in 2005, and will join Brian Bogusevic and Tommy Manzella as the only 2005 picks to make it to Houston.

What does this mean for the 25-Man roster? Hard to say, but it will likely spark a domino effect of moves up and down the system.

Update: OR HAS HE! Zachary Levine just tweeted:
A guess, just a guess: Barnes told of callup. Astros were going to send a guy out when they arrived at MMP. Premature tweet, since deleted...

...Astros have not verified the Barnes callup. Don't have info on any corresponding move, whether DL, DFA, trade or option. Should know today.

Updated Update: Oh yes, Barnes is coming up. Corresponding move to come later today.

One frame, one season

Tell me this doesn't just sum everything up.

PreStros Farm Report: August 5

PreStros: August 5

Oklahoma City (63-52) 

The RedHawks lost for the seventh time in eight games, getting beat 6-4 by Salt Lake (LAA).

Rudy Owens went 5.2 innings and gave up 4 R on 6 H and 2 BB with 1 K. Brian Sanches threw 1.1 innings, allowing 2 R on 3 H with 2 K. Garrett Mock pitched 1 inning with 1 K.

DH-Fernando Martinez was 2x4 with 2 2B, 1 R, and 2 RBI. RF-Brad Snyder was 2x4 with 1 HR and 2 RBI.

Man of the Match: Brad Snyder

*Notes: Despite a team ERA in July of 6.45, the RedHawks finished the month 16-12.

Corpus Christi (66-47) 

Corpus held off a late rally to beat Midland (OAK) 6-4.

Rob Rasmussen threw 6 innings, giving up 2 R on 7 H and 3 BB with 8 K. Josh Zeid pitched 1 scoreles inning with 1 BB and 2 K. Kevin Chapman went 1 inning, allowing 2 R on 1 H and 2 BB with 2 K. Jason Stoffel pitched 1 inning with 1 BB and 1 K, but allowed the two runners he inherited from Chapman to score.

CF-Robbie Grossman was 2x3 with 1 R. 2B-Jose Martinez was 2x5 with 1 2B, 2 R, and 1 RBI. LF-Marc Krauss was 2x4 with 1 BB and 1 R. 1B-Jonathan Singleton was 2x4 with 2 RBI. SS/3B-Andy Simunic went 2x4 with 1 R.

Man of the Match: Jose Martinez

*Notes: Jason Castro, who has been rehabbing in Corpus, is expected to join OKC to continue his rehab.

Lancaster (58-55) 

The JetHawks held a two run lead heading into the seventh, but ultimately lost 4-2 to High Desert (SEA).

Colton Cain pitched 6 innings, giving up 2 R on 6 H and 2 BB with 6 K. Jorge De Leon pitched 1 scoreless inning with 2 H. Pat Urckfitz threw .1 innings with 1 H. Carlos Quevedo pitched 1.2 innings and gave up 2 R on 2 H with 1 K.

DH-Chris Epps was 2x3 with 1 2B and 1 RBI. 3B-Jonathan Meyer was 2x4 with 1 2B and 1 RBI.

Man of the Match: Colton Cain

*Notes: The JetHawks have the fewest errors in the California League.

Lexington (63-50) 

The Legends offense unloaded on Hagerstown (WAS), beating them 16-6.

Chris Devenski threw 5 innings, giving up 4 R (3 earned) on 7 H and 3 BB with 5 K. Nathan Pettus pitched 3 innings and allowed 2 R on 5 H and 2 BB with 3 K. Mitchell Lambson took the final inning with 1 K.

2B-Delino DeShields was 2x4 with 3 SB, 1 R, and 2 RBI. LF-Brandon Meredith was 4x6 with 1 2B, 1 HR, 2 R, and 3 RBI. RF-Emilio King was 2x6 with 1 2B and 2 R. CF-Jordan Scott went 2x5 with 1 BB, 1 SB, 1 2B, and 2 R. DH/3B-Jose Fernandez was 2x6 with 2 R. C-Cristian Moronta was 3x5 with 1 BB, 2 2B, 3 R, and 3 RBI.

Man of the Match: Cristian Moronta

*Notes: Matt Duffy set two records for being hit by pitches. His three times getting hit yesterday were a Sally League record for most in one game, and his season total of 33 is a Sally League record for most in a season.

Tri-City (34-13) 

Tri-City won their fourth in a row, beating Mahoning Valley (CLE) 5-4.

Joe Bircher threw 6.2 innings and gave up 4 R on 10 H and 2 BB with 2 K. Travis Ballew pitched 1.1 innings with 1 H and 3 K. Blake Ford pitched 1 inning with 1 BB.

SS-Joe Sclafani was 2x3 with 1 BB, 1 R, and 1 RBI. DH-Tyler Heineman was 2x2 with 1 BB, 1 R, and 1 RBI. RF-Preson Tucker was 2x4 with 1 RBI.

Man of the Match: Joe Sclafani

*Notes: The ValleyCats are first in the New York-Penn League in runs scored, home runs, steals, batting average, on base percentage, and slugging percentage.

Greeneville (25-19) 

Postponed

*Notes: The G-Stros have a 2 game lead for the second playoff spot in the West Division.

GCL Astros (20-21) 

Off

*Notes: Lance McCullers has been promoted to Greeneville.

DSL Astros (16-37) 

Off

*Notes: Writing recaps for a team that loses this much isn’t fun. I guess this is how the County Clerk must feel. (Hiyo!)

Jim Callis on Ariel Ovando

I've seen and answered several questions about Ovando's performance so far this year at Greeneville, but I'm always eager to see what those with much more experience judging prospects have to say about our PreStros. Over at Baseball America, Jim Callis answers one reader's questions about Ovando.

While Ovando has made some encouraging progress in 2012, he's still far from a finished product.

I agree with Callis' view here. While Ovando's batting average may look a bit shinier, his walk and strikeout rates are essentially the same they were last year, and his power numbers haven't increased by any statistically meaningful amount, either. I have heard that his defense looks much better this season, and the numbers prove that out so far. In all, Ovando is still very raw.

From the Office of the County Clerk: G109 - Astros @ Braves

Bud Norris (5-8, 5.02) vs Kris Medlen (2-1, 2.43)

For 5 1/2 innings, the Astros were looking good. The score was tied at 1, but Houston had outhit Atlanta 6-3, and Bud Norris looked sharper than converted reliever Kris Medlen. But in an all-too-familiar story, the wheels came off for the Astros late, and the Braves came away with a 6-1 win. The Astros bid farewell to Chipper Jones and long-time NL rival Atlanta by losing the season series, 4 games to 2, and dropping to 36-73 overall.

*Bud had been sharp in his last two starts, and he looked just as sharp today until the 6th. Unfortunately then he ran into big trouble, so his final 6 IP / 7 H / 4 R / 4 ER / 3 BB / 7 K line was uglier than it looked through the first five. The bullpen also had trouble limiting the damage, as Xavier Cedeno and Rhiner Cruz each gave up a run in their respective innings.

Observations:

*Justin Maxwell's big game yesterday earned him another start today, and he capitalized again, going 2 for 4 with a double that drove in what was the tying run at the time in the 6th.

*Brett Wallace also had a pair of hits, singling twice to finish 2 for 4.

*Marwin Gonzalez singled ahead of Maxwell's double in the 6th, scoring the Astros' only run. Marwin would end up 1 for 3 with a walk.

*Jose Altuve started a new hitting streak, going 1 for 5 with a single and a steal in the 7th.

Turning Point:

With the score tied 1-1 going to the bottom of the 6th, Bud gave up three singles scattered around two outs to load the bases, but no runs had yet crossed the plate. Weak-hitting shortstop Paul Janish came to bat next (.197 coming into today), so you liked Bud's chances of escaping with the score still tied, but his second pitch was way high and wild, allowing Chipper to score from third with the go-ahead run. Adding insult to insult, Janish then singled up the middle on a 2-2 pitch to drive in two more.

Man of the Match:

Justin Maxwell, again. Two straight strong showings from J-Max starting in center.

Goat of the Game:

Bud Norris. Tough to give it to him after five great innings, but the Janish at bat should have been an out, and it resulted in a three-run deficit instead.

From the Office of the County Clerk: G108 - Astros @ Braves

Lucas Harrell (8-7, 4.03) vs Paul Maholm (9-6, 3.74)

Victory! It took the Astros seven games to record their first win in July; they joined the August win column in only three. Justin Maxwell and Lucas Harrell both came up big in Atlanta tonight, propelling Houston to a 3-2 win. The win is Houston's 11th on the road, and they improve to 36-72 overall.

*Lucas Harrell did what we're starting to expect Lucas Harrell to do, keeping his opponent under control all night. His control started slipping in the 6th, as he walked the bases loaded and allowed two runs on a Dan Uggla single, but he still finished with a solid 6 IP / 4 H / 2 R / 2 ER / 5 BB / 5 K line. Giving credit where credit is due, the bullpen was great for the second night in a row, as Fernando Rodriguez, Wesley Wright, and Wilton Lopez combined for three scoreless, hitless, walkless innings. Only a HBP by Lopez in the 9th kept the bullpen from being perfect, but he still recorded his first save since 2010.

Observations:

*Justin Maxwell single-handedly spoiled Paul Maholm's Braves debut, going 4 for 4 with 2 HR (both off Maholm), driving in all three of Houston's runs. The home runs were Maxwell's 11th and 12th of the season, and this was his second career two-HR game (9/12/09 vs. Florida).

*Ben Francisco struck out three times in four at bats, but he singled and scored in front of Maxwell's first homer in the 4th.

*Jose Altuve's hitting streak was broken, and his batting average dropped to .299, but he also walked three times in four plate appearances.

*Matt Downs had a multi-hit day himself, singling twice to go 2 for 4.

*J.D. Martinez had a double and went 1 for 4.

Turning Point:

Harrell left the game after six strong innings with the scored tied 2-2, but J-Max didn't leave it tied for long. He launched the second pitch of the 7th inning deep into Turner Field's left field seats, giving Harrell - and Houston - the win.

Man of the Match:

Justin Maxwell! HUGE game tonight from Houston's center fielder.

Goat of the Game:

Do we have to? Brett Wallace, I suppose, going 0 for 4 with two strikeouts from the cleanup spot, and leaving three runners on base.

From the Office of the County Clerk: G107 - Astros @ Braves

Armando Galarraga (0-0, 3.60) vs Tim Hudson (10-4, 3.68)

It was nice while it lasted - 48 hours without an Astros loss. Unfortunately they didn't play any games during that time, either. There's no shame in losing a game like this against Tim Hudson, but it's still another loss, and Houston's latest losing streak is now at four games. 4-1 final tonight, and the Astros drop to 35-72 in 2012.

*Armando Galarraga gave up five hits in his 5.1 IP, but four of those were doubles. Paired with 7 walks and a hit by pitch, he's lucky that the damage wasn't any worse. Galarraga's line: 5.1 IP / 5 H / 4 R / 4 ER / 7 BB / 4 K. Kudos to the bullpen tonight, as Wesley Wright, Mickey Storey (in his ML debut), and Rhiner Cruz combined for 2.2 innings scoreless, allowing only a walk by Wright and a double against Cruz.

Observations:

*Only four singles tonight for Houston against Hudson, along with a pair of walks and one hit batter (Brett Wallace).

*Jose Altuve led off the game with a single, going 1 for 4 and keeping his average at .300. El Escorpion is now on a 7-game hitting streak, and has hit safely in 12 of his last 13.

*Ben Francisco was 1 for 3 with a walk, and he scored the Astros' only run.

*J.D. Martinez was 1 for 4 and drove in Francisco on a fielder's choice in the 6th.

*Jordan Schafer (1 for 4) had the other hit, and Wallace (0 for 2) had the other walk to go with his HBP.

Turning Point:

Galarraga pulled off a high-wire act in the 1st, walking the bases loaded but escaping without allowing a run. He couldn't keep it up forever, though, as a Michael Bourn fly out was followed by a Martin Prado double and a walk to Jason Heyward in the 3rd. That brought up career Astros killer Chipper Jones, who doubled to drive in both runners, giving Atlanta all the runs they would need. Marwin Gonzalez missed a popup by Dan Uggla later in the inning that was ruled a double and drove in Jones to make it 3-0 Atlanta.

Man of the Match:

Mickey Storey. He retired both Braves he faced - Dan Uggla on a ground out, Paul Janish on a popup - in his first ever big league game.

Goat of the Game:

Armando Galarraga. It could indeed have been much worse, but it was still bad enough for the loss.

Cordero to DL, Storey up

Moar tranzactionz! Francisco Cordero has been placed on the 15-day DL with a chronic case of suck right foot sesamoiditis ("toe inflammation," says Zach Levine). To take his spot in the bullpen, the Astros have purchased the contract of RHP Mickey Storey from Oklahoma City.

Storey, 26, will be making his major league debut after five seasons in the minors. Acquired by trade from Oakland last season, he's put up a 7-4 record with a 3.05 ERA, 10.0 K/9, and 1.9 BB/9 in 65 innings primarily of relief work (2 starts in 38 games).

If my count is correct, this move puts Houston's 40-man roster back at a full 40.

Chris Devenski is PTBNL in Myers deal

The Brett Myers trade is now complete, and RHP Chris Devenski is the PTBNL. He was Chicago's 25th round selection last year out of Cal State Fullerton and didn't sign until August, hence his PTBNL status in this deal, as it hadn't yet been a year since his signing until now.

Devenski, 21, is a 6'3", 195 lb. starter/reliever who has spent the season with the Class A Kannapolis Intimidators. He's 6-5 with a 4.23 ERA, 7.9 K/9 in 61.2 IP over 19 games (8 starts) this year, but looking at his MiLB.com stats page, it appears he was moved from the bullpen to the rotation on June 25. He has a 3.92 ERA as a starter since then, including a 7 IP / 3 H / 1 R performance in his most recent start on July 31.

He will report to Class A Lexington.

Astros acquire Garrett Mock from Red Sox

Zachary Levine of the Chronicle just posted that Houston has traded for RHP Garrett Mock from the Boston Red Sox organization in return for "future considerations." He'll join Oklahoma City.

Mock, 29, is a Houston native and a UH alum. He hasn't pitched in the majors since 2010 with Washington; he went 4-13 with a 5.17 ERA over 135.2 IP (55 games, 19 starts) from 2008-2010 with the Nats. He's generally been more effective as a reliever, however, with a 5.68 ERA and .310 BAA in those 19 starts, but a 3.92 ERA and .226 BAA in 36 appearances out of the bullpen. This season with AAA Pawtucket, he's pitched to a 3.33 ERA with 5 saves and 53 K in 48.2 IP (35 games).

Both Mock and yesterday's signing, Brian Sanches, will hopefully provide some relief to OKC and their 5.32 team ERA, as well as being potential big league options should any of Houston's current relievers get hurt or shipped out.

Courtesy of Our Fearless Leader: "The future considerations to Boston include a written thank-you card for Jed Lowrie, and a Queso Flameado from Taqueria Del Sol"

Dallas Keuchel and Adjustments

It's not been pretty for Dallas Keuchel lately. In his seven starts for the Astros this season, he's sporting a 5.77 ERA/1.67 WHIP, with 14K:25BB and 8HR in 39IP. It started out well enough, though. In his first three starts (20IP), he allowed 14H/3ER, albeit with 8K:9BB, for a 1.35 ERA/1.10 WHIP - including a complete game against the Indians on June 23rd, his 2nd Major League start.

In the four starts since then, though...dadgum. His BABIP rose from .194 in the first three starts to a far more normal/brutal .313. In his last four starts, he's thrown 19IP, allowing 26H/22ER, 6K:16BB, 6HR, and a 1.119 OPS-against, for a 10.42 ERA/2.21 WHIP.

Should we be worried? Well, yeah. There's no way to spin the last four starts to say anything otherwise. If you allow as many homers as you get strikeouts (six), there's some cause for alarm. But let's take a look at Keuchel's history in advancing levels to see if there's something at the end of the rainbow besides a knife-wielding leprechaun, who is also a card-carrying member of the IRA.

2009: Tri-City

Hard to gauge anything here, because Keuchel made 10 starts (11 appearances), throwing 56.2IP, and posting a 2.70 ERA/1.08 WHIP overall. In those ten starts, he threw 52IP, allowing 43H/13ER. The one relief appearance was a disaster, in which he gave up 9H/4ER in 4.2IP. He was fresh off a College World Series appearance, so he ostensibly was better than most of his competition.

2010: Lancaster / Corpus

Aha. Here's our first good example of Keuchel's level adjustments. Keuchel started the 2010 season at High-A Lancaster. In 19 appearances (18 starts), Keuchel threw 120.2IP, allowing 129H/45ER, with 97K:25BB, for a 3.36 ERA/1.28 WHIP. Not bad, huh? Well, the beginning was rough. In his first three games for the JetHawks, Keuchel allowed 28H/15ER, with 13K:2BB, in 13.1IP. That's a 10.15 ERA/2.25 WHIP. There were some hiccups the rest of the way, to be sure, but after those three appearances? 107.1IP, 101H/33ER, 84K:23BB, or a 2.77 ERA/1.16 WHIP.

So he got promoted to Corpus. And got roughed up. In nine starts for the Hooks towards the end of the 2010 season, Keuchel posted an overall 4.70 ERA/1.30 WHIP. But in his first five starts at Double-A (26.1IP), Keuchel allowed 33H/17ER, with 20K:4BB, which translates into a 5.82 ERA/1.41 WHIP. In his last five starts of the 2010 Corpus season, he turned it around for 26H/11ER, 16K:7BB in 27.1IP (3.63 ERA/1.21 WHIP).

2011: Corpus / Oklahoma City

Another year, another promotion. Keuchel started the season at Corpus, and picked up where he left off with those last four starts. In 20 starts for the Hooks in 2011, Keuchel posted a 3.17 ERA/1.12 WHIP, which earned him an August promotion to Oklahoma City, which did not go well, at least initially.

In his first two starts for the RedHawks (who were miserable in 2011), he threw 5.1IP, allowing 18H/18ER, 1K:4BB. That's "good enough" for a 30.57 ERA and a 4.13 WHIP in those two starts. Bad, right? Well, in his final four starts for OKC in 2011, Keuchel threw 30.2IP, allowing 27H/11ER, with 10K:7BB - a 3.23 ERA/1.11 WHIP.

This brings us to 2012. Clearly throughout his career, Keuchel has had a rough start to a new level, and made adjustments. Save your jokes about the 2012 Astros, but they're obviously not in the minors anymore. Look, yeah, Keuchel's career minor-league walk rate was 1.9 BB/9 innings. In the majors, it's 5.8 BB/9. He's not going to strike a bunch of people out (5.9 K/9 in the minors), and major-league hitters aren't going to swing at his pancakes. But, for now, anyway, I do think Keuchel will be able to make the adjustments he needs to make to be a serviceable starting pitcher. And to be perfectly honest, would you rather let a 24-year old Dallas Keuchel see if he can figure it out, or let Nelson Figueroa pitch? Give the guy time, he's proven that he at least deserves a chance to right the ship.

Keuchel started his Major-League career out strong, and hitters made adjustments. The question is whether Keuchel will be able to adjust to the adjustments.

Good or bad representative?

If you're going to smile for the camera after getting bloodied up and allegedly throwing drugs out of a pick-up near 225 and Richey, is this how you'd want to look?

(Photo by KTRK)

Hey, if you're going to jail for (probably) a long time, you might as well go with blood all over your Beat the Cardinals shirt.

Astros sign Brian Sanches

Christopher Dabe of the Beaumont Enterprise reports tonight that the Astros have signed Beaumont native and Lamar alum Brian Sanches. Sanches, 33, is a righty reliever who was just released from AAA Lehigh Valley in the Phillies organization. He will report to Oklahoma City.

Sanches was 0-1 with a 9.95 ERA in 6.1 IP for the Phillies this season, and 3-2 with a 2.50 ERA in 39.2 IP for Lehigh Valley. He posted a 2.92 ERA In 181.2 IP (147 G) over three seasons with the Marlins before that.

PreStros Farm Report: August 1

PreStros: August 1

Oklahoma City (62-49) 

The RedHawks lost their fourth straight as they fell to Tacoma (SEA) 7-4.

Jake Buchanan threw 4 innings and gave up 5 R on 7 H and 4 BB with 1 K. Fernando Abad threw 2 scoreless innings with 1 H and 4 K. Hector Ambriz went 1 scoreless inning with 2 K. Jose Valdez pitched 1 inning, allowing 2 R on 4 H with 1 K.

DH-Travis Buck was 2x4 with 1 2B and 2 R. RF-Brad Snyder was 3x4 with 2 RBI.

Man of the Match: Brad Snyder

*Notes: Despite a team ERA in July of 6.45, the RedHawks finished the month 16-12.

Corpus Christi (64-45) 

The Hooks won their third straight one-run game, beating San Antonio (SD) 10-9.

Paul Clemens threw 5 innings and gave up 6 R on 7 H and 2 BB with 10 K. Adalberto Flores pitched 1.2 innings, allowing 2 R on 4 H with 2 K. Alex Sogard went 1.1 innings with 1 H. Jason Stoffel pitched 1 inning and gave up 1 R on 2 H and 1 BB with 1 K.

LF-Marc Krauss was 1x3 with 2 BB, 1 HR, 3 R, and 3 RBI. 1B-Jonathan Singleton was 2x4 with 1 BB and 2 R. 3B-Bobby Borchering was 1x4 with 1 HR and 3 RBI. SS-Ben Orloff went 3x4 with 1 2B and 1 R.

Man of the Match: Marc Krauss

*Notes: Jay Fernandez was sent to Corpus from OKC. Ryan McCurdy went from Corpus to Lexington. Corpus was 20-10 in July.

Lancaster (57-52) 

The JetHawks bombed Stockton (OAK), winning 15-2

David Martinez threw 6 innings, allowing 2 R (1 earned) on 7 H and 2 BB with 3 K. Pat Urckfitz pitched 3 scoreless innings with 3 H, 1 BB, and 1 K.

SS-Alex Todd was 2x6 with 1 2B, 1 R, and 1 RBI. 1B-Erik Castro was 2x4 with 1 BB, 1 SB, 1 2B, 1 HR, 3 R, and 5 RBI. RF-Domingo Santana went 2x3 with 2 BB, 1 2B, 2 R, and 1 RBI. C-Carlos Perez was 4x6 with 1 2B, 3 R, and 3 RBI. 2B-Enrique Hernandez went 2x5 with 3 RBI.

Man of the Match: Erik Castro

*Notes: The JetHawks are one game behind Lake Elsinore (SD) for the South Division Wild Card spot.

Lexington (60-49) 

Legends pitchers out dueled their counterparts to beat Asheville (COL) 3-2.

Luis Cruz lasted 6 innings and gave up 2 R on 6 H and 1 BB with 8 K. Murilo Gouvea threw 2 scoreless innings with 1 H and 1 K. Dayan Diaz pitched 1 inning with 2 K.

3B-Matt Duffy was 2x3 with 1 BB and 1 R. LF-Brandon Meredith was 2x4 with 1 R.

Man of the Match: Luis Cruz

*Notes: Matt Duffy has been hit by pitch 29 times this season. The entire West Virginia team has been hit 30 times.

Tri-City (30-13) 

Despite out hitting their opponent, the ValleyCats lost 1-0 to Batavia (STL).

Vincent Velasquez turned in 6 strong, scoreless innings, allowing just 2 H and 3 BB with 8 K. Jamaine Cotton threw 2 scoreless innings with 1 H and 2 K. Blake Ford pitched 1 inning and gave up 1 R on 2 H with 1 K.

C-Tyler Heineman was 2x4. RF-Preston Tucker was 2x4.

Man of the Match: Vincent Velasquez

*Notes: With only about a month left in the season, the ValleyCats have a 10 game lead in their division. They have the best pitching and second best offense in the league.

Greeneville (23-18) 

The G-Stros scored four in the seventh the beat Kingsport (NYM) 7-4.

Frederick Tiburcio threw 4 innings, allowing 3 R on 3 H and 3 BB with 1 K. Mike Hauschild went 2 innings and gave up 1 R on 1 H with 2 K. Euris Quezada threw 2 scoreless innings with 2 K. Jordan Jankowski pitched 1 inning with 2 K.

3B-Angel Ibanez was 3x5 with 2 R. 1B-Jean Batista was 2x4 with 1 SB, 1 2B, and 2 R.

Man of the Match: Angel Ibanez

*Notes: The G-Stros have a 1.5 game lead for the second playoff spot in the West Division.

GCL Astros (19-20) 

The Astros lost to the Cardinals 5-1 in a rain shortened game.

Raul Rivera threw 4 innings and gave up 2 R on 4 H and 1 BB with 4 K. Edison Frias pitched 2 innings, allowing 3 R (2 earned) on 4 H and 1 BB with 2 K.

CF-Brett Phillips was 2x3 with 1 3B and 1 R.

Man of the Match: Brett Phillips

*Notes: Through 17 innings, Raul Rivera is sporting a strong 8.0 K/BB ratio.

DSL Astros (16-35) 

The Astros lost their fourth straight, getting beat by the Rays 8-4.

Harold Arauz threw 3 scoreless innings with 1 H and 2 K. Erick Hurtado pitched 2 innings and gave up 3 R on 4 H. Jesus Castillo went 3 innings, allowing 2 R on 2 H and 2 BB with 3 K. Angel Heredia threw 1 inning, giving up 3 R on 3 H.

LF-Hector Roa was 2x4 with 1 HR and 2 RBI.

Man of the Match: Hector Roa

*Notes: Writing recaps for a team that loses this much isn’t fun. I guess this is how the County Clerk must feel. (Hiyo!)

From the Office of the County Clerk: G106 - Astros @ Brewers

Jordan Lyles (2-7, 5.54) vs Mike Fiers (4-4, 1.77)

So... Brett Wallace had himself a pretty nice day. Jose Altuve is still hitting .300, and Xavier Cedeno pitched a perfect 8th. Pretty much everything else was completely disastrous for the Astros, and Milwaukee completes the sweep with a 13-4 score. At 35-71, Houston is tied with themselves at this point one year ago.

*Jordan Lyles was a victim of some bad defense early on, but he quickly became a victim of himself after that. His line today: 5 IP / 9 H / 9 R / 7 ER / 2 BB / 3 K. Fernando Rodriguez gave up a Ryan Braun solo shot in the 6th. Francisco Cordero is really and truly awful (but we knew that already), as he gave up another three runs in one inning of work, raising his 18.00 ERA with Houston to a shiny 19.80. Only Xavier Cedeno had a decent turn atop the mound today.

Observations:

*Brett Wallace did indeed have himself a pretty nice day, launching two home runs good for three RBI, finishing 3 for 4. It was his first career 2 HR game.

*Jose Altuve went 1 for 5 with a 3rd-inning single that drove in Houston's other run.

*Marwin Gonzalez did also go 2 for 3, and Ben Francisco went 1 for 4 with a double.

*No Astro drew a walk in today's game.

*The defense was just as awful as the pitching, committing four errors. That included two by 3B Scott Moore in the first inning alone, one by Brian Bogusevic in the 2nd, and one by Jose Altuve in the 4th.

Turning Point:

The score was a reasonable 3-2 Milwaukee midway through the 5th, in spite of all the early errors, but that's when things completely fell apart for Jordan Lyles and the Astros. Two singles were followed by what appeared to be a blown safe call on a steal at third base by Nyjer Morgan, then another single by Braun made it 5-2. A wild pitch, a double, and a pair of homers would up the score to 9-2 before the inning was over.

Man of the Match:

Brett Wallace. Proving why he belongs in Houston, rather than OKC.

Goat of the Game:

Jordan Lyles. Sorry, son, but you're gonna lose if you give up 9 runs.

Jason Castro to begin rehab assignment Friday

Brad Mills says that Jason Castro - who hasn't played since July 7 - will begin a rehab assignment with Corpus on Friday.

Kevin Goldstein's traded-prospect rankings

Kevin Goldstein ranked all (Insider-Only) 43 minor-league players traded in July. What does it mean for Houston?

The Pirates haul was the best trade (which makes sense, since it was for Wandy), with Robbie Grossman coming in as the highest-ranked new Astros prospect, at #5 and Rudy Owens at #9.

Click the link for more info...

Wilton Lopez has some elbow tightness

Brian McTaggart tweeted (yesterday afternoon) that Wilton Lopez experienced some tightness and was "unavailable tonight."

To over-examine a tweet, "tonight" means that they're being precautionary with it, which is good. But it's obviously a troubling sign for the Closer-Who-Has-Not-Yet-Closed (a new category in ESPN Fantasy Leagues).

UPDATE: Zachary Levine updates this story, saying that he's available to pitch today, and that he just had a hard time getting loose before last night's game.

Also in the 2nd link, we find that there's no timetable for Jed Lowrie's return, and J.D. Martinez has been out with an elbow issue after he slipped in the dugout. If that's not the most Astros thing you've heard today, I can't help you.

Jobduan Morales seeing time at 1B

Catcher Jobduan Morales - acquired from Miami in the Justin Ruggiano trade - has been spending some time at 1B for Tri-City.

The Troy Record's Ed Weaver:
He could be in a higher league but the Astros wanted him to work on his throwing and play a little first base.

He started at first base for the first time this season two weeks ago and made two leaping catches of line drives.

“That felt good,” he said.

From the Office of the County Clerk: G105 - Astros @ Brewers

Dallas Keuchel (1-3, 4.63) vs Yovani Gallardo (8-8, 4.07)

That did not go well. That did not go well at all. Dallas Keuchel was wild, which is bad news for a control pitcher, and Yovani Gallardo was as dominant as Houston has come to expect (11-2, 2.72 career vs. Astros). It added up to a 10-1 loss, dropping the Astros to 35-70 overall. Houston finishes the worst month in franchise history with a 3-24 record.

*Kid Keuchy ran into trouble from the outset today, and it never got much better. He made it into the 5th, but didn't record an out then before leaving, so he finished with this line: 4 IP / 7 H / 7 R / 7 ER / 6 BB / 1 K. Chuckie Fick inherited two runners from Keuchel, and immediately let both score on a three-run HR to Corey Hart, but he allowed no further runs in three innings of work after that. Rhiner Cruz allowed the final two Brewer runs in his one inning of work.

Observations:

*Uuuuuuuuuugly. Gallardo has a history of dominating Houston, but the Astros didn't make it hard on him tonight either.

*Chris Snyder had Houston's first hit, and their only extra-base hit, with a solo home run leading off the 3rd. Jordan Schafer followed with a walk, which was the Astros' last base runner until the 6th.

*Jose Altuve had two of Houston's five hits, singling twice to go 2 for 4. That brought his average back over .300, to .302, for the first time since the All-Star Break.

*Brett Wallace (1 for 4) and Brian Bogusevic (1 for 1) had a single each for Houston's other two hits.

*Steve Pearce was the Astros' only other base runner, when he was hit by a Jim Henderson pitch in the 8th.

Turning Point:

Milwaukee took the lead in the 1st and never gave it back, but Snyder's homer at least cut the lead to 2-1 in the middle of the 3rd. But then the first three Brewers went double (Carlos Gomez), walk (Ryan Braun), 3-run HR (Aramis Ramirez) off Keuchel to begin the bottom of the 3rd.

Man of the Match:

Jose Altuve. He's 18 for 43 (.419) with 7 multi-hit games in his last 11.

Goat of the Game:

Dallas Keuchel. Unlike the rough beginning to his last start, after which he settled in, he never found that groove tonight.

Norris surfacing in rumors

The Baltimore Sun's Dan Connelly tweeted (and I don't have the link for it) that he's heard Bud Norris' name surface as a possible target for Baltimore's rotation.

Revisiting the Pence trade

Dash Treyhorn takes a look back 365 days ago, when the Phillies traded for Hunter Pence. Definitely worth a read.

(Link hopefully fixed)

From the Office of the County Clerk: G104 - Astros @ Brewers

Bud Norris (5-8, 5.05) vs Marco Estrada (0-4, 4.52)

Don't call it a comeback... but it almost was. Bud Norris was brilliant early on, the bullpen was predictably awful, but this time, Houston kept fighting back. The comeback fell short by the slimmest of margins, as J.D. Martinez was called out at first by a fraction of a second to end the game, on a play that would have scored the tying run. But replays showed the call was correct, and Houston loses 8-7, falling to 35-69 in 2012.

*Bud Norris was nigh unhittable for the first six innings, allowing only a pair of infield singles up to that point. A walk-homer-double combo chased him from the game in the 7th, then Francisco Cordero came on and allowed the inherited runner to score, so Bud finished with this line: 6 IP / 4 H / 3 R / 3 ER / 3 BB / 3 K. Cordero allowed two runs of his own in an inning of work, and Xavier Cedeno allowed three more on a three-run homer to Cody Ransom that ended up as the winning blow... barely.

Observations:

*Give the kids credit - they didn't play today like a team that has only won three games all month. When they got knocked down, they got right back up again.

*Steve Pearce led the way, going 2 for 3 with a double, 3 RBI, and 2 sac flies. He also had a spectacular running catch in right field on Corey Hart in the 6th.

*Jose Altuve was a multi-hit man again, going 2 for 3 with a walk, a RBI, a stolen base, and 3 runs scored.

*Scott Moore also had a multi-hit performance, going 2 for 4 with a mammoth solo blast to right field in the 7th. It was his 5th HR of the season, in 89 AB.

*Brian Bogusevic (single) and Justin Maxwell (double) both had RBI pinch-hits in the 9th.

*Brett Wallace went 0 for 4 with a HBP in his return to the big leagues.

Turning Point:

After Cody Ransom's three-run blast made it 8-4 in the 8th, it looked like the Astros were done, but they had one last push left in them. The 9th went like this: Corporan pop out, Schafer walk, Schafer to 2nd on fielder's indifference, RBI single Bogusevic. Pitching change, Altuve walk, RBI double Maxwell. Pitching change, RBI sac fly Pearce, Wallace HBP. J.D. Martinez came up then with the tying run on 3rd and the go-ahead run on 1st; he grounded to short and only just got thrown out at first to end the game.

Man of the Match:

Steve Pearce. Great game all-around by Houston's newest right fielder tonight.

Goat of the Game:

Co-goat award goes to Francisco Cordero and Xavier Cedeno. A combined 2 IP / 6 H / 5 R / 5 ER / 1 BB / 1 K line cost the Astros a win in a game they controlled most of the way.

Brett Wallace freed!

The Brett Wallace Liberation Front can finally lay their hashtags to rest. Following today's game and the Chris Johnson trade, Brett Wallace has been recalled from Oklahoma City. To make room on the active roster (and to give OKC a replacement shortstop), Brian Bixler has been sent down. Wallace will play first and third base in Houston, as well as backup short.

Also, both players acquired in the Johnson deal - Bobby Borchering and Marc Krauss - have been sent to AA Corpus Christi. Borchering will be moved back to 3B.

From the Office of the County Clerk: G103 - Astros v. Pirates

James McDonald (10-4, 3.15) vs Lucas Harrell (7-7, 4.07)

AT LONG LAST. If you could get past the bullpen's brutality, you may have felt this coming this week. Even as the losing streak stretched out to 12 games, Houston kept getting close - the streak started with blowouts, but not so the last 5 days. Sooner or later, they had to put it all together. Today, they finally did. Astros win, 9-5, ending their freefall and improving to 35-68 overall.

*Lucas Harrell may be Houston's ace now, and he certainly pitched like it today. The only runs he gave up came on a Garrett Jones moon launch to the upper reaches of right field in the 4th, but he kept Pittsburgh overmatched besides that. Lucas' line: 5.2 IP / 5 H / 2 R / 2 ER / 3 BB / 5 K. He came out after loading the bases with two outs in the 6th, but Fernando Rodriguez came in and did his job today, safely recording the third out. That began a parade of six relievers who mostly pitched well, save for the run that F-Rod gave up in the 7th and the two runs that Chuckie Fick surrendered without logging an out in the 9th. Wright, Cordero, Cedeno, and Lopez all had scoreless fractions of innings.

Observations:

*Big game today by the Astros offense, even after trading away one of their hottest hitters in Chris Johnson. 9 runs were their most in a game since scoring 9 against KC back on June 18.

*Houston scored at least once in every inning from the 3rd through the 7th. That marked the first game in which they scored in four or more consecutive innings since the second half of the May 28 doubleheader in Colorado.

*Marwin Gonzalez led the offense with 3 H, and 3 RBI on a bases-loaded, two-out double in the 7th. He was 3 for 5 including another double and a run scored.

*Scott Moore, taking over 3B for CJ at least today, also had a pair of RBI singles. He went 2 for 4 with a walk.

*Jordan Schafer capitalized on his first start since Tuesday, launching a 2-run homer in the 4th off of James McDonald. It was Schafer's fourth of the season, and his first since June 23 against Cleveland. He added another RBI on a fielder's choice in the 5th, finishing 1 for 3 with a walk.

*J.D. Martinez opened the Astros' scoring with a sac fly driving in Jose Altuve in the 3rd. J.D. went 1 for 3 with a run scored and a walk.

*Speaking of Altuve, he doubled and walked twice to go 1 for 3 with two runs scored.

*Steve Pearce made his Astros debut as their starting first baseman, doubling in the 5th to go 1 for 4 with a run scored.

Turning Point:

Houston was up 5-2 in the 6th, but it looked like Harrell then began to tire. After recording the first two outs, Lucas loaded the bases on a single and a pair of walks. Brad Mills then brought in Fernando Rodriguez to face world-beater Andrew McCutchen in a pinch-hitting role. McCutchen has been on fire and may be the best player in the National League this season, so he's the last man you want to see up there with the bases loaded. But Rodriguez got him to pop to second on a 2-1 count, preserving the Astros' lead.

Man of the Match:

Plenty of heroes today, but we'll give it to Lucas Harrell, who finally got some run support and earned his 8th win.

Goat of the Game:

Good feelings all around, but if there must be a goat, I'll pick Chuckie Fick (whose name we must be careful about typing). It never got uncomfortably close, but Fick was handed a 9-3 lead to start the 9th, and gave up three singles and a wild pitch without recording an out to make it 9-5. Given the context of the last five games, it just made the 9th inning a little more interesting than we all would have liked.

Chris Johnson traded to Diamondbacks

The overhaul continues - Houston has announced today that they've traded third baseman Chris Johnson to the Arizona Diamondbacks for AA outfielders Bobby Borchering and Marc Krauss.

Borchering, 21, is a 6'3", 200 lb. switch-hitting corner outfielder converted from a 1B/3B earlier in his pro career. He's struggled to a .130/.183/.208 line in 77 AB since getting promoted to AA Mobile, but he put up a .277/.340/.534 line with 18 HR and 60 RBI in 307 AB at High A Visalia before that. He was Arizona's 1st round pick (16th overall) in the 2009 draft out of Bishop Verot HS in Fort Myers, FL.

Krauss, 24, is a 6'2", 235 lb. left-handed corner outfielder who has also seen a bit of time at 1B. Krauss has a .283/.416/.509 line with with 15 HR and 61 RBI in 346 AB for AA Mobile this year. He was a 2nd-round pick (64th overall) in Arizona's 2009 draft out of Ohio University in Athens, OH.

Yesterday's waiver claim Steve Pearce will take CJ's spot on the 25-man roster today.

The Agony of Waiting

If you were like me, December was the worst month. Not only was there no baseball, but it was cold. Sure, there was no school, and Christmas was coming, but that made it worse. The calendar ground to a halt, and everywhere you turned you were reminded that there were only X shopping days until Christmas. It was torture.

This is what I've been thinking about for the last month while I've waited for the Astros to win more than two games.

We can spit statistics st you about how bad this team is. Truth is, you already know. This is an incredibly frustrating time for the Astros (hopefully) and their fans. Every loss chips away at our goodwill towards mankind, our patience, and our ability to hide how much the losing affects us to our family and friends. Chances are you are more on edge, snappier, angrier, more liable to take your dog for an aggressive walk, or change a diaper like a roided-out ball of rage.

The 1899 Cleveland Spiders went 20-134, generally considered to be the worst team in baseball history. They played the last half of the season on the road, afraid to play in front of their own fans. Baltimore's Hall of Fame manager John McGraw fined and suspended a hungover pitcher who lost to the Spiders.

We may be at the point where teams play the Astros harder, so they don't become the team that lost to Houston. This is the dark part. It can't get much worse. The 2012 team may be worse than, or at least as bad as, the 2011 team. But it doesn't mean that it won't get better. These days have been a long time in coming, and to echo what numerous people have said, it's going to take some time to get out of it. Help is, presumably, on the way. It might not be next season, it might not be 2014. But it will get better. The Cleveland Spiders ceased to exist after that 1899 season. At least we know the Astros will play next year.

Commenter Jeff somewhat condescendingly told us to remove our heads from our rectums and trust in Luhnow's plan. He's right, of course. To think that the Astros won't get better is not feasible, if only from an emotional standpoint. It doesn't mean that this season is not borderline ridiculous. The Astros are finding new and exciting ways to lose games every day. But you have to admit, it's easier to be freezing cold if you know Christmas is coming.