News From Spring Training: First & LIst

The big buzz coming out of big boy camp at Kissimmee yesterday was that J. R. Towles was taking some ground balls at first base.

Photo: Karen Warren/Chronicle

He will also be taking some reps at 3rd and in the outfield. This is an effort to increase his versatility and vie for a roster spot with the big club.

"I feel I'm athletic enough to play other positions than just catch," Towles said. "They're going to work with me for a while first and show me what to do, and what not to do. I like playing other positions."

G-Stros on Intersquad Game Rosters
The first game of the spring involves an inter-squad game between the 63 players in camp with the Astros. They have two coaches draft the players, and the big stars don't get picked. It is a chance for those in camp to show what they have. Here is the list of former G-stros picked for today's game.

On third base coach Dave Clark's roster: J. D. Martinez (09), Koby Clemens (05), Jordan Lyles (08), Pat Urkfitz (08), & Arcenio Leon (07, 08).

On first base coach Bobby Meachem's roster: J. R. Towles (04), Jio Mier (09), Fernando Abad (07), Jorge DeLeon (08), & Doug Arguello (04).

Minor League Mini Camp Roster:
Those involved in the Astros Minor League Mini Camp have reported.

Pitchers: (10 out of 20 invited)
Ruben Alaniz (10)
Jose Cisnero (09)
Brad Dydalewicz (08)
Mike Foltynewicz (10)
Kyle Greenewalt (07, 08)
Zachary Grimmett (08)
B. J. Hyatt (09)
Carlos Quevedo (09)
Rodney Quintero (10)
Ross Seaton (08)

Catchers: (2 out of 4)
Roberto Pena (10)
Chris Wallace (10)

Infielders: (3 out of 9)
Delino DeShields Jr. (10)
Jon Meyer (09)
Marcus Nidiffer (10)

Outfielders: (2 out of 6)
Jay Austin (08)
Telvin Nash (10)

That makes 17 out of 39 players in mini camp are former Greeneville Astros. Notice that most of the players played in the last three seasons in Greeneville. When you combine the big league spring training roster & the minor's mini camp roster, here is the number of players present from the last seven years of the Greeneville Astros.

2004 - 2
2005 - 1
2006 - 0
2007 - 3 (2 were also on the 08 roster)
2008 - 8
2009 - 6
2010 - 8

There are a few players on the list who are potential G-Stros this year. Ariel Ovando (OF) was signed for over 2 million dollars last summer and has yet to appear in a professional game for the Astros. He is 17 years old. Jose Fernandez is a 17 year old SS who played every day for the GCL Astros last year. Jose Perdome (P), will be 19 when the season starts. He dominated the GCL with a 1.67 ERA and 69 Ks in 59 1/3 IP. I hope we see at least one of these three in Greeneville this year.