tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31364323007479264542024-03-05T23:36:37.469-05:00Appy AstrosAppy Astros Fanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16307410182226757006noreply@blogger.comBlogger354125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136432300747926454.post-80947788528113078992013-09-06T12:10:00.000-04:002013-09-06T12:11:35.719-04:00All Good Things Must Come To An EndThe G-Stros season ended last night. This team was fun to watch and they brought playoff baseball back to Greeneville. It was an enjoyable season. I wish these players the best of luck as their journey continues. <br />
<br />
But I am not just posting about the season ending, I am also announcing it is time for this blog to end. Just over three years ago<a href="http://appyastros.blogspot.com/2010/08/so-what-is-this-about.html"> I started this blog with a mission to follow the current and former G-Stros</a>. I started it because I was following those guys anyway and thought others might have some interest in what I had to say. It has been a fun and interesting three years. <br />
<br />
There are multiple factors that make now the right time for me to end this and I won't bore you with the details. It is the right decision for me and I am at peace with my decision. I am looking forward to returning to being just a fan.<br />
<br />
Over the last three plus years, I made great friends in the Astros blogging community. People like Jayne at <a href="http://whattheheckbobby.blogspot.com/">WhatTheHeckBobby</a>, Brooks, and Tim at the <a href="http://www.crawfishboxes.com/">CrawfishBoxes</a>, Mike at <a href="http://farmstros.blogspot.com/">Farmstros</a>, Bryan & James at <a href="http://www.astroscounty.com/">AstrosCounty,</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AGirlintheSouth">Terri</a> who post in several places and the whole gang in the bus ride forum<span id="goog_1254642244"></span><span id="goog_1254642245"></span> at <a href="http://www.spikesnstars.com/forums/index.php?board=23.0">OWA</a>. There are many more and I plan on keeping those relationships going and might just pop up on one of their sites for a guest post someday. Several have left that option open for me, and I appreciate it. They quality minor league coverage provided by these folks makes it very easy for me to step back and enjoy being just a fan.<br />
<br />
I want to say thanks for taking the time to visit me little section of
the internet. Your visits, feedback, re-tweets of my material and
comments have been the fuel that has kept me going. I still look
forward to discussing baseball with folks on twitter and
via email but I will no longer be doing any writing about it. <br />
<br />
Go G-Stros.<br />
<br />
<br />Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10596723787113163184noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136432300747926454.post-54970457575072169022013-09-02T08:39:00.001-04:002013-09-02T08:39:34.925-04:00Appy Astros Alumni of the Month: August 2013Well another summer is drawing to a close. Playoff baseball has returned to Greeneville and many of the Astros affiliates are preparing for their playoffs to start. Let's look at the former G-Stros in affiliated ball and see who stood out in August.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Tri City ValleyCats:</b></u><br />
<br />
<b>Pitcher of the Month</b><br />
<b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=sanudo000gon&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Gonzalo Sanudo</a></b> appeared in seven games in August and got six saves. He struck out 17 batters in 11 1/3 innings pitched. He allowed just three hits and one walk. <br />
<br />
<b>Honorable Mention </b>goes to <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=feliz-001mic&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Michael Feliz</a></b> is having a break out season in Tri-City. In August,
he pitched in five games (four starts) and had an ERA of 1.75. He
struck out 26 batters in 25 2/3 innings pitched.<br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=brunne000tyl&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Tyler Brunnemann</a></b> also gets a nod. He appeared in seven games after his call up from Greeneville. In those appearances, he struck out 10 batters in 8 1/3 innings and allowed just one earned run.<br />
<br />
<b>Hitter of the Month</b><br />
<b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/player_search.cgi?results=white-001tyl,white-002tyl&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Tyler White</a></b> hit .265 in August and had more walks (9) than strike outs (7). <b> </b> <br />
<br />
<u><b>Quad Cities River Bandits</b></u><br />
<br />
<b>Pitcher of the Month</b><br />
Three relievers will share the award for this month. <br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=walter001and&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Andrew Walter</a></b> appeared in five games (10 1/3 IP) and had a perfect 0.00 ERA. He fanned 10 batters. <br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=lambso000mit&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Mitchell Lambson</a></b> appeared in eight games (18 1/3 IP) and only allowed one run for a 0.49 ERA with 25 strike outs. He allowed just nine hits and four walks for the month. <br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=cotton001jam&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jamaine Cotton</a></b> appeared in eight games (21 IP) and had an impressive 0.86 ERA with two saves. He only struck out 12 but he only allowed 13 hits.<br />
<br />
<b>Hitter of the Month</b><br />
<b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=correa000car&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Carlos Correa</a></b> hit .336 for August with a .430 on base percentage and 13 extra base hits. <br />
<br />
<b>Honorable Mention</b> goes to <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=ruiz--001rio&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Rio Ruiz</a></b> who hit .298 for the month and had 17 extra base hits. <br />
<br />
<b><u>Lancaster JetHawks</u> </b> <br />
<br />
<b>Pitcher of the Month</b><br />
<b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=dimock000mic&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Michael Dimock</a></b> appeared in eight games (14 2/3 IP) and only allowed two earned runs (1.23 ERA). He struck out 14 batters while only allowing three walks.<br />
<b> </b><br />
<b>Hitter of the Month</b><br />
<b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/player_search.cgi?results=deshide01,deshie002del&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Delino DeShields</a></b> hit .365 in 23 games this month with an impressive on base percentage of .455. He also stole 11 bases in 13 attempts.<br />
<u><br /></u>
<u><b>Corpus Christi Hooks</b></u><br />
<br />
<b>Pitcher of the Month</b><br />
<b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=queved001car&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Carlos Quevedo</a></b> had a great month out of the CC bullpen. He didn't allow a run in 8 appearances (16 IP). He allowed just five walks and five hits while striking out 18 batters. <br />
<br />
<b>Honorable Mention</b> goes to <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=foltyn001mic&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Michael Foltynewicz</a></b> who maintained a respectable 3.63 ERA in August. It appears he is beginning to tire some as his strike out numbers reduce (just 13 in 22 1/3 IP) but he is still pitching well. <br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/player_search.cgi?results=cruzlu01,cruz--006lui,cruz--009lui&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Luis Cruz</a></b> has shown he belongs in AA. In his four appearances since
arriving in CC, he has a 0.53 ERA in 17 innings pitched. He has struck
out 21 batters during that time. <br />
<br />
<b>Hitter of the Month</b><br />
<b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=alvare003lui&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Luis Alvarez</a></b> gets the nod this month not because of his average in Corpus Christ (.235 for August in six games) but because in a span of about a month and a half, he moved up from SS-A ball to A to Hi-A to AA. That is a rare four level season and deserves notice. <br />
<b> </b><br />
<u><b>Oklahoma City RedHawks </b></u><br />
<br />
<b>Pitcher of the Month</b><br />
<b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=urckfi001pat&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Pat Urckfitz</a></b> appeared in nine games for the RedHawks bullpen in August. He allowed a 2.08 ERA in 8 2/3 innings pitched.<br />
<b> </b><br />
<b>Hitter of the Month</b><br />
<b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=garcia003ren&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Rene Garcia</a></b> continues to represent himself well with the bat. He hit .258 in 17 games after his promotion from CC. He also had thrown out four out of nine base runners so far. <br />
<b> </b><br />
<u><b>Non Astros Affiliates</b></u><br />
<br />
<b>Pitcher of the Month</b><br />
<b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=leon--001arc&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Arcenio Leon</a></b> pitched in 11 games for Huntsville (AA-Brewers)<b> </b>in August. He allowed just two runs in 13 2/3 innings out of the bullpen for a 1.32 ERA. <br />
<br />
<b>Hitter of the Month</b><br />
<b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=parraz001jor&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jordan Parraz</a></b> hit .319 for New Britan (AA- Twins).<br />
<br />
<b><u>MLB</u></b><br />
It wasn't a stellar month for former G-Stros in the big league. So we are going to leave these honors vacant for the month. <br />
<b> </b>
Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10596723787113163184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136432300747926454.post-41322669763424685582013-09-02T07:06:00.000-04:002013-09-02T07:06:31.048-04:00Eyewitness Report: Greeneville 1 - Kingsport 3 - Playoffs Begin WIth A LossLast night I took in the first game of the Appy League western division playoffs at Pioneer Park. It was nice to have playoff baseball back in Greeneville for the first time in nine years. Here are some of my observations from the game.<br />
<br />
<b>On The Mound:</b><br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=gustav001jan&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jandel Gustave</a></b> got the start for Greeneville. He got off to a rough start as he wasn't quite hitting the right spots for the home plate ump in the first. Later in the game he appeared to be getting those calls but he didn't get them in the first inning. After giving up two runs on three hits and a walk in the first inning, he settled down and pitched the next four innings allowing just one run on three hits, a walk and a hit batter. Gustave struck out seven on the night. <br />
<b> </b><br />
<b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=musgro000joe&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Joe Musgrove</a></b> relieved Gustave and pitched the final four innings in a dominate fashion. He didn't allow a single base runner while striking out four K-Mets. <br />
<br />
<b>At The Plate:</b><br />
<br />
For the month of August, <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=philli000bre&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Brett Phillips</a></b> was two for 15 at the plate. He was rusty after missing almost half the month with a hand injury. Last night, he appeared to shake off the rust and went three for four at the plate. After a bloop hit fell for him in the third, he had line drive hits in the fifth and the seventh. <br />
<b> </b><br />
<b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/player_search.cgi?results=santan006jua,santan004jua&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Juan Santana</a></b> and <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=holber000bri&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Brian Holberton</a></b> had the only extra base hit for the G-Stros. Each had a double. <br />
<br />
The G-Stros were 0-9 with runners in scoring position on the night and that sealed their doom. The most frustrating inning was the fifth. <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=mathis000tan&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Tanner Mathis</a></b> and Phillips led off the inning with back to back singles. The next batter tried to move them over on a bunt but Mathis was erased at third. The next batter hit a fly ball to right which allowed Phillips to advance to third. The next batter struck out. Greeneville has done well at manufacturing runs with small ball this season but they couldn't get it done last night. <br />
<br />
<b>In The Field</b>:<br />
<br />
Two plays deserve mention here. First, <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=gonzal004alf&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Alfredo Gonzalez</a></b> made a diving catch of a bunt in foul territory in the first inning. Secondly, <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=lindau000tho&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Thomas Lindauer</a></b> made a very nice play ranging deep in the hole behind second to throw out a K-Met in the same batter in the seventh. <br />
<br />
<b>Summary:</b><br />
The G-Stros bats just couldn't get the big hit tonight. The pitching and the defense held up their end of the bargain. Greeneville is in a 0-1 hole in the best of three series heading to Kingsport. They face elimination tonight and will be sending Chris Lee to the mound. <b></b>
Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10596723787113163184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136432300747926454.post-48654379262925525822013-08-30T09:39:00.000-04:002013-08-30T09:39:53.047-04:00Eyewitness Report 8/29/13: Greeneville 2 Danville 3 My son and I took in the G-Stros game last night. Greeneville lose in 10 innings but we had to leave after 7 1/2 because alas it is a school night. Despite the loss, the G-Stros clinched a playoff spot by virtue of Elizabethton losing their game. Here are my observations from the game:<br />
<br />
<b>On The Mound</b><br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=ordosg001lui&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Luis Ordosgoitti</a></b><b> </b>took the ball to start the game. He went five innings giving up four hits, two runs (only one was earned), one walk and one hit batter. He struck out three. Ordosgoitti threw pretty well. There were times his curve was very sharp and other times it didn't break. The one hit batter was on a curve that didn't break. Yet overall, his control was pretty good. He only went to three balls on one batter. It was the one batter he walked. <br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=fergus002kev&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Kevin Ferguson</a></b> relieved Ordosgoitti in the sixth and pitched three innings. He was effective allowing just one hit. He only used 35 pitches in his three innings of work.<br />
<br />
<b>At The Plate</b><br />
<br />
Here are my observations from the seven innings I saw. <b> </b><br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=gomez-002edw&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Edwin Gomez</a></b> is living right. He hit two balls right at people that resulted in errors. Both were with two outs and allowed a run to score. The first was a line drive to right center that bounced off the right fielders glove and the was a hard hit ground ball that ate up the second baseman.<br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=lindau000tho&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Thomas Lindauer</a></b> had the at bat of the night in my opinion. Leading off the fifth inning, he got in to an 0-2 hole. He then batted to extend the at bat to 11 pitches before reaching on an E6. He went to second on a wild pitch and scored on the E9. Lindauer also lead off the seventh with a single and scored the other Greeneville run.<br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=mcdona006cha&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Chase McDonald</a></b> had a single and a double in the game. <br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=gonzal003wal&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Wallace Gonzalez</a></b> was really struggling. In his first three at bats, he struck out swinging each time on a combined 10 pitches. The catcher was setting up outside on every pitch and Gonzalez couldn't reach them.<br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=philli000bre&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Brett Phillips</a></b> is still shaking some rust off from his injury time. He also struck out in each of his first two at bats.<br />
<br />
<b>In The Field</b><br />
<br />
Phillips shows no rust in center. He gets great jumps on balls hit to center and shows good range as well. <br />
<b> </b><br />
<b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/player_search.cgi?results=santan004jua,santan006jua&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Juan Santana</a></b> was a vacuum at second base. He had eight assist and one caught pop in the first eight innings. One ground out was a rare 4-1 put out. The pop out was a catch made near the right field line behind first.<br />
<br />
Chase McDonald made two nice saves of throws that were off line from third.
Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10596723787113163184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136432300747926454.post-74360416787609049672013-08-27T20:15:00.000-04:002013-08-27T20:15:21.923-04:00Eyewitness Report: 8/26/13 Greeneville 3 - Bluefield 2Sorry for the delayed nature of this report. This is the first time I have had to really sit down and focus on what I saw last night. With school back in session, we didn't stay for the last two innings and thus missed the walk off grounder. Let's look at my observations for the first seven innings. <br />
<br />
<b>In The Stands:</b><br />
<br />
It was good to see Astros GM Jeff Luhnow in the stands for the game. <br />
<br />
<b>On The Mound: </b><br />
<br />
Frederick Tiburcio pitched 5 2/3 innings of good ball. In the first five innings, he had just allowed three base runners and had thrown just 66 pitches (unofficial count). In the fifth, he got the first out on a 1-3 come backer. He then walked his first and only batter of the night. That runner stole second and then advanced to third on a pick of throw that ended in center field. He struck out the next batter before allowing a single that plated the first run. The base runner advanced around the bases on stole bases. The final batter Tiburcio faced hit a gound ball to short that Chase McDonald smothered with a dive but he couldn't recover to get to the base him self and Tiburcio didn't get over in time to cover and the runner was safe and the tying run scored. <br />
<br />
Tiburcio finished with 84 pitches unofficially. He struck out six batters. Two of those were strike outs at balls in the dirt that required the catcher to throw down to first. His control was pretty good. Other than the one walk, he didn't go to three balls and any other batter. <br />
<br />
Austin Chrismon finished the sixth on one pitch and then pitched the last three innings. <br />
<br />
<b>At The Plate:</b><br />
<br />
First of all, it was nice to see Brett Phillips back in the line up. He reached base three times with a double and a pair of walks. He also had a sac bunt. <br />
<br />
Tanner Mathis had two singles in the lead off role. He too had a sac bunt. <br />
<br />
Thomas Lindauer had two singles and also walked. He scored two runs. <br />
<br />
No Astro was credited with an RBI. The first run scored on a 4-6-3 double play with the bases loaded. The second run scored when the ball squirted away from the Bluefield shortstop for an error. The final run scored when it looked like Brian Holberton had grounded into his third double play but the short stop threw the ball away allowing the winning run to score. Good things happen when you put the ball in play. <br />
<br />
<b>In The Field:</b><br />
<br />
There were several nice plays made in the field last night. Tiburcio made a behind the back snag of a sharp grounder (ala Jordan Lyles) in the second inning. <b> </b> <br /><br />Marc Wik made a nice running catch in right field to end the fourth. <br />
<br />
Brett Phillips patrolled center and was effective in his return to action. <br />
<br />
The Astros struggled with the team speed of Bluefield. Bluefield had four stolen bases in five attempts. They also advanced a base on a blown pick off move. <br />
<br />
<b>Odd Game Delay</b><br />
<br />
The start of the game was delayed because the batters boxes were not lined up correctly. They had to scrape the lines up and start over. <b> </b><br />
<br />
<b> </b><br />
<br />
<br />Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10596723787113163184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136432300747926454.post-33543911856010399432013-08-24T08:33:00.001-04:002013-08-24T08:33:49.732-04:00Josh Bonifay Named Appy League Manager of the YearGreeneville's first year manager, <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=bonifa001jos&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Josh Bonifay</a></b>, was named the Appy League Manager of the Year yesterday. Bonifay has lead Greeneville to a 35-26 record despite having no Appy League All-Stars on his roster. The G-Stros are currently a half game back of Kingsport in the race for the Appy West title and are two and a half games ahead of Elizabethton for the wild card spot.<br />
<br />
Bonifay has been required to mix and match pieces as his roster has been impacted by frequent moves and injuries. The following players have been promoted during the 2013 season: <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=borche001bob&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Bobby Borchering</a></b> (.259) to Quad Cities, Jack Mayfield (.255), <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=osborn000jd-&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">J.D. Osborne</a></b> (0.00 ERA), <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=brunne000tyl&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Tyler Brunnemann</a></b> (4.66 ERA), <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/player_search.cgi?results=white-001tyl,white-002tyl&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Tyler White</a></b> (.344), <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=scribn000tro&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Troy Scribner</a></b> (0.00 ERA), <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=sanudo000gon&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Gonzalo Sanudo</a></b> (1.29 ERA), <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=frias-000edi&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Edison Frias</a></b> (3.09 ERA), and <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=holley001kri&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Krishawn Holley</a></b> (2.41 ERA) to Tri-City.<br />
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Add to those defections, the loss of <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=philli000bre&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Brett Phillips</a></b> to an injured hand. Phillips has just played in one game since July 29th. He is an important part of the top of the line up and an key defensive piece in center field. <br />
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Another indication of the juggling that Bonifay has done is that thus far, is the lack of constancy he has had in his line up. Only five players have appeared in 2/3 of the G-Stros 61 games. They are: <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/player_search.cgi?results=santan004jua,santan006jua&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Juan Santana</a></b> (54 gms - .234), <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=mathis000tan&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Tanner Mathis</a></b> (54 gms - .262), <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=ovando000ari&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Ariel Ovando</a></b> (47 gms - .222), <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=wik---000mar&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Marc Wik</a></b> (44 gms- .269), and <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=mcdona006cha&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Chase McDonald</a></b> (40 gms - .260).<br />
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Under Bonifay, the G-Stros have set records for most walks taken as a team (282 and counting) and a player (Tanner Mathis - 43). The old records for the team were 256 in 2004. For an individual, the season record was 37 by Brandon Caipen in 2006 and the career record was 42 by Devon Torrance in 07-08. They have also set a team record with 36 sacrifice hits. The old record was 25 in 2004. Juan Santana has 10 of those sac hits. <br />
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They have also set the team record for number of saves in a season with 22. The old record was 19 set in 2004 and 2009. They still have a shot at setting new records for fewest hits allowed, fewest runs allowed and fewest earned runs allowed. <br />
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They have also had team record winning streaks of seven games and 10 games. <br />
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Congrats to Josh Bonifay on this recognition. He is the second G-Stro manager to receive this award (Tim Bogar 2004). Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10596723787113163184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136432300747926454.post-60097490070291318242013-08-21T22:08:00.000-04:002013-08-21T22:08:07.137-04:00David Martinez makes #16David Martinez got the call up to the show yesterday. He made his MLB debut tonight becoming the 16th former Greeneville Astro to put on a MLB uniform. <br />
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Here is the list of former Greeneville Astros who have made it to the big leagues <br />
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#1 RHP <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/gutieju01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">J.C. Gutierrez</a></b><br />
Greeneville Astros: 2004<br />
MLB Debut: 8/19/2007 with Houston Astros<br />
Currently with Angels <br />
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#2 LHP <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/pattotr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Troy Patton</a></b><br />
Greeneville Astros: 2004<br />
MLB Debut: 8/25/2007 with Houston Astros<br />
Currently with Baltimore Orioles <br />
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#3 RHP <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/paulife01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Felipe Paulino</a></b><br />
Greeneville Astros: 2004<br />
MLB Debut: 9/5/2007 with Houston Astros<br />
Currently on KC Royals DL <br />
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#4 C <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/t/towlejr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">J.R. Towles</a></b><br />
Greeneville Astros: 2004<br />
MLB Debut: 9/5/2007 with Houston Astros<br />
Currently in AAA in Dodgers system. <br />
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#5 RHP <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/barthji01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jimmy Barthmaier</a></b><br />
Greeneville Astros: 2004<br />
MLB Debut: 6/27/2008 with Pittsburgh Pirates<br />
Out of Baseball <br />
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#6 RHP <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/gervasa01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Sammy Gervacio</a></b><br />
Greeneville Astros: 2005<br />
MLB Debut: 8/14/2009 with Houston Astros<br />
Out of Baseball<br />
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#7 LHP <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/garatvi01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Victor Garate</a></b><br />
Greeneville Astros: 2005<br />
MLB Debut: 9/5/2009 with Washington Nationals<br />
Currently in Mexican League (AAA - Unaffiliated)<br />
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#8 LHP <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/abadfe01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Fernando Abad</a></b><br />
Greeneville Astros: 2007<br />
MLB Debut: 7/28/2010 with Houston Astros<br />
Currently with Washington Nationals<br />
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#9 RHP <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/v/villahe02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Henry Villar</a></b><br />
Greeneville Astros: 2008<br />
MLB Debut: 9/10/2010 with Houston Astros<br />
Out of Baseball<br />
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#10 RHP <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/lylesjo01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jordan Lyles</a></b><br />
Greeneville Astros: 2008<br />
MLB Debut: 5/31/11 with Houston Astros<br />
Currently with Houston Astros<br />
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#11 2B <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/altuvjo01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jose Altuve</a></b><br />
Greeneville Astros: 2008-09<br />
MLB Debut: 7/20/11 with Houston Astros -Current<br />
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#12 LF <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/martijd02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">J.D. Martinez</a></b><br />
Greeneville Astros: 2009<br />
MLB Debut: 7/30/11 with Houston Astros - Currently on the 15 day DL<br />
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#13 OF <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/barnebr02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Brandon Barnes</a></b><br />
Greeneville Astros: 2005-06<br />
MLB Debut: 8/7/12 with Houston Astros- Current<br />
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#14 RHP <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=cisner002jos&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jose Cisnero</a></b><br />
Greeneville Astros 2009<br />
MLB Debut: 4/22/13<br />
Currently in AAA- Oklahoma City<br />
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#15 RHP <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/deleojo02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jorge De Leon</a></b><br />
Greeneville Astros 2008 (as a SS)<br />
MLB Debut 8/9/13<br />
Currently in AAA - Oklahoma City<br />
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#16 RHP <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/player_search.cgi?results=martin018dav,martin013dav&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">David Martinez</a></b><br />
Greeneville Astro 2009<br />
MLB Debut 8/21/13
Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10596723787113163184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136432300747926454.post-51912886242149258772013-08-17T07:59:00.000-04:002013-08-17T07:59:13.005-04:00Jorge De Leon Becomes 15th Former G-Stro in the Big LeaguesEarlier this month, <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/deleojo02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jorge De Leon</a></b>, who played shortstop in Greeneville, got the call up to the big leagues as a pitcher. He became the 15th former G-Stro to make it to the show.<br />
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Here is the list of former Greeneville Astros who have made it to the big leagues <br />
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#1 RHP <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/gutieju01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">J.C. Gutierrez</a></b><br />
Greeneville Astros: 2004<br />
MLB Debut: 8/19/2007 with Houston Astros<br />
Currently with Angels <br />
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#2 LHP <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/pattotr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Troy Patton</a></b><br />
Greeneville Astros: 2004<br />
MLB Debut: 8/25/2007 with Houston Astros<br />
Currently with Baltimore Orioles <br />
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#3 RHP <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/paulife01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Felipe Paulino</a></b><br />
Greeneville Astros: 2004<br />
MLB Debut: 9/5/2007 with Houston Astros<br />
Currently on KC Royals DL <br />
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#4 C <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/t/towlejr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">J.R. Towles</a></b><br />
Greeneville Astros: 2004<br />
MLB Debut: 9/5/2007 with Houston Astros<br />
Currently in AAA in Dodgers system. <br />
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#5 RHP <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/barthji01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jimmy Barthmaier</a></b><br />
Greeneville Astros: 2004<br />
MLB Debut: 6/27/2008 with Pittsburgh Pirates<br />
Out of Baseball <br />
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#6 RHP Sammy Gervacio<br />
Greeneville Astros: 2005<br />
MLB Debut: 8/14/2009 with Houston Astros<br />
Out of Baseball<br />
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#7 LHP <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/garatvi01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Victor Garate</a></b><br />
Greeneville Astros: 2005<br />
MLB Debut: 9/5/2009 with Washington Nationals<br />
Currently in Mexican League (AAA - Unaffiliated)<br />
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#8 LHP <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/abadfe01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Fernando Abad</a></b><br />
Greeneville Astros: 2007<br />
MLB Debut: 7/28/2010 with Houston Astros<br />
Currently with Washington Nationals<br />
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#9 RHP <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/v/villahe02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Henry Villar</a></b><br />
Greeneville Astros: 2008<br />
MLB Debut: 9/10/2010 with Houston Astros<br />
Out of Baseball<br />
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#10 RHP <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/lylesjo01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jordan Lyles</a></b><br />
Greeneville Astros: 2008<br />
MLB Debut: 5/31/11 with Houston Astros<br />
Currently with Houston Astros<br />
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#11 2B Jose Altuve<br />
Greeneville Astros: 2008-09<br />
MLB Debut: 7/20/11 with Houston Astros -Current<br />
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#12 LF <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/martijd02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">J.D. Martinez</a></b><br />
Greeneville Astros: 2009<br />
MLB Debut: 7/30/11 with Houston Astros - Current<br />
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#13 OF <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/barnebr02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Brandon Barnes</a></b><br />
Greeneville Astros: 2005-06<br />
MLB Debut: 8/7/12 with Houston Astros- Current<br />
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#14 RHP <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=cisner002jos&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jose Cisnero</a></b><br />
Greeneville Astros 2009<br />
MLB Debut: 4/22/13<br />
Currently in AAA- Oklahoma City<br />
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#15 RHP Jorge De Leon<br />
Greeneville Astros 2008 (as a SS)<br />
MLB Debut 8/9/13<br />
Currently in AAA - Oklahoma City
Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10596723787113163184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136432300747926454.post-53569575306736070672013-08-04T22:42:00.000-04:002013-08-04T22:42:33.938-04:00Eyewitness Report: 8/4/13 G-Stros 17, K-Mets 1It only counts as one win in the standings but it was a solid statement. Greeneville stretched its two game lead to three with an all around dominate performance. Here are the highlights:<br />
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The night got off to a good night when Little Appy and I got our <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/altuvjo01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jose Altuve</a></b> give away t-shirts when we walked in the gate.<br />
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<b>On The Mound</b><br />
When a team scores 17 runs in a game, it can be tempting to overlook the pitching but that would be a mistake. <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=mills-000jor&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jordan Mills</a></b> started the game for the G-Stros and pitched five solid innings facing just one batter over the minimum. His line read: 5 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 7 K.<br />
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Unofficially, I had him at 58 pitches with 43 of them for strikes! Of the seven strikeouts, five were swinging and two were looking. The two hits were both doubles. One was a ball that bounded over third baseman <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/player_search.cgi?results=white-001tyl,white-002tyl&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Tyler White</a></b> down the left field line. The other was another ball down the left field line. <b> </b><br />
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<b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=chrism001wil&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Austin Chrismon</a></b> relieved Mills and pitched the next three innings. The first pitch he delivered was deposited over the wall for a solo HR. After that, he settled down allowing just one more hit. He struck out three and walked one. He threw several very nice curves on the night.<br />
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<b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=brunne000tyl&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Tyler Brunnemann</a></b> finished off the game with a rather eventful ninth. After striking out the first batter, he walked the next batter on four pitches. He the gave up a double down the right field line that luckily went under the gate for a ground rule double. Otherwise it is a run scoring triple. He walked the next batter on a full count pitch to load the bases before getting a visit from the pitching coach. The very next pitch went for a 4-6-3 double play to wrap up the game.<br />
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<b>At The Plate</b><br />
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15 hits. 6 BB. 1 HBP and 1 reached on a drop third strike. That is 23 base runners on the night and 17 scored. <b> </b>The team was 7-10 with runners in scoring position. Every Astro who played scored a run. Even Angle Ibanez who struck out in his only at bat. He reached when the third strike got by the catcher and he reached first safely. It was just one of those nights. <br />
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<b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=wik---000mar&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Marc Wik</a></b> went 4 for 5 with three singles and a bases clearing stand up triple to the gap in right center. Wik scored three runs on the night to lead the team. <br />
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<a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=white-002tyl">Tyler White</a> was 2 for 4 with a two run homer before leaving the game in the seventh.<br />
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<b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=mcdona006cha&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Chase McDonald</a></b> went 3 for 4 - all singles - plus a walk. The one time he got out required a nice play by the shortstop. McDonald hit the ball toward left field. The SS dove to his right and threw from his knees to nab McDonald or he perfect night.<br />
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<b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/player_search.cgi?results=santan006jua,santan004jua&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Juan Santana</a></b> only had one hit but it was a big hit. A three run HR to left field. He also had a sac fly to plate the final run of the game.<br />
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<b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=ovando000ari&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Ariel Ovando</a></b> went 2 for 4 on the night and led the team with five RBI. He had three run HR to RF that got out in a hurry. He latter had a hustle double on a ball hit in shallow center. He rounded first and realized that both the shortstop and the second baseman had gone out to try to catch the ball and 2nd was unattended. He cruised in for a stand up double on a ball that was just out of the reach of the second baseman. He later walked in the game with the bases loaded for his final RBI of the night.<br />
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<b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=holber000bri&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Brian Holberton</a></b> was 2 for 4 with both of his hits coming in the seven run third inning. He lead off the inning with a single to left and then added a double down the right field line later in the inning. He added a walk in the ninth. <br />
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The game was out of hand in the ninth but the K-Mets couldn't get the Astros out so they resorted to bringing in their closer who got a double play ball with the bases loaded to put an end to the massacre.<br />
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<b>In The Field</b><br />
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Tyler White made several nice plays at third. He made a leaping grab of a line drive and a nice play ranging to his left in the third. He added another good play to his left in the fourth. He also applied a tag to catch a runner attempting stealing third in the first. <b> </b>The runner was out by two feet thanks to a great throw by Brian Holberton.<br />
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The other play I have circled in my score book as a 3-6-1 double play to end the seventh. First baseman McDonald fielded the ball moving to his right. He made the throw to the SS <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=lindau000tho&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Thomas Lindauer</a></b> who threw back to pitcher <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=chrism001wil&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Austin Chrismon</a></b> covering first. Just like you work on in in PFPs.<br />
<br />
The one error of the night was charged to Lindauer on a ball that was hit up the middle. He got to the ball in time but couldn't field it cleanly to make the throw. It would have been a very nice play had he pulled it off. He made a similar play later in the game.
Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10596723787113163184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136432300747926454.post-49725176946139440012013-08-02T17:21:00.001-04:002013-08-02T17:21:14.308-04:00Appy Astros Alumni Of The Month - July 2013The short season is in full swing and both Greeneville and Tri Cities lead their divisions. The rest of the farm isn't doing to shabbily either with both Corpus Christi and Lancaster leading their divisions in the second half of the season.<br />
<br />
Here is your monthly look at how former Greeneville Astros are doing in the Major Leagues, the Astros' farm system and in other minor league affiliates.<br />
<br />
<b>Tri-City ValleyCats (short season A ball)</b><br />
<br />
<b>Hitter</b> <br />
<b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=moon--002cha&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Chan Moon</a></b> was bumped back down to short season ball after spending most of last season in Low A and even getting a taste of High A. The fact that he is in Tri Cities shows you the depth at SS in the organization. In July, he hit .299/.365/.358 with seven stolen bases. <b> </b><br />
<br />
<b>Pitcher</b><br />
<b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=feliz-001mic&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Michael Feliz</a></b> has been dominate in the NY/Penn League. In 20 1/3 innings in July, he fanned 23 batters and offered free passes to just three. His season ERA is 1.49 with 42 strikeouts in 36 1/3 innings pitched. <b> </b><br />
<br />
<b>Quad Cities River Bandits</b> (Low A)<br />
<br />
<b>Hitter</b><br />
<b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=correa000car&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Carlos Correa</a></b> hit .295/.378/.474 for the month of July. He added two HR and eight doubles. His season average of .314 shows he is ready for the next challenge.<br />
<b> </b><br />
Honorable mention to <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=ruiz--001rio&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Rio Ruiz</a></b>. He hit .279 for July with 10 extra base hits (six doubles, one triple and three HR). He has rebounded from a rough start to raise his season average to .251.<br />
<b></b><br />
<b>Pitcher</b><br />
<b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=velasq001vin&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Vincent Velasquez</a></b> made four starts in July and finished with an impressive 2.35 ERA. He fanned 21 batters in 23 innings pitched while maintaining a WHIP of 0.783. <br />
<b> </b><br />
Sharing the honor this month is <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=jankow001jor&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jordan Jankowski</a></b> who made two starts and four relief appearances for a combined 19 1/3 innings pitched. During July, his ERA was 1.86 and he allowed just 13 hits and one walk for a 0.656 WHIP.<br />
<br />
<b>Lancaster JetHawks</b><br />
<br />
<b>Hitter</b><br />
<b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/player_search.cgi?results=deshie002del&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Delino DeShields</a></b> was hot for July hitting .349/..407/.500 with 19 stolen bases. He took 10 walks and only struck out 16 times in 106 at bats. <br />
<b> </b><br />
<b>Pitcher</b><br />
<b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=hausch000mik&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Mike Hauschild</a></b> has only spent a part of the month in Lancaster be he has been solid in his first three outings. In 14 innings pitched (two starts and one relief appearance) he struck out 12 batters and only issued two walks. His Lancaster ERA was 3.86.<br />
<b> </b><br />
<b>Corpus Christi Hooks</b><br />
<br />
<b>Hitter</b><br />
<b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=garcia003ren&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Rene Garcia</a></b> gets the nod before he heads off to AAA. For July, he hit .327/.358/.423. During his time in Corpus Christi he has thrown out 51% of would be base stealers. <br />
<b> </b><br />
<b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=meyer-001jon&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jonathan Meyer</a></b> gets honorable mention for his solid month. He hit .315/.411/.446. After hitting .165 in April, his season average is up to .274.<br />
<br />
<b>Pitcher</b><br />
Who else but <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/player_search.cgi?results=martin018dav,martin013dav&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">David Martinez</a></b>. <b> </b>In 5 starts for July (36 1/3 IP) he had a 1.98 ERA with two complete games.<br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=alaniz001rub&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Ruben Alaniz</a></b> gets honorable mention for his solid month. In four starts, he posted a 2.59 ERA in 24 1/3 innings.<br />
<br />
<b>Oklahoma City RedHawks</b><br />
<br />
<b>Hitter</b><br />
<b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=sosa--000rub&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Ruben Sosa</a></b> earns this spot despite being the only position player on the roster who played in Greeneville. He appeared in 19 games in July and hit an impressive .368<b> </b>with three triples.<br />
<br />
<b>Pitcher</b><br />
<b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=deleon003jor&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jorge De Leon</a></b> gets the nod by virtue of three strong relief appearances after his call up from Corpus Christi. He has not allowed a run in the four innings he has thrown so far.<br />
<br />
<b>Outside The Astros Org.</b><br />
<br />
<b>Hitter</b><br />
<b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=cartwr001alb&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Albert Cartwright</a></b> had a very solid month for Reading (Phillies AA). He hit .306/.328<b> </b>/.417 bringing his season average up to .268.<br />
<br />
<b>Pitcher</b><br />
<b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/garatvi01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Victor Garate</a></b> made five starts for Saltillo of the Mexican League (AAA). His ERA for July was 1.74. He fanned 33 batters in his 31 innings of work. <br />
<b> </b><br />
<b>MLB</b><br />
<br />
<b>Hitter</b><br />
<b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/martijd02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">J.D. Martinez</a></b> gets the honor by hitting .288 in 17 games this month. Honorable mention goes to <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/barnebr02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Brandon Barnes</a></b> for hitting for the cycle this month.<br />
<br />
<b>Pitcher</b><br />
<b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/abadfe01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Fernando Abad</a></b> continues his solid work this season. In July, he amassed a 1.86 ERA in 10 games (9 2/3 IP) out of the Nationals bullpen. Home runs have always been Abad's Achilles heel, but this year, through 24 1/3 innings, he has not surrendered a long ball. <b> </b><br />
<br />Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10596723787113163184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136432300747926454.post-9146893828181174572013-07-28T22:52:00.000-04:002013-07-28T22:52:56.494-04:00Eyewitness Report: 7/28/13 Greeneville 10 - Pulaski 1 - How A Pitchers Duel Turned Into A Blow OutWhen you get to the game and the starters ERAs are 1.83 and 1.59 respectively, you settle in for a pitchers duel. That is how the game played out for the first five innings. But then Greeneville's bats exploded for 10 runs in their last three at bats to turn a 1-0 deficit into a 10-1 victory. Here are more observations from the game.<br />
<br />
<b>On The Mound</b><br />
<b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=gustav001jan&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jandel Gustave</a></b> only allowed one hit in six innings but he walked six batters. The walks came in pairs, with two each in the first, third and fifth innings. He wasn't wild, just missing by little bits. I had his pitch count at 75 with only 35 for strikes. Despite his control issues, he still fanned four batter and only allowed one of his walks to score. He left after five innings down 1-0.<br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=munnel000chr&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Chris Munnelly</a></b> made his Greeneville debut pitching two innings of no hit, shut out ball. He struck out two hitters and walked one. The only other runner reached on an error when the ball was knocked out of a glove on a tag play at first. Munnelly's curve ball appeared to be his best pitch tonight.<br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=holley001kri&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Krishawn Holley</a></b> closed out the game with an effective inning, allowing just one hit. <br />
<br />
It was quite an outing from the pitching staff.<br />
<br />
<b>At The Plate</b><br />
The Astros bats were kept in check for the first five innings. Pulaski starter, <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=campbe002ed-&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Eddie Campbell</a></b>, used effective location of multiple pitches.<br />
<br />
In the first five innings, the Astros batters were 3 for 15 with one walk and five strike outs.<br />
In the final three at bats, the G-Stros batters were 11 for 18 with three walks, four strike outs and 10 runs scored - all earned.<br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=mcdona006cha&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Chase McDonald</a></b> reached base in each of his four plate appearances. He had a single, a double, two walks, two RBI and two runs scored. <br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=holber000bri&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Brian Holberton</a></b> hit his first HR at Pioneer Park; a two run blast in the sixth that gave Greeneville the lead 2-1. He also singled and scored in the 8th.<br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=philli000bre&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Brett Phillips</a></b> laid down one of the sweetest bunt hits I have seen for one of his two singles on the night. Phillips pushed a bunt past the pitchers out stretched glove and no play at first was made. He later scored two runs after reaching via a walk and single.<br />
<br />
Three other G-Stros had two hits. <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=mathis000tan&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Tanner Mathis</a></b> and <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=lindau000tho&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Thomas Lindauer</a></b> both produced a single and a double and <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/player_search.cgi?results=santan006jua,santan004jua&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Juan Santana</a></b> had two singles.<br />
<br />
Only <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=gomez-002edw&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Edwin Gomez</a></b> didn't join the hit parade for Greeneville. He went 0 for 4 with 4 Ks. The part of that that concerned me was that he only saw 13 pitches on the night. The first pitch he saw of the night was a ball, after that it was twelve straight strikes and four straight Ks. Obviously something is wrong there.<br />
<br />
<b>In The Field</b><br />
Mathis gets the Oscar for selling a sliding short hop grab as a catch in the second inning. From my vantage point, it appeared the ball bounced into his glove. The Pulaski manager and bench agreed with me. But Mathis raised his glove high and the home plate ump signaled out. <br />
<b> </b><br />
Lindauer started a nice 6-4-3 double play in the fifth inning. The ball was hit to his right. He ranged over, grabbed the ball and threw across his body to start the double play. Juan Santana made a nice quick turn to complete the twin killing.<br />
<br />
The other nice play was made by McDonald at first on a high pop fly in foul territory. He adjusted to the ball at the last minute making a lunge to his right to secure the ball to end the sixth inning.<br />
<br />
The only error of the game was charged to McDonald. He was playing in anticipating a bunt from the speedy <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=barbos000aar&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Aaron Barbosa</a></b>. Barbosa didn't bunt. He chopped a ball down the first baseline that McDonald had to retreat to retrieve. When he did, Munnelly had not made it in time to cover first. McDonald made an attempt to tag Barbosa before he reached the bag safely but the ball was knocked out of McDonalds glove during the attempt. Heck of an effort but charged with the error none the less.<br />
<br />
<b>Overall</b><br />
Nice team win for the G-Stros. The pitching was very good, the offense produced late in the game and the defense was solid. They end the series against a very good Pulaski team two games in front of the streaking Kingsport Mets. They start a three game series against the Burlington Royals (17-19) tomorrow. <br />
<b> </b><br />
<b> </b><br />
<b> </b>
Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10596723787113163184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136432300747926454.post-78567144824466568492013-07-28T06:41:00.000-04:002013-07-28T06:41:21.617-04:00Eyewitness Report - 7/27/13 - Pulaski Pulls Out Two Wins From G-StrosIn what could be a potential play off preview, the Pulaski Mariners pulled out two late comebacks to defeat the Greeneville Astros twice Saturday night. The first game was the conclusion of Friday's suspended game. The Mariners scored four runs in the in the seventh to take a 5-4 decision. Then in the seven inning night cap, they got a two run homer in the sixth to secure a 2-1 win. Here is a closer look at what I observed last night.<br />
<br />
<b>Game 1 - Pulaski 5, Greeneville 4</b><br />
<br />
The game picked up with Greeneville up 2-1 in the bottom of the 2nd.<br />
<b> </b><br />
<b>On the Mound</b><br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/player_search.cgi?results=garcich02,garcia006chr&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Christian Garcia</a></b> threw three very effective innings. His fast ball sat in the upper 80's but he mixed speeds well and keep batters guessing. He fanned five in the three innings and retired the first 8 batters he faced. He had a walk and a hit batter but no base hits. <br />
<b> </b><br />
Sidewinder <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=connol000rya&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Ryan Connolly</a></b> came in next and was effective in the 6th before the wheels came off in the 7th. He struck out a batter to start the 7th but then a short hop couldn't be handled by <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/player_search.cgi?results=white-001tyl,white-002tyl&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Tyler White</a></b> at third for an E-5. The next three batters followed with a triple, a single and a triple. An inning that started as a 4-1 lead ended with a 5-4 deficit.<br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=brunne000tyl&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Tyler Brunnemann</a></b> finished off the game. I was pleased to see that some improvement in his mechanics. When I saw him earlier in the year, he would touch the ground with his glove on his follow through. Now he tucks the glove to his chest as he follows through. He is not repeating the tuck perfectly as it was sometimes at his chest and sometimes at his hip but it shows improvement. He only had one strike out but induced three ground balls and two pop outs to short. He gave up one hit, a double.<br />
<br />
<b>At the Plate</b><br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=philli000bre&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Brett Phillips</a></b> started the third off with a hard ground ball inside the bag at third for a double. It is fun to watch him run. He is fast! He also reached on a walk. <br />
<b> </b><br />
<b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=gomez-002edw&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Edwin Gomez</a></b> reached base three times with a walk and two singles. However he was .500 in getting out of base running goofs. In the third, with the bases loaded, Tyler White hit a fly ball to shallow right field. Phillips was tagging on the play but did not try to advance. However, Gomez took off from second and was almost to third when the throw reached the catcher. The catcher threw to second to try to get Gomez coming back to the bag but the ball ended up in center and both Phillips and Gomez scored.<br />
<br />
He wasn't as fortunate in the seventh. He scorched a ball that appeared to be leaving the yard but bounced off the top of the fence. He was nabbed at second with a great throw from the left fielder. Some people sitting around me said Gomez had started his home run trot, I don't know if this is accurate because I was trying to follow the trajectory of the ball. If he was, I am sure the coaching staff will let him hear about it. If not, it was a great play by the Mariners.<br />
<br />
Those three were the only players with hits for the continuation portion of the game. <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=ovando000ari&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Ariel Ovando</a></b> and <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=rivera001dar&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Darwin Rivera</a></b> both took walks but no one else reached base.<br />
<br />
<b>In The Field</b><br />
<br />
Other than the error by White on a tough play coming in on a short hop, the defense looked pretty good. Darwin Rivera was at 2nd and looked pretty comfortable there. More so than he has looked at third.<b> </b><br />
<br />
<b>Game 2: Pulaski 2 - Greeneville 1:</b><br />
<br />
This game was a seven inning game due to the completion of the suspended game.<b> </b><br />
<br />
<b>On The Mound </b><br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=lee---003chr&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Chris Lee</a></b> was impressive last night. Lee's fastball was sitting in the 93-95 range (thanks to the scout two rows in front for holding his radar gun in a position so I could peek) and his slider was getting a great many swings and misses. His delivery was smooth and effortless. I had him at 78 pitches when he was pulled with one out in the sixth with 53 being for strikes (68%). I also had him with first pitch strikes to 17 of the 24 batters he faced (71%).<br />
<br />
He led off the second striking out the Pulaski clean up hitter on three pitches. The final pitch resulted in the Pulaski hitter winding up on the seat of his pants after an unsuccessful attempt to check his swing. He ended up striking out five batters on the night. All of them swinging.<br />
<br />
He was helped by the ground rules in the fourth. After striking out the first two batters, the next batter reached on a hit to short stop. <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=lindau000tho&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Thomas Lindauer</a></b> made a nice backhanded play on a sharply hit ball but couldn't recover for the throw. The next batter hit a ball into the right field corner that went under the gate for a ground rule double. If not for the gate being there, it would have been an RBI triple - Pulaski's third of the evening.<br />
<br />
In the sixth, Lee had a different kind of luck. After hitting the first batter, he induced a ground ball to second. <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=wik---000mar&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Marc Wik</a></b> had to come in to field the ball and made a swipe at the runner going by before throwing to first. The umpire ruled Wik didn't tag the runner going to second. Both Wik and Lindauer were adamant the tag had been made. From my angle, it appeared the umpire made the safe sign before Wik even attempted the tag. <br />
<br />
Lee had the next batter in a 1-2 count and left a pitch up in the zone that was sent over the left field wall. After giving up a bunt hit to the next batter, his night was done. He deserved a better fate than taking the loss.<br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=sanudo000gon&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Gonzalo Sanudo</a></b> came into finish off game getting five straight outs. Four of them were air outs and three went to the outfield.<br />
<br />
<b>At The Plate</b><br />
<br />
When you get three hits as a team, there is not too much to write about here.<br />
<br />
Thomas Lindauer had the big hit of the night, a RBI double to left that scored <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=gonzal003wal&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Wallace Gonzalez</a></b> from first. <br />
<br />
Marc Wik singled in the first after fouling off five pitches. He was in an 0-2 whole and ended up seeing a total of eight pitches that at bat before reaching on a bouncer up the middle. He was robbed of another single by a nice play by the second baseman to lead off the sixth. <br />
<b> </b><br />
Tyler White had a solid single to left to lead off the fourth but was erased on a 6-4-3 double play to end the inning.<br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=ibanez000ang&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Angel Ibanez</a></b> hit a ball hard up the middle that the short stop made a nice play on to prevent him from having a hit on the night.<br />
<br />
A bit of good news - the Mariners are second in the league in most strike outs by their pitchers. They came into the games just two K's behind the G-Stros pitchers. In the 16 innings played in the series so far, G-Stro batters have just five strike outs. Meanwhile the G-Stro pitchers added 15 to their total. <br />
<br />
<b>In The Field</b><br />
<br />
Lindauer also made the play of the game in the field as well. He climbed the ladder and nabbed a line drive to end the fifth inning.<br />
<br />
Ibanez made a nice play at third in the sixth. With a runner on third, he fielded a ground ball on a short hop and made a nice throw to catcher <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=gingra000ric&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Ricky Gingras</a></b> to get the runner who had been going on contact.<br />
<br />
Tyler White made a nice play at first on a hard hit ball in the second inning. <br />
<br />
<b>Overall</b><br />
<br />
After being 10-1 in one run games, they lost two last night. Just not enough offense to get the job done. <b> </b><br />
<br />
<br />Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10596723787113163184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136432300747926454.post-42311727196657339392013-07-26T08:22:00.001-04:002013-07-26T08:22:51.006-04:00G-Stros Pitching Leads WayThe 2013 Greeneville Astros got off to a 1-5 start. During that stretch, they allowed 40 runs. That is averaging giving up 6.67 runs per game. In the 27 games since then, the G-Stros are 22-5 and have only given up 67 runs. That is an average of 2.48 runs per game. That is a dramatic difference and points to the strength of this edition of the Greeneville Astros. Pitching. Let's look closer at the team pitching stats.<br />
<br />
<b>Leading The League As A Team</b> <br />
Team ERA is 2.51, which leads the league by a comfortable half a run margin.<br />
<br />
They are tied for the most shutouts with four.<br />
<br />
The bullpen has the most saves with 14 and the most holds with 13. <br />
<br />
They are second in the league allowing just 233 hits and tied for the fewest walks with 89. But together, they lead the league with the lowest WHIP with 1.11.<br />
<br />
They lead the league with 312 strikeouts.<br />
<br />
They have allowed the second fewest HR with 9.<br />
<br />
They have given up the second fewest runs with 107 but have given up the fewest earned runs with 81.<br />
<br />
The only area they are not in first or second is in hit batters. They have hit 17 batters which is the fifth most.<br />
<br />
<b>Individual Leaders</b><br />
Despite leading the league as a team in ERA by a large margin, only <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=tiburc002fre&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Frederick Tiburcio</a></b> is listed in the league leaders for ERA. He is 2nd with a 1.09 ERA. <br />
<b> </b><br />
Only Chris Lee is in the top 10 for strike outs. He is tied for 5th with 32 Ks. Tiburcio is 11th with 30.<br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=sanudo000gon&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Gonzalo Sanudo</a></b> and <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=osborn000jd-&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">J.D. Osborne</a></b> are tied for second in saves with six each. Osborne has already been promoted.<br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=brunne000tyl&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Tyler Brunnemann</a></b> is in second with three holds, while <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=holley001kri&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Krishawn Holley</a></b> and <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=chrism001wil&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Austin Chrismon</a></b> are tied for third with two each.<br />
<br />
There is no G-Stro in the top 22 for hits allowed!<br />
<br />
<b>Team Effort</b><br />
The domination of the pitching staff with the relatively light representation on the individual leader board shows that this is definitely a team effort. <b> </b><br />
<br />
Nine pitchers have more strike outs than innings pitched. <br />
<br />
Fourteen pitchers have a WHIP under 1.20.<br />
<br />
Ten pitchers have an ERA below 3.00.<br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=mills-000jor&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jordan Mills</a></b> highlights this team effort. He has appeared in eight games with four of them being starts. He has a hold and a save as well. In 25 innings pitched, he has a 1.08 ERA, a 0.92 WHIP and 26 strikeouts. Whatever he has been asked to do for this team he has done it and done it well.<br />
<br />
Definitely a fun pitching staff to watch.
Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10596723787113163184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136432300747926454.post-80070768354256485602013-07-15T16:01:00.002-04:002013-07-15T16:01:29.736-04:00Former G-Stros In The Majors At The BreakThe MLB All Star break is upon us. Now is a good time to do a look at the former Greeneville Astros who are in the majors and see how they are doing.<br />
<br />
Let's start by looking at those who play for the Astros:<br />
<br />
<b><b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/altuvjo01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jose Altuve</a></b> (2008,09) - </b>Altuve started off the year very hot but has struggled a little since missing time due to a collision with Jimmy Parades in right field and the death of his grandmother. His hitting totals for the pre-all star portion of the schedule are .280/.315/.352. The break may be just what he needs. <br />
<br />
In the field, he has been solid. He leads all second basemen in the majors with 75 double plays turned. He only turned 83 in all of 2012. The team record for double plays turned by a second baseman is 117 set by <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/biggicr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Craig Biggio</a></b> in 1999. Altuve is on pace for 58 more which would bring him to 133 for the season. In the last 20 years, only three second baseman have turned 130 or more double plays in a single season. They are: <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/canoro01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Robinson Cano</a></b> (136 - 2007), <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/v/vinafe01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Fernando Vina</a></b> (135 -1998) and <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/belliro01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Ronnie Belliard</a></b> (130 - 2000). <br />
<br />
Altuve recently signed a contract extension with the Astros to keep him with the team through 2017 with a team option for 2018 & 1019 as well. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTw14q3X6oI1tWHyUaEpawIcD8hWoj6_uc2LapsptJBJh1-ZDNVfZYJbBVBVOXXUB_GmdMvelYR6hPGSEpi1XeQNmqdkzVykdrg8So48koOG1sviP8dXWGAjZC61OmWPqhLeTf9DCYWFIL/s1600/2013-03-08+13.30.06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTw14q3X6oI1tWHyUaEpawIcD8hWoj6_uc2LapsptJBJh1-ZDNVfZYJbBVBVOXXUB_GmdMvelYR6hPGSEpi1XeQNmqdkzVykdrg8So48koOG1sviP8dXWGAjZC61OmWPqhLeTf9DCYWFIL/s320/2013-03-08+13.30.06.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/barnebr02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Brandon Barnes</a></b> leads off second in a spring training game 2013 (Photo property of Appy Astros)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>Brandon Barnes (2005,06) - </b>Barnes played in 75 games before the all star break this season. Despite hitting just .232 on the season so far, Barnes is showing a consistent ability to hit left handed pitching. In 70 at bats against lefties, he is hitting .314.<br />
<br />
Barnes' defense is turning into his calling card. There are currently 19 videos on MLB.com of Barnes highlighting his defense. In addition to the great diving catches, he also has five outfield assist.<br />
<br />
His defense plus the ability to hit lefties my keep him in the majors for several years.<br />
<br />
<b><b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/cisnejo01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jose Cisnero</a></b></b> <b>(2009) - </b>Cisnero has been a pleasant surprise out of the bullpen for the Astros. He has become a dependable part of the back end of the bullpen. In 37 2/3 innings pitched he has struck out 37 batters while turning out a 2.87 ERA. When you consider that he allowed nine of his 12 earned runs in two outings, his numbers look even better. Fifteen of the 20 times he has been called on to pitch, he has returned to the dugout with no runs accounted to him. <br />
<br />
<b><b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/lylesjo01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jordan Lyles</a></b> (2008) - </b>Lyles didn't start the year on the MLB roster. He was added in early May and has made 14 starts for the Astros thus far. The 23 year old is growing up on the job and showing progress this year. The highlight of the year for him was a run of six starts from May 22 to June 18 where he pitched 39 2/3 innings and allowed just seven runs. He goes into the break with a 4.02 ERA and 1.36 WHIP.<br />
<br />
<b><b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/martijd02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">J.D. Martinez</a></b> (2009) - </b>Martinez was heading to AAA out of spring training but injuries put him on the opening day roster. He too has battled some injuries but appeared to be putting it together right as the all star break arrived. For the season, Martinez is hitting .256/.281/.394 in 72 games. For the month of July, he was hitting .300/.317/.350. <br />
<br />
Now let's look across the rest of the teams to find out how former G-Stros are doing in 2013.<br />
<br />
<b><b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/abadfe01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Fernando Abad</a></b> (2007) - </b>Abad was called up to Washington in late May after starting the season in AAA. Since his arrival, he has been a key part of the National's bullpen. He has appeared in 20 games (19 2/3 innings pitched. During that time, he has struck out 21 batters and allowed just 4 runs for a 1.83 ERA.<br />
<br />
<b><b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/gutieju01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">J.C. Gutierrez</a></b> (2004) - </b>Gutierrez was the last man to make the Royals bullpen out of spring training. He has had an up and down year thus far. He had a 6.14 ERA in April but bounced back with 1.08 and 2.00 ERAs in May & June respectively. July has been a little rough with a 5.97 ERA in his four appearances so far. He has not allowed any of the 11 runners he has inherited to score. <br />
<br />
<b><b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/pattotr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Troy Patton</a></b> (2004) - </b>Patton struggled with some command issues with his fastball in April and May but has righted the ship. Since he gave up two runs in 1 2/3 innings in Houston on 6/7/13, he has appeared in 14 games and has give up just one run in 10 innings pitched. During that span, he has allowed just 9 hits, has not walked a batter and has struck out 9. Patton and the Orioles are looking to make another playoff run this season. They are 4.5 games back of Boston for the division led and 1.5 games back of the final wild card spot behind Texas. <br />
<br />
<br />Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10596723787113163184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136432300747926454.post-73303940551854780842013-07-13T11:14:00.000-04:002013-07-13T11:14:00.106-04:00Altuve Signed to Contract Extention with Astros!Exciting news out of Houston today. Former Greeneville Astro Jose Altuve has signed a long term contract extension <a href="http://brianmctaggart.mlblogs.com/2013/07/13/astros-altuve-agree-to-long-term-contract-extension/">according to Brian McTaggart of MLB.com</a>. Details are not know yet but McTaggart states:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
The Astros are likely buying out Altuve’s arbitration years by signing
him to the deal. He was scheduled to be arbitration eligible next year
and a free agent following the 2016 season.</blockquote>
<br />Altuve is a fan favorite among G-Stros and Astros fans. Here's hoping this is the continuation of a good relationship. While this news excites me in hopes that Altuve will remain with the
Astros, the realist in me also is aware that a deal like this also makes
Altuve more attractive to the trade market because he is now young and
cost controlled for a period of time. <br />
<br />
Altuve becomes the first former G-Stro to sign a long term deal with any team. Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10596723787113163184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136432300747926454.post-41472272461471817932013-07-09T18:00:00.000-04:002013-07-09T18:00:03.299-04:00Beau Torbert's Number Retired by Sioux Falls CanariesBeau Torbert, a member of the 2004 Greeneville Astros, was honored last night by the Sioux Falls Canaries of the independent league American Association. He was named as the inaugural member of their Hall of Fame and had his #7 retired. <br />
<br />
Here is what folks are saying about Torbert and his honor:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://mattyzimmer.tumblr.com/post/54980976880/beaus-no-7-is-hung-up-for-good">Sioux Falls Argus Leader: </a><br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
He’s the best player I’ve seen in a Canaries/Pheasants uniform, and a
good dude who clearly was genuinely moved by the honor. And the Canaries
did a nice job of not overdoing it with the ceremony. It was well done. </blockquote>
<br />
<a href="http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/2013/07/06/2572928/former-central-standout-beau-torbert.html">Beau's hometown paper</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.kdlt.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=28003&Itemid=58#video">Sioux Falls local television station video on Torbert. </a><br />
<br />
Torbert was drafted in the 17th round out of Faulkner University in Montgomery, Alabama. He spent 2004 with Greeneville and climbed the ladder in the Astros system up to AAA Round Rock before his release in 2007. He then played three years of independent ball in Sioux Falls. He was named Baseball America's Independent Player of the Year in 2010. He signed with the Braves as a minor league free agent but was released at the end of spring training. <br />
<br />
After one season of being a hitting coach for the Lincoln Saltdogs, Torbert now resides in the Sioux Falls area and works for the Canaries front office as their Baseball Outreach Coordinator.<br />
<br />
Congrats to Beau on the honor and best of luck in his future endeavors. <br />
<br />
<br />Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10596723787113163184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136432300747926454.post-49576593272028546242013-07-06T07:17:00.000-04:002013-07-06T07:36:45.669-04:00Eyewitness Report 7/5/13: Greeneville 1 Bristol 4When I saw that <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=gustav001jan&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jandel Gustave</a></b> was on the mound tonight, I made sure I could be at Pioneer Park. When I got there I saw the line up had three first time starters included. <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=holber000bri&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Brian Holberton</a></b> and <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=mcdona006cha&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Chase McDonald</a></b> were making their pro debuts and <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=philli000bre&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Brett Phillips</a></b> was making his Greeneville debut. It was a good night to be at the ballpark. Here are my observations:<br />
<br />
<b>On The Mound: </b><br />
<br />
<b>Jandel Gustave </b>got off to a rough start in the first. After a strike out looking, he walked the next two batters, the second coming in a 10 pitch at bat. After a fly out and a single, Gustave got the last out with a swinging strike out. He ended up throwing 31 pitches in the first frame and that limited his night to just four innings. Of those 31 pitches, 18 were for strikes (unofficial numbers from my personal score book). He followed that inning up with innings of 12, 12 and 17 pitches respectively. So he really settled down.<br />
<br />
Gustave is a pitcher to be excited about. His delivery is very easy and to be hitting mid to upper 90's out of a 6'2 160 frame is impressive. The two hits that came off of him were hits taken the other way through the SS/3B hole. They were nice pieces of hitting. His fast ball has good zip. There were several late swings and several foul balls that were poked into the seats because batters weren't getting around on him. His slider showed nice movement and there were a couple of sliders that were down right nasty. He ended the night with 72 pitchers - 43 for strikes (60%). He threw first pitch strikes to 11 of the 17 batters he faced - again by my unofficial count. <br />
<br />
The high point for me is that we know based on his previous stats, that he has had control issues. For him to walk two in the first inning and regain his composure to only walk one more shows positive development. <br />
<br />
<b>Austin Chrismon</b> made his pro debut last night. After nicking the first batter on the sleeve, he then got the next three batters out. One out came on due to him fielding his position well. With a runner at second, he gloved a hot shot back at him. He made the runner at second dive back to the bag, removing any chance of him advancing and then threw out the batter at first. <br />
<br />
<b><b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/player_search.cgi?results=garcich02,garcia006chr&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Christian Garcia</a></b></b> came in in the sixth and pitched around an error for an effective inning. In the seventh, he walked two batters with one out and then allowed a single that scored the first runner. That ended his night.<br />
<br />
<b><b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=ramire000ger&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Gerardo Ramirez</a></b></b> entered the game with runners on the corners and allowed both runners to score before getting the last out. He gave up a sac fly to the first batter and then surrendered a double to left that plated the final run of the game. He ended up finishing the night on the mound with a total of 2 2/3 innings pitched.<br />
<br />
Overall, it was the walks that did the G-Stros pitching in. Three of the four runs allowed reached via base on balls. There is no defense against the walk. <br />
<br />
<b>At The Plate:</b><br />
It was one of those nights where the Astros hit several balls hard, they just hit them right at people. I had atleast four line drives that were either right at fielders or required the fielder to make a nice play.<br />
<b> </b><br />
<b>Brett Phillips </b>is fast. He made two routine grounders close plays with his hustle down the line. His final at bat of the night was a seven pitch walk where he fouled off several close pitches.<br />
<br />
<b><b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=mayfie000dav&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">David Mayfield</a></b> (Jack) </b>wasn't lucky last night. His first at bat, he hit a hard bouncer up the middle that the pitcher deflected to the second baseman for a 1-4-3 put out. He then hit a line drive in his fourth at bat that the SS made a nice ranging catch on. He finished the night for 5 but he had better at bats than that indicates.<br />
<br />
<b><b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=borche001bob&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Bobby Borchering</a></b></b> reached base three times in four plate appearances. A single and two walks.<br />
<br />
<b>Chase McDonald</b> went 1 for 4 in his pro debut. He got a single in his first at bat and then lined out to left and center respectively in his next two at bats before striking out in his final at bat. He is one big guy. He was wearing number 62 on his uniform and it was appropriate for him to be wearing a linebacker type number. He makes solid contact.<br />
<br />
<b><b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=wik---000mar&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Marc Wik</a></b></b> turned a rough night around. After striking out in his first two at bats, he walked in the seventh and lead off the ninth with a single to left. <br />
<br />
Overall, Greeneville just couldn't get the big hit. They went 1 for 10 with runners in scoring position. Two of the line drive outs in mentioned earlier were to end an inning with a runner on base.<br />
<br />
The pitcher who started for Bristol, <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=carrol001sco&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Scott Carroll</a></b>, was on rehab assignment from AAA. He missed all of last season so I assume his is working his way back from a surgery of some kind. The second pitcher was the White Sox second round draft pick this season, <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=danish000tyl&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Tyler Danish</a></b>. So they were facing some pretty good pitching but that is most nights in pro baseball. <br />
<br />
<b>In The Field</b><br />
<b>Brian Holberton </b>looked pretty good behind the plate. He got a lot of work blocking balls in the dirt. He did allow one passed ball that was a low pitch that the scorer felt he should have blocked. He was apparently a little amped up for the game. <b> </b>He made several throws down to second during warm ups and one throw during a stolen base attempt that were fielded by the center fielder because they had easily cleared second base. Later in the night, he made a nice throw on a ball in the dirt that made a place closer than I thought it would be.<br />
<br />
<b>Jack Mayfield</b> was smooth at shortstop. He had four assist and only one was routine. The rest were with him ranging to either side and making snap throws to first. He made them look easy.<br />
<br />
<b>Brett Phillips </b>didn't get much action in center but he showed flashes when he did. He almost made a nice diving catch on a ball he got a good jump on. On the sac fly, he made a strong throw to third from deep in center.<br />
<br />
<b><b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=rivera001dar&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Darwin Rivera</a></b> </b>made his seventh error of the year at third with a bad throw to first. <br />
<br />
This loss ended the G-Stros seven game winning streak. They play Bristol again tonight and then head on the road for seven games in six days.
Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10596723787113163184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136432300747926454.post-11360670233752599672013-07-04T08:50:00.000-04:002013-07-04T08:50:05.252-04:00Catcher Development: Throwing Out More RunnersThe other day I saw this tweet:
<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23qctimes&src=hash">#qctimes</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/QCRiverBandits">@QCRiverBandits</a> Roberto Pena throws out 3 LumberKings attempting to steal. He's denied 30 of 53. In '02 here, Joe Mauer 46-of-107<br />
— Steve Batterson (@sbatt79) <a href="https://twitter.com/sbatt79/statuses/352287833198829571">July 3, 2013</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
That is an impressive stat and puts him in impressive company. It got me thinking about how well Roberto Pena has been throwing out runners this season and it made me curious about how much growth this showed. The growth with Pena was significant and I wondered if it was just him or were other catchers in the Astros organization showing similar growth. So I went back and looked across the system at each catcher who had caught in at least 20 games this season and compared their 2012 stolen base percentage (SB%) to their 2013 SB%. Here is what I found:<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="300" src="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/pub?key=0AlcQ9irhxSKsdGhfX3RCUTBDUHFPU1dYRkJGaklIeGc&single=true&gid=0&output=html&widget=true" width="500"></iframe> <br />
As you can see, several players have made significant jumps in their SB%. Pena's is the biggest jump but Rene Garcia & Carlos Perez both jumping more than 10% is also impressive. Especially since they are performing at higher levels. <br />
<br />
Max Stassi just misses the 10% jump and he too is at a higher level. <br />
<br />
As for the others, lets start with Tyler Heineman. I am not going to quibble with -1% drop when you jump from short season A ball to Hi A ball. His number is still impressive. Most players would show a greater drop making that jump. <br />
<br />
Jobduan Morales is the only young guy not showing growth. But he is still somewhat still raw. In five seasons, he has only caught 144 games. Never more than 34 in a season and he has caught 33 this year. <br />
<br />
Cody Clark is a journeyman and not really a focus of development. <br />
<br />
<b>Conclusions</b> <br />
The Astros have talked about <a href="http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/9275754/studying-art-pitch-framing-catchers-such-francisco-cervelli-chris-stewart-jose-molina-others">improving the receiving skills of their catchers using analysis developed my Mike Fast</a>. But this data indicates they also may have been working on something that has improved the development of their catchers in throwing out runners attempting to steal bases. Having a catcher at each of your full season affiliates throwing out 40% or more would be base stealers is impressive. Something worth keeping an eye on. Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10596723787113163184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136432300747926454.post-13308213336147305352013-07-04T07:08:00.000-04:002013-07-04T07:08:44.765-04:00Velasquez Dominating in Quad CitiesVincent Velasquez was drafted in the second round in 2010. He had a solid start to his pro career in Greeneville. But as his pitch count was building, he suffered an injury that would cause him to miss the entire 2011 season. This caused him to fall off of some people's radar as a prospect. He is trying to fix that this season. After his performance last night, he now has 93 strike outs in 81 innings pitched. That number leads the Midwest League.<br />
<br />
The <a href="http://qctimes.com/sports/baseball/professional/minor/midwest-league/bandits-velasquez-carries-tenacious-approach-into-battle/article_514230bc-35e3-529b-bde1-cf797d44471c.html">Quad City Times published a feature on Velasquez</a> this morning that gives us some insight into this rising prospect. Here are some of the highlights:<br />
<br />
What shapes his approach on the mound. <br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
The bulldog-like approach he carries with him comes naturally.<br />
“It’s
in my genes,’’ Velasquez said. “My father was a Marine and I have two
brothers who are Marines. We all like to compete and that’s part of who I
am. I like the challenge.’’</blockquote>
His view of the surgery. <br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
“The setback and surgery I had tested me mentally as much as anything
and I’m determined to work my way beyond it and have a successful
career,’’ Velaquez said. “There are no worries with it now. I have work
to do, but I’ll keep at it every time I go out and compete.’’ </blockquote>
What his manager has to say about him.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
“He’s making progress and in his first full season after Tommy John,
competing for the full season is an important step for him,’’ River
Bandits manager Omar Lopez said. “He’s making progress, started hot, has
made a few adjustments in his pitch sequence and fastball command and
seems to be on the right track again.’’ </blockquote>
Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10596723787113163184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136432300747926454.post-43973176416806886632013-07-01T12:00:00.000-04:002013-07-01T12:00:00.553-04:00Appy Astros Alumni of the Month: June 2013June is a fun month. The short season teams have started playing. Most of the full season teams have had their all star games. Let's see which former G-Stros' June was more fun because of their performances. We won't look at the short season teams this month because two weeks isn't really enough time to assess performances yet.<br />
<br />
<b>Quad Cities: </b><br />
<br />
<b>Hitters - </b><br />
Who else but <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=correa000car&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Carlos Correa</a></b>. Correa hit .370/.413/.510 for the month. He has brought his average up to .323 for the season after a very sluggish start. Fun stat for Correa - Out of his 289 plate appearances so far, only six have been against pitchers younger than him and he has no hits against the younger pitchers. In the 283 plate appearances against older pitchers, he is hitting .332. <b> </b><br />
<br />
Honorable mention to <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=wierzb001jes&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jesse Wierzbicki</a></b> who hit .286/.351/.417 for the month of June.<br />
<br />
<b>Pitchers - </b><br />
<b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/player_search.cgi?results=mccull002lan&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Lance McCullers</a></b> Jr. continues to have an impressive season in Quad Cities. McCullars struck out 33 batters in 27 1/3 innings pitched with a 2.30 ERA.<br />
<br />
Honorable mention to <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=minor-000dan&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Daniel Minor</a></b> who had a 2.76 ERA in 16 1/3 innings before he went on the DL. <br />
<br />
<b>Lancaster</b><br />
<br />
<b>Hitters - </b><br />
<b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/player_search.cgi?results=deshie002del&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Delino DeShields</a></b><b> </b>had another solid month in June. He hit .280/.370/.366. He also stole 8 bases to bring his season total to 20 on the season. He has really settled in as a 20 year old playing in the Cal. League.<br />
<br />
<b>Pitchers - </b><br />
<b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/player_search.cgi?results=cruz--006lui&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Luis Cruz</a></b> has bounced back from a rough May and had an outstanding June. In 31 2/3 innings pitched, he allowed just 22 hits and seven walks for a WHIP of 0.906. He had an impressive total of 40 strike outs for the month!<b> </b><br />
<br />
<b>Corpus Christi</b><br />
<br />
<b>Hitters - </b><br />
<b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=meyer-001jon&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jonathan Meyer</a></b> had another solid month hitting.280 with eight doubles and five home runs for a .510 slugging percentage.<br />
<b> </b><br />
<b>Pitchers - </b><br />
<b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/player_search.cgi?results=martin013dav,martin018dav&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">David Martinez</a></b> continues to put up impressive numbers this season. In 30 2/3 June innings, he gave up just 21 hits and two walks while striking out 24 batters. Opponents hit just .193 against him in June. <br />
<br />
<b>Oklahoma City</b><br />
There were only two former G-Stros on the roster at any point in time this month. Nether put up numbers worthy of recognition. <br />
<br />
<b>Major Leagues</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Hitters-</b><br />
<b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/altuvjo01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jose Altuve</a></b> continues to be the most consistent Astro at the plate Even in a down month (.275<br />
average) he still lead the time in batting average. <br />
<br />
<b>Pitchers - </b><br />
<b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/cisnejo01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jose Cisnero</a></b> struck out 14 batters in 11 2/3 innings pitched (8 games). He had not given up a run in June until his final outing. He ended the month with a 0.77 ERA. <b> </b><br />
<br />
Honorable mention to <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/pattotr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Troy Patton</a></b> who found his grove again in June. In 12 appearances (12 1/3 IP) he fanned 12 batters and did not walk a batter after giving up eight free passes in May. ERA for June was 1.46<br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/abadfe01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Fernando Abad</a></b> also gets a honorable mention with his performance out of the National's bullpen. In 12 games (12 1/3 IP) he struck out 14 batters and also walked no one. His June ERA was also 1.46<br />
<br />
Finally, I feel like <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/gutieju01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">J.C. Gutierrez</a></b> deserves a mention as well. In limited action, he fanned eight batters in nine innings of pitching for the Royals. He finished June with a 2.00 ERA.
Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10596723787113163184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136432300747926454.post-79996274410391288412013-06-29T09:19:00.000-04:002013-06-29T09:19:14.356-04:00Eyewitness Report: 6/28/13 Greeneville 2 Kingsport 1Wow! What a night. After the teams traded solo home runs in the fifth, there were no runs for nine innings. Finally in the bottom of the 15th, Greeneville walked off without the benefit of a hit. <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=mathis000tan&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Tanner Mathis</a></b> walked, and was moved to second on a sac bunt by Jack Mayfield. <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=rivera001dar&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Darwin Rivera</a></b> then hit a ground ball to first which should have just moved over Mathis to third but the K-Mets first baseman booted the ball. It rolled to the edge of the grass and Josh Bonifay took a risk and sent Mathis home. The throw was slightly up the line and the catcher had to stretch to take Mathis as he zoomed by. The glove appeared to hit Mathis shoulder and the ball dropped free allowing the winning run to score. <br />
<br />
Here are my observations from the game.<br />
<br />
<b>On The Mound: </b><br />
A great deal went right here. Just one run allowed in 15 innings with a team record 25 strike outs. Let's take a quick look at each pitcher. <b> </b><br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=tiburc002fre&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Frederick Tiburcio</a></b> had a solid start to the game. He fanned seven and gave up just two hits and walked one in five innings. The lone damage given up was a solo home run to left by 17 year old, Ahmed Rosario, whom the Mets signed for 1.7 million in the 2012 international signing period. It was his first professional home run.<br />
<br />
Tiburcio threw an unofficial 67 pitches in five innings. To have that low of a pitch count with that many strike outs is impressive.<br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=brunne000tyl&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Tyler Brunnemann</a></b> pitched the next two frames. This was my first time to see Brunnemann pitch. He has an extreme follow through. When he finishes his pitch his glove hand (left) and his left foot are both touching the ground as he falls toward first base. It is a violent motion that I didn't see him repeating very well. It was effective when repeated as evidenced by the four strike outs in two innings. But he also gave up two walks, both on full counts.<br />
<br />
Ryan Connelly pitched the eight inning. The submarine pitcher was the only pitcher of the night not to record a strike out.<br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=sanudo000gon&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Gonzalo Sanudo</a></b> came in for the next two innings. He pitched out of a jam in the ninth. After a lead off double and a ground ball to 2nd to move the runner over, he was faced with a runner at third and one out. He got <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=bernal001mic&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Michael Bernal</a></b> to strike out in a seven pitch at bat for the second out of the inning. <br />
That at bat got circled in my score book as a key out of the game. Bernal had a rough night at the plate. He accounted for 20% of the teams strike outs, going 0-5 with 5 Ks. Sanudo ended the night with three Ks in his two innings.<br />
<br />
Gerado Ramirez came in and may have had the outing of his life time. He pitched a career high four innings allowing just two hits and one walk while striking out <b>nine</b> K-Mets.<br />
<br />
The final pitcher of the night was <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/player_search.cgi?results=garcich02,garcia006chr&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Christian Garcia</a></b>. Garcia pitched the 14th and 15th innings fanning two batters in each inning. In each inning the lead off runner reached but never made it past first base. <br />
<br />
<b>At The Plate: </b><br />
Tanner Mathis reached base in five of his six plate appearances: E1, single, and three walks. This is exactly what you want out of a lead off batter. Also my 13 year old son observed he has the best walk up music this season. He is going old school with some <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-O5IHVhWj0">Run DMC - It's Tricky</a>.<br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=gonzal003wal&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Wallace Gonzalez</a></b> hit a towering home run in the fifth. They had success pitching him away but they left that pitch over the inner half of the plate and he made them pay. Gonzalez appears to be pulling out when he swings so outside pitches are going to be an issue for him. Gonzalez added a single later in the game. <br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=ovando000ari&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Ariel Ovando</a></b> and Jack Mayfield also had two hits. <br />
<br />
<b>In The Field:</b><br />
<b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=hipp--000par&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Parker Hipp</a></b> made a great play snagging a soft liner to start the game. I was sure that ball was going to fall for a hit.<br />
<br />
Wallace Gonzalez had a nice outfield assist on a shallow fly ball to left. The runner was moving on the play and Gonzalez throw beat the runner back to first for a double play. <br />
<br />
Jack Mayfield made an outstanding diving stop on a ball in the hole at shortstop. He popped up and made a good throw to first that <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=ibanez000ang&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Angel Ibanez</a></b> made a nice stretch to complete the put out.<br />
<br />
The defensive star of the night was <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=moront001cri&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Cristian Moronta</a></b>. He was three for three in throwing out runners stealing second. Two of those were on balls that he blocked and runners broke when he had trouble locating them. Those three outs were huge in a ballgame this tight. One ended an inning and two were to nab the hitter who had reached to start the inning.<br />
<br />
<b>Final Thought:</b> After the 25 game strike out performance, the G-Stros now lead the Appy League with 104 strikeouts in just nine games. That puts them 16 Ks above second place Johnson City.
Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10596723787113163184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136432300747926454.post-33363938687670292152013-06-28T08:53:00.000-04:002013-06-28T08:55:40.305-04:00Jandel Gustave Making A Name For HimselfWhat an introduction the Greeneville Astros fans received to <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=gustav001jan&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jandel Gustave</a></b> last night. The 20 year old from Pimentel, Dominican Republic pitched six no hit innings. He finished the night with a line of: 6 innings pitched, no hits, no runs, 3 BB, 1 HBP, 7 strike outs. That makes two solid outings for the year for Gustave. Let's look a little deeper into his outing and then get into his back ground.<br />
<br />
Getting the lead off batter out wasn't Gustave's strong suit last night. He issued a walk to lead off batter <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=stuart002cha&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Champ Stuart</a></b> but despite Stuart stealing second, Gustave got out of the inning with no damage thanks to two strike outs and a fly out to center.<br />
<br />
In the second, he hit the lead off batter but responded by striking out the next three batters.<br />
<br />
In the third, the leadoff batter reached on a fielding error. Gustave got the next three out with a fly out, a ground out back to the pitcher, and a strike out. <br />
<br />
In the fourth, he got the lead off batter out on a strike out but walked the next batter. He then induced a ground out and a fly out to end the inning. <br />
<br />
The fifth was his only one, two, three inning and the first inning with no strike outs.<br />
<br />
In the sixth, he again walked the lead off batter but one fly out and two ground balls later, the inning and Gustave's night were over. He finished the night with a game score of 76! Six of his seven strike outs were of the swinging variety. <br />
<br />
We learned from<a href="http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130627&content_id=52000554&fext=.jsp&vkey=news_milb&sid=milb"> the game story</a> that Gustave was effective in locating two primary pitches. A fastball and a slider. Mike Elias, scouting director of the Astros, was at the game and<a href="https://twitter.com/MEliasBaseball/status/350415973880303617"> tweeted </a>that Gustave was hitting 99 MPH. <br />
<br />
<b>Background</b><br />
Gustave signed as a international free agent on May 25, 2010 as a 17 year old. He spent the next two season in the DSL where his strike out numbers were encouraging (27 in 26 1/3 IP and 19 in 19 1/3 IP), but his control issues were very troubling. In 2011, in 19 1/3 innings, he walked 34 batters and had 21 wild pitches.<br />
<b> </b><br />
In 2012, he was promoted to the GCL. There he showed improved control. His BB per nine innings dropped from 15.8 in 2011 to 8.7 in 2012. His wild pitches dropped to seven while pitching 28 innings. His strike outs dipped slightly to 22.<br />
<br />
Early indications (small sample size alert) are that he has turned a corner in 2013. After walking more batters than he struck out for three straight years, this year, he has four strike outs for each walk he has issued. What a turn around! Here are some things I will be looking for as the season progresses.<br />
<br />
In his first three seasons, he appeared in 38 games but only started 10. This year in two starts, he has already thrown 11 innings. He has never thrown more than 28 in a season. So how he handles an increased workload is one of the things I will be watching. <br />
<br />
The development of a third pitch. Pitchers with two pitches often wind up in the bullpen. To stay a starter, he really needs a third pitch. Not that there would be anything wrong in having a home grown late innings guy.<br />
<br />
How he handles seeing a team for the second time. How does he adjust as they adjust. <br />
<br />
He has just moved to the top of the list of players I am excited about this season.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10596723787113163184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136432300747926454.post-20036450549465077422013-06-26T07:44:00.000-04:002013-06-26T07:44:26.267-04:00Eyewitness Report: 6/25/13 Elizabethton 8 Greenevillle 4Finally made it to Pioneer Park for my first game of the season. What was a pretty good game for six innings dissolved in the seventh into a rout. Here are some of my observations from the game:<br />
<br />
<b>On The Mound:</b><br />
<br />
Starter <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=franco001end&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Enderson Franco</a></b> did not get off to a great start. A four pitch walk to the lead off batter is not the way to start a game. After a stolen base and a ground out, the runner scored on a two out single to give the E-Twins an early lead. Lead off walks will kill you every time.<br />
<br />
The second inning was when Franco impressed me the most. After the third baseman booted the first batter's attempt. The next batter hit a tailor made 5-4-3 double play ball that was dropped by the second baseman. So instead of two outs. It was runners at first and second with no outs. Franco induced a 3-1 ground out before walking a batter to load the bases. He then got a pop to third in foul territory and a strike out to avoid any damage. However the side effect of giving a team two extra outs in the inning is Franco threw 18 pitches that inning instead of just seven. <br />
<br />
In the third, he only faced three batters but threw 20 pitches. The inning went three pitch strike out looking, eight pitch F8 and nine pitch strike out swinging. <br />
<br />
In the fourth, Franco got a lead off strikeout and then allowed three straight singles to the bottom of the line up. He still got out of the inning with just one run scoring. His night was done after four innings. By my count, he threw 71 pitches, with 50 of the going for strikes. He fanned five batters and allowed four hits and two walks.<br />
<br />
Franco needs to work on keeping base runners closer. In the first inning both runners who reached stole second and the throw never had a chance. He has a pretty good size leg kick in his stretch and it allows runners to get a good jump on him. <br />
<br />
He was relieved by <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=frias-000edi&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Edison Frias</a></b>. Frias didn't pitch badly, he just doesn't have an out pitch. He faced five batters who fouled off at least one ball after a two strike count. None of those at bats ended in a strike out. Most of them ended up in base hits. His breaking pitch was in the dirt and the E-Twins were not swinging at it. He needs an out pitch. He threw 74 pitches in 3 2/3 innings with 49 of the pitches for strikes. He struck out two batters and walked one. He allowed nine hits with five going for extra bases.<br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=connol000rya&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Ryan Connolly</a></b> got the last four outs for the G-Stros. He is an extreme side arm pitcher. No balls got out of the infield off him. One was hit well but a nice play by Borchering at first took care of it.<br />
<br />
<b>At The Plate: </b><br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=mathis000tan&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Tanner Mathis</a></b> did what you want a lead off to do. He got on base. He went 1-3 but also reached on a walk and a HBP. <br />
<b> </b><br />
<b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=gomez-002edw&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Edwin Gomez</a></b> had the two big hits for the night for Greeneville. A RBI triple in the 4th and a two run homer in the 8th. The home came on the seventh pitch of the at bat with a full count. Both hits were to right center.<br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=gingra000ric&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Ricky Gingras</a></b> had two hits, including a double to lead off the fourth.<br />
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<b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/player_search.cgi?results=santan006jua,santan004jua&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Juan Santana</a></b> added two singles.<br />
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<b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=ovando000ari&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Ariel Ovando</a></b> looked very off balance at the plate. He has a big step in the load of his swing and I believe it makes it hard for him to adjust to off speed pitches. He was getting a heavy diet of breaking balls. He struck out swinging twice and hit two grounders to first. The only good contact was on a couple of foul balls. <br />
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<b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=borche001bob&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Bobby Borchering</a></b> looked out of sorts as well. He had one good hit that was smothered by the E-Twins 6'7" first baseman. But otherwise, it was strikeouts and a pop out to short.<br />
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<b>In The Field:</b><br />
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Other than the nice snag by Borchering on a line drive at first, there weren't too many stand out plays. Gingras did a nice job behind the plate keeping the ball in front of him on several balls in dirt from Frias. <br />
<b> </b><br />
For the second straight night defense at third was an issue. <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=ibanez000ang&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Angel Ibanez</a></b> made two errors at third. One on a well hit but routine grounder that got in on him. The other was a throw on a tough play coming in. The throw sailed on him and ended up in the seats.<br />
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The other error came on a missed catch by second baseman <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=hipp--000par&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Parker Hipp</a></b>. The throw was low to start the 5-4-3 double play but it appeared to catch him in the palm of the glove and he couldn't squeeze it.<br />
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The outfield got lots of practice chasing after balls over their head. Cut off throws were pretty effective and defensive position of cut off men looked sound.<br />
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I hope to make it out to another game this week if life doesn't get in the way. <b> </b>
Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10596723787113163184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136432300747926454.post-21779158085237956642013-06-17T19:58:00.000-04:002013-06-17T20:02:27.714-04:00Getting to Know Your 2013 Greeneville Astros[Note from AppyAstros: This is the beginning of some cross posting work I am doing with <a href="http://whattheheckbobby.blogspot.com/">WhatTheHeckBobby?</a>. I am thankful to Jayne for giving me the opportunity to expand my audience.]<br />
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The coaching staff is here. The clubbie is stocking the club house. The players are getting settled in their lodging for the next few months. Let's learn a little bit about the guys who will wear the G star on their caps this season.<br />
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This <a href="http://brianmctaggart.mlblogs.com/2013/06/17/astros-set-tri-city-greeneville-and-gcl-rosters/">preliminary roster that was released</a> only shows 22 players. I would expect more drafted and non-drafted free agents (NDFA) to join this group as we approach the start of the season. <br />
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<b><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="text-decoration: underline;">PITCHERS</span></b><b> </b><br />
<b><b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=abreu-000ala&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Alan Abreu</a></b></b> (GCL) - This is a great story. Abreu was signed as a non drafted free agent out of Lander University by the Astros after a private workout in September of 2011 as a pitcher. <a href="http://www.landerbearcats.com/sports/bsb/2010-11/releases/20110919yz97u8">They signed this guy who:</a><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"never pitched in his two years at Lander. Nor did Abreu pitch for
Eastern Kentucky University, where he played his freshman year. Abreu
didn't even pitch in high school. Believe it or not, he never even
pitched in little league ball."</blockquote>
The right handed pitcher posses a 95 MPH fastball and is still learning to pitch. He was effective but not dominant in the GCL with just eight strike outs in 20 innings but still had a low 2.70 ERA. <br />
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<b>Tyler Brunnemann</b> (40th Rd 2013) - Brunnemann was the final draft pick of 2013 for the Astros. He is out of Hardin Simmons University in Texas. The righty throws in the low to mid 90's with a curve, a change and is developing a slider. Pitching in tough situations shouldn't bother him much since he has already <a href="http://bigleaguefutures.net/1/2012/08/14/draft-prospect-qa-with-tyler-brunnemann/">faced having a non-malignant brain tumor removed when he was 11</a>!<br />
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<b>William "Austin" Chrismon</b> - (26th Round 2013) - Chrismon spent his first two college seasons at East Carolina before transferring to Christopher Newport University. <a href="http://articles.dailypress.com/2013-06-10/sports/dp-spt-austin-chrismon-0611-20130610_1_austin-chrismon-houston-astros-john-harvell">He is the first player from CNU to be drafted.</a> In one outing this season, the right hander struck out 18 batters in eight innings. <br />
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<b><b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=franco001end&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Enderson Franco</a></b></b> (GCL) - The 20 year old right handed pitcher from Venezuela comes to Greeneville after spending two years in the GCL. He has pitched mostly as a starter and really improved his control in 2012, cutting his walks from 3.3/9 innings to 1.4/9 innings.<br />
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<b><b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=gustav001jan&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jandel Gustave</a></b></b> (GCL) - A 20 year old from the Dominican Republic. Appears to have good stuff with 22 Ks in 28 innings but struggles with control with 27 walks. Let's hope the young righty learns to harness the stuff. <br />
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<b><b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=holley001kri&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Krishawn Holley</a></b></b> (GCL) - A 39th round pick in 2009 by the Astros. He made just one appearance in the GLC in 09 due to signing late. He has spent the last two years in the GCL with limited action. When he has pitched, his numbers are impressive. In 31 innings as a pro, he has an ERA of 1.45 with 24K and a WHIP of 0.968. An intriguing right handed pitcher that I am excited to see in person.<br />
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<a href="http://www.astroscounty.com/2013/06/22-637-sebastian-kessay.html"><b>Sebastian Kessay</b></a> (22nd Round - 2013) - A lefty from Scottsdale Community College, Kessay fanned 98 in 72 innings this season. <br />
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<b>Chris Lee</b> (Greeneville) - This will be the 2010 4th round pick's third time to be in Greeneville. He has struggled to stay healthy. The lefty threw just 8 2/3 innings in 2012. Here's hoping the third time is the charm.<br />
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<b>Jordan Mills</b> (28th round 2013) - <a href="http://www.edhtelegraph.com/article/mills-shocked-be-selected-mlb-draft">Was surprised to hear his name called on draft da</a>y. The tall (6' 5") left handed pitcher throws a fastball (88-92), a slider and a change up. <br />
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<b>J.D. Osborne</b> (36th Round 2013) - Another left handed pitcher, Osborne was a fifth year senior with Wofford prior to being drafted. He made 27 relief appearances for the Terriers with 37 strikeouts in 33 1/3 innings pitched.<br />
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<b><b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=tiburc002fre&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Frederick Tiburcio</a></b> </b>(Greeneville) - The second of our returners this season. Tiburcio showed flashes of promise last season. He struck out 55 batters in 58 1/3 innings pitched. He is a 22 year old right handed pitcher from the Dominican Republic.<br />
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<b><span style="text-decoration: underline;">CATCHERS</span></b><br />
<b><b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=gingra000ric&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Ricky Gingras</a></b></b> (Greeneville) - Gingras returns to Greeneville where he showed some pop hitting three HR in 29 games last season. He and <b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=gonzal004alf&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Alfredo Gonzalez</a></b> will split most of the catching duties.<br />
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<b>Alfredo Gonzalez</b> (GCL) - The 20 year old from Venezuela showed significant improvement in his second year in the GCL. He raised his average from .172 to .244 and cut his passed balls down from 15 to 9. He threw out 37% of base stealers in 2012. <br />
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<b><b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=moront001cri&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Cristian Moronta</a></b></b> (Greeneville) - The 23 year old from the Dominican Republic returns to Greeneville for his third season. It is likely he will likely see limited game action and will be the bullpen catcher. However, he brings some maturity and leadership to the team. He received the 2011 Oscar Pedron award for leadership. <br />
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<b><span style="text-decoration: underline;">INFIELDERS</span></b><br />
<b><b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=gomez-002edw&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Edwin Gomez</a></b></b> (GCL) - Signed last season after being released from the Tigers system. He was drafted in the 4th round of the 2009 draft and had made it as far as A ball before being released. He is a 21 year old from Puerto Rico who primarily played first for the GCL Astros but has history playing the corner outfield spots. That may come in handy with just three outfielders on the roster thus far. <br />
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<b><b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=ibanez000ang&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Angel Ibanez</a></b></b> (Greeneville) - Ibanez finished strong last season hitting .305 in 24 games in August. The 22 year old was drafted in the 28th round of the 2012 draft. He primarily plays third. <br />
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<b>Jack Mayfield</b> (NDFA 2013) A non drafted free agent signed out of the University of Oklahoma, Mayfield plays mostly 2nd base. He hit .254 in 2013 with seven HR in his senior season.<br />
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<b><b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=rivera001dar&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Darwin Rivera</a></b></b> (GCL) - This is Rivera's second trip to Greeneville. He came here as an 19 year old and struggled in the field committing 30 errors. He spent last year in the GCL and hit well (.310) and made just 15 errors at 3rd.<br />
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<b><b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/player_search.cgi?results=santan004jua,santan006jua&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Juan Santana</a></b></b> (GCL) - He is a 19 year old out of the Dominican Republic who plays the middle infield positions. He hit .268 with 12 doubles for the GCL Astros last year. <br />
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<b><span style="text-decoration: underline;">OUTFIELDERS</span></b><br />
<b><b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=gonzal003wal&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Wallace Gonzalez</a></b></b> (GCL) - Drafted in the 29th round of the 2011 draft, Gonzalez has spent two seasons in the GLC prior to coming to Greeneville. He showed more power in his second season raising his slugging percentage almost 100 points. Expect to see him manning the corner outfield spots.<br />
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<b>Tanner Mathis</b> (NDFA) - Mathis was drafted by the Astros in 2012 out of Ole Miss, but chose not to sign. After not getting drafted in 2012, he signed on with the Astros as a non drafted free agent.<br />
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<b><b><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=wik---000mar&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Marc Wik</a></b></b> (Greeneville) - Drafted in the 21st round of the 2012 draft, Wik played mostly left field in Greeneville last season, though he did play in right some and got a few games at 2nd. He started hot at the plate last year but faded as the year drug on. <br />
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Wik, Marc
Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10596723787113163184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136432300747926454.post-16559353490037434262013-06-17T15:12:00.002-04:002013-06-17T15:12:55.504-04:00The New Players Guide to GreenEville 2013 Edition(Updated from <a href="http://appyastros.blogspot.com/2012/06/new-players-guide-to-greeneville.html">last year's post </a>because well things change) <br />
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I am very excited for opening day for the short season being less than a week away. Today, the players are supposed to be rolling in to town and getting settled before the season begins. This year, it looks like most of the players will be making their first trip to the Greeneville, I thought I would give them an inside look at the town, the fans and some unsolicited advice about your time in Greeneville and some ways to occupy you friends and family when they come to visit this summer.<br />
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<u><b>GreenEville</b></u><br />
The first thing you need to know is the big E is important here. Locals take pride that we are the only city in the country to have the e between the n and the v. That is because it is named for a person not the color. The person the town is named after is the revolutionary war hero <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nathanael_Greene" target="_blank">Nathanael Greene</a>. There is also a nuclear submarine named after the town, the USS Greeneville - it was the one that <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Greeneville_%28SSN-772%29#The_Ehime_Maru_incident" target="_blank">hit the fishing boat a few years ago if you remember the controversy</a>. <br />
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<u><b>History</b></u><br />
Several big names have called Greeneville home and you will hear folks talk about them.<br />
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Davy Crockett was born in Greene County. There is a <a href="http://tn.gov/environment/parks/DavyCrockettSHP/" target="_blank">state park on this birthplace site</a> in the east end of the county.<br />
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The 17th President Andrew Johnson moved here as a young person and started his political career here. <a href="http://www.nps.gov/anjo/index.htm" target="_blank">There is a national historic site her</a>e. It is a great place to send your parents when they come visit while you are at practice. He is also buried in the national cemetery. <br />
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There are other cool history geeky kind of things to do and see in Greeneville. My favorite is the <a href="http://tnjn.com/2008/mar/31/cannonball-church-offers-an-un/">cannon ball church</a>. Actually it is Cumberland Presbyterian Church on the corner of Church and Main. But because it has a civil war cannon ball stuck in its front wall, everyone just calls it the cannon ball church. <br />
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For baseball history, check out the little museum outside the front offices at the stadium. You get a flavor of baseball in Greeneville. You will learn about Greeneville's major leaguers <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/alexada01.shtml" target="_blank">Dale Alexander</a>, who hit .331 over five seasons with the Tigers and the Red Sox, and about <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/plessra01.shtml" target="_blank">Rance Pless</a>.<br />
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The latest big name to hail from Greeneville is the Country Pop group <a href="http://www.thebandperry.com/default.aspx" target="_blank">The Band Perry</a>. Last season, they were <a href="http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120511&content_id=30958280&vkey=news_t413&fext=.jsp&sid=t413">the local bobblehead</a>. <br />
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<u><b>Let's Eat</b></u><br />
Greeneville is not a very big town but there are plenty of places to eat, unfortunately most of them are not open after the games. Here are your options after games: Applebee's, Waffle House, fast food drive through (McD's, Wendy's, Taco Bell, DQ, etc) and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tiptons-cafe/388392125453?fref=ts" target="_blank">Tipton's Cafe</a>. <br />
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If your folks or girlfriend are in town and they are looking for good lunch spots. Let me recommend some local flavor - <a href="http://www.greenevillemarketplace.com/marketplace/businesses/sandwich-house/" target="_blank">The Sandwich House</a> (best burgers-but warning it is cash only), <a href="http://www.thesalsasrestaurant.com/" target="_blank">Salsa's</a> (best mexican), <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g60719-d830640-Reviews-Bean_Barn-Greeneville_Tennessee.html" target="_blank">The Bean Barn</a>, <a href="http://www.topchoicebbq.com/" target="_blank">Top Choice BBQ</a>, and <a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/179/998339/restaurant/Johnson-City/Peggy-Ann-Bakery-Deli-Greeneville" target="_blank">Peggy Ann's Bakery</a>. There are other local places that are good too (Amy's Kitchen & Aunt Bea's) and it is a shame many players don't get eat at these places because they don't fit the ball players schedules but most are with in a mile or two of the hotel where the players stay.<br />
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For Saturday morning breakfast, I highly recommend <a href="http://thefarmersdaughterrestaurant.com/">The Farmer's Daughter</a>. It is about 15 minutes out of town but this family style restaurant will fill you up with good southern cooking. They also serve lunch and dinner Friday-Sunday. (Cash or check only). While you are out there, Moms & Grandmas often enjoy going through the <a href="http://mountainviewbulkfoods.com/index.html">Mountain View Bulk Food</a> store next door. The locals call it "the Mennonite store". They have great fresh baked items, a wonderful deli and spices and baking supplies in bulk. <br />
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If you are a coffee person, the<a href="https://www.facebook.com/creamycup?fref=ts"> Creamy Cup</a> is very close to the stadium and they have good lemonaid as well. <br />
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For something nicer, <a href="http://www.generalmorganinn.com/about/" target="_blank">Brumley's</a> inside the historic <a href="http://www.generalmorganinn.com/" target="_blank">General Morgan Inn</a> in has a great lunch and weekend brunch. The General Morgan Inn is also a great place for parents to stay when they come into town. A bit pricey but beautiful. It is worth a walk through just to see the inside of the lobby.<br />
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<b><u>The Fans</u></b><br />
Greeneville has won the league attendance title every year since the team arrived in 2004. There are season ticket holders who know there baseball and there are folks who go just one time a year when someone they know is going to be on the field before the game. Most of the regular attenders are very friendly and will strike up a conversation with you. There is no formal host family system in Greeneville. However, some
families might invite you over for a meal. Accept the invite if you
can. A free home cooked meal is never a bad thing. <br />
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<b>A little unsolicited advice </b><br />
There are some players who played in Greeneville and you will hear fans talk about them with reverence. It is not so much what they did on the field, it is how they treated the fans.<br />
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If you are the guy who is warming up the right fielder and collects the balls from the guys warming up, please don't throw a ball to the kids who are begging like street children in a third world country. They are like stray cats. Feed them once and they never go away and more will come. Kids will be hanging around the dug out bothering you the whole game if you do it one time. The fans who sit in those sections appreciate your cooperation with this. <br />
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Foul balls are different, I don't know why but they don't tend to draw the attention of ball beggars as much. So feel free to throw foul balls up to kids.<br />
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On autographs, the first manager in Greeneville, Tim Bogar, told his players, "Sign every autograph you can, one day, no one will want your autograph." While this is good advice, I want to add to it. Sign the autographs that will make the other persons day the most. Kids first and guys with a duffle bag of stuff they plan to sell last. For many kids, they only come to a few games and you have just made their day with an autograph.<br />
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Again, welcome to Greeneville! The next two and a half months will be a whirlwind. I wish you the best of luck. See you at the park!<br />
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PS that little town you drove through when you got of of I-81, Moshiem. It is pronounced MossHyme not Mo Shium (I learned that when I moved here just over 10 years ago). <br />
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<br />Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10596723787113163184noreply@blogger.com0