Indy ball is an option for players who aren't ready to hang up the spikes and occasionally you will hear of a player being signed from Indy ball back into affiliated ball. This year, there are 11 former Greeneville Astros playing in four different Independent Leagues. Here is the list:
American Association:
Mitch Einertson (2004) El Paso
Ryan Mitchell (2005,2006) Amarillo
Colton Pitkin (2007,2008) Winnipeg
In addition to these three, former G-Stro Beau Torbert (2004) works in the front office of the Sioux Falls team as the coordinator of baseball outreach.
Frontier League
Garrett Bullock (2009, 2010) Evansville
Marcus Nidiffer (2010) Travers City
Brad Propst (2011, 2012) River City
Bubby Williams (2009, 2010) Normal
Atlantic League
Ralph Henriquez (2005, 2006) Long Island
Koby Clemens (2005) Sugarland
Wlad Sutil (2004) South Maryland Blue Crabs
Can/Am League
Kyle Greenwalt (2007,2008) New Jersey
Bryce Lane (2010) Newark
When checking these rosters, I came across a few other Astros farm hands who are active in Indy ball. They are: Neiko Johnson (Gateway - Frontier), Kirk Clark (Sioux Falls - American), Jon Gaston (Rockland - Can/Am).
Showing posts with label Mitchell. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mitchell. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Former G-Stros Playing Indy Ball 2012
With independent leagues starting to get underway, I thought we would take a peak at their rosters and see if there are any former Greeneville Astros still playing unaffiliated ball. I found 10 that are on current rosters, one who has moved to coaching and one who has been naughty and is on the suspended list. I also located at least 12 other guys who played in the Astros farm system on the rosters. I might have missed one as there are a bunch of indy leagues and teams.
American Association:
Ole Sheldon (2004) - St. Paul Saints
Bubby Williams (2009/10) - Kansas City T-Bones
Beau Torbert (2004)- Hitting Coach - Lincoln Salt Dogs
Mitch Einertson (2004)- Wichita Wingnuts
Ryan Mitchell (2006)- Amarillo Sox
Other former Astros farm hands in this league: Jon Gaston - Fargo, Chris Salamida - Winnipeg, Matt Cusick - Winnipeg, and Lee Cruz - Kansas City
Atlantic League
Douglas Arguello (2004) - Somerset Patriots
Other former Astros farm hands in this league: Raymar Diaz - Blueport, Collin DeLome- Bridgeport, Lou Santangelo - Somerset, Ryan McKeller - Sugarland, Jimmy Van Ostrand - Sugarland, Drew Locke - Sugarland.
Canadian American League
Bryce Lane (2010) - Newark Bears
Kyle Greenwalt (2007/08)- New Jersey Jackals
Steve Brown (2006)- Qubec Capitals
Other former Astros farm hands in this league: Anthony Pluta - Newark
Frontier League:
Garrett Bullock (2009/10)- Evansville Otters
Marcus Nidiffer (2010)- Travers City Beach Bums
Josh Flores (2005) - On suspended list of Joliet Slammers
Other former Astros farm hands in this league: Justin Gill - River City Rascals
American Association:
Ole Sheldon (2004) - St. Paul Saints
Bubby Williams (2009/10) - Kansas City T-Bones
Beau Torbert (2004)- Hitting Coach - Lincoln Salt Dogs
Mitch Einertson (2004)- Wichita Wingnuts
Ryan Mitchell (2006)- Amarillo Sox
Other former Astros farm hands in this league: Jon Gaston - Fargo, Chris Salamida - Winnipeg, Matt Cusick - Winnipeg, and Lee Cruz - Kansas City
Atlantic League
Douglas Arguello (2004) - Somerset Patriots
Other former Astros farm hands in this league: Raymar Diaz - Blueport, Collin DeLome- Bridgeport, Lou Santangelo - Somerset, Ryan McKeller - Sugarland, Jimmy Van Ostrand - Sugarland, Drew Locke - Sugarland.
Canadian American League
Bryce Lane (2010) - Newark Bears
Kyle Greenwalt (2007/08)- New Jersey Jackals
Steve Brown (2006)- Qubec Capitals
Other former Astros farm hands in this league: Anthony Pluta - Newark
Frontier League:
Garrett Bullock (2009/10)- Evansville Otters
Marcus Nidiffer (2010)- Travers City Beach Bums
Josh Flores (2005) - On suspended list of Joliet Slammers
Other former Astros farm hands in this league: Justin Gill - River City Rascals
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
2005 Greeneville Astros Progress Report
A few weeks back, we looked at the 2004 team and who was still active. Today, let's look back at the 2005 edition of the G-Stros and see who is still around and how they fared in 2011.
There are seven players who are still in affiliated ball from the 35 players who appeared on the 2005 Greeneville Astros roster. That means 20% were still in affiliated ball in 2011. Most of these aren't the names I would have listed after the 2005 season. The Baseball America 2005 top 20 Appy League prospects had four members of the 2005 G-Stros on the list. The only one still playing affliiated ball today is Koby Clemens (16). Those who were on the list that aren't around any more are Josh Flores (8), Eli Iorg (14), and Ryan Mitchell (19).
Koby Clemens - Clemens was the big name of the 2005 draft class. Some said he was drafted as a favor to his father Roger Clemens but Koby quickly let it be known that he was a decent ball player in his own right. This was the year the senior Clemens was only traveling with the Houston Astros when he was pitching. Therefore there were several sightings of Roger Clemens at Pioneer Park and the local Wal Mart. 2005 was Clemens only season in Greeneville. He moved up the ladder showing progress and working to find a position that worked for him. He started at 3rd, moved to Catcher and LF before finally landing at 1st. He found the thin air of the California league to his liking and had a break out year in 2009. His average dropped almost .100 points in the move from the Cal League to the Texas League in 2010 but he still hit 26 HR on the season. That warranted a move to AAA for 2011. There he hit .234 with 16 home runs.
He will turn 25 in the off season. He is still working on his versatility in the field which is more important with Brett Wallace ahead of him on the depth chart and Kody Hinze and Jonathon Singleton behind him at 1st base.
Ralph Henriquez - Ralphie (as he was known then) was the Astros' 2nd round pick in 2005. He spent the first of two years in Greeneville in 2005. He was a fan favorite because of his willingness to spend time with kids. After the 2007 season, he was traded for to the Mets for a minor league pitcher, Josh Appell. After two seasons with the Mets organization, he signed as a free agent with the Mariners organization. This appears to have been a good move for Henriquez as he got his first taste of AA ball in 2010. In 2011, he spent time at three different levels, though he only spent one game at high A High Desert before going to the Jackson Generals of the Southern League. In Jackson, Ralph hit just .196 and threw out 24% of base stealers in 39 games. In late June, he moved up to AAA Tacoma of the PCL. His found more success there. He hit a respectable .256 and threw out 30% of base stealers in 37 games.
Henriquez will turn 25 right at the start of the 2012 season. He is showing improvement despite a slow start that saw him in short season ball for at least part of every season from 2005 to 2009. He is currently looking like a career organizational player but you never know. Many folks thought he would be out of affiliated ball by now.
Since we are talking about Ralph, you can't mention his career with out the including the classic at bat in 2008 against Pat Venditte. Switch hitter verses switch pitcher.
Brandon Barnes - Barnes was the 6th round pick in 2005. He like Henriquez spent two season in Greeneville. Barnes took up baseball late and was primarily a football player in High School. He was seen as someone with good athleticism and power but very raw. He had a bit of a break out year in 2007 at Tri Cities where he was named the team MVP. After spending 2008 in Lexington, he made three different stops in 2009. He especially enjoyed Lancaster. During the 2009 and 2010 season, he combined for 39 HR. That is more than half of his career total of 77 round trippers. After 2010, he spent some tie in the Arizona Fall League. This year, he started in Corpus Christi (AA) but was quickly moved to AAA Oklahoma City. He didn't fare well there and was sent back to Corpus Christi in July. In Corpus Christiy, he played all three outfield positions and also played three games at second base. He hit .286 with an OPS of .788 while on the Texas coast. At AAA Oklahoma City, he hit 197 with an OPS of .696. He played almost exclusively in CF for the RedHawks.
Barnes will be 25 for another month when the season starts next year. I expect he will be in AAA to start the 2012 season.
Victor Garate - Garate showed promise in Greeneville. He struck out 53 batters in 32 1/3 IP out of the pen but walked more batters (26) than he allowed on base via hits (21). The questions could he learn control. He made huge progress in 2006 in Tri Cities where his ERA dropped to 0.92. Yet he struggled with walks again in Lexington and was sent back to Tri Cities to finish in 2007. He was left off a AA or AAA roster in the offs eason and the Dodgers nabbed him in the minor league section of the rule 5 draft.He made solid progress for them and was traded to the Nationals in 2009 out of AA as a player to be named later in the Ronnie Belliard trade. Washington brought him right to the big leagues and he made four appearances in the end of the 2009 season. He didn't wow anyone with his performance and spent 2010 between AA and AAA in the Washington organization. In 2011, he signed with the Marlins and had an impressive campaign with the New Orleans Zephyrs (AAA). He appeared in 43 games (56 1/3 IP) and had a 2.72 ERA. During the year, he struck out 59 batters, walked 34 and allowed 44 hits and five home runs.
I was a bit surprised he didn't get a September call up based on the numbers he put up. He will be 27 when the season begins and if he continues to do the quality of work he did last season, he should be getting another shot a the majors.
Sammy Gervacio - Gervacio or "Slingin' Sammy" as I like to call him, was the closer for the 2005 G-Stros. He collected eight saves that season. He spent 2006 in Lexington before climbing two levels a year in 2007 and 2008. He ended 2009 with a late season call up to Houston. He took advantage of his opprotunity and had a solid 2.14 ERA over 29 games (21 IP). He started 2010 in the Astros bullpen but rotator cuff surgery ended his 2010 season and cut into his 2011 season. This year he started his climb back to the majors in Corpus Christi in May. In 8 games there (13 IP) he put up a 1.38 ERA and was promoted to AAA to finish the year. In Oklahoma City, he appeared in 28 games with a 4.01 ERA.
Gervacio will be 27 when the season starts next year. Shoulder injuries often drop velocity and make pitchers have to learn to pitch differently. Gervacio is playing winter ball for Licey in the Dominican. How he does there might impact where he starts 2012.
Brad James - Yes was still on a roster this year. Brad James spent two summers in Greeneville. He then rode his sinking fast ball on a fast track to AA in 2007. He spent 2008 and 2009 there. He missed all of 2010 with a shoulder injury and made a brief comeback this season. He was shut down in July. At 27, James time is running out. I would be surprised if he is on a roster next spring.
Polin Trinidad - Trinidad spent both 05 and 06 in Greeneville as well. He think climbed the Astros ladder and was at AAA in 2010 when he was released. The Cubs picked him up in the off season but released him in early 2011. He was picked up by the A's and finished the year at AA Midland where he amassed a 6.91 ERA in 18 games/9 starts. Trinidad will be 27 when next season begins. Being a lefty, he might make it on someones roster. He is playing winter ball in the Dominican for Estrellas de Oriente.
There are seven players who are still in affiliated ball from the 35 players who appeared on the 2005 Greeneville Astros roster. That means 20% were still in affiliated ball in 2011. Most of these aren't the names I would have listed after the 2005 season. The Baseball America 2005 top 20 Appy League prospects had four members of the 2005 G-Stros on the list. The only one still playing affliiated ball today is Koby Clemens (16). Those who were on the list that aren't around any more are Josh Flores (8), Eli Iorg (14), and Ryan Mitchell (19).
Koby Clemens - Clemens was the big name of the 2005 draft class. Some said he was drafted as a favor to his father Roger Clemens but Koby quickly let it be known that he was a decent ball player in his own right. This was the year the senior Clemens was only traveling with the Houston Astros when he was pitching. Therefore there were several sightings of Roger Clemens at Pioneer Park and the local Wal Mart. 2005 was Clemens only season in Greeneville. He moved up the ladder showing progress and working to find a position that worked for him. He started at 3rd, moved to Catcher and LF before finally landing at 1st. He found the thin air of the California league to his liking and had a break out year in 2009. His average dropped almost .100 points in the move from the Cal League to the Texas League in 2010 but he still hit 26 HR on the season. That warranted a move to AAA for 2011. There he hit .234 with 16 home runs.
He will turn 25 in the off season. He is still working on his versatility in the field which is more important with Brett Wallace ahead of him on the depth chart and Kody Hinze and Jonathon Singleton behind him at 1st base.
Ralph Henriquez - Ralphie (as he was known then) was the Astros' 2nd round pick in 2005. He spent the first of two years in Greeneville in 2005. He was a fan favorite because of his willingness to spend time with kids. After the 2007 season, he was traded for to the Mets for a minor league pitcher, Josh Appell. After two seasons with the Mets organization, he signed as a free agent with the Mariners organization. This appears to have been a good move for Henriquez as he got his first taste of AA ball in 2010. In 2011, he spent time at three different levels, though he only spent one game at high A High Desert before going to the Jackson Generals of the Southern League. In Jackson, Ralph hit just .196 and threw out 24% of base stealers in 39 games. In late June, he moved up to AAA Tacoma of the PCL. His found more success there. He hit a respectable .256 and threw out 30% of base stealers in 37 games.
Henriquez will turn 25 right at the start of the 2012 season. He is showing improvement despite a slow start that saw him in short season ball for at least part of every season from 2005 to 2009. He is currently looking like a career organizational player but you never know. Many folks thought he would be out of affiliated ball by now.
Brandon Barnes - Barnes was the 6th round pick in 2005. He like Henriquez spent two season in Greeneville. Barnes took up baseball late and was primarily a football player in High School. He was seen as someone with good athleticism and power but very raw. He had a bit of a break out year in 2007 at Tri Cities where he was named the team MVP. After spending 2008 in Lexington, he made three different stops in 2009. He especially enjoyed Lancaster. During the 2009 and 2010 season, he combined for 39 HR. That is more than half of his career total of 77 round trippers. After 2010, he spent some tie in the Arizona Fall League. This year, he started in Corpus Christi (AA) but was quickly moved to AAA Oklahoma City. He didn't fare well there and was sent back to Corpus Christi in July. In Corpus Christiy, he played all three outfield positions and also played three games at second base. He hit .286 with an OPS of .788 while on the Texas coast. At AAA Oklahoma City, he hit 197 with an OPS of .696. He played almost exclusively in CF for the RedHawks.
Barnes will be 25 for another month when the season starts next year. I expect he will be in AAA to start the 2012 season.
Victor Garate - Garate showed promise in Greeneville. He struck out 53 batters in 32 1/3 IP out of the pen but walked more batters (26) than he allowed on base via hits (21). The questions could he learn control. He made huge progress in 2006 in Tri Cities where his ERA dropped to 0.92. Yet he struggled with walks again in Lexington and was sent back to Tri Cities to finish in 2007. He was left off a AA or AAA roster in the offs eason and the Dodgers nabbed him in the minor league section of the rule 5 draft.He made solid progress for them and was traded to the Nationals in 2009 out of AA as a player to be named later in the Ronnie Belliard trade. Washington brought him right to the big leagues and he made four appearances in the end of the 2009 season. He didn't wow anyone with his performance and spent 2010 between AA and AAA in the Washington organization. In 2011, he signed with the Marlins and had an impressive campaign with the New Orleans Zephyrs (AAA). He appeared in 43 games (56 1/3 IP) and had a 2.72 ERA. During the year, he struck out 59 batters, walked 34 and allowed 44 hits and five home runs.
I was a bit surprised he didn't get a September call up based on the numbers he put up. He will be 27 when the season begins and if he continues to do the quality of work he did last season, he should be getting another shot a the majors.
Sammy Gervacio - Gervacio or "Slingin' Sammy" as I like to call him, was the closer for the 2005 G-Stros. He collected eight saves that season. He spent 2006 in Lexington before climbing two levels a year in 2007 and 2008. He ended 2009 with a late season call up to Houston. He took advantage of his opprotunity and had a solid 2.14 ERA over 29 games (21 IP). He started 2010 in the Astros bullpen but rotator cuff surgery ended his 2010 season and cut into his 2011 season. This year he started his climb back to the majors in Corpus Christi in May. In 8 games there (13 IP) he put up a 1.38 ERA and was promoted to AAA to finish the year. In Oklahoma City, he appeared in 28 games with a 4.01 ERA.
Gervacio will be 27 when the season starts next year. Shoulder injuries often drop velocity and make pitchers have to learn to pitch differently. Gervacio is playing winter ball for Licey in the Dominican. How he does there might impact where he starts 2012.
Brad James - Yes was still on a roster this year. Brad James spent two summers in Greeneville. He then rode his sinking fast ball on a fast track to AA in 2007. He spent 2008 and 2009 there. He missed all of 2010 with a shoulder injury and made a brief comeback this season. He was shut down in July. At 27, James time is running out. I would be surprised if he is on a roster next spring.
Polin Trinidad - Trinidad spent both 05 and 06 in Greeneville as well. He think climbed the Astros ladder and was at AAA in 2010 when he was released. The Cubs picked him up in the off season but released him in early 2011. He was picked up by the A's and finished the year at AA Midland where he amassed a 6.91 ERA in 18 games/9 starts. Trinidad will be 27 when next season begins. Being a lefty, he might make it on someones roster. He is playing winter ball in the Dominican for Estrellas de Oriente.
Friday, July 15, 2011
Indy Ball Alumni Update
Occationally I will get a question from someone out and about about a former player. The question builds my curiosity and I google the players name and find they are playing independent baseball. Indy ball is professional ball but it is not affiliated with a MLB team. The talent level is all over the map when it comes to indy ball and you can often find interesting connections on rosters. Here are some former G-Stros who are playing indy ball this season. If you know of more, let me know.
North American Baseball League
Mitch Einertson - Mitch made a big splash on the G-Ville scene in 2004 when he tied the Appy League home run record as a 18 year old. Off field issues kept derailing him and he was released after he had climbed as far as AA and was suspended for drugs. This year he is playing for the Mighty Warriors of Maui (Na Koa Ikaika Maui) in the North American Baseball League. Mitch is hitting .322 with 6 home runs in 43 games. His manager there is former MLB star shortstop Garry Templeton.
David Dinelli - is actually on the roster with Einertson in Maui. David was the 6th round pick of the Astros in 2007. He never advanced any higher than Greeneville and was playing indy ball starting in 2009. He has a 3.10 ERA in 20 appearances (29 IP) with Maui.
While playing in the NABL, they run across former Astro farmhands Justin Tellem, Rory Shortell, and Lou Santagello who are all still playing in the league.
American Association
Ole Shelton - Ole hit the first home run in the history of the Greeneville Astros. He is still playing ball for the St. Paul Saints of the American Association. Through 39 games, he is hitting .293 and has six home runs.
Jack Frawley - He pitched in Greeneville just last year. He is 2-4 with a 6.10 ERA in 13 starts for the Gary SouthShores.
Santo Luis - the big righty continues to try to make the big leagues after his release by the Red Sox earlier this season. He is yet to allow an earned run since he joined the Lincoln SaltDogs (3 appearances).
Corey Bass - Bass spent two seasons with the G-Stros (05-06). He is in his third season of indy ball and his 6th indy ball team. This year, he is with the Amarillo Sox. He is 3-2 with 3 saves in 22 appearances (31.1 IP).
Ryan Mitchell - Mitchell & Bass are teammates for the second time in Amarillo. Both were on the 2005 & 2006 G-Stros prior to his release in 2007. He has been in indy ball since then. This season, the 23 year old Mitchell is 3-3 with a 3.64 ERA in 13 games (12 starts).
Griffen Bailey - is the 4th member, along with Bass, Mitchell & Luis, of the 2006 pitching staff to be slinging the rock in the American Association . He is 0-2 with a 4.82 ERA through 20 games this season. He started the year with Fargo but is currently with Fort Worth.
Other former Astros farmhands playing in the American Association include Chris Salamida, Jeff Hulett and Matt Nevarez.
Atlantic League
Amadeo Zazueta - is yet another member of the 06 team to be playing indy ball. The Atlantic League is one of the top indy ball leagues. Their rosters are chock full of former big leaguers. Zazueta is back in indy ball after a brief stint last year with the Braves organization. Through 59 games this year, Zazueta is hitting .309 with six home runs.
Some of the other former Astros farmhands hanging out in the Atlantic League include Ryan McKeller, J. R. House and Val Majewski.
Can Am League (Canada American Association of Professional Baseball)
Robert Bono - Bono is 3-0 with a 3.83 ERA in 9 games (7 starts) for the Brockton Rox. He plays for manager Bill Buckner. Bono played for Greeneville in 2007 and was traded to the Marlins in 2009.
Frontier League
Anthony Bello - Yet another member of the 06 team to be playing indy ball. He is 1-3 with a 4.41 ERA in six starts for the Florence (KY) Freedom.
Other former Astros minor leaguers in the Frontier League include Freddy Parejo and Ryan Ditthardt.
That makes 11 former G-Stros playing indy ball, still having fun and chasing the dream.
North American Baseball League
Mitch Einertson - Mitch made a big splash on the G-Ville scene in 2004 when he tied the Appy League home run record as a 18 year old. Off field issues kept derailing him and he was released after he had climbed as far as AA and was suspended for drugs. This year he is playing for the Mighty Warriors of Maui (Na Koa Ikaika Maui) in the North American Baseball League. Mitch is hitting .322 with 6 home runs in 43 games. His manager there is former MLB star shortstop Garry Templeton.
David Dinelli - is actually on the roster with Einertson in Maui. David was the 6th round pick of the Astros in 2007. He never advanced any higher than Greeneville and was playing indy ball starting in 2009. He has a 3.10 ERA in 20 appearances (29 IP) with Maui.
While playing in the NABL, they run across former Astro farmhands Justin Tellem, Rory Shortell, and Lou Santagello who are all still playing in the league.
American Association
Ole Shelton - Ole hit the first home run in the history of the Greeneville Astros. He is still playing ball for the St. Paul Saints of the American Association. Through 39 games, he is hitting .293 and has six home runs.
Jack Frawley - He pitched in Greeneville just last year. He is 2-4 with a 6.10 ERA in 13 starts for the Gary SouthShores.
Santo Luis - the big righty continues to try to make the big leagues after his release by the Red Sox earlier this season. He is yet to allow an earned run since he joined the Lincoln SaltDogs (3 appearances).
Corey Bass - Bass spent two seasons with the G-Stros (05-06). He is in his third season of indy ball and his 6th indy ball team. This year, he is with the Amarillo Sox. He is 3-2 with 3 saves in 22 appearances (31.1 IP).
Ryan Mitchell - Mitchell & Bass are teammates for the second time in Amarillo. Both were on the 2005 & 2006 G-Stros prior to his release in 2007. He has been in indy ball since then. This season, the 23 year old Mitchell is 3-3 with a 3.64 ERA in 13 games (12 starts).
Griffen Bailey - is the 4th member, along with Bass, Mitchell & Luis, of the 2006 pitching staff to be slinging the rock in the American Association . He is 0-2 with a 4.82 ERA through 20 games this season. He started the year with Fargo but is currently with Fort Worth.
Other former Astros farmhands playing in the American Association include Chris Salamida, Jeff Hulett and Matt Nevarez.
Atlantic League
Amadeo Zazueta - is yet another member of the 06 team to be playing indy ball. The Atlantic League is one of the top indy ball leagues. Their rosters are chock full of former big leaguers. Zazueta is back in indy ball after a brief stint last year with the Braves organization. Through 59 games this year, Zazueta is hitting .309 with six home runs.
Some of the other former Astros farmhands hanging out in the Atlantic League include Ryan McKeller, J. R. House and Val Majewski.
Can Am League (Canada American Association of Professional Baseball)
Robert Bono - Bono is 3-0 with a 3.83 ERA in 9 games (7 starts) for the Brockton Rox. He plays for manager Bill Buckner. Bono played for Greeneville in 2007 and was traded to the Marlins in 2009.
Frontier League
Anthony Bello - Yet another member of the 06 team to be playing indy ball. He is 1-3 with a 4.41 ERA in six starts for the Florence (KY) Freedom.
Other former Astros minor leaguers in the Frontier League include Freddy Parejo and Ryan Ditthardt.
That makes 11 former G-Stros playing indy ball, still having fun and chasing the dream.
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