When I saw that Jandel Gustave 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. Brian Holberton and Chase McDonald were making their pro debuts and Brett Phillips was making his Greeneville debut. It was a good night to be at the ballpark. Here are my observations:
On The Mound:
Jandel Gustave 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.
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.
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.
Austin Chrismon 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.
Christian Garcia 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.
Gerardo Ramirez 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.
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.
At The Plate:
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.
Brett Phillips 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.
David Mayfield (Jack) 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.
Bobby Borchering reached base three times in four plate appearances. A single and two walks.
Chase McDonald 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.
Marc Wik 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.
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.
The pitcher who started for Bristol, Scott Carroll, 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, Tyler Danish. So they were facing some pretty good pitching but that is most nights in pro baseball.
In The Field
Brian Holberton 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. 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.
Jack Mayfield 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.
Brett Phillips 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.
Darwin Rivera made his seventh error of the year at third with a bad throw to first.
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.
Showing posts with label Rivera. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Rivera. Show all posts
Saturday, July 6, 2013
Saturday, June 29, 2013
Eyewitness Report: 6/28/13 Greeneville 2 Kingsport 1
Wow! 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. Tanner Mathis walked, and was moved to second on a sac bunt by Jack Mayfield. Darwin Rivera 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.
Here are my observations from the game.
On The Mound:
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.
Frederick Tiburcio 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.
Tiburcio threw an unofficial 67 pitches in five innings. To have that low of a pitch count with that many strike outs is impressive.
Tyler Brunnemann 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.
Ryan Connelly pitched the eight inning. The submarine pitcher was the only pitcher of the night not to record a strike out.
Gonzalo Sanudo 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 Michael Bernal to strike out in a seven pitch at bat for the second out of the inning.
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.
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 nine K-Mets.
The final pitcher of the night was Christian Garcia. 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.
At The Plate:
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 Run DMC - It's Tricky.
Wallace Gonzalez 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.
Ariel Ovando and Jack Mayfield also had two hits.
In The Field:
Parker Hipp made a great play snagging a soft liner to start the game. I was sure that ball was going to fall for a hit.
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.
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 Angel Ibanez made a nice stretch to complete the put out.
The defensive star of the night was Cristian Moronta. 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.
Final Thought: 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.
Here are my observations from the game.
On The Mound:
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.
Frederick Tiburcio 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.
Tiburcio threw an unofficial 67 pitches in five innings. To have that low of a pitch count with that many strike outs is impressive.
Tyler Brunnemann 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.
Ryan Connelly pitched the eight inning. The submarine pitcher was the only pitcher of the night not to record a strike out.
Gonzalo Sanudo 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 Michael Bernal to strike out in a seven pitch at bat for the second out of the inning.
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.
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 nine K-Mets.
The final pitcher of the night was Christian Garcia. 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.
At The Plate:
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 Run DMC - It's Tricky.
Wallace Gonzalez 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.
Ariel Ovando and Jack Mayfield also had two hits.
In The Field:
Parker Hipp made a great play snagging a soft liner to start the game. I was sure that ball was going to fall for a hit.
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.
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 Angel Ibanez made a nice stretch to complete the put out.
The defensive star of the night was Cristian Moronta. 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.
Final Thought: 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.
Monday, February 27, 2012
What To Watch For In 2012 - Former G-Stros Third Basemen
In our trip around the diamond, we are over to the hot corner. Let's see what questions we will be watching for as the 2012 full season begins and I am sitting here waiting for short season ball in June.
Of the bat, let's not forget that two former G-Stros 3rd basemen are covered in other projections. Clemens was in the first base What to Watch For and Ebert Rosario will be covered in the pitchers.
Third Basemen
Jean Batista - (2011, 20, Rookie) - Signed in 2010 as a 17 year old switch hitting shortstop. He didn't play in 2010 but made his debut in the GCL as a 19 year old in 2011. Notice the ages there....something isn't adding up, which may indicate why he didn't play in the DSL in 2010. Regardless, Batista is listed as a shortstop but has played more games at 3B (15), 2B (15) than SS (12). I am including him here because I write the blog and I get to decide! You got a problem with that? Here is what I will be watching for in 2012. Which position will he spend the most time at? Can he keep the pop up as he moves up?
Jonathan Meyer (2009, 21, Hi A) - Showed significant progress defensively in Lancaster in 2011. He dropped his errors from 29 to 16 in more chances. He also showed an increase in power jumping from 2 HR in Lexington to 14 in Lancaster. He finished 2011 with a strong August & September. In his last 31 games, he hit .307 and walked (19) more times than he struck out (18). He also had seven of his 23 doubles and five of his 14 home runs during that stretch. Can he carry the end of 2011 into 2012? Will the power continue or be just another example of the Lancaster effect?
Darwin Rivera - (2011, 20, Rookie) - Rivera was signed in 2008 but had only appeared in 1
game prior to the 2011 season. He started 2011 in the DSL and earned the promotion to Greeneville and struggled. He set a G-Stros record for most errors in a season with 30. His errors tended to come in clusters. At the plate, he showed mixed reviews having good stretches and very cold stretches. He showed pop as the season ended with three home runs in August. Will he improve his fielding in 2012? Can he show improvement in the mental side of the game (handling mistakes in the field and at the plate)? Can he show some of the potential that was hoped for when he signed in 2008?
Amandeo Zazueta - (2006, 26, AA) - Zazueta's career has survived being released by the Astros (2007), and the Braves (2010); playing for four different indy ball teams, and a 50 game suspension for PEDs (2010). Yet he is still playing in the Padres organization. He has played 150 games in the minors & indy ball at shortstop. He played 0 for the Astros organization in two season. At Greeneville, he languished on the bench while Timmy Johnson made 20 errors in 27 games in his second year in Greeneville. He also put up solid numbers in the Mexican Winter League this off season hitting .278 and making nine errors. Will he continue to defy the odds and find a spot on a roster?
Projected placement of those still in the Astros system
Oklahoma (AAA)
Corpus Christi (AA)
Meyer
Lancaster (Hi A)
Lexington (Lo A)
Batista
Extended Spring Training
Rivera
Of the bat, let's not forget that two former G-Stros 3rd basemen are covered in other projections. Clemens was in the first base What to Watch For and Ebert Rosario will be covered in the pitchers.
Third Basemen
Jean Batista - (2011, 20, Rookie) - Signed in 2010 as a 17 year old switch hitting shortstop. He didn't play in 2010 but made his debut in the GCL as a 19 year old in 2011. Notice the ages there....something isn't adding up, which may indicate why he didn't play in the DSL in 2010. Regardless, Batista is listed as a shortstop but has played more games at 3B (15), 2B (15) than SS (12). I am including him here because I write the blog and I get to decide! You got a problem with that? Here is what I will be watching for in 2012. Which position will he spend the most time at? Can he keep the pop up as he moves up?
Jonathan Meyer (2009, 21, Hi A) - Showed significant progress defensively in Lancaster in 2011. He dropped his errors from 29 to 16 in more chances. He also showed an increase in power jumping from 2 HR in Lexington to 14 in Lancaster. He finished 2011 with a strong August & September. In his last 31 games, he hit .307 and walked (19) more times than he struck out (18). He also had seven of his 23 doubles and five of his 14 home runs during that stretch. Can he carry the end of 2011 into 2012? Will the power continue or be just another example of the Lancaster effect?
Darwin Rivera - (2011, 20, Rookie) - Rivera was signed in 2008 but had only appeared in 1
game prior to the 2011 season. He started 2011 in the DSL and earned the promotion to Greeneville and struggled. He set a G-Stros record for most errors in a season with 30. His errors tended to come in clusters. At the plate, he showed mixed reviews having good stretches and very cold stretches. He showed pop as the season ended with three home runs in August. Will he improve his fielding in 2012? Can he show improvement in the mental side of the game (handling mistakes in the field and at the plate)? Can he show some of the potential that was hoped for when he signed in 2008?
Amandeo Zazueta - (2006, 26, AA) - Zazueta's career has survived being released by the Astros (2007), and the Braves (2010); playing for four different indy ball teams, and a 50 game suspension for PEDs (2010). Yet he is still playing in the Padres organization. He has played 150 games in the minors & indy ball at shortstop. He played 0 for the Astros organization in two season. At Greeneville, he languished on the bench while Timmy Johnson made 20 errors in 27 games in his second year in Greeneville. He also put up solid numbers in the Mexican Winter League this off season hitting .278 and making nine errors. Will he continue to defy the odds and find a spot on a roster?
Projected placement of those still in the Astros system
Oklahoma (AAA)
Corpus Christi (AA)
Meyer
Lancaster (Hi A)
Lexington (Lo A)
Batista
Extended Spring Training
Rivera
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Appy Astros G-Stros End of August Report
Little Appy Astro and I went to Pioneer Park last night and caught the last game of the season. It is always a bitter sweet time of the year. You can tell the players are ready to go home and see family and friends. And having experienced being away from home, I understand where they are coming from. However, as a baseball fan, it means the season is drawing to a close. And a disappointing season at that.
I had high hopes for this edition of the G-Stros. Some of the players I thought would do well, didn't. However, that doesn't mean there wasn't some development that took place. Let's take a look at who showed some growth during the final month of the season.
Josh Magee turned his season around in a big way in the month of August. In June and July, he played in 30 games and was 20 for 99 at the plate (.202). He got sizzling hot in August including one stretch where he hit in 12 straight AB. He finished the month hitting .376 (32 of 85) and that brought his season average up to a respectable .283. He is a good example of a player who develops over a short season. He raised his OBP at least .100 points each month.
Jordan Scott was the MVP of the G-Stros this season. He hit .337 on the season but hit .366 for the month of August. He also hit his first HR of the season. He will turn 20 on 9/22/11. Look for him to be in LF in Lexington next season.
Jean Batista joined the G-Stros around the middle of August. He appeared in 12 games and got off to a hot start. The 19 year old SS hit .333 and also hit two HR during his brief stay in Greeneville.
On the mound, there were also some positive developments:
Frances Ramirez was called up from the GCL and made four starts in G'ville in August. In those four starts, he put up a 2.89 ERA in 18 2/3 IP. He only allowed 12 hits and two walks while striking out 11 batters during that span.
Tyson Perez put together a solid last month of the season. His ERA for August was 3.54 in six starts but he fanned 29 batters in 28 innings pitched. Prior to this month, he had only fanned 20 in 27 IP.
Chris Lee, the highest draft pick at the start of the year, showed some signs of development. He fanned 26 batters during his last 23 2/3 IP. While he still gave up way too many walks, he was getting more swings and misses and more ground balls.
Jeremiah Meiners was one of the most solid arms out of the pen all season. He finished with a 2.90 ERA and never had a month where his ERA rose to the 3.00 level. In 40 1/3 IP, he fanned 42 batters and only walked 10. He didn't get enough IP to qualify among the league leaders (14 1/3 short), but his WHIP of 1.09 would have been in first place. He showed significant growth over his 2010 season in the GCL (6.95 ERA).
Zach Dando didn't have the best of months for August but despite an ERA of 4.97, he held opposing batters to a .196 average. He had more Ks (35) than IP (33).
Matison Smith was one of the older players on the roster. At 23, he put together a nice August out of the G-Stros pen. He put up a 1.42 ERA in 9 appearances (12 2/3 IP). During that span, he fanned 20 batters.
Scott Zuloaga, had an impressive August. The side winding lefty posted a 2.45 ERA for the month that was less than half of his previous month's 5.68. During August, he appeared in 12 games and fanned 8 batters in 7 1/3 IP. He also induced ground balls at a higher rate. His season ERA is deceptively high due to his 36 ERA in August.
Most Likely To Return
Last year, I predicted that Cotton & Batista would return to pitch in G'ville. Here are the players, I feel will be back in Greeneville next year. It will be a larger number than were here this year.
Possible returnees include:
Ariel Ovando - raw talent still has a great deal of work to do in the field and on the bases.
Darwin Rivera - made a big jump to the Appy after only 13 games in the DSL over 2 years.
Garen Wright - injuries hampered this season for another raw outfielder.
Chan Moon - really started to shine at SS later in the season. Had a few flashes at the plate as well.
Adrian Houser - don't see him ready for older competition yet.
Jose Perdomo - if he is not hurt, I could see him back for a 2nd year. Didn't pitch after 7/18.
If those six players return, that would be a solid foundation for a good team for 2012. Because there is always next year.
I had high hopes for this edition of the G-Stros. Some of the players I thought would do well, didn't. However, that doesn't mean there wasn't some development that took place. Let's take a look at who showed some growth during the final month of the season.
Josh Magee turned his season around in a big way in the month of August. In June and July, he played in 30 games and was 20 for 99 at the plate (.202). He got sizzling hot in August including one stretch where he hit in 12 straight AB. He finished the month hitting .376 (32 of 85) and that brought his season average up to a respectable .283. He is a good example of a player who develops over a short season. He raised his OBP at least .100 points each month.
Jordan Scott was the MVP of the G-Stros this season. He hit .337 on the season but hit .366 for the month of August. He also hit his first HR of the season. He will turn 20 on 9/22/11. Look for him to be in LF in Lexington next season.
Jean Batista joined the G-Stros around the middle of August. He appeared in 12 games and got off to a hot start. The 19 year old SS hit .333 and also hit two HR during his brief stay in Greeneville.
On the mound, there were also some positive developments:
Frances Ramirez was called up from the GCL and made four starts in G'ville in August. In those four starts, he put up a 2.89 ERA in 18 2/3 IP. He only allowed 12 hits and two walks while striking out 11 batters during that span.
Tyson Perez put together a solid last month of the season. His ERA for August was 3.54 in six starts but he fanned 29 batters in 28 innings pitched. Prior to this month, he had only fanned 20 in 27 IP.
Chris Lee, the highest draft pick at the start of the year, showed some signs of development. He fanned 26 batters during his last 23 2/3 IP. While he still gave up way too many walks, he was getting more swings and misses and more ground balls.
Jeremiah Meiners was one of the most solid arms out of the pen all season. He finished with a 2.90 ERA and never had a month where his ERA rose to the 3.00 level. In 40 1/3 IP, he fanned 42 batters and only walked 10. He didn't get enough IP to qualify among the league leaders (14 1/3 short), but his WHIP of 1.09 would have been in first place. He showed significant growth over his 2010 season in the GCL (6.95 ERA).
Zach Dando didn't have the best of months for August but despite an ERA of 4.97, he held opposing batters to a .196 average. He had more Ks (35) than IP (33).
Matison Smith was one of the older players on the roster. At 23, he put together a nice August out of the G-Stros pen. He put up a 1.42 ERA in 9 appearances (12 2/3 IP). During that span, he fanned 20 batters.
Scott Zuloaga, had an impressive August. The side winding lefty posted a 2.45 ERA for the month that was less than half of his previous month's 5.68. During August, he appeared in 12 games and fanned 8 batters in 7 1/3 IP. He also induced ground balls at a higher rate. His season ERA is deceptively high due to his 36 ERA in August.
Most Likely To Return
Last year, I predicted that Cotton & Batista would return to pitch in G'ville. Here are the players, I feel will be back in Greeneville next year. It will be a larger number than were here this year.
Possible returnees include:
Ariel Ovando - raw talent still has a great deal of work to do in the field and on the bases.
Darwin Rivera - made a big jump to the Appy after only 13 games in the DSL over 2 years.
Garen Wright - injuries hampered this season for another raw outfielder.
Chan Moon - really started to shine at SS later in the season. Had a few flashes at the plate as well.
Adrian Houser - don't see him ready for older competition yet.
Jose Perdomo - if he is not hurt, I could see him back for a 2nd year. Didn't pitch after 7/18.
If those six players return, that would be a solid foundation for a good team for 2012. Because there is always next year.
Friday, July 22, 2011
Eye Witness Report - Wierzbicki Blast & Atonement At the Ball Park
The Greeneville Astros had their blood drive game tonight. You give blood, you get in free. So I missed the top of the first as I was topping off a pint of O+ for the Medic Regional Blood Network. When I got into the park, the G-Stros were already down 2-0 to the Pete Rose Jr. managed Bristol Sox.
Tyson Perez pitched fairly well scattering 8 hits over 5 1/3 IP, giving up 3 runs (2 earned). He left the game down 3-0 with runners on the corners. Side arming Scott Zuloaga came in from the pen to get the final two outs of the 6th and to save Perez from any more damage.
The B-Sox changed pitchers in the 7th. The starter, Ethan Icard, had allowed just three hits through 6 innings. The first reliever that came in for the B-Sox got lit up for 6 runs. Jordan Scott had a three run triple and then Jessie Wierzbicki delivered the big blow with a towering 2 run homer.
You can see a pitching change came at the end of the home run trot. In between batters, I had noticed Greeneville hitting coach Josh Bonifay and Astros roving instructor Milt Thompson talking and smiling. I wondered if they hadn't picked up on something with the pitcher because the hitters were hitting like they knew what was coming.
In the 8th, the defense fell apart. The inning opened on an error by 2nd baseman Josh McGee, who had had an otherwise stellar night in the field. Then with the bases loaded and one out, Darwin Rivera made back to back errors on balls that should have started 5-4-3 double plays. So even though the box score shows Steve Martin with a blown save, it was Rivera who really blew it. Though Martin's wild pitch did allow the tying run to score.
Rivera got a shot at redemption in the 8th. Garen Wright lead off with double to center. Luis Alverez sac bunted him to 3rd and reached when the 3rd baseman could come up with the ball. It was the second time the catcher Alverez has reached on a bunt. He laid down a bunt for a hit to open the bottom of the 5th. So with runners on the corners, Darwin Rivera comes to the plate with a shot a redemption. He lifted a fly ball to deep center. Wright tagged and easily scored the go ahead run.
Steve Martin came back out for the 9th. With two outs, it was ol' Bama Bangs himself Ross Wilson at the plate for the B-Sox. With a full count, here is the final pitch of the game.
Tyson Perez pitched fairly well scattering 8 hits over 5 1/3 IP, giving up 3 runs (2 earned). He left the game down 3-0 with runners on the corners. Side arming Scott Zuloaga came in from the pen to get the final two outs of the 6th and to save Perez from any more damage.
The B-Sox changed pitchers in the 7th. The starter, Ethan Icard, had allowed just three hits through 6 innings. The first reliever that came in for the B-Sox got lit up for 6 runs. Jordan Scott had a three run triple and then Jessie Wierzbicki delivered the big blow with a towering 2 run homer.
You can see a pitching change came at the end of the home run trot. In between batters, I had noticed Greeneville hitting coach Josh Bonifay and Astros roving instructor Milt Thompson talking and smiling. I wondered if they hadn't picked up on something with the pitcher because the hitters were hitting like they knew what was coming.
In the 8th, the defense fell apart. The inning opened on an error by 2nd baseman Josh McGee, who had had an otherwise stellar night in the field. Then with the bases loaded and one out, Darwin Rivera made back to back errors on balls that should have started 5-4-3 double plays. So even though the box score shows Steve Martin with a blown save, it was Rivera who really blew it. Though Martin's wild pitch did allow the tying run to score.
Rivera got a shot at redemption in the 8th. Garen Wright lead off with double to center. Luis Alverez sac bunted him to 3rd and reached when the 3rd baseman could come up with the ball. It was the second time the catcher Alverez has reached on a bunt. He laid down a bunt for a hit to open the bottom of the 5th. So with runners on the corners, Darwin Rivera comes to the plate with a shot a redemption. He lifted a fly ball to deep center. Wright tagged and easily scored the go ahead run.
Steve Martin came back out for the 9th. With two outs, it was ol' Bama Bangs himself Ross Wilson at the plate for the B-Sox. With a full count, here is the final pitch of the game.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Eye Witness Report - G-Stros No Hit By E-Twins
Last night, the Greeneville Astros were no hit by the trio of Tim Shibuya, Garrett Jewell and Steven Gruver. It is definitely a memorable event and a reminder of how much has to go right to make a no hitter happen. In fact, this game was close to perfect. The Astros got two runners on in two innings. In the 4th inning, two batters made contact with the catcher's mitt and reached on catcher's interference. Then in the 8th, Jewell plunked the first batter he faced and then Garen Wright reached on an error by the third baseman. Both innings ended uneventfully for the G-Stros.
Shibuya's curve ball was extremely effective. It started way inside to right handed batters and then broke over the plate. He threw it at different counts effectively. He also was effective in locating his fastball on the outside corners to both LH & RH batters.
Jewell, quite honestly got lucky. Two of the hardest struck balls of the night were hit off of him. Wrights hard ground ball to third that went through Sano's legs was well struck and then Josh McGee hit a long fly ball to center field that CF Rosario tracked down by running an excellent route to the ball.
It's not that the Astros didn't have good at bats, it is just that the E-Twins did just about everything right all night. After watching back to back games, I am very impressed with Miguel Sano. The prospect from the Dominican Republic who signed for over 3 million in 2009 has put on a show in Greeneville. His defense has been outstanding, with the exception of the error in last night's game. He has made several highlight reel plays over the two games thus far in the series.
Scoring Drought
After getting no hit on Saturday, shut out on Friday, and only scoring in the first inning of the game Thursday night means the Greeneville Astros haven't scored in 26 innings.
Ordosgoitti's Start on Saturday
I was able to watch Saturday nights game as well. Luis Ordosgoitti had a rough start to his outing giving up 3 runs (2 earned) in the first inning before recording an out. It appears he was getting too much of the plate. After a visit from Rick Aponte, he settled down and allowed just one more unearned run the rest his outing.
Rivera's Struggles at 3rd
Darwin Rivera has made 4 errors in the last two games. All of them were throwing errors. At the end of last nights games' he was starting to double and triple clutch on throws. He is getting to the balls, he is not making good throws. Having an inexperienced first baseman doesn't help but a few of the throws have not even been close.
Shibuya's curve ball was extremely effective. It started way inside to right handed batters and then broke over the plate. He threw it at different counts effectively. He also was effective in locating his fastball on the outside corners to both LH & RH batters.
Jewell, quite honestly got lucky. Two of the hardest struck balls of the night were hit off of him. Wrights hard ground ball to third that went through Sano's legs was well struck and then Josh McGee hit a long fly ball to center field that CF Rosario tracked down by running an excellent route to the ball.
It's not that the Astros didn't have good at bats, it is just that the E-Twins did just about everything right all night. After watching back to back games, I am very impressed with Miguel Sano. The prospect from the Dominican Republic who signed for over 3 million in 2009 has put on a show in Greeneville. His defense has been outstanding, with the exception of the error in last night's game. He has made several highlight reel plays over the two games thus far in the series.
Scoring Drought
After getting no hit on Saturday, shut out on Friday, and only scoring in the first inning of the game Thursday night means the Greeneville Astros haven't scored in 26 innings.
Ordosgoitti's Start on Saturday
I was able to watch Saturday nights game as well. Luis Ordosgoitti had a rough start to his outing giving up 3 runs (2 earned) in the first inning before recording an out. It appears he was getting too much of the plate. After a visit from Rick Aponte, he settled down and allowed just one more unearned run the rest his outing.
Rivera's Struggles at 3rd
Darwin Rivera has made 4 errors in the last two games. All of them were throwing errors. At the end of last nights games' he was starting to double and triple clutch on throws. He is getting to the balls, he is not making good throws. Having an inexperienced first baseman doesn't help but a few of the throws have not even been close.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Eye Witness Report - Ordosgoitti = Wow
Last night I got to see Luis Ordosgoitti pitch. He is an impressive 18 year old (9/22/92) right handed pitcher from Venezuela. In his second start, he went 6 innings, giving up one run on just three hits and a walk. He had faced the minimum through four innings on just 30 pitches. He kept Kingsport batters swinging and grounding out. He induced nine ground balls in the first four innings. One of those sneaked through for a hit to center but the rest were gobbled up by infielders. Third baseman Darwin Rivera was busy making five assist in the first four innings.
Ordosgoitti should have gotten out of the game without a run scoring. A routine double play ball was hit to Chan Moon at second who got the force out at second by tossing to shortstop Alex Todd for the put out. However, it appeared Todd had difficulty pulling the ball out of his glove to turn the double play. The runner beat the throw. Ordosgoitti walked the next batter and the next batter singled in the run.
After the game, I heard one of the local reporters talking about how the Kingsport players and managers were raving about how Ordosgoitti's pitches had a great deal of movement on them. He left the game with a 3-1 lead. That lead grew to 5-1 but alas, Ordosgoitti got his second no decision of the season. Each time, he pitched well enough to win.
Quick Notes:
Chase Davidson's HR to center was a fly ball that barely cleared the fence. The Kingsport CF thought he had a chance to catch it and crashed into the wall pretty hard.
Garen Wrights' HR was a line shot to left that got out of the park in a hurry. It was one of three hits on the night for Wright.
Darwin Rivera was a busy man. He had six assist and made one put out. He also made the error that allowed the then go ahead run to score. He made a throw that skipped and Davidson couldn't scoop it. A more experience first baseman might make that play but a better throw gets the out. A couple of times, he double clutched before throwing making plays closer than they needed to be.
There was a batter interference call last night. In the 8th with runners at 1st & 2nd, Luis Alverez laid down a sac bunt. The ball hit him in the back one step from first base. The home plate umpire threw up his hands for a dead ball saying that Alverez was outside the first base running lane. It was very close. That play took what would have been worse case scenario 2nd & 3rd with one out or best case scenario base-loaded with no outs and made it 1st & 2nd with one out because the runners had to return to their original bases. Thankfully the Kingsport pitcher threw a pick off throw into center field and the runners advanced to 2nd and 3rd anyway.
Yep, this is rookie ball. The double steal in the 1oth was actually a pick off. Greeneville had the man on first picked off and in a run down. The runner at third broke for home and the throw home was too late. Therefore, both runners get credit for a steal.
Ordosgoitti should have gotten out of the game without a run scoring. A routine double play ball was hit to Chan Moon at second who got the force out at second by tossing to shortstop Alex Todd for the put out. However, it appeared Todd had difficulty pulling the ball out of his glove to turn the double play. The runner beat the throw. Ordosgoitti walked the next batter and the next batter singled in the run.
After the game, I heard one of the local reporters talking about how the Kingsport players and managers were raving about how Ordosgoitti's pitches had a great deal of movement on them. He left the game with a 3-1 lead. That lead grew to 5-1 but alas, Ordosgoitti got his second no decision of the season. Each time, he pitched well enough to win.
Quick Notes:
Chase Davidson's HR to center was a fly ball that barely cleared the fence. The Kingsport CF thought he had a chance to catch it and crashed into the wall pretty hard.
Garen Wrights' HR was a line shot to left that got out of the park in a hurry. It was one of three hits on the night for Wright.
Darwin Rivera was a busy man. He had six assist and made one put out. He also made the error that allowed the then go ahead run to score. He made a throw that skipped and Davidson couldn't scoop it. A more experience first baseman might make that play but a better throw gets the out. A couple of times, he double clutched before throwing making plays closer than they needed to be.
There was a batter interference call last night. In the 8th with runners at 1st & 2nd, Luis Alverez laid down a sac bunt. The ball hit him in the back one step from first base. The home plate umpire threw up his hands for a dead ball saying that Alverez was outside the first base running lane. It was very close. That play took what would have been worse case scenario 2nd & 3rd with one out or best case scenario base-loaded with no outs and made it 1st & 2nd with one out because the runners had to return to their original bases. Thankfully the Kingsport pitcher threw a pick off throw into center field and the runners advanced to 2nd and 3rd anyway.
Yep, this is rookie ball. The double steal in the 1oth was actually a pick off. Greeneville had the man on first picked off and in a run down. The runner at third broke for home and the throw home was too late. Therefore, both runners get credit for a steal.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
First Look At 2011 G-Stros
Last night, thanks to the rain out of my son's games, we got to go check out the G-Stros first practice of the season. While you can't tell a great deal about the team from the drills and BP, it is nice to see the guys you have been hearing about live.
One of my favorite things is getting to see and hear the reactions of the players to Pioneer Park. I got to talk to Garen Wright a little and his tweat pretty much summed up his take on the park.
First Observation: Like new manager Omar Lopez. Very hands on in his instruction. While working on pick off moves, a player was struggling to get the timing down. He took the player's spot, took a throw from the 2nd baseman and ran the runner down with a swipe tag to the jersey. Players loved seeing the manager get involved that way. During infield drills, saw him with several players over to the side giving more instruction.
Second Observation: Ariel Ovando looks like a ball player. I had to leave before he took BP. All of his movements in the field look effortless. Didn't look out of place as a 17 year old hanging around a bunch of older guys.
Other Observations:
Chan Moon looks smooth at SS. He also appears to be very gregarious.
Chase Davidson hit several line drives to RF during the few rounds of BP we got to see. Hit one HR over the right center field wall. He will be working at 1B this season. He took all drills there and looked fine. I understand he hasn't played there since HS.
Darwin Rivera looks very good at third base. Smooth footwork and strong arm.
Luis Alvarez looks to be back from his knee injury. Moved well running down the line to 1st on drills with all his gear on.
Ruben Sosa is short. Listed at 5'7". My son's observation, "Maybe we have another Altuve". He doesn't have the strong lower half Altuve has.
Garen Wright looks very athletic. Will be interesting to see how he develops.
It was exciting to see action on the field at Pioneer Park. I am looking forward to my first chance to see them live on Friday night.
One of my favorite things is getting to see and hear the reactions of the players to Pioneer Park. I got to talk to Garen Wright a little and his tweat pretty much summed up his take on the park.
First Observation: Like new manager Omar Lopez. Very hands on in his instruction. While working on pick off moves, a player was struggling to get the timing down. He took the player's spot, took a throw from the 2nd baseman and ran the runner down with a swipe tag to the jersey. Players loved seeing the manager get involved that way. During infield drills, saw him with several players over to the side giving more instruction.
Second Observation: Ariel Ovando looks like a ball player. I had to leave before he took BP. All of his movements in the field look effortless. Didn't look out of place as a 17 year old hanging around a bunch of older guys.
Other Observations:
Chan Moon looks smooth at SS. He also appears to be very gregarious.
Chase Davidson hit several line drives to RF during the few rounds of BP we got to see. Hit one HR over the right center field wall. He will be working at 1B this season. He took all drills there and looked fine. I understand he hasn't played there since HS.
Darwin Rivera looks very good at third base. Smooth footwork and strong arm.
Luis Alvarez looks to be back from his knee injury. Moved well running down the line to 1st on drills with all his gear on.
Ruben Sosa is short. Listed at 5'7". My son's observation, "Maybe we have another Altuve". He doesn't have the strong lower half Altuve has.
Garen Wright looks very athletic. Will be interesting to see how he develops.
It was exciting to see action on the field at Pioneer Park. I am looking forward to my first chance to see them live on Friday night.
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