We are getting closer to seeing baseball in Greeneville. The draft is next week and players will report on the 16th of June. Until that time, we spend our time watching box scores of former G-Stros. Here are the alumni who stood out in the month of May.
Quad Cities - Low A
Hitters
No doubt who this one goes to this month. Carlos Correa hit .349/.423/.442 with six doubles and a triple for the month. He raised his average from .221 at the end of April to .292. What may be more exciting is that his strike outs dropped from 23 in April to just 12 in May. He was also 4 for 5 in the stolen base department.
Honorable mention goes toe Jordan Scott who bounced back from a .217 April with a .319 May. At the same time, his OBP jumped from .347 to .473 thanks to increasing his walk total from 12 in April to 23 in May.
Pitchers
This month we have co-Alumi of the month in this spot. Lance McCullers continues to put up impressive numbers in QC. In his seven appearances in May, he struck out 26 batters in 24 innings pitched with a 1.88 ERA. He did struggle some with walks, offering 14 free passes to batters.
As good as McCullers has been, Jordan Jankowski deserves a mention as well. In his six appearances in May, he has struck out 32 batters in 29 1/3 IP. He only allowed four walks during the month. His ERA in May was 2.15. Jankowski at 24 is older than league average of 22.2 but he is putting up impressive numbers. It looks like he might be ready for the next challenge.
Honorable mention goes to Mike Hauschild who in seven appearances amassed a 3.09 ERA in 29 2/3 IP. He fanned 19 while giving up nine walks. He did not allow a home run during the month.
Lancaster - High A
Hitters
Despite missing some time with an injury to his hand. Delino DeShields put up impressive numbers in May. He his .312/.418/.442 with 12 walks and 15 strike outs in 20 games. After going 5 for 11 in stolen bases in April, he was 7 for 9 in May.
Pitchers
Despite his struggles during the month in general, when you pitch four innings of a combined no hitter (5/12/13), you get the nod for pitcher of the month. So we give the nod this month to Luis Cruz.
Corpus Christi - AA
Hitters
In what may be the biggest bounce of the month, Jonathan Meyer jumped his average from .165 at April's end to .250 as of 5/30. In May, he put up a .321/.364/.481 line. Eleven of his 34 hits for the month went for extra bases. At the same time, he doubled his walk total (from 4 to 9) and he reduced his strike out rate (20/85 in April to 15/106 in May).
Honorable mention goes to Rene Garcia who put up another solid month - .304/.364/.405. He leads the team and is 5th in the league with a .315 average on the season.
Pitchers
Michael Foltynewicz earns top props this month. Since his promotion from Lancaster earlier this month, he has been lights out. In 25 IP, he has only surrendered 13 hits and three earned runs. His ERA for the month is a measly 1.08. He has struck out 25 batters and has walked 10.
Honorable mention goes to his piggy back starting mate David Martinez. Martinez had another good month with a 2.30 ERA. His season total is 1.83 and is second in the league. The Hooks have won 11 of the 13 games in which Martinez has made an appearance.
Oklahoma City - AAA
Greeneville only has one alumni in OKC. Ross Seaton showed improvement in May, dropping his ERA from 11.57 at the end of April down to 7.78 at the end of May.
Minors - Other systems
Hitters
There was some movement among former G-Stros outside of the organization. Both Jordan Parraz and J.R. Towles were released by their teams and picked up by others. Parraz in now in AA with the Twins organization and Towles landed with the Dodgers in AAA. No one really excelled to earn the Alumni of the month for this category.
Pitcher
Fernando Abad pitched seven scoreless outings to earn the Alumni award before being promoted to the big leagues. Since his arrival in Washington, he has appeared in four games. He has allowed no runs and one hit in 2 1/3 IP with two strike outs and no walks.
MLB
Hitters
J.D. Martinez had a very good month of May. He hit .299/.325/.506 with 10 of his 23 hits going for extra bases. It is nice to see the pop back in Martinez's bat. It might be an indication he is finally fully healed from the broken Hamate bone and subsequent surgery.
Pitchers
J.C. Gutierrez gets the nod for Alumni of the month with his good work in limited action out of the Royals pen. In 8 1/3 IP (6 appearances) he allowed no runs and just five hits with seven strike outs and no walks.
Honorable mention goes to Jose Cisnero, who except for one rough outing on 5/4/13 had a very good month. When you take that one outing out, he put up 12 2/3 IP, 8 H, 1 ER, 4 BB and 14 K. So the month was much more good than bad for Cisnero.
Showing posts with label Seaton. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Seaton. Show all posts
Saturday, June 1, 2013
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Appy Astros Alumni of the Month: May 2012
Well, I have let June slip up on me and I haven't gotten the highlights from May wrapped up. Better late than never. We have two months of full season ball under our belts now, let's see who put up solid months in May.
Lexington Legends:
Hitter of the Month-
Last month, we gave the award to Alex Todd, he has absconded to Lancaster. In May, we are going to Delino DeShields Jr.. I know he only hit .252 in May but 1/3 of his hits went for extra bases. But it is more about what happened when he got on base. He stole 16 bases in 20 attempts in May. He had 32 total stolen bases in 36 attempts this season.
Honorable Mention: Chan Moon hit .283 in his first 13 games with Lexington and Jordan Scott who hit .270 for the month with nine doubles and two triples.
Pitcher of the Month-
Last month, the honor went the Mike Foltynewicz. He had another good month (3-0 with a 2.84 ERA) but Luis Cruz was better. He made five quality starts in the month and finished with a 1.85 ERA in 39 innings pitched. The little lefty looks like he is putting together a quality year in his third season in Lexington.
Honorable Mention: Folty and Carlos Quevedo who made nine appearances out of the pen (19 1/3 IP) and allowed just 3 earned runs (1.40 ERA). Also worth of a mention is Murilo Gouvea who made 11 relief appearances (16 IP) and struck out 19 batters while amassing a 2.25 ERA.
Lancaster JetHawks
Hitter of the Month
Jonathan Meyer cooled off in May hitting just .265 and Telvin Nash hit a rough patch seeing his average plummet while his strike outs continued to climb. So this month, the Almni hitter of the month is Ben Orloff who hit .287 for May. He also had more walks than strike outs.
Honorable Mentions: Rafael Valenzuela who in limited playing time, hit .270 with eight of his 20 hits going for extra bases.
Pitcher of the Month
This month, we are going to the bullpen to give the award to Jose Trinidad. Trinidad pitched in 10 games in May. Eight were in relief and two were starts. In those appearances, he covered 22 1/3 innings pitched and only allowed 6 earned runs for an ERA of 2.42 for the month.
Honorable Mention to RJ Alaniz and Tyson Perez who both had good starts in May but also had a few where the game got away from them. But there was more good than bad.
Corpus Christi Hooks
Hitter of the Month
Here we have another situation where the incumbent, Brandon Barnes, was promoted to the next level during the subsequent month; so he was not here to defend his stats as alumni of the month. There is not much to write home about with the remaining Greeneville alumni on the roster. However, in limited action, Chris Wallace put together a .273 average in seven games (8 at bats). With the struggles of other former G-Stros Hinze and McCurdy; Wallace is the best chose this month.
Pitcher of the Month
Ross Seaton was very good this May. In six starts, he pitched six plus innings in five of them and in those five, he did not give up more than three runs. His ERA for the month was 2.70. When you consider he was charged with four earned runs in his first start of the month; his solid ERA at the end of the month is more impressive.
Oklahoma City RedHawks
Hitter of the Month
Brandon Barnes brought his hitting with him to OKC. In the four games after he arrived late in the month, he hit .333 with five singles in fifteen at bats.
Pitcher of the Month
Jordan Lyles made three starts in OKC in May. His ERA over those starts was 3.68. It has been announced that he is in Houston to stay for the foreseeable future so this may be his last shot at AppyAstros Alumni of the month in AAA for a while.
Outside of the System - Minors
Hitter of the Month - Vacant
This section might be called dishonorable mention. No one stood out. Jordan Parraz went 0 for 16 in May before landing on the DL with a broken hand. Ralph Henriquez was promoted to AAA Tacoma after hitting .228 in AA. J R Towles hit .231 for the month. Wlad Sutil hit .224 for May. Albert Cartwright couldn't get above .188 for the month. Amandeo Zazueta hit just .148. Koby Clemens was sent down to high A ball and then further down to a short season roster as the work with him on possible returning to catcher.
Pitcher of the Month
Sammy Gervacio appeared on the roster of the Rieleros de Aguascalientes of the Mexican league in May. He appeared in nine games (10 IP) and maintained an ERA of just 1.80 and struck out 12 batters. The Mexican League is AAA but it is unaffiliated. It will be interesting to see if his pitching catches the attention of an affiliated team in the near future.
Major League
Hitter of the Month - Jose Altuve
El Escorpion continues his solid performance at the plate. He hit a solid .283 with six more walks. While this is down from April. It is still worthy of recognition.
Pitcher of the Month - Troy Patton
Patton repeats as Pitcher of the Month. He was called on 11 times out of the Oriole bullpen and he responded with a 3.55 ERA and also started striking batters out more. After striking out just four in 10 innings in April, Patton fanned 16 in 12 2/3 innings pitched in May.
Lexington Legends:
Hitter of the Month-
Last month, we gave the award to Alex Todd, he has absconded to Lancaster. In May, we are going to Delino DeShields Jr.. I know he only hit .252 in May but 1/3 of his hits went for extra bases. But it is more about what happened when he got on base. He stole 16 bases in 20 attempts in May. He had 32 total stolen bases in 36 attempts this season.
Honorable Mention: Chan Moon hit .283 in his first 13 games with Lexington and Jordan Scott who hit .270 for the month with nine doubles and two triples.
Pitcher of the Month-
Last month, the honor went the Mike Foltynewicz. He had another good month (3-0 with a 2.84 ERA) but Luis Cruz was better. He made five quality starts in the month and finished with a 1.85 ERA in 39 innings pitched. The little lefty looks like he is putting together a quality year in his third season in Lexington.
Honorable Mention: Folty and Carlos Quevedo who made nine appearances out of the pen (19 1/3 IP) and allowed just 3 earned runs (1.40 ERA). Also worth of a mention is Murilo Gouvea who made 11 relief appearances (16 IP) and struck out 19 batters while amassing a 2.25 ERA.
Lancaster JetHawks
Hitter of the Month
Jonathan Meyer cooled off in May hitting just .265 and Telvin Nash hit a rough patch seeing his average plummet while his strike outs continued to climb. So this month, the Almni hitter of the month is Ben Orloff who hit .287 for May. He also had more walks than strike outs.
Honorable Mentions: Rafael Valenzuela who in limited playing time, hit .270 with eight of his 20 hits going for extra bases.
Pitcher of the Month
This month, we are going to the bullpen to give the award to Jose Trinidad. Trinidad pitched in 10 games in May. Eight were in relief and two were starts. In those appearances, he covered 22 1/3 innings pitched and only allowed 6 earned runs for an ERA of 2.42 for the month.
Honorable Mention to RJ Alaniz and Tyson Perez who both had good starts in May but also had a few where the game got away from them. But there was more good than bad.
Corpus Christi Hooks
Hitter of the Month
Here we have another situation where the incumbent, Brandon Barnes, was promoted to the next level during the subsequent month; so he was not here to defend his stats as alumni of the month. There is not much to write home about with the remaining Greeneville alumni on the roster. However, in limited action, Chris Wallace put together a .273 average in seven games (8 at bats). With the struggles of other former G-Stros Hinze and McCurdy; Wallace is the best chose this month.
Pitcher of the Month
Ross Seaton was very good this May. In six starts, he pitched six plus innings in five of them and in those five, he did not give up more than three runs. His ERA for the month was 2.70. When you consider he was charged with four earned runs in his first start of the month; his solid ERA at the end of the month is more impressive.
Oklahoma City RedHawks
Hitter of the Month
Brandon Barnes brought his hitting with him to OKC. In the four games after he arrived late in the month, he hit .333 with five singles in fifteen at bats.
Pitcher of the Month
Jordan Lyles made three starts in OKC in May. His ERA over those starts was 3.68. It has been announced that he is in Houston to stay for the foreseeable future so this may be his last shot at AppyAstros Alumni of the month in AAA for a while.
Outside of the System - Minors
Hitter of the Month - Vacant
This section might be called dishonorable mention. No one stood out. Jordan Parraz went 0 for 16 in May before landing on the DL with a broken hand. Ralph Henriquez was promoted to AAA Tacoma after hitting .228 in AA. J R Towles hit .231 for the month. Wlad Sutil hit .224 for May. Albert Cartwright couldn't get above .188 for the month. Amandeo Zazueta hit just .148. Koby Clemens was sent down to high A ball and then further down to a short season roster as the work with him on possible returning to catcher.
Pitcher of the Month
Sammy Gervacio appeared on the roster of the Rieleros de Aguascalientes of the Mexican league in May. He appeared in nine games (10 IP) and maintained an ERA of just 1.80 and struck out 12 batters. The Mexican League is AAA but it is unaffiliated. It will be interesting to see if his pitching catches the attention of an affiliated team in the near future.
Major League
Hitter of the Month - Jose Altuve
El Escorpion continues his solid performance at the plate. He hit a solid .283 with six more walks. While this is down from April. It is still worthy of recognition.
Pitcher of the Month - Troy Patton
Patton repeats as Pitcher of the Month. He was called on 11 times out of the Oriole bullpen and he responded with a 3.55 ERA and also started striking batters out more. After striking out just four in 10 innings in April, Patton fanned 16 in 12 2/3 innings pitched in May.
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Former G-Stros in AA - 2012
Here are the former G-Stros who are in AA. We will first list those still in the Astros organization and then look at those outside the organization.
Those on the Corpus Christi Roster:
Jose Cisnero (Gville 2009)
Arcenio Leon (Gville 2007,08)
Ross Seaton (Gville 2008)
Henry Villar (Gville 2008)
Chris Wallace (Gville 2010)
Kody Hinze (Gville 2008)
Brandon Barnes (Gville 2005, 06)
Those in other organizations:
Koby Clemens (Gville 2005) - New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Blue Jays)
Ralph Henriquez (Gville 2005,06) - Jackson Generals (Mariners)
Vlad Sutil (Gville 2004) - Mobile BayBears (Diamondbacks)
Tom Vessella (Gville 2006) - Richmond Flying Squirrels (Giants)
Those on the Corpus Christi Roster:
Jose Cisnero (Gville 2009)
Arcenio Leon (Gville 2007,08)
Ross Seaton (Gville 2008)
Henry Villar (Gville 2008)
Chris Wallace (Gville 2010)
Kody Hinze (Gville 2008)
Brandon Barnes (Gville 2005, 06)
Those in other organizations:
Koby Clemens (Gville 2005) - New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Blue Jays)
Ralph Henriquez (Gville 2005,06) - Jackson Generals (Mariners)
Vlad Sutil (Gville 2004) - Mobile BayBears (Diamondbacks)
Tom Vessella (Gville 2006) - Richmond Flying Squirrels (Giants)
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
What To Watch For In 2012 - Former G-Stros Starting Pitchers
I am wrapping up the 2012 What To Watch for series on the mound this year. Because of the volume of pitchers on a roster, I won't cover everyone. Let's will start with those who were starters for the majority of their time in Greeneville. We will cover the relievers in the final episode. The year they pitched for the G-Stros, the highest level they have played at and their age on opening day are listed in parentheses.
Starting Pitchers
R. J. (Ruben) Alaniz (2010, Lo A, 20) - Held his own as a 19 year old in the Sally League. Will he repeat Lex or move on to Lancaster? Will he continue to start or make the move to the pen?
Jimmy Barthmaier (2004, MLB, 28) - Was re-signed as a minor league free agent by the Nationals after an unimpressive 2011 season. Will he break camp with AA, AAA or release papers?
Richardo Batista (2010, 11, Rookie, 20) - Batista repeated Greeneville in 2011 and had his best season yet. Can the lefty harness his pitches and cut down on walks and wild pitches?
Jose Cisnero (2009, Hi A, 22) - Cisnero's ERA suffered in Lancaster. After three years of mid 3.00 ERA, he jumped to a 6.06. But his strikeouts jumped as well. In 2011, he fanned 152 in 123 1/3 IP. How will he adjust to AA hitters? Can he bring the walks down? How long does he continue to start?
Luis Cruz (2008, 09, Hi A, 21) - Got off to a rough start in Lancaster in 2011 and was sent back to Lex where he fanned 92 in 91 innings. How will he fair in Lancaster this time?
Brad Dydalewicz (2008, Lo A, 21) - Missed most of the season due to an injury. Low A or Hi A for him this year? Can he reduce his walk numbers?
Mike Foltynewicz (2010, Lo A, 20) - Folty showed strides in May, June & July of his first full season but appeared to hit a wall in August and September. Which team will he break camp with? Can he show good results for a complete season?
Gabriel Garcia (2009,2010, Lo A, 22) - Moved from starter to bullpen in 2010. Showed some promise there striking out 68 batters in 69 1/3 IP. However, the long ball monster got him 10 times last season. Can he improve on 2011, while pitching in hitter friendly Lancaster?
Kyle Greenwalt (2007, 08, AA, 23) - After a rough start to 2011 in AA, Greenwalt was sent back to Lancaster as a reliever. He excelled there and was returned to AA. There he was some better but still not great. Will he be a reliever or a starter? Can he show improvement in a return to AA?
Juan Gutierrez (2004, MLB, 28) - Had season ending surgery in 2011 and was then signed by the Royals to a minor league deal. Will start 2012 on the DL. Will he be able to return from the surgery and resume his work as a solid arm in the bullpen?
Adrian Houser (2011, Rookie, 19) - Pitched well in six games in Greeneville after starting in the GCL. Will he be in Lexington to start the year? Will what he worked on in instructional league and mini camp show up on the mound this spring?
Chris Lee (2011, Rookie, 19) - Finished strong in his last three outings. Combined for 14 K's in his last 12 IP with only 1 earned run. But he also walked 11 during that stretch. Will improvements seen at the end of 2011 carry over into 2012? Extended Spring or Lexington?
Arcenio Leon (2007, 08, AAA, 25) - Struggled in AA & AAA last year. How will he fair in big league spring training? Where will he start 2012?
Jordan Lyles (2008, MLB, 21) - Spent most of the season in the bigs last year. Will he be in the Houston rotation when camp breaks? What will his second full season in the bigs hold?
Luis Ordosgotti (2011, SS A, 19) -The highlight of the 2011 starters in Greeneville. Showed real promise. Does he have the maturity to pitch in the SALLY as a teen?
Troy Patton (2004, MLB, 26) - Is the only piece from the Tejada trade still in the Orioles system. Will he make the team out of spring training? What will his role in the pen be?
Felepe Paulino (2004, MLB, 28) - Seemed to like pitching for KC after a failed stint as a Rockie. Will he earn a spot in the rotation out of spring training? Will this year be the year he lives up to expectations?
Jose Perdomo (2011, Rookie, 20) - After a great 2010 in the GCL, he came to the Appy and got lit up. He was put on the shelf and didn't pitch after the middle of July. Will he be back in Greeneville or in Tri Cities for 2012? Will he be healthy enough to pitch anywhere?
Juri (Yuri) Perez (2009, Lo A, 21) After missing most of 2010 with injury, he was sent to Lexington where he was lit up. At Tri Cities, he found much more success. How will Lexington treat him this season? Can he return to the form he showed in Greeneville prior to the arm injury?
Tyson Perez (2011, Rookie, 22) Mixed results season to start his pro career with 42 K in 43 IP but 10 HR and 50 hits. Will he make Lexington's starting rotation?
Carlos Quevedo (2009, Lo A, 22) - Quevedo put up decent numbers in Lexington last year. He rarely walks hitters but the long ball has been his thorn in the flesh. If he goes to Lancaster, how will his HR numbers look then?
Euris Quezada (2010, SS A, 22) - Quezada had his season cut short with injury after having his best outings of the year. Will he be healthy for 2012?
Francis Ramirez (2011, Rookie, 20) - A mid season call up from the GCL showed some real promise in four starts for Greeneville. More advanced stats from Fangraphs temper the excitement with a BABIP of .204. In other words they say he was very, very lucky. Which pitcher is he, the one who gave up 20 walks in 30 1/3 IP in the GCL or the one who gave up two in 18 2/3 IP in the APPY?
Ross Seaton (2008, AA, 22) - Showed some improvement in AA in '11 after a rough 2010 in Lancaster. Will he be in AAA or repeat AA?
Jose Trinidad (2008, Hi A, 24) - Will start season on DL. Will he pitch at all in 2012?
Vincent Velasquez (2010, Rookie, 19) - Missed all of 2011 after TJ surgery. How will he look and where will he be playing?
Tom Vessella (2006, AAA, 26) - After two years in Indy ball, Vessella returned to affiliated ball in 2011 with the Giants. He pitched in four different levels (low A, hi A, AA, & AAA). Can his comeback story continue in 2012?
Henry Villar (2008, MLB, 24) - After a cup of coffee with Houston in 2010, Villar started in AAA but was a bit over matched there. He was returned to AA where he put up much better numbers? Will the second time starting at AAA be the charm? Can he get another cup of coffee this year?
Projected placement of those still in the Astros organization:
MLB:
Lyles
Oklahoma City (AAA)
Leon
Villar
Corpus Christi (AA)
Cisnero
Greenwalt
Seaton
Lancaster (Hi A)
Cruz
Dydalewicz
Garcia
J. Perez
Quevedo
Lexington (Lo A)
Alaniz
Folty
Houser
Ordosgotti
Quezada
Extended Spring Training
Batista
Lee
Perdomo
T. Perez
Ramirez
Velasquez
Starting Pitchers
R. J. (Ruben) Alaniz (2010, Lo A, 20) - Held his own as a 19 year old in the Sally League. Will he repeat Lex or move on to Lancaster? Will he continue to start or make the move to the pen?
Jimmy Barthmaier (2004, MLB, 28) - Was re-signed as a minor league free agent by the Nationals after an unimpressive 2011 season. Will he break camp with AA, AAA or release papers?
Richardo Batista (2010, 11, Rookie, 20) - Batista repeated Greeneville in 2011 and had his best season yet. Can the lefty harness his pitches and cut down on walks and wild pitches?
Jose Cisnero (2009, Hi A, 22) - Cisnero's ERA suffered in Lancaster. After three years of mid 3.00 ERA, he jumped to a 6.06. But his strikeouts jumped as well. In 2011, he fanned 152 in 123 1/3 IP. How will he adjust to AA hitters? Can he bring the walks down? How long does he continue to start?
Luis Cruz (2008, 09, Hi A, 21) - Got off to a rough start in Lancaster in 2011 and was sent back to Lex where he fanned 92 in 91 innings. How will he fair in Lancaster this time?
Brad Dydalewicz (2008, Lo A, 21) - Missed most of the season due to an injury. Low A or Hi A for him this year? Can he reduce his walk numbers?
Mike Foltynewicz (2010, Lo A, 20) - Folty showed strides in May, June & July of his first full season but appeared to hit a wall in August and September. Which team will he break camp with? Can he show good results for a complete season?
Gabriel Garcia (2009,2010, Lo A, 22) - Moved from starter to bullpen in 2010. Showed some promise there striking out 68 batters in 69 1/3 IP. However, the long ball monster got him 10 times last season. Can he improve on 2011, while pitching in hitter friendly Lancaster?
Kyle Greenwalt (2007, 08, AA, 23) - After a rough start to 2011 in AA, Greenwalt was sent back to Lancaster as a reliever. He excelled there and was returned to AA. There he was some better but still not great. Will he be a reliever or a starter? Can he show improvement in a return to AA?
Juan Gutierrez (2004, MLB, 28) - Had season ending surgery in 2011 and was then signed by the Royals to a minor league deal. Will start 2012 on the DL. Will he be able to return from the surgery and resume his work as a solid arm in the bullpen?
Adrian Houser (2011, Rookie, 19) - Pitched well in six games in Greeneville after starting in the GCL. Will he be in Lexington to start the year? Will what he worked on in instructional league and mini camp show up on the mound this spring?
Chris Lee (2011, Rookie, 19) - Finished strong in his last three outings. Combined for 14 K's in his last 12 IP with only 1 earned run. But he also walked 11 during that stretch. Will improvements seen at the end of 2011 carry over into 2012? Extended Spring or Lexington?
Arcenio Leon (2007, 08, AAA, 25) - Struggled in AA & AAA last year. How will he fair in big league spring training? Where will he start 2012?
Jordan Lyles (2008, MLB, 21) - Spent most of the season in the bigs last year. Will he be in the Houston rotation when camp breaks? What will his second full season in the bigs hold?
Luis Ordosgotti (2011, SS A, 19) -The highlight of the 2011 starters in Greeneville. Showed real promise. Does he have the maturity to pitch in the SALLY as a teen?
Troy Patton (2004, MLB, 26) - Is the only piece from the Tejada trade still in the Orioles system. Will he make the team out of spring training? What will his role in the pen be?
Felepe Paulino (2004, MLB, 28) - Seemed to like pitching for KC after a failed stint as a Rockie. Will he earn a spot in the rotation out of spring training? Will this year be the year he lives up to expectations?
Jose Perdomo (2011, Rookie, 20) - After a great 2010 in the GCL, he came to the Appy and got lit up. He was put on the shelf and didn't pitch after the middle of July. Will he be back in Greeneville or in Tri Cities for 2012? Will he be healthy enough to pitch anywhere?
Juri (Yuri) Perez (2009, Lo A, 21) After missing most of 2010 with injury, he was sent to Lexington where he was lit up. At Tri Cities, he found much more success. How will Lexington treat him this season? Can he return to the form he showed in Greeneville prior to the arm injury?
Tyson Perez (2011, Rookie, 22) Mixed results season to start his pro career with 42 K in 43 IP but 10 HR and 50 hits. Will he make Lexington's starting rotation?
Carlos Quevedo (2009, Lo A, 22) - Quevedo put up decent numbers in Lexington last year. He rarely walks hitters but the long ball has been his thorn in the flesh. If he goes to Lancaster, how will his HR numbers look then?
Euris Quezada (2010, SS A, 22) - Quezada had his season cut short with injury after having his best outings of the year. Will he be healthy for 2012?
Francis Ramirez (2011, Rookie, 20) - A mid season call up from the GCL showed some real promise in four starts for Greeneville. More advanced stats from Fangraphs temper the excitement with a BABIP of .204. In other words they say he was very, very lucky. Which pitcher is he, the one who gave up 20 walks in 30 1/3 IP in the GCL or the one who gave up two in 18 2/3 IP in the APPY?
Ross Seaton (2008, AA, 22) - Showed some improvement in AA in '11 after a rough 2010 in Lancaster. Will he be in AAA or repeat AA?
Jose Trinidad (2008, Hi A, 24) - Will start season on DL. Will he pitch at all in 2012?
Vincent Velasquez (2010, Rookie, 19) - Missed all of 2011 after TJ surgery. How will he look and where will he be playing?
Tom Vessella (2006, AAA, 26) - After two years in Indy ball, Vessella returned to affiliated ball in 2011 with the Giants. He pitched in four different levels (low A, hi A, AA, & AAA). Can his comeback story continue in 2012?
Henry Villar (2008, MLB, 24) - After a cup of coffee with Houston in 2010, Villar started in AAA but was a bit over matched there. He was returned to AA where he put up much better numbers? Will the second time starting at AAA be the charm? Can he get another cup of coffee this year?
Projected placement of those still in the Astros organization:
MLB:
Lyles
Oklahoma City (AAA)
Leon
Villar
Corpus Christi (AA)
Cisnero
Greenwalt
Seaton
Lancaster (Hi A)
Cruz
Dydalewicz
Garcia
J. Perez
Quevedo
Lexington (Lo A)
Alaniz
Folty
Houser
Ordosgotti
Quezada
Extended Spring Training
Batista
Lee
Perdomo
T. Perez
Ramirez
Velasquez
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
2008 Greeneville Astros Progress Report
What a difference a year makes. The 2008 Greeneville Astros finished
the year 30-36. While not quite at .500, they were 13 games better
than the previous year's team. This was a young team with 18 of the 38
players still in the teen years when the season began. Three of them
were still 17 (Jay Austin, Jordan Lyles & Luis Cruz). In 2011, 58%
(22 out of 38) of the 2008 roster were still playing affiliated
baseball. In fact 12 of the 18 teenagers were still active.
Let's look at this group based on the highest level they played at this year. The percentage is of the 2008 full roster.
MLB 2 (5%)
Jose Altuve - Started in Lancaster and hit .408 prior to being moved to Corpus Christ where he hit .361. Then he was promoted to Houston. In the big leagues, he hit a respectable .276 in 221 at bats in 57 games. He appears to have locked down the starting 2nd base position for 2012 at the ripe age of 22.
Jordan Lyles - While Altuve's sudden climb was a bit of a surprise to some, Lyles ascendance was expected. He was sent to AAA to start the year after a solid spring training but was called up to the quickly to the majors and spent most of the season there. He started 15 games before being moved to the pen to keep his inning count down. He finished with a 2-8 record and a 5. 36 ERA. He has locked up a rotation position for 2012 at age 21.
AAA 2 (5%)
Patrick Urckfitz - Urckfitz bounced around earning frequent flier miles this year. He was in AA to start the season. Then got some brief time in at AAA before heading back to AA. Next came a short time in hi A before return to AA to wrap up the season. In four games at AAA he amassed a 17.47 ERA. In AA 5.08 in 31 games. In hi A, he appeared in 10 games with a 2.02 ERA. Gotta love a NDFA reaching this level. he will be 23 at the start of next season.
Henry Villar - Started the season in AAA but was moved to AA in June. In AAA, he made 7 starts but that experiment ended and he spent the rest of the year in the pen. Pitched just 76 innings worth of ball between the two for a combined 5.45 ERA. Villar had a brief appearance in the big leagues in 2010. He will be 24 at the start of next season.
AA 5 (13%)
Kody Hinze - Had a break out year. He started in Lancaster, where he hit .323 with 22 HR. He was promoted to CC where he hit 281 with 7 HR. He is getting extra at bats in the Arizona Fall League right now. Another solid Non Drafted Free Agent (NDFA) signing. He will be 24 in spring training.
Federico Hernandez - It was a rough year for Freddy. He struggled at the plate both at AA and at High A after he was sent down to Lancaster. In both stops he hit less than .200. He will turn 24 just before pitchers and catchers report.
Ross Seaton - Spent the year in Corpus Christi, 4-9 with a 5.23 in 28 starts. He continues to climb a level a year even thought the results aren't spectacular. He will just be 22 when spring training starts.
Kyle Greenwalt & Arcenio Leon see the 2007 write up.
Hi A 7 (18%)
Jay Austin - The former 2nd round draft pick repeated Lancaster to start the season. After not showing much progress over last season, he was sent to Lexington to finish the year and he continued to struggle. He is getting more at bats int the Arizona Fall League right now. He will be just 21 when the 2012 minor league players report to camp.
Rene Garcia - The 35th round pick from 2008 spent this season in the California league where he hit hit .242 with only 41 K in 326 AB. He threw out 30% of base stealers. He will turn 22 during spring training next year.
Luis Cruz - The 9th round pick in 2008 made 4 starts in Lancaster where he got shelled (ERA over 14). But found moderate success back in Lexington where he went 5-4 with a 4.45 era. He had 92 strike outs in 91 IP in Lex but gave up 15 HR. He will still be 21 when next season ends!
Colton Pitkin - see the 2007 write up
Zachary Grimmett - He split time between the starting rotation and the bullpen this year in Lancaster. As a starter 7.35 ERA in 18 games (85 2/3 IP) as a reliever 5.34 in 12 games (32 IP). He will turn 22 before he reports to spring training.
Jose Trinidad - Season shorted to just 10 games due to an injury. He will start the season on the DL at age 24.
Wander Alvino - Had 73 K in 73 IP (46 games). His 4.19 ERA isn't bad when you consider the location. His walks per 9 jumped from 2.8 in Lex in 10 to 6.3 in Lancaster. Alvino will turn 25 before he reports this spring.
Low A 3 (8%)
Jorge De Leon - The former shortstop now converted to pitcher went 6-4 with a 3.42 ERA in 43 games (55 1/3 IP). He struck out 51 to just 13 walks while giving up 5 long balls. He will be 24 next season.
Brad Dydalewicz - The 8th round pick of the 2008 draft had a rough season. In only 29 2/3 innings pitched between GCL & Lexington, he amassed a 10.86 ERA. He will turn 22 during spring training next season.
Jeiler Castillo - After being drafted by the A's in the rule 5 draft; Castillo started in the Midwest league (Low A) but was sent back to Vermont (SS A) for his 4th season in short season ball. He was released after the season.
Short Season 1 (3%)
Wilton Infante - The former outfielder tried to make the move to pitcher. After six outings in the GCL, he was released
DL/Rehab 2 (5%)
Albert Cartwright - see the 2007 write up.
Nathan Pettus - The former 27th round pick of the 2008 draft spent most of 2011 on the DL. He appeared in 5 games at the GCL Astros rehabbing his way back from an injury. He will be 23 when the new season starts.
We would expect the number of active players to continue to rise while we look at more recent teams but the jump from five to 22 in one year tells us that something changed in the Astros farm system in 2008. Oh yeah, Bobby Heck joined the Astros staff in October of 2007. You think that change made a difference?
Let's look at this group based on the highest level they played at this year. The percentage is of the 2008 full roster.
MLB 2 (5%)
Jose Altuve - Started in Lancaster and hit .408 prior to being moved to Corpus Christ where he hit .361. Then he was promoted to Houston. In the big leagues, he hit a respectable .276 in 221 at bats in 57 games. He appears to have locked down the starting 2nd base position for 2012 at the ripe age of 22.
Jordan Lyles - While Altuve's sudden climb was a bit of a surprise to some, Lyles ascendance was expected. He was sent to AAA to start the year after a solid spring training but was called up to the quickly to the majors and spent most of the season there. He started 15 games before being moved to the pen to keep his inning count down. He finished with a 2-8 record and a 5. 36 ERA. He has locked up a rotation position for 2012 at age 21.
AAA 2 (5%)
Patrick Urckfitz - Urckfitz bounced around earning frequent flier miles this year. He was in AA to start the season. Then got some brief time in at AAA before heading back to AA. Next came a short time in hi A before return to AA to wrap up the season. In four games at AAA he amassed a 17.47 ERA. In AA 5.08 in 31 games. In hi A, he appeared in 10 games with a 2.02 ERA. Gotta love a NDFA reaching this level. he will be 23 at the start of next season.
Henry Villar - Started the season in AAA but was moved to AA in June. In AAA, he made 7 starts but that experiment ended and he spent the rest of the year in the pen. Pitched just 76 innings worth of ball between the two for a combined 5.45 ERA. Villar had a brief appearance in the big leagues in 2010. He will be 24 at the start of next season.
AA 5 (13%)
Kody Hinze - Had a break out year. He started in Lancaster, where he hit .323 with 22 HR. He was promoted to CC where he hit 281 with 7 HR. He is getting extra at bats in the Arizona Fall League right now. Another solid Non Drafted Free Agent (NDFA) signing. He will be 24 in spring training.
Federico Hernandez - It was a rough year for Freddy. He struggled at the plate both at AA and at High A after he was sent down to Lancaster. In both stops he hit less than .200. He will turn 24 just before pitchers and catchers report.
Ross Seaton - Spent the year in Corpus Christi, 4-9 with a 5.23 in 28 starts. He continues to climb a level a year even thought the results aren't spectacular. He will just be 22 when spring training starts.
Kyle Greenwalt & Arcenio Leon see the 2007 write up.
Hi A 7 (18%)
Jay Austin - The former 2nd round draft pick repeated Lancaster to start the season. After not showing much progress over last season, he was sent to Lexington to finish the year and he continued to struggle. He is getting more at bats int the Arizona Fall League right now. He will be just 21 when the 2012 minor league players report to camp.
Rene Garcia - The 35th round pick from 2008 spent this season in the California league where he hit hit .242 with only 41 K in 326 AB. He threw out 30% of base stealers. He will turn 22 during spring training next year.
Luis Cruz - The 9th round pick in 2008 made 4 starts in Lancaster where he got shelled (ERA over 14). But found moderate success back in Lexington where he went 5-4 with a 4.45 era. He had 92 strike outs in 91 IP in Lex but gave up 15 HR. He will still be 21 when next season ends!
Colton Pitkin - see the 2007 write up
Zachary Grimmett - He split time between the starting rotation and the bullpen this year in Lancaster. As a starter 7.35 ERA in 18 games (85 2/3 IP) as a reliever 5.34 in 12 games (32 IP). He will turn 22 before he reports to spring training.
Jose Trinidad - Season shorted to just 10 games due to an injury. He will start the season on the DL at age 24.
Wander Alvino - Had 73 K in 73 IP (46 games). His 4.19 ERA isn't bad when you consider the location. His walks per 9 jumped from 2.8 in Lex in 10 to 6.3 in Lancaster. Alvino will turn 25 before he reports this spring.
Low A 3 (8%)
Jorge De Leon - The former shortstop now converted to pitcher went 6-4 with a 3.42 ERA in 43 games (55 1/3 IP). He struck out 51 to just 13 walks while giving up 5 long balls. He will be 24 next season.
Brad Dydalewicz - The 8th round pick of the 2008 draft had a rough season. In only 29 2/3 innings pitched between GCL & Lexington, he amassed a 10.86 ERA. He will turn 22 during spring training next season.
Jeiler Castillo - After being drafted by the A's in the rule 5 draft; Castillo started in the Midwest league (Low A) but was sent back to Vermont (SS A) for his 4th season in short season ball. He was released after the season.
Short Season 1 (3%)
Wilton Infante - The former outfielder tried to make the move to pitcher. After six outings in the GCL, he was released
DL/Rehab 2 (5%)
Albert Cartwright - see the 2007 write up.
Nathan Pettus - The former 27th round pick of the 2008 draft spent most of 2011 on the DL. He appeared in 5 games at the GCL Astros rehabbing his way back from an injury. He will be 23 when the new season starts.
We would expect the number of active players to continue to rise while we look at more recent teams but the jump from five to 22 in one year tells us that something changed in the Astros farm system in 2008. Oh yeah, Bobby Heck joined the Astros staff in October of 2007. You think that change made a difference?
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Corpus Christi Roster Full of Former G-Stros
With news this week that Kody Hinze is headed to CC for AA ball, I checked out the Hooks roster and found it is full of former G-Stros. With Hinze's addition, it will make 10 players who wore the GreenEville across their chest. Here is who is there now:
Jose Altuve
Kyle Greenwalt
Kody Hinze
Brad James
Arcenio Leon
J.D. Martinez
Ross Seaton
Pat Urkfitz
Henry Villar
Chris Wallace
There are only six other players who were originally drafted or signed by the Astros organization. There are nine players who were obtained via trade or free agent signings. I am excited to have this group of folks at this level because it is only a call up away from the majors. As Zachary Levine tells us this morning in the Houston Chronicle, AA is where the prospects are, AAA is just a holding ground for roster fillers.
Altuve Getting Some Time At 3rd
One of the problems on the roster in Corpus Christi is that there are too many middle infielders. Altuve, and Jimmy Parades are both listed as second basemen and are both rising prospects. The Astos org is trying to keep both in the line up so they have also shared time at 3rd base. Altuve has played seven games at third so far. The moving around on defense hasn't hurt his approach at the plate where he hit .364 for the month of June.
Jose Altuve
Kyle Greenwalt
Kody Hinze
Brad James
Arcenio Leon
J.D. Martinez
Ross Seaton
Pat Urkfitz
Henry Villar
Chris Wallace
There are only six other players who were originally drafted or signed by the Astros organization. There are nine players who were obtained via trade or free agent signings. I am excited to have this group of folks at this level because it is only a call up away from the majors. As Zachary Levine tells us this morning in the Houston Chronicle, AA is where the prospects are, AAA is just a holding ground for roster fillers.
Altuve Getting Some Time At 3rd
One of the problems on the roster in Corpus Christi is that there are too many middle infielders. Altuve, and Jimmy Parades are both listed as second basemen and are both rising prospects. The Astos org is trying to keep both in the line up so they have also shared time at 3rd base. Altuve has played seven games at third so far. The moving around on defense hasn't hurt his approach at the plate where he hit .364 for the month of June.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Five Former G-Stros Pitchers To Watch
We are just a few days away from pitchers & catchers reporting for Spring Training. Several Astros players have already arrived in Kissimmee and are getting ready for it to begin. Here is my list of the top five former Greeneville Astros I will be watching this spring.
Jordan Lyles - He has been named the #1 prospect in the system by everybody and his brother. He reached AAA last year as a teen and is now going to Major League Spring Training.
What I am watching for: How does he handle facing big league hitters in spring games? How does he handle the increased attention that comes with being with the big club? How quickly will he be reassigned to AAA?
Fernando Abad - The big lefty dominated the Dominican Winter League this season, after spending 22 innings on the field in the bigs last fall. He has been talked about as a lefty specialist out of the pen and a 5th starter for the Astros this year.
What I am watching for: How is his sharpness? He was wild in his last start in the Dominican (4 walks and 2 wild pitches). He should be ahead of most other players because of the time in winter ball. How is he used first? Bullpen or starter? Can he keep the ball in the park? That has been a problem at times for him in the past.
Carlos Quevado - The 21 year old lefty from Venezuela only got ten innings in the liga parralela (minor league winter ball) because the Astros had him on the "fatigued list." He had outstanding control in Tri Cities last year, only walking 8 out of 328 batters faced.
What I am watching for: Who will he break camp with? I am expecting him to be in Lex. How will he adjust to better competition and a full season?
Mike Foltynewicz - Last year's top drafted pitcher was one of the top three Astros prospects on almost every list.
What I am watching for: Will he be in Lex this year? How is his velocity on his fast ball? How does he handled to older, better competition?
Pat Urckfitz- The underdog NDFA lefty, who rocks the rec-specs, moved back to the pen for the Arizona Fall League after starting 12 games in Lancaster in 2010. The result of his good work was the he got a chance to play in the AFL Rising Stars game.
What I am watching for: Will he be a starter or reliever in AA this year? How will his arm hold up a year after throwing twice as many pitches as he ever had in a pro season before?
Here are a few other former Greeneville Astro pitchers to keep an eye on as the season progresses:
Jorge De Leon - Short stop turned closer should get a shot in Lexington this year.
Luis Cruz - With his return from surgery a year behind him, can he build on his solid year in Lexington last year.
RJ Alaniz - Will he break camp with Lexington or get another year in extended spring?
Brad Dydalewicz - Can he bounce back from a rough season last year?
Kyle Greenwalt - Can he build off of his strong AFL performance as he moves to AA?
Ross Seaton - Was his bad season a product of Lancaster? How will he handle AA?
Arcenio Leon - Made a big jump from Lex to Corpus Christi last year. Can he cut down on the walks?
Henry Villar - Made the bigs late in the season after performing well at AA. Will he be in AAA or the Astros pen this spring?
Jordan Lyles - He has been named the #1 prospect in the system by everybody and his brother. He reached AAA last year as a teen and is now going to Major League Spring Training.
What I am watching for: How does he handle facing big league hitters in spring games? How does he handle the increased attention that comes with being with the big club? How quickly will he be reassigned to AAA?
Fernando Abad - The big lefty dominated the Dominican Winter League this season, after spending 22 innings on the field in the bigs last fall. He has been talked about as a lefty specialist out of the pen and a 5th starter for the Astros this year.
What I am watching for: How is his sharpness? He was wild in his last start in the Dominican (4 walks and 2 wild pitches). He should be ahead of most other players because of the time in winter ball. How is he used first? Bullpen or starter? Can he keep the ball in the park? That has been a problem at times for him in the past.
Carlos Quevado - The 21 year old lefty from Venezuela only got ten innings in the liga parralela (minor league winter ball) because the Astros had him on the "fatigued list." He had outstanding control in Tri Cities last year, only walking 8 out of 328 batters faced.
What I am watching for: Who will he break camp with? I am expecting him to be in Lex. How will he adjust to better competition and a full season?
Mike Foltynewicz - Last year's top drafted pitcher was one of the top three Astros prospects on almost every list.
What I am watching for: Will he be in Lex this year? How is his velocity on his fast ball? How does he handled to older, better competition?
Pat Urckfitz- The underdog NDFA lefty, who rocks the rec-specs, moved back to the pen for the Arizona Fall League after starting 12 games in Lancaster in 2010. The result of his good work was the he got a chance to play in the AFL Rising Stars game.
What I am watching for: Will he be a starter or reliever in AA this year? How will his arm hold up a year after throwing twice as many pitches as he ever had in a pro season before?
Here are a few other former Greeneville Astro pitchers to keep an eye on as the season progresses:
Jorge De Leon - Short stop turned closer should get a shot in Lexington this year.
Luis Cruz - With his return from surgery a year behind him, can he build on his solid year in Lexington last year.
RJ Alaniz - Will he break camp with Lexington or get another year in extended spring?
Brad Dydalewicz - Can he bounce back from a rough season last year?
Kyle Greenwalt - Can he build off of his strong AFL performance as he moves to AA?
Ross Seaton - Was his bad season a product of Lancaster? How will he handle AA?
Arcenio Leon - Made a big jump from Lex to Corpus Christi last year. Can he cut down on the walks?
Henry Villar - Made the bigs late in the season after performing well at AA. Will he be in AAA or the Astros pen this spring?
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