Now that the season is over, players find out if they are in a teams plans or not. Sometimes that means a door is opened for a new opportunity with a new team and sometimes it means a career may be over. Here is the list of transactions that have occurred since this season ended that involve former G-Stros. For those who have been declared a free agent, I have listed the last team they were affiliated with.
I am also including any players still on active rosters (MILB & MLB) so that you can see what results those teams have produced.
2004
Jimmy Barthmaier - declared a free agent by the Nationals.
Juan Gutierrez - re-signed by the Royals to a minor league deal.
Jordan Parraz - re-signed a minor league deal with the Braves.
Wladimir Sutil - declared a free agent by the Dbacks.
J.R. Towles - declared a free agent by the Twins. (Update signed to minor league contract with Cardinals)
Felipe Paulino (Royals-DL) and Troy Patton (Orioles) are the last two on Major League rosters.
2005
Koby Clemens - released by Blue Jays before end of season.
Victor Garate - released by Brewers before end of the season.
Ralph Henriquez - released by Mariners before end of season. (Signed to minor league contract with Rockies)
That leaves only Brandon Barnes left in affiliated ball from the 2005 G-Stros.
2006
Amadeo Zazueta (Blue Jays) and Tom Vessella (Giants) were on minor league rosters at the end of the season and have not been declared free agents or released yet. Both Barnes & Henriquez were also on this team.
2007
Fernando Abad - removed from the Astros 40 man roster, cleared waivers and is a free agent. (Update - signed to a minor league deal with the Nationals)
Arcenio Leon - removed from Astros 40 man roster and was claimed by the Brewers.
In addition to those two, the only player left on an active roster is Albert Cartwright (Phillies - minors).
2008
The following players have been released by the Astros organization:
Brad Dydalewicz
Nathan Pettus
Jose Trinidad
Jay Austin (before season ended)
Kody Hinze (before season ended)
In addition to those, Jorge De Leon was removed from the 40 man roster, cleared waivers and is a free agent.
Henry Villar was declared a free agent by the Astros.
There are still seven players in the Astros system from that team (Altuve, Lyles, Urckfitz, Grimmett, L. Cruz, Seaton, R. Garcia). Also Cartwright was on this roster too.
2009
Gabriel Garcia was released by the Astros. There are still 12 players from this roster active in the Astros organization.
2010
The following players have been released by the Astros organization.
Ricardo Batista
Emilio King
Rodney Quintero
There are still 14 players from this roster active in the Astros organization.
2011
The following players have been released by the Astros organization
Juan Mojica
Brad Propst
Garen Wright
Joshua Magee (released during the season and is now on the Alabama football roster as a walk on).
(Batista & Quintero were also on this roster)
There are 22 players from this roster active in the Astros organization.
2012
James Howick was released by the Astros organization. Propst was also on this roster. There are 39 players from this roster active in the Astros organization.
Showing posts with label Villar. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Villar. Show all posts
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Monday, July 2, 2012
Appy Astros Alumni of the Month - June 2012
It has been a fun month of June. Several former G-Stros are making serious progress and the new bunch is winning games. Let's look at how the former Greeneville Astros did this month.
Tri Cities ValleyCats
Pitcher of the Month - Vincent Velasquez made three starts in June and had a 1.76 ERA in 15 1/3 IP with 16 K. What makes this more impressive is these were his first three starts after missing all of 2011 with Tommy John surgery.
Honorable Mention - Juri Perez - two scoreless starts to start his second season in the NYPL. Jamaine Cotton - made five scoreless relief appearances before surrendering two runs on 6/30.
Hitter of the Month - There are only three former G-Stros on the roster in TriCities, none of which are setting the woods on fire. This months award goes to Jesse Wierzbicki who hit .260 for the first 14 games of the season.
Lexington Legends
Pitcher of the Month - Murilo Gouvea had a stellar month out of the pen. Allowing just one earned run in 14 1/3 ip (10 games) with 14 strike outs. He only allowed five hits during that stretch but allowed 10 walks. His June ERA was 0.61.
Honorable Mention - Mike Foltynewicz amassed a 2.97 ERA in five starts. He had a rough outing to end the month, otherwise, he numbers would have been much stronger. Still 2.97 is not to shabby.
Hitter of the Month - I think those who follow Astros minor league ball would come after me with pitch forks and torches if I chose anyone but Delino DeShields Jr. as the Lexington hitter of the month. DDJ hit a solid .303 for the month. He also took 16 walks which helped boost his OPB to .407. He showed some pop with seven extra base hits and when he did find him self on first, he often managed to get to second via one of his 25 stolen bases.
Honorable Mentions - Chan Moon really appears to have put it together at the plate. The South Korean Shortstop hit .276 in June with a .403 OBP. Roberto Pena also had a solid June hitting .329 and hitting seven doubles during the month where he turned 20.
Lancaster JetHawks
Pitcher of the Month - Jose Trinadad had a great month out of the pen. In eight games (seven relief and one start) he allowed 19 hits in 21 innings pitched. His ERA for the month was .043. His last appearance of the month was spreading seven hits over seven shut out innings in his third start of the year. His ERA as as start this season is 1.13
Honorable Mention - Pat Urckfitz who allowed four earned runs in 15 innings pitched for a 2.40 ERA in June.
Hitter of the Month - I normally put those who haven't played a full month in the Honorable Mention category but what Grant Hogue put together in limited playing time is impressive. He played the first nine games of the month and then missed about two weeks on the DL returning to get in for the final few games of the month. During his 11 games, Hogue hit .667 (21 out of 34). Hard to ignore that production.
Honorable Mention - Rafael Valenzuela hit .298 in 17 games with a .403 OBP. Rene Garcia hit .321 in 16 games. Ben Orloff hit .283 and had just four strike outs in 99 at bats during the month.
Corpus Christi Hooks
Pitcher of the Month - Jose Cisnero is the easy choice this month. In five starts, he allowed just eight walks and eight earned runs while striking out 31 in 33 innings pitched. He allowed no home runs in June. He pitched a complete game two hitter on June 16th. He held opponents to a .215 batting average for the month.
Honorable Mention- Henry Villar pitched in 8 games (16 1/3 IP) in June with a 2.70 ERA. During that span, he fanned 16 while only issuing two free passes.
Hitter of the Month - Kody Hinze rebounded from a rough May (.106 in 22 games) to hit for a solid .306 in 24 games in June. Seven of his 22 hits in the month went for extra bases.
Oklahoma City RedHawks
Pitcher of the Month - Vacant - there were no former G-Stros pitching in Oklahoma City in June except Fernando Abad who was on rehab assignment.
Hitter of the Month - Brandon Barnes is the only RedHawk who played in Greeneville but this award isn't given by default. Barnes has earned it! He hit .333 with nine doubles and three home runs in June. He also walked eight times and struck out just 18 in 108 at bats (28 games). If the 26 year old Barnes can keep this up, he might get a shot at the bigs in a September call up or as an injury replacement.
Minors Outside Astros System
Pitcher of the Month - Slingin Sammy Gervacio continues to tear up the Mexican League (unaffiliated AAA). In June, he appeared in 15 games (15 2/3 IP), issued just four walks and nine hits while fanning 23 batters. He earned 12 saves during the month.
Hitter of the Month - Albert Cartwright had a bounce back month after hitting below the Mendoza line for May, he hit .306 with four doubles and three home runs in the Florida State League (Phillies High A).
Major Leagues
Pitcher of the Month - While Jordan Lyles and Fernando Abad had good months, the best month by a former Greeneville Astro pitcher in the Majors was by Troy Patton of the Orioles. Patton appeared in 11 games (14 2/3 IP) in which he fanned 15 batters while allowing only nine hits and four walks. Opponents hit just .190 off Patton during the month.
Hitter of the Month - While you can debate my list choice, I don't think there is much of a debate when it comes to selecting Jose Altuve as the hitter of the month. During June, he hit .291 with five doubles and two home runs.
Quick break down of the number of former G-stros in the Astros system:
Tri Cities - 8
Lexington - 16
Lancaster - 17
Corpus Christi - 6
Oklahoma City - 1
Houston - 4
Tri Cities ValleyCats
Pitcher of the Month - Vincent Velasquez made three starts in June and had a 1.76 ERA in 15 1/3 IP with 16 K. What makes this more impressive is these were his first three starts after missing all of 2011 with Tommy John surgery.
Honorable Mention - Juri Perez - two scoreless starts to start his second season in the NYPL. Jamaine Cotton - made five scoreless relief appearances before surrendering two runs on 6/30.
Hitter of the Month - There are only three former G-Stros on the roster in TriCities, none of which are setting the woods on fire. This months award goes to Jesse Wierzbicki who hit .260 for the first 14 games of the season.
Lexington Legends
Pitcher of the Month - Murilo Gouvea had a stellar month out of the pen. Allowing just one earned run in 14 1/3 ip (10 games) with 14 strike outs. He only allowed five hits during that stretch but allowed 10 walks. His June ERA was 0.61.
Honorable Mention - Mike Foltynewicz amassed a 2.97 ERA in five starts. He had a rough outing to end the month, otherwise, he numbers would have been much stronger. Still 2.97 is not to shabby.
Hitter of the Month - I think those who follow Astros minor league ball would come after me with pitch forks and torches if I chose anyone but Delino DeShields Jr. as the Lexington hitter of the month. DDJ hit a solid .303 for the month. He also took 16 walks which helped boost his OPB to .407. He showed some pop with seven extra base hits and when he did find him self on first, he often managed to get to second via one of his 25 stolen bases.
Honorable Mentions - Chan Moon really appears to have put it together at the plate. The South Korean Shortstop hit .276 in June with a .403 OBP. Roberto Pena also had a solid June hitting .329 and hitting seven doubles during the month where he turned 20.
Lancaster JetHawks
Pitcher of the Month - Jose Trinadad had a great month out of the pen. In eight games (seven relief and one start) he allowed 19 hits in 21 innings pitched. His ERA for the month was .043. His last appearance of the month was spreading seven hits over seven shut out innings in his third start of the year. His ERA as as start this season is 1.13
Honorable Mention - Pat Urckfitz who allowed four earned runs in 15 innings pitched for a 2.40 ERA in June.
Hitter of the Month - I normally put those who haven't played a full month in the Honorable Mention category but what Grant Hogue put together in limited playing time is impressive. He played the first nine games of the month and then missed about two weeks on the DL returning to get in for the final few games of the month. During his 11 games, Hogue hit .667 (21 out of 34). Hard to ignore that production.
Honorable Mention - Rafael Valenzuela hit .298 in 17 games with a .403 OBP. Rene Garcia hit .321 in 16 games. Ben Orloff hit .283 and had just four strike outs in 99 at bats during the month.
Corpus Christi Hooks
Pitcher of the Month - Jose Cisnero is the easy choice this month. In five starts, he allowed just eight walks and eight earned runs while striking out 31 in 33 innings pitched. He allowed no home runs in June. He pitched a complete game two hitter on June 16th. He held opponents to a .215 batting average for the month.
Honorable Mention- Henry Villar pitched in 8 games (16 1/3 IP) in June with a 2.70 ERA. During that span, he fanned 16 while only issuing two free passes.
Hitter of the Month - Kody Hinze rebounded from a rough May (.106 in 22 games) to hit for a solid .306 in 24 games in June. Seven of his 22 hits in the month went for extra bases.
Oklahoma City RedHawks
Pitcher of the Month - Vacant - there were no former G-Stros pitching in Oklahoma City in June except Fernando Abad who was on rehab assignment.
Hitter of the Month - Brandon Barnes is the only RedHawk who played in Greeneville but this award isn't given by default. Barnes has earned it! He hit .333 with nine doubles and three home runs in June. He also walked eight times and struck out just 18 in 108 at bats (28 games). If the 26 year old Barnes can keep this up, he might get a shot at the bigs in a September call up or as an injury replacement.
Minors Outside Astros System
Pitcher of the Month - Slingin Sammy Gervacio continues to tear up the Mexican League (unaffiliated AAA). In June, he appeared in 15 games (15 2/3 IP), issued just four walks and nine hits while fanning 23 batters. He earned 12 saves during the month.
Hitter of the Month - Albert Cartwright had a bounce back month after hitting below the Mendoza line for May, he hit .306 with four doubles and three home runs in the Florida State League (Phillies High A).
Major Leagues
Pitcher of the Month - While Jordan Lyles and Fernando Abad had good months, the best month by a former Greeneville Astro pitcher in the Majors was by Troy Patton of the Orioles. Patton appeared in 11 games (14 2/3 IP) in which he fanned 15 batters while allowing only nine hits and four walks. Opponents hit just .190 off Patton during the month.
Hitter of the Month - While you can debate my list choice, I don't think there is much of a debate when it comes to selecting Jose Altuve as the hitter of the month. During June, he hit .291 with five doubles and two home runs.
Quick break down of the number of former G-stros in the Astros system:
Tri Cities - 8
Lexington - 16
Lancaster - 17
Corpus Christi - 6
Oklahoma City - 1
Houston - 4
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?
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Altuve Makes Eleven
#1 RHP Juan Gutierrez
Greeneville Astros: 2004
MLB Debut: 8/19/2007 with Houston Astros
#2 LHP Troy PattonGreeneville Astros: 2004
MLB Debut: 8/25/2007 with Houston Astros
#3 RHP Felipe Paulino
Greeneville Astros: 2004
MLB Debut: 9/5/2007 with Houston Astros
#4 C J.R. TowlesGreeneville Astros: 2004
MLB Debut: 9/5/2007 with Houston Astros
#5 RHP Jimmy Barthmaier
Greeneville Astros: 2004
MLB Debut: 6/27/2008 with Pittsburgh Pirates
#6 RHP Sammy GervacioGreeneville Astros: 2005
MLB Debut: 8/14/2009 with Houston Astros
#7 LHP Victor Garate
Greeneville Astros: 2005
MLB Debut: 9/5/2009 with Washington Nationals
#8 LHP Fernando AbadGreeneville Astros: 2007
MLB Debut: 7/28/2010 with Houston Astros
#9 RHP Henry Villar
Greeneville Astros: 2008
MLB Debut: 9/10/2010 with Houston Astros
#10 RHP Jordan Lyles
Greeneville Astros: 2008
MLB Debut: 5/31/11 with Houston Astros
#11 2nd Jose Altuve
Greeneville Astros: 2008-09
MLB Debut: 7/20/11 with Houston Astros
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.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Jordan Lyles Makes Ten
With Jordan Lyles solid debut for the Astros last night, he marked the 10th Greeneville Astro to get called up to the majors since the franchise moved to Greeneville in 2004. Here is the list of the other former G-Stros who have made the big time.
#1 RHP Juan Gutierrez
#2 LHP Troy Patton
Greeneville Astros: 2004
MLB Debut: 8/25/2007 with Houston Astros
#3 RHP Felipe Paulino
#4 C J.R. Towles
Greeneville Astros: 2004
MLB Debut: 9/5/2007 with Houston Astros
#5 RHP Jimmy Barthmaier
#6 RHP Sammy Gervacio
Greeneville Astros: 2005
MLB Debut: 8/14/2009 with Houston Astros
#7 LHP Victor Garate
#8 LHP Fernando Abad
Greeneville Astros: 2007
MLB Debut: 7/28/2010 with Houston Astros
#9 RHP Henry Villar
Greeneville Astros: 2008
MLB Debut: 9/10/2010 with Houston Astros
#10 RHP Jordan Lyles
Greeneville Astros: 2008
MLB Debut: 5/31/11 with Houston Astros
#1 RHP Juan Gutierrez
Greeneville Astros: 2004
MLB Debut: 8/19/2007 with Houston Astros
#2 LHP Troy PattonGreeneville Astros: 2004
MLB Debut: 8/25/2007 with Houston Astros
#3 RHP Felipe Paulino
Greeneville Astros: 2004
MLB Debut: 9/5/2007 with Houston Astros
#4 C J.R. TowlesGreeneville Astros: 2004
MLB Debut: 9/5/2007 with Houston Astros
#5 RHP Jimmy Barthmaier
Greeneville Astros: 2004
MLB Debut: 6/27/2008 with Pittsburgh Pirates
#6 RHP Sammy GervacioGreeneville Astros: 2005
MLB Debut: 8/14/2009 with Houston Astros
#7 LHP Victor Garate
Greeneville Astros: 2005
MLB Debut: 9/5/2009 with Washington Nationals
#8 LHP Fernando AbadGreeneville Astros: 2007
MLB Debut: 7/28/2010 with Houston Astros
#9 RHP Henry Villar
Greeneville Astros: 2008
MLB Debut: 9/10/2010 with Houston Astros
#10 RHP Jordan Lyles
Greeneville Astros: 2008
MLB Debut: 5/31/11 with Houston Astros
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?
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Another Top 10, Scouting Jordan Lyles, Going to Camp, & More
A great deal has been going on with former Greeneville Astros over the past week or so. I have not been able to keep up with getting it up here. Let's do some catching up.
The Hardball Times Top 10
Top 10 list continue to come out. The most recent one is from the folks at The Hardball Times. With six former G-Stros, their top 10 contains the most former G-Stros of any list so far. Here is their list:
1. Jordan Lyles ('08)
2. Jio Mier ('09)
3. Delino Deshields ('10)
4. Mike Foltynewicz ('10)
5. Tanner Bushue
6. Jonathon Villar
7. Jimmy Parades
8. Austin Wates
9. J. D. Martinez ('09)
10. Jay Austin ('08)
Don't forget the combined top 10 list spreed sheet I have compiled here.
What folks are saying about Jordan Lyles
Jordan Lyles is the clear #1 prospect in the Astros organization. He is regularly seen as one of the top 50 prospects in all of Minor League Baseball. One list even had him as high as #3. AstroAndy over at The Crawfish Boxes, has compiled a compilation of all the scouting reports on Jordan Lyles. So if you have any questions about what he throws, that is a great one stop place to check.
Spring Training Invites
While getting the call up to the big leagues is the ultimate call up, getting to go to big league spring training is an honor as well. This year, several former Greeneville Astros will be in big league camp in Kissimmee in a few weeks. Last week, 10 minor leaguers were invited to spend camp with the big boys. Six of those minor league players are former G-Stros. They are:
Koby Clemens (05)
Rene Garcia (08)
Jordan Lyles (08)
Jio Mier (09)
J. D. Martinez (09)
Patrick Urckfitz (08)
The only one that was a total surprise was Jio Mier since he is possibly going to repeat low A ball in Lexington this year. It was explained that his inclusion was due to a contractual agreement.
The rational behind these young guys going to big league camp was explained by Astros General Manager Ed Wade:
Fernando Abad (07)
Jorge De Leon (08)
Arcenio Leon (07-08)
Henry Villar (08)
J.R. Towles (04)
That makes 13 of the 62 players on the spring roster are former G-Stros.
Last Link - Jermaine Cotton is keeping fit playing winter ball in his native St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. The paper thinks he played last year in South Carolina and not Tennessee. I would be willing to go set them straight on the geography, if someone would finance a trip for me to the Virgin Islands. Tough job but someone needs to do it. Jermaine did capture the small town feel of Greeneville well.
The Hardball Times Top 10
Top 10 list continue to come out. The most recent one is from the folks at The Hardball Times. With six former G-Stros, their top 10 contains the most former G-Stros of any list so far. Here is their list:
1. Jordan Lyles ('08)
2. Jio Mier ('09)
3. Delino Deshields ('10)
4. Mike Foltynewicz ('10)
5. Tanner Bushue
6. Jonathon Villar
7. Jimmy Parades
8. Austin Wates
9. J. D. Martinez ('09)
10. Jay Austin ('08)
Don't forget the combined top 10 list spreed sheet I have compiled here.
What folks are saying about Jordan Lyles
Jordan Lyles is the clear #1 prospect in the Astros organization. He is regularly seen as one of the top 50 prospects in all of Minor League Baseball. One list even had him as high as #3. AstroAndy over at The Crawfish Boxes, has compiled a compilation of all the scouting reports on Jordan Lyles. So if you have any questions about what he throws, that is a great one stop place to check.
Spring Training Invites
While getting the call up to the big leagues is the ultimate call up, getting to go to big league spring training is an honor as well. This year, several former Greeneville Astros will be in big league camp in Kissimmee in a few weeks. Last week, 10 minor leaguers were invited to spend camp with the big boys. Six of those minor league players are former G-Stros. They are:
Koby Clemens (05)
Rene Garcia (08)
Jordan Lyles (08)
Jio Mier (09)
J. D. Martinez (09)
Patrick Urckfitz (08)
The only one that was a total surprise was Jio Mier since he is possibly going to repeat low A ball in Lexington this year. It was explained that his inclusion was due to a contractual agreement.
The rational behind these young guys going to big league camp was explained by Astros General Manager Ed Wade:
These six will be joining former G-Stros Douglas Arguello (04) & Sammy Gervacio (05) who had already received invites after signing new minor league contracts. Those who will be there as a part of the Astros 40 man roster include:“It gives these kids the chance to come in and see what the atmosphere is like on the big league side,” Wade said. “And it gives Millsie and the coaches the chance to see some of the guys we talk about a lot.
“And frankly, it allows us to show that we’re making progress in player development.”
Fernando Abad (07)
Jorge De Leon (08)
Arcenio Leon (07-08)
Henry Villar (08)
J.R. Towles (04)
That makes 13 of the 62 players on the spring roster are former G-Stros.
Last Link - Jermaine Cotton is keeping fit playing winter ball in his native St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. The paper thinks he played last year in South Carolina and not Tennessee. I would be willing to go set them straight on the geography, if someone would finance a trip for me to the Virgin Islands. Tough job but someone needs to do it. Jermaine did capture the small town feel of Greeneville well.
"Basically, there's not a whole lot else to do in Greeneville," Cotton said this week. "It's sleep, eat and baseball."
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Villar, Abad & Lyles all in mix for 2010 Houston Rotation
Brian McTaggart updates us today on the Astros pitching plan for 2010. He says that Jordan Lyles will be given a shot to earn the 5th starter role. His competition for that may include former G-Stros Henry Villar & Fernando Abad.
McTaggart on Villar:
McTaggart on Villar:
Villar's stock has risen so much that he's considered one of the club's top three prospects.Astros GM Ed Wade on Abad:
Abad, if healthy, and he's healthy right now - I always says that with pitchers - that's a pretty significant left-handed arm in our bullpen. But if he can win 11 games in our starting rotation, we'll figure out the left-handed, right-handed stuff to deal with.
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