Going Camping: Making The Roster & Getting Reassigned

Camps are wrapping up and players are starting to learn their fate.  Let's see where things stand going in to the last few days of camp.

In Houston's Camp:

Jose Altuve will be the opening day second baseman and will hit leadoff for the Astros.  He will be joined on the opening day roster by Brandon Barnes.  Barnes won the reserve outfield spot thanks to his flexibility to play all three outfield positions and his outstanding defense.  Barnes is the new poster child for reminding folks not to read too much into Appy League stats.  In 91 games, over two seasons, Barnes hit .211/.284/.318 with more strike outs (83) than hits (67).  Barnes was raw when drafted.  The minor leagues is about development.  Sometimes we forget that.  Barnes has developed into a major league ball player. 

J.D. Martinez got the news Saturday that he was being sent down to AAA.  I don't expect this to be a long trip for Martinez who had off season surgery to remove the Hamate bone in his wrist.  The Astros are still positive about Martinez.

 "We see J.D. as an everyday outfielder, and when you switch to the American League, it's hard to get our fourth or fifth outfielders a lot of playing time because the fact you're not doing as many double switches," general manager Jeff Luhnow said. "He's going to play a lot, and right now we couldn't guarantee him that amount of playing time at the big league level 

All of the other former G-Stros have been sent back to minor league camp.  Though kudos to David Martinez for getting the start on Sunday and earning the win.  We are also hearing the Delino DeShields Jr. will be with the team for their final exhibition game against the Cubs in Houston.

In Other Camps:

Troy Patton is a lock for the Orioles 'pen despite a recent rough outing.

J.R. Towles and Jordan Parraz were sent to AAA by the Cards & Braves respectively.  And apparently I missed Arcenio Leon being sent down by the Brewers earlier this month. 

J.C. Gutierrez and Fernando Abad  are both battling for the final spot in the Royals and Nats bullpens respectively.  However it is likely both will start the season in AAA.

That means that it is likely only three former G-Stros will be on opening day rosters this year.  Last year, there were four on rosters (Patton, Altuve, Lyles and Martinez) with Paulino on the DL in KC. 

Going Camping: Updates from Major League Spring Camps

Well, it is less than two weeks to opening day and we have some movement among former G-Stros in big league spring training.  Let's check out the updates starting with those in Astros camp:

Jose Altuve is a lock for the starting 2nd base job in Houston.  He has had a good spring hitting .356 with a on base percentage of .396.  It has been announced he will be batting in the lead off spot.

Brandon Barnes is continuing to make a case for making the 25 man roster out of spring training.  He has hit four home runs and has only struck out three times in 30 at bats.  He continues to provide stellar defense which helps his case as a reserve outfielder on the roster.

Rene Garcia is still in camp.  In a very small sample size (10 AB) he has a .300 average and a healthy .417 on base percentage.  He will likely return to minor league camp soon but it has been a good spring for Garcia.

Jordan Lyles was sent down to minor league camp today.  The Astros want him to right the ship in AAA and then return to the majors never to be sent down again.  Let's hope that is the case for Lyles.  According to Bo Porter, "it is not a demotion, it's a delay".

David Martinez got called up today and made his major league spring training debut.  He came in and pitched the 8th and 9th.  Facing only six batters and striking out two.  He will go back to minor league camp after the game, but it was nice to see him get a shot at some big league batters.

J.D. Martinez is being talked about as a part of the platoon in right field, sharing time with Rike Ankiel.  He is not having a great spring statistically.

Chris Wallace is still in big league camp but is getting limited action.  He will be heading to minor league camp before long.

Outside of Astros Camp:

Fernando Abad has had a solid spring but appears to be looking at starting the year in AAA.

Victor Garate was released by the Dodgers without ever appearing in a Spring Training game. 

J.C. Gutierrez (Juan) is battling for a return to the big leagues after missing last season with an injury. He is facing an up hill battle but is out of options so if he doesn't make the Royals, he might be a waiver claim candidate.

Arcenio Leon is still in big league camp with the Brewers but has only appeared in two games.  Both of those appearances were last month.

Troy Patton appears to be a fixture in the O's bullpen.  He appears to really like playing for manager Buck Showalter

Felipe Paulino is up to 35 pitches, throwing just fastballs and change ups.  He is slated to return around mid season. 

Jordan Parraz hit a three run pinch hit homer today.  He has had a solid spring but has little chance of making the 25 man roster for Atlanta.  But it is only a short drive from AAA to the ATL.

J.R. Towles has had a descent spring but is all but certainly headed to AAA Memphis.

So based on how things look right now.  Two former G-Stros (Altuve & Patton) are locks to be on rosters on opening day.   After that, those with descent chances are Barnes, Martinez & Gutierrez.  We will check in again next week to see where they stand.

 

Going Camping: Update on Former G-Stros in Big League Camp

In Astros Camp, here is the latest on the former G-Stros:

Jose Altuve is hitting .314 through 12 games (35 At Bats).  We got to visit with him briefly down in Florida and he is the same nice guy he was in Greeneville.  He is a lock for the roster.

Brandon Barnes is making a case for a back up outfield spot.  He has played in 12 games and his hitting .409 in 22 at bats.  He is tied for the lead in HR on the team this spring with three.  He continues to play solid defense in the outfield.

Barnes & Altuve talk during warm ups

 (Photo by AppyAstros/All Rights Reserved)

Jose Cisnero appeared in two games (2 2/3 innings) before being sent down to minor league camp.

Delino DeShields appeared in 10 games and received 12 at bats.  He got four hits and stole two bases in three attempts.  He was moved back to minor league camp during the weekend.

Rene Garcia he has appeared in seven games with just eight at bats.  It won't be long before he is back in minor league camp.  We saw him at spring training and he is no longer the skinny kid he was in Greeneville. 

Jordan Lyles has been working on specific issues at the instruction of the Astros' coaching staff.  Therefore, his results on the mound haven't been pretty but results aren't the focus right now.

J. D. Martinez has played in 13 games with 31 at bats.  He is hitting just .258 this spring but likely has a spot on the roster. 

Chris Wallace has appeared in three games with out getting a hit.  Like Garcia, he is there for catching depth and will likely be returning to minor league camp soon.

Michael Foltynewicz appeared in one game and pitched a scoreless inning before being sent back down to minor league camp.  He was seen working out with the AA group during minor league drills.

Ross Seaton made appearances in two games and didn't give up any earned runs in his 2 2/3 innings pitched.  He has been sent back to minor league camp.

Though Jonathon Meyer and Roberto Pena were on the major league roster list, they have yet to appear in a major league spring training game.

Outside of Astros camp, Fernando Abad has been in the running for the final spot in the Nationals bullpen, but it looks like he will be the odd man out.

Felipe Paulino continues his rehab back from Tommy John surgery and will start the season on the DL.

Juan Guttierez (J.C.) has struggled recently and appears to be losing the battle for a major league roster spot. 

Troy Patton after struggling in February, he has had two scoreless outings in March.  He also appears to be getting a good number of ground balls this spring.  We had a chance to talk to Patton during spring training.  He talked about the fact that he came up as a starter and has four pitches has made his transition to the bullpen easy.  He said he can face right handed batters and never show them the same pitch in an at bat.

Jordan Parraz is hitting .200 in 25 at bats over 16 games.  He appears to be headed for AAA.

J.R. Towles is hitting .375 in 11 games (16 at bats).  However, he doesn't appear to have a realistic shot at the Cardinals' opening day roster.

Arcenio Leon has made two appearances for the Brewers giving up two runs in 1 2/3 innings pitched.

Victor Garate is still on the Dodgers roster but has not appeared in a game thus far. 

Going Camping: Update on Former G-Stros in Big League Camp

In Astros Camp, here is the latest on the former G-Stros:

Jose Altuve has appeared in just two games so far this spring.  He is a lock to make the big league club but his lack of playing time concerns me as far as a possible injury.

Brandon Barnes is making the most of his opportunities when he gets playing time.  He has appeared in four games thus far and is three for nine at the plate with a HR, no strike outs and two stolen bases.  He also has two outfield assist. There is a great deal of competition for the outfield spots and Barnes is doing his best to make the decision even tougher.

Jose Cisnero made his first appearance yesterday and was effective pitching 1 1/3 innings give up one hit and one walk while striking out one batter.

Delino DeShields is getting a full taste of major league camp this spring.  He has appeared in four games and has demonstrated his speed tool in the pinch runner mode several times.  He has scored three runs, even though he  has only reached base one time as a batter. 

Rene Garcia is in camp for catching depth and has played in three games thus far.  He is hit less in two at bats but has two walks in his other plate appearances.

Jordan Lyles had a rough outing in his first outing of the spring but it is nothing to get too worried about.  He will likely be in the rotation when camp breaks.

J.D. Martinez is three for his first 10 this spring as he fights for a starting spot in the Astros outfield.  It was reported yesterday he will see some time in right in addition to his usual spot in left.

Chris Wallace is also in camp for catching depth.  He has appeared in two games and doesn't have a hit in two at bats but he does have an RBI and a walk.

Other players on the spring training roster who might get some playing time as the spring progresses (especially in split squad games) are: Michael Foltynewicz (#88), Jonathan Meyer (#96). Roberto Pena (#84) and Ross Seaton (#61). 

 In other camps around baseball here is how the former G-Stros are doing.

Juan Gutierrez  has apparently decided on a name change.  He is now listed as J.C. Gutierrez on the Royals roster.  In his lone outing thus far, he pitched a 1,2,3 inning against the D-Backs and appears to be the top candidate for the final bullpen spot. He should make his second appearance today.

In other news from Royals camp, Felipe Paulino threw off the mound earlier this week and is making progress towards a mid season return.  

Troy Patton had a good outing yesterday with Baltimore.  He came into the game in a bases loaded one out jam. He escaped by striking out Shane Victorino and then got Christian Vazquez to ground into a force out.  His full line for the day was 1 1/3 IP, two hits, one run, one walk and two strike outs.

Fernando Abad is making some noise in Nationals camp.

If one player stood out aside from starter Dan Haren, it was left-handed reliever Fernando Abad. He had a 5.09 ERA last year for the Astros, but he’s been impressing the Nationals all spring, starting in bullpen sessions. Abad, 27, struck out one batter in a 1-2-3 inning. His odds to make the roster are long, but he could work his way into the competition for the final spot in the Nationals’ bullpen. If you’re looking for a sleeper, it may be Abad.

Jordan Parraz  has yet to start in game for the Braves but has preformed well when he has gotten time.  In six games (8 AB), he is hitting .250 with one HR.

J.R. Towles has appeared in two games for the Cards and has one hit in three at bats.

Arcenio Leon has made two appearances for the Brewers (1 2/3 IP) giving up two hits and two walks with no strike outs.  He has surrendered two earned runs and one long ball.

Victor Garate has yet to appear in a game in Dodgers camp thus far. 

My next update will come from Florida.  My son and I leave for Spring Training next Wednesday and hope to see many of Florida based former G-Stros in person. 

Nash Reports To Camp 30 Pounds Lighter

Earlier today, Brian McTaggart of Astros.com, in addition to talking about Delino DeShields chance to start in a Spring Training game and J.D. Martinez trying right field on for size; told us that Telvin Nash reported for Minor League Camp early and in much better shape than last year.  Apparently the Astros talked to Nash about his conditioning at the end of last season and he took it seriously reported 30 lbs. lighter at 230lbs. 

"I just feel all around much better," he said. "I feel faster at first base and in the outfield when I track balls down. If I'm holding a runner, I can get off the base and make a routine play. ... In the past, a ground ball was hit right at me and it was kind of tough. I made it look much more difficult than it really was. I feel much more explosive, I'm in shape and I'm healthier, too."

This is an important season for Nash who had fallen off the prospect list radar this off season.  Reporting in shape is a good first step.  The next steps are to show on the field he worked hard on his fielding and his contact rate at the plate.

Former G-Stros in Minor's Mini Camp

The top talent in the system has been invited to report to camp early for a minicamp. Brian McTaggart posted the list of invitees yesterday. Here are those who were invited along with the year(s) they appeared in Greeneville:
 Ruben Alaniz (2010)
Michael Foltynewicz (2010)
David Martinez (2009)  
Lance McCullers Jr. (2012)
Vincent Velasquez (2010)  
Roberto Pena (2010)  
Carlos Correa (2012)  
Chase Davidson (2011)
Jonathan Meyer (2009)
Jiovanni Mier (2009)  
Rio Ruiz (2012)

In addition to those players a few other players will be participating some since they reported early to camp. Two of those are former G-Stros Telvin Nash (2010) and Ruben Sosa (2011 & 12)

Going Camping: Former G-Stros Edition

Let's check in on how a few of the former Greeneville Astros are doing in camps around Major League Baseball this spring.

Troy Patton - Baltimore - How many lefty's in the O's bullpen is too many? 

"That's too far down the line to be speculating on," he said. "I tell you this: We did OK with one left-hander down there, and the reason was the six right-handers were pitching well. That's just conventionally set up, and I'm not married to that. We'll take our best seven guys down there.....Those things can fluctuate depending on who your starters are.
"I think it comes more into play when your starters are predominantly right-handed that you need a second left-hander, preferably to be a long reliever. I think Patton is capable of doing both. I think he can pitch long and short, especially with his starting pitching background."

J.R. Towles - Cardinals - is really a long shot to make the major league roster.  

Felipe Paulino - Royals - is about a week away from throwing off the mound and is still slated to return at the All Star Break.  He is recovering from Tommy John Surgery.

Juan Gutierrez - Royals - had a great winter ball campaign in Venezuela.  He was named the closer of the year in the LVBP. Gutierrez talked about the impact the injury from 2011 that required Tommy John surgery had on him.

"I matured a lot," he said. "It was the kind of pitcher that threw hard as I did not worry about working, by lifting weights and stuff. With rehabilitation forced me to work hard and now that I have become routine. I strengthened my muscles, I improved as a player and I learned that you have to work very hard to keep. "  (via google translate)

According to reports during winterball, his fastball was back to 93 mph.   He is not on the 40 man roster but has a shot at making the team out of camp with a solid spring.

Fernando Abad  - Nationals - might get a look as a starter in Nationals camp. 

J R Towles in Making Himself Useful In Cardinals Camp

Pitchers and catchers officially report today!  It appears that former Greeneville Astro J.R. Towles is in camp and finding ways to make himself useful to the Cardinals.  Whether it was catching bullpen sessions for early arriving pitchers or taking ground balls; Towles continues to show, he just wants to be on the field.

The taking ground balls was at 2nd base.  This was a part of a drill for the Cardinal's Matt Carpenter who is making the transition to 2nd this season.  Towles took balls at 2nd in order to give Carpenter a break during the drills.

J. R. Towles, the sub -- Towles did drills along with Carpenter in order to build in a break for the fielder. Oquendo worried that if he didn't have a second glove out there taking grounders, doing the drills, that Carpenter would wear himself out going over and over and over and over and over and over again.

There are few players that I remember watching play the game with more joy than Towles displayed during his time in 2004 with the G-Stros.  I hope he can put together a solid spring and successful 2013.

Best of luck to all the former G-Stros, regardless if they are a roster lock or a long shot, reporting to camp today.