Thursday, April 30, 2015

Revisiting the December 2011 Mark Melancon Trade

This is the first in a series looking back at the trades made by Jeff Luhnow since he became the General Manager of the Astros in December 2011.

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On December 14, 2011, brand new General Manager Jeff Luhnow traded RHP Mark Melancon to the Red Sox in exchange for SS Jed Lowrie and RHP Kyle Weiland.

Melancon spent one season for the Red Sox in 2012, putting up a 6.20 ERA, a 1.267 WHIP and a negative WAR of -0.5 in 45 appearances over 41 innings at the major league level. In the minors that season, Melancon had a 0.83 ERA and a 0.831 WHIP in 21 appearances over 21.2 innings.

Melancon was then traded by the Red Sox to the Pirates in December 2012. He flourished with the Pirates in 2013 (1.39 ERA and 0.958 WHIP in 72 appearances; 2.1 WAR; All-Star appearance) and in 2014 (1.90 ERA and 0.873 WHIP in 72 appearances; 2.0 WAR).

Jed Lowrie played in 97 games for the Astros in 2012, hitting .244/.331/.438 with 18 doubles, 16 home runs, 42 RBI, 43 walks and 65 strikeouts. He had a 2.2 WAR (2.4 oWar and 0.2 dWar). Lowrie was then traded to Oakland, along with RHP Fernando Rodriguez, for 1B Chris Carter, RHP Brad Peacock and C Max Stassi. (I'll look at this trade in-depth in due course.)

Kyle Weiland, on the other hand, only pitched in 3 games for Houston at the major league level before heading to the DL. In 17.2 innings, he had a 6.62 ERA, a 1.755 WHIP and a negative WAR of -0.2. Weiland did not make another official appearance until the summer of 2014, pitching in 14 minor league games between June and August. Weiland recently retired.

Although it would have been nice to have had the 2013 and 2014 version of Mark Melancon in the Houston bullpen to offset some of the struggles from those two years, and despite the disappointment of never having a completely healthy Weiland, there is really no way to see this trade as anything but a win for Luhnow after considering Lowrie's 2012 contributions and the return received after trading him.

Tweets of the Day

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Wednesday, April 29, 2015

Astros Minor League Snapshot

Checking in on the Astros minor league teams through Tuesday, April 28th ...

FRESNO (PACIFIC COAST LEAGUE)

First place
11-8
0.5 games ahead of Sacramento

Team ERA: 4.82 (13th of 16 teams)
Team WHIP: 1.414 (9th)
Walks Allowed: Tied for 4th lowest
Strikeouts: Tied for 12th

RHP Richard Rodriguez
8th in the league in ERA: 2.65
4th in the league in WHIP: 0.941

LHP Tommy Shirley
9th in the league in ERA: 2.70
8th in the league in WHIP: 1.020

Also, RHP Tyson Perez doesn't have enough innings to qualify as a league leader, but he has a 2.00 ERA and 0.667 WHIP, and fellow bullpen pitcher RHP Jordan Jankowski has a 1.74 ERA.

Team BA: .273 (7th)
Team OBP: .349 (3rd)
Team SLG: .438 (2nd)
Walks: 3rd
Strikeouts: 3rd

OF L. J. Hoes (recalled to Houston)
2nd in the league in BA: .418
3rd in the league in OBP: .458

OF Preston Tucker
6th in the league in SLG: .662
1st in the league in home runs and RBI

OF Domingo Santana
7th in the league in SLG: .655

IF Nolan Fontana
1st in the league in walks

CORPUS CHRISTI (TEXAS LEAGUE)

First place
12-6
2 games ahead of Midland

Team ERA: 2.87 (2nd of 8 teams)
Team WHIP: 1.275 (2nd)
Walks Allowed: Lowest
Strikeouts: Lowest

RHP Chris Devenski
1st in the league in ERA: 0.00
1st in the league in WHIP: 0.652

RHP Aaron West
4th in the league in WHIP: 0.886

RHP Mark Appel (1.93 ERA and 0.857 WHIP), RHP Lance McCullers (0.00 ERA and 1.143 WHIP), RHP Jandel Gustave (1.42 ERA and 0.947 WHIP), RHP Daniel Minor (0.00 ERA and 1.000 WHIP), RHP Travis Ballew (2.16 ERA and 1.080 WHIP) and LHP Mitch Lambson (1.00 ERA and 1.111 WHIP) don't currently have enough innings to qualify as league leaders.

Team BA: .284 (1st)
Team OBP: .374 (1st)
Team SLG: .432 (1st)
Walks: 2nd
Strikeouts: 7th

SS Carlos Correa
1st in the league in BA: .400
3rd in the league in OBP: .468
1st in the league in SLG: .800
1st in runs, hits, doubles and RBI

IF/OF Tony Kemp
7th in the league in OBP: .444

LANCASTER (CALIFORNIA LEAGUE)

Tied for second place with Inland Empire
10-9
1 game behind Rancho Cucamonga

As I predicted in my season preview, the Lancaster pitching staff has had its early struggles. But I'm also predicting that we will start to see a lot of improvements as these pitchers adjust to the league and to the conditions.

Team ERA: 6.14 (10th out of 10 teams)
Team WHIP: 1.623 (10th)
Walks Allowed: Highest in the league
Strikeouts: 2nd

None of the Lancaster staff have the innings/numbers to qualify as league leaders in ERA and WHIP, but RHP Edison Frias comes close with his 1.091 WHIP as does RHP Tyler Brunnemann with his 0.71 WHIP. RHP Troy Scribner and LHP Brian Holmes are among the top 10 in the league in strikeouts.

Team BA: .288 (2nd)
Team OBP: .362 (1st)
Team SLG: .456 (2nd)
Walks: Highest in the league
Strikeouts: 8th

1B/DH Chase McDonald
8th in the league in BA: 343
3rd in the league in SLG: 642

3B J.D. Davis
10th in the league in BA: .338
10th in the league in SLG: .529

IF Chan Moon
5th in the league in  OBP: .415

OF Brett Phillips
8th in the league in SLG: .548

QUAD CITIES (MIDWEST LEAGUE)

First place
13-6
1 game ahead of Burlington and Cedar Rapids

Team ERA: 2.59 (4th of 16 teams)
Team WHIP: 1.088 (2nd)
Walks Allowed: 13th
Strikeouts: 5th

RHP Joe Musgrove
5th in the league in ERA: 0.87 (plus a 12th place 0.871 WHIP)

LHP Bryan Radziewski
9th in the league in WHIP: 0.778 (plus a 20th place 2.00 ERA)

RHP Ryan Thompson (0.00 ERA and 0.828 WHIP), LHP Albert Minnis (0.00 ERA and 0.522 WHIP), RHP Keegan Yuhl (1.69 ERA and 0.938 WHIP), RHP Eric Peterson (1.93 ERA and 1.179 WHIP), RHP Josh James (2.25 ERA and 1.083 WHIP), RHP Brock Dyxkhoorn (2.51 ERA and 1.116 WHIP), RHP Daniel Mengden (2.84 ERA and 1.184 WHIP, RHP Kevin Comer (1.105 WHIP) and RHP Austin Chrismon (1.154 WHIP) all fall just short of qualifying (either in innings pitched or in actual numbers) in a league that has shown some very strong pitching to date.

Team BA: .260 (3rd)
Team OBP: .358 (1st)
Team SLG: .403 (1st)
Walks: Highest in the league
Strikeouts: 5th

C/1B/DH Jamie Ritchie
4th in the league in OBP: .451

IF Mott Hyde
8th in the league in OBP: .415
1st in the league in doubles

OF Derek Fisher
1st in the league in SLG: .604

Astros Minor League Recaps

Results for Monday, April 27, 2015 and Tuesday, April 28, 2015

A pretty forgettable last couple of days on the farm.



Monday: Fresno 4, Reno 2

W- Jake Buchanan (2-0)
L- Blake Beavan (0-1)
S- Kevin Chapman (1)

Fresno home runs: Preston Tucker (8, solo in 5th)

Another big night for Preston Tucker, who is sending baseballs out of ballparks with quite a bit of regularity. He finished 3-4 and opened up the scoring with an RBI single in the 1st, then in the 5th, he bashed his organization-leading 8th homer of the year. The Grizz got 2 in the 4th inning on a Max Stassi RBI single and a sac fly from Nolan Fontana.

Jake Buchanan went 5 innings and allowed 2 runs on 9 hits (solo homer) and struck out 2. Darin Downs struck out 2 over 1.2 near-perfect frames; he hit a batter. Jordan Jankowski got the final out of the 7th and the first out of the 8th inning. He allowed a hit, walked 1, struck out 1, and uncorked a wild pitch. Despite facing a bases-loaded situation in the 8th, Kevin Chapman was able to seal the win as he walked 1 and struck out 2.

Tuesday: Reno 3, Fresno 2

W- A.J. Schugel (1-2)
L- Dan Straily (2-1)
S- Jake Barrett (4)

Fresno home runs: None.

The Grizzlies threatened in the bottom of the 9th as they got some traffic on the basepaths, but.... no cigar. They were foiled in their bid to sweep the series.

Their 2 runs came in the 5th inning on a Preston Tucker sac fly and a Domingo Santana RBI triple. Ronald Torreyes led off the bottom of the 9th with a double, but he was thrown out at home trying to score the tying run on a Nolan Fontana fielder's choice. Alex Presley and Preston Tucker walked to load the bases, but sadly, Jon Singleton flied out to end the game.

Dan Straily pitched 5 innings and allowed 3 runs on 6 hits, walked 2, and struck out 3. Richard Rodriguez struck out 2 over 3 perfect frames, and James Hoyt struck out 2 in a 1-2-3 9th.

Fresno has a day off as they head up to Tacoma; they'll finish up April and begin May there.

Monday: Midland 9, Corpus Christi 8

W- Jonathan Joseph (1-0)
L- Kent Emanuel (1-1)

CC home runs: None.

The Hooks walked off with the loss as Carson Blair took Kent Emanuel deep to tie the game at 8, and Matt Olson hit a sac fly to bring home Chad Oberacker with the winning run.

Carlos Correa got things started when he cracked an RBI triple in the 1st inning. He drove in another run with a single in the 3rd inning. Two batters later, Tyler White added a 2-run single. Leo Heras hit an RBI single in the 4th. After the Rockhounds took a 7-5 lead into the 7th inning, Corpus went back to work as Conrad Gregor made it a 1-run game with an RBI double, and then in the 8th, they took the lead thanks to a Tony Kemp RBI groundout and a Colin Moran RBI double.

Kemp went 1-3 with the RBI groundout, 2 walks, and scored 3 times. Moran, who stretched his hitting streak to 5 games, finished 3-5 with 2 doubles and a run scored; he's ripped 5 doubles during that streak. Tyler White finished 2-4, and Telvin Nash went 2-3 with a run scored.

Aaron West went 5 innings and allowed 5 runs, all on 3 home runs; he allowed 2 solo homers and was taken deep for a 3-run homer. He also allowed 4 other hits and struck out 3. Kent Emanuel tagged in for 3 innings, allowing 2 runs on 6 hits (solo homer), walking 2, and striking out 1. Mitch Lambson got 2 outs in the bottom of the 9th, allowing a hit and walking 1.

Tuesday: Midland 8, Corpus Christi 4

W- Joey Wagman (1-0)
L- Kyle Westwood (1-1)

CC home runs: Carlos Correa (5, solo in 8th)

Rough day for Hooks pitchers, who walked 7 and allowed 13 hits. They also gave up 8 runs.

The Hooks got on the board first with a Conrad Gregor sac fly in the 1st. Unfortunately, they would not score again until the 8th; in between, Midland scored 7 runs. Carlos Correa finished 2-2 with a double and a solo homer in the 8th inning. Corpus got 2 more in the 9th on an RBI double from Telvin Nash and an RBI single from Teoscar Hernandez. Tyler Heineman went 2-4. Correa's 2-2 day raised his average to an even .400. Be still, my heart.

Kyle Westwood allowed 4 runs on 10 hits and walked 2 over 4.1 innings. Jonas Dufek tagged in for 2.1 innings; he allowed 3 runs on 2 hits, walked 3, and struck out 2. He had all the strikeouts for the Hooks in this game. Angel Báez pitched 1.1 innings and walked 2; the only hit and run he allowed came off a solo homer from Colin Walsh in the 8th.

Mark Appel takes the hill in game 3 of this series; he'll take on Jake Sanchez at 6:30.

Tuesday: Rancho Cucamonga 10, Lancaster 5

W- Scott Barlow (2-1)
L- Evan Grills (1-2)

Lancaster home runs: Jack Mayfield (1, solo in 2nd)

In this battle for first place, the Quakes fired the first shot as they doubled up the JetHawks.

Jack Mayfield's first homer of the year put Lancaster on the scoreboard in the 2nd and tied the game at 1. Unfortunately, that would be the only run they would score until the 7th, as the Quakes built up a 9-1 lead on the strength of a 6-run 6th inning. In the 7th, though, the JetHawks got a bases-clearing triple from Chan-Jong Moon, who ended up scoring himself on a wild pitch. Unfortunately, that outburst wouldn't be enough in this one. Moon and J.D. Davis finished with 2 hits apiece.

Evan Grills went 4 innings and allowed 3 runs (2 earned) on 4 hits (solo homer), walked 2, and struck out 3. Tyler Brunnemann worked around a hit and a walk to throw a scoreless 5th, striking out 2. Troy Scribner tagged in for 3 innings and allowed 7 runs on 6 hits (5 singles and a solo homer), walked 3, and struck out 3. Gonzalo Sañudo walked 1 in a scoreless 9th.

In game 2, Blaine Sims will face Jeff Brigham at 6:30 Pacific.


Tuesday: Cedar Rapids 1, Quad Cities 0 in 11 innings

W- Cameron Booser (1-0)
L- Joe Musgrove (3-1)
S- Trevor Hildenberger (2)

QC home runs: None.

Well, that stunk...

Joe Musgrove probably would've liked to have that 11th inning back as the first 3 Kernels to bat in the inning reached base on him; 2 of them reached on errors that he committed, and Cedar Rapids ended up getting the only run (which was unearned) of the game off of him on a sac fly. That was a tough end to an otherwise fine outing for Musgrove, who went 6 innings and allowed 4 hits while striking out 1. Bryan Radziewski was absolutely stellar in his start as he allowed just 2 hits and struck out 4 over 5 shutout innings.

The River Bandits outhit Cedar Rapids 9-6, but they were unable to get a run across. Mott Hyde went 3-5 with a double, while Sean McMullen finished 2-4 with a triple.

In game 2 of this series, Dan Mengden will take on Mat Batts at 7.

Monday's Three Stars


3.

Carlos Correa, SS, Corpus Christi
2-4, 3B, 2 RBI

2.

Colin Moran, 3B, Corpus Christi
3-5, 2 2B, RBI, R


1.

Preston Tucker, OF, Fresno
3-4, solo HR (8; leads organization), 2 RBI


Tuesday's Three Stars: Position Players

3. 
Mott Hyde, 2B/SS, Quad Cities
3-5, 2B

2. 
Chan-Jong Moon, SS/2B, Lancaster
2-4, 3-R 3B in 7th, R

1. 
Carlos Correa, SS, Corpus Christi
2-2, 2B, solo HR (5)

Tuesday's Three Stars: Pitchers

3. 

Joe Musgrove, RHP, Quad Cities
L (3-1), 6 IP, 4 H, unearned run, K

2. 
Bryan Radziewski, LHP, Quad Cities
5 IP, 2 H, 4 K

1. 
Richard Rodriguez, RHP, Fresno
3 IP, 2 K

Happy Birthday - 4/29

Wishing a Very Happy Birthday to ~

Pitching Coach Hector Mercado (41)
Mercado was born April 29, 1974 in Catano, Puerto Rico. Mercado has served as a Pitching Coach in the Astros system for the last several years. He will be reprising that role for the Gulf Coast League team in 2015.

Tweet of the Day

Tuesday, April 28, 2015

Former Astros Playing in Independent Leagues

Here are some of the former Astros I've found that will be toiling in Independent Leagues this summer. Since most of the leagues haven't started playing yet, there will likely be additional players joining their ranks. (If you know of others, leave a note in the comments section.) WTHB wishes them all the best of luck!


Atlantic League: Play started April 24th

Sugarland (TX) Skeeters

Drafted by Houston in the 16th Round in 2010
Played in Astros system from 2010 to 2013

Lancaster (PA) Barnstormers

Drafted by Houston in the 31st Round in 2012
Played in the Astros system from 2012 through 2014

RHP C.J. "Chuckie" Fick
Selected by Houston off waivers in July 2012
Played in the Astros system from 2012 to 2013

Southern Maryland (Waldorf, MD) Blue Crabs

Signed by Astros in 1999 out of Venezuela
Played in the Astros system from 1999 through 2008

Obtained by the Astros in a 1996 trade with Detroit
Played in the Astros system from 1997 through 2002

Bridgeport (CT) Bluefish

Signed by the Astros out of the Dominican Republic in 2002
Played in the Astros system from 2003 through 2011

Long Island (NY) Ducks

Signed by Houston as a Free Agent in June 2012
Played in the Astros system from 2012 to 2013

Drafted by Houston in the 2nd Round in 2006
Played in the Astros system from 2006 through 2012

Somerset (NJ) Patriots

Obtained from Oakland in June 2011
Played in the Astros system from 2011 to 2012

Frontier League: Play starts 5/14

Lake Erie (Avon, OH) Crushers

RHP Ryan Connolly
NDFA signed by the Astros in 2013
Played in the Astros system in 2013

Traverse City (MI) Beach Bums

OF Jay Austin
Drafted by Houston in the 2nd round in 2008
Played in the Astros system from 2008 through 2012

Washington (PA) Wild Things

OF Tanner Mathis
Signed as a NDFA by the Astros in 2013
Played in the Astros system from 2013 through 2014

American Association: Play starts 5/21

Fargo-Moorhead (ND) Redhawks

OF Drew Muren
Drafted by Houston in the 22nd round in 2011
Played in the Astros system from 2011 through 2013

LHP Alex Sogard
Drafted by Houston in the 22nd round in 2010
Played in the Astros system from 2010 to 2014

Sioux Falls (SD) Canaries

LHP Joe Bircher
Drafted by Houston in the 10th round in 2012
Played in the Astros system from 2012 to 2013

St. Paul (MN) Saints

OF Mike Kvasnicka
Drafted by Houston in the 1st round in 2010
Played in the Astros system from 2010 through 2012

Winnipeg (Manitoba, Canada) Goldeyes

RHP Raul Rivera
Drafted by Houston in the 37th round in 2009
Played in the Astros system from 2009 through 2014

Kansas City (KS) T-Bones

OF Adam Bailey
Drafted by Houston in the 23rd round in 2010
Played in the Astros system from 2010 through 2012

Lincoln (NE) Saltdogs

OF Jon Gaston
Drafted by Houston in the 7th round in 2008
Played in the Astros system from 2008 through 2011

Sioux City (IA) Explorers

LHP Kenny Long
Drafted by Houston in the 22nd round in 2012
Played in the Astros system from 2012 through 2013

Grand Prairie (TX) Airhogs

RHP Zachary Dando
Drafted by Houston in the 32nd round in 2011
Played in the Astros system from 2011 through 2013

Laredo (TX) Lemurs

RHP B. J. Hyatt
Drafted by Houston in the 4th round in 2009
Only played one season in 2009 before going on the DL; was released in June 2013

Can-Am League: Play starts 5/21

Ottawa (Ontario, Canada) Champions

Manager Hal Lanier
Managed the Astros from 1986 through 1988

Rockland (Pomona, NY) Boulders

C Marcus Nidiffer
NDFA signed by the Astros in 2010
Played in the Houston system in 2010

Sussex County (Augusta, NJ)

OF Reggie Abercrombie
Claimed off waivers from the Marlins in 2007
Played in the Astros system from 2008 through 2009

Mount Rainier Professional Baseball League: Play starts 5/21

Oregon City (OR) Mud Turtles

RHP Kyle Redinger
Drafted by Houston in the 11th round in 2010
Played in the Astros system from 2010 through 2012 as a third baseman

Pacific Association: Play starts early June

San Rafael (CA) Pacifics

C Ricky Gingras
Drafted by Houston in the 18th round in 2012
Played in the Astros system from 2012 through 2014


Happy Birthday - 4/28

Wishing a Very Happy Birthday to ~

2B Jonathan Matute (18)
Matute was born on April 28, 1997 in Caracas, Venezuela and was signed by the Astros in July 2013. Matute spent his first season in the Astros system playing with the Dominican Summer League Blue team in 2014.

Tweet of the Day

Monday, April 27, 2015

Astros Minor League Weekend Recaps

Results for Saturday, April 25, 2015 and Sunday, April 26, 2015

Welcome to the WTHB Weekend Recap! Let's play 2 in Frisco on Saturday and 2 in Davenport on Sunday!

Corpus Christi with the...

*I'm sorry for all the 2-in-one-day recaps, but I have been absolutely swamped as of late with the end-of-semester crunch. These recaps won't be what you'll normally get from me, so I apologize for that as well.

Saturday: Fresno 7, Reno 0

Jonathan Villar: 3-4, 2B, 2 RBI, R, SB (1)
L.J. Hoes: 2-5, 2 2B, 2 RBI, R
Preston Tucker: 2-4, RBI, R
Andrew Aplin: 1-3, RBI, 2 R, BB, SB (4)

Brady Rodgers: W (1-2), 6 IP, 7 H, BB, 5 K
Richard Rodriguez: 2 IP, H, BB, K
Tyson Perez: IP, K

Sunday: Fresno 9, Reno 2

Preston Tucker: 3-R HR (7, leads organization)
Domingo Santana: 3-4, 2B, 2 HR (5; 3-run and solo)
L.J. Hoes: 2-2, 2B, RBI, 2 R, BB

Tommy Shirley: W (3-0), 5 IP, 2 H, BB, 7 K

The series continues at 6:35 Pacific. Starter for both sides have yet to be announced.

Saturday Game 1: Corpus Christi 10, Frisco 5

Colin Moran: 3-4, 2B, 5 RBI
Tyler Heineman: 2-4, 2 R
Tyler White: 1-2, 2B, 2 RBI, 2 R, 2 BB
Teoscar Hernandez: 0-2, 2 BB, 3 R

Josh Hader: 4 IP, 5 H (solo HR), 4 ER, BB, 5 K
Jonas Dufek: IP, 3 H, ER, 2 BB (season debut)
Travis Ballew: W (1-1), 2 IP, 2 BB, K

Saturday Game 2: Corpus Christi 16, Frisco 1

Moran: 2-4, 2B, 3 RBI, 2 R
Carlos Correa: 3-5, 2-R HR (3), 3 R
Jio Mier: 3-4, 3-R HR (1), 6 RBI, 2 R
Brandon Meredith: 2-5, RBI, 3 R

Chris Devenski: W (2-0), 6.1 IP, 3 BB, 8 K

Sunday: Corpus Christi 5, Frisco 2

Correa: 3-5, 2B, 3-R HR (4), 2 R
Roberto Peña: 2-4, 2B, RBI, R

Mike Hauschild: W (2-1), 5 IP, 6 H, ER, 4 K
Lance McCullers: Save (1), 4 IP, 4 H, unearned run (1st run allowed this season), 9 K

The Hooks swept the Rangers' AA team in dominating fashion, outscoring them 39-10 over the 4-game set. They will be in Midland tonight as they begin the second leg of this roadtrip. Aaron West will take on Nate Long at 6:30.

Saturday: Lancaster 5, Modesto 4

A.J. Reed: 2-3, 3B, solo HR (3)
Chan-Jong Moon: 2-R HR (1)
Ronnie Mitchell: solo HR (3)
Jobduan Morales: 2-4, RBI
Jack Mayfield: 2-4

Edison Frias: 5 IP, 5 H (2-run HR), 4 R (2 earned), 6 K
Brian Holmes: W (1-1), 4 IP, 2 H, 5 K

Sunday: Modesto 10, Lancaster 3

James Ramsay: 1-2, 2B, 3 BB, R
Jack Mayfield: 2-4, 2 RBI
Brian Holberton: 1-2, 2B, RBI

Zach Morton: L (0-1), 4 IP, 4 H, 3 R (1 earned), BB, K
Michael Feliz: 3.2 IP, 3 H, 3 R (2 earned), 2 BB, K

After an off day, the JetHawks will welcome Rancho Cucamonga to The Hangar for 3 beginning on Tuesday.

Saturday: Burlington 7, Quad Cities 2

Jamie Ritchie: 2-4, RBI
Kristian Trompiz: 2-3, solo HR (2)

Josh James: 3 IP, 2 H, unearned run, 2 BB, 5 K
Albert Minnis: 2 IP, H, 2 K

Sunday Game 1: Burlington 4, Quad Cities 2

Nick Tanielu: 2-3, RBI
Jake Nottingham: RBI groundout in 4th

Chris Lee: L (0-2), 4 IP, 6 H, 3 ER, 3 BB, 3 K
Eric Peterson: 2.1 IP, 2 H, ER, 3 BB, 3 K
Albert Minnis: 0.2 IP, K

Sunday Game 2: Quad Cities 7, Burlington 6 in 12 innings

Bobby Boyd: 3-6, 2B, 2 R, SB (4)
Bryan Muniz: 2-6, 2B, 2 RBI
Alfredo Gonzalez: 2-5, 3B, RBI
Jorge Martinez: 2-4, RBI, SB (1)
Thomas Lindauer: Walk-off sacrifice fly in 12th inning

Kevin Comer: 5.2 IP, 11 H (9 singles, 1 double, 1 solo homer), 6 ER, 2 K
Keegan Yuhl: 2.1 IP, H, 4 BB, 2 K
Ryan Thompson: 3 IP, 2 H, BB
Jose Montero: W (1-0), 2 BB, K

The Bandits avoided the sweep in the doubleheader and the series by walking off with the win in game 2 of the twinbill.

Now that this series is wrapped up, the River Bandits will welcome Cedar Rapids to town beginning on Tuesday. Bryan Radziewski will take the mound in game 1, which is an 11:00 A.M. matinee.

Saturday's Three Stars: Position Players

3. Carlos Correa, SS, Corpus Christi: 3-9, 2-R HR (3), 3 R
2. Jio Mier, IF, Corpus Christi: 3-7, HR (1), 6 RBI, 2 R
1. Colin Moran, 3B, Corpus Christi: 5-8, 2 2B, 8 RBI, 2 R

Saturday's Three Stars: Pitchers

3. Brian Holmes, LHP, Lancaster: W (1-1), 4 IP, 2 H, 5 K
2. Brady Rodgers, RHP, Fresno: W (1-2), 6 IP, 7 H, BB, 5 K
1. Chris Devenski, RHP, Corpus Christi: W (2-0), 6.1 IP, 3 BB, 8 K in game 1 of doubleheader

Sunday's Three Stars: Position Players

3. Bobby Boyd, OF, Quad Cities: 3-6, 2B, 2 R, SB (4)
2. Domingo Santana, OF, Fresno: 3-4, 2B, 2 HR (5), 4 RBI
1. Carlos Correa, SS, Corpus Christi: 3-5, 2B, 3-R HR (4), 2 R

Sunday's Three Stars: Pitchers

3. Mike Hauschild, RHP, Corpus Christi: W (2-1), 5 IP, 6 H, ER, 4 K
2. Tommy Shirley, LHP, Fresno: W (3-0), 5 IP, 2 H, BB, 7 K
1. Lance McCullers, RHP, Corpus Christi: Save (1), 4 IP, 4 H, uinearned run, 9 K

YTD Stats for WTHB's Under-the-Radar Roster

Last week I introduced the WTHB Under-the-Radar Roster. This week, let's check in and see how those players have fared thus far in the 2015 season.

STARTING PITCHERS:

2-0 in 3 games (2 starts) for the AA Corpus Christi Hooks
0.00 ERA and 0.652 WHIP in 15.1 IP (4 BB; 14 SO)

Devenski tossed 5.1 no-hit innings on Saturday night, collecting 8 stikeouts in the process.

1-1 in 3 games (2 starts) for the Advanced A Lancaster JetHawks
5.56 ERA and 1.765 WHIP in 11.1 IP (4 BB; 6 SO)

Grills had one excellent start in between two not-so-excellent appearances.

1-0 in 3 games (2 starts) for the Low A Quad Cities River Bandits
2.77 ERA and 0.923 WHIP in 13 IP (3 BB; 17 SO)

RHP Troy Scribner
1-0 in 3 games (2 starts) for the Advanced A Lancaster JetHawks
3.95 ERA and 0.878 WHIP in 13.2 IP (4 BB; 20 SO)

1-0 in 3 games (1 start) for the AA Corpus Christi Hooks
1.38 ERA and 1.308 WHIP in 13 IP (2 BB; 6 SO)

STARTING RESERVES:

2-1 in 3 games (2 starts) for the AA Corpus Christi Hooks
5.54 ERA and 1.538 WHIP in 13 IP (1 BB; 16 SO)

1-1 in 4 games (2 starts) for the Advanced A Lancaster JetHawks
4.70 ERA and 1.500 WHIP in 15.1 IP (6 BB; 21 SO)

BULLPEN:

0-0 with 1 save in 6 appearances for the Advanced A Lancaster JetHawks
0.77 ERA and 1.200 WHIP in 11.2 IP (6 BB; 12 SO)

1-0 in 8 appearances for the AAA Fresno Grizzlies
1.86 ERA and 1.345 WHIP in 9.2 IP (4 BB; 10 SO)

1-0 in 4 appearances for the AA Corpus Christi Hooks
1.08 ERA and 0.960 WHIP in 8.1 IP (0 BB; 6 SO)

0-0 with 1 save in 3 appearances for the AA Corpus Christi Hooks and 4 appearances for the AAA Fresno Grizzles (promoted 4/21/15)
2.00 ERA and 0.667 WHIP in 9 IP (2 BB; 5 SO)

RHP Eric Peterson
1-0 with 1 save in 5 appearances for the Low A Quad Cities River Bandits
1.93 ERA and 1.179 WHIP in 9.1 IP (3 BB; 11 SO)

3-0 in 4 games (3 starts) for the AAA Fresno Grizzlies
2.70 ERA and 1.020 WHIP in 16.2 IP (3 BB; 14 SO)

Used out of the bullpen in his first appearance of the season, Shirley has since made three starts.

0-0 in 7 appearances for the Low A Quad Cities River Bandits
0.00 ERA and 0.828 WHIP in 9.2 IP (1 BB; 9 SO)

BULLPEN RESERVES:

0-0 with 1 save in 6 appearances for the Low A Quad Cities River Bandits
0.00 ERA and 0.522 WHIP in 7.2 IP (1 BB; 10 SO)

0-0 in 3 appearances for the AA Corpus Christi Hooks
0.00 ERA and 1.000 WHIP in 4 IP (1 BB; 2 SO)

CATCHERS:

.325/.386/.425 in 10 games for the AA Corpus Christi Hooks
4-2B; 2 RBI; 3 BB; 3 SO
80% Caught Stealing (1 SB; 4 CS)

.379/.538/.448 in 9 games for the Low A Quad Cities River Bandits
1-3B; 4 RBI; 1 SB; 9 BB; 5 SO
42% Caught Stealing (5 SB; 7 CS)

CATCHING RESERVES:

.233/.340/.512 in 13 games for the Low A Quad Cities River Bandits
3-2B; 3 HR; 10 RBI; 6 BB; 12 SO
71% Caught Stealing (2 SB; 5 CS)

INFIELDERS:

1B/3B Matt Duffy R/R
.279/.343/.393 in 15 games for the AAA Fresno Grizzlies
4-2B; 1 HR; 12 RBI; 4 BB; 13 SO

.343/.387/.642 in 17 games for the Advanced A Lancaster JetHawks
5-2B; 5 HR; 14 RBI; 1 SB; 6 BB; 25 SO

.265/.321/.347 in 13 games for the Low A Quad Cities River Bandits
2-2B; 1-3B; 6 RBI 1 CS; 3 BB; 8 SO

.280/.400/.440 in 14 games for the Low A Quad Cities River Bandits
8-2B; 4 RBI; 1 SB; 2 CS; 10 BB; 9 SO

.280/.302/.460 in 14 games for the Low A Quad Cities River Bandits
3-2B; 2 HR; 7 RBI; 1 BB; 14 SO

IF Joe Sclafani S/R
.258/.378/.355 in 11 games for the AAA Fresno Grizzlies
1-2B; 1-3B; 4 RBI; 1 SB; 5 BB; 8 SO

INFIELD RESERVES:

.333/.619/.417 in 5 games for the AA Corpus Christi Hooks
1-2B; 3 RBI; 1 SB; 9 BB; 4 SO

.314/.400/.451 in 15 games for the Advanced A Lancaster JetHawks
4-2B; 1 HR; 7 RBI; 5 SB; 2 CS; 7 BB; 13 SO

OUTFIELD:

.288/.362/.481 in 14 games for the AA Corpus Christi Hooks
2-2B; 1-3B; 2 HR; 11 RBI; 3 CS; 5 BB; 9 SO

RF/LF Ronnie Mitchell L/L
.341/.364/.610 in 10 games for the Advanced A Lancaster JetHawks
2-2B; 3 HR; 7 RBI; 1 CS; 2 BB; 7 SO

CF/LF Bobby Boyd L/R
.290/.333/.362 in 17 games for the Low A Quad Cities River Bandits
3-2B; 1-3B; 3 RBI; 4 SB; 3 CS; 5 BB; 16 SO

CF/RF James Ramsay L/L
.209/.300/.349 in 12 games for the Advanced A Lancaster JetHawks
4-2B; 1-3B; 3 RBI; 2 SB; 1 CS; 6 BB; 11 SO

.250/.400/.300 in 6 games for the Advanced A Lancaster JetHawks
1-2B; 4 RBI; 1 CS; 5 BB; 7 SO

OUTFIELD RESERVES:

.222/.417/.222 in 6 games for the AA Corpus Christi Hooks
1 RBI; 5 BB; 9 SO

For background information on these players and more information regarding their selection, see my prior posts on Pitchers and Position Players.

Happy Birthday - 4/27

Wishing a Very Happy Birthday to ~

3B J.D. Davis (22)
Davis was born in Elk Grove, California on April 27, 1993 and was drafted by the Astros in the 3rd Round in 2014 out of California State University Fullerton in Fullerton, California. Davis is currently playing on the Advanced A Lancaster JetHawks team.

Tweets of the Day


Sunday, April 26, 2015

Bonus Tweet of the Day

Chris Devenski pitched 6.1 no-hit innings in a 7-inning game last night.

Tweet of the Day

Saturday, April 25, 2015

Astros Minor League Recaps

Results for Friday, April 24, 2015

Rain ravaged this slate of games....

Fresno 3, Salt Lake 3 through 10.5 innings

This game was suspended due to rain. This game is currently in the bottom of the 11th, and Efren Navarro singled with 2 outs before play was halted.

Luis Cruz went 5 innings and allowed 3 runs (2 earned) on 6 hits (2 solo homers), walked 1, and struck out 8. Jordan Jankowski allowed a hit and walked 1 over 2 scoreless. James Hoyt also tossed 2 scoreless innings; he allowed a hit and struck out 3. Kevin Chapman got 2 outs in the 11th and allowed the single to Navarro and struck out 1.

The 3 Fresno runs all came on home runs; Preston Tucker smashed his 6th, a 2-run blast in the 2nd, and Jon Singleton cranked a solo shot in the 4th inning.

The Grizzlies will finish up this game the next time they come back to Salt Lake City, which will be from June 11-14. They'll head home to begin a 4-game set with Reno. In game 1, Brady Rodgers will take on Robbie Ray. First pitch is at 7:05.

Corpus Christi and Fresno was postponed

Due to rain. Doubleheader tomorrow, with game 1 starting at 5:05. Josh Hader will face Jose Leclerc in game 1, while Chris Devenski takes on Victor Payano in game 2.

Lancaster 11, Modesto 10

W- Chris Cotton (1-0)
L- Rayan Gonzalez (0-1)

Lancaster home runs: Brett Phillips (2; 3-run, inside the park in 2nd), Ronnie Mitchell (2, solo in 3rd)

The JetHawks walked off with the win as they erased a 10-6 deficit with 5 in the final 2 innings. They had to withstand another barrage from Michael Benjamin, who hit 2 homers in a game for the 2nd consecutive game. Initially, Lancaster took control with 5 in the 2nd after Modesto had scored first in the top half of the inning.

A.J. Reed scored Lancaster's first run on a balk. Marc Wik followed with an RBI single, and then Brett Phillips delivered a haymaker in the form of his 3-run inside-the-park homer. Ronnie Mitchell followed by hitting his 2nd homer of the season, a solo shot in the 3rd inning. Mitchell's homer would be the last time that the JetHawks put up a run on the scoreboard until the 8th. In between, the Nuts scored 9 unanswered to take a 10-6 lead. Wik hit his 2nd RBI single of the game in the 8th inning. And so, the rally began.

Chan-Jong Moon led off the bottom of the 9th with a double, and he would score on an error that allowed Reed to reach. Chase McDonald hit a single to put 2 runners on board, and then he was replaced by James Ramsay. Mitchell, who went 4-5, hit an RBI single to make it a 1-run game. Jose Fernandez was walked to load the bases, which brought up Jobduan Morales and the end of the game. Morales grounded into a force out, that saw Fernandez get called out at 2nd, but the double play bid was botched by an errant throw by Modesto 2B Michael Benjamin, which allowed Ramsay and Mitchell to score the game-tying and winning runs, respectively. Moon (2B, R), Reed (2 R), Fernandez (2 R), and Wik (2 RBI singles) all finished with 2 hits.

Adrian Houser allowed 3 runs (1 earned) on 4 hits and struck out 7 in 5 innings. Gonzalo Sañudo went 2.2 innings and allowed 5 runs (2 inherited runners charged to him) on 6 hits (2-run homer), walked 1, and struck out 3. Chris Cotton allowed a 3-run homer to Benjamin, but 2 of those 3 runs were charged to him. He struck out 2 in 1.1 innings of work.

Edison Frias gets the start in game 3 of this series. He'll face Antonio Senzatela at 6:00 Pacific.

Quad Cities and Burlington was postponed

Due to rain. This game will be made up as part of a doubleheader on Sunday. The series will officially begin tonight at 6. Josh James and Sean Newcomb, the two probable starters for this game, will start on Saturday.

No Three Stars, since only one game was completed.

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Friday, April 24, 2015

Astros Minor League Recaps

Results for Thursday, April 23, 2015

Quad Cities with the...



Salt Lake 1, Fresno 0

W- Tyler DeLoach (1-0)
L- Alex White (0-2)
S- Edgar Ibarra (1)

Fresno home runs: None.

Tough series for the Grizzlies, as all three of their losses have been by 1 run. 2 of those 3 defeats were walkoffs.

In this game, they only had 2 hits. One of them was a double from Nolan Fontana in the 9th, but he was stranded at 2nd to end the game. The other hit was an L.J. Hoes single.

Alex White was saddled with the loss as he allowed an unearned run on 5 hits, walked 1, and struck out 2 in 5.2 innings. Darin Downs was the first man out of the bullpen; he allowed a hit and fanned 1 in 1.1 innings. Tyson Perez worked around a hit to throw a scoreless 8th.

The Grizzlies will look to avoid being swept at 5:35 Pacific. Luis Cruz will face Drew Rucinski.

Corpus Christi 8, Frisco 2

W- Angel Báez (1-0)
L- Jake Thompson (1-2)
S- Kyle Westwood (2)

CC home runs: None.

The Hooks used a barrage of doubles to take game 1 of this series. They trailed 2-1 after the 2nd but finished the game on a 7-0 run, with much of that damage coming in the 3rd and the 4th innings.

Corpus struck out 11 times, but that didn't really matter much because their bats were hot in this one. Brandon Meredith led off the 2nd with a double, and it didn't take long for him to score the Hooks' first run as Tyler Heineman replaced him at 2nd while he was dashing home. They took the lead with, guess what... a pair of RBI doubles from Carlos Correa and Conrad Gregor in the 3rd. Those came after Colin Moran led off with you guessed it... a double. Tony Kemp drew a 1-out walk in the 4th, which set the stage for a 4-run inning. Kemp scored on yet another RBI double, this one from Moran. Meredith, who was the only player in the lineup to not strike out, hit an RBI single that brought Moran home. Advancing to 2nd was Carlos Correa, who had singled in front of Meredith. Heineman struck once again with.... an RBI double. Meredith was able to score, thanks to an error. And finally, Leo Heras drew a bases-loaded walk in the 9th inning. Moran (2 2B, RBI), Correa, Gregor, and Meredith all had 2 hits. Heineman finished 3-5.

Mark Appel went 4 innings and allowed 2 runs on 6 hits (solo homer) and struck out 3. Angel Báez struck out 1 in a 1-2-3 5th and got the win. Kyle Westwood got a 4-inning save as he allowed 4 hits, walked 1, and struck out 1.

Josh Hader gets the start in game 2. He'll face Jose Leclerc at 7:05.

Modesto 11, Lancaster 5

W- Harrison Musgrave (2-1)
L- Blaine Sims (0-3)
S- Carlos Estevez (yes, that really is his name) (2)

Lancaster home runs: Jose Fernandez (1, solo in 2nd), J.D. Davis (2, 2-run in 5th), Chase McDonald (5, solo in 6th)

No shortage of fireworks in this one, as both teams combined to send 7 out of the park. Unfortunately, the JetHawks were also outgunned in the process, as they just couldn't find any answers for the Nuts' bats.

Jose Fernandez put Lancaster on the board first with a solo homer in the 2nd. J.D. Davis ripped a 2-run homer in the 5th, Chase McDonald led off the bottom of the 6th with his 5th blast of the year, and Davis added an RBI double to his ledger in the 7th inning. He finished a triple shy of the cycle. Brett Phillips (2 2B) and Chan-Jong Moon (2B) both scored a run and finished with 2 hits. McDonald extended his hitting streak to 12 games with that homer, and... he was at second base in this game. A man built like a defensive lineman playing 2nd base probably would've been a sight to see.

Blaine Sims allowed 4 runs on 6 hits (2-run homer), walked 3, and struck out 3 in 5 innings. Randall Fant was the first man out, but he only got 1 out in the 6th and allowed 4 runs on 4 hits (solo and 2-run homers). Tyler Brunnemann was once again summoned to restore order, and he did so with 2.2 scoreless, allowing 2 hits, walking 2, and striking out 5. Again, he was the only JetHawks pitcher that did not surrender any runs. Frederick Tiburcio allowed 3 runs on 2 hits (2-run homer), walked 1, and struck out 1 in the 9th inning.

In game 2 of this 4-game set, Adrian Houser will take on Grahamm Wiest. First pitch is at 6:30 Pacific.

Quad Cities 4, Peoria 3

W- Dan Mengden (1-1)
L- Tyler Bray (1-1)

QC home runs: None.

The Banditos pulled off the sweep, and at 12-3, they are off to their best start since 2001. They trailed 3-0 after the 4th inning, but scored the game's final 4 runs.

Alfredo Gonzalez put the River Bandits on the board in the 5th with an RBI single. Mott Hyde doubled to lead off the 6th, advanced to 3rd on a wild pitch, and scored on a Jake Nottingham groundout. Quad Cities went ahead in the 7th on 2 wild pitches. Hyde drew a walk on one of those, which allowed Thomas Lindauer to score the tying run. Gonzalez scored the go-ahead run while Nottingham was up to bat. Gonzalez and Hyde had 2 hits apiece; Lindauer drew 2 walks and scored 2 runs.

Austin Chrismon went 5 innings and allowed 3 unearned runs on 5 hits and struck out 6. Dan Mengden and his magnificent mustache got the win as he threw 4 scoreless, allowing 2 hits, walking 1, and striking out 5.

The River Bandits will now return home, where they will finish out the month. They'll be welcoming the Burlington Bees to Modern Woodmen Park for the weekend. In the series opener, Josh James will take on Sean Newcomb. First pitch is at 7.

Three Stars: Position Players

3.
Colin Moran, 3B, Corpus Christi
2-5, 2 2B, RBI, 2 R

2. 
Tyler Heineman, C, Corpus Christi
3-5, 2 2B, 2 RBI

1.
J.D. Davis, 3B, Lancaster
3-4, 2B, HR (2), 3 RBI 

Three Stars: Pitchers

3.
Kyle Westwood, RHP, Corpus Christi
Save (2), 4 IP, 4 H, BB, K

2. 
Tyler Brunnemann, RHP, Lancaster
2.2 IP, 2 H, 2 BB, 5 K

1. 
Photo by Thomas B. Shea, Houston Chronicle

Dan Mengden, RHP, Quad Cities
W (1-1), 4 IP, 2 H, BB, 5 K

Honorable Mentions

- Again, I generally refrain from using this blog as a platform to advocate a prospect's promotion, but Carlos Correa is hell-bent on appearing in Houston at some point this season.
- 8-game hitting snapped? No problem for Brett Phillips, he'll start another one.
- Tough-luck loss for Alex White, who pitched very well for Fresno.
- Chase McDonald has recorded a hit in all but one of the games he's played this year. No Lancaster effect here; his power is for real.

Astros MiLB Links For Your Reading and Viewing Pleasure

A few Astros MiLB links that you may have missed ...


A nice snag from Domingo Santana


Singleton gets an oppo taco

An interview with Corpus Christi's Tony Kemp


Tony Kemp's fine play (if you've been living under a rock and missed it)


Carlos Correa goes yard

Tony Kemp and Roberto Pena receive Rawlings MiLB Gold Gloves


Derek Fisher hits an emphatic solo shot

Happy Birthday - 4/24

Wishing a Very Happy Birthday to ~

RHP Jay Gause (23)
Gause was born April 24, 1992 in Shallotte, North Carolina, and was drafted by the Astros in the 10th round in 2014 out of Faulkner University in Montgomery, Alabama. Gause pitched for the Short Season A Tri-City ValleyCats in his first season.

Jay Gause - August 2014
Photo by Jayne Hansen


Manager Tony DeFrancesco (52)
DeFrancesco was born April 24, 1963 in the Bronx, New York. 2015 will mark his fifth season managing in the Houston system and his first at the helm of Houston's new AAA affiliate Fresno Grizzlies.

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Thursday, April 23, 2015

Astros Minor League Recaps

Results for Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Salt Lake 3, Fresno 2

W- Steven Hensley (1-0)
L- Kevin Chapman (1-2)

Fresno home runs: None.

Once again, Fresno got some runs late, only to see Salt Lake walk off with a win. Joe Sclafani's error allowed Alfredo Marte to score the winning run in the 9th.

They were kept off the scoreboard until the top of the 9th, when L.J. Hoes ripped an RBI double to make it a 1-run game, one of his 5 hits on the night. After Jon Singleton was intentionally walked to load the bases and Matt Duffy became a strikeout victim, Preston Tucker tied the game at 2 with an RBI single. Unfortunately, Hoes was thrown out at home trying to score the go-ahead run.

Dan Straily went 4 innings and allowed 2 runs on 6 hits, walked 1, and struck out 2. Richard Rodriguez was the first man out; he allowed a hit, walked 1, and struck out 2 in 3 innings of relief. Kevin Chapman was saddled with the loss; the walk-off run was unearned. He allowed 2 hits and struck out 1 in 1.2 innings.

In tonight's game, Alex White takes the mound. First pitch is at 5:35 Pacific.

Corpus Christi was off

The Hooks are in Frisco, where they'll play 4 games. In game 1, Mark Appel will take on Jake Thompson at 7:05.

Lancaster 5, Rancho Cucamonga 3

W- Troy Scribner (1-0)
L- Scott Barlow (1-1)
S- Chris Cotton (2)

Lancaster home runs: Chase McDonald (4, 2-run in 6th)

The JetHawks only scored in 1 inning, but that was enough for them to get the win. All 5 of their runs came in the 6th inning, and their lead held up despite allowing 2 runs in the 8th.

Troy Scribner was awesome in his 5 innings; he allowed a run on a wild pitch/strikeout, walked 1, and struck out 9. The only hit he allowed was a single to Tyler Ogle to lead off the 2nd. Evan Grills tagged in for 3 innings, allowing 2 runs on 6 hits, walking 3, and striking out 1. Chris Cotton closed it out, striking out 2 in a 1-2-3 9th.

Brian Holberton kicked things off in that big 6th inning with a single. Jack Mayfield followed by reaching on an error on a force out attempt, and they both advanced a base on a Brett Phillips sac bunt. Chan-Jong Moon tied the game with an RBI single. After J.D. Davis struck out for the 2nd out, A.J. Reed put Lancaster ahead with a 2-run double. Chase McDonald delivered the haymaker in the form of a 2-run home run, his 4th of the campaign. Moon finished 2-4.

The JetHawks return to The Hangar tonight as they welcome the Modesto Nuts for a 4-game set. Blaine Sims will take on Harrison Musgrave at 6:30 Pacific.

Quad Cities 6, Peoria 2

W- Joe Musgrove (3-0)
L- Austin Gomber (1-2)

QC home runs: Jake Nottingham (3, 2-run in 2nd), Ryan Bottger (1, solo in 4th), Jorge Martinez (2, 2-run in 5th)

The Banditos busted out the heavy artillery in this matinee as 5 of their 6 runs came off of the three home runs you see above. Alex Hernandez hit a double in the 6th for the only non-home run RBI. Kristian Trompiz finished 2-4 with a run scored; he's now on a 5-game hitting streak, and it's also the 3rd consecutive game in which he's recorded 2 hits. Mott Hyde went 0-2, but he drew 2 walks and scored 2 runs.

Joe Musgrove turned in another fine performance on the mound; he threw 5.2 innings and allowed 2 runs (1 earned) on 5 hits, walked 1, and struck out 9, which tied a career-high he set last July 16 against Aberdeen. The two relievers, Keegan Yuhl and Ryan Thompson, finished it off with 3.1 perfect frames. Yuhl struck out 1 in 1.1, and The Closer fanned 2 in 2.

Quad Cities looks for the sweep as Austin Chrismon takes on Daniel Poncedeleon at 7.

Three Stars: Position Players

3.
Chan-Jong Moon, IF, Lancaster
2-4, game-tying RBI single in 6th, R

2.
Chase McDonald, 1B/DH, Lancaster
1-4, 2-R HR (4)

1. 

L.J. Hoes, OF, Fresno
5-5, RBI 2B in 9th, R

Three Stars: Pitchers

3. 
Richard Rodriguez, RHP, Fresno
3 IP, H, BB, 2 K

2. 
Joe Musgrove, RHP, Quad Cities
W (3-0), 5.2 IP, 5 H, 2 R (1 earned), BB, 9 K

1. 
Troy Scribner, RHP, Lancaster
W (1-0), 5 IP, H, ER, BB, 9 K

Honorable Mentions

- Keegan Yuhl and Ryan Thompson shut it down for Quad Cities.
- Kristian Trompiz is holding his own as the youngest regular in the River Bandits lineup.
- It's been a slow start for A.J. Reed, but he's got a hit in 6 of his last 7 games. Given his track record, expect him to really turn it on soon.
- After getting bombarded in his late-season cameo in Lancaster last season, Chris Cotton has absolutely shackled the California League so far.

WTHB's Under-the-Radar Roster: Position Players

On Tuesday, I introduced WTHB's Under-the-Radar roster, first looking at the under-the-radar pitching staff. Today, let's see what position players made the cut.

As a reminder, my self-imposed rules were that the player could not be on any of the top prospect lists noted here nor could they be on the 40-man roster nor could they be a draft pick from the top 5 rounds. And the final rule was that each player had to have been assigned to one of the full season team rosters. (I hope to establish another roster when the short season teams break camp.) The plan is to check in on them periodically to see how they are doing as a group for the season.

Ronnie Mitchell - June 2014
Photo by Jayne Hansen

Catchers:

Tyler Heineman (23) S/R
Drafted in the 8th round in 2012 out of the University of California in Los Angeles
Switch-hitter who hits better from the left with a good offensive upside; excellent defensive skills and caught stealing rate

Signed as an international free agent in 2008
Excellent defensive skills with a very good arm; solid offensively with good plate discipline, a little pop and good speed for a catcher

Catching Reserves:

Drafted in the 6th round in 2013 out of Redlands High School, Redlands, California

Roberto Pena wasn't eligible for the roster as he was included as a top prospect in Baseball America's Prospect Handbook. I also strongly considered Jamie Ritchie, but he is also being used at first base and DH. Brett Booth is another under-the-radar guy that intrigues me.

Infielders:

Drafted in the 20th round in 2011 out of the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, Tennessee
Solid defensively at both first and third and can hit for average and for power

Drafted in the 12th round in 2013 out of East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina
Has some serious power potential; can hit to all fields; handles first base adeptly

3B Nick Tanielu (22) R/R
Drafted in the 14th round in 2014 out of Washington State University in Pullman, Washington
Solid hitter with developing power; has transitioned to third base well

SS/2B Mott Hyde (23) R/R
Drafted in the 26th round in 2014 out of the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, Georgia
Low strikeouts, high walks and decent power; very good defensively

Signed as an international free agent in 2012
Good doubles power and plate discipline; can play third base in addition to the middle infield

IF Joe Sclafani (25 yesterday) S/R
Drafted in the 14th round in 2012 out of Dartmouth in Hanover, New Hampshire
Better defensively in the middle infield, but can handle third base and the outfield in a pinch; hits for average with good on-base skills, a little pop and good instincts on base; low strikeouts and high walks

Infield Reserves:

Drafted in the 33rd round in 2013 out of Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, North Carolina

SS/2B Chan Moon (24) S/R
International free agent signed in 2009

White would likely have been on my starting roster, but he was only activated a couple of days ago. Alex Hernandez and Jack Mayfield also received consideration.

Outfield:

Drafted in the 6th round in 2011 out of San Diego State University in San Diego, California
Can hit for power with manageable strikeouts and a good walk rate; can play a solid first base in addition to the outfield

RF/LF Ronnie Mitchell (23) L/L
Drafted in the 30th round in 2013 out of Dallas Baptist University in Dallas, Texas
Good developing power and great on-base skills; good defense with a plus arm

CF/LF Bobby Boyd (22) L/R
Drafted in the 8th round in 2014 out of West Virginia University in Morgantown, West Virginia
Good bat speed, good speed on the bases and good range in centerfield

CF/RF James Ramsay (23) L/L
Drafted in the 7th round in 2013 out of the University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida
Excellent defensively with great routes and a good arm; great speed that results in lots of doubles, triples and stolen bases

OF/IF Marc Wik (22) L/R
Drafted in the 21st round in 2012 out of Chabot College in Hayward, California
Super utility with good on-base skills, a little pop and a little speed; solid defensively at several positions with a strong, accurate arm

Outfield Reserves:

Drafted in the 21st round in 2013 out of Brewton-Parker College in Mount Vernon, Georgia

I also considered Sean McMullen and would have put Jason Martin on the roster in a heartbeat if he had broken camp with the full season teams.

The best part of this exercise is seeing how much depth there is in the system. There are a ton of good players in this system who do not technically qualify as top prospects!

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Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Astros Minor League Recaps


Results for Monday, April 20, 2015 and Tuesday, April 21, 2015

Fresno 8, Las Vegas 4

W- Tommy Shirley (2-0)
L- Matt Bowman (0-3)

Fresno home runs: Jon Singleton (3, solo in 4th), Preston Tucker (5, 2-run in 4th)

The heart of the Grizzlies order struck terror into the extraterrestrials (OK, the humans playing for the team with the extraterrestrial mascot) as Jon Singleton, Matt Duffy, and Preston Tucker all went 3-5 with 2 runs scored.

Tucker put Fresno on the board first in the 1st with a 2-run single, and he made his way around the bases on a wild pitch and a Matt Dominguez infield single and scored on a single from Alex Presley. Singleton smacked a solo shot with 2 outs in the 4th. One batter later, Duffy doubled, and then it was Tucker's turn to go deep. L.J. Hoes drove in the final Grizzlies runs with a 2-run double in the 8th. Presley and Hoes had 2 hits apiece; everyone had a hit except for Joe Sclafani.

Tommy Shirley went 5.2 innings, and the only 2 hits he surrendered came off the bat of Dilson Herrera, who took him deep in the 5th. He walked 2 and struck out 4. Darin Downs faced one batter and retired him to end the 6th inning. Josh Fields allowed a hit and walked 2 over 2 scoreless, and James Hoyt was able to close it out, although he had to weather a storm to do so. He allowed 2 runs on 2 hits, walked 1, and struck out 1 in the 9th.

Tulsa 2, Corpus Christi 1

W- Chris Anderson (3-0)
L- Travis Ballew (0-1)
S- Chris Reed (1)

CC home runs: Carlos Correa (2, solo in 6th)

Mr. Correa broke the monotony of a scoreless tie with his 2nd blast of the season, but that was the only run that the Hooks could put up on the scoreboard. Carlos had 2 of the 3 Corpus hits; the other was a single hit by Tyler White, who was making his 2015 debut. Tony Kemp also did this in the 6th inning:


Aaron West was solid, although a high pitch count forced an early exit. He allowed just 3 hits and struck out 5 over 4.2 scoreless innings. Travis Ballew was the first man out, and he threw a scoreless 6th, However, the Drillers took the lead off of him as Paul Honecker hit a 2-run homer with 2 outs in the top of the 7th. He allowed one other hit and struck out 2. Jandel Gustave struck out 1 over 2 perfect frames.

Rancho Cucamonga 13, Lancaster 8

W- Victor Araujo (1-1)
L- Edison Frias (2-1)

Lancaster home runs: Chase McDonald (3, 2-run in 2nd)

The JetHawks found themselves behind the 8-ball early as Edison Frias got rocked for 6 runs in the 1st inning. Despite the rough start, the JetHawks picked themselves up off the canvas and fired back and very nearly erased a 7-run deficit. Sadly, they were buried by a 6-run 6th inning from Rancho.

Frias only got 2 outs; he allowed 5 hits (2 2-run homers) and walked 1. Tyler Brunnemann got the JetHawks out of the inning, but not before allowing a run of his own. He threw 1.1 innings, allowing 3 hits and striking out 1. Brian Holmes tagged in for 3 innings; he allowed 6 runs (3 earned, 2 inherited runners charged to him) on 4 hits, walked 4, and struck out 4. Ambiorix De Leon technically had a scoreless outing, but he did allow the 2 runners he inherited from Holmes to score. De Leon allowed 3 hits, walked 2, and fanned 2 over 3 innings.

Chase McDonald continued his outstanding start to the season as he went 3-5 with a 2-run homer (3) in the 2nd, an RBI single in the 3rd, and scored 2 runs. Brett Phillips remained on fire as he finished 2-3, ripping a 2-run triple in the 3rd. The other JetHawks run in the 3rd inning came on a Jose Fernandez single. A.J. Reed drew a walk in the 7th. He would advance to 2nd on a McDonald single, took 3rd on a wild pitch, and scored on a passed ball. Brian Holberton scored on a wild pitch in the 8th. J.D. Davis was 2-5 with a run scored.

Kane County 8, Quad Cities 6

W- Nick Baker (1-0)
L- Chris Lee (0-1)
S- Luis Ramirez (1)

QC home runs: D.J. Fisher (4, solo in 5th)

The Bandits were thwarted in their bid for a sweep as the Cougars doubled them up from the 5th to the 8th innings, outscoring them 6-3.

Quad Cities got on the board first with 3 in the 1st inning, as Nick Tanielu and Mott Hyde hit RBI singles, and Jake Nottingham added an RBI groundout. D.J. Fisher is putting his power on display as he led off the 5th with his 4th homer of the year. The other run in the 5th inning came on a Ryan Bottger groundout. Bobby Boyd grounded into a force out that scored Alfredo Gonzalez in the 8th.

Kevin Comer went 4.1 innings and allowed 4 runs (1 earned, 2 inherited runners charged to him) on 3 hits, walked 2, and struck out 6. Chris Lee tagged in for 3.2 innings, allowing 4 runs (3 earned) on 6 hits and striking out 4. Albert Minnis worked around a hit to throw a scoreless 9th, striking out 1.

Monday's Three Stars: Position Players

Fresno sweep!

Jon Singleton, 1B
3-5, solo HR (3), 2 R

Matt Duffy, 3B
3-5, 2 2B, 2 R

Preston Tucker, OF
3-5, 2-R HR (5), 4 RBI, 2 R

Monday's Three Stars: Pitchers

3.
Tommy Shirley, LHP, Fresno
W (2-0), 5.2 IP, 2 H (solo HR), ER, 2 BB, 4 K

2. 
Aaron West, RHP, Corpus Christi
4.2 IP, 3 H, 5 K

1. 
Jandel Gustave, RHP, Corpus Christi
2 IP, K

Monday's Honorable Mentions

- Tony Kemp may have gone 0-4, but he probably pulled off the defensive play of the year in the Astros minors.
- Chase McDonald has probably been the best hitter in the Lancaster lineup in the early going.
- After a slow start, Brett Phillips has caught fire and has remained on fire for the JetHawks.

Games of April 21, 2015

Salt Lake 6, Fresno 5 in 11 innings

W- Frank Herrmann (1-0)
L- James Hoyt (0-1)

Fresno home runs: Domingo Santana (3, solo in 7th)

The Grizzlies scored 1 in the 9th to tie the game at 3 and took the lead with 2 in the top of the 11th.... only to walk off with the loss after the Bees stung them for 3 in the bottom of the inning.

Alex Presley went 3-5 and put Fresno on the board first with a 3rd-inning RBI single. Domingo's 3rd homer led off the 7th inning, and Joe Sclafani came through in the clutch with an RBI single in the top of the 9th. Domingo scored the go-ahead run on a Ronald Torreyes fielder's choice in the 11th, and Presley struck again with an RBI single. Domingo finished 4-5, while Jon Singleton went 2-6 with a double and triple.

Jake Buchanan had a bare minimum quality start, allowing 9 hits and striking out 3, Jordan Jankowski was the first man out; he allowed a hit, walked 2, and fanned 3. In his AAA debut, Tyson Perez tossed 2 perfect innings. James Hoyt couldn't close it out as Salt Lake got 3 off of him in the bottom of the 11th. 2 of those runs were earned; he allowed 4 hits and struck out 1.

Dan Straily will take on Nick Tropeano at 5:35 Pacific.

Corpus Christi 6, Tulsa 0

W- Kent Emanuel (1-0)
L- Julio Urias (1-1)

CC home runs: None.

The Hooks staved off a sweep as they blanked the Drillers, which was an encouraging end to a pretty tough series that saw Tulsa rally in order to get the wins in the first 2 games. They got the win by knocking around the 18-year-old phenom, Julio Urias.

Tony Kemp went 2-5 and opened up the scoring with an RBI infield single in the 3rd. Jio Mier busted the game open in the 4th by clearing the bases with a triple, and one batter later, he came home on a Roberto Peña single. Telvin Nash coaxed a bases-loaded walk in the 5th. Conrad Gregor finished 2-4 and scored on Jio's triple.

Kent Emanuel started things off with 5 shutout innings, allowing 4 hits, walking 1, and striking out 2. Mitch Lambson allowed just 1 hit and fanned 3 over 3 scoreless, and Dan Minor finished things off, working around a hit to throw a scoreless 9th.

After a day off, the Hooks travel to Frisco as they close out the month on the road.

Lancaster 7, Rancho Cucamonga 6 in 11 innings

W- Gonzalo Sañudo (1-0)
L- Randy Fontanez (1-2)

Lancaster home runs: None.

Lancaster nipped the Quakes in extras, thanks to Chase McDonald's RBI single in the top of the 11th.

A.J. Reed got things started with an RBI single in the 1st. The JetHawks got a pair of sac flies from J.D. Davis and Reed in the 3rd. Jobduan Morales added an RBI single in the 6th, and later in the inning, Chan-Jong Moon hit into a fielder's choice that scored James Ramsay. Moon hit an RBI single in the 8th. He was back at it again in the 11th as he led off with a double. He'd score on McDonald's single. Moon, Brett Phillips, and Ronnie Mitchell all finished with 3 hits, while McDonald and Davis had 2 each.

Michael Feliz got the start; he went 4 innings and allowed 2 runs (1 earned), a single, walked 3, and struck out 6. Zach Morton tagged in for 4 innings, allowing 2 unearned runs on 7 hits and striking out 3. Frederick Tiburcio allowed a game-tying 2-run home run to Brandon Trinkwon in the bottom of the 9th. He allowed 2 other hits, walked 1, and struck out 1, and Gonzalo Sañudo allowed a hit and struck out 2 over 2 scoreless to get the win.

In the rubber game, Troy Scribner will take on Scott Barlow at 7:05 Pacific.

Quad Cities 4, Peoria 3

W- Eric Peterson (1-0)
L- Zach Loraine (0-2)
S- Jose Montero (3)

QC home runs: None.

The Banditos took the series opener as they scored a couple in the 8th to take the lead.

Alfredo Gonzalez went 2-4 with a stolen base (1) and put Quad Cities on the board first with a 2nd-inning RBI single. Jamie Ritchie drew a bases-loaded walk in the 4th to tie the game at 2, and he struck again in the 8th with an RBI triple that tied the game again. He scored the go-ahead run one batter later, when D.J. Fisher singled. Fisher, who also stole a base (3), and Kristian Trompiz also had 2 hits apiece.

Bryan Radziewski went 5 innings, allowing 2 runs on 6 hits, walking 1, and striking out 6. Eric Peterson was the first man out of the bullpen; he allowed an unearned run on 3 hits and struck out 3 over 2 innings, and Jose Montero got a 2-inning save, striking out 3.

In game 2 of this series, Joe Musgrove faces Austin Gomber at 11:00 A.M.

Tuesday's Three Stars: Position Players

3.
Jio Mier, IF, Corpus Christi
Bases-clearing 3B in 4th

2. 
Chan-Jong Moon, SS, Lancaster
3-5, 2B, 2 RBI, 2 R, 3 SB (5)

1.
Domingo Santana, OF, Fresno
4-5, 2B, solo HR (3), 2 R

Tuesday's Five Stars: Pitchers

Can I really rank these performances objectively?

Kent Emanuel, LHP, Corpus Christi
W (1-0), 5 IP, 4 H, BB, 2 K

Mitch Lambson, LHP, Corpus Christi
3 IP, H, 3 K

Dan Minor, RHP, Corpus Christi
IP, H

Tyson Perez, RHP, Fresno
AAA debut: 2 IP

Jose Montero, RHP, Quad Cities
Save (3), 2 IP, 3 K


Tuesday's Honorable Mentions

- D.J. Fisher has opened up the Midwest League slate on a tear and is putting himself
- After a 2-20 start, Kristian Trompiz looks like he's getting himself going at the plate.
- Brett Phillips status: still en fuego.
- Bryan Radziewski and his big curveball have gotten out to a fine start in Quad Cities.