Appel should get any and all opportunities to win a spot out of ST if he continues to perform well.... no promising spots or experimenting with guys like they did with Lucas Harrell last year. Of course, I'm presuming they could package the "iffy" guys like Tropeano and Folty for another big bat... or just assign them bullpen roles right away.
Final pitching line for #Astros prospect @MAppel26 today: 5.0 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 0 R, 4 K, 0 BB. 54 total pitches, 36 strikes. Now that is flat out dominant. Stat scouting normally is a terrible idea but in this case 54 pitches in 5 innings with 4 K's is getting it done big time!
Post his cumulative numbers for the AFL and be prepared to be even more impressed. I think he needs more bullpen sessions at MMP! Looking back on Porter, that whole idiotic ordeal was probably the beginning of the end for him.
Thoughts from watching a bit of the AFL over this past week or so: The Salt River Rafters is one of the best team names in any sport ever. Rio Ruiz is struggling to hit for power, but is getting on base. Boog Powell, Jr. plays CF/OF. He is my new favorite non-Astro minor leaguer. His dad was a serious player, but couldn't patrol CF with a jetpack Andrew Aplin is kicking ass, he could be a future bench guy, can definitely play CF/LF easily, never got to see him show off his arm Byron Buxton is doing nothing well at the plate, but whatever. I wish Carlos was playing. Francisco Lindor looks like a star Just learned the name Clint Bassett, he's got a future in MLB I have no idea what is wrong with Archie Bradley. Appel is by FAR the best pitcher in the AFL. The Texans are infuriating.
Velasquez threw 4 scoreless last night, only allowing one hit. Great to see him and Appel dominating like they should.
AFL Update: Appel: 12IP 0.00ERA 0.58WHIP 12K Velasquez: 8IP 5.63ERA 1.25WHIP 6K Tyson Perez: 7IP 0.00ERA 0.86WHIP 7K Mitch Lambson: 5IP 3.60ERA 1.20WHIP 7K Heineman: 2-5 2BB K Aplin: 9-26 2B 3B HR BB 7K Ruiz: 9-35 2(2B) 7BB 8K Sclafani: 2-10 2B HR BB K
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>The 2015 Fresno Grizzlies jersey was unveiled at tonight's event <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FresnoGrizzlies?src=hash">#FresnoGrizzlies</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MeetTheAstros?src=hash">#MeetTheAstros</a> <a href="http://t.co/qciR1pucML">pic.twitter.com/qciR1pucML</a></p>— Fresno Grizzlies (@FresnoGrizzlies) <a href="https://twitter.com/FresnoGrizzlies/status/525487270850072576">October 24, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Jeff Luhnow tells the great <a href="https://twitter.com/mpaytonCSN">@mpaytonCSN</a> that Carlos Correa’s rehab is considered to be completed.</p>— Evan Drellich (@EvanDrellich) <a href="https://twitter.com/EvanDrellich/status/525121776682934272">October 23, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Appel last night 5 IP, 3 ER, 5 H, 1 BB, 2 K Overall 17 IP, 3 ER, 9 H, 4 BB, 14 K Although it's a small sample size, 9 hits in 17 IP is pretty impressive I'm really starting to think the appendectomy messing with his preparation was a huge factor in his poor season. Really hope to see this guy in the big's this year
When he's on there's not a hitter on the planet who can touch his slider. He will be in AAA at worst to start the year. He is fun to watch, Correa too. I'm looking forward to ST more than I have in years, thinking about a road trip.
Appel pitched poorly tonight: 4IP 5H 6R 5ER 3BB 2SO Quick, everyone complain! On a positive note Aplin did quite well today going 2-3 with 2 walks. He did get caught stealing though. I want baseball season to start again
Not sure how this slipped by, but... in September, the Astros signed a Cuban RHP by the name of Rogelio Armentero. Here's a... scouting report? I have no idea if it's a trusted source.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Astros?src=hash">#Astros</a> release 1B Bobby Borchering and RHP Matt Heidenreich, two prospect acquisitions from 2012 trades of Chris Johnson and Brett Myers.</p>— Matt Eddy (@MattEddyBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/MattEddyBA/status/530804933575340032">November 7, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
