Think it's important to discuss that A ball now is not what A-ball was back a few years. A few years ago if a same-year draftee was crushing full-season A ball, that'd be big news. Only in rares instances did draftees go to full-A. There were TWO levels between complex ball and full season A ball. (complex ball --> rookie league --> short season A --> full season A). Now full-season A has people coming straight from complex ball and there's probably a lot more physically/experientially immature players at that level than ever before. A top collegiate performer like Melton kicking ass in full- A ain't as impressive; it's more the expectation. For good college players, i wouldn't be surprised if AA is the first time they're challenged in the new minor league system.
Don't necessarily agree with that. As I mentioned above, full-season A doesn't mean what it used to. A few years ago if a 19 y/o was in full season and had great stats, that'd be a huge deal. Now, if you're a bonus baby HS'er you should definitely be better than complex ball and at least solid to above average in loA in year two. I don't see him doing well in loA next year being some sort of breakout. It'd be like doing well in Greenville or Tri Cities in the old system. Now if he makes Hi-A next year and does well, then that's probably something to get excited about.
It’s still not typical for teenagers to play full season ball in their draft year (or even their first full season), and it’s still a pretty big deal for a teenager to have success there. I did a quick look in fangraphs and I don’t see a big uptick in the number of teenagers producing above average numbers in full season ball. The reduction in farm teams was partially offset in Houston’s system by the 2nd FCL team, as well as the shorter draft. And I don’t think the average age in A ball has gone down (by much), especially since the pandemic has probably led to a few more older guys in those levels.
Truth is it takes a little more effort to keep informed about the international players, and no matter how much effort you put in to it you are talking about a bunch of 16 year olds. It is hard to know what a 16 year old you see every day is going to do next, let alone one in the DR. I spend more time than most casual fans do looking at these guys and I know practically nothing about them.
Wild to me that Yainer has a .291 ISO and a <20% K% but is hitting only 20% above average in the PCL. Is the league average ISO in the PCL like .230? lol
He has a low BB% in the PCL which leads him to have a below league average OBP. Considering OBP is weighted nearly double slugging, it is amazing he's got a wRC+ of 120 with a below average OBP.
He had a very bizarre beginning to his AAA time. He struggled to hit for average or get on based, and the only reason his OPS wasn't terrible was because the hits he did get were extra base hits. After about 3-4 weeks, he started getting more hits and drawing more walks on top of hitting a lot of homers so right now his overall line in AAA looks good (close to a 300 average with nearly a 600 slugging and 15 homers in 45 games) but there is a lag in some of the counting stats like walks. With sample size being what it is, an extra couple of walks this week and his OBP can go from 343 to the 360-370 range like it usually is. His strikeouts have cooled some as well. The club really believe in his bat, his track record and rates are strong and the Astros scouts and development guys think he can hit 300 with legitimate power in the big leagues. They are not happy about his prep on the catching side of some of his throwing mechanics as base runners in AAA are feasting on him.
I believe Diaz will be our first baseman and third catcher either next year or the year after. The man can hit.
As for Ryan Clifford, he is another bat first prospect that long term is likely a weaker corner outfielder or 1st baseman. The selling point on him is that he is used to top competition for years, he works very hard and smart (works with very good teachers) and has a real desire to play baseball. He is considered to be from a grounded and supportive family and has essentially viewed baseball as a job since he started his high school career.
Are they considering just having him play first base full time? Doesn’t sound like he’ll cut it for a majority of the pitching staff if he doesn’t prep well, may as well keep him off his knees if he doesn’t want to catch.
Jimmy Endersby's final line: 5 IP, 1 run (earned), 6 H, 3 BB, 2 K. Threw 81 pitches, 46 for strikes (56.79%). Solid but not spectacular, as his AAA ERA still sits at 11.16, and he has a 1.8 WHIP for the game. Still, he only gave up one run in an extreme hitters' park, and with his team leading 8-1 in the 8th, he stands in line to get his first AAA victory. Something to build on as the season is nearing a close.
Any new injury update for Pedro Leon? It's unfortunate he got hurt by a HBP or else he could be an option right now for the 'stros.
I hate thinking about it…but do we have a plan for life after Altuve at 2nd? I how he retires a Stro, but any viable candidates in our farm? Maybe Bregman makes the switch if he’s still around?
Almost ALL SS in the minors can play anywhere in the infield. Top 30 SS prospects: 11 David Hensley 18 Cristian Gonzales 25 OF/IF Whitaker? Shae Whitcomb. Arias, Valdez Kessinger AA Correa, Carrasco, Lee, Santana, Stephens and Wagner A+ Loperfido, Molina and Ramirez A Plus International signees While Hensley's versatility makes him appear to be the next Diaz Super U, he could also play his way into any position in the IF.
If he can hit for OBP anywhere close to his AAA numbers (420 OBP), he need to be near the top of the line-up. This has become a much more interesting game.
