I'd consider being around the top 10% of offensive players to be quite impressive. Especially from SS and even 3B.
Being one of the top 35 hitters in the world doesn't make you an excellent hitter? Plus how many of those played SS? Last year the only one I'm seeing is Ian Desmond and it won him a silver slugger award.
He said with a high OBP, which I'm assuming is .370+ So a solid defensive SS with a .280/.370/.475 line is definitely elite.
Josh Hader with a fine start for Quad Cities: 6 IP, 4 H, 6 K The River Bandits lead Burlington 1-0 in the 7th.
Not to be outdone.... <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Luis Cruz has been filthy for the <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23cchooks&src=hash">#cchooks</a> so far tonight, 0 R, 2 H, 1 BB and 8 SO through six innings.</p>— Chris Blake (@ChrisCBlake) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChrisCBlake/statuses/372168788973596673">August 27, 2013</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> Chris Blake is one of the announcers for the Hooks. He's also the team's media relations coordinator.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Walk off winner in Greeneville! Holberton with the winning ground ball... <a href="http://t.co/3fsgpdehFo">pic.twitter.com/3fsgpdehFo</a></p>— Jeff Luhnow (@jluhnow) <a href="https://twitter.com/jluhnow/statuses/372176907162247168">August 27, 2013</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Luis Cruz just put the wraps on a spectacular night, as he tossed a complete game 2-hitter. He walked 1 and struck out 14 in a 5-0 Corpus win. Leo Heras finished a triple shy of the cycle, as he hit a 3-run homer and added an RBI single.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>RHP Matt Heidenreich has been placed on Corpus Christi’s roster. He was pitching in the GCL, posting a 5.73 ERA in 6 appearances.</p>— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) <a href="https://twitter.com/brianmctaggart/statuses/372187267583864832">August 27, 2013</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Cruz is one of those interesting Rule 5 candidates. He's been around for 5 years, but is only 22. Finally started to turn the corner last season.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/awexler">@awexler</a> He's not a pure power guy. Avg velo that plays up on life and outstanding command.</p>— Kevin Goldstein (@Kevin_Goldstein) <a href="https://twitter.com/Kevin_Goldstein/statuses/372190037774856195">August 27, 2013</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Mark Appel made his final start Sunday, and the <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Astros&src=hash">#Astros</a> shut down Thurman and McCullers, too. <a href="http://t.co/ir12GqGMcM">http://t.co/ir12GqGMcM</a></p>— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) <a href="https://twitter.com/brianmctaggart/statuses/372194776478539776">August 27, 2013</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
^^^^ Thurman, drafted out of UC-Irvine, went 4-2 with a 3.86 ERA in 12 games (five starts) with Tri-City, striking out 43 batters in 39 2/3 innings. "I didn't get a chance to see any of his starts, but they said the last two starts he was getting stronger and stronger and his velocity was getting into the mid-90s, and he was showing really exceptional fastball command," Luhnow said. "They were saying they can't wait to see what he shows up in Spring Training looking like. He made real good progress this summer."
I retract my previous statement. You guys are right, he would be the best SS to have ever played for the Astros and a top 3-SS in the league.
Yes, a superstar and perennial all-star caliber player. Apparently his defense is just as good as his offense. It's giggle worthy excitement.
