2014 Astros Minor League Thread

All of which he's improved this year... and since when do 2B's have tremendous arms? His DP turning ability is fine (much better this year for whatever reason).

Additionally, with the amount of infield shifts this team employs, "range" for any player is being mitigated.

I think this team would be able to find a above-average DH easier than they'd be able to find an average hitter/elite 2B defender.

 

As much as I would love to see it, I doubt Correa makes the opening day roster next season.

 

Agreed. If all the cards fall just right (admittedly a long shot), I'd like the look of this order:

CF Fowler
2B Altuve
RF Springer
1B Singleton
LF Santana
DH FA/Tucker(?)
C Castro
3B Dominguez
SS Villar

 

Oh I have, I'm just not that impressed.

I'd actually like to see them try Villar at 2b eventually.

 

After you were apoplectic over how "bad" Springer looked in RF (and he looks much more comfortable now), it sure seems to take a lot to "impress" you even if the player has improved.

In reality, the shifts have helped Altuve more than anybody, and if anything the Astros are going to shift more and more as time goes on. And while Villar has improved as well, I'd be more worried about him botching the routine play (as he has his entire career).

 

Can anyone post this or summarize this?

http://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/astros-see-big-things-for-hader/

 

Here you go:

Astros See Big Things For Hader
May 27, 2014 by Jose De Jesus Ortiz

HOUSTON—Long before high Class A Lancaster’s Josh Hader started a combined no-hitter on May 13, the big lefthander had already been compared to some top lefthanders in the majors.

Astros farm director Quinton McCracken compared Hader to Chris Sale and a guy named Randy Johnson. Those comparisons are partly because of Hader’s tall, slim frame.

Size is a big reason the 6-foot-3, 175-pound Hader is compared to Johnson, an eventual Hall of Famer.

“It’s early in High A, but he has a big arm, a very big arm,” McCracken said of Hader. “Everybody mentions Chris Sale as far as comps, his arm delivery is very similar.

“When you’re talking about Sale and Johnson they sit in the mid-90s with (their) fastball. That’s a good category to be in for the young man. He has a very bright future at 20 years old.”

Hader was a major part of the deal that sent Bud Norris to the Orioles at the 2013 trade deadline.

“To me he was the key to that deal,” said Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow, who also received major league outfielder L.J. Hoes and a competitive balance pick for Norris and international pool space.

Hader, 20, started this year 3-0, 2.56 at Lancaster with 45 strikeouts and 15 walks over 39 innings through nine games (six starts).

“Coming in from last year, I had a lot of walks,” he said. “Basically one thing I tried to do this year is get my circle changeup and throwing it anytime I could. And I’m attacking hitters.”

Hader’s fastball sits between 90-93 mph regularly with the occasional 96 heat. He also throws a slider and a circle change.

He’s turning his changeup a bit more when he throws it, and he credits the improved changeup and his confidence in that pitch for his improved strikeout totals.

“I’ve gotten real comfortable,” he said. “I can throw it for a first-pitch strike. I’m not shaking (it off) as I would last year. It came a long way from last year to now.”

SPACE SHOTS

• First baseman Jonathan Singleton, who was among the PCL leaders in home runs and RBIs, appeared close to a call up to the majors. “If you look at his development, he missed a lot of time last year,” Luhnow said. “He’s making up for it quickly, and he’s doing well. If that continues to happen, it could be any time.”

• Righthander Asher Wojciechowski, who was rehabbing the lat strain that cost him spring training, could be ready to make rehab assignment soon, Luhnow said.

No related posts.

 

Thanks!

 

Well, that was a quick fall from grace.

He actually looked like he'd be an asset in the bullpen last season.

 

I assume it is a foreshadowing of a future move since it opens up a 40 man spot.

 

He was removed from the 40 man earlier this year, he simply wasn't very effective this season. When the Astros outrighted him, and he cleared, it was a big sign to me he wasn't viewed very highly.

Jose Cisnero is still on 15 day DL for some reason, is there a reason he hasn't been moved to the 60 day ?

 

How would you rank the 4 top SS prospects in the minors?

Correa, Baez, Lindor and Russell

 

2015!

CF Fowler
2B Altuve
RF Springer
C Castro
1B Singleton
3B Dominguez
DH Carter
LF Might go free agent here. Just a solid bat, glove
SS Villar

Bench
Corporan, Grossman, Hoes, Gonzalez, prospect

Rotation
Appel, Feldman, Keuchel, Cosart, McHugh/Peacock/Obie

Looks great right now

 

2B- Altuve
CF- Fowler
RF-Springer
DH- Nelson Cruz (free agent signing)
C- Castro
1B- Singleton
3B- Matty D
LF- Santana
SS- Villar

 

Is Correa still projected to be a SS at the major league level? I remember there were talks that he may have to switch to 3rd or something as he grows.

 

Everything still points to him staying at SS.

 

That's good to know.

 

They just haven't needed the roster spot.