Patton gets the start on Saturday. Our top pitching prospect at 21 years old from Tomball High School. We spent $550,000 on him in the 9th round to sign, and it was worth it (why couldn't we spend that much on our top 2 picks this year?) Scouting report: 88-92mph fastball, more when he needs it. Tops out at 95mph. Slurvy type breaking ball that he uses as his out pitch. Still getting used to his changeup, which is a plus pitch at times. Spots his fastball well, and can throw the breaking ball in the dirt. Attacks hitters and isn't afraid. As far as Juan Gutierrez goes, his changeup was a plus pitch all night, a few were up in the zone, but for the most part it had very good hand side fade and even threw it to righties (changeups are mostly used against lefties for RHP's and vice versa for LHP's). The fastball wasn't as good as I expected at 89-91 all night, topping at 93mph. He can throw 96 when he needs to per baseball america. Fastball was straight, and his curveball was inconsistent. A few sharp breakers, but he really relied on the changeup for most of the night. Needs to improve on the consistency of his arm speed, as he slowed his arm action at times. I guess the first start jitters got to him. The fastball was left over the middle of the plate too many times, and the velocity wasnt all there.
well lets see if he can do ANYTHING. the astros really...are....terrible. Football starts next week...thankgod.
Patton's arm is obviously tired (pretty sure he's hit his season-high for IP in his career or is close to it) now & he's been less than spectacular at RR; don't judge him by this.
So we should see his 7-8 ERA and think 5-6? Checking our AAA stats (http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?t=t_ibp&did=milb&cid=102) Fernando Nieve is starting his rehab and struggling. Hopefully Nieve can get it together by Spring Training next year.
troy patton has been our top prospect for some time... hopefully we dont pull him up too soon as we did with jason hirsh and ruin something special.. well see saturday
Don't get your hopes up for this start. Patton hasn't even been hitting 90 in Round Rock. He's been in the mid to upper 80's. He's also gotten knocked around in his last two starts. He's pitched more innings this season than ever before and it's showing.
Adrenaline is a great thing, though. Hopefully, he'll be able to control it enough to stay in the game. 21 and making your major league debut for your hometown team? Heck, Biggio has been in the majors nearly as long as this kid's been alive.
Lets just hope Purpura doesn't trade Patton, Albers and Pence next offseason for some fat, weak armed douchbag who is in the last year of his contract
as far as troy patton's arm being tired, i wouldnt be surprised. he went 119 innings 2005, 146 innings in 2006, and he's at 151 innings so far. hopefully they keep a close eye on him.
Of course they did not call him up to early, why do you even bother pointing that out to some of the posters who belive the Astros philosophy on player development is spot on. Trust me, I feel you bro
Of course, Pence has about four times as much value by himself as the three players from the Jennings trade combined, so pretty weak joke.
there are people in Houston sports that I really hate. last five years GM's-Casserly-Purpura coaches-Williams-Garner players-Mo Taylor-Kelvin Cato-Tim Redding-Jason Lane-Phil Buchanon-Travis Johnson-Jason Jennings-Eddie Griffen-Wandy Rodriguez-Zeke Astacio-Jason Babin-Todd Wade Hell I'm sure there is more, I know there are others I am always frustrated with like Luther Head-Brad Ausmus-Kris "miss" Brown Oh it's not a weak joke because it's not a joke, Purpura is in way over his head and I don't trust him at all.
I think those of you who think he's this hot shot prospect are going to be disappointed. He's more Albers than Pence at this point.
i think albers is a bad comparison, unless you're talking about pure impact as a rookie. patton is a bit more advanced for his age than albers, and is more of a pitcher than albers, who has been more of a thrower up until his recent starts. albers still has an inconsistent fastball that he has problems locating. i think patton is a bit more polished.
I meant in terms of the quality of prospect. Pence was a no-brainer, anyone who saw him play could see that pretty quickly. Patton isn't that and I can't believe how much hype there is for him tonight. Purpura's done such an awful job as GM that he seems to have caved into the pressure from the fans and media to promote this guy. BTW, Albers has more velocity on his fastball than Patton. Your report says 88-92, topping out 95. I never saw him even hit 92, much less 95. We will see tonight! I hope he does well.
