Minors - 08/17 - Lone Star Ball

Cruz

Is Nelson Cruz playing tonight….on Minorleaguebaseball.com and they have a piece up about him and his home runs….just wondering?

by ACtheStud1980 on Aug 17, 2008 6:07 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

"...my balls are really like a veiny flesh color" blueballlefty on Jun 4, 2008 7:44 PM EDT
"you gonna lose your horse. seriously." FX2
"If you ain't got no money, ain't nobody calls you honey," Bo Diddley

by Rodney on Aug 17, 2008 6:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

And Elvis

with #48.

"...my balls are really like a veiny flesh color" blueballlefty on Jun 4, 2008 7:44 PM EDT
"you gonna lose your horse. seriously." FX2
"If you ain't got no money, ain't nobody calls you honey," Bo Diddley

by Rodney on Aug 17, 2008 6:18 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

few other tidbits

Moreland, streaky homer guy, but consistently productive:
Last 11g: 5hr/15rbi/.341
April/June: 0 hr/38g
May: 5hr/27g; July/August: 12hr/44g

Beltre, something clicked with on on the basepaths as long as we’re not talking walks:
SB April/May: 7/14; June-August: 22/24
Walks:
2008, 11BB/116g (A)
2007, 22BB/65g (R/A-)
Perhaps that is the price you pay for skipping a full season at Spokane. I wonder if he repeats clinton next year to improve his plate discipline; I can’t imagine it would improve in A+.

Tim Murphy:
Last 9 games at Spokane before his promotion (excluding the implosion at his last Spokane appearance):
9g 23ip/11h/4er/5bb/31so/1.55era

by Goyogringo on Aug 17, 2008 6:24 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Nice to see...

the improvement from Beltre.

"The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance."-Socrates

by slc ranger on Aug 17, 2008 6:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Moreland

at least he consistently walks, good sign. I can see Beltre doing at least a couple of months in Clinton again, he’d still be young for that level.

Time you enjoy wasting was not wasted.

by t ball on Aug 17, 2008 7:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Beltre

I highly doubt he stays in Clinton next year. I see Frisco by August for him next year

Bryan Smith (12:17:17 PM PT): Justin Smoak and Josh Hamilton. The AL West might just have found their Bash Brothers, v. 2.0.

by bigsteve on Aug 17, 2008 10:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree on the not repeating part

but I’d be pretty surprised if he’s ready for Frisco during the season.

Offense doesn't doubt me, but my first and primemost thing is defense and punt return and kickoff return

by Brett Perryman on Aug 17, 2008 10:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

How do you see

them addressing the walks? I suspect that with time they will come more often, but I’m sure we all hoped to see some improvement there this year. People have tossed out Bonds comparisons, but Bonds walked a ton even at Beltre’s age.

Time you enjoy wasting was not wasted.

by t ball on Aug 17, 2008 10:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Big red flag

I actually don’t see how folks like EG toss around that he’s a serious prospect.

Serious offensive prospects are walking when they reach full-season ball, and the young age doesn’t explain it away for me.

I have a lot of doubts about Engel. He does…not…walk.

Go Strangers.

by hightowersmith on Aug 17, 2008 10:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Some good players start out not walking much

Howie Kendrick walked 12 times in 313 AB in Low A at age 20.
Ichiro walked 30 times in 692 ABs his rookie MLB season at age 27.
Garrett Anderson walked 6 times in 210 AB in his 18 year old season (short season ball).

Not many guys walk as little as Beltre has this year and go on to put up decent walk numbers, though, which is definitely a concern. Pretty good players like those three, Delmon Young, Jose Lopez, etc., become good players but despite their continued lack of discipline, not because they greatly improve it.

Offense doesn't doubt me, but my first and primemost thing is defense and punt return and kickoff return

by Brett Perryman on Aug 17, 2008 11:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

look up pudge's walk rate his first season in the majors

it’ll make you puke.

"I’m sure you’ve seen Kiker before but I’ll just reiterate that the kid is mean on the mound. He is only 5’10’’ but he is an intimidator. He looks like he hates hitters. He has the juice for pressure situations."
-Jason Parks on Jul 22, 2008 10:08 PM

by Jayslick on Aug 18, 2008 12:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Walks

When I think about a really good young prospect who has tremendous offensive upside and who walks alot I think of Salty and it makes Engels lack of walks ok in my book. Sure I would like him to walk more. I think everyone would. But also I don’t want him focusing so much on walking and working the count that they miss opportunities to swing the bat at good pitches. I think as he is you promote him next year and even promote him to Frisco regardelss of walk rate. Once at Frisco then you can start holding him back if he continues to swing wildly but by then he will be 19 or 20 and hopefully his plate discipline will have gotten better as he has grown up.

Bryan Smith (12:17:17 PM PT): Justin Smoak and Josh Hamilton. The AL West might just have found their Bash Brothers, v. 2.0.

by bigsteve on Aug 18, 2008 8:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't know

As far as how that relates to level, he hasn’t been excellent in Low A but he’s been good enough that making him repeat that level would basically amount to punishment. Maybe they want to make that point, I don’t know.

It’s pretty bothersome that he hasn’t made any improvement over the course of this season. Really the only solace is his age.

Offense doesn't doubt me, but my first and primemost thing is defense and punt return and kickoff return

by Brett Perryman on Aug 17, 2008 10:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Whats your hurry?

He’s one of the youngest guys on any full season club in the minors. The rangers elected to skip a full season of spokane for this kid so most of his games last year were in rookie ball. The rangers surely knew of his problems with plate discipline before the trade and by season’s end in 07. I think they are problably disappointed but not suprised by his lack of progress. You think plugging him into hitter friendly high A is going to allow his plate-discipline to flourish? Do you think a player is ready for a promotion who still gets yanked from games for poor at-bats? I don’t and I think you’ll see him in Clinton next year if only for a few months unless he makes substantial progress during instructionals.

by Goyogringo on Aug 18, 2008 12:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

nice lookin double for andrus

mccarthy through 2, so far so good. 1 hit, 2 ks.

the preceding post is not nearly as negative or insulting as you think it is

by DSheppard on Aug 17, 2008 7:27 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

That was ripped.

And now Vallejo doubles him in, nice!

2-0 Frisco

"...my balls are really like a veiny flesh color" blueballlefty on Jun 4, 2008 7:44 PM EDT
"you gonna lose your horse. seriously." FX2
"If you ain't got no money, ain't nobody calls you honey," Bo Diddley

by Rodney on Aug 17, 2008 7:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

OKC

box score.

"...my balls are really like a veiny flesh color" blueballlefty on Jun 4, 2008 7:44 PM EDT
"you gonna lose your horse. seriously." FX2
"If you ain't got no money, ain't nobody calls you honey," Bo Diddley

by Rodney on Aug 17, 2008 7:33 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Heh...

Do you have the link for the Rangers game. I tried the one you posted in the gameday thread but couldn’t get it to work?

"The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance."-Socrates

by slc ranger on Aug 17, 2008 7:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, I goofed

try this:

tvants://list.tvants.com/tvants/?k=c7a7263aa523729ba9076397a9a52f9b

"...my balls are really like a veiny flesh color" blueballlefty on Jun 4, 2008 7:44 PM EDT
"you gonna lose your horse. seriously." FX2
"If you ain't got no money, ain't nobody calls you honey," Bo Diddley

by Rodney on Aug 17, 2008 7:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Meh...

not working for me either. No big deal. Thanks anyway.

"The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance."-Socrates

by slc ranger on Aug 17, 2008 7:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Rays feed:

tvants://list.tvants.com/tvants/?k=97e799cfe010c4acf5c09e37c37328ce

Dunno

"...my balls are really like a veiny flesh color" blueballlefty on Jun 4, 2008 7:44 PM EDT
"you gonna lose your horse. seriously." FX2
"If you ain't got no money, ain't nobody calls you honey," Bo Diddley

by Rodney on Aug 17, 2008 7:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

F!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Perfect game broken up!

I am now arranging a contract killing on Adam Donachie.

BRB!

"...my balls are really like a veiny flesh color" blueballlefty on Jun 4, 2008 7:44 PM EDT
"you gonna lose your horse. seriously." FX2
"If you ain't got no money, ain't nobody calls you honey," Bo Diddley

by Rodney on Aug 17, 2008 7:42 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

BMac is Back!

Enjoy:

3.0 1 0 0 1 3

"...my balls are really like a veiny flesh color" blueballlefty on Jun 4, 2008 7:44 PM EDT
"you gonna lose your horse. seriously." FX2
"If you ain't got no money, ain't nobody calls you honey," Bo Diddley

by Rodney on Aug 17, 2008 7:47 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

4-0 Frisco

on a play at the play! Oh, the drama…

"...my balls are really like a veiny flesh color" blueballlefty on Jun 4, 2008 7:44 PM EDT
"you gonna lose your horse. seriously." FX2
"If you ain't got no money, ain't nobody calls you honey," Bo Diddley

by Rodney on Aug 17, 2008 7:55 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

5-0 Frisco

in the 7th.

"...my balls are really like a veiny flesh color" blueballlefty on Jun 4, 2008 7:44 PM EDT
"you gonna lose your horse. seriously." FX2
"If you ain't got no money, ain't nobody calls you honey," Bo Diddley

by Rodney on Aug 17, 2008 7:58 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

6-0, the rout is on!

"...my balls are really like a veiny flesh color" blueballlefty on Jun 4, 2008 7:44 PM EDT
"you gonna lose your horse. seriously." FX2
"If you ain't got no money, ain't nobody calls you honey," Bo Diddley

by Rodney on Aug 17, 2008 8:00 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Hyatt

6.1, 2 hits, 8 Ks, 102 pitches.

And…I’m out.

"...my balls are really like a veiny flesh color" blueballlefty on Jun 4, 2008 7:44 PM EDT
"you gonna lose your horse. seriously." FX2
"If you ain't got no money, ain't nobody calls you honey," Bo Diddley

by Rodney on Aug 17, 2008 8:12 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

BMAC!!

as of now, 5.0 IP, 3H, 0ER, BB, 7K

by texaschief on Aug 17, 2008 8:27 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Encouraging

if he keeps this up we’ll have to start sending everyone to Nolan. Or maybe Ryan can start selling how to pitch with the lower half of your body videos with his sausage.

Time you enjoy wasting was not wasted.

by t ball on Aug 17, 2008 8:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Great to see

Offense doesn't doubt me, but my first and primemost thing is defense and punt return and kickoff return

by Brett Perryman on Aug 17, 2008 8:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Z

Where did your sig come from?

by LiamP on Aug 17, 2008 8:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Pacman Jones' interview after his first minicamp

I think it’s one of the greatest sentences I’ve ever seen strung together. He had some other jewels too.

Offense doesn't doubt me, but my first and primemost thing is defense and punt return and kickoff return

by Brett Perryman on Aug 17, 2008 8:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Cracked me up

I thought it was some of Emmitt’s fine work.

by LiamP on Aug 17, 2008 8:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Don't quit... don't even quit!

Pretty clearly the first time he has ever looked at a web site. "And there are readers' comments at the bottom! And advertisements for products! And best of all, I won a free iPod!"
-Ken Tremendous on Mike Downey.

by BudLight on Aug 17, 2008 9:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm shocked

you call that a sentence. I see it as more of a stream of consciousness.

by FirebatM3 on Aug 17, 2008 11:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Very nice...

any word on his velocity?

"The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance."-Socrates

by slc ranger on Aug 17, 2008 8:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

interesting

nolan must know what he’s talking about and doing…

Tony Romo's #1 fan!

by Longhorn on Aug 17, 2008 9:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nolan may

but I think that you have to apply the broken clock rule at this point. Some pitching coaches and “gurus” can do great with about 30% or 70% or whatever of the guys they work with, but are too set on their style to work for the rest. He may have diagnosed the problem here, and it may fit with one of the mechanical aspects that he’s honed in on, but that doesn’t mean that it will carry over across the board.

Offense doesn't doubt me, but my first and primemost thing is defense and punt return and kickoff return

by Brett Perryman on Aug 17, 2008 9:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

But he's Lynn Nolan Ryan, Jr.

He has over 5k K’s.

He’s the personification of Texas High Heat.

If he can’t make a pitcher good, then the pitcher can’t be made good.

Texas High Heat!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The 40 Trumps All!!!

by thedirkatron on Aug 18, 2008 1:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

that's the reason around here

not the real reason.

Tony Romo's #1 fan!

by Longhorn on Aug 18, 2008 8:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Update:

6.0 3 0 0 1 7 0 3.51

"...my balls are really like a veiny flesh color" blueballlefty on Jun 4, 2008 7:44 PM EDT
"you gonna lose your horse. seriously." FX2
"If you ain't got no money, ain't nobody calls you honey," Bo Diddley

by Rodney on Aug 17, 2008 8:44 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Bmac, that is.

"...my balls are really like a veiny flesh color" blueballlefty on Jun 4, 2008 7:44 PM EDT
"you gonna lose your horse. seriously." FX2
"If you ain't got no money, ain't nobody calls you honey," Bo Diddley

by Rodney on Aug 17, 2008 8:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Does anyone have any idea where BMAC velo is tonight

by CRUSHDAVIS on Aug 17, 2008 8:44 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Game can be seen here, not sure if announcers give out velocity.

http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/multimedia/video.jsp?sid=t238

by gamerabcd on Aug 17, 2008 9:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Whittleman returns

Yet, Chris Gradoville stealing show with hit already tonight.

by gamerabcd on Aug 17, 2008 8:48 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Pimental has given up first run in 3 games

5 innings, 2 hits, 1 run, no walks, and 5 Ks.

by gamerabcd on Aug 17, 2008 9:00 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Carlos done.

5.0 2 1 1 0 5

He gave up a triple, and a single…that’s it.

Very nice.

"...my balls are really like a veiny flesh color" blueballlefty on Jun 4, 2008 7:44 PM EDT
"you gonna lose your horse. seriously." FX2
"If you ain't got no money, ain't nobody calls you honey," Bo Diddley

by Rodney on Aug 17, 2008 9:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Spokane rotation is ridiculous.

by tyd3311 on Aug 17, 2008 10:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Arias

2-4 with double and 2 RBIs
September can’t come soon enough for him.

by gamerabcd on Aug 17, 2008 9:46 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Him coming around is really good

If he’s a viable major leaguer next spring, they will be saved a tough call.

Offense doesn't doubt me, but my first and primemost thing is defense and punt return and kickoff return

by Brett Perryman on Aug 17, 2008 10:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

and a chunk of change

he’s my perfect backup middle infielder for next season. rangey and cheap.

"I’m sure you’ve seen Kiker before but I’ll just reiterate that the kid is mean on the mound. He is only 5’10’’ but he is an intimidator. He looks like he hates hitters. He has the juice for pressure situations."
-Jason Parks on Jul 22, 2008 10:08 PM

by Jayslick on Aug 17, 2008 10:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Valuable.

Washington, Baltimore, Toronto, possibly the Dodgers.. looking for SS of the future.

by tyd3311 on Aug 17, 2008 10:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

whoa! whoa! whoa!

SS of the future is a long way from my vision of his usefulness next season. but i do think he would give this team a great amount of flexibility of the bench that we dont have this season.

"I’m sure you’ve seen Kiker before but I’ll just reiterate that the kid is mean on the mound. He is only 5’10’’ but he is an intimidator. He looks like he hates hitters. He has the juice for pressure situations."
-Jason Parks on Jul 22, 2008 10:08 PM

by Jayslick on Aug 18, 2008 12:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

uh

I think Duran already has that role and he can play third base

by Goyogringo on Aug 18, 2008 12:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

But he (Duran) can't play SS

The 40 Trumps All!!!

by thedirkatron on Aug 18, 2008 1:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Neither can Arias

more than 2 consecutive days. His shoulder is still a concern apparently. A gimpy utility guy isn’t very useful.

As for Duran, Are you saying that he sucks at SS and therefore shouldnt play the position? He was drafted as a SS, played SS in spokane in 05; split A+ at SS/2b in 06. So, he has played SS and therefore can play but hasn’t played SS in 07 or 08.

I guess if we see Duran play 3b and SS during winter ball, we’ll have our answer and if Arias is dumped from the 40 this off-season, i guess that means his shoulder is too shot for SS.

by Goyogringo on Aug 18, 2008 2:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

What's up with...

the OKC site. I can’t get a box score to come up to see BMac’s final line.

"The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance."-Socrates

by slc ranger on Aug 17, 2008 10:17 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Player IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA
McCarthy (W, 1-1) 7.0 3 0 0 1 7 0 3.38

Offense doesn't doubt me, but my first and primemost thing is defense and punt return and kickoff return

by Brett Perryman on Aug 17, 2008 10:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Gracias

"The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance."-Socrates

by slc ranger on Aug 17, 2008 10:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

It is too exciting

if BMAC is truly back.

by tyd3311 on Aug 17, 2008 10:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

O'Campo

Nice outing:

5IP 4H 1ER 1BB 7K

"So you think the Celtics will beat Detroit? Hell will freeze over before that happens, mark my words." miles 5/20/08

by badradiorules on Aug 17, 2008 10:40 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Arias in August

Just 64 ABs, but yeah.

.375 / .403 / .641
4 HR

Go Strangers.

by hightowersmith on Aug 17, 2008 10:51 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Wow. Two great starts for BMac in a row.

That’s very, very encouraging. Sounds like whatever Ryan said to BMac during that throwing session really took hold.

Now if he can just stay healthy ….

by Athos on Aug 17, 2008 11:31 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

seems like his bad health was due to bad mechanics

with that straightened out, i don’t see any problems in the future…

Tony Romo's #1 fan!

by Longhorn on Aug 17, 2008 11:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

man, makes you wonder why

conner was allowed to keep his grubby paws on our talent that long.

kinda disgusting.

"I’m sure you’ve seen Kiker before but I’ll just reiterate that the kid is mean on the mound. He is only 5’10’’ but he is an intimidator. He looks like he hates hitters. He has the juice for pressure situations."
-Jason Parks on Jul 22, 2008 10:08 PM

by Jayslick on Aug 18, 2008 12:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

buck called him and told him.

Tony Romo's #1 fan!

by Longhorn on Aug 18, 2008 8:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

2 good rehab starts in AAA

and now he’s the second coming? Maybe you should make your proclamations about McCarthy’s christ-like stature when he wins he #3 spot in the rotation next year and makes 30 starts…

by Goyogringo on Aug 18, 2008 1:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

no, 2 good starts after fixing some mechanics AND

the fact he was one of the best pitching prospects in baseball…

Tony Romo's #1 fan!

by Longhorn on Aug 18, 2008 8:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

i concur with this assessment.

by oc on Aug 18, 2008 11:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

What is his post

make you respond that way? He said it’s encouraging, not that he was not a Cy Young candidate.

Time you enjoy wasting was not wasted.

by t ball on Aug 18, 2008 12:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

the "Brandon's Back!" campaign seems to be up and running...

…a bit prematurely, in my opinion.

by oc on Aug 18, 2008 1:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

True

and I fully expect him to struggle with consistency on his return. And then I fully expect many posters here to say “DFA his ass!” in fits of impatience.

Time you enjoy wasting was not wasted.

by t ball on Aug 18, 2008 1:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

It is

I think that the people who are especially sick of hearing about Danks/McCarthy are really looking forward to McCarthy getting back on track. And aside from all of that, he’s one of very few candidates for next year’s rotation who has a good chance of being a reliable starter. That stuff makes people really anxious about positive signs, and I think pretty naturally so. But you’re right.

Offense doesn't doubt me, but my first and primemost thing is defense and punt return and kickoff return

by Brett Perryman on Aug 18, 2008 1:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

He said "Texas High Heat!"

BMac replied, “Texas High Heat?”

Nolan turned and screamed, “TEXAS HIGH HEAT!!!!!”

And suddenly BMac understood. “Oh,” he said. “Texas High Heat!”

The 40 Trumps All!!!

by thedirkatron on Aug 18, 2008 1:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

So maybe BMac goes into the rotation and replaces feldman or padilla if hes hurt?

4 hits, 2 BB, 11 SO, 0 ER in his last 13 IP at triple A

Feliz and Hurley. The 1-2 punch of the future

by Steal Home on Aug 18, 2008 12:20 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Well

Brandon McCarthy could be a “consideration” for the rotation if his outing goes well tomorrow. When the Rangers use the word “consideration,” that’s usually code that something is about to happen.

http://rangersblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2008/08/in-other-news.html

I’d just as soon give him a few more AAA starts, but he can’t do worse than Feldman.

Then again, you know JD wants Brandon to succeed a lot more. Just give him the rest of August in Oklahoma, at least.

Go Strangers.

by hightowersmith on Aug 18, 2008 1:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

IMO

they let brandon make one more start in AAA and if it goes well then shutdown Feldman so he can be useful next year. hopefuly Feldman improves even though hes had a great season this year. Then give BMac 4 starts before you make a decision on him.

Feliz and Hurley. The 1-2 punch of the future

by Steal Home on Aug 18, 2008 1:24 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs