http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/players/telvin_nash/142631 Recent articles about Telvin Nash en-us Carlos Correa was the recent first overall pick and while I didn’t see him as an amateur, he showed big time tools in the GCL and again in instructs. His projectable 6’4, 190 pound frame immediately stands out with broad shoulders, tapered torso and long limbs. Correa is an outstanding athlete to coordinate his body to play shortstop, which he does well now with a plus arm, solid footwork and good instincts. He’s an average runner that can be a little slow out of the box and will only slow as he fills out his frame, so Correa seems destined for third base, where he would be easily above average. The real is how well Correa’s big hitting tools will play in games. After seeing number two overall pick Byron Buxton in Twins instructs and as an amateur, Correa is at about the same juncture polish-wise, although is 9 months younger. Correa is fooled too often by professional pitching, getting off balance and jumpy at the plate. At times, he’ll show a bat wrap that he needs to fix and a co... Thu, 15 Nov 2012 13:00:38 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/reports_from_instructs_houston_astros_pt_2/12220477 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/reports_from_instructs_houston_astros_pt_2/12220477 Reports From Instructs: Houston Astros (Pt 2) http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/reports_from_instructs_houston_astros_pt_2/12220477 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Tuesday was one of those few days in recent years that I think all Mariner enthusiasts really enjoyed monitoring the organization. With King Felix pitching in an afternoon matinée against the Rays tomorrow we could be on track to enjoying two days in a row. (cross your fingers, seriously, you should cross them) To the tabs! [tab:Mariners] The Mariners walked-off on the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday by the score of 3-2; scoring 2 runs in the bottom of the 9th in what seemed like one of the most hopeless contests to date in the 2 hours and 30 minutes leading up to the winning frame. This win should be denoted with an asterisk for those getting excited in part to the circumstances that allowed Seager and Figgins to score in the 9th inning. This was not some heavenly orchestrated comeback that the Mariners created with their bats. After Seager began the frame with a lead-off single Rays 1B Carlos Pena committed a throwing error on a Figgins 'sac-bunt' allowing Seager to ... Wed, 15 Aug 2012 12:22:05 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/seattle_mariners_universe_august_14th/11464735 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/seattle_mariners_universe_august_14th/11464735 Seattle Mariners Universe - August 14th http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/seattle_mariners_universe_august_14th/11464735 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Over the last month, the Astros have traded David Carpenter, J.A. Happ, Carlos Lee, Brandon Lyon, Brett Myers, and Wandy Rodriguez for a couple of veterans and a load of prospects. Let look at how the Astro’s system looks with the additions. The Astros also picked up solid talent in the MLB Draft; in the first round they got SS Carlos Correa and RHP Lance McCullers Jr, along with prep 3B Rio Ruiz a few rounds later. Here’s my current top 30: Rank Player Pos Pre-Season 1 Jonathan Singleton 1B 2 2 Carlos Correa SS — 3 George Springer OF 1 4 Jarred Cosart RHP 3 5 Lance McCullers Jr SS — 6 Delino Deshields Jr OF 7 7 Rio Ruiz 3B — 8 Matt Dominguez 3B 4* 9 Robbie Grossman OF 6** 10 Mike Foltynewicz RHP 9 11 Joe Musgrove RHP 14*** 12 Domingo Santana OF 5 13 Asher Wojciechowski RHP 10*** 14 Nolan Fontana SS — 15 Colton Cain LHP 14**... Fri, 27 Jul 2012 09:00:32 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/looking_at_the_astro_prospects/11311255 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/looking_at_the_astro_prospects/11311255 Looking at the Astro Prospects http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/looking_at_the_astro_prospects/11311255 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Mike Olt, 3B, Rangers (Double-A Frisco): 1-for-4, HR (18), R, 3 RBI, BB, 2 K. Olt is the hottest hitter in the minors, slugging seven home runs in his last five days to up his triple-slash line to .316/.416/.641, and it's time to start figuring out what to do with him. He's clearly not getting to Texas at the hot corner with Adrian Beltre signed long term, and while he's playing first base once in a while, it's certainly not enough to think that's where the Rangers see his path at this time. Although with the recent struggles of Mitch Moreland, it's at least something to think about. Others Of Note: Javier Baez, SS, Cubs (Low-A Peoria): 3-for-4, 3B, RBI. 2011 first-round pick has shown an explosive bat early one; 10-for-19 in last five games and .343/.410/.600 in nine. Hiram Burgos, RHP, Brewers (Double-A Huntsville): 7 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 6 K. Not much in the velocity department but a deep arsenal and plus command. Nick Castellanos, 3B, Ti... Thu, 07 Jun 2012 12:37:42 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/future_shock_blog_minor_league_update_games_of_june_6_by_kevin_goldstein/10962224 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/future_shock_blog_minor_league_update_games_of_june_6_by_kevin_goldstein/10962224 Future Shock Blog: Minor League Update: Games of June 6 by Kevin Goldstein http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/future_shock_blog_minor_league_update_games_of_june_6_by_kevin_goldstein/10962224 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Visalia 26, High Desert 11 (High-A California League). I could list all sorts of line from this game, but one almost wants to act like it didn't count. High Desert is crazy enough, but with winds officially at 20 mph and increasing to over 30 mph during the game according to Kyle Glaser of Victorville Daily Press, conditions were right for this kind of insanity. Some fun facts: Visalia led 22-5 after FOUR innings, scoring two in the first, five in the second, eight in the third and seven in the fourth. The combined pitching line for the three High Desert arms over that period: 4 IP, 25 H, 22 R, 2 BB, 4 K. Offensively the two teams went 50-for-107 with ten doubles, three triples, and six home runs. Beyond the 50 hits, the game also featured five walks and six errors, yet somehow all of this was done in a swift three hours and 22 minutes. Others Of Note: Jeremy Barfield, OF, Athletics (Double-A Midland): 3-for-3, 2 R, BB. 10-for-19 in last five games a... Wed, 16 May 2012 13:43:03 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/future_shock_blog_minor_league_update_games_of_may_15_by_kevin_goldstein/10805723 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/future_shock_blog_minor_league_update_games_of_may_15_by_kevin_goldstein/10805723 Future Shock Blog: Minor League Update: Games of May 15 by Kevin Goldstein http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/future_shock_blog_minor_league_update_games_of_may_15_by_kevin_goldstein/10805723 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Power wins. And absence of consistent power makes winning virtually impossible. In the days of the Astrodome, the Astros were built around pitching, speed and solid defense. While those elements still matter, the game has changed. The long ball is now an essential part of a good team and the Astros' lack of home run hitters is an issue. In 2011 all four National League playoff teams were ranked among the top eight clubs in home runs for the season. In 2010 the only playoff team not to hit more home runs than the league average was the Braves. In 2009, three of the four playoff teams ranked in the top six in home runs. The Astros have managed just 13 runs in their last eight games. Only three teams have scored fewer runs in May. Not coincidently, Brad Mills' team has just nine home runs for the month. Throw in the hitter friendly left field at Minute Maid, where pop ups can go out, and you have a team devoid of a long ball threat, a club starving for home run power. The even more concerning part is Tue, 15 May 2012 12:32:36 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/astros_lack_of_power_a_major_concern/10796462 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/astros_lack_of_power_a_major_concern/10796462 Astros' lack of power a major concern http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/astros_lack_of_power_a_major_concern/10796462 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Power wins. And absence of consistent power makes winning virtually impossible. In the days of the Astrodome, the Astros were built around pitching, speed and solid defense. While those elements still matter, the game has changed. The long ball is now an essential part of a good team and the Astros' lack of home run hitters is an issue. In 2011 all four National League playoff teams were ranked among the top eight clubs in home runs for the season. In 2010 the only playoff team not to hit more home runs than the league average was the Braves. In 2009, three of the four playoff teams ranked in the top six in home runs. The Astros have managed just 13 runs in their last eight games. Only three teams have scored fewer runs in May. Not coincidently, Brad Mills' team has just nine home runs for the month. Throw in the hitter friendly left field at Minute Maid, where pop ups can go out, and you have a team devoid of a long ball threat, a club starving for home run power. The even more concerning part is Tue, 15 May 2012 12:32:36 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/lack_of_power_a_major_concern_for_astros/10796546 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/lack_of_power_a_major_concern_for_astros/10796546 Lack of power a major concern for Astros http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/lack_of_power_a_major_concern_for_astros/10796546 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png The pitchers have largely stolen the show the last couple of days.  Stellar pitching performances could be found at all levels of the minors on Tuesday and Wednesday. South Atlantic League (Low-A) Adam Conley- Conley, a second round selection of the Marlins in last June's draft, was outstanding on Wednesday. The former Washington State Cougar went six strong, allowing one unearned run with eight strikeouts while walking just one batter. Jose Campos- The Mariners inclusion of Campos in their trade for Jesus Montero has the potential to blow up in their face badly. He's off to a blistering start for Low-A Charleston. He made his second start of the season on Wednesday and pitched five innings allowing one unearned run on zero hits, with two walks, and eight strikeouts. In two starts he has pitched 11 innings, allowing no earned runs, one hit, three walks while striking out 11. Dylan Bundy- Bundy continues to beat babies in video games, I mean,... Thu, 12 Apr 2012 05:10:56 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/minor_league_notes_april_10_11/10539422 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/minor_league_notes_april_10_11/10539422 Minor League Notes: April 10-11 http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/minor_league_notes_april_10_11/10539422 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png There were some fireworks from notable prospects playing in the Pacific Coast League.  On the bump, a Mariners farm hand turned heads in his Double-A Southern League debut.  Meanwhile, in the low-minors, a Twins youngster found the seats twice in a High-A Midwest League contest.  South Atlantic League (Low-A) Gary Sanchez- Sanchez continued his sizzling start to the season recording one double and two walks in five plate appearances.  He should see an in season promotion in short order, and the Yankees decision to have him repeat the South Atlantic League may have lit a fire under Sanchez.  Nick Delmonico-  The Orioles paid a pretty penny, over $1.5 million, to sway Delmonico away from a commitment to Georgia after selecting him in the sixth round of last June's draft.  An assignment to a full-season league is relatively aggressive for a prep bat, but he has taken to it well thus far.  He has put a forgettable 0-5 in the first game of the season in the rearview mirro... Mon, 09 Apr 2012 23:02:22 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/minor_league_notes_april_9/10521131 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/minor_league_notes_april_9/10521131 Minor League Notes: April 9 http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/minor_league_notes_april_9/10521131 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Final Score: NY Mets 9, Houston 1 David Wright crushed a grand slam during a seven-run fourth inning as the New York Mets took care of the Houston Astros, 9-1, in Grapefruit League action on Thursday. Josh Thole finished 2-for-4 with a pair of RBI, while Ruben Tejada, Mike Pelfrey and Ronny Cedeno all knocked in runs for the Mets. Pelfrey picked up the win after giving up just one run and three hits over 6 1/3 innings. Jason Castro drove in the lone run for the Astros, while starter Livan Hernandez was tagged for eight runs -- four earned -- on seven hits over 3 2/3 frames. Box Score: HoustonABRH2B3BHRRBIWKAVG J.B. Shuck CF300000001.261   Brandon Barnes PH100000000.308 Jose Altuve 2B400000000.262 Justin Ruggiano RF-LF302110000.222 Fernando Martinez LF300000001.138   Telvin Nash 1B100000001.000 Brett Wallace 1B311100000.300   Fernando Abad RP000000000.000 Matt Downs 3B300000000.179 Jason Castro C301000100.306   Landon Powell C000000000.133 Marwin Gonzale... Thu, 29 Mar 2012 21:48:00 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/recap_spring_training_game_25_pelfrey_redeems_himself_wright_slams_the_astros/10433614 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/recap_spring_training_game_25_pelfrey_redeems_himself_wright_slams_the_astros/10433614 Recap: Spring Training Game 25 - Pelfrey Redeems Himself, Wright Slams the Astros http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/recap_spring_training_game_25_pelfrey_redeems_himself_wright_slams_the_astros/10433614 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/4/8/486f8c74cd8868098c8d277e879cde912658d00a/mini/PicImg_New_York_Mets_26b4.jpg It’s prospect season again. I’ve had my rankings listed on team pages, but have been horrible about keeping those up to date. As I mentioned on the pages, I’m looking at other rankings when I make mine (along with scouting reports and my own opinion). Now the Houston Astros. For the top 20, I’ve listed them according to my ranking. I’ve also listed the rankings of other sites that have Top XX lists (they range from 5 until 40, depending on the site) (I removed this, as I’m trying to get the lists done by the end of spring training). Then the average rankings is of all of the rankings (mine and the ones formerly listed); the rank follows the average. Top 20 Prospects 1. George Springer, OF Average Ranking: 2.00 (2nd) 2. Jonathan Singleton, 1B Average Ranking: 1.55 (1st) 3. Jarred Cosart, RHP Average Ranking: 2.45 (3rd) 4. Jonathan Villar, SS Average Ranking: 5.18 (4th) 5. Domingo Santana, OF Average Ranking: 5.91 (5th) 6. Paul Clemens, RHP Average Ranking: 6.60 (7th) 7. Delino DeSh... Wed, 14 Mar 2012 11:00:17 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/2012_top_20_prospects_houston_astros/10308556 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/2012_top_20_prospects_houston_astros/10308556 2012 Top 20 Prospects – Houston Astros http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/2012_top_20_prospects_houston_astros/10308556 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png The Houston Astros minor league system was abysmal for years but there is finally a faint light at the end of the very long tunnel… and it’s actually not a train. It’s the hope that comes with a new vision from a new front office filled with intelligent, forward-thinking individuals who realize the organization needs to build from within to survive – especially with the impending move to the American League West division, which is on tap for the 2013 season. To be fair, former GM Ed Wade and his staff were starting to right the ship with some smart decisions in 2011, which included the Michael Bourn and Hunter Pence trades, as well as some improved amateur draft choices. New GM Jeff Luhnow, formerly of the St. Louis Cardinals, comes with a strong reputation for developing and acquiring prospects. He appears to be the right man for this difficult – but exciting – task of rebuilding the franchise. 1. Jonathan Singleton, OF/1B BORN: Sept. 18, 1991 EXPERIENCE: 3 seasons ACQUIRED: 2009 8... Wed, 07 Mar 2012 10:30:07 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/top_15_prospects_houston_astros/10252303 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/top_15_prospects_houston_astros/10252303 Top 15 Prospects: Houston Astros http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/top_15_prospects_houston_astros/10252303 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png On the tail end of my scouting trip to Savannah, having an opportunity to see the Lexington Legends was well worth extending my stay considering the potential to scout three of the Houston Astros first round picks in second baseman Delino DeShields Jr., third baseman Mike Kvasnicka and pitcher Mike Foltynewicz. And while “Folty” was not in the cards, the two first rounders, power hitting first baseman Telvin Nash, as well as former second round center fielder Jay Austin provided me with considerable video and scouting material. With the late 1980′s and early 1990′s serving as my prime in terms of baseball card collecting, I’m no stranger to Delino DeShields Sr. wreaking havoc on the base paths for a handful of teams including the now defunct Expos, Dodgers, Cardinals and Orioles. In Deshields Jr., both father and son share the same defensive position, approximate draft slot and reputations as speedsters. However, it was fascinating to see just how different father and son were in te... Thu, 26 Jan 2012 12:00:29 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/delino_deshields_jr_resembles_dad_sort_of/9601658 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/delino_deshields_jr_resembles_dad_sort_of/9601658 Delino DeShields Jr. Resembles Dad… Sort Of http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/delino_deshields_jr_resembles_dad_sort_of/9601658 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/9/2/92eb2c88224c796f6c2bfebc286d0175242f2217/mini/Delino_Deshields_b57f.jpg