It’s time to check in with some random observations from Arizona. Yes, the weather was awesome — if you can call daily temperatures in the mid-80s without a cloud in the sky awesome — but really after we get through the depression of being forced to endure such challenging weather conditions, there was some baseball to be watched. I managed to attend five games during the week before finally heading off to Sin City for some rest and relaxation (is that an oxymoron?).
The first baseman started slowly in the AFL, then began to heat up last week, but has slipped this week (0-for-13 in the last three games). Still, even if Hosmer’s AFL numbers aren’t jumping off the page (.184 BA and 476 OPS), he’s still been productive, driving in ten runs in 11 games. And considering he’s played a ton of ball this season (he was with Team USA for the 2011 Pan Am Games qualifying tournament), you’ve got to cut the kid some slack. Hosmer has returned to top prospect status, and has put himself within a year or two of the bigs along with a very nice wave of talent the Royals have on the way that may finally help turn this team around.
2010 AFL Roundup: Eric Hosmer is Back Read Post »
Besides being lightning fast and aggressive, Wall has the wingspan (6’9”) to dominate from day one and should be able to guard almost any guard in the game. He will need to improve his perimeter game, but Washington is a blank slate that Wall can write his legacy all over.
2010 NBA Mock Draft Read Post »
His reward? Removal from the 40-man roster right before the season started. Well, the 28-year-old lefty is still in the system, pitching in Triple-A Buffalo, and while the Mets’ pitching has been very strong so far, any rash of injuries or ineffectiveness could again bring the Giants’ seventh rounder from 2003 back to the bigs. A control pitcher, Misch’s big-league struggles in parts of four seasons can be traced to his gopheritis as he’s yielded 23 long bombs in 156 career innings, a rate that might even make John “Way Back” Wasdin blush. This year, Misch is again getting the job done, having gone 2-0, 4.13 through five starts despite the fact he’s been far too hittable (.306 BAA).
Minor Matters: Misch Mash Read Post »
He’s enjoying an excellent junior season, leading the team in hits, runs, doubles, triples, homers and steals, prompting a shift from the lead-off spot to the three hole.
Draft Watch: Adam Eaton Read Post »
Don’t look now, but the Astros have rhymed off four straight wins and are now holding their own after a simply abysmal start. Houston has even pulled within a half game of the Reds and Cubs for a share of fourth place in the NL Central. The offense is still the worst in the NL, but at least the pitching is heading in the right direction. As we’ve done a couple of times in recent days, lLet’s again turn our attention to Houston’s minor league ranks and check in on some of their prospects.
Minor Matters: More Astro Stargazing Read Post »
The Houston Astros have started to dig their way out of an early-season hole by winning the final two games in Chicago this weekend. But even with this modest winning streak, the ‘Stros still find themselves six games under .500, owners of the worst offense and one of the worst pitching staffs in the NL. In a nutshell, it’s going to be a long year in Houston. And yes, we have a problem.
Minor Matters: Help on the Way for Houston? Read Post »
