2022 Houston Astros Thread

[rvm96 1643]

Already in sync with the Astros social media team

 

 

[Mo Horn 8832]

Andrew Taylor RHP, Central Michigan

[tx 3 putt 76900]

Taylor was spectacular in his first full college season in 2021, earning Mid-American Conference pitcher of the year and consensus All-America honors while setting a Central Michigan record with 125 strikeouts. He broke his own mark with 126 whiffs this spring, though he also left starts in April and May with elbow tightness. He didn't miss a turn in the rotation, however, and he looked good in an NCAA regional start against Florida and could become the first Chippewas pitcher to go in the top four rounds since Kevin Tapani in 1986. Taylor's fastball sits at 90 mph and tops out at 94, but it's an analytics darling with its high spin rates and carry. Add in the extension he creates with his skinny 6-foot-5 frame, and hitters struggle to get good swings against his heater and repeatedly get beat with it up in the zone. He uses his fastball roughly 80 percent of the time and his most reliable secondary pitch is a solid 78-82 mph changeup with fade and depth. While he has improved his breaking balls, a soft mid-70s downer curveball and a nascent 78-83 mph slider, they're no more than average offerings. Taylor keeps his long limbs in sync, allowing him to repeat his delivery and provide strikes. While there are some questions about his health, there's also some thought that he has more upside remaining if a pro club can help him increase his strength and feel for spinning the ball.

[tx 3 putt 76900]

3 more young players into the grinder, maybe one of them makes it to the show 

[rvm96 1643]

8 minutes ago, tx 3 putt said:

3 more young players into the grinder, maybe one of them makes it to the show 

Tough to bet against pitchers with the Stros but I'll put my chips all in with Melton. 

[rvm96 1643]

Interesting quote, seems like something Bregman would say. Hopefully he uses it to fuel his rise to the majors

 

 

 

[rvm96 1643]

 

 

 

[tx 3 putt 76900]

show me a loss !!!

[Saint Tacky 1614]

Jacob Melton

Not surprising. OSU SBN site thinks the Astros got a steal.

[rvm96 1643]

27 minutes ago, rvm96 said:

 

 

 

dumb dumb Rome had a typo and of course deleted the tweet

 

 

[D3zii 3678]

I was hoping to get Melendez , we need a 1b in the worst way with Yuli getting older 

[UTPhil2006 3807]

3 hours ago, D3zii said:

I was hoping to get Melendez , we need a 1b in the worst way with Yuli getting older 

Former "Longhorn" Josh Bell

[Gut Wagon 8065]

23 minutes ago, UTPhil2006 said:

Former "Longhorn" Josh Bell

Having a guy from Irving get some big hits against the Rangers would be gruntling. 

[TonyTexas 10510]

9 hours ago, Saint Tacky said:

Jacob Melton

Not surprising. OSU SBN site thinks the Astros got a steal.

Not a homer take but a consensus one. 

[Guadaloopy 10960]

Love to see guys excited to join the organization.  How could they not be excited?  The organization has proven to be a consistent winner with a history of successful player development and a willingness to pay young elite talent early in their career.  

[HtownHorn 14676]

ESPN comp for Gilbert was Brett Gardner. He had 44.1 career WAR. Not a bad comp.

[Texas St. Armadillos 1381]

3 minutes ago, HtownHorn said:

ESPN comp for Gilbert was Brett Gardner. He had 44.1 career WAR. Not a bad comp.

He's gonna lose his hair and look like a penis?

[HtownHorn 14676]

1 minute ago, Texas St. Armadillos said:

He's gonna lose his hair and look like a penis?

Some say he's already a dick.

[TonyTexas 10510]

8 minutes ago, Texas St. Armadillos said:

He's gonna lose his hair and look like a penis?

Gardner pic for comp purposes 

[rvm96 1643]

Mlb.com highlighted 10 non second round picks they liked. The Astros had one of them.

No. 64: Astros: Jacob Melton, OF, Oregon State: Melton has an advanced approach and could come into above-average power. He can handle center field but also has the arm for right. (Mayo)

 

[Gut Wagon 8065]

I've run into some online Tennessee fans who think Gilbert will be the next Pete Rose. Told them Pete was a tool, too. Don't think I'll be the next mayor of Knoxville. 

[Texas St. Armadillos 1381]

Brett Gardner.  Pete Rose.  Similar, for sure.

[HtownHorn 14676]

23 minutes ago, rvm96 said:

Mlb.com highlighted 10 non second round picks they liked. The Astros had one of them.

No. 64: Astros: Jacob Melton, OF, Oregon State: Melton has an advanced approach and could come into above-average power. He can handle center field but also has the arm for right. (Mayo)

 

He was absolutely drafted with the idea that he might be replacing Tucker in RF. Tucker hits FA in 2026, right about the time both the college OFs should be ready to make the team.

[LCHorn 2616]

28 minutes ago, HtownHorn said:

He was absolutely drafted with the idea that he might be replacing Tucker in RF. Tucker hits FA in 2026, right about the time both the college OFs should be ready to make the team.

I don’t think they are so anxious they’d be drafting for need four years in advance.  If that was the case then there are far more urgent spots to fill than right.  
 

They went BPA on their board, imo.  If Gilbert is a rookie in 2026 then something went wrong-he should be getting a September call up no later than 2024 and possibly next season. 

[rvm96 1643]

1 hour ago, rvm96 said:

Mlb.com highlighted 10 non second round picks they liked. The Astros had one of them.

No. 64: Astros: Jacob Melton, OF, Oregon State: Melton has an advanced approach and could come into above-average power. He can handle center field but also has the arm for right. (Mayo)

 

This was supposed to say "10 non first round picks they liked." Whoops

[WBT 20561]

6 minutes ago, LCHorn said:

They went BPA on their board, imo.

That's what every team does every draft.  The hit rate is too low to think you can target specific positions.

[rvm96 1643]

3 minutes ago, WBT said:

That's what every team does every draft.  The hit rate is too low to think you can target specific positions.

I would like to point you to the Angels picking 20 pitchers with their 20 picks

[LCHorn 2616]

Just now, WBT said:

That's what every team does every draft.  The hit rate is too low to think you can target specific positions.

That’s what they say, anyway.  I think that oversimplifies what teams are really doing (drafting for organization strategy/proficiency with some balance for market priorities, I.e., up the middle over corners, everything else being equal).  Some teams clearly prefer a certain type of clay, so to speak, like the Rays or Dodgers.  
 

I think Astros will continue to go heavy college because they need to restock the farm and don’t have much in the way of trade chips or replacements in waiting in the upper farm, and would sacrifice ceiling if needed for a higher floor.  

[Gut Wagon 8065]

Melton reminds me of Josh Reddick. That is, if Josh were a little bigger and a lot better.

Interesting comparison of our two lefty OF picks from an Oakland point of view:

https://bvmsports.com/2022/07/12/mlb-draft-evaluating-drew-gilbert-and-jacob-melton-as-potential-as-picks/

 

[Mo Horn 8832]

49 minutes ago, HtownHorn said:

He was absolutely drafted with the idea that he might be replacing Tucker in RF. Tucker hits FA in 2026, right about the time both the college OFs should be ready to make the team.

If they're looking at him replacing anyone, it's Brantley. He's retiring sooner than later

[tx 3 putt 76900]

23 minutes ago, Gut Wagon said:

Melton reminds me of Josh Reddick. That is, if Josh were a little bigger and a lot better.

Interesting comparison of our two lefty OF picks from an Oakland point of view:

https://bvmsports.com/2022/07/12/mlb-draft-evaluating-drew-gilbert-and-jacob-melton-as-potential-as-picks/

 

both those profiles read like players the Astros would pick 

[TonyTexas 10510]

MLB clubs don’t draft for current (or even future) major league roster needs. They might consider positional holes in the minor league system. 

[Scraps 13561]

Lmao Dusty announcing Shane McClanahan as starter as he sits next to him:

"So AL starter will be Shane McClanahan....to tell you the truth I have never seen him pitch"

[tx 3 putt 76900]

3 minutes ago, Scraps said:

Lmao Dusty announcing Shane McClanahan as starter as he sits next to him:

"So AL starter will be Shane McClanahan....to tell you the truth I have never seen him pitch"

 

[Gourmand 7774]

Astros take college pitcher Michael Knorr in the third rd

[tx 3 putt 76900]

6 minutes ago, Gourmand said:

Astros take college pitcher Michael Knorr in the third rd

Knorr spent his first three college seasons at Cal State Fullerton, where he threw strikes but got pounded for a 6.45 ERA. He has added velocity and had much more success after transferring to Coastal Carolina, where he gave up two runs or fewer in nine of his 11 regular-season starts before fading a bit in the postseason. He overcame a bout of biceps tendinitis in March to lead the Sun Belt Conference in strikeouts per nine innings (11.2) and K/BB ratio (6.6). Batters teed off on Knorr's fastball in 2021 when it parked at 90-92 mph, but he has dodged more barrels this spring while operating at 94-96 and topping out at 98. His heater still features only modest armside run, so he must locate it well to be effective. His best secondary offering is an 83-85 mph changeup with some fade and depth that he sells well with fastball arm speed. Knorr doesn't have as much feel for spin, struggling to land his mid-70s curveball and low-80s slider in the zone. His short arm action provides some deception without compromising his ability to provide strikes. To remain a starter in pro ball, he'll need to improve his fastball command and come up with a more dependable breaking ball.

[tx 3 putt 76900]

i predict knorr will be a future bullpen guy and bring a lot of grief to the surly thread 

Edited July 18, 2022 by tx 3 putt

[WBT 20561]

1 minute ago, tx 3 putt said:

bullpen guy and bring a lot o grief to the surly thread 

checks out

[runthebone 7967]

6 minutes ago, tx 3 putt said:

i predict knorr will be a future bullpen guy and bring a lot of grief to the surly thread 

I don't think you have to worry, Whitley will take him under his wing and help him maximize his potential.

[tx 3 putt 76900]

The last pitcher from Monmouth University to get drafted and make it to the big leagues was Pat Light, a supplemental first-round pick of the Red Sox back in 2012, while Brad Brach was taken in the 42nd round back in 2008 by the Padres and has parlayed that into a long big league relief career. Dombroski put himself on the 2022 Draft map with a strong performance in the Cape Cod League last summer and he has continued it this spring at Monmouth. Dombroski is a 6-foot-5 starter who perfectly fits the “advanced college lefty” label. He’s never going to wow with pure stuff, but he sure knows how to use what he has. His fastball is typically only in the 88-92 mph range, but he’s so good at locating it that he can use it effectively even if he’s behind in the count. He has two legitimate breaking balls, both of which flash above-average. He changes the shape and adds/subtracts from his breaking stuff, with the slightly harder slider missing a few more bats than the curve. He mixes in a very good changeup he sells well. Despite the seemingly light stuff, Dombroski gets a lot of swings-and-misses and weak contact on the ground because of his feel for pitching and his ability to keep hitters guessing. He might have the best control and command in the class and walks virtually no one. His ceiling might be limited because his repertoire lacks teeth, but most feel he’s a safe bet to be a big league starter in the future.

[Scraps 13561]

Gotta be better than Randy Knorr 

[HtownHorn 14676]

1 hour ago, Mo Horn said:

If they're looking at him replacing anyone, it's Brantley. He's retiring sooner than later

Brantley is a FA after this season, it's not likely the Astros resign him. Neither OF will be ready for 2023. Like I said, Tucker is a FA in 2026, which is only 2-1/2 seasons and I would love for him to resign with the Astros, but it seems he wants to go into FA.

The Astros are definitely drafting with their current window in mind. 4 college upperclassmen scream, we are drafting to replace some off the current roster in 3-4 seasons.

[rvm96 1643]

3 minutes ago, HtownHorn said:

Brantley is a FA after this season, it's not likely the Astros resign him. Neither OF will be ready for 2023. Like I said, Tucker is a FA in 2026, which is only 2-1/2 seasons and I would love for him to resign with the Astros, but it seems he wants to go into FA.

The Astros are definitely drafting with their current window in mind. 4 college upperclassmen scream, we are drafting to replace some off the current roster in 3-4 seasons.

If that's their plan why would their top 2 picks last year be from HS?

[Wulaw Horn 19068]

Just now, rvm96 said:

If that's their plan why would their top 2 picks last year be from HS?

Bc by the time you get around to 90 or whatever we picked at there was no reason to try to do anything other than upside? 

[HtownHorn 14676]

3 minutes ago, Wulaw Horn said:

Bc by the time you get around to 90 or whatever we picked at there was no reason to try to do anything other than upside? 

Yep, the Astros had 3 picks this year before their 1st pick last year. Big difference. Also, by missing those picks last year, they didn't have their slot value either. It was a double whammy. The Astros draft reminds me what the Cardinals have done to extend windows when they have a solid core together.

Edited July 18, 2022 by HtownHorn

[rvm96 1643]

I'll have to agree to disagree with y'alls theory on the Astros draft plan but it's not a big deal.

[tx 3 putt 76900]

Nolan DeVos

DeVos has been somewhat of a popup prospect this spring for Davidson after he was a walk-on his freshman year. He consistently has been one of the nations leaders in strikeouts throughout the spring season. This is due to his above average fastball/slider mix which generates whiffs in all quadrants of the zone. DeVos has a deceptive operation that analytically driven teams covet, as he releases from a lower release height and still creates lift on his four seam fastball up in the zone. This was displayed during his outing as he was able to attack Bonaventure hitters up in the zone and generated whiffs. His fastball sat in the 89-92 range, which is a couple of ticks down from earlier in the year when he would sit in the mid 90s. It is important to note that he has been primarily used as a reliever during his collegiate career and the additional workload may be a factor for the slight decrease in velocity. Additionally, he had to battle suboptimal weather conditions as there were 40mph winds as well as precipitation factored in with below 40 degree weather.  He showed excellent command of his sweeping slider which darted away from right handed hitters and was not afraid to triple up on the offering. He also dropped in a couple of curveballs or “dumpers” early in counts to work ahead of hitters, as well as flashing a changeup to left-hand hitters. The only blemish on his line came when he left a fastball up over the heart of the plate to a right handed hitter who was able to get on plane and drive the pitch over the left field wall. Despite the long ball, he rebounded nicely to strikeout the next two batters he faced. DeVos worked from a very quick tempo on the hill and was very efficient with his pitches as he made quick use of hitters and rarely worked deep counts. There is a lot to like in the analytical profile with DeVos and if he can show that he can gain back some of his velocity, he figures to hear his name called in the 8-10 round range. 

[henrygandorf 29189]

1 hour ago, HtownHorn said:

Brantley is a FA after this season, it's not likely the Astros resign him. Neither OF will be ready for 2023. Like I said, Tucker is a FA in 2026, which is only 2-1/2 seasons and I would love for him to resign with the Astros, but it seems he wants to go into FA.

The Astros are definitely drafting with their current window in mind. 4 college upperclassmen scream, we are drafting to replace some off the current roster in 3-4 seasons.

if your math is right then tucker still has 3.5 seasons as an astro.  and just because we locked down yordan doesn't mean tucker is wanting to test out free agency.

we have a lot of arms under control and guys like brown breaking down the door to mlb.  it makes sense to get older and more polished bats to either come in and contribute after brantley/yuli (or whomever we trade for) or to use in trade, like we did with seth beer and other recently drafted college bats.

baseball has changed a lot and i get more excited about what we do internationally than the draft.  i know it's too soon to tell, but holy shit what a great fuck you it would be to the rest of mlb if we survived losing all those picks and still kicked ass and extended our window.

[tx 3 putt 76900]

 

[HtownHorn 14676]

1 minute ago, henrygandorf said:

if your math is right then tucker still has 3.5 seasons as an astro.  and just because we locked down yordan doesn't mean tucker is wanting to test out free agency.

we have a lot of arms under control and guys like brown breaking down the door to mlb.  it makes sense to get older and more polished bats to either come in and contribute after brantley/yuli (or whomever we trade for) or to use in trade, like we did with seth beer and other recently drafted college bats.

baseball has changed a lot and i get more excited about what we do internationally than the draft.  i know it's too soon to tell, but holy shit what a great fuck you it would be to the rest of mlb if we survived losing all those picks and still kicked ass and extended our window.

You are right, my math is wrong. It is 3-1/2 seasons left.