A baseball career: My journal

[baseballonly]

Very interesting. Why does OOTP turn young SPs into closers so much?

[antidan444]

In this case, it's because Dan should not be at Double-A. It's too advanced for him at this point. He should still be in rookie league or Class A (where he would be starting). So the "suggested role" for Dan at Double-A is "strictly relief."

[antidan444]

August 6, 2013 (Northwest Arkansas at Corpus Christi)

For seven innings, our offense did absolutely nothing, and we were trailing 1-0. Just in case, they had me warm up in the bottom of the eighth, and all of a sudden, we scored three runs and it was up to me.

The 8-9-1 hitters were due up ...

Dustin Martin (0-for-2, lefty) -- Just a terrible at-bat for me, a five-pitch walk where four sinkers missed by a country mile.

Sharlon Schoop (0-for-1) -- Nothing like a 6-4-3 double play to erase a terrible leadoff walk!

Jimmy Cesario (0-for-1, lefty leadoff guy) -- He was not fooled by a first-pitch changeup, sending it back through the box for a clean single. I made a note that if I have to face him again, I won't make that choice.

Mitch Canham (1-for-4, lefty) -- He made a half-hearted swing at a 1-1 sinker on the outside corner and tapped it just in front of the plate. He got a late jump out of the box and was an easy out for my fourth save in four chances.

[antidan444]

August 7, 2013 (NW Arkansas at Corpus Christi)

This became a bit of a waiting game for me, and I had to stay ready for about an hour before I finally got in. We had a 2-1 lead entering the eighth, but they scored a run to tie it. It stayed that way through the ninth ... then the 10th ... then the 11th ... and they gave me the ball in the top of the 12th.

The last time I entered a tied game, it didn't go well, as I gave up a walk-off double. I tried to shake that thought out of my mind as I prepared for the 6-7-8 hitters:

Rey Navarro (0-for-3, lefty) -- The scouting report says to stick with hard stuff against him, so I threw six straight sinkers and he grounded the final one to short.

Jimmy Cesario -- I threw him a first-pitch sinker, remembering what happened to last night's changeup. It missed by six inches, as did each of the next four pitches (he swung at a bad 2-0 pitch) for a terrible walk. However, I made a quick pickoff throw he wasn't expecting, and just like that, there were two outs.

Paulo Orlando (1-for-4) -- I threw an 0-1 sinker well low and outside, and somehow he got the barrel on it and lined it to shallow right center for a single. He couldn't do that again if he tried.

Sharlon Schoop (0-for-2) -- This guy will swing at anything. Probably why he's the No. 9 hitter. He went at a first-pitch sinker low and away and flew out weakly to right to end the inning.

We scored in the bottom half, and I got the win. Five straight scoreless innings in the books. I can't lie, I'm starting to dig this closing thing.

[sflcat61]

Good read so far.

[antidan444]

August 9, 2013 (Arkansas at Corpus Christi)

I entered in the ninth with a 6-3 lead after we rallied from a 3-0 deficit with a three-run fifth, two in the sixth and one in the eighth. I was facing the middle of the order, but that doesn't seem as bad with three runs to play with.

C.J. Cron (0-for-3) -- I walked him on a 3-2 slider I regretted throwing before throwing it. I should have waived off the catcher and thrown a sinker ... maybe a changeup, but that might be overthinking it, too. I had no confidence in the slider and it missed by a foot.

Taylor Lindsey (0-for-2, lefty) -- He smashed an 0-1 sinker through the hole to right, leaving runners at first and third. Not a great start.

Roberto Lopez (0-for-3) -- I threw my best pitch of the day, a perfect 1-0 slider he grounded right to second for a 4-6-3 double play. The run they scored didn't matter.

Drew Heid (1-for-3, lefty) -- I threw a good curve for a 4-3 groundout to wrap up my fifth save.

[antidan444]

August 10, 2013 (Arkansas at Corpus Christi)

This was a pretty entertaining game to watch. We had a 4-3 lead through seven, Arkansas scored two in the top of the eighth to take a 5-4 lead, and we came right back with two in the bottom half for a 6-5 advantage, which meant it was showtime for me against the 9-1-2 guys, all lefties.

Sherman Johnson (0-for-2) -- I got ahead with two sinkers, threw a good 0-2 curve and he hit a lazy fly to left.

Matt Young (1-for-4) -- A good 2-2 sinker led to an easy 4-3 groundout.

Drew Heid (1-for-4) -- I left a 1-0 sinker well up in the zone, but he was late on it and hit a weak fly to left, capping a perfect inning on 10 pitches for my sixth save in as many chances.

[antidan444]

August 11, 2013 (Arkansas at Corpus Christi)

I don't usually make entries on days I don't pitch, but what a wild game this was! We trailed 8-2 after the top of the sixth, and I figured I wouldn't be needed. I was right, but so wrong at the same time. We scored three runs in the bottom of the sixth, EIGHT in the seventh (hey, I might be needed!), and two in the eighth for a 15-9 lead (nope, I won't be needed, LOL).

[antidan444]

August 13, 2013 (Corpus Christi at Northwest Arkansas)

Boy, when you blow one, it really sucks.

We had a 4-0 lead going into the bottom of the ninth. Jimmy Nelson, our starter, was brilliant (7 innings, 2 hits, 0 runs). Then their first two guys singled in the ninth, and suddenly my number was called. My first batter was the No. 6 spot.

Sharlon Schoop (0-for-2) -- I missed with a 3-2 sinker low, loading the bases.

Mitch Canham (lefty pinch-hitter) -- I threw an 0-2 backdoor slider exactly where I wanted it ... and he hammered it back up the middle for a 2-run single, making it 4-2. Gotta tip my cap on that one.

Carlo Testa (0-for-3, lefty) -- I walked him on five pitches to reload the bases, missing with four sinkers. I was trying to be a little too fine, nibbling on the corners, and should have been more aggressive.

Dustin Martin (1-for-2, lefty) -- He swung at the first pitch and hit an easy comebacker right at me. I went home for the first out, but the throw to first was late.

Justin Trapp (2-for-3, leadoff hitter) -- I threw a 1-2 sinker that must have been three inches outside at the shins, and the ump rang him up. Trapp was livid. I would have been, too. Only need one more out now. Famous last words ...

Jimmy Cesario (0-for-4, lefty) -- I got ahead 1-2, then just missed with a couple pretty good pitches he laid off of. I put a 3-2 sinker in the dirt for an 8-pitch walk, forcing in a run (4-3) and putting the winning run in scoring position. Wish I had finished him off.

Chad S. Tracy (0-for-3) -- I threw a 1-2 change at the knees (which was a couple inches higher than I wanted), and he roped it to left near the line for a walkoff 2-run single.

A 34-pitch nightmare of an inning. Jimmy deserved so much better. We were all pretty bummed after this one. To his credit, Jimmy himself patted me on the back and was very gracious about it.

I've pitched 9 1/3 innings as the closer in Corpus Christi. I've allowed eight walks (three today) and struck out only three. I'm not super concerned about the Ks, but that's way too many walks. Like I said, I'm trying to be too fine and not challenging guys enough. I need to rectify this.

[antidan444]

August 14, 2013 (Corpus Christi at NW Arkansas)

After last night's epic stinkbomb, I was hoping I wouldn't be needed today ... my arm could have used an off day, and my head, too.

But we scored two runs for a 9-7 lead in the top of the ninth, and out I went like a good soldier (except nothing like a soldier, because war references in sports are really dumb).

The top of their lineup was waiting for me ...

Justin Trapp (1-for-4) -- I left a first-pitch sinker right over the heart and he ripped it to left for a single.

Jimmy Cesario (2-for-4, lefty) -- I got ahead 0-2 on a good sinker and change, then couldn't put him away. He finally lined a fat 3-2 sinker to center for a single. Frustrating.

Chad S. Tracy (1-for-4) -- Nothing like a 6-4-3 double play on a good first-pitch sinker!

Max Ramirez (2-for-4, HR) -- Walked him on six straight sinkers. Infuriating.

Orlando Calixte (0-for-4) -- He went with an 0-1 sinker down and away, lining it to right for an RBI single. Wasn't a great pitch but wasn't terrible, either. I was starting to get an uneasy feeling about now.

Mitch Canham (1-for-4, HR, lefty) -- A first-pitch sinker netted a 5-3 groundout to end the game.

I needed 19 pitches for my seventh save, and gave up 3 hits and a walk. Bleh. My ERA is up to 6.10. Double bleh. I don't feel much like the No. 1 overall pick.

[antidan444]

August 20, 2013 (Midland at Corpus Christi)

I was starting to wonder when I'd get to pitch again. Since my last action, we won a 5-1 game, then got crushed in three straight, including a two-hit shutout loss. Yesterday was a much-needed off-day for everyone.

After a scoreless first five innings, Midland scored four in the sixth. We answered with three in the bottom half and three more in the seventh to turn things around. I was handed the 6-4 lead in the ninth, with the 5-6-7 hitters due up:

Tyler Ladendorf (0-for-2) -- A crummy four-pitch walk. Inexcusable.

Beau Taylor (pinch-hit lefty) -- I got ahead with a couple good sinkers, then froze him with a 1-2 curve. That felt good.

Matt Sulentic (0-for-3, lefty) -- He grounded to first on a first-pitch sinker. I had to race him to the bag, but he's not all that fast so no issues there.

Anthony Aliotti (pinch-hit lefty) -- I left a 2-2 sinker up but got away with it as he flew out to left to end things.

I needed 14 pitches for my eighth save, and only seven of them were strikes. The walks continue to irritate me.

[antidan444]

August 21, 2013 (Midland at Corpus Christi)

I was needed for two garbage-time innings today, as we were getting smoked 12-0 by the time I entered in the seventh, and lost 12-4. We were down to five total relievers today, and one tweaked a shoulder during the game, so I sure hope reinforcements arrive soon.

I had a good outing by the numbers: 2 innings, 0 hits, 0 runs, 1 walk, 1 K, 1 HBP. But I'm still very unhappy with my control. 15 strikes in 29 pitches, with the walk and HBP, isn't good enough. I'm missing with my bread-and-butter sinker way too much.

[antidan444]

August 22, 2013 (Midland at Corpus Christi)

Two hours before game-time, the manager called Houston's higher-ups irate that we still only had four healthy relievers for tonight's game. It didn't do any good. After two straight outings, including a 29-pitch effort last night, I had a pretty dead arm, but I also knew it was all hands on deck if necessary.

It was necessary. We played to a 3-3 tie through nine innings, and after a leadoff double in the top of the 10th, my number was called. At least the 7-8-9 guys were due up ...

Jefry Marte (3-for-4) -- I threw a good first-pitch slider and got a slow roller for a 5-3 groundout.

Anthony Aliotti (lefty sub) -- I fell behind 2-0 and had to challenge him with a sinker. He hammered it down the left-field line for an RBI double and a 4-3 lead.

Beau Taylor (2-for-4, lefty) -- I got ahead 0-2, then left a sinker a little too high and he grounded it hard through the hole to right for an RBI single and a 5-3 lead. An error in RF allowed Taylor to take second.

Michael Taylor (0-for-4, leadoff) -- The intentional walk was called.

Ryan Ortiz (3-for-5) -- I threw a good 1-1 sinker and got another slow groundout to third for the second out. The runners took second and third.

Michael Choice (2-for-5) -- I threw a 1-1 sinker up and in, and he somehow slapped it the other way through the hole in right for a two-run single and a 7-3 lead.

That was it for me. Two-thirds of an inning, three hits, three earned runs charged, one right arm hanging limply from my shoulder.

Not five minutes after the game ended, the manager was back on the phone screaming at the front office. It really was inexcusable. Apparently reinforcements are due to arrive tomorrow. If I make a journal entry tomorrow, somebody's getting an earful from me.

[antidan444]

August 24, 2013

The manager called me into the office this afternoon. There's been a lot of shuffling with the pitching staff the last two days. They need an emergency start from someone tomorrow (with all the other starters, including two having just joined the team, all on one or two day's rest tomorrow), and as long as my arm feels OK, that emergency start will come from me.

They're only looking for 4-5 innings and don't expect anything superb, given I also will be making the start at less than full rest (2 days' rest after three straight relief appearances).

I'm hoping I make a good start and perhaps influence them to keep me as a starter. I also feel like I'm in over my head at Double-A. I should probably be more confident than that, but the reality is I've been beaten like a drum for most of two months.

[antidan444]

August 25, 2013 (Corpus Christi at San Antonio)

I got a good night's sleep, had a big breakfast, then wrote down some goals for my start, knowing I wanted to make a good impression and that this was an important opportunity for me:

1. No walks!
2. Trust your stuff and challenge hitters, especially early in counts to try to get deeper into game.
3. You're going to give up hits. Don't get discouraged.

I really wanted to do well, to make them think twice about putting me back in the bullpen. I want to be a starter. I also know there's a fair amount of "He's going to be a bust" talk out there, and while I can't blame them, I wanted to shut them up, at least for a day.

First inning: I got off to a good start, allowing only a harmless two-out single and getting through the frame on 12 pitches.

Second: I threw a piss-poor 1-2 sinker to the second hitter and he launched it over the wall in center. I told myself, "It's only one run, shake it off." After the next hitter singled, I retired the next two to get out of the inning on 24 pitches.

Third: A good duel with the leadoff guy ended with a single on the eighth pitch. I only needed one more to get a sweet 1-6-3 double play, and a 5-3 groundout got me back into the dugout. Another nice 12-pitch inning.

Fourth: I gave up another leadoff single on the first pitch, then gave him two poor pickoff throws to set him up for my A+ move, and he fell for the trap. I struck out the next guy on a circle change and got out of the inning on a groundout to second. An 8-pitch inning!

Fifth: I gave up a one-out double on a terrible 0-2 pitch, but otherwise had no problems getting through the inning on 12 pitches (68 through five). At this point, I had more than met both my goals and the manager's.

Sixth: I gave up a run on a one-out single and a two-out RBI double on an intentionally fat 3-2 sinker. I should have given up another run but our center fielder made an amazing catch in the deep gap to rob another double (at least) for the third out.

Seventh: I gave up another leadoff single, then got two flyouts to left (the first was a pretty good running catch near the wall) before the manager came to get me. He patted me on the back and said, "Hell of a start, kid." I got some high fives in the dugout, too. The reliever retired the next guy to end the inning.

I left with the game tied at 2, but they scored a run in the eighth to win it. My final line: 6 2/3 innings (above expectations), 9 hits allowed, 2 earned runs, ZERO WALKS, 2 strikeouts, and the ability to walk off the field with my head held high.

It got better after the game, when I was told the tentative plan is to keep me in the rotation. That could change at any time, but for now, I'll take it.

[antidan444]

August 30, 2013 (Corpus Christi at Frisco)

With the season ending in four more days, I knew coming into today that this would probably be my last appearance of the year. Coming off a very encouraging start five days ago, I wanted to do more of the same: Be aggressive, throw strikes and let the defense play.

Frisco's lineup is loaded. Their worst hitter is at .265 and four guys are over .300.

First inning: I gave up a leadoff single, but he was caught stealing and I retired the next three straight, needing just eight pitches to get out of the frame.

Second: We took a 1-0 lead in the top half. I gave up two one-out singles, one a blooper, but got a groundout and our catcher threw out another runner trying to steal second to end the inning. (11 pitches/19 total)

Third: Aside from another bloop hit, another one-out single, I got through the inning with little trouble on 16 pitches (35 total).

Fourth: Another bloop single by the leadoff guy made me shake my head, but he, too, was caught stealing! Our catcher has a cannon, which is nice. The next three guys went in order, and I needed just nine pitches in the inning (44 total).

Fifth: My confidence was growing and I was going right at their hitters. I needed just five pitches to get through this inning 1-2-3, and had only 49 pitches total. I started (prematurely) thinking about a complete game, maybe even a shutout.

Sixth: I gave up a leadoff homer on a changeup I left up in the zone, tying the game at 1. So much for the shutout. Other than an error by our third baseman, I had no other issues, getting out of the inning on 13 pitches (62 total).

Seventh: A leadoff double to the left corner was followed by a two-run homer on the next pitch, and suddenly I was trailing 3-1. The rest of the inning was uneventful, although I hit a batter, which irritated me. I needed 17 pitches (79 total).

Eighth: If it wasn't clear that they were starting to figure my stuff out, and that I was going to throw strikes and they should swing early and often, then this inning proved it: Homer, homer, then three singles (the last driving in a run) before I was pulled with two outs.

Still, I stayed true to what I wanted out of myself. I was aggressive, I avoided walks and I made them earn it. They did earn it, but that's OK. I know Double-A is a little too advanced for me at the moment (I was the only teenager in the game, and the next-youngest teammate is 22). At least I closed the season with some encouraging signs (No walks over 14 1/3 innings in final two starts).

----------

Game stats: 7 2/3 innings, 13 hits, 6 earned runs, 0 walks, 0 strikeouts.

FINAL 2013 STATS (Assuming no September callup to Houston, which would be LOL):

HIGH SCHOOL (North Hagerstown): 7-2, 2.95 ERA, 88 1/3 innings, 83 hits, 32 walks, 76 Ks
* Drafted by Houston Astros 1st overall (LOL given those HS stats)
ROOKIE BALL (Greeneville): 0-0, 3.97 ERA, 11 1/3 innings, 15 hits, 3 walks, 7 Ks
CLASS A (Lancaster): 2-1, 6.62 ERA, 17.2 innings, 26 hits, 4 walks, 10 Ks
DOUBLE A (Corpus Christi): 1-3, 8 saves, 5.72 ERA, 28 1/3 innings, 35 hits, 12 walks, 7 Ks.

[antidan444]

SIDE NOTE

The Atlanta Braves blew a 3-0 lead in the 2013 World Series, falling to the Texas Rangers.

[antidan444]

February 5, 2014

Spring training time!

I got a phone call over the winter from Houston GM Jeff Luhnow informing me that I would be added to the 40-man roster and would be part of the big league club for spring. He also said I have a chance to earn a bullpen spot. I could hardly believe my ears.

So here I am. There's a month before spring games begin, and I intend to make the most of it and make a good impression on everybody here (although apparently the higher-ups in the organization don't need it). I never dreamed I would have a chance to make the Astros this spring ... but now that the goal is out there, I'm going to strive for it.

-----

SIDE NOTES

First, the Astros are insane.

Second, apparently the scouts (or at least OSA) don't care about stats. Dan's ratings got a big boost in the offseason, for reasons I can't comprehend. He's rated 2.5 stars overall. I don't have access to the ratings of Astros scout Mike Elias, but I'm assuming his are similar. This despite serious struggles in the low/mid minors last season. I suspect there will be more pain this year at levels Dan really should not be at, and that the scouts are severely overrating him.

OSA rates Dan:

Stuff: 50
Movement: 60
Control: 60

Sinker: 50
Curve: 40
Slider: 40
Change 65 (all the way up from 40)

[antidan444]

March 7, 2014 (ST: White Sox at Astros)

Spring Training games started today, and I was told I would work the fifth and sixth innings against the White Sox.

FIFTH INNING

A nice 1-2-3 inning with two groundouts and an easy flyout.

SIXTH INNING

Justin Morneau slammed a double to deep center leading off, that was very nearly caught. I struck out Dayan Viciedo with a sinker, but Alex Rios tagged me with an RBI double down the left-field line. Alejandro De Aza then sent a single to right, but Rios was thrown out at home. Conor Gillaspie grounded to first to end the inning.

GAME STATS: 2 innings, 3 hits, 1 earned run, 1 K. I threw 16 of 22 pitches for strikes. Pretty pleased with it for a first outing.

[antidan444]

March 9, 2014 (ST: Tigers at Astros)

Manager Bo Porter has told me he plans on keeping me on an every-other-day rotation working the fifth and sixth innings. That's fine with me.

FIFTH INNING

Bryan Holaday ripped a liner to short, fortunately right at the SS for the first out. Gustavo Nunez lined a single to left. Austin Jackson grounded back to me and I got the out at second. Chris Marrero then grounded to first and the first baseman booted it to extend the inning. Avisail Garcia singled to right, but for my second straight appearance, George Springer gunned down a runner at home, and I got out of the inning without allowing a run despite getting shelled.

SIXTH INNING

Two groundouts and a popup gave me a 1-2-3 inning on 7 pitches.

I got credit for the win, only because Chris Capuano only worked four innings in the blowout. Capuano allowed one hit and struck out five, he was great today and deserves the W instead.

GAME STATS: 2 innings, 2 hits, 0 runs/walks/Ks.
SPRING STATS: 4 innings, 5 hits, 1 run, 0 walks, 1 K, 2.25 ERA