Short Trip to Round Rock

Hi everyone...sorry for the blackout last week. The move proved much, MUCH more difficult than I had anticipated, as I never really fathomed just how much stuff my wife had squirreled away in her office. I still don't have internet access at home, but was able to look at the past nine days at Round Rock and get some cogent thoughts:

First, a link to an article I did for astrosdaily.com that you might find interesting.

Casey Daigle was named Round Rock's Pitcher of the Month for July, and has continued to pitch well in August. Daigle has appeared in four games, throwing four innings while allowing six hits and one walk, striking out eight. The 28-year old also picked up two holds and has a FIP of 0.70 for August.

Polin Trinidad had two up-and-down starts last week. He lasted seven innings in each, splitting the two decisions with a victory and a loss. Trinidad struck out nine and walked just one but gave up 12 hits and eight earned runs. His FIP of 5.84 is actually higher than his ERA of 5.14 even though his strikeouts have been relatively high. Trinidad remains the youngest starter in Round Rock, and even with the recent promotions of Bud Norris and Yorman Bazardo, probably won't be considered for a call up until next season.

Erick Abreu was promoted from Corpus and put into the Express starting rotation. He's won both of his starts, striking out nine and walking three over 11 2/3 innings. The 25-year old gave up 12 hits and four earned runs but has a high G/F ratio of 7/19.

Sammy Gervacio didn't spend much time with the Astros, but has been throwing gas since his demotion. In three appearances this month, Gervacio has struck out eight and walked one while allowing no hits or runs. The 24-year old picked up two holds and has a FIP of 0.41.

Yordany Ramirez continues to ride a hot bat, though he's still not walking at all and his power has dried up a bit. The 25-year old is finally using his speed to his advantage, though, stealing three bases in eight games this month. Ramirez has 13 stolen bases on the season and has gone 10 for 30 this month with three strikeouts.

Brian Bogusevic has also gone steal-happy and was successful on all three of his attempts this month. Bogey is 8 for 31 with three walks, five runs scored, one RBI, a double and five strikeouts. Former Tulane teammate Tommy Manzella has been a little better, going 10 for 32 with seven RBIs, one home run and a double this month.

Chris Johnson hit two home runs over the weekend in the same game, but hasn't hit much this month. In eight games, he's 8 for 29 with a double, the two home runs, four RBIs and three runs scored. Johnson has also struck out four times and walked three times.

J.R. Towles has not returned yet from his latest injury, which may be one of the reasons the Astros haven't pulled the plug on the Pudge Rodriguez experiment yet. Towles is getting older and may be best suited as a backup catcher to Corpus Christi's Jason Castro.