Astros' youngsters keep up the pace in Arizona; Jason Castro hits in Hawaii

Chris Blazek takes his turn as guest blogger this week for the Astros in the AFL. He likes to fish!

Arizona Fall League Update

We looked last Thursday at how our minor leaguers were faring in the various Fall and Winter Leagues. Here are the results of Scottsdale's games since then:

Thursday, 10/16: Chris Johnson was studly against Surprise, toting a line of: 2/5, one 2B, and three RBI. Drew Sutton pinch hit and was 1/1 at the plate.

Friday, 10/17: Sutton continued to lead the league in BA, and hits his first home run of the Fall campaign. He also got on base three times in his four AB's. Johnson drew a walk in four AB's, but went hitless. His BA was still a sterling .310, despite not collecting a knock. On the mound, Bud Norris pitched an extremely effective 2 innings. He struck out two, walked a batter and lowered his ERA to 1.69

Saturday, 10/18: This game was a mixed bag for sure for our farmhands. Sutton continued his outstanding start, hitting his second home run in as many days, while knocking in four runs and scoring three of his own. Brian Bogusevic got into the act, going 2/4, scoring two runs and knocking one in as well. That mixed bag is in regard to Brad James' performance. James pitched to five batters in the seventh and could not record an out in giving up five runs (three of which were earned) on five hits, including a homer.

Monday, 10/20: Apparently, Drew Sutton has leukophobia, because he seems bound and determined not to touch those bases for too long, hitting another homer. He also drew two walks. I like. I like. Chris Johnson got his chance at third base on Monday, and delivered an RBI single.

Stats Recap through 10/20: Sutton leads the Arizona Fall League in OPS (1.758), BA (.591), and Total Bases (27). Chris Johnson has an OPS of .730, and a BA of .303 through 8 games. Bud Norris is the only Astro minor leaguer with more than five innings of work. In his 5.1 innings, he has compiled a 1.69 ERA, while walking four and striking out three. Chris Blazek and Brad James have each pitched in either three innings or less. Sample size does not become them.

Hawaii Winter Baseball Update

Jason Castro is doing exactly what is expected of him in the few ABs he's gotten while playing in Hawaii. Let's do a run down of games since last Thursday:

Thursday, 10/16: Castro went 1/3, while scoring a run and driving one in as well. 2 walks were icing on the cake.

Saturday, 10/18: After DH'ing in his previous game, Castro was back behind the plate for Saturday's game. He singled and scored two runs, and drew a walk for good measure.

Jason Castro's Stat Recap through 10/20: Like Drew Sutton, Castro has performed well this October. His .349 BA is good for third in the Hawaii Winter Baseball League, and more importantly, he's getting on base at a .453 clip. He's only hit one home run, but power can be acquired. It is much more difficult to gain the discipline to get on base with the frequency Castro has so far.

I'm going to try to give an update of both leagues every Tuesday...operative word here is try.