SB Nation - Andrew Miller

Speed Check - AFL vs. MLB

Harry Pavlidis — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 02:45:10 -0000

Stephen Strasburg's fastball is raising some interesting questions. While Strasburg was on the mound on Monday, a Tweet and an email (so old fashioned) came in asking about the Surprise, AZ, PITCHf/x data. Was it hot?

Strasburg throwing 101 was a surprise to many, and seeing him sit near 98 for a few innings raised more questions. I took a look at the two PITCHf/x installations in the Arizona Fall Leauge (Surprise and Peoria) this morning at the Hardball Times.

The basic conclusion was, no, the system in Surprise isn't hot. Relative to Peoria, that is.

Assuming the two systems are pretty much on par, the opportunity came up to compare AFL pitchers to themselves as MLB pitchers. Using release speed (55 ft. from home plate) I was able to compare data from 14 pitchers.

Nothing fancy and statistical, but, as you browse the baker's dozen + 1 set of images below, I think you'll probably reach the same conclusion I did.

The years shown in the parentheses indicate the MLB seasons the pitcher appeared in. The scale is to the game (actually at bat) and varies by pitcher. September 2009 call-ups will have a vastly different x-axis scale compared to a pitcher who worked back in 2007. But it's the y-axis (MPH) that matters.

Bryan Augenstein (2009)

Randor Bierd (2008)

Josh Butler (2009)

Michael Dunn (2009)

Matt Harrison (2008-2009)

Wilton Lopez (2009)

Ian Kennedy (2007, 2009)

Joe Martinez (2009)

Andrew Miller (2007-2009)

Mike Parisi (2008)

Dustin Richardson (2009)

Travis Schlichting (2009)

Mitch Talbot (2008)

Donald Veal (2009)

AFLf/x ain't hot if you ask me.

Morning Prowl: 40-Man Roster Decisions, Placido Polanco's Market Value, and Van Slyke's Replacement

Ian Casselberry — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:50:11 -0000

At The Detroit Tigers Weblog, Bill Ferris looks at the team's 40-man roster, which currently has 44 players on it (due to some being protected on the disabled list). So the Tigers have some decisions to make, especially as some minor leaguers will need to be protected. Bill speculates who the first cuts will likely be.

The San Francisco Giants re-signing second baseman Freddy Sanchez last week seemed like a harmless enough transaction. But Tiger Geist immediately pounced on how that could affect the Tigers. Will Sanchez's deal determine Placido Polanco's price on the free agent market? Could Polanco be worth more?

Lynn Henning talked to Jim Leyland about retaining Lloyd McClendon as hitting coach. Leyland called it "a legitimate question" but doesn't think McClendon is the reason for the Tigers' offensive struggles this season.

Tigers Tracks responds to Steve Kornacki's report that the Tigers have three candidates to take over Andy Van Slyke's vacancy on the coaching staff. The three finalists are minor league coordinators Gene Roof and Mike Rojas, and Double-A Erie manager Tom Brookens.

Jason Beck has re-opened his inbox (mailbag) for the offseason and addresses two key questions on fans' minds: Will the team pursue a veteran closer in free agency and could Brent Dlugach be a suitable replacement for Adam Everett at shortstop?

Aaron Gleeman lists five second basemen the Minnesota Twins should look at signing for next season. Guess who the top choice is.

If you've often thought that Leyland must issue more intentional walks than any other manager, you're right. In each of the past two seasons, Leyland called for the most intentional walks in the majors, according to John Dewan.

More from Dewan: He's compiled his Fielding Bible Awards for 2009. Unfortunately, no Tiger made the cut. You can read an explanation of what determines the awards at the Fielding Bible website.

On ESPN.com's Arizona Fall League blog, Jason Grey writes about former Tiger Andrew Miller's efforts to revamp his delivery. The big change is to try and stop throwing across his body, which is what the Marlins believe affected his control.

In light of the weekend's Milton Bradley-for-Vernon Wells trade rumors (that have since been shot down), Buster Olney lists 10 bad contracts teams are carrying that could be a match for Bradley. One of them is a Detroit Tigers pitcher.

(And since the article is ESPN Insider content, I'll say that the player in question wasn't on the Tigers' active roster at the end of the season.)

Speaking of Olney, Mack Avenue Tigers responds to his weekend post that discussed some players who might not be offered contracts by their current teams (or non-tendered, since they're under club control). One of the guys Olney mentions, which could interest Tigers fans greatly, is Brewers shortstop J.J. Hardy.

I'm guessing that not too many Tigers fans would be excited about Jarrod Washburn returning to Detroit next season. It appears that's not going to be an issue, however, as Washburn sounds like he wants to go back to Seattle. (That sounded like a strong possibility back in July, when the Tigers acquired him.)

Morning Prowl: Granderson the Union Man, Missing Miguel Cabrera, and Creating Trade Rumors

Ian Casselberry — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 10:00:24 -0000

More photos » by Duane Burleson - AP

How will Aubrey Huff's terribly disappointing stint with the Detroit Tigers affect his value on the free agent market this winter?

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Curtis Granderson was quoted in this ESPN.com piece by Amy K. Nelson about the $11 million compensation package Donald Fehr will receive when he steps down as head of the MLB Players Association. As a member of the players' union sub-committee, Granderson explained the thinking that went into the decision.

DesigNate Robertson posts its final grades for the 2009 Detroit Tigers. How do those marks compare to Rogo's midseason grades? Well, you have to click over and see.

MLB Trade Rumors wonders what the market for Aubrey Huff will be this offseason. No Tigers fans seemed to have commented in the discussion. Too soon? Or too painful, after Huff's .189/.265/.302 batting line in 117 plate appearances with Detroit.

This is a premium article at Baseball Prospectus, but you can read Kevin Goldstein's thoughts on Cale Iorg (and his hitting struggles) and former Tigers prospect Andrew Miller, both of whom are playing in the Arizona Fall League, before running into the paywall.

Speaking of Miller, Lynn Henning shares some thoughts from a colleague who covers the Florida Marlins. The general consensus in Miami is that the Tigers made out way better on that Miguel Cabrera deal.

Detroit Tigers Den (we're overdue in welcoming this new addition to the Tigersosphere) takes a month-by-month look at the Tigers' 2010 schedule. July and August look strong. But that Interleague Play home schedule in June is ugly.

Coming up with trade rumors is a popular pastime during the offseason, and there was a ridiculous one circulating from Bleacher Report over the weekend about Zack Greinke and the Brewers. That compelled Sam Mellinger to write about just how difficult it is to come up with a viable trade proposal, including a conversation he once had with a Royals executive on the subject.

We're behind on this (and this was mentioned in the comments of Tuesday's open thread), but The Sporting News named White Sox third baseman Gordon Beckham as its American League Rookie of the Year. Beckham batted .270/.347/.460 with 14 homers and 63 RBIs in 103 games (430 plate appearances) this season, after being called up to the majors in early June.

Anthony Castrovince looks at the four candidates to be the Cleveland Indians' next manager. That list does not include former Tiger Travis Fryman, who apparently wasn't invited back for a second interview. Former Tiger Torey Lovullo is among the four finalists, however.

One of the other finalists, Dodgers hitting coach Don Mattingly, was profiled by Nick Cafardo in last Sunday's Boston Globe. Mattingly could be in line to take over for Joe Torre in L.A. after next season.

For its other awards so far, TSN named Greinke as its AL Pitcher of the Year and the Angels' Mike Scioscia as the AL Manager of the Year.

As mentioned yesterday in the FanShots, Rudy Jaramillo reached agreement with the Chicago Cubs to become their hitting coach. And he got paid. Jaramillo received a three-year deal from the Cubs worth $2.42 million.

Over at Twinkie Town, Jon Marthaler wonders if Joe Nathan has lost something off his fastball, whether it was at the end of this season or over the last couple of seasons. (Tiger Town just said, "Yes, please.")

Andrew Miller makes his 2009 AFL Debut

craig — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 15:16:36 -0000

Andrew Miller is in the Arizona Fall League hoping to improve his delivery. However the first time out, didn't exactly warm hearts.

The Arizona Fall League is a place where prospects go to fine-tune their skills. Marlins lefty Andrew Miller is no longer a prospect but he’s one of the few major league players participating in the AFL — in Miller’s case to fine-tune his delivery in preparation for 2010.

Miller made his debut Saturday for the Mesa Solar Sox and allowed one run on one hit in two innings while walking three batters.

Three walks in two innings of work is about where he left off. Not to mention the one run. BGA threw a total of 36 pitches and only 16 of them for strikes. BGA's problem, besides his, let's make Dr. Andrews richer delivery, is that he doesn't have command of the strike zone. It is early in the AFL and maybe, just maybe, the light bulb will go off in his head. The boy has talent, it is just a matter of him learning how to harness it.

Andrew Miller to the AFL

craig — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 12:03:29 -0000

Andrew Miller is on his way to the Arizona Fall League.

In hopes of getting Miller on track, the Marlins have sent the lefty to the Arizona Fall League, where he will pitch for the Mesa Solar Sox.

"I've been given a lot of opportunities. I haven't necessarily taken them and run with them yet," Miller said. "But I still think I'm young. I think I have plenty of time to hopefully keep working towards that goal."

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An objective in the Fall League is to get Miller some innings while having him refine his delivery.

"I think there are some mechanical problems that are hampering me from throwing pitches where I want to," Miller said. "It's just a process. You have to figure it out as you go."

I guess the Marlins want Miller to face live hitting while he is trying to make adjustments. The AFL is where most the of best prospects go to show their wares. With most of the people who are in the stands at the games being GMs, Assistant GMs, Scouts or the like, it is proving showcase for the young. The Marlins first gained a lot of interest in Uggla from his play in the AFL.

Other players from the Marlins organization who will be joining BGA on the Mesa Solar Sox are pitchers Jay Buente, Garrett Parcell and Jay Voss. The position players are Matt Dominguez, Greg Burns, Bryan Petersen and Mike Stanton.

Washington Nationals: Top 5 Stories Of 2009. No. 3...Ryan Zimmerman's Hit Streak.

Ed Chigliak — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 08:37:01 -0000

More photos » by Pablo Martinez Monsivais - AP

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3Ryan Zimmerman's Hit Streak.

After going 1 for 4 with a double in the first game of 2009 against the Florida Marlins, Washington Nationals' third baseman Ryan Zimmerman was 0 for 5 in game two of the season-opening series with the Fish in what was then known as Dolphin Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. Zimmerman was 1 for 5 in game three, with his second double of '09 off Marlins' left-hander Andrew Miller in the sixth inning and his next-to-last at bat. Over the next six weeks, the Face of the Nationals' Franchise© would hit in 29-straight games before going 0 for 3 on the road in San Francisco to end a 30-game hit streak that caught the attention of the entire baseball world and ended with the 24-year-old, 5th-year pro hitting .357 with a .408 OBP, a .608 SLG and a 1.016 OPS...

"I'll tell you, it makes you appreciate how much 56 really is..."

(cont.)...

"I'll tell you, it makes you appreciate how much 56 really is," Zimmerman told Washington Post writer Chico Harlan, in an article entitled, "Zimmerman's Hit Streak Ends, but Nats Get Win", after his own streak had come to an end some 26 games away from Joe DiMaggio's mark, but DiMaggio's run is just one historical achievement of many in the New York Yankees' franchise lore, while Zimmerman's was one of the first positive stories out of DC since the team moved from Montreal in 2005. "He put us on the map a little bit with what he did," then-Nationals' skipper Manny Acta told the Washington Post's Mr. Harlan.

In 15 games of the 30-game streak, Zimmerman had just one hit. In 14 of the 30 games, Zimmerman would get a hit in his first at bat. There were just two real close calls in the span of the 30-game streak. In game 5 of 30, on April 13th in Philadelphia, Zimmerman hit in just 1 of 5 AB's, connecting on a ninth inning home run to keep THE STREAK alive, and on May 9th, in Arizona, in the 27th game, Zimmerman's home run in the 8th left him 1 for 4 on the day and the one hit was the difference in a 2-1 DC win.

Over the 30-game span of the streak, Zimmerman was 50 for 131, for a .382 AVG, with 11 doubles, 8 HR's and 26 RBI's, and when it was over, Zimmerman was hitting .357 with a .408 OBP in 33 games and 143 AB's. Ryan Zimmerman earned his first All-Star appearance in 2009 as a result of the first-half he put together. Zimmerman would go on to hit 37 doubles, 3 triples and a career-high 33 HR's in 2009, while collecting 106 RBI's and posting a career-best .292 AVG, .364 OBP, .525 SLG and an .888 OPS. With the longest hit-streak of the season and a career high in HR's, maybe Ryan Zimmerman's finally hit well enough to earn himself the Gold Glove this season...(laughs)...we'll see...

Miguel Cabrera - Thanks for saying No, Ned

Phil Gurnee — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 15:40:50 -0000

In November of 2007 I advocated very hard for Ned to trade for Miguel Cabrera as I felt he was a once in a generation type hitter available in a deal at his age. We had many a debate about who we should trade for him or even if we should trade for him here, and at Dodger Thoughts.

In this column I made the case on what I would offer for him knowing they were demanding Kemp/Kershaw but at no point would I have traded both of them. The next day I poked fun at the GM of the Marlins because of his exorbitant asking price from us compared to other teams.

In the end Miggy was traded for much less then I would have been willing to trade for him. Maybin may yet turn into a decent center fielder but probably not a star. Andrew Miller has been a complete bust.

Miggy on the other hand has done everything with the bat you could have hoped for. He did of course transition from 3rd to 1st just like I envisioned he would. However there is more to team building then hitting the hell out of the baseball and Miggy failed miserably on that front this weekend at a time when his team needs him at his best. Maybe that is his style and he can only perform when he's partied out from the night before. Heaven knows many players have done the same over the history of baseball. However this Dodger fan is now glad that Miggy is not performing his act in Dodgertown but in Detroit and that Matt Kemp is still patrolling centerfield for us.

Sorry, Florida Marlins, Sorry! Washington Nationals Win 5-3.

Ed Chigliak — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 03:30:10 -0000

More photos » by Jeffrey Boan - AP

"THE BIG OPPOSITE FIELD DOES IT AGAIN!!!" -- Washington Nationals' Adam Dunn hits a two-run home run off Florida Marlins' pitcher Josh Johnson during the first inning of a baseball game in Miami, Friday, Sept 11, 2009. (AP Photo/Jeffrey M. Boan)

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First and third, one out in the Florida Marlins' ninth. Washington's up 5-3 after DC closer Mike MacDougal gives up a HR to Dan Uggla to start the frame. Florida left fielder Chris Coghlan steps to the plate as the winning run. MacDougal throws three straight fastballs, 97, 97 and 96 and all on the outside corner looking for the doub--...

We Interrupt This Game Report For A Word From DC GM Mike Rizzo:

Mike Rizzo: "With the pitchers, with pitchers, I'm a big ground ball guy. I think ground balls are better than fly balls, because with a ground ball you have a chance to get two outs with one pitch..."

MacDougal's 3 outs into a 5-out save and he's two outs away from his 15th save in 16 opportunities, and he throws another fastball outside to the Marlins' outfielder, Coghlan connects and sends a ground ball out toward second where Cristian Guzman waits for it, fields, steps on second and throws to first, double play to end the Nationals' 49th win of 2009, and the first of the year on the road against Florida. Washington wins for just the 5th time in 16 games played against the Marlins this season, "The Big Opposite Field" Adam Dunn hits his 37th HR of '09 to left for a two-run blast in the first, Ryan Zimmerman hits #29 in the seventh after Mike Morse knocks in two with an RBI double to deep center in the sixth and J.D. Martin (4-4, 4.29 ERA) gets the Curly-W and climbs up to .500 with 5.0 IP in which he allows 2 hits, 4 walks and 2 runs.

[Mike Rizzo Points To His Head]...

Nationals win, 5-3 final.

Miss The Game? The DC Faithful Were Watching...

Check Out The SB Nation's Florida Marlins Blog: FishStripes - Open Thread And Ichthyomancy.

"Game 141: Only a little "interesting"..." - Doghouse.

BACKPAGE: (under construction - 11:20 pm)

• J.D. Martin Is Legit.

• #37 Goes Where?

• Mike Morse Wins It For DC...

For The Completists, Full Game Report After The JUMP...

Nationals now 49-92.

BACKPAGE: (under construction)...

• J.D. Martin Is Legit.

J.D. Martin gave up two runs in the bottom of the first, (on Hanley Ramirez's 23rd HR, a two-run blast after a one-out walk to Nick Johnson), letting Florida right back in the game after Adam Dunn's two-run HR in the top of the first off Marlins' right-hander Josh Johnson. Martin allows just one other hit and three walks over the next four innings, throwing 97 pitches in all, and popping up Jorge Cantu twice with two on to keep it tied. Tyler Clippard takes over for Martin in the sixth and throws 2.0 scoreless, striking out four and giving up just one hit. Jason Bergmann gets the first out of the eighth and hands the ball to Mike MacDougal who records the 5-out save to lock down Martin's 4th win.

• #37 Goes Where?

Adam Dunn took the first fastball he got from Josh Johnson in the first for a called strike, and he took the second one off the low outside corner and dropped it over the wall in left field for a 331ft HR over a 330ft fence. Dunn now needs just 3 HR's in the Nationals' last 20 games to get to the 40 HR mark he's reached or surpassed in each of the last 5 seasons. The Big Opposite Field goes to left again.

• Mike Morse Wins It For DC...

Mike Morse's two-run double to center might have gone out of some parks, but Morse hit the two-out line drive to straight center in Dolphin Stadium (ed. note - "What? Land Shark Park? Field? Land Shark Stadium? Are you serious? Whatever...") off Marlins' reliever Brian Sanches so it just fell into the outfield grass over Cameron Maybin's head to knock in Josh Willingham who'd walked to start the inning and Wil Nieves, who hit a two-out single to finally move Willingham to second. Morse now has 5 RBI's on 3 hits in his last 3 at bats.

GAME REPORT:

Washington Nationals At Florida Marlins. Game 141 Of 162.

Florida starter Josh Johnson walks Willie Harris in the first at bat of this evening’s game. Cristian Guzman, who’s starting at short, K’s swinging through a 2-2 slider inside. Ryan Zimmerman can’t catch up to a 95 mph two-strike fastball. Adam D- SHAKE N BAKE!! SHAKE N BAKE!!! Adam Dunn goes opposite field and just gets it over the fence at the end of the scoreboard. #37 for Dunn, 2-0 DC. Josh Willingham K’s looking to end the top of the first...J.D. Martin throws a two-strike fastball by Florida’s leadoff hitter, Chris Coghlan. NIck Johnson uses his Discerning Eye to draw a one-out walk and Hanley Ramirez ties it with one swing, slapping a first pitch fastball to left and GONE, 2-2 ballgame. Jorge Cantu flies out deep to center and Willie Harris. Josh Willingham takes a knee to catch a line drive from John Baker.

Elijah Dukes rips a single through short to start the second. Wil Nieves grounds to second and Dan Uggla throws it away trying for the force. First and second for J.D. Martin. Martin pops up a bunt attempt, and John Baker catches it. Willie Harris takes strike three on a low fastball outside...Dan Uggla flies out to Dukes in right. Cody Ross pops up the infield, Adam Dunn makes the catch. J.D. Martin hits the low inside corner with a two-strike heater to get Cameron Maybin looking.

Cristian Guzman pops out to left, Chris Coghlan sprints over to make the catch. Ryan Zimmerman walks with one down to give Dunn another chance. Johnson throws a 2-2 fastball by Adam Dunn. Josh Willingham takes a two-out walk. Elijah Dukes chops the third out to Cantu at, uh, third...Josh Johnson lines just over Guzman’s glove at short for a leadoff single. Chris Coghlan grounds to Pete Orr at second, Orr throws to first. Dukes goes back to the track to catch Nick Johnson’s fly ball out. Hanley Ramirez gets the intentionals. Jorge Cantu flies out to Willingham in left to end the third.

Pete Orr K’s swinging over a sharp slider inside. Wil Nieves grounds out to second. Josh Johnson blows J.D. Martin away with a fastballf for strike three...John Baker walks to start the Marlins’ fourth. Dan Uggla takes strike three on an 0-2 bender outside. Cody Ross moves the catcher over. Cameron Maybin grounds to short, Guzman takes the force at second.

Willie Harris walks to start the fifth. Cristian Guzman gets another one of those breaking balls inside, strike three. Ryan Zimmerman skies the second out to center. Adam Dunn grounds into the shift to end the top of the fifth...Gaby Sanchez hits for Johnson in the Fish’s fifth. J.D. Martin busts him inside to get Sanchez swinging. Guzman GOES TO HIS LEFT and just gets to a grounder from Chris Coghlan. J.D. Martin hits Nick Johnson. Hanley Ramirez gets the intentionals and Martin gets the groundout from Jorge Cantu to end the fifth.

Brian Sanches comes on for Florida and walks the first batter he faces, Josh Willingham. Elijah Dukes flies out to the track in left, just missed. Chris Coghlan catches the second out off Pete Orr’s bat. Wil Nieves rips a single over short to bring up Mike Morse with two on. Morse lines to deeep center and off Cameron Maybin at the wall. Two runs score, 4-2 DC. Willie Harris pops up to the infield to end the Nationals’ sixth...Crisitian Guzman charges and double pumps a throw to first to just get John Baker. Tyler Clippard vs Dan Uggla. Clippard throws a full-count change by Uggla up high. Clippard gets Cody Ross swinging too.

Andrew Miller takes over on the mound for the Marlins. Cristian Guzman sends a soft fly over second, Dan Uggla sprints into center to catch it. Ryan Zimmerman rips a fastball to left and over the out-of-town scoreboard for #29 of ‘09. 5-2 Nationals. Adam Dunn walks with one down. Josh Willingham grounds to short, Hanley Ramirez to Uggla to Johnson at first, double play...Clippard gets Cameron Maybin swinging at a high two-strike fastball. Pinch hitter Brett Hayes K’s too. Chris Coghlan flies out to right to end the seventh.

Christhian Martinez gets a fly ball out to center right from Dukes. Pete Orr flies out to left. Wil Nieves walks with two down. Clippard pops out behind second to end the top of the eighth...Clippard’s back and he gives up a leadoff double to deep center to Nick Johnson before Jim Riggleman lifts him. Jason Bergmann vs Hanley Ramirez. A wild pitch from Bergmann moves Nick Johnson to third. Hanley Ramirez eventually walks. Jorge Cantu pops out to the infield, Dunn catches it with two hands. Mike McDougal replaces Bergmann and gets two outs with one pitch, John Baker grounds to second, Orr to Guzman to Dunn, double play.

Willie Harris vs Christhian Martinez. Willie Harris walks again. Nick Johnson takes a force at second on a weak grounder by Cristian Guzman. Ryan Zimmerman hits it hard enough for an inning ending DP...MacDougal’s back. Dan Uggla takes a high outside fastball to left and into the second deck. 5-3 DC. Cody Ross lines a single to center. Ross Gload hits for Maybin. Brett Carroll comes on to run for Gload, who walks, and Emilio Bonifacio gets a pinch hit chance. MacDougal gets Bonifacio to chase a 1-2 sinker out of the zone. One down. Chris Coghlan grounds to short, Guzman fields, steps on second, throws to first, double play to end it!! Nationals win, 5-3 final.

Nationals now 49-92.

Andrew Miller recalled

craig — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 19:10:23 -0000

In other old news, the Marlins recalled Andrew Miller from New Orleans.

The Marlins recalled left-hander Andrew Miller a little earlier than expected.

Miller was set to join the club Tuesday in New York, but he was summoned in time for Sunday's series finale against the Nationals in case the need arose for a long man. Neither Burke Badenhop nor Cristhian Martinez was available.

Miller didn't exactly set the world on fire in his time in the Big Easy going 1-2 with a 7.71 ERA, 16 strikeouts, 13 walks in 11.2 innings. He did do better in his time in the GCL making 2 starts, going a total of 7 innings with 10 strikeouts, 4 walks for a 2.57 ERA.

BGA is expected to pitch out of the pen.

The walking wounded report

craig — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 12:58:07 -0000

Some sound okay, others are a bit away.

1B Nick Johnson isn’t in the lineup tonight and he didn’t sound very confident that he’d be able to play any of the games in Houston this week.

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Burke Badenhop (neck strain) threw two innings in a Gulf Coast League game last night. He’ll throw four innings for Jupiter on Saturday.

Andrew Miller (right ankle sprain) threw a simulated game today. He will throw 60 pitches Sunday in a Gulf Coast League game.

Until Nick Johnson is declared ready, look for Ross Gload to start at first against right-handers. Against left-handed starters it is anyone's guess but if I were betting I would expect to see Helms to playing third and Cantu at first. We will know more today since the Astros are starting a lefty. But I don't believe Gaby fits into the plans. He should, but I don't think he will.

Badenhop appears to be closer to returning than Miller. But neither are on the verge. If all goes well for the Hopper in Jupiter, he probably will pitch in Jacksonville just to make sure. (That is a guess.) But whatever happens the boys in the GCL and High-A are eating better than normal since the Hopper and Miller have to pay for the post-game spread.