Kitty Litter - The RGV Ocelots Blog

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Kitty Litter - The RGV Ocelots Blog

#1 Post by Matt »

With little time to write full length articles these days, I will blog what I can about the Ocelots.

THE OFF SEASON
The team seems rather content to go the bargain route in improving the pitching staff at this point. Between claiming Rafael Rodriguez on waivers from Charleston and FIVE Rule 5 draft choices, 3 of whom could see time in the rotation, the Ocelots seem unwilling to commit big dollars to improving the woeful staff. But in the long run, this might make the most sense. Rodriguez is a one year commitment at a reasonable price. The team is nowhere near contention, and would simply be happy to improve upon the meager 39 wins of last season. Obviously the team doesn't have the resources to build an entire staff via free agency, and what point would there be to paying 2 or 3 pitchers big bucks when the staff will obviously be a work in progress for the length of their contracts?

The team does seem determined to fill several holes in the lineup this off season if possible. The rumors surrounding the team suggest GM Matt Higgins is hell bent on finding long term solutions at SS and CF. While both positions have fine prospects at SS-A ball, shortstop Mike Woodward, the teams top prospect, is just 16 yrs old, and centerfielder Teruo Nagai, a 5th round pick in last years LRS draft, is just 18, so it's unlikely either will help the big club for at least 4 or 5 seasons. Rumor is the team would break the bank in order to fill either position with a long term solution.

TRADE RUMORS
The Ocelots have been surprisingly quiet this off season in the trade market, especially given the reputation of their GM. But we're told it's not for lack of trying. As one unnamed source in the Ocelots front office told us, it's a matter of a robust free agent class taking a lot of steam out of the trade market this off season. "We need some chips to fall in the free agent market before your going to see the trade market bust out of it's vapor lock. It's a league wide thing, everyone is waiting. The Ocelots have kicked some tires, but we have only two or three bullets in the clip when it comes to the trade market. We have to be patient."

The one persistent rumor seems to be the Ocelots trading down from their overall first pick in the next draft, though our source tells there is nothing to it. "It's been discussed, but the reward doesn't seem to be there given the risk." When pressed further about who the Ocelots could be targeting in the next draft, our source told us to expect the team to take a seriously hard look at Rice center fielder Tomas Flores. "It's an organizational need; he appears ready to be a star, and soon. Ownership is pushing for a pitcher, but the GM seems locked in on Flores."

PROSPECT SPOTLIGHT
The player to watch right now in the Ocelots organization is pitcher Makoto Shimizu, the Ocelots 2nd round pick in last years LRS draft. Shimizu put us some surprisingly good numbers in his first year of pro ball, even earning a promotion to A ball. In his 91.1 innings at SS-A and A ball, he walked just 16 while striking out 80, and he allowed just 1 HR. His 4 pitches are rather average, but he seems to mix things up well enough to keep hitters off balance. Scouts are raving about his progress in just one season of professional ball, and talk is he could be with the big club before the end of the upcoming season. He is unlikely to ever be an ace, in fact most scouts see his upside as being about a #4 starter. But his quick progress will certainly help an Ocelots team that is incredibly desperate for young pitching.
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Re: Kitty Litter - The RGV Ocelots Blog

#2 Post by Matt »

Ocelots to Rely On Young Leadoff Hitter

All indications are the Ocelots have soured on Jose Perez and have made the decision to give Takahiro Fujihara the starting job in right field as well as the leadoff spot in the Ocelots lineup. Fujihara was the organizations 1st round pick, 3rd overall, in the 2019 draft. He sped through the minor league system in less than a full season, compiling 75 at bats at A ball and just 178 at AAA before his promotion to the big club early in the 2020 season. While Fujihara struggled a little with the bat in his first season, batting just .242, he posted 7 triples and stole 19 bases despite just 208 plate appearances in a part time role, showing the speed that has the Ocelots convinced he can be a dynamic leadoff man. The Ocelots expect that as he matures and becomes more selective at the plate, his solid on base skills and blazing speed will put lots of pressure on opposing defenses. With his ability to hit the ball in the gaps as well as steal bases, he should be in scoring position quite regularly. "He's a weapon", one scout told us, "as he reaches his prime, you will probably see at least 2 or 3 seasons in which he steals 60 bags, and he should spend a decade stealing at least 40."

With Fujihara slated to start in RF, and Tada in LF, the corners of the Ocelots outfield figure to provide a lot of speed. Tada won an all leather award in LF in the LRS last season, and despite a .241 average he swatted 35 HR and stole 30 bases. But the big question in the Ocelots outfield remains, who will the team find to play centerfield?
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Re: Kitty Litter - The RGV Ocelots Blog

#3 Post by richard_v »

Rafael Rodriguez is probably better than his numbers from last season might suggest, if his control can be managed a but better then he's a reasonable pick up off of waivers. Simply put the Statesmen didn't see any major league use for him with the addition of pitchers through trade that we'd rather try out at this point.
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Re: Kitty Litter - The RGV Ocelots Blog

#4 Post by roncollins »

The Ocelots are one of the more intriguing story lines of the coming season. Can't wait to see what Matt does. :)
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Re: Kitty Litter - The RGV Ocelots Blog

#5 Post by Matt »

Statesmen wrote:Rafael Rodriguez is probably better than his numbers from last season might suggest, if his control can be managed a but better then he's a reasonable pick up off of waivers. Simply put the Statesmen didn't see any major league use for him with the addition of pitchers through trade that we'd rather try out at this point.
I liked Rodriguez a bit when he was with Kentucky. Being a one year commitment, it works for us to give the guy a chance at the bottom of the rotation. The control will be an issue, but he's pretty good at keeping the ball in the park which helps limit the damage. If we can get a low 4's era out of him, he'll help us.
Cliff Hangers wrote:The Ocelots are one of the more intriguing story lines of the coming season. Can't wait to see what Matt does. :)
Hell, I can't wait to see what Matt does. I came into the off-season with more resources than I am used to having to work with, but at the same time I have to remind myself we have the second lowest budget in the league. We can find some ways to improve a bit, but trying to balance short term improvement versus the long term goals is a bit taxing. I have wavered quite a bit over the course of the off season as to actually what approach I am going to take.
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Re: Kitty Litter - The RGV Ocelots Blog

#6 Post by Matt »

A 2-5 start. Plenty of blame to go around for that so I won't point fingers. Yet.

Fujihara showed to be the right move at 1b, batting .393 with 3 sb the first week. Pexego off to a nice start, hopefully he still has something in the tank, .417 with a HR and 6 rbi. The Ocelots stole 15 bases for the week, dominating the league in that category, though it rarely translated into runs being scored, as the team was held to 3 or less run in 5 games, scored 4 in another, and only managed more than that once, in an 8-7 win over Amsterdam.

The dreadful offensive start has led to two quick changes to the Ocelots roster. Signed as minor league free agents this week, C Doug Fowler and SS Trevor Veeneman move right into starting roles, with C Murdoch being waived and designated for assignment, and 2b Mendez taking a trip to Texarkana (AAA).

Fowler is an interesting upgrade for the Ocelots. He had excellent minor league numbers, but could never break through sitting behind talented catchers in first Crystal Lake and later Gloucester. For the first time the switch hitting Fowler will have the full time job, tutoring catcher in waiting Suzuki. It will be interesting to see how Fowler does with a chance at regular at bats.

Veeneman is an 11 year veteran of the winter leagues, where he mostly played cards on the reserve roster, with minimal at bats mostly coming in the last two seasons. An excellent glove man with leadership ability, Veeneman also has speed and fits well into the Ocelots running game. He is also a left handed hitter, a sorely needed commodity in RGV, and he will take over the starting shortstop job with Oyama, as originally planned, moving over to second base.

Other notable minor league free agent signings by the Ocelots this week include former Aurora 2b Orlando Lopez, and former Crystal Lake RF Matt Holcomb. The Ocelots aren't impressed with Lopez's glove, but if he has anything left in the bat he could see time in the RGV infield if the offensive woes continue. Ditto for Holcomb, the glove is an issue, but he has some left handed power. Both will bide their time in AAA for the moment.
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Re: Kitty Litter - The RGV Ocelots Blog

#7 Post by Matt »

Week 1 Awards

Pitcher of the week: Bob Harris. He left his first start early, after 2.1 innings with a sore back, but came back on Sunday to allow just 1 run over 8 innings in a much needed 2-1 win over New Orleans. On the week, 10.1 innings, 1 ER, 7 h, 2 bb, 10 k.

Honorable mention to Patrick Barraclough, who gave us 9.2 innings in 4 appearances out of the bullpen, allowing just 2 runs, and picking up the teams only other win on the week.

Pitching goat of the week: 'Ace' Domingo Hernandez. Hernandez was decent in his first start, allowing 4 runs over 8 innings in a 5-4 loss, then was lit up for 6 runs in 1.2 innings in his second start. The 4 HR allowed on the week and 2 losses sealed the award.


Hitter of the week: Octavio Pexego, .417 with a HR and 6 rbi.

Honorable mention: Takahiro Fujihara, .393, 3 doubles, a triple, and 3 stolen bags.

Hitting goat of the week: 3b Toshiyuki Yoshida. .091? Really dude?
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Re: Kitty Litter - The RGV Ocelots Blog

#8 Post by Matt »

The off day on Monday will let the Ocelots skip the struggling Floyd Davis this time through the rotation, and he will temporarily move to the bullpen. Patrick Barraclough, who has been outstanding all spring in a bullpen role, will make the start on Saturday at Florida when the Ocelots next need a 5th starter. With an off day on the 22nd, the team won't need a 5th starter again after that until the 27th, when the situation will be re-evaluated. It's possible the Ocelots will ask Hernandez and Harris to work on 3 days rest on the 27th and 28th, respectively, and delay using a 5th starter again until May 4th.
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Re: Kitty Litter - The RGV Ocelots Blog

#9 Post by Matt »

Week 2 Awards

Hitter of the week: for the 2nd week in a row, Octavio Pexego, .421 with a HR and 4 rbi

Honorable mention: 35 yr old rookie shortstop Trevor Veeneman, .357 with 5 rbi

Hitting goat of the week: Masayuki Tada, .050 (1 for 20) with 7 k's. Exhibit A for why the team was shutout 3 times this week.


Pitcher of the week: Jose Avalos, who was 1-1 3.38 on the week. He went 8 innings and allowed 3 runs in both starts. He picked up the win in a 4-3 victory over Kentucky, but took the loss in a 3-0 shutout at the hands of Florida. He went the distance in the Florida loss, saving the bullpen.

Honorable mention: Domingo Hernandez, who went 8.2 innings in a 9-3 win over Kentucky.

Pitching goat of the week: Patrick Barraclough, who allowed 6 runs in 5.2 innings in a loss to Florida. After having been so good in relief, his spot start shows he doesn't belong in the rotation. Back to the pen.
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Re: Kitty Litter - The RGV Ocelots Blog

#10 Post by Matt »

Juan Rosa, acquired on waivers from Arlington this week, takes over as the new starting right fielder for the Ocelots. Rosa is the type of guy we had been looking for to fill the 2 hole in our lineup. He has a .302 career average at all levels combined and the 26 yr old makes excellent contact, a perfect fit for an offense who likes to put runners in motion. Atte Marjamaa was placed on waivers to create room for Rosa.

With the arrival of Rosa, Edgar Valentin will shift over to CF and platoon with Millard Anderson. Pablo Cabrera will play RF against left handed batters with Rosa moving to DH on the rare occasions we face a southpaw. Tada in LF and Rosa will play virtually everyday, meaning Valentin, Cabrera and Anderson will be splitting up the remaining at bats. Look for Anderson to see time as defensive replacement in CF and Cabrera as a defensive replacement in RF.

Another notable waiver wire claim this week was 2b Alejandro Alvarado, claimed from WV. The 25 yr old infielder will be groomed to take over at 2b next season, and fill the 9 hole in the lineup. Alvarado has slightly better than average defensive ability and a very good eye at the plate, in addition to solid speed. He has a .378 career obp in the minors, making him a pretty good on base type for a player being tabbed to bat at the bottom of the order. For now he will work at AA to improve his defense at 2b, teaming with future middle infield partner Barron in the middle of the Medicine Hat infield.

On the pitching side of things, two notable waiver wire claims that will see immediate action in RGV. SP Cesar Hernandez, claimed from Florida, will get a chance in the RGV rotation. Hernandez is a guy who seems to outpitch his scouting reports. He has worked 180 or more innings in 3 of the last 4 seasons at AAA, and he has kept his ERA in the mid to upper 3's in 4 of the last 5 seasons he has pitched above A ball. The 28 yr old right hander could never break into the talented Florida rotation, but we're willing to take a look and see what he can do.

Sadayoshi "Yoshi" Yamamoto, a 28 yr old right hander claimed off waivers from Okinawa, will get a chance to show what he can do in the RGV bullpen. While Yamamoto hasn't had the consistent success that Hernandez has displayed, he does carry a career 3.62 era at all levels combined in his career, good enough to get a look. The fact that he could start a game if needed increases his value to our organization.

To make room on the roster for Hernandez and Yamamoto, Stephen Clark was optioned to AAA where he will go back into the rotation to continue his development, while Rafael Rodriguez was waived and designated for assignment. We expect Rodriguez and his salary will clear waivers and wind up at AAA Texarkana in a couple of weeks. We anticipate Rodriguez playing a role with the Ocelots again this season, but for now we need to look at some guys as we plan for the future.

On the injury front, catcher Roger Bruce starts a rehab assignment this week, and will return to the Ocelots in two weeks. Barring further injuries, his return will create a dilemma for the Ocelots as they will be faced with having 3 catchers on the roster. The likely scenario has CF Anderson going to AAA for awhile, with Bruce and Fowler platooning at C, Suzuki platooning with Pexego at DH, and Cabrera platooning with Valentin in CF. SP Darryl 'Quagmire' Lewis is set to begin a rehab assignment next week.

The Ocelots will go with a 4 man rotation this week. Barraclough returns to the bullpen, and Onishi will miss his start this week and pitch in relief as well. Cesar Hernandez takes Onishi's spot in the rotation for now. The Ocelots will next need a 5th starter on the 28th, and it's highly doubtful Cesar Hernandez will be asked to work on 3 days rest. The likely scenario has Floyd Davis returning to the rotation at that point.

The coming week will see the Ocelots on the road for 3 @ Charleston, and after an off day a 3 game set @ Hartford. Following the Hartford series, the Ocelots will come home to play 20 of their next 24 games.

Minor League Report...
After a 5-20 7.50 season at Kawaguchi last year, Kyoshi Murakami is on the verge of pitching himself right out of the organization. He is 0-3 9.22 in 3 starts at Texarkana, and with a numbers game likely at RGV when Lewis returns, Murakami has little room for error if he wants to hold onto his roster spot at AAA.

The players to watch at AAA are the infield combination of highly touted SS Orlando Barron, 3b Oliver Lucero, and newly acquired 2b Alejandro Alvarado. SS Barron has gotten off to a fine start at AA, completely bypassing A ball, batting .286 with a .385 obp in his first two weeks. He has 4 doubles, a triple, 9 walks, and 3 stolen bags. He is likely to be in RGV much quicker than some pundits believe. 3b Lucero is batting .309 with a hr and 7 rbi, as well as 2 swiped bags. The plan right now is for this group to be the starting infield in RGV in 2022.

Ryosei Ikarashi has picked up right where he left off last season, with the AA left fielder batting .294/.362 with 3 HR and 13 RBI. Ikarishi could also be looking at job in the RGV as soon as next season. At least some consideration is being given to converting Ikarishi to CF in the near future. He range isn't quite what the Ocelots would prefer, but some work at winter ball next off season might go a long ways towards making Ikarishi an acceptable center fielder.
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Re: Kitty Litter - The RGV Ocelots Blog

#11 Post by Cole »

Matt,

Are we able to get CP for blog contributions now, or does everything still have to be on the main page, linked up, etc?

Just wondering, as my time limitations probably lend themselves more to me doing a blog rather than full blown articles now.. But... I'd love it if somehow we could get CP for them. Not sure if that ever changed or not.
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Re: Kitty Litter - The RGV Ocelots Blog

#12 Post by Denny »

Cole, you get CP for everything that you post on the forums, which would include anything in your blog.
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Re: Kitty Litter - The RGV Ocelots Blog

#13 Post by richard_v »

i didn't expect to see Rodriguez get dropped quite as quickly as that. Figured Charleston was just a bad season and/or bad fit for him and a change of scene would do him good.
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Re: Kitty Litter - The RGV Ocelots Blog

#14 Post by Cole »

Codgers wrote:Cole, you get CP for everything that you post on the forums, which would include anything in your blog.
I am inquiring about writing CP, not just forum post CP.

I know we get CP for having forum posts, but I am curious if it has been implemented where we can earn points for writing something that isn't on the main page itself.
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Re: Kitty Litter - The RGV Ocelots Blog

#15 Post by Matt »

Statesmen wrote:i didn't expect to see Rodriguez get dropped quite as quickly as that. Figured Charleston was just a bad season and/or bad fit for him and a change of scene would do him good.
We're not done with him yet. We just need a spot to try some things and we figured he would get through waivers easily because of his contract.
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