[Official] Astros @ Giants

[Castor27]

All series talk goes in here. DO NOT GIVE PLAY-BY-PLAY! If you need PBP try Yahoo, ESPN, or Sportsline.



4-11 Taylor Buchholz, RHP (No record) vs. Matt Morris, RHP (1-0, 1.42) 9:15 on FSSW

4-12 Brandon Backe, RHP (1-0, 1.50) vs. Matt Cain, RHP (0-0, 6.00) 9:15 on FSSW

4-13 Roy Oswalt, RHP (1-0, 3.14) vs. Jamey Wright, RHP (1-0, 5.14) 2:35 on FSSW

[Kerfeld]

First... Stros take two out three.

[Nick]

We've owned Matt Morris and Jamey Wright in the past.

Also, have you checked out Mike Lamb's career numbers (esp. last year) against Matt Morris? The guy has like a HR every single time he's faced him... including playoffs.

I wouldn't be suprised if Gar finds a way to work him in the lineup tonight.

[Groogrux]

WWW

I'm pumped about watching Buchholz tonight.

[MadMax]

LWW

roll on, 'stros!

[shawn786]

I really wana see what Bucholz has got. Im readdy for the game to start!

[rrj_gamz]

LWW...I think we can continue the momentum, a little...

Go Stros!

[FranchiseBlade]

I would like to see the Astros get another win. They are making me wish I purchased the season pass for Baseball so I could watch all of their games. They have had some exciting ones.

I might become a vegetable though, with NBA and MLB season passes.

[MadMax]

I would like to see the Astros get another win. They are making me wish I purchased the season pass for Baseball so I could watch all of their games. They have had some exciting ones.

I might become a vegetable though, with NBA and MLB season passes.

you can still purchase it, right? how much does it cost?

[bobrek]

you can still purchase it, right? how much does it cost?

It was $159 during last week's preview. You can probably get it for $159-$179 now.

I purchased the mlbtv package for $80. As far as I can tell, every single non-nationally televised game will be available, plus if I do any travelling this season, I'll be able to watch games wherever I am.

If I don't want to watch the game on my computer, I hook my laptop up to my TV.

The quality is surprisingly good.

[gunn]

S"WWW"eep!

[MadMax]

It was $159 during last week's preview. You can probably get it for $159-$179 now.

I purchased the mlbtv package for $80. As far as I can tell, every single non-nationally televised game will be available, plus if I do any travelling this season, I'll be able to watch games wherever I am.

If I don't want to watch the game on my computer, I hook my laptop up to my TV.

The quality is surprisingly good.

i thought about waiting until the all-star break and buying the rest of the season at $99, like they offered last year. that way you can watch key stuff down the stretch.

[FranchiseBlade]

i thought about waiting until the all-star break and buying the rest of the season at $99, like they offered last year. that way you can watch key stuff down the stretch.
I might bring up the idea of the half season package. If I can convince my wife that we don't need to eat for a couple days out of the week, we will have the money in no time! :D

Seriously I will have to check into it. I'm a junky in need of a fix for Astros baseball right now.

[msn]

Only 2 off from my original prediction, so I'll stay the course.

WWW

[MadMax]

I might bring up the idea of the half season package. If I can convince my wife that we don't need to eat for a couple days out of the week, we will have the money in no time! :D

Seriously I will have to check into it. I'm a junky in need of a fix for Astros baseball right now.


yeah...my wife always looks at me weird when i say i'm gonna buy something like that. if i told her we were taking the family to ONE game and it would cost $100 she wouldn't think twice about it. but to buy them on TV??? huh??? "don't we already have Dish Network?? can't you already see the Astros???"

but she's learning. she's so completely outnumbered...i have two children..both boys! :) my plan is in place!!! (evil laugh)

[kaleidosky]

WLW

And I got mlb.tv for this month to check it out to decide...$15 per month. Which is only $10 extra if you pay through September by month. And yeah, pretty good quality. And yeah, will get day games at work ;)

[bobrek]

yeah...my wife always looks at me weird when i say i'm gonna buy something like that. if i told her we were taking the family to ONE game and it would cost $100 she wouldn't think twice about it. but to buy them on TV??? huh??? "don't we already have Dish Network?? can't you already see the Astros???"

but she's learning. she's so completely outnumbered...i have two children..both boys! :) my plan is in place!!! (evil laugh)

Sounds like it's time for an early Father's Day present.

[MadMax]

Sounds like it's time for an early Father's Day present.

or this:

"honey...this is about bonding with the boys. we play a little ball out in the backyard...we come in and watch some games together. just like my dad did with me."

all said in a very sweet, soft voice.

[FranchiseBlade]

yeah...my wife always looks at me weird when i say i'm gonna buy something like that. if i told her we were taking the family to ONE game and it would cost $100 she wouldn't think twice about it. but to buy them on TV??? huh??? "don't we already have Dish Network?? can't you already see the Astros???"

but she's learning. she's so completely outnumbered...i have two children..both boys! :) my plan is in place!!! (evil laugh)
If I want kids before this season is over, we will have to adopt. Dang! I could tell her that I can't be a good uncle to her new nephew unless I get all the games. The boy's father is a die-hard White Sox fan. So he is going to need some balance if he's to have the hope of a good future.

[rezdawg]

I'll go with a LWW, but I wouldnt be surprised if we never lost again. Ever.

Go stros!

[MadMax]

If I want kids before this season is over, we will have to adopt. Dang! I could tell her that I can't be a good uncle to her new nephew unless I get all the games. The boy's father is a die-hard White Sox fan. So he is going to need some balance if he's to have the hope of a good future.

i consider it your duty as a family member to get that straightened out.

[wrath_of_khan]

If I keep predicting sweeps, I'm going to be right eventually:

W
W
W

:)

[Buck Turgidson]

but she's learning. she's so completely outnumbered...i have two children..both boys! :) my plan is in place!!! (evil laugh)
Yo...picked up a coupla extra posters at the park yesterday...you want one for the kids?

[MadMax]

Yo...picked up a coupla extra posters at the park yesterday...you want one for the kids?

man, that would be great!!! thank you!!!!!

and my email is fixed...hooray!!! :D

[Buck Turgidson]

You got it, Max. Maybe rm95 can pick one up & get it to ya, since he's on the westside & all.

[MadMax]

You got it, Max. Maybe rm95 can pick one up & get it to ya, since he's on the westside & all.

he's coming to my son's game tomorrow, i think.

[Groogrux]

he's coming to my son's game tomorrow, i think.

I don't think I'll see Buck before then. Unless he wants to roll with me to the game tomorrow because I'll be heading back his way after the game.

[MadMax]

I don't think I'll see Buck before then. Unless he wants to roll with me to the game tomorrow because I'll be heading back his way after the game.

that's cool...shot in the dark.

no big deal, buck. we'll figure it out.

[Buck Turgidson]

I don't think I'll see Buck before then.
They're at your old place...you can have one too (for your...err...kids).

[Groogrux]

They're at your old place...you can have one too (for your...err...kids).

Want to roll tomorrow? The game's at 6, then I was planning on going over to their place and maybe watch some of that DVD I won before the late start. We can go watch the next Craig Biggio out by my place then head back in.

[boomer83]

Let's make a deal with God,

If Yao and Tmac can be healthy all of next season

We wont care if the Stros lose every game this season

[MadMax]

Let's make a deal with God,

If Yao and Tmac can be healthy all of next season

We wont care if the Stros lose every game this season

sorry..no can do.

[Buck Turgidson]

We've owned Matt Morris and Jamey Wright in the past.

Also, have you checked out Mike Lamb's career numbers (esp. last year) against Matt Morris? The guy has like a HR every single time he's faced him... including playoffs.

I wouldn't be suprised if Gar finds a way to work him in the lineup tonight.
5-14 w/ 3 dongs & a double.

I'd start him at 1st, put Lance in LF & give Preston the day off. Can realign for defense later in the game (Lance back to 1st, PW in LF).

Biggio has struggled against Morris, might be a good day to give him some rest & start Burke.

Stros vs. Morris here: http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/bvsp?playerId=3623

[Buck Turgidson]

Want to roll tomorrow? The game's at 6, then I was planning on going over to their place and maybe watch some of that DVD I won before the late start. We can go watch the next Craig Biggio out by my place then head back in.
Could be a plan.

[Groogrux]

Could be a plan.

Cool. Just e-mail me at work if you want to do that. We can work out the logistics and what not.

[DVauthrin]

5-14 w/ 3 dongs & a double.

I'd start him at 1st, put Lance in LF & give Preston the day off. Can realign for defense later in the game (Lance back to 1st, PW in LF).

Biggio has struggled against Morris, might be a good day to give him some rest & start Burke.

Stros vs. Morris here: http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/bvsp?playerId=3623

Actually, I'd sit Lane in your scenario right now. I thought biggio would get one of the two day games off actually but he didn't.

[Uprising]

We've owned Matt Morris and Jamey Wright in the past.

Also, have you checked out Mike Lamb's career numbers (esp. last year) against Matt Morris? The guy has like a HR every single time he's faced him... including playoffs.

I wouldn't be suprised if Gar finds a way to work him in the lineup tonight.


I know man, I remember that from last season when Lamb owned him. great stuff.

As for the game. I see a WWW.astrossweep.com

GO STROS!!!!!

[Raven Lunatic]

What I saw of the short relief stint by Buchholz impressed me. His curveball has such a sharp break to it, you almost mistake it for a slider. If he can spot his fastball, he will be a very effective #5 starter. And apparently, according to my wife, he is incredibly good looking. But my wife seems to think every Astro is good looking, except Adam Everett. So maybe she just likes guys in uniform.

[Nick]

5-14 w/ 3 dongs & a double.

I'd start him at 1st, put Lance in LF & give Preston the day off. Can realign for defense later in the game (Lance back to 1st, PW in LF).

Biggio has struggled against Morris, might be a good day to give him some rest & start Burke.

Stros vs. Morris here: http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/bvsp?playerId=3623

Plus, Lamb added another double and HR in game 3 of the 2005 NLCS... and he also had a HR against him in game 6 of the 2004 NLCS.

Needless to say, its more than just a statistical anomaly... the guy knows how to hit Matty Mo.

As for tonight, I don't think you can sit Preston... he's got it going, and with him being so "streaky", you've got to ride it out as long as possible. Lane might be able to use a day off... and Lance could handle the small RF in Pac Bell pretty easily.

Hell, could we see a lineup of Wilson in CF (which he played a lot of in ST), and Lamb gets 1B and takes Willy T's spot in the lineup?

In th end, however, I wouldn't be suprised if Garner just stayed the course, and didn't change the lineup at all... he's the anti-Jimy when it comes to mixing up lineups, and making early pitching changes.

[Raven Lunatic]

Hell, could we see a lineup of Wilson in CF (which he played a lot of in ST), and Lamb gets 1B and takes Willy T's spot in the lineup?

In th end, however, I wouldn't be suprised if Garner just stayed the course, and didn't change the lineup at all... he's the anti-Jimy when it comes to mixing up lineups, and making early pitching changes.

I could see this happening a lot more over the course of the season, actually. Of all the hitters in our lineup right now, I think Willy T is the hitter in a position that can be replaced (with Wilson, assuming his knees hold up) that is most likely to struggle and underperform. I just wonder how good Preston's knees are now, and how many games out of the season he would be able to handle CF without causing too much strain. Because even in games when you want to keep Berkman at first, that would be a good way to get Burke some time in LF...or Bruntlett even.

[Jackfruit]

I'm in Dallas and haven't been able to see a single Astros game yet. Not one!!! Im relegated to watching the Dallas Stars and the Best Damn Sports Show :(

[LongTimeFan]

I haven't been able to watch any Astros games, but how impressing has Preston Wilson been? I see ESPN making a deal about Thome with 4 HRs... Well we have two guys with 4! Is Preston the outfield offense we've been looking for?

[Uprising]

That sucks man. If I was still up in Dallas I would so have the package for viewing every Astros game. I hate to pay exta money, but I'd die if I was still up there.

[Raven Lunatic]

Damn, I just realized how late tonight's game is. I'm not going to be able to watch Taylor live like I want, since I have to wake up at 4:30 AM...damn work. I guess I'll tape it and watch it if we win or if Taylor pitches well.

[Tb-Cain]

Don't get many Rockets games up here in Austin, but at least we do get the Astros. We'll see what happens if the Marlins move to SA...

[TMac640]

yeah...my wife always looks at me weird when i say i'm gonna buy something like that. if i told her we were taking the family to ONE game and it would cost $100 she wouldn't think twice about it. but to buy them on TV??? huh??? "don't we already have Dish Network?? can't you already see the Astros???"

but she's learning. she's so completely outnumbered...i have two children..both boys! :) my plan is in place!!! (evil laugh)

and plus her opinion doesn't count because she's a woman! har har!

[MadMax]

and plus her opinion doesn't count because she's a woman! har har!

that kind of thinking will put you on the couch at night!

[MadMax]

Could be a plan.

we'd love to have you out there..but please don't feel obligated just because of those posters!! :)

[Buck Turgidson]

we'd love to have you out there..but please don't feel obligated just because of those posters!! :)
Ehhh...just remembered I have a Passover seder to go to with the sister-in-law's family. Wine & food w/ the jew crew will have to take precedent. Maybe next time though - I hit a couple of our friends' kids Bellaire LL games last weekend, good stuff.

[MadMax]

Ehhh...just remembered I have a Passover seder to go to with the sister-in-law's family. Wine & food w/ the jew crew will have to take precedent. Maybe next time though - I hit a couple of our friends' kids Bellaire LL games last weekend, good stuff.

let me know. we have about 5 games left. one on a weekday and one on a saturday virtually every week.

the church i'm going to is doing a seder dinner. cool stuff.

[Buck Turgidson]

Actually, I'd sit Lane in your scenario right now. I thought biggio would get one of the two day games off actually but he didn't.
Yeah, I expected Biggio to sit yesterday.

Wilson v. Lane's kinda a tossup. Lane's had success in limited AB's versus Morris (2-5 w/ a bomb in the reg season, had an rbi single in the 05 NLCS). He's been getting good ab's the past 3-4 games & may be on the verge of one of his patented hot streaks. Wilson's on a roll (though his home run yesterday was a wind aided 317 ft. towering popup) but I was thinking his legs might use a break.

Looks like serious rain in SF tonight, so this may all be moot.

[My Lund]

Let's make a deal with God,

If Yao and Tmac can be healthy all of next season

We wont care if the Stros lose every game this season


NO SIR Never ever. The Rockets season is over man why dont you sit back and enjoy the Astros.

[My Lund]

and plus her opinion doesn't count because she's a woman! har har!

I have a solution for you Max. Whenever I was married I just bought the package and never told my wife. She always assumed that it was part of the dish network programming that I got all the Astros games in New Jersey ;) what she dont know aint gonna hurt her!!

[MadMax]

I have a solution for you Max. Whenever I was married I just bought the package and never told my wife. She always assumed that it was part of the dish network programming that I got all the Astros games in New Jersey ;) what she dont know aint gonna hurt her!!


what could possibly go wrong??? :D

honestly, she doesn't make a big deal about any of this.

[boomer83]

NO SIR Never ever. The Rockets season is over man why dont you sit back and enjoy the Astros.


CHUTIA

LOL at your screen name

[My Lund]

CHUTIA

LOL at your screen name
Come on now :D

[Blatz]

http://www.weather.com/outlook/events/sports/hourbyhour/37320:20?from=36hr_topnav_sports

The forecast doesn't look good for tonight.

[Saint Louis]

http://www.weather.com/outlook/events/sports/hourbyhour/37320:20?from=36hr_topnav_sports

The forecast doesn't look good for tonight.


Rain out. Doubleheader on Thursday.

link (http://http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/12268947/)

[Nick]

Stadiums without roofs suck! :D

This actually helps us... we'd have likely needed the bullpen with T. Buchholz making his debut, and they were all worked pretty hard yesterday (and this entire weekend, for that matter).

I'm not sure how they're going to do the starting pitching now... they'd probably still throw Buccholz tommorow so he can get it done with, and then give Brandon an extra day of rest.

Also, since double-headers are normally taxing on the bullpen, its a good thing that Roy will probably start the last game... normally, you shouldn't need that much of a bullpen with him out there (that last washington game not-withstanding).

[Surfguy]

Crikey! No Astros!

ARGH!!!

I need my Astros fix. :(

[rikesh316]

My gues pitching rotation for the road trip

Wednesday-Taylor Bucholtz
Thursday-Brandon Backe, Fernando Nieve
Friday-Roy Oswalt
Saturday-Andy Petitite
Sunday-Wandy

Everybody gets a extra day off if they go by this schedule or they could just start Nieve on Sunday and go by that schedule but thats doubtful IMO.

[Buck Turgidson]

Why would Nieve start at all?

[rikesh316]

Why would Nieve start at all?

Because of the DH, you have to have a 6th starter because 6 games in 5 days.

[Buck Turgidson]

Because of the DH, you have to have a 6th starter because 6 games in 5 days.
Not in this series though.

Backe, Oswalt-Buchholz, Pettitte, Wandy, Nieve (presumably) is what Garner's planning.

[JunkyardDwg]

Rain out?! That's it, every game should be played at MM from now on... stupid open stadiums.

[Miguel]

12-Backe
13-Roy O/Buchholz
14-Pettitte
15-Wandy
16-Nieve
17-Backe
18-Roy O
19-Pettitte
20----------OFFDAY
21-Buchholz
22-Backe
23-Roy O
24-Pettitte
25-Wandy
26-Buchholz
27----------OFFDAY

[Uprising]

Rain out?! That's it, every game should be played at MM from now on... stupid open stadiums.

THat why its not on tv? I was wondering. I see the stars game and the Rangers baseball. I was like WTF?!!!!!!

I live in CS, I don't want to see Dallas s***.

Thankgod for MMP. Like you said....all those other parks suck ass.

I wish the double header would be tomorow. I'm off all day.....

I'm going to miss the day game on Thursday. But I'll see the night one.

[texanskan]

My gues pitching rotation for the road trip

Wednesday-Taylor Bucholtz
Thursday-Brandon Backe, Fernando Nieve
Friday-Roy Oswalt
Saturday-Andy Petitite
Sunday-Wandy

Everybody gets a extra day off if they go by this schedule or they could just start Nieve on Sunday and go by that schedule but thats doubtful IMO.

It's gonna be Backe tomorrow and then Roy O and Buchiltz in no perticular order Thursday then Pettite Fri and Wandy Sat and probally Nieve on Sunday since Backe will be on short rest

[Shaji]

details about rotation from astros.com (http://houston.astros.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060411&content_id=1395708&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou)

Astros rained out in Bay Area
Steady downpours force doubleheader Thursday
By Alyson Footer / MLB.com

SAN FRANCISCO -- The Houston Astros' opener in San Francisco on Tuesday was called due to steady downpours, and the game will be made up as part of a day-night doubleheader on Thursday.

Game 1 of the doubleheader between the Astros and Giants will begin at 2:35 p.m. CT. Game 2 will start at 8:05 p.m. PT. Originally, Thursday's game was scheduled for 2:35.

Because manager Phil Garner prefers to disrupt the schedules of as few starting pitchers as possible, Taylor Buchholz is going to have to wait two days to make his first Major League start. Instead of slotting Buchholz, Tuesday's starter, in for Wednesday's game, Brandon Backe will make his scheduled start Wednesday, and Buchholz will start the second game of the doubleheader Thursday.

Roy Oswalt will start the first game Thursday, and Andy Pettitte will, as originally scheduled, pitch the series opener in Arizona Friday.

Alyson Footer is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

[MadMax]

The forecast for SF has rain all day long today, as well. Looking at the radar, it looks like they're in for a very wet day there again.

[Groogrux]

The forecast for SF has rain all day long today, as well. Looking at the radar, it looks like they're in for a very wet day there again.

I will be pissed.

[MadMax]

90% chance of rain

http://www.wunderground.com/radar/radblast.asp?zoommode=zoom&num=1&delay=15&scale=1.000&noclutter=0&ID=MUX&type=N0R&lat=37.77500916&lon=-122.41825867&label=San Francisco, CA&showstorms=0&map.x=301&map.y=108&centerx=400&centery=240

[Surfguy]

At this point, we will be lucky if we get a single game in at SF. I won't hold my breath.

[Groogrux]

90% chance of rain

http://www.wunderground.com/radar/radblast.asp?zoommode=zoom&num=1&delay=15&scale=1.000&noclutter=0&ID=MUX&type=N0R&lat=37.77500916&lon=-122.41825867&label=San Francisco, CA&showstorms=0&map.x=301&map.y=108&centerx=400&centery=240

I will be pissed.

[Buck Turgidson]

Should be able to get the DH in tomorrow, but today looks like a wash.

Which is cool, I wasn't going to be able to watch the game tonight anyway. All-day baseball tomorrow will be supercool.

[arkoe]

Should be able to get the DH in tomorrow, but today looks like a wash.

Which is cool, I wasn't going to be able to watch the game tonight anyway. All-day baseball tomorrow will be supercool.

You know what that means.

TRIPLE HEADER.

[pgabriel]

George : Greetings, people. Greetings. Greetings and salutations. What a beautiful day for a ball game. Let's play two! ( Sits down, says to waitress :)

Oh, I'll have the chicken salad on rye, my usual, you know what I get, darlin'. ( Turns to the Gang ) So, let's see, I had a little conversation today with Mr Don Mattingly - he's the first base man. We talked about his new batting stance, you know, I'm not crazy about it, but I said , "Donny, go with it 'till it stops workin'." Donny baseball. He's a helluva guy.

[MadMax]

George : Greetings, people. Greetings. Greetings and salutations. What a beautiful day for a ball game. Let's play two! ( Sits down, says to waitress :)

Oh, I'll have the chicken salad on rye, my usual, you know what I get, darlin'. ( Turns to the Gang ) So, let's see, I had a little conversation today with Mr Don Mattingly - he's the first base man. We talked about his new batting stance, you know, I'm not crazy about it, but I said , "Donny, go with it 'till it stops workin'." Donny baseball. He's a helluva guy.

i love that! :D

[rezdawg]

I hate when games get rained out...I look forward to them all day, only to check the computer and see "PPD". FU@^!

Rain outs hurt my feelings.

[msn]

I hate when games get rained out...I look forward to them all day, only to check the computer and see "PPD". FU@^!

Rain outs hurt my feelings.
I've hated rainouts with a passion ever since little league.

Anybody else remember the killjoy of getting to the park after a long day of school, glove in hand, only to have the damn rain ruin the afternoon for everybody?

[msn]

Funny!


If past trips to San Francisco are any indication, many (of Lane's) family friends also will show up to say hello, even though they haven't told Lane they're coming.

Lane made his first trip with the Astros to San Francisco as a rookie in 2002. Much to his supporters' dismay, he was introduced as Doug Brocail, the former Astros reliever.

Lane article (http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/bb/3788400.html)

[Groogrux]

I just wish the official word will come now. I got a hall pass from the wife tonight and I'm going to be pissed if there's no baseball.

[No Worries]

90% chance of rain

SF is in Cali, right? WTF is up with that!

[MadMax]

90% chance of rain

SF is in Cali, right? WTF is up with that!

it never rains in SOUTHERN california

http://california.hotels-us.info/images/california/map-california.gif


http://i15.ebayimg.com/03/c/01/a3/20/9d_7.JPG

[pgabriel]

love that tony toni tone album, of course it rains in frisco, they have the big trees up there. i've never been but I would love to visit that place. it looks beautiful

[Saint Louis]

The Russian weather machine is at it again. Its a war against levees? Maybe the Japanese mafia hates Barry Bonds and are trying to protect the sacred HR record.

Katrina and Ivan unnatural? (http://www.usatoday.com/weather/climate/2005-09-20-wacky-weatherman_x.htm)

[MadMax]

love that tony toni tone album

i do, too. feels good. it never rains. oakland stroke. their next album was very good, too. i think it was a more complete album than the first.

[MadMax]

The Russian weather machine is at it again. Its a war against levees? Maybe the Japanese mafia hates Barry Bonds and are trying to protect the sacred HR record.

Katrina and Ivan unnatural? (http://www.usatoday.com/weather/climate/2005-09-20-wacky-weatherman_x.htm)

seriously...that needs its own thread!!!! that is absolutely hilarious!!! the struggles of this weatherman grappling with this conspiracy theory is almost too good to be true.

[Groogrux]

MadMax never surprises me. Great reference and great CD!

[Buck Turgidson]

Anybody else remember the killjoy of getting to the park after a long day of school, glove in hand, only to have the damn rain ruin the afternoon for everybody?
NO SNOWCONE FOR YOU!!!

[Uprising]

dangit! WEll, guess I better study for my exam now.

[Groogrux]

Woohoo. Currently not raining in San Fran. The forecast for tonight says 60%.

[EddieWasSnubbed]

I just chased a Cardinal out of my yard, yelling, "GO BACK TO ST. LOUS!" in honor of the Astros. :D



True story.

[NJRocket]

Not sure if anyone saw it but, in yesterday's live chat with Jason Stark someone asked about Clemens returning. He said that he cannot believe how confident everyone in the Astros organization is (that he speaks to) that Roger is coming back...players, front office, etc...almost as if its a foregone conclusion. He did, however, go on to say that if the Astros are 10-30 after 40 games, that things could change (obvious).

[Buck Turgidson]

If anyone's got an afternoon baseball jones, Lexington & Salem are both playing day games. Listen here: http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/app/milb/multimedia/audio.jsp

[Groogrux]

Not sure if anyone saw it but, in yesterday's live chat with Jason Stark someone asked about Clemens returning. He said that he cannot believe how confident everyone in the Astros organization is (that he speaks to) that Roger is coming back...players, front office, etc...almost as if its a foregone conclusion. He did, however, go on to say that if the Astros are 10-30 after 40 games, that things could change (obvious).

A little clarification, por favor. When you say "he can't believe" is he meaning that he can't believe it because he has reason to believe they shouldn't be that confident?

And dude, I still owe you a lunch. Next week?

[NJRocket]

A little clarification, por favor. When you say "he can't believe" is he meaning that he can't believe it because he has reason to believe they shouldn't be that confident?

And dude, I still owe you a lunch. Next week?

I read it as (and im trying to locate the chat but I cant) he believes Roger will come back and pitch for the Astros....as in he thinks the Astros are extremely confident that he will return. He thinks they should be confident unless they go into the tank.

Next week should work....my office moved up the road....but I'm still only about a 4 iron away!

[NJRocket]

here it is.....

Wes (North CA): Astros are off to a pretty good start. Think this will help entice Roger to come back if they are highly competitive? Also, is Biggio a first ballot Hall of Famer? Got hit #2800 a few days ago, shouldnt go unnoticed.

Jayson Stark: I think Roger is coming back, and I think he's coming back to Houston as long as Drayton McLane is willing to pay him what he's worth. Obviously, if the Astros are 12-40 when it's time to decide, then get back to me. But I can't believe how confident the Astros (players and management) seem to be that Roger is going to be back at some point. So that's good enough for me. I don't know if Biggio is a first-ballot Hall of Famer for some people. But at this point, he is one for me.

[Groogrux]

Awesome!

[Saint Louis]

I just chased a Cardinal out of my yard, yelling, "GO BACK TO ST. LOUS!" in honor of the Astros. :D

True story.

Now this is an idea every Astros fan can get behind whether one considers themselves liberal or conservative. The immediate deportation of all Cardinals from the state of Texas. Rid the state of the red menace.

[EddieWasSnubbed]

Now this is an idea every Astros fan can get behind whether one considers themselves liberal or conservative. The immediate deportation of all Cardinals from the state of Texas. Rid the state of the red menace.
Well, I don't live in Texas, but I'd be for it. :D


It was a Cardinal returning North to New York for the Spring/Summer.

[Nick]

If anyone's got an afternoon baseball jones, Lexington & Salem are both playing day games. Listen here: http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/app/milb/multimedia/audio.jsp

Patton made his first start of the year last night for Salem... 5 IP, 0 ER, 4K's. He's still on a strict pitch-count, and I heard that he had already started to experience tendonitis (which is worrisome since he's so young... but I don't remember where I heard/read it). I know a lot of times, you can't always count on these young guys to pan-out... but he's been so good at every level of the organization thus far, it would be a shame to not get to see him as a starter in the big leagues.

Pence is also having a good start at AA... .368 average thus far, with a couple of HR's. Once you reach AA, you're literally on the bubble to make the MLB squad. Of course, there's no place for him here for at least the next couple of years... but it would be nice to see him continue his progression, cause we don't realy have a solid MLB-calibur star hitting prospect in the minor leagues. (unless you're still holding out hope for Luke Scott).

[Buck Turgidson]

Hmmm...hadn't heard about Patton's arm, that is troublesome.

Salem got no-hit today. 4 pitchers combined, but the starter K'd 13 in his 5 innings. :eek:

[Joshfast]

Pence is also having a good start at AA... .368 average thus far, with a couple of HR's. Once you reach AA, you're literally on the bubble to make the MLB squad. Of course, there's no place for him here for at least the next couple of years... but it would be nice to see him continue his progression, cause we don't realy have a solid MLB-calibur star hitting prospect in the minor leagues. (unless you're still holding out hope for Luke Scott).

If he continues with those numbers he will be a September call up atleast and will compete for Lane's spot next spring training. It's not like he is stuck behind Bagwell (Berkman now) or Biggio, you could shift Wilson to right and play Pence in left or just put him in right.

[Nice Rollin]

i talked to my bro in cali today and he said its still raining really hard in the sanfran/oakland area. i think tonights game will be ppd also

[msn]

i talked to my bro in cali today and he said its still raining really hard in the sanfran/oakland area. i think tonights game will be ppd also
Sucky news, but thx for the update.

[The Cat]

i talked to my bro in cali today and he said its still raining really hard in the sanfran/oakland area. i think tonights game will be ppd also

That's for the day. It's supposed to dry out as the night progresses. Will it be early enough to get the game in? I'm not sure, but there's a better chance than last night.

[JunkyardDwg]

http://image.weather.com/web/radar/us_sfo_closeradar_large_usen.jpg

Umm, yeah, I don't think they're playing today. Hourly forecasts call fro 60% till late evening (well after gametime) Man this sucks... not only do we not get another freakin Astros game tonight (after waiting all damn winter) but this weather is screwing up the rotation order only 8 games into the season.

[Blatz]

That's for the day. It's supposed to dry out as the night progresses. Will it be early enough to get the game in? I'm not sure, but there's a better chance than last night.

I doubt it.

http://www.weather.com/outlook/events/sports/hourbyhour/37320:20

That's about the same as it was last night.

[TMac640]

can't we bomb the rain into submission?

[Surfguy]

It's official....the Giants are afraid to play the Astros so they did a rain dance. Barry was caught doing a rain dance in the nude with a syringe sticking out of his butt.

[pgabriel]

no excitement for the yaoless, mcgradyless, garnettless rockets game between two lottery teams?

[l3igballer23]

Just mentioned on SportsCenter... game is rained out :(

[RocketManJosh]

Ugh! We should get a free win for them not having a roof!

[arkoe]

How do you build a brand new ballpark and not put a retractable roof on the thing? Especially considering it's on one of the coasts. I would understand if the park was a hundred years old and historic like Wrigley or Fenway, but this park opened in 2000.

[Nick]

This really sux.

The season just started... they don't need more breaks to get them out of their newly found syncs (especially Lance and Preston).

[Miguel]

If they don't go with a double/double header thursday/friday, then the next date to make up the game will likely be May 8th, as the Giants have an off day in the middle of a home stand, and the Astros will be in Colorado, heading to LA, and have May 8th off.

[arkoe]

If they don't go with a double/double header thursday/friday, then the next date to make up the game will likely be May 8th, as the Giants have an off day in the middle of a home stand, and the Astros will be in Colorado, heading to LA, and have May 8th off.

They're in Arizona Friday.

[Nice Rollin]

no excitement for the yaoless, mcgradyless, garnettless rockets game between two lottery teams?
i guess we just go to sleep early

[Nice Rollin]

speaking of rain delays. fortunatley ive never had tickets to a baseball game that was rained out. this might be a stupid question but how does it work? do u get a refund? do you get to go to both games if theres a double header if it's the next day? just curious...

[Fegwu]

If he continues with those numbers he will be a September call up atleast and will compete for Lane's spot next spring training. It's not like he is stuck behind Bagwell (Berkman now) or Biggio, you could shift Wilson to right and play Pence in left or just put him in right.

You do know that Wilson is a one year rental in disguise right? There is no way that (almost certainly) that the Stros will pick up the ridiculous option. So since we know that Hunter will most likely not see action this season unless Lane absolutely and ridiculously suck.

Anyway, unless we sign another outfielder, Hunter could get a fair crack at it by next spring training.

[Nick]

Hunter with another dinger tonight... its just a matter of time before he gets the call to Round Rock (of course, we were saying that last year... as he spent way too much time down at Lexington).

As for next year, if they do decide not to keep Wilson, Luke Scott is still more MLB ready than Pence... and would likely get the first shot. Either that, or Chris Burke finally becomes an everyday player (which he'll probably earn this year anyways)... and becomes our ideal leadoff hitter.

[arkoe]

Either that, or Chris Burke finally becomes an everyday player (which he'll probably earn this year anyways)... and becomes our ideal leadoff hitter.

Who does he supplant? Biggio?

[Nick]

Who does he supplant? Biggio?

No... Wilson (if the Astros don't pick up the team option after this year... which is a big possibility).

Burke could hit leadoff, and Biggio could be moved to the 2 hole (where his game right now is better suited for anyways... a RBI/power guy who doesn't ground into too many double plays).

[SamCassell]

No... Wilson (if the Astros don't pick up the team option after this year... which is a big possibility).

Burke could hit leadoff, and Biggio could be moved to the 2 hole (where his game right now is better suited for anyways... a RBI/power guy who doesn't ground into too many double plays).
I'd prefer a 2 hitter who doesn't strike out as often as Biggio. The Ks are more of an issue at 2 than leadoff, imo.

[EddieWasSnubbed]

This may have already been addressed, but tomorrow's a day/nighter, right? If so, what are the times? 1:05 and 9:35 (Central)?


ESPN says something about two games, both being at 9:05 Eastern or something?!? :confused:

[Nick]

I'd prefer a 2 hitter who doesn't strike out as often as Biggio. The Ks are more of an issue at 2 than leadoff, imo.

Well, I didn't say he'd be the best #2 hitter in baseball... and you wouldn't want your leadoff hitter to K as much as Biggio, but that's not stopping them from putting him there either.

As this team is constructed, Burke has the potential to be a better leadoff hitter than Biggio... and Biggio would be the de-facto #2 guy.

[Miguel]

13-Backe/Roy O
14-Pettitte
15-Wandy
16-Buchholz
17-Nieve? Call up Zeke?

[Blatz]

This may have already been addressed, but tomorrow's a day/nighter, right? If so, what are the times? 1:05 and 9:35 (Central)?


ESPN says something about two games, both being at 9:05 Eastern or something?!? :confused:

Game 1 is 2:35 p.m. CT

Game 2 is 8:05 p.m. CT.

That's according to the Astros site.

http://houston.astros.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/schedule/index.jsp?c_id=hou

[arkoe]

There's an 80% chance of rain tomorrow, er... today, in San Francisco. That could count as four rainouts. :(

Fly them all to Houston tomorrow, we'll play three. :D

[Raven Lunatic]

According to ESPN (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/scoreboard?date=20060413) Roy O will start both games today. Sweet.

[rezdawg]

According to ESPN (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/scoreboard?date=20060413) Roy O will start both games today. Sweet.

Excellent! Chalk up 2 victories.

[Nick]

There's an 80% chance of rain tomorrow, er... today, in San Francisco. That could count as four rainouts. :(

Fly them all to Houston tomorrow, we'll play three. :D

And yet this thread is goin on 8 pages long... and there hasn't been a game yet.

[RocketManJosh]

There's an 80% chance of rain tomorrow, er... today, in San Francisco. That could count as four rainouts. :(

Fly them all to Houston tomorrow, we'll play three. :D

According to weather.com, it shows a 30% chance of rain and "few showers" today and a 40% chance of showers tonight. They are going to get this double header in today, but with potential rain delays it's going to be a long day of baseball.

[arkoe]

According to weather.com, it shows a 30% chance of rain and "few showers" today and a 40% chance of showers tonight. They are going to get this double header in today, but with potential rain delays it's going to be a long day of baseball.

Well, it's good the %'s have dropped. I'd just checked weather.com when I posted that at 3 this morning.

[Miguel]

:eek: @ this being 7 pages long before the first game is even played. :P

And it's all held up by like the same 6-8 people. :P

[kaleidosky]

i've been waiting for this day game all week so i can watch it at work using mlb.tv ...better happen! ;) go stros

[Miguel]

MadMax 20
Buck Turgidson 13
Rocketman95 11
Nick 9
arkoe 6
Miguel 5
Uprising 4
Raven Lunatic 4
msn 4

:P

[Miguel]

i've been waiting for this day game all week so i can watch it at work using mlb.tv ...better happen! ;) go stros

You're not in Houston or any of the MLB.tv blackout areas for the Astros are you? If so, you're gonna be in for some disappointment later.

[leroy420]

You're not in Houston or any of the MLB.tv blackout areas for the Astros are you? If so, you're gonna be in for some disappointment later.

There are ways around that...

[Miguel]

There are ways around that...

Inquiring minds want to know...

[Buck Turgidson]

Hunter with another dinger tonight... its just a matter of time before he gets the call to Round Rock (of course, we were saying that last year... as he spent way too much time down at Lexington).
Haven't seen him yet (planning a week at the beach later this summer, will definitely coincide with a Hooks homestand) but from what I've read he has an unorthodox swing w/ a pretty good hitch in it. Can't argue w/ the results so far, but things like that can get exposed/exploited by upper level pitchers. Will be very interesting to follow. Don't know if they have made or are trying to make any mechanical adjustments, which could explain his delayed advancement.

Also from what I've heard, he's strictly a LF in the future: weak arm & not great range or instincts.

[ROXRAN]

I wish this was nationally televised,...it seems like it should be.

[Buck Turgidson]

The rainout will be made up Monday, May 8th at PacBell. Both teams had days off - Stros are in between stops in Denver & LA, and SF is starting a homestand.

Hopefully they get the games in today, crossing fingers that nobody gets Chippered on the crapass soggy fleld.

[Groogrux]

I've been reading other message boards and Bay Area posters are reporting sunshine in the area.

[Miguel]

The rainout will be made up Monday, May 8th at PacBell. Both teams had days off - Stros are in between stops in Denver & LA, and SF is starting a homestand.

Hopefully they get the games in today, crossing fingers that nobody gets Chippered on the crapass soggy fleld.

Woot! I called it! :P

[rocketfat]

13-Backe/Roy O
14-Pettitte
15-Wandy
16-Buchholz
17-Nieve? Call up Zeke?


good question right there.....i guess it would be zeke. maybe we can rain out these 2 today and get the rotation back in order :D

[Vik]

The sun is back out, and I finally get to go to the ballgame!

Third time's the charm...

[Buck Turgidson]

good question right there.....i guess it would be zeke.
If they were planning on spot starting Nieve before yesterday's rainout, I don't see why that would change.

[arkoe]

The sun is back out, and I finally get to go to the ballgame!

Third time's the charm...

That's good news. Finally we have baseball. :D

[rocketfat]

If they were planning on spot starting Nieve before yesterday's rainout, I don't see why that would change.

oh i didnt hear that

[kaleidosky]

You're not in Houston or any of the MLB.tv blackout areas for the Astros are you? If so, you're gonna be in for some disappointment later.

No, I'm in the DC metro area right now, so I'll be good. But I also would like to know of these "methods" around the blackout stuff considering I lost the Nats series (incl. the exciting day game while I was at work)

Actually, I can think of one that I'm not willing to go through. Change billing address on credit card, then change billing address for mlb.tv...new zip code = new blackout area. But for 1 game or 1 series early in the season, I'm not willing to go through that hassle (or illegality)

[Nice Rollin]

zeke is ugly. dont call him up

[geeimsobored]

No, I'm in the DC metro area right now, so I'll be good. But I also would like to know of these "methods" around the blackout stuff considering I lost the Nats series (incl. the exciting day game while I was at work)

Actually, I can think of one that I'm not willing to go through. Change billing address on credit card, then change billing address for mlb.tv...new zip code = new blackout area. But for 1 game or 1 series early in the season, I'm not willing to go through that hassle (or illegality)

I think they verify blackout info by your IP address meaning billing info is irrelevant.

Its strictly based on where you are plugged in at that moment so I can't really think of a way around it.

[kaleidosky]

I think they verify blackout info by your IP address meaning billing info is irrelevant.

Its strictly based on where you are plugged in at that moment so I can't really think of a way around it.

do they really? When I tried to watch the Nats game from a new computer (other than the one I registered on), they had me type in my billing address, CC info, zip code...and then they said "if your zip code is on the following list for X or Y team (either of the ones playing), then you will not be able to view the game." Looked under the long list of zip codes under the Nats, and mine was there.

I guess that may have just been identity verification and they're still going off IP add... if so, they threw me off in the way they listed it.

[RocketManJosh]

I think they verify blackout info by your IP address meaning billing info is irrelevant.

Its strictly based on where you are plugged in at that moment so I can't really think of a way around it.

In a previous thread somewhere someone posted a link on how to get around this I believe. I know you need to use a proxy server which will basically make it seem to the MLB.com that you are coming from another country or something. The idea is to login to MLB.TV with this "proxy IP address" from another country, and then once you are in, close down the proxy program as it REALLY slows down your connection.

[geeimsobored]

Did some research and found this...

Looks pretty easy, maybe i'll try it sometime

http://www.oaklandfans.com/discus/messages/36/5489.html?1094264723

[Stevierebel]

I know for a fact they block you based on the ip address. I go to school in Western Pennsylvania and get The Indians and Pirates' games block when I am there. When I am home in Spring, TX, I get the Astros and Rangers games blocked.

It's all about where you are logged in from.

[My Lund]

In a previous thread somewhere someone posted a link on how to get around this I believe. I know you need to use a proxy server which will basically make it seem to the MLB.com that you are coming from another country or something. The idea is to login to MLB.TV with this "proxy IP address" from another country, and then once you are in, close down the proxy program as it REALLY slows down your connection.

This is pretty easy to do in UNix systems. The proxy server does not really slow the connection down. However I am not very sure how to achieve it in Windows based systems. If you are at work this might not work anyways since most companies have their own firewalls etc that will override your own proxy.

[EddieWasSnubbed]

I know for a fact they block you based on the ip address. I go to school in Western Pennsylvania and get The Indians and Pirates' games block when I am there. When I am home in Spring, TX, I get the Astros and Rangers games blocked.

It's all about where you are logged in from.
Where do you go to school at?

[MadMax]

Burke's leading off and playing 2B

Lamb at 3B.

[Nick]

Burke's leading off and playing 2B

Lamb at 3B.
Don't want Biggio to play too many innings in one day... and we all know what Lamb has done against Morris.

Hell, as hot as Berkman is, Lamb is batting 3rd.

[Miguel]

Hmm....Backe down :(


Buchholz warming up

[My Lund]

aaagh :mad: Morgan makes that play at third 10 out of 10 times. I think Lamb would have been more suited to play first.

[Nick]

The field looks horrible out there... and we're going to have guys pitching with too much rest (arms don't respond to that), and then guys like Buccholz are totally out of sync.

This has just been a nightmare series (but if we get a couple of wins, I won't complain).

[Nick]

Backe is hurt... something with the wrist/forearm (ie - not good news).

Buccholz is coming in.

[GraingerGuy]

Yay! I get to go to the 6:05 game! Anyone else going to be in the nosebleeds? :)

[RocketManJosh]

Backe is hurt... something with the wrist/forearm (ie - not good news).

Buccholz is coming in.

The guy on the radio is now saying Backe is in the on deck circle so maybe he is not coming out.

[Nick]

The guy on the radio is now saying Backe is in the on deck circle so maybe he is not coming out.

Maybe they just don't want to use a pinch-hitter. Buchholz is still warming up.

[Miguel]

Backe stays in.

[RocketManJosh]

Maybe they just don't want to use a pinch-hitter. Buchholz is still warming up.

Mabye Buchholz is just getting some work in? Very weird situation.

[Nick]

And the answer is.... its Buccholz.

[Miguel]

Buchholz in

[My Lund]

Buccholz is in now. So far it has been a very inconsistent K zone by the plate Umpire.

[leroy420]

aaagh :mad: Morgan makes that play at third 10 out of 10 times. I think Lamb would have been more suited to play first.

Ensberg isn't playing due to a staph infection on his ankle. It is minor. He wassupposed to fly in yesterday to be available for today. I haven't heard if he made it in or not.

Personally, I would have started Bruntlett.

[Nick]

Ahh... since it was an injury, they wanted to give Buccholz as much time as he could to warm up.

They wouldn't have been able to do that had they PH for Brandon... along with the reasoning that they didn't want to burn a position player (on a long day) so early.

[Nick]

Ensberg isn't playing due to a staph infection on his ankle. It is minor. He wassupposed to fly in yesterday to be available for today. I haven't heard if he made it in or not.

Personally, I would have started Bruntlett.

Lamb was going to play against Morris no matter what Ensberg's condition was... the fact that he had the infection merely solidified that decision.

[RocketManJosh]

Ahh... since it was an injury, they wanted to give Buccholz as much time as he could to warm up.

They wouldn't have been able to do that had they PH for Brandon... along with the reasoning that they didn't want to burn a position player (on a long day) so early.

That makes sense

[Miguel]

That puts us at...



13 - Backe/Buchholz / Oswalt
14 - Pettitte
15 - Wandy
16 - Nieve
17 - Backe (if Healthy), maybe Buchholz, if not Zeke gets called up
18 - Oswalt

[Nick]

That puts us at...



13 - Backe/Buchholz / Oswalt
14 - Pettitte
15 - Wandy
16 - Nieve
17 - Backe (if Healthy) if not Zeke gets called up
18 - Oswalt

IE - Rainouts suck.

[My Lund]

Ensberg isn't playing due to a staph infection on his ankle. It is minor. He wassupposed to fly in yesterday to be available for today. I haven't heard if he made it in or not.

Personally, I would have started Bruntlett.

Ensberg is with the team and was available for last nights game. This is from astros.com

[Miguel]

Sprained right elbow :(

[Nick]

Sprained right elbow :(

not good... could be the same thing Pettite had.

[Nick]

Willy needs to get those running shoes on soon.... in a lineup with virtually no speed, he needs to take advantages of these opportunities when he can.

edit: yeah!

[candlegreen]

well, yahoo site just went down on me some other sites aren't showing up. Anyone have an update of whats' going on?

[Miguel]

Here we go!

Buchholz pitching to Bonds


WILLY T WITH THE CATCH! 0-2 with fly outs to the warning track to Lane and Willy.


:mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

****ing asshat fan taking a swing at Willy.

[arkoe]

Wow! I've thought both of Bonds' balls were gone. That guy is gimpy and STILL amazing.

[The Real Shady]

Bonds needs some roids. He just doesn't have enough to get it out today.

[Texas Stoke]

If he was still juicing, those would have been out of there.

[Nick]

If he was still juicing, those would have been out of there.

He could still hit HR's before the juice... granted, they weren't all shots into the ocean, but the juice didn't cause him to be a 500 HR hitter... it just accelarated it (to 700 HR's... :D )

Meanwhile, Buchholz has been steady... like he's been doing this for awhile now. Kind of makes you wonder why guys like Tim Redding get all this hype (when he really only had an above average fastball), but guys like Buchholz get lost in the minutiae of minor league stats.

The guy has a plus fastball, and his curveball is his best pitch... everything else (for that sort of pitcher) is just gravy.

[My Lund]

If he was still juicing, those would have been out of there.
I am very proud of Phil Garner for letting our young guys pitch to Bonds. Thats the way to play ball. Walking Bonds equals to telling the pitcher that he cant get Bonds out, which doesn't go far in developing confidence for pitchers specially young ones. :)

[Texas Stoke]

He could still hit HR's before the juice... granted, they weren't all shots into the ocean, but the juice didn't cause him to be a 500 HR hitter... it just accelarated it (to 700 HR's... :D )

Yeah, I know that. But I don't know man, those 2 shots... same swing, same contact, same everything, just not enough muscle behind it.

And yeah, Bucholz is bringing the heat. That last fastball zip and rose like a mutha!

[Nick]

I am very proud of Phil Garner for letting our young guys pitch to Bonds. Thats the way to play ball. Walking Bonds equals to telling the pitcher that he cant get Bonds out, which doesn't go far in developing confidence for pitchers specially young ones. :)

Yea... but what does giving up 500 ft. HR's do to a young pitcher's confidence?

The situation still dictates how you pitch to him... so far, there hasn't been an obvious situation where you need to pitch around him.

[Rule0001]

looks like bucholz is

http://www.seattlest.com/attachments/seattle_dan/mini-choking%20man44.jpg

[Miguel]

INNING OVER!

GO BUCHHOLZ!

[Nick]

looks like bucholz is

http://www.seattlest.com/attachments/seattle_dan/mini-choking%20man44.jpg

An error on an infield hit, a bloop hit, and a ball that should have been ruled a passed ball. His only legitimate hit that inning, believe it or not, was the one to the pitcher.

And, in the end, he retires Bonds. Not a bad job, all things considered.

[Rule0001]

Am I the only one who feels the giants are the ****tiest team ever? Ray Durham? Batting in the 3 hole? Also I know its early in the season, but if you look at their batting averages, I think they all average out at around 200. I think they should just eliminate the entire NL West. :cool:

[Nick]

Am I the only one who feels the giants are the ****tiest team ever? Ray Durham? Batting in the 3 hole? Also I know its early in the season, but if you look at their batting averages, I think they all average out at around 200. I think they should just eliminate the entire NL West. :cool:

Maybe... but against the Astros, they've looked lik the greatest team ever since 2000.

[BMoney]

I know that players are often rejuventated when they go to a new team and that the ballpark in San Francisco helps the pitchers a lot, but being held to two freaking hits against Matt Morris through seven innings is embarassing.

[SamCassell]

Ray Durham? Batting in the 3 hole?
The Astros have Mike Lamb starting in the 3 hole in this game... those who live in weak lineup houses shouldn't throw stones. :p

[Saint Louis]

I know that players are often rejuventated when they go to a new team and that the ballpark in San Francisco helps the pitchers a lot, but being held to two freaking hits against Matt Morris through seven innings is embarassing.


The layoff sure cooled off the Houston bats which are never extremely hot to begin with.

[JunkyardDwg]

An error on an infield hit, a bloop hit, and a ball that should have been ruled a passed ball. His only legitimate hit that inning, believe it or not, was the one to the pitcher.

And, in the end, he retires Bonds. Not a bad job, all things considered.

And he never seemed to lose his composure either... those were just some tough luck hits. If it was Wandy out there, Bonds might very well have parked one. 3 Runs in 6 innings is pretty good for a major league debut (could have been 2 if not for the Burke and Munson errors).

whoops...scratch that... I didn't see the first part of the game..so Backe left early and then Buchholz came in....well either way he got out of that jam fairly nicely.

[Surfguy]

At this rate, Matt Morris will pitch a complete game. I can't believe the Astros only have 2 hits. I'm glad I had to work through this one. At least, so far.

I'm frustrated watching the box score.

[JunkyardDwg]

Astros just never seem to play well in San Fran.

[Nick]

I know that players are often rejuventated when they go to a new team and that the ballpark in San Francisco helps the pitchers a lot, but being held to two freaking hits against Matt Morris through seven innings is embarassing.

Its all because of Mike Matheny... Morris is totally a rhythm pitcher. If he's going good, he's great... if he gets roughed up a little, it can all fall apart real fast.

Mike Matheny is probably better than Ausmus at handling pitchers... he turned guys like Garret Stephenson into double-digit winners, and he could get Morris the confidence to be an all-star pitcher again.

[BMoney]

That's a good insight, Nick. Did Metheny catch in St. Louis?

[Nick]

That's a good insight, Nick. Did Metheny catch in St. Louis?

Yea... and he'd still be there if the Giants didn't throw a ridiculous amount of money his way (esp. for a light-hitting catcher). Same goes for Morris... 3 years 27 million at this stage in his career?!?

Oh yea, btw, whenever Gallo has a good outing... that actually means something... let me know.

[Surfguy]

Garner is an idiot for putting Qualls in.

Just kidding.

:(

[My Lund]

Chris Burke could be an ideal leadoff hitter for the Astros. Good speed and decent power.

[Nick]

Looks like the Gallo decision is the difference in this game.

I seriously vote to limit this guy's appearences to either mop-up duty, or when we're running out of pitchers in extra-innings.... that's it!

[Nick]

Chris Burke could be an ideal leadoff hitter for the Astros. Good speed and decent power.

Another month of Wily T. doing nothing but hitting fly-balls to RCF might force their hand.

EDIT: Haha... love that reverse karma. Winning run coming up to the plate!

[BMoney]

Heads up baserunning from Everrett and a nice hit from Burke. Way to go 'Stros!

[arkoe]

Looks like the Gallo decision is the difference in this game.

I seriously vote to limit this guy's appearences to either mop-up duty, or when we're running out of pitchers in extra-innings.... that's it!

That, and putting Lamb in the 3rd spot is EXTREMELY questionable to me. Why wouldn't Lamb be 5th or 6th? Berkman would be up now. I don't get it.

[Nick]

That, and putting Lamb in the 3rd spot is EXTREMELY questionable to me. Why wouldn't Lamb be 5th or 6th? Berkman would be up now. I don't get it.

They were trying to bank on Lamb's unbelievable numbers againt Morris... I also thought it was an iffy decision, but he did have a hit against him (while the rest of our lineup was pretty much silent till the end).

Also, you know better than to challenge how the "universe" works: can you honestly tell me that this game would be exactly the same (in every way shape and form) if Lamb batted 5th, and Berkman stayed at 3rd... and this same situation would come up, and Berkman would be batting in it?

That's how I relieve myself from worrying about such scenarios.

[SamCassell]

That, and putting Lamb in the 3rd spot is EXTREMELY questionable to me. Why wouldn't Lamb be 5th or 6th? Berkman would be up now. I don't get it.
I'm with you, I don't understand why you would move Berkman from his standard position in the lineup to cleanup just because Lamb replaces Ensberg. Berkman is the Astros' best hitter, and should always hit 3rd.

[My Lund]

That, and putting Lamb in the 3rd spot is EXTREMELY questionable to me. Why wouldn't Lamb be 5th or 6th? Berkman would be up now. I don't get it.

I dont get that either. Despite his numbers against Morris Lamb is not the hitter to hit in the 3 spot. It might have been better to hit him 5th or 6th with Wilson hitting cleanup.

[arkoe]

I realize he's had great numbers against Morris, but if you wouldn't bat him 3rd any other day, why would you today? To me, you have to ask yourself who you want up if your top two table setters get on and there are two outs. I don't know... just seems unconventional and more than a questionable call by Garner.

If Lamb was batting in Ensberg's spot, I could understand that more. It seems weird pushing Berkman back in the order when he's easily your best hitter and he's playing in the game.

Anyway, I honestly feel like Garner lost this game if they don't come back in the 9th.

[Aceshigh7]

The Giant's PA announcer is absolutely attrocious.

Thank goodness for MMP's "Voice Of God".

[SamCassell]

And I'm not sure why Munson is hitting here with Palmeiro available.

[arkoe]

And I'm not sure why Munson is hitting here with Palmeiro available.

Munson was this year's Luke Scott. He hit great in Spring Training. I agree he hasn't shown anything yet during the year.

Munson's a bigger threat to knock one out than Palmeiro.

[rikesh316]

And I'm not sure why Munson is hitting here with Palmeiro available.

Palmerio has no power and Munson has a lot of pop.

[SamCassell]

Palmerio has no power and Munson has a lot of pop.

Munson has pretty decent pop, but I'd prefer the .280 career hitter over the .210 career guy. I'd have gone with the pinch hitter there, especially with Ensberg in the 9th spot removing the need to pinch hit for the pitcher (if the inning got that far). And SF is not an easy park to hit one out of.

[candlegreen]

Munson has pretty decent pop, but I'd prefer the .280 career hitter over the .210 career guy. I'd have gone with the pinch hitter there, especially with Ensberg in the 9th spot removing the need to pinch hit for the pitcher (if the inning got that far). And SF is not an easy park to hit one out of.

?? SF's right field porch is one of the shortest in baseball, so it's a great plus for Munson. It was two outs and Munson would've been the tying run with Adam Everett in between, so Ensberg is nowhere near the picture at that point.

[SamCassell]

It was two outs and Munson would've been the tying run with Adam Everett in between, so Ensberg is nowhere near the picture at that point.
I just meant that if it was a normal situation, with the pitcher due up in the 9 spot, maybe you hold off on a PH because the pitcher's spot could be critical if the Astros found a way to load the bases.

I understand the arguments for Munson. I guess I was just spoiled by Palmeiro's pinch hitting last season and have more faith in him late in the game than an unproven commodity.

[arkoe]

In the end Sam, I don't think anyone will argue with you that Garner managed himself out of the game.

[Nick]

In the end Sam, I don't think anyone will argue with you that Garner managed himself out of the game.

No matter what moves were made/not made, you can't win games if you only have 2 hits against their starting pitcher going into the 8th inning.

Couple that with the fact that the Astro's starting pitcher was injured after two innings, the errors/passed balls that came with the rookie catcher, the bloop hits, the luck of Morris making game-saving catches... this just wasn't their game (and that's including the fact that Bonds was a mere 2 feet away from being 3-3 with 2 HR's and 4 RBI's).

[rikesh316]

I thought Taylor threw the ball well. Mike Gallo sucked like always. Burke needs to get more AB's. Nice to see Lane and Taveras being more patient at the plate but Taveras needs to work on his baserunning which is horrible for a guy with his speed.

[arkoe]

Nick, in the end, I never have any arguements with your baseball posts. Those shots by Bonds were monsters. I thought both were gone off the bat.

[rikesh316]

Nick, in the end, I never have any arguements with your baseball posts. Those shots by Bonds were monsters. I thought both were gone off the bat.

I agree, right when he hit I thought both were gone. He crushed both of them.

[arkoe]

Bruntlett in for the second game. That guy reminds me so much of Spiers.

[geeimsobored]

woot, i finally figured out how to bypass mlb.tv blackout restrictions.

[arkoe]

woot, i finally figured out how to bypass mlb.tv blackout restrictions.

How???

[geeimsobored]

How???

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[Uprising]

WHOOO

LANCE GOES YARD!!! We need to win this game. 3-0 Good Guys.

13 RBI's for Berkman already.

[texanskan]

WHOOO

LANCE GOES YARD!!! We need to win this game. 3-0 Good Guys.

13 RBI's for Berkman already.

Big ****ing Puma!

[leroy420]

http://www.oaklandfans.com/discus/m...html?1094264723

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[geeimsobored]

oops try that

http://www.oaklandfans.com/discus/messages/36/5489.html?1094264723

[Nick]

Since Lance went yard, doesn't that mean Preston has to?

OOOh... just missed.

[Uprising]

WOW! Great play by Oswalt! What a double play!

And man, Preston WIlson just missed that HR.

Stros are clicking this game, everything seems to be going their way right now.

[twoface723]

Wlison and Berkman :cool:

[Nick]

Bases loaded with nobody out... and the 8th, 9th and leadoff guy are batting.

I wouldn't like this situation very much... and now Bruntlett just struck out.

[Uprising]

Bases loaded with nobody out... and the 8th, 9th and leadoff guy are batting.

I wouldn't like this situation very much... and now Bruntlett just struck out.


And now Roy...

2 outs....up to BGO.

WOW...we didn't score. :o

granted it was the bottom of the order...

[bobrek]

Bruntlett in for the second game. That guy reminds me so much of Spiers.

Except for the fact that Spiers was a consistently good hitter and OBP guy while Bruntlett simply has had a few good moments.

[Nick]

That situation is exactly why Brad should have been more aggressive in his AB. With a strikeout pitcher, it never matters how many outs there are... and you just helped him out big-time by giving him 2 lesser hitters to face with less than 2 outs.

[Nick]

Except for the fact that Spiers was a consistently good hitter and OBP guy while Bruntlett simply has had a few good moments.

Billy Spiers is in the Astros HOF (if there was one...). Bruntlett merely has a few similarities because he's had a couple of decent moments, and he plays more than one position.

Spiers was the MAN. The perfect 2 hitter... he played everywhere you needed him... and he was really just a nice guy (except for when that guy in Milwaukee tried to jack him).

In many ways, those 90's team's offense would have been a lot like the ones we've got today, if it wasn't for his high contact/big-time fundamental offensive approach.

[arkoe]

Man, that gap is like an automatic triple.

[SamCassell]

Ausmus did the right thing. Worst case scenario if he walks is Biggio, a good hitter with power, coming up with the bases loaded. If he doesn't walk and makes an out, Biggio likely never comes to the plate.

[Nick]

Ausmus did the right thing. Worst case scenario if he walks is Biggio, a good hitter with power, coming up with the bases loaded. If he doesn't walk and makes an out, Biggio likely never comes to the plate.

Yea... but if Ausmus gets an out, or even 2 outs (without the strikeout), there's still a very good chance that at least one run scores.

I'd rather have the one run, than the bases loaded/2 out situation with any member on this team (except for Lance Berkman).

[SamCassell]

There are some outs that would have scored a run, but it's just as likely that Ausmus strikes out or grounds into a DP (with no run scored) or hits a shallow pop fly or lines out to the 3B. A sac fly would have been awesome, though.

[Nick]

There are some outs that would have scored a run, but it's just as likely that Ausmus strikes out or grounds into a DP (with no run scored) or hits a shallow pop fly or lines out to the 3B. A sac fly would have been awesome, though.

A traditional DP would have scored Preston... and with the way Ausmus was making contact with his riding fastball in the second inning (which he layed off in the last AB), he could have done it.

In the end, I agree... you take the walk, and rely on your 8th and leadoff men to salvage something... I was just pissed about the situation being so perfect to score, yet the lineup not being in the optimal position to drive those runs in.