[Official] Pirates @ Astros

[Castor27]

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


4-21 Zach Duke, LHP (1-1, 4.50) vs. Wandy Rodriguez, LHP (2-0, 2.84) 7:05 on FSSW

4-22 Ian Snell, RHP (0-1, 9.60) vs. Taylor Buchholz, RHP (0-1, 3.18) 6:05 on KNWS

4-23 Paul Maholm, LHP (0-2, 6.11) vs. Roy Oswalt, RHP (3-0, 2.76) 1:05 on FSSW

[Groogrux]

LWW

I'd love to see Wandy continue his stellar pitching, though.

[kaleidosky]

LWW...Duke was back on his game last start, I think..

[MadMax]

WWW

I HOPE Wandy is for real.

[Raven Lunatic]

Didn't Duke pitch really well against us once last season?

[Harrisment]

Didn't Duke pitch really well against us once last season?


I think Duke pitches pretty well against everyone. He's gonna be a stud.

[Kerfeld]

WWW... Stros continue mashing

[DaDakota]

LWW

Go STROS !!

DD

[lost_elephant]

We actually roughed up Duke a little bit in his only start at MMP. However, he received a no-decision
His Line:

4 IP 8 H 4 R 4 ER 3 BB 2 K 9.00 ERA 2.25 WHIP

Of course, that's just one game... :p

[ima_drummer2k]

LWW

We've won every series so far this year. Let's keep it up.

[EddieWasSnubbed]

Sweeeeeeeep.


They just need to show some games on national television. :(

[rrj_gamz]

Should be a good series...

WWW

Let's hope our bullpen can improve this series...

[RocketManJosh]

WWW!!

[Uprising]

WWW

I HOPE Wandy is for real.

Ditto. We've done a great job at winning series so far. It's time for a sweep.

[No Worries]

WLW

That 9.60 ERA has got me worried ;) Doesn't it always seem to be the case that opposing pitchers with bad ERAs give the Astros problems?

[across110thstreet]

has any other team besides Houston won every series they have played?

(technically, Houston hasnt lost a series, since they split two with SF)

Mets lost to ATL and I believe the Red Sox lost a series earlier in the month...


Arrrrg! Time to swashbuckle our way to another series victory...

[leroy420]

WWW

By the way, I hate this...

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[Puedlfor]

WWW. We've never faced Maholm before, thankfully we've got Roy to balance out his inevitable eight shutout innings.

[Harrisment]

I'm about to head out to the game, so you know it's a W!! :)

[Saint Louis]

has any other team besides Houston won every series they have played?

(technically, Houston hasnt lost a series, since they split two with SF)

Mets lost to ATL and I believe the Red Sox lost a series earlier in the month...


Arrrrg! Time to swashbuckle our way to another series victory...

Technically the SF series is an incomplete until they play the other game.

[white lightning]

I got the mlb radio package this year and have been listening to games regularly, and have to say it's a pleasure to listen to guys like Jon Miller (SF) and Bob Ueker (Mil) instead of Milo.

[JaWindex]

I hope Garner gets his money's worth. :eek:

[sccdct34]

I hope Garner gets his money's worth. :eek:
cant watch the game what happen that set him off?

[Texas Stoke]

I don't care what wandy said, you don't run out to the mound if you are the ump, that is bullcrap.

[The Real Shady]

Ol' Scrap Iron was really getting on the ump. :)

[Nick]

That was a toolish thing of an umpire to do...

He wouldn't be doing that to an established all-time great like Pedro, Schilling, or even Roy... but he knows that Wandy is young, doesn't speak much Englsih... basically "inferior" in the ump's eye.

Then, he has the audacity to get mad at Garner for coming out there (the ump was fighting as soon as Garner approached him).

Nevertheless... it settled Wandy down, I guess.

[sccdct34]

That was a toolish thing of an umpire to do...

He wouldn't be doing that to an established all-time great like Pedro, Schilling, or even Roy... but he knows that Wandy is young, doesn't speak much Englsih... basically "inferior" in the ump's eye.

Then, he has the audacity to get mad at Garner for coming out there (the ump was fighting as soon as Garner approached him).

Nevertheless... it settled Wandy down, I guess.
so did wandy say something to the ump directly or to himself?

[Nick]

so did wandy say something to the ump directly or to himself?

Not at all... he probably was upset, and mouthed something (probably in Spanish)... but he didn't call out the umpire, raise his fist, or try to do anything obvious to show the guy up.

The ump just didn't like the way Wandy was "frustrated" (which about 80% of the pitchers in baseball do on close strike 3 calls).

[sccdct34]

Not at all... he probably was upset, and mouthed something (probably in Spanish)... but he didn't call out the umpire, raise his fist, or try to do anything obvious to show the guy up.

The ump just didn't like the way Wandy was "frustrated" (which about 80% of the pitchers in baseball do on close strike 3 calls).

man if thats all it takes for the ump to lose his cool, then i hope he doesnt have home plate when Tim Wakefield is starting cause last night he was doing the same thing all night..being upset at umpire calls.

[The Real Shady]

Not at all... he probably was upset, and mouthed something (probably in Spanish)... but he didn't call out the umpire, raise his fist, or try to do anything obvious to show the guy up.

The ump just didn't like the way Wandy was "frustrated" (which about 80% of the pitchers in baseball do on close strike 3 calls).

Wandy was starring a little too long at the ump on some close calls. A young pitcher usually would hear something from the ump for doing that. But for the ump to do a trot to the mound like he did should not be tollerated and Garner rightfully let him know that.

[WhoMikeJames]

wow ensberg is a beast

[The Real Shady]

over/under on K's for Preston tonight is at 3. What action are you taking?

[sccdct34]

what do you know another strike out by preston...didnt see that coming.

[codell]

way to run that one out Burnitz ....id be mad if i was a Buc fan

[sccdct34]

over/under on K's for Preston tonight is at 3. What action are you taking?

ill take the under only because i think it could be 3..but i dont think it will go over.so ill say he strikes out one more time...so 2

[Uprising]

Morgan "the monster" Ensberg!!! :eek: :eek: :D

[arkoe]

I thought Wandy was going to blow up in the first. He's looking good.

[RocketFan007]

Another Wilson K, what do you know.

[JaWindex]

I like Wilson...never argues after striking out :p

[rocketfat]

he's gotta be approaching some K records, doesnt he?? 13 in 16 abs

[Shaji]

at least biggio, ensberg, berkman, and everett have got it going to cover up prestons recent struggles

[kaleidosky]

man, it's gotta be really tailor-made for willy to GIDP

[kaleidosky]

oh geez...is this a quad? a groin? ugh, we CANT lose wandy

[kaleidosky]

Bay smacked it...and it's still tough to hate a kid who hammers the ball like that and just drops his head and runs.

[The Real Shady]

he's gotta be approaching some K records, doesnt he?? 13 in 16 abs

At that rate if Willson were to get 600 at bats this year he would end up with 488 K's. A certain major league record.

[kaleidosky]

Preston didn't K! let the world rejoice! He even kinda came close to a hit..though it wasn't THAT much of a robbing

[kaleidosky]

fyi, these pirates announcers are by far the worst ones i've heard so far this season. after that Lane HR, just straight complaining about the short porch.. I mean fine, you don't like it. But the whining tone of voice just makes me think worse of them..

[Nick]

Time for Qualls to have a good outing... got to get him goin at some point this year.

[adw]

Awesome job by Wandy tonight.

[sccdct34]

Awesome job by Wandy tonight.

i agree, theres no shame in giving up a homer to Bay, what a stud.
hope wandy keeps it up

[arkoe]

Man am I glad I dropped Wilson after that 5 strikeout game. Sheesh.

Wandy was excellent again. Here's hoping he can keep it up.

[kaleidosky]

show me the serious qualls wheeler lidge combo tonight!

was it just me or did lane start walking to first before the pitch even got to him, much less crossed?

[kaleidosky]

man, they showed some incredible #'s for the 3 guys up against lidge. like 3-9, 3-6, 2-6 or something like that

edit:

4-10 1 HR
4-9 2 HR
3-9 1 HR

[adw]

Ugh come on Lidge!

When was the last time he had a 1-2-3 inning.

[sccdct34]

2-on on no out..come on Lidge!

[Nick]

Lidge blew saves against Pittsburgh last year also... they seem to have his number.

[adw]

wtf Lidge :mad:

[kaleidosky]

i'd like a triple play, please.

lidge missing when he tries inside..

[The Real Shady]

Lidge put a little extra on that one. He nearly busted his ass on the mound.

[adw]

One more DP would be nice.

[kaleidosky]

hahahaha, idiot Pirates color guy made the comment about 6 or 7 times already that Lidge is probably scared of throwing the slider in the dirt with Munson back there. "Munson doesn't have much experience" etc. etc. Finally they show Ausmus' jersey and he's gotta apologize and correct

[The Real Shady]

Big Puma is so agile at first.

[kaleidosky]

man that was a DP waiting to happen..

edit: But yes, good job by Berkman there.

[kaleidosky]

btw, the run scoring play..

Craig Wilson singles to Preston Wilson to score Jack Wilson.

random stupidity at a tense moment

[The Real Shady]

That hitter was clueless on Lidge's slidders.

Nice Win. :D

[arkoe]

man that was a DP waiting to happen..

edit: But yes, good job by Berkman there.

That had a good chance of going up the middle with how hard it was hit.

[Nick]

Good job Cecil... hope Phil had a good night off.

[BMoney]

How nice is it to have Wandy emerge as a solid starter so far this year? I am also pleased that Ensberg bounced back from the last couple of months of 2005. Good, solid win.

[rikesh316]

Damn Wilson is in a major slump. Hopefully he gets out of it soon because the Astros really need him. Munson and Wandy got a good connection going on but if Munson doesn't improve his defense he will gone soon.

[Jugdish]

That hitter was clueless on Lidge's slidders.

Yeah, I kept screaming at the TV, "Why aren't you throwing your slider?" for the first few batters.

[kaleidosky]

That had a good chance of going up the middle with how hard it was hit.

i thought so too at first, but on the replay, everett was shading way up there and looked to be in position in time for sure.. but who knows i guess

[Kerfeld]

Just got back from the game... it is always nice to get the first game in the series. Wandy looked great, and for once he had to pitch without a six run lead. We really need some guys to step up. However, at 11-5 I am not complaining. Just keep it going stros!!!

[Harrisment]

Just got back myself from MMP. It was a good night. Competitve game, nice weather, cold beer.

[bigballerj]

Just got back myself from MMP. It was a good night. Competitve game, nice weather, cold beer.

The beer better be cold. What is it like $23.00 a bottle this year?

[Miguel]

btw, the run scoring play..

Craig Wilson singles to Preston Wilson to score Jack Wilson.

random stupidity at a tense moment

There was a potential similar scenario against the DBacks a week ago.

--Orlando Hernandez singles to left fielder Orlando Palmeiro, Orlando Hudson scores on the play

or

--3-2 pitch from Orlando Hernandez, Orlando Palmeiro swings, hit right at 2B Orlando Hudson.


:( I have way too much time on my hands.

[MadMax]

tied with the white sox and mets for best record in MLB.

[codell]

going to the game tonight and will be sitting in Wells Fargo corporate suite .......

free beer and free ................BEER

[MadMax]

going to the game tonight and will be sitting in Wells Fargo corporate suite .......

free beer and free ................BEER

hey, jealousy.

http://www.pauseandplay.com/ginblossoms.gif

[Buck Turgidson]

fyi, these pirates announcers are by far the worst ones i've heard so far this season. after that Lane HR, just straight complaining about the short porch.. I mean fine, you don't like it. But the whining tone of voice just makes me think worse of them..
The Washington guys were doing the same thing...called the park "unfair" repeatedly.

Last time I checked, the dimensions were the same for both teams.

Pussies.

[Buck Turgidson]

tied with the white sox and mets for best record in MLB.
6-0 in 1-run games.

2nd in MLB in ground ball/fly ball ratio (always good in MMP) = MLB best 27 double plays turned.

btw...Qualls said something about his mechanics being off so far (spinning open too early = leaving the ball up), adjustments were made & he was happy with his outing last night.

[Raven Lunatic]

Assuming Wilson doesn't bust out of this slump anytime soon, how long should Garner give him before he either moves him around in the order or flat out replaces him with Burke for a few games?

[Nick]

Assuming Wilson doesn't bust out of this slump anytime soon, how long should Garner give him before he either moves him around in the order or flat out replaces him with Burke for a few games?

I think they'll still give him some more time... see if this is just not some major funk brought on by facing the plethora of lefties we have the last week.

Also, as Lane starts to heat up, pitchers will probably give him more pitches to hit (not that he's connecting on these balls anyways), but it could help him get on that hot streak again.

[Raven Lunatic]

Another Preston Wilson question...has anyone else noticed that he seems to swing extra hard when he is batting in an inning when one of his teammates went yard (usually Berkman or Ensberg)? I didn't see it last night after Morgan's shot, but in previous games I have noticed a significant increase in the monster cuts that Wilson takes when someone else homers in front of him...even during the beginning of the season when he was hot. I just thought that was funny...kind of like a basketball trying to step on the neck of the opposing team and just bury them...only it hasn't worked so well for Preston.

[wrath_of_khan]

6-0 in 1-run games.

That's amazing given that Lidge hasn't been his dominant self yet.

The encouraging thing about this start is there are definitely areas of the team that will get better -- the bullpen, the starting pitching if/when Roger signs, Lane won't hit under .200, etc.

Of course, I don't expect Ensberg to hit .400 or Everett to hit .300 for the year, either. ;)

[arkoe]

That's amazing given that Lidge hasn't been his dominant self yet.

Well, considering that Lidge is the reason a lot of the games have ended up being one run games, I'm not so sure.

[weakfromtoday]

Another Preston Wilson question...has anyone else noticed that he seems to swing extra hard when he is batting in an inning when one of his teammates went yard (usually Berkman or Ensberg)? I didn't see it last night after Morgan's shot, but in previous games I have noticed a significant increase in the monster cuts that Wilson takes when someone else homers in front of him...even during the beginning of the season when he was hot. I just thought that was funny...kind of like a basketball trying to step on the neck of the opposing team and just bury them...only it hasn't worked so well for Preston.

I have definitely noticed that. I didn't mind too much when he was hitting the cover off of the ball. He just looks so lost at the plate right now. Even the little contact he has made just looks... accidental.

[RocketFan007]

Austin fans: 23 is showing the game right now, even though it wasn't scheduled.

[Storm Surge]

Well, considering that Lidge is the reason a lot of the games have ended up being one run games, I'm not so sure.
lmao, so true

[Miguel]

http://www.ridingthepine.com/images/omgbuchholz.jpg

:eek: :eek:

[Uprising]

how did we score?

I missed the first run.

[Miguel]

how did we score?

I missed the first run.

Biggio single
Willy single, Biggio to 2nd
Puma GIDP, Biggio to 3rd
Ensberg single to center, Biggio scores from 3rd.
Ks-a-Ton str...kidding! he grounds out I think or line out, to shortstop.

[sccdct34]

biggio singled, moved to second with a willy t basehit, moved to third on a berkman double play and scored on an ensburg single.

[geeimsobored]

and wilson strikes out...

what else is new?

[Miguel]

*bites lip*

[Miguel]

Pitch 1 - Ball
Pitch 2 - Ball
Pitch 3 - Ball
Pitch 4 - In play, out(s) recorded

Brad Ausmus flies out to center fielder Chris Duffy.





. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[Major Malcontent]

Brad really needs to swing as hard as he can 3-0 instead of taking a pitch.

After all he is such a reliable power threat...

[Miguel]

**** YOU BURNITZ!

There goes the 4 inning no-no.

[Texas Stoke]

Preston's not coming out of this. It's time to give Burke his shot.

[bobrek]

Brad really needs to swing as hard as he can 3-0 instead of taking a pitch.

After all he is such a reliable power threat...

Generally, the 3-0 pitch for a strike is the best pitch a hitter will see in an at bat. Nothing wrong with having the green light in that situation.

[rikesh316]

This slump Preston is in resembles the slump Richard Hidalgo had 2 years ago which by the way Richard still is in. Give PW a day off tommarow to clear his head for the Dodgers series.

[DaDakota]

Austin fans: 23 is showing the game right now, even though it wasn't scheduled.


THANK YOU !!!

DD

[Nick]

Taylor's realy got a good run on his fastball, along with the killer breaking ball... if he can just work on keeping his stuff down (just a tad), he could be just as effective as Chris Carpenter in the future.

[Miguel]

Taylor's realy got a good run on his fastball, along with the killer breaking ball... if he can just work on keeping his stuff down (just a tad), he could be just as effective as Chris Carpenter in the future.
Or, say, Roy Oswalt.

[Miguel]

B

G

O

[DaDakota]

Biggio taking advantage of MMP....that was a 1st row Crawford shot fo-sure !

I think he thought it was going off the wall.

Man, I hope he gets like 170+ hits this year so he can get 3000 next year...early.

Oh, and it is time to see more Burke and less Wilson.

DD

[Nick]

Or, say, Roy Oswalt.

He's a little different than Roy... actually, Roy's curve is only great because of his phenominal fastball. If Roy were to have mediocre control/placement of his fastball, his curve would get hammered (if he was trying to throw it for a strike).

Taylor's has that sharp 12-6 break that you see in Ben Sheets, Chris Carpenter, and used to see in Matt Morris. That pitch is so effective if you have decent control on the fastball, because you throw that pictch well... and hitters will either swing and miss, or just ground it weakly.

[Miguel]

Quick look at Mo's ESPN.com player page says...


Ensberg vs Torres
4 for 14, 2 HRs, 2 walks, 3 Ks

[Nick]

Alright... its about that time Preston. Time to start that hot streak.

[weakfromtoday]

Bases loaded for Wilson. :(

[rikesh316]

PW sucks.

[Nick]

I'd rather he have struck out... oh the irony.

[geeimsobored]

I don't even know why pitchers should bother pitching to ensberg anymore. Preston's providing worse protection than Lane did last year.

Hopefully, he'll get out of this jam.

[weakfromtoday]

I think just for the hell of it, Preston should take his next at-bat from the other side of the plate.

[Miguel]

I think just for the hell of it, Preston should take his next at-bat from the other side of the plate.

LOL! :D

[adw]

Give Wilson a day off Garner,geez let Burke get a few at bats.

[rikesh316]

What a catch by Wilson. Gotta give him credit for that.

[rikesh316]

Bucholtz=Filthy. Looks like the Astros found another ace.

[The Real Shady]

Bucholtz=Filthy. Looks like the Astros found another ace.

Little early for that, but he's been very impressive.

I just can't get over how well Wandy and Bucholtz have been pitching. We are going to need these guys to pitch like this if we go the year without Backe and Clemens.

[Miguel]

Dear Mr Everett,

Please hit a double. Mr Buchholz would like to pitch another inning.

Sincerely,

MiG

Edit: Doesn't matter, Taylor stays in! WOO!!!

[Nick]

Gotta love the fans at MMP giving Taylor a standing ovation as he comes to bat in the 8th... Houston is slowly (but surely) catching on as a very knowledgeable baseball town.

[rikesh316]

Little early for that, but he's been very impressive.

I just can't get over how well Wandy and Bucholtz have been pitching. We are going to need these guys to pitch like this if we go the year without Backe and Clemens.

Who ever why have thought this. Astros 7-0 when Rodriguez, Nieve, and Buchoultz start and 5-5 when Oswalt, Petitite, and Backe start.

[Nick]

Who ever why have thought this. Astros 7-0 when Rodriguez, Nieve, and Buchoultz start and 5-5 when Oswalt, Petitite, and Backe start.

A weird stat... but for superstition sake, lets just say that they're only 6-0 till this one becomes final.

[Uprising]

HAHAHA! What a play by Adam!!! :eek: :eek: :D

This has been a great game.

[Uprising]

HAHAHA! Premature fireworks. LOL
]
Bruntlet error costs the rookie his 1 hitter.

[The Real Shady]

Damnit Brunlett. The fireworks are going off. I feel jinx.


:eek: :rolleyes:

[Nick]

Damnit Brunlett. The fireworks are going off. I feel jinx.


:eek: :rolleyes:

Yea... Taylor will be even more studly if he can recover after this.

[Miguel]

HAHAHA! Premature fireworks. LOL
]
Bruntlet error costs the rookie his 1 hitter.
Ruled an error. Still a 1 hitter.

[Uprising]

Ugh, 2nd hit of the game.

No complete game for Taylor.

/me stands up and applauds the 8 and 2/3 inning 2 hitter by the rook.

[The Real Shady]

Let's stop bringing in Bruntlett in the 9th cold to replace Biggio.

[Miguel]

GAH

DON'T BRING IN LIDGE! Let Buchholz work out of the jam

[Nick]

Its still early in the year... I say stick with the kid!

[DaDakota]

That sucked by Brutlett, didn't I hear the announcers say that no Astro rookie has ever thrown a 1 hitter....

DANG !!

History bobled away.

DD

[rikesh316]

Damn it, Lidge is coming in. This AB got's Jason Bay homer written all over it.

[The Real Shady]

Damn it, Lidge is coming in. This AB got's Jason Bay homer written all over it.

It's not the playoffs ;)

[Jebus]

Damn it, Lidge is coming in. This AB got's Jason Bay homer written all over it.

sure does..

he's 4 for 8 with 2 homers against Lidge lifetime.

[Miguel]

Damn it, Lidge is coming in. This AB got's Jason Bay homer written all over it.
No, it would be a 2-RBI Triple with Jason Bay thrown out at the plate.

[Uprising]

ASTROS WIN ASTROS WIN ASTROS WIN!!!!

:D 2 hitter. shutout.

[rikesh316]

I was wrong, Lidge with the save.

[Nick]

Maybe its meant to be...

The last Astro rookie to throw a complete game shutout was KIRK SAARLOOS, who actually did it against the Pirates (god, they've been bad a long time).

Saarloos didn't pan out... lets hope Taylor is better.

[Miguel]

WOO!!!

I picked up Buchholz a few days ago in all 3 of my Yahoo fantasy leagues :D

[rikesh316]

When did Granato start having a postgame show again?

[Gene the PIG]

Indians scattered on dawn's highway bleeding ... ghosts crowd the young childs fragile eggshell mind.


http://special.waiting-forthe-sun.net/Graphics/RememberingJim/EmbroideredCollar.jpg



:D

[Uprising]

It's wierd how they aren't going to ads.

I am hearing everything Milo is saying and it's supposed to be off the camera.

he just burped.

Nice camera views of the park though.

[adw]

Taylor was amazing :D

Great win and nice to see Lidge get that huge out.

[Glish21]

It's wierd how they aren't going to ads.

I am hearing everything Milo is saying and it's supposed to be off the camera.

he just burped.

Nice camera views of the park though.

Milo isn't on tv :p Also I was wondering if the no commercials was just happening in College Station

[l3igballer23]

lol is anyone else watching the post game show...

ensberg/everett the next bagwell/biggio :rolleyes:

[Blatz]

When did Granato start having a postgame show again?

I believe it has been for every home game this season. No drunk callers for this one.

[Uprising]

Milo isn't on tv :p Also I was wondering if the no commercials was just happening in College Station

I'm in college Station.

So yes, maybe it was just happening here.

My bad, Milo is the guy who doesn't give any descriptions of the plays on 740am.

[DaDakota]

Astros with the best record in baseball, but don't get too comfy, St. Louis is breathing down our neck.

DD

[geeimsobored]

Astros with the best record in baseball, but don't get too comfy, St. Louis is breathing down our neck.

DD

Plus we've had a pretty easy schedule to date. The only series of note was the Brewers one. Every other one was against a subpar team with no shot at the postseason.

[dividend]

ensberg/everett the next bagwell/biggio :rolleyes:

should we start a new thing? the killer E's :p

[baller4life315]

Coming from a Bucco's fan, all I will say is wins against the Pirates shouldn't count. ;)

[WizzyWig]

Burke will bat instead of Wilson next game...guranteed

[JunkyardDwg]

Plus we've had a pretty easy schedule to date. The only series of note was the Brewers one. Every other one was against a subpar team with no shot at the postseason.

Well if you look at the other two top teams, the White Sox and Mets, they've had fairly easy schedules too. I don't care how we got there, the team is 12-5 and at a better pace than they're 8-8 start last season at this point.

[Blatz]

Is that Sports Radio 610 Clubhouse Extra only for games during the week?

If so that's pretty weak for them to advertise a post game show that will air "Immediately, and we mean immediately following every Astros home game."

I don't think I heard one last night so maybe it's only for games that end before 10pm during the week?

[MadMax]

Plus we've had a pretty easy schedule to date. The only series of note was the Brewers one. Every other one was against a subpar team with no shot at the postseason.

that's baseball, though. how many teams are legit playoff contenders? in the NL Central, who do you consider to be a legit playoff contender other than the 'stros or the Cards? we'll play the pirates, the brewers, and the reds over and over again this season. you gotta win those games. the astros are. meanwhile, we'll play the braves or the mets only 6 times all season long.

12-5 is 12-5. best record in baseball. you can't spin that.

[Raven Lunatic]

Bay never even took the bat off his shoulder that whole AB against Lidge...weird.

[codell]

woohoo ..Stros win!!

just got back from the game ...as stated before, we got to sit in Wells Fargo's corporate suite, which happened to originally be the Enron suite ...most expensive suite in the place, directly behind home plate ......free beer and free food and free monster ice cream ......and free BEER!!!!

will post pictures tomorrow .....

[Nice Rollin]

bucky was dealin tonight! i was at enron and fireworks went off early when bruntlett made the error in the 9th. was that on tv?

[Nice Rollin]

bucky was dealin tonight! i was at enron and fireworks went off early when bruntlett made the error in the 9th. was that on tv?
oh crap nvm....i guess it was

[The Real Shady]

I'm worried. The Astros have the best record in baseball to start the season. That's not like them.

[Fegwu]

Taylor was amazing :D

Great win and nice to see Lidge get that huge out.

Once again, thank you Wagner.

[Blatz]

bucky was dealin tonight! i was at enron and fireworks went off early when bruntlett made the error in the 9th. was that on tv?

Yeah and I was pissed, not at Bruntlett but at the damn fireworks guy. If they had some how lost that game I was going to blame him.

[geeimsobored]

Once again, thank you Wagner.

Yea seriously thank god, I was scared that we got burned on that trade.

Duckworth was a total waste, Astacio has been up and down but mostly down but buchholz is looking really good.

[ROXRAN]

I recall when early in Oswalt's career, I had that feeling...Others said it was too early, but I knew...I'm feeling it about Buchholz, early or not.

mark these words:, a future ace...!

[NIKEstrad]

I was wondering what all the hype with Buchholz had been about since his minor league numbers were never really eyepopping.

Then you see him in action and a guy with a 94-95 fastball and just a sick curveball...when he gets control down, you see performances like tonight. Having a catcher like Ausmus early in his MLB career and being around pros like Roy O and Pettitte may do wonders for him down the road.

When you have Roy O anchoring your rotation for years...then 3 more young guys showing a ton of promise in Wandy, Backe, and Buchholz...AND your best prospects are projected frontline pitchers (Hirsch, Patton, Barthmeier), you're in good shape on the mound. I just wish the injury bug/Roger hadn't hit and Nieve wasn't forced into the rotation.

[My Lund]

He's a little different than Roy... actually, Roy's curve is only great because of his phenominal fastball. If Roy were to have mediocre control/placement of his fastball, his curve would get hammered (if he was trying to throw it for a strike).

Taylor's has that sharp 12-6 break that you see in Ben Sheets, Chris Carpenter, and used to see in Matt Morris. That pitch is so effective if you have decent control on the fastball, because you throw that pictch well... and hitters will either swing and miss, or just ground it weakly.

I have noticed that Taylor can also throw that curve for strikes. Whenever you can pitch backwards like that as in throw the breaking ball on fastball counts, the fastball looks so much better and can be used as an out pitch. Hopefully his confidence in his breaking pitches continues to grow and he can be as productive as Roy was in his rookie year.

[ryan17wagner]

Those kids are alright. Wandy, Taylor B. and Nieve. Heck, our whole farm system is stacked with future horses(Patton, Brian B., Hirsch). Our rotation is just going to get better in the years to come. I'm thinking Rocket and Backe might not have a place in the rotation of the KIDS keep it up. Hmmm, Rocket in long relief? Nah......Astros '06 rotation motto: "Our No.5 pitcher has 341 wins." Come back Rocket.....you know want to!

[Hmm]

I'm worried. The Astros have the best record in baseball to start the season. That's not like them.

You know what's also, 'not like them'?

Winning a World Series..


;)

[rocketfat]

Let's stop bringing in Bruntlett in the 9th cold to replace Biggio.

couldn't agree more. pure overcoaching. and i realize how poor of a fielder biggio is and still never agree with this.

[bobrek]

Let's stop bringing in Bruntlett in the 9th cold to replace Biggio.

How quickly we forget game 4 of the NLCS last year.

[The Real Shady]

How quickly we forget game 4 of the NLCS last year.

Well, I think Biggio would have made that relay throw anyway.

[codell]

Well, I think Biggio would have made that relay throw anyway.

not a chance

[Raven Lunatic]

Well, I think Biggio would have made that relay throw anyway.

Bruntlett didn't make the relay throw, he started the DP. And it was his quick transfer from glove to hand to throw that made it possible. I honestly don't think Biggio would have done it. Hell, most 2Bs in the league wouldn't have. I remember getting mad when the ball was hit because I didn't think there was any way we turn two, so a run would have scored. Then Bruntlett did his magic.

[The Real Shady]

Bruntlett didn't make the relay throw, he started the DP. And it was his quick transfer from glove to hand to throw that made it possible. I honestly don't think Biggio would have done it. Hell, most 2Bs in the league wouldn't have. I remember getting mad when the ball was hit because I didn't think there was any way we turn two, so a run would have scored. Then Bruntlett did his magic.

I can't remember, but there was a game last year where Bruntlett bobbled a ball in the 9th also. I think it was in the playoffs, or right before it.

[bobrek]

I can't remember, but there was a game last year where Bruntlett bobbled a ball in the 9th also. I think it was in the playoffs, or right before it.

The point is that it is not "over-managing" to make a defensive substitution in a close game. If folks complain about bringing in a guy "cold" to replace someone then no one would ever get replaced.

It is highly unfortunate that Bruntlett made that error. It cost Buchholz a chance to have his first win be a 1-hit shutout. It forced Garner to use Lidge. Bottom line is that Garner cannot be afraid to make moves and players should be ready to perform when called upon. Garner will continue to make that type of move and he should continue to do so.

[Zac D]

Today, playing left field and batting sixth for your Houston Astros, out of Louisville, Kentucky, CHRIS BURKE!

[rezdawg]

Today, playing left field and batting sixth for your Houston Astros, out of Louisville, Kentucky, CHRIS BURKE!

Great news.

[geeimsobored]

Well, I think Biggio would have made that relay throw anyway.

I dont.. now that Alfonso Soriano plays left field, Biggio is statistically the worst second baseman in baseball.

That was a nearly impossible double play to pull off. Listen to the color commentary. The analysts were stunned that they were going for two rather than going for one and protecting home.

[Texas Stoke]

Wow.. this is unreal. :eek:

[WhoMikeJames]

Ensberg won't stop getting homers, i love it

[rezdawg]

I EFFING LOVE THE ASTROS. They make my life so much more pleasant.

[Roxfan73]

How far did that ball go? Like 450+ from what I can tell. Ensberg is just insane right now.

Now Burke with the nice dub!

[kaleidosky]

i turned it on late. all the box scores on espn and mlb.com say 3-0.. but the pirates feed on mlb.tv says 4-0. Which is it? I only see Bidge HR, Ensberg HR scoring Berkman.. and then 2 singles followed by a pickoff and a groundout. Any 4th run?

[My Lund]

i turned it on late. all the box scores on espn and mlb.com say 3-0.. but the pirates feed on mlb.tv says 4-0. Which is it? I only see Bidge HR, Ensberg HR scoring Berkman.. and then 2 singles followed by a pickoff and a groundout. Any 4th run?

Burke double scored Lane from first. :D

[kaleidosky]

Burke double scored Lane from first. :D

ahhh sweet. Yeah mlb.com says Burke double, Lane stopped at 3rd. Thanks!

[rezdawg]

Burke double scored Lane from first. :D

Really? Sweet! Im following it on Yahoo sports...it says 3-0. Nice.

[rezdawg]

Oswalt's pitch count is getting up there...crap.

[wrath_of_khan]

Just throwing this out there ... how sweet would it be for Biggio to make the All Star Game at 40?

Utley and Kent are off to slow starts, and Soriano's in the outfield.

If Biggio keeps this up ... you never know!

[rezdawg]

Ensberg is being such a stat whore right now...accumulating offensive numbers. What a slut.

I love sluts.

[kaleidosky]

show me destruction adam!

edit: i'll always take a guaranteed RBI over attempted destruction ;)

[My Lund]

Ensberg is being such a stat whore right now...accumulating offensive numbers. What a slut.

I love sluts.

Especially ones from Southern California. ;)

[kaleidosky]

whoa! wasn't that ball 4??

[kaleidosky]

so did you know that the pitcher's name is pronounced:

Muh-hall-uhm

and not

Muh-home

? At least that's how the Pirates announcers are saying it.. never woulda guessed it.

[wrath_of_khan]

Ensberg is being such a stat whore right now...accumulating offensive numbers. What a slut.

I love sluts.

Remember when people actually saw Ensberg as a question mark coming into this season? "He's only had one great season," they said. :D

Also, seeing a healthy Ensberg at the plate again makes me wonder what could have been if he hadn't been playing with a wrist injury during the WS...

[Nice Rollin]

Remember when people actually saw Ensberg as a question mark coming into this season? "He's only had one great season," they said. :D

Also, seeing a healthy Ensberg at the plate again makes me wonder what could have been if he hadn't been playing with a wrist injury during the WS...
no, i dont rremember anyone saying that

[kaleidosky]

bidge is sickly hot

[My Lund]

Oswalt has thrown 81 pitches so far. I wonder how deep he is going to go.

[wrath_of_khan]

no, i dont rremember anyone saying that

Not sure if you were lurking these boards before you became a member LAST MONTH, but a lot of posters here were saying that in the offseason.

I'm not talking about people in the media; just people on this board.

[Buck Turgidson]

Chris Burke putting on a clinic in sh!tty baserunning.

[kaleidosky]

hmm, didn't see the pickoff, but that's 2 baserunning gaffes by Burke..

[kaleidosky]

oswalt at 96...hope we can get him up and pinch hit for him this inning.. rather not see him out there again in the 8th. unnecessary.

[Nice Rollin]

Not sure if you were lurking these boards before you became a member LAST MONTH, but a lot of posters here were saying that in the offseason.

I'm not talking about people in the media; just people on this board.
ohhhhh my bad. i thought you meant in the media...

[My Lund]

Burke has 3 doubles today. You think that this production in LF is better than somebody who has struck out a million times but has a few HRS. O yeah I was talking about Preston Wilson.

[wrath_of_khan]

ohhhhh my bad. i thought you meant in the media...

No worries. It was brutal here in the offseason. There was a lot of nitpicking going on (as well as a lot of fair criticism).

[adw]

Do we have any decent lefty relievers in the minors? :\

[The Real Shady]

Burke has 3 doubles today. You think that this production in LF is better than somebody who has struck out a million times but has a few HRS. O yeah I was talking about Preston Wilson.

I would give Preston another month. If he doesn't get his act together it's time to put Burke out there.

[kaleidosky]

Do we have any decent lefty relievers in the minors? :\

Gallo's pitch was low shin-level to Sanchez... he just reached down and Crawford Box'd it.. not his fault

[kaleidosky]

Qualls has some good movement on his pitches.. I'm satisfied that he's back to form.

[adw]

What about all the various other times he has sucked like Trevor Miller this year.All I'm asking is if we have any other options this year.

Gallo was good last year,but so far his +9 era isnt cutting it.I know its early in the season,I'm just curious.

[My Lund]

First SWEEPof the season guys. The Turdinals lost so we are 2 games up now. SWEEEEEEEEEE.....T :D

[Miguel]

Mango showing flashes of B-G-O there. 3 Doubles?

2B: Burke 3 (4, Maholm, Vogelsong, Grabow),
--- Biggio (8, Vogelsong).

[arkoe]

Mango showing flashes of B-G-O there. 3 Doubles?

2B: Burke 3 (4, Maholm, Vogelsong, Grabow),
--- Biggio (8, Vogelsong).

Lol, where'd that nickname come from?

[Hippieloser]

Well, he looks exactly like Chris Kattan.

[Miguel]

http://www.tsxdata.com/MLB/mugs/chrisburke.jpghttp://ia.imdb.com/media/imdb/01/I/96/86/22m.jpg

[Kerfeld]

Just got back from the game... there is nothing better than Sunday afternoon at the ball park watching home team sweep a dvision opponent out of town, even if it was the Pirates.

[The Real Shady]

Lol, where'd that nickname come from?

http://www.sunripeproduce.com/gazette/images/04.02_pg09_im1b.jpg

The players on the team call him Mango.

[Miguel]

The players on the team call him Mango.

They really do call him Mango? :eek:

I've been calling him that for over 1 1/2 years, ever since he got his first it again...the Cardinals I think. :D

[The Real Shady]

They really do call him Mango? :eek:

I've been calling him that for over 1 1/2 years, ever since he got his first it again...the Cardinals I think. :D

Yea... I heard Berkman call him Mango.

[macalu]

They really do call him Mango? :eek:

I've been calling him that for over 1 1/2 years, ever since he got his first it again...the Cardinals I think. :D

my g/f doesn't watch alot of sports but a couple of months ago, she saw a couple innings of the astros game. they showed a screen of Everett and his stats and the first thing that comes out of her mouth is, "OMG! you know who he looks like? he looks like The New Guy." and then a few days, she sees chris burke and says, "he looks familiar." i threw Mango out there and she agreed. just thought it was real funny.

[Miguel]

my g/f doesn't watch alot of sports but a couple of months ago, she saw a couple innings of the astros game. they showed a screen of Everett and his stats and the first thing that comes out of her mouth is, "OMG! you know who he looks like? he looks like The New Guy." and then a few days, she sees chris burke and says, "he looks familiar." i threw Mango out there and she agreed. just thought it was real funny.

Maybe Adam's hooked up with Eliza Dushku...


That would explain his hot start :cool: