[Official] Astros @ Marlins

[Castor27]

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

7-13 Roy Oswalt, RHP (6-6, 3.15) vs. Dontrelle Willis, LHP (6-7, 3.94) 6:05 on FSSW

7-14 Roger Clemens, RHP (1-2, 2.82) vs. Anibal Sanchez, RHP (1-0, 6.60) 6:35 on FSSW

7-15 Andy Pettitte, LHP (7-9, 5.28) vs. Josh Johnson, RHP (8-4, 2.21) 5:05 on FSSW

7-16 Taylor Buchholz, RHP (6-6, 5.21) vs. Scott Olsen, LHP (6-4, 4.24) 12:05 on FSSW

[kaleidosky]

first?! sweeeep! Huff HR!

[JaWindex]

Just win the series..

[Rocketswon]

I just want Huff to have a good game to get these guys going. Huff brings hope but I hope he wont be like Preston Wilsons second month. I doubt it so lets beat Marllins.

[weslinder]

The Stros have their rotation set. I don't make predictions about game outcomes anymore, but you would think the chances look pretty good.

[rikesh316]

LWWL. Offense will still suck.

[trickywhiteguy]

Sweep! THE Marlins Suck! we will score 48 runs this series

[MadMax]

SWEEP!!!!

GO HUFF! :)

[The Real Shady]

Huff goes 4-4 with 3 HRs and 9 RBIs. After the game he says the Astros will not be able to afford him at the end of the season. Drayton will offer to buy him a tractor.

[Buck Turgidson]

Drayton will offer to buy him a tractor.
He's from Dallas/FW, I'm guessing glitter-painted bassboat.

[VesceySux]

After the game he says the Astros will not be able to afford him at the end of the season.

You forgot the part where the Mets offer him $367 billion over 10 years.

I think: WWLW

[macalu]

man, what a total turnaround for these two pitchers tonight. Last year they both had ERA under 3 and great records. nwo they just seem middle of the pack pitchers. although, Roy's been the recipient of no run support.

WWLL

[rrj_gamz]

Sweep...and I mean it...This is the time to start fresh and kick some ass...

It can't be status quo or else no playoffs for us...Huff should do fine...

[Saint Louis]

WWLW - Astros start winning every series from here on out.

[BigM]

man, what a total turnaround for these two pitchers tonight. Last year they both had ERA under 3 and great records. nwo they just seem middle of the pack pitchers. although, Roy's been the recipient of no run support.

WWLL

well oswalt's era is creeping closer to under 3 every start, like you said just a lack of run support has hurt him. he has been far above middle of the pack though...

[Hakeem's Dream]

Tonight is a pitching lovers game. I can't wait to see Roy O whip D's bootay!

[Groogrux]

Break out the brooms, peeps.

[BigCountry132]

The official lineup that will start it all.....

C. Biggio 2B
W. Taveras CF
C. Burke RF
L. Berkman 1B
A. Huff 3B
P. Wilson LF
B. Ausmus
A. Everett SS
R. Oswalt P

Clearly ausmus is being rewarded with that single on sunday night by moving to the 7 hole.

[Buck Turgidson]

Interesting. Ensberg finally came out & admitted he's been hurt, according to Footer. Maybe he's getting a few games off.

[MadMax]

Interesting. Ensberg finally came out & admitted he's been hurt, according to Footer. Maybe he's getting a few games off.

it's about time. where'd you read that?

[Buck Turgidson]

it's about time. where'd you read that?
Sorry, not Footer, it was the Jesus: http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/4043688.html

"Ensberg, who reluctantly admits his right shoulder is hurt, welcomes Huff."

And earlier from Purp: "And the thing with Morgan is, I know he hasn't admitted to having (right) shoulder problems, but he did hurt his shoulder. I don't know if that's still affecting him, but I think we'll have a good, frank conversation tomorrow. Unfortunately, we're in a position where we have to start moving forward."

And voila: Ensberg rests.

Will be interesting to watch Burke in RF...any tags from 2nd or 1-3rd on singles?

[Furious Jam]

The official lineup that will start it all.....

C. Biggio 2B
W. Taveras CF
C. Burke RF
L. Berkman 1B
A. Huff 3B
P. Wilson LF
B. Ausmus
A. Everett SS
R. Oswalt P

Clearly ausmus is being rewarded with that single on sunday night by moving to the 7 hole.

It will be interesting to see what Huff can do against a tough lefthander like Willis.

[Nick]

Lamb, batting lefty against Willis, is still a better hitter than Willy Taveras.

[The Cat]

Lamb, batting lefty against Willis, is still a better hitter than Willy Taveras.

Ensberg, even hurt, is still a better hitter than Willy Taveras. Eric Bruntlett is a better hitter than Willy Taveras. Orlando Palmeiro, batting lefty against Willis, is still a better hitter. Half the fans in the stands might be better hitters than Willy Taveras. ;)

Sensing a pattern here? :D

I hope Lane regains his stroke quickly so we can bring him back as a CF reserve and send Willy down...

[JunkyardDwg]

So Morgan admits his shoulder still hurts and sits. What the hell is wrong with Lamb that he has sit on the pine. We acuire an extra bat to bolster our offense but we trot the same lineup of days past...whatever we gain with Huff for Ensberg tonight we lose with Willy for Lamb/Burke.

[Nick]

So Morgan admits his shoulder still hurts and sits. What the hell is wrong with Lamb that he has sit on the pine. We acuire an extra bat to bolster our offense but we trot the same lineup of days past...whatever we gain with Huff for Ensberg tonight we lose with Willy for Lamb/Burke.

Agreed... it might all be moot, since we're facing Willis tonight, but Willy's continued regression was just as big of a problem in the first half as Ensberg slumping, or Lane being terrible. On top of it all, at least the other two would get on base some of the time... Willy is hitting worse than most MLB pitchers would, given the amount of AB's he gets.

The other two have seemed to be put on notice... but Willy still gets a free pass (and a high spot in the lineup, no less). I don't like it.

[The Cat]

So Morgan admits his shoulder still hurts and sits. What the hell is wrong with Lamb that he has sit on the pine. We acuire an extra bat to bolster our offense but we trot the same lineup of days past...whatever we gain with Huff for Ensberg tonight we lose with Willy for Lamb/Burke.

Garner has an obsession with lefty/righty matchups. He frequently falls into the trap that any lefty in the bullpen, even if they're terrible (Mike Gallo) can get out lefty batters. Likewise, on offense, he assumes that lefty hitters have no chance to hit lefty pitchers... even if they are good and their track record says otherwise (Lamb). And instead, even if they're terrible (Willy Taveras), he assumes right-handers are the better option.

For the most part, Garner's correct in his analysis of when it's better to use typical lefties and righties... but there are exceptions, and he seems to make very few, carrying the rule through all sorts of extremes.

[Major]

Sorry, not Footer, it was the Jesus: http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/4043688.html

"Ensberg, who reluctantly admits his right shoulder is hurt, welcomes Huff."

And earlier from Purp: "And the thing with Morgan is, I know he hasn't admitted to having (right) shoulder problems, but he did hurt his shoulder. I don't know if that's still affecting him, but I think we'll have a good, frank conversation tomorrow. Unfortunately, we're in a position where we have to start moving forward."

And voila: Ensberg rests.

Will be interesting to watch Burke in RF...any tags from 2nd or 1-3rd on singles?

I hate players like this - Wagner pulled this same crap. Its pretty easy to see you're hurting the team by playing. Tell someone you're hurt and get it fixed instead of just sitting there going 0-4 every day.

[arkoe]

Florida's stadium is empty.

[Nick]

Alright Willy... maybe somebody lit a fire under your ass. Now, do what you're supposed to do when you actually do get on base (steal).

[Buck Turgidson]

I hate players like this - Wagner pulled this same crap. Its pretty easy to see you're hurting the team by playing. Tell someone you're hurt and get it fixed instead of just sitting there going 0-4 every day.
I can understand him trying to play through his wrist in the WS last year. Not this.

There's a fine line between being a gamer & being a dumbass.

[gwayneco]

I can understand him trying to play through his wrist in the WS last year. Not this.

There's a fine line between being a gamer & being a dumbass.

I don't think he really trusts the organization. They have never really liked the guy, especially when Jimy W was here. I know Jimy's gone, but old habits may die hard.

[gwayneco]

Taveras in the 2 hole? Obviously Garner still hasn't read THE BOOK. Idiot.

[arkoe]

Taveras in the 2 hole? Obviously Garner still hasn't read THE BOOK. Idiot.

I'm fairly convinced you're making this "book" up.

[JunkyardDwg]

Dontrelle's hat always annoys me. I wanna take it and bend the hell out of the bill.

[gwayneco]

I'm fairly convinced you're making this "book" up.

It's yours for $18.95 plus shipping at http://www.insidethebook.com/

[Shaji]

gamecast says theres an on-field delay, what happened?

[WhoMikeJames]

Um? what the hell is going on

[the big E]

Um? what the hell is going on
rain delay

[Groogrux]

rain delay

Uh, no.

Something with the ump.

[The Cat]

rain delay

It's not a rain delay; it's perfectly sunny. The home plate umpire left the field, that's the delay... no word as to what's going on.

[Angle02]

rain delay

Dont speak of things which you dont know of. :p

[the big E]

It's not a rain delay; it's perfectly sunny. The home plate umpire left the field, that's the delay... no word as to what's going on.
maybe the ump feels that the rain is coming :D

[WhoMikeJames]

My guess is the home ump needs to take a HUGE CRAP!!! :p

EDIT: BROKEN BLOOD VESSEL IN THE NOSE OF HOME UMP

[Angle02]

Broken blood vessel in the nose of the Ump?!?

[JunkyardDwg]

Broken blood vessel in the nose of the home plate ump...ouch.

[The Cat]

Broken blood vessel in the nose of the ump?

[CrazyJoeDavola]

umpire looked woozy walking off

maybe Ausmus ripped one .......i hear hes a joker like that

[JunkyardDwg]

Well here's something interesting... they just said Jason Lane while at Round Rock will be playing centerfield so the Astros can have more options there.

[ruddy]

There go Huffy, not a bad defense at all.

[msn]

maybe Ausmus ripped one .......i hear hes a joker like that
:D :D :D

[The Real Shady]

Nice job Huffy.

[The Real Shady]

Damnit Preston! :mad: :mad:

[JunkyardDwg]

Nice job Huffy.


and Preston follows with what else...a dp

[rocketfat]

kid loves the double play. i am convinced that he is incapable of hitting a sac fly.

[ruddy]

Wilson had dp at least 5 times in the last 3 or 5 games, the new cancer of the team. :confused:

[francis 4 prez]

I CAN'T ****ING STAND HITTERS LIKE WILSON!!! he's another derek bell, gutierrez, ausmus. was there any doubt in anyone's mind he would hit a meek grounder for a double play there? just strike out you ****ing loser if that's all you're going to do otherwise. damn MFer is he slow.

[Surfguy]

I CAN'T ****ING STAND HITTERS LIKE WILSON!!! he's another derek bell, gutierrez, ausmus. was there any doubt in anyone's mind he would hit a meek grounder for a double play there? just strike out you ****ing loser if that's all you're going to do otherwise. damn MFer is he slow.

Wilson has had several excellent at bats in recent weeks where he delivered with men on. He doesn't deserve all that animosity.

[JunkyardDwg]

That was a sick play by Dontrelle! DAMN HIM! :mad: :D

[Jackfruit]

Wilson has had several excellent at bats in recent weeks where he delivered with men on. He doesn't deserve all that animosity.

True. It's not like he is Bradley Thomas Lidge.

[Angle02]

That was a sick play by Dontrelle! DAMN HIM! :mad: :D

Too bad the first baseman was on the line and Roy had to run around him. Should have been interference.

[The Real Shady]

That looked like a strikeout for Willis.

[rocketfat]

atta kid huff! you'll fit right in this clubhouse! :D

[Surfguy]

Told ya...Wilson is DA MAN!!!

[The Real Shady]

Well, according to the Justice article Huff is a bad hitter in the clutch.

Way to go Preston. Stros lead.

[ruddy]

That was fast!!!

[Jackfruit]

Don't hate on Everett guys; he's not used to being on base :)

[rocketfat]

hit and run with 0 outs and your pitcher up. always a great call. why not just sac bunt you f'ing moron.

[ruddy]

Fkng sucker!

[The Real Shady]

Welcome to H-town Huff!

[TMac#1]

WELCOME TO HOUSTON AUBREY HUFF!!! :) :)

[rocketfat]

INSTANT IMPACT!

[Angle02]

WELCOME TO HOUSTON AUBREY HUFF!!! :) :)
^ What they said. Had a feeling he'd show his stuff tonight.

[ruddy]

BOOOOMMM!!!!!!!!!

[arkoe]

Awesome. :D

[Surfguy]

Umm...the Astros are exploding...led by Huff and his first HR.

Wooo!

[kaleidosky]

first?! sweeeep! Huff HR!

oh yeahhhhhhh! lovin it!

[noscrusir]

Da-Huffmeister!!! :D

[Stack24]

Well, according to the Justice article Huff is a bad hitter in the clutch.

Way to go Preston. Stros lead.

well i guess he proved Justice wrong lol

[Groogrux]

well i guess he proved Justice wrong lol

You at Live tonight?

[Stack24]

You at Live tonight?

Nah i was there this morning...will be there from tomorrow till sunday in the mornings till about 5

[Gene the PIG]

YES!!!

About effing time! Huffy already rules.


See what ONE bat can do? Hows about two? Then we's go to the playoffs.

[Groogrux]

Nah i was there this morning...will be there from tomorrow till sunday in the mornings till about 5

Cool. One of my wife's co-worker's is having a party up there tonight. I was thinking about heading out since I hadn't seen you in a while. Not sure if this old man can take a late night out on a school night, though. :)

[arkoe]

There have been a lot of really close plays at first tonight.

[The Real Shady]

Did everyone see Purpura in the stands smiling and giving the thumbs up to somebody after the HR? Nice. :D

[TMac#1]

Nice job by Willy T. 3 for 4

[TMac#1]

Uh oh........ Lights On

[Nick]

Uh oh........ Lights On

Lights Out Lidge

[arkoe]

Good outing by Lidge, though that ump's strike zone was weird.

[Willy92683]

Lights Out Lidge

He's back!!!.... hopefully :)

[BMoney]

Nice job by Willy T. 3 for 4

Was that the trade show special? Rumor has it that the Marlins are targeting Willy. What sort of player(s) would the Astros be targeting on the Marlins?

[CrazyJoeDavola]

based on Huff's first on screen interview, I have to say, he seems like a bit of a red ass

we can never have too many of those!

[bobmarley]

based on Huff's first on screen interview, I have to say, he seems like a bit of a red ass

we can never have too many of those!

Nice observation. Me and the bros were getting a laugh out of that.

[The Real Shady]

What did he say?

It seems like Huff and Berkman bonded.

[CrazyJoeDavola]

What did he say?

It seems like Huff and Berkman bonded.

its not what he said, its how he said it

he had the Jeff Kent look of being totally bothered about having to give an interview

[bobmarley]

I can possibly see the situation where Huff and Berkman come together and become leaders down the stretch. I think Berkman is close to making this his team.

[WhoMikeJames]

Man Purpura is a genious!

[Blake]

Finally! Another clutch hitter in the lineup. Ensberg would have pulled a Bagwell and GIDP

[dividend]

chalk one up for the good guys! :D

[kaleidosky]

fyi, i really like the marlins announcers.. if i didn't say that earlier in the year already

[Uprising]

HOFF HOFF HOFF HOFF HOFF HOFF HOFF HOFF HOFF!@!!!!!!! :eek: :eek: :eek: :D :D :D :D

[The Cat]

Pujols walkoff to beat the Dodgers. 'Stros move within 2.5 of the WC.

That's the beauty of this four-game STL/LA set... no matter the result, we're guaranteed to make up ground on somebody as long as we do our part and win.

[Kerfeld]

Great Game lat nite.. the only thing better would have been if Roy could have picked up the win.

[Austin70]

Great Game lat nite.. the only thing better would have been if Roy could have picked up the win.

Roy can't catch a break in his past 4 games he has played in, he came in relief and lost, pinched hit and missed (so the ump said) first base, all-star game he had a chance for the win and then this one gives up one run and has a no desicion.

[Hakeem's Dream]

Ensberg, even hurt, is still a better hitter than Willy Taveras. Eric Bruntlett is a better hitter than Willy Taveras. Orlando Palmeiro, batting lefty against Willis, is still a better hitter. Half the fans in the stands might be better hitters than Willy Taveras. ;)

Sensing a pattern here? :D

I hope Lane regains his stroke quickly so we can bring him back as a CF reserve and send Willy down...
Half the people in those stands last night wouldnt even make a full team.

[Hakeem's Dream]

Great Game lat nite.. the only thing better would have been if Roy could have picked up the win.
I agree. I hate that Roy keeps getting screwed. When is his contract with Houston up?

[Buck Turgidson]

I don't think he really trusts the organization. They have never really liked the guy, especially when Jimy W was here. I know Jimy's gone, but old habits may die hard.
You're talking out of your ass.

[Buck Turgidson]

I agree. I hate that Roy keeps getting screwed. When is his contract with Houston up?
Next year is his last under club control. So, he can either go to arbitration, settle on a 1 year deal & become a FA after the season; or sign a long-term deal.

A multi-year extension is the Astros top priority this offseason.

[Buck Turgidson]

Finally! Another clutch hitter in the lineup. Ensberg would have pulled a Bagwell and GIDP
Yeah, that Bagwell guy...whooodoggy he sucked.

[Rocketswon]

It Clemens today so cmon stros lets go and another thing is it just me or did the stros lookd more confident and alot better than before Huff was?

[gwayneco]

You're talking out of your ass.

Why? Ashby and Milo were constantly ripping the guy, and Jimy W played Geoff Blum over him in 2003. Between the lines, the Astros always seemed disappointed in him.

[Hakeem's Dream]

Next year is his last under club control. So, he can either go to arbitration, settle on a 1 year deal & become a FA after the season; or sign a long-term deal.

A multi-year extension is the Astros top priority this offseason.
We absolutely have to do whatever it takes to keep Roy O here and happy. If we lose him, that will sting almost as bad as giving up Nolan Ryan.

[RocketManJosh]

I feel so much more confident about this team now with Huff here, Lane in the minors, and Ensberg on the DL.

If Ensberg can get back to hitting like we know he can after this hiatus, then this is going to be another fun 2nd half of the season.

[msn]

We absolutely have to do whatever it takes to keep Roy O here and happy. If we lose him, that will sting almost as bad as giving up Nolan Ryan.
It'll sting worse. At least for me.

[MadMax]

It'll sting worse. At least for me.

it will for me, too...i like Roy O. more than i liked Nolan...there...i said it. :D

[rrj_gamz]

Great game last night...I saw it overhere, which is rare, so it was good to see Huff bang one out...Too bad Roy coulnd't get the win...go Stros!!!

[Hakeem's Dream]

it will for me, too...i like Roy O. more than i liked Nolan...there...i said it. :D
So do I but I feared crucifixion if I said so.

[Uprising]

it will for me, too...i like Roy O. more than i liked Nolan...there...i said it. :D

Me too man, Me too. Roy is one of my favorite Astros of all time.

Behind Baggy, and Bidge.

Funny, Backe moved up into one of my favorite players quickly....seems like forever since I last saw him play. :(

[francis 4 prez]

there...i said it. :D



now take it back! :D

[Hakeem's Dream]

Me too man, Me too. Roy is one of my favorite Astros of all time.

Behind Baggy, and Bidge.

Funny, Backe moved up into one of my favorite players quickly....seems like forever since I last saw him play. :(
I miss Brandon so much on the field. It sucks without him.

[JunkyardDwg]

I miss Brandon so much on the field. It sucks without him.

Could use his bat too. :p

[ROXRAN]

It will be a good game. I guarantee... :cool:

Go Astros!

[JunkyardDwg]

These Marlins hitters are a little pesky at the plate tonight...Clemens might not even get to 4 the way they're working him.

[torque]

no hitter no hitter no hitter no hitter no hitter no hitter


anyone surprised? rookie pitcher, clemens pitching...

[torque]

5 no-hit innings.

[desihooper]

not a surprise at all... I hope they break through soon.

[liamrock]

huff or no huff. this team just sucks......to be no hit by this chump is embarrassing.....worst hitting team in majors.

[hieuytran]

the only person to get on base so far is roger himself...or this kid could be working on a perfect game...

[Groogrux]

the only person to get on base so far is roger himself...or this kid could be working on a perfect game...

Chris Burke was hit by a pitch.

[TMac#1]

well at least we broke up the no hitter

[Uprising]

Yay for DP Burke! :mad: :mad:

[Surfguy]

this sucks :mad: :mad: :mad:

[torque]

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

[liamrock]

this game epitomizes this season.....i wish we would bat our best hitter 3rd.....no excuse not to...once again....zero runs for clemens.....we needed this game with josh johnson going tomorrow

[liamrock]

good thing we dumped gaetti.....i love the new approach from everett and ausmus....maybe if we lose the rest of the games in the series purpura will realize how bad our lineup sucks....

[arkoe]

What a surprise, Wandy got himself in trouble.

[Nick]

Even though the offense has done nothing tonight... I'm still glad that Garner brought in Wandy to just hand them at least another run.

Is there any doubt that Wandy won't be effective out of the bullpen? The problem is, he wasn't all that effective as a starter (except for "inducing" run support). At this point, I'd rather have most of Round Rock's pitching staff up here, instead of Wandy.

[arkoe]

Maybe the fact that Wandy was actually in the game will wake the bats up in the 9th.

[liamrock]

man.....we have the look of a WS contender....

[liamrock]

alright....only 7 games back....here we come Cards!

[IC2000]

Even though the offense has done nothing tonight... I'm still glad that Garner brought in Wandy to just hand them at least another run.

Is there any doubt that Wandy won't be effective out of the bullpen? The problem is, he wasn't all that effective as a starter (except for "inducing" run support). At this point, I'd rather have most of Round Rock's pitching staff up here, instead of Wandy.

Was there even a doubt that Wandy would give up a run? Wandy needs to pitch several innings to be "effective". Down 2-0 in the 8th is not when he needs to be pitching.

[Jugdish]

Was there even a doubt that Wandy would give up a run? Wandy needs to pitch several innings to be "effective". Down 2-0 in the 8th is not when he needs to be pitching.

Yeah, he should be pitching when they're down 10-0.

[Uprising]

well, this hasn't been a very run month.

[Little_Scott]

Well, the good thing about facing Josh Johnson tomorrow is that he's the one who threw a wild pitch on Opening Day with Biggio on 3rd, giving us the lone run that nite.

[Surfguy]

I hate to say this but here goes.

The Astros are an inconsistent pile of cow dung. One game...you think their on the verge of turning it around only to be brought back to reality by a real stinker the next game. How is this type of play going to get us to the playoffs? I'm losing hope. This is a far cry from last year's team. Roger might as well have just stay retired. We can't buy a win in games he starts so what good is he doing for us? I'd like to take Ausmus and Everett out back to beat them with a baseball bat to show them how to hit something. I'm just pissed off at how a WS team turned into this. This is rock bottom in my book. When is that turnaround going to begin? Next month? :(

[Groogrux]

It's completely terrible to lose to the best team in the NL since May 20. Horrible.

There is nothing funnier than watching the schizophrenia that is this forum.

[rocketfat]

It's completely terrible to lose to the best team in the NL since May 20. Horrible.

There is nothing funnier than watching the schizophrenia that is this forum.


eh...watching people like you spin every loss into a positive is equally as amusing.

[Surfguy]

It's a bird! It's a plane! It's a submarine! It's a deep sea drill!

IT'S YOUR HOUSTON ASTROS!!!! CATCH THE FEVER! CATCH THE COLD!

[Groogrux]

eh...watching people like you spin every loss into a positive is equally as amusing.

Yeah, it's been amusing all the way to October the last two seasons!

But I realize that three games is just two much to overcome with 71 games to play. I suggest you guys check the tv guide to see what else is on at 5:00pm today.

[rikesh316]

Luke Scott should be in the lineup today. Johnson is nasty versus righties.

[Groogrux]

Luke Scott should be in the lineup today. Johnson is nasty versus righties.

I agree. Let's see what he can do on this level.

[TMac640]

eh...watching people like you spin every loss into a positive is equally as amusing.

lol for once and only once i actually agree with rocketfat.

it's hilarious trying to put a positive spin on each and every loss, when we're STILL LOSING to teams like the ****ing marlins.

[Groogrux]

it's hilarious trying to put a positive spin on each and every loss, when we're STILL LOSING to teams like the ****ing marlins.

The team with the best record in the NL (at least according to the broadcast last night) since late-May? The ****ing Marlins.

I'm not putting a positive spin on each and every loss. Even if I was, is that worse than the majority of people who act like the season's over after each and every loss?

I can't believe I still have to remind people that the season is 162 games long.

[rocketfat]

I'm not putting a positive spin on each and every loss. Even if I was, is that worse than the majority of people who act like the season's over after each and every loss?

not worse....equally as amusing.

i don't do either, but as far as last night goes, you completely dismiss every other aspect of the game other than the fact that the Marlins having the best record in the NL since May.

a pile of crap rookie completely shuts us down, while we once again have to watch clemens pitch great and get zero run support. less than 24 hours after a feel-good win with aubrey huff as the star giving us renewed optimism. crap like that gets aggravating and it happens way too often with this team.

i have said it a billion times over the past few years, and i'll say it again: the reason for our offensive woes are 2 people: craig biggio and brad ausmus, and it will be impossible for us to have a top-tier offense until they are gone. i see alot of you are finally starting to come around about ausmus. shouldn't be too much longer before you all get sick of biggio too, although the one big game he comes up with every 20 games or so seems to erase your memory of all the **** baseball he's played in between. nobody has worse atbats than him outside of the pitcher's spot lately.

[Major]

nobody has worse atbats than him outside of the pitcher's spot lately.

In July, Biggio is batting .314 with an OPS over 0.900. He has 7 runs and 7 RBIs in 10 games, and a 0.400 OBP. Is he really the guy you want to be complaining about right now?

[rikesh316]

In July, Biggio is batting .314 with an OPS over 0.900. He has 7 runs and 7 RBIs in 10 games, and a 0.400 OBP. Is he really the guy you want to be complaining about right now?

Yes, Biggio is horrible on the road. I really think the Astros should consider benching him more on the road.

[rocketfat]

In July, Biggio is batting .314 with an OPS over 0.900. He has 7 runs and 7 RBIs in 10 games, and a 0.400 OBP. Is he really the guy you want to be complaining about right now?


great. so he's played decently over a selected 10 game period. he is as inconsistent and unreliable as they come these days, and sadly there are about 5 players on our roster that i would rather have batting in a pressure situation than him.

we can agree that our offense basically sucks, right? so who is there to complain about? the problem has to lie somewhere, right??? let's see:

berkman -obviously he isnt the reason
burke- everybody wants him to play every day
huff
wilson- hitting well of late
lamb- having a career year
everett- his glove is WAAAAAAY to valuable, to the point of you all accepting the fact that he can't hit for ****, so i guess we can't blame him! he gets immunity!

so, that leaves us with: the pitcher's spot, craig biggio, and brad ausmus. ensberg not replicating his huge season of a year ago obviously hurts, but that only highlights how bad biggio, everett, and ausmus are.

4 out of 9 batters (including everett) that you can pencil in that they will have no positive impact on our offense, and be right 9 games out of 10, is ridiculous. that's why we have such a crappy, inconsistent offense.

you can argue with me all you want, but remember...I knew brad ausmus sucked YEARS before a single other poster on this board did. So maybe my observational skills and instinct are just a ton better than yours.

one last question, and i understand that i am going off on a tangent here and he wasn't the player in question, but: i know and respect how good of a defensive ss everett is, but are you everett worshippers REALLY that blinded that, if you were starting a baseball team, there aren't AT LEAST 15 of these guys that you would take over him? http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/stats/batting?seasonType=2&type=reg&sort=avg&minpa=0&split=0&season=2006&pos=ss&hand=a&league=mlb&ageMin=17&ageMax=51

lol. i loves me some blinded homers! you guys just think it is so chic to say that anybody who understands baseball KNOWS that everett's glove makes him the most valuable ss in the league. it cracks me up that you've actually tricked yourselves into believing that. do you understand that while he's "far away the best defensive ss in the league", that doesn't automatically generate victories? and it may even contribute to them alot less than you think! how about that!

here's a fun fact: there have been over 100 world series won, apparently and amazingly with a worse defensive ss than everett! go figure! and who woulda thunk it, but we played the majority of the 2nd half of the season and the postseason in 2004 with Superstar Jose Vizcaino at short!

one additional question: if omar vizquel, derek jeter, michael young, miguel tejada, jimmy rollins, david eckstein, or about 10 other ss's were starting for us in place of everett the past 3 years, do you think that there is a better chance that we would have won more games than we did, or lost more games than we did? be sensible about this answer now children!

[Major]

great. so he's played decently over a selected 10 game period.


You are the one that said he sucked lately.


we can agree that our offense basically sucks, right? so who is there to complain about? the problem has to lie somewhere, right??? let's see:


The biggest factor, to me, was Ensberg hitting right in the middle of the lineup. The strength of our lineup the last few years has been the top half of the order. Take out a 35 HR guy and the lineup is a whole lot weaker. This same basic lineup last year was 5th in runs scored once Berkman came back. With Huff in there replacing Ensberg, I think it will get better than it has been. Hopefully Lamb provides what Lane did last year, and if Ensberg comes back healthy, we'll be in good shape (although we'll have to figure out where to play people).


one last question, and i understand that i am going off on a tangent here and he wasn't the player in question, but: i know and respect how good of a defensive ss everett is, but are you everett worshippers REALLY that blinded that, if you were starting a baseball team, there aren't AT LEAST 15 of these guys that you would take over him? http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/stats/batting?seasonType=2&type=reg&sort=avg&minpa=0&split=0&season=2006&pos=ss&hand=a&league=mlb&ageMin=17&ageMax=51


Who here has ever said Everett shouldn't be benched for Michael Young or Miguel Tejada? Unfortunately for us, none of those guys are on our team. The only time Everett has ever come up was in reference to benching him in favor of Eric Bruntlett, and in comparison to Brunlett, Everett's defense more than offsets his offense.

[rocketfat]

You are the one that said he sucked lately.



The biggest factor, to me, was Ensberg hitting right in the middle of the lineup. The strength of our lineup the last few years has been the top half of the order. Take out a 35 HR guy and the lineup is a whole lot weaker. This same basic lineup last year was 5th in runs scored once Berkman came back. With Huff in there replacing Ensberg, I think it will get better than it has been. Hopefully Lamb provides what Lane did last year, and if Ensberg comes back healthy, we'll be in good shape (although we'll have to figure out where to play people).



Who here has ever said Everett shouldn't be benched for Michael Young or Miguel Tejada? Unfortunately for us, none of those guys are on our team. The only time Everett has ever come up was in reference to benching him in favor of Eric Bruntlett, and in comparison to Brunlett, Everett's defense more than offsets his offense.


my bad. let me change "lately" to "the past several years".

as far as everett goes, i'm not sure what you've been reading on here if you deny that the vast majority of the board seems to think that everett is irreplacable (i for one believe that he's the exact opposite). the joke that is burzmali even said that he would not even consider trading everett for jeter or michael young (or basically anybody). lol.

purpura said the trading may not be done yet. personally, i don't see us trading for relievers, and, in my opinion, that would leave ss as the only possible upgrade that can be made (since ausmus and biggio get to play and start as long as their little hearts desire). if the offense hasn't shown major signs of life by the end of the month, i wouldn't be surprised to see a new ss brought in.

if ensberg comes back healthy, sure our offense should be improved to some extent, but the fact remains that we are still left with the three enormous holes which are everett, ausmus, and biggio, which is going to result in the same inconsistency that we've seen the past 4 years.

[Pocket Rockets]

Vizcaino?
That guy couldn't hit one out of the infield that whole postseason!

We survived with him long enough to get to the NLCS, but our offense was relied on the 1st 6 batters in the lineup:
biggio
beltran
bagwell
berkman
kent
ensberg (who always seemed to make the last out of the 1st inning anyways)

at least Bidge is clutch when he needs to be as opposed to anyone else on the team outside of berkman!

[Pocket Rockets]

if ensberg comes back healthy, sure our offense should be improved to some extent, but the fact remains that we are still left with the three enormous holes which are everett, ausmus, and biggio, which is going to result in the same inconsistency that we've seen the past 4 years.


at least we are one of 8 teams to make the postseason on a consistent basis....i wouldnt say that is inconsistent?

tell that to milwaukee, cincinnati, pittsburgh, philadelphia and teams that make the postseason once every other decade

[Burzmali]

Everett will not be benched period. We need his glove.

Biggio might start sharing time with Burke, and Ausmus might start sharing time with Munson. But I doubt that happens that much. Biggio is a legend, and our staff loves Ausmus.

Offensive problems stem from decreased production from corner outfield and third base.

[rocketfat]

at least we are one of 8 teams to make the postseason on a consistent basis....i wouldnt say that is inconsistent?

tell that to milwaukee, cincinnati, pittsburgh, philadelphia and teams that make the postseason once every other decade


while i may take for granted to some extent that we are one of the more successful franchises in the league in recent history, i wasn't referring to that, i was referring to our offensive inconsistency.

our organization is obviously committed to winning, yet there are glaring problems of players who get an undeserved free pass no matter how they perform, and who i believe are what holds us back from being a dominant team. it doesn't make sense to me.

[Pocket Rockets]

while i may take for granted to some extent that we are one of the more successful franchises in the league in recent history, i wasn't referring to that, i was referring to our offensive inconsistency.

our organization is obviously committed to winning, yet there are glaring problems of players who get an undeserved free pass no matter how they perform, and who i believe are what holds us back from being a dominant team. it doesn't make sense to me.


yes i will agree with you in our ineffecient offense however that has only taken place the last 1.5 years as 04 was a pretty potent lineup...
i also have been crying for a bat in the lineup with the likes of abreu and soriano, however i will take huff any day of the week!

over the long haul our offense will get better with this acquisition...maybe not quite enough but its a start, i still would like to get another outfielder that can hit with some power, poss to replace taveras in center...

no team in the league is dominant, every one has glaring weaknesses whether it be hitting, pitching, bullpen or management....heck the best record in our own league the mets, are only 18 games above .500.....

cardinals have come back to earth this year.
braves too.

i believe if we can somehow sneak into the playoffs our experience will help us to get further in the playoffs.

they finally realized that ensberg needed to sit..because of injury, maybe thats what they were waiting for, somebody to take his place before they made it official as to put him on DL. who knows? taveras was replaced earlier in the year...steps are being made to get where we need to go....

yes i do get confused and question garners substitution patterns and lineup changes, that i still don't understand....

[Kerfeld]

dont mean to change topics, but I am out in San Antonio this weekend, anyone know if the game is on tv. The paper doesnt have it listed. the in laws have time warner

[arkoe]

Did I just see an Ausmus RBI single? :D

[arkoe]

Did I just see an Everett RBI single? :D

When was the last time we had a bottom of the order rally?

[Pocket Rockets]

Did I just see an Everett RBI single? :D

When was the last time we had a bottom of the order rally?


yes you did my friend,
there is an astros god!

[Pocket Rockets]

pettitte looks good thru 2

struck out 5 of 6!

lets continue to play add on now

[arkoe]

Seems like Andy's been having problems giving up a big inning. We'll see what he does today.

[arkoe]

Man I'm glad they had Lamb going. :rolleyes: Yeah, yeah, I know. Burke messed up the hit and run. But still.

This is the most runs Johnson's given up all season.

[Rox Addict]

Did anyone see Lance talking to Clemens after he hit his homer. I'm sure the Rocket had just said " why in hell can't you guys get me 4 runs ? " :D

[JJ]

dont mean to change topics, but I am out in San Antonio this weekend, anyone know if the game is on tv. The paper doesnt have it listed. the in laws have time warner

I live in SA. Try TWC channel 26. They may switch to it after the Rangers game.

[Kerfeld]

I live in SA. Try TWC channel 26. They may switch to it after the Rangers game.

thanks bro, They switched it.....

[Uprising]

Great game so far. Andy has been great. And it's so nice to see some offense. One more thing....I really think Berkman should bat in Burke's spot.

[arkoe]

One more thing....I really think Berkman should bat in Burke's spot.

I agree. Don't tell gwayneco that though.

[Uprising]

lol. Why didn't Burke do that when they were juiced?! :eek: :D

[The Real Shady]

The blowouts on. It's Luke Scott time.

[Xenon]

I wish we would move Biggio down in the order. He's no longer a good leadoff hitter. We really don't have a good one anywhere on the roster but I'd still prefer seeing Burke there instead.

[Surfguy]

One of those games where everything is going our way. Let's hope this can carry over into future games and we can get some momentum going. This is the best I've seen Andy pitch as far as I can remember.

[JunkyardDwg]

Nice game the good guys are putting together. What sux is they could fork over three of the runs tonight and win yesterday's game and still have a comfortable lead tonight. But that's baseball.

[Kerfeld]

One of those games where everything is going our way. Let's hope this can carry over into future games and we can get some momentum going. This is the best I've seen Andy pitch as far as I can remember.

the only game I remember him pitching better this year was on mother's day at home against the Rockies.

[FranchiseBoi86]

Pinch RBI double for Luke Scott. Welcome back!

[The Real Shady]

Luke Scott is the best astro of all time!

Batting a mere 1.000.

[FranchiseBoi86]

Is this the most runs we've scored all season?

[rocketfat]

jesus christ! adam and bradley reading my posts today? :D

[Surfguy]

This is f-ing ridiculous. Now, everybody is hitting the crap out of the ball.

[codell]

Luke Scott is the best astro of all time!

Batting a mere 1.000.

.198 actually but whos counting :cool:

[rocketfat]

man...Sean Berry must be a GENIUS! :p :p

[The Real Shady]

man...Sean Berry must be a GENIUS! :p :p

Give that man a raise.

[Surfguy]

jesus christ! adam and bradley reading my posts today? :D

They heard I was coming to beat the sh*t out of them with a bat so they decided they better turn it around fast. :D

B. Ausmus c 5 0 3 2 0 0 2 .238
A. Everett ss 4 1 4 4 1 0 0 .245

[arkoe]

I don't know which is better to see, Ausmus and Everett hitting, the offense scoring more than a couple of runs, or Pettitte throwing a shutout through seven.

[JunkyardDwg]

I don't know which is better to see, Ausmus and Everett hitting, the offense scoring more than a couple of runs, or Pettitte throwing a shutout through seven.

D. All of the above

[DFW_Rockets_Fan]

Just like always, the Astros have to pitch a shut out to win.

[Jugdish]

Is this the most runs we've scored all season?

Off the top of my head, they scored 14 against Atlanta.

[Kerfeld]

It is very imprtant that the Astros get tommorow's game. These ten game roadies are brutal and we all know how badly the stros play on the road. Getting three victories to start the trip will take some of the pressure off.

It was very nice to have a stress free game. Too bad the home team doesnt give us too many of these.

[TMac#1]

Great win today. You get the feeling they are close to putting it together. The pitching is really starting to round into last year's form. Pettite has been brilliant in his last 3 starts as has Roy O. Clemens has been solid in every start, Bucholz has pitched very well in his last few starts and Backe is on the way back.

As far as the hiiting goes, see what happens when the bottom of the lineup produces. You beat the crap out of teams. This offense would be so much better if they could get just some production out of Ausmus and Everett, instead of the routine GIDP popup or K.

[rocketfat]

As far as the hiiting goes, see what happens when the bottom of the lineup produces. You beat the crap out of teams. This offense would be so much better if they could get just some production out of Ausmus and Everett, instead of the routine GIDP popup or K.

exactly. unfortunately it will never happen on an anywhere near consistent basis with them.

[The Real Shady]

Preston knocked the crap out of that one. Looks like the Stros are starting to get some breaks, about time.

[Kerfeld]

time for the Astros to play add on. buchholz looks sharp. btw- did you notice how empty the stadium is? it is a complete joke.

[rocketfat]

man, lance is too ****ing good.

[liamrock]

My god....Buchholz is falling apart...making the Marlins look good this inning....would really like to win this one, but we're gonna have to score 6 or 7 it looks like.

[DaDakota]

2 walks add 2 runs to the Marlins....

Walks kill you ........just ask Lidge.

DD

[Gene the PIG]

Yeah, he's another season away from being solid. So good sometimes. Out of gas today. :(


Can our bats respond? Hmmmm ...

[rocketfat]

Can our bats respond? Hmmmm ...


you mean our bat?

[RocketManJosh]

Walks have killed us this season ... lets salvage this one guys

[The Cat]

My biggest problem with Phil Garner isn't just his insistence on following righty/lefty matchups in every situation. It's how inconsistent he is in following it. For example, take a look at Mike Lamb's OPS against lefties this year. Even though he bats left-handed, you can't tell me that Eric Bruntlett and Willy Taveras give you a better chance to produce runs. In general, a right-handed bat is a better option... but not when the right-handed bat sucks and the left-handed bat is very good.

But, even that isn't my biggest problem with him. It's what will happen in the next few innings. We need runs now. And the Marlins will pull Olsen (the lefty) sometime soon... his pitch count is getting high. And when a righty reliever comes in... the logical response should be to come back with your best hitters, especially when you're left-handed. But I predict we'll sit and watch horrible at-bats from Taveras and Bruntlett, while lefties with power like Lamb and Scott will sit on the bench.

I hope I'm wrong, but I've seen it way too often this season. Phil is terrified of pulling his regulars during a game, even if they become an unfavorable matchup.

[Gene the PIG]

you mean our bat?

WERD! Hahaha! :)

[RocketManJosh]

Nice AB Eric :rolleyes:

[The Cat]

And right on time, Eric Bruntlett can't get a bunt down and strikes out swinging on a pitch that was ball four way out of the zone. Is there seriously anyone out there who would rather have Bruntlett in that situation than Lamb or Scott?

Sometimes I think Garner would bench David Ortiz for Willy Taveras or Eric Bruntlett just because Ortiz is left-handed. It's unreal. I mean, I can understand the righty/lefty fascination if you have quality bats from both sides of the plate. But we don't. Taveras and Bruntlett probably couldn't be good hitters against AAA level pitching. Leave the R/L fascination behind, Phil, until you acquire some real right-handed bats for the bench.

[Gene the PIG]

The Cat is perfectly CORRECT so far.


Garner .. I want to like him, & yet I HATE him.


Dislike, I should say. Hate is a strong word. :D

[DaDakota]

Runner on 2nd NO ONE OUT, and we can't do ANY professional hitting...like hitting BEHIND the runner etc.

Pathetic.

And bring in a .239 hitter in Palmero instead of Lamb....unreal.

DD

[liamrock]

This team is just plain flawed....a lead-off double with the bottom of the order up HAS to score...this team has failed to execute this time and time again....plain and simple, they do not play winning baseball.

[The Cat]

Runner on 2nd NO ONE OUT, and we can't do ANY professional hitting...like hitting BEHIND the runner etc.

Pathetic.

DD

That tends to happen, DD, when you regularly sit your quality hitters (Lamb) for the likes of Eric Bruntlett.

[DaDakota]

Awesome....double to start the inning and he goes nowhere.....

The Astros are a weak hitting team right now....very frustrating.

DD

[Gene the PIG]

I've changed my mind. I HATE Garner!

[liamrock]

If the Stros continue to play .500 ball, management should consider playing for next yr and deal off Ensberg/Taveras/Pettite....there are just too many areas in which this team fails to execute....for a professional ball player like Bruntlett to not be able to at least bunt Munson over to 3rd is sad....

[rocketfat]

why is wandy still on the team?

[desihooper]

this just in...Wandy blows

[The Cat]

The righty reliever is in. Taveras' spot is due up to start the next inning. The right move, at that point, would be to move Bruntlett to center and either stick Scott in right or put Lamb at first and put Berkman in right.

But, I feel very confident that we'll see Willy Taveras inexplicably lead off the next inning, and we'll concede an out with the best part of our order coming up.

By the way Phil... you notice that? A lefty just hit a homer off a left-handed pitcher (Wandy)!!! It CAN happen! How amazing is that concept?!?!

[rikesh316]

Garner sucks. Why the hell is Wandy in the damn game?

[DaDakota]

Well this has been plaguing this team all year, we lose games we should win.....and thus remain a SUB .500 ball club.

DD

[desihooper]

Every run the Marlins' have scored today has come via the long ball. This team just simply can't execute worth a darn right now. Taylor giving up a HR to Ramirez when he's trying to coax a double play is just inexcusable.

Hey Wandy... feel free to get a guy out. Better yet, get Wandy out Phil!

[RocketManJosh]

5 Runs on 4 Hits for the Marlins ... rediculous

[Gene the PIG]

Wandy effing SUCKS. I hate him MORE than Garner. lol

GOD! Terrible.

[JunkyardDwg]

A nice Jekyll and Hyde series for the Astros...if they don't pull this one out. Course I don't know how much this one can be blamed on the team...we have some pretty good bats now but Taveras AND Bruntlett are playing in this game?


And Wandy has yet to pitch one full inning as a reliever. Nice.

[liamrock]

I just wish there was more of a benefit to losing games like this....in football or basketball, at least we could take solace in the fact that we were improving our draft position...which we are, but the MLB draft is too big of a crapshoot.

[Surfguy]

Dude, talk about a momentum swing. We seemingly had this game under control with Taylor pitching a gem. Then, it all just falls apart.

[desihooper]

Hold them here, and we come back and take the lead next inning. If it doesn't work, I'm taking off my wizard hat for the evening :D

[liamrock]

You really think this club will score any more runs today?

[The Cat]

Well, with the lefty out, a good manager would bat Lamb or Scott here in the place of Willy. But I'm pretty sure we're about to see Garner whiff again and send Willy to the plate to concede the first out of the inning.

(Please prove me wrong on either of these counts, guys. Please.)

[rocketfat]

Well, with the lefty out, a good manager would bat Lamb or Scott here in the place of Willy. But I'm pretty sure we're about to see Garner whiff again and send Willy to the plate to concede the first out of the inning.

(Please prove me wrong on either of these counts, guys. Please.)


i don't understand why the **** lamb isn't playing in the first place. he's our 2nd best hitter, and garner is platooning him. it defeats the whole purpose of acquiring huff if he's going to do that.

[liamrock]

Great AB for Taveras.

Why's he starting today?

[The Cat]

And there we go.

Genius Garner concedes an out with Willy. Even against a right-hander, which defeats the entire purpose, Willy still stays in.

Unbelievable. Illogical. Amazing.

[The Cat]

Great AB for Taveras.

Why's he starting today?

Because clearly, liamrock, you haven't read Rule 1 to Phil Garner's guide to managing baseball games.

Rule 1: When facing a left-handed pitcher, any right-handed bat is better than any left-handed bat. Even if the right-handed bat is Willy Taveras and the left-handed bat is Barry Bonds in his prime.

EDIT: and...

Rule 2: In games where a left-handed pitcher for the opposing team starts and you counter by starting scrub hitters only because they're right-handed, you MUST leave them in the game even when the left-hander comes out. It might damage their confidence. :rolleyes:

[liamrock]

Amezega.....that guy is an all-star....WOW...what a play!!!

[liamrock]

just not meant to be today guys....we'll get 'em Tuesday.

[desihooper]

Another f'n dinger :mad:

[liamrock]

LOL....6 runs on 5 hits for the Marlins....i LOVE IT

[rikesh316]

Garner has made every wrong move today. He didn't bunt over Munson with no outs. He used Palmerio as pinch hitter when he had Lamb, Biggio, and Scott on the bench. He uses Wandy and Springer when he has a fresh Lidge, Qualls, and Wheeler. Makes no sense.

[liamrock]

I'll say this much for the Marlins...they've got some great young players in Helms, Amezega and Borchard......they should be contenders in the next couple years.

[rocketfat]

I'll say this much for the Marlins...they've got some great young players in Helms, Amezega and Borchard......they should be contenders in the next couple years.


i trust that you're being sarcastic, right?

[rikesh316]

I'll say this much for the Marlins...they've got some great young players in Helms, Amezega and Borchard......they should be contenders in the next couple years.

Are you serious? All those players you mentioned aren't young and there all bench players who are journeymen. There best young players are Caberea, Ramirez, Uggla, Jacobs, Willingham, and Hermadia.

[rocketfat]

Are you serious? All those players you mentioned aren't young and there all bench players who are journeymen. There best young players are Caberea, Ramirez, Uggla, Jacobs, Willingham, and Hermadia.


lol...that's pretty much exactly what i was in the midst of typing, then i decided to give him the benefit of the doubt and trust that he was being sarcarstic first.

[The Cat]

And some of you were saying earlier that we didn't need bullpen help from the Padres (or another team)? This bullpen needs serious, serious help in the worst way.

[rocketfat]

And some of you were saying earlier that we didn't need bullpen help from the Padres (or another team)? This bullpen needs serious, serious help in the worst way.


i agree, but this game isn't a good example of why. for some reason, garner decided to work backwards in our bullpen today, and has trotted all of our worst relievers out there.

no sense in giving us a chance to come back in this one, right philly?

[Uprising]

Wow, Preston was robbed! :eek: :eek: :eek:

I hate how we have no offense one night, then a killer offense another night, then no offense again.

[JunkyardDwg]

You know we acquired Huff so we could bolster the lineup; and if Ensberg comes back healthy that only strengthens it. It kind of defeats the purpose for trading for more bats when you put out a lineup with only 4 major league caliber hitters. I don't care whose pitching now, I'd like to see a more consistent everday starting lineup. I understand guys needing days off and Sunday day games are typically Biggio's time to rest. But Biggio, Burke, Berkman, Huff, Wilson, Lamb (Esnberg if he turns it around) NEED to be in the lineup everday. If I were Purp I would have a screaming session with Garner today about giving Taveras and Bruntlett a starting nod. And as I say this Miller gives up 2 runs.

I like Garner, but damn him for not trying something different to turn this team around. He stubbornly goes with the righty/lefty matchup when it serves no purpose and continues to go to the same guys in the pen that haven't been effective (though Springer has been fairly efficient). I wanna see more Borkowski, more Nieve, heck call up Sampson, maybe even Hirsch? How bout bunting a guy over to third with no outs, too. Just try it and see how it feels. For a guy that likes to go with his gut he certainly sticks to convetion more times that not; unless his gut tells him to do that.

[liamrock]

Wow...all we can do is earn a split with a young Marlins team....wait till we face the Mets!!

[The Cat]

Wow...all we can do is earn a split with a young Marlins team....wait till we face the Mets!!

This young Marlins team has the best record in the league the last two months... better than everyone, including the Mets.

They're not bad at all.