[Official] Astros @ Cubs

[Castor27]

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


7-18 Roy Oswalt, RHP (6-6, 3.06) vs. Carlos Marmol, RHP (2-3, 4.23) 7:05 on FSSW

7-19 Roger Clemens, RHP (1-3, 2.96) vs. Greg Maddux, RHP (7-10, 4.99) 7:05 on FSSW

7-20 Andy Pettitte, LHP (8-9, 4.99) vs. Carlos Zambrano, RHP (9-3, 3.23) 1:20 on FSSW

[Groogrux]

WWW!!!

[Austin70]

WWW, and I guess ESPN will give no coverage on Sportscenter on the second game. :rolleyes:

Huff and Berkman will have a big series.

[gunn]

WWL

.....they always lose when they face Zambrano. Also, have they faced Marmol? If not, that game may be a toss up considering their prior outputs when going against someone they have not seen in person.

They still need another bat. Go get Carl Crawford.

[kaleidosky]

WWL...need to get back on track now!!! The season already feels like it's slipping with the other teams winning..

[Buck Turgidson]

"Nice marmol."

[rikesh316]

WLL. Astros offense sucks.

[Jet Blast]

Astros must win at least two out of three.

WLW

[No Worries]

WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWw

We own the Cubs.

[MadMax]

:D
i hope oswalt throws at barrett tonight!

http://houston.astros.mlb.com/images/2004/08/28/qiLbdXQq.jpg

[Hakeem's Dream]

Let's see, the Cubs? I have to say W-L-W. Tonight Roy O is on the mound so I always expect to win with him on. He is the best pitcher we have.

[Surfguy]

Who knows? I'm tired of predicting what this team may or may not do in the win-loss column. Anything goes with this team. Inconsistency is their game.

[Hakeem's Dream]

Who knows? I'm tired of predicting what this team may or may not do in the win-loss column. Anything goes with this team. Inconsistency is their game.
LOL, I hear ya. I've never been a predictor until I got on this website.

[rrj_gamz]

We need to win 2 of 3, but will sweep...WWW

[Rox Addict]

Astros must win at least two out of three.

WLW
No they really need to win all 3 because remember who the stros have a date with this weekend.... :(

[WhoMikeJames]

Ive always wondered this. How come we play the cubs so many times... It seems like every other series is against the Cubs.

[Rox Addict]

Ive always wondered this. How come we play the cubs so many times... It seems like every other series is against the Cubs.
Your so right !! Its like every time you turn your head its also the Yankees vs the Red Sox. I think they play like 150 times a year against each other.. :D

[Rox Addict]

I swear Everettes BAT Makes me sick...I stressed bat not defense... :mad:

[rocketfat]

I swear Everettes BAT Makes me sick...I stressed bat not defense... :mad:

feel free to voice your displeasure in the ensberg trade thread. ready to talk about how sick biggio's bat makes you yet? ;)

[arkoe]

Huff with the RBI triple.

[rocketfat]

why cant preston wilson hit a flyball to the outfield?

[Rox Addict]

why cant preston wilson hit a flyball to the outfield?

It has to be his mechanics. I was thinking the same thing earlier. Why in the Hell did he used to be able to hit all those HR's. He comes to Houston and cant hit for power. He has a .281 BA but most of his hits are grounders in between the gaps. He has like a Golf swing that and it looks like he is catching the ball late, he can't pull anything. Maybe Sean Berry can work w/ him but Preston seems like the kind of guy that might tell Berry to F..K off... :D

[T Rex]

It has been extremely hard to watch this team time and time again not be able to get in the runner from 3rd base in with less than 2 outs. It's called situational hitting guys.....may want to look into it.

[Rox Addict]

It has been extremely hard to watch this team time and time again not be able to get in the runner from 3rd base in with less than 2 outs. It's called situational hitting guys.....may want to look into it.
Make that not being able to get the guy in with NO outs.. :mad: Huff hit a triple and the stros had no outs but couldn't bring him in...Its the same problem, the bottom of our lineup...

[rocketfat]

oh well! we'll try again tomorrow!

[Surfguy]

OH HELL NO! :mad:

[torque]

that's game. :(

[jw1144]

What was the answer to the no hitter, triple play, cycle question? I missed it.

[liamrock]

Looks like Lamb's hot streak is over

[liamrock]

Sergio Mitre, Sean Marshall, Anibal Sanchez, Carlos Marmol

Household names that have shut down the Astros....anyone still believe in this team? They sure are making it tough to watch.

[Rox Addict]

Sergio Mitre, Sean Marshall, Anibal Sanchez, Carlos Marmol

Household names that have shut down the Astros....anyone still believe in this team? They sure are making it tough to watch.
Another Rookie !! Another lose.. This is just pathetic and I have had enough of this heartless team. We have our best pitcher vs a rookie and we are playing the worst National league team with the worst home record in baseball and we are going to lose....There is nothing that can be said to take up for these worthless,lazy, non-playing Astros. They have no fundamentals and everything from the pitching, to fielding and hitting is streaky.. Lets face it we have the 3rd highest team in baseball thats just useless...at least for this year.... :(

[Furious Jam]

Time to put an end to this rally! Go Everett!

[sammy]

here comes the bullpen!!

[Rox Addict]

Have we ever once this year got a hit with runners in scoring position ? :mad:

[Rox Addict]

Time to put an end to this rally! Go Everett!
Yeah like go to another team........

[Surfguy]

The lack of a tombstone RIP article is really hurting this team.

[rocketfat]

biggio, everett, ausmus, wilson...

all need to be removed from our team. and my prediction is that 2 of the 4 of them will before this season is over.

[rikesh316]

Garner needs to seriously think about benching Biggio more on the road. He is abosolute sucks on the road. If Astros didn't play at MMP, Biggio wouldn't have a job in the big leagues. His defense also sucks. More Burke in 2nd at Scott in the outfield.

[rocketfat]

Garner needs to seriously think about benching Biggio more on the road. He is abosolute sucks on the road. If Astros didn't play at MMP, Biggio wouldn't have a job in the big leagues. His defense also sucks. More Burke in 2nd at Scott in the outfield.

god bless you, man. where have you been not coming to my defense the past 3 years of me saying that? biggio shouldnt be playing at home either.

[rikesh316]

god bless you, man. where have you been not coming to my defense the past 3 years of me saying that? biggio shouldnt be playing at home either.

Really, he is great at home but sucks so badly on the road. He is hitting like .210 this year with a OPS of .585. He makes Everett look like Babe Ruth. I remember when La Russa benched Ozzie Smith towards the end of his career. Garner needs to the same. At least he should remove him from the leadoff spot if he keeps him in the lineup. Makes no sense.

[bobrek]

god bless you, man. where have you been not coming to my defense the past 3 years of me saying that? biggio shouldnt be playing at home either.

He's hitting .311 with a .513 slugging percentage at MMP. You don't think he should be playing there?

[rocketfat]

He's hitting .311 with a .513 slugging percentage at MMP. You don't think he should be playing there?

nah, i don't think he should be playing baseball in the Major Leagues. i don't foresee Garner playing biggio at home, and benching him on the road, so if the options are him playing or not playing, i'd choose the latter.

[liamrock]

That sound you hear is the Braves passing the Astros in the Wild Card standings.....looks like they are the team stepping up to take hold of the Wild Card....this just isn't our year....I mean, we can't really complain, it's been a great 2 year run and Drayton and Purpura have done everyhting they could have done to win....

I'd like to see us bring up Hirsch and deal Pettite to a contender for some prospects.

Let's RELOAD!!

[rocketfat]

That sound you hear is the Braves passing the Astros in the Wild Card standings.....looks like they are the team stepping up to take hold of the Wild Card....this just isn't our year....I mean, we can't really complain, it's been a great 2 year run and Drayton and Purpura have done everyhting they could have done to win....

I'd like to see us bring up Hirsch and deal Pettite to a contender for some prospects.

Let's RELOAD!!


well, i'd like pettitte to be in our rotation next year, but i guess we could resign him anyway? clemens too. i think planning for next year would be pretty smart right now (definitely if we keep losing ground before the trade deadline), and it's possible that we can still leave ourselves with a competitive enough team that still has a prayer of making a miracle run to the postseason.

[WhoMikeJames]

Astros suck :(

[sammy]

That sound you hear is the Braves passing the Astros in the Wild Card standings.....looks like they are the team stepping up to take hold of the Wild Card....this just isn't our year....I mean, we can't really complain, it's been a great 2 year run and Drayton and Purpura have done everyhting they could have done to win....

I'd like to see us bring up Hirsch and deal Pettite to a contender for some prospects.

Let's RELOAD!!


Plenty of games left....as far as next yr we have a lot of money available so hope we spend wisely

[liamrock]

I think we're kidding ourselves if we really think this team is capable of a 20-10 type of run....I mean, our lineup is a JOKE! And we have no reliable arms in the bullpen. I know it might not be a popular move...but we have the 3rd highest payroll in baseball...it's time to be realistic and cut our losses...see if someone is willing to over-pay for Pettite or Lidge.....I'm sure Uncle Drayton can't be happy with the product he is seeing.

And it's not like Abreu or Soriano could fix it.....we have numerous holes in the lineup with only one good hitter in Berkman.

[rocketfat]

Plenty of games left....as far as next yr we have a lot of money available so hope we spend wisely


if our GM knew what he was doing (remains to be seen i guess, but i'm not too optimistic), we have the pieces, tradeable players, and money available to put together a beast of a team as early as next season.

and i hate to beat a dead horse, but it all starts with cutting ties with ausmus and biggio.

[bobrek]

if our GM knew what he was doing (remains to be seen i guess, but i'm not too optimistic), we have the pieces, tradeable players, and money available to put together a beast of a team as early as next season.

and i hate to beat a dead horse, but it all starts with cutting ties with ausmus and biggio.

You might as well get used to the fact that, barring injury (or retirement), Biggio will be playing a major role on the team next year as well.

[Kerfeld]

This is getting tough to watch. I need to not care so much.

[Rox Addict]

I think we're kidding ourselves if we really think this team is capable of a 20-10 type of run....I mean, our lineup is a JOKE! And we have no reliable arms in the bullpen. I know it might not be a popular move...but we have the 3rd highest payroll in baseball...it's time to be realistic and cut our losses...see if someone is willing to over-pay for Pettite or Lidge.....I'm sure Uncle Drayton can't be happy with the product he is seeing.

And it's not like Abreu or Soriano could fix it.....we have numerous holes in the lineup with only one good hitter in Berkman.
The Mets are looking for a starting pitcher !! I have posted all this stuff and started threads on it and I couldn't agree with you more. WE DON"T HAVE A GOOD TEAM !!!!!!!! Until people start realizing this they can just live in LAH-LAH LAND !!!!!

[Rox Addict]

This is getting tough to watch. I need to not care so much.
Isn't it a horrible feeling ? I mean I look forward to the game all day at work. I sit down right after dinner and sit back to watch my Astros play the worst team in the National league with our best pitcher and we lose. Then comes that feeling the one that just keeps you down. I wish I just didn't care and I didn't have that feeling or couldn't get it. Its worse with the Rockets but no matter what that feeling is there. I just want to not watch the Astros for about two weeks and come back and see how they are doing ....then I won't get that feeling. Its gotten better I stopped throwing chairs and starting fist fights.. :D

[Uprising]

Only thing worse than a loss, is a loss to the cubbies. Especially when they are one of the worst clubs in the MLB this season.

I hope the astros can pull out their amazing finish out of their asses soon. It hurts so bad to see them lose.

[arkoe]

and i hate to beat a dead horse, but it all starts with cutting ties with ausmus and biggio.

No you don't.

[Kerfeld]

Isn't it a horrible feeling ? I mean I look forward to the game all day at work. I sit down right after dinner and sit back to watch my Astros play the worst team in the National league with our best pitcher and we lose. Then comes that feeling the one that just keeps you down. I wish I just didn't care and I didn't have that feeling or couldn't get it. Its worse with the Rockets but no matter what that feeling is there. I just want to not watch the Astros for about two weeks and come back and see how they are doing ....then I won't get that feeling. Its gotten better I stopped throwing chairs and starting fist fights.. :D

I know exactly how you feel. I do the same thing, I think about the game all day and cant wait for game time. Then I watch them lose. The only problem is that there is now way I could just not watch for two weeks no matter how hard I try. Oh well.

[rocketfat]

No you don't.


yeah, actually...who am i kidding? you're right! :D

[The Real Shady]

You might as well get used to the fact that, barring injury (or retirement), Biggio will be playing a major role on the team next year as well.

Exactly, Drayton's not going to give up that money ticket next year while he's going for 3000. Especially for how little he's paying him.

Now with Clemens and Pettite likely to leave next year Ausmus may become the 2nd catcher on the Astros.

[rrj_gamz]

On bad pitch by Roy and bam, a L...Then no clutch hitting...pathetic... :mad: I was able to see it up here in Dallas, so I'm hoping they'll broadcast 2nite as well...

[Hakeem's Dream]

I swear Everettes BAT Makes me sick...I stressed bat not defense... :mad:
I know it's hard because you want our bats to get going so bad but he's not any worse than anyone else. Poor guys, I am at a loss for what they can do next to wake up his and everyone else's bats.

[Buck Turgidson]

One bad pitch by Roy
He made several. He's not blameless in all this.

The Oswalt Inning has become too routine. Get a lead, give it right back. Cruise, cruise, cruise...boom, big inning. He's admitted to losing concentration on the mound at least once when this happened. He's stubborn as well...too much "challenge em with the fastball" at times. He needs to *pitch* more, great curve & change, use 'em.

[rocketfat]

He made several. He's not blameless in all this.

The Oswalt Inning has become too routine. Get a lead, give it right back. Cruise, cruise, cruise...boom, big inning. He's admitted to losing concentration on the mound at least once when this happened. He's stubborn as well...too much "challenge em with the fastball" at times. He needs to *pitch* more, great curve & change, use 'em.


maybe he's not blameless, but jesus christ, he gave up 3 runs. it's a sad state of affairs when we are basically saying, "well, roy gave usp three runs, how do you expect our offense to overcome that?"

[Hakeem's Dream]

maybe he's not blameless, but jesus christ, he gave up 3 runs. it's a sad state of affairs when we are basically saying, "well, roy gave usp three runs, how do you expect our offense to overcome that?"
Roy is my favorite pitcher. That being said, he is pitching his heart out and getting no run support. Blame lies on the team as a whole, not any individual nor any particular side (def or off). Everyone is to blame for our loss. But, it does suck that Oswalt can pitch as well as he does and have nothing to show for it but he's in the company of Clemens and Pettitte on that one. Normally that's a good place to be but not in this case.

[bobrek]

maybe he's not blameless, but jesus christ, he gave up 3 runs. it's a sad state of affairs when we are basically saying, "well, roy gave usp three runs, how do you expect our offense to overcome that?"

Actually, last night he gave up 4 runs in 5 innings.

[MadMax]

Actually, last night he gave up 4 runs in 5 innings.

that ain't a good night out for a starter. 7 hits...4 ER...1 HR in 5 innings.

oswalt is my favorite pitcher, but that isn't a "wasted good start."

[Ric]

I know it's hard because you want our bats to get going so bad but he's not any worse than anyone else.
actually, he is. among all MLers with at least 250 ABS, AE ranks 213th in OPS out of 219 qualified players. sadly, ausmus is ranked below him at 215.

so yeah, AE is worse than anyone else, save for ausmus.

[Kerfeld]

Amazing, how I can be so ticked off last nite at the Astros, and swear that their season is done and then by 3pm today, here I am thinking: Well the Astros are only 4 games out of the WC and tonite might be the night they get everything rolling. Go Stros!!!

[Burzmali]

This team is a pitching and defense kind of team.

Stop looking to catcher and shortstop as a scapegoat for the offensive problems. If the corner positions are producing, there is no problem.

As long as the bullpen turns it around and we start getting quality production from the middle of the order, the bottom 3 spots aren't going to be an issue.

Only 4 games back. I still believe.

[Surfguy]

it's a sad state of affairs when we are basically saying, "well, roy gave usp three runs, how do you expect our offense to overcome that?"

Roy basically thought that when he gave up the homerun. He said as much in the post-game quotes. It's an even sadder state of affairs when Roy says it...because it shows he has no faith in this team to come back.

[Hakeem's Dream]

This team is a pitching and defense kind of team.

Stop looking to catcher and shortstop as a scapegoat for the offensive problems. If the corner positions are producing, there is no problem.

As long as the bullpen turns it around and we start getting quality production from the middle of the order, the bottom 3 spots aren't going to be an issue.

Only 4 games back. I still believe.
But what is really wrong with our BP? I think we rely on them more than the avg team.

[Ric]

Stop looking to catcher and shortstop as a scapegoat for the offensive problems. If the corner positions are producing, there is no problem.
look at ausmus' #'s the past two second halves; or even this april. it's a better team when he's pitching in offensively.

currently, everett and aumsus rank 213th and 215th out of 218 ML'ers with at least 250 ABs in OPS. i don't care where they hit or play, when you combine that lack of production with a pitcher, you're essentially looking at a third of your everyday line-up being the absolute worst in baseball. (btw, taveras is 212th).

i'm sorry, if it's not your biggest problem; it's 1A. it's certainly not, by any stretch, irrelevant.

[rocketfat]

look at ausmus' #'s the past two second halves; or even this april. it's a better team when he's pitching in offensively.

currently, everett and aumsus rank 213th and 215th out of 218 ML'ers with at least 250 ABs in OPS. i don't care where they hit or play, when you combine that lack of production with a pitcher, you're essentially looking at a third of your everyday line-up being the absolute worst in baseball. (btw, taveras is 212th).

i'm sorry, if it's not your biggest problem; it's 1A. it's certainly not, by any stretch, irrelevant.


let me take this one step further for you buddy:

biggio 148
preston 168
(and lane and taveras 177 and 211)

that is sick.

[JaWindex]

Good way to start it off! Thanks Bidge :)

[TMac#1]

Well at least Rocket got 1 run. Better make it hold up.

[JunkyardDwg]

Well at least Rocket got 1 run. Better make it hold up.

When's the last time he's actually gone to the mound with the team having the lead first.


Seems he's always pitching in a 0-0 game or fighting to keep the team in it.

[JunkyardDwg]

Alright..Clemens joins Pettite and Oswalt with the knee-high sock look...i like it!

[Kerfeld]

maybe it his way of saying, "roy, I know how you feel, trust me"

[Rox Addict]

Amazing, how I can be so ticked off last nite at the Astros, and swear that their season is done and then by 3pm today, here I am thinking: Well the Astros are only 4 games out of the WC and tonite might be the night they get everything rolling. Go Stros!!!
Ditto !! :D I do it everytime the Rockets and Stros lose....

[Rox Addict]

The Rocket is pitching his heart out tonight. He has that " I'm winning tonight 1-0 if that is what it takes..." look !!

[Rox Addict]

Whats up with Ausmous ? Hes hitting again...You think Berry showed him something wrong with his mechanics ? Now if someone could show Everette whats wrong with his..Go Brad !!

[Jugdish]

How many times do I have to yell at the screen before Garner hears me tell him not to have Burke bunt with NO outs and a runner on SECOND???

[Nick]

How many times do I have to yell at the screen before Garner hears me tell him not to have Burke bunt with NO outs and a runner on SECOND???

Agreed... there's no point in batting Burke third, if you're expecting him to bunt over guys in the SIXTH inning.

Regardless of how your team has performed offensively, that's not smart baseball.

[JunkyardDwg]

Agreed... there's no point in batting Burke third, if you're expecting him to bunt over guys in the SIXTH inning.

Regardless of how your team has performed offensively, that's not smart baseball.


Espeically with Maddux on the mound.

[Nick]

Espeically with Maddux on the mound.

Even if it was Maddux in his prime, your 3-4-5 hitters coming up with nobody out in the sixth inning is NOT the time to bunt.

As it is, Maddux was on the ropes... and even though the bunt only ended up costing us a run (and an out), it still shouldn't have been done.

[arkoe]

How many times do I have to yell at the screen before Garner hears me tell him not to have Burke bunt with NO outs and a runner on SECOND???

Uhh... apparently every time Burke comes up with a man on 2nd and no outs. I can't believe they did that... Lamb still being on base at all was basically a gift. At least they still got a couple of runs this innings.

[Uprising]

PRESTON FREAKIN WILSON! CHOOO CHOOOOO!!!! :eek: :D

[arkoe]

PRESTON FREAKIN WILSON! CHOOO CHOOOOO!!!! :eek: :D

I was thinking the other day that you hadn't done that in a while. :D

[JunkyardDwg]

I am so sick of that stupid Ford commercial with Taylor Hicks.....they must show it like every damn commercial break. :mad:

[TMac#1]

I do believe Clemens is rounding into form.

I also cant' look at that Taylor Hicks commercial anymore. Possibilities!!! :mad: At least show the one with Kelly Clarkson.

[TMac#1]

I'm not sure about taking Clemens out of this game. He must have told phil he didn't have much left. Bullpen better not blow this...... :( :(

[htownballa23]

I am so sick of that stupid Ford commercial with Taylor Hicks.....they must show it like every damn commercial break. :mad:

Funny i was thinking the same thing....after the 18th time i saw it. :eek:

[liamrock]

WHY is garner bringing freaking trever miller into an important situation?

Kiss this one goodbye

[TMac#1]

:mad: :mad: :mad: why on earth would trever f'n miller ever appear in a game.

[rocketfat]

WHY is garner bringing freaking trever miller into an important situation?

Kiss this one goodbye


unreal. as usual.

[Miguel]

MiG-> did I just hear
MiG-> the words
MiG-> Trever
MiG-> Miller
MiG-> warming
Preston27> oh god
MiG-> & up
MiG-> all in the same sentence?
Preston27> :(
MiG-> Trever Miller bad at life
MiG-> bad at being bad at life
Preston27> wheeler up
TheCat> rain
TheCat> noooooooooo
TheCat> wtf chad
Preston27> trever
Preston27> :(
Preston27> coming in
TheCat> oh no
TheCat> :(
fatman510> wow
fatman510> why why why
fatman510> garner needs to be fired
MiG-> Thoughts on Spanu vs Manu matchup sometime in late nov/early dec
MiG-> OWNED
MiG-> that was the girliest through I've ever seen from 3rd
MiG-> well
MiG-> maybe not
MiG-> barehand, not really fully in control
MiG-> webgem?
Preston27> nice
fatman510> HUFF
MiG-> ARE
fatman510> WOW
MiG-> YOU
MiG-> ****ING
MiG-> KIDDING
MiG-> ME
Preston27> trever miller
MiG-> WHAT
MiG-> THE
Preston27> ****ing ****
MiG-> ****
MiG-> IS
MiG-> THIS
MiG-> PIECE
MiG-> OF
MiG-> ****
MiG-> DOING
MiG-> OUT
MiG-> THERE
fatman510> oh
Preston27> WAY
Preston27> TO
fatman510> oh my god
Preston27> ****ING
Preston27> GO
Preston27> TREVER
Preston27> YOU
Preston27> DOUCHE
fatman510> [03:31:35] fatman510> wow
fatman510> [03:31:39] fatman510> why why why
fatman510> [03:31:48] fatman510> garner needs to be fired
Preston27> :(
fatman510> I'M ****ING SICK OF THIS BULL**** GARNER WTF IS YOUR ****ING PROBLEM GELTJSLDFJLSDJFSDJFL:SJKFJ
fatman510> YOU ****ING SACK OF ****

[sammy]

So where are all the guys that love Garner.....posters that said blame the players....blah blah blah....trever miller? what a good call

[torque]

:( :( :(

[desihooper]

What's Preston Wilson doing chatting during the game?!?

[desihooper]

OK, so does Lidge come in with a one-run lead?!? No second guessing allowed... yes/no?!?

I vote yes.

[Shaji]

geez that hack that ramirez looked like it shouldve been a 700 ft homer, not a weak liner to preston

but thank GOD were out of that inning

lights out lidge later?

[Uprising]

How much does Miller suck? :o

[arkoe]

It looked like Ramirez got ALL of that off the bat. Man I'm glad he didn't...

[Miguel]

I say keep running Lidge out of there. If he gives up enough leads, he'll hang himself anyway. If not, then he'll work out of that funk.

[Gene the PIG]

Lights ON Lidge? I'll pass.


Leave Wheeler in there.

[Uprising]

Preston WIlson pwns all!!!!! :eek: :D

[JaWindex]

Squeeze!!!! :D :eek:

[ROXRAN]

nice suicide...

:D

[Miguel]

Squeeze!!!! :D :eek:
holy jesus. Garner with potentially the worst and best decisions of the year...all within 10 minutes.

[ROXRAN]

holy jesus. Garner with potentially the worst and best decisions of the year...all within 10 minutes.

I think it's because I started watching the last 10 min. seriously

It's my curse...

[Nick]

Mix in the good managing (squeeze on the right pitch) with the bad managing (bringing in mediocre lefties for the sake of having the lefty-lefty matchup)... u get Garner (the only guy who manages as much by feel, as he does by robotic text-book methods... in the same game).

[The Real Shady]

I say keep running Lidge out of there. If he gives up enough leads, he'll hang himself anyway.

Nice. lol :D

[Shaji]

lidge is really workin that heater tonight

[ruddy]

:D I say keep running Lidge out of there. If he gives up enough leads, he'll hang himself anyway. If not, then he'll work out of that funk.
Maybe Garner will hang himself too..

[rocketfat]

Lights Out Lidge! Instantly reliable again! :p

[ROXRAN]

Call me bloodthirsty or whatever, but Lidge is looking better out there...It seems like his location is getting better...

[rocketfat]

Call me bloodthirsty or whatever, but Lidge is looking better out there...It seems like his location is getting better...


you're bloodthirsty (whatever that means). ;)

[Dark_Tower]

A nice quiet save with no adventure...this should help Lidge get back on track. Then again, we've said this before. Wish nothing but the best for the guy though.

[No Worries]

Nice squeeze by Adam for the insurance (well nice double for Preston and sacrifice bunt by Brad too). Nice small ball from the bottom half of the lineup!!!

Lidge didn't suck, which made up for Miller's slider which stayed up in the wheel house.

[desihooper]

IF Lidge gets his control/confidence issues squared away, this team has a real chance to make a nice push for the playoffs. Having that hammer in the pen is such a confidence boost for the team. A stronger Lidge makes Wheeler and Qualls better and more effective as teams try to press to avoid facing Lidge when they're behind. If Lidge is less than dominant, hitters will always think they have a shot. Strong pitching can carry this team like it did last year. The two biggest keys for the stretch run are going to be Lidge and what the team does with Ensberg.

3-3 through six games of a fairly tough road trip (who am I kidding, anytime the Astros leave MMP, it's a tough road trip) is cause for optimism. This team makes its hay at home, so playing at or near .500 on the road is a big plus.

It may be gradual, but the run has begun. Let's hope the momentum continues to build through the end of July leading into August. August can be a really BIG month for the Astros with 7 games against the Pirates and Brewers and three a piece with the Cubs and Reds.

[rrj_gamz]

great win...Lidge needed that and I hope he pysched for the rest of the season...It's all in his head...

[MadMax]

the cubs are the very definition of impatient hitters. they swung at anything within 5 feet of the strike zone. jacque jones' at bat in the 9th was the worst AB i've seen in a very long time.

[Hakeem's Dream]

Lidge can get his mess together. I found an article on Beltran that my Grandma sent me in 2004 because I was a huge Beltran fan and in that article they talked about Lidge finding his way again even back then. He struggles it seems every other season. I wonder why we aren't using Nieve and Wandy as set up guys. With Springer and those two, we actually might have something to trade with by trading our RPs.

[bobrek]

Lidge can get his mess together. I found an article on Beltran that my Grandma sent me in 2004 because I was a huge Beltran fan and in that article they talked about Lidge finding his way again even back then. He struggles it seems every other season. I wonder why we aren't using Nieve and Wandy as set up guys. With Springer and those two, we actually might have something to trade with by trading our RPs.

In 2004, Lidge's monthly ERAs were:

April - 2.45
May - 3.86
June - 0.57 (became full time closer late in the month)
July - 1.98
August - 1.10
September - 1.59
October (regular season) - 0.00
Playoffs - 0.73

With the exception of 2 games in late May, Lidge didn't need to do too much to find his way. As a matter of fact he pitched in around 80 regular season games and only gave up runs in 13 of them and more than 1 run in only 6 of those 13 games. He also set a record for K's/9 innings and his strike out total was more than all but 14 STARTERS in the National League.

Lidge did not struggle in 2004.

[Buck Turgidson]

"Instead of falling off to the first base side and letting my fastball come back over the plate, I'm falling through and having my momentum go toward home plate instead of toward the first base dugout," he said. "When I do that right, my fastball stays straight and true if I throw a pitch to the outside corner. It's all about fastball location. That's what we've been working on."

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/bb/4056572.html

mechanics, mechanics, mechanics...all Pujols-induced psychobabble & tipping pitches b.s. notwithstanding.

[Hakeem's Dream]

In 2004, Lidge's monthly ERAs were:

April - 2.45
May - 3.86
June - 0.57 (became full time closer late in the month)
July - 1.98
August - 1.10
September - 1.59
October (regular season) - 0.00
Playoffs - 0.73

With the exception of 2 games in late May, Lidge didn't need to do too much to find his way. As a matter of fact he pitched in around 80 regular season games and only gave up runs in 13 of them and more than 1 run in only 6 of those 13 games. He also set a record for K's/9 innings and his strike out total was more than all but 14 STARTERS in the National League.

Lidge did not struggle in 2004.
I will have to go home and get the article out and scan it to you guys, I don't think I am crazy.

[Burzmali]

the cubs are the very definition of impatient hitters. they swung at anything within 5 feet of the strike zone. jacque jones' at bat in the 9th was the worst AB i've seen in a very long time.

Listen I want the RBI hitters to swing the bat, okay? I don't need them to worry about taking walks, jeez.

[MadMax]

Listen I want the RBI hitters to swing the bat, okay? I don't need them to worry about taking walks, jeez.


i never said i wanted guys swinging at bad pitches. i was very intentional to communicate that. i said i don't want rbi guys passing up very hittable pitches that are called strikes.

[msn]

Listen I want the RBI hitters to swing the bat, okay? I don't need them to worry about taking walks, jeez.
But you've repeatedly defended Ensberg (unless I am mixing your posts up with those of others) for his great OBP and all his walks, despite the fact that he is an RBI hitter and he's not swinging the bat.

[bobrek]

I will have to go home and get the article out and scan it to you guys, I don't think I am crazy.

I am not saying you are crazy, simply that Lidge did not struggle in 2004 and the stats and the reality support that.

[liamrock]

Neifi Perez and Zambrano OWN the Astros.

[liamrock]

"1-0 Cubs...GAME OVER"

R Oswalt

[RocketManJosh]

Jeeze all he had to do was pick it up and step on the bag ... not a good start today

[JunkyardDwg]

I wonder why we aren't using Nieve and Wandy as set up guys. With Springer and those two, we actually might have something to trade with by trading our RPs.


Wandy...are you serious? Do you wanna win any more games this season? Nieve I do think should be used more. And Springer is more a middle relief type guy.

[RocketManJosh]

Ugh ... Zambrano looks dominant again

[Pocket Rockets]

once again garner uses willy t in a must win game this year....

does it seem as if we are conceeding the game today?

wilson and bidge on bench?

[Buck Turgidson]

wilson and bidge on bench?
Bidge gets a day off after the night game; Zambrano's hell on righties so Scott instead of PW. Came down to Bruntlett vs. Willy in CF, neither a great option against Zambrano.

[JunkyardDwg]

I'm waiting for Barret to pull some s**t on the Astros to bring this team back to life. I'm getting mighty tired of .500 ball, especially when this team is capable of more.

[Pocket Rockets]

Bidge gets a day off after the night game; Zambrano's hell on righties so Scott instead of PW. Came down to Bruntlett vs. Willy in CF, neither a great option against Zambrano.


understand bidge.....
but man wilson has been our 2nd rbi man behind berkman, even though its zambrano, not sure if i would take that bat out of the lineup? IMO

[Uprising]

Well this is turning out to be a fun game. Back to Back MONSTER homers. 1 left the park. :(

[liamrock]

As a Stros fan, this loss is disappointing, but as a baseball fan, Zambrano is one of the best pitchers in today's game....he's on his way to an impressive no-hitter....wouldn't be a bad way to lose!

[Uprising]

Perfect game is OVER! :)

[Uprising]

As a Stros fan, this loss is disappointing, but as a baseball fan, Zambrano is one of the best pitchers in today's game....he's on his way to an impressive no-hitter....wouldn't be a bad way to lose!

Thanks for jinxing him!

NO HITTER IS DEAD! WHOO HOOOO!!!! :D

[IC2000]

Thanks for jinxing him!

NO HITTER IS DEAD! WHOO HOOOO!!!! :D

6-4-3

or

4-6-3

[Uprising]

6-4-3

or

4-6-3

How about three straight K's?

[liamrock]

Maybe no-hitter is gone...but not the shutout.

[bigtexxx]

Ausmus + Everett. Did anybody really think they wouldn't strike out there?

Those guys are simply not major league hitters. Just pathetic.

[Uprising]

Maybe no-hitter is gone...but not the shutout.

yeah you sound like such an Astros fan.... :o

But I'll thank you in advance for jinxing his shutout.

[Buck Turgidson]

Ump giving CZ an extra 4 inches on the inside corner. Not helpful.

[liamrock]

I love the Stros....but I'm a realist....we have been unable to score on Zambrano all season.

[rikesh316]

Offense is a joke. You got 4 hitters in the lineup with OBP around or less than .300 not including Scott. Ausmus a #6 hitter. What a joke.

[RocketManJosh]

Pathetic ... I can take Ausmus striking out on the "bad" call, but Adam watching that pitch go by after just seeing how wide a strikezone the ump had is horrible.

[The Cat]

That inning is entirely on Phil Garner.

Did Ausmus and Everett choke? Absolutely. But their history has shown us to expect that. Garner should've countered with the squeeze. The count to Everett was 2-0... there was zero risk of a pitchout. To trust Adam Everett in that situation is inexcusable and incredibly irresponsible managing.

Phil has been afraid of the squeeze all season. He finally did it last night, it works successfully... and then the very next day, he becomes timid all over again. Unreal.

I'm sick of this manager. There are too many decisions that are just absolutely inexplicable and irresponsible. Ridiculous.

[liamrock]

Well....before this series started I figured this game as the one we'd lose...losing to Carlos Marmol was inexcusable and is ultimately a sure sign this team is going nowhere....we're talking about the WORST team in baseball at home....the WORST.

[JunkyardDwg]

That inning is entirely on Phil Garner.

Did Ausmus and Everett choke? Absolutely. But their history has shown us to expect that. Garner should've countered with the squeeze. The count to Everett was 2-0... there was zero risk of a pitchout. To trust Adam Everett in that situation is inexcusable and incredibly irresponsible managing.

Phil has been afraid of the squeeze all season. He finally did it last night, it works successfully... and then the very next day, he becomes timid all over again. Unreal.

I'm sick of this manager. There are too many decisions that are just absolutely inexplicable and irresponsible. Ridiculous.


I was suprised the bunt wasn't put on with Ausmus at the plate, but he was helped out with the wild pitch. But I don't blame Garner for Ausmus and Everett did. You have to be able to make contact, and both of them stood in there with the bat on there shoulders, that's inexcusable.

[bobrek]

I was suprised the bunt wasn't put on with Ausmus at the plate, but he was helped out with the wild pitch. But I don't blame Garner for Ausmus and Everett did. You have to be able to make contact, and both of them stood in there with the bat on there shoulders, that's inexcusable.

Unfortunately with the 2-0 count, Everett did not keep the bat on his shoulder. That was definitely ball 3. The 2-1 pitch was also questionable and he swung at it as well.

Ausmus' problem in his at bat is that he let 2 hittable pitches go by and then got hosed on the 3rd strike call.

[Buck Turgidson]

Phil has been afraid of the squeeze all season. He finally did it last night, it works successfully... and then the very next day, he becomes timid all over again. Unreal.
Where was the defense playing?

[RocketManJosh]

Well at least Andy isn't getting screwed by the shutout ... he deserves this loss ... although there is a lot of pressure to make pitches knowing you are not going to get much (if any) run support

[Hakeem's Dream]

Wandy...are you serious? Do you wanna win any more games this season? Nieve I do think should be used more. And Springer is more a middle relief type guy.
I figure if we don't expect Wandy to go deep in a game, he should fair fine as a RP. Okay, let's see this...put him in the RP trade I am thinking and keep Wheeler instead.

Now...about these BS calls in today's game? It's bad enough Andy's pitching like crap but we have to have umpires making bullsh*t a** calls? I am so beyond pissed off right now.

[The Cat]

Where was the defense playing?

The same place they were last night (playing up). With a good bunter and a relatively intelligent runner on third, you can be successful with the squeeze with the defense in any number of positions. It comes down to execution.

BTW, the runner didn't get to third until there were two strikes on Ausmus... that's why the squeeze wasn't called for in his particular AB.

[Buck Turgidson]

The same place they were last night (playing up). With a good bunter and a relatively intelligant runner on third, you can be successful with the squeeze with the defense in any number of positions. It comes down to execution.
Right. And if the defense is ready for it...particularly the 3B (calls when the runner breaks), P (throws high) & C (ready for high FB), it's pretty easy to foil.

[Hakeem's Dream]

I am not saying you are crazy, simply that Lidge did not struggle in 2004 and the stats and the reality support that.
Oh no sweetie, I didn't think you were. I usually tend to beat myself up like Pettitte does.

[IC2000]

Ausmus + Everett. Did anybody really think they wouldn't strike out there?

Those guys are simply not major league hitters. Just pathetic.

I was thinking double play or K

[arkoe]

Zambrano owns us this year. What'd he take the no hitter into the last time he saw us? The 8th?

[desihooper]

Maybe Scott will go yard :-)

[The Cat]

Right. And if the defense is ready for it...particularly the 3B (calls when the runner breaks), P (throws high) & C (ready for high FB), it's pretty easy to foil.

But the defense usually isn't ready for it when the pitcher is behind in the count and is simply trying to throw whatever he can to avoid a walk. And the pitch was very, very low on the 2-0 count, much like it was last night.

[The Cat]

Maybe Scott will go yard :-)

Couple feet away. :(

And Ausmus... what a shock.

[RocketManJosh]

Pretty much the same pitch Ausmus watched fly by the last time ... Gotta admit the ump is fairly consistent and that means it is all Ausmus' fault that time.

[liamrock]

I love this bunch.....

2 on, no out...and....

NO RUNS!

[Hakeem's Dream]

Pretty much the same pitch Ausmus watched fly by the last time ... Gotta admit the ump is fairly consistent and that means it is all Ausmus' fault that time.
See, I think that umpire is a dumbsh*t. He's calling bullsh*t a** plays.

And bigtexxx, Ausmus and Everett are not pathetic.

[Austin70]

Lamb playing second???

[Aceshigh7]

I am sick of Garner fiddling with the lineup day in and day out. No wonder the offense cant get in a groove.

[Hakeem's Dream]

Lamb playing second???
Bottom 7TH B:0 S:0 O:0
Defensive switch from 2nd to shortstop for Chris Burke.

Bottom 7TH B:0 S:0 O:0
Defensive switch from 1st to 2nd for Mike Lamb.

Bottom 7TH B:0 S:0 O:0
Defensive Substitution: Eric Munson remains in the game

That is REALLY strange!!!

[Aceshigh7]

Lamb playing second???

Looks like Garner has given up. Since we have no chance of winning this game anyways, we might as well let Lidge play first and give Taveras a chance to pitch.

At least give us fans some entertainment. It's hard watching this boring mess.

[Buck Turgidson]

With Munson-Lamb-Burke-Huff, we are witnessing the worst defensive infield in the history of major league baseball.

Cat, I know. What we don't know is what was said on the field. Cubbies may have been looking for it, Gar may have had it on & took it off...who knows?

Definitely wouldn't have been a bad idea, circumstances permitting.

[Buck Turgidson]

Looks like Garner has given up.
Why? Have to keep Munson in the game in case something happens to Ausmus. Don't want to take Lamb's bat out of the lineup. Just pray nothing gets hit on the ground to the middle of the field.

[Hakeem's Dream]

Why? Have to keep Munson in the game in case something happens to Ausmus. Don't want to take Lamb's bat out of the lineup. Just pray nothing gets hit on the ground to the middle of the field.
Yeah, the move makes sense in that regard. Munson's played 1st for us in the past. Obviously it was a move to get Adam out of the game. Was he really that pissed off after that bad call he got?

[Uprising]

I love the Stros....but I'm a realist....we have been unable to score on Zambrano all season.


SHUT OUT GONE!!!! Next is the game! :D


....I wish.

[Hakeem's Dream]

SHUT OUT GONE!!!! Next is the game! :D
YEAH WILLY T!!! At least we aren't getting killed now, just getting beat up.

[liamrock]

I guess we're relegated to moral victories in avoiding a shut out! :)

[liamrock]

Dusty Baker is such an idiot....Zambrano is nearing 120 pitches in a game in which he's ahead by 3 runs....pretty soon they're gonna have 3 wasted talents in Wood/Prior/Zambrano

[Buck Turgidson]

Gotta admit the ump is fairly consistent and that means it is all Ausmus' fault that time.
You're not watching the same ump I am. Both the Cubs & the Stros have been barking at him at various times.

[Austin70]

Yeah, the move makes sense in that regard. Munson's played 1st for us in the past. Obviously it was a move to get Adam out of the game. Was he really that pissed off after that bad call he got?

I think his ears were flapping.

[Buck Turgidson]

Sick. That's the 3rd XBH they've barely missed.

Game of inches.

[Aceshigh7]

Why? Have to keep Munson in the game in case something happens to Ausmus. Don't want to take Lamb's bat out of the lineup. Just pray nothing gets hit on the ground to the middle of the field.

While your explanation is sensible, I doubt he's that concerned with keeping Lamb's bat in the lineup. If he was he wouldn't be sitting Lambo every second or third day like he has been.

[rocketfat]

2 outs 2 on down 3 in 9th, and he lets taveras bat. not that anybody on this team is capable of hitting one out, but way to throw in the towel gar.

[liamrock]

Love having Taveras up as the tying run with 2 outs in the bottom of the ninth.....and he pokes one back to the pitcher....

LOVE IT.....46-50....here we come playoffs!

[rikesh316]

2 outs 2 on down 3 in 9th, and he lets taveras bat. not that anybody on this team is capable of hitting one out, but way to throw in the towel gar.

I agree you still had Biggio and Bruntlett left on the bench.

[rikesh316]

How did Chris Burke looks at shortstop today? I think he should be the starting shortstop if he is somewhat decent. Everett just sucks too much on offense. Burke played shortstop in the CWS and played well I remember.

[The Cat]

2 outs 2 on down 3 in 9th, and he lets taveras bat. not that anybody on this team is capable of hitting one out, but way to throw in the towel gar.

Biggio has legit power and already hit one this series. Yet another inexcusable, inexplicable and irresponsible move from Phil. It amazes me more and more with each passing game how we've had the success we've had the last two seasons with him holding us back.

[Rox Addict]

This team is pathetic !!!! I can see the Garner Haters are starting to come out and I just might jump on that boat. Damn It Timmy P DO SOMETHING !! :mad:

[rikesh316]

Lineup Astros should put out versus Righties everyday now.

SS-Chris Burke
1B-Mike Lamb
2B-Craig Biggio
RF-Lance Berkman
3B-Aubrey Huff
LF-Preston Wilson
CF-Luke Scott
C-Eric Munson

[Austin70]

This team is pathetic !!!! I can see the Garner Haters are starting to come out and I just might jump on that boat. Damn It Timmy P DO SOMETHING !! :mad:


I don't want to see any "Fire Van Garner" threads just yet.

[Rox Addict]

Biggio has legit power and already hit one this series. Yet another inexcusable, inexplicable and irresponsible move from Phil. It amazes me more and more with each passing game how we've had the success we've had the last two seasons with him holding us back.

I'm no Major League coach but I've played and coached for yrs and your right it seems to amaze me as well. I watch most of the games with my uncle who is a Retired High-School Baseball coach and a great one at that. I can't count how many times we have looked at each other this year and asked "Why in the HELL did Garner do that or not do that ." I can't believe how far Garner stays away from fundimental baseball. At times it is so obvious that it looks like he wants to lose like today. Two on and you let Taveras bat..WHY GARNER ? I wish we as fans could ask these questions to those in the Astros organization. Like why did he let Lidge pitch in those situations where he was struggling and he knew we needed a win. Why he pitched to Pujols so many times with 1st base open. Why he has left pitchers out there when they are giving up a ton of runs. We can ask all these questions but in the end Garners still there. I think he is due credit because he has been sucessful up until know but maybe Drayton is pulling a Major League. The movie where the owner wants to lose to sell the team.. :D Either way we are either slipping are going nowhere and we haven't shaken things up enough. Either tank the season and bring up the young ones or GO GET SOMEONE (Tejada) and see what we can do. Either way if we just stay like this you see the result a 4-1 loss to the worst team in the National Leagueand on to play the best team in the National League.

[rikesh316]

FIRE GARNER! HIRE TONY PENA!

[rocketfat]

Zambrano owns us this year. What'd he take the no hitter into the last time he saw us? The 8th?


he owns everybody. and he's always owned us. he's filthy, and he's still probably the most underrated pitcher in the league because he plays on a crap team. he's a top tier pitcher.

[Rox Addict]

I don't want to see any "Fire Van Garner" threads just yet.

I agree...he is due that since he has been successful up until now. He has made us bite our nails but he has been successful. My question is when do you start looking at Garner ?

[Rox Addict]

he owns everybody. and he's always owned us. he's filthy, and he's still probably the most underrated pitcher in the league because he plays on a crap team. he's a top tier pitcher.
Everything you have said about Zambrano is true but I hate that bastard more than any pr- athlete..okay my mommie taught me to never say hate so I dislike him.. :D

[Rox Addict]

FIRE GARNER! HIRE TONY PENA!

Tony Pena is DA Man !! I Love Pena, he's very similiar to Ozzie Guillen. Look at Ozzie and Jim Leyland they get after their guys when they don't play good and they get results. Garner babies these guys...Tony would be the same way .. But I guess Ole' Scrappy Doo is due a chance, For NOW ;)

[MadMax]

yeah, fire him. it must be the coach!! i mean, he hasn't taken us to the World Series in over 9 months!!! that's outrageous!!!

i've been a bit of a garner critic so far this year. but he's not the reason we're losing games now. as for today's game, are you really surprised we got beat by zambrano?

[Major]

My question is when do you start looking at Garner ?

Perhaps a few years away from the when he pulled off the biggest turnaround in MLB history, won us our first ever postseason series and then, the next year, led the Astros to the World Series for the first time ever. I think that buys him more than 4 months before fans starting whining about him.

[JunkyardDwg]

I can't believe how far Garner stays away from fundimental baseball. At times it is so obvious that it looks like he wants to lose like today. Two on and you let Taveras bat..WHY GARNER ? I wish we as fans could ask these questions to those in the Astros organization. Like why did he let Lidge pitch in those situations where he was struggling and he knew we needed a win. Why he pitched to Pujols so many times with 1st base open. Why he has left pitchers out there when they are giving up a ton of runs. We can ask all these questions but in the end Garners still there. I think he is due credit because he has been sucessful up until know but maybe Drayton is pulling a Major League. The movie where the owner wants to lose to sell the team.. :D Either way we are either slipping are going nowhere and we haven't shaken things up enough. Either tank the season and bring up the young ones or GO GET SOMEONE (Tejada) and see what we can do. Either way if we just stay like this you see the result a 4-1 loss to the worst team in the National Leagueand on to play the best team in the National League.

Today's loss is a prime example of how baseball, often times, comes down to starting pitching. Zambrano is one of the best pitchers in the leauge and flat out owns this team everytime he plays us. Pettite is no slouch either, but on paper the advantage was clearly to the Cubs today. And when Pettite gave up that 1st run, I thought to myself, with Zambrano pitching, that's all he'd need. I wouldn't be so upset about this loss if the Astros had won the first game of this series, one they should have won.

Garner is not soley responsible for the ineptitude of this offense. How many times has he actually tried to play small ball and manufacture runs to only see the batters strike out or hit into a dp. Right now it seems he can do no right, aside from the squeeze play yesterday.

[the big E]

i've been a bit of a garner critic so far this year. but he's not the reason we're losing games now. as for today's game, are you really surprised we got beat by zambrano?[/QUOTE]
Yes, I am surprised, because he is only a few years removed from being a ROOKIE pitcher, and we all know that the astros have no business losing to rookie pitchers. :rolleyes:

[Hakeem's Dream]

I think his ears were flapping.
That is too funny, with his ears bigger than the rest of his little body.

[Buck Turgidson]

Tony Pena is DA Man !! I Love Pena, he's very similiar to Ozzie Guillen. Look at Ozzie and Jim Leyland they get after their guys when they don't play good and they get results. Garner babies these guys...Tony would be the same way .. But I guess Ole' Scrappy Doo is due a chance, For NOW ;)
You clearly don't know much about Tony Pena, who was mercilessly criticized for not having the slightest idea what he was doing in the dugout and making boneheaded tactical mistakes on an almost game-by-game basis. It's exactly, directly, no question about it, the reason he got fired in KC and has not had another MLB gig. He was the punchline to jokes around MLB. No kidding.

It was pretty surprising to me at the time. He had a great rep as a player's manager in the minors w/ Houston.

[Buck Turgidson]

Gar had Biggio on deck for Springer, hoping that Willy could get on. You PH Biggio for Willy, and he sees nothing but Dempster's slider 6 inches off the plate. Either a walk or a K, and then you're forced to PH Bruntlett in the 9-hole.

Gar's hands were pretty much tied there, and nothing he'd done to that point had worked (Munson/PW/Palmeiro), and Willy's been pretty good on the road trip up to that point (6 fer 15).

Damned if he do, damned if he don't. Stros had their chances earlier in the game, and poor execution and luck (Scott's almost-HR in particular) took care of that.

[bobrek]

How did Chris Burke looks at shortstop today? I think he should be the starting shortstop if he is somewhat decent. Everett just sucks too much on offense. Burke played shortstop in the CWS and played well I remember.

He was only in for a couple of innings, and I don't think anything was hit to him, but he looked sharp in his uniform!

[rikesh316]

You clearly don't know much about Tony Pena, who was mercilessly criticized for not having the slightest idea what he was doing in the dugout and making boneheaded tactical mistakes on an almost game-by-game basis. It's exactly, directly, no question about it, the reason he got fired in KC and has not had another MLB gig. He was the punchline to jokes around MLB. No kidding.

It was pretty surprising to me at the time. He had a great rep as a player's manager in the minors w/ Houston.

Didn't he get Manager of the year a couple of years ago.

[Buck Turgidson]

Didn't he get Manager of the year a couple of years ago.
Yes, in his 2nd year in KC they somehow managed to finish 2 games over .500.

[Hakeem's Dream]

He was only in for a couple of innings, and I don't think anything was hit to him, but he looked sharp in his uniform!
He looks good no matter where they play him.

[DaDakota]

Scott sure looks like a bad callup, batting .333 and all.

;)

DD

[rikesh316]

Scott sure looks like a bad callup, batting .333 and all.

;)

DD

Luke's the man. He should be starting in center or left with Wilson. Burke should be the shortstop and bench Everett.

[rrj_gamz]

fkn Astros... :mad:

[MadMax]

Luke's the man. He should be starting in center or left with Wilson. Burke should be the shortstop and bench Everett.

that's an awesome idea for a fantasy baseball team.

[Hakeem's Dream]

that's an awesome idea for a fantasy baseball team.
If Everett is benched, we should put Bruntlett in SS, IMHO.