[Official]Astros @ Mets

[Castor27]

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


7-21 Taylor Buchholz, RHP (6-7, 5.31) vs. Orlando Hernandez, RHP (5-8, 5.52) 6:10 on FSSW

7-22 Brandon Backe, RHP (1-0, 2.25) vs. John Maine, RHP (0-3, 4.76) 12:20 on FOX

7-23 Roy Oswalt, RHP (6-7, 3.22) vs. Mike Pelfrey, RHP (2-0, 3.27) 12:10 on KNWS

[mateo]

I'm going tonight and bringing my daughter to her first baseball game.

[Hakeem's Dream]

" 7-21 Taylor Buchholz, RHP (6-7, 5.31) vs. Orlando Hernandez, RHP (5-8, 5.52) 6:10 on FSSW

7-22 Brandon Backe, RHP (1-0, 2.25) vs. John Maine, RHP (0-3, 4.76) 12:20 on FOX

7-23 Roy Oswalt, RHP (6-7, 3.22) vs. Mike Pelfrey, RHP (2-0, 3.27) 12:10 on KNWS " -- This is my dream rotation right here. My three favorite pitchers on our current roster are pitching three days in a row. When we W-W-W this series, it's going to be so much more sweeter. Buchholz tonight will hopefully be his "on" self and get us a comfy lead in the series. Backe will come back and the pressure of starting his major league game after a loss in AAA he should triumph because he's a work under pressure type of guy. Then Roy O...need I say more? He will pitch a gem, whether we win or not. He is just simply the best.

[Hakeem's Dream]

I'm going tonight and bringing my daughter to her first baseball game.
Awe, yay! How old is she? Got her gear together?

[desihooper]

W-W-W

Get this ship straightened out with a statement sweep of the Mets!

[rrj_gamz]

It would be great to recover by sweeping, but we will LLW...

:mad:

[rikesh316]

LLL. If Astros can't be the Cubs no way to the Mets.

[Hakeem's Dream]

LLL. If Astros can't be the Cubs no way to the Mets.
Now you know that we beat the best and get slaughtered by the worst, it's the Astro way.

[MadMax]

LLL. If Astros can't be the Cubs no way to the Mets.

we won't be facing a pitcher even half as good as zambrano.

WWW

[htownballa23]

we won't be facing a pitcher even half as good as zambrano.

WWW

Those are the ones who shut us out. LLW

[MadMax]

Those are the ones who shut us out. LLW

orlando hernandez has a 10.80 ERA against us.

[htownballa23]

orlando hernandez has a 10.80 ERA against us.


Good Deal. I have hope now for the series....WLW

[mateo]

Awe, yay! How old is she? Got her gear together?

She's 4 months old...and she'll be dressed head to toe in Astros gear

[Hakeem's Dream]

She's 4 months old...and she'll be dressed head to toe in Astros gear
I love it! That is awesome! Have fun.

[Uprising]

I hope we fair much better in this series, thankgod we don't face their best pitchers in this series.

[RocketManJosh]

Time to get some confidence back!

WWW!!

[mateo]

The weather is really lousy here. Expect a delay.

[WhoMikeJames]

Delay... Weather.com says t-storms tonight

[JunkyardDwg]

Damn these open roof stadiums!

[ruddy]

Delay... Weather.com says t-storms tonight
Whats going on? is the delay for good?

[JunkyardDwg]

Whats going on? is the delay for good?

Looks like they're gettin started now.

[JaWindex]

What rotten luck...

[htownballa23]

how does he have 9 career grandslams? i dont understand tht

[JunkyardDwg]

What rotten luck...


More like poor execution.

[BMoney]

This is a flawed team. Mike Lamb is such a liability in the field.

[WhoMikeJames]

Ugh, the freakin Mets and their Grandslams... Why is it everytime the bases are loaded and the Astros are pitching and you say haha what if they hit a grandslam, THEY HIT A GRANDSLAM :confused:

[Rox Addict]

Well that tells the whole story of this season. If they keep saying "we are only 4 games out of the wild card.." I'll go crazy...Buchholtz SUCKS !!!!!!!!and so does this little league team......At this point I don't care what they do with this team because obviously McClane and Purpuras fat ass could care less if the Astros win or lose...... :mad:

[WhoMikeJames]

I can't stand watching this team anymore.

[JunkyardDwg]

This is a flawed team. Mike Lamb is such a liability in the field.


Which is even more of a reason for Ensberg to come back healthy and ready. Lamb's better suited to come off the bench. I just feel a lot more comfortable with Berkman there at 1st.

[Rox Addict]

Ugh, the freakin Mets and their Grandslams... Why is it everytime the bases are loaded and the Astros are pitching and you say haha what if they hit a grandslam, THEY HIT A GRANDSLAM :confused:
Because our pictures throw it right down the middle. Sometimes I think they lose on purpose....I want to call this team the Bad News Bears but they don't deserve that name because The Bad News Bears at least always win in the end...

[WhoMikeJames]

Because our pictures throw it right down the middle. Sometimes I think they lose on purpose....I want to call this team the Bad News Bears but they don't deserve that name because The Bad News Bears at least always win in the end...

Are we leading the League in grandslams given? Yet the Astros still haven't hit one.

[Rox Addict]

All we need is for Oswalt to say " this game is over !! " and we can move on.. :D I was rushing to get home and as soon as I sat down....there went the torpedo. I got right back up, turned my T.V. off and I'm gettin ready to go out cause "This game is over !!"

[Rox Addict]

Are we leading the League in grandslams given? Yet the Astros still haven't hit one.
I don't have to even look that up and the answer is definately yes...No,we don't hit grandslams we only hit homeruns when there is nobody on base...

[htownballa23]

Are we leading the League in grandslams given? Yet the Astros still haven't hit one.

Probably safe enough to say already we will end the season with the most at the rate we are going.

[Creepy Crawl]

Because our pictures throw it right down the middle. Sometimes I think they lose on purpose....I want to call this team the Bad News Bears but they don't deserve that name because The Bad News Bears at least always win in the end...

Yeah it does seem that way with our pitchers .........

[JunkyardDwg]

Well that tells the whole story of this season. If they keep saying "we are only 4 games out of the wild card.." I'll go crazy...Buchholtz SUCKS !!!!!!!!and so does this little league team......At this point I don't care what they do with this team because obviously McClane and Purpuras fat ass could care less if the Astros win or lose...... :mad:


Yeah, McClane and Purp could care less, which is why the Astros have like the 3rd or 4th highest payroll in the leauge now and we just traded for Huff. And Buchholz doesn't exactly suck (just inconsistent)...at worst it'd be a very managebale 2-0 right now if Lamb makes a good throw and they turn the dp. He did get two ground balls prior to that Slam....

leadoff walk, failure to convert dp, pitch left up, and 1 hit through 3 = poor execution...and that is the story of the season.

[Rox Addict]

Why is it that everyone elses 1/2 inning takes like 2 or 3 minutes and the Astros always takes like an hour ? Our pitching sucks....I say we demote evryone to Round Rock and bring the Express up at least it would be exciting to see the future !!!!!

[Rox Addict]

Yeah, McClane and Purp could care less, which is why the Astros have like the 3rd or 4th highest payroll in the leauge now and we just traded for Huff. And Buchholz doesn't exactly suck (just inconsistent)...at worst it'd be a very managebale 2-0 right now if Lamb makes a good throw and they turn the dp. He did get two ground balls prior to that Slam....

leadoff walk, failure to convert dp, pitch left up, and 1 hit through 3 = poor execution...and that is the story of the season.
Exactly Junkyard but c'mon man when are we going to admit we just don't have the team.Yes we do have the 3rd highest paid ball team but then why do we suck ? It has nothing to do with how much you pay for your team but who you spend it on and how you spend it. That shows that the Astros don't know how to manage their money. Maybe we should try Money Ball :D

[rocketfat]

Yeah, McClane and Purp could care less, which is why the Astros have like the 3rd or 4th highest payroll in the leauge now and we just traded for Huff. And Buchholz doesn't exactly suck (just inconsistent)...at worst it'd be a very managebale 2-0 right now if Lamb makes a good throw and they turn the dp. He did get two ground balls prior to that Slam....

leadoff walk, failure to convert dp, pitch left up, and 1 hit through 3 = poor execution...and that is the story of the season.


i've said it before and i'll say it again. he is just as inconsistent and unreliable as wandy at this stage of his career. this isn't somebody you want in our rotation, especially if you're still holding out hope of us going on another dramatic hot streak.

[RocketManJosh]

Exactly Junkyard but c'mon man when are we going to admit we just don't have the team.Yes we do have the 3rd highest paid ball team but then why do we suck ? It has nothing to do with how much you pay for your team but who you spend it on and how you spend it. That shows that the Astros don't know how to manage their money. Maybe we should try Money Ball :D

OK how good our team is has nothing to do with you bashing Drayton and Purpura for not caring whether the team wins or not. That statement was absurd. I think the Astros (Especially Drayton) have done a damn good job of trying to put together a winning team every year. We have been big players in MLB for the last decade. Teams that go out and get Randy Johnsons and Carlos Beltrans want to win. Maybe it didn't work out this season and we wont end up winning, but I don't think you can say we didn't try to win.

[Rox Addict]

Okay the Cliff Floyd catch proves we are Jinxed... :mad:
Now I'm really leaving :D

[Rox Addict]

OK how good our team is has nothing to do with you bashing Drayton and Purpura for not caring whether the team wins or not. That statement was absurd. I think the Astros (Especially Drayton) have done a damn good job of trying to put together a winning team every year. We have been big players in MLB for the last decade. Teams that go out and get Randy Johnsons and Carlos Beltrans want to win. Maybe it didn't work out this season and we wont end up winning, but I don't think you can say we didn't try to win.
Freedom of Speech RMJ !!! and you've been a member since 2003. Where were you when all the Timmy P bashing was going on...Don't just get onto me !! And Honestly I could care less what you think !!

[JunkyardDwg]

Exactly Junkyard but c'mon man when are we going to admit we just don't have the team.Yes we do have the 3rd highest paid ball team but then why do we suck ? It has nothing to do with how much you pay for your team but who you spend it on and how you spend it. That shows that the Astros don't know how to manage their money. Maybe we should try Money Ball :D


Well you do have a point...part of the reason why they have one of the higest payrolls now is because so much of it is tied up in Bagwell (whose not even playing) and Clemens. That said they do have a decent team out there, but have grossly failed to live up to expectations (Lane sent down, Esnberg to the DL, Willy T coming back down to earth, etc) both at the plate and in the field. I haven't seen any kind of chemistry and fire since that heavenly first month. And what's worse, neither Clemens returning, the Huff addition or the All-Star break has turned this team around. But I will not admit defeat until this team is mathematically eliminated...the race is just to close this year and of course this team has proven doubters wrong in the past.

...And the Mets just totally schooling the Astros right now. It's kind of nice to actually watch a team that executes the fundamentals so well. Grand Slam to drive in the baserunners, leadoff double then single to move runner over then sac fly, a potential Burke homer robbed by a great catch. I know our guys are capable of this...I'm getting impatient waiting for them to wake up though.

[RocketManJosh]

Freedom of Speech RMJ !!! and you've been a member since 2003. Where were you when all the Timmy P bashing was going on...Don't just get onto me !! And Honestly I could care less what you think !!

What the hell does the fact that I've been here since 2003 have to do with this? Oh and I wasn't in on the bashing Timmp P by the way idiot.

But I guess I should agree with you because you are so smart. Drayton doesn't want to win at all :rolleyes:

[RocketManJosh]

Now I'm really leaving :D

Thank God

[JunkyardDwg]

i've said it before and i'll say it again. he is just as inconsistent and unreliable as wandy at this stage of his career. this isn't somebody you want in our rotation, especially if you're still holding out hope of us going on another dramatic hot streak.

While I agree, I'd still take Buccholz over Wandy, probably cause he has more upside. But if you can't afford to have him in the rotation then who would fill his place. You could move Nieve back, but then would have to send Buccholz down and bring somebody other than him or Wandy and Hirsch for that matter up into the pen (I guess maybe Sampson). But then will Nieve be a drastic improvement? Really Buchholz is the fifth starter, so it's not like too much is expected out of him anyways, as long as the top of the rotation is going strong (for the most part it is...Pettite is slowly getting better). Just take a look at the rotation last year... I'd say Oswalt, Pettite, Clemens, Backe and Buchholz is better than Oswalt, Pettite, Clemens, Wandy and Zeke (Backe was injured during the latter half).

[rocketfat]

Thank God


easy fellas. don't become a burzmali. nobody can stand a burzmali.

[Rox Addict]

Thank God
Don't even start with me..I come here and have no problems with anyone. As long as we don't cuss anyone directly on this board we have the right to say what we want. If you don't like it then you can tell us and thats it just move on. Drayton McClane is from my home town and still lives there. I went to school with one of his sons. He knows nothing about baseball so he really relies on his GM. I use to talk to his son in high school all the time and he would tell me that the Astros was his big toy.I take back saying that McClane wants to lose because who does but I will still say what I want and not conduct my self like a baby !! So I apologize to you... :)

[Rox Addict]

While I agree, I'd still take Buccholz over Wandy, probably cause he has more upside. But if you can't afford to have him in the rotation then who would fill his place. You could move Nieve back, but then would have to send Buccholz down and bring somebody other than him or Wandy and Hirsch for that matter up into the pen (I guess maybe Sampson). But then will Nieve be a drastic improvement? Really Buchholz is the fifth starter, so it's not like too much is expected out of him anyways, as long as the top of the rotation is going strong (for the most part it is...Pettite is slowly getting better). Just take a look at the rotation last year... I'd say Oswalt, Pettite, Clemens, Backe and Buchholz is better than Oswalt, Pettite, Clemens, Wandy and Zeke (Backe was injured during the latter half).
Your right Junkyard...I just wish it was the Astros getting the Grand slams and timely hitting. I just can't stand that as soon as a team gets 2 or more runs I just know the game is over because we have had no heroic come from behind wins. Honestly though I don't like to watch any other team so thats just me...Maybe they will come around but I say they only have until the end of this month. Man the National League really sucks this year...

[RocketManJosh]

Don't even start with me..I come here and have no problems with anyone. As long as we don't cuss anyone directly on this board we have the right to say what we want. If you don't like it then you can tell us and thats it just move on. Drayton McClane is from my home town and still lives there. I went to school with one of his sons. He knows nothing about baseball so he really relies on his GM. I use to talk to his son in high school all the time and he would tell me that the Astros was his big toy.I take back saying that McClane wants to lose because who does but I will still say what I want and not conduct my self like a baby !! So I apologize to you... :)

Understood ... my problem with you is that I basically stated to you that I disagreed with you and did not attack you personally and I get a "honestly I don't care what you think" so obviously you are the one telling me that I cannot say what I want. If you want to think Drayton wants to lose .. that is fine ... all I said before was that I disagreed.

And btw ... sorry for calling you idiot in a subsequent post ... that was uncalled for

[Rox Addict]

easy fellas. don't become a burzmali. nobody can stand a burzmali.
Whats a Burzmali rocket fat ?

[rocketfat]

While I agree, I'd still take Buccholz over Wandy, probably cause he has more upside. But if you can't afford to have him in the rotation then who would fill his place. You could move Nieve back, but then would have to send Buccholz down and bring somebody other than him or Wandy and Hirsch for that matter up into the pen (I guess maybe Sampson). But then will Nieve be a drastic improvement? Really Buchholz is the fifth starter, so it's not like too much is expected out of him anyways, as long as the top of the rotation is going strong (for the most part it is...Pettite is slowly getting better). Just take a look at the rotation last year... I'd say Oswalt, Pettite, Clemens, Backe and Buchholz is better than Oswalt, Pettite, Clemens, Wandy and Zeke (Backe was injured during the latter half).


well, i would take him over wandy too, but i don't think either of them are good enough to be starting on a team with postseason hopes who are falling further and further behind and cannot hit for ****. nieve seemed like the most solid of the 3 to me, but it's not like replacing buchholz with him would make that big of an impact on our standings at this point.

i guess my point was that it just isn't surprising to see this happening to taylor, and basically, i expected it. he seems to have talent, but he's a rook and wears his emotions on his sleeve, and gets visibly shaken when things aren't going his way. Going out to the mound knowing in the back of his mind that he has a team behind him who likely won't score can't make things any easier on him.

as for last year... man, i don't think i'll ever understand it. the stars just seemed to align. wandy seemed to go through 90% of his starts always pitching unimpressive and always in trouble, yet it seemed like he somehow always got out of his starts without giving up more that 3 runs in 5 or more innings.

[Rox Addict]

Understood ... my problem with you is that I basically stated to you that I disagreed with you and did not attack you personally and I get a "honestly I don't care what you think" so obviously you are the one telling me that I cannot say what I want. If you want to think Drayton wants to lose .. that is fine ... all I said before was that I disagreed.
Truce !! Thats why I said if someone says something you don't like then tell them. No problem and sorry for the miscommunication. I just Love The Stros and its hard to see this...I have blamed everyone on the team to the Front office. We will just have to see what happens ;) Well there goes another Mets Homer...

[TMac#1]

This is going to be one of those ugly ones. :( :(

[rocketfat]

This is going to be one of those ugly ones. :( :(


quite the understatement. i have to say though, this is amazingly one of our least painful losses of the year, sadly enough. one of the only losses in recent memory that wasn't absolutely agonizing and brutal.

[JunkyardDwg]

Remember the days of those high octane offenses...hell it was only a few years ago. Didn't matter how far back he team got, you knew they were capable of coming back and winning. Didn't the '04 team had an insane amout of 7th inning+ comebacks. Man those were the days.

[JunkyardDwg]

quite the understatement. i have to say though, this is amazingly one of our least painful losses of the year, sadly enough. one of the only losses in recent memory that wasn't absolutely agonizing and brutal.

Probably cause we could all see it comig a mile away.

[BMoney]

Don't blame Drayton and Purpura, blame those in the uniforms. The Astros are getting the mud stomped out of them tonight, but this has not been a rare occurence since the end of April. There is no way in hell that this team could make the playoffs. They are undertalented as it is and they are playing some of the worst fundamental baseball an Astros team has played in a long time. They don't make clutch hits, pitches, plays or managerial decisions. They have one of the most mediocre power lineups in the league, yet they wait for the three-run homer like they are the 1983 Baltimore Orioles. I don't see the point of running Biggio out there everyday as a leadoff hitter when he doesn't run, or get on base enough anymore. Lidge and Oswalt went from being dominant to being borderline headcases (yes, I include Oswalt). The margin of error has always been tight for this team and I just don't see Roger Clemens and Aubrey Huff as being enough to right the ship when nobody besides Berkman and Burke is even having a decent year.

[JunkyardDwg]

Lidge and Oswalt went from being dominant to being borderline headcases (yes, I include Oswalt).


6-7 with a 3.22 ERA...I'd go nuts too if I hadn't gotten a win in almost two months despite pitching well enough.

[rocketfat]

Don't blame Drayton and Purpura, blame those in the uniforms. The Astros are getting the mud stomped out of them tonight, but this has not been a rare occurence since the end of April. There is no way in hell that this team could make the playoffs. They are undertalented as it is and they are playing some of the worst fundamental baseball an Astros team has played in a long time. They don't make clutch hits, pitches, plays or managerial decisions. They have one of the most mediocre power lineups in the league, yet they wait for the three-run homer like they are the 1983 Baltimore Orioles. I don't see the point of running Biggio out there everyday as a leadoff hitter when he doesn't run, or get on base enough anymore. Lidge and Oswalt went from being dominant to being borderline headcases (yes, I include Oswalt). The margin of error has always been tight for this team and I just don't see Roger Clemens and Aubrey Huff as being enough to right the ship when nobody besides Berkman and Burke is even having a decent year.


fantastic post.

agree with everything, except the oswalt criticism. i think he's pitched great first of all, and considering the pressure that our starters pitch under, given the fact that they are going out there every start knowing they likely have to pitch close to shutout ball, which he has basically done, he has pulled his weight and then some, in my opinion.

[Pocket Rockets]

alright, what are the odds we won't score here...2nd and 3rd no out

[rocketfat]

alright, what are the odds we won't score here...2nd and 3rd no out


OMG. not surprising i guess!

[Pocket Rockets]

wow...unbelievable, why didn't munson tear his a** up and knock the catcher down?

[rocketfat]

I think we will see ALOT of changes made after we get swept this weekend.

[TMac#1]

wow this team is a joke.

[Pocket Rockets]

I think we will see ALOT of changes made after we get swept this weekend.

I envision clemens being traded to a contender.

[Surfguy]

...and the whole world smiles WITH YOU!

http://www.cs.yale.edu/homes/ling/_/topics/img/seinfeld/99.jpg

This is the pits! :(

[BMoney]

6-7 with a 3.22 ERA...I'd go nuts too if I hadn't gotten a win in almost two months despite pitching well enough.

Your point is well taken, but I think he is still prone to losing his concentration and giving up huge innings that cause him to blow games. I'm not just taking about the World Series last year. That game against the Cubs was a matter of him losing his focus. I'm also concerned that he's calling out his teammates in public. It's understandable that he's frustrated, but it's not something the Astros do to each other.

[JunkyardDwg]

Your point is well taken, but I think he is still prone to losing his concentration and giving up huge innings that cause him to blow games. I'm not just taking about the World Series last year. That game against the Cubs was a matter of him losing his focus. I'm also concerned that he's calling out his teammates in public. It's understandable that he's frustrated, but it's not something the Astros do to each other.

Oswalt's problem isn't that he loses focus, it's that he can be too agressive. Too many times he tries to go right after batters with his fastball when he probably should mix it up and throw 'em some breaking stuff. But yeah, that does cause him to give up a few runs now and then.

And honestly I didn't have too much of a problem with what he said, cause it's pretty much what everyone's thinkin anyways. It's not like he singled anybody out, he just echoed the team's frustrations. But still, you gotta keep your composure even in such adversity.

[JunkyardDwg]

I envision clemens being traded to a contender.

Not gonna happen...for many, many reasons one of which being in no way will this team be suddenly 'selling' by July 31st...the way the NL is this year, they'll probably still be in the race up until the last few weeks even if they continue such mediocrity.

[sammy]

I thought we were gonna be so good this yr :o

[rikesh316]

I still don't understand why Luke Scott doesn't start? He has looked great so far. He is hitting .333 so far and it could be .555 because he has been robbed twice.

[BMoney]

Oswalt's problem isn't that he loses focus, it's that he can be too agressive. Too many times he tries to go right after batters with his fastball when he probably should mix it up and throw 'em some breaking stuff. But yeah, that does cause him to give up a few runs now and then.

And honestly I didn't have too much of a problem with what he said, cause it's pretty much what everyone's thinkin anyways. It's not like he singled anybody out, he just echoed the team's frustrations. But still, you gotta keep your composure even in such adversity.

You're right. I think we agree...his losing focus is that he forgets that he has one of the best curveballs in the league.

[Uprising]

I turned off my radio after the Grandslam on my way home from chili's. I came here wondering if we were doing any better.....guess not. :o

[Pocket Rockets]

Not gonna happen...for many, many reasons one of which being in no way will this team be suddenly 'selling' by July 31st...the way the NL is this year, they'll probably still be in the race up until the last few weeks even if they continue such mediocrity.

with the way houston sports organizations have been treating players, nothing would surprise me.

deep down i dont think so......but these teams have proven us wrong

[liamrock]

I've really been expecting the Astros to pull the trigger on a big deal after the past week's worth of bad baseball....but after seeing John Maine mow down the order....I honestly think this team and season isn't worth it....I know I know....Clemens and Pettite will be gone and this is our last shot.....but I truly think Drayton will insist we ride it out.....instead of belly-aching about not making moves...let's appreciate the fact we get to see Clemens pitch another couple months and look forward to Hirsch and Burke and maybe Pence for next year.....we did go to the WOrld Series last year...every year can't end as positive.

[rocketfat]

I've really been expecting the Astros to pull the trigger on a big deal after the past week's worth of bad baseball....but after seeing John Maine mow down the order....I honestly think this team and season isn't worth it....I know I know....Clemens and Pettite will be gone and this is our last shot.....but I truly think Drayton will insist we ride it out.....instead of belly-aching about not making moves...let's appreciate the fact we get to see Clemens pitch another couple months and look forward to Hirsch and Burke and maybe Pence for next year.....we did go to the WOrld Series last year...every year can't end as positive.


i'm not really talking about making moves just for this year. i'm talking about cleaning house and start looking at the future.

[Kerfeld]

I turned off my radio after the Grandslam on my way home from chili's. I came here wondering if we were doing any better.....guess not. :o

Me too. Except I was on my way to dinner with the wife and my folks. I actually told my wife that Taylor would give up a slam as soon as Lamb and Everett botched the double play ball by Floyd. ( I must admit, I didnt see it so I dont know how hard it would have been for them to turn the dp). This season is just such a downer. I still have hope, but I dont know why.

[liamrock]

I wonder what is going on behind the scenes...in today's Chronicle there was an article in which McLane was not too happy with the club's performance and was letting Purpura know about it..

Two days after Astros owner Drayton McLane said he's been getting on general manager Tim Purpura's case lately, McLane could not have liked what he saw as the New York Mets danced all over his club on Merengue Night at Shea Stadium.

For a $106 million payroll, McLane made it clear this week that he expects more than what the Astros showed while suffering a 7-0 rout against Mets rookie righthander John Maine, who had never lasted more than 6 1/3 innings in a major league start.

How much longer can McLane put up with the type of performance the Astros gave in the first of this three-game series?

[dskillz]

i'm not really talking about making moves just for this year. i'm talking about cleaning house and start looking at the future.


Same here. Get Roy O signed long-term and get some bats should be top prirorities. Try to get Khalil Greene to replace Everett would be #1 on my list.

I have no problem with what Roy O said. He told the truth, he said exactly what everyone on the team thought at the time. The Astros offensive woes are not exactly top secret information.

Also, don't think for a second that Clemens wouldn't go to the Yankees. It is the type of media attention move that he loves. Not sure what the asking price would be, but they have a nice 3rd baseman I would like on the Astros, though I doubt that would never happen.

[Surfguy]

Who thinks that Backe is going to get shelled in his game today? It wouldn't surprise me. It's tough enough to come back but against this Mets offense. Ouch!

[Pocket Rockets]

Who thinks that Backe is going to get shelled in his game today? It wouldn't surprise me. It's tough enough to come back but against this Mets offense. Ouch!

These are the type of games going into that you know you don't have a chance yet the astros seem to show some sort of life and pull out a victory...

[shawn786]

These are the type of games going into that you know you don't have a chance yet the astros seem to show some sort of life and pull out a victory...

I hope your right. We really need to put some wins together before we far even further behind than we allready are...

[JunkyardDwg]

What an ominous sign...another rain delay today...up to an hour.

[Rule0001]

What an ominous sign...another rain delay today...up to an hour.

ahh thanks, was wondering why the hell I was getting the mets and reds game :o

[NickC19]

ahh thanks, was wondering why the hell I was getting the mets and reds game :o
So wait, the mets are playing us *and* the reds today? Isnt that a little unfair to them? How did Bud Selig allow this to happen!? Hopefully they're worn down for our game though.

[Uprising]

WTF?! I thought this was the game of the week on fox. Why are the damn cubbies on my tv?! :confused: :mad: :mad: :mad:

EDIT: Oh.....i just saw ur post that said Rain Delay. I have a slow internet connection right now since I'm leeching of someone's wireless connection.

[JunkyardDwg]

Ok here's something I don't get...so Luke Scott has shown some promise since he's been up here and Garner decides to put him in the lineup...but he takes Chris Burke out to do it...so that doesn't really make this lineup any better. He needs to find a way to put the best bats out there...unfortunately that'd mean taking Everett out...and as much as I love his defense, this team is in dire need of runs so you most likely are gonna have to sub for Everett. Maybe he should experiment just to see... Huff (3b), Burke (ss), Bidge (2b), Lamb (1b), Berkman, Scott and Wilson (of) just to see what that lineup can do and if they cost more runs than they produce. I mean crap, you gotta try something right.


---Yay Berkman!

[Pocket Rockets]

its about dam time we score

[JunkyardDwg]

That hr was a good thing cause I have a feeling the team is gonna need some runs today with Backe returning (bound to be rusty, hopefully not though)

[Pocket Rockets]

Ok here's something I don't get...so Luke Scott has shown some promise since he's been up here and Garner decides to put him in the lineup...but he takes Chris Burke out to do it...so that doesn't really make this lineup any better. He needs to find a way to put the best bats out there...unfortunately that'd mean taking Everett out...and as much as I love his defense, this team is in dire need of runs so you most likely are gonna have to sub for Everett. Maybe he should experiment just to see... Huff (3b), Burke (ss), Bidge (2b), Lamb (1b), Berkman, Scott and Wilson (of) just to see what that lineup can do and if they cost more runs than they produce. I mean crap, you gotta try something right.


---Yay Berkman!

agreed...he changes the lineup so much might as well expirement this way....screw defense lets score some runs to get some confidence going!!!

[bigtexxx]

Rice Owl Lance Berkman = Astros offense

[Pocket Rockets]

Wilson too!
best start ive seen in a while

[htownballa23]

It seemed like Hernandez was throwing a couple hangers. I was thinking we might take him deep. Glad to see we did it twice....kinda like the first week of the season when Berkman/Wilson hit a homerun in the same inning.

[JunkyardDwg]

Apparently we have a new pitching coach.....


...Kevin Hickey according to the Fox commentators.

[rikesh316]

Don't undertand why Burke was benched and Biggio wasn't.

[Joshfast]

It's sad when I'm hoping for Ausmus to strike out so he won't hit into a double play - then he hits into a double play.

[Rox Addict]

It's sad when I'm hoping for Ausmus to strike out so he won't hit into a double play - then he hits into a double play.
I think it is safe to say that he leads the league in hitting into DP's...

[Rox Addict]

I'm glad Berkman is finally batting 3rd. You give the Stros a chance to score in the 1st inn. everytime he bats in the 1st inn. Most teams put their best batter in the 3rd hole...Good Move Garner !!

[Rox Addict]

And just like that we blow a lead !! :mad:

[Kerfeld]

did aanyone expect anything else

[Pocket Rockets]

someone help me

why would you take backe out after 4 inn?

[Aceshigh7]

I agree. Backe seemed to get things back together after getting in trouble.

Plus, I'd rather have Backe hit over Taveras even if you are going to take him out in the 5th.

[Pocket Rockets]

what a waste...backe prob could have done better....i just don't understand why we have to question garners move all the time?

[Aceshigh7]

....i just don't understand why we have to question garners move all the time?

Because several of them are highly questionable.

[Major]

I think it is safe to say that he leads the league in hitting into DP's...

Not even close. Ausmus (before today) had 11 GIDPs. The guy we're looking at (Miguel Tejada) leads the majors with 23. There were more than 30 players with 12 or more GIDPs this season:

http://www.realgmbaseball.com/src_stats/2006/?sort=gidp&filter=&value=

Preston Wilson has 15.

[Rox Addict]

Not even close. Ausmus (before today) had 11 GIDPs. The guy we're looking at (Miguel Tejada) leads the majors with 23. There were more than 30 players with 12 or more GIDPs this season:

http://www.realgmbaseball.com/src_stats/2006/?sort=gidp&filter=&value=

Preston Wilson has 15.
It just seems like Ausmus hits into a double play everytime he bats...I was just too lazy to look it up..Thanks !! ;)

[Rox Addict]

Lately Lamb has been hitting the ball HARD !!! Right to the outfielders..No literally...they don't even have to move...Maybe he will find those gaps again...Borkowsi is in a Good Move by Garner....

[Howyalikemenow]

Ok, I'm watching this game and there are two things that I just don't get. Earlier in the game when we had 2 men on and 0 outs, and they don't have Ausmus bunt, and of course he hits into a double play. :mad: And just now, having Palmeiro bat. I don't know about you but I haven't seen him do jack, but Garnet keeps sending him out there. Fly out.. ugh.

Oh well, Borowski looked good again.

[JunkyardDwg]

Ok, I'm watching this game and there are two things that I just don't get. Earlier in the game when we had 2 men on and 0 outs, and they don't have Ausmus bunt, and of course he hits into a double play. :mad: And just now, having Palmeiro bat. I don't know about you but I haven't seen him do jack, but Garnet keeps sending him out there. Fly out.. ugh.

Oh well, Borowski looked good again.

Wondering the same myself...Ausmus is pretty much an automatic out right now and is prone to the dp, yet they don't use him to bunt (and the funny thing is Everett briefly showed bunt in the next at bat with 2 outs). And why use Palmeiro with Burke on the bench.

It was time to take Backe out though; he had been flirting with danger all day...but still didn't look too shabby. That home run pitch was probably more of a bad call than anything.

It feels like this team hasn't won in a long while.

[Rox Addict]

Wondering the same myself...Ausmus is pretty much an automatic out right now and is prone to the dp, yet they don't use him to bunt (and the funny thing is Everett briefly showed bunt in the next at bat with 2 outs). And why use Palmeiro with Burke on the bench.

It was time to take Backe out though; he had been flirting with danger all day...but still didn't look too shabby. That home run pitch was probably more of a bad call than anything.

It feels like this team hasn't won in a long while.
They haven't :(

[Rox Addict]

We can't get 1 freakin run... :mad: Its almost like the Astros just shut it down when they get behind..The Lights go off. As for Garner not calling the bunt when Brad Double Play Ausmus was up to bat is the same concept I posted yesterday. Garner just makes some calls that I don't understand and question. Someone jumped all over me for bashing Garner but c'mon he's been a big part of some of these loses. Look at Lights Out Borkowski ? He has done nothing but good for the Astros but Garner never uses him ?

[ruddy]

We can't get 1 freakin run... :mad: Its almost like the Astros just shut it down when they get behind..The Lights go off. As for Garner not calling the bunt when Brad Double Play Ausmus was up to bat is the same concept I posted yesterday. Garner just makes some calls that I don't understand and question. Someone jumped all over me for bashing Garner but c'mon he's been a big part of some of these loses. Look at Lights Out Borkowski ? He has done nothing but good for the Astros but Garner never uses him ?
Couldn't agree more.

[JunkyardDwg]

We can't get 1 freakin run... :mad: Its almost like the Astros just shut it down when they get behind..The Lights go off. As for Garner not calling the bunt when Brad Double Play Ausmus was up to bat is the same concept I posted yesterday. Garner just makes some calls that I don't understand and question. Someone jumped all over me for bashing Garner but c'mon he's been a big part of some of these loses. Look at Lights Out Borkowski ? He has done nothing but good for the Astros but Garner never uses him ?


I would like to see some more small ball. The Astros have got to be one of the least threatening teams on the basepaths. So more bunts, squeezes, steals; anything to get this team going please.

This team is NOT this bad... so what the hell is going on. And look at Huff, he was smoking hot entering the All-Star break..and now, the black hole of an Astros offense has sucked him in.

And here's another question...why the hell is Miller pitching in a close game, a winnable game. The only time I wanna see him is in a blowout. Where's Nieve, Wheeler, Lidge?

[ruddy]

Couldn't agree more.
Btw, wtf is T Miller in there? oh god... this is getting ugly, garner need to go.

[sammy]

I love Garner is so old school....lefty on lefty ....get the job done everytime :confused:

[Jackfruit]

Where's Nieve, Wheeler, Lidge?

Nieve got demoted. As bad as this bullpen is, I don't know if Miller is that much worse than Wheeler or Lidge.

[JunkyardDwg]

Nieve got demoted. As bad as this bullpen is, I don't know if Miller is that much worse than Wheeler or Lidge.


Dang I didnt even realize; I knew Wandy was sent down.

As for Miller, probably not the right time for Lidge that's for sure; but I'd still take Springer or Wheeler over him.

[codell]

i was about to question Garner letting Ausmus bat :o

[JunkyardDwg]

This team is going in the wrong direction at the wrong time.

[Aceshigh7]

How the **** do you let Burke sit on the bench in the 9th inning and let Scott, Ausmus, and Everett bat?

I've had it with Garner.

[Pocket Rockets]

i was about to question Garner letting Ausmus bat :o

shouldve questioned everett batting

[sammy]

We suck

[Rule0001]

Another chokejob by the Astros :|

[sammy]

We suck


oh yeah....garner sucks

[WhoMikeJames]

Yeahhhh 3-0 lead turns into a loss wooooooooooooot goooo astross

[Rox Addict]

Does Garner not read and study the statistics ? He let Scott bat when batters have a .128 BA against Wagner, why didn't he let Burke bat ? In a close game I know Ausmus got a hit but he and Everrette should never be batting in a close game. Junkyard Dawg is right...SMALL BALL !! I know this isn't college baseball but Augie Garedo the coach of the Texas Longhorns has always won that way. Its fundamental baseball that you learn even in tee ball. I just don't understand Garners moves and like I said before maybe he has lost the passion or something. I can watch the Cubs, Nationals, Royals, etc...teams that have worse records than ours and we just look so much worse. I can't even believe we have won as many games as we have be it that most of those wins came early in the year. There is no excuse for these loses when you played so good in April and part of May.... :(

[Rox Addict]

oh yeah....garner sucks
Well Sammy better be careful !! I think that Garner is making some bad moves but I hinted some of his bad calls the other day on this board and had to dodge stones. I think we need to look at all aspects of this game but I couldn't agree more he has made some horrible - horrible moves and game decisions. I think I mentioned the othe other day that he alone has lost a handful of games for the Astros but the players have to take some of that heat as well.....

[Gene the PIG]

We do indeed suck. Team needs to be shaken up. Trades.

Anyone who thinks otherwise is fooling themselves, & wishing upon a star like Jiminy effing Cricket.

[Zac D]

Does Garner not read and study the statistics ? He let Scott bat when batters have a .128 BA against Wagner, why didn't he let Burke bat ?

Not commenting on this particular situation, but Garner is usually quite devoted to lefty-righty matchups and often takes a lot of heat for that, too.

I think most people's problem with him at the moment is that he's not winning ballgames, regardless of how.

[Rox Addict]

Not commenting on this particular situation, but Garner is usually quite devoted to lefty-righty matchups and often takes a lot of heat for that, too.

I think most people's problem with him at the moment is that he's not winning ballgames, regardless of how.
Yeah but Wagner is a left hander ?

[Rule0001]

Not commenting on this particular situation, but Garner is usually quite devoted to lefty-righty matchups and often takes a lot of heat for that, too.

I think most people's problem with him at the moment is that he's not winning ballgames, regardless of how.

Well, that's a given obviously. Still though, it's the way garner manages the game sometimes that pisses you off more than anything. Like actually letting ausmus and everett bat in any clutch situation lol.

Then again though, this team really needs another bat. I think the lineup's fine as is actually, we just need some guys to pickup where they left off last year.

It'd be nice if Luke Scott could actually develop into the slugger that he's supposed to be. Hell, it'd of been nice if Jason Lane knew how to swing a bat every once in a while as well. Then again, Ensberg hasn't helped the team much in terms of driving in runs, regardless of OBP.

Really, we've had the pieces in the lineup that we need to have a decent offense, they just haven't panned out that well.

[Aceshigh7]

We are desperately running out of time in this season.

Every player on this team needs to sit down and watch the 2005 Houston Astros: The Championship Season on dvd tomorrow before the game.

They have got to do something to recapture that magic. And do it quick.

[SFrancis3]

Were you guys this critical last year when we were winning? I agree some of his moves are questionable...but during the last 2 seasons during our great comebacks, he was doing the same questionable moves and they were working.

I think some of you bandwagon fans here need to chill out, because if we turn this thing around you are going to be praising Garner.

But then again thats the nature of the beast with some fans who think they know more than they do. Things bad...they know everything, things good...our manager is a genius.

[BMoney]

Garner is neither a fool, nor a genius, but it wasn't managing that went on those hellacious streaks. It begins and ends with pitching and batters going on tears like Ensberg and Lane last year and Beltran and Kent in 2004. If Lidge doesn't blow six, or seven games then we are looking at the season a whole lot differently.

[Rule0001]

Well, that's a given obviously. Still though, it's the way garner manages the game sometimes that pisses you off more than anything. Like actually letting ausmus and everett bat in any clutch situation lol.

Then again though, this team really needs another bat. I think the lineup's fine as is actually, we just need some guys to pickup where they left off last year.

It'd be nice if Luke Scott could actually develop into the slugger that he's supposed to be. Hell, it'd of been nice if Jason Lane knew how to swing a bat every once in a while as well. Then again, Ensberg hasn't helped the team much in terms of driving in runs, regardless of OBP.

Really, we've had the pieces in the lineup that we need to have a decent offense, they just haven't panned out that well.

I believe it was said that OBP was the single greatest stat ever created in any sport.

[Rule0001]

My new proposed astros lineup

1)chris burke ss -good
2)Morgan ensberg 3b -good obp, takes a lot of pitches
3)Lance Berkman rf - best hitter
4)Aubrey Huff 1b - cleanup hitter in TB
5)Mike Lamb LF -Probably sucks at LF, but LF doesn't exist in MMP
6)Preston Wilson CF - Probably sucks at CF but the nl doesn't have the power to hit it over an outfielders head
7)Craig Biggio 2b - sentimental value only, he really should be benched
8)Brad Ausmus C -should be benched as well
9)Pitcher

Everett comes in the game for defensive replacement, burke goes to second
Back when Huff was good, he could hit lefties, which explains why two lefties are hitting back to back

[sammy]

Were you guys this critical last year when we were winning? I agree some of his moves are questionable...but during the last 2 seasons during our great comebacks, he was doing the same questionable moves and they were working.

I think some of you bandwagon fans here need to chill out, because if we turn this thing around you are going to be praising Garner.

But then again thats the nature of the beast with some fans who think they know more than they do. Things bad...they know everything, things good...our manager is a genius.


Not a bandwagon fan....never liked Garner in the first place

[Bobblehead]

Does this happen to anyone else on a consistant basis????

I'm in the car this afternoon...I tune into the game...and within the next few pitches, Backe gives up the 3 run bomb.

It seems like everytime I tune into the game, whether it be on TV or radio, the Astros give up a homer.

Now this doesn't happen ALL the time...but happens enough for me to take notice. It really sucks also!!

[JunkyardDwg]

The problem with Garner, and I think everyone on this team, is each of their problems or weaknesses are being maginfied and compounded by all this losing. This is by and large the same team that went to the WS last year and same manager that has brought the team success in the postseason the past few seasons. They really aren't as bad as they're playing, and I don't think any amount of shuffling, trading, demoting and promoting (now) is gonna turn this team around unless the players that are currently on it; the key players, start producing again.

Winning cures all.

But I would like to see a different approach by Garner on offense...perhaps get a little more agressive on the base baths, do some running...instead of waiting around for either the dp or to just get marooned.

[Uprising]

:( Man this road trip is starting to suck. I pray the slumping team can turn it around soon. There's still quite a bit of time. But this sucks.

Scott hasn't looked too bad out there, I'm happy to have him in Morgan's spot for now. I read that Morgan made the road trip to NY, I wonder if he is going to get any PT while up there?

Today's game really hurt considering how close it was the entire time. I thought the stros were going to bust it open after 2HR's and 3 runs in the first.

[JunkyardDwg]

Scott hasn't looked too bad out there, I'm happy to have him in Morgan's spot for now. I read that Morgan made the road trip to NY, I wonder if he is going to get any PT while up there?


Now, it's back to rehabbing. On Friday at Shea Stadium, Ensberg made 25 light tosses into a net in the batting cages, took 20 dry swings and underwent some rotator cuff exercises.

He's eligible to come off the DL on Tuesday when the Astros return home to host the Reds, but it's highly unlikely he'll be ready.

"It feels better," Ensberg said. "I still feel it. I really wish it would just go away."

http://houston.astros.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060721&content_id=1568161&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou

[Uprising]

Thanks for the post JYD.

I heard on FOX that the Stros aren't going to turn a profit this season unless they make the playoffs, so they believe Drayton won't make anymore drastic moves. Huff and Clemens signing was it.

[Zac D]

Thanks for the post JYD.

I heard on FOX that the Stros aren't going to turn a profit this season unless they make the playoffs, so they believe Drayton won't make anymore drastic moves. Huff and Clemens signing was it.

I heard on FOX that the Astros pitching coach is Kevin Hickey.

[rikesh316]

Still can't believe Garner still gives starts to Taveras. He sucks. How about moving Wilson to Center and Scott in left like you did on Saturday. Scott has had some best AB's on this road trip. How about giving Burke a chance at shortstop. You have nothing to lose and a lot to gain. This team will score no more than 2 runs today. You have 4 people in the lineup with a OBP barely over or under .300. Its a joke.

[Nice Rollin]

as a mets fan, im going for the stros cuz i want them to win the wild card so we can play them in the first round of the playoffs and kick that ass

[bigtexxx]

3-0 Mets. Ballgame.

[Nick]

This team, from top to bottom, has completely lost its focus.

Roy is going to plunk Floyd... and Floyd is going to go after him.

[Groogrux]

Time for the Chronicle to dust off that tombstone picture.

Flame away, but I have officially given up. They at least got me to within a week of Texans training camp.

[ruddy]

3-0 Mets. Game over, turn off the tv.

[Aceshigh7]

Nice start Roy.

[Aceshigh7]

as a mets fan, im going for the stros cuz i want them to win the wild card so we can play them in the first round of the playoffs and kick that ass

You don't really want to face the Astros in the playoffs. If the Astros are in the playoffs, that means they have caught fire between now & then. And with a pitching staff that is more talented than yours, that would spell trouble for your team.

[rocketfat]

changes are gonna have to be made before the homestand. it's time to start planning for the future. period. i can't imagine purp and mclane are going to wait any longer.

this team is brutal to watch, and it starts with its two biggest 40 year old losers who have no business stepping on a major league field, craig biggio and brad ausmus. i'd love to see mclane and purp grow some balls and get them out of my sight.

3,000 hits aint as impressive when it takes you 50 years to get there and you suck for the final 5 seasons leading up to it, craig.

[Aceshigh7]

We're 6 games back of the wildcard. It's much too early to just give up and start planning towards the future.

[WhoMikeJames]

LOL. I knew the bases were loaded with Valentin batting so i turned on the TV and i saw a replay of Valentin's grand slam and i thought it was of today so i almost **** my pants.

[Rule0001]

you know pettitte and roger are both retiring next year?

[WhoMikeJames]

Wow. Bases loaded twice, nothing. Horrible

[sammy]

This team is so frustrating.....I give up

[pgabriel]

the mets are taking the spainish thing to the next level with the music.

[Pocket Rockets]

man, all we have to do is scratch and claw and get one run here and there and i know we can pull this thing out....but noooooo...we can't get a run when we have a runner on third and less than two outs.....

it seems as if the middle of the order gets on base then we have to depend on the bottom of the order to drive them in and thats not happening!

[WhoMikeJames]

FINALLYYY. Taveras started it all.

[sammy]

FINALLYYY. Taveras started it all.

Willy T is fine....Everett has to go

[WhoMikeJames]

Berkman hurt. Strained left groin.

[rocketfat]

jeez. when it rains it pours.

[rocketfat]

wow...we haven't had an inning like this in...all season? stringing together hits? getting roy o some run support? never thought i'd see it with this group.

[Nick]

I could see the Mets having serious pitching problems in the playoffs. Pedro and Glavine are solid... but they are by no means the dominant pitchers they once were... and they don't have a Carpenter, Oswalt, or any other young pitcher "in their prime".

[Aceshigh7]

Berkman hurt. Strained left groin.

Damn that's not good. Those can be tough to recover from quickly too.

Get better soon Lance.

[Nick]

Ausmus better make sure that Oswalt "doesn't lose his concentration."

[Aceshigh7]

LOL. Scott pulled a Jason Lane.

[Nick]

Freakin Luke Scott... good catch, but he totally forgets how many outs there are. At least he didn't throw the ball into the stands.

For a guy that should be playing his ass off for more playing time, he needs to get his head in the game.

[Nick]

Floyd owns Oswalt... I've never see somebody dominate him like he does.

[Pocket Rockets]

any word on berkmans injury?

[JunkyardDwg]

^According to astros.com he has a sore left groin.

[rocketfat]

no reason luke shouldnt be playing every day for the foreseeable future. i still believe that he just might need to get off the HR schneid to really get his confidence going.

[Pocket Rockets]

huff has fallen into the slumping doldrums.....couldn't get that runner home

[rocketfat]

UN****INGREAL.

HOW DOES IT HAPPEN SO OFTEN

[htownballa23]

Nothing new

[Pocket Rockets]

LOB

acronym of the year for the Houston Astros

[JunkyardDwg]

no reason luke shouldnt be playing every day for the foreseeable future. i still believe that he just might need to get off the HR schneid to really get his confidence going.


Assuming Berkman isn't injuired seriously, whom should Scott replace?


Holy S**T! Garner is replacing Wheeler for freakin' Miller just for that lefty-lefty matchup in a 1-run game. Hope this works out...

-got out of the jam. awesome. Perhaps the sunny weather is a sign the Astros will pull this out, considering the last two days it was raining.

[Pocket Rockets]

great, miller vs floyd

wonder whats going to happen here

[Nick]

They have to get this run home.

[JunkyardDwg]

I'd like to see more of that...when you get active on the basepaths you force the defense to react to you and anything can happen. It'll be totally wasted if they can't bring him home though.

[Pocket Rockets]

They have to get this run home.

doesn't look good

[Nick]

There u go... run driven in with less than 2 outs.

Now, force the action on the basepaths again.

[JunkyardDwg]

There u go... run driven in with less than 2 outs.

Now, force the action on the basepaths again.


See anything else in your crystal ball?

[pgabriel]

what a dumbass

he'll never hear the end of that.

[JunkyardDwg]

Man I love that Chris Burke...textbook example of why you should ALWAYS hustle, no matter what.

[Nick]

After showing no life all weekend... the team is starting to play with fire, and the Mets are dogging it (Beltran and Heilman).

[rocketfat]

you dont see that everyday. way to play like you give a **** burke.

[leroy420]

Huge play by Burke! Even if it was close, the ump gave that to Burke because of Heilman's laziness.

That's the way to do it boys! Play with some fire!

[pgabriel]

valentin looks like he's about 56 instead of 36

[rocketfat]

man, i never root for us to lose, and i liked how we fought today, but, i really have a gut feeling that if we had suffered one last listless, lifeless loss today, and with an off day to stew it over tomorrow, **** really would have hit the fan in this organization this week, which i think we all would have liked to see.

oh well, it still might i guess.

[WhoMikeJames]

Man now i know why you ALWAYS hustle to first base even if you have no chance.

[Nick]

man, i never root for us to lose, and i liked how we fought today, but, i really have a gut feeling that if we had suffered one last listless, lifeless loss today, and with an off day to stew it over tomorrow, **** really would have hit the fan in this organization this week, which i think we all would have liked to see.

oh well, it still might i guess.

You've said some pretty dumb things... but this post may put u in the hall of shame.

[rocketfat]

You've said some pretty dumb things... but this post may put u in the hall of shame.


why is that even close to dumb? i don't understand, smartass.

[Jackfruit]

man, i never root for us to lose, and i liked how we fought today, but, i really have a gut feeling that if we had suffered one last listless, lifeless loss today, and with an off day to stew it over tomorrow, **** really would have hit the fan in this organization this week, which i think we all would have liked to see.

oh well, it still might i guess.

You have to be kidding me. You NEVER root for the Astros to lose. NEVER!!!

[rocketfat]

i think there was a good chance of changes happening in this organization this week with the trade deadline around the corner and the way we've been playing. what on earth is so stupid about that?

[rocketfat]

You have to be kidding me. You NEVER root for the Astros to lose. NEVER!!!

i wasnt rooting for us to lose.

[Jackfruit]

i think there was a good chance of changes happening in this organization this week with the trade deadline around the corner and the way we've been playing. what on earth is so stupid about that?

I think you answered your own question. If a change needs to be made, it will be made based on the pattern and not one game. Knowing that, you never root for the Astros to lose.

[bigtexxx]

Mike Lamb flashed some nice leather over at first today.

[rocketfat]

what's taking you so long to respond and explain why anything about what i said was dumb Nick? smartass know-it-all.

still bitter about the realization that your idols craig biggio and brad ausmus suck?

[Nick]

why is that even close to dumb?

We all know you already want changes... but if this team were to go on to win 8 out of 10 games, that would actually dissapoint you because it would prolong those "must needed changes".

Hell, this team needed "must needed changes" last year, all the way up till the World Series. What an awful season that must have been for you.

[Nick]

what's taking you so long to respond and explain why anything about what i said was dumb Nick? smartass know-it-all.

still bitter about the realization that your idols craig biggio and brad ausmus suck?

Why the hell are you reverting to tossing verbal insults around? Are you that dissapointed by the win?

[Major]

what's taking you so long to respond and explain why anything about what i said was dumb Nick? smartass know-it-all.


What's dumb is you thinking MLB organizations are as finnicky as fans who overreact to single games. If the organization wants to make a change somewhere, one game is not going to change that.

[rocketfat]

Why the hell are you reverting to tossing verbal insults around? Are you that dissapointed by the win?


lol...why am I ???? correct me if i'm wrong, but you were the one you just called me out for no reason as making a "dumb post that should put me in the hall of shame". is "smart-ass" not warranted for that? are you that sensitive? dont dish it if you cant take it.

and i am glad we won. and i would love to see us win 8 out of 10. i just am being realistic, and dont think this team has the same spark as our last 2 did. i hope i'm wrong, but yes, i think all it took was this one win to prolong changes. that's the mentality of this organization: lose 19 out of 20, suck for 19 games out of 20, but, if you win that 20th game, if you pitch a 1-2-3 inning that 20th game, if you go 2-4 that 20th game....it doesnt matter what happened those other 19, there is now enough hope to pray that we've all of a sudden gotten our crap together.

[JunkyardDwg]

In no way would this team benefit from losing today. The organization is fully aware of their struggles and don't need another game in the loss column to clarify that. Plus they've already done a number of things (Huff acquisition, Gaetti firing, Wandy and Lane demotion, Scot promotion, Esnberg to the DL) to shake things up.

A must needed win brings the team a game closer to Cincy heading into an important series with them.

[rocketfat]

What's dumb is you thinking MLB organizations are as finnicky as fans who overreact to single games. If the organization wants to make a change somewhere, one game is not going to change that.

well, i dont Major. i think that this organization is. especially because of the miracles they've witnessed the past 2 seasons.

[Rule0001]

what's taking you so long to respond and explain why anything about what i said was dumb Nick? smartass know-it-all.

still bitter about the realization that your idols craig biggio and brad ausmus suck?

Throwing out insults will always get positive responses.

Why is it you can never argue a point unless you have to act like your in 5th grade again?

[Rule0001]

lol...why am I ???? correct me if i'm wrong, but you were the one you just called me out for no reason as making a "dumb post that should put me in the hall of shame". is "smart-ass" not warranted for that? are you that sensitive? dont dish it if you cant take it.



Because you DO post dumb posts all the time lol

[Little_Scott]

Man, JD said we have only come back from 3 or more down twice all year, prior to today's victory. i think burke's play may be the one to spark us. i really do wish i could anticipate who will be in the starting lineup everyday though. berkman's injury won't provide any stability. but it's most likely an opportunity for Scott to shine. Looking forward to some great pitching matchups this week (Clemens vs. Harang, Pettitte vs. Arroyo).

[Kerfeld]

I love it when the Astros win before an off day. Now I wont have to sit around and stew over the loss. Hopefully this is the type of all out hustle effort the Astros need to get back on track. The cinci series is huge and the Stros better make a statement.

[RocketManJosh]

I think this is going to be one of the biggest series of the year coming up with Cinci. We HAVE to win 2 out of 3, and a sweep could do wonders for us.

[Burzmali]

What's dumb is you thinking MLB organizations are as finnicky as fans who overreact to single games. If the organization wants to make a change somewhere, one game is not going to change that.

No way, Major.

Purp was actually on the phone, about to pull the trigger on a major trade but he saw today's game and was like "Oh hells no, I won't do this anymore."

[rocketfat]

No way, Major.

Purp was actually on the phone, about to pull the trigger on a major trade but he saw today's game and was like "Oh hells no, I won't do this anymore."


you silly goose!

[rrj_gamz]

Good win, but Berkman's out...

We can't win for losing...

[Hakeem's Dream]

All I can say is thank God it's over. Today they are off. They need to go play golf or go to the shooting range or something to relax and get their heads together. They are at home this next series so that's good for us fans but I don't think it's going to make an impact on their performances. They have to get their minds right. Clemens is scheduled to be on the mound so our pitching should be on point. Harang has a nice W-L ratio but his ERA isn't near as good as the Rocket's. He is 1-1 with a 6.26 ERA in his last four starts though so that's great news. In two starts against us he's 2-0 with a 3.29 ERA. We just desperately need runs because with Ken Griffey, Jr. they will be having plenty of support. That is what the team should be focusing on. Right now the Reds are 5 up on us in the wild card and for 2nd in the NL Central being 4 1/2 games behind the Cards. We are 9 1/2 games back. We are freaking 5 games under .500 and it sucks.

[Uprising]

Great game. Glad we finally won one, and avoided the sweep. Who know's Burke's hustle to beat a routine grounder might be the spark this team needs. Kind of like the barret incident last season.

Well, I thought the Cardinals series was huge at the end of the first half, this series with the reds is about as big as they come. We could really gain some good ground, or lose a lot this series.

Oh, and about the Tejada rumor. I'd so pull the trigger on that one....but yeah, if only I was the GM. ....ofcourse the team would be screwed if I was. :D

[Hakeem's Dream]

You are the second person I have "talked" to today that referred to Burke as a spark. I told them I think he's the spark of our team this season. We have to keep him healthy and he has to stop killing himself trying to make catches in the outfield. We will need him at 2nd in a few years.