[Official] Astros @ Braves

[Castor27]

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


7-31 Chris Sampson, RHP (7-7, 4.29) vs. Chuck James, LHP (8-8, 3.55) 6:35 on KNWS

8-01 Wandy Rodriguez, LHP (7-9, 4.28) vs. Buddy Carlyle, RHP (5-3, 4.25) 6:35 on FSN

8-02 TBD vs. Jo-Jo Reyes, LHP (0-1, 8.20) 6:35 on FSN

[No Worries]

8-02 TBD vs. Jo-Jo Reyes, LHP (0-1, 8.20) 6:35 on FSN
Woody Williams or so says Astros Daily (http://www.astrosdaily.com/)

WLW.

[texanskan]

WLL, lets hope we move some players today for some decent prospects

[JaWindex]

W
W
L

Wandy decides to pitch well on the road!

[DaDakota]

Is the season still going?

;)

[Kerfeld]

Well this sucks. Come home, turn on the game.....

I think this thread has the lowest post count of any game thread since I have been a member.

[Surfguy]

I guess the game isn't on here in North Texas tonite...not on FSN and not on TBS.

It's not looking good from an internet viewpoint, however.

[dotdotdot]

I think this thread has the lowest post count of any game thread since I have been a member.


Me too. :rolleyes:
I am anxious to see if Teixeira gets in on this series, as well as Dotel.

[TMac640]

Why hasn't Fatty P been sacked with his performance before and on the trade deadline. Yes, yes, I know the whole running joke of purpura's fat. Let's put that aside. Purpura is a TERRIBLE GM, period. End of discussion.

Wigginton for Wheeler?

Hey Tim, how about doing something that makes sense for next season? Like addressing our needs for oh... let's say...


(1)

#2, #3 spots in our starting rotation

(2) BULLPEN help with the joke that is our current pen.

(3) Our plethora of holes in our offense. Who else is there besides Berkman, Lee, and Pence. Lamb/Loretta. They're free agents at the end of this season. Trading them for ANYTHING and then possibly getting them back next season would have been a huge plus.

Down with Purpura.

[rocketfat]

Why hasn't Fatty P been sacked with his performance before and on the trade deadline. Yes, yes, I know the whole running joke of purpura's fat. Let's put that aside. Purpura is a TERRIBLE GM, period. End of discussion.

Wigginton for Wheeler?

Hey Tim, how about doing something that makes sense for next season? Like addressing our needs for oh... let's say...


(1)

#2, #3 spots in our starting rotation

(2) BULLPEN help with the joke that is our current pen.

(3) Our plethora of holes in our offense. Who else is there besides Berkman, Lee, and Pence. Lamb/Loretta. They're free agents at the end of this season. Trading them for ANYTHING and then possibly getting them back next season would have been a huge plus.

Down with Purpura.


you sound like a really intelligent dude who really knows his stuff

[dotdotdot]

Teixeira just showed up in Atl, got a standing ovation.
Must be nice to get something in a trade at the deadline.
Last one I remember getting was Pedro Astacio. :rolleyes:

[Nick]

Teixeira just showed up in Atl, got a standing ovation.
Must be nice to get something in a trade at the deadline.
Last one I remember getting was Pedro Astacio. :rolleyes:

They also gave up the best young catcher in the leauge... why? Because their system developed another great young cather who they felt confident giving a 4 year 40 million dollar deal to.

I miss having a farm system that has a plethora of MLB-ready talent that can either contribute to your current team, or when combined with other good prospects, can get you a much better player in return.

[Nick]

Bruntlett isn't putting on much of a show at SS tonight... maybe he's nervous since Everett is back in the dugout (made the trip because the game is in Georgia).

[WoodlandsBoy]

Teixeira just showed up in Atl, got a standing ovation.
Must be nice to get something in a trade at the deadline.
Last one I remember getting was Pedro Astacio. :rolleyes:
How about Carlos Beltran :confused:

[Poloshirtbandit]

How about Carlos Beltran :confused:

I don't think that was a deadline trade.

[TMac640]

you sound like a really intelligent dude who really knows his stuff

Two replies. Depending on which one you meant.

Non-smartass: Appreciate it. I've been tired of Purpura for quite a while, and voiced my opinion on the matter.

Smartass: This coming from the KING of always completely accurate and fact-filled discussions on any of the Astros players? Are you kidding me? lol

[Chuck 4]

I don't think that was a deadline trade.

Yeah, I think it was. For Octavio Dotel to the Royals. Ironically, Dotel is now a Brave, too. At the trading deadline.

[rrj_gamz]

Another day, another loss...

[JaWindex]

Two replies. Depending on which one you meant.

Non-smartass: Appreciate it. I've been tired of Purpura for quite a while, and voiced my opinion on the matter.

Smartass: This coming from the KING of always completely accurate and fact-filled discussions on any of the Astros players? Are you kidding me? lol

Considering this post (http://bbs.clutchfans.net/showpost.php?p=3058946&postcount=31) I'm sure he wasn't being sarcastic. :p

[Blake]

WHY DOES JASON LANE CONTINUE TO START FOR THIS TEAM????

HE IS A TERRIBLE HITTER...I DON'T CARE HOW WELL HE HITS IN TRIPLE-A

SO F*CKING FRUSTRATING

[MiniMing]

LL.

Astros can't beat good teams.

[MadMax]

LL.

Astros can't beat good teams.

don't let the fact they took 2 out of 3 from the dodgers and split with the padres last week distract you from your continued attempts to be debbie downer at every turn.

[TMac640]

LL.

Astros can't beat good teams.

http://www.eskimo.com/~tegan/blog/torvald/TrollMugshotFront.jpg

[Major]

don't let the fact they took 2 out of 3 from the dodgers and split with the padres last week distract you from your continued attempts to be debbie downer at every turn.

To be fair, the "debbie downer"s have been right a whole more than wrong this season.

[RocketFan007]

Road Wandy is at it already.

[Major]

Road Wandy is at it already.

Perhaps he can match Jennings' start!

[leroy420]

Please get the pen going...

[Shehzad23]

What a disaster !

[Cannonball]

Wandy has apparently been attending the Jason Jennings School of First Inning Pitching.

[Gene the PIG]

:o
:o
:o

[Surfguy]

Wandy is just terrible on the road. I don't want someone like that on my team. I think Wandy is a bust. Oh...but he does well at home. Then, pitch him only when we're at home then. Dammit.

[Cannonball]

Wandy is just terrible on the road. I don't want someone like that on my team. I think Wandy is a bust. Oh...but he does well at home. Then, pitch him only when we're at home then. Dammit.

The difference between HomeWandy and RoadWandy is absolutely amazing. It's like a 6 run difference in ERA's. It has to be mental, there's no other explanation. If he can consistently maintain a sub 2 ERA at home, there's no reason his road ERA should be over 4 times worse.

[torque]

That ball was CRUSHED.

[Nick]

The difference between HomeWandy and RoadWandy is absolutely amazing. It's like a 6 run difference in ERA's. It has to be mental, there's no other explanation. If he can consistently maintain a sub 2 ERA at home, there's no reason his road ERA should be over 4 times worse.

Not to mention that he pitches in a band box at home... and is afraid to throw strikes in the GIGANTIC Turner Field.

[Cannonball]

Looks like Jennings hasn't lost a step, picking up right where he left off.

[Kerfeld]

This is getting stupid. 46-61. I never thought it would be this bad. Oh well.

[Storm Surge]

Looks like Jennings hasn't lost a step, picking up right where he left off.
he woulda given up at least 4 runs had not for that dumb move to send the runner on the sac fly

[Uprising]

Astros are making it hard to follow them. They suck....so what...I still watch. but getting behind so quickly is really tearing me apart!

[rrj_gamz]

Holy Fock!!

[LonghornFan]

Uncle Drayton, please open up that wallet for the upcoming offseason. I cannot stand the product on the field right now. Absolutely horrible.

And fire fatty. Now.

So pissed, and sad.

[BigM]

so wandy finally figured out how to pitch somewhere this season even if it's just at home. maybe next season is when he puts it all together? either that or he goes back to the usual wandy. i don't know what to make of half this roster.

[pgabriel]

I heard a stat that this is the worst three game stretch as far as runs given up in Astros history.

[MadMax]

To be fair, the "debbie downer"s have been right a whole more than wrong this season.

Fair enough...but it loses all credibility when EVERY prediction about virtually EVERY aspect is negative.

[Uprising]

Well, atleast one positive thing has happened. Clemens was destroyed.

Clemens was booed off the mound after he allowed eight runs and nine hits in 1 2/3 innings. (3 were earned IIRC...cause of an error)

[Surfguy]

Well, atleast one positive thing has happened. Clemens was destroyed.

Clemens was booed off the mound after he allowed eight runs and nine hits in 1 2/3 innings. (3 were earned IIRC...cause of an error)

Looks like Clemens should have stayed in the National League. I would say his season isn't going very well over there. Case in point....he's given up 28 ERs in 64 IP when he gave up 29 ERs in double the IP for us last season.

Per tonite's game, I certainly hope Woody doesn't come out and give up 8 runs in the 1st or 2nd inning. If he does, then this might turn into the worst series in Astros history.

[Cannonball]

And Woody continues to lead the league in HR surrendered.

[Aceshigh7]

And once again Luke Scott is not in the lineup. Berkman is in right with Loretta at first. :mad:

And they just said on the broadcast that Garner is considering making Berkman the everyday RF. WHY?

Why in the hell is Garner so enamored with the weak hitting Loretta when we have a promising young player with power like Scott?

[DaDakota]

This just in, Woody Williams still sux.

[Cannonball]

And once again Luke Scott is not in the lineup. Berkman is in right with Loretta at first. :mad:

And they just said on the broadcast that Garner is considering making Berkman the everyday RF. WHY?

Why in the hell is Garner so enamored with the weak hitting Loretta when we have a promising young player with power like Scott?

Next year with be the 3rd year in a row when they say "Berkman will finally be a full time first baseman."

And in the meantime, Lane continues to play everyday. If I could only play 2 of Burke, Lane, and Scott, I choose Burke and Scott.

[DOMINATOR]

berkman is on fire... time for garner to bench him

[Akhorahil]

And once again Luke Scott is not in the lineup. Berkman is in right with Loretta at first. :mad:

And they just said on the broadcast that Garner is considering making Berkman the everyday RF. WHY?

Why in the hell is Garner so enamored with the weak hitting Loretta when we have a promising young player with power like Scott?

Eh... I think it's more of a matchup vs. LHP
But on the making Berkman a RF everyday, that's more about keeping Lamb in the lineup as much as possible. Luke will still get his ABs.

[Akhorahil]

hahahahahaha Jason Lane!!! pitch right down the middle. 3 run HR.

[King of 40 Acres]

And in the meantime, Lane continues to play everyday. If I could only play 2 of Burke, Lane, and Scott, I choose Burke and Scott.

Right on cue.

[Akhorahil]

lmao 1st HR, in majors, since april 19th... someone buy that man a steak dinner at waffle house.

[Aceshigh7]

Eh... I think it's more of a matchup vs. LHP
But on the making Berkman a RF everyday, that's more about keeping Lamb in the lineup as much as possible. Luke will still get his ABs.

I doubt he will. Luke hasn't really gotten consistent AB's for much of the season and that was before Garner's announcement. Expect him to get even less now.

Boneheaded move by Garner to keep our hottest hitters on the bench.

[Cannonball]

Eh... I think it's more of a matchup vs. LHP
But on the making Berkman a RF everyday, that's more about keeping Lamb in the lineup as much as possible. Luke will still get his ABs.

If Berkman is in RF everyday, where is Luke going to get his AB's. They seem committed to Lane in Center and Lee doesn't take days off. It seems as if Luke can only play if Berkman is at 1B.

[Akhorahil]

I didn't say he would get consistant ABs. I said he would get his ABs. It's baseball guys. Lineups can change on a daily basis.

I don't want to make this long and dramatic... but if this was a RHP we were facing tonight, Luke would probably be in RF.

There are tons of ways to get guys ABs.

The whole making Berkman the everyday RFer... All Garner said was "I'm thinking about it." When he was responding to a question posed by a reporter. He didn't elaborate. That doesn't mean much, if anything at all.

[Kerfeld]

Woody will give this lead back.

Figures on Ensberg.

[Akhorahil]

If Berkman is in RF everyday, where is Luke going to get his AB's. They seem committed to Lane in Center and Lee doesn't take days off. It seems as if Luke can only play if Berkman is at 1B.

Look at this game. Later in this game when their starter is out of the game. Luke can't PH and then come into the game? Berkman can't switch to 1st? Loretta can't move to SS? Bruntlett can't come out of the game or move to 2nd?

[Cannonball]

They can but they won't. At least not until the 8th or 9th in which case Luke might get 1 AB. Getting spot starts and 1 AB every 2nd or 3rd game you don't start isn't going to help anyone develop or give the club any indication of what to expect next year. Meanwhile, we do it to give more playing time to Lamb who'll probably bolt during free agency.

[Cannonball]

Woody will give this lead back.

Figures on Ensberg.

You didn't have to be Nostradamus to see this coming.

[Surfguy]

You didn't have to be Nostradamus to see this coming.

You didn't have to be shot from a cannon to see that one coming.

[Akhorahil]

They can but they won't. At least not until the 8th or 9th in which case Luke might get 1 AB. Getting spot starts and 1 AB every 2nd or 3rd game you don't start isn't going to help anyone develop or give the club any indication of what to expect next year. Meanwhile, we do it to give more playing time to Lamb who'll probably bolt during free agency.

I didn't say that would be an every night affair. That's an option against LHSP. Look your basing this whole thing off of a question posed to Garner from a reporter. Garner said "I'm thinking about it."

I understand your concern if you think that means something. I, however, don't think that meant anything more than it's an option he's thinking about. Heck, He could be thinking about it for next season for all we know.

I'm going to be very blunt here, I hate to say something like this. But pretty soon they are going to be in the mind set of keeping Berkman and Lee healthy for next season. It's August... how much do you think these guys are really going to play in September if we are 15 games back from 1st? As crappy as that sounds, it's the road the Astros are on.

[The Cat]

And once again Luke Scott is not in the lineup. Berkman is in right with Loretta at first. :mad:

And they just said on the broadcast that Garner is considering making Berkman the everyday RF. WHY?

Why in the hell is Garner so enamored with the weak hitting Loretta when we have a promising young player with power like Scott?

That's just against lefties, when they put Bruntlett at short and Loretta at first. Against righties (the majority), it's a choice between Lamb at first and Berkman in right vs. Berkman at first and Scott in right. Essentially, it's a choice between Lamb and Scott, and Garner seems to be leaning toward Lamb. I disagree with that decision, but I can see why there is a debate.

[Akhorahil]

So much for Garner saying they arn't going to give up 12 runs tonight. So far the Braves are on pace to do it.

[Cannonball]

Can we go 4 straight games of giving up 10+ runs?

[Akhorahil]

Whew... I thought Andrew was going to track it down for a second.
Game all tied up 9-9
Grand Slam, Mike Lamb!!!!

[kaleidosky]

i'm sure they talked about it there--TBS showed that the Braves showed a vid montage of Biggio...followed by a standing O and Bidge tipping his cap to the crowd in the middle of the 10th.

Classy by the Braves. And Bidge looks legitimately choked up with the game still going.. hopefully he's still okay to pinch (if the game sees 11..)

[kaleidosky]

hell of a DP there.. the one time i'll say, AE couldn't have turned itany better ;)

[kaleidosky]

this is actually a fun game to watch, for once. i wonder if it's only me ;)

[ThreePointShot]

Runnnnn.

[htownhustla]

I know its one game, but ty isnt lookin to bad. Good to see us with a lead. I thnk our main concern for this offseason is to bring up pitchers or sign a #2 pitcher. Oswalt, backe, sampson, ect, ect, ect

[kaleidosky]

whooo Lee with some hustle to go 1st to 3rd! (also tried to draw a throw to 2nd on his single)

And Lane w/ the 1st pitch SAC!



Braves announcers keep saying they don't think our team is THAT far off. Watching this game makes me slightly more optimistic about our team.

Whooo E4 (though Lamb woulda made it either way...shoulda been single and #4 letting the run score. not sure how it was scored)

2 run lead

[kaleidosky]

yeah offseason i'm hoping priority is starting rotation #1, and catcher #2.. then just get a 3B or OF.. work the rest of our guys around that one. Berkman at 1st, Burke at 2nd, Pence and Lee in the OF...fit in Lamb, Loretta, Wigginton, Scott around them. Everett back at SS is my preference, too... but understandable if they go another way.

[DOMINATOR]

yeah offseason i'm hoping priority is starting rotation #1, and catcher #2.. then just get a 3B or OF.. work the rest of our guys around that one. Berkman at 1st, Burke at 2nd, Pence and Lee in the OF...fit in Lamb, Loretta, Wigginton, Scott around them. Everett back at SS is my preference, too... but understandable if they go another way.
see i think they should call up JR. Towles and let him show em what hes got... at least a september call up. then go from there... instead purpura said they MIGHT promote him to AAA.

[kaleidosky]

i was about to write about Lidge's breaking ball being weird.. it's breaking straight down instead of his usual slider with the cross-breaking


but jesus, that was a pretty bad fastball. tailed right over the inside middle.. easy pull HR. ugh

[Cannonball]

****
****
****

[kaleidosky]

(at least there's no more Lidge crouch/face when that happens. he's still good. Man Chipper is 3 for 4 off lidge? now it's a full count.)

[ROXRAN]

his spliters looked good, but yeah his other pitches were bad...

[DOMINATOR]

i was about to write about Lidge's breaking ball being weird.. it's breaking straight down instead of his usual slider with the cross-breaking


but jesus, that was a pretty bad fastball. tailed right over the inside middle.. easy pull HR. ugh
he's falling toward first base again... opening up and overthrowing.

[kaleidosky]

overthrowing the breaking ball.. flustered by the HR..

[htownhustla]

see i think they should call up JR. Towles and let him show em what hes got... at least a september call up. then go from there... instead purpura said they MIGHT promote him to AAA.

I agree. lets at least get his feet wet and see what he can do. There was a rumor about calling up guiterez ahead of patton in the chronicle today.

[kaleidosky]

where's Aumsus's awesome ball-blocking ability on that wild pitch? Slide out there, old man!


Braves poor bullpen management? Only going to the 13th and they're on their last guy...who threw 2 innings last night already.

[htownhustla]

who do we still have in our bullpen for tonight?

[Surfguy]

This f-ing game, man. ****

[kaleidosky]

who do we still have in our bullpen for tonight?

We have McLemore for sure.. and Albers, but he's pitched the last 2 nights. We've only used 4 out of the pen.. the Braves are on their 7th. On top of that, the guy that was in just before this (Mahay) had gone 3, so he was done no matter what. Lidge can easily go another one (physically, at least..)

[Chuck 4]

This Braves lineup is sick.

[htownhustla]

i know, just when you think youve dealt with the worst already, here comes another hard out

[Akhorahil]

who do we still have in our bullpen for tonight?

McLemore, Moehler and Albers. Didn't Albers have a start recently? I've missed a few games in the last week.

I think Atlanta only has one more pitcher left in the pen. He's a long reliever/spot starter. I don't know his situation either.

[Chuck 4]

i know, just when you think youve dealt with the worst already, here comes another hard out
I know! And Renteria isnt even in the game...at least Teixeira isnt up next inning.

[kaleidosky]

This Braves lineup is sick.

how so? Chipper, Teix, Andruw (not having a good year)..

[kaleidosky]

i know, just when you think youve dealt with the worst already, here comes another hard out

It's tough.. but I mean, I'd say the same about Pence, Berkman, Lee..

[Chuck 4]

how so? Chipper, Teix, Andruw (not having a good year)..
I meant "Sick" as in ridiculous. Its like a video game lineup or something. Matt Diaz coming off the bench batting .340?!?

[Chuck 4]

Even the Braves relievers can hit...

[kaleidosky]

I meant "Sick" as in ridiculous. Its like a video game lineup or something. Matt Diaz coming off the bench batting .340?!?

gotcha. But as a whole, they don't scare me a ton. Not as much as the Mets (when healthy) or anything like that. So I wouldn't use superlatives with them is all.. but yeah, I didn't realize Diaz had that high of an average.

[kaleidosky]

Even the Braves relievers can hit...

why the hell were we guarding the 3rd base line against a lefty pitcher..? ugh... I guess you have to. But that was right to normal positioning.


Hell of a pitch.

[htownhustla]

how old us mclemore

[Chuck 4]

how old us mclemore
Not Julio Old.

[htownhustla]

WOW we bringin in jennings to pinch hit

[Chuck 4]

WOW we bringin in jennings to pinch hit
Wonder if he can hit better than he can pitch... ;)

[Chuck 4]

LOL, guess so...

[kaleidosky]

Jennings! .219 career hitter! whoop

[Chuck 4]

Diaz, Chipper, and Teixeira in the bottom...

[htownhustla]

i was gonna make a comment that even if he does hit better than he pitches, how good could he be, but i guess ill have to bite my tongue

[kaleidosky]

ugh moehler

[Chuck 4]

If this goes to the 15th...Im out.

[htownhustla]

come on. One more pitch

[Cannonball]

They doubled us up on hits be we won the game.

[rocketfat]

easy on the reaction there, moehler. lol.

[Akhorahil]

Hey... Garner was right. They didn't give up 12 runs and it was a good day. They must have missed Garner mumbling, for everyone but the pitchers.

[LonghornFan]

We've allowed 52 runs in the last 4 games. Only the second team to do that in the last 50 years.

That is sad.

[kaleidosky]

easy on the reaction there, moehler. lol.

1st career save..give him some room! ;)

[smeiou78]

We've allowed 52 runs in the last 4 games. Only the second team to do that in the last 50 years.

That is sad.

We actually gave up 53. 18+12+12+11 :eek:

[smeiou78]

Jennings! .219 career hitter! whoop

He hasn't quite redeemed himself in my book yet. In fact, he's got quite a ways to go. We gave up 3 people for him, after all. However, I want all of our guys to do well, and this is a start. Keep it up!

[Aceshigh7]

It's not too late yet. Neither the Cubs, Brewers, or Cardinals impress me very much this year. If the Stros can just have a two week stretch where they win 8 out of 12 or something like that they can be in position to make this a great race.

Gar for godsakes play Lamb and Scott though.

Our best lineup and chance to win is Lamb at 3B, Berkman at 1B, Scott in RF. If you are absolutely set on getting Loretta in the lineup stick him at SS if you must, but he dont impress me much.

[rrj_gamz]

Holy Toledo batman...saw the highlights and can't believe we came through...Maybe there is hope...oh wait...

[MadMax]

It's not too late yet. Neither the Cubs, Brewers, or Cardinals impress me very much this year. If the Stros can just have a two week stretch where they win 8 out of 12 or something like that they can be in position to make this a great race.

Gar for godsakes play Lamb and Scott though.

Our best lineup and chance to win is Lamb at 3B, Berkman at 1B, Scott in RF. If you are absolutely set on getting Loretta in the lineup stick him at SS if you must, but he dont impress me much.

My concern isn't the lineup at this point. It's the pitching. Way too many double-digit games lately. In order to win consistently, they need to start pitching like they mean it.

[tested911]

We've allowed 52 runs in the last 4 games. Only the second team to do that in the last 50 years.

That is sad.

Wohooo I knew the Astros would make some records this season I just wish it wasn't this one LOL

[A-Train]

It's not too late yet.

Drayton?

[Nick]

My concern isn't the lineup at this point. It's the pitching. Way too many double-digit games lately. In order to win consistently, they need to start pitching like they mean it.

Exactly... 3/4's of every game thread involve complaining/moaning/griping about the lineup ("why is Lane playing?"... "Why isn't Scott in?"... "Why is Berkman in RF?"... "why is Biggio playing?"... "Why is Burke playing?"..."Oh no, Everett is coming back?!?!").

Meanwhile, the pitching staff is giving up 10-12 runs a game during this span.

The off-season needs to be all about the pitching... much like last year.