[Official] Brewers @ Astros

[Castor27]

Remember, no PBP in these threads and keep the chatter on topic (if it is about something other than this series, talk about it in another thread).


5-2 Carlos Villanueva, RHP (1-2, 4.66) vs. Roy Oswalt, RHP (2-3, 5.75) 7:05 on FSN

5-3 Manny Parra, LHP (1-1, 4.94) vs. Brandon Backe, RHP (1-3, 4.65) 6:05 on FSN

5-4 Ben Sheets, RHP (4-0, 1.64) vs. Chris Sampson, RHP (1-3, 7.15) 1:05 on My20

[No Worries]

WWW.

Haven't we totally owned Sheets over the last two years?

[rrj_gamz]

WWL...This is a must win series, IMHO...

Go Stros...

[leroy420]

WWW

Sheets is nursing a sore triceps that affected his control during his last start. Hopefully, it's still sore.

[ruddy]

W

W

W

[arif1127]

WWL...This is a must win series, IMHO...

Go Stros...

its a little early in the year for anything to be a must win series...

[bobmarley]

its a little early in the year for anything to be a must win series...

Yes, but this team can ill afford to play catchup with the top teams in our division for the rest of the year. We have to compete early and often to put the pressure on our division. IMHO

[T Rex]

Yes, but this team can ill afford to play catchup with the top teams in our division for the rest of the year. We have to compete early and often to put the pressure on our division. IMHO

I couldn't agree more. This team doesn't have the overall talent like the '04 and '05 teams whereas they could just "turn it on" during the 2nd half of the season and make up some major ground. This team is going to have to keep close and/or get over .500 sometime soon if it wants to be playing meaningful games in September with the Cards and Cubs playing the way they are. One of those teams may stumble, but the odds on both is not likely.

[arif1127]

I couldn't agree more. This team doesn't have the overall talent like the '04 and '05 teams whereas they could just "turn it on" during the 2nd half of the season and make up some major ground. This team is going to have to keep close and/or get over .500 sometime soon if it wants to be playing meaningful games in September with the Cards and Cubs playing the way they are. One of those teams may stumble, but the odds on both is not likely.

it still doesn't make this series a MUST win. the team is 3 games under .500 right now, if they aren't at or above .500 by june, then maybe we should start talking about the importance of the games ahead, but till then i won't begin to worry till the team is closer to 5-10 games below .500.

[stobbartjohn]

Roy gives up the first inning 2 run bomb :(

[russian88]

Roy gives up the first inning 2 run bomb :(

I hope the rockets win tonight.

[stobbartjohn]

Anyone think Villaneuva's pitching action is reminiscent of Chuck Hayes' free throw? Looks like he's going to trip up on every pitch lol

[stobbartjohn]

What a crappy play by Carlos

[ruddy]

Prince Fielder is pretty pretty fat.

[stobbartjohn]

Prince Fielder is pretty pretty fat.

Haha, you got Carlos waddling about in left field trying to throw out Fielder wobbling between the bases. A true clash of the titans. It's like sumo wrestling

[Ottomaton]

It never fails to amaze me how a total tub of lard like Prince Fielder can be a successful professional athlete. I know after all these years of lard asses, it should be obvious to me, but watching him almost suffer cardiac arrest after sliding into third, I can't help it.

[stobbartjohn]

Someone tell me I shouldn't be worried about Roy please. It's now May, he has an era of around 5.5, which will rise again today, he's just given up 2 bombs, 4 runs and loaded the bases in the 5th with only one out. He's also walked 4, although one was intentional once the count got to 2-0.

[stobbartjohn]

HUNTER!!!

[ruddy]

Bourn is stinking already....Something should be done because this is not working with him in the top. Like I said, his skills are useless if he can't get on base. So Cooper should take him out of that spot at the very least...

[rikesh316]

Agree Bourn shouldn't be in the lineup and if he is, bat him 8th. Astros went on their 5 game winning streak with Erstad. Also Jose Cruz Jr. should be cut. The guy is useless. How could he get be getting starts?

[rikesh316]

I am have been a Brad Wilkerson fan since he was a rookie and he is someone I think the Astros should look at after he was cut by Seattle this week. He could play all three outfield spots well and gets on base. He also has a cannon of an arm.

[Cannonball]

Tejada & Berkman! 5-4 'Stros!

[ruddy]

BOOM!!!!!!!!!! WAY TO GO Migggy! :D Much Better now.

[stobbartjohn]

BACK TO BACK TO BACK!

[ruddy]

Back To Back To Back!! :D :eek: :eek: :eek: :D :D

[cmpatel]

this is how our team will work most of the season....hopefully....BACK TO BACK TO BACK I LOVE IT!!!!

[ruddy]

Miggy promised his hr to a kid!!! :D

[VesceySux]

Everyone, even Oswalt, has a hit tonight... except for Bourn.

[stobbartjohn]

Miggy promised his hr to a kid!!! :D

Now if only Carlos would promise a kid he would learn to play left field

[ryan17wagner]

I am have been a Brad Wilkerson fan since he was a rookie and he is someone I think the Astros should look at after he was cut by Seattle this week. He could play all three outfield spots well and gets on base. He also has a cannon of an arm.


No thank you! A .249 career hitter. He's terrible. Rangers got duped trading him for Alfonso Soriano.

[bobmarley]

it still doesn't make this series a MUST win. the team is 3 games under .500 right now, if they aren't at or above .500 by june, then maybe we should start talking about the importance of the games ahead, but till then i won't begin to worry till the team is closer to 5-10 games below .500.

I'm sorry but every game is a must win. Maybe not from a fan's standpoint, but as a player, if you don't want or feel that than maybe you should go play some church league softball.

[Uprising]

At least we have the Astros to cheer on now. They have my 100% attention with the annual rockets elimination in the first round over.

[johnmvp]

Pence with a pair of home runs..that a boy

[arif1127]

I'm sorry but every game is a must win. Maybe not from a fan's standpoint, but as a player, if you don't want or feel that than maybe you should go play some church league softball.

come on, i didn 't say you don't play to win, i'm saying its not a MUST win on may 2nd.

[BrooksBall]

Backe is our #2 starter. That is all you need to know about our chances this season.

[BrooksBall]

Another SO for Bourn.

[ruddy]

:eek: What a catch by Pence..

[BrooksBall]

Bourn with an instant replay of his 1st AB.

2 SOs in 2 ABs.

[ruddy]

Bourn with an instant replay of his 1st AB.

2 SOs in 2 ABs.

I guess they are evaluating him and starting to think what they are going to do with him, he shouldn't be at the top of the lineup, at least..

[DOMINATOR]

Bourn should bat 8th. pence lead off.
if some how bourn gets on he can steal then pitcher can sac-bunt him over to 3rd with pence coming up to bat with runner on third.

[stobbartjohn]

Wigginton slotted back in nicely enough. Couple of hits already

[BMoney]

Tejada is a revelation. He's already become my favorite Astro. Great defensive play there.

[stobbartjohn]

Tejada is a revelation. He's already become my favorite Astro. Great defensive play there.

Funny how at the start of the season, Yahoo Sports named him as the "player most likely to disappoint" on the Astros team. Everyone was suggesting that his numbers had dropped because he wasn't on steroids anymore. Great to see him prove people wrong, he ROCKS

[stobbartjohn]

BACKE HOMER!

Earning himself the win lol :D

[ruddy]

Backe with a HR!!!!! I was just thinking about it. :D

[stobbartjohn]

BOURN!

BACK TO BACK!

Up to Kaz for the BACK TO BACK TO BACK again lol

[WWR]

Stealing bases like a wildman.

[WWR]

5 in a row for the Disastros has to be some kind of record.

[stobbartjohn]

Offensive explosion right here

[BrooksBall]

Towles is better than this. I'm looking forward to him getting it going.

[BrooksBall]

8 straight balls from Backe.

This pitching staff will kill us this year. No lead is safe.

[stobbartjohn]

I really don't like that Villareal was warming up right there. Bring him in with the bases loaded and a 4 run lead and the game will be tied withing 1 pitch

[BMoney]

8 straight balls from Backe.

This pitching staff will kill us this year. No lead is safe.

Backe battled today against a tough lineup. You have to tip your hat to his performance (assuming you're wearing a hat..).

[BrooksBall]

We should see many a game this season where we seem to have a comfortable lead only to let the other team back into it pretty quickly.

We got lucky in the top of the 6th. We also got lucky in at least 2 other innings this game.

We need to find some better pitchers or this season is doomed.

[magman]

I really don't like that Villareal was warming up right there. Bring him in with the bases loaded and a 4 run lead and the game will be tied withing 1 pitch

Or he will get out of it with 1 pitch :)

[BrooksBall]

Backe battled today against a tough lineup. You have to tip your hat to his performance (assuming you're wearing a hat..).

Did you watch the 1st, 2nd and 6th innings? Backe got lucky or bailed out on several occasions. The Astros are very lucky the Brewers only scored 2 runs.

I will not tip my hat to his pitching today.

I will tip my hat to his solid at bat that ended with a HR. Unfortunately, that is not what he gets paid to do.

[BMoney]

Did you watch the 1st, 2nd and 6th innings? Backe got lucky or bailed out on several occasions. The Astros are very lucky the Brewers only scored 2 runs.

I will not tip my hat to his pitching today.

I will tip my hat to his solid at bat that ended with a HR. Unfortunately, that is not what he gets paid to do.

He left the game with a 6-2 lead. He could have allowed big innings, but he didn't. It's not merely that he "got lucky." He maintained his composure and didn't allow a big inning despite not having his best stuff today. Did you see the way that he battled Fielder in the 6th? Compare his performance to Parra's. Parra looked more in command early on, but the wheels came off after the homeruns and he didn't recover.

[BrooksBall]

He left the game with a 6-2 lead. He could have allowed big innings, but he didn't. It's not merely that he "got lucky." He maintained his composure and didn't allow a big inning despite not having his best stuff today. Did you see the way that he battled Fielder in the 6th? Compare his performance to Parra's. Parra looked more in command early on, but the wheels came off after the homeruns and he didn't recover.

Villareal has a lot to do with him not giving up any big innings. He helped him out big time in the 6th.

Parra is also 5th in their rotation and Backe is our #2.

The good thing about Backe is that he can bounce back from bad situations but he did get lucky today. The Brewers hit a lot of balls hard but Tejada and Pence made some great defense plays. There were also at least a couple of fortunate double plays.

Backe was bad today. For the third time this season, he walked at least 5 guys.

It really speaks volumes about the weakness of our starting rotation that Backe is our #2. On most average pitching staffs, Backe would be no better than a 4th or 5th starter and more likely in the pen.

[BrooksBall]

Wigginton seems to take at least one awful swing during every at bat.

He also seems to overswing more often than not. I'm not sure if that is why he always looks off balance at the plate or if he just has poor balance independent of his overswinging.

[BrooksBall]

With a 4 run lead, it is ridiculous to walk a strike out machine like Braun with nobody on. If he hits a long ball, so be it. Don't just give him a base.

[BMoney]

Villareal has a lot to do with him not giving up any big innings. He helped him out big time in the 6th.

Parra is also 5th in their rotation and Backe is our #2.

The good thing about Backe is that he can bounce back from bad situations but he did get lucky today. The Brewers hit a lot of balls hard but Tejada and Pence made some great defense plays. There were also at least a couple of fortunate double plays.

Backe was bad today. For the third time this season, he walked at least 5 guys.

It really speaks volumes about the weakness of our starting rotation that Backe is our #2. On most average pitching staffs, Backe would be no better than a 4th or 5th starter and more likely in the pen.

Villareal got one out in the 6th for Christ's sake! It's also pretty silly not to give credit to Backe for inducing the double plays, especially when Parra couldn't work through his issues. Nobody said that Backe was Christy Mathewson today, but he showed great tenacity in keeping the team in the ballgame after a rough few innings and in the lead in the 6th. I see you are in Doomsday mode about the Astros ala the Rockets making the playoffs, so there's no talking you down from the ledge.

[BrooksBall]

Villareal got one out in the 6th for Christ's sake!

Unnecessary.

It's also pretty silly not to give credit to Backe for inducing the double plays, especially when Parra couldn't work through his issues. Nobody said that Backe was Christy Mathewson today, but he showed great tenacity in keeping the team in the ballgame after a rough few innings and in the lead in the 6th. I see you are in Doomsday mode about the Astros ala the Rockets making the playoffs, so there's no talking you down from the ledge.

Again, Backe is our #2 and Parra is their #5. You expect more out of your #2.

Sure, Backe gets some credit for those double plays. He also gets credit for the 8 straight balls he threw to start out the 6th and the 5 walks as well as the 20 other BBs he's given up this season.

Overall, Backe has 25 SOs and 25 BBs. That is simply bad, especially for the 2nd guy in a rotation.

Backe is tough-minded which helps out his barely average pitching abilities.

You call it a Doomsday attitude, I call it seeing it like it is. I'm not always right but I'm not just a cheerleader either. Sorry to hurt your precious feelings.

You were probably one of the clowns that once believed Luther Head was a good player. I never made that mistake.'


By the way, how did the Rockets' season end? Another season-ending injury to a star player and a 1st round exit. They may have made the playoffs but that's about it.

[BMoney]

Unnecessary.



Again, Backe is our #2 and Parra is their #5. You expect more out of your #2.

Sure, Backe gets some credit for those double plays. He also gets credit for the 8 straight balls he threw to start out the 6th and the 5 walks as well as the 20 other BBs he's given up this season.

Overall, Backe has 25 SOs and 25 BBs. That is simply bad, especially for the 2nd guy in a rotation.

Backe is tough-minded which helps out his barely average pitching abilities.

You call it a Doomsday attitude, I call it seeing it like it is. I'm not always right but I'm not just a cheerleader either. Sorry to hurt your precious feelings.

Get over yourself. I was having a baseball conversation until you wet your pants just now. You are running out of people around here who don't think you're an attention-whoring village idiot.

[BrooksBall]

Get over yourself. I was having a baseball conversation until you wet your pants just now. You are running out of people around here who don't think you're an attention-whoring village idiot.

Hey foul mouth, it isn't possible to have a conversation with you.

Here is a thread for you to read posted by Clutch entitled "How NOT to post on the BBS": http://bbs.clutchfans.net/showthread.php?t=147479

Read that while I report you.

[BMoney]

You were probably one of the clowns that once believed Luther Head was a good player. I never made that mistake.'


By the way, how did the Rockets' season end? Another season-ending injury to a star player and a 1st round exit. They may have made the playoffs but that's about it.


Wow. You edited your post to add this crap? You were exposed as an hysterical nitwit months ago on the GARM. Why bring that stupidity here?

[BrooksBall]

Wow. You edited your post to add this crap? You were exposed as an hysterical nitwit months ago on the GARM. Why bring that stupidity here?

Reporting this post as well. Good luck! ;)

[BMoney]

Reporting this post as well. Good luck! ;)


Well, I will leave this toddler's argument. You can go tell Dad about this, too, if it makes you feel any better. Good luck.

[BrooksBall]

Well, I will leave this toddler's argument. You can go tell Dad about this, too, if it makes you feel any better. Good luck.

Who is the toddler?

I'm just doing what Clutch asked us to do. If you read Clutch's thread (see post #64), it would seem that you are the one acting like a child.

[TMac640]

Brooksball, the center of positivity.

[BrooksBall]

Brooksball, the center of positivity.

I may not be the center of positivity, but that is my right... a right given by the Administrator of this forum. I'll leave it to you to be a cheerleader.

Good think you edited that comment about me acting like a 5-year-old.

You can make the case that I am cynical or argumentative, but not that I act like a child. I make every effort to avoid foul language and insulting other posters. It's not always easy but I do try.

[JunkyardDwg]

It really speaks volumes about the weakness of our starting rotation that Backe is our #2. On most average pitching staffs, Backe would be no better than a 4th or 5th starter and more likely in the pen.


Backe was a number 4 starter on one of the best pitching staffs of the '05 season. So I'd imagine, on just an average pitching staff he'd be a number 3 or 4. And on a below average staff, like Houston, he's a number 2. I think it's a little far fetched to suggest he'd be in the pen though.

[DoitDickau]

Eh, Wandy's really the number 2 on the staff. Backe not really great (he's really just a 4 or a 5 on any average staff), but he doesn't need to be. I'd take 160 inning of league average ball from him. In fact, if the astros get that from backe, chacon, and sampson, they'd be in very good shape.

[Castor27]

Get it back on track or you will all be taking a time out!

[Refman]

Again, Backe is our #2 and Parra is their #5. You expect more out of your #2.
The job of ANY starter is to keep you in the ballgame with a chance to win. Branson gave up two earned runs in 5 2/3 tonight, yet you find reason to complain. That is just odd.

He also gets credit for the 8 straight balls he threw to start out the 6th
This was right after Backe spent a half hour on the bench during the bottom of the fifth. If you knew anything about baseball, you'd know that it is not uncommon for a pitcher to have problems finding the srike zone after sitting for that long in the middle of a game.

That is simply bad, especially for the 2nd guy in a rotation.
Backe is a 3rd starter in a good rotation. He is in the number 2 slot due to happenstance. I don't think anybody here has stated otherwise.

Backe is tough-minded which helps out his barely average pitching abilities.
Barely average? You must be watching other games which are being played in a land far from here. Backe is the prototypical average starting pitcher. His ERA is right at the NL average. Average starters tend to be in the middle of the rotation (hence he would be a third starter). Your fourth and fifth guys tend to have a little higher than average ERA.

I call it seeing it like it is.
And you'd be wrong.

The Brewers hit a lot of balls hard but Tejada and Pence made some great defense plays.
There isn't a pitcher in the major leagues today who can win games without some stellar defense behind him.

There were also at least a couple of fortunate double plays.
You mean the kind where the pitcher gets the hitter to hit a grounder to short? Those aren't fortunate. That is what pitchers are trained to do in those situations. Maybe you should stick to basketball.

On most average pitching staffs, Backe would be no better than a 4th or 5th starter and more likely in the pen.
This statement is just dumb. As others have pointed out, Backe was the #3 on a very, very good Astros staff in 2005. To state that on an average staff Backe would be in the pen is laughable.

Hey foul mouth
For the record, the person you were responding to did not use any profanity whatsoever. If you are going to report him, that's your business. Just try to be accurate in your complaint.

[Shroopy2]

Guys, let Brooksball live his sad life and let his ever so valued truths get expressed.

Astros could definitely stand to upgrade to a true #2. You do have to credit Backe for not letting the game get out of hand. But most pitchers will have more bad luck than good when they walk a guy an inning.

[Refman]

Guys, let Brooksball live his sad life and let his ever so valued truths get expressed.

Astros could definitely stand to upgrade to a true #2. You do have to credit Backe for not letting the game get out of hand. But most pitchers will have more bad luck than good when they walk a guy an inning.
This season Backe has walked 25 batters in 36 2/3 innings. That is walking .68 batters per inning. ;)

[BrieflySpeaking]

its the internet, its a message board, i dont think some of you realize that, and reporting people? wtf? that was only in AOL days.

[sm0d]

howdy kids,

brooky, lets not forget that he's still recovering from tommy john surgery...

regards.

[MadMax]

What the hell is going on in here??? The Astros won. They beat the Brewers, taking at least 2 of 3 from them here this weekend.

[ruddy]

Glad to see thoses Astros taking the series at the first try. :) :cool:

[cardpire]

anybody understand why they are talking about moehler taking wandy's next start instead of bringing cassell back up to make it?

[Uprising]

Great game, with the Rockets out.....glad to watch the Astros win. :)

[Refman]

What the hell is going on in here??? The Astros won. They beat the Brewers, taking at least 2 of 3 from them here this weekend.
Don't you get it, we were lucky to win. Backe did such a horrible job. He walked 5 guys. He had to be bailed out by double plays and the bullpen. He gave up 2 earned runs. He is awful.

By the way...I am sure that the mods will be made aware of your blatant use of h e double hockey sticks.

[ruddy]

anybody understand why they are talking about moehler taking wandy's next start instead of bringing cassell back up to make it?


I think Cassell was sent back to the minor in order to make room for Wiggy.

[bobrek]

anybody understand why they are talking about moehler taking wandy's next start instead of bringing cassell back up to make it?

In order to bring Cassel back up, they would have to make another roster move which they are probably not ready to do at this time, especially considering Cassel would only be making this one start.

Moehler is on the team for those long relief outings and the occasional spot start. They might as well see what he can do.

Cassel pitched adequately, but he didn't do that great (although 10 innings/2 starts is a small sample size).

[stobbartjohn]

Let's see if this offense can roll against some top quality pitching now

[ruddy]

Tejada's pregame ritual??????????????? that's what I'm reading in the top of IE as this page title, that's correct? :confused:

[stobbartjohn]

Sheets with only his second career double, Jeez, that's the result of a terrible combination of Sampson trying to pitch and Carlos waddling his fat ass off in left field.

[BrooksBall]

Sampson sucks. Backe sucks. Our pitching staff is weak as hell.

[cmpatel]

sheets looked like he got in safe....but im not complaining lol ;)

[cmpatel]

Sampson sucks. Backe sucks. Our pitching staff is weak as hell.


so far this season our starting pitching has been better than expected...its our bullpen that has been slacking....i am still confidant in backe he has good stuff and the energy he bring to this team is undeniable lets not start blaming our starting pitching just yet.....

[BrooksBall]

so far this season our starting pitching has been better than expected...its our bullpen that has been slacking....i am still confidant in backe he has good stuff and the energy he bring to this team is undeniable lets not start blaming our starting pitching just yet.....

Key words: "so far"

There are still 130+ games for them to show their true colors.

Backe has the right attitude but that's about it. If he's our number 2, we are screwed.

[BrooksBall]

Fortunately, the Stros should have good offense all season.

What surprised me though was that we are almost at the bottom of the league in hits, batting average and on base %.

We are near the top in HRs and slugging.

We absolutely need to start getting more hits. Our pitching won't keep us in many games.

[JunkyardDwg]

Sampson sucks. Backe sucks. Our pitching staff is weak as hell.

Both of them have pitched well enough (with the exception of a few games) to keep the team in games. And that's what is expected of them. Ideally, Backe would be a 3-5 starter and Sampson would be in long relief/spot starter. But what's the point rehashing this complaint again and again. It is what it is, for now at least.

[BrooksBall]

Both of them have pitched well enough (with the exception of a few games) to keep the team in games. And that's what is expected of them. Ideally, Backe would be a 3-5 starter and Sampson would be in long relief/spot starter. But what's the point rehashing this complaint again and again. It is what it is, for now at least.

What's the point of anything said in this forum? Sometimes you express your frustration as a fan.

What are you a nun when you go to games? Haven't you ever seen that within a single game, fans will do some booing and some cheering.

I'm not a designated cheerleader.

Our pitching woes will be a point of discussion all season.

[stobbartjohn]

What are the chances of Sampson pitching a scoreless inning tonight sometime?

[BrooksBall]

As I was saying...

[JunkyardDwg]

It just gets tiring hearing about how crappy our starting pitching is when they really haven't been that bad.

Will there be very many shutouts or one-run games form this staff this season? Well, no. But if the starters can go out to the mound and give up a max of 3-4 runs and the bullpen comes in and does its job, the offense will be in position to win quite a few. And that is exactly what they've done. So it's hardly a woe is the team, every starting pitcher (not named Oswalt) sucks and should be in the pen type of scenario. I'm betting every single one of these guys, with the exception of Sampson, could very well have a starting spot on another team.

And as I'm typing this Sampson gives up another run...but again if all he gives up is 3 runs (possibly 4) before he exits, I'd be happy with that. He's the fifth starter anyways going up against Ben Sheets; even if Oswalt is on the mound, it's a tough scenario for a win.

[stobbartjohn]

8 hits in 2 1/3 innings. Sampson is awful. He's had more horrific starts than average starts so far

[BrooksBall]

I say Chacon is the next starter to start imploding.

We have 2 starting pitchers and Wandy is not proven or consistent enough to be a number 2, either. The other 3 are bums.

[BrooksBall]

I'm waiting for all the Sampson apologists to do what the Backe apologists did yesterday.

They'll say things like "he minimized damage" or "he bounced back nicely".

[BrooksBall]

Gotta love a guy like Lance.

Not only is he a terrific baseball player, he is also a class act on and off the field.

I wonder how many of his teammates realize how lucky they are to play with him.

[JunkyardDwg]

I'm waiting for all the Sampson apologists to do what the Backe apologists did yesterday.

They'll say things like "he minimized damage" or "he bounced back nicely".


At the end of the game, all that matters to me is runs scored; and if our team scores more runs than the others, then I'm happy. Shoot even if they lose but kept it close I'm relatively content going into the next game.

If a guy is able to work through a tough situation when he's not completely on, minimize the damage, and keep the team in the game (like Sampson is doing so far), then I don't have a major complaint against him.

[stobbartjohn]

Sampson allowed 11 men on base in 3 1/3 innings. Awful

[cardpire]

I'm waiting for all the Sampson apologists to do what the Backe apologists did yesterday.

They'll say things like "he minimized damage" or "he bounced back nicely".


brooksball is desperately trying to pick a fight again guys.

which one of you is gonna take the bait?

[cardpire]

1 pitch bork does it again!

[bobrek]

I'm waiting for all the Sampson apologists to do what the Backe apologists did yesterday.

They'll say things like "he minimized damage" or "he bounced back nicely".

There's a bit of a difference in getting double plays to get out of an inning and having to rely on Carlos Lee to get a couple of assists to get out of innings.

[BrooksBall]

Bumkowski

[stobbartjohn]

WHY BRING BORKOWKI IN IN A CLOSE GAME. NEVER EVER EVER EVER EVER EVER DO THAT AGAIN COOPER.

Starting to dislike Coop, he just doesn't learn from mistakes

[BrooksBall]

brooksball is desperately trying to pick a fight again guys.

which one of you is gonna take the bait?

You fail.

I am desperately trying to see some good pitching.

And I didn't pick a fight yesterday. I was talking baseball and that other clown got personal.

[The Drake]

*aww shucks clap*

[cardpire]

WHY BRING BORKOWKI IN IN A CLOSE GAME. NEVER EVER EVER EVER EVER EVER DO THAT AGAIN COOPER.

Starting to dislike Coop, he just doesn't learn from mistakes


it's gonna blow my mind if he doesnt get sent down tomorrow, but with this franchise's track record of giving players second chance after second chance, i guess i shouldnt be too surprised.

it almost feels like he's gonna keep throwing him out there, so when he finally does his job and doesnt ruin a game, coop can say i told you so, and feels justified sending him out there.

[BrooksBall]

Wigginton has horrible hitting mechanics.

How often is he NOT stumbling all over the place after a swing?

[MadMax]

You fail.

I am desperately trying to see some good pitching.

.

No you're not. you've already told us you know better than their numbers...that you know their "true colors." You've told us the next 130 games will show us just how bad our pitching staff is. We get it. But stop trying to pretend you're doing anything other than kicking a horse.

You're certainly entitled to all the negativity you want. But it gets really tiresome.

[Uprising]

Well, that sucked.

At least we won the series.

[ruddy]

Well, that sucked.

At least we won the series.

Game isn't over yet.. ;)

[cardpire]

No you're not. you've already told us you know better than their numbers...that you know their "true colors." You've told us the next 130 games will show us just how bad our pitching staff is. We get it. But stop trying to pretend you're doing anything other than kicking a horse.

You're certainly entitled to all the negativity you want. But it gets really tiresome.


arrg. and, here we go folks!

just couldnt resist that tasty bait could ya?

[BrooksBall]

arrg. and, here we go folks!

just couldnt resist that tasty bait could ya?

You are the one trying to start something, not me.

The only reason I EVER got any slack in here is because I've said things about the Astros or Rockets that people didn't want to hear.

I have always tried to avoid insulting others or taking things to a personal level like you are doing right now.

[Uprising]

Game isn't over yet.. ;)

True...that's why I'm still watching it.

On gameday of all things....since I don't have My20.

BTW, mlb Gameday is FREAKIN AWESOME! :eek:

They upload videos to the live gameday updates.

[cmpatel]

man i really hope we send borkowski down to AAA tomorrow...i dont care who we bring up just send him down....

[Uprising]

Man, you think watching that 9 pitch double was painful on tv. Imagine it on gameday. :(

Kowski...Puke.

[ruddy]

True...that's why I'm still watching it.

On gameday of all things....since I don't have My20.

BTW, mlb Gameday is FREAKIN AWESOME! :eek:

They upload videos to the live gameday updates.

Thanks God I have Mlb.tv Premiun where I can watch the My20s Games too. :D :D

[stobbartjohn]

Sorry guys, my TV must be on the blink. Looked to me there like Jose Cruz actually got a hit.

[The Drake]

Wow, we'd better not waste this hit from Cruz.

[ruddy]

Sorry guys, my TV must be on the blink. Looked to me there like Jose Cruz actually got a hit.


Yeah, he did, but it was like he didn't, thanks to him and the umpire. :D

[ruddy]

Wow, we'd better not waste this hit from Cruz.


Well, there u got the jinx.. :D :D :D

[The Drake]

Well, there u got the jinx.. :D :D :D

haha, well it allowed Bourn to up that OBP, so, uh...yeah...

[BrooksBall]

Berkman on fire today.

[cmpatel]

Berkman on fire today.

yea he is!!! i hope we can get sheets out asap and our bullpen can keep it close.....lot to ask from our bullpen but lets go astros!!!!

[BrooksBall]

yea he is!!! i hope we can get sheets out asap and our bullpen can keep it close.....lot to ask from our bullpen but lets go astros!!!!

He's thrown 86 pitches so far and we have two SO guys due up in the bottom half followed by Towles who has been struggling.

Hopefully, those guys are patient and get a couple of hits.

We may get a chance to face Gagne if the score doesn't change. He is certainly capable of blowing it.

[ruddy]

yea he is!!! i hope we can get sheets out asap and our bullpen can keep it close.....lot to ask from our bullpen but lets go astros!!!!


Bumkousky is out and there is not chance that Coop would be fool enough to put Villareal in, so we are in good shap.

[ruddy]

Bumkousky is out and there is not chance that Coop would be fool enough to put Villareal in, so we are in good shap.

I meant shape. :cool:

[cmpatel]

Bumkousky is out and there is not chance that Coop would be fool enough to put Villareal in, so we are in good shap.

thats what i was thinking before he put in borkowski lol

[JunkyardDwg]

I really don't understand the hate for Borkowski...he's actually pitching better than his career average so far this season; and it seems like he's on par with other middle relief type guys. I don't know more of what you could expect out of someone in that role. Maybe fault Cooper for trotting him on there in a close game, but then what choice does Coop have when the game is far from the end and you can't use you're best relievers yet.

[stobbartjohn]

Decent inning from Geary. Wright, Brocail, Valverde to finish it out in 7, 8, 9?
We might have a chance yet

[BrooksBall]

I really don't understand the hate for Borkowski...he's actually pitching better than his career average so far this season; and it seems like he's on par with other middle relief type guys. I don't know more of what you could expect out of someone in that role. Maybe fault Cooper for trotting him on there in a close game, but then what choice does Coop have when the game is far from the end and you can't use you're best relievers yet.

A 5.63 career ERA over 6 years outweighs what he has done in under 14 innings this season. And, it's not like he has been good this season.

Pitching better than his career average doesn't mean much when his career average is lousy.

[bobrek]

Bumkousky is out and there is not chance that Coop would be fool enough to put Villareal in, so we are in good shap.

Oscar's last 5 games - 5.2 IP, 1 run, 6 Ks, 2 hits. Yep, that's a guy you want to keep out of the game.

[BrooksBall]

13 pitch breeze of an inning for Sheets.

We did nothing to put pressure on him. He may still be out there to start the 7th.

[cmpatel]

13 pitch breeze of an inning for Sheets.

We did nothing to put pressure on him. He may still be out there to start the 7th.

yea that inning was way to short......hopefully the ph to lead off next inning can get things going....assuming we get out of the top of the 7th easily

[cmpatel]

nice inning by geary

[ruddy]

Oscar's last 5 games - 5.2 IP, 1 run, 6 Ks, 2 hits. Yep, that's a guy you want to keep out of the game.

I just think that beside Borkowski and VillaRreal our pen is pretty decent right now, so if I got better pitchers out there(than that bork and Vreal), the choices should be easy. Last 5.2 good inninings from VillaRReal doesn't make me forget about 4 or 5 games that we lost bcuz of him.

[bobrek]

I just think that beside Borkowski and VillaRreal our pen is pretty decent right now, so if I got better pitchers out there(than that bork and Vreal), the choices should be easy. Last 5.2 good inninings from VillaRReal doesn't make me forget about 4 or 5 games that we lost bcuz of him.

So, using that logic, why does Valverde get a pass from you, but not Villarreal? They both had poor starts and have both turned it around in the past couple of weeks.

[JunkyardDwg]

A 5.63 career ERA over 6 years outweighs what he has done in under 14 innings this season. And, it's not like he has been good this season.

Pitching better than his career average doesn't mean much when his career average is lousy.


Yeah his career numbers aren't that impressive, but this season he has posted a mid 4 ERA...I'll take that from a middle relief type guy (if he starts to dip back to his norm, then fine, call on someone else). He wouldn't necessarily be my first choice out of the bullpen if you have to pull a starter early though. But he's not as bad as some are making it seem imo.

[BrooksBall]

Opposing pitchers will be terrified of our lineup if Bourn ever gets it going.

[ruddy]

So, using that logic, why does Valverde get a pass from you, but not Villarreal? They both had poor starts and have both turned it around in the past couple of weeks.


Well, I guess you are right in some things, but look at the statline for the last 7 games for both of them, compare the situations they were facing. Theses are pretty good numbers for Valverde.

[cmpatel]

lets go BLT!!!!

[bobrek]

Well, I guess you are right in some things, but look at the statline for the last 7 games for both of them, compare the situations they were facing. Theses are pretty good numbers for Valverde.

My point is they have both been pitching very well. Borkowski and Moehler are currently the only relievers that make me cringe when they come in. Everyone else has been pitching very well of late.

[stobbartjohn]

I can't believe Hunter swung at that. Was in the dirt about 3 yards outside home plate

[BrooksBall]

I can't believe Hunter swung at that. Was in the dirt about 3 yards outside home plate

Sadly, I can believe it. Hope he figures it out one day.

[stobbartjohn]

That guy calls himself an Astro fan? Kick hiss ass out of there

[BrooksBall]

Forget about this game, if Berkman gets hurt, that kid is not to be forgiven.

[stobbartjohn]

The rally's on. Bourn to ground into double play?

[BrooksBall]

The rally's on. Bourn to ground into double play?

I was thinking the exact same thing about the d-play.

[stobbartjohn]

Time for Kaz to be Mr. Clutch again

[BrooksBall]

I like being wrong.

No d-play for Kaz, please.

[stobbartjohn]

Cmon Miggy

[BrooksBall]

I'll take that.

Miggy then Puma.

[rodrick_98]

in tejada i trust

[BrooksBall]

Wow! Can Puma do it?

[rodrick_98]

casey at the bat...

how will it end?

[The Drake]

full count... :eek:

[rodrick_98]

wow, i think he got away with one there... ill take it!

[Fiah]

Puma tied it!! :D

[verse]

come on carlos!

[BrooksBall]

I have no idea how Berkman took that 3rd ball. Amazing.

[rodrick_98]

oh well, it's a new ballgame now!

[Nick]

I have no idea how Berkman took that 3rd ball. Amazing.

It was a pitch that the ump has been calling a ball the entire inning (but one that some umps do call a strike)

If he had called a strike there, Berkman may be facing a 5 game suspension right now for the damage he would have caused to the umps pants by kicking dirt.

[BrooksBall]

It was a pitch that the ump has been calling a ball the entire inning (but one that some umps do call a strike)

If he had called a strike there, Berkman may be facing a 5 game suspension right now for the damage he would have caused to the umps pants by kicking dirt.

My point was that regardless of what the ump was calling, few batters would have the eye and the nerve to take that pitch.

Berkman is just amazing.

[ruddy]

:D :D wow, what a freaking game!!!! Go Astros, I told ya Uprising!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[The Drake]

MLB: where Eric Gagne happens.

[BrooksBall]

MLB: where Eric Gagne happens.

MLB: Where Eric Gagne keeps happening.

[The Drake]

that was just swell, Hunter.

[BrooksBall]

Wigginton off balance and swinging at everything.

[BrooksBall]

Way to go Jose V.!

[cmpatel]

nice k!!!! dont know about jumping and pumping the fist but ill take it.......

[BrooksBall]

nice k!!!! dont know about jumping and pumping the fist but ill take it.......

He can put it on a too too and do cartwheels for all I care if he keeps sending batters down.

[H-townhero]

this game over soon as the heart of our order comes back up

[The Drake]

too bad the Brewers cut Turnbow...

[BrooksBall]

I love seeing Bourn get on base.

[The Drake]

Berkman just needs to jack the first good pitch he sees and get this game over with.

[stobbartjohn]

FFS Byrdak if you're going to intentionally walk the guy, you can't walk the guy after

[BrooksBall]

OK, wiping the sweat off.

Let's go Puma!

[H-townhero]

well he got out of the jam at least

[cmpatel]

lets go PUMA!!! wonder who will hit for the pitcher...prob backe??

[BrooksBall]

Back to .500 if we win this one.

[cmpatel]

lets get the sac bunt down!!!

[cmpatel]

Back to .500 if we win this one.

and only half game behind the brewers!

[BrooksBall]

Why not let Backe hit and use Villarreal next inning?

[cmpatel]

poor execution...comon pence

[cmpatel]

Why not let Backe hit and use Villarreal next inning?

thats what i was thinking too...but the announcers did say villareal went 1 and 2/3 innings yday so maybe coop wants to use him only if he has too....

[DOMINATOR]

PENCE BABY!
WALK OFF!

[cmpatel]

PENCE OVER THE FENCE!!!

[stobbartjohn]

HUNTER BABY

[Cannonball]

BOOYA!!!

Astros sweep the Brew Crew and get back to .500.

[BrieflySpeaking]

oh yessss baby

[SwoLy-D]

:eek: Hunter redeemed himself. Nice.

[BrooksBall]

That'll most certainly work!

.500 baby!

[BrooksBall]

If I'm not mistaken, Hunter already has more career walk-off HRs than Berkman.

[H-townhero]

PWNED!!!!!!!1

[Gene the PIG]

AWESOME!

Finally back at .500

[CHAD444]

SWEEP! Were at .500 Nice! :cool:

[ruddy]

Great Game, Back to 500 baby!!!! :D

[BMoney]

With Rich Hill being sent down and the Brewers losing pitchers, the Astros can stay in this race long enough to grab another piece, or two at the deadline. I don't know what else we have to trade, but maybe we can swing something. Considering that Wandy's been out and Roy's struggled a bit, we are in pretty good shape right now. This is the best clutch hitting team we've seen for the Astros in a while. Great win today!

[cardpire]

big time win.

let's take 3 more against the nats.

[Refman]

Sampson sucks. Backe sucks. Our pitching staff is weak as hell.
The fact that you are mentioning Backe with a 4.42 ERA in the same vein as Sampson with a 7.96 ERA is further proof that you have no understanding of baseball.

There are still 130+ games for them to show their true colors.
:rolleyes:

Our pitching won't keep us in many games.
Yeah, because it sure hasn't so far. Oh wait...I forgot. You know their true colors. Your posts are hilarious.

I say Chacon is the next starter to start imploding.
I say you are wrong. I'd tell you how wrong you are, but then you might report me for being too harsh.

The other 3 are bums.
Sampson has no business being in games right now. I'll agree with you on that one. Calling Chacon with a 3.32 ERA after 20% of the season has been played is just stupid. I doubt he will end the year with a 3.32 ERA, but it would be a surprise if he is over 5. Backe is below the average NL ERA right now at 4.42. Being just below the average ERA makes you a bum? That is really funny stuff. So tell me, is Oswalt a bum? I mean his ERA is 5.57. If Backe and Chacon are bums with their stats, then surely Oswalt is too.

I'm waiting for all the Sampson apologists to do what the Backe apologists did yesterday.
Not going to happen. Sampson is awful. His ERA is 7.96. That generally buys you a ticket to Round Rock.

And I didn't pick a fight yesterday.
Actually you did. Your statements are so extreme as to Brandon Backe that one could infer that they are deliberately concocted to draw a negative response.

[ind0fo0]

Thanks Pence!

http://assets.espn.go.com/media/apphoto/79d97df5-8221-41a8-9409-3005796ac485.jpg

http://assets.espn.go.com/media/apphoto/4c7ae589-196b-460f-900c-f7775abcee5b.jpg


:D

[RocketManJosh]

awesome series!!!!!!

[EbolaScola]

What's happening to Sampson? He used to be so reliable. I hope he figures out what's wrong because they need him.

[DaDakota]

I DVRed and just watched it...WOW !!

DD

[Trader_Jorge]

Thanks Pence!

http://assets.espn.go.com/media/apphoto/79d97df5-8221-41a8-9409-3005796ac485.jpg


What is Big Puma doing in this shot? A homerun bird dance?

[DOMINATOR]

What is Big Puma doing in this shot? A homerun bird dance?
he's in the middle of a side step. pic caught him in the air. lol

[BMoney]

What is Big Puma doing in this shot? A homerun bird dance?

Maybe the Scarecrow's dance from the Wizard of OZ?

[Oski2005]

It was annoying watching Baseball Tonight...tonight, Karl Ravbitch kept joking about the whole team not being at the plate to meet Pence.

[EbolaScola]

It was annoying watching Baseball Tonight...tonight, Karl Ravbitch kept joking about the whole team not being at the plate to meet Pence.

Maybe because they secretly hate him.

[BigM]

It was annoying watching Baseball Tonight...tonight, Karl Ravbitch kept joking about the whole team not being at the plate to meet Pence.


that's the first thing i noticed when he threw his helmet off to get to the plate, like where is everybody? i guess there's nothing too it, but it was about the most subdued walk-off celebration i've seen.

[No Worries]

What is Big Puma doing in this shot?
Looking for his broom, baby!!!

[rrj_gamz]

Very nice to be at .500 again...Go stros!!

[htownballa23]

that's the first thing i noticed when he threw his helmet off to get to the plate, like where is everybody? i guess there's nothing too it, but it was about the most subdued walk-off celebration i've seen.

I was thinking the same thing when he got to the plate...where was everybody else??

On a side note, on yahoo sports they have the top 10 homeruns of the week. Astros had 3 of the 10, with yesterday's walk-off being the highest at #3. I guess if you want to count Borowski, then we have 4 highlights.

[moonnumack]

I think it's just that Hunter runs around the bases so freakin' fast that no one got a chance to get out there, which is fine by me. I hate it when guys "admire their work" by waiting for the ball to leave the yard before moving and taking a year to trot around the bases.

[rikesh316]

Jimmy Kimmel's lost E:60 appearance with Bill Simmons.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-AkqhSkKoZA&eurl=http://awfulannouncing.blogspot.com/

[cmpatel]

Jimmy Kimmel's lost E:60 appearance with Bill Simmons.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-AkqhSkKoZA&eurl=http://awfulannouncing.blogspot.com/

funny stuff