[Official] Nationals @ 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).

5-6 Shawn Hill, RHP (0-0, 3.50) vs. Shawn Chacon, RHP (0-0, 3.32) 7:05 on FSN

5-7 Odalis Perez, LHP (0-3, 3.18) vs. Roy Oswalt, RHP (3-3, 5.57) 7:05 on FSN

5-8 John Lannan, LHP (2-3, 3.74) vs. Brandon Backe, RHP (2-3, 4.42) 7:05 on FSN

[msn]

WWW  

[kaleidosky]

WWW, though Backe will need to keep the walks down cause Lannan is pitching well

[rrj_gamz]

WWW, oh yeah...Stros continue the streak...

Go Stros!!!

[Uprising]

Go for the sweep!

[leroy420]

Anything less than a sweep would be very disappointing. They have to take advantage of these types of teams.

[ruddy]

Go Astros.

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[RocketManJosh]

I think this is a big series for the Astros. Sitting at .500, it could be big to keep the momentum going and come out of this series above .500 rather than below it.

I say we win 2 out of 3, and I'd be happy with that. A WWW would be awesome though.

[The Cat]

Couple of strong defensive plays from Kaz and Lance in the top of the inning.

As for Bourn, barring certain circumstances, he shouldn't be swinging on a 3-0 count. Walk is as good as a double. Ugh.

[bobrek]

Couple of strong defensive plays from Kaz and Lance in the top of the inning.

As for Bourn, barring certain circumstances, he shouldn't be swinging on a 3-0 count. Walk is as good as a double. Ugh.

The count was 2-1. The second pitch was a strike. Bill Brown called it as 2-0 when it was actually 1-1.

[ruddy]

The count was 2-1. The second pitch was a strike. Bill Brown called it as 2-0 when it was actually 1-1.

Oh yeah, another K for him. MMM what do we do with him? Well, they could wait to see if he can break the strikeout record for a season.

[The Cat]

The count was 2-1. The second pitch was a strike. Bill Brown called it as 2-0 when it was actually 1-1.

I'm watching from DC on the Nats' telecast, and they had it as 3-0 too. I guess both broadcasts goofed; suppose it's understandable, though, given the absurdly late strike calls from the home plate umpire tonight.

[cardpire]

what's the story with the mariachi music for tejada every chance they get?

[ruddy]

what's the story with the mariachi music for tejada every chance they get?

Thats not Mariachi LoL, Thats "merengue", tropical music from his country, they play it likes the same way they sounds the horses when Lee is batting. :D :D

[cardpire]

Thats not Mariachi LoL, Thats "merengue", tropical music from his country, they play it likes the same way they sounds the horses when Lee is batting. :D :D


i think the novelty has worn off whatever the heck it is.

another pet peeve: this ump. why does MLB let this umpire get away with his delayed strike call?

caballo injured walking to first. classic.

[bobrek]

I'm watching from DC on the Nats' telecast, and they had it as 3-0 too. I guess both broadcasts goofed; suppose it's understandable, though, given the absurdly late strike calls from the home plate umpire tonight.

I'm guessing the scoreboard originally had it wrong. Brown corrected himself prior to the 4th pitch and acted surprised when he noticed it.

Yep, the home plate ump is really slow.

[ruddy]

i think the novelty has worn off whatever the heck it is.

another pet peeve: this ump. why does MLB let this umpire get away with his delayed strike call?

caballo injured walking to first. classic.

Wow, my mlb tv is some miles behind the current game, just now they are presenting Lee with the trainner checking him. LOL

[stobbartjohn]

We're going to have to motor quickly if we want to get Chacon his first win

[BrooksBall]

Thoughts on Wigginton at the plate?

Does he look off balance every time he swings?

I don't think there is any question that he swings at too many bad pitches.

[cardpire]

there is no place in baseball for what Runge does.

Selig needs to put an end to that.

[LongTimeFan]

Can someone explain what the purpose of backing away to take a pitch is? I'd think you're much more likely to get a ball if you act like you were in it to hit it.

[stobbartjohn]

Nice at bat by Chacon. Can he replace Bourn as lead off man please?

[ruddy]

You had been quiet tonight, has it something to do with the Chacon's "decent" outing so far? :rolleyes: :D

[BrieflySpeaking]

Wiggington better not choke here

[Refman]

Thoughts on Wigginton at the plate?

Does he look off balance every time he swings?

I don't think there is any question that he swings at too many bad pitches.
Wigginton does look off balance at the plate. If you look at him batting, it seems that he does not move his feet when he swings. This causes him to get off balance.

I think that he would bat much better if he spent some time with Sean Berry and changed up his mechanics. It is just as much a coaching issue as it is an issue with Wiggy.

[stobbartjohn]

Careeh high FIVE hits for Lance! 9 hits from last 10 at bats!

[stobbartjohn]

We've done it again!

[LongTimeFan]

"I'd rather watch grass grow."

[dockerland]

God this Astros team is fun to watch

Lee brings 2 home.

[ruddy]

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOP! :D :D :D :D :D

[cardpire]

God this Astros team is fun to watch

Lee brings 2 home.


fun/intense. i wish we could sprinkle some easy ones in there, but i'll take em any way we can get em.

[BMoney]

Since we've been in the clutch hitting desert for seemingly ever, it's really great to see the Astros come up so big in the clutch this year. Awesome game!

[Kerfeld]

This lineup is such a nice change from our offenses of the past. The middle of our line up is the best in baseball.

[Zac D]

This calls for a sexy party.

[Storm Surge]

We had 2-3 weapons total last year(berkman, lee, pence).

Now we have berkman, lee, pence, tejada, matsui, bonafide weapons

however we don't have Ausmus or Everett, replaced with Towles and Wigginton, that is a HUGE offensive upgrade.

[bobrek]

We had 2-3 weapons total last year(berkman, lee, pence).

Now we have berkman, lee, pence, tejada, matsui, bonafide weapons

however we don't have Ausmus or Everett, replaced with Towles and Wigginton, that is a HUGE offensive upgrade.

Tejada "replaced" Everett. Wigginton replaced himself.

[T Rex]

Another great win. Come from behind + a rare one-run win = big time confidence builder.

Lance is absolutely on fire right now. Wouldn't be surprised if the Nats start working around him every AB the rest of the series.

The Nats D was pretty weak tonight......their outfielders looked lost a few times there.

[T Rex]

Interesting stuff from Zachary Levine's Blog on Chron.com

"They're the first team in the Majors to score six runs in six straight games this year. It's a feat the Astros didn't pull off last year, or the year before, or even the World Series year. August-September 2004 was the last."

[verse]

as far as pitching around lance, I welcome it. with lee, pence, wiggs, towles behind him, I am confident he will get driven in. unlike in years past, where you could literally gameplan to pitch to our 7, 8, 9 (everett, outsmus, p), we actually have a real offense now.

everett was SO overrated by houston. ausmus still is, but at least he's parked on the bench more often than not. kudos to the new astros' squad.

[cardpire]

Interesting stuff from Zachary Levine's Blog on Chron.com

"They're the first team in the Majors to score six runs in six straight games this year. It's a feat the Astros didn't pull off last year, or the year before, or even the World Series year. August-September 2004 was the last."

it's amazing that we did that with only 2 hitters over .300 this early into the season.

they said on the telecast that the mlb record for most starts to start the season without a decision is 8 back in '65. chacon's at 7.

i wonder what the deepest into a season a team has gone before breaking .500 for the first time. 33 games seems like alot to me.

[EbolaScola]

Thoughts on Wigginton at the plate?

Does he look off balance every time he swings?

I don't think there is any question that he swings at too many bad pitches.

Twiggy sucks. So much for him being a significant upgrade at 3B.

[WhoMikeJames]

Finally over .500

[Blake]

Twiggy sucks. So much for him being a significant upgrade at 3B.

He'll get his timing back, I think. His defense is still mediocre and he really wasn't an upgrade over Lamb (and we gave up Wheeler).

Man, the Stros are so much fun to watch right now. Gone are the days of being down 4-2 in the 7th and knowing that we are going to lose.

Hope Bourn gets it together soon as well

[bobrek]

it's amazing that we did that with only 2 hitters over .300 this early into the season.

they said on the telecast that the mlb record for most starts to start the season without a decision is 8 back in '65. chacon's at 7.

i wonder what the deepest into a season a team has gone before breaking .500 for the first time. 33 games seems like alot to me.

The Astros started off 4-20 in 1969. They broke .500 in their 73rd game. I suspect other teams have done it later.

[EbolaScola]

He'll get his timing back, I think. His defense is still mediocre and he really wasn't an upgrade over Lamb (and we gave up Wheeler).

Man, the Stros are so much fun to watch right now. Gone are the days of being down 4-2 in the 7th and knowing that we are going to lose.

Hope Bourn gets it together soon as well

He's only had a handful of solid games since last season. Then he starts out this season injured. I can't believe we gave up 2 people for him. I still want to know what Mike Lamb & Luke Scott did to get in the doghouse.

[cardpire]

The Astros started off 4-20 in 1969. They broke .500 in their 73rd game. I suspect other teams have done it later.

damn. nice work. that's some quick research (or a great memory)

33 seemed like a decent chunk. i guess i'm way off though.

[Uprising]

Nice come from behind win. Clutch hitting.

[bobrek]

He's only had a handful of solid games since last season. Then he starts out this season injured. I can't believe we gave up 2 people for him. I still want to know what Mike Lamb & Luke Scott did to get in the doghouse.

Yeah...sure wish the Astros had Lamb and his .209 average this year.

The Astros only gave up Wheeler for Wigginton in trade and they chose not to re-sign Lamb. Wheeler has started out well this year.

Luke Scott got off to a good start (hitting .386 on 04/19), but has since gone 3 - 28 (3 singles, 1 RBI, 11 Ks)

[bobrek]

damn. nice work. that's some quick research (or a great memory)

33 seemed like a decent chunk. i guess i'm way off though.

A little of both. I had to recheck to make sure they didn't start the season with a win (thus being 1-0), but they started on a 5 game losing streak.

[EbolaScola]

Yeah...sure wish the Astros had Lamb and his .209 average this year.

The Astros only gave up Wheeler for Wigginton in trade and they chose not to re-sign Lamb. Wheeler has started out well this year.

Luke Scott got off to a good start (hitting .386 on 04/19), but has since gone 3 - 28 (3 singles, 1 RBI, 11 Ks)

Like I said, I can't believe we gave up 2 guys for Twiggy. I remember a few games last season when he couldn't even turn a double play. And Lamb may be stinking it up now, but he was always reliable for us.

[rrj_gamz]

Sweet...The big Puma going 5-5 and and El Caballo coming thru in the clutch...

[SamCassell]

Like I said, I can't believe we gave up 2 guys for Twiggy. I remember a few games last season when he couldn't even turn a double play. And Lamb may be stinking it up now, but he was always reliable for us.
If you were referring to his bat, I'd agree. But talking about defense in one sentence and then referring to Lamb as "reliable" in the next is misleading at best. He was a solid bat, but a terrible glove. Look at any measurable defensive stat and you'll see that he's always been brutal in the field at the hot corner. I saw him play plenty of games at 3B and he was reliable... reliably bad. He's awful, worse than Wiggington.

[Uprising]

Perez is 0-4 with a 12.91 ERA in six career games, including five starts, against the Astros.

Berkman, a career .350 hitter against the Washington franchise, is 6-for-9 with one home run lifetime against Perez.

^^^^ From ESPN

Can't wait for the game. Hope the Stros ripe him apart again.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/preview?gameId=280507118

[bobrek]

Like I said, I can't believe we gave up 2 guys for Twiggy. I remember a few games last season when he couldn't even turn a double play. And Lamb may be stinking it up now, but he was always reliable for us.

Again, they did not give up two players for Wigginton. They could have re-signed Lamb for the same utility role he played last year, but they chose to go in a different direction.

And I remember a number of games where Lamb could not make a simple play at 3rd - so what? While Wigginton is an average defender at 3rd, he has proven to be a better fielder than Lamb.

In addition, their offensive number last year were similar.

All that being said, I would prefer Lamb in a utility role over Blum.

[The Cat]

Like I said, I can't believe we gave up 2 guys for Twiggy. I remember a few games last season when he couldn't even turn a double play. And Lamb may be stinking it up now, but he was always reliable for us.

Do you not see the inconsistency there? Wigginton is remarkably consistent from year to year -- you can chalk up a .275 average and 20-25 home runs. Yet, after 2-3 poor weeks, you've already concluded that he "sucks" and can't be an upgrade. Meanwhile, Lamb has had an even worse stretch for a longer period of time this year, yet you choose to ignore that and focus on past years with him. Which is it -- 2008 production or past year production? You can't go back and forth.

[EbolaScola]

If you were referring to his bat, I'd agree. But talking about defense in one sentence and then referring to Lamb as "reliable" in the next is misleading at best. He was a solid bat, but a terrible glove. Look at any measurable defensive stat and you'll see that he's always been brutal in the field at the hot corner. I saw him play plenty of games at 3B and he was reliable... reliably bad. He's awful, worse than Wiggington.

Ok, so the point about Twiggy's defense wasn't the best jab at him.

Career fielding percentages are very close.
Twiggy - .968
Lamb - .963

But Lamb has a better career batting average even though he's never played a full season.
Twiggy - .267
Lamb - .279

[EbolaScola]

Again, they did not give up two players for Wigginton. They could have re-signed Lamb for the same utility role he played last year, but they chose to go in a different direction.


Since they replaced Lamb with Twiggy, the result is equivalent to giving up 2 guys for him.

[bobrek]

Since they replaced Lamb with Twiggy, the result is equivalent to giving up 2 guys for him.

They acquired Wigginton during the season last year and his first start was on 07/29. Ensberg (remember him) was the starting 3rd baseman (for the most part) until that point. Lamb was a UTILITY player who was NOT replaced by Wigginton.

They chose to allow Lamb to go via free agency rather than continuing to employ him as a UTILITY player. Again, you can argue that they should have made more of an effort to sign Lamb rather than Blum, but to say they gave up Lamb for Wigginton is false.

Although up to this point, Blum at 1.1 million is looking at least as good as Lamb at 3.5 million.

[EbolaScola]

They acquired Wigginton during the season last year and his first start was on 07/29. Ensberg (remember him) was the starting 3rd baseman (for the most part) until that point. Lamb was a UTILITY player who was NOT replaced by Wigginton.

They chose to allow Lamb to go via free agency rather than continuing to employ him as a UTILITY player. Again, you can argue that they should have made more of an effort to sign Lamb rather than Blum, but to say they gave up Lamb for Wigginton is false.

Although up to this point, Blum at 1.1 million is looking at least as good as Lamb at 3.5 million.

Ensberg was all but out of the picture by then. He started only about 1/3 of the games that June & July, and the only reason he was getting playing time was because he bats right, and Gar probably felt sorry for him. It was clear that Lamb was taking over at 3B.

And they couldn't use him as a utility player once they got Twiggy because he can really only play 3B & 1B, and 1B is occupied by Big Puma.

[H-Town Info]

Ok, so the point about Twiggy's defense wasn't the best jab at him.

Career fielding percentages are very close.
Twiggy - .968
Lamb - .963

But Lamb has a better career batting average even though he's never played a full season.
Twiggy - .267
Lamb - .279

like they say, you can't just a play by stats. Wiggington's def is avg for a starting 3B but Lamb is below avg for a starting 3B. Wiggs has made some more plays than Lamb would ever done if you watch a lot of the game they both played.

Ensberg was all but out of the picture by then. He started only about 1/3 of the games that June & July, and the only reason he was getting playing time was because he bats right, and Gar probably felt sorry for him. It was clear that Lamb was taking over at 3B.

And they couldn't use him as a utility player once they got Twiggy because he can really only play 3B & 1B, and 1B is occupied by Big Puma.

Thats why he was probably expandable and they got Blum who could play any Infield position except catcher and is a switch hitter. Plus I bet Lamb wanted a some good money to stay here and Wiggs makes cheap cheap money. Decision was really about money imo.

[EbolaScola]

like they say, you can't just a play by stats. Wiggington's def is avg for a starting 3B but Lamb is below avg for a starting 3B. Wiggs has made some more plays than Lamb would ever done if you watch a lot of the game they both played.

I watched every single game before this season, and from what I've seen, Lamb is average defensively. He had made some of his own spectacular plays, even receiving a "blue star" by Milo, which shocked me considering he's supposed to be so bad.

[bobrek]

I watched every single game before this season, and from what I've seen, Lamb is average defensively. He had made some of his own spectacular plays, even receiving a "blue star" by Milo, which shocked me considering he's supposed to be so bad.

Ahhh, so receiving a "blue star" from Milo justifies a player's defensive abilities. Every single player will make a spectacular play or two during any given season regardless of their defensive abilities. Even Carlos Lee had 2 outfield assists in Sunday's game.

[thacabbage]

He had made some of his own spectacular plays, even receiving a "blue star" by Milo, which shocked me considering he's supposed to be so bad.
Wow. This quite possibly might be the weakest evidence used to support an argument in the history of this BBS.

[EbolaScola]

Wow. This quite possibly might be the weakest evidence used to support an argument in the history of this BBS.

Have I ever said he was a great defensive player? My point was that even the "worst" ones have their moments, and he's really not as bad as everyone thinks he is.

[EbolaScola]

Ahhh, so receiving a "blue star" from Milo justifies a player's defensive abilities. Every single player will make a spectacular play or two during any given season regardless of their defensive abilities. Even Carlos Lee had 2 outfield assists in Sunday's game.

Ahh, so you can't enter into a discussion without acting all high & mighty? Even if Lamb & Twiggy are a wash, we lost Wheeler.

[bobrek]

Have I ever said he was a great defensive player? My point was that even the "worst" ones have their moments, and he's really not as bad as everyone thinks he is.

I think folks are just saying that, historically, Wigignton has been a better defensive third baseman than Lamb.

[EbolaScola]

I think folks are just saying that, historically, Wigignton has been a better defensive third baseman than Lamb.

And historically, Lamb has been a better offensive player. So we lost Wheeler for someone who is overall just as good as Lamb. That was my initial point, anyway.

[bobrek]

Ahh, so you can't enter into a discussion without acting all high & mighty? Even if Lamb & Twiggy are a wash, we lost Wheeler.

How was I acting "high and mighty"? It just seems odd to me that someone would use a "Milo blue star" as evidence that a player is better defensively than perceived by others.

How many times can it be said? They did NOT lose Lamb because of Wigginton. Lamb was NOT in their plans to be the starting thrid baseman. Lamb was "lost" because he was too expensive to keep in the same role he has played the past few years - UTILITY player. If you are going to continue bringing Lamb into the equation, then you have to add Blum or Loretta because if Lamb were still around, one of those two would not be. So, in essence, Houston lost Lamb and Wheeler from 2007 and picked up Wigginton and Blum or (kept) Loretta.

Last year Wheeler was not very good. His ERA was over 5 with both Houston and Tampa Bay. He has done well so far this year and I hope he keeps it up. He seems like a good guy.

Wigginton's lifetime offensive numbers (prior to 2008)

BA .267, OBP .326, SLG .447, OPS .773

Lamb

BA .275, OBP .335, SLG .422, OPS .757

[H-townhero]

Neither of them are super great hitters, just average. Wigginton obviously has more experience and probably a little more power which I think is what the Astro's are going for building this win-now mentality (I assume they keep the hitting together this year and look to add some pitching next year - lots of free agent pitchers coming up after this season).

[cardpire]

never laughed so hard at a post as i did when i read this page and the attempted use of milo's blue stars as support of an argument.

that's classic stuff.

[macalu]

can anyone explain why tonight's astros game isn't in HD on 302 comcast? for some reason, they're showing Braves vs Padres. WTF?

[The Cat]

Oswalt strikes again. For all the positives with this team, if he doesn't get it together and soon, it may not matter. 10 home runs in 42 1/3 innings this year.

[stobbartjohn]

Wow Roy

[macalu]

wat...is... wrong...with...ozwalt? :mad:

[TMac640]

Oswalt strikes again. For all the positives with this team, if he doesn't get it together and soon, it may not matter. 10 home runs in 42 1/3 innings this year.


The Cat, has Oswalt said anything to the team about having pain, etc?

It just seems like something is very off with Oswalt this year and it's... definitely disturbing :o

[The Cat]

The Cat, has Oswalt said anything to the team about having pain, etc?

It just seems like something is very off with Oswalt this year and it's... definitely disturbing :o

I'm not with the team this year, but nothing that I've heard. Everyone says he's feeling better than he has much of the last two years, which makes it all the more perplexing.

It is worth noting that Oswalt's ERA has been better than what you'd expect given all his peripheral numbers the last couple of years, so a slight decline wouldn't be too surprising. But this isn't slight at all, and you're right, it's just ridiculous.

[The Cat]

The positive is that he finally seems to have the feel for his curveball again.

[MadMax]

if he's settled in...and he can go 6 or so only giving up this 2...then we're all going to be talking about what a good start roy gave us tonight :)

[The Cat]

That's honestly one of the worst calls I've ever seen. My goodness.

[stobbartjohn]

That's a terrible and potentially game changing call on Ausmus there. Was easily outside

[AzCkR]

Berkman is on fire!

[VesceySux]

Clutch Oswalt!!

[The Cat]

ROY!!!

[Oski2005]

Oswalt helping his own cause, woot.


I don't think I like pitch tracker, it just makes me madder when I know 100% that a call was wrong.

[intersync]

jim deshaies is the man with the third eye!

[stobbartjohn]

Oswalt helping his own cause, woot.


I don't think I like pitch tracker, it just makes me madder when I know 100% that a call was wrong.

Why don't they just use pitch tracker technology to make all the calls electronically?

[br0ken_shad0w]

Why don't they just use pitch tracker technology to make all the calls electronically?

Because the stike zone varies from person to person.

[stobbartjohn]

Because the stike zone varies from person to person.

So therefore pitch tracker can't possibly be particularly accurate and they should stop presenting it as if it is 100% gospel surely?

[codell]

I can't believe Ausmus wasn't tossed. He really gave it to the ump on that call.

Ump must have realized he blew it and gave Ausmus a longer leash.

[H-townhero]

Man the ump is terrible tonight, calling balls clearly outside strikes. :rolleyes:

[bobrek]

That's honestly one of the worst calls I've ever seen. My goodness.

Ahhh, c'mon, you must remember the Astros - Braves playoff series and all the outside calls that Glavine, Smoltz and Maddux got. Thos calls were commonplace.

[The Cat]

Ahhh, c'mon, you must remember the Astros - Braves playoff series and all the outside calls that Glavine, Smoltz and Maddux got. Thos calls were commonplace.

Bah, perspective has no place in a post within 15 seconds. :D

[Cannonball]

Because the stike zone varies from person to person.

Is the strike zone supposed to get wider and narrower according to who's batting? I can understand the variables for knee height and letter height. So maybe we can trust it for whether a pitch is inside or outside but maybe not so much if the pitch is high or low.

[Oski2005]

The Bourn Futility

[TMac640]

Bourn = worst lead off hitter and hitter period, that man kind has ever seen.

[Major Malcontent]

You know Brad is an offensive juggernaut when they have him sacrificing to bring the light hitting pitcher up.

That was what I DON'T miss about those great pitching light hitting Astros clubs.

2 on and no one out and we have 3 nearly automatic outs.

[BrooksBall]

Bourn = worst lead off hitter and hitter period, that man kind has ever seen.

On the bright side, he is second on the team in walks even after missing a number of games. He shows good patience but it looks like he is guessing much more than reacting to pitches. When he does swing at pitches, he often misses badly.

[ruddy]

Uffffff LoDuca is out with injure.. :( :rolleyes: :D

[TMac640]

****ing Lee, ****ing Pence.

[stobbartjohn]

How on earth did we not score there? Carlos can't even execute a sac fly ffs

[JunkyardDwg]

****ing Lee, ****ing Pence.


Not too mad at Pence...he did what Lee should have done. I hope Lee's horrendous at bat doesn't cost us the game.

[BrooksBall]

How on earth did we not score there? Carlos can't even execute a sac fly ffs

Well, he got robbed on the outside corner in his last AB. He was probably stretching because of that.

[DaDakota]

Zimmerman looks exactly like Luke Scott....wow.

DD

[bobrek]

Zimmerman looks exactly like Luke Scott....wow.

DD

Too bad he's not hitting like Scott (4 for his last 31).

[BrooksBall]

Too bad he's not hitting like Scott (4 for his last 31).

No kidding.

Scott was actually 5 for 38 coming into tonight. He's now 6 for his last 41.

[kaleidosky]

If I haven't said this before, the Nats announcers (Don Sutton is the color man) are really good.

[stobbartjohn]

Second chance for Carlos to drive home Matsui. Almost identical situation

[stobbartjohn]

GET IN! NOW SWEEP THEM

[WhoMikeJames]

EL CABALLO! This team is on fire.

[Puedlfor]

That was a tremendous bit of base running to get to third by Matsui. It set up the winning hit. There's no way Milledge is that shallow if Matsui is still on second.

By the way, Lance Berkman is 14-21 with six extra base hits in the five games in May. How about that?

[Oski2005]

Matsui would have gotten in even if he caught that, but I still want to point out that the outfielders for the Nats have been absolutely awful in these 2 games.

[DaDakota]

I love the way they are playing....decent pitching and good hitting....nice.

DD

[ruddy]

Great win, way to go good boys, get ready for the sweep tomorrow!!!!! :D :D I'm loving it!

[DOMINATOR]

lol anybody else think it's funny Valverde leads the team in Wins with 4.

[Cannonball]

5 in a row. 1 game behind the Cubbies. 1 game out of the Wild Card (yeah, I know it's early). :D

[bobrek]

lol anybody else think it's funny Valverde leads the team in Wins with 4.

I think it is funny that "jopatmc" (who we haven't seen post in the Astros forum in a long time), thought the bullpen might win 10 games all year and they already have 10. Here is his quote:

"Bullpen??? (won 22 games a year ago, including 11 from Qualls and Lidge) Just don't see it. 10 wins??? "

He is the same poster who was predicting the Astros would lose 100 games.

[Cannonball]

I think it is funny that "jopatmc" (who we haven't seen post in the Astros forum in a long time), thought the bullpen might win 10 games all year and they already have 10. Here is his quote:

"Bullpen??? (won 22 games a year ago, including 11 from Qualls and Lidge) Just don't see it. 10 wins??? "

He is the same poster who was predicting the Astros would lose 100 games.

Yep.

http://bbs.clutchfans.net/showthread.php?t=146548

Good read.

[Baqui99]

That was a tremendous bit of base running to get to third by Matsui. It set up the winning hit. There's no way Milledge is that shallow if Matsui is still on second.

Love the aggressive baserunning by the Astros this year. This team would never run like that under Garner -> we'd just wait for the long ball instead of trying to manufacture runs. Good things happen when you do simple things like baserunning and bunting.

[MadMax]

I love the way they are playing....decent pitching and good hitting....nice.

DD

and aggressive base running


and defense much, much better than any of us expected.

[bobrek]

Love the aggressive baserunning by the Astros this year. This team would never run like that under Garner -> we'd just wait for the long ball instead of trying to manufacture runs. Good things happen when you do simple things like baserunning and bunting.

Except....they are not bunting. They only have 7 sacrifice bunts all year, far and away the lowest in the NL and only 6 AL teams have fewer.

[msn]

lol anybody else think it's funny Valverde leads the team in Wins with 4.
His 4th is my favorite--he vultured the first 3 by blowing the save.

[MadMax]

Except....they are not bunting. They only have 7 sacrifice bunts all year, far and away the lowest in the NL and only 6 AL teams have fewer.

they don't seem to be very good at that. i'm guessing kaz is a good bunter...though I don't really know that. bourn seems entirely incapable of laying down a bunt....and i'm guessing they have him working on that quite a bit.

[msn]

Didn't Bourn throw down a beautiful bunt basehit the other day?? Or who was that?

Re: Bourn, I sure hope he begins to get on base soon. He's making Bidge last year look like Henderson in his prime.

[bobrek]

His 4th is my favorite--he vultured the first 3 by blowing the save.

His first win wasn't a blown save and the 3rd was the game in which the tying run was on 3rd with 1 out in the 8th and he gave up a SF. Hard to count that as a blown save especially considering the 4 runs in that inning were charged to Brocail.

[bobrek]

they don't seem to be very good at that. i'm guessing kaz is a good bunter...though I don't really know that. bourn seems entirely incapable of laying down a bunt....and i'm guessing they have him working on that quite a bit.

With the current lineup, I think the days of the #2 hitter bunting early in the game are long gone (at least I hope so). If Bourn gets on, the odds good enough that he will steal that there is no reason to waste the out bunting him over. Even if Matsui makes an out and Bourn is still on first, any of the next 3 hitters are capable of driving him home.

[msn]

His first win wasn't a blown save and the 3rd was the game in which the tying run was on 3rd with 1 out in the 8th and he gave up a SF. Hard to count that as a blown save especially considering the 4 runs in that inning were charged to Brocail.
Aahh; thanks for the corrections.

[MadMax]

With the current lineup, I think the days of the #2 hitter bunting early in the game are long gone (at least I hope so). If Bourn gets on, the odds good enough that he will steal that there is no reason to waste the out bunting him over. Even if Matsui makes an out and Bourn is still on first, any of the next 3 hitters are capable of driving him home.

Very true. I'd just like to see Bourn add it, because with his speed I'm thinking he can sneak out a few hits that way.

[bobrek]

Very true. I'd just like to see Bourn add it, because with his speed I'm thinking he can sneak out a few hits that way.

I have no problem at all with bunting for hits. Bourn needs to do it simply because it's a slump-breaker.

[Castor27]

Very true. I'd just like to see Bourn add it, because with his speed I'm thinking he can sneak out a few hits that way.
Agreed! See: T, Willy (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=5895)

[RocketManJosh]

I have no problem at all with bunting for hits. Bourn needs to do it simply because it's a slump-breaker.

He could either do that or else go to the Mark Grace Slump Buster strategy ;)

[Uprising]

I am seriously loving this team and their offense. I can't really remember the last time I felt like we had so much power in the middle of our lineup.

Maybe the days of Baggy and Ken Caminiti.

I just feel like they are always going to step up and get the hit we need. Like last night, when we fell behind early. I wasn't that upset, I knew we'd get those runs back.

how about Berkman! What a month he's having!

Go Stros!

[kaleidosky]

I am seriously loving this team and their offense. I can't really remember the last time I felt like we had so much power in the middle of our lineup.

Maybe the days of Baggy and Ken Caminiti.

I just feel like they are always going to step up and get the hit we need. Like last night, when we fell behind early. I wasn't that upset, I knew we'd get those runs back.

how about Berkman! What a month he's having!

Go Stros!


I'ts great, but let's not forget '04. Bags, Biggio, Beltran, Kent, Berkman. More 20+ HR guys, less 30+ HR guys....I'd say the same amount of power.

But yeah, this is nice.

[Uprising]

I'ts great, but let's not forget '04. Bags, Biggio, Beltran, Kent, Berkman. More 20+ HR guys, less 30+ HR guys....I'd say the same amount of power.

But yeah, this is nice.


Oh yeah, forgot about that team. Loved having Kent on the roster. When he hit that game winning HR it was amazing. (playoffs I believe)

[msn]

Oh yeah, forgot about that team. Loved having Kent on the roster. When he hit that game winning HR it was amazing. (playoffs I believe)
Game 5. Went back to StL up 3-2, iirc. We only had to take 1 game in StL.... (at least this time, "there's always next year" actually worked for us!)

[stobbartjohn]

FFS Why is this 80 year old moustached guy batting runs in against our number 2 pitcher?

[stobbartjohn]

Backe just LOVES to walk the leadoff man

[stobbartjohn]

That's some serious speed and hustle from Pence there. Anyone else about for this game? Talking to myself here lol

[WhoMikeJames]

Why the hell did we re-sign Backe. He sucks.

[stobbartjohn]

Our number 2 pitcher doing a *great* job of holding one of the worst lineups in the MLB at bay

[TMac640]

Disappointing, but then again it's tough to pitch when your team is blowing balls for the night with runs.

[stobbartjohn]

Where did our clutch team go? Anything but a freaking double play Hunter

[TMac640]

Wow.

http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2007/08/01/health/adam/17107.jpg

[JunkyardDwg]

Don't think it's fair to refer to Backe as our number 2 pitcher as if to say we should expect more out of him. Let's look at him for what he is, a 3 or 4; as such, he's pitched about on par.

He also has pitched well enough to keep the team in the game; it could have very well been over after the 6th, but he got out of it ok despite probably being a little gassed.

I'd say so far this game rests on the shoulders of the bats, which have failed to produce despite some good opportunities.

[stobbartjohn]

WHAT A PLAY!!!

[stobbartjohn]

Is Villareal supposed to be some sort of joke?

[leroy420]

Is Villareal supposed to be some sort of joke?

It just got funnier if he is.

[stobbartjohn]

Send Villareal down ffs, he's worse than useless

[stobbartjohn]

7 home runs in 19.1 innings. Terrible

[JunkyardDwg]

Total brain fart of a game by the Astros tonight.

Oh well if they can reel off 4-5 for every loss, I'll be really happy.

[stobbartjohn]

Thanks for that inning Oscar

[BrooksBall]

Total brain fart of a game by the Astros tonight.

Oh well if they can reel off 4-5 for every loss, I'll be really happy.

4-5 wins for every loss the rest of the way would lead to one of the best records in the history of baseball.

You may want to set your expectations a little lower.

[Luckyazn]

I was expecting better offense from Towles.

he's like the new Everett now




.164 4hrs 10rbi

[stobbartjohn]

FFS How annoying is this Nats catcher!? Appeals to 1st at even the slightest twitch of the bat

[stobbartjohn]

What a horrible call, he dropped it and he wasn't even touching the base!!!

[DOMINATOR]

I was expecting better offense from Towles.

he's like the new Everett now

.164 4hrs 10rbi

well at least he does good with runners on - .371 OBP
RISP - .381 OBP
RISP 2 out - .429avg & .667 OBP


but yeah a higher average would be nice

[JunkyardDwg]

4-5 wins for every loss the rest of the way would lead to one of the best records in the history of baseball.

You may want to set your expectations a little lower.


Who said that was my expectation from this club? My point was I'll gladly take this loss in stride after the club had been playing so well. They were due for an off game.

[Refman]

4-5 wins for every loss the rest of the way would lead to one of the best records in the history of baseball.

You may want to set your expectations a little lower.
Agreed. I will say that at this point, particularly after the way the first couple of weeks went, being 3.5 games out of first place and 1.5 games out of the wild card is encouraging.

[johnmvp]

Pitching holds up we have a decent team. I'm glad we don't look like we are giving up in the late innings down like we looked last year.