[Official] Astros @ Dodgers

[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).

5-9 Brian Moehler, RHP (0-0, 7.04) vs. Derek Lowe, RHP (2-2, 3.66) 9:40 on FSN

5-10 Chris Sampson, RHP (1-3, 7.96) vs. Chad Billingsley, RHP (2-4, 4.54) 9:10 on FSN

5-11 Shawn Chacon, RHP (0-0, 3.60) vs. Hiroki Kuroda, RHP (1-2, 3.95) 3:10 on My20

[msn]

LLL  

[H-Town Info]

LLW for the 'stros

[Smacktle]

LLL if Bourne and Towles play. Towles needs to get his confidence back and Bourne needs some work at the plate.

[ruddy]

WwW!!! Go Astros!

[H-Town Info]

I think maybe bourn and towles need some more days off to refresh themselves. Play Erstad and awfulness (unfortunately) some more to help them out. Look what it did for Pence, not a dramatic improvement but an improvement is his game nonetheless.

[leroy420]

LWW.

Lowe owns us over the past couple of years (below 1 era last season) and, well, it's freaking Brian Moehler.

[stobbartjohn]

These bloody late games :mad:

This one won't start until 3.40am here in the UK, just hope it doesn't get ugly tonight.

[msn]

These bloody late games :mad:

This one won't start until 3.40am here in the UK, just hope it doesn't get ugly tonight.
Where in the UK?

[johnmvp]

Go Astros!

[stobbartjohn]

Where in the UK?

The Midlands. Northamptonshire

[rikesh316]

If you have Jose Cruz Jr. on the roster, why not start him today versus Lowe. He is hitting .417 with 4 HR's versus Lowe.

[H-townhero]

The game is so damn late tonight, god I hate western coast games.

LWW

[stobbartjohn]

3.48 UK time, but I'm here! C'mon Astros

[stobbartjohn]

This Dodgers announcer is nauseating. Just called that a "game changing double play" :confused:

[H-townhero]

Berkman and Lee are currently unstoppable. :eek:

[stobbartjohn]

Impressed by Moehler so far

[Uprising]

Yep, he's pitching a nice game.

Love the clutch hits too so far by the stros.

[stobbartjohn]

Why can't Moehler be our new fifth starter? Sampson just stinks

[stobbartjohn]

This is just getting ridiculous with Berkman right now lol :D

[cmpatel]

wow puma is a extra base hit machine!!!!!

[BrooksBall]

Ok, let me get this straight.

Ausmus is basically on the team to catch Oswalt who is having the worst start to a season in his career.

Forget the veteran leadership/mentor crap. We have plenty of vets on this team.

I'd say it's time to do a Woody W with Ausmus' contract and bring up Quintero.

Let Towles and Quintero split time until one of the two steps up.

No more Ausmus!

[WhoMikeJames]

Lance is a man on fire.

[stobbartjohn]

Best all round performance of the season I think

[GraingerGuy]

So Berkman is a frickin' stud...that man can rake.

[ryan17wagner]

Let's take the series tomorrow! I can' wait for the Lone Star Series. I love a baseball road trip!

[Angle02]

Lance now has taken over the lead for RBI's in the NL and is 2nd in the majors in BA, HR, and RBI's. Bourn has taken over the lead for stolen bases in the MLB.

[MadMax]

Ok, let me get this straight.

Ausmus is basically on the team to catch Oswalt who is having the worst start to a season in his career.

Forget the veteran leadership/mentor crap. We have plenty of vets on this team.

I'd say it's time to do a Woody W with Ausmus' contract and bring up Quintero.

Let Towles and Quintero split time until one of the two steps up.

No more Ausmus!

I think the difference between Quintero and Ausmus at the plate is so negligible, it's not worth it. And I trust Ausmus defensively more than I do Quintero. I don't think anyone thinks Quintero is the catcher of the future.

[juicystream]

I can't believe we won that game with moehler.

[ruddy]

Yessss, Lance is killing the ball so far, let's this continue. :D

Go my Astross!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[MadMax]

I can't believe we won that game with moehler.

i can't believe how well he pitched. that curveball was nasty. i didn't get to watch the whole thing, but i saw him confusing hitters.

[shawn786]

Lance is on another planet right now :eek:

[DaDakota]

Ok, let me get this straight.

Ausmus is basically on the team to catch Oswalt who is having the worst start to a season in his career.

Forget the veteran leadership/mentor crap. We have plenty of vets on this team.

I'd say it's time to do a Woody W with Ausmus' contract and bring up Quintero.

Let Towles and Quintero split time until one of the two steps up.

No more Ausmus!

But he is wearing out the other team's shortstop with all those mediocre ground balls.

By the end of the year those guys legs are going to be shot.

DD

[swyyyguy]

berkman is so good.

[Uprising]

Watch this : http://houston.astros.mlb.com/media/video.jsp?mid=200805102673225

The LA commentator : "Boy, that's SOME 3,4,5 hitters."

[cmpatel]

Watch this : http://houston.astros.mlb.com/media/video.jsp?mid=200805102673225

The LA commentator : "Wow, that's SOME 3,4,5 hitters."


that was sweet to hear that....i think we will be hearing many more opposing announcers say this!!! i love our lineup!!!! GO STROS!!!!

[MadMax]

Watch this : http://houston.astros.mlb.com/media/video.jsp?mid=200805102673225

The LA commentator : "Boy, that's SOME 3,4,5 hitters."

Vin Scully. Best in the business.

[BrooksBall]

But he is wearing out the other team's shortstop with all those mediocre ground balls.

By the end of the year those guys legs are going to be shot.

DD

Ha ha!!

I know Ausmus is a good guy and I would be more than happy to have him stay with the team in some kind of coaching role.

His best asset is his play calling but he is not getting enough starts to where he is making much of a difference in that area. It would be one thing if Oswalt was having a terrific start to the season, but he is not.

I don't think Quintero is our future catcher. For now, that honor belongs to Towles. I just think that having Towles and Quintero will benefit this team more than Towles and Ausmus.

In other words, my guess is that Quintero's bat would outweigh Ausmus' play calling at this point if Quintero took over Ausmus' backup role.

Quintero for Ausmus likely won't happen so it's probably a moot discussion.

[leroy420]

LWW.

Lowe owns us over the past couple of years (below 1 era last season) and, well, it's freaking Brian Moehler.

Nice predicting there, genius.

[H-Town Info]

I love the BLT sandwich. I wish the pickle was better (Pence)

[Smacktle]

Well shut me up. Moehler comes through. Can't figure this team out but it's sure fun to watch!

If Bourne were hitting .300 he would break the record for stolen bases in a season!

[Refman]

I think the difference between Quintero and Ausmus at the plate is so negligible, it's not worth it. And I trust Ausmus defensively more than I do Quintero.
I respectfully suggest that your trust is misplaced. Ausmus isn't even good at throwing out runners anymore. It isn't that runners are getting a good jump, Ausmus' throws aren't even accurate these days. He's mediocre at best in all facests of the game at this point in his career.

I'm not saying the Q is the answer...but I'd feel a lot better in the short term with him as the backup instead of Ausmus.

[DaDakota]

Let Ausmus move up to coaching, and he can call the pitches from the dugout.

He is worthless.

DD

[Nick]

The complaining about Ausmus is even more pointless now, with a stronger lineup, than it was in previous years.

Yes, he's not going to be hitting in the heart of anybody's lineup. Neither is the guy who catches 3 out of every 5 games in Towles (who isn't exactly lighting it up with his bat either). If you can obtain an all-star/silver slugger catcher, I'd be all for throwing him and our other light-hitting catchers under the bus... but those guys don't grow on trees.

I'm still fixated on ways we can upgrade our starting pitching after Oswalt. Chacon has exceeded all expectations and likely will regress. Backe and Sampson are inconsistent, as expected. Wandy will likely follow the same pattern when he comes back.

The biggest bright spot of the year is that Lance Berkman doesn't look like a guy who is on the "decline", like so many here predicted... even though he still was basically our best hitter last year.

[cardpire]

The complaining about Ausmus is even more pointless now, with a stronger lineup, than it was in previous years.

Yes, he's not going to be hitting in the heart of anybody's lineup. Neither is the guy who catches 3 out of every 5 games in Towles (who isn't exactly lighting it up with his bat either). If you can obtain an all-star/silver slugger catcher, I'd be all for throwing him and our other light-hitting catchers under the bus... but those guys don't grow on trees.

I'm still fixated on ways we can upgrade our starting pitching after Oswalt. Chacon has exceeded all expectations and likely will regress. Backe and Sampson are inconsistent, as expected. Wandy will likely follow the same pattern when he comes back.

The biggest bright spot of the year is that Lance Berkman doesn't look like a guy who is on the "decline", like so many here predicted... even though he still was basically our best hitter last year.


i'll be shocked if jake peavy isn't on the market at the trading deadline. they just signed him to a huge extension, only to find out that they dont have the team they thought they did.

the guy is best buds with roy, and it would almost make too much sense for us to trade for him. i think he can be had for sure if pence is involved in a package, but can he be had without including pence for a package of minor leaguers, draft picks, and/or other current roster players like bourn or towles?

i'd let them gut our farm system for anybody and everybody they wanted to get that trade done.

what do you think? a pipe dream? or a viable possibility?

[Nick]

what do you think? a pipe dream? or a viable possibility?

If we're still within striking distance at the all-star break, like we are now, and the offense stays stable (note, Berkman and Tejada will likely decline a little, while guys like Bourne and Pence should improve), we definitly SHOULD make that type of move.

However, it takes two teams to make a trade... and the Padres may not find Pence + our not-so-stellar prospects enticing enough. Additionally, if Bourne doesn't get it turned around soon, he'll find himself batting in the 7th spot. Same goes for Towles.

The offense is excelling purely on the amazing start of Berkman+Tejada, with solid contributions from Matsui and Lee. There's still room for more balance... namely from the front and back of the order.

[Refman]

However, it takes two teams to make a trade... and the Padres may not find Pence + our not-so-stellar prospects enticing enough.
The Santana deal should teach us all that a pitcher, even a front line pitcher, will not net you more than a decent package of prospects. I would think that a couple of prospects and a guy like Pence could get the job done. The question is...who do we put in RF should we trade Pence? Cruz, Jr.? Ugh. I like the possibility of Darrin Erstad in the short term, but that leaves you with a hole on your bench.

[Major]

The problem with trading for Peavy is the same as us trading Roy. If we wouldn't trade Roy if we're not in contention because ultimately we'll need a #1 pitcher when we do get good again, why would San Diego trade Peavy given the same circumstances? If we wouldn't trade Roy because we can't get much in return, why would San Diego in the same circumstances? Unless they plan to suck for the next few years, they'll need him as a #1 eventually.

[DoitDickau]

Peavy won't be on the block. It doesn't matter anyways. At this point the Astros don't have the assets to make that sort of trade or they would have done so in the offseason when Haren, Garza, Garland, Bedard, Blanton, etc were on the block.

[cardpire]

The problem with trading for Peavy is the same as us trading Roy. If we wouldn't trade Roy if we're not in contention because ultimately we'll need a #1 pitcher when we do get good again, why would San Diego trade Peavy given the same circumstances? If we wouldn't trade Roy because we can't get much in return, why would San Diego in the same circumstances? Unless they plan to suck for the next few years, they'll need him as a #1 eventually.

in that case, why would anybody ever trade their #1 pitcher for any reason other than their contract being close to being up and refusing to sign an extension?

you answered your own question anyway. why wouldnt they suck for the next few years? their roster is a complete mess, and i assume they have next to nothing in their farm system, judging by the awful lineup they trot out there every night. they squeezed every ounce of juice out of their roster that they could last year, and even then were making desperation moves like trading us for ensberg and lamb to try to help advance them into the playoffs.

they would still have chris young, who is a borderline #1, at a cheap price to rebuild their staff around.

[Major]

in that case, why would anybody ever trade their #1 pitcher for any reason other than their contract being close to being up and refusing to sign an extension?

What #1's have been traded in recent history? Randy Johnson to us - Seattle wasn't going to resign him. Beckett to Boston - no interest in paying him (or anyone). Santana to the Mets - couldn't resign.

Who else (I'm sure there are some that I'm not remembering)? The reason you described pretty much is the primary time/reason #1 starters get traded.

[DoitDickau]

#1 starters are such a rare and valuable commodity that yes it's extremely rare for teams to trade them while they are either under club control or not about to be a free agent

What #1's have been traded in recent history? Randy Johnson to us - Seattle wasn't going to resign him. Beckett to Boston - no interest in paying him (or anyone). Santana to the Mets - couldn't resign.

Who else (I'm sure there are some that I'm not remembering)? The reason you described pretty much is the primary time/reason #1 starters get traded.

There were a couple this offseason. Erik Bedard is probably one of the top 10 pitchers in baseball and he was traded for Adam Jones (top ten national prospect) plus other good prospects. Dan Haren was the A's top starter and probably one of the top ~30 starters in baseball (if you consider that the standard for being a #1). There wasn't much starting pitching available in the free agent market, but there was a ton available on the trade block last offseason. That's where having a weak farm system really hurt us.

[Puedlfor]

The A's have traded about three 1/2's(Hudson, Mulder, Haren) and all for the same reason as any other #1 gets traded. Elite starting pitching is so rare that when someone has a #1 starter, the only reason a team trades that kind of pitcher is when it becomes obvious that the pitcher is leaving anyway.

Also, I'm not sure if the Santana deal is really the benchmark people keep mentioning it as. That has more to do with the screw-ups in Minnesota and the Yankees than the market for pitching. After all, in the same offseason Baltimore and Oakland got excellent return for trading their two aces.

[cardpire]

attaboy erstad! good start fellas

[Puedlfor]

Great first inning so far from the Good Guys. Billingsley has been all over the place - so it's nice to see us take advantage of that. That kind of cushion is only going to help Sampson - who's really struggled lately.

[dandorotik]

El Caballo>The Say Hey Kid

(Ok, just kidding).

[cardpire]

lance berkman, my goodness.

[dandorotik]

I like their aggressive baserunning, but Miggy's got to be more careful there. I don't blame Matsui- I thought that was going to the plate. MT should know he just can't go from 1st to home on a ball hit that hard by Berkman.

[BigM]

nice to get a couple runs but man that inning kind of leaves a bad taste in your mouth with 2 outs given up on the basepaths.

[JunkyardDwg]

I like their aggressive baserunning, but Miggy's got to be more careful there. I don't blame Matsui- I thought that was going to the plate. MT should know he just can't go from 1st to home on a ball hit that hard by Berkman.

Well to be fair, Tejada's decision to go home is probably more on Romero than anything else. He probably shouldn't have sent him. If it was one of our faster guys, sure.

[dandorotik]

Well to be fair, Tejada's decision to go home is probably more on Romero than anything else. He probably shouldn't have sent him. If it was one of our faster guys, sure.

Agreed- that just comes from my baseball ignorance. Well, not ignorance, but I forget about the coaches sometimes.

Wasn't there a coach in the World Series recently who screwed up royally, I mean sent the runner way, way ahead- or didn't send the runner when he should have? I remember it being like a big deal.

[dockerland]

The offense in this line up is amazing

[JunkyardDwg]

Wasn't there a coach in the World Series recently who screwed up royally, I mean sent the runner way, way ahead- or didn't send the runner when he should have? I remember it being like a big deal.


Sounds like Doug Mansolino all of last year.

[BrooksBall]

Heinous fielding by Tejada and Lee.

[Kerfeld]

I want to see Sampson get out of this inning

[Roxfan73]

^^^ Great job!

[BrooksBall]

Outstanding inning from Sampson.

Tejada and Lee should by him lunch tomorrow.

[cardpire]

Heinous fielding by Tejada and Lee.


if not wanting to get demolished by Lee entered his mind and caused him to pull up some, i'd say masterful job by tejada there. i'd gladly trade both of those runs there for tejada's health.

lee is a nightmare out there though.

[BrooksBall]

Towles down to a .158 BA.

Even if he is not what we thought he could be, he is way better than this.

I say he will get it going. I still think he will be at least a .270 hitter by the end of the season.

[T Rex]

Sampson is pitching alot like he did last year.......throwing fastball for strikes early in the count and going to the breaking ball when ahead in the count. Seems to have more downward movement tonight then he's had in his previous starts. Must have worked out the kinks when he worked on his mechnics during a recent bullpen session. Amazing how a small change can affect your overall performance.

[BrooksBall]

JR can do no right at the plate these days.

[Puedlfor]

Sampson is pitching alot like he did last year.......throwing fastball for strikes early in the count and going to the breaking ball when ahead in the count. Seems to have more downward movement tonight then he's had in his previous starts. Must have worked out the kinks when he worked on his mechnics during a recent bullpen session. Amazing how a small change can affect your overall performance.

I think the big early lead has as much to do with that. He got spotted five runs early, so he was more willing to throw fastballs in the strike zone, because even if one gets crushed it's still a comfortable lead. He felt more comfortable pitching to contact, so he got into pitchers counts and was ahead all game.

[T Rex]

Not to overblow it this early in the season, but Wesley Wright has a chance to be something really special. He's got electric stuff and his demeanor is as cool as a 10-year veteran.....just got to work on his location a little bit which will come with time. Somebody with the Dodgers really dropped the ball on letting him become available for the Rule V draft.

[BrooksBall]

Not to overblow it this early in the season, but Wesley Wright has a chance to be something really special. He's got electric stuff and his demeanor is as cool as a 10-year veteran.....just got to work on his location a little bit which will come with time. Somebody with the Dodgers really dropped the ball on letting him become available for the Rule V draft.

I'm not sure that he has "electric stuff" but I do see the unusual composure for his age.

I'm also not sure what you mean when you say he has a chance to be "something really special" but I do see the potential for him to be a solid lefty out of the pen for several years.

[H-townhero]

Uh oh Oscar in, bye bye run lead. :p

Better than Bumkowski I guess.

[BrooksBall]

Uh oh Oscar in, bye bye run lead. :p

Better than Bumkowski I guess.

Or... Villarreal will pitch a flawless inning and preserve the shutout. :)

[cardpire]

2 great, dominating wins with suspect starting pitchers pitching fantastic games. i thought there was a good chance of us getting swept this series. couldn't be happier to be wrong. we're playing some good ball.

how bout a nice no-decision for chacon tomorrow and a sweep? :D

[BMoney]

What an impressive couple of games from Moehler and Sampson! They weren't facing the '27 Yankees, exactly, but they both got ahead in the count all game long. That seems to be one of Cooper's mantras this year.

[DaDakota]

Nice pitching again tonight.

I like this team more and more each day.

DD

[H-Town Info]

I'm not sure that he has "electric stuff" but I do see the unusual composure for his age.

I'm also not sure what you mean when you say he has a chance to be "something really special" but I do see the potential for him to be a solid lefty out of the pen for several years.

I can see him being a 7th or 8th inning Set-up guy at best. He doesn't have killer stuff to warrant being "something special" at closer. His breaking stuff could be closer-worthy but his fastball needs some more speed (91-92 mph instead of 87-88)

I do like the kid.

[cardpire]

not sure if you guys heard that stat:

lance needs 1 hit in his first 3 abs tomorrow to tie pete rose for the record for most hits in a 30 ab stretch (21).

absolutely incredible.

[BrooksBall]

Qualls: 4 H and 4 ER in 0.1 innings today. He has had a few bad games recently.

Maybe Lidge will start coming undone next...

Given their contrasting starts to the season, it would be something if Valverde puts up better numbers than Lidge when it's all said and done.

[BrooksBall]

not sure if you guys heard that stat:

lance needs 1 hit in his first 3 abs tomorrow to tie pete rose for the record for most hits in a 30 ab stretch (21).

absolutely incredible.

Incredible, no doubt.

I believe 4 guys, including Rose, have hit that mark.

I hope Lance goes 2 for 3 or 3 for 3 tomorrow and beats the record.

[stobbartjohn]

Qualls: 4 H and 4 ER in 0.1 innings today. He has had a few bad games recently.

Maybe Lidge will start coming undone next...

Given their contrasting starts to the season, it would be something if Valverde puts up better numbers than Lidge when it's all said and done.

Qualls has sucked his last 2 outing, which really really sucks because it directly coincides with me putting him in my fantasy team lol :rolleyes:

[RocketManJosh]

lets get the sweep!!!!!!

[TMac640]

not sure if you guys heard that stat:

lance needs 1 hit in his first 3 abs tomorrow to tie pete rose for the record for most hits in a 30 ab stretch (21).

absolutely incredible.

I believe JD mentioned it on FSN last night, but that's absolutely incredible.

It just floors me that we have a player that's in the same breath as tying records like those from Pete Rose. Let's go Puma!

[TMac640]

On a side note, did anyone see this snippet from Berkman's ESPN profile, lol?




May. 9 : Berkman's base-running prowess this season is not due to a slimmed-down physique, as the slugger told the Houston Chronicle: "I'm actually as fat as I've ever been. I weigh more now than I ever weighed in my life."


Ol' Puma. :D

[MadMax]

I believe JD mentioned it on FSN last night, but that's absolutely incredible.

It just floors me that we have a player that's in the same breath as tying records like those from Pete Rose. Let's go Puma!

Pete was a jerk and needed a haircut.

Go Puma!!!!

[BrooksBall]

What is up with Tejada's defense the last two days? That was a horrible decision to try to make a play there.

He also doesn't look the same at the plate these days. He isn't doing that same aggressive wiggle before each pitch he was doing for the first 30 games.

He looks depressed. I wonder if something is going on off the field that is getting to him.

[BrooksBall]

Wigginton reaches for one on a 3-0 count and flies out.

He is a classic hacker. If he wasn't strong enough to hit HRs when his hacks occasionally make contact, he wouldn't even be a good minor league player. It's not like he plays good defense.

[BrooksBall]

Will Puma at least tie the record this inning?

[Roxfan73]

Don't wanna jinx it but....

[BrooksBall]

It's painful to watch Wigginton hit.

[cardpire]

Don't wanna jinx it but....

why wouldn't you want to jinx it? you want us to get no-hit?

[ruddy]

why wouldn't you want to jinx it? you want us to get no-hit?


That's just what I was thinking. :confused:

[The Drake]

Wait...you can take out a pitcher in the middle of an at-bat?

What's the rule on this?

[BrooksBall]

Wait...you can take out a pitcher in the middle of an at-bat?

What's the rule on this?

Yes, you can. I believe any strikes are wiped out, if any exist.

[The Drake]

Yes, you can. I believe any strikes are wiped out, if any exist.

Thanks for the info.

[cardpire]

Yes, you can. I believe any strikes are wiped out, if any exist.

strikes arent wiped out

[The Drake]

strikes arent wiped out

so could one theoretically bring in a pinch hitter in the middle of an at-bat?

[The Drake]

oof, two tough luck swings from Bourn...

[bobrek]

so could one theoretically bring in a pinch hitter in the middle of an at-bat?

You can theoretically bring a pinch hitter in with every pitch. A pitcher brought into a game HAS to face at least one batter.

[The Drake]

A pitcher brought into a game HAS to face at least one batter.

For the whole at-bat?

[Shroopy2]

bourn might could have had an inside the park slammer on that one if Kemp didnt catch

[cardpire]

THE FREAKIN STROS!

Chacon 8 straight no decisions to start season! ties the record.

JD just said it, but i couldnt believe tejada had a good enough read to be chugging the whole way. impressive.

[cardpire]

this team is pretty damn fun to watch.

[H-Town Info]

The Mustard, Tomato, Bacon, Lettuce and the Pickle does the job.

[Roxfan73]

why wouldn't you want to jinx it? you want us to get no-hit?

Don't EVER question my methods! ;) :D

[BrooksBall]

Amazing turnaround!


Wigginton just looks awful. Total hacker.

[cardpire]

The Mustard, Tomato, Bacon, Lettuce and the Pickle does the job.


i'll add a little Avocado

[Nick]

Everybody's favorite bum comes through.

[BrooksBall]

I definitely did not think Ausmus would get a hit. Wow!

[BrooksBall]

Out of nowhere, the Astros have another 6-run game.

[cmpatel]

wow do i love this team!!! 5 run 8!!!! even ausmus got 2 rbis!!!!! amazing

[BMoney]

I can't remember the Astros having more come from behind victories in less than half the season like they have this year. Awesome to see!

[bobrek]

For the whole at-bat?

Every pitcher must face at least one batter. So if a pitcher has already faced one or more batters, he can be replaced before an at bat is over.

[ryan17wagner]

Can't stop that B.L.T. sandwhich!!!!!!

[bobrek]

Are the Astros announcers saying anything about Berkman? He came up limping after sliding into home.

[RocketManJosh]

I haven't heard them say anything about Berkman being hurt.

[BrooksBall]

Are the Astros announcers saying anything about Berkman? He came up limping after sliding into home.

Well, they took him out of the game. Brocail replaced him.

Hopefully, it isn't anything serious.

[cardpire]

is it just me, or do you guys have a lot more confidence in geary, brocail, valverde than you did with wheeler, qualls, lidge the past couple years?

if geary is actually about as good as he's been so far, i really like the back-end of our bullpen.

[bobrek]

Well, they took him out of the game. Brocail replaced him.

Hopefully, it isn't anything serious.

Yeah, i am a bit concerned because they were not at a place in the lineup where a double switch makes sense. If any defensive sub would have been made you would think it would have been Erstad for Lee.

[RocketManJosh]

yeah it doesn't make much sense to take lance out without an injury ... its got to be something ... hopefully its just precautionary and not serious

[thech0senone]

Yeah I didn't hear them say anything. With a nice lead right now, I think it was probably as a precaution.

[cardpire]

well, there's the web gem of the day.

[dandorotik]

Now that was:

Bourn=Say Hey

[H-townhero]

is it just me, or do you guys have a lot more confidence in geary, brocail, valverde than you did with wheeler, qualls, lidge the past couple years?

if geary is actually about as good as he's been so far, i really like the back-end of our bullpen.

Love Geary, Brocail is only so-so, Valverde seems to be heating up. We'll have to say. Lidge has been lights out so far this year, but Qualls is slumping. Overall with the run support I'm fine with the bullpen.

[dandorotik]

Umm, Brocail with his best Dirk-exercise-bike tantrum in the dugout. Cool.

[dandorotik]

SWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP

[BrooksBall]

Brocail couldn't keep us from having to use Valverde but he pitched a solid 8th.

Valverde is looking much better these days.

[Kerfeld]

very nice win today. This team could become special. they need to start concentrating on trying to find a quality strating pitcher via trade by the deadline.

[BrooksBall]

very nice win today. This team could become special. they need to start concentrating on trying to find a quality strating pitcher via trade by the deadline.

I have to agree. This team looks close.

The question is how do they acquire that pitcher? We don't want to give up any of our guns and we don't have much in terms of prospects.

[CometsWin]

This team sure is fun to watch.

[BrooksBall]

Interesting stats...

Only 8 teams in MLB have better winning percentages than the Astros.

We are 1.5 games back of 1st in the NL Central.

We are doing better than the Yankees, Tigers, Indians, Phillies, Mets, Dodgers and Brewers as we approach the quarter-season mark.

[H-townhero]

I have to agree. This team looks close.

The question is how do they acquire that pitcher? We don't want to give up any of our guns and we don't have much in terms of prospects.

I agree, they'll probably JUST miss the playoffs and be in the race for it all year, possibly obtaining the wild card spot, but they'd be smart and just try to sign a free agent in the off season. I don't know how much money they're willing to spend though.

Then again you never know... we're having killer seasons from Tejada and Berkman so far so. =\

[Joshfast]

That catch by Bourn was unbelievable. :eek:

[BrooksBall]

Valverde is slowly but surely lowering his ERA which is now at 4.66.

He has 8 saves in 11 chances.

He has 23 Ks to 6 BBs and his opponents' BA is down to somewhere around .250.

[BrooksBall]

That catch by Bourn was unbelievable. :eek:

And he had a pretty solid day at the plate despite the 0-for-4 in the box score.

He had two excellent swings that were near hits in a very clutch situation. Later, he hit a deep fly ball that knocked in our final run of the game.

If Bourn starts seeing the ball, the danger factor of this lineup goes up another notch.

Pence looks to be back. His average is up to .273 and he is on a 9-game hitting streak.

Wigginton is hacking away at the bottom of the order but if he does his usual thing over the course of a season, he will be a fine 7th hitter.

We know Towles is a much better hitter than his current funk would suggest. I can't wait to see him get it going.

Sure, Berkman and Tejada won't keep up this pace but their drop shouldn't be nearly as significant as the improvements coming from Pence, Wigginton, Bourn and Towles.

We still haven't seen this offense at its best.

[Storm Surge]

And he had a pretty solid day at the plate despite the 0-for-4 in the box score.

He had two excellent swings that were near hits in a very clutch situation. Later, he hit a deep fly ball that knocked in our final run of the game.

If Bourn starts seeing the ball, the danger factor of this lineup goes up another notch.

Pence looks to be back. His average is up to .273 and he is on a 9-game hitting streak.

Wigginton is hacking away at the bottom of the order but if he does his usual thing over the course of a season, he will be a fine 7th hitter.

We know Towles is a much better hitter than his current funk would suggest. I can't wait to see him get it going.

Sure, Berkman and Tejada won't keep up this pace but their drop shouldn't be nearly as significant as the improvements coming from Pence, Wigginton, Bourn and Towles.

We still haven't seen this offense at its best.
Bourn is the key to making this team amazing, which is why I feel his potential alone and the impact he could make on this team should warrant him PT even during his times of struggle.

He is a threat to steal a base any time, if he can get on second base with Matsui, Tejada, Berkman, and Lee up I feel very good about him coming around to score.

[BrooksBall]

Bourn is the key to making this team amazing, which is why I feel his potential alone and the impact he could make on this team should warrant him PT even during his times of struggle.

He is a threat to steal a base any time, if he can get on second base with Matsui, Tejada, Berkman, and Lee up I feel very good about him coming around to score.

Imagine if Bourn turns into a .270+ hitter. With him and KazMat at the top of the order, opposing pitchers will be really put to the test on a nightly basis. Even guys like Peavy and Webb will have to be at the top of their game to keep us down.

Plus, Towles/Wigginton at the bottom of the order will eventually prove to be an upgrade over Everett/Ausmus no matter what things look like right now.

The bottom line is that this is no doubt a massively improved offense compared to recent years and has the potential to be as good as any in the majors.

[Refman]

I have to agree. This team looks close.

The question is how do they acquire that pitcher? We don't want to give up any of our guns and we don't have much in terms of prospects.
You don't. We do not have the trade pieces that teams will want for good pitching without giving up a piece of our lineup puzzle.

[Smacktle]

If the Astros were losing Bournout, Wigout & Towlesout would be burning at the stake. But they aren't losing so hopefully these guys can turn it around.

The pitching has been beyond extraordinary so far. That being said, we still need one more starter. Does Drayton spend the money? Will wade make another deal? Who in the minors will come up and have a Charlie Kerfeld/ Mike Scott kind of year???

I've got my fingers crossed that some guy (pitcher) down in the minors comes up and plays beyond all expectations near the middle of the year!

Lance Berkman should be an all star this year.

GO ASTROS!

[NIKEstrad]

Lance Berkman should be an all star this year.



All Star?

-1st in the majors in runs scored
-1st in the majors in doubles
-1st in the majors in slugging
-1st in the majors in OPS
-2nd in the majors in OBP
-2nd in the majors in home runs
-2nd in the majors in RBIs (1st in the NL)
-2nd in the majors in batting average
-tied for 11th in the NL in stolen bases

The guy is the early favorite for MVP.

[H-townhero]

All Star?

-1st in the majors in runs scored
-1st in the majors in doubles
-1st in the majors in slugging
-1st in the majors in OPS
-2nd in the majors in OBP
-2nd in the majors in home runs
-2nd in the majors in RBIs (1st in the NL)
-2nd in the majors in batting average
-tied for 11th in the NL in stolen bases

The guy is the early favorite for MVP.

Good luck, he gets no BSPN attention. I saw baseball tonight and they didn't even mention Berkman in the top 2 hitters and he's obviously 2nd behind Chipper Jones at this point in time. They picked Chase Utley over Berkman behind Jones. :rolleyes:

[DaDakota]

Imagine if Bourn turns into a .270+ hitter. With him and KazMat at the top of the order, opposing pitchers will be really put to the test on a nightly basis. Even guys like Peavy and Webb will have to be at the top of their game to keep us down.

Plus, Towles/Wigginton at the bottom of the order will eventually prove to be an upgrade over Everett/Ausmus no matter what things look like right now.

The bottom line is that this is no doubt a massively improved offense compared to recent years and has the potential to be as good as any in the majors.

Imagine if we kept Willie and Albers and...well.....you get the drift.

DD

[Hmm]

Good luck, he gets no BSPN attention. I saw baseball tonight and they didn't even mention Berkman in the top 2 hitters and he's obviously 2nd behind Chipper Jones at this point in time. They picked Chase Utley over Berkman behind Jones. :rolleyes:


wtf...? :confused:

[Refman]

Good luck, he gets no BSPN attention. I saw baseball tonight and they didn't even mention Berkman in the top 2 hitters and he's obviously 2nd behind Chipper Jones at this point in time. They picked Chase Utley over Berkman behind Jones. :rolleyes:
Good thing that ESPN doesn't select the MVP. IIRC, the baseball writers of america choose the MVP.

[T Rex]

Who cares about the national media? This team is clicking in all areas right now and is a ton of fun to watch. We probably have as many late come-from-behind wins this season than we did all of last year. And did you see all the guys on the top step in the dugout in the 8th and 9th innings? LOVE the intensity and the chemistry of this team. And considering this is our 1st sweep since 92 of the Dodgers (where we usually play like crap) you know our guys have got to be sky high now.

[Uprising]

Great come from behind win.

Amazing that there was a no hitter going on against us so late in the game, yet we score so many runs. lol.

Love the stros.

[BrooksBall]

Good luck, he gets no BSPN attention. I saw baseball tonight and they didn't even mention Berkman in the top 2 hitters and he's obviously 2nd behind Chipper Jones at this point in time. They picked Chase Utley over Berkman behind Jones. :rolleyes:

I saw that, too. It was only two guys giving their opinions. They aren't trying to overlook Berkman or hate on the Astros.

Picking Chipper Jones made perfect sense. I believe the other guy picked Utley because of the fact that Rollins has been out and Howard has been struggling.

ESPN is well aware of what Berkman is doing and they will give him his due props. I wouldn't put too much stock in those 30 seconds of commentary.

[H-townhero]

Good thing that ESPN doesn't select the MVP. IIRC, the baseball writers of america choose the MVP.

IIRC most writers are idiots and don't watch the majority of games. They just rehash ESPN highlights most of the time.

[H-townhero]

I saw that, too. It was only two guys giving their opinions. They aren't trying to overlook Berkman or hate on the Astros.

Picking Chipper Jones made perfect sense. I believe the other guy picked Utley because of the fact that Rollins has been out and Howard has been struggling.

ESPN is well aware of what Berkman is doing and they will give him his due props. I wouldn't put too much stock in those 30 seconds of commentary.

I don't recall saying they ever 'hated' on Berkman or the Astros, I just thought that he wasn't getting his probs when he's on a HISTORIC (as in a period of hitting not seen in 20+ years???) tear. He deserves at least an honorable mention!

[Shroopy2]

Valverde hasnt allowed a single run earned or unearned his last 10 outings. No walks in his last 7 http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/7151

[bobrek]

Imagine if we kept Willie and Albers and...well.....you get the drift.

DD

Imagine if Bagwell had learned to throw left-handed. :)

[cardpire]

I saw that, too. It was only two guys giving their opinions. They aren't trying to overlook Berkman or hate on the Astros.

Picking Chipper Jones made perfect sense. I believe the other guy picked Utley because of the fact that Rollins has been out and Howard has been struggling.

ESPN is well aware of what Berkman is doing and they will give him his due props. I wouldn't put too much stock in those 30 seconds of commentary.


kruk said last night, "how about those 2nd basemen utley and uggla? running 1 and 2 in the NL home run race!"

berkman - 12
uggla - 11

[The Cat]

Imagine if we kept Willie and Albers and...well.....you get the drift.

DD

Yeah, if only the Astros had kept Willy Taveras and his .244 average, .303 slugging percentage and .621 OPS! That's all this team needs! :rolleyes:

Albers is a long reliever on one of the worst teams in the league. That should tell you all you need to know.

[bobrek]

Yeah, if only the Astros had kept Willy Taveras and his .244 average, .303 slugging percentage and .621 OPS! That's all this team needs! :rolleyes:

Albers is a long reliever on one of the worst teams in the league. That should tell you all you need to know.

Albers was also part of the Tejada trade.

I am surprised that the Rockies haven't traded Taveras yet considering they could move Spilborghs into the starting CF slot and have Podsenik as backup.

[DoitDickau]

Albers was also part of the Tejada trade.

I am surprised that the Rockies haven't traded Taveras yet considering they could move Spilborghs into the starting CF slot and have Podsenik as backup.

Willy is one of the better centerfielders in (top 15) baseball right now. Take the small sample size this year with a grain of salt. He has improved offensively every single year, first annually dropping his strike rate and now improving his walk rate. Whereas his rookie year he had a over 1/4 K/BB rate, now he has a ~1/1.8 K/BB rate (walking in over 8% of his PA). Defensively he has improved from raw cfer we remember his rookie year to become a near-elite fielder. That's is especially important in the huge colorado outfield. He's better than spilborghs.

[MadMax]

kruk said last night, "how about those 2nd basemen utley and uggla? running 1 and 2 in the NL home run race!"

berkman - 12
uggla - 11

The Baseball Tonight crew hates the Astros. People who aren't Astros fans know that. There is zero respect for the Houston Astros amongst the guys on that show. It's been that way for the past 3 years without a doubt.

[rrj_gamz]

^Agreed...I hate his fat azz...

What a f'n catch by bourn...

[david12sfa]

Did anyone else notice as soon as Mathew McConaughey left the game the stros made their comeback. Thought that was funny. Astros fans should never leave the game only down 2 runs in the 6th. :D

[MadMax]

Did anyone else notice as soon as Mathew McConaughey left the game the stros made their comeback. Thought that was funny. Astros fans should never leave the game only down 2 runs in the 6th. :D

did he have a 'stros hat on or anything like that??

[david12sfa]

did he have a 'stros hat on or anything like that??

Nope just remember durning the world series how much run he was giving the stros. He was in the 3rd row behind home plate.

[MadMax]

Nope just remember durning the world series how much run he was giving the stros. He was in the 3rd row behind home plate.

That's right...I forgot that.

[msn]

Well, dude is Houstonian, after all.

[MadMax]

Well, dude is Houstonian, after all.

No, he's from Longview originally...and lives in Austin. I don't think he's ever lived here. My brother-in-law was very close friends with his older brother growing up in Longview.

[msn]

No, he's from Longview originally...and lives in Austin. I don't think he's ever lived here. My brother-in-law was very close friends with his older brother growing up in Longview.
Ha! Why did I think he was Houstonian? Oh, well, he ain't from Dallas, so he's all right with me.

[MadMax]

Ha! Why did I think he was Houstonian? Oh, well, he ain't from Dallas, so he's all right with me.

I love that logic!! :)