[Official] Astros @ Giants

[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).

5-12 Roy Oswalt, RHP (3-3, 5.33) vs. Barry Zito, LHP (0-7, 6.95) 9:15 on FSN

5-13 Brandon Backe, RHP (2-4, 4.64) vs. Matt Cain, RHP (1-3, 4.50) 9:15 on FSN

5-14 Brian Moehler, RHP (1-0, 4.26) vs. Pat Misch, LHP (0-0, 5.63) 9:15 on FSN

5-15 Chris Sampson, RHP (2-3, 6.27) vs. Tim Lincecum, RHP (5-1, 1.61) 2:45 on FSN

[H-Town Info]

WWWL BABY

[DaDakota]

No prediction but I am loving this team.

DD

[TMac640]

Let's just keep on winning. WWWWWWWWWWWWWW :)

[kaleidosky]

WWWL.. though the 2nd game does scare me a bit and I'm hoping Backe has a solid start to match Cain if Cain is on..

[shawn786]

Im looking fowered to see how Moehler does 2nd go around. I hope he can keep it going!

WWWW

Sweeeeeep :cool:

[marks0223]

The Astros have not done well against SF this whole decade. Hopefully things will change this year.

3W's - 1L

[Miguel]

Last time Brandon was in SF... :(

[rrj_gamz]

WWWW...Oh yeah...I think we're clicking and there's no reason to stop now...

[msn]

Here's hoping Backe keeps his head on straight this series. Those two incidents with StL were just bizarre.

[dsnow23]

I'm going to the game tonight. Can't wait to see Fat Elvis and the boys light up Zito tonight.

Prediction for tonight's game. Oswalt throws a NONO and the Astros win 34-0.

[VesceySux]

I'm in the San Fran area this week, so, schedule pending, I might head out to a game tonight or tomorrow night. *crosses fingers*

[Uprising]

WOW. Zito has been terrible.

[dsnow23]

WOW. Zito has been terrible.

The sports talk radio people in the bay area won't stop talking about how terrible he has been. His terribleness is dominating sports talk radio here.

Give us one more terrible game Zito!

[RSSoldier]

I don't think it matters if Zito is terrible or not. If the Astros can put up numbers on Jake Peavy, they can put them up on anyone (except perhaps the current incarnation of Cliff Lee).

The only game in this series I'm worried about is Lincecum. We should win the other three, but Timmy has a sparkling-low ERA and is absolutely dominant right now. But hey, I'll take 3 wins out of 4 any day.

[Hmm]

wait.. is that line-up announcement correct...? hunter and loretta leading off..?

what happened to matsui..?

[cmpatel]

did anyone hear that guy yell asking tejada how old he is today?

[arif1127]

wait.. is that line-up announcement correct...? hunter and loretta leading off..?

what happened to matsui..?

how about a day off.

[BrooksBall]

Other than the first batter, Oswalt looks dialed in.

[Hmm]

how about a day off.

doesn't explain Hunter leading off over Loretta...

[H-Town Info]

BIG PUMA!

[H-Town Info]

and can we get rid of Cruz

[arif1127]

doesn't explain Hunter leading off over Loretta...

Loretta is your typical #2 hitter, good bat control, can move runners over, and he does the little things. Hunter has some speed on him, definitely not a good #2 hitter due to his impatient approach, Loretta is just better suited for the second spot in the order.

[stobbartjohn]

and can we get rid of Cruz

Let's see how he does with his start tonight. He has drawn a few walks this eason and actually has a .250 OBP which is better than Ausmus and Blum at least.

[BrooksBall]

How about a Gold Glove for Berkman, too?

He's doing everything... with an injured groin!

[H-Town Info]

1500th for Brad Ausmus

[BrooksBall]

Wigginton must have thought he was Omar Vizquel for a minute.

I'd rather him use his glove and not get the runner. If he actually managed to bare hand that ball, my guess is he would've thrown it past Berkman anyways.

Meanwhile, Cruz is hurting us in the field and at the plate so far this season.

[BrooksBall]

I can't fathom why Tejada would try to steal with no outs and Berkman at the plate.

Does anybody know if he was sent or if he went on his own?

[H-Town Info]

Other than the first batter, Oswalt looks dialed in.

you spoke too soon

[stobbartjohn]

Roy has now given up a homer in 6 of his 9 outings this year ffs

[stobbartjohn]

And 4 of those outings were multiple homers. Altogether 12 homers now in 9 starts. Terrible

[BrieflySpeaking]

how the f%$ are we getting shut out by Zito, hes been throwing beach balls this year so far... :mad:

[DOMINATOR]

how the f%$ are we getting shut out by Zito, hes been throwing beach balls this year so far... :mad:
astros keep swinging at balls. if they just took pitches zito would have walked 10 guys by now.

[tested911]

WTF did anybody see that fan behind home plate to the right? He has a full head/face mask (red) like a pro wrestler from mexico or something lol.. Funny as hell caught me off guard.

[thech0senone]

PUMA!!!

[stobbartjohn]

LANCE AGAIN!!!!! WOW

[raw10628]

Puma!!!! What a beast this year!!!

[tested911]

PUMA!!!

GROWL!!!!! Damn I can't believe his hitting is this hot..

[cardpire]

jesus f'ing christ. not sure i've ever seen one smoked like that.

[dockerland]

How good is he.....

[tested911]

jesus f'ing christ. not sure i've ever seen one smoked like that.

Same here and he did right handed!! :eek:

[thech0senone]

teams are going to have to start pitching around him to get to Lee.

[leroy420]

I almost feel bad for NL pitchers right now. There ain't a damn thing they can do to stop Lance Berkman.

[WhoMikeJames]

Lance Berkman for NL MVP... There I said it.

[stobbartjohn]

MVP! MVP! MVP!

[Smacktle]

WTF did anybody see that fan behind home plate to the right? He has a full head/face mask (red) like a pro wrestler from mexico or something lol.. Funny as hell caught me off guard.

I was thinking the same thing. What is the guy hiding from?

[H-Town Info]

OMFG! Cruz got a hit!

[Kerfeld]

and just like that we have a lead. i hope we can add to it and Roy can get a win.

[WhoMikeJames]

I'm loving these coming from behind Astros.

[stobbartjohn]

WMJ, haha, I love your sig. Did that really happen?

[tested911]

Man that one pitch that Roy throws is sick.. Starts top then drops down and curves to the bottom right.. Makes the batters look silly.. What is that pitch?

[BrooksBall]

Roy has pitched a solid game. He looks good out there.

The HR he gave up wasn't that bad of a pitch.

Hope he gets the win.

[stobbartjohn]

MVP! MVP! MVP!

[dockerland]

In a strong position here, need to make it count

[BrooksBall]

Berkman = Ridiculous

[thegame_2234]

CHEITO made a single gooooodddddd

[dockerland]

What a time to make an error like that

[BrooksBall]

What a time to make an error like that

He fooled his 1st basemen, the camera man, the Astros announcers... basically everybody in attendance.

[BrooksBall]

you spoke too soon

Did I?

Meanwhile, Cooper is looking like a genius starting Cruz then getting Bourn in just in time to catch that deep fly to center.

I know Oswalt has thrown 110 pitches but he looks like he is just getting warmed up.

I say let him pitch the 9th.

[moligity]

Roy was pretty dirty there. He's back MFer's.

[H-Town Info]

i'll like to retract my roy o's comment

[Air Langhi]

Should have let roy finish it.

[stobbartjohn]

Another win! Lance the hero yet again

[BMoney]

The Astros are a fun team to watch these days. It's nice to have another Ted Freaking Williams hitting for us, too.

[T Rex]

Interesting stuff on Berkman via Yahoo Sports. Any way you put it, the guy's playing in another league right now.


Berkman tearing it up
By Stephen Oh and Zach Rosenfield, AccuScore analysts, AccuScore.com

After an above-average start to the season, Lance Berkman has put together one of the most productive nine-game stretches in the history of the game. Since May 1st, the Houston Astros first baseman has been flat out ridiculous batting .629, with an OBP of .682 with the team winning eight of nine games.

AccuScore wanted to see just how rare this type of streak is and ran two simulations to see the odds of having 22 hits in 35 at-bats (as Berkman has done). The first simulation has a .297 hitter (Berkman’s average April 30) and the second simulation has a .382 hitter (Berkman’s average entering Monday).

SIMULATION 22 HITS IN 35 ABs
Berkman batting .297 5 in 100,000
Berkman batting .382 285 in 100,000

The simulations show just how amazing this streak is, with him duplicating the effort in under 1 percent of simulations.

IMPACT ON HOUSTON WIN TOTAL

Berkman’s impact can be felt beyond the Fantasy Baseball box scores and has had a direct impact on the Astros winning eight of their past nine. Berkman was playing well in April accounting for 1.89 runs per game (runs + RBI). However, since the start of May, he has accounted for an astounding 2.78 runs per game.

MONTH R / GM RBIs / GM TOTAL
April 0.96 0.93 1.89
May 1.56 1.22 2.78

In AccuScore simulations, the “extra” 0.9 runs per game translates to a roughly +12 percentage point improvement in simulation winning percentage per game. If you extrapolate that over nine games you have an additional 1.1 wins. In Houston’s eight wins during the streak the Astros have been blowing teams out with just two wins coming by one run. In these two wins, Berkman accounted for seven of the team’s 10 total runs either scoring them himself (R) or driving a run in (RBI).

The combination of Berkman’s per game boost and the fact that he clearly accounted for two of Houston’s close wins indicates that his hot streak has helped Houston win at least three more games than it normally would have.

[Hmm]

so... what is it about Valverde that impresses you guys...? sure.. he's picked up a few saves... he's lowered his ERA.. and gotten a few K's... perhaps I'm less aware than most of you.. on what makes a pitcher a good pitcher.. or perhaps i've just been spoiled.. but.. I'm not seeing anything special in any of his pitches.. and his fastball.. which he flows out there with such intense and slow theatrics.. gets clocked, more frequently, between 88-92mph.. and seems to be flat..

[Harrisment]

Another good win. Lance is playing out of his freaking mind right now and it's a blast to watch.

[bobrek]

i'll like to retract my roy o's comment

And for tonight, you can retract your Cruz comment as well. :)

[T Rex]

Hope Lance stays hot going into the game on Thursday. It would be very special to see the hottest hitter in the league go against arguably the league's hottest pitcher, Tim Lincecum: 5-1 with 1.61 ERA. WOW!!

[ryan17wagner]

Lance Berkman for NL MVP... There I said it.


TRIPLE CROWN, BABY!

[BrooksBall]

Hope Lance stays hot going into the game on Thursday. It would be very special to see the hottest hitter in the league go against arguably the league's hottest pitcher, Tim Lincecum: 5-1 with 1.61 ERA. WOW!!

It isn't arguable who the hottest pitcher in the league is and his name is not Tim Lincecum. It isn't Brandon Webb, either.

His name is Cliff Lee and it isn't even close.

He got Chaconed tonight after another 9 shutout innings but the dude is 6-0 with a 0.67 ERA. He has 44 Ks and only 4 BBs.

He is 4-0 on the road with a 0.00 ERA.

Amazingly, Lee was sent to the minors at one point last season.

[H-townhero]

MMP better be packed when they come home for games, I hate seeing that place half empty. They're playing their asses off right now.

[bronxfan]

It isn't arguable who the hottest pitcher in the league is and his name is not Tim Lincecum. It isn't Brandon Webb, either..



Uh... Cliff Lee is in the american league not national league... :p

[ryan17wagner]

MMP better be packed when they come home for games, I hate seeing that place half empty. They're playing their asses off right now.

Monday night will be an ESPN game. And it's the Cubs. So those tranplants will be there too. I hate Cub fans.

[T Rex]

The numbers Lance are putting up are freakish even for video-game standards:

.420 with Runners On Base
.354 with 2 Strikes in the Count
.468 since batting in the Cleanup spot (good call Coop)

.470 as a Right-Handed Batter
.367 as a Left-Handed Batter

and finally

.641(!) in the month of May

[BigM]

I'm not seeing anything special in any of his pitches.. and his fastball.. which he flows out there with such intense and slow theatrics.. gets clocked, more frequently, between 88-92mph.. and seems to be flat..


really? i remember saying that the first couple games he pitched but it was pointed out the gun was probably slow. since that time i'd say his fastball averages around 94 mph at least from what i see...

[BrooksBall]

Uh... Cliff Lee is in the american league not national league... :p

He didn't specify a league. MLB can be referred to as the league.

Either way, it will be interesting to see what Lance does against Lincecum.

[Uprising]

Love see this team play. So much fun.

[Major]

It isn't arguable who the hottest pitcher in the league is and his name is not Tim Lincecum. It isn't Brandon Webb, either.

His name is Cliff Lee and it isn't even close.

He got Chaconed tonight after another 9 shutout innings but the dude is 6-0 with a 0.67 ERA. He has 44 Ks and only 4 BBs.

He is 4-0 on the road with a 0.00 ERA.

Amazingly, Lee was sent to the minors at one point last season.

Don't forget rookie Edison Volquez, who's right behind him for Cincinnati:

5-1, 1.06 ERA, 52Ks in 42 innings. He has yet to give up more than 1 run in a game.

The amazing thing about Lee is that he's given up 4 runs this season - and 3 were in one inning. In the other 50+ innings he's pitched, he's given up 1 run.

[DaDakota]

I am ecstatic over the way the team is playing, but I am worried about all the homeruns that Roy is giving up.

He just doesn't look the same to me.

DD

[bobrek]

I am ecstatic over the way the team is playing, but I am worried about all the homeruns that Roy is giving up.

He just doesn't look the same to me.

DD

He looked pretty good throwing 95 MPH in the 7th and 8th innings last night.

[verse]

roy's looked better lately because his control has tightened up. last night's high/wide strike zone helped, too. that said, the main diff I've noticed in roy this year has been his inability at times to change speeds. the SLOW curve seems to be much less of a weapon for him.

[RocketManJosh]

man its fun watching the Stros right now ... keep it up!

[leroy420]

I went to bed after Berkman's hr last night. I knew they were going to win once the game was tied. It's been a few years since I got that feeling from them.

I like that feeling.

(Besides, after the Rockets/Utah series and all of these Astros west coast games lately, I'm not getting much sleep. Once they get Colorado out of the way, it will be normal game times for the rest of the season).

[weslinder]

Is it too early to start tracking Lance Berkman in the Triple Crown Categories?

Lance is now 2nd in Batting Average at .393, Chipper Jones leads at .406.
Lance is tied with Chase Utley for 1st in Home Runs with 13.
Lance is first in RBI with 38, Xavier Nady is 2nd with 34.

The 1/4 point in the season is tonight.

[yobod]

It isn't arguable who the hottest pitcher in the league is and his name is not Tim Lincecum. It isn't Brandon Webb, either.

His name is Cliff Lee and it isn't even close.

He got Chaconed tonight after another 9 shutout innings but the dude is 6-0 with a 0.67 ERA. He has 44 Ks and only 4 BBs.

He is 4-0 on the road with a 0.00 ERA.

Amazingly, Lee was sent to the minors at one point last season.

That's what's insane, is that Lee has absolutely come out of nowhere. I mean, last year, he was all but left for dead when he was having his command issues. Now, all of a sudden, he's putting up numbers that Cy Young himself couldn't even touch. 0.00 ERA ON THE ROAD THIS DEEP INTO A SEASON! That's freaking UNHEARD of.....absolutely insane.

This year has been a year full of surprises already, what with Berkman and Lee putting on their shows, the Marlins and Rays playing outstanding baseball, Asdrubal Cabrera's unassisted triple play last night......is ths MLB on its way to a season for the ages much like the NBA did this year? I hope so.

[NIKEstrad]

I am ecstatic over the way the team is playing, but I am worried about all the homeruns that Roy is giving up.

He just doesn't look the same to me.

DD

It is very unprofessional of him.



;)

[rrj_gamz]

Nice win to continue the streak...The Big Puma is en fuego...

[stobbartjohn]

That was absolutely shambolic defence

[ruddy]

Not good for Bourn, that shouldn't happen to a professional Baseball player..

[H-townhero]

man the Giants owning Backe. :(

[stobbartjohn]

With every single outing, Backe slowly but surely gets WORSE and WORSE.

[stobbartjohn]

WTF WAS THAT BACKE YOU TOOL

[Surfguy]

Bourn completely spaced out on that play. I hope he learns from it. I'm not sure what he was doing. It's not a drill.

No worries. The Giants are going down.

[stobbartjohn]

Bourn is a joke. Our pitcher fouls off multiple pitches to earn a 2 out walk and then our so called lead off man fouls out within 4 pitches. He really is pathetic right now

[JunkyardDwg]

Bourn is a joke. Our pitcher fouls off multiple pitches to earn a 2 out walk and then our so called lead off man fouls out within 4 pitches. He really is pathetic right now


Well with the Astros so hot right now, they can afford to give him a little slack. Which hopefully they continue to do.


Lol at the music they kept playing for Tejada's at bat.

[l3uddhab0y]

Is anybody else having audio problems watching this game on fsn? I can hear crowd noises but no announcers.

[LFE171]

Lol at the music they kept playing for Tejada's at bat.

Well, he's got a hit in every game of the last 6, so I guess its working. pretty hilarious though.

[ruddy]

Well with the Astros so hot right now, they can afford to give him a little slack. Which hopefully they continue to do.


Lol at the music they kept playing for Tejada's at bat.


They aren't at home, they are playing it in Sf? :confused: Weird..

[Oski2005]

I love when they play the music for Tejada, it usually leads to good things happening.

[stobbartjohn]

They aren't at home, they are playing it in Sf? :confused: Weird..

Well if you're still watching on FSN Houston, you'll still get the music as it's just played over the broadcast by the TV station. I'm watching with San Fran announcers and I didn't get the music lol.

Hey, did you guys get the full coverage of the couple eating a hot dog? We even got running commentary on mlb.tv

[ruddy]

Well if you're still watching on FSN Houston, you'll still get the music as it's just played over the broadcast by the TV station. I'm watching with San Fran announcers and I didn't get the music lol.

Hey, did you guys get the full coverage of the couple eating a hot dog? We even got running commentary on mlb.tv

Stobbartjohn,

aren't you at UK right now? it's a little late over there, so thats really some good cool loving for the Astros from you, so keep it up good boy.. :cool: Go Astros! :D :p

[stobbartjohn]

Stobbartjohn,

aren't you at UK right now? it's a little late over there, so thats really some good cool loving for the Astros from you, so keep it up good boy.. :cool: Go Astros! :D :p

Indeed! 4.18am here lol. Go Astros!

[dockerland]

The commentary on the hot dog eating made me laugh

[stobbartjohn]

Why on earth do opposing pitchers turn into A-Rod against us? Or does our pitching just suck that badly?

[cmpatel]

comon lets get another late inning comeback!!!!! lets go bullpen and hitters!!!!

[cmpatel]

quick inning!!! lets go bats!!!!

[stobbartjohn]

It's not happening tonight I'm afraid

[stobbartjohn]

YES! I JINXED IT! CARLOOOOOOS

[stobbartjohn]

LET'S GO JR, A CLUTCH HR PLEASE

[cmpatel]

jr is really disappointing right now....and we have 9,bourn.matsui up in 9th...its not lookin good for the stros.....

[stobbartjohn]

jr is really disappointing right now....and we have 9,bourn.matsui up in 9th...its not lookin good for the stros.....

Well it looks like Jose Cruz is pinch hitting, he was 2-3 with a walk last night if I remember right. He might be hitting some form. If he or Bourn could get on base, it means Tejada is likely to get to the plate and then we're in business

[cmpatel]

o no!!! collision in right field!!! ahhhhh

[stobbartjohn]

If either are injured, I blame it on Villareal. He comes into the game and, invariably, bad things happen

[cmpatel]

glad kaz and pence are okay...hopefully they wont be feeling more pain tomorrow....

[cmpatel]

If either are injured, I blame it on Villareal. He comes into the game and, invariably, bad things happen


haha yea its true....if its not a hr then its something like that

[cmpatel]

villareal is out...sigh of relief.........

[cardpire]

coop went to the garner school of not understanding that games can go extra innings.

[cmpatel]

coop went to the garner school of not understanding that games can go extra innings.

but knowing villareal...he would have given up a 2 run hr next batter

[cmpatel]

9th inning....

[stobbartjohn]

Bourn is a minor league strike out machine ffs. We should pinch hit for him in these situations

[cmpatel]

game over....i knew the comebacks had to stop at some time....heres to a win tomorrow!!!!

[cardpire]

Bourn is a minor league strike out machine ffs. We should pinch hit for him in these situations

problem is, our bench is just as bad, if not worse.

he should just try and bunt for a hit every time he comes to the plate. and i wish i was kidding.

this great run has masked the problems that are him and towles. 4-2 losses bring their ineptitude to the forefront. i can't complain too much about towles, because the alternative is even worse, but having our worst hitter bat leadoff ain't right. sign lofton or move him down or something.

also, it appears that because of this run, coop has gotten a "can do no wrong" feeling, and he's making cutesy moves like moving pence down to 7 and below blum for no smart reason, using 3 pitchers there in the 8th, etc. don't get too silly, coop. don't overmanage, let's keep it simple.

we'll get back on track tomorrow. losses after a big hot streak always sting a bit more.

[MadMax]

coop went to the garner school of not understanding that games can go extra innings.

that's my biggest complaint about coop so far. i like him...but he leaves nothing in reserve at all.

[shawn786]

I wouldn't mind Bourn putting balls in play & running them out for a single even if he gets out but strike outs that often are un-acceptable!

[Silfam]

that's my biggest complaint about coop so far. i like him...but he leaves nothing in reserve at all.

Up this point it's been of zero consequence thankfully...we've played maybe one extra inning game all season? He's still learning the ropes in terms of managing, I assume through trial and error he'll figure out how to best handle the team moving forward...let's just hope it's a quick learning curve. His managing hasn't lost us more than a game so far (Borkowski at Arizona), and I'd say he's probably won us two or three due to timely/lucky insertions in the lineup-card (Cruz the other night...Erstad earlier in the year).

[RSSoldier]

I wouldn't mind Bourn putting balls in play & running them out for a single even if he gets out but strike outs that often are un-acceptable!

If the rest of our lineup wasn't so dang awesome, I'm pretty sure that Bourn would already be either hitting 7th or riding the bench. Because the rest of the lineup makes up for his bat, they're going to keep him in, even if he's struggling, in the hopes that he'll turn it around.

But I agree -- the man strikes out waaay too much.

[cmpatel]

If the rest of our lineup wasn't so dang awesome, I'm pretty sure that Bourn would already be either hitting 7th or riding the bench. Because the rest of the lineup makes up for his bat, they're going to keep him in, even if he's struggling, in the hopes that he'll turn it around.

But I agree -- the man strikes out waaay too much.


he does strike out too much...but with his speed and defense coop prob wont bench him for awhile.....

[stobbartjohn]

Lance CRUSHED that one!

[thech0senone]

that was a blast!!!

[ryan17wagner]

That was the bacon on that B.L.T. sandwhich!

[cmpatel]

comon ausmus u gotta catch that ball!!!

[stobbartjohn]

C'mon Ausmus, what was that? If you can't make them defensive plays anymore you're useless to us

[dockerland]

How the hell did Ausmus miss that

[cardpire]

that's awful.

[cmpatel]

bases loaded in cubs game...top 9 padres are down by 4 1 out....if anyone wanted to know.....

[BrooksBall]

C'mon Ausmus, what was that? If you can't make them defensive plays anymore you're useless to us

That's why you don't make Moehler a regular starter.

I wanted to say something when you made the comment the other day about him replacing Sampson but I didn't want to spoil the good vibe.

All you need to do is look at his career stats. At this point, he isn't magically going to become a good pitcher and certainly not a starting-caliber pitcher.

[cmpatel]

nice play matsui...i feel another offensive big inning coming up here....

[cmpatel]

darn...the cubs won......and cards look like they will too....

[cmpatel]

wut??? did any1 see that last pitch on matsui?!?!? how was that a strike??

[stobbartjohn]

wut??? did any1 see that last pitch on matsui?!?!? how was that a strike??

I thought that myself. It was practically in the dirt and wasn't even over home plate

[stobbartjohn]

That's why you don't make Moehler a regular starter.

I wanted to say something when you made the comment the other day about him replacing Sampson but I didn't want to spoil the good vibe.

All you need to do is look at his career stats. At this point, he isn't magically going to become a good pitcher and certainly not a starting-caliber pitcher.

LOL it was an impulse comment in reaction to Moehler pitching well. Every fan is entitled to a few stupid comments in them instances! :D

Seriously though, it was more of a comment about how poor Sampson had been than a reflection on Moehler but then Sampson pitched well the next night, so I'm happy for now

[DaDakota]

Ausmus is fricken worthless, they should let him hit with an aluminum bat, maybe he would swing that instead of just watching all those strikes.

DD

[cardpire]

this franchise really, really needs to cut ties with ausmus already. it's hard to believe he's still playing. and really hard to watch.

[arkoe]

Ausmus is fricken worthless, they should let him hit with an aluminum bat, maybe he would swing that instead of just watching all those strikes.

DD

.157.

[stobbartjohn]

We really need to hope this doesn't go to extra innings. At this rate, we'll have used our entire bullpen!

[BrooksBall]

Matsui must feel good to get out of that inning.

Geary has been rock solid so far this season.

[cardpire]

Matsui must feel good to get out of that inning.

Geary has been rock solid so far this season.

i really think the ump was shielding his vision like JD said.

[cmpatel]

WOW AUSMUS!!!!

[stobbartjohn]

Ausmus LOL!!!!

[dockerland]

Ausmus you beauty......

[cardpire]

no way that just happened. :D

reading my posts, bradley?

alright, i'll eat crow....i guess. extend him drayton! ;)

[desihooper]

wow, go Officer Brad!

[cmpatel]

hahah the whole team ignored ausmus in the dugout when he came back from the hr then every1 congratulated him its good to see these guys having fun too

[BMoney]

As I was leaving work, I just saw Ausmus strike out and I muttered "Ausmus sucks" to myself and got in the car. I just got home, fired up MLB.com and Ausmus promptly jerked one out. More proof that fans don't know jack! :)

[H-townhero]

Ausmus is fricken worthless, they should let him hit with an aluminum bat, maybe he would swing that instead of just watching all those strikes.

DD

Ready to eat crow?

[DaDakota]

Ready to eat crow?

LOL - It never fails.....I have some hidden magic when it comes to the Astros.

He is corking, has to be...first homer since last August...

:D

DD

[kaleidosky]

didn't see it, so maybe it wasn't a great ruling..

but really, Kaz already has SEVEN errors on the season? After missing so much time early on??

[cardpire]

didn't see it, so maybe it wasn't a great ruling..

but really, Kaz already has SEVEN errors on the season? After missing so much time early on??


that's crazy, but i guess the # doesnt tell the whole story, because i'd say he has looked GREAT defensively. it's one of those deals where he gets to more balls because of his range, so he ends up with errors on balls that a worse fielder wouldn't get to.

this team is showing the ability to bounce back from losses really well. great quality to have.

valverde is a bit over-the-top with his antics, but as long as he's pitching well...

[BMoney]

valverde is a bit over-the-top with his antics, but as long as he's pitching well...

He wasn't over-the-top tonight. He barely gave so much as a nod of the head when Pence caught the third out.

[Kerfeld]

good win by a good team. 5/6 so far on the trip. no complaints from me.

[cardpire]

He wasn't over-the-top tonight. He barely gave so much as a nod of the head when Pence caught the third out.


you must have missed the dikembe finger wag to the crowd and the putting the hush finger on his lips to quiet the cheering after pence brought it in.

[BrooksBall]

that's crazy, but i guess the # doesnt tell the whole story, because i'd say he has looked GREAT defensively. it's one of those deals where he gets to more balls because of his range, so he ends up with errors on balls that a worse fielder wouldn't get to.

I'd love to believe it's just his range but I think he is simply making mistakes.

It may just be because he missed so many games between pre-season and the first part of the regular season.

I don't think it will be an ongoing problem. He should be an average or better 2nd basemen.

[BrooksBall]

I'm psyched to see Pence hitting .287. He's had it going for a while now.

Not psyched to see Bourn hitting .187. Is it time to move him to the bottom of the lineup? Personally, I think it is.

We don't have a true lead off guy but I wouldn't mind seeing the following lineup for a few games:

Pence
Matsui
Tejada
Berkman
Lee
Wigginton/Loretta
Towles/Ausmus
Bourn

[BMoney]

you must have missed the dikembe finger wag to the crowd and the putting the hush finger on his lips to quiet the cheering after pence brought it in.

How outrageous.

[MadMax]

LOL - It never fails.....I have some hidden magic when it comes to the Astros.

He is corking, has to be...first homer since last August...

:D

DD

I have a tinman-esque feeling about brad simply because of that one HR against the Braves in the 18 inning game...down by one...with 2 outs...2 strikes...bottom of the 9th....homefreakingrun. Among the most clutch hits in Astros history.

[rrj_gamz]

How bout' them Astros...Lance's HR, et all...I agree Bourn needs to be pushed down in the line-up...

[plee]

How bout' them Astros...Lance's HR, et all...I agree Bourn needs to be pushed down in the line-up...

I'm still amazed that teams still give Lance something to hit at this point you rather take your chances with C.Lee

[Buck Turgidson]

I have a tinman-esque feeling about brad simply because of that one HR against the Braves in the 18 inning game...down by one...with 2 outs...2 strikes...bottom of the 9th....homefreakingrun. Among the most clutch hits in Astros history.
His only deficiency defensively, and it's been a career-long thing, is that he absolutely positively always avoids contact at the plate. Will not block it, sets up in front & goes for the ol' o-lay swipe tag. Often, and it was the case last night, and not for the first time this season, his timing's just a bit off & he starts the swipe before he's caught the ball.

But yeah, that homerun is right up there with the greatest moments in Stros history. And if Jim F'in Edmonds hadn't caught that ball....Damn.

[MadMax]

And if Jim F'in Edmonds hadn't caught that ball....Damn.

I've made it a policy to try to forget that moment. My older son reminds me from time to time and I vomit just a little. Awful Awful Awful.

When news broke the Cubs were signing Edmonds this morning on ESPNNews, my son looked at me and said, "dad, remember when he made that catch off Ausmus??" ruined my morning.

[leroy420]

I've made it a policy to try to forget that moment. My older son reminds me from time to time and I vomit just a little. Awful Awful Awful.

When news broke the Cubs were signing Edmonds this morning on ESPNNews, my son looked at me and said, "dad, remember when he made that catch off Ausmus??" ruined my morning.

I am not an advocate of spanking your children, but this would have been the time to do it.

[Buck Turgidson]

When news broke the Cubs were signing Edmonds this morning on ESPNNews, my son looked at me and said, "dad, remember when he made that catch off Ausmus??" ruined my morning.
Wasn't sure it was possible for me to dislike the cubs any more than I did, but this is like a perfect storm of c----uckery. If only they still had Barrett, or could get Pierzkljslkski....

[MadMax]

I am not an advocate of spanking your children, but this would have been the time to do it.

i told him we shouldn't talk about that tragic event while getting ready for the rest of our day.

[MadMax]

Wasn't sure it was possible for me to dislike the cubs any more than I did, but this is like a perfect storm of c----uckery. If only they still had Barrett, or could get Pierzkljslkski....

yeah, adding barrett back to this mix would be too much for me to handle. or AJ. i think you're right...i think AJ would be worse for me. AJ in a Cubs uniform would be beyond comprehension.

[H-Town Info]

speaking of Jim Edmonds, He's coming back to town this monday since he has signed with the cubs.

[htownballa23]

is there any way to catch the game online? Only way I know is through MLB TV, but I dont have that :(

[garthomps]

is there any way to catch the game online? Only way I know is through MLB TV, but I dont have that :(

This should work:

tvants://list.tvants.com/tvants/?k=81974097db1ac31f84652cd80f1b95e3

Found it here:

http://www.myp2pforum.eu/mlb-baseball/21196-mlb-today-may-15th.html

[stobbartjohn]

FFS Loretta, that was a double play ball

[RocketManJosh]

Against Lincecum, this was not the way to start the day.

[GlassHalfFull]

Anybody else think Lincecum looks like he belongs in HS?

http://llnw.image.cbslocal.com/23/2008/03/24/320x240/lincecum.jpg

[Refman]

I've made it a policy to try to forget that moment. My older son reminds me from time to time and I vomit just a little. Awful Awful Awful.

When news broke the Cubs were signing Edmonds this morning on ESPNNews, my son looked at me and said, "dad, remember when he made that catch off Ausmus??" ruined my morning.
I would have had to have driven him right past an orphanage and explained that if he wanted to remain part of the family that he is never to discuss that play again. ;) :D :eek:

[DaDakota]

Thanks a lot Loretta way to give them a 2 - 0 lead.

DD

[msn]

Anybody else think Lincecum looks like he belongs in HS?
Careful, that kid will want to meet him after school in the parking lot, too.

[DaDakota]

Ugh already 6 -0 game over.

DD

[H-Town Info]

bring in Borokowski

[leroy420]

Ugh already 6 -0 game over.

DD

Have you been watching over the past few weeks?

[DaDakota]

Have you been watching over the past few weeks?

Yes no doubt, but Tejada has the day off, and the Giants are killing our pitching.

This game is over.

DD

[stobbartjohn]

Here we go go!

[MadMax]

Yes no doubt, but Tejada has the day off, and the Giants are killing our pitching.

This game is over.

DD

like clockwork :)

keep up the good work, da da

[leroy420]

like clockwork :)

keep up the good work, da da

I should have known.

[ryan17wagner]

Careful, that kid will want to meet him after school in the parking lot, too.


Looks like Clutch gave that punk the boot. I'd be surprised if he ever showed his face here again.

[stobbartjohn]

Looks like Clutch gave that punk the boot. I'd be surprised if he ever showed his face here again.

I don't understand?

[stobbartjohn]

Man, our defense is a joke tonight

[DaDakota]

Today's scoreline so far.

Loretta 3 runs for San Francisco
SF - 4 of their own
Houston 3 of their own.

Mark Loretta's defense has cost us 3 runs today and a real shot at a win, there is NO way we come back from a 6 run deficit and win this game. Not gonna happen.

DD

[DaDakota]

like clockwork :)

keep up the good work, da da

Hey, I have to use my power for the greater good !

:D

DD

[cardpire]

Man, our defense is a joke tonight


i trust that this is the last time that loretta starts at SS this season.

tejada must be fuming.

[leroy420]

I just realized that Pence is up to .290. His power isn't quite what we expected, but at least he's out of that funk. A 13 game hitting streak will do that for you. He a quiet part of the reason for the success of late. I'm starting to wonder if it's time to move Bourn down to the 8th spot and Pence to #2.

Kaz
Pence
Tejada
Berkman
Lee
Wiggy
Towels
Bourn

[DaDakota]

I just realized that Pence is up to .290. His power isn't quite what we expected, but at least he's out of that funk. A 13 game hitting streak will do that for you. He a quiet part of the reason for the success of late. I'm starting to wonder if it's time to move Bourn down to the 8th spot and Pence to #2.

Kaz
Pence
Tejada
Berkman
Lee
Wiggy
Towels
Bourn

I would rather Pence lead off.

Pence
Matsui
Tejada
Berkman
Lee
Wiggy
Towels
Bourne

[cardpire]

I would rather Pence lead off.

Pence
Matsui
Tejada
Berkman
Lee
Wiggy
Towels
Bourne

Lofton
Matsui
Tejada
Berkman
Lee
Pence
Wiggy
Quintero

[ryan17wagner]

I don't understand?


Rocketsfaninsa was booted yesterday for one of the most prolific mental breakdowns this board has seen.

[ryan17wagner]

Lofton
Matsui
Tejada
Berkman
Lee
Pence
Wiggy
Quintero

Lofton? Where did that come from. He's not even in the league. He's been blacklisted like Bonds....

[stobbartjohn]

Rocketsfaninsa was booted yesterday for one of the most prolific mental breakdowns this board has seen.

Really? I must have missed that. Were the posts deleted then? Any chance of a quick censored version of a rundown of what he said?

[cardpire]

Lofton? Where did that come from. He's not even in the league. He's been blacklisted like Bonds....


he'll be on the team within a month is my prediction.

[ryan17wagner]

he'll be on the team within a month is my prediction.


You think so, huh? I think Erstad would be that guy if Bourn was benched. Not Lofton since he hasn't seen game day pitching in awhile.

[Smacktle]

I am not an advocate of spanking your children, but this would have been the time to do it.

I'll send my 5 yr old over for a week. He''l change your mind by the 2nd day.

[ryan17wagner]

Really? I must have missed that. Were the posts deleted then? Any chance of a quick censored version of a rundown of what he said?


Just pretend someone is reading a script from a porn movie and that what he was basically saying he was going to do to some members on here and their mom's and sisters.

[cardpire]

You think so, huh? I think Erstad would be that guy if Bourn was benched. Not Lofton since he hasn't seen game day pitching in awhile.


apparently, erstad is incapable of getting starts in the OF, and/or isnt durable enough to be an everyday starter out there.

lofton hit .300 and stole 25 bases last year. really sketchy that he's still unemployed.

[LongTimeFan]

This team...

[Smacktle]

Here they come!!! Thanks DaDakota!!! WAHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!

[cardpire]

HOLY ****

[stobbartjohn]

HOLY CRAP!!!

[Astro101]

Guess I turned in at the right time. WOO!

[ruddy]

By now, this game is over already, there's not way this team can come back from this in the eight, so my dear stobbartjohn you can go to bed early tonight.. :D

[Oski2005]

Great move by Cooper

[cmpatel]

WOW just WOW thats all i can say........

[ryan17wagner]

DON'T MESS WITH TEXAS!!!!!!! ASTROSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

[ruddy]

Oh my HOLY GOSH!!!! MY mlb.tv is delayed, I knew they were going to tied it but it was meanwhile I was writing here LOL.

[stobbartjohn]

By now, this game is over already, there's not way this team can come back from this in the eight, so my dear stobbartjohn you can go to bed early tonight.. :D

Haha, I get an early night anyway. Game should be finished by midnight here today after a few very late nights.

[DOMINATOR]

ba dada da daaa im lovin it

[ryan17wagner]

Yes no doubt, but Tejada has the day off, and the Giants are killing our pitching.

This game is over.

DD

ASTROS!!!!

[Oski2005]

What happened to the radar gun, I want to see how hard this kid is throwing.

[ruddy]

What happened to the radar gun, I want to see how hard this kid is throwing.

90 mph fast ball

[cardpire]

bourn has to bunt him over there. unacceptable.

[RSSoldier]

I'm just going to start tuning into the games after the 6th inning. What's the point of watching before that? The 7th inning is when they really start scoring runs.

This is crazy.

[cardpire]

bourn has to bunt him over there. unacceptable.

and there's the go-ahead run if he did.

[Surfguy]

bad dada. bad. bad. bad. bad.

never give up. never surrender.

edit: bourn sucks unfortunately. what a waste of speed...cause he can never get on base. i hope he is just in a terrible, horrific slump. snap out of it!

[AzCkR]

Well I had been at the gym since 2, so I had no idea what the score was. I thought I'd check the boards first so I could get a build up of what happened. That turned out to be a great idea. Go Stros!!!

[ryan17wagner]

apparently, erstad is incapable of getting starts in the OF, and/or isnt durable enough to be an everyday starter out there.

lofton hit .300 and stole 25 bases last year. really sketchy that he's still unemployed.


I told you...he's blacklisted. Erstard is healthy now. He's playing like he did before he was injured the past two years. He's durable. Not everyone is a Cal Ripken Jr.

[cardpire]

I told you...he's blacklisted. Erstard is healthy now. He's playing like he did before he was injured the past two years. He's durable. Not everyone is a Cal Ripken Jr.


well they seemingly refuse to give him starts in the OF.

[ryan17wagner]

well they seemingly refuse to give him starts in the OF.

This is a new regime. They're staying faithful to Bourn and Towles.

[cardpire]

This is a new regime. They're staying faithful to Bourn and Towles.


i guess i'm talking about the spot starts that they give to cruz

[ryan17wagner]

Cooper patient with young players
Astros skipper gives pep talks to Bourn, Towles


SAN FRANCISCO -- Manager Cecil Cooper seethes and stews after every loss and admits he doesn't stop being mad until the first pitch is thrown the next day, but as much as team losses eat at him, he exudes much more patience when it comes to individual performances. He's not handling his players with kid gloves, but he's going somewhat easy on the youngsters, especially those who are struggling.
Cooper has had more one-on-one talks with Michael Bourn and J.R. Towles than anyone this season. He wants them to know he believes in them and that he's prepared to stick with them even as their offensive struggles have sent their averages south of .200.

"They need it," Cooper said. "They need the encouragement, they need the support. Do you get frustrated? Do you get upset? Do you get mad? Yeah. I do that with everybody. But with young kids, you have to be more patient."

The numbers don't show it, but Cooper feels Bourn and Towles are making progress. He also senses frustration from both players, which makes his frequent verbal votes of confidence even more necessary.

"You get them in your office, you talk to them, tell them to relax," Cooper said. "'You're my center fielder, you're my catcher' kind of deal. 'Go play. Keep working and bring the effort every day.'"

Bourn entered Wednesday's game hitting .193 in May, logging eight hits in 45 at-bats. He's drawn four walks this month and his on-base percentage is .240.

Other than a costly mental mistake he made during Tuesday's game, Bourn's above-average defense has warranted keeping him in the lineup, and he's comforted to know his manager is on his side.

"He knows it's not easy for me right now," Bourn said. "You've got to keep battling every day. It's an everyday battle, and everyday grind. You just try to come out of it every day. I don't feel too bad. I feel like I square some balls up and they just get caught sometimes. It's one of those things."

Bourn and Towles play two of the most important defensive positions on the field, and Cooper continues to stress the importance of not letting offensive struggles affect the other side of their game.

"Just focus on playing your game, do what you do," Cooper said. "Bring your defensive effort every day. As [bench coach] Jackie [Moore] likes to say, 'When you put the bat down, pick up your glove. Don't carry the bat with the glove.' Do that, then everything's going to be fine."

Towles, who is hitting .157, didn't play Wednesday, but only because Cooper wanted to keep Brian Moehler paired with Brad Ausmus. Moehler pitched five shutout frames in a spot start in Los Angeles with Ausmus behind the plate, and Cooper decided to stick with the veteran tandem for this game, too.

Towles will play Thursday's finale with the Giants.

"That way, my veteran catcher won't have to run out there tomorrow after a possible late night tonight," Cooper said. "Keep them both fresh. I was very encouraged by J.R. [on Wednesday] night. He's coming. He's coming."

http://houston.astros.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080514&content_id=2702988&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou

[Nick]

Uhh.... why do they pitch to Lance?

That was a splash landing.

[Astro101]

I LOVE YOU BERKMAN!

[cmpatel]

PUMAAAAA

[NIKEstrad]

Wow Lance. WOW!

[cardpire]

never seen anything like this.

[ryan17wagner]

BIG PUMA BOMB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Smacktle]

BERKMAN MVP MVP MVP MVP MVP MVP!!!!!!!!!

[cmpatel]

wow the way this game started out...who would have thought.....this team is just amazing!!!!

[Nick]

Where did all the people go who were saying Berkman was on the decline, after his "off" year last year? (even though he ended it on a tear, and was still a productive bat... just not what we were accustomed to by Lance standards).

[ryan17wagner]

i guess i'm talking about the spot starts that they give to cruz


I can't find anywhere about games started, but Erstad has played in 36 games and Cruz in 31.

[AzCkR]

Unbelievable!

[RSSoldier]

This is just getting ridiculous.

[RocketManJosh]

I know its been said before, but I love Lance A Lot!

My goodness this has been an unbelievable run.

[cardpire]

is it possible to wrap up MVP 1/4 of the way into the season?

[ryan17wagner]

is it possible to wrap up MVP 1/4 of the way into the season?


I hoping for a Triple Crown! How special would that be!? Last time in NL was Joe Medwick in 1937.

[cardpire]

I hoping for a Triple Crown! How special would that be!? Last time in NL was Joe Medwick in 1937.


i'll see your triple crown and raise you hopes of a .400 BA. :D

[ryan17wagner]

i'll see your triple crown and raise you hopes of a .400 BA. :D


I'll rasie your .400 AVG in hopes on 74 Home Runs!

[cmpatel]

alright...lets close this one out papa grande!!!