[Official] Cubs @ 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).

4-6 Carlos Zambrano, RHP (0-0, -.--) vs. Roy Oswalt, RHP (0-0, -.--) 6:05 on FSN

4-7 Ryan Dempster, RHP (0-0, -.--) vs. Wandy Rodriguez, LHP (0-0, -.--) 7:05 on My20

4-8 Ted Lilly, LHP (0-0, -.--) vs. Brian Moehler, RHP (0-0, -.--) 7:05 on FSN

[msn]

OPENING DAY, baby!!!!

Predicting from the heart, and not the head, 'cause "hope springs eternal" and all that.

W
W
W

The only good Cubs game is a Cubs loss.

GO ASTROS!!!!!!!

[ind0fo0]

do astros games play in austin?

[msn]

do astros games play in austin?
dunno. I heard tonight's game is on ESPN2, so you should be in good shape for tonight.

[baller4life315]

Speaking as a fellow NL Central "rival", please do us all a favor and take care of business against these jokers. I can't stand the Cubs.

[Cowboii]

Anyone know the starting lineup?
Hope Pudge has a great home debut.

[Major]

do astros games play in austin?

About 90% of the games will be televised on TimeWarner in Austin. It's a big mismash of channels though. I think they wander between 3 or 4 different channels, so you kind of have to hunt for them each night.

[Uprising]

I hope we get the games up here in Nacogdoches. We get the Rockets on the FSN Dallas channel (doesn't say it in the guide or info, but they show it).

Sucks, Lufkin just south of us gets FSN-H and we get the Dallas channel. :mad:

Oh yeah

W
W
W BABY! Go Stros!!!!!

[MadMax]

GO 'STROS!!!!!

We have a little league game tonight...first time I've missed being at or watching Opening Day for the 'stros that I can ever recall.

[cmpatel]

Anyone know the starting lineup?
Hope Pudge has a great home debut.
i havent seen an official lineup...but im assuming itll look something like:

matsui
pudge
puma
lee
tejada
pence
blum
bourn
roy o

[MadMax]

i havent seen an official lineup...but im assuming itll look something like:

matsui
pudge
puma
lee
tejada
pence
blum
bourn
roy o

i have to say...i'm pretty excited about that lineup. maybe i shouldn't be...but i am.

[kaleidosky]

It's RoyO, it's opening day! Big time W today, put Zambrano in his seat after his BS no-no in Milwaukee. Though I do expect Soriano to go yard...in my head, it seems like he murders the Crawford Boxes (don't know the stats)

[msn]

I may puke -- for an hour -- if freaking Zambrano goes yard *again*.

I hope the 'Stros put double-digit hits on his ass.

[kaleidosky]

I may puke -- for an hour -- if freaking Zambrano goes yard *again*.

I hope the 'Stros put double-digit hits on his ass.

let Hampton hit a PH HR off him!

[EddieWasSnubbed]

Our team would be great if we had some better Starting Pitching, outside of Roy. With that said, I'm excited for the game tonight. Wish I could watch it, but I have to freaking work from 3 to 11. :mad:

[cardpire]

what the hell? the mod is already slacking and can't get an official sticky up for opening day?

WWL

[XBLRocketman111]

Wish I could watch it, but I have to freaking work from 3 to 11. :mad:

EddieWasSnubbed Again

[MadMax]

Our team would be great if we had some better Starting Pitching, outside of Roy. With that said, I'm excited for the game tonight. Wish I could watch it, but I have to freaking work from 3 to 11. :mad:

actually,the pitching was better than the hitting last season. i'm hoping pudge helps that in the 2 hole.

[Chilly_Pete]

Woohoo excited to see this thread. I am ready for some baseball!

Go Astros!

[EddieWasSnubbed]

actually,the pitching was better than the hitting last season. i'm hoping pudge helps that in the 2 hole.
True statement.


It's funny because I could actually see this team winning 90 games this year.

I could also see them winning 65, too. :(

[right1]

We have a little league game tonight...first time I've missed being at or watching Opening Day for the 'stros that I can ever recall.

You should take an old transistor radio and put the game on in the dugout for the little fellas.

Sweep.

[Groogrux]

GO 'STROS!!!!!

We have a little league game tonight...first time I've missed being at or watching Opening Day for the 'stros that I can ever recall.

i lost my eye glasses, my jersey, was suspended, don't feel well and don't have any good knock knock jokes, so I won't make it to the game tonight. :p

[weslinder]

Opening Day!!!

And playing the Cubs? It doesn't get any better than this.

http://cubssuckcafe.com/Cubs190801.gif

http://cubssuckcafe.com/CubsClass01.gif

Example (http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/chi-06-rogers-baseball-apr06,0,1807721.column)

Go Stros!!

[RocketFan007]

actually,the pitching was better than the hitting last season. i'm hoping pudge helps that in the 2 hole.

Pudge is the all time leader in GIDP, strikes out a lot, and doesn't draw walks. He's an awful fit in the 2 hole.

[EddieWasSnubbed]

I like the previous lineup that was posted, only I'd switch Pence and Pudge....



Matsui
Pence
Berkman
Lee
Tejada
Pudge
Blum
Bourn
Oswalt


Edit...basically echoing what was posted above me...

[Cannonball]

do astros games play in austin?

When I was in school in San Marcos, I seem to remember being able to watch all the FSSW games although they got preempted by Spurs games during basketball season.

[kaleidosky]

Pudge is the all time leader in GIDP, strikes out a lot, and doesn't draw walks. He's an awful fit in the 2 hole.

I don't know who you're lobbying for in place of Pudge.. but clearly it wouldn't be Bourn at this point. I assume you want Pence. If so..

Pudge

career OBP: .339
last yr OBP: .319
last yr OBP with DET (before new team/part-time playing situation/etc.): .338
GIDP per ~600 ABs: 20
"a lot of K's" K's per ~600 ABs: 92

he doesn't walk a lot like you said, but at least that OBP isn't terrible in comparison..



Pence:

'07 OBP: .360
'08 OBP: .318
GIDP per ~600 ABs: 15 (both years)
K's per ~600 ABs: 134 (both years)

walks at a very similar rate to Pudge (both years)


Now that Pudge is older, Pence does have a clear advantage in the slugging department. But unless we're getting the '07 version of Pence and not the '08 version... I don't know why you'd say Pudge is a terrible fit for the 2 hole.

And I don't think Blum or Keppinger really have an argument.

The only thing I could see working better might be Tejada in the 2 spot, Pence in the 5, and Pudge 6...but that's only if last year was an anomaly for Tejada

[Fatty FatBastard]

LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL
LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL
LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL
LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL
LLLLLL.

First winless baseball team in history.

[deepellumrocket]

Holy crap!!! :mad:

That Phil Rogers column is just beyond insensitive.

[Chilly_Pete]

LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL
LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL
LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL
LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL
LLLLLL.

First winless baseball team in history.


I think the cubs will win a game eventually. Probably not this week though!

[Castor27]

GO 'STROS!!!!!

We have a little league game tonight...first time I've missed being at or watching Opening Day for the 'stros that I can ever recall.


Same here :(

[MadMax]

i lost my eye glasses, my jersey, was suspended, don't feel well and don't have any good knock knock jokes, so I won't make it to the game tonight. :p

this is a brilliant post! :) (but since one of the other coaches is out tonight, you HAVE to be there!!!!!) ;)

[Legend Killer]

Stros will win tonight... 5-2

[RocketFan007]

Now that Pudge is older, Pence does have a clear advantage in the slugging department. But unless we're getting the '07 version of Pence and not the '08 version... I don't know why you'd say Pudge is a terrible fit for the 2 hole.

Because he's simply not a good fit in the 2 hole for the reasons you mentioned above. That being said, Pence is worse. In the 2 hole you want someone who puts the ball in play, gets on base and has good speed. You also want him to take a few pitches to give your lead off man a chance to steal a base or two. Pudge doesn't meet any of those criteria and the only one Pence has is speed.

Matsui is the best candidate for the 2 spot on the team. Best case scenario is the light clicks for Bourn, he becomes the lead off man, Matsui moves to the 2 hole and Pudge and Pence hit lower in the order where they belong.

[kaleidosky]

Because he's simply not a good fit in the 2 hole for the reasons you mentioned above. That being said, Pence is worse. In the 2 hole you want someone who puts the ball in play, gets on base and has good speed. You also want him to take a few pitches to give your lead off man a chance to steal a base or two. Pudge doesn't meet any of those criteria and the only one Pence has is speed.

Matsui is the best candidate for the 2 spot on the team. Best case scenario is the light clicks for Bourn, he becomes the lead off man, Matsui moves to the 2 hole and Pudge and Pence hit lower in the order where they belong.

well sure, Matsui would be solid as a 2 hitter. But we can't assume Bourn is a leadoff man right now.. when you shot down Pudge as the 2 man in the opening day lineup, I assumed you were saying you had a better candidate right now.

would you agree that, given the options, Pudge is probably the best man for the job until we acquire someone, Tejada becomes the Baltimore Tejada, Pence becomes the' 07 Pence, or Bourn becomes a .350+ OBP man?

[marks0223]

Roof better be open. With downright fridgid temps ;) in the 50's tonight they're probably thinking about having it closed.

[RocketFan007]

would you agree that, given the options, Pudge is probably the best man for the job until we acquire someone, Tejada becomes the Baltimore Tejada, Pence becomes the' 07 Pence, or Bourn becomes a .350+ OBP man?

Probably, but that still doesn't mean he's a good fit in that spot. Which is exactly what I said in my first post.

[Groogrux]

this is a brilliant post! :) (but since one of the other coaches is out tonight, you HAVE to be there!!!!!) ;)

who? or am i missing the obvious joke?

[Harrisment]

About to go meet up with my brother and old man for our annual Opening Day date. Can't wait, go stros!

[leroy420]

Opening Day!!!

And playing the Cubs? It doesn't get any better than this.

http://cubssuckcafe.com/Cubs190801.gif

http://cubssuckcafe.com/CubsClass01.gif

Example (http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/chi-06-rogers-baseball-apr06,0,1807721.column)

Go Stros!!

Are you in any way shocked? F**k the f***ing cubs.

GO ASTROS!

[MadMax]

who? or am i missing the obvious joke?

no joke. emerson can't be there. has another game at the lower level he's coaching.

[Jet Blast]

I hope we get the games up here in Nacogdoches. We get the Rockets on the FSN Dallas channel (doesn't say it in the guide or info, but they show it).

Sucks, Lufkin just south of us gets FSN-H and we get the Dallas channel. :mad:

Oh yeah

W
W
W BABY! Go Stros!!!!!

Yes, Nacogdoches gets the Astros on Channel 51. I've told you before that the channel is FSN-Houston, however, the guide gives the schedule for FSN-Southwest (Dallas). It's been like that for ages, even when Cox Communications was the cable provider before Suddenlink.

The My20 games are not shown on Channel 51. Sometimes, they will show them on Channel 8, but it's becoming rarer and rarer lately.

[Jet Blast]

Good luck to the Astros this season.

I'm not very optimistic for this season. However, I hope they pull a rabbit out of the hat and surprise the league by finishing in first place.

If the 'Stros get stuck in mediocrity then I expect Lee and/or Tejada to be dealt mid-season. We should be able to get some nice young talent for either one of those players.

[Uprising]

Yes, Nacogdoches gets the Astros on Channel 51. I've told you before that the channel is FSN-Houston, however, the guide gives the schedule for FSN-Southwest (Dallas). It's been like that for ages, even when Cox Communications was the cable provider before Suddenlink.

The My20 games are not shown on Channel 51. Sometimes, they will show them on Channel 8, but it's becoming rarer and rarer lately.


Cool thanks. I knew they would show the Rockets, but I didn't know they were actually FSN-Houston complete stream.

Nice to know. Wish we would get them on 750 (FSN-HD). Beggars can't be choosers though.

[Tb-Cain]

just heard on 1560 it's:

matsui
pudge
puma
lee
tejada
blum
pence
bourne
roy o

[Fatty FatBastard]

no joke. emerson can't be there. has another game at the lower level he's coaching.

What about Lake or Palmer? Hell, even Powell?

[The Cat]

just heard on 1560 it's:

matsui
pudge
puma
lee
tejada
blum
pence
bourne
roy o

I'll make the first complaint of the season by saying this is ridiculous. Pence is a fastball hitter with lightning quick bat speed/hands who struggles with breaking balls and creates havoc with his speed... so naturally, Cooper puts him at the bottom of the order with Bourn behind him. I hope Hunter's ready for breaking balls (doubt it), because with Bourn behind him he'll see a lot...

[DieHard Rocket]

I'll make the first complaint of the season by saying this is ridiculous. Pence is a fastball hitter with lightning quick bat speed/hands who struggles with breaking balls and creates havoc with his speed... so naturally, Cooper puts him at the bottom of the order with Bourn behind him. I hope Hunter's ready for breaking balls (doubt it), because with Bourn behind him he'll see a lot...

Yeah, don't really see the point in starting Pudge in the 2-hole right off the bat. At least try Pence/Bourn up there to see if it's productive...Pudge is going to miss more games as a catcher than most positions, so why disturb the top of the order by having to reset the lineup every few games when he's out? Not a good way to establish continuity, and it certainly can't help the confidence of Pence or especially Bourn.

[SamCassell]

I'll make the first complaint of the season by saying this is ridiculous. Pence is a fastball hitter with lightning quick bat speed/hands who struggles with breaking balls and creates havoc with his speed... so naturally, Cooper puts him at the bottom of the order with Bourn behind him. I hope Hunter's ready for breaking balls (doubt it), because with Bourn behind him he'll see a lot...
Think I read somewhere that Pence saw a higher percentage of sliders than anyone in the league, last season. The book's out on him, he wasn't going to get fastballs anyway, at least not in the zone.

I'd bat Pudge lower just because I think he'd clog the bases and is little threat to steal if he gets on. But as mentioned earlier, we don't exactly have good options for the #2 spot.

[The Cat]

Think I read somewhere that Pence saw a higher percentage of sliders than anyone in the league, last season. The book's out on him, he wasn't going to get fastballs anyway, at least not in the zone.

I would argue that that was somewhat correlated with Cooper's decision to bat Pence either 6th or 7th for 388 (65%) of his 595 at-bats last season. If you put him ahead of Berkman/Lee, there's no doubt he sees more pitches in the zone than he does near the bottom, and his speed is a potential asset there as well. Moreover, from a statistical standpoint, it's optimal to put your best (or second-best) hitter at No. 2, and I think it's a pretty safe bet that Pence will have a more productive year than Pudge.

[rocketsjudoka]

LETS GO STROS! BEAT THEM CUBBIES!

[HeyDude]

After having such a stinky year I dont know if Pence deserves the # 2 spot. He wasnt good at moving the runners over, he struck out a lot, and ran into a hell of DPs. If he can lay off sliders though, the # 2 will be his for the taking later. Also, with Pence, Bourne, and Matsui (with pitcher bunting possibly) batting together, if one or 2 of them get on, get moved over by the pitcher, they can be a menace on the base path, and Pudge will have chances to drive them in. And if Pudge can get on, then we could be looking at a huge inning with the big bats to follow. At least thats what I think Coop is thinking :D

[E-Man]

just heard on 1560 it's:

matsui
pudge
puma
lee
tejada
blum
pence
bourne
roy o
WTH? Why is Blum batter before Pence!!!??? :mad:

[msn]

What about Lake or Palmer? Hell, even Powell?
:cool:

[theimpossibles1]

Berkman just smashed a comebacker into Zambrano's knee! They're saying hes done for the season.






.......................fingers crossed.

[Cowboii]

I cant wait! :)
::cracks open first beer::

[HookemHorns1250]

WTH? Why is Blum batter before Pence!!!??? :mad:

To mix up the lineup a bit instead of having three straight right handed batters in a row.

[BrooksBall]

Zambrano gets a nice round of boos.

[TesseracT]

Why did Jose Cruz get boo'd?

[HookemHorns1250]

Why did Jose Cruz get boo'd?

I'm sure the fans were just saying Cruuuuuuz

[WhoMikeJames]

LOL... Great start to the season.

[Cannonball]

Season Over!

[Surfguy]

bad start!

[DieHard Rocket]

Good season! See ya next year!

[kaleidosky]

It's RoyO, it's opening day! Big time W today, put Zambrano in his seat after his BS no-no in Milwaukee. Though I do expect Soriano to go yard...in my head, it seems like he murders the Crawford Boxes (don't know the stats)


not Crawford Boxes, but still gonna say I called it..

[BrooksBall]

great recovery by Roy... that's why he's one of the best

[theimpossibles1]

any AUDIO or VIDEO links???

[Cannonball]

So much for Phil Rogers' desire for a second Zambrano no hitter.

[kaleidosky]

i never even saw matsui on the camera..how far did he get to home? ugh

[Cannonball]

Absolutely horrible base running decision by Matsui.

[Tb-Cain]

big puma batting a thousand

[Zac D]

Anyone know why ESPN360 doesn't have this?

[Master Baiter]

You have got to be kidding me.

[HookemHorns1250]

This isn't good.

[cmpatel]

wow....two mistakes already by roy o.....and cubs jumped on both of them....

[TRIQSTER]

another homer by the cubs?

[Cannonball]

Another slow start this year for Roy? He gave up 16 homers in the first 2 months of the season last year compared to only 7 in the last 4 months.

[kaleidosky]

RoyO is tanking until we trade for Ausmus..

[dockerland]

Lets hope Roy can gain control on the mound and the Stros can get on top

[HookemHorns1250]

Huge play by Kaz!

[Tb-Cain]

nice defense behind a struggling oswalt

[kaleidosky]

absolutely stupid move by Tejada with 0 outs down 2 against a good pitcher

[cwebbster]

Hahaha fuk-u-do-me.....

[Tb-Cain]

alright. roy gets the leadoff batter. season is turning around.

[Creepy Crawl]

Damn... this is disheartening, its still kind of early but still. The three pitch K by Pudge kind of killed the smidgen of momentum the Astros had.

[BrooksBall]

Zambrano's getting into a groove. We need to end that.

[HookemHorns1250]

Damn... this is disheartening, its still kind of early but still. The three pitch K by Pudge kind of killed the smidgen of momentum the Astros had.

Yeah, was hoping he could just get a sac fly, but no luck.

Come on offense get something started!

[Smokey]

Don't worry guys. It's just 1 of 162.

...

[kaleidosky]

horrid job by Lee. Berkman works a walk, and you come out first pitch swinging on something that was probably out of the zone low?

[Creepy Crawl]

Don't worry guys. It's just 1 of 162.

...

Yeah that true. Its just you get hyped up for Opening Day and the team comes out flat. Its kind of like getting hyped up for the first game of any sport and they lose, it just sucks...lol.

[magnetik]

yeah but they are the Cubs.. they are in our division, and they are in our house... and it's opening day. We need to win these. or at least show up.

[Uprising]

Damnit Pence. Seriously. First pitch swing? :(

[The Cat]

That's what is going to happen to Pence all season long if Cooper insists on putting Bourn behind him. He's not going to get anything to hit (why would you, with Bourn on deck), and he doesn't have the patience to lay off.

[Uprising]

That's what is going to happen to Pence all season long if Cooper insists on putting Bourn behind him. He's not going to get anything to hit (why would you, with Bourn on deck), and he doesn't have the patience to lay off.

And Bourn hits our first RBI single of '09...lol.

[weslinder]

If you had Michael Bourn in the first Astro RBI pool, that was crazy luck. I hope it paid out well.

[BrooksBall]

Geary looked pretty good. Nice catch by Matsui.

[cmpatel]

this is it...i feel it this inning..top of the order...got big z out of the game...lets go STROSS!!!

[BrooksBall]

this is it...i feel it this inning..top of the order...got big z out of the game...lets go STROSS!!!

Marmol's pretty darn good. I thought we'd do more damage to Heilman with no outs and 2 men on.

[cmpatel]

Marmol's pretty darn good. I thought we'd do more damage to Heilman with no outs and 2 men on.


yea....cubbies got a good 8th and 9th inning setup for pitching....

[cmpatel]

comon lee....

[BrooksBall]

comon lee....

That comment could have been applied to his AB or his fielding effort the next inning. :D :mad:

[Cowboii]

Good start to the 9th

[Cowboii]

Lets go STROS!

[kaleidosky]

Pence has looked pretty terrible today. Same with Pudge.

[Uprising]

well, at least they made the end exciting.

[Uprising]

Well, no surprise really.

Next game on My20....ugh.

Rockets play tomorow? :o

[Creepy Crawl]

Well, that was lame.

[TheRealist137]

I don't even pay attention to the Astros until the Rockets season ends. Glad to see Bourn hitting well, but I thought our offense was supposed to be new and improved?

[RocketManJosh]

Well, no surprise really.

Next game on My20....ugh.

Rockets play tomorow? :o

The game is also on WGN HD if you have that.

[fredred]

I don't even pay attention to the Astros until the Rockets season ends. Glad to see Bourn hitting well, but I thought our offense was supposed to be new and improved?
We scored on Zambrano, that is new.

[Tb-Cain]

not a horrible game, all things considered. roy o straightened himself out and we didn't get skunked.

[Uprising]

I used to have WGN on suddenklink in College Station, but haven't found it on the guide here in Nacogdoches.

They did show the game on FSN-H in HD, something they don't do for the Rockets up here.

[Hmm]

That comment could have been applied to his AB or his fielding effort the next inning. :D :mad:

this is about the only complaint i had this game.. certaintly not about to jump on Pudge and Pence this early in the season.. like others appear to already be leaning to..

[Artesticles]

Can assembling a bad lineup cost you runs? The answer is an evident yes, and no one does a better job at illustrating that than Cooper.

Who's bright idea was it to bat Pudge 2nd and Bourn 8th? Even JD mentioned that we're much better off utilizing Bourn's speed in the 2 hole to get steals, rather than simply advancing via pitcher's sacrifice bunt. Ausmus could advance on that.

Then we see Pudge have horrible ABs, go 0-4 with 2 Ks, while Bourn goes 2-4. Hell, I'd rather see Tejada bat 2nd, as he's gotten off to another good start (though it was all singles, justifying him moving up the order for now... then bring him back down when he starts struggling).

[kaleidosky]

Can assembling a bad lineup cost you runs? The answer is an evident yes, and no one does a better job at illustrating that than Cooper.

Who's bright idea was it to bat Pudge 2nd and Bourn 8th? Even JD mentioned that we're much better off utilizing Bourn's speed in the 2 hole to get steals, rather than simply advancing via pitcher's sacrifice bunt. Ausmus could advance on that.

Then we see Pudge have horrible ABs, go 0-4 with 2 Ks, while Bourn goes 2-4. Hell, I'd rather see Tejada bat 2nd, as he's gotten off to another good start (though it was all singles, justifying him moving up the order for now... then bring him back down when he starts struggling).


That's a little ridiculous. Put Bourn in the 2 spot after the season he had?? He's never shown anything in his career. Make him prove himself at this point before throwing his sub .300 OBP anywhere near the top of the order. Speed is useless if you're not getting on base.

Pudge did a poor job. At least there's an argument for Pence up there, and maybe for Tejada. But not Bourn--not yet.

[MadMax]

season's over. :(

[MadMax]

I don't even pay attention to the Astros until the Rockets season ends. Glad to see Bourn hitting well, but I thought our offense was supposed to be new and improved?

who told you that??? same crew as last year, except Pudge is in instead of Ausmus. otherwise...same lineup.

[Castor27]

That's a little ridiculous. Put Bourn in the 2 spot after the season he had?? He's never shown anything in his career. Make him prove himself at this point before throwing his sub .300 OBP anywhere near the top of the order. Speed is useless if you're not getting on base.

Pudge did a poor job. At least there's an argument for Pence up there, and maybe for Tejada. But not Bourn--not yet.

Yep, I am not saying his speed wouldn't be good in the 2 hole but I don't care how fast he is if he doesn't get on base, he can be Carl Friggin Lewis and it wouldn't matter. Looking at his season last year, tonight seems like an anomaly, if he can string a few good games together then we can talk.

[arkoe]

I would put Pence in the two hole.

Would much rather see:

Kaz
Pence
Berkman
Lee
Tejada
Pudge
Blum
Bourne

than the way we are currently running the lineup out there.

[TheRealist137]

who told you that??? same crew as last year, except Pudge is in instead of Ausmus. otherwise...same lineup.
Well, last year we had Lee out for a long time when we made a run for the wild card, and Matsui was also gone.

And anything is an improvement over Ausmus, who was basically an automatic out.

[solid]

Baseball has arrived! The Astros didn't quite make it for the opening game. Late flight? Maybe tomorrow.

[Cbox]

Please tell me Zambrano didn't hit a home run off us.

[JunkyardDwg]

Who's bright idea was it to bat Pudge 2nd and Bourn 8th? Even JD mentioned that we're much better off utilizing Bourn's speed in the 2 hole to get steals, rather than simply advancing via pitcher's sacrifice bunt. Ausmus could advance on that.

Then we see Pudge have horrible ABs, go 0-4 with 2 Ks, while Bourn goes 2-4. Hell, I'd rather see Tejada bat 2nd, as he's gotten off to another good start (though it was all singles, justifying him moving up the order for now... then bring him back down when he starts struggling).

I'd question more the reason to slotting Blum 6th and Pence 7th. Maybe it's so you don't have two serious question marks at the end of the lineup followed by the pitcher. But I'd rather see Pence a little higher in the batting order. If he's more of a free swinger, he's not gonna get a whole lot of good looks in the 7th spot, that is if Bourne can't prove he can get on base consistently.

And I'm not about to jump on Pudge after one freakin' game, considering the good Spring he had. His poor at bats after one game certainly doesn't warrant putting him lower yet.

Besides, the team's lineup arrangement isn't what killed them tonight. Their best chances of scoring came when Lee and Pence were at the plate and neither did much. Sure Pence may have driven in a run in the 9th, but it doesn't quite atone for his rally killing GIDP earlier in the game.

[Artesticles]

That's a little ridiculous. Put Bourn in the 2 spot after the season he had?? He's never shown anything in his career. Make him prove himself at this point before throwing his sub .300 OBP anywhere near the top of the order. Speed is useless if you're not getting on base.

Pudge did a poor job. At least there's an argument for Pence up there, and maybe for Tejada. But not Bourn--not yet.
The reason I would support batting Bourn at 2 is because we did it last year in the 2nd half, and it wasn't exactly horrible. He had a .270 BA or something of that nature. Besides, Pudge's OBP has been pretty poor himself his last few seasons, and you would think whenever he does connect with the ball with his wreckless, power swing, there should at least be a couple of guys on. I would bat Tejada, Bourn, and probably Pence (though he's really not much more disciplined) over Pudge.

[JunkyardDwg]

Well, last year we had Lee out for a long time when we made a run for the wild card, and Matsui was also gone.

And anything is an improvement over Ausmus, who was basically an automatic out.


You basically swap Ty for Pudge and Ausmus for Blum...Matsui was gone in the beginning, but then we also had Loretta fill in the gaps.

This is offense is only better if Pudge doesn't hit like he did for the Yankees last year and if Bourne improves his OBP.

[JunkyardDwg]

The reason I would support batting Bourn at 2 is because we did it last year in the 2nd half, and it wasn't exactly horrible.

From August to September of last year, Bourne batted 2nd 12 times out of the 54 games the team played, and half of that number came in the last week of the season, when they were pretty much done. Before Lee went down, seems the lineup was set at Matsui, Tejada, Berkman and Lee with an occassional Pence in the 2 hole.

[juicystream]

I felt pretty encouraged today. Lee & Pudge struggled offensively, and that is ultimately what cost us today. Bourn looked very good today, as did Tejada. I also liked what I saw from Berkman. I missed the first 2 innings, but the pitching gave us a chance. We'll have to see how the rest of the rotation does this week. I really think our team is on par with the Phillies.

[kaleidosky]

The reason I would support batting Bourn at 2 is because we did it last year in the 2nd half, and it wasn't exactly horrible. He had a .270 BA or something of that nature. Besides, Pudge's OBP has been pretty poor himself his last few seasons, and you would think whenever he does connect with the ball with his wreckless, power swing, there should at least be a couple of guys on. I would bat Tejada, Bourn, and probably Pence (though he's really not much more disciplined) over Pudge.

Bourn had a so-so June, July, and Sept... a terrible April and May.. and an absolutely putrid August

and when I say "so-so", that's .317, .320, and .338 OBP's. Pudge was .319 for the whole year (though much higher with DET and much lower with the Yanks)

Pudge had a below part 2007 and 2005, but '04 and '06 were fine.

And yeah, even if you just take his .319 from last year.. I'll take that over Bourn's .288 Sure Bourn could have a good month like he showed last year...but Pudge showed a very good first 2/3 of a season with Detroit, so we could hope for that, too

[BrooksBall]

Lee & Pudge struggled offensively, and that is ultimately what cost us today.

Pence, too, regardless of where he was hitting. He had a great opportunity to get us back in the game after Zambrano was replaced with Heilman with 2 men on and no outs. He swung at a low first pitch right into a DP.

[juicystream]

Pence, too, regardless of where he was hitting. He had a great opportunity to get us back in the game after Zambrano was replaced with Heilman with 2 men on and no outs. He swung at a low first pitch right into a DP.

I forgot he hit into the double play. At least we still scored thanks to Bourn's dribbler. I wish he could have connected on the first swing of his last at bat. It was obvious he was trying to tie the game with one swing.

[BrooksBall]

I forgot he hit into the double play. At least we still scored thanks to Bourn's dribbler. I wish he could have connected on the first swing of his last at bat. It was obvious he was trying to tie the game with one swing.

Yup, he was just in front of it, not too surprisingly. Good deception by the pitcher.

The book is out on Pence. He can hit fastballs but not much else. He needs to make some adjustments or last year will be closer to the norm for the rest of his career.

[kaleidosky]

Yup, he was just in front of it, not too surprisingly. Good deception by the pitcher.

The book is out on Pence. He can hit fastballs but not much else. He needs to make some adjustments or last year will be closer to the norm for the rest of his career.

Downtown Anderson
http://content6.flixster.com/photo/10/89/90/10899096_tml.jpg

or maybe just

http://sayhey.files.wordpress.com/2007/08/pedro.jpg

straight ball, i hit it very much. curve ball, bats are afraid!

[rrj_gamz]

f'n Cubs..I expect different results today...

[Smacktle]

Yup, he was just in front of it, not too surprisingly. Good deception by the pitcher.

The book is out on Pence. He can hit fastballs but not much else. He needs to make some adjustments or last year will be closer to the norm for the rest of his career.

Pence is overated and doesn't deserve the hype. Fans were looking for a new fresh face of the Astros to believe in after Biggio left and Pence is it. Too bad he can't bat worth a damn!

[juicystream]

Pence is overated and doesn't deserve the hype. Fans were looking for a new fresh face of the Astros to believe in after Biggio left and Pence is it. Too bad he can't bat worth a damn!

He batted about .270 with 25HRs last year. While not his absolute torrid start to his career, those are still good offensive stats, just not great ones.

[kaleidosky]

He batted about .270 with 25HRs last year. While not his absolute torrid start to his career, those are still good offensive stats, just not great ones.

especially when soph. slumps are not at all uncommon.. and we can all see the main thing he needs to adjust to.

It's just going to come down to his work ethic (which is supposed to be solid) and just ability to adjust to what pitchers are doing to him. If he can do that and improve upon last year, he can still be a very good player. All Star potential given his decent range (I think--haven't really checked that one out) and plus arm

[lalala902102001]

1 hit so far?! Come on offense.

Going back to the Rockets game...

[Cannonball]

I flipped over during the break in the Rockets game just in time to see Pence's long ball. Good stuff.

[lalala902102001]

Good job by Wandy tonight.

[Major]

Pence is overated and doesn't deserve the hype. Fans were looking for a new fresh face of the Astros to believe in after Biggio left and Pence is it. Too bad he can't bat worth a damn!

If he's trying to replace Biggio, he's doing a great job. His 2nd year OPS was better than any of Biggio's first 5 years. His 1st year OPS was better than any of Biggio's 9 years. Pence's 25 HRs last year were better than any Biggio's first 17 years.

Pence at age 25 was also much better than Biggio at age 25.

[Cannonball]

What a horrible play. Just bunt the ball.

[JunkyardDwg]

A little late, but some pics from Opening Day:

http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/6196/astros5r.jpg

http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/9273/astros4c.jpg

http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/502/astros3.jpg

http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/7277/astros2.jpg

http://img22.imageshack.us/img22/2238/astros1.jpg

[DoubleRods]

Damn, too many runners left on base again... extra innings!

BONUS!

[Gene the PIG]

What a horrible play. Just bunt the ball.


Word.

I haven't see managing this bad, since Phil Garner.


Great pics btw, JYD.

[EddieWasSnubbed]

It's nice to see the Stros on TV again.

Boy those unis are pretty sharp! I love them.

[JLEW1818]

any links to the game.... mine went off?

[Cannonball]

Word.

I haven't see managing this bad, since Phil Garner.


Great pics btw, JYD.

If you believe JD and Brownie, Bourn took it upon himself to pull back the bunt and swing away when he saw the wheel play was on.

[Hammer755]

Word.

I haven't see managing this bad, since Phil Garner.


Great pics btw, JYD.

Cooper continues to be unimpressive, IMO. Why did he remove Lee in the double-switch if he didn't intend to use Valverde for more than an inning? Erstad is a better defender, obviously, but you don't play that card in a tie game.

[Cannonball]

Same situation as in the 9th. Let's see if we've learned from our mistakes.

[cardpire]

is he burning michaels? why not let hampton get in there and bunt here?

[Hammer755]

This is exactly what I was talking about. Lee would have been up with 2 on, 0 out - instead it's a PH. And it was completely wasted because Byrd relieved Valverde after one inning. Erstad could have pinch-hit for Valverde's spot in the ninth, and Lee would be batting right now.

[SamCassell]

Keppinger makes contact, like he always does, and comes through in the clutch. Nice win!

[Cannonball]

Nice win!

[Astro101]

Woo Keppinger!

[Legend Killer]

Stros win !!!

[H-townhero]

nothing like beating the cubs :p

[JunkyardDwg]

Two games. Two quality starts by our pitchers. Some pretty good bullpen work. A chance to win our first series right out the gate. I'll take that. Offense needs to get cranking a little more....ahem, Lee.

I must say though, it was nice to see Pudge gun down a baserunner...something that was rare the past few seasons with Ausmus.

[RocketManJosh]

Good W tonight ... Too bad Wandy didn't get the W as he looked good tonight.

Hope for many more like this.

[surrender]

Just got back from MMP. Great game - Wandy pitched a gem, but let's see if he can take this form on the road.

Also, I hate the Cubs and their fans

[Scottay]

haha, Cubs suck. Good game, fun to see the boys again.

[kaleidosky]

If he's trying to replace Biggio, he's doing a great job. His 2nd year OPS was better than any of Biggio's first 5 years. His 1st year OPS was better than any of Biggio's 9 years. Pence's 25 HRs last year were better than any Biggio's first 17 years.

Pence at age 25 was also much better than Biggio at age 25.

I agree that the other guy was overboard on Pence in the negative way.

But come on, don't just say how he was better than Biggio. I think Bidge hits more HRs and has a higher OPS if he wasn't playing in the Dome during his younger days/prime..

[Red Chocolate]

^^^

Yup. Bidge and Bags were WAAY better than their #s showed, simply because they played in the dome for most of their careers. They both would have hit at least 20% more HR had they had the short porch in LF. Pence is still really good though.

[oomp]

Did anyone else have audio problems last night watching the game in HD? I switched over after the Rockets game and everytime they showed a replay, the audio got choppy and cut out a lot. I have Uverse if that makes a difference.

[K mf G]

i think it was the broadcast
i have comcast digital and at times it was choppy

[Creepy Crawl]

Did anyone else have audio problems last night watching the game in HD? I switched over after the Rockets game and everytime they showed a replay, the audio got choppy and cut out a lot. I have Uverse if that makes a difference.

I have Directv and I was getting the same thing. It was a tad irritating after awhile, crappy ass channel 20.

[Chilly_Pete]

Did anyone else have audio problems last night watching the game in HD? I switched over after the Rockets game and everytime they showed a replay, the audio got choppy and cut out a lot. I have Uverse if that makes a difference.

Yes, the audio kept cutting out on me and I have cable. It sounds like it was the broadcast.

[rrj_gamz]

What a way to win...gotta love it...now its time to take care of business...

[Rowdy4Life]

Not sure if anyone caught this while at the ballpark last night but...

Why does "Im not as good as I once was" by Toby Keith play when Mig comes up to bat????

I personally thought it was hilarious but kind of cruel at the same time.

Anyone else catch that?

[hoopstar]

dont batters get to pick their own intros?

[Rowdy4Life]

dont batters get to pick their own intros?

thats what I thought, and last year he had a very up beat Latin American song.

I KNOW he didnt pick the Toby Keith song, it was pure gold considering the stage of his career, who knows, sounds like a Lance Berkman prank to me..

[K mf G]

bill said ion the broadcast last night that toby keith is one of miggy's favorite artists

[Rowdy4Life]

bill said ion the broadcast last night that toby keith is one of miggy's favorite artists

Ok just found a blog on KHOU that said Miggy's favorite singer is actually Toby Keith, so i stand corrected.

But that song, absolutely the funniest thing of the night, and sitting in 111 behind the Cubs dugout with mostly Cub fans sitting around me, of course they all started laughing at the song, and honestly as much as i heckled them the entire night, I had a smile too.

Well good to know that Migs is a converted country fan. We now have Tejada and Carlos Lee. All we need now is Pudge, Wandy and Valverde to join up and we can make an "All Latino Country Band" in the offseason.

[JunkyardDwg]

So now the fun begins...Moehler, Hampton and Ortiz.

[TesseracT]

Oh God

[kaleidosky]

well that's a crappy start to moehler's season..

[BrooksBall]

This is what I was talking about in the ST thread. Moehler has no stuff. If he's not locating on a dime and fooling hitters, he gets hit hard. His performance last season as a starter was a fluke and they overpaid for his services.

[LonghornFan]

Big shocker here. Number 3 starter? :rolleyes:

[cardpire]

well that's a crappy start to moehler's season..


well, in his defense, he's an awful pitcher. welcome back to the club, brandon backe.

[kaleidosky]

if they get outta this one down 4-0, that'll be a gift

[BrooksBall]

Keppinger has a great eye. That was a solid pickup.

[Raven]

Is this game on Dish Houston? Thanks.

[BrooksBall]

Keppinger saves Moehler to lead off the 2nd but Matsui can't do the same.

Moehler looks awful. He's getting smashed.

[Uprising]

horrible start to this game. WOW.

[BrooksBall]

And Moehler hits Bradley with a pitch...

[JunkyardDwg]

To be fair, the Cubs had 3 broken bat singles off him in that one inning alone. No home runs, no shots to the gaps, no extra base hits (save for Lee's that was just out of Berkman's reach); the Cubs just hit 'em into the right spots.

And just as I type that Moehler hits a batter, then Ramirez knocks one off the left field wall.

The decision to DL Backe is looking a littler better.

[BrooksBall]

To be fair, the Cubs had 3 broken bat singles off him in that one inning alone. No home runs, no shots to the gaps, no extra base hits (save for Lee's that was just out of Berkman's reach); the Cubs just hit 'em into the right spots.

And just as I type that Moehler hits a batter, then Ramirez knocks one off the left field wall.

The decision to DL Backe is looking a littler better.

The problem with Moehler is that he has no room for error. He has no stuff so he has to be perfect with his location and pitch selection. He doesn't have anything to bail him out when hes not locating.

And now Ortiz gives up a 3-run HR... oh well...

[cardpire]

jesus.

backe and pedro, come on down?

[yo]

And we have a long season ahead of us, folks.

[cardpire]

The problem with Moehler is that he has no room for error. He has no stuff so he has to be perfect with his location and pitch selection. He doesn't have anything to bail him out when hes not locating.


deja vu page 9? ;)

[BrooksBall]

deja vu page 9? ;)

It's worth repeating.

[BrooksBall]

After 2 innings, only Hill, Bradley and Lilly don't have a hit. Bradley was hit by a pitch though and Lilly just crushed one right to Berkman.

[Uprising]

What a season debut for Brian. Wow. :o

[Cannonball]

First blowout of the season.

[The Cat]

Moehler has a 37.80 ERA on the season. :p

[Uprising]

Well, atleast this is just one game. But damn, to be a blowout so early.

lol.

go Stros.

[Gene the PIG]

Hey, there's always tomorrow... tomorrow ... tomorrow.

[Uprising]

PUDGE WHOOOOO!!! His first double as an Astro.

[Pete Chilcutt]

back to back shots...there is still hope

Chilcutt

[Uprising]

back to back shots...there is still hope

Chilcutt


I missed them, I switched to the Spurs game. Then checked back just to find out I missed them. damnit.

[Uprising]

DAMN! One of them was Keppinger?! That dude is having one hell of a start with the Stros! :eek:

[BrooksBall]

Ortiz has looked pretty good considering he had to rescue Moehler.

[BrooksBall]

Ortiz is actually looking great now. He's changing speeds and fooling the heck out of batters. He can also hit the 90s with his fastball.

Ortiz = potentially decent SP
Moehler = barely an adequate MRP

[Pete Chilcutt]

Ortiz is actually looking great now.

Ortiz = potentially decent SP
Moehler = barely an adequate MRP


Wasn't Ortiz supposed to start tomorrow?

[BrooksBall]

Wasn't Ortiz supposed to start tomorrow?

No, I believe they were planning on using a 4-man rotation to start the season because of a day off before the STL series.

Hampton, Oswalt, Wandy for the next series.

[Zac D]

Wasn't Ortiz supposed to start tomorrow?

Nah, not until like the 15th. Skipping him the first time through the rotation.

[BrooksBall]

Pudge over the tracks!

[ThreePointShot]

Deeeeeeeeeeeeeeep shot by Pudge, he got all of that.

[Pete Chilcutt]

Pudge over the tracks!


Chooo Choooo!

We are staying in the game still!

Chilcutt

[BrooksBall]

Bourn strikes out by awkwardly tapping at a pitch about a foot above the zone. He needs to find a way to lay off pitches like that.

[cardpire]

man it's strange seeing a real baseball player occupying our catcher's spot

[BrooksBall]

Since the HR, Ortiz has looked terrific.

[cardpire]

Since the HR, Ortiz has looked terrific.


agreed. mighty encouraging.

[BrooksBall]

I hope Ortiz can finish off this inning for his confidence.

[BrooksBall]

That 2nd pitch to Bradley sure looked like a strike. Pitch tracker says as much.

[WhoMikeJames]

Another homer... :eek:

[JunkyardDwg]

Well shoot the game is at least within reach again.

[BrooksBall]

6 runs on 5 HRs. Not a single Astro has walked tonight. The Cubs have 5 walks and scored 3 runs off 1 HR.

Imagine if we had 1 or 2 more guys that could walk more regularly.

Tejada, Pudge, Pence, Lee, Blum and Bourn don't walk much. Matsui is decent. Berkman is the only guy in our regular lineup that draws a lot of walks. Off the bench, the only guys with a very good eye is Keppinger and he doesn't walk as much as it seems he should, kind of like Lee.

[Uprising]

Exactly what I was thinking and was going to type.

Insane, 5HR's and only 6runs. Man.

[BrooksBall]

It must be nice to have Harden as your 4th starter.

[lalala902102001]

I'm quite impressed with Keppinger. That was a great pickup by the Astros. So was pudge at the last minute.

It's early but like everyone has predicted the back end of this roataion is going to be a big HOLE.

[BrooksBall]

I'm quite impressed with Keppinger. That was a great pickup by the Astros. So was pudge at the last minute.

It's early but like everyone has predicted the back end of this roataion is going to be a big HOLE.

Getting on base will also be a big problem. We should be an above average slugging team but there may not be enough guys on base to compensate for the weak starting pitching. Other than Berkman, nobody walks enough - not even Matsui or Keppinger (who will only be playing situationally anyway).

[Blake]

Ugly start by Moehler. :mad:

[MadMax]

I would just like to remind everyone that I still hate the Cubs. Thanks for your time.

[Creepy Crawl]

I would just like to remind everyone that I still hate the Cubs. Thanks for your time.

I'm right there with 'ya.

[right1]

I can't decide who I dislike more, the Cubs or the Cardinals. It's a toss up.

[MadMax]

I can't decide who I dislike more, the Cubs or the Cardinals. It's a toss up.

The Cubs are punk ass. I at least respect the Cards.