Official Giants @ Astros Thread

[Castor27]

The day is finally upon us. Opening Day. Woohoo!!!!


Pitching Probables:

4-5 Kirk Rueter vs. Roy Oswalt

4-6 Brett Tomko vs. Andy Pettitte

4-7 Dustin Hermanson vs. Roger Clemens

[Groogrux]

WWW

Sweep in playoff-like atmosphere for the Good Guys.

[codell]

Yeah, we should sweep them.

However, the Giants have a ridiculous record against us at MMP.

Something like 9-3 in the last 4 years????

[Austin70]

I say sweep, looking at their starting pitching.

Damn, I am so ready for this season. It's been a while that we have had so much hype.

[Nick]

BRING IT ON!!!!!

Only damper on today is the possible rain, and the fact that the roof could be closed... but who cares!

Oswalt is ON... especially against the Giants (see last September's game... in fact, that was the last game he pitched all year.)

[JPM0016]

There is nothing better than Opening Day. I cannot wait for that first pitch. The Astros should sweep but they are gonna take 2 outta 3.

[SamCassell]

WWL. Barry's gonna go off at some point in the series.

[Rashmon]

Looking at the first full month of the schedule seems like we have a chance to get out of the gate strong.

This is gonna be a great year.

[DanHiggsBeard]

I'm really excited. I'm cutting out of work a little early to go to the game.

Tonight will be great, but the games tomorrow and especially Wednesday will have amazing atmospheres. I'm really glad I have tickets to all 3.

[sonique15]

sweep em up stros.......:D

[whag00]

Astros won't sweep. It's nearly impossible to sweep a good team...but they should take 2/3

[rrj_gamz]

WooHoo...I can't wait...I'm not in town, but will watch it on ESPN2...

Stros': 7

Giants: 5

[DFW_Rockets_Fan]

Pumped about the season. We take 2 of 3.

Go Stros.

[itzIce]

With the ROX currently in a slump but not out of the playoff race, I turn to the Stros to brighten the next few days esp. with our top three aces. Go STROS !!!

I wonder how the crowd reacts to Barry " The Hulk " Bonds when he takes the plate. ---> Just Say No !!! :D





itzIce

[A-Train]

Giants sweep:

Game 1: After thousands of Astros fans start a chant of "WE WANT CLEMENS! (clap clap clap clap clap), because they bought game 1 tickets right after they went on sale under the assumption that Clemens would be pitching game one, Oswalt gets his feelings hurt, loses concentration, and gives up 7 earned runs in one inning. Astros never recover.

Game 2: Clemens forgets that his kid has a little league game that day. He figures that he can still make his kid's game if he could somehow only pitch one inning...Giants score 8 runs in the first. Clemens throws 57 straight fast balls that reach 88 MPH

Game 3: "Oh crap, I thought the Crawford Boxes were in RIGHT field!"......:::CRACK!:::

[across110thstreet]

Anything to take my mind off of "the best basketball team to NOT make the playoffs"


and I'm in Houston to boot!

I love the Springtime.

the boys of summer will be wearing Stars this year. Go STROS

[across110thstreet]

Originally posted by A-Train
Giants sweep:

Game 2: Clemens forgets that his kid has a little league game that day. He figures that he can still make his kid's game if he could somehow only pitch one inning...Giants score 8 runs in the first. Clemens throws 57 straight fast balls that reach 88 MPH



only problem with your theory is Pettitte is pitching that night!:D

[A-Train]

Originally posted by across110thstreet
only problem with your theory is Pettitte is pitching that night!:D

You get the idea. :D

Baseball doesn't start until September, anyways...

[RocketMan Tex]

No Jason Schmidt=Astros sweep

[Uprising]

WHOOOOO!!!!

3 more hours!!! I am so excited!!

Reds have scored 4 runs through 5 on Kerry Wood so far on ESPN in the Cubs Reds game.

[JPM0016]

Originally posted by Uprising
WHOOOOO!!!!

3 more hours!!! I am so excited!!

Reds have scored 4 runs through 5 on Kerry Wood so far on ESPN in the Cubs Reds game.

Nothing like an ESPN quadruple header to start things off

[Uprising]

Originally posted by JPM0016
Nothing like an ESPN quadruple header to start things off

No kidding, I love this time of the year. The only thing that would make it even sweeter is having the Texans playing too. :D

[Uprising]

Five more innings till we get to see Wagner in a Phillies uniform.

[JPM0016]

Originally posted by Uprising
Five more innings till we get to see Wagner in a Phillies uniform.

i'm hoping that game stays close. I don't have a lot of faith in the pirates though. I'd love to see wagner get in and have one of his 99 mph fastballs fly outta the park

[JayZ750]

I'll be at the game today...anyone else?

[JPM0016]

Here we go!!!

[KaiSeR SoZe]

This will be my first ever baseball game (to watch on TV) I don't watch baseball but this season seems to draw me in

[JPM0016]

Oswalt was dominate in the 1st inning as usual. Lets see what the bats can do against Reuter

[Austin70]

Where the hell is the game? On Espn, it is Final four talk, ESPN2 is now ESPN news, and foxssw is nascar, what the hell?

[rockets-#1]

WWW

The pitching matchups in this series are just plain sad. I don't see how we couldn't sweep them, even though they are the Giants (a supposed good team). I really don't think they're that good besides Barry and Schmidt and he won't even pitch.

[KaiSeR SoZe]

this is pretty boring....:(

[JPM0016]

Originally posted by Austin70
Where the hell is the game? On Espn, it is Final four talk, ESPN2 is now ESPN news, and foxssw is nascar, what the hell?

It's on Channel 51 knws

[JPM0016]

Originally posted by KaiSeR SoZe
this is pretty boring....:(

not to a baseball fan. Oswalt dominated the top half and the astros loaded the bases in the bottom half and had a 3-2 count.

[derrock]

Originally posted by KaiSeR SoZe
this is pretty boring....:(

Bases loaded, 2 out, 3-2 pitch, crowd on its feet and you're bored....:eek:

[Austin70]

Originally posted by JPM0016
It's on Channel 51 knws

Kinda sucks living down here in Victoria, it's been blacked out I guess.

[LongTimeFan]

Originally posted by Austin70
Kinda sucks living down here in Victoria, it's been blacked out I guess.

Check ESPN. That's what I'm watching it on

[Surfguy]

Great...six men left on base in two innings.

Maybe we will lead the league in men left on base? LOL

[Baqui99]

Kent sucks.

[bigtexxx]

Oswalt's stuff looks very, very good. Should be a great season for him.

[whag00]

4 - 1 baby...prelude to a championship

Oswalt - Cy Young
Hidalgo - MVP
J. Williams - Manager of the Year

okay maybe im getting a little too excited

[Austin70]

It would be sweet to see Roy go the whole game, didn't happen to many times last year.

[shawn786]

Oswalt looks really really confedent, i really like his stuff. Maybe this could be his best year yet.

[MR. MEOWGI]

It might be time for me to jump on the bandwagon.

[bigtexxx]

Bonds is evil

[shawn786]

DAMN 3 run homer by Bonds, damn steroid pumper

[MR. MEOWGI]

It might be time for me to jump off the bandwagon.

[codell]

Frustrating.

[Austin70]

Screw the Unbarryble Hulk.

[francis 4 prez]

i don't know if facing bonds with the tying runs on in the 8th is the time to switch from being captain hook to grady little.


bonds is just unreal.

[JPM0016]

Oswalt had been attacking Bonds every at bat. You knew sooner or later those doubles were going to turn into something more.

You can already see a difference in the way Jimmy is gonna manage the staff. Last year Oswalt would have been pulled before facing Bonds.

[Rocket Fan]

I'm not going to comment on taking him out or not because if he had taken hiim out and Lidge gave up the HR i'd be frustrated too..

the only problem I have is what espn brought up before he gave up the hr.. you don't go out and walk so slowly and make the pitcher pause that long between pitches.. espn mentioned that while jimy was taking forever

[JPM0016]

ugh... 5-4 Giants. We've got some power in the 9th, not over yet

[codell]

Geez.

SF owns Minute Maid Park.

Our offense let Rueter off the hook by not taking advantage of all those bases loaded opportunities.

:(


ESPN is going to be all over Barry's HR.

[Rocket Fan]

Even I didn't expect 162-0. 161-1 is more like it. The streak starts tomorrow.

[JPM0016]

The Yankees, Redsox, Cardinals, and Phillies all lost their opener so we are in good company

[Uprising]

Well, good game until the 8th inning where it all went to hell.


What is up with the 2 unassisted outs?! :eek: First kent hits the ball into his foot with the bases loaded and is out for the 3rd out.

And then Biggio hits himself in the elbow for the first out of the 9th inning.

I have never seen that call before, and then it happened twice tonight. Very strange.

Well, that pissed me off. Bring em on tomorow. Why do the Giants own us? :(

Did Dotel get the loss because of the last run?

[Uprising]

Originally posted by JPM0016
The Yankees, Redsox, Cardinals, and Phillies all lost their opener so we are in good company

BUT the baby bears won.

[Rocket Fan]

uprising.. I think dotel got the loss, not sure. He gave up winning run though so I'd think he did get it

[AGBee]

So much for the sweep.

[DFW_Rockets_Fan]

There goes the wire to wire Division winners. This was a game we could have won. There were plenty of chances.

We can still take 2 of 3. Let's go Astros.

[Rule0001]

Originally posted by JPM0016
Oswalt had been attacking Bonds every at bat. You knew sooner or later those doubles were going to turn into something more.

You can already see a difference in the way Jimmy is gonna manage the staff. Last year Oswalt would have been pulled before facing Bonds.

I despise Barry Bonds.

I would love to see Barry Bonds go out with a season ending injury.

I'm normally a logical, calm baseball fan but MAN tonight was FAR beyond describable frustration.

This whole **** about it's only one game isn't comforting either.

It's only one game, only one game we should have one.

The pitching matchup is in our favor tommorow, lets hope there isn't another meltdown by our great pitching staff that will take us to the playoffs (note the sarcasm).

Back to the game though....
Oswalt pitched one hell of a game though until that at bat.

Under the circumstances , I'm not sure if I would of given the ball to Oswalt to face Bonds.

And the ONLY reason I wouldn't of given Oswalt the ball to finish off Bonds/theinning is because of how Bonds hit Oswalt the previous trips.

Those were harmless earlier since no men were on base so how well Bonds hit Oswalt didn't matter.

What did matter was the same type of result with men on base.

[Furious Jam]

Jimy Jenius blows it again!
Roy obviously hit a wall - he was rolling all game, then suddenly gives up two hits. Obvious time for a pitching change - the broadcasters even assumed as much and were surprised when Roy stayed in. You could make the case that he should've been pulled regardless of whoever was up next at bat, but with the next hitter being Bonds, a fresh pitcher was needed. I mean, isn't getting the ball to Lidge in the 8th the game plan this season?

[Rule0001]

yep another good point

Bonds had hit Oswalt well before that at bat.

AND Oswalt had given up two hits prior as furious said (forgot that during my rage lol).

Williams is going to have to start listening to his gut feeling rather than the damn crowds gut feeling.

You have a sellout crowd, but just too much influence from the crowd rather than from the Astro's Staff.

Sigh..... tommorow is a new day I guess.

[SamFisher]

...since when did the astros get managed by Grady little?

[Uprising]

That had to be an imposter. Jimmy keeping the starter in when his stuff is suspect and it's late in the game?!




.....oh wait, no more Wagner.

[Alimoe84]

Yeah Really. Bonds was on top of all of Roy's stuff. I always wondered why he was intentionally walked so much...I know hes good, but damn. 3 run Hr to tie the game on the first pitch? I was at the game booing right along with everyone else. We have Pettitte tomorrow night. It's only one game, and there were alot of bright spots and things to learn from. Better that Jimy does this now rather than pull a Grady Little. Also, Hidalgo got off to a good start! ROy pitched great 7 1/3 innings. If we can the 2002 Berkman back then this team is going to live up to all of the expectations.

[Buck Turgidson]

Originally posted by Austin70
Screw the Unbarryble Hulk.
Nuhuh...they have the same oversized bulbous cranium:

http://www.electriciti.com/nm8shun/frank.gif

Frankenbarry.

[dskillz]

I was at the game. Everyone in my section thought Jimi was pulling Oswalt when he went out to talk to him. We all boo'd when he didn't. Roy had hit a wall. 3 pitches before Jimi came out, Roy had bounced one to the plate and was not hitting his spots at all.

Putting in Lidge might have had the same result, but leaving Roy in surely determined what was going to happen. It sucks because it was full house, cool evening, the place was electric. When Bonds hit that shot, the crowd died. The Astros died as well.

It is only the first game, but it is terribly frustrating.

[Summer Song Giver]

Great game, too bad it didn't go our way especially for Roy who other than Barroids pitched a great game. Can't fault Jimy even though it did look like time to pull Roy but unless Barroids makes an out he was on the hook either way. Too bad for the Stros and my fantasy team that Kent couldn't have come through in one of those bases loaded situations but that baseball. Here's hoping we get them tomorrow and a great start for Andy Pettite.

[rockets-#1]

Ahhh damn you, Barry Bonds!

I was amazed, too, when Jimy left Roy-O in. I couldn't understand it. This was like the first time I wanted to take the starter out instead of yelling at him to just sit down.

As I thought, Dotel would start the season out slow. He always does, but he'll come around.

Real annoying loss, we'll get em tomorrow though.

[adeelsiddiqui]

Originally posted by rockets-#1
Ahhh damn you, Barry Bonds!

I was amazed, too, when Jimy left Roy-O in. I couldn't understand it. This was like the first time I wanted to take the starter out instead of yelling at him to just sit down.

As I thought, Dotel would start the season out slow. He always does, but he'll come around.

Real annoying loss, we'll get em tomorrow though.

hope what u say bout dotel is true...

[whag00]

Its alright...Astros have 161 games to win a game they clearly should have lost...in the end it all evens out.

thats the beauty of 162 games

[adeelsiddiqui]

Originally posted by whag00
Its alright...Astros have 161 games to win a game they clearly should have lost...in the end it all evens out.

thats the beauty of 162 games

Watch it be the difference between central division champs and wild card

[tierre_brown]

I have to admit that I was surprised at Jimy's decision as well. Last year he couldn't wait to pull our starters. I guess the 3some of Lidge, Dotel, and Wags gave him a LOT more confidence than he has in just Dotel and Lidge. We played a good game, just lost it with 1 swing of the bat from that steroid-pumping bastard. Still hyped about the season though.

[Buck Turgidson]

Originally posted by adeelsiddiqui
Watch it be the difference between central division champs and wild card
Dooooooomed I tells ya, they're doooooooooooooooomed.

"Get the **** off of my bandwagon, Private Pyle."

[Miguel]

Jimy Little. :(

[A-Train]

Well, I may be negative about the Rockets, but in their defense they were never under .500 this season. :D

[pgabriel]

Isn't it too early for the Jimy sucks posts.

[Furious Jam]

Originally posted by pgabriel
Isn't it too early for the Jimy sucks posts.

No, because it comes from a continuous build-up over the past two years.

[pgabriel]

Originally posted by Furious Jam
No, because it comes from a continuous build-up over the past two years.

but last year you guys were complaining about the exact opposite thing. Maybe the team just isn't as good as you guys think.

[droxford]

Originally posted by whag00
4 - 1 baby...prelude to a championship

Oswalt - Cy Young
Hidalgo - MVP
J. Williams - Manager of the Year

okay maybe im getting a little too excited

Opening day loss, choking late in the game...prelude to...?

-- droxford

[Austin70]

Can anyone tell me why the game was blacked out down here?

[fya]

Originally posted by Austin70
Can anyone tell me why the game was blacked out down here?

KNWS owns the right's to Stros TV.

[MoBalls]

Its only the first game...:D

[Austin70]

Originally posted by fya
KNWS owns the right's to Stros TV.

Even 120 miles away they have the rights over ESPN?

[SamCassell]

Apparently, since I was blacked out 200+ miles away.

[RocketManJosh]

Honestly, I think with our "veteran" pitching staff ... Jimy is making it a point to himself to let the Starters work out of some trouble unlike last year when O would have never even made it out there for the 8th inning.

I don't really mind ... It's just one game and over the long run I think it is a good strategy. The problem I have is the same as what the ESPN guys were saying. If you are going to leave him in, do it and don't waste 3 min decided because it stiffened O up a bit.

[Blatz]

Here's a couple of audio links if anyone wants to try it. I don't know if they work. The Giants link is the same as the Warriors. It has worked for the Warrior games in the past so maybe it will for the Giants too. I tried the Astros link once during preseason and I didn't have any luck. I don't know if it was because I had a bad connection or if it just doesn't work.

If you try it, start listening at least 30 minutes before the game.

The Giants KNBR >>> 680 <<< am (http://www.knbr.com/listenNow.html)

Astros Flagship Station KTRH 740 am (http://www.ktrh.com/main.html)

[pgabriel]

It wasn't a bad move. Roy O is their best pitcher IMO, and the worst he could do was give up enough runs to tie the game. Unfortunately that's what happened, but Roy was cruising and his pitch count was low enough to complete the game. It wasn't a bad move.

[deepellumrocket]

Originally posted by RocketManJosh
Honestly, I think with our "veteran" pitching staff ... Jimy is making it a point to himself to let the Starters work out of some trouble unlike last year when O would have never even made it out there for the 8th inning.

I think that's a fine strategy most of the time. I just don't agree with in the first two weeks of the season. Starters aren't in mid-season shape at this point. What was Roy's longest outing in the spring? I don't think it was 8 innings. Why should we expect him to be effective against Barry Bonds after 90+ pitches when he hasn't thrown that many in an outing since last season. I think you have to build up to the 8 or 9 inning outing. So leaving Roy in was surprising to me. Especially when it's a complete u-turn from Jimy's favorite strategy for the last two years. He's just baffling sometimes.

[dskillz]

Originally posted by pgabriel
It wasn't a bad move. Roy O is their best pitcher IMO, and the worst he could do was give up enough runs to tie the game. Unfortunately that's what happened, but Roy was cruising and his pitch count was low enough to complete the game. It wasn't a bad move.

Roy was cruising? Giving up 2 hits in the inning, bouncing a pitch to the plate, generally off target the entire inning and he was cruising? Were you watching the same game I was? Williams should have pulled him, especially since Bonds had been owning him all game. Atleast tell Roy to pitch around him and pray only one run scores that inning. What happened was not good baseball sense. Hopefully all parties involved will learn from this.

[Stickfigure]

Some other observations:

Oswalt looked really good, and I was glad to see him on ESPN. He's really the NL's version of Pedro in so many ways (not the least of which is his slight build). Excellent assortment of pitches, good velocity, good command, etc. It's too bad about that last pitch, though.

Ausmus actually got an RBI single. The announcers were saying that he's gone back to a more vertical stance, and hit .370 in spring training. If he can hit over .250 I'll be happy.

Everett got the job done with a nice sac bunt in the 1st, but why have him #2 in the lineup? I thought Ensberg worked nicely there last year.

Lidge's stuff looked nasty as always.

Lance is pretty weak from the right side. Reminds me of Ken Caminiti, Kevin Bass, and other historic Astros who probably would have been better off hitting from their dominant side rather than switch-hitting.

As frustrating as it was to see Barry hit the HR, DAMN! That guy is a complete monster. After doubling twice, you could see how his mere presence changed the pitching. Even before Tucker came up to bat, it was like, "Uh oh, pitch him extra carefully, because if not Barry's going to hit a 3-run HR." The whole world knew he was going to try to hit one, Jimy and Co. specifically came out to discuss preventing one, and then on the first pitch, bam -- a laser out of the park. Pretty badass.

I can't believe we didn't score more off Rueter, especially in the first two innings. He was trying to be Glavine-lite, throwing exclusively on the outside corner and trying to get the Astros to go fishing. Normally we're aggressive enough to do just that, but to their credit most of them lay off (including Biggio, which was a surprise). Jeff Kent was the only one who flailed at a couple pitches way off the plate, including the one he barely tipped for the bases-loaded third out.

Bagwell is going to rip out his other shoulder with those Herculean cuts he takes. Damn!

Congrats on a great game to Hidalgo -- probably the player of the game. That throw on the go-ahead run was pretty weak, though.

Anyway, go Astros and go Pettitte!

[Miguel]

Woo! I'm gonna be there wednesday. EXPECT PICS!

Not even my 9 months pregnant aunt will keep me from this game. I've waited 9 months for the damn kid to come, the least it can do is wait 4 hours.





















Yeah, I'm a jackass. :P But nothing is keeping me from watching Clemens pitch.

[Chump]

this loss is 100% Jimy's fault

no way Oswalt should be on the mound in the 8th on opening day

no way Oswalt should be pitching to Bonds with 2 on and a 3 run lead

no way Bonds should of gotten any pitch even remotely close enough to hit


all these decisions were Jimy's

[Nick]

you guys are HILLARIOUS!

Not less than one year ago... same situation... in fact SAME OPPONENT... with Ron Freaking Villone on the mound, you guys were calling for Jimy's head when he decided to take him out in favor of the bullpen in the late innings.

Now, you're calling for his head when he decides to LEAVE IN Roy?

Roy's a big time pitcher... he can handle that situation better than any of our other pitchers on the staff. IMO, I would have pitched around Bonds... but left Oswalt in still.

But, Oswalt doesn't pitch around anybody... that's just the type of moxy he's got. Sure, he learned his lesson, but I don't mind having a guy with that sort of confidence in his stuff. This is why you see such a difference between him and Tim Redding. Its not just the stuff, but the mental makeup he's got to go along with it.

Most of the time, that mental makeup helps him. Last night, it got the best of him. He'll learn from it... and we can all move on. Lets also be thankful that these sort of collapses are happening earlier in the season, rather than later (or, gasp, in the playoffs).

And... despite the loss, there were too many positives last night to make me even more excited about this year:
1.) the lineup is very balanced - I like the mix that Everett provides, as we've got some speed and fundamental baseball opportunities this year. Sure they didn't capitilize w/ the early bases loaded situation, but they did come thru in the seventh... one good 2 out rally like that a game is as much as you can ask for.

2.) Oswalt's groin is healthy - no doubt about it. If he's on, the sky's the limit for him.

3.) Killer instinct mentality - even though it was opening day (and thus everybody had to be focused), I just loved the intensity and determination this team played with last night. Nobody was doggin it, everybody was giving it their all.

This season is way to long and grinding to get worked up about one game like this... we'll prevail in the end.

[Buck Turgidson]

Originally posted by Nick
you guys are HILLARIOUS!
The woodwork creaks and out come the freaks.

[Chump]

Originally posted by Nick
you guys are HILLARIOUS!

Not less than one year ago... same situation... in fact SAME OPPONENT... with Ron Freaking Villone on the mound, you guys were calling for Jimy's head when he decided to take him out in favor of the bullpen in the late innings.

Now, you're calling for his head when he decides to LEAVE IN Roy?



I understand whatcha saying, but your forgetting one thing

this was opening day

Oswalt doesnt have the arm strength built up to go 7+ innings yet

What was his longest outing during Spring Training?

[Major]

no way Oswalt should be on the mound in the 8th on opening day

Inning doesn't matter - pitch count does, and Oswalt's was ridiculously low.

no way Oswalt should be pitching to Bonds with 2 on and a 3 run lead

Well, the fact is that Bonds *was* up with 2 on, and a 3-run lead. Given that, I don't think there's anyone on the team I'd rather have out there, so Roy gets the job. Would you rather bring in Lidge and have the first batter he faces this season be Barry Bonds?

no way Bonds should of gotten any pitch even remotely close enough to hit

You also don't want to walk him and get the winning run to the plate with only 1 out.

If we bring in Lidge or Dotel and he gives up the 3run HR, everyone would be bitching the other way. This is the same crap that everyone went through with Pedro last year.

[Buck Turgidson]

Originally posted by Chump
no way Bonds should of gotten any pitch even remotely close enough to hit

all these decisions were Jimy's
Funny, don't remember Jimy pitching the 8th.

"He just asked if I had enough for one more hitter, I said, `Yeah.' And he said, `Don't get beat by one guy.' "

"You can't get beat in the eighth inning, especially not by Barry Bonds. You might get beat by somebody else, but you don't get beat by him in the eighth inning. Anytime you get one guy that can beat you in the game and you catch enough of the plate to where he hits it out, it's my stupidity." - Roy Oswalt

[Chump]

Originally posted by Major
no way Oswalt should be on the mound in the 8th on opening day

Inning doesn't matter - pitch count does, and Oswalt's was ridiculously low.

no way Oswalt should be pitching to Bonds with 2 on and a 3 run lead

Well, the fact is that Bonds *was* up with 2 on, and a 3-run lead. Given that, I don't think there's anyone on the team I'd rather have out there, so Roy gets the job. Would you rather bring in Lidge and have the first batter he faces this season be Barry Bonds?

no way Bonds should of gotten any pitch even remotely close enough to hit

You also don't want to walk him and get the winning run to the plate with only 1 out.

If we bring in Lidge or Dotel and he gives up the 3run HR, everyone would be bitching the other way. This is the same crap that everyone went through with Pedro last year.

you may be right, that Lidge or whomever gives up the 3 runs anyways but we'll never know, I would rather take my chances with Lidge vs Alfonso, CJ, and grissom than let a tired Oswalt pitch to Bonds with 2 on..it was obvious that Roy had lost his stuff and was tired

my point is that , for me, the smart decision would of been to lift Oswalt after the 7th and take your chances with the bully.....yeah Jimy sometimes takes guys out too early, but under the circumstances, it wasnt a smart baseball move in my book

[Nick]

Originally posted by Chump
my point is that , for me, the smart decision would of been to lift Oswalt after the 7th and take your chances with the bully.....yeah Jimy sometimes takes guys out too early, but under the circumstances, it wasnt a smart baseball move in my book

You've got a point that his arm might not be in mid-season shape to be pitching 90+, but that's why they stretched them out the final weeks of ST. He said he felt fine, and his pitches still had decent life on them in the seventh.

Unfortunately (in terms of the fans here), if Jimy had taken a crusing, had only thrown 80 pitches, Oswalt out after the 7th... there would be VOCIFEROUS complaints as this was just "typical Jimy... yanking our best pitcher when he's rolling." (and up until that point, he was definitely rolling).

I agree that maybe he should have gone to the pen after he gave up the second hit... but when he went on the mound and questioned Roy, Jimy obviously believed in him.

There's nothing wrong with that. Oswalt admitted he made a dumb mistake, a mistake he has really yet to make yet in his 3 years of pitching, and now he gets to learn from it. What doesn't kill us, makes us that much stronger.

Also, stand by your opinion no matter what. I've never had a problem with Jimy yanking the starters when they reach 100 pitches (even if they have a shutout), especially with the talent we've got in the bullpen. I've always belived that taking a pitcher out too early is better than taking him out too late.

Occasionally, he'll pull a guy who's dominating, with 80-85 pitches after the seventh, and we'll all be like "WTF!!!". He treats Oswalt differently, though (he is special, after all)... and he'll be consistent with his decision making of him throughout the season.

We should all be consistent with our logic and reasoning here as well. If you're a guy who's in favor of starters pitching as long as they functionally can, stand by that. IF you're one that feels that once you get to thru the seventh (with our great pen), that's enough... let it be known.

We'll definitely have ample opportunities throughout this season (with a combo of our great starters, and Jimy Williams' managing, you can't avoid it), to evaluate these decisions.

I just don't like the wishy-washy opinions where one second, we're begging him to let the pitcher stay in... and then when it all goes to hell, it becomes..."see! I told you so.... what an idiot, should have taken him out."

[Rocket Fan]

I don't blame Jimy for leaving Oswalt in.

What about taking so long though? Even the espn commentators were picking up on what is he doing spending so long out there... you don't make your pitcher wait that long betwee pitches when the next guy is Bonds

[rrj_gamz]

Calm down everyone...It's the first game of the season...Jimy should have pulled O and Dotel didn't look comfortable at all...

Tues: Astros: 8
Giants: 5

Wed: Astros: 6
Giants: 4

[Uprising]

well, here's for a win tonight and tomorow. Please let us win a series against the Giants. Why do they own us? I hate it...

[JPM0016]

Originally posted by Uprising
well, here's for a win tonight and tomorow. Please let us win a series against the Giants. Why do they own us? I hate it...

it's a good thing we have that unbalanced schedule. Only 5 more games against them

[Groogrux]

Man, we had cool seats last night. Row 2, sec. 432. For seats that aren't field box level, they rock. Awesome view of downtown.

Can't wait until tonight!

[Uprising]

Originally posted by Rocketman95
Man, we had cool seats last night. Row 2, sec. 432. For seats that aren't field box level, they rock. Awesome view of downtown.

Can't wait until tonight!

Wish I was going, I will be make it to a game in the next couple o weeks. I can't make it down this week, wish I could. Too much work this week.... :(

[Uprising]

Well, here we go! Pettite's first pitch as a Houston Astro!!! WHOOP!

Let's go Good Guys!

[Puedlfor]

Mike Lamb is starting at the hot corner . . . .

[Uprising]

1 pitch one hit....3 pitch....two hit. 2 men on.

1 on first, one on second. UGH...bad start for Andy :(

[Nick]

DP Groundout for BONDS!!!

Man, its so good hearing Larry Dierker's voice again. He'll be the color commentator on every Wednesday home game for the season.

He's just got a great voice and great mind for commentating.

[codell]

Originally posted by Nick
Man, its so good hearing Larry Dierker's voice again. He'll be the color commentator on every Wednesday home game for the season.


I was just thinking the same thing.

Seems like old times.

[BobFinn*]

I had forgotten what an excellent announcer Dierker is. He adds so much to the broadcast. And the funny thing is he makes Bill Brown sound 10 times better as well.

Larry Dierker was BobFinn's* Astro Buddy in 1972:D

[JPM0016]

Originally posted by Nick


Man, its so good hearing Larry Dierker's voice again. He'll be the color commentator on every Wednesday home game for the season.

Definitely great to hear him again. He livens up the play by play with Bill Brown. Plus he has insight into the Astros no one else does.

[Castor27]

OK what is the deal. I am getting The worst damn sports show instead of the Astros. What is the deal with that??? :mad: :mad:

[JPM0016]

Originally posted by Castor27
OK what is the deal. I am getting The worst damn sports show instead of the Astros. What is the deal with that??? :mad: :mad:

They are on the Alternate fox sports channel for me. On Direct TV that would be channel number 644.

[BobFinn*]

763 if you have MLB Ticket (DirecTv)

[Castor27]

I'm not on direct TV I have cable and live in Beaumont. I get KNWS and the Houston teams on FSSW. Teh pregame was on then at game time it switched to Freaking Tom Arnold, but my guide says it should be on. FSSW is the worst excuse for a sports channel ever created. They show beach volleyball reruns and crappy motorcycle racing. I hate that channel.

[Austin70]

Originally posted by Castor27
OK what is the deal. I am getting The worst damn sports show instead of the Astros. What is the deal with that??? :mad: :mad:


Sucks for you, I had a blackout last night, I was p!ssed. I never got to see Kent play soccer.

[Rule0001]

hmm espn 2 says check guide for alternate programming

and fssw says program not available in your area

**** **** ****.

why do they do this to fans?

[Rule0001]

ahh

thanks to whoever said 644 on direct tv =)

[codell]

Still can't get that big hit with the bases loaded. :mad:

[Nick]

Originally posted by codell
Still can't get that big hit with the bases loaded. :mad:

better now than later.... but hopefully later will come in October.

[shawn786]

I like Pettittes stuff, really smooth

[Austin70]

Originally posted by Rocketman95
Man, we had cool seats last night. Row 2, sec. 432. For seats that aren't field box level, they rock. Awesome view of downtown.

Can't wait until tonight!

Hey, we have six seats for the 18th, sec. 408, row 7, I was hoping me and the family would be close enough to keep them interested. From what you said, there not to bad at all.

[Tyree]

man being in austin gives me so many options to watch the game....direct tv pass, espn2, fssw...

[codell]

3 run double. 3-1 Giants.

:mad:

[Rule0001]

world series here we come

with our starters consistently blowing games for us

the sky is the limit for the playoffs :)

[codell]

Originally posted by Rule0001
world series here we come

with our starters consistently blowing games for us

the sky is the limit for the playoffs :)

Hard to fault the pitching.

Our offense, like last night, should have put us up 2 or 3 runs.

Its going to be a long year if we can't take care of mediocre pitchers.

[AGBee]

When does football start?

[codell]

Berkman looked like a natural there in LF. :D

[Faos]

Originally posted by shawn786
I like Pettittes stuff,


Apparently so do the Giants.

[Rule0001]

and wild pitch by mr 30 million

run scores....

[Nick]

Originally posted by Rule0001
and wild pitch by mr 30 million

run scores....

It was ruled a passed ball... as it should have been.

Ausmus didn't catch a slider.

[shawn786]

Originally posted by Faos
Apparently so do the Giants.

i was talkin about this carrier over all but hes suckin it up pretty bad today, he did the same thing last year & had a great com backer i think they talked about it on the tv?

[Rule0001]

lol still defending every mistake our pitching staff makes huh.

[BigCountry132]

The astros are making brett tomko look like nolan ryan

[codell]

Doggy up with the bases loaded.

Come on Doggy!!!!!!!!

[bigtexxx]

Did anybody see the interview with David Aardsma's (Rice's closer last year) parents? His sister is ridiculously hot. She's a model/actress. She was the one sitting next to the mom.

[codell]

Doggy lines out. Ugh

Id kill for a clutch hit right about now.

[Nick]

Originally posted by codell
Doggy lines out. Ugh

Id kill for a clutch hit right about now.

Not a hit, but Lamb fisted a sac fly.... that Bagwell somehow made a close play.

decision time for Jimy... Let Andy hit, or go for the lead now.

He's letting Andy hit.

[Mr. Mooch]

Oh for the love of God. Somebody start the Fire Williams campaign website now!

[JPM0016]

I think Jimy has handuffed himself to the dugout fence. You know deep down he wanted to pinch hit.

[JPM0016]

Originally posted by Mr. Mooch
Oh for the love of God. Somebody start the Fire Williams campaign website now!

so last year he pulls guys early and people bitch. Now he leaves them in and people bitch. Can't have it both ways

[Nick]

Originally posted by Mr. Mooch
Oh for the love of God. Somebody start the Fire Williams campaign website now!

In hindsight, we're already into the Giants bullpen... its still only the 6th inning... and there were already 2 outs in the inning.

You lose both your starting pitcher and a pinch-hitter off the bench in (hopefully) a close game that you might need for later...

but (in edited hindsight) Neifi strikes again...

[codell]

Geez. Their scrub shortstop is killing us tonight.

5-3 Giants.

[codell]

6-3 Giants.

This is really starting to suck.

Anyway we can play the Giants in the Astrodome from now on??? :p

[shawn786]

Originally posted by codell
Geez. Their scrub shortstop is killing us tonight.

5-3 Giants.

make that 6-3

[3oClockRocket]

man,....this is depressing...come on STROS!!!

[BigCountry132]

I miss ron villone

[Uprising]

Perez has 4 runs batted in....and just scored. UGH

Not much of a homecoming for Pettite.


6 innings, 6 runs scored, 11 hits. Pettite is done. here comes Micili.(sp?)

[AGBee]

Are brooms allowed at MM?

[bigtexxx]

Rice Owl David Aardsma is in the game!!! MLB Debut!!!

[Nick]

Man... looking around the league and a lot of big names are struggling outta the gate:

Pedro
Kerry Wood (got good run support)
Randy Johnson
Matt Morris
Mike Mussina (that's 2 shalackings by the D-rays)
Pettite
Roy Halladay
Russ Ortiz

[codell]

2 on and Kent bounces into a DP.

:(

EDIT: Everette falls when trying to catch a pop up.

Passed balls. Wild pitches. We are looking like the 3 stooges.

[BigCountry132]

I was afraid at the beginning of the season that the Astros might not be able to handle the high expectations for this season...

[RocketFan007]

Same old Astros. Only getting two runs out of two bases loaded, no out innings and bouncing into rally killing double plays.

[Nick]

uhh... is it Rockets game time?

Man... even Bonds' pop flys are hard to handle. :rolleyes:

[bigtexxx]

Rice on Rice!!! Berkman vs Aardsma!!!

[Summer Song Giver]

Pettite to himself: These guys are no Yankees:mad:

[BobFinn*]

Jeff Kent=Steve Francis:confused:

[Faos]

Originally posted by BobFinn*
Jeff Kent=Steve Francis:confused:

I guess we should also start calling for Hunsickers head on a stick, too?

[Rule0001]

take your pick

astros sweep tommorow or watching the rockets play

doesn't get any better =)

[codell]

Kent pops out with 2 on.

Im depressed.

[JPM0016]

Originally posted by codell
Kent pops out with 2 on.

Im depressed.

i hope your not watching the rockets. What's going on with our Houston teams.

[Faos]

Comets start in a month.

[codell]

Originally posted by JPM0016
i hope your not watching the rockets. What's going on with our Houston teams.


Unfortunately, Im watching both. Trying to find something to be happy about. lol

[BigCountry132]

The Houston sports teams love to get their fans hopes up.

"Come see the exciting play of Yao, Steve and Cuttino as they make their way to the playoffs!"

"The astros are on the road to the world series."

I am to attached to these teams.

[codell]

Doggy with a big 2 run single.

Astros: 13 hits - 13 singles

[BobFinn*]

Who let the dogs out?

Doggy 2-run single 7-5

get those rally caps on!!!

[JPM0016]

i flipped the game back on. I can't watch the rockets when they are getting beat by 15 at half by the warriors.

Who is leading off in the bottom of the 9th?

[codell]

http://www.rallycapcouriers.com/images/spt-ran.jpg

[JPM0016]

Ausmus
Palmeiro
Biggio

should be interesting

[codell]

Ausmus goes down with the bat on his shoulder.

Too much of that these first two games.

[JPM0016]

tying run comes to the plate!

[BobFinn*]

Here we go baby!!!

Man on and Bidge at plate

[JPM0016]

:mad:

please tell me they are pinch hitting for Everett

[Summer Song Giver]

Let's go Bags!

[JPM0016]

Originally posted by JPM0016
please tell me they are pinch hitting for Everett

Yes, i know that i'm an idiot

[codell]

Whoa!!!

Close play @ 2nd. We are still alive!!!

Come on Baggy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11

[rockets-#1]

"We suck again!"

[Faos]

Forget Kent.

Bagwell = Francis


Watching Bagwell pop out is like watching Francis dribble the clock out.

:mad:

[BigCountry132]

Bagwell is in playoff form

[JPM0016]

2 straight nights Bagwell makes the final out :(

[BobFinn*]

dang it:(

[codell]

Once again, Giants OWN Minute Maid Park.

Would it be too outrageous to petition MLB to play them in the Dome from now on??

[Summer Song Giver]

16 lob, same ole stros

[rockets-#1]

Well, 160-2 isn't out of the question yet...

MOST OVERHYPED TEAM EVER, least 'till we get a win.:)

[lalala902102001]

The good news is that it's still early.

Other than that, the pitching hasn't looked sharp and the offense still chokes when it counts.

[The Real Shady]

It's still early and our pitching 1-5 is about as good as it gets, and two games doesn't mean a damn thing. I'm still optimistic about the rest of our 160 games.

[Uprising]

Originally posted by codell
Once again, Giants OWN Minute Maid Park.

Would it be too outrageous to petition MLB to play them in the Dome from now on??

Sad thing is, they also own us back in SF.

[pgabriel]

Originally posted by Summer Song Giver
16 lob, same ole stros

But people think going out and spending 10mil on an average pitcher was the answer. I told you guys, pitching was not this team's problem last year. Defense and situational hitting. The stro's addressed neither of those needs yet they are supposed to be a lock for the playoffs.

[DanHiggsBeard]

Quick reminder: The game tonight has been moved up to 6:05 because of national television. I'm glad the Astros sent me an e-mail this morning or I would have showed up to Minute Maid an hour late.

[rrj_gamz]

It's still early, but their lack of D on national TV made me ashamed...

Go Stros'!!!

[PhiSlammaJamma]

Somebody put them up at the Holiday Inn. this is ugly.

[codell]

Originally posted by PhiSlammaJamma
Somebody put them up at the Holiday Inn. this is ugly.

Don't you mean a Holiday Inn Express???? :p

[Austin70]

Originally posted by codell
Don't you mean a Holiday Inn Express???? :p

Who will win next the Astros or the Rockets?

[leroy420]

Originally posted by Austin70
Who will win next the Astros or the Rockets?

Both will win tonight. I hope. And pray.

[codell]

Originally posted by leroy420
Both will win tonight. I hope. And pray.

Actually, although It has happened, I can't remember the last time two Houston sports teams won in the same day. What a great day that would be.

I think the Rockets and Texans won on the same day in November.

[JPM0016]

Anybody else hear about that ridiculous celebration the Giants want to do if Bonds hits his Willie Mays tying home run tonight. There is talk about presented Bonds with an Olympic torch at homeplate. Bagwell, Biggio and Jimy Williams have all come out against it.

First off, no record is being broken. Last time i checked Mays was 3rd on the list, not 1st. Second this is Houston, not San Francisco, save your celebration for some other time. Third Mays says he wants to hug Bonds at home plate after he hits the home run. Have your special "Family moment" in private. I don't think it's right to interupt a game for a non record.

[Rocket Fan]

exactly.. this isn't the record breaker...


btw before I make fun of mays does he have some type of disability that could cause his memory to be bad.. because on the espn telecast he was talking about telling barry to go to college and then he said. "i think it was arizona".. after all this talk of how close they are he "thinks" he went to arizona.. well actually he went to arizona state

[Buck Turgidson]

IF Frankenbarry yacks one off Roger & then goes through with this dog & pony show on the field, I'd hate to be Edgardo Alfonzo. Showing up Roger in his Houston debut is not a wise move.

[The Real Shady]

Originally posted by JPM0016
Anybody else hear about that ridiculous celebration the Giants want to do if Bonds hits his Willie Mays tying home run tonight. There is talk about presented Bonds with an Olympic torch at homeplate. Bagwell, Biggio and Jimy Williams have all come out against it.

First off, no record is being broken. Last time i checked Mays was 3rd on the list, not 1st. Second this is Houston, not San Francisco, save your celebration for some other time. Third Mays says he wants to hug Bonds at home plate after he hits the home run. Have your special "Family moment" in private. I don't think it's right to interupt a game for a non record.

I hope they do the celebration because they will get booed unmercifully for it. If they think they will get a standing ovation from the Houston crowd they need to think again. Like you said it's not a record. If he was breaking Aaron's record then that would be a different story.

[rockets-#1]

Unfortunately I can't go:(, so my eyes are gonna be glued to the TV when Roger and Barry face during his first AB. It would be just like Roger to throw inside on his first pitch, and I would love it.

If it's late in the game tonight with a close score, whoever is pitching needs to walk Bonds. Don't make the same mistake twice.

[codell]

Boy, depsite the two loses, I am jacked for this game.

I have butterflies.

Go Rocket!!!!!!!!

[codell]

1st time in history that a pitcher with 300 wins has faced a hitter with 600 HRs.

Clemens v. Bonds

[codell]

Scratch that.

Intentional walk to Bonds.

:(

[RocketManJosh]

Originally posted by codell
Boy, depsite the two loses, I am jacked for this game.

I have butterflies.

Go Rocket!!!!!!!!

Same here ... Go Stros

Man I cannot take another day where the Stros and the Rox lose together ... Please lets get a double-W tonight

[codell]

Bagwell out on 3 swinging strikes. He looked overmatched. WAY overmatched. Scary.

Kent double scores Bidge.

Woohoo!!!!

Doggy with a bomb to left center.

2-0 Good Guys.

[JPM0016]

Solo shot Richard Hidalgo!!! He's picked up where he left off last year :D

Astros - 2

Giants - 0

[Buck Turgidson]

Originally posted by codell
Bagwell out on 3 swinging strikes. He looked overmatched. WAY overmatched. Scary.
Amazing how quick things can change.

[Surfguy]

Sweet! Bags pops a 2 run dinger!!!

4-0 Astros

[codell]

Originally posted by Buck Turgidson
Amazing how quick things can change.

Thats why I love baseball. :)

[RocketFan007]

Old man can still pitch. Eight sent down in a row, five by strike out, and only one hit through 5.

[Jebus]

nicely manufactured run there..

[thegame_2234]

i'm happy we are killing thems :cool: :D

[codell]

Bonds called out on strikes again!!!

Clemens, 7 IP, 7 Ks and only 1 hit!!!

Hot damn it doesn't get any better than this!!!!

[Jebus]

Originally posted by codell
Bonds called out on strikes again!!!

Clemens, 7 IP, 7 Ks and only 1 hit!!!

Hot damn it doesn't get any better than this!!!!

I know, I'm afraid to talk about it too much, like it might get jinxed somehow..

[Puedlfor]

That last at-bat for Barry against Roger was just wicked. The old man can still bring the heat.

[Jebus]

3 run homer by Kent! 8-0!!

[Surfguy]

Why did Clemens come out from a 1 hitter?

Man....that kind of ticks me off. If Jimmy pulled him, then scew Jimmy. If Clemens pulled himself cause he was tired, then okay...its his call.

NOW WE'RE MESSING UP!

DAMN

[thacabbage]

I'm not watching the game, just following from MLB.com - why was Clemens pulled from a 1 hitter?

[Jebus]

Just guessing, but I'd say that it's because it's a long season, he's 40 years old, and we had a 5 run lead. I can live with 7IP 0ER.. Plus I doubt he would have come out if he didn't want to.

Too bad Miceli just gave up the shutout.

[codell]

Yeah, Clemens was close to 100 pitches. With his age, and it being so early in the season, I dont think anyone, including Clemens, wants to see him over 100 pitches.

[Jebus]

I can see it now..

Bonds will hit a meaningless homer in the 9th and it will be all the media will talk about..

[KaiSeR SoZe]

whats the story of today's game?

[Surfguy]

Bonds is out of the game so no worries there.

[Jebus]

Originally posted by Surfguy
Bonds is out of the game so no worries there.

nice! no celebration for you!

They should have saved some of these runs for the Rockets...

[thegame_2234]

Originally posted by KaiSeR SoZe
whats the story of today's game?


we kicking ACES :D :cool:

[Jebus]

good god! 10-1!

[Jebus]

Bad news is, Berkman is still batting .000

[Surfguy]

Stros WIN! Stros WIN! Stros WIN!

How bout that? Let me hear ya...!

[Rule0001]

lol jebus ya have about 20 posts on this page alone huh? :D

what a win for the astros
good to see a win and one hell of a pitching performance by clemens.

Hope for better times for Pettite next start :)

[Uprising]

Clemen's was great tonight. Man it's nice to have him on our team.


Nice to see our guys hitting well!!! Great Homers tonight.

So happy to see Bonds not get his 660HR off of Clemens, let alone any Astro.

Great win. WOOOO.

[tierre_brown]

Wow, MVP Baseball 2004 is amazingly accurate...(they had Stros going 1-2 against Giants, same games) :)

Good to see the Rocket back on track after a mediocre spring. And to see our bats come alive. Let's hope we can start a good long winning streak to start the season off right.

[lalala902102001]

The Rocket was magnificent tonight. What an amazing debut for one of the greatest ever. I'll remember this game for a long long time.

[rockets-#1]

Awesome. I love Roger Clemens. We always seem to score a lot of runs in one game though and then have trouble getting much at all in the next. I'm not gonna complain though, offense was fun to watch tonight. Unfortunately, I was exhausted and trying to do some work while watching and I feel asleep from somewhere in the 5th to Doggy's double in the 8th.:( From what I saw though, it was awesome.

[adeelsiddiqui]

The one game I have to work through we win... sweeeeeet... Guess thats the good luck on my side, No more stro's games for me....

[Uprising]

The best was him getting a hit in his first at bat as an Astro, and then striking out the side. (with Bonds)

[Miguel]

We won :D


One minor gripe I do have.

Why didn't Grad...er...Jimy let Clemens walk out to the plate, then pinch hit for him. I'd really like to have given Roger the ovation he deserved.

I was just about as far as I could be from the action but I LOVED every minute of it. (minus that godawful inning with Miceli)

[Nick]

Originally posted by Miguel
We won :D


One minor gripe I do have.

Why didn't Grad...er...Jimy let Clemens walk out to the plate, then pinch hit for him. I'd really like to have given Roger the ovation he deserved.

I was just about as far as I could be from the action but I LOVED every minute of it. (minus that godawful inning with Miceli)

He got an awesome ovation after he finished the seventh ... with Miceli working in the bullpen, and his spot leading off the bottom of the inning, most of us fans knew that this was probably it.

Had he gotten outta the 7th in maybe 3 pitches, he might have come back out... but he finished with close to 100.

The ONLY time I'll be mad at Jimy for taking out a pitcher in that situation is if the pitcher has a chance to go for a no hitter/perfect game/20K.

Overall... atmosphere at Minute maid was ELECTRIC.... as soon as Clemens got to 2 strikes on any batter, everybody was just salivating for the next K. Reminded me a lot of Randy Johnson's first start here.

It will only get better as the season carries on....

[Miguel]

Yeah, I was there. Like I said, I was about as far away from the action as I could be. :p

Section 432, Row 17. :P

Tickets were free though, so I can't complain.


I loved how the crowd was into his every pitch. I just wish it was like that all the time.

[Yao Wink]

I know it is early, but does anybody else have visions of Clemens starting in the All Star game?

At least for tonight, he was dominant. While those called strike 3s on Bonds looked low, the Astros finally have a SP that has a rep that umpires have to respect. I have no problem with Clemens getting those calls after years of seeing pitchers like Maddux and Kevin Brown get theirs. Plus Ausmus and Clemens were smart enough to call the same pitch location on the second K to Bonds as the first. Very exciting night for the Astros organization and the fans, even those sitting in section 423, row 3.

[raw10628]

Clemens pitched a hell of a game. I wasn't there, but this game just made you have that good feeling about being an Astros fan.

Something I thought was interesting about the location of those pitches had to do with something I saw on tv the day before. I think it was on ESPN, one of the commentators sat and talked to Bonds(interview wasn't shown) and said that Bonds told him there was one spot that would get him everytime and it was the only spot he really had trouble getting to the pitch or seeing it well, and that spot was down and away just like both out pitches. It was most likely a coincidence that I saw that then watched Clemens mow Bonds down. I'm sure thats in the scouting report though too. Anyways....just thought I would share.

[francis 4 prez]

man, the best pitcher of this generation with 6 cy young's (though it should only be 5) versus the best hitter of this generation with 6 mvp's (though it could be 7 or 8). awesome.

the two pitches weren't strikes but damn they were located nicely (and ausmus made them look good) so i'll take it.