[NLDS] Astros vs. Braves Games 1 & 2

[Castor27]

Game 1 -- Wednesday at 3:00 cst. on ESPN

Roger Clemens (0-0, 0.00) vs. Jaret Wright (0-0, 0.00)

Clemens vs. Atl in 2004:
0-0, 1.29 in 1 start


Wright vs. Hou in 2004:
No Record


Game 2 -- Thursday at 3:00 cst. on ESPN

Roy Oswalt (0-0, 0.00) vs. Mike Hampton (0-0, 0.00)

Oswalt vs. Atl in 2004:
0-0, 3.68 in 1 start

Hampton vs. Houston in 2004:
0-0, 10.38 in 1 start

[MadMax]

WW

2-0 'stros

Astros in 4.

I blame Biggio, mostly.

[PhiSlammaJamma]

Sweep. www

[King of 40 Acres]

WWW ... With Roger and Roy O pitching in Atlanta, and our incredible home winning streak and Backe's performance yesterday I don't see any reason why the Astros won't sweep the Braves. This is the year we finally get the monkey off our back and win a playoff series.

[whag00]

Astros will probably split the first 2 and go from there...

[rrj_gamz]

Being devil's advocate, we have never won a playoff series, and the braves are always in our way...Bags and Biggio seem to choke...blah, blah, blah...

However, we're on a roll, the stars are in alignment and we are destined to win it all this year...Our team is more than Bags and Biggio and our pitching is awesome...

Win 3 of 4, of course, win the first two games....

Go Stros'!!!

[PhiSlammaJamma]

where is the braves bbs?

[Nick]

In all honesty, if this were just any normal games:

Clemens vs. Jaret Wright??? Are you kidding me?

Oswalt vs. John Thomson? You're joking right???


But, the fact that its the playoffs, and the Braves, causes everybody to look at these two games sooooo differently. I just think we should take off those glasses for a second, and just look at these pitching matchups... in a pitching-friendly ballpark... at a time of day when the shadows are going to be rampant... and go from there.

It will ultimately come down to the offense and the bullpen, because the starting pitching is heavily favored our way. If we can get some early runs.... which are good no matter what time of the season... I think it will really help these guys get in a nice groove for the rest of the series.

WW... one will be close, one will not. But, good results either way.

[NJRocket]

I think we go WLWW

anyone have any clue as to what time they are thinking about for Saturday's game? Does it depend on other outcomes?

[shawn786]

We have our 2 GUNS pitching for us Wen & Thru so i think itll be WWLW :cool:

[pugsly8422]

I think we'll lose 1 of the first 2 unfortunately due to lack of offense, but come back to win the next 2.

Pugs

[Nick]

Originally posted by NJRocket
I think we go WLWW

anyone have any clue as to what time they are thinking about for Saturday's game? Does it depend on other outcomes?

All I can say is... don't expect a prime time game, especially since the AL/NL series moves to Boston and LA.

Its a given that Houston vs. Atlanta is the smallest media market- matchup in the playoffs right now... and thus, they'll probably want to minimize the primetime spots given to them.

St. Louis will get a primetime spot ONLY because they're playing LA... if they were playing Atlanta, and we were playing LA, the time slots would be flip-flopped. Basically, your team's record really has nothing to do with it...

Media Market rankings of teams in Playoffs:
1. New York
2. LA/Anaheim
5. Boston
9. Atlanta
11. Houston
14. Minnesota
21. St. Louis
http://www.nielsenmedia.com/DMAs.html

[Buck Turgidson]

Dear Baseball Gods,

Please, oh please, allow our beloved Astros to drop the mutha****ing hammer on the mutha****ing braves.

Thank you. Many chicken(wing)s will be sacrificed in your honor.

[Groogrux]

Originally posted by Buck Turgidson
Dear Baseball Gods,

Please, oh please, allow our beloved Astros to drop the mutha****ing hammer on the mutha****ing braves.

Thank you. Many chicken(wing)s will be sacrificed in your honor.

You still owe me one. Bastard.

WWW

I can't bear to think about the potential greatness Saturday has in this sports fan's life. If UT beat OU and the Astros clinched their first ever series win, it'll probably rank up near the top.

[Dnjndmrc5]

does anyone know the formation of how Teams are paired for the postseason? I know that the wild-card winner cannot play a team from his division in the first round. I dont know it seems we always play the braves. How come we didnt end up playin someone like LA?

[Nick]

Originally posted by Dnjndmrc5
does anyone know the formation of how Teams are paired for the postseason? I know that the wild-card winner cannot play a team from his division in the first round. I dont know it seems we always play the braves. How come we didnt end up playin someone like LA?

Because the Braves have a better record than LA, and the best team (the Cardinals) gets to play either the wild card or the division winner with the worst record (if the wild card is in the same division).

In 1997, the Marlins were the WC, thus the Braves had to play the worst division winner... us.

In 1999, the Mets were the WC, thus the Braves had to play the worst division winner... us. (btw... that year, the Braves had 103 wins, the Diamondbacks had 100 wins, and we had 97 wins... what a tough year to win the division!)

In 2001, the Cardinals were the WC, thus we had to play the worst division winner... the Braves.

[Behad]

Originally posted by Dnjndmrc5
does anyone know the formation of how Teams are paired for the postseason? I know that the wild-card winner cannot play a team from his division in the first round. I dont know it seems we always play the braves. How come we didnt end up playin someone like LA?

The team with the best record (Cardinals) plays the wild card team, unless the wild card team (Astros) is in the same division. In that case, the team with the best record (Cardinals) plays the 3rd seeded team (Dodgers), and the wild card (Astros) plays the 2nd seed (Braves).

[Chump]

Originally posted by PhiSlammaJamma
where is the braves bbs?

http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/components/fan_forum/messageboard.html?braves

[Jebus]

If we win the series but don't sweep, it's going 5 games. The reason I think this is: who's pitching for the Astros in game 4? Seems that out of all the games, the one started by Hernandez/Munro/Redding/other would be the one I'd bet on the Astros to lose.

I also tend to think that the winner of the Stros/Braves series will represent the NL in the world series. Especially if Carpenter is out for the second round. Actually, I wouldn't be shocked if the Cardinals lost in the first round.

[Nick]

Originally posted by Jebus
If we win the series but don't sweep, it's going 5 games. The reason I think this is: who's pitching for the Astros in game 4? Seems that out of all the games, the one started by Hernandez/Munro/Redding/other would be the one I'd bet on the Astros to lose.

I also tend to think that the winner of the Stros/Braves series will represent the NL in the world series. Especially if Carpenter is out for the second round. Actually, I wouldn't be shocked if the Cardinals lost in the first round.

I gotta think that if it gets to game 4... if we're down 2-1, Clemens will go on 3 days rest, followed by Oswalt on 3-days rest for game 5.

If we're up 2-1, you might see a game like you saw yesterday, with (get ready for this) Redding getting the start... his first win of the year came against the Braves, and whatever confidence he can take from that, he'll need it.

I don't really feel that much less comfortable with him on the mound, as opposed to Carlos or Pete. Carlos would have been ideal, but its obvious he's starting to fatigue now with the lack of regular work, and his still weak arm strength.

And, even if you lose that game... you have Roger ready on full rest for Game 5 in Atlanta... the game which the Braves have lost each of the last two years (2002 - San Fran, 2003 - Cubs)

[MadMax]

pitching anyone...roger clemens or anyone else...on 3 days rest is a bad, bad idea.

[Nick]

Originally posted by MadMax
pitching anyone...roger clemens or anyone else...on 3 days rest is a bad, bad idea.

Worked pretty good for Josh Beckett last year... and Randy and Curt in 2001... and Kevin Brown in 1998.

Frankly, if the Astros had other options in those situations, we'd use them... but this team doesn't.

If you're down and facing elimination, I don't see any choice but to have one of the big 2 pitching on short rest.

[sonique15]

WWW, here's to hopin the curse is over........

[DaDakota]

Our year....

WWLW

Astros are the better team right now.

DD

[codell]

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/playoffs2004/columns/story?columnist=rogers_phil&id=1894465

Clemens, Oswalt a formidable pair

By Phil Rogers
Special to ESPN.com


The last team to claim a spot in the National League playoffs is also the most dangerous, thanks to Roger Clemens and Roy Oswalt.

The Houston Astros have the best starting pitching on their side of the eight-team tournament. That's an amazing statement given the casualties they have suffered along the way.

Left-hander Andy Pettitte (elbow surgery) and right-hander Wade Miller (rotator cuff injury) are lost for the season. Tim Redding, who also opened the season in the rotation, has pitched so poorly he probably won't get a spot on the playoff roster. Instead manager Phil Garner will fill out his playoff rotation with Brandon Backe and, if he sticks with four starters, Peter Munro.

Roy Oswalt
Roy Oswalt led the National League with 20 wins this season.

But in Clemens and Oswalt, Garner is holding a two-man trump card that has the potential to be almost as dominant as the one Bob Brenly parlayed into a World Series championship with Arizona in 2001.

Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling were 43-12 with a combined 2.74 ERA that season. Clemens and Oswalt, who could finish 1-2 in the NL Cy Young race, are 38-14 with a 3.25 ERA combined this season.

They provide Houston with the star quality that the other NL playoff rotations lack. With Cardinals manager Tony La Russa announcing that Chris Carpenter will be skipped in the first round, there's not a true ace on any of the other three playoff teams. The Astros have two.

And things are breaking right for Houston.

Garner had announced on Saturday night that he would use Clemens on three days' rest Sunday in the potential playoff clincher against Colorado. He refused to get greedy and hold out his for the playoff opener.

Then the Astros got lucky. Clemens caught a touch of the flu from Redding. He was running a fever when he arrived at Minute Maid Park, so Garner switched to Backe. The 26-year-old Houston acquired from Tampa Bay for Geoff Blum -- what a deal that was -- took a shutout into the sixth inning against the Rockies while also contributing a two-run single.

The 5-3 victory meant no fear of a one-game wild-card playoff in San Francisco, putting Clemens and Oswalt on track for Games 1 and 2 against Atlanta. They are positioned to work three times in a five-game series -- four if Garner is willing to use both of them on three days' rest.

"Roger gets his regular rest and a chance to be healthy,'' Jeff Bagwell said. "Then he can start Game 1 for us. It worked out well for us.''

If the Astros can do something no Texas team has ever done, winning a postseason series, Clemens and Oswalt could combine to start 11-13 of a possible 19 playoff games for Houston.

Backe and Munro are going to be given trials by fire in October. But the reality is that all of the NL's playoff rotations have major questions.

Here's a look at the other playoff rotations, in the order of their strength:

2. Braves
John Thomson, who had been scheduled to be manager Bobby Cox's No. 2 starter, said he felt something "grab'' in his side when he worked at chilly Wrigley Field on Saturday. He left the game after three innings, and might not be available for the Division Series.

That leaves the tentative Atlanta rotation as Jaret Wright, Mike Hampton and the suspect Russ Ortiz (4.85 ERA in the second half, including a 5.57 mark in September). Paul Byrd, who gave up nine runs in four innings to the Cubs on Sunday, will probably move into the bullpen as a long man.

Hampton, who started only twice in September because of a torn meniscus in his left knee, is another question mark. He did, however, look strong in his last outing, allowing one run in six innings against the Cubs on Friday.

Depth has been the key for the Braves' rotation all season, as none of the starters have more than 15 wins. The late-season injuries and poor performance of Ortiz hint at potential troubles against Houston hitters but these starters have actually been a lot better in September than those with St. Louis and Los Angeles.

[Lil Francis]

Originally posted by Nick
All I can say is... don't expect a prime time game, especially since the AL/NL series moves to Boston and LA.

Its a given that Houston vs. Atlanta is the smallest media market- matchup in the playoffs right now... and thus, they'll probably want to minimize the primetime spots given to them.

St. Louis will get a primetime spot ONLY because they're playing LA... if they were playing Atlanta, and we were playing LA, the time slots would be flip-flopped. Basically, your team's record really has nothing to do with it...

Media Market rankings of teams in Playoffs:
1. New York
2. LA/Anaheim
5. Boston
9. Atlanta
11. Houston
14. Minnesota
21. St. Louis
http://www.nielsenmedia.com/DMAs.html I didn't realize Minnesota was higher than St Louis. That would have been a good trivia question. Atl higher than Houston sort of surprised me too.

[Nick]

Originally posted by Lil Francis
I didn't realize Minnesota was higher than St Louis. That would have been a good trivia question. Atl higher than Houston sort of surprised me too.

Media markets are largely determined by surrounding area, thus Minneapolis gets the St. Paul market (and pretty much everything else... I can't name any other Minnesota cities).

St. Louis and Houston are both similiar in the fact that there are no big surburban areas within a great distance of them... thus, they're sort of limited in their media market sizes (although Houston is a MUCH bigger city than St. Louis is).

[Uprising]

That ESPN article makes me feel that much better. Man, those two guys have been great this season. It's amazing to think what this team has accomplished with out our other two starters, Wade Miller and Andy Pettitte.

WW. The Tides Turn.

Whats "the best of" needed to win the series? Is it best of 5?

[Nick]

Originally posted by Uprising
Whats "the best of" needed to win the series? Is it best of 5?

Yea... and if the Yankees get knocked out by amazing peformances from Santana and the Twins... look for MLB to try to make it a 7 game series in the upcoming years.

I have no idea why, but whenever a sport adds a playoff round, they alway make it shorter... they did it in the NBA and the NHL... and only now have they finally made those first round series best out of 7.

Expect the same in MLB... especially since the wild card team every year looks to be just about as good, if not better, than most of the division winners.

[Jebus]

Originally posted by codell
Left-hander Andy Pettitte (elbow surgery) and right-hander Wade Miller (rotator cuff injury) are lost for the season. Tim Redding, who also opened the season in the rotation, has pitched so poorly he probably won't get a spot on the playoff roster. Instead manager Phil Garner will fill out his playoff rotation with Brandon Backe and, if he sticks with four starters, Peter Munro.

Then the Astros got lucky. Clemens caught a touch of the flu from Redding. He was running a fever when he arrived at Minute Maid Park, so Garner switched to Backe. The 26-year-old Houston acquired from Tampa Bay for Geoff Blum -- what a deal that was -- took a shutout into the sixth inning against the Rockies while also contributing a two-run single.


man, it's sad that the best thing Redding did for the team was give Roger the flu.

[Harrisment]

Originally posted by Jebus
man, it's sad that the best thing Redding did for the team was give Roger the flu.

:D

[codell]

Some nice love for the Stros on Page 2:

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=predictions/041004

[slcrocket]

LET'S GO BRAVES!!!!!

Hey, come on, baseball doesn't even exist in Salt Lake City...

But seriously, I've been a Braves fan all my life, and while this series scares me, I think anybody would have scared me. The Braves are the perfect example of the team that keeps playing well even when their roster doesn't look that impressive. But I LOVE the matchup--Atlanta, the team that wasn't supposed to even make the playoffs, against Houston, who is playing UNREAL baseball lately, especially at home.

Go Atlanta--beat those damn 'Stros. :D

[Preston27]

WWLW, then LWWLWW against the Cards/Dodgers winner, then WLWWLW in the World Series.

Book it.

[PhiSlammaJamma]

All the teams in the playoffs are good. The fans will all be scared once the game starts. People like Lemke and Cabrera and Puhl come out of nowhere and light it up too. There will be tension. So I think the Braves or whoever will be formidable. All the teams are good now. It will be a tough series.

I can't believe Redding almost got in there.

[MadMax]

Originally posted by Nick
Worked pretty good for Josh Beckett last year... and Randy and Curt in 2001... and Kevin Brown in 1998.

Frankly, if the Astros had other options in those situations, we'd use them... but this team doesn't.

If you're down and facing elimination, I don't see any choice but to have one of the big 2 pitching on short rest.

i hear ya. but it didn't work well for clemens last season, at all.

it just scares me.

[rockets-#1]

Originally posted by codell
Some nice love for the Stros on Page 2:

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=predictions/041004

Hey there really is some great stuff about the Astros in there. ALL of the writers picked the Astros to beat the Braves. Also, they're real high on Brad Lidge and that's awesome.

I say the Stros sweep this series. I believe Roger will be able to keep working his magic and Roy will dominate. Backe has been pitching well lately and with the way the Astros are playing at home, they should definitely beat the Braves in game 3. At the very worst, in game 4 at home with Roger back on the mound. If the Astros don't win this series then I will consider them the biggest choke franchise in all of sports, EVER!

[Behad]

Originally posted by rockets-#1
If the Astros don't win this series then I will consider them the biggest choke franchise in all of sports, EVER!

January 3rd, 1993. Nuff said.

[rockets-#1]

Originally posted by Behad
January 3rd, 1993. Nuff said.

Yes, but at least the Oilers managed to get to the next round at some point in their history.

97,98,99,01,04 - The Astros HAVE to advance in one of those years with all the talent they had.

[leroy420]

Originally posted by rockets-#1
If the Astros don't win this series then I will consider them the biggest choke franchise in all of sports, EVER!

How about the Mariners team that won 116 games and lost in the first round?

The 92-93 Oilers are still the biggest choke job of all time. Why did you have to bring that up, Behad? I'm going home to cry.

[Joshfast]

Astros will win in 4 - these aren't the same Braves and these aren't the same Astros.

[bobrek]

Originally posted by rockets-#1
If the Astros don't win this series then I will consider them the biggest choke franchise in all of sports, EVER!

What if they had finished 34-12 (instead of 36-10) and missed the playoffs by one game? How would you have rated their season? Do they only get to become the "biggest choke franchise in the history of sports" because they had one of the best finishes in ML history to gain the playoffs? The way this year unfolded, the playoffs are just icing on the cake. The last 6 weeks were a truly remarkable run. In essence they already have won 7 straight elimination playoff games. Lose any of them and odds are they would not be in the playoffs at all.

[isoman2kx]

not going to make any specific predictions other than a series win

:)

We've got a damned good shot at splitting if not winning the first two games.

I wouldn't want any other tandem than Clemens and Oswalt going in the first two games.

Here's to hoping biggio and bagwell along with the rest of the lineup, get some timely offense when we need it in this postseason series.

The braves might not have Glavine, Maddux, and Smoltz...... but certainly not a team to overlook either.

Good luck 'Stros!

-ISO

[Stack24]

Man i really hope we do well in the series and win it (which i think we will) i just want to get the monkey off our back which is those Braves. I am really tired of meeting them in the playoffs to just do nothing.

Based on our rotation and theirs we should have the upper hand in the series. But i just hope we can take the momentum that we have into the playoffs. Everyone is all of a sudden picking us to win the series because of how we are playing and i hope we live up to that.

Just heard on 610 that Hampton is actually starting game 2 becuase Thompson strained a muscle and will be pitching in game 3 instead of 2.

Wonder if that will help a bit.

[PhiSlammaJamma]

This year feels so different, like there's no pressure, and I can't wait to see how they respond. The team is having fun right now.

[rockets-#1]

Originally posted by bobrek
What if they had finished 34-12 (instead of 36-10) and missed the playoffs by one game? How would you have rated their season? Do they only get to become the "biggest choke franchise in the history of sports" because they had one of the best finishes in ML history to gain the playoffs? The way this year unfolded, the playoffs are just icing on the cake. The last 6 weeks were a truly remarkable run. In essence they already have won 7 straight elimination playoff games. Lose any of them and odds are they would not be in the playoffs at all.

Sorry, I didn't express what I was trying to say very clearly. I'm fully aware of what a brilliant stretch run the Astros had, it's amazing. True, them being alive now is kinda icing on the cake.

However, they should win this series. They got the 2 aces in the rotation. They have a manager making good moves. They have a lineup with plenty of pop. They have playoff vets, and they got young studs like Berkman and Beltran.

The Astros fielded great teams from 97-99 and walked away with nothing. The Astros should and need to have a playoff series win in the Bagwell/Biggio era. That's why I said they'd be such bad chokers if they were unable to win just one playoff series under 2 such great players.

Originally posted by PhiSlammaJamma
This year feels so different, like there's no pressure, and I can't wait to see how they respond. The team is having fun right now.

I definitely agree with those statements. This is a different team than were used to seeing with the Astros.

[Behad]

I want one of these!!!

http://spln.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/pMLB2-1722829dt.jpg


Found here: http://mvp.com/family/index.jsp?categoryId=1881133

[francis 4 prez]

Originally posted by Behad
January 3rd, 1993. Nuff said.


nothing happened that day. there was no football game played that day.



least that's what my therapist says.

[VesceySux]

A scout's analysis (http://www.sportsline.com/mlb/postseason/scoutingreport/HOU) from Sportsline.com:

ASTROS IN GENERAL: "It's not a surprise that the Astros are in the playoffs. It might be a little surprising getting in the way they did and going through the adversity they did, but hiring Phil Garner and firing Jimy Williams turned it around. A lot of people said their bullpen saved them, they went out and got Chad Harville in a trade, they went out and got Russ Springer. Dan Miceli did a tremendous job. The key was Brad Lidge. They took a chance on a guy with four arm surgeries and he's set a record for relievers with strikeouts. Their bullpen really saved this club. And they've got some veterans who can play. Overcoming the adversity they did, they might be able to do something in the playoffs. Pettitte is out but if you face Oswalt twice in a series, Oswalt and Clemens, that's not a bad combination right there."

BIGGIO: "You've gotta be careful early in the count. This is a guy who is real aggressive early in the count, and sometimes he's looking to pull the ball out of the park. He's not the threat on the bases he was, but you have to be careful pitching to him, especially with runners in scoring position. He can be a liability in the outfield."

BELTRAN: "Enigma. This is a guy who can at times play as the best player in the league and then sometimes he'll go to sleep on you. It's going to be very interesting to see what kind of postseason he has because I think it's going to determine his future. He's going to be one of the top free agents. This is his first postseason, it could be huge. I think he's going to one of the keys."

BAGWELL: "I think he's playing with a chip on his shoulder. They were talking about running him out of town a third, two-thirds into the season. He stole a base Sunday (against Colorado)! This is a guy playing mad, and he wants to prove some things. It'll be interesting. I think you can pitch him out of the strike zone, make him chase. He's not as good a breaking ball hitter as he once was. He's starting to cheat a little bit. He's going to punish the cripples, but you don't get to see that many cripples in the playoffs."

KENT: "One of the dangerous right-handed hitters in the league. Great fastball hitter, pretty good breaking ball hitter, kills mistakes. Professional hitter. One of the toughest outs in the league. You've gotta be careful how to pitch him, maybe pitch him backwards. You've gotta give him breaking stuff in fastball counts, but you can't make mistakes with it."

BERKMAN: "Wow, you know, a quiet, great player. A couple years back you thought Berkman was gonna be one of the great players in the league. And he still is. He's not that much of a threat from the right side, but he is really dangerous from the left side. He struggles in the outfield but might be OK at Turner Field. That Atlanta club starts predominantly right-handers, so he should have a pretty good series. But if you can turn him around, you want to turn him around."

ENSBERG: "I thought he was about to be Wally Pipp. He wasn't producing and they were giving Mike Lamb a chance. I've never been a big Morgan Ensberg guy because his bat falls asleep. I think he's a guy who can be pitched to, not a power threat. If he gets off to a slow start in the series, I think they'll play Mike Lamb over Ensberg."

AUSMUS: "One of the better catch-and-throw guys in the league. His arm is not as strong as it has been. Offensively, he's not a threat at all with the bat. He's strictly a threat defensively, you don't worry about him offensively. He's definitely one of the top guys as far as controlling the pitching staff."

VIZCAINO: "Just a solid veteran, knows how to play the game. Keeps that defense calm on the infield. Jeff Kent is not a very good defensive player, Vizcaino is going to make all the plays, he's going to come up with a big hit. They very fortunate to have a guy like Vizcaino after losing their regular shortstop, but it's going to hurt their depth. Double switches, that's when you'll miss him."

CLEMENS: "Cy Young."

OSWALT: "Filthy. If he can stay healthy, he reminds me so much of Tim Hudson except he is so violent in his delivery. His stuff is as good as any right-hander in the league and I think he and Clemens are one of the best 1-2 punches in NL. Their first series isn't going to be high-scoring, especially with those guys, and if it's low scoring it's going to be tough."

HERNANDEZ: "His stuff is way shorter than what it's been in the past. He hasn't gotten his velocity back, or his command. I would think after those first two guys, the bullpen will be on notice and be ready to pitch. This is a guy who didn't pitch all of last year because of being injured. If the future of the team this year is on his shoulders, they're going to be in trouble."

BACKE: "Solid competitor, everything is hard. His best pitch is a slider or fastball. He's got a chance to be a starter, but his lack of experience for this year might hurt him in the playoffs. I don't see him pitching that much, but in each series he might get a start. If (Sunday's regular-season finale against Colorado) was any indication of what may happen, he could be one of the biggest keys in the series -- if he's a guy who can get them to the next two guys, Clemens and Oswalt.

REDDING: "Inconsistent. Real inconsistent. Has the stuff, but can't stay consistent enough. Every time they want to say here's a guy, our fourth starter, he's inconsistent. I don't think they have a lot of confidence in him. I don't see him being any factor in this series at all. Maybe as a long reliever."

LIDGE: "Some people consider him to be in the top five right now because of what he's been doing in strikeouts. I can't say that, because he's had four arm surgeries and I like to see a guy repeat it. Right now, though, he's one of the most dominant closers. If they get the ball to him with the game on line, it's lights out."

[VesceySux]

BRAVES IN GENERAL: "Their pitching philosophy is to pitch in the down-and-away area to everybody. You'll see right-handed power hitters at bat and you'll see (center fielder) Andruw Jones playing right-center. They just think down-and-away is a tough place for a hitter to hit the ball, so that's the way they go. Defensively, I have not seen Chipper Jones at third base for a while, but Adam LaRoche is a very good fielding first baseman. Their bullpen, they have so many hard-throwing guys out there -- (Chris) Reitsma, (Kevin) Gryboski, (John) Smoltz, (Juan) Cruz, (Roman) Colon, all these kids throw like 94-97, (Antonio) Alfonseca is 94-96. They've got some guys who can really rush it up there pretty good."

FURCAL: "He'll be a guy who will try and get into the count as much as possible. With runners in scoring position, that's out the window, he's hacking at first thing he sees. Left-handed, run the ball in on him. When he's hitting right-handed, go slow and slower on him. He's probably got the best shortstop arm in the National League."

GILES: "Pretty good contact guy. Goes the other way good. He's the kind of guy who you really can't stay in any area for the whole at-bat. You've gotta do something on both sides of plate with him. Good contact hitter, prototypical No. 2 guy."

DREW: "Having a great year, he can hit ball the other way as well as pull, that's why he's over .300. He's a plus runner and he's got a plus arm. You've gotta get him thinking about both sides of the plate with the fastball."

C. JONES: "When I saw him, he really struggled from the left side. He hit the ball better from the right side. He's another early swinger who can swing and miss. Hitting left-handed, throw him some soft stuff early and then run the ball in on his hands. Hitting right-handed, try not to elevate the ball for him."

ESTRADA: "Boy I'll tell you what, he's got a real contact-type approach at the plate. He'll try and pull the ball early, and late in the count he'll just try to protect. But he puts the bat on the ball. I think he's another guy you need to throw soft stuff to early to help set up your fastball."

LaROCHE: "He's a pretty good low-fastball hitter. He's an aggressive first-pitch swinger. He's got a little bit of power; you can't play him cheaply. He's a very good fielder, another early swinger."

A. JONES: "When I saw him he was trying to pull everything. A lot of times when he's in that pull mode show him inside and then go away. Pitchers have to adjust to what he's trying to do."

CHARLES THOMAS: "Another guy who tries to make contact. People have had pretty good success running the fastball in on him. He had a hard time catching up to fastballs in on his hands. But he's a plus runner with a slap-type approach. He likes the ball out over the plate so he can hit it the other way."

ORTIZ: "With Ortiz, he has battled control problems most of the year. He's good at getting in trouble and he's better at getting out of it, let's put it that way. He's the type of guy who, if he's just a little bit wild, you need to be patient with him at the plate."

THOMSON: "The sinker is probably his best fastball. He's the kind of guy who needs to keep the ball down. He's a lot more effective when he keeps his fastball down. He's a sinker-slider type guy who can add and subtract on slider velocity to where the higher velocity sinker turns into a cutter -- that's more to get in on left-handed hitters."

WRIGHT: "Jaret Wright has turned into a polished major-league pitcher this year in that he will pitch at about 89-92. He still has the ability to throw 97-98, but he usually does that when he wants to put hitters away with two strikes. Early in the count he'll be 89-92 and he's got a little bit of late movement on the fastball. He's not the guy everybody knew before who used to rely on velocity rather than location. Now he's turned it around to where he can locate his fastball and not have to throw it at 97."

HAMPTON: "He will add and subtract on his fastball a lot. Sometimes he uses the higher velocity, 90-91, when he's behind in the count trying to get back into the count -- it's usually a four-seamer. He'll throw his sinker when he's trying to get people out. His sinker is his best fastball."

BYRD: "He's a low, three-quarter type guy who has a couple of different arm angles. He has a deceptive delivery to right-handed hitters. I think lefties see him better. He throws strikes with all four pitches -- fastball, slider, curve, change. His fastball is a touch below average, but he has the ability to get it over the plate. His slider is probably his best breaking ball."

SMOLTZ: "For me he's got three pitches: His fastball, which is pretty straight 95-98, his slider, and he's got a split (fastball). What he does with his fastball is go to the down-and-away area, but he creates a lot of downward plane angle. Down-and-away to right-handed hitters. He's able to spot it out there, everything he throws is hard. His slider is 90-92 and his split is 90-91. You'd better be ready. But what he'll do is, more often than not, he'll use his fastball and slider to get to his split as his out pitch. If he gets in trouble, he might go to the split right away, so you never know."

[VesceySux]

THE EDGE (Sportsline.com) (http://www.sportsline.com/mlb/postseason/edge)

HOUSTON ASTROS
Overall Record: 92-70
Home Record: 48-33
Road Record: 44-37
How the Astros got there: Although Houston had been expected to contend for the NL Central title, injuries and the Cardinals seemed to erase the Astros' postseason hopes. But manager Phil Garner, who replaced Jimy Williams at the All-Star break, helped Houston win 36 of its last 46 games.

ATLANTA BRAVES
Overall Record: 96-66
Home Record: 49-32
Road Record: 47-34
How the Braves got there: This was the year the Braves' streak of consecutive division titles was supposed to end. No Greg Maddux. No Gary Sheffield. No Javy Lopez. Instead, the Braves won their 13th straight division crown under manager Bobby Cox.

Infield
The right side of the Astros' infield is solid with the two Jeffs -- Bagwell at first and Kent at second. SS Jose Vizcaino has filled in for injured Adam Everett, who just returned from the DL. Atlanta 3B Chipper Jones was hit in the right hand with a pitch Saturday and didn't play in the season finale. Atlanta SS Rafael Furcal has struggled since his arrest for a DUI earlier in the month. Johnny Estrada had a great year as the full-time catcher.
EDGE: EVEN

Outfield
The offseason loss of Gary Sheffield created a huge void in the Braves' outfield, but replacement J.D. Drew had the best season of his career. Andruw Jones still covers center as well as anyone. Houston's Carlos Beltran has played well since arriving from Kansas City, but Lance Berkman has been the Astros' best hitter all season. Craig Biggio is a gamer in left.
EDGE: HOUSTON (SLIGHT ADVANTAGE)

Starting Pitching
The Astros appear to be in fine shape for a short series, with two Cy Young Award contenders rested and ready. Roger Clemens will start Game 1 on full rest, and 20-game winner Roy Oswalt will follow. The Braves will go with a three-man rotation -- Jaret Wright, John Thomson, Mike Hampton -- as struggling Russ Ortiz goes to the bullpen.
EDGE: HOUSTON (HUGE ADVANTAGE)

Bullpen
Brad Lidge has been superb since assuming the closer's role after Octavio Dotel was traded to Oakland. Atlanta counterpart John Smoltz did not pitch well in September. Like Smoltz, the other Braves relievers throw hard.
EDGE: ATLANTA (SLIGHT ADVANTAGE)

The Ultimate Edge
Bobby Cox's Braves often get criticized for not winning more World Series titles, but the Astros never have won a postseason series in 42 years. Not only that, Atlanta has eliminated Houston three times in the past seven postseasons. Houston's Phil Garner is trying to follow the lead of Jack McKeon, a midseason replacement who led Florida to last year's Woirld Series title. Atlanta might be running into a buzzsaw -- the Astros have won their past 18 home games.
EDGE: HOUSTON (MODERATE ADVANTAGE)

[Harrisment]

Originally posted by VesceySux
Atlanta might be running into a buzzsaw

Damn straight! I don't know why put that line got me pumped. If the 'Stros can carry the momentum over to the postseason they have a really good shot.

[Fegwu]

Castor
I assume you deleted my thread a few days ago about the this current possible scenario the 'Stros will be faced with in the NLDS. I am not complaining just wondering if it would not have been better to just lock it if you had a problem with it.

Oh well...


Disclaimer
I apologize if you absolutely do not know what I am talking about.

[Fegwu]

Castor
SportsRadio610 reported that Mike Hampton will be going for the Braves in game 2 on Thursday. So I gues you must edit the initial post of this thread to reflect the right matchups.

Thanks.

[Castor27]

Originally posted by Fegwu
Castor
I assume you deleted my thread a few days ago about the this current possible scenario the 'Stros will be faced with in the NLDS. I am not complaining just wondering if it would not have been better to just lock it if you had a problem with it.

Oh well...


Disclaimer
I apologize if you absolutely do not know what I am talking about.
Um. I think I remember deleting it. I think it was a karma thing, but I am not 100% sure. There have been a bunch of thread deletions and merges the last week and I can't remember exactly what was in all of them.

Thanks for the heads up on Hampton. I edited the first post with the info.

[Jebus]

Sorry if this was already posted, I didn't see it.

http://msn.foxsports.com/story/3059864

Flu has flown: Clemens ready to go in Game 1

Joel Anderson / Associated Press
Posted: 2 hours ago

HOUSTON (AP) - A few hours before the Houston Astros' regular-season finale, Roger Clemens was sick to his stomach and hooked up to an IV tube.

Astros owner Drayton McLane was overcome with disappointment until manager Phil Garner sidled up to him in the clubhouse.

"I was absolutely crushed. Roger still wanted to pitch but ... I knew he was in no condition to go," McLane recalled later in a champagne-soaked clubhouse. "But Phil was telling me, 'Don't worry. This could work out perfectly for us."'

It sure did.

Brandon Backe took the mound in Clemens' place Sunday and delivered a clutch performance to help the Astros cap an incredible turnaround, clinching the wild card with a win over Colorado. Back in the playoffs for the first time since 2001, they begin a best-of-five series Wednesday at NL East-champion Atlanta.

And in a magnificent stroke of timing and luck, the Rocket will start for the Astros on extra rest in Game 1.

"Maybe it's part of a script," general manager Gerry Hunsicker said with a wry smile. "We're confident that it's one of those 12-hour viruses."

Such a storybook scenario appeared farfetched when the struggling Astros fired manager Jimy Williams during the All-Star break. Garner made little immediate impact, and Houston was 56-60 on Aug. 14.

Four days later the Astros lost star pitcher Andy Pettitte to season-ending elbow surgery. Disappointed by the team's struggles following such preseason promise, Clemens called the year a "nightmare."

Then the Astros went on a major league-best 36-10 run to win an exciting stretch duel with San Francisco, Chicago, San Diego and Florida.

And Houston is in great shape going into the postseason: Clemens will pitch on six days' rest as long as he's recovered from his stomach virus, and 20-game winner Roy Oswalt will be ready to follow.

"It just so happens that our rotation is going to be set up for the playoffs," Houston outfielder Lance Berkman said. "We weren't even trying to do it that way. It's a break for us and we just hope that Rocket can get back to full strength."

Clemens was lured out of his 78-day retirement for moments just like this.

At 42, he is an improbable Cy Young Award candidate: His winning percentage of .818 led the majors, he tied for second in the NL with 18 wins and was fifth with a 2.98 ERA. He's also been the same power pitcher he was with Boston, Toronto and the Yankees.

"It doesn't surprise me," former Yankees teammate Derek Jeter said. "When he retired, or supposedly retired last year, it was never a question of his stuff. He was throwing 95, 96 the last game when he so-called retired.

"For him, it was a matter of, I think, being away from his family. Staying in Houston, he had a chance to do both."

Fans returned to Minute Maid Park in droves to see Clemens, a Houston native. The Astros set a franchise record for attendance (3,087,872).

The Astros are now counting on Clemens, who has two World Series rings and years of postseason experience, to help them end a humiliating string of October failures: Houston has never won a postseason series in 42 years of existence.

"I don't think anyone left has more World Series experience than Roger Clemens," Garner said Sunday. "Our pitching rotation has been set up nicely because of Roger's illness."

Said McLane: "I think the odds are in our favor. It's our turn."

Maybe it is. The addition of Clemens has clearly made a difference on a club that once scared no one in the fall.

"He's the same guy he always was," Braves third baseman Chipper Jones said. "Hopefully, that stomach virus will affect him. But I doubt it."

[Glish21]

great to know, i was kinda worried about how long he would be sick for, you never know with the flu

[Fegwu]

Originally posted by Castor27
Um. I think I remember deleting it. I think it was a karma thing, but I am not 100% sure. There have been a bunch of thread deletions and merges the last week and I can't remember exactly what was in all of them.

Thanks for the heads up on Hampton. I edited the first post with the info.

Okay. I understand where you were coming from.

All is well. The astros are in the best possible position.

I just hope we don't blow a 2-0 lead come this weekend. :)

[hoang17]

man! I don't know about you guys but just reading all the different articles today and listening to the guys on 610 gets me so pumped up!!!

can't wait til wednesday!! the rocket's gonna change the karma about houston astros playoff baseball!!

i'm getting goosebumps as i write this :p

[Blatz]

Originally posted by Castor27
...Thanks for the heads up on Hampton. I edited the first post with the info.

Can you edit the post again because I just heard on TV 51 KNWS that both games from Atlanta (game 1&2) will be aired on TV 51. The rest is still TBA.

[redgoose]

I thought that was the plan all along.

[rockets-#1]

I think they would have been done for if he had pitched. He wouldn't have had enough rest for a 42 year old pitcher. Also, he wouldn't have been as fresh for the playoffs. Him getting sick might have been one of the best things to happen to the Astros this season.

[juicystream]

I personally am glad that Rocket got sick because I am going to game one to see Clemens pitch for the very first time. But I got bad news for everyone, I go to an astros game at turner field every year and we I have never seen them win before. Only playoff game I went to I saw Kevin Millwood throw a one-hitter(homerun by caminniti). I really hope we finally win a series because cubs fans and red sox fans at least have won playoff series just last year and the astros have never won a series in their history. Clemens for Cy Young. Astros beat the Sox for the World Championship.

[Milos]

Kent, Oswalt, Beltran, Lidge and, most importantly, The Rocket had nothing to do with any of our past playoff failures. That, in my opinion, is what makes this year different.

Regardless of what Bagwell and Biggio do or do not do from here on out, it is not nearly the problem now as it was then because our team is no longer built completely upon these two.

Each of the aforementioned 5, along with Berkman, is more important to this team now. And there is nothing wrong with that.

After a decade of loyal dedication to this city, often carrying a rather mediocre team to heights it had no business achieving, these two have earned the help.

I can think of nothing better than to see Bagwell and Biggio finally get what they earned a long time ago.

Kent has been to the Series. The Rocket has been several times.

Beltran, Oswalt and Lidge are blissfully naive to our past struggles...

That is why this year is different.

[rockets-#1]

Spectacular post, Milos, great points and I fully agree. I think those two will actually get some clutch hits in this seasons playoffs. Some of our recent acquisitions i.e. Kent, Beltran, Clemens, etc. will be huge at some points.

[codell]

http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/sports/2830927

According to this article, the roster will look something like this:

SP - Clemens
SP - Oswalt
SP - Backe
SP - Munro
RP - Lidge
RP - Miceli
RP - Gallo
RP - Qualls
RP - Harville
RP - Springer
RP - Wheeler
C - Ausmus
C - Chavez
1B - Bagwell
2B - Kent
SS - Vizcaino
3B - Ensberg
IF - Lamb
IF - Bruntlett
LF - Biggio
CF - Beltran
RF - Berkman
OF - Palmeiro
OF - Lane
OF - Tavares

Article confirms that Hernandez, Oliver and Everett are all out.

[whag00]

Originally posted by codell
http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/sports/2830927

According to this article, the roster will look something like this:

SP - Clemens
SP - Oswalt
SP - Backe
SP - Munro
RP - Lidge
RP - Miceli
RP - Gallo
RP - Qualls
RP - Harville
RP - Springer
RP - Wheeler
C - Ausmus
C - Chavez
1B - Bagwell
2B - Kent
SS - Vizcaino
3B - Ensberg
IF - Lamb
IF - Bruntlett
LF - Biggio
CF - Beltran
RF - Berkman
OF - Palmeiro
OF - Lane
OF - Tavares

Article confirms that Hernandez, Oliver and Everett are all out.

Hernandez > Munro

[Elienator]

Maybe I'm in the minority on this, but I think I'd rather see Redding or Duckworth pitch an inning of middle relief than Gallo, or Springer and maybe Wheeler.

I just don't get the Gallo as our lefty specialist thing. He doesn't seem to pitch very well against lefties anyway.

[codell]

Originally posted by whag00
Hernandez > Munro

For the role that they will be needed in, Id rather have Munro.

Munro is very diverse: can start or work long relief

Carlos is pretty much a starter and has been exclusively since coming back from the injury. Not sure you would want to throw him into a bullpen role, especially since it has been noted that it takes him half a game to get his velocity up.

[Harrisment]

Originally posted by Elienator
Maybe I'm in the minority on this, but I think I'd rather see Redding or Duckworth pitch an inning of middle relief than Gallo, or Springer and maybe Wheeler.

I just don't get the Gallo as our lefty specialist thing. He doesn't seem to pitch very well against lefties anyway.

I agree that Gallo has been less than impressive at times, but I think he is our best option out of the 3. Anytime Redding or Duckworth get in the game I know that we are going to give up some runs. It is very rare that they are able to get through an appearance without giving up big innings.

As for Springer and Wheeler, those guys have been pretty solid for us. No way I would take Redding or Duckworth over either of them.

[Elienator]

As for Springer and Wheeler, those guys have been pretty solid for us. No way I would take Redding or Duckworth over either of them.

I just looked at the game logs and your right, they both have pitched very effectively. I think I was just remembering Springer had two bad game in mid-september (one cost us a game against the Cards). The last we saw Wheeler (against Col) he let up 2 runs, but they were pretty meaningless at the time.

Overall, they have been very consistent.

[PhiSlammaJamma]

That roster is impossible to beat. I feel sorry for the braves.

[Buck Turgidson]

Originally posted by PhiSlammaJamma
That roster is impossible to beat.
Easy there, big guy. ;)

[Nashvegas]

luckily the Braves fans suck....I just picked up outfield seats at Ticketmaster for Game 2. :cool:

Living in TN has it's perks sometimes. Although I'd rather be home watching us at MMP.

[Lil Pun]

Go Braves!

[Groogrux]

Originally posted by Lil Pun
Go Braves!

I say no one help you with computer problems anymore! :mad:

:D

[fya]

Roger Clemens stats don't look too good when he pitches as the starter in the playoffs. Let's hope that changes.

6 starts
0-5
5.00 era

[Groogrux]

Originally posted by fya
Roger Clemens stats don't look too good when he pitches as the starter in the playoffs. Let's hope that changes.

6 starts
0-5
5.00 era

Roger has to have had more starts in the playoffs than that.

[Uprising]

Originally posted by Rocketman95
I say no one help you with computer problems anymore! :mad:

:D

I second that!

Man, I can't wait till the game. I am so excited.

[qwerty]

Originally posted by fya
Roger Clemens stats don't look too good when he pitches as the starter in the playoffs. Let's hope that changes.

6 starts
0-5
5.00 era

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/baseball/mlb/players/3340/career_by_all_pitching_splits.html

Says here he's 42-30 with a 3.38 ERA in the postweason for his career.

[isoman2kx]

lol..... 6 starts wouldn't even begin to sound right with clemens.

[Texas Stoke]

guys, he means when Roger has been the first pitcher in a series.

[Puedlfor]

Clemens is 8-6, with a 3.47 ERA in the postseason. He gets better as the postseason goes on, in his seven WS games, he's allowed only ten earned runs - total.

[fya]

Originally posted by Texas Stoke
guys, he means when Roger has been the first pitcher in a series.

Bingo.

[ROXRAN]

I can't wait till tomarrow! World Series or bust! It's our time now!

[Sattle]

Originally posted by codell
http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/sports/2830927

According to this article, the roster will look something like this:

SP - Clemens
... ... ...

Article confirms that Hernandez, Oliver and Everett are all out.

Looks like Everett will be on the roster:
http://houston.astros.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/hou/news/hou_news.jsp?ymd=20041005&content_id=884300&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp

[NJRocket]

Originally posted by fya
Roger Clemens stats don't look too good when he pitches as the starter in the playoffs. Let's hope that changes.

6 starts
0-5
5.00 era

you left one stat out...

2 rings

nuff said

[codell]

Originally posted by Sattle
Looks like Everett will be on the roster:
http://houston.astros.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/hou/news/hou_news.jsp?ymd=20041005&content_id=884300&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp

Yeah I saw that. Im a little suprised and I'm sure that JDJO is too.

[leroy420]

Originally posted by fya
Roger Clemens stats don't look too good when he pitches as the starter in the playoffs. Let's hope that changes.

6 starts
0-5
5.00 era

That is in Game 1's only.

[mulletman]

since all of you are jinxing the astros by predicting a win tonight, i'll try to even it out a little:

i predict the astros will lose :(

[Harrisment]

I had a dream last night that the Astros lost this game, 2-0. I really hope my super psychic skills fail me this time. :(

[Joshfast]

Originally posted by Harrisment
I had a dream last night that the Astros lost this game, 2-0. I really hope my super psychic skills fail me this time. :(

Don't worry, this is what will really happen...

Astros win 7-4. Bullpen gives up 3 of the runs - Lidge comes in a gets the save, 3 up 3 down.

[shawn786]

i hope the ROCKET is on today (even though most of the time he allreadyis) becuase we need this win! Im gona go off the top and say we win 8 to 2. Beltran and Berkman each hit 2 run homers.

[shawn786]

& look out for these guys....

KILLER Bezzzz (Biggio, Bagwell, Berkman, Beltran)

[pugsly8422]

Originally posted by rockets-#1
ALL of the writers picked the Astros to beat the Braves. Also, they're real high on Brad Lidge and that's awesome.

If your not high on Lidge then you must be HIGH!

Pugs

[shawn786]

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=dw-theskysthelimit&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

The sky's the limit

by Dan Wetzel, Yahoo! Sports


It was February and the Florida sun was shining in Kissimmee for the first day of spring training – a time when everyone is kiss-me optimistic.

So you couldn't blame the Houston Astros. The franchise hasn't had much to crow about recently but with the offseason additions of Roger Clemens and Andy Pettitte, people around the team were saying some rather bold things about its potential for the 2004 season.

"It's not often you're on a team, unless you are on the New York Yankees, that you go into the season thinking you can win it all," catcher Brad Ausmus said that day.

Win it all? In Houston?

"Our expectations are so high now," Clemens said then. "We want to get to the playoffs and win 11 games. We are accustomed to that and we expect that."

ADVERTISEMENT


Clemens and Pettitte were accustomed to it. Houston, which has never won a playoff series in its history, was not.

But the Astros now had the two former Yankees stars. Hope sprung eternal. You didn't question it.

If everyone wanted to make a feel-good story – two friends, two hometown heroes, two All-Stars returning to make baseball relevant deep in the heart of Texas – into a great tale, hey, why not?

It was, after all, possible.

But, then again, you weren't exactly shocked when the 'Stros were 56-60 on Aug. 14. Or when manager Jimy Williams was sacked in favor of Phil Garner, who didn't exactly have Bobby Cox's track record.

Or even when Pettitte was lost for the season due to elbow surgery, which may explain why the Yankees hardly lifted a finger in an effort to re-sign him last winter.

Houston was a fun story regardless of its mediocre record; a roll of the dice, a great career-capping season for Clemens. Attention and attendance were up.

But win it all? Try winning as many as you lose.

Yet here we are. Houston not only is the National League wild-card entrant – the Astros are the wild card of these entire playoffs. Is there a scarier team to face in a short, five-game division series?

Wednesday in Atlanta, the Astros will trot out Clemens (18-4, 2.98 ERA). Thursday it will be Roy Oswalt (20-10, 3.49). Then they go back to Minute Maid Park where they have merely won 18 consecutive games.

And Clemens would be available for Game Five, if necessary.

The Braves, who had a remarkable year themselves, have to be wondering what they did to deserve this draw.

"People thought we were dead in the water and we worked all the way back and changed that," said Garner, who will push for NL manager of the year even though he wasn't the manager for even half the season. "This is just a great ending to what became an improbable year for us."

Really though, this all started with those heady days in spring training.

The arrival of Clemens and Pettitte didn't just energize the pitching rotation; it changed the mentality of the entire organization. Clemens, a candidate for his seventh Cy Young Award, has a contagious work ethic and is a fiery leader. Pettitte is quieter, but no less determined.

You listen to those guys – especially The Rocket, who is a larger-than-life presence in the Houston locker room – and you start believing anything is possible. In this case it was.

Not just someone such as Oswalt having a career year. But the belief that an incredible late-season charge was possible. If Clemens kept saying it could happen, if he didn't stop working hard, then how could anyone else?

Since Aug. 14, Houston owns the best record in baseball (36-10). To win this wild, wild-card chase, the Astros finished the season winners of seven consecutive games and nine of their last 10.

Even the clincher Sunday took some faith. Clemens was slated to start on three days' rest, giving the Astros a battle-tested ace in the biggest game of the season.

Instead, The Rocket came down with stomach flu and, just hours before the game, Garner handed the ball to Brandon Backe, a former outfielder whose five career wins (all this season) put him 323 behind Clemens on the all-time list.

Backe not only pitched well enough for the win, he clubbed a two-run single.

In the locker room after he tried to make sense of this entire, crazy season. But mostly he just got sprayed with champagne while wearing a "Rocket Man 22" jersey.

A most suitable fashion choice.


-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Theres also a vedio insert for thoughs who have yahoo dsl its on the home page called, "Why the astros will win the world series"
:D

[rockets-#1]

Originally posted by pugsly8422
If your not high on Lidge then you must be HIGH!

Pugs

Oh believe me, I love Brad Lidge, but I was just saying it's nice to see he's being recognized around the nation by people who know baseball. I like to see how a non totally blind homer fan views my teams and their players.

[oomp]

I dont think I saw this posted yet.

Espn has a stat sheet pdf for today's game you can download if anyone is interested.

ESPN "Stat Pack" PDF (http://espn.go.com/AdobePDF/mlb241006115.pdf)

[Uprising]

3 more hours! I can't wait!

Let's go Stros! :D

[VesceySux]

Scouting the Astros

By Buck Martinez
ESPN Insider

There is no other way to put this: The Houston Astros have the most momentum of any team heading into the postseason.

It all begin when Phil Garner took over for Jimmy Williams as manager in July. It took Garner about a month before he had any effect, whatsoever, on the ballclub, but after that the players relaxed, they began having fun again and they allowed their abilities to take over.

Of course, it didn't hurt that Roger Clemens and Roy Oswalt caught fire in the second half and pitched great down the stretch, or that Brad Lidge became one of the most dominant closers in the game. That combination of Clemens, Oswalt and Lidge can lead them to the World Series.

Position players

Craig Biggio: Fastball hitter early in the count ... Very strong on the inside half of the plate and up ... With the count in his favor, he'll look for the fastball ... Short, quick strokes always allow him to catch up to anybody's fastball .. He dropped his leg kick, and that has quickened up his stroke ... Down-and-away breaking balls on the outer half can be effective against Biggio ... He has had a difficult time adjusting to play left field.

Carlos Beltran: A switch-hitter who has a good stroke from both sides of the plate ... An aggressive fastball hitter early in the count, low-to-middle inner-half from the left side ... Great swing looking early to do damage ... Sink the ball down-and-away as a left-handed hitter, but when you get strikes, you have the option of elevating the fastball or coming down and in with a hard slider and a curveball ... He's a very good hitter from the left side, left field gap to the right field line -- he uses the whole field ... As a right-handed hitter, he's a down hitter, but still has some pop ... He doesn't try to pull the ball; again, he uses the whole field ... Strike-to-ball breaking balls in fastball counts can be good ... He's very aggressive out of the box on base hits and will force the outfielders to get the ball back to the infield quickly ... An excellent first-to-third baserunner who will challenge outfielders, and a very high-percentage base-stealer .. Guess with him and pitch out, though, and you might get him.

Jeff Bagwell: A low-ball hitter with an uppercut swing that works ... Early pull-hitter across the plate and down ... Forcing fastballs belt-high and inside might be effective, but the margin of error is very small ... If you get two strikes, he will look out over the plate and handle the slider over the plate well ... This is the time to take a shot inside, belt-high and above ... On defense, make him field the bunt as he no longer throws because of a shoulder problem ... Great hands, and great at digging the ball out of the dirt at first base.

Lance Berkman: A switch-hitter who bounced back from an off-year ... Hot finishing up the season ... Left-handed he's strong inside, up and down ... A good fastball hitter and pull-hitter from the left ... Right-handed, he's a high-ball hitter out over the plate ... Play him opposite, as he rarely pulls the ball ... He drives everything, thinking right-center gap from the get-go ... Opposite-field, inside-out swing ... Pitch him down and away with fastballs and sinkers ... It's tough to throw breaking ball strikes that come into him, as his quick bat will catch up to them and he will inflict some damage ... A good baserunner, but not a base stealer.

Jeff Kent: A first-ball fastball hitter, out over the plate, low to middle ... He has power to the pull side early in the count ... He will look out over the plate when he's behind in the count ... He came hammer slider strikes or anything breaking down over the plate ... With two strikes, you can pitch him tight with two-seam fastballs that run back to the inside corner ... He can be affected after you show him slider strikes to the outside ... Big breaking curveballs, strike-to-ball, with two strikes, can also work well ... Not a threat to run.

Morgan Ensberg: Strong on the inside part of the plate ... Keep fastball and breaking ball away ... If you can command the fastball inside, sink the ball off the plate below the knees ... Setup a breaking ball to the outside to finish off the at-bat.

Brad Ausmus: A great defensive catcher who throws well, blocks well and leads from behind the plate ... He is as hit best defending balls in the dirt ... Ausmus doesn't give up many rebounds and doesn't give runners a chance to move up 90 feet ... A low-ball hitter who you can bust upstairs with a cut fastball ... Curveballs and change-ups away could result in easy groundball outs to the left side on the infield... The Astros will hit-and-run with Ausmus in certain situations.

Jose Vizcaino: A switch-hitter who did a great job filling in for the injured Adam Everett at shortstop ... Has had postseason success and has a professional approach to every aspect of the game ... As a left-handed batter, a better low-ball hitter and will hook the ball through the right side with a runner at first base ... Stay upstairs hard with the fastball ... They will hit-and-run with him and he advances runners from second very effectively ... He doesn't have an outstanding arm at shortstop, but makes all of the plays ... Right-handed, he's a good low-ball hitter who covers the plate well and can drive the ball to the opposite power alley ... They will do a lot of things with Vizcaino at the plate -- hit-and-run, bunt, steal ... He hits the ball to all fields.

Mike Lamb: A low fastball hitter ... To pitch him, start with breaking balls and run the fastball away ... Change-up can also be effective ... Played a good third base while filling in for the Astros in August and September ... He's got good power, is a fastball hitter and very aggressive.

Starting pitchers

Roger Clemens: Fastball, slider, split, occasional curveball ... Powerful, aggressive, four-seam and two-seam fastballs ... Uses any of his pitches to get ahead ... He's never concerned about pitching in -- he's always confident he can bust anybody inside ... He can drive the fastball down and away to both right-handed and left-handed hitters ... His slider is hard and he will throw it to both sides of the plate, backdoor to left-handers ... Splits can be devastating, with big, hard breaks and late-starting action ... If he sees a good swing or an approach that looks too good, he will bust the hitter off the plate to buy more of the outside corner ... A good fielder who is very adept at the 1-6-3 double play ... A tremendous competitor who is anxious to finish on a high-note in this postseason.

Roy Oswalt: Fastball, curveball, sinker and change ... Great, live fastball, 94-95 mph with good sink and late movement ... Curveball with break that can be a devastating pitch ... Works the zone with both the fastball and sinking fastball, and runs the slider down and in and backdoor to left-handers ... A great competitor who is hot and had a great finish to the season.

Brandon Backe: Great athlete with a tremendous arm ... Stepped up big-time in the final game of the season ... Two-seam and four-seam fastball ... Big, get-over kind of curveball and short, quick, late-break curveball ... Handles the bat very well, and can have an impact at the plate as well as on the mound.

Bullpen

Brad Lidge: Fastball and slider ... Can throw 97 or 98 mph with the fastball ... He evolved into one of the game's premier closers down the stretch ... Great fastball with late, two-seam movement ... The four-seamer rises upstairs and is tough to get on top of for hitters ... Will throw the slider anytime to any hitter, backdoor, front door, down the middle ... He throws it 88 mph, with a hard late break, and it's tough to identify.

Chad Qualls: Fastball, slider ... Had a great second half and pitched with confidence ... High, three-quarter delivery with good movement on his fastball and great confidence in his slider ... Works the outer half of the plate very effectively to right-handed hitters.

Mike Gallo: Fastball, curveball ... Handles left-handers well as he's able to get the breaking ball down and away for strikes.

Dan Miceli: Fastball, curveball, slider ... Works down in the zone with fastballs and sliders very effectively ... Tough to hit the ball in the air against Miceli as he pounds the bottom of the strike zone.

[bobmarley]

do you have to pay to listen to the game on the net?

just wondering because I'm at school.

[Blatz]

Originally posted by bobmarley
do you have to pay to listen to the game on the net?

just wondering because I'm at school.

I don't know but here are a couple of links you can try.

Astros radio - 740 KTRH (http://www.ktrh.com/audio.html) ..... I have never been able to get it to work but someone here said it does. If you try it, start listening to the stream way before the game starts.

Braves radio - 750 WSB (http://wsbradio.com/) ..... This link worked during the NBA season so it may work for MLB. Like with the Astros link and for the Hawks games, start listening before the game starts.

I don't know if they work.


Edit: "This link worked for the during the NBA season..."????

[leroy420]

Originally posted by bobmarley
do you have to pay to listen to the game on the net?

just wondering because I'm at school.

try sportsradio1300.com

They haven't succumbed to the mlb pressure not to stream the games (shhhhhhhhh). At least they didn't during the regular season.

[Sattle]

Without a doubt, the 610 streaming audio worked with everygame this season. When I was at work, I listened to all the games this way. Hope they have it available today!

http://www.ktrh.com/audio.html

[Harrisment]

Originally posted by Sattle
Without a doubt, the 610 streaming audio worked with everygame this season. When I was at work, I listened to all the games this way. Hope they have it available today!

http://www.ktrh.com/audio.html

I think you mean 740

[bobmarley]

Originally posted by Blatz
If you try it, start listening to the stream way before the game starts.

what time should i start listening

[mogrod]

Looks like you can't stream the game through these stations. Here is what was in smal print on the 740 site.

NOTE: We are not permitted to stream Astros games.
They are available only at mlb.com.

[bobmarley]

so does mlb.com streaming audio cost anything

[Blatz]

Originally posted by bobmarley
what time should i start listening

When I listen to NBA games last year I would start at least 30 minutes before tip off and it worked fine. Every time I started a few minutes before or during the game I got a message saying they were not allowed to stream the games. So start at least 30 minutes if you use one of the two I posted, but I'm not sure if they work.


Sattle or leroy420 can probably answer the question better. So hopefully they'll come back and let you know.

[Blatz]

Originally posted by mogrod
Looks like you can't stream the game through these stations. Here is what was in smal print on the 740 site.

NOTE: We are not permitted to stream Astros games.
They are available only at mlb.com.

Every site says that. I posted a lot links for Rockets games last season and they all said the same thing but most of them still worked.


Edit:

bobmarley -

I'm not sure but I think they do charge

[bobmarley]

well i strarted listening to KTRH now so we'll see

[leroy420]

Lineups are out... (http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/boxscore?gid=241006115)


Just an hour to go.

[bobmarley]

why did they put andruw jones so low in the lineup?

[mogrod]

I've clicked on the KTRH link to stream the broadcast, but there is no sound. The window pops up that says "now playing" has the play button, etc, but I have no sound. Does anyone know why?

FYI: I am on a Mac

(EDIT) Also, I am on a DSL connection and it has been up for more then ten minutes and still nothing.

[wouldabeen23]

Originally posted by bobmarley
well i strarted listening to KTRH now so we'll see

I did too...will report

[shawn786]

Mine is working :)

[Blatz]

Originally posted by mogrod
I've clicked on the KTRH link to stream the broadcast, but there is no sound. The window pops up that says "now playing" has the play button, etc, but I have no sound. Does anyone know why?

FYI: I am on a Mac

(EDIT) Also, I am on a DSL connection and it has been up for more then ten minutes and still nothing.

If it still doesn't work try this one

http://www.sportsradio1300.com/main.html

[bobmarley]

still going strong for me:D

[weakfromtoday]

ESPN baseball tonite is reporting that Rocket still has the flu and isn't feeling well, but is pitching anyway? Could this be kind of exaggerated a bit?

[Austin70]

I am ready, we got 2 t.v.s here at work right after 9-11, so I will be watching. I am so stoked.

[shawn786]

START THE GAME! i cant take it anymore!!!

[bobmarley]

about 5 minutes to go.. yipee!!:D

[bobmarley]

my stream is still on and its almost gametime.. hopefully *crosses fingers*

[nWo34Life]

Originally posted by bobmarley
my stream is still on and its almost gametime.. hopefully *crosses fingers*

Where you getting stream from? MLB.com?

[weakfromtoday]

could they drag this on any longer? i wanna see some baseball!

[Blatz]

Where you getting stream from? MLB.com?

from the page before this one ;)

[JayZ750]

Originally posted by weakfromtoday
could they drag this on any longer? i wanna see some baseball!

the official start time is 3:09 I think so it is on schedule.

[JayZ750]

Biggio strikes out. :mad:

[JayZ750]

...but Beltran singles. yay!

[RocketFan007]

Man, right as this game started I got a really bad feeling, and I'd been so confident the last few days...

[wouldabeen23]

Originally posted by wouldabeen23
I did too...will report

NO worries!! it's game-time and Milo is on!!

[wouldabeen23]

SPOKE TO SOON!! :mad:

[MR. MEOWGI]

the radio is a little ahead of the tv :(

[Tyree]

beltran on second

[bobmarley]

beltran steals second

[JayZ750]

I like Beltran's aggresive running. We've got to do that all series.

[Tyree]

side over

[JayZ750]

Damn. Well, the one positive is that it was a 21 pitch inning for Wright. Got to make him keep working like that.

[bobmarley]

lets go rocket

[NJRocket]

this guy is squeezing the plate...roger better be on

[Surfguy]

I already hate these announcers on ESPN.

So, did anyone take off from work to see this game? I had to break a vacation day down into 2 hour pieces to take off afternoons for each of these early day games...lol.

I don't think this pitcher's stuff is that great personally. We should be able to get some runs. But, what do I know?

[Master Baiter]

I'm so freaking gun shy with the Astros in the playoffs that I look way too much into the first inning. Biggio striking out, Bagwell flying out. I need to relax.

Its just the first inning.
Its just the first inning.
Its just the first inning.

Ok, I think I may be ok now.

[rockets-#1]

Oh man, I'm so nervous. I feel like it's the 9th inning of an elimination game.

Prove the doubters wrong, Rocket!

[francis 4 prez]

why should wright even go through the formality of throwing his pitches when we can just let mclellan call them a strike beforehand. none of the first 3 pitches to biggio was a strike but he just had to call the third one, and bagwell got a bad call as well. they're probably thinking "here we go again" about now.



and berkman drops a flyball, solid.

[rockets-#1]

OMG BERKMAN GIMME A BREAK!

Don't remind me of the horrid defense during the Astros slow period.

[Surfguy]

What the hell is Berk doing? Come on, man. Geezus.

[mulletman]

Originally posted by rockets-#1
Oh man, I'm so nervous. I feel like it's the 9th inning of an elimination game.

Prove the doubters wrong, Rocket!

hahaha....me too. its only the 1st inning, but i feel like we wasted a real good opportunity

[JBIIRockets]

tough break for Lance. not sure that was an error

[JayZ750]

The guys on tv don't necessarily think it is an error??? He was there, he should of caught the ball.

[twhy77]

CURSE OF THE BIG BOPPER!!!

[JPM0016]

Originally posted by JBIIRockets
tough break for Lance. not sure that was an error

It wasn't a routine play but he still should have caught it.

[whag00]

pathetic

[Saint Louis]

My anxiety level has been building since about 20 minutes before the first pitch. I witnessed one of the playoff losses to the Braves back in the Dome. I witnessed a loss to the Phillies to in 1980. 35 years of following the Stros leaves some doubt in one's mind.

[Tyree]

come on rocket....get a double play

[cwebbster]

Man, why does this always happen against the Braves, I wish that once the God of Baseball would be on our side.

[RocketFan007]

Come on double play ball...

[cwebbster]

what is wrong with Roger? PLEASE GET OUT OF THIS INNING!

[mulletman]

this seemed to work before:


curse of the billy goat!!

[Surfguy]

Originally posted by mulletman
this seemed to work before:


curse of the billy goat!!

curse of the freaking space shuttle.

[NJRocket]

this is about to get ugly

[FROSTEEiCE]

if everyone is really nervous just watching, imagine what our astros are going through.

[bobmarley]

bases loaded

[cwebbster]

I am sick of Bobby Cox, I am sick of Ted Turner, and I am sick of Jane Fonda and her sick hippie family. DIE BRAVES DIE!!!!!!

[rockets-#1]

This isn't happening. The bases aren't loaded. I'm having a bad dream. I hope I wake up, NOW!

[JayZ750]

Originally posted by cwebbster
what is wrong with Roger?

Nothing. He has had poor fielding behind him so he is pitching cautiously. Hopefully it will pan out. Maybe not.

[JayZ750]

If they get out of the inning with just one run it should be okay.

[bobmarley]

ill take a sac fly out of this inning

[FROSTEEiCE]

ok its only 1 run....everything is going to be ok. our ASTROS will come through!

[JPM0016]

My god, Get a grip on yourselves. The astros weren't going to win scoring no runs. Its only the first inning

[Saint Louis]

You can't afford to make costly errors in the playoffs. Chalk one run up to a below average defense.

[weakfromtoday]

1 run isnt bad. hopefully roger can keep his pitch count down for the next few innings.

[whag00]

Originally posted by cwebbster
I am sick of Bobby Cox, I am sick of Ted Turner, and I am sick of Jane Fonda and her sick hippie family. DIE BRAVES DIE!!!!!!

Throw the tomahawk chop in there...

[RocketFan007]

OK, that could have been ALOT worse, now let's get those bats going.

[JayZ750]

Perfectly pitched inning by Roger. He had poor fielding behind him. He had a man on third with one out because of it. He didn't challenge their power hitters but went after Johnny Estrada and Adam LaRoche. Now the position players have to make up for their errors.

[JBIIRockets]

I said it before the series begin. It is up to the hitters to win it with opportunistic hits.

Once again, the pitching isn't that bad.

[rockets-#1]

Roger has gotta get the pitch count down way lower (obviously). I really don't wanna see Harville, Wheeler, and those guys today.

[Saint Louis]

Agreed, the Astros have had to pitching in the playoffs. It has been their bats and gloves that have failed them.

[Almu]

Bring on the Asstros!!

You have your hankies ready? Clemens looks green as hell. He won't last much longer. Sick as a dog.

O well. No excuses Strolovas!!

GO
BRAVOS!!

[bobmarley]

everyone should come to the chat #houtonrockets

[nWo34Life]

If anyone notices, the stream from 740 is behind. If you go onto MLB.com and watch the Gamecast, it's on time. Is there another stream that's up to date?

[FROSTEEiCE]

is the Upmire's delayed strike calls getting on anyone elses nerves?? :mad:

[bobmarley]

Originally posted by nWo34Life
If anyone notices, the stream from 740 is behind. If you go onto MLB.com and watch the Gamecast, it's on time. Is there another stream that's up to date?

i also noticed that so i closed it and am watching gamecast and in chat

[Elienator]

Just a note, even the Braves announcers thought the strike out pitch to Biggio was a ball.

[Surfguy]

These announcers talk way too much! I can't even freaking enjoy the game listening to them blabber on and on about bs. F*#*(Y%

[arkoe]

Originally posted by FROSTEEiCE
is the Upmire's delayed strike calls getting on anyone elses nerves?? :mad:

Yep.

Clemens pitching a no-no through one.

[Another Brother]

Originally posted by Almu
Bring on the Asstros!!

You have your hankies ready? Clemens looks green as hell. He won't last much longer. Sick as a dog.

O well. No excuses Strolovas!!

GO
BRAVOS!!

Wright is about to get done, the second time through will pay big dividends.

Count on it.

[nWo34Life]

Milo hasn't even got to Kent's AB and the Gamecast shows he struck out already. WTF?

[JayZ750]

Jared Wright is getting way ahead of the hitters, not good.

[arkoe]

This umpire's giving them pitches off the plate also, in my opinion.

[SamCassell]

I disagree with very few of Garner's moves, but there's no way Ensberg should be starting this game.

[JBIIRockets]

when are the astro bats going to learn to stop relying on the ump to make a call.

take the ball to the opoosite field! wright is living on the outside corner

two times already the astros have let 3rd strikes go.

[RocketFan007]

Great play by Giles.

[pugsly8422]

Originally posted by JayZ750
Perfectly pitched inning by Roger. He had poor fielding behind him. He had a man on third with one out because of it. He didn't challenge their power hitters but went after Johnny Estrada and Adam LaRoche. Now the position players have to make up for their errors.

I'd agree with this, if he hadn't thrown a wild pitch to help move the runner.

Pugs

[Almu]

Defense by Giles!!

BOOOYAH!

[weakfromtoday]

Originally posted by nWo34Life
Milo hasn't even got to Kent's AB and the Gamecast shows he struck out already. WTF?

740 online is usually way behind. I'd go with gamecast.

[Surfguy]

Originally posted by Almu
Defense by Giles!!

BOOOYAH!

When the tables turn, you best duck under one cause the sh*t is going to come flying. :D

[francis 4 prez]

Originally posted by JBIIRockets

two times already the astros have let 3rd strikes go.


maybe because that pitch to ensberg was a ****ing ball. i love how the strike zone is tight right until strike 3 needs to be called against us.


and i love how no pitcher is never not just painting the hell out of the corners against us.


we've already lost this game (hell we may not even score), may as well get clemens out and rest him for game 4.

[MR. MEOWGI]

Originally posted by Almu
Defense by Giles!!

BOOOYAH!

do people really say "booyah?"

[weakfromtoday]

Originally posted by weakfromtoday
740 online is usually way behind. I'd go with gamecast.

Sorry, duh. You obviously are already looking at gamecast.

[JayZ750]

Originally posted by pugsly8422
I'd agree with this, if he hadn't thrown a wild pitch to help move the runner.

Except it really wasn't that wild. Brad forgot to get down and instead tried to catch it on the hop - a no-no.

[Almu]

BOOYAH!

I just want to hear the excuses after series win number 4 over the Asstros!

Umpire?
Killer B'Chokers?
Fans?
Olajuwon?
God?
Satan?
Kevin Bass?

Hope everyone is writing them down.

[Surfguy]

Man, he had him at 0-2 and gave him something to hit. Come on, Roger!

[Elienator]

Originally posted by francis 4 prez
maybe because that pitch to ensberg was a ****ing ball. i love how the strike zone is tight right until strike 3 needs to be called against us.


and i love how no pitcher is never not just painting the hell out of the corners against us.


we've already lost this game (hell we may not even score), may as well get clemens out and rest him for game 4.

Don't you think it's a little early to give up?

[JayZ750]

Originally posted by Almu
I just want to hear the excuses after series win number 4 over the Asstros!


I don't think the city of Houston in general has ever made excuses. We recognize losers when they lose. Like the Braves. 13 postseason series, 1 world series win.

[Saint Louis]

I blame France if the Astros lose this series to the Braves.

[JPM0016]

Originally posted by francis 4 prez
we've already lost this game (hell we may not even score), may as well get clemens out and rest him for game 4.

Might as well turn off your tv then. :rolleyes:

[Almu]

How many World Series do the Asstros have just wondering?

[weakfromtoday]

Originally posted by Almu
How many World Series do the Asstros have just wondering?

Uncalled for.

[JayZ750]

Originally posted by Almu
How many World Series do the Asstros have just wondering?

None. They always lose in the post-season.

[Surfguy]

My picture is screwed. Anyone else?

There's no signal. Did terrorists hit Atlanta or something? WTH?

[bobmarley]

how many pickoff attempts is that

[Almu]

Tell your boy JZ over there to name me another organization that has slashed payroll by 38 percent since 2000 and continues to be in first place.

JZ must think 13 first place finishes and a WS is what everyone does nowadays. :rolleyes:

[pugsly8422]

Originally posted by JayZ750
Except it really wasn't that wild. Brad forgot to get down and instead tried to catch it on the hop - a no-no.

I'm at work so I can't say I saw it, I'm watching on mlb.com and it said wild pitch so I assumed it was Rogers fault.

Pugs

[MR. MEOWGI]

Go HOUSTON!!!

[Almu]

Hey!

God must be a Clemens fan! I lost my picture! :)

[NJRocket]

this game is OVER...we just cannot compete in October...its a friggin JOKE

[weakfromtoday]

Man, the uglyness continues. ERR.

[Saint Louis]

The Astros have won as many World Series as the Cubs, Red Sox, Rangers, Rockies, Padres and Indians during the last 43 years.

[JPM0016]

Originally posted by Surfguy
My picture is screwed. Anyone else?

There's no signal. Did terrorists hit Atlanta or something? WTH?

Mines out too. Do you have satellite or is it out on cable too?

[bobmarley]

what the hell is going on here

[arkoe]

Surprisingly, the announcers are getting on my nerves.

[Surfguy]

Get this...I'm getting sun interference on satellite? I cannot freaking believe this.

[Almu]

Directv lost the picture. I just switched to cabletv back up and its on ESPN.

[JPM0016]

Originally posted by NJRocket
this game is OVER...we just cannot compete in October...its a friggin JOKE

Yes, all over; lets just forfeit all 3 games. :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

[JayZ750]

Originally posted by Almu
Tell your boy JZ over there to name me another organization that has slashed payroll by 38 percent since 2000 and continues to be in first place.

JZ must think 13 first place finishes and a WS is what everyone does nowadays. :rolleyes:

I own up to the Astros sucking in the post-season. You should own up to the Braves doing the same.

[JBIIRockets]

Nice to see the Braves hitters get hits after fouling off pitches, whereas the Astro hitters foul pitches off, then just make outs.

typical astro playoff baseball.

[RocketFan007]

Second and third, one out, top of the order.

[Surfguy]

Originally posted by Almu
Directv lost the picture. I just switched to cabletv back up and its on ESPN.

I only have basic cable. :(

[Almu]

Sure...

Let me give back all those pennants and the World Series title. Makes sense to me.

[lpbman]

unbelievable
this solar interference is crap, too

cable companies are getting their feeds the same way Direct TV does, by sat

[bobmarley]

lets go strikeout

[Almu]

I wonder what JZ does when the Asstros don't make the postseason?

I wouldn't know because my team is always in. :)

[Tyree]

ESPN back on woohoooo god damn satellite

[weakfromtoday]

Very nice Roger! Still 1-0. Those shadows are going away and maybe the ball will look a little bigger.

[Another Brother]

4 baserunners left on base so far, got to be frustrating.

[bobmarley]

Originally posted by Almu
I wonder what JZ does when the Asstros don't make the postseason?

I wouldn't know because my team is always in. :)

dude chill out.. its been an inning and a half

[Almu]

Roger won't be around by then. The man looks like a freakin green toad. He looks sick?

[Almu]

Bob Marley...

CAN YOU BUTT OUT!! I AM TRYING TO TALK TRASH HERE!!! ;)

[MoBalls]

Originally posted by JBIIRockets
Nice to see the Braves hitters get hits after fouling off pitches, whereas the Astro hitters foul pitches off, then just make outs.

typical astro playoff baseball.

kind of early in the game, huh?...

[mulletman]

Originally posted by Almu
I wonder what JZ does when the Asstros don't make the postseason?

I wouldn't know because my team is always in. :)

same thing you do after the braves lose every year: watch the rockets :rolleyes:

[JayZ750]

Originally posted by Almu
Let me give back all those pennants and the World Series title. Makes sense to me.

I'm just saying it is like arguing about whether it's better to be the Portland Trailblazers (pre-last year) or the Utah Jazz (pre-last year). Until one organization becomes a dominant championship contender, they both suck compared to Spurs, as an example. Even the Braves fans have recognized this and have stopped showing up.

[Clutch]

Almu - quit being a troll bitch. It's 2-innings in to a 5-game series. Shut your whiny ass or you won't see this forum very shortly.

[Elienator]

This game is not over. If we can't score a run, we weren't going to win this game anyway. One early run and a few miscues aren't the end of it. Considering what's happened, things could be a lot worse. Clemens just buckled down and got it done. Hopefully this will cary over to the rest of the team, and they will be a bit more calm second time through the order.

[Surfguy]

Originally posted by Tyree
ESPN back on woohoooo god damn satellite

I hear you! I want see some action, now. No excuses.

Loosen up already and play the game like any other game.

Ausmus homerun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[RocketFan007]

Brad Ausmus=CLUTCH!

[whag00]

WoooHoooo!!!

[Chump]

I LOVE YOU BRAD !

:)

[JPM0016]

Brad Ausmus!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

1-1

[weakfromtoday]

Home Run Ausmus????? Its a cold day in hell right now!

[francis 4 prez]

i must be dreaming.