How much longer is Brad Ausmus going to be allowed to be our everyday catcher?

[rocketfat]

i dont want to write my true thoughts on him and risk my thread getting unexplainably deleted for a 3rd time.

[RocketFan007]

He'll be the everyday catcher at least through the end of this year. He can't hit, but he calls a tremendous game and pitchers love throwing to him.

[Svpernaut]

Originally posted by RocketFan007
but he calls a tremendous game and pitchers love throwing to him.

Overrated.... simply because he can't throw runners out anymore like he did 3-4 years ago. I think they should switch him to only catching the young guys.

[rocketfat]

I think they should switch him to only catching the young guys.


i agree.....like single A maybe

[RocketFan007]

originally posted by Svpernaut
Overrated....

Pitchers don't seem to think so. In the last game Pettite pitched, Bill Brown mentioned how Pettite loved pitching to Ausmus because it was "pitching on auto-pilot."

Look, I'm not an Ausmus fan, but you can complain about him all you want, but it's not going to change a thing. He's going to be the everyday catcher for the rest of the year.

[rezdawg]

Originally posted by RocketFan007
He can't hit

Not sure what games youve been watching, but the dude makes contact.

His performance at the plate is just swell.

[DieHard Rocket]

This comes up every year that Ausmus has played with the Astros. He's a poor hitter...we know that. Pitchers love him and he's smart behind the plate. He's not going anywhere this year.

[Buck Turgidson]

Originally posted by Svpernaut
Overrated.... simply because he can't throw runners out anymore like he did 3-4 years ago.
Wow. Just wow.

[Fegwu]

Bradley is without a doubt our best player. Just watch him heat up soon.

[Joshfast]

His defense is so good that we should win out the rest of our games this season. If you don't get that, it means you obviously know nothing of baseball.

[xiki]

OK, replace BA. With???

[fya]

Chavez or Quintero

[Joshfast]

Originally posted by xiki
OK, replace BA. With???


http://img74.echo.cx/img74/7167/bikini20catcher9eb.jpg

[flamingmoe]

Brad or Raul, whomever is in automatically becomes the worst hitter in the majors.

this team is in deep trouble this year

we've score >4 runs exactly once

we're averaging 3.25 runs/game (2nd to last)

[xiki]

Originally posted by Joshfast
http://img74.echo.cx/img74/7167/bikini20catcher9eb.jpg

Maybe she can hit...on me.

(What a backstop.)

[ArtV]

Brad now has the worst BA of all MLB players with his .089 - Good job Brad! Anyone in the minors could outplay him at the plate and behind.

And please, how many more games must we watch Adam "Leadoff K" Everett?

[madmax11]

i dont want to write my true thoughts on him and risk my thread getting unexplainably deleted for a 3rd time

I'm just making a stab in the dark here but maybe it was because of your repeated use of foul and abusive language and destructive threads. Whatever you feel about someone, it is usually better received if you offer some valid points rather than derogatory insults.

I personally enjoy clutchfans over other forums because of the constructive nature of the discussion and well formed thoughts that are expressed and expect to see abusive threads closed down as a result.

And the word you are looking for is "inexplicably"

[NJRocket]

Ausmus' prowess in calling games and handling pitchers would be a huge asset if we had a lineup that could make up for his terrible bat....but we don't have that anymore.

[rrj_gamz]

Originally posted by Svpernaut
Overrated.... simply because he can't throw runners out anymore like he did 3-4 years ago. I think they should switch him to only catching the young guys.

I agree...He can't hit sh*t...yeah, calling a good game is great, but its only part of the game...However, look at our options...We're stuck like Chuck...

[rocketfat]

And the word you are looking for is "inexplicably"

hah....i'm an idiot. :( no excuses there.


also, i truly feel like i offer a fantastic blend of both valid points and derogatory insults.;)

[Fegwu]

OutMost maybe a great leader off guy.

The problem with hitting 7th is that pitchers do not give you pitches to hit. Brad is a great contact guy and will make a lot of sense hitting #1 in front of Bidge.

[Svpernaut]

Originally posted by Fegwu
OutMost maybe a great leader off guy.

The problem with hitting 7th is that pitchers do not give you pitches to hit. Brad is a great contact guy and will make a lot of sense hitting #1 in front of Bidge.

I think you should have layed off of the booze during lunch.

[RocketManJosh]

Originally posted by rrj_gamz
I agree...He can't hit sh*t...yeah, calling a good game is great, but its only part of the game...However, look at our options...We're stuck like Chuck...

I disagree ... I'd rather have Chavez in there ... He at least doesn't hit into a DP nearly every time he has a chance to. I'll take my chancel with Raul catching Andy, Roger, and Roy. Probably rather have Ausmus in there for Zeke (hopefully him) and Brandon.

[madmax11]

Problem solved if Lane hits 2 homers every night! No worries!\

On a serious note, I think it has been made explicit my both Roger and Andly that having the chance to work with BA was important in their decision to come and play here. Obviously if he continues to hit under .100 I think they will understand if he is dropped, but:
a) Surely that average has to get better
b) most people feel it is more important that those 2 are happy and that they are allowed to pitch their best.

In the winter I argued for them to consider re-teaching Biggio to play catcher that way allowing another bat into the line up e.g. Burke but was shot down in flames, and legitimitely so, but it was only an idea. In summary I am resigned to Brad and his batter box impotence but I also think he is somewhat of a scape goat for the rest of the team's offensive futility thus far (last night not included) especially Adam Everett who needs to wake up and Baggy who needs to take the team on his back and try and relive some of those MVP days.

[SmeggySmeg]

Originally posted by Joshfast
http://img74.echo.cx/img74/7167/bikini20catcher9eb.jpg

can you thrust instead of sliding when coming round to homeplate

[SmeggySmeg]

what about getting BA to just step into every pitch, like that dude in major league..

[Nick]

Originally posted by SmeggySmeg
what about getting BA to just step into every pitch, like that dude in major league..

"Dorn?... you mean Roger Dorn?"

[Uprising]

Brad just got his first RBI. It was an RBI Double.

[DaDakota]

By the way most of our pitchers call their own games.

DD

[Buck Turgidson]

Originally posted by DaDakota
By the way most of our pitchers call their own games.
You are talking out of your ass.

[RocketFan007]

originally posted by Buck Turgidson
You are talking out of your ass.

Exactly.

[rocketfat]

i feel sorry for you guys who can formulate no opinion of your own and just blindly agree with every decision that the skipper makes.

do ya really think that his ability to call a game is that great, or that important? do you really think andy pettitte and roger f'ing clemens couldnt adjust to pretty much any catcher in the major leagues? or is roger clemens had the career that he's had just because he's been fortunate enough every step of the way to have catchers "who call great games" behind the plate.

how about this......the astros had a 20 game winner last year. his name is roy oswalt, and his catcher was.....Raul Chavez!!
go figure!

that tells me that either "ability to call a great game" is a huge load of overrated crap of a reason to keep somebody in a lineup, or chavez is every bit as capable of "calling a great game"
as ausmus.

"Calling a great game" is the phrase the powers that be use to justify continually playing this pile of garbage, since he's boys with craig biggio and jeff bagwell, and they get their every desire catered to.

folks, brad ausmus isnt in a slump....he just simply cant hit for sh*t. he is a career .250 hitter for god's sake.he shouldnt be in the major leagues, and shouldnt be starting for the astros.

[DaDakota]

Originally posted by Buck Turgidson
You are talking out of your ass.

Watch the games, Clements, Petitt and Roy O all call their own games.

Sure, Aus may call for a pitch, but they shake him off or one up it all the time. They are in charge of the final say...not ausmus.

DD

[kaleidosky]

Originally posted by rocketfat
i feel sorry for you guys who can formulate no opinion of your own and just blindly agree with every decision that the skipper makes.

do ya really think that his ability to call a game is that great, or that important? do you really think andy pettitte and roger f'ing clemens couldnt adjust to pretty much any catcher in the major leagues? or is roger clemens had the career that he's had just because he's been fortunate enough every step of the way to have catchers "who call great games" behind the plate.

that tells me that either "ability to call a great game" is a huge load of overrated crap of a reason to keep somebody in a lineup, or chavez is every bit as capable of "calling a great game"
as ausmus.

"Calling a great game" is the phrase the powers that be use to justify continually playing this pile of garbage, since he's boys with craig biggio and jeff bagwell, and they get their every desire catered to.

thanks. So the only way you can have 'your own opinion' is to disagree with the decisions of the club? I get it now. Everyone who agrees with the club is a moron. You're a genius. Got it. Why don't you have a job in the majors again?

People aren't saying that Ausmus calling a great game MAKES Andy or Roger what they are. That's not what this is about. We're saying he makes their job easier, he makes them more comfortable, and they will do better more often under these conditions.

If we still had John Buck or a better option, I think we would have gone to it this year--I think Buck was the plan this year. Chavez is slow as hell and not much better at the plate. I don't think Quintero is ready either. The Ausmus benefits outweigh the benefits (if any) of the 2 potential replacements.

No one argued Ausmus's inability to hit, as far as I know. We know he's a .250 career hitter.

[kaleidosky]

Originally posted by DaDakota
Watch the games, Clements, Petitt and Roy O all call their own games.

Sure, Aus may call for a pitch, but they shake him off or one up it all the time. They are in charge of the final say...not ausmus.

DD

I'll agree that they do shake him off here or there. But I don't think that justifies saying that they 'call their own games'...I'm thinking they have a feel for what they want a lot of times. Sometimes it agrees with Ausmus. Sometimes it doesn't, but they'll go with Brad's call. And sometimes they really want to throw something and it disagrees, so you'll see the shake-off.

Of course, in the same way, I bet Brad does get *some* calls from the dugout, though I know he's not one of those guys who looks in for every pitch (or even close to that).

[redgoose]

I didn't read the whole thread. But exactly who are we going to replace Ausmus with? Unfortuantnly he is our best catcher, unless you guys want to move Biggio back to the C spot. That's the closest to reasonable thing i can think of. :confused:

[pugsly8422]

Remember what...Tony Larussa(?) did when he was with the Cardinals? He had the pitcher bat 8th and some other player bat 9th so he would see better pitches because the top of the order was coming up. Maybe we should try that for a couple of games.

Pugs

[msn]

Originally posted by rocketfat
i feel sorry for you guys who can formulate no opinion of your own and just blindly agree with every decision that the skipper makes.

do ya really think that his ability to call a game is that great, or that important? do you really think andy pettitte and roger f'ing clemens couldnt adjust to pretty much any catcher in the major leagues? or is roger clemens had the career that he's had just because he's been fortunate enough every step of the way to have catchers "who call great games" behind the plate.

how about this......the astros had a 20 game winner last year. his name is roy oswalt, and his catcher was.....Raul Chavez!!
go figure!

that tells me that either "ability to call a great game" is a huge load of overrated crap of a reason to keep somebody in a lineup, or chavez is every bit as capable of "calling a great game"
as ausmus.

"Calling a great game" is the phrase the powers that be use to justify continually playing this pile of garbage, since he's boys with craig biggio and jeff bagwell, and they get their every desire catered to.

folks, brad ausmus isnt in a slump....he just simply cant hit for sh*t. he is a career .250 hitter for god's sake.he shouldnt be in the major leagues, and shouldnt be starting for the astros.
It's sad that you don't know a damn thing about catching. Someone else has already pointed out the additional weakness of your ridiculous overgeneralization conerning agreeing with Astros' management. Furthermore, you may want to investigate the purpose and proper placement of the apostrophe within the English language. Your capitalization is horrible, as well. All in all, stupid post, stupid point, stupid thread. Congratulations.

By the way, Chavez is a below average catcher with a historically worse bat than Ausmus. But, you knew that, right?

[NJRocket]

I agree with r-fat here...i DO think calling a good game is overrated to an extent.

I think Ausmus has been in the lineup for so long because of his past defensive skills and his "handling" of pitchers. Those qualities overrode his batting skills, or lack thereof when we had a better lineup. Now, we really dont have a spot for a guy who cant hit (we have enoug of those)...granted Chavez's career hasnt been much better at the plate...but he has hit this year and we are in need of any offense we can get.

[msn]

Originally posted by NJRocket
...i DO think calling a good game is overrated to an extent.
Correct. But catching defense is *not* overrated, because it is far more than "calling a good game". Watch the difference, for example, between Chavez and Ausmus in the following:
--the way they set up
--target placement
--receiving the ball
--footwork
--posture when a pitch is in the dirt

There is no comparison. In fact, as old as Ausmus is, there are still very few that are his equal in this.

[NJRocket]

Originally posted by msn
Correct. But catching defense is *not* overrated, because it is far more than "calling a good game". Watch the difference, for example, between Chavez and Ausmus in the following:
--the way they set up
--target placement
--receiving the ball
--footwork
--posture when a pitch is in the dirt

There is no comparison. In fact, as old as Ausmus is, there are still very few that are his equal in this.

Ausmus isnt nearly the defensive catcher he once was....and Im not saying Chavez is a gold glover either...but Ausmus' defense should NOT be a reason why he is still in the game 4 out of 5 times. I will give Phil the benefit of the doubt and assume that Chavez is MUCH worse....although he does seem to be htting the ball thus far...and he cant be that bad if he catches our ace

[msn]

Originally posted by NJRocket
I think Ausmus has been in the lineup for so long because of his past defensive skills and his "handling" of pitchers. Those qualities overrode his batting skills, or lack thereof when we had a better lineup. Now, we really dont have a spot for a guy who cant hit (we have enoug of those)...granted Chavez's career hasnt been much better at the plate...but he has hit this year and we are in need of any offense we can get.
Good post.

My opinions:
--Ausmus is still that good defensively (seriously).
--I see where you're coming from about the weakened lineup, but the Astros do not have better-hitting options, because...
--Chavez will come back to his career norm. For the first two weeks last season (or was it '03?), Ausmus hit .450 with four or so dingers. We all knew *that* wouldn't last. Additionally, Chavez is below average defensively, something you can't afford when you're already not scoring enough runs.
--Chavez is worse historically hitting than Ausmus, not "not much better". Worse. And he will settle back to that average--just like he always does.

[msn]

Originally posted by NJRocket
Ausmus isnt nearly the defensive catcher he once was
From where do you get this observation? I haven't caught much on TV this year, so perhaps you're seeing something I'm not. As of last season, he was still top notch in all the areas I've listed. If you have this impression because a talking head said so, or simply because he's older so he *must* have gone downhill, or because his caught stealing numbers are down, those really aren't good sources from which to arrive at that conclusion. To know how good a catcher is, you have to watch him closely, and know what you're looking for.

[msn]

Originally posted by NJRocket
...and he cant be that bad if he catches our ace
Actually, the most disciplined pitcher often draws the backup catcher. In the late '90s, Shane Reynolds was the *best* location pitcher on the Astros' staff. *That* is why he pitched to Eusebio, not because he had a "favorite". Greg Maddux for years pitched to the backup catcher for the hated Br*ves, for much the same reason.

[NJRocket]

Originally posted by msn
because his caught stealing numbers are down,

namely that reason...i understand your other points about what makes up a good defensive catcher...or at least what helps make up a good defensive catcher...and i agree on those points.....BUT, our lack of run production puts an empahasis on keeping guys off base...let alone out of scoring position and he just does not throw guys out anymore

[NJRocket]

Originally posted by msn
Actually, the most disciplined pitcher often draws the backup catcher. In the late '90s, Shane Reynolds was the *best* location pitcher on the Astros' staff. *That* is why he pitched to Eusebio, not because he had a "favorite". Greg Maddux for years pitched to the backup catcher for the hated Br*ves, for much the same reason.

then he would be catching Roger

[msn]

Originally posted by NJRocket
namely that reason...(CS numbers)
Here's why that's a bad measure. Certain pitchers are far, far easier to run on than others. Power pitchers and slow-delivery pitchers are the *easiest*.

In the late '90s, the Astros had a staff of mostly fast-working finesse pitchers who were methodical and quick in their delivery. Very hard to run on. Astros fans got spoiled to the high CS numbers. Now, we have power pitchers with slow, deliberate deliveries. Much, much easier to run on. Yet, people look at the numbers without watching the guys play and think, "wow, Ausmus isn't nearly what he used to be defensively," when that is actually a very, very inaccurate conclusion.

Catching is far, far, far more than throwing the ball to 2nd base.

[msn]

Originally posted by NJRocket
then he would be catching Roger
Except that Clemens and Pettitte both requested Ausmus (if the media is to be believed).

[NJRocket]

Originally posted by msn
Here's why that's a bad measure. Certain pitchers are far, far easier to run on than others. Power pitchers and slow-delivery pitchers are the *easiest*.

In the late '90s, the Astros had a staff of mostly fast-working finesse pitchers who were methodical and quick in their delivery. Very hard to run on. Astros fans got spoiled to the high CS numbers. Now, we have power pitchers with slow, deliberate deliveries. Much, much easier to run on. Yet, people look at the numbers without watching the guys play and think, "wow, Ausmus isn't nearly what he used to be defensively," when that is actually a very, very inaccurate conclusion.

Catching is far, far, far more than throwing the ball to 2nd base.

Good point....BUT, Clemens happens to have a pretty good move to 1st.....and Pettitte has perhaps the BEST move to first in the entire major leagues...we dont have a Maddux or Nomo that takes forever to throw the pitch...and we dont have a knuckleballer or a guy that throws a lot of balls in the dirt (at least not on purpose). Occasionally the runner will get a SB on the pitcher....but I dont think our guys are the type that have such slow moves to first

[msn]

Originally posted by NJRocket
Good point....BUT, Clemens happens to have a pretty good move to 1st.....and Pettitte has perhaps the BEST move to first in the entire major leagues...we dont have a Maddux or Nomo that takes forever to throw the pitch...and we dont have a knuckleballer or a guy that throws a lot of balls in the dirt (at least not on purpose). Occasionally the runner will get a SB on the pitcher....but I dont think our guys are the type that have such slow moves to first
But the move to first isn't what hurts or helps CS numbers at all. A good pick-off move keeps the general number of attempts down. But what hurts the CS numbers is that long delivery, even from the stretch. Clemens, Backe, and Oswalt are long to the plate. So, if someone is running, he is more likely to succeed because of the slower delivery. I don't know much about Pettitte's delivery, but the sample size for Pettitte is far too small to judge Ausmus on due to last year's injury.

[msn]

Furthermore, good pickoff moves can actually hurt CS numbers! If less runners are running, fewer runners will get caught. If fewer runners are running, but the pitcher is slow to the plate, then a higher percentage of those who actually run will succeed.

That said, I *do* think Ausmus's arm is less than what it once was, but not nearly so much less as what the CS numbers would indicate. However, as I said earlier, catching is far, far more than throwing the ball to 2B. He's one of the best.

[rocketfat]

first of all, is it possible that msn is actually brad ausmus?

second of all, explain to me why an inferior catcher like raul chavez was able to catch our winningest pitcher last season.


finally, i'm guessing (if you arent brad ausmus himself) you were possibly a catcher in high school or something, or just a dedicated student of the game who appreciates baseball and catching for its many intricacies. that's fine. but.....

being a starting major league baseball player entails more than playing your position well defensively (not that i'm agreeing that he does that anymore).

the astros have broken 4 runs in 2 out of 9 games. brad ausmus is hitting .100. brad ausmus shows no fire or passion or any sign of life out there, nor has he for the past 2 seasons, which is something that i, as a fan, desire to see.

all i see is a washed up vet hitting soft ground balls, killing rallies, and free-riding through a contract.

this is the major leagues. he has proven that he can't hit at a major league level. this team is in desperate need of offense.

do i think chamo is the answer? obviously not in the long-term, but i am personally sick of seeing ausmus mope around for the past 3 seasons and not contribute for ****.

as a fan, i think it's a severe injustice that he still plays.

and' that' is' m'y opi'nio'n.

[gwayneco]

Originally posted by msn
Correct. But catching defense is *not* overrated, because it is far more than "calling a good game". Watch the difference, for example, between Chavez and Ausmus in the following:
--the way they set up
--target placement
--receiving the ball
--footwork
--posture when a pitch is in the dirt

There is no comparison. In fact, as old as Ausmus is, there are still very few that are his equal in this.

Yeah, how the hell did Clemens win all those other Cy Youngs without Bradley?

[HAYJON02]

when did eusabio retire? i had forgotten about him! :eek:

[msn]

Originally posted by rocketfat
first of all, is it possible that msn is actually brad ausmus?
You've got no logic to offer, so I guess this is all you have to fall back on.

second of all, explain to me why an inferior catcher like raul chavez was able to catch our winningest pitcher last season.
Already explained, earlier. You missed it.


finally, i'm guessing (if you arent brad ausmus himself) you were possibly a catcher in high school or something, or just a dedicated student of the game who appreciates baseball and catching for its many intricacies. that's fine. but.....

I have friends who caught professionally and in college and amateur leagues.

being a starting major league baseball player entails more than playing your position well defensively (not that i'm agreeing that he does that anymore).

the astros have broken 4 runs in 2 out of 9 games. brad ausmus is hitting .100. brad ausmus shows no fire or passion or any sign of life out there, nor has he for the past 2 seasons, which is something that i, as a fan, desire to see.

all i see is a washed up vet hitting soft ground balls, killing rallies, and free-riding through a contract.

this is the major leagues. he has proven that he can't hit at a major league level. this team is in desperate need of offense.

do i think chamo is the answer? obviously not in the long-term, but i am personally sick of seeing ausmus mope around for the past 3 seasons and not contribute for ****.

as a fan, i think it's a severe injustice that he still plays.

and' that' is' m'y opi'nio'n. [/B]
We've already covered (ad nauseum) the argument that the Astros can't afford his lack of offense due to their already weaker lineup. As far as "lacking fire", I watch the games too, and I think that's a steaming pile. But, you can believe whatever you like.

[msn]

Originally posted by gwayneco
Yeah, how the hell did Clemens win all those other Cy Youngs without Bradley?
Strawman. Look it up.

[msn]

Originally posted by HAYJON02
when did eusabio retire? i had forgotten about him! :eek:
I don't remember exactly when he retired, but after the Astros didn't renew him (I believe after the '99 season) he was in Colorado's system but never really caught on in the bigs again (IIRC).

[NJRocket]

Originally posted by msn
But the move to first isn't what hurts or helps CS numbers at all. .

it does because it limits the lead a guy can take if he is worried about getting picked off

[msn]

Originally posted by NJRocket
it does because it limits the lead a guy can take if he is worried about getting picked off
Two or three feet is nothing when a guy is getting a great jump because the pitcher is slow to the plate.

[NJRocket]

Originally posted by msn
Two or three feet is nothing when a guy is getting a great jump because the pitcher is slow to the plate.

you are so wrong about that ....how many guys do you see go into 2nd standing up....or how many guys beat the throw by more than a step? NONE...the step and a half that a good move to first takes away is a HUGE factor in being able to throw a runner out.

[msn]

Originally posted by NJRocket
you are so wrong about that ....how many guys do you see go into 2nd standing up....or how many guys beat the throw by more than a step? NONE...the step and a half that a good move to first takes away is a HUGE factor in being able to throw a runner out.
A guy is taking three or four steps during Roger's stretch to maybe one or two during a Maddox's stretch. So, yes, that big slow move to the plate *does* make that big of a difference. Also, I've seen *several* guys get into 2nd standing and beat the throw by more than a step. Seriously.

[NJRocket]

Originally posted by msn
A guy is taking three or four steps during Roger's stretch to maybe one or two during a Maddox's stretch. So, yes, that big slow move to the plate *does* make that big of a difference. Also, I've seen *several* guys get into 2nd standing and beat the throw by more than a step. Seriously.

we dont have guys with big slow moves to the plate....limiting a guy's lead is a huge factor...otherwise they wouldnt bother throwing over so much to keep him close

[msn]

Originally posted by NJRocket
we dont have guys with big slow moves to the plate....limiting a guy's lead is a huge factor...otherwise they wouldnt bother throwing over so much to keep him close
I don't agree with you at all, but I understand and respect your opinion.

[SamCassell]

Part of the incredible symmetry of baseball is that ALL of those factors matter. If the distance between the bases was 85 feet, stealing them would be commonplace. If it was 95 feet, it would be almost impossible. At 90 feet, every split second counts. If the runner can get 5 or 6 steps up the line before the pitch is delivered, whether because the pitcher lacks a good pickoff move or because he has a slow delivery, then the base is stolen on the pitcher. Nothing that the catcher can do. If the runner is only 3 or 4 steps up the line, and the pitch isn't a slow curveball or changeup, the catcher has a good chance to nail him. At that point, his arm does come into play. And not just the arm, but the reaction speed for him to read the situation, come out of his crouch, and come out firing accurately.

It is in those latter categories that Ausmus has shown some concession to age. He's still accurate to 2nd, but he comes out of the crouch a little slower and his fastball has a little less zip than it used to. These aren't failings on his part, they're natural results of the thousands of innings catchers of his age have caught. He used to be incredibly swift in his transition and delivery, but he's not anymore. That's not to say that every stolen base, or even most of them, are his responsibility.

[Buck Turgidson]

Originally posted by DaDakota
Watch the games, Clements, Petitt and Roy O all call their own games.

Sure, Aus may call for a pitch, but they shake him off or one up it all the time. They are in charge of the final say...not ausmus.
"I'm never going to demand that a pitcher, whether he's 42 or 22, throw the pitch I call. If he says he can throw another pitch, even if I know it's not the one he should, I go with it. If he threw what I wanted him to, he might not throw it with the same conviction ... and it may work. But generally what happens if it doesn't work, I give him a day to stew over it, and then I talk to him about it." -- Brad Ausmus, Spring '05

Da, shaking off pitches is not equal to "calling their own game", it's not nearly that cut and dry. ALL PITCHERS will shake off the catcher from time to time, but you absolutely DO NOT want that to be a regular course of action - overthinking is not a good thing for a pitcher. What do you think Clemens ment when he said working with Ausmus was like "pitching on auto-pilot"?

As far as the general discussion of Brad's presence in the catcher's box, there are many, many other quotes from the pitchers themselves describing the pitcher-catcher battery dynamic on the Astros staff, the complete trust the pitchers have in Ausmus' calling of the games, immense value in their joint study of hitters & gameplanning pitch sequences to specific hitters & specific situations, etc...and I value their opinions much more than ours.

[Buck Turgidson]

Originally posted by SamCassell
He's still accurate to 2nd, but he comes out of the crouch a little slower and his fastball has a little less zip than it used to....He used to be incredibly swift in his transition and delivery, but he's not anymore.
He admitted as much this spring, saying his footwork was not right last year & he had to make a few adjustments.

Great post, Sam.

[Buck Turgidson]

Originally posted by NJRocket
we dont have guys with big slow moves to the plate
They use stopwatches to time these things, you know. Clemens & Oswalt (and to a lesser extent Backe) are all below average in delivery time to the plate. High leg kick (never a slide step), lots of waist-level torque (bringing the front leg well past the rubber, full extension with the ball do not make for a quick delivery.

Clemens is one of the slowest in the league. His decent move to first can't compensate for that, and his age of course is a factor. Look up his SB #s over the past 8 years or so...last season was actually the best CS% since '99.

[Joe Joe]

The thing that I hate about Ausmus is not Ausmus's fault. When the team is down in the bottom of the eight inning or later, Ausmus should be pulled for a pinch hitter if a catcher and a hitter are available. I still have enjoyed the way Garner has coached.