Braves @ Astros

[Castor27]

All game talk goes in here. Please do not give play by play. If you need play by play go to CBS, ESPN, or Yahoo.

Two game set withthe Bravos.



4-18 Tim Hudson (1-0, 1.38) vs. Roger Clemens (1-0, 0.64) 7:05 on KNWS

4-19 John Thomson (1-1, 3.46) vs. Brandon Backe (0-0, 3.97) 7:05 on FSSW

[Groogrux]

Drayton will rape numerous women and children while Jeff Kent and Carlos Beltran cure cancer and AIDS after hitting 17 grand slams for their respective teams.

There will be a couple of one-run games though and the team will play tough, but no one will notice. Or care.

[fya]

L
L

[MadMax]

Originally posted by Rocketman95
Drayton will rape numerous women and children while Jeff Kent and Carlos Beltran cure cancer and AIDS after hitting 17 grand slams for their respective teams.


you spelled it wrong. it's Dreighton. Dreighton MacKlean

[Groogrux]

Originally posted by MadMax
you spelled it wrong. it's Dreighton. Dreighton MacKlean

Dude, that's so not clever. It's McLame. Hahahaha.

:rolleyes:

[Surfguy]

I'm sure the offense will struggle and that's all I'm sure of. Wait...I'm not even sure of that. I don't know what our team will do after an absolutely horrid road trip going 1 - 5. We were good at excusing those losses away, though.

We're 1 - 5 on the road...I know that much. :(

[Castor27]

Originally posted by Rocketman95
There will be a couple of one-run games though and the team will play tough, but no one will notice. Or care.

Trust me there will be a few people here that notice. If we lose, you can bet they'll be in here complaining about everything, from Drayton being too cheap to buy good sunflower seeds for the dugout to the laundry guy washing their uniforms in the wrong detergent. But one constant will remain! Because we didn't go 162-0 ,there will be complaints in this thread that we should have signed Beltran, Kent, Nolan Ryan, Ted Williams' head and the corpse of Babe Ruth. :rolleyes:

[Groogrux]

Originally posted by Castor27
Trust me there will be a few people here that notice. If we lose, you can bet they'll be in here complaining about everything, from Drayton being too cheap to buy good sunflower seeds for the dugout to the laundry guy washing their uniforms in the wrong detergent. But one constant will remain! Because we didn't go 162-0 ,there will be complaints in this thread that we should have signed Beltran, Kent, Nolan Ryan, Ted Williams head and the corpse of Babe Ruth. :rolleyes:

:D

In all seriousness, I say split. Tonight's game should be fun to watch!

[Summer Song Giver]

I was reading my free Subscription to Sporting News and I saw that our very own Jeff Bagwell is THE HIGHEST PAID FIRSTBASEMAN IN THE LEAGUE! Oh well, I guess he deserves it, just surprised me though.

[NJRocket]

little worried about tonight since we usually dont perform well against other aces....especially guys we have never seen....hopefully clemens can pitch another gem and we scrape out a 2-1 win

thomson is hittable....and i like that matchup for us on tues

[SamCassell]

W, 1 - 0 (12 innings)
L, 1 - 3

[Lil Francis]

LL

Clemens dominates but that terrible offense can only manage 1 run.

Backe pitches a good game also but the offense sucks again.

[Castor27]

Originally posted by NJRocket
little worried about tonight since we usually dont perform well against other aces....especially guys we have never seen..

Actually we faced Hudson (and Mulder too) in the 2002 season. He pitched 7 innings with 7 hits and 1 run. Redding started and gave up 6 runs in the 4th(what a surprise) Then the Astros tied it with 5 in the 8th off Jim Mecir. However, the almighty Dotel gave up a bomb to Tejada in the bottom of the 8th to lose the game for us.

[Svpernaut]

Originally posted by Summer Song Giver
I was reading my free Subscription to Sporting News and I saw that our very own Jeff Bagwell is THE HIGHEST PAID FIRSTBASEMAN IN THE LEAGUE! Oh well, I guess he deserves it, just surprised me though.

You been living in a cave for 4 years?

[red]

WWW...this team is about to tear it up for no reason whatsoever...look out league.

[rrj_gamz]

W & W...

We need it, but we got Roger and I got a feeling the bats will liven up...

Duckworth Sux Arse!!!!

[pgabriel]

Originally posted by Rocketman95
Dude, that's so not clever. It's McLame. Hahahaha.

:rolleyes:


You two guys really need to back off. Everyone gave the guy credit when he got Pettite and Clemens and no one complained when he didn't sign Beltran and pretty blamed Boras and Beltran so if people want to complain about some moves don't act like its all people do. They give him credit when its due and criticize when its due. Not signing Kent looks like a huge mistake right no matter how you guys spin it so complaining about it right now is complaining justifiable. That's what fans do on a message board.

[Groogrux]

Originally posted by pgabriel
You two guys really need to back off. Everyone gave the guy credit when he got Pettite and Clemens and no one complained when he didn't sign Beltran and pretty blamed Boras and Beltran so if people want to complain about some moves don't act like its all people do. They give him credit when its due and criticize when its due. Not signing Kent looks like a huge mistake right no matter how you guys spin it so complaining about it right now is complaining justifiable. That's what fans do on a message board.

You're kidding right? No one blamed McLane when Beltran wasn't resigned? That must've been around the same time you didn't post your feelings on the Kent deal that you're magically sharing with us today. :rolleyes:

BTW, Biggio is absolutely killing us out there.

[Smokey]

MLB TV is worth it. I am in the blackout area but for some odd reason (nothing on my part) I can watch the Astros. It may work for you so I'd check it out, at least 1 month.

[pgabriel]

Originally posted by Rocketman95
You're kidding right? No one blamed McLane when Beltran wasn't resigned? That must've been around the same time you didn't post your feelings on the Kent deal. :rolleyes:



I said he got played but I didn't complain. But I'm not just talking about myself anyway. The way you two guys start posting back and forth with your sarcasm about Drayton criticism could really be done in private. We get it. Get a freakin room.

[Groogrux]

Originally posted by pgabriel
I said he got played but I didn't complain. But I'm not just talking about myself anyway. The way you two guys start posting back and forth with your sarcasm about Drayton criticism could really be done in private. We get it. Get a freakin room.

Sorry to upset you pgabriel. I didn't catch Clutch's amendments to the TOS that says we have to make you happy with our posts.

Please go back and reread the threads after Beltran signed with the Mets. Refresh your memory a bit. Or you could read threads from today where people call him a liar and a snake. Your pick.

[MadMax]

Originally posted by pgabriel
I said he got played but I didn't complain. But I'm not just talking about myself anyway. The way you two guys start posting back and forth with your sarcasm about Drayton criticism could really be done in private. We get it. Get a freakin room.

Thanks, sweetie. I'll take it under consideration.

[Groogrux]

Originally posted by MadMax
Thanks, sweetie. I'll take it under consideration.

I might have points for a free room at Motel 6. How's Thursday look for you.

This post not approved by pgabriel.

[deepellumrocket]

Originally posted by NJRocket
little worried about tonight since we usually dont perform well against other aces....


That's why they're called "aces".

[Fegwu]

W

W


Taveras to leadoff and Lane to cleanup, Amen!

[Oski2005]

How many KNWS games are there going to be this year? I've had enough of this crap. We can't even get the TBS broadcast. WTF:mad: :mad: :mad:

[Uprising]

Originally posted by Oski2005
How many KNWS games are there going to be this year? I've had enough of this crap. We can't even get the TBS broadcast. WTF:mad: :mad: :mad:

No kidding. I thought the FSSW deal with the Astros was a good thing.

not anymore! :mad:

It's been a great year with the Rockets back on FSSW, but the Stros?! ARGH! :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

COX better pick up the KNWS games soon.

[Nick]

Originally posted by Oski2005
How many KNWS games are there going to be this year? I've had enough of this crap. We can't even get the TBS broadcast. WTF:mad: :mad: :mad:

Its only because of the Rockets right now... otherwise, all the summer games are going to be on FSN.

[PhiSlammaJamma]

should I watch everett hit or go get a slurpy.

[Oski2005]

Originally posted by Nick
Its only because of the Rockets right now... otherwise, all the summer games are going to be on FSN.

I don't think the Rockets were on those other games, but they are on tonight. Still, I can't believe they didn't give us the KNWS games here, since there aren't that many.

[Nick]

What do you get when you combine a struggling offense with an ace in Hudson.... utter dominance.

[Nick]

On another note... Roger Clemens is FREAKING AMAZING!!!

[bigtexxx]

Originally posted by Nick
On another note... Roger Clemens is FREAKING AMAZING!!!

Yes he is. Amazing indeed!

by the way - has he officially said that this year will be his last? It looks like he's pitching as well as he ever has! EVAHHHH!!!

[Nick]

Clemens is a freak... he could probably pitch another 2 or 3 years, but sooner or later, you have to wonder when to say when.

I'm sure if he gets another $18 million deal, it could definitely make him think about it... but lets just get thru this year first.

I don't care if each start could be his last... I'm just thankful that I got a chance to watch a living legend pitch in an Astros uniform, and pitch this well.

[Nick]

Lights Out time...

[Groogrux]

Something-quite possibly my Spidey sense-is telling me we're about to untie this game.

[bigboymumu]

what's up with our offense? When do we give up on the young guys?

[bigtexxx]

In case anybody was wondering, yes, it's true. The Astros have ZERO offense. NONE. NADA. GAR NICHTS.

[bigtexxx]

:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

Ausmus is ON BASE!!!!

[Nick]

If our offense couldn't score against Kaz Ishii and the Mets bullpen, how do you think they would fare against Tim Hudson?

[Nick]

Originally posted by bigboymumu
what's up with our offense? When do we give up on the young guys?

I might be ready to call the Luke Scott experiment nearly done... but only because Berkman will be coming back within the next 2 weeks anyways.

But, I'm not taking Tavares out even if he can't hit anymore... his defense in CF is too good for us right now.

Other than that, the rest of the guys are pretty entrenched in their spots... Morgan/Lamb will probably start platooning a little more anyways, and Everett (as bad as he may seem) isn't going to be a .100 hitter forever, and his defense is still stellar (but Viz might see a few more spot starts here and there).

[Nick]

Leadoff 2B LAMB!!!!

BUNT HIM OVER!!!

[Nick]

Its up to Baggy now.... and if I were the Braves, I'd just walk him to force Lidge out of the game.... :mad:

[whag00]

Wow...both teams wasted leadoff doubles in the 9th.

[RocketFan007]

Great way to go down looking walking Bags.:mad:

[Nick]

Well, at least Lidge is still in... and Hudson will finally be done.

[Groogrux]

We have to have already broken the MLB season record for caught looking. That is so maddening.

[bigtexxx]

Piss poor. :mad:

This is going to be a loooooong season if we can't pick it up with the bats. Hopefully it won't take Berkman too long to find his groove once he returns. If not, we need to make a trade for a stick.

[Joshfast]

Wow, poor astros pitchers. :o

[Nick]

My bad... we went with a Quall Call instead.

I guess 3 innings is too much for Lidge this early in the season... even if he hasn't really taxed himself too much tonight.

[Groogrux]

Originally posted by bigtexxx
Piss poor. :mad:

This is going to be a loooooong season if we can't pick it up with the bats. Hopefully it won't take Berkman too long to find his groove once he returns. If not, we need to make a trade for a stick.

The way my rose-colored glasses see it is that while we expected the offense would struggle, no one really thought it'd struggle this bad. We won't be like last year, but we will be better than this and things will average out. If we can stay this close during this horrible offensive drought and win some games, then we'll be in decent shape once the bats inevitably come back to life, albeit a weaker one.

Then, we get Lance back, our hitters start to see more pitches with him in the lineup, and we start winning more games. June comes around and the yearly list of future free agents who are available via trade will surface. At that point, if we're still within striking distance and it looks like the team has a run in it, we'll be adding a bat. No doubt about it.

Go 'Stros.

[bigtexxx]

holy crap. There's been a Pete Orr sighting. Former Galveston Whitecap!

[Nick]

I agree RM95... but as bad as the hitting has been to start the season, I definitely didn't think the pitching would be this GOOD.

I mean, Clemens has now had three straight DOMINATING performances to start the year, Oswalt has had two straight, and Pettite and Backe have been steadily consistent.

As far as the hitting is concerned, I guess its truly is still contagious for this team, either all hot or all cold. You'll see games like Friday where none of the players seem to miss the ball at all, and then games like last week against the Mets, where they can't get a run to save their lives.

Tonight, they ran into a buzz-saw in Hudson who is just as bit as dominant as any pitcher on our team. He's just got nasty stuff, and if he's locating it well, he's almost unhittable.

[Groogrux]

Lead off double!!

GIT-R-DONE!!!

[Nick]

Alright ORLANDO!!!

Our pinch-hitters have outperformed our everyday hitters in just two AB's!!!

(ew... bunt with Lane?)

[bigtexxx]

Originally posted by Rocketman95
The way my rose-colored glasses see it is that while we expected the offense would struggle, no one really thought it'd struggle this bad. We won't be like last year, but we will be better than this and things will average out. If we can stay this close during this horrible offensive drought and win some games, then we'll be in decent shape once the bats inevitably come back to life, albeit a weaker one.

Then, we get Lance back, our hitters start to see more pitches with him in the lineup, and we start winning more games. June comes around and the yearly list of future free agents who are available via trade will surface. At that point, if we're still within striking distance and it looks like the team has a run in it, we'll be adding a bat. No doubt about it.

Go 'Stros.

The big "if" is that we need to be "within striking distance" come the trade deadline. We will not be in that position with our current production.

[Groogrux]

Nick, I meant to add that caveat.

[Groogrux]

Originally posted by bigtexxx
The big "if" is that we need to be "within striking distance" come the trade deadline. We will not be in that position with our current production.

I don't think it has to be at the deadline, necessarily. I'm thinking mid-June, about the time we got Beltran last year. They knew if we were going to make a run, we needed to make that trade then. I think they'll do the same this year if we're in the position.

1st and 3rd, no outs.

GIT-R-DONE!!!!

[Nick]

ALRIGHT... you've got TWO AB'S to get this run home....

LUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUKE!

[bigtexxx]

Originally posted by Nick
Alright ORLANDO!!!

Our pinch-hitters have outperformed our everyday hitters in just two AB's!!!

(ew... bunt with Lane?)

No, I say let Lane swing away. Look who's up behind him. The black hole that is our 7 and 8 hitters.


EDIT: I'm a genius.

[Nick]

I'll say it right now... if we don't win this game right here, I won't post in here for a week.

[bigtexxx]

Hell I wouldn't mind a suicide squeeze here.

[Nick]

Suicide squeeze on the first pitch to Ausmus... you heard it here first.

EDIT: n/m... you heard it here second.... and its Viz.

[Groogrux]

Originally posted by bigtexxx
Hell I wouldn't mind a suicide squeeze here.

Good call. It's happening.

[Nick]

"bases loaded, nobody out against the Braves.... why am I shaking?!? Its like I've been here before..."

[Groogrux]

I nearly threw up in my mouth.

[RocketFan007]

Braves annoucers were surprised we pinch hit for Ausmus. They said he was 7-12 lifetime against Reitsma.

Squeeze play with Taveras? He's in a terrible slump.

[Nick]

ARRRRRRRGHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!

[whag00]

This can't be happening!!!

[RocketFan007]

Wow, looks like the Braves are going to get out of this.

[bigtexxx]

Fook! :mad:

Taveras, we need you now brah

[Nick]

Alright my self-imposed ban starts in 2 strikes if Bruntlett can't get it done.

EDIT: See you guys next Monday... I can't freaking believe this, and I don't want to be around when the doomsdayers get their hands on THIS game. Its hard to watch right now.

[whag00]

:(

[lalala902102001]

I don't know if this is sad of funny.

[The Real Shady]

Pathetic!! :mad:

[Groogrux]

I'm sorry, but Garner ****ed up right there.

[Smokey]

That's the funniest thing I've ever seen.

[RocketFan007]

originally posted by Nick
Alright my self-imposed ban starts in 2 strikes if Bruntlett can't get it done.

We haven't lost yet.

[francis 4 prez]

we are without a doubt the most pathetic choking organization in the history of baseball with the bases loaded. bases loaded, no outs, 10th inning, playing the braves, don't score with meek little grounders. now where have i seen that before.

un****ingbelievable how reliable we are with the choking with the bases loaded.

[Creepy Crawl]

Dang ............... this is truly sad . :(

[Gene the PIG]

PEEEEEEEEEEEEE YOUUUUUUUUUUUUU!


:rolleyes:

[LonghornFan]

GO AWAY PIRATES!

LAST PLACE IS OURS!!!

:mad:

Do we have any major league batters on our squad? Seriously?

Please, PLEASE Lance...get your bootay healthy!

[francis 4 prez]

we can only hope the braves take a lead eventually b/c then the braves will put in kolb and since he loves screwing over my fantasy team, we'll be sure to win.

[bigtexxx]

http://users.telenet.be/eforum/emoticons4u/mad/1230.gif

http://users.telenet.be/eforum/emoticons4u/mad/1441.gif

[fya]

L A S T R O S

[RocketFan007]

I'm calling it right now, Backe is going to win the game with his bat.

[Smokey]

Goo Braves!

[francis 4 prez]

awesome.

[Lil Francis]

Bases loaded no outs?? 1999................................................

[LonghornFan]

Bwahahaha!!! Jeff and Craig = Bad News Bears much?

:rolleyes:


Pathetic.

[The Real Shady]

The Astros should trade Clemens. He shouldn't have to waste his talent on this pathetic team.

[Rocket Fan]

how can biggio and bagwell do that!

[bigtexxx]

http://users.pandora.be/eforum/emoticons4u/obscene/eck13.gif

[Lil Francis]

Originally posted by The Real Shady
The Astros should trade Clemens. He shouldn't have to waste his talent on this pathetic team. Yeah they should. Clemens might be the best pitcher in the game but with that sorry ass offense he may not win another game until the end of May.

[RKMAN]

What an arm Sosa has :eek:

[RocketFan007]

This Sosa guy is NASTY.

[whag00]

UGH!!!

[bigtexxx]

BLEH. http://users.telenet.be/eforum/emoticons4u/mad/1336.gif

[wrath_of_khan]

The combination of watching us make Sosa look like Gagne and some guy hitting his first HR to maybe win the game is making me want to vomit.

[Surfguy]

Oh...don't even pretend you didn't know it was coming.

[Groogrux]

This blows.

[LonghornFan]

Dear Genie in a bottle, please let me hear these two words on ESPN tomorrow.

Jeff Bagwell: I'm done.

Oh, and two more.

Lance Berkman: I'm back.

And if you don't mind, how 'bout this one...

Astros offense: Yaaaaaawn...what's that you say? The season has started? WTF? LET'S DO THIS!



:rolleyes:

Worthless bunch of crap, yet I keep watching. Atleast we got to see one hell of a pitching dual. It sure beats the fake league and their DH curbside trash.

[arkoe]

Rally ca... eh, nevermind.

[RocketFan007]

We have this game in the bag, they're bringing in Kolb.

[adw]

:(

[wrath_of_khan]

I don't mind losing to Chipper Jones and Tim Hudson, but Langerbutt and Sosa?

Geez.

[Groogrux]

BELIEVE

It's never too early...

[LonghornFan]

Originally posted by Rocketman95
BELIEVE

It's never too early...

I cannot find a laughing emoticon big enough to post.

[RocketFan007]

Come on Luke.

Kolb wants to blow this.

[wrath_of_khan]

Way to swing at Ball Four, Luke. Twice.

[bigtexxx]

http://users.telenet.be/eforum/emoticons4u/mad/1106.gif


http://users.telenet.be/eforum/emoticons4u/mad/1230.gifhttp://users.telenet.be/eforum/emoticons4u/mad/1230.gifhttp://users.telenet.be/eforum/emoticons4u/mad/1230.gifhttp://users.telenet.be/eforum/emoticons4u/mad/1230.gifhttp://users.telenet.be/eforum/emoticons4u/mad/1230.gif

[Groogrux]

Somebody discovered some new smilies tonight. :D

Oh well this is dreadful. At least the Rockets are hot!

We've lost 5 of 6 and have outscored our opponents during that time. Weird.

[Trader_Jorge]

That's what happens when you lose your best bats from the lineup and do nothing to replace them. You can't score a run in 11 innings.

Plan B?

Thanks Drayton

[fya]

Plan b sucks.

Time for uncle mclame to sell this team.

[Smokey]

Don't blame Drayton. He's the greatest owner in baseball history.

[bigtexxx]

Originally posted by Rocketman95
Somebody discovered some new smilies tonight.

I wouldn't call them "smilies".

[bigboymumu]

What a waste of a great starting staff!!!!

[bigboymumu]

And closer

[Groogrux]

Originally posted by bigboymumu
What a waste of a great starting staff!!!!

Who some how became Astros with McLame scheming to steal our money behind the scenes. Not sure how that happened.

[Fegwu]

Originally posted by The Real Shady
The Astros should trade Clemens. He shouldn't have to waste his talent on this pathetic team.

I agree - Roger and Brad Lidge does not deserve this rubbish. Let the plan C begin sofort.

The worst part about all of this is Garner's blindness and stubbornness. This is just pathetic and it is worse than our record show. This rubbish can only happen in Houston and maybe Chicago.

:rolleyes:

[Groogrux]

Originally posted by Fegwu
The worst part about all of this is Garner's blindness and stubbornness. This is just pathetic and it is worse than our record show. This rubbish can only happen in Houston and maybe Chicago.

I can't believe he didn't even try a squeeze in the 10th.

I'll try to take solace in the fact that we've lost our last five by one run. That, or I'll focus my attention on something else. I don't understand why some of you even watch any more. Except that I suspect that many of you are secretly happy this is happening.

[Groogrux]

I meant to add a ;) to the end of that post.

For most of you.
































;)

[bottlerocket]

Originally posted by Rocketman95
I can't believe he didn't even try a squeeze in the 10th.


Yep I agree. They had opportunities to squeeze early in game to advance the runner over, but instead they swing away into an out. I believe it was Everett who should have bunted.

By the way wasn't that one of the reasons why Jimy Williams was fired b/c he didn't play small ball enough??

[MadMax]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/4449199.stm

Happy moments 'protect the heart'

Happiness was more commonly linked to leisure, rather than work
Every moment of happiness counts when it comes to protecting your heart, researchers have said.
A team from University College London said happiness leads to lower levels of stress-inducing chemicals.

They found that even when happier people experienced stress, they had low levels of a chemical which increases the risk of heart disease.

The research is published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

This shows that people who are happy and unstressed are likely to have less potentially dangerous stress chemicals in their bodies

Professor Peter Weissberg, British Heart Foundation

It showed that those who were happy less often had higher levels of a bloodstream chemical called plasma fibrinogen, which shows if there is inflammation present.

It is an indicator of how great a risk a person has of developing heart disease in the future.

Daily happiness

Researchers tested 116 men and 100 women who were taking part in a major study of thousands of London-based civil servants recruited between 1985 and 1988 when 35-55 years old to investigate the risk factors for coronary heart disease.

They carried out tests on people at work, during leisure periods and in the laboratory.

People were also asked whether or not they were happy at 33 moments during the day.

The researchers then evaluated how often people were happy in the course of the day.

Leisure was, unsurprisingly, linked with more happy moments than work.

It was found that some people reported they never felt happy, while others reported feeling occasional happiness and those who felt happy most of the time.

The results were adjusted for gender, age, employment status, weight, smoking habits and psychological distress.

Levels of cortisol - a stress hormone - were 32% lower in people who reported more happy moments.

Cortisol has been related to abdominal obesity, Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and autoimmune disorders.

The researchers also discovered happy people have had lower levels of fibrinogen when they were stressed.

Emotional state

Professor Jane Wardle, who worked on the study, said: "All the research to date has been on unhappiness, rather than happiness.

"This research suggests we should aim to maximise the happiness of the population."

Professor Andrew Steptoe, who led the study, said: "It has been suspected for the last few years that happier people may be healthier both mentally and physically than less happy people.

"What this study shows is that there are plausible biological pathways linking happiness with health."

He added: "What we find particularly interesting is that the associations between happiness and biological responses were independent of psychological distress.

"We already know that depression and anxiety are related to increased physical health risk. This study raises the intriguing possibility that the effect of happiness may be somewhat separate."

Professor Peter Weissberg, Medical Director at the British Heart Foundation said: "The results of this study build upon this team's work, which we are delighted to have supported.

"Evidence that emotional state is important for good heart health is growing and this shows that people who are happy and unstressed are likely to have less potentially dangerous stress chemicals in their bodies."

[Summer Song Giver]

Reading this, I can say it is way more enjoyable when they lose. These are the Stros folks, it's all they know, lovable losers; and I had no idea Jeff Bagwell was the highest paid first sacker in the league, figured he was close, but not the man :D

[NJRocket]

Managerial moves aside (since hindsight IS 20/20)...we lost because we didn't hit...the same reason we have lost most of our games this year. I knew we would have trouble scoring runs this year..i just didnt think it would be THIS much trouble. It scares me that our offense is actually worse than I thought it would be..and as you know, my expectations were pretty low.

[SamCassell]

Man, I called 12 innings too. I thought we'd beat the Braves pen though.

[DaveSavage]

Originally posted by Rocketman95
I can't believe he didn't even try a squeeze in the 10th.

I'll try to take solace in the fact that we've lost our last five by one run. That, or I'll focus my attention on something else. I don't understand why some of you even watch any more. Except that I suspect that many of you are secretly happy this is happening.

I watch because I just moved to Little Rock from Missouri, and now I get nearly ALL the Stros games for free on FSN-H-Town - -

what this losing skid shows is the incredibly fine line between winning and losing - - 5 1-run losses and the 8-4 loss to the Mets was a 4-3 lead in the bottom of the 8th - -

it's been the bullpen two times, the offense three times, and starting pitching once (duckworth on sunday) - -

it's a very fine line --

but a 4-1 start is proof the Astros can get back over that line more times than not - - they're a veteran team and I believe they'll straighten it out - - by that, i mean get to .500 or a little above by the time Lance's bat gets into the lineup - -

it's a long road, it's just the start is real bumpy - - ask the $210 million dollar Yanks - -

d - -

[ROCKSS]

that was a tough game to watch. Bases loaded, no outs and we cannot score a run :mad:

OR

Lead off double, sac bunt sends the runner to third and we still cannot score.


We have got to be able to score in these situations. I feel sorry for the Rocket if this continues.

[Groogrux]

Originally posted by DaveSavage
I watch because I just moved to Little Rock from Missouri, and now I get nearly ALL the Stros games for free on FSN-H-Town - -

what this losing skid shows is the incredibly fine line between winning and losing - - 5 1-run losses and the 8-4 loss to the Mets was a 4-3 lead in the bottom of the 8th - -

it's been the bullpen two times, the offense three times, and starting pitching once (duckworth on sunday) - -

it's a very fine line --

but a 4-1 start is proof the Astros can get back over that line more times than not - - they're a veteran team and I believe they'll straighten it out - - by that, i mean get to .500 or a little above by the time Lance's bat gets into the lineup - -

it's a long road, it's just the start is real bumpy - - ask the $210 million dollar Yanks - -

d - -

Welcome and stick around! What part of Missouri?

Originally posted by NJRocket
Managerial moves aside (since hindsight IS 20/20)...

Well, hindsight is 20/20, but if you read the thread, we talked about the squeeze when the bases were loaded and no outs in the 10th. Nothing to do with hindsight. .

[Fegwu]

Originally posted by ROCKSS
that was a tough game to watch. Bases loaded, no outs and we cannot score a run :mad:

OR

Lead off double, sac bunt sends the runner to third and we still cannot score.


We have got to be able to score in these situations. I feel sorry for the Rocket if this continues.

Eh...that did not surprise me. Walt Weis and these same Braves did something similar to us some years back in the NLDS.

What I do not like is the obstinate approach to the games by manager Garner.

It was painful to watch but I am glad I to watch my taped episode 24 before going to bed.

[Harrisment]

Just heard on 610....Lane will be in the cleanup spot tonight; Ensberg in the 5 hole.

[NJRocket]

Originally posted by Harrisment
Just heard on 610....Lane will be in the cleanup spot tonight; Ensberg in the 5 hole.

theres an idea

[Groogrux]

Wasn't that how it was last night?

I'd swap Biggio and Everett too.

[NJRocket]

Originally posted by Rocketman95
Wasn't that how it was last night?

.

i dont think so...was it?

I'd swap Biggio and Everett too.

bidge to leadoff...willie to the 2...everett to the 8 would be nice

[SamCassell]

Ensberg hit cleanup last night.

[Groogrux]

I stand corrected...as usual. :)

I'd start with moving Everett to two and see how he does. Taveras hasn't been doing anything either.

Still trying to figure out why he didn't bunt with one out in the 10th last night...

[SamCassell]

Garner makes the bunt calls, I'm assuming. Can't blame Tavares. But yea, he's fallen off. Still has solid #s for the season.

[NJRocket]

Originally posted by SamCassell
Garner makes the bunt calls, I'm assuming. Can't blame Tavares. But yea, he's fallen off. Still has solid #s for the season.

he is seeing less and less pitches in the 8 hole....especially since not only the pitcher is behind him...but so is everett.

i think batting second would help him tremendously

[Groogrux]

Originally posted by SamCassell
Garner makes the bunt calls, I'm assuming. Can't blame Tavares. But yea, he's fallen off. Still has solid #s for the season.

Oh, I'm definitely blaming Garner for that one. :)

I think any kind of shakeup would be good right now. Ensberg is so frustrating because when he actually does swing, he's making contact. I definitely wouldn't be upset with Taveras at the top part of the order.

[SamCassell]

I agree batting him second. First is a difficult spot in the order to fill, and Biggio has tremendous experience there. Tavares is a guy with basically zero experience above AA. But I like the thought of using his speed to score from first on doubles from Lance and Bags, and his ability to bunt being put into play in late inning situations.

And batting down in the order may relieve some of the pressure from Adam, and help him break out of his current slump.

[Groogrux]

Originally posted by SamCassell
And batting down in the order may relieve some of the pressure from Adam, and help him break out of his current slump.

That was my thinking for moving him to 2nd based on his familiarity with that spot.

I'll take anything right now, though.

[NJRocket]

Id actually like to see:
(once berk is back)

Bidge
Willie
Berk
Lane
Bags
Ensberg
Chavez
Everett
P

[Groogrux]

Originally posted by NJRocket
Id actually like to see:
(once berk is back)

Bidge
Willie
Berk
Lane
Bags
Ensberg
Chavez
Everett
P

Except for the Chavez thing, I'm down.

[NJRocket]

Originally posted by Rocketman95
Except for the Chavez thing, I'm down.


what if i changed it to ABA (anyone but ausmus)? ;)

[Groogrux]

Originally posted by NJRocket
what if i changed it to ABA (anyone but ausmus)? ;)

ABA and we may have lost the game in the 9th yesterday. :)

I'd be happy with more platooning at this point in Ausmus' career though. Maybe we will with Duckworth getting another nod later this week.

[SamCassell]

I'm with RM95, Chavez is a worse hitter than Ausmus. I don't know how the Astros got the two worst-hitting catchers in MLB on one roster, but there you go. I don't want to make a switch unless the other guy is an improvement.

Quintero is hitting .389 at Round Rock with a couple homers already. Both figures lead the club. Wouldn't be surprised if he gets called up by June or July. He might've been Pupura's first steal.

[Groogrux]

OK, Han Solo agrees with me and we've had nearly a page of posts back and forth with good baseball talk.

RM95 runs outside to check for mushroom clouds. :)

[NJRocket]

Originally posted by Rocketman95
OK, Han Solo agrees with me and we've had nearly a page of posts back and forth with good baseball talk.

RM95 runs outside to check for mushroom clouds. :)

i think even pgabriel would have approved those posts;)

[bigboymumu]

I'm with you guys also. Where is Gunn?

But seriously, we need to address a few things before the season is over. I really do not know what Chavez does well. At this point, Q would not be a bad idea. Wheeler and Franco need to go. Astacio needs a chance.

[SamCassell]

Originally posted by Rocketman95
OK, Han Solo agrees with me and we've had nearly a page of posts back and forth with good baseball talk.
Watch your mouth kid, or you're gonna find yourself floating home.

[rrj_gamz]

that game sucked last night...for the astros that is...I was arguing with my g/f and when the braves hit that HR, I had to pass and say sh*t...she wasn't happy...

[Fegwu]

Originally posted by Harrisment
Just heard on 610....Lane will be in the cleanup spot tonight; Ensberg in the 5 hole.

A good start. At least Garner is begining to listen.

Now drop Adam to #7 hole.

Adam's ability is being undermined by his coach. Adam is not comfortable in the #1 spot and it is clearer that Ozaka water. This is an injustice to Adam and it is hurting his confidence and the team.

I am not in the school of thought of reacting rather acting without bias as it relates to this team.

[Uprising]

Please get some timely hits. No more Bases left Loaded.

[Surfguy]

Game on.

[The Real Shady]

Astros will lose 3-1.

[Joshfast]

Originally posted by The Real Shady
Astros will lose 3-1.

Astros will win 3-1.

;)

[bigboymumu]

1-0. Is the game over? That should of been an error on Tavares.

[The Real Shady]

Looks like Lane could be a 30-30 guy this year.

[RocketFan007]

Who would have thought that Lane would be leading the team in steals?

[RocketFan007]

RBI single Ausmus.

[The Real Shady]

I think Ausmus knocked the cover off the ball.

[bigboymumu]

Ausmus with a hit.

[Surfguy]

Originally posted by RocketFan007
RBI single Ausmus.

oh my gawd...

[Joshfast]

"Oh those hard hitting Astros are at it again!" - Larry Dierker

:D :D

[bigboymumu]

Originally posted by The Real Shady
I think Ausmus knocked the cover off the ball.

:)

[aeroman10]

Whats the score right now?
I am using Solaris right now with Netscape...I cant even get to Yahoo Sports :(

[rikesh316]

Fluke Scott need to be demoted to Minors cause its obvious he's not ready, bring up Hubburd.

[RocketFan007]

Taveras now hitting .080 in the last nine games.

[rikesh316]

The Kids are in a major slump right now.

[Surfguy]

Originally posted by rikesh316
The Kids are in a major slump right now.

the kids aren't hot tonite. where will they be tomorrow? :D

[RocketFan007]

Who says Ausmus doesn't have an arm anymore?

[RocketFan007]

Backe may just be the best hitter on this team.

[bigboymumu]

Go Adam! It's a start.

[RocketFan007]

Here's an interesting stat:

Number of hits this season:

Astros pitchers- 7
Everett- 7
Scott- 6

[bigboymumu]

Originally posted by bigboymumu
Go Adam! It's a start.

Scratch that.

[Uprising]

Ausmus is 2-2! :eek:

[The Real Shady]

Say Hey! Willie Mays Tavares

[Uprising]

2-1 Good Guys, Adam double!

WHOOP! FINALLY BEOYTCH!

[Uprising]

3-1 Good Guys. BIGGIO RBI SINGLE.

Anyone else here the BIGGIO chant in the ball park?! Love the energy in there.

RBI TRIPLE BY BAGGY!

Biggio scores!!!!!


4-1 good guys!!!! :D :D :D :D

[RocketFan007]

originally posted by The Real Shady
Say Hey! Willie Mays Tavares

Woohoo, he reached base on a fielder's choice!

RBI double Bags!

4-1 Astros.

[Uprising]

BAGGY on 3rd now! WHOOOP!

4-1 good guys

[arkoe]

Two out rally!

[Uprising]

WOW. Lane just missed that HR!

Nice catch on the wall.

[The Real Shady]

Damn. Thought Lane had that one.

[deepellumrocket]

How about that, 4 hits, 2 of them of the extra-base variety, in one inning!



Also, Alan Ashby should never use the word "supple" on the air ever again.

[whag00]

Larry Jones does it to us again...

[KaiSeR SoZe]

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

[Uprising]

Mondesi just got thrown out of the game! hahaha

Way to go Bagwell! YOU RULE! :D :D :D

[Uprising]

It's the 7th inning stretch right now. So why the hell aren't they showing the song being played in the park?

I swear I saw them doing this in the other games. They would show the "Deep in the Heart of Texas song".

[Uprising]

Taveras with the MONSTER HR! :eek: :D

CHOOO CHOOOO!

[francis 4 prez]

dang, didn't know willy had that kinda power in him.

[Surfguy]

The kid is HOT TONITE! :D

[MONON]

Originally posted by deepellumrocket
How about that, 4 hits, 2 of them of the extra-base variety, in one inning!



Also, Alan Ashby should never use the word "supple" on the air ever again.


And the 3 hits to score the 3 runs came with 2 outs. That's impressive.

[Uprising]

Good game by Backe. Too bad our bullpen sucks butt.

[Uprising]

BASES LOADED, NO OUTS!

:mad: :mad: :mad:

Put in Freakin LIDGE!

[MONON]

Why pinch hit for Backi? He's the Stros leading hitter. :confused:

[Surfguy]

For God's sake don't use Lidge no matter what the cost. Franco is awful.

Look's like Springer gets to lose this one. LOL

[Uprising]

Originally posted by Surfguy
For God's sake don't use Lidge no matter what the cost. Franco is awful.

WHy not use Lidge?

Ugh...Springer now in the game.

[Surfguy]

Originally posted by Uprising
WHy not use Lidge?

Ugh...Springer now in the game.

He needs an off day. :D

[Surfguy]

OMG! OMG! OMG!

DOUBLE PLAY!!! HOLY COW!!!

[Uprising]

WOW!

HAHAHA! Braves pull an Astros!

Bases loaded, no outs. and they don't score. NICE DP! :D

[Surfguy]

Okay...what happens now is we score several runs when we don't need them and then we go dry for the next two games. LOL

[KaiSeR SoZe]

Lidge needs rest

[Uprising]

Come on Big Viz! Take advantage of the bases loaded!

[MONON]

Scrapiron pulls Bagwell for the pitcher? That's got to be the first time that has happened! :eek:

[Joshfast]

Nice win, I wonder how long Lidge will have a 0.00 era for..

[bigtexxx]

Backe is a career .400 hitter in the big leagues! He's 8 for 20. We need to see if he can play the outfield.

[Harrisment]

Nice win, lets hope the offense can put something together for the next few games.

[Fegwu]

Originally posted by bigtexxx
Backe is a career .400 hitter in the big leagues! He's 8 for 20. We need to see if he can play the outfield.

According to Larry Dierker....

1. Backe caught fly balls before the game. I don't know why but it must be for fun.

2. Taveras hit monster shots during BP. Dierk said he was surprised by Willie's power and it showed in the game. Maybe Willie Power is underrated.


Talking about Willie, lets do this kid justice and move him up. Garner did the right thing in moving Lane to cleanup and now it is time to move Willie up. WT is a leadoff guy and Adam is being purnished in that role now. It will not be seen as a sign of lack of confidence in him rather a move with the betterment of the team at heart.

Willie has proven that he belongs in the big league - so the 8th hole experiment should stop there. In fact I believe his struggles now, at least prior to this game, is in large part due to his hitting spot. We need his intangibles and speed at the top. Adam is more of an underrated clutch rbi guy that will be perfect in the 6th or 7th hole.

Please Garner do this and watch this team score more runs per game. If nothing else, everybody thinks it is the right move including coaches and former coaches. There is no room for obstination here. Do the right thing.

[bottlerocket]

Originally posted by bigtexxx
Backe is a career .400 hitter in the big leagues! He's 8 for 20. We need to see if he can play the outfield.

It seems like the pitchers are getting all the hits and driving in the runs.

[Stack24]

Originally posted by bottlerocket
It seems like the pitchers are getting all the hits and driving in the runs.

yeah i mean the only game Clemens won he drove in the 2 go ahead runs to get the win.

2 other starts he gets a ND because the team can't even score 1 run...