Astros @ Pirates

[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.

Pitching Proabables:

4-25 Roy Oswalt (3-1, 3.41) vs. Oliver Perez (0-2, 9.00) 6:05 on FSSW

4-26 Andy Pettitte (1-1, 3.55) vs. Kip Wells (1-3, 6.46) 6:05 on FSSW

4-27 Brandon Duckworth (0-1, 12.60) vs. Josh Fogg (1-1, 2.45) 11:35 on FSSW

[T_in_Charlotte]

W
W
L

Duckworth gets bombed in the last game and gets run out of town. Unfortunately, only 20,000 people see that happen as the astros decline in attendance....and fan interest.....continues to decline.

[Castor27]

Originally posted by T_in_Charlotte
Unfortunately, only 20,000 people see that happen as the astros decline in attendance....and fan interest.....continues to decline.
My guess is that if the Pirates barely got 20k for a Sunday game with the Cubs and couldn't draw 13k for a weekday game with StL then they would be pretty happy to draw 20 k with Duckworth pitching.

[deepellumrocket]

Originally posted by T_in_Charlotte
Unfortunately, only 20,000 people see that happen as the astros decline in attendance....and fan interest.....continues to decline.

The last Astros home game drew 31,000+ on a Thursday night. Keep in mind that, historically, attendance picks up significantly once school is out. I don't think the sky is falling, yet.

[RocketManJosh]

W
W
L (Why is Duckworth still here?)

[MadMax]

WWW

[NJRocket]

WWL

Oswalt and Perez could be a low scoring affair....hopefully we score some runs for Roy

Pettitte, IIRC, pitched well in a game vs Pitt last yr...he should be ok

Duck has a shot to not lose only because we are playing Pitt....hopefully we can get a sweep...but I'd take 2 of 3 at this point

[Aceshigh7]

Jesus, I cannot believe Duckworthless is getting another start.
Never thought I'd say this but I miss Pete Munro.

[MadMax]

Originally posted by Aceshigh7
Jesus, I cannot believe Duckworthless is getting another start.
Never thought I'd say this but I miss Pete Munro.

yeah, i was gonna ask Jesus if he wouldn't mind doing something about that! :)

i agree...i really thought this last start would ultimately be his very last.

[SamCassell]

I say run Ducky out for 9 innings, even if he's getting shelled. At least he could save our bullpen for the games we've got a good chance to win. If by some miracle we're winning after 5, let Wheeler/Qualls/Lidge finish it off.

[LongTimeFan]

Lost here.. why isn't Clemens pitching instead of Ducky? Doesn't it go Roy, Andy, Roger, Backe, Duck? :confused:

[SamCassell]

Clemens just pitched Saturday. He's an incredible pitcher, but he's still got to rest like everyone else.

Off days and skipping the 5th starter where possible ends up throwing off the 1-2-3-4-5 rotation. Right now it's Oz-Pettite-Duck (or offday skip)-Clemens-Backe.

[Phillyrocket]

WWW

Duckworth is one of those guys you're just ready to run out of town and then he comes back with a strong game. Considering his recent performances I predict a no hitter.

[Nick]

With my self-imposed one-week ban over (after that extra-inning Braves loss, I had to get out of here), I offer up the following:

If Garner and Pupura do not get Wandy Rodriguez up here soon enough, I will be severely steamed... more so than you guys clamoring for the mythical "plan b".

There is just absolutely no point in Brandon Suckworth being out there. I never supported him coming out of Spring Training, I never thought he had an "upside", and he hasn't even performed up to Pete Munro standards in his starts so far.

The only "brightside" of him pitching against the Pirates is that WHEN he gets roughed up, it would have been done by the WORST lineup in the majors (yes... even worse than ours), and thus it really can't get any better from that point on (as opposed to getting beat by decent lineups in the Reds and Cardinals).

Meanwhile, there is no excuse for not trying Wandy... hell, he might have even been more effective than Backe:
1.) He's a lefty... and even soft-tossing lefties have success in this league if they have control. Well, Wandy throws around 92 mph, and his K-BB ratio is 4-1. That's pretty damn good.

2.) Both of Duckworth's starts have been "winnable" games, had the team not had such a huge deficit to try to crawl out of thanks to him. His pitching in St. Louis was just chicken-s***. Unable to find the zone, terrible location... I mean, even Redding would at least get 2 strikes on you before imploding.

3.) I know he's out of options... so what. If somebody actually takes a chance on him and picks him up, so what.... I'll say congratulations.... enjoy your new 7th starter.

[msn]

Originally posted by Nick
even Redding would at least get 2 strikes on you before imploding.
That was the most maddening thing about Timmah Headcase.

[RocketManJosh]

Well according to 790, it looks like Taveras is going to finally make his first appearance in the leadoff spot. Probably not permanent since Adam just has the day off, but it could be a sign of things to come if Taveras can take advantage.

[rrj_gamz]

W
W
L

Why in the hell is Duckworth still pitching...That guy sucks azz...

Anyway, a much needed break from a real baseball team...:p

[Nick]

Originally posted by RocketManJosh
Well according to 790, it looks like Taveras is going to finally make his first appearance in the leadoff spot. Probably not permanent since Adam just has the day off, but it could be a sign of things to come if Taveras can take advantage.

I may have been drunk of my ass.... but Adam Everett was our most consistent hitter this past weekend against the Cards... and if you go back to last week, where he had the leadoff HR off Sheets, he's had a pretty productive run as of late.

The offense fails when guys you count on for at least a decent production (Bagwell, Bagwell, Bagwell) are hitting close to .200. Taveras is young, so you do expect him to struggle on the road... but Lane needs to be a little bit more consistent.

That being said, they ended up losing 2 out of the 3 games in St. Louis because of bad pitching by Suckworth and Backe.... but obviously, the 1-0 extra inning loss hurt the most.

[SamCassell]

Doesn't Bagwell struggle out of the gate every single season? I think he had a good start last year for the first time in like a decade.

[Nick]

Originally posted by SamCassell
Doesn't Bagwell struggle out of the gate every single season? I think he had a good start last year for the first time in like a decade.

Yea, he does... it just gets magnified this year when there's no Berkman, Alou, or Kent to pick him up.

btw... Lance went 3-5 with 2 HR's in a rehab start today in Kissimee.... there's still hope.

[NJRocket]

Originally posted by Nick
btw... Lance went 3-5 with 2 HR's in a rehab start today in Kissimee.... there's still hope.


awesome...when is he due back in the lineup?

[SamCassell]

I kinda figured Bags would tank early, and that our offense would struggle in April without his or Berk's production. Bagwell's propensity to start slow and finish strong, combined with Biggio's annual sprint out of the gate and fade after the All-Star break, makes for an interesting dichotomy. And every year, people proclaim that Bags is washed up and should be replaced in April, while Biggio's seen as resurgent. :)

[Nick]

Originally posted by NJRocket
awesome...when is he due back in the lineup?

If there are no set-backs at extended spring training, then he goes to Round Rock this weekend. If all goes well there, and the knee is still in as good of shape as it was before he embarked on to the assignments, he should then be put back in the lineup some time next week.... in the 3 spot, with no questions asked (I don't believe in bringing him, or any else of our prospects down there, slowly).

[JPM0016]

Originally posted by Nick
Yea, he does... it just gets magnified this year when there's no Berkman, Alou, or Kent to pick him up.


The 2 previous years he's actually had a pretty strong April.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlbhist/players/splits?statsId=4626&type=batting&year=2003

I'm still hoping "Quiet Hands" can get it together. :)

[Uprising]

If you noticed my decline in posts in this thread, it's because of that fact that COX FREAKIN MEDIA has declined to pick up the last few games.

They were on FSSW, but COX won't pass the charge from FSSW (roughly 35cents) to their subscribers, so they will make us miss 40 games this season.

And the same thing goes for next season with the Rockets too! :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

[SamCassell]

Originally posted by JPM0016
The 2 previous years he's actually had a pretty strong April.
Sure enough. His post-All Star numbers are still significantly better in those two years, compared to before the break, but this is as bad as he's been in awhile.

I'm still hoping "Quiet Hands" can get it together.
One of these years he won't, but I think Bags is gonna be OK. Health permitting, which is always a question mark for him.

[Uprising]

I just started a petition for Cable Companies to carry FSSW games. I can't believe they are going to make us miss all these games. They say there isn't enough demand to pass the 30 cent charge to their subscribers.

SIGN THE PETITION....


http://www.petitiononline.com/coxfssw1/petition.html

[Random.]

Everett has the day off, so Taveras is starting leadoff tonight.

Bruntlett is batting 7th and Chavez is 8th.

Hopefully this lineup does well so Garner continues to use Chavez and Taveras leadoff...

[Surfguy]

Those Cox suckers are ridiculous. Their leaving off all these games for a mere 30 or 35 cents. This is chump change compared to when cable raises their rates every other year or whatever by multiple dollars and change. How are they going to break it out on the bill

$.35 - Astros/Rockets games
$2.75 - Cox rate increase

I guess $.35 is a lot to someone who can already afford a $20 plus basic service package. :confused:

[Nick]

Even though these are the Pirooots.... Oliver Perez is flat-out nasty... and since he's started off the year on a sour note (0-2, 9.00 ERA), he's probably due for a complete-game shutout.

Remember, he had like 14 K's against us last year, when we had the a+ lineup.

[Uprising]

Originally posted by Surfguy
Those Cox suckers are ridiculous. Their leaving off all these games for a mere 30 or 35 cents. This is chump change compared to when cable raises their rates every other year or whatever by multiple dollars and change. How are they going to break it out on the bill

$.35 - Astros/Rockets games
$2.75 - Cox rate increase

I guess $.35 is a lot to someone who can already afford a $20 plus basic service package. :confused:

Exactly!

Our bill went up like 3 bucks a month ago, and yet they won't do the 30 cents thing?!

I hate them!

[NIKEstrad]

Roy looks awesome out there. The ump is giving him the corners, and his stuff looks nasty.

[Surfguy]

Well, the Astros are facing a leftie and they suck BAD against lefties. Every leftie the Astros have faced this season is a Cy Young award winner given how well we do against them.

Hopefully this lamblasting sparks the team.

[Nick]

Originally posted by Surfguy
Well, the Astros are facing a leftie and they suck BAD against lefties. Every leftie the Astros have faced this season is a Cy Young award winner given how well we do against them.

Hopefully this lamblasting sparks the team.

Did you see how Perez did against this team last year? While they were in the midst of their 36-10 streak?

8 IP, 14 K's, 0 ER.

This team has faced TOUGH pitching lately, no matter what kind of hitters we have.

[Random.]

Originally posted by Nick
This team has faced TOUGH pitching lately, no matter what kind of hitters we have.

Well with Sheets, Perez, Prior, Wood, Mulder, etc.. all in our division we'll be facing tough pitching all year long. Every game will be a pitcher's duel!

[Surfguy]

Originally posted by Nick
Did you see how Perez did against this team last year? While they were in the midst of their 36-10 streak?

8 IP, 14 K's, 0 ER.

This team has faced TOUGH pitching lately, no matter what kind of hitters we have.

Yea...and in the other game he pitched against them he got blasted for four homeruns. He's 0 - 2 right now.

Are you denying the Astros haven't hit very well against lefties this season? I don't buy it that every time we face a leftie...he's brought his "A" game.

[Nick]

Originally posted by Random.
Well with Sheets, Perez, Prior, Wood, Mulder, etc.. all in our division we'll be facing tough pitching all year long. Every game will be a pitcher's duel!

Not every game... things will eventually even out.

I'm just saying that besides the Ishii massacre, we've been getting shut-out by GOOD pitchers, which is no excuse, but it is some consolation.

Hudson, Mulder, Perez.... most lineups are going to end up being baffled by these type of pitchers.

[Nick]

Originally posted by Surfguy
Yea...and in the other game he pitched against them he got blasted for four homeruns. He's 0 - 2 right now.

Are you denying the Astros haven't hit very well against lefties this season? I don't buy it that every time we face a leftie...he's brought his "A" game.

The game we "blasted" him was the 1st time he'd ever faced us... and even then, we were held to nothing for 6 innings before everything all of a sudden clicked for us.... he obviously made his adjustments when he faced us the second time.

I'm not denying that we've been bad against lefties... but we got shut down by a good one in Mulder, we beat an ok one in Davis, and we went 1-1 against Milton.

Then there's the Ishii debacle, which I already said there was no excuse for.

[The Real Shady]

Game over, the Pirates scored.

[Random.]

Originally posted by The Real Shady
Game over, the Pirates scored.

Last inning Perez looked a little wild and not exactly dominate, so there is some hope.

[Surfguy]

I'm getting sick and tired of seeing people talk on cell phones at games behind homeplate who sit there giggling and waving..."Look at me...I'm on TV!" . That's so stupid. They will call everyone they know while their on TV.

Even talking on a cell phone at a game is...imho...not only stupid but rude. There's no need for it.

[T Rex]

Hard to figure out why Perez's number have been so sub-par this year (other than not having faced the Stros). Maybe he was struggling with his command in the early going.......this guys' stuff is some of the nastiest in the NL. That hard slider down and in.....forget about it.

[PhiSlammaJamma]

if this aint the freaking cherry on top of the freakinbg cake. At least we'll get see 4 or 5 of these this year. Damn.

[Nick]

Originally posted by T Rex
Hard to figure out why Perez's number have been so sub-par this year (other than not having faced the Stros). Maybe he was struggling with his command in the early going.......this guys' stuff is some of the nastiest in the NL. That hard slider down and in.....forget about it.

The only logical explanation is that its early in the season, and his head isn't fully into it yet.

What he did to this league last year was just downright silly... a sub 3.00 era, and the highest K/9 inning ratio among ALL starters.

As I said on my first post, this guy is due.

[Random.]

Originally posted by Nick
.As I said on my first post, this guy is due.

He may be due, but let's not give him a no-hitter.

[Nick]

Originally posted by Random.
He may be due, but let's not give him a no-hitter.

When I say "due", I mean a quality start.

If he gets a no-hitter, its only because of how anemic our lineup is right now.

[Surfguy]

I think with this game added in...our team batting average is equal to or less than .200 against lefties . Base hit bagwell.... .202. LOL

[Nick]

We only have 3 more innings to score.... this is comical right now.

I'm taking odds... right now, I'll give 2:1 that they do not score.

[bigtexxx]

Urgh. I can't watch this! Our hitting is AWFUL. PITIFUL. PISS POOR.

What makes it worse is that we all saw it coming in the offseason.

[bigtexxx]

You can tell how upset I am by the fact that I just double posted.

[Random.]

Ensberg is slow.

[Nick]

Uhh... bring back Jimy.

Garner has lost his rocker... and must be looking for snake oil.

[Nick]

Originally posted by Random.
Ensberg is slow.

It was a hit and run... a really STUPID call when we can't even get a bunt down against this guy... how the hell do you expect to execute a hit and run?

[Random.]

Originally posted by Nick

I'm taking odds... right now, I'll give 2:1 that they do not score.

Perez is at 110 pitches already. I'm not sure if he has a limit or anything, but maybe they'll yank him for Jose Mesa or someone. Anyone would be better than him at this point.

[Nick]

Man... whether its swinging bunts, bloop hits, bloop bunts, squibbers, etc... the Astros have seen them all on the road so far this year at crucial situations.

[Surfguy]

The Astros have zero luck...they are anti-luck.

Bases loaded - 0 outs ...Oswalt about to get shelled.

[Nick]

Originally posted by Surfguy
The Astros have zero luck...they are anti-luck.

Bases loaded - 0 outs ...Oswalt about to get shelled.

well, they'll probably only get 1 run.... but a 2-0 deficit at this point seems like 20 runs.

[codell]

im usually fairly positive ...but there is no two ways abou it


we stink

[Nick]

Is it time to get yet another hitting coach? ;)

[Random.]

Taveras needs to keep the ball down, that's 3 fly outs this game. He looks like he's swinging for the fences.

[Nick]

More bad luck... a fan reaching over prevents us from probably scoring at least a run.

At least Perez is done...

[Surfguy]

Astros need a little luck here to drive in 2 runs. So, we're screwed. LOL

[T Rex]

I would have been surprised if Mansolino had sent Chavez anyway: he's dirt slow and no way you would have wanted to have the third out with Bags on deck.

[Nick]

Originally posted by T Rex
I would have been surprised if Mansolino had sent Chavez anyway: he's dirt slow and no way you would have wanted to have the third out with Bags on deck.

I know, but as JD said, you never know what could happen... Bay could bobble the ball a little (and their LF fence is pretty far away), or an errant throw could be made... it just didn't help the situation at all.

Lane-Ensberg-Burke (likely Viz pinch-hitting) for the 9th.... too bad nobody took my odds.

[rikesh316]

This team made Oliver Perez look like Randy Johnson. He is a good pitcher but he threw alot of hittible pitches today. Morgan Ensberg is not the answer at third. He takes to many good pitches and he ALWAYS swings at the high fastball and he misses. It seems to also have a different batting stance every game. Jason Lane is the player hitting right now and he has been struggling on this road trip. He ALWAYS swings he first pitch and he rarely walks. Jeff Bagwell is to just flat out horrible. He can't play defense or hit the ball out the infield. I hope he retires this year because if he doesn't, his Hall of Fame spot may be gone. Fluke Scott is just that, a Fluke. He had a hot spring versus AAA pitchers and he is obviously overmatched. This team losing may be good thing so Drayton can realize you can't win without opeing the wallet.

[xiki]

How many SO's for Rox this season already? And Clemens wasn't even on the hill.

[Beck]

Perex was due for a good night. He missed parts of spring training with a sore arm, and he had been getting velocity back in his first few starts.

My guess would be the Pirates get pounded tonight, and strike out 10+ times.

[kaleidosky]

Originally posted by xiki
How many SO's for Rox this season already? And Clemens wasn't even on the hill.

haha either Clemens was on the hill for the Rox at some previous point or the Rox were throwing K's. Either way, funny ;)

[Oski2005]

The Rox? WTF are you guys talking about, it's the Astros, or 'Stros.

[SamCassell]

Astros as a team: 12 homers. Jeff Kent: 6 homers. I don't know that Berk by himself is gonna be enough to turn this offense around.

Another great pitching start by O.

[fya]

Thanks Mclane.

[NJRocket]

Thank God for the Rockets...hopefully they keep us entertained until June when the Astros do Clemens a favor and trade him to a team in the playoff race. I cant see anyone other than the Yanks or Red Sox willing to pay him 9 million for 1/2 a season...but the Yanks sure could use him. If by some chance we do trade him, hopefully we get a good young player or 2 that is locked up for a few yrs.

[NJRocket]

Does anyone know where I can access last yrs standings...not the final standings...but standings at various points in the season. I'm curious to know where we were on May 1, May 15, etc etc etc...just to compare. I am trying to find a silver lining here...I really am...and I just cant hang my hat on us possibly going 36-10 down the stretch this year.

[msn]

Originally posted by NJRocket
Thank God for the Rockets...hopefully they keep us entertained until June when the Astros do Clemens a favor and trade him to a team in the playoff race.
I've got a gauntlet for you: Clemens will not be traded this year, nor will the sky fall, nor will the Astros finish below .500. By gauntlet, I mean that if I prove wrong on any of these points you have full and total license (which I know you have anyway) to ruthlessly rub it in my face. Until then I reserve the right to refer to your posts as "Chicken Little".

Does anyone know where I can access last yrs standings...not the final standings...but standings at various points in the season. I'm curious to know where we were on May 1, May 15, etc etc etc...just to compare. I am trying to find a silver lining here...I really am...and I just cant hang my hat on us possibly going 36-10 down the stretch this year.
I'll look for it--because as late as June they were below .500. At the break they were 9 or 10 games out (all this IIRC of course).

[MadMax]

Originally posted by NJRocket
Does anyone know where I can access last yrs standings...not the final standings...but standings at various points in the season. I'm curious to know where we were on May 1, May 15, etc etc etc...just to compare. I am trying to find a silver lining here...I really am...and I just cant hang my hat on us possibly going 36-10 down the stretch this year.

you won't be encouraged. they had a really good April last season. then fell apart.

[NJRocket]

Originally posted by msn
I've got a gauntlet for you: Clemens will not be traded this year, nor will the sky fall, nor will the Astros finish below .500. By gauntlet, I mean that if I prove wrong on any of these points you have full and total license (which I know you have anyway) to ruthlessly rub it in my face. Until then I reserve the right to refer to your posts as "Chicken Little".




you may find this hard to believe.....but thats a bet i dont want to win......i want you to say to me in August or Sept..."told ya so you moron! (or anythying else you feel fit to call me)"...i really do.

as for Clemens...i agree...but i was just thinking out loud and wondering what we could get for a 1/2 yr rental of the best pitcher in baseball

[msn]

Originally posted by NJRocket
you may find this hard to believe.....but thats a bet i dont want to win......i want you to say to me in August or Sept..."told ya so you moron! (or anythying else you feel fit to call me)"...i really do.
I believe you, seriously. I am not among those who point fingers at others and say "you're not a true fan!!!" I harp on what I perceive as futile complaining, but in the end I know we're all on the same side. So, I wouldn't call you a moron, just a whiner (j/k).

as for Clemens...i agree...but i was just thinking out loud and wondering what we could get for a 1/2 yr rental of the best pitcher in baseball
Misread you, then; my bad.

[Fegwu]

The Rockets have not lost any game this season on the same day the Astros lose. Can we petition MLB to schedule them this Thursday against Perez again?

[Random.]

Game postponed.

Why doesn't everyone build retractable roofs?!

[rikesh316]

Zeke now will probley get skipped.

[rocketfat]

just as well, i'd rather watch the rain fall at this point anyway

[Nick]

Originally posted by Random.
Game postponed.

Why doesn't everyone build retractable roofs?!

especially PITSBURGH!

I swear... this is like the 4th year in a row that an Astros game has been rained out there.

[Surfguy]

Originally posted by rocketfat
just as well, i'd rather watch the rain fall at this point anyway

:D

[Saint Louis]

Remember the scene in Bull Durham where Kevin Costner's character decides the team needs a rain-out?

Good time for a rain out. Anyone scene the Astros sliding into home plate in the mud?

[Saint Louis]

Astros are 1-9 on the road this year. Ouch!

[francis 4 prez]

well at least we didn't have to go through the formality of playing the game to score zero runs today.

[Stack24]

Originally posted by francis 4 prez
well at least we didn't have to go through the formality of playing the game to score zero runs today.

Yeah and we didn't lose.

[NJRocket]

Nuttin like some day baseball....go andy!

[RocketFan007]

This game may be over already, 1-0, no outs , runners on first and third for the Pirates.

EDIT: Nevermind, great pitching by Andy keeps the PIrates at 1.

[NJRocket]

2-0 hole early...looks like we got our work cut out for us today.

[Uprising]

Hey, wadyaknow?! FSSW is being carried by COX today.

Lane is now 0-9 with two men on and 2 outs. OUCH! :(

[NJRocket]

This is brutal

[Uprising]

So how much longer till we get Berkman? I haven't seen any Astros games in a week due to the fact that COX media sucks.

[RocketManJosh]

Another shutout? This is getting rediculous. We've got to get at least one run in these last 3 innings.

At least we won't lose 1-0 today ;)

[Uprising]

Did I just hear Jim correctly?! 19 straight shut out innings for the Houston bats?!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :(

[NJRocket]

6 outs left and we need 3 runs....ughhhhhhhh

[Random.]

Originally posted by NJRocket
6 outs left and we need 3 runs....ughhhhhhhh

Let's just get 2 and call it a tie.

[SamCassell]

Other than Lane, Biggio, and Willy Taveras, the lineup is just brutal so far this season. Hitting a combined .233 on the road. This is as bad a slump as I've seen them go through in some time, batting wise.

Once again, another nice start. Pettite looks good.

[NJRocket]

Well...top of the order leads off the 8th....love to see a 4 run inning here

[NJRocket]

Everett and Ausmus HBP....whatever works i guess

[Random.]

Why does Garner keep calling hit and runs? We can't even get a hit as it is, why complicate matters by giving away free outs on the bases.

[rikesh316]

Phil's a dumbass but can't blame him for trying to get something started. Craig Biggio is back to earth and so is Jason Lane. On the bright side if the Astros keep losing, they may have a chance at Kyle Drabek in the 2006 draft.

[NJRocket]

While I dont necessarily agree with Garner's moves in those situations, he obviously realizes that we can't score runs the old fashioned way anymore. Can;t blame him for trying to light a spark.

[rikesh316]

Astros should fire Phil and hire Tim Bogar.

[rikesh316]

Tim's fat ass needs to shake this roster up and Phil needs to get Ensberg out this line-up. Jeff Bagwell needs to be hitting 5th when Berkman comes back, but the Astros will not do that since they love him so much.

[NJRocket]

I have never been a fan of briging in a closer in a non save situation

[Random.]

Originally posted by NJRocket
I have never been a fan of briging in a closer in a non save situation

I agree usually, but Lidge really hasn't been pitching at all. (Hasn't pitched a full inning since April 19th) and the way we've been scoring, he's not likely to have many save chances in the forseeable future.

[Oski2005]

First game I've been able to see in quite a while, no surprise that it's a stinker. When is it ok to hit the panic button? Lidge looks really uncomfortable out there. Hope his confidence doesn't get hurt during this unnecessary outing.

[NJRocket]

oooooooooooooooooooookay

now what

[rikesh316]

This year I REALLY hope the Astros have a fire sale. I hope they trade the following player, Jeff Bagwell, Craig Biggio, Brad Ausmus, Roger Clemens(getting something better than nothing), Morgan Ensberg, John Franco. Roger probley will ask to get traded and there is no one in hell who would want Bagwell and his contract. Jose Viz can help a playoff team and Assmus could be a decent backup to playoff club.

[rikesh316]

Why doesn't Tim send Fluke Scott back to the minors to get some AB's. Thats better than setting down and doing nothing for a rookie.

[The Real Shady]

Originally posted by rikesh316
This year I REALLY hope the Astros have a fire sale. I hope they trade the following player, Jeff Bagwell, Craig Biggio, Brad Ausmus, Roger Clemens(getting something better than nothing), Morgan Ensberg, John Franco. Roger probley will ask to get traded and there is no one in hell who would want Bagwell and his contract. Jose Viz can help a playoff team and Assmus could be a decent backup to playoff club.

Yeah, it's time to go with the youngsters and just rebuild. We should trade Clemens and Pettite for some young prospects. No sense on wasting their arms on this crappy team.

[fya]

Until mclame sells the team, this is what we are in for.

How many times do I have to say it?

Mclane ONLY cares about the bottom line.

[NJRocket]

I dont know if its THAT time yet....(coming form me that must sound odd)...but i do think we need to think about making a trade to acquire some offense...even with Berkmans return on the horizon. Right now, we strike absolutely no fear into opposing pitchers. I know we are only 20 games into the season, but its not like we have a bunch of good hitters who are overdue to break out any day.

[The Real Shady]

Correct me if I'm wrong guys, but wasn't this the 5 shut out of the year for the astros? That would mean in 25% of our games we don't score any runs. Last season we only had 3 shut outs against us.

[Surfguy]

Wow...I looked at the box score from work thinking they were showing an older score or something. Here we are shut out A-FREAKING-GAIN!

This team is really hard to support right now. How can we be this pathetically bad?

:mad:

[NJRocket]

Originally posted by The Real Shady
Correct me if I'm wrong guys, but wasn't this the 5 shut out of the year for the astros? That would mean in 25% of our games we don't score any runs. Last season we only had 3 shut outs against us.

you are correct...unfortunately

[Nick]

Originally posted by NJRocket
I dont know if its THAT time yet....(coming form me that must sound odd)...but i do think we need to think about making a trade to acquire some offense...even with Berkmans return on the horizon. Right now, we strike absolutely no fear into opposing pitchers. I know we are only 20 games into the season, but its not like we have a bunch of good hitters who are overdue to break out any day.

For once, I actually agree w/ you (this is what happens when the Rockets are going so well... not even Astros Anemia 2005 can bring me down).

Guys are pressing at this point... they feel like nothing is going to go right. This happened last year as well... and the year before that... the main difference was, as NJ said, we had hitters who had their past histories to fall back on.

Right now, aside from a trade, I think its long overdue to try and mix up the batting order... if for anything, just to do something different out there....

First, I'd bat Morgan 2nd... its the only spot where he had consistent success 2 years ago, and it might get him to stop looking at so many called 3rd strikes.

The leadoff thing isn't too big of a deal right now, because aside from the possible stolen base, Taveras isn't going to hit better than Everett (who seems to be improving).

Then there's Bagwell... you know he starts off slow every year, but you also know that his overall production goes down every year. You have to give him the benefit of the doubt... but as was said before, there's no Berkman, Alou, or Kent to pick him up while he's struggling like this... so it hurts the team that much more.

A trade has to be explored... at the right price. Unfortunately, what do you trade? You can't give up young pitching, and you have no young hitters (and if you did have young hitters, you'd hope they'd come up here eventually and correct this anemia). You obviously have to trade with a team like Texas, who has no pitching, but a plethora of hitting.

In the end, however, its STILL early... I know you guys don't like to hear that, but it is... its early. In relative terms, its even earlier than the point of the Rockets season when they were 6-10. Its even earlier than the point last year when the club was 8 back of the WC. For now, do what I do... focus on the Rockets, and start taking the Astros seriously again when Berkman comes back.

Or, since this team does have a pulse when they play at MMP, you can enjoy them when they only play here... but when they're out on the road, lets pretend that baseball doesn't exist. I wonder what the record is for biggest disparity between their home record and their road record... the odds are ready to be unleashed on your 2005 Astros for breaking that record.

[Harrisment]

Wow, our offense really sucks right now. That's about all there is to say.

[NJRocket]

Originally posted by Nick
For once, I actually agree w/ you (this is what happens when the Rockets are going so well... not even Astros Anemia 2005 can bring me down).

Guys are pressing at this point... they feel like nothing is going to go right. This happened last year as well... and the year before that... the main difference was, as NJ said, we had hitters who had their past histories to fall back on.

Right now, aside from a trade, I think its long overdue to try and mix up the batting order... if for anything, just to do something different out there....

First, I'd bat Morgan 2nd... its the only spot where he had consistent success 2 years ago, and it might get him to stop looking at so many called 3rd strikes.

The leadoff thing isn't too big of a deal right now, because aside from the possible stolen base, Taveras isn't going to hit better than Everett (who seems to be improving).

Then there's Bagwell... you know he starts off slow every year, but you also know that his overall production goes down every year. You have to give him the benefit of the doubt... but as was said before, there's no Berkman, Alou, or Kent to pick him up while he's struggling like this... so it hurts the team that much more.

A trade has to be explored... at the right price. Unfortunately, what do you trade? You can't give up young pitching, and you have no young hitters (and if you did have young hitters, you'd hope they'd come up here eventually and correct this anemia). You obviously have to trade with a team like Texas, who has no pitching, but a plethora of hitting.

In the end, however, its STILL early... I know you guys don't like to hear that, but it is... its early. In relative terms, its even earlier than the point of the Rockets season when they were 6-10. Its even earlier than the point last year when the club was 8 back of the WC. For now, do what I do... focus on the Rockets, and start taking the Astros seriously again when Berkman comes back.

Or, since this team does have a pulse when they play at MMP, you can enjoy them when they only play here... but when they're out on the road, lets pretend that baseball doesn't exist. I wonder what the record is for biggest disparity between their home record and their road record... the odds are ready to be unleashed on your 2005 Astros for breaking that record.

good post

[MadMax]

Originally posted by Nick
For once, I actually agree w/ you (this is what happens when the Rockets are going so well... not even Astros Anemia 2005 can bring me down).

Guys are pressing at this point... they feel like nothing is going to go right. This happened last year as well... and the year before that... the main difference was, as NJ said, we had hitters who had their past histories to fall back on.

Right now, aside from a trade, I think its long overdue to try and mix up the batting order... if for anything, just to do something different out there....

First, I'd bat Morgan 2nd... its the only spot where he had consistent success 2 years ago, and it might get him to stop looking at so many called 3rd strikes.

The leadoff thing isn't too big of a deal right now, because aside from the possible stolen base, Taveras isn't going to hit better than Everett (who seems to be improving).

Then there's Bagwell... you know he starts off slow every year, but you also know that his overall production goes down every year. You have to give him the benefit of the doubt... but as was said before, there's no Berkman, Alou, or Kent to pick him up while he's struggling like this... so it hurts the team that much more.

A trade has to be explored... at the right price. Unfortunately, what do you trade? You can't give up young pitching, and you have no young hitters (and if you did have young hitters, you'd hope they'd come up here eventually and correct this anemia). You obviously have to trade with a team like Texas, who has no pitching, but a plethora of hitting.

In the end, however, its STILL early... I know you guys don't like to hear that, but it is... its early. In relative terms, its even earlier than the point of the Rockets season when they were 6-10. Its even earlier than the point last year when the club was 8 back of the WC. For now, do what I do... focus on the Rockets, and start taking the Astros seriously again when Berkman comes back.

Or, since this team does have a pulse when they play at MMP, you can enjoy them when they only play here... but when they're out on the road, lets pretend that baseball doesn't exist. I wonder what the record is for biggest disparity between their home record and their road record... the odds are ready to be unleashed on your 2005 Astros for breaking that record.

i agree entirely.

[PhiSlammaJamma]

This is as bad as it gets. With Berkman we will at least lose 2-1 every night. Long season ahead of us.

[Furious Jam]

BOOOOOOO!

Has an expansion team ever been shutout in 3 out of 4 games? In any sport?

[Rockets10]

this is getting downright ugly. I'm not sure what to say . . .:confused:

[Uprising]

:( this hurts, badly. Specially after having the most exciting season ever.

[lnghrn4life]

I had a cool dream last night. I was at a bar with a bunch of buddies of mine, and we looked up at SC recap of the stros game. And they suddenly showed Berkman back for his first at bat, and it was a BOMB! We were all yelling and cheering etc, especially since it meant the team could score a freakin run. :(

Anyways, thanks for the 20 secs of your life.

[rikesh316]

I see Greg Zaun is hitting the ball well. He sucked as a Astro but he has been great since he was cut. He is better than Assmus. Chavez should be the everyday catcher.

[Uprising]

Originally posted by lnghrn4life
I had a cool dream last night. I was at a bar with a bunch of buddies of mine, and we looked up at SC recap of the stros game. And they suddenly showed Berkman back for his first at bat, and it was a BOMB! We were all yelling and cheering etc, especially since it meant the team could score a freakin run. :(

Anyways, thanks for the 20 secs of your life.

This was my post, only I didn't realize I was logged in as lnghrn4life at the public terminal.

[Groogrux]

Originally posted by Uprising
This was my post, only I didn't realize I was logged in as lnghrn4life at the public terminal.

Dude needs to change his moniker.