No way we were going to win with that lineup. Viz in the 3-hole? Bruntlett and Burke in the lineup, too? (Ironic, though, that last night's lineup scored more runs than the regular lineup usually does in a Clemens start...) We need Ensberg and Taveras healthy otherwise I don't see it happening. http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/sports/3347558 Ensberg rests hand Astros third baseman Morgan Ensberg was scratched from the starting lineup before Friday's game against the Brewers because of his sore right hand. Jose Vizcaino started in his place. Ensberg, who was hit by a pitch in Monday's game at Philadelphia, was originally in manager Phil Garner 's lineup, but determined he couldn't play after taking some swings with a fungo bat. "It is significantly better than it was the day after (getting hit)," said Ensberg, who missed his third consecutive game. "At least it's not broken." Ensberg has been treating the hand alternately with ice and heat and hopes to be able to return to the lineup today. "There's no good spot to get hit, but I should have broken my hand or wrist and been out for the season," he said. "Luckily, it hit a good spot and we're talking about getting back out on the field." Ditto Taveras Although center fielder Willy Taveras had been given what Astros manager Phil Garner called a scheduled day off, the day of respite came at a good time. Taveras has been bothered in recent days by a sore left hand — the same hand on which he underwent surgery in 2002. "It's unusual," Taveras said of having pain in the hand. Taveras didn't take batting practice Friday and said there's a chance he might have to miss today's game. He also said he plans to visit with team doctors upon the club's return to Houston next week. "It's a big concern for me because it's never happened before," Taveras said. Just hope these guys are back in the lineup soon.
KHAAAAAAAAAAAAAN!!!!!!!! I'm not a superstitious man, but the guys that covered the game mentioned that when the Astros score 2 or more runs, he is 24-0 and that when opposing players hit HR, there isn't anyone on base. Both of those happened tonight. The club scored more than 2 and we lost and there was a multi-run homer. Bad night for Clemens. Clemens double was impressive, but with so many opportunities to advance and his injury getting in the way was frustrating, I'm glad the fish lost, or this would have been a tough one. We'll rebound.
Getting Ensberg some extra rest may not totally be a bad thing. The offense was fine in Philly, and was decent last night... and having a re-charged Morgan for the Florida and all those Cubs series may be better in the long-run.
I wish they would have taken the same approach toward Clemens. A guy can tell you that he is fine, but if Garner has the trainer come out and inspect you after running a few bases, there are obviously uncertainty about being healthy.
Ugh...games on KNWS?! Cox finally picks up another series and one of the games isn't even on cable in this series....
And Willy scores on a Luke Scott base hit in the first. Looks good. Gonna have the cell phone scoreboard working during the UT game...
That could also have to do with the capability of Ensberg's replacements (Lamb, Viz), rather than the guy who would end up replacing Clemens (Zeke). Clemens might not be a sub 2 ERA pitcher with a tight hammy... but he doesn't become the 6+ ERA pitcher that Zeke has shown to be. Also, the Brewers had a great approach to Clemens the last time they faced him, so it might not totally be his injury as to why he was so ineffective yesterday. In the end, we should just try to win this thing going away (which probably won't happen, but you never know)... and give everybody extra rest at the end of the season.
I do believe that was Mr. Biggio's 600th career double. He is only the 13th player in history with 600 or more doubles. HOF.
This is a little off, What's up goods boys? that's because i wasn't here until now? Come on where is the cheers for our lovely team. One more game and win this series. Go Stros!
WOW!!! This part is amazing! Way to go Biggio!!!!! He is also the only player in baseball history to have 600 doubles, 2,700 hits, 250 home runs and 400 stolen bases...
