Cool thanks, I typically don't get into the astros until after the NBA Playoffs so trying to catch-up. I am assuming he's doing ok defensively?
well, we're almost halfway through the season, so it's hard to call it just "a hot start" at this point. i think it's pretty tough not to at least wonder if it is a fluke though. who the hell knows. i remember what a putrid spring he had, and me, and many other posters, wanted him to start the season in AAA and let Abercrombie or Bogusevic start. looks like the Stros loyalty/stubborness with him paid off. hopefully he keeps it up. it also amazes me that bourn was terrible last year, brad lidge didn't blow a single save and won the world series, and 3 months into the following season, we are starting to think we got a great deal. i guess it proves that closers are overvalued. makes me strongly in favor of dealing Valverde.
Closers are overvalued on crappy teams because they are a luxury. But they are absolutely valuable on championship type teams. So the trade made sense for both teams. The Astros should absolutely trade Valverde at this point unless they expect to be competing for a championship this year.
Who would've believed that we'd have 4 regulars hitting over .300 this far into the season and none of them would be Berkman.
I can only imagine where this team would be if they actually started getting contributions from Oswalt and Berkman. Their respective lack of production is a big reason this team is 4 games under .500. I am starting to see Berkman coming around, and I am very encouraged by Roy's last couple of starts. If you remember last year, after the putrid start, Oswalt pitched like the best pitcher in MLB and was a big part of the reason the Astros were 43-22 down the stretch.
Nice easy inning. Wandy threw less than 10 pitches. He has looked sharp staying consistently in the 90-92 range. We will need to put some runs on the board.
Well, up until that recent 0-fer stretch, Berkman was awesome for over a month, hitting right around his career norm. His bad start to the season just kept his average down. I read this morning that Roy has been pitching with right wrist tendonitis. Not sure how long that's been bothering him. I always have confidence that he is going to turn it around every time he goes out there.
Not sure if you saw the other day but Pudge was clearly safe at 2nd. On another play in that same game, Bourn was complaining that the tag was never made on a stolen base attempt. It seemed like he was right based on JD's reaction. I didn't get a good look at the replay. Just now, Harris' foot clearly came off the bag by the time he picked the ball up. It was somewhat close but the ump had plenty of time and a good angle to see the play. It wasn't like the action was too fast since the ball just dribbled over to Harris after Tolbert mishandled it.
I was honestly about to post that Pudge hasn't walked in over a month. Then JD and Brown started talking about his lack of walks, then he walked.
Let's have a quick inning here, Wandy. This is the critical 6th inning, where we struggled quite a bit early in the season.
Cy Wandy showed up today. Mauer has yet to get on base. That has only happened to him 3 times in 45 games this season.
Wow, more excellent D from our 2nd basemen. Both Matsui and Kata have been awesome the past several games. Miggy has been solid, too. I think Wandy slightly deflected that ball but Matsui reacted perfectly. Outstanding peformance by Wandy.
Yep, great play by Kaz, and a great outing by Wandy. Not sure if they'll bring him out in the 8th, considering he's thrown around 110 pitches. Nice job Lance!
Finally, the 2nd base ump makes a close call in our favor! Holy cow, just saw the replay. Insane creativity from Berkman to get back safe. Showed his left arm then pulled it away and rolled on his side, escaping the tag and touching 2nd with his right hand.
