What year did you graduate? I left in 2002. Going to Cards games definitely gives you an appreciation for the game. We dont get that kind of loving in Htown. I just wish that they werent rivals with the Astros so that I could have cheered for them. At least now in Beantown, I get to enjoy the Sox, without worrying about them taking the division from the Stros.
Buchholz threw six shut out innings today with only two hits and one walk, I think he's going to be the 5th starter.
Im not sure if I can get over the fact that his name is spelled with back-to-back h's, but if he can toss the ball like he has been, I'd happily welcome him into the rotation. I just hope Backe can get his act together.
Just a sidenote: I was in Chicago and took in a game at Wrigley. My first. (DK pitched, and lost, for the Cards that day.) Jack Buck was announced for the Take Me Out to the Ballgame 7th inning do -- and the fans loudly, and friendly, booed. I thought it was great!
only problem is wandy isnt a reliable 4th starter. my prediction is, clemens or no clemens, we will be looking to acquire the best arm available come trade deadline time.
Im not sure if I can get over the fact that your name is spelled with aw instead of o, but if you can post in astros threads like you have been, I'd happily welcome you into the forum. I just hope The Cat can get his act together. Just messing with you
If Wandy is just plain awful, this team will have better options in the minors (Nieve, Hirsch, Carlos). If Wandy can improve slightly over what he gave us last year, he'll be fine... and will end up being more productive than Backe in the 4th spot last year. We have to realize that there aren't that many "good" offensive teams in the NL. The Cardinals will be better w/ Rolen... but then who's next after them? The Braves? (added Renteria) The Cubs? (can Lee duplicate 2005) Hell, the Brewers may end up with one of the best offenses in baseball next year (esp. if Fielder starts to bash the ball like he's supposed to), but they still won't be in contention b/c of the lack of SP and bullpen.
I've understand why but I still don't like Phil playing it safe and keeping Wandy around as one of the starters going into the season. I thought maybe a year's worth of ML experience plus some innings in the WS could really give Wandy some confidence and a boost, but it's not looking promising. From everything I've read and heard, his velocity is still below-average and his location is all over the place (yes, I know it's spring training and your control is still off). Walks killed him last year and they've been a problem again in ST. Just stuff wise, I think he's behind Zeke, Nieve and Buchholz. If he wasn't a lefty, we would even be discussing this.
He was poor in his first 2 starts this spring, and very good in his last 2. He's on the mound again tomorrow.
His schitzo spring continues...gets bombed in the first, then pitches 5 more innings of 1-run ball; only 1 BB, btw. Will be interesting to see who gets the initial #5 spot...Buchholz deserves it, but Carlos's roster situation may make him the defacto choice.
That's what I heard on the radio (I thought), but Footer's writeup had it wrong. Boxscore on astros.com says 1BB as well.
I've never seen anything in Wandy. Yeah, he won some games last year, but W-L can be a very deceiving statistic. Remember, Jeriome Robertson won more games than Wandy as a rookie. And what has he done lately? I predict that Rocket will take his place in the rotation and he'll never be heard from again.
