Thank GOD, that Purpura did not trade Burke, this is the kind of thing that can propel him... Now, let's get him a bit more arm strength and move him back to his natural position of SS and plant Adam Everett firmly on the bench where he belongs. DD
I was at the game so I didn't see it, but my seats were right behind and a little to the left of homeplate (not to brag) and I saw during the ESPN (with the girl in the green I think it was)interview Roger pulled Burke into it and then while they were talking to Roger he points at Burke and just walks off, as to say "hey this is the guy that deserves the spotlight". Clemens is a true class act.
That's exactly how it went. You could see Roger pull Burke into the shot, as if to say you're not interviewing me unless you interview him to. Roger said something quick about how was proud of everyone, and then said "How bout the kid" and walked away. Good moment.
And I'm too lazy to look through the thread, how close was the Luke Scott "foul ball". Me and my friends all thought it was gone.
I like how it was Burke that made the decisive play of the series against a Baby Brave after 4 long games of Baby Brave this, Baby Brave that.
For Houston, this season's Astros are up there with the Clutch City teams. That game will be remembered for decades, sadly due to the length, ESPN will not show it in full. Also, the pic of Roger & Burke is priceless. Chris Burke could be his son. I think this season will incite Clemens to keep pitching for the next few years. Good times for Houston!
Ok, I have to admit it. I'm actually watching the Yankees game right now and rooting for them. I'd much rather us face the Yanks in the WS than the Angels or White Sox....wouldnt you?
I hate the Yankees but respect the team and its history, but I agree. In addition, Clemens and Pettitte pitching against NYY at Yankee Stadium would give the Astros world class media exposure. But, the 'Stros have to get past St. Louis first. Go Astros!
This was the most amazing game I've ever seen in my life. Most of this stuff has already been mentioned, but I will just try and condense it all to this post. It was such an amazing game of luck, great effort, fantastic managerial decisions by Phil Garner, guts, and amazing timing. 1. The Braves had runner who didn't run is hardest when they were up 6-1, and was thrown out at the plate. 2. The braves twice a had foot off the bag to allow bases to be loaded. 3. With the bases loaded an ailing Lance Berkman hits a grandslam. 4. Phil Garner doesn't put in the veteran who already has a pinch hit RBI in the series but lets Ausmus go up to bat. Ausmus hits his homer to tie it up. There were two outs in the 9th inning. If the at bat had been different, the Braves would still be in the series. 5. The Braves get a deep hard hit ball into Berkman's territory. With his bad knee it looks like he won't run into the wall and make the catch, but out of nowhere Taveras speeds in and makes the out. 6. The Astros get Berkman to 2nd. He had a hot bat and made that hit as well as the heroic grandslam. Despite this Phil Garner pulls him out of the game and puts Chris Burke in as the runner. 7. Gutsy pitching by Lidge, Wheeler, and the Rocket. This includes the Braves having bases loaded, but managing to get out of trouble. 8. Burke who was in the game because of Berkman's hot hitting wins the game with a solo HR. If anyone of those things had been changed the game most likely would have had a different outcome and the Braves would have tied the series. All of Garner's decisions ended up being the right ones, and the players executed. It was absolutely amazing. The way it all came together is almost unbelievable. If I had read about it in a book, or seen a movie where all of those little things happened in the favor of the protagonist team I would have thought it just too hokey, corney, and unbelievable. But it all happened in real life for these Astros. I'm still in shock.
Whitesox will be a big media event as well. Not as big as the Yankees, who we no hit, but relatively big. Chicago is no slouch. But I too would like to go thru the best team and that is the Yankees.
I don't care who the Astros play....just want them to win. However, St Louis will be heavily favored and deservedly so...gonna be tough to beat them.... Can be done, but gonna be tough. To borrow a line from Gene Peterson.... "How sweet it is..." DD
About Roger pulling Burke into the shot... I was truly impressed. I haven't always had the most favorable opinion of the Rocket's character. I was at Spring Woods High School shortly after Roger had won a back to back Cy Young award and he was having his High School jersey retired. He claimed that was the most important day in his entire baseball career. I felt it was insincere for someone to claim that was more important than any of Cy Young awards. Then there the off court scrapes with the law. He also had that little immature tiff with Piazza(I think it was him.). I also thought his previous major league signings were mercenary for the most part. But that was truly a classy move today with Burke. That was great stuff. It helped my opinion of him.
Actually, yea. The book "The Greatest Game Ever Played" is based on the 86 game I believe. Garner, obviously was part of that game as well, and he said that this game definately trumps that one. If you didn't see it, he specifically said "They need to start writing the new book".
I hate how people judge pro athletes' character by the short clips they see of them on highlight shows... You don't know Clemens - don't judge him as if you did. If somebody only remembered the 2-3 low points of your life, then you probably wouldn't like that interpretation of you. I judge athletes by their performance on the field/court/course - that's what they're paid to do. I don't pretend to know them well enough to judge them based on a few moments of theirs that got caught on film.
You're absolutely right. That said, I know from reputable second hand experience that Roger does walk around with that "I have more money than I know what to do with" a-hole swagger. Which is something I hate about athletes...wealthy people in general. No big deal though. That same personality definitely makes him fantastic on the mound. Awesome game today. Just awesome. Please please please please please beat the Cards.
Garner also mentioned they have a contingency plan, who do you guys think that is. Who can pitch on the team? I couldn't even believe Chavez played SS. Let alone that we have a suprise pitcher.
