Backe was one of my favorite Astros, particularily because of his heart. He always was so emotional, like a big cheerleader for the team during important times. Like the playoffs. He was great during that one stretch too. Too bad, he's nothing more than a cheerleader now. Good Luck else where Backe.
I don't see that happening. There isn't an emerging OF'r in the Astros system that is pressing the club to call him up. So Michaels and Erstad are probably safe for the season.
True, I've grown impatient watching him pitch after the WS and his surgery but they definitely gave him many chances possibly since he was a local. I do wish him good luck and hope he pitches better elsewhere a la Lidge or a change in position. Make sure to tell him to take Kata with him too.
Thanks for the 2004 and 2005 playoff performances, Backe. Unfortunately, you've done little else to justify a roster spot any longer. We have starters performing relatively well and 2 prospects ready to go at any time. We all love your enthusiasm and love for the Astros. It's just time, though. Good luck where ever you end up. Astros fans
I can understand BB's frustration, but he has been awful for a while now. I will always appreciate his playoff perfomances, but you can only ride on the fumes of those for so long...and he clearly isn't a good option anymore
I like the guy; he has a lot of fire. But those comments don't do him any favors. The Astros have hung with him for so long and have given him a number of chances to prove he deserves a spot; more often that not he's disappointed... though I won't forget his postseason contributions. Still, I don't remember hearing complaints from Ortiz when he was pushed to the pen at the beginning of the season. And now he's in the starting rotation and is on a nice roll. Hell Sampson has been back and forth a whole bunch of times, but he hasn't been anything but a class act.
I'd rather have Reggie Abercrombie on the bench than Michaels. At least he has some semblence of power, along with great speed and good defense. Or, give Yordany Ramirez a shot.
Ortiz started the season in the bullpen because they did not need a 5 man rotation at the beginning. When he was removed in favor of Paulino, he did complain. "I hate it," Ortiz said. "I'm not happy. I told him all this. I understand his point, but four starts, come on. We're 3-1 in those starts. I thought it was all about winning games. It is for me. My record's not 3-1, the team's is. That's all I care about -- the team record." http://houston.astros.mlb.com/news/...509&content_id=4644664&c_id=hou&vkey=news_hou
I was simply pointing out to the poster who said that Ortiz did not complain, that, in fact, Ortiz did complain.
I knew he started the season in the pen because he was the 5th starter...but he was moved back to the pen after a few starts. My point was for the second time he was in the pen. In any case, I stand corrected since he did complain. My point though is the comments from Backe seem a little uncalled for given the lifeline the Astros have thrown to him for so long. He might not have been put in the best possible situation to succeed this season, but you have to make the best of what you're given. And he could have just as easily said something along those lines. Instead though, it's the team's fault. In any case, I hope he does find success elsewhere.
