I'd rather catch an Astro Homer, if I catch an opposing team's HR it's going right back onto the field. I'm not keeping that crap.
tonite's game is huge. The Astros need to pull this one out. I never thought Philadelphia would be playing as well as they are, but for some reason the team I am scared of the most is the Marlins. That is going to make that series in the middle of september at home HUGE! It is also a four-gamer.
What's great is all the National League East teams play each other a bunch between now and the end of the season and that includes the Braves. We face weaker teams in the NL Central, so I like our chances.
Phil Garner also brought some more optimism to the table to look forward to in September. He said that when Backe comes back (not if), this long break should actually benefit him especially since he's a guy who's never pitched as a starter for an entire season... thus, there's a good chance that if he hadn't gotten injured, his arm would have been in pretty bad shape come September/post-season. If Backe can come anywhere close to how he performed in last year's playoffs... that gives us a 1-4 that is BETTER than any other playoff contender out there. Sure, you still need timely hitting... but its nice to not have to worry about having to throw guys out there on 3 days rest, or having Pete Munro try to win a game that could send you to the World Series.
It looked like Berkman thought about running into the catcher hard, and then at the last minute was like fu.ck it.
Why the hell did the 3rd base coach send him. Guillen has the 3rd best arm in baseball behind Ichrio and Vlad.
I'm not sure about having Bruntlett hitting 6th in the lineup. I really wish we had one more good quality bat to add to this lineup. I like Bruntlett, but Ausmus and Burke are better hitters than him.
Yep... he probably bought himself the type of immunity that Greg Zaun had for all of 2002, after he hit that walkoff grand slam against Arizona. As long as Bruntlett can continue to deliver in pinch-hits, and play solid defense (which he does... wherever Garner puts him), he's just fine with me. Every team could use a guy like him.
Given Berkman's knee, I'm glad he did. With a 1-0 lead early in the game, and Pettitte pitching, we don't need Berkman to ruin our season by blowing out his knee. Looking good so far.
I would've used a stronger adjective than solid, I think he's exceptional defensively. I think he had something like four hits in July - one was the walkoff homer against the Natty Lites, one was a triple that broke open a game against Pitt, and another was a homer against the Mets in that game we lost. He's the Heir Apparent to Bill Spiers - who is something of a minor deity.
Great comparison... I loved Billy Spiers, and ever since he had to retire because of his back problems we've needed another player like him. The good news is I think Bruntlett is even more talented to Spiers.
Exactly what I was thinking...I was feeling the 5-4-3 inning ender. Pettitte's at 78 pitches through 6 innings, I'm guessing they'll get one more out of him and give him an early night
