RIET: Lima's got the confidence enough for the whole team. Lima Time doesn't have great stuff...but he KNOWS he can get people out...even though it may not be true...he sure as hell believes it.
We should throw them completely off guard. Make Lidge the catcher and then whenever someone is on base, switch positions with another player so he can constantly get everyone out of trouble without ever being removed. Brilliant.
that may be the most ridiculous thing you've ever posted on this board and the list of ridiculous things you've written is long and legendary. yeah, codell doesn't care about the 'stros.
DaDa, I'd like to continue our game thread discussion about second guessing Garner. So was Garner right or wrong to pull Clemens after he admitted to Garner that his legs were jelly? Was Garner right to manage tonights game like he was during our winning streak? The reason I ask is, looking at Backe's game log during September, Garner had a history of pulling Backe early when he got into trouble. Looks like he continued that trend tonight. In fact, back on the 16th of September, Garner pulled Backe after 4 innings, despite giving up only 2 runs. Harvillle and Qualls both came in afterwards and we won the game. Ironically, it was in St. Louis against the Cardinals. (you didn't post an opposition in the game thread, so I am unsure how you felt about it back then). I just want to understand your POV. You don't seem to like Garner making abnormal moves. Yet, based on Garner and Backe's September performances, the move made tonight was consistant with what he did during our winning streak. BTW, you have a vein buling in your forehead.
What? You mean he can call people a bandwagon fan, but those of us who have been following the team for more than 30 years can not call him non passionate? Francis...you and your nickname of all people should realize that I can be extremely critical of things I don't agree with strategy wise...your boy Francis was subject to many a lambasting. My only beef with you and Codell is that you should NOT call people bandwagoners.......every fan here cares. I do believe Codell cares about the Stros, I just don't think he is as passionate about them as those of us who voice an opinion, maybe he is a Eunich??? DD
i don't understand Garner.... if u can trust someone to start a playoff game, you'd think you'll have more confidence in him to work out of trouble.... Backe has pitched almost as well as Oswaly and Clemons.... and he still doesn't trust him, when he gets into trouble.... especially when you know you over worked your bullpen in the last series and also, they aren't doing so well.... and another thing, i would have used Everett's roster spot for a pitcher instead, since we really need it bad....
DaDakota, Funny in that I cared enough and was passionate enough to post in every single game thread this year, win or lose, while you were noticeably absent shortly after posting your back to back "Astros suck" "our defense sucks" threads. However, as a fellow business owner (2 actually), I can understand if you got busy and didn't have the time to post your thoughts. I take back my "bandwagoner" comment and will just let your posting history speak for itself.
I've wondered about this as well. Darren Oliver might not be bad for an inning or two at this point. Everett hasn't given us much.
Hey, RIET. I think I know where you were going with that "LL comment (Cliché: play to win)." But if you look at your post above. That's how I've felt since the late 70's. Back then, it was a new experience for the playoffs. LA for me was the worst experience. Not Philly or the Mets. I hated Valenzuela with a passion! With our current team I don't look at the Stros the same way. At least they have a solid team from top to bottom. Do I expect them to lose today (or tomorrow)? No. But I'm not taking anything for granted either. Not like 79 - 81 or 86. Today, if they didn't at least TRY to come back I would have considered that they had *given up.* They didn't. So, lets come back the next game. There's no way I'm going to get all bent out of shape like I did in 79-81. Forget that SH*T! At least they didn't choke.
Man, this loss really hurts. We are all turning on each other! I am upset sure, but I am more happy they made the comeback. Also, it was only game 1. This is a best of 7. We still have a good chance.
Fair enough post.. I think Garner has been codeling Backe too much...as for Clemens he ASKED out..... Garner pulled Roy in game 2 after giving up only 1 run for Lidge in the 7th...big mistake, let Roy get out of it or at least try. Garner should let Backe try to get out of jams and learn to pitch into the 7th...I mean 93 pitches....sheesh. Also, you can not rely on a bullpen like it is the regular season any more, we are not playing Milwakee, Cincinnati and Pittsburgh, or even playing the Cards while they are resting players, we are playing the best teams in the game today, and since your starting pitching is better than your bullpen....USE EM, especially if they are low in pitch counts and doing fairly well to that point. Garner's hook has been too quick with his starters, In this bandwagoners opinion. As for my vein it is because of Qualls. DD
Fair enough. Oh and learn to tell the difference between a 4 and a 9. My profile says I was born in 1964...I wish it was 69, then my 40th birthday would be in 5 more years instead of in the rearview mirror. How many employees you got now? Mine is growing like a weed over 35 people now....it is a horrid feeling having that many folks and their families dependent on you.....very nerve wrecking. DD
Same here. If they didn't try and come back, I would have been calling them "frickin son of a bieeatches, mutha fu#!*&#$#@, damn #@&!@@...." But they came back (almost) and I said...ok, I feel a *little* better...
This team is good but without their dominate 1-2 starters pitching twice on full rest, they are toast against a great hitting team like the Cardinals. In the playoffs, you can win with 2 good starters but only if the rotation is right. The best example was the 87 Twin with Jack Morris and Frank Viola. The rest of their pitching staff was crap. Unfortunately our bullpen is so void of any good depth and because we have absolutely no depth in our starters (who can normally act as middle relievers in a championship series), we 're screwed. For example, if Pettitte or even Wade Miller was healthy, Backe could be our setup guy in the playoffs and be a damn good one. We will not choke this year. Injuries have really screwed us. Otherwise, we'd have a really great chance to win it all. Of course if Pete Munro and the bullpen can pitch the game of their lives, maybe we can squeek out a 10-9 victory in game 2.
Better yet ... there's still a chance of rain tomorrow night... If that happens, you know we're a team of destiny!
About your above quote... I agree 100%. Going into this NLCS. I was thinking the same thing, "We're screwed with our weak relief pitching. Man! We need Andy Pettitte!" That's why I think the only thing we can do is at least play our hearts out. Maybe "outscore them" a few games. You never know. We might get on a roll. I remember in the past 10 years I've seen teams down 3-1 in the 7 game series. I say, "They're done!" A few days later I turn on the TV and see that the underdog team has come back 3-3 in the series. If there is anything I would LOVE! That would be, for ONCE in this ASTROS fan's life, that some OTHER team CHOKES! I'm hoping that St Loius takes us for granted.
