Backe was absolutely amazing last night. His story is probably getting overshadowed by Clemens. Backe is just as much a home-town boy as Clemens, since Clemens hails from Katy and Backe from Galveston. Backe has shown what pitching on emotion can do for you. You can just sense the home-town pride when the kid takes the mound at MMP. I would assume that Roger is a little more grounded since he is older and more experienced. Backe though is living every young baseball players dream. He is pitching for his home-town team in the playoffs. Every little leaguer dreams about being in that scenario. How can the Stros acquire Josh Beckett. A rotation next year of Clemens (Katy), Pettite (Deer Park), Beckett (Spring) and Backe (Galveston). Won't happen and doesn't have too since we have Oswalt and Miller, but it would be interesting.
The Cards are TERMINAL chokers and the bats get quiet for them when the pressure is on. They have enjoyed dominance all year and haven't had to struggle like Da Mud N' Blood nine. I was in section 333, seat 3 row 1 last night and could hear the sucking sound emanating from the Deadbirds dug-out, they are SCARED. I love our chances tonight, Munro pitching or not. If the games gets close, and we are up in the 5th or 6th and Munro needs to be relieved, we can unleash Roy O or Clemens for some relief action--MIGHT be worth it! But I LOVE having Wheeler and Lidge pretty fresh and poppin' to go. We have seen how stupid BOTH of these boys make the THIRDNALS look. Good Guys: 7 Deadbirds: 4
I refuse to mention anything about some kind of series that is for the world championship of the world until it is a reality. That said... GO ASTROS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Even with Munro on the hill, I still think we are going to kick that ass. I think these guys are in such a zone that no one can beat them. The Astros feel like they can beat any team no matter the circumstances. Whether it is Munro or a tired Clemens, they will get it done. STROS IN 6!!!!!
Garner please make it Munro for game 6, or I will be very mad at you for a very long time. Say the Astros win game 6 with Clemens, I'll still be ecstatic, but it won't set up the rotation nearly as good for that next round thing against that other best team in baseball.
I'm not concerned with the next series. I don't care how the rotation sets up at this point. Lets just get there and sort it out later.
Forget the next series, I think Munro then Clemens gives you the best chance of winning this series. Setting you up for the next series is a bonus.
Right now game six is an afternoon start time. Remembering that Clemens is over 40, I would start Munro. I would rather have Clemens going on full rest for game seven if necessary. Having Clemens as the ace in the hole, should allow Munro to go out there relaxed. If the middle relievers had been performing better, maybe I would throw Clemens tomorrow. Sadly unless a start goes 7 innings, I am not sure the Astros win.
Well, it's totally raining here in NYC, so I expect another Yankees-Red Sox rain out tonight and another afternoon Stros game tomorrow. Possibly two afternoon games, if the Sox win Game 6. Hooray for small(er) TV markets!
This team is very near to greatness. A couple more steps and they are safe. Can they make the leap? We'll soon see.. I can't wait.
ALL I have to say is that this is Clutch City for any sports team we got...and they are showing it day in and out.
I'm quite prepared for the distinct possibility that I may weep like a schoolgirl if the Astros win the NL to go to the World Series.
After 10 years, Houston is due. And the Astros franchise is due. Munro is going to take us to the WS.
