llet me go smartass aain..lance and roy have played on far more winners than they have losers. both have played in huge games with huge implications.
Matsui injured again... Link: http://blogs.chron.com/gamedayastros/2009/04/astros_were_off_tuesday_but_st.html
They probably should do something like that but my guess is they'll play him as much as possible when he's healthy. They may bring him back slowly then ramp it back up until his next stint on the DL. We don't have a lot of options. I wouldn't want Smith starting every 5th game. We already have enough swing-happy hitters in the regular lineup. I'd rather have Keppinger get more starts (even against RHPs) and move Blum to 2nd if we go that route.
I use CBS Sportsline a lot. Dobrow actually writes some pretty witty stuff and seems to know a lot about the sport he covers compared to other writers.
Wow, it certainly is weird seeing the $20M Man actually pitch. Of course, I wouldn't know (Rockets on one channel, Penguins dominating on another). Oh well, at least I was there to see a win on opening day!
as i said.. Hampton's first outing was a good one.. that 5+ ERA was not at all telling to the quality of game he pitched.. it was pretty on par for Hampton.. going back to his glory days.. he was always a high count, groundball pitcher.. he's early removal was purley out of precaution.. Ortiz has looked equally good.. really don't understand all the concern and worry placed on the starting rotation.. other than Moehler.. their health permitting.. and Oswalt returning to form.. if he so would humor us.. we could very well end up with a very solid top three.. in the same token.. i don't understand all the contentment towards our bullpen..
I'm surprised. Hampton pitched a fabulous 6 innings of work, albeit it seems the best Pirates hitters are lefties. If Hampy can string together some good starts and Roy gets back to normal, Ortiz has looked pretty good and Wandy has been fine...Astros might be alright. Bats have GOT to wake up!!! 4 runs isn't going to do it most nights. A win tomorrow and a sweep of the Reds and we're over .500 with a 7-6 record. See how easy it is to turn things around this early in the season.
Hypothetically, if you had the choice between adding another pretty good starting pitcher, let's say #3 caliber, and a legit leadoff hitter, let's say .360+ OBP, which would you take? Generally, a good starting pitcher is more desirable than a good hitter but our inability to get on base, outside of Berkman, is a real issue.
Felipe Paulino and Yordany Ramirez have looked good early at Round Rock. They're about the only ones, though.
depends on your faith in Hampton and Ortiz pitching a full season. Personally, I expect to get a full season out of them combined...so I'd still take the pitcher and hope our offense can come around
