Show Posts

This section allows you to view all posts made by this member. Note that you can only see posts made in areas you currently have access to.


Messages - SoonerJim

Pages: [1]
1
Talk Zone / Re: More controversy
« on: November 23, 2019, 12:36:06 pm »
I doubt they will touch Beltran or Cora. If so, slap on the wrist.

They have NY and Boston pedigrees which cannot be sullied

2
Talk Zone / Re: More controversy
« on: November 23, 2019, 09:47:30 am »
Excluding the players, of what benefit is it to the other teams apart from the emotional satisfaction of seeing Houston's comeuppance to have this "scandal" progressing? There are winter meetings and a new CBA to invoke after 2021. Anyone think a couple of draft picks is going to change the trajectory of any team? Houston had a draft earlier this decade with no signings nor advancements thru the system. It's not as though we've experienced setbacks before. I can see a suspension hurting this franchise. Oakland, Texas, SF, and NYY marinated in anabolic steroids had hid behind legal drug protections to keep their crowd favorites and team records successful.

3
Talk Zone / Re: More controversy
« on: November 20, 2019, 11:38:00 am »
Then hold a celebratory parade with 10,000 trash can drummers leading the way.

In MMP all season long. Miss St Bulldog cowbell-worthy. Want more cowbell.

Jomboy is peripheral to this, but if Manfred wants to follow Jomboy into the rabbithole leading to Jomboy's basement dwelling, they deserve each other

4
Talk Zone / Re: More controversy
« on: November 19, 2019, 06:44:19 pm »
I speculate that the punishment could be that the entire Astros roster will be turned over to the Brewers.

There. Now you can all go forth and tell everyone that you have heard speculation of this.

Now you’re talking! Make them Brewers; case solved.

5
Talk Zone / Re: More controversy
« on: November 19, 2019, 03:50:06 pm »
Manfred is protecting the MLB brand. Ole Miss beat Alabama twice and the SEC and NCAA came down on the interlopers like a hailstorm. We're MLB interlopers, trespassing on the rightful territory of NY, Boston, and LA. What combination of fines, suspensions, and draft picks will this cost?

6
Talk Zone / Re: More controversy
« on: November 18, 2019, 03:57:22 pm »
If the Astros do not fight this with every ounce of their being, I will be so disappointed. This piling on with speculation on speculation is ridiculous.

Excepting 19th century gambling mischief, this potentially takes second place to the BlackSox as a team-tainted ws victory. It must be fought at all levels. Were the title to be vacated or Hinch suspended, at least go down fighting

7
Talk Zone / Re: More controversy
« on: November 18, 2019, 02:10:37 pm »
Actually, the Chris Russo I quoted is an intern, so he's not the same guy on MLB Network. Just a coincidence that two people sharing the same name could be such fools.

You’re telling me this is an “adult” sensibility because he has an MLB network gig? This should be fought until hell freezes over.

8
Talk Zone / Re: More controversy
« on: November 18, 2019, 01:34:37 pm »
Thoughts and prayers.

He seemed like a “Cheers” extra, who ‘d make Cliff Clavin a Rhodes Scholar by comparison

9
Talk Zone / Re: More controversy
« on: November 18, 2019, 12:20:52 pm »
Just watched someone named Chris Russo filet the Astros on his MLB telecast, wanting fines, suspensions, and draft picks, all by Thursday. For good measure, his followup commemorated Vera Clemente's passing over the weekend, discussing Roberto's death when he sent aid after the hurricane. You know, the one which struck on New Year's Eve. The nation wants a hide, it appears.

10
Talk Zone / Re: More controversy
« on: November 18, 2019, 09:11:51 am »
We should Work out Kaepernick and sign him to a contract, and earn some good will. It worked for Tebow and the Mets, and it would be a tremendous publicity boost.

11
Talk Zone / Re: More controversy
« on: November 17, 2019, 11:28:28 am »
Our championship window extends probably through 2022, so losing draft picks would be the minimum penalty, unless they want suspensions of front office or managerial personnel. That would produce an immediate negative impact. Examples were made of selected anabolic steroid cases, but only after the players’ careers had ended

12
Talk Zone / Re: More controversy
« on: November 16, 2019, 09:05:39 am »
Slate republishes a Rob Arthur article from Baseball Prospectus using audio amplitudes to map the 2017 late season games, a method which did not consistently translate into the postseason. The Sept ChiSox game is the most blatant example and seems to be exhibits A, B, and C in this case. This amplitude model can be easily refuted.

https://slate.com/culture/2019/11/astros-sign-stealing-trash-can-audio.html

13
Talk Zone / Re: More controversy
« on: November 15, 2019, 07:31:47 pm »
The Twitter stuff is entertaining,  but the interesting thing here is 2 more teams have suspicion cast their way publicly.  Un-sourced and unsubstantiated.

https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/mlb/brewers/2019/11/15/brewers-christian-yelich-tweets-harshly-yu-darvish-over-accusation/4206317002/

Good for Yelich. Our players remain quiet and let others make the case and set the agenda

14
Talk Zone / Re: More controversy
« on: November 15, 2019, 04:15:39 pm »
When the ‘51 Giants vacate for clean proven signstealing, then I’ll listen to current offers

15
Talk Zone / Re: Awards
« on: November 15, 2019, 02:35:39 pm »
Did Bregman possess too much swag? Could that be a factor?

16
Talk Zone / Re: More controversy
« on: November 15, 2019, 07:59:52 am »
The extreme anger and butthurt by Dodger and Yankee fans over this is the greatest thing to happen to baseball since the invention of the baseball.  They're calling for the Astros to be stripped of the title, banning for life of all Astros player, and long jail time for A.J. Hinch.  This is awesome.

And think of the resulting book and movie. Who's our Charlie Sheen? How will we cast the principle actors?

17
Talk Zone / Re: Awards
« on: November 14, 2019, 05:55:36 pm »
The WSJ two days ago had an article on Trout. Over the last seven seasons, the only player in MLB history with a higher WAR was Babe Ruth, from 1920-27. Although not for lack of trying, no team with a superstar of that caliber has less postseason success than him. He extended his contract two years before it expired, and he is figuratively buried in LA

18
Talk Zone / Re: Awards
« on: November 14, 2019, 05:49:45 pm »
Trout mvp

19
Talk Zone / Re: More controversy
« on: November 14, 2019, 04:27:35 pm »
Trained monkeys in the foul line seats. Make it happen

20
Talk Zone / Re: More controversy
« on: November 14, 2019, 04:11:24 pm »
But the good news is, this just gives the Astros another way to fuck with other teams. You'll have guys on the bench doing the Bridge Over the River Kwai, some joker in the hallway going Keith Moon on a trash can, dudes in the bullpen lined up waving like human semaphore... Next season is shaping up to be a lot of fun, Cole or no Cole.

Trash can lid promotion night at Minute Maid park for NYY. Bring a garbage can lid, get a special Altuve-special ALCS walkoff commemorative miniature bat to bang incessantly at the top of each inning when the Yanks come to bat

21
Talk Zone / Re: More controversy
« on: November 14, 2019, 02:50:42 pm »
The ESPN segment Smith and Kellerman did was programming gold. Kellerman said were this college football, Houston would have to vacate the World Series. You’d be excused if you thought Houston was running a drug ring, oh, that was the ‘86 Mets

22
Talk Zone / Re: More controversy
« on: November 13, 2019, 03:07:57 pm »
Slick trick to cheat in Dodger Stadium.

And our road record is historically better of late; our cheating operation is unparalleled. It’s even better on the road

23
Talk Zone / Re: More controversy
« on: November 13, 2019, 02:51:17 pm »
They’ll pay him off before he talks, lest he harm the game. Better chance Houston surrenders a passel of draft picks

24
Talk Zone / Re: More controversy
« on: November 13, 2019, 01:15:18 pm »
The media template right now to generate clicks or social media traffic for pretty much any major league baseball offseason discussion that doesnt have anything to with like free agency or hot stove or whatever is as follows...

1) Headline that implies or outright says that "the Astros are awful, here is what they are doing"
2) Story about a widespread "problem" that all of major league baseball has

Example...this was ESPN.com's big Astros story yesterday before they got railroaded by this story.

https://www.espn.com/mlb/insider/story/_/id/28059274/why-george-springer-free-agent-winter

Yes, the MLB contract structure cheats the players, but only Springer is singled out to play this generation’s Curt Flood. Were he clad in BoSox or pinstripes, this fantasy piece would not exist

25
Talk Zone / Re: More controversy
« on: November 13, 2019, 10:22:51 am »
I see fines levied. The critical issue is whether Hinch or others get suspended, as had happened to Sean Payton and Gregg Williams in "bountygate". It's a way to cleanse the league.

26
Talk Zone / Re: More controversy
« on: November 13, 2019, 10:04:21 am »
Will we be forgiven if NYY uses this as Cole signing leverage? We can buy indulgences and nail his new contract on the door of Yankee Stadium.
Since NY runs a clean operation and all. Judge's "shock" at learning of this alleged infraction is high comedy.

27
Talk Zone / Re: More controversy
« on: November 13, 2019, 05:58:32 am »
So we vacate the trophy as USC did in 2004, and the MVP too. Did Alvuve's mom live in a house provided by the booster club, as did Reggie Bush?

28
Talk Zone / Re: More controversy
« on: November 12, 2019, 10:04:20 pm »
With all of these advantages, why did we lose four home games? And why didn’t Altuve get the tipoff memo when he was swinging at every pitch within the Houston area code?

29
Talk Zone / Re: More controversy
« on: November 12, 2019, 08:23:10 pm »
If Houston beat the Nats, I bet none of this browbeating occurs. Winning shuts critics down; far easier to go after the second place team or its program approach

30
Talk Zone / Re: More controversy
« on: November 12, 2019, 07:49:33 pm »
Works for me. MF created a huge distraction at the worst possible time.

Absolutely, the task was hard enough as it is. Media sharks circled around #MeToo, and Taubman gave them an entree served hot

31
Talk Zone / Re: More controversy
« on: November 12, 2019, 07:33:53 pm »
Shoeless Joe, Pete Rose, Taubman.

Banned forever.

A scalp is needed. He’ll do. Make an example out of him

32
Talk Zone / Re: More controversy
« on: November 12, 2019, 05:05:31 pm »
It’s a way to beat on the Astros. This accusation would never be leveled at the favored few, all of whom we’ve beaten since 2017

33
Talk Zone / Re: More controversy
« on: November 12, 2019, 04:05:41 pm »
A high speed electronic relay from an outfield camera has as its last communication modality, a bat banging on a trashcan.

34
Talk Zone / Re: More controversy
« on: November 12, 2019, 01:14:48 pm »
Are hand gestures obsolete? Should we go wireless?

35
Talk Zone / Re: Awards
« on: November 10, 2019, 01:50:19 pm »

36
Talk Zone / Re: Awards
« on: November 09, 2019, 05:57:44 pm »
Verlander is Baseball America’s player of the year , with Alvarez on all-rookie team, and Bergman and Springer on respective all mlb 1st and  2nd team

37
Talk Zone / Re: Hinch’s decisions and thinking/G7
« on: November 05, 2019, 10:10:07 am »
You've got a sample size of 30 postseason starts total and seven starts in the World Series. I'd be wary of reading too much of a trend out of such a limited data set.

It’s his entire postseason, so you cannot increase statistical probability once you have the entire data set. How does that record compare to other “aces”, and is there diminution with age?

38
Talk Zone / Re: Hinch’s decisions and thinking/G7
« on: November 04, 2019, 09:15:43 pm »
BB9    SO9    SO/W    WPA
8 ALDS      8   1   .889   2.52   13   12   0   1   1   0   75.0   49   21   21   6   29   0   87   1   0   1   296   1.040   5.9   0.7   3.5   10.4   3.00   1.65
7 ALCS      6   4   .600   3.13   11   11   0   1   0   0   74.2   56   26   26   11   17   0   79   1   1   5   296   0.978   6.8   1.3   2.0   9.5   4.65   1.59
4 WS      0   6   .000   5.68   7   7   0   0   0   0   38.0   35   27   24   9   14   0   39   1   0   2   162   1.289   8.3   2.1   3.3   9.2   2.79   -0.84
Standard Batting

OK, it's the World series. If Hinch deems it an issue, then it must be. There is a trend in the above stats


39
Talk Zone / Re: Hinch’s decisions and thinking/G7
« on: November 04, 2019, 07:56:51 pm »
We found the Fountain of Youth? He will have to be a willing partner in any reduction of his innings. Good way to piss him off.

His postseason record is 0-6, I see no  alternative

40
Talk Zone / Re: Hinch’s decisions and thinking/G7
« on: November 04, 2019, 06:59:30 pm »
Yes, JV

Rays: dominating win, loss on short rest
NYY: no decision (Astros won in 11), loss
Nats; loss, loss (the team had chances to take him off the hook but failed)

1-4 in the postseason. He did not pitch bad, but he dominated only once. First inning woes plagued him.

His innings were high, and we burned him out. That's correctable

41
Talk Zone / Re: Hinch’s decisions and thinking/G7
« on: November 04, 2019, 01:24:10 pm »
I’m a New Orleans native and watched the NFC game on TV last January, so I can process this series’ outcome

42
Talk Zone / Re: Hinch’s decisions and thinking/G7
« on: November 04, 2019, 01:03:11 pm »
Just a quick back of the envelope almanac survey; the only superteams (105+ wins) who’ve played in the ws against 90-96 or so win teams and won have been the NYY, and the BoSox last year. Many have lost outside of that restriction. Winning the WS is a formidable task in any event

43
Talk Zone / Re: Hinch’s decisions and thinking/G7
« on: November 04, 2019, 11:33:20 am »
It’s not like we were 2001 Seattle or something

44
Talk Zone / Re: Hinch’s decisions and thinking/G7
« on: November 03, 2019, 12:50:33 pm »
I have no idea what this means. We played really good players who were on a roll this time. Cannot explain the difference between the two teams’ performances at home and on the road.

I’m referring to off the field, Dykstra, Hernandez, and Strawberry.

45
Talk Zone / Re: Hinch’s decisions and thinking/G7
« on: November 03, 2019, 11:45:47 am »
We played genuinely bad human beings in 1986

46
Talk Zone / Re: Hinch’s decisions and thinking/G7
« on: November 03, 2019, 10:01:43 am »
I’m older, so 1986 is still my saddest moment following Houston since 1968. I can now begin the process of reconciliation

47
Talk Zone / Re: Team of the Decade?
« on: November 02, 2019, 02:44:45 pm »
A perspective from ESPN: Astros a great team that fell short of true greatness

Three stats pop up:

After reading Hinch’s thoughts in The Athletic (posted elsewhere), the “what if” scenarios posed by  ESPN don’t have any bearing on the current franchise’s standing. This is the same franchise which lost 100 games in three consecutive seasons; does that count in the decade’s ranking? Houston employed a player acquisition model utilized by the NBA, which realizes faster returns on investment. Small market teams cannot do this, nor can most mid-market teams.

The Orioles had superteams from 1969 to 1971, and one championship. Oakland had three in a row. That’s what matters.

48
Talk Zone / Re: Team of the Decade?
« on: November 01, 2019, 09:51:40 am »
It is probably the administrative player personnel model for the decade going forward, until that model is deemed wanting for lack of revenue from teams which cannot field a team built that way, or lack of competitive teams in future series. This should be based on victories, and SF or Boston have those.

49
Talk Zone / Re: Kendrick
« on: November 01, 2019, 09:44:44 am »
Way too simplistic, and screw him. What does “get it done”mean? Slice a homer into the foul pole just above the fence? Have the Astros hit liners right to them with RISP? Take strikes which are called balls?

The Nats played hard and scored late in Houston, but the Astros also had back-breaking, rally-killing bad luck.

That's my phrase, not Cowherd's. I think Cowherd was attempting to be conciliatory, given the outcome. Balls hit hard at opposing players is a facet of the game and makes his argument. Hinch can't hit for his team. Here's the segment in question.

https://youtu.be/HcSMUYTwcX4



50
Talk Zone / Re: Kendrick
« on: November 01, 2019, 08:57:44 am »
I don't know. There were just a bunch of plays throughout the series that said "it's not your year".

Colin Cowherd said as much yesterday. Washington simply got it done.

51
Talk Zone / Re: Cole and Game 5
« on: October 31, 2019, 03:19:47 pm »
Stephen A Smith and Max Kellerman got into it today, revolving on Cole’s availability in the 7th inning

https://youtu.be/Of71vyD75rQ

52
Talk Zone / Re: Game 7
« on: October 31, 2019, 10:20:51 am »
In the heat of a series-ending loss moment, I wouldn't expect a player of Cole's caliber to quite be himself. He has a record season and watches helplessly on the sideline as a tenuous lead slips away. I'm not certain if the two personas at issue for him, loyal grateful Astro, or mercenary employee out the door, are mutually incompatible. He didn't leave RISP this series, If he goes to LAA, then that's what he does. There's an opportunity cost to that, to which Mike Trout can attest. That team isn't winning 100+ games next year.

53
Talk Zone / Re: Cole and Game 5
« on: October 31, 2019, 08:39:49 am »
I was listening to Sirius MLB channel driving in, and that seemed to be their biggest bone of contention. To quote one of the hosts, "they saved a healthy Cole to play in LA next season". The other host thought even if he was not spot-on, the team gets a confidence boost and you don't see the morose dugout in the 7th inning.

Hinch turned into Dave Roberts this week.

54
Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 7, October 30, 2019
« on: October 30, 2019, 10:56:08 pm »
The Nationals’ breakthrough is eerily similar to the 2017 Astros and how they responded against the Yankees and Dodgers.

Washington started 19-31. Subtract that start, and their record equaled ours, and they swept thru the NL postseason

55
Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 7, October 30, 2019
« on: October 30, 2019, 10:51:32 pm »
We were the 2017 Dodgers

56
Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 7, October 30, 2019
« on: October 30, 2019, 10:49:23 pm »
Foul, of course

57
Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 7, October 30, 2019
« on: October 30, 2019, 10:44:33 pm »
The Nationals played their asses off.

The Beltway and its denizens will be insufferable

58
Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 7, October 30, 2019
« on: October 30, 2019, 10:39:13 pm »
So what does that say about the Astros’ analytical model? Should other teams follow it? Some are in hopes of repeating a winning window

59
Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 7, October 30, 2019
« on: October 30, 2019, 10:18:45 pm »
Thanks ump, Jimmy Kimmel show to watch?

60
Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 7, October 30, 2019
« on: October 30, 2019, 10:00:50 pm »
Kendrick sent LA packing, could do it again tonite

61
Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 7, October 30, 2019
« on: October 30, 2019, 09:54:36 pm »
Had the same vibe watching the ‘69 Balt-NYM WS, flummoxed

62
Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 7, October 30, 2019
« on: October 30, 2019, 09:37:01 pm »
Now you have to make sure the wheels don’t come off and they blow it open

63
Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 7, October 30, 2019
« on: October 30, 2019, 09:29:57 pm »
Greinke was fucking nails for 6-1/3. Huge effort.

Give it everything

64
Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 7, October 30, 2019
« on: October 30, 2019, 09:27:49 pm »
Right.  This isn't about Greinke, this is all about the limp-dick offense.

That looms large should the game end badly

65
Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 7, October 30, 2019
« on: October 30, 2019, 09:17:48 pm »
Hot garbage

66
Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 7, October 30, 2019
« on: October 30, 2019, 09:09:16 pm »
9-1 lob so far

67
Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 7, October 30, 2019
« on: October 30, 2019, 08:34:35 pm »
That third strike was, well, lol

68
Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 7, October 30, 2019
« on: October 30, 2019, 08:29:41 pm »
Two more lob, it’s what we do

69
Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 7, October 30, 2019
« on: October 30, 2019, 08:24:22 pm »
Reddick finally with a hit

70
Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 7, October 30, 2019
« on: October 30, 2019, 07:51:38 pm »
Time to run Scherzer out of the game

71
Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 7, October 30, 2019
« on: October 30, 2019, 07:24:13 pm »
Buck in gametime form, commercial break reference to the 21 yo Soto

72
Talk Zone / Re: Game 7
« on: October 30, 2019, 02:23:32 pm »
In my layman's opinion:  Urquidy is almost certain to be the second pitcher Hinch uses tonight (unless he brings in a true reliever to finish an inning).

My thought as well, Urquidy’s  has been the best ws start we’ve had. Washington effectively conceded a win to Cole, knowing Verlander’s postseason record provided huge upside in game six. Now their co-ace and #3 starters are rested and available

73
Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 6, October 29, 2019
« on: October 29, 2019, 10:28:13 pm »
Greinke 3-6, 4.33 era in career postseason. Won’t matter without runs

74
Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 6, October 29, 2019
« on: October 29, 2019, 10:07:37 pm »
He should have kept his ass in the dugout. We know you thought it was a bs call, man. You already said that. Was it worth saying it again and getting tossed out of the WS?

Motivation tool for game seven?

75
Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 6, October 29, 2019
« on: October 29, 2019, 10:05:40 pm »
Astros looking as dejected as they can be.

They’ve had chances

76
Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 6, October 29, 2019
« on: October 29, 2019, 10:02:12 pm »
Nats officially protesting this game.

Why?

77
Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 6, October 29, 2019
« on: October 29, 2019, 09:53:59 pm »
Well there goes hope

78
Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 6, October 29, 2019
« on: October 29, 2019, 09:42:50 pm »
Well that was something

79
Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 6, October 29, 2019
« on: October 29, 2019, 09:05:28 pm »
20 yo against Cole, 21 yo against Verlander

NTTAWWT

80
Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 6, October 29, 2019
« on: October 29, 2019, 09:01:24 pm »
Verlander is done. 

Sad.

And no run support, which has been characteristic of his outings all year

81
Talk Zone / Re: WS 2019
« on: October 28, 2019, 01:18:37 pm »
Well said. I hope JV has a dominating game left. I hope the bats show up and support him with early runs. I hope the team keeps playing with the intense passion we saw in DC. This will not be easy.

JV is 0-5 and 5+ era in postseason; would be good to have a reversal of form

82
Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 5, October 27, 2019
« on: October 27, 2019, 10:48:42 pm »
Uh... What?

Last 2 are in Houston, bud.

Not ready to make the practice WS Nationals trophy a conclusive rallying point until we can close them out

83
Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 5, October 27, 2019
« on: October 27, 2019, 10:39:59 pm »
Seriously.

Only in bain if we get through them Tuesday, otherwise could still be viable

84
Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 5, October 27, 2019
« on: October 27, 2019, 10:29:00 pm »
Swept them at home. Chuck Todd ended his Meet the Press broadcast today admonishing Washington to win. Too bad

85
Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 5, October 27, 2019
« on: October 27, 2019, 10:21:31 pm »
Pressly redemption time, up in 9th

86
Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 5, October 27, 2019
« on: October 27, 2019, 10:19:07 pm »
I wish it were a big enough lead that I could feel confident.

I like the content of this post

87
Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 5, October 27, 2019
« on: October 27, 2019, 10:04:03 pm »
Correa, Machete, Smith ph up

88
Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 5, October 27, 2019
« on: October 27, 2019, 09:51:53 pm »
Back to prior lead, coulda had more

89
Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 5, October 27, 2019
« on: October 27, 2019, 09:44:59 pm »
Why first swings so much?

90
Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 5, October 27, 2019
« on: October 27, 2019, 09:42:49 pm »
We need runs, can’t go thru meds

91
Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 5, October 27, 2019
« on: October 27, 2019, 09:38:55 pm »
Pressley apparently in for the 8th, Prilosec at the ready

92
Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 5, October 27, 2019
« on: October 27, 2019, 09:26:37 pm »
How old is that batter?

93
Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 5, October 27, 2019
« on: October 27, 2019, 09:20:47 pm »
Cole-train
Get-ing-loud-er
Everyone get on the Cole train!

How long we pitch him? Back when, we had complete games.

94
Talk Zone / Re: WS 2019
« on: October 27, 2019, 05:15:58 pm »
If I were the Nats, I wouldn't have said anything until it was time to warm up.

Las Vegas would need this info

95
Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 4, October 26, 2019
« on: October 26, 2019, 08:21:37 pm »
And bunts, lol

96
Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 4, October 26, 2019
« on: October 26, 2019, 08:14:05 pm »
I’m getting my wish an inning late

97
Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 4, October 26, 2019
« on: October 26, 2019, 07:56:46 pm »
Looks like another grind game, two runs look fragile

98
Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 4, October 26, 2019
« on: October 26, 2019, 07:46:25 pm »
I want Corbin chased in this inning

99
Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 4, October 26, 2019
« on: October 26, 2019, 07:40:59 pm »
Swing at first pitch, doesn’t run up the pitch count

100
Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 3, October 25, 2019
« on: October 25, 2019, 11:12:07 pm »
Halved the lead, hope Washington is back to earth and starts a different kind of streak

101
Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 3, October 25, 2019
« on: October 25, 2019, 11:06:42 pm »
Please just two more outs

102
Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 3, October 25, 2019
« on: October 25, 2019, 10:35:49 pm »
1-2-3!

Sent from my GM1915 using Tapatalk

Shocked

103
Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 3, October 25, 2019
« on: October 25, 2019, 10:17:43 pm »
Frank Drebin-Worthy

104
Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 3, October 25, 2019
« on: October 25, 2019, 10:09:50 pm »
Sort of getting used to it.

Been on Prilosec for a decade, keeps me functioning

105
Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 3, October 25, 2019
« on: October 25, 2019, 10:05:39 pm »
Oh good. Another 3 ball count.

Harris in, earlier than I’d prefer

106
Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 3, October 25, 2019
« on: October 25, 2019, 09:59:00 pm »
So Peacock’s out of the bp start

107
Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 3, October 25, 2019
« on: October 25, 2019, 09:57:51 pm »
Trout is 1-12 career in postseason. Maybe? 

Sent from my GM1915 using Tapatalk

Trout made the postseason in his career? The things I learn!

108
Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 3, October 25, 2019
« on: October 25, 2019, 09:54:16 pm »
They have made Bregman their bitch, alright.

Is he still tweeting smack?

109
Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 3, October 25, 2019
« on: October 25, 2019, 09:52:47 pm »
It’s like watching Gator fans with the chimp chomp, I can’t stand that gesture

110
Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 3, October 25, 2019
« on: October 25, 2019, 09:49:12 pm »
Bregman hitting like Roger Metzget

111
Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 3, October 25, 2019
« on: October 25, 2019, 09:05:22 pm »
At least got a run, middle of order still AWOL

112
Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 3, October 25, 2019
« on: October 25, 2019, 08:56:20 pm »
Altuve!!!!

113
Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 3, October 25, 2019
« on: October 25, 2019, 08:50:15 pm »
A triple?  Really?

To LF? Who knew?

114
Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 3, October 25, 2019
« on: October 25, 2019, 08:44:38 pm »
That took a year off my life

115
Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 3, October 25, 2019
« on: October 25, 2019, 08:09:11 pm »
at least we got a run

116
Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 3, October 25, 2019
« on: October 25, 2019, 08:02:26 pm »
Turning point?

Sent from my GM1915 using Tapatalk

BBG

117
Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 3, October 25, 2019
« on: October 25, 2019, 07:52:50 pm »
Another hit.

He was sitting on breaking balls.

His postseason thus far

118
Talk Zone / Re: Latest Controversy
« on: October 25, 2019, 03:59:04 pm »
Let’s not ignore the fact that media possess a herd mentality with a preferred narrative of good vs evil. We ‘re playing a team whose last championship was during the flapper era, and whose fan theme song is a pre-K ditty about baby sharks. Until and unless we start winning, the stories will continue unabated. Taubman lays bare the downside of the analytics approach, as opposed to the classic “eyetest”.

https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/27916163/why-astros-win-world-series-why

119
Talk Zone / Re: Latest Controversy
« on: October 25, 2019, 11:29:59 am »
Unlikely to happen when there is so much virtue and righteousness to demonstrate.

Absolutely, perpetual outrage is how society rolls. Having the interlopers enter the center of the governing universe simply compounds the invective. The Athletic has an article up wanting the architects of the initial team response to be fired also

120
Talk Zone / Re: WS 2019
« on: October 24, 2019, 08:42:40 am »
Still don’t hate the Nationals.  Their game is suffocating the Astros to the point where everyone is on edge and making mistakes as a result. 

Ok, so Soto has some irritating gloss to his game, but is that any different to Bregman’s posing and staring?  They’re beating the Astros at the Astros’ game and thoroughly enjoying doing it.  So, as the adage goes, don’t get mad,  get even. 

Win Friday and then it’s back around to Cole/Scherzer and Verlander/Strasbourg on Saturday and Sunday.  Take 2 out of 3 up there (we did in NY), bring it home, play hard and see what happens.

Soto’s got swag; he backs it up with his play

121
Talk Zone / Re: WS 2019
« on: October 24, 2019, 08:28:45 am »
Put Alvarez in LF, Brantley in RF; Reddick’s pretty much an automatic out at this point

122
Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 2, October 23, 2019
« on: October 23, 2019, 10:45:34 pm »
A 3-2 loss would be disappointing; this is more like an exorcism

123
Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 2, October 23, 2019
« on: October 23, 2019, 10:17:55 pm »
This sounds absolutely insane after the events of the last two years... but they're acting like this stage is too big for them.

Yankees probably would have embraced the moment better, instead of acting as if 2017 never happened

124
Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 2, October 23, 2019
« on: October 23, 2019, 10:10:44 pm »
I bet the yankees are pissed.

Too bad, they should try harder

125
Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 2, October 23, 2019
« on: October 23, 2019, 10:06:08 pm »
Bregman putting on a clinic

126
Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 2, October 23, 2019
« on: October 23, 2019, 09:00:10 pm »
This Soto kid is like a lefty Pujols. He's gonna be GREAT. I think I'll hate him.


So he’s really 29 yo?

127
Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 2, October 23, 2019
« on: October 23, 2019, 07:35:45 pm »
Prior to that ab, he seemed to not want to offend anyone at the plate, the anti Soto

128
Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 2, October 23, 2019
« on: October 23, 2019, 07:32:31 pm »
Of course, Brantley hits.

But there was no lob potential

129
Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 2, October 23, 2019
« on: October 23, 2019, 07:28:11 pm »
If our team can't score more than 2 runs, then they deserve to lose.

fucking hit the ball.

Altuve only Astro to consistently hit in the postseason

130
Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 2, October 23, 2019
« on: October 23, 2019, 07:23:25 pm »
No AR 15s from this crew?

Sent from my GM1915 using Tapatalk

What do you think of your team’s execution?

I support it

John McKay, Tampa Bay

131
Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series Game 1; October 22, 2019
« on: October 22, 2019, 11:03:47 pm »
I'm not sure what the fuck Bregman is up there looking for. That 2-1 92mph fastball right down the middle should have been crushed. Instead he has to swing at a 94mph pitchers pitch and strikes out. I love Bregman but fuck man, the whole postseason he just seems to want to walk rather than hit.

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

No idea what’s going on. We got the CWS their first WS win since 1917, and we gift wrapped a win for a team whose city won last in 1924

132
Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series Game 1; October 22, 2019
« on: October 22, 2019, 10:55:50 pm »
Lest we forget, that's what happened in the LCS...

Washington is fundamentally better, Yankees are a collection of pricey monopoly pieces

133
Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series Game 1; October 22, 2019
« on: October 22, 2019, 10:54:14 pm »
Out like a lamb

134
Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series Game 1; October 22, 2019
« on: October 22, 2019, 10:52:41 pm »
What a pathetic at-bat by Alex.

He and Alvarez are paralyzed at the plate

135
Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series Game 1; October 22, 2019
« on: October 22, 2019, 10:34:28 pm »
Swings at hot garbage

136
Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series Game 1; October 22, 2019
« on: October 22, 2019, 10:00:30 pm »
Bregman is wildly overdue

137
Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series Game 1; October 22, 2019
« on: October 22, 2019, 09:47:39 pm »
Huh?  Diaz was used because Corbin is tough on lefties.

Talking about next game

138
Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series Game 1; October 22, 2019
« on: October 22, 2019, 09:40:55 pm »
Diaz on deck to pinch hit for Reddick.

Reddick puts on a bat performance after every out, where’s the harm in putting in Tucker at this point?

139
Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series Game 1; October 22, 2019
« on: October 22, 2019, 09:35:05 pm »
Since mid-May, and including the postseason so far, Washington has been more impressive

140
Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series Game 1; October 22, 2019
« on: October 22, 2019, 09:27:24 pm »
We score fewer runs for Verlander than Cole all year long, not a good pattern

141
Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series Game 1; October 22, 2019
« on: October 22, 2019, 09:17:41 pm »
Didn’t Beltran read the riot act to this team in 2017? Who’s the 2029 Beltran? Beuller?

142
Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series Game 1; October 22, 2019
« on: October 22, 2019, 09:10:54 pm »
Offense is going to have to win this tonight.

Wut?

143
Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series Game 1; October 22, 2019
« on: October 22, 2019, 09:02:03 pm »
A week of National bats off has no effect

144
Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series Game 1; October 22, 2019
« on: October 22, 2019, 08:56:01 pm »
Driving his pitch count up, so that at least bodes well

145
Talk Zone / Re: Rotation Games 4.5.6.7
« on: October 20, 2019, 10:35:04 am »
Miley back if Pressley a no go?

146
Not true.  He has a good change and a good slider.

Against LA, Maldanado caled five changeups in a row for Osuna which resulted in a walkoff hr

147
Guess we’ll get Chapman

148
Garnder is such a cry-baby....

Well there’s Sanchez

149
They have judge’s dick down their throats over two consecutive misplays that he salvaged.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

If only he can stay healthy, the sky’s the limit

151
Judge!!!!

152
Yankees swinging for the fences

153
Correa’s back is fine

154
Looks like Bellinger in the ws

155
So an amazing play by Reddick, what’s the first thing out of Joe Buck’s mouth?

I swear I’ve never listened to Buck before.  I don’t know how I’ve avoided it. This is a revelation.

First thing? A comparison to Judge, the Joe Buck  standard

156
Well, that was nice.  Fuck the yanks and their fans.

Laying into Boone in the postgame show. Finish them off tomorrow

157
Get off the field before the batteries rain down

158
Miserable life forms.

The crowd around the postgame Fox panel should be fun to hear

159
Jesus.

Sent from my GM1915 using Tapatalk

There was a fat middle aged guy on the Reddick catch who was screaming wildly at him

160
Booing a 105 game winning team, lol

161
That was glorious, much English there

162
Escaped, error wiped clean

163
That sucks for C.C. if it's his last go. Bummer way to end a good career. But you know what? Fuck the Yankees.

Didn’t Nolan Ryan’s end with a bad injury?i

164
Give that man a truss

165
The announcer blames bad ball English, always the excuse

166
Like NY defense tonite

167
Boone burning through his bullpen, good

168
Wow, that needed a seeing eye dog

170
Tanaka needs to be run out

171
I gotta get a dog

173
Woulda coulda shoulda

174
The triumvirate of Fox panelists unanimously picked NY

175
Nice Greek chorus by NY fans during the postgame Fox panel

176
Thought Machete hit one out.

Buck is calling everything in the bleachers

177
What did the shirt say?

F—- in the Box

178
Nice fan tee shirt

179
So ARod and Papi show the first inning clips, tipped pitches

180
That was strike 3 dammit.

Sent from my GM1915 using Tapatalk

Fitting Choi ended it

181
(Booth losing it's mind that they didn't call him out)

(Broadcast shows one replay from 100 miles away, then never another even still image of it)

This crew will be insufferable in the Htn-NY series, assuming this result holds

182
Altuve!

OK, I’m starting to feel better

183
What a stud Gerrit Cole is.

Elimination game, keep on the accelerator. Keep Cole in for the cg. Bob Gibson was never pulled

184
That can do the splits!

Chris Farley-ish

185
Seems like the plan is to be a base runner not a slugger.

They’re swinging aggressively, which is a change for once

186
Talk Zone / Re: NLDS
« on: October 09, 2019, 11:52:17 pm »
Nice diving catch by Michael A. Taylor in CF seals it.  Nationals/Cardinals NLCS.  Holy shit.

The first 106 game winning team to lose in the division series,  a record. I hope our team was watching this. Seeing LA lose gives me great joy

187
Talk Zone / Re: Milestones
« on: September 19, 2019, 07:33:20 am »
I've been following this team since I was a wee tyke during the Colt .45 days. As the team and I grew older, I started paying more attention to the standings and statistics.

Around 1969 or 1970 I started making note of the team's 82nd win, or 82nd loss. A winning record was a victory in those days and I always wanted the team to get that 82nd win. Years later, sometime after the All Star break, I started estimating the number of wins needed to win the division. Usually the Astros weren't the one to get it, but I was right in 1980 and again in 1999.

Then came The Troubles and the 63rd win became an annual milestone marked with solemnity.

At last came The Great Redemption and the Crane / Luhnow era. We have seen the greatest milestone of them all: 100 wins for three straight years!

I fuckin' love this team!

I started following them closely in '69 also. This is a big turn from the Spec Richardson days.

188
Game Zone 2019 / Re: Astros vs Ancient Albatross Wearers, 9/6/2019
« on: September 06, 2019, 09:19:38 pm »
He mentioned Diaz having had hamstring issues, but I didn't hear him say that was the problem with Yuli.  It might be though.

You’re right, it was Diaz. This is a new one

189
Game Zone 2019 / Re: Astros vs Ancient Albatross Wearers, 9/6/2019
« on: September 06, 2019, 09:14:17 pm »
By whom?  He's not even in the trainer's room yet.

Kalas mentioned it

190
Game Zone 2019 / Re: Astros vs Ancient Albatross Wearers, 9/6/2019
« on: September 06, 2019, 09:07:34 pm »
Yuli beats the wrap on s FC, apparently hurt. Diaz in.

1st/3rd for Tucker with 1 outs.

Hamstring cited

191
Talk Zone / Re: Skaggs autopsy
« on: August 30, 2019, 06:39:27 pm »
Young healthy players do not just die.

Wally Pontiff and Don Redden were LSU athletes who died in their sleep of heart disease. My son’s hs classmate had that happen in his first year of med school

192
Game Zone 2019 / Re: Astros @ Orioles, August 11, 2019
« on: August 11, 2019, 03:50:56 pm »
This is one long-ass game.

Solution, make games seven innings. High end pitchers go seven innings for complete games which is long long they’re allowed now

193
Game Zone 2019 / Re: Astros @ Orioles, August 11, 2019
« on: August 11, 2019, 02:46:41 pm »
We did what yesterday? Announcers still reminding us

194
Game Zone 2019 / Re: Mariners @ Astros, August 3, 2019
« on: August 03, 2019, 07:15:14 pm »
I don’t ever remember Joe Morgan saying nice things about the Astros.

Tough seeing Jim Wynn and his health limitations, one of the most underrated

195
Game Zone 2019 / Re: Sea Hags @ Astros, 6/30/2019
« on: June 30, 2019, 02:07:57 pm »
How long is White going to be on this team? A ground ball to SS or a fly anywhere would have scored a run.

Should have been a 3-4 run inning.

Worked to kill another  rally. White needs to be shipped

196
Talk Zone / Re: This losing streak
« on: June 26, 2019, 03:24:20 pm »
Are they trying to maximize White's time there for potential trade partners to see?

Additional playing time is going to convince a team that he’s a diamond in the rough? He’s playing out of necessity

197
Talk Zone / Re: This losing streak
« on: June 25, 2019, 05:26:38 pm »
Curious, how bad is Alvarez defensibly at 1b?  An outfield logjam exists with all hands available, unless Luhnow  trades someone in a month

198
Game Zone 2019 / Re: Astros @ Yankees 6/23
« on: June 23, 2019, 02:24:10 pm »
That looked like a hr

199
Game Zone 2019 / Re: Astros @ Yankees 6/23
« on: June 23, 2019, 02:18:31 pm »
Would have been nice last night, Tyler. Good today.

We’ll take it, given the alternative. What was that, 320 feet?

200
Talk Zone / Re: This losing streak
« on: June 23, 2019, 09:27:15 am »
Agree with HudsonHawk; the AAA experience has run its course and hurting the team

201
Game Zone 2019 / Re: Astros @ Yankees, 6/21/2918
« on: June 21, 2019, 09:10:46 pm »
They’re going through motions, perhaps banking on the injured to rejion the team

202
Game Zone 2019 / Re: Astros @ Yankees, 6/21/2918
« on: June 21, 2019, 06:34:41 pm »
Well, that was quite a White three pitch whiff

203
Game Zone 2019 / Re: Astros @ Pimply-misshapen asses 6/18
« on: June 18, 2019, 07:47:38 pm »
Another Verlander effort without run support

204
Talk Zone / Re: Tucker in June
« on: June 16, 2019, 09:10:17 am »
I think those HR and RBI totals are for the year.
Assuming Springer comes back and no further injuries, with Alvarez, Bradley, Reddick and Marisnick as backup, he's blocked. It's  either stay at AAA or be part of a trade but it would have to be a blockbuster before I would let him go.

I agree with all of that. We're not in a must-win two year window; we're tooled up for a five year run.

205
Game Zone 2019 / Re: Jays @ Astros 6/15
« on: June 15, 2019, 03:46:21 pm »
White, Mayfield, and Stubbs combine for two runs so far. Pretty resourceful

206
Game Zone 2019 / Re: Brewers @ Astros, June 11, 2019
« on: June 11, 2019, 11:28:26 pm »
On the point of how awful other team's broadcasters are, enjoy former Astro Radio guy/Muppet Dave Raymond and some other boring ass fuckstick describing said play for their viewership: https://www.mlb.com/news/hunter-pence-inside-the-park-home-run-brock-holt

The anti-Reddick

207
Talk Zone / Re: Alvarez
« on: June 09, 2019, 07:55:06 pm »
Pitch him away? He will pepper the LF stands.

Got Willie McCovey’s uni number, but even bigger and hits to all fields

208
Talk Zone / Re: Alvarez
« on: June 09, 2019, 02:12:12 pm »
Luhnow just said on pregame show about Alvarez, “we think he’s here to stay.”

I’m sure he’s gonna have to hit but that statement is telling. Never heard that about Tucker. Guys at the bottom of this roster, especially White, could have their days numbered.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

After his 2nd mlb at bat, I tend to agree

209
Talk Zone / Re: Straw
« on: June 03, 2019, 02:50:38 pm »
How many years of club control does Jake have left? I'm guessing 1 or none? I'm not sure if a rebuilding club would be interested in trading for him.

Marisnick has peak trade value now, if a #3 starter is a priority and the prospects are not breaking out enough to clarify the issue

210
Talk Zone / Re: Aches and Pains (2019)
« on: June 03, 2019, 12:41:36 pm »
Springer’s is encouraging.

Klay Thompson has a hamstring injury and might play Wednesday, how do they do that?

211
Talk Zone / Re: Aches and Pains (2019)
« on: May 30, 2019, 01:52:58 pm »
Breaking News: Doctors reveal that Carlos Correa's bones are made of cotton candy

Cecil Upshaw’s tearing up his finger on an awning after leaping up on a dare is one of my fave non-performance injury

212
Talk Zone / Re: Aches and Pains (2019)
« on: May 20, 2019, 10:41:32 am »
its a pain to see the amount of injuries they are adding up

Kemp played 2B at Vandy, he's better for the position than Gurriel

214
Talk Zone / Re: Spring Training 2019
« on: March 20, 2019, 05:18:30 pm »
I recently finished reading Astroball and I am very emotionally invested in a Correa bounce back season.

Read that book for my Christmas present. Every time Bregman was referenced, it was done with the phrase "who doesn't give a s---", which told me nothing regarding his season which was pivotal to our late success in 2017.

215
Talk Zone / Re: Changes to the game coming this year??
« on: February 06, 2019, 12:54:56 pm »
Just reported via Ken Rosenthal that the players association has requested that the DH be implemented league wide before the start of the upcoming 2019 season. It was part of proposed changes exchanged between the MLBPA and MLB in January. The league wants a 3 batter minimum for relief pitchers when pitching changes are made.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Universal dh? That’s nice. Does McCullers get his 2019 season back?

216
Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster (New & Improved)
« on: January 06, 2019, 03:26:29 pm »
From Chandler:

The Astros traded J.D. Davis and Cody Bohanek to the Mets for minor leaguers Ross Adolph, Luis Santana and Scott Manea.

And:

Luis Santana is a second baseman who was ranked No. 24 in MLBPipeline's Top 30 Mets prospects. Scott Manea is a catcher who was a Single-A All Star last season. Ross Adolph is a 2018 draftee, outfielder, who was his team MVP in short season ball.

His statline:

https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=santan002lui

217
Talk Zone / Re: Car accident claims lives of Valbueana, Castillo
« on: December 07, 2018, 07:03:35 pm »
Persons arrested for robbing the crash victims.

Intentional rock throwing or placement to effect an accident and robbery afterwards

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/mlb/arrests-made-in-venezuela-crash-that-killed-ex-mlbers/ar-BBQEnPa?li=BBnbfcL

218
Talk Zone / Re: Ex Astros News 17-18
« on: August 29, 2018, 11:36:35 am »
JD Martinez flagged for five year old pro- 2nd amendment post with a photo of Hitler; MVP chances toast?

http://www.foxnews.com/sports/2018/08/29/red-sox-s-jd-martinez-cites-support-for-second-amendment-in-defense-hitler-post.html

219
Game Zone 2018 / Re: Astros at M’s - 8/1/18
« on: August 01, 2018, 04:21:58 pm »
Jake needed the comforts of some Fresno AAA women, who are probably far more seasoned slumpbusters than the bright and shiny sally-come-lately beauts that are chasing WS champs in the Houston metro area and know nothing of the struggle, adversity, and failure inherent in baseball.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

That explanation is as good as any to describe the season

220
Talk Zone / Re: Dear Astros: Please don’t acquire domestic abusers
« on: July 30, 2018, 05:58:03 pm »
I believe in redemption and second chances. Each case and decision should turn on a thorough investigation which includes not only the facts surrounding the incident but also the player’s actions and conduct after. No absolute rule based solely on criminal history; case by case decision not related to baseball.
.

Luhnow’s said as much. In the future, teens with 92 mph fastballs will be evaluated to see if they’re “woke” at a tender age

221
Talk Zone / Re: Up the middle
« on: July 30, 2018, 11:49:09 am »
Not going anywhere. There was a point last season where we were down a few starting pitchers and persevered. I have faith in Luhnow and Co. to get what we need.

Agree, we were in greater trouble last year. Question, is Correa a better physical fit at a different position? Less prone to injury?

222
Talk Zone / Re: Offensive Futility
« on: July 22, 2018, 11:25:49 am »
I could be wrong [emoji12], and I have no data to back up what I’m about to say. To me, it seems like at home we are not near as aggressive at the plate as we are on the road. Again, I could be imagining that. It seems like we watch a lot more fastballs at home versus on the road. To me, if we would be more aggressive early in the count at home, we wouldn’t be talking about this near as much.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Today's NYT Noticed what we've seen much of the season.

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/21/sports/baseball/houston-astros-playoff-races.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Fsports&action=click&contentCollection=sports&region=rank&module=package&version=highlights&contentPlacement=8&pgtype=sectionfront

223
Game Zone 2018 / Re: Astros @ Indians - Sunday, May 27th
« on: May 27, 2018, 05:06:17 pm »
Astros finally put out of their misery.

What a fucking shit show by the bullpen.

And play in Yankee Stadium at 11:30am

224
Game Zone 2018 / Re: Astros @ Indians, May 25, 2018
« on: May 25, 2018, 09:37:51 pm »
He absolutely obliterated that pitch.

And that, gentlemen, is vaunting.

225
Talk Zone / Re: Trevor Bauer
« on: May 23, 2018, 01:23:58 pm »

226
Game Zone 2018 / Re: Rangers @ Astros , May 11, 2018
« on: May 11, 2018, 10:23:45 pm »
B9:

Kela in to try to close it...

Gurriel chops weakly to 3B on the first pitch
Bregman 3-0...takes a strike...takes another on the corner...walks
Marwin...quickly down 0-2...whiffs. Carved. Up
McCann takes a fastball down the middle for a ball...Chirinos blocked the ump...ball 2...3-0...green light swinging foul...swings through a pitch in his eyes...full count...pops out to shallow LF

Astros put out of their misery 1-0...only offense is a seeing eye ground ball.

A no hitter would have been nearly therapeutic. The 1969 team went 4-20 in April, was no hitted by Cincy’s Jim Maloney, had a retaliatory no no from Don Wilson the next day, and finished at .500.

227
Talk Zone / Re: Rock bottom?
« on: April 21, 2018, 10:56:57 am »
Astros back in first in AL West.

Quite a feat given the unnatural climate under which these players are obligated to perform. Is this the NBA? 

https://www.wsj.com/articles/brrrrrr-frozen-baseball-should-cut-games-1524151929?mod=searchresults&page=1&pos=1

228
Talk Zone / Re: Rusty Staub in the bottom of the ninth
« on: March 03, 2018, 05:31:38 pm »
Well, crap. Loved Rusty. Even had a garage band named The Rusty Staubs for a short time. Man I really hated Spec Richardson and Donn Clendenon.

Bowie Kuhn should have vioded the deal, but had Montreal throw in a couple of pitchers, one of them passable. Richardson was just getting started, a process which ended with the cellar team of 1975

229
Talk Zone / Re: Verlander very nicely tells Christopher Russo...
« on: February 15, 2018, 12:26:18 pm »
That was pretty much exactly how Game 6 went.  Marwin's incredibly unlikely home run changed the course of history and is in my opinion the most significant moment in franchise history.

Agree, it was equivalent to pulling back the curtain in "The Wizard of Oz". LA was invincible until that moment

230
Talk Zone / Re: hof
« on: January 25, 2018, 12:50:23 pm »
Hoffman, Guerrero, Chipper, Thome

So how many early 90s HOF Braves are in to garner one World series championship?

231
Talk Zone / Re: Your favorite moment
« on: December 07, 2017, 11:26:26 am »
Not a postseason game, but sometime in August or September, Houston was trailing late in the game when Altuve beat out an infield hit and singlehandedly won the game with his baserunning. To me, the MVP was his that day. Anyone know which game that was? I’d like to see that on Youtube if available, thx

233
Talk Zone / Re: Game 7
« on: November 03, 2017, 06:21:23 am »

234
Talk Zone / Re: Thank You
« on: November 02, 2017, 08:07:03 pm »
Game seven looks just as good on MLB network replay as it did in the original. So happy to have a community of fellow fans to live and die with. I became a fan in 1968, a bequethed victory from my father with whom I traveled by Greyhound bus to and from New Orleans to see Rusty Staub and the Expos in 1969 and the Pirates with Clemente in 1970. He died in 1989; a championship unrealized. I was by myself watching the game, but I thought of my dad often and the excitement and joy he took in following this team. I know he was with me last night. I am happy to have this community to share my love for the Astros, those responsible for this website, and the knowledge and humor of the many posters who had so many low moments which finally ended in victory. Much love to you all.

235
Papi Laid his hands on Bregs and blessed him with more world championships. It was Yodaish

236
So Fox Sports turned into the Hallmark Channel?

237
Greatest and best sportsfan sequence of my life. Bigger than my hometown Saints, or my alma mater’s two cfb nat championships

239
One more, make it come true

240
Dodger fans looked a wee worried

241
No dugout dance?

242
How do you spell Bellinger?


KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK

243
Could be interesting

244
I have literally no idea who Mary Hart is.

She buffed the reputations of Weinstien, et al

245
What do you suppose would have happened if the Astros intentionally walked Barnes in the bottom of the last inning? Would it have been worth the run risk to get rid of Kershaw?

Make them earn every base

246
Chuckles out for inning five

247
Pederson didn’t celebrate?

248
Puig had to stand and admire his handiwork

249
We’re pretty lucky that dodgers dont have a run

Care to retract the bbg-offending post?

250
Not one of those "strikes" called on Yuli was actually in the zone.

A healthy hpu assist

251
Bury.Them.Now.

252
Talk Zone / Re: Game 7
« on: November 01, 2017, 11:05:13 am »
Gloomy? I remember the playoffs against the Phils, Mets, Braves, and Royals, and the ChiSox sweep. A win tonite, and we’re World Champions. I am steeled for victory.

253
He is absolutely lost up there. Falling down backwards.

Maybin?

254
Jansen barely worked up a sweat in that inning

255
This bullpen makes more bad 0-2 and 1-2 pitches than I can stand.

A world championship-caliber team should have a serviceable bullpen at a minimum

257
Jansen for two I bet

258
Who pitches bottom 7th?

259
More relief pitcher churning

260
Prefer Game 5 Morrow to the previous versions.

Today’s WSJ said Morrow begged Roberts to go in. Sunday; Roberts said OK

261
A slam, I can dream, can’t I?

262
Jon Hamm must be observing Justin for when he plays him in the Astros movie,

Including the love scenes with Kate? She played a nun in the Three Stooges movie, a film I loved

263
Yuli getting lotsa boos, how come?

264
Dodgers fans find a microaggression, lol

265
I have picture of a 4 year old me with a Colt .45s shirt on. My grandfather and father didn't live to see the Astros in the W.S.

They're watching too.

I want them to win for those fans. My dad LOVED this team

266
Here's to you and your dad! Go Astros!

He passed on in 1989. He was a semi-pro player, 2nd base. I couldn’t do the athletic thing, so being a fan is the next best thing. I’ve thought of him a lot this month

267
Fifty years a fan. Father was a fan from the outset and passed it to me. He’s watching.

268
So it’s Janson

269
Hair on fire

270
Lol

271
Bb

272
Woot!

273
Need more runs

274
It’s like watching a Big 12 football game on a scoring bender

275
Hbp, really?

276
Mouthing off like that, throw his ass out

277
Good

278
Redemption

279
Springer leads off

280
We should beat up on them solely because Bellinger did his punk finger to the mouth gesture after his hr.

281
Altuve has seen him enough to hit him.

He should, he’s overdue

282
So much for the “Giles is good for one inning” theory

283
Wood is over 70 pitches through 5.  I don't think he's long for the game..

He looks like Kerry Wood on opening day so far

284
Talk Zone / Re: Yuli Suspension?
« on: October 28, 2017, 04:56:26 pm »
Where’s the justice?  https://m.imgur.com/2640cNh

285
Talk Zone / Re: Yuli Suspension?
« on: October 28, 2017, 08:36:01 am »
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1X5_QLKX-6s

The offending gesture, replete with virtue posturing. Cap Anson is in the HOF, and nobody acts on his effect on the game's racial makeup.

287
Termite to the plate

289
Bellinger did his best Judge impression tonite

290
That was one happy Dodger who nearly gave up a grand slam

291
It’s time!

292
I like watching Puig the f word up

293
Just one run, hopefully Lance can keep control of pitches

296
Time for an intentional walk?

297
Like Puig’s showoff throw, Springer up

298
I see Yu, and he looks mighty tenses

299
That was ball four

302
We have 12 hits to their two

303
Want more, fuck LA

304
Watched it down the middle

305
Mr entertainment at bat

306
First pitch

307
Saving offense for Minute Maid?

309
What a $240 million payroll gets you

310
Oh Puig you are so silly and refreshing.

He could Joe Buck a lapdance and chew his bat

311
Pressing like Springer

312
And nice to see homeless man hit one on the ground.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

FIFY

313
Clemente did it better

314
How the fuck can a ball bounce off his head and go straight to the left fielder?

My father thought the Dodgers the luckiest team in baseball exhibit A

315
May have to pitch a shutout unless we figure Hill out by inning four

316
A James Hardenesque playoff performance

317
Kershaw is good, so this is not surprising.  But they must figure out a way to hit on the road.


Radio sports guy picked LA solely because of that

318
Ump has dinner reservations.
[/quote

So do the players

319
This game is flying, as fast as 1960s contests

320
The Fox postgame panel will be insufferable

321
Talk Zone / Re: Non-fiction baseball book recommendations
« on: October 10, 2017, 03:49:53 pm »
"The Glory of Their Times" has always been my favorite baseball book. It was one of the first efforts using oral history to capture the voices of an entire era's players in their final years of memory.

322
Talk Zone / Re: MLB.com writers favorite baseball books
« on: March 13, 2015, 06:17:10 pm »
I was surprised by the scant notice paid to The Glory of Their Times, there. Incredible collection of oral history from the days when they all had jobs in the offseason.

Still love The Curious Case of Sidd Finch.



Glory of Their Times is the best book ever written on baseball. The taped oral history is also available.

323
Talk Zone / Re: Cardinals' Oscar Taveras
« on: October 29, 2014, 06:14:59 am »
In case anyone isn't reading the GZ...Cardinal outfielder Oscar Taveras killed in a car accident in the Dominican Republic.  He was 22.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2014/10/26/cardinals-outfielder-oscar-taveras-dies-in-car-accident/17977685/

You can Youtube the DR media account. That car was crushed

324
Mejdal is the NASA engineer I believe. They also reference a physicist who seems to be Mr. Fast.

Mejdal is the NASA engineer quoted in the article. There are also data scientists, engineers, and a physicist, all unnamed. Quoted: "Luhnow has surrounded himself with a flock of adherents, including engineers, consultants, data scientists, and a physicist"

326
Talk Zone / Re: Radical Ways Paint Astros As 'Outcast'
« on: May 24, 2014, 08:32:27 pm »
That's pretty cool that Bud Norris said the Astros are definitely the Outkast of major league baseball right now, so is Luhnow Andre3000 and Sig Megdal Big Boi? Or maybe Mike Elias is Big Boi?

Andre 3000 plays the Jimi Hendrix on the verge of stardom in a film to be released shortly

http://www.rollingstone.com/movies/videos/see-andre-3000-as-jimi-hendrix-in-clip-from-all-is-by-my-side-biopic-20140306

327
Talk Zone / Re: Radical Ways Paint Astros As 'Outcast'
« on: May 24, 2014, 06:34:23 pm »
Seems like the Astros are dammed if they do and dammed if they don't. 




Is Spec Richardson still available?

328
Talk Zone / Re: is it madness to bat springer 4th
« on: May 02, 2014, 07:14:56 pm »

http://www.spikesnstars.com/2001/12/10/a-hot-stove-in-the-dugout/#more-60

that article has my thoughts on a batting order, which I believe to be the traditional thoughts on it.

#3 best hitter
#4 best power/HR
#5 best RBI
#s 6 and 7 can also be RBI slots

My opinion on the order qualities:

#4 power hitter, prone to clutch hitting
#5 similar to #4, with a lower BA and higher SO relative to #4 hitter. Hits with power
#6 Should have lead off capacity, with fewer SBs and BBs relative to #1
#7 Similar skills to #2, good hit and run capability
#8 and  #9 worst hitters on team, prefer contact capability

#5 works for me re Springer. Anointing him the hitting savior of a team with a BA of 0.225 is undue pressure. That's as high in the order as I'd put him at this point

329
Talk Zone / Re: is it madness to bat springer 4th
« on: May 02, 2014, 02:25:51 pm »
I question the move as well.  The guy was held in the minors past the point of having anything to prove then put in one of the most high pressure spots to hit in the order...brought along slowly only to be thrown into the fire?  I am far from a great baseball mind, but I figured he would bat 5 or 6.  Then again, there could be far less of a difference between AAA and Big League pitching than I imagine there being.

It is madness. He should be at 5-7 in the order.

330
Astros up 6-0 middle of the 4th.

Yankees suck, that is all

331
Talk Zone / Re: Spring TV Schedule
« on: March 08, 2014, 08:23:39 pm »
Blacked out on MLBN for me.  I'm so fucking sick of this.

Not on in OKC either. did errands instead.

332
Talk Zone / Re: I don't like the sounds of this.
« on: March 04, 2014, 11:47:18 am »
So where's Singleton?

He apparently has a strong marijuana habit, discussed in the Philly and OKC papers recently.

http://www.csnphilly.com/baseball-philadelphia-phillies/former-phillies-prospect-jon-singleton-details-drug-struggle

333
Talk Zone / Re: Projected Lineup/Depth Chart
« on: March 01, 2014, 09:23:52 pm »
Where's Springer?

I read he'll be held off the team until May to screw up his negotiating position when his contract is re-upped. Sounds about right to me, but someone can factcheck this.

335
Talk Zone / Re: HOF vote watch
« on: January 09, 2014, 11:51:26 am »
Thomas, coincidentally, believes that he’s one of the reasons some players might have turned to steroids and the like.

“I think I was one of those guys that made a few guys go that direction, because of the size and the strength of a football player playing baseball,” Thomas said. “I don’t fault anyone, I really don’t fault anyone for what they did, but, hey, I did it the right way.”

guy didn't use his glove for most of his career.....what happened to stolen bases, great base running, fielding your position...oh I wanna be big like Frank Thomas...pass the roid bottle...grrrr

NPR's "Sports reporter" (yes, there is one) justified the selections on their "All Things Considered" program yesterday, saying Thomas started BIG as an Auburn FB player, and that Maddox and Glavine were "clean". Dave Zerin of the Nation magazine weighs in on the post-election carnage.

http://www.thenation.com/blog/177860/baseball-hall-fame-vote-edge-sports-post-mortem

336
Talk Zone / Re: HOF vote watch
« on: January 08, 2014, 02:14:38 pm »
pissed of does not describe

Bobby Cox had two HOF pitchers in his rotation and won one WS. What an underachiever. And let Frank Thomas stand next to Craig Biggio, and the voters decide that Biggio is juicing. Awesome.

337
Talk Zone / Re: RIP Ed Herrmann
« on: December 24, 2013, 10:55:54 pm »
Prostate cancer. Dammit.

Had a good career with the ChiSox. Sad Day, and right before Christmas.

338
Talk Zone / Re: Proposal to ban home plate collisions advances
« on: December 16, 2013, 12:28:44 pm »
If you consider Miguel Cabrera a marginal doofus, then yes, yes he was.

Castro was actually the runner, Cabrera the 1B and he fucked up fielding the infielder's throw somehow, if I recall, causing Castro to step on the bag awkwardly while avoiding a last-second swipe tag.

Point taken, some research before heading out the door would help. These clubs want their investments (players) protected, so behavior condoned previously doesn't work now. Posey went out on a block, so the threat exists. It ruined their title defense all year.

339
Talk Zone / Re: Proposal to ban home plate collisions advances
« on: December 16, 2013, 09:45:14 am »
It's easily the most exciting play in sports.  It also seems stupidly dangerous.

Is this because of Pete Rose?  Is this his important contribution to the game of baseball?

Ray Fosse was the AL equivalent to Johnny Bench; the most promising young catcher in the league. His career ended on the All Star play for which Pete Rose is lauded. The catcher is analogous to a quarterback, and losing a prime catcher as has happened to Posey and Castro recently makes your team worse. It's not an issue of wussification; rather, it's protecting an investment. Castro was taken out by some marginal doofus in spring training, as I recall.

340
Ah, I forgot about Justice, although that was probably years after his Braves period.

David Justice was married to Halle Berry, the stories of which indicate he should get a pass for any real or alleged behavior given her mental state as he reported it.

341
Talk Zone / Re: Game Over, Season Over
« on: September 30, 2013, 04:30:11 pm »
I'll believe it when I see it. I need visible signs.

By himself, how many wins is George Springer worth? Singleton didn't exactly light up AAA, so Springer is the only quality addtion at this point. Another consecutive100-loss season ties the 62-65 Mets.

342
Talk Zone / Re: Bleacher Report Speculates on a Selig Retirement
« on: September 26, 2013, 09:23:34 pm »
Bob Costas

Yes, a self-righteous scold on the heels of willful steroid ignorance would be the ticket!!

343
Talk Zone / Re: Bleacher Report Speculates on a Selig Retirement
« on: September 26, 2013, 05:20:42 pm »
You don't think his successor hasn't been hand picked by FYB?  It'd be a simple process:

FYB:  "Who's a bigger asshat around here than me?"

Next commish: Keith Olbermann, LOL

345
Talk Zone / David Wright: All Star Among Cougars
« on: June 13, 2013, 10:54:45 pm »
Management finds a novel venue to boost his All Star game vote tally, but even Cougars have standards. Idea is deep-sixed before getting off the ground

http://espn.go.com/new-york/mlb/story/_/id/9384437/new-york-mets-asked-dating-website-promote-david-wright-all-star-game

346
The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: 2013 Draftees and Status
« on: June 06, 2013, 07:09:09 pm »
I really like Luhnow.  He just seems to know what he is talking about.

Baseball America's pre-draft issue last week had Appel as the most MLB-ready pitcher. The last overall #1 we've drafted was Floyd Bannister, who never really panned out. Appel stayed for his SR year at Stanford, so he's cheaper this time, according to the synopsis BA mag has on him.

347
Talk Zone / Draft Thursday Night
« on: June 05, 2013, 08:52:11 pm »
An article from mlb.com. Houston apparently will not let Jonathan Grey's positive Adderall test prevent his high draft status, but his bonus might drop as a result. I live in OKC, and the official response from Grey's coach Sonny Galloway and the OU community is "what Adderall?"

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130605&content_id=49663144&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb

348
Kerry Wood's 20-K game is now on YouTube.

I remember reading somewhere, that on some statistical model devised to measure such things, this was perhaps the most dominant pitching performance in MLB history. I saw this game on TV and it reminded me of Doc Gooden's Astros' debut which was similarly memorable.

349
Talk Zone / Re: RIP Grady Hatton
« on: April 15, 2013, 08:43:38 pm »
I didn't realize Jimmy Wynn had written a book... Anyone here read it? Is it good? He was before my time as an Astros fan, and I could stand to learn more about that time period in Houston's history.

I read it. It's full of the "I'm grateful to have had the wonderful life I've lived" and belongs more in the sports inspirational category rather than the tell-all genre. There's not much of the latter. Jim Bouton's book says more about the Harry Walker era team than any other.

350
Talk Zone / Re: RIP Grady Hatton
« on: April 13, 2013, 10:55:40 pm »
Dixie Walker?

Dixie Walker was the one with the race problem. Harry Walker had other issues related to personnel management.

351
Talk Zone / Re: RIP Grady Hatton
« on: April 13, 2013, 03:05:50 pm »
Harry Walker tried to turn Rusty Staub into a singles hitter. Jim Bouton's book showed the utter contempt in which his players held him

352
Talk Zone / Re: New Cover Story Arcticle on the Astros
« on: March 28, 2013, 04:11:54 pm »
Dance with the horse that brought you.

The inevitable A-Rod salary exceeding that of the entire Astros' payroll.

http://www.cnbc.com/id/100601269

353
Talk Zone / Re: Jim Crane, master of public relations
« on: March 15, 2013, 11:01:33 am »
That has to be ranked in the top ten most tone-deaf owner's remarks of all time. I can't wait to see how and what he says to undo this damage. Douchebag. And I was backing him before this boneheaded remark too.

The Wall St Journal in which the remark is made. The new broadcast contract gives them the money they seek. A $25 million payroll barely reaches that of A-Rod

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324532004578358762117791922.html

354
Talk Zone / Re: Astros Bright Future
« on: March 07, 2013, 12:52:36 pm »
People love to project the present far into the future.  Such folly.

Seriously, with Hugo Chavez dead, does that open up the Venezuelan baseball academies again?

355
Talk Zone / Re: The AL West is going to be a bitch
« on: January 29, 2013, 03:20:46 pm »
Not enough depth, too many holes, not enough arms, especially starters. They're getting there.

The Sporting News Baseball Preview magazine just hit the stands, and a better-than-expected campaign by their measure is less than 100 losses. They said the Mets' '62 120 loss season is reachable, so there are the parameters for success and failure in 2013.

356
Talk Zone / Re: Roberto Clemente
« on: December 16, 2012, 11:15:42 am »
One of my baseball, and for that matter non-baseball heros.  This NYE, it will be 40 years since his death.  ESPN put out a darn good piece on the bat that was used for the 3,000th, and last, hit of his career.  As the article suggests, I imagine that a lot of game used memoriabilia has similar stories attached.  It's worth the read...

http://espn.go.com/espn/story/_/page/Roberto-Clemente-bat/enduring-mystery-roberto-clemente-bat



Horrible day. My father broke the news to me. Cried like a baby. One of my heroes, and a magnificent player to watch.

357
Talk Zone / Re: A Stroll Down Astros Memory Lane
« on: October 02, 2012, 11:43:36 am »
He just forgot...


The JR Richard Stroke and media commentary leading up to that event should have been on this list.

358
Talk Zone / Re: Happy Trails.....
« on: August 21, 2012, 11:03:22 am »
For who?

LOL, I'm still deciding! My dilemma is, will the 2013 Astros be more lovable than the '62 Mets? They had Casey Stengel, who is  unavailable, but Don Zimmer is comfortably in retirement and could rise to the challenge.

359
Talk Zone / Re: Happy Trails.....
« on: August 21, 2012, 08:25:44 am »
The close with 3 at the Cubs, right?

Well that's a sweep right there!

360
Talk Zone / Re: Happy Trails.....
« on: August 21, 2012, 07:25:38 am »
I'll take the "over" (but I had to think about it some).

The Spiders are too remote to draw any comparisons. The '62 Mets went 40-120, so that's the benchmark upon which the baseball world will be fixated in 2013.

361
Talk Zone / Re: Happy Trails.....
« on: August 20, 2012, 11:53:52 am »
I agree. You can't make chicken salad out of chicken shit. A Larry Dierker-type hire would be very much welcomed, but I don't see it happening.

Larry Dierker was quoted in today's lengthy USA Today article on how long the turnaround would take. He replied, "three to 20 years".

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/nl/astros/story/2012-08-19/woeful-astros-in-long-haul-rebuild/57148082/1

362
Talk Zone / Re: Happy Trails.....
« on: August 19, 2012, 08:34:39 pm »
Well considering they are beginning the search process immediately, I don't see any reason to wait around.  The front office has made it obvious that they are not wasting any time trying to get this thing on track. 

So I can anticipate a rapid turnaround and a competitive product on the field shortly? Who will be the lucky man who takes the helm on this impending juggernaut?

More importantly, will MLB-level prices will be charged to watch AAA and some AA players flail against Texas and Los Angeles next season? Bowie Kuhn rejected an A's trade back in the day to maintain competitive balance, but this team will be cannon fodder for a while, perhaps a long while. Bud Selig witnesses all of this , and pronounces it good.




363
Talk Zone / Re: Happy Trails.....
« on: August 19, 2012, 03:36:09 pm »
I hate when that happens.

One day when I got home from school, I saw my father sitting by the kitchen radio looking as if someone shot his dog, and we didn't even own one. When I inquired as to why he was so disconsolate, he said Morgan was traded,and that Cincy just got guaranteed WS victories.

My dad was a former semi-pro player, and knew the sport inside and out. He saw a host of Astro talent leave during that period.

364
Talk Zone / Re: Happy Trails.....
« on: August 19, 2012, 03:10:45 pm »
Anyone who would want to make a kick ass salary and be the manager of a major league baseball team.

This made me LOL. Now I have Spec Richardson flashbacks.

365
Talk Zone / Re: Happy Trails.....
« on: August 19, 2012, 08:20:58 am »
"If we fire him/them now, we can show the fans we are really serious about having the best AAA team in the AL West next year."

Absolutely, it's like having putting a division II football team into division I play, and expecting a national championship. Could Mills have been used by Boston, instead of the manic Valentine?

366
Talk Zone / Re: A picture is worth a thousand words
« on: August 09, 2012, 08:31:02 am »
But I think you missed the sarcasm.

Perhaps. When Bowie Kuhn was commissioner, he vetoed an Athletics' trade which he deemed not in baseball's best interest. Since Bud Selig has remained silent in the face of the fourth biggest American city seeing its baseball team converted into a AAA-level talent, I can only surmise he has a vested interest in a perhaps decade-long demise of an in-division rival. Enriching Atlanta, NYY, and Philadelphia are but side bonuses.

And next year, they lose their league identity, playing two time zones removed and against Texas, a ward of the state, and Los Angeles, where we'll be charged with sustaining and prolonging the career of their septugarian slugger.

Did that pass the sarcasm meter test?

367
Talk Zone / Re: A picture is worth a thousand words
« on: August 09, 2012, 07:30:57 am »
I don't know what's so fucking funny about all this. The Astros were once a proud, premier organization and now they are nothing more than a well-deserved source of national ridicule. The previous owner (idiot fraud) and current owner (racist, sexist war profiteer) collaborated and capitulated to piss away fifty years of history. Now despite the bizarre and deluded fantasies that several of you insist on maintaining the team is making a soberingly serious run at distinguishing itself in modern-day futility.

So yuck it up, necks, and be sure to buy the new caps and jerseys when they release them next winter.

It's gallows humor, a way to cope with what you know is happening and are simultaneously repulsed and intrigued in the same way we view car wrecks on the highway. I've followed the team since 1968, and share your sentiments.

368
Talk Zone / Re: A picture is worth a thousand words
« on: August 08, 2012, 08:18:01 pm »
Without the spit-ball, yes, probably would.  With the spit-ball, the dead ball era Spiders might be hard to beat.

Since we're discussing some Spiders trivia, some background on that team is in order. From Bill James' Historical Abstract, the owners skipped spring training, and instead worked out of a gym in Terre Haught, Indiana. Because home attendance was so bad, they embarked on the road for the last two months, finishing 20-134, with 101 losses on the road, and 1-34 after Sept 1.

From Dan Okrent's book "Ultimate Baseball", Frank and Stanley Robison, owners of the Spiders, were inspired by the Brooklyn club's example of shuttling the Orioles players to Brooklyn (owners had both teams) in order to make more money. The brothers bought the St Louis franchise and transferred Cleveland's stars westward. The poor performance of the Baltimore and Cleveland franchises led NL owners to pare the league to eight teams and abolish Loiuisville, Washington, Cleveland, and Baltimore. Louisville sent their players to Pittsburgh, including honus Wagner.

369
Talk Zone / Re: Still rewriting Astros History...
« on: February 22, 2012, 08:53:17 pm »
And now I think we've gotten to the bottom of it. Like a small child, I'm sure that Bud is thinking "if I can't have mine, they can't have theirs!".

I got it! A foolproof way to doublecross Selig and bring back the good ole days, since the booze Colt 45 meets with greater approval than the weapons 45sP. Reinvent the franchise with the House of David moniker, complete with a Christian amusement park similar to Astroworld.

http://james-a-watkins.hubpages.com/hub/The-House-of-David

370
Talk Zone / Re: Still rewriting Astros History...
« on: February 22, 2012, 07:00:35 am »
Weapon

Weapons


What are you waiting for, Bud?

You're showing an implement of Indigenous peoples used to subsist off their land, which was taken by the Colt 45-wielding melanin-deprived colonialists who sacked and pillaged the New World for their selfish ends. That's one theory why Bud is selective in his PC enforcement.

371
Talk Zone / Re: Change the name
« on: November 19, 2011, 08:39:54 am »
Nolan's Bitch

I Like This One. Fits on a bumper sticker. Succinct and to the point. But Nolan Ryan's excited, and that's what counts.

372
Talk Zone / Re: How did you become an Astros fan?
« on: November 17, 2011, 02:19:16 pm »
I began following the Astros daily back in 1968 when my parents gave me a portable transistor radio, and I followed Gene Elston and Loell Passe every night. I've been with them ever since.

Me too in 1968. I wa born and raised in New Orleans, where Rusty Staub came from. My father played semi-pro at 2B and followed Staub from his days at Jesuit High. He listened to their games on the radio, there in the kitchen corner with his beer, racing form, and cigars. I got interested in 1968, and have lived and died with that franchise ever since.

When Spec Richardson traded Morgan, et al, I came home and my father looked like he'd just found his dog shot. He predicted three WS for Cincinatti. That was the last of numerous bad trades he committed.

It was in 1986 when it dawned on me that the Mets were satanic. I beleive we squandered our best teams during the Dierker era, never solving the mystery of Atlanta's pitching. I was, strangely, never enamored of Nolan Ryan, thinking he was never really one of us. My fears have been born out.

This is extraordinarily difficult. I prided myself on my National Leaue affiliation and never dreamt we'd be forced to join the AL.

373
Talk Zone / Re: What's a half-century of tradition worth?
« on: November 17, 2011, 08:26:40 am »
What were the circumstances surrounding Selig's putting his daughter in charge of the Brewers, sending them to the NL, and thereby ultimately trading houston for Milwaukee in the NL Central? As a fan of the NL and the Astros dating back to 1968, I am heartbrokken and angry. I've always viewed the NL as the superior league on many levels, and cannot abide watching the AL even on my best days.

374
Talk Zone / Re: Gammons: Bagwell deserves Hall of Fame call
« on: January 07, 2011, 03:32:55 pm »
The BBWAA intelligentsia has already begun emitting this crap as a preemptive strike against charges of hypocrisy when they gleefully enshrine A-Rod on the first ballot.  Some dork was on MLBTV immediately after the votes were released.  After defending leaving Bagwell off his ballot (against some fairly stiff on-air criticism) he was asked point-blank about A-Rod:  "I imagine what most voters, including myself, will do is look at a player's career and separate the pre-steroid numbers from the steroid numbers and vote acordingly. That makes A-Rod, as well as Clemens and Bonds, no-brainers".  How the hell does anyone know when A-Rod starting juicing?

He went on to state a couple of times "a Baseball Hall of Fame without Bonds, Clemens, and A-Rod is unthinkable".  If this guy's take represents a significant portion of the voters, all of the "they can forget Cooperstown" talk in regard to Bonds and Clemens might have been wrong.



A-Rod admitted to steroids while he was with Texas, and stopped when he realized it was wrong. That doesn't count as baseball exposure since he's been "clean" with the Yankees, and his Texas tenure was merely a high-priced rental until he found himself, in pinstrips.

I await the writers' mental contortions to square HIS induction rationale.

375
Talk Zone / Re: RIP Harry Kalas
« on: April 14, 2009, 05:00:56 pm »
I don't remember who described it as such, but part of the thrill of listening to baseball on the radio is that in your mind's eye, each play is elevated by your imagination; every fly ball to centerfield invokes Willie Mays going back in the World Series.

I recall from Ken Burns' series that Red Barber was appalled at the call Russ Hodges made on the Thompson HR. Barber called the play straight and objectively. Hodges injected himself into the action and became part of the story. We've devolved that way.  

376
Talk Zone / Re: Dammit, a Trifecta in Play
« on: April 13, 2009, 05:17:48 pm »
Please combine threads . Thanks.

377
Talk Zone / Dammit, a Trifecta in Play
« on: April 13, 2009, 05:17:04 pm »

378
Talk Zone / Re: RIP Harry Kalas
« on: April 13, 2009, 05:13:27 pm »


Wow. Six years in Houston cutting his teeth. It didn't seem like that long.

He was the same type of announcer while at houston. He had the middle three innings after Lowell Pass, with Gene Elston doing the first and last two innings. They complemented each other well, given that Kalas had a calm demeanor contrasted with Pass' excitability. This is a sad day and week in general.

379
Talk Zone / Re: RIP Dave Smith
« on: December 18, 2008, 05:10:26 pm »
More sadness. This has been a tough year.

Agree, this year can't end soon enough. He was money in the division winning year. RIP, best Astro closer

380
Talk Zone / Re: In the least surprising news of the day:
« on: February 18, 2008, 03:31:08 pm »
The Astros had their sights on Tejada for a long time. It could be that it wasn't until the Mitchell Report was imminent, and the Astros and Orioles both had a pretty good idea of what was in there, that the Orioles were finally willing to accept a package that the Astros were willing to offer. Maybe the Astros got a break because they were getting potentially damaged (from a reputational perspective) goods.

I agree with this. Tejada had a "low sell by" date when Houston acquired him. I was going around scratching my head why he's be acquired the day before the Mitchell report cam out. This explanation makes sense.

381
Talk Zone / Re: Recommendation: Forego punishment....
« on: December 14, 2007, 12:45:13 pm »
Wow, I expected the MLB to say this, but for Mitchell to recommend it means that is what this whole witch hunt turns out to be.  A whole lot of nothing other than show that steroids is rampant, so do something about changing the climate MLB and MLBPA.

That is all, don't punish anyone... play ball.

You gotta believe that was already know by those making deals like the one Houston made yesterday.  No one is going to be penalized from the report.

What mystifies me is Mitchell's plea to correct the problem and provide a sort of amnesty, after which he just publicized the names of his own steroid contact list from two NYC-based clubhouse employees. Were Mitchell still in government, and he used the same method to sully the careers of longtim and key political figures, McCartyism cries would ring down from the rafters.

My question is, was there any value in naming names? If the goal is to eradicate the problem, what wiggle room or compromise could the parties reach? And lastly, could this revelation put the owners and players on the same page?

382
Talk Zone / Re: Clemens a Yankee
« on: May 06, 2007, 09:39:19 pm »
Oh yeah I knew that right off the bat.  It was so bad Hendricks couldn't even come close to making it make any sense.  I think Twinkie put it best in the Lackey Rag:

"With this Rocket situation there's two kinds of people: people that are not surprised and morons," Lance Berkman said after the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Astros 3-1 at Busch Stadium. "Where else was he going to go? He wasn't going to come back here. From the moment Pettitte signed with the Yankees, there was 100 percent certainty that that's where he was going."

$800,000 per start? Mercy. When money's no object, player selection doesn't have to be rocket science. A good god will keep NY out of the playoffs. Clemens is Albert Schweitzer compared to Beltran. There's your gold standard for assholery.

383
Talk Zone / Re: Joe Morgan is a douche
« on: April 30, 2007, 05:30:14 pm »
To me though, Little Joe is still one of the faces of the Astros. Call me biased.

I got home from school, and my father was listless, looking as though someone shot the family dog. When I asked why he was so glum, he cited the Cincy trade which occurred that day, and predicted three WS triumphs for the Reds. He got two.

He's not a face of the Astros to me because the thought is too disconcerting. Houston traded a host of talented young players during the GM reign of Spec Richardson.

384
Talk Zone / Re: Retire JR Richard Jersey (ESPN Page 2)
« on: April 08, 2007, 02:04:02 pm »

The problem with this line of thinking is that it renders retiring a number meaningless.  It already pretty much is with the Astros now.  When Jeff Bagwell has his number retired, it's going to be "so what?"  Let's face it, there is nothing special about the Houston Astros retiring your number.

The real value of a number retirement ceremony is as a marketing effort. Richard appeals to Baby Boomers of a certain age, and his prior homeless status lends human interest to the story, making it a can't miss opportunity to acknowledge the best RHP in baseball for 2 1/2 years. If the honor is diluted by Bagwell joining a select group which includes Jim Umbricht, there is precedent. The Baseball HOF bestowed its honor to Babe Ruth and Ted Williams, and Joe Tinker and Johnny Evers.  The Houston standard may be promiscuously applied, but it exists.

385
Talk Zone / Re: Retire JR Richard Jersey (ESPN Page 2)
« on: April 07, 2007, 12:30:32 pm »
I totally agree that retired numbers in the Astro organization have less meaning than with probably every other MLB club. But what the hey. Who really gives a fuck what the Mets, Cubs, Reds, or Cards have done? The bar has been lowered and the genie ain't going back in the bottle. J. R. deserves the same recognition as Wilson & Umbricht. Just 'cause J. R. lived isn't an excuse not to honor him. Walt Bond died and didn't get his jersey retired, he did as much as Umbricht.

I agree with this take. I think we retire premature deaths and on-field excellence. When Elvis died, an entertainment agent called it a great career move. Numbers go to infinity, so why the heck not? Richard had a great run once the control issues were resolved. How he had the stroke is of no one's concern. He paid his debt, as it were.

386
Talk Zone / Re: Ripken, Gwynn (as expected) voted into HOF
« on: January 10, 2007, 11:14:04 am »
Quote:

I think it's a personal grudge because my sense is that the writers seem to feel "victimized" by the steroid era and this is another opportunity for them to wave their arms around and scream loudly.




This is my thought as well. It gives them a chance to posture. Two writers left their ballots blank, and one was interviewed on NPR's "All Things Considered" yesterday. He "couldn't be sure" that steroids were imbibed by any number of players, including the sainted Ripken and Gwynn. By that criterion, he should not cast any ballot for the HOF until this entire generation of players passes from the scene. It does represent an abrogation of his duties as a voter, and he should resign. You have to work with the info you have at the moment. Shall we revoke OJ Simpson and Ty Cobb's HOF memberships because they were bad people? The HOF of baseball is the most politicized entity around. To indulge a pet peeve; since Phil Rizzuto is in the HOF, so should Roger Metzger.

387
Talk Zone / Re: Bagwell to retire this week.
« on: December 15, 2006, 05:48:18 pm »
Quote:

Quote:

Well, that was kind of sad. But he looks good, and happy.




I was just watching the replay of Baggy's career.  It was great, but I was struck with the saddness that he's not ever going to play again for the Houston Astros or anyone else.

I think I'll allow myself just a moment of saddness, but for the longterm, it's all about how great he was and how privileged we were that he was a Houston Hero!

Now that is something to be very happy about!





He was one prospect Baseball America pegged accurately. Bill James thought he'd be an NL batting champion. I know Boston was in a race and needed pitching, but who was the Astro's GM who pulled the trigger on the deal? The trade imbalance on the Anderson deal nearly approaches that of the Christy Mathewson trade, which was also one-sided, 373 victories to zero.

388
Talk Zone / Re: "New York is Where God Wants Me"
« on: December 11, 2006, 11:52:03 am »
Quote:

?I?m excited to be going back to New York,? said Pettitte, who pitched for the Yankees from 1995 to 2003 and won four World Series titles. ?It?s where I need to be. ?Was it tough to make that decision? Yeah, especially after being in Houston in this laid-back lifestyle. I know New York is where God wants me and where he?s put me for this year. I?m just looking forward to helping them win another World Series. That?s the goal.?

 He really did.





What AP needed most in this moment of reflection were better cliches. Unfortunately, he didn't deliver.

389
Talk Zone / Re: Bagwell: A Historical Perspective
« on: November 04, 2006, 03:28:18 pm »
Quote:

Quote:



bagwell is the greatest 1b in NL history; i've said this for years. he deserves to go into the HoF five years from the date of his retirement.

 





These are my thoughts exactly. Greatest 1B in NL history, period. Third behind Gehrig and Foxx.

390
Talk Zone / Re: I guess for a few months..........
« on: October 28, 2006, 09:20:20 am »
Quote:

Quote:

Quote:

we have to call them the 1stinals. What a freakin ride for Jeff Weaver this year. I still hate them. But I think my hate for the AL is bigger and more uncontrollable. Screw your DH and All-Star wins.




Eh, I find the AL annoying but I just can't tolerate the Cardinals and a majority of the BFiB.  A peronality quirk of mine.




I'm more of a National League guy, so I'm glad the Cardinals won and we can stop hearing how the AL is so much better.  I'm mostly glad it's over so the Hot Stove League can begin.




I'm a National League guy too, except when the steMs are playing. Then I'd pull for Satan himself.

It ain't boasting if you've got the record to show for it, and the Cards are historically the best the NL can show.

391
Talk Zone / Re: RIP Joe Niekro
« on: October 28, 2006, 09:15:14 am »
Quote:

Yeah, sad news...only 61.




Sad news. condolences to his family. RIP

392
Talk Zone / Re: Did I just hear Joe Buck say....
« on: October 21, 2006, 01:24:34 pm »
Quote:

I hope the Cards win tonight. Man, I just hate the fuckin' Mets.




Same here. The only time in my life I was in agreement with Pete Rose on anything was in the 1973 Bud Harrelson "fight". The combination of Dykstra, Strawberry, Knight, and the loathsome Gary Carter was enough to judge them a team of Satan.

393
Talk Zone / Re: Shit. Anyone Got the News On?
« on: October 11, 2006, 06:33:08 pm »
Quote:

Quote:

Quote:

Is now. Corey Lidle dead.  




What a bizarre story.




I think you'll find when the NTSB gets done with it's investigation is that it's not that bizarre at all but rather simply one of pilot error.  Reports were that the plane had filed VFR but it was an overcast day in NY and that the plane came out of the clouds and hit the building.  It's entirely possible that this is closer to JFK Jr than anything else (spatial disorientation).  Pure speculation at this point though.




Sad. You'd think Steinbrenner would now put no fly clauses in his player contracts. There was apparently someone else on the plane.

394
Talk Zone / Re: It Could Be That The Astros Aren't Here....
« on: October 07, 2006, 10:37:14 am »
Quote:

I'm not sure why you're being a fucking jackass about this, but let's see if you can follow this:

I never said the teams shouldn't be IN the fucking playoffs, I said the series have been TERRIBLE, UNCOMPETITIVE BASEBALL.

Or would you like to try to put more words in my mouth and then be a prick about it?





The more teams allowed in the post-season, then there is  greater disparity between and the worse initial play. The NBA playoff system is the template for this type  of "competition".

The Astros aren't there, and while I am grateful for the wild card which has kept them from total oblivion, this is not your father's pennant race. Championship teams of old often has one or two HOFers in the lineup. Now, it's Julio Lugo with a championship ring shot. The turnstiles are jumping, and we'll take the watered-down postseason as the tradeoff.

395
Talk Zone / Re: Could Hollywood write this?
« on: May 19, 2006, 04:06:04 pm »
Quote:

Quote:

Even attributed material? (It does that the original source.) Sorry about that.




Yes, but you can edit your post.





This would have been a more salacious topic had he stuck to his original age.

396
Talk Zone / Re: Question for the old timers...
« on: May 18, 2006, 04:37:25 pm »
Quote:

Heard on the radio this morning that this was the first time the Stros have allowed 10+ runs in 3 straight games since '62.  Was 4 game series at Cincy; Stros scored 20 runs in those 3 games though (and won the 1st game of the series).

This was probably the worst series asskicking in team history.  Good times.





I go back to '68 and don't remember three consecutive double-digit losses. Single massive losses inbetween close games don't count.

397
Talk Zone / Re: Pink bats possible on Sunday.
« on: May 10, 2006, 07:51:26 pm »
Quote:

We're officially done as a nation.  Goddamn it all to hell and then some.




All true. The humanity.

398
Talk Zone / Re: The penis is mightier than the sword
« on: May 08, 2006, 06:44:36 pm »
Quote:

[

Now THAT is a thread killer.





Cesar Chavez Cedeno- A proported five tool farming phenom in Oklahoma City , he never lived up to his early promise, being felled by a series of mysterious injuries and a caterpillar bite while strong-arming a bushel of grapes into his boss Leonidas' truck. After accidently shooting his mistress, he marched incessantly for the cause of hypochondriasis and is the namesake for schools everywhere.

Peter Axl Rose- A youth who by his appearance and mannerisms embodied the phrase "look at me", he languished in the singles scene until butressed by a hard-hitting slashing support cast. Really hit the big time when he was welcomed to the jungle in Philadelphia. Flamed out rapidly when the career took a downturn, and was banned for behaving badly. Now appears on VH1's "Best Damned Music Retread Show", where he criticizes the current crop for being inauthentic.

399
Talk Zone / Re: Morgan being is usually egotistical self.
« on: May 08, 2006, 06:31:13 pm »
Quote:

In the first, he brings up Biggio's career numbers, saying they're great numbers.  He quickly follows by commenting that he's played many games away from the position at 2B and says something to the effect of, "It will be tough to decide how to look at his numbers considering he played in the OF and C."  He went on and on, driving home the point.  To me...he was trying to make the point that Bidge's numbers shouldn't count as a 2nd baseman and knowing Morgan, making sure everyone knows that you can't put Bidge's numbers along side his and compare.  

Am I reading a little too far into his comments?





He's allegedly turned down multiple managing opportunities, so even he realizes the limits of his ego. Being traded to Cincinnati was the greatest thing that ever happened to him. Spec Richardson set Houston back about a decade.

Morgan is proprietory about his status as the Greatest Second Baseman Ever. Bill James said so. It's a tremendous burden, so we must allow this indulgence.

400
Talk Zone / Re: Lidge ... not mentally recovered from post season
« on: April 30, 2006, 05:16:21 pm »
Quote:

he doesn't have it between the ears right now.




The Sunday NYT has an article today on the subject, quotes Garner, saying hitters are laying off Lidge's hard slider and that Lidge needs to get over the plate more often. According to Garner, there's no difference from two years ago, and that he needs to keep using him until Lidge gets back on track. Lidge says he needs to fix his fastball before adding a split-fingered fastball to his inventory. Lidge is healthy and he promises a turnaround.

Yes, the Pujols ICBM was lovingly quoted.

There is no link from the NYT website, necessitating the above verbiage. The paper's available at the Starbucks on your block.

401
Talk Zone / Re: Lidge ... not mentally recovered from post season
« on: April 26, 2006, 12:20:22 pm »
Quote:

Quote:

Quote:

Quote:

Quote:

Quote:

he doesn't have it between the ears right now.




How would any of us know whether Lidge's problems are mental?  You're making a rather large assumption here.

The reaction to your post isn't because other posters are "Lidge nuthuggers." It's because they don't buy your psychoanalyzing Lidge from your living room.




Implying psychological collapse in a relief pitcher fits the dramatic template fans and media all love to predict, were we imbued with Pete Gammons' power of analytical thought. It worked for Mitch Williams, but sadly, Mariano Rivera didn't assume a perpetual fetal position after the Arizona WS victory.

Lidge is fine. Who, or what is the alternative? Seven saves in April (and counting) translates to 45 or so by October. Frankie say, "Relax."




Yep. Fits the storyboard. Lidge gives up homer to Pujols to blow Game 5. Lidge never the same again. The end.

I just don't think it's mental untoughness that makes somebody walk Oscar Freaking Robles on four pitches to lead off the inning. It's a mechnical flaw or, at worst, lack of focus.

I was sitting behind the plate last night, and you could just see those balls coming in a few inches lower than he wanted them to be. Some small tweak, some small adjustment, and they catch the bottom of the knees, and Robles is sitting on the bench after that.




I'm not disputing that but the home plate ump was also a factor last night.  The guy was so inconcistant with the outside corner, against righties, that Mr. Ausmus (I call him Mr. out of respect!) let him have a piece of his mind on a horse shit strike call. ...




It's unseemly to quibble about the umps, mostly because usually it's best to just try and ignore them.  But last night I thought Nieve was unduly scrutinized.  In the pregame, Ausmus said his key was strikes on the corner.  They weren't giving him strikes on the corner.  By the 9th Brad had a number of issues to discuss with Mr Marquez.




That does it. I'm putting Nancy Grace on the case. Obviously guilty. Skip the trial, and go straight to the penalty phase.

402
Talk Zone / Re: Lidge ... not mentally recovered from post season
« on: April 26, 2006, 09:20:08 am »
Quote:

Quote:

he doesn't have it between the ears right now.




How would any of us know whether Lidge's problems are mental?  You're making a rather large assumption here.

The reaction to your post isn't because other posters are "Lidge nuthuggers." It's because they don't buy your psychoanalyzing Lidge from your living room.





Implying psychological collapse in a relief pitcher fits the dramatic template fans and media all love to predict, were we imbued with Pete Gammons' power of analytical thought. It worked for Mitch Williams, but sadly, Mariano Rivera didn't assume a perpetual fetal position after the Arizona WS victory.

Lidge is fine. Who, or what is the alternative? Seven saves in April (and counting) translates to 45 or so by October. Frankie say, "Relax."

403
Talk Zone / Re: Bagwell gonna return?
« on: April 23, 2006, 11:34:13 pm »
Quote:

Do you guys think Jeff Bagwell will return after surgery?




No, and I do have professional knowledge of the medical condition in question. To pose the scenario is insensitive at worst, and a cry for attention at best.

404
Talk Zone / Re: Poo-holes
« on: April 22, 2006, 06:57:00 pm »
Quote:

Put Carlos Lee on that list too.

I like the way Berkman does it. Just lays the bat at his feet. (Maybe so he can stumble over it when he returns?)





Jeff Leonard's "one flap down" was the epitome of HR grandstanding. At least we're not in NFL TD dance territory. The possibilities for roundtripper stunts are endless.

405
Talk Zone / Re: MLB closing in on Bonds
« on: April 20, 2006, 05:50:23 pm »
Quote:

Bonds was fined $5,000 for wearing wristbands that violated baseball's apparel rules because of their size and logo design...
Bonds has appealed the ruling, Bob Watson said.....

Watson also said Bonds had previously run afoul of baseball's uniform guidelines before.
"He's appealed it before," Watson said. "He's been fined before."
The Link





If the wristband don't fit, you must acquit.

406
Talk Zone / Re: Pretty much at a loss for words here...
« on: April 19, 2006, 03:08:13 pm »
Quote:

wow, if you think Biggio "excelled" in the OF, i have some swampland to sell you.




If I'm pushing someone for the HOF, hyperbole is my most effective weapon.  

407
Talk Zone / Re: Pretty much at a loss for words here...
« on: April 19, 2006, 01:53:34 pm »
Quote:

Or, the writer could just forget about the ignorant so-called defensive shortcomings and admit that if Biggio reaches 3000 hits, he will be a lock, period. Funny that he never mentioned Bidge changing positions several times.

Hornsby could have had an iron glove, no matter. He was the best RH hitter in history.





I read somewhere Hornsby couldn't catch popups. Biggio excelled at three positions.

What putrid offal. One 2B got in the HOF because he was mentioned in a stupid poem, and he played in Chicago. Another piggybacked on the 27 Yankees.

 

408
Talk Zone / Re: ESPN's Kurkjian praises Baggy
« on: April 03, 2006, 12:06:34 am »
Quote:

Quote:

If he had simply added 200 career SB's to those numbers...

Cobb
Bonds
Speaker
Bagwell





Now also add 400 career HR's:

Bonds
Bagwell

Wow. This tells me, more than anything, that Barry Bonds is in a class by himself. A combination of power and speed unmatched in baseball history.

And Jeff Bagwell is the only other man on that list. Fun with numbers!





One of the greats, undoubtedly. I remember being so excited when the Anderson trade was made, because he was garnering all sorts of positive reviews in Baseball America leading the Eastern League in hitting. Making the Astros the next spring seemed a foregone conclusion, and stopped the 1B merry go round after Glenn Davis left.

409
Talk Zone / Re: "the National League's best team"
« on: March 27, 2006, 09:26:02 pm »
Quote:

Quote:

"Welcome to the home of the National League's best team, where tradition reigns, expectations are high, the manager's mood tends to hinge on the results of today's game, and the players are conditioned to go along for the ride."

...guess who?

 The Link





The same team that this guy wishes had played in last year's World Series?





Duke is out of the NCAA, so the media has moved on to the April flavor of the month.

410
Talk Zone / Re: Bagwell = Hall of Fame
« on: March 27, 2006, 05:50:31 pm »
Quote:

Quote:

Quote:

Quote:

It is bizare to me that Bagwell was only an All Star 4 (FOUR?) times in his career.  I agree with others on a previous thread that he has an excellent chance to be viewed as the best NL 1b of all time. To have only four all star appearances is strange to me.




Perennial slow-starter.




Exactly.

And B-R is a great website... been on my favorites for a few years now.




Bagwell first gets selected in '94, and was last voted in in '97. He's selected onto '99, which is the last time he appears (and he starts with McGwire as DH, I think).  In '98 McGwire starts, and in 2001 Helton, then in 2004 Pujols.  You can argue about who's selected instead of voted, but that's not a bad list of 1st basemen over a decade.




Forgot about the broken hand. My bad. Bagwell needs to get into the HOF before Pujols rewrites the record book. All-star selections are not a good criterion, IMO. For years, the 25th spot on the team was accorded to the game's elder statesman (Mantle, Mays, etc). It was more important for the HOF prospects to appear in the WS.

411
Talk Zone / Re: Bagwell = Hall of Fame
« on: March 27, 2006, 08:57:59 am »
Quote:

Rookie of the Year in 1991

MVP 1994

Gold Glove winner

Perennial All-Star

Ranked in the top 50 all-time in 9 categories

Only first baseman with 400 HR's and 200 SB's

Twice went 30-30

Hit over .300 six times

One of only 27 players with 1500 RBI and 1500 Runs

One of only five players in baseball history with career totals of more than .290 400 HR 1500 RBI 1500 RUNS and 200 SB

6th most seasons of any player all-time of 30 HR 100 RBI 100 Run seasons with eight

Most seasons of any major league player ever with 30 HR 100 RBI 100 Runs 10 SB with seven


In my mind, there's no doubt. He's a Hall of Famer and right next to Craig Biggio as the greatest Astros ever.

If anyone has any more of these hall of fame type numbers, by all means, add on...





His MVP year was strike-shortened. Project his numbers to a full season and they're sick, in the modern definition of the word. Being in the Astrodome wasn't any gift to his hitting legacy either, to which Jimmy Wynn can attest.

412
Talk Zone / Re: Bagwell Retirement Announcement????
« on: March 26, 2006, 06:04:17 pm »
Quote:

Yeah he deserves to get in. His numbers resemble a hall of fame resume. The worst thing would be if somehow Frank Thomas got in and they ommitted Bags!




That will never happen in this universe. Bagwell certainly outranks Sisler, Terry, McCovey, and other pretenders to the all-time greatest NL 1B. McGwire was in the AL until 1997. If Bagwell played in NY, they'd name offspring after him. Jeff Bloomberg, Jeff Steinbrenner, Jeff Philbin, Jeff Giuliani- you get the idea.

413
Talk Zone / Re: Bagwell Retirement Announcement????
« on: March 25, 2006, 11:54:14 pm »
Quote:

HOF




Yep, greatest NL 1B ever. Probably third all-time. Gehrig, Foxx, Bagwell, seems about right.

414
Talk Zone / Re: My World Is Shattered. Say It Ain't So, Barry.
« on: March 09, 2006, 06:10:13 pm »
Quote:

Quote:


I grant that anabolic steroids have been illegal for some time, but the lack of enforcement is a failure of management, not the individual violators.





So you're OK with committing crimes if the law enforcement is weak in that area?  I'm not sure which is worse, the fact that you think with the logic of a 6-year old, or that you are apparently completely morally bankrupt.





If that's the case, then "moral bankruptcy" is endemic. I'm explaining possible motives, and if one wants to extend the War on Drugs to the playing field, then let's do it seriously. Have a drug testing program on the scale of the Olympics, and fine, imprison, or ban at will. Just don't be surprised who falls into the net. The owners and Players' Association do not want this, and they run the game. Whether they ruin it is another matter.

The six year old logic you cite is more characteristic of those who simply want the problem to disappear if we can just hoist Bonds up on the steriods petard as an example to the rest of those who still care about MLB. Most players will continue to do what enhances and prolongs their careers. The technology is way in front of the law on this count. Bonds, for all the hew and cry, has always tested negative. So did Gaylord Perry, a career-long cheater. Was he morally bankrupt, or extremely clever?

There has never been a period of "purity" in baseball. Every record set before the color line precluded a host of talented players from participation. The reserve clause indentured all players from 1881 through 1975. The DH allows players unable to run to remain active, a process affecting half of MLB from 1973. Steroids have been a factor for the past decade, and at worst generates monster home runs and keeps players around longer. Health risks incurred are of consequence only to the player and his family, and no studies have assessed the aggregate results of administration of these agents to a mass population with a control group. One cannot use mood swings and isolated anecdotal deaths to enact policy.

415
Talk Zone / Re: My World Is Shattered. Say It Ain't So, Barry.
« on: March 09, 2006, 04:01:32 pm »
Quote:

Quote:

What you have effectively is a giant uncontrolled experiment occurring nationwide at all levels of sport, but the dosing and types of enhancement drugs represent a vast improvement over the cruder agents employed by eastern bloc Olympians and extending into the NFL in the 1970s. It may not be medically sanctioned, but this field is achieving a level of sophistication which may render some of the early anecdotal horror stories moot. What separates these actions from previous perturbations affecting baseball (ie, the color line, WWII, 1930s offensive explosion, DH, 1960s pitching)is that steroid use crosses the line of individual initiative and thereby puts others at a competitive disadvantage. Again, until 2002, this was all legal. The objection seems based more on the latter point of competitive initiative and can only be supported on that basis.




I disagree that objections to steroid use in baseball can only be supported on the basis of competitive disadvantage, but I think competitive disadvantage is the chief reason that makes steroid use different from other forms of cheating.  If you cork a bat or scuff a ball, that's also cheating, but other players don't have to risk their health and life in order to neutralize it.

Quote:

I agree that Mel Ott would be HOF material in any era, but his and other offensice statistics of the 1930s were all inflated, and thus diminished in relative terms. Street and Smith's current yearly preview issue addresses this directly, ranking Bonds seventh all-time behind Ruth, Aaron, Foxx, Mays, Gehrig, and Ott in peer-adjusted home run totals. That is the proper and only way to rank these players. It negates the extraneous factors given above.




How can peer-adjusted home run totals take into account steroids when not everyone uses them?  An era adjustment to statistics only works when the advantages and disadvantages of the era apply to everyone.

For example, the National League as a whole batted .303 in 1930.  The batting leaders, and the percentage by which they exceeded the league batting average, were as follows:
Player      Avg  +Pct
---------------------
Terry      .401  +32%
Herman     .393  +30%
Klein      .386  +27%
O'Doul     .383  +26%
Lindstrom  .379  +25%
Now take the 2002 National League, which batted .259 as a whole.  The league leaders, again with percentages over the league average, were as follows:
Player      Avg  +Pct
---------------------
Bonds      .370  +43%
Walker     .338  +31%
Guerrero   .336  +30%
Helton     .329  +27%
Jones      .327  +26%
Now, tell me how that era adjustment takes into account that the guy at the top of that list had his bat speed remarkably raised (and now it's speculated even his eyesight improved) by taking steroids?





These are interesting and provocative points. Bonds is getting away with using these agents not because the punishments are lenient or non-existent; rather, his actions sell the game. It was the home run derby of 1998 which wiped away the memory of 1994's strike, much as Babe Ruth's transition to everyday status removed the stain of the Black Sox scandal. If steroids are to blame for that, then perhaps we should follow Canseco's advice to incorporate it into the training regimen and give the people what they want. The media, political opportunists, and what baseball purists are left can disagree, but they are a minority. Owners and players know what makes the highlight reel, and steroids are the elixer for a game reeling from self-inflicted wounds.

None of us has the ability to discern the steroid users in the current age, so tweaking the broader statistics to further separate the "cheaters" from the rest seems improbable and imparts unsupported bias. One cannot cherrypick data to support a hypothesis, so all of the players need to be combined into the reference population.

I grant that anabolic steroids have been illegal for some time, but the lack of enforcement is a failure of management, not the individual violators. No one is forcing East Germany to return gold medals because investigations finally proved the obvious. We turn a blind eye when it's our own. Life is full of surprises that way, and we may not want to know for our own sense of security and emotional nostalgia.

Honus Wagner alone among marquee players engaged in weight and strength training, eschewed alcohol, tobacco, and female debauchery, and had a shortstop rating margin between him and the number two guy greater than than that between #2 and #10 on Bill James' all-time list. Unfair advantage? They're all doing offseason fitness now, including Bonds. Bonds and his bulked-up cohorts may simply be showing a new path to career longevity, and without the fundamental dishonesty of the DH. At 42, Mays was roaming aimlessly in the Mets outfield, and Ruth staggered in pain around the bases. What, pray tell, is the crime?

416
Talk Zone / Re: My World Is Shattered. Say It Ain't So, Barry.
« on: March 09, 2006, 09:29:09 am »
Quote:

Quote:


To elaborate on the above, there was no steroid policy  until 2002. Baseball cannot even rid themselves from 60+ years of amphetamine abuse.

Steroids increase strength and promote healing. These are "bad" things? Would baseball be a better on the field product had Bonds retired at the typical age of 35? Players today are in shape year around, and have medical and nutrition advances unknown to players of yore. An ACL once laid you up all year. Now its a two month layoff, and you come back stronger.

Regarding the ease of hitting HRs, Bill James references a change in strike zone reading in favor of the batter. Pitchers are more loath to challenge hitters, making the encounter a sort of batting practice. Homes runs sell, and everyone in baseball knows it.





If I understand your post correctly then you are saying that as long as the results are good, it doesn't matter how you achieved them?  To me that is fine if your sport is pro wrestling or some other spectacle where the spectator knows that it is a farce.  But baseball?  I don't want my kid growing up thinking that for him to be successful at a sport, then he must put himself in harms way just to be competitive.  I'm no expert on roids but from what I've heard, when properly admistered for appropriate medical conditions then they are a useful tool.  But I never hear anything but the dangers when used for bodybuilding and sports applications.  My opinion is that when players think they have to put themselves in harms way physically just to play on an even field, then the sport is a farce, regardless how many homeruns a juiced up freakazoid can hit.





What you have effectively is a giant uncontrolled experiment occurring nationwide at all levels of sport, but the dosing and types of enhancement drugs represent a vast improvement over the cruder agents employed by eastern bloc Olympians and extending into the NFL in the 1970s. It may not be medically sanctioned, but this field is achieving a level of sophistication which may render some of the early anecdotal horror stories moot. What separates these actions from previous perturbations affecting baseball (ie, the color line, WWII, 1930s offensive explosion, DH, 1960s pitching)is that steroid use crosses the line of individual initiative and thereby puts others at a competitive disadvantage. Again, until 2002, this was all legal. The objection seems based more on the latter point of competitive initiative and can only be supported on that basis.

I agree that Mel Ott would be HOF material in any era, but his and other offensice statistics of the 1930s were all inflated, and thus diminished in relative terms. Street and Smith's current yearly preview issue addresses this directly, ranking Bonds seventh all-time behind Ruth, Aaron, Foxx, Mays, Gehrig, and Ott in peer-adjusted home run totals. That is the proper and only way to rank these players. It negates the extraneous factors given above.

417
Talk Zone / Re: My World Is Shattered. Say It Ain't So, Barry.
« on: March 08, 2006, 10:13:32 pm »
Quote:

Bonds is one of the two greatest hitters that i have seen in my lifetime, the other one being Ted Williams. he is a liar, and his HR records are now as phony as are Sosa's and McGwire's, but steroids did not make him a great hitter.

i don't hate him for taking steroids any more than i hate a friend of mine who did to try to make MLB. they are killing themselves, and i feel sorry for that.






To elaborate on the above, there was no steroid policy  until 2002. Baseball cannot even rid themselves from 60+ years of amphetamine abuse.

Steroids increase strength and promote healing. These are "bad" things? Would baseball be a better on the field product had Bonds retired at the typical age of 35? Players today are in shape year around, and have medical and nutrition advances unknown to players of yore. An ACL once laid you up all year. Now its a two month layoff, and you come back stronger.

Regarding the ease of hitting HRs, Bill James references a change in strike zone reading in favor of the batter. Pitchers are more loath to challenge hitters, making the encounter a sort of batting practice. Homes runs sell, and everyone in baseball knows it.

Most of the top HR-hitting players have had the benefit of short porches to launch home runs. I have no idea whether an incremental steroid-fueled distance increase makes 100-200 home runs possible. Most of the new ballparks are homer-friendly, as reasoned above for marketing purposes. Has anyone reasearched this? Do a home-road breakdown, and correlate with the HR distance and field dimensions.

Bonds' record should be judged on its own merits, and in any event, will last only as long as Alex Rodriquez decides to keep playing.

We had a similar hitting-rich era in the early 1930s, and now the players from that period are not accorded the same level of respect in baseball all-time great evaluations. So it will be in the 1995-2004 decade. Terry, Ott, Traynor, Averill, and Wilson have their modern counterparts in Sosa, Anderson, Palmiero, McGwire, and Bonds.

Just enjoy Bonds' peculiar obsession. He may have in the end the greatest number of HRs, but we all know that the greatest RB is either Brown or Sanders, and the greatest scorer in basketball is Chamberlain or Jordan. Sometimes the top person really isn't.

418
Talk Zone / Re: Cox, LaGenius, Garner. NL Manager of the year voting.
« on: November 09, 2005, 05:37:05 pm »
Quote:


Quote:

Why? LaRussa managed a banged up team to 100 wins. After watching the NLCS, I was shocked the Cards won as much as they did. They looked nothing like the team that owned us earlier in the season. Of course, neither did we.  




15-30 with hardly any offense ... all the way to the World Series seems to be more difficult. Garner was pulling rabbits out of his hat daily.

LaRussa had injuries, but the team was third in runs scored and first in ERA. I am not discounting what LaGenius did (or Cox did), but Garner did more with less.





Doesn't the voting occur just before the playoffs? If so, the playoff performance has nothing to do with the awrd.

419
Talk Zone / Re: Gold Gloves
« on: November 04, 2005, 02:36:44 pm »
Quote:

Quote:

In comparing his numbers to Vizquel one that stands out are the PO numbers.  Does playing on a team whose staff yeilds the Big Three put him at a disadvantage here, meaning less hits coming his way to make PO's(209AE-234OV)?





Not sure why put outs are a big deal.  They mean little when judging how good a fielder one is.





Bill James did a treatise on this once. I recall total chances were huge in his assessment of fielding. That adjusts for errors occurring because of a player's range.

For my money, Everett's perfect at the position. As stated on another thread, you boost offense at 1B and/or LF. there's room for opportunity there.

420
Talk Zone / Re: Oldes HOFer dies...
« on: November 01, 2005, 04:29:26 pm »
Quote:

Didn't see this on Sunday, but Al Lopez, the oldest current HOFer died Sunday at the age of 97.

Lopez broke in with the Brooklyn Robins in 1928 and played 20 seasons with the Robins/Dodgers, Braves, Pirates, and Indians.  He ended his playing career with the most games ever caught in a career, a record that stood for 40 years.

After retiring, Lopez became a successful manager, skippering the Indians to a then-record 111 wins in 1954 and managed the last Chicago White Sox team (prior to this year) to reach the World Series, the "Go-Go Sox" of 1959.  If you don't think that's an accomplishment, just consider that from 1949-1964, those were the only teams not named the New York Yankees to win a pennant.

He is also the last surviving Major Leauge player to play a game prior to 1930.

On a side note, I once got a chance to meet Al Lopez when I was a kid.  He was a nice guy, talked to us kids for an hour.





More karma, Lopez lived long enough to see the ChiSox win the WS. I guess some things were meant to be. Is Bob Aspromonte available to give us karma next year?

421
Talk Zone / Re: Let's talk '06...will there be $$ to bring everyone back
« on: October 31, 2005, 09:14:18 am »
Quote:

Quote:

But these days, it's tough supporting two great-field, no-hit guys like Ausmus and Everett in the lineup.




holy crap.  seriously we only just went to 7 games in the LCS last year, and went to the world series this year with those two great field no hit types.

stay off them drugs.

Quote:

Say what you will about hitting w/ RISP in the playoffs




ok i will.  that was what lost us the series.  no if's, and's, but's or dumbshit's about it.





Absolutely agree. Middle defense and handling pitchers are qualities not to be trifled with. I say we stand pat and develop that high class A OF for eventual ML play. Can't remember his name.

422
Talk Zone / Re: Friday, post-World Series, fandom thread.
« on: October 29, 2005, 10:41:18 pm »
Quote:

reason




My father followed the Astros religiously, in large part because fellow New Orleanian Rusty Staub was their first "bonus baby". I caught the fever in 1968 and have never looked back. The four years he and I spent together following the team were highly instructive. Baseball's really the only sport I can understand among the big three. I credit him for that. He was a semi-pro player back in the day, We were able to get to Houston via Greyhound for games against Montreal (Staub's new team), and Pittsburgh the following year where I saw Clemente. I'll never forget that.

I wish he were here to see the WS finally become a reality for Houston. He'd be 89 were he alive today.

423
Talk Zone / Re: A tip of the hat to the 2005 Houston Astros
« on: October 27, 2005, 09:22:50 am »
Quote:

What a great ride it's been this year.  Thanks for some really enjoyable baseball even when you were tearing our hearts out.  We'll be back on board in the spring.

Oh, and congrats to the White Sox, who outplayed the Astros hands down in this World Series.

We'll be back.





I -heart- all of these guys. I never thought I'd live long enough to see any of this. It's a great accomplishment, and kudos to Purpura, McLain, and everyone in the organization.

Let's retool for 2006!

424
Talk Zone / Re: Anybody else feel like shit this morning?
« on: October 26, 2005, 06:41:50 pm »
Quote:

I was watching Selig's monitor last night and Roy was on the mound ready to pitch, the batter was in the box ready to bat, the commercial ended, and I thought "Ok, her we go", then another fucking "House" commercial came on.  Thirty more seconds of waiting for Fix and their fucking promos.  Fuck them.




My favorite Fox commercial moment occurred about ten years ago when Calista Flockhart was in the box section behind the dugout, saw the camera, and began chomping madly on a hot dog when she and the rest of the Ally McBeal cast  just "happened" to be at the WS.

NPR's "All Things Considered" had a straw man segment at the end of their 3pm CST program, a Cubs' fan who has reluctantly become a Wh, Whhh, ah, "Sox fan" predicting a closeout victory tonight. We're arrayed against history, sentiment, the bookend for the RedSox win last year, and 1919, notwithstanding the fact that the ChiSox brought the WS fix upon themselves. That's why we have free agency today.

We play for ourselves tonight.

425
Talk Zone / Re: One person I felt "good" for
« on: October 26, 2005, 04:43:42 pm »
Quote:

I switched to hating them just as soon as all those 4's started flashing in the dugout. Asswipes.




A thread elsewhere says the four fingers refers to the bench players on the Sox, who've been maligned by their local press and are relegated to few ABs at BP. That's the explanation, anyway.

We don't deserve to win if we keep runners stranded in scoring position. It's as though Clemens was on the mound 24/7 in April. Where are our bats???

426
Talk Zone / Re: MLB to Make the Call on the Roof: Official
« on: October 26, 2005, 11:42:30 am »
Quote:

Quote:


It would be in "The Best Interests of Baseball." Go Bud Go!





So would having steroid-free athletes and a final score in the All-Star game.

Fuck 'em.





My sentiments exactly, and so true. This would never have happened under Bowie Kuhn.

427
Talk Zone / Re: Is it just me or are there tons of clarks
« on: October 22, 2005, 02:37:46 pm »
Quote:

I think Fredia was primarily referring to the 66 users that have registered new accounts since the Astros made the playoffs.




I was registered when this was AstrosConnection, but never bothered to re-register when the Astros put the old website out of business. I've been a fan since '68, when Hector Torres, Ivan Murrell, Norm Miller, and Bob Watson broke in. I go a LOOONG way back.

I'm simply overjoyed with happiness. I never thought I'd see this day.

428
Talk Zone / Re: More in the line of remembering fans of older generations
« on: October 22, 2005, 02:29:33 pm »
Quote:

Some feller in the Express-News wrote  this misty tale about his crotchety old grandma who had little patience for anything, but always hope and faith in the Colt 45s/Astros and baseball. A nice read.




I was surprised the writer left out Harry Kalas, who got his start on the Houston broadcasts. Gene Elston ought to be in the HOF. He would be were he on either coast.

429
Talk Zone / Re: Ozzie Guillen
« on: October 21, 2005, 10:47:41 am »
Well, Castro can't be too pleased with the ChiSox in the WS. There's a history there.

The Link

430
Talk Zone / Re: Does Anyone Know of a Good ChiSox Scouting Report?
« on: October 21, 2005, 08:36:24 am »
Quote:

Quote:

Well, it worked last series, didn't it?  Not that I was really taunting Cards fans.

You know, it's funny.  I hope we win, but it won't crush me at all if we lose.  Not even close.  

NATIONAL LEAGUE CHAMPIONS is the biggest feat of my Astro fandom.  I'm ok with it.

Just attending the Astros World Series is going to be a memory of a lifetime.  If we win, it'll just be that much sweeter.

And I really don't have anything whatsoever against the WhiteSox.





I suspect your outlook may change considerably in the next couple of days.





Agree, I want it all. I witnessed Spec Richardson's dismantling of a young talented club, the nadir of 1975, the franchise move rumors, the 1980 and 1986 playoff losses (the 1986 still grinds at me- Doran's towel draped over his head is one of the saddest sights in Astros' history), the injuries to Thon and Richard, deaths to too many to count, the disappointment collapses to Atlanta, getting San Diego at a peak moment, and dropping two to the Cards last year.

The only good thing about simply being in the WS is that Biggio and Bagwell now "should" get into the HOF. Any entity with Ryneburg in it needs validation.

Satisfied with just being there? Not in my universe. Do it for Julio Gotay, if no other reason can be found.

Astros in five.

431
Talk Zone / Re: Ryneberg makes it official: 3 picks against the Astros
« on: October 20, 2005, 05:26:02 pm »
Quote:

He picked the Bravos, the Co-ards, and now the White Sox.  A good sign, don't you think?  The Link




We're cooked. Congratulations to the White Sox, the prognosticators' pick in 2005.

432
Talk Zone / Re: White Sox chant
« on: October 20, 2005, 04:23:06 pm »
When I think of the ChiSox, I think of the second deck and how easy it would be to tumble down an 80 degree rake. How anyone would sit in this environment is beyond me. Have a look at this:

The Link

433
Talk Zone / Does Anyone Know of a Good ChiSox Scouting Report?
« on: October 20, 2005, 11:41:41 am »
And not a rehash of statistics, either. We have some games yet to play. Link(s) appreciated in advance. Anybody know good scoop on this club?

434
Talk Zone / Re: I miss my dad...
« on: October 20, 2005, 10:35:07 am »
Quote:

I miss my dad like hell tonight.  He introduced me to Astros baseball--he loved Lee May and Doug Rader and Bob Watson and Terry Puhl.  He knew it was only a game.  He loved listening to baseball on the radio.  He died in 2001 after seeing Arizona beat the the hated Yankees. He would have so LOVED tonight's game--Oswalt, tough as nails and cool as a cucumber.  That's what it's all about.




My father was a diehard fan from 1962 through 1989 when he died, and I've been a serious fan since 1968. I came home from school in 1972, and I remember him sitting at his usual seat in the kitchen looking as tough someone shot his dog. I asked him what was the matter, and he replied Houston had traded Morgan to the Reds, and Cincy was going to win four WS. He was a semi-pro player (2B), and I know he was disappointed I never inherited an athletic gene. I hope he's smiling down on all of this. I'm crying now; I have to stop.

435
Talk Zone / Re: Fuck Gammons, Kruk, and Reynolds
« on: October 20, 2005, 10:28:10 am »
Quote:

Yeah I like the Gammons picked us to win it all at the beginning of the playoffs online and now picks the ChiSux.  Way to stick to your guns "baseball expert."




The happiest moment of Gammons' life was when he was at the bottom of the BoSox manpile last October. NTTAWWT

Pages: [1]