Author Topic: Today's game (Read 4739 times)

jaklewein · « **on:** March 18, 2009, 07:24:40 pm »

Well...went to my third and final game today against the Yankees. I never enjoy the last game as I'm always thinking about the fact that it's the last one, and before I know it, it's over and done with. Now, this time I did have my two kids with me in attendence so I definitely missed bits and pieces of the game. That said, here's what I came away from the game with (some of this will also be my thoughts on what I gathered from seeing the same guys in all or a couple of the games I went to on this trip):

Bourn - he seemed to work some counts, which was positive, but he didn't take the ball the other way much and still can't bunt worth a shit. Honestly, I was hoping to see more from him.

Bogusevic - I only saw him play in today's game, but wow!!! For a guy that ditched pitching in favor of hitting in the not so distant past he looks mighty comfortable at the plate. He showed a good eye and the ability to make contact. My apologies to the Bus Ride for my next statement, as I'm sure it's been covered there (and I've missed it) but the kid can absolutely, flat-out run. He almost beat out and infield single in the first and easily stole 2nd later in the game. Again, just one game, but he has me excited.

Hampton - Got to see two of his starts. Stuff is there. He had pop on his fastball and kept most everything down. Side note: My son and I got our picture taken with him. Of course my son's looking at the ball he dropped on the ground in the process but what's you gonna do, kid's only 17 months old. The picture's gotta be better than nothing.

Brocail - Only saw him once (today) but he has me really worried. His velocity looked down and he had no command. Hopefully it was just a bad day.

Towles - nevermind, it isn't worth the typing.

Palmisano/Pudge: I already posted about his lack of defensive skills...what I didn't post was that I saw Ed Wade leaving his "behind home plate seats" late in the game after he was replaced by Santangelo. I gotta wonder if that performance was the straw that broke the camal's back in terms of signing Pudge. I know, I know, Pudge reached out to Wade...just saying.

Another side note: I spotted Bill Brown and had who I believe was Yvette (sorry...running out of time to check on spelling, etc. - wife saying something about family vs. internet on our vacation) take our picture. He was happy go lucky and a real sport about it. I told him that he and JD are a joy to listen to.

Bold prediction: I have no idea if Bogusevic can play CF...but if he can, I believe he definitely has the speed to play there and will replace Bourn there at some point during the year. Anyone who knows...and knows someone who knows...please post your thoughts on the kids ability to play the position.

Hope all is well, and hope I didn't bore you all to death.

chuck · « **Reply #1 on:** March 18, 2009, 07:30:00 pm »

Quote from: jaklewein on March 18, 2009, 07:24:40 pm

Bold prediction: I have no idea if Bogusevic can play CF...but if he can, I believe he definitely has the speed to play there and will replace Bourn there at some point during the year. Anyone who knows...and knows someone who knows...please post your thoughts on the kids ability to play the position.

You forgot to mention that he doubled up a runner off first with a rocket throw from right. I would be pretty damn comfortable with Bogusevic in CF but I just cannot see that happening as Wade loves Bourn like no tomorrow. I mean, if we're in June and Bourn's hitting .180 then maybe. And the team's losing.

jonbloozy · « **Reply #2 on:** March 18, 2009, 07:34:29 pm »

Thanks for the first-hand observations. Not boring at all, the family stuff is cool. Your 17 month-old won't remember it, but you will, and you'll have those memories for a lifetime.

chuck · « **Reply #3 on:** March 18, 2009, 07:35:37 pm »

Here's something else - Lance Berkman parks in a handicapped spot.

jaklewein · « **Reply #4 on:** March 18, 2009, 07:50:42 pm »

Quote from: chuck on March 18, 2009, 07:30:00 pm

You forgot to mention that he doubled up a runner off first with a rocket throw from right. I would be pretty damn comfortable with Bogusevic in CF but I just cannot see that happening as Wade loves Bourn like no tomorrow. I mean, if we're in June and Bourn's hitting .180 then maybe. And the team's losing.

Didn't forget...never saw it. Like I said, I had two kids with me today. I wouldn't have it any other way...but I did miss about a third of the game today, off and on. Fuck'n Yankees, and the droves of fans that follow them. I swear it took me thirty minutes to hit the concession stand for the kids/wife. Thanks God for beer vendors. Thanks for the heads up though.

jaklewein · « **Reply #5 on:** March 18, 2009, 07:54:13 pm »

Quote from: jonbloozy on March 18, 2009, 07:34:29 pm

Thanks for the first-hand observations. Not boring at all, the family stuff is cool. Your 17 month-old won't remember it, but you will, and you'll have those memories for a lifetime.

You're dead on. Here's another memory. Went to a couple practices. My boy totally eats it right outside one of the ball fields. I can't remember the coach (Bailey maybe), but he fires out the call of "Safe!" at the drop of hat - arms spread out wide. Pretty damn funny.

matadorph · « **Reply #6 on:** March 18, 2009, 07:55:32 pm »

Great information froms da boths of ya. Thanks guys.

BUWebguy · « **Reply #7 on:** March 19, 2009, 09:43:49 am »

Thanks for sharing!

Reuben · « **Reply #8 on:** March 19, 2009, 10:41:16 am »

Quote from: chuck on March 18, 2009, 07:30:00 pm

You forgot to mention that he doubled up a runner off first with a rocket throw from right. I would be pretty damn comfortable with Bogusevic in CF but I just cannot see that happening as Wade loves Bourn like no tomorrow. I mean, if we're in June and Bourn's hitting .180 then maybe. And the team's losing.

I think some (myself included) on here have had fantasies of Bourn stepping it up this year whilst Bogusevic plays well in RR, and WadeSmith swinging a mid- or after-season trade of Pence for a great young pitcher (ala the Delmon Young- Matt Garza trade). Bogusevic sounds like he could be a great #2 hitter- high average, good eye, doubles-type hitter, with speed.

It might come down to Wade's Bourn-love vs. Drayton's Pence-love in the end.

Limey · « **Reply #9 on:** March 19, 2009, 11:00:44 am »

Quote from: chuck on March 18, 2009, 07:30:00 pm

You forgot to mention that he doubled up a runner off first with a rocket throw from right. I would be pretty damn comfortable with Bogusevic in CF but I just cannot see that happening as Wade loves Bourn like no tomorrow. I mean, if we're in June and Bourn's hitting .180 then maybe. And the team's losing.

Who is slated as the 4th outfielder currently? Sounds like Bugosevic ("The Bug"?) could be a very handy bench player - spotting Pence in RF for late-inning defense and pinch running. Anyone seen him putting down a bunt?

austro · « **Reply #10 on:** March 19, 2009, 11:04:21 am »

Quote from: Limey on March 19, 2009, 11:00:44 am

Who is slated as the 4th outfielder currently? Sounds like Bugosevic ("The Bug"?) could be a very handy bench player - spotting Pence in RF for late-inning defense and pinch running. Anyone seen him putting down a bunt?

He needs to play every day. Sitting him on the bench several days a week isn't going to help his progress.

homer · « **Reply #11 on:** March 19, 2009, 11:08:31 am »

Quote from: Limey on March 19, 2009, 11:00:44 am

("The Bug"?)

I think Bogey is already attached.

Limey · « **Reply #12 on:** March 19, 2009, 11:16:02 am »

Quote from: austro on March 19, 2009, 11:04:21 am

He needs to play every day. Sitting him on the bench several days a week isn't going to help his progress.

Good point.

JimR · « **Reply #13 on:** March 19, 2009, 11:38:50 am »

So, y'all have discarded Bourn already? Wow.

Russe · « **Reply #14 on:** March 19, 2009, 11:49:05 am »

Forgive my ignorance, but why is it that a lot of people are so high on Bourn here, but have completely given up on Towles? Is it some sort of inside info that I've not heard?

austro · « **Reply #15 on:** March 19, 2009, 11:52:33 am »

Quote from: Russe on March 19, 2009, 11:49:05 am

Forgive my ignorance, but why is it that a lot of people are so high on Bourn here, but have completely given up on Towles? Is it some sort of inside info that I've not heard?

For one thing, you can't teach speed, and that's a valuable commodity in CF.

matadorph · « **Reply #16 on:** March 19, 2009, 11:53:33 am »

Quote from: Reuben on March 19, 2009, 10:41:16 am

I think some (myself included) on here have had fantasies of Bourn stepping it up this year whilst Bogusevic plays well in RR, and WadeSmith swinging a mid- or after-season trade of Pence for a great young pitcher (ala the Delmon Young- Matt Garza trade). Bogusevic sounds like he could be a great #2 hitter- high average, good eye, doubles-type hitter, with speed.

I assume that by "fantasies" you mostly meant trading Pence for a top pitching prospect? Bourn's potential as a leadoff hitter shouldn't be dismissed as a fantasy.

JimR · « **Reply #17 on:** March 19, 2009, 12:04:15 pm »

Because Towles cannot do anything well. On top of that, he is a prima donna.

MusicMan · « **Reply #18 on:** March 19, 2009, 12:11:16 pm »

Quote from: JimR on March 19, 2009, 12:04:15 pm

Because Towles cannot do anything well. On top of that, he is a prima donna.

And Castro is about to blow past him on the depth chart.

Reuben · « **Reply #19 on:** March 19, 2009, 12:16:45 pm »

Quote from: matadorph on March 19, 2009, 11:53:33 am

I assume that by "fantasies" you mostly meant trading Pence for a top pitching prospect? Bourn's potential as a leadoff hitter shouldn't be dismissed as a fantasy.

yes.

chuck · « **Reply #20 on:** March 19, 2009, 12:25:21 pm »

For OF depth the team has veterans Erstad and Jason Michaels. Bogusevic and Chris Johnson both need to play every day I think. I'm perfectly happy with their doing so in RR for the present.

I don't think that Bourn will hit, ever. As long as he gets a good jump on balls in CF and the rest of the guys are hitting I really don't care and can't imagine that the team does, either. But again, if he's really struggling and the team's losing I could very well imagine Bogusevic's getting a look at some point over the summer. He has a really rough time with lefties, but he kills righties and his defense looks pretty good to me.

Noe · « **Reply #21 on:** March 19, 2009, 12:44:14 pm »

Quote from: Reuben on March 19, 2009, 10:41:16 am

I think some (myself included) on here have had fantasies of Bourn stepping it up this year whilst Bogusevic plays well in RR, and WadeSmith swinging a mid- or after-season trade of Pence for a great young pitcher (ala the Delmon Young- Matt Garza trade). Bogusevic sounds like he could be a great #2 hitter- high average, good eye, doubles-type hitter, with speed.

It might come down to Wade's Bourn-love vs. Drayton's Pence-love in the end.

Well played sir. A couple of things to consider:

1. Bogusevic needs to go to AAA, end of story. He needs to play and in no way shape or form should he be a bench player in the majors right now.
2. Pence has to prove himself pretty much the same way Bourn does, but not many will talk about this scenario of Pence proving himself. The anointing seems to have already happened based on 2007, but the reality is that much like Jason Lane's breakout season never realizing his career output, Pence needs to prove that he can and will adjust to the major leagues.
3. Bourn provides one great asset to the team that cannot be easily replaced, that is outstanding CF defense. In the MMPUS, that is a huge asset as has been proved out by the Astros when they've tried such people as Berkman, Biggio and even Pence out there and never got much from that position. I know some will make hay about "offense makes up for defense" (a hard point to prove actually), but the real difference is what offense is expected from where Bourn is to hit. If he's leadoff, he has an expectation that is real: OBP. If it's as the #8 hitter, then he has to bring defense to the table as his primary contribution and anything he provides in the 8 hole is gravy.

So the man-love angle is unique (and somewhat true), but the reality is that two players better be aware of the up and coming players in the minors, such as Bogey. Not just Bourn, but Pence as well. Each one for unique reasons though and discounting Bourn right now would be a huge mistake because if he is used for his strengths, he is as much an asset as what people think Pence's asset to the team might be. In reality, Pence has no real set lineup position that he's mastered and that should be a concern. Of further concern should be Pence's propensity to play RF like he is stepping into a land mine field. If Pence's strength is his offense and middle of the lineup offense, he has to prove he's made the appropriate adjustments to be said middle of the lineup hitter, else 2007 will soon become a distant memory.

Matt · « **Reply #22 on:** March 19, 2009, 12:54:29 pm »

How many years are left on Lee's contract?

HudsonHawk · « **Reply #23 on:** March 19, 2009, 12:55:08 pm »

Quote from: Noe in Austin on March 19, 2009, 12:44:14 pm

2. Pence has to prove himself pretty much the same way Bourn does, but not many will talk about this scenario of Pence proving himself. The anointing seems to have already happened based on 2007, but the reality is that much like Jason Lane's breakout season never realizing his career output, Pence needs to prove that he can and will adjust to the major leagues.

I think Pence has proven what he's going to be. I agree that there has been a sort of "annointing" of him, but it's of something he's never going to be. I think last year is what you can expect from Pence. He's going to hit .270, with about 20-25 homers, drive in 80 runs, and should be able to steal you 20 or so bases. He'll be a serviceable outfielder. That's it. Those waiting for him to blossom into a perennial All-Star are in for a long wait.

Noe · « **Reply #24 on:** March 19, 2009, 01:01:38 pm »

Quote from: HudsonHawk on March 19, 2009, 12:55:08 pm

I think Pence has proven what he's going to be. I agree that there has been a sort of "annointing" of him, but it's of something he's never going to be. I think last year is what you can expect from Pence. He's going to hit .270, with about 20-25 homers, drive in 80 runs, and should be able to steal you 20 or so bases. He'll be a serviceable outfielder. That's it. Those waiting for him to blossom into a perennial All-Star are in for a long wait.

That's not bad for a RF output, but it's not great either. It's just slightly above average, which some teams will take if they had a solid core of middle of the lineup hitter. Imagine if you will that you would be talking about those numbers for Ty Wiggington, a third baseman who is just above average as a defender. Nothing to write home about and you'd be talking about when Chris Johnson would be able to take over the every day duties for him.

Ron Brand · « **Reply #25 on:** March 19, 2009, 01:02:08 pm »

Quote from: JimR on March 19, 2009, 12:04:15 pm

Because Towles cannot do anything well. On top of that, he is a prima donna.

And that much closer to being a rodeo clown.

pravata · « **Reply #26 on:** March 19, 2009, 01:06:57 pm »

Quote from: Matt on March 19, 2009, 12:54:29 pm

How many years are left on Lee's contract?

Till 2012, but what you really wanted to know, complete no trade through 2010, limited for the last 2 seasons,

Matt · « **Reply #27 on:** March 19, 2009, 01:13:07 pm »

Quote from: pravata on March 19, 2009, 01:06:57 pm

Till 2012, but what you really wanted to know, complete no trade through 2010, limited for the last 2 seasons,

Yep that was exactly what I wanted to know.

toddthebod · « **Reply #28 on:** March 19, 2009, 03:03:49 pm »

Quote from: MusicMan on March 19, 2009, 12:11:16 pm

And Castro is about to blow past him on the depth chart.

Hell, Koby Clemens is going to blow past Towles pretty soon.

toddthebod · « **Reply #29 on:** March 19, 2009, 03:10:56 pm »

Quote from: Noe in Austin on March 19, 2009, 12:44:14 pm

2. Pence has to prove himself pretty much the same way Bourn does, but not many will talk about this scenario of Pence proving himself. The anointing seems to have already happened based on 2007, but the reality is that much like Jason Lane's breakout season never realizing his career output, Pence needs to prove that he can and will adjust to the major leagues.

I totally agree with you, which is why I love looking at the "projections" that the fantasy baseball magazines have for Pence. Ron Shandler projects 30 HRs, 100 RBIs, .283 BA, 10 SB, 87 Runs. "From his lips to god's ears," as we say.

Noe · « **Reply #30 on:** March 19, 2009, 07:06:04 pm »

Quote from: toddthebod on March 19, 2009, 03:10:56 pm

I totally agree with you, which is why I love looking at the "projections" that the fantasy baseball magazines have for Pence. Ron Shandler projects 30 HRs, 100 RBIs, .283 BA, 10 SB, 87 Runs. "From his lips to god's ears," as we say.

If he does that and Lee and Berkman do what they normally do in their careers, then Shandler must be predicting a playoff berth for the Astros. Unless he has Oswalt succumbing to injury and Hampton not making it past July.

MikeyBoy · « **Reply #31 on:** March 20, 2009, 09:18:29 pm »

Quote from: chuck on March 19, 2009, 12:25:21 pm

For OF depth the team has veterans Erstad and Jason Michaels. Bogusevic and Chris Johnson both need to play every day I think. I'm perfectly happy with their doing so in RR for the present.

I don't think that Bourn will hit, ever. As long as he gets a good jump on balls in CF and the rest of the guys are hitting I really don't care and can't imagine that the team does, either. But again, if he's really struggling and the team's losing I could very well imagine Bogusevic's getting a look at some point over the summer. He has a really rough time with lefties, but he kills righties and his defense looks pretty good to me.

chuck, correct me if I'm wrong, but I got the feeling that Bourn is not a fan favorite in Kissimmee. He made a baserunning blunder in the game I attended and really heard it from the fans. I was surprised by that type of reaction from fans that watch a lot of Spring baseball. Is there a history of poor effort?

chuck · « **Reply #32 on:** March 20, 2009, 09:41:25 pm »

Quote from: MikeyBoy on March 20, 2009, 09:18:29 pm

chuck, correct me if I'm wrong, but I got the feeling that Bourn is not a fan favorite in Kissimmee. He made a baserunning blunder in the game I attended and really heard it from the fans. I was surprised by that type of reaction from fans that watch a lot of Spring baseball. Is there a history of poor effort?

I'm surprised that the fans in Kissimmee are paying enough attention to have an opinion on anything other than the hot dogs. He's had a really poor spring, Bourn. He's obviously not hitting, and he had a rough time in center earlier on. He's showed some definite lack of hustle here and there, not running out grounders, that sort of thing, and you can tell that Coop is none too happy with that. But I'd be surprised to learn that Bourn is for whatever reason singled out for the fans' ire. It is a very easygoing crowd. Except for the dickface today that kept shouting steroids smack at Miggy.

Astroholic · « **Reply #33 on:** March 23, 2009, 10:01:12 am »

So, I was at the game last Friday (first win in the 3 game streak) and thought I would share my observations. Ortiz got hit really hard in the first, which included being hit by the ball. Man that was loud. He settled in and pitched very well. Q came through with an rbi, looked like off the end of bat. Ortiz got a solid hit to plate second run. Yes. Berkman knocked the hell out of the ball for his dinger. Sampson pitched well. Norris...not so much.

Now for a few things that don't show up in the box score. Abercrombie completely crushed a ball to left, which hung up in a very brisk win blowing in. I though for sure it was gone when he hit it. This was my first spring training game and I could not believe how fast this game moved along. I guess when you don't have to wait 4 minutes between each half inning, things move along pretty briskly. Tickets to spring training games are expensive for a family of 5, though totally worth it and when you been to the mouse’s house the previous two days were cheap. During the ninth inning, took the kids to get their baseballs signed. Towles signed and he was cool. Biggio was in attendance, but the kids were not in the right place at the right time to get his signature. Berkman signed first row, which was nice though my kids were not on first row. A few minor leaguers signed and were very grateful. After the game went outside gate and waited for players to come out. Got JD to stop, he was great. Then this old man drives up and it’s...Milo. Can't believe he is still driving. As he is signing Pence!!! drives up. Everyone leaves the hall of famer and flock to Pence!!!'s Escalade. Poor Milo. Anyways, Pence says only 1 auto per person. All of my kids get one; my daughter (9) won't let anyone touch the pen that he used to sign her ball. Anyways, the autograph hawkers were in full force and pissed that they could only get one autograph per. One of them asked me to get a signature on a ball for him. I told him no, but her persisted as I ignored him. Finally dude walks off while cursing quite loudly in front of my three young kids. Pissed me off, but what kind of example would I have set beating the hell out of a little pencil dick in front of my kids. I let it roll. We left shortly after that.

Florida observation in general.

Traffic sucks.
Old dudes can't drive.
Sarasota and Anna Marie Island have great beaches, so does Gulfport MS for that matter.
Nice weather.
Disney (Kingdom and Studio) are overrated and extremely expensive.

Monday's suck at work after a very long 10 day vacation.

Ty in Tampa · « **Reply #34 on:** March 23, 2009, 11:23:34 am »

Quote from: Astroholic on March 23, 2009, 10:01:12 am

Anna Maria Island have great beaches...

I don't know where you got this idea. They suck! In fact, there's nothing but tar balls and ants and screaming kids and dirty water. Stay as far away from Anna Maria Island as you can. And tell all your friends.

Astroholic · « **Reply #35 on:** March 23, 2009, 12:54:18 pm »

Quote from: Ty in Tampa on March 23, 2009, 11:23:34 am

I don't know where you got this idea. They suck! In fact, there's nothing but tar balls and ants and screaming kids and dirty water. Stay as far away from Anna Maria Island as you can. And tell all your friends.

From the amount of traffic on the island, I think your secret is out. My FIL lives on the island.

BudGirl · « **Reply #36 on:** March 23, 2009, 07:33:31 pm »

Quote from: Ty in Tampa on March 23, 2009, 11:23:34 am

I don't know where you got this idea. They suck! In fact, there's nothing but tar balls and ants and screaming kids and dirty water. Stay as far away from Anna Maria Island as you can. And tell all your friends.

wasn't me. i hate that beach also.

Señor Stan · « **Reply #37 on:** March 24, 2009, 10:24:10 am »

Quote from: Ty in Tampa on March 23, 2009, 11:23:34 am

I don't know where you got this idea. They suck! In fact, there's nothing but tar balls and ants and screaming kids and dirty water. Stay as far away from Anna Maria Island as you can. And tell all your friends.

These are not the droids you're looking for...move along.