In former Astros news...

[Mr. Happy]

Bill Hall got released. Again. The Angel of Doom went on the 60 day DL with a sprained elbow (I hope that he's okay and avoids surgery), and, despite tearing it up this spring, the prospects for Bogusevic to make the FTC aren't looking good according to an article from a Cubs beat writer.

[NeilT]

Happ's had a good spring.

[Duman]

Happ's had a good spring.

An he might still start in AAA.

[Ron Brand]

Romero's working hard at getting sent down. Two days ago, from the Toronto Sun:

Romero went 2 1/3 innings against a High-A team Thursday, allowing four runs on five hits and five walks, throwing just 29 of 64 pitches for strikes. He also holds a 7.27 ERA and 2.08 WHIP with seven walks over 8 2/3 Grapefruit League frames.

[Mr. Happy]

Happ's had a good spring.

Good for him. I'm just elated that he's not an Astro any longer.

[JimR]

Good for him. I'm just elated that he's not an Astro any longer.

because you are NEVER, EVER wrong.

[Mr. Happy]

because you are NEVER, EVER wrong.

Not so, Coach. Wesley Wright proved me wrong, and Happ may prove that he's not your standard issue nibbling portsider. Frankly, I'm pulling for him to do so.

[Mr. Happy]

One Jason Lane gave up three earnies on five hits in one frame to take a ninth inning L for the Twins against the Jakes.

[Mr. Happy]

Wilton Lopez shit the bed today, surrendering three earnies and four hits in one frame, garnering a blown save.

[moriartp]

Wilton Lopez shit the bed today, surrendering three earnies and four hits in one frame, garnering a blown save.

Well, they say it's not a good trade unless it hurts both sides.

[MusicMan]

One Jason Lane gave up three earnies on five hits in one frame to take a ninth inning L for the Twins against the Jakes.

The Twins don't get nearly enough recognition. They're terrible.

[Mr. Happy]

The Twins don't get nearly enough recognition. They're terrible.

He didn't come north with them.

[MusicMan]

He didn't come north with them.

Vance Worley was their opening day starter.  They're not good.

[ValpoCory]

The Twins don't get nearly enough recognition. They're terrible.

ESPN.com's Standings page currently lists the Astros as having a 16.6% chance at making the playoffs at this point.  The Twins have a 12.6% chance.   Also, the Marlins have an 8.9% chance.

[OregonStrosFan]

Vance Worley was their opening day starter.  They're not good.

But... But... They have a $100M payroll and a $184M catcher, therefore they must be good...

[Mr. Happy]

ESPN.com's Standings page currently lists the Astros as having a 16.6% chance at making the playoffs at this point.  The Twins have a 12.6% chance.   Also, the Marlins have an 8.9% chance.

Frankly, those are all overblown. None of those clubs has anything more than a negligible chance, but I hope that I am wrong about the Astros.

[ValpoCory]

Frankly, those are all overblown. None of those clubs has anything more than a negligible chance, but I hope that I am wrong about the Astros.

Right.  They have since pulled down that column.  It'll show up again in a few weeks I bet.

[Duman]

Twins released both Jason Lane and Scott Elarton

[VirtualBob]

Former Busrider Troy Patton in to protect the 4-run lead for Baltimore.

[Mr. Happy]

Twins released both Jason Lane and Scott Elarton

Got to be the end of the line for both of those guys.

[Duman]

Former Busrider Troy Patton in to protect the 4-run lead for Baltimore.

We got to know Troy when he was in Greeneville.  Still keep in touch with him some and got to see him while at Spring training.  He always treats my son great.  Will always be a fan of his.

[Bench]

Twins released both Jason Lane and Scott Elarton

Per Footer, Elarton signed with the Skeeters.

[jbm]

Wandy with the win.  JD with the call.  FTC get shut out.  Best game of the day.

[gwat]

Former Astros Rule 5 pick, Nate Freiman, playing for the A's against the Mariners this evening, gets his 1st ML hit, resulting in his 1st ML RBI, then, unfortunately, experiences the embarrassment of being thrown out at the plate on a long double. After that episode, the A's 3rd base coach might possibly have a better idea of how much time it takes to get a 6'8" steamboat safely into port. At least Nate made contact and put the ball into the field of play.
Jed Lowrie 2 doubles, home run and 3 RBIs.

[Navin R Johnson]

Matt Albers picked a win in relief vs Toronto tonight.  He is with the Tribe.

[Reuben]

Somewhere, James Mouton had a ribeye steak for dinner, and enjoyed it.

[BUWebguy]

Somewhere, James Mouton had a ribeye steak for dinner, and enjoyed it.

That made me wonder what he's up to these days... Apparently he's an area scout for parts of Texas with the Dbacks.

[NeilT]

Somewhere, James Mouton had a ribeye steak for dinner, and enjoyed it.

Lamb chops.  He's a cannibal.

[Nate Colbert]

In case you're interested, Brandon Duckworth joins Dennis Sarfate in playing in Japan this season. Duckworth's teammate with the Rakuten Golden Eagles is Kaz Matsui. Ex-Houston minor leaguers Brooks Conrad, D.J. Houlton and Enyelbert Soto also dot Japanese rosters.

Non-Astros of dubious note playing in Japan this season are Andruw Jones, Nyjer Morgan and Mets' Bestest Prospect Ever Lastings Milledge.

[Mr. Happy]

The ChiSox signed Tyler Greene.

[Houston]

In case you're interested, Brandon Duckworth joins Dennis Sarfate in playing in Japan this season. Duckworth's teammate with the Rakuten Golden Eagles is Kaz Matsui. Ex-Houston minor leaguers Brooks Conrad, D.J. Houlton and Enyelbert Soto also dot Japanese rosters.

Non-Astros of dubious note playing in Japan this season are Andruw Jones, Nyjer Morgan and Mets' Bestest Prospect Ever Lastings Milledge.

Did the Japanese government trade Godzilla and two Camrys for Lastings?

[Mr. Happy]

J.A. Happ threw 5.1 innings of one hit baseball today.

[OregonStrosFan]

J.A. Happ threw 5.1 innings of one hit baseball today.

JA Happ pitched for 5.1 innings?!?  How long did that take, 5 hrs 42 minutes?!? [Hate Nibblers...]

[Mr. Happy]

JA Happ pitched for 5.1 innings?!?  How long did that take, 5 hrs 42 minutes?!? [Hate Nibblers...]

He threw 99 pitches when they removed him from the game. So he still nibbles.

[Mr. Happy]

Bill Hall got released. Again. The Angel of Doom went on the 60 day DL with a sprained elbow (I hope that he's okay and avoids surgery), and, despite tearing it up this spring, the prospects for Bogusevic to make the FTC aren't looking good according to an article from a Cubs beat writer.

Angels signed Bill Hall. Will wonders ever cease? He's got more lives than a situational lefty. Almost.

[jbm]

Was watching the Phils-Royals game the other night (as I can't watch the Astros) and I see that Tejada is still playing.  Was kind of surprised that he is still around.  Anyways, he shoots one through the right side for a double, makes his way to third, strays a bit too far from the bag and is picked off by the catcher.  The catcher lifts the mask off and it is Q. 

[Mr. Happy]

The Phightin's DFA'd Q yesterday to bring back Ruiz.

[Reuben]

The Phightin's DFA'd Q yesterday to bring back Ruiz.

I'd love to see the Astros bring Q back.

[NeilT]

In sort-of former Astros news, Brett Wallace is on the All-Star Ballot at 1st for the Stros. That's just cruel.

[juliogotay]

I'd love to see the Astros bring Q back.

Perez at CC has something like a 44% throw-out rate so far this year. Small sample because he splits time with Garcia but he can throw.

[Bench]

Small sample because he splits time with Garcia but he can throw.

Which one takes the first five innings?

[juliogotay]

Which one takes the first five innings?

They alternate, of course.

[Limey]

Speaking of former Astros...Andy Pettitte.

AAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

[Clark in Denver]

Roy-O a Rockie per the Rockies twitter feed.

Rockies have agreed to terms on a Minor League contract w/ 3-time All-Star Roy Oswalt. Oswalt will report to Extended Spring.
Rockies Oswalt is 12-year MLB vet w/ career record of 163-96, 3.28 ERA. He is 4-0 w/ 2.25 ERA in his career at CoorsField.

[VirtualBob]

Was looking at the OKC box score just now and realized three former busriders are playing for the iCubs ...
Brian Bogusevic is in RF, Tim Torres (a former middle infielder in the Astros organization) is in LF and Edwin Maysonet is at 1B.

[juliogotay]

Rockies Oswalt is 12-year MLB vet w/ career record of 163-96, 3.28 ERA. He is 4-0 w/ 2.25 ERA in his career at CoorsField.


I remember when Roy was only going to play for ten years.

[Bench]

Rockies Oswalt is 12-year MLB vet w/ career record of 163-96, 3.28 ERA. He is 4-0 w/ 2.25 ERA in his career at CoorsField.


I remember when Roy was only going to play for ten years.

I guess the restaurant business isn't working out for him.

[mrpink]

One of my favorites, Mickey Storey, is still pitching for Buffalo (Toronto AAA).  So far he's at 17.3 IP with 23 strikeouts against 6 walks and 14 hits.  And all that without a fastball!  Too bad our bullpen is stacked with talent.

[Duke]

I guess the restaurant business isn't working out for him.

He still has his dozier site prep deal going on.

[mrpink]

In the category of "Should have been former Astros", Derek Dietrich made his MLB debut yesterday and went 1 for 3.

[Bench]

And Ankiel is a Met.

[OregonStrosFan]

Not exactly what I'd grown to expect from Michael Bourn in CF... LINK

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Not exactly what I'd grown to expect from Michael Bourn in CF... LINK

I watched part of that game. Something is not right with Verlander.

[Mr. Happy]

Happ just got moved to the 60 day DL. His sprained right knee is the problem. At least it isn't a head injury that he suffered in his unfortunate accident in which he also sprained his knee.

[Jose Cruz III]

Angel Sanchez has been placed on waivers according to http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/05/white-sox-place-angel-sanchez-on-waivers.html

[the KEG]

Rockies Oswalt is 12-year MLB vet w/ career record of 163-96, 3.28 ERA. He is 4-0 w/ 2.25 ERA in his career at CoorsField.


I remember when Roy was only going to play for ten years.

I saw Roy O make his Tulsa debut last night.  The plan is to get him 3 starts here, then move along to Colorado if all goes well. 

He had his Oswalt inning in the 2nd last night, giving up back-to-back HR's.  The first one came courtesy of Jake Goebbert.  After that he settled in and only gave up 1 more ER.  His fastball was generally 90-92, but his location with the slider and curve wasn't quite there yet.  All-in-all he looks like he can still be a useful ML pitcher.  That is, if someone in the organization doesn't piss him off in the meantime.

[mrpink]

After starting the season with 10 straight scoreless appearances, Fernando Abad has now given up walk-off hits for the Nats in 2 of his last 3 games.  How did they not see this coming?

[subnuclear]

After starting the season with 10 straight scoreless appearances, Fernando Abad has now given up walk-off hits for the Nats in 2 of his last 3 games.  How did they not see this coming?

Oh didn't see this.

[das]

I saw Roy O make his Tulsa debut last night.  The plan is to get him 3 starts here, then move along to Colorado if all goes well. 

He had his Oswalt inning in the 2nd last night, giving up back-to-back HR's.  The first one came courtesy of Jake Goebbert.  After that he settled in and only gave up 1 more ER.  His fastball was generally 90-92, but his location with the slider and curve wasn't quite there yet.  All-in-all he looks like he can still be a useful ML pitcher.  That is, if someone in the organization doesn't piss him off in the meantime.

He finished his 5 game tour in Tulsa with 8 1/3 shutout innings.
http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130614&content_id=50668822&fext=.jsp&vkey=recap&sid=t260

[NeilT]

Oh didn't see this.

It's the Abad we knew and loved.

[Bench]

It's the Abad we knew and loved.

The dude abads.

[Aussie Astro]

The dude abads.

Ha - nice.

[Fredia]

ahhh thanks for the memories

[pots]

Valverde DFA'd

I say nab him.  Only 18 hits and 6 walks in 19.1 innings.  With 19 Ks.  Yeah 6 HRs, but hopefully that is just fluky

[Reuben]

Valverde DFA'd

I say nab him.  Only 18 hits and 6 walks in 19.1 innings.  With 19 Ks.  Yeah 6 HRs, but hopefully that is just fluky

+1. Even Valverde probably has more "upside" than Hector Ambriz at this point.

[juliogotay]

I've never seen "upside" and "Hector Ambriz" in the same sentence before.

[Ty in Tampa]

I've never seen "upside" and "Hector Ambriz" in the same sentence before.

"He parked that Hector Ambriz pitch right upside the LCF wall."

[Ron Brand]

Ty, you are totally en fuego.

[Mr. Happy]

"He parked that Hector Ambriz pitch right upside the LCF wall."

SFN

[Knoxbanedoodle]

I think I heard during one of the Brewers games that Bill Spiers was filling in as their 3rd base coach.

...All those in favor say "Aye":

[Randy Watson]

I think I heard during one of the Brewers games that Bill Spiers was filling in as their 3rd base coach.

...All those in favor say "Aye":

Spiers is probably a top 5 Astro favorite of mine.  In the late 90s and early 00s, a bunch of Astros used to hunt at my granddad's ranch in South Texas several times per year.  Spiers was by far my favorite.  He loved, loved to hunt and was just a great dude.  Hell of a shot too.

Wagner was by far the biggest prick (surprise surprise) and acted like a whiny baby one hunt because Roy O killed a much bigger deer than what Wags saw.  He was not invited back as my granddad did not abide that crap. 

[pots]

Bogusevic called up by the Cubs.  (At the same time they throw in the towel on Marmol and Ian Stewart)

[Mr. Happy]

Bogusevic called up by the Cubs.  (At the same time they throw in the towel on Marmol and Ian Stewart)

I hope that Bogusevic does very well.

[MusicMan]

I hope that Bogusevic does very well.

He can pitch better than Marmol and hit better than Stewart.

[geezerdonk]

I wonder how close he is to getting vested.

[Mr. Happy]

Bogusevic starting for the Cubs tonight in LF, hitting sixth.

[Mr. Happy]

Brandon Lyon DFA'd by the steM today. My question is what took them so long?

[Mr. Happy]

Oswalt is starting today for the Rox and is 0-3 7.88. I would imagine a DFA if he isn't any better today than he's been.

[BUWebguy]

Instead, Oswalt to the DL:
http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/07/08/roy-oswalt-headed-to-the-disabled-list-with-hamstring-injury/

Injured his left hamstring covering home on a wild pitch.

[MusicMan]

It's a damn shame when a guy can't accept that it's over.

[Limey]

It's a damn shame when a guy can't accept that it's over.

I played a "verterans" soccer match against Lloyd's of London FC a few weeks ago - my first full-size, 11 vs. 11 match in over a decade.  In the weeks running up to the game, I made sure that I re-established the 3-times-a-week bootcamp regimen that I'd been on in the run up to my wedding.  I played the whole 90 minutes, came through with only some blisters from my new boots by way of injury, and even put in an age-shedding, goal-saving sliding tackle (we lost 2-1).

However, one guy on their team clearly hadn't been thinking straight.  Lloyd's FC had a full-time physio with them, who was helping the players warm up and stretch.  Not this guy.  He was older, shorter and fatter than I, and just waddled on mid-way through the 2nd half.  Within seconds, he made a effort at a "sprint", and pulled up lame.  Both hammies pinged, it seemed.

We reckon he was on the field for about 15 seconds total.  Probably didn't shit walk right for a week.

A man's got to know his limitations...

[BlownRanger]

Instead, Oswalt to the DL:
http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/07/08/roy-oswalt-headed-to-the-disabled-list-with-hamstring-injury/

Injured his left hamstring covering home on a wild pitch.

There's no end to the shit Roy learned from Clemens.

[Mr. Happy]

It's a damn shame when a guy can't accept that it's over.

Especially when he claimed that he was going to be done at 30. But then he figured out that the big checks stop when he quits, ergo, he hasn't quit. I saw him throw against Boston. He didn't look good at all, and they lit him up.

[juliogotay]

It's a damn shame when a guy can't accept that it's over.

Especially two years after his self-imposed career expiration date.

[Noe]

I played a "verterans" soccer match against Lloyd's of London FC a few weeks ago - my first full-size, 11 vs. 11 match in over a decade.  In the weeks running up to the game, I made sure that I re-established the 3-times-a-week bootcamp regimen that I'd been on in the run up to my wedding.  I played the whole 90 minutes, came through with only some blisters from my new boots by way of injury, and even put in an age-shedding, goal-saving sliding tackle (we lost 2-1).

However, one guy on their team clearly hadn't been thinking straight.  Lloyd's FC had a full-time physio with them, who was helping the players warm up and stretch.  Not this guy.  He was older, shorter and fatter than I, and just waddled on mid-way through the 2nd half.  Within seconds, he made a effort at a "sprint", and pulled up lame.  Both hammies pinged, it seemed.

We reckon he was on the field for about 15 seconds total.  Probably didn't shit walk right for a week.

A man's got to know his limitations...

Denial League Football

[Reuben]

Sorry... this may be piling on, but:

@johnmanuelba 13h

Tyler Greene playing LF tonight for Charlotte, & he's been awful out there. 2 errors, tentative routes, not looking capable of being there

[geezerdonk]

I was always sure that he was playing out of position.

[VirtualBob]

I was always sure that he was playing out of position no matter where he played.

I won't claim to have fixed this for you ... just clarified what I expect was your original point.

[geezerdonk]

On second thought

I was always sure that he was playing out of position the wrong sport.

I fixed for myself.

[VirtualBob]

On second thought

      ...

I fixed for myself.

Of course, that implies that there is a right sport.  Curling maybe?

[Bench]

Not sure if Cabrera is still a Brave, but Jason Lane is now a Padre.

[pots]

Melancon back in the closer role for Pittsburgh.  Having a spectacular season so far.  Only allowed 38 runners in 47 and a third innings.  With 47 Ks.

Very nice

[MusicMan]

In soon to be former Astros news:

Alyson Footer ‏@alysonfooter 4m
That was weird. Said my goodbyes to Bud Norris just in case. Team will be on the road July 31.

[VirtualBob]

WOW.  Look at JB Shuck make this catch!

[juliogotay]

WOW.  Look at JB Shuck make this catch!

I always liked Shuck as a player.

[geezerdonk]

He has a Biggio style batting helmet.

[Nate Colbert]

In case you're interested, Brandon Duckworth joins Dennis Sarfate in playing in Japan this season. Duckworth's teammate with the Rakuten Golden Eagles is Kaz Matsui. Ex-Houston minor leaguers Brooks Conrad, D.J. Houlton and Enyelbert Soto also dot Japanese rosters.

An update on the above players:

• Duckworth has a 4.29 ERA in 77 IP for the Golden Eagles (surprise...walks have been a problem)
• Sarfate has battled injuries but currently has a 1.17 ERA as the closer for the Saitama Seibu Lions
• Conrad has spent most of the season in the ni-gun (minor leagues) after "hitting" just .175 in 24 games for the Hanshin Tigers
• Houlton has a 4.30 ERA in 73 IP for the Yomiuri Giants
• Not sure whether he's hurt or demoted to the ni-gun, but Soto has pitched in only 4 games (all early in the season) for the Yokohama DeNA BayStars

The big news in the NPB right now is Wladimir Balentien. The ex-Mariner has 50 HRs in 96 games (that's after missing the first 12 games of the season with injury). He needs 6 HRs in the last 33 games to break the single-season record of 55. That record is shared by Sadaharu Oh, ex D-Back (and former El Paso Diablo) Alex Cabrera and former stros OF Tuffy Rhodes.

A juiced ball is being used this season somewhat tainting what Balentien has accomplished. On the other hand, his nearest competitor (former National Tony Blanco) has just 33 longballs. Assuming he gets to 55, will be interesting to see if he gets any pitches to hit or if protecting Oh's legacy continues to be the norm.

[BUWebguy]

An update on the above players:

Good stuff -- thanks for the update!

[Mr. Happy]

An update on the above players:

• Duckworth has a 4.29 ERA in 77 IP for the Golden Eagles (surprise...walks have been a problem)
• Sarfate has battled injuries but currently has a 1.17 ERA as the closer for the Saitama Seibu Lions
• Conrad has spent most of the season in the ni-gun (minor leagues) after "hitting" just .175 in 24 games for the Hanshin Tigers
• Houlton has a 4.30 ERA in 73 IP for the Yomiuri Giants
• Not sure whether he's hurt or demoted to the ni-gun, but Soto has pitched in only 4 games (all early in the season) for the Yokohama DeNA BayStars

The big news in the NPB right now is Wladimir Balentien. The ex-Mariner has 50 HRs in 96 games (that's after missing the first 12 games of the season with injury). He needs 6 HRs in the last 33 games to break the single-season record of 55. That record is shared by Sadaharu Oh, ex D-Back (and former El Paso Diablo) Alex Cabrera and former stros OF Tuffy Rhodes.

A juiced ball is being used this season somewhat tainting what Balentien has accomplished. On the other hand, his nearest competitor (former National Tony Blanco) has just 33 longballs. Assuming he gets to 55, will be interesting to see if he gets any pitches to hit or if protecting Oh's legacy continues to be the norm.

Excellent work, Nate!

[Mr. Happy]

The Tribe released Brett Myers yesterday.

[HudsonHawk]

Not sure if Cabrera is still a Brave, but Jason Lane is now a Padre.

Jason Lane made his Major League pitching debut last night for the Padres, tossing 3.1 scoreless innings, striking out three.

[Lefty]

Jason Lane made his Major League pitching debut last night for the Padres, tossing 3.1 scoreless innings, striking out three.

That is awesome.

[Aussie Astro]

That is awesome.

Retired 10 straight if I heard it correctly.

[Reuben]

Jason Lane made his Major League pitching debut last night for the Padres, tossing 3.1 scoreless innings, striking out three.

Fuck yeah, Lane! That is great. I hope they use him as a PH and OF a little bit too.

[matadorph]

What a great story! Here's hoping he enjoys continued success in his remarkable comeback to MLB.

[das]

Jason Lane made his Major League pitching debut last night for the Padres, tossing 3.1 scoreless innings, striking out three.

That's great.  37 years old and making his debut.  Here's a good story from last year on his transition.

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article/sd/former-outfielder-jason-lane-trying-to-make-it-on-the-mound?ymd=20130829&content_id=58915248&vkey=news_sd

[VirtualBob]

Fuck yeah, Lane! That is great. I hope they use him as a PH and OF a little bit too.

+1

[Duman]

Brandon Barnes hits his first HR in Colorado - It was an inside the park HR.  So much for the thin air.

[Mr. Happy]

Jason Lane made his Major League pitching debut last night for the Padres, tossing 3.1 scoreless innings, striking out three.

And all good things must end. Padres DFA Lane.

[HudsonHawk]

And all good things must end. Padres DFA Lane.

That was quick for a guy who's yet to give up a run and is striking out a batter per inning. Surely someone can use a lefty like that in their pen.