“There is a possibility of (Paulino) staying around and pitching out of the bullpen,” manager Cecil Cooper said. “Yes, there is a possibility.” Link
Chip Bailey, fan blogger at the Chron, provides this bit of useful information,
Moehler can actually spend 30 days on a rehab assignment if the Astros feel he isn’t ready or if other pitchers are getting the job done. Link
Corpus Christi paper reports
Corpus Christi scored five runs for Moehler in the first inning, but he couldn’t hold it.
Moehler promptly got shelled, giving up eight runs on 11 hits in the first two innings to turn that 5-0 lead into a three-run deficit.
Moehler recovered somewhat and retired the final 10 men he faced Link
HudsonHawk has this eyewitness report Link
Rotation
Cooper said he would move up Roy Oswalt in the pitching rotation to Saturday’s game against the Braves, and Wandy Rodriguez would take his turn Sunday. That means Russ Ortiz will not take his normal turn in the rotation.
Sampson’s return to form
Sampson said. “Every pitcher trying to get in shape goes through a dead-arm phase. I may have hit mine a little bit too close to around Opening Day. But it’s over now, and I feel great.” Link
Get out of the way you big galoot.
“I called it. That’s all I can tell you,” said Bourn, who hadn’t talked to Lee about the miscommunication before speaking with reporters. “I called the ball. If I call it, I want it. I’m not calling the ball for my health.” Link
So far no comment from Lee but there was a rumor that he’s still hesitant to run over shortstops but centerfielders he’ll flatten, no problem.
Never at home
MLB reporter Josh Katzowitz heard Cooper say this regarding sitting Berkman
“It’s difficult, but you have to look at the big picture,” Cooper said. “In this case, we both agreed it was the best thing to do. I don’t like to do it at home, in front of the home crowd. I really don’t like doing it in Cincinnati, because of what he’s done here. But he really needs a break.” Link
Ortiz heard it this way,
“I mean, but you have to kind of look at the big picture. In this case I think we both agree that it probably was the best thing to do.” Link