Contributed by Reuben

Pirates 8, Astros 7

W: Hanrahan (4-0)
L: Wright (0-2)

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Some things in life are bad
They can really make you mad
Other things just make you swear and curse.
When you’re chewing on life’s gristle
Don’t grumble, give a whistle
And this’ll help things turn out for the best…

You know, one could choose to look at this game in a negative way. The Astros had a 4-run lead in the 6th and blew it. They lost on a walk-off homer by former Astro farmhand (now journeyman) Drew Sutton. They’ve pretty definitively been kicked to the curb by former division-mate cellar-dwellers the Pirates, who now routinely humiliate them. They’ve lost several games in a row (5? 7? Why bother looking that up?), and have an absolutely pitiful road record this year. Their veteran first baseman just vetoed a trade that would’ve added to their vital collection of talented prospects.

But I’m choosing to look on the bright side of life. There’re lots of Astros-related positive things to appreciate right now, including some in this very game:

-Lucas Harrell had a near-dominant first five innings, striking out 9 vs. 0 walks. He only lost it in the 6th after having to run like crazy all around the bases, including a pickoff-avoiding dive that caused JD to invoke the name Carlos Hernandez.
-The Astros actually hit pretty well. Schafer, Lowrie, Lee, and Harrell each had 2 hits.
-Bogusevic and Schafer each stole a base.
-Jason Castro had one of the best and most nail-biting Astro ABs of the season in the 9th, lining a 3-2, 2-out pitch into the RF corner to score Lowrie (who’d walked) all the way from first and tie the game. It was pretty awesome.

If life seems jolly rotten
There’s something you’ve forgotten
And that’s to laugh and smile and dance and sing.
When you’re feeling in the dumps
Don’t be silly chumps
Just purse your lips and whistle – that’s the thing.

-The Astros signed 3 kids out of Latin America!

For life is quite absurd
And death’s the final word
You must always face the curtain with a bow.
Forget about your sin – give the audience a grin
Enjoy it – it’s your last chance anyhow.

-Roy Oswalt got his prissy ass kicked by the White Sox!
-Wilton Lopez, possibly the lone RHP in the ‘pen that doesn’t make you cringe when he’s brought into a game, is about to start a rehab assignment at OKC!
-Surprise! Justin Maxwell don’t need no surgery! He’s apparently gonna be OK with just rest/rehab, and may be back after the All-Star Break.

Life’s a piece of shit
When you look at it
Life’s a laugh and death’s a joke, it’s true.
You’ll see it’s all a show
Keep ’em laughing as you go
Just remember that the last laugh is on you.

-So what if Drew Sutton hit a walk-off against the Astros? The Astros got a couple very good years of Keppinger out of that trade, and then turned Kepp into Jason Stoffel, who just made the Texas League All-Star team thanks to his 1.62 ERA and 12 saves… not impressed? Lefties are hitting .031 off him. And he’s a RHP. Just the type of pitcher to face a switch-hitter like Sutton…
-Shoot, AstrosCounty put together this whole long list of farm-related things to feel happy about.

So rather than grumble about Fernando Rodriguez throwing gasoline on the fire, or being silly chumps about Brian Bogusevic’s poor OPS compared to your average MLB corner outfielder, let’s remember to appreciate the good things we see from these Astros…

And… always look on the bright side of life…
Always look on the right side of life…

I’m sure you all know the classic version. Harry Nilsson did a pretty nice cover of it as well.

On a personal note, my softball team got stomped pretty good earlier tonight, 13-3, but hey, tomorrow I’m going tubing, watching fireworks, maybe grill some corn and hot dogs, maybe catch Spider-Man at the drive-in…

Astros 2, Pirates 11
W: McDonald (8-3) L: Lyles (2-5)

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This game was a bunch of crap by the Astros. 11 runs given up to a team that has had problems scoring. I missed the last hour of the game because my dvr didn’t record it, thankfully. The Astros are now on a 5-game losing streak.

There are a few things in general I feel the need on which to comment.

bases loaded

I know the questions was asked in the B&Q and answered but this team is the worst I think I have ever seen. Opposing teams should not worry if they load the bases with Astros because it is doubtful they will plate any of them. Mark Raup said it best:

This team’s futility with the bases loaded is fucking maddening.

baserunning

I don’t remember the inning, but JD Martinez led off with a double (great for him) and the next batter hits the ball to deep right field and JD goes half way to third before realizing the ball is going to be caught and eventually gets stranded on third to end the inning. Why does this team not have the ability to judge where a ball is going to see if they can tag up and advance? I don’t get it? I remember learning this is softball. It drives me nuts. I also recall it being the first time it was mentioned by the Brownie and JD during a game and then Greg Lucas asked Mills about it during the post-game interview. Doesn’t the team realize that a runner at 3rd with 1 out puts more pressure on a pitcher than a runner at 2nd with 1 out?

callups

Mr. Happy and chuck had a small discussion about call ups in the GameZone. Ruben provided a bit of an answer while riding the bus. But Mr. Happy and chuck aren’t the only ones wondering about call-ups. I must confess I have read more of the bus ride lately and am getting excited for the future. Kudos to the guys contributing over there. It has become a bit of a must read for me.

Well, as I have shared in the last couple recaps I’ve written I’m reading the Fifty Shades trilogy. I know I’m reading the third one because I read the first two. I’m really not sure what all the hype is about. I just get why this trilogy is so freaking popular. Also, I don’t know how they can turn it into a movie. I have about 400 pages to go but so far I’ve pegged the story line.

I hope you all have a wonderful 4th of July. Be merry and safe!

contributed by Reuben

Astros 5, Padres 3

W: Lyles (2-4)
L: Wells (0-1)

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The Astros beat the Padres Tuesday night, a victory that felt good, coming after Monday’s ugly 8-7 loss, but also felt a little bit like “well, they were supposed to win this game”.

Whycome? For starters, they were playing the Padres, who of course are even more pathetic
good-challenged than the Astros this year. On top of that, their pitcher was Kip Wells. The last time Wells faced the Astros, Geoff Blum, Chris Coste, and Miguel Tejada were in the lineup (and Cooper was managing, for all those who gripe about Mills…). That was two weeks before Kip’s last major league game, in 2009. Kudos to him for toughing it out and making it back though. And he actually pitched a decent game, but screwed himself with some sloppiness in the 5th, airmailing a throw to 2B that should’ve started a double play, and then launching a run-scoring wild pitch in the same inning. The Astros scored 4, which would’ve been 0 had the DP been turned, and that was basically the ballgame.

Jordan Lyles didn’t have great control tonight. He walked 4, worked behind in the count often to weak hitters, and just seemed to have a lot of trouble hitting spots with his fastball and curve. But he did a nice job not getting too flustered by events, worked out of a bases-loaded jam, 1-out jam in the 2nd, another with two outs in the 3rd, and a 2-on jam in the 5th, and pitched into the 7th, when he was pulled for Fernando Abad, whom I keep forgetting is on the team.

Lo and behold, Abad – with inherited runners on 1st and 3rd – strikes out one of the Padres’ good hitters, Chase Headley, and gets the next guy to ground out to end the threat. Then, wonder of wonders, he comes back out the next inning and puts ‘em down 1-2-3. Abad! Now all of a sudden his ERA is a respectable 3.38. What’s next, David Carpenter pitching a clean inning?!? Alas, no. In the 9th, Carp once again had no clue where his 94-96 mph heat was going, went 3-0 on the first batter, somehow struck him out, then single, walk before he was pulled for Brett Myers in an Official Save Situation.

Myers was shaky, giving up a long fly-ball out to Carlos Quentin (the Padres’ other good hitter), then a 2-run single to Headley, then another single, then bouncing a curve off Everth Cabrera’s back foot to load the bases and put the tying run on 2nd. Mercifully, he got Alexi Amarista (the subject of much speculation by Brownie and JD as to whether he was as short as Altuve, rather than his listed 5’7”) to ground into the 6-4 to end it.

What else happened?
-Lowrie and JD both homered. Lowrie is now 1 behind Orlando Miller for 2nd-most HR by an Astro SS in a season (15, Thon had 20).

-Brian Bixler made a couple nice plays at 2B.

-The Astros handed Kip Wells his 100th career loss (67-100).

-The Padres got a scoreless inning from a Mr. Hinshaw.

-I hit a HR in my pick-up softball game. Not so easy to do, now that we’re using wood bats. But… a little easier when there’s no OF fence to stop the rolling ball. Maybe there’s a metaphor for the Astros’ win in there somewhere…? Nah, I just wanted to brag.

Padres 8, Astros 7
W: Thayer (1-2) L: Lyon (0-2) SV: Street (11)

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This game had it all. It had some good pitching (Myers) and some bad (Rodriguez, Rodriguez, Lyon). It had some early excitement (bottom of the 1st Astros hit 2 HR). It had some not-so-exciting moments (Wandy gave up 4 runs in the top of the 2nd). It had highs (Astros tying the game in the 8th) and lows (Astros losing the game in the 10th).

One of the best things about this game was the GameZone. The GZ was quite active and a variety of topics were covered. Ron Brand and his wanting Street to get a save so he could get some points in his fantasy league. Ron Brand commenting on the quality of advertising. Discussions about the draft and which players may still get signed. OSF hitting a Posts Count milestone. Mr. Happy being happy. Mark R worried about his erotica collection catching on fire. Chuck stopping riots in Central America. And me, setting myself up for possible heartache by supporting Brian Bogusevic. It’s like a drug and I just can’t stop.

On a personal note, I finished the first book in the Fifty Shades of Gray trilogy. I still think I may be right about the “plot.” Sunday at the beach I saw one other person reading it and one commented on me reading it. I laughed and wondered how many women on the beach were reading the “mommy porn.”

On another personal note, my parents are going to celebrate 50 years of marriage come October. My Mom made arrangements with the caterer yesterday. She emails me and my siblings to let us know. I then reply to her email asking how many people is she is expecting. 300. Yes, 300 people for a 50th Anniversary celebration. I will wager 250 are family. Should be a fun time though!

And one last personal note, I’ve been listening to a new band. I have not seen it mentioned in the Music Thread and was kind of surprised. We Are Augustines is my summer listening pleasure. Maybe someone else will enjoy them.

Happy Tuesday!

Contributed by Reuben

Royals 2, Astros 0

W: Hochevar (4-7)
L: W. Rodriguez (6-5)

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Well, as this game wore on I started to get a little upset. Wandy was “laboring” as they say – struggling with his control, allowing a lot of traffic on the bases, having trouble putting guys away – and meanwhile, the Astros were no-hit until the 5th inning. By Luke Hochevar. Luke Hochevar! Allow me to throw his career stats at you (by the way, apparently there was another Hochevar, named Joseph, who pitched in the Giants’ farm system in the 50’s. Related?):

6-12 5.51
7-13 6.55
6-6 4.81
11-11 4.68
4-7 5.65

Those are Luke’s numbers since 2008. Shitty. He’s a very talented baseball player, don’t get me wrong; guy is a major leaguer, he deserves respect. But as major leaguers go, he’s shitty. I could be wrong here – maybe he deserves more credit for a great game – but it looked to me like the Astros batters did him a lot of favors last night. Pitch after pitch would end up on the opposite end of the zone from where Q set up his mitt. Down-and-in would go high-and-away, etc. Didn’t matter, the Astros were hacking, and making feeble contact. Or no contact, in the case of Justin Maxwell, who struck out 3 times (mostly hacking at balls 2 feet outside in the dirt). Then there’s Jordan Schafer. His very first AB was described quite well by SnS’s own Chuck a week or two ago:

He wastes most of his strikes fucking around trying to bunt. He’s a bad bunter so I don’t really know why he or anyone else thinks this is a good idea. He invariably finds himself 0-2 or 1-2 and with the exception of that one ten pitch at bat the other day he strikes out immediately thereafter either by lunging at a ball outside or, more likely, watching the third strike and then complaining about it. He’s about as mature as a mold spore.

Schafer continued to prove Chuck’s point later in the game, getting thrown out by the pitcher on a lame bunt-hit attempt. The real offensive goat, though, was Maxwell: in the bottom of the 6th, he had a horrible AB with men on 2nd & 3rd and one out, striking out swinging, and bottom 8th, men on 2nd & 3rd again (Lowrie and Lee both times) with 2 outs, J-Max takes a meatball on 3-1 before waving feebly at ball 4 to end the inning. Arrrgghhh, see, it’s making me upset again. Mrs. Reuben had to gently remind me a few times to not get so negative, and at least enjoy the tasty burgers I’d grilled (with grilled onions and chili and cheddar, mmmm). It was good advice.

On the bright side, Lee was 2-3 to bring his average back to .300, CJ had 2 hits, including the no-no-breaker-upper, Lowrie walked a couple times, and Wandy righted the ship in his last few innings to end up with 7 IP and 2 ER – a Butler HR in the 1st, and Escobar RBI single in the 3rd. Oh yeah, and Altuve made a couple very nice 4-3s in the field, and Maxwell had the catch of the night- a great leaping grab at the LF scoreboard to rob extra bases from… some Royal.

Anyway, it’s OK, see? No need to get angry. Shitty pitchers luck into great games every once in a while*. Go get ‘em tomorrow (er, today), boys! A series win is still within your grasp!

PS. Apologies for the late recap. Wouldn’t have been quite so late, but we caught a groundhog in our groundhog trap and had to go drive to the other side of the local reservoir and release the poor critter. Go creep around somebody else’s garden, buddy!

*Did You Know? Hochevar was the 1st overall pick in 2006. Perhaps he’s just finally fulfilling his potential. Then again, I seem to remember everyone thinking it was a horrendous pick at the time (some kind of favor to Boras, maybe? I can’t remember the deal).

Royals 7, Astros 9
W: Happ, L: Sanchez, S: Cedeño
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Wow, what a game. Happ had a good outing, which he seems to do when he pitches agressive. 6 innings of 2 run baseball. The guys in the field had a good night, 9 runs off of 11 hits, 5 walks and 2 KC errors. Bixler, Bogusevic and Maxwell with a homerun each. Altuve with another multi-hit game. The bull pen is where the suspense occurred.

Normally, Brett Myers has been great this season but he left a pile of crap on the field last night. He gave up 5 runs in 2/3rd of an inning. The first batter grounds out, then single, single, single, single, sac fly, single, single, single, and another single before Mills goes out and takes the ball from Milles. Cedeño comes into a bases-loaded, two-out situation and gets Moustakas (his 2nd at bat this inning) to pop-out and close the game. Myers just didn’t have it last night. I truly hope he got his bad outing out of his system.

It was nice to see the Astros have a big inning against another team after this past weekend series. Very nice.

Here’s some game time observations you can read. And to know who’s pitching the rest of the series, check out the series preview. I have a feeling that the non-baseball topic may start an interesting discussion.

Bench Tidbits:

There is usually a Summer Reading Thread in the TalkZone and I don’t usually contribute because I enjoy light, romantic reading and that does not seem to interest many of the contributors in the Beer and Queso Forum plus the main topic of late seems to be whether or not your shoes need to match your button-down shirt. I do on occassion read a “good” book, I just prefer lighter and happier subjects. So, last night, after watching the rebroadcast of the game, I started reading Fifty Shades of Grey. So, far it has been an easy read. Granted, I have only read 5 chapters, but they went by pretty quickly. I’ll have to see if it is the raciest I’ve read. I have a feeling it won’t be. But anyway, I think Ana is going to take a trip down a dark road with Christian before she is able to turn him around into a happy-well adjusted man. And they are going to live happily ever after.

I’ll let you know if that happens.

Oh, and the Astros signed their #2 pick of the draft. Check out The Bus Ride Discussion for excellent information on the draft and the Astros farm system. You may see some great future prospects there.