“There is a possibility of (Paulino) staying around and pitching out of the bullpen,” manager Cecil Cooper said. “Yes, there is a possibility.” Link
Sit down before you fall down
The Astros placed closer Jose Valverde on the 15-day disabled list on Tuesday with a strained right calf muscle. The move was made retroactive to Monday, and he will be eligible to return on May 12.
Deep thoughts
As Pudge is getting ejected, here’s what ran through JR Towles’ head. “I thought, ‘Is there another catcher here?’
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That’s what the portion of his brain not devoted to being a rodeo clown was thinking.
On hitting Bourn 2nd for the 1st time this season on Friday,
Cooper said. “Maybe it’s just that time. I don’t know. I’m just grasping to try to get some consistency with our lineup and the production.”
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Bullpens
Footer noticed that Chris Sampson has the same injury that shelved Alex Rodriguez, a torn labrum in his hip.
No rehab for Brocail, Astros 4% down, Oswalt v. Ramirez
When he first went to the DL Brocail said “I don’t think a rehab will be necessary.” Link
Ignoring Brocail’s “advice”, Wednesday Cecil Cooper and Dewey Robinson said that Brocail would make a Minor League rehab appearance Saturday.
About an hour before game time, however, that plan had changed. ( “I don’t think a rehab will be necessary.”)
Erstad wasn’t surprised to hear that Brocail was trying to get out of the Minor League rehab outing, and according to the veteran outfielder, Brocail is ready now.
“He was the same Brocail,” Erstad said. “Ball moving in every direction possible, he’s screaming at you in the batter’s box. He’s in peak form. He’s ready.” Link
Brocail understands Valverde
Why did Valverde insist, over the advice of the assistant trainer, the manager and his catcher, on pitching on one leg? Brocail said it has more to do with a pitcher’s “hate for hitters.”
“They’re out there whacking stuff off our bodies,” Brocail said. “You want to turn around and get somebody out before you have to get off that mound. They hate us as much as we hate them. I guess it is a pride thing. You want to show that hitter didn’t hurt you one bit, and you want to finish the inning and go shake hands.” Link
Astros lose value
New report from Forbes says that the Astros declined 4% since last season, they’re still listed as “worth” $445 million, which is in the middle for a baseball team according to Forbes. Also their debt ratio is extremely low at 12% Link
Oswalt in a measuring contest
Oswalt said he was looking forward to confronting Manny Ramirez.
“It should be fun,” he said. “Should be a challenge, for sure. He’s one of the best in the game at hitting. You like to see what you’ve got.” Link
Oswalt got a roller to 2nd, a K swinging, and a monster bomb.