Rocky Mountain Bye

Posted on August 2, 2001 by Andyzipp in From Left Field

By Breedlove
Editor’s note – This article originally appeared on AstrosConnection.com on August 2, 2001.

Before the 2001 season started it seemed the Astro Nation would not have parted with Scott Elarton for anything short of a superstar. Even then it would have to have been the perfect situation. But the organization and its fans soured on Elarton when he suffered through poor mechanics and poor health and turned in a poor performance, and the Astros’ situation was far from perfect. Read More

Taking The Shot

Posted on July 31, 2001 by Andyzipp in Zipper Flap

Editor’s note – This article originally appeared on AstrosConnection.com.

In a single afternoon of telemarketing, Gerry Hunsicker went from none to Hun, acquiring Pedro Astacio and Mike Williams for Scott Elarton (and a PTBNL) and Tony “McKnight train to New Orleans” in separate deals.Read More

Thanks, Gerry

Posted on July 31, 2001 by Arky Vaughan in Crunch Time

What to expect from a former Rockies player is always an enigma since the mile-high air does strange things to the flight of a baseball. Taking a crack at the mystery, the Astros hope Tuesday’s acquisition of Pedro Astacio will replace a hole in the rotation left by ailing ex-ace-to-be Scott Elarton.

Hey, Ump…Yer Outta Here!

Posted on July 27, 2001 by Waldo in Bleacher Rap

By Waldo
Editor’s note – This article originally appeared on AstrosConnection.com on July 27, 2001.

Boneheaded calls by sports officials are nothing new. No one has to look further than the January 17, 1999, NFC Championship game between the Minnesota Vikings and Atlanta Falcons to find a fantasic example. Going into overtime (and, hence, sudden death) at the HumpDome, the teams were tied at 21, and the Vikings had just missed a 38-yard field goal attempt at the end of regulation that would’ve sent them to Super Bowl XXXIII. After the team representatives and the referee had gathered for the coin toss, the Vikings called it in the air. “Tails.” The coin landed tails.Read More

Well Balanced Attack

Posted on July 13, 2001 by Arky Vaughan in Crunch Time

One of the few bright spots for the Astros last year was the second-half offense, which was the hottest in baseball. The Astros entered the first half of this season without skipping a beat. They rank at the top of the National League in the most important offensive categories and, as their road statistics demonstrate, are by no means a mere creation of Enron Field:

Split     R/G   Avg   OBP   Slg   HR%
-------------------------------------
Total    5.52  .276  .352  .474  4.50
NL Rank   2nd   2nd   2nd   2nd   1st
-------------------------------------
Road     5.30  .272  .346  .463  4.45
NL Rank   3rd   2nd   2nd   1st   2nd

Obligaroty Midterms

Posted on July 10, 2001 by Andyzipp in Zipper Flap

Editor’s note – This article originally appeared on AstrosConnection.com.

There’s nothing more important or popular than arbitrary grades picked by ill-informed yokels such as myself at the mid-point of a season. Especially when that midpoint happened 5 games ago. The Stros are 10 games over .500 for the first time since the end of the 1999 season, and playing well enough to win games. I’ll be the first to admit that they are also playing about 10 games over my expectation level of this team, so as an Astros fan, I’m pleased. Here’s what I think about everyone in an Astros uniform this season:Read More