1
Talk Zone / Re: Morton last night
« on: June 27, 2018, 12:37:02 pm »I thought he was going to pitch a no-hitter.
I did too. His stuff was as nasty as Cole's was in that game where he struck out 16 and gave up 1 hit.
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I did too. His stuff was as nasty as Cole's was in that game where he struck out 16 and gave up 1 hit.
2
Talk Zone / Re: Six pitcher no-hitter
« on: June 18, 2018, 01:19:39 pm »
My grandparents were at that game. Brought me back a cool photo my granddad took from the scoreboard. Hilarious how so many of those guys had no idea what was going on.
3
Talk Zone / Re: Major Astros Announcement Today at 2:30
« on: June 18, 2018, 01:02:18 pm »
Maybe extending Hinch or Luhnow?
4
Talk Zone / Re: Observations
« on: May 02, 2018, 08:20:59 am »
Giles is a head case with great stuff.
5
Talk Zone / Re: Hitting
« on: March 25, 2018, 03:02:57 pm »
Gallo had an .870 OPS as a 23 year old. He's a stud already. Gattis has never come to .870.
6
Talk Zone / Re: Derek Fisher
« on: March 20, 2018, 11:39:50 am »
At least he walks quite a bit and is fast. So he probably won't kill us even if it takes him awhile to get his batting average up.
7
Talk Zone / Re: Free Agents
« on: January 29, 2018, 11:55:24 am »Spring training starts early this year, and i’ll bet the unsigned FAs are getting antsy. My favorite FA, Matt Belisle, isstill unsigned, I think.
Did you coach him?
He has had some really good seasons and has made a lot of money.
8
Talk Zone / Re: Suspensions
« on: January 29, 2018, 11:51:08 am »Unless they've changed that in the last year, MLB does not funnel suspension or fine money to charities. All other major professional sports leagues do, but MLB does not. The club simply does not pay the player and saves that money.
Astros get a nice little windfall then.
9
Talk Zone / Re: Suspensions
« on: January 25, 2018, 02:26:19 pm »
Does this mean the Astros pocket the million or so dollars they would have had to pay Singleton this year?
10
Talk Zone / Re: yelich
« on: January 23, 2018, 02:30:48 pm »
Wonder what the offer was? Doubt it was much. Makes no sense.
11
Talk Zone / Re: yelich
« on: January 22, 2018, 12:14:19 pm »
For his career, Carlos Gonzalez is a bad hitter outside of Coors Field. He would be wise to stay there. I'd rather his at bats go to Fisher and Jake. And then, if we need a LF at the deadline, make a move. They aren't that expensive to get typically.
12
Talk Zone / Re: Carlos Gonzalez
« on: January 09, 2018, 10:23:49 am »
I would pass on Carlos Gonzalez. His Coors non Coors splits are awful. A career 72 OPS+ away from Coors Field. Also away from Coors a career .252 hitter with a .308 OBP and .427 slugging percentage.
I would rather give those at bats to Moran and Fisher.
I would rather give those at bats to Moran and Fisher.
13
Talk Zone / Re: Free Agents
« on: December 19, 2017, 01:07:12 pm »
I still really like Hoyt and think he has a chance to be a lights out reliever. I would not count him out.
14
Talk Zone / Re: Thank You
« on: November 02, 2017, 03:35:13 pm »
Great post. What happened to Michael N? He was a great poster.
15
The Championship Season Game Zone 2017 / Re: World Series Game 7 - For All the Marbles 11-1-2017
« on: November 02, 2017, 03:33:20 pm »
Just wanted to have a post on this one.
I am 41 and have been an Astros fan last night. We sprayed three bottles of champagne over my backyard.
I am 41 and have been an Astros fan last night. We sprayed three bottles of champagne over my backyard.
16
Johnny Baker
Baker and Lance used to hunt with us. Baker is hilarious.
17
Talk Zone / Re: Reddick
« on: October 24, 2017, 10:27:05 am »There were relievers booed from time to time during the Wilderness Years.
Jay Powell was booed multiple times in the early 00s.
18
Talk Zone / Re: Fondly remembering...
« on: October 24, 2017, 10:25:04 am »...this game:
http://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=230611110
How far we've come
That season's combo of Lidge, Dotel and Wagner was pretty special. Those guys were all shutdown.
19
Talk Zone / Re: Which 25?
« on: October 24, 2017, 10:20:00 am »Hate that Jake has been sitting this thing out and will miss the WS.
Same. His defense alone makes him a difference maker. And his offense was very good this year. Would love to play an outfield of Reddick, Marisnick, and Springer.
20
The Championship Season Game Zone 2017 / Re: ALDS Game 4: Astros vs. Red Sox
« on: October 10, 2017, 02:58:47 pm »PBP douchebag "any other park that is a fly out". Good for you Carlos!
So was the shot by Benetindi.
21
Talk Zone / Re: Which 25?
« on: October 10, 2017, 02:56:07 pm »
Three catchers is the right call.
I would prefer McHugh over Gregerson though.
I would prefer McHugh over Gregerson though.
22
Talk Zone / Re: Jim Crane
« on: October 10, 2017, 02:54:53 pm »
Drayton would not let Hun go pick up a couple mid priced relievers before the 2004 season. It really hurt us in the playoffs. I think that was the final straw.
23
Talk Zone / Re: Carlos Beltran
« on: September 19, 2017, 11:07:04 am »Outside of some posters, no one would care. MLB would applaud.
Maybe posters with 24k posts might care?
24
Talk Zone / Re: Carlos Beltran
« on: September 19, 2017, 11:06:10 am »When you take over the team, then your view is material. Until then, you are just one more Internet expert marshaling facts which support your opinion, saying "I want" about decisions which are Hinch's.
Guess we should just should down this message board then.
25
Talk Zone / Re: 2017 team
« on: May 04, 2017, 09:14:33 am »Hey! Doran was a tough out. (How's that for nitpicking?!?)
And Ausmus in the late 90s was really good at getting on base. I'd say a .360 OBP from your #8 or 9 hitter is a tough out.
Alou, Bagwell, Biggio, Spiers/Berry, Everett/Hidalgo, Derek Bell in an even year, Ausmus (.360 OBP), and Gutierrez (.340 OBP)
27
Talk Zone / Re: Did he have to sell the bulldozer?
« on: July 05, 2016, 10:44:38 am »
Doug Brocail lost all the money he earned as a player because his brother managed his finances and embezzled it all. Sucks. At least Brocail has a good job as a coach.
28
Beer and Queso / Re: I kn9ow Andy Zipp hates it but....
« on: April 29, 2016, 03:12:33 pm »Austin is a great place to live and work. The influx of new blood has changed the town over the past 25 years, it's a slightly different city with a lot more options than before. You have to take the bad with the good. Nothing is permanent. The traffic is horrible in any large city. The best place to live is where you feel most comfortable.
Traffic is nothing a couple hundred million in bike lanes can't fix.
29
Talk Zone / Re: Goose Explodes
« on: March 22, 2016, 04:32:10 pm »Billy is a hillbilly, Gossage is a dick,
Billy is a dick too. First hand experience from him hunting at our ranch.
30
Talk Zone / Re: Remember former hitting coach Tom McCraw?
« on: March 07, 2016, 03:58:05 pm »1998 was the best team in the club's history.
Yes it was.
31
Talk Zone / Re: 2016 HOF Class
« on: December 15, 2015, 06:44:02 pm »The new ballot has been issued: http://espn.go.com/blog/newyork/mets/post/_/id/113181/mike-piazza-headlines-new-hall-of-fame-ballot with winners announced just after the beginning of the year.
Much of the "crowding" is beginning to subside, even if you include those labeled with steroid suspicions - that should help Bagwell who undoubtedly was left out of some full ballots with 2 straight years of 3 first timers being elected; Of the newbies for 2106, it seems that only Griffey seems to have the ability to get in on first ballot, though Hoffman will get some votes I'm sure.
If I had a ballot, here's what it will look like:
Bonds
Clemens
Griffey
Piazza
Schilling
McGwire
Hoffman
Sheffield
Bagwell
Walker
Your forgot Tim Raines
32
Talk Zone / Re: Brocail to Rangers?
« on: November 12, 2015, 02:30:21 pm »
Congrats to him. His brother stole a lot of money from him several years ago. Glad he's found success as a coach and can make a good living. He's a good dude. Used to hunt with my family.
33
Talk Zone / Re: Daryl Hamilton tragedy
« on: June 26, 2015, 02:13:57 pm »
He lived down the street from me when I was in high school out in Greatwood. Was a super nice guy. My brother and I used to shoot hoops with him on his court. This was back in the mid 90s. Very sad.
34
Talk Zone / Re: Qualms to the DL, Singleton up
« on: June 26, 2015, 02:10:17 pm »Quote
Mark Berman @MarkBermanFox26 3m3 minutes ago Texas, USA
Astros place Chad Qualls on DL w/ pinched nerve in his neck & call up Jon Singleton who leads Pacific Coast League home runs(17) & RBIs(66)
Whiplash from all the homers he's served up?
35
Talk Zone / Re: Fan seriously injured at Red Sox game
« on: June 08, 2015, 11:18:59 am »i can not remember something like this happening. truly horrible .never saw a fan being carried out on a stretcher. in my mind seems like more fans get hit by balls.
I saw a fan at an Oiler game in the early 90s collapse and die of a heart attack in the seat in front of me. Dude was in his 40s.
Obviously different deal though.
36
Talk Zone / Re: Tal's Hill a goner
« on: June 04, 2015, 12:33:38 pm »
Never understood the number of complaints about it. Never was a big deal. I like it.
37
Talk Zone / Re: Thus far
« on: May 18, 2015, 12:08:21 pm »
Altuve's defense seems to have gone from decent to outstanding. He's a hard worker so no surprise.
38
Talk Zone / Re: Thus far
« on: May 18, 2015, 12:06:47 pm »In my never humble opinion, this is a good team and no fluke. They are fun to watch.
Yep.
39
Talk Zone / Re: Correa
« on: May 06, 2015, 01:52:07 pm »
I'd say get Correa 100 ABs in AAA and then bring him up.
40
Talk Zone / Re: So....how good is this team, really?
« on: May 06, 2015, 10:54:16 am »After he lost the election to Ann Richards, some of his supporters urged Williams to try again next time around. His response was something along the lines of, "I may be an Aggie, but I'm not crazy."
Still, I didn't think it was fair to bring up his Aggie-ness in this context. Texas A & M did not have the monopoly on yahoo alumni bid-nessmen who had enough money (and not enough class) to go around saying crazy shit like Clay-tie did.
By no means, did they.
Aggy is overrepresented in dumbassery in all walks of life. From the idiots that whoop during church to the Saw Em Off stickers.
41
Talk Zone / Re: Correa
« on: May 05, 2015, 02:57:46 pm »
i suspect he would come up and do fine. Would like to see him get another 100 at bats or so in the minors and then get up here.
42
Talk Zone / Re: So....how good is this team, really?
« on: May 05, 2015, 02:55:32 pm »He compared rape to bad weather, saying "if it's inevitable, just relax and enjoy it." This was in conjunction with his remarks about a Texas womens organization whom he called "a roomful of cattle". He had been leading in the polls by a huge margin, like 20 points, until that point, at which his campaign took a nosedive.
As was already mentioned, today our governor would criticize him for being soft on bad weather. And cattle.
He also refused to shake her hand. Dumb. Even for that aggy.
43
Beer and Queso / Re: Elly May Clampett RIP
« on: January 05, 2015, 04:29:53 pm »
She was a hottie
44
Talk Zone / Re: Astros to add $20 Million to the payroll, per Crane
« on: October 16, 2014, 09:11:17 am »Historically we weren't forced into the AL so Drayton & MLB could artificially inflate the value of their franchise and sell it to an ownership group that didn't have the means to put a MLB product on the field.
I disagree on ownership group not having the means. Charles Duncan, John Eddie Williams, Bill Morgan and Jeff Hines each had the means to buy the Astros outright if they had so desired. Whether they are willing to fund might be in question. But they certainly have the scratch if they are willing.
45
Talk Zone / Re: 10 years since Cammy's death
« on: October 16, 2014, 08:48:50 am »
Loved watching him play ball
46
Beer and Queso / Re: Texans 2014...underway
« on: September 10, 2014, 11:33:36 am »Perhaps, but putting your helmet into a QB's chest is against the rules in the NFL.
He put his face mask on the numbers and wrapped him up. Terrible call because that was a textbook tackle.
47
Talk Zone / Re: Luhnow open to trading Keuchel, McHugh and Cosart
« on: August 01, 2014, 09:44:05 am »
I am wondering if the Astros think Kemp can be their super utility player in the future?
48
Talk Zone / Re: Roster Moves
« on: June 03, 2014, 09:52:59 am »
Singleton was suspended 50 games last year, was out of shape last year, and had a poor 2013 on his return. He's also just 22. Norris is being a douche.
49
Talk Zone / Re: Singleton up
« on: June 03, 2014, 09:50:20 am »
I personally only care about game winning RBIs
50
Talk Zone / Re: Radical Ways Paint Astros As 'Outcast'
« on: May 31, 2014, 10:47:30 am »
Seem like the guys on the field are enjoying themselves.
51
Talk Zone / Re: Happy Fucking Anniversary, Wrgley Field, you dump!
« on: May 09, 2014, 12:10:35 pm »
I hate the Cubs but love that stadium.
Sat in the bleachers for a 4 game Astros series in August 2004. That was the series with about 15 beanballs. And we won it 3-1 to start our amazing run to the playoffs.
Sat in the bleachers for a 4 game Astros series in August 2004. That was the series with about 15 beanballs. And we won it 3-1 to start our amazing run to the playoffs.
52
Beer and Queso / Re: United Airlines starting to understand why they suck
« on: March 10, 2014, 09:16:33 am »
All I know is that I have had more delayed United flights in the last 4 years than I had in the previous 30+ years of my life.
53
Beer and Queso / Re: Obamacare roll-out and impact
« on: February 26, 2014, 11:00:25 am »
Anyone else gotten their $2,500 check yet?
54
Talk Zone / Re: Astros appeal Comcast SportsNet bankruptcy ruling
« on: February 26, 2014, 10:59:07 am »Having this appeal in front of Judge Hughes should be wildly entertaining as he suffers no fools.
You sure don't want to piss him off.
55
Beer and Queso / Re: Johnny Manziel: Giant Asshat
« on: February 17, 2014, 11:49:07 am »wait they party more in houston than college station?
How often was Johnny Online even in College Station?
56
Beer and Queso / Re: An NFL Top Draft Prospect Comes Out
« on: February 11, 2014, 01:26:34 pm »
It is distraction like Tim Tebow is a distraction.
I am pretty sure most teams have a gay or two on them. Hell Ernest Givins is as queer as a $3 bill. His teammates knew that. No distraction because he wasn't out.
This guy will have a lot of media coverage because he's the first one out. Most coaches and execs don't want that.
He will make it easier on the next guy though and eventually it will be a non story.
I am pretty sure most teams have a gay or two on them. Hell Ernest Givins is as queer as a $3 bill. His teammates knew that. No distraction because he wasn't out.
This guy will have a lot of media coverage because he's the first one out. Most coaches and execs don't want that.
He will make it easier on the next guy though and eventually it will be a non story.
57
Talk Zone / Re: Pujols drops defamation suit against Jack Clark
« on: February 11, 2014, 01:24:30 pm »Bagwell needs to sue about 50% of the BBWAA.
Problem is truth is a defense to defamation. Not sure Bagwell wants to open that can of worms.
58
Talk Zone / Re: Roy Oswalt, ultimate big-game pitcher?
« on: February 11, 2014, 01:22:48 pm »
I was sitting in the Diamond Level late during the 2000 season. Two young guys are sitting behind me with a middle aged man. I started talking to him as he was very friendly. Bigtime southern accent.
Turns out it was Roy O and Adam Everett. The older man was Roy's dad. About as country as you could be. They were being honored during the 7th inning stretch for winning gold during the Olympics. Both were two of the top players on that team.
I remarked that it is pretty cool to have a gold medal. They asked if I would like to see them. I said of course. And asked where they were. Both of them had their gold medals in their back pockets of their jeans with the ribbons all wadded up.
Turns out it was Roy O and Adam Everett. The older man was Roy's dad. About as country as you could be. They were being honored during the 7th inning stretch for winning gold during the Olympics. Both were two of the top players on that team.
I remarked that it is pretty cool to have a gold medal. They asked if I would like to see them. I said of course. And asked where they were. Both of them had their gold medals in their back pockets of their jeans with the ribbons all wadded up.
59
Beer and Queso / Re: 30 for 30
« on: February 10, 2014, 08:33:09 am »watched Once Brothers last night. outstanding.
I was involved as a lawyer in Pony Excess and think that show is very good also.
That is really cool.
60
Talk Zone / Re: Astros appeal Comcast SportsNet bankruptcy ruling
« on: February 10, 2014, 08:31:55 am »
Isgur is a pretty decent BR judge. Not sure what sort of chance an appeal has other than potential leverage.
61
Talk Zone / Re: Wallace DFA
« on: February 10, 2014, 08:31:12 am »He looked good in July, but tailed off again in August and September:
July: .273/.325/.545
August: .239/.316/.500
Sept: .208/.276/.321
Dang. Nice work. His 816 OPS was okay in August. I think I pretty much drank myself into oblivion in September to cope with the Astros, Texans, and Longhorns.
62
Talk Zone / Re: Wallace DFA
« on: February 07, 2014, 08:48:31 am »
A little surprised. Thought what he did in the second half would have earned him another chance. But he's 27 with 1,100 plate appearances. If you look at his body of work, I guess I can understand.
63
Beer and Queso / Re: BBQ
« on: February 04, 2014, 01:37:57 pm »
Hit up Smitty's in Lockhart Sunday on the way home from a hunting trip. Damn it was good.
64
Beer and Queso / Re: RIP Steve Fromholz
« on: February 04, 2014, 01:36:55 pm »
how many would a gun nut have?
kidding
Hunted with a very wealthy guy last weekend. He has 450 guns. That is a sure enough gun nut.
65
Beer and Queso / Re: RIP Steve Fromholz
« on: January 24, 2014, 10:24:59 am »
I am not anti-gun, but I wonder what you do with 30+ guns?
I/m no gun nut. I do enjoy shooting and hunt every chance I get. I think I bought maybe 4 of them myself. I probably use the same 5-6 of them (I tend to use the same two rifles, two shotguns and pistol every season). Almost all I inherited from my dad, granddad, and brother (who died young). Most all are nice hunting rifles and nice shotguns.
I just keep them for sentimental reasons. I will pass on my brother's guns and half my dad's guns to my brother's kids once they are old enough. I will pass many of mine down to my son once he's old enough.
I have two small children so all my guns are stored in my safe that is bolted to my foundation.
66
Beer and Queso / Re: RIP Steve Fromholz
« on: January 22, 2014, 09:48:26 am »
Gun security and safety needs to be stressed more in our society (and this is from someone who hunts every chance he gets and owns 30+ guns).
Too many people leave guns loaded and chambered when not needed.
Too many people leave guns loaded and chambered when not needed.
67
Beer and Queso / Re: texans hire obrien
« on: January 22, 2014, 09:45:17 am »
Romeo is a great DC. He is getting long in the tooth.
68
Talk Zone / Re: HOF vote watch
« on: January 07, 2014, 11:02:58 am »Here's what my ballot would be...what would your's look like?
Maddux
Glavine
Thomas
Biggio
Piazza
Bagwell
Bonds
Clemens
L. Smith
McGwire
You forgot Tim Raines. He is a no brainer IMO.
69
Talk Zone / Re: Which of these guys do you think will be inducted into the HOF?
« on: December 10, 2013, 12:37:20 pm »
I know three I would vote for off the top of my head, Raines, Biggio, and Bagwell. All should be no brainers.
70
Beer and Queso / Re: Obamacare roll-out and impact
« on: December 04, 2013, 02:51:11 pm »
You realise that the "C" in "CBO" stands for "Congressional", right?
Yep. The same mother fuckers who had to pass it to know what's in it.
71
Beer and Queso / Re: Obamacare roll-out and impact
« on: December 04, 2013, 12:03:14 pm »Yes. It's the people who are paid to run the numbers on the deficit.
As for your prior missive, I'll just let you catch up on the rest of the thread where your issued are already asked and answered.
The CBO merely takes its inputs from the people who created Obamacare.
The ones who brought us: "If you like your health insurance, you can keep it. Period."
72
Beer and Queso / Re: Obamacare roll-out and impact
« on: December 04, 2013, 09:53:26 am »
You know that healthcare.gov is only meant to be a portal, right? It lets you shop various insurance plans and then connects you to your chosen insurer where you then complete the transaction.
Maybe you should let the Obama administration know.
"On November 19, Henry Chao, the administration official in charge of overseeing the site, told Congress that “the accounting systems, the payment systems, they still need to be” created. Going by the rosy version of Chao’s estimate, that was roughly 30 to 40 percent of the system."
http://www.jammiewf.com/2013/great-news-obamacare-website-has-no-system-for-exchange-payment/
73
Beer and Queso / Re: Obamacare roll-out and impact
« on: December 04, 2013, 09:49:56 am »from what i understand the insurance companies dont even know what they will be paid as that is not working on the website
You'd think the one thing govt. could get right was creating a way for people to give it their money.
Of course these fucktards couldn't run a lemonade stand.
74
Beer and Queso / Re: Obamacare roll-out and impact
« on: December 04, 2013, 09:48:41 am »Yes. It's the people who are paid to run the numbers on the deficit.
As for your prior missive, I'll just let you catch up on the rest of the thread where your issued are already asked and answered.
We can just bookmark this and come back in a few years. I will be the one saying "I told you so."
75
Beer and Queso / Re: Obamacare roll-out and impact
« on: December 04, 2013, 09:47:35 am »Back on topic...healthcare.gov handled 1 million visitors on Monday with no major issues.
Meanwhile, Consumer Reports - who told people to stay away from the bug-plagued website after its launch - has upgraded its opinion.
What a badass website we have already sunk a billion dollars into. (Of course the website is about .001% of the problem with this fucking disaster as the real fun starts when the employer mandate kicks in):
Quote
here’s still one hitch. HealthCare.gov doesn’t work, at all. Sure, it provides a remarkably realistic user experience, but as of now it’s basically a video game. A really, really boring video game. Call it Sim Healthcare.
This is because the so-called back end essentially doesn’t exist. That’s the part of the site that talks to the insurance companies, processes payments, and actually, you know, gets people enrolled on insurance plans.
Reports vary on whether it needs to be “fixed” or whether it still needs to be built. On November 19, Henry Chao, the administration official in charge of overseeing the site, told Congress that “the accounting systems, the payment systems, they still need to be” created. Going by the rosy version of Chao’s estimate, that was roughly 30 to 40 percent of the system.
“It’s not built, let alone tested,” one insurance executive told the Washington Post last week.
http://www.jammiewf.com/2013/great-news-obamacare-website-has-no-system-for-exchange-payment/
76
Beer and Queso / Re: Obamacare roll-out and impact
« on: December 04, 2013, 09:43:42 am »
Wait, someone really believes that Obamacare will reduce the deficit?
Holy shit!
Government fucking programs always cost 10x what they claim.
Holy shit!
Government fucking programs always cost 10x what they claim.
77
Beer and Queso / Re: Obamacare roll-out and impact
« on: December 04, 2013, 09:35:34 am »Opponents of Obamacare have been breathless and apoplectic about people getting their insurance cancelled. While this is a concern, the vast majority of those getting cancelled can get equivalent or better coverage through the exchanges, their old policies having been cancelled due to them no longer being Obamacare compliant.
Bullshit. The policies aren't better. You are just forced to buy coverage for bullshit you don't need.
Why should someone who does not want or can't have kids be forced to buy maternity coverage? Or someone who is childless is required to be covered for pediatric dental care?
Most people would be better served with HSAs for routine shit and catastrophic coverage for the shit that can bankrupt them. For the routine shit HSAs where you pay with your HSA debit card means people would actually shop around for the best deal and not necessarily see a doctor and get a prescription every time they have the sniffles or a tummy ache. Get rid of the employer deduction for health care so insurance is separated from employment and people can choose the policy that fits them best. If you want to have a mandate, only mandate catastrophic coverage. Not coverage for birth control, physicals,
There are studies out there also that say preventative health care actually does not save money. The best preventative care -- and cheapest -- is to have a proper diet.
Obamacare is nothing more than a wealth redistribution scheme with an added layer of massive government bureaucracy. It does nothing to control costs. It merely shifts them around. It is a massive cluster fuck.
Again, you want to fix health care in this country? Get government out of it. Get rid of the tax deduction for employer plans. People biy what they need. Encourage HSAs and high deductible catastrophic plans.
People that cannot afford health care go on medicaid or go to charity hospitals.
(One other fact about why our health care is so expensive compared to other countries -- we do most of the research and other countries spend little on it)
79
Beer and Queso / Re: Texans vs. Jags
« on: November 21, 2013, 03:31:31 pm »The moronic thing is how quickly Hopkins and Keenum get benched, yet "established" players (and coaches) get to go out and stink it up every week, for years, and they're just fine.
Kubiak is a menace.
Yep. Why wasn't Marciano benched years ago?
80
Beer and Queso / Re: Texansv Raiders
« on: November 20, 2013, 11:47:42 am »Maybe she needs to call one.
McNair is nice to include the limited partners in the discussions. But he of course makes all the decisions. It's more of a "lets tell them and explain our decision before it goes public" type thing.
81
Beer and Queso / Re: Texansv Raiders
« on: November 19, 2013, 12:29:12 pm »well John Granato (who does know some of the minority owners) just tweeted...
John Granato @johngranato 11m
Bob McNair called a meeting for minority owners. Consensus: Kubiak has to go. They weren't sure about Rick Smith. Will he listen to them?
Hopefully they just axe Gary now, put in Case and let the season play out...
My grandmother is one of the minority owners. I was at her house last night. No meeting has been called.
82
Beer and Queso / Re: Texans - Colts
« on: November 12, 2013, 02:24:36 pm »They reported 6' 1". Which translates to 5' 10" outside of the sporting world.
Combine measurements are very accurate and there is no bullshit in them like College teams' media guides. Chris Simms went from 6'5" at Texas to 6'2" at the Combine. Roy Williams did too. But both were outed at the combine.
They measure you without shoes and report it accurately. Case specifically measured in precisely at 1/8" shy of 6'1".
83
Beer and Queso / Re: Texans - Colts
« on: November 12, 2013, 11:51:30 am »It's amazing to contemplate that Case Keenum, all undrafted five foot ten of him, could be the best starting quarterback in the history of the franchise.
I wonder what it would be like to be a fan of a team with competent leadership.
I like case. Point of fact though -- he measured in at 6'1" at the combine without shoes.
84
Beer and Queso / Re: UT @ WVU
« on: November 12, 2013, 11:44:18 am »I have said my last negative thing about Case. he drives me nuts at times, and terrible throws are part of his games, but he has whatever "IT" is that makes one a winner. In addition, it seems clear that the entire team believes in him. Johnny U. could not have thrown that corner route to Shipley any better.
I am in the same boat. Case has been an asset.
85
Beer and Queso / Re: Dodds stepping down
« on: November 07, 2013, 09:39:33 am »by all accounts, Patterson blew the interview committee away. I would have been ok with Luck, but I like this hire.
Me too. I was going to be happy with either.
Want to see him hire a good basketball coach (I personally believe Augie, with his skins on the wall and the recruiting class he just brought in, deserves more time).
Hopefully, Patterson can get the LHN on one of the satellite providers soon. There have been rumors about Dish.
86
Talk Zone / Re: Astrodome auction
« on: November 07, 2013, 09:36:21 am »
I would like to see the incremental cost of taking it down to the steel skeleton with parking under it versus a complete demo + parking.
87
Beer and Queso / Re: Jonathan Martin
« on: November 06, 2013, 10:50:40 am »He is very fucked up. He has major rage issues made worse by abusing performance enhancers.
Nebraska had some beauties, didn't they?
Lawrence Phillips, Richie Incognito, Christian Peter, Thunder Collins, Dominic Raiola, etc.
88
Beer and Queso / Re: Texans - Colts
« on: November 05, 2013, 06:11:00 pm »They haven't released Bullock yet, and my guess is they're not going to. I wouldn't pop the cork just yet.
Might as well. That fat aggy's inaccurate knuckleball kicks and line drive kickoffs can help us get a better draft pick.
89
Beer and Queso / Re: Jonathan Martin
« on: November 05, 2013, 10:24:07 am »
Incognito is a piece of human excrement.
90
Beer and Queso / Re: Texans - Colts
« on: November 05, 2013, 10:23:18 am »Texans are Shayne Graham, Neil Rackers and Justin Medlock for PK tryouts tomorrow.
Thank God. One aggy albatross down. One to go.
91
Beer and Queso / Re: Texans - Colts
« on: November 04, 2013, 04:47:03 pm »
I think Keenum has plenty of arm and I love his accuracy, quick release, and ability to extend plays.
I worry more about his durability.
I worry more about his durability.
92
Beer and Queso / Re: Texans - Colts
« on: November 04, 2013, 10:36:43 am »
Bullock was shanking kicks left and right in camp/OTAs last year before he got hurt. He's terrible.
Good thing we drafted him before Greg Zuerlein or Blair Walsh (drafted in later rounds). Or undrafted free agent Justin Tucker.
Season is over so the loss does not matter that much. Looks like we have an answer at QB finally.
Good thing we drafted him before Greg Zuerlein or Blair Walsh (drafted in later rounds). Or undrafted free agent Justin Tucker.
Season is over so the loss does not matter that much. Looks like we have an answer at QB finally.
93
Beer and Queso / Re: Texans-Chiefs
« on: October 28, 2013, 01:26:18 pm »I saw somewhere (maybe in here) that there's a way to cut him after June 2014 and save some money. He'll end up on another team, as a backup, in the same way that the Top Gear guys always have a backup car in the form of a VW Beetle or a Morris Marina.
His salary is $14.5 million for 2014.
If we cut him before June 1, 2014, there is a $10 million dollar cap hit for 2014. So that means by cutting him prior to June 1, you have an extra $4.5 million.
If we cut him after June 1, there is a $4 million cap hit for 2014 and a $6 million cap hit for 2015. So you have an extra $10 million for 2014.
I think they cut him prior to June 1 and just take all the medicine in 2014. If Case is good enough, the cap won't be an issue because we can apply the $4.5 million in savings to address other needs.
94
Beer and Queso / Re: Why Texans?
« on: October 22, 2013, 09:52:24 am »Has Bullock missed a kick from inside the 40?
If you spend a draft pick on a kicker, the bastard needs to make about half the 50+ yarders. Bullock sucks.
95
Beer and Queso / Re: RIP Bum Philips
« on: October 22, 2013, 09:48:57 am »
I was just a toddler when Luv Ya Blue was going on, so my memories of that era were supplied by my dad and granddad. But I was an Oiler fanatic during the 80s and early 90s. And I thought Bum Phillips was as good of a color man on the radio that has existed.
The Oilers drafted Lamar Lathon in the 1990 draft. He was 260 and ran a 4.4 at the combine. I remember during Lathon's first preseason game Franklin and Lord going on and on about what an athletic freak the Oilers had drafted. They kept talking about how fast he was. Then they asked Bum his opinion about Lathon's speed. He replied, "Yep, he gets to the wrong spot faster than just about anyone."
I also got to know him by sacking his groceries and taking them to his truck on a weekly basis. He and his wife Debbie would come in every Friday to the Randalls on Highway 6 and Williams Trace. Bum would shake hands with just about everyone. He would always buy a case of "Day's Work" plug chewing tobacco. It got so that when I saw him I would run to the video department -- which had all the tobacco in those days -- and get him his brand. He was a genuinely nice man.
The Oilers drafted Lamar Lathon in the 1990 draft. He was 260 and ran a 4.4 at the combine. I remember during Lathon's first preseason game Franklin and Lord going on and on about what an athletic freak the Oilers had drafted. They kept talking about how fast he was. Then they asked Bum his opinion about Lathon's speed. He replied, "Yep, he gets to the wrong spot faster than just about anyone."
I also got to know him by sacking his groceries and taking them to his truck on a weekly basis. He and his wife Debbie would come in every Friday to the Randalls on Highway 6 and Williams Trace. Bum would shake hands with just about everyone. He would always buy a case of "Day's Work" plug chewing tobacco. It got so that when I saw him I would run to the video department -- which had all the tobacco in those days -- and get him his brand. He was a genuinely nice man.
96
Beer and Queso / Re: Bud Adams dead at 90
« on: October 22, 2013, 09:33:19 am »
Well, bye.
[/Curly Bill]
[/Curly Bill]
98
Beer and Queso / Re: Why Texans?
« on: October 10, 2013, 04:23:43 pm »Astros fan. Longhorns fan. Texans fan.
Yaaaaaaaay.
Same
99
Talk Zone / Re: Fictional "Broadcasters Wing" of the HOF about to change selection process
« on: September 05, 2013, 09:09:41 am »
I'm in the minority I guess in that I liked Millo in the 80s and 90s.
100
Talk Zone / Re: 2013 Astros - Most Profitable Team in History
« on: August 30, 2013, 09:43:08 am »I'd disagree. And for what its worth, Maury Brown (BizofBaseball, etc.), who was on the front end of the 'Crane War Profiteering' stories (i.e. not in the 'Friends of Crane' circle), isn't buying the Forbes numbers / thinks they are off significantly. Also thought the headline was "The Forbes headline was pure SEO ["link bait"]. Brown also had this to say about the rebuild:
Maury Brown @BizballMaury 21h
To repeat: Astros idea to rebuild quick (rip the Band-Aid off fast) better than prolonged. IMO a bit too radical but premise is sound
I was calling bullshit that the Astros expenses exceed revenues like Reid claimed.
101
Talk Zone / Re: 2013 Astros - Most Profitable Team in History
« on: August 27, 2013, 01:40:14 pm »Ryan said in the Chronicle that the Forbes' numbers are wrong. He said expenses exceed revenues, and the club is operating at a loss.
Bullshit Ryan.
102
Talk Zone / Re: The Future
« on: August 12, 2013, 10:01:51 am »I no doubt am in the small minority here, but I would not be quick to give up on Carter.
Agreed. 100%.
103
Talk Zone / Re: Dave Parker
« on: August 12, 2013, 10:01:07 am »
I started watching baseball in the early to mid 80s. The best arm I've seen was Jose Guillen. Check out this throw.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PfxE_-bViUg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PfxE_-bViUg
104
Talk Zone / Re: astro new slogan (my opinion)
« on: August 12, 2013, 09:58:47 am »
Our bullpen gets us Rodon.
105
Talk Zone / Re: Norris to be in high demand?
« on: August 01, 2013, 09:18:37 am »
Nice to see Altuve and Castro heat up.
Really love the trades we have made. Especially the fleecing of the Royals.
Really love the trades we have made. Especially the fleecing of the Royals.
106
Talk Zone / Re: Norris to be in high demand?
« on: July 30, 2013, 12:42:14 pm »FYI - Glasnow, 2013:
92.1 IP 47H 31R 23ER 8HR 50BB 128K .149 BAA 2.24 ERA
BP has him as a top 50 prospect.
107
Talk Zone / Re: Norris to be in high demand?
« on: July 30, 2013, 12:01:13 pm »
Harrell will start tonight.
108
Talk Zone / Re: Norris to be in high demand?
« on: July 30, 2013, 12:00:45 pm »Some reports of a package including Tyler Glasnow.
That would be very nice.
109
Talk Zone / Re: Norris to be in high demand?
« on: July 30, 2013, 11:46:17 am »Passan saying Norris is likely to get dealt and that PIT could be the landing spot.
Josh Bell maybe?
110
Talk Zone / Re: Norris to be in high demand?
« on: July 30, 2013, 11:40:26 am »
Norris is scratched from the start tonight. Have to think it's a trade. Source is a friend of mine who has some connections (agent). No link.
111
Talk Zone / Re: In former Astros news...
« on: June 24, 2013, 01:18:43 pm »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.
112
Talk Zone / Re: The Commissioner Comes to Houston!
« on: June 13, 2013, 12:57:07 pm »
Someone stink palm him
113
Beer and Queso / Re: Upscale bar in Houston...
« on: May 22, 2013, 11:30:03 am »Is there one left...anywhere? I don't want a sports bar, I don't want a DJ, I don't want a "casual atmosphere", I don't want ferns, I don't want a TV, I don't want free shots, and I don't want strippers or hipsters or sandal-wearing dog lovers. Not that those things don't have their place, but it's not what I'm asking about. Is the regular old "bar" simply gone from this humongous city of ours?
State Bar downtown
La Carafe downtown
Char Bar downtown
The bar at the St. Regis near River Oaks
114
Talk Zone / Re: Berman says Reid Ryan to Astros a done deal
« on: May 22, 2013, 11:26:29 am »Hadn't seen this posted, sorry for the possible Cabrera.
Crane quotes from the Chron this weekend:
------
Crane said the network does not face irreparable financial damage and will remain on the air, but the partners might have to make financial decisions if NBC is unable to increase revenue by closing carriage deals....
"Without coverage, the network is not making money and so without the other (carriers) signing up and paying, there are things that can happen as the entity draws down on its credit," Crane said. "As that goes on, we run out of money, and we are going to have to make some tough decisions.
"There are mechanisms for that in the plan. We're not going to go bust or anything, but basically it becomes more difficult for everybody to operate if we don't get coverage."
Read more: http://www.chron.com/sports/astros/article/Astros-owner-Crane-worries-about-CSNH-s-financial-4527113.php#ixzz2TwxPkUH5
The plan should be a capital call on the partners. John Eddie Williams and Jeff Hines can afford it.
115
Talk Zone / Re: Almost there....alomst there....
« on: May 22, 2013, 09:50:19 am »I've been impressed with Grantland's baseball articles. Very well-written and researched. It helps that they like the Astros' current approach, too.
Everything I have read from Grantland has been fantastic. They wrote an article on the 80s Rockets team that beat Magic's Laker team in 86 4-1. The article was about how that team was about to go on a run for some titles before it was devastated by drug bannings (Lloyd, Wiggins, and Lucas) and Sampson's injuries. It was titled "The Greatest Team that Never Was". It was excellent sports writing -- a rarity these days.
116
Talk Zone / Re: Almost there....alomst there....
« on: May 15, 2013, 08:49:57 am »
Great post. Thanks.
117
Talk Zone / Re: Humber DFA'd
« on: May 14, 2013, 10:47:15 am »
Wonder if this is the end of the line for Humber?
118
Talk Zone / Re: Question about today's game
« on: May 06, 2013, 11:43:51 am »
Can we get the X-man back?
119
Talk Zone / Re: Amidst the Euphoria
« on: April 02, 2013, 10:26:41 am »
We will walk a lot more this year too, IMO.
120
Talk Zone / Re: Well, Bill James is on board
« on: March 21, 2013, 06:42:48 pm »Had they not traded Bourn where would he be today?
Good point. Boras client means he was gone. But we should have gotten more for him. Advanced stats his numbers are way up there.
As an aside, I sure do miss watching him play CF. He and Beltran are the two Astros in the new stadium that I would pay to watch play CF.
Trading him was the right move. Wade should have gotten more. But maybe the Boras connection hure his value.
121
Talk Zone / Re: Well, Bill James is on board
« on: March 21, 2013, 06:40:03 pm »
Michael Bourn is the only transaction I have any regrets about - and that's because we should have gotten better for him.
Agreed. Overall, I am very pleased with our trades and our willingness to trade guys who will be on the downhill but expensive side when we are ready to compete.
122
Talk Zone / Re: Well, Bill James is on board
« on: March 21, 2013, 01:27:25 pm »These guys are not your typical wealthy owners. A 25 mil payroll for a Houston-sized metro area is a fucking embarrassment and he/they should be roundly criticized. IMO, MLB should also be roundly criticized for allowing folks of their limited means to purchase a franchise. That there is a bigger turd in South Florida is little consolation.
John Eddie Williams and Jeff Hines are both filthy rich. Richer than Crane for sure.
123
Talk Zone / Re: Well, Bill James is on board
« on: March 21, 2013, 01:25:50 pm »Well, yeah if they're baseball investors and not just investors. What investors per se care about is ROI and the pressure is for the CEO and COO to make good on that. So it all depends on what type of investor these people are and what was promised to them. But to be quite honest, I don't know anything so this can go any different way it can while still looking to build a winner. It all boils down to the day we think the Astros can benefit from going after free agent X and the organization saying "We don't do that... we build from within". And thus you get a good feel for the organizational strategy to build a winner and also keep cost at a minimum.
That may be true, I don't know anything about the CBA. But anything that is signed by the MLBPA is surely about getting more dollars into the hands of the players. To do that, you get more dollars to any and all markets to then bleed the owners. I think there is probably a mixture of dollars shared somewhere in the agreement to do just that. But how the structure works is not something I know anything about.
Jeff Hines is one of the major investors and is a big fan. We have seats right behind him and he's frequently at the game.
John Eddie is also an investor/fan.
124
Talk Zone / Re: Well, Bill James is on board
« on: March 20, 2013, 12:42:32 pm »
To get back to 90+ wins in the shortest amount of time is my goal. I like what the Astros are doing.
125
Talk Zone / Re: 2013 Games now on KBME 790 AM
« on: February 25, 2013, 06:10:53 pm »
Another benefit of a youngster learning the change is that it is not bad for a young arm like a slider or split finger. Basically, it is a fastball with a different grip.
126
Talk Zone / Re: And so it begins
« on: February 24, 2013, 05:47:16 pm »Welcome.
The names on the jerseys thing is a Porter motivational device. He wants them to 'earn' them.
Holy crap that is Harry Highschool stuff.
127
Talk Zone / Re: What is this shit?
« on: February 22, 2013, 11:11:19 am »
Sounds like some bullshit that Mack Brown would do.
128
Talk Zone / Re: FWIW...
« on: February 19, 2013, 05:09:23 pm »My understanding is that they don't have to let you install it on their roof, but they can't stop you from having one (i.e. in a bucket on your patio).
Here's a good link to the FCC:
http://www.fcc.gov/guides/over-air-reception-devices-rule
Just hope your patio faces to the South.
129
Talk Zone / Re: BP: Are the Astros Really Losing Money?
« on: February 12, 2013, 01:07:28 pm »It is their opinion that they cannot get that much better simply by spending money, but they can improve the farm, drastically (as they have). You will never hear what I heard said in public, because of the negative public perception, but they are doing exactly what they think is best for the long term future of the club. At least they have a plan, and are sticking to it...they will start spending when pieces start to develop, but it is a numbers game (need to pack the farm full first).
I know two of the investors. The plan is to not spend money for a couple years on the big league roster -- which really would not help all that much any way and might cost us 1-1 slots -- and pay down the debt principal as much as possible (they aren't just servicing interest).
Then, once the debt is paid down, at the same time we should be competitive again. Less debt and more cash flow available for contracts.
Seems like a reasonable plan to me.
130
Talk Zone / Re: Relax, Astros' fans... this will make the league switch worth everything
« on: January 03, 2013, 04:01:51 pm »
Anyone else still fucking irate about the move like me? I am half tempted to quit on MLB despite the passage of time.
131
Talk Zone / Re: HOF announcement coming in less than 2 weeks
« on: January 03, 2013, 04:00:47 pm »
HOF voting befuddles me. Tim Raines is one of the very, very elite leadoff men of all time and has not made it in yet. He most likely will make it. But in my view is a no brainer (as are Bags and Biggio). If any of those three played in New York or Boston they would be first ballot.
Raines struggles to get in. Piazza -- who was an absolute butcher behind the plate -- will sail through.
Raines struggles to get in. Piazza -- who was an absolute butcher behind the plate -- will sail through.
132
Talk Zone / Re: The Past Keeps Coming Back
« on: December 17, 2012, 01:57:27 pm »
Are they going to bring back, "What's in Ash's pocket"?
133
Talk Zone / Re: Lidge calling it a career
« on: December 03, 2012, 01:35:16 pm »
There were times where he was just flat out unhittable no matter who was in the box
134
Talk Zone / Re: RIP Pascual Perez
« on: November 08, 2012, 09:56:17 am »Yeah, and what Glenn Davis did with that eephus pitch...
Beat me to it. I was ten at the time and remember that.
135
Beer and Queso / Re: Coach Royal Passed
« on: November 08, 2012, 09:49:08 am »
We've lost a giant in the college football world and a prince of a man.
136
Talk Zone / Re: Bob Brenly: Minute Maid Park "loudest he's ever heard"
« on: October 17, 2012, 10:46:13 am »
The double play that Everett and Bruntlett pulled off the end game 4 against the Cards in 2005 was one of the best plays I have ever seen in my life.
I was sitting in the second row of the Diamond Club, just feet from the Cards' on deck circle. My uncle, who was about 40 at the time and is normally very reserved, started berating John Mabry -- yelling at him like a fool telling Mabry he was going to hit into a double play to end the game. Mabry looked at us like we were idiots (hard to blame him).
Lidge gets him to hit a soft grounder -- I thought that there was no way that could be turned into a twin killing. Bruntlett and Everett do it, and it still remains one of the finest plays I have ever seen in person.
I was sitting in the second row of the Diamond Club, just feet from the Cards' on deck circle. My uncle, who was about 40 at the time and is normally very reserved, started berating John Mabry -- yelling at him like a fool telling Mabry he was going to hit into a double play to end the game. Mabry looked at us like we were idiots (hard to blame him).
Lidge gets him to hit a soft grounder -- I thought that there was no way that could be turned into a twin killing. Bruntlett and Everett do it, and it still remains one of the finest plays I have ever seen in person.
137
Beer and Queso / Re: JoePa
« on: August 03, 2012, 10:47:14 am »
I personally just count AP, UPI/Coaches, and BCS titles. The rest are bullshit.
Counting retroactive titles is gay.
Counting retroactive titles is gay.
138
Talk Zone / Re: Jeter out for the season...
« on: August 03, 2012, 08:56:22 am »
Yankee pitcher ERAs will now drop half a run.
139
Talk Zone / Re: Bravo, Mr. Luhnow.
« on: August 03, 2012, 08:55:39 am »
It was a dumb signing. Luke Scott could get on base and hit for power at a slightly lower rate, play a better left field, and cost $100 million less.
A professional athlete should stay in shape.
A professional athlete should stay in shape.
140
Beer and Queso / Re: JoePa
« on: July 29, 2012, 12:58:21 pm »They have been named MNC by a couple of groups retro-actively, and the AD included them in the media guide. It's kind of a meh decision, but it's the same logic that has allowed USC to horn in on the 1939 MNC, and Alabama to claim 62 or so championships.
I don't think they're going to put the years up in the stadium, but who knows...
Texas only recognizes AP, UPI, and/or BCS titles. If they counted like Alabama and A&M do, Texas would have 9-11 titles.
Alabama in 1983 recognized 6 national titles. Their SID decided to go back and count retroactively awarded titles that offseason. They went from 6 to 11. There is a funny picture going around on the internet with their 1983 media guide.
141
Talk Zone / Re: Wandy close to being a Pirate??
« on: July 25, 2012, 03:40:04 pm »Did I hear Brownie right? Next time he pitches, it'll be against the Astros?
That will help his ERA
142
Beer and Queso / Re: JoePa
« on: July 25, 2012, 10:01:02 am »All the way back to 1998. Plus $60M in fines, scholarships, all players can transfer w/o penalty, etc.
http://www.cnn.com/2012/07/23/us/pennsylvania-penn-state-ncaa/index.html?hpt=hp_t1
In other news, the Aggies just won the 1999 and 2007 Alamo Bowls! haha
Pedo State vacates their wins. Strangely, the teams they played still keep their losses. Vacating is different than forfeiting.
Pedo State also keeps their losses from 1998 to 2011.
143
Talk Zone / Re: Lowrie/Lee to LAD?
« on: July 01, 2012, 01:18:34 pm »
Love what Luhnow has done and is attempting to do. Night and day from the last 6 years of the Drayton regime.
144
Talk Zone / Re: You are the G.M.
« on: June 11, 2012, 09:48:59 am »
I'd trade Wandy and Myers if the return is decent. No question.
145
Talk Zone / Re: David Schoenfield: Denying Jeff Bagwell would be a travesty
« on: January 03, 2012, 02:25:57 pm »
The fact that Bagwell and Tim Raines are not in the HOF, speaks to the ignorance of the voters.
146
Talk Zone / Re: Man, this is fun.
« on: August 06, 2011, 09:26:25 pm »
They're still shitty.
[/Chinese Dudes on Major League]
[/Chinese Dudes on Major League]
147
Game Zone 2011 Archive / Re: Astros vs. Brewers, 8/6/11
« on: August 06, 2011, 09:20:00 pm »
What a dumbass move Clark. Jesus what was even the point of getting to third, trying to cover the spread?
148
Talk Zone / Re: Bourn the next to go?!?
« on: July 30, 2011, 10:22:23 am »
I like Bourn a lot. But he turns 29 before the start of next season. So I'd like young prospects better.
149
Talk Zone / Re: Pence to Atlanta?
« on: July 29, 2011, 03:07:57 pm »Pence is in the lineup for tonight according to McTaggart.
Furk
150
Talk Zone / Re: Pence to Atlanta?
« on: July 29, 2011, 02:48:51 pm »
Would be nice to garner a few top 75 type prospects.
151
Talk Zone / Re: Posnanski on upcoming HOF vote
« on: July 26, 2011, 09:44:46 am »
Tim Raines is a guy who should have been a sure fire first ballot HOFer. .385 lifetime OBP over 23 seasons. Fifth all-time in stolen bases with 808. One of the things that made him extra special was his efficiency at stealing -- his success rate of of 84.6 percent is first among players with at least 500 stolen bases.
Lou Brock is in the HOF for stealing bases. He was successful 75% of the time. Tim Raines is one of the very best true leadoff men of all time and should be in.
Jeff Bagwell is a top-5 first basemen of all-time as a hitter, one of the best baserunners of his era, and was a premier fielder before his shoulder betrayed him.
Imagine the mortal lock he would have been had the Red Sox held on to him.
Lou Brock is in the HOF for stealing bases. He was successful 75% of the time. Tim Raines is one of the very best true leadoff men of all time and should be in.
Jeff Bagwell is a top-5 first basemen of all-time as a hitter, one of the best baserunners of his era, and was a premier fielder before his shoulder betrayed him.
Imagine the mortal lock he would have been had the Red Sox held on to him.
152
Talk Zone / Re: Power, pitching outages
« on: July 05, 2011, 10:04:03 am »
We'll probably play better in the second half and lose the #1 pick. Since there is no Harper or Strasburg that probably does not matter.
153
Talk Zone / Re: July fire sale
« on: July 05, 2011, 09:58:40 am »I don't understand why you guys want to trade Bourn so bad.
I would trade anyone on the team 27 or older provided we get decent prospects for the future. We are a few years away. By restocking the farm system we can rebuild faster.
154
Talk Zone / Re: The Dodgers File for Bankruptcy
« on: June 29, 2011, 01:45:12 pm »Or signing Carlos Lee to a bazillion year deal with a no-trade clause?
His contract doesn't need a no trade clause. Its salary structure versus Lee's age = no trade clause.
155
Talk Zone / Re: Posnanski's List of Dominant Performances
« on: June 28, 2011, 11:42:32 am »That list has a glaring error from early 2006.
Yep. Certainly better than Frazier's game.
156
Talk Zone / Re: Astros to the AL?
« on: June 13, 2011, 12:10:09 pm »
Awful idea. Not a fan of the AL game.
Don't like the DH. Makes as much sense as having ghost runners.
Don't like the DH. Makes as much sense as having ghost runners.
157
Talk Zone / Re: Erstad named head-coach at Nebraska
« on: June 03, 2011, 09:45:52 am »
Should be able to win the Big 10 more often than not.
158
Talk Zone / Re: Press Conference at 2:00 (5/16)
« on: May 17, 2011, 10:27:30 am »
No player should ever be untouchable. You compare their worth to what is being offered (and the respective contracts assuming you have a fixed budget).
159
Talk Zone / Re: Harsh Rosenthal Video
« on: May 17, 2011, 10:13:01 am »
I remember Gerry H being extremely pissed off that Drayton would not authorize and additional $5 million for relievers prior to the 2004 season. We were extremely thin in the pen and neeeded help. I think that was the straw that broke the camel's back
160
Talk Zone / Re: A guy can dream, can't he?
« on: September 01, 2010, 01:59:21 pm »Gonna need a time machine, he turned 29 this month.
It is speculated that his next contract will carry him to at least age3635 and should exceed $100M.
Edit: bad math.
No thanks. We are 2-3 years from really competing. In this era of steroid testing, you don't get as much value from players on the back side of 30.
161
Beer and Queso / Re: Coogs and Miners On the Move
« on: August 27, 2010, 01:18:25 pm »Miss St. should be a tough ticket depending in how UH plays up to that point. I don't think it will be as tough as TTU though because a) the team will not have just upset a top 10 ranked team and b) MSU's alum base in Houston is smaller.
Although not an alum, I attend a few UH games this year. I'm looking forward to the 9:30 pm Friday night UTEP game for starters. Should be a great, loud, drunk atmosphere.
I definitely will attend that game if I'm in town. I've always had a soft spot for UH despite some of the beatings they put on Texas in the run and shoot days -- of course the 1990 game in Austin helped.
162
Beer and Queso / Re: Coogs and Miners On the Move
« on: August 26, 2010, 02:36:34 pm »I will admit that UH has made many blunders over the years, but times are changing.
Agreed. I am a Texas alum and rabid Longhorn supporter. But I hold no ill-will towards UH over crap that happened 10 years ago. As a native Houstonian, I would like nothing better than to see UH continue to build its program. From what I understand season ticket sales are around 12,000 this year -- up 90% from last season. Sumlin is an excellent coach.
I hope to catch a Cougar game this year, perhaps when Miss State comes in town.
163
Beer and Queso / Re: Coogs and Miners On the Move
« on: August 26, 2010, 11:30:12 am »
The issue with UH is not fear, but the size of their stadium. Hell, UH gave up more points against UTEP last year than Texas did yards.
There is also residual resentment over the joke temporary bleachers UH put up in the 2001 bleachergate incident -- those things looked like they were designed and installed by drunk teenagers. But since there is a new regime at UH, I would hope Texas is over it now.
Someone asked about a cheap shot. That was actually from 2000 at the UH game in Austin. Yes there was, a UH player blatantly stomped on Shaun Rogers' ankle which caused him to miss the Okie State and OU games and limited him throughout the rest of the season. It also caused his NFL draft status to drop.
There is also residual resentment over the joke temporary bleachers UH put up in the 2001 bleachergate incident -- those things looked like they were designed and installed by drunk teenagers. But since there is a new regime at UH, I would hope Texas is over it now.
Someone asked about a cheap shot. That was actually from 2000 at the UH game in Austin. Yes there was, a UH player blatantly stomped on Shaun Rogers' ankle which caused him to miss the Okie State and OU games and limited him throughout the rest of the season. It also caused his NFL draft status to drop.
164
Talk Zone / Re: Roy O to Phillies
« on: July 29, 2010, 02:35:40 pm »do you do anything but bitch? take 3 seconds and tell me everything you like. that should be plenty of time.
Sorry, just venting. This deal blows. I won't post any more about this.
165
Talk Zone / Re: Roy O to Phillies
« on: July 29, 2010, 02:33:53 pm »
I guarantee you Drayton will say some bullshit about us competing for championships.
We should have started rebuilding once Clemens and Pettite left. Instead we waste time and money on washed up or soon to be washed up veterans to pretend we actually can compete.
I am beyond pissed right now.
We should have started rebuilding once Clemens and Pettite left. Instead we waste time and money on washed up or soon to be washed up veterans to pretend we actually can compete.
I am beyond pissed right now.
166
Talk Zone / Re: Roy O to Phillies
« on: July 29, 2010, 02:30:57 pm »
They'll re-sign/exercise the option on Myers and claim we are going to compete for championships with Happ, Myers, Wandy headlining our pitching staff and Pence headlining our offense.
We should trade everyone on the team for prospects right now.
Getting Happ is a joke. He is or will shortly be arbitration eligible.
We should trade everyone on the team for prospects right now.
Getting Happ is a joke. He is or will shortly be arbitration eligible.
167
Talk Zone / Re: Roy O to Phillies
« on: July 29, 2010, 02:18:22 pm »
We're going to corner the market on up the middle players who can't hit and have terrible plate discipline.
168
Talk Zone / Re: Roy O to Phillies
« on: July 29, 2010, 02:11:50 pm »Two fast glove guys who can't really hit and a #3 who has been hurt most of the year. All cheap, the prospects are young. Crap, I was excited about Singleton.
So much for that Jedi Mind Trick shit.
ETA: Tags tweets that Oswalt has approved the trade.
And that #3 will be on the wrong side of 30 by the time we are ready to compete. To go along with his injury issues.
169
Talk Zone / Re: Roy O to Phillies
« on: July 29, 2010, 02:05:05 pm »
If the deal reported by MLB network is true, we've been screwed.
170
Talk Zone / Re: Trade Deadline...
« on: July 22, 2010, 12:57:20 pm »I'll take 20 extra losses this season for guys who contribute to five extra wins in 2012 or 2013. Who cares about the rest of this season other than getting young guys some playing time? Getting good value for Oswalt, Myers and Rodriguez would be a big improvement to the team's long-term outlook.
Hell yes. What does it matter if we lose 10-20 more games this season? I'd rather get prospects back -- hopefully guys that could start getting playing time the next two years like we did with the early 90s youth movement -- and get a top-3 pick in next year's draft.
171
Talk Zone / Re: AP reporting George Steinbrenner dead at 80
« on: July 13, 2010, 11:30:01 am »
Good to know. Thanks for the cite.
172
Talk Zone / Re: AP reporting George Steinbrenner dead at 80
« on: July 13, 2010, 11:17:30 am »There is still the possibility that a retro change may be put into place to keep the estate tax for 2010.
I need to talk to the estate tax litigator at my firm. I have to imagine that would produce a huge fight unless there is some sort of clear cut legal precedent that has settled the issue.
173
Talk Zone / Re: AP reporting George Steinbrenner dead at 80
« on: July 13, 2010, 11:13:39 am »
Dang, he sure got one over on the IRS. Dying in 2010 with 0% estate tax. I think it goes back to 55% on 1/1/11 if no legislation goes in place.
174
Talk Zone / Re: Roster moves
« on: June 24, 2010, 02:06:20 pm »Damn, why are you not in charge, being so smart and all?
Yeah, it really blindsided me that a 35 year old third baseman who over the last 5 years has had a sub .300 on base percentage might not be the best signing in the world at $4.5 million.
You can spend money on player development, be it this year or holding it back for some other year. We just signed a couple Dominican kids to fairly large bonuses. We could have used the cash to go over slot in the draft for a player who was talented but a signing risk. Or Drayton could have used the money to lower the price of hot dogs for all I care. But why sign a guy like Feliz to a team that -- as was obvious to anyone with a shred of intelligence -- was years away from competing for a championship?
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Talk Zone / Re: Roster moves
« on: June 24, 2010, 10:45:23 am »A one year 4.5 million dollar contract for a position with a huge gap for 2010 is bad how?
The signing was fine. His performance has been below expectations.
It's about what I expected from a washed up player that never was very good to begin with. But it's just a one year deal. Considering the Astros' resources are somewhat finite, I would have rather spent the cash on player development.
176
Talk Zone / Re: Roy Oswalt talking like a man that is willing to get traded this season
« on: June 01, 2010, 01:12:21 pm »Not to beat a dead horse (or kick a man when he's down), but this is a key difference between Wade and Purpura. I realize the comical writers are obliged to take cheap shots at wade. But so far, I have no reason to dislike the job Wade has done as GM. Hell, his moves make perfect sense given the owner/pres of business operations and the team/system that came with the job.
I think Wade is doing a nice job. The mess he inherited is not his fault. But I hate that he signs average to bad players to free agent deals.
I'm talking about Pedro Feliz and Kaz Matsui. Why sign them? We weren't close to winning anything without them. Why not play a cheap rookie and spend the money on draft picks?
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Talk Zone / Re: If Blum is our new SS most of the time...
« on: May 20, 2010, 03:13:01 pm »
I'd listen to offers for Lindstrom. Why not? If another club is desperate for a closer and wants to overpay with enough young talent to try and win now, we should take advantage. We have holes everywhere.
Lindstrom turned 30 in February. He is having, by far, his best season (1.47 ERA compared to previous three seasons of 5.89, 3.14, and 3.09). So it could be a case of both selling high and taking advantage of another club who wants to try and win now.
Lindstrom turned 30 in February. He is having, by far, his best season (1.47 ERA compared to previous three seasons of 5.89, 3.14, and 3.09). So it could be a case of both selling high and taking advantage of another club who wants to try and win now.
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Talk Zone / Re: The Keppinger "hot start"
« on: April 29, 2010, 01:09:56 pm »I think you're more likely to have to sign a ($5M) check to make it happen.
It's a sunk cost. Kaz gets paid regardless.
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Talk Zone / Re: The Keppinger "hot start"
« on: April 29, 2010, 12:36:23 pm »There's one or two players ahead of Kaz on my hit list. At least Kaz can catch a fucking ball.
Agreed, with respect to the 100 or so games he's healthy enough to play. It would be nice if Kaz could hit like he did in 2007-08.
180
Talk Zone / Re: Paulino
« on: April 29, 2010, 12:30:01 pm »I'm certainly not in this camp. However, I just believe that Paulino is not progressing much right now and needs a lot of work.
I do not see us challenging for the playoffs any time soon unless Paulino and Norris develop into good pitchers. So they need to know they are getting a legit shot this season. At a minimum, we need to see what they've got. This approach worked with Wandy.
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Talk Zone / Re: Paulino
« on: April 29, 2010, 12:25:55 pm »
Pence is an awful right fielder.
Pence makes Carlos Lee look like Willie Mays in the OF. Lee has the easiest position on the field, especially when we're at home. And he can't catch routine pop ups down the line. And God forbid a ball get to the corner. Lee disappears for 5 minutes.
I suspect Pence would look a lot better in LF than he does in RF. We won't know until 2013, because we couldn't get a sleeve of beer cups for Lee considering he is about to be 34 and is under contract for $18.5 million a year for this year and in eacg of the next two seasons.
I realize range factor is not a perfect stat. But here is how Pence and Lee compare among their contemporaries with respect to range factor:
2010: Pence - 12 out of 27 RFs. Lee - 21 out of 21 LFs.
2009: Pence - 6th out of 19 RFs. Lee - 13 out of 13 LFs.
2008: Pence - 2nd out of 15 RFs. Lee - 6 out of 11 LFs.
2007: Pence - not ranked, not enough games at CF or RF. But his range factor in RF would have ranked #1 and his range factor in center would have been 7 out of 19.. Lee - 13 out of 17 LFs.
Again, I am no expert and typically defer to the smarter people.
Pence makes Carlos Lee look like Willie Mays in the OF. Lee has the easiest position on the field, especially when we're at home. And he can't catch routine pop ups down the line. And God forbid a ball get to the corner. Lee disappears for 5 minutes.
I suspect Pence would look a lot better in LF than he does in RF. We won't know until 2013, because we couldn't get a sleeve of beer cups for Lee considering he is about to be 34 and is under contract for $18.5 million a year for this year and in eacg of the next two seasons.
I realize range factor is not a perfect stat. But here is how Pence and Lee compare among their contemporaries with respect to range factor:
2010: Pence - 12 out of 27 RFs. Lee - 21 out of 21 LFs.
2009: Pence - 6th out of 19 RFs. Lee - 13 out of 13 LFs.
2008: Pence - 2nd out of 15 RFs. Lee - 6 out of 11 LFs.
2007: Pence - not ranked, not enough games at CF or RF. But his range factor in RF would have ranked #1 and his range factor in center would have been 7 out of 19.. Lee - 13 out of 17 LFs.
Again, I am no expert and typically defer to the smarter people.
182
Talk Zone / Re: Carlos Lee & Cabrera
« on: April 27, 2010, 01:22:05 pm »
Carlos Lee is lazy. It's obvious from his conditioning and his lack of hustle. He can swing the bat though.
183
Talk Zone / Re: A pair of idiots
« on: April 06, 2010, 12:31:38 pm »
Why would those dumbasses blame Ed Wade for our lineup?
184
Talk Zone / Re: RIP: Mike Cuellar
« on: April 06, 2010, 12:27:31 pm »
I still am sick over Carlos Hernandez' injury.
185
Talk Zone / Re: No mo' Nomar
« on: March 10, 2010, 01:57:13 pm »Chicks dig the long ball.
I think in his case it's more due to the fact that he spent his prime in Montreal. Raines should be in, and it's a no-brainer to me.
186
Talk Zone / Re: No mo' Nomar
« on: March 10, 2010, 01:45:38 pm »
Who knows with HOF voting -- the fact that Tim Raines is not in yet is a joke. Lifetime .294 hitter, .385 OBP, .425 slugging over 23 seasons. 2605 hits. 808 steals (against only 146 caught stealing). The guy was one of the best leadoff men ever and gets 30% of the vote.
188
Talk Zone / Re: Further proof that people don't get it
« on: February 25, 2010, 12:22:39 pm »
Wade came in with a depleted farm system on a team with 3 players taking up what, about $45-50 million a year in payroll. He, or someone, has convince Drayton to spend money on scouting and signing players.
I am optimistic about our future because of Wade/Heck. He is digging us out of a hole IMO.
I am optimistic about our future because of Wade/Heck. He is digging us out of a hole IMO.
189
Talk Zone / Re: Top Ten Baseball Memories of the Decade
« on: February 16, 2010, 02:10:50 pm »The 4-6-3 DP to end game 4 of the 2005 NLCS. I still get chills just thinking about that moment.
I was sitting in the diamond level that night (family members have two sets of tickets). We were on the front row about 7 feet from the batter's box. My uncle -- who is normally very reserved -- starts yelling at the batter (Mabry?) telling him that he was going to choke and ground into a doubleplay. He even moved over into the aisle to the point he was 2 feet away from the batter and justs razzes him over and over about how he was going to ground into a DP. Normally it is so tame down there, but my uncle started a bunch of people yelling at the guy. That was one of the finest DPs I have ever seen turned. Thought we had no chance when the ball was hit and was hoping we could just hold them to a tie. Everett and Bruntlett were fantastic.
My other fun memory was the August 2004 series at Wrigley. I had never been to Chicago before. I went to all four games that basically started our magical run. After the first game (we lost), Cub fans were trash talking about how crappy we were and how we had no shot as we were 7 back in the wild card. We won the next 3 at Wrigley, which put us 4 back and jumpstarted a 12 game winning streak. The series was great. I remember there were a lot of bean balls. They hit probably twice as many of our guys but were the ones complaining in the media about us throwing at them -- especially that little bitch Barrett. One of my favorite moments was what I believe was the debut of Dan Wheeler as an Astro. They Cubs had been hitting our guys all weekend. Wheeler drops Derrick Lee on his first pitch as an Astro. I loved it.
Some great memories on this thread.
190
Talk Zone / Re: No, not Cruuuuuuuuuuuuuuuz
« on: October 14, 2009, 01:24:46 pm »
I hate that Cruz won't be out there anymore. I am not sure that this helps or hurts the team.
We're pretty much f'd for a few years anyway. If it weren't for the fact that we now have a competent scouting department led by Bobby Heck and a committment to signing our draft picks, I would be completely hopeless.
As for coaching, I think at this level most guys know how to field their position or they don't. I guess coaching can help if a guy is moving to a new position. Otherwise, I doubt it matters much.
I do believe a good pitching coach can help a pitcher with mechanics and, more importantly, their approach.
Shane Reynolds once told me that with the Astros under Hooton, they basically just turned on the lights and rolled out the balls. He said the Braves had a very organized and strict manner of coaching pitchers. Of course he was pretty much used up by then so it did not make a difference to his career.
We're pretty much f'd for a few years anyway. If it weren't for the fact that we now have a competent scouting department led by Bobby Heck and a committment to signing our draft picks, I would be completely hopeless.
As for coaching, I think at this level most guys know how to field their position or they don't. I guess coaching can help if a guy is moving to a new position. Otherwise, I doubt it matters much.
I do believe a good pitching coach can help a pitcher with mechanics and, more importantly, their approach.
Shane Reynolds once told me that with the Astros under Hooton, they basically just turned on the lights and rolled out the balls. He said the Braves had a very organized and strict manner of coaching pitchers. Of course he was pretty much used up by then so it did not make a difference to his career.
191
Talk Zone / Re: Astros for sale?
« on: October 02, 2009, 12:26:56 pm »
From what I was told a few weeks ago by a family member who is friends with Drayton, the club has been for sale for months.
192
Talk Zone / Re: Tommy Manzella
« on: September 24, 2009, 12:31:55 pm »
Zero reason to keep Tejada unless he wants to play for like $3 million a year cheap. It's not my money, but if I am going to spend $6 to $8 million on a third basemen, I want him to hit better than Miguel does at this stage of his career and I want him to play at least an adequate level of defense. It would also be nice if he got on base more and did not lead the league in double plays grounded into for a third year in a row.
He will be 36. He still can hit for average and doubles. But his power has diminished greatly since steroid testing has been implemented. I would hope the team would spend its money on pitching instead of an aging vet who will do nothing but decline.
I sure like Tejada's attitude and love of the game. But we should be looking for more longterm options at this point since we are not likely to contend for a few years.
He will be 36. He still can hit for average and doubles. But his power has diminished greatly since steroid testing has been implemented. I would hope the team would spend its money on pitching instead of an aging vet who will do nothing but decline.
I sure like Tejada's attitude and love of the game. But we should be looking for more longterm options at this point since we are not likely to contend for a few years.
193
Talk Zone / Re: Oh Happy Day
« on: September 23, 2009, 04:07:24 pm »I agree with that. I did not intend to imply that it means trading everyone away. A lot of members of the '80s teams got old and were simply allowed to depart. But I do wonder whether Berkman and Oswalt want to use what's left of the primes of their careers on a team that's rebuilding in a series of losing seasons. Oswalt and Berkman could be on the downside of their 30s by the time the right pieces are in place to make another run.
The semi-expensive veterans would be good to keep off the roster at this point. They should be focusing on young players long-term rather than filling holes short-term. Either that, or go out and spend another $50 million this winter, but that's not going to happen.
You nailed it IMO. The duct tape and bailing wire approach to fixing the glaring issues this team has had the last 4 years needs to be scrapped. I think Berkman and Oswalt could have several very good years left. But by the time it takes our farm system to resupply the Astros with legit talent, they will just be overpriced vets in their declines -- especially since neither of them is likely to age all that gracefully (Roy because of his build and Lance, who isn't the most fit cat in the world). If we trade them now, we accelerate the rebuilding process and free up payroll for free agent acquisitions for such time the club is ready to make a move.
At least we have competent talent evaluators and have done a better job signing our picks the last two drafts. That is the most important thing that will eventually lead the Astros back to success. It is my humble opinion that trading assets such as Berkman and Oswalt will expedite rebuilding. (I doubt we could get much of anything for Lee given his backloaded contract).
Of course, both Berkman and Oswalt have no trade clauses. I am not sure Berkman would waive his. I am almost positive Roy would. I would wait until the first half of next season to explore trades. Let them bounce back and perform. Find a contender with a good farm system who believes they need a stud pitcher or stud hitter to get them over the top.
194
Talk Zone / Re: Behind in the count
« on: April 24, 2009, 03:01:15 pm »Sometimes I wish Pence and Bagwell would get caught in a nuclear explosion so they could merge, forming the Firestorm of Baseball. That way, whenever Pence would come up with runners in scoring position, Bagwell could whisper "look for your pitch, he won't throw you a strike until you force him to." And Pence could reply "Thanks Prof, I don't know what I'd do without you!" They could have hilarious banter while carving up the pitchers of the National League!
I'd like to see Bagwell coach Berkman on baserunning
195
Talk Zone / Re: Adam Dunn?
« on: February 10, 2009, 04:19:25 pm »Since MVP is largely a function of offense, I'd say Lee was playing as well as anyone in the league last year before he was hurt.
Of course, so was Berkman in April and May...
Even ignoring his below average defense and him playing a non-premium position, he does not get on base enough or run the bases well enough to merit discussion as an MVP caliber offensive force.
196
Talk Zone / Re: Adam Dunn?
« on: February 10, 2009, 03:44:47 pm »
In what universe is Carlos Lee an MVP caliber player?
That being said, I agree we have no place for Dunn.
That being said, I agree we have no place for Dunn.
197
Talk Zone / Re: Adam Dunn?
« on: February 09, 2009, 01:17:20 pm »
That might be the worst OF in baseball history.
198
Talk Zone / Re: Kent wants to spend more time "washing trucks"
« on: January 26, 2009, 02:18:24 pm »
Exactly right. Hence a .290 career average. We may never see the likes of as much talent as was on that 2004 team again in Houston.
Just in the last 25 years, we have had three better teams. 1986, 1998, and 1999. Our 1998 team, especially after picking up Johnson, was ridiculously salty. You had a bunch of stud everyday players in their prime and they won 102 games:
1B: Bagwell (age 30 - .424 OBP and .557 slugging, probably the best fielding and baserunning 1B of his era)
2B: Biggio (age 32 - .403 OBP and .503 slugging -- 51 doubles, 50 steals with only 8 CS)
SS: Gutierrez - respectable defense + .340 OBP
3b: Berry and Spiers (very, very productive platoon - OBP around .370 combined with 17 homers and 95 RBI's)
LF: Alou (38 homers and 124 RBI, .399 OBP and .582 slugging)
CF: Carl Everett - .359 OBP and .482 slugging
RF: Derek Bell -- .364 OBP and .490 sluggingEverett, Bell (had a great year), a very productive platoon at
C: Ausmus - in his prime defensively and hit .269 with a .356 OBP
Bench -- whoever had day off between Spiers and Berry, Hidalgo (batted .303), Eusebio
Starting Pitching
Randy Johnson - 10-1 with 1.28 ERA after trade deadline acquisition
Shane Reynolds - 19-8 with a 3.51 ERA in 233 innings
Jose Lima - 16-8 with a 3.70 ERA in 233 innings
Mike Hampton - 11-7 with 3.36 ERA in 211 innings
Sean Bergman - 12-9 with 3.72 ERA in 170 innings
Relievers
Wagner - 2.70 ERA in 60 innings
Doug Henry - 3.07 ERA in 71 innings
Trever Miller - 3.04 ERA in 54 innings
CJ Nitkowski - 3.77 ERA in 60 innings
Scott Elarton - 3.32 ERA in 57 innings
Jay Powell - 2.38 ERA in 34 innings
2004 Squad (won 92 games)
1B: Bagwell (age 36 - .377 OBP and .465 slugging, shoulder injury hurt his production and especially his defense, still very good but not nearly as good as the 1998 version that could get hot and carry the team on his back for weeks against any kind of pitching)probably the best fielding and baserunning 1B of his era)
2B: Kent (.348 OBP and .531 slugging -- not as good as the 1998 version of Biggio)
SS: Everett was awesome in the field and looked like he was turning the corner with the bat until he broke his hand. Vizcaino filled in admirably.
3b: Ensberg - very average at the plate in 2004 but Lamb platooning helped offensively. Berry and Spiers were better
LF: Biggio -- not his fault but he was below average in the OF and at 38 was a good but not great offensive player -- Alou was much better and basically was about equal to Berkman was in 2004
CF: Hidalgo was bad but then we acquired Beltran who played like a hall of famer - advantage 2004 (but Carl Everett was no slouch)
RF: Berkman - better than Derek Bell was in 1998, but overall the outfield's were probably about equal
C: Ausmus - not as good offensively or defensively as he was 6 years earlier
Bench -- whoever had day off between Ensberg or Lamb, Raul Chavez, Jason Lane (give me the 1998 bench)
Starting Pitching
Clemens- outstanding10-1 with 1.28 ERA after trade deadline acquisition
Oswalt- outstanding
Pettite/Miller - combined to pitch about 2/3 the workload of a starter and did pretty well
Pete Munro - bad
Tim Redding - terrible
Carlos Hernandez - terrible
Bullpen
Lidge -awesome (better than Wagner was in 1998)
Miceli - started off great, killed us at end
Gallo - below average
Harville - below average
Backe - a little above average, but great in postseason as starter
Qualls - came in and pitched well to make our bullpen at least decent the last 1/3 of the season
Wheeler - came in and pitched well in the last month and pitched 8 scoreless innings in the playoffs
Relievers
Wagner - 2.70 ERA in 60 innings
Doug Henry - 3.07 ERA in 71 innings
Trever Miller - 3.04 ERA in 54 innings
CJ Nitkowski - 3.77 ERA in 60 innings
Scott Elarton - 3.32 ERA in 57 innings
Jay Powell - 2.38 ERA in 34 innings
I loved the 2004 squad -- that team had heart. But injuries really hurt our pitching staff. We got less than 90 innings from Pettite and Miller. So we had two super stud starters -- Roy and Roger -- and then a collection of journeyman to take of the slack (Munro, Redding, post injury Carlos Hernandez, Backe). The 1998 squad had awesome pitching depth, a better lineup, and better defense.
199
Talk Zone / Re: Kent wants to spend more time "washing trucks"
« on: January 22, 2009, 11:04:31 am »The greatest 4-6-3 in the history of the sport, which just happened to end Game 4 of the '05 NLCS, is my favorite moment.
My uncle and I were sitting in the front row of the diamond level -- about 3 feet from where Mabry was warming up in the on deck circle. We kept yelling at him, telling him over and over that he was going to ground into a double play to end the game.
I still can't believe Everett and Bruntlett turned that.
200
Talk Zone / Re: Wolf says no
« on: November 13, 2008, 02:26:06 pm »
From the article:
"Wolf's 190 1/3 innings pitched in 2008 were his most in five years"
If he goes elsewhere, I really am not that concerned. The likelihood of him staying healthy enough to make a difference is not all that great. Unless the club thinks Wolf is truly over the injuries that made him a mediocre part time pitcher between 2003 and 2008, this really won't be much of a loss.
"Wolf's 190 1/3 innings pitched in 2008 were his most in five years"
If he goes elsewhere, I really am not that concerned. The likelihood of him staying healthy enough to make a difference is not all that great. Unless the club thinks Wolf is truly over the injuries that made him a mediocre part time pitcher between 2003 and 2008, this really won't be much of a loss.
201
Talk Zone / Re: One thing about Wigginton.
« on: September 04, 2008, 11:59:14 am »
He is one of the guys I wanted us to keep. He plays hard, can hit, and is easy on the budget. I hope we keep him.
202
Talk Zone / Re: best OF throwing arms
« on: July 29, 2008, 02:31:32 pm »
Jose Guillen is the best I have seen.
203
Game Zone 2008 Archive / Re: Yankees @ Astros June 14, 2008
« on: June 14, 2008, 06:50:43 pm »Man, Brad's arm is really, really bad.
Has been for years.
204
Game Zone 2008 Archive / Re: Yankees @ Astros June 14, 2008
« on: June 14, 2008, 06:43:42 pm »Stepped away for a second. What did jerkwad do this time?
Missed a call on Berkman's throw to third to get Cabrera. It was a tougher call than he usually screws us on.
205
Game Zone 2008 Archive / Re: Yankees @ Astros June 14, 2008
« on: June 14, 2008, 06:36:14 pm »
Our dumbass fans move out of the way like little b****** when it's an Astro hitter's ball close to the stands, but interfere when it's an opponent's.
206
Talk Zone / Re: The plan to sit Michael Bourn versus the Pyroots
« on: June 04, 2008, 11:46:56 am »
I would start Bourn 100% of the time and Towles 3 out of 5 games. We aren't going to win anything this year unless they produce, so it would pay to show patience. Both have shown flashes.
207
Talk Zone / Re: BP: Smoltz done for the season
« on: June 04, 2008, 11:41:44 am »
I think he should make it just off the top of my head, but who knows.
208
Talk Zone / Re: More Austin Radio Nonsense
« on: June 04, 2008, 11:40:54 am »
Craig Way is a tremendous broadcaster. There are very few in the sports media that are worth a darn -- most in that profession seem to limit their knowledge to USA Today's sports page and the ESPN ticker.
Guys like Craig Way are rare these days.
Guys like Craig Way are rare these days.
209
Talk Zone / Re: Ya think?
« on: May 14, 2008, 10:34:21 am »
The whole team is chock full of little bitches
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Game Zone 2008 Archive / Re: Astros v Giants 5/12
« on: May 12, 2008, 11:04:19 pm »
Nice work Bradley
Roy looks at strike 3
Men on first and third with one out.
Gunther is up
Roy looks at strike 3
Men on first and third with one out.
Gunther is up
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Talk Zone / Re: Interesting opinions on Michael Bourn from Tejada and Cooper
« on: May 07, 2008, 03:27:30 pm »
Bourne has a nice swing and draws some walks. I suspect he will be fine. No need to panic yet.
Towles has pop and walks. I suspect he will be fine too.
Towles has pop and walks. I suspect he will be fine too.
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Talk Zone / Re: Article title I never thought I would see
« on: May 07, 2008, 03:25:52 pm »
This thread makes me think of Glenn Barker.
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Talk Zone / Re: Astros approached Clemens
« on: May 07, 2008, 01:04:08 pm »Randalls? Robert Onstead was a honorable person, imo.
Yes. And he was a very good man.
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Talk Zone / Re: New From the Dugout is posted
« on: May 07, 2008, 11:00:22 am »
I very much appreciated the read. Thanks for sharing. (And it was beautifully written.)
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Talk Zone / Re: Astros approached Clemens
« on: May 07, 2008, 10:57:51 am »
McLane has his faults as a baseball owner, but overall has done a very nice job.
To my knowledge he is an honorable person. My granddad started and ran a Houston grocery chain for 30+ years. He did a lot of business with McLane. In fact, my granddad was the one who suggested to McLane that he buy the Astros when my grandad's investor group's offer was rejected by McMullen. They were good friends. My granddad had a very high opinion of McLane's character -- he told me that McLane was the type of man who was very trustworthy and whose handshake promise would stick.
Any public figure, especially someone as wealthy as McLane, is going to get criticized by anonymous internet posters who claim to have personal knowledge of all his shadowy secrets. (Of course they lack proof to substantiate such claims and often refuse to even detail the vague/unsubstantiated claims.)
To my knowledge he is an honorable person. My granddad started and ran a Houston grocery chain for 30+ years. He did a lot of business with McLane. In fact, my granddad was the one who suggested to McLane that he buy the Astros when my grandad's investor group's offer was rejected by McMullen. They were good friends. My granddad had a very high opinion of McLane's character -- he told me that McLane was the type of man who was very trustworthy and whose handshake promise would stick.
Any public figure, especially someone as wealthy as McLane, is going to get criticized by anonymous internet posters who claim to have personal knowledge of all his shadowy secrets. (Of course they lack proof to substantiate such claims and often refuse to even detail the vague/unsubstantiated claims.)
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Talk Zone / Re: The Shift ... Mind Games?
« on: May 07, 2008, 10:42:40 am »
I seem to remember Berkman laying a bunt down on a getting a hit early in his career. I think it was at Arizona
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Talk Zone / Re: (spooky voice) I seeeee your fuuuuture Cooooop...(/spooky voice)
« on: May 02, 2008, 03:02:22 pm »Derek Lee and it wasn't the first pitch.
http://www.spikesnstars.com/forums/index.php?topic=102434.msg129033#msg129033
I had too much Old Style in me. But was it the first batter?
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Talk Zone / Re: Dear Ryan Perriloux:
« on: May 02, 2008, 03:01:37 pm »Miles had to do it. It's for the best. I hope that young man gets his life straight.
Damn right Miles had to do it. RP failed a drug test. Miles did not want to do it nor would he have otherwise. Perrilloux had numerous incidents at LSU and violated Miles' "zero tolerance" policy only to be suspended during the offseason.
Miles recruited and kept Prentiss Elliott -- a known gangbanger who was basically unrecruitable. He was a member of a Tulsa gang called the "G Units". He even assaulted cop at the halftime of a high school basketball game (he was ultimately convicted). None of that bothered Leslie. He Gundy kicked off Elliott and about 4 other idiots shortly after taking over for Leslie.
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Talk Zone / Re: (spooky voice) I seeeee your fuuuuture Cooooop...(/spooky voice)
« on: May 02, 2008, 02:50:21 pm »I thought that was 2004. In 2005, the Cubs sucked. 7.5 games behind the Astros by mid-August.
And I was at all 4 games of the series in Wrigley when we swept them in August 2004. First time in Chicago and it was a great series. Especially the Roy-Barrett stare downs. And Wheeler plunking Sosa with his first pitch as an Astro.
The Scrubs fans were talking noise before the first and second games. They changed their tune by the end of the sweep
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Game Zone 2008 Archive / Re: Astros at Dickities - 4/24/08
« on: April 24, 2008, 06:01:03 pm »yep. i thought it did when it was losing. if the pitching does not get too much worse, fun season.
I agree. If Wandy holds up we can make a run. I really like what I have seen out of him lately.
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Talk Zone / Re: BB Tonight making up BS about an Oswalt trade?
« on: April 23, 2008, 02:26:19 pm »Are you suggesting that entering the game with a one-run lead and a man on third with no outs in the eighth inning is a little bit different kind of save opportunity than the other two he's blown?
There was one out at the time. But your point remains just as valid. Valverde did his job
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Talk Zone / Re: Help Lance answer the question
« on: March 04, 2008, 11:44:23 am »
As everyone here knows, the Bagwell and Biggio set the standard of what it meant to be an Astro for more than a decade. They led by example but would also let a player hear it if they were not hustling, playing the game right, or causing a problem with chemistry. That is the reason the Astros never really had any problems with guys who were notorious clubhouse cancers on other teams -- e.g., Carl Everett. They would not put up with any bullshit. Notice how Wagner only started running his mouth in public late in his tenure with the Astros and how much more he does it since leaving/
Everett was the leader of the Astros the last few years, moreso than Biggio even (he had kind of passed the torch). That is straight from folks who would know. The players really respected Adam for going out and playing hard every day despite having some difficulties in his personal life.
Berkman has never been a leader and never will be. He is not a bad guy or anything, but as for the mental side of the game / focus, he is equivalent to a goofy 5 year old with ADD. You know, like the kid who lets a fly ball go over his head because he is picking flowers in right field.
BWe have several veterans who are super intense and are good leaders -- Brocail, Woody, & Erstad. These guys will be the leaders. Hopefully it will rub off on Pence, who I think has great potential as a leader.
Everett was the leader of the Astros the last few years, moreso than Biggio even (he had kind of passed the torch). That is straight from folks who would know. The players really respected Adam for going out and playing hard every day despite having some difficulties in his personal life.
Berkman has never been a leader and never will be. He is not a bad guy or anything, but as for the mental side of the game / focus, he is equivalent to a goofy 5 year old with ADD. You know, like the kid who lets a fly ball go over his head because he is picking flowers in right field.
BWe have several veterans who are super intense and are good leaders -- Brocail, Woody, & Erstad. These guys will be the leaders. Hopefully it will rub off on Pence, who I think has great potential as a leader.
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Talk Zone / Re: Wow. Morgan, just wow.
« on: March 04, 2008, 11:28:42 am »Is his problem similar to Hidalgo's "easily correctable swing flaw"?
That nailed it
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Talk Zone / Re: Gascan in midseason form
« on: February 27, 2008, 03:51:21 pm »
My grandad used to invite several Astros to hunt on his ranch in South Texas. One year Wagner came down (I think it was 2000). He was friendly the first few days. Then one evening Oswalt killed a really nice buck. That same evening, Wagner killed a smaller (but still nice) one. After that he acted like a little bitch. Wouldn't say two words and left early. Reynolds later told us it was because he was upset that Roy killed a bigger deer. He is just a spoiled punk with a big mouth.
I do love him for serving up the game winning homer to Bidge when he was pitching at Philly.
I do love him for serving up the game winning homer to Bidge when he was pitching at Philly.
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Talk Zone / Re: What's this I hear about Shawn Chacon?
« on: February 20, 2008, 01:10:42 pm »
I am a lawyer too and have practiced five years. I was only an average researcher when I graduated from UT Law. And I tried to take every research class they offered (or classes with practical law applications that required legal research).
I clerked for a very smart federal judge in Houston who loves to write long and detailed opinions. So, by necessity, my research and writing skills improved tremendously. In my view, law schools should do a better job teaching legal research. That being said, law schools should not just be a trade school to teach legal skills that can be learned on the job. There should be a balance. Luckily, I clerked for a great judge. And my firm writes off learning curve time. I only send out an email asking for the "answer" after I have searched myself. The partner can write down the bill if it is excessive, but I don't think that is an issue too often. In my experience, clients don't complaint if the work product top notch.
Research really is not that hard once you learn the fundamentals and practice them. I use books and Westlaw to research. Some things are easier to find in the books and some are easier to find on Westlaw. All things being equal, I prefer online. The hyperlinks to cites in cases and other authority is handy. As is the ability to print or copy and paste text.
I clerked for a very smart federal judge in Houston who loves to write long and detailed opinions. So, by necessity, my research and writing skills improved tremendously. In my view, law schools should do a better job teaching legal research. That being said, law schools should not just be a trade school to teach legal skills that can be learned on the job. There should be a balance. Luckily, I clerked for a great judge. And my firm writes off learning curve time. I only send out an email asking for the "answer" after I have searched myself. The partner can write down the bill if it is excessive, but I don't think that is an issue too often. In my experience, clients don't complaint if the work product top notch.
Research really is not that hard once you learn the fundamentals and practice them. I use books and Westlaw to research. Some things are easier to find in the books and some are easier to find on Westlaw. All things being equal, I prefer online. The hyperlinks to cites in cases and other authority is handy. As is the ability to print or copy and paste text.
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Talk Zone / Re: Bus Ride Top 10
« on: January 30, 2008, 07:14:53 pm »
Thanks. I enjoyed the read.
The good thing is that Wade is known for building up the minors.
The good thing is that Wade is known for building up the minors.
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Talk Zone / Re: Jason Jennings A Ranger?
« on: January 11, 2008, 11:29:43 am »
The Rangers having a crappy lineup might explain some of that
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Talk Zone / Re: Gossage in; Rice close
« on: January 09, 2008, 10:48:31 am »
Blyleven should be in.
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Talk Zone / Re: So, did Lance Berkman *really* take back all he said?
« on: December 20, 2007, 06:00:58 pm »Lance just needs to pick his friends more carefully. Bagwell's best buddy will be a hall of famer. Berkman's best buddy aspires to be a mediocre utility infielder.
Bagwell's best friend was Moises Alou. He and Craig are friendly and like each other, but they never really socialized much. They both played the game the right way, but they are completely opposite type people off the field.
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Talk Zone / Re: So, did Lance Berkman *really* take back all he said?
« on: December 20, 2007, 03:19:14 pm »
Lance needs his father-in-law -- Johnny Baker, one of the toughest dudes every to play in the NFL -- to slap him and inform him to keep his mouth shut in public about his teammates.
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Talk Zone / Re: Lance says Roger should come clean
« on: December 19, 2007, 02:53:38 pm »Roy is not silent. Roy is a whiny bitch.
He makes some comments that get in the paper. But I have been around him and many of his teammates quite a bit. He is a quiet person. His teammates would tell you the same thing.
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Talk Zone / Re: Pettitte's admission...........
« on: December 19, 2007, 02:49:58 pm »
In 1991 the league (under Fay Vincent) circulated a memo outlining its drug policy, which prohibited the possession and use of steroids and prescription drugs that were illegally obtained So Pettite clearly violated a rule. They did not test for steroids until 2004, but both steroids and HGH (unless prescribed) were against MLB rules since at least 1991. And it does not matter that the league did not test. Hell, it's illegal to use a corked bat, but MLB does not x-ray bats.
Also, as Noe mentioned, the Major League Agreement gives the commissioner the power to investigate and punish any act considered "to be not in the best interests of the game of baseball." (Article 1, Section 2)
John Rocker, made comments in Sports Illustrated degrading New York City, welfare mothers, homosexuals, and minority groups. Selig game him a 50 game suspension (an arbitrator later cut it to 14 games). Under what authority? Not a specific rule, but pursuant to the commissioner's authority to take any action deemed to be in the best interest of baseball.
Unlike Pettite, Rocker's speech did not violate any law (in fact any law that would censor his comments would be unconstitutional, was made in the offseason, and did not violate a specific rule.
Also, as Noe mentioned, the Major League Agreement gives the commissioner the power to investigate and punish any act considered "to be not in the best interests of the game of baseball." (Article 1, Section 2)
John Rocker, made comments in Sports Illustrated degrading New York City, welfare mothers, homosexuals, and minority groups. Selig game him a 50 game suspension (an arbitrator later cut it to 14 games). Under what authority? Not a specific rule, but pursuant to the commissioner's authority to take any action deemed to be in the best interest of baseball.
Unlike Pettite, Rocker's speech did not violate any law (in fact any law that would censor his comments would be unconstitutional, was made in the offseason, and did not violate a specific rule.
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Talk Zone / Re: Special occasion restaurants in Houston? non-bb
« on: December 19, 2007, 02:22:03 pm »
Mark's on Westheimer
Michelangelo's on Westheimer (Montrose area)
Michelangelo's on Westheimer (Montrose area)
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Talk Zone / Re: Lance says Roger should come clean
« on: December 17, 2007, 11:30:30 pm »
Everett was the leader in the clubhouse. Roy is the strong silent type. Berkman is the court jester. Ausmus is smart, but leads more by example and serves almost a consiglerie (sp?) role. But for Everett's injury, and the concerns that he would not return to form in the field, he is our guy at short and leader. And that would have been a good thing. Pence is our best bet for a leader. Brocail is a short timer. Backe needs to worry about staying healthy.
Berkman is not the sharpest tool in the shed (and, in addition to that being obvious from his public statements, I can say that is based on personal knowledge as I have been around him in person on many hunting trips). What we had the last two years was a serious lack of talent. With our roster the past two years, we were trying to ice skate uphill and it did not matter how much chemistry we had. It's not like the talent will be fixed immediately, but changes needed to be made. And if the chemistry was so great, why have we started off so crappy the last 4 years (in 2004-05 we turned it around to make the playoffs, in 2006 we came close courtesy to both bettwe play and a crappy division, and this past year we pretty much blew all year).
Berkman thought his buddy Burke deserved to stay on the team at CF last year. That dumbfuckery tells you all you need to know about Berkman's GM skills.
Berkman is not the sharpest tool in the shed (and, in addition to that being obvious from his public statements, I can say that is based on personal knowledge as I have been around him in person on many hunting trips). What we had the last two years was a serious lack of talent. With our roster the past two years, we were trying to ice skate uphill and it did not matter how much chemistry we had. It's not like the talent will be fixed immediately, but changes needed to be made. And if the chemistry was so great, why have we started off so crappy the last 4 years (in 2004-05 we turned it around to make the playoffs, in 2006 we came close courtesy to both bettwe play and a crappy division, and this past year we pretty much blew all year).
Berkman thought his buddy Burke deserved to stay on the team at CF last year. That dumbfuckery tells you all you need to know about Berkman's GM skills.
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Talk Zone / Re: Pettitte's admission...........
« on: December 17, 2007, 11:07:11 pm »
Pettite admits to something he got caught doing and says it was the only time? No way.
Just like a guy who gets caught cheating on his wife: "Baby, I promise this is the only time I cheated on you."
Just like a guy who gets caught cheating on his wife: "Baby, I promise this is the only time I cheated on you."
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Talk Zone / Re: Lamb is a Twinkie
« on: December 15, 2007, 11:13:14 am »
I would rather have Wiggington than Lamb.
I like Lamb better than Blum. Lamb can step in and provide depth if someone gets hurt better than Blum. If Berkman or Wiggy go down, you put him in the lineup. If Gunther or Lee gets hurt, you could move Berkman to the OF and put Lamb at first.
Personally, I think Blum is washed up. He does have a decent glove at least (better than Lamb at third, and he can play second). But I would have rather kept Ransom (and he would have been cheaper).
I like Lamb better than Blum. Lamb can step in and provide depth if someone gets hurt better than Blum. If Berkman or Wiggy go down, you put him in the lineup. If Gunther or Lee gets hurt, you could move Berkman to the OF and put Lamb at first.
Personally, I think Blum is washed up. He does have a decent glove at least (better than Lamb at third, and he can play second). But I would have rather kept Ransom (and he would have been cheaper).
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Talk Zone / Re: Astro killer Edmonds packs his bags for San Diego
« on: December 15, 2007, 11:08:19 am »Has anyone else noticed the Cardinals have added nothing this offseason? And Rolen is soon to go as well
Damn shame.
At least they have "the best fans in baseball" . . . and they aren't afraid to tell you about it.
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Talk Zone / Re: Mario Williams is a f***ing stud.
« on: December 15, 2007, 10:57:34 am »TU has won 3 since 1995?
The sheep humpers have finished in the top 5 twice. One during the Third Reich (1939) and once in the fifties. I guess they should start squeezing their balls harder.
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Talk Zone / Re: Mario Williams is a f***ing stud.
« on: December 14, 2007, 07:57:02 pm »Despite the fact that Bucky was worshipped on campus, you'd be hard pressed to find 10 Ags (even in 1992) who thought that he was going to be a NFL quarterback, much less a sure fire Hall-of-Famer.
You'd be hard pressed to find 10 Texas-Exes who don't think Young is going to be sure fire Hall-of-Famer.
And Bucky and Vince are similar how?
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Talk Zone / Re: Qualls and Burke dealt
« on: December 14, 2007, 07:55:57 pm »After reading the lastest PTR, maybe they can lure Juan Agosto out of retirement...he was always fun
I'd rather have the X Man back.
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Talk Zone / Re: Mario Williams is a f***ing stud.
« on: December 14, 2007, 12:02:23 pm »
I am a Texas alum The UT rivalry with A&M rivalry is more respectful. The schools are more similar than different, and we are fellow Texans. To me, it is a bigger deal because I know a lot more Ags -- my wife, certain family members, and many that are some of my very best friends. It is like a rivalry between brothers. I want to beat A&M because when we lose I have to hear about it on a daily basis.
The rivalry with OU is quite different. It is based on more pure hatred. We are Texans. They are Oklahomans -- a wasteland whose economy rises and falls with fluctuations in the price of skunk pelts and methamphetamines. It is a rivalry with mulleted, inbred white trash who prefer driving rusted out IROCs or El Caminos. OU alums are basically six-toed mouthbreathing carnies with missing teeth, or at best (like Jason White), a jacked up grill.
The rivalry with OU is quite different. It is based on more pure hatred. We are Texans. They are Oklahomans -- a wasteland whose economy rises and falls with fluctuations in the price of skunk pelts and methamphetamines. It is a rivalry with mulleted, inbred white trash who prefer driving rusted out IROCs or El Caminos. OU alums are basically six-toed mouthbreathing carnies with missing teeth, or at best (like Jason White), a jacked up grill.
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Talk Zone / Re: Mario Williams is a f***ing stud.
« on: December 14, 2007, 11:50:59 am »I am an Aggie, and everything you say is true about A&M. And while I would like them to do better, I hold no ill will to any player from Texas, except on the specific day they play, and even then it is more a matter of hoping the Aggies play better.
That being said, your comments on Vince and where he will be in 2 years, I would remind you that a ton of people said the same thing about Michael Vick. Heck I just heard a Cowboy player on a radio show (yes I live in Dallas) actually claim if he was starting a franchise today, Vick would be his 1st pick. I hope Vince does discover how to harness all his obvious talent and make it work to his benefit in the NFL (although I wish death upon the Titans because of Bud Adams). I have just noticed that it is very rare that a player "suddenly" figures it out in the NFL. Most show either the ability day 1, or a stead progress toward "figuring it out". There was a time when QBs didn't play much in the early part of their career because the coaching knew they needed time to learn and adjust. So what Tony Romo has done the last couple of seasons was more the norm, but in today's NFL if you are drafted high you are expected to come in and almost right away produce. Vince has enjoyed a great deal of success winning games, but I think you are hard pressed to say he was a big reason for most of those wins. Heck, even Rex Grossman went to the Superbowl, and I doubt anyone thinks he is a good QB. So wins don't always tell the story with QBs, but I will say that QBs are rated more than any other position based on their teams wins and losses.
But as for the Texans and Mario Williams, I think they made the right choice. I think if you are building a team, yes it is nice to have a good QB, good RB, good WR and such, but you want to build a team that will win consistently, you need to start with the DL and OL. You work from there first, and then build the other parts. The last things I think you add are the QB and RB, not that you don't look to add them, but what good is a QB if you can't protect them, and what good is a good offense if you can't stop the opponents.
Much like baseball where if you are building a team, you should focus as WadeSmith have preached, with pitching, defense and speed. Having hitting is nice for show, and you will need it to win it all, but if you want consistent success, you need the others more. In Football you need quality play in the trenches to win consistently.
And as for Mario not being the best, 2nd best or 3rd best on his team... Give him some time. He may not be one of them yet, but I bet you he will be soon. He may never be "better" than AJ, but if I were to guess, he looks like he will be better than anyone else very soon.
You make a reasonable point. But I counter that a lot of QB's struggle early in their careers. Especially when they have garbage to throw to (and that includes UT alum Bo Scaife who should be nothing more than a backup).
Vince also struggled passing his first two years at Texas. Much like he is right now -- one or two really good games and then one or two really crappy games (in fact his soph year at Texas was also similar because Vince had no help at WR). A lot of media and opposing fans gave Texas a lot of crap about and said Vince should move to running back. He got it together and finished the next season leading the nation in pass efficiency.
It is too early to tell.
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Talk Zone / Re: Mario Williams is a f***ing stud.
« on: December 14, 2007, 12:59:57 am »
Most that dislike are bitter aggys who haven't won a title since the Third Reich or finished in the top 5 since the Eisenhower Administration. Vince will be fine....2 years from now people will wonder when he learned to pass so well. He has a real good game and then a real bad game now (look at his gamelog -- his QB rating will be 90+ or around 50). He is passing much better, he messes up mostly from making bad decisions. This is much like his soph year at Texas.
Mario is a stud. I am happy for him.
Mario is a stud. I am happy for him.
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Talk Zone / Re: Open Letter to Adam Everett
« on: December 12, 2007, 10:20:20 pm »
Dear Adam, If you're holding this letter, you already know. The house has been boarded up. The windows, the doors, everything. We're at the Comfort Inn. Room 112. I love you. Mike.
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Talk Zone / Re: blum reaches verbal agreement with astros
« on: November 20, 2007, 04:41:23 pm »
I would not mind getting Brocail back. He can help as a pitcher and a mentor. I've been on a couple hunting trips with him -- he is a great guy.
Blum has been pretty terrible the last couple years -- hope he rebounds.
Blum has been pretty terrible the last couple years -- hope he rebounds.
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Talk Zone / Re: Lidge a Phillie
« on: November 09, 2007, 01:38:44 pm »
I wasn't just talking about using the money last year or this year. If we would have just signed Lee to a two year contract, then I would not have had a problem with the deal. I meant for the life of the contract. Lee is just going to get older and fatter as his contract progresses. I would have taken my chances with other options instead of Lee, and used the money elsewhere.
Drayton was a damn idiot for thinking Lee was the missing link on last year's team anyway. Anyone with any sense who could peruse our pitching staff knew we were in for a long year in 2007.
Drayton was a damn idiot for thinking Lee was the missing link on last year's team anyway. Anyone with any sense who could peruse our pitching staff knew we were in for a long year in 2007.
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Talk Zone / Re: Lidge a Phillie
« on: November 09, 2007, 12:32:48 pm »
You got to have defense up the middle. Getting Bourn solidifies CF. It also helps payroll.
The mistake the Astros made IMO was signing Lee to a big contract. I would have much rather have spent that money on pitching or second base. Finding a corner OF is a lot easier than finding pitching. Especially since we had Pence coming up, who is a corner OF. And we had Scott. We would be much better off with a Scott - Bourn - Pence OF and using all that money spent on Lee for pitching.
We need pitching bad. I'm sure Wade will do all he can to address pitching.
The mistake the Astros made IMO was signing Lee to a big contract. I would have much rather have spent that money on pitching or second base. Finding a corner OF is a lot easier than finding pitching. Especially since we had Pence coming up, who is a corner OF. And we had Scott. We would be much better off with a Scott - Bourn - Pence OF and using all that money spent on Lee for pitching.
We need pitching bad. I'm sure Wade will do all he can to address pitching.
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Talk Zone / Re: Hey, Manso, little help?
« on: August 30, 2007, 06:10:55 pm »
I'm sure I will get bashed for this, but Mansolino is a terrible 3rd base coach. Horrible instincts on when to send/hold runners. I attend at least 25-30 games per year in person and have thought this since he took over at third.
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Talk Zone / Re: Jason Lane
« on: August 09, 2007, 11:26:21 am »
Burke is the guy who should not be in the lineup -- moreso than Lane who is just filling in for an injured player. Burke offsets his crappy punchless hitting with bad defense. Put Loretta at second and leave him there. Put Berkman at first and leave him there. Put Scott in right and leave him there.
Scott can hit. Leave the man in the lineup and he will.
The only other guy who should get any run in center on this team right now is Bruntlett. And we need him at short until AE gets back.
Scott can hit. Leave the man in the lineup and he will.
The only other guy who should get any run in center on this team right now is Bruntlett. And we need him at short until AE gets back.
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Talk Zone / Re: Ensberg DFA'd
« on: July 29, 2007, 01:01:31 pm »I wish Ensberg all the luck in the world- he is supposedly about the best guy around, and I really hope he succeeds elsewhere.
I'm not at all sorry to see him go as a fan of the Astros.
I hope he goes to the AL and becomes an all star (or at least anywhere but the NL Central).
Ditto. I hope he does turn it around. He is a great human being....which in the grand scheme is the most important thing. I really hoped he would turn it around this year. He was nails in 2003 and 2005.
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That was '04.
And good luck with that.
I was at Wrigley for all 4 of those games. It was awesome.
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Talk Zone / Re: The Untouchables
« on: July 07, 2007, 12:18:14 pm »He's untouchable because of the reality of the situation. He signed as a free agent, what, 9 months ago? Unless you want every FA to have to think about that while Drayton/Purpura is still in charge, Lee's untouchable.
Now, after year 3 of this deal, fosho.
Fair enough. I doubt we could get all that much for him anyway. Don't get me wrong, he is a legit hitter and his approach is perfect for an RBI man. But most teams won't give a lot of prospects for a guy with a big contract. Easier to go sign one in free agency.
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Talk Zone / Re: The Untouchables
« on: July 06, 2007, 10:04:14 pm »
Lee is not untouchable to me...because I would not mind having Pence in Left and a CF with speed, great defense, and can get on base.
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Talk Zone / Re: When might you have a Anderson for Bagwell deal? When should you make it?
« on: July 06, 2007, 10:46:20 am »
The Ticket is a bunch of mindless buffoons engaging in dumbfuckery -- those that listen were the same folks who thought Big Johnson T-Shirts were cool.
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Game Zone 2007 Archive / Re: Phillies @ Astros, Phourth of July Special
« on: July 05, 2007, 09:20:26 am »pence finds the boxes for the 2nd day in a row
My tivo cut me off so I missed Pence's blast from the 4th of July. But his bomb the night before only landed in the boxes after it bounced off the wall. It was a good shot that is out of any park.
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Game Zone 2007 Archive / Re: Bot 3: Phillies 2, Astros 2
« on: July 03, 2007, 11:36:20 am »JD said he hesitated rounding third. TV didn't show it.
I was at the game and had a perfect view (second row of Diamond level, halfway between home plate and the visitor's on deck circle). Berkman stopped when he got to third even though there was two outs (when he should have either kept running or at least go 1/3 of the way towards home). He was standing on the bag when the ball was dropped. To make it even worse, he wasn't paying attention after he stopped. So when the ball was dropped at first he got a late start towards home, making it an easy out. Two stupid base running errors cost us at least one run.
I miss Bagwell.
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Talk Zone / Re: Hunter Pence....
« on: June 29, 2007, 11:13:00 pm »
Do the oldtimers on this site think it's cool to criticize rookies? He gets picked a part on here more than any other player. Is it some sort of hazing ritual?
There is plenty I could criticize on this team. Hunter's game comes in about 50th.
There is plenty I could criticize on this team. Hunter's game comes in about 50th.
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Game Zone 2007 Archive / Re: Rukkakes @ 3002 - 6/29/07
« on: June 29, 2007, 09:12:37 pm »
I take it back then....I guess I just did not get a good look at it.
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Talk Zone / Re: Biggio vs. Yount = HOF
« on: June 29, 2007, 09:11:29 pm »my personal favortie critique is the 3000 hits "only because he held on so long" or "it took him 20 years to get 3000" ... like its somehting that should be knocked out in 5 years ... WTF ... I would wager a great number of the 3000 club got there in years 19 and 20 ...
of course it took him 20 years its the fucking nature of getting 3000 hits in the majors ... its not like taking 3000 shits ... ... ... which by estimation would take about 8 years ... ... ... well for Mcneal its less and he is one shit closer ...
A .365 OBP over a 20-year career is damn good.
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Game Zone 2007 Archive / Re: Rukkakes @ 3002 - 6/29/07
« on: June 29, 2007, 08:58:03 pm »
Can Lee play first base? Berkman isn't Roberto Clemente out there but he has to be better in left than Lee. I love Lee's stick and his approach as a classic run producer, but Taveras' pop single that cost Sampson 2 runs a couple innings back looked like it should have been caught. And Lee's lack of hustle would not be as noticeable at first.
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Talk Zone / Re: My thoughts from being there:
« on: June 29, 2007, 02:55:29 pm »Not disagreeing or picking a fight, but it shouldn't need to be taught at all. Kids should just be running. I don't know at what point they decide that it's ok not to, maybe when they get their first bonus cheque.
Of course, to negative side of hustle is that it gets you players like Speckstein.
I actually like Eckstein, even though he plays for the Cardinals and is so damn pesky. He could play somewhere on my team.
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Talk Zone / Re: Oh what a night.....
« on: June 28, 2007, 11:13:17 pm »
Damn I'm happy for Craig. #5 was quintessential Bidge.
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Talk Zone / Re: Jeff Bagwell Would've Hit Dinger #500 Today
« on: June 28, 2007, 05:24:37 pm »
They were similar hitters.
But what made Bagwell so much better was his fielding and being perhaps one of the all-time great baserunners.
But what made Bagwell so much better was his fielding and being perhaps one of the all-time great baserunners.
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Talk Zone / Re: Luke Scott
« on: June 28, 2007, 05:19:15 pm »
Luke looks like a legit major league starter to me. And he is cheap.
I could easily see him be a guy that hits .280, with a .380 OBP, and slug around .500. Say 25-30 homers and 90+ RBI's. I really like Luke and hope he gets 100% healthy. What he showed the second half last year was an even better pace than that. I hope he gets a continued chance with the Astros.
And, maybe it's just me, but he has also had a little bit of bad luck this year (notwithstanding his injuries). He has smoked a few outs.
I could easily see him be a guy that hits .280, with a .380 OBP, and slug around .500. Say 25-30 homers and 90+ RBI's. I really like Luke and hope he gets 100% healthy. What he showed the second half last year was an even better pace than that. I hope he gets a continued chance with the Astros.
And, maybe it's just me, but he has also had a little bit of bad luck this year (notwithstanding his injuries). He has smoked a few outs.
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Talk Zone / Re: I don't see...
« on: June 28, 2007, 02:04:47 pm »Color me shocked!
I know Jay Powell. His own fans booing him exacerbated his problems....the guy was a solid pitcher.
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Talk Zone / Re: Purpura: The way we're going is not acceptable
« on: June 28, 2007, 09:53:45 am »
I say fire Stretch Suba since the bullpen has sucked
Seriously, the Astros need to consider trading away a few commodities for prospects. Jennings, Lamb, Loretta, and maybe a couple others should be on the block right now.
Seriously, the Astros need to consider trading away a few commodities for prospects. Jennings, Lamb, Loretta, and maybe a couple others should be on the block right now.
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Talk Zone / Re: 92, 89, 82, ?
« on: June 27, 2007, 09:59:40 am »
I predicted we would have a losing record, but for the wrong reasons.
I thought our starting pitching would be terrible, our offense average, and our bullpen awesome.
I thought our starting pitching would be terrible, our offense average, and our bullpen awesome.
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Archive / Re: Pence's best position
« on: June 26, 2007, 10:21:46 am »by about 30 feet up the line
Having watched Ausmus not being a fan of shielding the plate from runners -- and instead preferring the matador tag -- maybe Ausmus told him to do that.
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Talk Zone / Re: Houston Introduces Congestion Tax (Non-BB)
« on: June 21, 2007, 04:05:26 pm »you're insane. 59 inside the loop, both inbound and outbound, to at least the spur sucks donkeyballs during morning and evening rush hour(s).
It backs up a little bit where I might have to slow down some, but it moves and I still get to work in 15-20 minutes.
Bellaire is different. It would take 15 minutes to get from my house to Bellaire. But especially north of 59 and inside the loop, it is really easy to get downtown.
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Talk Zone / Re: Houston Introduces Congestion Tax (Non-BB)
« on: June 21, 2007, 12:12:10 pm »
There is little congestion inside the loop. I live in Afton Oaks. It takes me about 15 minutes to travel the 5.5 miles from my house to my parking spot downtown. Whether I take 59, Richmond, or San Felipe to Allen Parkway. Same on the way home. I exit Newcastle and there is rarely much of a slowdown inside the loop.
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Talk Zone / Re: My informal recap:
« on: June 21, 2007, 10:59:37 am »
Adam is very underrated. Plays the best shortstop in MLB (by far). His loss is a big blow. I want him to hit well too, but his defense and leadership are key on this team.
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Talk Zone / Re: Houston Introduces Congestion Tax (Non-BB)
« on: June 21, 2007, 10:55:55 am »
We need to expand freeways some, but seriously no matter how wide you make them traffic will still back up terribly on entrance and exits and cross streets. Rail is the way to go. The money we spend on it now will seem like a bargain in 30 years.
But by all means keep building monstrous freeways to suburbs. All it does is make my property inside the loop more valuable. Up over $100k since I bought it for $250k in 2003.
But by all means keep building monstrous freeways to suburbs. All it does is make my property inside the loop more valuable. Up over $100k since I bought it for $250k in 2003.
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Talk Zone / Re: My informal recap:
« on: June 21, 2007, 10:29:44 am »
The few "inside" sources I still have with the Astros (which are not as many as I used to have) all say the real leader of the team is Adam Everett. I was surprised by that (and I like Adam a lot). I thought it would be Berkman or maybe still Bidge. But it is Everett. Supposedly the players all respect him more than anyone else. They like Berkman too but he is considered more of a clown.
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Talk Zone / Re: "caught stealing, pitcher to shortstop"
« on: June 19, 2007, 03:05:05 pm »
I can't remember a team being as bad on the base paths as the Stros this year. And it's not all due to lack of speed. Bad decisions by players and the fact that Mansolino is the worst third base coach I have ever seen in my life.
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Talk Zone / Re: White off DL; McLemore optioned to RR
« on: June 18, 2007, 10:45:31 am »ERA is irrelevant for Miller. He got a huge strikeout this weekend. He has a tough job and has done it more often than not.
Yes he has. He has faced 92 batters and gotten 54 of them out. The other 38 reached base with a hit or a walk.
That being said, he was excellent last year overall (started bad, was fantastic the rest of the season). Let's all hope he returns to form. He has a decent to good track record. Looking at his numbers, his main problem appears to be control. He walked 13 last year in 50 innings. This year he was walked 16 in 18 innings.
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Talk Zone / Re: No news here at all: Pinwheel ignorant
« on: June 15, 2007, 10:52:04 am »
I am new around here as a poster (I have lurked on this site and it's predecessor for years). Justice is such a dipshit. I seriously think I could do a better job than Justice and the rest of the retards at the Chronical.
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Talk Zone / Re: Quintero outrighted to RR, McLemore up
« on: June 12, 2007, 12:26:31 pm »
Play Scott every day when healthy. I think he will produce.
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Talk Zone / Re: Trade ponderings
« on: June 11, 2007, 05:59:42 pm »I didn't remember that about Dunn. Makes sense in hindsight.
Chris still has a great arm. What he lacked (or lacks?) is the ability to slow the game down enough to make quick decisions. He reminds me a lot of Carr - great arm, good guy by all accounts, tough as nails, but ultimately not a great QB.
Edit: I labelled it a Chris Simms joke b/c he has become the unfortunate butt of all UT QB jokes. If we want to discuss truly bad arms, let's go back to James Brown or Rick McIvor.
McIvor had the strongest arm of any Longhorn QB I can remember.
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Game Zone 2007 Archive / Re: Astros at Rukkakes - 6/5/07
« on: June 06, 2007, 12:01:55 am »This has shades of that wild game vs. Chicago late in '04 fired the team up for their historic run.
Then again, not really.
I was at Wrigley for all of those games. My first time to Chicago. Wheeler nails, I believe Sosa, on his first pitch as an Astro. Roy gets into it with Barrett. Great series we swept (4 games).
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Talk Zone / Re: A Case for Eric Munson
« on: May 31, 2007, 07:40:39 am »
I believe in Scott too. Once healthy, Garner needs to forget about Lane and tell Scott that he will be in RF every day.
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Talk Zone / Re: Line Up
« on: May 24, 2007, 12:45:52 pm »One factor is that Hunsicker kept trading everyone for his win now deals. Buck is doing well, but I can't think of any Astros position players from those deals that have gone on to be really good.
Carlos Guillen has been a very good player.
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Talk Zone / Re: freaky game
« on: May 18, 2007, 10:33:10 am »
Loretta's range is appreciably better. So is his arm.
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Talk Zone / Re: (Possibly) better late than never
« on: May 17, 2007, 01:41:06 pm »
Everett made a fantastic play on the ball up the middle.
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Talk Zone / Re: Everett
« on: May 17, 2007, 10:09:59 am »If he doesn't, he doesn't. I'm sure the need for a #7 to hit *above* or *around* .240 is great on this team.
I agree. I also think he is a better hitter than he is showing right now. I sure would love to have the 2003 and 2004 version of Everett back as a hitter. He was an above-average bottom of the lineup hitter. And, although a lot of people don't believe in "clutchness", he sure seemed to get a lot of big hits. He certainly drove in a lot of runs for a #7 hitter (of course, we had a lot of guys who would get on base).
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Game Zone 2007 Archive / Re: Gints @ Astros - 5/16/07
« on: May 17, 2007, 10:01:36 am »Left handed pinch hitter, Lamb plays everyday. Iceberg goes, Burke on the bench.
I might rather have Bruntlett on the bench than Burke. Gives Gar a lot more versatility.
Burke hasn't proven to be that much better of a hitter. His career OPS is a mere three points higher than Bruntlett's.
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Talk Zone / Re: Now here's a woman with her priorities right
« on: May 17, 2007, 09:29:57 am »
I remember Darlye Ward getting one for his opening day grand slam against the Brewers.
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Talk Zone / Re: Biggio
« on: May 16, 2007, 09:11:53 am »Right. BA, SLG and OPS were identical almost to a 1/100th of a point, but Bagwell's "intangibles", like catching a ball and running around the bases were far superior at the time.
Basically, and I'm not bursting anyone's bubble here, the media is for shit. When they talk about a subject about which you have some knowledge, they are typically way off the mark or just flat out insane. It's not a huge leap, therefore, to extrapolate that to include everything else they talk about.
Bagwell might be the best baserunner of our generation. And he was a hell of a first baseman. Gammons is a tool.
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Anyone think there is a decent chance he shows improvement as he progresses in his career a la Ozzie Smith or Omar Vizquel (two guys who made it for their gloves but turned into effective hitters during the second halves of their career)? Everett is a great athlete and coordinated, so I would think it is possible.
He was also hitting pretty well in 2003 and 2004 (before he broke his hand) -- especially from an RBI standpoint I remember thinking he was clutch.
I would not be surprised to see improvement.
I still know a few Astros insiders, and from what they tell me fans who bitch about his hitting will have to continue to bitch for years (and post assinine replacement suggestions like Burke or Loretta). He ain't going anywhere because his teammates and coaches love the guy (they know he is the best defensive shortstop in the majors). And I was surprised to learn that he is probably the team leader. Moreso than Lance or Roy.
He was also hitting pretty well in 2003 and 2004 (before he broke his hand) -- especially from an RBI standpoint I remember thinking he was clutch.
I would not be surprised to see improvement.
I still know a few Astros insiders, and from what they tell me fans who bitch about his hitting will have to continue to bitch for years (and post assinine replacement suggestions like Burke or Loretta). He ain't going anywhere because his teammates and coaches love the guy (they know he is the best defensive shortstop in the majors). And I was surprised to learn that he is probably the team leader. Moreso than Lance or Roy.
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Hooton hated trying to coach college pitchers.
Shane Reynolds, Oswalt, Wagner, and Wade Miller used to hunt at my family's ranch. They all were sitting around talking about Hooton and how he really didn't do much coaching. Shane then later told me the coaching/preparation he went through at Atlanta was night and day (although he was pretty much done at that point in his career).
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Talk Zone / Re: Burke's first RR at bat
« on: May 15, 2007, 09:07:28 am »Agree with your take. Gator was in the wrong place at the wrong time if he wanted to play in the big leagues.
Gator is Russ Johnson, right? I did not know he had that nickname here. I was on a hunting trip with several Astros years ago and Shane Reynolds told me Johnson's nickname was Gator because he had gator arms when the restaurant tab came around.
Was that also a public story? I had never read it.
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I have no idea whether Hickey was anything to write home about. But a couple of our former pitchers told me that Hooton was worthless as a pitching coach. Basically, he was just an open the gym, roll the ball out kind of coach.
I hated hearing that considering Hooton might be the best Longhorn pitcher ever (in college, ignoring MLB careers).
Anyone know what Hooton is up to these days?
I hated hearing that considering Hooton might be the best Longhorn pitcher ever (in college, ignoring MLB careers).
Anyone know what Hooton is up to these days?
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Talk Zone / Re: Lineup i hope to see
« on: May 14, 2007, 11:42:10 am »While this may or may not be true, his consistancy is not where it needs to be as a closer. If I were to make a comparison back to the Lidge-Dotel-Wagner trio, he's the Dotel of the group. Talented but not quite dominant enough to be your go-to guy, a.k.a. closer. Doesn't mean he couldn't close but he's not the best option on this team.
There was an almost two year stretch where Dotel was arguably the most dominant reliever in the majors. But he was a guy who seemed to pitch better as a setup man than a closer.
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Talk Zone / Re: roster move
« on: May 11, 2007, 12:32:35 pm »How about Berkman? or maybe Oswalt?
Yep, when I think of Roy Oswalt and Berkman, Trever Miller and Palmeiro come to mind immediately.
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Talk Zone / Re: roster move
« on: May 11, 2007, 12:30:13 pm »
Explain?
Palmeiro was terrible last year -- stuck out way too much for a guy who supposedly is a contact hitter (17 K's against 4 walks in 119 at bats). He is batting .154 this year and we hardly use him. He is a horrible defender. He is 38 years old and is declining. For a guy who is supposed to be an ace pinch hitter, he is -- next to Quintero -- the last option off the bench. Again, why keep him if you don't want to use him. Bruntlett would help out a lot more than Palmeiro. He is faster and has more pop and can play almost any position, many very well and would be a great defensive replacement.
Miller has pitched 9 innings this year. If we aren't going to use him, why keep him?
Palmeiro was terrible last year -- stuck out way too much for a guy who supposedly is a contact hitter (17 K's against 4 walks in 119 at bats). He is batting .154 this year and we hardly use him. He is a horrible defender. He is 38 years old and is declining. For a guy who is supposed to be an ace pinch hitter, he is -- next to Quintero -- the last option off the bench. Again, why keep him if you don't want to use him. Bruntlett would help out a lot more than Palmeiro. He is faster and has more pop and can play almost any position, many very well and would be a great defensive replacement.
Miller has pitched 9 innings this year. If we aren't going to use him, why keep him?
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Talk Zone / Re: roster move
« on: May 11, 2007, 12:19:28 pm »
I would lose Palmeiro or Trever Miller.
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