Messages

1

Beer and Queso / Re: Trump

« on: March 11, 2016, 03:30:49 pm »

One thing that struck me in that article was how he wrote that these socially conservative, fiscally liberal workers had been sold a bill of goods by the GOP and called racists etc. by the democrats. This strikes me as a very unequal parallel. I'm not sure the left has had much of an opportunity to reach these folks. When they tried to give them subsidized health insurance, Republican states refused to expand Medicaid. When Obama called for free Community College associates degrees for everyone, the Republican Congress laughed at him. Sure, Howard Dean caught some flack for saying he wanted the pick-up driving dudes with Confederate flag bumper stickers to come back to the party, but on the whole, I feel like these people have largely been insulated by the right from the left's attempts to help. Is that crazy?

I wouldn't say it's crazy as the article doesn't make clear, although I assumed, this is the very group which Obama described as "clinging to their guns and religion".   So much can be inferred from a statement of this nature that there's no telling what impact that might have.  Animosity?  Possibly.  Resentment at being dismissed?  Probably.  I think its safe a safe to say this type of statement reduces the opportunity to gain support. 

Excluded and/or ignored by both parties, it's not hard to see how they go with a candidate like Trump. 

2

Beer and Queso / Re: Trump

« on: March 11, 2016, 09:08:42 am »

Part of the conservative thought that resonates with me is self responsibility. If you mock education and celebrate distrust of the "other" for generation after generation after generation, you might end up in a really bad situation. These folks should stop blaming others and start taking responsibility for themselves.

No argument with your conclusion.  I have no way to validate the "facts" of the article.  If true, it's a situation we should all be concerned about.  The balance of "those who do" vs "those who don't" (work, succeed, etc...) is the problem.  I have no clue how to fix it.  From the tone of the GOP debates and ambitious "enlightened ideals" of the progressives in the Democratic debate, I am not optimistic.

   

3

Beer and Queso / Re: Trump

« on: March 10, 2016, 03:13:23 pm »

http://www.usnews.com/news/the-report/articles/2016-03-09/a-message-from-trumps-america

Curious if anyone else read this about the Trump phenomenon? 

4

Talk Zone / Re: When you get this far, that means one thing....

« on: October 24, 2005, 02:38:26 pm »

Not trying to make excuses for the pitchers but it's been witches-tit cold, and it was raining last night.  I've noticed that almost all of the Houston pitchers have struggled to maintain their sense of touch in their throwing hands either blowing into cupped hands or rubbing them to establish feeling.  At times, based on the resulting pitch, it seemed like they were gripping the ball too tight and losing their release point.  On the other hand, CWS pitchers looked more comfortable in the game time weather.  

I'll be watching to see if the Houston pitchers seem to lose their control, as they have the past 2 nights, after taking the mound.  It could be the product of more than the cold weather but I'm hoping it isn't

5

Talk Zone / Re: Garner blew it by playing Bagwell

« on: October 23, 2005, 07:40:28 pm »

Okay, in summary, Lamb as the DH is a better option because that would allow a more experienced 1B to have made a better play on Everett.  Huh???  Yeah, that's what he's saying.  Now, I don't fault his conclusion that an OF of Lane, Taveras, and Burke is better than having Berkman in LF along with Taveras in Lane manning their usual posts.  His basic assumption is that Berkman is a better 1B than Lamb.  However, it appears Olney missed every Astros game this season, otherwise he'd realize Berkman's head isn't always in the game, at least on the defensive end.  Not to mention that Lamb has held his own covering 1B.  He needs some work digging some of the throws but that may come with more time.  All in all, I'd say it's a poor example of sports reporting.

6

Talk Zone / Re: What is....

« on: October 20, 2005, 01:00:34 am »

Is there a wrong answer?

My suggestion:
Pettitte (regular rest)
Clemens (extra rest, given the gimpy hamstring or whatever is the case, the man is 43 for god's sake!)
Oswalt
Backe

7

Talk Zone / Re: Where does the line begin

« on: October 20, 2005, 12:56:59 am »

Amen... McLane has taken it on the chin year after year.  Whether it was fans, players or event nitwit sportswriters, he's stayed on task.  Congratulations to the entire organization.  

So, does this qualify as a good first year as a GM?  Someone needs to give ol' Timmy a purple nurple to congratulate the hell out of that fucking-A genius.  He's going to have a hell of a time topping his first year as a GM.  

I'm in total disbelief that I'm getting to watch October baseball and it's my hometown team playing.  I'm not contemplating the ways in which I loathe the Yankees or BoSox because they are home jerkin' themselves off!  Gotta love it... unfuckingbelievable.

8

Talk Zone / Re: "Chris Burke, the Mark Lemke of this generation"

« on: October 14, 2005, 05:56:08 pm »

Quote:

Quote:
I don't understand why that pitch is so damn sexy to him after all those unsuccessful hacks at it.

He's human.

You know, I love those signs off to the side that identify the velocity and type of pitch.  But it seems to give the impression that it's incredibly easy to identify what pitch is coming at you and at what speed.  Imagine that little ball flying towards you and try to pick up the seams of the ball so you can instinctively react at how to hit the ball, let alone manage to make contact.  

It pains me every time I see Biggio go after that slider low and away.  But it makes me equally happy when he lays off it.  It's just not as easy  as it appears.  Hell, if you need to be reminded, just go the batting cages and put a couple tokens in the stall with the fastest pitch speed you can find. And keep in mind those balls have no breaking action.

9

Talk Zone / Re: Clemens vs Pujols

« on: October 14, 2005, 05:36:38 pm »

It's chickenshit.  Plunking for the sake of payback is definitely chickenshit.  As a matter of fact, that's cunt-face barrett chickenshit level.

On the other hand, inside pitches are part of the game.  Does STL crowd the plate?  They sure as hell do.  
Big Deal.  Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't.  Houston does it too so it's hard to fault one team over another.

As to your other point, do the Astros stop and watch their homeruns?  No, not usually.  Is that a cardinal sin?  I don't think so.  I don't care for it but that's me.  It does not merit a plunking.  Crowding the plate, however, merits an inside pitch to push them off the plate.  That's just smart pitching.

10

Talk Zone / Re: Bitter taste in my mouth....

« on: October 13, 2005, 11:25:57 am »

Quote:

Quote:
The Astros beat themselves tonight for the most part.  Great teams like St. Louis don't *need* for the other team to give them any help.  Very winable game and trust me, AP wasn't any worse a performer than Carpenter was tonight.  Houston went up to the plate with no plan of action on how to beat him, so they basically gave Carpenter a free ride tonight.  Andy had to battle for what he could get and one mistake pitch was all he should regret about tonight.

I agree the game was winnable.  I disagree with your assessment of Pettitte's performance.  I thought he was up in the zone all night.  His pitch to Sanders was up.  His pitch to Eckstein for his RBI was up.  His pitch to Pooholes for his RBI was up.  I thought Andy looked spent from the 3rd inning on.  He didn't have his best control.  And then I learn this morning his right knee was swollen from taking a liner to it during BP last night.  IMO, if Andy had pitched they he's pitched the last half of the season, he might have thrown a shutout.

Agreed.  Pettitte of last night was not the Pettitte we saw in game 1 in Atlanta.  As uncharacteristic as last night was for him, result wise, he did battle despite appearing as you described.  Given the number of base runners he allowed, I felt a blow-out coming.  The Astros kept them to 5 runs.  That's not saying much but it could have been far far worse.  

The only reason I mention it is that if Roy is effective tonight, the Astros have a chance.  We can't ask for anything more.  I just hope their ability to score runs late in the game, yesterday, carries over to today's game.

11

Talk Zone / hey hey, former astro making good

« on: October 13, 2005, 11:20:44 am »

 Bill Doran to be the bench coach for the Royals.  He used to be one of my favorite players.  I wish we could have seen more of Billy Doran and Dickie Thon tandem.  It would have been a thing of beauty.

12

Talk Zone / Re: Bitter taste in my mouth....

« on: October 13, 2005, 10:17:48 am »

Quote:

Quote:
Isringhausen is going to get hit hard this series if he's made to throw strikes.

That is more relevant because McClellan won't be behind the dish any more this series to help him out. BUT...

... the Astro's patient approach with Izzy is mind-boggling given how they just loved swinging at first pitch low balls by Carpenter all night long.  Wasn't the 8th inning a three or four pitch inning?  Three ground balls to show for it.

In the 9th, Lamb actually takes borderline pitches he can't hit even if McClellan gives them for strikes.  He patiently stroked an outside pitch to left instead of trying to pull it and had, IMHO, the best approach and AB of the night.  Lane took the same approach up there and spit on pitches low and really hard to call hittable pitches that were strikes.  *THAT* is when McClellan stepped in and made them pay.  What I hope is that the Astros don't abandon what they did in the 9th in terms of approach and make the pitcher come into the zone and stop that nonsense they did for the 8 prior innings of play.

I couldn't believe it last night.  How many innings went 3 up 3 down or Carpenter not even having to throw double digit pitches and work up a sweat?  They had their chances early, oddly enough, but couldn't break thru.  Carpenter did what he's done all season, force ground balls.  Give him some credit.   But like Noe said, Houston definitely deserves an assist on his game last night.  He had a plan and the Astros went right along with it like they didn't have a choice.  There were occassional good, patient at bats.  Foul off what you can't do much with and make Carpenter work for his outs.  The late rally made the game seem closer than it was.  I hate to say it but it really seemed like Houston played right into the Cards strategy.  That, above any outcome of the game, is what really pissed me off.  I just hope the Astros learn what they can from last night and come with it tonight.... I really want to see the announcers gag on their cardinal pole smoking...  

And when did FOX conclude that america is a bunch of morons and need an animated character to explain how a fucking curve ball moves?  What a bunch of tools.  I can't identify  announcers by their voices but one guy has this piercing tone to his voice and needs to STFU.  I realize it's his job to talk but I'm at a loss trying to understand how he got that job.  Was he another Buck legacy?  I did notice that Lyons continued with his inane and irrelevant comments.  I may be watching the game with the TV on mute tonight.  I'm not sure I can take another game with the same entourage of twits that covered last nights game.

13

Talk Zone / Re: Proof that ESPN is phasing out the playoffs now...

« on: October 11, 2005, 08:52:31 pm »

That just about made me puke.  I went to the ESPN coverage of the NLCS.  I read the series preview.... they had the cojones to say Isringhausen has outpitched Lidge.  Okay, he has more saves.  He has a better baa.  So FUCKING WHAT?!!!!  Who imploded against the other team?  I believe that would be Isringhausen.  Going head to head, Astros/Cardinals, Lidge has a 0.00 ERA over 8 2/3 innings with a BAA against of .087.  On the other hand, Isringhausen has a 4.15 ERA and a BAA of .219 against Houston.  Now, I realize that's all regular season stuff and means nothing now, but how do you assert that Isringhausen has outpitched Lidge.  These guys at ESPN are in need of an emergency cranialcolonectomy.

Whatever happens, happens.  I know who I'm rooting for... Go Stros....

14

Talk Zone / Re: Goodbye all you Eastern teams.... C'Ya! Ha!

« on: October 11, 2005, 10:24:50 am »

Quote:
It was all I asked for and I got it.

By the way....you want some quality BBG Shit?

The Cards are already holding the registration for WS tix.  We have no such thing on our site yet.

I was hoping for the Yankee/Red Sox to get the playoff boot. I just wonder what ESPN is going to report now?  The only 2 plausible champions are heading home to plan their vacations!!!  This has to top ESPN's previous greatest dissappointment which is the impossibility of a Yankees-Red Sox World Series.

15

Talk Zone / Re: i love Chris Burke!

« on: October 10, 2005, 03:45:15 pm »

Quote:
2nd base future=Biggio and Conrad.

Jim,
You don't think Zobrist, as well as he's played in the low minors, could make a push to win the 2B job in a couple years?  I know he has a long way to go but that kid generates great reviews over in the Minor Opinions section.  I look forward to seeing what he can do.  I would think Bruntlett would get first shot if Burke is traded.  Who knows?  But to be honest, it's a luxury to discuss these hypotheticals.  Regardless of who  they find to fill in at 2B, once Biggio is finished, I just hope they remain competitive.

And that subject line said it all for me last night.  Wow.  There were three moments in last nights game where I busted out my idiot dance (because I look like an idiot when I do it).  I had my wife and 2 yr old laughing, as well as the 2 yr old imitating me.

16

Talk Zone / Re: Lidgin' Fox!

« on: October 09, 2005, 09:16:53 am »

Well, they did talk about Ta-VAR-es.  According to the announcer, I didn't care to get his name, Francour is the rookie of the year.  Ta-VAR-es just doesn't drive the ball in RBI situations.  Does the guy even know who Willy Taveras is?  Does he realize he was the leadoff guy for almost the entire season?  Does he realize Willy lead the league, and all rookies of course, in infield hits.  No, instead he's talking about some Ta-VAR-es cat who I can't associate with the Astros.   Go figure.... maybe he's talking about Julian Tavarez....

17

Talk Zone / Need there by another reason...

« on: October 07, 2005, 06:06:32 pm »

to dislike Burke as an Astro?  Besides the weak arm and slow bat, we have this pearl:

"The Cubs were more my team growing up, but I watched a ton of Braves games."

from  here....

18

Talk Zone / Re: Who pitches on Sunday?

« on: October 07, 2005, 10:55:50 am »

Quote:
Backe.

I thought that was the rotation order too but didn't Backe pitch an inning last night?  It's still feasible, obviously, given he only pitched 1 inning and is off for 2 days (essentially a hard bullpen session in other words).  It also makes sense given the use of the bullpen the past 2 games.  If Backe doesn't start that would put Wandy in line to start Sunday.  Anyone have a clue what's going on there?

19

Talk Zone / Re: Phil Garner

« on: October 06, 2005, 04:30:55 pm »

Quote:
no, no, no. Willy stealing does not take the bat out of anyone's hands.

they rarely will ask Biggio to bunt. he is more useful batting leadoff. Willy can bunt him over and get a hit on it sometimes.

I've been pondering this scenario as it seems like it's inevitable given Willy's aggressive tendencies at the plate as well as his ability to make contact and take advantage of his speed.  With Biggio's power, it also provides situations for more than sac-bunt situations.  Seems ideal for hit and runs, IMO.  

The other eventuality, next season at least, is moving Biggio further down the lineup and finding a proto-typical leadoff in FA.  Biggio is still a solid leadoff but not what he used to be.  At this stage, I think he'd be just as effective batting 6th/7th in this lineup.  It sure beats Burke or Everett behind Lane.

20

Talk Zone / Re: Barzilla speaks...

« on: October 06, 2005, 08:48:27 am »

Quote:

Quote:
I like how he diminshed Ausmus' defensive role due to his below average offense and then used poor defense from Biggio as an argument why he wanted Burke to start at the beginning of the year.

Yep, he's a 3 percenter.  Ya'll quit kicking the wierd kid on the playground.

Come on now, everyone knows that 2B is where you look for defense while catcher is a traditional power production position.  C'mon!  What a bunch of dumb-fucks we are....  sorry, I know that's piling on but if ever it were justified, this is the time.  What an unimaginative twat.

21

Talk Zone / Re: So....What's Everyone Doing the Next 3 Hours?

« on: October 05, 2005, 02:41:25 pm »

Trying to wrap up all the shit I need to get done today so I can pay as much attention to the game.  It's not looking good though so I may have half a mind on the game and take care of the simple tasks at work so I don't screw up anything important.  I don't know how anyone gets anthing done without multi-tasking anyway.  It just so happens one of those multiple tasks will be Astros/Braves starting at 3pm.... too bad it's on ESPN.  Anyone know who's doing the tv coverage?  Please let it be anyone but Joe Morgan or The Swammi.  The Swammi will figure out some way to throw in a Barry Bonds figurative blow job as usual....

22

Talk Zone / Re: Alright...who's leaving the office early tomorrow?

« on: October 04, 2005, 06:23:51 pm »

Quote:
P.S. How do you get one of those "work from home" gigs?  That always sounded sweet to me.

You aren't the first person to ask me and to be honest, I haven't a clue how I got here.  I've done a few different things where I work and the role I'm currently in did not start as a work from home situation.  So, in other words, you have to be lucky.  

Re: Jim,
You aren't kidding.  But one thing I left out above is that job performance is a factor in getting the role I'm currently in (it's not an entry level position).  However, there are those who abuse the privilege and it doesn't take long before it shows.  Typical signs: unreachable by phone, email, or instant messaging when there is no notice or indication of being "out of office" (even if it's a home office).  And the cardinal sin for work at home employees:  Missing Deadlines (not much different for most folks really).  That's the quickest way to work your way out or a raise, bonus, or future job advancement.  Basically, the rule for us work at home types is deliver and no one asks.  Don't deliver and watch your career go down the shitter because no one will reserve judgement.  You don't have the benefit of people seeing you at work everyday.  On the flip side, I'm actually far more productive since this move.  I had never realized how much time gets wasted around the proverbial water cooler, even when you aren't a typical visitor to said water cooler.

23

Talk Zone / Re: Alright...who's leaving the office early tomorrow?

« on: October 04, 2005, 04:34:00 pm »

Quote:

Quote:
...It is not in anyone's best interest for me to be in public during Astros playoffs games.  I know you meant locals, but what the hell.

Is this to protect your right hand? or others FROM your right hand?

(Another non-local person's response) One of the beautiful things about corporate america is the recent shift to working from home.  Sure, it leads to insane work hours and can cut into family life if you let it.  However, in times like this, I have the benefit of getting to watch a game while "appearing" to work!!  Hell, I can even crack a couple beers, so long as I'm not slurring my words on any conference calls!

24

Talk Zone / Pinwheel at it again...

« on: October 04, 2005, 10:33:52 am »

His  latest  pile of crap.  I'm surprised he can produce so many words with his own dick in his mouth.  That's not intended as a backhanded compliment either.  I can only assume he's triple jointed, in some freakish way, give his innate ability to bend whichever way the wind blows.  

Someone needs to tell those dickheads over at the chronicle that this is not a good example of an act of contrition for being undeniable twats.

25

Talk Zone / Re: The 2005 Co-Sox?

« on: October 03, 2005, 04:03:32 pm »

This is going to sound cheesey but thank you for giving voice to the collective sentiment of everyone who visits this site.

26

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Week 06/17 - 06/23: Ask And Ye Shall Maybe Receive vol.

« on: June 30, 2005, 01:44:12 pm »

Just out of curiosity, what's the latest on Hernandez?  I've only read his numbers, and they aren't pretty, and any first hand feedback is much appreciated.

27

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Pitch counts

« on: April 18, 2005, 03:19:23 pm »

Quote:

Quote:
Okay, after 11 games and 35 at bats Quintero is killing the ball based on his stats.  Any suspicion that he's going to displace Chavez as the backup catcher this season or is it going to take an injury to Ausmus or Chavez for that to happen?  

I realize it's his second season in AAA and the PCL is historically a hitters league but the number he's put up over limited at bats is impressive.  In his 35 at bats, he has 2HR, 3-2B, a .371 avg, and .629 slg%.  His OBP isn't available on BBA but I calculated it as approximately .450%.  Those are only stats so if anyone can provide a scouting report on how he's played so far, that would be much appreciated.

But it's just what you said, "over limited at bats"....he might be batting .235 by the middle of May for all you know.  Not saying he will, and obviously I'm rooting for the guy, but I think he's going to have to continue to produce.

Hey Jak,
It's been a while since we crossed paths on a thread.  Yeah, I know it's a limited number of plate appearances.  However, he put up comparable numbers last season in the same league playing for SD's affiliate.  

I guess what I'm fishing for is some of the expert opinions on this board as to just how legitimate those numbers are.  Given what I've learned about Burke and his production last season (in the PCL league as well) and the common opinion that his continuing that prodction into the majors is unlikely, I'm interested to read some first hand assessments of this kid's talent.  

I've been tracking Quintero in the scoreboxes since last season and by all reports, the kid can play.  I really liked the Redding trade.  I think Redding will do better in SD but I think Houston will have a steal on their hands in 2-3 yrs.  I just want to learn if that optimism is well founded or not.

28

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Pitch counts

« on: April 18, 2005, 01:05:59 pm »

Okay, after 11 games and 35 at bats Quintero is killing the ball based on his stats.  Any suspicion that he's going to displace Chavez as the backup catcher this season or is it going to take an injury to Ausmus or Chavez for that to happen?  

I realize it's his second season in AAA and the PCL is historically a hitters league but the number he's put up over limited at bats is impressive.  In his 35 at bats, he has 2HR, 3-2B, a .371 avg, and .629 slg%.  His OBP isn't available on BBA but I calculated it as approximately .450%.  Those are only stats so if anyone can provide a scouting report on how he's played so far, that would be much appreciated.

29

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Week 03/8 - 03/14: Ask And Ye Shall Maybe Receive vol. V

« on: March 10, 2005, 05:05:26 pm »

Quote:
Jimerson adds a cannon arm and excellent instincts as a centerfielder and right fielder.

How does Jimerson compare to Taveras in CF?

30

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Week 03/8 - 03/14: Ask And Ye Shall Maybe Receive vol. V

« on: March 10, 2005, 11:32:03 am »

much appreciated...   7 at bats is hardly enough to justify unchecked optimism but Jimerson does give the impression something clicked with him when he worked with Gwynn.

31

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Week 03/8 - 03/14: Ask And Ye Shall Maybe Receive vol. V

« on: March 10, 2005, 10:24:51 am »

I just read this article at the Chronicle on  Charlton Jimerson .  It seems a little too good to be true.  Does anyone have any ST updates on Jimerson's performance?  I know Jimerson was rated highly for his overall athleticism but if he could finally cut down on those monstrous K numbers, that would be an outstanding turn of events.

32

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Sickels piles on the anti-Taveras bandwagon

« on: March 03, 2005, 03:36:00 pm »

Thanks for answering the Taveras question twice.  

Of the two games I have seen Whiteman, he was at SS one game and 3B the next.  Are they locking him into one position or will he continue to receive work at both spots?

33

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Sickels piles on the anti-Taveras bandwagon

« on: March 03, 2005, 03:13:17 pm »

I just posed this over in the TZ but it probably belongs over here.  Does anyone know where Willy Taveras is at in regards to becoming a Switch hitter?  Did he actually bat from the left side last year at AA?  Just curious and I didn't see it discussed before so please excuse the question if it's redundant.

On the topic of prospects, what's the organizational view of Tommy Whiteman?  I know he was lumped in between Conrand and Burke in the infield prospect group a couple years ago.  However, I haven't seen near the discussion about Whiteman as I have Conrad.  Appreciate any replies....