Messages

1

Beer and Queso / Boyhood

« on: August 03, 2014, 02:14:19 am »

If you haven't seen this film yet, you need to make it a priority and set aside three hours of your day for one of the best films of our time. Linklater knocked it out of the park with a masterpiece of art that will almost certainly stay with you for days after.

Not to mention the absolute song this film is to the great state of Texas and Houston in particular....Jason Lane!

2

Talk Zone / Re: Appel’s fast track causing Astros’ clubhouse uproar

« on: July 27, 2014, 02:12:37 pm »

WFW indeed, but it sounds like Porter has his players' backs on this one and may not be happy with the way the front office handled it.

3

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Lancaster - 2014

« on: July 27, 2014, 11:54:27 am »

Appel threw a bullpen session this morning at MM with pitching coach Brent Strom. According to a Greg Rajan tweet, some of the Astros players were not happy about it.

 Tweet

4

Talk Zone / Re: Aiken

« on: July 21, 2014, 08:37:00 pm »

Olney has demonstrated time and again that he's a lying sack of shit. Why would anyone care what he thinks?

It's not so much caring what he thinks as acknowledging that he has influence in the national media and is a driver behind the bullshit narratives being written about this front office.

5

Talk Zone / Re: Aiken

« on: July 21, 2014, 04:42:07 pm »

I'm not. Can't answer that one.

6

Talk Zone / Re: Aiken

« on: July 21, 2014, 04:13:09 pm »

Kinda surprised that you all have not discussed this Olney piece from earlier. I  am amazed at how Olney in particular seems to have a serious axe to grind with this current FO. Ferrchrissakes, you'd think Luhnow choked fair-minded Buster's pet rabbit to death.

7

Talk Zone / Re: Aiken

« on: July 19, 2014, 04:23:27 pm »

Drellich's report doesn't explain the timing of the offers

So you're just going to take the viewpoint that these offers were all at the very last minute on the basis of a Jon Heyman article? Regardless, I remember reading a chron article earlier this week that said the Astros had supposedly made an offer of 5MM. That was well before the deadline, so yeah I think this "3:55" line you're buying into is total crap. 

8

Talk Zone / Re: Aiken

« on: July 19, 2014, 03:59:03 pm »

Are we just assuming the 5 minutes before the deadline rumor is BS? 

“Basically, we tried to engage the other side, Casey Close three times today. Made three increasing offers and never received a counter, really they just never engaged, for whatever reason there was no interest. There just didn’t appear interest to sign on their side.

“Very disappointed. I think this is a player we wanted obviously we took him 1-1. You know we would have liked to have signed him and (Jacob) Nix and (Mac) Marshall, all three of ‘em. But you can’t do that without the other side wanting to be a part of it, so we move on.

“We made that offer a while back, the 40 percent offer. But we came up from that three times without ever receiving a counter.”

http://blog.chron.com/ultimateastros/2014/07/18/jeff-luhnow-on-the-failed-brady-aiken-signing-and-whats-next/#24048103=0&25194101=0

9

Talk Zone / Re: Aiken

« on: July 19, 2014, 03:47:11 pm »

I get that he said no, but he had 5 minutes to say no.  Why not offer it three hours ahead of time?  What's the point of making an offer five minutes prior to the deadline?  It's either they didn't want him at that price and just wanted it to be known they offered 5M (sort of make sense, I guess), or they were just playing chicken with the kid over 1-2M (which is outrageous and not worth it).

Stop listening to Jon Heyman. They made offers well before the deadline, Close shut them down.

10

Talk Zone / Re: Aiken

« on: July 19, 2014, 03:23:03 pm »

Thanks, i figured there had to be more to that.

Consider the source of that idiotic report. /Heyman

11

Talk Zone / Re: Aiken

« on: July 19, 2014, 03:18:11 pm »

I'm really not understanding how the Aikens let pride get in the way of life-changing money. Maybe they're rich already, but to any reasonable person $5MM is a lot of money to walk away from. Certainly there has to be truth to the medical reports or Close would also be protesting the actual reports rather than  just berating Luhnow for letting that information get out. In that case there's no fucking way this kid ever gets drafted anywhere close to the first overall pick, so he just pissed away the best offer he's going to get. All for what? To extend a middle finger to the Houston Astros?

If the Astros were wrong and Aiken's UCL is perfectly normal and not unusual, wouldn't they be risking a pretty big lawsuit talking about that? Where there's smoke, there's fire so I think we can safely assume his UCL is going to be a significant issue for any prospective buyer. What a disaster. Close really fucked him.

12

Talk Zone / Re: Aiken

« on: July 19, 2014, 02:43:01 pm »

If they offered 5 million, 5 minutes to the deadline, that sure seems like they would have risked not having time to get the paperwork in for the other 2 guys in time.  What if Aiken said at 3:59, OK I take it? 

Why in the world not offer the 5 Mil at least by 3PM?  Doesn't make any sense.  Must me more to this.

I've read a variety of reports that seem to indicate a range of offers from 3.2MM to the initial 6.5MM and those were all before yesterday. Luhnow reportedly contacted Close multiple times on Friday so I'm sure they made that offer well before the deadline.

13

Talk Zone / Re: Aiken

« on: July 19, 2014, 01:59:47 pm »

No. That's still just speculation. However, if his test was clear, don't you think that his camp would have floated the pictures to the public? Something jolted the Astros about his arm.

Precisely. It appears that the Astros leaked some information to Evan Drellich earlier this week that hinted at big red flags with his elbow. The fact that the source characterized it as a "cut-and-dry issue" means there's most likely something substantive (a small to non-existent UCL) to that medical report. We can presume those results were shared with Aiken and Casey Close, who didn't hesitate to slam the organization and reveal details about their contract offers. It stands to reason that had Dr. Andrews or the other two independent specialists who examined him disagreed with Dr. Lintner's finding, we would have heard about it. However, all we heard from Close was "5 doctors have proven that he's not currently injured and is ready to pitch." No shit, counselor. But what about the UCL? Does he even have one?

14

Talk Zone / Re: In former Astros news...

« on: June 05, 2014, 01:00:52 am »

What a great story! Here's hoping he enjoys continued success in his remarkable comeback to MLB.

15

Game Zone 2014 Archive / Re: Angels @ Astros June 3, 2014

« on: June 03, 2014, 10:24:31 pm »

That was a sweet swing by Singleton.

16

Talk Zone / Re: Roster Moves

« on: June 03, 2014, 05:07:40 pm »

I don't know if any of you saw it but earlier today MLB Network had a roundtable discussion (and an interview with Luhnow thereafter) about Singleton's contract that was refreshingly realistic. Yesterday I read quite a bit of critical commentary from the usual places, jackass writers and reporters carrying water for butthurt agents, most of them belittling Jon Singleton's decision and everyone agreeing how the Astros bent him over.  Brian Kenny, Mike Lowell, Tom Verducci, and Joe Magrane all gave really good, practical reasons why people like Bud Norris should politely shut the fuck up. It's ten million dollars worst case scenario to a guy who was an 8th round pick with a $200K signing bonus. That's life-changing money regardless of what happens to the kid once he takes the field as a ML player for the first time. There are no guarantees in life, and Mike Lowell touched on that by telling the story of being diagnosed with cancer right before his imminent major league call. Yes, this was most likely a good deal in terms of baseball bidness for the Astros, but it was also very understandable why Singleton would accept it. He's not getting as screwed imo as many would have us believe. The guy made a conscious choice to secure his financial well-being while at the same time leaving himself room for a big contract when he's 30. Who could possibly have a problem with that?

17

Talk Zone / Re: Springer coming to a town near you

« on: August 25, 2013, 09:00:11 am »

I was at last night's game and was very impressed by Springer's speed and Amador's size. That guy is really large.

18

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Oklahoma City - 2013

« on: August 19, 2013, 09:16:27 am »

He's getting closer and closer to a 40HR/40SB season.

19

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Quad Cities - 2013

« on: August 08, 2013, 07:17:06 pm »

According to the New York-Penn League transactions page, Tony Kemp, Zach Morton, and Pat Christensen are up from Tri-City.

Kemp is starting at 2nd and hitting 2nd tonight.


#qctimes QC moves: OF Dan Gulbransen, P Jordan Jankowski to high-A Lancaster; OF Terrell Joyce on Temp Inactive List, P Juri Perez released

— Steve Batterson (@sbatt79) August 5, 2013

Not sure if this has already been posted elsewhere but Colton Cain (acquired in the Wandy trade) was also promoted last week to Lancaster from QC.

20

Talk Zone / Re: The Future

« on: August 08, 2013, 06:36:38 pm »

Luhnow was interviewed on Jay Mohr's radio show and they talked at length about "The Plan" and the future of the Astros in the long term. Very worth your time. Whatever it is Luhnow's selling, I'm buying.

Link

21

Talk Zone / Re: Need this shirt

« on: August 07, 2013, 02:56:19 pm »

I love the one of the Astrodome ceiling. Greatness.

22

Talk Zone / Re: Trader Jeff

« on: July 29, 2013, 09:43:45 am »

...which is about a million less than the Astros paid for Ariel Ovando.

23

Talk Zone / Re: George Springer

« on: July 10, 2013, 09:47:05 pm »

Springer, Castro, Lyles, Folty, Cosart, Santana, JD Martinez, Keuchel....

Thanks, Ed. Nicely done, sir.

24

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Corpus Christi - 2013

« on: June 04, 2013, 09:10:49 pm »

Springer was just pulled from the game in the sixth inning for a defensive substitution. Very interesting.....

25

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Quad Cities - 2013

« on: May 15, 2013, 09:49:38 am »

John Sickels rolled through Quad Cities recently and posted his thoughts on some of the players he got to see. He wasn't impressed with Ovando.

Ariel Ovando, OF: Signed out of the Dominican in 2010 for $2,000,000. Tall and strong-looking at 6-4, 225, but I was very disappointed. He supposedly has great power potential, but I didn't see a lot of bat speed, his swing mechanics were awkward, and he was completely helpless against breaking pitches. He lacks running speed and his throws didn't carry. He is still only 19 years old so it is way too soon to give up, considering how much was invested in him, but his .153/.270/.224 line through 25 games is not deceptive: he's legitimately overmatched right now.

Link

26

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Corpus Christi - 2013

« on: May 02, 2013, 10:26:55 am »

Per twitter sources, Folty has been called up to the Hooks.

27

Talk Zone / Re: Excellent BP Article on the Astros

« on: April 04, 2013, 03:03:22 pm »

Good points, ferret. I approve of the total "burn it down and build it back up" philosophy the front office has adopted but am tired of the predictable responses from the sabermetrics crowd. You are correct, this isn't anything new but because Luhnow is the kind of guy they call their own, everything they write about him will be glowing and almost always refer to him as smart and intelligent and his choices as well-reasoned ones born of math and logic. I know it's not a perfect comparison but the "advanced stats" crowd have been saying the same of Daryl Morey for a long time, yet the Rockets still aren't championship contenders.

28

Game Zone 2013 Archive / Re: Let's do it again! April 2, 2013

« on: April 02, 2013, 10:19:18 pm »

I don't recall ever going from completely despondent to ebullient in the blink of an eye. What a great turn of events, another reminder why baseball is greatness even in a losing cause. Beautiful! I'm still laughing at those Dallas fans....

29

Game Zone 2013 Archive / Re: Let's do it again! April 2, 2013

« on: April 02, 2013, 10:07:11 pm »

I'd completely given up hope after Castro. Thank you, Marwin. You are a hero! Short of a rally for a win, that dinky single up the middle was the best outcome of an overcooked shitburger dinner.

30

Game Zone 2013 Archive / Re: Let's do it again! April 2, 2013

« on: April 02, 2013, 09:57:49 pm »

HAHAHHAAA

Fuck you, Rangers fans.

31

Game Zone 2013 Archive / Re: Let's do it again! April 2, 2013

« on: April 02, 2013, 09:47:32 pm »

The Astros have facilitated this.

Or Bud Selig and MLB. Regardless, it's beyond poor form to play the role of road team douchebag fan, especially in Texas. Have some respect, don't come into another fan's house uninvited and take a big dump on the floor. But Berkman was right. Texas sports fans are by and large a gigantic frontrunning bunch.

32

Game Zone 2013 Archive / Re: Let's do it again! April 2, 2013

« on: April 02, 2013, 09:41:30 pm »

I'm pretty goddamn pissed about these fuckwad Ranger douches making MMPUS their personal little recliner tonight. I'd like to see some Astros fans start putting these Dallas assholes in their place. Get the fuck out, Dallas.

33

Game Zone 2013 Archive / Re: Let's do it again! April 2, 2013

« on: April 02, 2013, 07:34:14 pm »

These announcers for the Rangers are horrible. I miss JD and Brownie.

34

Beer and Queso / Re: Breaking news about wettness, water

« on: October 14, 2012, 05:28:42 pm »

"I think for a large part – and the fans don't want to hear this – a lot of the people that attend sports in this town, they're there because it's kind of just a place to be seen. I didn't know anybody who went to Rangers games, and then when they started winning and going to World Series, everybody's wearing Rangers hats and saying, 'Oh yeah, I'm a big Rangers fan.'


No fuckin shit, and it's just as obnoxiously grating seeing these fuckers running around Austin as if they've been lifelong Rangers fans. The worst part is the response I get from frontrunning Rangers fans when I voice my venom for that franchise and their famous HOF owner.

"But why aren't you rooting for them, they're still a Texas team? I root for all the Texas teams!"

Because I'm from Houston, you fuckin idiot bandwagoner, and Houston sports fans NEVER root for Dallas teams.

35

Beer and Queso / Re: Texans on MNF

« on: October 09, 2012, 03:49:56 pm »

I'm elated the Texans are 5-0, but 5-0 isn't the goal.  The goal is to look like--and to eventually become--a team that can win the super bowl.  The Texans appear to be of a high caliber in many facets of the game, but the red zone offense and special teams need work.  The margin for error is only going to get thinner with Cushing out for the year.  

They've been a team that could win the Super Bowl since last year. In fact, I'm pretty sure they would have been there against the Giants if not for Schaub's injury. They were very good last year, they're even better now. Last night was a tough win, but it wasn't a surprise to me because I fully expected the Jets to play up to the circumstances and the MNF stage. That game was one the Texans of old usually lose, but they've been winning a lot of these games going back to last year. They have finally learned how to win and expect to do so. Much credit goes to Wade Phillips, obviously, but it's also a credit to Kubiak, Smith, and McNair. They have this franchise headed in the right direction for the foreseeable future.

Losing Cushing is a huge blow, however. Fuck you Slauson.

36

Beer and Queso / Re: Texans on MNF

« on: October 09, 2012, 03:42:59 pm »

After years and years of getting your ass handed to you re: football, and especially the Texans, I'll give you points for having to the guts/stupidity to come back here and ask for more.  But it's like the punchline to the old joke:  let's face it...you're not here for the hunting, are you?

Oh, please. Get off your fucking high horse, you've done nothing of the sort. You've been proven wrong time after time after time with regards to Matt Schaub and Gary Kubiak, and the successes they've enjoyed the last two seasons are proof positive. You've been nothing but a Kubiak hater with an axe to grind. Forchrissakes they are one of two undefeated teams in the NFL but you demand nothing but perfection in the boxscore AND the scoreboard. They could score TDs on three out of every four red zone trips and you'd bitch about his use of a timeout.

With all things Kubiak, you are a clown HH.

37

Beer and Queso / Re: Texans on MNF

« on: October 09, 2012, 03:09:40 pm »

Kubiak outcoached.  
Just enough talent to win.
Next, Packers threaten.

This bullshit you guys are spewing about Kubiak is just embarrassingly stupid, especially in light of the Texans 5-0 record. Rex Ryan pulled out all the stops last night and his Jets still lost. That onside kick attempt was comically dumb. The only reason the Jets were even in this game was that Joe McKnight kick return, which oh by the way shouldn't have counted since Bryan Braman was held from behind and the refs inexplicably missed it.

http://screencast.com/t/LWG7GeiaZgwD

Funny how quiet ya'll are when the Texans are just grinding other teams in the dirt. But, get into an obvious trap game against a beleaguered home dog on a Monday night and not blow them out and it's "dick-stepping Kubiak" stupidity all over again from the usual suspects.

38

Talk Zone / Re: Rangers Lose

« on: October 06, 2012, 10:58:41 am »

I came across a Rangers fan thread on another site.  Since I don't follow them, was sort of taken aback by the anger directed towards Hamilton, Kinsler, Washington, etc--they want them gone.  They're sick of Hamilton's act, regard Kinsler as a has been, and think Washington is the worst manager of all time.

I ventured into the stRangeland and scrolled through the comments from their fans. Abhorrent, typical Dallas sports fans. The vitriol they spew for the same players they were lauding quite recently is anathema to my life as an Astros fan. The loud, pointed booing they did last night was telling imo. Theirs is a fanbase undeserving of the team's recent success. The BBGs took notice.

Fuck Dallas.

39

Talk Zone / Re: Rangers Lose

« on: October 06, 2012, 09:54:43 am »

What a glorious, schadenfreude-filled ending to a shitty baseball season. FUCK YOU NOLAN, AND FUCK YOU BANDWAGON RANGERS FAN. Yes, you, douchebag in your ridiculous claw/antler shirt.That was one helluva choke job!

The Rangers had sole possession of first place for 161 games straight games, and their season is over after one playoff game. Thank you, BBGs.

40

Beer and Queso / Re: 2012 Music Thread

« on: September 20, 2012, 01:46:08 am »

Any of you seen the Walkmen live yet?  They are playing Fitz on Friday.   

Looking forward to seeing them tonight with Beach House at Stubb's. Heaven is great.

41

Beer and Queso / Re: RIP MCA

« on: May 04, 2012, 12:46:09 pm »

Man, this one hurts.

I suspect many of us 40somethings gonna be thumping some Paul's Boutique/Check Your Head on the drive home today.

42

Beer and Queso / Re: 2011 Music Thread

« on: September 30, 2011, 02:06:31 am »

I love Wilco, always have and always will, but the new Girls grabs me more than The Whole Love.

43

Game Zone 2011 Archive / Re: Rox @ Astros 9/23/11

« on: September 23, 2011, 09:15:42 pm »

My cat.

Two weeks ago we took her to the vet. She'd been trending down, losing weight, eating less. Finally it was very bad and we took her in. She spent three days in the hospital and was stable but not doing well. We took her home since we were already down about $1100 and didn't think $200 a day was going to get her any better than she was.

Lots of tests, nothing definitive. We took her home to see how things would go and decide on bringing in a radiologist.  At this point I'm syringe feeding her, about 120 ml of turkey baby food with a little water.  Second day, she took 90. Third day, 50 and less every day after that. She refused all solid food, wouldn't drink any water. Complicating all this was a bad cold, so she couldn't smell food and the cold was getting worse.

We took her in a couple more times for fluids and a nebulizer but nothing is working. Poor little kitty. Several nights I've gone to sleep knowing she wouldn't make it to the next day. In a fit of weakness I wrote about her last night.

This morning we woke up a little before six. She stood up and walked slowly to the end of the bed, waiting for me to put her down on the floor. I gently put her down and she walked a few feet toward the kitchen,  then stopped. After a moment she continued, leading me to the kitchen. I picked her up and carried her the rest of the way, putting her down again in front of her water bowl, hoping for a miracle where there hasn't been one for two weeks plus.

This time, she drank. Her mouth dry and clacking, she drank and drank some more, remembering how to swallow. I think she surprised herself before bring comfortable with it again. I refilled the bowl and she kept drinking. She still wouldn't eat, but the drinking was really like a miracle.

When I went to work this morning she still hadn't eaten. My wife was taking her back to the vet for more subcutaneous fluids at 9 but texted me a picture of the cat eating a handful of food on the couch. She continued to eat a little during the day.

She's still shaky, but she's eating and drinking and walking and purring. It's damn near unbelievable. I have no idea if this will last but I'm very very happy about this.

Thanks, asshole, now I'm weepy. I had to say goodbye to my cat of 17 years just three days ago. I'd taken her to the vet multiple times this month because of severe dehydration, but she took a turn for the worse this week and I decided it was time to end her suffering.

I hope your little one recovers and goes on to live the long life my tough bitch feline enjoyed. Best of luck to you and your family. Pets are cherished.

44

Beer and Queso / Re: 2011 Music Thread

« on: September 09, 2011, 02:31:16 pm »

Tuesday 9/13 can't get here soon enough as that is the release date of Girls' Father, Son, Holy Ghost. I'm pretty sure it may wind up at the top of my 2011 list.

Here's my favorite track....especially around the 5 1/2 minute mark. Great band.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_lehSxOMfE

45

Beer and Queso / Re: Austin eating

« on: September 02, 2011, 11:40:09 am »

John Mueller is re-opening... Not sure if his temp stand will be open by this weekend.

Finally! He is opening on Sept 26th at 10 AM. 1502 S. 1st. I am ecstatic at this news as it means I can probably get world class cue without having to endure the impossible wait at Franklin.

46

Talk Zone / Re: Pence to Atlanta?

« on: July 21, 2011, 02:05:11 pm »

Boras is immaterial imo. If I'm the new owner, I don't trade the face of the franchise unless another team makes an overwhelming offer. Trade Hunter Pence instead.

47

Beer and Queso / Re: Yao to retire

« on: July 08, 2011, 01:08:14 pm »

Damn. This news isn't exactly surprising but it stings nonetheless. What could have been....

48

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: 7/2 international signing period - 2011

« on: July 04, 2011, 01:46:40 pm »

Slick video of Reynoso's swing. Likes Jose Reyes, Bachata.

49

Game Zone 2011 Archive / Re: 07/03/11: Astros vs. BoSox

« on: July 04, 2011, 11:18:32 am »

I have never been a McLane-basher because I think he's been the best owner the Astros have ever known, but the shit sandwich his marketing arm fed the fans this weekend makes me seethe.

I have never said this before but the 2011 MMPUS Boston reach-around demands it:

FUCK YOU DRAYTON.

You spit in the face of lifelong Houston Astros fans, all in pursuit of some extra cash. Now please go away.

50

Game Zone 2011 Archive / Re: 07/03/11: Astros vs. BoSox

« on: July 03, 2011, 03:46:42 pm »

Unbelievable, eh?

In the more believable front... The Astros were playing Sweet Caroline earlier in the game. DUMBASSES!

You have got to be kidding.

Good thing I didn't attend any of these games, I'd probably get my ass kicked and spend a night in jail. These assclown bandwagoners would get more than an earful from my drunk mouth.

NOT IN OUR HOUSE YOU EAST COAST FUCKS!!!

51

Game Zone 2011 Archive / Re: Sawks @ Stros, 7/1/2011

« on: July 01, 2011, 08:13:00 pm »

Bud Norris doing his best to make these dicknose bandwagoneers shut their whorish mouths. I hate all these Massholes moving to Texas.

Keep dealing, Bud!

52

Beer and Queso / Re: Austin eating

« on: June 24, 2011, 11:56:32 am »

You think he's the kind of guy that will just be content selling out by noon every day and closing shop, or is he going to leverage this publicity to take in some investment dollars and ramp up production?

He's been talking about increasing production capacity for a long time now, but the more positive praise he gets the worse the lines become. He just cannot keep up. The lines have taken on a life of their own and imo far too many people are willing to embrace it as a necessary part of "Keeping Austin Weird" or whatever. Sad to say it, but I probably won't go there again until the craze subsides. It's just not worth the hassle.

53

Beer and Queso / Re: Austin eating

« on: June 24, 2011, 11:47:12 am »

Hopefully John Mueller will open his new establishment soon. If he's not bullshitting everyone this time, he could become the new Franklin BBQ! I love the brisket Aaron Franklin puts out, but I'm not sure it's "90 minutes in line better" than what John Mueller was doing back when Aaron worked for him at his Manor Rd cue joint (now occupied by Red House Pizzeria).

54

Beer and Queso / Re: Austin eating

« on: June 24, 2011, 10:57:00 am »

Lines at Franklin BBQ probably just got longer: they've got a several-page spread in this month's Bon Appetit, where they're annointed as the best BBQ in Texas joint in the USA.

FIFY. My issue arrived in the mail today. Great photographs and article. Congrats to Aaron and Stacy Franklin but fuck me, I will not be able to eat there for the foreseeable future, which really chaps me since I was one of his first customers. Ah, the good old days of December and January 2009 when there were no lines and no hoopla.

55

Game Zone 2011 Archive / Re: 6/16/2011: Lyles vs. Bucs

« on: June 16, 2011, 02:29:26 pm »

PENCE!!! is on quite a roll.

56

Game Zone 2011 Archive / Re: 6/16/2011: Lyles vs. Bucs

« on: June 16, 2011, 02:19:33 pm »

The Kid is dealing, apparently. Another K.

57

Talk Zone / Re: Arnsberg out!

« on: June 14, 2011, 03:18:19 pm »

Pam!

Speaking of Ms. Gardner, Pinwheel went on to say that she's the only member of the current regime who almost certainly will be retained by new ownership.

58

Talk Zone / Re: Arnsberg out!

« on: June 14, 2011, 03:04:01 pm »

Not to sound all sour grapes, but it seems like I remember talk of Arnsberg having trouble getting along with folks in Toronto and/or Florida, too. No clue who's at fault here (or in those previous positions), but it feels like I've read similar things before. Anyone else remember anything along these lines? Please correct me if I'm wrong.

At the time Arnsberg was hired, Wade said that there were "unresolved issues" between Arnsie and the Blue Jays organization, thus making him available for the interview process even though he still had a year remaining on his contract. Reports suggested that both parties were ready to move on.

Also, Pinwheel on 1560 earlier today said that his sources told him Ed Wade wanted to shitcan him three weeks ago but Mills talked him out of it. Supposedly manager and pitching coach got into an argument in the dugout earlier this week and Wade decided it was time to fire him.

59

Talk Zone / Re: Arnsberg out!

« on: June 14, 2011, 11:56:08 am »

Anyway, after Mills' quasi-bizarre statement the other day about wanting to handle Lyons returning from the DL 'the right way', including having a veteran close games instead of an upstart (regardless of effectiveness, apparently), I think it is Mills who is championing Lyon.  I don't know about Arnsberg.  In fact, I don't know what the fuck I am talking about here.

Supposedly has a partially torn rotator cuff, and he is pitching like shit. The best thing for Lyon right now is extensive rest, imo. I can see how the front office would not agree, however. Mills is probably following orders.

60

Talk Zone / Re: Arnsberg out!

« on: June 14, 2011, 11:38:33 am »

I can't help but think this might have something to do with Brandon Lyon seeing as how Arnsberg gets the proverbial door shown to him the day after Lyon pitches terribly AGAIN. Lyon is pitching hurt. Could the philosophical differences have something to do with a loyal coach taking a stand against a front office that expects $5 mill/yr relievers to suck it up and pitch? /grasping for explanation

61

Talk Zone / Re: Arnsberg out!

« on: June 14, 2011, 11:11:29 am »

Apparently Brocail is the new interim pitching coach.

No offense to Brocail, but this is a really terrible development. Arnsberg seemed to know his way around a pitching staff.

62

Talk Zone / Arnsberg out!

« on: June 14, 2011, 11:07:56 am »

WTF?!?!?!

Footer tweet

63

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Corpus Christi - 2011

« on: June 12, 2011, 06:09:31 pm »

Altuve continues to produce at the plate. 2 for 4 so far tonight with a triple, rbi, and run scored. .422 BA.

64

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: 2011 Draft

« on: June 08, 2011, 01:19:40 pm »

Wade/Heck just drafted Chase Davidson again, this time in the 41st rd. Hmmm, anyone think he regrets not signing the first time around?

65

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: 2011 Draft

« on: June 07, 2011, 11:22:10 am »

Adrian Houser is the pick.

For some reason, the guys on MLBTV think it's the Tigers who took him.

66

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: 2011 Draft

« on: June 07, 2011, 11:11:11 am »

Josh Bell gone right off the bat.

67

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: 2011 Draft

« on: June 06, 2011, 07:09:05 pm »

That guy looks like a ball player. I'm excited.

68

Game Zone 2011 Archive / Re: 5/29 DBags at Astros

« on: May 29, 2011, 02:48:17 pm »

Not on tv in Austin. 

I hope Jim Crane is paying close attention.

69

Game Zone 2011 Archive / Re: 5/29 DBags at Astros

« on: May 29, 2011, 02:45:58 pm »

Wasn't on TV anywhere last night. Things are starting to move in the right direction...

FUCK THE FUCKWAD RANGERS AND THEIR JACKWAGON FANS

70

Game Zone 2011 Archive / Re: Astros at Reds, 5/4/11

« on: May 04, 2011, 02:49:42 pm »

So did he get anybody out?

Do bar patrons count?

71

Game Zone 2011 Archive / Re: Astros at Reds, 5/4/11

« on: May 04, 2011, 02:37:10 pm »

Unfuckingbelievable. He has no business closing any longer.

72

Beer and Queso / Re: Enn Eff Ell Draft

« on: April 29, 2011, 09:25:24 pm »

The Texans front seven next year will be fun to watch. This is a great draft, and I suspect Wade Phillips is the guiding hand in the draft room. Rick Smith has drafted too many upside guys who simply haven't panned out on the defensive side of the ball.

73

Beer and Queso / Re: Austin eating

« on: April 29, 2011, 11:26:04 am »

Another idea for a high-end suggestion: Congress. I haven't eaten here yet, but this place is at the top of my list for special occasion restaurants because, from all the reports I've read, they're putting out some of the best food in the city. The last time Austin had David Bull he was in charge of the Driskill Bar and Grill. I ate there on my birthday years back and it was the best fine dining experience I've had in my 22 years here.

With Rebecca Meeker at his side, I expect Congress is even better.

74

Beer and Queso / Re: Austin eating

« on: April 29, 2011, 11:21:25 am »

Clearly you need more brisket.

Yes. Yes I do.

75

Beer and Queso / Re: Austin eating

« on: April 29, 2011, 11:13:09 am »

Here's a little something with regards to Franklin.

That video bugs me. If you're gonna take the time to make yet another unoriginal Hitler parody video, at least make the effort to get the fucking name right.

Franklin, not Franklin's. It's right on the sign.

I don't know why this is so hard for people to grasp.

76

Beer and Queso / Re: Austin eating

« on: April 29, 2011, 11:00:45 am »

Aaron Franklin serves the best brisket on the planet, but getting it is problematic, especially on a weekend. If you can commit to arriving early and waiting a while, you will be rewarded. I miss the days when nobody knew about it but my neighbors. Then again, the raging popularity and subsequent move to a new location was probably better for my health.

For a higher-end suggestion, you can't go wrong with Olivia. James Holmes is a fantastic chef. Torchy's is just meh wrapped up in Austin kitsch. I wouldn't turn it down if you offered me a taco, but there are a ton of places just like it.

77

Game Zone 2011 Archive / Re: 4/16/11: Your Houston Astros v. Jeff Moorad's Padres

« on: April 16, 2011, 07:29:33 pm »

Nice, They Astros announcer were talking about JD while he was batting on milb.TV

Thanks to OSF!

78

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Corpus Christi - 2011

« on: April 15, 2011, 01:38:01 pm »

Any of you Metro patrons know what is up with Chia Jen Lo? I remember something about him having arm troubles last year and getting shut down for a time. I saw that he is listed on the 7 day DL, from BA, but I can't find anything else about his health and projected 2011 role.

79

Game Zone 2011 Archive / Re: Opening Day!!!

« on: April 01, 2011, 03:38:54 pm »

Better yet, show her the video of Howard's season-ending AB. Then remind her about his massive contract.

Written in black ink...

80

Game Zone 2011 Archive / Re: Opening Day!!!

« on: April 01, 2011, 03:21:54 pm »

Fine.  I knew I shouldn't have mentioned it.   I had blast watching the game.  Defense made some great plays, offense showed signs of promise and aside from the last half an inning, the Astros dominated that game.

It's a GZ thread, bitch away.

Fucking Lyon. Argh.

81

Game Zone 2011 Archive / Re: Opening Day!!!

« on: April 01, 2011, 03:10:37 pm »

No Astros Live here in Austin?

Fuck the Rangers!

82

Game Zone 2011 Archive / Re: Opening Day!!!

« on: April 01, 2011, 03:09:05 pm »

At this point?  It's been one game.  We're starting to pass around the blame on April 1st?

He is fat! And slow!

83

Game Zone 2011 Archive / Re: Opening Day!!!

« on: April 01, 2011, 03:06:07 pm »

Losing to everyone's WS pick in that manner on national TV sucks, but The Void sucks harder.

My bitching notwithstanding, I must say it was a good day.

84

Game Zone 2011 Archive / Re: Opening Day!!!

« on: April 01, 2011, 02:57:53 pm »

I would've rather lost 10-0.

85

Game Zone 2011 Archive / Re: Opening Day!!!

« on: April 01, 2011, 02:56:15 pm »

Might could have gone with Lindstrom but Wade sucks /lisagray

86

Game Zone 2011 Archive / Re: Opening Day!!!

« on: April 01, 2011, 02:52:29 pm »

3 broken bats singles this inning. UGH!

and one broken remote.

87

Game Zone 2011 Archive / Re: Opening Day!!!

« on: April 01, 2011, 02:41:24 pm »

Oh my yes, this is quite tenses.

N. Deed.

88

Game Zone 2011 Archive / Re: Opening Day!!!

« on: April 01, 2011, 02:07:03 pm »

Ain't no E in Bourn, motherfucker!

89

Game Zone 2011 Archive / Re: Opening Day!!!

« on: April 01, 2011, 01:48:33 pm »

My mancrush continues to grow. I love Bourn.

90

Game Zone 2011 Archive / Re: Opening Day!!!

« on: April 01, 2011, 01:37:24 pm »

JD brought the brilliance again: "Q School!"

91

Game Zone 2011 Archive / Re: Opening Day!!!

« on: April 01, 2011, 01:35:55 pm »

OMG. What a fucking throw Q!

92

Game Zone 2011 Archive / Re: Opening Day!!!

« on: April 01, 2011, 01:26:31 pm »

An Astros win today would help take the sting out of the chunk of change I spent on a new set of Michelin tires today.

Ah, fuck it. I am drinking good Texas beer on Opening Day. There is no L in this equation.

93

Talk Zone / Re: Race For The Lid XII

« on: March 31, 2011, 10:24:19 am »

76

94

Beer and Queso / Re: 2011 Music Thread

« on: March 30, 2011, 11:50:22 am »

I'm enjoying the new Middle Brother record. Anything with a Westerberg cover is going to command my attention but I like the whole thing.

Yep, they do a great cover of Portland that by itself would keep me coming back for more, but the rest of the record is excellent in its own right. I've had it on heavy rotation the last couple of weeks. I vacillate between Middle Brother and Destroyer's Kaputt, which I love love love. I think it's Bejar's best  work yet.

95

Beer and Queso / Re: St. Arnold's Divine Reserve 11

« on: March 29, 2011, 03:32:08 pm »

I found it today at the original Central Market on N. Lamar. Cracked a bottle moments ago. Opening day can't get here fast enough.

96

Beer and Queso / Re: 2011 Music Thread

« on: March 24, 2011, 01:34:46 pm »

I'd agree with this.  I saw them live in Austin several years back and left unsatisfied, completely bored.  And the lead singer's "charisma" came off as "we're doing you hicks a favor by playing for you."

Wait - now I know why I don't like them.

I saw their first show in Austin when they toured shortly after This Is It was released. I loved the record and beat it into the ground for months back then because it so shamelessly ripped off the Velvet Underground but hey, at least they did it well. They were relatively under the radar then, but literally overnight they became a buzz band everyone was talking about. Stubbs originally booked them to play inside and had to move them to the outdoor stage because of ticket demand. I was shocked to see so many people there, and from their live performance it seemed that Casablancas and crew were equally gobsmacked. Frankly, they sucked. They seemed aloof and nervous and basically played the entire album from start to finish with no banter between songs. They had some christmas lights onstage that proved to be the highlight of the show for me. I thought they'd surely improve with experience, but word is they still suck live.

But to this day I like This Is It and listen to it often. Very catchy record.

97

Beer and Queso / Re: 2011 Music Thread

« on: March 24, 2011, 01:18:03 pm »

I know there are exceptions, but I'm having a hard time thinking of a grand persona that makes good (to me) music anymore.  Maybe Matt Berninger of The National, but even he just stands around and mumbles into the microphone.

The guy from the National is nowhere near a grand persona, and his is probably the last name I'd reference (if I even knew it without having to google it).  The first, without even having to think long, would be Nick f'n Cave.

98

Talk Zone / Re: Opening Day Starter

« on: March 20, 2011, 03:33:29 pm »

Humberto Quintero on Lyles: "I’m surprised and excited because I’ve never seen a 20-year-old throw fastballs and breaking balls like that.”

Tags tweet

99

Talk Zone / Re: Opening Day Starter

« on: March 20, 2011, 02:12:13 pm »

The Hyphen is likely out of the running for the fifth starter spot, according to McTaggart.

So, Lyles or Figueroa? Figueroa went five full today vs Atl, allowed 6 H, 3R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3K. Lyles' line against the Pirates: 3.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 4 K

Both have pitched well this spring. Color me excited for OD.

100

Talk Zone / Re: Fuck You, Baseball Prospectus

« on: February 25, 2011, 07:00:48 pm »

Bookmaker.com NL over/under for regular season wins: LINK (via Hardball Talk)

Phillies - 97
Giants - 88
Braves - 88
Rockies - 87
Reds - 86.5
Brewers - 85.5
Cardinals - 83.5
Dodgers - 83
Cubs - 82
Marlins - 81.5
Mets - 77
Padres - 76
Diamondbacks - 72.5
Astros - 72.5
Nationals - 72
Pirates - 67

(Indians, Mariners and Royals are also projected at 71 wins and below).

Ha! A mere 72.5 wins for the good guys? My bookmaker.com account is about to see some action again.

101

Beer and Queso / Re: SXSW screening disaster

« on: February 25, 2011, 06:57:17 pm »

Joey, how did the recent Alamo Drafthouse screening go? I regret not being able to make it and look forward to seeing it in the near future. Any idea when I might get that chance?

102

Talk Zone / Re: Berkman close to signing with Rockies

« on: December 04, 2010, 04:38:59 pm »

FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

I am gonna be sick.

103

Beer and Queso / Re: f'ing texans

« on: November 15, 2010, 02:18:45 am »

When shit like that happens, you have to wonder what's buried underground the Astrodome complex.

F'ing texans indeed.

Houston pro football is cursed.

In the curse I still believe. The shit that happened today is just too unthinkable for words. I've yet to sweep up the shards of teeth left on my living room floor. I am not sure how much more of this I can take.

104

Beer and Queso / Re: Friday beer thread

« on: November 08, 2010, 10:05:23 pm »

Anyone tried the DR 10 yet?

Yes, it will knock you on your ass. I've had better, but I'm not a big fan of barley wines.

I highly suggest the Estate Homegrown Ale from Sierra Nevada. Holy hopballs is this shit good!

105

Beer and Queso / Re: Colt McCoy Gets First Pro Win

« on: November 07, 2010, 03:36:00 pm »

Peyton Hillis is kind of a badass.

106

Beer and Queso / Re: f'ing texans

« on: November 07, 2010, 03:09:47 pm »

They weren't going for the whole thing, Alkie. It was a great play call and the pass was on target with AJ in stride but he bobbled the ball and it bounced of his leg and became an interception. Think "Immaculate Interception."

AJ would've scored rather easily. He had open field to the end zone and one man to beat.

107

Beer and Queso / Re: f'ing texans

« on: November 07, 2010, 03:04:49 pm »

Hey now, don't go turning in to a Cubs fan.

All they need is a coach who's dumb enough to use actually use their star players instead of trying to get cute.

You mean Andre Johnson, right?

108

Beer and Queso / Re: f'ing texans

« on: November 07, 2010, 03:04:13 pm »

I have to say.   I'm not a Texan fan; couldn't care less about them.   Sometimes I root for them, sometimes I root against em, sometimes I just don't give a shit.

As a complete outsider with no dog in this fight...whoever calls the offensive plays (is it Kubiak?) is indefensibly stupid.

If you are basing this on that last play, you're mistaken. That was a TD all the way but our All-Universe WR inexplicably bobbled the pass and it bounced off his knee and into the arms of the db. Kubiak didn't fuck that one up, Andre did.

109

Beer and Queso / Re: f'ing texans

« on: November 07, 2010, 03:00:34 pm »

When shit like that happens, you have to wonder what's buried underground the Astrodome complex.

F'ing texans indeed.

Houston pro football is cursed.

110

Beer and Queso / Re: f'ing texans

« on: November 07, 2010, 02:55:25 pm »

The only way to stop Arian Foster is to rename him Gary Kubiak.

111

Beer and Queso / Re: f'ing texans

« on: November 07, 2010, 02:52:30 pm »

My god they should just rename them the San Diego Superdouches. An entire sideline of jackholes apoplectic about not getting a PI flag on the Texans.

112

Beer and Queso / Re: f'ing texans

« on: November 07, 2010, 02:47:34 pm »

WTF?

Fuck this officiating crew.

The Texans got horribly fucked there. That was atrocious.

113

Beer and Queso / Re: f'ing texans

« on: November 07, 2010, 02:46:24 pm »

Is there a bigger douche in the NFL than Philip Rivers?

114

Beer and Queso / Re: f'ing texans

« on: November 07, 2010, 02:31:23 pm »

Don't forget he used to be Chargers QB.

How could I forget? I'm old enough to remember Vernon Perry.

115

Beer and Queso / Re: f'ing texans

« on: November 07, 2010, 02:25:15 pm »

Texans almost got fucked by all the new age NFL rules.  Rivers needs to shut the fuck up every once in a while.

As does Dan Fouts. Fucking moron.

116

Beer and Queso / Re: f'ing texans

« on: November 07, 2010, 02:22:08 pm »

Holy fuck yes! I have seen it all now. The Houston Texans just intercepted an opposing qb.

117

Beer and Queso / Re: f'ing texans

« on: November 07, 2010, 02:20:04 pm »

seems like you might have wanted to be up by more than a FG, but I'm no NFL coach

Totally agree with going for it. A five point lead with an entire quarter left against Rivers is nothing.

118

Beer and Queso / Re: f'ing texans

« on: November 07, 2010, 02:01:37 pm »

This might be the worst tackling effort I've seen this year. From my vantage point on my couch, the scheme has guys in position to make the defensive play calls successful but they can't tackle worth shit.

119

Beer and Queso / Re: f'ing texans

« on: November 07, 2010, 01:25:39 pm »

Fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuck.

Go for it Kubiak, run Foster right at them.

120

Beer and Queso / Re: f'ing texans

« on: November 07, 2010, 01:24:47 pm »

I could really use these fantasy points from Foster, but you know it won't stand.

121

Beer and Queso / Re: f'ing texans

« on: November 07, 2010, 01:24:09 pm »

What a stupid fucking play call. They haven't stopped Foster all day and you get cute with it. Fucking retarded.

122

Beer and Queso / Re: f'ing texans

« on: November 07, 2010, 12:55:26 pm »

Foster Foster and more Foster. Keep at it, Kubes.

123

Beer and Queso / Re: f'ing texans

« on: November 07, 2010, 12:32:54 pm »

Jacoby Jones has concrete mitts. Jesus fuckin A, Jacoby, you have to make that play.

124

Beer and Queso / Re: f'ing texans

« on: November 07, 2010, 12:30:23 pm »

Foster is making some brilliant plays with his eyes and his feet today. This guy is very good.

125

Beer and Queso / Re: f'ing texans

« on: November 07, 2010, 12:23:55 pm »

Arrrgh. I fuckin knew that Ajirotutu would get a big TD pass and considered playing him in my money league, but didn't have the spare roster spot for a one-week play.

126

Beer and Queso / Re: f'ing texans

« on: November 07, 2010, 12:09:58 pm »

And just like that, the Chargers special teams shows up in a big way for the Texans. Blocked punt, Texans football, Arian Foster TD.

127

Beer and Queso / Re: f'ing texans

« on: November 05, 2010, 08:08:38 pm »

Every one and their momma was out last week and that did not matter.

Except for the only momma that mattered. Until 18 misses a game (and he never has to my knowledge) there are no guaranteed wins against those cocksuckers. I hope you didn't seriously expect to sweep the Colts. I wasn't happy with the result Monday night (or the offensive playcalling) but I'd managed my expectations accordingly. I shrugged and drank my beer.

Rivers will probably throw it all over the yard on Sunday, but losing Gates at the same time that Floyd and Naanee are out could prove to be a timely advantage for the Texans. The defense didn't suck Monday night as badly as they've sucked in previous weeks, and I expect to see the Texans perform better offensively this week against the Chargers. This is the game for Jacoby Jones to shine on special teams. As bad as the Texans have been this season defending the pass, the Chargers are just as bad on special teams. They've allowed three return TDs and the most return yardage this season. JJ could break a long kickoff return to give the Texans a boost. He may not take one all the way, but his return ability should give the Texans good field position consistently.

128

Game Zone 2010 Playoffs / Re: WS Game 1

« on: October 27, 2010, 08:55:48 pm »

And the bleeding continues....that was hilarious. Fuck Dallas, fuck the Rangers, and fuck that antler/claw/goofy-ass necklace nonsense they embrace.

Go NL.

129

Beer and Queso / Re: Football this weekend (Sept 18-19)

« on: September 20, 2010, 08:24:26 pm »

No the ones of you who continue to argue untenable positions, pages and pages after your flawed logic has been pointed out to you are dumb asses.

"Put an unadulterated David Carr in this offense and his numbers are better than Schaub's. The Texans also probably make the playoffs last year with Carr.  Put Schaub in the Texans' offense of 6 years ago and he's far worse."

You are too egotistical and hard-headed to admit you've ever been wrong about anything, and you want to dish out lectures about untenable positions and flawed logic? Logical, reasoned analysis does not exist in any of your posts when the topic turns to Gary Kubiak. Just shut the fuck up already.

130

Beer and Queso / Re: Football this weekend (Sept 18-19)

« on: September 20, 2010, 04:19:41 pm »

I keep saying that the correct decision was made on that play.  It is the several plays before that I am questioning.  Again I dont think Kubiak is calling the plays.


Coaching is a lot like gambling. Play the percentages sometimes you win..

Vonnie Holliday made a big play with 27 seconds left on second down when he batted that pass at the line of scrimmage. Jacoby Jones was open on the sideline for a short gain which likely would've put them in a 3rd and short, if not a first down, instead of 3rd and 6.

131

Beer and Queso / Re: Football this weekend (Sept 18-19)

« on: September 20, 2010, 04:00:23 pm »

Yes three seconds.  Nothing gets by you.

Seventy yards from the end zone. Forty yards from Rackers' FG range. But you wouldn't know that because you think he's Jason Elam.

132

Beer and Queso / Re: Football this weekend (Sept 18-19)

« on: September 20, 2010, 03:58:16 pm »

I can just see it now. Schaub drops back to pass for a last second miracle play, gets creamed by Orakpo and separates his throwing shoulder, and HH sings Kubiak's praises.

133

Beer and Queso / Re: Football this weekend (Sept 18-19)

« on: September 20, 2010, 03:56:31 pm »

Still don't have a point, I see.  Keep typing though, you're not that far off from a monkey.

And you need an instruction manual for your rocking chair.

Three seconds, dumb fuck.

134

Beer and Queso / Re: Football this weekend (Sept 18-19)

« on: September 20, 2010, 03:52:05 pm »

In other words, no.

You don't have to go all 64 yards to score on that play.  Seriously, are you really this stupid?

First off, go fuck yourself. Second, fuck yourself again. This time harder and with the same stubborn level of spitefucking you save for Gary Kubiak, your personal nemesis.

Do you not understand what :03 means? Or were you praying for a miracle PI penalty?

135

Beer and Queso / Re: Football this weekend (Sept 18-19)

« on: September 20, 2010, 02:40:04 pm »

Thank Tebus it wasn't Slaton assigned to take that knee. He probably would've run out of bounds with one second left on the clock.

136

Beer and Queso / Re: Football this weekend (Sept 18-19)

« on: September 20, 2010, 02:03:46 pm »

You have a point?

Yes. You have a tree limb embedded in your rectal cavity. Get over being wrong. It's ok.

They weren't 70 yards away, they were 64.  And you don't have to score on that play.  Seriously...have you ever watched a football game, or do you just play fantasy?

If you're not trying to score with three seconds left, what's the point? To draw a penalty? Sure, you can throw it up there praying for a PI call or whatnot, but you're also exposing your QB to unnecessary risk, and you're still opening yourself to the possibility of a turnover returned for a TD. BTW, where was this swashbuckling HH during last year's Jacksonville game?

You're on the road and you've battled back from a 27-10 deficit. You can afford to play it safe and win it in OT.

137

Beer and Queso / Re: Football this weekend (Sept 18-19)

« on: September 20, 2010, 01:55:23 pm »

No, you're unwilling or unable to process the possibility that he could make it.  And forget the result.  Again, you can't judge the wisdom of the decision based on the result.  So now we're back to where we were.

You are now completely blowing shit out of your ass.

Rackers is not a distance kicker. He is an accuracy kicker. He made that preseason 52 yd kick from indoors, on turf, literally by inches...and you think he has a good chance to make a longer kick in tougher conditions?

138

Beer and Queso / Re: Football this weekend (Sept 18-19)

« on: September 20, 2010, 01:51:42 pm »

Better than Kubiak?  Absolutely. 

No, I'm criticising the fact that it was even attempted.  If Turk puts it on the 1-yard line, it's still a dumb call.

BWHAAHAHAHA

Drinking early today, HH?

139

Beer and Queso / Re: Football this weekend (Sept 18-19)

« on: September 20, 2010, 01:51:12 pm »

They were at the 36.  And I never said it ALWAYS WORKS.  You must have gone to the Dan Fouts school of football knowledge.

I'm just reading what you write. You did throw your silly old man temper tantrum, no? OMG KUBIAK IS HORRIBLE HOW DARE HE NOT RUN A PLAY HERE!!!!

Again, risks vs. rewards. You are not going to score from seventy yards out with :03 on the clock, and running a play only increases the risks of somebody getting hurt or turning the ball over for a TD the other way. Ask Dallas fans about that.

140

Beer and Queso / Re: Football this weekend (Sept 18-19)

« on: September 20, 2010, 01:39:09 pm »

Just think what kind of argument would be taking place if the Texans had lost.

They had no business winning that game, but good teams find ways to win messy games. I believe it is now safe to say this is a good team with a strong coaching staff. Redskins fans must be apoplectic over losing that game.

141

Beer and Queso / Re: Football this weekend (Sept 18-19)

« on: September 20, 2010, 01:33:00 pm »

Because we're not all idiots.

Says the guy stomping his foot and praying for a miracle play with :03 seconds on the clock with the Texans on their own 30yd line. THROW A HAIL MARRY THAT ALWAYS WORKS!!!

142

Beer and Queso / Re: Football this weekend (Sept 18-19)

« on: September 20, 2010, 01:28:29 pm »

Wrong in the minds of dipshits like you who think Kris Brown missing a field goal last year has any bearing on whether or not Neil Rackers will make one this year. 

As I've already stated, I was referring to the fan response in the moment that decision was made. How could any Texans fan remotely bring themselves to believe a Texans kicker would line up a hit that kick in that situation? Texans fans are a horribly pessimistic lot, yet everyone got wildly positive real quick expecting a miracle kick that a guy like Rackers was not at all likely to make?

Fan emotion aside, Kubiak knew his kicker's history, as did I. You clearly don't.

143

Beer and Queso / Re: Football this weekend (Sept 18-19)

« on: September 20, 2010, 01:23:49 pm »

I thought we were talking about a logical coaching decision, not a fan's batshit crazy irrational emotional bias.  My bad.

As for the 50+ yard accuracy leading to the call, I stand corrected.  That makes sense if the Texans knew they were bringing on a kicker with no expectations for him from that distance.

The Texans knew that about Rackers, as did this "batshit crazy" fan who's had him on his fantasy team in previous years. Maybe that's why I was the only one in the bar who knew punting was the correct call to make.

144

Beer and Queso / Re: Football this weekend (Sept 18-19)

« on: September 20, 2010, 01:20:23 pm »

It's slightly possible that Kubiak knows anything.  But I wouldn't bet on it.  And I didn't say it was a chip shot.

It's greater than slightly possible that you know very little, as evidenced by your repeatedly wrong assessment of Matt Schaub and David Carr. Now it's Kubiak's turn to prove your stubborn old ass wrong again.

No, you didn't say it was a  chip shot, you said it was a 50 yd FG. It was actually three yards longer, which is considerable at that distance.

145

Beer and Queso / Re: Football this weekend (Sept 18-19)

« on: September 20, 2010, 01:12:06 pm »

If you have an NFL kicker.  Which the Texans do.  Rackers is perfectly capable of making that field goal.

Really? Do you not understand he was kicking into the wind? Did you not see his 52 yd FG inside the Superdome barely clear the crossbar by a matter of inches? Did you not see him already miss a long FG earlier in the game?

146

Beer and Queso / Re: Football this weekend (Sept 18-19)

« on: September 20, 2010, 01:09:06 pm »

That's irrelevant.  It's the right call.

Bullfuckingshit. Who won the game?

The right call is the one that takes all the relevant facts into account and balances the risks and rewards. You don't kick a 53 yd FG attempt into the wind with a kicker who can barely clear 50 on a good day. That does not give your team the best chance to win.

147

Beer and Queso / Re: Football this weekend (Sept 18-19)

« on: September 20, 2010, 01:00:36 pm »

Letting your emotions about a player no longer on the team make poor strategic decisions for you is *your* problem.  That doesn't make it good football.  It's the NFL.  It's overtime.  It's a 50-yard FG.  You kick the fucking ball.

Rackers is not that kicker, HH.

148

Beer and Queso / Re: Football this weekend (Sept 18-19)

« on: September 20, 2010, 12:59:31 pm »

I would certainly not be making such a decision based off of Texans' history kicking or in OT.  That's closer to making a decision based on superstition rather than facts.

Absolutely yes. I only mentioned the past because it informs how us fans view the present. If you've seen the script unfolding before you, it's generally hard to believe the result will be any different, which is why I'm surprised so many thought in the moment that it was a crazy decision to punt.

 Also, if you don't have confidence in your kicker to make a road game winning 53 yard field goal in the NFL, you have the wrong guy.

Then we have the wrong kicker for you. If you've paid attention to Rackers throughout his career, it's well known that he's not a distance kicker. He's an accurate kicker with limited range. It was a trade off the organization was willing to make because the chances are better that he will be mostly kicking from inside 45 yds than outside 50. That's why they gave him the job over Kris Brown.

I have to believe he made the call because of confidence in his D to improve his odds.  I disagreed with it then, and do now, but to be fair, he did get unlucky with that stupid fucking spearing call.  Otherwise, it likely would have been a punt to turn the ball back over to the Texans rather than a missed field goal.

Good point. Kubiak sent a message to his defense that he believed in them to get the job done. They did. I think this is going to prove to be a key game in shaping the psyche of this team.

149

Beer and Queso / Re: Football this weekend (Sept 18-19)

« on: September 20, 2010, 12:48:00 pm »

I'm no expert, but I think punting in that situation in a game that is decided by sudden death rules isn't the right call.  Kick the FG or line-up in the normal offense and go for it. 

Well, the whole sudden death thing also means you try not to make dumb decisions that could give Donovan McNabb a 25yd field with which to win the game. Two of those choices would've been needlessly risky and dumb. The safe play was the one Kubiak called. If you don't have a kicker that can hit from that distance into the wind, punt the fucking football.

150

Beer and Queso / Re: Football this weekend (Sept 18-19)

« on: September 20, 2010, 12:40:19 pm »

I can agree with all of this after the fact.  At the time I wanted them to try and winsteal the game..


Kubs Icing of the Washington kicker was brilliant.

See that's the thing I don't get.... how could any Texans fan remotely believe Rackers would've made that kick? I am an unabashed homer who generally thinks positively about my sports teams, but even I couldn't let myself believe that I'd see Rackers hit a kick from that distance when I've been kicked in the gut repeatedly by Kris Brown. So, you're left with three realistic choices--1) punt and try to pin them back; 2) fake the FG; 3) go for it on fourth down.

A fake FG would've been almost unthinkably suicidal at that point. I can only imagine how badly that could've turned out (see e.g., RB Chris Brown's terrible pass attempt vs. JAC last season). Going for it on fourth down was a consideration, but the Redskins had that 3rd down play sniffed out pretty well. The safe call was the punt. Extend the game and let your defense try to make a play.

151

Beer and Queso / Re: Football this weekend (Sept 18-19)

« on: September 20, 2010, 12:27:10 pm »

Still can't believe Kubiak didn't kick that field goal.  Still can't believe the Texans won.

I can. In fact, I said "punt it, please!" when that 3rd down bootleg play fell incomplete because there's no fucking way Neil Rackers makes a 53yd FG on the road to win a game for the Texans. You'd think most, if not all, Texans fans remember all the negative results in OT and would be likewise pessimistic about the chance that kicks goes through and the team walks off the field winners. Instead everyone's bashing Kubiak for a smart, conservative decision that gave his team the best chance to win. I thought it was the right call then and I still do now. It would've been even better if Turk hadn't shat himself on the punt.

152

Beer and Queso / Re: Football this weekend

« on: September 17, 2010, 06:25:12 pm »

I am so psyched for Sunday that I can barely contain myself. And by contain myself I am referring to the full growler of Prost Pilsner from NXNW brewpub, which I just cracked open with Friday evening merriment. I raise a glass to the Texans and the football gods, real and fantasy, hoping the Texans can come out of this weekend with an intact record and good health. The last time they started off 2-0 something very bad happened to the knee of a certain player, allowing Andre Davis to become the team's go-to deep threat for much of that season. Let's win, but not have another incident plz. Thank you FB Gods.

GO TEXANS!!

153

Beer and Queso / Re: tired Texans cliches

« on: September 13, 2010, 10:53:16 am »

Manning also threw the football 60 times and padded his stats with a garbage TD to Collie. The defense that I've seen so far has been authoritative and punishing. Great pressure from the Dline.

154

Beer and Queso / Re: tired Texans cliches

« on: September 13, 2010, 10:44:45 am »

What a huge fucking win. I had work commitments that I had no way of wriggling out of, so I was unable to watch the game live yesterday. I'm watching it now and goddamn, Mario and Pollard are just beasting.

I absolutely abused my opponents in both my fantasy leagues. I took Foster as my RB1 in both and caught some shit for it, but I knew what a stud he could be this season. They aren't laughing now at my "homer pick."

155

Beer and Queso / Re: 2010 Music (split off from 2009 Music)

« on: August 27, 2010, 10:35:54 am »

Sonny Stitt/Gene Ammons - "Boss Tenors"

Can't recommend this enough.

156

Talk Zone / Re: Baby Strasburg

« on: August 27, 2010, 09:48:18 am »

Somewhere Steve Phillips is smiling at an unattractive intern.

157

Talk Zone / Re: Baby Strasburg

« on: August 27, 2010, 09:41:55 am »

Strasburg has a significant tear of the ulnar ligament and will most likely need TJ surgery.

Poor, poor Nats.

158

Beer and Queso / Re: 2010 Music (split off from 2009 Music)

« on: August 26, 2010, 10:19:28 pm »

I know Beach House has been mentioned somewhere in this thread, but I'll echo the sentiment as I cannot stop listening to their latest. I am a sucker for all things Cocteau Twins/MBV/Mercury Rev/Big Star and this record hits all those organsmic notes. Fantastic album.

159

Beer and Queso / Re: 2010 Music (split off from 2009 Music)

« on: August 24, 2010, 01:40:35 pm »

Duk Koo Kim is a great song, if not his best.

160

Beer and Queso / Re: Bourbon recommendation

« on: August 11, 2010, 06:10:49 pm »

Apologies for the thread hijack, but Old Overholt Rye is imo the best value liquor on the market today at ~ $14/btl.  Two oz. Overholt, a 1/4 oz sweet vermouth, and a couple dashes of Fee Bros bitters makes a damn tasty Manhattan. Perfect for watching baseball on TV.

161

Beer and Queso / Re: Tubular Titillation

« on: August 08, 2010, 02:14:55 pm »

I like salami, too. The good Italian kind. There seems to be a hundred different kinds. All good.

And probably the best of all is Salumi Salami in Seattle. The founder is Mario Batali's dad. If you're ever in the Seattle area, be sure to stop in and drop some coin on the best cured Italian meat you'll find this side of the Atlantic.

162

Talk Zone / Re: Is "Bleacher Report" the worst "sports" site on the web?

« on: August 03, 2010, 01:12:37 pm »

The woman is a cockroach.  The entirety of the Interwebs have deemed her "thoughts" dumber than a bag of rocks, and yet she keeps coming back.

Hardball Times excepted. Those nitwits actually believe that cockroach speaks for Astros fans and publish her cockroach dung periodically.

What does that say for the Hardball Times?

163

Talk Zone / Re: Berkman's contract

« on: August 01, 2010, 12:48:44 am »

No. He did not.  He did talk about how hard it was to leave Houston. 

What Lance says doesn't matter.

In the least surprising turn of events since the internet learned Greg Oden has a large penis, ESPN tells the world that Berkman's Bronx wish has finally been granted.

164

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Corpus Christi 2010

« on: July 31, 2010, 11:32:27 pm »

Nice bounceback outing for Lyles tonight against Midland. 5.2 IP 6 H 1 R 1 ER 1 BB 8 K

Hooks win 3-2, but Lyles didn't factor into the decision as he left the game in the 6th with the Rockhounds leading 1-0. The lone run he allowed was on a solo shot to Val Majewski, the same guy who belted a grand slam off him the last time he faced Midland.

Cartwright went 1-5 with a double that plated the tying run in the bottom of the 8th.

165

Talk Zone / Re: Berkman's contract

« on: July 31, 2010, 08:02:14 pm »

In Berkman's defense, wasn't his dad really in to Mickey Mantle?  I think that's why he's a switch hitter.

NTTAWWT

166

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Lexington 2010

« on: July 31, 2010, 04:10:41 pm »

Indeed, Cartwright was promoted to Corpus.

http://twitter.com/WillMurphy11/status/20016844036

167

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Greeneville 2010

« on: July 31, 2010, 02:39:24 am »

Nash hit another HR tonight. Foltynewicz started and went 4 IP, 4 H, 1 BB, 4 K.

168

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Corpus Christi 2010

« on: July 30, 2010, 10:35:01 pm »

oops, wrong bus.

169

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Round Rock 2010

« on: July 30, 2010, 10:34:24 pm »

Express fans can say goodbye to Yordany Ramirez. He has been demoted to Lexington.

See note at bottom

170

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Corpus Christi 2010

« on: July 30, 2010, 10:15:04 pm »

Express fans can say goodbye to Yordany Ramirez. He has been demoted to Lexington.

See note at bottom

171

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Lexington 2010

« on: July 30, 2010, 06:23:18 pm »

Altuve leads off the bottom of the first tonight against Delmarva with another HR.

172

Talk Zone / Re: Berkman's contract

« on: July 30, 2010, 06:18:31 pm »

Via Callis on Twitter, Yankees SS/3B prospect Jimmy Paredes was a late scratch from Charleston's game against Greenville in the Sally League. He could be one of the prospects.

173

Talk Zone / Re: Berkman's contract

« on: July 30, 2010, 06:12:22 pm »

Fallas: Several teammates of #Astros 1B Lance 3Berkman surround him in the clubhouse and hugs and handshakes are exchanged. Telling. #hounews

Good luck, Puma. You will be missed.

174

Talk Zone / Re: Berkman's contract

« on: July 30, 2010, 06:04:54 pm »

So, is this correct:

We traded Roy Oswalt and Lance Berkman for one 27 year old starter/reliever, one A-ball pitcher, and one could-miss slugger who can't play a position?

The 27-yr-old you dismiss as a starter/reliever was runner-up in last year's ROY vote and has been heavily scouted by Ed Wade for the last six years or so. The SS is very young and has a cannon arm with excellent range. The could-miss slugger is on the cusp of the big leagues, was selected in the first round by the St Louis Cardinals, and was a prominent piece in trades involving three All-Star players. I'm gonna trust Ed's gut on this one.

We don't know what the Astros will get for Berkman, but the logical guesses are the guys the Yankees discussed in the Lee trade (Ivan Nova, David Adams, and/or Zach McAllister).

By trading  Berkman the Astros save 5+ million bucks this season, which they can apply elsewhere, and they get younger with a prospect or two from the Yankees organization.

175

Talk Zone / Re: Berkman's contract

« on: July 30, 2010, 04:39:12 pm »

Frankie Piliere has tweeted the names Ivan Nova and David Adams as possibles in the trade.

176

Talk Zone / Re: Berkman's contract

« on: July 30, 2010, 04:29:01 pm »

McTaggart is now reporting that the deal is just about done to send Puma to NYY.

177

Talk Zone / Re: Berkman's contract

« on: July 30, 2010, 04:01:10 pm »

Footer: Puma is here. Feels there is a decent possibility he'll be traded. But he has not been traded.

178

Talk Zone / Re: Berkman's contract

« on: July 30, 2010, 03:40:59 pm »

so both Pence!!! and Berkman are sitting?

apparently so.

179

Talk Zone / Re: Berkman's contract

« on: July 30, 2010, 03:35:10 pm »

Berkman not in the starting lineup tonight, but as McTaggart notes, he's facing a lefty and is listed as a reserve.

180

Talk Zone / Re: Jerry Crasnick: Moron, Jerk

« on: July 30, 2010, 03:18:51 pm »

At its heart, rebuilding is about trying to exchange present  value for future value.  It carries the inherent risk of predicting future value, which few GMs (or anyone on the planet for that matter) can do at a high rate.  The draft and development is where most of future value originates, but a GM's skill at that is roughly ignored by the pundits, while their "skill" at the piddly shit is evaluated ad nauseum and shouted from the rooftops.

Well said.

Is there a GM whose draft resume has been more blatantly disregarded than Ed Wade's? For all the caterwauling about his supposed bumbling idiocy, you'd think he'd be out of baseball by now. Perhaps the execs in the league remember what he did with the amateur draft during his years in Philadelphia. For shits and giggles, I did a quick eye test of the 1998-2005 Philadelphia draft picks and found the following names of guys who made it to the major leagues:

Cole Hamels
Ryan Howard
Chase Utley
Pat Burrell
Brett Myers
Joe Saunders
JA Happ
Jason Michaels
Marlon Byrd
Nick Punto
Ryan Madson
Geoff Geary
Taylor Buccholz
Gavin Floyd
Kameron Loe
Kyle Kendrick
Brad Ziegler
Michael Bourn

For someone who sucks, his draft record ain't half bad.

181

Talk Zone / Re: Roy O to Phillies

« on: July 30, 2010, 02:43:11 pm »

teams will say anything after the fact.

and many reporters will say just about anything in spite of a fact...

182

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Lexington 2010

« on: July 30, 2010, 02:07:25 pm »

Excellent find.   Although the last sentence is rather disheartening

Not as disheartening as the scouting report he issued on Jio recently.

183

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Lexington 2010

« on: July 30, 2010, 01:26:22 pm »

Scouting the Sally  breaks down the Gose for Wallace swap, with some Jay Austin analysis sprinkled in. Good read.

184

Talk Zone / Re: Simmons on Law

« on: July 30, 2010, 11:34:37 am »

If I ever get Netflix On Demand set up on my blu-ray, that will probably be first up.

But The West Wing hit my sweet spot because it appealed to by admittedly romantic/naive sensibilities that government and politics can be a force for good, whereas I don't think The Wire (from what I've heard) )has quite that sense of optimism.

That depends on the character. Omar could be considered a force for good.The Wire might just be the best drama in the history of American television.

185

Talk Zone / Re: Jerry Crasnick: Moron, Jerk

« on: July 30, 2010, 08:01:15 am »

Great response, Arky, even though you deleted your post. Fantastic zinger.

186

Talk Zone / Re: Roy O to Phillies

« on: July 29, 2010, 10:11:07 pm »

Question for the the Bus-Riders: if Wallace was the key to this deal, why were the Jays willing to part with him for the small price of one of the minor-leaguers the Phillies threw into the deal, an outfielder who can't hit and can't see the strike zone? I'm not saying Wallace isn't a decent prospect or that he might not be the first baseman of the future, but it seems strange that Toronto thought he wasn't worth more than the deal scraps from the Houston-Philly piece. Do the Jays know something the Astros don't?

Perhaps they think they have enough in Overbay and Lind to absorb the loss of their 1b of the future? They clearly like Gose. A lot.

187

Talk Zone / Re: Roy O to Phillies

« on: July 29, 2010, 09:37:40 pm »

I'm on my fourth dogfish head so you'll have to forgive me for my french, but these motherfucking twatwaffle dickheads in the baseball punditry class can go choke on a bag of bubonic testicles.

Earlier in the week the Ed Wade is a fucking retard narrative went something like this: "OMG the Astros are soooo dumb! What in the fuck r they doing? Stupidheads! Don't they know Oswalt is not a premiere pitcher anymore? Not only are they asking too much in prospects, they're also too damn cheap to swallow any of the money owed to him. Clueless I tell ya! Ed Wade is a moron!"

Then, once the initial news broke that Oswalt had agreed to waive his NTC and accept the deal to Philly, every single fuckface bashing the front office for overvaluing Oswalt flipped the script and made it all about how horribly the Astros got played. "OMG the Astros r soooooo dumb! Not only did they not get any top prospects from Philly in return for a premier pitcher, they kicked 11 MILLION DOLLARS back to the Phillies! Clueless I tell ya! Ed Wade is a moron!"

It's times like this that I hate the internet, but love SnS.

188

Talk Zone / Re: Roy O to Phillies

« on: July 29, 2010, 12:11:29 pm »

If Drayton is sending them 11 million AND Roy, we better be getting Happ, Singleton, Cosart, and a handjob.

189

Talk Zone / Re: Stark: Oswalt to Phillies?

« on: July 28, 2010, 05:11:39 pm »

Uncle D speaks: "I'd say it's about 60 percent that something could be done and 40 percent that Roy will be here next year."

190

Talk Zone / Re: Stark: Oswalt to Phillies?

« on: July 27, 2010, 01:51:34 pm »

Is Happ the center piece or just the major league talent portion of the trade?

The center piece is Oswalt, but to answer your question I imagine it's probably the latter. Happ is decent, but the focal point will be the top prospect(s) included from the rumored third team.

191

Talk Zone / Re: Stark: Oswalt to Phillies?

« on: July 27, 2010, 01:39:15 pm »

The only reason I could think of for Tal to say it was almost a foregone conclusion that Roy would be traded is that he already had the mechanics of at least one deal in place, but meanwhile was hoping to sweeten the offer or get a better one.  But he didn't have to pretend anymore that it might not happen.  I just wonder what else they're getting directly from the Phillies in addition to what Werth garners from Tampa Bay or whoever; they're not simply trading Oswalt for Werth's value.  Happ would seem to be involved if any of the other rumors hold, but the Astros were scouting the Phillies on the day before Happ pitched, so maybe another big leaguer would be part of the deal?

I read that Matt Galante scouted Happ on Sunday against the Rockies. I would be surprised if a deal between Houston and Philadelphia didn't include Happ seeing as how it was Ed Wade who drafted him in the third round of the 2004 draft.

192

Talk Zone / Re: Stark: Oswalt to Phillies?

« on: July 23, 2010, 04:39:33 pm »

They also don't think.

this times infinity.

Thing is, it's not just them. It's literally EVERYONE except the resident regulars at SnS. Every forum I've visited and almost every article I come across has the same general theme. ED WADE IS A BIG FAT IDIOT DUR DUR BLIP BLAP BLAM.

Reading the endless stream of factless bullshit about Wade and McLane is making me question my sanity. Yeah, the Astros suck ass and are what their record says they are, but the reason they suck has less to do with Ed Wade than Lance Berkman, Carlos Lee, and Hunter Pence.

193

Talk Zone / Re: Stark: Oswalt to Phillies?

« on: July 23, 2010, 04:32:13 pm »

Yankees didn't take long to come calling after someone mentioned "Carpenter, Wainwright, Oswalt... oh my!" in a organization meeting.  At worse, they make St. Louis be a little more serious about a deal (if they're really interested) and/or force themselves to block a trade for Oswalt by making a better offer (if one exist).

Create a market 101, is it any wonder Ed Wade started as a PR guy for the Astros under Tal Smith in 1978?

But Noe, you are wrong. I have learned many things from the internet and the Einsteins who tweet on it. Of the things I've learned, I am absolutely confident that Ed Wade is a bumbling fucktard who wouldn't know a good trade if it was a splintered two-by-four smacking him upside the noggin.

The Astros under Wade never make good trades. See, for example, LaTroy Hawkins, Randy Wolf, Michael Bourn, Jeff Keppinger, Matt Lindstrom, and Angel Sanchez.

Only Ed Wade could fuck up a Roy Oswalt trade, and I fully expect him to do so.

194

Talk Zone / Re: Stark: Oswalt to Phillies?

« on: July 22, 2010, 03:00:41 pm »

http://houston.astros.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100721&content_id=12474476&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou

The Astros had scouts at his games before the 2009 draft.

195

Beer and Queso / Re: Behavior in a restaurant that really chaps my ass...

« on: July 20, 2010, 03:47:06 pm »

I do adhere, but is there any actual evidence that a cell phone (or 200 cell phones) has any effect on the correct and safe operation of an airplane?

It's not about the operation of the plane, it's about the idiots on it. The FAA doesn't want us yammering on cell phones or listening to Radiohead at 11 on our Ipods for the same reason they don't want us playing with our dicks. In case of emergency, cell phones, ipods, and floppy dicks just get in the way of a quick and orderly evacuation.

196

Beer and Queso / Re: It's Past the All-Star Break in Austin Too

« on: July 20, 2010, 12:10:13 pm »

Other suggestions from the peanut gallery...

Cuatro's
Posse East
Cover 3
Little Woodrow's
Black Sheep Lodge
Red's Porch
Uncle Billy's

197

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: 7-18-10 Roy's Quest

« on: July 18, 2010, 02:55:10 pm »

I'm seeing 8-0. 

make that 9-0

i hope the pirates keep this up just so we can see the dancing milf again.

198

Talk Zone / Re: Roy Oswalt talking like a man that is willing to get traded this season

« on: July 18, 2010, 01:46:35 pm »

fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuck

199

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Corpus Christi 2010

« on: July 14, 2010, 01:37:36 pm »

Not that I doubt him, but I am trying to figure out the connection that allows a reporter from South Carolina to hear about this before Corpus, Austin or Houston reporters....

He's covering the hometown kid. Bezjak has interviewed Bennett about Lyles via email in the past.

200

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Corpus Christi 2010

« on: July 14, 2010, 01:00:06 pm »

South Carolina reporter Lou Bezjak tweets that the Astros brass will meet soon to decide if Lyles should be promoted to Round Rock.

201

Talk Zone / AP reporting George Steinbrenner dead at 80

« on: July 13, 2010, 08:50:59 am »

On the day of the ASG. Sad.

RIP Mr. Steinbrenner.

202

Talk Zone / Re: Cliff Lee is a Ranger

« on: July 09, 2010, 04:56:33 pm »

Good trade for Dallas, even if it's a rental. Lee can take them to their first playoff series win. On the other hand, they'll rue that trade if this year's team flames out early and Smoak kills them for the next ten years.

203

Talk Zone / Re: Cliff Lee is a Ranger

« on: July 09, 2010, 04:35:20 pm »

Beavan reported to be one of the pitchers, according to TR Sullivan.

204

Talk Zone / Re: Cliff Lee is a Ranger

« on: July 09, 2010, 04:23:06 pm »

Morosi is saying that they're giving up two pitchers and a position player in addition to Smoak. Beavan and Scheppers?

205

Talk Zone / Re: Cliff Lee is a Ranger

« on: July 09, 2010, 04:20:16 pm »

Nah, they'll just go back to Chris Davis again.

206

Talk Zone / Cliff Lee is a Ranger

« on: July 09, 2010, 04:11:41 pm »

According to Joel Sherman, the Rangers are dealing Smoak and three prospects to Seattle for Lee and reliever Mark Lowe.

http://twitter.com/Joelsherman1/status/18146863787

207

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Lexington 2010

« on: July 09, 2010, 02:40:56 pm »

??  Isn't that pretty much what I said?  He has been on the DL all season ... no reason to reassign him until he is ready to play.  3-4 games in the GCL and he is ready.  And as I said, it will be interesting to see if he can pick up where he left off in 2009.

Ah, right. See Bob, you are not in my mind. In my mind L-a-n-c-a-s-t-e-r does not represent a promotion considering JD Martinez's age, the Jethawks ballpark, and his performance in the Sally League. Thus, when you said promotion, I was thinking only of CC. And that just happens to be where Pellegrini was initially assigned from the GCL. If that makes any sense....

208

Talk Zone / Re: Roy Oswalt talking like a man that is willing to get traded this season

« on: July 09, 2010, 10:35:32 am »

So lets see. If Cliff Lee ends up being traded to the Yankees by Seattle (which appears like a distinct possibility) then the Yankees castoff Vasquez becomes the best available pitcher on the market?  Mmmmm, okay Olney, whatever you say...

That is almost as retarded as the persistent, idiotic statements about Roy's contract supposedly devaluing his trade value to nothing but a package of B- prospects.

209

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Lexington 2010

« on: July 09, 2010, 09:03:16 am »

Parejo got the call to CC, but rather than promote JD they activated Pellegrini.  It will be interesting to see how he bounces back from injury.

Pellegrini was assigned to Lancaster from Corpus on July 8. He played last night in Lancaster.

210

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Lexington 2010

« on: July 08, 2010, 09:51:32 pm »

JD Martinez continues to make his case for a promotion. So far tonight he's 5-for-5 with two homers, a double, and 6 RBI.

211

Beer and Queso / Re: Copa Mundial 2010 - Cuartos de Final

« on: July 02, 2010, 04:04:00 pm »

I picked the perfect time to tune in online. Thank you, ESPN 3.

212

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Lancaster 2010

« on: June 30, 2010, 06:23:13 pm »

Went to a game in Lancaster last year and was chatting with some old timers that had been going to games since 'The Hangar' opened.  They mentioned Webb and one other pitcher that had gone on to have success  post-Lancaster.  I can't remember who it was though.

That said, two pitchers does not a good track record make...

Micah Owings, Joel Piniero, Damaso Marte

213

Beer and Queso / Re: HTC EVO - Has the smartphone gauntlet been thrown down?

« on: June 30, 2010, 12:14:24 pm »

"I. I thi-ink I need to go chop off my own dick now. Yes, I think I will."

I don't have a horse in this race, let alone one of these smartphone gizzmos, but goddamn that is some funny shit.

214

Beer and Queso / Re: Either

« on: June 27, 2010, 02:44:21 pm »

Well, shit. Mexico can't even play Argentina close enough to make FIFA's ineptitude relevant.

215

Beer and Queso / Re: Either

« on: June 27, 2010, 02:42:56 pm »

FIFA is a remarkably inept organization.

This statement jibes with what my soccer-crazed buddy tells me. From what I've seen the last two weeks, I agree.

216

Beer and Queso / Re: Either

« on: June 27, 2010, 02:28:03 pm »

You're right that the non-call was outrageous. But I fail to see how that makes an entire sport a joke.

Fair enough. The officiating in this World Cup makes FIFA a fucking joke. Supposedly the World Cup is the most-watched sporting event in the world, therefore the most important, but FIFA won't even use replay technology to get the calls right.

217

Beer and Queso / Re: Either

« on: June 27, 2010, 02:20:47 pm »

Yeah, you're 100% wrong about that Bench. Shame on you for disrespecting such a glorious moment in Astros history, all in defense of FUCKING SOCCER.

218

Beer and Queso / Re: Either

« on: June 27, 2010, 02:11:11 pm »

Right. Because soccer is the only sport where calls get missed. I'm sure you were lobbying hard for replay when Ausmus tied game 4.

I've always been in favor of replay in baseball. Regardless, the umps got that call right. That offside non-call was outrageous.

219

Beer and Queso / Re: Either

« on: June 27, 2010, 01:59:08 pm »

Even the GERMAN is calling it a disgrace.

Here's a very real question for the soccer fans here:  Does soccer want to be loved by Americans?  Does soccer (this has always been my guess) simply not care if Americans love soccer?   Does soccer kinda think it would be cool if Americans loved it but can live without their love?

I'm not suggesting for a second that they make changes specifically to make boneheaded burger-eating, Bud Light swilling Americans happy.  I'm just trying to figure out of the foreign soccer fans that know Americans don't get it think it's that Americans don't "get it" because they don't understand it (rules, etc) or if it's that we understand it and that's WHY we dislike it?

And now Mexico just got royally buttfucked on another horrible call by the refs. Argentina was way offside and the refs allowed the goal anyway. What a joke of a sport.

220

Beer and Queso / Re: Either

« on: June 27, 2010, 12:24:01 pm »

The best finisher they have they didn't even put on the fucking team. When I read that I thought, OK, fuck you, you're going to get spanked by some third world shithole and you're going to deserve every minute of it. And sure enough.

And who would that be?

221

Talk Zone / Re: Best way to start the weekend....

« on: June 27, 2010, 01:04:45 am »

Zambrano already is calling his actions Friday ''completely misunderstood'' and blaming Derrek Lee for turning it into a big deal by confronting him during his ranting and raving after the White Sox' four-run first inning.

''All he wanted to do was pump the team up. It was completely misunderstood,'' a source close to Zambrano said, adding that Lee ''took it personal'' and told Zambrano to ''shut the f--- up.''

...So, about Zambrano's version?

''That's not the way we see it,'' said Alfonso Soriano, who planned to call Zambrano on Saturday night. ''If he explains, maybe we can see it the way his friend sees it. But what he said wasn't right.''

As one Cub put it, ''Anybody who believes [Zambrano's version] must be smoking something.''

Bwahahaha. This makes me happy.

Link

222

Talk Zone / Re: Best way to start the weekend....

« on: June 27, 2010, 12:50:23 am »

The Cubs announced that he will be moved back into the bullpen when he returns from his suspension. Reports from Chicago say the Cubs have contacted the league office for guidance in how to deal with his suspension.

It's a safe bet that he won't be a Cubbie next year.

223

Talk Zone / Re: Roy Oswalt talking like a man that is willing to get traded this season

« on: June 27, 2010, 12:47:36 am »

sorry, Nolan. he ain't no big game pitcher. has not been for quite a while.

So how do you value him on the open market? What would you pay him on a two-yr deal if you were a contender in need of a starting pitcher?

224

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros v West Dallas

« on: June 25, 2010, 11:00:02 pm »

"Plainly" is a stretch. Do I think it was a catch? Yes. But, still, it was shabby fielding, and we should expect better from a major league shortstop.

I watched it again on dvr and have to agree with you. Plainly is a stretch. I can see that call going either way because Navarro wasn't actually reaching into his glove when he dropped the ball. It looked like it could've been one continuous event in which he didn't actually control the ball in his glove. Fortunately it don't make a shit either way.

225

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros v West Dallas

« on: June 25, 2010, 10:55:46 pm »

Keystone Fucking Kops tonight.

Raise your hand if you thought Pence might drop that one. Slapdickery night at the Ballpark in Arlington!

226

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros v West Dallas

« on: June 25, 2010, 10:54:25 pm »

YES!!!

Lindstrom induces a lazy fly to Pence to win the game and end the Rangers win streak.

227

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros v West Dallas

« on: June 25, 2010, 10:51:40 pm »

Smoak grounds out to Keppinger, Hamilton to third. Two outs.

Let's go Lindstrom!

228

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros v West Dallas

« on: June 25, 2010, 10:50:38 pm »

Passed ball by Q allows Hamilton to advance to second.

229

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros v West Dallas

« on: June 25, 2010, 10:50:06 pm »

Yeah, twas a catch. Fucking bullshit.

Nelson Cruz inexplicably bunts a pop bunt to Berkman. Hamilton barely gets back to first in time to avoid the double play.

230

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros v West Dallas

« on: June 25, 2010, 10:48:03 pm »

Hamilton pops up to Navarro, but Navarro drops the ball as he reaches into his glove for around the horn. Ump calls Hamilton safe.

231

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros v West Dallas

« on: June 25, 2010, 10:45:37 pm »

Are you fucking kidding me?

WTF Navarro.

232

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros v West Dallas

« on: June 25, 2010, 10:44:48 pm »

Man, how much more fun is it to watch the twoone new Jasons and CJ out there than it was to watch a bunch of washed-up slapdickery? I mean, fuck me, if people are going to be out there fucking up (and getting four hits in a game) can't they at least be in their 20s? Having as much as a third of the lineup be new blood has made it fun to watch this sad team again.

233

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros v West Dallas

« on: June 25, 2010, 10:42:21 pm »

Bourn's struggles continue. Grounds to second for the force at home.

Keppinger follows with a grounder to second to leave three stranded.

Astros 7 Rangers 4

234

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros v West Dallas

« on: June 25, 2010, 10:39:48 pm »

Mini-drama behind the plate. A 96 mph fb from Ogando got away from him, which Ramirez failed to catch. The ball nicked the HPU on the mask, resulting in one of his crewmates presumably saying something to Ramirez about not catching the ball. Ramirez and Ron Washington took exception, only for Michael Young to step in and play peacemaker.

Booojwah walks to load the bases for Bourn.

235

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros v West Dallas

« on: June 25, 2010, 10:33:14 pm »

Quintero Ks swinging on some chest-high heat.

236

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros v West Dallas

« on: June 25, 2010, 10:31:54 pm »

Big Johnson singles again. Four hits tonight!

237

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros v West Dallas

« on: June 25, 2010, 10:30:51 pm »

Alexi Ogando on for the Rangers.

Another fielding error by Young allows Navarro to reach.

238

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros v West Dallas

« on: June 25, 2010, 10:26:28 pm »

Huge out for Lopez! Vlad flies out to Kepp in shallow right.

Astros 7 Rangers 4

239

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros v West Dallas

« on: June 25, 2010, 10:24:24 pm »

Borbon singled to right, followed by a pitching change. Lopez in for Chacin.

Andrus sac bunts Borbon to second. One out.

Young grounds out to Kepp, Borbon to third.

PH Murphy singles to left, scoring Borbon.

Vlad the Impaler now up.

240

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros v West Dallas

« on: June 25, 2010, 10:18:17 pm »

Who could have possibly predicted that Spazz would roll over a pitch and hit it to third?

Or that he'd swing over the top of a hittable fastball on the first pitch of that AB.

241

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros v West Dallas

« on: June 25, 2010, 10:12:15 pm »

Spazz grounds out weakly to third to end the threat.

Astros 7 Rangers 3

242

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros v West Dallas

« on: June 25, 2010, 10:08:49 pm »

Caballo walks to load the bases. Make 'em pay Spazz.

243

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros v West Dallas

« on: June 25, 2010, 10:06:37 pm »

Berkman walks. Caballo up.

244

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros v West Dallas

« on: June 25, 2010, 10:05:22 pm »

Ramirez calls for a pitchout, guesses correctly, but Bourn steals second base anyway.

245

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros v West Dallas

« on: June 25, 2010, 10:03:54 pm »

Keppinger battles but flies out to CF.

246

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros v West Dallas

« on: June 25, 2010, 09:58:39 pm »

Bourn stings a sharp grounder to Young at 3b. Error on Young allows Bourn to reach base.

247

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros v West Dallas

« on: June 25, 2010, 09:57:04 pm »

Booooojwah grounds out to second despite hustling down the line. Almost beat the throw on a very close play.

248

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros v West Dallas

« on: June 25, 2010, 09:52:35 pm »

Chacin coolly Ks Ramirez swinging to end the seventh.

Astros 7 Rangers 3

249

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros v West Dallas

« on: June 25, 2010, 09:48:51 pm »

Smoak doubles to the gap in left.

250

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros v West Dallas

« on: June 25, 2010, 09:46:15 pm »

Chacin Ks Cruz swinging.

251

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros v West Dallas

« on: June 25, 2010, 09:45:39 pm »

Chacin Ks Hamilton to lead off the bottom of the 7th. First time he's been retired tonight.

252

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros v West Dallas

« on: June 25, 2010, 09:37:58 pm »

Chris Johnson, ladies and germs!

That guy sucks.

Pence scores. Navarro to third

Astros 7 Rangers 3

253

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros v West Dallas

« on: June 25, 2010, 09:36:18 pm »

Blum walks, Navarro in to pinch run.

254

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros v West Dallas

« on: June 25, 2010, 09:31:24 pm »

Need more runs. Bring him home, Spazz.

255

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros v West Dallas

« on: June 25, 2010, 09:30:05 pm »

Puma knocked the snot out of that one to dead center. Suck it Rangers!

And now Caballo doubles to the corner in left.

256

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros v West Dallas

« on: June 25, 2010, 09:29:10 pm »

BERKMAN WITH A BOMB!!!

Astros 6 Rangers 3

257

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros v West Dallas

« on: June 25, 2010, 09:13:45 pm »

The 'Stros are very lucky that the ump didn't decide to ring up Q for running about 5 feet inside the baseline.

Yeah, good point. Q was running on the infield grass the entire way. Kinda funny.

258

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros v West Dallas

« on: June 25, 2010, 09:10:05 pm »

Whoa! Awesome defense by the stRangers gifts the Stros another run! Hahaha

259

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros v West Dallas

« on: June 25, 2010, 09:04:48 pm »

Fuck yes, Blum! Double to the gap in right center. Borbon made a great diving play on the ball but it squirted out of his glove. Finally, some good fortune.

260

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros v West Dallas

« on: June 25, 2010, 08:59:00 pm »

Pence with another double to plate Carlos!

261

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros v West Dallas

« on: June 25, 2010, 08:57:17 pm »

Wow, that's gotta sting for Rays fans.

262

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros v West Dallas

« on: June 25, 2010, 08:56:27 pm »

Caballo doubles off the wall in LF

263

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros v West Dallas

« on: June 25, 2010, 08:52:24 pm »

PSA: Flip it to ESPN

264

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros v West Dallas

« on: June 25, 2010, 08:51:25 pm »

I hate interleague play.

265

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros v West Dallas

« on: June 25, 2010, 08:50:40 pm »

Sit down, dumb fuck

make me.

266

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros v West Dallas

« on: June 25, 2010, 08:26:53 pm »

When's the last time Feliz had 2 RBI in a game?

June 15, 2010 vs. KC?

267

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros v West Dallas

« on: June 25, 2010, 08:20:55 pm »

Johnson giveth, and Johnson taketh away.

Which should help explain the logic behind the Feliz signing.

268

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros v West Dallas

« on: June 25, 2010, 08:14:28 pm »

And just like that.....never mind, I suck.

269

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros v West Dallas

« on: June 25, 2010, 08:12:39 pm »

Nice piece of hitting there from Johnson. Stayed back and waited on that pitch long enough to poke it into right. Yay.

270

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: 2010 Draftees and Status

« on: June 25, 2010, 06:50:30 pm »

Footer hosted a video chat with Bobby Heck.

http://houston.astros.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=9281571&c_id=hou&topic_id=8879000

271

Talk Zone / Re: Roy Oswalt talking like a man that is willing to get traded this season

« on: June 25, 2010, 06:47:25 pm »

No, Nolan has already said what he thinks about him and it's far more respectful than the nitwits who value unproven youth over proven ML experience.

"You know, we definitely are looking to improve our ballclub, and when you have an opportunity, or might have an opportunity, to acquire someone like that, you have to look at it and evaluate it and see if that's a possibility and see if it's doable," Ryan said.

"I think he's phenomenal," Ryan said. "I think he's been one of the top four or five pitchers in the league for quite a while. He's a big-game pitcher and consistent with his stuff, as we see this year, with the way he's approached each game he's been in. He's special."

Link

272

Talk Zone / Re: Best way to start the weekend....

« on: June 25, 2010, 06:32:39 pm »

Here's a video. They show highlights of the tantrum in-between pitches.

ETA quote: "Derrek Lee is a big guy, he's not Michael Barrett. He's not going to get sucker-punched in the locker room."

Gold, Jerry, gold!

Kudos I guess to Derrek Lee for keeping his cool. With the way that huge dickbag was ranting back and forth, I'm surprised Lee didn't just start throwing haymakers on his face.

273

Talk Zone / Re: Roy Oswalt talking like a man that is willing to get traded this season

« on: June 25, 2010, 06:25:13 pm »

Would it be fair to say death threats have been made should Julio Tehran Martin Perez be traded?

Oh yes. Keith Law and Kevin Goldstein have them convinced that he's the second-coming of Johan Santana. And in fairness to a couple of guys who really don't deserve fairness, he is supposedly a very good prospect. Like Lyles, he's one of the few 19-yr-olds at AA. However, Lyles has been putting up better numbers.

274

Talk Zone / Re: Best way to start the weekend....

« on: June 25, 2010, 06:22:28 pm »

Suspended indefinitely by Jim Hendry.

Link

"He was ranting and raving and out of control," Piniella said after the game. "We just couldn't tolerate that. It was embarrassing. There's no excuse for this, none at all."

Unless he throws a no-hitter against a hurricane-weary team, of course.

275

Talk Zone / Re: Roy Oswalt talking like a man that is willing to get traded this season

« on: June 25, 2010, 06:09:33 pm »

Would it be fair to say death threats have been made should Julio Tehran be traded?

isn't he in the Braves org?

276

Talk Zone / Re: Roy Oswalt talking like a man that is willing to get traded this season

« on: June 25, 2010, 05:56:35 pm »

So, if that *IS* the case, then why would the Astros trade him?  If a team needs an ACE to make a playoff run, then they have to pay.  End of story.  By pay, they have to pay with prospects.  Owner Drayton McLane already put out that depending on the prospects, then the Astros will listen to proposals to provide cash on the deal.  Better damn well be good to great prospects for that to happen.

I really don't understand how a club in contention that could use an ACE will low ball the Astros.  If I were Wade, I'd hang up on them until they want to talk seriously.  I understand trading for Lee, it makes sense, but only *ONE* team can consummate a deal with Seattle.  Oswalt is not sloppy seconds, he is quality option number two.  Gotta pay if you want him, so it's really stupid to read these opinions about lack of prospects that will be offered for Roy.

"Pony up or go away, we'll keep him" should be Wade's mantra.

Yup. Many in the media and the blogs conveniently forget that the Astros actually have some leverage the M's don't--their trade bait is still under club control for the foreseeable future. The Astros can choose not to trade Oswalt before the deadline and trade him when they get their asking price.

I am amazed by the delusional responses I've read on Rangers forums. They reaaaaally reaallly reallly love their prospects, especially that Perez kid, so much so that they're putting the uncertainties that come with said prospects over the known quantity of a Roy Oswalt.

If I'm a fan of a contender that's in need of an ace starting pitcher, I trade those young unproven prospects every time if it gives my team a legitimate shot at a WS.

277

Talk Zone / Re: Roy Oswalt talking like a man that is willing to get traded this season

« on: June 25, 2010, 05:17:16 pm »

Just going by the numbers. Starters are ranked by innings pitched, win-loss ratio, ERA, strikeouts, and a couple of other things. The lack of wins and relatively low strikeout total last season are holding him back at the moment.

Ah, gotcha. If he were a free agent at the end of this season I can see how he'd fall just outside the Type A cut because of his 2009 performance, but I highly doubt he'd be anything but a Type A in the following offseason. My point was about Newberg's blithe dismissiveness ("will he really get better?") of Oswalt's value. If he'd typed baseballreference.com in his browser and then entered "Roy Oswalt" in the search function he'd see that Oswalt has never been anything but a Type A throughout his career.

278

Talk Zone / Re: Roy Oswalt talking like a man that is willing to get traded this season

« on: June 25, 2010, 05:05:32 pm »

Jon Heyman, still an idiot.

Cliff Lee and Roy Oswalt are very likely to be the two biggest stars among starting pitchers on the block this trading season. Lee, a 31-year-old lefty for the Mariners, and Oswalt, the Astros' 32-year-old righty, are two excellent and accomplished pitchers who are about the same age and carry the potential to be big difference-makers for someone else this season. For this summer at least, they are inextricably linked.

Except for one thing: Lee should have big value while Oswalt just might be worth close to nothing. That's not an insult to Oswalt, just the reality of the economics of the situation...

..."At the end of the day, I don't think Houston will be able to move the entire (Oswalt) contract and get premium players back,'' sums up one AL executive. That's an opinion that's fairly widely felt, too, based on interviews.

Any team acquiring Lee would only be on the hook for about $4-to-5 million, depending on when a trade is made. Meanwhile, Oswalt comes with about a $30 million commitment. Very few teams have $30 million lying around, and those that do generally don't want to spend it.

Heyman gets it wrong again. The total commitment owed to Oswalt is not 30 million, it's the remainder of his 2010 salary + 16 mill for 2011 + 2 mill buyout. The only way Oswalt would get all that money is if the team that controls him exercises the 2012 option. Presumably they would only do so if his 2011 performance justified it. So how is his trade value worth close to nothing?

279

Talk Zone / Re: Best way to start the weekend....

« on: June 25, 2010, 04:14:59 pm »

Zamboner pulled after one inning, fights with Derrek Lee after departure.

I literally laughed out loud. Not an internet lol chuckle but a hearty hahahaha that scared the cat out of the room.

280

Talk Zone / Re: Roy Oswalt talking like a man that is willing to get traded this season

« on: June 25, 2010, 01:37:35 pm »

He would currently rank as a Type B, but he's not far off from reaching Type A status. If he finishes the season at his current pace and puts up roughly the same numbers next year, he'd certainly be a Type A.

How is he a Type B right now? Type A players are those who Elias ranks in the top 20% of their respective positions over a two-year period. If John Lackey was a Type A last year and Randy Wolf was a Type A, then Roy Freakin Oswalt is definitely a Type A.

281

Talk Zone / Re: Roy Oswalt talking like a man that is willing to get traded this season

« on: June 25, 2010, 01:08:08 pm »

So let's talk about Roy being 'expensive.'  Roy, though no longer among 'the most' elite pitchers in the game certainly remains 'an' elite pitcher. What exactly would he bring in the open market for a 1-year contract in 2011 (or even for a 2-year contract if you add the time a team could control him). $10M?  No problem at all.  $12M?  Surely.  $14M? Possibly.  $16M? Doesn't seem real likely with the financial crunch teams claim they are in, but a weak maybe.  How about 2 years, $24M?  Seems pretty doable as well.  So what, we're talking 'maybe' overpaying him $4M a year for 1-2 years, and that presumes a team wouldn't get any salary relief in the trade.  If it gets you to the playoffs? BFD!  

Sure, in the current baseball economy $16M (or potentially $32M) might sound like a lot, especially when a lot of teams are trying to cut salary, but go try to sign 'an' Oswalt on the open market for 1 year $15M. Not happening. Or try to sign an elite pitcher for 2 years, $30M.  Not happening.  So Oswalt may cost some more money and a couple more prospects.  Again, BFD, you get him for potentially 2.5 years (and whether you keep him for that last year is entirely your choice).  Put another way, you get '2nd half Roy' for 3 seasons.  Like I said, the argument just does not make sense to me...  [/rant]

I'm right there with ya, OSF. The argument makes little sense to me, either. I think the reason so many are quick to dismiss Roy's value on the mound is they're not taking the time to actually look at his career numbers against Cliff Lee's.

Here's a good example of this, courtesy of Jamey Newberg.

1. Sure, you’d get draft pick compensation a year later on Oswalt, but right now Lee is a solid Type A free agent while Oswalt is a Type B – if Oswalt stays in that territory over the next year and a half of baseball (will he really get better?), then he’s going to kick back a supplemental first when he leaves via free agency (purportedly to return to Houston), rather than the first-rounder plus supplemental first that Lee is sure to bring. So with Oswalt you’d get the compensation a year later – and probably a first-round pick less.

2. Lee is a better pitcher.

All that ignores another obvious point – that Lee makes $9 million in 2010, while Oswalt makes $15 million. That means Lee will earn $3 million over the final two months this season, and Oswalt $5 million.

That $2 million difference isn’t all that significant – if you were getting an equal or better pitcher, that is, which I don’t think Oswalt is.

Crazy talk. On what planet would Roy Oswalt not be a Type A free agent? On what planet is he not in the top 20% of starting pitchers? Aside from Tim Hudson, has there been a more underrated pitcher in baseball over the last ten years than Roy Oswalt?

282

Beer and Queso / Re: Chad Jones in critical condition after car accident

« on: June 25, 2010, 12:12:31 pm »

Schefter reports that a league source told him doctors are trying to save his leg.

283

Talk Zone / Re: Roy Oswalt talking like a man that is willing to get traded this season

« on: June 25, 2010, 02:17:01 am »

Evidently something happened in the Rangers' bankruptcy proceeding today that makes any trade unlikely.

According to OlneyTweet:  The judge's decision today on the Rangers' creditors is viewed by execs in baseball as a big blow to the team's efforts to trade pre-Aug. 1. 1 club exec said: "The Rangers can forget about Roy Oswalt, and maybe just about any other major player." Rivals don't want them spending dollars at a time when they owe MLB a lot of money.

From everything I read in the aftermath of the judge's ruling, Olney jumped the gun on that one. I doubt the ruling will prove to be anything more than a minor hiccup in the sale process.

Chuck Greenberg is already making a lot of noise about the court expediting the process so the team can get on with its (trade deadline) business.

284

Talk Zone / Re: Roy Oswalt talking like a man that is willing to get traded this season

« on: June 25, 2010, 01:45:00 am »

With all the Roy-to-the-Rangers trade rumors swirling lately, I've become distracted at times by the possibility of this going down and have wondered what the Astros might get in return. My curiosity led me to various Rangers forums like Baseball Time in Arlington, LonestarBall, and the Newberg Report. If I've learned anything from my sojourns north up the internet I-45, it is this: Rangers fans are just as pompously idiotic as the fuckheads posting on certain Astros forums.

Where a large segment of the Astros fanbase is relentlessly pessimistic about the State of the Farm, an equivalent segment exists in stRangerville that is completely and totally enamored with their farm system. They are convinced that 19-yr-old LHP Martin Perez (5.67 ERA in the Texas League) and relief pitcher Tanner Scheppers are basically untouchable prospects whose futures are studded with diamonds and unicorns. In their world Jon Daniels would be a goddamned fool for including either one or both of them in any package for Roy Oswalt because Roy Oswalt is 32 and due a lot of money for the remaining two years on his contract. (Even though the club could opt out of the final year for 2 mm). Most of them want Cliff Lee and predictably think that Oswalt can be had for two or three B- prospects because he's not anywhere close to Lee's caliber of pitcher. They say Roy is an NL pitcher whose production is destined to decline in the hitterific AL, even though his career interleague numbers do not support that argument. They say he's an aging pitcher with a significant injury risk, even though he's pitched an average of 222 innings over the course of his career and has never suffered a major injury and is notorious for ratcheting up his game in the second-half of the season. They say he is not anywhere close to Lee.

What. the. fuck.

Cliff Lee is a very good pitcher, but so is Roy Oswalt. We're talking about a playoff-tested starting pitcher (and NLCS MVP) with a career 3.22 ERA, fourth-best among active starters, and he's somehow worth a package of non-elite prospects because he's due some big money over the next two seasons? You have gotta be shitting me.

Sure, the Rangers could go after Lee, but trading for him is trading for a half-season rental because he will command huge money on the open market and almost certainly will sign elsewhere next year. Trading for Oswalt, on the other hand, may be costly in both dollars and prospects, but the likelihood of a return on the investment is greater imo because he'd give the franchise two chances to make a run at the World Series. If I'm a Ranger fan, I make that trade every day of the week. These opportunities don't present themselves very often. Remember, we're talking about a team and a fanbase that has experienced exactly ZERO playoff series wins. In fact, the Rangers have won a grand total of ONE playoff game in franchise history.
If there is any fanbase that should understand, it's Rangers fans.

Then again, they're Dallasites.

285

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros vs. Giants, 6/24/10

« on: June 24, 2010, 02:46:03 pm »

defense is awful

ETA: nice play by Feliz backhand to start the DP.

really nice glove work on a well-struck ball...redeemed himself after airmailing a throw to Berkman last inning

286

Talk Zone / Re: Roster moves

« on: June 24, 2010, 02:42:17 pm »

The armchair GMs bitching about the Feliz acquisition ignore the obvious--the lack of offensive production is less about Feliz than Berkman, Lee, and Pence.

Assuming for the sake of argument that Wade decided against Feliz, the other options weren't that great anyway. He could've realistically gone after Kelly Johnson or Felipe Lopez for the same price or less, but neither guy has done enough to make me wonder what could have been. Feliz was signed primarily as a veteran presence and a defensive stopper at the hot corner; as others have already mentioned, the biggest disappointment isn't his lack of production at the plate but his defense at third.

287

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros vs. Giants, 6/24/10

« on: June 24, 2010, 02:06:21 pm »

Castro is the anti-Spazz at the plate. He shows great plate discipline. Worked a walk and then scored on another Bourn double.

The Astros have knocked Cain from the game. I am shocked, he's been one of the best pitchers in the NL.

288

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Round Rock 2010

« on: June 24, 2010, 02:03:28 pm »

Where did David Cook come from? I don't remember him on the Corpus roster, but that doesn't mean much. I saw him for the first time last night (in what I think was his third game with RR), and he seems to have a very quick bat. He botched a play in LF, overrunning a ground ball because he was hurrying to try to make a play at the plate, but I'm willing to attribute that to excitement for now.

Cook was signed back in January after spending the previous seven years in the White Sox organization. Drafted in the ninth round of the 2003 draft.

289

Talk Zone / Now it's Paulino's turn.

« on: June 24, 2010, 01:49:55 pm »

The bleeding continues.

Paulino to the 15 day DL with shoulder tendinitis. Josh Banks has been called up to replace him and start Saturday.

http://brianmctaggart.mlblogs.com/archives/2010/06/paulino-to-dl-banks-up-from-round-rock.html

290

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros vs. Giants, 6/24/10

« on: June 24, 2010, 01:43:07 pm »

Berkman fists a double right on the line in shallow LF to plate two.

Finally, some good luck.

Six runs against Matt Cain in two innings?

291

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros vs. Giants, 6/24/10

« on: June 24, 2010, 01:40:03 pm »

Keppinger walks to load the sacks for Berkman. Still nobody out.

292

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros vs. Giants, 6/24/10

« on: June 24, 2010, 01:37:19 pm »

Whoda thunk it? They're knocking Cain around right now.

Castro HR
Wandy single to CF
Bourn double to the gap in right center

293

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros vs. Giants, 6/24/10

« on: June 24, 2010, 01:35:37 pm »

Castro with an upper deck blast!

294

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros vs. Gints, 6/23

« on: June 23, 2010, 07:52:54 pm »

I always knew Footer had a major crush on JD.

295

Beer and Queso / Re: Wimbledon

« on: June 23, 2010, 03:24:00 pm »

Isner did. He was not happy about it.

Right, but realistically there was no more than two games at most before it would've been dark. Neither guy would've broken the other.

296

Beer and Queso / Re: Wimbledon

« on: June 23, 2010, 03:14:46 pm »

It's plainly light enough. Too bad. This has been epic.

Eh, it wouldn't have ended anyway. They're close enough to darkness that I have no problem with the decision.

297

Beer and Queso / Re: Wimbledon

« on: June 23, 2010, 03:11:02 pm »

Match suspended. Standing O, my house included.

298

Beer and Queso / Re: Wimbledon

« on: June 23, 2010, 03:09:54 pm »

They're discussing suspending the match. The crowd chants "We want more, We want more, We want more!"

299

Beer and Queso / Re: Wimbledon

« on: June 23, 2010, 03:01:29 pm »

Previous Wimbledon record for most games in one match: 112

They've played 117 games in the fifth set.

300

Beer and Queso / Re: Wimbledon

« on: June 23, 2010, 02:57:40 pm »

They have been playing for 9 and a half hours? Straight?

No, it's carried over from a stoppage last night due to darkness. They started at around 2 pm there today.

301

Beer and Queso / Re: Wimbledon

« on: June 23, 2010, 02:46:19 pm »

Isner looked like he was toast on that big return winner from Mahout at 15-0, only to blast two huge serves.

302

Beer and Queso / Re: Wimbledon

« on: June 23, 2010, 02:23:40 pm »

What a great story out of nowhere. The physical and mental fortitude both players have shown to not simply give up and call it a day is remarkable.

There is no loser in this match.

Still, GO ISNER! USA USA USA

303

Beer and Queso / Re: Wimbledon

« on: June 23, 2010, 01:53:42 pm »

Just off the top of my head, June 23 2010 seems like one of the biggest days for the non-traditional (Big Three) sports I can remember.

I wonder what today's College World Series has in store for us.

304

Beer and Queso / Re: Wimbledon

« on: June 23, 2010, 01:50:12 pm »

Many years ago (more than 25, I'm pretty sure) Mats Wilander and John McEnroe played an epic Davis Cup match. My parents were visiting, and we watched it for awhile and then decided we needed to get on with our day, so we went out and did whatever we had planned (we went down and toured the Zilker arboretum, if I remember correctly), and then came back home. We turned on the TV, and those two were still at it.

I remember that match. I was a big Mats fan back in my tennis playing youth.

305

Beer and Queso / Re: Wimbledon

« on: June 23, 2010, 12:00:56 pm »

They're about to break Wimbledon's most games record of 112.

306

Beer and Queso / Re: Wimbledon

« on: June 23, 2010, 11:58:57 am »

This is pretty funny. Federer's match on centre court is bumped from ESPN in favor of the Isner/Mahout battle.

And Federer just dropped a set to a qualifier.

307

Beer and Queso / Re: Wimbledon

« on: June 23, 2010, 11:57:01 am »

Isner had three match points and couldn't get the break on Mahout's serve.

308

Beer and Queso / Re: Wimbledon

« on: June 23, 2010, 11:49:31 am »

Now the longest match in measured time in Wimbledon history. Also, the most games in one set in the Open era. They are within striking distance of the most games ever played in one Wimbledon match, and that was before they even had tiebreakers.

309

Beer and Queso / Re: Wimbledon

« on: June 23, 2010, 11:37:11 am »

I believe so, but I haven't heard. This fifth set itself is over three hours.

310

Beer and Queso / Re: Wimbledon

« on: June 23, 2010, 11:34:16 am »

Epic match going on between two no-names, Mahut and Eisner.

Right now it looks like this:

Mahut  4 6 7 6 30
Isner    6 3 6 7 30

Yes, thirty games each in the fifth set.

311

Beer and Queso / Re: World Cup Decision Day #1: Groups C and D, 6/23

« on: June 23, 2010, 10:50:09 am »

That was fucking awesome! GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL

312

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: 2010 Draftees and Status

« on: June 22, 2010, 12:02:09 am »

Velasquez is close to signing, or so says his dad.

313

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros vs. Rangers, 6/20/10

« on: June 20, 2010, 02:41:55 pm »

The sound of the bat hitting Q's head was sickening. What a tough sumbitch. Get well, Q!

314

Beer and Queso / Re: Copa Mundial 2010

« on: June 20, 2010, 11:49:03 am »

In case you missed it, the clip's already on youtube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKc5U5ut-vM

315

Beer and Queso / Re: Copa Mundial 2010

« on: June 18, 2010, 02:21:49 pm »

That's what I mean.

He was clearly between the defender and the goal.  That's simply a matter of geography.  You say it doesn't constitute "offside" as either the defender's hands or his penis may have extended past Bradley...and I believe you.

Limey already explained it to you, but you're too busy arguing and thumping your chest to understand why YOU ARE WRONG.

Bradley was not actively involved in playing the ball. The Brit announcer said as much when he said, "it can't be offside unless it was Edu because he was the only one who was active in the play."

Go watch the youtube replay again. Even if you are right about this "matter of geography," you're still wrong about the matter of the offside rule itself. Bradley stopped and didn't make a play on the ball, hence no offside.

316

Beer and Queso / Re: Robb Walsh joins with Reef partners to create a new Houston Tex-Mex restaurant

« on: June 16, 2010, 03:33:41 pm »

Speaking of Robb Walsh, have any of you Austinites tried this barbecue trailer he mentions in a recent blog post?

Best brisket in the state is a pretty big claim. This may have been cabrera'd in one of the many Q threads here in the past, but I didn't remember it.

Um, yes, about forty times since it opened in December. I've been pimping Aaron's cue since my first bite of brisket that week he opened. No joke, it's the best around and arguably the best brisket in the state of Texas.

317

Beer and Queso / Re: Robb Walsh joins with Reef partners to create a new Houston Tex-Mex restaurant

« on: June 16, 2010, 10:50:47 am »

Why would that suck?

Was Felix's ever good?  When I moved to town in 2003, I had one of the worst tex-mex meals I've ever had at Felix's, and that includes the Border Cafe in Harvard Square, Cambridge.

I can't remember the last meal I ate at Felix, but I ate there many times as a kid and have fond memories of the place and the close family friend (now deceased) who regularly bought us dinner at Felix. The quality of the food may well have declined over the years, but the building itself would seem to be a nice fit for this new Tex-Mex venture. Better than a new Tyson Cole overpriced sushi joint...

318

Beer and Queso / Re: Robb Walsh joins with Reef partners to create a new Houston Tex-Mex restaurant

« on: June 16, 2010, 10:27:19 am »

The Tower isn't on Montrose, chron blogger. It's on Westheimer.

Too bad they're not opening their restaurant in the old Felix building.

319

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: 2010 Draftees and Status

« on: June 13, 2010, 01:45:29 pm »

Overheard Brownie say the Astros signed Ben Heath today. Waiting for confirmation from the usual sources.

320

Beer and Queso / Re: Copa Mundial 2010

« on: June 13, 2010, 11:39:06 am »

Introducing the random/arbitrary element of penalty kicks in the group stage distorts the entire purpose of having a group stage.

So don't use penalty kicks. Soccer fans love to endlessly point out how many miles soccer players run on average in a given match and how it's the most athletically demanding sport (bullshit), but if that's the case then make those uberathletes play until a real goddamn goal is scored. No ties, no penalty kicks, sudden death OT.

321

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Lexington 2010

« on: June 13, 2010, 10:08:57 am »

Don't recall a DL stint for him.  Just thought it was his first stat with LEX since his demotion.  Anyone have any different info?

My mistake. I forgot about his demotion. He was placed on the 7-day dl earlier this season while at Lancaster, then subsequently demoted a couple of weeks later.

322

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Lexington 2010

« on: June 12, 2010, 10:48:08 pm »

Good to see Dydalewicz back from the DL.

323

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Round Rock 2010

« on: June 12, 2010, 07:30:17 pm »

Norris pitched four shutout innings tonight in his rehab start against the Zephyrs. 

4 IP 2 H 0 ER 2 BBs 5 Ks

324

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Round Rock 2010

« on: June 11, 2010, 11:28:08 am »

Bourgeois left game in the 3rd inning?

His left hamstring tightened up on him. Hitting streak snapped.

325

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Draft 2010

« on: June 09, 2010, 02:54:54 pm »

If I had a kid who was top 10 round talent, I would take the money and run.  Get them to pay for college in the deal.  You can always go back to school but you can't always go back and play pro ball.  Every year, there are kids who were drafted who pass up to improve their stock and it doesn't.  That is a gamble I am not sure I want to take.  

BTW the other LSU kid from a few years ago was Chad Jones.  He was drafted in the 3rd round of the NFL draft by the NY Giants as a safety.  

Beat me to it.

326

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Draft 2010

« on: June 09, 2010, 02:53:51 pm »

When August 16th passes and the Astros fail to sign JaCoby Jones due to his high bonus demands, we will once again be treated to a chorus of clownishness from self-appointed experts who can't let an inning pass without cracking on Drayton McLane. Sure, I love to spend the filthy rich's money as much as the next guy, but I can also understand why ownership might refuse to go way beyond slot for a teen-aged prospect who makes exorbitant demands because he has other options. No matter the talent, a prospect is still just a prospect and the MLB draft is a huge crapshoot. Chad Jones reportedly wanted 1.5-2mm to sign with the Astros in 2007, but there were questions about his commitment to baseball. As it turned out, those questions weren't without merit...

When I weighed out my options, the No. 1 thing was what I love more, what I would love to do more in my life," he said. "I chose football. It wasn't that hard of a decision. I know I made the right one."

The Astros got rightfully skewered for the shitty 2007 draft, but one of the names most frequently used against them was Chad Jones. Not offering him what he wanted proved to be the right move in hindsight, but three years later none of the internet jagoffs can be bothered to grudgingly admit the Astros got that one right. If a kid isn't committed to baseball, you don't offer him a ton of money only to watch him give it up for a football career.  

 

327

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Draft 2010

« on: June 08, 2010, 11:57:01 am »

If someone can do better than I at digging up video of the kid pitching that would be just outSTANDing.

MLB draft video

328

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Draft 2010

« on: June 08, 2010, 11:52:37 am »

Third round pick is Austin Wates, CF from Va Tech.

329

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Draft 2010

« on: June 08, 2010, 11:34:09 am »

Footer: Once the Red Sox picked right before them, there was definitely elation in the room when they saw Valesquez was going to be available.

Baseball Beginnings report

The first thing you would notice about Velasquez is his body. He’s tall and athletic, rangy, with plenty of physical projection. His best tools, for me, are his arm and his glove. Velasquez can flat out throw the baseball. It’s hard to find a big arm on a position player – trust me, I’ve looked.

I’ve seen Velasquez play long toss standing in left field and throwing to the right field line. I’m not talking about max-effort heaves here, I mean, nice and loose and easy arm action. With a frame like this, a future on the mound cannot be ruled out, where he could be a beast.

330

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Draft 2010

« on: June 08, 2010, 11:26:32 am »

From BA blog earlier this year:

In front of approximately 200 scouts, Velasquez enjoyed a career-altering performance. Cautious in his injury recovery, Velasquez had not pitched since December 2008.  After his outing Saturday, the mound figures to be his permanent residence. The slender and highly projectable righty struck out and more impressively overwhelmed all four batters he faced.
 
Using a loose, easy throwing motion, Velasquez fired a lively 91-93 mph fastball, which he used to paint the outside corner or to jam a hitter inside. He liberally sprinkled in an 82-84 mph drop-dead changeup, which was well placed and cleverly concealed.  Velasquez best pitch may be his 74 mph curve, which veered out toward the third-base dugout and then swerved sharply down and away to his glove side.
 
Stunned silence was pervasive after Velasquez brief stint. Several nearby heads nodded in agreement as I broke the brief quiet by commenting: "That'll be the end of his career as an infielder."

LINK
 

331

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Draft 2010

« on: June 08, 2010, 11:22:11 am »

Vincent Velasquez, RHP from California

332

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Draft 2010

« on: June 08, 2010, 11:20:31 am »

Workman to the Red Sox.

Astros on the clock.

333

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Draft 2010

« on: June 08, 2010, 11:16:38 am »

And there goes Eibner to the Royals. Man, they're drafting faster than my fantasy football league.

334

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Draft 2010

« on: June 08, 2010, 11:14:46 am »

Damn, the Pirates grabbed Stetson Allie with the second pick. Sammy Solis went to the Nats to open day two.

335

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Draft 2010

« on: June 08, 2010, 10:50:57 am »

Sounds like Augie's recruit won't be playing at the Disch next year.

Though there is certain to be extensive contract negotiations with the Astros at present, all Foltynewicz knows is that it's time for him to get ready for the professional life.

"There's not much to think about. I think the signing bonus in that range has been somewhere around a mil or higher, but that has to be negotiated," he said.

And what about the scholarship offer to Texas?

"I don't want to close the door on anything, but I'll probably take my chances and play pro ball," Foltynewicz said. "I want to get started playing as soon as I can."

LINK

336

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros vs Nationals 6-3

« on: June 03, 2010, 02:48:32 pm »

WTF is Daigle doing out there in a close game?

To give us a chance to see Jenny in the stands.

337

Talk Zone / Re: Galarraga Perfecto

« on: June 03, 2010, 12:02:46 pm »

Jim Leyland is a guy I could have a beer with. I'm disappointed that so many fans immediately assumed Joyce's call was rooted in egocentric motives and not simply a result of human error. Granted, the umps aren't having a good week, but ripping off your mask to confront a player or talking shit in the media is a whole different ballgame than intentionally giving a baserunner the benefit of the doubt just so you can say you were the ump who took away a perfect game on batter #27. I cannot believe there are fans who are so cynical as to believe that was the reason Joyce called Donald out. I swallowed a sympathy welp for Joyce as soon as I saw the replay because I knew he was utterly fucked and would face a huge shitstorm.

338

Talk Zone / Re: Galarraga Perfecto

« on: June 03, 2010, 11:48:53 am »

Leyland is sending Galarraga out to deliver today's starting lineup card to Joyce at home plate in an effort to get fans to move on and forgive Joyce for being human.

"This is a day for Detroit to shine," Leyland said. "First of all, you are talking about one of the best umpires in the business and one of the best guys. You are talking about a guy who feels worse than anybody. It's sad. This guy is an outstanding umpire. I just really think it's a day for Tigers fans to really show what we are all about in a positive way. I really believe that, and I hope that they do. I don't know that they will, but I hope they do. I'm going to try and push for it as much as I can.

"The guy had every bit of integrity. He faced the music. He stood there and took it. What else can he do? I just don't believe in beating people up like that. If he would have been there and been defiant, and said 'No, I got it right,' and all this and that, and looked at it afterward and said, 'Well, yeah, I missed it,' well that's one thing. But this guy was a mess, I mean a freaking mess. I'm taking about sincere. There was nothing phony about it. This guy was a mess. My heart goes out to him."

339

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros vs. Gnats, 6/2/10

« on: June 02, 2010, 08:08:50 pm »

My sister and my six-year-old niece called me right as the ninth inning started in Detroit. I played it cool and talked to both of them while watching the first two outs, including the unfuckingreal catch Jackson made to preserve the perfecto, but when the 1b ump made that call I lost my shit in the middle of my niece blathering on about the neighbor's cat.

I cannot believe what I saw. What a terrible call. Galarraga got hosed out in the worst way possible. Hello instant replay.

340

Talk Zone / Sampson to the DL

« on: June 01, 2010, 02:12:19 pm »

I blame Alkie, but the club says he has biceps tendinitis and will go to the 15-day DL. Casey Daigle gets the call from Round Rock.

McTaggart link

341

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Nats @ Astros, Memorial Day 2010

« on: May 31, 2010, 02:12:58 pm »

exactly.  i mean, neither the pitch before the dunn double or the one that got him tossed were that close, certainly not enough for the attitude he showed.

Yep. A starting pitcher who storms off the mound throwing a public hissy fit about a pitch properly called a ball can't point at the umpire demonstratively and expect to stay in the game. I knew he was a goner as soon as he started pointing. Dumbass move by Roy.

342

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Nats @ Astros, Memorial Day 2010

« on: May 31, 2010, 02:09:33 pm »

Wow. Chacin with some pop in his bat.

343

Beer and Queso / Re: RIP Dennis Hopper

« on: May 29, 2010, 04:00:05 pm »

Fuck that shit! Pabst. Blue. Ribbon.

Do you want me to pour it?

No, I want you to fuck it. Shit yes, pour the fucking beer!

344

Beer and Queso / RIP Dennis Hopper

« on: May 29, 2010, 12:46:30 pm »

Prostate cancer takes him at 74.

Fuck you, cancer.

345

Talk Zone / Re: Roy Oswalt talking like a man that is willing to get traded this season

« on: May 28, 2010, 01:57:54 pm »

 

Wishing or hoping they could have done this WHILE they were still winning thus allowing them to continue the legacy is a moot point now.

Just don't tell the braying nimrods who gorvel The Hun's schlong about the guys Gerry took at the top of the draft from, oh, 1999-2004. For all the criticism the brass gets for a thin farm system, virtually none of it touches Gerry Hunsicker.

346

Beer and Queso / Re: Lost

« on: May 24, 2010, 01:31:07 am »

I gave up on this shitfest of a show about three weeks into the current season and never looked back. My life is better for it because now I don't have to waste any more time trying to figure out what the hell is going on and when it's happening.

347

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Rays @ Astros May 23, 2010

« on: May 23, 2010, 02:52:08 pm »

There was a strike out between homers.

Shit, missed that one.

348

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Rays @ Astros May 23, 2010

« on: May 23, 2010, 02:51:36 pm »

What a strange pitching line for Bud today.

10 Ks in 5 IP with 4 ER and 3 HR.

349

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Rays @ Astros May 23, 2010

« on: May 23, 2010, 02:47:57 pm »

And Blalock makes it back-to-back with an opposite field HR into the Crawfords.

350

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Rays @ Astros May 23, 2010

« on: May 23, 2010, 02:46:44 pm »

Add another HR to right and, just like that, this game is tied.

Norris threw a fat meatball at the belly and Jaso got all of it.

351

Talk Zone / Re: RIP Jose Lima

« on: May 23, 2010, 02:30:42 pm »

Drayton (via Footer): "He was truly a gifted person both on the field and off of it. He could dance, he could sing, but his greatest gift of all was that he was an extremely happy person. He just lit up our clubhouse with his personality, which was his greatest asset. Jose was not shortchanged in life in any way. He lived life to the fullest every day."

Well said, Drayton.

I will always have a soft spot for Jose Lima for the happy times he gave us Astros fans. He died way too young. RIP, Jose.

352

Talk Zone / Re: Roy Oswalt talking like a man that is willing to get traded this season

« on: May 22, 2010, 06:18:13 pm »

"I still don't want people to think I'm leaving because we're not doing well right now. That's not the reason. The reason is I don't have much of a window left to play, and I want another shot at winning."

Uh, what?

353

Talk Zone / Re: Roy Oswalt talking like a man that is willing to get traded this season

« on: May 22, 2010, 06:11:05 pm »

when did journalists decide it was okay to use a flip camera for a professional interview like that one dude behind Roy?

You mean that thingy McTaggart is holding? It looks a lot like the gadget Fuckhouse was sporting yesterday.

354

Talk Zone / Re: Roy Oswalt talking like a man that is willing to get traded this season

« on: May 21, 2010, 05:49:56 pm »

His agent called Drayton last night after Ubaldo Jimenez dominated his teammates. Could the Rukkakes be on his short list?

355

Talk Zone / Re: Roy Oswalt talking like a man that is willing to get traded this season

« on: May 21, 2010, 05:26:04 pm »

That's one way to get a bidding war started.

Seeing Roy pitch in another jersey will be tough but it's time to turn the page.

356

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Corpus Christi 2010

« on: May 19, 2010, 03:23:53 am »

Also, Koby Clemens hit his league-leading tenth HR to help Lyles to a win. Kid can rake.

357

Beer and Queso / Re: ACL '10

« on: May 18, 2010, 02:25:48 pm »

I have no problem with that.   I'm for it.

I just think if you're going to claim to be going after the hipster dollar when in fact you're going for the anyone-with-a dollar, someone should probably call you out for not actually being hip.

Here here. ACL is anything but hip, and anyone who thinks it's cool and awesome and all that greatness is badly mistaken. There are some bands on the schedule that I listen to frequently but I have absolutely no desire whatsoever to see them with 75,000 people flittering about and pissing me off, most of whom haven't heard these band and are only there to be seen and say they saw __________and _______ and ___________.

"OMG ACL 2010 was soooo ALLSOME WOOOOOOHOOOO!!! Check out my flickr page!"

Seriously, fuck festivals. Coachella, Bonnaroo, ACL..... I deplore this terrible trend in live music because it imo represents the homogenization of music culture. If I want to see Edward Sharpe, I want to see him at a dark, small club with one or two openers and fans who are there for only Edward Sharpe and not Muse or the Flaming Lips or the motherfucking Eagles.

Btw, it's 2010, C3 presents. Who hasn't seen the Flaming Lips by now? Jesus. What, no Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals?

358

Talk Zone / Re: Roy Oswalt talking like a man that is willing to get traded this season

« on: May 15, 2010, 11:13:50 pm »

You guys can spin this any way you want but who's pitching like an ace on a hapless fucking team and who's making $14MM and hitting .250?

I already know who's making $18MM and hitting .180.

What spin? Cmon, chuck, we all agree that Roy has been nails this year and he deserves better run support from the middle of the order, but slagging your teammates in the postgame is not something a veteran of his stature should do. 

359

Talk Zone / Re: Roy Oswalt talking like a man that is willing to get traded this season

« on: May 15, 2010, 09:32:55 pm »

Well how many Oswalt Innings have there been and how many has Berkman gone public about?

this right here.

360

Talk Zone / Re: Roy Oswalt talking like a man that is willing to get traded this season

« on: May 15, 2010, 07:54:23 pm »

Good enough to lose?

Good lord, it must suck to be pissy Roy Oswalt making a shit ton of cash from an old geezer grocery supplier. Trade his ass at the deadline, Ed. Get all you can get.

361

Talk Zone / Re: Please tell me someone got a screen capture

« on: May 14, 2010, 04:44:35 pm »

In case you missed it...

362

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros @ Jakes, 5/13/10 DAY GAME!

« on: May 13, 2010, 02:59:46 pm »

Is his arm going to fall off? Isn't this 5 appearances in 6 days?

4 pitches last night, 13 the night before, and a day off earlier this week. he all right.

363

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Rojo Johnson?

« on: May 05, 2010, 02:21:04 pm »

I haven't read such hype and hyperbole about a guy I've never heard of since Sid Finch.

364

Beer and Queso / Re: Multiple Lead Singers

« on: April 30, 2010, 11:31:06 am »

The Jayhawks, New Pornographers, Uncle Tupelo, Broken Social Scene

365

Talk Zone / Re: Carlos Lee & Cabrera

« on: April 27, 2010, 01:30:15 pm »

The irony about what you're saying is that it's not up to Carlos, it's up to Mills to manage the ballclub.  If Carlos doesn't like Mills managing, then he's worse than a good teammate, he's selfish and should be gone.  Anyone who cares only about himself should be shipped out now!  And no teammate would even come close to him for that matter.  Want an example?  Tim Redding.

So having said that, do you *really* think what you're seeing is any indication of Carlos Lee being that sort of player?  If so, I would not only disagree with you, but vehemently disagree with you.  Mills took Myers out on Sunday and Myers didn't like it.  At. All.  Is Myers a bad teammate?  No, he just disagrees with Mills, to which Mills says "Good, I don't want guys around here that don't care" (paraphrased).  Carlos cares.  He cares enough to hate to sit because he believes he can help best by being on the field.  Go ask Mills if he thinks that is a bad thing.  He'll tell you the same thing he said about Myers.  But that is what a manager is for and so far, Mills is doing the job.  He was known for this under Terry Francona.  If a hammer was needed, Mills did the job of going to the players and letting them know what the management team was thinking and requiring of them.  These guys are professional and will appreciate being told and kept abreast of what a manager expects.  Not telling them is worse.

So be very careful what you're implying because you just may be saying that Carlos Lee is a malcontent and Mills is blind to that (because he put him back into the field).  If we follow this to a logical conclusion, you'll have another Cooper non-communication vs. hothead/selfish Chacon and then a choking incident.  That's what these sort of indictments of Lee, if true, will ultimately lead to.  

Where oh where did I say anything about Carlos Lee being a bad teammate or that he doesn't care? Calmate, vato. I am not saying that AT ALL. All I said was that, from appearances over the weekend, he's been in a bad mood, which is understandable under the circumstances. There's nothing particularly egregious about this, we all have our days. When Carlos is hitting and happy, his demeanor in the dugout is looser and more jovial. I'd get a bit irritable too if I were doing my best to break out of a funk only for the hometown fans to continually deride me as a lazy fatass.

366

Talk Zone / Re: Carlos Lee & Cabrera

« on: April 27, 2010, 11:49:36 am »

You guys are seeing waaay too much that isn't there.  Lee was joking with Norris, even had his own hand on his neck to check for a pulse, laughing while pointing to the exact location at third base where he lost all his energy (methinks right around the shortstop area).  Norris then proceeded to fan him and check for a pulse while Lee acted like a serious patient under his care.  As far as the Keppinger incident, there are occasions in any situation/game/series/team where the more intense of the players will clash with the more laid back and easy going (which Lee counts as one).  The general concensus is that if I play hard, you should too... especially if you're the leader on this team.

It was warranted for Keppinger to remind Lee of his responsibilities, but it is not as if Keppinger was having to school a guy who does not care.  In yesterday's game, when Lee scored on a basehit and Pence was coming in to score, Lee turned around and animatedly waved downward to tell Pence to slide hard.  As did Towles.  I don't think that Lee doesn't care, which is where all this talk will eventually lead to if we're going to indict him.  The Astros need Carlos Lee and his 100 rbis in the middle of the lineup every day.  What comes with those 100 rbis is a player who isn't like Hunter Pence and runs with abandon on every play.  He's just not that player.  Do I like it?  No, not necessarily, but do I understand it?  Yes.  Yes I do.

I don't think Carlos doesn't care and didn't mean to imply as much. I think he's a professional hitter who cares a great deal about both individual and team performance, but it's obvious that he's frustrated by his early slump. Lee made it clear in his body language on the bench Saturday and his post-game comments following the win on Sunday that he was not happy about getting a day off in the middle game of the Pirates series. When asked on Sunday what the previous day off had done for him, Caballo bluntly said "It did nothing for me."

I read his body language in the dugout following that triple differently than you because guys aren't happy when they get benched and it takes a little time for them to get over it. I think he was still a little peeved about Mills' decision and wasn't in the greatest of moods Sunday and that Bud Norris was doing his part to bring out the fun Carlos. Kudos to the kid for doing so, and here's to Carlos going on a tear soon to get himself right.

367

Talk Zone / Re: Carlos Lee & Cabrera

« on: April 26, 2010, 03:21:44 pm »

I don't think that Lee is generally lazy, although he doesn't always run out ground balls and popups, although some of that may be due to his proximity in the batting order to "run like your hair is on fire on every play" Pence. I was more concerned about the incident involving his failure to tell Keppinger to slide, especially given the intense and quite obvious look that Keppinger gave him after being tagged out. Lee flat out failed to direct the runner coming home, which he should have done.

I share your concern. Hopefully it's the slump and not something to do with clubhouse chemistry (i.e. Tejada's gone), but Caballo's demeanor seems a little different. Keppinger wasn't happy at all about Lee's failure on that play, and in return Lee seemed to not care at all. Granted, I'm just reading body language and could well be FOS because of it, but this isn't the fun-loving Carlos Lee we've seen in recent seasons. For example, when he ripped that triple yesterday and legged it all the way around the bases, Bud Norris had fun with him in the dugout by fanning him with a towel and checking his pulse. That was good shit, but Carlos didn't really partake in the festivities. He almost had a pissed off look on his face. Was he too tired to smile and laugh, or did Bud cross a line with him? Or maybe it's me seeing something that isn't there at all....I hate early season off days.

368

Beer and Queso / Re: Summer Vacation: Destination - Washington D.C.

« on: April 25, 2010, 10:20:47 am »

If the family is up for doing some outdoorsy sight-seeing, I highly recommend a visit to Great Falls Park. Beautiful place.

369

Beer and Queso / Re: nfl draft

« on: April 24, 2010, 03:02:56 pm »

The Texans front office left many of us scratching our heads over the TE pick in the fourth round (though now I get it), but they more than redeemed themselves with their sixth-round pick of LSU rocketburner Trindon Holliday.

I love this pick. The Texans badly needed to get better on kickoffs because Andre Davis wasn't getting it done as he had in previous years. Holliday has world class track speed. He's a little guy who could be their Darren Sproles and have an immediate impact on games by putting pressure on the opponent through special teams play. Color me very excited about him.

370

Beer and Queso / Re: 2010 Music (split off from 2009 Music)

« on: April 23, 2010, 12:29:22 pm »

Nick Cave is the motherfucking man. A week doesn't go by without me listening to something from his sweeping collection of brilliance.

He went from making badass 70's post-punk music like this with The Birthday Party (a heavy influence on Austin bands like Scratch Acid, Big Boys, and the Jesus Lizard btw) to beautiful love songs like this and and piano-based ballads like this. He is one of my all-time favorite song-writers and the Coolest Man Alive.

Check out Let Love In and go from there.

371

Beer and Queso / Re: 2010 Music (split off from 2009 Music)

« on: April 23, 2010, 11:30:49 am »

At the risk of sounding like an old man, I listened to these tracks and they sound pretty monotone, except for Little Faith and Afraid of Everybody.  The singer seems to have only one voice.  They also remind me of an 80s band but I can't quite place who...the article mentions Tom Waits and Nick Cave, but I'm not familiar enough with either of them.  Maybe a sort of P-Furs vibe? 

You're not familiar with Tom Waits or Nick Cave? Man, you've got some catching up to do.

372

Beer and Queso / Re: nfl draft

« on: April 23, 2010, 11:29:02 am »

I loved the pick. They clearly needed a CB and were fortunate enough to be able to pick one after only one other CB was off the board. This tells me they truly got the best one out of Jackson, McCourty, Wilson, and Robinson. Credit to Smith for not trading down either because I'm pretty sure the Pats would've scooped him up at 22 instead of trading down with Dallas.

373

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Corpus Christi 2010

« on: April 23, 2010, 11:14:44 am »

Lyles went 5 innings last night and allowed 4 hits with 1 earned run in a 2-1 loss. 7Ks, 1 BB. 2.30 ERA. He threw 91 pitches, 62 for strikes.

He has 16 strikeouts to only 2 walks so far this season. He might have a future in the bigs.

374

Talk Zone / Re: Morgan Ensberg's "Baseball IQ"

« on: April 22, 2010, 03:02:56 pm »

Oh?  You were much more mature than me.  I was about a foot taller than everyone else on the team and was always cleanup, which I took for granted until everyone started catching up with actual technique by around 12.  Same with pitching.  Threw harder than anyone else, but then those that cared to figure out how to get better learned how to throw accurately and eventually with movement.  I could have used a lesson in humility much earlier...

Or, I just don't remember. I certainly cared about getting as many ABs as I could, but I doubt I gave much thought to lineup construction. I was never the cleanup hitter anyhow because I was always smaller than everyone else, so my focus was on defense. There were better hitters on my team, but I was one of the better defensive players.

375

Talk Zone / Re: Morgan Ensberg's "Baseball IQ"

« on: April 22, 2010, 02:18:53 pm »

I find it hard to believe that kids that age give too much thought into where they bat in the order as long as they get to bat a few times.

I have to reach waaay back in the memory bank, but I don't remember caring much about the lineup during my LL years. My only objective was to compete, listen to my coach, and have fun.

376

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros vs Marlins - 4/21

« on: April 21, 2010, 11:14:52 pm »

Just watching the defense is fun.  Lots of good plays made today.

Mills pushing the right buttons, too. Keppinger isn't my first choice at SS, but his replacement at 2B made some key defensive plays tonight--the blue star early in the game, the fly ball that Pence lost in the lights, and the catch and throw on the game-ending gidp. Does Keppinger make all those plays? I doubt it. Matsui's defense was a big part of the win tonight.

377

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Lexington 2010

« on: April 21, 2010, 10:56:34 pm »

Make that 14. His average is .400.

378

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros vs Marlins - 4/21

« on: April 21, 2010, 10:02:33 pm »

Mills ribbed Puma pretty good in the postgame presser for his woeful attempt to steal third. "His name is Puma but he didn't display any cat-like reflexes there."

379

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros vs Marlins - 4/21

« on: April 21, 2010, 09:53:47 pm »

Tonight's game was very enjoyable to watch. I'm loving what I've seen from the starting pitching lately.

380

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros vs Marlins - 4/21

« on: April 21, 2010, 09:44:11 pm »

That's five of six btw.

381

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros vs Marlins - 4/21

« on: April 21, 2010, 09:42:23 pm »

WORST TEAM IN BASEBALL. THEY ARE SIMPLY A DISASTER.

Go fuck yourself Will Carroll, Keith Law, Lisa Gray, Fangraph statcockbags!

382

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros vs Marlins - 4/21

« on: April 21, 2010, 09:40:56 pm »

Lindstrom GIDP!!!

1-4-3

383

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros vs Marlins - 4/21

« on: April 21, 2010, 09:38:44 pm »

Uggla hits a noisy flyball out to Pence. One out, runner still on first.

384

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros vs Marlins - 4/21

« on: April 21, 2010, 09:36:12 pm »

Cantu singles to RF off the end of his bat.

385

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros vs Marlins - 4/21

« on: April 21, 2010, 09:34:29 pm »

Jason Michaels in LF as defensive replacement.

Lindstrom on.

386

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros vs Marlins - 4/21

« on: April 21, 2010, 09:32:36 pm »

Feliz Ks meekly, strands Caballo at third.

End 8th Astros 5 Marlins 4

387

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros vs Marlins - 4/21

« on: April 21, 2010, 09:30:55 pm »

Caballo goes first to third on a grounder to SS. Pence out. Carlos safe at third. Dumb move but he got lucky.

388

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros vs Marlins - 4/21

« on: April 21, 2010, 09:27:29 pm »

Caballo singles up the middle. Ramirez dives and gets a piece of it but not enough.

389

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros vs Marlins - 4/21

« on: April 21, 2010, 09:26:21 pm »

Chris Leroux pitching for the Marlins.

Berkman Ks swinging.

390

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros vs Marlins - 4/21

« on: April 21, 2010, 09:22:52 pm »

Exhale.

Ramirez offers at the first pitch, flies out to Spazz.

Mid 8th Astros 5 Marlins 4

391

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros vs Marlins - 4/21

« on: April 21, 2010, 09:21:57 pm »

Caught a break there. Coghlan Ks swinging and the ball hit him. Two down.

392

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros vs Marlins - 4/21

« on: April 21, 2010, 09:20:42 pm »

(frantically crossing myself)

n. deed.

393

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros vs Marlins - 4/21

« on: April 21, 2010, 09:20:16 pm »

Maybin Ks swinging. One out.

394

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros vs Marlins - 4/21

« on: April 21, 2010, 09:18:34 pm »

Brandon Lyon in to pitch the 8th.

395

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros vs Marlins - 4/21

« on: April 21, 2010, 09:16:09 pm »

Bourn Ks, Kepp grounds out to second.

End 7th Astros 5 Marlins 4

396

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros vs Marlins - 4/21

« on: April 21, 2010, 09:14:46 pm »

i gotta say, related to another game zone conversation we had previously, astros are showing lots and lots of patience at the plate this game.

what I was just about to say myself. they've done a marvelous job this inning w/r/t plate discipline.

397

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros vs Marlins - 4/21

« on: April 21, 2010, 09:13:28 pm »

Aw damn, I thought Bourn had an xb hit down the line there.

398

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros vs Marlins - 4/21

« on: April 21, 2010, 09:12:27 pm »

Astros 5, Marlins 4

Bourn up, Blum on third

399

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros vs Marlins - 4/21

« on: April 21, 2010, 09:11:42 pm »

YESSSSSSSSSSS

BLUM GOES THE DYNAMITE

Triple for Blummer, Astros lead!!

400

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros vs Marlins - 4/21

« on: April 21, 2010, 09:09:48 pm »

Blum PH for Lopez

401

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros vs Marlins - 4/21

« on: April 21, 2010, 09:08:43 pm »

Quintero is battling in the box but gets called out looking.

402

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros vs Marlins - 4/21

« on: April 21, 2010, 09:05:52 pm »

Cmon Kaz...

YESS

Infield hit for Matsui on a roller that refused to go foul down the first base line.

403

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros vs Marlins - 4/21

« on: April 21, 2010, 09:04:16 pm »

Wild pitch advances Feliz to second.

404

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros vs Marlins - 4/21

« on: April 21, 2010, 09:02:48 pm »

Badenhop pitching for the Marlins.

Feliz infield single to the hole, beats Ramirez's throw.

405

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros vs Marlins - 4/21

« on: April 21, 2010, 08:58:49 pm »

Nice pitching tonight from Lopez.

Carroll Ks swinging.

Midd 7th Astros 3 Marlins 4

406

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros vs Marlins - 4/21

« on: April 21, 2010, 08:57:06 pm »

Brett Carroll ph for Johnson.

407

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros vs Marlins - 4/21

« on: April 21, 2010, 08:56:21 pm »

Bourn gobbles up another deep fly. Sanchez retired on the warning track.

408

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros vs Marlins - 4/21

« on: April 21, 2010, 08:53:47 pm »

Lopez rings up Cody Ross. One down.

409

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros vs Marlins - 4/21

« on: April 21, 2010, 08:52:12 pm »

Spazz flies out to Maybin in CF. Threat retired.

End 6th Astros 3 Marlins 4

That error on Keppinger hurts.

410

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros vs Marlins - 4/21

« on: April 21, 2010, 08:50:06 pm »

Wow. Berkman tries to steal third, out by a mile.

411

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros vs Marlins - 4/21

« on: April 21, 2010, 08:48:56 pm »

How the fuck is Lance still standing on 1b after that rundown job by Bourn?

Jeff Bagwell is spinning in his bed.

Prolly thinking about the knee

412

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros vs Marlins - 4/21

« on: April 21, 2010, 08:48:04 pm »

Berkman offers at 3-0 pitch, hits it to SS. SS steps on second for the force out, gets Bourn in a rundown between second and third. Bourn awarded third base on interference by Ramirez.

CABALLO!! Singles to LF for his first RBI. Runners on first and second.

413

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros vs Marlins - 4/21

« on: April 21, 2010, 08:45:00 pm »

I don't even want to begin to try and describe what just happened.

414

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros vs Marlins - 4/21

« on: April 21, 2010, 08:42:21 pm »

Keppinger stays patient, works himself into a hitter's count, walks.

I'm not sure wtf this ump is thinking. His strike zone is small.

415

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros vs Marlins - 4/21

« on: April 21, 2010, 08:39:32 pm »

Bourn rips a grounder down the 1b line for a leadoff double.

416

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros vs Marlins - 4/21

« on: April 21, 2010, 08:36:11 pm »

Baker gets JD'd!

6-4-3 gidp.

Midd 6th Astros 2 Marlins 4

417

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros vs Marlins - 4/21

« on: April 21, 2010, 08:34:41 pm »

Uggla sneaks a grounder between Feliz and Keppinger.

418

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros vs Marlins - 4/21

« on: April 21, 2010, 08:33:54 pm »

Cantu flies out to Bourn

419

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros vs Marlins - 4/21

« on: April 21, 2010, 08:33:02 pm »

Wilton Lopez on in relief.

420

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros vs Marlins - 4/21

« on: April 21, 2010, 08:32:25 pm »

The bats need to get into their pen. Johnson is tough to hit tonight.

421

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros vs Marlins - 4/21

« on: April 21, 2010, 08:30:48 pm »

Sullivan grounds out, 4-3.

End 5th Astros 2 Marlins 4

422

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros vs Marlins - 4/21

« on: April 21, 2010, 08:29:55 pm »

Cory Sullivan pinch-hitting for Norris.

423

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros vs Marlins - 4/21

« on: April 21, 2010, 08:29:01 pm »

Q!!!! HR!!!!

GREAT AT BAT.

424

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros vs Marlins - 4/21

« on: April 21, 2010, 08:26:26 pm »

Matsui taps it off the end of the bat to Johnson. Another quick out.

425

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros vs Marlins - 4/21

« on: April 21, 2010, 08:25:30 pm »

Feliz offers at the first pitch and hits a soft grounder to first. Nobody's able to put good wood on Johnson tonight.

426

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros vs Marlins - 4/21

« on: April 21, 2010, 08:22:51 pm »

Whew. Got lucky there.

Ramirez drove one way back to Tal's Hill that Bourn ran down.

Midd 5th Astros 1 Marlins 4

427

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros vs Marlins - 4/21

« on: April 21, 2010, 08:18:47 pm »

This inning is a disaster. E6 on Keppinger's throw. Maybin scores.

Norris has thrown 25+ pitches this inning.

428

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros vs Marlins - 4/21

« on: April 21, 2010, 08:16:25 pm »

Maybin triples to deep CF. He hit that one where even Michael couldn't get it.

3-1 Marlins.

429

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros vs Marlins - 4/21

« on: April 21, 2010, 08:15:19 pm »

Squeeze play gets the run home. Feliz fields it on the bounce, makes a terrible throw to first, saved by Matsui.

Marlins lead it 2-1.

430

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros vs Marlins - 4/21

« on: April 21, 2010, 08:14:00 pm »

Fuck. Sanchez doubles off the top of the LF wall, game tied with runners at second and third.

431

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros vs Marlins - 4/21

« on: April 21, 2010, 08:12:28 pm »

Ross Ks swinging. Big strikeout for Buddly.

432

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros vs Marlins - 4/21

« on: April 21, 2010, 08:09:44 pm »

Baker works a four-pitch walk. Little trouble here for Norris.

433

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros vs Marlins - 4/21

« on: April 21, 2010, 08:08:34 pm »

Ump's strike zone seems really tight tonight.

434

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros vs Marlins - 4/21

« on: April 21, 2010, 08:07:55 pm »

Uggla jumps on a 3-2 FB, infield single to a diving Keppinger.

435

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros vs Marlins - 4/21

« on: April 21, 2010, 08:04:09 pm »

Pence grounds out to third.

End 4th Astros 1 Marlins 0

436

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros vs Marlins - 4/21

« on: April 21, 2010, 08:03:13 pm »

Caballo flies out to CF.

437

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros vs Marlins - 4/21

« on: April 21, 2010, 08:02:29 pm »

Puma Ks on check swing that wasn't checked enough. Johnson had him fooled on that sequence of pitches.

438

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros vs Marlins - 4/21

« on: April 21, 2010, 07:59:32 pm »

Eight consecutive retired by Norris.

55 pitches, 32 for strikes.

439

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros vs Marlins - 4/21

« on: April 21, 2010, 07:58:17 pm »

Cantu flies out to shallow CF.

 Midd 4th Astros 1 Marlins 0

440

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros vs Marlins - 4/21

« on: April 21, 2010, 07:57:14 pm »

Matsui saves Pence, races out to RF to catch a high fly Spazz lost in the sky.

441

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros vs Marlins - 4/21

« on: April 21, 2010, 07:55:57 pm »

Coghlan drives one to deep cf, Bourn reads it well and makes a strong defensive play for the out.

442

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros vs Marlins - 4/21

« on: April 21, 2010, 07:53:37 pm »

Bourn spanks a grounder to Sanchez's right at first, Sanchez bobbled it and recovered in time to throw to Johnson covering the bag. Bourn was safe, and Bucknor started to signal safe, then changed his mind and called him out.

Keppinger grounds out to second.

End 3rd Astros 1 Marlins 0

443

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros vs Marlins - 4/21

« on: April 21, 2010, 07:50:55 pm »

Fucking Bucknor you cocksmoke!

444

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros vs Marlins - 4/21

« on: April 21, 2010, 07:49:47 pm »

Sac bunt by Norris, Q to second. One down.

445

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros vs Marlins - 4/21

« on: April 21, 2010, 07:48:19 pm »

Q reaches out and pokes one into shallow RF.

446

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros vs Marlins - 4/21

« on: April 21, 2010, 07:46:35 pm »

I love Michael Bourn.

447

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros vs Marlins - 4/21

« on: April 21, 2010, 07:45:59 pm »

Maybin drives one to DEEEEEP CF....but there's a Gold Glove awaiting. Side retired.

Midd 3rd Astros 1 Marlins 0

448

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros vs Marlins - 4/21

« on: April 21, 2010, 07:44:01 pm »

Johnson Ks swinging. 4Ks for Norris.

449

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros vs Marlins - 4/21

« on: April 21, 2010, 07:42:23 pm »

Sanchez falls behind 0-2, works the count full w/ hpu's help (2-2 pitch should've been a strike), grounds out to Feliz. Nice play by Pete Happy.

Norris is doing a very good job keeping the ball down.

450

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros vs Marlins - 4/21

« on: April 21, 2010, 07:37:41 pm »

Matsui works the count full, swings at ball four and grounds out to SS.

END 2nd Astros 1 Marlins 0

451

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros vs Marlins - 4/21

« on: April 21, 2010, 07:35:43 pm »

Johnson splinters Pence, 4-3 ground ball out.

Feliz Ks.

452

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros vs Marlins - 4/21

« on: April 21, 2010, 07:30:49 pm »

Another K for Norris! Gets Ross swinging.

453

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros vs Marlins - 4/21

« on: April 21, 2010, 07:28:58 pm »

Norris gets Cantu to pop up to Berkman in shallow RF, then issues a walk to Uggla followed by a swinging strikeout of Baker.

454

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros vs Marlins - 4/21

« on: April 21, 2010, 07:24:35 pm »

Matsui's defensive gem was truly exceptional. No way Kepp makes that play.

455

Talk Zone / Re: Austin TW coverage tonight?

« on: April 21, 2010, 05:32:33 pm »

Grande shows the Astros/Marlins game at 7 on their equivalent alternative channel. 

456

Talk Zone / Re: Twinky Day 2010

« on: April 21, 2010, 03:23:15 pm »

I work near there.  Please tell me it's open for lunch.  I don't care if I have to bring it back to my office.

Oh yeah. I think they're open from 10-10.

And you will have to bring it back to the office because it's a storefront only and not a dine-in place. It's located right next to a Conoco station.

457

Talk Zone / Re: Twinky Day 2010

« on: April 21, 2010, 02:53:42 pm »

Ok, I'm going to have to try this. Where do I go?

If you live south, you have multiple options. For me the closest is the one on Berkman (6615) just south of Nelson Field and 290.

Go to yelp Austin and search for Pollo Regio and/or Pollo Rico.

458

Talk Zone / Re: Twinky Day 2010

« on: April 21, 2010, 02:27:43 pm »

I have heard of it many a time.  I was once walking downtown to a conference and saw a Billboard for them plastered on the side of one of the buildings.  I have yet to venture down there to get some pollo rostisado.  Best tasting food you can wrap a corn tortilla around ever!  There is just something about grilled Pollo with borracho beans and corn tortilla that says "heaven" to the taste-buds.

It's unfuckwithable in its pure awesomeness. The place has an almost cult following for a reason, but it was always under my radar until one of their trucks moved into the parking lot of the gas station at 38th and I-35. One of my neighbors raved about it so the next time I had to fill up the gas tank I picked up a whole chicken, too. It blew my mind the first time I tasted it, and the hot green sauce that comes with it blew my taste buds.

A whole chicken, a dozen tortillas, a whole grilled onion, rice, and kick ass beans for 12 bucks or so? Yes.

If only that truck hadn't moved on along....now I have to drive all the way to the one off 290.

459

Talk Zone / Re: Twinky Day 2010

« on: April 21, 2010, 02:18:24 pm »

What's the consensus on El Tiempo from you locals? I've only eaten there once on a visit home and enjoyed it very much. On the other hand, I didn't have to pick up the tab so price didn't influence my opinion. Compared to La Jaliscience it's quite expensive but the food was good.

460

Talk Zone / Re: Twinky Day 2010

« on: April 21, 2010, 02:09:22 pm »

I assume a totally different menu though?

Oh yeah, but iirc the menu at La Jalisc was huge, right? Like the burritos. El Tiempo's menu is quite expansive and the portions are humongous.

461

Talk Zone / Re: Twinky Day 2010

« on: April 21, 2010, 02:06:43 pm »

Noe, have you tasted the chicken at Pollo Regio? I could eat there every day.

462

Talk Zone / Re: Twinky Day 2010

« on: April 21, 2010, 02:04:53 pm »

The best post-bar eatery in Houston used to be La Jaliscience on Montrose.  They had these massive burritos that could feed three people that cost $0.99.  I hear the ol' "Jolly Science" is closed now, but fond memories.

It's now an El Tiempo and it's crazy popular.

463

Beer and Queso / Re: Mexicans

« on: April 20, 2010, 03:31:05 pm »

great stuff joey. i laughed.

464

Talk Zone / Re: Roster Move

« on: April 20, 2010, 02:44:41 pm »

Interesting twist...Berkman activated and Chris Johnson was placed on the 15-day DL with a muscle strain.

465

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros @ FTC: 4/18/2010

« on: April 19, 2010, 04:20:30 am »

That is really, really cool for you and very, very scary for me, I think.

But still cool. Congratulations.

Further proof that the sun shines on a dog's ass every once in a while. I am humbled, but that throwaway line cannot touch the genius offerings from many SnS stalwarts. You all know who you are.

466

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros @ FTC: 4/18/2010

« on: April 18, 2010, 04:17:11 pm »

Oh what a feeling!

Great pitching by Lindstrom.

467

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros @ FTC: 4/18/2010

« on: April 18, 2010, 04:06:58 pm »

Oh my god. Lindstrom just carved up Fontenot.

468

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros @ FTC: 4/18/2010

« on: April 18, 2010, 04:04:41 pm »

He's doing well against that AAA pitching.

Better than yesterday... he's 3-for-4 w/ 1 homer, 2 doubles, 3 runs and 2 RBI.

469

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros @ FTC: 4/18/2010

« on: April 18, 2010, 04:02:29 pm »

Great job of golfing that one for a sac fly by Pete Happy. Wooooohooo!

470

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros @ FTC: 4/18/2010

« on: April 18, 2010, 03:58:14 pm »

Berkman just homered for the Express.

471

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros @ FTC: 4/18/2010

« on: April 18, 2010, 03:35:13 pm »

MOTHER. FUCKING. YES.

When life hands you Marmols, make Marmolade.

472

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros @ FTC: 4/18/2010

« on: April 18, 2010, 03:28:34 pm »

Yes 5-4-3!

473

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros @ FTC: 4/18/2010

« on: April 18, 2010, 03:27:57 pm »

Berkman Ks swinging in his 3rd AB.  In other minors news, Hooks have a perfecto going against them through 5.

Just noticed that myself. Abad hasn't exactly sucked, either.

474

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros @ FTC: 4/18/2010

« on: April 18, 2010, 03:19:39 pm »

Hell fucking yeah. Keep on Keppinger on.

475

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros @ FTC: 4/18/2010

« on: April 18, 2010, 03:16:46 pm »

Let's go Kepp!

476

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros @ FTC: 4/18/2010

« on: April 18, 2010, 03:06:52 pm »

Berkman doubles again in his 2nd AB in Round Rock

and scores his second run on a DeLome HR

477

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros @ FTC: 4/18/2010

« on: April 18, 2010, 03:01:42 pm »

listen to those idiots. routine high fly to cf and they spill their beer all over their laps.

478

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros @ FTC: 4/18/2010

« on: April 18, 2010, 02:56:53 pm »

Carlos can't buy a break in this series. He's putting good wood on the ball.

479

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros @ FTC: 4/18/2010

« on: April 18, 2010, 02:52:47 pm »

Apparently there's no Bagwell on the FTC to remind those hitters not to fling the bat in disgust.

480

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros @ FTC: 4/18/2010

« on: April 18, 2010, 02:49:42 pm »

your comment was directed at bourn, but no biggie.  spazz is a total mess, but as has been said before should probably just focus on being a reggie sanders-type lower order free-swinger and get the hell out of his own hamster brain as fast as he can.

actually it was an off the cuff GAME ZONE remark directed at the team, not Bourn. I understand why it sounded otherwise.

Jim can kindly go fuck himself. My sarcasm was mild and hardly deserving of one of his patented SnS scoldings.

481

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros @ FTC: 4/18/2010

« on: April 18, 2010, 02:39:26 pm »

but again, it's not a glaring deficiency in the way that you suggested.  it's not like if the team would just start working for walks then their fortunes would improve.  i mean, right as i type this, quintero is displaying plate discipline against dempster before simply whiffing terribly on a 3-2 fastball to strike out.

Quintero's ab there showed marked improvement from his first AB. However, my comment was directed mostly at Spazz and Carlos Lee. Neither one has been particularly selective at the plate so far this season. Carlos I'm not worried about because he's a solid professional hitter who will certainly break out soon. Pence is another matter altogether.

482

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros @ FTC: 4/18/2010

« on: April 18, 2010, 02:27:02 pm »

spaz aside, i think the reason for the low walks is just lack of overall hitting ability more than a lack of plate discipline.

absolutely, but if we can't make biting remarks about a glaring team deficiency in the goddamn game zone....
 

483

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros @ FTC: 4/18/2010

« on: April 18, 2010, 02:20:23 pm »

Puma with a first-inning double and rbi in RR.

484

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros @ FTC: 4/18/2010

« on: April 18, 2010, 02:16:02 pm »

try some Midol. all you do is bitch, bitch, bitch.

wow, that's rich coming from you. I am nothing if not a sunshine pumping homer. still, nine team walks on the season is terrible plate discipline.

485

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros @ FTC: 4/18/2010

« on: April 18, 2010, 01:54:16 pm »

Bourn works a walk. What a novel idea.

486

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros @ FTC: 4/18/2010

« on: April 18, 2010, 01:33:01 pm »

I heard Brownie say look for Lance to be back on Tuesday, but didnt hear how he did in RR.  Did they say?

Went hitless on the night with a sac fly RBI.

487

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros @ FTC: 4/18/2010

« on: April 18, 2010, 01:24:09 pm »

Nice to see Bourn back in the lineup and Kaz still out of it.

488

Talk Zone / Re: Cards-Mets

« on: April 17, 2010, 10:08:03 pm »

And just like that, it's finally over.

steM win 2-1.

489

Talk Zone / Re: Cards-Mets

« on: April 17, 2010, 10:06:14 pm »

You have got to be kidding me.

I cannot believe the strike zone he just shrunk on the steM. That is such bullshit. Pelfrey threw three good pitches and got zero calls.

490

Talk Zone / Re: Cards-Mets

« on: April 17, 2010, 10:04:46 pm »

OMG Bucknor you fuckwit.

491

Talk Zone / Re: Cards-Mets

« on: April 17, 2010, 10:02:11 pm »

Fucking CB Bucknor. It's the bottom of the 20th and he's squeezing Pelfrey? That second-to-last pitch to Lopez was right on the corner.

He was giving everything within six inches each direction to Mather.

492

Talk Zone / Re: Cards-Mets

« on: April 17, 2010, 09:19:10 pm »

I really want to see Lopez continue to pitch.

493

Talk Zone / Re: Cards-Mets

« on: April 17, 2010, 09:12:23 pm »

Crazy game. Felipe Lopez is pitching for the Shitbirds.

494

Talk Zone / Re: Cards-Mets

« on: April 17, 2010, 08:45:20 pm »

Nice job jakes. Two more RISP wasted. We go to 17.

495

Talk Zone / Re: Cards-Mets

« on: April 17, 2010, 08:43:36 pm »

He did it.

The first no-no in Rockies history and the entire country misses it because Fox won't cut away to it and ESPN probably can't b/c of Fox.

496

Talk Zone / Re: Cards-Mets

« on: April 17, 2010, 08:42:14 pm »

Should have a live look in soon:

http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2010_04_17_colmlb_atlmlb_1&mode=gameday

or not. wtf?

497

Talk Zone / Re: No walking here

« on: April 17, 2010, 07:53:43 pm »

If badmouthing would fix him, explain 2008

We didn't trust our stuff.

498

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros @ FTC: April 17

« on: April 17, 2010, 06:23:08 pm »

He also pointed out how Roy used his changeup to strike out Fukudome (the swinging K in the video right before Lee's K) in the sixth. Leading off the bottom half of the inning, Fukudome had a 3-2 count and was sitting on the fastball. Roy fooled him with the changeup, which Fukudome was way out in front of and barely fouled off. Next pitch---boom, blew him away with the fastball.

499

Game Zone 2010 Archive / Re: Astros @ FTC: April 17

« on: April 17, 2010, 06:14:51 pm »

And??

He took a ball and showed the circle change grip (iirc, he held it kinda like this), then explained that Roy keeps the same arm velocity going forward to make it look just like his fastball. However, the key difference is in not snapping the wrist after releasing the ball but keeping the hand straight, thereby kinda pushing it out of the hand, resulting in Roy's changeup diving at the plate. Lee's K swinging at the end of this video is a good example of it.

http://houston.astros.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=7498987&c_id=hou&topic_id=8879000

500

Talk Zone / Re: No walking here

« on: April 17, 2010, 05:45:56 pm »

And then he goes and has a great day today. Good. Maybe we ought to badmouth him some more.

Yeah, but we need to save some of those words for Spaz, with a few sprinkled in for Caballo. Get him and Carlos going at the same time and this team might be able to string together a few consecutive victories.