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Golito out for season. Should scratch him off the short list.
Series Preview posted. Hold your nose and click here.Your very good with the Schwartz, you have learned how to make links disappear!
But strikeouts are cool. One time, there was this guy...Kerry Woods...he struck out 20 guys in the same game.
Now you're just making shit up...
Joe Morgan said, "I'm not worthy..."
He provided enough run support to make Roy happy.
No, no, no... we've already documented our belief systems.I figure it was just deep cover... our own version of the Russian Spy thing.
I believe you are looking for Alkie.Wait, extensive research is pointing to JACkAstro... the W is silent.
Yeah, but he's already posting here, right?Only under a pseudonym ..... my guess is Limey.
I think it's more accurate to say NYC is half Jewish, half Catholic, half atheist, half agnostic, and 10% wiccan.Not to mention the small pocket of Agnostic Atheist Catholic wiccans with Jewish tendencies.
Thanks. It's not that I don't trust you, it's that I don't trust Pinwheel.years of .... evidence to support the position too.
He cleaned out the Phillies?He spent so much time pissing and moaning, where else do you think he resides?
roy o would probably not even be in mlb had the astros scout not found him. and now he is one majordudedouche
Is it still the position of MLB that this entire Ryan-Rangers-Astros dynamic is completely devoid of any conflict-of-interest?No he does not, his son does though.
He still owns two of our affiliates, doesn't he?
I'm sure it is hard to find an unemployed, blackberry-carrying financial boob in NYC. It's not like a cigar shop where you have to decide which end of the block to walk to.I thought all financial boobs carried a blackberry.
I wouldn't wonder if it is a lyles family connection since he is from SC.I figured that must be what occured, but then if the Astros were meeting to talk about if they want to promote someone, I find it hard to believe they would tell the player, BEFORE they meet.... but maybe that is just me.
South Carolina reporter Lou Bezjak tweets that the Astros brass will meet soon to decide if Lyles should be promoted to Round Rock.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....
i hear the creditors are pisssedfinally they all agree on something!
Aaaaaaand right on cue, the Swiss take theThat was pretty awesome little exchange too... If keep gave up his body on that one, like US goalie did, he might have some broken ribs, but the Swiss would not have scored.cheeselead.
France forfeits?
ETA: Japan did get an unexpected opening win...
No ragging intended -- I thought that was clear fact: Aggies are all about traditions.
And yes, I am fully aware that Baylor right now needs help to stay in a major conference. Sad, but true.
So here is your new conferece
A&M ($20M) - back in UT's shadow, still wondering what it would be like in the SEC
I don't think it makes any substantial difference to recruiting. I think it hurts TV contract negotiations.
Per MLBDraft via Twitter: Astros ink 9 #mlbdraft picks: Doran (4) Buchanan (Now that you are a moderator, how about a sticky that is just a spreadsheet of the draftees and their status... I recall you had something similar that you put within a thread and updated it as info came out. Figure Sticky that noone can respond to might be easier on the site and you.Shirley (9) Redinger (11) Robinson (12) Wallace (16) Sogard (26) Cole (34) Lane (41)
Will get the draftees and status thread as able.
Three-year attention spans are in short supply nowadays.So are Three-minute attention spans.... Hey look at that shiny penny just sitting there...
Oh, okay. But seems odd to be projecting the kid this early. He hasn't even signed yet. I don't think anyone can say now if he'll even be tried at third until they actually take him to Florida for Instructionals. I believe he's going to start his rookie ball right where he plays right now.Having had no life when drafts have rolled around previously I know that when players are drafted the team asked MLB to list them as <instert_position_name_here> which to me at least indicates where they plan to play them at first when they get them under club control. Obviously this is a bigger deal when a player could be either a pitcher or position player, but I believe it still holds true in cases like this too.
I'm curious how Boras will advise Jones in this instance. From a pure 'Boras is a money-grubbing slut' perspective, I'd think it would be 'play the school angle hard, I'll raise a stink about the Astros being cheap and then we'll take our best money on the eve of the signing deadline.' If he won't be a draft-eligible Sophomore (I'm too lazy to look it up right now) then. with the LSU commitment he won't be eligible for the draft until 2013. Given the way that Selig in beating the drums about a hard slotting system agreement in the next CBA(?) in 2012(?), I have to think it will be implemented by 2013. Then what is the kid going to do? Roll the dice, hope he is a top 5 pick and get $2.5M to $3.0M, or take $1.5M or so, an additional 'college fund' from the club (Houston has added college money to the deal for a number of younger draftees), and start his career now. Somehow (given the 'Boras is a money-grubbing slut' factor) I'm guessing (hoping) it will be the latter...Someone is turning into Noe...
And that's if he doesn't go via trade.If that happends Congress will waste more tax-payer money on a probe into collusion in MLB.
No one expects Dusty Baker. Fear, surprise, and ruthless inefficiency.Was that the Judean People's Front or the People's Front of Judea?
First one's in the barn - UH catcher Chris Wallace signed with the Astros.Let's see HS in Houston, College in Houston, MLB in Houston... talk about dream coming true. Good luck to him, and congrats on signing their first player before the draft is even over! THAT is a multi-tasking front office.
"Jones declined to say exactly how much they were asking for, but said it was, “way above seven figures.” The Astros countered with an offer that was a little over $1 million"
Goodness. Just how much is way over? 5 mil? Got news for Mr. Jones. A bachelor's isn't worth very much these days. He'll have to improve to top 10 to catch the numbers he's looking for. Is the odds of that similar to him making it to the majors (which gaurantees a salary of 400k)?
If it was me, I'd get the Astros high enough to clear a cool million after taxes. Invest that into retirement. If baseball doesn't work out then at 30 you can retire.
I liked one scenario that had Berkman and Oswalt going to the Giants for Cain, Bumgarner, and 2-3 position prospects. It was just posted on a blog somewhere, so it was at least as credible as Richard Justice.
One caveat to that, if they'll take Lee with Oswalt, I'd see that as a win/win. Clearing 32mil in payroll is not a sacrifice of the future. That would let them go after a big FA (such as Crawford or even Cliff Lee) and come out neutral on money. The key is finding someone who wants to come to Houston and is willing to be part of a youth over-haul. It's been stated before, but at some point they have to cut bait on this season. That will allow them to promote Chris Johnson, and maybe others, to see exactly what they have and, subsequently, what they will need during the offseason.
Here you go.I should have known better...
I don't know the answer to that question, but I can tell you what cougars dream of.Putting a link like THAT on here might not be considered family friendly.
Hitting nearly .350 in his last 10 games and slugged his first homer of the year tonight.I think at best Castro will be called up only after the Super 2 point is passed, thus not "starting his clock" to allow the Astros to keep control longer... when is that, June 1st or later? I always forget that part.
Is that what you get when cross a lesbian and a bisexual? NTTAWWT....
Not saying you're ultimatly right or wrong, but using the results from a small fraction of the season as basis for your argument is just silly.Ok, let's try this, of the 10 teams listed how many made the playoffs last year?
That would be the Yankees, Cubs, Red Sox, Marlins, Rockies, DBacks, Rangers, Indians, Giants, and Nationals.
I'd listen to offers for Lindstrom.
I have not heard anything, but the McGuire pick has some solid foundation to it. I too think Mayo may be on to something.Mayo isn't always right, but he does have good connections and isn't just a parrot of them. He tends to be one of the better quality guys out there to listen to, even though all of them are guessing alot at this point.
Which one plays rover?Say no to all of them!
Even by this team's standards.And THAT is saying something!
LaRussa pinch-hitting for Carpenter, only to bunt, is a classic .093 move.But you see this is why the tank commander is thought to be such a genius... cause nobody can figure out why he does the shit he does... if he hadn't won much he would be considered a fucking idiot... oh wait, we already think of him that way... nevermind
He waved 200lbs buh-bye decades ago.Actually there were so many ways I could go with that, I chose to make it open-ended so people could fill in their own ideas on where it could have gone.
And back below .200 he goes...Oh wait, you were talking about his average...
-50 pitches for Bud to this point
Ball just outside
K swinging.
On to the 6th. 4-0 astros
Spaz.And the inconsistency continues... so much for my hope.
Fouls off first pitch.
Grounds second one to second. 4-6-3 DP. 3 outs.
Middle of the 5th, 4-0 good guys.
Most offensive SS of all time? Walt Fucking Weiss.I hate you!
They only check ESPN for the pictures.And almost always smarter for it!
Did he wink when he said it? Regardless, I say yes.I think you want to go with multiple methods of signal sending... he already did verbal, now try visual, like a Minute Maid juice box for his drink while he answers questions instead of a water bottle.
In response, Mr. Towers, the pumpkins are in the coal car. Repeat, the pumpkins are in the coal car. Over.
In any case, I think the Astros are more likely to be in the running if it's a multi-team deal. AND, Towers did say “The train’s kind of left the station,”. Hint?I like where your mind is at, but I think you are reaching.
Towers,...anticipates a trade before the winter meetings open in Las Vegas on Dec. 8. ...My concern here is, if the Astros are the "3rd team" then they are not landing Peavy. If, however as MM proposed, the Braves are the "3rd team" then it works.
“We’re not to the point where we’ve agreed on who the players are coming back. We just have an idea of who’s available to us and who’s not,” Towers said. “Now it’s just a matter of looking at three priority teams that are involved and trying to figure out what our optimum deal is. Some of them involve third teams and potentially fourth teams, so it becomes a little more complicated.”
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=ap-gmmeetings&prov=ap&type=lgns
Braves don't want another Jeff Francouer clone. Don't take this literally...I like alot of things about Pence more, but they are similar. Francouer came up from the minors mashing (messiah tag applied shortly thereafter), he was all the rage with the female fanatics and he's failed miserably to live up to expectations ever since.Perhaps you follow the Braves more closely than I, but given how BAD their OF was, I think they would be happy with Pence. But the catch might be for them, they have some really hot prospects in the OF, but they are still 1-2 yrs away, min from all I have heard.
It's that time of the year when different folks start putting out their top 10/20 prospect list. Baseball America started theirs off with the O's and named former Astro farm hand Troy Patton as #8. They will do their Astros list on Jan 16. This thread will be a way to keep up with the list as they come out. Feel free to post one if you find it first.Not meaning to clutter this thread up, so feel free to delete it if you want, but....
Already lived through a YouTube ban. You can have my iPhone when you can pry it from my hot, sweaty hand.You know, people I know have a running joke that only women and gay-men have iPhones. They actually even did some personal research on this with people they have come in contact with that have them. The percentages were pretty surprising from what they found... I had no idea of this perception before they told me about it.
I have little doubt Castro will sign. I'm a little surprised but pleased about Dyalphabet and still expect Davidson to ink.Is that hopeful wishing or do you have some extra reason to expect he will?
Chalk another one up that's headed for Greeneville. I am excited about this signing.So that leaves Davidson and Seaton as the only question among the top 10 picks for the Astros... very nice info indeed!
http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/varsitynews/entries/2008/06/18/dydalewicz_make.html
22 of 52 signed within a week -- is than an unusually high percentage to be in the fold so quickly?Depends on the draft, if you draft alot of 4yr SRs, then it is low, if you draft mostly HS players it can be considered high... It is about what you would expect at this point, I think.
Beckham confirmed at #1.The little blurb at the end of that article shows that even the top pick is very much a crap shot as are all picks in the MLB draft. (granted not all the TB picks were #1, but most if not all were top 5-7, I think).
Here's the thing. When he was drafted it was with the intent of replacing Everett at some point with a similar player. With Wade I'm not sure that holds. I haven't got a good feel yet for what he's looking for and how he'll handle player development.My guess is we will learn quite a bit based on what types of players get drafted this year. In the past the Astros have tended to go for guys (particularly middle infield) more on glove/defense/make-up than bat potential.
They will probably give him 3 weeks to come out of it. I think he will come out of it and start hitting again.Well of course that settles it doesn't it.
He's 13 in Junior League (13-15 yr olds).He has great stuff AND he is a gamer! NICE COMBO!
On the first pitch of the game, he was hit by a come-backer to the mound off his calf. Stayed in to pitch, but today he is pretty bruised.
tell me why. he was pitching when they tied it up with base hits.True but I think he just ran out of gas. He seemed to be pitching really well until then.
Pence is a terrible 2.I am not sure I would go THAT far, but I agree he is not what you want there. I look forward to Matsui for that role.
ST is no place to evaluate fielding. he looks good enough to make the routine plays. i'll take that.From what I have seen (very limited) he has average range, but a very strong arm. So comparing to AE, he has less range but a better arm. Not to diminish AEs defense, AE was a better defensive SS.
i think he doesOr the scorer does...
He is better at SS than I was led to believe.I have not seen enough to judge that just yet, but I am pleased to learn that he gives 100% all the time. And I have learned about his love for the game.
I can't even get regular gameday at work right now. Just white boxes where the field and boxscore are supposed to be.I am getting it to work fine.
The remake sucked. That is all.It is my experience that nearly all remakes of movies that were once "successful" ussually pale in comparrison. Although this is not always true of remakes of movies that were not "successful" the first time around. Maybe that is the old man in me comming out... "They don't make em like they used to..."
The back was a known issue when they signed Matsui, and I don't think they would consider the fissure a long-term issue.I agree, Newhan makes that very do-able. Any word on if Ransom made the Yankees? That would also be a nice fallback.
I don't think they ever expected Loretta to accept arb, and when he did, he became somewhat redundant to Blum. I would not be surprised if they still try to move him, especially given Newhan's presence.
Yes - I still think they're trying to work a trade. The problem is, the O's (not surprisingly) have gummed up the works by not moving Roberts.But this is assuming that Loretta would then be an option to trade to the O's, right? So then the Astros have to deal with them AGAIN, and that is often a huge PIA.
The Chron right now has this article with this title.Not an Omen, just another in a HUGE list of why the Chronicle sucks. Their editors are terrible.
Tejada's happy with Houston
Miguel Tejada brings a potent bad to the Astros...
Inge, who lost his everyday job when the Tigers traded for third baseman Miguel Cabrera, says he began to appreciate Cabrera's hitting genius while watching him in a bunting drill.
Inge says Cabrera's eyes would follow the ball to the bat. He would make contact without blinking, squinting or flinching, then follow the ball off the bat as well.
Wouldn't this depend upon who's in the starting rotation?I would be interested in hearing who Footer thinks makes the rotation.
as Bob says, he cannot throw.But if he could learn to throw with his other hand...
It sounds to me like he is "pretty good in the field for a left-fielder", which is not exactly to imply gold-glove caliber. I predict RR will see Gorneault in LF, Ramirez in CF and Diaz in RF on a pretty regular basis. Cruz or Abercrombie would figure in the mix if either is sent down and accepts the assignement (Cruz) or clears waivers (Abercrombie), with the DH rule giving plenty of AB's to whoever is 4th. Of course, there is also Self (OF/1B), Niekro (1B), Newhan (IF/OF) and Saccomanno (1B and maybe 3B) to fit into the puzzle somewhere.Quick guessing of the names you mentioned:
Or my cranium was in said location.FIFY
I am hoping they lose tons on this, mostly because I think it stupid to having opening day almost a full week before anyone but 2 teams play. (ideally all 30 teams playing on opening day) I also think it stupid to have opening day (or any other regular game) either someplace other than a MLB baseball field or outside the country (unless they have a team, ala Canada with Tor).
It wasn't just MLB. The cost for international games is born by both MLB and the MLBPA. The costs come out of the revenue both sides earn, and if the venture loses money, both sides still pony up in various ways.
I hear they're down on Homer Bailey. We'll take him too.Why do you tempt the animals, I mean Clarks, this way?
Just a little announcement: got back from the big 20-week ultrasound today, and my husband and I are happy to announce that we are expecting a little girlCongrats. That is great news.So, looks like pink bats in our future!
Carry on
I think that Williams' spot is on the line today. I think that if the Dodgers jump all over him, he'll retire and not put the Astros in a bad position.Given you have been calling for his head for a while, don't be upset if I generally ignore your comments on him for awhile.
Hilarious! I thought I heard them say Berkman was thinking about keeping the chops.I bet Pam is drooling over the Elvis type promotions she can use if he does.
He had an injured finger much of the time last year. My friend thinks he could help the good guys.I think he at least worth a look, not exactly like they have obviously better options at the moment.
Saw that as well. I know he had a very good rookie season with the Braves and some pretty decent seasons afterwards. Any thoughts as to why he sucked so badly last season (besides moving to a more powerful American League)?You might want to temper that a bit. He was highly erratic while with the Braves... unfortunate by-product of being married to a Braves fan, that I know that.
During bfast this morning, GL returned Jayson Stark's call. "What does he want?" says I. "Information" says he.Umm, who is GL? I think I pieced together the rest of the comment. Understand you are on Mobile device, so if someone else knows...
we may just throw away K/BB ratios a littleI think K/BB is still big, because Coop says "Don't F-in walk 'em!" or something like that. K/9 on the other hand... that might not be a big deal. I seem to recall the bullpen at least being on of the top if not the top in the league in that area almost every year the last several. I think that might change with this philosophy change.
You misunderstand...I think there's a place on the White Sox for a player who hits a ton and can't field his position. See Frank Thomas.Isn't that true for all AL teams using the bastard postion of DH?
I'm rooting for him in a big way. It's good to see someone try to bury their demons and realize their potential.I totally agree.
Grown men should not wear sweat pants except while playing sports, in the gym, or lying on the couch.And Women shouldn't wear Rollers in their hair when shopping, but that isn't going to change either. (BTW, I am not sure I even OWN a pair of sweat pants anymore)
All I've seen is this scenario where Towles is handed the starting position and Ausmus is his coach. Cooper doesn't seem to want to buy into that and has been saying good things about Quintero too. I have no information whether Towles starting is a pr move, but the way the Astros operated last season, I wouldn't doubt it. Drayton Mclane is still the owner. I know that Woody Williams had a bad season last year, but it seems to me that he is still respected in the dugout and by the coaches. I would think that they'd listen to his input on the catchers. If they listen to anyone.I would point out that opinions on people can change, as players can change/develop. So it is possible, Q is better in the areas that Woody had issue with, or maybe Woody was having a tough time, and was going to rip any "young" catcher. Who knows. But the keeping of Q or not should not be based on Woody's opinion. Although I know you are not suggesting it should, I just want to head that one off.
Palillo's sqwawking aside, Talbot is the one the Stros will miss.As was stated by those in the know around here too.
Houston because I read somewhere or at least inferred from somewhere, maybe on astros.com, that Wade favored him. And, I believe he'd have to pass through waivers to be sent down. Wade didn't add him to the 40-man for no reason. Sampson, McLemore and most of the others have options. Paronto is one I forgot who could get Houston's spot.I can buy all that reasoning, but I think Houston's spot is the one definite "up in the air" spot on the roster. The others seem pretty set, at least to this point in the ST. Cruz seems to have grabbed a stangle hold on the last position player spot.
So why include Houston and not Abercrombie when Abercrombie was added to the 40-man and would have to pass through waivers to be sent down? Pitching is in much shorter supply than back-up outfielders. Also, IMO, Q will be dealt.
I doubt it. Erstad was signed to help Pence.My feeling is Erstad is a lock, too. But then that means one of 4 things:
Another big day for Cruz Jr.Ok, let's put this in perspective.
i'm rooting for Cruz Jr.Me too. But getting close to being a numbers game, because I like Abercrombie too.
Heard Neikro left game with bruised footUhmmm
Newhan batting: stroked it to CF, but caught, for 2nd out. Newhan was in for Neikro who left with a bruised foot. Blum moved from 2B to 1B.Nice to see people are enjoying my PBP.
It's a great stadium. Right on the water.Ty this seems like it would have been the perfect opportunity for you to be at the game with your Wifi to give us real PBP from the stands.
I heard Carlos got his Rodeo pass for today. The Tampa radio dook said it's written in his contract.
I thought I heard them say he'd reached his 'set pitch limit'. Not swearin' to nothing though...Wait, you were listening before I was and wasn't PBPing? WTF?
Saw two stolen bases on towles in the box score. Were they stolen off him or the pitcher? How close were they?I cannot acurately vouch for either one as I was listening and not watching. Based on what was said, the 2nd one was totally on the pitcher. The 1st, I don't recall clearly enough, but don't think they said one way or another, but it was a speedy type guy.
Yesterday Milo and Raymond were speculating that it would be Q over a 5th outfielder (if they kept Q), and Blum could serve as the all over guy (ala Bruntlett).Milo and Brett mentioned the same thing today. But I guess I was thinking about the NYCU stuff where they were talking about IF they were going to carry 12 pitchers or not, which is what got me thinking about that option instead of the 5th OFer.
During the game, while JD and Brownie were interviewing Coop, JD asked if the position players on the 25-man were basically set except for the fifth outfielder. Coop said that they were considering taking a third catcher instead of a fifth outfielder because Q was out of options (or words to that effect). JD seemed surprised they would even consider taking a third catcher, as was I. So I guess at least Coop, and possibly others in the front office, have been impressed with Q so far.If I had to guess right now, I think it more a question of 3rd catcher vs 12th pitcher not 3rd catcher vs 5th OFer. But then, that is my guess.
Any news about Berkman? Also, thanks for the pbp.If you are asking about his "injury" he was DHing today and got walked, and didn't want to have to run the bases should that be required, so he asked the dug out to replace him. I am guessing he then started acting like he pulled his hammy to "encourage" them to replace him. I think it was just his way of asking out of the game. I doubt it looked like anything other than a veteran doing a BAD acting job as humor. Based on how Milo and Brett talked about it, it was a joke by Berkman to help get him out of the game before he had to run the bases. He scored from 1B earlier in the game, from what they said, so there is no injury.
Damn it Jim...you scared off my only source for updates.Astros took the lead by a run in the bottom of the 5th, I think Lee drove in Tejada.
QFrom what I heard (radio broadcast) Q did really well, but the writing is all but on the wall. Unless the Astros take 3 catchers (highly doubtful if they take 12 pitchers) Q won't make the club.
Another non-funny injury:There are times when I wish we could just go back to the day when they just said stuff like, Pie is out for a couple of days with an undisclosed injury. Today, only are the specific, but in some cases, they even tell you what that means... I mean, there are somethings I don't want to THINK about, you know?
Weeding out new faces, Coop frustrated with base on balls. Who do you like? Villareal, James & Paulino?Give me like 2-3 more weeks, then things might be clearer. They have not even played a week of ST games yet and you want to make choices already? Not impatient are you?
I think MLB needs to take steps to reduce the time it takes to play a 9-inning game.
Is there anyone who's hit 3,000 and not made the Hall upon becoming eligible?Rafael Palmeiro will test that one, I think.
concerning Jarred Ball... He signed with the Astros on December 13, 2007. The same day that Patton was traded. Patton and Ball were high school teammates. My source, who wishes to remain anonymous, didn't know why the transaction didn't make it to MLB.com our other similar sources. He'll be at Corpus or Round Rock to start the season.Any history on what happend between 05 and 06, seems to have taken a terrible fall, in hitting, power and basestealing. Ussually you don't see all 3 drop so dramatically unless there was something else that occured, be it physical or mental.
Tal Smith outlined the Phillies position,That is exactly as Tal has been portrayed in these things. Never attack the player, but defend the number.
Smith said the Phillies’ case hinged on Howard’s limited major-league service time and how he slots into baseball’s salary scale. Howard hasn’t been in the majors for three full seasons. He can’t become a free agent until after the 2011 season.
It’s likely the Phillies argued that their $7 million offer matches the highest one-year proposal for a first-time arbitration-eligible player. The St. Louis Cardinals offered $7 million to Albert Pujols in 2004 before agreeing on a seven-year, $100 million extension.
“That’s certainly a major portion of the criteria,” Smith said. “It’s the length and consistency of the career. That’s basically what the discussion was about. There’s no denying his performance. It’s a question of how that slots into the criteria.”
Link
Won't he be batting cleanup for the O's?You ask like we follow them, or something... if he is, I am sure he will get some nice numbers. Afterall SOMEBODY has to get the RBIs for every team. And ussually the 3rd and 4th batters get more than the rest.
Correct.There are not problems with Ramirez going to AAA though, right? No risk of losing him to FA?
stop thinking as if the glass is half empty!It was full!
The fact that Abercrombie is out of options is rather material to this decision, no?I would imagine it is. Wasn't that why most around here when trying to figure out the 25-man roster a month or so ago, were penciling him in as one of the bench players?
So the Orioles weren't real particular about who they got in return for Tejada. Of course Orioles fans think Luke Scott is the steal of the deal.Depending on the extent of Patton's injury he might be all they yeild from the deal. But then Scott was a decent to good OFer. Although much more suited to LF than RF. Still his bat was pretty decent and he is a lefty. He just didn't have a spot in the Astros OF, but that doesn't mean he is a bad player... But I would hardly call him a "steal". But then, he might be when comparing to some other teams OF options.
I don't understand why the Phillies went to the mat on that one. This isn't a backup, or a closer you think will be gone in two years - this is a franchise cornerstone. Why risk pissing him off?Or better yet, why are you not working on a long-term deal with him to avoid this whole process all together. The dude is about the best masher in baseball. Granted he Ks a ton, but mashers like him make the whole line-up better, IMO.
It's highly unlikely he'd been invited to the mini-camp. It's usually the top guys plus as Bennett said guys who are going to move up a level. Not everyone goes, not even close to everyone.I understand that. I guess I just wasn't clear in my statement. Basically the Astros will be sure he is there when they need him to be.
I give them some credit for recognizing the idea that prospect lists, or individual propects themselves and their "potential," don't begin to capture the value of one's minor league system. BA has apparently begun to realize this and that is a step forward, imo.I think people like BA who do prospect list try to balance the projection of a player vs. the actual situation. This means that the top "prospect" isn't always the closes to impacting the Major League Club, but more a matter of trying to project who will impact the Major League Club MORE for their career. As with most projecting of this sort, it is very comparable to batting average. The best are still hitting below .500 at it.
An example of this ranking weakness is illustrated by Sampson in the 2007 list: he was ranked 11th or so by BA, after he had already made a few major league appearances and showed he could at least, likely fill a roster spot. Contrast that with Barthmaier, or Sapp who were ranked higher on the list, yet every honest evaluator knew that as lower level players, there was a large amount of uncertainty associated with them. At that moment in time, Sampson's abilities, even with a lower ceiling, would presumably add some value to him relative to Sapp or Barthmaier, from the viewpoint of the GM at least, who needs to fill out a roster. This value is never accounted for in those ranking lists, and tends to distort the value of a club's minor league system.
Isnt this mini spring training held in Italy?I am sure the team is working with Jan to have him arrive at the right time. I think some will be dependent on which league they plan to assign him to. Not all minor leaguers arrive to ST at the same time.
Because Jan(The one who signed a couple months ago) is there at the moment for two weeks.
So, basically, if you are seeking information regarding the Houston Astros, the Chronicle is among the last places to look.Footer is still the best source. But Stark is often one of the better Baseball guys I see today. Doesn't mean he isn't without faults too, but compared to the rest of them, he is significantly better.
In addition to Stark's column the Orlando Sentinel apparently is a useful source.
"We had to make a decision before the Mitchell Report came out because of several things that were occurring in baseball," he said.As has been mentioned several times one was Everett. And the fact they had to make a call on if they wanted to offer arbitration or let him walk.
Any ideas what he's referring to there?
Ah... But Footer vs. Ditka?Chicago Player Ditka
Speaking of the Phillies, where's Eric Bruntlett?Guessing here, but Arbitration? Is he up for that? Was it going to Arb?
"Notes
INF Wes Helms reported to camp, leaving Rollins and INF Eric Bruntlett as the only notable absences. "
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=ap-boringphillies&prov=ap&type=lgns
Well, I guess this question has been answered. See today's AP article about Towles getting the starting job and being tutored by Ausmus. The article includes this interesting tidbit:You know that part you quoted seems to re-enforce something I was thinking. Supposedly one of Towles strength's is calling a game and working with pitchers (ok, two things). While I know that is where Ausmus is strongest and has more experience, but Towles needs to learn to do this and you really only get better through doing, so.... Also since Towles is supposed to be the long term solution, better that he earns that trust/respect from the pitchers he will be catching, sooner rather than later. With Oswalt since he doesn't rely on the catcher as much, he can wait longer to develop that relationship with Towles. Plus, all indications were, Roy wanted to throw to Ausmus, and what Roy wants Roy gets. One of the perks of being the Ace of the staff.
Our system may suck but we got players close to the Majors. BA using their formula, ranked the Astros 3rd. Which really screwed with their perception our system is the suckiest.
yeah, that is a pretty silly thing to say.Business is always personal.
once it's all said and done, i do hope that all parties involved will feel that the outcomes are fair - with no hard feelings. it's just business...nothing personal, right?
There's lots of presupposition going on in the punditocrisy and amongst the Congressional committee members.I don't think it limited to just them, on both sides of the arguement.
Bartman?He may not think it, but I would imagine if they win, it will allow him to fade away.
Jason Whitlock, certainly calling it like he sees it.Trying to figure out how to turn this into one of those CRACK KILLS! T-shirt ideas... anyone?
got him pegged, ok. omg, what if he has to pick up a check!Or doesn't get invited to the next celebrity golf tournament?
WFW. there are hearings going on all the time about a million different things. tell the parents of kids who have had tragic effects from using them in HS that this is a trivial matter.Sheesh, testy again are we. I didn't say it was trival in the fact they are trying to curb a growing (or was at one time) problem of steroid use in this country. Although it seems to have turned more into a focus on one man rather than trying to solve the issue.
Nothing takes your mind off war, poverty and a crumbling infrastructure like a good old congressional hearing on steroids.I heard someone make the funny arguement that is was good that Congress was spending all this time on the HGH use in baseball because it kept them from doing something stupid on other matters that they would be discussing otherwise. (pick your favorite target amongst Immigration Reform, Universal Health Care, War on Terror, etc.)
Our founding fathers would be turning over in their graves.
These bumbling fools have their priorities askew.
Right now, I'm not worried about any of it.Me either. I suspect the question of Drayton spending more than slot money on a draftee should it be required will probably be answered by the people Drayton asks "Is he worth spending the extra money on?". My guess is that was also true last year and Drayton was told no. The reason I believe this is because he has spent more than slot money before on some (Patton comes immediately to mind). So we know he will do it for the right players.
if he can also play defense like Ausmus says he can, he'll be an All Star.Just one more productive player out of that "crappy" farm system...
Currently, the Astros' 3rd, 4th, and 5th spots are interchangable.VERY true. Adding Chacon isn't likely to change that fact was more my point.
couldn't you find anyone else to disagree with in your post?Feeling left out? I will see what I can do next time.
See: Astros 1998, Houston as an example of what a good lineup that needs a good to great pitcher can do at the trading deadline.I think his point here is that they don't have the trade chips to get that pitcher at the deadline. (ie to compete with others who might be trying to land the same pitcher)
In a way the Astros hope the starters are "filler". Fill 5-6 innings every night. (Except Roy) The plan is to be up 6-4 in the 6th and trust the bullpen. Instead of previous seasons, down 2-0 and hope to come back. For me, this will take some getting used to.The problem with this is that eventually the bullpen will be overworked at that pace. Or at least that is the theory. Actually the bullpen had 507 IP last year which is just over 3 IP per game. And that was pretty close to ML average. So maybe it isn't unreasonable if the starters do average 6 IP per start, but problems might occur if they slide too close to 5 IP/start instead.
Wow. First preview not to mention the "Ed Wade was a failure in Philly!!!" angle. Kudos for that if nothing else. I also don't get why he's harping on the second-tier moves, especially when he's ignoring the possible resurgence of Backe. Did no one else watch the 2005 playoffs?I like Backe too and I have high expectations, however he has yet to really pitch a full season without some type of significant injury (or recovery from). Also the 2005 playoffs could be written off as just a hot streak and not the norm. I think it does show what he is capable of, so that is why I am hopeful too. Plus I think it would be the perfect story if he can rise to that level on a consistent basis. But I understand skepticism on this area as well.
There has to be more than this to convict Clemens of whatever it is you and others want to pin on him. Do I believe he's a saint? No. Do I believe he probably took steroids? Yes. Do I believe the case is real strong against him? No. Do I believe Clemens deserves to be dragged through the mud? No. Do I believe much of this Clemens brought upon himself because his ego wouldn't let him stay above this fray? Yes. Do I believe McNamee is credible? No.I agree close to 100% with everything you say here. But I think the last question is built into the question about the strength of the case question. The last question should have been, "Do I believe McNamee is telling the truth about him and Clemens and HGH?" And to that one, I would answer yes, I believe McNamee did inject Clemens with HGH/Steroids.
Don't forget that Bedard is under club control for 2 seasons (vs. one for Santana) and will be cheaper for the first season and probably the 2nd as well. That adds value to Bedard.True, but Santanna has a MUCH better track record of success. Bedard basically broke through last year. Santanna has been doing his best "Best Pitcher in Baseball" trick for 3+ years.
But, the only context in which McNamee mentions Clemens is in the Mitchell investigation. Here's where we're getting confused, the stories are saying that McNamee gave the evidence to "the Justice Department’s BALCO investigators". However, Clemens is not named as a defendant in the Balco case. Nor is he named as a defendant in any other case, civil or criminal. There is only one proceeding that has named Clemens as having taken peds, the Mitchell Investigation. And McNamee was "asked" by the Justice Dept. investigators involved in the BALCO case to cooperate with the Mitchell investigation. Not the BALCO caseI think in the BALCO case they are after the distributors and since Clemens got is "stuff" from McNamee, he was in the other direction from where they were targeting. AND he is not in the BALCO case because he got his "stuff" from McNamee (supposedly). So while it may have come from BALCO originally, Clemens was not in dealings with them directly, and may not have even know they existed (although I doubt that a bit).
For Adam Jones, a reliever, and three starting prospects. Read all about it here.According to the "experts" Balt got more for Bedard than the Twins got for Santanna. Not sure how you really rate that given the uncertain nature of prospects. But I have heard that Jones is better than anything the Twins got, plus the potential in the other players as well. FWIW
The story ends with this amusing typo:
Now, that's some cost-cutting!
Does anyone have a link to any of the songs associated with the team? (not the ones that the players come up to bat with)It went something like this (pardon my bad singing):
Wasn't there a song called "Here Come the Astros?"
Thanks in advance.
Being from Alabama, Howell Helfin was always viewed as a good man. He stayed in office too long however and became an embarrassment towards the end.Doesn't that describe most of congress? I still believe that in most cases the first time elected people (irrelevant of affiliation) are there to "make a difference" and by the time they are up for re-election they have been "corrupted" into one of "them".
FWIW, the same transaction page has Mike Gallo signing with the Blue Jays.Man it must be nice to be left-handed!
On the otherhand, Ortiz could have just left it out or forgotten to ask.Oh course if some of those in the top 20 (on this site) do actually show development, that evaluation of who is "high end talent" might change as well.
What's interesting to me is that although we wrote about a lack of talent, particularly at the higher levels and those with high end talent, there is talent in the system. And Ortiz highlights a few of them. Some need to show development (most of our top 20), like those Ortiz listed, but most are just plain raw.
Any player here would be subject to due process. Any player out of the U.S. could have their re-entry blocked because of allegations. Entry to the U.S. by non-citizens is a privilege granted at the pleasure of the U.S., not a right.What are the US laws for people (like ballplayers) who come in on work Visas and return back to their home country? Specifically say in the area of steroids. They are illegal to purchase and use here without a prescription, but if you buy and use them outside of the country, that shouldn't matter to the government, right?
Having said that, I suspect that the chances of Tejada being barred from returning this year are pretty much zero. If this thing snowballs, however, and he's formally busted, then he's got a big problem.
Just my opinion based on late last year's observation, plus what I've heard from scouts...but count me in the "Towle's defense is mediocre" camp.I guess is all depends on what you consider important for catcher defense. From all I have heard about him (having not seen him anymore than most of you), he is very good at calling a game (or at least projects to be good at that), he works well with pitchers and his blocking is just above average (with signs of improvement) but that his throwing is average at best. I have heard multiple reasons for this (as the scouts don't seem to agree which is the reason for it).
But that not only goes for Towles but for Pence as well. I wouldn't feed that guy any fastballs, even those away. Slider, slider, slider, down and away seems to be his achilles heel. I suspect Pence will struggle until he adjust and forces guys into hitters counts. Same will have to hold true for Towles.I think it also helped a bunch that he was hitting in front of Berkman and Lee. The 2 spot in the Astros line-up seems the ideal slot for a fastball hitter like Pence.
True, good catch. Still, the idea that Houston has had a horrid farm systems for many years seems to be contradicted by this statistically based opinion.Not only was it last Feb, but it was based on 2006 stats, which means Hirsh and Buchholz also added to the numbers.
How serious of a rebuilding of the farm system?That is the first one in a long time that rated the Astros THAT high.
http://www.hardballtimes.com/main/article/ranking-organizations/
Interesting. On the flipside, who owns the greatest comeback...?Depends on when you start the clock. With 20 games left, 50 games left, 100 games left.... biggest deficit ever made up from any point?
[hijack]Sometimes the level of depth with which you analyze things like which catcher will be at which level and why makes me go....
That's actualy one of the interesting issues to be decided in ST this year (IMO) ...
If Q takes an assignment to AAA, you basically have House/Quintero at RR, leaving Santangelo/??? at CC. I figure "" would probably be Mackor and/or Lopez. (Mackor appears to me to be on the Danny Fatheree, Chris Tremie route to coaching, and Lopex continues to hang on without much future that I can see.)
So assuming that Clemens learns enough about catching to get a shot when the season opens, that leaves him, Sapp & perrenial non-prospect Justin Tellam to fight for time at Salem. If Q opts for free agency, we might see a Mcakor/Lopez/Tellam trio at CC (which would set few offensive records and probably some pretty offensive defensive ones), but other than that, one of them goes back to Lexington.
My guess is that Tellam is the odd man out; perhaps to split time in Lexington with Pestana and/or Iacono (now that Ralphie has left the building). Of course, it may just be the end of the line for Justin. I really don't know much about the SS guys from last year, though.
[/hijack] with appropriate apologies.
Explain to me how my player opinions are wrong?I don't think anyone is claiming your opinions are wrong, just the way you give them leads other to think there isn't much thought behind them. But I will try to help out as best as I can. So...
Right so basically you are saying is that we purged our minor league system in order to make the major league team better. Let me ask you how well you think that is going to work out? We traded some of our top prospects for a on the decline Major League ss who cannot take steroids anymore who might be jail by midseason?This is a true statement. The team DID purge the minor league system in oder to make the major league team better. Now you can think that it was a bad move, and that would be your opinion, but that was widely discussed:
The team was horrible last year this farm system is a product of horrible talent evaluators and the lack of spending money in the draft, Case in point the top pick 2 years ago and the second round pickin 05. Henriquez was traded for a minor league lefty retread and Sapp is going to eat himself back to florida.You can afford to misjudge 6th and 7th round picks not 1st and 2nd rounders.You do not justget rid of your whole scouting department, and minor league coordinators if they are doing a bang up jobOk, I don't see much to support your opinion that the Astros have "horrible talent evaluators" other than the team was horrible last year. I am not sure if you are referring to the Major league club, which wouldn't make much sense considering the "talent evaluators" tend to affect the minor league system (based on who they draft) more than the major league club (which was made up of mostly FA or trade acquisitions). And then your references were to minor league players, so let's address those.
Does anyone think that JR Towles and Hunter Pence are going to win the division. Pence is a good player who has the chance to be an all star. Towles was not even on Houstons radar until Santangelo went down for drugs.Again, not sure the insight you are trying to provide here. But yes, I expect the Astros to compete for and hopfully win the NL Central this year with JR Towles and Pence starting for the Astros. Although I think I am counting on more from people like Berkman, Lee and Tejada than those 2, and certainly more than Towles. Towles is still very young. And yes he was on Houston's radar even prior to Santagelo testing positive. Towles was rated by several sites (not this one) as the top prospect Houston had. Now, you can argue if that ranking was justified or not, but I am guessing if everyone else thought that much of JR, the Astros "had him on their radar". Santangelo had just shown more to that point than JR, mostly because of some attitude issues in 06 by JR. Some of that was comment on in this tread: http://www.orangewhoopass.com/forums/index.php?topic=97655.0
My qoute was in reference to having a minor league system that is in shambles having players who would not be in other organizations top 50 in their top 30? Until the Astros start building from within which requires good scouts and the willingness to spend money in the draft. They are going to just keep trying to patch the holes to make the playoffs.Honestly at the end of the day, what is the GM's job? It is to build the best team he can to try to win a World Series, right? Well not 1 minor league player helps the team do that. They only help the team do that when they either become a major league player, or are used (as trade fodder) to acquire a major league player. And even then it is questionable if that move (promotion or trade) actually made the impact. And right now the current GM had no control over what the Astros system was prior to arriving. Now he did do what could easily be referred to as "clean house" in the minor league system. But there isn't one prospect that you can say will be a sure fire All-Star. Patton looks like was the best thing the Astros have given up and he looked like a solid lefty starter, but probably not an ace. So it isn't like he gave away future Lance Berkman or Roy Oswalt's. And what makes you think the Astros don't have good scouts? Because they had a bad 07 draft? Drafts are a crap shoot at best anyway. The Astros have had their share of bad drafts (99 and 02), even when they were considered one of the best minor league systems: see this thread: http://www.orangewhoopass.com/forums/index.php?topic=102426.0
But, in the last 10 years the Astros have been one of the premier teams in the NL. Expected to win every year. And the only two players they've brought up from the minors who have had sustained success has been Oswalt and Berkman. Lidge comes closest out of the Hidalgo, Lane, Ensberg group. Injuries brought down their pitching prospects. Their best successes have come through trade or free agent.No arguement there, but when comparing prospects (which is mostly based on hype and minor league numbers which are only slightly less hollow than minor league hype), the Astros have been rated pretty low for the past 5 or 6 years... ever since they rose up to something like top 5 or 10 (I forget what it was) they have drooped into the 20s or worse and seem to be falling each year.
Wow you think obviously that because you post more you guys have a better common knowledge than someone who does not . Lets see lets go over the studs that the Astros have turned out or lets say traded over the last three years that like you say abound through other minor league systems. Josh Anderson , if he was so good why did they trade him for a average reliever lets see how his speed plays up when he cant get on base for the Braves.Brooks Conrad lol that is all I need to say. We waived jimmy b because he was such a great prospect. Costanzo was not even from our system. Patton all of a sudden went from future ace to number 3 starter at best, and that leaves me with Albers another 3 or 4 at best. Jason Hirsch is also well on his way to becoming a 500 pitcher. I just posted what I thought about the system. You guys need to be objective and not be so fast as to make fun off what other people post. Maybe you guys should put down the cheetos and spend some time with your wife and kids instead of posting 9,000 times. this is what i posted in response to his post that we traded away our stellar minor league system. It just did not register as a response and posted on its own. Im not the one who made personal attacks i never demeaned anyone to read more and post less like what was said to me. Then say i should do my research and maybe that will keep me busy from posting and bothering the more informed members of this blog. Sorry i thought that is what a blog is all about, and if anyone thinks those are personal attacks maybe they should get a sense of humor .ok, no name calling here.
Thank god for the Texans oh wait we are screwed with them tooOk, Look I have seen lots of misguided people on this site, but this last comment gets you a definite "Troll" stamp.
I refuse to put Pete Rose's sausage into my mouth.I am sure the rest of your post was enlightening, but I couldn't get past this part.
Coop may have to resort to giving you those innings.If very many starters get hurt, I am not sure it is much worse than the alternatives...
You mean he's not doing it out of a love for the game, comraderie, and to pass along his infinite wisdom? Color me surprised!Don't get me wrong, I still think he is an arrogant ass, but I do think Roger likes to help other pitchers improve.
I totally agree. All of it should be based on height, but for most parents the age thing is easier to remember. I would imagine it is also easier for officers to determine age numbers because the parent would be able to provide that information easily when asked, than they would if checking height. This would make the law easier to enforce with age requirements than height.
You were clear, and I thought I was too. By age 9 I would not have fit in a booster. Had that law been in affect when I was a kid, I would have the choice of doubling over trying to fit into a booster seat or breaking the law. Booster seats are great for kids under certain heights and weights, but the required use of them should be based on that, not strictly age.
Eh. That's what the Void is for, right?Well if you are talking about ceilings, than I think it a no brainer that Benson's ceiling is higher than Hernandez. But the fact that it is alot more iffy because while Hernandez is getting old (and fat), he is not coming back from an injury. Any time a player is coming back from injury there is a high risk attached. Sometimes it pays off, most times it doesn't.
Jerry C over at ESPN breaks down some of the availables, and once again mentions the Astros with regard to Hernandez and Benson. The point is made that Benson's infamous 70 mph workout was not at full health or effort.
If he's healthier than that workout implied, then Benson's ceiling could be higher than Hernandez's in terms of effectiveness. But in terms of IP and durability, I'd take Hernandez every day and twice on Sundays.
This is the most significant part to me:I totally agree. Which would explain why he has (based on his draft spot) been such a bust so far.
Now they have added the outfieldsI find it interesting that the Cubs are ranked 2nd, and yet Soriano is ranked after Lee on the individual ranking in the same article.
Astros in at #5 behind Rockies, Cubs, Dbacks & Mets.
The only impact is for the team that LOST the type B FA. They acquire a Sandwich pick, which I guess does impact everyone else, because they all are moved down one spot for each Sandwich pick acquired.
What are the ramifications of signing a type B? I was under the impression you lose a draft pick just not a sandwich pick between the 1st and 2nd round.
For whatever reason? Aren't those the 4 biggest media markets in the country?I am sure that helps... but just because you are a big media market, does that mean the media people actually hale from there? They are also the largest populations too, but then why is Houston, Atlanta, DFW type places more represented... doesn't seem many at all, even relationally. Seems like it more of a 65/20/10/5 split where it is NY&Bos/Chicago/LA/other.
I have XM and generally like it. However, they could do a lot better job with the MLB channels. An inordinate amount of Yankee/Red Sox chatter combined with the Dibble/Kennedy afternoon show where the hosts expound each day that steroids have no effect on performance.I have it too... unfortunately in my wife's car (whole alternate new cars thing)... Anytime you broadcast nationally you get an inordinate amount of New York/Boston crap, because there are that many of them and most don't have anything better to do with their time than call into those stupid things.
Not using the Cubs as a benchmark, I'm saying if the rankers can rank the Cubs bullpen high, then it's just as legitimate to rank the Astros bullpen as the "best".Don't get me wrong, I think the Astros will have a very good bullpen. But rating best vs worst is always on some level subjective. And doing it in JANUARY is HIGHLY subjective in most cases.
Don't care, today I like him.Hey, you can blow sun-shine up my butt any time you want too, but don't be upset when I choose to take a dump on you.
not Benson unless he adds about 20 mph.Agreed. I guess I am being highly naive, but it seems like Houston would be almost an ideal situation for some of the marginal starters who are still left on the scrap heap at this point.
...unlike the wheels of Justice.The just fall off.... and then grind on the ground making it painful for everyone to listen too...
The wheels of justice don't spin that quickly.Even if they did, I would imagine Matsui would move to SS and someone else (Loretta or Blum) would end up at 2B instead.
Sounds like Froback is on the stand...you on the juice Froback?If you ever saw me there is no doubt. Actually, I am going to forward that comment to my wife. I bet I can hear he laughing when she reads it (30 miles away)!
Why is the college season being delayed two weeks?Really out there thought, but was the MLB draft moved to be later? If so, maybe there is some correlation.
I don't remember the specific "proof" against Tejada contained in the Mitchell Report (something about someone seeing him inject something and later heard him talk about steroids?), but I doubt there will be much traction to this "investigation." I doubt the DOJ takes Waxman's invitation very seriously.I think some guy has receipts with Tejada's signature on it. But no actual accounts of him using.
Palmiero told flat out lies and they couldn't get it together enough to make a case. Tejada's lawyer is going to introduce enough doubt to make this go away.Can we get him to make the media buzz over this go away too. I am seriously getting tired of the frenzy over what happend in the past. You work on learning from it and making changes in the present to prepare for the future. MLB is trying to do that. Now you should let them try, and then check on them in 5-10 years and see how it is doing, and if needed improve it again.
I don't think it's the Void. Keeping up with teams in the Central is what we do all the time. And especially the Cardinals.Ok, but is there really a difference at this point between Glaus and Rolen? I think they are both about the same level of production, albeit in different areas as each other at this stage. (Although I think Rolen had the potential to be more productive if he really is healthy this year).
Better than Milo inevitably calling him "Runny".That might actually compete for Guti which drove my wife nuts everytime she heard it. She still refers to it when hearing him do one of his nick-names today!
Jennings vs. AL hitters... that is a scary thought.Jennings vs AL hitters in THAT ballpark, even worse.
Best of luck to him.
Also to be added to the 25-man roster you first have to be on the 40-man. And there are options implications, waiver implications...Just to go a step further on this point. While it is not required (as was seen last season), being on the 40-man roster ussually indicates that you are MORE likely to be added to the 25-man roster should a need at that level be required, than someone who is not on the 40-man roster as well. This much more true for those at AA and AAA. Those who are on the 40-man and at lower levels are there mostly to protect them for Rule 5 draft reasons. You will occassionally see really high draft picks be given major league contracts (added to the 40-man), but you better be pretty darn special to get that one pulled off. Ussually only the top 5 or so players seem to ever get that, if even then.
Where did I ever say January 1??
while using the higher profile bowls (i.e. BCS, New Year's Day games, Holiday, etc.) for the sixteen teams in the national championship playoff.
It's about politics and the money they have vs the money they might get. The moment enough top conference university presidents ask for a playoff is the moment it will happen.In the end it always boils down to money to them. If they think more can be had doing it a different way, they will do it a different way. Now there is more money in leaving the status quo alone.
The opinion of the police detective swayed my opinion on the matter with McNamee in St. Petersburg. Go read the article and then get back to me.I have read the article (or at least the one from Yahoo, which is what I assume you are referring to).
You can also keep the lower tier bowl games from the current system for the non-playoff teams, while using the higher profile bowls (i.e. BCS, New Year's Day games, Holiday, etc.) for the sixteen teams in the national championship playoff. At the same time, it makes a lot of sense to maintain the existing revenue sharing each conference uses in divvying up bowl game money. Just my two cents.Good GRIEF, you want a 4 week playoff to start on Jan 1? I hope that is not what you mean.
I'm with HH. How conferences determine their champion is irrelevent. Just name one by whatever means you want and move on to the tournament. You're not going to run the risk of getting a losing team in the tournament the way they do in college basketball, even with a conference championship game.Why have a tournament for football?
Yes. They sounded exactly alike. But then again, Pete Rose signed a agreement with the commissioner stating his guilt and then recanted when he felt the commissioner violated the agreement. I don't think Clemens has yet admitted to anything nor should he be given the "guilty until proven innocent" status either.Ok, Noe, this seems like a bit of a double standard here for you. Not meaning to pick too much, but you hold McNamee accountable for the sexual misconduct/rape issue he was questioned about, when no charges were even filed against him, yet you want Roger to be "innocent until proven guilty".
Thanks.I am speculating here, but...
So pravata, explain this to me:
Why would McNamee want immunity in his Congressional hearings testimony? Doesn't he already have immunity from prosecution (federal) as long as he tells the truth? I don't get why he needs additional immunity from Congress, is it because his civil liberties lawyer (Emery) just knows you cannot go before Congress without the protection you need? Does McNamee plan to say additional stuff to Congress that may be somewhat contradictory to his federal testimony? If McNamee is not granted immunity, do you think he'll plead the fifth?
BTW - I'm so glad I'm now the one asking questions of someone else... it's so liberating!
Just thank (insert the deity of your choice) that it's not a fan vote. Fans are fucking idiots.AMEN to that! While I may not always agree with the Writers, I almost never understand the fans when it comes to votes for things.
No sense re-inventing the $100 bill.Or in turning down several of them via stub-hub.
A last minute vote moved him back up.Going on memory here, but that means from Beck on down, these guys are done for voting.
The vote:
Rich "Goose" Gossage 466 (85.8%), Jim Rice 392 (72.2%), Andre Dawson 358 (65.9%), Bert Blyleven 336 (61.9%), Lee Smith 235 (43.3%), Jack Morris 233 (42.9%), Tommy John 158 (29.1%), Tim Raines 132 (24.3%), Mark McGwire 128 (23.6%), Alan Trammell 99 (18.2%), Dave Concepcion 88 (16.2%), Don Mattingly 86 (15.8%), Dave Parker 82 (15.1%), Dale Murphy 75 (13.8%), Harold Baines 28 (5.2%), Rod Beck 2 (0.4%), Travis Fryman 2 (0.4%), Robb Nen 2 (0.4%), Shawon Dunston 1 (0.2%), Chuck Finley 1 (0.2%), David Justice 1 (0.2%), Chuck Knoblauch 1 (0.2%), Todd Stottlemyre 1 (0.2%), Brady Anderson 0, Jose Rijo 0.
Knew he had had surgery but had forgotten just when he had it so this give us a time frame for when he will start pitching again.Start pitching again and being ready to pitch again are not the same thing (for those who might not know the difference).
See: Perez, OliverOk, because I am at work and don't have time to look it up, what is the obvious point I am missing here?
Buster Olney reported that Padres were still interested in Prior last night and that they were probably the front runners. Throw all the other crap out the window...probably doesn't hurt that Padres home field is a safe haven for pitchers huh? My guess is that would be a great place to build value in '08.I think what Buster is really saying is that Prior wants to pitch for San Diego MUCH more than ANYONE else. And the reasons are very simple: He lives in San Diego, thus can play locally, AND the point you made, if he is healthy enough to pitch and is looking to spring board this 1 year deal into a huge one, the best place is to go to the most pitcher friendly ball-park in baseball to make you look better. It also doesn't hurt that San Diego has just as good a shot at the playoffs as everyone else in the NL. They did play Colorado in the play-in game last year, so it would seem that they are a pretty good team already. Also factor in that in San Diego he would be "at best" the #3 pitcher behind Peavy and Young, and would also have Maddux there to help shoulder the pressure to produce. In Houston he would be painted by the media as the definate #2 (even before he pitches a ball). And that is extra pressure to perform well early. Given his time off, I figure even if he is healthy at some point in 08, it will take him some time to re-gain the feel for pitching in the Majors, which means it likely he could have a rocky could of starts early even if all is going according to plan.
other than arm, which scott's wasnt great I call b.s.Well I think it hard to seperate Scott and Pence. I think Pence has more range, but Scott is better at judging balls and reacting a bit quicker, so I think it probably a wash overall. Neither has a great arm, but Scott was a better fundemental thrower (ie his throws were such that they hit the cut-off man, or could be cut-off better). I actually think Pence's arm strength isn't less than Scotts, but that makes the difference between them defensively. They about balance out with strengths and weaknesses.
Last I checked Wigg played 3b for the stros last year. I also don't think he is worse than Morgan at 3rd. Both average.
Whatever "waaaaaaay" means. And that is a huge assumption that Everett is healthy.
Also, keep in mind that he was also released or sent to the minors (can't remember which) in the latter part of the year.I was referring more to the less IP than appearances.
My main point was not to shortchange Sampson, and I personally would make no plan that assumes Prior makes regular starts, at any time of the season, nor would I want to count on him as a filler should one of the other starters goes down. Prior seems best for a team with plenty of warm bodies that can take the mound. The Astros need to get to that point.Acquiring Prior does not mean that is their only target. I think that might be the disconnect here. There is no indication that IF Prior is signed, that they won't still look at signing someone like Benson. I see Prior as just one more fall-back option if they CAN'T get someone like Benson to come in provide something close to #2 starter type numbers. So again I state, the moves are not mutually exclusive. Acquiring one does not preclude the other from occuring.
I am more concerned about Sampson's durability than his lack of ability. In his first major league season, he posted what must be a near league average ERA, even when hampered by an injury in the late part of the season. His ERA was also quite a bit better than Woody's.These two thoughts don't match. IF you think Sampson is a pretty decent option as a starter (with some questions about durability) then he would be the perfect stop-gap waiting on someone like Prior who can't start the season, but might join in May.
I'm not trying to argue that he should be a lock for the rotation, but it seems like his very decent performance gets overshadowed by his lack of stuff. Also, it is not unusual to see pitchers make some adjustments and improve in their second or third years in the majors.
I'd much rather see them go after Benson than Prior. The Astros don't have the luxury of going after an all-or-nothing or even a something-or-nothing player; they need a high probability of getting a reliable something, imo.
Here's where I am in denial, I'm hoping for a #2 that throws 200 innings.That is some standard considering only 38 pitchers in all of baseball threw 200 innings in 07.
Now, I don't know about you guys but what I'm hoping if Prior gets here, is that he'll pitch well. He'll help us get to the playoffs and do the whole win now thing Drayton likes. So, I'm just very weary of the chances of him using us to get more money to go elsewhere.The only thing that doesn't benefit the Astros is if he is using them to get more money elsewhere right now. And from all the sounds we have been hearing, there seems to be more waning interest in Prior right now, than growing.
Isn't it funny how every piece written about the Astros' rotation sort of glosses over Oswalt?Wow either you are touchier than I or you read something I didn't. I don't think I have read one article yet that didn't basically say something to the affect "After Oswalt they don't really have anyone else".
Abercrombie has power. In his major league career he has 7 HR in 331 ABs. In 2007, he slugged .584 in AAA. In 2005, 25 HR between two levels.While he did have a very good year in AAA last year, his career minor league numbers prior to that (2000-2005) were: .258/.297/.418.
Schilling has called on Clemens to either clear his name or give back 4 Cy Young Awards.About the only current players with a bigger ego than Schilling is Clemens. He is in some ways a bigger blow-hard too.
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/5392675.html
Not arguing that, but we are talking about 162 ABs max and Lamb played some so he was not always available off the bench to be in that role. And while these ABs can occur in big moments, they don't always.
Tremendous drop in quality between Lamb and Cruz as a hitter IMHO.
Imagine her taking on the Yvette role with Dierker and Worrell in the booth. They'd have to be on a 5 second delay to avoid an FCC violation.I imagine Yvette might prefer to NOT be the object of their leering and suggestive comments anymore. I imagine that has to creep her out.
I'm concerned about lefty hitting on the bench.I am too, but not sure I am as concerned as you are. Not meaning to down play the need for it, but who is going to be pinch hit for with a lefty other than the pitcher?
Nirvana became popular because Kurt Cobain was an extremely talented songwriter who knew how to write a catchy hook. Prog metal sucked, btw.I don't think there is any doubt that Cobain had talent. But I am not sure he was the talent some people today make him out to be. As was pointed out he died at the height of this popularity, thus making him legendary. But I agree (and perhaps it is my age) that most of the music from the late 80's since has been pretty ordinary as far as music goes. This statement is of course a generalization as anyone can find bits and pieces of good stuff here and there.
I've always thought of Berkman as being WYSIWYG. What you see (and hear) is what you get.No such thing as a can't miss prospect. As we have all learned (or should have) over the past 50 years of following baseball. If he was can't miss, why is he still a prospect?
Says what's on his mind and is brutally honest, but usually pretty good natured. I think he's trying to assume the leader role of the clubhouse now.
Ok, Drayton doesn't want to rebuild and wants to win NOW while the Central is probably the weakest division in baseball. Fine. But by the trading deadline if (when) we are 10 games out of the lead I would trade both Lance and Oswalt (yes, they both have no trade clauses but would probably waive that to go to a contender) for an obscene package of can't miss prospects that could set us up for the next decade.
I checked around...Basically, Paronto was Atlanta's answer to Brian Moehler, minus the occasional multi-inning appearence.With his numbers it had me wondering "Is he a righty specialist?" Seems like his numbers are very similar to the lefty in the pen that is used only to get 1 (or 2) lefties out and then taken out for the first Righty to come to bat.
If you like ruining pieces of meat in boiling oil and dipping stale bread in mediocre cheese, knock yourself out.WOW, you must have had a bad experience. When I go we cook in a chicken broth type thing (with some wine, I think) and the bread is never stale, and the cheese is freshly melted in your pot. It is really good stuff.
My vote: Cafe Annie, but it really depends on what you want to eat and how much you want to spend. You can't go wrong with any of the suggestions above (except this fondue place, IMO).
Hah. Hm. Does MM not have any spawn?Check your PM. This thread should be all about you! (and your news)
Thanks, all!
Froback, by all means let us know -- I'm not a spotlight hog.
Those winter leagues in the Domincan and Venezuela are extremely important to the locals. They love baseball and make it a pressure filled event. Baseball is the national sport of Venezuela. The young players get more exposure to in game situations in front of crowds larger than in the minors in the States. It can be a great experiential event. When not pitching, pitchers will work on the side on things they are trying to develop. A lot of the Carribbean league coaches are also mlb coached. Cheo used to coach winter ball for example. So it's not like the kids get no competent instruction.I am aware that these leagues are a big deal to the local areas they are in. And I did know that some of the coaches either have been or are MLB experienced. I guess I just have a hard time seeing how someone doing much development in an environment where sometimes they go 2 weeks between appearances (at least according to the reports we receive here). I guess I keep looking for something more along the lines of what they receive during their minor league seasons, as far as playing time goes. I figure not everyone goes out to these leagues and plays, and there are many teams to fill, so it shouldn't be like a person who was a starter in Greeneville would be looking at 2-6 IP over 2 weeks down there.
There is one out Westheimer. Pricey but tasty fondue.That is another reason to keep it to anniversaries only too. But the uniqueness of it (since most people I know don't do much fondue), makes it fitting for special occasions like that, IMO.
According to Rosenthal, the Padres only have two more million to play around with this season before hitting their budget limit of $75 mil.No mention of Benson even though the Astros were actually at his "demonstration". And not mention of Livan, although I am not sure how much interest the team really has in him (I do know people here are agreeable).
http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/7581498
In the same piece, Rosenthal insightfully opines on the Astros rotation:
"After Roy Oswalt, the Astros' rotation includes Wandy Rodriguez, Woody Williams, Brandon Backe and Chris Sampson. Fernando Nieve and Felipe Paulino represent less experienced options.
Prior could be a useful addition, and Steve Trachsel, Shawn Chacon and Jon Lieber are among the other free agents the Astros are considering. GM Ed Wade signed Lieber as a free agent when he was with the Phillies."
Open mouth Berkman and see what you went and done... you gave JdJO all the inspiration he needs for the next few months.Isn't it better to keep the evil you know, than risk the evil you don't? We all know to ignore JdJO because we know what Berkman thinks already... imagine if he wrote about something original (If that were even possible)... someone might actually be suckered into reading his stuff... At least we know what he will be saying for the next few months so we can ignore him and move on. (not much different than now, but a little better)
Thanks Lance.
In the same vein, I've heard nothing about Freddie Garcia. Has anyone?Honestly I have not heard much of anything other than re-hashed rumors from any of the pitchers other than Benson lately (and I guess this recent stuff from Prior's Agent).
Taco Cabana. Mrs Limey is a lucky lady![digress]Don't laugh, I have a friend who doesn't do much more for his wife. But then they have some super tight budget they run in the hopes of retiring at an early age.
It's not a gamble at all for the team. You spend a year's worth of money. If he's good, you got a great year or trading piece out of him, as well as additional time to negotiate a long term deal. If he sucks, you're out one year, with no buyouts, options, etc.And if it is a reasonable 1 yr deal the offer of arb after the year is easy to do, so even if you lose him you are likely to get something in return. This all assumes he has a great year too. Which of course if he does is good for the Astros (should they sign him). All in all, I don't have an issue with them wanting to do this route. I like it better than him making the team sign a 2 yr guarantee deal and then crapping out, leaving the team holding his bag of nothing for the extra year.
For some guys yes, it is instructional. They are told to work on certain areas of their game and for some it is done to keep in shape. I am not sure on the compensation piece.I guess I have more questions about these winter leagues. If a guy is only getting a couple of innings (if that) a week, how much work are they really getting in? Is there much side instructional work going on? If so, who is doing the instructing? If not, how are they getting in any more work there then they could if they stayed in Houston and worked with the staff there. I can't imagine where the coaches wouldn't stay around to help if asked...
honest question:Pence->Bourn : Significant upgrade
Which is better defensively?
Pence/Everett/Biggio/Scott
or
Bourn/Tejada/Matsui/Pence
Instead of a shirt, how about those shorts with words on the back like chicks wear?This reminds me, ever noticed how people get offended when others stare at them when they wear clothing that is designed to make people notice you and stare at you?
Tejada lives in Miami.my bad. I figured he was like most from the DR, and returned back to each off-season.
According to the agent, he's fully healthy and ahead of the shape he normally goes to spring training in. So I would assume they're selling him as an opening day member of the team he signs a contract with.And of course we ALWAYS believe the agent, right? I did read that in the article, but since I have not been following Benson and his injury or rehab, I have no idea how truthful that comment was.
Anna, please don't put the cherries in that. I was going to eat those.And Anna's response would be "Wait did you say 'those' or 'that'?"
While Gardner is whispering in McLane's ear, "It won't matter to the fans when he's hitting the cover off the ball. They'll all be standing and cheering."I almost want to hit you up side the head for putting those kind of thoughts in my head, but then I realize how close to true that might be!
And according to BA ... http://www.baseballamerica.com/blog/prospects/?p=697Can't say I am shocked. And with as poor as the SS clubs did last year, I would not be surprised if (as Jacksonian said) we see alot more prior to them starting up again.
Tim Johnson & Kevin Fox have been released (along with Eric King).
He was very good reliever in Cleveland a very long time ago.He was pretty decent the last couple of years in Atl too. But he only had 35 App in Cle back in 02 (mostly) and 03. But in Atl.
Benson's agent impressed, at least. Kris, I mean. Not Anna. At least not in the article.Ok, so let's assume for a second that the Astros sign Benson. What is the actual expected time table he would be read to pitch in the majors? Would he be read for ST? OD? Early season? Mid-season?
RE: Nieve. They aren't talking about his recovery in specifics. I have not heard whether he's even throwing or not. Or if he is, how well.While I agree it is not very strong, IF those starters all stay healthy they are likely to be combined an average of 6 IP per start, which would actually be more than the starters did as a group last year.
And, that is one weakass rotation.
That lack of OF depth (especially considering Bourn's lack of experience) is pretty frightening.And you thought last year had better depth???
I think I heard mention that one or both was out of the country.That tends to happen when they don't live IN the country.
Correct, Ortiz is not only within his rights, but merely doing his job. Baseball players should play the game and when confronted by a reporter spew cliches at gaitlin gun frequency. Sport reporters are paid to call up groggy 22 year old players who have just been traded, pretend they are his friend, and print the first thing that comes out of their mouths.By comparing JdJO to Sports Reports, are you insulting all Sports Reporters or JdJO? Sometimes it is hard to tell.
No lefty power on the bench.Honestly I can't say for sure for any of the bullpen guys except the first 3. I think everyone else is in a "earn" a spot position at this point. I just figured Geary because he has more experience than most and Sampson because he seems the best candidate for the "swing" position out of the current list of applicants, so I listed them. The two you added are both lefties, correct? Is that why you listed them as more definite in your eyes? Just curious not meaning to disagree, just trying to understand why you feel more strongly for them, than say a Sampson.
Bullpen will also include McLemore and Wright. Sampson is not a lock. It should be Valverde, Villarreal, Brocail, Geary, McLemore, Wright, <open>.
While that is true, the problem people who lie (or in this case cheat) don't seem to understand is once you do this and others know about it, everything you do is questioned. It takes years in some cases to earn back what is lost by one "mistake". So while you can claim it was only the first time, at that point, how can you be trusted when you have already broken that trust? Thus there is skepticism.
Not trying to justify cheating, just saying that sometimes when someone says "it was only that one time", they are telling the truth. They aren't *always* lying.
The man took advice from Lance Berkman????FIFY
Berkman pisses and moans about team chemistry in one breath, then turns around and completely shoots it in the ass in the next.Seems to be something MLB was trying to clean up with the Mitchell report... oh wait you meant figuratively... nevermind.
The father of five young children thanks you all for the guidance and direction provided by this thread. Who says ya' gotta pick six numbers correctly???It doesn't hurt.
I don't know that I want to guarantee silva 5 years at 10 mil a season. Personally, based on years and track record my preferences is for 1-2 year deal at about 7-10 mil a yr for Hernandez.I guess I put some weight into Silva's ability to continue to produce on the fact that the Twins (from stuff off MLB.com) want him back. If you had a pitcher reach FA and you are trying to get him back on your club, to me that means something about the quality of the player. Not saying Livan wouldn't be a nice option, however.
Not in December.While I know Jeff had the occassional foot-in-mouth issues, I don't recall him ever doing a scortched earth type thing like Berkman is now about current teammates still on the roster, especially ones he has never played with yet (thus developed a history with).
If healthy, Jennings can put up huge IP for the season: 180 - 200 IPs would be outstanding.Is that IP total even realistic with his injury? I thought that surgery meant he might miss a month or two of the season... but then my memory and medical knowledge of such things is very fuzzy.
Public library. Reference section. Peterson's Guides to Universities I think is the exact title. Peterson's Guides to _____ if Universities isn't correct. The BEST resource for finding schools with particular degrees, contact info, general info about a school... Better than any one person can possibly do. The guides to graduate schools are even better.Not really arguing that, but if the HS counselor knows their stuff, they should know about this reference material too, and probably have the latest version. They can (and should be) the place to get all the info you want about Colleges and scholarship programs and such. They are supposed to be there to guide you through things. And as with most guides, you can do it on your own, or you can have someone help you along. Most people don't have enough time to do the proper research into these things. Obviously you have. But in a general sense, they should be able to do this for you, or at least help you along in the process. There is no rule saying you HAVE to use them or that even they can do it better than you can. The idea is that this is part of their job, thus they should have more background into these things than you might.
He can't or wont shut up, "In my opinion, we have to have to have another starter. …I don't think Brandon's (Backe) been healthy for a full season. ….Woody who’s getting older and more susceptible to injury."I would say it's safe to say Berkman probably SHOULD NOT be the leader because of things like this. Even Bagwell generally knew when to stay quiet.
"If nothing else, we have to have another arm or two in case these guys can't go. Now as far as I know we have absolutely nobody, …We've traded away all our upper level minor league pitchers. I would be shocked if they stood pat with the staff they had now."
Link
When I told my high school counselor I was interviewing with Carnegie Mellon, she said "Which school is she from?"Huh, either people in my family got very lucky or something because I had a great deal of help from my HS counselor (since my parents didn't help a ton, but did pay for what my scholarships didn't cover), as has my nieces and nephews (so far). And I would argue that it depends on the competency of the person when comparing High School Counselors and Professional Advisors. More often than not, the difference is just that one works for a college and the other a High School. You can find examples on both sides were one is better than another. I would say the the College level ones can help you more with specific college planning, but the High School ones can help you with getting Scholarships and suggesting schools to target for particular degree types. But you should use both when ever possible.
Most school's websites will have a lot of that info. From my (super limited) experience, it's probably a better resource than the dept counselors.
That is who I would think as well, along with Brocail. Might be able to help Hunter take over in the future.Unfortunately Hunter (if indeed he ever will be) will always have some issues with the more established people like Roy, Lance and Carlos. That is if they would have an issue today, they probably would in the future. Also, leadership is not something you can choose to do, and then do well. Often times leaders just are. That is not to say that everyone doesn't have some leadership ability, but that true leaders show the quality all the time, even before they become "leaders". I don't have any inside contact to determine who would or would not be a good leader for this team.
Be careful. Many of those are really about getting into a particular school, admissions. As opposed to doing what's necessary once you get there, advising. I've never heard of anyone doing "pre-advising" on a consultant basis. There are a number that will help you with applications/letters... though.As you stated before with School Counselors, it can be a crap shoot, but this is one of the roles that High School Counselors do. In some schools they even have a specific person who focuses on just that type of "counseling". So if you are lucky and you have one that treats that as being an important part of their job, they can be invaluable, because they know both your child (and their history) and the current things going on, at least in state and local schools.
I am not sure when Biggio and/or Bagwell started assuming leadership roles. It is not a thing you technically take, although you can try, but in the end the other player has to "give" it to you. I am sure that years of service makes THAT much difference. I know I have been around those that had leadership qualities, and it never mattered to me if they were younger than I. In some people's cases (like Berkman's) people WANT someone else to take that role, so they don't have to.
Coach/Manager can also be the leader. Just not sure the vets will allow Pence to become the leader while they are still there. Is Pence going to tell Berkman to pull his head out of his ass and hustle?
Ausmus?Not a terrible choice, but he may not be the right choice. He is not going to be a regular starter (or at least that is the supposed plan going into the season, even though he will be OD starter). Also not sure is status with players on other teams. With so many new faces on the club, I am guessing they are more likely to listen to someone they feel has some skins on the walls outside of the Astros. I might be wrong on this, but the only ones that seem to have that are Roy, Lance, Carlos and Hunter. And I don't think the first 3 have many leadership qualities about them. They are all more the type that would rather be in the background and let their play do their "leading". People often accused Bagwell of that, but insiders talked about how he did alot of leading behind closed doors, where Biggio was the type to light a fire under people not doing their jobs.
Actually, not really. Alpha dog gets the respect because of leadership qualities, not because of tenure. Berkman isn't seen as a leader, more of a team funny guy but not a true leader because he doesn't take things as seriously as perhaps a Jeff Bagwell did. You need balance, like having a Luis Gonzales that keeps a clubhouse loose, but a Jeff Bagwell that provides the leadership.You know, I hope somebody like Pence does take the "leadership" mantel on this team. When I heard Everett was taking that role, I was a bit surprised, because while I loved him as a player, I just wasn't sure how long he would be with the team. To me a leader on a team probably ought to be one that is going to be around a while, or at least considered an elite player by others, thus giving more weight to his comments.
Lance is great for the clubhouse in the likes of a Luis Gonzales, but the heir to the Bagwell leadership crown has to be Pence and his aggressiveness and take no prisoner way of hitting the field and making everyone notice. I say it's good in a way, because as soon as Pence establishes himself as that leader in 2008 the team will fall into place in terms of chemistry and leadership. That is asking a lot from the young player, but he can handle it with Cooper's help.
Recognizing the problem is the first step...But when you are drunk, recognizing the step is the first problem...
Froback- It's a Federal Case. Radomski is looking at 25 years. The IRS and FBI and U.S. Atty are working this. Do some research.That may be true, but to this point, as far as I know, Clemens has not been implicated, or even asked to testify. So while you are correct, I don't know many details on that case, I am sure I would have heard of something like Clemens being indicted or even called to testify. With the sports reporters in a frenzy over the stuff in the Mitchell report, I am sure this would be a big talking point.
He did, about Clemens. And no one responded to him. So now I'm stuck searching for cheese.I responded to his comments on Clemens, then I guess he felt the need to attack me, because I didn't agree with them. Maybe I missed the "one" post he was refering to. But since the thread was over 200 messages, sometimes these things run together.
Hey Froback, if you can only quote me and somehow be lame using my words, you need to check out, Tonto!Funny, the only time I quoted you in THIS thread, was AFTER your post I am quoting now.
Read the point I made in my first respone. Now don't all get mad at me!I am going to guess you have never been on the board before you started posting. But since you think you know the level of baseball acumen on this board, go ahead try to show us the way. I think you will find if you actually read more, that there are many people here who post alot of baseball stuff. The fact that we don't ONLY post baseball stuff should not come as a big shock, as I have never been on an sports message board that didn't throw in other crap too from time to time. This board does a ton of traffic (take a look at the stats page), so guess what, there is only so many ways you can say things. Although you do get a variety of methods people use. Some like me tend to write more verbose versions of things, others like JimR, would basically tell you to "Fuck off" and be done with it.
Just because some of the female posters here should change their user name to "Face like Ausmus' Glove" gives me no joy. Really.
Just shaking things up and want the best, want to talk real baseball and many here don't. Many here need to take their "jokes" elsewhere.
I'd love to see and Ed Wade thread with real, insightful comments.
Also, a Purpura thread with the same.
Here, half the time it looks like a Dairy Queen conversation. I know what DQ is. I'm just saying it's fucking lame.
Don't feed the trolls.I agree, but this seems like such a rare breed of Troll. I find it like the car crash, you just can't seem to take your eyes off it because it is so extreem! I mean, I know there are alot of stupid people in the world, but this is almost forging on new boundries. I hate to think what might have occured to cause this... uhh... freak of nature. I am just disappointed it didn't occur mid-week when more people are reading and responding.... I think I would have loved to see the fire-storm that would have resulted.
I made a post on this thread in earnest about Rocket and legal options and noone even cared to answer it. It's much more salient with Andy Pettitte's quote's from today. Fucking Ponderous.I sure hope you were not refering to your post about Roger being F-ed cause it was a federal case. Because as far as I know the only federal case linking Baseball Players and Steroids (or HGH) is BALCO, which is only linked to Bonds because he LIED to a grand jury. The Mitchell report has ZERO legal nature to it. It was something like an internal corporate investigation.
having grown up in texas, the thing i don't get is the suddenly crazy texas-ou rivalry. it was certainly always a big deal with the texas-ou game, but seemingly only in the brown-stoops era has it become the juvenile shit-spewing fest that it currently is. growing up, the A&M rivalry was always front and center, with oklahoma mostly being known because of the brian bosworth/barry switzer business than for being a hated rival of ut.You are showing your age then. I actually think Texas/OU was bigger than Texas/A&M for the majority of the 1900s, although i think Texas/A&M has been a "rivalry" longer.
Actually, they think we're stupid because they do this and then keep getting elected. Or in the worst case, getting defeated by someone who "does this" a little better than they do.You know, I wonder sometimes... cause the mind wants to wander alot while at work..... If everyone in America actually voted at every election (rather than the like 12% that actually do) what would our government really look like? Would they still behave the same way? Would we still even have a "two party system"?
Most that dislike are bitter aggys who haven't won a title since the Third Reich or finished in the top 5 since the Eisenhower Administration. Vince will be fine....2 years from now people will wonder when he learned to pass so well. He has a real good game and then a real bad game now (look at his gamelog -- his QB rating will be 90+ or around 50). He is passing much better, he messes up mostly from making bad decisions. This is much like his soph year at Texas.I am an Aggie, and everything you say is true about A&M. And while I would like them to do better, I hold no ill will to any player from Texas, except on the specific day they play, and even then it is more a matter of hoping the Aggies play better.
Mario is a stud. I am happy for him.
If I may raise a concern, here, I think we should be a little careful with all of our cheering and jeering. DQ is self-evidently an egotistical jerk, but he is still entitled to some sort of due process. The tactics below, especially while they remain unconfirmed by a reliable second witness, seem to smack of Nazi Germany or Soviet Russia. It seems that the use was so widespread that there should be plenty of witnesses around, which makes it all the more important to seek them out before condeming anyone.I don't think it goes even close to Nazi Germany with this. Nobody is filing charges against him. He isn't being treated like Michael Vick. And celebrities ALWAYS have crap said about them, and if I were guessing most are either not true or a gross exaggeration of the truth. There is a billion dollar industry built on that type of stuff, and you can see it in every supermarket check-out lane as proof.
And please note: I really do mean a reliable second witness, not a second reliable witness ... However strong our suspicions may be, I do not think we yet have our first reliable witness.
The book is even better. In fact, any book by Christopher Buckley is worth reading. I remember reading "Thank you for Smoking" on the subway and laughing out loud. That is not considered acceptable behavior on the subway.Neither was women riding topless, but it has happend before.
Barry BonesGood Grief, if you came up with that on your own... WOW! that was really creative and funny.
Plus I don't think these were the only guys doing it either.It is kind of like turning on the light at night and seeing a roach. You might think, "It is only one roach.", but those who know better think, "Aw crap, how many more are where I can't see them?"
Here comes Team Racket...Even if what he says is true, my general response is "You wanted to be famous, this kind of stuff comes with the good stuff too. Enjoy!"
"Clemens enlists attorney to fight steroid allegations"
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/5376995.html
Does Buddy boy seriously think it's a good idea to do that? He has a policy now in place, he has an awareness now in place, he has the public now on his side that he and the league are paying attention to the sin. Does he really think it's a good idea to take it too far and lose his gains and momentum?While he may look like it at times, Bud isn't stupid. But I am betting he uses this as a way to get stronger policies in place from the MLBPA without having to give up as much as he would have prior to the report being release.
PS. If NJ is the "hazardous waste dump state," then Texas must be the "Pawn Shop State."Not sure I agree with that, but "Strip-club Central" might be something to consider. Don't know about Austin, but in Dallas and Houston you can't throw a stick and not come close to hitting one.
I'm looking forward to the union presser at 5p CST.You WANT to see that degree of spin-doctoring? crap I am already dreading the next 11 months of that crap from the a-holes running for President!
I agree. I don't see any spin which would absolve them. Either they knew the report was coming out and Tejada might be on it, or they act dumb, like this revelation was all unexpected. Neither explanation works. Since I don't think they are stupid, I can only assume that they were unconcerned about the public taint attached to Tejada, and still confident in his ability to produce offensively without the aid of supplements.They have the built in responses that are surround "Second chances" and "that was in the past and we are sure he has changed" or the always popular "We have discussed this with him, and he acknowledged it was wrong and assured us it won't happen again. He has matured alot since then as a person and a ballplayer."
Yeah really. How about a do-over on that series?Somehow I don't think Bagwell's shoulder is up to it. (Not to mention Randy Johnson's noodle arm)
He went on to talk about finding an HGH urine test, through funding (with NFL) and some type of HGH summit.You would figure that if two billion-dollar industries like the NFL and MLB actually pooled their resources to discover something in the area of medicine, they could find a cure for cancer if they wanted to. The real question is how hard are they going to look/push for this kind of test? I for one will be cynical about this much like I am about oil companies who claim to invest money in looking for alternative "clean" energy production methods.
DAS BOOT!Hmm, new angle on the whole Tejada pick-up. If you can't beat them, join them!
So who plays SS for the first 15 games?Burke?
Selig says:I know I am being naive about this but, for that last one, my response is "You mean you needed this f-ing report to tell you that?!?!"
No more 24 notice for testing.
The recommendations that he can do unilaterally, will be done immediately.
Will deal with active players identified. Club personnel as well. Discipline on case by case basis.
Will continue to find new ways to detect.
I know he's a shell of what he was as a marlin/expo and it would depend on the terms of an offer but livan large could give you 200 innings while keeping you in most games. silva will cost a team a pretty penny in years/dollars.Signing Silva would be a true test of the question to Drayton, "How bad do you want to win in 08?".
And you had to suffer through Mike and Mike to get your info.Honestly as far as sports talk radio goes, they are not so bad... except when they have guest hosts sitting in, like today was Salisbury. (who is terrible in everything I have seen him do)
Bravo.
The tough ones for sure. I do also want to see how well Abercrombie will do as the fourth outfielder on this team. He's a talented kid who somehow just hasn't put it together yet. Maybe he'll turn out to be a Carl Everett in 1998 for this current Houston Astros. You know, guy who hasn't put it together yet, but has talent waiting to explode.HUGE difference though, C4 was given a starting gig, at best Abercrombie will be an occassional start and 4th OFer mostly. (barring injury of course)
We will end up shopping from the damaged goods bin and sign a Jennings, Garcia or Prior.Let's see how did that phrase go... oh yeah
We'll be fine in the pitching dept, someone(s) will step up.
Good things from Wandy and Sampson this year.
Watch..................and see.
i know where are the deals for the pitchers. as an astro fan i demand pitchingI think unfortunately for the Astros this offseason it takes two to make a deal and I think this trade is a perfect example that nobody with a pitcher you would want to trade for was willing to deal for what the Astros had to offer.
Where else do you see Tejada potentially batting in the order? Do you believe the overall lineup would look better with Pence at #3, and Tejada at #6? Or just something completely different? I'd also like to see Pence batting somewhere in the lineup that will get him to see better pitches.If you are going to put anyone in the 6 spot other than Pence, I think Lee might be the best bet, but then, i am not sure how well any of the veterans would take moving to that spot. Might be best to put Pence in the 2 spot than move one of them to the 6 spot. IMO.
Way ahead of you. Tejada hitting third may not be etched in stone as some may think. I would think Cooper has plenty of time to align this lineup correctly and help out his prized young player (Pence) with all these fine players hitting around him. I'm not sold that Miguel hitting third is the best option of all what may be.Me neither, but with Tejada being very much like Lee as far as hitters go (at least last year was an anomoly), it is hard to fit 2 #5 hitters and a #4 hitter and Pence into the 3-5 spots... someone gets bumped. Unless you move Pence to the #2 spot as some have indicated, but then Tejada or Berkman bats 3rd and the other 4/5. Otherwise if you move Pence to #3, you are probably looking at Pence/Berkman/Lee/Tejada as your 3-6, and if you do that, what impact would that do to Tejada?
I agree with this completely and you can bet Wade knows it's a part of why he got the job.REALLY? Crap I must have missed that part in the Press Conference when Wade got the job. Hmm, maybe that is where I got the idea from...
Oh, I'm fine. I just think this deal wrecked the Astros for even longer than they would have been before. They've dealt 2 of the top 5 prospects in the system plus 2 guys who look like they can be major league closers for a big time hitter but IMO will still not come close to the World Series. I'm seeing 2000 all over again. And, I really think those guys will have even greater value next winter. That is when I expected to see a major deal, not this year.I know I am derailing the subject but...
Duman and I have been talking about the top 10 article recently. You have no idea how bad the system is. When you see our top 10/20 and others you will hopefully see that. The Astros simply cannot afford to deal any prospects at the wrong moment. I think that just happened. I'm afraid the Astros are now the National League version of the Orioles. I hope to heaven I'm wrong.
He costs me nothing. Let Drayton do his Christmas shopping and then go get him.Well it costs more in ticket prices.. but then they go up even when payroll goes down...
Summary:From all I have heard (granted take with massive grain of salt), Tejada had kind of let him self go physically, because of the preception that the team was not doing anything to compete in the AL East.
Discussions started prior to Winter Meetings
Were counting on Patton for 08, including him was difficult
Initial request from O's included "several guys in the everyday lineup"
Costanzo was the last addition to the deal
T's range has declined, but still capable
Expects oportunity to "reinvigorate" T
Mitchell Report - "whatever happens, happens"
Put me down as favoring Silva.While I agree, I think most every other GM looking for SP also agrees, which means he is gonna cost ya.
I think you're being selective and missing some. Taveras and Scott were brought in late. Pence and Towles certainly were products of Astros development. But, Patton and Wandy aren't the only pitchers of note. Gutierrez, Paulino, Sampson, Albers have all contributed and are still inexperienced. And other than Sampson they all appear to have higher ceilings than any position player prospect in the minors except maybe Costanzo who isn't a product of Astros development.Well true, but I guess my point is, the Astros system has been pretty barren of well thought of position players more so than well thought of pitching potential. This has not been a just last year thing either, but what I was trying to point out is that Taveras turned out to be an everyday player (yes mostly developed in someone else's system), and so has Pence, and I think it can strongly be argued that Scott has the ability to play everyday, but on this team is getting squeezed out. Wandy is the only one to really stick. Albers has made several attempts, but can't seem to put it all together and the team is having a hard time figuring out what he is, starter/bullpen guy. Part of that is because of the issues on the team, part if his performance. Sampson looks like a swing guy, which while necessary, is not exactly a real hard thing to find. The others have had too little experience to know for sure.
Agreed. One thought I have though - am I wrong in my impression that, as bad as the pipeline is, the pitching prospects are still vastly stronger than the position prospects?While it is true that the Astros have better prospects on the pitching side than the hitting side at the moment, which part of the team needs more help? Which is harder to acquire good pitching or good hitting?
Don't try that bullshit with me. I know pitching and defense wins in the game, I spent 4 years on a HS team plus like 10 years of little league. I'm not some sabermetric geek. I also know that I never have been nor never will be comfortable with luke scott or ty wigginton batting 5th in the order in 2008 or beyond.I guess I can buy all that. I may not agree, but I can accept your stance. It does make sense.
Scott is overrated with the bat, do to his inconsistency. He's an average corner outfielder at best. If he was that good, the astros would get the starter they want for him right now. Instead they got offered middling prospects by SD. In your 3-5 spots in the order consistency is critical. Again, a deal like this robs peter( a dropoff from pence to scott is pretty big) to pay paul. You help the rotation but create a gaping lineup hole.
I'd prefer to get a number 2 starter via other means. Eventually I think scott can bring a nice innings eater type for the number 2 spot, especially if packaged with a guy like albers, but that will be when fukudome signs and people realize scott at the minimum > geoff jenkins at 7-8 mil.
The only pitcher I part with hunter for right now(unless they could get a bat to replace him like tejada) that is currently being shopped is if the twins would do him for johan(the best pitcher on the planet) and that would only work if they could agree on a contract extension. Lincecum was erratic last year as it is, but obviously I realize his talent and potential.
And yes, I agree they need pitching now if they want to go anywhere now or in the future. I just don't use pence to get it unless it is Santana with a contract extension that Drayton would be willing to pay.
I like lincecum, but I wouldn't do this unless the tejada deal goes down or a similar transaction. You are robbing peter to pay paul by creating a hole again in the middle of the order.Hmm, maybe you have not heard, you win with pitching and defense. I love what Pence provides to the team, but until the Astros address their starting pitching needs, this team will struggle (at best) to be in the playoff hunt.
Out of curiosity, does the sampe size actually justify the extra degree of precision? If we're going to screw with tradition, why not:Ty had 547 ABs and Tejada had 514 in 07. Depends on what you think a good sample size is I guess.
Player A: .28/.33/.46 with 22 HRs and 113 Ks
Player B: .30/.36/.44 with 18 HRs and 55 Ks
Once dominant but now mostly ineffective?Villone? or Boras?
A's and Diamonback talkBut isn't that how the A's (and Twins for that matter) always operate? Trade good players (as if they were great players) for lots of good prospects. The idea behind always having good young players first starts with have a ton of good prospects. Given that only a few of a group of prospects actually develops into a good player, the more prospects you have the better your odds of getting a (or a few) good players.
Apparently Billy Beane is asking the Diamondbacks to send him four players, one of which is a good outfield prospect (Gonzales). I personally do not think Beane will trade his relievers (Street or anyone else) when he can get teams to jump at his whim on Haren and Blanton.
The Dojers are said to be working on getting Blanton, so Beane is going to rake in a haul when all is said and done, maybe upwards of 8 quality young players for two starters.
i know Jackson's dad. word is Conor would welcome a trade.Conor caught my attention his last year in AAA. I have thought he was getting a pretty raw deal in Arizona, but then I have thought that about others before and turned out wrong.
radio this morning: did not take anything either time. left a knife on the bed the first time. caught him home this time and shot him in the groin.Actually it sounds even more vicious than just a hit. It sounds like a guy who knew where to hit to get the kill, but make it a slow and painful kill.
what does that sound like to you?
Which means that even if Brocail were offered arbitration the Astros will not lose a draft pick.That is correct, SD would get some extra late sandwich round pick, but it doesn't actually cost the Astros anything (other than their pick comes one later in the 3rd? round).
radio this morning: did not take anything either time. left a knife on the bed the first time. caught him home this time and shot him in the groin.Sounds like after the first time I would not have been staying there until I had better security (at least if I made his kind of money).
what does that sound like to you?
My guess is that Borkowski moves on. I can't imagine there would be any compensation, but Brocail was not type B was he?Yes, Brocail was a type B FA. He was 45th of all NL Relief pitchers (57 were A or B).
it was no robbery. it was a hit.Yeah, I guess it certainly seems that way. I guess part of me was hoping he was leaving that type of lifestyle in his past... but then I guess that might also account for the cause too.
I think there is some screening process:While technically that might be true, I think it is often just a rubber stamp based on 10-years played. I love JD, but even he made the ballot (and even got 1 vote).
http://web.baseballhalloffame.org/hofers/bbwaa.jsp
When he pitches he is pretty darn good. Last year:BAA 207, WHIP 1.27, less than a hit an inning .75 per, 24 s.o. in 24 innings. The guy has only pitched a little over 100 innings total in the last 3 years, if you look at the glass 1/2 full it is a vetran with an arm that is rested. IMHO the cubs got a good deal on Wood for next year, of coarse they had to pay him and get next to nothing for the past 3 years to get it.Ok, while that all may be true. Even if he is a closer (which I have my doubts if he can be) he will earn at least $4.2 Mil min. And my guess lots of his $3.45 extras probably are tied to stuff like saves and IP or the like. IF he does indeed stay the closer he could earn $7.65 Million. Which is not terrible for a closer but on the expensive side for someone who has never done it before.
More walks, too. Of course, Stark refers to 2005, but Lidge's numbers were much better in '04: .174 average against, .254 OBP, .290 SLG. Yeeeeeshhh. He basically turned the average hitter into a pitcher with a bat.I am not so sure it wasn't worse than that, given who he might have been called in to face in 04 (Dotel started the year as the closer). He actually might have been turning Middle of the line-up type hitters into pitchers. And it wasn't just 1 AB, but for the whole season (at least every AB he pitched in that season).
In other news, water is wet.The asking price for him is super high. I think someone did a breakdown of realistic candidates based on trade asking price and Santanna's extension (supposed) demands. I am sure the article is linked in some other thread.
http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/7493250
huh?I think he might be quoting a different Jim.
sort of.Based on your previous posts, I could tell.
I have a character in Second Life. He is also called Limey and also spends far too much time in a baseball-related chatroom. The only difference is that Second Life Limey can fly.I guess this must be a sign of my age, but I don't get Second Life. I mean, I waste too much of my time as it is. If I had a Second Life, too, there wouldn't be enough hours in the day to sleep.
Pasadena?The Princess' pad?
I still think that Tommy "Tommy John Surgery" John should get in for his contributions to sports medicine. If they'll let in Lou Gehrig on the same pretense, it works for me.Umm, you think maybe he was voted in based on merit and not his "contributions to sports medicine"? And if you think THAT was why he was voted in, exactly how is ALS anywhere related to a sports medicine issue?
I think the big question is recruiting. But that really depends on the staff he puts together...With Sherman that might be true, but then Fran could recruit well, it was just he couldn't seem to coach as well as he needed too. But then according to him his WR core sucked, so maybe it was his recruiting too. Tech certainly landed a pretty awesome WR this past year in Crabtree.
I may be losing it, but I swear I saw something recently about Ash signing with another club ... Did anyone else see that? Link??As if I needed another reason why Ash couldn't be the Astros 2B in 08...
i have a friend at work who had the Sherman info two weeks ago.Not that is matters, but was that a done deal then? Rumor had it that Spurrier and Tuberville were options, but don't know how much of that was media speculation than reality?
Nothing is worth dealing with the O's.Thus my requirement of a hole in the head. I agree dealing with THAT owner is almost on the same level as dealing with Boras (although a different kind of head-ache).
Texans offensive coordinator Mike Sherman has been hired to replace Dennis Franchione. Press conference tomorrow at 11.It never ceases to amaze me how quickly things like this come out on this board. Not sure if this was just from web browsing or inside info, because we have both on this board.
Could it mean, maybe, that he is trying to distance himself from Boras, or at least trying to differentiate himself from Boras?
I didn't interpret his comments to mean that.
The biggest question is what does Wade have to offer the cardinal? IMO they will want pitchin and prospects? The astro just got a pretty good 3rd base prospect in the Lidge deal, now which pitcher?? Wandy? Is that enough?Astros are looking for starting pitching, hard to imagine they would give away ones they have. Wandy was arguably the 2nd best the Astros had last year. Even if he isn't a #2, he was for Houston in 07.
I'd think long and hard about a guy who's owed $36M over 3 years, who looks like he may be done as an effective hitter.Agreed, but you always have the physical option. Check him out. If he can regain his health (or even close to it), he is worth that kind of money. Imagine him close to what he was in 06 (.296/.369/.518) and a line-up like this:
A chink in the genius armor. Gold glove winnin', power hittin, cleanup battin' 3rd basemen do not grow on trees.Based on how long he was in each city, he would be retired by the time he did this in Houston. The biggest quesiton with him right now is health. He play 112 games in 07, 142 in 06 and only 56 in 05. His numbers were way down in 07, which would indicate that even when he was playing he was not 100%. Or he has reached that nasty stage of every major leaguers career where they are a shadow of their former selves.
I would think a smart baseball man would find away to keep that guy happy.
I can't believe that La genius thinks they are better off with out Rolen.
Although didn't Rolen wear out his welcome in Philly?
Yes, those powerhouse baseball markets of Pittsburgh and Florida really help prove the point.I agree, it isn't about BIG so much in ROY, although I would believe that when they have someone battling for ROY, they do well. Just they don't have many people in the running.
More media there, more opportunities for them to actually watch/follow the player...
How many players in the big Northeastern media markets have one the ROY the last 20 seasons?I guess it depends on if you consider only big NorthEastern cities, ie Bos/NYM. But my comment was more for East coast in general. But Bos and NY have to have Rookies worth of consideration, if so, they ussually win I think. Just they don't tend to have alot of rookies period.
Scott is not a bad OFer. i do not know why folks think he is.At this point, I think I would rather have Scott than Jones.
IMO, you're all making this more complicated than it is. SmithWade specifically emphasized speed. Loretta doesn't have it. There's a reason we're hearing about these quick prototypical 2-spot hitters for 2b. It'll be a speedy 2b whether that's someone acquired by trade, FA, or Burke. And that person will bat 2nd. I don't believe the Astros currently see Everett as a better option at the 2-hole than the 2nd baseman; whoever that'll be.I agree 100% with this statement. Although I liked the quick reference more than the speedy for the 2B. I think it would better describe what they are looking for, speedy would be a bonus. And if Loretta is back next year, I think it almost definite as a safety-net/back-up for the 2B option they plan to go with, than to start. Just the feeling I get at this point (no inside info on this).
Not to get off topic but is anyone as upset with Pedroia getting the AL ROTY? If you ask me Brian Bannister got robbed after having an outstanding quiet year as a the Royals' ace (forget Meche) yet writers continue to ride the Boston bandwagonBatting almost always wins against pitching in these things. And big market will always win against anyone else, especially if big market is on the East Coast. More media there, more opportunities for them to actually watch/follow the player... Just the way of the world.
Is Bruntlett better than Infante? Link Maybe. Interesting comparison. The Tigers were looking for a backup outfielder and they went with Jones. The Cubs didn't ask for as much as did the Phillies. Maybe they wouldn't have traded Jones within the Division. Perhaps comparing this trade to the Bourn/Lidge trade suggest that the Astros were looking for younger, better defensively, better attitude, cheaper, and faster. A longer term solution too.Not to mention they were just looking for better.
Point is moo. WadeSmith is actively looking for a 2b who can hit 2 in the order.Well, this probably is so, but there is always the chance they don't get a 2B who can hit 2. If we had to stay in-house only, would Everett be worse than the other options?
i really do not know. my friend said there was fault on both sides, but i did not want to ask him what happened.ok, I can live with that. My experience is that when there is a falling out between people, there is ALWAYS fault on both sides.
my bet is that Anderson will be elsewhere. i have no info to that effect, though.I could buy any number of people being moved this off-season based on the fact that the team has already shown a stronger willingness to trade than in previous years.
some scout (Lakey, Noe?) assured Hun before the draft that Burke could play SS.So Lakey was thrown to the proverbial dog-house because he claimed Burke could play ML SS, and Hunsicker found out that was WAY off base, and after not liking the dog-house, Lakey later resigned.
they did not trade Lidge for a guy who might be a benchwarmer.I agree, I think they plan on Bourn being the CF and lead off hitter. I do too. I guess my point is that I want Bourn to "earn" the spot as much as it is given to him. Wouldn't it be nice if Anderson does push Bourn? Not saying it will happen, but I think it will make the Astros better if it happens, especially if Bourn clearly beats out Anderson who IS pushing for the starting spot.
If sandwiched between Bourn and a #2 guy getting on-base and Berkman hitting like he normally does along with Lee, the idea of Pence getting a boatload of fastballs to hit (instead of those sliders that break away from the plate and make him look hapless at the plate) makes him a very good hitter. In fact, the idea of Pence and fastball is so good that Pence will *look* like the best hitter on the team once everything is said and done.I think he has the chance to be the "scariest" hitter, because of his agressiveness and speed. Especially infront of two very solid hitters like Berkman and Lee. But this does depend on 1 and 2 getting on consistently in front of those 3.
Excellent. What the upper minor leagues do is weed out those who push for numbers instead of develop, so this will be his test the coming years.Yep, MLB does have this system of development right, because this is often true. You have to prove yourself each year as you progress. Just as you might explode one year, you might also completely fall apart. The hope in any system is you have a couple of guys from each draft prove out to be deserving of ML spots. You get more, bonus, you get less, well, you get a system kindof like the Astros are in now. It is such a crap shoot sometimes, but then that is why they draft 50+ each year.
David Lakey was re-assigned by GM Gerry Hunsicker because of a difference of opinion on the value of Chris Burke. Soon afterwards, Lakey quit.That begs the question, who was on which side of that argument?
Coach said the #3 hitter should be the best hitter on the team. Is that Pence, Berkman or Lee?It is all relative though. It is not like you set a line-up one spot at a time. You generally have to consider all spots together (or at least the prime spots), rather than each in a vacuum. As such, while Pence might not be the BEST hitter, because of what the other "best" hitters bring to the table, Pence becomes the "best" candidate for the #3 spot. Berkman seems to have more power, and Lee seems to be the best RBI type (at least based on the last couple of years).
I'm more excited right now about Brad James ...I think this was in the Bus Ride section already, but a scout (granted just one scout) made a comment about James, and that he looked like he was pushing for better numbers in 07 (to make a statement) rather than really developing like THIS scout thought he should.
Next stop, Gold Glove.No you need two things. Several highlight reel type catches shown adnauseum on ESPN, and a really good bat. Carlos has the later... but hard to imagine the former.
Ahh, Limass, I do care who screws me.Is this more relating back to Brad since he is still a player, thus making it ok?
Not to dismiss your well laid out missive, I believe that, in a civilized society, everyone should be entitled to healthcare. How a society cares for its sick is a barometer of society as a whole.I don't know I look at it differently I guess. While I agree how a society cares for its sick is a good barometer, but I guess my perspective is that it is society's responsibility not the government. So I separate the two. I think when the government gets involved it removes the fabric of the society because society stops helping its own and lets someone else do it (in this case the government).
Irrespective of that touchy-feely stuff, the healthcare system in this country is a major drain on businesses, particularly heavy industry which is getting the crap kicked out of it by everyone else, and restricts the abilities of individuals to pursue their dreams and desires. It restricts entrepreneurship and holds families in poverty. In that, I would argue that it is un-American.
The Federal Government builds roads to aid commerce and mobility. Providing healthcare would do exactly the same thing.
So let me see if I have this straight, Agents and players can lie about who is interested in them and about the amount of money other teams are offering, but owners can not tell the truth about weather or not they are in the market for a player. All so a player can opt out of a 10 year 250 million dollar contact, because that just isn't enough money to keep his family in the style they have grown acustom to? NICEBut the owners are able to collude to screw the fan. Just look at the price for tickets and food & drinks at a game.
Exactly. And Barry Zito was the FA pitcher equivalent of Carlos Lee last year. I'd say Zito is much more overpaid than Lee. On the other hand, as has been discussed at length on this site, it is perhaps not ideal to have two slow-moving sluggers with limited fielding ability on an NL team, so in that sense maybe you could argue signing Lee was a mistake.I think you could argue very strongly that Lee was worth his money alot more than Zito was worth his. Both on pre-07 and 07 performances. Zito had been showing that his numbers were sliding while Lee was showing at the very least a steady production of quality. Zito is still living off of one spectacular year (when he won the Cy) and a good 1-2 years leading up to it. But since he has been sliding more and more to mediocre and was paid like an Ace, even in today's wild spending. Lee was paid like a strong hitter, but just shy of the elite levels. And I think he has performed like one. And time will tell how each will actually do over the lifetime of their contracts, but Lee looks like a safer bet to meet expectation than Zito at this point.
How so?Because more people began to feel they were entitled to more, because it was "given" to them. If they had to pay for it directly themselves they would have had more appreciation for what they received, much like money earned vs given to someone. If people realized how expensive things were getting, they would cause a market shift to more affordable options, thus controlling the market. When it is someone else's responsibility (like the government) they don't care about the cost, and largely ignore the escalation of the issue until it becomes too late.
¨I got a lot at risk here. I got my family to feed.¨-- Latrell Sprewell (who had made close to $100M in the NBA) after turning down an ¨insulting¨ 3 year, $30M contract extensionBest part of that item, is that he never make even that much the rest of his career (collectively) after turning that deal offer down.
I wasn't just talking about using the money last year or this year. If we would have just signed Lee to a two year contract, then I would not have had a problem with the deal. I meant for the life of the contract. Lee is just going to get older and fatter as his contract progresses. I would have taken my chances with other options instead of Lee, and used the money elsewhere.The only reason his deal is bad is if you think he will suck after this year (since you stated you would have been fine with a 2-yr deal). One, how do you know he will suck after this year since he was so productive he was rated as one of the top 3 OFers in the NL last year. Two, The only way he is bad for the team is if his contract prevents the Astros from signing another FA that would help the team as much or more than him -OR- he is blocking some player in the Organization from being able to play who would be as productive or more so.
Drayton was a damn idiot for thinking Lee was the missing link on last year's team anyway. Anyone with any sense who could peruse our pitching staff knew we were in for a long year in 2007.
twitter.com/edwade ?SHHH!!! don't give away our insider access!!!
The UK's National Health Service was only initiated after WWII. Before that, it was pay-as-you-go for those that could, or charity hospitals for those that couldn't.It is my supposition that this is when things went down hill from a health care perspective. No in quality, but in cost. I think these actions were done with the best of intentions, but the long term impact ended up being more negative than the initial boon it was created to be.
Lastly, who would you like to have making decisions about your treatment: an elected Government official (or an appointee of an elected Government official) who wants your vote, or a insurance company bean-counter whose bonus is predicated on not providing you with treatment?I guess my point is that because of past actions (and inactions) our society has removed the possibility that I want, which is I should be able to go to the doctor of my choice and be charged a reasonable rate, outside of the need for insurance at all. There should be no need, because they are providing a service like any other business and can do so at affordable rates if they don't have to fear I will sue them in to oblivion if they screw up.
Surely you jest.While he sucked in Bos, that was in the set-up role not the closer role. He was pretty good in Texas as the Closer. So no I don't jest.
Understood. I'm merely using this to juxtapose the interpretation that the US is foundded on the principle of "I got mine, you get your own". How the general welfare is promoted is a matter of opinion. For healhtcare, the US decided to go with a private hospital system paid for, in the vast majority of cases, by insurance. Not a system embraced by any other industrialised and/or first world country, but it is what it is.Actually insurance only is a recent phenomenon. As is several instances of the government "helping" people. There was a time when the Texas had a massive drought (at least I think that was it) and applied for government aid. The President at the time (might have been Teddy Roosevelt, but around that time) responded by stating something to the effect "I cannot find any basis in the Constitution to support the government intervening the help. Furthermore I think it would undermine the unity that this country was founded up where neighbor picks up his neighbor in a time of need. This breads at better relationship among the people rather than an expectation that someone else will help them out, so I don't need to". This is a huge paraphrase on my part, I recall hearing a guy on the radio reading it off, so I don't have full recall of who it was and what he specifically said.
Now that the system is breaking down (because of the insurance end of things) it's not out of character with the Constitution to consider fixes and/or alternatives.
This may have been covered as I didn't read 15 pages, but although I agree it could be a man crush I hope there is some way that they can bring back Mike Lamb for the LH bench player instead of Scott. I know he is not in the elite of the defensive players in the league but he can play both infield corner spots and even play a little in a corner OF spot, although probably not a smart thing to do except in an extreme pinch. Plus he has a dependable bat off the bench.See what Noe said about Lamb, but if you think singing to him would work... umm, just don't ask me, I can't carry a tune at all. As for Loretta, my guess is alot will depend on what 2B options the Astros acquire(or don't) and what other teams come calling. I am guessing no matter or Mark goes, he will at best be competing for a starting gig, if not be told he will be comming off the bench. If that latter is true, he has shown a desire to be in Houston, so we can hope in that area.
Some team will probably give him a full time starting job and sing him but I wish the Astros could break camp next spring with both Lamb and Loretta in tow.
I would boo him in his first start, just because.If it happens please don't. Imagine how bad this team will be if we replace our GM twice in the span of 6 months?
Goodness you and Burz have short memories. If Pence were going to be the starting CF for 2008 the Astros would not have installed Anderson in center for September. As has been pointed out Pence has never been an everyday CF. You don't remove an inexperienced player from a position if you expect that player to be the starter in that position. If Pence were going to be the CF the Astros would have wanted him to get all the experience there he could which would have meant a September outfield of Lee/Pence/Whoever. Instead the Astros recognized that Pence wasn't good enough out there to justify giving him that position. Hence, the Anderson promotion and starting job. Which also leads to the most logical conclusion that Pence was NOT going to be the Astros starting CF. Anderson was it. That's why they dealt for Bourn.Thank you for pointing this out. I thought I was the only one to think this as I read through the arguing.
Cosy and Bourny. Done.Even without trying to think of what his nicknames will be, you can be sure he will have a whole host of pre-scripted comments relating to Jason Bourne references and Seinfeld references.
I think calling them monkeys is giving them too much credit and a disservice to monkeys everywhere in the world.I don't know, monkey's are famous for throwing their own poo on anyone who gets too close... maybe that is a good analogy.
I think before you pencil scott in that bench role, you have to explore what others will give you for him that you need.Based on how quickly they pulled this deal off, I am pretty certain they are exploring a whole host of options, and I am pretty sure Scott is involved in a few of them.
he is the ideal #2 HITTER. i do not worry about his speed. he can get to third on a Pence double easily.I totally agree, my comment was just in response to the comment about a speedy top of the order and that Loretta (if in the #2 hole) is not speedy.
That is a speedy top of the order. I like it.Not if Loretta is the 2B.
Knowing the source that Jim knows, I would say it's pretty much internal.If so, I find that very telling (as to how far Burke has fallen) and interesting.
i have it on reasonably good authority that Burke is not the automatic answer at 2B.As in not the automatic answer of internal options, or including external options too?
Your wife puts her place of work on the info sheet for the doctors office, also on that sheet is a HIPAA release allowing them to provide info to the insurance for billing. That would be my guess that it comes second hand through the medical provider.But then it would require them to do checks of this info for each person to track down if that place of employment actually does provide insurance to them. I have to admit this sounds like alot of money for them to do all this, not to mention a ton of time. And then you would get your typical invasion of privacy cry's. Seems like a big expense for them to try to enforce.
That then begs the question: Should they go after Mark Loretta?Depends. I think the question should be "How hard they go after Mark Loretta?"
skullfingering ceremonyI am going to have to try to work that into my daily converstations now.
The only drawback to batting Loretta #2 is his base clogging speed. Ideally, I wouldn't want someone that slow on base in front of the sluggers.Hence why I would prefer Iguchi over the other two. But he might be the most pricey to get.
And is this the same Luis Castillo who had to take regular days off in 2007 because of 'tired' legs? I'd rather... *gulp* ... see Burke out there.
Hopefully Scott will produce a nice bullpen arm or a second baseman.At least now they have reduced their needs to look for and can focus on the remaining.
You're just being stupid now. Why?When backed into a corner with more logic then they can refute... try to distract them... I see my kids try it all the time... doesn't work for them either.
Or to at least kindly tell him to go play with fantasy people who will appreciate his Berkman at the #2 spot in the lineup.I think that is kind of demeaning to Fantasy Players who are smart enough to know the difference between fantasy and reality.
It just means you make a circle around the jerk...and tell him to 'fuck off'.I could live with that.
SD is not the ideal location for a LH "power" hitter.I am confused, who was the LF "power" hitter mentioned?
i do too.Ahh shit! Jim, Noe and I all agree on something... you KNOW the Astros won't!
Or Bourn / Berkman / Pence / Lee / Wig / Burke / Towl / EverettThis from the guy who thinks Scott would be better for the team than Bourn, right?
Yeah, that's valid. I hope he saves enough to balance the loss of production.Look if Luke was all that, then why was the team even bothering to look at Josh Anderson at the end of last year? Scott was not playing but Pence and Lee were still getting their normal ABs. So putting that all together the club viewed Scott as the 3rd best of Pence, Lee and Scott... AND that they needed to see Josh Anderson play a little at the Major League level. Now, if they were happy with Scott and planned on him being the starter for 08, why would they give 2 shits about Anderson and seeing him play, unless they were going to move Lee or Pence to make room for him? AND if they were planning on doing that, why was Scott not playing everyday instead so they could see them playing together (Scott and Anderson)?
They love Victorino and that pretty much meant Bourn was a RF.I would love him too, if he continues to perform like he did last year when not hurt.
They are going to need a lot of pitching help to be a contender this year, but I think they just took one step towards that goal.They were going to need that, even without this trade. But they are closer to being back in contention after the trade then before, IMO.
