Messages

1

Talk Zone / Re: Dear Mr. Jennings:

« on: July 30, 2007, 01:20:38 pm »

I'm sorry, what did you criticize?  I must have missed your analysis.  Or were you just helpfully pointing out that his ERA is high?  We all would have missed that without your humourous whining.

Whining about people who "whine" is STILL WHINING.

Which makes you and JimR the BIGGEST WHINERS on this forum.

whine  , whin·ing, noun  to snivel or complain in a peevish, self-pitying way: –verb (used with object)


I am the astro-
Creep a demolition
Style hell american
Freak - I am the
Crawling dead - a
Phantom in a box
Shadow in your
Head say acid
Suicide freedom
Of the blast read
The fucker lies -
Scratch off the -
Broken skin - tear
Into my heart make
Me do it again yeah

2

Talk Zone / Re: Texas LAW question (NON BB)

« on: July 19, 2007, 12:24:37 pm »

How can you be a Texan and not want Texas plates on your car?  2 aren't enough.

Wow, I was going to add to my previous post  ...like blind sheep taking it in the ass by a retard farmer from Crawford.

But it seems you guys are the sheep and JimR is that farmer.

It's amazing you guys can pull your noses out of JimR's ass long enough to type anything.

3

Talk Zone / Re: Texas LAW question (NON BB)

« on: July 18, 2007, 04:37:22 pm »

You see, folks, we have here a true Texan patriot.  A follower of Gandhi's school of principled civil disobedience. 

Of course, a true Texan also knows that Gandhi had the nonviolence part wrong.  The Texan way is to go through life armed and intoxicated.  You think John Wayne conquered the Old West with a sit-in?  Shit no.  He would drink a bottle of rotgut and then blast any peckerwood who dared cross his path.

Of course, he might have been gay, so I'm really not ssure of my point anymore.

Except that only Communists have front license plates on the bumper.

And Al Qaeda.

If you put your plates on your bumper... the terrorists have already won.

damn straight, the drunk part will come Friday, NOT in my beloved car.

Front license plate ...... then suicide bomber! Slipery slope.

4

Talk Zone / Re: Texas LAW question (NON BB)

« on: July 18, 2007, 04:26:18 pm »

Cars worth caring about need to be properly licensed too.  It's the law dude.  Really. 

There is no law that says it needs to be displayed ON the bumper, apparently.

5

Talk Zone / Re: Texas LAW question (NON BB)

« on: July 18, 2007, 04:25:20 pm »

i have a car worth caring about. i also have a front plate. what's your point?

obey the law or move where there is a different one.

Maybe you would be happier in Communist Russia, where they tell you how eat, breath, shit and who you can screw.

Questioning our laws is more "Patriotic" than following them like blind sheep.

6

Talk Zone / Re: Texas LAW question (NON BB)

« on: July 18, 2007, 04:08:16 pm »

well, drive the speed limit and screw them up.

i'll bet that has been the law in Texas way before there were radar guns. move to California and quit whining.

Try buying a car worth caring about, and maybe you would feel different.

7

Talk Zone / Re: Texas LAW question (NON BB)

« on: July 18, 2007, 04:06:51 pm »

So prior to radar guns being put into widespread use by highway patrol and various municipalities, the front plate requirement was just some really well thoughtout future planning?

That's going pretty far back, but I could image that they could charge you more if you had to buy 2.

8

Talk Zone / Re: Texas LAW question (NON BB)

« on: July 18, 2007, 04:00:22 pm »

Seemed a little harsh to me. Not that it's a luxury vehicle or anything, but having holes for a license plate bracket drilled in the chrome on the front of my new car was a little cringe-worthy.

AND, the ONLY reason it IS a law, so they have a better target for their radar guns. $$$$$

9

Talk Zone / Re: Texas LAW question (NON BB)

« on: July 18, 2007, 03:54:12 pm »

As far as choosing your battles goes, this seems like a dumb one. Are you so lazy or "independent" that you can't stick a fucking license plate on the front of your car? Damn. Anything that begs for the DPS or HPD to stop you and check out your car seems like a very bad idea to me. Especially when it's something so petty and pointless.

Jesus, just put the fucking plate on your car.

Or move to one of the nearby states, like mine, which only require back plates. Because, really, the peace of mind you get from not being downtrodden by The Man is priceless. A guy can only stand so much License Plate Repression before he snaps.

Help, help, I'm being repressed!

You are obviously are NOT a car guy.

10

Talk Zone / Re: Vick indicted (non-bb)

« on: July 18, 2007, 02:26:55 pm »

http://www.flickr.com/photos/littlepuppydog/788364159/
 

  This required a smiley.

If that is real, thats sad.

11

Talk Zone / Re: Vick indicted (non-bb)

« on: July 18, 2007, 02:11:51 pm »

It's tough to dispute the numbers regarding aggressive behavior, but, Cesar Millan, the Dog Whisperer guy, believes Pit Bulls, without any outside help or influence from humans, are not inherently different, psychologically speaking, than any other breed of dog. As a fan of his and having seen his results, and having practiced his methodolgy on my own mixed pitbull/whippet, I tend to agree. My dog, however, has never show any agression just a need for a lot of playing and exercise.

http://www.dogpsychologycenter.com/dpc/

http://www.dogpsychologycenter.com/dpc_pack/dpc_popeye.php

You have a WHIPPET/PITBULL mix?

That's like combining Randy Couture and Michael Johnson

Do you have pictures?

12

Talk Zone / Re: Vick indicted (non-bb)

« on: July 18, 2007, 01:56:45 pm »

I think dogs (of all breeds) attack for a variety of reasons based on situation, treatment, temperment etc.  I make that judgment based on years of dog rescue focused on large breed dogs including huskys, pit bulls, german shepards, border collies and even a wolf hybrid. I choose not to make generalizations given the complexity of the issue.  

And for what it's worth i'd put kids with my pit bull over my mother-in-law's 4lb poodle any day.  but that's two specific dogs.

I've been bit by my Schnauzer, Italian Greyhound, and American Eskimo.

If I was ever bit by one of my Pitbulls, I'd be in the Hospital, and the Doctor, would be FORCED to report it.

13

Talk Zone / Re: Vick indicted (non-bb)

« on: July 18, 2007, 01:31:29 pm »

http://www.dogbitelaw.com/Dog%20Attacks%201982%20to%202006%20Clifton.pdf

Of the 2,209 attacks analyzed in this report, 50% came from pit bulls - FAR more than any other dog.

That's probably because bites by Chihuahas, Pomeranians, Poodles ..etc are not reported.

Either way the attacks are due to BAD TREATMENT, and BAD BREEDING by PEOPLE.
I wonder how a report from 1985 would look.

You would probably see Dobermans on top of the list. The IN "tough" dog of the time.

14

Talk Zone / Re: Vick indicted (non-bb)

« on: July 18, 2007, 01:20:29 pm »

Yes because making statements on a message board without factual support is so taboo. So, do you think only mistreated pit bulls attack and only when provoked? Are you that naive, or are you just being obtuse?

I would like to see the evidence that shows Pitbulls are more likely to Attack PEOPLE than any other dog?

15

Talk Zone / Re: Texas LAW question (NON BB)

« on: July 18, 2007, 01:16:49 pm »

That's become an annual $45 fee for me.  I get pulled over maybe twice a year for not having a front license plate and ~half the time I actually get a ticket.

It's only a $45 fine??

16

Talk Zone / Re: Vick indicted (non-bb)

« on: July 18, 2007, 11:00:42 am »

This statement is inaccurate and not supported by the referenced study which is mearly a data set.   If you're going to provoke this discussion, at least attempt to avoid gross generalizations without any factual support.

Yeah I was trying to avoid that statement.

17

Talk Zone / Texas LAW question (NON BB)

« on: July 18, 2007, 10:59:39 am »

I just got a ticket for no front license plate. Everything I've heard and read, you have to have 2 license plates, but the law DOESN'T say it has to be on the bumper. So I had it on my dash, and you can clearly see it?

So any advice from the lawyers in the group?

Should I fight this?
Should I just pay the fine and drill holes in my car?

Does anyone know the EXACT law?

18

Talk Zone / Re: Vick indicted (non-bb)

« on: July 18, 2007, 10:41:22 am »

The propoganda spread by both sides of the pit bull debate is likely inaccurate to some extent, but the notion that pit bulls are just lovely animals acting out of rage soley due to mistreatment by owners is horseshit. Even pit bulls that are raised properly can snap on a moments notice into a fierce rage that goes beyond biting, so why even take the risk? Get a labrador, they make great pets and don't maim people on a daily basis. Do you think all labs are treated properly? With pit bulls the data is there in regards to attacks, it's not about the reason, it's about the risk.

There is a good study on this subject here...http://www.dogbitelaw.com/Dog%20Attacks%201982%20to%202006%20Clifton.pdf

It takes Acrobat Adobe to open, if you don't have the software a summary can be found here...http://www.dogbitelaw.com/PAGES/statistics.html

Unfortunately you are correct, aggression toward people has been bred INTO the dog.

And this has happened recently. Pit-bull fighting USED to be a gentlemen’s sport. (not that I condone it)
A pit-bull that showed aggression towards people were either put down or not allowed to breed.

Because of this for a long time, Pit bulls were not considered good guard dogs. (and they can hardly bark)

Only proper licensed breeders should be allowed to breed and sell this dog. Then that aggression
toward people will be breeded out of them.

I raised 2 pit-bull in the late 80's, and they were sweethearts, played with my young nieces and nephews.
NOW, I wouldn't let my 2 little one near a Pit-bull.

19

Talk Zone / Re: Vick indicted (non-bb)

« on: July 17, 2007, 09:35:59 pm »

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2940065

Michael Vick has been indicated by a federal grand jury.

"Michael Vick, you are a very bad man.  You are sentenced to a federal, pound-the-in-the-ass prison."

The actual fighting part was probably the happiest time for those poor dogs.

Pitbulls are actually real sweat dogs, they would rather lick you that bight you, it's a shame what people have done to them.

20

Talk Zone / Re: Roy ain't Roy in '07

« on: July 14, 2007, 06:08:38 pm »

Lilly has been pitching pretty well, i think i read, but that is not the point. the point is that Roy has been average.

Anyone have a guess WHY he has been average?

21

Talk Zone / Re: Roy ain't Roy in '07

« on: July 14, 2007, 04:48:42 pm »

nearly every time out.

Is his "be more aggressive to get farther into games" approach NOT working for him?

Or something else?


If the Astros can't beat the Cubs with Roy and Lilly on the mound...

22

Talk Zone / Re: Does anyone think that this team has a chance for the postseason?

« on: July 14, 2007, 11:45:21 am »

An honest question.

The Brewers and Cubs aren't exactly running away with it. If the Astros can SOMEHOW win something like 15 of 20, they
will be in the race.

The question is WHO can they add (bullpen, CF, SP) without selling the few prospects they have.

23

Talk Zone / Re: The "Greatest" Guitarists -- Rock, Funk, Blues, Rhythm & Blues, etc. (non-bb)

« on: July 12, 2007, 04:19:40 pm »

Others I thought of:

Robert Cray
Luther Perkins
Yngwie Malmsteen
Brad Gillis (Ozzy, Night Ranger - did more with a Floyd Rose whammy bar than one can imagine)
Stuart Adamson (Big Country - amazing stuff with the eBow)
and the incomparable Esteban, who has by far the best threads

Underrated, but can flat throw down with anyone: John Mayer

Brian May
Ralph Macchio


..and Buckethead

24

Talk Zone / Re: A shot in the dark... (non BB)

« on: July 12, 2007, 03:37:48 pm »

Best thread on the Internet for such things:

http://www.fatwallet.com/forums/messageview.php?catid=24&threadid=581239&start=1860

There isn't a password for Houston yet, but Dallas is 'LOVE'.

Thanks HOMER, I actually did find it on that website, I tried the San Faranciso password. ADMIRE if anyone cares.

25

Talk Zone / A shot in the dark... (non BB)

« on: July 12, 2007, 02:32:35 pm »

Does anyone have a PRESALE password for INTERPOL, September 25th concert?

26

Talk Zone / Re: Maybe Pence needs a new glove...

« on: July 05, 2007, 11:47:28 am »

Nobody wants to see Burke in CF less than me.  I was one of the few here clapping loudly when Hunter got the call up simply because Burke in CF was a nightmare.  Turns out Hunter hasn't been much better, at least in the field.  

Me, I'd run Hunter out there everyday and when it looks like he could use a day off, I'd give him a rest.  I'd also hire Terry Puhl or someone like Puhl to teach the kid how to play the OF properly.  He's a bit of a goony bird out there.  Hell, he's a bit of a goony bird in the batter's box as well.  But I think he has enough natural ability you could teach/coach the goony bird out of him.

"Nobody wants to see Burke in CF less than me."     Oh I'll have to disagree there.

27

Talk Zone / Re: Maybe Pence needs a new glove...

« on: July 03, 2007, 09:38:34 am »

the pence defense bashing is getting way old. we all know he sucks at it but jesus christ hes hitting. we have no CF and hes forced to play there.

My question about his glove was somewhat serious. Being an ex-high school and current bear league, ham-string pulling outfielder,
I know how you can get attached to a glove even though the glove is way past its best years. His glove just looks really FLOPPY,
maybe, just maybe a new glove could help.

28

Talk Zone / Maybe Pence needs a new glove...

« on: July 02, 2007, 10:08:13 pm »

or a hole bunch of stick-um.

How many times has that happened now?

29

Game Zone 2007 Archive / Re: Rockies @ Biggio -- 6/28/07

« on: June 28, 2007, 09:48:31 pm »

So, who's gonna step up out of the bullpen and get the fucking job done?

I think I saw that girl shake her butt counter clockwise....and then clockwise.

30

Talk Zone / Re: where is the alternatvie programaing

« on: June 22, 2007, 10:35:38 am »

I was hooked on the show the first time I saw Padma Lakshmi. Salman Rushdie is a very blessed man.

I like HELLS KITCHEN better. Chef Ramsey is a COMPLETE ASSHOLE, I love it.

31

Talk Zone / Re: The AE Fallacy

« on: June 19, 2007, 06:48:17 pm »

I think Burke playing SS is just something the Astros Brass likes to talk about... Because I sure haven't seen him there at all.

P.S. He is an eh shortstop anyway. Noodle-arm SS = bad news.

I personally don't want to see Burke on the field, let alone SS.

I myself have learned to enjoy watching Adam play, are the Astros better because he broke his leg, ofcourse not, too many factors.
Would the Astros drop Adam in an instant if another slick fielding SS came along that could also hit, I think they would. if everything
fell into place.

32

Talk Zone / Re: The AE Fallacy

« on: June 19, 2007, 05:50:38 pm »

That's what irked me the most.  I don't want anyone to agree with me at all.  But I hate it... I mean I loathe it when I'm spoken to in riddles and childish games.  Be a man, that's all I ask.  Tell me I'm full of shit, I can handle that.  I lose all respect for those who wish to play games simply because they want to disagree with me.  I'm not important at all to waste your time and mine doing that.

Well i won't tell you, you are full of shit, because that would be silly. And how do you loose respect for someone, from what they say (type) on a Fan Forum? That's silly too. I will say I don't think the Astros are as married to Adam as much as some here want them to be. I heard PUP say BEFORE Adam was hurt, that Burke could see some time at SS.

I think the marriage will last as long as Adam hits .250+  The Astros love for Adam is NOT unconditional.

33

Talk Zone / Re: Lineup for Tonight

« on: June 19, 2007, 04:28:07 pm »

I like Lee as DH.  He should be, for every inter-league game the Astros play.

I'd prefer Bruntlett at SS, Loretta at 3rd, Lamb at 1st and Berkman in LF.

I was watching "Small talk with Lance", or whatever it's called, and he was talking about his first ML at bat, he hit into a double play, but he looked damn quick (and trim) trying to beat the the throw. I'd prefer that Lance in LF too.

So whats the deal, did his knee injury prevent him from getting into proper shape? It's not like he's 38 or anything.

34

Talk Zone / Re: Lineup for Tonight

« on: June 19, 2007, 01:15:34 pm »

The Angels don't change their approach on the bases just because you change the outfielder.  They're going to run on anybody.

Maybe they will think twice, if Bruntlett gets to a ball quickly and makes a strong throw.

35

Talk Zone / Re: Lineup for Tonight

« on: June 19, 2007, 01:06:06 pm »

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/bb/4900875.html

In that case, Ensberg rides the pine.

Biggio     DH
Pence     CF
Berkman  1B
Lee         LF
Lamb       3B
Loretta   2B
Scott      RF
Ausmus   C
Bruntlett SS

THE ANGELS SPECIAL, (trying to stop those gazelles on the bases)
Bruntlett   LF
Loretta     SS
Berkman   1st
Lee          DH
Lamb        3b
Pence       CF
Scott        RF
Biggio        2nd
Ausmus     C

(Pence and Loretta swappable)

36

Talk Zone / Re: Cody Ransom

« on: June 15, 2007, 06:13:20 pm »

Luke Scott is back in right field for Friday's game after missing five straight starts.
Scott missed three games with a strained hip flexor and then two games with an abdominal injury.
 http://rotoworld.com/
 

thanks

37

Talk Zone / Re: Cody Ransom

« on: June 15, 2007, 05:18:51 pm »

let's keep bruntlett, play him in rf and ship burke back out, call up ransom. 

I like that. What's the prognosis on Luke?

38

Talk Zone / Re: MacIntosh Talk

« on: June 12, 2007, 04:27:23 pm »

The MacPro's and MacBookPro's are monsters, and priced at a significant premium.  For some high-power users, the performance is worth the premium, but not for many.  The iMac's and MacBook's are much, much cheaper, but still at a premium (as discussed) over equivalent PC products.

The iMacs and MacBooks can handle most everything but gaming. Larger Photshop files will drag.

39

Talk Zone / Re: MacIntosh Talk

« on: June 12, 2007, 03:29:06 pm »

I agree and, FWIW, my price split was based on $1,000 for the iMac with a 2.0 gig dual core processor.  The Dell chip was dual core, but I couldn't see where it showed the speed.

There's also the factor that Apple make their own software and hardware, so you don't get conflicts within the machine like you do with most PCs.  The Mac OS is also much sleeker, so it just runs faster anyway because it's taking fewer steps than Windows to perform the same function.

You can't really do true comparison because the iMac's form is so different, as you said.  You only need one power socket, for example, not three (one each for PC, screen and speakers).  Plus it comes with a wireless card which I could not see on the Dell.  Basically, it's a better machine so it costs a bit more.

I am a designer (huge photoshop files) AND gamer (Command and Conquer 3), I can get a Dell Laptop that suits my needs
for $1,500 with a 3 YEAR replacement warrenty. (I'm clumsy)

A similarly equipped Mac Laptop will set me back $2,800.

With "Boot Camp" and  A LOT more money in my account i would still pay extra for the Mac.

40

Talk Zone / MacIntosh Talk

« on: June 11, 2007, 04:06:36 pm »

It's as much a software problem as hardware.  Vista is a poor, bloated copy of pre-Leopard OS X with all the Windows legacy issues and, while this is an improvement for the Windows community, I prefer to move to the sharp and sleek original.

Plus, I don't believe that the iPhone that I don't yet have will integrate anywhere near as well with MS Outlook as it will with the Mac.

Are you buying the iPhone on June 28th?

Please review for us.

41

Talk Zone / Re: reverT

« on: June 07, 2007, 02:05:08 pm »

we've both watched him pitch noe.  this year his era is 7.80 and his whip is 2.133.  what about those numbers impresses you?

I always think it's really wierd when someone uses a picture of themselves as their avatar.



And all this time you guys thought I was Rob Zombie, no sorry I'm not.

42

Talk Zone / Re: The Jennings trade looks Bagwellesque

« on: June 07, 2007, 01:45:26 pm »

From the Clark Minus, his first post,

"You are absolutely right. It's not Berkman and his .360 SLG, or the teams inability to find a consistant 3rd baseman or rightfielder. It's not the bullpen that's killing this team, despite the fact that there are 2 pitchers in it with ERA's below 4.00. The Astros definitely aren't losing because Jennings was hurt and his replacement wound up with an ERA of 6.35 in 7 starts. It is all Woody and Biggio's fault. Even though Woody's gotten a quality start half the times he has gone out there, and Biggio has more extra base hits than everyone except Lee, they are the reason that the Astros are in fifth."

Happy?

I'm going to print this out really small, and tape it to my swatch watch.

43

Talk Zone / Re: The Jennings trade looks Bagwellesque

« on: June 07, 2007, 12:48:51 pm »

Not even Alkie thinks his rants are solid...

I mean they come from a TRUE fan.

44

Talk Zone / Re: The Jennings trade looks Bagwellesque

« on: June 07, 2007, 12:36:04 pm »

This isn't 10th Grade Remedial English...

If you don't get it, you're pretty much fucked. Nobody is going to hold your hand and explain to you what is considered acceptable.

I think Alkies rants are pretty solid and entertaining.

45

Talk Zone / Re: The Jennings trade looks Bagwellesque

« on: June 07, 2007, 12:34:33 pm »

This isn't 10th Grade Remedial English...

If you don't get it, you're pretty much fucked. Nobody is going to hold your hand and explain to you what is considered acceptable.

I'm not good at sarcasm. I should have added "the rest of class could benefit.....

46

Talk Zone / Re: The Jennings trade looks Bagwellesque

« on: June 07, 2007, 12:28:59 pm »

Attempting to understand the realities of the Astros situation is not cheerleading.  Constant negative whining is not constructive.   In fact, it's not even criticism, whatever that means.  The worst part is no one is learning anything about the team or baseball from the current bunch of postings.  It's not even entertaining.

It would be helpful to get an example of a rant or criticism that is more acceptable.

47

Talk Zone / Re: The Jennings trade looks Bagwellesque

« on: June 07, 2007, 12:15:15 pm »

all of the replies are very clever, but i am sick of this crap. it apparently affects me more than most of you, and i'm just not enjoying the TZ any more. every day, there is some new rant calling for management's head. well, guess what ranters--there is NO ONE here that is qualified to judge the baseball decisions made by people who are in that business.

watch the fucking games, and talk about baseball. if you are so damn smart, get a job in professional baseball and show us how smart you really are.

I agree with you on this one. But a board with constant rah rah, would suck too.

From the 1998 TZ Hall of Fame:

..........................................................................
MOST ACCURATE ASSESSMENT OF THE TALK ZONE
 
Dan Mc

Dan Mc summed up why the TZ is often misunderstood with this take, one that Prince of Heck would support, we're sure.

"The problem with some folks is that they equate constructive comments with disdain and slam. If people want nothing but cheerleading for the Astros then you should probably go elsewhere. I think that most people on this site are beyond the myopic Astros rule, your team sucks -type attitude."

We agree. However, the Astros rule and the Cubs suck.
..............................................................................................

48

Talk Zone / Re: The Jennings trade looks Bagwellesque

« on: June 07, 2007, 11:20:01 am »

  Compared to the signing of Woody at 6 million per season.   Who could have seen this coming?   The guy is 40 years old, stikes out just about one batter every 2 innings and gets less groundballs than 90% of the starting pitchers in baseball.   You would like to think Purpura would notice he pitched in the greatest pitcher's park of the last decade and that batters hit .295 against him on the road last year.   You would also like to think that he would realize taking this type of pitcher and dropping him in Minute Maid, which is a pretty nuetral park but is great for right handed home runs,  wouldn't be a good idea.      The bullshit line that everyone kept feeding was that "Woody loves pitching at Minute Maid!"    Guess what Timmy Poops,  Woody loved pitching at Minute Maid 4 years ago when he was a good MLB pitcher and was K'ing 6+ guys per 9 innings.    The last 3 seasons 2004-2006  Woody Williams predictably sucked ass at Minute Maid with a 6.43 ERA 31 hits in 21 innings and a .341 avg against... and this was against the Houston Astros.    This combination of lots of flyballs and very few K's just is not effective very often.  Last season not one qualified pitcher was as flyball oriented as Woody and struck out fewer batters.    Hopefully Purpura and Co. can get past the fact that they screwed the fucking pooch on wasting close to half of the money necessary to resign Pettite on a pitcher probably not qualified for the major leagues,  and start thinking about who they want to replace Woody with.    I doubt this will happen soon enough though.   The reasons "hometown guy",  and "we spent 12 million" will probably cost the Astros several more games this season.   

Really, give it a few more starts. Woody had a really strong outing his last start.

49

Talk Zone / Re: Jennings wants 12 million per?

« on: June 06, 2007, 05:48:30 pm »

Independent of each other, not mixed.  Once again, I thought you were jumping into the discussion pravata and I were clearly having about the Astros thinking (not our own).  Next time, I'll just not think anything and quite possibly ignore your jumping into the discussion about what we know or even think about the Astros thinking.  It is way too complicated for you.

not too complicated, sometimes less interesting. This is a game we are all talking about right?

And I don't value your opinion more than Purpuras. I think sometimes it is pointless to try to figure out what Purpura is thinking when there are SOOOO many factors we don't have a clue about.

50

Talk Zone / Re: Jennings wants 12 million per?

« on: June 06, 2007, 05:39:45 pm »

Especially if we're clearly talking about what Purpura was thinking at the time.  Who *CARES* what I think when it is much more facinating to dissect his thinking instead.  I mean, he actually does this for a living and shit.

both are good.

51

Talk Zone / Re: Jennings wants 12 million per?

« on: June 06, 2007, 05:31:56 pm »

Eggszactly!  Willy is much better suited for the *current* Burke role on this team.

BINGO!!! Thankyou!

(same response, had I disagreed)

52

Talk Zone / Re: Jennings wants 12 million per?

« on: June 06, 2007, 05:30:44 pm »

Doubtful.  I rarely do.  I dont trust my own personal opinion, why am I going to trust any of ya'lls?

You doubt that some of us may benefit from your opinions? You are too humble.

53

Talk Zone / Re: Jennings wants 12 million per?

« on: June 06, 2007, 05:29:14 pm »

while Willy is certainly off to a good year - I still think Burke has a higher offensive ceiling and a little bit more versatility long term ... I admit to being very skeptical of all rule 5 guys and never really got on board with Willy (although he did improve his D in center markedly, IMO) ... but I felt offensively he was a perfect example of what some call a hollow batting average ... really reminded me of Alex Sanchez from his Detroit Milwaukee days - high average / weak hit singles / no walks / fast but not the greatest baserunner ... To me, overall Willy was a player who used his one great asset (his speed) to make up for deficiencies in most other areas - it compensated for bad breaks in center / it beat out poorly hit balls / it made him appear a better base runner than he is ... and in the end that’s fine however you get it done is great … but thinking long term to me this is a dangerous asset to hang your hat on with a player because they can and will loose speed -  and usually earlier than other sttributes ... now Willy could improve and he has been off to a good start but if he looses a significant amount of that speed (via injury or age) I think every single area of his makeup as a player suffers because it is so dependant – this isn’t to say he becomes Glen Barker but he wouldn’t be a starter and even with his speed was tetering on the edge of that …

Therefore as a long term player generally I’d favor Burke if only because of his higher ceiling offensively … but it certainly appears like a very close call at this point given this seasons happenings not to mention I would rather have Willy for the present on this teams bench but again I am usually more wrong than right …

Yeah, we are comparing Peaches to Nectarines, i personally think Nectarines are better and have more upside.

54

Talk Zone / Re: Jennings wants 12 million per?

« on: June 06, 2007, 05:23:20 pm »

I don't know about pravata, but what I know and what I think are two different things and really, in the end, who gives a rat's arse about what I think when the discussion is about the Houston Astros and what *they* think (I was clearly talking about what the Astros did during the trade this offseason with pravata). 

That is all that matters. 

If we *only* talked about what we each thought, we'd be the Chronicle Blogs and frankly, they already exist for that reason.  We wouldn't need this OWA, we can simply go spout our dried up opinions in those blogs and be done with it.

Am I missing something here?

Yes, if you ONLY voice your personal opinion, yes this forum would suck. Just throw in a personal opinion every once in a while. Some of us may benefit from it.

55

Talk Zone / Re: Jennings wants 12 million per?

« on: June 06, 2007, 05:11:00 pm »

I already told JaneDoe that I would take Willy on my bench every freaking time.  Is that not clear?  I was merely responding to your inquiry about the team's thinking, primarily why Purpura (and not me) made this deal.  I thought you were questioning their attitudes and thinking, not mine.  I thought I was helping you understand.... guess not.

It's pretty clear that Purpura saw more potential in Burke than Willy. I will probably never understand why.

But I want your opinion. What's wrong with voicing your opinion? I have never claimed to know more about baseball than you and Pravata. How else will those of us who have spent less time around the game learn?

Edit: There are a lot of ways. Let me put it this way. Is there a better way to learn more about baseball than to get opinions of those that know more? Come on share.

56

Talk Zone / Re: Jennings wants 12 million per?

« on: June 06, 2007, 04:58:58 pm »

pravata already told you about the offense needs that they were trying to address, heck... they didn't hide that from anyone who bothered to pay attention.   It's good Willy is doing well, many here voiced the displeasure of losing a fine player like him (see: R., Jim) so it's nothing really new.  I think you're coming in late in the game, but you're not alone in your opinion that Burke being gone instead of Willy would've been better.

But Willy did himself no favors by being a guy who rarely, if ever, got the ball out of the infield here in Houston.  False blip on the radar?  I dunno, they probably thought he was just that kind of player and for whatever it's worth, they didn't see much help coming his way as a regular starter if that is all he could offer.

Hunter Pence was not even on the radar when they made that trade either, so no one had Lee-Pence-Scott or Lee-Taveras-Pence on their minds when the trade was done.  They had Lee-Burke-Scott/Lane for sure and on paper it looked solid.  I don't blame them for their thought process... at this point, it is all about realizing your worse fears about your decisions going south in a hurry.

Willy > Burke  (the alligator eats the better one right) any way you look at. It's hard to have a discussion with you because you won't take a stance. IF you think Burke is better fine, it's not like we are comparing Willy Mays to Casey Candeale. Willy better starting, better on the bench, faster, better defense. I don't see the evidence for Burke being a better choice.

57

Talk Zone / Re: Jennings wants 12 million per?

« on: June 06, 2007, 04:24:48 pm »

Why?

Having Jennings, Willy (even if he would see a lot of bench) and no Burke, whould make me very happy.

AND you would have a very good late inning defensive outfield guy.

58

Talk Zone / Re: Jennings wants 12 million per?

« on: June 06, 2007, 03:50:50 pm »

Yes.  Yes they did.  And the deal was actually one that Houston was approached about seperately about a month earlier.  And it was not for Jennings.  Colorado just wanted to inquire about Burke.  But when Houston tried to trade Hirsh, Buchholz and Taveras to Chicago for Garland (which if everyone remembers correctly, the reason it did not happen was that the Sox medics thought very lowly about Taylor's shoulder... the Sox *wanted* Taveras because they wanted a speedy CF replacement for Podsednik), the Rocks came back and asked Houston if they would make the same deal (but with Burke instead) for Jennings.   Houston said no to Burke but were willing to trade Taveras instead.

Now Purpura is of the opinion that he overpaid a little.  What he probably thinks he should do next time is treat each trade independently.  Live and learn.

I wish I never heard that.

59

Talk Zone / Re: astros and fights

« on: June 06, 2007, 03:40:18 pm »

Caught that thread - I never post in the religious discussions when they break out. I was responding to your post about "Even good little Christian boy Scott". I took that to mean that you thought Scott was a good and decent person who would generally be above such things. I think was the word "good" that fooled me into thinking you had measured his goodness.

I was trying to make a joke that refrenced a previous thread. I'll get back to work now.

60

Talk Zone / Re: astros and fights

« on: June 06, 2007, 03:37:58 pm »

Got your own set of built in prejudices huh?...

huh? What I said is the OPPOSITE of prejudice.


Except for redheads, damn those people are freaks.

61

Talk Zone / Re: astros and fights

« on: June 06, 2007, 02:51:08 pm »

Would this be the same Scott who openly discussed displaying his firearm at a gas station to discourage uninvited conversation? Yeah, if that choir boy is talking about mixing it up a little, color me shocked.

Sometimes weird and boneheaded things spark a team.


You must have missed an earlier thread, I don't use Christianity as a tool to measure goodness, or character.

62

Talk Zone / Re: astros and fights

« on: June 06, 2007, 02:02:32 pm »

this is so out of character for the good guys. i remember once  hampton tackled someone when a fan came out to attack a player. but its like you can count the number of times in the history of the franchise they have brawled. maybe this is the new way to winning for the stros and they will show their testostrone and balls every time something happens.

Even good little Christian boy Scott said what happened last night might've been a good thing to "wake the team up"

63

Talk Zone / Re: Jennings wants 12 million per?

« on: June 06, 2007, 01:16:51 pm »

Significant injury history.  Don't want to negotiate.  I don't see any reason to air this in public, and it seems to me likely to inflame.  What do I know though?  I just wouldn't approach it like that and I'm not used to seeing people approach stuff like that (at least with a guy on your roster right now).

Why negotiate in public. Why say anything negative unless and until you have to. I thought that was the very reason the stros never went to arbitration.

Ok I heard it, and most of you know how I feel about Pup. He didn't say anything irresponsible. "We are going to evaluate Jason this year, then talk re-upping in the off season." that's all I heard.

AND Woody should NOT retaliate, that's just stupid.

64

Talk Zone / Re: Is this a nightmare series for Purp?

« on: June 05, 2007, 01:11:14 pm »

do you folks think Pence can hold down CF for the near future or do you think it is an issue that needs addressing in the off season or sooner ...

Obviously, I don’t think Pence has been good defensively but there has been some improvement and it seems to me he might be able to grow enough into the position for the short term (meaning 2 or 3 years) to become an adequate defender (although I don't think his defensive ceiling is any higher than that) … given the expense and difficulty to get a CF who provides some offense and solid D - and the seemingly much easier task of finding offense in right … do you see Pence in center as a potential solution for a couple of years … until a better CF solution can be developed or signed ...

Depends on what Luke does the rest of the year.


That being said if the Astros can somehow get Ichiro or Crawford then The Force will no longer be with us. Or the Force will be riding the bench.

65

Talk Zone / Re: Is this a nightmare series for Purp?

« on: June 05, 2007, 12:50:02 pm »

I didn't expect that my observation would be unique.  Any moderately attentive person would reach the same conclusion.

it was a joke, I'm sure you two disagree about some things.

66

Talk Zone / Re: Is this a nightmare series for Purp?

« on: June 05, 2007, 12:08:27 pm »

HAH! Oh, I meant "MINE!"

Do you guys dress alike too?

67

Talk Zone / Re: Is this a nightmare series for Purp?

« on: June 05, 2007, 12:00:56 pm »

He played CF for Willy Taveras for about a month in 2006.  He also batted lead off.  Burke was helping the team climb back from mediocrity at the time and he did well.  It was not out of blind faith that they put him in CF for 2007.  That Burke carried his offense out to the field with him is on Burke moreso than the decision to put him out there.

I was really asking to find out how much power a Manager has in these type of situations.

I think Burke would be fine in a INDOOR Wrigley. But the Astros need more D in center. At best he a streaky hitter. Second base is the only place for him. I'd rather have one more year of Loretta at second than 3 years of Burke.

I think Pence can learn to be more accurate as he matures.

68

Talk Zone / Re: Is this a nightmare series for Purp?

« on: June 05, 2007, 11:08:56 am »

No, but as a consequence of the Jennings trade, the Astros have 2 LF and a 1B in their outfield as it is.  Their defense would be considerably improved with Tavares playing CF and Pence playing RF.  He doesn't have a true right fielder's arm, but I'd wager it's better than Scott's, and it's definitely better than Burke's.  Personally, I think CF should be a defense first position for the Astros, 3rd only to C and SS, primarily because of the dimensions of Minute Maid Park.  That's one of the big reasons I didn't like the Jennings trade.  I think you can get away with playing guys out of position at RF...of course you'd rather have someone with a great arm out there, but it's not a premium defensive position.

 

Just curious. WHO makes the decision to start the year with Burke in CF. Can Garner say HELL NO he is not a major league outfielder!?

If it were up to Garner I have a hard time believing Burke would have seen any time in CF. Except for some kind of late inning PH type thing.

69

Talk Zone / Re: Is this a nightmare series for Purp?

« on: June 04, 2007, 04:39:33 pm »

It might be more prudent to say "Could this be a nightmare series for Purp"?  Hirsch seems to be at least as good as the back end of the Astros rotation (that being everyone not named Oswalt). 

http://houston.astros.mlb.com/stats/sortable_player_stats.jsp?statType=2&teamPosCode=1&compare.x=&timeFrame=1&c_id=hou&section2=2&isCompare=true&box4=XXXX124315houX&sitSplit=&checkBoxTotal=0&venueID=&box3=XXXX434643houX&statSet2=1&box2=XXXX407298houX&box6=XXXX448200XXXX&playerLocator=Sampson&subScope=pos&box1=XXXX444865colX&baseballScope=NL&timeSubFrame=2007&compare.x=&sortByStat=H&

Tavares, the centerpiece of the trade, has improved both offensively and defensively.  I still don't think the Astros got a good return in exchange for his talent.  Pence playing an adequate CF has taken out some of the sting, but imagine how much better the OF would be with Pence playing RF (although you'd have to watch for collisions with those two).

Bucholz showed some flashes last year, but it appears he'll never be able to get it together.  He's marginal talent.

On the Astros side, Jennings, the supposed innings-eater, has not done his job so far.  The trade also showed a good deal of faith in Luke Scott, who's playing a below average RF and hitting poorly as well.  I believe he will come around, but right now it looks like the Rockies got over on old Timmy P.

The Jennings trade wasn't bad, putting all your eggs in the Burke basket...bad.

70

Talk Zone / Re: Under Purpura's Watch

« on: June 04, 2007, 11:41:16 am »

You have reading comprehension problems.  It is very easy to read what I said and take it for it's face value:

3 ways to make moves: trade, sign free agents, let young players play.

Fans don't pay attention to the last part pretty much.

What I'm implying more than anything else is that fans are pretty much clueless when it comes to the job a GM does.

OK, so I guess I'm having a hard time seeing where your stance is.
How would you grade him? Pravata too. Seriously I value your opinions.


A: He is great, best GM in recent Astros history

B:  Pup has done the best he possibly can, considering the circumstances. Give him 2 more years, before you even cosnider replacing him.

C: He needs to do "something" soon or his job should be considered in jepeordy.

D: Fire Him now he is useless

71

Talk Zone / Re: Under Purpura's Watch

« on: June 04, 2007, 11:30:12 am »

That is the problem to me.  How is stating the obvious considered an apology for the GM?  He really only has three options at this disposal and yes, fans only consider two options viable: trade or sign a free agent.  The decision to stick with MoBerg (for instance) this offseason instead of acquiring another third baseman may have all sorts of extenuating circumstances that lead to that decision being made.  Aubrey Huff outpriced himself to the league, MoBerg had no takers in the trade front, MoBerg was working with a personal trainer to get his arm back in shape, MoBerg talked to the GM and they were able to understand better how Mo was trying to get himself ready to help this year, et. al.

I like a GM who gets all the information he can before he makes a vital decision.  If he sat on his hands and then made a vital decision, that is different.  At that point, one would wonder what the heck he's doing in such a job.  He is well overmatched.  So again, how is that apologetic when it's the truth.

So are you saying given the exact same curcumstance no other GM could have done a better job?

72

Talk Zone / Re: Under Purpura's Watch

« on: June 04, 2007, 11:18:34 am »

The part about the GM is mine and how is that apologetic?  I don't get it.

It appeared you were implying that Pup is improving the team. No?

73

Talk Zone / Re: Under Purpura's Watch

« on: June 04, 2007, 11:10:21 am »

Specifics.  What apologies have been given for Purpura?

Quote from: BudGirl on May 23, 2007, 04:43:36 PM
I believe every team has a position that can be improved.  I believe it is wrong if a GM doesn't try and improve it.


Three ways to improve a team:

1. Trade.
2. Let the young guys play.
3. Sign a free agent.

Fans get shortsighted sometimes and measure a GM by his ability to do Items #1 and #3 only.



This was mildly apologetic to me. (excuse my ability to properly refrence old posts) Sorry BudGirl, but they asked.

74

Talk Zone / Re: Under Purpura's Watch

« on: June 04, 2007, 10:57:16 am »

if you ever agreed with something i said, i'd change my opinion immediately. others can make their own decisions about your support.

I also believe Luke will hit.

75

Talk Zone / Re: Under Purpura's Watch

« on: June 04, 2007, 10:20:05 am »

boy, that's a shocker. you're quite a supporter to have.

I'm sure there's more, but for some reason people are afraid to speak their mind on certain subjects.

Why Purpura has so many apologetics is beyond me.

76

Talk Zone / Re: Under Purpura's Watch

« on: June 04, 2007, 09:30:15 am »

does this make you feel better to post stuff like this? just Mr. Happy II.

It makes me feel better.

77

Talk Zone / Re: Epic meltdown by minor league manager

« on: June 02, 2007, 10:11:33 pm »

Courtesy of the Mississippi Braves.

Bonus points for creativity.

That ump would have been dead if that was a real grenade.

78

Talk Zone / Re: Appeasing the BBGs - props to Jimmy D!

« on: June 01, 2007, 11:01:17 am »

Footer put it on as well.  It... ahum... looked nice on her.

what was she wearing under it? (In my best Chris Parnell voice, or that fat guy from The Office)

79

Talk Zone / Re: Pinwheel with a new low

« on: May 31, 2007, 04:56:27 pm »

I have quit both Pinwheel and Jesus.

You use steroids?

80

Talk Zone / Re: From SI.com

« on: May 30, 2007, 01:00:10 pm »

So now that Purpura has said what he did (and no mention of hair color in that statement that I can see... hmmmmm....), can the concerted effort by the organization to find "make-up" (or character) guys have anything... I mean in the slightest... with a low incident of steriod use?

IMHO, the answer is yes.

More than slightest, good character should translate to a lack of cheating. (I think using steriods is cheating)

81

Talk Zone / Re: From SI.com

« on: May 30, 2007, 12:40:35 pm »

Come on now...

Bleach Blum...

If you're saying an Astros hair style is as important as his religion. Then, I get it.

82

Talk Zone / Re: From SI.com

« on: May 30, 2007, 12:34:47 pm »

If that is the case, Geoff Blum would still be on this team.

??

83

Talk Zone / Re: From SI.com

« on: May 30, 2007, 12:29:36 pm »

Within the context of what you said earlier, what eggszactly do you think "character" means if not being respectful of others as a staple of integrity?  You can certainly have a difference of opinion and still maintain a healthy character.  No one is saying that Christainity is shoved down the throats of anyone in the Houston Astros.  If I said that, please rest assured that does not happen at all.  The Houston Astros are not an organization that works like a totalitarian (sp?) religious regime and it's funny that someone might actually believe they do.

So again, is that what you think "character" means within the context of what we've been saying?  That it is stifling and regimented and oppressive within the Houston Astros organization?

I hope not, and I don't think it is. Was Bagwell a big religious guy?  He was a WORK HARD or GO HOME TYPE GUY, but I can't remember a lot of talk about religion with him.

84

Talk Zone / Re: From SI.com

« on: May 30, 2007, 12:19:59 pm »

What eggszactly do you think "character" means then?

I'm not really sure now, but i do know it has nothing to do with Religion.


Correction: It has as much to do with the color of your hair. It could affect character.

85

Talk Zone / Re: From SI.com

« on: May 30, 2007, 12:10:25 pm »

Yes, this is very true and well within the context of the makeup of the Houston Astros.  I merely brought this to the forefront to offer a possible answer as to why this organization tested so low on the steriod front.  Either they're better cheaters on this team or a concerted effort has been made organizationally to make it about character all around.  Duman offered a very plausible solution as well, with the Academies in the Domincan and Venezuela countries running a good program.  What is happening there is also a standard for doing things right... whether the foundation is Christian or not, it is still a standard to do things right as it were.

But back to the point you just made, which is very good in my opinion.  Hakem Olajuwon never apologized for his devotion to Islam.  He took several days off in February for Ramadan (sp?), but during his days as a Houston Rocket, no one questioned his integrity and character.  And most applied said standard Mr. Olajuwon set for himself as a product of his belief system.  I have absolutely no problem saying he was a man of good character.  I also have no problem saying I know eggszactly where said character came from.  His devotion to Islam is respected here in this corner.  So what's the big deal about saying the same about the guys who make up the current Houston Astros team?  Can they not be afforded the same respect that Olajuwon had and has to date for his integrity?

as long as that same respect is given to that lonely person in the Astros locker room (there is probably atleast one) the folows no religion at all.

86

Talk Zone / Re: From SI.com

« on: May 30, 2007, 12:06:29 pm »

As long as this thread is thoroughly highjacked anyway, I'll throw a little gasoline on the fire ...

Yes ... it is true that Christians (or even the more vague "church people") have no monopoly on "good".
Similarly, it is true that this same group, taken as a self-identified whole, has its fair share of "bad" as well.

BUT ... A Christian has a basis for identifying "good" and "bad"; a basis for desiring one over the other and a reason to strive for one over the other.  "Character" is as much about recognizing one's own failures as it is about actual performance.  "Good" and "bad" have no meaning apart from the standard.  Among those who (methinks) protest too much are those who immediately turn to example and counter-example to discount Christianity ... all while dodging the question of where standards come from and why any particular standard is any better than any other. 

So ... It's probably time to close this thread and give me an official warning before things get *really* out of hand.

...sitting on my hands now...unless the powers that be want to open up a religous discussion.

Because I think we all basiclly agree that the Astros have the players they need to win, minus maybe one OF, they just need to perform.
So not much to talk about, regarding them.

87

Talk Zone / Re: From SI.com

« on: May 30, 2007, 11:09:49 am »

That is why Alysson Footer will simply answer a question like this put to her by fans "Would the Astros trade for Brett Myers", with a "I can assure you that the Astros would never acquire Brett Myers".  Baseball-wise, it would be wise to look at a Myers.  But the Astros operate with character as the sixth tool they look for.  That isn't something I made up, that is actually something Tim Purpura said.  What is interesting is that in a give and take chat online with Rick Hummel and his readership over in St. Louis, he was asked point blank if the Cardinal's woes were because they were a bunch of nice guys who needed to be broken up and the team needed to bring in some nasty boys as it were.

Hummel laughed off the suggestion and then went on to praise organizations like the Chicago White Sox, the Houston Astros and the St. Louis Cardinals for making "character" a part of the equation to winning.  And in Hummel's opinion, it works.

Read into this whatever you want, but it is a part of the equation in Houston.

I'm just saying "character" has nothing to with what religion you are or aren't. Drafting good character guys good, drafting someone for his religious devotion...bad (in a pure baseball production sense)

88

Talk Zone / Re: From SI.com

« on: May 30, 2007, 05:41:18 am »

Character guys most likely won't.  Not all Christians have character, but the ones who do are very, very, very, very good at maintaining that integrity.  Like I said, I'm not sure how it pertains to the steroids issue, but having character helps in some things, if indeed theses guys are high character guys.

Around 90 percent of prison inmates claim a higher power. Doesn't mean that all those that claim a higher power are criminals. And vise versa.

89

Talk Zone / Re: Line Up

« on: May 24, 2007, 01:19:03 pm »

Laurels.  And no, I dont want to continue because you're not paying attention.  You are, in fact, whining.  Signing Preston Wilson was widely recognized as an excellent move by the Astros.  And they tried to trade for Tejada and also Lee.  It didn't get done, but not because the Astros didn't want it done.   They were able to trade for Huff and they got Clemens to pitch for another half season, they brought up Luke Scott.  So, no, Preston Wilson was not the best nor the only thing they could do. 

Then we both agree, the correct thing to do for '06 was to atleast TRY to improve the team? Right?

You say Pup did try. Fine I can believe that.

90

Talk Zone / Re: Line Up

« on: May 24, 2007, 01:06:21 pm »

Feeling a little tingly?

I keep trying not to look, but Brad is a hansome man.

91

Talk Zone / Re: Line Up

« on: May 24, 2007, 01:05:06 pm »

Lee?  Jennings pitched around 200 innings in every season he didnt break a finger.  Trading for him implied a committment to signing him as an FA. They're not trading Burke, they're not trading Lidge.  Both of those players are young.  They gave Scott and Ensberg a chance.  They believed in Wandy Rodriguez and Chris Sampson, and they are solid citizens in the rotation.  And they've brought up Pence.  In spite of plans to go slower with him.  What exactly do you suggest they should have done differently?  Trade Scott after what he did last season?  Trade Lidge, in spite of the belief, well supported now, that he could again be an effective reliever?  Trade Lane, for what?  They tried trading Ensberg, no takers.   I really dont see anything specific in your complaint.

Do you really want to keep going with this?  '06, they only added Wilson, ok fine Wilson was practilly camping out on Pups door step.
They really had a chance to make another run, was Wilson the BEST THEY COULD DO???

The point of my original post in this thread was...   don't rest on your lorels. (what the fuck is lorel, and how do you spell it)

92

Talk Zone / Re: Line Up

« on: May 24, 2007, 12:49:00 pm »

Do me a favor, and leave me out of your discussion.

sure, I was waiting for that. Didn't expect you to jump in with me.

You avatar makes me uncomfortable.

93

Talk Zone / Re: Line Up

« on: May 24, 2007, 12:46:04 pm »

The big thing they tried for in 06 was Tejada.  Purpura's inexperience may have tripped him up there, not knowing the Orioles are idiots.  Also, Carlos Lee was a deadline attempt.  The trade for Huff, although he wasnt the spark they expected, was a coup for Purpura.  The Astros haven't had many minor league position players pan out in recent years.  One factor is that Hunsicker kept trading everyone for his win now deals.  Buck is doing well, but I can't think of any Astros position players from those deals that have gone on to be really good.  Luke Scott, Jason Lane, Chris Burke, even Morgan Ensberg have all at one time been fan darlings.  They're all superstars before they start.   I don't think people are paying enough attention to the success of Wandy Rodriguez, Chris Sampson, and Chad Qualls.  Brad Lidge is a miracle of patience for the Astros farm system.

Yeah, I can see how Hunsicker did deplete the farm, but it did get us in the WS. NOW Uncle Drayton just might have to understand that if he wants the WS exposure again they have to re-build a little.

94

Talk Zone / Re: Line Up

« on: May 24, 2007, 12:37:26 pm »

You see, it's like this...

"wanting your team to continue to improve itself " doesn't make you whiney... Whining about 'your' team is what makes you whiney...

Capeesh?  (Sorry Noé)

Now if you think Jim doesn't call BudGirl names is because he's afraid to face her in person then we'll just have to mark it down as yet another thing you just don't understand... We're talking about a guy who would go after a TRex with a Louisville Slugger if he was hungry enough...

But don't get too hard on yourself... There's lots of other whiney butts running around in the TZ... Clarks has got nothing on a bunch of them... Proof positive that umpty odd hundred posts don't automatically confer expert status...

so if I would have said your "favorite" team (which to me is implied), then it is not whiney? Still don't know where the whine is?

Budgirl said basically said the same thing I did, admittedly in a nicer way. I said bullshit, ooooooo

95

Talk Zone / Re: Line Up

« on: May 24, 2007, 12:17:28 pm »

Acquire Lee for offense and to give Berkman protection.  Expect Scott and Ensberg to hit the ball.  No reason to think they weren't going to.  Trust that Burke can continue to play center and hit at least as well as he did last season.  At least give him a chance to play regularly.  Trade for some pitchers who would throw innings.  Garland was preferable, they got Jennings.  Keep the bullpen together, which means they aren't trading Lidge.   Expect WRodriguez and one other young pitcher to step up.  Don't count on or wait for Pettitte or Clemens.  Allow Craig Biggio to chase 3000 hits as an Astro.  That was the plan.  You may not agree with it, or even understand, doesnt mean it wasnt thought out.  Plans could change at the trading deadline, but don't expect Mclane to allow them to give up.  "Should"?  Why?  Because you want it?  You really haven't been paying attention to Drayton Mclane's team. 

When I replied to you I was thinking '07 was next year. Sorry you had to type all that. I understand the 07 plan, I kind of liked it. Except for the CF cituation. But maybe they should have focused more on the farm. (although they still can win this year)

The real problem I had was the year after the WS, your got Andy coming back, with a good chance of Clemens, that was the year to go for it. I remember being told maybe PUP has long term plans, and I remember thinking OK I can live with that. Now it is '07. Where is that farm system PUP was preserving???

96

Talk Zone / Re: Line Up

« on: May 24, 2007, 11:37:16 am »

The flaw in this statement is that they have a plan for 07.  What team have you been watching?  When's the last time the Astros gave a season over to "development"?  And younger?  How exactly would you suggest that happen?

What is their plan for '07?

Maybe the Astros SHOULD give a season over to development?

I don't know trade Lidge, Jennings, Burke for some AAAA guys???

97

Talk Zone / Re: Line Up

« on: May 24, 2007, 11:22:44 am »

and you're a problem to most folks here.

try AstrosDaily. they will welcome your whiny bitching there.

I know making comments like that make you feel good about yourself, but really how does wanting your team to continue to improve itself whiney? I didn't see you call BudGirl a whiny bitch. Because you may have to actually face her in person?

At this point, I might like to see the Astros get younger, and have a plan for '09

That would suck for Carlos but better long term for the Astros.

98

Talk Zone / Re: Line Up

« on: May 23, 2007, 08:45:48 pm »

I don't understand.  What is the problem?

The idea that if you make it to the WS, you should stand pat. That's a problem to me.

99

Talk Zone / Re: Line Up

« on: May 23, 2007, 08:41:57 pm »

Right Carlos Lee.  He went and got him.  This season what they are clearly missing is Lance Berkman.  Blame that one on Purpura.

I meant the year after the World Series. This season they atleast tried to improve the team. I keep hearing about how great Pup was at player development, well keep him doing what he's good at. If we don't have anyone good enough at AAA to replace Lane, then player development is in great need of some help.

100

Talk Zone / Re: Line Up

« on: May 23, 2007, 04:23:34 pm »

What the hell is emo??

My Chemical Romance

101

Talk Zone / Re: Line Up

« on: May 23, 2007, 04:08:11 pm »

This was the FIRST offseason that "PUP" didn't have a team that was in GAme 7 of the previous year's NLCS.

That's a bullshit reason NOT to try and improve the team. The team was CLEARLY missing something in the World Series and the NLCS the year before.

102

Talk Zone / Re: Line Up

« on: May 23, 2007, 04:01:48 pm »

Solid list of FA signings.  No one expected Wilson to suck as an Astros and then turn around and win the WS with the Jakes!  Trades look ok too, with Alkie's feelings on Jennings noted.

What we'll never know is if there's any trades he didn't make and should've, or FAs that slipped through his fingers.

Brian Moehler
Rick White
Mark Loretta
Carlos Lee
Woody Williams

Trades:
Jennings/Asencio for Hirsh/Buchholz/Taveras

This was the FIRST year PUP actually tried to improve the club.

103

Talk Zone / Re: time to cut some ties?

« on: May 22, 2007, 02:12:06 pm »

I really like Jason Lane and Morgan Ensberg a lot on a personal level, but I'm pretty well convinced that they're never going to perform offensively in Houston at an acceptable level.  I think it's time to release them and eat their salaries if necessary.  Let's bring Burke back, give him another shot, and find someone else who can hit.  Then what about benching Everett to work solely on becoming a slap hitter like Carew.  His swing is pathetic.  In the meantime we can play Loretta at short and Ensberg at third.  I know, that's a weak infield, but we badly need production.  [First post.  Please don't be too hard on me.]

Yep, Everett's off season regimine to bulk up and improve his power and increase weight, just simply hasn't worked out for him.

104

Talk Zone / Re: Hey, look there... it's a problem in right field... again!

« on: May 22, 2007, 01:07:06 pm »

Scott and Lane would be shit off the bench. And they can only play an outfield position.

The Astros could play Lamb and Loretta everyday if they can find another left handed hitter for the bench. Bruntlett or Burke could fill the utility role. Ensberg and Lane would have to go.

Loretta everyday would be fine, but as someone pointed out earlier today... Lamb would look very average playing everyday. He is better, above average even, off the bench.

I'd rather trade for a CF like Noe said but WHO? and at what expense?

Scott has had some big pinch hits this year. Make Lane go away, bring up Bruntlett

105

Talk Zone / Re: Hey, look there... it's a problem in right field... again!

« on: May 22, 2007, 12:48:29 pm »

We go through this 3-4 times a week now. If we play Lamb and Loretta every day, who the fuck is going to pinch hit?

Scott, Palmiero, Lane


If that's the logic lets sit Lee and put Palmiero in left.

106

Talk Zone / Re: Hey, look there... it's a problem in right field... again!

« on: May 22, 2007, 12:43:40 pm »

Not to mention 3rd base as well.  Remember 2006?  Yeah, me too.  Remember the woeful contributions of left field, third base and right field for pretty much the extent of the month of May and June and most of July?  Argh, that was a painful three months.  So Houston went out and acquired Aubrey Huff for some right field help last year, even though he eventually wound up helping more at third base.  Then they called up Luke Scott to help in left field.  They used Lance Berkman in right for some games and moved Mike Lamb to first base and then the offense fixed itself.

No more Preston Wilson.
No more Jason Lane.
No more Morgan Ensberg.

And Houston came within one game of winning the NL Central.  Here is the thing, pitching and defense wins championships.  Everyone was concerned with Houston making the playoffs because if you have Andy Pettitte, Roy Oswalt and Roger Clemens starting most of the games, you have to concern yourself with your ability to score against those guys.  But to get to the championship round, you needed some more oomph to the offense to make that push in August and September.  By more oomph, of course, I mean more than being blanked or held to one run each and every night (or so it seemed).  The problem then was the middle of the lineup.  Not Adam Everett, not Brad Ausmus... but Wilson, Lane and Ensberg going in the tank.  So Houston added Lamb, Scott and Huff to the lineup and it worked.  Don't tell me that adding Huff, as per the stats, did nothing to the offense.  It did.  It made pitchers aware they needed to pitch to Luke Scott more.

And the kid delivered.

So fast forward to today.  What is the situation this team is under right now?  Left field problems?  No.  Third base problem?  No, not really, they've addressed this pretty much and Lamb/Loretta are in.  So still the struggles.  Why?  Well, a couple of things to consider.

Last year, Houston had some very nice production at the top of the lineup from Chris Burke... yes, the much maligned and oft criticized Burke (and quite fairly so I might add).  But he was a darn good leadoff guy last year.  Biggio was a much better #2 hitter and often dropped down to #6 to get him more fastballs to look at.  His production last year was helped by Garner's machination with the lineup and the lack of fear of putting the elder statesman in a lower rung in the lineup for his own sake (and the sake of the team).  Garner pretty much inserted Lamb into the #2 role last year and it paid some dividends for pretty much the two months he was in the lineup.  The thing is, has Lamb/Loretta gotten the nod to be the #2 for a good long while?

I think so.

So the need to fix the leadoff is important right now.  I know nothing is going to be done any time soon, the chase for 3K and all, blah, blah, blah.  But my point is that while the chase is good and all, Houston just does not have a leadoff hitter to work into the mix right now.  Chris Burke?  I dunno any more.  He is not looking to good in AAA.  Sulking?  I dunno, perhaps so.  I saw one game at the Dell and while he was doing all the right things, his posture sure looked like a man who didn't feel he should be here in Round Rock.  Call it a hunch, but I think he's not happy right now and it shows a little.  Any way, on to other things to look at.  Namely: right freaking field.  This *was* the position I would've thought was the position in due time Hunter Pence would be called up to man.  Like maybe a week or two from now.  Except for a few small flashes of good work by Scott and Lane in a few games (both defense and offense), the corner position is not a position of strenght on this team.  And it should be.  I don't exactly know what is wrong with Scott and most certainly am dissappointed in Lane, but right now, neither looks like a major leaguer who deserves playing time in right field.  I know Scott is the hot/cold player, he has that reputation, but man oh man, does he not realize that he has a great opportunity here to solidify a job for the next few years or what?  I would think he'd have that position so strangle held right now, you'd have to pry it out of his cold dead hands before you could take the job from him.  But it's turning out to be just the opposite.  He's turning into jello right before our very eyes and that is strange to see.  So you'd think that Lane would see his chance and take it.  But he still has those nagging traits while swinging a baseball bat that create that huge hole in his swing and give pitchers that comfort of knowing it's the same old book on Lane as before, so no addedum needed this year.

So third base is not a problem, neither is the #2 hole in the lineup.  Right field is a huge problem, but lookee here, the CF job by Pence is making everyone feel so good that they are not paying attention to the hole in right.  Perhaps Pence should be moved to right?  Seriously, maybe this should be a move to be explored soon?  I think so.  Houston needs to find a bonafided, middle of the lineup hitting CF at this point.  Pence in right, new CF and Lee give Houston a better chance to score some runs.  Lance Berkman's struggles this year in driving the ball are well known now.  He just does not have the swing right now to drive a ball.  Injury?  I dunno, but he's swinging the bat like a player with a shoulder ouchy.  Don't think the opposing pitchers don't know it either.  They've challenged him more, and unless you're wearing a Redleg uni, beating him more too.  Looks like what Berkman needs is time more than anything.  But time has to come by way of production from others.  Adam Everett?  No, not him.  Brad Ausmus?  No, not him either.  Luke Scott?  Oh definitely him or someone else manning his position.  Hunter Pence?  He's a rookie and will hit the wall soon once the book is distributed.  It is in final stages of printing now and will be three hole punched, shrink wrapped and sent out by end of this week.   Carlos Lee?  Yes and he's doing quite well thank you very much.

So the move that may be the most appropriate to make at this point is to really evaluate how much they think Luke Scott can actually contribute as a major leaguer.  If the answer is "not much" (and they better figure that out soon), then they need to find an answer via the trade deadline for a legit CF who can hit.  Move Pence to right, have a better defense up the middle and some one to hit in the middle of the lineup to give Berkman time to get his groove back on.

And then, pitching and defense will win the championships for sure.  Last year, St. Louis decided to insert Chris Duncan into the lineup and move out Encarnacion.  It helped.  Houston might be facing the same situation soon with Luke Scott unless he turns it around soon and fulfills his promise shown last year.

I like the idea but who?? Like subnuclear said it seams it would take a Sampson level pitcher. Instead of trading away pitching why not Lamb @ 1st, Berkman in Right, Loretta 3rd? Unless berkman is really hurt.  

107

Talk Zone / Re: Ken Rosenthal's thoughts on Biggio/Burke

« on: May 22, 2007, 08:52:51 am »

"You've got to love the aggressiveness of Astros rookie center fielder Hunter Pence, unorthodox though he may be. "He's a stronger, faster, more athletic Eric Byrnes — goofy and spastic in an athletic way," one rival executive says. "He can play center field and hit for power even though he chokes up like Bucky Dent.""

And...

"How weird is this? The Astros need second baseman Craig Biggio to reach 3,000 hits as quickly as possible so that they can give Chris Burke more playing time at second and gauge his trade value before the July 31 non-waiver deadline.
Biggio, 41, is averaging a hit per game, putting him on pace to pass the milestone by the end of June. Burke, 27, still looms as Biggio's successor; the Astros will move him only if they get a significant return."




http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/6834288

We have an All-Star second basemen, playing the part of a utility man. Is he signed for next year? I mean Loretta ofcourse.

108

Talk Zone / Re: Pence

« on: May 15, 2007, 11:27:13 pm »

Can ya teach under armed, side arm, WHOOPS eee-DAISEY!

It's just weird. It's almost as if he severely broke his arm as a kid and it never healed right.

109

Talk Zone / Re: Pence

« on: May 15, 2007, 11:20:37 pm »

owww. I dont know.  Kind a high and away. shoulda come in lower and more hitting the cutofferish.

Accuracy can be learned you can't teach STRONG ARM.

110

Talk Zone / Re: Pence

« on: May 15, 2007, 11:16:36 pm »

I can't wait to see what Pence does when he is ready for MLB pitching.

We will know for sure sometime around mid-season next year.

What impressed me the most tonight, he made a really strong throw to home, ableit ill-advised, on the fly, and made a play that didn't look like it was going to be close, a lot closer than I thought.

That funky delivery produces a pretty strong throw.


Astros in HD is 

111

Talk Zone / Re: Lineup change?

« on: May 04, 2007, 08:24:17 am »

This topic may have been discussed in another thread. If so, I'll run laps. If not, I'd like to begin the discussion.

The Houston Comical this morning said that Garner is considering a major adjustment to the lineup with Berkman moving to RF, Lamb playing 1B and Loretta starting at 3B.

Good idea?

Here is the link. Surely Gar got that idea from OWA

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070503&content_id=1944623&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou&partnered=rss_hou

112

Talk Zone / Re: Was Pence the catalist for tonigs win

« on: April 29, 2007, 10:36:57 am »

if you are going to do this, loretta plays 3b, lamb at 1b is a better defensive alignment.

Damn! Yes much better.


I think what Noe misssed by not watching the game, was the youthfull enthusiasn that Pence brought to the team, the rest of the guys just seemed to relaxe and PLAY.

TO ME, Pence's bat looked very quick.

113

Talk Zone / Re: Was Pence the catalist for tonigs win

« on: April 29, 2007, 10:29:11 am »

  That's funny!  Underpants does pick up the ground quickly with his stride.  He is amazing the way he has that very long stride.

I didn't watch nor hear the game, so I clearly overstated the key single by Loretta.  That it came with two outs and the game tied 1-1, I simply thought it was key.  But will admit what Berkman did was the real key to the game.  I just love Loretta hitting #2 and things seem to happen offensively when he's in the lineup.

What about this line up then?

Biggio      2nd
Loretta    1st
Berkman   RF
Lee          LF
Lamb       3rd
Pence      CF
Everette   SS
Ausmus    C

114

Talk Zone / Re: Purpura brings up Pence

« on: April 28, 2007, 05:56:01 pm »

I don't know how this will all turn out b/c I've never seen Hunter Pence play- that said I have 2 opininions on this topic:

1) whoever said Burke is a sacrifice to 3,000 is full of shit. I've heard Biggio should step aside for burke for about 4 or 5 years right now. BS.  Burke has never shown he is better than an aging and nearly decrepit biggio. Biggio is still getting the job done at 41 years old (more or less) and out performing Burke.  Burke has done absolultely nothing to supplant Bidge.  I'm sick of hearing this shit, and would have thought this place was intelligent enough not to have to deal with it.

2) I don't think, whatever happens, this will ruin Pence. I agree with Foghorn on this one. If he gets called up and shits the bed and can't ever get over it he is probably a pussy that wasn't ever going to succeed in MLB no matter what.  Luke Scott absolutley sucked when he got rushed up, but there he was in the back half of last year hitting damn near 400 for an entire half season.  Willie Mays was 0-22 or something to start his career.  Greg Maddux had an ERA closer to 6 then 4 (back when a 4 era in MLB was shitty) and he's a hall of famer. I'm not saying Pence is a hall of famer, I'm just saying that the list of guys who suck and then get it together later is a mile long, and if Hunter isn't a giant flaming gash he can bounce back if he happens to shit the bed.

3) after the first week of the year I posted that I was ready for Hunter Pence. Listening to Jim say he wasn't ready I said- OK- it isn't really Hunter Pence I'm ready for it is anyone other than Burke in CF. He was horrible. I hope that Hunter can at least play the position as a MLB calibre central gardener, which burke could not.  If he doesn't work out I'm fine with bruntlett, or lane, or a trade etc., but Chris Burke would never put on the outfield glove again if I ran the astros (and I'd trade his ass truthfully- someone could probably give something up for a 2b- maybe a flawed offensive but decent CF?)

Yep, I think this more about getting Burke out of there and shaking things up.

115

Talk Zone / Re: astros jelling like a fellon

« on: April 20, 2007, 09:49:21 am »

I love watching the astros win or lose.  However, one marked change from the past two seasons that makes them even more fun to watch is that you don't quite get the same feeling of despair when we fall behind in games.  Here's to hoping it continues.

I'm getting the same feeling about this team. What impressed me the most was the sac fly by Ensberg. That just didn't seem to happen last year.

116

Talk Zone / Re: astros jelling like a fellon

« on: April 20, 2007, 09:46:03 am »

I'm still nervous. Maybe it's because no season has actually been easy for the Astros. The rotation still has some serious hurdles to overcome (i.e. Woody's high ERA in the early going, Jennings on the DL, waiting for the bottom to drop out on Sampson and Wandy), and the offense certainly has a tendency to be collectively streaky. No doubt, they've played well over the last 1.5 weeks, but I've been  burned by feeling good about teams in April, and it's too soon for me to start feeling "good" about the team. But it is a good sign.

Did you forget, still waiting for Lee to seperate his shoulder running into the wall in Left, Big Puma rupters his hammy legging out a triple, and Roy trips in the shower and breaks all the fingers in his right hand. Oh and not to mention the plane crash.

117

Talk Zone / Re: The Bench (L's for the opposition)

« on: April 19, 2007, 09:01:55 am »

*assuming we have the Lane from ought 5 not ought 6.

I think he should get a few more starts in CF, to findout!

118

Talk Zone / Re: "The center fielder's call always controls..."

« on: April 18, 2007, 05:02:13 pm »

Watch how far Everett is going out in left and also in center.  If I didn't know any of the rules of defense and just watched the Astros, I'd say it was the shortstop's play to call.

Kelly Leak

119

Talk Zone / Re: Biggio on Fire

« on: April 18, 2007, 04:06:20 pm »

I think you're missing my point.  The Astros would be making different choices in the make up of the team, IMHO, if the need to get Biggio in the line up every day wasn't there.  For example, they probably wouldn't have looked for a solid back-up like Loretta during the offseason as Burke would be at least platooning with Biggio while someone else - perhaps someone with the skills to lead off - would be in centre field.

I'm not saying that what's happening shouldn't be happening.  I'm just saying that we're stuck with Burke's scary CFing until Biggio his #3,000.  then maybe Loretta or Lane (please please please please please please please please) gets traded for a proper CFer and Burke platoons outfield and infield spots as necessary.

Savvie?

The Astros will need Loretta next year, when they finally realize Burke is not the great Biggio replacement that they thought he was.

120

Talk Zone / Re: Biggio on Fire

« on: April 18, 2007, 12:11:00 pm »

Correct, he's not walked and I think it's going to be a long time before he gets one (or Cincy pitching so bad that even he can't swing at 4 of 'em).  Bad idea for a lead-off guy, but these decisions are being driven by the race for 3,000, not the need to win ballgames.  Hence my preference that this is over asap so they can get back to making baseball decisions.

Who should lead off?

121

Talk Zone / Re: 3rd Base Coaching

« on: April 17, 2007, 10:32:38 am »

not necessarily. i saw the replay. the RF was in pretty close and has a good arm. if the 3rd base coach had already made up his mind to stop him for any of the many reasons stated, the correct play is to stop him immediately. ONLY if the coach is undecided does he have him come around 3rd hard.

Got it. BIG gun in Right, Loretta's not very fast. 0 outs.

Why not adopt the same approch, you do with batters who hit a routine grounder to SHORT, always run it out, because you never know when the fielder is going to bobble it, or throw it away.

Maybe Manz and Loretta take the aggressive turn around 3rd then guy with the cannon 1. bobbles the ball or 2. throws it to the back stop. Give yourself an opportunity to score on a botched play.

122

Talk Zone / Re: 3rd Base Coaching

« on: April 17, 2007, 10:17:51 am »

EGGSZACTLY!

OK, you guys aren't getting my original post. The correct play IS to hold the runner.

THE QUESTION is WHEN do you put up the stop sign. I think AFTER Loretta rounds 3rd, with Manz standing down the line a bit. If that would have happen, Manz should have recognized the miss-played ball Loretta scores, game over.

123

Talk Zone / Re: 3rd Base Coaching

« on: April 16, 2007, 10:46:41 pm »

Bad assumption that a major league CF not named Burke would field a line drive cleanly? You're nuts.

That dive in center was pretty pathetic tonight. But what else can you do, throw Lane out there, maybe slightly better D?

124

Talk Zone / Re: 3rd Base Coaching

« on: April 16, 2007, 10:44:15 pm »

it depends. if i was not sure if i was going to send him, i wanted him to round it hard and i would stop him down the line if i decided not to send him.

if i knew i was stopping him, i would stop him right away.

That's what I remember from High School, maybe it's something the pros don't do, injury $ risk?

125

Talk Zone / Re: 3rd Base Coaching

« on: April 16, 2007, 10:40:29 pm »

Nope.  You apply the stop sign as soon as you see the outfielder field the ball and then look to see where  your runner is.  It's about the outfielder, not the runner first.

Manz appeared to apply the stop sign before the ball got to the fielder, assuming he would catch it clean. Bad assumption I think.

126

Talk Zone / Re: 3rd Base Coaching

« on: April 16, 2007, 10:34:23 pm »

No outs, if he fields the ball cleanly there is a play at the plate.  No risking having 1 out with a double play hiding behind the bushes.

Read my post again. Manzollino applied the stop sign before Loretta got to third. I THINK the correct coaching technique is apply the STOP SIGN AFTER the runner rounds third.

127

Talk Zone / 3rd Base Coaching

« on: April 16, 2007, 10:27:41 pm »

OK, the CORRECT play would have been to allow the runner to round 3rd, then apply stop sign about 10 ft. from 3rd, RIGHT!?
Jim R.?


Anyway, a wins a win.

128

Talk Zone / Re: Best Instrumentals in R 'n' R History (Friday non-bb, non-beer thread)

« on: April 13, 2007, 02:06:22 pm »

Well, the music's good, but I can't stand Geddy Lee's voice (reminds me of early Heart... which is fine, if you're a chick, but for a guy? ew.).

Totally understandible. Did I mention there are 3, yes THREE instrumentals on the new album.

The male high voice is kind of making a come back, with bands like, The Delays, Silversun Pickups, Muse (kind of)

129

Talk Zone / Re: Best Instrumentals in R 'n' R History (Friday non-bb, non-beer thread)

« on: April 13, 2007, 01:45:18 pm »

i can't be the only that thinks of rush as a bunch of pretentious twats?

Huh? Have you heard them interviewed? Great sense of humor, they don't take themselves serious at all, don't care about awards. Now Neil is a totally different apple. At worst I would call him aloof. Which is understandible considering the tragedy he's had in his life.


In one of thier new instrumentals they have a clip from Team America World Police!

130

Talk Zone / Re: Best Instrumentals in R 'n' R History (Friday non-bb, non-beer thread)

« on: April 13, 2007, 10:02:50 am »

01.) Pali Gap - Jimi Hendrix (Rainbow Bridge version)
02.) Maggot Brain - Funkadelic (Eddie Hazel, guitar)
03.) In Memory of Elizabeth Reed - Allman Bros. (from Live at Fillmore East)
04.) Albatross - Fleetwood Mac (the real F. Mac, w/ Peter Green)
05.) Slaughter on 10th Avenue - Mick Ronson
06.) Green Onions - Booker T. and the MGs, also by Roy Buchanan
07.) Peter Gunn Theme - Duane Eddy, others
08.) Hide Away - Freddie King ("The Texas Cannonball")
09.) Cissy Strut - The Meters (Neville Bros.)
10.) Frankenstein - Edgar Winter Group
11.) Jessica - Allman Bros.
12.) Space Guitar - Johnny "Guitar" Watson
13.)
14.)
15.)
...
100.)

The problem with making lists like this is I always forget several good ones. The rank order is due to personal preference which, along with the song choices themselves, may vary among OWA habitues.

Hey, what about RUSH!  La Villa Strangiato and YYZ

They have THREE instrumentals on their new album out May 1st.

131

Talk Zone / Re: Offday, NON BB, TV RANT

« on: April 13, 2007, 09:20:25 am »

HEB has really come a long way from what it was when I was a kid. Back then there weren't any in Houston that I recall, but they were scattered in Redneckvilles around central Texas and were about as appealing as the old Piggly Wigglys.

That business degree from the Wharton College really paid off for Charles Butt, Jr. HEB went from a shithole grocery in shithole towns to the largest private employer in Texas. It's just a matter of time until HEB owns the grocery market in the southwestern US and Mexico.

Sorry, I didn't mean to start a "best grocery stores in Texas" POST.

132

Talk Zone / Re: Offday, NON BB, TV RANT

« on: April 12, 2007, 12:01:54 pm »

No - NOT "fine, no problem".

If you're going to dish out this kind of subversive propoganda, putting it in fucking CARTOOONS is way over the line.

Take "Meet the Robinsons", Disney's latest.  Can you gather a single clue what it's about from the ads?  No?

Well, guess what?  This family film's message is, essentially, "adoption sucks!"  And yes, I know there's a long history of using the device of the orphan seeking their "real" parents, but there's a major difference:  if you're going to see "Annie", you know what you're in for.  But to sneak your messages in with a completely misleading ad campaign?

Oh, it's a problem, all right.

I think your being sarcastic. But I feel I should defend the "Robinsons" my 2 little ones really enjoyed it, 41/2 and 3, they kept their 3D glasses on the hole movie. With the help of a bag of licorice. I don't think they noticed any anti-adoption messages, niether did I.

Happy Feet was very mis-leading. And just not very good.

133

Talk Zone / Re: Offday, NON BB, TV RANT

« on: April 12, 2007, 10:29:45 am »

What was that Scorcese movie with DiCaprio and Daniel Day Lewis?

The Gangs of New York!!!!! Good one.

Bill: At my challenge, by the ancient laws of combat, we are met at this chosen ground, to settle for good and all who holds sway over the five points: us natives, born rightwise to this fine land, or the foreign hordes defiling it.
Crowd: Yeah.

134

Talk Zone / Re: Offday, NON BB, TV RANT

« on: April 12, 2007, 10:20:56 am »

As an Irish-American, I am puzzled by the sudden popularity of Irish organized crime.    Does anyone believe there are more Irish gangsters in America (or anywhere) than, say, Cambodian ones?  or Bulgarian? or whatever?  Since the Irish are one of the most assimilated groups in the US, why would there be a need for such a thing?   Maybe I will watch the show at home and be enlightened.

The Boondock Saints, The Departed, GoodWill Hunting (non really organized crime) is there more?

135

Talk Zone / Re: Offday, NON BB, TV RANT

« on: April 12, 2007, 10:09:08 am »

I have a TV, but no cable or dish, so I only see Astros in person, on KNWS, or on FOX Saturdays. Otherwise, it's all radio for me. Other than Astros baseball, I know I'm not missing much.

BTW, I don't think I've posted since sometime last summer. As if anyone cares, since then, I finished my PhD at Michigan State, moved back to Houston (Clear Lake) from Michigan, and broke my leg badly in a roller hockey mishap, now recovering well. I've been reading a lot during my absense, but just never had time/motivation to post, for some reason. Anyway, see you all around. I should be at a few more games at MMP than in past years. I might even make it to a few Bay Area Toros games.

ETA: TV watching in my house has been SIGNIFICANTLY reduced since we instituted the rule that the TV doesn't come on until the kids are in bed (around 8:30). We still watch The Office and 30 Rock when we can, and we get The Daily Show from iTunes, but I watch little else. It's really given me a lot of time for other things, and most TV is crap anyway, so I don't mind. I never saw The Black Donnelly's, but the commercials made it look really cheesey. Maybe it wasn't, but I was never interested in giving it a chance. My condolences on your loss.

Thank you for your concern. Maybe if the Astros would trade for a centerfielder, I will be able to get over my loss.

136

Talk Zone / Re: Offday, NON BB, TV RANT

« on: April 12, 2007, 09:24:39 am »

Never saw it. I was pissed that Studio 60 was bumped for it.

I don't think network TV in HD is all that great.

Now Discovery HD is a different story... Planet Earth is exactly the reason I got HD. Well, that and sports, and watching The Masters in HD all weekend was greatness.

Did I mention that consecutive off days really suck?

Check out the first episode online, if you have 45 min to kill. It's really good.

137

Talk Zone / Re: Offday, NON BB, TV RANT

« on: April 12, 2007, 09:17:55 am »

I don't.

Well, Opening Day found me sitting in the conference room at work watching on the big screen.

I hope to resolve the situation soon.

Besides, Sports, The Discovery Channel, The History Channel, and some HDTV Programming, your not missing much, NOW!

138

Talk Zone / Re: Offday, NON BB, TV RANT

« on: April 12, 2007, 09:10:28 am »

I don't even have tv in my house.

How do you watch the Astros?  Oh, unless your blind then I'm sorry.

139

Talk Zone / Offday, NON BB, TV RANT

« on: April 12, 2007, 09:06:09 am »

Is anyone as pissed off ass me that they cancelled THE BLACK DONNELLYS, for an improv show and then the The Real Wedding Crashers??!!

Definately my favorite show right there with The Office and 30 Rock. IMO BETTER than the Sopranos AND The Departed.
The Black Donnellys has BALLS and it's NOT a freaking reality show. Damn I'm pissed.

Anyone with me?


They are showing the rest of the season ONLINE, but come on what did I get HDTV for?

140

Talk Zone / Re: stirring up the natives

« on: April 11, 2007, 03:26:15 pm »

Late to the party but Baldelli for Lidge just might be something the Rays would do. They are certainly in need of bullpen help and with the abundance of outfielders the Rays have plus Rocco's injury history (he was DHing because of a hammy strain from spring), flawed closer for flawed CFer might work.

Crawford will not be traded...

ETA: ...this year.

Trading for Lidge would be a bad PR risk, wouldn't it? I can't imagine Execs offering much for him.
Would you do Baldelli for Lidge? An Astros minor league arm would have to be involved.

Just read Noe's post. Lidge for Rocco may work.

141

Game Zone 2007 Archive / Re: Astros at Cubs: April 10th, 2007

« on: April 10, 2007, 03:49:33 pm »

This is the scenario that crossed my mind...has Burke been getting consitent IF work in practice?

I don't know, but he looked really good tunring a DP at 2nd this year. (can't remember which game)

142

Game Zone 2007 Archive / Re: Astros at Cubs: April 10th, 2007

« on: April 10, 2007, 03:26:18 pm »

He was a what?

Who's warming up for the ninth?

143

Talk Zone / Lukes Elbow?

« on: April 03, 2007, 10:39:27 pm »

Looked pretty painful on his pinch hit attempt, they said he will be back Friday? I didn't think so after that at-bat. What was he doing pinch hitting anyway? I didn't hear any post game, did they talk about it?

144

Talk Zone / Re: Drum roll please... (non-BB)

« on: March 23, 2007, 06:10:47 pm »

this is my favorite.

Stepping Out
2004 Darwin Award Nominee
Confirmed True by Darwin

(12 April 2004, Netherlands) Certain land animals have evolved over the millennia to use speed in the pursuit of prey or avoidance of predators. The cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) can run as fast as 60 mph over the plains of Africa, and the pronghorn antelope (Antilocapra americana) can reach 55 mph over the plains of North America. Humans (Homo sapiens) are not among these animals built for speed. The very fastest human can achieve a maximum sprint of 16 mph for short distances.
So things were bound to go wrong when a 19-year-old male, driving the A67 highway near the Dutch town of Blerick, sought to impress his two passengers by putting his car on cruise control at 20 mph, getting out of the car, and running alongside it. He planned to jump back in and drive on, but the moment his feet hit the ground, he fell over and slammed headfirst into the asphalt. He was admitted to the hospital with severe brain damage, and died the next day.

145

Talk Zone / Re: Comish office asks Big to remove star...

« on: March 23, 2007, 01:17:58 pm »

Quote:

Quote:
... and San Diego can wear CAMO shirts in the REGULAR SEASON to honer the military, but Biggio can't wear a tiny star on his hat in SPRING TRAINING to promote cancer awareness in Children.

I don't disagree with you, but the nit to pick here is that the entire team wore the same uniform.  Biggio's pin is worn by him only.

The way to get around this is to have the entire team wear the pin.

The key to my post was to emphasize SPRING TRAINNG vs.REGULAR SEASON

and secondly, some would find controversy in honering the military as a whole, on the contrary there is NO controversy in the fight against kids with cancer.

146

Talk Zone / Re: Comish office asks Big to remove star...

« on: March 23, 2007, 12:17:36 pm »

Quote:

Quote:

Quote:
So this is the type of player speech that MLB needs to supress?

I think the point is that they want to supress ALL individual decorations so that they don't have to review them on a case by case basis.  For all we know, MLB could have told another player not to wear a pin, and he could have said "well why can't I wear mine if Biggio is wearing one?"

Perfect, the expected whiny child defense.  Yes, why isn't it allowed?  MLB has time to print bullshit certificates to molify teams that want to be co-division champions, they can sit Kate Feeney down and have her review every request from a player to wear a pin that supports his charity for young kids with terminal diseases.  That shouldn't be too hard.  One stamp that says "approved" should do it.  

... and San Diego can wear CAMO shirts in the REGULAR SEASON to honer the military, but Biggio can't wear a tiny star on his hat in SPRING TRAINING to promote cancer awareness in Children.

147

Talk Zone / Comish office asks Big to remove star...

« on: March 23, 2007, 10:55:47 am »

Kind of petty no?...

The Link

148

Talk Zone / Re: See! Hunter Pence! Live!

« on: March 14, 2007, 04:58:51 pm »

Quote:

Quote:
FACT: my cousin, who grew up in El Paso, is a Snakes fan.  Why?  Because we got 150+ Dbacks games and about 35 Astros games.

Seems like every person I've met  from El Paso who's older than 40 (disclaimer: extremely small sample size) has been at least a casual Dodgers fan. You ever see much of that?

Fernando.


Since I'm under 40, it's the Astros all the way, mainely because of CRUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUZ

149

Talk Zone / Re: alarming stat

« on: March 09, 2007, 02:17:21 pm »

Quote:
I know these are only spring numbers but can you believe Pence has only one walk all spring?

 Code:

 Player G AB R H  2B 3B HR RBI TB BB SO OBP  SLG   AVG   
 Pence  8 13 5 10 3  1  2   6  21 1  1 .800 1.615 .769 
 

How can he hope to make the team with so little patience at the plate?

I would like to see his triples numbers go up, before he makes the club. I mean 1 triple, come on!

150

Talk Zone / Re: Is Gunther a "phenom"?

« on: March 09, 2007, 02:10:46 pm »

Quote:
....

But he is the unquestioned best position player for the Astros and has been for a couple of years.  The problem lies more in how damning that is for the farm system, than his greatness.

...

This is what worries me.

[Garner would betray his employers, fans and the rest of the team]

151

Talk Zone / Re: Reverting to form

« on: March 09, 2007, 02:02:19 pm »

Quote:
For a couple weeks now I thought that Jose de Jesus Ortiz had turned a corner and was serious about providing reliable information regarding the Astros.  Alas, he has reverted to his previous ways.  He writes (3/8/07)

If Pence is ready, there's no doubt he'll be better defensively than Burke in center. Garner would betray his employers, fans and the rest of the team if he just hands Burke the job in center field when another kid could help the team more and add more pop.
The Link

"betray" is a harsh word.  However a poster reminds him that

... Didn't you call for a trade right after the DUI arrest? :-)

Ortiz (Actually, I said I would trade him because I deplore the act. I also pointed out that as a general manager you cannot make decisions based on such matters. If we got rid of every guy who did something deplorable in my estimation, you couldn't field a team to win at Double A. These guys are human, though. I almost got killed by a drunk driver, smashed between two parked cars with nothing to protect me from the impact. I have the scars and limp to prove it. I hope Hunter has learned from this act. That train has left the building. I guarantee you Drayton McLane won't put up with the more antics like this. He's young and obviously is getting a second chance. JJO)

Here's what he actually wrote in November 2006

This is the deal that I would propose. Before we start, however, let's make it clear that Brad Lidge is one of the nicest, wonderful athletes in America and Chris Burke is a good person. I don't know outfield prospect Hunter Pence, but his arrest for allegedly driving while intoxicated makes him appear like an immature guy. By now, you all know I was run over and smashed between two park cars by a drunk driver when I was a kid, nearly severing my legs. So, you likely wouldn't be surprised that I hope the Astros send Pence packing ASAP if he actually did drive while intoxicated.

With that said, a GM, even if he's just one playing the role for television, must do what is best for the organization without personal feelings.
The Link

I'd rather not rehash our previous discussion of the DUI. The issue I'm concerned with is respect.  If Phil Garner doesn't agree with Jose de JO's assessment of Pence's readiness (in all facets) for the major leagues, he's "betraying" the team and us apparently.  And if Tim Purpura disagrees with him, and discounts "personal matters" then he is only pretending to be a GM.  As Jose de Jesus Ortiz has told me before, the Team isn't always right and the fans pay the bills.  Unfortunately, sometimes the team is right and deserve, if not the benefit of the doubt, at least a minimum of respect.  You have to give it to get it.

I'm not a ass kiss the veterans type guy, but that's some damn good bit of FORUM reporting.

152

Talk Zone / Re: So I get in the car and Pence hits a bomb

« on: March 08, 2007, 05:45:20 pm »

Quote:

Quote:
The Astros do not have 1 CFer close to the majors. Josh Anderson, Jimerson? Anyone else?

On the 40-man? Mike Rodriguez.

Rodriguez? Tell me more, Tell me more!

153

Talk Zone / Re: So I get in the car and Pence hits a bomb

« on: March 08, 2007, 05:26:26 pm »

The Astros do not have 1 CFer close to the majors. Josh Anderson, Jimerson? Anyone else?

It would ne nice to have a back up to Burke, not that I like him in CF, he's just the best they got now. But what I've "heard" Pence is more of RFer.

Why I don't like Burke has nothing to do with the fact  that I played CF in high school and I consider it an insult that you can throw any speedy guy out there and espect him to be a pro-CFer.

154

Talk Zone / Re: So I get in the car and Pence hits a bomb

« on: March 08, 2007, 04:53:52 pm »

I think if he was a TRUE CFer he would make the team. But he needs to see some AAA pitching.

155

Talk Zone / Alyson Footer VIDEO on Astros.com....

« on: February 27, 2007, 10:14:06 pm »

Better than internet porn!!!

156

Talk Zone / Re: Luke Scott loves Jesus

« on: February 26, 2007, 06:24:49 pm »

Someones religion or lack of religion says absolutely NOTHING about their character.


LETS PLAY BALL!!!! Is it just me or does this seem like the longest offseason ever?

157

Talk Zone / Re: Lane in Center?

« on: February 16, 2007, 03:15:28 pm »

Lane on that interview, seemed pretty pumped about playing CF, as if Pup and Gar gave him some indication that they were seriously considering it.

I don't think much of Burke in CF, I can't imagine Lane being much worse. If it was up to me, i would have acquired a defensive Pro CFer.

158

Talk Zone / Lane in Center?

« on: February 15, 2007, 10:50:56 pm »

Lane was just on AstroTalk or Astroline, whatever,
and he said he approached Pup or Garner about playing Center. And he even focused his offseason regiman towards preparing to play center. I find this very interesting. Would Lane's experience and arm offset the speed advantage that Burk's got on him? Would Burke be better off NOT learning a position he would seamingly only be playing for a year?

159

Talk Zone / Anna Nicole Smith DEAD

« on: February 08, 2007, 05:03:58 pm »

that's all, just wanted to report it.

160

Talk Zone / Re: Opening Day

« on: February 07, 2007, 09:38:07 am »

Thursday 9 AM. A presale to anyone who has bought tickets on Astros.com and volunteered your email address. Or voted for the ALL STAR game online.

161

Talk Zone / Re: Wot? No Beer Thread?

« on: February 02, 2007, 06:33:10 pm »

Hobgoblin.

I tried this at the Flying Saucer.

Similar to Shiner but more robust.

The Link

162

Talk Zone / Re: somebody gets it(article on NL catchers)

« on: January 26, 2007, 12:11:22 pm »

The addition of Lee and what I think will be a strong year from Scott, plus a healthy Berkman make any offense at C and SS COMPLETLY icing.

And I have to disagree about the eyes I think Brad's ass is his strength.

163

Talk Zone / Re: The new D-Backs color scheme looks oddly familar...

« on: January 25, 2007, 04:19:11 pm »

Astros should go back to Navy and Orange.

164

Talk Zone / The new D-Backs color scheme looks oddly familar...

« on: January 25, 2007, 03:43:16 pm »

The Link

165

Talk Zone / Re: One last item to fill the void? (non-BB)

« on: January 24, 2007, 05:47:43 pm »

Instead of a law suit, UT should counter with a "Lop-Off" t-shirt with a bunch fingers, of 35 year old men who still wear their A&M rings.

166

Talk Zone / Re: Jason Lane

« on: January 10, 2007, 03:26:08 pm »

Quote:

Quote:
 Burke at the plate ... This is the most controversial sub-topic, but it gets at one of the reasons he was highly rated in the PCL. (And yes, I realize that you said 'defensively', but most of the prospect ratings do not really spend a lot of time on defense; the best-rated defensive player is often the second-best offensive player in cases where the best offensive player is not well-known for defense. A lot of these writers should see more games and do less number crunching.)

That's pretty much what I was looking for.  I reckon if Jeter can win a gold glove and if Palmeiro can too after playing 34 games in the field I oughta take most defensive awards with a grain of salt.

I agree that CF may be the best place for him.  Yeah his arm sucks but before Taveras we haven't had a CFer with a pretty good arm all year since Hidalgo.

With Luke (I now know he is a pretty bad outfielder) and Lee flanking the CF'r, defense is now more important.

Biggio was pretty bad, but atleast he usually had Doggy and
an underated (defensively) Berkman at his sides.

My initial thought, since they are giving up D already to have Burke in CF and get Jennings why not go one step further and go with Loretta at 1st and Luke in CF. But I trust the guys who have seen Luke more than me, so Luke in
CF, bad idea.

I'd almost rather go with a good defensive CF'r and hope he can hit atleast .250. Finley came to mind, but he would probably want too much. Footer did say they might give Doggy a spring training invite, but he probably has lost too much foot spead to play CF.

167

Talk Zone / Re: Jason Lane

« on: January 10, 2007, 10:23:40 am »

Quote:

Quote:

Quote:


At the expense of Scott? THE ASTROS HAVE NO CF's.
How much worse would Scott be than Burke in CF?

Biggio    2nd
Loretta   1st
Berkman   RF
Lee       LF
Ensberg   3rd
Scott     CF

You would make the pitchers walk out.  That would be, quite possibly, the worst defensive team ever put on a field.

Only "improvement" along those lines would be to put Burke at SS.

Are you comparing Burkes defense in Center to Everett's defense at SS?

168

Talk Zone / Re: Jason Lane

« on: January 09, 2007, 06:50:30 pm »

Quote:

Quote:

Quote:
Loretta doesn't have a shoulder that could pop out at any minute.

Surgically repaired immediately after the season.

Also, Burke would be a relatively better option than Scott in CF right up to the point where the shoulder does (if it does) pop out. They're going to go without him right up to that very second.

What do you guys know about Josh Anderson?

169

Talk Zone / Re: Jason Lane

« on: January 09, 2007, 06:29:20 pm »

Quote:

Quote:

Quote:

Quote:

Quote:

Quote:

Quote:
At this point, my starting outfield is Berkman, Burke and Lee.  Clank mans 1st.  Lane shouldn't even be making the big club out of ST as things stand currently.  He's unsafe at any speed.

Berkman is playing first unless Carlos pulls up with the gout.

The other factor is that they're talking about Loretta playing some first as well.  Maybe that's just talk.

At the expense of Scott? THE ASTROS HAVE NO CF's.
How much worse would Scott be than Burke in CF?

Biggio    2nd
Loretta   1st
Berkman   RF
Lee       LF
Ensberg   3rd
Scott     CF

You would make the pitchers walk out.  That would be, quite possibly, the worst defensive team ever put on a field.

It's not much better with Burke in Center. Just trying to get Loretta .OBP in the line up.

What is Finley making now-a-days?

Burke and Loretta had about the same OBP last year.

Loretta doesn't have a shoulder that could pop out at any minute.

170

Talk Zone / Re: Jason Lane

« on: January 09, 2007, 06:23:00 pm »

Quote:

Quote:

Quote:

Quote:

Quote:
At this point, my starting outfield is Berkman, Burke and Lee.  Clank mans 1st.  Lane shouldn't even be making the big club out of ST as things stand currently.  He's unsafe at any speed.

Berkman is playing first unless Carlos pulls up with the gout.

The other factor is that they're talking about Loretta playing some first as well.  Maybe that's just talk.

At the expense of Scott? THE ASTROS HAVE NO CF's.
How much worse would Scott be than Burke in CF?

Biggio    2nd
Loretta   1st
Berkman   RF
Lee       LF
Ensberg   3rd
Scott     CF

You would make the pitchers walk out.  That would be, quite possibly, the worst defensive team ever put on a field.

It's not much better with Burke in Center. Just trying to get Loretta .OBP in the line up.

What is Finley making now-a-days?

171

Talk Zone / Re: Jason Lane

« on: January 09, 2007, 06:07:19 pm »

Quote:

Quote:

Quote:
At this point, my starting outfield is Berkman, Burke and Lee.  Clank mans 1st.  Lane shouldn't even be making the big club out of ST as things stand currently.  He's unsafe at any speed.

Berkman is playing first unless Carlos pulls up with the gout.

The other factor is that they're talking about Loretta playing some first as well.  Maybe that's just talk.

At the expense of Scott? THE ASTROS HAVE NO CF's.
How much worse would Scott be than Burke in CF?

Biggio    2nd
Loretta   1st
Berkman   RF
Lee       LF
Ensberg   3rd
Scott     CF

172

Talk Zone / Re: Loretta to sign with the Astros

« on: January 04, 2007, 05:10:27 pm »

OK, I got it, footwork is most important for a SS.


So does Loretta still have the footwork to play short?

173

Talk Zone / Re: Loretta to sign with the Astros

« on: January 04, 2007, 02:44:19 pm »

Very nice!!!

Can Loretta still play short, if something happens to Adam.
And does he have the arm for 3rd?

I prefer Adam, with Woody and Jennings coming, it seems there will be a lot of ground balls. (I have no data to justify that)

174

Talk Zone / Re: the 5 hole

« on: January 02, 2007, 10:13:47 am »

I'm not crazy about his defensive ability in CF or his arm.

And his durability is a question. This makes the Astros very thin in CF. A position I personally don't like to see thin.

175

Talk Zone / Re: the 5 hole

« on: January 01, 2007, 11:11:58 pm »

Are they really "penciling" in (with permanent ink) Burke
as every day CFer?

176

Talk Zone / Re: Tigers after Scott?

« on: December 15, 2006, 02:38:37 pm »

Quote:
wow--i sure do not agree with this if someone good comes back.

"someone good" is the key. I don't think Luke would bring back anything good right now, unless he's packaged with some
young pitching prospects, and they've already lost Hirsh.

177

Talk Zone / Re: Tigers after Scott?

« on: December 15, 2006, 12:45:24 pm »

Luke Scott is CHEAP and has a HUGE UPSIDE (that sounds weird) he's more of a left fielder than a right fielder, but he should get a long good look this year. And should not be traded. Maybe in a package deal for Cabrera, but that's it.

178

Talk Zone / Re: I have a confession

« on: December 14, 2006, 10:13:59 pm »

IF Moberg was the second best hitter on the Astros last year, that is really not saying much.

179

Talk Zone / Re: Vince Young (non BB but what a CFer he would be)

« on: December 11, 2006, 03:12:52 pm »

Quote:

Quote:
No way they will take a RB, not with the zone blocking system. And nor should they, in my opinion. Get the lineman to make the system work and see where they are at.

With whom at RB?  Walli Lundy?  What good does a zone blocking scheme do you if you don't have a running back who can hit the holes?

And why would they stick with a system that doesn't work with lineman they have?

180

Talk Zone / Re: Vince Young (non BB but what a CFer he would be)

« on: December 11, 2006, 02:53:36 pm »

Young is not or ever will be a Texan. So no use debating his leval of PUNKNESS.

SO, say the Texans loose out the rest of the year. And all the other bad teams win a couple of games.

Who do you choose:

Peterson
Troy Smith
Brady Quinn
__________ other

181

Talk Zone / Re: Vince Young (non BB but what a CFer he would be)

« on: December 11, 2006, 02:42:50 pm »

After all this conversation, it comes down to this for me.

As a Texans fan would I rather have Vince Young or David Carr?


I personally wanted Bush, hoping he would help Carr get the ball to Johnson/Moulds.

But if I had to choose between Young or Carr. YOUNG no question.Even if he is a little bit of a punk.

[I know New York is where God wants me and where he's put me for this year.]

182

Talk Zone / Re: "New York is Where God Wants Me"

« on: December 10, 2006, 12:46:47 pm »

Quote:
I know New York is where God wants me and where he's put me for this year.

I know we all wish we had Steinbrenner as an owner of our teams, but I'm not sure I'd call him "God".

Did really say that?

183

Talk Zone / Re: Jury Duty HELP!! (non-bb)

« on: December 08, 2006, 06:07:14 pm »

Quote:

Quote:
In Harris County you can go online and reschedule.  You'll have to serve on the same day of the week but at a later date.

Here is the Harris County  web page for rescheduling jury duty.

THANK YOU ALL!!! I was able re-schedule.

And screw Andy Pettitte! Actually I like him and I hope he wins 20 but the Yankees win 60!

184

Talk Zone / Jury Duty HELP!! (non-bb)

« on: December 08, 2006, 05:05:32 pm »

What happens if you just don't show up.

I haven't been selected. This I believe is just the selection process.

I know business reasons are not an excuse, but I really can't miss work that day. Any advice? How do i get out of it?

185

Talk Zone / Re: Garner on XM

« on: December 04, 2006, 07:23:27 pm »

I hear Chris Donnels and Dave Magadan are available, maybe the Astros should try to catch lightning in a bottle and sign both of them.

186

Talk Zone / Re: Garner on XM

« on: December 04, 2006, 11:31:05 am »

"Ensberg bounce back this year."


That's a pretty open ended statement.

In other words I hope Ensberg bounces back with Colorado, Toronto, Tampa Bay...

I would also like to see Ensberg bounce back, in the American League in exchange for a quality Bullpen Arm.

187

Talk Zone / Re: Purpura interview on MLB radio

« on: November 28, 2006, 09:10:04 pm »

I'm really not a defense first guy, but I really don't want to sacrafice defense in CENTERFIELD.

Remember what happened when Luke started playing every day, Willy started playing better.

OK, now I think I'm starting to get a hardon for Luke...
no...maybe...it's ok...no movement.

Plus how fun is it to yell LUUUUUUUUUUUUUKE!

188

Talk Zone / Re: Purpura interview on MLB radio

« on: November 28, 2006, 08:59:38 pm »

Maybe Scott is too pretty for the PUP. He prefers the more brawny guys.

On a related note, PUP really needs to do something about that Waddle.

189

Talk Zone / Re: Purpura interview on MLB radio

« on: November 28, 2006, 08:52:37 pm »

I'm no batting expert, but his swing has always seemed awkward and flawed to me.

Scott on the other hand has a sweet swing. Someone explain Scott's contract situation, say he goes .290 / 30 / 98
when does he start making the real cash.

190

Talk Zone / Re: Purpura interview on MLB radio

« on: November 28, 2006, 08:26:41 pm »

What about Lanes 288 at-bats and Scott's 214 abs would tell ANYONE that Lane should start over Scott.

Maybe be Lane is a better oufielder, but is he really that much better?

191

Talk Zone / Re: Other possibilities at third?

« on: November 27, 2006, 11:54:52 pm »

Quote:
I would almost prefer Willis for Willy T, Burke & Hirsch
and keep Ensberg, or play Lamb/Bruntlett (& Trade Ensberg for Bully help) but I am willing to wager there are others
who have thought longer and harder on the issue than I and
have better insight

It would actually be better for Baseball if the Marlins kept both Cabrera AND Willis. In fantasy baseball there is a list of players that Managers cannot trade. I might be OK with that, rule.

192

Talk Zone / Re: Other possibilities at third?

« on: November 27, 2006, 11:37:49 pm »

Quote:
any mention of tejada or cabrera (or would they cost
too much in terms of number of prospects)

For Cabrera, ANY 3 Astros for Cabrera. Except for Oswalt, Berkman, Lee, ofcourse.

I'd start with Burke, Willy, Hirsch.

What are the Marlins looking for?

193

Talk Zone / Re: Please tell me this is just Lopez being Lopez (i.e. dumb

« on: November 27, 2006, 05:56:07 pm »

Quote:

Quote:
Keeping Ensberg/Huff/Burke gives Garner A LOT of options.

Vs. Rightys

Willy     CF
Biggio   2nd
Berkman  1st
Lee      Lf
Huff     3rd
Scott    Rf
Everrete ss
Ausmus   c

VS. Lefties

Willy/Burke CF
Biggio      2nd
Berkman     RF
Lee         LF
Ensberg     3rd
Huff        1st
E           ss
A           C

(Berkman made some great throw from RF last year, Huff is really slow, and Scott hasn't hit lefties very well.)

I doubt they're interested in paying Ensberg $4 million per year to hit only against lefties.

In that case, I'd rather have Huff. Does anyone really want to see Ensberg as the everyday 3rd?

194

Talk Zone / Re: Please tell me this is just Lopez being Lopez (i.e. dumb

« on: November 27, 2006, 04:27:19 pm »

Keeping Ensberg/Huff/Burke gives Garner A LOT of options.

Vs. Rightys

Willy     CF
Biggio   2nd
Berkman  1st
Lee      Lf
Huff     3rd
Scott    Rf
Everrete ss
Ausmus   c

VS. Lefties

Willy/Burke CF
Biggio      2nd
Berkman     RF
Lee         LF
Ensberg     3rd
Huff        1st
E           ss
A           C

(Berkman made some great throw from RF last year, Huff is really slow, and Scott hasn't hit lefties very well.)

195

Talk Zone / Re: Astros sign Lee

« on: November 24, 2006, 06:21:24 pm »

Pettitte comes back, they sign Woody. Hopefully add a bullpen arm.

What's the problem? If this signing is the only thing they do AND no Pettitte, Clemens or Woody, then problem.


I just found out about Woody. Pettitte's got to come back.

196

Talk Zone / Re: Astros in HD?

« on: November 22, 2006, 01:08:28 pm »

I didn't think of HD Porn. My wife looks at the TWC bills,
I'll have to figure something out.

197

Talk Zone / Re: Astros in HD?

« on: November 22, 2006, 12:32:25 pm »

I'm in Houston. I'm just learning about HD, so I have no idea.

198

Talk Zone / Astros in HD?

« on: November 22, 2006, 12:11:47 pm »

I just got an HD TV and the Time Warner HDTV service hooked up last night. And I was amazed most by a Basketball Game, it's incredible the difference between watching a basketball game in HD vs. non HD. No football games on HD last night, but I can only imagine the same result.

Sooo, I'm hoping FOX Sports Net plans to simulcast in HD also. Or maybe they already do, do they?

199

Talk Zone / Re: Rocco Baldelli

« on: November 17, 2006, 12:10:00 pm »

Is he a true CFer or a future 1st baseman?

200

Talk Zone / Re: Pence...

« on: November 06, 2006, 12:49:32 pm »

Driving with 2 young screaming kids in the back seat, may be the most dangerous driving next to piss-in-your-pants-drunk.

201

Talk Zone / Re: T.O. or Wags?

« on: October 05, 2006, 08:10:02 pm »

His "I don't give a fuck attitude" is what has kept him effective as a closer.

I don't see a T.O. comparison at all.

They can't all be quire boys.

202

Talk Zone / Re: Is It F/A Season Yet?

« on: October 02, 2006, 01:02:10 pm »

How are you going to explain Lane over Scott?

203

Talk Zone / Re: Is It F/A Season Yet?

« on: October 02, 2006, 12:24:51 pm »

How in the world do you have Lane over Scott?

Did I miss something? I thought Scott was pretty solid in the outfield.

204

Talk Zone / Re: when do we expect a verdict on luke scott?

« on: September 20, 2006, 06:42:26 pm »

You can sign Lee, Vernon Wells AND start Scott.
At the expense of Willy.

Biggo    2nd
Wells    CF
Berkman  1st
Lee      LF
Huff     3rd
Scott    RF
Everett  SS
Ausmus   C

205

Talk Zone / Re: ACL (non-BB)

« on: September 15, 2006, 01:39:54 am »

MUSE, at the Verizon on Monday.

206

Talk Zone / Re: I love Alyson Footer

« on: September 14, 2006, 02:23:50 pm »

Yep, her sense of humer, honesty, baseball knowledge, plus the fact that she is pretty cute, completly irrestible.

One "hit behind Berkman" type guy.
One starting pitcher.
One solid bullpen guy...

could make for an exciting '07

207

Talk Zone / I love Alyson Footer

« on: September 13, 2006, 07:53:17 pm »

 

I see the Astros are going after a big bat in the offseason. Do they plan on going after one big bat or two? I don't think one big bat will solve any problems. How many bats do you think the Astros should go after?
-- Shane J., Houston

Seven. ...
--Alyson

208

Talk Zone / Re: The "season over" posts are candyassed

« on: September 13, 2006, 01:26:31 am »

Uh, you just started another one.

209

Talk Zone / Re: With the season now over, anyone have any offseason plans?

« on: September 13, 2006, 01:10:11 am »

This "I'm a better fan than you" is getting really old.

HH and Joey's rants, were pretty similar to me. Neither "whinning" in my opinion, just Astros fans showing their frustration with a VERY frustrating and under-achieving season.

210

Talk Zone / Re: With the season now over, anyone have any offseason plans?

« on: September 13, 2006, 12:58:01 am »

How is this not whining?

"How the fuck does Jason Lane let that ball get behind him? If he's not tripping over his dick out there, no way Spezio scores. And if Aubrey Huff doesn't lollygag a ball into a triple earlier...

Damn I'm getting pissed at the Astros outfield defense.

211

Talk Zone / Re: "MMP is TOO LOUD!" WFW.

« on: September 11, 2006, 11:29:33 am »

If you have small children, the extra noise actually helps you enjoy the game more, because it keeps the kids occupied.

212

Talk Zone / Re: Thanks, Gerry.

« on: August 30, 2006, 01:39:57 pm »

Quote:

Quote:
"Watching a sub-500 Astros is better than no Astros at all"... is a stupid argument.

I know I always feel that way around November. Bad baseball is better than no baseball.

Not to mention we've had a good decade, as das said to start things off

It's a good thing Pup is not as content with a sub-500
team as you guys are.

"This upcoming offseason, we should have more flexibility, payroll-wise, to do things trade-wise or free agency-wise, and I think that's the primary objective: to upgrade the offense while maintaining and keeping the pitching stable. That's the tough part of any GM's job. You know you just can't focus on one area; you have to look at offense, you have to look at defense and you have to look at pitching."
-PUP

213

Talk Zone / Re: Thanks, Gerry.

« on: August 30, 2006, 01:26:06 pm »

Quote:
fucking whiner. just take the rest of the season off and bitch to your wife.

"Watching a sub-500 Astros is better than no Astros at all"... is a stupid argument.

214

Talk Zone / Re: Thanks, Gerry.

« on: August 30, 2006, 01:13:04 pm »

Quote:
No kidding, Jim.

The goal is to feild a team that makes the playoffs (and entertains the fans) and the Astros management team has done this consistantly for over a decade.  Not many other organizations can say this.  The Astros organization itself had a very limited history of sustained success prior to the McClane era.  As a 24-year Astros fan, I am grateful.  For those that demand 95 win teams each year to feel good about a team, there's always New York.

Bullshit. There should be no happy or proud feelings about this season, even if they do make the playoff's, changes need to be made. Just ask Alyson Footer.

215

Talk Zone / Re: Thanks, Gerry.

« on: August 30, 2006, 12:45:40 pm »

Quote:
...and Tim and Drayton...

Yet another year of meaningful Astros baseball in September.  It's been a good decade.

For being 4 games under 500? Thank the rest of the National League for sucking.

216

Talk Zone / Re: Keep an eye on Ernesto late next week (non-bb)

« on: August 27, 2006, 11:17:25 am »

The Weather Channel's got it going for Florida. Hope this is accurate, sorry Ty in Tampa

The Link

217

Talk Zone / Re: Anyone interested in Vernon Wells?

« on: August 26, 2006, 01:13:29 am »

Despite the fact that Lee has struck out suprisingly much fewer times, Vernon is an overall better player.

Hell, get em both. Pup said they got some money freed up!

Just salivate over THAT lineup!

Biggio 2nd
Wells  CF
Berkman 1st
Lee  LF
Huff  3rd
Scott RF
Ausmus C
Everette SS

Carlos Lee has only struck out 39 TIMES!?! (I had to check again)

218

Talk Zone / Re: Anyone interested in Vernon Wells?

« on: August 25, 2006, 07:12:55 pm »

YES

219

Talk Zone / Re: Harsh

« on: August 23, 2006, 12:26:50 pm »

Quote:

Quote:


I personally think  "talking to the media" should be one of the least important things on the list of Responsibilities of Being a Major Leaguer, right next to Use a Fresh Jock Strap daily, and just below No Excessive Towel Whipping in the Shower.

If a player doesn't want to talk to the media, fine, leave that for the Managers and GManagers. Players should do their talking on the field, especially rookies.

There's that, and there's the can-be-best-friend-or-worst-enemey aspect floating around in the spectrum. Players always have their reasons. But they need to remember it's always a two way street, and what they say or don't say can work for or against them in relating to the public/fans. Some players have learned how to make the media their bitch (Schilling) and manipulate it to their advantage, so to speak.

Makes sense, but that's when Garner should step up and speak for Hirsh, "He's an emotional guy, he really took it hard...blah, blah

220

Talk Zone / Re: Harsh

« on: August 23, 2006, 11:59:36 am »

Quote:

Quote:
If Hirsh doesn't want to talk about his terrible performance, people are bound to question more than just his effort on the mound. You got to face the music. One way or another. Footer is just telling it like it is.

Wouldn't have been too hard to spout some clich?s and platitudes:  "I didn't have my best stuff...still learning at this level...Reds have a great offense...blah, blah, blah".  Not making any hard and fast judgements on Hirsh, but the post-game dork-fest where he lets the sniffers have a whiff of his jock is part of the job.  He needs to learn that, and hopefully someone like Clemens has already made that point very clearly to him.

I personally think  "talking to the media" should be one of the least important things on the list of Responsibilities of Being a Major Leaguer, right next to Use a Fresh Jock Strap daily, and just below No Excessive Towel Whipping in the Shower.

If a player doesn't want to talk to the media, fine, leave that for the Managers and GManagers. Players should do their talking on the field, especially rookies.

221

Talk Zone / Re: The Curse

« on: August 22, 2006, 07:45:20 pm »

Quote:

Quote:
prove himself

Define that.

Improve the ball club.

You don't get many opportunities to have "possibly the greatest pitcher ever" on your team, plus a healthy Berkman.
This was the year to NOT BE CONSERVATIVE.

222

Talk Zone / Re: The Curse

« on: August 22, 2006, 06:53:17 pm »

So far Purpura has brought in:

John Franco
Trever Miller
Preston Wilson
Aubry Huff


Not much to defend. If they bring back Huff and he is solid, they'll atleast have that.

Pup needs to prove himself this Winter.

223

Talk Zone / Re: So what now?

« on: August 22, 2006, 12:30:40 pm »

Quote:

Quote:
No, I'm drifting off into the world of "What Would I Do?"

During the last off-season, I looked at the roster and tried to figure out who would be replaceable, and by and large I'd wind up saying "no, he showed some real promise, you need to stand by him and see what he can do" with almost all of the roster spots.

This year, I'm thinking that nobody other than Berkman, Biggio, or Oswalt should be surprised if they get a phone call saying "Congratulations, you've been traded."

I'd like to see what Luke and Huff can do over a full year.
Ensberg could bring a bullpen arm.

224

Talk Zone / Re: What? No Anderson Cooper thread? (non bb)

« on: August 18, 2006, 11:22:41 am »

Anne Curry is hot.

225

Talk Zone / Re: Morgan Ensberg

« on: August 15, 2006, 11:32:56 am »

MoBerg should ONLY start against Lefties.

Luke looked awesome against Zambrano, wow.

226

Talk Zone / Re: Costner and Baseball Movies

« on: August 14, 2006, 07:31:18 pm »

1. The Stratton Story
2. *61

227

Talk Zone / Re: What do you do?

« on: August 11, 2006, 12:04:50 pm »

I would have NOT batted the cancer kid behind my best hitter.

228

Talk Zone / Worst song ever made... (Non-BB)

« on: August 09, 2006, 06:13:09 pm »

The guys in my office are bored, so we started talking about the WORST song of all time.

And here it is:

Semi-Charmed Life  - Third Eye Blind

Runner up:

November Rain - GNR

229

Talk Zone / Re: Not having a chance to see Houston farm clubs.....

« on: August 09, 2006, 12:13:22 am »

Quote:
FYI you can watch the Express and the Hooks for free online. Follow the link on the right of each team's homepage, enter your name and email address and crack open a bag of peanuts and a cold Dos XX.

Dos XX AMBER, has become one of my favorite beers.

230

Talk Zone / Re: Lineup Questions

« on: August 09, 2006, 12:05:26 am »

Quote:
Chris Burke RF - why?
Eric Munson hitting 8th and Burke hitting 6th - why?

Don't get me wrong, I like Chris.  But, c'mon.

JD said Munson will be Backe's catcher, and no off days soon.

231

Talk Zone / Re: No Justice, More Peace

« on: August 02, 2006, 02:48:58 pm »

Quote:

Quote:
Has Justice become a Tool of Roy?

Or is he just a tool?

I don't know about Pinwheel and Oswalt, but there is something to be said about he quasi-relationship of JDJO and Roy.  Let's set some things straight before we go any further:

Justice isn't well liked nor respected in the Astros clubhouse.  Jeff Kent wanted to beat the crap out of him and then just settled on no talking to him any more.  Brad Aumsus is supposedly very sarcastic around Pinwheel because he knows Pinwheel will just write whatever the hell he wants any way.  I don't think Richard Justices cares one bit about making friends or enemies of the players.  He cares about Richard Justice or Richard Justice's career (national level and local).  He is out for himself and a player is just fodder for that gain, positive or negative.

Now on to Jose Jesus De Ortiz De La Mancha, the man who would slay the windmills of injustice as it were.  JDJO is wanting to get involved in a player's life.  He is a writer that is prone towards the "inside, what makes a player tick" type of writer.  Sort of the Roy Firestone, I don't want to cry when I come on your show, type of writer.  He digs deep and badgers his way into the life of these players.  Players family, friends, relatives, pastors, anybody associated with them is fair game for him to pester to get to the real man.  So it stands to reason he gets close to a guy like Roy Oswalt (or a Billy Wagner) and feeds the feeling these guys can get when upset.  

"You're right man, they're out to get you... so tell me... how does that make you feel?"

All for the love of the story.

He's not a very good reporter in many ways because he's sloppy with facts.  They get in the way of the real story, the inside story, the way a player feels, the emotion of it all.  He's a pest in some people's eyes because he's always around trying to get in there and burrow his way into the life of these guys.  His book about last year's rise to the WS (actually more about the last two years) is the compiled notes he took while working as a beat reporter.  He spent time with the Oswalt family getting their perspective on things and some other players too.

So he's coming across as a tool for Roy, but it's not true necessarily.  He's going along for the ride so he can get the lowdown dirt from the outspoken one (Oswalt).  Something has to fill his void now that Billy Wagner is gone.

Is Justice really worth this long paragraph.

232

Talk Zone / Re: I had a scary thought...

« on: August 02, 2006, 02:17:58 pm »

Quote:
Am I the only one who wants the BITCHING ABOUT Roy's bitching to stop as much as Roy's bitching itself?

Your not the only one.

233

Talk Zone / Re: Justice on 610

« on: August 02, 2006, 11:48:08 am »

Quote:

Quote:
BUT, why is it so hard to believe Drayton said "you must trade Lidge" then deny it. Ofcourse he has to deny it now, Lidge is still on the team.

Why is it so hard to believe Justice didn't just make it up?

Why is it so hard to believe McLane has nothing to deny?

Why is it so hard to believe Lidge is still on the team because there were no trades worth making?

Personally, I think the two jackasses at the Chron wanted to stir up a pot of shit and they did.

"Why is it so hard to believe Lidge is still on the team because there were no trades worth making?"

Bingo!

This is what I think actually happened. And I believe Justice is a jackass and needs to stay out of Astros
business. And Drayton is capible of lying, it's part of business.

234

Talk Zone / Re: Justice on 610

« on: August 02, 2006, 11:37:32 am »

or Mclane told "someone", but never gave Pup the official "go get it done"

Mclane said he never said it period. As he should Lidge is still on the team.

235

Talk Zone / Re: Justice on 610

« on: August 02, 2006, 11:31:48 am »

I hate Justice just as much as the next guy, I hate people who think they are way more important than they actually are. BUT, why is it so hard to believe Drayton said "you must trade Lidge" then deny it. Ofcourse he has to deny it now, Lidge is still on the team.

I am inclined to believe in the players. I truly believe Oswalt just wants to stay in Houston and be paid like an ace as he should.

236

Talk Zone / Re: And so it begins...

« on: July 31, 2006, 05:29:34 pm »

Quote:
-Only 6 games back of the freaking Reds (now with extra-strength Rheal Cormier)!

-Three starters who would be #1 on any other contenders (only Carpenter, Pedro, and maybe Brandon Webb and Peavy can argue)

-Luke Scott mashing, with Jason Lane safely away in AAA

-Berkman, Lamb, Huff, with Ensberg ready to come back and reclaim his job

-The best defensive SS and Catcher in the NL

The best Pitch calling and smartest Catcher in NL.


THEY ACTUALLY STILL HAVE A CHANCE!!!!

Which is why I'm kinda bummed they didn't make a move.
MLB.com says there still may be more moves completed but not anounced yet.

237

Talk Zone / Re: Eating Around MMPUS? (Non-Tejada Related)

« on: July 29, 2006, 05:19:47 pm »

I like The Link

Plenty of choices for a picky 3 year old. And your family will enjoy the "endless" punch.

(Irma's Fresh Fruit Bottomless Lemonade)

238

Talk Zone / Re: I don't know why I bother...

« on: July 25, 2006, 02:35:45 pm »

Quote:
But this has got to be up there on the "asinine statements made by Dick Justice" list.  Maybe top 2%.

"Forget all those games the Astros would have won if Phil Garner had just sent anyone up to hit instead of the person he did send up."

So no matter what Garner decided, it was wrong.  

It must be easy to be a columnist.

I'm pretty sure he was being sarcastic. Atleast I hope.

239

Talk Zone / Re: Astros shopping Preston?

« on: July 24, 2006, 05:31:47 pm »

Quote:
I have nothing against Preston, I think he's done about what you expect, but this is just the right kind of move to me - doesn't hurt much this year, might help in the future.

They "expected" more Power from him.

240

Talk Zone / Re: Wow.the Astros can easily place 5 lefties in the lineup

« on: July 14, 2006, 05:32:55 pm »

Quote:

Quote:
  Burke ... Preston ... Who is faster?

I think Burke is quicker but Wilson is faster.

Kinda like Tony Dorsett vs. Herschal Walker

241

Talk Zone / Re: Wow.the Astros can easily place 5 lefties in the lineup now.

« on: July 14, 2006, 12:22:47 pm »

I would like to see Luke get some starts over Preston, vs. righties. They've got him up hear for at least 15 games, might as well give him a shot.

Biggio 2nd
Burk  CF
Berkman RF
Huff   3rd
Lamb  1st
Scott LF
Ausmus  C
Everette SS

242

Talk Zone / Re: Huff speaks

« on: July 12, 2006, 06:50:42 pm »

Quote:

Quote:
I can't imagine Huff being brought over to be a platoon guy. So who sits, Ensberg or Wilson?

Purpura says Ensberg, but down the road, Mike Lamb.  He's not a starter.

Yep, the Astros need to ride that lamb till it drops.

243

Talk Zone / Re: Huff speaks

« on: July 12, 2006, 06:41:38 pm »

I can't imagine Huff being brought over to be a platoon guy. So who sits, Ensberg or Wilson?

244

Talk Zone / Re: Would it be off the wall....

« on: July 11, 2006, 11:15:23 am »

Quote:

Quote:
To suggest that the Astros are in a favorable position come the trade deadline?  If you break a team's trade deadline needs down to offense, starting pitching a relief pitching, the Astros greatest need appears to be solid arms in the bullpen.  The starting pitching is turning it around and the bats are comparable to last year's.  We could all easily rattle off the games that were winnable, only to see the bullpen blow them.   The reason I say this leaves the Astros in a favorable position is that you can find decent relief help a lot easier and a lower price than you'll find a decent bat or a decent starting pitcher around the trade deadline.  Would it be impossible to suggest that the Astros go out and focus their search on solid relief pitching?

Abso-freaking-lutely.  While they need a middle of the lineup bat, that is not going to be a difference maker, IMHO.  I solid bullpen will make a huge difference.  The solution may be from within as well, from a pitcher stepping up to a youngster coming up to an unexpected solution.  Overall, the best solution is to get a proven performer, say a Tom Gordon-like reliever.

Yes, if they were only able to improve 1 thing, the bullpen would be the best choice, but Ensberg should be as much a concern as Lidge. Without Ensberg, you only have Berkman and
Lamb driving in runs. Berkman, Lamb, Burke, Wilson are the Astros top hitters IN THAT ORDER, not good.

245

Talk Zone / Re: Step on a Crack

« on: July 08, 2006, 08:31:22 pm »

Spezio, Duncan, Miles, Eck he can get ONE of them out. Pathetic.

246

Talk Zone / Re: Lamb's error on the 4th

« on: July 05, 2006, 02:09:49 pm »

I'll take a stab at it.

The Correct play for Lamb was to take a quick side step, to create a better angle to avoid hitting the runner, then throw immediatly to second, because you want to force the runner back to first, AND Biggio or Everett would have a better chance of running down a suprisingly fast Lee.

247

Talk Zone / Re: BTN #12: It's all about the pitching...

« on: July 04, 2006, 01:35:44 am »

"LHP Mark McLemore. Hasn't allowed an earned run in the 9.2 innings of work since returning from extended spring training where he was working out the shoulder problem."

Maybe he should get a shot? How do lefties fare against him?

248

Talk Zone / Re: Bucknor in the 7th

« on: June 28, 2006, 01:51:04 pm »

Quote:

Quote:
Wah Wah Wah.  Shut the fuck up Pravata.  

Everyone knows that Purpura is looking for a hitter -- so that means that we can't talk about it???

As for Ausmus, I wasn't blaming Ausmus for last night's loss.  But since you bring it up, Ausmus is now 0 for his last 27!!!  Mindboggling.  Ausmus is batting .155 in June.  And while he might call a great game, teams are learning that they can run at will on the Astros and the blame for this does not rest entirely with the pitchers.  And I don't think that I am imagining that there have been more wild pitches this year with him catching than ever before.

Talk about it?  Sure.  Whine about it? Boring.  You have far more interest in your "imagination" than following the Astros. Purpura has since he took over as GM explained in detail his strategy towards trades.  No one has "run at will" on the Astros. Have teams "run at will" on Estrada? On Schneider?

Could you please give me a brief summery of Purpuras "strategy"?

It seems like Draytons "strategy" and TP's strategy are NOT
in line.

249

Talk Zone / Re: Bucknor in the 7th

« on: June 28, 2006, 12:19:36 pm »

Quote:

Quote:

Quote:

Quote:
What really bugs me about this team, they cannot even take advantage of playing with a DH. Biggio is the obvious choice to be the DH, but right now our bench guys are DEFENSIVE replacments Willy, Brunt, Rafi, Lane.

Garner NEEDS MORE SLUGGERS!!!

Anyone else under the delusion that the Astros ever expected to win with hitting?  Anyone?  If it's last night that lead you to this revelation, consider that a couple fly balls, maybe a grounder to the right side, and heads up defense would have won this one, something like 2-1.

See my post right after that one.

Great, add a post about sloppy defense, how Garner is suddenly crazy and the shortsightedness of Purpura and you could be Richard Justice.

I actually think Garner is doing the best he can with what he's got.

250

Talk Zone / Re: Bucknor in the 7th

« on: June 28, 2006, 12:01:40 pm »

Quote:

Quote:
What really bugs me about this team, they cannot even take advantage of playing with a DH. Biggio is the obvious choice to be the DH, but right now our bench guys are DEFENSIVE replacments Willy, Brunt, Rafi, Lane.

Garner NEEDS MORE SLUGGERS!!!

Lane isn't a defensive replacement player.  He's supposed to be a slugger.  And, if Lane were hitting Lamb would be on the bench.

Agreed.
See my 2nd post after that one.

251

Talk Zone / Re: Bucknor in the 7th

« on: June 28, 2006, 11:55:14 am »

Quote:

Quote:
What really bugs me about this team, they cannot even take advantage of playing with a DH. Biggio is the obvious choice to be the DH, but right now our bench guys are DEFENSIVE replacments Willy, Brunt, Rafi, Lane.

Garner NEEDS MORE SLUGGERS!!!

Anyone else under the delusion that the Astros ever expected to win with hitting?  Anyone?  If it's last night that lead you to this revelation, consider that a couple fly balls, maybe a grounder to the right side, and heads up defense would have won this one, something like 2-1.

Or a solid bullpen.
See my post right after that one.

252

Talk Zone / Re: Bucknor in the 7th

« on: June 28, 2006, 11:50:09 am »

Quote:

Quote:
What really bugs me about this team, they cannot even take advantage of playing with a DH. Biggio is the obvious choice to be the DH, but right now our bench guys are DEFENSIVE replacments Willy, Brunt, Rafi, Lane.

Garner NEEDS MORE SLUGGERS!!!

Um.....  last time I checked (although I HAVE been out of touch the last six weeks) Houston was a National League city.  The line-up isn't constructed to "take advantage" of the DH, and shouldn't be.

My point was, your bench should not consist of primarily defensive replacements.

Garner has been forced to make Lamb an every day starter because of the lack of offense.

253

Talk Zone / Re: Bucknor in the 7th

« on: June 28, 2006, 11:44:25 am »

OR, if they cannot add a slugger or two,  2 solid bullpen guys would really help. I hate seeing teams playing late inning ADD ON against the Stros. (I'm just not used to it, I guess)

254

Talk Zone / Re: Bucknor in the 7th

« on: June 28, 2006, 11:32:12 am »

What really bugs me about this team, they cannot even take advantage of playing with a DH. Biggio is the obvious choice to be the DH, but right now our bench guys are DEFENSIVE replacments Willy, Brunt, Rafi, Lane.

Garner NEEDS MORE SLUGGERS!!!

255

Talk Zone / Re: Bucknor in the 7th

« on: June 28, 2006, 10:57:56 am »

Uh, the Astros got shut out! Were you guys who are complaining about Bucknor expecting a big offensive push in the 10th?


Ensberg should go on the DL, Lamb to 3rd. TP must do his job
and find a 1st/OF/3b with some pop.

256

Talk Zone / Re: call me a pessimist

« on: June 16, 2006, 10:44:06 am »

What about Sampson? I think he should get Taylors next start.

257

Talk Zone / Re: Braves Fans Implode

« on: June 15, 2006, 07:06:10 pm »

Andruw is really fat now.

258

Talk Zone / Re: call me a pessimist

« on: June 15, 2006, 06:46:33 pm »

Quote:
But watching the game (I am home sick), I didn't think that the Astros had much of a chance today -- not the way that Zambrano was pitching.  Nieve kept the Astros in the game until the team got into the Cubs' bullpen.  Great win.

With Nieve and Wandy pitching so well, are we going to get to Sampson again?

259

Talk Zone / Re: NonBaseball: Military Recruitment Meeting

« on: June 13, 2006, 06:12:34 pm »

Quote:

Quote:
...healthy skepticism is a necessary right in this country.

This is a key point here. Unfortunately we cannot blindly assume any political leader (Donkey or Elephant) is making good sound policy decisions for their country and NOT making decisions for personal or party gain.

260

Talk Zone / Re: NonBaseball: Military Recruitment Meeting

« on: June 13, 2006, 11:56:51 am »

Quote:
I could never make the commitment. I wasn't aware of the long term benefit of anything at age 17. Some people already know what they want to do with the rest of their lives at 17/18, I didn't have a clue. Military service might have helped me figure that out. At least better than how I spent the 5 or 6 ensuing years--flunking out of college and a few menial jobs. I can't say I regret not having served but I feel as though I missed out on something beneficial, valuable, worthy, and honorable.

And then again you could have enlisted and got shot in the head. The point is you had the option.

Go Stros!

261

Talk Zone / Re: The old reverse show-up...

« on: June 09, 2006, 11:56:16 am »

Quote:
I actually started laughing.  Ausmus turned his head and said something the ump.  I would have loved to hear that conversation.  Actually Qualls (1 mistake), Wheels and Lidge all looked very good last night.

What did the Ensberg "strike out" look like on TV. From section 320 it looked like it nearly took his head off.

262

Talk Zone / Re: In praise of Chris Burke

« on: June 07, 2006, 06:49:24 pm »

Quote:
i have exaggerated his arm weakness? Noe said noodle arm. i have said noodle arm. do you understand that, Neil?  his arm is weak. he cannot throw as well as MLB OFers need to throw so he will need the assistance of relay throws. he cannot make the throws required of a MLB SS. he is adequate at 2B. he can go get balls in the OF b/c of his speed. he does not have the arm for RF, but he can get by in LF and CF.

his hitting has improved. he has speed. he has value as a utility player, and he can have value as a CF because a good arm is not required. he will never have a good arm, and he will never hit for power. he can be valuable if he is willing to accept his limitations and do only those things he does well--hit hard ground balls and line drives as much as possible and run, run, run.

How about Hunter Pence, does he have a Burke arm? Or better.
(for '07-'08 considerations)

263

Talk Zone / Re: In praise of Chris Burke

« on: June 07, 2006, 05:53:39 pm »

Subluxation of the shoulder?

I have know idea what that means, sounds horrible.

With this and Willy in the dog house (I don't know why)Maybe give Preston some time in CF and bring up Scott?

I like Lamb at 1st, with Berkman, Preston and Palmiero/Scott in Left.

264

Talk Zone / Re: In praise of Chris Burke

« on: June 07, 2006, 12:18:21 pm »

I'd be interested to know HOW MUCH the White Sox really like him.


Chris Burke might be able to play CF for another team, but as long as they are playing at Minute Maid the Astros need a better defensive CF.

265

Talk Zone / Re: My thoughts on the state of the team

« on: June 05, 2006, 05:47:12 pm »

Quote:

Quote:

Quote:

Quote:

Quote:
Then we agree, fuck the Jakes.

I'm thinking Lane (I first typed it Lame) may not even be with the club in September.  If the Astros make any deals he may be a part of one of them.

Pardon me if this has been addressed before, but exactly what value would Lane have in terms of a trade?  He has repeatedly been given the right field job for the Astros and has underperformed in spectacular fashion.  Maybe Jaramillo thinks he can turn Lane around, who knows, but I don't think Houston has much of a bargaining position when it comes to dealing Lane.

He might if you package him with Burke and Astacio.

Sounds kind of close to something I proposed a while back.

Just wondering but, as an example, what player would expect to get in return for those 3 players?

Jonny Gomes and a minor leaguer?

266

Talk Zone / Re: My thoughts on the state of the team

« on: June 05, 2006, 04:33:17 pm »

Quote:

Quote:
Then we agree, fuck the Jakes.

I'm thinking Lane (I first typed it Lame) may not even be with the club in September.  If the Astros make any deals he may be a part of one of them.

Pardon me if this has been addressed before, but exactly what value would Lane have in terms of a trade?  He has repeatedly been given the right field job for the Astros and has underperformed in spectacular fashion.  Maybe Jaramillo thinks he can turn Lane around, who knows, but I don't think Houston has much of a bargaining position when it comes to dealing Lane.

He might if you package him with Burke and Astacio.

267

Talk Zone / NON BB for Limey

« on: June 05, 2006, 02:09:43 pm »

Noticed your avatar, I was thing about buying the Arctic Monkeys. Do you have a favorite song/'s on the album.

268

Talk Zone / Re: Morgan?

« on: June 03, 2006, 01:55:14 am »

Quote:

Quote:
Just got home. Why no Morgan?

Because Lamb played 3rd

Nice. After a day off? Kind of strange.

269

Talk Zone / Morgan?

« on: June 03, 2006, 12:49:07 am »

Just got home. Why no Morgan?

270

Talk Zone / Re: Biggio 2006 All-Star 2B

« on: June 02, 2006, 07:10:04 pm »

Quote:
I know it is WAY early and him leading in the balloting means very little at this point, but it occured to me today... Phil Garner is the manger of the NL All-Star team this year, thus has a strong say in who is on the reserve squad... could he possibly not choose Biggio?

I think this is particularly significant to Biggio's HOF cred if he were selected to the All-Star team late in his career like this, helping to remind potential voters that he is still one of the best 2B in baseball even at his age.

Just thought I would bring this up since it just occured to me.  I would have to say if I was a betting man, Biggio is a lock for the All-Star team this year.  (and it isn't a token spot either, cause his numbers are very good among NL 2B)

He is batting .284 and 3rd in all of baseball in doubles.
Definetly NOT token. Garner would be justified in getting him in.

271

Talk Zone / Re: I just don't understand

« on: May 30, 2006, 01:10:19 pm »

Quote:
really? Lidge, you say? you're right, of course. Pujols has never done a thing v. Lidge.

man, dumb gets dumber.

Your really stretching to use the dumb card.
Lidge v. Pujols or Qualls v. Pujols? Lidge every time.

And by the way I was using Lidge for hypothetical style purposes. I don't know if he was available or not.

272

Talk Zone / Re: I just don't understand

« on: May 30, 2006, 12:50:46 pm »

Quote:
you are fighting to defend your stupid post. amazing.

Qualls pitching to Pujols with a 2-0 count is stupid.
You helped defend my a "stupid post".

Lidge pitching to Pujols in that situation would have made more sense. He's got the pitch that Pujols showed he was vunerable to.

273

Talk Zone / Re: I just don't understand

« on: May 30, 2006, 12:40:19 pm »

Quote:
a sinkerball pitcher never intentionally gets the ball even waist high. have you learned nothing by watching games?

Even more reason to put him on after 2-0. Oswalt struck Pujols out on the riding fastball high and tight.
Qualls apparently (from what you said) cannot make that pitch. So maybe Qualls style of pitching is more suited for Rolen.

274

Talk Zone / Re: I just don't understand

« on: May 30, 2006, 12:25:40 pm »

Quote:

Quote:

Quote:

Quote:

Quote:

Quote:
Oswalt was hurt. second guess that.

Regardless, just walk Pujols Rolen has struggled all year knocking runners in. He had a similar situation Sunday in San Diego. They walked Pujols to load the bases with only 1 out and Rolen grounded in to a inning ending double play. Just walk Pujols every single time- It'll frustrate the hell out of him if he never gets the opportunity to hit!

And Miller had to get that ball over the plate to avoid Pujols coming up and I don't understand why he decided to throw soft shit instead of come in with the heater (He did however get screwed on the 1-2 pitch that was right down the plate!!!)

Oswalt, hammy.

The real puzzler for me, why not go ahead and put Pooholes on after 2-0??

Qualls missed his location.  Does he have to apologize for that?  Or just concede he's unqualified to pitch to Pujols and walk him when he faces him from this point forward?  Or are you questioning the managers decision to challenge Pujols instead of pitching around him?  For that, you'll have to ask Garner yourself.  I'm betting he tells you to fuck off.

"We threw the ball over the freaking middle of the plate," said an agitated Phil Garner. "End of conversation."

That's what happens when you try to throw around the best hitter in baseball. He's not going to chase.

So, you're thinking that's where Qualls intended the ball to go?

No. I'm sure we was going for up and in.
My point is, pitching to Pujols in that situation is more of a risk than pitching to Rolen with the bases loaded.

That's how good Pujols is right now.

275

Talk Zone / Re: I just don't understand

« on: May 30, 2006, 11:52:31 am »

Quote:
bullshit. do you watch games much or are you new to it?

The bubble was already burst. Qualls approach to Rolan
after the HR is different. Irrelevent

276

Talk Zone / Re: I just don't understand

« on: May 30, 2006, 11:43:09 am »

Quote:

Quote:

Quote:

Quote:
Oswalt was hurt. second guess that.

Regardless, just walk Pujols Rolen has struggled all year knocking runners in. He had a similar situation Sunday in San Diego. They walked Pujols to load the bases with only 1 out and Rolen grounded in to a inning ending double play. Just walk Pujols every single time- It'll frustrate the hell out of him if he never gets the opportunity to hit!

And Miller had to get that ball over the plate to avoid Pujols coming up and I don't understand why he decided to throw soft shit instead of come in with the heater (He did however get screwed on the 1-2 pitch that was right down the plate!!!)

Oswalt, hammy.

The real puzzler for me, why not go ahead and put Pooholes on after 2-0??

Qualls missed his location.  Does he have to apologize for that?  Or just concede he's unqualified to pitch to Pujols and walk him when he faces him from this point forward?  Or are you questioning the managers decision to challenge Pujols instead of pitching around him?  For that, you'll have to ask Garner yourself.  I'm betting he tells you to fuck off.

"We threw the ball over the freaking middle of the plate," said an agitated Phil Garner. "End of conversation."

That's what happens when you try to throw around the best hitter in baseball. He's not going to chase.

277

Talk Zone / Re: I just don't understand

« on: May 30, 2006, 11:37:41 am »

Quote:
Rolen got a hit.

next second guess?

irrelevent

278

Talk Zone / Re: I just don't understand

« on: May 30, 2006, 11:03:51 am »

Quote:

Quote:
Oswalt was hurt. second guess that.

Regardless, just walk Pujols Rolen has struggled all year knocking runners in. He had a similar situation Sunday in San Diego. They walked Pujols to load the bases with only 1 out and Rolen grounded in to a inning ending double play. Just walk Pujols every single time- It'll frustrate the hell out of him if he never gets the opportunity to hit!

And Miller had to get that ball over the plate to avoid Pujols coming up and I don't understand why he decided to throw soft shit instead of come in with the heater (He did however get screwed on the 1-2 pitch that was right down the plate!!!)

Oswalt, hammy.

The real puzzler for me, why not go ahead and put Pooholes on after 2-0??

279

Talk Zone / Re: I just don't understand

« on: May 29, 2006, 08:20:09 pm »

Quote:

Quote:
So, why did they pull Oswalt?

because garner is a dumbass

uh, ok. I didn't watch the game, all I've read is that he was pulled for a pinch hitter. What was his pitch count?
(pitch count was 91) Uh, anyone??

280

Talk Zone / Re: I just don't understand

« on: May 29, 2006, 08:02:01 pm »

So, why did they pull Oswalt?

281

Talk Zone / Re: strategic question

« on: May 16, 2006, 11:04:47 am »

Quote:
Little Big League?  Favorite baseball movie ever.

The Littlest Leaguer, best Syd Hoff book ever.

The Link

282

Talk Zone / Re: Wheeler/Lidge

« on: May 12, 2006, 05:30:55 pm »

Quote:
Well, if Wheels does become the closer, he's already got an intro song: Journey's the Wheel in the Sky.  And while that's playing they can show videos of different wheels--bicycle wheels, semi-truck wheels, a unicycle, a tank.  It's almost too perfect.  

That said, I hope Lidge can bounce back.  But it's getting ugly out there.

I really, really like your Wheel themed intro idea. Somehow we need to get this sold in to Drayton, it would be great.

283

Talk Zone / Re: PENCE

« on: May 12, 2006, 12:15:51 pm »

Someone said he has weak throwing arm, is that true?

284

Talk Zone / Re: If true, this is funny stuff (Milo related)

« on: April 26, 2006, 01:21:31 pm »

Quote:

Quote:
On a TAMU forum where I go to find out how long until we shit can Franchione, there is a thread about the Astros.  A poster is claiming that during last night's game, while announcing the various groups in attendance, Milo says "And ROn Burgandy and the Action 5 News Team from San Diego is in attendance".   And that a day or so ago he said, "and Lamda Lamda Lamda from Addams College is in attendance..."

Anyone else hear this?  Someone goofing on the unsuspecting Milo?

I heard the Lamda, Lamda, Lamda thing...

Some group had Lamda in their name, Milo sounded confused and whichever sidekick said "Hey, maybe it's Lamda, Lamda, Lamda from Addams College"...

Milo picked it up from there... Now if you ask him today (after someone told him how dumb he sounded) I'm sure he'll swear he was in on it all the time...

But I was sure at the time he didn't have a clue... In fact it brought back flashbacks of Dierker and Woodys...

Even though Milo is completely senile, and if he is speaking you have no clue what is happening on the field, I still prefered the Milo/Ash combo. Listening to these two no names, I feel like I've tuned into a Divison II girls college vollyball game. At least when I tuned in last year I knew I was listening to a Major League Baseball game.

285

Talk Zone / Re: General thoughts on the one handed follow through...

« on: April 24, 2006, 01:00:38 pm »

Quote:

Quote:
I've never been a fan of releasing your top hand from the bat after it has gone through the hitting zone. But Frank Thomas made a career of it. Willy does the same thing.

Watching Ensberg follow through (with 2 hands) as he hit that bomb yesterday, was a thing of beauty.
But is this a "beauty is in the eye of the beholder" type of thing, or is following through with two hands generally a standard technique taught to young hitters?

As pravata already pointed out, the Big Hurt was coached to hit that way. Walt Hriniak was the hitting coach for the White Sox from 1988-1995, and had actually replaced Lau after Lau died. One of the other fundamentals he preached was 'keep your head down'. LaGenius is also a Lau disciple.

Thanks, I remember now. Lau's technique became "news" when Frank Thomas started to really mash in the early 90's.

Is there a specific thoery behind the top hand release?

286

Talk Zone / General thoughts on the one handed follow through...

« on: April 24, 2006, 12:06:05 pm »

I've never been a fan of releasing your top hand from the bat after it has gone through the hitting zone. But Frank Thomas made a career of it. Willy does the same thing.

Watching Ensberg follow through (with 2 hands) as he hit that bomb yesterday, was a thing of beauty.
But is this a "beauty is in the eye of the beholder" type of thing, or is following through with two hands generally a standard technique taught to young hitters?

287

Talk Zone / Re: For Budgirl

« on: April 23, 2006, 09:26:42 pm »

The best Brad photo of all time.

The Link

288

Talk Zone / Re: New Guys

« on: April 17, 2006, 05:57:52 pm »

One more couldn't resist...


(Astroholic to the Clarks)

"Bottom line is... we're around each other an'... this thing, it grabs hold of us again... at the wrong place... at the wrong time... and we're dead."

289

Talk Zone / Re: New Guys

« on: April 17, 2006, 05:52:19 pm »

"You boys sure found a way to make the time pass up there...

290

Talk Zone / Re: Willy T turns a corner

« on: April 17, 2006, 12:00:20 pm »

I saw it as a bloop single too, atleast he DID NOT STRIKE OUT, which will be a key to his success.

291

Talk Zone / Re: Astros Offseason Baffles Everyone

« on: April 12, 2006, 06:22:46 pm »

Quote:
Fucking bunch of losers on this forum. A few cunts with nothing better to do than spend their sad empty lives on an internet forum acting the tough guy.


So anyone with a clark status knows nothing according to you fags. How sad to see you have come to using post count to measure knowledge.

Maybe we should all get our dicks out and start measuring them.

This place is a fucking disgrace.

Biggio is that you? A curtain call, just for me?

292

Talk Zone / Re: Astros Offseason Baffles Everyone

« on: April 12, 2006, 05:51:26 pm »

Dear Biggio,

Please, please come back, you're portrayal, of a Clark poster who believes he knows what he is talking about,
but is completely clueless, was absolutely brilliant. The
way you continued to defend your opinion in the hope that
someone, ONE person would take your side, was the icing on the cake of one of the most clever and entertaining series of posts I've read in quite some time. THEN you introduce you ability to portray dual roles as this HED guy! Bravo! Bravo!

293

Talk Zone / 4-1, 3-2?

« on: April 01, 2006, 02:20:25 am »

How will they treat catcher this year. How is Munson defense?

294

Talk Zone / Re: I don't get it???....

« on: March 20, 2006, 04:52:24 pm »

In other words, if he CAN make the throws in Warm-ups, the extra adrenaline from a real game situation would only help.

SO, how does he look in warm-ups? Anyone seen him?

295

Talk Zone / I don't get it???....

« on: March 20, 2006, 12:24:47 pm »

Why the big anticipation for an IN-GAME throwing situation,
IF HE CAN'T THROW IN WARM-UPS HE CAN'T THROW DURING A GAME.

Talking about Bagwell ofcourse.

296

Talk Zone / Re: Anyone Want Our Tix and Hotel to the World Baseball Classic?

« on: March 08, 2006, 11:50:38 am »

Quote:
If they want what's left, they can have them.  I live far NW, between Helen of Troy and Franklin HS.

Our season ended when Tof's knee bust.  A very sad day.  We'd have beaten Memphis, and that's no shit.  We were winning when he left.

We'll have trouble beating either Tulsa or Southern Miss, and if we get past them?  UAB will beat us by 50.

OK, a guy name Gilbert Ramos in El Paso probably wants the tickets AND, AND I THINK he sells INSURANCE!!!!

I'll send you a PM with his info.

297

Talk Zone / Re: Anyone Want Our Tix and Hotel to the World Baseball Classic?

« on: March 07, 2006, 01:38:59 pm »

Quote:
3 tix to all 3 games at Chase Field-Phoenix behind the plate, but at the top (8th row I think).

We were going to go, but I just can't miss another week of work right now.

Also, I have a room at the Radisson Downtown paid for, so if you want it, honestly, you can have it.

Let me know if anyone is interested.

I can overnight the tix (you pay) to the hotel so you'll have them in time for tomorrow.  Basically, if you can get to PHX, you can stay in a nice hotel and go to the game on me.  What a guy.

Hey Alkie,

I still have a few friends in El Paso, just crazy enough to take you up on the offer. I'll let you know.

What part of town do you live?

Do you think the Miners have a chance without Tofi in the tourney?

298

Talk Zone / Re: Looking for a fantasy league owner

« on: February 27, 2006, 02:22:36 pm »

Quote:
We need a 20th owner in our AL/NL fantasy league. The league is on Yahoo!'s free service. You would inherit an existing team and choose seven keepers off that team.  The online draft would probably be March 18.  Any interest?

I'm in. You got passwords?

299

Talk Zone / Re: Willy

« on: February 17, 2006, 04:19:25 pm »

Quote:
totally wasted on a MLB bench. he needs to play, not pinch run.

So if Bagwell can play, it should be Berkman, Willy, Wilson?

That's what i would do.

300

Talk Zone / Re: Ticket pre-sale

« on: February 09, 2006, 03:15:50 pm »

Quote:
Same here.  Except it's in lower case (champion).

Still working, just go mine!

301

Talk Zone / Re: Out of curiosity

« on: January 24, 2006, 05:54:48 pm »

Quote:
does anyone know why (or how) the fuck Roy Oswalt isnt a candidate for team USA???

I don't know about you guys, but I prefer NO Astros play.
ESPECIALLY, Berkman, Lidge, Oswalt.

Go Team USA and all that jazz, I just asume we get college or minor leaguers to play.

302

Talk Zone / Re: Decent Article on Bagwell situation

« on: January 11, 2006, 11:36:39 am »

Quote:
When Justice isn't writing about his opinion he isn't a total hack.

The quotes are very interesting and gives good insight into the situation.  In case it wasn't already clear to everyone.

Also the date for the insurance decision is new to me, so that was also nice to know what the deadline was/is.

 Link

It doesn't look good for a Bagwell return. January 11th
and he still can't make the throw from 1st to 3rd.

Should he go ahead and shut it down, and let the Astros
get the insurance?  

303

Talk Zone / Re: anybody else see the ensberg 700 club thing?

« on: January 10, 2006, 11:01:53 am »

Quote:

Quote:

Quote:

Quote:
I file this under 'too much information'.

I file this under 'who cares' just HIT!

Shouldn't that be "Christ! Just hit the ball!"

Or, What Would Jesus Hit?

WWJH

I see him as a slap hitter, with occasional gap power.

304

Talk Zone / Re: anybody else see the ensberg 700 club thing?

« on: January 10, 2006, 10:41:03 am »

Quote:
I file this under 'too much information'.

I file this under 'who cares' just HIT!

305

Talk Zone / Re: the signing of Wilson implications

« on: January 03, 2006, 04:56:06 pm »

Quote:
The implication from signing Wilson is that Purpurra is no longer useless as a GM.  Or, does he only lose that tag if he makes a trade??  It's hard to keep up with all the dizzying logic.

I think Preston can and will improve the team. Not much,
but it is an improvement, so in MY book the "useless"
tag is now removed.

But who gets sacrificed Lane or Willie? Or is it possible
Wilson agreed to sign with Astros knowing that there is a chance of him NOT being a everyday OF'r?

306

Talk Zone / Re: Staying focused on the Abreu option

« on: January 02, 2006, 09:03:05 pm »

Quote:
I would rather trade Lidge than Backe anyway.

Did you watch ANY games last year BESIDES the ST. Louis
and Chicago playoff games?

307

Talk Zone / Re: There goes Byrnes

« on: December 30, 2005, 03:28:06 pm »

Quote:

Quote:

Quote:
to the D'backs

The Link

2.25 million? Good deal.

Still waiting for "something exciting."
If not? God I hope Bagwell can play.

I think they'll sign Sammy Sosa.  That would be exciting.  Weird and ill-advised, but exciting.

Yes, something stupid would not be exciting, i.e. Griffey Jr., Sosa or any trade involving Lidge.

Texas, and TB still need to trade one of their OF's,
that would be exciting.

308

Talk Zone / Re: There goes Byrnes

« on: December 30, 2005, 02:13:48 pm »

Quote:
to the D'backs

The Link

2.25 million? Good deal.

Still waiting for "something exciting."
If not? God I hope Bagwell can play.

309

Talk Zone / Re: What is the value of this?

« on: December 29, 2005, 03:10:04 pm »

Quote:
Mash here!


The auction claims that you will own the copyright on the picture and can reporduce as you wish. Is there a market for this stuff?

You would still need Bagwell's approval, if you plan to profit from it.

310

Talk Zone / Re: Tejada?

« on: December 28, 2005, 11:07:43 am »

Quote:

Quote:
[

What would you suggest as your top offer to get Tejada?

I'm thinking the Astros top offer wouldn't be enough to get
Tejada.

311

Talk Zone / Re: After giving the benefit of doubt...

« on: December 23, 2005, 09:09:35 pm »

I was OK with Kent leaving, Biggio back to second needed to be done, but the way everything turned out, it sure would have been nice to have Kent at 1st.

Would he have made the difference against Chicago?
I would have loved to find out.

312

Talk Zone / Re: After giving the benefit of doubt...

« on: December 22, 2005, 06:56:30 pm »

Quote:
What I was trying to say was that maybe the team cant be improved this year via a trade. We have to give up something good to get something good. It might be different come All Star break time but right now, all teams are in first place.

Where I agree with Astrocreep is, getting a Burnitz or someone like him through free agency does not hurt us and IMO, though some would disagree, I think Burnitz would be an upgrade to Lane.

At this point getting rid of Lidge to fix another area may not be the solution we want.

I'm hoping the Astros can find a LF with some future.
Burnitz wouldn't fall into that catagory.

Eric Bynes? I really like his enthusiasn for the game
could Garner and Cooper and Big/Bag help mold him into
a productive player? Might be worth a shot.

313

Talk Zone / Re: After giving the benefit of doubt...

« on: December 22, 2005, 04:37:33 pm »

Quote:

Quote:
Mench/Wilkerson/Huff/Gomes can help you NOW, without giving up TOO much and help you down the road. I just don't
see Lane getting much better.

Are you proposing to trade Lane for Mench or Wilkerson?  Because I don't see that as an improvement.

No. If they traded for one of these guys and Bagwell
can play, Lane may be the odd man out.

Gomes has the most up-side, but for Backe?
How about Qualls, Astacio and one of the top pitching
prospects.

314

Talk Zone / Re: After giving the benefit of doubt...

« on: December 22, 2005, 04:14:43 pm »

Quote:

Quote:


..........................................................

What the Astros did last year has nothing to do with this year.

Astros needed more offense last year AND this year.

Now, Clemens may be gone for good, you can't replace him,
so where can you improve? Left field. And if Purpura
can't figure out a way to improve last season's feeble
excuse for a Left field, then YES he is useless AS A GM.

In any business a manager is expected to improve on the
current situation, if he doesn't he is labeled useless
and is replaced.

I'm not saying replace him now. But get in gear and get
something done.

If I may, the umbrage that some are taking with your supposition is that because you seem to be implying that because Purpura hasn't signed a left fielder to this point, he will never sign a left fielder.  So he's worthless, because you believe that left field should be the easiest spot to improve, based on the lack of talent at that spot in 2005 and currently.

Many of us believe that Purpura has a timeline with an enddate that is much further out than yours.

Thankyou! This is the most rational and intellegent
post yet. Although it is a little conservative for
my taste, but, I can see that.

AND just to re-iderate I do NOT want to see the
Astros make a big splash that may hurt the future.

Mench/Wilkerson/Huff/Gomes can help you NOW, without giving
up TOO much and help you down the road. I just don't
see Lane getting much better.

315

Talk Zone / Re: After giving the benefit of doubt...

« on: December 22, 2005, 03:58:11 pm »

Quote:
Blind faith or support isn't the issue. The irrationality of people whining about Tim Purpura just two months after the Astros made the World Series for the first time is the issue.

..........................................................

What the Astros did last year has nothing to do with this year.

Astros needed more offense last year AND this year.

Now, Clemens may be gone for good, you can't replace him,
so where can you improve? Left field. And if Purpura
can't figure out a way to improve last season's feeble
excuse for a Left field, then YES he is useless AS A GM.

In any business a manager is expected to improve on the
current situation, if he doesn't he is labeled useless
and is replaced.

I'm not saying replace him now. But get in gear and get
something done.

316

Talk Zone / Re: After giving the benefit of doubt...

« on: December 22, 2005, 03:39:56 pm »

...Smarter and more informed fan than some? Oh hell yes.




Probably true, so it might benefit those of us who are
less inform (I mean me) to hear your opinions on what
the Astros should do or not do to put the best team
on the field. All things considered.

Baseball is a game, it should be fun.

317

Talk Zone / Re: After giving the benefit of doubt...

« on: December 22, 2005, 03:34:20 pm »

Quote:

Quote:
...Since I'm a fan of the Astros and not you, or anyone like you, I prefer to follow the Astros.

You're NOT trying to say you a better fan?

Read it again... he's saying he's a fan of the Astros, not a fan of you.



Oh! Ok edit that to say... Blind support is never good.
Which was my main point anyway.

318

Talk Zone / Re: After giving the benefit of doubt...

« on: December 22, 2005, 03:28:20 pm »

...Since I'm a fan of the Astros and not you, or anyone like you, I prefer to follow the Astros.




You're NOT trying to say you're a better fan?

319

Talk Zone / Re: After giving the benefit of doubt...

« on: December 22, 2005, 03:26:19 pm »

Quote:
I see. Once you woo this internet board to your way of thinking (which is going well, by the way), we'll all storm over to the Astros front office with torches and demand Pup's head on a stick.

No, but if we start having a debate about who the best fan is, then what's next cock size? It's about as ridiculous as: I have more Astros jerseys and baseball cards, so I'm the better fan!

320

Talk Zone / Re: After giving the benefit of doubt...

« on: December 22, 2005, 03:10:16 pm »

Quote:

Quote:
[quoteThe Astros are trying to obtain a leftfielder and a starting pitcher.  I dont need to whine and spin until they do, or not, either way.

Tow that company line.

Is that how you think? Really? We all have a choice to make, keep up with and try to understand what the Astros are doing and why; or create fantasies in our head and prefer those to reality.  Since I'm a fan of the Astros and not you, or anyone like you, I prefer to follow the Astros.



Blind support of anything (except maybe family) is never
a good thing. And it does not make you a better fan.

321

Talk Zone / Re: After giving the benefit of doubt...

« on: December 22, 2005, 01:46:15 pm »

Quote:
How about any move that harms the team more than it helps it?

ooh, you really put yourself out there.

322

Talk Zone / Re: After giving the benefit of doubt...

« on: December 22, 2005, 01:39:43 pm »

Nope, I dont play this game.  The Astros are trying to obtain a leftfielder and a starting pitcher.  I dont need to whine and spin until they do, or not, either way.



Because it's easier to blast other people's ideas and opinions?

323

Talk Zone / Re: After giving the benefit of doubt...

« on: December 22, 2005, 01:27:19 pm »

Quote:

Quote:

Quote:

Quote:
Ok, so the 'puppet' part was dramatic hyberbole.

Purpura's non-moves last year had virtually nothing to do with a World Series birth. The manager and the players did.

When the GM of the clan gets attacked, the reactions will be as such.

Just waiting on the, "exciting things" to come.

The non move that Purpura made was to not give Jamie Moyer an extension when he had the deal done, for Moyer and Winn. Not exactly sure what the Astros were giving up.  But the deal would have happened if Moyer hadnt nixed it.  He has since re-signed with Seattle for 1 year, 5.5.  Everyone is waiting to see what the Astros do, I think everyone is also hoping it's not something stupid.  This cult of the GM as star that has grown up is silly.  It has always been the players that win.

Just curious again. What is your idea of a stupid move?

For me almost any move that requires Lidge to be involved.

Any move done merely to appease witless fans who think trades and signings are what wins ballgames.  Also, any deal done purely to prove some macho bullshit of "who's in charge".

Come on you can do it...

I'll go first, Lidge for Tejada is a stupid move, in my opinion.

Now your turn...

324

Talk Zone / Re: After giving the benefit of doubt...

« on: December 22, 2005, 01:09:41 pm »

Quote:

Quote:
Ok, so the 'puppet' part was dramatic hyberbole.

Purpura's non-moves last year had virtually nothing to do with a World Series birth. The manager and the players did.

When the GM of the clan gets attacked, the reactions will be as such.

Just waiting on the, "exciting things" to come.

The non move that Purpura made was to not give Jamie Moyer an extension when he had the deal done, for Moyer and Winn. Not exactly sure what the Astros were giving up.  But the deal would have happened if Moyer hadnt nixed it.  He has since re-signed with Seattle for 1 year, 5.5.  Everyone is waiting to see what the Astros do, I think everyone is also hoping it's not something stupid.  This cult of the GM as star that has grown up is silly.  It has always been the players that win.

Just curious again. What is your idea of a stupid move?

For me almost any move that requires Lidge to be involved.

325

Talk Zone / Re: After giving the benefit of doubt...

« on: December 22, 2005, 11:44:12 am »

Quote:
No, he has to do something.  Even something stupid, just for the sake of saying he's done something. Only constant activity will make him a better than shitty GM.  Stupid puppet.

On the other hand, he is "fucking useless."

Thanks for agreeing with me.

No but seriously, out of curiosity, since Purpura has taken over, how may players have been added to the MLB roster
25 or 40 from outside the organization?

326

Talk Zone / Re: Taveras vs. Ondarsen

« on: December 20, 2005, 06:44:19 pm »

Quote:

Quote:
It's *TAVERAS*

Why is this so hard for some of you knuckleheads to get right?

um.... Because we're "fucking useless"?

Can I be added to the glossery now?

327

Talk Zone / Re: Rondell White

« on: December 20, 2005, 06:38:35 pm »

Quote:

Quote:

I haven't read that the Astros got really close and simply failed to close the deal with Nomar.  It sounds like he was Dodger-bound due to his roots in the area.  As for whether White is the best he can come up with, you've got the list now.  Share your ideas with us.
--------------------------


I would have signed Ramon Hernandez, offer Ausmus a one year
deal with a lesser role.

Make a trade for one of the Tampa outfielders or Mench or Wilkerson, hopefully you can do that without losing
Backe.

Clemens, likes these moves and agrees to play in June, even
if Ausmus is not his personal catcher.

And then reality sets in and you find out that Ausmus wouldn't take the backup role (gone to Padres or BSox), Roger wouldn't sign without Ausmus (retires) and that Backe was the only player you could move to get Mench or Wilkerson (niether coming aboard via trade).  Hmmmm...so would you all of the sudden suck as a GM too?

Agreed. But you would still have Ramon Hernandez and Backe and I think the Rangers would be stupid not to except a Mench or Wilkerson for Qualls/and one or two of Astacio, Wandy, Buscholtz.

328

Talk Zone / Re: maybe I'm nuts

« on: December 20, 2005, 06:29:26 pm »

Quote:
But I don't particularly want to see the Astros try an add another offensive player (unless it's Tejada replacing Everett, which no one thinks is going to happen).

I think that we have a pretty good outfield in Berkman, Taveras, and Lane.  And either Bagwell is going to be healthy or the Astros can start Lamb at first.  And if neither option works out, then you try Luke Scott at first.  Or the Astros can make a trade during the season.

I think that the offense will generally be fine next season.  Berkman will be healthy, Ensberg will be healthy.  

Instead, I think that the Astros need to focus on pitching.  If Roger doesn't come back in May, the Astros have a gaping hole in their rotation.  I don't know if Backe is a number 3 pitcher.  And based on last season, I would be concerned if the Astros were counting Astacio and Rodriguez (or two other minor league players) to be the fourth and fifth starters.  I would like to see the team make a trade for a starting pitcher.  As for the pen, Dotel is a great idea but if he is not available, I wouldn't stress too much about the pen.

Yes, if you can't improve your offense, signing a Garland
would be great.

329

Talk Zone / Re: Rondell White

« on: December 20, 2005, 06:27:03 pm »

I haven't read that the Astros got really close and simply failed to close the deal with Nomar.  It sounds like he was Dodger-bound due to his roots in the area.  As for whether White is the best he can come up with, you've got the list now.  Share your ideas with us.
--------------------------


I would have signed Ramon Hernandez, offer Ausmus a one year
deal with a lesser role.

Make a trade for one of the Tampa outfielders or Mench or Wilkerson, hopefully you can do that without losing
Backe.

Clemens, likes these moves and agrees to play in June, even
if Ausmus is not his personal catcher.

330

Talk Zone / Re: Rondell White

« on: December 20, 2005, 05:51:00 pm »

You're guessing arent you.   Garner, "I don't see our offense struggling as much as we did last year," he said. "Young guys are improved and they've had a year to play. Confidence has somethng to do with it. I expect us to be better. If things stayed this way right now, I'd be fine with that."
The Link



I hold Garner's opionion A LOT higher than Draytons, but what's he going to say, Burke and Scott don't deserve
to be 100 ft from LF? He's too smart for that.

Roger said he would like to see the Astros get more offense, I tend to take that more as his honest opinion,
than Garner's.

331

Talk Zone / Re: Rondell White

« on: December 20, 2005, 05:41:56 pm »

For one, I don't think there's any way that the Astros can afford to give up Backe right now.  So that leaves Qualls, Burke and Bucholtz.  You really think they can get a hitter that much better than White with that?  I'm not saying that Bucholtz doesn't have value, but it can't be much given his injury history.  Burke, as I've hinted at before, would be the proverbial sweetner.  So that leaves Qualls as the center piece.  Now I could see him as valuable, but how valuable.  Enough to obtain what kind of hitter?



What do you suppose Drayton meant by this?

"There are two to four (trades) that we're talking about right now," McLane said. "One of them is really exciting, but I have no idea what will happen. We're ready to do it. It's a matter of getting it done."

332

Talk Zone / Re: Rondell White

« on: December 20, 2005, 05:34:43 pm »

What is dumbass is saying that a GM is "useless" in any degree simply because he has not made a trade or a signing.  Especially when the GM clearly has an alternate strategy which was recently vindicated by putting a team on the field that went to the World Series. Also dumbass is pretending to agree that the team shouldnt make a trade for the sake of trading (or publicity) yet continuing to rant that they should.  The Astros have obviously not signed White and continue to explore trades.  What do you think you're adding by pontificating that they can do better?  Clearly, they are trying to do better.



A do nothing "Alternate strategy" Probably doesn't work next year.

"We need some offense," McLane said. "We overcame it many times last year, but ... with Roger or without Roger, we need offense. We wanted to sign a free agent because you don't have to give up as much. I thought we would get Garciaparra."

333

Talk Zone / Re: Rondell White

« on: December 20, 2005, 05:28:07 pm »

Ok then, back at you...who else is available via FAgency that you'd rather have than White?  And if the answer's "Nobody", then who would you be willing to give up in regards to the player you think is available.  Oh, and when you starting suggesting ideas, don't include any hitters from the Astros as trade bait, unless they're a sweetner, b/c the teams that have hitting to deal want quality pitching in return.



FA available at one point this offseason?

Ramon Hernandez
Bengie Molina
Nomar


I understand the C situation, if signing Ausmus gives even a 10% better chance of signing Clemens in June, then i can live with it.

I'm thinking 3 of Qualls, Burke, Backe, Buscholtz
could fetch something pretty good.

334

Talk Zone / Re: Rondell White

« on: December 20, 2005, 05:16:56 pm »

Short of offering Nomar $9-10M, maybe Nomar really just wanted to play for the Dodgers.  The guy is from there, and is a current resident of the area.  From what I understand the Astros made him a comparable offer.  Maybe Nomar made his mind up a long time ago and just used the Astros, along with NYY and CLE to get the most $$$ that he could.  If this was the case, then how could Pup be blamed for not "closing the Deal"?



Fine, what else you got up your sleeve Pup?
Is Rondell the best you can do? I hope not.

335

Talk Zone / Re: So should Purp have done this just to "make a trade"?

« on: December 20, 2005, 05:10:11 pm »

The talks went nowhere. ...

 Link



good!

336

Talk Zone / Re: Rondell White

« on: December 20, 2005, 05:09:20 pm »

Quote:

Quote:
why couldn't you close the Deal with Nomar  

 Answer

Can Purpura even make a French Dip sandwich?

Yeah, it just seems there have been too many French Dip
sandwiches lately.

337

Talk Zone / Re: Rondell White

« on: December 20, 2005, 05:06:46 pm »

 This is Ground Zero for pounding on dumbass ideas.  



Saying Purpura is fucking useless, is dumbass.

Other than that I haven't suggested (recently) any trades
or signings that would be considered dumbass.

Saying the Astros can do better than White. Is that dumbass?

338

Talk Zone / Re: Rondell White

« on: December 20, 2005, 04:59:22 pm »

Quote:

Quote:
Explaining what I said and defending what I said are different things.

If you're into explaining, then please explain this:

How can Nomar be an acceptable deal and White an unacceptable deal? Both are significant injury risks, and while White's arm is asserted to be poor, we know nothing of Nomar's defensive skills as an outfielder.  Yes, Nomar's offensive upside is greater than White's; but White is more likely to be willing to play part-time, if necessary, and White is likely to cost half as much.


Or, in response to your assertion that "the ONLY good thing Purpura has done is NOT have a fire sale," please explain this:

I thought he signed Oswalt to a two-year deal and Berkman to a six-year deal last offseason. And cleared the way for Taveras and Lane to play full seasons, with at least modest success. And stuck with Ensberg when he batted .246 with two home runs in April, rather than reverting to the platoon that existed in previous seasons. There was no good in any of those decisions?

It's not that Nomar is sooo much batter than White.
It's more about, damn! why couldn't you close the Deal with Nomar, and is White the BEST you can come up with.

These guys were on the team, when he became GM.
I've said before he deserves credit for not having a fire sale, that includes holding on to the above mention guys.
Have I ever said anything negative about Ensberg? Except
for maybe his stance changing in the playoff. (I know now
he had an injury.)

Great, Purpura you've help establish and maintain a good core, now go get us a LF or another solid starter.

339

Talk Zone / Re: Rondell White

« on: December 20, 2005, 04:39:53 pm »

Quote:

Quote:

I could care less if anyone agrees with my opinion of Purpura, so, no need to defend it.
...

All evidence to the contrary.

Explaining what I said and defending what I said are different things.

But, what I said struck a nerve, and not just because it
was stupid and childish...hmmm

340

Talk Zone / Re: Rondell White

« on: December 20, 2005, 04:06:50 pm »

No why?



Because by continuing to defend your statement that Purpura is "useless" you seem to be.




I could care less if anyone agrees with my opinion of Purpura, so, no need to defend it.

Drayton would never use the the word Useless and I don't think he's ever used the "f" word, but he did say

"My role is to really ignite Tim and Ricky and Paul Ricciarini and Tal to get something done."

I'm really saying about the same thing.
In MY own way. And out of frustration.

341

Talk Zone / Re: Rondell White

« on: December 20, 2005, 03:38:28 pm »

Quote:

Quote:

Wrong, again.  According to Drayton, widely regarded as having a limited understanding of baseball, he thinks they shouldnt do just any deal.  And besides, this is the season of talk (see also bullshit); last season, which was the put up or shut up, the team they put on the field won the National League pennant.

I never said they should make a deal just to make a deal.

"We've got to make a deal," McLane said.
"My role is to really ignite Tim and Ricky and Paul Ricciarini and Tal to get something done."

This DOESN'T mean get your asses in gear?

Are you just completely ignoring this part?

"It has to be the right deal," he said. "More than the money, we don't want to give up the wrong deal. We've all seen trades that really didn't make sense. We've got to make a trade that's meaningful."




No why?

342

Talk Zone / Re: Remember last pre season?

« on: December 20, 2005, 03:33:06 pm »

Yeah never forget about the "Fucking"

343

Talk Zone / Re: Rondell White

« on: December 20, 2005, 03:17:15 pm »

Quote:

Quote:
A healthy White also means no lost prospects. And he is a good hitter, like Nomar (probably a small step down from a healthy Nomar). And White could be more receptive to a bench role than Nomar might have been, plus he is cheaper. You are contradicting yourself by suggesting that Nomar was a worthwhile acquisition but a healthy White isn't.

-----------------------------------------

Nomar's August and September led me to believe, although he
won't be stealing many bases and his SS days are over, he could still be a .320 hitter with 25 Hr's. For 3 years.
AND Nomar could take better advantage of the Crawfish boxes.
I'd have to see the numbers but isn't White more of a line drive/ground ball hitter?

I really doubt Nomar would consider coming to Houston without the promise of a starting position. Even if Bagwell
could go, at the expenswe of Lane.

344

Talk Zone / Re: Rondell White

« on: December 20, 2005, 01:56:46 pm »

Good points.

What do you think it would take to get Johnny Gomes?

345

Talk Zone / Re: Rondell White

« on: December 20, 2005, 01:41:30 pm »

I agree.

I really didn't like some of the proposed Tejada trade ideas. And Dunn's price is too high. Griffey? Hell no!

They would make a HUGE splash, but they'd be giving up too much.

Nomar mean't NO lost prospects. Lane would have suffered though, if Bagwell could play.

346

Talk Zone / Re: Rondell White

« on: December 20, 2005, 01:33:08 pm »

If you were implying, I never said I'd prefer Scott over White.

I'm saying I think the Astros can do better than White.
Maybe even a guy that can help us in LF in the future
when Berkman is permanent 1st basemen.

I think some of the DRay outfieders could provide that.

347

Talk Zone / Re: Rondell White

« on: December 20, 2005, 01:21:56 pm »

Oh, I get it.  If he gets someone you targeted he did a good job, and if he doesn't he "fucked up" ok.  Now I understand where you are comming from.



Don't try to speak for me.

I'll re-phrase Nomar/Garland/Hernandez type move.

348

Talk Zone / Re: Rondell White

« on: December 20, 2005, 01:14:44 pm »

 Not doing something flashy and doing nothing are two different things, but you don't seem to know the difference.



I never said he needs to do something Flashy.
Nomar/Garland/Hernandez(catcher)

EITHER ONE of these moves would have changed my opinion of him.

349

Talk Zone / Re: Rondell White

« on: December 20, 2005, 01:11:13 pm »

Wrong, again.  According to Drayton, widely regarded as having a limited understanding of baseball, he thinks they shouldnt do just any deal.  And besides, this is the season of talk (see also bullshit); last season, which was the put up or shut up, the team they put on the field won the National League pennant.



I never said they should make a deal just to make a deal.

"We've got to make a deal," McLane said.
"My role is to really ignite Tim and Ricky and Paul Ricciarini and Tal to get something done."

This DOESN'T mean get your asses in gear?

350

Talk Zone / Re: Rondell White

« on: December 20, 2005, 12:59:21 pm »

I'm not the only one who thinks Purpura needs to
get his ass in gear. See Draytons quotes from the Chron
article.

White/Scott? we can go back and forth. Considering EVERYTHING, White is not significantly better than Scott.

I'm saying, find someone that is CLEARLY better than Scott when you consider all aspects of a deal. Drayton seems to agree.

351

Talk Zone / Re: Rondell White

« on: December 20, 2005, 12:44:54 pm »

Quote:

Quote:

Quote:

Quote:
...And until a deal is made I will stand by my opinion that Purpura is useless AS GM. Put him back in player development where he seems to do his best.

What in the world do you think is the job of a GM?

GERRY HUNSICKER. Make deals that improve your team without
sacrificing your future.

I thought being a GM meant more focuse on the Major League
level, and less on player development. No?

No. A GM's job is to put the best team he can assemble in the hands of the manager...

According to Drayton, he has yet to do that, this off-season. I'm not the only one who thinks Purpura needs to
get his ass in gear.

352

Talk Zone / Re: Rondell White

« on: December 20, 2005, 12:30:49 pm »

Quote:

Quote:
...And until a deal is made I will stand by my opinion that Purpura is useless AS GM. Put him back in player development where he seems to do his best.

What in the world do you think is the job of a GM?

GERRY HUNSICKER. Make deals that improve your team without
sacrificing your future.

I thought being a GM meant more focuse on the Major League
level, and less on player development. No?

353

Talk Zone / Re: Rondell White

« on: December 20, 2005, 12:20:05 pm »

Quote:

Quote:
Garland, Huff, do SOMETHING to improve the team over last year.

from the Chron...

"We've got to make a deal," McLane said. "My role is to really ignite Tim and Ricky and Paul Ricciarini and Tal to get something done."

GO Drayton! Just leave Lidge out of it.

So, which is it?  Do something?  But not sign Rondell White, that wouldn't count as something.  And get somebody, anybody, except maybe Rondell White, but just leave Lidge out of it.

You seem on the one hand to be constantly bitching that the Astos must engage in furious activity to improve the team, but then you place a whole bunch of limitations on, and raise a bunch of criticisms about, what is to be done.

I never said furious. And I should have put the emphasis on
IMPROVE, instead of SOMETHING. MAYBE Rondell improves your
team, but not clearly a better choice than Scott, when you add up, bad throwing arm AND left shoulder surgery.

I thought it was impressive that you could find numbers to measure a left fielders throwing effectiveness. But I will never agree that you can put any old bear league softball player out there if he can hit. And if you do you better make sure his bat makes up for his lack of D, or is a Houston icon with a #7 on his back

"Fucking Useless" was, yes, harsh and un-necessary. But it wasn?t just a knee-jerk reaction to not signing Nomar, it came from the year and half the Astros have not
been able to make a deal since Purpura took over.

And until a deal is made I will stand by my opinion that Purpura is useless AS GM. Put him back in player development where he seems to do his best.

354

Talk Zone / Re: Rondell White

« on: December 20, 2005, 11:16:52 am »

from the Chron...

"We've got to make a deal," McLane said. "My role is to really ignite Tim and Ricky and Paul Ricciarini and Tal to get something done."



GO Drayton! Just leave Lidge out of it.

355

Talk Zone / Re: Rondell White

« on: December 20, 2005, 08:40:56 am »

Quote:

Quote:
The Astros play 81 games on the road.

A runner going from first to third on a hit to left, on a regular bases, would really hurt.

How much would it hurt?

STATS, Inc. used to publish an annual, The Baseball Scoreboard, in which it listed opportunities for extra bases and opportunities for extra bases taken against outfielders.  The book hasn't been published since 2001, so there's no current data for White to give insight on him in particular.

It is noteworthy, however, that for the four seasons 1998 to 2001, the average for left fielders was about 32 percent: that means runners managed to take the extra base in 32 percent of opportunities against left fielders.

Moreover, the worst left fielder in the league (Ron Gant, 1998; Albert Belle, 1999; Orlando Merced, 2000; Glenallen Hill, 2001) tended to be around 45 percent.

So for every 100 opportunities, the worst left fielder allowed about 13 more extra bases than the average left fielder. For every 150 opportunities, that translates to 20 more extra bases.  (Only a handful of left fielders for the entire period were run on as many as or more than 150 times.)

This suggests that even if White had the worst arm of any left fielder in baseball, and even if the Astros played him so often that he faced that many opportunities (not a huge likelihood teams would run so freely given 81 games in a ballpark with a 315-foot left field fence), you're talking about 20 extra bases more than the average.

That number is not insignificant, but I'm not sure it translates into "really hurt" for the Astros. It's about once every week and a half.

Great stats, but it still doesn't address the fact that the LEFT shoulder could affect his swing.

356

Talk Zone / Re: Rondell White

« on: December 20, 2005, 08:38:33 am »

quote]

What do you propose?  I take it from your criticism above that you liked the idea of Nomar, which is strange, since you seem to place emphasis on defense in left field, and Nomar has never played left field.



Nomar has never played LF, but he was willing to, and seemed
he preferred that to 1st. He just wanted to know so he could prepare in the offseason. He already has the arm, the athletic ability, and the willingness to play a new position, that to me translates into a pretty good defensive LF.

Garland, Huff, do SOMETHING to improve the team over last year.

357

Talk Zone / Re: Rondell White

« on: December 19, 2005, 08:19:13 pm »

"You really do not get it.   Do you trust Luke Scott or Chris Burke offensively over a solid hitter like White? Over a Lamb/White platoon?  I don't, and I don't think the team wants to gamble on that if they don't have to do so.  I'm willing to bet Rondell White's bat compared to that of Scott or Burke at this point outweighs whatever defensive gain you might get from them."  



That's assuming Rondell can come back after shoulder surgery. I could be wrong but the reason Bagwell can still
hit is because he still has a strong LEFT shoulder, his right shoulder kinda just guides the bat to the hitting zone.

WITHOUT, including Lidge in any trades , A team that just went to the World Series has got to be able to find a better solution in LF than White/Scott/Burke.

358

Talk Zone / Re: Rondell White

« on: December 19, 2005, 07:49:01 pm »

Quote:
I'm trying to decide what's more ridiculous:

(1) people obsessing about defense in left field; or




Let's move Bagwell to left then. The idea you can put any old shot putter in Left is ridiculous.

Sure, probably the least critical defensive position
next to 1st, but I think the Astros can do better than
the worst Left field arm in Baseball. (as reported in a previous post)

And, again the ONLY good thing Purpura has done is NOT have a fire sale. He deserves to be questioned.

359

Talk Zone / Re: Rondell White

« on: December 18, 2005, 02:45:07 pm »

The Astros play 81 games on the road.

A runner going from first to third on a hit to left, on a regular bases, would really hurt.

360

Talk Zone / Re: Rondell White

« on: December 18, 2005, 02:37:59 pm »

Let's just hope Pup's got one up his sleeve.

And it's NOT something he is doing (or not doing) that has prevented the Astros from improving the team.

Hunsicker spoiled me.

361

Talk Zone / Re: Nomar a Dodger

« on: December 18, 2005, 01:09:47 pm »

Or maybe Purpura is just a TERRIBLE negotiator.

god...I hope that's not why.

362

Talk Zone / Re: Rondell White

« on: December 18, 2005, 12:54:52 pm »

He puts together a team that makes it to the World Series for the first time ever, and less than two months later he's damned if he does and damned if he doesn't.  Pretty amazing.



This was Hunsickers team. He has done NOTHING to improve it.
I have given him credit in the past for not having a fire sale after 15-30.

If EVER a WS team's GM deserved LESS credit, it would be him.

363

Talk Zone / Re: Rondell White

« on: December 18, 2005, 11:15:40 am »

Purpura is fucking useless.

364

Talk Zone / Re: Rondell White

« on: December 18, 2005, 11:04:57 am »

nice

365

Talk Zone / Re: Fuhget about Stark, what did the Count say?

« on: December 15, 2005, 03:17:44 pm »

IF they sign Nomar, he starts over Lane.

IF Bags can't go, Lane starts RF, Nomar/Berkman 1st/Left.

366

Talk Zone / Re: Innuresting..........

« on: December 14, 2005, 12:53:03 pm »

I'm supprised there is so much positive posts about White, considering this a mostly a defense first forum.

Did he hurt his throwing shoulder? So if he had a weak arm before the injury...

Sounds like a non-roster invitee type person to me.

367

Talk Zone / Re: "serious" negotiations w/Rondell White??

« on: December 14, 2005, 12:34:17 am »

ho hum! Unless they can get him for under a million.

Might as well save the money and go with Luke Scott.

368

Talk Zone / Re: and/or?

« on: December 13, 2005, 01:50:32 pm »

Do you think 2years 14 million is too much? Can he get more?

Multi-position players turned out to very valuable last year.

369

Talk Zone / Re: and/or?

« on: December 13, 2005, 01:40:05 pm »

You don't have to TRADE for Nomar or Bengie (is he still available?) and still improve your offense.

Nomar can play 3rd, 1st, LF, RF well. He can also play 2nd, SS, or CF in emergency situations.

Kinda like Spiers but with a bigger nose.

Lane could sit or be traded, if Bagwell can play.

2 years 14 million? Or could you get him for less?

370

Talk Zone / Re: Tejada

« on: December 11, 2005, 11:10:02 am »

How about, Qualls, Burke, Buscholtz?

371

Talk Zone / Re: Job Opportunities with the Astros/Other MLB teams

« on: December 08, 2005, 05:30:11 pm »

how many stringers do they have?

372

Talk Zone / Re: Bengie Molina no offered arb...

« on: December 08, 2005, 10:21:43 am »

Damn! How much do you know?

373

Talk Zone / Re: Ausmus and OP were offered arbitration...

« on: December 08, 2005, 10:19:26 am »

I hope this doesn't mean they are NOT going too persue Hernandez. Even though he was offered arb from San Diego, they can't pay that much and...

"Mirabelli, 35, is considered a solid defensive catcher and is expected to share the job with Miguel Olivo -- unless Ramon Hernandez, a free agent who was offered arbitration Wednesday night, accepts and returns for '06."

374

Talk Zone / Re: Bengie Molina no offered arb...

« on: December 08, 2005, 10:07:22 am »

...I think the only way the Astros pursue him, though, is if they don't sign Ausmus, which I think they'll do sooner rather than later.



Which would be a shame, how many chances do you get, to acquire a quality catcher and not have to give anything up for him. And the Astros have TWO to choose from.

I'd prefer Hernandez.

375

Talk Zone / Bengie Molina no offered arb...

« on: December 07, 2005, 07:33:20 pm »

please explain to me, I'm dumb.

Does this mean he is a free agent and can be had without a trade?

376

Talk Zone / Re: Rogers Ego or Draytons frugality

« on: December 06, 2005, 11:17:04 am »

"If I have to make a decision today, it would be to retire"...

Screw him retire then. Then in May when he finally decides he made a mistake and wants to play. Then the Astros can sign him?

But by then the Astros would have signed either Abreu, Dunn or Nomar, and the "Wallet" will be closed.

377

Talk Zone / NON BB for Alkie

« on: December 01, 2005, 11:54:40 am »

Just wanted to get your impressions on UTEP basketball so far.

This is what I've gathered so far, from very low-res video online with audio that usually doesn't sync.

The Miners really miss Fili

Edger will be OK, but he needs to play with more control, and focus more on distributing the ball.

Henderson? Get to the gym and practice your shooting.

Ayala. Should start over Henderson. I'm guessing Doc likes Henderson's defense over Ayala?

Stefan Jackson, could go on to be the Miners all time leading scorer. But needs to mature and pick his shots.

Fuqua NOT practicing hard? Come-on they need you Jermaine!

Kimble? Wasted height.

What do YOU think?

378

Talk Zone / Re: purpura

« on: November 30, 2005, 11:56:36 am »

I actually, I was only being slightly sarcastic.

Purpura has done NOTHING to HURT the team, yet he also has
done NOTHING to improve the team.

I don't consider that being a GOOD GM.

The question is, did he really BELIEVE in this team? Or was he just unable to make a deal to improve the team?

379

Talk Zone / Re: purpura

« on: November 30, 2005, 10:34:13 am »

agreed.

The Astros made it to the WS despite Purp.

380

Talk Zone / Re: Why not Nomar?

« on: November 29, 2005, 09:17:03 pm »

He offered to play left.

What is expected to make in '06?

381

Talk Zone / Why not Nomar?

« on: November 29, 2005, 09:14:02 pm »

my first thought is too expensive for a guy with recent injury problems.

382

Talk Zone / Re: Clemens on the Dan Patrick Show???

« on: November 17, 2005, 06:41:47 pm »

 


Show me the money!




Sounds to me like "Show me the run support"

I hope he gets what he wants.

383

Talk Zone / Re: Purpura on 610 this morning

« on: November 09, 2005, 01:03:42 pm »

sssshhhhh! Burke is a fantastic SS, he can catch too!

You never know who is trolling.

384

Talk Zone / Re: Another steaming pile of RCAP...

« on: November 04, 2005, 03:20:04 pm »

You don't think Everett is "as good as everyone in here likes to give him credit for."  Fascinating.  Does the regard that Garner, Pupura, and the players have for Everett bear any standing with you?  Are you Howard from Memorial?




Who votes for Gold Glove awards? Coaches and Managers right?(I'm not sure)
But AE hasn't won one, and unless AE can get on a Visquel or Ozzie type Gold Glove streak, I think the Astros can do better.

Oh, and the "you think you know better than the GM" argument is total Bullshit. What's the point of a forum
like this if we can't question the GM or Manager.

385

Talk Zone / Re: Question about Game 3 9th inning

« on: October 30, 2005, 07:13:15 pm »

I thought this was the ONLY questionable call Garner made all through the playoffs.

Then again if Wily can atleast manage to hit a chopper somewhere and he beats out the double play by a step, then Garner is a genious.

386

Talk Zone / Re: Quick, tension breaker

« on: October 27, 2005, 04:28:22 pm »

We used to laugh at Grandpa when he'd head off and go fishing. But we wouldn't be laughing that evening when he'd come back with some whore he picked up in town.

387

Talk Zone / Re: One "good" thing about it being over in 4...

« on: October 27, 2005, 01:11:32 pm »

Means you don't have a clean-up hitter.




Yeah I don't think the Sox walk Berkman with a Dunn coming up next. And if Mo duplicates what he did last year, how
good would it be to have him bat 6th, like he should.

388

Talk Zone / Re: One "good" thing about it being over in 4...

« on: October 27, 2005, 12:45:23 pm »

If he stops SCREWING with his damn stance he'll be fine.

I hated it when Derek Bell did it too. (He'd change his stance with 2 strikes)

389

Talk Zone / Re: One "good" thing about it being over in 4...

« on: October 27, 2005, 11:16:29 am »

Well I disagree, but it was more about the tone, "Brade Lidge", "Ensberg", as if they were scrubs, obvious
most of the Houston bandwagonners hadn't watched a game
all year, until game 6 against ST. Louie

390

Talk Zone / One "good" thing about it being over in 4...

« on: October 27, 2005, 10:57:17 am »

now the bandwagonners start to jump off!

I'm sick of hearing, "Why did they bring in Brad Lidge"?
"Why didn't they pinch hit for Ensberg?" And it's GARNER
NOT Gardner!

Why does PETTITTE have so many T's in his name???
Oh, that was me.

391

Talk Zone / Quick, tension breaker

« on: October 26, 2005, 08:40:34 pm »

What's you're favorite Deep Thought by Jack Handy?



"When you die, if you get a choice between going to regular heaven or pie heaven, choose pie heaven. It might be a trick, but if it's not, mmmmmmm, boy."

392

Talk Zone / Re: One person I felt "good" for

« on: October 26, 2005, 01:41:39 pm »

The White Sox are a good team, and barring a miracle come back they deserve to be Champions.Even though I've tried, I can't make myself hate them. (I do hate their fans)

They just continue to be ONE, one, ONE, clutch hit or ONE clutch pitch better than the Astros.

But if any team can duplicate what the R SOX did against
the Yanks, this team can.

go stros

393

Talk Zone / Re: Jeff Bagwell riding teams coat-tails???

« on: October 21, 2005, 05:46:34 pm »

Jeff Bagwell has carried this team on HIS shoulders so many times in his career, if he had had a stroke and was drooling
in a wheel chair, he would still get a ring and if I were manager he'd still be on the WS roster.

394

Talk Zone / Re: How Much Do I Rule?

« on: October 21, 2005, 05:38:24 pm »

huh huh..huh Bangkok

395

Talk Zone / Re: "Lights OUT"

« on: October 17, 2005, 01:40:52 pm »

What Album?, is it from a movie soundtrack?

396

Talk Zone / Re: eBay tickets

« on: October 17, 2005, 01:37:17 pm »

I'm in

Onlinetickets.com has singles for $150. I called to get mine.

(TONIGHTS GAME)

397

Talk Zone / Re: "Lights OUT"

« on: October 17, 2005, 01:04:18 pm »

Lidge likes it, so that's OK with me.

Sounds good IN the stadium.

398

Talk Zone / Re: "Lights OUT"

« on: October 17, 2005, 12:57:39 pm »

Not on the albums SINNER (which I have) or the new on DECENSITIZED (great cover photo though)

Ahhh! I should know this!

399

Talk Zone / Re: "Lights OUT"

« on: October 17, 2005, 12:51:47 pm »

That's not it!

Come on someones gotta know!

The words "Lights out" are actually in the song.

400

Talk Zone / Re: "Lights OUT"

« on: October 17, 2005, 12:44:50 pm »

Thank YOU!!

I'm buying it, and playing it in a constant loop until game time.

It's the only thing I can think of doing.

401

Talk Zone / Re: eBay tickets

« on: October 17, 2005, 12:38:36 pm »

Does anyone know any reputible ONLINE ticker broker, links?

402

Talk Zone / "Lights OUT"

« on: October 17, 2005, 12:27:17 pm »

Who sings the Brad Lidge "Lights Out" song?

403

Talk Zone / Re: Clemens vs Pujols

« on: October 14, 2005, 09:28:59 pm »

Quote:
so then we agree that Pujols is a jackass, classless, narcissistic motherfucker?





YES!! Even Cardinal fans are cringing at the sight of Poohole admiring his homerun. (mlb cardinal forum)

404

Talk Zone / Re: Clemens vs Pujols

« on: October 14, 2005, 08:10:03 pm »

read my post again, I said try to avoid hitting the batter...

405

Talk Zone / Re: Clemens vs Pujols

« on: October 14, 2005, 07:20:59 pm »

You hit a homerun, you put your head down and run the bases.

You showboat, expect one in the ear.

As a pitcher you give up a homerun your make sure
he's not so comfortable stepping in there next time, try
to avoid hitting him, cause that's a free base.

Usually the guys that showboat are the guys that don't like to get hit, so throw inside once and set him up for that outside slider.

406

Talk Zone / Re: Game Watching Plans (Thurs)

« on: October 13, 2005, 07:27:56 pm »

You're weird

407

Talk Zone / Pettitte hit on knee in pre-game warm-ups?

« on: October 13, 2005, 10:47:11 am »

Just heard on 610, as he was jogging the bases, Roy hit a line drive right on the RIGHT knee.

Anyone else heard anything about this?

408

Talk Zone / Re: Not Prepared

« on: October 12, 2005, 08:02:07 pm »

But the table dances are $10!!

I miss the "Prince"

409

Talk Zone / Re: If you are looking for a single ticket for Sunday...

« on: October 09, 2005, 11:50:00 am »

THANKYOU CJM!!!!

I'm stuck here at work, walking distance from MMP. Trying to justify why it would be worth it, to risk paying a scalper way too much for a ticket that might not even be real. Then I saw your post, oh well I'll give it a try,
section 129 row 18!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Let's go BACKE!!!!!

410

Talk Zone / It was softball night last night...

« on: October 07, 2005, 10:51:56 am »

so I didn't get to watch the game.

Did Smoltz have his best stuff last night? Or did the Astros
miss some opportunities to get to him.


ROY ROY ROY!

411

Talk Zone / Tammy heading toward ATL

« on: October 05, 2005, 08:54:36 am »

Probably won't be a Hurricane in ATL, but could drop A LOT of rain.

A couple extra days of rest for Andy/Roger? Good or bad?

412

Talk Zone / Re: What am I looking at?

« on: October 03, 2005, 10:35:20 am »

It's an oil rig, kinda dumb.

I like Alkie's answer better.

413

Talk Zone / Re: Huh?

« on: October 02, 2005, 05:52:31 pm »

What time is the October 8th game??

414

Talk Zone / Byrnes over Cameron for me

« on: February 10, 2005, 10:35:56 am »

Byrnes has more "potential"

With his athletic ability and enthusiasm for the game he has a chance to mature. He will never have Cameron's CF skill, but he'd only have to play CF for one year.

The Link