1
The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Ex-Bus Rider News 17-18
« on: November 21, 2017, 02:12:31 am »
Mark Appel didn't make the 40-man cut for the Phils. Hard to believe he already turns 27 next season.
Show Posts
This section allows you to view all posts made by this member. Note that you can only see posts made in areas you currently have access to.
Pages: [1]
2
Talk Zone / Re: post-season tickets
« on: September 18, 2017, 11:47:33 am »
I just tried my password again and got in.
3
Talk Zone / Re: post-season tickets
« on: September 18, 2017, 11:11:36 am »
Same here. The codes that were sent to both my wife and me aren't working either.
4
Talk Zone / Re: Trade rumors
« on: July 23, 2015, 02:18:57 pm »The 2 guys we gave up are both solid prospects, but both are in A ball and 2 years away.
If Kazmir decided to sign with the Astros at the end of the season, this could be great. Keuchel and Kazmir is a a nice one, two.
I had not thought about this added benefit of the deal. If the org believes there's strong mutual interest in a deal for next season, they can sign do so without having to give up a 2016 pick. I'm assuming he'd qualify as a Type A?
5
The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Lancaster - 2014
« on: June 26, 2014, 07:27:44 pm »
The latest installment of BP's Eyewitness Accounts features Mark Appel. I can't say I'm too surprised by the assessment.
6
The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Lancaster - 2013
« on: August 01, 2013, 12:38:46 am »No Telvin sighting since the 18th (a game in which he was removed in the bottom of the 7th). Anybody heard of what's plaguing him (besides strikeouts)?
And speaking of the missing (and I know this is the wrong thread), whereof Chase Davidson? I know after those 10 games in April for QC he was sent back to EST. Same issue that kept him out most of last year?
On last night's broadcast they mentioned Nash was headed to Houston to have a closer examination of his foot, though they didn't elaborate beyond that.
7
Talk Zone / Re: Park attendance
« on: July 12, 2013, 08:24:09 am »Thanks. I'll assume a game against the Astros will run towards the 28K side of the scale.
We went to the Saturday afternoon Royals/Twins game a couple weeks ago. Tickets were surprisingly expensive, but we bought ours ahead of time off of Stubhub for a few bucks below face value in the club section on the 1st base side. The view of downtown is a little less limited from that side, but they were still really nice seats.
Attendance was a little over 36K that day, but the stadium handled it easily. Lines weren't too ridiculous anywhere. Lots of food/beer options, too. It was one of the better ones we've been to overall. Have fun!
8
The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Corpus Christi - 2013
« on: July 07, 2013, 11:06:16 am »For today, at least, he is the real deal.
Corpus Christi Hooks @cchooks
Preston Tucker gave himself a birthday present...his first Double-A home run. #cchooks lead 1-0 in the 2nd
He snuck it into the RF bullpen. It came off of Matzek, a lefty, who is Colorado's 1st rounder from '09. Tucker also wound up with the GW triple as well. He went the other way on the first pitch into the LF gap. The whole rally started with 2 outs off a Santana broken bat infield bloop. He's got a nice approach at the plate.
I wish Folty or Tropeano would have been starting, but seeing Martinez was a nice consolation. He mixed his pitches really well, worked fast and got ahead of most hitters. Easy to see why he's put up the numbers he has so far.
With my work schedule for the rest of the week, it's the only one I'll be able see this time around. I've got my fingers crossed for a Tulsa/CC match up in the TL Championship Series.
9
Talk Zone / Re: In former Astros news...
« on: May 25, 2013, 09:26:44 am »Rockies Oswalt is 12-year MLB vet w/ career record of 163-96, 3.28 ERA. He is 4-0 w/ 2.25 ERA in his career at CoorsField.
I remember when Roy was only going to play for ten years.
I saw Roy O make his Tulsa debut last night. The plan is to get him 3 starts here, then move along to Colorado if all goes well.
He had his Oswalt inning in the 2nd last night, giving up back-to-back HR's. The first one came courtesy of Jake Goebbert. After that he settled in and only gave up 1 more ER. His fastball was generally 90-92, but his location with the slider and curve wasn't quite there yet. All-in-all he looks like he can still be a useful ML pitcher. That is, if someone in the organization doesn't piss him off in the meantime.
10
The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Corpus Christi - 2013
« on: May 15, 2013, 07:39:06 am »I was impressed with Jake last year and keep wondering when he is going to get some prospect love.
I was on the Astros affiliate page the other day and noticed Buchanan leads the entire organization in ERA, WHIP, and BAA. It currently stands at an unreal 1.04/0.58/.159.
11
The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Lancaster - 2013
« on: May 12, 2013, 10:47:10 am »
Looks like it was a wild one in Lancaster last night. JetHawks overcame an early 6-0 deficit by putting up a 7 spot in the 8th with the help of 4 WP's. It was capped off by a GS from Duffy.
Nash had another forgettable night though. 0/4, 4 K's.
Nash had another forgettable night though. 0/4, 4 K's.
12
The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Lancaster - 2013
« on: April 26, 2013, 02:10:25 am »
Heineman was activated tonight and wasn't showing any ill effects from the ankle injury. He went 4/4 with a 2B.
Nash hit a laser off the batter's eye in dead center that Jason Schwartz tweeted reportedly left his bat at 112 mph.
Luis Cruz had a rough one though. After a 1-2-3 6th, he allowed the first 7 hitters to reach in the 7th for a a final line of 1.2 IP, 7 H, 5 ER, 1 BB, 3 K. Lancaster rallied for 4 runs in the top of the 9th, but were ultimately doomed by the 7th inning implosion in a 9-8 loss at Lake Elsinore.
Nash hit a laser off the batter's eye in dead center that Jason Schwartz tweeted reportedly left his bat at 112 mph.
Luis Cruz had a rough one though. After a 1-2-3 6th, he allowed the first 7 hitters to reach in the 7th for a a final line of 1.2 IP, 7 H, 5 ER, 1 BB, 3 K. Lancaster rallied for 4 runs in the top of the 9th, but were ultimately doomed by the 7th inning implosion in a 9-8 loss at Lake Elsinore.
13
The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Corpus Christi - 2013
« on: April 16, 2013, 06:17:43 am »14 innins 0 runs, 6 hits, 4BBs and 14 Ks (only needed 58 pitches for 5 innings today)
I was at the game yesterday. Wojciechowski looked every bit as good as his line. He worked very quickly, and I don't recall him falling behind more than a couple of hitters. All 3 of his K's didn't come until his final inning, but he was forcing a lot of pop-ups and weak grounders until then. The stadium gun had his fastball between 90-92, which he was locating well. His offspeed stuff wasn't as sharp and probably still needs a little bit of work.
Springer's showed a really nice approach in his first AB. Runners were on 1st and 2nd with no outs. He fell behind 0-2, shortened up and dumped the 3rd pitch into RF for an RBI single. The offense didn't do too much after that. Wates had a couple hits and added a couple SB's. He's been a really solid player the few times I've seen CC up here the past couple seasons.
Nothing stood out to me too much defensively. Mier probably should have been charged with an error on a ball that got under his glove when he was going into the hole, but otherwise he was pretty slick in the field. Wates and Santana each kicked a single trying to rush the ball back to the infield, but runners weren't able to advance either time.
I won't get to make it to tonight's game, but hopefully I can get to a couple more when they come back through in July.
14
Game Zone 2013 Archive / Re: Astros @Angels April 12, 2013
« on: April 12, 2013, 11:53:04 pm »
Aaron West couldn't survive the bottom of the 8th and gave up 2 more runs, aided by Modesto swiping 2 bags in the inning. They were 4/4 in steals on the night.
JetHawks went down 1-2-3 in the top of the 9th, to finish the 4-1 loss.
Have they shown who's up in the pen right now?
JetHawks went down 1-2-3 in the top of the 9th, to finish the 4-1 loss.
Have they shown who's up in the pen right now?
15
Game Zone 2013 Archive / Re: Astros @Angels April 12, 2013
« on: April 12, 2013, 11:19:32 pm »
MLB Gameday is all I've got to keep up with tonight's game since I'm at work, so I'm appreciating the PBP to supplement it.
In the meantime, I've got the JetHawks game on my phone. They're trailing Modesto 2-1, B8. Luis Cruz had a strong start tonight, 4.2IP 3H 1 ER 2 BB and 9K before he reached his pitch limit. Fontana, Aplin, and Duffy are due up in the 9th.
In the meantime, I've got the JetHawks game on my phone. They're trailing Modesto 2-1, B8. Luis Cruz had a strong start tonight, 4.2IP 3H 1 ER 2 BB and 9K before he reached his pitch limit. Fontana, Aplin, and Duffy are due up in the 9th.
16
The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Lancaster - 2013
« on: April 11, 2013, 10:35:45 pm »Don't know if you've had an opportunity to listen to the JetHawks play-by-play, but I'd certainly recommend you give it a go. Jason Schwartz does a great job, and is worth the listen. Here is his Q&A with Jayne at WTHB: LINK
+1. I started listening to the JetHawks games late last season just before the Cal League playoffs started and really enjoyed the broadcasts. I'm glad Schwartz is back this season. MiLB.com has a handy page to get to teams' audio feeds.
17
Talk Zone / Re: Rule 5 draft
« on: December 06, 2012, 10:36:07 am »
I saw Freiman here in Tulsa in the TL ASG last season. He's definitely a big guy and won the HR derby with some impressive shots along the way. He hit one off the scoreboard. I don't recall him doing anything particularly noteworthy during the game or later in the year when SA came back through. Then again, I wasn't paying quite the same level of attention as I would to the CC guys.
18
Talk Zone / Re: Shock Waves. All Trembly Up In Here.
« on: September 20, 2012, 06:53:00 pm »And Eschenfelder just announced this was his final game with the Astros/Rockets while signing off at the end of today's telecast. Change certainly seems to be in the air.
Nm. After reading his Twitter feed, he was saying goodbye to those at Fox. He will be moving along to Comcast next season and not completing the final 12 games of the season.
19
Talk Zone / Re: Shock Waves. All Trembly Up In Here.
« on: September 20, 2012, 04:46:03 pm »
And Eschenfelder just announced this was his final game with the Astros/Rockets while signing off at the end of today's telecast. Change certainly seems to be in the air.
20
Game Zone 2011 Archive / Re: Rox @ Astros 9/22/11
« on: September 22, 2011, 08:01:39 pm »
Not sure what was worse, the play by Towles or the stat showing baserunners stealing at a tidy 34/38 clip against him this year. One in the same, I suppose.
21
Talk Zone / Re: Update on Crane
« on: September 08, 2011, 04:19:17 pm »I don't think TV played a role in fandom to near the degree it does today. Having a significant number of games being played past 10pm must have some impact to viewership->ad revenue->team revenue->payroll, no?
This. I remember up until the last couple of years in the NL West, you actually had to pay extra if you wanted to have access to the home games on HSE. Now, there were 4 games not televised this season?
22
Talk Zone / Re: Posnanski on upcoming HOF vote
« on: July 26, 2011, 10:45:10 am »This. This right here.
See Rice, Jim. Though, it did take him a while to get in.
23
Talk Zone / Re: Actual on-field Astros news
« on: July 18, 2011, 04:23:36 pm »Right. The problem isn't "what are we going to do now?" the problem is "how did we get to this point?"
It seems the genesis for all this is the downfall of Baker's handling of Wood/Prior in '03? Ryan's staff in Tex is "stretching" the likes of CJ Wilson, etc. Given their relative recent success, any chance this trend starts to reverse?
24
Beer and Queso / Re: AT&T U-verse - Austin
« on: February 06, 2009, 04:28:24 am »
The 2 simultaneous HD feeds are now available, at least in the Houston area. Not sure if that is the case for all of them though.
That said, the first and only thing to really annoy me about Uverse is the lack of the MLB Network. Other than that, it's waaaay better than Comcast/Time Warner.
I get a good amount of the home games in HD, too.
That said, the first and only thing to really annoy me about Uverse is the lack of the MLB Network. Other than that, it's waaaay better than Comcast/Time Warner.
I get a good amount of the home games in HD, too.
25
Beer and Queso / Re: NOAA/NWS/NHC updates
« on: September 11, 2008, 12:39:25 pm »
If you read the discussion on the NHC page (which is a lot of jargon to most) they have been saying that the ECMWF (European model) has been tracking to the south near Port O'Connor and the GFDL has been staying north, closer to Galveston Bay. The GFDL has historically been a pretty good model for hurricane tracking, but the ECMWF has been doing a somewhat better job with Ike's track in particular. The NHC has basically been taking the track in the middle of what both are indicating. Either way, it's not looking too good for the coast in the area.
26
Beer and Queso / Re: Ike
« on: September 10, 2008, 02:32:48 pm »It's orange. It obviously was an Aggie.
I laughed.
The CLP5 is not a model. It just plots based on climatic averages of wind patterns. Highly useless in this scenario, of course.
This message brought to you by an Aggie with a metr degree, FWIW.
27
Talk Zone / Re: Get yourself an XBOX 360
« on: June 05, 2008, 12:12:20 pm »I don't remember the title, but I loved that game.
That one was called Base Wars, IIRC.
In keeping with the retro-sports games making a comeback, here's one coming to DS apparently this fall, with it being developed for Wii later on. Looks like they found a clever way to sort of get around the NFL and players' association liscensing issues.
http://kotaku.com/5011880/tecmo-bowl-kickoff-vids-from-custimization-to-touchdown-gameplay
28
Game Zone 2007 Archive / Re: SteadyStars vs SeaThieves - April 25, 2007
« on: April 25, 2007, 07:29:22 pm »
I don't watch other teams on a day-to-day basis, but it seems like the last couple of years the Astros just don't execute "little" things like the Biggio base running flop, moving runners over, etc. as well as other teams.
29
Talk Zone / Re: "Shawn Estes Would Be a #1 On Any Other Team in the NL."
« on: February 19, 2007, 09:42:05 pm »Quote:
the only one i mind losing is WT. Hirsh was not all that.
But I thought Hirsh SAID he was going to win a Cy Young this year.
30
Talk Zone / Re: Another starter
« on: December 14, 2006, 03:00:20 pm »Quote:
While that would be nice, I think someone like Joel Pineiro (non-tendered) is more along the lines of what Houston is looking for now. He's been awful the last few years but he's a groundball pitcher who might benefit from a change of scenery.
By the way, that completely overlooks the fact that Jim Leyland called Beckett a pussy (his words, seriously) when he was managing Beckett in Florida.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but wasn't Leyland already gone by the time Beckett was drafted?
Anyway I'm not too sure how excited Boston was with Lowell last year. I wonder if an Ensberg and Lidge package would do anything for them. They could then try to spin Lowell elsewhere (SD)? I know he's owed a lot still, but it's not like Boston could eat some salary there.
31
Talk Zone / Re: Astros trade for Jennings
« on: December 12, 2006, 07:11:13 pm »Quote:Quote:
I hope to hell that's true so it's not a one-year rental.
I'll be the one to make this statement since I know a lot of other people won't: IF Jennings ends up being a one-year rental, this is one of the worst trades in the history of the franchise. And no, I'm not trying to be dramatic. Two Grade A pitching prospects (including our BEST pitching prospect) and a starting CF for one year of a #3/#4 pitcher? Wow.
I don't remember being this pissed about a deal since the 1993 swap with the Padres.
32
Talk Zone / Re: Astros trade for Jennings
« on: December 12, 2006, 07:04:09 pm »Quote:Quote:
Pup was noticeably quiet about Hirsh, only discussing him in the questioning portion of the conference saying only , "yeah, he is a good prospect." Maybe the organization was a lot more down on Hirsh that we imagined.
I don't know about being down on him, haven't heard anything. I'm glad Patton and Albers names were kept out of many talks though, but that is just me. Hirsh was a great pitcher in AAA. I mean the guy was excellent. But so was Tim Redding. I'm not saying Hirsh is Tim Redding-ish as a potential bust... I don't believe that.
I think Hirsh is the centerpiece of the trade, not Taveras and not Buchholz. Pence is a good replacement in the future for right field. He may prove to be the best hitter to come up since Lance Berkman and that is a good thing. So it doesn't bother me at all that Taveras is gone. Neither Buchholz. But to add Hirsh to the mix just pushes it to a limit that I think Alkie is right about: for Jason Jennings?
Jon Garland sure, but Jason Jennings? Maybe the stats are Coors inflated and he'll do much better now that he's away from there. But he's also a one year rental and that just doesn't go away from the equation for me.
It just also seems to me that our "throw-in" Buchholz is greater than what they threw in. Then again, I don;t know a damn thing about Asencio, really.
I'm guessing Jennings may be very re-signable in Drayton's eyes due to the whole Baylor connection. I hope to hell that's true so it's not a one-year rental.
33
Talk Zone / Re: Astros trade for Jennings
« on: December 12, 2006, 06:54:22 pm »
I wonder how much the pitchers that still remain will be missing Willy's defense in center. He was still improving. There sure is a hell of a lot of potential upside for the Rockies in this deal.
34
Talk Zone / Re: Nice contest at the Chron you may be interested in
« on: December 12, 2006, 02:23:57 pm »
The posters on the Chronicle blogs don't seem to have much time for things like spell checkers. I have the misfortune of reading them way too much at work since I only get 60 mins of quota time at work to browse anything good.
Some of the suggestions on there are amusing though. This summer, I recall one poster suggesting the Astros fix their catching problem by sending Lamb to Round Rock for 10 days to teach him how to catch. Brilliant!
Some of the suggestions on there are amusing though. This summer, I recall one poster suggesting the Astros fix their catching problem by sending Lamb to Round Rock for 10 days to teach him how to catch. Brilliant!
35
Talk Zone / Re: Hey Admins...
« on: December 12, 2006, 02:19:32 pm »
I'm not too sure many IT departments think things through before they do them.
One of the things I like about Firefox as is the tab browsing feature that allows you to have multiple webpages up without having multiple browsers running. Although, I do hear that the new IE is boasting this feature now as well.
One of the things I like about Firefox as is the tab browsing feature that allows you to have multiple webpages up without having multiple browsers running. Although, I do hear that the new IE is boasting this feature now as well.
36
Talk Zone / Re: Rumor is Springer is a Cardinal
« on: December 09, 2006, 03:09:10 pm »
Okay, that definitely makes sense now. I somehow forgot about the Astros paying him so much in that final backloaded year.
37
Talk Zone / Re: Rumor is Springer is a Cardinal
« on: December 09, 2006, 01:54:25 pm »Quote:
Nope.
But once the Astros made the determination they weren't gonna bring Russ back, offering him arbitration was out of the question. Had they done so, Houston would've have been locked into bringing him back. Another organization wasn't gonna sign Springer if they knew they were gonna have to surrender their #1 pick.
Along those same lines then, if the Astros had any inkling last week that AP wasn't likely to resign shouldn't they have at least offered arbitration so they could "re-gain" at least one of their picks they lost on Lee and Williams?
38
Talk Zone / Re: Marquis to the Cubs - 3 year $28 million
« on: December 09, 2006, 01:42:57 pm »Quote:
Do you think Oswalt feels like a TOTAL fucking moron at this point? If he had just waited til the end of the year, he'd have $35m more EASY.
Yeah but where else can he go that he'd get a gently used bulldozer as a performance bonus?
39
Talk Zone / Re: RIP Jose Uribe
« on: December 08, 2006, 03:01:22 pm »
Wow, no joke. There must be some sort of curse on that left side of the infield from that year. Cedeno also passed in a car accident.
40
Talk Zone / Re: RIP Jose Uribe
« on: December 08, 2006, 02:37:43 pm »
I believe this was the Uribe that was the SS for the Giants in the late 80's, who did play in a WS as well in '89.
The '05 WS Uribe is still alive and in trouble for involvement in a shooting earlier this fall.
The '05 WS Uribe is still alive and in trouble for involvement in a shooting earlier this fall.
41
Talk Zone / Re: Dierker's blog
« on: November 30, 2006, 03:13:52 pm »
I listened to an interview with Dierker the other day on 610, and he basically had the same things to say as he did on this blog entry.
He did mention talking to AP at his golf tournament a couple of weeks back. Apparently Andy told him that last season was the first time in his career his team failed to make the playoffs and it just wasn't much fun. WFW.
I guess this is his justification for playing the same crap with us that Roger is.
He did mention talking to AP at his golf tournament a couple of weeks back. Apparently Andy told him that last season was the first time in his career his team failed to make the playoffs and it just wasn't much fun. WFW.
I guess this is his justification for playing the same crap with us that Roger is.
42
Talk Zone / Re: Lugo's replacement at SS for the D-Rays?
« on: August 01, 2006, 06:40:33 am »
Good for him. He looked pretty good from what little I saw him play this spring and seemed like a pretty good guy as well. Of course, not like he has a long way to go in terms of character replacing Lugo or others in their system even.
43
Talk Zone / Re: Albers up, Wandy down...
« on: July 20, 2006, 11:23:35 pm »
The move still doesn't make sense to me in that, if Albers replaces Rodriguez, then who is going down when Backe is activated?
44
Talk Zone / Re: summer baseball reading
« on: July 18, 2006, 08:53:58 pm »
Magic Time or Shoeless Joe (the book Field of Dreams was based on) by W.P. Kinsella. Both are good, although I liked the Magic Time better.
45
Talk Zone / Re: So, what's the major press conference at 9:30 all about?
« on: July 12, 2006, 11:39:30 am »46
Talk Zone / Re: Operation Shutdown: Derek Bell arrested for cocaine
« on: April 20, 2006, 02:56:34 pm »
Like him complaining about the Houston fans being too critical of his play here? Bet the steM fans just loved the stellar season he had there.
47
Talk Zone / Re: Operation Shutdown: Derek Bell arrested for cocaine
« on: April 20, 2006, 02:51:14 pm »
I like how according to the article he did not post the $2500 bail.
48
Talk Zone / Re: Astros reach tentative agreement with Wilson
« on: January 04, 2006, 12:35:29 pm »Quote:
Our first American Negro in years. I'm all giddy.
Wait... aren't you forgetting the 9 games Darren Oliver appeared in for us in '04?? I thought that had us set for the next 10 years or so.
49
Talk Zone / Re: Ash off the Air
« on: December 21, 2005, 03:42:56 am »
Yeah this seems like a pretty shitty way for them to treat a long-time franchise guy like Ash was.
Didn't they do something similarly shitty to him in '89 when they released him? (he was having a bad season at that point though, if I remember right)
Didn't they do something similarly shitty to him in '89 when they released him? (he was having a bad season at that point though, if I remember right)
50
Talk Zone / Re: Dotel Yankee 2 mil.
« on: December 21, 2005, 03:37:41 am »
2 mil seems like an awful lot to me for only getting potentially half a season out of a reliever. Of course, this is the same team that paid Jon Leiber to be on the shelf all season long for them in 2003.
51
Talk Zone / Re: Rondell White
« on: December 19, 2005, 02:47:28 pm »Quote:
Yes. You read the reactions when he didn't sign Garciaparra. Imagine the reaction we April rolls around and Clemens has been replaced by Rondell White.
I just don't understand why there are some on here that are as pissed as they are we didn't sign Nomar. The chances of him sitting on the DL next year are far greater than him reverting back to his late 90's early 2000's form IMO. We don't need to pay a guy $6 mil to do that. Seems to me to be a smarter buy to get White in the $2-$3 mil range and if he's shelved this season as well, so be it. I'd rather band-aid the problem this winter and go after a real solution next winter instead.
52
Talk Zone / Re: Mets ink Wagner
« on: November 28, 2005, 09:44:01 pm »Quote:
They have agreed to pay $10mm a year for 63 innings a year...for the next 5 years.
BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
Exactly, I can't imagine Wagner still being a dominant closer in the last couple of years of that contract. I was pretty surprised to see a contract that long.
If they didn't already sign Beltran last year, they'd probably be dumb enough to sign Damon for the 7 years Boras is seeking for him.
53
Talk Zone / Re: The Florida Marllins of Las Vegas?
« on: November 22, 2005, 09:25:07 pm »
Although Colorado did draw well initially, they are going to have a tough time regaining momentum because they need to put a good team on the field again. Again, most of this can be attributed to management as they seem to have been a directionless team for quite some time now. But they are always going to have trouble attracting pitching and the homegrown pitching they bring up will continue to be tough to hang on to.
Tampa and Arizona's ownership/management has plain sucked.
Just out of curiousity, if Tropicana Field wasn't new for the Rays (I recall threats to move the Giants there about 10 years ago) why was it originally built?
Tampa and Arizona's ownership/management has plain sucked.
Just out of curiousity, if Tropicana Field wasn't new for the Rays (I recall threats to move the Giants there about 10 years ago) why was it originally built?
54
Talk Zone / Re: The Florida Marllins of Las Vegas?
« on: November 22, 2005, 05:22:12 pm »
It just goes to show what a mistake it was for baseball to expand as quickly as they did in the 90's. All 4 teams that have come since '93 seem to be lost causes.
If Miami can't support a team that won it all TWICE in a period of 11 years, then that's just really sad. It seems baseball did a poor job of zeroing in markets that can't really support ML teams.
Although Florida and Arizona were successful on the field, in terms of championships, all four of the newest expansion teams are clearly not doing well financially.
If Miami can't support a team that won it all TWICE in a period of 11 years, then that's just really sad. It seems baseball did a poor job of zeroing in markets that can't really support ML teams.
Although Florida and Arizona were successful on the field, in terms of championships, all four of the newest expansion teams are clearly not doing well financially.
55
Talk Zone / Re: Another one!
« on: November 22, 2005, 03:17:59 pm »
Beats playing in Japan... I guess.
56
Talk Zone / Re: Mike Burns claimed by the Reds
« on: November 17, 2005, 02:23:34 pm »
Yeah from what I've heard about him, Houlton is your basic righty junkballer.
57
Talk Zone / Re: Clemens files for free agency
« on: November 13, 2005, 06:29:41 am »Quote:
Steve Phillips is about as dumb as they come, IMO.
Which is why he is working for ESPN and not in the front office anywhere anymore.
58
Talk Zone / Re: How do you get descent seats for next year
« on: November 05, 2005, 05:37:29 am »
This past year there was a ticket exchange thing on Astros.com. Season ticket holders sell their tickets that they aren't using on there. If you plan ahead you can get good seats for near face value. There's usually quite a few available, especially for weekday games.
59
Talk Zone / Re: Gold Gloves
« on: November 02, 2005, 07:20:11 pm »
Could be worse, the voters gave the AL GG at SS to Jeter of all people.
Gold Gloves are easy to win after you win one. Or it's a consolation prize like A-Rod in 2003 when we didn't win the AL MVP.
Gold Gloves are easy to win after you win one. Or it's a consolation prize like A-Rod in 2003 when we didn't win the AL MVP.
60
Talk Zone / Re: If you ask me, the 2006 Houston Astros need....
« on: November 02, 2005, 01:46:17 pm »
I concur. Most people on the board seem to like Zeke over Wandy. Obviously Zeke's got the better fastball and overall stuff, but the high frequency of homers he allowed always made me nervous when he was pitching. I realize that Wandy didn't exactly do a great job keeping the ball in the yard, either. The main problem I had with Wandy was that whenever he started to get into trouble it would all come caving it. He'd roll along for 4 or 5 innings and look great and just implode. Hopefully he learns to work his way out of trouble.
I guess overall I feel like Wandy looks like he might make a better starter and Zeke might be a good guy out of the pen once he learns to keep the ball down.
Out of curiousity, supposing Clemens re-signs this season, what would the FA market be for starters NEXT year? It seems relatively thin this winter.
I guess overall I feel like Wandy looks like he might make a better starter and Zeke might be a good guy out of the pen once he learns to keep the ball down.
Out of curiousity, supposing Clemens re-signs this season, what would the FA market be for starters NEXT year? It seems relatively thin this winter.
61
Talk Zone / Re: Hunsicker interviews for Phillies GM job
« on: November 01, 2005, 11:15:21 am »
Apparently some aren't ruling him out going to Boston either. According to Gammons in an ESPN insider article he says, "As for a successor, it would seem that the line would start behind Gerry Hunsicker, unless the Tigers would let Dave Dombrowski out of his contract in Detroit."
Curious as to why exactly Dombrowski would be a coveted GM. (see the Troy Percival and Magglio Ordonez signings)
Curious as to why exactly Dombrowski would be a coveted GM. (see the Troy Percival and Magglio Ordonez signings)
62
Talk Zone / Re: A tip of the hat to the 2005 Houston Astros
« on: October 27, 2005, 04:20:49 pm »
These guys gave me what is almost assured to be my best baseball memory. Being there for the 18 inning game 4 in the NLDS will be pretty fucking hard to top. So as sad as it was to drop the Series like we did, I felt great thinking about that game and the total elation I had when we took out the fucking Jakes.
I'll get my mini-plan again next year and be proud as hell when they unveil that NL champs pennant next April on Opening Day. I'll be ready again to be along for the ride that they'll take us on in '06.
I'll get my mini-plan again next year and be proud as hell when they unveil that NL champs pennant next April on Opening Day. I'll be ready again to be along for the ride that they'll take us on in '06.
63
Talk Zone / Re: Couple of Post Mortem Comments
« on: October 27, 2005, 04:08:55 pm »
In addition to watching a hell of a lot of hittable pitches go by, I thought that the hitters fouled back quite a bit of fat pitches the entire series as well. No one really seemed dialed in. Saw Lane and MoBerg as the worst offenders of that. When Berkman was the only that was really hitting mistakes, he became too easy to pitch around.
And what the fuck WERE those fans in LF thinking last night. A good 2 or 3 people actually backed away from Uribe. Very dissapointed to see that indeed.
The one fan highlight of the game was the guy on Union Station holding up the sign that said "Close the roof. I'm cold."
And what the fuck WERE those fans in LF thinking last night. A good 2 or 3 people actually backed away from Uribe. Very dissapointed to see that indeed.
The one fan highlight of the game was the guy on Union Station holding up the sign that said "Close the roof. I'm cold."
64
Talk Zone / Re: Spring Training
« on: October 27, 2005, 01:02:51 pm »
I'll likely be going. Can't wait for it either. I've always wanted to go and finally I have the financial means to be able to. The people I've talked to said it's pretty fun. I might also go check out some other nearby teams while I'm at it. Is there anyone close to Kissimmee that isn't the Braves?
65
Talk Zone / Re: Bandbox?
« on: October 27, 2005, 12:25:13 pm »
Almost 10 years ago, in the '96 Series, according to baseball-reference.com Yankees took the Bravos 1-0 in Game 5. So about 10 years have passed.
I don't think Minute Maid will ever shake it's reputation thanks to the first year here and all the mediots still harping on it.
I don't think Minute Maid will ever shake it's reputation thanks to the first year here and all the mediots still harping on it.
66
Talk Zone / Re: Might as well get the Burke or Willy thread going now...
« on: October 25, 2005, 01:00:19 pm »
With the way he's hit in the first two games and given the better defense and MUCH better arm in CF, it doesn't seem like it's too much of a debate in my mind.
67
Talk Zone / Re: so i think my cat is an astros fan..
« on: October 25, 2005, 12:48:02 pm »
My girlfriend originally named her orange cat Lance, but when she found out it was a girl, she re-named her Morgan.
68
Talk Zone / CF seating
« on: October 25, 2005, 12:45:09 pm »
Beginning with the All-Star Game last year and again with the NLCS this year, I've noticed whenever there is a big game, no one is allowed to sit in the last two sections of the mezzanine in center field. I know they do it for the hitters' background, but then why sell those seats at all during the regular season? There's times in the regular season when games are sold out and those sections are mostly full.
I know that they aren't great seats, but its still a few hundred more people that could get into the park though.
I know that they aren't great seats, but its still a few hundred more people that could get into the park though.
69
Talk Zone / Re: Oswalt,Closed roof,and the B'zzzzzzzz!!!! Should be...
« on: October 24, 2005, 02:31:26 pm »
Damn, think he made it that far?
70
Talk Zone / Re: I am depressed.
« on: October 24, 2005, 10:21:57 am »Quote:
So far, the pitching from our bench has sucked. I hate to say it, but that and management is where our problem has been.
Since when has the bullpen become the pitchers' bench?
If you were only going to be happy at game 5 if the Astros were in position to clinch, then you really don't deserve to be there anyway.
71
Talk Zone / Re: what just happened
« on: October 24, 2005, 08:03:19 am »
With the weather as shitty as it was, I'm sure it was hard as hell to pitch out there. The team with the last at bat was going to have an advantage in this one. Tough break, but let's go reel off some wins at Minute Maid.
72
Talk Zone / Re: some analysis and my prediction
« on: October 22, 2005, 03:16:09 pm »Quote:
It isn't like the man has aged 10 years since his last start.
And saying he didn't come to Houston to win is just plain stupid. If you haven't notice the guy loves to compete.
While with the Astros all he has done is go 31-12 with an ERA well under 3....and during that time he was been what you would consider "old"
We get it now. You are a White Sox fan.
Exactly, those stats really point to the guy just coming here to retire and mail it in.
73
Talk Zone / Re: Is it just me or are there tons of clarks
« on: October 22, 2005, 02:48:05 pm »
Well I didn't find out about this site until last postseason. So I lurked for quite some time thereafter. The talk during last offseason was particularly great and I always love reading the series previews and the greast insight the board always shows. Above all, the absolute loyalty to the Stros is particularly the most rewardin.
As for me, been a fan since '89. In fact, I felt a little guilty enjoying all of this postseason, since I never had to deal with '80, '81 or '86. But I can still remember several of the guys, esp those from the '86 squad. Also remember being pissed off in '90 (was it?) that they got rid of Doran, Hatcher, and my favorite at the time, Davis.
Hope I am worthy of contributing to the board for a long time to come.
As for me, been a fan since '89. In fact, I felt a little guilty enjoying all of this postseason, since I never had to deal with '80, '81 or '86. But I can still remember several of the guys, esp those from the '86 squad. Also remember being pissed off in '90 (was it?) that they got rid of Doran, Hatcher, and my favorite at the time, Davis.
Hope I am worthy of contributing to the board for a long time to come.
75
Talk Zone / Re: World Series Rotation
« on: October 20, 2005, 03:25:59 pm »
I wouldn't think Pettitte would need extra rest on the knee. He looked pretty damn good to me Monday. A week and a half since that mishap should be more than enough time, I would think.
76
Talk Zone / Re: World Series Rotation
« on: October 20, 2005, 03:21:03 pm »
Well at least Roger was at his best on the road. Although I suppose it would suck for him not to pitch at home for sentimental reasons.
77
Talk Zone / Re: World Series Rotation
« on: October 20, 2005, 03:17:58 pm »Quote:
So you're thinking
Pettitte
Clemens
Fourandoswalt
Backe
Pettitte
Clemens
Roy?
That's what I'm hoping for as well. Roger could definitely use the extra rest. And of course a possible game 7 with Roy O on the hill? I like that.
78
Talk Zone / Re: Help Needed...
« on: October 20, 2005, 03:14:39 pm »
The only question about the H star is whether to go with navy or orange.
79
Talk Zone / Re: I miss my dad...
« on: October 20, 2005, 10:44:30 am »
Along these lines I thought it was really cool that Roy O gave his dad the NLCS MVP trophy.
I guess the day I'll always remember going with my dad to a game was the '92 season photo day. Just incredible for a 10 year old kid to get pictures with great Astro guys like Biggio, Bags, Gonzo, Finley, etc. We usually went to games as a family, but just me and him being there made the game really special for some reason. Guess it is the connection of family and baseball. The other sports really don't have that.
I guess the day I'll always remember going with my dad to a game was the '92 season photo day. Just incredible for a 10 year old kid to get pictures with great Astro guys like Biggio, Bags, Gonzo, Finley, etc. We usually went to games as a family, but just me and him being there made the game really special for some reason. Guess it is the connection of family and baseball. The other sports really don't have that.
80
Talk Zone / Re: In other news...
« on: October 20, 2005, 10:28:58 am »
Another interesting development has occured though...
Mazzone going to the AL
Quite surprising where he ended up as I had not heard anything about negotiations with the O's.
Mazzone going to the AL
Quite surprising where he ended up as I had not heard anything about negotiations with the O's.
81
Talk Zone / Re: Fuck Gammons, Kruk, and Reynolds
« on: October 20, 2005, 10:00:18 am »
Yeah I like the Gammons picked us to win it all at the beginning of the playoffs online and now picks the ChiSux. Way to stick to your guns "baseball expert."
82
Talk Zone / Re: NLCS Game Six ? Astros at Cardinals
« on: October 19, 2005, 02:28:13 pm »Quote:
I figure both Burke and Willy will get the start today, and Lamb will sit against the big lefty, to appear when Julian rears his ugly mug.
Had to laugh last year when my mom of all people said about Tavarez, "It looks like some one lit his face on fire and put it out with a track shoe."
83
Talk Zone / Re: HR Breakdowns for MMPUS
« on: October 19, 2005, 12:42:54 pm »
From this season's Baseball Prospectus, park factors for the last 3 seasons of Minute Maid vs. Busch (1000 pt scale used, obviously & based on avgs of how the park played with weighted avgs on 5 previous seasons where applicable)
2002 MM - 1035 Busch - 972
2003 MM - 1026 Busch - 965
2004 MM - 1015 Busch - 959
Also the extremes from each of those years:
2002 Coors - 1123 Qualcomm - 917
2003 Coors - 1112 Qualcomm - 919
2004 Coors - 1116 Petco - 919
So statistically its shown what we Stros fans have known for quite some time now. Minute Maid's stereotype of a hitters' yard has been GREATLY exaggerated, especially since the tweaks were made with the fences.
So, MM is a slight hitters' park while Busch is and has been a moderate pitchers' yard. Gound breaking shit there, I know. At any rate the BFiBs need to quit their fucking whining about it.
2002 MM - 1035 Busch - 972
2003 MM - 1026 Busch - 965
2004 MM - 1015 Busch - 959
Also the extremes from each of those years:
2002 Coors - 1123 Qualcomm - 917
2003 Coors - 1112 Qualcomm - 919
2004 Coors - 1116 Petco - 919
So statistically its shown what we Stros fans have known for quite some time now. Minute Maid's stereotype of a hitters' yard has been GREATLY exaggerated, especially since the tweaks were made with the fences.
So, MM is a slight hitters' park while Busch is and has been a moderate pitchers' yard. Gound breaking shit there, I know. At any rate the BFiBs need to quit their fucking whining about it.
84
Talk Zone / Re: Pick the Larussa...
« on: October 13, 2005, 05:55:05 pm »
La Russa = Big Corey Hart fan in the 80's.
Rumor has it he's putting the squeeze on Jocketty to acquire the Brewers' Hart this winter.
Rumor has it he's putting the squeeze on Jocketty to acquire the Brewers' Hart this winter.
85
Talk Zone / Re: Is baseball this unpopular?
« on: October 07, 2005, 06:10:07 pm »
So does anyone know when the hell Fox's contract with MLB ends? And if so will Buck, McCarver, Lyons, and all the other dumbshits follow wherever it goes?
I remember when CBS has MLB postseason coverage and Lidgin' McCarver was on that too.
I remember when CBS has MLB postseason coverage and Lidgin' McCarver was on that too.
86
Talk Zone / Re: So the whole TS Tammy thing...
« on: October 06, 2005, 12:45:54 pm »
I think it's too big of a risk to start Backe tonight, especially when considering the home/road splits of each of them this season. Backe's 5.83 ERA on the road vs. 3.41 home ERA is a little scary. While we all know the story of Roger on the road.
87
Talk Zone / Re: How Is This Game WORSE?
« on: October 04, 2005, 06:24:14 pm »
As long as Buck and McCarver can avoid any series we play in for as long as possible.
88
Talk Zone / Re: How Is This Game WORSE?
« on: October 04, 2005, 06:04:56 pm »
Hah, they let him in the booth during the HR Derbys for a while when they realized he sucked at that.
Pages: [1]