Messages

1

Talk Zone / Re: The Multi-Talented Senor Smirk

« on: April 10, 2007, 06:08:25 pm »

When he's not busy admiring home runs or remedying pressing stadium lighting issue, Pujols pauses to ensure the chalk on the field is laid to his satisfaction: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07100/776648-63.stm

"In an odd scene, home plate umpire Sam Holbrook ordered the batter's box to be redrawn before the third inning after St. Louis' Albert Pujols correctly noticed it was not deep enough."

Is there anything he can't, or at least won't, do?

I don't believe he can or would use steriods, HGH, or any other performance enhancing substance...

2

Talk Zone / Re: Matsuzaka

« on: April 06, 2007, 08:19:23 am »

Quite a major league debut for the Japanese phenom: 7 innings pitched, 6 hits, 1 walk, 1 run, 10 strikeouts.

Greinke's line on the other side of it wasn't too shabby either...

3

Talk Zone / Re: Whatever happened to... Brien Taylor?

« on: June 08, 2006, 05:59:35 pm »

Quote:
I remember having his rookie card as a kid, and then never really hearing anything more about him.  Decent article.

The Link

talk about getting Munson-ed.

4

Talk Zone / Re: This has gotten OLD

« on: May 10, 2006, 11:01:14 pm »

Quote:
Happy Birthday, Ryan...

gracias.  take my trust and wills final tomorrow and then graduate friday.  things are looking up...

5

Talk Zone / This has gotten OLD

« on: May 10, 2006, 01:29:46 pm »

"When asked if he was getting the itch to pitch again, Clemens told KRIV: "I'm not, not right now. I'm not too far away physically, but mentally I'm nowhere close."

 full article at astros.com available here

Rajah = Drama Queen

I am sure he will be "mentally" there when the offers of $12M for half a season start getting bid up...

['If you need an answer, you should presume he's not playing,'"]

6

Talk Zone / Re: McLane getting it from the Rocky Mountain News

« on: May 06, 2006, 07:05:27 pm »

Quote:
?Roger just told me that he was somewhat surprised but that he will live with it," Hendricks said. "Alan and I had told him about the possibility, but I believe, like most fans, he was still surprised at Drayton's decision."
The Link

Does that sound "spit in the face"?  Didn't the Astros pay the man the most that has ever been paid to a pitcher in the history of baseball last season?

"We told the Astros -- because it's their desire to know ? 'If you need an answer, you should presume he's not playing,'" Hendricks said at the Wyndham Anatole Hotel in Dallas, site of this year's Winter Meetings.

Hendricks said. ?If someone said, 'You have to decide today,' what will you do? The answer would be he would retire. He doesn't think at this point, based on the end of the season, that he's got seven months of baseball in him to go through that grind ..."

We told them to do what they need to do," Hendricks said. "If they offer arbitration, we understand. If they don't offer arbitration, we understand."
The Link

Ringolsby is not factoring in the Beltran fiasco, nor is he considering that the Astros were very close to obtaining Miguel Tejada.  How are the Astros responsible for any race other than the one they are in?

I had a nice little email exchange with Ringolsby, and he apologized for the factual error claiming that McLane ran Nolan Ryan out of town....

on the other stuff, he stood his ground.

However you want to slice it, not offering Clemens arbitration was a business move, and a logical one, considering what the Clemens camp was saying at the time--"I am probably done."

7

Talk Zone / McLane getting it from the Rocky Mountain News

« on: May 06, 2006, 01:25:37 pm »

now this guy is a true  DOUCHE BAG

8

Talk Zone / Re: Wandy To Miss Start With...Mouth Blisters?

« on: May 05, 2006, 11:54:23 pm »

Quote:

Quote:
He needs to stick to high-fives and cut out the celebratory licking of Astacio's face.

I had just started the article and said to myself "there's no way this thread won't have an Astacio reference".

Then, Bang! First pitch out of the park. You did not disappoint.

It's just so...TZ

Quote:
...and I'm going to hell now.

Pretty good chance.

at least Wandy's "sores" will heal.  I am afraid poor Zeke is stuck with those mutton chops.....

I hear they have some meds that prevent los herpes outbreaks, or at least that is what I gather from those commercials where people ride horses, and enjoy outdoor activities with no apparent product display.

9

Talk Zone / Re: K wilson

« on: May 04, 2006, 07:03:20 pm »

Quote:

Quote:
The helmet/hat seems to fall off a lot. I love the Astros skullcap underneath.

I love the fact that the Astros star seems to have been hand-stitched onto the skullcap, perhaps by the multi-talented Burke.

perhaps Mo-berg can purchase one as the summer goes on and his hair inevitably turns back to "the lettuce" as opposed to his current buzz cut.

10

Talk Zone / Re: Howard in Memorial

« on: May 04, 2006, 07:01:24 pm »

Quote:

Quote:
can go to hell.


along with all of the other 610 "callers"

sorry, just had to vent.

Howard and his kind are out there swimming around anyway, come rain or shine or nuclear holocaust or whatever.

Its the 610 hosts who chum the waters.

agreed.  they need a friggin producer that will actually screen calls...  at least Charlie on 790 will dress someone down when they make an asinine assertion or trade proposal

11

Talk Zone / Re: Howard in Memorial

« on: May 04, 2006, 06:59:02 pm »

Quote:

Quote:
can go to hell.


along with all of the other 610 "callers"

sorry, just had to vent.

Examples?  Too painful to discuss?

most of the OWA'ers simply do not listen to the local sports talk drivel, and they are usually right to do so.  the 10th inning show last night just had some guy call in and ask "if Roger was back yet,"  the host replied no decision yet, and the caller's response is "I have tickets to the June 18th game against the Royals."

WTF?  who gives a shit.  and then he goes on about how he went to Minute Maid one time last year, and it was really cool.....this could have been a call from a 12-year old.  seriously.  I think the guy was drunk, too.

12

Talk Zone / Howard in Memorial

« on: May 04, 2006, 06:37:48 pm »

can go to hell.


along with all of the other 610 "callers"

sorry, just had to vent.

13

Talk Zone / Re: Ensberg... gone mental

« on: April 27, 2006, 02:58:03 pm »

Quote:

Quote:
That Bob is one alcohol-consuming mo-fo.

I'd heard that.  Someone I know said the GBV concerts reminded him of The Replacements on stage, or maybe Alex Chilton.  Damn, that's big time boozer territory.

I don't know the band all that well, but the lines from one of their songs (Hot Freaks?) are permanently lodged in instant recall, for some reason.

...I met a non-dairy creamer
Explicitly laid out like a fruitcake
With a wet spot
Bigger than a great lake
Took me to the new church
And baptized me with salt
She told me, liquor
I am a new man

Hell, yeah.

what's more amazing? Someone not knowing who GBV is?  or how a thread about Morgan's O-fer against the dodgers can turn into a Guided By Voices thread, complete with lyrics?

14

Talk Zone / Re: Izzy not trusting his stuff...

« on: April 26, 2006, 06:20:47 pm »

Quote:
Or trusting it too much. Izzy just gave up 1-1, 2 out, solo homerun in the ninth to blow the save.

He's really having a dreadful start to the season.

clearly, he's off the sauce...

15

Talk Zone / Re: XM Question

« on: April 26, 2006, 06:18:10 pm »

It isn't really a problem for me because the headset (Delphi SkiFi 2) displays the names of the teams who are playing on each channel.  So when you start scrolling, you can see HOU on the channel listing.  

I guess it is only a big deal to know the channel # if your unit doesn't allow you to see what is on each channel.

by the way, isn't XM great during baseball season?

16

Talk Zone / Re: Operation Shutdown: Derek Bell arrested for cocaine

« on: April 20, 2006, 05:00:32 pm »

 Operation Shutdown joins Daryl Strawberry and Doc Gooden in New Jack City

17

Talk Zone / Having too much fun in Florida

« on: April 18, 2006, 04:37:35 pm »

How Jim Bowden continues to be  employed  I will never know.....

18

Talk Zone / Re: Justice = Deusche bag

« on: April 18, 2006, 04:33:13 pm »

Quote:

Quote:
I really need to brush up on my German.

Is Justice German?  I keep looking and looking, and so far have come up dry.

my bad, I should have said "douche" bag.

19

Talk Zone / Re: Justice = Deusche bag

« on: April 18, 2006, 01:13:33 pm »

Quote:

Quote:
Since when did hypothetical conversations become "articles" ??

Boy, that crap would be lucky to fetch a "D" in a college creative writing class.  Although I must admit I enjoyed Richard's first assignment, about a man who is killed by the mob and comes back as a tree to wreack his vengeance.  Very creative.

I don't know what is worse, his "manufacturing" of the Astros Want Bagwell to Retire story or the "Drayton didn't do enough to sign Beltran" story.

jerk face.

20

Talk Zone / Re: New Guys

« on: April 18, 2006, 01:06:22 pm »

Quote:
"You boys sure found a way to make the time pass up there...

I'm not paying you to stem the rose...

21

Talk Zone / Justice = Deusche bag

« on: April 18, 2006, 01:38:23 am »

 Since when did hypothetical conversations become "articles" ??

22

Talk Zone / Re: Bluebonnet got beaned

« on: April 17, 2006, 11:39:52 am »

Barry got beaned in his armor plating as retaliation...and the pitcher was promptly ejected.  WTF?

23

Talk Zone / Re: Wagner Stikes Again...For The Nats!

« on: April 06, 2006, 11:52:58 am »

I think you meant to say "the Gas Can" strikes again...

24

Talk Zone / Re: Opening Day subplot

« on: March 24, 2006, 05:28:48 pm »

Quote:
Not enough that the NL banner will be welded to the wall, that there will be a prolonged standing ovation for a certain one armed Astro, there's bidness being done.  After all it is Houston,

The Florida Marlins have asked the five members of the Bexar County Commissioners Court to be their guests in Houston for the team's three-game season-opening series against the Astros.

"We thought it would be a good opportunity to have a chance to say hello and get to know them," Marlins president David Samson said of the invitation. "The commissioners are very important people in the community. We want to spend a quality nine innings with them."

Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff, who is spearheading the county's efforts to lure the Marlins, called the invitation a positive sign for San Antonio.

"I will probably go," said Wolff, adding that Mayor Phil Hardberger and Bexar County District Attorney Susan Reed also received invitations.
The Link

The only question that remains now, is whether Nolan Ryan will be giving them the tour of Minute Maid Park as part of (1) his personal services contract with the Astros, or (2) as part of his own desire to be a partial owner in the San Antonio Marlins....

25

Talk Zone / Re: New Baseball Book

« on: March 24, 2006, 05:24:26 pm »

Quote:
I'm reading it now.  I read Shandler, Prospectus, etc. so I'm enjoying it.  To early to tell if there's anything in it for the fantasy haters here.

OTOH, Numbers Game by Schwartz, published last year, is a great book that should appeal to anyone interested in baseball history, whether they're a stat person or not.

I too am a Baseball Prospectus subscriber....love their "stats" insights.

26

Talk Zone / Re: Bagwell Retirement Announcement????

« on: March 24, 2006, 04:34:31 pm »

Quote:

I don't know the details of the policy, but no insurance policy will pay if there's no loss.  If Jeff retires, the Astros have no loss so there's no payout.  If Jeff doesn't retire, but is deemed unable to play, the insurance reimburses the Astros for his salary.

The $17mm question is whether the policy is an all or nothing deal.  If anyone knows that, we'll have a much better idea of what could happen with Bags.

alright, well I understand if Bags says "hey, I can't play anymore, I RETIRE" then he is essentially walking away from $17M.

but, as I see it, he is trying to play, but it appears he is physically unable to perform...thus, the policy (or claim on the policy) kicks in.

27

Talk Zone / Re: Bagwell Retirement Announcement????

« on: March 24, 2006, 04:02:31 pm »

Alright, I have a follow up question:

if Bagwell comes in and says, "Hey, I can't play anymore, it is too painful"  the Astros will probably DL him and try to recoup the policy, right?

I am guess this insurance thing will drag out through the summer if this is the scenario that plays out...

28

Talk Zone / Re: Bagwell Retirement Announcement????

« on: March 24, 2006, 11:57:11 am »

Quote:

I have no faith in most people's abilities to report what they see.  Nor to understand how to tell the difference from a legitimate report and opinion.  Or, even care that there is a differnce. We're idiots and we're getting stupider by the minute.  I see it every day.
 

I mentioned a snippet that I heard on 790, if you want to get into semantics about "reporting" or "opinion" then that is all fine well and good, but it was the "news guy" and NOT Perillo.  you have entirely too much time on your hands

29

Talk Zone / Re: Bagwell Retirement Announcement????

« on: March 23, 2006, 07:47:01 pm »

Quote:

Quote:
790 has been reporting that an announcement could come as soon as next week that Bagwell is done.

thoughts?

How is this being "reported"?  Are they saying "sources with the Astros" or is Pallilo saying "it seems clear to me..." or "Judging from what Bagwell is quoted as saying..." or "I don't see how..." ?

They are saying, an announcement regarding Bagwell's status, in which he will likely say that he can no longer play, can be expected as early as next week....

30

Talk Zone / Bagwell Retirement Announcement????

« on: March 23, 2006, 07:06:16 pm »

790 has been reporting that an announcement could come as soon as next week that Bagwell is done.

thoughts?

31

Talk Zone / Re: I don't get it???....

« on: March 20, 2006, 08:56:11 pm »

Quote:

Quote:

Quote:
The question isn't whether or not Jeff Bagwell can throw a baseball. He can't.

Is this true? I thought he could throw, but just not very often, not very hard and not very far... i.e., he might have one or two half ass throws a day before his arm falls off or something.

With that said, I thought the question was whether or not his half ass throws would be sufficient in a game situation. Or if he made his best effort throw in a game, would his arm explode? Or would it be damaged to the point where he couldn't throw or hit (at all) for an extended period?

The issue is will "throwing" exacerbate his shoulder so much as to preclude swinging as well.

"I can tell when I wake up how I feel. I move my arm in a throwing direction and it's either yea or nay. Today it was yeah. I was happy." - J. Bagwell, 3/12/2006

32

Talk Zone / Re: Bonds and the IBB

« on: March 20, 2006, 08:44:51 pm »

Quote:

Quote:

Quote:

Do he look slimmed down from previous years?  Just curious.

muscle - exercise = fat.


dude is FAT this year.

I didn't see too much fat in that skimpy Paula Abdul dress.

 wonder where paula got those implants?

33

Talk Zone / Re: Bonds and the IBB

« on: March 20, 2006, 08:31:58 pm »

Quote:

Do he look slimmed down from previous years?  Just curious.

muscle - exercise = fat.


dude is FAT this year.

34

Talk Zone / Re: Hidalgo (non-movie post)

« on: March 09, 2006, 06:03:43 pm »

Quote:
"non-movie post"

clah-sic

thanks

35

Talk Zone / Rajah goes to Surprise, AZ

« on: March 09, 2006, 06:02:11 pm »

 Negotiation Tactic, or nice gesture?

36

Talk Zone / Re: Hidalgo (non-movie post)

« on: March 07, 2006, 01:29:05 pm »

the Nats definitely need OF help with Jose Guillen on the shelf for a while...

I expect Soriano to be traded by the time the WBC concludes if Jose Vidro proves his health...

37

Talk Zone / Hidalgo (non-movie post)

« on: March 07, 2006, 11:07:49 am »

courtesy of RotoTimes

Richard Hidalgo
The Baltimore Sun reports that Richard Hidalgo is unlikely to rejoin the Orioles or play for them at all. He left the team to be with his ill wife Saturday, just days after signing a minor league deal. He may be traded, released or retire. Hidalgo is hoping to find a guaranteed contract, which his deal with the Orioles is not.

-------------------

another big butt bites the dust?

38

Talk Zone / Re: Spring training and pitchers

« on: March 03, 2006, 06:45:17 pm »

Quote:

Quote:
I don't know if Steve Sparks was working on anything.

It's always been my assumption that during Spring Training, established veteran-star-types like Suppan and Sabathia can have the mentality of "working on something" and put up poor numbers, while guys trying to make the team (i.e. Sparks) should be trying to get outs and put up good numbers.

Am I right or can someone with more knowledge on this matter correct me?

I think Shane Reynolds can enlighten you on how that works...

39

Talk Zone / Re: Bag's odds...........

« on: February 24, 2006, 11:26:43 am »

70%

I find it highly unlikely that the insurance company will honor that claim...

40

Talk Zone / Re: USA WBC Roster

« on: February 15, 2006, 11:31:14 am »

bad for those who want to see Clemens/Lidge/Wheeler pitch a lot of innings for the Stros this year...

[(it goes without saying that Houston isn't going to win the Central)]

41

Talk Zone / written off (again)

« on: February 13, 2006, 01:14:08 pm »

the article

Right now, the Astros look bound for third or fourth place, and while Clemens will improve the team, he's probably not enough to lift the Astros to the top of what figures to be a tougher Wild Card fray in 2006  (it goes without saying that Houston isn't going to win the Central)

42

Talk Zone / Re: Whither Marlins?

« on: January 24, 2006, 10:43:49 pm »

Quote:

Quote:
the latest chapter in a sad saga

Yeah... my heart bleeds for south Florida baseball fans.

Two world championships in 13 years of existence.  

Boo-frickin-hoo.

Two world series titles and no stadium = sad saga

43

Talk Zone / Re: Out of curiosity

« on: January 24, 2006, 10:35:40 pm »

Oswalt already got his Gold Medal in the Olympics.

44

Talk Zone / Re: Whither Marlins?

« on: January 23, 2006, 01:08:59 pm »

the latest chapter in a sad saga

45

Talk Zone / Re: Lidge, Wheeler Sign

« on: January 17, 2006, 09:12:18 pm »

yay

46

Talk Zone / Re: contraction back in play?

« on: January 11, 2006, 02:14:01 pm »

why would they ever contract when they can just move them around....Vegas seems (excuse the pun) ready, willing, and able, and Portland has been Jones-ing for a team for a while, too.

Marlins are DOA in 2006.  MLB should act quickly in deciding their fate.

47

Talk Zone / Re: contraction back in play?

« on: January 11, 2006, 02:01:18 pm »

for an interesting read,  check this out

 or this...

Minnesota has one of the "worst" leases because the citizens actually make money off them, not the other way around.  there is another article that I read, but I can't find a link for, that basically says the Metrodome is the *only* deal that actually benefits tax payers from a pure cash-flow basis, that is, the team is not getting any corporate welfare...

TTFWIW.

48

Talk Zone / Re: After giving the benefit of doubt...

« on: December 22, 2005, 10:33:39 am »

Purpula wants to make a trade, it's just that the double chin won't let him....gets in the way.


but no, seriously, I think part of it might be that Purpula is a yes man, and the other half is his roots as a system guy.  I think he was perfectly content to call up some of his minor leaguers and see what they were capable of after we got shut out of the market b/c of Beltran(see 2005).  On that same token, I think this year's FA market has been decidedly mediocre, and Purpula decided not to overpay.

I think it is a smart move, since Bagwell's money comes off the books after this season, we'll have about 18M to play with next offseason when some more premium FA's become available.  Let's not roast him quite yet....what is he supposed to do when the Cubs are throwing 16M at Jacque Jones for 3 years?

49

Talk Zone / Re: Delotti reporting from Dallas

« on: December 07, 2005, 08:28:10 pm »

what about man-ram + cash for Lidge?  

fills needs for both teams...and BoSox can sign another bat...

50

Talk Zone / Arbitration Deadline

« on: December 07, 2005, 12:03:32 pm »

alright, who thinks the Astros are gonna offer:
1) Roger
2) Brad
3) Orlando



my quick thoughts-->  quit waiting on Roger Clemens.  He was able to hold them hostage last year after they lost out on Beltran, and since they aren't waiting on anyone else this year, he knows he can just wait it out and milk them for all it is worth.  screw that.  OTOH, he might be waiting to see if the add a bat, or offer arbitration to Ausmus.

As for Palmerio, I doubt he'll be around, seems to me they have a cheaper replacement with Hobbs.

thoughts?

51

Talk Zone / Re: Why Hunsicker Isn't a GM

« on: November 07, 2005, 05:54:30 pm »

I am sure the Hun was attracted to Tampa for a number of reasons, a few of which include: Great young talent base which means an ability to win in the near/extended future, ability to hire manager; low expectations; nice scenery...

52

Talk Zone / Re: Why Hunsicker Isn't a GM

« on: November 07, 2005, 12:38:23 pm »

"Quite frankly, I'm glad he's out of the league. He's obviously a very bright guy. He's always had a very good idea about how to put a club together and what it takes to win. He's able to communicate well within his organization and with other GMs. He's a very shrewd talent evaluator. I think he'll be a great asset to the Tampa Bay organization."
--Cardinals GM Walt Jocketty, on how Gerry Hunsicker is now the GM of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays (St. Petersburg Times)

"You look at the Houston Astros organization and that's his plan, his success. As much as you hear from others that they had fingerprints on it--everyone had fingerprints on it--but it really was Gerry's overall plan that made the Astros what they are."
-- Baltimore vice president Jim Duquette, on Hunsicker


I bet Hunsicker would have been the "GM" if he had wanted it....

53

Talk Zone / Playoff Salaries / Bonuses

« on: October 25, 2005, 05:29:27 pm »

can anyone shed any light on the bonuses that each astro will get for participating in the NLDS / NLCS / WS /?

I have always been curious about playoff bounty

54

Talk Zone / Re: MLB to Make the Call on the Roof: Official

« on: October 25, 2005, 05:21:14 pm »

has there been an official call on it one way or another?

55

Talk Zone / Re: Might as well get the Burke or Willy thread going now...

« on: October 25, 2005, 04:50:22 pm »

I'll continue the chorus--Willy T.  I understood using Burke's hot bat in the NLCS for a little bit, but come on....how can you bench the potential rookie of the year in the NL, especially considering how many runs he creates with his speed that no one else on the team can manufacture...

56

Talk Zone / Re: So who besides Alkie is coming in tomorrow? What time?

« on: October 24, 2005, 04:23:20 pm »

I'll be at the game tomorrow, section 154 (the old bullpen boxes)  where are people pre-gaming?  the BUS, Slainte?

57

Talk Zone / Re: World Series Rotation

« on: October 20, 2005, 03:51:24 pm »

regardless of rest, wouldn't Rocket/Pettitte/Oswalt be preferable to split the power righties up with the crafty lefty?

58

Talk Zone / Re: REPENTING...

« on: October 20, 2005, 11:55:11 am »

the local news always makes sure to interview the most knowledgeable fans around...

59

Talk Zone / Re: REPENTING...

« on: October 20, 2005, 11:41:50 am »

I am just saying this is an amazing team that continues to amaze...no need to ankle bite.

60

Talk Zone / REPENTING...

« on: October 20, 2005, 11:29:43 am »

when the 'Stros were 15-30 I emphatically declared to a fellow OWA disciple that there was "no way in hell" this teams ends the season .500.  if you all recall, we were fighting off the Rockies for the worst record in baseball.

well, that is why they play the schedule, and that is why I am a fan, and not affiliated with any baseball organization in any capacity....

congratulations, way to go.  I BELIEVE.

-RMG

61

Talk Zone / Game Watching Plans (Thurs)

« on: October 13, 2005, 04:48:55 pm »

well, the Griffs thing didn't work out so well...anyone have any better ideas for tonight?

62

Talk Zone / Re: game 2 lineup

« on: October 13, 2005, 04:47:02 pm »

I believe he is referred to as the Ecks-factor....

63

Talk Zone / game 2 lineup

« on: October 13, 2005, 12:45:36 pm »

2B - Biggio
CF - Taveras
1B - Berkman
3B - Ensberg
RF - Lane
LF - Burke
SS - Everett
C  - Ausmus


?

64

Talk Zone / Re: Lake Jackson/Freeport area -- place to watch the game?

« on: October 05, 2005, 12:34:59 pm »

I go fishing down that way, I know there is a Chili's w/ bar in Lake Jackson...

65

Talk Zone / Re: CF trade

« on: February 10, 2005, 08:18:44 pm »

Quote:

Quote:
I was hoping on some follow up with the positives for Duckworth, though.

This may be the best example of unbridled optimism ever seen.  Positives for Duckworthless?

Ha!

I think the only positive you could write about Duckworth, and this is a stretch depending on your taste in movies, is that he resembles Gary Busey.  

his best line from Point Break, when asking Keanu for some beers...."Utah, get me two."

66

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / DJ Houlton

« on: January 29, 2005, 04:31:25 pm »

anyone know why the astros chose not to protect this guy from the Rule 5 draft?  did they just decide that Astacio had more upside and stuck with him?  anyone think we are going to be lamenting this decision in 3 years a la the hidalgo over abreu decision?

-RMG