Messages

1

Talk Zone / Re: Lee the hitter

« on: August 26, 2007, 05:59:45 pm »

What I meant was Lee's approach to hitting. I agree that he is the best pure hitter since Alou. Their two strike approach is classic, and one almost never sees a slugger being willing to settle for a single to the opposite field when he has two strikes and a run to be driven in. Lee generally has plate discipline and appears to have a plan. To me, he is a sceientific hitter in the mold of Ted Willams. Not with the same results, of course, but he has the same approach.

In comparison, Lance just goes up there hacking. He has great plate discipline, too, and can drive the outside pitch to the off field from the left side. He's not much of a hitter from the right side. I do not think he has a two strike approach other than "I have one swing left." Lance has great numbers from his strength, power and good swing mechanics (LH). He does not have as good of an approach or as good pure hitting skills as Lee, imo.

Thank you sir for taking the time to explain.  Posts like this are why I love this site.  You didn't have to explain yourself. You could have posted "Fuck off" and moved on.   You are an excellent resource for baseball information and I enjoy reading and learning from your posts (when you take the time to teach and don't play Mr. Asshole).

I hope Stubby returns after he gets you out from under his skin.   

2

Talk Zone / Re: Lee & Berkman

« on: August 25, 2007, 08:25:58 pm »

Berkman is not even close to as good a hitter as Lee is.

Breaking the TZ axiom of reading more and posting less.....I'd like to know what FACTS bring you to that conclusion.

3

Talk Zone / Re: Sampson recalled...

« on: July 29, 2006, 07:09:19 pm »

I agree but the guy's got a ton of potential and I believe he's making progress.

He's been injury free this year.

He ranks 10th in the National League in .BA against at .248.

His change-up is developing into a good pitch (just wish he had more confidence in it).

He's homerun prone as he's tied for second in the NL with 21 HRs allowed. He's a flyball pitcher that needs to be more consistent with his delivery and focus.

Taylor has the tools to succeed at the Major League Level.

4

Talk Zone / Re: Could the Astros get better by being sellers?

« on: July 29, 2006, 06:44:11 pm »

Hopefully Rocket will not approach the Astros at any time and asked to be moved. I'd rather see both Andy and Roger finish the year even if the Astros continue their current level of play and finish well below .500.  
 
Red Sox media seems to be hoping for a Rocket landing in Boston.

 link - this guy Lenny Megliola is a real piece of work.
 link

5

Talk Zone / Re: Could the Astros get better by being sellers?

« on: July 29, 2006, 11:12:58 am »

Good points. I'd rather the Astros proceed with a re-tool mantra as opposed to a seller's theme. The Astros have a MVP type player in Berkman and a CY-Young caliber pitcher in Oswalt.  Both create a great foundation to build on.  Build on this foundation with assets capable of weathering a pennant race in the short term and long term.

I don't like the seller's tag (even on a limited basis) as that typically is associated with teams trading veteran players for younger players with little or no experience.

IMO Any deal that the Astros make prior to the deadline should propel the Astros this season (they are still in the race) and in 2007.

Astros can assess any additional organizatioal needs in the offseason and use free agency to upgrade as needed.

Hopefully the Astros aren't considering trading Clemens, Pettitte, etc. under any circumstance.

6

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Ask And Ye Shall Maybe Receive: Season 2, Vol 7.

« on: July 24, 2006, 07:52:56 pm »

It looks like the Astros 10th round pick, RHP Nathan Karns, is headed to UT.  Got give the Longhorns some credit.  They seem to be doing very good as far as not losing recruits to the minors.  Astros still have time to sign Nathan but I don't think it's likely.

Florida, Florida State and Miami lost three picks a piece that were drafted in the top three rounds.  If you are a Longhorn you have to be encouraged.

Link

Astros inked 18 of their first 20 picks which is pretty good.  Florida seems to be doing the best with 21 of 22 picks signed (the lone holdout is Boras client - as of June 30th).  Jacksonian does a jam up job of keeping the draft recap updated.

7

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Ask And Ye Shall Maybe Receive: Season 2, Vol 7.

« on: July 24, 2006, 04:22:53 pm »

Sergio Perez will be activated today.  Not sure about Karns. I believe he's headed to college.

 Link

8

Talk Zone / Re: I'm not a Clark, but I play one on tv.

« on: July 24, 2006, 03:34:49 pm »

Sounds like good advice.  I messed up the first day and didn't exactly jump out on the right foot (hence the "troll" tag) so no one to blame but myself there. I got some really good advice by a couple of other posters on this board so I'm very appreciative of that and will walk a straight line as to avoid getting banned (which would stink).  This is by far the best Astros fan website I've come across with an exceptional minor league forum and some really good moderators.  

Look forward to reading more of your posts.

9

Talk Zone / Re: Barry Bonds may face Thursday indictment

« on: July 23, 2006, 03:35:15 pm »

LOL...Dick Cheney is that you?

10

Talk Zone / Re: Barry Bonds may face Thursday indictment

« on: July 23, 2006, 03:08:12 pm »

I wish Bonds would just retire.  Hopefully his records are not allowed to stand.

"Energizer Bunny arrested; charged with battery."

11

Talk Zone / Re: Maybe this team needs a brawl

« on: July 23, 2006, 03:03:18 pm »

I'd rather not see one. Don't want to see anyone get hurt...

"Atheism is a non-prophet organization"

12

Talk Zone / Re: Astros at Mets ? Ain't Paying You Boys to Mets the Rose *DELETED*

« on: July 23, 2006, 02:59:31 pm »

Post deleted by StargateSG1

13

Talk Zone / Re: Same song...second verse...

« on: July 23, 2006, 02:49:09 pm »

Sometimes I wish the Astros had a universal remote that worked like Adam Sandler's in the movie "Click". Garner could pause a play, run out and move Wilson's bat to the ball or put a little extra "movement" on Taylor's FB.

It's got to be total fustration for the team. They're trying hard but not getting it done.  

"If Barbie is so popular, why do you have to buy her friends?"

14

Talk Zone / Re: Albers up, Wandy down...

« on: July 23, 2006, 02:41:49 pm »

Good point. There's much more fizzle than sizzle when it comes to the development of prospects. But I like the fact that the Astros have a good player development system.  Good coaches throughout the system.

"Dyslexics of the world, untie!"

15

Talk Zone / Re: May the Clubhouse never get this bad (Blue Jays Goings-on)

« on: July 23, 2006, 02:18:35 pm »

Hillenbrand was asking for trouble when he posted that message on the board for all to see.  Gibbons could have responded better but probably had his pride hurt in front of the team which is why he might have felt the need to challenge Hillenbrand in the manner that he did.

"Be nice to your kids. They'll choose your nursing home"

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Talk Zone / Re: New Crunch Time Posted

« on: July 23, 2006, 02:06:53 pm »

Hopefully the Astros can make some improvements in the offseason or at least show some improvement the rest of the season.

"Borrow money from a pessimist -- they don't expect it back."

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Talk Zone / Re: Albers up, Wandy down...

« on: July 23, 2006, 01:16:17 pm »

I think Tim's looking at the risk vs. reward factor along  with the financial implications of acquiring outside help.  I don't think the guys that are rumored to be available are that much of an upgrade over what the Astros have on the team or in the system.  

Overwhelmed seems to be the prevalent word used to described what it would take to acquire someone along the likes of LHP Mike Gonzales of the Pirates.

If the Astros make a trade then the Astros need to acquire someone really good to make an immediate impact.  But the cost may be greater than the Astros can really afford.

18

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Ask And Ye Shall Maybe Receive: Season 2, Vol 7.

« on: July 23, 2006, 10:55:22 am »

That infectious enthusiasm is a good example for the other players, especially guys like Hirsh, Gimenez, Nieve, etc..  and very engaging as a baseball citizen.

I hope that the Astros find room for him in the organizational coaching chart after his career is done ala Sean Berry.

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Talk Zone / Re: Nieve optioned out *DELETED* *DELETED* *DELETED*

« on: July 23, 2006, 10:35:32 am »

Post deleted by StargateSG1

20

Talk Zone / Re: Pettitte Joins Roy at the Bitchin' Post

« on: July 23, 2006, 10:08:31 am »

Not always, but I imagine it's hard to resist making comments when you have several microphones pasted in your face after every game.

There's also some very good unscripted moments. Having said that, I believe it more professional if a player addresses the team in-house as opposed to taking gripes to the media.

The player, who may mean well, often brings unwanted friction to the clubhouse.  

21

Talk Zone / Re: Nieve optioned out

« on: July 22, 2006, 03:13:47 pm »

Brav-O! I've seen Albers pitch twice this season. He does have a power arm. Just hope he doesn't turn out like Tim Redding, who was 10-2 with a 2.18 ERA at AA before he went to AAA.  He wound up 14-3 for the year.

The big leagues is a lot different than AA.  We'll see how he does.  

The Astros sent Nieve down and seem to be interested in his progress as relief pitcher.

22

Talk Zone / Re: Nieve optioned out

« on: July 22, 2006, 01:27:54 pm »

I've got pretty thick skin and I don't intend to change anyone. I'll leave that to God.


Well, it's getting closer to game time.  Time to kick my Cubs loving wife off the big screen, grab a few beers, and watch the Astros!

23

Talk Zone / Re: Another frick'n grandslam....

« on: July 22, 2006, 01:21:23 pm »

That was an incredible play by Beltran AND Lo Duca.  Just like the incredible plays that Berkman made to gun down Edmonds in the Cardinal series.  Sometimes you have to tip your hat.  

This one play didn't make or break this game for the Astros.  They'll snap out of it and start winning (I just hope it's not too late)

24

Talk Zone / Re: Nieve optioned out

« on: July 22, 2006, 01:11:12 pm »

I'm somewhat surprised.  My wife (A huge Cubs fan - what can they say opposites attract I guess) joined a board similar to this one and the discussion was on point, no insults or cursing.  I join an Astros board and the very first response to my post from a Texan (the "friendly" state) is a response I would expect out of my nephew.  I just was curious to see someone answer a question another more experienced poster asked. But I'm the one who gets "attacked".

And no I'm not running to the Cubs site to "hold hands" and sing some 70s flower child Liberal peace song. I expected insightful discussions on baseball but it seems that some posters on this board are not interested in that.

25

Talk Zone / Re: Pettitte Joins Roy at the Bitchin' Post

« on: July 22, 2006, 12:53:53 pm »

I'm glad players are speaking out and not holding their feelings inside.  I'd hate to see the anger boil over and have an incident like Julian Tavarez picking a fight with a concrete wall, or a player kicking coolers, or a player going WWF smackdown style on Cameramen.

26

Talk Zone / Re: Nieve optioned out

« on: July 22, 2006, 12:39:01 pm »

Yet another wise guy. I hang around because I'm interested in Astros baseball.  Duh!  And no, I've been a fan of the Astros for 30+ years.  Not about to leave them now.

Isn't this a baseball discussion.  Anyone care to talk about the Astros without cursing, sarcasm. etc.

27

Talk Zone / Re: Nieve optioned out

« on: July 22, 2006, 12:33:10 pm »

LHP Mike Gallo has cleared waivers.  He has been removed from the 40 man roster.

28

Talk Zone / Re: Nieve optioned out

« on: July 22, 2006, 12:30:22 pm »

Or Chris Sampson for that matter.  He's doing well at AAA and has a 1-0 record with a 3.52 ERA in 15.1 IP in the big leagues. Chris can start and relieve.

I'm not opposed to the Astros bringing a player up from AA to the big leagues to help. I'm just curious to know why Albers was a better option than Nieve and Sampson who both have big league experience. Their numbers aren't that bad either.

29

Talk Zone / Re: Nieve optioned out

« on: July 22, 2006, 12:17:26 pm »

Give me Tim's cell# and I'd be happy to call him.  But it seems no one on this board can answer a question (that another more "experienced" poster asked).  

A friend of mine advised that this board was an excellent place to discuss the Astros.  I guess he was wrong....you seem more interested in insults than a good baseball discussion.

30

Talk Zone / Re: Nieve optioned out

« on: July 22, 2006, 09:49:23 am »

I'd like to reiterate Stubbyc's question.  Why?  Nieve is 3-3 with a 4.32 ERA and coming off a good performance against the Mets.  I vehemently disagree with this move.

And I'm also wondering why the Astros called up Albers from AA who has no major league experience.  I'd rather have Nieve in the pen than Albers.