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Talk Zone / Luxury tax
« on: November 04, 2019, 06:29:36 pm »
Crane today appeared to express a willingness to go over it. Hooray! If Cole wants to stay and will compromise of the length of the deal, maybe we have a chance.
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Talk Zone / Hinch’s decisions and thinking/G7
« on: November 01, 2019, 05:58:52 pm »
Great article in the Athletic today concerning the stuff we have been discussing.
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Talk Zone / Cole and Game 5
« on: October 28, 2019, 09:50:48 am »
A thing I hate about this morning is the obituaries already started. Kaplan and Rosenthal in the Athletic: “last start as an Astro;” “highest paid pitcher in baseball;” “eight year, &300 million;” “legacy in Houston.” Cole’s only response was a quick “No” to “Have you thought this might be your last start as an Astro?” There is the unstated, implied assumption the Astros will let him walk.
All of this may be true, of course. He may want to play elsewhere. He may want the “highest paid” status. Maybe money is most important to him. He may want a 6 or 8 year deal. Whatever, I hope we try our best to keep him. I hope he recognizes the contributions he received from the Astros in making him the pitcher he is today. I hope most of all he wants to stay. I trust Crane to be supportive of a financially competitive 3-4 year deal. We’ll see.
Most of all, I wish the writer would STFU about this stuff and concentrate on baseball and the Series. The games are not over, and Game 6 will not be easy.
All of this may be true, of course. He may want to play elsewhere. He may want the “highest paid” status. Maybe money is most important to him. He may want a 6 or 8 year deal. Whatever, I hope we try our best to keep him. I hope he recognizes the contributions he received from the Astros in making him the pitcher he is today. I hope most of all he wants to stay. I trust Crane to be supportive of a financially competitive 3-4 year deal. We’ll see.
Most of all, I wish the writer would STFU about this stuff and concentrate on baseball and the Series. The games are not over, and Game 6 will not be easy.
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My memory says he was always tough on us as a Seattle Mariner. We tried to trade for him, but NYY got him. I was not surprised he pitched well. I wanted badly to celebrate on their field, but to be honest, I never expected to win 2 of 3 in NY. I was hoping for one.
If the bats show up, we’ll be ok. If they do not, we may have a Game 7.
If the bats show up, we’ll be ok. If they do not, we may have a Game 7.
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Talk Zone / Sunday ticket available
« on: October 12, 2019, 07:04:15 pm »
Mark cannot go. PM me.
Face value, section 113
Face value, section 113
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Talk Zone / Sunday’s game
« on: October 11, 2019, 07:29:06 pm »
I have access to one available ticket for Sunday. If you are interested, PM me.
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Talk Zone / Tipping pitches
« on: October 11, 2019, 06:52:12 am »
Every time a pitcher gets hit hard, his (and others’) first thought is “I must be tipping somehow. They knew what was coming.” Well, maybe.
I happen to think it is good baseball to study a pitcher’s grip or mannerisms to determine if he is doing things differently on fast balls and breaking pitches. I did that for three years coaching first base for the Longhorns, and I was able to let the hitters know who wanted to know what was coming. Our first baseman, Bob Snoddy, won the SWC batting title my senior year and gave me credit in a newspaper interview, making Coach Falk apoplectic at this disclosure. One has to be certain when calling pitches for hitters because crossing the hitter up is dangerous and loses his trust in the credibility of the info.
I did this as often as possible coaching HS also. At McCallum in the ‘70s, we faced an outstanding pitcher named Tommy Boggs for three years. I called every single one of his pitches for three years because of a mannerism he had by sticking his tongue in his cheek on curves. He threw very hard, and this helped hitters get ready for his fast ball. Knowing what was coming helped us beat him every time we faced him his sophomore and junior years.
Despite our knowledge, Tommy beat us three times in close games his senior year, including a playoff game. Shoddy defense at times plus bad luck contributed, and our hitters’ knowing what he was throwing was not the deciding factor in these games. Tommy was big, strong, a fierce competitor, and he had improved so much he was drafted second overall in the first round by the Rangers and played several years in MLB for the Rangers and the Braves.
Here is the bottom line on this issue, as Boggs showed us and as Glasnow showed the Astros after the first inning last night: a hitter can know what the pitcher will throw, either by a call from the bench or by watching for the tell, but he still has to hit the ball. Using tipping pitches as the excuse for being hit hard is at least partially valid, but the excuse also denigrates the hitters’ skills.
I happen to think it is good baseball to study a pitcher’s grip or mannerisms to determine if he is doing things differently on fast balls and breaking pitches. I did that for three years coaching first base for the Longhorns, and I was able to let the hitters know who wanted to know what was coming. Our first baseman, Bob Snoddy, won the SWC batting title my senior year and gave me credit in a newspaper interview, making Coach Falk apoplectic at this disclosure. One has to be certain when calling pitches for hitters because crossing the hitter up is dangerous and loses his trust in the credibility of the info.
I did this as often as possible coaching HS also. At McCallum in the ‘70s, we faced an outstanding pitcher named Tommy Boggs for three years. I called every single one of his pitches for three years because of a mannerism he had by sticking his tongue in his cheek on curves. He threw very hard, and this helped hitters get ready for his fast ball. Knowing what was coming helped us beat him every time we faced him his sophomore and junior years.
Despite our knowledge, Tommy beat us three times in close games his senior year, including a playoff game. Shoddy defense at times plus bad luck contributed, and our hitters’ knowing what he was throwing was not the deciding factor in these games. Tommy was big, strong, a fierce competitor, and he had improved so much he was drafted second overall in the first round by the Rangers and played several years in MLB for the Rangers and the Braves.
Here is the bottom line on this issue, as Boggs showed us and as Glasnow showed the Astros after the first inning last night: a hitter can know what the pitcher will throw, either by a call from the bench or by watching for the tell, but he still has to hit the ball. Using tipping pitches as the excuse for being hit hard is at least partially valid, but the excuse also denigrates the hitters’ skills.
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Talk Zone / JV on short rest
« on: October 08, 2019, 04:35:23 am »
One of my best TZ friends is worried about Hinch’s decision. There is a great article on At Bat which should convince even the most anxious the decision to pitch him is correct, win or lose. One thing I learned while coaching playoff games is to do everything possible to win today and to not hold anything back for an uncertain tomorrow.
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Talk Zone / Tucker In September
« on: September 15, 2019, 02:38:42 pm »
Good to see him playing like he belongs. Line drives are better than occasional power.
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Game Zone 2019 / Astros at Royals, 9/15/19
« on: September 15, 2019, 11:28:21 am »
Springer and Altuve not playing
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Game Zone 2019 / As v. Astros 9/9/19
« on: September 09, 2019, 07:42:36 pm »
6-0 after one. Homers by Bregman, Alvarez, and Chirinos.
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Talk Zone / Mariners 9/5
« on: September 06, 2019, 06:36:02 am »
Good grief, what a game! I was so amped up when it ended sleep fought me for quite a while. Improbable wins like last night help to heal wounds caused by reliable relievers giving up late inning hits to lose games we thought were certain wins.
Tucker gave the Astros needed heroics with Springer hurt. Ditto Josh James giving multiple innings with several of the veteran pen guys out. Kudos to Osuna for bailing Smith out by striking out Seager with a runner at third and two out. Cannot forget Sneed and Urquidy who ate up seven innings while the Astros pecked away. Myles Straw(!)-watch the replay. Tucker’s clutch hit was straight to the RF on one chest high bounce, and Straw,helped by being free to run immediately with two outs, beat the throw easily. Making out a postseason roster will be difficult IF the Astros get there. Finally, Uncle Mike!
This team never quits. As Brantley said, the Astros are a “special team.”
Tucker gave the Astros needed heroics with Springer hurt. Ditto Josh James giving multiple innings with several of the veteran pen guys out. Kudos to Osuna for bailing Smith out by striking out Seager with a runner at third and two out. Cannot forget Sneed and Urquidy who ate up seven innings while the Astros pecked away. Myles Straw(!)-watch the replay. Tucker’s clutch hit was straight to the RF on one chest high bounce, and Straw,helped by being free to run immediately with two outs, beat the throw easily. Making out a postseason roster will be difficult IF the Astros get there. Finally, Uncle Mike!
This team never quits. As Brantley said, the Astros are a “special team.”
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Talk Zone / Recalled players
« on: September 02, 2019, 11:59:49 am »
Kyle Tucker, Garrett Stubbs, Cionel Perez
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Talk Zone / Skaggs autopsy
« on: August 30, 2019, 03:16:11 pm »
"The cause of death is listed as a mixture of 'alcohol, fentanyl and oxycodone intoxication with terminal aspiration of gastric contents,' meaning Skaggs, 27, essentially choked on his vomit while under the influence," Torres and DiGiovanna wrote.
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Talk Zone / RR v. SA game 4
« on: August 29, 2019, 07:29:32 pm »
Tucker homered to LF. 1-0 RR in 2nd
Bielak pitching for RR.
Bielak pitching for RR.
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Game Zone 2019 / TB v. Astros, August 27, 2019
« on: August 27, 2019, 04:56:14 pm »
CFM v. JV
Hope the offense is there.
Hope the offense is there.
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Talk Zone / Cristian Javier
« on: August 26, 2019, 10:23:58 am »
He pitched really well last night (6IP, 2H, 0R, 2BB, 8K), then James and McCurry torpedoed his win.
What do you Bus Riders say about him?
What do you Bus Riders say about him?
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I love watching him pitch. What he did to Trout last night was something to see. What a contrast to JV and Cole.
I think I would make a two year extension offer to Cole to try to entice him to pitch with them for the balance of their contracts. His payday will be big enough, and there still will be time for a megadeal. Not likely, I know.
I think I would make a two year extension offer to Cole to try to entice him to pitch with them for the balance of their contracts. His payday will be big enough, and there still will be time for a megadeal. Not likely, I know.
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Talk Zone / Off day question
« on: August 08, 2019, 03:00:39 pm »
Yesterday, Mark, HH, Drew Corleone,, and I discussed this question I posed:
Which Astros lineup was the best-1998, 2004, or 2019?
We all agreed. What say you?
Which Astros lineup was the best-1998, 2004, or 2019?
We all agreed. What say you?
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Talk Zone / Tucker In August
« on: August 02, 2019, 09:38:21 am »
He played 1B last night and did fine, just as Álvarez did when I saw him play 1B in RR. Tucker had one difficult chance moving to his right for a backhand stop and long overhand throw leading the pitcher to the bag. He made that play with no problem.
As I posted last night, he had a major power outage in July. He hit only three homers during the month, and none of them were in RR. Same story last night. He hit two home run distance shots, but they were well foul.
By the way, Humberto Castellanos looked great. Nine up, nine down in 6-7-8 when strikes were badly needed. The game was nearly four hours, and I was stupid tired before it ended.
As I posted last night, he had a major power outage in July. He hit only three homers during the month, and none of them were in RR. Same story last night. He hit two home run distance shots, but they were well foul.
By the way, Humberto Castellanos looked great. Nine up, nine down in 6-7-8 when strikes were badly needed. The game was nearly four hours, and I was stupid tired before it ended.
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Talk Zone / Bregman and Altuve
« on: July 24, 2019, 08:52:09 am »
One reason I like the TV broadcast is the absence of shameless homerism. Blum has been saying for awhile Altuve has become pull-happy this year, and he has illustrated the point with Altuve’s spray charts. The result often is high choppers to 3B. GIDP. Outs.
Bagwell was very frank last night about Bregman; he said his swing has been off all year. I think so too. Lots of ofers. Lots of pop ups. The absence of line drives. Looking jumpy and uncomfortable at the plate at times. Bregman’s HRs are great but are fools gold. He is not the same hitter as last year, but there is time. Bagwell says Bregman knows. If I see it, the real professionals see it also.
Bagwell was very frank last night about Bregman; he said his swing has been off all year. I think so too. Lots of ofers. Lots of pop ups. The absence of line drives. Looking jumpy and uncomfortable at the plate at times. Bregman’s HRs are great but are fools gold. He is not the same hitter as last year, but there is time. Bagwell says Bregman knows. If I see it, the real professionals see it also.
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Talk Zone / What I hate to hear
« on: July 22, 2019, 09:01:13 pm »
Luhnow today: “The current roster can win it all.”
Tough translation: “We don’t need no fucking trade.”
Got to think/hope he merely is posturing before the deadline.
Tough translation: “We don’t need no fucking trade.”
Got to think/hope he merely is posturing before the deadline.
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Talk Zone / 4th starter
« on: July 19, 2019, 07:54:09 am »
The 4th starter’s turn is tomorrow, and the starter is listed at TBD. Is Sneed past the ten days wait so could come up to take the start? Four alleged trade targets pitched yesterday so could not pitch Sat even if acquired. Another alleged target is pitching against JV tonight. James as opener again? Devo first, then James?
Has there been any word on Peacock? What a balancing act for management this injury wave is.
Has there been any word on Peacock? What a balancing act for management this injury wave is.
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Talk Zone / Our info source
« on: July 15, 2019, 11:41:07 am »
Where is chuck with current news to make us hopeful?
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When each new season starts, I forget. I forget there will be nights like last night when formerly dependable players falter and fail. I forget my favorite team occasionally blows a game it should have won. I forget those games when inferior teams suddenly display skills I forgot they had and for a brief time cannot be stopped. I remember only the good times, come from behind triumphs, and my team’s celebrations on the field after a win. I forget the other team wants to win badly also. I go into each season wanting to win them all, and I forget there will be crushing defeats keeping me from sleep.
Despite all this inevitable gloom and doom, occasioned by nights like last night, the beauty and joy of baseball makes it all worthwhile, and I am once again reminded: there always is another game.
Despite all this inevitable gloom and doom, occasioned by nights like last night, the beauty and joy of baseball makes it all worthwhile, and I am once again reminded: there always is another game.
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Talk Zone / JV:the aftermath
« on: July 06, 2019, 12:05:14 pm »
He conceded last night he has to make adjustments to keep the balls in the park. Any bets on what he’ll do?
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Talk Zone / Brett Phillips
« on: July 04, 2019, 08:52:54 am »
Somehow I missed the news he is in the KC system now. I worked the Express game last night (exciting comeback win after being down 8-1), and saw him play for Omaha. Hard to believe he was the cause of so much angst at the time of The Trade. He is hitting .226 and looks very ordinary in the OF. Great speed.
He did something last night I had never seen. He hit a dribbler up the first baseline which Jones, the first baseman, fielded on the line about 30 feet from the bag and waited on the line for the tag on Phillips. Rather than jog down the line into the tag, Phillips made a hard right turn, crossed the foul line, entered the dugout, and took his seat.
Looked bush league to me. Mike said he had seen it once before, but I had not. Had is the one we lost, not Phillips.
He did something last night I had never seen. He hit a dribbler up the first baseline which Jones, the first baseman, fielded on the line about 30 feet from the bag and waited on the line for the tag on Phillips. Rather than jog down the line into the tag, Phillips made a hard right turn, crossed the foul line, entered the dugout, and took his seat.
Looked bush league to me. Mike said he had seen it once before, but I had not. Had is the one we lost, not Phillips.
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The narrative on the TZ during the bad streak was how washed up Yuli is and advance planning on his replacement. Then I learned last night he hit .321 during the road trip. Getting him back to first will be good, and he will be hitting 6th or 7th when the lineup is back to full strength. I think he will be fine, as he showed us last night hitting 6th.
Fisher is not listed anywhere on the RR roster, and I wonder what is up with him. I also wonder how big of a doghouse Correa is in.
ETA: Fisher was listed with the bench players last night so I guess he is back from wherever.
Fisher is not listed anywhere on the RR roster, and I wonder what is up with him. I also wonder how big of a doghouse Correa is in.
ETA: Fisher was listed with the bench players last night so I guess he is back from wherever.
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Talk Zone / This losing streak
« on: June 23, 2019, 07:57:09 am »
Every team goes through something like this, even without the major injuries the Astros had. Trouble is, for me at least, I did not see this one coming. The kids from RR were not merely filling in; they were helping the Astros win games and should not be blamed for the disappearance of the offense. Bregman’s swing malaise has been going on all season, Yuli’s run production is way off, and Brantley and Reddick cannot carry the team. Who woulda thunk JV and Cole would not win their starts and Osuna and Pressly both would blow saves and lose games on this road trip.
Glad to see a Monday off day coming. My guess is the brain trust is deep into roster analysis and is working the phones. In Luhnow I trust, but dammit, win today.
Glad to see a Monday off day coming. My guess is the brain trust is deep into roster analysis and is working the phones. In Luhnow I trust, but dammit, win today.
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Talk Zone / Tucker in June
« on: June 15, 2019, 07:38:51 pm »
Over .280, 22 homers, 53 RBI
What will happen with him?
What will happen with him?
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Talk Zone / The crazy play last night
« on: June 04, 2019, 08:04:25 am »
When I first saw the first and third play on which the fourth run scored, my first thought was “WTF is the SS doing?” Why did he throw home instead of turning two to end the inning?” TK said this on his pbp. Perhaps some or many of you thought the same thing. But after watching the replay several times, I changed my mind, and Stanton voiced my current opinion in the postgame show.
The catcher was the one at fault. With a runner at third and one out, he cannot assume a double play attempt and leave the plate uncovered. Think Bregman and McCann in Game Seven against NYY. The Seattle SS had to charge the ball slightly to his right and was moving diagonally away from second base. Right or wrong, he made the judgment he did not have time to stop, plant, turn, and get the DP to end the inning and to keep the run from scoring. Like Bregman in the ALCS, he threw home to cut off the run which he thought would score if he tried for a DP. The catcher had no business vacating the plate in that situation, and the runner coming from third would have been out. The SS looked foolish throwing to an uncovered base, but the error in judgment was the catcher’s.
The catcher was the one at fault. With a runner at third and one out, he cannot assume a double play attempt and leave the plate uncovered. Think Bregman and McCann in Game Seven against NYY. The Seattle SS had to charge the ball slightly to his right and was moving diagonally away from second base. Right or wrong, he made the judgment he did not have time to stop, plant, turn, and get the DP to end the inning and to keep the run from scoring. Like Bregman in the ALCS, he threw home to cut off the run which he thought would score if he tried for a DP. The catcher had no business vacating the plate in that situation, and the runner coming from third would have been out. The SS looked foolish throwing to an uncovered base, but the error in judgment was the catcher’s.
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Talk Zone / Jose Urquidy
« on: May 22, 2019, 06:38:11 am »
I worked the RR game with Mike last night, and Urquidy started in Brady Rodgers’ place. Only one game, I know, but he was damned impressive. 6 IP, 3 H, 1 R (earned), 1 BB (HPU screwed him on this), and 12 K. His FB got up to 95, and he had a sharp-breaking slider. He is from Mexico, and no doubt the Bus Ride folks can tell us more. He is worth watching in future appearances.
Alvarez did not play (dammit). Tucker was 2-4 with an impressive RBI double driven hard down the line in LF. Fisher hit a 400+ foot moonshot homer, Straw had two hits and a hard line out to CF. He also made a very good barehand pickup and throw from SS for the final out. Reed even got in the act with a multiple hit game and 3 RBI.
Apropos to nothing, I think Mayfield is a really good player. He plays 3B, SS, and 2B well. Other orgs should want him as a utility player. I wonder if they do.
Alvarez did not play (dammit). Tucker was 2-4 with an impressive RBI double driven hard down the line in LF. Fisher hit a 400+ foot moonshot homer, Straw had two hits and a hard line out to CF. He also made a very good barehand pickup and throw from SS for the final out. Reed even got in the act with a multiple hit game and 3 RBI.
Apropos to nothing, I think Mayfield is a really good player. He plays 3B, SS, and 2B well. Other orgs should want him as a utility player. I wonder if they do.
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Talk Zone / Express 5/14
« on: May 14, 2019, 12:11:35 pm »
I am at the game. Rogers pitching, Straw at SS, Alvarez at 1B. Rogers 90-92.
For anyone who cares, I’ll be working with Capps 5/21.
For anyone who cares, I’ll be working with Capps 5/21.
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Talk Zone / Armenteros
« on: April 27, 2019, 07:46:26 am »
I worked with Capps last night, and Armenteros pitched, He was reasonably effective, and struck put 7 in 4.1 IP, but I was surprised (maybe I just do not know enough) by his lack of velocity. His FB sat at 90-91, and he threw a lot of 81-83 changeups and sliders. The change up was his most effective pitch. Bus Riders, did he once throw harder than this?
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Talk Zone / JV and Cole
« on: February 20, 2019, 01:22:22 pm »
Crane says the team will try to extend both.
I am bracing for Cabrera.
I am bracing for Cabrera.
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Talk Zone / Cuba trip with some details
« on: January 29, 2019, 03:40:34 pm »
I was on a cruise on the Azamara Journey, which is part of the Royal Caribbean family. The ship was a smaller one with only 700 passengers. I was part of a group of 100 who were guests of Park West Gallery. As you may imagine, we “qualified” for this free cruise (and a free 24/7 drinks package) by previous art purchases. Park West is the largest art dealer in the world and supplies the art for cruise ship art programs.
We were in Havana for two days, Cienfuegos for one day, 24 hours spread over two days (5pm to 5pm) in Santiago de Cuba, one day in Nassau, and two sea days. Organized tours were available at each port, and the cruise line took as many of the 700 who wanted to go to a fabulous modern ballet performance the first night in Havana. This show was truly incredible.
In Havana I did the classic car tour the first morning, which combined the cars, a bus, and a short walking tour. One of our three guides said something to me about baseball, and I told him I wanted a fitted Industrialies cap. After the tour ended, he took me on a trek in and out of shops he knew of trying to find an authentic team cap. Just as he/we were about to give up, we found one! Yay. A bonus of this association was he worked in a restaurant as his regular gig, and we (I was hanging out with a great couple from KC who are SERIOUS art collectors), and we ate “lunch” there at about 3. The next day I blew off the walking tour after awhile and walked around Havana by myself soaking it all in. Surreal-much like Carolyn and I walking in Red Square-to be walking around Havana Cuba, alone, with no fear or apprehension. The streets were clogged with people on a weekday, and I did not encounter a single unfriendly person. I bought Montecristo cigars for Mark and me. Under the new rules, up to 100 cigars may be brought back duty free.
My most fun day was in Cienfuegos. The three of us wound up in two bicycle taxis, and they drove us around for 6+ hours. We shopped, stopped to see a restaurant where Fidel celebrated after the revolution was secure (big photo on the wall), just generally drove around all over, and went to the ballpark (Cienfuegos Los Elefantes). The team had been eliminated from the postseason so I thought I would be taking photos of an empty ballpark. No! There was a game in progress between two teams of 18-year olds-a team from Cienfuegos and one from another town. We watched 2-3 innings and left with Cienfuegos holding a 7-1 lead. As we left, a guy with some swag approached the easy mark (me), and after some negotiation I bought a cap and home and away Los Elefantes jerseys. We told our drivers we wanted an authentic Cuban meal, and they took us to Restaurante Bahia, which was great. We bought their lunch, and I had a couple of the best local beer (Bucanero) with my lunch. Don’t ask me what I had because I do not remember, but it was great. Our drivers each had a heaping pile of fried shrimp, and the mixture of rice and black beans was to die for. One of the drivers was a baseball fanatic; he did not speak much English, but we talked all day about Cuban and other Latin American MLB players. They turned into Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid when we were back at the ship, but we paid the 100 CUC per taxi without argument. We had not negotiated a price up front, and they had us all day in a tremendously fun day.
The three of us walked around Santiago’s Old Town, which is very hilly and somewhat challenging, Think SF. My friends mostly hung out in the Plaza Square setting up a photo with some musicians so I left them and explored on my own. I was kicking myself for not buying street art in Cienfuegos, and the shopping was not as good in Santiago. I finally found a street with shops and bought a couple of pieces...one to keep and one to give away. My friends wanted to go back to the ship around 1 so I went with them because I thought I had been pretty much all over the Old Town area. We encounter one extremely friendly local on the street who asked me where I was from. When I told him, he said “Oh, Estados Unidos!” The best people in the world are from Estados Unidos, except for Cuba.” On my way back down the hill going to the ship, she stopped me again to ask if I had a good time and to urge me to return. He was not trying to sell me anything; he simply was being welcoming and friendly. We went to the Tropicana the night we were in Santiago. It is a 1950s-style nightclub show with women in colorful outfits with tall headdresses, male and female singers and dancers, a complimentary cigar, and a complimentary bottle of rum and Cokes for each two patrons.
One funny thing, or at least this made me smile. The internet warns potential US travelers not to rely on credit cards because US bank cards are not accepted. One needs cash, and Cuba’s payback for the embargo is to charge an extra an extra 10% to exchange US dollars for CUC (1 to 1 USD). All currency is charged 3% so $100 USD becomes 87 CUC. US folks are advised take euros, Canadian dollars, or British pounds to exchange. I took Canadian. I did not do a good job spending all my money ashore, so I had to exchange what I had when I left Santiago. US banks will not take CUC. I went to the window and asked for Canadian dollars. The nice lady changing money said “I only have US dollars.” Well, good for you! Cuba did not get my 10% entering the country , but it got it when I left.
The people were extremely friendly and are glad to see Americans coming as tourists. In each city, the streets are crowded all day. Our guide in Havana told us “When you go back home, tell your friends we love Americans. We have been praying for this day for many years.”
Ask me any questions you have. I had a wonderful time. Cuba was a bucket list dream trip for me.
We were in Havana for two days, Cienfuegos for one day, 24 hours spread over two days (5pm to 5pm) in Santiago de Cuba, one day in Nassau, and two sea days. Organized tours were available at each port, and the cruise line took as many of the 700 who wanted to go to a fabulous modern ballet performance the first night in Havana. This show was truly incredible.
In Havana I did the classic car tour the first morning, which combined the cars, a bus, and a short walking tour. One of our three guides said something to me about baseball, and I told him I wanted a fitted Industrialies cap. After the tour ended, he took me on a trek in and out of shops he knew of trying to find an authentic team cap. Just as he/we were about to give up, we found one! Yay. A bonus of this association was he worked in a restaurant as his regular gig, and we (I was hanging out with a great couple from KC who are SERIOUS art collectors), and we ate “lunch” there at about 3. The next day I blew off the walking tour after awhile and walked around Havana by myself soaking it all in. Surreal-much like Carolyn and I walking in Red Square-to be walking around Havana Cuba, alone, with no fear or apprehension. The streets were clogged with people on a weekday, and I did not encounter a single unfriendly person. I bought Montecristo cigars for Mark and me. Under the new rules, up to 100 cigars may be brought back duty free.
My most fun day was in Cienfuegos. The three of us wound up in two bicycle taxis, and they drove us around for 6+ hours. We shopped, stopped to see a restaurant where Fidel celebrated after the revolution was secure (big photo on the wall), just generally drove around all over, and went to the ballpark (Cienfuegos Los Elefantes). The team had been eliminated from the postseason so I thought I would be taking photos of an empty ballpark. No! There was a game in progress between two teams of 18-year olds-a team from Cienfuegos and one from another town. We watched 2-3 innings and left with Cienfuegos holding a 7-1 lead. As we left, a guy with some swag approached the easy mark (me), and after some negotiation I bought a cap and home and away Los Elefantes jerseys. We told our drivers we wanted an authentic Cuban meal, and they took us to Restaurante Bahia, which was great. We bought their lunch, and I had a couple of the best local beer (Bucanero) with my lunch. Don’t ask me what I had because I do not remember, but it was great. Our drivers each had a heaping pile of fried shrimp, and the mixture of rice and black beans was to die for. One of the drivers was a baseball fanatic; he did not speak much English, but we talked all day about Cuban and other Latin American MLB players. They turned into Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid when we were back at the ship, but we paid the 100 CUC per taxi without argument. We had not negotiated a price up front, and they had us all day in a tremendously fun day.
The three of us walked around Santiago’s Old Town, which is very hilly and somewhat challenging, Think SF. My friends mostly hung out in the Plaza Square setting up a photo with some musicians so I left them and explored on my own. I was kicking myself for not buying street art in Cienfuegos, and the shopping was not as good in Santiago. I finally found a street with shops and bought a couple of pieces...one to keep and one to give away. My friends wanted to go back to the ship around 1 so I went with them because I thought I had been pretty much all over the Old Town area. We encounter one extremely friendly local on the street who asked me where I was from. When I told him, he said “Oh, Estados Unidos!” The best people in the world are from Estados Unidos, except for Cuba.” On my way back down the hill going to the ship, she stopped me again to ask if I had a good time and to urge me to return. He was not trying to sell me anything; he simply was being welcoming and friendly. We went to the Tropicana the night we were in Santiago. It is a 1950s-style nightclub show with women in colorful outfits with tall headdresses, male and female singers and dancers, a complimentary cigar, and a complimentary bottle of rum and Cokes for each two patrons.
One funny thing, or at least this made me smile. The internet warns potential US travelers not to rely on credit cards because US bank cards are not accepted. One needs cash, and Cuba’s payback for the embargo is to charge an extra an extra 10% to exchange US dollars for CUC (1 to 1 USD). All currency is charged 3% so $100 USD becomes 87 CUC. US folks are advised take euros, Canadian dollars, or British pounds to exchange. I took Canadian. I did not do a good job spending all my money ashore, so I had to exchange what I had when I left Santiago. US banks will not take CUC. I went to the window and asked for Canadian dollars. The nice lady changing money said “I only have US dollars.” Well, good for you! Cuba did not get my 10% entering the country , but it got it when I left.
The people were extremely friendly and are glad to see Americans coming as tourists. In each city, the streets are crowded all day. Our guide in Havana told us “When you go back home, tell your friends we love Americans. We have been praying for this day for many years.”
Ask me any questions you have. I had a wonderful time. Cuba was a bucket list dream trip for me.
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I returned yesterday from a cruise which stopped in Havana, Cienfuegos, and Santiago. This was a bucket list destination for me. Our bicycle taxi drivers in Cienfuegos took us to the ballpark, and we got a bonus experience of watching 3-4 innings of a game between 18-year olds from Cienfuegos and another town. One of our drivers was a baseball fanatic who told me 112 times Puig, Abreu, and Moncada all played for the Cienfuegos Los Elefantes. I told him the Astros are my team so he called me Gurriel the rest of the day. I bought a cap and two jerseys. Awesome day.
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Talk Zone / Bryce Harper
« on: November 10, 2018, 02:13:24 pm »
Rosenthal says Luhnow traded for him on 7/30, but Nats ownership said no. Did Cabrera beat me to this?
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Beer and Queso / Nor’Easter
« on: October 29, 2018, 12:53:17 pm »
I experience one in Quebec City my last day and night there. Holyfuckingshit. You have never seen such wind. Not in gusts either; the wind blew for hours without letting up.
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Talk Zone / Carl Everett
« on: October 12, 2018, 01:08:35 pm »
If you want to know the reason he cannot stop smiling, the answer is easy. Stanton’s AB in the 9th against Kimbrell with the bases loaded and no out in Game 4 is now the worst AB in the history of baseball.
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I hope they win out, and we do also. I want NYY to play the WC game in Oakland. IF we clinch soon, I will become an As fan. I like their team and what they have done a lot.
One of you who uses Twitter should explain the BBGs to Kalas. He must be told to can all the discussion of celebrations until there is something to celebrate.
One of you who uses Twitter should explain the BBGs to Kalas. He must be told to can all the discussion of celebrations until there is something to celebrate.
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He has pitched in a ton of bad luck lately, and his recent horrible stats include bloop hits which proplonged innings or won games. That said, I think he throws too many fastballs. His is Giles-like straight, and as last night proved, even a scrub MLB hitter can turn on a 98 mph straight fastball middle in. He threw one slider in his outing last night, and Span swung and missed to make it 1-2. I am curious if he shook off Maldonado on any of the next three pitches, which all were fastballs called balls. The last two were not close enough to be chased. As soon as I say this, Mark will remind me of Rondon’s cementmixer two-strike slider to the Dback SS, which resulted in a gift double to put the eventual winning run in scoring position.
I was imploring Hinch through my TV to let Pressly start the 8th at least to have his breaking pitches confront Cruz. Sipp has some of the blame for the 8th. If he does not walk Zunino or gets the lefty-hitting Gordon, Pressly pitches the 8th, and I think we go to the 9th 1-0.
Rondon must return to form ASAP. I know the offense shoulders much of the blame for many of the losses at home, and I am not giving the hitters a free pass, but a pitcher’s only job is to get outs regardless of the score. We should have gone to the 9th 1-0. Sipp and Rondon are the reasons we did not.
I was imploring Hinch through my TV to let Pressly start the 8th at least to have his breaking pitches confront Cruz. Sipp has some of the blame for the 8th. If he does not walk Zunino or gets the lefty-hitting Gordon, Pressly pitches the 8th, and I think we go to the 9th 1-0.
Rondon must return to form ASAP. I know the offense shoulders much of the blame for many of the losses at home, and I am not giving the hitters a free pass, but a pitcher’s only job is to get outs regardless of the score. We should have gone to the 9th 1-0. Sipp and Rondon are the reasons we did not.
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Talk Zone / Todd the Bod
« on: August 30, 2018, 08:21:34 am »
Kudos to you for believing in Tyler White through it all. He has justified your faith big time.
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Talk Zone / Giants series
« on: August 08, 2018, 08:59:50 am »
Those wins truly were amazing. The two relief pitchers we victimized had been lights out all year. They are not scrubs.
White employed a classic HS hitter’s two strike approach: choke up, shorten up, put the ball in play. Contrast his first two swings with the last one.
If Marwin lately is who he will be the rest of the year, he is the bat we needed. He is locked in.
The patchwork lineup’s performance on a tough road trip is only one reason why I love this team and how Hinch manages games.
White employed a classic HS hitter’s two strike approach: choke up, shorten up, put the ball in play. Contrast his first two swings with the last one.
If Marwin lately is who he will be the rest of the year, he is the bat we needed. He is locked in.
The patchwork lineup’s performance on a tough road trip is only one reason why I love this team and how Hinch manages games.
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Talk Zone / 9th inning shift last night
« on: August 07, 2018, 08:59:42 am »
A reporter asked Hinch about Crawford’s hit, and Hinch replied he’s rather him swing to beat the shift than hit one out. I understand the general purpose of the shift: we are going to take away your power/pull side so go the other way if you think you can.
I get it, but I think there should be situational defense too. Crawford’s AB could not tie the game; a solo HR would still have us in front 3-2. What would tie the game is a Crawford shift-beating single and then a HR. Seems to me keeping him off base was a big deal in that situation. Why not play him straight up with a 2-run lead, especially if the plan was to pitch him away?
I get it, but I think there should be situational defense too. Crawford’s AB could not tie the game; a solo HR would still have us in front 3-2. What would tie the game is a Crawford shift-beating single and then a HR. Seems to me keeping him off base was a big deal in that situation. Why not play him straight up with a 2-run lead, especially if the plan was to pitch him away?
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Talk Zone / Up the middle
« on: July 28, 2018, 09:36:09 pm »
You know the old saw about good teams being strong up the middle? Well, our C, SS, and 2B are all on the DL. Springer should be afraid. Very afraid.
These are the times that try fans’ souls. Do not bail on this team.
These are the times that try fans’ souls. Do not bail on this team.
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Talk Zone / Gary Sanchez
« on: July 24, 2018, 02:37:32 pm »
His lack of hustle cost NYY a game last night. He went on the DL today because “an MRI revealed an injury.”
Bull.shit.
Bull.shit.
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Talk Zone / Wilson Ramos
« on: July 12, 2018, 02:20:08 pm »
MLB Network says the Astros and Rays are talking.
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Talk Zone / Last night
« on: July 11, 2018, 08:31:03 am »
Lost in all the brouhaha over the bizarre ending were the terrific ABs by Reddick, Tucker, and Kemp against the hottest closer in MLB and Reddick’s tremendous baserunning which produced the tying run.
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I am moving this discussion from the GZ to the TZ. I am somewhere between chuck (“he is a wasted roster spot”) and knoxbanedoodle (“my heart goes out to him; he was set up to fail”). If you want to read the best summation of this situation (IMO), read HH’s post toward the end of the GZ thread. Maybe he could be used better, maybe not, but his job is to get outs regardless of the score or situation. Giles’ attitude bothers me far more than his pitching. There are 27 outs to get, and Hinch has said all year he does not care about defined roles; he just wants outs. I applaud his approach, but Giles’ body language and demeanor say loudly he wants only to pitch in a save situation. So does his pitching, and if he has value to another team, I would give him the change of scenery he may need.
Hinch strikes me as a pretty tough guy when attitude issues surface. I believe he turned McCullers around. He was trying to treat Giles’ fragile psyche gently, and he covered for him nicely in last night’s postgame interview. This situation with Giles will be interesting to follow. Giles simply must stop pouting and get whichever outs he is asked to get. As I said in the GZ last night, the contrast with McHugh is dramatic.
Hinch strikes me as a pretty tough guy when attitude issues surface. I believe he turned McCullers around. He was trying to treat Giles’ fragile psyche gently, and he covered for him nicely in last night’s postgame interview. This situation with Giles will be interesting to follow. Giles simply must stop pouting and get whichever outs he is asked to get. As I said in the GZ last night, the contrast with McHugh is dramatic.
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Talk Zone / Once upon a time....
« on: July 11, 2018, 07:23:23 am »
Last night’s bizarre ending conjured up this memory:
I coached at Brenham HS from 1968-71. Somewhere in there we were playing in a tournament in College Station; I do not remember our opponent, but that does not matter. We were in a sacrifice bunt situation (yes, we sacrificed), and our hitter got down a perfect bunt down the first baseline. The 1B fielded the ball about halfway up the line, and waited for our hitter to come to him and be tagged. Like Bregman, my hitter retreated from the tag and moved back toward the catcher. Rather than simply turning and throwing the ball to the 2B who was covering first base to get the out, their 1B threw the ball to the catcher. A rundown commenced! Between first and home! After 3-4 throws, my hitter was tagged out, but by then I was laughing so hard, I did not care.
So if you ask me if I ever have seen anything like last night, my answer is “Well, sorta.”
I coached at Brenham HS from 1968-71. Somewhere in there we were playing in a tournament in College Station; I do not remember our opponent, but that does not matter. We were in a sacrifice bunt situation (yes, we sacrificed), and our hitter got down a perfect bunt down the first baseline. The 1B fielded the ball about halfway up the line, and waited for our hitter to come to him and be tagged. Like Bregman, my hitter retreated from the tag and moved back toward the catcher. Rather than simply turning and throwing the ball to the 2B who was covering first base to get the out, their 1B threw the ball to the catcher. A rundown commenced! Between first and home! After 3-4 throws, my hitter was tagged out, but by then I was laughing so hard, I did not care.
So if you ask me if I ever have seen anything like last night, my answer is “Well, sorta.”
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Talk Zone / Morton last night
« on: June 27, 2018, 08:17:18 am »
I thought he was going to pitch a no-hitter.
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Talk Zone / Springer’s almost homer
« on: June 26, 2018, 08:06:10 am »
If the fan had been more aggressive, he could have caught the ball above the OFer’s glove, it was in the stands.
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Talk Zone / Grandson Weston
« on: June 21, 2018, 07:25:02 pm »
Apologies for using the TZ for a personal post, but as some of you know, Elizabeth’s two month old son stopped breathing Sunday morning and had been in Dell Children’s Hospital all week. Turned out he had a couple of viruses in his lungs, and the apnea was because his breathing apparatus is not yet developed enough to deal with the lunch congestion. The docs at Dell see this all the time in infants and were not overly concerned, but Elizabeth and her family were terrified. Weston has improved steadily, and they went home tonight.
Thanks and much love to all of you who expressed your care and concern on FB or texts. This truly is a community of good friends.
Coach/Jim
PS I had oral surgery today so this has NOT been my best week ever.
JRR
Thanks and much love to all of you who expressed your care and concern on FB or texts. This truly is a community of good friends.
Coach/Jim
PS I had oral surgery today so this has NOT been my best week ever.
JRR
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Talk Zone / Saw Hader today
« on: June 13, 2018, 04:19:27 pm »
He slings the ball, but it gets up there in a hurry. 38 IP, 75 Ks.
Saw the Cubs get shut out two days in a row! FTC.
Saw the Cubs get shut out two days in a row! FTC.
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Talk Zone / What could have been
« on: May 30, 2018, 08:31:52 pm »
3 out of 4 in Cleveland
2 out of 3 in NY
Instead, we give up 7 runs in the bottom of the 9th.
2 out of 3 in NY
Instead, we give up 7 runs in the bottom of the 9th.
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Man, I hate games like that...blowing a lead and giving away a cinch win. Seven hits and almost none were hit hard. My TV just does not listen. NO to using Giles in a non-save situation. NO to Harris instead of Smith in yet another save situation. NO to Rondon throwing FB after FB in the same spot away ahead TWICE 0-2. Back foot slider, please. Come inside once, please. Bounce one, please. Throw a chase pitch, please. They kept flicking the ball and inside-outing it the other way. Bregman just missed ending the game on Brantley’s soft liner. Fuck the game of inches axiom. Get the damn 27th out. Wouldn’t a LHP have been great in the bottom of the 13th with a lead? Dammit! I knew when they retied it in the 13th we were dead. The only question was when, and we did not have to wait long.
I know, of course, stuff like yesterday will happen in a 162 game season, but yesterday was a grudge match. Cole was about to beat Bauer. Dammit.
I know, of course, stuff like yesterday will happen in a 162 game season, but yesterday was a grudge match. Cole was about to beat Bauer. Dammit.
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Talk Zone / Altuve vs. McCullers
« on: May 27, 2018, 10:53:47 am »
That was leadership, boys and girls.
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Because the roster changes thread somehow morphed into Hamilton, I am starting this one to try to continue the discussion started in the GZ last night. Some losses do not bother me. Long season, you’re going to lose some, we are winning, blah, blah, blah. Last night’s loss pissed me off. The team played with playoff intensity Monday night but merely went through the motions last night and wasted JV’s brilliance by rolling over in the clutch. Altuve looked like vintage Biggio on sliders low and away. Marvin takes FBs and chases breaking balls in the dirt. Giles? Fuck. He did not have the same confidence and fire we saw Monday...until he got to the dugout. Why 13 pitchers with this rotation? How can they keep running Gattis out there? Sipp is basically a mopup pitcher, and McHugh is wasted and rusting from lack of use. Fisher is nothing but a pinch runner who hits a home run occasionally and strikes out most of the time. Marisnick is a defensive replacement. There are holes in any lineup we put out there, unlike last year. Aoki would be an upgrade.
Intellectually I know an MLB manager and GM cannot look at only one game to base decisions on. I do not know if/when Hinch gets mad, but last night was a good opportunity. This series is a good early season test of where we are, and there are others not far away. Last night exposed our roster issues. Luhnow is much smarter than I so he must see the same things I see. He said last night in response to a Twitter question about possible changes “We are pretty good.” Yes, we are, but if the goal is multiple WS—and I know it is—we need to be better. Call me impatient, but I do not want to wait until July to get better.
Intellectually I know an MLB manager and GM cannot look at only one game to base decisions on. I do not know if/when Hinch gets mad, but last night was a good opportunity. This series is a good early season test of where we are, and there are others not far away. Last night exposed our roster issues. Luhnow is much smarter than I so he must see the same things I see. He said last night in response to a Twitter question about possible changes “We are pretty good.” Yes, we are, but if the goal is multiple WS—and I know it is—we need to be better. Call me impatient, but I do not want to wait until July to get better.
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Talk Zone / Trevor Bauer
« on: May 01, 2018, 02:01:46 pm »
Implies the Astros pitchers are cheating to increase spin rate.
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Talk Zone / Observations
« on: May 01, 2018, 08:01:45 am »
I think Hinch has done a masterful job helping Giles to regain his confidence. Giles was a beast last night. I agree wholeheartedly with BG about JV’s effect on the staff. His influence, and success in the postseason’s Game Sevens have made Morton a confident pitcher. His demeanor on the mound is so different than last year. I also think it is no coincidence Cole’s enormous talent exploded when he came to Houston. I read his compliment to the analytics guys after his electric last start, and JV has been effusive in his praise of them since he came over in the trade. Best trade ever, indeed.
This organization has my complete admiration, and imo, is something to behold. What others do not do even half as well is the integration of analytics into day to day real baseball on the field. Praise from JV and Cole about becoming better pitchers by listening to the analytics guys as well as Strong and by using the information and technology provided is part of it, and sending Mr. Analytics to be a coach on the field in the minors is straight up genius. Houston should be a destination by now for talented free agents, and a trade to Houston should be a cause for celebration. I think (hope?) locking up Altuve is only the beginning of keeping the Core Four together, and if Morton wants to keep playing next year, why would he leave?
This season thus far has had disappointments, of course: a struggling inconsistent offense, especially at the bottom of the order, holes in LF and at DH, Smith’s ineffectiveness, Harris’ lack of swing and miss stuff, no shutdown LHP in the pen, and Marwin’s slow start. With all that, however, the Astros are 20-10 on May 1, and Tucker likely is on the way to see what he can do when the games mean something. I look forward to seeing how Luhnow chooses to tweak this roster to address the disappointments. What a great time to be an Astros fan.
This organization has my complete admiration, and imo, is something to behold. What others do not do even half as well is the integration of analytics into day to day real baseball on the field. Praise from JV and Cole about becoming better pitchers by listening to the analytics guys as well as Strong and by using the information and technology provided is part of it, and sending Mr. Analytics to be a coach on the field in the minors is straight up genius. Houston should be a destination by now for talented free agents, and a trade to Houston should be a cause for celebration. I think (hope?) locking up Altuve is only the beginning of keeping the Core Four together, and if Morton wants to keep playing next year, why would he leave?
This season thus far has had disappointments, of course: a struggling inconsistent offense, especially at the bottom of the order, holes in LF and at DH, Smith’s ineffectiveness, Harris’ lack of swing and miss stuff, no shutdown LHP in the pen, and Marwin’s slow start. With all that, however, the Astros are 20-10 on May 1, and Tucker likely is on the way to see what he can do when the games mean something. I look forward to seeing how Luhnow chooses to tweak this roster to address the disappointments. What a great time to be an Astros fan.
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Talk Zone / Roster changes
« on: April 25, 2018, 08:33:13 am »
When do you think it will happen? What changes would you make? As was said in the GZ, the pen has too many pitchers given how deep into games this rotation goes. Guys need more work to be sharp (e.g. Joe Smith).
In ST, we needed another hitter, preferably a LH DH/LF. We definitely needed a LF. We still do. Fisher and Gattis drag the lineup down. Fisher’s AB in the 8th last night is who I think he is.
We could use a top LHP for the pen.
Do teams trade in April/May? Perhaps the needed hitter is Tucker. If he is not, from where does the needed hitter come?
What can Hinch or anyone do about all the Ks?
In ST, we needed another hitter, preferably a LH DH/LF. We definitely needed a LF. We still do. Fisher and Gattis drag the lineup down. Fisher’s AB in the 8th last night is who I think he is.
We could use a top LHP for the pen.
Do teams trade in April/May? Perhaps the needed hitter is Tucker. If he is not, from where does the needed hitter come?
What can Hinch or anyone do about all the Ks?
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Talk Zone / Rock bottom?
« on: April 16, 2018, 08:14:47 am »
Bartolo Colon and last night
Something must be done about the lineup. Do not wait for “last year” to reappear magically.
Something must be done about the lineup. Do not wait for “last year” to reappear magically.
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My opinion only:
Another hitter to DH. If he is a LFer, that is better. Tucker?
A good LHP in the pen. We are trying to get by with RHP who are “good against LH hitters.” LH hitters torched us today.
Gattis is lost. He needs some help until he figures it out.
Another hitter to DH. If he is a LFer, that is better. Tucker?
A good LHP in the pen. We are trying to get by with RHP who are “good against LH hitters.” LH hitters torched us today.
Gattis is lost. He needs some help until he figures it out.
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Talk Zone / Kyle Tucker
« on: March 27, 2018, 07:36:41 am »
How are you gonna keep him down on the farm...
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Because my dog who thinks he is a rooster woke me up at 4 am, I am drinking coffee and reading the SI article on the revolution in hitting theory (launch angle) which has changed the game in MLB today. Fascinating. The revolutionary theory revives the OWA debate on swing plane we had many years ago, which Dark Star made reference to recently. I hope a lot of you will read this article so we can have another discussion about it. I think the article is well-written, fair, and balanced. Obviously, my background is coaching HS kids, some of whom were Division 1 prospects and players, not professional hitters. A few of them of them did sign, of course, but only one reached the majors, and he is a pitcher. My philosophy and approach will always be geared to coaching the kids with varying abilities a HS (or kid baseball) coach gets, not the elite who sign and fail as professional hitters.
The article is in SI’s baseball issue with Judge and Stanton (Of course. Gag) on the cover. I look forward to our discussion.
ETA: I was at the game when Gallo hit the HR featured in the article.
The article is in SI’s baseball issue with Judge and Stanton (Of course. Gag) on the cover. I look forward to our discussion.
ETA: I was at the game when Gallo hit the HR featured in the article.
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Saw them yesterday at Tempe. They will be a formidable opponent if they have enough pitching. Quite a lineup on paper with the biggest dilemma being what to do with Pujols if Ohtani is the DH. Upton, Trout, and Calhoun in the OF, Cozart, Simmons, Kinsler, and Cron in the infield, and Pujols/Ohtani as the DH. Some good LAA fans sitting behind us did not believe their pitching is anywhere near good enough. Upton hit a long home run, and Trout, Pulols, and Cozart also hit hard line drives to the deep reaches of the park. Ohtani will be much more valuable to them if he can be a solid pitcher.
PS Our pal Chris Carter played 1B and had a single and a double.
PS Our pal Chris Carter played 1B and had a single and a double.
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Talk Zone / Tony Watson
« on: February 17, 2018, 06:44:46 am »
Signing with SF. I never saw any printed interest by the Astros. Wonder why?
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Talk Zone / Darvish to the Cubs
« on: February 10, 2018, 02:03:11 pm »
Per Rosenthal
6 years, $126M
6 years, $126M
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Talk Zone / J D Martinez
« on: February 07, 2018, 07:11:04 am »
Pitching a fit today about Boston’s “inflexibility.” Orchestrated temper tantrum to follow up Boras’ blast yesterday, no doubt.
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Talk Zone / Giles wins arbitration
« on: February 03, 2018, 12:46:45 pm »
No settlement with Springer?
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Talk Zone / Unsigned FAs
« on: January 31, 2018, 08:10:39 am »
This is the most interesting thing to me. Will the dam burst soon? ST is just around the corner.
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Talk Zone / Tony Watson
« on: January 17, 2018, 01:45:09 pm »
Said to be Cole’s best friend. I’m just sayin’....
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Talk Zone / 25 man roster
« on: January 16, 2018, 10:39:34 am »
Just for fun, I pretended I am somebody and made a pass at listing the roster. Most of it is easy. See below:
1. Verlander
2. Keuchel
3. McCullers 14. Bregman
4. Morton 15. Correa
5. Cole. 16. Altuve
6. Devenski. 17. Gurriel
7. Harris 18. Gonzalez
8. Smith. 19. Reddick
9. Rondon. 20. Springer
10. Peacock 21. Marisnick
11. Giles
12. McCann
13. Gattis
Then I listed Others:
1. Fisher 6. Davis
2. Stassi 7. Kemp
3. McHugh 8. Hoyt
4. Martes 9. White
5. Sipp 10. Reed
I think the 25-man needs another LH hitter for LF and/or DH, at least one (preferably two) LHP in the pen, and perhaps a third catcher. If Luhnow does nothing else, Fisher, Stassi, and Sipp look to be locks. That leaves McHugh, Hoyt, Martes, and maybe long shots like Guduan and Gustave competing for one spot. Gose better be damn good to have any chance at all. Have I missed anyone?
This is why I think Luhnow is not done. The roster is RH top heavy.
1. Verlander
2. Keuchel
3. McCullers 14. Bregman
4. Morton 15. Correa
5. Cole. 16. Altuve
6. Devenski. 17. Gurriel
7. Harris 18. Gonzalez
8. Smith. 19. Reddick
9. Rondon. 20. Springer
10. Peacock 21. Marisnick
11. Giles
12. McCann
13. Gattis
Then I listed Others:
1. Fisher 6. Davis
2. Stassi 7. Kemp
3. McHugh 8. Hoyt
4. Martes 9. White
5. Sipp 10. Reed
I think the 25-man needs another LH hitter for LF and/or DH, at least one (preferably two) LHP in the pen, and perhaps a third catcher. If Luhnow does nothing else, Fisher, Stassi, and Sipp look to be locks. That leaves McHugh, Hoyt, Martes, and maybe long shots like Guduan and Gustave competing for one spot. Gose better be damn good to have any chance at all. Have I missed anyone?
This is why I think Luhnow is not done. The roster is RH top heavy.
115
Talk Zone / Carlos Gonzalez
« on: January 05, 2018, 01:16:12 pm »
Multiple reports say Gonzalez has offers from the Padres, Giants, and Astros. Before you stat guys say Fisher would do as well as Cargo did last year, maybe we are preparing to include Fisher in a trade for someone we want more than him?
116
Talk Zone / Nate Colbert
« on: December 18, 2017, 03:11:01 pm »
Where did he go? Did someone piss him off? I am amazed that some regulars who stuck out the lean years went away in 2017.
117
Talk Zone / Ohtani says no
« on: December 03, 2017, 05:53:15 pm »
to Yankees, Red Sox, Twins, As
Yes to Giants and Mariners
Yes to Giants and Mariners
118
Talk Zone / Your favorite moment
« on: December 01, 2017, 09:47:16 am »
This is a follow up to my “I cannot get enough of this stuff” post:
What was your favorite moment of the playoffs (not only the WS). Be as broad (beating iconic franchises) or a narrow (a single AB or pitch) as you like.
Mark and I played this game over beer(s) yesterday, and I am very interested in your responses. I have many favorite moments, as I know you do, but narrow them down to one.
What was your favorite moment of the playoffs (not only the WS). Be as broad (beating iconic franchises) or a narrow (a single AB or pitch) as you like.
Mark and I played this game over beer(s) yesterday, and I am very interested in your responses. I have many favorite moments, as I know you do, but narrow them down to one.
119
Talk Zone / Astros WS art
« on: November 25, 2017, 01:57:31 pm »
My friend Robert Hurst, whose work can be found at adamnfineartist.com, has done a piece commemorating the 2017 season and championship. The print prices will be on his website, and a giclee is $400. Either he or his wife Pam will reply to your inquiries.
120
Talk Zone / I cannot get enough of this stuff
« on: November 07, 2017, 06:26:23 pm »
Factoid: Altuve’s 3-run homer off Maeda to tie Game 5 followed a 9-pitch walk by Springer and a 10-pitch walk by Bregman off Kershaw with two outs and nobody on.
121
One of the reasons I did not want a Game Seven in addition to the obvious was with Darvish pitching, the media may turn it into a contest of Good v. Evil. Hill has done his best to fan those flames saying Yuli would have been fired from any other job for doing what he did.
122
The K of Puig was a vintage COD, but he narrowly escaped disaster. If the had not hit the umpire with the wild pickoff throw, Hernandez might have scored the winning run. The ball was headed to LCF. The first two outs in the 11th liners at us. We were due some breaks and got them.
123
Perhaps the worst comment I have seen on here was Hinch was “out of his depth.” Please. This team has now won 108 games. The best comment ever he made under the scrutiny of the malaise in New York: “This series was not over after two games and it is not over after five.” This team feeds off of his positive, confident approach, and we fans are lucky to have him.
124
127
As HH likes to remind me about every 5 minutes, I am old. I have been a few places, have done a few things, and have had a lot of fun. That said, yesterday may have been one of the best times of my life. HH took me to lunch at the original Ninfa’s, which was a pilgrimage for me. We grabbed a quick beer, then went in early on my Phillies tickets to watch BP, then at 3 we moved down to join gleach after his generous invitation, and we sat three rows behind Messrs. Biggio, Bagwell, and Crane and their wives. I sat in seat 6 (my lucky number), and I was DIRECTLY behind home plate. What a treat for a pitcher to watch Verlander and Sale from that vantage point. HH was my seatmate, and I like talking baseball and the endless situations with him. I saw and got a hug from sweet and lovely Alison, and I met and talked with the equally lovely Gwen. Geoff and I compared our nervousness, and OMG, he is such a great guy. The crowd was loud, and the atmosphere was electric. DID I MENTION THE VAUNTING? What a statement this wonderful team made. MVP indeed.
I had one of my all time fun days. Thank you, Matt and Geoff. We’ll be in section 116 row 26 today.
I had one of my all time fun days. Thank you, Matt and Geoff. We’ll be in section 116 row 26 today.
129
The Championship Season Game Zone 2017 / Oct 1 v. Red Sox
« on: October 01, 2017, 03:08:10 pm »
Game Zone does not work AAA games
130
I do not trust him next week, and I do not trust him today. I hope I am wrong. We need to win this game today to keep the pressure on the Red Sox. Do you suppose the Yanks’ opponent will play their minor leaguers and roll over like the Twins did?
132
I posted this in the GZ, but let's start the discussion here. I am out of patience with him, and I cannot imagine Hinch and Luhnow are far behind. Hinch said "He says he is ok, but ok is not enough to pitch in a game." I would trade him to someone who loves his potential, like VV, if we get dependable non-prima dona pitching back. Britton? A solid starter? I hope they leave him off the first playoff roster as a wakeup call.
133
Talk Zone / Opportunity to clinch
« on: September 17, 2017, 12:13:37 pm »
Please tell me why Altuve is not playing.
134
Talk Zone / This weekend
« on: September 15, 2017, 08:28:39 am »
I have been in California all week visiting a cousin and will hook up with Gordon Lakey later today. I will do with him to see the angels and Rangers Friday and Sunday, and we'll go to UT/USC Sat night.
I assume I am to root for the Rangers in this series?
I assume I am to root for the Rangers in this series?
136
I wish I had a way to scream at Luhnow to get Verlander.
I have seen enough of Fisher and Davis. 3B is resolved with Correa's return, but I do not know what the do about LF unless they put Marwin there most of the time and Reddick there when Jake plays. I assume days off do not mean much from here on.
I have seen enough of Fisher and Davis. 3B is resolved with Correa's return, but I do not know what the do about LF unless they put Marwin there most of the time and Reddick there when Jake plays. I assume days off do not mean much from here on.
138
Talk Zone / LLWS International Final
« on: August 26, 2017, 12:32:53 pm »
Japan is winning, but the Mexico pitcher's motion and mechanics are beautiful.
139
Talk Zone / Rich Hill's game
« on: August 23, 2017, 10:25:41 pm »
With all the talk about his tough luck, no one mentioned Harvey Haddix.
140
Talk Zone / Hey, Mike Fast
« on: August 23, 2017, 01:09:00 pm »
Lots of solid opinions and suggestions in here.
144
My name is Jim Raup, and I am an Astroholic. The first thing I do each morning, after walking Bowie and getting coffee, is check the Trade Deadline thread to see if Detroit has come to its senses. Then I read the entire GZ if I was not on it the night before. Finally, I read the stories and watch the highlights on At Bat. Dan died, Jerry is a Rangers fan, and Mark's schedule often is too busy so I have no one here with whom I can talk baseball to the extent I want. I get some of what is missing from my life filled in here, and for your part of that, I thank you. There is no cure for my addiction, and I do not want one.
146
Last Monday and today the Astros scored 7 runs and lost. McCullers started both and immediately put the team in a hole. The offense rallied back in both games to take a lead, but the overtaxed pen could not hold it. As many have said, starters must go deeper in games than McCullers is doing. 7 runs should be enough.
147
I sent the text below to Matt just now. Pretty cool to have had these experiences with a guy I coached who was Mark's teammate. Lucky me.
If you pitch today or tomorrow, I will have seen you (in person) pitch in Houston as a Red, in Denver and Pittsburgh as a Rockie, in St. Louis as a Cardinal, and in Minneapolis as a Twin. Pretty cool for an ordinary guy like I am.
If you pitch today or tomorrow, I will have seen you (in person) pitch in Houston as a Red, in Denver and Pittsburgh as a Rockie, in St. Louis as a Cardinal, and in Minneapolis as a Twin. Pretty cool for an ordinary guy like I am.
148
Talk Zone / Target Field
« on: July 17, 2017, 06:17:23 pm »
Hey, somebody here came to the May series. I am here now for three days. Please tell me what to do to eat and drink around the ballpark. Thanks!
150
I was not in the GZ yesterday, but I thought his miraculously-timed jump was the key to the game. That would have been a two-run double to make it 3-0 with no outs. We had Stroman on the ropes. Sure, his homer was big too, but a big inning for us could have made it a much different game.
I read the Jays will be sellers. Wonder if Luhnow has had conversation in Toronto?
I read the Jays will be sellers. Wonder if Luhnow has had conversation in Toronto?
151
Talk Zone / Last night's broadcast
« on: July 02, 2017, 09:13:02 am »
I muted it from the beginning, which is why I still have a TV today. They were showing close ups from the NYY dugout 50-50 with the game. Fox must have been heartbroken when the Astros rallied.
What a game! Exhibit A to why I love this team. Correa's AB showed how much he has matured. His off-balance throw to get Gardner was incredible. Oh my, Yuli! Hostros said in the GZ his bat was Alou quick on the game winner. Great description. Need a win today. Only Devo is rested.
What a game! Exhibit A to why I love this team. Correa's AB showed how much he has matured. His off-balance throw to get Gardner was incredible. Oh my, Yuli! Hostros said in the GZ his bat was Alou quick on the game winner. Great description. Need a win today. Only Devo is rested.
152
Talk Zone / 4 game sweep of As
« on: June 22, 2017, 07:29:06 pm »
Winning pitchers:
Peacock
Martes
Fiers
Paulino
Who woulda thunk it?
Peacock
Martes
Fiers
Paulino
Who woulda thunk it?
153
Talk Zone / Sonny Gray
« on: June 21, 2017, 07:54:33 am »
Well, folks, what do you think? I certainly do not want to give up elite prospects for him, and I really liked Fisher.
The Mariners are going nowhere. Would King Felix be available? What is his contract status?
The Mariners are going nowhere. Would King Felix be available? What is his contract status?
154
Talk Zone / Fisher v. Aoki
« on: June 15, 2017, 08:09:05 pm »
What do y'all think? I know Fisher has played one game. I like Aoki i on this team. What will happen?
156
Talk Zone / Last night
« on: June 07, 2017, 10:11:05 am »
For me, it was an eerie reminder of the 8th inning of Game 6 in the 2015 playoffs. Two lucky bloop hits, a two our walk to a .170 hitter, and a hanging slider--anything they needed, they got.
The loss did not bother me. Streaks always end. The way we lost bothered me a lot.
The loss did not bother me. Streaks always end. The way we lost bothered me a lot.
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Talk Zone / Waldo's preview/earliest memory of fandom
« on: June 03, 2017, 11:05:23 am »
His and MM's comments about the age kids become aware of baseball and start to become fans ft me thinking about me. My earliest memory of reading the sports pages and knowing about MLB was the 1954 season. I know I followed baseball earlier than 1954 because I was a Brooklyn fan already, but I do not have any specific memories of seasons before 1954. I was 8 in the summer of 1954 and liked Cleveland because of the incredible pitching staff. I guess I was 6-7 when I became aware of the Brooklyn Dodgers. I have no memory of the 1951 pennant race or WS, and I was 5 then.
What say you?
What say you?
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Folks, it is never too early to be acutely aware of the harmful effects of taunting the BBGs with hubris. Be grateful and humble every day, even when vexed by insufferable Rangers fans (was that redundant?), and enjoy watching this special team play. Act like we have been here before.
162
One of my unrealized goals was to work in a front office on the baseball side and to participate in putting a roster together. I came close once, but my scout friend, who was my ticket to a job like this, turned down an Assistant GM job and decided to remain a scout. How dare he!
I think construction of this roster has been magnificent. Sure we may need another starter and a cure for Sipp, but the non-pitcher roster so far may be the best I have seen. No matter who Hinch runs out there, the lineup 1-9 has no weak links. Even Marisnick is hitting some, and he is invaluable as a defender. Rallies can break out anywhere, and the team is not dependent on any one player or on the middle of the order. Pitching against it is a chore.
I looked superficially at the 1986 and 1998 teams to test my belief in the 1-9 toughness of this lineup and think I am correct so far. 1986 for sure. The team had only one .300 hitter (Walling) and was a solid lineup but also had Ashby, pre-All Star Thon/Reynolds, Hatcher, and Doran. Solid players all but not the tough outs 2017 has, imo.
1998 was a powerful team. Alou, Bagwell, and Bell drove in more than 100 runs each, and there were five .300 hitters (Berry as a sub plus four starters) and Everett at .296. The lineup also had Ausmus, though, backed up by Eusebio, and Gutierrez/Bogar at SS. This team set the bar high for a power-laden offense, but it was not a tough out 1-9, imo.
I know it is only early May, and I may be quite wrong, but thus far I am giving Luhnow a standing O.
I think construction of this roster has been magnificent. Sure we may need another starter and a cure for Sipp, but the non-pitcher roster so far may be the best I have seen. No matter who Hinch runs out there, the lineup 1-9 has no weak links. Even Marisnick is hitting some, and he is invaluable as a defender. Rallies can break out anywhere, and the team is not dependent on any one player or on the middle of the order. Pitching against it is a chore.
I looked superficially at the 1986 and 1998 teams to test my belief in the 1-9 toughness of this lineup and think I am correct so far. 1986 for sure. The team had only one .300 hitter (Walling) and was a solid lineup but also had Ashby, pre-All Star Thon/Reynolds, Hatcher, and Doran. Solid players all but not the tough outs 2017 has, imo.
1998 was a powerful team. Alou, Bagwell, and Bell drove in more than 100 runs each, and there were five .300 hitters (Berry as a sub plus four starters) and Everett at .296. The lineup also had Ausmus, though, backed up by Eusebio, and Gutierrez/Bogar at SS. This team set the bar high for a power-laden offense, but it was not a tough out 1-9, imo.
I know it is only early May, and I may be quite wrong, but thus far I am giving Luhnow a standing O.
167
Meant to post this yesterday.
I watched a lot of it, and for the most part, the quality of play was fantastic. The NY team's 24-0 run with only 11 players and using only three pitchers was amazing. My favorite game was Panama's stunning South Korea and giving SK its first loss ever 3-2 with a three-run homer by an 11 year old phenom.
I watched a lot of it, and for the most part, the quality of play was fantastic. The NY team's 24-0 run with only 11 players and using only three pitchers was amazing. My favorite game was Panama's stunning South Korea and giving SK its first loss ever 3-2 with a three-run homer by an 11 year old phenom.
176
Beer and Queso / Dan Robertson
« on: December 28, 2015, 10:20:22 am »
I lost my best friend of almost 40 years and my ST travel partner on December 23. His loss leaves a huge hole in my heart and in my life. RIP Danny Boy.
177
Talk Zone / an app says
« on: November 20, 2015, 01:07:15 pm »
Alfredo Gonzalez, Gustave, Minaya, Musgrove and Paulino added to 40 man
181
Talk Zone / observations
« on: October 13, 2015, 08:57:27 am »
Correa made the most basic Little League mistake possible: he did not look the ball into his glove before he looked to the play he was about to make. I feel terrible for him because he was such a hero on offense.
after his great year, I feel bad for Harris. he has been asked to pitch too much, and he is getting skewered by fans. he threw good pitches, and they hit them. I thought the chopper over the mound would be fielded , but it sneaked through. the next one was a bloop to CF. shit happens sometimes. the other side is good too and wants to win as bad as we do.
Neshek's swoon cost us the game yesterday. before September, we go into the 9th up 6-2.
speaking of Neshek, why have him on the roster if you are not going to use him when you need him? Qualls would have been more useful if Neshek is not going to be used. Harris and Sipp are having to pitch every game.
Where has Fiers been? What are we saving him for? why not use him in the 7th or 8th to start an inning?
the Royals' approach and ABs in the 8th were other worldly. I am tipping my cap to them.
I think Luhnow's plan for the offseason will have high on his list a Chapman-like closer to move Gregerson to the 8th inning. the Royals were selling out on his slider, and he does not have the FB to put them away.
McCullers has to go deeper into games. running out of pitches in the 6th to make the 7th only a maybe overtaxes the pen.
the Valbuena AB in the 7th with two in scoring position was huge. so was Marwin's inability to swing well as LH.
playoffs are incredibly intense, and a team has to make the plays to win. we blew a chance to get out of the inning with a lead. end of story.
what a great series this has been. I hope McHugh has a heroic effort left in him.
after his great year, I feel bad for Harris. he has been asked to pitch too much, and he is getting skewered by fans. he threw good pitches, and they hit them. I thought the chopper over the mound would be fielded , but it sneaked through. the next one was a bloop to CF. shit happens sometimes. the other side is good too and wants to win as bad as we do.
Neshek's swoon cost us the game yesterday. before September, we go into the 9th up 6-2.
speaking of Neshek, why have him on the roster if you are not going to use him when you need him? Qualls would have been more useful if Neshek is not going to be used. Harris and Sipp are having to pitch every game.
Where has Fiers been? What are we saving him for? why not use him in the 7th or 8th to start an inning?
the Royals' approach and ABs in the 8th were other worldly. I am tipping my cap to them.
I think Luhnow's plan for the offseason will have high on his list a Chapman-like closer to move Gregerson to the 8th inning. the Royals were selling out on his slider, and he does not have the FB to put them away.
McCullers has to go deeper into games. running out of pitches in the 6th to make the 7th only a maybe overtaxes the pen.
the Valbuena AB in the 7th with two in scoring position was huge. so was Marwin's inability to swing well as LH.
playoffs are incredibly intense, and a team has to make the plays to win. we blew a chance to get out of the inning with a lead. end of story.
what a great series this has been. I hope McHugh has a heroic effort left in him.
183
I realize this management team believes in it and will keep doing it until the metrics do not favor it. A modification I would urge if I had a voice is to play a conventional DP alignment in those situations when a DP is desperately needed. That modification would have gotten us out of the 6th with a 4-3 lead.
Forgotten in all our hand-wringing over the change of fate in the 6th and 7th is the offense's going stagnant with Cueto on the ropes. Had Correa's liner to right been fair....
Ifs and buts galore
Forgotten in all our hand-wringing over the change of fate in the 6th and 7th is the offense's going stagnant with Cueto on the ropes. Had Correa's liner to right been fair....
Ifs and buts galore
184
Talk Zone / Two 0-2 pitches and the shift
« on: October 09, 2015, 07:41:11 pm »
Kazmir to Cain and Perez to Hosmer.
Pettis should have sent Rasmus in the first. I would have, anyway.
Keuchel's game now is huge.
Pettis should have sent Rasmus in the first. I would have, anyway.
Keuchel's game now is huge.
186
Talk Zone / Hinch to team on video
« on: October 04, 2015, 08:37:44 pm »
"I love you motherfuckers."
187
Talk Zone / Seriously, folks
« on: October 01, 2015, 06:31:42 pm »
Who among us thought we would be hanging on every pitch the final three games with the playoffs on the line? No matter how this comes out, I have had so much fun. I love this team!
188
Talk Zone / Timely hitting
« on: September 23, 2015, 06:31:51 am »
Last night was our season in microcosm. Chance after chance, and the hitters do not deliver. With two on and no out, Correa pops up. With two out and nobody on, he doubles off the wall. Altuve and Springer go out meekly in the 9th. Gattis has good swings and bad luck on the mistake pitch, but whiffs.
Argh, baseball! Gotta have this one tonight.
Argh, baseball! Gotta have this one tonight.
189
Game Zone 2015 Archive / lineup tonight
« on: September 14, 2015, 03:51:02 pm »
no Gomez, and Valbuena at 1B instead of Carter.
190
Talk Zone / Baseball Gods
« on: September 02, 2015, 09:21:44 am »
Folks, they are real. We have not won in so long some have forgotten how dangerous it is to flaunt them. We are in the home stretch now. Pay attention to what you say and write.
191
Talk Zone / Craig Kimbrel
« on: August 28, 2015, 01:26:32 pm »
Apparently, some unknown team claimed him on waivers.
194
Talk Zone / August 9, 2015
« on: August 10, 2015, 09:34:44 am »
Yesterday's loss for me is right up there with the most painful losses I have experienced as an Astros fan. we needed the win so badly, and FINALLY we hit in the clutch. To lose on a combination of taking a routine play for granted (Correa) and bad luck (third out hitting Gregerson on its way to an infielder), after Gregerson pitched his ass off to get out of the mess, made me ill and kept me awake when I should have been sleeping.
195
As those of you who are my FB friends know, I had back surgery Friday. Fragments and debris from L3 and L4 were pressing on nerves, and I was in excruciating pain at times last week. I was lucky to get into surgery so quickly. I came home yesterday morning and am doing well, although they warned me the nerve pain will return until the swelling around the discs goes down. It has but is mild by comparison. I should be back to what passes for normal for me soon.
Jim
Jim
196
I know there will be some more valleys down the road, but I cannot stop from smiling when I think about this season or anticipate watching the next game. Luhnow's construction of the roster is little short of genius, and I eagerly wait for what is next, both before the deadline and when Lowrie returns. The last few years were unpleasant, but the FO had a plan and stuck with it despite slings and arrows and catcalls. How do you like us now?
203
Beer and Queso / did y'all know
« on: April 23, 2014, 09:37:09 am »
that advertising on craigslist that you are interested in ice skating means you want to buy crystal meth? I am foreman of a Travis County Grand Jury and learned that recently.
204
Beer and Queso / funny!
« on: March 03, 2014, 02:15:26 pm »
There were only 12 times in
history when the "F"-word was considered acceptable for use in otherwise
polite conversation. Recently, The Fucking Committee added a 13th
occasion. They are as follows:
1. "What the fuck do you mean,
we're sinking?" -- Capt. E.J. Smith of RMS Titanic, 1912.
2. "What the
fuck was that?" -- Mayor Of Hiroshima, 1945.
3. "Where did all these
fucking Indians come from?" -- Gen. Armstrong Custer, 1877.
4. "Any
fucking idiot could understand that." -- Einstein, 1938.
5. "It does
so fucking look like her!" -- Picasso, 1926.
6. "How the fuck did you
work that out?" -- Pythagoras, 126 B.C.
7. "You want WHAT on the
fucking ceiling?" -- Michelangelo, 1566.
8. "Where the fuck am I?" --
Amelia Earhart, 1937.
9. "Scattered fucking showers, my ass!" -- Noah,
4314 B.C.
10. "I drank fucking what?!?!" -- Socrates, 469
BC.
11. "Mary, I hate this fucking theatre." -- Abraham Lincoln, April
15, 1865.
12. "Let them eat fucking cake." -- Marie Antoinette,
1791.
13. "What's the fucking score? -- Peyton Manning,
2014
history when the "F"-word was considered acceptable for use in otherwise
polite conversation. Recently, The Fucking Committee added a 13th
occasion. They are as follows:
1. "What the fuck do you mean,
we're sinking?" -- Capt. E.J. Smith of RMS Titanic, 1912.
2. "What the
fuck was that?" -- Mayor Of Hiroshima, 1945.
3. "Where did all these
fucking Indians come from?" -- Gen. Armstrong Custer, 1877.
4. "Any
fucking idiot could understand that." -- Einstein, 1938.
5. "It does
so fucking look like her!" -- Picasso, 1926.
6. "How the fuck did you
work that out?" -- Pythagoras, 126 B.C.
7. "You want WHAT on the
fucking ceiling?" -- Michelangelo, 1566.
8. "Where the fuck am I?" --
Amelia Earhart, 1937.
9. "Scattered fucking showers, my ass!" -- Noah,
4314 B.C.
10. "I drank fucking what?!?!" -- Socrates, 469
BC.
11. "Mary, I hate this fucking theatre." -- Abraham Lincoln, April
15, 1865.
12. "Let them eat fucking cake." -- Marie Antoinette,
1791.
13. "What's the fucking score? -- Peyton Manning,
2014
205
Beer and Queso / Happy birthday, Mark!
« on: February 15, 2014, 06:46:14 am »
35 today. Where does the time go?
Dad
Dad
206
Beer and Queso / 30 for 30
« on: February 06, 2014, 09:17:30 am »
Mark gave me the complete set for Christmas. what great programs those are!
207
Talk Zone / best Christmas present ever
« on: January 06, 2014, 02:15:00 pm »
2 seats from the Dome
212
Talk Zone / update on Elizabeth
« on: July 16, 2013, 09:15:47 am »
Last week the federal judge who sentenced her signed an order terminating her supervision 18 months early. that is a tribute to her hard work and sincere turnaround. the federal criminal justice system is not into charity.
213
Talk Zone / Fuck Bud Norris
« on: June 21, 2013, 07:17:12 am »
I just read the Jerome Solomon column. The whiny little baby wants out in the worst way. I hope he gets his wish soon.
Sorry if the column has been talked about elsewhere. My Cabrera meter is in the shop.
Sorry if the column has been talked about elsewhere. My Cabrera meter is in the shop.
214
Beer and Queso / Mark Raup
« on: February 15, 2013, 09:05:58 am »
my baby boy is 34 today. holy crap, i am old. HBD, Mark!
215
Beer and Queso / Austin TZers
« on: January 18, 2013, 02:46:50 pm »
anyone want a beer today? i am bored.
216
Beer and Queso / hurry up 2013!
« on: December 20, 2012, 09:48:57 am »
a fire on my floor around the corner from me evacuated the complex at 3:30 AM. i never saw flames, but the smoke was rolling down my hallway.
Holy Fuck! to whomever i pissed off in 2012, i am sorry!
Holy Fuck! to whomever i pissed off in 2012, i am sorry!
217
Beer and Queso / My Mother
« on: November 29, 2012, 12:29:07 pm »
This has not been my best year. My Mother died at 1:35 AM Monday. She was 91 and has been in the throes of dementia for a couple of years so her death is in the blessing category. Her funeral is tomorrow at 2 PM.
Jim
Jim
218
Talk Zone / from Mike Capps to the TZ
« on: October 16, 2012, 12:35:14 pm »
"Please tell all my friends who remember that I really appreciate their kind words and their friendship through the years.
Their responses mean the world to me because they get it."
Their responses mean the world to me because they get it."
219
Talk Zone / Mike Capps
« on: October 03, 2012, 10:43:28 am »
Mike had double bypass surgery at Austin Heart Hospital this morning. i just received a call that he came through it with flying colors.
222
223
Beer and Queso / i should have known better
« on: April 02, 2012, 10:31:40 am »
Gather 'round, boys and girls. i want to tell you a tale of foolish Jim trying to do good.
several weeks ago, i got an email from one of my friends asking me to call his cell phone because he needed to talk to me "as a friend."
well, ok, says i. he and his wife were our closest couple friends, and we have done many, many things with them, including taking a cruise together. so i called him. i will not share the details, but he told me his wife had kicked him out and announced that she was divorcing him. wow, says i, that is messed up. it was over a family issue i knew they had, and she was 100% wrong on it. she is a great lady but very controlling, and he is kinda Casper Milquetoast-esque around her. she gets her way all the time, and he is afraid to challenge her.
that was a Friday. on Saturday night, Carolyn and i got a joint text from the wife announcing that she was divorcing him and had kicked him out. she said she wanted no questions. done deal. too bad for him.
on Sunday, i asked if he wanted to meet me at the Saucer for beer. he said yes, and we did. he told me his tale of woe, and i supported him completely. i did not even try to be objective. at one point he said his wife had told him to "grow some balls," and i said "that is very good advice. you should do that." at one point, he whined that she was my friend first (she was), and i said "fuck [wife's name]. i am your friend." my advice was that if she wants to be alone, you should show her how that will be. we parted company, and he thanked me then and in an email the next day for kicking his ass when he needed it and for giving him good and honest advice.
yep, you guessed it. rather than growing a pair, he got down on his knees (literally, his wife told Carolyn about it) sobbing and begging her to take him back. apparently, she was willing to allow him to resume his subservient role and to wait on her hand and foot as she recovers from shoulder surgery. they are back together to some degree. i have not heard from him since and suspect that the tread marks on my back are from him throwing me under the bus to save himself. we have not been invited to do anything with them since before this happened. we seem to have been dropped as friends.
boys and girls, i am an idiot. why did i think this would not happen?
THE END
several weeks ago, i got an email from one of my friends asking me to call his cell phone because he needed to talk to me "as a friend."
well, ok, says i. he and his wife were our closest couple friends, and we have done many, many things with them, including taking a cruise together. so i called him. i will not share the details, but he told me his wife had kicked him out and announced that she was divorcing him. wow, says i, that is messed up. it was over a family issue i knew they had, and she was 100% wrong on it. she is a great lady but very controlling, and he is kinda Casper Milquetoast-esque around her. she gets her way all the time, and he is afraid to challenge her.
that was a Friday. on Saturday night, Carolyn and i got a joint text from the wife announcing that she was divorcing him and had kicked him out. she said she wanted no questions. done deal. too bad for him.
on Sunday, i asked if he wanted to meet me at the Saucer for beer. he said yes, and we did. he told me his tale of woe, and i supported him completely. i did not even try to be objective. at one point he said his wife had told him to "grow some balls," and i said "that is very good advice. you should do that." at one point, he whined that she was my friend first (she was), and i said "fuck [wife's name]. i am your friend." my advice was that if she wants to be alone, you should show her how that will be. we parted company, and he thanked me then and in an email the next day for kicking his ass when he needed it and for giving him good and honest advice.
yep, you guessed it. rather than growing a pair, he got down on his knees (literally, his wife told Carolyn about it) sobbing and begging her to take him back. apparently, she was willing to allow him to resume his subservient role and to wait on her hand and foot as she recovers from shoulder surgery. they are back together to some degree. i have not heard from him since and suspect that the tread marks on my back are from him throwing me under the bus to save himself. we have not been invited to do anything with them since before this happened. we seem to have been dropped as friends.
boys and girls, i am an idiot. why did i think this would not happen?
THE END
224
Talk Zone / Andrew Cashman (sp?) of the Pads
« on: March 15, 2012, 03:39:37 pm »
Holy shit!
FB 98-101
Slider 91
Changeup 88-90
Smooth, effortless delivery
FB 98-101
Slider 91
Changeup 88-90
Smooth, effortless delivery
227
Beer and Queso / not a Paterno thread
« on: November 10, 2011, 04:22:18 pm »
anybody got anything you want to talk about?
228
Beer and Queso / hey, Austin beer folks
« on: November 08, 2011, 01:32:46 pm »
Home Brown at Black Star is very tasty. i brought some home in my growler for later.
229
Beer and Queso / two and barbecue
« on: June 20, 2011, 04:20:23 pm »
Horns eliminated in Omaha by UNC 3-0. UT had only Judy hitters. Punch did not make the trip. the pitching was lousy, too. other than that, it was good.
230
Beer and Queso / Horns come all the way back
« on: June 06, 2011, 03:54:40 pm »
won 5-0. the UT coaches did a masterful job with the pitch by committee approach.
233
Talk Zone / greetings from AZ
« on: March 15, 2011, 08:29:48 am »
Going to see Belisle pitch against FTC today.
234
Beer and Queso / a bit of immortality
« on: February 24, 2011, 10:56:19 am »
i am pleased to announce that Raup the Younger and Raup the Elder each has a plate on the wall at the Austin Flying Saucer. these feats are the crowning achievements that culminated months of dissipation. i know you all are so proud.
235
Beer and Queso / Ranger Creek Mesquite Smoked Porter
« on: January 29, 2011, 05:21:06 pm »
Abolutely delicious. This is a new SA brewery so I do not know where they are distributing beer. The Austin Saucer has it b/c one of the brewery's main guys was a manager there.
236
Beer and Queso / UT v. Mizzou
« on: January 29, 2011, 11:21:55 am »
this will be a very tough game, imo. Mizzou can play. if UT can eke out a victory, even if they lose Mon at aTm, they will have gone 4-1 in this killer stretch of games. tonight is big.
238
Beer and Queso / aTm v. Nebraska
« on: November 22, 2010, 10:04:52 am »
i was rooting for the Ags Sat. night for two reasons: i hate Nebraska and love to see their hopes dashed, and i want the Ags flying high in case God drops all His other projects Thursday and allows the Horns to win. that said, i have never seen a bigger fucking at the hands of the officials than Nebraska got. the roughing the passer call that extended the Aggies' winning drive should be investigated. Pelini is a psycho, but by the end of that game, i think i would have been too.
Tannehill and Gray are really good, and aTm should roll. lots of credit to them and to Sherman for turning the season around. hope springs eternal at my house, however.
Tannehill and Gray are really good, and aTm should roll. lots of credit to them and to Sherman for turning the season around. hope springs eternal at my house, however.
239
Talk Zone / hello again
« on: October 04, 2010, 10:56:34 am »
anything happen while i was away?
cue the "you've been gone?" responses.
cue the "you've been gone?" responses.
240
Talk Zone / keep a light burning for me
« on: September 09, 2010, 07:05:13 pm »
i'll be mostly away for the next three weeks. bring 'em home!
Jim
Jim
242
Talk Zone / Berkman's future
« on: July 31, 2010, 07:15:48 pm »
if he asks to come back, will the club let him? discuss.
243
Talk Zone / BG's Sunday recap
« on: July 26, 2010, 10:15:45 am »
outfuckingstanding! the only flaw is that the resident spokesman for NYC would NEVER request anonymity.
244
Talk Zone / the Pirates
« on: July 08, 2010, 03:37:44 pm »
we need to schedule these fellows some more.
245
Talk Zone / Roy's Restaurant revisited
« on: July 02, 2010, 05:33:16 pm »
i just reread that thread in its entirety. the TZ's finest hour.
247
Beer and Queso / bye-bye Tommy
« on: March 21, 2010, 04:38:15 pm »
Penders out, but I cannot link.
250
Talk Zone / Bumgarner report
« on: March 15, 2010, 09:39:13 pm »
3 IP
3 R all earned
3 H
4 BB
4 K
Not many pitches over 89
3 R all earned
3 H
4 BB
4 K
Not many pitches over 89
251
Talk Zone / Jason Jennings report
« on: March 15, 2010, 04:40:18 pm »
A dropped popup with two outs cost him a 3 scoreless outing.
253
Talk Zone / hello from the train
« on: March 11, 2010, 08:14:12 am »
On the way to AZ for ST. Looking forward to seeing Baumgardner
and Lincecum.
and Lincecum.
255
Beer and Queso / Shiner 100/Commemorator
« on: March 02, 2010, 09:03:41 am »
it is no longer on the shelves. can whichever one of y'all has a friend at the brewery find what the plan is for it. i will be shocked if it is not one of the regular beers.
256
Beer and Queso / the world reacts to new threats from terrorists
« on: February 04, 2010, 02:21:19 pm »
Subject: Threat Escalation Levels
In the light of the recent attempt to bring down a commercial aircraft
by terrorists, the English have raised their security level from "Miffed"
to "Peeved." Soon, though, security levels may be raised yet again to
"Irritated" or even "A Bit Cross." The English have not been "A Bit
Cross" since the blitz in 1940 when tea supplies all but ran out.
Terrorists have been re-categorized from "Tiresome" to a "Bloody Nuisance." The
last Time the British issued a "Bloody Nuisance" warning level was in 1588
when threatened by the Spanish Armada.
The Scots raised their threat level from "Pissed Off" to "Let's get the
Bastards" They don't have any other levels. This is the reason they have
been used on the front line of the British army for the last 300 years.
The French government announced yesterday that it has raised its terror
alert level from "Run" to "Hide". The only two higher levels in France
are "Collaborate" and "Surrender." The rise was precipitated by a recent
fire that destroyed France's white flag factory, effectively paralyzing
the country's military capability. It's not only the French who are on a
heightened level of alert.
Italy has increased the alert level from "Shout loudly and excitedly" to
"Elaborate Military Posturing." Two more levels remain: "Ineffective
Combat Operations" and "Change Sides."
The Germans also increased their alert state from "Disdainful Arrogance"
to" Dress in Uniform and Sing Marching Songs." They also have two higher
levels: "Invade a Neighbor" and "Lose".
Belgians, on the other hand, are all on holiday as usual, and the only
threat they are worried about is NATO pulling out of Brussels.
The Spanish are all excited to see their new submarines ready to deploy.
These beautifully designed subs have glass bottoms so the new Spanish
Navy can get a really good look at the old Spanish Navy.
And in the Southern Hemisphere...
New Zealand has also raised its security levels - from "baaa" to
"BAAAA!".
Due to continuing defense cutbacks (the air force being a squadron of
spotty teenagers flying paper airplanes and the navy some toy boats in
The Prime Minister's bath), New Zealand only has one more level of
escalation, which is "I hope Australia will come and rescue us".
Australia , meanwhile, has raised its security level from "No worries"
to "She'll be all right, mate". Three more escalation levels remain:
"Crikey!', "I think we'll need to cancel the barbie this weekend" and
"The barbie is cancelled".. So far no situation has ever warranted use of the final
escalation level.
In the light of the recent attempt to bring down a commercial aircraft
by terrorists, the English have raised their security level from "Miffed"
to "Peeved." Soon, though, security levels may be raised yet again to
"Irritated" or even "A Bit Cross." The English have not been "A Bit
Cross" since the blitz in 1940 when tea supplies all but ran out.
Terrorists have been re-categorized from "Tiresome" to a "Bloody Nuisance." The
last Time the British issued a "Bloody Nuisance" warning level was in 1588
when threatened by the Spanish Armada.
The Scots raised their threat level from "Pissed Off" to "Let's get the
Bastards" They don't have any other levels. This is the reason they have
been used on the front line of the British army for the last 300 years.
The French government announced yesterday that it has raised its terror
alert level from "Run" to "Hide". The only two higher levels in France
are "Collaborate" and "Surrender." The rise was precipitated by a recent
fire that destroyed France's white flag factory, effectively paralyzing
the country's military capability. It's not only the French who are on a
heightened level of alert.
Italy has increased the alert level from "Shout loudly and excitedly" to
"Elaborate Military Posturing." Two more levels remain: "Ineffective
Combat Operations" and "Change Sides."
The Germans also increased their alert state from "Disdainful Arrogance"
to" Dress in Uniform and Sing Marching Songs." They also have two higher
levels: "Invade a Neighbor" and "Lose".
Belgians, on the other hand, are all on holiday as usual, and the only
threat they are worried about is NATO pulling out of Brussels.
The Spanish are all excited to see their new submarines ready to deploy.
These beautifully designed subs have glass bottoms so the new Spanish
Navy can get a really good look at the old Spanish Navy.
And in the Southern Hemisphere...
New Zealand has also raised its security levels - from "baaa" to
"BAAAA!".
Due to continuing defense cutbacks (the air force being a squadron of
spotty teenagers flying paper airplanes and the navy some toy boats in
The Prime Minister's bath), New Zealand only has one more level of
escalation, which is "I hope Australia will come and rescue us".
Australia , meanwhile, has raised its security level from "No worries"
to "She'll be all right, mate". Three more escalation levels remain:
"Crikey!', "I think we'll need to cancel the barbie this weekend" and
"The barbie is cancelled".. So far no situation has ever warranted use of the final
escalation level.
257
Beer and Queso / BU v. UT
« on: January 29, 2010, 04:02:17 pm »
tough game tomorrow. i am worried.
258
Beer and Queso / Christmas beer/Winter Ale
« on: December 29, 2009, 09:52:05 am »
Anchor Christmas ('09) and Brooklyn Winter Lager are quite tasty. what else have y'all had?
what is Shiner Frost? just saw it last night.
what is Shiner Frost? just saw it last night.
259
Talk Zone / message from Mike Capps to you
« on: November 20, 2009, 09:06:17 am »
Jim--
Would you mind thanking your mates at Spikesnstars for their kind comments concerning the award? There were some really nice ones and I really appreciated it. As you know, I follow along religiously on that site without commenting, but I do appreciate your support(you KNOW that)...but theirs as well. It was humbling to say the least.
MC
Would you mind thanking your mates at Spikesnstars for their kind comments concerning the award? There were some really nice ones and I really appreciated it. As you know, I follow along religiously on that site without commenting, but I do appreciate your support(you KNOW that)...but theirs as well. It was humbling to say the least.
MC
262
Beer and Queso / jersey numbers
« on: September 25, 2009, 02:34:55 pm »
in keeping with the great helmet project post:
there was a fun article in the Austin paper today about local football types and the significance, if any, of the numbers they wore. how about y'all, boys and girls? why did you wear the number you wore? did it have any significance to you?
i'll start. my first Austin High varsity baseball number was #6. i had a very good sophomore year and summer, and i decided that 6 was my lucky number. i did not get to wear it at UT, but i wore it throughout HS and every year i coached.
when i made the varsity football team as a junior (barely made it thanks to a good performance in our spring game), the coaches gave me #25. i hated it b/c i did not think it was a QB number. then i found out that Mike Cotten (HS All American on AHS' greatest team and star QB at UT) wore #25 when he played QB at AHS. i decided that #25 worked for me just fine.
there was a fun article in the Austin paper today about local football types and the significance, if any, of the numbers they wore. how about y'all, boys and girls? why did you wear the number you wore? did it have any significance to you?
i'll start. my first Austin High varsity baseball number was #6. i had a very good sophomore year and summer, and i decided that 6 was my lucky number. i did not get to wear it at UT, but i wore it throughout HS and every year i coached.
when i made the varsity football team as a junior (barely made it thanks to a good performance in our spring game), the coaches gave me #25. i hated it b/c i did not think it was a QB number. then i found out that Mike Cotten (HS All American on AHS' greatest team and star QB at UT) wore #25 when he played QB at AHS. i decided that #25 worked for me just fine.
263
Talk Zone / Pence's last AB
« on: September 13, 2009, 05:03:20 pm »
that is exhibit A of what infuriates me watching him. takes a spinning slider middle in for strike 1, then flails at a good one low and away to end the game with a DP. Hunter be hackin'.
264
Beer and Queso / Friday beer 9/4 edition
« on: September 04, 2009, 03:50:49 pm »
anyone had Avery Kaiser Imperial Oktoberfest? i thought it was great, but two of them kicked my ass at the end of a Gingerman outing.
266
The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Trinidad
« on: July 19, 2009, 06:58:50 am »
saw him pitch last night:
7 IP
2 R
4 H (one solo HR)
like Mike said, his FB was 88 tops, but he can pitch. his command was a bit off, and the 7 innings took him 121 pitches. he throws almost sidearm so there is no big down-breaking curve. good move to first. changes speeds well. good composure. he will need solid defense b/c the other team will put it in play.
also, Gervacio was really good in the 8th. that was the first time all year i have seen him be not awful.
7 IP
2 R
4 H (one solo HR)
like Mike said, his FB was 88 tops, but he can pitch. his command was a bit off, and the 7 innings took him 121 pitches. he throws almost sidearm so there is no big down-breaking curve. good move to first. changes speeds well. good composure. he will need solid defense b/c the other team will put it in play.
also, Gervacio was really good in the 8th. that was the first time all year i have seen him be not awful.
267
Talk Zone / for those keeping count in threes
« on: July 01, 2009, 02:40:49 pm »
Karl Malden died today
270
Talk Zone / Father's Day
« on: June 21, 2009, 08:22:32 am »
have a great day, Dads. thanks to you, Dad, for all you did for me. i miss you.
272
Beer and Queso / Aventinus
« on: May 14, 2009, 07:07:30 pm »
i do not like wheat beers generally, but omg, this is good! Weizenstarkbier. We had our first in Munich last September, and Spec's, bless 'em, carries it. dopplebock wheat that, to me, does not taste like wheat.
273
The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Manzella
« on: May 11, 2009, 12:20:47 pm »
hitting the ball with authority at the present time. looks totally different from last year.
274
The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Maysonet
« on: May 08, 2009, 11:09:46 am »
he must be hurt. DNP the last few games of the RR road trip.
anything i should ask or check on tonight?
anything i should ask or check on tonight?
275
Talk Zone / Footer's FB Friends
« on: May 04, 2009, 11:58:22 am »
Barzilla is one. suddenly i feel dirty and not so special.
276
Talk Zone / in all the moaning about the offense...
« on: April 21, 2009, 09:06:18 am »
what kept us from sweeping the Reds (in low-scoring games, for sure) was late inning relief pitching. that was supposed to be a strength of this team, but the pen coughed up the lead in the 9th, 7th and 7th in the three losses.
278
i have seen two games so that makes me an expert, correct?
Bogusevic hits the ball very hard off RHP. Iowa brought in a LHP to face him last night up 6-0 with 2 out and nobody on. although the move made no sense, i got to see him hit off a LH. he stood in pretty well on the FB but bailed bigtime on the CB. he either plays too shallow in CF or does not have a lot of speed/quickness. in two games, two balls have gone over his head to the wall. i know Ramirez would have caught the first one, and he may have caught the second one.
Towles has 4 hits and is hitting around .400 in the early going.
Johnson has done nothing terrible and nothing special in the games i have seen.
Manzella is hitting the ball hard.
Maysonet played 2B last night. Sutton turned a nice DP in the late innings after a not so good feed from SS.
Reggie and Ramirez are sharing RF. Gall is playing left.
the pitchers have walked 21(!) in 3 games. Fulchino threw pretty well last night. Paulino had good stuff and so did Arias, but they did not throw enough strikes.
Bogusevic hits the ball very hard off RHP. Iowa brought in a LHP to face him last night up 6-0 with 2 out and nobody on. although the move made no sense, i got to see him hit off a LH. he stood in pretty well on the FB but bailed bigtime on the CB. he either plays too shallow in CF or does not have a lot of speed/quickness. in two games, two balls have gone over his head to the wall. i know Ramirez would have caught the first one, and he may have caught the second one.
Towles has 4 hits and is hitting around .400 in the early going.
Johnson has done nothing terrible and nothing special in the games i have seen.
Manzella is hitting the ball hard.
Maysonet played 2B last night. Sutton turned a nice DP in the late innings after a not so good feed from SS.
Reggie and Ramirez are sharing RF. Gall is playing left.
the pitchers have walked 21(!) in 3 games. Fulchino threw pretty well last night. Paulino had good stuff and so did Arias, but they did not throw enough strikes.
279
Talk Zone / from the Dell
« on: April 09, 2009, 08:46:01 pm »
Paulino 5 shutout IP, too many pitches, little command, 94-95 tops
Abercrombie and Sac 3-run homers
Hensley walking the ballpark at the present with a 7 run lead
Abercrombie and Sac 3-run homers
Hensley walking the ballpark at the present with a 7 run lead
282
Beer and Queso / i never complain about refs
« on: March 21, 2009, 11:48:56 pm »
But that bs foul call on UT after a rebound with the score tied and 47 seconds to go bailed Duke out. Maybe they win anyway but I'd like to see what would happen with no foul called. Bullshit call.
283
Check out last year's stats of Giants LHP Madison Bumgartner. He came into a game we saw and looked very good against the big boys. In addition, Pablo Sandoval is tearing the cover off the ball for SF, and a minor league FA named Jesus Guzman hit a monster HR to dead CF and has hit 4 homers this spring. He is a switch-hitter with power.
284
Talk Zone / Lamb goes deep
« on: March 17, 2009, 05:06:18 pm »
And we were there!
In other news, Pedro Sandovalis hitting like Roy Hobbs
In other news, Pedro Sandovalis hitting like Roy Hobbs
285
Talk Zone / Matty B. sightighting
« on: March 15, 2009, 06:59:00 pm »
Mark and I visited with him during BP, and he pitched 2 innings. Good day for the Raups.
287
Beer and Queso / Ayinger Jahrhundert
« on: March 08, 2009, 10:17:11 am »
This bier is not sold in Texas, and it is a fantastic helles. It was Carolyn's favorite during our Germany trip. Mark can weigh in with his opinion, too. I order it from John's Grocery online.imo, it is worth the extra cost of shipping. Jahrhundert is what Shiner 99 tried to be.
288
Talk Zone / newsflash for C. Cooper
« on: February 27, 2009, 10:11:51 am »
One cannot learn to be a leadoff man without batting leadoff
289
Beer and Queso / OSF sighting
« on: February 21, 2009, 11:51:07 am »
Mark and i enjoyed beer(s) and conversation with the vagabond poster at the Gingerman last night. good guy.
293
Talk Zone / WE GOT US A PITCHER!
« on: January 13, 2009, 02:40:20 pm »
Russ Ortiz, says mlb.com in a text message.
296
Beer and Queso / HOORAY!
« on: November 04, 2008, 10:26:39 am »
the incessant yammering is over. go vote, folks.
297
Talk Zone / SAD, SHOCKING NEWS
« on: October 31, 2008, 02:39:39 pm »
Friends and fellow TZers
Michael Baker (Mihoba), our dear friend and colleague, died last evening of a massive heart attack. Dale Jones (Wild Dog) called me at noon with the news. he has been in touch with Michael's wife and will share the details he has with any of you. he asked me to ask you to PM him if you are interested. he will watch for them.
i had a closer relationship with Michael than with the ordinary poster. some of you did also. i met him and visited with him several times in Austin and in Houston over the years, and we had an email relationship as well. Dale is very, very close to him. although Michael is 10+ years younger than i, we were of the same generation in our outlook as fans. he was a great guy and a tremendous asset to this site and to AC and OWA. he had many friends in the TZ, and i know we all will miss him immensely.
prayers for Michael and for his family.
Jim
Michael Baker (Mihoba), our dear friend and colleague, died last evening of a massive heart attack. Dale Jones (Wild Dog) called me at noon with the news. he has been in touch with Michael's wife and will share the details he has with any of you. he asked me to ask you to PM him if you are interested. he will watch for them.
i had a closer relationship with Michael than with the ordinary poster. some of you did also. i met him and visited with him several times in Austin and in Houston over the years, and we had an email relationship as well. Dale is very, very close to him. although Michael is 10+ years younger than i, we were of the same generation in our outlook as fans. he was a great guy and a tremendous asset to this site and to AC and OWA. he had many friends in the TZ, and i know we all will miss him immensely.
prayers for Michael and for his family.
Jim
299
Talk Zone / Jackie Moore to Rangers per NYCU
« on: October 22, 2008, 04:04:09 pm »
surprise, surprise
Express will be next, i'll bet
Express will be next, i'll bet
300
Beer and Queso / Ayinger Oktoberfest-Marzen
« on: October 14, 2008, 09:59:17 am »
this is worthy of your attention before it is all gone. Spec's has it.
i had some out of a wooden keg in Munich. OMG.
i had some out of a wooden keg in Munich. OMG.
301
Beer and Queso / random wondering
« on: August 11, 2008, 04:17:48 pm »
when will Shiner 100 make an appearance?
302
Talk Zone / "a little bit"
« on: August 09, 2008, 07:42:37 pm »
Damn, Cooper says that 10 times in every interview.
304
Talk Zone / my opinbon only
« on: June 15, 2008, 07:38:17 pm »
i am tired of making/hearing excuses for Owalt. he is not a good pitcher at the moment, imo. he does not want to be an ace, also imo, and is not.
305
Talk Zone / Ray King in RR
« on: June 02, 2008, 09:23:24 pm »
He is a large man.
86 FB
6-3
Single
89 at the knees
Throwing a screwball I think
BB all low
5-3
86 FB
6-3
Single
89 at the knees
Throwing a screwball I think
BB all low
5-3
306
Talk Zone / Sosa in RR
« on: June 02, 2008, 08:46:23 pm »
First inning:
Gun said consistent 93-94
Gun said consistent 93-94
307
Talk Zone / second-guessing question
« on: May 30, 2008, 09:49:40 am »
i got home last night just in time to see Oswalt make the third out in, i think, the 7th with Pence at second. why no PH there?
308
Talk Zone / Villarreal
« on: May 25, 2008, 07:12:51 am »
too good a track record to give up on him, imo. just gotta keep working to get him straightened out.
309
Talk Zone / double whammy
« on: May 24, 2008, 02:49:09 pm »
seen today at Costco: a 20-something guy wearing a USC t-shirt and a Red Sox cap.
312
Talk Zone / hey, Old Timers
« on: May 11, 2008, 07:24:42 pm »
Anyone remember any Astros' catch to compare to Bourn's catch today?
313
Talk Zone / my first coaching job
« on: May 09, 2008, 05:14:38 pm »
all of those t-ball stories got me to thinking about Mark's first team. he did not want to play baseball until he was 9, and it was a coach pitch team with 8 and 9 year olds. by far, the worst kid on the team was an 8 year old named Willis. he was playing only because Mom and Dad wanted him to play. he did not want to play, and he could not throw, catch or hit. he also was a little jerk and rarely listened when i talked.
one day at practice, we were doing something at first base, and i put my hat down to simulate the base while i gave them instructions. i was talking a mile a minute about whatever the baseball lesson was, and i heard a couple of the guys snickering. i looked down, and Wills had turned my hat upside down and had just about finished filling it up with dirt.
my coaching career had no place to go but up after that day.
one day at practice, we were doing something at first base, and i put my hat down to simulate the base while i gave them instructions. i was talking a mile a minute about whatever the baseball lesson was, and i heard a couple of the guys snickering. i looked down, and Wills had turned my hat upside down and had just about finished filling it up with dirt.
my coaching career had no place to go but up after that day.
314
Talk Zone / Lee (con't)
« on: May 07, 2008, 11:51:01 am »
i continue to marvel at how good a hitter he is. how many sluggers in recent times would be willing to wait back to drive an 0-2 pitch to the opposite field?
316
Talk Zone / Matt Morris
« on: April 28, 2008, 11:46:34 pm »
can he still pitch? we need another starter.
317
Noe, did you save your prediction post? let's discuss it from time to time.
the one downer so far in the Grand Plan is the absence of any significant contribution from Cheito. Erstad really is good, and the other bench players have chipped in too. Cruz Jr. may need some extended PT to get going, but how do you do that?
it is fun to speculate/think about realistic/possible ways for this team to get better. i'd like to know what WadeSmith has in mind, if anything. when Wiggy returns, who goes back? i think Byrdak stays as long as he does well so, to me, that means Perez.
man, was everyone--including me--wrong about Tejada! he makes the other players better with his fire, and he can play a little too.
the one downer so far in the Grand Plan is the absence of any significant contribution from Cheito. Erstad really is good, and the other bench players have chipped in too. Cruz Jr. may need some extended PT to get going, but how do you do that?
it is fun to speculate/think about realistic/possible ways for this team to get better. i'd like to know what WadeSmith has in mind, if anything. when Wiggy returns, who goes back? i think Byrdak stays as long as he does well so, to me, that means Perez.
man, was everyone--including me--wrong about Tejada! he makes the other players better with his fire, and he can play a little too.
318
Talk Zone / today's recap
« on: April 20, 2008, 10:12:43 am »
Great recap, Noe. I was not able to watch the game, but your recap was just like being there. Thank you.
319
Talk Zone / "My arm was too strong."
« on: April 19, 2008, 11:31:16 am »
BS. i have never bought that particular excuse for poor performance, and i do not think Cooper does either. a rough translation of Cooper's comments in NYCU is: "quit making excuses, jack. first it's one thing, then it's something else. make quality pitches or we'll find someone who will."
321
Talk Zone / hey, strosrays
« on: April 18, 2008, 07:35:48 am »
Great previes, as usual. I could not agree more re the commercials. My all time fave of them is the two lovebirds sitting nekkid in separate bathtubs out in a field.(Yeah, you see that all the time). Methinks they should be in the same tub if the product is working.
322
Talk Zone / Pujols' hit in the 8th
« on: April 09, 2008, 10:07:20 am »
i was teaching a class and did not see it. DoRay said it should have been a DP. what happened?
324
The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Express
« on: April 01, 2008, 08:51:53 pm »
went to the season ticket holders party tonight at which the players are introduced and hang out with the fans. fun party.
man, the roster is retreads on parade.
man, the roster is retreads on parade.
326
Beer and Queso / March Madness
« on: March 21, 2008, 05:02:04 pm »
Man, I love this tournament. Best sporting event of them all.
327
Talk Zone / ST trip aftermath
« on: March 15, 2008, 02:00:01 pm »
Each year, Dan and I pick a player we've neer heard of who has impressed us most in the games we saw. This year it was, hands down, Eugenio Velez, SF infielder.
329
Talk Zone / i was there!
« on: March 13, 2008, 03:20:16 pm »
Ichiro's first hit of the spring:
Routing 8-hopper to 2B. He beat the P to the ba/.
We decided it was historic but not memorable.
Routing 8-hopper to 2B. He beat the P to the ba/.
We decided it was historic but not memorable.
330
Talk Zone / semi-interesting factoid
« on: March 13, 2008, 01:06:57 pm »
During bfast this morning, GL returned Jayson Stark's call. "What does he want?" says I. "Information" says he.
331
Talk Zone / Horacio Ramirez
« on: March 13, 2008, 11:55:59 am »
Released yesterday-only wants to start.
332
Talk Zone / ST intelligence
« on: March 12, 2008, 09:40:40 pm »
Cubs will acquire Roberts
Cubs must move Marquis
Reports from Fla say Woody is running on empty
Astros want to move Loretta
Wade's fault as a trader is that he throws in the extra guy. This year it was Sarfate.
Cubs must move Marquis
Reports from Fla say Woody is running on empty
Astros want to move Loretta
Wade's fault as a trader is that he throws in the extra guy. This year it was Sarfate.
333
Talk Zone / Josh Hamilton
« on: March 11, 2008, 03:53:10 pm »
Omg, what a player.
Ok, resume the laff riot comedy routine.
Ok, resume the laff riot comedy routine.
334
Talk Zone / Lakey Tuesday tidbit
« on: March 11, 2008, 03:02:47 pm »
Alexei Ramirez, Cuban defector CWS 2B, has a chance to be the next Soriano.
335
Talk Zone / Bob Skinner
« on: March 11, 2008, 02:36:57 pm »
Just met him. Wow for me-the 1960 Pirates are my all time favorite team.
He now works for Houston.
He now works for Houston.
340
Talk Zone / BP on the Astros
« on: March 06, 2008, 05:42:02 pm »
Fuck BP. I am reading the annual on the train to ST, and those jerks like nothing and no one in Houston. Damn.
341
Talk Zone / for OWA Longhorns
« on: January 21, 2008, 07:20:54 pm »
Rooster Andrews died today. great guy, and a great Longhorn. RIP.
342
Talk Zone / Friday afternoon beer warning
« on: January 11, 2008, 05:29:54 pm »
Left Hand Imperial Stout put me in a fucking coma.
that is all.
that is all.
343
Talk Zone / Auld Lang Syne
« on: December 30, 2007, 06:13:00 pm »
for me, the TZ. Happy New Year.
344
Talk Zone / good game, Ags
« on: November 24, 2007, 08:07:48 am »
outcoached and outplayed two years in a row. our defensive schemes are clueless.
Zipp, i told you McGee could pass!
Zipp, i told you McGee could pass!
345
Talk Zone / Director of Scouting
« on: October 07, 2007, 09:04:50 am »
i hope they are making a hard push to get Gordon Lakey to come back home. certainly Gillick will encourage him to accept that step up as he winds down his career. he would be great at that job.
347
Talk Zone / i now have figured it out
« on: September 21, 2007, 07:39:50 am »
AAA actually is the most difficult level of them all. that is why Pence, Anderson and Towles--who were anywhere from ok to not-so-hot in RR--are tearing up MLB.
boy, it would be great to see this sucess be an accurate predictor.
boy, it would be great to see this sucess be an accurate predictor.
348
Talk Zone / Woody's IP incentive clause
« on: September 17, 2007, 04:16:18 pm »
chickenshit thing to do to him. one more example of how this organization is going to hell quickly.
349
Talk Zone / calling all beer snobs (non BB)
« on: September 14, 2007, 01:41:16 pm »
list 5 beers that everyone should try. i'll hang up and listen.
350
The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Towles
« on: September 04, 2007, 09:37:50 am »
i finally saw him play--the last two games of the season. ugly swings, mostly with his arms. he'll probably hit .600 in September after i say this, but he needs lots and lots of work in AAA.
352
Talk Zone / Longhorn fans (non-BB)
« on: August 31, 2007, 09:48:46 am »
i have one ticket to tomorrow's game that i am selling for a friend. PM me if interested.
353
Talk Zone / my email to a friend today
« on: August 28, 2007, 10:15:18 am »
My team since 1962, which is pretty close to love of my life status, has been hijacked by a grocery store magnate and MBA types like Pam Gardner. Baseball people are ignored. Decisions are made by listening to sportstalk radio and by talking to fans in the stands and by the meddling owner’s perception of public opinion about baseball issues. The “I want to be a CHAMPION” mantra is supposed to keep injuries from happening, to turn rookies into veterans and to make mediocre players great. Management gets blamed and fired for draft/signing decisions made by business-driven ownership. MY baseball team has been turned into a corporate, marketing entity in which good people are not given a fair chance to fail or succeed based on decisions they are allowed to make. I hate it.
354
Talk Zone / Astros win!
« on: August 26, 2007, 04:51:41 pm »
Met Bat Girl, Arky and DVauthrin on this trip. Good times.
357
Talk Zone / classless MFers
« on: August 26, 2007, 12:34:29 pm »
Purpura just was booed at the Bagwell ceremony.
358
Talk Zone / Lee the hitter
« on: August 26, 2007, 11:04:01 am »
Wow, seems as though I missed classic stubbyc idiocy last night. I hope two weeks is only the beginning of his leaving. The little boy has an unhealthy obsession with me.
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.
My opinions are based on what I see and on my experience in watching and teaching others to play. I do not consider my opinions infallible, but I would not post something unless I believed it firmly. None of you has to agree with anything I say, and if you bandwagon what stubby says about me, and I imagine I'll survive. I may not be an expert on how baseball is played-you judge that. I may not have done much in baseball, but I have done something. Stubby, what have you done?
My comparison between Lee and Berkman was on a fairly sophisticated point. I am not surprised that stubby and others did not comprehend it. That many TZers do understand is what makes this site such a pleasure to be a part of.
We're off to MMPUS to say goodbye to Baggy. Carry on.
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.
My opinions are based on what I see and on my experience in watching and teaching others to play. I do not consider my opinions infallible, but I would not post something unless I believed it firmly. None of you has to agree with anything I say, and if you bandwagon what stubby says about me, and I imagine I'll survive. I may not be an expert on how baseball is played-you judge that. I may not have done much in baseball, but I have done something. Stubby, what have you done?
My comparison between Lee and Berkman was on a fairly sophisticated point. I am not surprised that stubby and others did not comprehend it. That many TZers do understand is what makes this site such a pleasure to be a part of.
We're off to MMPUS to say goodbye to Baggy. Carry on.
359
Talk Zone / Sunday tickets
« on: August 20, 2007, 04:38:00 pm »
if any TZers have 2 extra for Sunday, Mark and i are needing a couple. PM me, please. we have Saturday tickets.
360
sent to AAA Saturday. that is so disappointing to Mark and me, but he had been getting rocked the last month or so. he will work hard with a good attitude, and we hope he comes back with Cincy or with some team. think good thoughts for him.
361
Talk Zone / shoulda, woulda, coulda
« on: August 12, 2007, 04:19:07 pm »
a sweep of the Brewers was very doable
lack of timely hitting and bad luck on Friday
old school position plus an incredible swing by Braun on Saturday
solid win Sunday
story of the "lost" season
Biggio on his special days has been unbelievable.
lack of timely hitting and bad luck on Friday
old school position plus an incredible swing by Braun on Saturday
solid win Sunday
story of the "lost" season
Biggio on his special days has been unbelievable.
363
Talk Zone / Backe report
« on: August 07, 2007, 08:13:54 pm »
3 2/3
87-90, pretty good curve, not great command
Gave up 5 hits and 2 runs
87-90, pretty good curve, not great command
Gave up 5 hits and 2 runs
364
Talk Zone / report from RR
« on: August 06, 2007, 07:41:54 pm »
Ransom is at SS tonight. Maybe a hint of things to come?
365
Talk Zone / the wild pitch
« on: August 05, 2007, 08:50:05 am »
the ball definitely hit the Marlins' batting weight in the on deck circle, which redirected it out of the field of play. does anyone know the rule? should the ball have been dead when it hit the weight or is the equipment part of the on deck circle so that any deflection is in play?
367
Mark and i saw him pitch last night, which was my second time. efficient outing--no Ks (i think), but they did not hit him very hard. lots of lazy fly balls.
not much velocity: 84-87 with a rare bump to 89. most were in the 85-86 range.
Ransom is making the most of Purpura's attendance (if he still was there). he hit a monster 3-run HR to break the game open.
not much velocity: 84-87 with a rare bump to 89. most were in the 85-86 range.
Ransom is making the most of Purpura's attendance (if he still was there). he hit a monster 3-run HR to break the game open.
369
Talk Zone / calling anyone with inside info
« on: July 30, 2007, 04:56:18 pm »
are there any deals still in the works? i'm fresh out of news.
372
Talk Zone / the Biggio slam
« on: July 25, 2007, 12:25:28 pm »
this has been a freaking fairy tale. before the ball cleared the wall, my phone rang. it was Mark, and he said "can you believe that?" it was hard to believe but so great.
378
Talk Zone / Patton report
« on: July 06, 2007, 11:24:42 pm »
7 strong innings pitched and got the win. Randolph and Driskill finished.
his stuff is not as good as i expected. FB 87-90, not a big CB, not many Ks, lots of hard hit balls and great defense behind him, very much a "fly ball pitcher" tonight, which to me says he did not keep the ball down
very poised and composed, looked like an established AAA pitcher instead of a 21 year old, good command/control, pitched inside well, did not get rattled, had the game well in hand with help from his fielders
solid effort, but he looks to be a #2-3 candidate in a MLB rotation rather than an ace. nothing wrong with that. great first outing.
i talked to a local BA reporter after the game who told me that he has lost 3-4 mph on his FB this year. he says no one is concerned about it, and he thinks it may be deliberate.
his stuff is not as good as i expected. FB 87-90, not a big CB, not many Ks, lots of hard hit balls and great defense behind him, very much a "fly ball pitcher" tonight, which to me says he did not keep the ball down
very poised and composed, looked like an established AAA pitcher instead of a 21 year old, good command/control, pitched inside well, did not get rattled, had the game well in hand with help from his fielders
solid effort, but he looks to be a #2-3 candidate in a MLB rotation rather than an ace. nothing wrong with that. great first outing.
i talked to a local BA reporter after the game who told me that he has lost 3-4 mph on his FB this year. he says no one is concerned about it, and he thinks it may be deliberate.
379
Talk Zone / The Day After 3000
« on: June 30, 2007, 10:13:29 am »
yesterday was one of the most enjoyable days ever in the TZ. what was interesting to me was to notice the usually negative posters who did not put in an appearance. nothing to complain about, probably--kind like Christmas Day. winning and HOF milestones do that, i guess
380
Talk Zone / curse of the bullpen?
« on: June 26, 2007, 08:11:34 am »
in RR, Randolph was as dominant as a pitcher can be. coming out of the Astros' pen, however, he is meat.
i think Drayon should consider commissioning an exorcist.
i think Drayon should consider commissioning an exorcist.
382
Talk Zone / Rice v. UNC
« on: June 20, 2007, 02:40:58 pm »
Baby Blue dominating thus far.
Rice taking a lot of strikes and bitching at the umpire about same. only 2 hits thus far.
3-0 UNC in 6th
Rice taking a lot of strikes and bitching at the umpire about same. only 2 hits thus far.
3-0 UNC in 6th
383
Talk Zone / Cody Ransom
« on: June 15, 2007, 07:58:11 am »
imo, he is a better every day option at SS than Bruntlett. i guess the Astros just told Ransom that he has no value to them. it is a shame if so. the man can play.
384
Talk Zone / Carlos Lee
« on: June 07, 2007, 06:27:55 pm »
i do not fault him so much for the shoestring catch he did not make. the right turn he made on the could-have-been-E4 was fucking horrible, though. the thing is, what can a manager do about that stuff these days? fine him? HAH!
385
Talk Zone / scoring question
« on: June 07, 2007, 07:58:41 am »
why was Miller not the LP? Williams' runner (Holliday) did not score. Helton forced him at second off Miller, and two hits later, he scored the go ahead run.
386
Archive / Alkie dismisses trade suggestion
« on: May 31, 2007, 10:44:12 pm »
replying to someone's speculation that the Angels may offer Shea Hillebrand for Ensberg and Lane, Alkie said:
"One useless dick for our two busted Trojans?"
"One useless dick for our two busted Trojans?"
388
Talk Zone / Happy Memorial Day
« on: May 28, 2007, 10:21:55 am »
thank you, members of our armed services throughout our history. we are forever in your debt.
390
Archive / Limey on the club's recent debacles
« on: May 25, 2007, 09:40:37 am »
The Astros have graduated from being a mere traveling horseshit show. They're now the master of the genre, the Suck du Soleil, if you will.
391
Talk Zone / let's try this
« on: May 24, 2007, 02:47:20 pm »
Biggio 2B
Loretta/Lamb 3B
Pence CF
Lee LF
Berkman 1B
Scott RF
Ausmus/Q C
Everett SS
P
Loretta/Lamb 3B
Pence CF
Lee LF
Berkman 1B
Scott RF
Ausmus/Q C
Everett SS
P
393
Talk Zone / freaky game
« on: May 17, 2007, 10:46:16 pm »
Lincecum! wow!
2 Es on one play
no threats to score after Lee's RBI
Biggio's postage stamp range lets the winning run on
out 3 turns into the winning hit by hitting the bag
and the Old Reliable Ks to end it.
2 Es on one play
no threats to score after Lee's RBI
Biggio's postage stamp range lets the winning run on
out 3 turns into the winning hit by hitting the bag
and the Old Reliable Ks to end it.
394
Talk Zone / the best thing about Pence
« on: May 16, 2007, 09:39:16 pm »
right now he is taking a short stroke and not trying to do too much. fun to watch his development.
395
Talk Zone / Crawford Boxes
« on: May 16, 2007, 09:41:34 am »
have they ever been as good to the Astros as they were last night? 2 skimmers+1 pop=4 runs.
Carlos needed no help in the 10th, though.
Carlos needed no help in the 10th, though.
396
Archive / Lefty on El Caballo's stick horse ride
« on: May 15, 2007, 11:03:32 pm »
Kevin: Makes you wonder, What Would Jeff Bagwell Mutter (WWJBM)?
Lefty: Nontraveling stickhorseshit show
Lefty: Nontraveling stickhorseshit show
397
Talk Zone / Lineup i hope to see
« on: May 13, 2007, 05:44:20 pm »
Biggio 2B
Lamb/Loretta 3B
Berkman 1B
Lee LF
Scott RF
Pence CF
Everett SS
Ausmus/Q C
P
if Biggio sits, Pence to leadoff, and Lamb to 6 hole
trade Ensberg/Lane/Burke for whatever possible
Ransom/Conrad/Burke can be a utility player if Loretta/Lamb take over 3B.
Munson is having a solid year in AAA. LH power, can C and play 1B.
bench is much weaker with Lamb/Loretta playing. Lane could sure help, but will he? not much bat help in RR. Randolph can help in MLB, imo.
you trade mavens get busy, and get Ensberg moving. he is irritating as hell to watch.
Lamb/Loretta 3B
Berkman 1B
Lee LF
Scott RF
Pence CF
Everett SS
Ausmus/Q C
P
if Biggio sits, Pence to leadoff, and Lamb to 6 hole
trade Ensberg/Lane/Burke for whatever possible
Ransom/Conrad/Burke can be a utility player if Loretta/Lamb take over 3B.
Munson is having a solid year in AAA. LH power, can C and play 1B.
bench is much weaker with Lamb/Loretta playing. Lane could sure help, but will he? not much bat help in RR. Randolph can help in MLB, imo.
you trade mavens get busy, and get Ensberg moving. he is irritating as hell to watch.
398
Talk Zone / roster move
« on: May 09, 2007, 03:59:37 pm »
what is the best guess on when? as of last night, RR did not know who they are getting.
399
Talk Zone / the various lineups
« on: May 06, 2007, 07:57:23 am »
the tinkering has been kinda fun to watch. no matter what set lineup he finally decides on, it will be hard to leave Loretta as only a part-time player.
401
Archive / Ty strikes again
« on: April 29, 2007, 09:39:57 am »
after reading that Nieve is coming to Houston for an examination, i asked:
JimR: are there doctors who treat sulking?
Ty in Tampsa's reply was simple and dead-on:
Ty in Tampa: Analbootologist.
JimR: are there doctors who treat sulking?
Ty in Tampsa's reply was simple and dead-on:
Ty in Tampa: Analbootologist.
403
Archive / Holly steps up
« on: April 16, 2007, 04:22:38 pm »
in a discussion about which hole new Astros SS Angelina Jolie hits in, Holly opined:
Holly: Up and down the lineup. Switch-hitter, too, apparently.
Holly: Up and down the lineup. Switch-hitter, too, apparently.
404
Archive / MRaup zings the Old Man
« on: April 13, 2007, 03:44:23 pm »
after I told a tormentor i was tring to keep the fact that i am old a secret, Mark got me. the following is my post and his reply:
JimR: who told you? i was trying to keep it secret.
MRaup: The fact your posts are automatically sepia-toned gives it away every time.
JimR: who told you? i was trying to keep it secret.
MRaup: The fact your posts are automatically sepia-toned gives it away every time.
406
Talk Zone / Austin TZers
« on: March 28, 2007, 01:01:29 pm »
i have an extra ticket for the Astros game tomorrow. PM or email me.
407
Talk Zone / stuff i wish i could watch every day
« on: March 04, 2007, 10:17:07 am »
the battle in RF, especially Hidalgo's skills after his time away and Lane's ABs
Ensberg's approach at the plate, especially his swings on favorable counts
innings pitched by the guys trying to fill 4 and 5 in the rotation
Lidge's mechanics, especially his front shoulder
if all of this goes well, folks, we've got us a team.
Ensberg's approach at the plate, especially his swings on favorable counts
innings pitched by the guys trying to fill 4 and 5 in the rotation
Lidge's mechanics, especially his front shoulder
if all of this goes well, folks, we've got us a team.
409
Talk Zone / the 5 hole
« on: December 31, 2006, 07:11:21 pm »
now that Huff is an Oriole, the 5 hole appears to be the biggest concern. Ensberg can do it, but will the power-hitting run producer show up this year? if there are no more deals, my guess as to the lineup is:
Burke
Biggio
Berkman
Lee
Ensberg/Lamb
Scott
Everett
Ausmus
Pitcher
a late ST deal seems advisable unless Ensberg and Lane really turn things around, but who might be available to produce runs? if Scott is for real, moving him to 5th makes sense. Huff would have made this lineup so much better, imo, and there is nothing in RR coming.
on the other side of the game, that team looks to be average at best defensively.
Burke
Biggio
Berkman
Lee
Ensberg/Lamb
Scott
Everett
Ausmus
Pitcher
a late ST deal seems advisable unless Ensberg and Lane really turn things around, but who might be available to produce runs? if Scott is for real, moving him to 5th makes sense. Huff would have made this lineup so much better, imo, and there is nothing in RR coming.
on the other side of the game, that team looks to be average at best defensively.
410
Talk Zone / Mike Capps
« on: December 29, 2006, 03:49:57 pm »
as posted by Greg D elsewhere on the site, Mike won the Minor League Broadcaster of the Year award. congratulations to a great friend who is one helluva broadcaster. he should be in Houston.
Mike is a regular lurker here so he'll read anything you want to add.
Mike is a regular lurker here so he'll read anything you want to add.
411
Talk Zone / Vince Young (non BB but what a CFer he would be)
« on: December 10, 2006, 05:21:31 pm »
my goodness, what a player.
412
Talk Zone / winter meetings news?
« on: December 03, 2006, 02:51:42 pm »
c'mon somebody--do something!
413
Talk Zone / the rest of the off season
« on: November 25, 2006, 11:03:11 am »
this is a blatant effort to divert the discussion away from the pedantic gnashing of teeth over the Lee deal. Drayton cannot catch a break. he did what the damn Tribune-dictated market required him to do to get the guy the baseball folks wanted so now there is a line of folks waiting to say "i told you so" in 4 years. the second-guessing about "why not trade" is particularly amusing. they tried for both Wells and Crawford and were rejected. hoo boy. reminds me of the BP wailing over the Bagwell contract year after year.
ok, so what now? a main purpose of the signing, imo, is to entice the Drama Queen and his Young Apprentice to rejoin the squad. is there money for them? is there money for Huff? are trades in the offing?
what is next?
ok, so what now? a main purpose of the signing, imo, is to entice the Drama Queen and his Young Apprentice to rejoin the squad. is there money for them? is there money for Huff? are trades in the offing?
what is next?
414
Talk Zone / dammit, Noe
« on: November 15, 2006, 05:12:05 pm »
so i am NOT the TZ? you have misled me for all these years.
415
Talk Zone / thank you, Astros!
« on: October 01, 2006, 09:53:38 am »
win or lose today...standing ovation from me.
416
Talk Zone / been following the Good Guys since '62...
« on: September 25, 2006, 11:05:09 am »
i have never seen a more thrilling series than the one just concluded. all 4 games on a DVD would be one helluva present.
hint, Mark.
hint, Mark.
418
Talk Zone / 9/23 game with Cards
« on: September 13, 2006, 12:05:48 pm »
i like will have 3 tix available to the second game of the TZ DH. $14 each.
419
Talk Zone / back from vacation
« on: August 28, 2006, 06:38:00 pm »
did i miss anything during the last two weeks?
421
Talk Zone / buyer or seller
« on: July 30, 2006, 07:36:27 pm »
whatever we were this morning, we are tonight, imo. one game does not make a difference in the NL at the moment.
422
Talk Zone / heard a rumor tonight at the ballpark
« on: July 29, 2006, 01:57:01 am »
Lane, Ensberg, Lidge for Tejada
i have no idea of the quality of the ultimate source.
i have no idea of the quality of the ultimate source.
423
not sure how he escapes criticism from the experts who grace us with their presence from time to time. game after game he makes stupid, stubborn pitches that cost him runs. Nevin's 3-run HR is a prime example.
did his demise start with Game 3 of the WS? is he a scared head case b/c of that game and his failure to hold a 4 run lead in the WS? should he work out his problems in another organization?
he is a great pitcher, but he ain't pitching great.
did his demise start with Game 3 of the WS? is he a scared head case b/c of that game and his failure to hold a 4 run lead in the WS? should he work out his problems in another organization?
he is a great pitcher, but he ain't pitching great.
424
Talk Zone / Huff's homer
« on: July 14, 2006, 03:54:45 pm »
boys and girls, that was some damn fine hitting. he had guessed FB and was WAY out in front of the curve. he kept his hands back, though, and hit the ball out with his hands. wow.
426
Talk Zone / a run coming?
« on: July 04, 2006, 06:29:55 pm »
boy, i hope so. the division can be won.
427
Talk Zone / Lamb's error on the 4th
« on: July 04, 2006, 04:39:51 pm »
protecting St. Biggio. that was E4.
428
Talk Zone / Bucknor in the 7th
« on: June 27, 2006, 10:43:02 pm »
that 3-1 pitch may have been the single worst call i have ever seen. it completely turned the game around. he is either crooked or incompetent beyond redemption.
on a related note, the Astros can get to the playoffs, but TP must find a hitter or two. hitting Lane #2 and Burke #5 is a joke. Ensberg and Lane passed awful headed south quite some time ago. Craig Wilson may be a good suggestion; i don't know. i just know that standing pat looks futile to me.
on a related note, the Astros can get to the playoffs, but TP must find a hitter or two. hitting Lane #2 and Burke #5 is a joke. Ensberg and Lane passed awful headed south quite some time ago. Craig Wilson may be a good suggestion; i don't know. i just know that standing pat looks futile to me.
429
Talk Zone / The Great Man last night
« on: June 23, 2006, 12:39:57 pm »
i thought he looked ok for the first time out. he was not sharp, and he pitched behind a lot, but he battled. if Biggio makes that play, as he should have, they would not have scored.
btw, the Twins are pretty damn good, imo.
addendum: anyone else notice that Clemens drops his elbow quite a bit? not sure if that is a function of age or why exactly it is happening. i guess you saw him reminding himself to keep his left shoulder closed. he needs to add "keep your elbow up" to his self-coaching messages, imo.
btw, the Twins are pretty damn good, imo.
addendum: anyone else notice that Clemens drops his elbow quite a bit? not sure if that is a function of age or why exactly it is happening. i guess you saw him reminding himself to keep his left shoulder closed. he needs to add "keep your elbow up" to his self-coaching messages, imo.
430
Talk Zone / the team as of 6/15
« on: June 15, 2006, 12:58:18 pm »
starting to get on a roll again. getting ready to add Clemens and perhaps Backe. getting timely hitting from Wilson, Lamb and others. watching Berkman be outstanding. getting an intelligent hitting approach from Burke and surprisingly good CF play. seeing the bullpen start to shut down games. getting major contributions from kid pitchers and T. Miller. playing solid defense. having a solid bench with valuable, contributing spare parts. knowing that Biggio will never get old. having one of the best managers in MLB in the dugout.
it points out yet again, for those frontrunners who need it, how lucky this franchise has been to be under a stay-the-course GM style under GH and TP. if management decides to make a deal, it has players to trade and flexibilty to deal without wrecking the team.
the rest of the season will be fun.
it points out yet again, for those frontrunners who need it, how lucky this franchise has been to be under a stay-the-course GM style under GH and TP. if management decides to make a deal, it has players to trade and flexibilty to deal without wrecking the team.
the rest of the season will be fun.
433
Talk Zone / speaking of Lance
« on: May 13, 2006, 03:08:46 pm »
did anyone else see him throw the ball around the infield by throwing it to AE after his great stretch? only problem was there was a runner on 2B.
435
Talk Zone / saw Hirsch last night
« on: May 09, 2006, 12:56:47 pm »
man, he should throw harder than he does. good stuff, though, and he kept the ball down all night. FB 88-92 and a good breaking ball. he was totally in control of the game and has given up only one unearned run in his last 15 IP.
436
Talk Zone / one of the worst ABs of all time
« on: May 04, 2006, 12:43:03 am »
Biggio in the 8th
438
Talk Zone / Cubs future
« on: April 17, 2006, 10:50:55 am »
they have two great arms in AAA--Guzman and Hill--and a stud CF/leadoff man. the Cubs will be a formidable opponent for years to come.
440
Talk Zone / the next hed post:
« on: April 12, 2006, 03:42:43 pm »
"i have been out of touch. how is Bagwell's shoulder?"
441
Talk Zone / TZ Opening Day outing
« on: April 04, 2006, 03:03:26 pm »
nice to see all the old friends again and to meet new ones. thanks to HH for organizing the day.
443
Talk Zone / will Purpura stand pat?
« on: November 23, 2005, 03:29:09 pm »
Burke in LF; resign Roger, Brad, OP and Viz; no major trades to add offense or LH pen help
what do you think?
what do you think?
444
Talk Zone / question for posters
« on: November 21, 2005, 11:06:02 am »
who here posts on Ketchum's site as otterj? email me.
446
Talk Zone / my opinion only
« on: October 23, 2005, 01:43:02 pm »
much like after the first StL game, i was encouraged last night. we can play with them, but, unlike StL, we need to do it against the starters. Jenks last night overmatched the entire team. Clemens was not very good, and they played great defense when we had chances to score. i expect that his "injury" will be all better by Game 5. a win tonight puts us back on track.
447
Talk Zone / for the next off day
« on: October 21, 2005, 07:15:38 pm »
has anyone ever tried to put together an all-time Astros 25 man roster? i think it might be fun, but i'll need a media guide/all time roster to do it.
448
Talk Zone / Edmonds speaks about the Astros
« on: October 21, 2005, 06:06:37 pm »
"I don't think you'll find a classier group of people than you do on that team, and that's hard to say around the league," Edmonds said. "That's my honest opinion. I think they treated us with class at their stadium, they introduced us classy. I've never seen a group of people in the game more classy than the way they handled everything for us.
"Besides a little premature celebration the other night [during Game 5], I think it was a great series to watch and we had a lot of fun. They're a great team to play against, and hopefully they'll play well in the World Series."
The Link
"Besides a little premature celebration the other night [during Game 5], I think it was a great series to watch and we had a lot of fun. They're a great team to play against, and hopefully they'll play well in the World Series."
The Link
449
they do not like hubris, taunting or folks who boast of immunity from their powers. for those who doubt this, i offer the following:
Eckstein's 16 hop single
Edmonds' walk
a hanging slider instead of a bouncing one
atone now while there is time.
Eckstein's 16 hop single
Edmonds' walk
a hanging slider instead of a bouncing one
atone now while there is time.
450
Talk Zone / Walker taking third
« on: October 17, 2005, 01:26:26 am »
AE or Lidge should have been covering third while Mo made the play. what happened to the ball after the tag? if Ausmus had it, where was he? it looked like we were totally asleep, but so were the cameramen.
451
Talk Zone / rumor, but the source is pretty good
« on: October 16, 2005, 02:50:37 pm »
Hun is a leading candidate for the GM job at Philly.
452
Talk Zone / pravata's recaps
« on: October 14, 2005, 04:11:26 pm »
i swear, i need a TZ Glossary open in front of me so i can understand them. i can tell what happened but not who was involved.
453
Talk Zone / any mass suicides reported?
« on: October 11, 2005, 11:03:36 am »
in Fox Sports?
hahahahahahaha
hahahahahahaha
455
Talk Zone / the pitch to Burke
« on: October 09, 2005, 10:22:07 pm »
i don't think it would have been a strike. i was sitting by myself watching the game, just talking away to Burke and Divine: "do not swing at sliders. pitch him in." wow, what a game!
456
Talk Zone / thank you Laroche
« on: October 09, 2005, 08:17:40 pm »
your jog around the bases to get thrown out at home saved us.
457
Talk Zone / i love Chris Burke!
« on: October 09, 2005, 08:14:40 pm »
he has been my favorite player all year!
seriously, being in the playoff cauldron with the great veterans this team has and experiencing firsthand the qualities that make us love the Astros will make guys like Burke and Scott so much better players.
how did you like it, Beltran?
seriously, being in the playoff cauldron with the great veterans this team has and experiencing firsthand the qualities that make us love the Astros will make guys like Burke and Scott so much better players.
how did you like it, Beltran?
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