Topics

1

Game Zone 2019 / 2019 American League Championship Series, Game 1...October 12, 2019

« on: October 12, 2019, 04:17:05 pm »

Springer CF
Brantley LF
Altuve 2B
Bregman 3B
Alvarez DH
Gurriel 1B
Correa SS
Tucker RF
Chirinos C

Greinke P

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Game Zone 2019 / Astros @ Angels - 9/29/19

« on: September 29, 2019, 12:45:40 pm »

Springer 9
Altuve 4
Brantley 7
Bregman 6
Alvarez DH
Gurriel 3
Diaz 5
Maldonado 2
Straw 8

Cole

3

Game Zone 2019 / Astros @ Angels - 9/28/19

« on: September 28, 2019, 07:35:38 pm »

Springer 9
Altuve 4
Bregman 6
Alvarez DH
Gurriel 3
Diaz 5
Reddick 7
Chirinos 2
Marisnick 8

Verlander

4

Game Zone 2019 / Astros @ Angels - 9/27/19

« on: September 27, 2019, 08:42:12 pm »

Springer 8
Altuve 4
Brantley 7
Bregman 5
Alvarez DH
Gurriel 3
Chirinos 2
Tucker 9
Mayfield 6

Urquidy

5

Game Zone 2019 / Astros @ Mariners - 9/24/19

« on: September 24, 2019, 07:52:09 pm »

Correa scratched with lower back tightness.  Hinch not concerned.  Hinch is a calmer man than I am.

https://twitter.com/brianmctaggart/status/1176651193663143936

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Game Zone 2019 / Angels @ Astros - 9/21/19

« on: September 21, 2019, 05:08:36 pm »

Springer 9
Altuve 4
Bregman 5
Yordan DH
Yuli 3
Correa 6
Tucker 7
Maldonado 2
Straw 8

Miley

Former Stro farmhand Patrick Sandoval, traded in the first Machete deal, on the hill for the Angels. 

7

Game Zone 2019 / Rangers @ Astros - 9/18/19

« on: September 18, 2019, 07:02:32 pm »

Springer 8
Altuve 4
Brantley 7
Bregman 6
Yordan DH
Yuli 3
Tucker 9
Diaz 5
Maldonado 2

Cole

8

Game Zone 2019 / Astros @ Brewers - 9/3/19

« on: September 03, 2019, 06:08:50 pm »

Springer 8
Brantley 7
Bregman 6
Gurriel 3
Diaz 4
Toro 5
Reddick 9
Maldonado 2
Greinke 1

9

Game Zone 2019 / Astros @ Brewers - 9/2/19

« on: September 02, 2019, 12:53:31 pm »

Springer 8
Altuve 4
Brantley 9
Bregman 6
Yordan 7
Yuli 3
Toro 5
Chirinos 2
Cole 1

10

Game Zone 2019 / Astros at White Sox - 8/13 Game 1

« on: August 13, 2019, 01:28:57 pm »

RF Springer
2B Altuve
LF Brantley
SS Correa
DH Alvarez
1B Gurriel
3B Diaz
C Chirinos
CF Marisnick

P Greinke

Altuve will sit game 2, Straw will be active as the 26th man and will start at 2B

11

Talk Zone / 3 out of 4 Awards Ain't Bad

« on: August 03, 2019, 11:51:06 am »

Yuli:  Player of the Month
Cole: Starter of the Month
Yordan:  Rookie of the Month

Bullpen just a total disappointment, they let some knob from the Yankees win top reliever

12

Game Zone 2019 / Rangers @ Astros - 5/10/19

« on: May 10, 2019, 07:19:32 pm »

Springer DH
Altuve 4
Bregman 5
Brantley 7
Correa 6
Reddick 9
Yuli 3
Chirinos 2
Jake 8

Verlander


Choo 7
Andrus 6
Gallo 8
Pence DH
Mazara 9
Odor 4
Cabrera 5
Guzman 3
Kiner-Flefa 2

Lynn

13

Game Zone 2019 / Astros @ Twins - April 29, 2019

« on: April 29, 2019, 06:45:54 pm »

Springer gets the day off, meat of the lineup moves up a spot and Jake batting 9th

14

Talk Zone / The WS Baseballs

« on: October 29, 2017, 11:45:42 am »

Lots of grousing from the players and coaches about the leather being slick and affecting pitches, especially the slider:

https://www.si.com/mlb/2017/10/29/world-series-baseballs-leather-justin-verlander-yu-darvish-ken-giles-kenley-jansen

“I just want to know why? Why in the world would the baseballs in the World Series be different? Because you can see the difference. You can feel it. I don’t understand it at all.” -- Brent Strom

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Talk Zone / RIP Frank Deford

« on: May 30, 2017, 11:33:32 am »

Just heard this.  When I was a kid I was an avid SI subscriber, and his columns made a serious impression on young me, as did his appearances on Real Sports.  Caught as many of his NPR contributions as I could in his later years, what a joy it was listening to him talk sports and life. 

16

Talk Zone / The life of an Astros fan

« on: October 21, 2016, 07:26:38 am »

http://www.texasmonthly.com/the-culture/another-season-of-loving-the-houston-astros/

Not embarrassed to say I teared up a little thinking about my dad and good times in the Dome.

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Beer and Queso / Tampa/Sarasota Info

« on: June 03, 2016, 09:11:57 am »

A couple of friends of mine are moving there from Austin for a few years to be closer to his father.   I know a couple of you guys are very familiar with the area, any recommendations for restaurants, bars, live music spots, activities, and such?   This is as much for me as for them, since I'll have a free place to crash in Sarasota soon.

18

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Trading Draft Picks

« on: May 22, 2014, 12:13:57 am »

I know it's a CBA issue, but I'm curious what the perceived downside is (given that every pro league in america allows it) from both the union's and the owners' perspective.  Any thoughts would be appreciated, as I know next to nothing.

19

Beer and Queso / Irish libations

« on: February 18, 2011, 03:53:04 pm »

A couple of my relatives are headed over there soon, and I'm not as well-versed in Irish whisky as I am in others.  Haven't been there since I was 22, and my memories of that trip are a tad bit hazy.

If you could bring back a couple of nice bottles, preferably stuff you can't find in the states, what'd it be? 

20

Beer and Queso / Sushi/Seafood in Austin

« on: August 06, 2009, 07:33:13 pm »

I am seriously deprived and need ideas for Fri/Sat.  Love Uchi, looking for something more laid-back.  Any part of town.

21

Talk Zone / Ortiz released

« on: July 30, 2009, 04:43:50 pm »

Gervacio up.

Per Footer.

22

Talk Zone / Freakonomics on Baseball

« on: April 28, 2008, 11:41:08 am »

Apparently, baseball is too boring for a whole lot of people.  Some quality suggestions here, especially in the NYT comments (catchers getting 1 sign per pitch, 1-game series, etc...).  I guess the guys who are amazed at the novelty of the infield shift, ("even on a right handed batter"!) didn't watch much of a certain Houston first baseman, or much baseball at all for that matter.

http://freakonomics.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/04/28/ideas-for-making-baseball-more-interesting/

and

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120907935062743195.html

23

Talk Zone / NYCU: Infielder Brad

« on: April 24, 2008, 09:48:33 am »

Not that Coop doesn't have options given Blum's & Loretta's versatility, but anyone else find it a bit strange that they leave themselves a bit short on the IF at the same time it's reported that Ausmus's back has been bothering him?  Wigginton should be back in about a week, right?

24

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / 2008 Draft Slotting System

« on: April 02, 2008, 10:32:30 am »

Bit of interesting stuff on BA about the problems with the current system.

The Nationals, Orioles, Red Sox, Tigers and Yankees aggressively went over slot, either for singular talents (such as the Orioles giving Matt Wieters a $6 million bonus that is the largest up-front payment in draft history) or for multiple players.

That didn't sit well with the clubs that adhered to slotting, especially after they received assurances from MLB throughout the summer that no teams were going to ignore the guidelines. A month later, Frank Coonelly, whose job as MLB's senior vice president of labor relations included being the watchdog for draft bonuses, took over as Pirates president and announced his team would go over slot as needed.

and

"You look at some of these teams toeing the line, like the Pirates and the Astros, and their general managers and scouting directors are getting fired," another AL club official said. "Frank Coonelly comes into Pittsburgh and says he's going to take the best available player. More and more organizations are going to break from the pack and call their bluff."

http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/draft/draft-preview/2008/265576.html

The bolded part is something I hadn't heard.  I know it's extremely premature to ask, but any early thoughts on how the Stros draft philosophy might change under the new regime?

And Callis bemoans the current slotting system in his initial draft chat, which also has some blurbs about the Stros, and a few prospects from Rice & UT.  He also has an interesting point that if MLB did away with the FA signing draft compensation, the MLBPA might not have any grounds to resist a hard salary cap/slot system for the draft.

http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/draft/chat/2008/265591.html

25

Talk Zone / Roster Moves Around the League

« on: March 24, 2008, 02:40:41 pm »

Cuts & decisions are starting to come on. 

Aaron Fultz, veteran lhrp, was let go by the Tribe, who are eating his 1.5M option they picked up a few months ago.  Has been solid in the past, good against lhb last year & over his career, but has been pretty much terrible this spring.  Also, they named Cliff Lee as the 5th starter, so the previous mentions of Sowers or Laffey being available may pick up again.

Reed Johnson, corner OF who used to play a bit of CF, is out in Toronto, but with Cruz playing well there's not much of a need there.

Anyone else out there the Stros might take a look at?

Unrelated to this, but relevant to the Stros, the Cubs may be turning their attention away from Roberts (frustrated from dealing with the O's) & looking into Felipe Lopez from the Nats.  I'd very much like to see the Cubs not get Brian Roberts.

26

Talk Zone / Brocail (NYCU)

« on: March 16, 2008, 12:38:26 pm »

Don't know what's going on with him this spring, but his point has a bit of merit:

04-07, over 39 innings, spring ERA of 6.  Lowest was 4.38 last year.

Likelihood of Brocail pitching himself into 7th inning duty & Villareal into the 8th to start the season?  Brocail's been very good against lefties, if he's not the designated 8th inning guy, Coop has more flexibility to use him at other, possibly more important, parts of the game.  Especially if they carry no lefty in the pen, or if Wright is the only one, Brocail can ease the burden on him early in the season.  Thoughts?

27

Talk Zone / Astros scouting Colon

« on: February 04, 2008, 09:40:10 am »

in the Carribbean Series.  Wade & a couple of scouts present.

Article in Spanish:  http://espndeportes.espn.go.com/news/story?id=644072&s=bei&type=story

Roughly translated quotes from Wade:

"We're interested, but want to give it another look before moving forward....

I don't want to discount the possibility, but at this moment we're not at the point of discussing a possible contract."

28

Talk Zone / Having Fun with Hecklers

« on: May 16, 2007, 05:11:18 pm »

Wells and Griffey with good responses to a couple of liquored up fans.

29

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Excellent pitching in RR/CC last night

« on: May 09, 2007, 10:39:56 am »

McLemore (4 IP, single in the 4th), Randolph (3) and Estrada (2) combined on a 1-hitter last night.  RR hit 4 shibbys & won 5-0.

Patton went 7.2 of shutout ball, allowed 4 singles, 1 BB & K'd 6.  Hooks over SA 1-0.

What's the story with McLemore?  How's his arm?  Potential bully lefty in the future?

30

Talk Zone / Trivia - Grand Slams

« on: April 21, 2007, 11:09:52 am »

Other than Biggio, how many players have hit grand slams in 3 different decades?

I have no idea, was hoping Mihoba & some of you other trivia gurus might want a crack at it.

31

Talk Zone / Purp on the Radio

« on: March 06, 2007, 01:56:14 pm »

Rome show.  Nothing earth shattering, but some interesting points:

Likes the pitching depth, but always looking to improve.  Key to Astros philosophy is developing young pitching, and likes the depth Stros have in that area; talked about Zito deal & the difficulty going in knowing that you'll eat a portion of that contract at some point;

Jennings: .5 runs/game difference b/t Coors & MMP; mentally tough; dealt with terrible run support last year;

Feels Stros lineup will be much improved;

Likes the humidor in Colo, Stros keep their balls in climate-controlled enviro in accordance with the manufacturer's specs;

Lee: "multifaceted"; better defender than given credit; very hard worker, impressed so far at camp; good baserunner; never had 100K's in a season; better fit in middle of order than Soriano; spoke of him along with Berkman & Roy as the new leaders on the club;

Lidge:  2006: bad habits stemmed from arm not being in shape coming out of ST, led to overthrowing, flying open, muscling the ball; has much smoother mechanics this spring; very mentally tough from his minor league travails; Nolan gave good advice this offseason, coming from similar experience;

MoBerg:  thought Mo would go on DL, he conviced Purp that he was OK; "delicate balance" b/t being tough & smart; learning experience for Mo & the club;

Roger:  expects him to come back, looks good physically; if mentally prepared then he'll be back; doesn't feel Stros have an edge over NY/Bos (said he never goes into negotiations feeling that way, though)

32

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Tip Fairchild

« on: March 01, 2007, 07:01:19 pm »

Nice article from his hometown paper:

Quote:
The Astros continue to like Fairchild's arm. He throws a fastball in the low 90s, a curve for an out pitch and last season developed a sinker that hastened his trip up the minor league ladder.

"They say my stuff works real good," Fairchild said. "It's just a matter of more innings."

Fairchild said he's a year ahead of schedule, but admits, "I don't have the big league command (yet)."
...
He'll be on the team's Double-A roster this spring but could drop down temporarily once the big league cuts are made.

"If I'm pitching well, they might keep me there," he said.

Fairchild said he figures to get to the Astros Double-A affiliate in Corpus Cristi, Texas, sooner or later.

"Wherever they put me, I don't want to be there long," he said.

The Link

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Talk Zone / Yoga & Pitching

« on: February 13, 2007, 04:13:17 pm »

Interesting read, former Stro Hirsh gets a mention.

The Link

34

Talk Zone / Pettitte's elbow

« on: September 13, 2006, 04:07:49 pm »

Lucas said a few minutes ago that it's a muscle strain, not the ligament he had repaired in '04.

No idea what this portends for the rest of this year, but it's definitely good news regarding his potential return next season.

35

Talk Zone / NYCU

« on: July 12, 2006, 04:26:14 pm »

"First year Houston GM Tim Purpura"?

"Huff goes to the Cubs"?  Only place I saw them mentioned w/ being buyers at the deadline.  WTF?

Haven't heard of Albert Chen before, but I'm in no hurry to read his column again.

36

Talk Zone / Hit Batter

« on: May 23, 2006, 06:04:06 pm »

His reaction takes douchebaggery to a new level.  Hilarious.

The Link

37

Talk Zone / Tipping Pitches

« on: May 17, 2006, 12:46:45 pm »

Austin rag:  The Link

It's hard enough to get batters out even if they don't know what's coming. In Lidge's case, many National League batters apparently did know what was coming. McEwing and Astros shortstop Adam Everett told Lidge that he was alerting hitters to his pitches. It was something McEwing said he picked up when he was with the Mets.

"I've been tipping my pitches," a frustrated Lidge said, standing at his locker before Tuesday's game.

When he pitched out of the stretch and came to a stop at his chest before coming home, it was a slider. When his hands rested at his belt, a fastball was on its way. Easy enough to decipher.

"It really ticked me off," Lidge said, "because it took a month out of my career. It turns out to be a horrible month."

And the Chron:  The Link

He'd had other hints. Well, more than hints. Adam Everett got a tip from another National League hitter that Lidge was tipping his pitches. The closer's agent heard from a player.

When the Astros began looking at video of previous years, they found it. But Lidge is cautious about declaring the end of his troubles.

38

Talk Zone / Revert back this weekend

« on: May 10, 2006, 11:50:38 am »

For better or worse.  Borkowski seems to have pitched his way into a longer stay with the club.  Performance-wise Gallo & Zeke seem to be the likely candidates for a demotion.

Does Gallo have options?

39

Talk Zone / Burke at Shortstop

« on: February 03, 2006, 11:29:25 am »

From Footer's astros.com article:
 

Quote:
Burke hasn't played short since college.  

I thought he played SS at Michigan after being drafted, and his performance there is what led to the position change.  

I also remember some scuttlebut about Hun being pretty upset that he wasn't cut out for SS, as he was drafted expressly to play that position.

Am I off base here?

40

Talk Zone / Ash off the Air

« on: December 20, 2005, 07:56:19 pm »

Brett Dolan & Dave Raymond hired.

"Hamilton will serve as the play-by-play analyst for Astros radio broadcasts during home games, with Dolan and Raymond sharing color analyst duties. For road games, Dolan and Raymond will share play-by-play duties along with pre- and post-game responsibilities."

The Link

Ashby seems like a good guy, hope he lands on his feet.