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NBA sources confirm #Rockets trade for Chris Paul. Clippers get Beverley, Dekker, Williams and 2018 first round pick.
Brian Mactaggart @brianmctaggart
Colby Rasmus said he's going to try to go to the opera tonight, time permitting. He likes classical music now and then.
The theory would go like this: more than ever before, umpires are aware of good framers. They’re aware that good framers can get strikes out of the zone, so then that introduces a bias. Umpires don’t want to be wrong, and their bosses don’t want for them to be wrong. It’s not like an umpire would watch a pitch, then think about a call, then think about the catcher, then change his mind. These decisions happen way too fast, but you’d just have to believe there’s some effect. A different call out of every 10, or 20, or 30, or 50. Something that would show up in bigger samples. It makes sense that, if umpires became aware of great pitch-framing, they might become aware of ways to call the game that have a little less to do with how a catcher moves. And you have to think framing has been on their radar.
Mark Berman @MarkBermanFox26 7m7 minutes ago Texas, USA
#Astros' Doug Brocail says he's interviewed twice to become next #Rangers pitching coach: "I have interest.It's a Major League coaching job
Brian McTaggart ⚾️ @brianmctaggart 3m3 minutes ago
Today is Carlos Correa's birthday, and Scott Baio.
Corporan, in a log-jam at the catcher position in Houston, is being traded for undisclosed player(s).
@EvanDrellich: Jonathan Singleton hasn't arrived yet.
@EvanDrellich: General manager Jeff Luhnow has asked to speak to media at 9 am ET.
You'd think the GM comes down and makes it a point to talk to the staff about it that at we need to start protecting our own and doing things differently. Probably a week later Goldy gets dinged, and no retaliation. It's like "wait a minute."
Some [pitchers], contractually, it's tough to move. But I think come spring training, it will be duly noted that it's going to be an eye for an eye and we're going to protect one another.
If not, if you have options there's ways to get you out of here and you don't follow suit or you don't feel comfortable doing it, you probably don't belong in a Diamondbacks uniform.
Cody Clark, C, Astros (MLB Houston).
I focus this article on the major prospects in the minor leagues. However, the goal for every single player in the minor leagues is to eventually get the call to the big leagues. Obviously, not every player is able to put on a major-league uniform, but everyone is always working toward this end. Clark is a player who bounced around the minor leagues looking for a shot, even spending time in independent baseball, consistently working on his game to hopefully one day get the opportunity to get to have that talk with his coach telling him it is his time and he is going to The Show. Clark is a special case, because all of the sources I spoke with could not stop talking about his work ethic. Clark even went to the Australian Winter League at the age of 30 just to get at-bats. The feeling Clark will get by putting on the jersey and being in the clubhouse, and the experience he will get playing the game that he has loved since childhood at the highest level makes everything worthwhile. In just about every one of the Updates I write about guys who are essentially no-doubt major leaguers, and that is fine. But on this night, I would like to honor Cody Clark. This one’s for you Cody—you are living the dream. Soak it up, and know that the work you put in is respected.
Astros Class-A SS Carlos Correa: “One of the best packages of talent and performance I have seen this summer. You can describe his skills and tools with any words you want, but the bottom line is that he can play and will play at a high level. His maturity stands out, he is the best player on the field, and his baseball acumen is impressive for a teenager. It shouldn't take him long to race through the minors based on how he is dominating on both sides of the ball."
Jonah Keri @jonahkeri 3m
Chris Davis is going to have around 55 HR/145 RBI at year's end, his team might make the playoffs...& he's got basically no shot to win MVP.
John Blake @RangerBlake 8m
Rangers have acquired OF Alex Rios and cash considerations from the White Sox for a player to be named later or cash. Rios has 12 HR-55 RBI.
Ken Rosenthal @Ken_Rosenthal 5m
Sources: #Rangers’ Berkman considering retiring and forfeiting remainder of his salary, about $4.4M. Meeting with team officials today.
Morgan Ensberg @MorganEnsberg 15m
Alert: I'm putting a Dr on the radio to say I didn't play as badly as you saw me play in '07 and '08.
Brian T. Smith @ChronAstros 5m
Hamilton is back on leukemia treatments
Brian T. Smith @ChronAstros 1m
Brett Oberholtzer joining #Astros. Hector Ambriz optioned to OKC.
Steve Sparks @SteveSparks37 2m
MARK it down? on @SportsTalk790 RT @jluhnow: Come down to Minute Maid Park tonight... it should be a special evening!”
Houston Astros
The Astros are one of only two AL teams (along with the Twins) to have gotten above-average defense at all four of the up-the-middle positions of catcher, second base, shortstop and centerfield, according to Fielding Bible's Plus/Minus system. Leading the way are centerfielder Brandon Barnes (seven runs saved), shortstop Marwin Gonzalez (five), second baseman Jose Altuve (three) and catcher Jason Castro (three).
marissamayerVerified account
@marissamayer
Photo: I’m delighted to announce that we’ve reached an agreement to acquire Tumblr! We promise not to screw... http://tmblr.co/Z4v08slQ0n8V
Mark Berman @MarkBermanFox26 6m
MLB sources confirm Reid Ryan, son of Rangers CEO & Hall of Fame pitcher Nolan Ryan, will b named Friday as the new president of the Astros
Buster Olney @Buster_ESPN 25m
Have heard this from a number of opponents and rival evaluators: They think the Astros prepare and play with maximum effort. No quit.
MLB Trade Rumors @mlbtraderumors 10m
RT @tribeinsider: Indians completed a Minor League trade, acquiring CA CHRIS WALLACE from the Houston Astros in exchange for LHP ERIC BERGER
RT @richarddeitsch: Tim McCarver will end his Fox Sports broadcasting career at the end of 2013. “It is time to cut back.”
Jonah Keri @jonahkeri
Bill James giving huge praise to #Astros. "No question, in 5 years they'll be winning 95 games a year." #SABRanalytics
“He’s been scorching the ball,” said a scout who has watched the Astros. “He’s been much more aggressive in his approach than in the past, and he’s hitting the ball hard. It’s early in spring training and it might not last, but he’s opened my eyes.”
Houston Astros @astros
Astros press conference, announcement scheduled for 2pm CST today, check back for the latest team news.
DKnobler @DKnobler
Carlos Pena agrees to terms with Astros. One year, $2.9 million, plus $1.4 million in incentives. http://cbsprt.co/U7yu1R
Jeff Passan @JeffPassan
Royals have reached out on Bud Norris as well as Shaun Marcum in their search for a starter.
Jeff Passan @JeffPassan
Teams are calling on Bud Norris, and the Astros are listening. Much of the interest depends on the cascade effect from Greinke signing.
Ken RosenthalVerified
@Ken_Rosenthal
Just announced by #MLB: #SFGiants' Melky Cabrera suspended 50 games without pay after testing positive for testosterone.
Bob Nightengale @BNightengale
The #Marlins say they plan to put Carlos Lee on waivers if they can't trade him by today's non-waiver deadline
Buster Olney @Buster_ESPN
Dodgers are talking to Astros about a trade that would send Jed Lowrie to the Dodgers,with minor-leaguers Zach Lee and Garrett Gould to HOU.
One source places odds of Lowrie/Lee Astros-Dodgers deal is about 50-50 right now.
Sources are saying that there could be others involved in Lowrie/Lee-Gould discussions between Dodgers and Astros.
Lowrie, of course, would give Dodgers options at third base and shortstop. Having a strong season, and hitting for power -- which LAD needs.
Jeff Luhnow @jluhnow
In the visiting clubhouse at Miller park. Last time I was here there was a lot of champagne being sprayed.
The Los Angeles Dodgers and Frank McCourt today announced an agreement under which Guggenheim Baseball Management LLC (“GBM”) will acquire the Los Angeles Dodgers for $2 billion upon completion of the closing process. The purchasing group includes Mark R. Walter as its controlling partner, as well as Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Peter Guber, Stan Kasten, Bobby Patton and Todd Boehly. Mr. McCourt and certain affiliates of the purchasers will also be forming a joint venture, which will acquire the Chavez Ravine property for an additional $150 million.
The Los Angeles Dodgers stated, “This transaction underscores the Debtors’ objective to maximize the value of their estate and to emerge from Chapter 11 under a successful Plan of Reorganization, under which all creditors are paid in full.”
Frank McCourt stated, “This agreement with Guggenheim reflects both the strength and future potential of the Los Angeles Dodgers, and assures that the Dodgers will have new ownership with deep local roots, which bodes well for the Dodgers, its fans and the Los Angeles community. We are delighted that this group will continue the important work we have started in the community, fulfilling our commitment to building 50 Dream Fields and helping with the effort to cure cancer.”
Earvin “Magic” Johnson stated, “I am thrilled to be part of the historic Dodger franchise and intend to build on the fantastic foundation laid by Frank McCourt as we drive the Dodgers back to the front page of the sports section in our wonderful community of Los Angeles.”
Joba Chamberlain lost so much blood Thursday when he hurt his ankle while playing with his son that there initially was concern for his life, a Yankees’ source said … When Chamberlain was hurt, bone was sticking out of his ankle and he was bleeding profusely, a team source said. Paramedics were called and Chamberlain was taken by ambulance to the hospital
Alyson Footer @alysonfooter
Astros sent the following players to Minor League camp: Cedeno, An. Rodriguez, Jose Valdez, F. Martinez, Paredes, B. Snyder.
@jaysonst
Jayson Stark
Against all odds, Scott Elarton becoming a story in #Phillies camp. 4 IP today, 1 H, 4 K. Rich Dubee: "Scott is getting our attention."
Lunhow: Carlos Lee can help the team the most at 1b. Brett Wallace and Chris Johnson to see PT at 3b during Spring Training.
The Astros acquired starter Kyle Weiland from the Red Sox for a reliever, tweets ESPN's Jerry Crasnick.
Weiland, 25, struggled in 24 2/3 innings in his Red Sox debut this year. At Triple-A, he posted a 3.58 ERA, 8.8 K/9, 3.9 BB/9, and 0.7 HR/9 in 128 1/3 innings. A third-round pick in 2008, Baseball America ranked Weiland 20th among Red Sox prospects prior to the season. BA says the former Notre Dame closer "relishes pitching inside" and his "best pitch is a low-90s fastball that peaks at 95 but is most notable for its hard sink."
@Buster_ESPN
Buster Olney
Mlb Executive on the Marlins' spending: "What, do they think Germany is going to bail them out on their debt?"
Congratulations to Richard Justice, new columnist for MLB.com. Richard has left the Chronicle after 11 years on the job.
SAN ANTONIO, Oct. 10, 2011 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ — The Whataburger Patty Melt. The Chop House Cheddar Burger. The Honey BBQ Chicken Strip Sandwich. And yes indeed, the A.1. Thick & Hearty Burger. Whataburger’s most beloved menu items have never before shared the spotlight, each reigning supreme for a limited time only before taking a bow and letting the next shine on center stage. But no more.
Beginning Oct. 10 at 3 p.m., the four beloved sandwiches will appear all day, every day, side-by-side on Whataburger’s new All-Time Favorites menu. The only question for Whataburger fans now is: how to pick just one?
The Astros' J.D. Martinez with runners on base: 18-for-40, seven doubles, four homers, .925 slugging. He's got 15 EBH in 91 at-bats overall.
Ed Wade is a much-derided GM about to preside over a 110-loss season, something that only 13 other modern-era team architects have done before (there have been 15 teams that had 110 or more losses, but George Weiss got to preside over three of them—Weiss is in the Hall of Fame, so there’s still hope for Wade); no doubt he intended to build a historic club, but this probably wasn’t what he had in mind. Despite this, when you take an organization’s top two prospects for a player as basically decent as Hunter Pence is, you deserve credit. Wade also deserves kudos for long being a believer in Michael Bourn, who was drafted on his watch in Philadelphia, acquired by him for Houston, and patiently nurtured through a .229/.288/.300 season in his first year as a regular. Bourn rewarded Wade over the last three years, and now he rewards the Astros by returning four players. Perhaps Wade could have extracted more from the Braves and held out for one of their best prospects. Even if he had been able to do that, it would have cost the Astros desperately-needed volume. Just because the players coming in weren’t the Braves’ top prospects doesn’t mean they aren’t among the Astros’ top prospects. No one player can cure the Astros; competence at multiple positions will bring them back to respectability faster than having one Superman on the team.[/url]
Source: The Cubs trying to nudge the Yankees into taking Carlos Zambrano, offering up money to offset his salary.
The Astros have been meeting the past few days to discuss their trade possibilities, which is difficult because GM Ed Wade is in a maze between ownerships. "Right now," says a GM, "they want for Rodriguez what the Rockies want for Ubaldo."
What would it take, with a club-friendly contract? One or two Major League level players, one of who would move into the Colorado rotation, and at least two prime prospects. In other words, if the Yankees want Jimenez, the Rockies would need a Major League starter, Manny Banuelos, Dellin Betances and a bat.
If we had to pick one club in baseball that has the look of a sure-fire seller in July, we'd pick the Astros. But there are two things to remember: 1) As GM Ed Wade pointed out, the Astros actually have a better record this year (18-30) than they had in late May last year (17-34) -- and last year's team went 59-52 the rest of the way. 2) Until the Astros' sale to Jim Crane is approved (most likely sometime in July), Wade can't even have a conversation with the new owner about his philosophy on team-building.
But at a time in which his club is obviously rebuilding, Wade says he expects to take the same approach this July that he took last July: "Anything that builds the type of depth that will get us where we need to be, it would make sense to explore."
Wade declined comment on all specifics. But other clubs believe he'd gladly listen to bids on the likes of Brett Myers, Wandy Rodriguez, Clint Barmes and Bill Hall. (Carlos Lee's no-trade clause keeps him out of that mix.) As for just about anyone else, Wade said, "We're going to be very protective of our younger players."
• So where would a guy such as Hunter Pence (28, and three years away from free agency) fit in that mix? We've heard rumblings of early interest from the Braves, Orioles and Phillies. But an executive of a fourth club says he believes there's a "1 million percent chance" Wade would need, essentially, a job-saving haul in return to even consider trading Pence.
"If you're Jim Crane walking in the door," the exec wondered, "how can you trade the one guy on your team who represents that part of Texas -- a blue-collar, hard-nosed player?"
• Meanwhile, continuing rumors of the Phillies' interest in Pence appear to be exaggerated. Clubs that have spoken with the Phillies report they're doing no more at the moment than compiling a shopping list of potentially available bats. But since their payroll is wedged right up against the luxury-tax threshold, they've been telling other teams they can only talk about hitters making no more than about half of Pence's $6.9 million.
Rival scouts don’t see much MLB caliber hitting on the Astros other than Hunter Pence, Michael Bourn and Carlos Lee. The over/under for Astros wins in 2011 should be 60, according to one scout.
Inside the vehicle, Cabrera smelled of alcohol, had slurred speech and took a swig from a bottle of scotch in front of a deputy, according to the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office. He refused to cooperate and more deputies were called to the scene.
Wandy Rodriguez's splits based on catcher were remarkable in 2010. He had a 1.96 ERA in 18 games with Jason Castro catching and a 6.19 ERA in 15 games with Humberto Quintero behind the plate, a difference pointed out by emailer Eric Kane.
Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/jon_heyman/02/02/competitive.balance/index.html#ixzz1CpXtGwzH
The crew of the space shuttle Challenger honored us by the manner in which they lived their lives. We will never forget them, nor the last time we saw them, this morning, as they prepared for their journey and waved goodbye and slipped the surly bonds of earth to touch the face of God.
6. Don Mattingly. I switched to "yes'' a few years ago because because he 1) was one of the best players in the game for a five-year period (and presumably would have continued along those lines had it not been for a bad back), 2) has career stats very similar to Hall of Famer Kirby Puckett, who was a no-brainer for me, and 3) is one of the very best defensive first basemen of alltime.
8. Jeff Bagwell. The numbers were plenty good (449 home runs, .408 OBP, .540 slugging percentage) and he'll merit reconsideration next year. I won't argue if he gets in, but I'd prefer a chance to reconsider in future years.
Top 10 things I would do if I were the general manager of the Astros:
10. Find out whether being Astros GM gives you enough cachet to get a date with a Texans cheerleader.
9. If so, treat her to a romantic candlelit picnic on Tal's Hill.
8. Call every member of the 1969-1972 teams until I had learned all the words to the rude songs they used to sing about Harry Walker.
7. Cook and eat Brett Wallace.
6. Indulge in frequent puns juxtaposing Jason Bourgeois with the works of Karl Marx, things like, “Jeff could play more for us if he could hit, but despite being Bourgeois, he doesn’t own the means of production.”
5. Draft some really unconventional players so that Michael Lewis will write a book about me and Brad Pitt will star in the movie of my life.
4. Campaign for reintroduction of the Dead Ball Era so that my offense doesn’t stick out as badly.
3. See if my resume is now good enough to get me hired by a real team.
2. Hope that Carlos Lee experiences a sudden burst of retirement.
1. Kill myself.
I would like to stop the article right there, but no doubt you would like to hear my brilliant plan for bringing the Astros back to the postseason for the first time since 2005...
As I understand it, Drayton McLane went to Milo and said, ''I want to honor you for your 65 years in broadcasting.''
''No thanks, Drayton,'' Milo said. ''I want the focus to be on the ballclub and not me. I don't have that kind of ego.''
''Milo,'' Drayton said, ''players come and go, games come and go, but you, Milo, are the one constant running through the Astros these last 26 years. I insist that we honor you.''
Milo, being a humble man, nevertheless accepted, and so the Astros honored him Wednesday afternoon before a 5-2 victory over the Cardinals. I'm not sure the conversation went exactly that way, but I'd be willing to bet Scrunchie's next paycheck I'm pretty close.
It's rule 8.06: "A second trip to the same pitcher in the same inning will cause this pitcher's automatic removal from the game. ... A manager or coach is considered to have concluded his visit to the mound when he leaves the 18-foot circle surrounding the pitcher's rubber."
Mattingly had left the mound, taken a couple steps, then turned back to speak to Loney. He heard home-plate umpire Adrian Johnson say "No, no, no." Without meaning to, Mattingly had gone back on the dirt and visited the mound twice, forcing a pitching change.
"I had a little bit of a feeling at that point," Mattingly said. "I'm aware of the rule. But again, I didn't realize, I kind of felt like I turned and just turned back around. Again, obviously, I guess, I guess I didn't."
Giants manager Bruce Bochy immediately jumped out of the dugout. Crew chief Tim McClelland said had Mattingly not stepped back on the dirt of the mound, it would not have been considered a second visit. It was truly a matter of inches.
Minutes after the game, Cuzzi said that he had not yet seen the replay. "I'll look at it, but I figured I'd eat first," he said. "(Blanco) made a decent attempt to put the tag on him. That's what it looked to me, and that's why I called him out."
am truly, truly stunned by the high volume of people who seem to think that Jeff Bagwell is going to come in and make everyone adopt the batting stance he used during his career. I mean, really? That's what everyone thinks hitting coaches do? Make the players do it exactly like they did? Really people?
WTF ?? A Fire Sale is needed for this organization. There has been a foul odor lingering around this team since late September. Blow it up. They don't deserve any more support from us. This is a lost season.
Now I'm hearing that if Nolan Ryan—yes, our Nolan Ryan—has his way, Gerry Hunsicker will be working for the Rangers sometime very soon. Unless bankruptcy court slows them down, or Drayton vetoes a deal, Roy Oswalt may be pitching for the Rangers down the stretch.
AUSTIN, Texas -- So Texas sophomore quarterback Garrett Gilbert believes that one of his goals for this spring is "to earn the trust and the respect of my teammates."
What's the matter with those guys? Is Gilbert playing with a locker room full of Simon Cowells? After Gilbert's performance as Colt McCoy's stand-in during the BCS National Championship Game, what else do the Longhorns need to see?
The Astros are telling teams Lance Berkman is unavailable. The Red Sox are one team to have inquired.
Hunter Pence's name hasn't popped up in many, if any, trade rumors this offseason, but he might be the most attractive bargaining chip that GM Ed Wade has in trying to infuse the Astros' roster with some desperately needed young talent. Wade isn't actively shopping Pence, but a lot of teams reportedly ask about him. While it might seem counterproductive to trade a 25-year-old outfielder with power who is not even eligible for arbitration until next winter and is under club control through 2013, consider that he would be a great fit for at least 10 teams: the Braves, Red Sox, Cubs, Yankees, Mets, Athletics, Cardinals, Mariners, Giants, and Rangers. Wade could entertain offers from so many different clubs because of Pence's affordability that he would certainly get a bundle in return if he astutely played the offers off each other. After firing manager Cecil Cooper late last season, Astros owner Drayton McLane made it clear that the heat is now on Wade, and making a big splash couldn't hurt the GM's job security.
Michael Bourn: Chronic strained groin acting up again, will miss “several games” but avoid DL.
If there had been video of my typical New Year's during the '70s and '80s, it would have shown sunshine turning to twilight giving way to nightfall as I sat slack-jawed at my home in Hempstead, New York, in front of the television, surrounded by junk food, slowly melting progressively deeper into my couch. I considered it a badge of honor, the ability to watch game after game until my eyes nearly glazed over. What other pursuit could be such a test of endurance and laziness all at the same time?
The day always began with the Cotton Bowl, matching the champion of the dear departed Southwest Conference, usually Oklahoma or Texas, against some highly ranked at-large team. I can hear Pat Summerall's terse play-by-play even now. As that game wound down I switched channels to catch the beginning of the Rose Bowl on the West Coast, with the scene in Pasadena seeming so sparkly bright in the first quarter and bathed in the soft glow of evening by the fourth.
The Astros' first-round pick from last last year made his own jump last week, moving up to Double-A after compiling a .309/.399/.517 line at High-A Lancaster. The hitting has continued in the Texas League, as Castro is 6-for-16 in his first four games for the Hooks. As good as his offense has been, it's his work behind the plate that has been earning raves from scouts; he gunned down nearly 60 percent of opposing basestealers at Lancaster. Catchers with real value both offensively and defensively are rare commodities, and Castro is looking more and more as if he'll be in the big leagues sometime next year.
Wesley Wright was sent to Triple-A Round Rock a couple of weeks ago mainly because he wasn't effective enough on the big league level. But his time spent down on the farm wasn't designed only for him to "work on things" -- he was also sent down to get stretched out to be more than a one-batter or one-inning pitcher. ... The Astros tabbed Wright as a reliever when they plucked him from the Dodgers organization during the Rule 5 draft in 2007, mainly because they had a need for a left-hander in the 'pen. But there appears to be a need for starting pitching these days, and perhaps Wright might fit the bill, someday.
Bud Norris is another interesting study. During Spring Training, several Astros evaluators said if Norris, the club's top pitching prospect, can develop the changeup and effectively use it as a quality third pitch, his future is probably as a starter. If it turns out he is more of a two-pitch pitcher, he could be looked at as a future candidate for the back end of the bullpen, possibly as a closer. As of now, his changeup is coming along nicely, and the Astros are still hopeful he can eventually turn into a top-of-the-rotation starter in the big leagues.
When he first announced his pending open-heart surgery during Spring Training, Aaron Boooooooooone sounded doubtful that he would play baseball again this year. But a little over two months into the season, Boooooooone has increased his level of optimism. The 36-year-old infielder hasn't ruled out a September comeback, assuming he stays on scheduled with his workouts and rehabs.
As for Castro, tabbing him as the starting catcher out of Spring Training next year might be a stretch. He'll be given the chance to compete for the job but I'm inclined to believe they might be looking for another stop-gap -- a la Pudge Rodriguez -- to give Castro more time to develop. I would not be surprised if Castro was called up at some point during the season, and he's moving up the ladder at a nice pace, but I suspect the Astros will want to give him something close to a full season at Triple-A before they'll think about making him the front-line starting catcher.
Pence has recently taken up playing chess. And in his spare time, he's been drinking coffee. Lots and lots of coffee.
Astros left-hander Mike Hampton: "He still goes out and battles, but he's out of bullets. All those injuries have robbed him of his stuff, and it's sad to see because he was so great when he was healthy."
Phillies closer Brad Lidge: "The Phillies are learning what the Astros already knew. When this guy is good, he's great, but he can be absolutely awful when he gets in a funk."
Rodriguez has been the Astros best pitcher this year -- by a landslide. He either has truly turned a corner and is finally living up to expectations -- at the age of 30 -- or, he's just on a really, really hot streak that could end at anytime. Whatever the case may be, had Cooper sent him out for a sixth inning -- and there was no reason not to, considering Wandy had only thrown 86 pitches and had logged more than 100 in two of his last three starts -- it would have sent a strong signal to his left-hander: I trust you, I believe in you, and even though you haven't been at your best today, I need one more inning from you and I know you'll come through.
Instead, Coop yanked him after five, turned to a taxed bullpen that was without the services of Chris Sampson and Tim Byrdak, and ended up with the win. But at what cost?
Chad Paronto seems like a lock to win one spot in the pen, and Danny Graves—no, really—seems to have dug his way back out of retirement long enough to be taken seriously.
As much as I loathe the idle jabbering about contraction—and the self-centered kleptomaniacal grabbery among fandom that it represents, as people bleat over how much they covet the players on other fans' teams, to the point of extermination—it's hard to argue that the Astros are involved in seriously operating a competitive team as opposed to giving Lance Berkman and Roy Oswalt (and Lee, and Pence, and then we start getting in trouble) a full slate of teammates to play with.
As easy as it is to bash Ed Wade about the state of the present—and to perhaps be irked by some of his preferences—keep in mind that it was going to get really ugly very fast no matter who replaced Tim Purpura, and that the real measure by which to keep score following the Astros isn't what happens among the expendables on the big-league roster in the present, but how effectively they turn things around on the player development side of the equation.
In the past, Tejada had balked at any such suggestion . But after playing third for the Dominican Republic’s disappointing entry in the World Baseball Classic, the four-time All-Star vowed to move to third if asked.
“Wherever they want me, I’ll be there 100 percent,” Tejada said. “If they want me to move to third, I’ll do it. I just want to be here. I’m a free agent after this year, and the No. 1 thing for me is that I want to be here.”
Carl Pavano — Yes. Tom Galvine — No. Barry Zito — Yes. Josh Beckett — God, no (although I do think he is an amazing pitcher). Brad Penny — Yes. Russell Martin — No.
OK, so that period of my life went like this: I was the girl loved by everyone and no one all at once. You must know a girl like this. You can't understand why she is still single. Men adore her, profess their love before the chicken satay arrives; then the phone rings one day, and it's her telling you he left her. Or at least that's what you think she's trying to tell you, but the sobbing makes it harder to decipher the exact phrasing. Then she does that silent cry and you think the phone went dead, or worse, she went dead. Then the ten-second silence is broken by the phlegmy inhale and then more incoherent screeching. Yeah, that's me, the incoherent screecher.
I'm hearing Miguel Tejada may not play in the World Baseball Classic after all. Playing time may be an issue, and the Dominican Repulic team may be considering asking Tejada to play out of position. We'll find out soon enough because final rosters are being announced tonight on MLB Network, but it sounds like he's reconsidering his decision to play.
The Astros and Marlins, two teams with pennies for spending money, are two teams looking at Pudge Rodriguez, who was pretty good for the Tigers before bombing in the Bronx. Geographically, Florida makes the most sense since my Miami neighbor lives 15 minutes away from their current ballpark.
• Ups and downs: We mentioned earlier in Rumblings that no team's payroll will rise more than the Phillies' payroll this winter. According to clubs that track payrolls, it looks as though only 10 other teams in the whole sport will see their payrolls head north:
Those 10 are the Cubs, Mariners and Astros from the top half of last year's payroll charts, and the Indians, Rockies, Marlins, Royals, A's, Pirates and Rays from the bottom half.
That means 19 teams are either projected to reduce their payroll or stay about the same. Last year, only eight teams cut payroll.
So what if the Astros cannot trade any of their high-salaried players? The club may be forced to make some unpopular decisions, including non-tendering Wigginton on Friday. It should be noted that no one in the organization has ever indicated this has been discussed internally.
So did you hear the one about the guy from Houston who walks into a Las Vegas casino, sits down at the blackjack table and says, "Deal me in?"
"Hey, pal," the dealer says, "where's your chips?"
"Oh," the guy says. "Well, I've got no money. But I'll toss in Jose Valverde."
BUSTED: All of these teams are acting as if they need to dump big contracts before they can add any others: the Astros, Diamondbacks, Tigers, Pirates and (at least until their new owner sets their checking account free) even the Cubs.
If I write them off at 33-40 next season, someone should slap some sense into me.
The Astros' season is essentially a failure. They're not going to leapfrog three teams to win the NL wild card. They're chasing much better competition than the Rockies are, their fundamental talent level is pretty accurately captured by "-25," and they've done nothing this year to improve their talent base for 2009 and beyond. They flat-out threw away their first-round draft pick, and if this draft was better than 2007's just because they signed more of their top selections, it did little to keep them out of the bottom few organizations in terms of overall talent. The Astros are old on the field and thin in the system, a combination that leads very quickly to the bottom of the standings for an extended stay.
Wade's misguided mandate from owner Drayton McLane was to win as many games as possible in the short term. He's done that; the Astros, projected by me to win 73 games (and -77 differential) and by PECOTA to win 72 (-82), have already won 74, on their way to more than 80. It's hard to say that Wade didn't do the job he was asked to do.
The Yankees and the Red Sox, the A's and the Angels, all set tones in the AL in the early part of the 2000s, forcing everyone to either build teams that could win 95 games, or abandon hope of contending.
The NL isn't inferior to the AL just by chance. It's inferior, to a large extent, by choice—the kind of choice that Drayton McLane made when he hired Ed Wade and told him to try to win in 2008, and the choice he'll make when he tells him to try and win in 2009.
So no, I'm not impressed by 74-66, or the eight-game winning streak, or Ty Wigginton's career month, or the fluke season by Brian Moehler. I see exactly what I saw five months ago: a team with little present and no future, deluding itself and its fans. That they've been successful in their modest goals does little to change the fact that those goals were the wrong ones, and reaching them will do more short-term damage to the organization than the kind of reality-check season that the 2008 Mariners have had could ever do
Baseball
Chicago Cubs at Houston Astros
7 p.m., ESPN
The Cubs are clearly the new class of the N.L. Central, a perch from which the Astros are now far removed. One of the reasons Chicago has recently opened up its lead in the division is starting right-hander Ryan Dempster, who is looking to stay hot by staying cool in steamy Houston. And oh yeah, the hosts send Brian Moehler to the hill.
It's not clear if the Pirates got permission from the league office for Parker's assorted face masks, although everyone seems to agree that the umpires never objected. But that's not to say everyone was in love with Parker's new headgear. At 6-foot-6 and 230 pounds, he was already a fearsome presence on the base paths, and at least one middle infielder wasn't thrilled about him having the additional advantage of facial armor.
"I thought I could get hurt at second base if that thing hit my knee or hit me some other place," recalls Joe Morgan, who played second base for the Reds at the time. "When we played them [in mid-August] and he got on base, I made a point of telling the umpires that I didn't want him wearing that mask sliding into second base, because Dave always came in very hard. I was never afraid of that, but if he hit me with that helmet, I thought it could hurt me. I told 'em that if I got hurt, I was gonna sue 'em all. I'd already had my knees hurt in a clean play, and I didn't want to get hurt by some makeshift thing."
So at Morgan's request, Parker traded in his mask-equipped helmet for a regular helmet after reaching base on a walk on Aug. 15. Then he took his lead off first -- loitering with intent, you might call it.
"It just so happened that the next batter hit a ball to the shortstop, Dave Concepcion, which is just what I was hoping would happen, because Morgan had to cover second for the double play," says Parker. He pauses, laughs, and adds, "Well, of course I tried to kill him, because of the complaining. He jumped up and started yelling, 'Did you see that? He tried to kill me, he tried to kill me!'"
I suggested in this morning's column that you take Tal and Ed on a long vacation and leave Pam in charge. Give her two years and the organization would be respectable again.
The Astros aren’t ready to be sellers yet, but they're getting many inquiries on a pair of bench players, infielder Mark Loretta and outfielder Darin Erstad.
On Thursday, July 10, actress Alyssa Milano will be at the Majestic Clubhouse Store at Citizens Bank Park to promote her new licensed women's fashion collection - TOUCH by Alyssa Milano.
Any fan who purchases a piece of TOUCH product from the collection will get the chance to meet Alyssa and receive a free autographed gift from her. The meet and greet will take place from 12:15-1:15 p.m. (before the 1:05 p.m. Phillies game against the St. Louis Cardinals).
"We really believe we’re going to be in contention before it’s all over," Wade said. "We have a good club. At the times this season, we’ve been as good as any team in baseball. I have no doubt we haven’t our played our best baseball yet."
Ricciardi slammed Dunn on his Wednesday night phone-in show on The Fan 590, a Toronto radio station. His comments came after a caller suggested the Jays acquire Dunn, who is hitting .227 with 18 homers and 43 RBIs with the Reds.
“Do you know the guy doesn’t really like baseball that much?” Ricciardi said to the caller. “Do you know the guy doesn’t have a passion to play the game that much? How much do you know about the player?
“There’s a reason why you’re attracted to some players and there’s a reason why you’re not attracted to some players. I don’t think you’d be very happy if we brought Adam Dunn here …
“We’ve done our homework on guys like Adam Dunn and there’s a reason why we don’t want Adam Dunn. I don’t want to get into specifics.”
The primary culprit during this skid has been the pitching.
Astros' nine-game road trip …
W-L 2-7
BA .227
Runs per game 2.3
ERA 4.01
… followed by nine-game homestand
W-L 2-7
BA .286
Runs per game 4.1
ERA 4.78
Dayan Viciedo, the 19-year-old third baseman who escaped Cuba and is currently awaiting a decision by MLB on whether he is a free agent or subject to next year's First-Year Player Draft, is on the radar of most teams. The Astros, Yankees, Cardinals, Angels, Mets and Pirates are among the teams known to be considering Viciedo.
Viciedo is staying with relatives in Miami while his agent, Jaime Torres, is working with MLB and the players association in an attempt to clarify Viciedo's status.