Messages

1

Talk Zone / Re: More controversy

« on: November 20, 2019, 10:47:54 am »

I wont link it but some knucklehead with the FW Star Telegram thinks the appropriate penalty is stripping the Astros of the 2017 WS title.  Most people are just no good.

Does it really shock you that a Rangers beat writer wants the Astros to be stripped of a rightfully-earned World Series Championship?

Also, at this point, I’m hoping Jim Crane gets over his aversion to the luxury tax and is willing to do whatever it takes to build the best team possible for next season.  Then, I want the Astros to win the World Series and shove it up Manfred’s and the rest of MLB’s collective asses.

2

Talk Zone / Re: More controversy

« on: November 15, 2019, 04:33:24 pm »

I disagree.  Reporters don't write headlines.  That is someone else's job.  Yes, Drellich has done hatchet jobs in the past.  I believe Fiers reached out to him because of the history with him.  This isn't a hatchet job. 

The heavy Astros slant is because even though "everyone is doing it" we have a person on the record saying here is what the Astros are doing.  The fact that the allegations were then backed up by video just has fueled the flames.  The only thing that is going to reduce the heat is for 4-5 other teams' methods to be exposed.  Otherwise - it is pile on the Astros for now.

You make a good point about reporters not writing their own headlines, so Drellich and Rosenthal get a pass there, and the blame should be directed at one of The Athletic’s editors instead.

However, while the story isn’t a complete hatchet job against the Astros, it was supposed to highlight the pervasive culture of illegal sign stealing across MLB.  Simply focusing on the Astros doesn’t prove that point.  I also highly doubt Mike Fiers reached out to either Drellich or Rosenthal.  More likely, one of them reached out to him because they needed a source for the piece.  Finally, where is the video that shows the presence of a camera on the field being used to steal signs?  Videos showing a banging or whistling sound are certainly not conclusive proof of electronic sign stealing. 

3

Talk Zone / Re: More controversy

« on: November 15, 2019, 02:57:07 pm »

This media and social media response is exactly what Rosenthal and Dreilich were looking for.

They worded the article carefully,  with plenty of disclaimer type statements.   But they threw raw meat to the hounds and said "now don't spoil your dinner."

Agreed.  We live in a culture where people are presumed guilty and have to prove their innocence (the opposite of how it should be).  Drellich and Rosenthal preyed on that, and the damage to the Astros’ reputation is already done, despite the fact there is no concrete evidence they illegally stole signs. 

Also, my guess is the heavy Astros’ slant in the headline and piece is mostly Drellich’s doing.  I believe Rosenthal came on a radio show and made it clear that in his estimation this is a widespread problem across MLB. 

4

Talk Zone / Re: Awards

« on: November 15, 2019, 02:50:26 pm »

Did Bregman possess too much swag? Could that be a factor?

He lost to the best player in baseball, that’s it.  I did see a tweet yesterday showing the vote was pretty much split, other than writers from The Athletic.  Six of their seven writers voted for Trout.

5

Talk Zone / Re: More controversy

« on: November 15, 2019, 02:40:02 pm »

Martyr complex? Not this guy. I am furious.

Agreed.  It pisses me off that the media is trying to tarnish the best moment in franchise history without concrete evidence the Astros illegally stole signs at any point during the 2017 postseason.

6

Talk Zone / Re: More controversy

« on: November 13, 2019, 11:10:20 am »

You know Fiers was in the dugout for every postseason game, right?  It may not have a bearing in this story, but he wasn't one of the players they sent home.

Clearly, I didn’t. My mistake, and thank you for the correction.

7

Talk Zone / Re: More controversy

« on: November 12, 2019, 10:56:58 pm »

this article was simply meant as a gigantic FUCK YOU to the Astros by the authors.

Of course, it was.  The ex-Astro accusing the team of electronically stealing signs wasn’t on the Astros’ playoff roster at any point during the 2017 postseason, so how would he know what was going on?
Then, one of the two writers of the story holds a grudge against the Astros because he believes they tried to get him fired when he covered the team as a reporter for the Houston Chronicle.

8

Talk Zone / Re: More controversy

« on: November 12, 2019, 06:22:07 pm »

That is Drehlich’s bitch? I wondered why he had the long knives out.

Yep. The incident also raised questions over the franchise’s previous conduct. Former Astros beat writer Evan Drellich, who now writes for The Athletic, said the club tried to get him bounced when he worked for the Houston Chronicle.

“They were literally trying to get me replaced on the beat. They wanted me gone. They thought I was too critical… Anything in the playbook you could think of. It didn’t work. The editors stood behind me,” said Drellich. “But there was always the strong sense they wanted to control everything. In college sports, that’s how it is all the time.”

https://frntofficesport.com/sports-teams-media/

9

Talk Zone / Re: More controversy

« on: November 12, 2019, 05:39:32 pm »

You have a scorned ex-Astro that lost his rotation spot in the second half of the 2017 season and was left off the playoff roster during the entire World Series run, and a former beat writer that claims the team tried to get him fired when he worked for the Houston Chronicle playing major roles in this story.  Plus, they single out the Astros in the title despite the fact that it’s a widespread issue across Major League Baseball. No bias here.

Modern journalism disgusts me in so many ways.

10

Talk Zone / Re: Cole and Game 5

« on: November 01, 2019, 01:47:13 pm »

ETA: Let me hasten to add, Crane needs to fucking get over his luxury tax phobia. To build/continue a dynasty, he must resign Cole.

Agreed.  The Astros need a long-term anchor for their rotation like Cole.  My hope is Crane is willing to sign Cole and take the luxury tax hit for the next two seasons until Greinke and Verlander’s contracts expire. 

11

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 7, October 30, 2019

« on: October 31, 2019, 06:16:14 pm »

The Astros hit the ball hard last night with runners on. Too bad they were right at someone.

Completely agree.  They hit into a lot of bad luck last night, and the Nationals made the most of their opportunities.

12

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 7, October 30, 2019

« on: October 31, 2019, 10:18:50 am »

True, but there were a ton of what if’s regarding our AB’s with runners in scoring position.


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The Astros were 4-29 with runners in scoring position in the four home losses; 11-28 in the three road wins.  That’s the series in a nutshell.  It was the same story against the Yankees, but the difference was the pitching remained near perfect the entire series to pick up the offense.  That didn’t happen in the four home games in the World Series.

13

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 7, October 30, 2019

« on: October 30, 2019, 11:12:15 pm »

Washington started 19-31. Subtract that start, and their record equaled ours, and they swept thru the NL postseason

I’m talking about how they got pushed to the brink of elimination twice by the Astros and Dodgers and found a way to win both series with the odds strongly against them.  I never said the Nationals weren’t a good team.  They have three really good starting pitchers and a solid offense.  Martinez figured out how to manage his lack of a bullpen much better in the playoffs, too.

14

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 7, October 30, 2019

« on: October 30, 2019, 10:53:19 pm »

We were the 2017 Dodgers

The Nationals’ breakthrough is eerily similar to the 2017 Astros and how they responded against the Yankees and Dodgers.

15

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 7, October 30, 2019

« on: October 30, 2019, 10:52:13 pm »

This is going to be the longest offseason, ever.  The Astros are the first team to lose all four home games in the World Series. 

16

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 7, October 30, 2019

« on: October 30, 2019, 10:48:05 pm »

The Astros had plenty of chances to nullify that occurrence. I wish they would have had done that before the top of the 9th inning. We need 4 to keep playing 5 to win.

Completely agree.  The offense had so many chances to create separation early tonight and didn’t.

17

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 7, October 30, 2019

« on: October 30, 2019, 10:42:31 pm »

I still think that’s a horseshit take.

Personally, I agree with you.  I said as much last night, and they certainly had their chances to put the Nationals away early tonight, but they didn’t capitalize. 

18

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 7, October 30, 2019

« on: October 30, 2019, 10:39:45 pm »

Maybe Cole can't go. Maybe he had him down there to make the Nats *think* he could go, to maybe force Martinez into a mistake.

Putting Urquidy in that spot is setting him up to fail.  You could tell he was nervous after he yanked the first curveball to Eaton.

19

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 7, October 30, 2019

« on: October 30, 2019, 10:37:36 pm »

Ballgame.   Everyone that said the Astros were done after Altuve failed to capitalize yesterday was right.  This hurts.

20

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 7, October 30, 2019

« on: October 30, 2019, 10:34:43 pm »

Scherzer, Strasburg, Strasburg, Scherzer

No excuse.  They have 10 men left on base tonight and knocked Scherzer out again after 5 innings.  This offense when right is talented enough to hit anyone.

21

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 7, October 30, 2019

« on: October 30, 2019, 10:33:27 pm »

Now would be a good time to go to Gerrit Cole, but he isn’t getting loose.  Urquidy time.

22

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 7, October 30, 2019

« on: October 30, 2019, 10:30:29 pm »

If they lose this, the offense needs to look in the mirror.  10 LOB tonight, and two runs for a second straight game at home.   

23

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 6, October 29, 2019

« on: October 29, 2019, 09:19:44 pm »

Everyone saying the Astros are doomed for the rest of the series because they failed to score in this inning needs to shut up.  There are four more innings tonight, and, this team is good enough to beat Max Scherzer in a game 7 with Zack Greinke on the mound if it comes to that.   Act like you have some damn faith in the team Lunhow built.

24

Talk Zone / Re: Latest Controversy

« on: October 24, 2019, 03:58:10 pm »

I wonder if the PR/Communications person that sent out the initial press release got his or her walking papers, too. 

25

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 2, October 23, 2019

« on: October 24, 2019, 11:34:50 am »

Um you do realize what site your posting on right? Telling someone to fuck off is our favorite pastime here.


The Astros lost, we just watch. Yeah it sucks but this is the time to nut up not get depressed and dwell on things that have happened in our past. That's for Cubs fans, and fuck the Cubs.

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The current edition of the Astros won the World Series in 2017, made the ALCS last season, and are back in the World Series this season.  What happened decades ago isn’t relevant now.  What is relevant is the team needs to wake up in all phases of the game in D.C., or they will watch the Nationals celebrate a World Championship.

26

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 2, October 23, 2019

« on: October 23, 2019, 11:32:19 pm »

The Astros better use the plane ride to D.C. to pull their heads out of their ass.  If they are firing on all cylinders, they are capable of winning four out of five against any team, even one playing as well as the Nationals right now.  The offense especially needs to sack up and figure out what ails it.  You can’t ask your pitching staff to be perfect every night in the playoffs to have a chance to win. 

27

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 2, October 23, 2019

« on: October 23, 2019, 09:47:48 pm »

the Astros are killing the Astros.

Agreed.  You aren’t going to win many games scoring two runs.

28

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 2, October 23, 2019

« on: October 23, 2019, 09:47:20 pm »

That was strike three again.

29

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 2, October 23, 2019

« on: October 23, 2019, 09:45:49 pm »

Kurt Suzuki is killing the Astros. 

30

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 2, October 23, 2019

« on: October 23, 2019, 09:41:22 pm »

Frozen on a breaking ball.  Another opportunity wasted.

31

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 2, October 23, 2019

« on: October 23, 2019, 09:39:03 pm »

Had a pitch to hit there.

32

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 2, October 23, 2019

« on: October 23, 2019, 09:38:40 pm »

Gotta battle Kyle!

33

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 2, October 23, 2019

« on: October 23, 2019, 09:36:46 pm »

Big spot for Tucker. 

34

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 2, October 23, 2019

« on: October 23, 2019, 09:35:50 pm »

Tucker coming on for Chirinos.

35

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 2, October 23, 2019

« on: October 23, 2019, 09:34:45 pm »

Come on Carlos!  Make them pay!

Edit:  not what I had in mind.

36

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 2, October 23, 2019

« on: October 23, 2019, 09:32:53 pm »

Had a meaty breaking ball to hit.

37

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 2, October 23, 2019

« on: October 23, 2019, 09:31:01 pm »

Correa:  They just insulted you.  Make them pay.

38

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 2, October 23, 2019

« on: October 23, 2019, 09:25:20 pm »

Ugh.  Yuli had a pitch to send in the Boxes.

39

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 2, October 23, 2019

« on: October 23, 2019, 09:19:36 pm »

Offense: Let’s get JV some runs.

40

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 2, October 23, 2019

« on: October 23, 2019, 09:17:09 pm »

That was a good pitch.  Thankfully, he got the K on the next one.

41

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 2, October 23, 2019

« on: October 23, 2019, 09:09:11 pm »

Ugh.  Brantley put a good swing on that.

42

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 2, October 23, 2019

« on: October 23, 2019, 09:07:21 pm »

Brantley doing a great job of battling.

43

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 2, October 23, 2019

« on: October 23, 2019, 09:05:12 pm »

Please steal.

He was going there.

44

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 2, October 23, 2019

« on: October 23, 2019, 09:03:04 pm »

Altuve with a hard-hit single.  Brantley up.

45

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 2, October 23, 2019

« on: October 23, 2019, 09:01:50 pm »

Another rocket right at a National.

46

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 2, October 23, 2019

« on: October 23, 2019, 09:01:01 pm »

Nice easy swings George.

47

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 2, October 23, 2019

« on: October 23, 2019, 08:58:09 pm »

His approach in the box is reminiscent of the Jesus’s antics at the lanes.


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Carlos Gomez wishes he had Soto’s plate discipline.  The kid is really good.

48

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 2, October 23, 2019

« on: October 23, 2019, 08:54:04 pm »

Do not give in here.

49

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 2, October 23, 2019

« on: October 23, 2019, 08:53:01 pm »

Verlander needs to bear down right now.

50

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 2, October 23, 2019

« on: October 23, 2019, 08:49:15 pm »

That was what the doctor ordered.  Double play.

51

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 2, October 23, 2019

« on: October 23, 2019, 08:46:24 pm »

Another hit on an 0-2 pitch.

52

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 2, October 23, 2019

« on: October 23, 2019, 08:40:30 pm »

Chirinos needs to battle.

53

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 2, October 23, 2019

« on: October 23, 2019, 08:37:19 pm »

Lookie there, Carlos does know how to swing the bat.

54

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 2, October 23, 2019

« on: October 23, 2019, 08:36:42 pm »

Buck droning on about football...

In a World Series game no less. And we wonder why few fans like him calling games?

55

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 2, October 23, 2019

« on: October 23, 2019, 08:32:11 pm »

I'm sure he thought he was going to "provide a spark".

Yep.  If the Astros’ bats were in a good groove, he never attempts it.

56

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 2, October 23, 2019

« on: October 23, 2019, 08:31:07 pm »

Not selfish.

Ill advised.

Agreed.  It’s something players do when they are struggling to consistently score runs.

57

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 2, October 23, 2019

« on: October 23, 2019, 08:25:27 pm »

He didn't miss it he squared it up pretty good.

You’re right.   He hit it hard, just right at Turner. 

58

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 2, October 23, 2019

« on: October 23, 2019, 08:21:13 pm »

Bregman just missed a very hittable pitch. 

59

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 2, October 23, 2019

« on: October 23, 2019, 08:19:14 pm »

Brantley is battling.

60

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 2, October 23, 2019

« on: October 23, 2019, 08:16:08 pm »

Not to mention the "cozy" ballpark

His dad was an announcer for the Cardinals for a long time.  Maybe that is the source of his hatred.

61

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 2, October 23, 2019

« on: October 23, 2019, 08:15:09 pm »

Altuve reaches on an error.

62

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 2, October 23, 2019

« on: October 23, 2019, 08:05:33 pm »

Verlander is hit or miss with his breaking stuff right now.

63

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series, Game 2, October 23, 2019

« on: October 23, 2019, 07:03:40 pm »

I have a request for the Astros’ offense: Let’s do some vaunting tonight!

64

Talk Zone / Re: WS parking or metrorail

« on: October 23, 2019, 05:25:45 pm »

Freaking garage I reserved on parkwhiz said they aren’t honoring the pass. Assholes. Parkwhiz refunded me and gave me a credit. I was able to find a meter spot right around the corner at Preston and Travis. Only had to pay $3.96 for the rest of the evening. I was flipping the parking guy off as I pulled away.

Sorry to hear about the issues with that garage, but I’m glad you found a cheaper metered spot instead.  I’ve used ParkWhiz multiple times in the last year and haven’t had any issues.  I wouldn’t have recommended the app otherwise.

65

Talk Zone / Re: Latest Controversy

« on: October 23, 2019, 01:06:39 pm »

This is nowhere near complicated. It's not that someone's offshore rig is spewing 400,000 barrels of oil into the ocean every half hour. Some baseball dweeb got liquored up and went a-bullyin'. Several of you knuckleheads have offered sample apologies that would have put this whole thing to bed immediately. It is absolutely mind bending that the people running the team couldn't (or wouldn't) do that right away. Don't they know that the entire global sports media is staring squarely at them right now?

Agreed.  All they had to do was say they take these allegations seriously and will launch an internal investigation into the matter, along with cooperating with MLB’s investigation. Their arrogance in response is not helping matters now or in the future.

66

Talk Zone / Re: Looking for single ticket

« on: October 23, 2019, 11:30:25 am »

Ouch! Sorry to hear that bud.

Yeah, it was an embarrassing and unpleasant walk back to the car when my wife and I tried to get in to Game 3 with the tickets I purchased that afternoon, only to find out they were fake.  A very expensive lesson indeed.

67

Talk Zone / Re: WS parking or metrorail

« on: October 22, 2019, 10:50:55 pm »

Here’s a blog post from METRO that says to take the Purple Line to the Convention District exit.

https://metroblog.ridemetro.org/Lists/Posts/Post.aspx?ID=139

You can park at the Palm Center Transit Center. 

https://www.ridemetro.org/Pages/Rail.aspx/posted/2491/METRORail_SystemMap1_27_2010.468583.pdf

If you would rather park downtown, I suggest downloading the ParkWhiz app and reserving your spot at the lot of your choice tonight.

68

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series Game 1; October 22, 2019

« on: October 22, 2019, 10:33:30 pm »

Come on Jose! 

69

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series Game 1; October 22, 2019

« on: October 22, 2019, 10:29:51 pm »

that's all great, but it's what did you do in the pressure situation that we remember.

I understand.  I’m just saying Alvarez went from an automatic out versus the Yankees to three productive plate appearances tonight.  It’s progress.

70

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series Game 1; October 22, 2019

« on: October 22, 2019, 10:21:41 pm »

Even when he ws going well he fouled off hittable pitches way too much.

Yordan just failed in a big spot, but he’s had an encouraging night at the plate.  Two singles and a walk before that appearance. 

71

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series Game 1; October 22, 2019

« on: October 22, 2019, 10:10:19 pm »

Had a pitch to hit and missed it.

72

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series Game 1; October 22, 2019

« on: October 22, 2019, 09:53:12 pm »

Talking about next game

Reddick’s defense still is head and shoulders above Tucker’s and Tucker has looked overmatched at the plate, too.

73

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series Game 1; October 22, 2019

« on: October 22, 2019, 09:42:12 pm »

Reddick puts on a bat performance after every out, where’s the harm in putting in Tucker at this point?

Huh?  Diaz was used because Corbin is tough on lefties.

74

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series Game 1; October 22, 2019

« on: October 22, 2019, 09:41:05 pm »

Diaz just missed a pitch that should be in the Crawford Boxes.

75

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series Game 1; October 22, 2019

« on: October 22, 2019, 09:39:52 pm »

Maldonado pulls a Correa and goes down swinging on junk out of the zone.

76

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series Game 1; October 22, 2019

« on: October 22, 2019, 09:37:36 pm »

Diaz on deck to pinch hit for Reddick.

77

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series Game 1; October 22, 2019

« on: October 22, 2019, 09:34:55 pm »

Alvarez showing signs of life tonight.

78

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series Game 1; October 22, 2019

« on: October 22, 2019, 09:31:19 pm »

The Astros need some vaunting this inning.

79

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series Game 1; October 22, 2019

« on: October 22, 2019, 09:26:47 pm »

Playing catch up against a team that has gotten to the WS totally rested is a recipe for disaster.

Agreed.

80

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series Game 1; October 22, 2019

« on: October 22, 2019, 09:26:04 pm »

why is anyone assuming the astros will hit the nats bullpen?

Especially when it looks like Patrick Corbin will be coming in next.  He’s no slouch, either.

81

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series Game 1; October 22, 2019

« on: October 22, 2019, 09:23:29 pm »

Also 110 pitches from Max with 2 outs in the 5th is a victory.

It is, but the Astros have missed opportunities with runners in scoring position.  They now have four innings to get at least three runs. 

82

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series Game 1; October 22, 2019

« on: October 22, 2019, 09:14:29 pm »

He even looks defeated.

When he was missing his spots that inning, he had a very dejected attitude after each pitch.  He’s fighting himself for the first time in a long time.

83

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series Game 1; October 22, 2019

« on: October 22, 2019, 09:12:20 pm »

Cole has no feel for anything right now.

84

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series Game 1; October 22, 2019

« on: October 22, 2019, 09:09:27 pm »

Offense is going to have to win this tonight. 

85

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series Game 1; October 22, 2019

« on: October 22, 2019, 09:04:45 pm »

Terrible pitch by Cole and the Nationals have the lead.

86

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series Game 1; October 22, 2019

« on: October 22, 2019, 09:03:53 pm »

Cole needs to bear down here.

87

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series Game 1; October 22, 2019

« on: October 22, 2019, 08:48:01 pm »

Good eye George!

88

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series Game 1; October 22, 2019

« on: October 22, 2019, 08:42:04 pm »

Machete with a good at bat.

89

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series Game 1; October 22, 2019

« on: October 22, 2019, 08:40:09 pm »

Yordan with another good at bat.

90

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series Game 1; October 22, 2019

« on: October 22, 2019, 08:24:27 pm »

Damn, Carlos!

Let the hittable breaking ball go and swung at one he had no chance to hit.

91

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series Game 1; October 22, 2019

« on: October 22, 2019, 08:21:52 pm »

Stop letting meaty breaking balls go, Carlos.

92

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series Game 1; October 22, 2019

« on: October 22, 2019, 08:18:13 pm »

Man Scherzer worked Bregman over!

Helps when you get a gift for strike two. 

93

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series Game 1; October 22, 2019

« on: October 22, 2019, 08:08:36 pm »

Cole got away with a hanger there.

94

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series Game 1; October 22, 2019

« on: October 22, 2019, 08:04:38 pm »

Good piece of hitting by Eaton.

95

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series Game 1; October 22, 2019

« on: October 22, 2019, 07:49:29 pm »

we all do.

A walk is a step in the right direction.

96

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series Game 1; October 22, 2019

« on: October 22, 2019, 07:47:48 pm »

I want to see Yordan have a better at bat.

97

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series Game 1; October 22, 2019

« on: October 22, 2019, 07:44:55 pm »

Alright, offense, let’s get that run back.

98

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series Game 1; October 22, 2019

« on: October 22, 2019, 07:36:23 pm »

His ability to be that quick to hammer the high inside fastball after seeing all those breaking pitches low and away was an Alou-like feat.


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Agreed.  For me, he is the most underrated hitter in the Astros’ lineup.  Everyone knows Altuve and Bregman can hit anyone hard, but Yuli has proven he can do the same in the postseason.   

99

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series Game 1; October 22, 2019

« on: October 22, 2019, 07:31:17 pm »

Still can't hit with RISP.

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Yuli says Take That!

100

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series Game 1; October 22, 2019

« on: October 22, 2019, 07:29:01 pm »

Need a pick me up from Yuli.

101

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series Game 1; October 22, 2019

« on: October 22, 2019, 07:26:46 pm »

Good work George!!!

102

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series Game 1; October 22, 2019

« on: October 22, 2019, 07:25:06 pm »

Come on Bregman!  Pick up Uncle Mike.

103

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 World Series Game 1; October 22, 2019

« on: October 22, 2019, 07:17:07 pm »

Cole just made one of the best young hitters in the game look bad on three, well-located fastballs.  Impressive.

104

Talk Zone / Re: Looking for single ticket

« on: October 20, 2019, 09:39:43 pm »

I'm looking for tickets also.  It appears that they release tickets occasionally on the astros site but I can't get them in my cart before they are gone.  What's the best way to get them on the secondary market?  Craigslist (like playing Russian roulette), stubhub ($84 fee per ticket ouch), any other recommendations?

If you can’t get them through Astros.com or a friend, I would purchase them through Stubhub even though the fees are ridiculous.  Stubhub has a protection clause where you will either get working tickets or your money back.  99% of tickets being sold on Craigslist are either fake, or the person doesn’t even have tickets.  Also, make sure you use a credit card to pay.  That way if the tickets end up fake or nonexistent, you can dispute the charge and get your money back. 

I speak from experience, as I was scammed out of $1600 for two World Series tickets in 2017 because I didn’t want to pay the enormous Stubhub fees.

105

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 American League Championship Series, Game 6, October 19, 2019

« on: October 20, 2019, 12:03:06 am »

Josh Reddick with another hilarious celebration outfit.

106

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 American League Championship Series, Game 6, October 19, 2019

« on: October 19, 2019, 11:58:52 pm »

Here's Ford's call:

https://twitter.com/raford3/status/1185778350175817729?s=09

Only three “See You Later’s?” Ford is slacking.

107

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 American League Championship Series, Game 6, October 19, 2019

« on: October 19, 2019, 11:52:21 pm »

Here's the accurate Altuve/Judge photo:

https://twitter.com/EricTalksStros/status/1185776120836304908?s=19

LMAO.  That’s awesome.

108

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 American League Championship Series, Game 6, October 19, 2019

« on: October 19, 2019, 11:44:50 pm »

That one hit the HR pump.

Thanks for the clarification.  I knew it wasn’t close to where Kent hit his in 2005.  That one cleared the railroad tracks above the Crawford Boxes.

109

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 American League Championship Series, Game 6, October 19, 2019

« on: October 19, 2019, 11:23:03 pm »

Was that the same place that Kent hit his shot?

Looked similar to the spot where Jose took Maeda deep in game 5 of the 2017 World Series.

110

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 American League Championship Series, Game 6, October 19, 2019

« on: October 19, 2019, 11:19:20 pm »

Can’t believe they pitched to him with Marisnick on deck, but I’m happy they did!

111

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 American League Championship Series, Game 6, October 19, 2019

« on: October 19, 2019, 11:17:29 pm »

Altuve!!!!

112

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 American League Championship Series, Game 6, October 19, 2019

« on: October 19, 2019, 11:11:52 pm »

A Springer dinger would be nice.

113

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 American League Championship Series, Game 6, October 19, 2019

« on: October 19, 2019, 11:08:57 pm »

Astros offense needs to wake up. 

114

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 American League Championship Series, Game 6, October 19, 2019

« on: October 19, 2019, 10:40:30 pm »

Diaz off the bench for Yordan.

115

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 American League Championship Series, Game 6, October 19, 2019

« on: October 19, 2019, 10:36:41 pm »

Carlos up in a big spot. 

116

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 American League Championship Series, Game 6, October 19, 2019

« on: October 19, 2019, 10:35:38 pm »

Another hard hit ball right at a Yankee.   

117

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 American League Championship Series, Game 6, October 19, 2019

« on: October 19, 2019, 10:34:37 pm »

Joe Buck needs to learn to shut up.

118

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 American League Championship Series, Game 6, October 19, 2019

« on: October 19, 2019, 10:29:45 pm »

Make Britton elevate.

119

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 American League Championship Series, Game 6, October 19, 2019

« on: October 19, 2019, 10:17:32 pm »

Springer missed another meaty pitch to hit.

120

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 American League Championship Series, Game 6, October 19, 2019

« on: October 19, 2019, 10:12:24 pm »

That’s not a strike.

121

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 American League Championship Series, Game 6, October 19, 2019

« on: October 19, 2019, 10:10:20 pm »

Stop missing cement mixers, guys.

122

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 American League Championship Series, Game 6, October 19, 2019

« on: October 19, 2019, 09:54:24 pm »

But at the strikes, not the balls


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He’s so out of sync right now.  Missed a golden opportunity.

123

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 American League Championship Series, Game 6, October 19, 2019

« on: October 19, 2019, 09:49:55 pm »

Now would be a nice time for Yordan to snap out of his funk.

124

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 American League Championship Series, Game 6, October 19, 2019

« on: October 19, 2019, 09:49:17 pm »

Thank you Gary Sanchez. 

125

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 American League Championship Series, Game 6, October 19, 2019

« on: October 19, 2019, 09:46:44 pm »

Carlos takes so many hittable pitches.

126

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 American League Championship Series, Game 6, October 19, 2019

« on: October 19, 2019, 09:42:58 pm »

Let’s go La Pina!

127

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 American League Championship Series, Game 6, October 19, 2019

« on: October 19, 2019, 09:41:49 pm »

That’ll work!  Got the run home.

128

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 American League Championship Series, Game 6, October 19, 2019

« on: October 19, 2019, 09:41:27 pm »

Come on Alex!

129

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 American League Championship Series, Game 6, October 19, 2019

« on: October 19, 2019, 09:22:55 pm »

Springer fouled off a fucking cement mixer.

Agreed.  They both missed pitches to hit.

130

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 American League Championship Series, Game 6, October 19, 2019

« on: October 19, 2019, 09:19:44 pm »

Hit it hard, but right into a double play.

131

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 American League Championship Series, Game 6, October 19, 2019

« on: October 19, 2019, 09:16:52 pm »

Reddick had a pitch to crush and missed it.  Come on Springer!

132

Talk Zone / Re: Rotation Games 4.5.6.7

« on: October 16, 2019, 10:18:55 am »

If tonight’s game gets postponed until tomorrow, I’d flip Verlander and Urquidy in your order.  Verlander won’t be fazed by pitching in Yankee Stadium in October, and he’s on normal rest Friday.

133

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 American League Championship Series, Game 3, October 15, 2019

« on: October 15, 2019, 07:00:26 pm »

Great win!  I sure hope the Astros can figure out a way to keep Cole in the organization long term

134

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 American League Championship Series, Game 3, October 15, 2019

« on: October 15, 2019, 05:37:00 pm »

Wake up offense!

135

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 American League Championship Series, Game 3, October 15, 2019

« on: October 15, 2019, 03:10:33 pm »

I hope the Astros play a complete game in all phases and shut the Yankees and their obnoxious fans up.  Let’s go!

136

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 American League Championship Series, Game 2...October 13, 2019

« on: October 14, 2019, 03:17:20 pm »

Video of Ford's call of Correa's game winner

Love the passion from Ford.

137

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 American League Championship Series, Game 2...October 13, 2019

« on: October 14, 2019, 12:05:26 am »

I'll just say that I appreciate the make up call by Blaser. It was a marginal pitch but Blaser realized he'd fucked up the previous pitch. Had the exact same thing happened with the Astros batting you would not hear shit from me about it.

Agreed.  Also, Gary Sanchez is a complete tool for arguing the punch out after he knew he struck out on the previous pitch.

138

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 American League Championship Series, Game 2...October 13, 2019

« on: October 14, 2019, 12:00:15 am »

Needed that!  Way to go Carlos!

139

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 American League Championship Series, Game 2...October 13, 2019

« on: October 13, 2019, 11:30:54 pm »

Alvarez has fucking sucked for most of the playoffs so far. Taking SO MANY hittable pitches then swinging through the rest.

He took two strikes in the happy zone for a lefty.  Don’t get it.

140

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 American League Championship Series, Game 2...October 13, 2019

« on: October 13, 2019, 11:30:03 pm »

Come on Yuli!

141

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 American League Championship Series, Game 2...October 13, 2019

« on: October 13, 2019, 11:24:50 pm »

And here comes Happ to face Alvarez. 

142

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 American League Championship Series, Game 2...October 13, 2019

« on: October 13, 2019, 11:19:30 pm »

Good eye Jose.  Let’s go Bregman.

143

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 American League Championship Series, Game 2...October 13, 2019

« on: October 13, 2019, 11:18:28 pm »

Come on Jose!

144

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 American League Championship Series, Game 2...October 13, 2019

« on: October 13, 2019, 11:17:29 pm »

Another iffy high strike call on 3-0.

Then a shit swing.

Umpires give way too much leeway to the pitcher in a 3-0 count.  Anything remotely close they call a strike.

145

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 American League Championship Series, Game 2...October 13, 2019

« on: October 13, 2019, 11:16:02 pm »

Another shit at bat by Uncle Mike.

3-1 count, and he swung at that. 

146

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 American League Championship Series, Game 2...October 13, 2019

« on: October 13, 2019, 11:12:59 pm »

Look for the cutter and a bunch of junk, guys.

147

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 American League Championship Series, Game 2...October 13, 2019

« on: October 13, 2019, 10:59:27 pm »

Come on George!  Be short and quick to the ball.  Chapman will supply the power.

148

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

« on: October 12, 2019, 09:30:39 pm »

What a terrible at bat from Bregman.

149

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

« on: October 12, 2019, 09:27:53 pm »

Not our night. 4 straight 2-out singles. Tanaka is good.

My hunch is we reverse last year's ALCS this year.

Tanaka throws a wide variety of junk.  To beat him, you have to think backwards and spit on his pitches out of the zone.  The Astros did neither. 

150

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

« on: October 12, 2019, 09:17:01 pm »

Ballgame.  They better bring it tomorrow.

151

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

« on: October 12, 2019, 09:11:33 pm »

Pressly is not right.

152

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

« on: October 12, 2019, 09:02:40 pm »

Not especially, from what we can see on the teevee.  It’s just that all the Astros fans are asleep. 

The Astros haven’t given them much to get excited about.  They have made a guy that throws entirely junk look like Cy Young for six innings.

153

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

« on: October 12, 2019, 08:52:13 pm »

Offense needs to get it’s head out of it’s ass in the next four innings.

154

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

« on: October 12, 2019, 08:44:21 pm »

Greinke needs to stop leaving pitches over the heart of the plate. 

155

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

« on: October 12, 2019, 08:38:43 pm »

What was Bregman doing? Yordan roped it but Judge was right there.


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Agreed.  I know he slipped coming back, but he went really far off the bag on a line drive.

156

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

« on: October 12, 2019, 08:35:49 pm »

That was not a strike, blue.

157

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

« on: October 12, 2019, 08:30:23 pm »

With the way Tanaka pitches, the Astro’ hitters need to think backwards and do a better job of spitting on Tanaka’s junk out of the strike zone.  He’s not going to throw them many fastballs. 

158

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

« on: October 12, 2019, 08:18:25 pm »

Tanaka only throws junk, and he’s making the Astro hitters look silly so far. 

159

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 American League Division Series, Game 5...October 10, 2019

« on: October 11, 2019, 12:08:11 am »

Glasnow said in the postgame that once he reviewed the video it was obvious that he was tipping. He wouldn't share the details.

Also, apparently Cintron is the tipping savant.

Dan Plesac on MLB Network gave a good breakdown.  Glasnow was holding his glove much higher when he would throw a fastball than he would when throwing his curveball.  It was a stark difference and an easy tell.

160

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 American League Division Series, Game 5...October 10, 2019

« on: October 10, 2019, 09:36:07 pm »

Post-game didn’t get any better.  A-Rod thinks the Astros knew what Glasnow was throwing.

Who cares?  Let the media think what they want.  I believe the Astros are a great hitting team that has pummeled talented starting pitchers in the past.  This was also the third time they had seen Glasnow this season.

161

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 American League Division Series, Game 5...October 10, 2019

« on: October 10, 2019, 09:33:39 pm »

I was saying as the game started, they have a dozen eggs in their basket, we have one.  If Cole shits the bed, it’s a hard climb back.  Cole was the nuts, and all the funk in the Rays couldn’t beat that.

The Rays’ strategy of using multiple pitchers in short stretches makes it tough on hitters. There’s a reason many starting pitchers struggle the third time through the batting order.  The hitters figure out the starter’s release point and can hit pitches that made them look silly earlier in the game.  When you see a new pitcher every inning, and they all have plus stuff, it’s a challenge to get comfortable in the box.

162

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 American League Division Series, Game 5...October 10, 2019

« on: October 10, 2019, 09:28:43 pm »

If I’m Crane and company, I figure out a way to make it work in the Astros’ budget to sign Cole this offseason.  Do whatever it takes.  I don’t want him pitching in another uniform next season.

163

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 American League Division Series, Game 5...October 10, 2019

« on: October 10, 2019, 09:26:06 pm »

The Tampa Bay Rays, Dude. Worthy fucking adversary.

They are the master of using unorthodox methods to compete, that’s for sure.  Props to them.

164

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 American League Division Series, Game 5...October 10, 2019

« on: October 10, 2019, 09:25:02 pm »

Outstanding game all around..    Now time to go get Cole his WS ring.

Have you not learned anything?  Take it one game at a time.

165

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 American League Division Series, Game 4...October 8, 2019

« on: October 08, 2019, 06:20:16 pm »

The Astros have taken a bunch of hittable pitches this inning.

166

Talk Zone / Re: JV on short rest

« on: October 08, 2019, 11:40:24 am »

What bothers me more than JV going today is the talk about the rotation for the ALCS.  Win today. 

Completely agree.  Take care of today first, worry about tomorrow later.

167

Talk Zone / Re: JV on short rest

« on: October 08, 2019, 11:39:14 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.

I like the move.  Make the Rays beat Greinke, Verlander and Cole in three consecutive games to win the series. If they do that, tip your cap to them.

168

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 American League Division Series, Game 3...Octobrr 7, 2019

« on: October 07, 2019, 03:29:16 pm »

Has to be Glasnow.

Don’t think the Rays are starting one of their prized young arms on only three days of rest, especially when he missed four months of the season.  They might use Yonny Chirinos in a similar manner as they did Glasnow and Snell, or go with a complete bullpen game.

169

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 American League Division Series, Game 3...Octobrr 7, 2019

« on: October 07, 2019, 12:58:54 pm »

Greinke needs to get it together.

170

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 American League Division Series, Game 2...Octobrr 5, 2019

« on: October 05, 2019, 11:59:42 pm »

Not sour grapes:

Go back to just the bottom of the 8th. Several pitches off the plate were called strikes.   

Patience is great if you get the calls.

Osuna threw a lot of non-competitive sliders in 1-2 and 2-2 counts, leading to the two walks. 

171

Game Zone 2019 / Re: 2019 American League Division Series, Game 2...Octobrr 5, 2019

« on: October 05, 2019, 11:54:51 pm »

Harris got away with a hanging curveball to end the game. Whew.

172

Talk Zone / Re: Greinke

« on: October 02, 2019, 11:03:48 am »

Great read, and it makes it apparent that Jim Crane knows baseball and is a perfect complement to Jeff Lunhow. 

173

Talk Zone / Re: Choose Wisely

« on: September 25, 2019, 03:27:21 pm »

Springer for me, too.

174

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

« on: September 02, 2019, 06:47:12 pm »

Way to battle Josh James! Astros win!

175

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

« on: September 02, 2019, 06:28:21 pm »

Where has Hader been during all of this? Were they saving him for a lead?

He pitched 2.2 innings (25 pitches total) the last two days against the Cubs.

176

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

« on: September 02, 2019, 06:23:11 pm »

Springer wants to win this game!

177

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

« on: September 02, 2019, 06:18:02 pm »

Hinch should’ve gone out and taken the ball from Osuna after that nonchalant throw to first.  Inexcusable.

178

Beer and Queso / Re: OWA 2019 Fantasy Football

« on: August 29, 2019, 05:33:10 pm »

How are we handling the optional buy-in this year?


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For those interested in doing the optional buy in, you can paypal your $30 to [email protected]. 

179

Beer and Queso / Re: OWA 2019 Fantasy Football

« on: August 26, 2019, 07:34:42 pm »

Also, who is who in the league?   Guess I need to come up with a team name, not just my screen name here,

I’m Ready for Primetime

180

Beer and Queso / Re: OWA 2019 Fantasy Football

« on: August 26, 2019, 12:51:54 pm »

Also, I just went into the settings and made some adjustments for kickers and defenses.

For kickers, I removed negative points for missed field goals and extra points.  You just don’t get points if they miss. For defenses, I tweaked the points you get based on how many points they allow.  Shutouts are now worth 14, 1-6 =10 points, 7-13=7 points, 14-20=3 points, 21-27=0 points, 28-34=-3 points, 35 or more=-7 points

With low scoring games rare, I felt like rewarding defenses that do play really well that day is a good move.

181

Beer and Queso / Re: OWA 2019 Fantasy Football

« on: August 26, 2019, 12:33:24 pm »

Thanks!

Scoring question.   It says you get 6 points for a kick or punt return.   Is that just for your team defense, or if you have a WR that also returns kicks, would he get points for it?

The player would get the six points along with the Defense/Special Teams unit he plays for.

182

Beer and Queso / Re: OWA 2019 Fantasy Football

« on: August 26, 2019, 10:14:05 am »

Draft is tomorrow night. When do we find out our draft position?

Yahoo creates the random order a couple of hours before the draft.

183

Game Zone 2019 / Re: Tigers at Astros- August 21, 2019

« on: August 21, 2019, 09:23:59 pm »

What the hell are you doing Chirinos?  Stay at second and give Brantley a chance to drive you in.

184

Game Zone 2019 / Re: Astros at White Sox 08/14/2019

« on: August 15, 2019, 10:58:37 am »

I'm glad everyone else thinks that Spleen's posts are nonsense, because frankly I'm pretty nervous about missing Cole and the bullpen imploding repeatedly.

There is a difference between being nervous about some cracks in the armor and declaring the team will blow a 9.5 game lead with 41 games left.

That said, the bullpen is a big concern right now, and they need to get Pressly and Osuna right by the time October comes around.

185

Game Zone 2019 / Re: Astros at White Sox 08/14/2019

« on: August 15, 2019, 10:54:11 am »

The AL West is open for business...

No, it’s not.  The Astros have a 9.5 game lead with 41 games left. 

186

Game Zone 2019 / Re: Astros @ O's 8/10

« on: August 10, 2019, 07:16:58 pm »

A much needed quick inning for Sanchez.

187

Game Zone 2019 / Re: Astros @ O's 8/10

« on: August 10, 2019, 07:05:25 pm »

7 runs up, can't find the zone.

Sanchez’s body language tonight doesn’t look good. 

188

Game Zone 2019 / Re: Mariners @ Astros, August 3, 2019

« on: August 03, 2019, 10:05:26 pm »

Hope we play them more this season! This is not a very good Mariners team.

The Astros play them seven more times, counting tomorrow’s game.

189

Game Zone 2019 / Re: Mariners @ Astros, August 3, 2019

« on: August 03, 2019, 10:00:03 pm »

How pissed are the Blue Jays business management team right now?  Probably wondering where they get their own Strom.

Every team in baseball wishes they had a pitching coach like Strom along with an analytics department like the Astros.  The combination is lethal.

190

Beer and Queso / Re: OWA 2019 Fantasy Football

« on: August 03, 2019, 04:20:43 pm »

Is this a final final? Can I schedule it?

Yes, it’s final.  Go ahead and schedule it.

191

Talk Zone / Re: The Call - family edition

« on: August 02, 2019, 09:51:41 pm »

Congrats!

192

Beer and Queso / Re: OWA 2019 Fantasy Football

« on: August 02, 2019, 10:51:26 am »

Based on the responses so far, we will draft Monday, Aug. 26 at 8:30 p.m. central.

193

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Trade Deadline Talk

« on: August 01, 2019, 01:25:48 pm »

If I didn't know better I'd guess he's on the spectrum.

Greinke was diagnosed with social anxiety disorder in 2006 after quitting baseball.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/abcnews.go.com/amp/Sports/mastery-mystery-zack-greinke/story%3fid=34389507

194

Beer and Queso / Re: OWA 2019 Fantasy Football (Draft date options, please give your input)

« on: August 01, 2019, 10:01:06 am »

Draft date/time options

Which date/time works better for you:

A) Monday, Aug. 26, at 8:30 p.m. central time
B) Wednesday, Aug. 28, at 8:30 p.m. central time
C) Monday, Sept. 2, at 8:30 p.m. central time

Also, if any of the times are an issue, feel free to propose a different time for any ofvthose dates.

195

Beer and Queso / Re: OWA 2019 Fantasy Football

« on: August 01, 2019, 09:56:24 am »

I'm in again (Dream Crushers)

Glad to have you back.

196

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Trade Deadline Talk

« on: July 31, 2019, 05:36:59 pm »

Maybe he is driven by dollars or by ego. I don’t know. I do know he said for publication “I never could have done this in Pittsburgh.” I hope JV talks to him about why he stayed. Maybe Cole will give some thought to what the Astros did for him.

Maybe only money matters to Cole. If so, he no doubt will leave. Now we have Greike’s deferred money and position players to extend. I will hate to lose Cole.

That’s only part of the quote from Cole, and he’s open to remaining an Astro if the money is right.  Also, he was interviewed after the Greinke trade and he was beyond excited, too.  He genuinely likes it here.

The rest of it is:  Houston, according to Cole, “checks a lot of the boxes. I expect them to be there when push comes to shove. I wouldn’t mind playing there for a lot longer.”

https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2019/07/gerrit-cole-discusses-potential-trip-to-free-agency.html

197

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Trade Deadline Talk

« on: July 31, 2019, 05:22:10 pm »

Like everyone here, I’m so excited right now.  My emotions when I found out reminded me a lot of how I felt after the Verlander trade was completed two years ago.  I also love that we have an owner that wants to put the best product on the field every season and a front office that is among the best in the game. 

I don’t want this ride as an Astros’ fan to end any time soon.

198

Beer and Queso / Re: OWA 2019 Fantasy Football

« on: July 25, 2019, 02:08:15 am »

I have no problem with expansion, so Mark and Navin can both play.  Right now, I’m still waiting to hear from utastro and Nate if they want to play again.  Depending on their response, we will either have a 12 or 14 team league.  Either way, based on the reduced bench suggestions, I’m lowering ours from six to four.

199

Beer and Queso / OWA 2019 Fantasy Football

« on: July 23, 2019, 11:44:07 am »

Who is interested in playing this season?

200

Talk Zone / Re: What I hate to hear

« on: July 22, 2019, 09:48:05 pm »

This team needs another starter. “We can win it all now” is the koolaid.

I absolutely agree that Lunhow should prioritize adding at least one starting pitcher at the deadline and would like to see him also add a competent backup catcher that can take pressure off Chirinos, too.  However, I don’t think it’s a stretch to say that the current roster is capable of beating any other team in a five or seven-game series.

201

Talk Zone / Re: What I hate to hear

« on: July 22, 2019, 09:36:09 pm »

I think this team *could* win it all right now but if you want to increase the odds, go make some moves.

This is exactly what I was trying to say.

202

Talk Zone / Re: What I hate to hear

« on: July 22, 2019, 09:27:03 pm »

I don’t really have a problem with what Lunhow said.  The Astros, as presently constructed, are definitely capable of winning another World Series.  However, I firmly believe Lunhow will add at least one starting pitcher, a competent backup catcher, and maybe another a bullpen arm by the end of the month.

203

Game Zone 2019 / Re: Rangers @ Astros, July 19, 2019

« on: July 19, 2019, 08:24:54 pm »

ALTUVE!!!

2-0

Man that ball was absolutely crushed!

Nice to see him making up for last night’s effort.

204

Game Zone 2019 / Re: Astros vs Angels 07-18-19

« on: July 18, 2019, 11:00:53 pm »

In other news, the Twins beat the A’s so the Astros’ division lead is now 5.5 games.

205

Game Zone 2019 / Re: Astros vs Angels 07-18-19

« on: July 18, 2019, 10:48:49 pm »

Good win.  That said, I think Altuve should sit tomorrow.  Another horrible throw from him in the ninth inning.

206

Game Zone 2019 / Re: Astros vs Angels 07-18-19

« on: July 18, 2019, 10:30:59 pm »

Pressly gets Thais looking.

Another masterpiece K.

He good.

He channeled his inner McHugh on this one.

207

Game Zone 2019 / Re: Astros vs Angels 07-18-19

« on: July 18, 2019, 10:24:04 pm »

Quit crying Upton, that was a strike.

208

Game Zone 2019 / Re: Astros vs Angels 07-18-19

« on: July 18, 2019, 10:13:36 pm »

Flyball and a popup end the 7th.

McHugh looked sharp.

Agreed.  Also, I was very happy he was able to get Fletcher.  Didn’t want to deal with Trout with two guys on.

209

Game Zone 2019 / Re: Astros vs Angels 07-18-19

« on: July 18, 2019, 10:08:26 pm »

Makeup call for the one he missed.

And the exact same pitch gets the strikeout.

210

Game Zone 2019 / Re: Astros vs Angels 07-18-19

« on: July 18, 2019, 09:58:49 pm »

What the hell is Altuve swinging at?

211

Talk Zone / Re: Our info source

« on: July 18, 2019, 09:46:31 pm »

I don’t know, but, if the Astros target him, I’ll assume they have a plan.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

The plan would likely be very similar to the one they put Gerrit Cole on.

212

Game Zone 2019 / Re: Astros vs Angels 07-15-2019

« on: July 16, 2019, 12:04:25 am »

What a comedy of errors on that play.   No way Pujols should have scored.

213

Game Zone 2019 / Re: Astros vs Angels 07-15-2019

« on: July 15, 2019, 11:56:06 pm »

Eschenfelder twice, then I'd beat his corpse with the butt of the gun.

Eschenfelder needs to shut up and let the game speak for itself.  He talks too damn much during the game.

214

Talk Zone / Re: Aches and Pains (2019)

« on: July 11, 2019, 01:43:00 pm »

Not surprising, I guess.

But there is an ample load of bullshit in MLBs decision.

Marisnick didn’t deserve a suspension.  MLB gave in to the court of public opinion on this one.

215

Game Zone 2019 / Re: Angels at Astros- July 7, 2019

« on: July 07, 2019, 05:26:09 pm »

No reason for Jake to cut inside at the last minute except to initiate contact.  The rule is clear.  The catcher must offer a lane, and the runner must take it.  Like it or not, that's the rule.  The runner cannot change his angle to the plate and initiate contact.

I’m not surprised they ruled him out, but Jake did not move inside to initiate contact.  He was headed straight for Lucroy initially, swerved inside to avoid him, and then Lucroy slid to his right and was in Jake’s path again.

216

Game Zone 2019 / Re: Angels at Astros- July 7, 2019

« on: July 07, 2019, 05:19:06 pm »

I think it’s the right call. If Jake goes to the outside he’s safe and there’s no collision.


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The replays clearly showed that Lucroy slid in front of Marisnick after Jake had already swerved to the inside.  He got in Jake’s way, not the other way around.

217

Game Zone 2019 / Re: Yankees at Astros, April 10, 2019

« on: April 10, 2019, 10:13:14 pm »

Great homestand and a great job tonight by Pressly.

218

Game Zone 2019 / Re: Yankees at Astros, April 10, 2019

« on: April 10, 2019, 09:45:27 pm »

Pressly!

Hope James enjoys his impending trip to Round Rock.

219

Game Zone 2019 / Re: Yankees at Astros, April 10, 2019

« on: April 10, 2019, 09:40:33 pm »

Pressly coming on to face Gary Sanchez.

220

Game Zone 2019 / Re: Yankees at Astros, April 10, 2019

« on: April 10, 2019, 09:33:16 pm »

Hinch is pretty pissed as he goes out to yank James.

Hinch should be pissed.  James needs to go down to AAA until he figures out how to command the strike zone. 

221

Game Zone 2019 / Re: A's @ Astros...April 7, 2019

« on: April 07, 2019, 04:51:54 pm »

Sweep!  Also, it was nice that the ump didn’t automatically give Treinen the 3-0 call.

222

Game Zone 2019 / Re: A's @ Astros...HOME OPENER 2019

« on: April 05, 2019, 10:18:06 pm »

Good win.  Offense still needs to get its act together.

223

Game Zone 2019 / Re: Game 2: Astros at Rays, 3/29/19

« on: March 29, 2019, 07:50:45 pm »

I like this Brantley guy.

224

Game Zone 2019 / Re: Game 2: Astros at Rays, 3/29/19

« on: March 29, 2019, 07:48:12 pm »

Yuli with an appalling lack of fundamentals there.

That error should have gone to Diaz, not Yuli. 

225

Game Zone 2019 / Re: Game 2: Astros at Rays, 3/29/19

« on: March 29, 2019, 07:47:00 pm »

Diaz is fucking killing me.

He’s lucky that wasn’t his third error in two games. 

226

Talk Zone / Re: Race For the Lid XXI

« on: March 29, 2019, 10:06:36 am »

114.

227

Talk Zone / Re: Team Payroll 2019

« on: March 23, 2019, 01:27:59 pm »

Instead of worrying about the luxury tax and future extensions, I’d rather celebrate the fact that Jim Crane and Lunhow are willing to do what it takes to keep the core of a great baseball team together.  Kudos to them for getting extensions done with Altuve, Bregman, Verlander, and Pressly.

228

Talk Zone / Re: Changes to the game coming this year??

« on: March 15, 2019, 02:21:10 am »

I just made the mistake of reading the comments on the MLB Trade Rumors announcement of the agreed-to rule changes. (Why did I do that? Never do that. They add nothing to your life.) There were no nuanced defenses of the three-batter policy; I've yet to see any nuanced defenses of it anywhere. People just say: I don't like pitching changes. But it seems to me that if you want to take away a tool baseball managers have had since the beginning you should probably have a steeper hill to climb than just saying: Well, I don't like pitching changes. Especially when there are undoubtedly less intrusive ways to finesse the issue. You should have to do better if you want to take decisions out of managers' hands. 

I find this weird rush to suddenly fuck with the game extremely depressing.

The problem isn’t pitching changes.  It’s all the commercial breaks that accompany them.  MLB needs to figure out a way to get advertisers on board with split-screen advertisements like NBC runs during its golf coverage.

The other truth that Manfred and his cronies fail to realize is that baseball is not a sport where action happens every second.  It’s a thinking man’s game.  If he wants to increase baseball’s popularity among younger fans, the league office needs to make a much stronger, concerted effort to market its stars.  The NBA and NFL run circles around MLB when it comes to marketing their best players and matchups.  Also, incentivize teams to call up their top prospects, instead of manipulating their service time, which is commonly done now.

229

Talk Zone / Re: Changes to the game coming this year??

« on: March 15, 2019, 01:46:40 am »

Here's the best defense I've come across:  The three batter minimum for relief pitchers is a good thing

That was a pathetic defense by the writer.  Let’s say the Astros are ahead 5-2 in the 7th inning, and Verlander walks the first two hitters.  Hinch realizes Verlander is at the end of his rope, and calls for Ryan Pressly.  Unfortunately, on this night, Ryan Pressly simply doesn’t have it.  Maybe he gives up a 3-run homer to the first batter he faces, or he allows back-to-back hits, or walks two guys in a row.  Hinch can’t take him out until he faces a third batter, which could cost the Astros the game. 

Furthermore, do you see rules in the NBA about how many minutes a player must play before being subbed out?  No.  Offense-defense substitutions happen possession by possession in the last two minutes of games.  In the NFL, a player can play one snap, be subbed out for a play, then go right back in. 

230

Talk Zone / Re: Changes to the game coming this year??

« on: March 14, 2019, 10:34:19 am »

Don’t like the three-batter minimum for relievers, but otherwise, most of the changes seem sensible. 

231

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster (New & Improved)

« on: March 13, 2019, 02:29:01 pm »

I don't see Tucker getting any time at DH. Others, yes, not Tucker. But even with the win-now major league option the Astros will employ, I don't agree that spending part or all of the season (which I don't envision will happen... re: all of the season) in AAA is a retardation of Tucker's development. If anything, last season proved he wasn't ready. He didn't prove he was ready to displace Reddick this spring either. Marisnick is the quality fourth outfielder and Kemp is a good left handed outfielder type that can use his versatility to help the club in many different ways. Tucker needs ABs as an every day outfielder. Period. If not in the majors now, then eventually. RIght now, he can find his starter ABs in AAA, which is fine for a 22 year old.

I agree completely that Kemp and Marisnick deserve to be on the MLB roster and Tucker needs consistent at bats, so getting them in AAA is better than riding the pine in the majors.  I also agree that he proved he wasn’t ready when he got his chance last year, so a little more minor-league seasoning won’t hurt him.  However, the pitchers he’s going to face in AAA aren’t as good as those in the major leagues, and he hit .332/.400/.590 in AAA last year.  So Hinch is dead on that it’s the subtleties that Tucker needs to work on, whether it’s plate discipline, defense, baserunning, or his overall approach at the plate. 

Also, I agree that Tucker wouldn’t play DH if he platooned with White at some point in the season.  More likely, he would start in the outfield with one of the Astros’ regular outfielders getting the nod at DH that day.

232

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster (New & Improved)

« on: March 13, 2019, 02:01:44 pm »

The Astros tried to trade Josh Reddick this off-season to make room for Tucker. Other than Springer and Brantley, don't fall in love with anyone being a lock to be in the starting lineup as an outfielder next season. In fact, as I mentioned, Tucker is good insurance *this season* in case you need a callup because of lack of production or injury. It's basically how Tony Kemp (27 years of age) became a major leaguer last season, same as Tyler White (28 years of age). Tucker is all of 22 years of age. Being in the minors at this stage of his career is no indication he has no value as a major leaguer or that he can't learn to be a major leaguer with more seasoning in AAA. He's not AJ Reed.

I’m not falling in love with the idea that Reddick, White or Kemp’s roles on the club are secure for this season or next, by any means.  I can easily see a scenario where Tucker and White platoon at DH at some point this year, or if Reddick struggles, Tucker gets his chance.  Not to mention he’ll get the call if injuries strike, White struggles, etc.  My point is Tucker is caught between a rock and a hard place because of how deep the Astros are.  If the Astros weren’t as flush with MLB-quality hitters as they are, Tucker would get his extended opportunity to prove himself at the major league level right now.

233

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster (New & Improved)

« on: March 13, 2019, 12:18:51 pm »

Also,  Tony Sipp agreed to a deal with the Nats.  1 year, 1M, with a 250,000 buyout on a 2.5M mutual option for next season.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/astros/amp/Former-Astros-reliever-Tony-Sipp-signs-Nationals-13685108.php

234

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster (New & Improved)

« on: March 13, 2019, 12:13:15 pm »

Tucker is good insurance for a Josh Reddick injury or lack of performance in 2019.

The only way Tucker is going to develop at the MLB level is to give him consistent at bats.  Sending him back to Triple A where he’s dominated the competition last season runs the risk of stagnating his development.  However, the Astros have a loaded MLB roster and are in win-now mode.  Therefore, sending him down makes sense.  But keep in mind, the entire starting outfield is under contract through 2020, as is Yuli.  Tyler White, Tony Kemp and Aledmys Diaz all have multiple years of arbitration remaining.  So where is the path to consistent MLB playing time coming any time soon in Houston?  Like HH said, if you don’t think he can beat out one of those guys, then it’s time to explore trading him for a major piece in return.

235

Talk Zone / Re: Opening Day

« on: February 04, 2019, 12:21:47 pm »

One or the other for me. Not both.

Same here.

236

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster (New & Improved)

« on: January 31, 2019, 06:54:30 pm »

In actual 2019 Astros roster news, they've signed LHP Wade Miley to a 1-year, $4.5 million deal. No option or anything.

If he pitches anywhere close to how he did with the Brewers last year, it’s a great signing. 

237

Talk Zone / Re: Opening Day

« on: January 30, 2019, 10:04:46 pm »

Sphinx  - paid (4)
Neil T - paid (4)
Hudson
Happy - paid (2)
Doyce
DVauthrin
Raup
Drew Corleone
BG paid (5)

Just sent you my payment via PayPal.

238

Talk Zone / Re: Opening Day

« on: January 25, 2019, 04:31:28 pm »

There is a block of tickets for Saturday's 2nd home game.  The cost is $44 for Terrance Level.

Please confirm your interest.

I’m in for two.

239

Talk Zone / Re: Opening Day

« on: December 22, 2018, 02:57:36 pm »

If you all want me to go with a Saturday, I need at least 20 confirmed yeses before I contact Mariza again. 

Sphinx
Happy
DVauthrin
doyce7


And.....

You can put me down for two.

240

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: December 19, 2018, 12:45:24 pm »

Yes. But menothink it's not entirely because he wants to make a Realmuto deal unless what we're talking about is Tucker. He can make other deals, like a starting #3 and keep Tucker and sign Cruz too.

Unless both Kemp and Marisnick are making the team out of Spring Training, he doesn’t really have a choice.

241

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: December 19, 2018, 12:36:38 pm »

I agree with you. I'm certainly not particularly informed about Realmuto, but he seems to me like a nice addition but not a particularly impactful addition.

Realmuto was the best catcher in baseball last year.  He’s an elite defender and a well-above average bat.  Catchers like that are rare.

242

Talk Zone / Re: Opening Day

« on: December 19, 2018, 11:22:56 am »

I’m good with a Saturday outing, or whatever the group decides.

243

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: December 19, 2018, 11:15:55 am »

I followed him on Twitter for a while, though I have never watched him in a youtube video, so I have no idea what that's like.  Even though I agree with you about watching him play baseball, I've come to the conclusion that Bregman is a bit of an attention-whore douchebag.  I fully expect he'll be in Yankee pinstripes as soon as he's a free agent, assuming his career trajectory takes him that way.

Maybe I'm being a bit hash, I dunno.

The vast majority of people Bregman’s age act the same way, and it’s a phenomenon that’s not going away anytime soon.   Furthermore, you are seriously jumping to conclusions.  After extending Altuve, I’m pretty sure Lunhow, Crane and Co. view Bregman as someone they want to keep in an Astros’ uniform long term.  Players like Bregman are not easy to find. 

244

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: December 17, 2018, 06:15:15 pm »

Signed says Passan--2 years/$32MM. Will play LF, 1B and DH.

Great move.  Brantley is the kind of hitter this lineup needed.  Left handed (to add balance to the lineup), and is an outstanding contact hitter that will take a walk.  Very tough at bat for an opposing pitcher. 

245

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: December 12, 2018, 03:02:32 pm »

Jeff Passan  @JeffPassan 46s
Free agent starter Charlie Morton and the Tampa Bay Rays have agreed to a two-year, $30 million deal, sources told Yahoo Sports.

Didn’t see a team like the Rays being willing to pay $15 million a season for Morton, but good for him.

246

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: October 20, 2018, 12:18:16 pm »

Speaking of bats.  The FA market is pretty meh.  Wonder what 1st/LF/DH options are out there to trade for.

At DH, Nelson Cruz is a free agent, and, at 1B, Paul Goldschmidt has one year left on his contract.

247

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: October 20, 2018, 12:16:31 pm »

I want Marwin back.

Everyone should want Marwin back.  His versatility gives Hinch a lot of lineup flexibility, he’s respected in the clubhouse, and he has proven he can elevate his play in the postseason.  Perfect for a contender like the Astros.

For me, Marwin and Morton are top priorities, as is bringing back Maldonado (hard to find catchers that can completely eliminate the running game like he can).

248

Talk Zone / Re: The Void

« on: October 19, 2018, 10:54:14 pm »

This sucks.

Agreed.

249

Game Zone 2018 / Re: ACLS Game 5: Red Sox at Astros, October 18 2018

« on: October 19, 2018, 10:33:07 pm »

Roster/rotation questions should make you nervous.

But I expect the Astros to be competing for the division again.

The Astros have plenty of starting pitching options. They could make McHugh and Peacock starters again, or see if James and Valdez can build off their strong 2018 campaigns in spring training.

250

Game Zone 2018 / Re: ACLS Game 5: Red Sox at Astros, October 18 2018

« on: October 18, 2018, 09:20:21 pm »

Someone in the dugout (Reddick?) needs to give the ‘ol ‘was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?’ speech

Pulling a Yuli in game 5 of the World Series works too.

251

Game Zone 2018 / Re: ACLS Game 5: Red Sox at Astros, October 18 2018

« on: October 18, 2018, 09:18:22 pm »

That may be the nail in the coffin.

252

Game Zone 2018 / Re: ACLS Game 5: Red Sox at Astros, October 18 2018

« on: October 18, 2018, 09:14:49 pm »

Verlander is overthrowing.

253

Game Zone 2018 / Re: ACLS Game 5: Red Sox at Astros, October 18 2018

« on: October 18, 2018, 09:09:11 pm »

Martin had a good approach.  Jake not so much.

254

Game Zone 2018 / Re: ACLS Game 5: Red Sox at Astros, October 18 2018

« on: October 18, 2018, 09:01:23 pm »

Need the bats to get going.

255

Game Zone 2018 / Re: ACLS Game 5: Red Sox at Astros, October 18 2018

« on: October 18, 2018, 08:56:44 pm »

This offseason is going to feel quite different from last year's.

I must have missed the memo stating the game is over after 4 innings. 

256

Game Zone 2018 / Re: ACLS Game 5: Red Sox at Astros, October 18 2018

« on: October 18, 2018, 08:52:40 pm »

Marwin has chased SO badly tonight.

Swung at three balls in that at bat.

257

Game Zone 2018 / Re: ACLS Game 5: Red Sox at Astros, October 18 2018

« on: October 18, 2018, 08:46:16 pm »

Let’s go Marwin! 

258

Talk Zone / Re: Joe West is a Dumbass

« on: October 18, 2018, 02:11:40 pm »

The fan who stood straight up and didn't lean over the rail.

Makes sense that the guy in the white shirt who leaned over and way to his right to try and catch it would be ejected.  However, the guy that actually touched Betts’ glove, wasn’t.

259

Talk Zone / Re: Joe West is a Dumbass

« on: October 18, 2018, 01:42:10 pm »

The thing that blows my mind is, if after watching 100 replays of it you're not sure if interference happened, then that's not fucking interference.

It makes zero sense to agree that Blimpy the Umpire, who was waddling at about the speed of smell toward the play, had a good enough angle to determine from 50+ feet away that there was fan interference.

That is a fucking joke. And it says everything you need to know that West claimed that the replay guy said he got it right when they ruled it was inconclusive.

The Astros did not eject the fan that “interfered.”  That speaks volumes, too. 

260

Game Zone 2018 / Re: ALCS Game #4: Red Sox @ Astros October 17, 2018

« on: October 17, 2018, 09:20:02 pm »

Well folks, the Astros are going to have to beat the Red Sox, the umpires, and MLB to win this series.

They are capable of doing it.

261

Game Zone 2018 / Re: ALCS Game #4: Red Sox @ Astros October 17, 2018

« on: October 17, 2018, 09:18:40 pm »

Great throw by Machete.

262

Game Zone 2018 / Re: ALCS Game #4: Red Sox @ Astros October 17, 2018

« on: October 17, 2018, 09:06:47 pm »

New ballgame!

263

Game Zone 2018 / Re: ALCS Game #4: Red Sox @ Astros October 17, 2018

« on: October 17, 2018, 08:52:09 pm »

Well Bregman and Altuve don't have enough chops to get those calls.

They’d need to have Boston on their chests for that.

264

Game Zone 2018 / Re: ALCS Game #4: Red Sox @ Astros October 17, 2018

« on: October 17, 2018, 08:51:30 pm »

Let’s go to work offense.

265

Game Zone 2018 / Re: ALCS Game #4: Red Sox @ Astros October 17, 2018

« on: October 17, 2018, 08:48:17 pm »

We are not winning this game or this series.

This certainly isn’t the start any of us were hoping for, but the game isn’t over until the Red Sox get 27 outs.  Lots of baseball to be played, and anything can happen, just like last year. 

266

Game Zone 2018 / Re: ALCS Game #4: Red Sox @ Astros October 17, 2018

« on: October 17, 2018, 08:28:13 pm »

Horrible bunt, Machete.

He needs to get out of his head ASAP.

267

Game Zone 2018 / Re: ALCS Game #4: Red Sox @ Astros October 17, 2018

« on: October 17, 2018, 08:27:33 pm »

Let’s go Kemp!

268

Game Zone 2018 / Re: ALCS Game #4: Red Sox @ Astros October 17, 2018

« on: October 17, 2018, 08:24:48 pm »

Come on Carlos!

269

Game Zone 2018 / Re: ALCS Game #4: Red Sox @ Astros October 17, 2018

« on: October 17, 2018, 08:23:10 pm »

Let’s do some vauntimg.

270

Game Zone 2018 / Re: ALCS Game #4: Red Sox @ Astros October 17, 2018

« on: October 17, 2018, 08:15:49 pm »

I’m just passing along the report. In my opinion, he was clearly over the wall.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I get it.  Time for the Astros to shove MLB’s hopes of a Dodgers-Red Sox World Series up their ass.

271

Game Zone 2018 / Re: ALCS Game #4: Red Sox @ Astros October 17, 2018

« on: October 17, 2018, 08:13:59 pm »

It was conclusive. The ball was clearly over the line and Betts reached over. I think he catches it without the fan there, but that’s not the rule. It went to replay and MLB gagged on their dick.

MLB seems to do that a lot with the Astros and replay.

272

Game Zone 2018 / Re: ALCS Game #4: Red Sox @ Astros October 17, 2018

« on: October 17, 2018, 08:12:02 pm »

The report from TV guys is that the MLB review was inconclusive so they deferred to his out call on the field.


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Inconclusive my ass.   Betts is leaping and has his arm as stretched out as possible.  The fan did not reach into the field of play, and the Astros got screwed out of a tie game.

273

Game Zone 2018 / Re: ALCS Game 3: Red Sox @ Astros October 16, 2018

« on: October 16, 2018, 08:45:23 pm »

The series is not over because of this game.  However, Yuli needs to start making the Red Sox pay for pitching around Bregman tomorrow, or Hinch needs to move Marwin up and Yuli down a spot in the order.  Marwin again had good swings tonight, whereas Yuli is rolling over everything.

274

Game Zone 2018 / Re: ALCS Game 3: Red Sox @ Astros October 16, 2018

« on: October 16, 2018, 07:23:15 pm »

Really Osuna?

275

Game Zone 2018 / Re: ALCS Game 3: Red Sox @ Astros October 16, 2018

« on: October 16, 2018, 07:20:58 pm »

good grief.

Astros’ pitchers love hitting guys on breaking balls in the foot.

276

Game Zone 2018 / Re: ALCS Game 3: Red Sox @ Astros October 16, 2018

« on: October 16, 2018, 07:18:29 pm »

Need an out here.

277

Game Zone 2018 / Re: ALCS Game 3: Red Sox @ Astros October 16, 2018

« on: October 16, 2018, 07:16:11 pm »

I'm not blaming his instagram for the score.  I don't like that kind of shit talking/trolling and then not backing it up.  He had a chance to tie the game, and he didn't.  Don't get me wrong, I love the guy.  But that was just stupid.

There’s another beautiful defensive play by Bregman.  About the third or fourth he’s made today.  He also was a part of all the pressure the Astros managed to put on Eovaldi.  How is that not backing it up?

278

Game Zone 2018 / Re: ALCS Game 3: Red Sox @ Astros October 16, 2018

« on: October 16, 2018, 07:10:47 pm »

Offensively?  You mean his RBI "double?"  and the guy he was mocking basically went 6 innings with 1 ER allowed.

Not talking about the RBI “double.”  He had a single in the first and a walk in his 2nd plate appearance.   But, by all means blame his Instagram for the score right now. 

279

Game Zone 2018 / Re: ALCS Game 3: Red Sox @ Astros October 16, 2018

« on: October 16, 2018, 07:06:11 pm »

Well, I hope you're regretting your fucking instagram, Alex.

Um, Bregman has played well offensively and defensively tonight.  Not his fault Yuli has come up small behind him.

280

Game Zone 2018 / Re: ALCS Game 3: Red Sox @ Astros October 16, 2018

« on: October 16, 2018, 07:02:53 pm »

Surprised they gave him that pitch to hit.

281

Game Zone 2018 / Re: ALCS Game 3: Red Sox @ Astros October 16, 2018

« on: October 16, 2018, 06:58:55 pm »

Nice bunt by Altuve gets Bregman to the plate.

282

Game Zone 2018 / Re: ALCS Game 3: Red Sox @ Astros October 16, 2018

« on: October 16, 2018, 06:57:01 pm »

What the hell is going on with the strike zone this inning?  Pitches off the edge haven’t been called until now.

And now Springer swings through a hanging breaking ball. 

283

Game Zone 2018 / Re: ALCS Game 3: Red Sox @ Astros October 16, 2018

« on: October 16, 2018, 06:55:09 pm »

That was not a strike.

284

Game Zone 2018 / Re: ALCS Game 3: Red Sox @ Astros October 16, 2018

« on: October 16, 2018, 06:49:29 pm »

Top 7 (Pressly pitching):

Bradley Jr.  K’s on three pitches
Betts grounds out 5-3 (Beautiful barehanded play by Bregman)
Benintendi K’s on three pitches

285

Game Zone 2018 / Re: ALCS Game 3: Red Sox @ Astros October 16, 2018

« on: October 16, 2018, 06:41:51 pm »

Pressly on. 

286

Game Zone 2018 / Re: ALCS Game 3: Red Sox @ Astros October 16, 2018

« on: October 16, 2018, 06:36:42 pm »

Do you prefer strikeouts?

I prefer plate discipline. 

287

Game Zone 2018 / Re: ALCS Game 3: Red Sox @ Astros October 16, 2018

« on: October 16, 2018, 06:31:55 pm »

Bats need to come alive. 

288

Game Zone 2018 / Re: ALCS Game 3: Red Sox @ Astros October 16, 2018

« on: October 16, 2018, 06:29:01 pm »

Hindsight and all that, but Keuchel only had 84 pitches through 5 and was getting outs.

Keuchel was lucky to make it through five only allowing two runs.  He wasn’t fooling Red Sox hitters.

289

Game Zone 2018 / Re: ALCS Game #1: Astros @ Red Sox, October 13, 2018

« on: October 13, 2018, 11:59:05 pm »

Dan Plezciak (sp?) is fully on the Astros bus..

Plesac.  MLB Network’s analysis is so much better than the FS1 or TBS crews.

290

Game Zone 2018 / Re: ALCS Game #1: Astros @ Red Sox, October 13, 2018

« on: October 13, 2018, 11:40:52 pm »

Yeah, and then sort of excused the loss on the fact that the hype from the "real" series with the Yankees kind of lead to a let down against the Astros.

Maybe someone should tell Jimmy Rollins and the rest of the TBS crew that the Astros won the World Series last year, not the Yankees, and that the Astros had three more wins than the Yankees this season, without the benefit of playing the Orioles 19 times.

291

Talk Zone / Re: Arb-Eligible Players 2018

« on: October 11, 2018, 11:10:10 am »

If Marwin is not back next year, and I have to think he won't be (which I hate), you need some guys that can play several positions. White (1B, 3B), Kemp, (LF, 2B) fill some of Marwin's backup spots.  I don't know of another guy that can do what Marwin does with the offensive production he does. Most "utility" guys aren't big producers. One of Luhnow's first acquisitions.

I think Marwin has a better chance of returning than we think.  Hinch loves him and his versatility, he's respected in the clubhouse, and has proven he can shine in big playoff moments. 

292

Talk Zone / Re: Postseason roster questions

« on: October 11, 2018, 11:06:48 am »

Hinch appears to love Harris. I was surprised James did not pitch the 9th with a 9-run lead. Smith and Rondon should be on the roster for their experience.

Agreed.  I thought 11-2 in the 9th inning was the perfect time to get James his first taste of postseason baseball, and was shocked Harris came in instead.

293

Beer and Queso / Re: OWA 2018 Fantasy Football

« on: October 08, 2018, 07:07:27 pm »

Thursday night I got an entirely unexpected 19 points out of Ebron (TE), and I was feeling pretty good about things. Then everybody took Sunday off and I got destroyed. And my genius move of dropping Boswell as my kicker and picking Mason Crosby was a spectacular failure, as Crosby missed FOUR FG attempts and a PAT. Womp womp.

FIFY.

294

Game Zone 2018 / Re: ALDS Gam 3: Astros @ Indian s, October 8, 2018

« on: October 08, 2018, 04:47:45 pm »

If they're playing Boston or New York in the ALCS  they might get prime time.  Of course the Brewers will be in the NLCS, and Selig can still throw some weight.

Good thing the Astros are going to be playing one of Boston or New York again.

295

Game Zone 2018 / Re: ALDS Gam 3: Astros @ Indian s, October 8, 2018

« on: October 08, 2018, 04:41:17 pm »

The statement is that the Astros are a very good baseball team.

Talent wise, this is the best Astros’ team of all time.  But games aren’t played on paper.

296

Game Zone 2018 / Re: ALDS Gam 3: Astros @ Indian s, October 8, 2018

« on: October 08, 2018, 04:37:35 pm »

Good job guys.  Take a week off.

Statement win, or just the Indians were the tallest pygmy in the AL Central?

Doesn’t really matter.  Good teams get the job done no matter who they are playing.

297

Game Zone 2018 / Re: ALDS Gam 3: Astros @ Indian s, October 8, 2018

« on: October 08, 2018, 04:14:08 pm »

Guessing we'll see Harris or James in the 9th

Betting James.  Would be a good spot to get him his first taste of the postseason.

298

Game Zone 2018 / Re: ALDS Gam 3: Astros @ Indian s, October 8, 2018

« on: October 08, 2018, 03:58:57 pm »

Carlos decided to join the party.  An unexpected, pleasant surprise.

299

Game Zone 2018 / Re: ALDS Gam 3: Astros @ Indian s, October 8, 2018

« on: October 08, 2018, 03:29:40 pm »

Tyler had a good pass at that fastball.

300

Game Zone 2018 / Re: ALDS Gam 3: Astros @ Indian s, October 8, 2018

« on: October 08, 2018, 03:25:42 pm »

White to pinch hit for McCann; Miller done.

301

Game Zone 2018 / Re: ALDS Gam 3: Astros @ Indian s, October 8, 2018

« on: October 08, 2018, 03:22:37 pm »

I would guess McCann and Kemp would be the pinch hit targets today.

Correa should be in that group, too.

302

Game Zone 2018 / Re: ALDS Gam 3: Astros @ Indian s, October 8, 2018

« on: October 08, 2018, 03:21:21 pm »

Correa looks at a hittable fastball again.

303

Game Zone 2018 / Re: ALDS Gam 3: Astros @ Indian s, October 8, 2018

« on: October 08, 2018, 03:18:38 pm »

Come on Reddick! 

304

Game Zone 2018 / Re: ALDS Gam 3: Astros @ Indian s, October 8, 2018

« on: October 08, 2018, 03:15:02 pm »

Marwin!!!!!!!!

305

Game Zone 2018 / Re: ALDS Gam 3: Astros @ Indian s, October 8, 2018

« on: October 08, 2018, 03:11:23 pm »

Great at bat by Yuli.  Bases juiced for Marwin.

306

Game Zone 2018 / Re: ALDS Gam 3: Astros @ Indian s, October 8, 2018

« on: October 08, 2018, 03:08:33 pm »

Late on another fastball.

307

Game Zone 2018 / Re: ALDS Gam 3: Astros @ Indian s, October 8, 2018

« on: October 08, 2018, 03:07:58 pm »

2nd throwing error by Bauer this inning. La Pina needs to make him pay.

308

Game Zone 2018 / Re: ALDS Gam 3: Astros @ Indian s, October 8, 2018

« on: October 08, 2018, 03:04:53 pm »

Wasn’t pretty, but it will do.

309

Game Zone 2018 / Re: ALDS Gam 3: Astros @ Indian s, October 8, 2018

« on: October 08, 2018, 03:04:20 pm »

Come on Jose.

310

Game Zone 2018 / Re: ALDS Gam 3: Astros @ Indian s, October 8, 2018

« on: October 08, 2018, 03:02:25 pm »

Runners on the corners for Altuve.  Need a good at bat here.

311

Game Zone 2018 / Re: ALDS Gam 3: Astros @ Indian s, October 8, 2018

« on: October 08, 2018, 02:59:50 pm »

It would be fun to extend this inning to get Bregman to the plate.

Let’s focus on getting Kemp home first.

312

Game Zone 2018 / Re: ALDS Gam 3: Astros @ Indian s, October 8, 2018

« on: October 08, 2018, 02:57:54 pm »

Good job Tony!

313

Game Zone 2018 / Re: ALDS Gam 3: Astros @ Indian s, October 8, 2018

« on: October 08, 2018, 02:56:14 pm »

He wasn't terrible.

Unfortunately that's his 2018 yardstick.

The pitch to Lindor for the home run was not smart (regardless of outcome) but, otherwise, he pitched fine.

314

Game Zone 2018 / Re: ALDS Gam 3: Astros @ Indian s, October 8, 2018

« on: October 08, 2018, 02:47:49 pm »

He hasn't been any use offensively since June.

I’m aware.  Simply agreeing with your suggestion earlier of putting Marwin or Bregman at short for the remainder of the playoffs and getting Kemp in the lineup every game.

315

Game Zone 2018 / Re: ALDS Gam 3: Astros @ Indian s, October 8, 2018

« on: October 08, 2018, 02:43:29 pm »

If Correa can’t hit that, he’s not going to be of any use offensively anytime soon.

316

Game Zone 2018 / Re: ALDS Gam 3: Astros @ Indian s, October 8, 2018

« on: October 08, 2018, 02:27:46 pm »

Consistently behind the fastball.

Yep, and he swung over a poor breaking ball with the bases loaded in the 3rd.

317

Game Zone 2018 / Re: ALDS Gam 3: Astros @ Indian s, October 8, 2018

« on: October 08, 2018, 02:21:30 pm »

I love Alex Bregman.  His approach at the plate is a thing of beauty.

318

Game Zone 2018 / Re: ALDS Gam 3: Astros @ Indian s, October 8, 2018

« on: October 08, 2018, 02:15:52 pm »

Third time is the charm for George!  He looked awful his first two at bats.

319

Game Zone 2018 / Re: ALDS Game 2: Indians @ Astros October 6, 2018

« on: October 06, 2018, 06:52:16 pm »

Ballgame! Bullpen needs to stop walking guys though.

320

Game Zone 2018 / Re: ALDS Game 2: Indians @ Astros October 6, 2018

« on: October 06, 2018, 06:35:31 pm »

Correa takes way too many hittable pitches.

321

Game Zone 2018 / Re: ALDS Game 2: Indians @ Astros October 6, 2018

« on: October 06, 2018, 06:29:20 pm »

Good job Roberto!

322

Game Zone 2018 / Re: ALDS Game 2: Indians @ Astros October 6, 2018

« on: October 06, 2018, 05:55:52 pm »

Gattis pinch hitting there is stupid.

Bringing Gattis in to face Miller wasn’t stupid.  I did think that Hinch would turn to Kemp once Bauer was announced.

323

Game Zone 2018 / Re: ALDS Game 2: Indians @ Astros October 6, 2018

« on: October 06, 2018, 05:07:58 pm »

White behind again.

Got himself a knock.

324

Game Zone 2018 / Re: ALDS Game 2: Indians @ Astros October 6, 2018

« on: October 06, 2018, 05:04:23 pm »

Cole is a bad man.

Come on,  bats.

Time to get him some run support.

325

Game Zone 2018 / Re: ALDS Game 2: Indians @ Astros October 6, 2018

« on: October 06, 2018, 04:41:56 pm »

Agree.

He took the cheese on strike 1 and went downhill from there.

He’s had two awful approaches at the plate so far.  Swinging wildly at the first pitch in both at bats.

326

Talk Zone / Re: ALDS schedule

« on: October 02, 2018, 03:50:50 pm »

The games are staggered.  AL, NL, AL, NL.  Since the only game that could reasonably go off last is the one on the west coast the stagger makes sense.  Of course the Red Sox/A's could go first but...

Did not know that, so thank you for the clarification.  However, it’s still pretty sad that the defending champions are in a terrible time slot.

327

Talk Zone / Re: Postseason tickets

« on: October 02, 2018, 03:10:19 pm »

Since I was able to find two in the mezzanine at a reasonable price on Stubhub just now, I’m willing to sell my two SRO tickets to anyone here that wants them.  I paid $119 for the pair; so I’m looking for that for both, or $60 per ticket.  I can transfer them through the Ballpark app, too.  PM me if interested.

328

Talk Zone / Re: ALDS schedule

« on: October 02, 2018, 02:41:38 pm »

Fucking 1 OClock.  F right off MLB,

Agreed. The defending World Series championsb can’t even get the 4 p.m. game slot (which instead goes to the Brewers/NL Wildcard winner)?  Pathetic. 

329

Talk Zone / Re: Postseason tickets

« on: October 02, 2018, 12:44:44 pm »

Wouldn't you be better served sitting than standing then?

I’d rather be sitting in the bullpen or mezzanine sections, but those seats weren’t available in the limited sale Friday.  I’ve done this before in the playoffs and was able to find a decent spot in the lower concourse to watch the game.  Hoping to do so again (or find a spot in the mezzanine concourse), but we’ll see. 

330

Talk Zone / Re: Postseason tickets

« on: October 02, 2018, 11:24:50 am »

We were in the 400s for the WS, and they were good seats.

Not when you are afraid of heights, which is the case with me.

331

Talk Zone / Re: Postseason tickets

« on: October 01, 2018, 08:34:06 pm »

I got 2 SRO for Game 1.  It was either that or sit in the 400’s, and I’d much rather do SRO than that.

332

Talk Zone / Re: The National League

« on: October 01, 2018, 04:17:30 pm »

I'm sure it's been said, but how'd they determine home teams in these two games?  Head to head?

Yep. 

Anyway, for those interested, the Cubs are hosting this game because they went 11-8 against the Brewers this season.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/brewers-vs-cubs-in-nl-central-tiebreaker-what-to-know-about-pivotal-game-163-in-chicago/amp/

333

Talk Zone / Re: Postseason roster questions

« on: October 01, 2018, 12:00:41 pm »

I think Josh James could be very effective being the first guy out of the bullpen in Keuchel’s start.  Imagine facing Dallas and his soft-tossing stuff, then having to deal with a pitcher that throws 101 mph.  Would make the Indians’ hitters very uncomfortable, especially considering they have never seen his stuff before.

334

Beer and Queso / Re: OWA 2018 Fantasy Football

« on: October 01, 2018, 11:43:27 am »

Funny thing is Kamara and Michael Thomas were my first 2 picks in both leagues. I'm 5-1 coming into today in both leagues combined

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

Kamara is ridiculous.  He does nothing for a half and winds up with three touchdowns yesterday.

335

Beer and Queso / Re: OWA 2018 Fantasy Football

« on: October 01, 2018, 11:42:38 am »

Starter: R Wilson  4.93 points   Bench: Goff 42.09 points  Coach: WFW

In another league, I started Wilson and benched Derek Carr (nearly 500 yards 4 touchdowns and a two point conversion), so I feel your pain.

336

Beer and Queso / Re: Texans 2018

« on: September 30, 2018, 04:08:28 pm »

Haha.

I just can’t believe the Texans won a cripple fight between O’Brien and the Colts head coach.  Would never have guessed there is a dumber coach in the NFL.

337

Beer and Queso / Re: Texans 2018

« on: September 30, 2018, 03:42:23 pm »

Any idea why?   Makes no sense to me.

It was done for player safety (reducing extra plays).  Doesn’t make much sense, I agree.  If the NFL cares about player safety, they should start by eliminating Thursday Night Football.

338

Beer and Queso / Re: Texans 2018

« on: September 30, 2018, 03:30:06 pm »

Have the overtimes always been 10 minutes? I thought they were 15.

They changed it for this season.

339

Beer and Queso / Re: Texans 2018

« on: September 30, 2018, 03:29:47 pm »

The entire coaching staff should be fired after this game, win or lose.  28-10 in the third quarter and you are going to overtime.  It all started with Crennel’s idiotic decision to play man coverage on T.Y. Hilton with the Colts needing a 3rd and 10 and allowing Luck to get a quick 50 yard chunk play and score less than a minute after the Texans did.

Then, Bill O’Brien decides we will play for overtime by running the ball with 45 seconds left in a tie game. 

340

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Astros at Orioles, 9/28/18

« on: September 28, 2018, 08:48:52 pm »

Jake just doing what Jake does.  Best defensive outfielder in baseball.

341

Talk Zone / Re: Postseason roster questions

« on: September 27, 2018, 01:45:29 pm »

Doubtful. I think both definitely are in. McHugh too.

Agreed.  They both have a lot of postseason experience, too. 

342

Talk Zone / Re: Astros just acquired Osuna

« on: September 26, 2018, 01:49:44 am »

the astros brass have made many amazing decisions since crane took over. Trading for osuna isn't won of them.

Say what you want about Osuna’s behavior off the field, but from purely a baseball perspective, getting Osuna for Ken Giles and prospects was a coup for Lunhow.  The Astros now have a closer Hinch can feel comfortable using in high stress situations in the playoffs.  Adding him and Pressly at the deadline has really shored up the back end of the bullpen.

343

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Astros @ Red Sox, Sept. 9, 2018

« on: September 09, 2018, 10:47:06 pm »

Wtf Marwin? Dive


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Not sure if Marwin is comfortable with diving his first game back from his oblique soreness.  However, the effort was pathetic.

344

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Astros @ Red Sox, Sept. 9, 2018

« on: September 09, 2018, 10:45:31 pm »

What the hell was that Marwin?

345

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Astros @ Red Sox, Sept. 9, 2018

« on: September 09, 2018, 10:40:53 pm »

I’m still stewing over that call at home. Why can’t we get some sort of short explanation as to wtf they couldn’t overturn that? There was a view that was clear as day showing him beating the tag. With the technology available today they can sync views and see that the hand was down on the base right?! W. T. F.

If they’re just going to defer to the decision made on the field whenever they might have a slightly tough call on their hands then why have this shit there in the first place?

MLB decided they didn’t want the Red Sox, with baseball’s best record, to get swept at home and intervened on their behalf.

346

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Astros @ Red Sox, Sept. 9, 2018

« on: September 09, 2018, 10:38:06 pm »

Dear Jessica Mendoza: Nobody thought the game was over after Martinez’s homerun but you.

347

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Astros @ Red Sox, Sept. 9, 2018

« on: September 09, 2018, 10:35:49 pm »

Betts retired.  One away.

348

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Astros @ Red Sox, Sept. 9, 2018

« on: September 09, 2018, 10:33:09 pm »

He's really weak against a good fastball.

Yep. Springer could learn a lot from watching Alex Bregman hit. 

349

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Astros @ Red Sox, Sept. 9, 2018

« on: September 09, 2018, 10:30:00 pm »

Note to Astros hitters: Stop swinging at his riding fastball.  You won’t hit it.

350

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Astros @ Red Sox, Sept. 9, 2018

« on: September 09, 2018, 10:29:27 pm »

George blown away.

Until he learns to shorten up, guys that throw hard will give him trouble.

351

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Astros @ Red Sox, Sept. 9, 2018

« on: September 09, 2018, 10:24:36 pm »

All night on Astros hitters too.

Only on Astros hitters.  Keuchel wasn’t getting the same calls off the outside corner that Porcello was.

352

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Astros @ Red Sox, Sept. 9, 2018

« on: September 09, 2018, 10:23:18 pm »

Colin better buy Tony a nice dinner when they get to Detroit.  Saved his bacon there.

353

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Astros @ Red Sox, Sept. 9, 2018

« on: September 09, 2018, 10:21:20 pm »

Big block by Machete!

354

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Astros @ Red Sox, Sept. 9, 2018

« on: September 09, 2018, 10:18:10 pm »

Big strikeout.

And A-Rod needs to be quiet, though he’s correct. It should be 6-5 Astros and Porcello was getting calls off the edges in the early innings.

355

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Astros @ Red Sox, Sept. 9, 2018

« on: September 09, 2018, 10:14:14 pm »

Sipp coming in to try and clean up Colin’s mess.

356

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Astros @ Red Sox, Sept. 9, 2018

« on: September 09, 2018, 10:10:48 pm »

McHugh is off tonite.

Can’t locate his fastball consistently.

357

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Astros @ Red Sox, Sept. 9, 2018

« on: September 09, 2018, 10:07:25 pm »

I would like Hinch to intervene now.

Too late for that now.  It’s up to McHugh to get Kinsler.

Edit: And he does.

358

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Astros @ Red Sox, Sept. 9, 2018

« on: September 09, 2018, 10:04:47 pm »

McHugh with a 6.75 ERA in August, 3.86 in 2.1 innings so far in September.

He did a poor job of locating to Moreland on multiple pitches. 

359

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Astros @ Red Sox, Sept. 9, 2018

« on: September 09, 2018, 10:01:11 pm »

Bogaerts has been one lucky hitter this weekend. 

360

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Astros @ Red Sox, Sept. 9, 2018

« on: September 09, 2018, 10:00:22 pm »

That’s not how it works. Some angles are better than others. One cannot overweight a shitty angle as justification for ruling it inconclusive. If the best angle is inconclusive, then you’re right that the call should stand.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

It was clear that Altuve’s hand was on the plate before the tag was applied.  Either the replay officials in New York are blind, or they had alterior motives for not overturning tue call.

361

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Astros @ Red Sox, Sept. 8, 2018

« on: September 08, 2018, 04:56:22 pm »

Frustrating.

Jake just bailed Charlie out, but Charlie has got to stop doing this.  He has too many starts where he looks dominant for three to four innings, then he implodes.

362

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Astros @ Red Sox, Sept. 8, 2018

« on: September 08, 2018, 04:25:19 pm »

The Machete!

363

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Astros @ Red Sox, Sept. 8, 2018

« on: September 08, 2018, 03:33:06 pm »

Excellent job by Jake to get White home.

364

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Astros @ Red Sox, Sept. 8, 2018

« on: September 08, 2018, 03:32:02 pm »

Nice to see Correa punish a fastball, then White crushes one to center.

365

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Astros @ Red Sox, Sept. 8, 2018

« on: September 08, 2018, 03:27:20 pm »

Altuve’s positioning with one out didn’t make much sense.  You want him at double play depth, not shaded up the middle.

366

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Angels @ Astros, Sept. 2, 2018

« on: September 02, 2018, 09:48:42 pm »

Thank goodness Trout was taking 1-0. 

367

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Angels @ Astros, Sept. 2, 2018

« on: September 02, 2018, 09:47:57 pm »

Really, Smith?  And now Trout is up with bases juiced.

368

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Angels @ Astros, Sept. 2, 2018

« on: September 02, 2018, 09:32:47 pm »

He isn't a AAA ump.

The broadcast corrected themselves last inning, he was hired on as a full time MLB ump this season.

I stand corrected.  He’s just an incompetent MLB umpire.

369

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Angels @ Astros, Sept. 2, 2018

« on: September 02, 2018, 09:30:29 pm »

FUCK YOU, STU!

Guy misses badly 3 times in a row then you give him an borderline pitch you haven't called once all night to totally change the at bat.

This guy is a motherfucking SCRUB.

Triple A umpires should not be affecting MLB pennant races in September. 

370

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Angels @ Astros, Sept. 2, 2018

« on: September 02, 2018, 09:28:36 pm »

Yuli swings at Ball Four. Excellent.

371

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Angels @ Astros, Sept. 2, 2018

« on: September 02, 2018, 09:27:36 pm »

And another Astros swings through a belt high fastball.

92 MPH fastball and Marwin was a day behind it.

Yeah, that pitch should’ve been crushed.

372

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Angels @ Astros, Sept. 2, 2018

« on: September 02, 2018, 09:26:37 pm »

Up to La Pina.

373

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Angels @ Astros, Sept. 2, 2018

« on: September 02, 2018, 09:25:26 pm »

Wow, I thought he might have went.

They missed one for the Angels earlier, too.

374

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Angels @ Astros, Sept. 2, 2018

« on: September 02, 2018, 09:21:04 pm »

Come on Marwin.

375

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Angels @ Astros, Sept. 1, 2018

« on: September 01, 2018, 09:44:10 pm »

Welp, I just learned that, even in a win, my tolerance for Creeper Ennis and Can'tShutUp Stanton is < 5 minutes.

Don’t leave Eschenfelder out of the triumvirate of broadcaster suckitude.

376

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Angels @ Astros, Sept. 1, 2018

« on: September 01, 2018, 09:37:17 pm »

A’s down early.

FTA and FTA’s

Do not mention the team from Oakland and their game.  Simply discussing it could incite the wrath of the BBG’s.

377

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Angels @ Astros, Sept. 1, 2018

« on: September 01, 2018, 08:54:46 pm »

It's weird, alright, but it's not surprising.

It’s almost like the Astros want to spot the opposing pitcher a strike every at bat.

378

Beer and Queso / Re: OWA 2018 Fantasy Football

« on: September 01, 2018, 09:44:30 am »

I read my draft report card. I got a C. Then I was eviscerated with, "If you can't handle the heat, get out of the draft room. Corpse Killers folded under the pressure of this draft. Picking No. 10 overall, they were clearly unprepared. Mayonnaise, middle of the road, mediocre, All words that describe this draft. We have to trust Corpse Killers will make trades and player adds if they are to reach the playoffs."

Yahoo’s draft “report” isn’t worth the digital space it takes up.  However, it is worth a good laugh.

379

Beer and Queso / Re: OWA 2018 Fantasy Football

« on: September 01, 2018, 09:43:13 am »

I suffered a catastrophic computer problem that necessitated professional help, causing me to miss the draft. I aspologize. However, the auto-draft gave me a B-, which is better than what I usually get. I promise to be an active owner this season. I'm excited for my Saints.

Sorry to hear about the computer issues, but glad they were able to be resolved.  Also, glad to have you playing in the league, as always.  And you should be excited about the Saints.  I thought they really turned a corner last season and Kamara is a stud, along with Brees.

380

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Angels @ Astros, August 31, 2018

« on: August 31, 2018, 10:15:48 pm »

He acts like a lot of things hurt.

Noticed it when they threw to second and he dove back in the early innings.

His back still bothering him would certainly explain him being so passive at the plate.  But if that’s the case, he needs to go back on the DL.

381

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Angels @ Astros, August 31, 2018

« on: August 31, 2018, 10:06:49 pm »

Correa needs to go back on the DL. He’s s fucking anchor right now.

It’s like he doesn’t want to hit.  His first at bat tonight he drew a walk without swinging at any of the eight pitches.

382

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Angels @ Astros, August 31, 2018

« on: August 31, 2018, 10:01:08 pm »

Two spinning sliders for strikes.

The Astros hitting philosophy is very messed up right now.  Take get me over strike one to swing at crap out of the zone on pitch two.

383

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Angels @ Astros, August 31, 2018

« on: August 31, 2018, 09:59:41 pm »

If Correa doesn’t want to swing the bat, he needs to be dropped in the order or given some time to clear his head.  It’s like he’s going up there with the mindset of only swinging when absolutely necessary.

384

Beer and Queso / Re: OWA 2018 Fantasy Football

« on: August 30, 2018, 09:43:41 pm »

Its gonna be a play for free this year for me. Already used up my fantasy allowance this year.

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

And that’s fine, as it’s an optional thing.  Last year everyone played for free because we had a draft snafu and very few people could show up. 

385

Beer and Queso / Re: OWA 2018 Fantasy Football

« on: August 30, 2018, 09:42:17 pm »

I just remembered that Hap decided to quit because he was boycotting the league because so many of the players hate the military.

I think he beat someone at some point during the year when he only had like six guys active. Does Zipp still have a team? He might have beaten Zipp.

You very well might be right.  With leagues auto renewing now, I didn’t do as good of a job as I should have verifying all returning owners were going to play.  So we probably have 10 active teams, and for that I apologize.

386

Beer and Queso / Re: OWA 2018 Fantasy Football

« on: August 28, 2018, 11:36:45 am »

Just a reminder, but our draft is this Thursday, August 30, at 8:30 CDT.  I sent out an email through yahoo this morning as well.

Also, like in years past, you can either play for free or play for money. If you want to play for money, you can send $30 via PayPal to [email protected] (based on the number of participants, I'll develop a payout structure).

387

Game Zone 2018 / Re: A's @ Astros August 27, 2018

« on: August 28, 2018, 10:44:44 am »

Pressly was a great acquisition!

Agreed. Pressly's breaking pitches, in particular, are outstanding. 

388

Game Zone 2018 / Re: A's @ Astros August 27, 2018

« on: August 28, 2018, 10:43:15 am »

I love watching Alex Bregman play baseball.

Tonight I had to enjoy listening to descriptions of him playing which also turned out to be enjoyable.

Bregman is the definition of a complete player.  A gold glove caliber defender and a guy whose swing and approach at the plate is a thing of beauty.  Others on the team, like Springer, could learn a lot from his approach at the plate. 

389

Game Zone 2018 / Re: 8/22 Astros @ Sea Hags Day Game!

« on: August 22, 2018, 06:27:20 pm »

Astros win 8th straight series VS Mariners!!!!!!!

Uh, no they didn’t.  The Mariners swept the Astros in Houston earlier this month.

390

Game Zone 2018 / Re: 8/22 Astros @ Sea Hags Day Game!

« on: August 22, 2018, 05:41:07 pm »

Rangers win 4-2.

391

Game Zone 2018 / Re: 8/22 Astros @ Sea Hags Day Game!

« on: August 22, 2018, 05:35:20 pm »

Maybe Kalas will STFU about resting guys in this blowout.

Kalas needs to learn to shut up.  He was talking in the top of the 6th about Tyler White having a chance at the cycle when it was 9-2.

392

Game Zone 2018 / Re: 8/22 Astros @ Sea Hags Day Game!

« on: August 22, 2018, 05:27:18 pm »

Can’t believe we cannot hold a 9–1 lead.

A.J. tried to let Morton pitch his way out of trouble with a 9-2 lead to start the 6th and it didn’t work.  Then the bullpen lit a match on everything.  Now it’s a game again.

393

Game Zone 2018 / Re: 8/22 Astros @ Sea Hags Day Game!

« on: August 22, 2018, 05:19:06 pm »

Morton hits the wall about as hard as anyone.

It’s weird to watch a pitcher dominate for long stretches and then just lose it out of nowhere.  Morton seems to do this a lot.

394

Beer and Queso / Re: OWA 2018 Fantasy Football (Draft date/time: Thursday Aug 30, 8:30 p.m. CDT)

« on: August 20, 2018, 03:36:18 pm »

Based on the 7 responses so far,  next Thursday works for everyone,  so I’ve moved the draft to Thursday August 30 at 8:30 p.m. central.

Yahoo should send out a notification a day or two before the draft, but I’ll send out a reminder, too.

395

Beer and Queso / Re: OWA 2018 Fantasy Football

« on: August 20, 2018, 11:39:34 am »

Update: Right now, the draft is scheduled for next Wednesday, August 29th at 8:30 central time.  Does that work for everyone?

 If not, we could draft next Monday, August 27, Thursday, August 30, or Wednesday, September 5th at the same time.

396

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Houston Astros @ Oakland Athletics - 18 Aug 2018

« on: August 18, 2018, 05:22:09 pm »

Never said I expected the pitchers to be perfect. When down 5 runs feels like down 15 runs, the team has issues.

That wasn’t what I was trying to convey.  I was simply pointing out said issue.

397

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Houston Astros @ Oakland Athletics - 18 Aug 2018

« on: August 18, 2018, 05:01:01 pm »

What's Bregman doing over there on the field? 

Is he trying to defect?

Get back in the dugout, Alex!  Stick to the gameplan!

The Astros have a gameplan right now?

398

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Houston Astros @ Oakland Athletics - 18 Aug 2018

« on: August 18, 2018, 04:54:10 pm »

This team has issues.

The entire Astros lineup has their heads firmly up their ass right now.  Can’t expect pitchers to be perfect every time out.

399

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Rockies at Houston 08-14-2018

« on: August 14, 2018, 10:01:53 pm »

Things got dark last year around this time but I never really panicked (a big lead helped) but this year feels different. I don’t like what I’m seeing from the offense even a little bit.

Hard to like what you see when they aren’t working counts.  Gattis and Tucker swinging at the first pitch with runners on first and second in the 7th is unacceptable from major league hitters.

400

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Mariners @ Astros, August 11, 2018

« on: August 11, 2018, 10:46:56 pm »

"I fucked up and it cost the team an important baserunner."

On loop,  for every version of the question he gets.

Instead he goes The Bachelor on us.

It’s time to send Fisher to another organization.  “Going with his heart” cost the Astros a valuable out late in the game.

401

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Ms @ Astros, August 10, 2018

« on: August 10, 2018, 10:42:56 pm »

Perhaps they should have a seminar on all the different ways that a runner can score from third with less than two outs. There seems to be a great deal of confusion.

First course:  Don’t swing at the very first pitch, unless it’s in your happy zone.

402

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Ms @ Astros, August 10, 2018

« on: August 10, 2018, 10:02:15 pm »

Frustrating loss.  Offense has to find a way to start scoring runs on a consistent basis.

403

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Ms @ Astros, August 10, 2018

« on: August 10, 2018, 09:46:55 pm »

He was ahead 0-2.

The FB changes eye level,  but the next 2 were nowhere near close enough to entice a swing.

And a freaking cookie on the 3-2 pitch.


All that after plunking Segura.

Agreed. No need to give Seager a fastball down the middle on 0-2, but he did.  And you couldn’t have put the 3-2 pitch on a tee any better for Nelson Cruz.   Being down in the count 3-2 with the bases loaded isn’t code for throw a center-cut fastball and pray it isn’t demolished.

404

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Ms @ Astros, August 10, 2018

« on: August 10, 2018, 09:40:56 pm »

This is the thing that infuriates me. The pitchers get ahead, and then they throw "waste" pitches that are so far off the plate that no sighted person would ever swing at them. I understand going for the corners in those situations, but jesus, these pitches are nowhere near the corners. And then all of a sudden you're in a 3-2 count and everything sucks.

And then for the cherry on top, they opt to throw a cookie down the middle.  The Astros were lucky that wasn’t a grand slam from Cruz.

405

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Ms @ Astros, August 10, 2018

« on: August 10, 2018, 09:38:53 pm »

Pressly needs to stop throwing center cut fastballs with two strikes.  Lucky that wasn’t a hit and Cruz didn’t hit his out.

406

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Ms @ Astros, August 10, 2018

« on: August 10, 2018, 09:36:18 pm »

Can’t throw fastballs right down the middle. 

407

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Ms @ Astros, August 10, 2018

« on: August 10, 2018, 09:33:08 pm »

According to Blum, Marisnick left the game due to left groin discomfort.

408

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Ms @ Astros, August 10, 2018

« on: August 10, 2018, 09:24:26 pm »

Blue star defensive play from Maldonado. 

409

Talk Zone / Re: Aches and Pains 2018

« on: August 10, 2018, 04:25:44 pm »

I am not on a "get rid of McCann" kick.

I am on a "it makes no sense to carry three catchers" kick.

The best defensive catcher the Astros can put out on the field for the remainder of the season and into the playoffs is Maldonado hands down.  In the playoffs I want him starting every game if possible.   Maldonado calls a great game.  If you were watching this week, you would have heard the broadcasters talking about this. 

And if you are going to drop one of the Astros three catchers, I'd drop the one coming off of knee surgery (Knees are kind of important for a catcher and play a significant role for hitting as well).   

But I'm glad that you admit that Maldonado and Stassi are good defensive catchers.

A catcher calls more than 100 pitches a game.  His ability to be elite at that aspect of his job and have the respect of the pitching staff is more important than pitch framing or shutting down the running game.  McCann has that in spades over Max Stassi, who has been chewed out by numerous Astros’ pitchers for his game calling this season.

410

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Astros at Dodgers, August 4 2018

« on: August 04, 2018, 11:24:36 pm »

Smith is throwing some wiffle balls up there.

411

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Astros at Dodgers, August 4 2018

« on: August 04, 2018, 11:15:09 pm »

Sherwin Williams would have a hard time color matching it.

His teammates are having fun with it.  They are resorting to calling him Slim Shady in the dugout.

https://twitter.com/juliamorales/status/1025938789313605633?s=21

412

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Astros at Dodgers, August 4 2018

« on: August 04, 2018, 09:52:36 pm »

According to Chandler Rome on Twitter, McCullers last fastball was 91.5 mph, and it has averaged 94.8 mph on the season.

https://twitter.com/chandler_rome/status/1025935226420178945?s=21

413

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Astros at Dodgers, August 4 2018

« on: August 04, 2018, 09:44:39 pm »

Hello, Colin.

ETA he was shaking his right arm in the 4th.

If Lance has to go on the DL, it might make sense to let Peacock start and keep McHugh in his role as a dominant late-inning reliever.

414

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Astros at M’s - 8/1/18

« on: August 01, 2018, 04:37:04 pm »

The Astros offense picked a good series to wake up.

415

Talk Zone / Re: Trade Deadline(s) 2018

« on: July 31, 2018, 12:44:29 pm »

Sounds like Correa is coming along fine...actually makes me worry about Altuve as I'm sure Bregman could move to 2B fairly easily?

For the rest of the season, Beltre would be a better DH than Evan Gattis. 

416

Talk Zone / Re: Trade Deadline(s) 2018

« on: July 31, 2018, 11:22:14 am »

I doubt the REAL Ted Williams could make any difference with this team right now.  They are going through a funk right now.  They will come out of it, and hopefully not before its too late to at least salvage a wild card spot.

Even if Correa, Altuve and McCann were healthy, the Astros could use another bat.  Marwin has no business playing every day, Reddick has regressed this season, and Gattis runs very hot and cold at DH.

417

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Astros at M’s - 7/30/18

« on: July 30, 2018, 11:48:34 pm »

They need to acquire a bat tomorrow.  Too many holes in this lineup right now.  Also, the Yuli at 2nd experiment needs to end.  Put Kemp or Marwin there instead. 

418

Talk Zone / Re: Astros just acquired Osuna

« on: July 30, 2018, 07:15:48 pm »

I imagine Lunhow thoroughly gauged the pulse of the clubhouse before making this deal.  If there were significant reservations, it wouldn’t have been made.

As for Osuna, all of us make mistakes.  It’s up to him to make the most of his second chance.

419

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Rangers @ Astros, July 29, 2018

« on: July 29, 2018, 04:42:20 pm »

The veterans - I’m looking specifically at Reddick, Yuli, Marwin - are disappearing when they need to step up the most.


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Agreed.  Marwin and Reddick not performing anywhere near how they did last year was hurting this offense when it was at full strength.  Now, their slumps are killing it.

Lunhow needs to find a bat in the next two days.  Especially considering they play Seattle 10 times in the next 20 games.

420

Talk Zone / Re: Aches and Pains 2018

« on: July 28, 2018, 09:29:11 pm »

This is not a solution. Will Luhnow find a bat?

I sure hope he does.  This lineup needs a shot in the arm.

421

Talk Zone / Re: Trade Deadline(s) 2018

« on: July 28, 2018, 01:39:44 pm »

I was wondering about Alex Gordon, who would definitely let them put a plus defensive outfield out there. But he's hitting much worse than I realized (.233 BA,  .642 OPS), he's 34, and worst, he's getting $18M/yr through 2019. KC might let him go relatively cheaply if you're willing to eat the contract, but it doesn't seem like the production is there anymore. I have a soft spot for him for the way he and the rest of the KC team just kept applying pressure to opposing defenses during their WS years.

The more interesting Royal would be Whit Merrifield.  He’s hitting over .300 with 21 steals, and has seen time in the outfield this year.  He’s also controllable through 2022.  But the Royals GM came out earlier this week and said they aren’t trading him.

422

Talk Zone / Re: Trade Deadline(s) 2018

« on: July 28, 2018, 01:33:02 pm »

Well, it seems to me as though there aren’t many good ones available. Here are some I looked at that are intriguing. But the cost would be very high in some cases.

Wil Myers
Adam Jones
Jose Abreu
Eddie Rosario
Nick Castellanos
Derek Dietrich
Matt Adams
Matt Carpenter

Now I’m not saying I want all of those so don’t kill me for that list. Just some guys I looked at who MAY be available. Of course not all of them are outfielders.

I really like Rosario but doubt you could pry him away. He’s cheap and has many years of control. If I were the Twins I would want at least Alvarez and 2 more very good prospects.


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Don’t forget about Jose Martinez in St. Louis.  He’s a very good hitter that needs to be on an American League team where he can DH.  Also, he’s controllable through the 2023 season, and the Cardinals have phased him out of their lineup due to his poor defense at first and the outfield.

423

Talk Zone / Re: Astros acquire Ryan Presley

« on: July 27, 2018, 10:49:19 pm »

I really think he's trying to maximize the team this season and next while he has Verlander and Cole.

As he should.  Pressly is a really good fit with the Astros philosophy.

424

Talk Zone / Re: Astros acquire Ryan Presley

« on: July 27, 2018, 10:05:27 pm »

I read today he is a big spin rate guy.

He has the 2nd highest spin rate on his curve, 7th best on his 4 seamer, and 16th best on his slider.  He’s also controllable through next year with a 13.0 K per 9 rate this year.

https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2018/07/twins-trade-rumors-ryan-pressly.html

425

Beer and Queso / OWA 2018 Fantasy Football

« on: July 27, 2018, 03:57:59 pm »

Who all plans on playing again? And if you haven't played before, but want to play, this is the place to chime in.

As for the draft, my thoughts are to hold it one evening either the week before Labor Day or the Tuesday or Wednesday after Labor Day (the season starts that Thursday)

426

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Astros @ Rockies, July 25

« on: July 25, 2018, 09:03:02 pm »

What happened? All I have is Gameday.

He tweaked it trying to field a ground ball that turned into an infield single.

427

Game Zone 2018 / Re: A’s at Astros, 7/12/18

« on: July 12, 2018, 04:47:17 pm »

If they keep getting god-tier starting pitching they'll be just fine.
If they don't, it's going to be tough.

The Astros have scored the 2nd most runs in baseball, and still have the best run differential in baseball.  They’ll be just fine.

428

Game Zone 2018 / Re: A’s at Astros, 7/12/18

« on: July 12, 2018, 04:17:22 pm »

This right here. It's 2016 all over again. They have to blow out the other team to win (or get stupid lucky like this Tuesday). The one thing they've done better than 2016 is starting pitching. Verlander or Cole or whoever goes nuts and they can blow somebody out 2 - 0. But it looks like the rotation has now been downgraded from "superhuman" to merely "excellent." I'm not sure that will be enough when nothing else on the team is working right.

The 2016 Astros won 84 games.  Even if they lose today, the 2018 Astros are on pace to win 105 games.  Terrible comparison.

429

Game Zone 2018 / Re: A’s at Astros, 7/12/18

« on: July 12, 2018, 03:06:12 pm »

Chapman pops out to Gurriel.  Inning over, 4-3 Astros.

430

Game Zone 2018 / Re: A’s at Astros, 7/12/18

« on: July 12, 2018, 03:05:26 pm »

Olson walks.  Bases juiced, two outs.

431

Game Zone 2018 / Re: A’s at Astros, 7/12/18

« on: July 12, 2018, 03:02:16 pm »

McHugh K’s Khris Davis. 2 outs.  Runners still on 1st and 3rd.

432

Game Zone 2018 / Re: A’s at Astros, 7/12/18

« on: July 12, 2018, 02:58:35 pm »

Infield single for Piscotty scores Lucroy, 4-3 game, one out, top of the 5th.  McHugh coming on to replace Morton after 104 pitches.

433

Game Zone 2018 / Re: A’s at Astros, 7/12/18

« on: July 12, 2018, 02:54:27 pm »

Burned by the shift.  4-2 game.

434

Game Zone 2018 / Re: A’s at Astros, 7/12/18

« on: July 12, 2018, 02:52:41 pm »

Need a double play or a strikeout here.

435

Talk Zone / Re: Wilson Ramos

« on: July 12, 2018, 02:44:42 pm »

I could be wrong, but I think McCann would be good with it. I think McCann is the consummate team player. He would probably be the personal catcher for Verlander and Morton and Ramos would catch all others.


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I don’t think you or Jim are wrong, I was simply thinking out loud.  Also, I would love to see the Astros go get Realmuto or Ramos and let AJ deal with the clubhouse dynamics.

436

Talk Zone / Re: Wilson Ramos

« on: July 12, 2018, 02:35:33 pm »

Dunno. Probably means they see Stassi as no more than a #2

The fit makes perfect sense while McCann is out.  I’m just wondering how McCann and Ramos would feel about splitting catching duties once McCann returns. 

437

Talk Zone / Re: Wilson Ramos

« on: July 12, 2018, 02:23:58 pm »

Interesting.  Does this mean they are really worried about McCann’s ability to recover from his recent knee surgery? 

438

Talk Zone / Re: Giles

« on: July 11, 2018, 08:04:24 pm »

Hinch seems to pity the young man-thinks he needs to get straightened out physically and mentally.  VERY mature response.  If Giles were smart he would take this experience and try to turn himself around.

AJ Hinch is a very good people person.  That interview was handled very well. 

As for Giles, he needs to go down to Fresno and show the improvement the Astros are looking for.  If he does that, he’ll be back in the big leagues soon.

439

Talk Zone / Re: Giles

« on: July 11, 2018, 07:56:31 pm »

If he wants to play in the playoffs, then he needs to get it together. They aren't going to trade him to anywhere above .500.

Along those lines, I could see him being a part of a trade for Zach Britton with the Orioles.

440

Talk Zone / Re: Giles

« on: July 11, 2018, 01:51:43 pm »

I don't disagree: he's certainly at his best when the slider is in form, but I don't think that fully explains it.  My sense is that even if you took this factor out of the equation, his 98 isn't as effective as other's 98. 

For example, it's not uncommon for JV to throw fastball after fastball after fastball, situations where I'd bet the batter is expecting it, but it's hard to square, much less foul off.  Giles fastball doesn't play that way at all.

Verlander has much better fastball command than Giles, and he is good about mixing up location.  Giles often throws his fastball in the nitro zone for hitters and dares them to hit it.. 

441

Talk Zone / Re: Giles

« on: July 11, 2018, 01:13:01 pm »

Didn’t see the game; are you saying Giles said “Fuck you” to his manager when he came to take him out?

He definitely said the phrase, but it’s not completely clear if he was directing it at AJ when he said it.  Though it seems likely.

https://mobile.twitter.com/bootsmcgeev/status/1016884130523635714

442

Talk Zone / Re: Giles

« on: July 11, 2018, 01:03:28 pm »

I certainly don't understand all the qualities they measure these days on fastballs, but for whatever reason, Giles' 98 isn't as effective as many other's 98.  Whether it's deception, spin rate or something else, he really has to command his fastball well to keep it from being squared, while others can get away more frequently with missing their spot with their 98.

If Giles’ slider isn’t effective, MLB hitters are good enough to sit on a flat 98 mph fastball and get the barrel to it. 

443

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Oakland A's at Houston Astros July 10, 2018

« on: July 11, 2018, 12:13:29 am »

Say something like what? That he’s been misused?

I’ve just been flummoxed by his use all year and feel like, if anybody has, he’s been set up to fail. My heart goes out to the dude. That he’s now aggressively digging his own hole doesn’t help but it doesn’t mean I run away from him either calling him an asshole. And I didn’t see him tell his manager to fuck off.

Ken Giles needs to learn how to pitch effectively no matter when he comes into a game, save situation or not.  It’s not AJ’s fault he crapped the bed tonight with what should have been a comfortable 4 run lead.

444

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Oakland A's at Houston Astros July 10, 2018

« on: July 10, 2018, 11:33:31 pm »

That's fucking cold, man.

I’ll help you out.  Click this link to see the play: https://mobile.twitter.com/dtexanz/status/1016900763010945024/video/1

445

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Oakland A's at Houston Astros July 10, 2018

« on: July 10, 2018, 11:28:41 pm »

I misstated then. He was where he was supposed to be though.


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Alex was running on the outside of first base, where the runner’s lane is.  So yes, he was where he needed to be.

446

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Oakland A's at Houston Astros July 10, 2018

« on: July 10, 2018, 11:17:46 pm »

It’s proof of something that Bregman leads MLB in both hard-hit outs and absurd game winners.

You create your own luck sometimes?

447

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Oakland A's at Houston Astros July 10, 2018

« on: July 10, 2018, 11:16:23 pm »

I had higher hopes for you guys.  Alas.

Bregman hit a dribbler in front of home, Lucroy picked it up in fair territory, tried to tag Bregman, loses control of the ball as he goes for the tag, Alex starts running to first again, Lucroy’s throw to first hits Alex’s helmet as he’s running inside the baseline, ricochets into right field, Tucker scores, Astros win.

448

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Oakland A's at Houston Astros July 10, 2018

« on: July 10, 2018, 11:11:34 pm »

What the heck just happened?


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Something weirder than the infield popup that won the April game vs the Padres.

449

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Oakland A's at Houston Astros July 10, 2018

« on: July 10, 2018, 11:10:20 pm »

Padres part 2.  Wow!

450

Talk Zone / Re: Jose Abreu Rumor

« on: July 07, 2018, 09:50:03 pm »

This doesn't make a lot of sense to me. Who's going to sit (or get traded)? Yuli? Gattis?

Abreu makes no sense for the Astros now that Gattis has turned his season around.  They could use a good left handed reliever in the pen (Hand or Britton?) or an established closer.  However, Rondon has had success as a closer with the Cubs in the past.   Realmuto would also make some sense, but I wouldn’t expect them to be that active on him until the offseason, once McCann is a free agent.

451

Game Zone 2018 / Re: White Sox at Houston 07/07/2018

« on: July 07, 2018, 05:44:10 pm »

Congrats to Kyle on his first big league hit.

452

Game Zone 2018 / Re: White Sox at Houston 07/07/2018

« on: July 07, 2018, 04:52:36 pm »

Not a good debut for Mr. Tucker.

453

Talk Zone / Re: Astros looking hard at Iglesias

« on: July 06, 2018, 11:16:52 pm »

Thanks for the info and video!


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You’re welcome. 

454

Talk Zone / Re: Astros looking hard at Iglesias

« on: July 06, 2018, 10:44:35 am »

Haven’t watched him near as much as Vasquez from the Pirates. Does Iglesias touch 100?


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Actually, after a bit more research, he has touched 100 in the past, but typically throws in the 96 mph range.

455

Talk Zone / Re: Astros looking hard at Iglesias

« on: July 06, 2018, 10:43:41 am »

This sounds like it may be a “fit”. It seems that the brain trust is quietly putting together a staff where there is ample opportunity for 2-3 inning, mid-game “stars”. McHugh, Peacock, Devenski. Even the usage on the farm (6-man rotation at AAA and tandem below) along with the 13-man Staff fit. Perhaps they are combining the advantages of a second “first time through the order” with a fresher staff front to back in September and beyond?

Here’s a link to one of his best games as a starter.  He is somewhat Cueto-like with all the different arm angles.

https://youtu.be/hx41adwBfII

456

Talk Zone / Re: Astros looking hard at Iglesias

« on: July 05, 2018, 11:03:45 am »

Haven’t watched him near as much as Vasquez from the Pirates. Does Iglesias touch 100?


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No, he averages around 96 on his fastball, and has two good breaking pitches (slider and changeup).  He’s a converted starter that the Reds signed out of Cuba.  Last year, the Reds often let him get multi-inning saves because of his starting pitching background.

457

Talk Zone / Re: Astros looking hard at Iglesias

« on: July 03, 2018, 07:22:55 pm »

Raisel Iglesias would be a good get for the bullpen.  He’s been very solid as Cincinnati’s closer the last two years.

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Talk Zone / Re: Grandson Weston

« on: June 22, 2018, 12:50:25 am »

Glad to hear your grandson is ok, Jim.  Hope you have a speedy recovery after oral surgery, too.

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Game Zone 2018 / Re: Rays @ Astros, June 20, 2018

« on: June 20, 2018, 08:55:27 pm »

Vaunting has commenced. 

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Game Zone 2018 / Re: Rays @ Astros, June 20, 2018

« on: June 20, 2018, 07:25:10 pm »

Kemp!

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Talk Zone / Re: Offensive Futility

« on: June 20, 2018, 10:16:37 am »

That was a pretty good pitcher on the other side, and resting Altuve did not help. Neither did Marwin’s ejection. We had a loss coming. Start a new streak tonight.

I thought we would do it in the 8th with Yuli up.

Agreed.  Blake Snell is going to be the Rays all star representative this year.  He’s really good.

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Game Zone 2018 / Re: Rays at Astros, June 18

« on: June 18, 2018, 10:28:49 pm »

Somebody said it here last week: Kemp is exactly what they've needed in the 9 spot.

That bunt was beautiful.

Kemp is that pest that opposing pitchers hate.  A guy that spoils quality pitches and runs up their pitch count.

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Game Zone 2018 / Re: Rays at Astros, June 18

« on: June 18, 2018, 10:26:52 pm »

1st: Walk/HR
3rd: Walk/SB-Error/walk/walk/ single

Ended up with 7 IP 3H 4R 8K 5 BB

Kudos to him/Harris/McHugh for shutting them down after the 3rd.

With the way he was struggling to locate his slider in the 3rd, for him to basically pitch a clean game afterwards and go 7 innings is something aces do.

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Talk Zone / Re: DH and LF

« on: June 18, 2018, 10:20:56 pm »

Damn, that's a guy I wouldn't have minded having on this team

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Herrera would’ve been nice for sure, but they really need a good left handed reliever like Britton or Brad Hand.

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Game Zone 2018 / Re: Rays at Astros, June 18

« on: June 18, 2018, 10:18:46 pm »

With the way Cole was fighting himself, didn’t expect this outcome.  But it sure is nice to get 12 in a row.

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Talk Zone / Re: Replica rings

« on: June 17, 2018, 11:10:39 pm »

I will be in Sec 208 at the game. Who else will be there?

My wife and I will be in section 155.  The game falls on my birthday, so the tickets (and the replica rings) are my present this year.

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Talk Zone / Re: DH and LF

« on: June 14, 2018, 12:29:34 pm »

Slugged .609 in May, slugging .721 in June so far.

Apparently, once the calendar turns from April to May, Evan Gattis turns into Captain Caveman.  Seems to be an ecery year thing as an Astro.

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Game Zone 2018 / Re: Astros at A’s - June 13, 2018

« on: June 13, 2018, 11:58:58 pm »

Yesterday Gattis achieved his career high with 5 rbi.

Tonight,  a sac fly, a 3 run dinger and a solo shot give him another 5 rbi might.

See ball. Smash ball.  Oso blanco esta en fuego.

Quite the turnaround for Captain Caveman since April.  Went from a DFA candidate to arguably the hottest hitter in the lineup.

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Game Zone 2018 / Re: Astros @ As, June 12, 2018

« on: June 13, 2018, 01:10:48 pm »

I have to say, I think Yuli is my favorite.  Not to say I don't love them all, but I just think he is special.

I love having Yuli at the plate in a big spot, no matter who is pitching.  He can hit lasers against anyone.

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Game Zone 2018 / Re: Astros @ Rangers, June 9, 2018

« on: June 09, 2018, 09:58:24 pm »

They keep talking about all of the Rangers' LOBsters, but the only reason those guys were on base was because the got walked or got HBP. It's not like they were mashing the ball all over the yard all night.

The Astros’ pitchers tried to hand them this game and the Rangers couldn’t take it.  Similar to how the Astros lost the game in New York where the Yankees committed five errors.

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Game Zone 2018 / Re: Astros @ Rangers, June 9, 2018

« on: June 09, 2018, 09:54:46 pm »

Back in a tie for first with the Mariners in the AL West. 

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Game Zone 2018 / Re: Astros at Yankees 5/29/2018

« on: May 29, 2018, 10:02:19 pm »

Once again a chance to make a statement and you gag on your own cocks. Sad.

It’s a very frustrating 35-21 team that’s for sure.  They should have more than 40 wins at this point with the starting pitching they have received.

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Game Zone 2018 / Re: Astros at Yankees 5/29/2018

« on: May 29, 2018, 09:59:26 pm »

Should be a 5-1 road trip so far, instead they are 3-3.

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Talk Zone / Re: Yesterday

« on: May 28, 2018, 12:50:14 pm »

I’d rather have Giles in an 8th inning role, but he’s a good reliever and a valuable bullpen piece.  What killed him yesterday was allowing the next two hitters after Ramirez to reach following the marathon at bat. 

Harris’ big mistake was the hanging curveball to the pinch hitter Gonzalez.  It also looked like the 0-2 pitch to Kipinis was strike three, but the home plate ump called it a ball.  Then Kipnis golfed a hit into right.

As for Rondon, Lindor and Brantley hit some decent pitches, but they were too close too the zone for my taste on 0-2. 

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Game Zone 2018 / Re: Astros @ Indians - Sunday, May 27th

« on: May 27, 2018, 02:49:26 pm »

Captain Caveman!  From almost being DFA’d to hitting machine.

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Game Zone 2018 / Re: Astros @ Indians - Sunday, May 27th

« on: May 27, 2018, 02:40:49 pm »

Correa!  Take that Bauer!

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Game Zone 2018 / Re: Astros @ Indians - Sunday, May 27th

« on: May 27, 2018, 02:39:55 pm »

Come on Correa.  Get your head out of your ass and get a big knock.

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Game Zone 2018 / Re: Astros @ Indians - Sunday, May 27th

« on: May 27, 2018, 02:38:20 pm »

I had to step away for a bit. Did they ever say for sure what Hinch was pissed about to get tossed??


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The strike zone.  Specifically, a called third strike on Alex Bregman.

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Game Zone 2018 / Re: Astros @ Indians - Sunday, May 27th

« on: May 27, 2018, 02:36:19 pm »

Alex got the walk he deserved the pitch before.  Now, get to their bullpen.

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Game Zone 2018 / Re: Astros @ Indians - Sunday, May 27th

« on: May 27, 2018, 02:19:23 pm »

They should be laying off the curveball and swing at hittable fastballs. They’re working exactly backwards.

Makes sense.  There’s no excuse for Jake, Yuli and Correa to swing at the curves they did the last two innings.  It’s clear he’s pitching backwards.

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Game Zone 2018 / Re: Astros @ Indians - Sunday, May 27th

« on: May 27, 2018, 02:14:10 pm »

How have the Astros not made an adjustment?  They should be sitting on his curveball. 

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Game Zone 2018 / Re: Astros @ Indians - Sunday, May 27th

« on: May 27, 2018, 02:01:53 pm »

Really, Yuli?  He threw you only curveballs the entire at bat. 

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Game Zone 2018 / Re: Astros @ Indians - Sunday, May 27th

« on: May 27, 2018, 01:59:30 pm »

Guys, you might want to sit curveball.  And not swing at garbage out of the zone.

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Game Zone 2018 / Re: Astros @ Indians - Sunday, May 27th

« on: May 27, 2018, 01:02:43 pm »

That's one of the worst ABs you'll ever see

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Springer didn’t even try in that at bat.  Simply embarassing.  He either needs to be benched or get his ass chewed out in the dugout.

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Game Zone 2018 / Re: Astros @ Indians Saturday 5/26

« on: May 26, 2018, 08:41:34 pm »

Need to get Peacock or McHugh ready.

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Game Zone 2018 / Re: Astros @ Angels, May 15, 2018

« on: May 16, 2018, 11:45:57 pm »

We won the WS with this order:

Springer
Bregman
Altuve
Correa
Gurriel

Gonzalez, Reddick, and Gattis were moved around in 6-8 depending on who was pitching and McCann was 9th. I do not know when he switched to that 1-5, but it was productive. The question going into this year was whether Marwin’s 2017 was a career year or a breakout year, and so far he is the old Marwin: missing or taking FBs and chasing bad breaking balls.

It’s hard to argue with getting your five best hitters as many at bats as possible, especially considering that was the lineup that won the World Series.   I was simply pointing out that when the offense was vaunting much of the regular season, Reddick had plenty of at bats in front of Altuve and Marwin was often protected by Yuli in the order.   Also, after the Red Sox series, both Marwin and Reddick went into extended slumps.
 

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Game Zone 2018 / Re: Astros at Angels, May 16, 2018

« on: May 16, 2018, 11:36:36 pm »

What a game,  what a pitcher.

Thank you,  Lunhow.

Verlander is just a joy to watch.  He has a plan and typically executes it close to flawlessly.  He’s also an insanely good big game pitcher.

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Game Zone 2018 / Re: Astros @ Angels, May 15, 2018

« on: May 15, 2018, 11:26:16 pm »

I don’t know. It looks to me like they’re trying way to hard to vaunt and score 5 runs with every swing.

To me, it’s a combination of trying too hard and teams figuring out the Astros can crush fastballs.  The Astros are seeing a heavy diet of offspeed stuff, which is exposing certain players weaknesses.  Marwin, for one, is seeing a ton of breaking balls this year, and has yet to adjust.  My point about the lineup construction is that by having Yuli hitting behind Marwin with the top of the order on base, he was in a position to see fastballs last year.  With Altuve behind him, Reddick saw a lot of fastballs as well.   Right now, the top of the lineup isn’t getting on base enough to force pitchers to have to throw fastballs to Marwin, Reddick etc.

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Talk Zone / Re: DH and LF

« on: May 15, 2018, 11:12:36 pm »

Part of the problem is the league has made a concerted effort to throw the Astros’ hitters a heavy dose of breaking balls, and the Astros have done a poor job of forcing pitchers into fastball counts, or jumping on hittable fastballs early in counts.

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Game Zone 2018 / Re: Astros @ Angels, May 15, 2018

« on: May 15, 2018, 11:00:57 pm »

Astros down harmlessly.  Again.

I'm gonna hold on until the topof the order goes again.

Part of the reason guys like Reddick and Marwin were so good last year is that they were in favorable lineup spots.  Reddick spent many games hitting in front of Altuve in the 2 hole and Marwin had Yuli hitting behind him for much of the season.  By stacking the lineup so top heavy right now, it is exposing their weaknesses. 

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Game Zone 2018 / Re: Astros at D-Backs May 6, 2018

« on: May 06, 2018, 06:39:33 pm »

Gattis has to go today! Stop delaying this decision and DFA him already. Call JD back up.

Also, and this has been said here a hundred times, ditch the 13th pitcher and give yourself some more options with bats off the bench. Two days in a row we almost got caught with no other options. We were lucky last night and today didn’t go to extras. You don’t need 82 damn pitchers on the roster as long as your starters are performing like they are.


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Agreed on both points. For some inexplicable reason, during his tenure as an Astro, Gattis has only hit well when he plays in the field. 

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Game Zone 2018 / Re: Astros at D-Backs May 6, 2018

« on: May 06, 2018, 06:33:09 pm »

They built up a strong record against bad teams.
Against good to very good teams they're out of their depth.
To repeat, the defending World Champions against a quality staff look like rookies getting their first look at big league pitching.

Some of this could have been foreseen, perhaps. Career bench players who had stepped up not being able to sustain that kind of performance. Gattis, a good but not great player reaching an age at which good but not great players often decline rapidly. But watching five All-Star caliber players, all healthy and at or near their prime years regress drastically all at once is Just. Fucking. Insane. If nothing changes, this is a .500 ballclub.

I understand the frustration with the offense, but if this starting rotation stays healthy, there’s no way the Astros finish as a .500 team.  They give the team a chance to win every game, and there’s too much talent on the offense to scuffle all year.

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Game Zone 2018 / Re: May 3, Yanks v Astros

« on: May 03, 2018, 03:15:50 pm »

It appears the book on the Astros is to throw as few fastballs as possible.  The Yankees had the same approach in the ALCS.

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Talk Zone / Re: OWA Opening Day Schedule

« on: April 03, 2018, 07:13:58 pm »

So that was Little Waldo yelling? I thought it was Waldo.

Yep.  At one point around the 7th inning, Waldo asked him to tone it down because he had a headache.  Little Waldo told him that he would be quiet the entire car ride back to Austin, but he wasn’t going to stop yelling/screaming while the game was going on.

Little Waldo was the one that got the Let’s Go Springer, Let’s Go McHugh, Let’s Go Marwin chants going.

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Talk Zone / Re: OWA Opening Day Schedule

« on: April 03, 2018, 03:57:37 pm »

Thanks to BG for being our ticket office.

Enjoyed meeting those I met.

Little Waldo gets my game ball for outstanding Astros spirit.  (Big Waldo, get him a ball and say it's from me)

Little Waldo was awesome.  Most impressive, he never got tired and finished strong.

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Talk Zone / Re: OWA Opening Day Schedule

« on: April 03, 2018, 03:55:26 pm »

Thanks for the accolades, I will try and get things organized a bit sooner.  So, if any of you yahoos are thinking about joining next year then get ready, because the discounted ticket rate we get is going to be due in October (I assume).

And if we wanted to do a mid-season group, we could definitely get that arranged.

Thanks for setting this up as always, Leslie.  I'd be interested in a midseason gathering, though I'm definitely taking the day off work for these get-togethers moving forward.

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Talk Zone / Re: Altuve extension?

« on: March 17, 2018, 11:45:42 am »

Great news!

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Talk Zone / Re: Astros to acquire Gerrit Cole

« on: January 13, 2018, 08:13:25 pm »

It’s really refreshing to see the Astros take a proactive approach to solving future issues.  Keuchel’s a free agent after 2018, and Lunhow, without destroying the farm, gets Gerrit Cole to fill the void if he walks

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Talk Zone / Re: Free Agents

« on: December 19, 2017, 10:36:56 pm »

Now, while I think Darvish would be a nice add to the rotation, I’m not sure I understand this unless this is just Jeff performing his due diligence. If you are going to spend this kind of money on a pitcher why wouldn’t you just go ahead and resign Keuchel? Do they feel Darvish is a better pitcher?


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Two words: Scott Boras.  Do you not remember the Carlos Beltran negotiations led by Boras when he signed with the Mets? Boras only cares about one thing, and that’s getting top dollar for his client.

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Talk Zone / Re: Free Agents

« on: December 15, 2017, 10:27:04 am »

I hope this turns out to be a good sign, but still the only relievers they have right now who were very effective against lefties last year were Devenski and Harris.

Joe Smith wasn’t bad against against lefties last year.  They hit .246 with a .377 slugging percentage off him.  For his career, he’s held lefties to a .242 average with a .369 slugging percentage