Messages

1

Talk Zone / 6 Pitches

« on: February 01, 2018, 12:53:51 pm »

I think I could watch the first 6 pitches of the Bottom of the 7th inning of Game 5 of the 2017 World Series every day for the rest of my life and never get sick of it.  I've pretty much done it for 3 months.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWj-du7Zlp0

Can't think of a better way to spend 8 and a half minutes.  I'm a much happier person after each watching.

2

Talk Zone / Re: Just to generate some discussion...

« on: January 31, 2018, 04:52:18 pm »

You obviously did not watch the same season I did. None of this matters a whit.

I can see both sides to this.  On one hand you have the people yelling ... "McCann is a WAR 1.0 and trending down player now, and the going rate for that type of production is not $15 million per year, let alone what his WAR will be in his age 35 season in 2019".  But on the other hand, McCann's true value is not only the tangible stats but in the intangible leadership he brings.  Everyone loves Brian McCann. 

Ultimately, I think the decision on the option will be fairly obvious at the time it needs to be made.   If I were a betting man, I'd say the Astros would decline the $15million option.   Maybe it's because they get that clear next-in-line catcher (One could hope for J.T. Realmuto, but unlikely) or due to some injury or due to B-Mac deciding to retire.   We'll see.

3

Talk Zone / Re: Unsigned FAs

« on: January 31, 2018, 04:31:43 pm »

I saw a graphic on MLB Tonight this week about how there hasn't been a single free agent contract of 5+ years/$100+ Million since the start of the 2016 season, after about 20 combined in the preceding ~7 offseasons including a spike after 2015.

I think GMs are realizing that you only give those type of contracts to players of a certain age, and none of those aged players are in play last year and this.

4

Talk Zone / Re: What if?

« on: January 31, 2018, 04:25:17 pm »

What if Jim Edmonds hadn't robbed Brad Ausmus in Game 7 of the 2004 NLCS?


"What if" games are sure as hell a lot more fun after winning a World Series.

5

Talk Zone / Re: Free Agents

« on: January 11, 2018, 04:13:45 pm »

Interesting box score from what I believe was Gerrit Cole's first appearance at Minute Maid Park.

6 IP, 0 ER, 2 hits allowed, 8 Ks

http://www.baylorbears.com/sports/m-basebl/stats/2008-2009/bu07.html

6

Talk Zone / Re: Dicks

« on: January 11, 2018, 03:42:28 pm »

dicks in austin did not get in Astros ws stuff.

Yep. 100% Rangers stuff.  Just idiots.

7

Talk Zone / Re: Games replayed

« on: January 10, 2018, 04:33:13 pm »

I'm thinking this is the 2-hr. special that aired a few weeks back on FOX Sports1? I saw about 40 minutes originally before the weather knocked out satellite. Looks like the same one and I'm delighted to have been able to see it. Well done film.

I have the Blu-Ray and the DVR recording for quick viewing.   The Blu-Ray is still nice to have, because the DVR recording I have doesn't have the cool Credits interviews and of course the bonus material.   

But the documentary is really well done, as it includes some camera angles that I hadn't seen before, like the side-view of Puig checking his swing in the 11th inning of Game 2 that FOX only showed in a weird sky-angle.  Another key shot was the Bellinger mis-throw in the 1st inning of Game 7, how it narrowly got over the Astros dugout railing, allowing the runners to automatically advance. 

Random World Series trivia ... name the only pitcher with 2 Wins in the 2017 World Series.

8

The Championship Season Game Zone 2017 / Re: ALDS Game 4: Astros vs. Red Sox

« on: October 10, 2017, 02:45:24 pm »

On if the things I love about Bregman is he seems to be a student of the game. Numerous times I've heard him say about trying to get the attention of Beltran or how he pesters Marwin any chance he gets to talk fielding, positioning etc.

Yep.  He's quickly becoming one of my favorite Astros. 

9

Talk Zone / Re: Jim Crane

« on: October 10, 2017, 02:43:04 pm »

Someone in the clubhouse once told me that Hunsicker was the laziest person they'd ever known, and that he never put together anything but took the credit for everything.  I was astonished, given his reputation.  Probably not true, but I've always wondered why he never took another managing job.  Is he still with Tampa?  He didn't go to LA, did he?

Right.  He led some incredible years in Houston then he had a hand in Tampa Bay's best years, and now the Dodgers.

10

Talk Zone / Re: Jim Crane

« on: October 10, 2017, 02:41:16 pm »

no aspersions directed toward Hun. Thanks for the clear analysis which matches my memory of the events too. Until Hunsicker left I didn't appreciate the role a GM plays on a baseball team. "Moneyball" and the contrast in the team's fortunes between Hunsiker and Purpurra provided a little education.

It seems everywhere Hunsicker goes, he improves things. 

11

The Championship Season Game Zone 2017 / Re: ALDS Game 4: Astros vs. Red Sox

« on: October 10, 2017, 12:10:57 pm »

Here is a pretty cool recap of Game 4.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrULf6nUq7k

Love the comments.

Jerry Springer
6:19 when you nut and she keeps sucking

12

The Championship Season Game Zone 2017 / Re: ALDS Game 4: Astros vs. Red Sox

« on: October 10, 2017, 12:01:00 pm »

Last night at dinner with a half-dozen people I had to try to explain an inside-the-park home run to Kris.  I thought the concept was obvious.  Apparently it's not.

I went back and rewatched that inside the park home run, and the crowd and Chris Berman on ESPN radio reacted with way too much excitement.   When down by 2 runs in the 9th, a walk and a solo home run are not that different from a win expectancy standpoint.  Both bring the tying run to the plate.    That's why teams let that unimportant runner take bases on defensive indifference.    And depending on whether a closer prefers pitching from the windup, a solo home run is sometimes worse than having distracting traffic on the bases.

The fans were acting like they just won the World Series.    And Chris Berman was completely in the tank for the Red Sox.  No surprise there.

13

Talk Zone / Re: Indians or Yankees?

« on: October 10, 2017, 11:48:20 am »

I don't care about reputation.  All I care is what gives the Astros the best chance to win a World Series.   There is a slightly higher chance with the Yankees being the opponent, largely due to home field advantage.   Having the last at bat is magnified in the postseason.   For example, home teams are 13-3 (.813) this postseason.

14

Talk Zone / Re: Carlos Beltran

« on: October 10, 2017, 11:43:48 am »

Also this.

If you can't tell, I'm conflicted on who to root for in Game 5.

Me too.  Both teams are extremely talented.  So all things being equal, go with the team that gives Houston home field (and weekend home games).

15

Talk Zone / Re: Carlos Beltran

« on: October 10, 2017, 11:42:13 am »

Mrs Duke asked why Gattis was starting at DH against the righty instead of Beltran.  I told her Hinch was saving him to PH against Kimbrel because he owns him.   Made me look prophetic which rarely happens.

Yep.  Hinch saw what Boston did in Game 3 ... start a right hander (inducing Beltran into the lineup) and then use a LHP long reliever to turn Beltran around.    With Chris Sale looming, Hinch could sense a repeat performance of that strategy by Farrell.   Fool me once, shame on me, etc. 

16

The Championship Season Game Zone 2017 / Re: ALDS Game 4: Astros vs. Red Sox

« on: October 09, 2017, 06:05:49 pm »

So on what would have been my dad's 72nd birthday, the Astros move on to the ALCS. Not bad.

Not bad at all.   I'm sorry for you that he's not here, but you honor him with your fandom.  This one's for all those die hard Astros fans that couldn't experience this on Earth. 

17

Talk Zone / Re: Carlos Beltran

« on: October 09, 2017, 06:02:14 pm »

Yep, and Beltran's OPS in high leverage situations goes up 14%.  In 66 "Late and Close" plate appearances in 2017, Carlos has an OPS of .890.  In 145 plate appearances when the Astros are behind (and need anything to get going), he's at an .873 OPS.

I have this feeling that Beltran's gonna do something for Houston.  That being said, I think it will come against a right handed pitcher.

Go Carlos Beltran.  Huge insurance RBI.   One of the biggest differences between the 2017 Astros and the 2015-2016 teams is the propensity to add insurance runs to prevent blown leads.   It happened again today.   

Also, Beltran went 2-for-2 off Craig Kimbrel in the ALDS. 

18

The Championship Season Game Zone 2017 / Re: ALDS Game 4: Astros vs. Red Sox

« on: October 09, 2017, 05:56:34 pm »

What a game.  One of my friends pointed out to me that there were only 2 at bats the entire game where the score wasn't within a run. Literally any pitch could change the whole game.

19

Talk Zone / Re: ALDS -- Astros vs. Red Sox

« on: October 09, 2017, 05:47:36 pm »

In the last few years, almost all MLB postseason games in the last 40 years have been added to YouTube. I've gone back to watch the 1980 and 1986 Astros games, as I was too young to experience those live.

Although I didn't experience it live, in my opinion today's game felt like the crazy Games 4 and 5 of the 1980 NLCS between the Astros and the Pete Rose/Mike Schmidt/Steve Carlton/Tug McGraw Phillies. Those games were extremely weird with wild swings in win expectancy. Unlike those, I'm glad this one ended in Houston's favor.

Check out today's win expectancy chart. The Astros were over 60% favorites early, then the Red Sox were 60% favorites, then the Astros again, then the Red Sox again (up to 78% favorites), then the Astros again to stay.

20

The Championship Season Game Zone 2017 / Re: ALDS Game 4: Astros vs. Red Sox

« on: October 09, 2017, 05:17:06 pm »

Shocking note from Ford: this is the first time McCann has won a postseason series.

I had a double take on that, too.   Thank you Chris Burke.

21

The Championship Season Game Zone 2017 / Re: ALDS Game 4: Astros vs. Red Sox

« on: October 09, 2017, 05:16:26 pm »

Morton gutted out a soggy start and kept his team in the game.  If it were my call he'd get the ball in the game 3 of the ALCS.

Agreed.   Keuchel / Verlander / Morton.

22

The Championship Season Game Zone 2017 / Re: ALDS Game 4: Astros vs. Red Sox

« on: October 09, 2017, 05:15:42 pm »

McCann: agreeing to be traded to the Astros was one of the best decisions I've ever made in my life.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Loved that.

23

The Championship Season Game Zone 2017 / Re: ALDS Game 4: Astros vs. Red Sox

« on: October 09, 2017, 05:15:05 pm »

Steve Sparks sounds like he's drunk off his ass in the clubhouse. A bit out of control.

His AL West Division Champion celebration was the same way and got high reviews, so expect more of it if we are so lucky.

24

The Championship Season Game Zone 2017 / Re: ALDS Game 4: Astros vs. Red Sox

« on: October 09, 2017, 05:12:05 pm »

Go Astros.   Fuck yes!!!!! I love Alex Bregman.   All the players do, but Bregman makes it easy to see that he wants this as much as us fans do. 

25

Talk Zone / Re: ALCS

« on: October 09, 2017, 05:10:20 pm »

Bought 2 tickets for a potential Game 7 against the Yankees on Saturday night 10/21.

26

The Championship Season Game Zone 2017 / Re: ALDS Game 1 -- Astros vs. Red Sox

« on: October 05, 2017, 03:27:33 pm »

Holy Shit!!!!! 2-0!!!!!

27

The Championship Season Game Zone 2017 / Re: ALDS Game 1 -- Astros vs. Red Sox

« on: October 05, 2017, 03:27:02 pm »

Fuckin' A.

28

The Championship Season Game Zone 2017 / Re: ALDS Game 1 -- Astros vs. Red Sox

« on: October 05, 2017, 03:19:50 pm »

I am leading a meeting and completely distracted.   Go Stros.

29

The Championship Season Game Zone 2017 / ALDS Game 1 -- Astros vs. Red Sox

« on: October 05, 2017, 11:07:29 am »

Reddick is back and batting 6th.  Gurriel is batting 7th with Marwin 8th

I like it.  Let's Fucking Go, Stros!!!

Lineup

30

Talk Zone / Re: AL Wild Card Game

« on: October 03, 2017, 10:45:49 pm »

Anyone else think that African American actress in that Wells Fargo commercial is just a little too happy she lost her debit card?    From the moment she realizes it's gone, she can't keep the grin off her face.

31

Talk Zone / Re: AL Wild Card Game

« on: October 03, 2017, 10:04:11 pm »

Yes.

Something tells me the slogan next season won't be "Take 18".

32

Talk Zone / Re: AL Wild Card Game

« on: October 03, 2017, 09:58:20 pm »

One thing I've wondered since the Astros donned their AL West Champs shirts and now again on all the sweatshirts the players not in the game are wearing ... what does "Take 17" mean?

Is it as stupid as being short for "We are going to take home the Championship in 2017" ?  Is there some double entendre that I am missing?

33

Talk Zone / Re: ALDS -- Astros vs. Red Sox

« on: October 03, 2017, 04:12:26 pm »

That brings up another question.  When was the last time a team had Game 1 and Game 2 starters going on 7 and 9 days rest?

With the addition of the 2nd Wild Card, things like this are becoming more common place for Division winners.   For example, in Game 1, Sale will be going on longer rest than Verlander.  The Dodgers top 2 starters also will be going on a combined 16 days of rest (Kershaw 5, Darvish 11).

But to answer your question, last year the Giants pitched Johnny Cueto on 7 days rest in Game 1 and Jeff Samardzija on 9 days rest in Game 2 of the NLDS against the Cubs.

34

Talk Zone / Re: ALDS -- Astros vs. Red Sox

« on: October 03, 2017, 01:26:08 pm »

You could go with Peacock and Morton in games 3 and 4 with Verlander going in game 5, but I think that is unlikely.

I'm not sure that's unlikely.  Nothing Hinch has ever done has shown he's going to choose the 3 days rest option, despite how tempting the Game 2 to Game 5 normal rest scenario is.    Plus, there's not a huge "Clemens/Oswalt to Pete Munro"-like gap between the top 2 pitchers and the next two choices.   

Put me down for Verlander not starting again until Game 5, of if the BBGs allow, Game 1 of the next round.

35

Talk Zone / Re: Roll call

« on: October 03, 2017, 12:17:37 pm »

The team radio crews keep working throughout the postseason, don't they?

Yes.  I assumed juliogotay was being sarcastic by saying "allowed to", referencing the MLB Fun Police's removal of the local TV crew broadcasts in order to drive up the network TV deal $$.

36

Talk Zone / Re: Roll call

« on: October 03, 2017, 11:50:25 am »

I'll be there for Game 2, up in Section 425.    Dropping the kids at school in Round Rock on Friday morning and driving straight in.  Can't wait.

37

Talk Zone / ALDS -- Astros vs. Red Sox

« on: October 03, 2017, 11:15:38 am »

No surprise here:

Houston Astros‏ @astros

AJ Hinch announces starters for the first two ALDS games.

Game 1 - Verlander
Game 2 - Keuchel

#EarnHistory

38

The Championship Season Game Zone 2017 / Re: Astros at Massholes - 9/29/17

« on: September 29, 2017, 10:43:22 pm »

Ramirez doubles with 2 out. Nothing's ever easy. Chris Young in as the pinch runner.

It was rough seeing that hanging slider right down Broadway on that 0-2 pitch.   Glad it was just a double.

39

The Championship Season Game Zone 2017 / Re: Astros at Massholes - 9/29/17

« on: September 29, 2017, 10:41:21 pm »

I think he just got onto the playoff roster too, no? AJ looking smart as fuck.

FIFY

40

The Championship Season Game Zone 2017 / Re: Astros at Massholes - 9/29/17

« on: September 29, 2017, 10:40:05 pm »

Ooops, AJ brought in August Liriano, not September Liriano. Going to try Devenski now.

Liriano got the biggest out in the game.  A good hold IMO. 

41

The Championship Season Game Zone 2017 / Re: Astros at Massholes - 9/29/17

« on: September 29, 2017, 10:34:31 pm »

With all due respect to the BBGs ...

Tonight's Astros win clinched home field advantage for Houston in a prospective Astros-Nationals World Series.

42

Talk Zone / Re: Wild Card Race

« on: September 29, 2017, 10:32:50 pm »

Tonight's Astros win clinched home field advantage for Houston in a prospective Astros-Nationals World Series.

Houston's Magic Numbers to clinch home field advantage against each team (2 games left)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Any Wild Card team in either league, the Cubs, Red Sox, and Nationals -- CLINCHED
Indians -- 4
Dodgers -- 4

Things to note ... If the Magic Number against the Dodgers falls to 2 tomorrow, that means the Rockies clinch a playoff spot tomorrow and likely won't play many starters against the Dodgers on Sunday. So it's extremely likely the Astros will finish with the over 3rd best record.

But still, it's cool that with 2 days left in the season, the Astros can still finish with the overall 1 seed.

If all 3 teams finish at 102-60, then no team clinches home field throughout the postseason. 

LA would have home field over Cleveland
Cleveland would home field over Houston
Houston would have home field on LA.

43

The Championship Season Game Zone 2017 / Astros at Massholes - 9/29/17

« on: September 29, 2017, 03:44:32 pm »

Still no Reddick.  Really would like to see him in a game this weekend, to work on timing if nothing else.

Lineup


Looks like Correa is going to end up around 13-15 plate appearances short of the 501 you need to qualify for the league leaders. 

He'd be 4th in the league in batting right now with a .315 avg., just 2 points behind Hosmer. 

44

The Championship Season Game Zone 2017 / Re: Houston Astros @ Boston Red Sox 09-28-2017

« on: September 29, 2017, 01:07:16 pm »

This. His humor is much different than JD’s, but he is just as funny, and his baseball insight is just as knowledgeable. JD doing pbp with Blum on color would be HOF. MCCANNONBALL! cracks me up every time.

Me too.  You can just see Todd Kalas in the booth ... "Brian McCann hits one deep to right, way back, and it's gone!  That's Brian McCann's 17th home run on the season, and the Astros are now up 10 to 2!"    <silently points right finger to Blummer>

McCANNONBALL!

45

Talk Zone / Re: Correa

« on: September 29, 2017, 01:02:09 pm »

He looks as locked in now as he did around the ASB. Best news ever.

+1.  Altuve is the MVP of the league, but give me 1 pick off this team to start my franchise with at this moment, and it's Correa.  His best is better than everyone else's best. 

I think a red hot Correa and Verlander are the most important parts of this team's chances.   Their tides raise all boats.

46

Talk Zone / Re: Wild Card Race

« on: September 29, 2017, 11:28:55 am »

Are you guys rooting for or against the Yankees this afternoon?

Argument for rooting for the Yankees ... increases the odds of Boston needing to mess up their desired playoff rotation. 
Argument for rooting against the Yankees ... Houston might get some of the Red Sox B teamers, slightly increasing the odds of Houston catching the Indians
Argument for who the hell cares ... Astros are beating everyone right now, so might as well destroy the Red Sox soul.  Worry about yourselves. That's it.

47

Talk Zone / Re: Astros Rotation down the stretch

« on: September 29, 2017, 10:59:07 am »

Charlie Morton is happy about the way the Astros Rotation went down the stretch.   His start today (25th on the season) will trigger a $625,000 performance bonus in his contract.      Don't twist an ankle during warmups, Ground Chuck.

The bonus will be the 3rd such performance bonus Morton will have earned, moving his 2017 salary up to $8.875M.  What a bargain the Astros got there, relatively speaking.

48

Talk Zone / Re: Wild Card Race

« on: September 29, 2017, 10:54:45 am »

It baffles me that the Astros can have far and away the most runs scored in the majors while playing half of their games in "the most pitcher friendly ballpark."  Of course, there's a good chance I have no idea what park factor really means.   Maybe it's just a factor of the Astros' historic road offense?

It's partly the Astros historic road offense, but equally due to their opponents offense doing better against Astros pitching when not at Minute Maid Park.

49

The Championship Season Game Zone 2017 / Re: Houston Astros @ Boston Red Sox 09-28-2017

« on: September 29, 2017, 12:12:55 am »

I'm gonna miss Blummer during the post season.

When ESPN aired the Astros-Rangers game on Wednesday, AT&T SportsNet Southwest aired the game on their network with the home announcers.  They should really allow the home TV crew to do the same in the playoffs.   They have home, road, and national radio broadcasts. 

IIRC, the NBA allows home TV crews to air playoff games up until a certain point. 

The MLB fun police says no, though.  Of course, it's all about the money. 

50

The Championship Season Game Zone 2017 / Re: Houston Astros @ Boston Red Sox 09-28-2017

« on: September 29, 2017, 12:08:15 am »

Blum is really good, but he is no JD.

That was my first reaction, too.

51

Talk Zone / Re: Wild Card Race

« on: September 29, 2017, 12:06:16 am »

I don't have anything against the Twins for doing what they're doing. They manage their team, the Astros manage theirs. Don't want to have to rely on someone else...don't get swept by the worst team in the league down the stretch.

While it's frustrating to see a crap lineup face Cleveland when you are rooting for the Indians to lose, I agree.  I also don't have anything against it.  It was the right move, and it was sure to happen once the Angels lost to the White Sox. 

52

Talk Zone / Re: Wild Card Race

« on: September 28, 2017, 11:38:27 pm »

With tonight's 12-2 Astros win ...

Houston's run differential moved up to +197, good for 2nd best in the league (CLE +244)
Houston's total runs scored moved up to 886, good for 2nd most in team history. (2000, 938)

I don't know what's more surprising ... how good that 2000 offense was, or that they had a negative run differential on the season.   That year solidified Minute Maid Park's reputation as a band box in most commentators minds, despite the stadium being a statistically neutral to slightly pitcher-friendly park since.  And as a slight statistical anomaly ... back to back seasons as being the most pitcher friendly ballpark in MLB.

53

Talk Zone / Re: Wild Card Race

« on: September 28, 2017, 11:30:12 pm »

Houston's Magic Numbers to clinch home field advantage against each team (3 games left)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Any Wild Card team in either league, the Cubs, and the Red Sox -- CLINCHED
Nationals -- 1
Indians -- 5
Dodgers -- 6

54

Talk Zone / Re: Wild Card Race

« on: September 28, 2017, 04:21:01 pm »

That is fucking bullshit for the one seed race and is the kind of lack of integrity stuff I hate. The Indians finish with the White Sox.

Yep.  And to no one's surprise, the Twins B team was no match for the Indians A team.

55

Talk Zone / Re: Playoff batting order

« on: September 28, 2017, 11:06:40 am »

I wholeheartedly agree that having Yuli at 6 or 7 is one of the things that makes this lineup great and he should be installed there throughout the post season. 

But what about when Yuli bats 8th?  Like he did yesterday when it was Beltran who was batting 7th and came up with 2 outs and 2 on in the 1st inning of a 2-0 game and promptly grounded out to end the threat.   


I don't see any way Hinch moves Yuli out of the 8 spot against RHP, assuming everyone is healthy.

56

Talk Zone / Re: Wild Card Race

« on: September 28, 2017, 10:51:31 am »

The worst outcome for the Astros last night would be the Twins losing and Angels losing, for it essentially means 2 Indians wins (Wednesday night and Thursday afternoon).    That came to fruition, and almost all of the Twins starting lineup is taking today off.   Dozier, Mauer, Rosario, Buxton, Escobar, Giminez, Grossman.  All 7 of those guys, who are their usual starters, are benched today. 

57

The Championship Season Game Zone 2017 / Re: Astros at Rangers - 9/27/17

« on: September 27, 2017, 04:39:44 pm »

The Astros sweep guarantees a Rangers losing season.

58

The Championship Season Game Zone 2017 / Re: Astros at Rangers - 9/27/17

« on: September 27, 2017, 04:35:13 pm »

Fuck the Rangers right in the fucking ear.  Karma.  And what a way to end the game.

And Will Middlebrooks gestures at Tony Sipp like Sipp broke some unwritten rule about letting runners get untested huge leads late in blowouts.    Must have missed that one.

59

Talk Zone / Re: Wild Card Race

« on: September 27, 2017, 04:32:53 pm »

Astros Winningest Seasons
-------------------------------------------
1. 1998 -- 102 wins
2. 2017 -- 98 wins (with 4 games left to play)

60

Talk Zone / Re: Wild Card Race

« on: September 27, 2017, 04:29:55 pm »

Pending the outcomes of the night games ...

Houston's Magic Numbers to clinch home field advantage against each team (4 games left)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Any Wild Card team in either league, the Cubs, and the Red Sox -- CLINCHED
Nationals -- 3
Indians -- 6
Dodgers -- 7

61

The Championship Season Game Zone 2017 / Re: Astros at Rangers - 9/27/17

« on: September 27, 2017, 04:16:33 pm »

Only 1 team in the 55 seasons of Houston MLB won at least 98 regular season games, before this year.

62

The Championship Season Game Zone 2017 / Re: Astros at Rangers - 9/27/17

« on: September 27, 2017, 04:08:37 pm »

This is deeply satisfying. I was against moving the team to the AL, but if they wanted to create a rival that I would hate more than the Phillies, Mets, Braves, Dodgers, Cubs and Cardinals combined: mission accomplished. Between Hamels, Bannister, Odor and Gomez and the odious Metroplex and bandwagon fan base, last year hit me hard. Not gonna lie-
their comeuppance this series has been sweet.

Also, it's great that so many different hitters seem to be getting right just in time for the playoffs!

+1.

Especially Correa.    Having him and Verlander on fire together is fun to watch.

63

The Championship Season Game Zone 2017 / Re: Astros at Rangers - 9/27/17

« on: September 27, 2017, 04:07:06 pm »

Calhoun came through the Dodgers' system as a 2nd baseman.

Wonder if they regret signing Odor to a 6 years/$49.5M (2017-22) deal.   Well, one time he punched another player.

64

The Championship Season Game Zone 2017 / Re: Astros at Rangers - 9/27/17

« on: September 27, 2017, 04:00:10 pm »

Odor with an ole' error on the McCann  groundball. Wonder if they miss Kinsler?

Chicks dig the long ball.  Gotta have Prince Fielder, right?

65

The Championship Season Game Zone 2017 / Re: Astros at Rangers - 9/27/17

« on: September 27, 2017, 03:54:45 pm »

“He’s wanted to play and we’re being pretty cautious with him," Hinch said before Wednesday  afternoon's series finale against the Rangers. "It’s convenient to give him the day off. I want to get Marwin (Gonzalez) in the outfield again because he’s going to play a lot of outfield moving forward. (I’m) getting Tony (Kemp) in the game again. It’s tough to sit him, but it’s probably the prudent thing to do. He should be back in there (Thursday).”

http://www.chron.com/sports/astros/article/Josh-Reddick-should-return-to-the-Astros-lineup-12232851.php

Thanks for the update.

66

The Championship Season Game Zone 2017 / Re: Astros at Rangers - 9/27/17

« on: September 27, 2017, 01:18:51 pm »

Hit #200 on the season for Jose Altuve.    4th straight season.   Fucking boss.

67

Talk Zone / Re: Astros Rotation down the stretch

« on: September 27, 2017, 01:17:42 pm »

McTaggart McTweets that McCullers will pitch on Saturday, leaving Sunday for McHugh or just giving it over to the pen.

Or throwing Keuchel to secure the 1 seed.

68

The Championship Season Game Zone 2017 / Re: Astros at Rangers - 9/27/17

« on: September 27, 2017, 11:07:25 am »

What is up with Reddick?

Hurt his back on Friday and has sat out 4 of 5 games since.  The only game he went for it was Sunday, where he went 0 for 4 with 2 K's.    It's not considered something that will keep him out of any playoff games.   Still, it'll be good to see him play some in Boston.

69

The Championship Season Game Zone 2017 / Astros at Rangers - 9/27/17

« on: September 27, 2017, 10:36:15 am »

Guess who's back ... Tuve's back

Lineup

70

Talk Zone / Re: Wild Card Race

« on: September 27, 2017, 10:29:58 am »

And just in case you were wondering, and I know you were, a rained out and cancelled regular season game this week helps the team without the tiebreaker, since the half game difference removes the benefit of the tiebreaker.

Current Magic Numbers:
Nationals -- 4
Indians -- 7
Dodgers -- 8

So hypothetically speaking, if the Astros game this afternoon is rained out, then the Magic Numbers would drop to
Nationals -- 3
Indians -- 6
Dodgers -- 8

It's a little bit easier to think of the final day of the season.  Say the Astros lead the Indians by 1 game 101-60 (.627) vs. 100-61.  The Astros Magic Number would be 1.   Say the Indians win to move to 101-61 (.623)   The Astros would clinch with a win or a rain out.  Both would drop the Magic Number to 0. 

Same thing if the Indians-Twins series finale is rained out tomorrow ... that also benefits the Astros.   It's easier to think of the Indians-White Sox finale on Sunday.   Say that Indians game gets rained out, and they finish at 100-61.  That would make the Astros game on Sunday meaningless, as even a Sunday loss to finish at 101-61 would finish ahead of Cleveland.

So pray for rain, even though none is in the forecast.

71

Talk Zone / Re: Wild Card Race

« on: September 27, 2017, 10:21:19 am »

It's the best record within each team's division.

Yep.  Houston wins that 2nd tie breaker with everyone, although the only team left for which it could apply, the Dodgers, are well in front.

72

The Championship Season Game Zone 2017 / Re: Astros at Rangers - 9/26/17

« on: September 27, 2017, 12:12:53 am »

Another nugget.  Keuchel aint the most popular guy in the org.  From what I gathered, the chances of hm gettting signed when he becomes a FA are close to zero.

In 2003, Astros cult favorite Billy Wagner criticized the club publicly for not making a move at the deadline.  Houston got rid of him as soon as possible, trading him for the beautiful Ezequiel Astacio.  I know, I know, we also got Taylor Buchholz in the deal, who we swapped for Jason Jennings.   Oh wait, shit.
In 2017, Astros cult favorite Dallas Keuchel criticized the club publicly for not making a move at the deadline.   We'll see.

73

Talk Zone / Re: Playoff batting order

« on: September 26, 2017, 11:01:19 pm »

Is this post satirical?

Of course.  I was trying to justify/figure out why Hinch keeps batting Yuli 8th, but ultimately, you can't justify it.   You want Yuli batting 5 times and not 4.   Many times when Yuli was hitting 8th, Beltran was hitting ahead of him in the order.

74

Talk Zone / Re: Astros Rotation down the stretch

« on: September 26, 2017, 10:59:24 pm »

No. He will be used to shorten the game and to protect a lead.

Ok, cool.   Do you think Hinch will do that or put Peacock in the rotation?

75

Talk Zone / Re: Wild Card Race

« on: September 26, 2017, 10:50:39 pm »

Astros Winningest Seasons
-------------------------------------------
1. 1998 -- 102 wins
2t. 2017 -- 97 wins (with 5 games left to play)
2t. 1999 -- 97 wins

76

Talk Zone / Re: Wild Card Race

« on: September 26, 2017, 10:50:07 pm »

Come on, Twins!

What a night for the Astros. Astros win. Red Sox, Indians, and Nationals all lose!

Houston's Magic Numbers to clinch home field advantage against each team (5 games left)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Any Wild Card team in either league, the Cubs, and the Red Sox -- CLINCHED
Nationals -- 4
Indians -- 7
Dodgers -- 8

Games 1 and 2 of the ALDS will be at Minute Maid Park next Thursday and Friday.

77

The Championship Season Game Zone 2017 / Astros at Rangers - 9/26/17

« on: September 26, 2017, 05:07:35 pm »

No Altuve. Stuck on 199 hits. And Josh Reddick is still out with his sore back.    Hoping for the best in both areas.

Lineup

78

Talk Zone / Re: Playoff batting order

« on: September 26, 2017, 02:55:12 pm »

Who doesn't like that?  But if it's the 9th inning, would you rather have Gurriel up with 2 outs and runners on or, Gattis, Beltran, McCann?   Who do you want getting 5 at bats vs 4?

You make great points.    Yuli's batting order splits are hard to imagine.   Hinch bats him 8th because that's by far his best position statistically.  If fact, he has an .809 OPS on the season, and his OPS is below .809 when he bats 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th.    So his bats 8th OPS (1.121 in 80 PA) is so high, it brings the average above the lowest 5 values in a 6 value** average.

So then your question becomes ... do you want 5 at bats at .770 OPS or 4 at bats at 1.121 OPS?   I tend to lean towards the 5 ABs for Gurriel, due to the whole "past performance is not a guarantee of future results", and that his splits will regress to the mean.

**ignores the 1 game he hit 9th

79

Talk Zone / Re: Astros Rotation down the stretch

« on: September 26, 2017, 02:46:41 pm »

I could see McHugh and Peacock trading places here, given Peacock's more recent (and very successful) bullpen history.

I could see that too.  My main concern is that when a long man is used in the playoffs, it usually happens when you are trailing in the game.   I prefer to use Peacock before the Astros get behind.


Also, BUWebguy, do you frequent sicem365.com?  If so, what's your handle over there?    Sic 'em.

80

Talk Zone / Re: Astros Rotation down the stretch

« on: September 26, 2017, 12:30:27 am »

I do not care about McCullers. Morton wants the ball. McHugh wants the ball. Grow up, Lance.

I think it's becoming clear that Houston's playoff rotation is Verlander, Keuchel, Peacock, and Morton.   McHugh wants the ball and you carry him as a long man.  McCullers gets to root on the team as a non-roster-invitee in the dugout.

Carry 11 pitchers:
4 starters -- Verlander, Keuchel, Peacock, Morton
1 longman -- McHugh
6 relievers -- Giles, Devenski, Musgrove, Harris, Liriano, Gregerson

Carry 14 batters:
8 every game starters -- Springer, Bregman, Altuve, Correa, Gurriel, Reddick, Marwin, McCann
6 others  -- Gattis, Maybin, Beltran, Fisher, White, Centeno

81

Talk Zone / Re: Playoff batting order

« on: September 26, 2017, 12:12:51 am »

Curious what others see as the best lineup the Astros could run out.

VS LHP I like
Springer
Altuve
Correa
Gurriel
Reddick
Gattis
Bregman
Marwin (DH)
Maybin

McCann will catch Verlander and Keuchel in Games 1 and 2, even with likely facing LHP Chris Sale and LHP Drew Pomeranz.    In fact, I doubt Gattis starts a game at catcher the entire postseason, unless Houston's up 3 games to none in the ALCS or something.  However, in the last 3 games he is batting well, and he'll start at DH tomorrow against Hamels.   So if he keeps that up, I bet we see this lineup in Game 1 against Sale:

Springer [CF]
Bregman [3B]
Altuve [2B]
Correa [SS]
Reddick [RF]
Gattis [DH]
Marwin [LF]
Gurriel [1B]    -- Hinch loves him some "8th in the order Yuli"
McCann [C]

against Pomeranz, I bet Maybin is in and Gattis sits, unless Gattis is in full lumberjack mode.  Sucks to not have Marisnick here, as he owns Pomeranz.  2 bombs and triple off him in 12 at bats.  My Game 2 lineup:

Springer [CF] -- in 13 plate appearances against Pomeranz, George has only put the ball in play once, but has a .615 OBP.
Bregman [3B]
Altuve [2B]
Correa [SS]
Reddick [RF]
Marwin [DH]
Gurriel [1B]   
McCann [C]
Maybin [LF]

82

Talk Zone / Re: Wild Card Race

« on: September 26, 2017, 12:00:29 am »

Astros Winningest Seasons
-------------------------------------------
1. 1998 -- 102 wins
2. 1999 -- 97 wins
3t. 2017 -- 96 wins (with 6 games left to play)
3t. 1986 -- 96 wins

83

Talk Zone / Re: Wild Card Race

« on: September 26, 2017, 12:00:06 am »

Houston's Magic Numbers to clinch home field advantage against each team (6 games left)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Any Wild Card team in either league and the Cubs -- CLINCHED
Red Sox -- 2
Nationals -- 6
Indians -- 9
Dodgers -- 9


Huge night seeing the Astros gain a game on the Red Sox.  That means at worst, they'll only need to win 1 game in Boston.   And of course they could clinch home field in the ALDS as early as Tuesday night.

84

Talk Zone / Re: Astros Rotation down the stretch

« on: September 24, 2017, 12:44:44 am »

So with Keuchel going tonight against the White Sox...the rotation for the rest of the regular season looks to be:

9/21 Keuchel vs Chicago
9/22 Verlander vs LAA
9/23 Morton vs LAA
9/24 McHugh vs LAA
9/25 Peacock vs Texas
9/26 Keuchel vs Texas
9/27 Verlander vs Texas
9/28 Morton vs Boston
9/29 McHugh vs Boston
9/30 Peacock vs Boston
10/1 (hopefully not Keuchel)

Does that look right?  Any chance McCullers feels up to pitching soon?

So with Peacock bumped until the series in Boston, it looks like this:
9/24 McCullers vs LAA
9/25 McHugh vs Texas
9/26 Keuchel vs Texas
9/27 Verlander vs Texas
9/28 Peacock vs Boston
9/29 Morton vs Boston
9/30 McCullers vs Boston
10/1 McHugh vs. Boston

85

Talk Zone / Re: Wild Card Race

« on: September 24, 2017, 12:38:05 am »

Chance to tie the Mike Scott-led 1986 Astros on Sunday night.

Astros Winningest Seasons
-------------------------------------------
1. 1998 -- 102 wins
2. 1999 -- 97 wins
3. 1986 -- 96 wins
4. 2017 -- 95 wins (with 8 games left to play)

86

Talk Zone / Re: Wild Card Race

« on: September 24, 2017, 12:37:43 am »

Houston's Magic Numbers to clinch home field advantage against each team (8 games left)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Any AL Wild Card winning team -- CLINCHED
Any NL 2nd Wild Card team -- CLINCHED
Cubs -- CLINCHED
D-Backs -- 1
Red Sox -- 4
Nationals -- 7
Indians -- 10
Dodgers -- 10

87

Talk Zone / Re: Wild Card Race

« on: September 24, 2017, 12:37:19 am »

Since the start of play on September 14th, here are the records of the Top 4 AL teams.

Astros -- 8-1
Red Sox -- 8-1
Yankees -- 7-2
Indians -- 7-2

Man, the AL Playoffs are going to be fun.

88

Talk Zone / Re: Wild Card Race

« on: September 22, 2017, 11:57:51 pm »

Astros Winningest Seasons
-------------------------------------------
1. 1998 -- 102 wins
2. 1999 -- 97 wins
3. 1986 -- 96 wins
4. 2017 -- 94 wins (with 9 games left to play)

89

Talk Zone / Re: Wild Card Race

« on: September 22, 2017, 11:57:26 pm »

Houston's Magic Numbers to clinch home field advantage against each team (9 games left)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Any AL Wild Card winning team -- CLINCHED
Any NL 2nd Wild Card team -- CLINCHED
Cubs -- 1
D-Backs -- 3
Red Sox -- 5
Nationals -- 8
Indians -- 11
Dodgers -- 12

90

Talk Zone / Re: Wild Card Race

« on: September 21, 2017, 10:25:57 am »

Astros Winningest Seasons
-------------------------------------------
1. 1998 -- 102 wins
2. 1999 -- 97 wins
3. 1986 -- 96 wins
4t. 2017 -- 93 wins (with 11 games left to play)
4t. 2001 -- 93 wins
4t. 1980 -- 93 wins

91

Talk Zone / Re: Wild Card Race

« on: September 21, 2017, 10:25:35 am »

Houston's Magic Numbers to clinch home field advantage against each team (11 games left)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Any AL Wild Card winning team -- CLINCHED
Any NL 2nd Wild Card team -- CLINCHED
Cubs -- 2
D-Backs -- 4
Red Sox -- 6
Nationals -- 11
Dodgers -- 13
Indians -- 13

92

Talk Zone / Re: Wild Card Race

« on: September 20, 2017, 10:43:34 am »

Just putting this out there, with all due respect to the BBGs.

Houston's Magic Numbers to clinch home field advantage against the following team
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Any AL Wild Card winning team ... CLINCHED***
Rockies -- 1*
Cubs -- 4*
D-Backs -- 5*
Red Sox -- 7**
Nationals -- 12**
Indians -- 14**
Dodgers -- 15*

*Takes into account that the Astros win tie breakers due to better divisional record
**Takes into account Astros would lose tie breakers due to H2H record, so this is the Magic Number to finish a game ahead
***Already Clinched since Wild Card teams can't have home field over an intraleague division champ. i.e. a 95 win D-Backs team would start the NLCS on the road at a 90-win Cubs team

It's crazy that the Astros Magic Numbers against the Indians and Dodgers have gotten so close all of a sudden.   

93

Talk Zone / Re: Astros Rotation down the stretch

« on: September 19, 2017, 04:20:29 pm »

What a disingenuous question. Trolling every day.

Exactly.  Hinch is finally throwing Keuchel and Verlander on every 5th day, and now chuck asks if we are letting up?  On the contrary, this is one of the first times all year Hinch has shown a sense of urgency.     

94

Talk Zone / Re: Astros Rotation down the stretch

« on: September 19, 2017, 12:41:48 pm »

Justin Verlander announced as the Friday starter, per McTaggart.    This puts both of the Astros aces in line to not have to pitch in Boston if it's not necessary.

95

Talk Zone / Re: Aches, Pains and Muscle Strains (2017 Version)

« on: September 19, 2017, 11:01:33 am »

The ball bounced off the plate, then hit Pedroia in the schnoz.

I blame Camden Yards. 

96

Talk Zone / Re: post-season tickets

« on: September 19, 2017, 12:51:11 am »

I love to see that Houston has caught Astros fever again.

https://twitter.com/astros/status/909834772830052354

97

Talk Zone / Re: Astros Rotation down the stretch

« on: September 19, 2017, 12:47:48 am »

MLB.com is now listing Keuchel as the probably Thursday starter against the White Sox.       I haven't seen this announced from any of the usual suspects though, although I may have missed it.

98

Talk Zone / Re: doe anyone know where I can buy a print chronicle in austin

« on: September 18, 2017, 01:35:27 pm »

Sometimes Central Texas Rudy's BBQ/Gas stations sell papers from around the state.  You could call them.

99

Talk Zone / Re: Astros Rotation down the stretch

« on: September 18, 2017, 01:24:53 pm »

Does anyone like the idea of Verlander/Keuchel/Peacock/Verlander/Keuchel for the ALDS?

I like it, although human nature says Verlander on short rest will only happen if the Astros are down 2 games to 1. 

100

Talk Zone / Re: 2018 Schedule

« on: September 18, 2017, 12:29:09 am »

One thing I don't understand is Twins in early April.   That's just asking for snow in that stadium which has no roof.   Might have to make a road trip to KC to pick up some Royals/Astros next summer.

Good call.  That is another weird thing about having an indoor team like Houston start and finish away from home when the weather is the most unpredictable. 

101

Talk Zone / Re: Astros Rotation down the stretch

« on: September 18, 2017, 12:27:24 am »

ESPN has moved up Keuchel to Thursday against the White Sox and then Tuesday in Arlington, ready to go Sunday in Boston if necessary, and then be ready on 4-days rest in Game 2 of the ALDS.

http://www.espn.com/mlb/team/schedule/_/name/hou/houston-astros

102

Talk Zone / Re: McCullers

« on: September 17, 2017, 11:30:39 pm »

Peacock is Game 3.

103

Talk Zone / Anybody ok with Photoshop?

« on: September 16, 2017, 01:29:30 am »

First off, my apologies to the BBGs, for they could infer from this post that I think the Astros are going to win the AL West.  I understand they could say "Hold my beer" at any moment.

That being said, back in 2014, the Winter Olympics were in Sochi, and there was a mess up with the rings.

Some fucking Rangers fan, always looking to shit on the Astros, came up with this knock off.

Have any of you used Photoshop before?  Can you alter the picture to inverse the sizes, making the "Astros ring" big and the other 4 rings as small rings?   Would be a nice post on clinch day, if it comes.

Thank you!

104

Talk Zone / Astros Rotation down the stretch

« on: September 15, 2017, 05:06:25 pm »

Do you want the Red Sox to get to face Keuchel and/or Verlander in the regular season finale series, prepping them for the ALDS?  A.J. Hinch's lack of a sense of urgency has been addressed on this board and elsewhere.   He doesn't take advantage of off days the same way as other teams do.

There are 16 games left.  We all know Morton/Keuchel/Verlander are going this weekend.

Then there is a day off Monday followed by 13 straight game days.    On 4-days rest (what other managers call normal rest), Keuchel could pitch Thursday and Verlander Friday, and be ready to go on Tuesday and Wednesday in Arlington.  This will not only give you a potential 7th start from your two aces if needed on the season's final day, but it will also allow you to have a good chance to keep your Aces up your sleeve, not pitching either Keuchel and Verlander in Boston.

What will Hinch do? 

1) Take advantage of the off day to get Keuchel and Verlander to pitch in Arlington
2) Go with a 5 man rotation and pitching with an extra days rest
3) Go with a 6-man rotation as ESPN currently lists it, with Keuchel and Verlander not pitching again for a week.

105

Talk Zone / Re: fiers gone for 5 games

« on: September 15, 2017, 04:55:46 pm »

Not the first time I've said this, unfortunately it probably won't be the last. I don't want mike fiers to throw another pitch in an Astros uniform.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

I do.  In the season's final weekend in Boston after Houston clinches home field in the ALDS.   I don't want the Red Sox to get any practice against pitchers that will be on our playoff roster.    But Fiers, go for it.

106

Talk Zone / Re: This weekend

« on: September 15, 2017, 04:54:09 pm »

My motto is never fucking root for the Rangers.  Enjoy the UT game, should be fun.

Look for the Rangers to play their best game of the year on Saturday night if the Magic Number drops to 1 on Saturday afternoon.     

If the Rangers lose on Saturday night in such a game, then Sunday in Houston will be an incredible atmosphere.

107

Talk Zone / Re: Indians...

« on: September 15, 2017, 04:51:02 pm »

Not according to MLB.

It's obviously a semantic difference that MLB.com writer Austin Laymance just didn't want to address.   Even though I understand what people like Austin mean, I was just supporting HudsonHawk's statement. 

108

Talk Zone / Re: September

« on: September 15, 2017, 04:47:18 pm »

I "think" there's a process in place for this, but if you do it, the replaced player is ineligible for the next (or perhaps all subsequent) series.

Just the next one.  So someone replaced in the LDS  could return for the World Series.

109

Talk Zone / Re: Indians...

« on: September 15, 2017, 04:26:44 pm »

And I guess you think Hank Aaron is still the home run king too.  It doesn't matter what any of us think.  If the official rule book says the record is 26, it is 26.

There's 2 different records in the rule book.  One for Longest Winning Streak (was 21, now 22), and one for Longest Undefeated Streak (26-0-1). 

Ran their streak to 19 games tonight.  The all time major league record is 21. 

110

Talk Zone / Re: Indians...

« on: September 13, 2017, 05:05:35 pm »

The Indians won their 21st straight game on Wednesday to set an American League winning-streak record and join only two other teams in the past 101 years to win that many consecutive games.

That's just fake news, ESPN.    1 other team won 21 "consecutive" games.

111

Talk Zone / Re: 2018 Schedule

« on: September 13, 2017, 01:20:46 pm »

I think it is more a lost opportunity to open against the Rangers. And also to finish with them for the year at the end of July.

Agreed.   Opening Day is a sellout regardless of which team you are playing.  The Rangers lose one of their "good drawing regardless of calendar" Astros gates now.   

The 2 things I noticed about the schedule are:

1) Only 2 series in the last 4 weeks of the season come against AL West opponents (6 of 25 games)
2) There is not a single night game series finale on the road scheduled right now.    All 10 road series finales that have game times are day games.  Granted there are still quite a few TBDs, but it's nice to see the new collectively-bargained rule in effect.    No more flights landing at home at 7am like Houston is doing tomorrow night/Friday morning.

112

Talk Zone / Re: Carlos Beltran

« on: September 13, 2017, 12:53:08 pm »

Performance in the playoffs (if that's all you're interested in) doesn't matter if it comes from a 500k guy or a 20mm guy.

Yep, and Beltran's OPS in high leverage situations goes up 14%.  In 66 "Late and Close" plate appearances in 2017, Carlos has an OPS of .890.  In 145 plate appearances when the Astros are behind (and need anything to get going), he's at an .873 OPS.

I have this feeling that Beltran's gonna do something for Houston.  That being said, I think it will come against a right handed pitcher.

113

Talk Zone / Re: Indians...

« on: September 13, 2017, 12:41:55 pm »

Twenty-One-dians.

114

Talk Zone / Re: Indians...

« on: September 12, 2017, 11:04:53 am »

I'm more than impressed. It's mind blowing. I don't think they are capable of losing anymore. They will probably close out the campaign without another blemish. Their gonna kill the Dodgers in the World Series.

Jayson Stark‏ @jaysonst 16h16 hours ago
Of course #Indians are already up 5-0. Not only do they never lose. They're never behind! Trailed at the end of only 4 innings in the streak

Jayson Stark‏ @jaysonst
In other words, they've trailed for 4 innings in 3 weeks! Feels like that should be impossible

Is that good?

115

Talk Zone / Re: Indians...

« on: September 12, 2017, 10:56:43 am »

Ran their streak to 19 games tonight.  The all time major league record is 21. 

During this streak, they've thrown 6 shut outs, and another 8 games where they've given up 2 runs or less.  That's getting it done on the bump.

For those who get tricked by the damn media into thinking the 1916 New York Giants had a streak of 26 games, know now that their streak was really a 12 game and a 14 game streak separated by a tie.  The Giants threw 10 shutouts in their 26-0-1 streak, and another 13 games where they gave up 2 runs or less.

Also of note ... the 1916 Giants' first loss after their 26-0-1 streak eliminated them from pennant contention. 

116

Talk Zone / Re: As series

« on: September 11, 2017, 03:36:40 pm »

That series was surreal. They caught everything, barreled up everything, and mediocre pitchers became Cy Young. I suspect involvement of the BBGs.

4 days ago there were people on here saying they were scoreboard watching for World Series home field advantage.   The BBGs weren't having it. 

117

Talk Zone / Re: Anyone else bummed...

« on: September 07, 2017, 03:30:47 pm »

One thing I do know is that off days after a win are >>>> off days after a loss.

I can't wait for tomorrow.  Go Stros.

118

Talk Zone / Re: Rules Question about last night's 9th inning

« on: July 18, 2017, 11:25:23 am »

Thanks all.   

119

Talk Zone / Rules Question about last night's 9th inning

« on: July 18, 2017, 09:29:32 am »

Last night, Alex Bregman came to bat with 2 outs in the 9th inning with the bases loaded in a tie game.   He hit a grounder deep in the hole at short and Jean Segura made a great play to get a 6-4 force on Brian McCann.

Now Brian McCann slowed up as he approached 2nd base to slide and stop at 2nd.   Should McCann have run full speed through 2nd base in that situation? Assuming doing so would have meant McCann beating the throw, Gurriel was crossing home with the winning run at that moment.

What are the things to consider?   Bregman might not have reached first base before McCann would have been 15 feet passed 2nd base or tagged out.    Obviously if McCann is tagged or declared out before Bregman reaches first, it's a 3rd out and the run doesn't score, but McCann likely could have turned towards 3rd base as he passed 2nd to establish a baseline.

120

Talk Zone / Re: BBGs

« on: May 31, 2017, 04:31:52 pm »

Be grateful and humble every day ... and enjoy watching this special team play.

Agreed.  One of the many reasons I love baseball is that the regular season means something, so the accomplishments happening now are indeed noteworthy.  I humbly acknowledge them, and I just really enjoy every game.   I love this team.  Can't wait for the next game.

121

Talk Zone / Re: Aches, Pains and Muscle Strains (2017 Version)

« on: May 31, 2017, 04:24:54 pm »

It feels like the whole organization has a post-season mindset.  Pitchers who have previously tried to play through minor pains are reporting them and the organization is resting them.  Credit to Lunhow and Hinch, everybody is bought in to what they are trying to accomplish this season as a team.

Hinch is channeling his inner-Gregg-Popovich when it comes to rest and pacing his players through a long regular season. 

122

Talk Zone / Re: Rangers

« on: May 31, 2017, 04:22:27 pm »

This was last Wednesday morning, btw:

If the trade deadline were tomorrow, would you buy, sell or trade?

Raymond: "Oh, I'm buying. I'm buying. Right now, I think that's an easy one. No. 1, this team's smoking hot. No. 2, you're gonna get Adrian Beltre back, you're gonna get Carlos Gomez back, you're gonna get Cole Hamels back for nothing. You're dealing nothing to get those guys back. Ask any team right now anywhere near a race in the division what they would offer for those three guys, and I guarantee you it'd be pretty significant. Well you're getting them back for nothing, so then if you want to add a piece or two on top of that? Forget it. Two weeks ago, three weeks ago, the Astros had won the division, they were already in the World Series and they were planning the parade. It was laughable the way people were reacting in Houston. And they were talking about burying the Rangers. 'Oh they're done. If we beat the Rangers in this series, in Houston, oh my God they're done. They'll be like, nine games out.' Well, yeah, OK, we were nine games out. Now we're what, five and a half (back)? And there's a long, long way to go, and, they just saw their ace and former Cy Young Award winner go on the disabled list for 10 days. And who knows if he comes off in 10 days."

The part about Carlos Gomez made me laugh.

You have to give Dave Raymond one thing though.  He knows that if you criticize Houston and Houston fans to Dallas, you will be well received.  Jared Sandler has parlayed that strategy into a key broadcasting role with Rangers radio. 

123

The Championship Season Game Zone 2017 / Re: Astros at Twins, 5/31/17

« on: May 31, 2017, 03:55:36 pm »

It's rare that you have a 17-6 baseball game in the middle of the 9th inning, and the eventual winning pitcher hadn't participated in the game yet.

http://www.espn.com/mlb/boxscore?gameId=370531109

124

Talk Zone / Re: The Throw

« on: May 16, 2017, 04:39:54 pm »

Best game-ending Astros defensive play since The Double Play?

Quite possibly.  However, any play that has direct playoff implications sticks in my mind more.  Like the play in the last week in 2015 in Seattle, with the Astros 1/2 game behind the Angels for the 2nd Wild Card spot with 4 games to go.  Houston trailed the Mariners 6-3 in the 6th inning before that Chris Carter game tying 3-run home run and a Rasmus single allowed the Astros to take a 7-6 lead into the Bottom of the 9th.  Seattle had a pinch runner on 1st when Franklin Gutierrez hit a laser to CF, where Carlos Gomez caught it and fired to 1st to complete the game ending double play.  The Angels lost, moving the Astros ahead of the Angels, never to relinquish the spot. 

Another one that comes to mind, even though it was before that Game 4 2005 NLCS double play, was the 3rd to last game of the 2001 regular season ... the game that turned the Cardinals into the Co-ards.    The Astros were reeling, having lost 8 of 9 to turn a 4.5 game lead to a 1 game hole.  They trailed St. Louis 1-0 in the 8th, when Lance Berkman took over with a bomb in the 8th and an RBI double in the 9th.   On comes Billy the Kid for the save, but he gets into trouble ... bases loaded and 1 out.   He then induced a beautiful Placido Polanco 4-6-3 double play to end it, pulling the Astros even with the Co-ards with 2 to play.  Shane Reynolds would close the door on the season's final day to clinch the #1 seed in the playoffs.   Side note: that was also the last time the Astros franchise could say "all we have to do is win all our home games, and we are World Series champions". 

125

Talk Zone / Re: 2017 team

« on: May 16, 2017, 04:13:22 pm »

In 2016, when trailing after 6 innings, the Astros started the year 0-25.  They ended the year 7-62.   
In 2017, they've already won more such games than they did all of last year.  They are 8-8 when trailing after 6 innings. 

Obviously a small sample size, as even the best teams each season have horrible records when trailing after 6 (last year's Cubs were 11-41).   So while regression to the mean will happen sooner or later, I love that this team is just never out of it.

126

Talk Zone / Re: Ex-Astros News 2016-2017

« on: April 25, 2017, 12:20:17 pm »

7 of his 10 HR are against the Reds.

Cincinnati would rather face Roy Oswalt in his prime right now than Eric Thames.

127

Talk Zone / Re: Ex-Astros News 2016-2017

« on: April 25, 2017, 11:28:17 am »

Folks still not figuring him out: 2 more jolts tonight, 10 in 19 games.

Well, the Reds at least.

128

Talk Zone / Re: Standings

« on: April 24, 2017, 12:59:08 pm »

Had to go and say something, didn't I...

Rangers are 4-0 since we started this. 

129

Talk Zone / Re: Bullpen

« on: April 24, 2017, 12:53:29 pm »

Ken Giles in 2017
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In 9th inning save situations -- 5 games, 0.00 ERA, 5 IP, 0 ER, 10 K's, 2 H, 1 BB, 5 saves
In all other game situations -- 4 games, 11.25 ERA, 4 IP, 5 ER, 4 K's, 4 H, 3 BB, 1 loss

130

Talk Zone / Re: Just When I Thought I Was Out...

« on: April 06, 2017, 12:52:55 pm »

I got over the AL thing by 2015.  I actually now get irked when they play road inter-league games and I have to watch our pitchers hit.

Yeah, it sucked having to remove Lance Berkman in Game 6 of the 2004 NLCS so Lidge could have a place in the batting order, and to have to pinch hit for Lidge 3 innings later, leading to Dan Miceli.    Nowadays you get to keep your best players in the lineup and let guys like Chris Devenski go 4 innings if they are on fire.

131

Talk Zone / Re: I am so excited I can't even sit still.

« on: April 06, 2017, 09:27:13 am »

Tremendous.

132

Talk Zone / Re: Ex-Astros News 2016-2017

« on: April 05, 2017, 03:11:02 pm »

Guess who leads the majors in On Base %?    Your boy Castro the Astr- ... err, Twin. 

2 hits and 5 walks in 8 plate appearances.

133

Talk Zone / Re: I am so excited I can't even sit still.

« on: April 05, 2017, 02:01:51 pm »

Once something is written in the Talking Head's Handbook of Conventional Wisdom, it is there to stay.

The Metrodome had the same issue.  It opened with home runs flying right and left, but once pitchers adjusted, it was a middle-of-the-pack ballpark in terms of home runs.  Yet, until the day it died, no talking head could mention it without using the term "bandbox" and lamenting how unfair it was to pitchers.

Agreed.  And it sometimes comes with an implication that if only "fill in the blank former player turned commentator" were still playing, he'd hit 30+ home runs there every year.  It minimizes Astros hitters' accomplishments.  Even on ESPN's Astros Page today, they have a blurb about McCann's home run:

"ESPN Stats and Information 

It's fitting that Brian McCann's first home run as an Astro would have been an out at almost every other ballpark besides his new home field. "

First off, why is it "fitting"?  But ignoring that, it's one thing to say a ball would only be a home run at Minute Maid, but entirely another to declare that not only would it not be a home run elsewhere, but it "would have been an out" at almost every other park. 

The narrative is there.  Even in a 2-1 game.

134

Talk Zone / Re: I am so excited I can't even sit still.

« on: April 05, 2017, 01:20:58 pm »

So in 2016, Minute Maid Park was the most pitcher friendly stadium in baseball, according to the Park Factors ranking system.  After 2 games in 2017, we're seeing 6 total runs scored.

Yet when describing the new center field dimensions at Minute Maid changing from 436 to 409 feet on MLB Network this week, Harold Reynolds derisively declared, "Minute Maid is already a bandbox ... this is going to take it even further".

From Ron Kruk to Harold Reynolds to countless others, it's frustrating to hear the condescension from them towards Houston's stadium.    Does the reputation really stem from Jose Lima's first impression season some 17 years ago?

135

Talk Zone / Re: Good ESPN Article on the Astros

« on: April 05, 2017, 01:09:11 pm »

My nit to pick is that I want both this and the Chronicle to stop referring to the "core four". The Yankees basically retired that term.

Right.  And with the Yankees, you knew who the Core Four were, and it included 2 pitchers.  I'm not sure how any Astros core wouldn't include Keuchel.

136

Talk Zone / Good ESPN Article on the Astros

« on: April 05, 2017, 11:34:08 am »

Sorry if Cabrera'd.

ESPN: How to enjoy the Astros, the most-fun-to-watch team in baseball by David Schoenfield

137

Talk Zone / Re: Race for the Lid!!!

« on: April 04, 2017, 04:41:50 pm »

108

138

The Championship Season Game Zone 2017 / Re: Mariners at Astros, April 4

« on: April 04, 2017, 03:52:46 pm »

Not surprising to see Marwin Gonzalez in there.  He has a great career OPS of 1.120 against Iwakuma over a pretty good sample size (25 ABs).

Let's do this.

139

The Championship Season Game Zone 2017 / Re: Mariners at Astros, April 4

« on: April 04, 2017, 03:46:41 pm »

Thanks MusicMan.  Go Stros!

140

Talk Zone / Re: In Market Streaming

« on: April 04, 2017, 11:04:41 am »

Agreement between MLB and Root reached but streaming "likely" not available until next month.

Thanks Nate.  I'll be looking forward to that!

141

Talk Zone / Re: OD

« on: April 04, 2017, 11:02:32 am »

Fun fact: Astros starting pitchers have thrown 19 consecutive scoreless innings during season openers at home. How is that for a convoluted stat?

20.2 scoreless I think.

142

Talk Zone / Re: OWA Opening Day Ticket Thread 2017

« on: April 03, 2017, 03:51:55 pm »

Goes with Aoki over Gattis on Opening Day:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C8g5RRIXUAAUBeC.jpg:large

143

Talk Zone / Re: FBI Investigating Cards in Hack Job

« on: January 30, 2017, 04:20:47 pm »

Astros current Top 3 round draft slots:

1st round -- #15 overall
2nd round -- #53 and #56** overall
Competitive Balance Round B -- #75** overall
3rd round -- #91 overall

** -- From St. Louis

144

Talk Zone / Re: FBI Investigating Cards in Hack Job

« on: January 30, 2017, 04:15:46 pm »

I'm thinking the Jakes had at least a strong inkling they'd lose the pick anyway when they decided to sign Fowler.

Agreed.  But on the other hand, I bet MLB countered, as I doubt the Astros would have been awarded 2 picks had St. Louis still had their 1st rounder.

145

Talk Zone / Re: Sports Radio?

« on: September 22, 2016, 03:41:23 pm »

I couldn't even tell you what the sports talk station in Austin is, and I'm ok with that.

Good call by you.   Listening to a know-nothing Rod Babers who does zero show-prep is annoying, even if he's one of the few Houston pro sports fans on in Austin.   And even more annoying is the other station, with an Aggie who kisses Longhorn fans asses in order to stay employed in the city.

146

Talk Zone / Re: Opposing fans

« on: September 22, 2016, 01:34:46 pm »

So we joked the other night about MMPUS being full of Ranger fans, but this game in Seattle is nothing but Jays fans. I don't mean there are a lot of them, I mean that's all there are.  It's like a home postseason game for them there in Seattle.

I took my family on a side trip into Toronto after visiting Niagara Falls this summer.  We stayed at the Renaissance Hotel in the Rogers Centre outfield and went to a game.  I was impressed by the Blue Jays fans.   It was much like this Safeco Field crowd.  Everyone is blue Blue Jays jerseys, with a few red ones sprinkled in.  It was fun to be around that atmosphere outside the stadium and walking to the game.  Lots of energy. 

The stadium is not one of my favorites though, apart from looking up at the insane CN Tower EdgeWalkers watching the game from way up there.

147

Talk Zone / Re: Wild Card Race

« on: September 22, 2016, 01:30:13 pm »

The Orioles currently hold the 2nd Wild Card spot, and they're on pace for 88.6 wins. So hopefully, they'll scuffle a little down the stretch, presumably playing lots of games vs. Toronto, Boston, and New York; maybe 89 wins or so will be enough to sneak into the playoffs.

Good call Reuben.   89 almost certainly means your season will be extended past next Sunday, and 88 might end up being the number for the 2nd Wild Card winner. 

But obviously, at only 28%, at this point the odds are against the good guys from making it in. 

On a side note ... if the Twins can beat the Tigers today (Tied 1-1 in the 2nd inning right now), then Houston will "control their own destiny" as they say, for making the postseason, thanks to the Orioles and Blue Jays facing each other requiring one team to lose twice. 

148

Talk Zone / Re: Brownie retiring

« on: September 22, 2016, 01:20:06 pm »

I've missed Bill Brown in Austin since he hasn't been on here for a single game for Time Warner Cable customers since 2012.

Congrats to Bill on a great career. 

149

Talk Zone / Re: Sports Radio?

« on: September 20, 2016, 03:41:51 pm »

Not Radio, but since the Astros haven't been on cable in Austin in years, cable customers are relegated to watching MLB tonight for Astros live look-ins.   I actually enjoy that program much more than Baseball Tonight now.   They usually are pro-Astros too, especially the host Greg Amsinger.  Greg makes you feel at times that he's an Astros fan (in a similar way that Houston's Robert Flores does on ESPN), even though he's from Missouri, went to school in Indiana, and lives in NYC. 

The one thing he did that made me realize he wasn't from Houston was continuously mispronounce Craig Biggio's last name at his Hall of Fame induction.  But most people get Bidge's name wrong.  Stupid Chris Berman "matinee at the Biggio" nickname.

150

Talk Zone / Re: Free Agents 2016

« on: September 16, 2016, 12:50:54 pm »

Lowest ERA among starters vs. the Rangers belongs to...Peacock.  Followed by McCullers.  The trio of Fiers, Fister and Keuchel all have ERA's over 4.30 against the bastards.  McHugh sports a tidy 10.13 ERA.

I agree with jwhudson that the Astros need to go get Rangers-killers.   

151

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Round Rock in 2019

« on: September 16, 2016, 12:11:31 pm »

It may not be "the same", but it is still nearby.   I think I have averaged less than a game a season under Ranger oppression (as opposed to several per month when they were part of the Astros org.)  I will be glad to see them back in the fold.

You are not the only one.   There is a table on Wikipedia that lists the Dell Diamond Attendance.    Attendance is down 10% as a Rangers affiliate (8,467) compared to when it was with Houston (9,381).  And that's even with all the Rangers years coming with the additional capacity they added in 2005.

Maybe that's why they keep raising parking prices in the past few years.

The problem was that they removed the "inclusive to all MLB fans" feel that the Dell Diamond had in the first 11 years to being a "You're a Rangers fan if you are an Express fan" feel ever since.   You can't look around without seeing some reference to the Rangers.  Heck, they even changed the uniform colors that were their own color to being the Rangers colors.

152

Talk Zone / Re: Team records after X innings question

« on: June 21, 2016, 11:58:57 pm »

The baseball gods completed the trifecta tonight.  We challenged them with this thread and bringing up the rarity of the Astros ability to win when trailing after 6, 7, and 8 innings.  And now they've come through with at least one of each type in just 10 days.   

153

Talk Zone / Re: Team records after X innings question

« on: June 20, 2016, 12:28:59 pm »

Thanks HH! 

Here is the more precise URL if anyone cares.   

And yes, the Astros are 0-25 when trailing after 6, 1-27 when trailing after 7 and 0-29 when trailing after 8.

The Astros have finally added a win when trailing after 6 (the win in Tampa Bay), and they added a win when trailing after 7 (4-1 win over the Co-ards).

154

Talk Zone / Team records after X innings question

« on: June 10, 2016, 02:00:12 pm »

Charlie Pallilo keeps mentioning on AM 790 that the Astros are something like 0-25 when trailing after 6 innings this year. 

I remember a few years ago I found a sortable site that told you a team's record when trailing/leading after 6, 7, 8 innings, etc.    But I can't find it now.   Does anyone know of a site with that type of information?  Thank you in advance.

155

Game Zone 2016 Archive / Re: Tribe @ Astros May 11, 2016

« on: May 11, 2016, 03:58:38 pm »

Sigh. 

156

Game Zone 2016 Archive / Re: Tribe @ Astros May 11, 2016

« on: May 11, 2016, 03:28:06 pm »

Altuve deserves half credit for that one (although wasn't a bad pitch).

I agree.  Talk about protection for the 9 hole hitter.

157

Game Zone 2016 Archive / Re: Tribe @ Astros May 11, 2016

« on: May 11, 2016, 03:26:35 pm »

Tucker!!!

158

Game Zone 2016 Archive / Re: Tribe @ Astros May 11, 2016

« on: May 11, 2016, 03:23:31 pm »

Just so everyone feels better, Giles is warming up.

Confucius say ... "If not a hold situation in the 8th inning, can't use best 8th inning guy."

Hinch is a believer.

159

Game Zone 2016 Archive / Re: Tribe @ Astros May 11, 2016

« on: May 11, 2016, 03:09:38 pm »

Rasmus works the walk and we'll have another pitching change.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Another bases loaded, 2 out opportunity for the Astros.

160

Game Zone 2016 Archive / Re: Tribe @ Astros May 11, 2016

« on: May 11, 2016, 02:27:36 pm »

"The most runners left on base during a nine-inning shutout is sixteen. It has occurred twice in Major League history: May 24, 1994, when St. Louis shutout Philadelphia, and May 7, 1998, when Seattle shutout Toronto."

The AL record for LOB in any 9-inning game is 20.  The NL record is 18.

161

Game Zone 2016 Archive / Re: Tribe @ Astros May 11, 2016

« on: May 11, 2016, 02:14:17 pm »

Good shot to break that today

It's probably more likely the Astros don't even get 11 more base-runners all game though.  That 2004 Houston offense, even without Beltran, was pretty good.

But hey, 2 more in the 3rd inning so far.

162

Game Zone 2016 Archive / Re: Tribe @ Astros May 11, 2016

« on: May 11, 2016, 02:09:04 pm »

In case anyone wanted to know the Astros LOB record ...

#1AstrosFan ‏@AaronHlavaty 27s27 seconds ago

@brianmctaggart 16 LOB for a 9-inning game (April 6, 2004)

163

Game Zone 2016 Archive / Re: Tribe @ Astros May 11, 2016

« on: May 11, 2016, 01:53:52 pm »

Salazar on pace for 27 Ks today.

164

Game Zone 2016 Archive / Re: Opening Day

« on: April 05, 2016, 01:11:38 pm »

Not sure if it feels like the least American or most American thing that I'm stuck in my office working and listening to opening day on the radio. At least the game is on the road I suppose.

The MLB fun police prevents me from listening here in Austin.  I can go out to my car and listen to it on AM 790 though.

165

Game Zone 2016 Archive / Re: Opening Day

« on: April 05, 2016, 01:09:27 pm »

Last season Dallas Keuchel allowed 4 or more walks one time (4 walks allowed June 20th at Seattle).

4 walks allowed so far today.

166

Talk Zone / Re: Yankee Killer Dallas Keuchel

« on: April 05, 2016, 11:48:26 am »

Nice profile in the NY Times.

I love the author answering a question on every Yankees fan's mind at the end of the article ...

The Astros control Keuchel’s rights for three more seasons ...

167

Talk Zone / Re: Race for the Lid!!!

« on: April 05, 2016, 11:40:23 am »

110

168

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Astros #17 in Keith Law's 2016 Farm System Rankings

« on: February 10, 2016, 02:50:45 pm »

The Astros were #3 last year. 

Law just released his 2016 list.

1.       Atlanta Braves
2.       Los Angeles Dodgers
3.       Minnesota Twins
4.       Chicago Cubs
5.       Milwaukee Brewers
6.       Philadelphia Phillies
7.       Colorado Rockies
8.       Pittsburgh Pirates
9.       Texas Rangers
10.   Boston Red Sox
11.   Cleveland Indians
12.   Cincinnati Reds
13.   New York Yankees
14.   Tampa Bay Rays
15.   Washington Nationals
16.   New York Mets
17.   Houston Astros
18.   Oakland Athletics
19.   St. Louis Cardinals
20.   San Diego Padres
21.   San Francisco Giants
22.   Chicago White Sox
23.   Kansas City Royals
24.   Arizona Diamondbacks
25.   Toronto Blue Jays
26.   Detroit Tigers
27.   Baltimore Orioles
28.   Seattle Mariners
29.   Miami Marlins
30.   Los Angeles Angels


On the glass is half full side, Houston is 2nd best in the AL West.

169

Talk Zone / Re: Let the Stove be Heated

« on: January 28, 2016, 11:35:29 am »

Fister Fills Gaping Hole in Astros Rotation

#59 coming along as a PTBNL?

http://www.sbnation.com/lookit/2014/5/31/5767594/someone-got-a-barelyknower-jersey-to-compliment-a-doug-fister-jersey

170

Talk Zone / Re: Let the Stove be Heated

« on: January 28, 2016, 11:24:56 am »

Doug Fister's playoff stats -- 4-2, 2.60 ERA in 55.1 IP, 40 K's, 16 BBs

171

Talk Zone / Re: Ex-Astros News

« on: January 26, 2016, 02:27:57 am »

From this profile of Brett Oberholtzer at CSNPhilly.com:

“This is a guy who has made 42 starts and thrown 250 innings with a sub-4.00 ERA in his major-league career while pitching in a hitters’ park,” Klentak said.

Excellent grasp of the facts, Mr. Phillies GM.

But Jose Lima!  Remember that one Jose Lima season in 2000!   Thus, it must be a hitters' park.

172

Talk Zone / Re: Outfield Arms

« on: January 22, 2016, 12:41:18 pm »

Clarifying ... 25% of all OF throws clocked at 100 mph or more came from either Gomez or Marisnick.

173

Talk Zone / Re: Lawsuit over Future of Televised Baseball

« on: January 20, 2016, 10:04:20 am »

Still no love for Time Warner Cable customers who used to get the Astros. 

At least Root Sports Southwest is on the DirecTV choice package in Austin now.  I could have sworn that in August when I was deciding TWC vs. DirecTV, it was only listed under the expensive DirecTV Premier package with the other three Root Sports Stations.   I may have to switch now.

174

Talk Zone / Re: Salary News

« on: January 15, 2016, 01:30:13 pm »

$2M for Marwin and $7.25M for Keuchel

Nice well deserved raise for Keuchel up from $524K last year.

175

Talk Zone / Re: 8th inning, game 4

« on: January 14, 2016, 10:30:03 am »

Jim, I was 14 years old and I cried like a little bitch when Bass struck out.  I'm not sure I've ever been as high (Hatcher HR) and as low in that short of a timeframe.

The 33 minutes between Berkman and Pujols comes close.

176

Talk Zone / Re: Rickey and Luhnow

« on: January 12, 2016, 10:54:16 am »

The Dodgers had Baseball's Great Experiment.
The Astros have Baseball's Grand Experiment.

Completely different.

177

Talk Zone / Re: 2016 HOF Class

« on: January 07, 2016, 01:13:59 pm »

Not to pee in anyone's Cheerios, but doesn't the significant voter purge mean that prior trends are not certain to be repeated in the future?

It definitely could mean that.  I think it means that next year's gains will be less than this year's gains.   Bagwell, fortunately, no longer needs a large gain.   

Also,

Ryan Thibodaux
‏@NotMrTibbs

The Frank Clines ballot is #262. He thinks it will be his last (http://shepherdexpress.com/article-27068-on-the-road-again.html …).

Frank Clines omitted Bagwell, so glad he's gone.  Even if it's not his last, his ballot this year contained 10 votes, so Bagwell may make his list now that 4 of the people he did vote for are off the ballot.

178

Talk Zone / Re: 2016 HOF Class

« on: January 07, 2016, 10:38:35 am »

Update on this.   Up to 5 voters who voted for 10 players and left Bagwell off.

Shi Davidi (including votes for Griffey and Trammell who won't be on next year's ballot)
Dan Graziano (Griffey, Trammell)
Kevin Kernan (Griffey, Piazza)
George Willis (Griffey, Piazza)
Anonymous (Griffey, Trammell)

3 Post-Result additions to this list:
Guy Curtright (voted for Bagwell last year but not this year)  (Griffey, Trammell)
Tony DeMarco (Griffey, Trammell)
Bill Windler (Griffey, McGwire, Piazza, Trammell)

So 8 guys who now all have at least 2 open spots on their ballot.

179

Talk Zone / Re: 2016 HOF Class

« on: January 07, 2016, 10:19:03 am »

One of the voters that is being purged next year is Mark Kreidler, who only voted for just 3 people (Griffer, Raines, Hoffman).  So that helps Bagwell.

180

Talk Zone / Re: 2016 HOF Class

« on: January 07, 2016, 10:06:36 am »

One person's take on the next four HOF Classes:

2017: Jeff Bagwell and Tm Raines
2018: Chipper Jones and Trevor Hoffman
2019: Mariano Rivera and Jim Thome
2020: Derek Jeter, Ivan Rodriguez, and Curt Schilling

181

Talk Zone / Re: 2016 HOF Class

« on: January 07, 2016, 10:00:55 am »

71.6.

15 votes shy

Bagwell was a big time winner this year.  Just a couple of weeks ago, many thought he'd never get voted in.   Now, it seems extremely likely that he'll get voted in.     I am looking forward to next year already. 

Bagwell has a +25 net vote change for returning voters.  For a 440 voter pool, that means only 5.7% of Bagwell's 15.9% increase this year is attributable to returning voters.  The rest is from the purge.   The voter purge really helped Bagwell and many others.     Good riddance.

182

Talk Zone / Re: 2016 HOF Class

« on: January 06, 2016, 01:40:08 pm »

Some Canadian sportswriter named Jeff B. just dropped Bagwell from his ballot after voting for him last year, the first to publicly announce that move.   

https://twitter.com/SNJeffBlair/status/684812802171768833

183

Talk Zone / Re: 2016 HOF Class

« on: January 06, 2016, 12:46:55 pm »

Bagwell is at 76.8% right now (149 of 194).  That's an estimated 43.1% of the vote accounted for.

Bagwell is 5-for-5 since this.    154 of 199 now (77.4%), with ~44.2% of the vote in.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CYDqgb4UEAAqoJA.png:large

ETA: Make that 7-for-7.   156 of 201 now (77.6%)  +26 vote pickups.

184

Talk Zone / Re: 2016 HOF Class

« on: January 06, 2016, 10:28:24 am »

Last year, Bagwell's non-public vote percentage was 12.1% lower than the public vote percentage.  If that happens again this year,

(76.8% x 43.1%) + (64.7% x 56.9%) = 69.9%

I think his public percentage will drop a little more though, so I'll predict a 1st-ballot-Biggio-esque 68.2% right now for Bagwell's final percentage, which would mean 2017 is possible, but 2018 is likely.

185

Talk Zone / Re: 2016 HOF Class

« on: January 06, 2016, 10:08:48 am »

Bagwell is at 76.8% right now (149 of 194).  That's an estimated 43.1% of the vote accounted for.

186

Talk Zone / Re: 2016 HOF Class

« on: January 06, 2016, 10:02:09 am »

Going through the @notmrthibs spreadsheet, so far, there has only been one person out of 82 with a full ballot who did not vote for Bagwell this year.  So, if he does not get in this year, it won't be because voters just ran out of room. 

Update on this.   Up to 5 voters who voted for 10 players and left Bagwell off.

Shi Davidi (including votes for Griffey and Trammell who won't be on next year's ballot)
Dan Graziano (Griffey, Trammell)
Kevin Kernan (Griffey, Piazza)
George Willis (Griffey, Piazza)
Anonymous (Griffey, Trammell)

187

Talk Zone / Re: 2016 HOF Class

« on: January 06, 2016, 09:46:14 am »

As expected, New England-based ESPN hits Bagwell harshly, with only 11 of 18 votes (61%), while giving Curt Schilling 13 of 18 votes (72%).  On the positive side, Bagwell received just 10 of these 18 votes last year, picking up Jim Caple's vote this year, Bagwell's 25th vote pick up.

http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/14491319/ken-griffey-jr-mike-piazza-tim-raines-elected-espn-2016-baseball-hall-fame-ballot

At least Pedro Gomez is consistent with his anti-Astros stance.

188

Talk Zone / Re: 2016 HOF Class

« on: January 06, 2016, 08:50:22 am »

Assuming Piazza makes it in, that means every single person, in at least the last quarter century, on a Hall of Fame ballot that received between 69.9% and 74.9% of the vote in the previous year's election has made it in that year.     So that's good news for Bagwell next year if he can somehow get in that range today.

Source:  https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CYC2Ho7UQAAfM2E.jpg:large

189

Talk Zone / Re: 2016 HOF Class

« on: January 06, 2016, 08:40:47 am »

Update before today's announcement, with an estimated 40.2% of the vote reporting ...

Bagwell was only listed on 10 of the 18 ballots (.556) released yesterday, but he did pick up 2 votes from last year in that group.  He's now picked up 24 changed votes compared to last year.

Piazza looks good to make it.

Griffey -- 100.0% (181 out of 181)
Piazza -- 86.2% (156 / 181)
Bagwell -- 77.3% (140 / 181)
Raines -- 76.2% (138 / 163)

190

Talk Zone / Re: 2016 HOF Class

« on: January 05, 2016, 02:00:23 pm »

Well, fuck the Chronicle.  Is this the same guy that came in the GZ in Game 4 to talk about the ALCS?

Jeff Bagwell to make the Hall of Fame, according to early projections


ETA:  He just changed the title of that piece to "Measuring Jeff Bagwell's odds to make the Baseball Hall of Fame".

191

Talk Zone / Re: 2016 HOF Class

« on: January 05, 2016, 01:57:32 pm »

Update before tomorrow's announcement, with 36.2% of the vote reporting ...

Griffey -- 100.0% (163 out of 163)
Piazza -- 86.5% (141 / 163)
Bagwell -- 79.8% (130 / 163)
Raines -- 78.5% (128 / 163)

Bagwell 3 for 3 today.  We must be playing the Giants.    Good to see him back above 80%.

Griffey -- 100.0% (166 out of 166)
Piazza -- 86.7% (144 / 163)
Bagwell -- 80.1% (133 / 166)
Raines -- 78.3% (130 / 163)

192

Talk Zone / Re: 2016 HOF Class

« on: January 05, 2016, 10:05:29 am »

Going through the @notmrthibs spreadsheet, so far, there has only been one person out of 82 with a full ballot who did not vote for Bagwell this year.  So, if he does not get in this year, it won't be because voters just ran out of room. 

Excellent point.  Good catch.    Especially when you consider that one person also left Piazza off his or her ballot. 

Most of Bagwell's backlog benefit happened this year.   Of the 22 votes Bagwell has picked up so far this year, 15 of those came from voters who voted for 10 players last year.    On a side note, 5 voters who voted for Bagwell in 2014, did not vote for him in 2015, but voted for him in 2016. 

Earlier in this thread we mentioned a writer who is on record as going to add Bagwell to his ballot next year.  Hopefully others will do the same, especially if Bagwell is close.   7 of the 22 vote pick-ups this year have been from voters with similar revelations and nothing to do with vote maximums. 

193

Talk Zone / Re: 2016 HOF Class

« on: January 05, 2016, 09:43:29 am »

Update before tomorrow's announcement, with 36.2% of the vote reporting ...

Griffey -- 100.0% (163 out of 163)
Piazza -- 86.5% (141 / 163)
Bagwell -- 79.8% (130 / 163)
Raines -- 78.5% (128 / 163)

194

Talk Zone / Re: 2016 HOF Class

« on: January 04, 2016, 03:28:39 pm »

Bagwell was left off of 5 of the 10 new ballots that MLB.com just released.   However, he picked up a net of 1 vote in that group over last year, his 21st vote pick-up.   

But Jeff is down to 79.5% (124 of 156) now.   

"TERENCE MOORE, columnist
Griffey, Hoffman, McGriff, Mike Piazza, Raines, Sheffield, Smith

My philosophy hasn't changed. I vote for the best players on the ballot without a clear-cut connection to performance-enhancing drugs."

"MARTY NOBLE, national reporter
Griffey, Kent
...
Kent is the Babe Ruth of second basemen. His run production dwarfs that of others at his position. If Kent was defensively deficient, his offense compensated. He loved the game, though his affection for it wasn't as evident as Junior's. But that affection does factor into Kent's candidacy, as does his unyielding style of play. He made himself an acceptable defender and a formidable force in the batter's box.

I almost cast votes for McGriff, Mussina and Wagner. More research and analysis, though, are necessary. And I can't fathom voting for 10 candidates. The Hall is for the elite, not the exceptional. "

195

Talk Zone / Re: 2016 HOF Class

« on: January 04, 2016, 02:14:21 pm »

ESPN's annual Hall of Famer voter release isn't coming until the day of the announcement this year.  Later than normal to see Pedro Gomez once again snub all Astros.

196

Talk Zone / Re: 2016 HOF Class

« on: January 04, 2016, 02:02:13 pm »

What makes you conclude that it's unlikely?

Based on historical trends of Bagwell having a high Private vs. Public differential and considering 2/3rds of the vote right now is Private.     His Private vote at this time would need to go up 23.6 points to 72% in order for Jeff to make it this year.

The vote may shock me, but I'd expect Bagwell to end up somewhere between 65-70%.    And if that happens, I think he'll get in sometime over the next four ballots.  There are about 1-2 Hall of Famers per year coming onto the ballots in those years, so nothing overwhelming the ballots.

With so many voters voting for 10 players, it makes rooting for others to make it to free up a spot very important.   Go Piazza.

197

Talk Zone / Re: 2016 HOF Class

« on: January 04, 2016, 12:35:56 pm »

Bagwell just picked up his 20th changed vote.    About a third of the vote is in with Bagwell at 81.5%

https://onedrive.live.com/view.aspx?resid=F2E5D8FC5199DFAF!7156&ithint=file%2cxlsx&app=Excel&authkey=!AC7uZHAmcVGWgwE

198

Talk Zone / Re: 2016 HOF Class

« on: January 04, 2016, 10:19:33 am »

Ballot #144 just came in, no Bagwell, citing not the Hall of Very Good.

http://www.clickondetroit.com/sports/rob-parker/rob-parkers-cooperstown-ballot-who-he-voted-for-and-why

199

Talk Zone / Re: 2016 HOF Class

« on: January 04, 2016, 10:09:12 am »

2 days left before the announcement.   Bagwell is at 81.8% (117 of 143), which is lower in the Public ballots than Biggio was in the year Biggio missed the mark by 2 votes.   So even though it's unlikely Bagwell makes it in this year, he should be above 65%, so that's promising.   I hope Piazza gets in this year, freeing up another ballot slot for next year.    I will also be interested in the non-public ballots this year, to see if Bagwell's numbers go up from last year's 48.4% at a similar rate to the Public ballots (60%-->81%).  Probably not, but it will be good to see some improvement there.

So far no one who publicly voted for Bagwell last year has dropped him from their ballot and 19 voters who publicly left Bagwell off last year have added him this year.

https://onedrive.live.com/view.aspx?resid=F2E5D8FC5199DFAF!7156&ithint=file%2cxlsx&app=Excel&authkey=!AC7uZHAmcVGWgwE

200

Talk Zone / Re: Let the Stove be Heated

« on: December 09, 2015, 11:48:17 pm »

I'm sure there will be hand wringing about this trade but I think it makes the 2016 opening day roster better. I'm ready for more of that.

Agreed.  Can't wait to see how he adjusts to the AL.  But a high strikeout pitcher who has only given up 3 HR in over 115 IP is a nice pickup.

201

Talk Zone / Re: Let the Stove be Heated

« on: December 09, 2015, 11:38:35 pm »

Is that the same Giles who was just 15 out of 20 on save opportunities last season?

3 of those blown saves came as a setup guy, so he was really 15 out of 17 in save opportunities. 

Side note ... both his blown saves as a closer came in the season's last two weeks against the Marlins, so in relatively meaningless games for both teams.  Hopefully he won't be pitching in too many of those next year.


ETA:  Reuben beat me to it.   My bad.

202

Talk Zone / Re: AL West Offseason, Version 2.0

« on: December 07, 2015, 01:51:05 pm »

Fuck the Sea Hags!!!

If I move my large family to Seattle, bumping them up to the #15 TV market and Houston down to the #16 market, will Luhnow leave some tickets for me at Safeco Field will call?

203

Talk Zone / Re: Let the Stove be Heated

« on: December 07, 2015, 01:45:05 pm »

you know more than I know. As for me, I will rely on Luhnow's judgment 100% of the time.

ETA: closer was not a "gaping hole" in the 2015 Astros.

Agree on closer.  The gaping hole I was referring to was the late inning bullpen as a group, that Luhnow has been trying to address for months.

204

Talk Zone / Re: Let the Stove be Heated

« on: December 07, 2015, 01:44:08 pm »

Dodgers #4 and #5 prospects are the #24 and #58 overall prospects.  That would be Bergman and Daz Cameron from the Astros.

#56 Kyle Tucker is closer to their #58 prospect than #53 Daz Cameron.   But still, your point is valid.   The Dodgers' 4th and 5th best prospects are better than most teams' 4th and 5th best prospects.

205

Talk Zone / Re: Let the Stove be Heated

« on: December 07, 2015, 01:32:31 pm »

I like Miller too, and agree Luhnow should not have overpaid for Chapman.

No one thinks that Luhnow should have overpaid for Chapman.  The real question is ... should Luhnow have given up the amount the Dodgers gave up in order to get Chapman. 

  "The two prospects have not yet been identified, but reports say it is not any of the Dodgers' top three prospects -- shortstop Corey Seager, left-hander Julio Urias or right-hander Jose De Leon."

That doesn't sound like overpaying to me, to get one of the best closers in baseball and solve a gaping hole in your team.

206

Talk Zone / Re: 2016 HOF Class

« on: December 07, 2015, 12:06:06 pm »

One of the 3 people who have left Bagwell off so far is Juan Vené:

Ryan Thibs ‏@NotMrTibbs Dec 6

Mr. Vené tells me that Jeff Bagwell will likely appear on his ballot next year. #BBHOFTracker"

207

Talk Zone / Re: 2016 HOF Class

« on: December 07, 2015, 11:20:01 am »

I'm afraid you're probably right.  I'm hoping enough writers switch their vote in order to avoid questions of hypocrisy when they vote in A-Rod and Ortiz, but ultimately I don't think they give a shit about such allegations.

So far Jeff has picked up a net of 5 votes this year with returning public voters.   

Ryan Thibs has his HOF ballot tracker up and running.

27 of 30 have him on so far (90%).  Replacing the returning public voters with their last year vote, Bags was at 22 of these same 30 voters (73%) last year.


So far, every single public voter that has voted for 10 players has voted for Bagwell.

208

Talk Zone / Re: West Palm Beach update

« on: November 11, 2015, 10:41:36 am »

It will become the closest Spring Training facility to the Miami metro area, so you'll likely get some attendance from there.   5 teams within easy driving distance is convenient too, for vacation planning.

Current ST Map:
http://www.bullpenbrian.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Grapefruit.png

209

Talk Zone / Re: 2016 HOF Class

« on: November 11, 2015, 10:36:03 am »

Will Bagwell ever get in the Hall of Fame?  Is he doomed to be like Jack Morris and get close but never quite there?   Several have pointed to the Veteran's Committee as an option, but they haven't voted in a  player since Maz in 2001.    The Golden Era Committee elected Santo in 2012, but Bagwell's era won't be Golden (retired 21 years) for a while.

Last year, Bagwell was 306/549 (55.7%).  And we have the change for this year now ...

the board made several other alterations to the balloting, including a change in eligibility that limited voters to BBWAA members who have actively covered baseball within the past 10 years. That reduced the number of ballots distributed from just fewer than 600 last year to 475 this year.

 I will be interested to see how this impacts Bagwell's votes.  If 90-95% of those 475 vote, then Bagwell will only need 321-339 votes to get to 75%.  Do you think the retired voters voted for Bagwell at a higher or lower rate that the 475 actives?   

210

Game Zone 2015 Archive / Re: ALDS Game 5: Astros @ Royals, October 14, 2015

« on: October 14, 2015, 09:28:58 pm »

Cueto is cruising now.

Praying for Wade Davis?

211

Game Zone 2015 Archive / Re: ALDS Game 5: Astros @ Royals, October 14, 2015

« on: October 14, 2015, 09:25:09 pm »

Good for Neshek.

Agreed.  He needed that.

212

Game Zone 2015 Archive / Re: ALDS Game 5: Astros @ Royals, October 14, 2015

« on: October 14, 2015, 09:17:26 pm »

This game reminds me so much of Game 7 of the 2004 NLCS.   Astros get off to an early 2-0 lead but fail to score again, give up half their lead in one inning, then 3 more runs in a middle inning, and lose in MIssouri.

I fully expect the Royals to get an insurance in the 8th to win even bigger.  Hell, the Astros never even got a hit in that game after 0 outs in the 4th, and brought in their best starter (Oswalt) in relief and he gave up insurance.

213

Game Zone 2015 Archive / Re: ALDS Game 5: Astros @ Royals, October 14, 2015

« on: October 14, 2015, 09:15:17 pm »

If the BBG exist at all then the FS1 commentary HAS to piss them off. Jesus....

Unfortunately the BBGs love the Royals and any sort of premature celebration by Royals fans is welcomed.

214

Game Zone 2015 Archive / Re: ALDS Game 5: Astros @ Royals, October 14, 2015

« on: October 14, 2015, 08:05:41 pm »

They corrected the stat.  Nice.

215

Game Zone 2015 Archive / Re: ALDS Game 5: Astros @ Royals, October 14, 2015

« on: October 14, 2015, 08:00:51 pm »

"Astros are 1-9 in postseason elimination games."

Uh, no.   Last week in New York and 2004 NLDS in Atlanta.

216

Talk Zone / Re: Dream help

« on: October 14, 2015, 10:39:28 am »

Last night, I dreamed someone impelled Prince Fielder with a bat. He was staggering wild eyed around the field like Fred Sanford with the handle of the bat coming out is back and the barrel sticking up towards the sky in the front. Any ideas what this means?

A dizzy bat race gone horribly wrong.

Side note, I did the dizzy bat at the Dell Diamond a decade ago.  Spun so fast around to give my pops a chance.  I fell over, and guess who helped me up?  A Nashville Sounds player named ... Prince Fielder.

217

Talk Zone / Re: On the Eve of the ALCS

« on: October 13, 2015, 02:51:54 pm »

On the Eve of the ALCS

On the Eve of the what now?

218

Game Zone 2015 Archive / Re: ALCS Game 4...Royals @ Astros, October 12, 2015

« on: October 12, 2015, 04:30:24 pm »

Time for Jim Crane to ofter up a bulldozer to Collin McHugh.

219

Game Zone 2015 Archive / Re: ALCS Game 4...Royals @ Astros, October 12, 2015

« on: October 12, 2015, 04:28:26 pm »

did you notice the date? October 12.

A day that will live in infamy. 

Too soon?

220

Game Zone 2015 Archive / Re: ALCS Game 4...Royals @ Astros, October 12, 2015

« on: October 12, 2015, 04:18:30 pm »

That sucked but they still have a chance to win this. let's don't lose sight of that.

Exactly.  The Astros have held 3+ run leads at some point in all 4 games of the series.   They can do it again.

221

Game Zone 2015 Archive / Re: ALCS Game 4...Royals @ Astros, October 12, 2015

« on: October 12, 2015, 04:17:00 pm »

Do other teams pull shit like this?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

That's 4 separate multiple run leads in the 8th inning or later in series clinching home games where they ended up losing the game.    That's got to be high on that list.

ETA: My bad.  1986 Game 6 wasn't a clinching.  Just felt that way with Mike Scott up for Game 7.

222

Game Zone 2015 Archive / Re: ALCS Game 4...Royals @ Astros, October 12, 2015

« on: October 12, 2015, 04:13:30 pm »

Surprisingly, this is not the first time the Astros have scored 3 runs in the Bottom of the 7th before giving up 5 runs in the Top of the 8th of a possible series clinching home playoff game.  They even gave up 2 runs in the top of the 2nd in that game too, before posting 5 scoreless frames before giving up 5 in the 8th and losing that one as well.

http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/HOU/HOU198010120.shtml

223

Talk Zone / Re: MMP Pennant for 1981 Astros Division Series team

« on: October 12, 2015, 01:52:25 pm »

Because that team didn't win a division or a wild card.  They actually finished in third place.  They were there by a fluke of a ridiculous proportions.

The Phillies also do not hoist a 1981 flag.  They were in a similar situation.

https://mlblogssteelcityballhawk.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/photo-17.jpg

They do list it on their postseason list though.
http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/phi/history/postseason_results.jsp

224

Talk Zone / Re: Parking Suggestions

« on: October 12, 2015, 10:42:26 am »

My office building (5 Houston Center, by Discovery Green) typically charges $18 per day (not sure if they have increased the rate or restricted access for the game). Its not a bad walk, I park there for every game I attend.

Do you just show your badge and park for free?

225

Talk Zone / MMP Pennant for 1981 Astros Division Series team

« on: October 12, 2015, 10:40:49 am »

The 1981 NLDS is considered to be a postseason series.  Why don't the Astros have a flag for the 1981 team at Minute Maid Park?   Perhaps when they add a flag for the 2015 postseason team, they can finally add a 1981 flag for symmetry. 

226

Talk Zone / Re: THIS is how you get on the bad side of the BBGs... thank you Royals!

« on: October 09, 2015, 11:23:06 am »

I hope they go with Wing Dings for Game 2. 

227

Talk Zone / Re: Umpires announced for Wild Card and Division Series

« on: October 09, 2015, 11:15:46 am »

Angel Hernandez was the 2nd base umpire that incorrectly called Jason Lane's 2005 World Series Game 3 shot off the wall a home run for Houston.  But besides that, I can't remember any of his controversial calls helping Houston.

228

Talk Zone / Re: 2nd ALDS game

« on: October 09, 2015, 11:12:29 am »

Intriguing. He may be hurting, because Hinch clearly said that the plan was to play him today.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

That plan was announced before Marisnick's great game 1.  Not sure if Jake's game made the decision easier for Hinch or not.

229

Talk Zone / Re: New skipper for Astros' arch rival

« on: October 09, 2015, 11:10:53 am »

He continues on his quest to manage all AL West teams besides Houston.

230

Talk Zone / Re: Streaming TBS / FS1

« on: October 08, 2015, 02:32:13 pm »

There's a mobile app (Fox Sports Go) and online streaming. I am taking a similar route to what you've offered and can at least get it on my phone. Will try to chromecast to a TV.

Used SlingTV for the wild card game on ESPN. Sort of painful, was as much as a half inning behind at various points. Used it again to watch TBS yesterday and it was much more timely.

For SlingTV, I've found using the WatchESPN app through your ROKU or whatever to be more reliable.  But as you say, it's still 60 seconds behind live, or about 1-2 pitches behind your Gametracker app on your Smartphone. 

I use that trick when giving my kids baths/helping them with homework.  If I see a good play is coming, I walk back to the TV to watch it.

231

Talk Zone / Re: Streaming TBS / FS1

« on: October 08, 2015, 02:17:06 pm »

I have a ROKU at home, no cable, and the equation of me + Astros playoff game + a bar was treacherous (and expensive) enough when I was ten years younger. Anybody know of any streaming solutions?

Cabrera was discussing this back in August

$20/month internet TV (SlingTV) will get you the AL Wild Card game (ESPN) and NL playoffs (TBS), but besides the rare FOX National game you can get with your HDTV receiver, you must go to Stream2Watch or pay $10 for MLB.tv to see them.


They won't even tell you what station the World Series is going to be on.  Since the Red Sox and Yankees are out, probably FS1.

232

Talk Zone / Re: Baseball Analyst Jessica Mendoza Makes History, Draws Sexist Backlash

« on: October 07, 2015, 04:19:59 pm »

I respectfully disagree.  There was some discussion about the Astros but it seemed more of "we have to talk about the other team."  I think a little bit of research on the team and they could have done a better job.  But, if the Yankees are their team then they should be better the rest of the playoffs since they won't be a homer for anyone else.

There were a couple times I felt they were disappointed the Yankees kept making outs.

233

Talk Zone / Re: Anyone else at Yankee Stadium???

« on: October 07, 2015, 12:54:33 pm »

Great picture:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CQr6zdPW8AAtvB1.jpg

234

Talk Zone / Re: Anyone else at Yankee Stadium???

« on: October 07, 2015, 12:38:49 pm »

Who's Pettite?

The Pettite jerseys are much cheaper than the Pettitte ones.

235

Talk Zone / Re: The 25-man playoff roster

« on: October 07, 2015, 12:34:03 pm »

Yep.  McHugh in Game 1 and 5 if necessary and Keuchel in Game 3.     Who knows for Games 2 and 4.     McCullers gets one them though.

If it's not Kazmir in Game 2, then Kazmir likely won't be on the ALDS roster.  Kazmir went 1-0 with a 1.26 ERA over 14.1 IP in two starts in KC this year.  But those starts seem like a year ago though.

236

Talk Zone / Re: Anyone else at Yankee Stadium???

« on: October 07, 2015, 12:24:26 pm »

I'm in section 417 in the Pettite jersey!

Love that we had some Stros fans in attendance.  Well done.

237

Talk Zone / Re: Tomorrow's game

« on: October 06, 2015, 01:54:59 pm »

Brian McTaggart: Astros' Core Four ready for postseason debut

They're the Astros' version of the Core Four -- the great Yankees nucleus of Derek Jeter, Jorge Posada, Andy Pettitte and Mariano Rivera that won four World Series titles in five years.

So naturally, the Astros' Core Four are Marwin Gonzalez, Jason Castro, ....   wait, what?

238

Talk Zone / Re: A night of bad calls

« on: October 06, 2015, 10:59:23 am »

Is an appeal always necessary.  Can an umpire just rule that the runner from third didn't tag and the run therefore does not count?

Rule 7.10 implies the runner is only called out on appeal.

7.10
Any runner shall be called out, on appeal, when --

239

Talk Zone / Re: A night of bad calls

« on: October 06, 2015, 10:52:22 am »

Your situation is basically within the MLB rules as an example.  However, the question unanswered by your description of the play is if your runner from 3B tagged - as noted in the example?  If he didn't, I'm not really sure how the other team would appeal that play as there are already 3 outs.

Example: A missed fourth out

On April 12, 2009, in a game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Dodgers scored a run because the Diamondbacks failed to record a fourth out. There were runners on second and third with one out when the batter hit a line drive back to the pitcher. The runner on third scored without tagging up before the runner at second was tagged out. The Diamondbacks left the field, thinking that the inning was over and the run did not count. However, tagging the runner at second, who failed to tag up, was not a force out so the run was not canceled. After all the defensive players had left fair territory, Dodgers manager Joe Torre talked to the umpire and claimed the run. There were no Arizona players left on the field, so nobody could tag third base and appeal that the runner had not tagged up. If they had made the appeal before leaving the field, it would have become the actual third out and the run would not have scored.[2]

So that's what the other team should have done.  Thrown to 3rd to get a 4th out, superseding the 3rd out.

240

Talk Zone / Re: A night of bad calls

« on: October 06, 2015, 10:39:37 am »

His counter is "the ball is over the fence; home run". 

Did he think the ball went over the fence on the fly, or did he think it bounced over?

Sorry about those 2 calls.  Perhaps you can file a formal protest to get the game replayed from the point of the first bad call since the umpire acknowledged the situation but didn't know the rule.

241

Talk Zone / Re: The 25-man playoff roster

« on: October 05, 2015, 05:00:04 pm »

Battle of bullpens: http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/the-al-wild-card-game-should-be-a-bullpen-affair/

"Chad Qualls, and Pat Neshek were used very lightly on Sunday, and should be ready to pitch multiple innings if need be. "

chuck sort of mentioned it, but hell to the no on this happening.

242

Talk Zone / Re: Tomorrow's game

« on: October 05, 2015, 04:46:02 pm »

Man I hope the Astros win tomorrow and get a chance to eliminate Texas.

http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/eye-on-baseball/25328215/look-rangers-mock-astros-after-clinching-al-west-on-sunday

243

Talk Zone / Re: The 25-man playoff roster

« on: October 05, 2015, 10:56:27 am »

Here are the Astros stats vs. Tanaka. Small sample, and it almost is all from a road game for Tanaka, but still, nice.

I think we'll see something like (OPS vs. Tanaka):

1. Altuve 2B (1.667)
2. Springer RF (2.000)
3. Correa SS (2.333)
4. Gattis DH (0.000)
5. Gomez CF (2.500)
6. Rasmus LF (0.000)
7. Carter 1B (4.000)
8. Valbuena 3B (0.889)
9. Castro C (0.000)

244

Talk Zone / Re: Altuve making another run at 200 hits

« on: October 05, 2015, 10:52:41 am »

What a stud.  Clutch hit that Miguel Tejada couldn't get in a similar tough situation.  Finishes the season with a 4.5 WAR and 830 career hits. 

Congrats to Altuve. 

245

Game Zone 2015 Archive / Re: Astros v. Mariners, September 30, 2015

« on: October 01, 2015, 05:09:21 pm »

I wonder when was the last time a player went 11+ triples and 27+ homers in the same season.  I thought for sure Curtis Granderson would have done it, but he hasn't.

ETA:  It was 2007 Jimmy Rollins, with 20 triples and 30 homers.  Grady Sizemore went 11 and 28 in 2006 and Nomar went 13 and 28 in 2003.  Gattis is only the 4th person this century to do that.

246

Talk Zone / Re: Destiny

« on: October 01, 2015, 02:53:39 pm »

The pot of gold would be an Astros sweep and an Angels sweep.  That would guarantee a post season spot for the Astros, put the division deciding game at home, and send the Rangers packing.

Exactly.  I feel like I'm playing a emotional game of Skeeball.  That pot of gold 100 point target is so enticing to go for, but the penalty for just missing it could be large.  Should I go conservative and stay up the middle and just root against the Angels?

I think I'm going for the 100 point target.

247

Talk Zone / Re: Destiny

« on: October 01, 2015, 02:25:17 pm »

Story

“Our general policy is that if the games are meaningful,’’ MLB vice president Pat Courtney said, “all 162 games have to be played. We will continue to monitor this situation over the last four days of the season.’’

The big question is whether “meaningful’’ translates into home-field advantage.

So, presently there is no answer to that question.

Great find Bench.  Thank you.

If somehow the BBGs could find it in their hearts to delay the Wild Card game one day so Keuchel could go on normal rest ....

248

Talk Zone / Re: Destiny

« on: October 01, 2015, 02:13:52 pm »

On a side note, in the race for the #1 seed in the AL and the right to play the Wild Card game winner, the Blue Jays lead the Royals by 1 game and have the tiebreaker over the Royals.   The Blue Jays' game has been in a multi-hour delay.  They may call it. 

HH or someone else, would the Blue Jays make up this Orioles game Monday if they finish 1/2 game behind the Royals for the 1 seed?   My first blush is that Monday rain-out make ups are in place if major playoff placement is at stake (out of playoffs/in playoffs, or Wild Card/Division champ), and not something as small as Division Champion seeding when tie breakers are used instead of games.

If they will not make it up, then a rain out today is the same as a loss for the Blue Jays, since their tiebreaker advantage will be useless.

249

Talk Zone / Re: Destiny

« on: October 01, 2015, 11:38:16 am »

2-1 does not guarantee them into the "play in" games.  It guarantees them a tie to get into the play in games, which would require another win.

Yep.  There was some confusion as to what Biz meant by "play-in" game.  Some anecdotally refer to the Wild Card game as the "play-in" game to the "real" playoffs which start in the LDS round.  Sort of like how people call the First Four Round 1 of the NCAA basketball tournament the "play-in" games.

I took "play-in" game to mean the "which would require another win" part of your reply.

Regardless, 2-1 means more baseball for Houston.

250

Talk Zone / Re: Destiny

« on: October 01, 2015, 11:25:56 am »

Sorry, yes, the table excludes the Twins.

This website plays out all the scenarios, but doesn't have a nice table like yours though.

http://www.sportsclubstats.com/MLB/American/ALWestern/Astros.html

251

Talk Zone / Re: Destiny

« on: October 01, 2015, 11:16:44 am »

I'm still hoping the Yankees continue to throw up on themselves.  They haven't locked up that 1st wild card yet.  It will get interesting if they lose two more times by the time the Astros are just getting started Friday.

252

Talk Zone / Re: Destiny

« on: October 01, 2015, 11:03:23 am »

Doesn't that table suggest 2-1 guarantees a spot in the playoffs (or at least in play-in games)?

No to the playoffs part, yes to the "at least in play-in games" part.

253

Talk Zone / Re: Destiny

« on: October 01, 2015, 11:02:09 am »

2-1 does not guarantee a post season spot, regardless of what the table says.

True, but 2-1 will guarantee that Sunday is not the Astros' final game this year.

254

Talk Zone / Re: Destiny

« on: September 30, 2015, 01:12:14 pm »

It was therapeutic, although my wife was suspicious as to why I was up until 5 a.m.

What are you wearing, "Jake from State Farm"?

255

Talk Zone / Re: Destiny

« on: September 30, 2015, 11:35:38 am »

Thanks.   Just win tonight.  I hate losses before off days.  They've happened a lot this year.

And one thing in the Astros favor is the start times of the Saturday games.  Angels/Rangers and Royals/Twins both start at 12:05pm central, and the Astros don't play until 7:10pm central. 

So Houston will have that information.  If McHugh goes Friday, and for some reason by first pitch on Saturday Houston only needs to win one more game to clinch the Wild Card, I could see Hinch gambling and pitching McCullers on normal rest on Saturday, with the goal of keeping Keuchel for the Yankees on Tuesday or pitching him on Sunday if necessary.

Of course, the odds of the Astros "Magic Number" to clinch the 2nd wild card dropping to 1 before the Saturday Astros/D-Backs game is low.  It's 6 right now over the Angels and 5 over the Twins.    So Houston would need to win their next 2 and the Angels drop 3 of their next 4 to drop it to that point.

256

Game Zone 2015 Archive / Re: Astros @ Sea Hags September 29, 2015

« on: September 30, 2015, 08:49:34 am »

The Astros basically have to win out and hope for Rangers wins to have any hope at the wild card.  They have no realistic shot at the division anymore.

Yep.  I rolled my eyes last week when Matt Thomas started begging some Angels coach he was interviewing to "beat the Rangers for us".   What an idiot.  So disrespectful to the Angels.   The BBGs were all over that one.

257

Game Zone 2015 Archive / Re: Astros @ Sea Hags September 29, 2015

« on: September 30, 2015, 12:21:37 am »

Well tonight sucked.  Hope for better tomorrow.

258

Game Zone 2015 Archive / Re: Astros @ Sea Hags September 29, 2015

« on: September 30, 2015, 12:19:24 am »

Altuve has looked atrocious in Seattle so far. Horrible approaches.

259

Game Zone 2015 Archive / Re: Astros @ Sea Hags September 29, 2015

« on: September 30, 2015, 12:11:58 am »

Perez gives up the little flair single, and he's on the hook for the loss.

That's 8th inning Pat Neshek for you.   

260

Talk Zone / Re: The Hanging Gardens of Babylon, brought to you by Hammurabi and DraftKings.com

« on: September 29, 2015, 01:45:18 pm »

Either way, as soon as I see someone in front of me in line get out their checkbook, I start looking around for another line.

Yep. Express Lanes should mean Pay by Credit Card.   I'd much rather get behind someone with 30 items but paying by card than someone with 5 items and paying be check.

261

Game Zone 2015 Archive / Re: Halos/Astros 9/23/15

« on: September 23, 2015, 05:09:52 pm »

19-29 in 1-run games, including 0-8 since the Dodgers series.

262

Game Zone 2015 Archive / Re: Halos/Astros 9/23/15

« on: September 23, 2015, 04:40:38 pm »

ERA nearly 8 in Sept

The Astros have headed to the top of the 8th with the lead 5 times in the first 6 games of this homestand.  2 Blown Saves for Neshek (after having only 1 all year previously).

263

Game Zone 2015 Archive / Re: Halos/Astros 9/23/15

« on: September 23, 2015, 04:10:20 pm »

Also saw the Rangers moved Hamels from Friday to tomorrow.

They get an extra start for him because of it.  Smart move.  I couldn't believe they hadn't announced that sooner.

264

Game Zone 2015 Archive / Re: Halos/Astros 9/23/15

« on: September 23, 2015, 04:07:27 pm »

Just saw this ..

Alden Gonzalez retweeted
Greg Johns ‏@GregJohnsMLB 8m8 minutes ago

McClendon says Felix will start Saturday in Anaheim, not Friday. Friday's starter still undecided (presumably either Nuno or Walker).

That means Felix will miss the Astros Mon-Wednesday.   He was originally penciled in as the Wednesday starter.

265

Talk Zone / Re: Timely hitting

« on: September 23, 2015, 03:12:44 pm »

Correa might be running less because the league has realized he's a sneaky basestealer when given the opportunity.

They got him this time.

266

Game Zone 2015 Archive / Re: Halos/Astros 9/23/15

« on: September 23, 2015, 03:11:29 pm »

Correa bounces to 3b, Altuve scores, Springer forced at 2b, Correa safe at 1b.

According to FanGraphs, the Astros win chances went down with that result.  A little surprising.

267

Game Zone 2015 Archive / Re: Halos/Astros 9/23/15

« on: September 23, 2015, 03:04:35 pm »

A pulse! A pulse! My god, we got a pulse!

268

Game Zone 2015 Archive / Re: Halos/Astros 9/23/15

« on: September 23, 2015, 02:42:33 pm »

Trop is mowing down the Astros on this 2nd time through.  6 up, 6 down.

269

Game Zone 2015 Archive / Re: Halos/Astros 9/23/15

« on: September 23, 2015, 02:11:19 pm »

Jose Altuve hasn't had a big hit in a while.

270

Game Zone 2015 Archive / Re: Halos/Astros 9/23/15

« on: September 23, 2015, 01:38:09 pm »

More 1st inning damage for the Angels.    Fuck.

271

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Fresno 2015

« on: September 23, 2015, 10:36:51 am »

Congrats to Fresno.  Great season.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triple-A_Baseball_National_Championship_Game

272

Talk Zone / Re: Timely hitting

« on: September 23, 2015, 10:29:41 am »

Last night was our season in microcosm. Chance after chance, and the hitters do not deliver. With two on and no out, Correa pops up. With two out and nobody on, he doubles off the wall. Altuve and Springer go out meekly in the 9th. Gattis has good swings and bad luck on the mistake pitch, but whiffs.

Argh, baseball! Gotta have this one tonight.

I posted this in another thread, but it belongs here, so I'll move it. 

The Astros had a whopping 19 plate appearances last night with the tying run on base.  The Astros were 1 for 15 with 4  walks and 0 RBI in those opportunities.

So frustrating.

273

Talk Zone / Re: Altuve making another run at 200 hits

« on: September 22, 2015, 03:01:48 pm »

I said a pursuit of 200 hits is not important. this is a team game, and that goal is very individual. If he gets them, great, but often a hit is not all that will accomplish a team goal. I do not think it is odd at all. I do not know if there is a situational hitter on the Astros. certainly not those two.

if you do not understand what I am saying, it is a problem with my articulation. I did not say always or never. he is a good player, of course, but I think he lacks baseball IQ.

ETA: I am not writing as a "fan of the player." I am writing as a coach who wants to win games in any possible way. sometime the game calls for a bunt or a grounder to SS or a grounder to the right side or a fly ball or a walk. none of those things advances the goal of 200 hits, but they help win games. a player who pursues a hit in every AB regardless what the situation calls for hurts the team in those ABs, I think.

Relating this to Biggio.  In 1999, he was on pace to tie/surpass the all-time single season doubles mark (Earl Webb, 67 doubles in 1931).  Bidge ultimately finished with 56 doubles.  IIRC, during that stretch Jayson Stark declared it as the last possible attempt to break the record as the Astrodome was a great doubles park that was going away (ignore the fact that Helton hit 59 doubles the very next season).   Anyway, I vividly remember seeing Biggio pull up at 2nd on hits into the right field corner a couple times that in my opinion were easy triples for him and his late 90's speed.  It was then that I realized just how much stats meant to him.   I also remember in 2006 and 2007, when Biggio was focused on 3,000 hits, he suddenly got HBP less.   HBP was a strategy he didn't intentionally employ those last few years as his stat goal changed.   Side note: here is a beautiful example of the Bidge HBP strategy.  A pitch that was being framed for a strike, and he gets to take first base.

Some players are aware of stats and milestones.  If a player needs a triple for a cycle, he knows it.  I'm not sure if Altuve is one of those players.  I don't think he's as stat crazy as Bidge though.

274

Talk Zone / Re: Altuve making another run at 200 hits

« on: September 21, 2015, 09:45:38 pm »

Up to 185 hits now.   Will Altuve get 15 hits in the final 11 games?  Possible.   He has 16 hits in his last 11 games, including 7 road games and 4 home games.

On a side note, not that it was going to happen, but Altuve won't be winning the batting title this year even if Cabrera gets injured tomorrow and falls short of the 501 PA needed to win the title without having your batting average lowered with extra ABs to get to 501.  Cabrera is only 18 PA short of 501, so his average would only drop to .323 from .337.

Altuve is at .314 and unlikely to get to .323 even in that hypothetical.

275

Talk Zone / Re: Most important game of the year tonight, and...

« on: September 17, 2015, 11:30:08 am »

There's a fine line between optimism and taunting the baseball gods. 

276

Game Zone 2015 Archive / Re: Astros @ Rangers, September 14, 2015

« on: September 14, 2015, 09:28:19 pm »

Let's go Stros.

277

Talk Zone / Re: Thursday Pitcher?

« on: September 14, 2015, 01:58:08 pm »

Any word on whether or not Gomez will be available tonight?

Nothing certain, but ...

Brian McTaggart ⚾️ ‏@brianmctaggart 17h17 hours ago
Gomez likely to miss start of Rangers series

http://m.astros.mlb.com/news/article/149100788

278

Talk Zone / Re: Thursday Pitcher?

« on: September 14, 2015, 01:46:11 pm »

Lewis is something like 9-0 against the Astros, and he's pitching well, so for sure he'll pitch.

What I am more interested in is whether Hamels will pitch Monday-Saturday-Thursday-Tuesday-Sunday and miss the series in Houston between the Thursday and Tuesday, or go Monday-Saturday-Friday-Wednesday to pitch on Friday in Houston, but cost himself one start in the regular season.  Currently, ESPN lists the Rangers and electing to have Hamels lose out on his 5th start in order to pitch in Houston.

279

Talk Zone / Re: Astros Fan Forum 9/21

« on: September 14, 2015, 01:44:59 pm »

Please get the Astros on Time Warner Cable, so a huge number of potential Astros fans along I-35 can not end up being Rangers fans.

Of all the gnashing of teeth, the I-35 cable TV markets are rarely mentioned as being left out.  Just DISH Network usually, which is a valid problem.

280

Talk Zone / Re: Astros Trivia

« on: September 14, 2015, 10:25:11 am »

9/23/04 @ SF Giants

Actually saw someone post the similarities on another website earlier this morning.  So my brain is not really that great.

Bingo.    Lots of correlations between 2004 and 2015 on this thread.

Video:   www.astrosdaily.com/video/2004Sep23_SeasonSaver.mpeg

281

Talk Zone / Re: Astros Trivia

« on: September 13, 2015, 06:20:23 pm »

Who can identify when this happened to our Astros concerning a "season saver" type victory.

1. The Astros drop the first two games in a key September series in California.
2. The Astros get down 3-0 in the 3rd game.
3. Two batters before the key Houston home run,  an Astro hits a single to center
4. One batter before the key Houston home run, an Astro reaches base on an infield single
5. Trailing 3-2, an Astro hits a huge 3-run home run to right field.
6.  Overall, the Astros score 5 runs in the top of the 9th, and win the huge road game on the way out of town.

282

Game Zone 2015 Archive / Re: Good Guys @ Fucking Angels September 13, 2015

« on: September 13, 2015, 06:04:16 pm »

FanGraphs had the Angels with a 99.7% chance to win after the first two Astros in the 9th made outs.   99.7.   BBGs were all like ... never tell us the odds.

283

Talk Zone / Re: Road Woes

« on: September 13, 2015, 11:50:32 am »

Astros Last year vs. this year. 

2014: started 11-26, then went 56-57
2015: started 18-7, then went 58-59

For over 2/3rds of each system, these teams are very similar.

284

Talk Zone / Re: Altuve making another run at 200 hits

« on: September 07, 2015, 02:24:37 am »

Another nice game for Altuve.  Just 3 away from 800 career hits already.  He may not get to 200 hits this year, especially if he gets a day or two off, but still, this tear he's been on (over .350 since the break) has been impressive.

He needs 33 hits in the team's last 25 games to get to 200 (1.32 hpg).   So far this season Altuve has 1.29 hpg, so really close.

285

Talk Zone / Re: Former Astros news

« on: September 07, 2015, 02:16:10 am »

Brian Bogusevic has made it back to the majors, for the first time since his Cubs stint in 2013. This time he's on the Phillies - he hit .296/.359/.424 for their AAA team.

I'll never forget that walk-off Grand Slam he hit off Marmol.

My memory could be off, but I think that was the first Astros walk-off grand slam since Gregg Zaun.

286

Talk Zone / Re: Castro on 15-Day DL

« on: September 07, 2015, 02:08:29 am »

Consider. The. Source. ESPN? Really? There is no fucking way that Keuchel misses the stRangers in Arlington.

ESPN has corrected their rotation, completely removing Feldman.  So now, instead of Keuchel going the day after the Rangers series, ESPN has him going in Game 3 of that series.  That also means Keuchel in slated to pitch in each of the 4 remaining Angels and Rangers series.  Dallas will pitch on every 5th day a couple times, skipping in front of McCullers this first time, despite already leading the league in Innings Pitched.   Pennant Races are fun.

287

Talk Zone / Re: Castro on 15-Day DL

« on: September 04, 2015, 11:49:09 am »

I lost our injury thread, but the MRI on Feldman said he had some inflammation in his shoulder and he got a shot. Likely to miss a start then be right back in the mix.

Bringing Feldman back likely means Keuchel misses the 4-game set in Arlington.  That's how ESPN sees it at least.  We'll see. 

288

Talk Zone / Re: Between 7 and 14 games over since when?

« on: September 02, 2015, 11:41:49 am »

Will you shut the fuck up about it now?

Definitely.  My bad indeed.  My attempts to end the "no-hitter" by bringing it up did not work with the BBGs.  I'll let this die now.

289

Talk Zone / Re: Baseball Gods

« on: September 02, 2015, 11:24:33 am »

I will offer a burnt sacrifice of my Mitch Meluskey baseball card.

290

Talk Zone / Re: Former Astros news

« on: September 01, 2015, 11:19:38 pm »

Brett Wallace having another huge impact off the bench in helping the Padres hang tough in this game against the Rangers.  Has his batting average up to .373 now, with a 1.066 OPS.

http://espn.go.com/mlb/boxscore?gameId=350901125

291

Game Zone 2015 Archive / Re: Sea Shits @ Astros September 1, 2015

« on: September 01, 2015, 11:16:02 pm »

Games like this will be the ones that we'll look back on and cringe if this team doesn't make the playoffs.

Or if the team misses out on home field in the ALDS by one game.

292

Talk Zone / Re: Between 7 and 14 games over since when?

« on: September 01, 2015, 10:51:25 pm »

The Astros fall to 0-for-6 as a 14 game over .500 team.

293

Game Zone 2015 Archive / Re: Sea Shits @ Astros September 1, 2015

« on: September 01, 2015, 10:43:04 pm »

They didn't just burn the catcher, they burned Marisnick for some spinning-top bullshit from Valbuena.

Can't believe Hinch removed the red-hot Marisnick for all-or-nothing and usually nothing Valbuena. 

294

Talk Zone / Re: September callups

« on: September 01, 2015, 10:37:01 pm »

Everyone is assuming White can hit at the major league level.  I'm as big a bus driver as their is, but even I am not going to assume that about anyone.

I think they are assuming he can hit at least a little better than Chris Carter. 

295

Talk Zone / Re: Altuve making another run at 200 hits

« on: September 01, 2015, 04:23:10 pm »

Per McTaggart/Berman, when asked if he will catch Miguel Cabrera in batting average, Altuve smiled and replied "I don't think he's going to catch us in wins."

ETA:  And if ever there was a clear example of the difference between someone who is a professional writer and someone who isn't, it's these two tweets:

Jose Altuve asked if he's going to catch Miguel Cabrera in batting average race:"I don't think he's going 2catch us n wins," he said smiling

Altuve when asked if he'll catch Miggy in batting average: "I don't think he's going to catch us in wins." He smiled.

Who the fuck asked Jose Altuve if he's going to catch a guy 42 points above him in a batting race in September?    I would have punched him in the face.    He deserved a snarky response.     What, is a franchise-tying 45 hit month not good enough for you?

Whoever it was better have had a tongue-in-cheek relationship with Altuve.

296

Talk Zone / Re: September callups

« on: September 01, 2015, 04:18:06 pm »

Tucker tomorrow most likely.

297

Talk Zone / Re: Between 7 and 14 games over since when?

« on: September 01, 2015, 12:00:15 pm »

Tonight is the night the pattern is broken. In Scotty F. we trust!

125 days now.  Over 4 months. 

This is the 12th time the Astros have played a game at either 7 or 14 games over .500.  In all the previous 11, they stayed within the range.

This is the 6th time to try at 15 games over .500. 

298

Talk Zone / Re: Former Astros news

« on: September 01, 2015, 12:05:39 am »

Brown Skirts anoint Brett Wallace.

In 55 plate appearances with the Padres, Wallace has quietly put up a .347/.418/.612.    He had an RBI double against the Rangers tonight.

299

Talk Zone / Re: Altuve making another run at 200 hits

« on: August 31, 2015, 11:27:49 pm »

45 hits this month, ties his all-time mark which he set in May 2014.    Is that the franchise record for hits in a month?

300

Talk Zone / Re: MLB removing Shoeless Joe from the ineligible list

« on: August 31, 2015, 08:57:07 pm »

One more person to take one of the 10 precious member votes away from Jeff Bagwell's candidacy. 

301

Talk Zone / Re: Lineup when Springer returns?

« on: August 31, 2015, 10:36:11 am »

Anyone have info on why George Springer didn't play yesterday? 

http://www.milb.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=t482&t=g_box&gid=2015_08_30_sanaax_coraax_1

302

Talk Zone / Re: Altuve making another run at 200 hits

« on: August 31, 2015, 10:25:19 am »

Altuve has 143 hits now, so he needs 57 hits in the team's final 41 games.    In the last 41 team games, Altuve has 59 hits, playing in all 41 (he's played in 50 straight since his return from injury in June).

Update: He needed 1.39 hits per game (hpg) over the last 41.  In 10 games since, he's knocked out 15 hits (1.50 hpg).   He needs 42 hits in the team's last 31 games now (1.35 hpg). 

303

Game Zone 2015 Archive / Re: Astros @ Yankmees August 26, 2015

« on: August 27, 2015, 12:01:53 pm »

Fuck Sam Holbrook.

He has no fucking clue where the bottom of the strikezone is, and the fact he tossed Rasmus for taking two terrible pitches that weren't strikes and now is bending Neshek over just proves it even more.

If it weren't for Holbrook correctly seeing and calling Brad Ausmus' game tying home run in the 9th inning of Game 4 of the 2005 NLDS, I'd hate him more.

304

Talk Zone / Re: Between 7 and 14 games over since when?

« on: August 27, 2015, 11:01:37 am »

71-57.  Back to 14 games over.

This is the 4th time at 14 games over .500.  The time between the instances:  28 games, 24 games, and now 22 games.  A little quicker rebound this time. 

Tomorrow will mark 121 consecutive days inside the small 7-14 games over window.  I can't wait for tomorrow night.    Hopefully they'll bust into a new high water mark.

305

Game Zone 2015 Archive / Re: Astros @ Yankmees August 26, 2015

« on: August 26, 2015, 03:43:42 pm »

Brown said this team is the first AL team since the '74 Orioles to allow 2 runs or fewer in nine consecutive games. Wow.

Wow indeed.

306

Game Zone 2015 Archive / Re: Astros @ Yankmees August 26, 2015

« on: August 26, 2015, 03:40:08 pm »

I thought they said on radio that that's the first road series win since April.  Is that right?

They swept a 2-game set in Colorado in June.  Before that, San Diego.

307

Game Zone 2015 Archive / Re: Astros @ Yankmees August 26, 2015

« on: August 26, 2015, 03:38:38 pm »

sweet, a road series win!

First one (3+ games) since late April in San Diego.

308

Game Zone 2015 Archive / Re: Astros @ Yankmees August 26, 2015

« on: August 26, 2015, 03:37:12 pm »

Way too early, but with 34 games to go, the Magic Number to clinch the division just dropped to 32, with a chance to drop another spot if the Rangers lose to Toronto tonight.

309

Game Zone 2015 Archive / Re: Astros @ Yankmees August 26, 2015

« on: August 26, 2015, 03:19:48 pm »

Mark--If you had to save one umpire in order to save your life, which one would you save?

One of the ones that I don't know their name.

310

Game Zone 2015 Archive / Re: Astros @ Yankmees August 26, 2015

« on: August 26, 2015, 03:15:18 pm »

Phew.  to the 9th.

311

Game Zone 2015 Archive / Re: Astros @ Yankmees August 26, 2015

« on: August 26, 2015, 03:09:19 pm »

B8
Beltran walks
Sipp gone, Nesheck in to face A-wad.

Neshek putting out the fire.

312

Game Zone 2015 Archive / Re: Astros @ Yankmees August 26, 2015

« on: August 26, 2015, 03:00:30 pm »

Hope this series is a confidence-builder for the club on the road.

Going into today, this Astros @ Yankees series was reminding me of the Astros @ Yankees series of 2003.  A close Astros loss, followed by an awesome Astros win that was embarrassing for the Yankees (the 6-man no-hitter in 2003, 15-1 in 2015).  Except in 2003, the Yankees came back and won Game 3 to win the series.   That series in 2003 was always a microcosm of the entire season to me.  So much talent, but not good enough to make it.   That Yankees team went to the World Series, and the Astros missed the playoffs.

The 3rd game means so much.  Astros winning 6-2.

P.S. A moment to remember that the 3rd game in 2003 was started by the late Jeriome Robertson, who you might remember died in a motorcycle accident in 2010.   Jeriome Robertson is famous for winning 15 games as a rookie for Houston in 2003, and being traded for Luke Scott before the 2004 season.

313

Game Zone 2015 Archive / Re: Astros @ Yankmees August 26, 2015

« on: August 26, 2015, 02:55:52 pm »

Huge homerun by Gattis to increase the lead.  Kill yankee momentum

With 22 home runs, that ties his career high for a season.
Of course with 21 home runs, he was tied with his career low for a season.

314

Game Zone 2015 Archive / Re: Astros @ Yankmees August 26, 2015

« on: August 26, 2015, 02:19:53 pm »

Not sure is people people are just making fun of JimR's thread topic at this point or if really no one can spell his name correctly.

That would be a serendipitous misspelling.

315

Game Zone 2015 Archive / Re: Astros @ Yankmees August 26, 2015

« on: August 26, 2015, 02:13:28 pm »

T6:
Gomez steals 2B

Still 5-0

Giardia shakes head.

316

Talk Zone / Re: Fuck Giardi

« on: August 26, 2015, 01:57:35 pm »

Rasmus just argued balls and strikes after the Astros took a 5-0 lead.  Girardi just released a statement about that unwritten rules violation and how Rasmus is not playing the game the right way. 

317

Talk Zone / Re: Fuck Giardi

« on: August 26, 2015, 01:56:21 pm »

Did he ever touch home plate?

Did Chris Chambliss?

318

Game Zone 2015 Archive / Re: Astros @ Yankmees August 26, 2015

« on: August 26, 2015, 12:12:15 pm »

Attaboy Altuve.  Nice start.

319

Game Zone 2015 Archive / Re: Astros @ Yankmees August 26, 2015

« on: August 26, 2015, 12:10:22 pm »

Marwin started in LF last night.  Marisnick only entered in the 7th inning.

OK.  I thought you were looking for instances where they've had Rasmus in RF and Marisnick in LF.  So just one start then.

320

Talk Zone / Re: Fuck Giardi

« on: August 26, 2015, 11:59:11 am »

And I'm sure McCann is till pissed about Gomez rolling the ball to the catcher in time gunning him at the plate on Monday.

The best part of that play was Hank Conger pointing out to Gomez after the play, like it was some great throw. 

321

Game Zone 2015 Archive / Re: Astros @ Yankmees August 26, 2015

« on: August 26, 2015, 11:33:21 am »

Is this the first time they've had Rasmus in RF and Marisnick in LF?  I don't remember if they've played it this way before ....

It happened yesterday: http://espn.go.com/mlb/boxscore?gameId=350825110

And earlier this month:  http://espn.go.com/mlb/boxscore?gameId=350805113

322

Game Zone 2015 Archive / Re: Astros @ Yankmees August 26, 2015

« on: August 26, 2015, 11:31:51 am »

Didn't they mention on the broadcast last night that Hinch was talking about getting him some rest?

Day before an off day.  Hinch did this same thing with Correa earlier in the year, before the series in Boston IIRC.  He destroyed the Red Sox.

323

Talk Zone / Re: Bullpen

« on: August 26, 2015, 01:54:40 am »

Great article.  One nit to pick ...

"Those moves made the biggest headlines, but the waiver claim of Harris from the Diamondbacks Nov. 3 proved the biggest coup. The Astros had waiver priority over every team but the Rangers after finishing with the second-worst record in the majors. "

I'm not sure what he is talking about there.  The Astros finished with the t-4th worst record.   Even if you ignore the second-worst thing, and you take into account one of the teams worse than them was the Diamondbacks, there still is Colorado out there that had waiver priority over the Astros.

324

Game Zone 2015 Archive / Re: Astros @ Yankmees August 24, 2015

« on: August 24, 2015, 08:58:35 pm »

Interesting high meat ball pitch location by Qualls when trying to induce a ground out.

325

Game Zone 2015 Archive / Re: Astros @ Yankmees August 24, 2015

« on: August 24, 2015, 08:54:01 pm »

I have long quit thinking he was going to turn his season around and start being a regular contributor. I still hope he will but there is nothing about his at bats to lead me to believe he will.

Even though there are no mentions of a name here, we all know who you are talking about.

326

Game Zone 2015 Archive / Re: Astros @ Yankmees August 24, 2015

« on: August 24, 2015, 08:48:25 pm »

So do we no longer have a DH?

Only if they use Marisnick in the field.

327

Talk Zone / Re: Roster Moves

« on: August 24, 2015, 08:46:30 pm »

Chris Carter with 3 starts in the last 4 games.  O-for-4 with 3 K's and a foul pop up tonight. 

328

Game Zone 2015 Archive / Re: Astros @ Yankmees August 24, 2015

« on: August 24, 2015, 04:34:03 pm »

Always good to miss Teixeira.

329

Talk Zone / Re: Roster Moves

« on: August 24, 2015, 10:30:45 am »

Luhnow today on radio pre-show "Tucker will be on the roster if we make the playoffs."

"will" instead of "can" because you don't need to carry more than 11 (or at most 12) pitchers in a short playoff series, right?

330

Talk Zone / Re: An Exceptional Pitching Staff

« on: August 24, 2015, 10:10:28 am »

That was an interesting chart. I was surprised to see Wrigley as low as it was. I suppose the wind blows in more often than not.

That page also shows that MMP is an extreme Triples park this year.   #ElOsoBlanco

Although to be fair, due to the quirky dimensions, MMP is usually a triples friendly stadium.

331

Talk Zone / Re: An Exceptional Pitching Staff

« on: August 24, 2015, 08:52:05 am »

Of course, Minute Maid's a pitcher's park... 

But John Kruk told me MMPUS was a band box and an embarrassment to the game of baseball in which everyone can hit 30 home runs in their sleep. 

Despite the truth.

332

Talk Zone / Re: An Exceptional Pitching Staff

« on: August 24, 2015, 08:50:41 am »

For the next few weeks, Lance McCullers is like an NFL team: he only plays on Sundays.

333

Game Zone 2015 Archive / Re: Rays @ Astros August 19, 2015

« on: August 20, 2015, 12:27:40 pm »

Everyone acts like walking him was a no-brainer, but intentionally loading the bases with the winning run at 3B is a dangerous move.  It's more likely with one out, as it creates the double play chance.  But with two outs, it gives you very little wiggle room, and statistically almost doubles the odds you're going to give up that run at 3B.  A lot of managers view that as setting yourself up to lose.  Maybe you walk Correa, maybe you don't.  It's easy in hindsight to say they should have, but it's not an easy call in the moment.

Yep.  Even if you're facing Darryl Strawberry and Homer Simpson is on deck, if you walk Darryl to load the bases, you may bean Homer to lose the game.

334

Talk Zone / Altuve making another run at 200 hits

« on: August 20, 2015, 10:34:58 am »

Just last week, this looked like a pipe dream.  But 6 games and 13 hits later, he's back in the mix.  He's still not on pace to get there (projected 191 hits after Wednesday), but that number is a lot higher than it was last week.

Altuve has 143 hits now, so he needs 57 hits in the team's final 41 games.    In the last 41 team games, Altuve has 59 hits, playing in all 41 (he's played in 50 straight since his return from injury in June).

Unlikely still, but I wouldn't bet against him.  Go Stros.


P.S. And just to update ... Jose Altuve is 25 years, 106 days old.  He has 773 career hits.
When Craig Biggio was 25 years, 106 days old (March 30th, 1991), he had 293 career hits.

335

Game Zone 2015 Archive / Re: Rays @ Astros August 19, 2015

« on: August 19, 2015, 11:45:15 pm »

Meanwhile, the White Sox suck.

336

Game Zone 2015 Archive / Re: Rays @ Astros August 19, 2015

« on: August 19, 2015, 11:43:08 pm »

I. Can't. Believe. They. Pitched. To. Him.

me neither.  I was surprised they pitched to Gonzalez, but I thought to myself, "look at how much respect they have for Correa", by not creating a force at home or a double play opportunity.  Then they decided to pitch to him.  WTF. 

I was watching the visiting team feed online, and their announcer keeps calling him Carlos Correra.  One day they have to learn how to pronounce his last name, right?   Sincerely, Craig Beeegio.

337

Game Zone 2015 Archive / Re: Tigers @ Astros August 16, 2015

« on: August 19, 2015, 11:38:28 pm »

The batter can get credit for as many bases as the winning run advances, provided he runs them out, unless it's an out of play HR, in which case he gets all four bases and any runs that score as a result count.  If the winning run is at 3B, he can only get a single or a HR.

Thanks.  I remember an Angel, I think it was Chone Figgins, hitting a walk off double and watching the runner score from first.  His celebratory run took him to 3rd base.  He was awarded a triple.

338

Talk Zone / Re: Starting pitching

« on: August 19, 2015, 11:27:37 pm »

The probable pitchers for the next 5 games are:

Karns - Keuchel
Archer - McHugh
Anderson - Fiers
Grienke - Kazmir
Kershaw - McCullers

The Dodgers are skipping their 5th starter (Latos) to move Greinke up and Kershaw into our series. 

339

Talk Zone / AL Playoffs and Cord Cutters

« on: August 17, 2015, 05:15:10 pm »

For those that have cut the cable cord to go with Free TV signals and Sling TV for ESPN and TBS, you will get a lot of playoff baseball ... NL Playoff baseball.  There is an outside chance 1 or 2 AL games will make it to FOX, but only if no football programming is available.

"FOX, FS1 or MLB Network will air the first three ALDS games, and then FOX or FS1 the remaining two, if necessary. TBS will cover all NLDS games. ... The AL Championship Series, beginning on Oct. 16, will be telecast by FOX or FS1. The NL Championship Series, set to start on Oct. 17, will be telecast by TBS."

Thank goodness for Stream2Watch.

340

Game Zone 2015 Archive / Re: Tigers @ Astros August 16, 2015

« on: August 17, 2015, 04:54:57 pm »

Just checking my rules here ... on Jose Altuve's walk-off yesterday, he ran to first and then to second base before being mobbed.   Jose was only awarded a single because the winning run was only one base from home plate, right?    i.e. had Marisnick been on 2nd base and Altuve hit the same ball and run the same way, he would have been given a double.

341

Talk Zone / Re: Starting pitching

« on: August 13, 2015, 11:52:31 am »

Does anyone know if Feldman is under contract next year? He has pitched very well the last two starts.

Bookmark this page:  http://www.baseballprospectus.com/compensation/cots/al-west/houston-astros/

Scott Feldman rhp
3 years/$30M (2014-16)

    3 years/$30M (2014-16)
        signed by Houston as a free agent 12/6/13
        14:$12M, 15:$10M, 16:$8M

342

Talk Zone / Re: Former Astros news

« on: August 12, 2015, 08:48:49 am »

Wigginton is the only MLB vet who attended my alma mater, the University of North Carolina-Asheville.

A couple others ...

http://www.baseball-reference.com/schools/index.cgi?key_school=72d77c6e

343

Talk Zone / Re: Carlos "Show-rea"

« on: August 10, 2015, 10:26:42 am »

It is so funny to read later what autocorrect thinks.

He is a rookie, not a Ronnie.

Bobby Brown might disagree.

344

Talk Zone / Re: August 9, 2015

« on: August 10, 2015, 10:19:39 am »

Yesterday's loss for me is right up there with the most painful losses I have experienced as an Astros fan. we needed the win so badly, and FINALLY we hit in the clutch. To lose on a combination of taking a routine play for granted (Correa) and bad luck (third out hitting Gregerson on its way to an infielder), after Gregerson pitched his ass off to get out of the mess, made me ill and kept me awake when I should have been sleeping.

Up until the Bottom of the 9th blown save, I thought yesterday's game was akin to the Season Saver on September 23rd, 2004, which coincidentally also happened in the Bay Area.

345

Talk Zone / Re: Between 7 and 14 games over since when?

« on: August 09, 2015, 09:20:24 pm »

It continues ... 101 days and counting

August 3rd -- Astros at 60-46, lose against the Rangers and unfortunately stay in the range

There's something weird about being 14 games over .500 that does something to these Astros. 

When Houston was 34-20, they followed it up by going 0-7 to fall to 7 games over .500.
When Houston was 48-34, they followed it up by going 1-8 to fall to 7 games over .500.
When Houston was 60-46, they followed it up by going 1-6 to fall to 9 games over .500.

Hopefully the bbgs have proven their point and don't need to have the Astros lose both in San Francisco just to make history repeat itself exactly.

346

Talk Zone / Re: Astros Trivia

« on: July 31, 2015, 11:23:19 pm »

Who can identify when this happened to our Astros concerning an epic 3 game set at Minute Maid Park?

1. The games were preceded by the Astros losing 2 games in Missouri.
2. All 3 games were against Albert Pujols and his red-colored team
3. In the first game, the Astros fell behind early, but came back and win
4. In the second game, the Astros fell behind early, but came back and win
5. In the third game, the Astros starting pitcher threw over 7 innings of shutout ball
6. In the third game, the Astros brought their closer in in the top of the 9th in a 0-0 game and he put up a 0.
7. In the bottom of the 9th inning of the third game, the Astros got runners on 1st and 2nd, and they hit a walk off 3 home run, with the batter throwing his helmet high in the air before touching home plate.  Astros win 3-0.  MMP goes crazy.

8.  The subsequent game saw the Astros go into extra innings tied at 4, only to see the opponent score two runs via the home run and beat Houston 6-4.   

347

Talk Zone / Re: Starting rotation depth

« on: July 31, 2015, 01:26:41 pm »

Don't forget the DL guys.

Brad Peacock (60-day DL, ribs)
Samuel Deduno (15-day DL, hip, out for season)

348

Talk Zone / Re: Trade rumors

« on: July 31, 2015, 11:47:38 am »

Ken Rosenthal ‏@Ken_Rosenthal 26m26 minutes ago
Source: #Yankees are team in hottest pursuit of #Padres’ Kimbrel.

then this

Ken Rosenthal ‏@Ken_Rosenthal 14m14 minutes ago
More on Kimbrel: Now told #Yankees’ talks for him broke down yesterday and have not revived today. #Marlins’ Capps an option, as others say.

Sheesh.

349

Talk Zone / Re: Trade rumors

« on: July 31, 2015, 11:46:37 am »

In former Astros news.

Ken Rosenthal ‏@Ken_Rosenthal 5m5 minutes ago
#Orioles’ Bud Norris designated for assignment.

350

Talk Zone / Between 7 and 14 games over since when?

« on: July 31, 2015, 11:40:47 am »

On April 29th, the Astros won to go 7 games over .500 at 14-7.  In the 92 days and counting since then, the Astros have stayed between 7 and 14 games over .500.     They've bounced from one extreme to the other, but always stayed in that range. 8 times they almost went out of the range, but all 8 they stayed inside that.

April 29th -- Astros at 14-7, win against the Mariners to stay in the range
May 12th -- Astros at 20-13, win against the Giants to stay in the range
June 4th -- Astros at 34-20, lose against the Orioles and unfortunately stay in the range
June 12th -- Astros at 34-27, win against the Mariners to stay in the range
June 14th -- Astros at 35-28, win against the Mariners to stay in the range
July 4th -- Astros at 48-34, lose against the Red Sox and unfortunately stay in the range
July 17th -- Astros at 49-42, win against the Rangers to stay in the range
July 19th -- Astros at 50-43, win against the Rangers to stay in the range


The Astros are at 58-45 now.  Hopefully they bust through that 14 games over .500 ceiling soon.

351

Talk Zone / Re: Trade rumors

« on: July 31, 2015, 10:58:06 am »

I used to have the same thoughts but those disappeared late last year when he did a lot of work to improve his receiving.  I've been pretty impressed by his digs this year.

Agreed.  He has had some important catches over there.  Like the middle game against the Angels, the Angels were up 1-0 in the 2nd and Giavotella grounded out to third with 2 outs and Gillaspie on 3rd after a triple.  Singleton made a run scoring catch on an errant throw.   Or the game 2 weeks ago against the Rangers.  "Odor flied into double play, right to first, DeShields doubled off first."  Anyway, it was a tough hop from an unusual angle for a 1st baseman, and Singleton snagged it.    Assisted by Correa and Altuve deeking Deshields to delay his return.

352

Talk Zone / Re: Astros Trivia

« on: July 31, 2015, 10:42:04 am »

Jeff Kent, one of my all time memories.

As the game progressed into the late innings last night, I kept thinking about how this felt like Game 5 in 2004 and if the Astros specifically hit a 3 run walk off in the 9th, wouldn't that be history repeating itself.   And then I sort of forgot about it.  Then after Marwin's single, I was like, "well, maybe right here.  Castro has power".  Castro then whiffed hard with his first swing, clearly trying for it.   Then ...  Boom.   Even Castro's high helmet toss was reminiscent.


I was sitting in about the 5th row in right field for Game 5 in 2004.  I remember looking up after the Kent bomb and see beer cups flying up in celebration from the upper deck.  I remember thinking this is what Yankee Stadium was like after all their walkoffs they had had in the preceding years (2001 WS, etc.).

What a night that was.  We didn't want to leave.

353

Talk Zone / Astros Trivia

« on: July 31, 2015, 10:35:19 am »

Who can identify when this happened to our Astros concerning an epic 3 game set at Minute Maid Park?

1. The games were preceded by the Astros losing 2 games in Missouri.
2. All 3 games were against Albert Pujols and his red-colored team
3. In the first game, the Astros fell behind early, but came back and win
4. In the second game, the Astros fell behind early, but came back and win
5. In the third game, the Astros starting pitcher threw over 7 innings of shutout ball
6. In the third game, the Astros brought their closer in in the top of the 9th in a 0-0 game and he put up a 0.
7. In the bottom of the 9th inning of the third game, the Astros got runners on 1st and 2nd, and they hit a walk off 3 home run, with the batter throwing his helmet high in the air before touching home plate.  Astros win 3-0.  MMP goes crazy.

354

Talk Zone / Re: Trade rumors

« on: July 30, 2015, 01:10:40 pm »

Good analog. Huge cost and the reward in 1998 was palpable but was it really necessary?  I think the Astris won the division by more than 12 games that year so how much of a difference maker was RJ really?  And at considerable cost in the out years.

Just because you lose a heads up poker hand going all in with a pair of Aces doesn't mean it was a bad decision.    Kevin Brown was out of his mind in Game 1, and I kicked a hole in my wall after Carl Everett flew out off Hoffman because I knew the Astros best chance at a World Series in a dozen years was gone.   

In fact, the 1998 Astros team was a rare postseason under-achiever in our franchise history.  Sure, there were lots of painful close losses, but usually those happened against a team with a better record.   The Astros were the #1 seed in 2001, but 3 of the 4 playoff teams were within a game of each other, and that team couldn't touch the 1998 team.

355

Talk Zone / Re: Trade rumors

« on: July 29, 2015, 11:20:39 am »

I think alot has to do with more people actually being able to watch the games this year

Possibly, but any of it attributable to that is dwarfed by the real reason ... the Astros are winning.

356

Beer and Queso / Re: Happy Birthday HH!

« on: July 28, 2015, 02:08:01 pm »

Happy Birthday, HH!

357

Beer and Queso / Re: OT - UVerse

« on: July 28, 2015, 01:33:57 pm »

Or forced into the 21st Century by getting U-Verse or DirecTV.

Or for those of us that cut the cord on traditional providers, we must hope that Root Sports joins the growing trend to join an internet service like Sling TV.  But guess who owns Sling?    DISH Network.   So if Root Sports ever reaches a deal with DISH, then we may be able to stream the Astros via Sling.

358

Beer and Queso / Re: OT - UVerse

« on: July 28, 2015, 01:15:52 pm »

I've always assumed that it's available on all the major providers by now, but I have to make certain before I switch. 

If only.   Time Warner Cable and DISH Network are the two largest ones yet to join the party.  So for Cable TV customers along the I-35 Texas corridor, new baseball fans are still being forced to become Rangers fans.    That, or watch the Astros opponents' team broadcasts on Stream2Watch.

359

Talk Zone / Re: Biggio's Speech

« on: July 27, 2015, 05:01:30 pm »

I loved the speech. Classic Biggio.   

2 things I noticed --

1) I cringed every time an announcer or spokesperson (including the great Gary Thorne) mispronounced his last name, especially that MLB Network host Greg Amsinger who practically just said the three letters B G O.   It's not Bee, it's Bih.  Closer to Bidge-E-O than anything else.  The only non-Astros affiliated person that got it right was the keeper of the Hall lady.    The Ausmus and Milo clips got it right, but the MLB Network guys ignored those "stupid" people.

2)  While Ausmus would have been in my top 2, I was slightly surprised Bagwell didn't do the introduction, considering how linked they were in their careers.   I wonder if they asked Jeff, but he yielded to Mr. Ivy League for superior eloquence.    BA nailed it.

360

Talk Zone / Re: Trade rumors

« on: July 27, 2015, 04:52:44 pm »

Taylor Swift's MMPUS concert has been rescheduled from Oct. 13 to Sept. 9.  To hell with the trades, that's the kind of move a team makes with an eye towards the postseason.

Astros Laughably Warn That Taylor Swift Concert Might Be Moved For A Playoff Game
The Huffington Post  |  By Ron Dicker


The baseball gods taketh away, but they also giveth.   

361

Talk Zone / Re: Cooperstown July 2015

« on: July 24, 2015, 10:37:56 am »

I was thinking about Biggio and Altuve today.   

When Biggio was 25 years, 2 months, and 18 days old, he had 293 career hits on his way to 3,060.
When Altuve was 25 years, 2 months, and 18 days old (today), he had 739 career hits.  Can't wait to see how Altuve's future goes.

362

Talk Zone / Re: Trade rumors

« on: July 24, 2015, 12:32:20 am »

As good a summation/opinion on the trade as anything I've seen so far:

http://grantland.com/the-triangle/2015-mlb-trade-astros-athletics-scott-kazmir-al-west/

"Even if you’re OK strapping in and starting Lance McCullers or Collin McHugh against Zack Greinke in Game 2 of the World Series, this move still bounces either Roberto Hernandez or Scott Feldman out of the playoff rotation, which I think we can all view as a good thing."

The writer of a Grantland article thought Roberto Hernandez was in Houston's 4-man playoff rotation?  That's surprisingly lazy journalism to just sort the Astros pitching stats on number of starts and assume that is representative of what's recently been done and what's to come.

363

Talk Zone / Re: Trade rumors

« on: July 24, 2015, 12:07:51 am »

I say go tandem!

Kuechy
Mchugh
Kazmir
Feldman
McCullers/Velasquez


Kidding. Mostly.





Kinda

They've removed all suspense with the V.V. to the pen announcement.  I like that call. 

364

Talk Zone / Re: Trade rumors

« on: July 23, 2015, 04:25:29 pm »

McTaggart thinks its Kazmir, Feldman and Keuchel, fwiw.

Also means Velasquez, McHugh, and McCullers or Kazmir might start the subsequent Angels series.   We'll get our first glimpse at the 6-man rotation situation with next Thursday's starter.

Maybe something like this starting tomorrow:

Kazmir
Feldman
Keuchel
Velasquez
McHugh

Kazmir
Feldman
Keuchel
McCullers
McHugh

repeat those 10.

365

Talk Zone / Re: Good to see Jeff keeping busy

« on: July 23, 2015, 12:44:07 pm »

He might be, although the historical voting numbers say he's got a pretty good chance, based on the 50+percent he's already gotten, of eventually getting in, if not by the BBWAA then by the Veterans committee or whatever it's called.

Either way, public boob-grabbing/drunkeness is not a good thing when you're a franchise icon, at the team's home park, no less.

Yep, the Veteran's Committee meets every 3 years, and unfortunately, they meet in Bagwell's 10th year of eligibility (Jan 2020).  So the first time Bagwell can get in through the VC will be Jan 2023.  So we are likely at least 8 years away from Bagwell getting in.

366

Talk Zone / Will Keuchel start at home against the Angels?

« on: July 21, 2015, 10:36:00 am »

Dallas Keuchel pitched on July 19th.   The Astros host the Angels on July 28-30th.  Keuchel is 9-0 with a 1.13 ERA at home.  The only way he won't pitch in that Angels series is if Hinch gives him an extra day off before each of his next two starts, leading to Scott Feldman getting that last key start against the Angels.

ESPN.com currently lists the Astros as doing exactly that. 

367

Talk Zone / Re: time warner and root root root part 2

« on: June 16, 2015, 03:23:15 pm »

Every Astros fan with Time Warner Cable needs to email [email protected].  I received a nice email back, and a rep from TWC called me back on both my cell phone and work phone. 

368

Talk Zone / Re: time warner and root root root part 2

« on: June 16, 2015, 12:08:00 pm »

Thanks Fredia.  I just emailed [email protected] with a similar email.

369

Talk Zone / Re: Jacob Nix Unaware of How MLB Draft Works

« on: June 03, 2015, 11:01:08 am »

Slight change of tune from Nix.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2015/06/01/jacob-nix-2015-draft-astros-signing-bonus-bonus-pool/28327615/

My favorite part of that article ...

Nix ... says there are no bitter feelings. ...

He didn't submit the paperwork that would permit the Astros to re-draft him, but he's cool with any of the other 29 teams picking him.

Sure sound bitter to me.

370

Talk Zone / Astrodome Adventure

« on: March 23, 2015, 10:46:49 am »

Pretty sweet adventure these two guys had when at the Rodeo in 2012.

http://imgur.com/a/vxGod


Sorry if Cabrera'd

371

Talk Zone / Re: AL West News

« on: March 13, 2015, 11:53:28 am »

And it continues:

Darvish has UCL tear that may require TJS.

Tommy John surgery it is.

372

Talk Zone / Re: eveyrone with time warner email root sports

« on: March 13, 2015, 11:43:08 am »

Not available in Waco, unfortunately.

http://www.att.com/local/texas/waco/

373

Talk Zone / Re: Roy Oswalt update

« on: March 13, 2015, 11:41:48 am »

Good article.  Didn't know some of that.  Thanks for posting.

374

Talk Zone / Re: eveyrone with time warner email root sports

« on: March 10, 2015, 11:28:45 pm »

there is a form on the home page.

Which home page?   TWC, TWC-Austin, Root Sports, or Root Sports Southwest?  Have a link?  

ETA -- nevermind, found the form on Root Sports' website.  Click Here to enter your info and get the form.

375

Talk Zone / Re: eveyrone with time warner email root sports

« on: March 10, 2015, 11:26:09 pm »

Get DirecTV.

If attaching a satellite to your roof is too big a change, consider changing to AT&T uVerse.

376

Talk Zone / Astros in the Top Half in 2015?

« on: February 11, 2015, 01:14:14 pm »

ESPN.com's David Schoenfield thinks so.

15. Houston Astros

Big offseason moves: Hired A.J. Hinch as manager; signed SS Jed Lowrie and RHPs Luke Gregerson and Pat Neshek; acquired 3B Luis Valbuena and RHP Dan Straily from the Cubs for CF Dexter Fowler; acquired C Evan Gattis and RHP James Hoyt from the Braves for RHP Michael Foltynewicz, 3B Rio Ruiz and RHP Andrew Thurman; signed OF Colby Rasmus.

Most intriguing player: George Springer. I had him in this spot last year and put him here again. Breakout potential remains large. Note: Most fun player remains Jose Altuve.

Due for a better year: The bullpen. Gregerson and Neshek should help a pen that had the worst ERA in the majors and the second-most blown saves.

Due for a worse year: Dallas Keuchel and Collin McHugh are the logical candidates, although I like both pitchers to come close to their 2014 results.

I'm just the messenger: There's an obvious concern here: It's Altuve and a Costco warehouse of strikeouts. Springer, Chris Carter and Gattis may combine for 90 home runs and nearly 600 strikeouts, which could push the lineup into prolonged slumps of whiffs and scoreless innings.

The final word: I like the Astros more than most -- calling them the surprise team of 2015 -- and pointed out that they had the worst production in the majors last year at first base, third base and left field. So improvement at those positions will be vital. Yes, a lot is riding on Keuchel and McHugh to be very good again but I believe they will be. The Astros' plan is coming together, augmented with some free-agent signings, and they're going to be competitive for the first time in years.

Prediction: 83-79

377

Talk Zone / Re: Franchise Bests/Worsts

« on: February 10, 2015, 10:18:37 pm »

To me the Leyritz homer off Wagner in '98 was worse than Pujols off Lidge in '05.

The Astros were still the 60% favorites to win the game after the Leyritz home run.  Not so after the Pujols bomb, when they went from 93% winners to 19%, making the Pujols home run the largest single game impact play in Astros postseason history.

My worst moments are the Kevin Brown game (so I guess after Carl Everett's flyout to end the game), as that was Houston's best chance to win the World Series, and the Pujols home run.

Yes, they won 2 days later in St. Louis, but the 33 minutes of euphoria after the 7th inning Berkman 3-run homer and the Pujols homer, juxtaposed against the silence afterwards just sucked.     Would have been nice to win it at home, a la the Rockets, especially since I was there.


Best moment was Jeff Kent.  The most I've ever felt MMP was like Yankee Stadium.  Fans throwing beers in the air in jubilation ... just crazy.     And it was to win a game, so you could let completely loose.

378

Talk Zone / Re: TV Schedule

« on: February 04, 2015, 02:48:52 pm »

Well, this sucks:

RSSW to televise just 4 spring training games.

Still nothing about Time Warner Cable or DISH Network picking them up. 

379

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: Keith Law ranks Houston 3rd best Minor League system

« on: January 29, 2015, 11:36:44 am »

Surprised they didn't drop further.  With the removal of Folty, DDS, Tropeano and Ruiz.  And not signing Aiken, Nix or Marshall.

They did gain Moran though

Me too.  I was pleasantly surprised with the #3 ranking, and the continuing low average rating of the other 4 AL West teams. 

380

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Keith Law ranks Houston 3rd best Minor League system

« on: January 28, 2015, 11:45:34 am »

Sorry if Cabrera'd:
http://chicagocubsonline.com/archives/2015/01/cubs-retain-no-1-spot-in-keith-laws-farm-system-ranking.php#.VMkf4S796K0

Keith Law’s 2015 Ranking of the Farm Systems

    Chicago Cubs
    Minnesota Twins
    Houston Astros
    New York Mets
    Boston Red Sox
    Atlanta Braves
    Pittsburgh Pirates
    Colorado Rockies
    Washington Nationals
    Los Angeles Dodgers
    Texas Rangers
    Chicago White Sox
    St. Louis Cardinals
    Arizona Diamondbacks
    Kansas City Royals
    Cleveland Indians
    Cincinnati Reds
    San Diego Padres
    Toronto Blue Jays
    New York Yankees
    Seattle Mariners
    Baltimore Orioles
    Tampa Bay Rays
    Miami Marlins
    Philadelphia Phillies
    Oakland Athletics
    Los Angeles Angels
    Milwaukee Brewers
    San Francisco Giants
    Detroit Tigers


Last year at this time:
Astros
Twins
Pirates
Cubs

Last July:
Cubs
Twins
Astros
Mets
Pirates.

381

Talk Zone / Re: Free agent rumors

« on: January 19, 2015, 11:38:07 am »

Adding in the 2014 WAR numbers, per baseball-reference.

2b Altuve -- 6.0
SS Lowrie -- 0.8
RF Springer -- 2.0
DH Carter -- 1.9
LF Gattis -- 2.2
1b Singleton -- -0.8
3b Valbuena -- 1.6
CF Marisnick -- 1.4
C Conger -- 0.7

TOTAL WAR -- +15.8

382

Talk Zone / Re: Free agent rumors

« on: January 19, 2015, 11:21:30 am »

What's the best guess at the Opening Day lineup now?

383

Talk Zone / Re: TV Schedule

« on: January 14, 2015, 03:28:10 pm »

The first regular season Astros game on Root Sports Southwest will be Wednesday, April 8th.   You're on the clock, Time Warner Cable.

384

Talk Zone / Re: TV Schedule

« on: January 14, 2015, 03:23:44 pm »

The nationally broadcast games aren't blacked out.  They preempt the local broadcast.  

Is that just an ESPN thing, or does it apply to all nationally televised games?  I remember one or two MLB Network games that were blacked out last year.  I had to go to Pluckers here in Austin to watch the secondary MLB Network feed.   And the Jackie Robinson game was going to be blacked out until they decided to specially remove the blackout for that one game.

385

Talk Zone / Re: HOF Voting 2015 Class

« on: January 09, 2015, 11:47:49 am »

Always room for another Bidge story (even if it doesn't involve much more than a bruise the size of an eggplant).

One more Bidge story from a fan on a college message board I frequent ...

Way to go, VOTERS! GREAT SELECTIONS!

    I'm truly pleased with the results...especially about Biggio, of course. GREAT!

    When my 6 year old nephew was dying of a brain tumor, Biggio on several occasions had a plane fly from Houston to Temple...get the boy and my brother...then fly them to Houston for the treatments. He was on each flight himself, too. They couldn't save little Jesse's life...but no famous person in the world could be more generous and personally wonderful than was/is Craig Biggio. He belongs in the HALL OF FAME FOR ALL HUMANITY...not just for pro baseball.

    Thank you forever from our family, Mr Biggio.

Just amazing.  Something tells me this kid wasn't the only one that Craig did this or something similar for.

386

Talk Zone / Re: Best Offseason Since...?

« on: January 08, 2015, 04:23:39 pm »

will be dropping time warner..

Time Warner Cable has until Opening Day to add Root Sports if they want to keep me.

387

Talk Zone / Re: HOF Voting 2015 Class

« on: January 08, 2015, 12:49:55 pm »

In case you're interested and missed it last night, Letterman Top Ten video.

I suffered through the Letterman monologue before that.  Sheesh, Martha Stewart and Barbara Walters jokes?  Man he can't leave soon enough.

I will give him points for correctly pronouncing Biggio's last name though.

388

Talk Zone / Re: What hat does Biggio wear into the Hall

« on: January 08, 2015, 12:42:54 pm »

Are you sure about this?  I wouldn't be surprised if he insisted on it.

Of course, this isn't 'Nam, so there are rules...

Depends on whether he is asked before January 25th or after January 25th. #FYB

389

Talk Zone / Re: Best Offseason Since...?

« on: January 08, 2015, 12:40:37 pm »

Great summary.  Lots of good news indeed.

Add 1 that you sort of touched on when you said nothing over 3 years -- didn't overpay on a huge contract on an aging pitcher.

390

Talk Zone / Re: What hat does Biggio wear into the Hall

« on: January 08, 2015, 11:54:48 am »

I'm hoping he goes with the "H" in the star, because that best represents the history of the Houston Astros - past, present, and future -  and as he has said himself, this is not just about him, but about the organization and the fans. Not that I would blame him at all if he just chose his personal favorite; he certainly has the right.

If they ask Craig which version of Astros hat to use, I bet he says the H hat, for all the reasons you mention and that he played in a relatively similar number of games in each hat.

391

Talk Zone / Re: What hat does Biggio wear into the Hall

« on: January 07, 2015, 12:29:03 pm »

What hat does Biggio wear into the Hall

Cabrera wonders that too.

392

Talk Zone / Re: HOF Voting 2015 Class

« on: January 07, 2015, 10:26:49 am »

I wonder whose cap he'll wear?

The one Bidge wore for his first 6 seasons, his second 6 seasons, or his last 8 seasons?

393

Talk Zone / Re: HOF Voting 2015 Class

« on: January 07, 2015, 12:14:26 am »

I wish the announcement would have mentioned Matt Galante instead of or in addition to Yogi Berra as the coach who was most influential to Biggio's conversion to 2nd base.  

"Craig had great talent, but the way he played the game made him a Hall of Famer. He made himself a great player. He was a terrific teammate and has been a great friend. He played three positions, all of them well, and nobody worked harder. I worked with him when he made the switch to second base. We went to Spring Training before the rest of the club, and worked one hour every morning at 7:00 a.m. I admired his attitude and willingness to make the switch, even though he had never played second base. I also admired that his goal from day one was not to be average, but to be great. To his credit, he accomplished that, winning four Gold Gloves. I'm very proud of him."

-Matt Galante, who served several seasons as an Astros coach, including for most of Biggio's career.

Various comments:
http://m.astros.mlb.com/news/article/105721420/comments-on-craig-biggio

394

Talk Zone / Re: HOF Voting 2015 Class

« on: January 06, 2015, 04:24:06 pm »

Probably the same reason MLB Network didn't have a camera crew at his house like they did with the others.  The didn't know if he'd make it or not. 

Somebody had a camera crew there.  Anyone have a link to the video?

When the phone call came, a call he played 20 years with the Houston Astors to earn and waited three years to get, Craig Biggio cried.

“I ain’t going to lie,” Biggio said. “They got it on film.”

The film crew was there with Biggio to document the historic moment when he was told: Welcome to Cooperstown.

http://blog.chron.com/ultimateastros/2015/01/06/former-astros-star-craig-biggio-elected-to-hall-of-fame/#29543101=0

395

Talk Zone / Re: HOF Voting 2015 Class

« on: January 06, 2015, 03:28:08 pm »

The Veteran's Committee would vote on Bagwell 3 years after his 10th ballot.  The part of the Veteran's committee that votes on Expansion Era players votes in December 2019 (Baggy's last writers' ballot) and then again not until December 2022.

So while Bidge is in the Class of 2015, Bags may not be in until the Class of 2023, if he doesn't get in with the writers.

396

Talk Zone / Re: HOF Voting 2015 Class

« on: January 06, 2015, 03:10:09 pm »

In case you missed it ... video of a phone interview with Bidge.

http://m.mlb.com/news/article/105667738/longtime-houston-astros-star-craig-biggio-elected-to-hall-of-fame

Loved to hear how emotional he was today.  So proud of him.

397

Talk Zone / Re: HOF Voting 2015 Class

« on: January 06, 2015, 02:24:43 pm »

So in 2016, in addition to the holdovers (Piazza, Bagwell, Raines, Schilling, Clemens, Bonds, L. Smith, E. Martinez, Trammell, Mussina, Kent, McGriff, Walker, Sheffield, McGwire, Sosa, Garciaparra) the ballot will add Griffey Jr., Edmonds, Kendall, Glaus, Castillo, Winn, Anderson, Lowell, Hoffman, Grudzielanek, Sweeney, Park, Eckstein, Weaver, Matthews, Guzman, Guillen, Howry, B. Molina, Tatis, and former Astros Mike Hampton, Billy Wagner, Brad Ausmus, Russ Ortiz, and Russ Springer.

Are Griffey Jr. and Hoffman the only real candidates out of that group?

Yep.   Piazza will likely get the 28 votes he was short this year.  And next year is McGwire's 10th and final year on the ballot.   Sosa was lucky to survive the 5% cut this year.

398

Talk Zone / Re: HOF Voting 2015 Class

« on: January 06, 2015, 01:55:12 pm »

It's only 10 years now.  Bagwell has 5 more. 

That rule change may end up getting Bagwell enshrined earlier now, as the Veteran's Committee can put him in the class of 2021-2023, depending on which of those 3 years they meet.

399

Talk Zone / Re: HOF Voting 2015 Class

« on: January 06, 2015, 01:49:42 pm »

The non-public ballots agree with you.

205 Full Ballots ~ (35.9% of vote ~ based on last year)
Biggio's public ballots -- 84.9% Yes
Biggio's non-public ballots -- 81.5% Yes  

Bagwell's public ballots -- 62.4% Yes
Bagwell's non-public ballots -- 50.9% Yes


So those who want to avoid judgment are significantly more against Bagwell than Biggio.

Updating with exact numbers ...

Bagwell's public ballots -- (128 of 205) 62.4% Yes
Bagwell's non-public ballots -- (178 of 344) 51.7% Yes

Bagwell fell 106 votes short (306 of 412 needed).

400

Talk Zone / Re: HOF Voting 2015 Class

« on: January 06, 2015, 01:47:37 pm »

Voting totals on Baseball-reference now.

http://www.baseball-reference.com/awards/hof_2015.shtml#BBWAA

401

Talk Zone / Re: HOF Voting 2015 Class

« on: January 06, 2015, 01:33:05 pm »

ESPN.com frontpage using a picture of the other three Hall of Famers. 

402

Talk Zone / Re: HOF Voting 2015 Class

« on: January 06, 2015, 01:28:30 pm »

It's ten years now.

Thanks.  I wasn't sure which players were grand fathered in to the 15 year rule.

"That change will not affect the three players currently in years 11-15 on the ballot. Don Mattingly (15th year in 2015), Alan Trammell (14th) and Lee Smith (13th) will be grandfathered in and remain on the ballot for the full 15 years."

403

Talk Zone / Re: HOF Voting 2015 Class

« on: January 06, 2015, 01:27:41 pm »

...and all those others being there too will allow those who tarnish Bagwell with the PED brush to keep doing so.

The non-public ballots agree with you.

205 Full Ballots ~ (35.9% of vote ~ based on last year)
Biggio's public ballots -- 84.9% Yes
Biggio's non-public ballots -- 81.5% Yes  

Bagwell's public ballots -- 62.4% Yes
Bagwell's non-public ballots -- 50.9% Yes


So those who want to avoid judgment are significantly more against Bagwell than Biggio.

404

Talk Zone / Re: HOF Voting 2015 Class

« on: January 06, 2015, 01:23:05 pm »

82.7% of the vote for Craig.   I like it.


"Johnson, a five-time Cy Young Award winner, was selected on 97.3 percent of the 549 ballots cast this year.

Martinez, who won three Cy Young Awards, was on 91.1 percent of the ballots while Smoltz and Biggio received 82.9 and 82.7 percent of the votes, respectively."

405

Talk Zone / Re: HOF Voting 2015 Class

« on: January 06, 2015, 01:20:42 pm »

He's going to continue to be on the ballot with Bonds, Clemens, Sosa, McGwire, Sheffield, etc.  There's never going to be a point where he's the best player on the ballot, and he's now half-way through his chances. 

One third of the way through his chances you mean (5 of 15).

406

Talk Zone / Re: HOF Voting 2015 Class

« on: January 06, 2015, 01:15:43 pm »

I can't imagine Bagwell ever getting in, at least not by the writers.  He's maxed out his support.  

Every single player to have received at least 51% of a vote is in the Hall of Fame or currently on the ballot.   Bagwell may be the first to be left out.  But eventually, I believe he'll get in one way or another.

Next year will be a less clogged ballot, with less "I only had 10 votes so I couldn't vote for Bagwell" voters.

407

Talk Zone / Re: HOF Voting 2015 Class

« on: January 06, 2015, 01:11:28 pm »

I feel the need to go and just do the BGO chant over and over and over and over....

I prefer "Bidge-E-O! Bidge-E-O!" so as not to encourage Chris Berman to say "Mantinee on the B-G-O".

408

Talk Zone / Re: HOF Voting 2015 Class

« on: January 06, 2015, 01:10:18 pm »

Neither Bagwell (55%) or Piazza (69%) particularly close.  

Little disappointing to see such little movement on Bagwell's number.  Piazza and Griffey will be in next year.   It will be interesting to see where Bagwell and Hoffman land in the voting.

409

Talk Zone / Re: HOF Voting 2015 Class

« on: January 06, 2015, 01:05:24 pm »

Yes!   Congratulations to Bidge.   Now to hear a boat load of people mispronounce his last name over and over again.

410

Talk Zone / Re: HOF Voting 2015 Class

« on: December 15, 2014, 08:52:53 pm »

Here's an alternative.

Thanks.  Part of me wishes they'd issue a gag order to shut down these soap boxes the way the Heisman Trust did for those voters, crippling the StiffArmTrophy website.

411

Talk Zone / Re: HOF Voting 2015 Class

« on: December 09, 2014, 01:57:34 pm »

Baseball Think Factory hasn't started their 2015 Hall of Fame Ballot Collecting Gizmo.  Of course, their final one last year had Bidge cruising in with 79.4% of the vote.  Clearly those who left Biggio off their ballots were more ashamed and didn't release their ballots.

412

Talk Zone / Re: CSN Bankruptcy

« on: November 17, 2014, 03:55:11 pm »

674 on DirecTV and 639 on Xfinity.

The Time Warner customers remain, as ever, fucked.

Yep.  I'm just glad AT&T Uverse has the station in Austin.  TWC has 4 months to figure this out or I'm gone.   I wonder what will be shown along the I-35 corridor on RSSW during the Rockets games.  

I called TWC today to ask about getting the station added, and they predictably had never heard of it before.

413

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / MLB Future Power Rankings -- ESPN.com

« on: November 02, 2014, 07:29:43 pm »

1. Los Angeles Dodgers
2. St. Louis Cardinals
3. Boston Red Sox
4. Chicago Cubs.
12. Los Angeles Angels
14. Seattle Mariners
15. Texas Rangers
16. Houston Astros
19. Oakland Athletics

http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/11779252/mlb-future-power-rankings-heading-2014-free-agency

Houston Astros
AL WEST FPR RANK: 4

The overview
The talent is being accumulated; now the greatest challenge for new manager A.J. Hinch is to help reconstruct a culture devoted to winning, after all the record-setting losing. -- Buster Olney

The dilemma
The Astros' bullpen ERA was the worst in baseball this season, and they'll need to improve that unit if they're going to take another step forward in 2015. There will be several solid veteran relievers available on the free-agent market, but the Astros must be ready to spend some money to get some quality options. -- Jim Bowden

New guys
Right-handed pitcher Michael Feliz was a bargain signing after he failed a PED test and lost an agreed-upon deal with Oakland, but he emerged two years ago as an interesting arm-strength guy who could throw strikes. In 2014, he had a real coming-out party, showing a plus slider and hard (but straight) fastball up to 97 mph, pitching in the MLB Futures Game ... where Joey Gallo took him deep.

. -- Keith Law

414

Talk Zone / Re: David Freese

« on: November 02, 2014, 07:26:32 pm »

Part of it is.

Isn't Kansas City, Kansas an entirely separate city? 

415

Talk Zone / Re: Aiken

« on: October 07, 2014, 11:53:29 am »

I noticed in one of the latest 2015 MLB Mock Drafts that they have Brady Aiken going #4 to Texas.  

That site is implying Aiken will not go to a 4 year school.  Fangraphs makes the same assumption:  

Some housekeeping notes to clarify and expound on the rankings:

- Brady Aiken still hasn’t signed and nothing concrete has been announced to that end, so he’s in the 2015 class until further notice. Like Aiken, Phil Bickford’s school is unknown at the moment, but both are expected to go to junior colleges out west.

...

he’s expected to enroll at Yavapai JC in Arizona.

It has the Astros going:
2. Brendan Rodgers, SS  -- School: Lake Mary HS (FLA)
5. Daz Cameron, OF -- School: Eagle Landing HS (GA)  -- Mike Cameron's son

416

Talk Zone / 2015 MLB Draft Order

« on: September 29, 2014, 11:12:40 am »

Here it is:

1. Diamondbacks
2. Astros (for not coming to terms with 2014 No. 1 pick Brady Aiken)
3. Rockies
4. Rangers
5. Astros

And for some clarification on the protected picks ...    The rule usually is the first 10 picks in the draft are "protected" and teams in there only have to give up their 2nd best pick when signing free agents who've been made qualifying offers.  Well, in the case of the Astros, it will be their 3rd best pick, as both their first 2 picks are protected.   And this has caused the #11 pick that is held by the Reds to be protected as well. 

417

Talk Zone / Re: Altuve out of the lineup

« on: September 29, 2014, 10:36:31 am »

For all of the analytical guys the Astros employ, they should just pay one logical fan to run decisions like this by just to check the temperature of their decisions.

For $10 Mill, Crane will listen to you.

418

Talk Zone / Re: The Yankees' SS

« on: September 29, 2014, 10:34:11 am »

Undoubtedly the same asshole(s) not voting for Bagwell and Biggio.

Or that guy who just voted for Jack Morris last year.

419

Talk Zone / Re: Most hits in a season by a RH Hitter

« on: September 24, 2014, 09:07:23 pm »

Altuve finally caught Billy Hamilton for 2nd in the majors in stolen bases.

http://espn.go.com/mlb/stats/batting/_/sort/stolenBases

420

Talk Zone / Re: Most hits in a season by a RH Hitter

« on: September 24, 2014, 09:03:04 pm »

Altuve with 2 more SBs to give him 3 more SBs (56) than strike outs (53).  Outside of Juan Pierre, who did it 5 times, having more stolen bases than strike outs (min. 50 stolen bases) is pretty rare.

421

Talk Zone / Re: Most hits in a season by a RH Hitter

« on: September 24, 2014, 08:43:31 pm »

Altuve's hitting 222 for 647 (.3431) right now, through 2 ABs tonight.  If he goes 0-for-14 to finish 2014, he'll finish at .3359.   Victor Martinez is at 183-for-548 (.3339) right now.  He'd have to go 7 for 16 (.438) over his last 4 games to pass the ice cold Altuve.   

422

Talk Zone / Re: Magic Numbers

« on: September 24, 2014, 08:33:59 pm »

Well, frustratingly, Texas has avoided a 100-loss season.  They also are hanging on to the Astros' tails, as the Magic Number to ensure the Astros finish ahead of them remains at 1.

One rain out that isn't made up will do the trick.

423

Talk Zone / Re: Collin McHugh and Qualifying for ERA Leaderboard

« on: September 22, 2014, 08:17:04 pm »

McHugh shut down, going to give Buchanan, Tropeana and Deduno the remaining starts.

Saw that too.  Too bad.  Still, a great season from Collin.

424

Talk Zone / Re: Collin McHugh and Qualifying for ERA Leaderboard

« on: September 22, 2014, 12:13:31 am »

It didn't look like they were pulling him because he was hurt for certain, it looked like they were pulling him because it's September in a meaningless game and why take any chances?

Yep.  And that appears to be the thing that will keep Collin off the Qualified Leaderboard.  McHugh will need 7.1 IP in his final start to make it.  Not unheard of.  But especially against a team that's out of it, I doubt they'll keep him out there that long in New York.

But then again, Lawless may be aware of things like innings totals, as Keuchel got to exactly 200.0 IP before he was shut down.

425

Game Zone 2014 Archive / Re: Tribe @ Astros September 15, 2014

« on: September 15, 2014, 09:44:38 pm »

Brian McTaggart ‏@brianmctaggart

Collin McHugh left the game with a contusion on his left forearm.


ETA.  Freaking Cabrera'd.  My bad.

426

Game Zone 2014 Archive / Re: Tribe @ Astros September 15, 2014

« on: September 15, 2014, 09:40:24 pm »

Al Fucking Tuve.

Go get your batting title.

427

Game Zone 2014 Archive / Re: Tribe @ Astros September 15, 2014

« on: September 15, 2014, 09:38:40 pm »

Should Altuve hit 3rd?

Altuve OPS by batting order position
---------------------------------------
1st -- .807 in 358 PA
2nd -- .911 in 233 PA entering tonight
3rd -- .866 in 16 PA
4th -- .529 in 44 PA

428

Game Zone 2014 Archive / Re: Tribe @ Astros September 15, 2014

« on: September 15, 2014, 09:30:24 pm »

Altuve singles up the middle scoring Petit and Grossman. Astros 2-1. 1 out. Bottom of 3rd inning.

It's always nice when a .520 batter actually ups his average.  Altuve came into tonight 13-for-25 (.520) with a runner on 3rd and less than 2 outs.  Make that 14-for-26 (.538).  His 1.229 OPS went up to 1.254 in such situations.

429

Game Zone 2014 Archive / Re: Tribe @ Astros September 15, 2014

« on: September 15, 2014, 09:21:15 pm »

As many hits as Altuve has this year, he'll still need 50 more to catch Ichiro in 2004.

I couldn't believe it when I looked, but Altuve's actually projected to get to 225 hits this year (17 hits in his last 12 games).  Still, that would put him 37 behind Ichiro's 2004 season.

430

Game Zone 2014 Archive / Re: Tribe @ Astros September 15, 2014

« on: September 15, 2014, 09:15:57 pm »

Line drive off the left, upper wrist. Crying shame, as he was dealing.  

Damn.  He could have made a big dent into the 20 IP he needed for ERA leaderboard qualification.  6.2 IP is still ok, but 8 IP would have made it almost certain.  He needs 13.1 IP in his presumed 2 last starts to get there.

431

Talk Zone / Re: Collin McHugh and Qualifying for ERA Leaderboard

« on: September 15, 2014, 09:12:27 pm »

Game Notes
P (Collin) MCHUGH (LEFT ARM) LEFT GAME TOP 7TH

For those of us without Astros TV, was this serious?  Collin needed to average 6.2 IP over his final 3 starts to qualify.  He left tonight's game after exactly that.  He was on pace to go much deeper based on a low pitch count.  Too bad about the injury.

If he's healthy enough to start 2 more games, he'll need 13.1 IP to qualify.  

From the GZ:

Line drive off the left, upper wrist. Crying shame, as he was dealing.  

432

Talk Zone / Re: who will pitch monday

« on: September 15, 2014, 01:11:57 pm »

Any word on George Springer returning?

Astros targeting homestand for Springer's return

Astros rookie outfielder George Springer, who's been out since July 20 with a strained left quad, is still expected to return to action at some point in the final weeks of the regular season but not until the current road trip is over.

"As soon as possible," general manager Jeff Luhnow said Friday when asked about Springer's return.

The Astros have one final homestand remaining, Sept. 15-21.

433

Talk Zone / Re: who will pitch monday

« on: September 15, 2014, 01:10:38 pm »

peacock scratched because of sore back everyone moves up one chair

And McHugh benefits by getting a 3rd start in the season's final series of the year.  If he's within 8 innings of 162, I bet he starts a 3rd time.  He might start that game regardless.

434

Talk Zone / Re: Collin McHugh and Qualifying for ERA Leaderboard

« on: September 15, 2014, 01:05:26 pm »

Looks more likely now (as long as he continues to pitch well) since he's moved up one slot to start today.

Thanks for the update.   ESPN has updated the rotation for the rest of the year, with Collin filled in 3 times.

http://espn.go.com/mlb/team/schedule/_/name/hou/houston-astros

435

Talk Zone / Re: Next year's team

« on: September 11, 2014, 01:21:22 pm »

To contend for a wild card, they will have to clilmb over/past at least one team ahead of them in the division, I assume.

You don't have to assume that.  A 4th place team cannot make the playoffs, at least not next year.

436

Talk Zone / Re: Ron Washington resigns.

« on: September 11, 2014, 11:23:38 am »

I am thinking that it is a reporter covering the Hong Kong beat.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OM3uuypgvTc

437

Talk Zone / Collin McHugh and Qualifying for ERA Leaderboard

« on: September 11, 2014, 11:16:12 am »

With the Astros now utilizing a 6-man rotation, it appears questionable that Collin McHugh will get 3 more starts.   Collin needs 20 more IP to Qualify for a Top 6 finish in the league in ERA.  That would give the Astros 2 pitchers in the Top 7 in ERA, joining the current #6 Dallas Keuchel.

http://espn.go.com/mlb/stats/pitching/_/league/al/order/false

Do the Astros care at all about giving McHugh a chance to qualify for season leaderboards?  Will they somehow tweak the 6 man rotation to give Collin that 3rd start?

Here is the current starting pitcher plan: http://espn.go.com/mlb/team/schedule/_/name/hou/houston-astros
McHugh pitched on Tuesday 9/9.  He is scheduled to pitch only twice more.
Tuesday 9/16
Monday 9/22

Last game of the year is Sunday 9/28.

438

Talk Zone / Re: Ron Washington resigns.

« on: September 11, 2014, 10:54:59 am »

Not Cabrera'd, but in case you're wondering, SI.com is reporting it too.  Not just some rando with a Wordpress blog.

In that article, SI referenced that rando, Jamie Kelly.

"Adam J. Morris from SB Nation writes:

    Kelly is a credible source, and this is consistent with the type of things that have been floating around out there the past few days. "

439

Game Zone 2014 Archive / Re: Astros @ Mariners September 10, 2014

« on: September 11, 2014, 12:27:09 am »

Good guys take the series with a win 5 - 2, nice to continue the recent winning ways.

The Astros are now 8-2 in their last 10 games
Since July 6th, Houston is 29-27.
Heck, since May 10th, Houston is 54-55.

440

Talk Zone / Re: Ron Washington resigns.

« on: September 10, 2014, 10:44:41 pm »

welp

" long-time Texas Rangers skipper Ron Washington’s sudden departure from the club was due to impending legal issues stemming from an alleged sexual assault of an Asian reporter. "

http://thescoopsports.wordpress.com/2014/09/10/ron-washington-departed-over-legal-issues/

Sorry if Cabrera'd

441

Talk Zone / Re: next years schedule

« on: September 10, 2014, 10:47:48 am »

No 4-game wrap around Friday-Monday series next year.

442

Talk Zone / Re: As a public (dis)service ...

« on: August 18, 2014, 11:24:53 am »

I don't know, I came across this that I'd written once about William Carlos Williams Beltran, and couldn't believe I'd written it. 

This is just to say

I have taken
the money
that was in
Shea Stadium

and which
you were probably
thinking
was disloyal

Forgive me
it was delicious
so sweet
and so cold


I'm sure everybody is finding something they once said that's just brand new to them now, and is funny as shit. Thanks for putting that together.

Does anyone know if that "Turned out that Beltran was an Idiot" song is on the internet?   I think it was written by that 3-day weekend group, but I'm not sure of the song title.  I remember the line about "we'd come in massive droves, soldout Tuesday nights at home against the Montreal Expos".

443

Talk Zone / Re: Leaked: 10 Months Of The Houston Astros' Internal Trade Talks

« on: August 18, 2014, 11:21:23 am »

I was thinking about this incident this weekend after watching Xander Bogaerts go 0-for-9 to lower his August batting average to .115 with a .326 OPS.  Bogaerts' WAR for the year is -0.5. 

But yet the backlash Houston received for having the audacity to ask for this guy was significant.   

For the record, Norris is 10-7 with a 3.75 ERA and 1.26 WHIP this year, with a 1.2 WAR.

444

Talk Zone / Re: This stupid blocking-the-plate rule has to go

« on: August 15, 2014, 04:39:20 pm »

That video is over 10 minutes long.  And baseball says they want a faster game.

445

Talk Zone / Re: Roster moves

« on: August 13, 2014, 01:21:16 pm »

WTF!  Are you an Astros fan or an optimist?

A 3-for-4 day gets Singleton up to .201.  Here we go.

446

Game Zone 2014 Archive / Re: Twins @ Astros August 13, 2014

« on: August 13, 2014, 01:05:21 pm »

A 3 for 4 day for Singleton today, and we could bat 9 guys over the Mendoza line in Boston tomorrow for the first time all year.

447

Talk Zone / Re: Roster moves

« on: August 13, 2014, 12:59:18 pm »

The Astros have 8 people in today's lineup with a batting average of .200 or higher (Singleton, .191, being the outlier).  Sadly, that ties a season high.

448

Talk Zone / Re: Luhnow open to trading Keuchel, McHugh and Cosart

« on: August 01, 2014, 10:11:02 am »

Can anyone with Insider access please provide a summary?

Link

Astros clean up in Jarred Cosart trade   
By Keith Law | ESPN.com

The six-player trade between the Astros and Marlins was the most interesting one of the day because, unlike most of the other deals at this exciting deadline, it included actual prospects -- minor leaguers and very young big leaguers going in both directions -- at a time when you have to pry prospects loose from most teams with a crowbar and a tube of silicone.

Jarred Cosart came to Houston in the Hunter Pence trade -- a deal that has turned out to be a huge heist for the Astros, with Jon Singleton and Domingo Santana both looking like they're going to pan out -- but he's

...

449

Talk Zone / Re: Aiken

« on: July 21, 2014, 02:11:46 pm »

There is no benefit to anyone.  The lack of pre-draft medical reports directly led to 8 million dollars not going to the players.  Yes the Astros will spend more next year but I believe slot values below them will drop to make up for it.  

I think the latter is right.  The Astros #2 pick next year will be salary slotted near the #2 pick this year, taking into account the standard year-to-year draft inflation.    Considering next year will be the 3rd straight draft with exactly 1 compensatory pick added due to lack of signing (Appel in 2012 draft, Phillip Bickford in 2013 draft), there is no additional inflation adjusted slot money for the teams next year compared to this year.   The lack of pre-draft medical reports directly led to ~$8 million dollars not going to the players.

450

Talk Zone / Re: Aiken

« on: July 21, 2014, 12:10:59 pm »

Speaking of the 40% #.  How many rounds does that rule apply to?  If you draft a guy in the 7th round offer him 40% (68K) and he refuses to sign do you get an extra pick in the 7th the following year?

Wikipedia says the Astros will not get a 2nd 5th round pick ...

In a feature that did not change with the most recent CBA in 2012, teams can also earn compensation for unsigned picks from the previous year's draft. If a team doesn't sign a first or second round pick, they will get to pick at the same slot plus one the following year.

451

Talk Zone / Re: Aiken

« on: July 18, 2014, 04:17:16 pm »

Jim Callis @jimcallisMLB  ·  1m

Baseball source: @Astros did not sign Aiken or Nix either. Houston gets No. 2 overall pick next year. @MLBDraft

452

Talk Zone / Re: Aiken

« on: July 18, 2014, 04:11:30 pm »

...

Jim Callis        ✔ @jimcallisMLB

Still awaiting word on @Astros & Aiken, Nix, Marshall. Suddenly less optimistic it got done than I was. @MLBDraft

453

Talk Zone / Re: Aiken

« on: July 18, 2014, 04:03:32 pm »

Erick Fedde (18th overall pick) signed at the buzzer. $2.5mil with the Nationals.

454

Talk Zone / Re: Aiken

« on: July 18, 2014, 03:43:44 pm »

lol @ Twitter

Ron @Rontrarian

Jacob Nix just favorited my tweet about UCLA's potential pitching staff. Uhh...

455

Talk Zone / Re: Aiken

« on: July 18, 2014, 03:37:08 pm »

tick tick tick

Trey Mongrue @TreyMongrue
Follow

It's being reported (on Twitter) that Astros have offered Aiken $5.75m. If that's true, good news for #LSU regarding Marshall.

456

Talk Zone / Re: Aiken

« on: July 18, 2014, 03:13:21 pm »

Ironically, this is probably the most exciting day of the season.  The excitement is not exactly positive, though.

Reminds me of last week and waiting to see if Chris Bosh was signing with Houston.

457

Talk Zone / Re: Aiken

« on: July 18, 2014, 01:56:14 pm »

Snarky Rosenthal weighs in.

the Astros' entire rebuilding strategy was based on "tanking" --€“ losing enough games to secure multiple "1-1s"

Nice declaration there Kenny.  Snarky indeed.

458

Talk Zone / Re: Springer Up

« on: April 16, 2014, 03:55:05 pm »

 Brian McTaggart @brianmctaggart

Astros lineup, Springer hitting secod pic.twitter.com/vBQyYDBNow

https://twitter.com/brianmctaggart/status/456526966414274561/photo/1

Gamezone:  http://www.spikesnstars.com/forums/index.php?topic=116683.0

459

Talk Zone / Re: Springer Up

« on: April 16, 2014, 12:33:06 pm »

Clemens will take Harrell's spot.  Feldman will be reactivated to the 25-man roster in time for his next start.

Thanks.  Forgot about that.

460

Talk Zone / Re: Springer Up

« on: April 16, 2014, 11:47:34 am »

regarding not bringing up Springer sooner, Zach Levine had this interesting note on twitter....

Zachary Levine ‏@zacharylevine 25m
Astros fans, do you enjoy having Jarred Cosart, Jonathan Singleton, Josh Zeid, and Domingo Santana on your team? There's a good chance they aren't if Hunter Pence isn't kept down 20 days in 2007.

FIFY

461

Talk Zone / Re: Springer Up

« on: April 16, 2014, 11:46:00 am »

Robbie Grossman has been sent down to make room for Springer, and Lucas Harell will be designated for assignment, the Chronicle has learned

So who takes Harrell's spot on the Active roster?

462

Talk Zone / Re: Springer Up

« on: April 16, 2014, 08:51:55 am »

FWIW

@JeffPassan 7m
If Springer started year with Astros, would hit free agency in 2019. Two-week delay keeps him under team control until after 2020 season.

Did it have to be 2-weeks?  I remember the Rangers called Profar up a couple days after the free agency calendar year changed. 

463

Talk Zone / Re: The Nolan Ryan thing

« on: April 16, 2014, 08:44:05 am »

Oklahoma scene: Texas Rangers tried to buy RedHawks, according to report
Mandalay Baseball Properties, which owns the Oklahoma City franchise, wanted more than $20 million. The Rangers turned down the deal.



The Texas Rangers have had an interest in buying the Oklahoma City RedHawks, but the asking price was too high, according to a report by ballparkdigest.com.

The Rangers, who served as the parent team of the RedHawks over the 1983 through 2010 seasons, turned down a deal with Mandalay Baseball Properties because of a price tag exceeding $20 million for the Pacific Coast League franchise.

Reports have been circulating that the Rangers, who currently have their Triple-A prospects based in Round Rock, Texas, might be interested in returning to Oklahoma City. The RedHawks are currently in their fourth season as the Houston Astros affiliate.

The Astros and RedHawks’ affiliation agreement ends at the close of this season. The Rangers and Round Rock’s agreement expires in 2018. Ballparkdigest.com reported that affiliation deals can be broken if both sides agree.

Link

464

Talk Zone / Re: Springer Up

« on: April 16, 2014, 08:41:15 am »

This news is exciting. If Singleton continues to pound, how long before he is brought up and Carter is designated for assignment?

I'll be surprised if Singleton is still in OKC on May 1st.

465

Talk Zone / Re: The Shift

« on: April 15, 2014, 10:30:37 am »

I was pleasantly surprised how often the shift worked perfectly for Houston in the Rangers series.  I think it's here to stay, at least until hitters adjust.

466

Talk Zone / Re: The Nolan Ryan thing

« on: April 15, 2014, 10:24:46 am »

For our sake, I hope that RR returns to being Astros country.

Exactly.   The fallating over the Rangers has soured me from attending games.   When the Express was an Astros affiliate, they were very respectful of all MLB fans in central Texas.   You could hardly tell they were the Astros affiliate. Now, it's really hard as an Astros fan to support the Express.  Trying to be Rangers, Jr., right down to the font on the uniforms. 

467

Talk Zone / Re: Coolsport.tv

« on: April 11, 2014, 02:05:13 pm »

Damn.  too bad they pulled the plug.

468

Talk Zone / Re: Astros @ Blue Jays Series Preview is now up

« on: April 08, 2014, 01:29:46 pm »

Last year, opening day was Sunday night baseball on ESPN, right?  That means no local feed at all, I thought.  Kind of like when Fox carries a saturday game and they would pair JD with whoever was the PBP guy from the other team.

I think you're right.  I don't remember the Rangers having a broadcast in Austin on Opening Day last year due to ESPN.

469

Talk Zone / Re: Astros @ Blue Jays Series Preview is now up

« on: April 08, 2014, 11:39:29 am »

Will ESPN2 air Wednesday night's game in Houston?  in Austin?

There have been 2 Rangers games on ESPN so far this year, and both times Austin TWC has shown the Rangers games on 2 stations.  With ESPN neutral broadcasters and Fox Sports Southwest Rangers broadcasters.

470

Talk Zone / Re: anyone listening to jd

« on: April 08, 2014, 10:54:47 am »

nostalgia

Yep. I watched a Cubs game on the MLB Extra Innings preview, just to hear him again. 

471

Talk Zone / Re: Good for Lyles!

« on: April 08, 2014, 10:50:19 am »

Link

Jordan Lyles leads Rockies past White Sox in Coors Field debut

DENVER -- Jordan Lyles couldn't locate his fastball. He had no trouble picking up heaters from Felipe Paulino or Daniel Webb, though.

Relying on sinkers and sliders, Lyles pitched effectively into the seventh inning in his Coors Field debut for the Rockies. He also added a career-best three hits and drove in two runs during Colorado's 8-1 win over the Chicago White Sox on Monday night.

"It was the Brandon Lyles show tonight," Colorado manager Walt Weiss said.

Uhh, Jordan Barnes didn't play well coach?

472

Talk Zone / Coolsport.tv

« on: April 04, 2014, 12:19:08 pm »

http://www.coolsport.tv/schedule-coolsport-tv.html

Search for Astros to see which stream to click on.


Has anyone ever used this site?  Any concerns with it? It seemed ok when I used it for one of the Astros-Yankees games.

Perhaps there is some place better out there for non-Comcast subscribers to watch the games.

473

Talk Zone / Re: Astros appeal Comcast SportsNet bankruptcy ruling

« on: April 04, 2014, 01:19:55 am »

The trend is spreading.  DirecTV is not carrying the Dodgers channel or the Phillies channel.  I'm sure there are others. 

Every time I think to myself I'm going to switch to comcast so I can see the Astros, I stumble across a rant about how horrible comcast.  The KPFT general manager went off on them Tuesday morning and Marc Maron has been focusing his special brand of bile on comcast the last couple of weeks.  There's enough angst being an Astros fan already, I don't need this extra shit. 

Us Austinites and others along the I-35 corridor wish we had the choice to switch to Comcast.

474

Talk Zone / Re: Bad Day for Former Astros

« on: April 03, 2014, 12:33:09 am »

Armando Gallaraga

"They have instant replay now?  That's nice".

475

Talk Zone / Re: Innuresting map

« on: April 03, 2014, 12:27:48 am »

Here's another innuresting map.  Fuck the Astros CSN Houston debacle.    Sorry if Cabrera'd.

Facebook Fandom Map

476

Beer and Queso / Re: Comcast Buys TimeWarner for $40B

« on: February 13, 2014, 01:54:32 pm »

I wonder how long this will take to be approved by the FCC, DOJ or whatever entities have jurisidiction? I doubt it will impact Astro fans ability to get games until 2015.

Good call.  I am a disgruntled TWC Austin customer looking to change.   I hope the Astros work out something with one of the other carriers.

477

Talk Zone / CSN Houston coming to I-35 corridor?

« on: February 13, 2014, 01:06:04 pm »

Fingers crossed that this is what that means.

Comcast to Acquire Time Warner Cable for $45.2 Billion

478

Talk Zone / Re: The Nolan Ryan thing

« on: February 06, 2014, 06:26:12 pm »

I hope the all the Ryan influences bring the Astros AAA team back to Round Rock.  It's harder to enjoy a game when it's a Rangers farm team.

Yep.  I hate going to the Dell Diamond now.  It's the Rangers, junior.  When the Express were the Astros affiliate, you never saw an Astros logo anywhere except on one "Road to the Show" t-shirt in the team store.  Now, it's Rangers logos everywhere.  It's like when a normal husband who becomes this super, PDA husband with his new wife.  Fuck them.

479

Talk Zone / Re: Berkman hangs 'em up

« on: February 06, 2014, 06:16:04 pm »

I remember watching him hit those bombs at the home run derby at the 2005 All Star game.   Yeah, he was hitting from the right side to take advantage of the short porch but he was absolutely crushing them.   I really enjoyed watching him play the game, often it seemed from a little kid's perspective.

2004 ASG, but yes, that was a fun year.  Still hate Jack McKeon for choosing Barry Larkin over Craig Biggio for a last minute replacement, preventing Craig from being an all-star at 3 positions.  Biggio had better stats at the time too.   He chose his guy over the fans' guy.

480

Talk Zone / Re: Berkman hangs 'em up

« on: February 06, 2014, 06:14:32 pm »

He's now an assistant coach over at Second Baptist.  I look forward to him teaching the outfielders how to eat Twinkies during games.

Seriously though, a staff of Berkman, Rayner Noble, and Jeff Calhoun?  That's some experience there.

Reid Ryan's kids go to school there.  "Funny bumping into you, Lance."

481

Talk Zone / Re: Berkman hangs 'em up

« on: January 31, 2014, 02:10:31 pm »

He didn't have much of a choice about that one. But he wanted to be a fucking Cardinal, and a goddamed Ranger.

I don't think he wanted to be a Ranger.   He couldn't say no to $11M guaranteed.   Most Rangers fans can tell you that for every walk off win last year, every Ranger was smiling and jumping around except Berkman, who never seemed too interested.  He acted more like a bench coach than a player.

For example:

https://twitter.com/BenRogers/status/362217380308467712/photo/1

482

Talk Zone / Re: Berkman hangs 'em up

« on: January 29, 2014, 11:47:56 pm »

Granted the Retired Number bar is set awfully low, but Berkman clears it easily.

483

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: BP Offseason Astros Top 10 Prospects

« on: January 29, 2014, 12:41:05 pm »

He was in 2013, which is what that lists.

Good catch.  My mistake.

484

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: BP Offseason Astros Top 10 Prospects

« on: January 29, 2014, 11:16:33 am »

Baseball America's Top 10 Astros Prospects
-------------------------------------------
1. Carlos Correa, ss
2. George Springer, of
3. Mark Appel, rhp
4. Mike Foltynewicz, rhp
5. Lance McCullers Jr., rhp
6. Vince Velasquez, rhp
7. Jonathan Singleton, 1b
8. Domingo Santana, of
9. Michael Feliz, rhp
10. Asher Wojciechowski, rhp


Interesting on that link that they claim Jordan Lyles is still with the Astros.

TOP PROSPECTS OF THE DECADE
Year    Player, Pos.    2013 Org.
2004    Taylor Buchholz, rhp    Out of baseball
2005    Chris Burke, 2b    Out of baseball
2006    Jason Hirsh, rhp    Amarillo (American Assoc.)
2007    Hunter Pence, of    Giants
2008    J.R. Towles, c    Dodgers
2009    Jason Castro, c    Astros
2010    Jason Castro, c    Astros
2011    Jordan Lyles, rhp    Astros
2012    Jonathan Singleton, rhp    Astros
2013    Carlos Correa, ss    Astros

485

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / Re: From Worst to First ... Astros #1 in Keith Law's Farm System Rankings

« on: January 28, 2014, 10:42:07 am »

The Astros have done everything they needed to do to restock what was a few years ago the worst system in the majors...It's been ugly, Astros fans, but hang in there.

1) Houston
2) Minnesota
3) Pittsburgh
4) Chicago Cubs
5) Boston
6) New York Mets
7) Kansas City
8.) Colorado
9) San Diego
10) Baltimore

13) Texas
21) Seattle
26) Oakland
29) Anaheim

486

The Bus Ride Discussion Forum / From Worst to First ... Astros #1 in Keith Law's Farm System Rankings

« on: January 28, 2014, 10:25:28 am »

Sorry if Cabrera'd.

Link

Ranking all 30 farm systems
Astros come in at No. 1 in Keith Law's annual rankings of minor league talent

Thanks to some high draft picks the future is (finally) bright in Houston.
To kick off my look at the best prospects in the minor leagues this week, I've ranked all 30 MLB farm systems from top to bottom, considering only the players who are currently in their systems and who have not yet exhausted their rookie of the year eligibility. (I use the same criterion for the individual player rankings that will be posted over the next three days.)

Similar to last year, there are only a handful of systems that combine both a few high-impact or high-ceiling prospects and also have depth down to and past the end of their top 10 list. (My top 10 rankings by team will be released on Thursday and Friday.)

Many systems ranked in the teens boast a couple of very good prospects -- say, one or two guys who project as above-average regulars, and another two or three who might be everyday guys -- and then it's bench parts and relievers. Those players are good to have, as you'd much rather fill those spots with minimum-salaried players than have to reach out to free agency, but their asset value is much lower than the values of prospects who project as average or better.

One last point: Of my top 10 farm systems, only three are "large market" teams (although the proper term would be "high revenue"). Scouting and player development are still the best way to build a competitive major league team, and while some extra money in scouting helps, success in either area is far more a function of the people you employ than the money you throw at the players. Good organizations hire and retain good people, enact strong processes and then execute them -- even when fans or writers don't see the big picture.

1. Houston Astros

On the one hand, when you pick first overall every year, you should probably end up with a pretty good farm system, and the Astros' top five prospects are all first-round picks. On the other hand, the Astros have done everything they needed to do to restock what was a few years ago the worst system in the majors, like exceeding MLB's recommended signing bonuses for Lance McCullers Jr. and Rio Ruiz in 2012, or landing prospects like Jonathan Singleton, Domingo Santana and Asher Wojciechowski in trades.

Not sure if there is any more Astros info after that first paragraph, as the free content ends there.

Of course, to be fair, this is the guy who once had Brett Wallace at #20 and Mike Trout at #49 in his Top Prospects list.

487

Talk Zone / Re: Congratulations to Bill Brown

« on: January 14, 2014, 01:05:12 pm »

Too bad very few could enjoy his work.
Randy Galloway. Sheesh.

Yep.  Haven't heard a game with Brownie since 2012.  Miss that here in Austin.

488

Talk Zone / Re: HOF vote watch

« on: January 08, 2014, 02:09:35 pm »

There were 571 ballots cast.

Yep.  569 last year.

489

Talk Zone / Re: HOF vote watch

« on: January 08, 2014, 01:46:28 pm »

So is Frank Thomas the first DH in the hall of fame?

Doug Harvey is in too.

490

Talk Zone / Re: HOF vote watch

« on: January 08, 2014, 01:42:02 pm »

Public Voters -- Biggio on 79.3% (165 of 208 ballots)
Private Voters -- Biggio on 72.2% (262 of 363 ballots)


It's human nature that people like giving good news and don't like broadcasting bad news.

491

Talk Zone / Re: HOF vote watch

« on: January 08, 2014, 01:34:53 pm »

From MLB.com

Maddux and Glavine, a pair of 300-game winners who pitched the bulk of their careers for the Braves, were the favorites, but the 571 voters outdid themselves by also adding Thomas.

Oh, how nice of the voters.

492

Talk Zone / Re: HOF vote watch

« on: January 08, 2014, 01:25:58 pm »

Name
Votes (Pct.)
Yrs on ballot
Greg Maddux 555 (97.2%) 1
Tom Glavine 525 (91.9) 1
Frank Thomas 478 (83.7) 1
Craig Biggio 427 (74.8.) 2
Mike Piazza 355 (62.2) 2
Jack Morris 351 (61.5) 15
Jeff Bagwell 310 (54.3) 4
Tim Raines 263 (46.1) 7
Roger Clemens 202 (35.4) 2
Barry Bonds 198 (34.7) 2
Lee Smith 171 (29.9) 12
Curt Schilling 167 (29.2) 2
Edgar Martinez 144 (25.2) 5
Alan Trammell 119 (20.8.) 13
Mike Mussina 116 (20.3) 1
Jeff Kent 87 (15.2) 1
Fred McGriff 67 (11.7) 8
Mark McGwire 63 (11.0) 8
Larry Walker 58 (10.2) 4
Don Mattingly 47 (8.2) 14
Sammy Sosa 41 (7.2) 2
Rafael Palmeiro 25 (4.4) 4
Moises Alou 6 (1.1) 1
Hideo Nomo 6 (1.1) 1
Luis Gonzalez 5 (0.9) 1
Eric Gagne 2 (0.4) 1
J.T. Snow 2 (0.4) 1
Armando Benitez 1 (0.2) 1
Jacque Jones 1 (0.2) 1
Kenny Rogers 1 (0.2) 1
Sean Casey 0 (0) 1
Ray Durham 0 (0) 1
Todd Jones 0 (0) 1
Paul LoDuca 0 (0) 1
Richie Sexson 0 (0) 1
Mike Timlin 0 (0) 1

493

Talk Zone / Re: HOF vote watch

« on: January 08, 2014, 01:13:08 pm »

16 ballots with no Greg Maddux.   Good job writers.

494

Talk Zone / Re: HOF vote watch

« on: January 08, 2014, 01:05:05 pm »

What a clusterfuck of a system.

495

Talk Zone / Re: Biggio misses HOF by 2 votes!

« on: January 08, 2014, 01:02:28 pm »

Damn.

496

Talk Zone / Re: HOF vote watch

« on: January 08, 2014, 12:59:47 pm »

Good Luck to Craig and Jeff.

497

Talk Zone / Re: HOF vote watch

« on: January 08, 2014, 12:51:09 pm »

Watch Live:  http://wapc.mlb.com/play/?topic_id=6003532&content_id=31284637

498

Talk Zone / Re: HOF vote watch

« on: January 08, 2014, 12:42:42 pm »

I bet Biggio has already received a phone call.   2 more ballots in, both for Biggio.   Craig needs 263 of the 362 outstanding ballots (72.7%).

Updated: Jan.8 - 1:35 ~ 207 Full Ballots ~ (36.4%* of vote ~ based on last year) (*new pct. record!)

99.5 - Maddux
95.7 - Glavine
89.4 - F. Thomas
79.2 - Biggio
———————————
67.6 - Piazza
61.8 - Jack (The Jack) Morris
56.0 - Bagwell

499

Talk Zone / Re: HOF vote watch

« on: January 08, 2014, 11:47:34 am »

8 more ballots in.  7 voted for Biggio.  Bagwell keeps on falling, but care more about Bidge right now.  Craig needs 265 of the 364 outstanding ballots (72.8%).

Updated: Jan.8 - 12:20 ~ 205 Full Ballots ~ (36.0%* of vote ~ based on last year) (*new pct. record!)

99.5 - Maddux
95.6 - Glavine
89.3 - F. Thomas
79.0 - Biggio
———————————
67.8 - Piazza
61.5 - Jack (The Jack) Morris
56.1 - Bagwell

500

Talk Zone / Re: HOF vote watch

« on: January 08, 2014, 10:41:45 am »

 3 more ballots in.  All 3 voted for Biggio.  Bagwell keeps on falling, but care more about Bidge right now.  Craig needs 272 of the 372 outstanding ballots (73.1%).

Updated: Jan.8 - 11:35 ~ 197 Full Ballots ~ (34.6%* of vote ~ based on last year) (*new pct. record!)

99.5 - Maddux
95.4 - Glavine
89.3 - F. Thomas
78.7 - Biggio
———————————
68.5 - Piazza
61.4 - Jack (The Jack) Morris
57.4 - Bagwell