Messages

2501

Talk Zone / Re: Aches and Pains (2019)

« on: February 27, 2019, 11:36:03 am »

Peacock. He might have won it anyway.

2502

Talk Zone / Re: Aches and Pains (2019)

« on: February 27, 2019, 10:37:02 am »

And so it begins

2503

Talk Zone / Re: Bryce Harper

« on: February 26, 2019, 04:25:05 pm »

I know nothing. Can I please get paid for it?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Probably. Get your resume out there.

2504

Talk Zone / Re: Bryce Harper

« on: February 26, 2019, 03:31:04 pm »

Heard last night that the LA Dodgers had a very productive meeting with Harper. According to the report I heard, Manager Roberts said the meeting was very positive and laid out the parameters of what a short-term deal should look like according to Boras/Harper.

The pundits last night went on to say that if Harper wanted to be a Phillie, he'd already sign. They speculated that with the Dodgers jumping back in other teams will be contacted by Boras if they want to see about a short-term deal as well, including the Yankees and White Sox. No mention of other teams since they were just speculating.

LAD now the favorite for Harper according to those who are paid to demonstrate they know nothing.

2505

Talk Zone / Re: Bryce Harper

« on: February 25, 2019, 10:26:30 am »

Good points, all. I was looking up some Nats stuff this morning for fantasy purposes and came across a WaPo columnist who seemed downright relieved to be done with him. To paraphrase: if at least once every ten games your most visible player overthrows the cutoff man by 15-feet, throws to the wrong cutoff man, fails to run out a ground ball, or gets thrown out running the bases foolishly, it's hard to ask the rest of your team for maximal effort. Now, a lot of that may just be grouchy old man-ism, but where there's smoke... Anyhow, Machado hates losing so much he regularly brutalizes his opponents.

Amazing to me Machado now is the good guy between the two. I do not think so. Machado was a cancer on the Dodgers. Luhnow traded for Harper. That is plenty good enough for me.

If Harper decides to take a shorter term deal to go for a ring, I think he’ll be an Astro.

2506

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

« on: February 24, 2019, 08:55:47 am »

Really?  $10.5M per?  He was in integral part of very good teams but, in your estimation, is he really worth 6.5% of the payroll, especially with the extensions they are working on with Verlander and Cole?  To me, the Diaz signing looks better and better, even if he only performs at 70-80% of the capacity of Gonzalez.

Agree

2507

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

« on: February 22, 2019, 07:59:27 pm »

I don't expect there to be an express agreement, but if there were one--or even a tacit agreement--I think its outward manifestation would look an awful lot like the past two off-seasons.

Come on. Owners finally wised up. Players apparently think they are entitled to make what they want to make and to dictate contract terms.  No.

Wonder what we offered Marwin.

2508

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

« on: February 22, 2019, 01:42:38 pm »

Either that or all the teams secretly agreed to avoid competitive bidding for free agents.

No way. There are no secrets in a deposition.

2509

Talk Zone / Re: Bryce Harper

« on: February 21, 2019, 12:24:34 pm »

I wonder about this as well.  I also wonder about him and Bregman in the same clubhouse.

Oh, fucking please. They traded for him last summer.

2510

Talk Zone / Re: Bryce Harper

« on: February 21, 2019, 11:31:08 am »

Any more. They pretty clearly did in October.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Of course. I am talking about now, not last fall.

2511

Talk Zone / Re: Collin McHugh podcast

« on: February 21, 2019, 10:36:57 am »

The podcast with Morton was really good.

2512

Talk Zone / Re: Bryce Harper

« on: February 21, 2019, 10:34:58 am »

Report today is the Nats are not offering 10/300.

2513

Talk Zone / Re: Bryce Harper

« on: February 21, 2019, 10:32:50 am »

Jim, do you think that will happen? 

Verlander/Upton to Los Angeles seems like it has been mentioned in the rumor ether and Cole is a Boras guy (don't they usually test the market in most cases?) 

I am so on board with getting these guys signed but I am wondering if the location for JV and the money for Cole are going to work?  Thoughts

Verlander unilaterally invited extension discussions a couple of weeks ago, and someone on here with knowledges posted he and Kate are really enjoying Houston.

I have no idea about Cole, but JV staying put could not hurt the chances with Cole.

Remember, the player is in charge, not the agent.

2514

Talk Zone / Re: Bryce Harper

« on: February 20, 2019, 06:26:34 pm »

By jacking up the AAV to a mind-numbing figure?  (something like 6-7 years at $45M per)

Luhnow won’t do that. Gotta extend our pitchers.

2515

Talk Zone / Re: Bryce Harper

« on: February 20, 2019, 04:35:44 pm »

Maybe not $400mm, but I think the point is that there is no incentive to signing a 5-year deal over a 10-year deal (regardless of the opt-out) unless the 10-year deal isn't going to happen.  The market has now shown that a 10-year deal is a still distinct possibility, so right now, pitching the 5-year deal to Harper as "it's just as good as the 10-year deal with an opt-out after year 5" is silly.  That can change if the deal never materializes, but right now Harper has every reason to stick to his guns.

Yeah, silly is something I usually am.

ETA: I may not be as smart as y’all, but even I know 5 guaranteed is not as good as 10 guaranteed. That is not the point or at least not my point.

You are the GM of a team with a legitimate shot at the WS, but with Harper, you might be a prohibitive favorite. You think enough of him to trade four good prospects for a half season rental. You want him on your team, but you will never do a ten year contract. How do you pitch your shorter term offer to attempt to get him to sign?

If your answer is it would be “silly” to try because a ten year deal is better, you are in the wrong fucking job. No one should have made you a GM.

2516

Talk Zone / Re: Bryce Harper

« on: February 20, 2019, 03:23:22 pm »

Nicely done.

Ok. Good luck to Bryce on the 400.

SF still is pursuing a short term deal. Wonder how they are pitching it? If they could only read the TZ....

2517

Talk Zone / Re: Bryce Harper

« on: February 20, 2019, 03:02:09 pm »

Machado has a 10-year guarantee. He may intend to opt out after 5, but if his left leg falls off in 2023 he can still collect every penny of his $300 million. If Harper takes a 5-year deal, he doesn’t get that same protection. The annual salary would have to be sky high to get him to take a deal like that.

Do you think I am fucking stupid or only ordinary stupid?

2518

Talk Zone / Re: Bryce Harper

« on: February 20, 2019, 02:49:02 pm »

Harper has a huge ego and has been told for years that he would break the bank and get a 400 million offer so now he's sulking and hoping a team gets stupid.

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

Maybe so.

2519

Talk Zone / Re: Bryce Harper

« on: February 20, 2019, 02:39:48 pm »

Why would Harper take a lower guarantee?

Did not say he would. If Manny intends to opt out, he only has s five year deal.

Depends on whether Harper wants a record contract more than he wants a ring. What did he turn down Washington or if the report today is true, why has he turned down multiple long term offers?

2520

Talk Zone / Re: Bryce Harper

« on: February 20, 2019, 02:08:43 pm »

I'm not so sure. Machado is only 26 and will be signed through 36. Most of the bad contracts that are always talked about are are bad because the player is 36-40 in age. Also Machado will probably opt out after 5 years to try and get another big contract, taking the Padres off the hook. I'd honestly be much more worried about signing Harper for that length because at least Manny hasn't had health/consistency issues.

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

Why not say to Harper: “Sure, Manny got ten years, but he has an opt out after five so he can pursue another FA deal. Here is a five year deal for you at $X. At its end, you are free to go after the next big deal too without having to fight over the opt out clause now.”

2521

Talk Zone / Re: JV and Cole

« on: February 20, 2019, 02:04:57 pm »

I hope he means it. I don't want to see JV finish his career anywhere else.

Of course he means it. The interview is posted on At Bat.

2522

Talk Zone / JV and Cole

« on: February 20, 2019, 01:22:22 pm »

Crane says the team will try to extend both.

I am bracing for Cabrera.

2523

Talk Zone / Re: Astros OF Defense

« on: February 20, 2019, 08:53:34 am »

Looking back at CC: http://www.astroscounty.com/p/the.html

Great story. I had no idea of the extent of his history of violence.

2524

Talk Zone / Re: Astros OF Defense

« on: February 19, 2019, 07:55:01 am »

I think Jake has every bit as strong of a throwing arm as Cedeno. I remember Cesar Geronimo having an even better arm than Cedeno.

Oh goodness, no.

2525

Talk Zone / Re: Astros OF Defense

« on: February 18, 2019, 05:31:35 pm »

I agree with Noe. Cedeno.

2526

Talk Zone / Re: Arb-Eligible Players 2018

« on: February 14, 2019, 11:50:09 am »

Don't you mean Trevor?

Don’t you remember Bregman’s tweet?

2527

Talk Zone / Re: Arb-Eligible Players 2018

« on: February 14, 2019, 05:40:20 am »

(Updated/Final)

Astros' arb cases under Luhnow/Crane:

2012 (0)
2013 (0)
2014 (0)
2015 (0)
2016 (1)
  -Castro (5MM vs 5.25MM)  Astros Won
2017 (1)
  -McHugh (3.35MM vs 3.85MM)  Astros Lost
2018 (2)
  -McHugh (4.55MM vs 5MM) Astros Lost
  -Giles (4.2MM vs 4.6MM)  Astros Lost
2019 (2)
  -Correa ($5MM vs $4.25MM) Astros Lost
  -Cole ($13.5MM vs $11.425MM) Astros Lost

Not a particularly winning strategy for the Astros to date with net losses of $3.9MM (not taking into account any ancillary expenses).

I am staring to think winning these hearings is less important to Luhnow than following his plan. Part of the plan is determining what the players are worth budgetwise and offering only that amount. The club will consider a reasonable compromise to a number within the plan and go to a hearing if the player is not interested in the compromise number. The club puts on its best case in a businesslike professional manner without getting personal or denigrating the player’s efforts or contributions to the organization, and if the arbitrator rules for the player, so be it. Luhnow stuck to the plan without emotion or rancor, and the club did not piss off the player. Going to a hearing is merely a business decision based on an impersonal evaluation of monetary value, and win or lose, the decision is not a personal attack on the player or his accomplishments and contributions to the team and its season.

All of this stuff exists only in my head, of course, but I starting thinking this might be Luhnow’s approach when Correa complimented management on its professionalism after his hearing.

2528

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

« on: February 13, 2019, 11:12:57 am »

So I looked this up. Not sure at all where I was getting the 35-second number. Here's the rule:

When the bases are unoccupied, the pitcher shall deliver the ball to the batter within
12 seconds after he receives the ball. Each time the pitcher delays the game by violating this
rule, the umpire shall call “Ball.”

Rule 8.04 to 8.05
79

The 12-second timing starts when the pitcher is in possession of the ball and the
batter is in the box, alert to the pitcher. The timing stops when the pitcher releases the ball.

The intent of this rule is to avoid unnecessary delays. The umpire shall insist that
the catcher return the ball promptly to the pitcher, and that the pitcher take his position on
the rubber promptly. Obvious delay by the pitcher should instantly be penalized by the
umpire.

I looked to see if there was similarly a set amount of time a batter had to get in the box and there isn't, they just say "promptly". They also say that, except for a list of several exceptions, batters are to keep one foot in the box the entire AB.

It seems clear to me at least that these rules are casualties of gentlemanly, collegial neglect among umpires in tandem with bloat from increased sophistication (of pitch type, sign-stealing technology, money on the line, etc.).

The Grant Brisbee piece I believe someone already linked to (https://www.sbnation.com/a/mlb-2017-season-preview/game-length) summarizes the issue brilliantly and hilariously and is well worth the full read.

So why not just give these rules some teeth? Make the batter stay in the box again and change the rule to give the pitcher fifteen or twenty seconds to deliver the pitch.

I also don't understand why the batters box initiative of 2015 was dropped so unceremoniously. It was working! It made games faster and more fun! (http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/12793744/mlb-making-good-fines-pace-game-violations) Why doesn't anyone talk about rehabilitating this?

If you need to let the pitcher and catcher communicate wirelessly in order to facilitate this hastening, so be it. Sign-stealing may be historic but needn't be preserved. This would most likely also obviate the increasing proclivity of catchers to constantly visit the mount during single ABs.

There is nothing wrong with sign stealing with the naked eye. There also is no way to prevent it. What was wrong then and is now is using technology, from binoculars to fancy cameras, to steal signs.

2529

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

« on: February 11, 2019, 08:22:25 pm »

$175-200mm+ over 6-7 years for Dallas is holyfuckingshit-I’m-on-meth-and-carrying-an-alligator-into-a-convenience-store-in-Florida-to-buy-beer level of crazy.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

HOF post

2530

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

« on: February 11, 2019, 04:12:02 pm »

$60 million for Marwin. Holyfuckingshit. Crazy.

2531

Talk Zone / Re: Predictions for 2019 Astros

« on: February 11, 2019, 04:08:32 pm »

I find Dan Szymborski's predictions fairly entertaining and as accurate as any. His computer thinks Kyle Tucker will turn the corner this year, which would be great, and Wade Miley will not be a big impact, unless the Astros's staff work their magic. Gurriell is projected to be on the bench a lot, especially if Tucker takes off.

I think that is not the first time I've seen Altuve compared to Billy Herman.

Gurriel should not be on the bench.

2532

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

« on: February 09, 2019, 09:19:57 am »

New tangled things are not his forte.

Old Man jokes never get old, do they?

2533

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

« on: February 08, 2019, 10:23:17 am »

Just leave the fucking game alone. Let the players play.

This

2534

Talk Zone / Re: Ex-Astros News 2019

« on: February 08, 2019, 10:12:38 am »

Hunter Pence suddenly... changed course?


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Excellent point

2535

Talk Zone / Re: Ex-Astros News 2019

« on: February 07, 2019, 05:58:23 pm »

Rangers sign Hunter Pence to a minor league deal with an invite to major league camp.

I thought he was too hurt to keep playing.

2536

Talk Zone / Re: Frank Robinson has passed at 83

« on: February 07, 2019, 05:57:13 pm »

Agree with above.

He also seemed like an old school hard ass, in the way that extremely capable/talented people can be (i.e. not just for the hell of it).

Mean as a junkyard dog. He appreared to be anyway.

2537

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

« on: February 07, 2019, 05:55:58 pm »

I hate all this stuff. If the games are too long for you, don’t watch.

2538

Talk Zone / Re: Bryce Harper

« on: February 07, 2019, 10:39:42 am »

This is the GM version of “I’m in the best shape of my career”


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Yep. Harper probably will not sign with us, but I’ll bet we have an offer on the table.

2539

Talk Zone / Re: Bryce Harper

« on: February 07, 2019, 08:43:20 am »

Sounds like JLuhnow is happy going into ST.   Harper ain't on the menu, it seems.

Of course he is saying that. He always does. That does not mean he is sitting back waiting to be called.

2540

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

« on: February 06, 2019, 06:26:19 pm »

I think that the three batter minimum is going to improve rosters. There will no longer be a roster spot for a left-handed relief specialist. I never have had much use for pitchers who couldn't get hitters from both sides of the plate out. I hate those lefty specialists that right-handed hitters murder. Let's face it: you know the lefty I'm talking about because there are several of them in the baseball. They throw 85-90 heaters and sweeping sliders. Every fucking one of them. If they weren't lefties, they'd be selling cars.
+

Ugh. No, no, no to three batter minimum.

2541

Talk Zone / Re: Tacos Across America

« on: February 06, 2019, 02:24:54 pm »

Those Taco Bell promotions are awesome because about three years ago I decided to quit paying for tacos.

Well played

2542

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

« on: February 06, 2019, 11:21:48 am »

I think people will miss mound visits when they are gone.

I do not know about missing them, but they often are necessary.

2543

Talk Zone / Re: Tacos Across America

« on: February 05, 2019, 06:44:41 pm »

He was and is a class act. I am glad he was a part of the 2017 team and got a ring. His contributions in a short period of time were significant.

Great story, Knox.

2544

Talk Zone / Re: Arbitrations

« on: February 05, 2019, 06:39:53 pm »

This is my source for most of my Astros news. Why no discussion here on the recent developments with Devenski and Correa on their contracts?

You are not doing a good job of reading.

2545

Talk Zone / Re: Dominican Baseball Article

« on: February 05, 2019, 06:38:29 pm »

I don't understand this.

Neither do I

2546

Talk Zone / Re: Dominican Baseball Article

« on: February 05, 2019, 12:36:25 pm »

I vowed never to pay for content years ago.   Luckily a friend gave me a gift subscription to The Athletic at Christmas.

It's really good.   Hopefully he'll renew it this year.

So you never subscribed to a newspaper or magazine, eh?

2547

Talk Zone / Re: Dominican Baseball Article

« on: February 05, 2019, 12:35:16 pm »

It really is that good, huh? I guess I'll have to try it. I'm more frugal than you though, so If I do a free 7-day  trail and then cancel at the end of the trial before the $3.99 a month charge incurs. will they come back with the $2.99 a month offer?

Damn, man. Is this really an issue?

2548

Talk Zone / Re: Bryce Harper

« on: February 04, 2019, 04:29:26 am »

I have no idea what category this particular wench falls under, because I'm not familiar with her work at all, but good journalists of all kinds should be celebrated, because they are few and far between these days.

Wretch, not wench

2549

Talk Zone / Re: Opening Day

« on: February 03, 2019, 11:56:14 am »

Drew is out of state and may not be reading the board.

2550

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

« on: February 02, 2019, 04:16:54 pm »

Crane said he would not be surprised with two more moves. Miley is one.

2551

Talk Zone / Re: Bryce Harper

« on: February 02, 2019, 04:15:51 pm »

This ink-stained wretch for the TBT thinks the Rays should sign Harper on a 1-year/$40MM deal.

http://www.tampabay.com/sports/rays/2019/02/02/to-ponder-is-bryce-harper-for-one-year-a-worthy-rays-investment/

Love the description!

2552

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

« on: February 02, 2019, 07:18:45 am »

I wonder if the Brain Trust still is looking for a bat? I’ll bet there is an offer to Harper on the table. Like all of you, I hope an extension for JV is next up. Then Cole. Having those guys around cannot hurt in keeping the Core Four.

2553

Talk Zone / Re: Opening Day

« on: February 01, 2019, 01:35:49 pm »

So, apparently, there may be tickets for Opening Day after all.

Would you all still be interested?  I do not have the pricing yet.

One or the other for me. Not both.

2554

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

« on: February 01, 2019, 11:28:35 am »

That there are new stats based on Pitchf/x data is inevitable and interesting to me.  (and the Astros front office probably).

Stats are interesting to me also, and I try to understand the new ones before calling BS on them (OPS, are you listening?). Stats give a detailed description of what a player has done in the past thus far and help in the impossible task of predicting the future. I am not anti-stat.

What I have no patience with, which occasioned my latest “who gives a fuck,” is the tendency of some to excuse current failure with stats showing past successful performance. That is the coach in me.  If my DH, whose sole job is to hit, consistently fails to hit and drive in runs when the team needs them, I do not want to hear from him (or his apologists) “Yeah but my (insert stat) is equal to or better than (insert some great player). I want my players to produce them the team needs them and I am not comforted by their past achievements. White in the ALCS is my most recent reminder of this.

2555

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

« on: January 31, 2019, 11:27:42 pm »

You've got folks who don't understand wRC+ and now you want them to understand xwOBAcon?

One word: duck.

Did you mean don’t  understand or don’t give a fuck?

2556

Talk Zone / Re: Cuba trip with some details

« on: January 31, 2019, 07:27:19 am »

Camarones enchiladas, I'm guessing.  Basically Cuban-style shrimp creole.  I like Cuban coffee, but it kicks my ass.  Adding a bit of rum sounds fun though.  I remember the old Cuban gents who used to hang around the barber shop when I was a kid.  They'd drink that coffee, play dominoes, and talk baseball.  All.  Day.  Long.

One of my friends had some sort of shrimp dish with rum. The waiter brought her plate along with a shot glass of rum, then poured the rum on the shrimp. Delicious! Her husband had pork, and our taxi drivers had heaping mounds of fried shrimp.  I am kicking myself for not buying Cuban coffee to bring home. The cigar store had 2 lb. packages, but I passed at that time and never saw it again.

2557

Talk Zone / Re: Cuba trip with some details

« on: January 30, 2019, 05:11:55 pm »

Wow. What a fun trip. I know a couple who visited Cuba while on Mexican vacations, I believe they took a flight out of Cancun.

Don’t have to do that any more.

2558

Talk Zone / Re: Opening Day

« on: January 30, 2019, 03:14:37 pm »

Mailed check yesterday

2559

Talk Zone / Re: Old Program

« on: January 30, 2019, 03:13:56 pm »

Here is mine: I was a good HS pitcher and had very good sophomore and junior years, but my senior year was mediocre at best. My arm did not hurt, but my arm seemed tired, and I had no life or zip on my FB. Late in the season the coach started a sophomore in a game I should have started. Perhaps to soothe my ruffled feathers, he announced to the team he had me in the pen that night because of my great control and was saving me for a pressure situation. Sure enough, he brought me in with the bases loaded. I, of the great control, threw eight straight balls and walked in two runs.

2560

Talk Zone / Re: Opening Day

« on: January 30, 2019, 01:13:00 pm »

No worries, Coach. I'm fascinated by your stories.

I moved HH’s food report to the correct thread.

2561

Talk Zone / Re: Cuba trip with some details

« on: January 30, 2019, 09:52:05 am »

HH: I had a shrimp dish with some sort of spicy red sauce. I do not remember the menu name. We had a large plate of banana chips for the table, and the Cuban coffee with a splash of rum was a nice touch.

2562

Talk Zone / Re: Opening Day

« on: January 30, 2019, 09:50:58 am »

Fuck. Sorry!

2563

Talk Zone / Re: Cuba trip with some details

« on: January 30, 2019, 08:30:39 am »

I am looking at the certication form. Group travel is not required, but individuals also must travel under a general or specific license. There are conditions set out in the US Code of Federal Regulations at 31 CFR Part 15. Educational exchange activities satisfy one condition but there are others. The Cubans do not appear to watch or to regulate this. The US government sets out the requirements.

2564

Talk Zone / Re: Cuba trip with some details

« on: January 30, 2019, 06:28:56 am »

When I went I just went. I left from Colombia if I recall correctly, but there was nothing to it. Now, thanks to dumbfuck, there is some additional paperwork required for American citizens if I understand correctly. I think you can simply attest to the fact that you are going for some approved purpose and the airline feels like they're covered. Any non US airline of course doesn't care about any of that nonsense, and of course as you know the Cubans are perfectly happy to welcome you. So I think what you have to do now is sign some document and give it to the airline.

If you fly from the US there is a different process that I understand is more involved.

I am not a Panamanian citizen but should be shortly.

Yes, there is a form, and we were required to keep one copy. There also is a visa costing $75 which Cuban immigration took from us the last night we were there. I was disappointed to not be able to keep it as a souvenir like I could with my Russia visa. I have the passport stamp.

I’ll look at the form and post the conditions. Bench may be correct.

2565

Talk Zone / Re: Cuba trip with some details

« on: January 30, 2019, 06:23:41 am »

Great recap, and I am envious of your trip.  Cuba has been on my bucket list for a long time.  Some of my ancestors came to the US from Spain via Cuba, and my grandparents visited regularly in the 30s and 40s.  My uncle told a great story of getting drunk in a bar and getting in a fight with another drunk which resulted in both of them getting tossed in the local clink for the night.  Upon sobering up, he realized the other drunk, who was in the next cell, was Errol Flynn. 

I'm disappointed that you didn't remember what you had for lunch, however.  Cuban food is one of the great joys in life.

I’ll give it more thought. What I had was great. The menu went on and on, and the restaurant was very nice.

2566

Talk Zone / Re: Cuba trip with some details

« on: January 30, 2019, 06:20:27 am »

It was my understanding that US citizens could only go on a group basis for educational purposes, rather than basic individual tourism.

 
Not sure. I have friends who, I think, went as individuals. I’ll ask them.

2567

Talk Zone / Re: Cuba trip with some details

« on: January 29, 2019, 05:24:17 pm »

Yeah, I know, that's why I led with If you go back. Two days isn't really enough to even cover the basics.

Going there solo and not on a cruise from the US is not the easiest thing. Is it easier from Panama? Are you a dual citizen?

2568

Talk Zone / Re: Cuba trip with some details

« on: January 29, 2019, 04:46:44 pm »

Bucanero is way too strong for me.

The art scene there is off the charts, obviously, but the various, old posters available are great, too. They have all the normal revolutionary stuff you might imagine which I find sort of boring, and no end of kooky, sort of socialist spirit lifting. Anything from deco to brutalist. Cheap, too, almost all of it, especially if you encounter anything interesting in stores that accept moneda nacional rather than CUC, in which case you'll literally be spending pennies.

There are a couple of tourist oriented art markets, and I should warn you that these are most definitely not what I am advocating. There is a particularly large one over on the harbor which is worth a visit, but I would certainly not buy any art there. I did, however, buy my son a lime green guayabera under the reasonable assumption that every self-respecting gentleman needs one in his wardrobe.

https://goo.gl/maps/DjKxfRPMBEF2

The Saturday market on the Prado is really what you want to do, though, I think, because almost everyone who's showing their art is the actual artist. And, as I said, more of it is good than is strictly necessary.

I was not looking for art in Havana, but maybe I should have been. My time was limited because of tours and other group activities, and we were not there on Saturday. I did not see or go into a gallery by the dock. Our trek to find an Industriales cap took us through many streets and shops into town and away from the water.

ETA: if I had told our guide the first day I wanted to see local art, he would have shown me where to look. I could have gone back the second day when I was on my own. Oh, well. I bought some street art in Santiago and the baseball poster in Havana. I need more wall space!

2569

Talk Zone / Re: Cuba trip with some details

« on: January 29, 2019, 04:05:37 pm »

I am a committed Cristal man, myself.

If you go back, make sure you're in Havana on a Saturday in order to take in the art market on the Paseo del Prado. There is a surprising amount of worthwhile art of all sorts, and you are almost always dealing with the artist.

There are several off the beaten path art galleries, too, that you could get lost in.

We were there on a Wednesday and Thursday, and I really did not start looking for street art until Cienfuegos.  I did buy a poster from a documentary about the Industriales. That is my bad because our guide the first day would have showed me those out of the way places.

Our taxi drivers had a Cristal, which they said is lighter and less ABV than Bucanero. The beer was good but not exceptional.

2570

Talk Zone / Cuba trip with some details

« on: January 29, 2019, 03:40:34 pm »

I was on a cruise on the Azamara Journey, which is part of the Royal Caribbean family. The ship was a smaller one with only 700 passengers. I was part of a group of 100 who were guests of Park West Gallery. As you may imagine, we “qualified” for this free cruise (and a free 24/7 drinks package) by previous art purchases. Park West is the largest art dealer in the world and supplies the art for cruise ship art programs.

We were in Havana for two days, Cienfuegos for one day, 24 hours spread over two days (5pm to 5pm) in Santiago de Cuba, one day in Nassau, and two sea days. Organized tours were available at each port, and the cruise line took as many of the 700 who wanted to go to a fabulous modern ballet performance the first night in Havana. This show was truly incredible.

In Havana I did the classic car tour the first morning, which combined the cars, a bus, and a short walking tour. One of our three guides said something to me about baseball, and I told him I wanted a fitted Industrialies cap. After the tour ended, he took me on a trek in and out of shops he knew of trying to find an authentic team cap. Just as he/we were about to give up, we found one! Yay. A bonus of this association was he worked in a restaurant as his regular gig, and we (I was hanging out with a great couple from KC who are SERIOUS art collectors), and we ate “lunch” there at about 3. The next day I blew off the walking tour after awhile and walked around Havana by myself soaking it all in. Surreal-much like Carolyn and I walking in Red Square-to be walking around Havana Cuba, alone, with no fear or apprehension. The streets were clogged with people on a weekday, and I did not encounter a single unfriendly person. I bought Montecristo cigars for Mark and me. Under the new rules, up to 100 cigars may be brought back duty free.

My most fun day was in Cienfuegos. The three of us wound up in two bicycle taxis, and they drove us around for 6+ hours. We shopped, stopped to see a restaurant where Fidel celebrated after the revolution was secure (big photo on the wall), just generally drove around all over, and went to the ballpark (Cienfuegos Los Elefantes). The team had been eliminated from the postseason so I thought I would be taking photos of an empty ballpark. No! There was a game in progress between two teams of 18-year olds-a team from Cienfuegos and one from another town. We watched 2-3 innings and left with Cienfuegos holding a 7-1 lead. As we left, a guy with some swag approached the easy mark (me), and after some negotiation I bought a cap and home and away Los Elefantes jerseys. We told our drivers we wanted an authentic Cuban meal, and they took us to Restaurante Bahia, which was great. We bought their lunch, and I had a couple of the best local beer (Bucanero) with my lunch. Don’t ask me what I had because I do not remember, but it was great. Our drivers each had a heaping pile of fried shrimp, and the mixture of rice and black beans was to die for. One of the drivers was a baseball fanatic; he did not speak much English, but we talked all day about Cuban and other Latin American MLB players. They turned into Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid when we were back at the ship, but we paid the 100 CUC per taxi without argument. We had not negotiated a price up front, and they had us all day in a tremendously fun day.

The three of us walked around Santiago’s Old Town, which is very hilly and somewhat challenging, Think SF. My friends mostly hung out in the Plaza Square setting up a photo with some musicians so I left them and explored on my own. I was kicking myself for not buying street art in Cienfuegos, and the shopping was not as good in Santiago. I finally found a street with shops and bought a couple of pieces...one to keep and one to give away. My friends wanted to go back to the ship around 1 so I went with them because I thought I had been pretty much all over the Old Town area. We encounter one extremely friendly local on the street who asked me where I was from. When I told him, he said “Oh, Estados Unidos!” The best people in the world are from Estados Unidos, except for Cuba.” On my way back down the hill going to the ship, she stopped me again to ask if I had a good time and to urge me to return. He was not trying to sell me anything; he simply was being welcoming and friendly. We went to the Tropicana the night we were in Santiago. It is a 1950s-style nightclub show with women in colorful outfits with tall headdresses, male and female singers and dancers, a complimentary cigar, and a complimentary bottle of rum and Cokes for each two patrons.

One funny thing, or at least this made me smile. The internet warns potential US travelers not to rely on credit cards because US bank cards are not accepted. One needs cash, and Cuba’s payback for the embargo is to charge an extra an extra 10% to exchange US dollars for CUC (1 to 1 USD). All currency is charged 3% so $100 USD becomes 87 CUC. US folks are advised take euros, Canadian dollars, or British pounds to exchange. I took Canadian. I did not do a good job spending all my money ashore, so I had to exchange what I had when I left Santiago. US banks will not take CUC. I went to the window and asked for Canadian dollars. The nice lady changing money said “I only have US dollars.”  Well, good for you! Cuba did not get my 10% entering the country , but it got it when I left.

The people were extremely friendly and are glad to see Americans coming as tourists. In each city, the streets are crowded all day. Our guide in Havana told us “When you go back home, tell your friends we love Americans. We have been praying for this day for many years.”

Ask me any questions you have. I had a wonderful time. Cuba was a bucket list dream trip for me.

2571

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

« on: January 28, 2019, 06:37:18 am »

Not a deviated septum, but in November I had a polyp the size of a golf ball removed from my left sinus.  I forgot what it was like to sleep through the night without waking up 2-3 times.

Holy cow!

2572

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

« on: January 27, 2019, 07:41:58 pm »

Good grief you’re crotchety. He has a higher slugging average in that time than Harper too. Is that more your speed?

He was also in a funk the entire month of September so no surprise he struggled in the postseason.

I do not give a rat’s ass about past stats when the postseason begins. All that matters to me is what he did with runners on and the game on the line then.

2573

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

« on: January 27, 2019, 07:33:43 pm »

He had a rough September as well but I’m confident he will adjust.

Since 9/1/16 he has a wRC+ of 137 in the majors. That’s tied with Bryce Harper and Josh Donaldson for reference.

Whatever the fuck that is. Totally meaningless when he fails in the postseason.

2574

Talk Zone / Re: AL West News 2019

« on: January 27, 2019, 07:27:58 pm »

Demonstrate to who? I'm sure Harper already knew about it. Demonstrate to Astros fans that they tried to do more at the deadline but were foiled by another team's owner, sure, we've seen that PR move employed before.

But I think the only thing that would show fans they're serious about wanting him is if they make a legitimate offer, and leak THAT to the media at some point.

So cynical. So they were lying about Britton and Harper, eh? Cite your sources, please.

2575

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 HOF Ballot

« on: January 27, 2019, 07:25:34 pm »

Put him in. I don’t think exclusion from the hall makes sense as a punishment. I find his being on MLB broadcasts way more distasteful than including him in the HOF.

Fuck, no. He bet on baseball and lied about it.

2576

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

« on: January 27, 2019, 07:23:49 pm »

“Tyler White”

But seriously - he has improved every year and has always surprised. Not quite to the extent of Aktive, but still - i would not dismiss his chances.

He will get chances by default if Luhnow does not add a bat. He reverted to who he is in the postseason, I fear.

2577

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

« on: January 27, 2019, 01:43:31 pm »

I can't imagine where Marwin would fit on this team anymore.  Brantley is in LF.  The Astros starters are set in the infield.  And they have plenty of utlility players.  Spending money on Marwin just seems silly at this point.  Spend the money on starting pitching.

No DH, and please do not say Tyler White.

2578

Talk Zone / Re: Astros Hall of Fame

« on: January 26, 2019, 06:10:30 pm »

Umbricht? Again?

2579

Talk Zone / Re: Cuba

« on: January 26, 2019, 03:15:00 pm »

Actually you did NOT say that Jim.

Oh, shit. You are right, and my bad, Nate. I must have said that to a neighbor/friend/baseball fan in a text. I had two conversations going at once.

Mea culpa!

2580

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

« on: January 26, 2019, 03:02:51 pm »

Chandler Rome @Chandler_Rome 12m ago
Justin Verlander, who is a free agent after this season, said the topic of a contract extension with the Astros "has not even been breached."

"I don't know what their organizational plans are. It's something I wouldn't be opposed to."

Praise be!

2581

Talk Zone / Re: Cuba

« on: January 26, 2019, 03:02:16 pm »

So you weren't actually able to see a CNS game? Is that because being on a cruise time just didn't allow for attending one?

The reason why I ask is because my wife and I have talked about taking a cruise to Cuba but for me it was kinda a dealbreaker if I couldn't see a Serie Nacional game.

As I said, they were at the end of their World Series, and we did not stop in either one the towns. Las Tunas was one, and I do not remember the other.

As much as I love baseball, I think that is a dumb dealbreaker if you have the opportunity to go to Cuba.

2582

Talk Zone / Cuba

« on: January 26, 2019, 12:33:45 pm »

I returned yesterday from a cruise which stopped in Havana, Cienfuegos, and Santiago. This was a bucket list destination for me. Our bicycle taxi drivers in Cienfuegos took us to the ballpark, and we got a bonus experience of watching 3-4 innings of a game between 18-year olds from Cienfuegos and another town. One of our drivers was a baseball fanatic who told me 112 times Puig, Abreu, and Moncada all played for the Cienfuegos Los Elefantes. I told him the Astros are my team so he called me Gurriel the rest of the day. I bought a cap and two jerseys. Awesome day.

2583

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

« on: January 26, 2019, 12:23:54 pm »

Crane still not closing door on Keuchel and Marwin.

So then what with Diaz? I hope Marwin returns, but he is not an impact bat.

2584

Talk Zone / Re: Ex-Astros News 2019

« on: January 25, 2019, 10:59:27 am »

Good article about Ensberg, new minor league manager for TB.
https://www.fayobserver.com/entertainmentlife/20190119/woodpeckers-75-days-and-counting---ensberg-with-rays-organization

He was successful on the field in Houston. Wonder what happened.

2585

Talk Zone / Re: Opening Day

« on: January 25, 2019, 07:36:55 am »

Yep X 2

2586

Talk Zone / Re: Arb-Eligible Players 2018

« on: January 12, 2019, 10:25:41 am »

The hearings aren't for a few more weeks.  They can still work a deal with Cole and Correa in the meantime.  Yesterday doesn't mean they *have* to go to a hearing.  Hopefully, it means they're working on longer term deals during that time.

Make it happen, Hawk.

2587

Talk Zone / Re: Arb-Eligible Players 2018

« on: January 12, 2019, 07:14:31 am »

Maybe they are talking about that in the meantime?

Nice thought

2588

Talk Zone / Re: Arb-Eligible Players 2018

« on: January 11, 2019, 08:55:32 pm »

Maybe they think he's gone after 2019 anyway.

Doubt they would give up this soon.

2589

Talk Zone / Re: Arb-Eligible Players 2018

« on: January 11, 2019, 08:26:35 pm »

Fuck. Take Cole to a hearing? We should want to extend him, not fight with him.

2590

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

« on: January 11, 2019, 01:52:12 pm »

Agree with you--I'd be tempted to part with JBB for Gray. At $9.1MM he doesn't bust the budget either and still would allow Luhnow a fair amount of payroll flexibility.

JBB, yes. James, no.

2591

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

« on: January 11, 2019, 11:13:03 am »

He was damn good (not just lucky) away from Yankee Stadium last year. Not sure I’d pin my hopes on him, but it’s easy to imagine him returning to form.

Perhaps he will, but would you give up top tier prospects or James?

2592

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

« on: January 11, 2019, 10:46:12 am »

I’d rather have Bukauskas than Gray *this year *


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Agreed. Sonny Gray has become a project and is no longer the shutdown star he once was.

2593

Talk Zone / Re: Collin McHugh podcast

« on: January 08, 2019, 04:09:44 pm »

Just listened, and I liked it a lot. Two intelligent, articulate guys.

2594

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

« on: January 07, 2019, 06:47:38 am »

These guys were apparently not the centerpieces, but solid lower-level performers who fill needed roster slots ... Manea in Fayetteville gives Nathan Perry more time to develop, and Adolph probably lands in QC where there is plenty of space.

Meanwhile, Bohanek was aging out but has a decent glove and good make-up ... he might get a look at AA or even AAA with the Mets (though I really have no idea what their system looks like).  Regardless, I wish him well.

Thanks for this. I am grateful to you Bus Riders who interpret deals for me.

2595

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

« on: January 05, 2019, 02:58:24 pm »

If there any hint we are interested in Gio or is this OWA dreaming?

2596

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: December 30, 2018, 01:16:02 pm »

Way too much

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

Injury-plagued career.

2597

Talk Zone / Re: Opening Day

« on: December 30, 2018, 12:05:03 pm »

I appreciate the sentiment.

Widely held

2598

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: December 30, 2018, 10:33:00 am »

With 4 years of control I doubt it would be cheap, but I think he could easily be had without parting with Tucker or Whitley. Something like Fisher or White or Davis and Bukauskas might get it done.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Too much

2599

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: December 29, 2018, 12:39:47 pm »

Which is why I expect a rotation addition.

At one time I expected both. Brantley is a bat, but I inferred power bat.

2600

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: December 28, 2018, 10:32:43 pm »

I meant everyone in the thread.  Seems the consensus is the Astros next and likely last move for the off season is adding a starting pitcher.

I'd love to add a bat, but Im good with Springer, Bregman, Altuve, Correa, Reddick, Brantley, Guriel, DH, Catcher.   A lot depends on CC coming back healthy and hitting again.   Give a couple of young guys a shot at DH in a lower pressure spot like 8th.  Plus Jake will get plenty of time, and then one of the other OFs can DH on those days.

The rotation on the other hand absolutely has to be addressed.

Totally agree with last sentence.

2601

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: December 28, 2018, 03:57:46 pm »

Diaz was his replacement.  Unless the market absolutely crashes and they could sign Marwin on a really short reasonably priced deal.  Keuchel coming back is much more likely than Marwin.


I think everyone pretty much has it right that the plan is to add a starter and be done with it, for now.

I do not know who “everyone” is, but Luhnow has consistently said he wants to add a bat.

2602

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: December 28, 2018, 08:59:22 am »

Marwin ain’t coming back.

Says the man who likely knows something. So what is the plan?

2603

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: December 27, 2018, 09:55:31 pm »

I'm not saying I want Pam Gardner back, but if she were still running the business side of the organization, Marcus (a)Stroman would already be putting on an Astros jersey at a press conference.

Who am I kidding?  It would probably be a much more marginal player.

Pam Gardner? Waldo.

2604

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: December 27, 2018, 06:32:10 pm »

He didn't get into what the offers were from TB or Houston.  Wonder how "in" either of those 2 teams were.

Either way,  feels like a weird decision by Cruz.

Not as weird as getting misaligned then misplaying a WS- clinching flyball,  but weird.

Dumb decision if he wants a ring.

2605

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: December 27, 2018, 06:08:37 pm »

this guy says Astros were in on Cruz. https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2018/12/cardinals-rumors-bryce-harper.html

He said what I was thinking. If the offers were comparable, and Cruz signed with the Twins, he is crazy.

2606

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: December 27, 2018, 04:16:53 pm »

At this point it's probably trade for a starter (Stroman?) and ride into the season with the lineup they have (but maybe add Realmuto if the price drops).

I am sorry, but I do not believe Luhnow would let Cruz go without a specific plan.

2607

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: December 27, 2018, 10:58:05 am »

I'm kinda thinking if the Astros wanted to sign him they would have.

Agree, but what is the plan?

2608

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: December 27, 2018, 10:57:22 am »

I wonder if Marwin is still in play.

Please, please, please

2609

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: December 27, 2018, 09:52:36 am »

Shit. Twins are getting Cruz at a very reasonable price. One year deal for $14 million. $12 million option for 2020 with a $300k buyout.

Fuck

2610

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: December 26, 2018, 07:00:20 pm »

A Miami writer says Tucker has not been offered for Realmuto.

Score one for TTB.

2611

Talk Zone / Re: Opening Day

« on: December 25, 2018, 02:37:37 pm »

Still haven't caught a fish in Florida.

I have never seen a bear in Alaska. As far as I am concerned, there are none.

2612

Talk Zone / Re: Opening Day

« on: December 21, 2018, 10:17:42 pm »

Raups for 2.

2613

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: December 21, 2018, 09:41:47 pm »

Asked and answered...

No red flags there.

I do not think he was hurting. I think his arm was out of gas.

2614

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: December 21, 2018, 05:48:33 am »

That makes sense to me.

I did not think his arm was injured, but I thought it was possible his arm was tired. If so, he might maintain velocity but lose the zip and movement a good fastball has. I thought he needed to start pitching backwards some and throwing fastballs and sliders on counts which once were automatic changeups. He fastball is fairly straight and his slider is no better than ok so the changeup still has to be his #1 weapon.

I have not heard or read Strom’s thoughts on Devo. Has anyone?

2615

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: December 21, 2018, 05:08:09 am »

My thought at the time was he had become too predictable, and hitter were sitting on and crushing his changeup.

2616

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: December 20, 2018, 09:51:46 pm »

I was waiting for someone to refute the assertion he is a poor hitter.

Sign Cruz

If we are trading for a pitcher, who?

2617

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: December 20, 2018, 06:37:49 am »

+1

(You see what I did there?)

This is my favorite thread of the offseason. Followed by @Nates salary and FA threads.

OWA remains the best baseball forum on the interwebs.

Yes, by far. I love roster construction discussions. Salary and payroll, not so much. I realize, of course, the two are inextricably interconnected.

2618

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: December 19, 2018, 04:49:53 pm »

Just to set the record straight.  Bukauskus throws a slider.  And it's a very good one.  He could be in a major league bullpen next year with just the fastball/slider.  It is the lack of higher quality third and fourth pitch that will keep him out of a rotation.

and James showed and used a very good changeup last year.

Strom said in an interview James’ biggest issue is max effort on every pitch. He has little left by the 5th.

2619

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: December 19, 2018, 04:44:00 pm »

I am not going to concede Cole is gone until he signs elsewhere. He became a great pitcher in Houston.

2620

Talk Zone / Re: Talk me off the ledge

« on: December 19, 2018, 10:27:47 am »

I think having an environment were talented people flourish is only a good thing.

Absolutely is great for the Astros to have this reputation. Luhnow will attract and find all the geniuses he needs.

2621

Talk Zone / Re: Talk me off the ledge

« on: December 19, 2018, 10:24:17 am »

I agree. It is good for the Mikes and Sig. But it doesn't make me want to root for the Orioles or the Braves.

Why should it?

2622

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: December 19, 2018, 09:58:18 am »

He said in a follow up tweet that it will be a couple of weeks.

Oh, please. If this is just another of his YouTube Channel announcements....

2623

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: December 19, 2018, 07:38:18 am »

Ok, boys and girls, I am more than ready for the big news Bregman forecast. I’ll leave the money talk to Crane, Luhnow, and Nate.

2624

Talk Zone / Re: Talk me off the ledge

« on: December 19, 2018, 07:36:00 am »

Come on, surely you've heard of a non-compete clause. I'm not suggesting that the Astros have employees sign one. And just because it is inevitable in baseball, it doesn't mean I must take joy in seeing the competition benefit.

In Texas, through court decisions non-competes have shrunk to almost nothing, and they cannot cover an entire industry and an entire country. That would be unenforceable.

In every business, pay and promote your stars or risk losing them. Inevitable.

2625

Talk Zone / Re: Talk me off the ledge

« on: December 18, 2018, 07:25:21 pm »

I'm not worried how it affects our team just don't like to see other franchises benefit from it.

Come on. This is inevitable in any business.

2626

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: December 18, 2018, 04:41:44 pm »

You differ with the Astros, not with me. I'd rather have the 1927 Yankees in their prime, but that is as relevant as to what I think they should do. I read what *they* said they want to do and starter replacement is what they said.

Have they changed their minds? Where have you read that they did move the starter to lower in the list of priority. Not saying they wouldn't look to a second or third tier starter, just saying they want to get that done now and then move to whatever else they can reasonably do.

Multiple reports today they are talking to Miami about  Realmuto. Smoke screen?

2627

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: December 18, 2018, 04:07:33 pm »

I, for one, am still amused when Jim and I do agree -- which has happened a lot more as I have gotten older.

Glad to provide some comic relief.

2628

Talk Zone / Re: Beltran Back With The Evil Empire

« on: December 18, 2018, 04:01:21 pm »

Beltran took a post with the Yankees
https://www.yahoo.com/sports/reports-yankees-hire-beltran-special-assistant-gm-192036665--mlb.html

Boo

2629

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: December 18, 2018, 03:47:22 pm »

Noe, I am very glad you are back and posting. Stay this time.

2630

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: December 18, 2018, 03:02:57 pm »

Good try... close, very close. Player B is Brantley. Player A is....  Manny Machado[/b}

This, my friends is what Houston acquired in Brantley, Manny Machado type of production *IF* he can stay healthy. He's done it over the span of the last five years.

Noe, people here are ecstatic over getting Brantley. I am. No one is denigrating him or the trade. Some of us think we need a bona fide slugger also to be the DH.

2631

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: December 18, 2018, 02:58:16 pm »

Contact hitter does not equate to a punch and judy hitter like in the past. Contact hitter in today's MLB is Alex Bregman type of hitter. How to do feel about Bregman as an impact bat? But again, Cruz is a good addition to an *already stacked* lineup. You want Cruz, take a lesser starting pitcher in the free agent market. Done and done.

I agree re your Punch and Judy point, but Bregman hit 30 HRs. Of course, last year’sBregman was an impact bat.

2632

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: December 18, 2018, 02:50:52 pm »

A Christmas miracle! You agreed with ToddtheBodd! Happy Holidays Coach and TZers everywhere!

I have agreed with him many times. You have not been around to see it.

2633

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: December 18, 2018, 02:24:22 pm »

Brantley is the “impact bat?” I do not think he is. Brantley is a contact hitter.

40 HRs is an impact bat.

2634

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: December 18, 2018, 02:21:44 pm »

Noe.  As much as I like Tyler White -- and I really do like him -- I'd prefer to have Cruz as my DH.  And while it is true that there may be amazing hitters available at the deadline, that may not be the case.  Moreover, the Astros would have to trade prospects to get that bat.  Right now we can get Cruz for nothing more than money.



 

This

2635

Talk Zone / Re: Opening Day

« on: December 18, 2018, 02:21:08 pm »

Crap. Why? So our OWA tradition is no more?

2636

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: December 18, 2018, 01:30:49 pm »

I think Luhnow has made clear Whitley is untouchable. Tucker not so much.

2637

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: December 18, 2018, 12:13:33 pm »

I disagree with some of this opus and agree with other parts. I do think they need Cruz, because Tyler White is...well...Tyler White. I have no idea what the Indians want to do with Kluber, but everyone who purports to know says Miami wants to trade Realmuto, before Christmas if possible.

2638

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: December 18, 2018, 10:58:42 am »

Realmuto is such a star.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Totally agree.

2639

Talk Zone / Re: Bryce Harper

« on: December 18, 2018, 10:28:19 am »

I love Puig. I would love to watch him play every day.

Not I. He is good when he chooses to be, though.

2640

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: December 18, 2018, 10:27:10 am »

Neither do I... 

But if there is an order to this kind of strategem

1.  Trade for Kluber/Bauer/Syndegaard type arm  (make sure to add a few Astros without options left in the deal)
2.  Let the Marlins sit and spin for a while  as his price goes down (as more off season catcher decision get made)
3.  Sign Cruz in late Jan or Feb

And be done.

I read a report just now that the Astros are back in on Realmuto. I agree there is an order, but Luhnow next step may be the catcher.

As for Cruz, the writers say it is the Astros and the Twins who are the most serious. Nelson, listen up! If you want a ring, is this a hard decision?

Fantasy offseason if it can be done.

2641

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: December 18, 2018, 10:23:44 am »

The first person I'd ask is Gerrit Cole.

I favor Kluber because of this.

2642

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: December 18, 2018, 09:01:06 am »

I think so...  We are trying to upgrade two positions (Starting pitching and Catcher possibly) -- what better chip to ensure a deal than Kyle Tucker.   He's definitely in the Tatis Jr and Guerrero Jr category.

That or Reddick is gone and we just do not know it and another player or two on the 40 man roster (easing Tucker into the opening day roster and slowly integrate him into the show).

https://www.mlb.com/news/jt-realmuto-trade-rumors/c-301772756?tid=282421090

The truest thing Bowden said: “If Tucker were ready, he’d be in LF.”

I think they would trade Tucker for Realmuto. If we were to do that, sign Cruz, and trade for Kluber or Bauer, look out.

I do not know if this is even possible, but if Luhnow and Crane are not going all out to win in 2019, they should be.

2643

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: December 18, 2018, 08:34:56 am »

Does the Brantley deal increase the odds of K. Tucker being dealt?

Brass says no. I doubt he would be included in a trade unless it is for a bona fide star.

2644

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: December 18, 2018, 08:32:21 am »

Many are speculating that CLE has changed its plan to trade a SP given the amount of payroll they were able to dump in recent trades (i.e. Gomes, Encarnacion & Alonso).  I think they both may be currently off the board.

You may be right, but they have a lot of offense to replace.

2645

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: December 18, 2018, 08:29:10 am »

Next, we trade for Bauer or Kluber.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I hope so, and sign Cruz.

2646

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: December 18, 2018, 06:21:50 am »

Sign Cruz, trade for a starting pitcher, and call it a mother fucking day.

Works for me.

2647

Talk Zone / Re: Bryce Harper

« on: December 17, 2018, 07:04:56 pm »

Oh, God, no.

This, this, and this

2648

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: December 17, 2018, 07:01:56 pm »

Sign Cruz.

2649

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: December 17, 2018, 06:32:18 pm »

Not that anyone cares, but I approve of this deal.

I do also.

2650

Beer and Queso / Re: The Ballad of Buster Scruggs

« on: December 17, 2018, 11:28:15 am »

Enjoyed Buster Scruggs thanks to Mark’s tip. The wagon strain story made me want to cry.

2651

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: December 15, 2018, 03:29:46 pm »

Rosenthal says the Astros are in conversations with Cruz and Brantley and are open to trading Reddick.

2652

Talk Zone / Re: Tucker article in Chronicle

« on: December 14, 2018, 02:46:44 pm »

That's what I thought too.  I looked at some strange numbers though:  Tucker's exit velocity and hard-hit % were both higher than any of Bregman's seasons, the big one that stood out to me was that Tucker hit ground balls twice as often as Bregman last year.

The Roll Over King.

2653

Talk Zone / Re: Keuchel

« on: December 14, 2018, 11:36:37 am »

His attempt to pitch inside to RH hitters was a disaster. He did better staying away with sinkers and changeups.

2654

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: December 13, 2018, 08:34:38 pm »

Great post, Nate.

2655

Talk Zone / Re: Talk me off the ledge

« on: December 13, 2018, 05:14:27 pm »

Yeah, to me, that looms larger than all those other things.

Nah. Geniuses are a dime a dozen.

2656

Talk Zone / Re: Talk me off the ledge

« on: December 13, 2018, 03:53:03 pm »

Here's how you get off the ledge.

Verlander/Cole to start the season.  James matures.  Whitley comes up in a couple of weeks.

Healthy Altuve and Correa. 

Tucker shines in LF.

You couldn't hit worse than the Astros catchers last season.  Chirinos at least should hit some HRs.

There is going to be a bat coming -- Brantley or Cruz, I'm guessing.

Framber throws consistent strikes.

The biggest things would be Tucker hitting like a middle of the order run producer and Whitley being solid immediately.

Surely Luhnow still is working on something.

2657

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: December 13, 2018, 01:21:59 pm »

OK, but $15 million extra guaranteed probably factored in there somewhere.

100% this

2658

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: December 13, 2018, 07:19:09 am »

The decision to not make a qualifying offer raised my concern level that he wouldn't be back.

I could not watch the sports news last night about his signing. They, of course, featured clips of his pitching as an Astros. I cannot remember when a player leaving the Astros affected me as much as Morton’s leaving does.

2659

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: December 12, 2018, 06:30:00 pm »

The Rays gave Morton a significantly better deal than one year plus an option. That said, my rant is not tempered much. I thought he was unique and different from this generation of players.

2660

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: December 12, 2018, 04:29:03 pm »

Ok. I read it on an app, but you never are wrong. I am often.

2661

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: December 12, 2018, 04:00:30 pm »

The report I saw was that the Astros offered one year plus an option. I loved having CFM in Houston, but I cannot possibly be upset with him if he was offered a significantly greater guarantee elsewhere.


On the plus side, I guess the Rays probably won't have the money to sign Cruz after this (I'm going to keep banging this drum until it happens).

Two plus an option. I may be wrong, but I am pretty sure that is what I read.

2662

Talk Zone / Re: Tucker article in Chronicle

« on: December 12, 2018, 03:59:11 pm »

The numbers don't tell the story, though.  Bregman was hitting frozen ropes right at people.  So much so that Hinch and the players were laughing about it and patting him on the back as he dejectedly walked back into the dugout after each AB.  Tucker had massive holes in his loopy swing and the MLB pitchers were often making him look silly at the plate exploiting his immaturity.  Those numbers just don't communicate what was going on in actuality on the field.

Exactly. My eyes were driving my comments in this thread, but I gave up trying to talk to numbers.

2663

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: December 12, 2018, 03:33:15 pm »

The Astros reportedly made him an offer weeks ago for two years and a club option year. No info as to money. If this was incorrect and there was no offer, ignore me. Should be easy.

Fuck. Call me Pollyanna, but I thought Morton was different and unique in this Age of the Almighty Dollar. How many times did he say “If I play next year, I want to stay in Houston?” The Astros plucked him out of mediocrity at a time when he worried he might not get an NRI offer, offered him two years and $14M, which everyone including him thought was cray,and the organization turned him into Charlie Fucking Morton. I seriously cannot believe he signed somewhere else, unless there was not a Houston offer, and I do not fucking care to read his rationale. To say I am disappointed and disillusioned by this signing is an understatement of epic proportions. As I said, call me Pollyanna.

2664

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: December 12, 2018, 02:52:54 pm »

I think you need to prepare yourself...

Marc Topkin  @TBTimes_Rays 1m ago
Hearing #Rays are closing in on deal with RHP Charlie Morton.

I just read that.

What.The.Fuck.

2665

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: December 12, 2018, 01:39:04 pm »

Grandal would cost Luhnow his first round draft pick and the money flexibility associated with it.  Not going to happen.

Grandal does not matter to me, but I think we need a SP and bat far more than another C.

ETA: unless the C is the bat, and I think Yogi is retired.

2666

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: December 12, 2018, 12:21:29 pm »

I like that we seem to have convinced ourselves that Kluber to the Astros might happen.

My preference would be to sign grandal instead of trade for Realmuto, although it’s not my money and I’m not gung ho about investing heavily (money or trade assets) in the catcher position if the team can add an SP and an impact bat elsewhere.

Totally agree re catcher v. bat and pitcher.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

2667

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: December 12, 2018, 11:55:37 am »

I've heard from people who supposedly know that the team is trying hard to land a very high profile player, and the impression I have is that it is a bat and that it is not Harper. That doesn't make a whole hell of a lot of sense, really, but who knows. Someone like Kluber actually makes a lot of sense. With a rotation like that you could just stick Ted out in left until he decides he's ready to hit and not worry too much about it.

Makes a little more sense if they think Morton is returning.

Intriguing.

2668

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: December 12, 2018, 09:50:34 am »

MLB Radio is reporting Charlie Morton has multiple 2 year deals on the table and is expected to decide soon, possibly as early as today.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

If Morton signs somewhere else, I am going to be surprised, no, shocked.

2669

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: December 12, 2018, 09:22:01 am »

It would not surprise me a bit if he pulls off a Kluber deal.

I would love this.

2670

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: December 12, 2018, 09:20:19 am »

Verlander, Cole, Pitcher X, McHugh, James?

Good guess. I watched Hinch’s interview yesterday, and my strong inference was his is expecting a deal or deals.

ETA: Happ to NYY.

2671

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: December 12, 2018, 06:35:39 am »

I wonder if Peacock will at least get stretched out in ST as well. He didn’t exactly prove that he’s best in the bullpen.

Perhaps to you. I think he is more valuable in the pen. Wherever they use him, he must rediscover his slider.

2672

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: December 12, 2018, 06:34:18 am »

Jake Kaplan  @jakemkaplan 1h ago
The Astros will work to increase the versatility of Aledmys Díaz in spring training. A.J. Hinch said today he plans to try Diaz at first base, second base, third base and left field in addition to shortstop in Grapefruit League games. "He's got to get a glove for everything."

Strong hint Marwin is leaving for more $.

2673

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: December 11, 2018, 06:44:32 pm »

Luhnow’s talked about position versatility.  Cruz is the opposite of that.

Luhnow’s talked about position versatility.  Cruz is the opposite of that.

Doubt he would rigidly require that of a power hitting DH.

2674

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: December 11, 2018, 04:30:56 pm »

Two comments on that...Reed has not gotten another opportunity in the majors since his disastrous 2016 and Tucker was 21 in AAA last year.  When Reed was 21 he was in Quad Cities.

Wasn’t Reed a college player? Tucker signed out of HS.

I am not saying Tucker is a bust. I am saying I am not sold on him. I usually am wrong.

2675

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: December 11, 2018, 04:12:02 pm »

I know I might be the last one left but I would not trade Tucker for Realmuto. It's not like Realmuto is 24 with 4 years of club control. 2 years of Realmuto vs 6 years of Tucker, maybe I'm crazy but I'll take Tucker. 

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

Not trying to start a fight here. Tucker showed tons of potential, but so did AJ Reed. If he stays, I hope Tucker achieves in Houston what he has shown in the minors, but I am not sold on him.

2676

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: December 11, 2018, 04:07:47 pm »

Or not--he's signed with the A's.

Really? So much for his being thrilled to be an Astro.

2677

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: December 11, 2018, 04:06:43 pm »

Can't speak for JulioGotay, but I was thinking if you can sign Brantley then you can afford to pull the trigger on a deal for Realmuto involving Tucker.

ETA: or to move Tucker in any other deal you think can help the team.

Sure, I know. Word usage, not concept.

2678

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: December 11, 2018, 04:03:35 pm »

Your journalism teacher should be retroactively fired for not teaching proof reading.... I know, all my teachers need to be fired.

I learned to proofread but am lazy about it on message boards. I also never expected autocorrect to change every plural into possessive.

2679

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: December 11, 2018, 03:41:12 pm »

Autocorrect. I would not do that on purpose.

2680

Talk Zone / Re: Tucker article in Chronicle

« on: December 11, 2018, 03:01:53 pm »

Looking back, sure. Thats only because we know bregman turned it around from there. How do you know a similar turn around isn't coming soon? You don't.

Heres a few more similarities

RBI - both had 4.
Extra base hits Bregman had 4 doubles, Tucker had 2 doubles and a triple.
Homers both had zero.
Walks, Bregman had 7, Tucker 6.
Ks, Bregman 17, Tucker 13.
Slash line
Bregman, .156/.236/.219
Tucker, .141/.236/.203


Edit: not even close though.

Of course I don’t. Do you? The Astros brass does not either.
ETA: I am happy if he stays and hope he realized Ms his promise. I also am happy if he is traded for Realmuto.

The stats were similar. The players were not, and I am talking about first time in bigs. Bregman’s swing was sound. Tucker’s? Who knows.

ETA: I am happy if he stays and realizes his promise. I also am happy if he is traded for Realmuto.

2681

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: December 11, 2018, 02:49:01 pm »

https://www.dictionary.com/browse/proceed

Your English teachers should be fired retroactively.

2682

Talk Zone / Re: Tucker article in Chronicle

« on: December 11, 2018, 02:46:46 pm »

How many 21 year olds are Acuna? Not many. How was Bregman in his first 72 ABs?

Edit: Bregman first 72 PAs 10 hits and a .455 ops
Tucker first 72 PAs 9 hits .439 ops

Almost the same player

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk


Not even close to the same player

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

2683

Talk Zone / Re: Tucker article in Chronicle

« on: December 11, 2018, 02:42:41 pm »

How many 21 year olds are Acuna? Not many. How was Bregman in his first 72 ABs?

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

Dunno. If they offered him for Realmuto, they have questions.

Ok by me if he is in LF, but also ok if he brings Realmuto.

2684

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: December 11, 2018, 02:34:40 pm »

Come before and allow a Tucker deal to happen.

Ok. Precede

2685

Talk Zone / Re: Tucker article in Chronicle

« on: December 11, 2018, 02:32:52 pm »

Tucker had a very poor MLB debut, but it was only 72 trips to the plate, and he was 21 years old. Meanwhile, he hit .332/.400/.590 in AAA with 24 HR and 93 RBI in only 100 games. It's possible the Astros see something in his swing or approach or whatever where they don't think he'll ever approach those numbers in the majors, but I don't think it's accurate to say that he "played himself" into being trade bait.

They gave him the LF job, and he could not handle it.

How did Acuna do?

If they have offered him in a package for Realmuto, the brass has questions.

2686

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: December 11, 2018, 01:49:57 pm »

A Brantley deal would proceed a Tucker deal I suspect.

Proceed? What do you mean?

2687

Talk Zone / Re: Tucker article in Chronicle

« on: December 11, 2018, 12:18:05 pm »

I'm not worried in the least.  There are plenty of options out there to improve this team.  If we don't land a player like Realmuto it's because the package of players was too much, to the point if you saw it you would probably not like it (i.e. Tucker, Whitley & Stassi).  I have confidence Luhnow is looking and will pull the trigger if a deal works and makes sense for the team.  That said, he's not going to force a deal and overpay either.  Just sit back and relax.  If Feb 1st rolls around and we've done nothing you can start chirping then.

Whitley is off limits. As I said, The Athletic reported Tucker has been offered.

2688

Talk Zone / Re: Tucker article in Chronicle

« on: December 11, 2018, 12:16:44 pm »

It was just reported on MLB network radio that the Yankees portion of this three team deal would have them getting Syndergaard with the Mets getting Realmuto. If that happens, then I don’t really know what to think about our team and what moves we could make to keep pace with Boston and New York.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

We are doomed.

2689

Talk Zone / Re: Tucker article in Chronicle

« on: December 11, 2018, 09:22:04 am »

Someone on The Athletic reported Tucker is part of a package offered for Realmuto. Works for me.

2690

Talk Zone / Re: Keuchel

« on: December 11, 2018, 09:19:07 am »

As my pal Matt Hudson said best: the Astros got Keuchel’s best. He is in decline.

2691

Talk Zone / Re: Shift-Banning Proposal Gaining Momentum

« on: December 10, 2018, 12:04:25 pm »

You are fucking crazy for agreeing with the 11th rule. Fucking crazy.

2692

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 HOF Ballot

« on: December 10, 2018, 11:04:12 am »

I think Lee Smith absolutely belongs in the Hall of Very Good.

Almost an Astro. Retired while at AAA with Houston org.

2693

Talk Zone / Re: ‘86 NLCS

« on: December 09, 2018, 07:44:02 am »

I was crushed. I had a ticket for Game Seven.

2694

Talk Zone / Re: Car accident claims lives of Valbueana, Castillo

« on: December 07, 2018, 03:52:33 pm »

Persons arrested for robbing the crash victims.

2695

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: December 07, 2018, 01:36:55 pm »

Since the Diamondbacks are selling, what about David Peralta?  And then possibly could include Greinke in the deal?  Also like Archie Bradley.

No Greinke, please.

2696

Talk Zone / Re: Car accident claims lives of Valbueana, Castillo

« on: December 07, 2018, 01:35:44 pm »

I was going to add Hubbs, but Nate is too quick.

No seat belts? Damn.

2697

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: December 07, 2018, 06:58:54 am »

The Luhnow agenda, post-Chirinos:

"We're still evaluating different ways to improve the team, but starting pitcher is one of the areas where we're looking at, maybe an arm to the bullpen and also another bat for the lineup," [Luhnow] said. "Those are three avenues we're exploring."

Looks like the Astros are done, for now, at catcher. Of course, Luhnow is a master at not giving clueless folks like I am a helpful clue about what he really is doing.

2698

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: December 06, 2018, 02:24:23 pm »

I'm starting to get a little concerned about this offseason.  The Astros lose a ton of their front office and analytical personnel.  That's not good.

The Astros need at least one starting pitcher -- maybe two.  And could use long-term help with Verlander and Cole being free agents after next season.  But Corbin and probably Eovaldi are now off the market and I don't think that Keuchel is coming back.  Paxton is traded to the Yankees.  And it seems that Syndergard is being pulled back by the Mets who are now going for it.  So what does that leave for the Astros? Hopefully Morton comes back.  Greinke?  Baumgarten?  The market wasn't great to start.   

The Astros desperately need a catcher.  Realmuto is available in a trade.  Probably Cervelli.  Ramos, Grandal and Maldanado are free agents.  And the Astros go out and sign a below-average defensive catcher who strikes out a ton and can't hit for average but has some power.  It is a truly strange signing.  What gives me optimism is the fact that McHugh and Strom were with Chrinos in Japan and hopefully saw something there.  And Altuve likes him.  But it's a weird signing.

Goldschmidt goes to the Cardinals in a deal that the Astros could have easily beaten.

There are plenty of good free agent hitters available.  My view of the offseason could change in a heartbeat.  And it wouldn't take signing Harper to do so. 

Looking forward to seeing what the Astros do at the winter meetings.

We are doomed.

2699

Talk Zone / Re: Shift-Banning Proposal Gaining Momentum

« on: December 05, 2018, 02:38:58 pm »

Total bullshit.

2700

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: December 05, 2018, 08:10:13 am »

This is just idol speculation on my part, but I’m guessing Maldonado was a bigger hole in the lineup then Luhnow and others anticipated. In addition, his reputation as a plus plus defender  was not obvious to me  from my viewpoint watching the games, especially in the postseason. Maybe he just had a bad run but calling it how I see it.

He was great defensively until the two Boston games. Great.

I do agree about the hole in the lineup.

2701

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: December 04, 2018, 05:35:54 pm »

McTag just tweeted it’s a one year deal.  Your guess is also my guess.

Mine too.

2702

Talk Zone / Re: Ex Astros News 17-18

« on: December 01, 2018, 08:34:56 am »

Would Luhnow bring Fiers back? He is a useful SP on a staff that has some holes.

I am betting this is no in capital letters.

2703

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: November 28, 2018, 06:44:57 am »

I am ready for something to happen.

2704

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: November 27, 2018, 01:26:17 pm »

Yep.  Or Myles Straw.  Or Derek Fisher.  Or maybe even Alvarez (in a mid-season callup).  And there will always be left-fielders available at the trade deadline. 

But in the meantime, if you have Goldschmidt and Ramos in the lineup, Tucker doesn't have to immediately produce.

That being said, if the price for Kluber or another top pitcher (under control) is Tucker, by all means trade Tucker and then you can go out and find a free agent outfielder.

Alvarez is my hope. No, no, no to Fisher.

2705

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: November 27, 2018, 10:57:58 am »

That's the direction I would head in. That would be roughly a $25MM add to 2019 payroll. Hopefully that would still allow room to add a starting pitcher at $15MM per.

What do you do if Tucker does not hit, which I think is a 50-50 possibility?

2706

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: November 27, 2018, 08:52:41 am »

This team is going to look a little different. No McCann, no Keuchel, probably no Marwin… I'm gonna miss them all.

I will not miss the Keuchel he became the last couple of years, and I am not talking about his pitching.

2707

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: November 27, 2018, 05:18:15 am »

Here's   McHugh's tribute:
https://twitter.com/Collin_McHugh/status/1067195203080110085?s=19

Greatness

2708

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: November 26, 2018, 05:23:59 pm »

Sounds like a swan song deal for McCann.

He was a great example of what a veteran leader can be.  I'll already remember his clutch his against NY in games 6 and 7, his solo shot in game 5 of the WS, his hbp in the 10th, and chugging from 1st to 3rd in game 7 on Marwin's double, then hoofing it in safely on the grounder and being greeted by Correa imitating him by running in place.  Lastly,  the scene that gets me every time,  was when he and Gattis embraced after the game both with tears running down their burly faces.

His contributions of course ran deeper than just those moments of production.  Good luck to him,  very glad he was an Astro.

The players-only meeting after the catatonic performance in Game 5 at NYY was a largely unsung heroic moment for him and Beltran. They got the team ready to compete back in Houston.

2709

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: November 26, 2018, 05:20:54 pm »

Working the 2 out, 2 strike HBP in the 10th of Game 5 is my favorite McCann moment.

He hit homers in three ABs in that game, but two were foul.

2710

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: November 26, 2018, 01:05:57 pm »

We all knew he wasn't coming back, but Brian McCann signed with the Braves.

He was a great Astro.

2711

Talk Zone / 2019 WS

« on: November 26, 2018, 09:09:45 am »

MLB has awarded the 2019 trophy to the Yankees because they apparently are going to get everybody during this offseason.

2712

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: November 24, 2018, 05:41:08 pm »

Stipulate.
Who is our whimsical MVP?

Zipp once was. Those were the days.

2713

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: November 23, 2018, 08:28:44 am »

Nate, others have said this many times, but your contribution to this site is immense.

2714

Talk Zone / Re: AL West News 2019

« on: November 20, 2018, 12:25:16 pm »

I really enjoyed watching him play.

I loved the fun he had.

2715

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: November 20, 2018, 08:58:57 am »

I have a feeling Tucker is dealt this off-season.

I agree. Realmuto, I hope.

I am very glad Luhnow said no on Whitley.

2716

Talk Zone / Re: Warm stove

« on: November 17, 2018, 10:59:58 am »

Per Rosenthal:

For #Astros, acquisition of Diaz is protection in event they lose free agent Marwin Gonzalez. Team still wants to keep Gonzalez.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

That was my guess.

2717

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: November 17, 2018, 10:54:38 am »

Trade Tucker. Sign Harper. Go all in for the next few years.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Dunno about Harper. The proposed rental, yes.

2718

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: November 17, 2018, 10:37:15 am »

JP Morosi's notes from the Hot Stove:

• Marlins want Tucker OR Whitley included in any package for Realmuto.
• Astros more active recently in trying to add starting pitching via trade rather than free agency.

I think I would trade Tucker if necessary to get him but not Whitley.

2719

Talk Zone / Re: Warm stove

« on: November 17, 2018, 10:35:58 am »

He’s played short, second, third, and left.

Bye, Marwin.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Maybe or maybe insurance. Boras May have priced Marwin out of Luhnow’s market, but I cannot believe it will be easy for Marwin to leave Houston.

2720

Talk Zone / Re: Some seriously bad shit going down in Seattle

« on: November 15, 2018, 09:45:56 am »

Catching was the only position I did not play at some point in my youth baseball. Which worked out because I didn't want to play it. I remember one of my coaches begging for volunteers.

I caught BP in LL once and got hit 4 times with foul tips. That was the end of my catching career.

2721

Talk Zone / Re: Some seriously bad shit going down in Seattle

« on: November 15, 2018, 08:09:49 am »

Catching is hard. It's a quick path for advancement if you're good at it, but its a rough position.  And it's not as glamorous as P/SS.

Agreed

2722

Talk Zone / Re: Awards 2018

« on: November 14, 2018, 06:19:31 pm »

Verlander a close second to Blake Snell in the Cy voting with Gerrit Cole coming in 5th.

Drat

2723

Talk Zone / Re: Some seriously bad shit going down in Seattle

« on: November 14, 2018, 12:42:01 pm »

How many American born black kids even play baseball these days? I'm 27, in my 4 years playing high school baseball, I had 1 black teammate. The football team and basketball teams were both around 50/50. Only 1 other guy even tried out and he was very bad. The teams I played against, from what i remember never had more than 2 or 3 black players.

I don't think it's MLB not wanting to have black catchers and moreso that very few black guys play baseball and very very few that do choose catcher.

Hell, most white players don't want to catch. Out of every 10 baseball players, I'd say only 1 would actively want to catch. So it stands to reason that if 1 out of 10 are black and 1 of 10 wants to catch, then what are the odds of the black kid being the one who wants to catch? Not high.

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

Exactly right. Not that many white kids want to catch. The HS studs are P/SS.

2724

Talk Zone / Re: Some seriously bad shit going down in Seattle

« on: November 14, 2018, 07:51:35 am »

I am skeptical. Latin players are not smart enough to be catchers? Really? Look around.

2725

Talk Zone / Re: Recapping front office changes

« on: November 14, 2018, 05:05:34 am »

Mark Feinsand  @Feinsand 4h ago
If Mike Elias does indeed land the Orioles GM job as @BNightengale is reporting, it is expected that Sig Mejdal would join Elias in Baltimore. Mejdal, who was a special assistant to GM Jeff Luhnow and was one of Houston's key analysts, left the Astros earlier this month.

This is what success does in every field of endeavor.

2726

Talk Zone / Re: Bryce Harper

« on: November 12, 2018, 06:01:28 am »

Do you think Luhnow is interested in signing him to a contract? Obviously he was interested in him for a couple of months use. $300MM or more is a whole different kind of commitment.

I have not read anything about signing him now. My inference was a fairly low cost short term rental to try to replace some of the run production the injuries took away.

2727

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: November 11, 2018, 08:26:53 pm »

Ken Rosenthal @Ken_Rosenthal 4 hours ago
#Astros on list of teams talking to #Mariners about a trade for LHP James Paxton, sources say. Market described as “active,” including HOU, NYY and a wide variety of other clubs. Paxton in his career against HOU: 2.89 ERA in 71 2/3 innings, .605 opponents’ OPS.

I would love this.

2728

Talk Zone / Re: Bryce Harper

« on: November 11, 2018, 08:26:15 pm »

I would prefer not to have that soon-to-be-overpaid-attention-whore on the Astros.

Apparently, Luhnow disagrees.

2729

Talk Zone / Re: Aches and Pains 2018

« on: November 10, 2018, 03:53:46 pm »

Perhaps at birth. https://www.webmd.com/allergies/deviated-septum#1

Yep.

2730

Talk Zone / Re: Free Agent Pitchers

« on: November 10, 2018, 02:55:18 pm »

Nice to see you two getting along so well.

Nice links.

One of them might have meant “sighting.”

2731

Talk Zone / Re: Bryce Harper

« on: November 10, 2018, 02:54:29 pm »

I don't have a subscription to the Athletic. Is the article saying that Luhnow and Mark Rizzo had an agreement to a trade of Harper and the owners overruled this?

Yep. Washington owner.

2732

Talk Zone / Re: Bryce Harper

« on: November 10, 2018, 02:40:10 pm »

I don't remember ever hearing anything about that. I wonder who was going to Washington.

No one did till now.

2733

Talk Zone / Bryce Harper

« on: November 10, 2018, 02:13:24 pm »

Rosenthal says Luhnow traded for him on 7/30, but Nats ownership said no. Did Cabrera beat me to this?

2734

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: November 07, 2018, 03:35:38 pm »

If marwin isn't coming back then that makes adding a lefty hitter even more important. Putting Brantley in LF would be great but i wonder if they would do that because of Tucker, unless you expect Brantley to DH a lot.

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

I would not hesitate to add Brantley regardless of what Tucker might do. He has not yet shown he can hit MLB pitching.

2735

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: November 07, 2018, 03:14:46 pm »

Added a few more names...

Heyman's expert vs Heyman vs MLBTR vs Bowden vs Davidoff (length of contract@$AAV):

• Keuchel: 5@21 vs 5@19 vs [email protected] vs 4@18 vs [email protected]
• Eovaldi: 4@16 vs 3@15 vs 4@15 vs 3@14 vs 3@15
• Morton: 1@17 vs [email protected] vs 2@16 vs 1@15 vs 2@18
• Britton: 4@14 vs 4@15 vs 3@11 vs 3@14 vs 3@12
• Marwin: 4@14 vs 4@13 vs 4@9 vs 3@13 vs N/A
• Grandal: 3@13 vs 2@10 vs 4@16 vs 4@17 vs [email protected]
• Machete: [email protected] vs 2@8 vs 2@4 vs N/A vs 2@6
• Chirinos: [email protected] vs 2@6 vs N/A vs N/A vs N/A
• Wilson Ramos: 1@10 vs 1@9 vs 3@12 vs 2@11 vs [email protected]
• Nelson Cruz: [email protected] vs 2@15 vs 2@15 vs 2@15 vs 1@16
• Michael Brantley*: 3@15 vs 3@14 vs 3@15 vs 3@13 vs 3@14
• Andrew McCutchen: 4@15 vs 3@13 vs 3@15 vs 3@15 vs [email protected]
• Carlos Gonzalez*: [email protected] vs 1@7 vs N/A vs 1@7 vs N/A

Bold=QO of 17.9 is in place

*Lefty hitter

Brantley, please

2736

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: November 07, 2018, 02:47:21 pm »

I'm split.  Love Marwin.  Need to churn your roster a little every year.

Everything happening now on both sides is posturing.

2737

Talk Zone / Re: Recapping front office changes

« on: November 06, 2018, 06:02:18 pm »

Catching up on comments from the other day...

Is all of this because he did not get promoted?

2738

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: November 06, 2018, 04:56:30 pm »

Paxton will probably cost you Whitley and then some. Not that that kills the deal: Paxton's proven, and Whitley hasn't thrown an inning in the majors . But it would still take guts to make the trade.

They ain’t trading Whitley.

2739

Talk Zone / Re: RIP Willie McCovey

« on: November 03, 2018, 10:14:56 am »

Well, it *was* the most famous lineout in baseball history.  There were even two Peanuts strips dedicated to "The Lineout".

Hit like a rocket but right at Richardson. 1-2 feet either way and Giants win.

2740

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: November 02, 2018, 04:42:39 pm »

And if the Astros have lingering concerns regarding Morton's shoulder, it also allows them the flexibility to structure a deal with a lower base plus incentives for innings pitched rather than be on the hook for the entire $17.9MM if things go south.

Makes sense. Thanks guys.

2741

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: November 02, 2018, 04:21:29 pm »

Passan says no QO for Morton.

I do not understand the strategy here. Does this mean they will try to sign him for less or is it a signal they will let him walk? If he wants to play and to stay in Houston, I cannot fathom the team’s not wanting to sign him.

2742

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: November 01, 2018, 12:28:01 pm »

I wonder if they had concerns about his surgery recovery.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Has to be the reason.

2743

Talk Zone / Re: RIP Willie McCovey

« on: November 01, 2018, 09:56:54 am »

A giant among Giants, the great Stretch McCovey has passed on. He played through parts of 4 decades 1959 - 1980, and with Willie Mays for a while made the most powerful and feared 1-2 punch in NL history. 20th all time in HRs, ROY, MVP, first ballot HoFer..

For a time, that team also included Orlando Cepeda, Jim Ray Hart, and the Alou brothers. Quite a lineup.

2744

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: October 31, 2018, 10:40:03 pm »

Jandel Gustave outrighted and becomes a free agent.

I am sad about this.

2745

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: October 31, 2018, 07:04:51 am »

Yes. And he signed an extension, forgoing free agency because Altuve said he wanted to stay an Astro. There is a misconception that the agent calls the shots in negotiations, but it’s the other way around.

This.

2746

Talk Zone / Re: Giants fans trolling Dojers fans

« on: October 30, 2018, 01:03:09 pm »

I would think your post somewhat hyperbolic but I recall a few years ago some serious head- injury inflicted on a fan of one of the teams by a punk, or punks, claiming to being fans of the other.

Not hyperbolic at all.

2747

Beer and Queso / Re: Podcasts

« on: October 29, 2018, 07:27:32 pm »

So it’s like Drunk History.  Without the history.

No

2748

Beer and Queso / Re: Nor’Easter

« on: October 29, 2018, 07:26:23 pm »

Otherwise, how was Quebec?  Hope you had some good weather first.

I love Quebec City and have been there before. It was cold and windy all three days but nothing like when the storm hit.

2749

Beer and Queso / Nor’Easter

« on: October 29, 2018, 12:53:17 pm »

I experience one in Quebec City my last day and night there. Holyfuckingshit. You have never seen such wind. Not in gusts either; the wind blew for hours without letting up.

2750

Beer and Queso / Re: water water everywhere and not a drop to drink

« on: October 29, 2018, 12:50:55 pm »

Living in Austin (yes the tech capital) and its like a third world country having to buy bottled water.  So over it so wants an investigation which you cant even get a 4th city council person to support.. Looked in the stateman online and nothing about the noon today happening.  Hoping the ballot to have a city audit passes.. wont make the water thing any better, but it will make me happy.

Do you understand people died from this rainfall? You are whining about an inconvenience? Boo.Fucking.Hoo.

2751

Talk Zone / Re: Frito Pie

« on: October 27, 2018, 02:47:06 pm »

I think this is all on Bregman's video posting.  There are some things that can't be overcome.

Agree

2752

Talk Zone / Re: The Void

« on: October 27, 2018, 02:14:05 pm »

This sucks.

Point of order. The Void starts after the last out of the WS.

2753

Talk Zone / Re: 2019 Roster

« on: October 27, 2018, 02:09:45 pm »

I think you let all free agents go and bring up some of our new guys.  You have to unblock some positions so we get some playing time for the young guys.  Catching is the only issue.  We might not have a replacement in the minors yet so resign Martin or find a replacement in FA.  Need some more left right balance so I would like to see KempWhite take over for Marwin and find a left hitting DH with power.  Obviously keep Mortin if he wants to stay.  JT Realmulto would be a nice addition but would cost a lot.  The best thing is that we have money to spend and also young players coming up - use some of that to lock up the core.

You are 100% crazy.

2754

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

« on: October 27, 2018, 02:00:12 pm »

Same here.

Dunno if this will serve as any kind of lesson.  Once they started pitching to him,  Bregman came close but ultimately didn't deliver.

BBGs at work.

2755

Talk Zone / Re: ALCS

« on: October 18, 2018, 03:40:33 pm »

Fuck the Red Sox.

Their rotation is vulnerable.

Play well tonight.  Every inning. Get inspired by your hobbled MVP and your back-injured SS.  Fly around the field and make plays.

And most of all,  be Justin Verlander.

Scratch and claw your way to a win.

They have gotten every possible break. Our turn now.

2756

Talk Zone / Re: Joe West is a Dumbass

« on: October 18, 2018, 03:39:38 pm »

From McTaggart: "Hot take: I think the Astros should raise the wall in RF to be even with the bullpen. There are too many plays atop that wall involving fans. Take umps/replay out of the equation."

This sounds smart to me.

Totally agree.

2757

Talk Zone / Re: ALCS

« on: October 18, 2018, 01:20:24 pm »

Agree will all do say to get to Game 6 and take our chances.

BTW, I am in Boston right now at 2:15 pm. Sun is out, beautiful day, but COLD and very windy. I cannot imagine what it will be like at night.

2758

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

« on: October 18, 2018, 12:51:04 pm »

And maybe remember that you just because you're sitting on 2 outs and 2 strikes, you still have to finish the hitter off.

Yep. James coughed the lead up twice with two outs. He did well overall, but there is more to pitching than throwing hard.

2759

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

« on: October 18, 2018, 12:34:26 pm »

Game 4 is a must win. Solid Game 5.

Should have said so is.

2760

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

« on: October 18, 2018, 12:33:43 pm »

You can simultaneously hold that the Astros gave away multiple runs through dicksteppery and the complete inability to block balls  in the dirt, AND that Joe West’s monumental fuckup fundamentally changed the course of the game.

I can accept that West’s fat ass never got into position and he guessed wrong.

I can’t accept that MLB had crystal clear evidence that the fan never reached into the field of play, yet upheld the call. That’s criminal.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Do not put all the blame on the catcher. I hated to see McCullers come in.

2761

Talk Zone / Re: Astros just acquired Osuna

« on: October 18, 2018, 12:29:42 pm »

I like it very much.

2762

Talk Zone / Re: Joe West is a Dumbass

« on: October 18, 2018, 12:28:57 pm »

Betts clearly was in the stands. The fucking security person blocked the angle which would have shown it. I do not know if Betts would have caught it, but there was no interference.

2763

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

« on: October 17, 2018, 12:12:45 pm »

Game 4 is a must win. Solid Game 5.

2764

Talk Zone / Re: Bregman’s trolling

« on: October 17, 2018, 12:04:55 pm »

Pearce took the bait. Eovaldi did not.

He also hit the game winner out. That is the way to answer cocky preening.

2765

Talk Zone / Re: Astros just acquired Osuna

« on: October 17, 2018, 12:02:15 pm »

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2801274-astros-controversial-roberto-osuna-trade-blows-up-in-critical-alcs-game-3?utm_source=cnn.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=editorial

Fuck this.

2766

Talk Zone / Re: ALCS

« on: October 16, 2018, 11:30:58 am »

You should have ignored it, HH.

2767

Talk Zone / Re: Bregman’s trolling

« on: October 16, 2018, 11:29:22 am »

AJ had a good public comment.

I hope the private comment was closer to yours.

I thought the same thing. Pearce fired back today.

2768

Talk Zone / Bregman’s trolling

« on: October 16, 2018, 10:40:50 am »

STFU, Alex.

2769

Talk Zone / Re: J. D. still resents the lack of support in the 2013 Astros clubhouse...

« on: October 16, 2018, 10:37:55 am »

Well, he is 0-7 with a walk and 3 Ks in the ALCS...

.

Would you (and Bregman) please STFU? Do not wake them up.

2770

Talk Zone / Re: ALCS

« on: October 15, 2018, 07:00:04 pm »

Glad to know that the new rule of this website is that we can't discuss the in-game decisions of the manager. 

If you don't want to discuss, then don't.

Exactly what I said. I do not.

2771

Talk Zone / Re: ALCS

« on: October 15, 2018, 04:41:03 pm »

I have a couple of questions about Hunch's use of the relievers last night. 

1.  Why take McCullers out in the middle of a hitter?  He was actually pitching really well. 
2.  Why bring James back to start the 8th?  He got his feet wet.  But he was a little wild in the 7th.  And then why leave him in after he gives up the hit to Devers to lead off the inning?
3.  Why bring Rondon in to pitch to Betts -- the Red Sox best hitter?  Rondon wasn't particularly good at the end of the season and he hasn't faced live pitching in two weeks.  Why bring him in now in such a high-leverage situation.  Why not bring in Pressley?  Or Osuna?  it's the 8th inning, there are two outs.  Surely you have to be able to count on Osuna to get 4 outs.

Separately, I think I would have led off the 9th with Marisnick over Gattis.  I would have liked to see Marisnick try to bunt for a single against Kimbrel.

I am not going to try to answer this second-guessing. Buy a team. I am going with Hinch.

2772

Game Zone 2018 / Re: ALCS Game #2: Astros @ Red Sox, October 14, 2018

« on: October 15, 2018, 12:39:17 pm »

It's like taking a dump.

Everybody does it,  but don't do it in public.

Let the media distract them with this.

Is the media on it?

2773

Talk Zone / Re: ALCS

« on: October 15, 2018, 11:19:53 am »

Agreed.  Shutting down the running game is huge in the postseason.  With Morton/McCann, a walk will become a double half the time.

They do not attempt to run on Maldonado.

2774

Talk Zone / Re: ALCS

« on: October 15, 2018, 10:58:33 am »

I am hearing McCann will start games 3 and 4.

3 ok. I hope not 4. They will start running.

2775

Game Zone 2018 / Re: ALCS Game #2: Astros @ Red Sox, October 14, 2018

« on: October 15, 2018, 10:57:18 am »

Here's the video.

No doubt about it.

2776

Game Zone 2018 / Re: ALCS Game #2: Astros @ Red Sox, October 14, 2018

« on: October 15, 2018, 10:50:15 am »

When Matt Barnes next gets into a game, watch him go to his left forearm between pitches with his right (pitching) hand. There is something shiny on that arm ( I doubt it was perspiration last night) and what he's doing  is not a natural motion. He's loading up with something and a trained umpire should notice that. I'm surprised someone in the Astros dugout did not notice.

Black helicopters

2777

Talk Zone / Re: ALCS

« on: October 15, 2018, 09:32:49 am »

Lots of things went wrong last night.  Marwin had some bad luck in LF...the ball he almost caught where he crashed into the wall, the 3-run double that rolled along the top of the padding...but also a lot of bad execution.  Gurriel and White, the 4 and 5 guys struggled with runners on base...the unearned run on Cole's throwing error on the comebacker...the walk/wild pich/passed ball/passed ball unearned run...Rondon not being able to close the door in the 8th...all just poor baseball playing.

Maldonado has a rough night.  It happens.  Gotta put it behind and move on.  He's still a good defender and they will need him as the series goes on.

Agree about Kemp.  May consider him in LF and let Marwin DH, depending on if there are any lingering effects from the latter's crash last night.

Yep, anyone who thought we would roll over Boston was nuts.

ETA: with all that went wrong last night, they were barely hanging on to win at the end.

2778

Game Zone 2018 / Re: ALCS Game #2: Astros @ Red Sox, October 14, 2018

« on: October 15, 2018, 07:11:58 am »

I'm worried about Cole. Machete hasn't seen Lance enough but Cole melted down, twice.

I almost never disagree with you, but I do here to a degree. I understand the first inning; he let his emotions override his pitching. The third was more than a little bad luck. Marwin was a hair away from catching the ball Pearce hit (I wish he had thrown a two strike slider), and if Bradley’s ball had not taken the weird bounce onto the pad, Devers would have stopped at third. Getting down to Bradley 2-0 was a killer because he could sit fastball.

I am much more worried about our failure to drive in those baserunners they have given us. I do not know how or why Yuli keeps turning a fastball down the middle into a two hop chopper to SS. We split in Boston, which should be cause for celebration, but I have this nagging feeling we are behind. The Sox regained their swagger, but Bregman’s 9th inning flyball should have reminded them the Astros do not quit.

2779

Talk Zone / Re: ALCS

« on: October 15, 2018, 06:57:49 am »

I am more than a little bit worried about Keuchel in Game 3, and we must start hitting with all the baserunners on they are giving us. We had some bad luck last night, and the almost comeback was good to see. I thought Cole’s early overexcitement was obvious, but I thought for sure he would get Bradley. Getting down 2-0 was a killer. Last night does not change my opinion of Maldonado even a little. Finally, White maybe Tyler again, not Great White. I would go with Kemp at DH. If his Pesky Pole near miss had hit the pole....

2780

Talk Zone / Re: NLCS

« on: October 14, 2018, 06:43:11 am »

I still am aghast at using Hader so early with a 5-1 lead and making him unavailable for Game 2.

2781

Talk Zone / Re: NLCS

« on: October 13, 2018, 05:48:20 am »

Someone smarter than me needs to explain why using Hader that early made sense.

Especially with a 5-1 lead.

2782

Talk Zone / Re: Carl Everett

« on: October 13, 2018, 05:45:36 am »

Well, just based on the technical merits, I think that Maldonado's AB the other day may have been worse. But because Stanton's occurred in a situation that was so much more important, and because his stature as a Yankee god among men is so great, his AB is the clear winner.

Maldonado’s was not even close.

2783

Talk Zone / Re: Carl Everett

« on: October 12, 2018, 01:56:52 pm »

He wore the crown for so long.

The king is dead.
Long live the king.

Indeed he did, but he is now free.

2784

Talk Zone / Re: ALCS

« on: October 12, 2018, 01:13:58 pm »

I don't think I will relax at all until the Astros have won the fourth game against them. 

and then I would just get a whole new level of stressed.

Yeah, I know. My relaxation will be temporary then my anxiety will be at peak levels by Game 2. I cannot watch JV’s game but can watch Cole’s.

2785

Talk Zone / Carl Everett

« on: October 12, 2018, 01:08:35 pm »

If you want to know the reason he cannot stop smiling, the answer is easy. Stanton’s AB in the 9th against Kimbrell with the bases loaded and no out in Game 4 is now the worst AB in the history of baseball.

2786

Talk Zone / Re: Ben Reiter Predicts

« on: October 12, 2018, 12:57:53 pm »

Here are Dan Szymborski's ZIPs probabilities which give the Red Sox the edge in the Sale games and the Astros the edge on the rest.

Do not tell Bregman about Sale.

2787

Talk Zone / Re: ALCS

« on: October 12, 2018, 12:52:37 pm »

Anybody else ready to get this thing going?

Yes. If JV beats them Sat, I will relax...a little.

2788

Talk Zone / Re: Frito Pie

« on: October 12, 2018, 09:44:58 am »

What about over rice?  I like chili over rice sometimes.  Over elbow noodles occasionally too.  Over spaghetti is an abomination with those noodles flopping all over the place and splattering precious chili on your shirt.  How about if you throw in some green peppers in along with the chiles?  They're both in the pepper group.  I had a beefalo chili once.  Pretty good although the beef(alo) was a bit too lean.  i assume chili over fritos is ok since that is a classic frito pie and a key ingredient is chili.  How about dipping scoops fritos into chili?  What about crunching fritos up in your chili, as I've seen before.  It's basically rough-ground masa.  Still chili?

NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Rice? Holy shit.

2789

Talk Zone / Re: Ben Reiter Predicts

« on: October 12, 2018, 05:43:41 am »

4,5,6, or 7–I do not care. Just win.

2790

Talk Zone / Re: Arb-Eligible Players 2018

« on: October 12, 2018, 05:42:01 am »

My money is on Marwin not being here next year, hope I’m wrong.

I’ll bet you a beer he is.

2791

Talk Zone / Re: Postseason roster questions

« on: October 11, 2018, 12:09:30 pm »

Every time I see Harris pitching, I see Royals batting.

or Dodgers

2792

Talk Zone / Re: Arb-Eligible Players 2018

« on: October 11, 2018, 12:08:58 pm »

Failing to re-up Marwin would be a Martinez Magnitude Mistake.

All they can do is offer and hope he wants to stay. Letting him walk would be the mistake. They will not do that.

2793

Talk Zone / Re: Arb-Eligible Players 2018

« on: October 11, 2018, 11:42:53 am »

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

Marwin also is part of the Bregman Gang. I think he will stay.

2794

Talk Zone / Re: Astros just acquired Osuna

« on: October 11, 2018, 07:40:26 am »

Pressley stands up for Osuna against a heckling Indian's fan.
https://sports.yahoo.com/astros-reliever-clashes-heckler-roberto-osuna-domestic-violence-allegations-002837981.html

A number of Astros have spoken up for him as a person and teammate, including Bregman and CFM. Morton’s defense of him focused on his character and had nothing to do with baseball.

2795

Talk Zone / Re: ALDS

« on: October 11, 2018, 07:35:12 am »

IMO, in hindsight, removing Carrasco was the big mistake.

At the time, bringing in Miller was the absolute right move. They turned Marwin around to his weaker side, and he had almo no previous success against Miller-6Ks in 8 ABs. Hindsight never loses.

2796

Talk Zone / Re: ALCS

« on: October 10, 2018, 11:48:10 am »

He pitched well against us as a starter this year.  12.1 IP, 5 R, 3 BB, 17 K.  I don't know why his postseason starts haven't worked out over his career but with his level of talent that can straighten itself out  pretty quickly. 

Frankly Eovaldi looked pretty damn good in Game 3 and Porcello last night.

Yep. If we beat them, we have done something.

2797

Talk Zone / Re: ALDS

« on: October 10, 2018, 11:47:13 am »

Also even though it seemed lopsided in the end, those were all close games.  Game 1 was neck and neck through the 7th inning stretch.  Game 2 was a 2 run game.  The Indians led Game 3 for most of the game and it took a swinging bunt and Bauer's throwing error on a sure double play to open up the game.  The Astros of course won decisively, but the notion that it was a cake walk or the Indians to put up much of fight is ludicrous.

They led Game 2 until Marwin’s double off Miller in the 6th. We dominated them overall statistically, but our runs came late.

2798

Talk Zone / Re: ALCS

« on: October 10, 2018, 11:25:05 am »

BBG's don't take premature celebrations well.

My thought exactly.

2799

Talk Zone / Re: ALCS

« on: October 10, 2018, 11:16:40 am »

And had been poor in the postseason as a starter... put them together, and I’m happy with this.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I’ll let you know late Sat night if I am.

2800

Talk Zone / Re: ALDS

« on: October 10, 2018, 11:02:09 am »

The Red Sox are plainly a better overall team than the Yankees. The Astros and the Red Sox are plainly the two best teams in the league, and likely in baseball.

The Astros are better than Cleveland, and things broke in the Astros' way during the series, but Cleveland is a very, very good team, perfectly capable of beating New York or Boston in a series of any length, and to act like it was a matter of routine for the Astros to show up and stomp the shit out of them both does Cleveland a disservice and probably fails to appreciate just how good the Astros can be.

This.

2801

Talk Zone / Re: ALCS

« on: October 10, 2018, 11:01:06 am »

https://youtu.be/C2SkqaCO9c4


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

He pitched well against us in relief last year.

2802

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

« on: October 10, 2018, 10:59:50 am »

The Astros have already gotten the best of Dallas Keuchel.  I would not re-sign him, even at a discount, unless that discount was the league minimum.

Totally agree.

2803

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

« on: October 10, 2018, 09:24:03 am »

I don't think Luhnow would do it even with the discount. He's going to have a logjam soon, and he needs to make some room. Circle of life, and all that.

I doubt Keuchel’s ego has room for a discount.

2804

Talk Zone / Re: Postseason roster questions

« on: October 10, 2018, 09:22:57 am »

Plus the Red Sox have owned Harris, both in his career and especially this season.

If James cannot pitch up 11-2, he is a wasted roster spot. On the flip side, he pitched very well in relief at Fenway.

2805

Talk Zone / Re: Off day video

« on: October 10, 2018, 07:49:47 am »

There are too many celebratory posts about that last series. It was meaningless, the Astros played a bad team.

This video was cleansing:

https://www.facebook.com/thebsbking/videos/325428048021298/

It makes me want to make the perfect frito pie... with my face.

You have this same “they were a bad team” post in about ten threads. WTF? Are you crazy or drunk?

2806

Talk Zone / Re: Postseason roster questions

« on: October 10, 2018, 07:48:23 am »

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

2807

Talk Zone / Re: ALDS

« on: October 10, 2018, 07:44:28 am »

Yup. It would have been FTY also.

This series is going to be very difficult.

Probably, but I would rather play in Fenway than Yankee Stadium. Postseason games are supposed to be difficult.

2808

Talk Zone / Re: Notable Postseason stats for Springer & Bregman

« on: October 10, 2018, 07:39:26 am »

The Astros didn’t face “good hitting”.

If it’s Boston they will face “good hitting”.

I can’t wait.

Are you saying the Indians did not have a good lineup or good pitching? Really? I, for one, was very nervous about the ALDS. Boston is great for sure and may eliminate us, but do not try to tell me Cleveland was a nothing team.

2809

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

« on: October 09, 2018, 04:22:07 pm »

Jim, we are taking a similar trip 18-28: NYC for a few days, cruise up New England coast to Canada (stops inc Bar Harbor, Boston, Halifax) then back to NYC. Enjoy your trip! I’ll be following the games and game zone and will be sure to get pics in our Astros gear in front of Yankee Stadium and Fenway!

Very similar. Mine is Princess one way. Some stops are the same.

2810

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

« on: October 09, 2018, 12:41:50 pm »

Have a great time.

Thanks, I will.

2811

Talk Zone / Re: ALDS

« on: October 09, 2018, 11:37:05 am »

Brock Holt, a Texan and an Owl, is the other Marwin. That was his second cycle.

Curb thy tongue. King Marwin has no peer.

2812

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

« on: October 09, 2018, 11:32:55 am »

I loved Quebec City. If you are a walker, the old city is a great walking town. Of course NYC is too.

I am, and I have been there. I love QC and am staying at Chateau Frontenac.

Seeing two Broadway shows in NYC: Come From Away Sat night and Hamilton Sun afternoon. I will watch baseball Sun night.

2813

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

« on: October 09, 2018, 10:45:53 am »

You are correct, but just because he hasn't inspired confidence all year, that doesn't mean it isn't his job/responsibility.

I told my work buddy after the Astros scored to take the lead that I'd be him lunch Keuchel wouldn't hold it. He wouldn't take the bet, and rightly so.

Safe bet. Too bad Bobby is too baseball-savvy.

2814

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

« on: October 09, 2018, 10:44:27 am »

Do you have MLBtv or MLB at bat? They were priceless for me last year when I was traveling. Have a great trip. Where are you going?

NYC for three days, then cruise NYC to Quebec City, then QC for two days. I am hopeful to be able to watch night baseball along the way. I have At Bat, and cruise ships often provide sports tv.

2815

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

« on: October 09, 2018, 07:26:02 am »

Great job in the GZ, folks. I read it straight through with my coffee as I often do the morning after a game. I said to my buddy watching with me yesterday I did not care if Correa never got another hit in 2018, he should stay in the lineup for his defense. I am glad my thesis will not be tested; although it was merely piling on, his homer was important.

I will be leaving on a trip 10/13-28 but hope to be able to stay in touch through the GZ. I am bummed about missing the ALCS, but I did not have a November option for this trip as I did last year, and I booked it in January. If you will please get our heroes to the WS, perhaps I can attend a game when I return. I am rooting hard for the Red Sox for several reasons but hope it goes all five games either way.

2816

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

« on: October 09, 2018, 07:02:47 am »

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

Once fucking again, a pitcher’s job is to protect a lead or tie. When his team scores, he MUST put up a zero. Keuchel threw a “please hit me” BP fastball to a great hitter and allowed a go ahead home run. That is fucking NOT pitching “fine,” and saying “except for the HR, he pitched well,” is totally missing the main purpose of pitching, especially in a tight playoff game. I may be alone, but I will be glad when Keuchel is elsewhere.

2817

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

« on: October 09, 2018, 06:46:23 am »

It's raining sideways in the Hill Country and my dish is doing just fine, in case yall wanted to know.

Hoping the 2nd time through the lineup is better against Clevinger.

It was not in Austin. My buddy and I were watching at Pinthouse Pizza North, and its DirectTV went down 5-6 times during the storm.

2818

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

« on: October 09, 2018, 06:41:17 am »

Looked right over the plate to me.  But coulda been fooled.  Either way, can't take a fastball for strike three w/RISP.

HPU’s plate was wiiiiide yesterday.

2819

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

« on: October 08, 2018, 02:51:29 pm »

At least Correa can field his position. What exactly are we getting from Brian McCann right now?

Shut the fuck up. Go fucking away.

2820

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

« on: October 08, 2018, 02:48:24 pm »

Fucking Keuchel.

2821

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

« on: October 08, 2018, 02:01:21 pm »

The first pitch to McCann?  It was right down the middle.

No. Reddick.

2822

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

« on: October 08, 2018, 01:57:58 pm »

Geez...back to taking fat pitches right over the plate.  Every pitcher in the league knows it's automatically 0-1 to every Astro hitter.

That was a ball outside.

2823

Talk Zone / Re: Their hearts have melted already....

« on: October 08, 2018, 11:04:07 am »

It is close to the line and, indeed, the series is not anywhere near over.

But I have tried hard to be careful to only use "their" quotes, while making no assumptions that their fears are prophetic.  I find them hard to believe.  They are in the playoffs for good reason.

No assumptions either as to how many more post seasons AB's Bregman will have.

Good man.

2824

Talk Zone / Re: Their hearts have melted already....

« on: October 08, 2018, 05:45:52 am »

I’m pretty sure this thread is an affront to the BBGs. Can we delete it? I don’t care about their fans at all. Good or bad.

Indeed it is.  Our pal Snuffy is clueless about the BBGs. This series is far from over.

2825

Talk Zone / Re: "If we were in the East or West Div we wouldn’t even have made the playoffs"

« on: October 07, 2018, 05:11:41 pm »

For sure, how much baseball is left remains to be seen.
I don't get die hard fans looking for the exits so quickly, apparently seeing this playoff appearance as a tease rather than an accomplishment.Hard to imagine how hard it must be for the Indians to take the field with surprisingly little support.

I doubt major league ballplayers give much of a shit about this.

2826

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

« on: October 06, 2018, 08:14:56 pm »

Although I would rather see the reigning MVP swing away, I am not opposed to a bunt in a situation like that one when runs seem like they will be precious. My mild criticism was based on the pitch selection. I know I don’t have to tell you this, but the batter should pull it back against anything up - tough to get the ball on the ground when the pitch is above the letters.

Donaldson make a nice snag and the turn was ridiculously challenging but well done.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Agree he should not bunt a bad pitch.

2827

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

« on: October 06, 2018, 08:05:52 pm »

Gattis pinch hitting there is stupid.

No.

2828

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

« on: October 06, 2018, 07:59:56 pm »

You didn’t like the impromptu squeeze attempt at a pitch at eye level?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I loved the bunt idea. Told Mark he should. He hit the shit out of the ball GIDP but right at Donaldson.

2829

Talk Zone / Re: Pretty Damn Good article about a Pretty Damn Good Baseball Game (Game 5)

« on: October 06, 2018, 12:31:23 pm »

In spite of the fact it was written by LA writers, I thought it was very impartial, and presented a number of interesting aspects of the game. Very well done.

I liked it because it was from the LA perspective.

2830

Talk Zone / Re: Travel to Cleveland

« on: October 05, 2018, 05:34:47 am »

Anyone going to be in Cleveland for game 3?  I decided to drive 7 hours to see the game.

Be safe, Todd.

2831

Talk Zone / Re: J. D. still resents the lack of support in the 2013 Astros clubhouse...

« on: October 04, 2018, 09:33:48 pm »

STFU, JD.

2832

Talk Zone / Re: Postseason roster questions

« on: October 04, 2018, 04:12:50 pm »

Harris, McCullers, James over Rondon, Smith, Peacock aren’t throw away 25th man decisions

I did not think Peacock would make it. Shocked Harris and James over Smith and Rondon.

2833

Talk Zone / Re: Postseason roster questions

« on: October 04, 2018, 02:57:04 pm »

New season, new quibbling over the 25th man on the roster.

Damn I miss the TZ sometimes.

Bullpen choices are not the same.

2834

Talk Zone / Re: Postseason roster questions

« on: October 04, 2018, 02:52:40 pm »

I’m guessing matchup numbers had a bit to do with it.

Everything

2835

Talk Zone / Re: Postseason roster questions

« on: October 04, 2018, 02:48:06 pm »

Are you surprised James was included?

Over Smith and Rondon, yes.

2836

Talk Zone / Re: Postseason roster questions

« on: October 04, 2018, 02:46:49 pm »

Harris over Smith and Rondon is an absolute head scratcher.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Holy crap, I am shocked. James too.

2837

Talk Zone / Re: I've got an extra pair of tickets for Friday's game. PM me if interested.

« on: October 04, 2018, 08:44:29 am »

Those are some nosebleed seats.

(Sorry, hit modify rather than reply the first time around.)

At least it is not SRO.

2838

Talk Zone / Re: Frito Pie

« on: October 03, 2018, 12:26:19 pm »

Do they make vegetarian frito pie?

Wimp

2839

Talk Zone / Re: CFM

« on: October 03, 2018, 12:24:48 pm »

FYI Jim, a "movie" is a collection of still frames strung together a shown a speed to recreate the effect of movement.  Also, it's in color.

I have been to them, but Jaws is my only shark movie.

2840

Talk Zone / Re: CFM

« on: October 03, 2018, 08:30:05 am »

Maybe not, but I did hear Blum call White “The Meg” in the clubhouse celebration. Maybe he lurks.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

He says this often. What does it mean?

2841

Talk Zone / Re: CFM

« on: October 03, 2018, 07:49:49 am »

Ok, thought it could have been OWA.

2842

Talk Zone / CFM

« on: October 03, 2018, 06:40:25 am »

Did this acronym for Charlie start here or elsewhere? Stanton made reference to it Sunday in the pre-game: “Who will show up today? Charlie Morton or CFM?”

2843

Talk Zone / Re: ALDS schedule

« on: October 03, 2018, 06:36:36 am »

A comfortable 8:05pm for me.  :-)

Where are you, Bob?

2844

Talk Zone / Re: The National League

« on: October 03, 2018, 06:36:05 am »

Heard an interesting rumor out of Chicago. I heard to not be surprised if Joe Maddon steps down and Joe Girardi becomes the FTC skipper.

Interesting. I wondered how The Genius would be treated after this underperforming team cratered at the end. Losing TWO crucial games in the Friendly Confines to achieve elimination cannot sit well with upper management. They are losers for sure but certainly are not lovable.

2845

Talk Zone / Re: The National League

« on: October 03, 2018, 12:08:01 am »

FTC

2846

Talk Zone / Re: The National League

« on: October 02, 2018, 11:51:31 pm »

Baez looms.

2847

Talk Zone / Re: The National League

« on: October 02, 2018, 11:40:35 pm »

These damn West Coast games! Oh, wait....

2848

Talk Zone / Re: The National League

« on: October 02, 2018, 11:16:53 pm »

Arenado wanted a love fest instead of trying to make a play.

Exactly. If he tries to make a throw, that is interference.

2849

Talk Zone / Re: The National League

« on: October 02, 2018, 10:06:22 pm »

Cement mixer

ETA: on 0-2

2850

Talk Zone / Re: The National League

« on: October 02, 2018, 09:49:40 pm »

Those guys who slide with the front foot in the air are dumb.

2851

Talk Zone / Re: Frito Pie

« on: October 02, 2018, 09:00:58 pm »

So the Jewish holiday of succot ended tonight.  And my wife and I often invite over a bunch of people over to our house after synagogue one of the days for food and drinks.

I served two gigantic platters of frito pie to all of those Yankees and Mets fans.  They didn't even know that the very food they ate was supporting the Astros.

So great!

2852

Talk Zone / Re: Postseason tickets

« on: October 02, 2018, 11:31:34 am »

Found out today Mark and I are in for the Cleveland series. Thank you, Gordon. I will be traveling 10/13-28, and Mark is out of PTO so this series may be it for us.

2853

Talk Zone / Re: Team Milestones 2018

« on: October 02, 2018, 06:25:09 am »

I am not nervous because of the Indians.   I am nervous because of the Astros.

I am worried because of both, especially their pitching against our inconsistent hitting. If our pitching falters, uh oh.

2854

Talk Zone / Re: Postseason tickets

« on: October 02, 2018, 06:04:14 am »

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

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

2855

Talk Zone / Re: The National League

« on: October 01, 2018, 03:29:39 pm »

Rizzo flies out.

Brewers win 3-1.

6 out save for Hader.

FTC.

High drama in that AB. FTC.

2856

Talk Zone / Re: Team Milestones 2018

« on: October 01, 2018, 03:14:53 pm »

You know, comparing the offensive stats between the Astros and Indians, this is a pretty even match up.

Yup. I am worried.

2857

Talk Zone / Re: Road to the Postseason 2018

« on: October 01, 2018, 02:46:19 pm »

The article is referencing how the current players were acquired.

Ah, sorry.

2858

Talk Zone / Re: The National League

« on: October 01, 2018, 02:45:53 pm »

Then gets thrown out at 2nd for the 2nd out.

Questionable strategy.

Stupid decision by whomever made it.

2859

Talk Zone / Re: Road to the Postseason 2018

« on: October 01, 2018, 02:29:28 pm »

From the "Throw Conventional Wisdom Out the Door" department:  The post-season team with the fewest free agents is the Dodgers.  Next fewest is the Yankees.  The team with the most is the A's.

https://www.mlb.com/news/how-the-10-postseason-teams-were-built/c-296459836

Kershaw can opt out.

2860

Talk Zone / Re: Ex Astros News 17-18

« on: October 01, 2018, 01:28:28 pm »

It's apparent how proud of him you are, Jim. You should be.

This is the coolest thing. Mauer chose Belisle. From The Athletic:

Joe Mauer knew that would be the case. But he also believed any appearance at catcher wouldn’t be for any real length of time, that the moment would be more symbolic than anything. He would be willing to do it only for one pitch and only if that pitch was thrown by fellow veteran pitcher Matt Belisle. Mauer also wanted for it to be with the Twins in the lead and only if the White Sox gave their blessing.

2861

Talk Zone / Re: Road to the Postseason 2018

« on: October 01, 2018, 12:34:39 pm »

Bregman’s swoon is worrisome.

2862

Talk Zone / Re: Postseason roster questions

« on: October 01, 2018, 12:33:47 pm »

If it is Smith or James, I take Smith because of experience.

James or McHugh? James or McCullers? Tossup. No Harris or Peacock or Devo, probably, which shows how freaking deep we are. James over any of them.

Straw over Stassi for me. They will not pinch run for Maldonado unless he is the winning run on second late. His defense is too valuable.  If Gattis is on the roster, he can be the emergency catcher if injury disaster strikes.

2863

Talk Zone / Re: Postseason roster questions

« on: October 01, 2018, 08:30:55 am »

I cannot believe Smith will be left off.

2864

Talk Zone / Re: Ex Astros News 17-18

« on: October 01, 2018, 08:29:49 am »

Here's the video of his actual (one pitch) appearance behind the plate. OWA folks will want to pay attention to who's pitching.

I saw him running in but did not mention it. Thought you guys might be tired of hearing about Matt. He is 38 and had his first bad year since his early days so I am guessing this it is for him too. Maybe that is why they let him pitch to Mauer. Matt has had a great career, and I am so proud of him and am proud to have been his coach. His best years were with the Rockies, unfortunately, but he had a playoff appearance with the Twins. He is the greatest guy, and his positive contributions in the clubhouse have been recognized by several organizations. My player, Mark’s teammate, 14ish years in the big leagues-wow. Signed with Atlanta, played in the bigs with the Reds, Rockies, Cards, Nationals, Twins, Indiana’s, and Twins again. Not bad for a mild from Ole Mac High! What is most special is Fame and Fortune have not changed him one bit.

Thanks for noticing. I’ll shut up now.

2865

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Astros at Orioles, 9/29/18 (Game #1)

« on: September 30, 2018, 08:49:44 am »

Verlander has pitched so many gems only to have the arson squad in our bullpen burn his wins to the ground. I'll say this: Joe Smith should have no playoff roster spot.

Arson squad? Best bullpen in MLB.

The roster will not be decided by one outing.

2866

Talk Zone / Re: No local ATT Sportsnet Coverage of Post-season

« on: September 29, 2018, 07:43:14 am »

I like the interview with Hinch.

Interviews, highlights, Hinch-I like it all.

2867

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

« on: September 29, 2018, 07:41:51 am »

It’ll be nice having Jake on the postseason roster this year.

Yes, because we do not have Maybin.

2868

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

« on: September 28, 2018, 08:32:32 pm »

Did Jake misread the play?

No. He had to go back to tag up.

2869

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

« on: September 28, 2018, 08:30:45 pm »

Tyler White is becoming Tyler White again.

2870

Talk Zone / Re: No local ATT Sportsnet Coverage of Post-season

« on: September 28, 2018, 05:07:12 pm »

I love ATT’s postgame show. Pregame is ok, but postgame is great.

Postseason coverage is the same as last year.

2871

Talk Zone / Re: Postseason roster questions

« on: September 27, 2018, 08:31:44 pm »

I disagree that Gattis has very little value.  He's certainly a better pinch hitting option than Stassi, Straw, Maldonado or Marisnick...and frankly, Correa too.  And there's no way I'd include McCullers for the ALDS.  I'd carry 11 pitchers and swap Gattis for McCullers.

I think Gattis will be on the roster.

2872

Talk Zone / Re: Postseason roster questions

« on: September 27, 2018, 06:16:29 pm »

You know me. He's been pretty good all year. My insane brain locked in on the Angels game last week, Astros leading 1-0 in the 8th Rondon and Smith combined to a tune of allowing 5 runs to score. while only retiring one. Little did it matter after the Astros scored 9 in the bottom half of the inning.

They will not make decisions based on one game.

2873

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Astros at O's, 9/27/18

« on: September 27, 2018, 05:59:41 pm »

Glad they are making it up.

2874

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Astros at O's, 9/27/18

« on: September 27, 2018, 12:25:13 pm »

Weekend part of the series will be beautiful in Baltimore.  Highs in the low to mid 70's and low humidity.  Heavy rain Thursday night and Friday morning should finish by 8 or 9am Friday morning, giving the field plenty of time to dry out.

Tonight's game will be close as the heavier rains will pick up sometime after 8pm.  I hope they get Cole out of there quickly if the rains start to fall.

https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lon=-76.6216929629445&lat=39.28399480749411#.W6ziihNKjOY

https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=39.284&lon=-76.6217&unit=0&lg=english&FcstType=graphical

Rain rain go away. I want 103.

2875

Talk Zone / Re: Postseason roster questions

« on: September 27, 2018, 12:24:28 pm »

Starters:
JV
Cole
Morton
DK2

Bullpen:
Osuna
Pressley
Sipp
Peacock or McCullers or McHugh or Smith or Rondon?

Some tough choices. Based on the way Hinch managed last Postseason I think Smith and Rondon might be left off in lieu of the Mc boys and Peacock.

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

2876

Talk Zone / Re: Postseason roster questions

« on: September 27, 2018, 11:15:10 am »

Me too.  Rondon is in, but who in Knox's list is out (swapping Sipp for Framber of course).  Peacock? McCullers?

Peacock for sure, I think, and McCullers still is an unanswered question.

2877

Talk Zone / Re: Postseason roster questions

« on: September 26, 2018, 06:21:28 pm »

I’ll be shocked if Rondon is off.

2878

Talk Zone / Re: Postseason roster questions

« on: September 26, 2018, 05:57:54 pm »

Do Valdez and James make the cut over some combo of Peacock/McHugh/Rondon/Devenski?

Do you play Bregman at short for the ALDS and bench Correa?

I heard Hinch on the pregame today saying he was going to be playing Correa "hard" over the remaining games. If he can't cut it do they leave him off the postseason roster entirely?

Some interesting decisions to be made, it seems.

Yes, James, maybe. No Valdez. Not enough strikes.

2879

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Your AL West Champion Astros at Blue Jays, 9/26/18

« on: September 26, 2018, 05:56:53 pm »

They celebrated last night into the wee hours. As ended at 2 am.

We mailed this one in.

Bregman is drunk.

ETA: fuck Giles.

2880

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Astros at Blue Jays, 9/25/18

« on: September 26, 2018, 05:55:14 pm »

Props to McHugh for adjusting to his new role without any complaints (or at least, any PUBLIC complaints).

Doubt there were any anywhere.

2881

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Your AL West Champion Astros at Blue Jays, 9/26/18

« on: September 26, 2018, 05:21:42 pm »

A walk and a couple of infield hits load the bases with 2 out in T5. Kemp up.

Vandy guy whiffs. Still down 2-1.

(All 3 hits for the Astros so far have been of the infield variety)

Kemp is hungover. Four pitches well out of the zone, and he swung at three of them.

2882

Talk Zone / Re: Astros just acquired Osuna

« on: September 26, 2018, 12:02:07 pm »

I acknowledge that there are degrees to the level of or severity of physical abuse. But what I don't know is at what point does being rough treatment become a beating.  Two punches? More? Is the difference a single grain of sand or a boulder? And I don't know if a light beating makes a person less of an abuser than a heavy beating. I know the severity matters to the person receiving the beating  from a pain and recovery point of view. So I'm hesitant to put a label on the degree to which she was abused by way of the abuser. That was the subtext to my point of the run of the mill beating  as opposed to a severe beating comment. We are not judged solely on our actions but also on the result of them.

Being judged requires facts, and no one here has any. Investigation is essential, and the prosecutors know the definition of the offense and the evidence required to convict. Simple assault might be yelling and threatening words. It could be a shove or crowding into a corner. It does not require touching. The resolution they proposed did not require a guilty plea, as deferred adjudication does. No prosecutor with integrity would sign off on this resolution (or charge simple assault) if he hit her.

I am done with this. I hope there is room on the moral superiority high ground for all of you who choose to be there.

2883

Talk Zone / Re: 2018 AL West Division Champs

« on: September 26, 2018, 10:50:46 am »

Happy birthday jimr. Hope the astros winning the west on your bday is one of many good things that come your way today.

Thank you

2884

Talk Zone / Re: Astros just acquired Osuna

« on: September 26, 2018, 10:40:41 am »

You do not know what happened, first of all. Second, your pronouncement that the judicial outcome is indicative of the severity of the assault is not only wrong but ludicrously tone deaf, especially given the moment we are all living.

Nope. I acknowledge your self-proclaimed superior expertise on all subjects discussed on this site, but I have vastly more experience on this topic than do you.

2885

Talk Zone / Re: Astros just acquired Osuna

« on: September 26, 2018, 10:39:57 am »

Just because the victim doesn't want to testify doesn't mean she's not a victim.

Perhaps she was a victim of something but not of a beating. Simple assault. You are a lawyer.  She said more than “I will not testify.” She also said “I do not feel in danger” and “I want him to parent our child.”

2886

Talk Zone / Re: Road to the Postseason 2018

« on: September 26, 2018, 08:49:30 am »

Jeff Passan  @JeffPassan 8h ago
Cubs 91-66
Brewers 91-67
Braves 89-68
Dodgers 88-70
Rockies 87-70
Cards 87-71

Cool: Real possibility of Game 163s Monday in Chicago and LA for NL Central/West titles.

Cooler: Three-way tie where Cards host NLW Game 163 loser for second WC.

Coolest: Six-way tie with 91 wins.

I like the way you think.

2887

Talk Zone / Re: 2018 AL West Division Champs

« on: September 26, 2018, 08:48:44 am »

Happy Birthday,  Jim.

Back 2 back division titles seems like a good present.

Yup, and thanks!

2888

Talk Zone / Re: Astros just acquired Osuna

« on: September 26, 2018, 08:06:15 am »

You're on fire today Jim, some great posts... and, HBD mate.

Thanks, pal.

2889

Talk Zone / Re: 2018 AL West Division Champs

« on: September 26, 2018, 07:37:07 am »

Did the Osuna thread throw your sarcasm meter out of whack, or am I missing something?

Yeah, probably.

Sorry, Tom Servo. You are a good poster. I am going to delete.

2890

Talk Zone / Re: Astros just acquired Osuna

« on: September 26, 2018, 06:32:55 am »

Glad Osuna was granted a peace bond. I'll never cheer for this pinche cabron, but want this in the rearview for the sake of the team.
Don't get how some of you rush to defend this guy. the astros brass have made many amazing decisions since crane took over. Trading for osuna isn't one of them.

And go fuck yourself Jim.

Nope, don’t think I will. Today is my bday. You can fuck off, however.

2891

Talk Zone / Re: Astros just acquired Osuna

« on: September 26, 2018, 06:30:50 am »

You have no idea what you're talking about.

I think I do and may have a smidgen more experience in this than you.

2892

Talk Zone / Re: Astros just acquired Osuna

« on: September 26, 2018, 06:28:55 am »

Keep telling yourself what you need to, in order to allow yourself to cheer for this guy. His lawyer reaching a peace bond under these circumstances does not prove anything about the matter one way or another, any more than Blasey Ford not filing charges against Kavanaugh when she was 15 years old proves he is innocent.

Reuben, I have handles scores of sexual conduct cases as a lawyer. I also twice was a foreman of grand juries. What I learned is to believe no one; investigate. Accusers lie for many different motives. Perps  lie. Past behavior/reputation of both do not matter. One does not know what happened without investigation.

He was charged with simple assault. That alone tells you there was no beating. Even if all the did was shove her, that is wrong and should not be overlooked. Dismissal of the charges tells you the prosecutors did not have sufficient evidence to go to trial or to obtain a conviction. Prosecutors do not simply walk away from cases if they believe they can convict.

I support all the “me too” women who have come forward, but many of the stories are not even sexual harassment under civil law much less a crime. That does not excuse men’s boorish behavior, which should be dealt with and punished every time, and criminal behavior should be convicted IF there is evidence to support a conviction. You have tried and convicted Osuna, and you consider yourself morally superior to the Toronto prosecutors and to me. You purport to know what happened, but you do not know any more than I do. Your rush to judgment is both wrong and unfair. I do not expect you to see this through your idealism. Good for you. I hope Life never reaches into your ivory tower to force you to give a loved one a second chance after inexcusable, indefensible behavior. If you fold your arms and say one strike is out, shame on you.

Yep, I will root for Osuna and am happy the Astros gave him a second chance. I hope he takes full advantage of this opportunity to become a better person. Apparently his significant other thinks he is a good enough person to continue to parent their child with her. As for you, I hope you learn tolerance and someday understand the meaning of due process of law.

2893

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Astros at Blue Jays, 9/25/18

« on: September 26, 2018, 05:55:48 am »

Nothing clinched yet, but 100 wins is a landmark. 

Amazing that for all the emotional ups and downs this year, and player-games missed to injury, this squad has continued to grind and hit the century mark in wins.  First time in 28 years a defending WS Champ has done so.

Good description; this season has been a grind. Less dynamic offense. Five All Stars on the DL at the same time. Up and down Keuchel. McCann’s surgery. A less effective Peacock. Duvenski’s collapse. The Giles drama. Still 100 wins with five opportunities for more.

Kudos to Kemp, White, Morton, Stassi, McHugh, Rondon, Smith, Valdez, and James for stepping up, to Bregman for becoming an All Star and MVP candidate while the others were out, and to Luhnow for adding Maldonado, Pressly, and Osuna to make the roster even stronger. Kudos to Yuli for becoming Marwin II in the infield while there were missing starters. Kudos to JV for being JV on the mound and for helping Cole become great. Kudos to Cole for being receptive to new ideas and for reaching his potential in Houston. Kudos to CFM for finally realizing (I hope) how good he is. Kudos to the As for a great season and for keeping the pressure on the Astros to be even better. I hope we get to 103 or more. Perhaps most of all, Kudos to Hinch and his staff for being the glue. Kudos to the 2018 Astros who did not settle.

Finally, Kudos to the GZ and its denizens. Y’all make winning even more fun.

2894

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Bot 7th, based full w/ 2 outs - scouting report delivered during pitching chg

« on: September 25, 2018, 09:05:07 pm »

You guys probably already know this, but it was interesting to me:

(3:30:48) The Jays announcers tracked the Astros scouting report on Smoak (an unknown hitter with 3 on & 2-out) during the 7th.
1. Strom handed a card to Hinch who put it in his back pocket left the dugout to make a pitching change. 
2. As they waited for Pressley at the mound, Hinch exchanged cards w/ Maldonado & pocketed the old one. 
3. Maldonado studied the card as they continued to wait.

How is the scouting report delivered for unknown players when there are no no pitching changes?

I don’t know, but the bat boy could run it out there.

2895

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Astros at Blue Jays, 9/25/18

« on: September 25, 2018, 09:01:42 pm »

Altuve wanted to go sit down.

2896

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Astros at Blue Jays, 9/25/18

« on: September 25, 2018, 08:59:28 pm »

Why replace Elvis after only three pitches?

Because we have more games to play.

Because Hinch wanted Rondon to have an inning.

2897

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Astros at Blue Jays, 9/25/18

« on: September 25, 2018, 08:42:31 pm »

Wasn't close on ball 3 or 4 in that last AB.

TK said 5 walks in last 8 IP

2898

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Astros at Blue Jays, 9/25/18

« on: September 25, 2018, 08:37:15 pm »

McHugh has looked off the last couple weeks. Not very sharp with his curve.

Or his FB

2899

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Astros at Blue Jays, 9/25/18

« on: September 25, 2018, 08:34:48 pm »

Gift K from HPU

2900

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Astros at Blue Jays, 9/25/18

« on: September 25, 2018, 08:23:50 pm »

Sipp has been very good.

2901

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Astros at Blue Jays, 9/25/18

« on: September 25, 2018, 07:50:52 pm »

Tyler went up there with a porpoise.

Giviglio is his chum

2902

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Astros at Blue Jays, 9/25/18

« on: September 25, 2018, 07:50:05 pm »

Let’s have some vaunting

2903

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Astros at Blue Jays, 9/25/18

« on: September 25, 2018, 07:46:48 pm »

Nice DP by Marwin/Bregman/White.

I include White because I think that was a full stretch for him and he managed to not fall down.  But it was close.

Great play

2904

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Astros at Blue Jays, 9/25/18

« on: September 25, 2018, 07:13:05 pm »

These AAA hitters are not impressed.

2905

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Astros at Blue Jays, 9/25/18

« on: September 25, 2018, 07:04:16 pm »

Great White is resembling a dolphin lately.

2906

Talk Zone / Re: As

« on: September 25, 2018, 04:07:38 pm »

Why would you? It has only been mentioned and dsscussed numerous times.

Dunno. I guess I am dense.

2907

Talk Zone / Re: As

« on: September 25, 2018, 02:45:20 pm »

You can suggest that until you're blue in the face, and Kalas will continue doing what he does. He's said multiple times he doesn't believe in jinxes.

Did not know that.

2908

Talk Zone / Re: Astros just acquired Osuna

« on: September 25, 2018, 02:44:11 pm »

Just a run of the mill beating. I am glad it's over and hope to see Osuna make the most of his new opportunity but he will always be under scrutiny from those who believe he did something unredeemable.

Horseshit. Prosecutors do not dismiss cases involving unredeemable conduct. Fuck your first sentence.

2909

Talk Zone / Re: Astros just acquired Osuna

« on: September 25, 2018, 01:26:02 pm »

Brian McTaggart  @brianmctaggart 1m ago
We have resolution in the Robert Osuna case. He agrees to peace bond and assault charges are withdrawn.

Austin Staton @AStaton 3m ago
“A peace bond is an order from a criminal court that requires a person to keep the peace and be on good behaviour for a period of time. This essentially means that the person who signs a peace bond must not be charged with any additional criminal offences during its duration.”

Just read that. Thanks, Nate. There was no “savage beating,” as some alleged.

2910

Talk Zone / Re: Giles speaks

« on: September 25, 2018, 09:45:00 am »

This was the kicker, which came after the above quote:  "I wish Ken Giles well, but my advice to him would be to participate in the culture which he's in if he wants the benefits of it."

Says a lot, doesn’t it?

2911

Talk Zone / Re: Giles speaks

« on: September 25, 2018, 07:34:04 am »

That is as riled up as I can ever remember seeing (or reading) AJ.  Even when last year when he complained about bogus strike calls in the 9th inning (the game where Josh got tossed) he tempered his remarks about umpires saying 'these are good men'.

The Giles quote sound like someone who is trying to build a defense, and a weak one at that: "It's their fault".  Unnecessary and immature.  He lost his job in the playoffs last year and it damaged his psyche.  He did not get over it and it bled over into his performance this year.

I do not think Giles is a quitter, and for almost all of this time with the Astros, he faced the media and owned his failures. Bottom line, imo, is he cracked, both professionally and personally, under the pressure of intense baseball situations for a high-achieving team and the crush of the demanding expectations of his performance, both his and the fans. I do not doubt he is more comfortable on a team going nowhere.

2912

Talk Zone / Re: Giles speaks

« on: September 25, 2018, 05:53:38 am »

What, punching yourself in the face is not normal?

Nope. Nor is “Fuck you” to the manager on live TV.

Hinch had a great rebuttal to Giles’ crybaby shit posted last night on At Bat.

2913

Talk Zone / As

« on: September 25, 2018, 05:51:53 am »

I hope they win out, and we do also. I want NYY to play the WC game in Oakland. IF we clinch soon, I will become an As fan. I like their team and what they have done a lot.

One of you who uses Twitter should explain the BBGs to Kalas. He must be told to can all the discussion of celebrations until there is something to celebrate.

2914

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Astros at Blue Jays, Sept. 24, 2018

« on: September 24, 2018, 10:12:09 pm »

The corollary is that Tellez was lucky to put that one in play.  Yes, it was in the center of the zone, but that doesn't mean that it's easy to hit.  It was a lazy opposite field fly ball.  Be happy with it.

Impossible for him to be happy.

2915

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Astros at Blue Jays, Sept. 24, 2018

« on: September 24, 2018, 10:08:43 pm »

Wow, that pitch to Tellez could not have been more center-center. Osuna is lucky that one didn't go to the moon.

Seriously? Have you watched Verlander pitch? Why do you suppose Tellez flies out? Luck?

2916

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Astros at Blue Jays, Sept. 24, 2018

« on: September 24, 2018, 09:08:26 pm »

Then gets picked off

2917

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Astros at Blue Jays, Sept. 24, 2018

« on: September 24, 2018, 08:56:54 pm »

PLEASE put Marwin in on defense in the 9th. Please.

2918

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Astros at Blue Jays, Sept. 24, 2018

« on: September 24, 2018, 08:41:15 pm »

Double dip for Tony Sipp!

Did not even make the dirt. Wow.

2919

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Astros at Blue Jays, Sept. 24, 2018

« on: September 24, 2018, 08:40:30 pm »

Holy crap

2920

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Astros at Blue Jays, Sept. 24, 2018

« on: September 24, 2018, 08:00:09 pm »

No reason for JD Davis to be playing. True even if he homers.

2921

Talk Zone / Re: Aches and Pains 2018

« on: September 24, 2018, 03:44:04 pm »

Springer is in the lineup tonight. So is JD Davis. Great White sits.

2922

Talk Zone / Re: Road to the Postseason 2018

« on: September 24, 2018, 09:53:51 am »

Since June 8:

High leverage: 2 IP, 4.50 ERA, .250/.286/.429 allowed
Medium leverage: 8.2 IP, 3.12 ERA, .172/.273/.345 allowed
Low leverage: 23.2 IP, 2.66 ERA, .172/.226/.221 allowed

Last 11 games:

High leverage: 0.1 IP, 0 ERA, .500/.500/1.000 allowed
Medium leverage: 3 IP, 0 ERA, .000/.182/.000 allowed
Low leverage: 7.2 IP, 0 ERA, .080/.080/.080 allowed

Thank you.

2923

Talk Zone / Re: Giles speaks

« on: September 24, 2018, 08:17:18 am »

It always seemed to me like he didn’t feel quite like part of the team in Houston. I don’t know exactly why that was and maybe it’s bullshit, but you know he went from a losing Phillies team to a high-performing Astros team to a losing Blue Jays team and felt comfortable in the bookends. That might be significant.

I think he has issues. Emotional ones.

2924

Talk Zone / Re: Giles speaks

« on: September 24, 2018, 07:18:26 am »

Sounds like he is trying to convince himself.

Yep. WFW.

2925

Talk Zone / Giles speaks

« on: September 24, 2018, 06:47:29 am »

https://mlb.nbcsports.com/2018/09/23/ken-giles-im-actually-enjoying-the-game-more-than-i-did-for-my-entire-tenure-in-houston/amp/

2926

Talk Zone / Re: Road to the Postseason 2018

« on: September 24, 2018, 06:46:46 am »

When does the Will Harris bitching stop?

Since June 8: 34.1 IP, 22 H, 8 BB, 42 K, 0.87 WHIP.

Over his last 11 appearances, no runs allowed in 12 IP with just 3 hits and 2 walks allowed.

My guess is he mostly pitched in clean innings and not in high leverage situations. I do not trust him with men on base in a close game.

2927

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Angels v Astros September 23

« on: September 23, 2018, 05:16:16 pm »

This wouldn't surprise me at all. I don't think he needs major surgery, but I wouldn't be surprised if he gets the knee scoped and has to take it easy during the off-season.

Of course you aren’t.

2928

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Angels v Astros September 23

« on: September 23, 2018, 03:23:16 pm »

Probably amputated his arm

2929

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Angels v Astros September 23

« on: September 23, 2018, 03:08:50 pm »

“Right shoulder discomfort”

2930

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Angels v Astros September 23

« on: September 23, 2018, 02:57:41 pm »

I think he's just riffing off your concern about my perceived doom and gloom pronouncements.

Yep, thought so. Nothing “perceived” about it. On the GZ, you see dark clouds in every silver lining.

2931

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Angels v Astros September 23

« on: September 23, 2018, 02:46:44 pm »

He's really just fortunate to be alive after that inning.

?

2932

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Angels v Astros September 23

« on: September 23, 2018, 02:34:22 pm »

Best case on CFM is flu

2933

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Angels v Astros September 23

« on: September 23, 2018, 01:48:38 pm »

Shoulder, I’ll bet. Not good.

2934

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Angels at Astros, September 22, 2018

« on: September 23, 2018, 10:26:39 am »

Why is Osuna getting thrown in with this?  2.29 ERA in Houston with 9 saves in 9 chances. More k's than hits allowed. 18/3 K/BB ratio.

Disregard. His GZ pronouncements redefine gloom and doom.

2935

Talk Zone / Re: Rondon

« on: September 23, 2018, 09:19:35 am »

That is what they did last night,  Pressly faced 3/4/5 in the 7th.

Rondon got 2 pitches in the zone,  strikes all night,  called balls on his leadoff walk.

But the double was on an 0-2 pitch,  a FB he meatballed badly.

That's his MO lately; bad luck then bad execution.  Hopefully they'll tinker with the right thing,  physical or mental,  and get him thru it.

Exactly right on his woes, imo.

2936

Talk Zone / Re: Rondon

« on: September 23, 2018, 08:16:01 am »

After last night pretty sure the 'Rondon is the 8th inning guy' era is over.

Not what Hinch said. He did not mention specific innings, but he said he has not lost confidence in him and “he’ll be back out there in a couple of days.”  Guys must love playing for him.

Hinch works matchups, not roles. My guess is Pressly will get the tougher matchups trying to get the game to Osuna.

2937

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Angels at Astros, September 22, 2018

« on: September 23, 2018, 07:56:28 am »

Luhnow's going to have to decide if this is just one of those years where the bullpen is weird, or if the pen needs a complete overhaul. He's going to have a lot of thinking to do in the offseason.

This is just crazy. Complete overhaul? This has been the best bullpen in baseball for most of the year. Pitchers fail occasionally, and they go into slumps. They have bad games. Were you going to release Verlander when he was giving up all those home runs?

2938

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Angels at Astros, September 22, 2018

« on: September 22, 2018, 08:25:02 pm »

Army just tied OU 21-21 in the 4th quarter.

Oh, please, please, please!

2939

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Angels at Astros, September 22, 2018

« on: September 22, 2018, 08:23:00 pm »

Stuck on 30.

Stuck on all of them.

2940

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Angels at Astros, September 22, 2018

« on: September 22, 2018, 08:20:32 pm »

Bregman, the pop up king. He has not been the same since all his preening in Boston. The BBGs notice.

2941

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Angels at Astros, September 22, 2018

« on: September 22, 2018, 07:45:33 pm »

Has Reddick swung at a strike this season?

Hyperbole, thy name is Hawk.

2942

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Angels at Astros, September 22, 2018

« on: September 22, 2018, 07:36:42 pm »

Did Marwin hit it hard? At Bat said line out.

BTW, UT kicked TCU’s ass.

2943

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Angels at Astros - 9/21/2018

« on: September 22, 2018, 12:11:07 pm »

Some enjoy griping, others enjoy chiding those who gripe. It's all one big symbiotic family.

I saw no griping. What I read was dark gloom precting ultimate failure after a grand slam in the first inning.

2944

Talk Zone / Re: Road to the Postseason 2018

« on: September 22, 2018, 12:08:54 pm »

Onions? Cheese?

and chili powder is not chili

2945

Talk Zone / Re: Road to the Postseason 2018

« on: September 22, 2018, 12:07:32 pm »

Maybe you should have it before the football game.  Just in case it has the same effect.

Do not want to dilute its effect.

2946

Talk Zone / Re: Correa article in The Athletic

« on: September 22, 2018, 09:43:30 am »

I'm sure his teammates appreciate how much he's been grinding to try to help this thing along.   The discomfort is largely personal,  the failure is very public and he's kept his composure admirably.

This. I cannot imagine trying to hit a baseball while dealing with lower back pain.

2947

Talk Zone / Re: Questions for Mike Fast

« on: September 22, 2018, 09:41:05 am »

He refused to answer why he was leaving but did note that he was looking for another job in baseball. It's all rather curious. Perhaps it was a reaction to the Taubman promotion or maybe there's something else going on.

Throwing this out there, did anybody follow his twitter account on a regular basis over the last couple of months? He was not on my follow list but think I noticed something about his avatar when I came across his account somewhat randomly a month or so ago.

Also,  does anyone know Footer well enough to approach her privately as to what she knows?

Someone on here knows Footer well.

2948

Talk Zone / Re: Road to the Postseason 2018

« on: September 22, 2018, 09:39:23 am »

Having Frito pie tonight after the football game.

2949

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Angels at Astros - 9/21/2018

« on: September 22, 2018, 09:34:37 am »

Just cruising along and then: wham! two balls just scorched.

Y’all understand the other side has major league hitters? Calling a HR by Trout a “disintegration” is mind-boggling.

2950

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Angels at Astros - 9/21/2018

« on: September 22, 2018, 09:26:19 am »

The disturbing aspect of that is that when they score early they tend not to score again. Especially not good with the bullpen's recent behavior.

Good grief. I think you could make Christmas morning a sad day.

2951

Talk Zone / Re: Questions for Mike Fast

« on: September 21, 2018, 08:56:55 am »

Mike Fast is gone? Wasn’t he a wunderkind?

2952

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Mariners @ Astros, September 19, 2018

« on: September 19, 2018, 09:00:13 pm »

AAA pitchers throw 10 1/3 scoreless innings. Keuchel throws BP.

2953

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Mariners @ Astros, September 19, 2018

« on: September 19, 2018, 08:44:49 pm »

Now three runs

He has been so good I am giving him a mulligan for tonight.

2954

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Mariners @ Astros, September 19, 2018

« on: September 19, 2018, 08:43:26 pm »

If he thought he tagged him then no need to look to third. He either forgot how many outs there were or assumed he was already safe. I think it was a two run brain freeze.

Forgot the outs. He appealed to HPU on  the tag.

2955

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Mariners @ Astros, September 19, 2018

« on: September 19, 2018, 08:41:30 pm »

He had to know he didn't tag him. The big question is why was he paying attention to what Cano was doing on the bases?

He did not know or he would have gone after him but totally agre re turning around.

2956

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Mariners @ Astros, September 19, 2018

« on: September 19, 2018, 08:27:34 pm »

Maldonado has given them two runs tonight.

The weird thing is his turning around.

Sleepwalking game. Poor pitching. Poor hitting. Poor defense.

2957

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Mariners @ Astros, September 19, 2018

« on: September 19, 2018, 08:25:13 pm »

The fuck is he doing?

He thought he tagged him. He did not.

2958

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Mariners @ Astros, September 19, 2018

« on: September 19, 2018, 08:17:43 pm »

This game is pissing me off.

Not hustling pisses me off. He had a chance to beat that out.

2959

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Mariners @ Astros, September 19, 2018

« on: September 19, 2018, 08:15:06 pm »

Marwin half-assed it down the line.

2960

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Mariners @ Astros, September 19, 2018

« on: September 19, 2018, 08:07:29 pm »

Nice to have you around.

Went to kd lang last night. She looks like 9 miles of bad road but sings like an angel.

2961

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Mariners @ Astros, September 19, 2018

« on: September 19, 2018, 08:03:01 pm »

Some bad luck that inning.  Haniger with kind of a shiftfuck single, Segura with a seeing eye bouncer over the 3B bag, Cano's looping liner that Reddick got an arm on...the only ball struck well was the liner off of Keuchel.

Segura’s was a screaming line drive past Bregman. It did not bounce.

2962

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Mariners @ Astros, September 19, 2018

« on: September 19, 2018, 07:42:02 pm »

Why is Dallas so bad when we need good?

2963

Talk Zone / Re: Rondon

« on: September 19, 2018, 10:41:28 am »

Devo very good last night. Glad to see it.

I think he is toast for this year. Hard decisions coming.

2964

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Mariners @ Astros, September 18, 2018

« on: September 19, 2018, 08:42:12 am »

This is exactly why Gattis with 24 or 25 HR and 74 rbi can barely get an AB right now.   

I don't know whether this grind is wearing them down or getting them sharp.   But it is fun to grip the rail and watch.

Every game is like a postseason game and is infinitely more exciting than a runaway division win. I know I was on a very small stage, and perhaps my experience is not relevant to you,  but for me there was nothing better than coaching a playoff game. Mark could share a player’s perspective on what it was like for him. His team won five pressure-packed games against the state’s best to reach the UIL State Tournament. All that matters is this inning and this AB and this coaching decision today.

2965

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Mariners @ Astros, September 18, 2018

« on: September 19, 2018, 08:21:35 am »

Just the facts.  It's the stretch drive, results now matter.

This is an important point, I think. Stats about past performance do not matter. All that matters is THIS game and now. When a hitter fails in a key AB in a winnable game, I get no consolation from someone’s telling me what his BA or the cursed OPS is. This is magnified in a pennant race or the postseason.

2966

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Mariners @ Astros, September 17, 2018

« on: September 19, 2018, 07:00:39 am »

After last night The Astros are 8-9 against Seattle in 2018, 1-6 at Minute Maid Park, including five straight games.

Rondon's last six appearances: 30 batters faced, 15 outs. 15H/7ER, 6K:1BB.

Correa, w/RISP, 2018: .221/.319/.385

He has given up some big hits, but he also has been plagued by bloop hits in key situations.

2967

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Mariners @ Astros, September 18, 2018

« on: September 19, 2018, 06:59:15 am »

Did not see any of the game last night, and I really enjoy reading the GZ straight through with morning coffee.

Every game I expect Correa to bust out of this horrible slump. Maybe I will have to wait for ST. As y’all pointed out, Bregman has not been much better lately. Could be the BBGs did not appreciate his look at me strutting.

2968

Talk Zone / Re: Rondon

« on: September 18, 2018, 05:37:48 pm »

If the choice is between James and Devinski, Harris, Sipp or Rondon, give me James.

Not Rondon. He has been too good.. Probably not Sipp.

He may beat out Peacock and/or Harris.

2969

Talk Zone / Re: Rondon

« on: September 18, 2018, 04:22:42 pm »

In the middle innings with a 3-run lead.  That's different than a 1-run lead or tie game in the 8th or 9th.  Perhaps Hinch wouldn't think twice about going to him in a high leverage situation, but I'm not entirely convinced yet.  Why did he not go to James last night?

34th round draft choice in playoff atmosphere at Fenway. 2 2/3 scoreless, and that was no walk in the park.

2970

Talk Zone / Re: Rondon

« on: September 18, 2018, 02:03:02 pm »

Not sure Hinch would trust him yet.  He may earn it yet, though.

He sure trusted him in Boston.

2971

Talk Zone / Re: Signs point to RR Express and Astros partnership

« on: September 18, 2018, 01:44:39 pm »

I thought the Bus Ride was about Metro, now I find out it's about moving sidewalks in Sweden.

You gotta keep up.

2972

Talk Zone / Re: Rondon

« on: September 18, 2018, 01:36:20 pm »

I had the worrell button engaged, so I didn’t hear that. And that’s fine, but it just means you get those lefty pinch hitters in the 8th or 9th, which is what happened. I dont see that as  much of a strategic move  when you know you have to go through the whole order at least one more time.

Sipp should have gotten 6-7-8 in 7th. All RH, no lefty PH.
Pressly gets 9-1-2 in 8th. Servais won’t pinch hit for them.
Osuna gets 3-4-5 in 9th. Servais won’t pinch hit for them.

That was the plan.

2973

Talk Zone / Re: Rondon

« on: September 18, 2018, 09:55:15 am »

I think Sipp deserves quite a bit of blame here.  I was surprised he was brought in to start off with three righties, I didn't think it was a good situation for him.  Then the walk, and by when he finally does get to a lefty, he can't get him.  To be fair, he almost got the inning-ending double play with Heredia, but not getting Gordon was a killer. 

The bullpen has now coughed up 11 runs in the 8th and 9th innings of the last four games.  That has to stop.  When you have a lead with two out in the 8th, you have to shut the door, whether the score is 1-0 or 5-4 or 6-2.

Blum surmised Hinch used Sipp against the righties at the bottom of the order in the 7th to keep Cano, Span, and the other lefties on the bench. That would leave Pressly, Rondon, and Osuna for 8 and 9. Sipp messed it up by allowing Zunino and Gordon to reach.

2974

Talk Zone / Rondon

« on: September 18, 2018, 06:15:57 am »

He has pitched in a ton of bad luck lately, and his recent horrible stats include bloop hits which proplonged innings or won games. That said, I think he throws too many fastballs. His is Giles-like straight, and as last night proved, even a scrub MLB hitter can turn on a 98 mph straight fastball middle in. He threw one slider in his outing last night, and Span swung and missed to make it 1-2. I am curious if he shook off Maldonado on any of the next three pitches, which all were fastballs called balls. The last two were not close enough to be chased. As soon as I say this, Mark will remind me of Rondon’s cementmixer two-strike slider to the Dback SS, which resulted in a gift double to put the eventual winning run in scoring position.

I was imploring Hinch through my TV to let Pressly start the 8th at least to have his breaking pitches confront Cruz. Sipp has some of the blame for the 8th. If he does not walk Zunino or gets the lefty-hitting Gordon, Pressly pitches the 8th, and I think we go to the 9th 1-0.

Rondon must return to form ASAP. I know the offense shoulders much of the blame for many of the losses at home, and I am not giving the hitters a free pass, but a pitcher’s only job is to get outs regardless of the score. We should have gone to the 9th 1-0. Sipp and Rondon are the reasons we did not.

2975

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Mariners @ Astros, September 17, 2018

« on: September 18, 2018, 05:57:23 am »

Fuck fuck fuck fuck fuckedy fuck.

This

2976

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Mariners @ Astros, September 17, 2018

« on: September 17, 2018, 10:12:31 pm »

Sadly, you're not going to win many games when you only score one run.

Especially when you can only scratch one against a guy with a 3.5 ERA.

Who they killed all year.

2977

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Mariners @ Astros, September 17, 2018

« on: September 17, 2018, 10:11:31 pm »

Last three times out, bloop hits have hurt Rondon badly.

2978

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Mariners @ Astros, September 17, 2018

« on: September 17, 2018, 10:03:15 pm »

Perez? Devo good against lefties.  Rondon should have been pulled after the 4th bloop hit (Jakes thieving defense notwithstanding) before the walk and the grand slam.  He hadn’t been working out of his self inflicted trouble lately, so why leave him in to blow the lead?!

And yes, I know Devo has had his issues since coming off DL. Still would have used him against all those lefties.

Devo is done. Rondon is the 8th inning guy who has earned Hinch’s trust. Perez in a high leverage spot like that would be nuts.

2979

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Mariners @ Astros, September 17, 2018

« on: September 17, 2018, 09:58:43 pm »

Rondon has been getting scored on in his last several outings it seems.

Yep. He has not been good recently. One slider to Span, and it was swing and miss for 1-2. Too many straight fastballs. Walks.

2980

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Mariners @ Astros, September 17, 2018

« on: September 17, 2018, 09:34:46 pm »

Oh I don't mind walking Haniger there.  It's the one to Zunino, and the others before that bug me.

Especially Zunino.

2981

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Mariners @ Astros, September 17, 2018

« on: September 17, 2018, 09:33:10 pm »

Sometimes I think YOU WANT TO FAIL!!!

Glad he walked Haniger after he got behind him.

ETA: maybe you were yelling at Carlos. No, he doesn’t.

2982

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Mariners @ Astros, September 17, 2018

« on: September 17, 2018, 09:31:27 pm »

That's seven walks in 6+ innings.

That was a good walk.

2983

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Mariners @ Astros, September 17, 2018

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

Hold your breath with Haniger, boys.

2984

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Mariners @ Astros, September 17, 2018

« on: September 17, 2018, 09:01:13 pm »

Reddick has “right ankle discomfort.”

2985

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Mariners @ Astros, September 17, 2018

« on: September 17, 2018, 08:35:29 pm »

Gattis never does well when he’s rusting on the bench. But when that dude gets hot, holy shit.

White has hit himself into a key role on this team. Really hard to bench him.

I always got the impression the pitching staff never really clicked with Stassi and that was one reason for the Machete pickup. But I don’t know jack about that, so who knows?

JV chewed Stassi’s ass more than once. Maldonado is world’s better than he is regardless.

2986

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Mariners @ Astros, September 17, 2018

« on: September 17, 2018, 08:20:18 pm »

Carlos continues to slump.

2987

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Mariners @ Astros, September 17, 2018

« on: September 17, 2018, 08:02:06 pm »

And speaking of getting squeezed out of the lineup...Max Stassi's last RBI was on August 1st.  Couple of mostly forgotten men there.

Yup. Maldonado is the real deal.

2988

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Mariners @ Astros, September 17, 2018

« on: September 17, 2018, 07:53:22 pm »

In the last month, Gattis is hitting .108.

He does not get very many ABs.

2989

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Mariners @ Astros, September 17, 2018

« on: September 17, 2018, 07:46:47 pm »

Gattis crushed that one.

2990

Game Zone 2018 / Re: Mariners @ Astros, September 17, 2018

« on: September 17, 2018, 07:24:21 pm »

Damn, he has great stuff. Throw strikes!

2991

Talk Zone / Re: Astros just acquired Osuna

« on: September 17, 2018, 06:50:23 pm »

Hey Coach. I haven't posted anything in a while but I wanted to say I'm glad to read things turned out alright. I had a first cousin and best friend that worked his way out of prison and now is using his 2nd chance to speak to schools and juvenile homes and share how deep and far he fell and how a 2nd chance changed him forever. He has turned many boys and girls around and led them to God. I really have no strong feelings either way on the Osuna deal to add but I am glad your family has had peace.  Best wishes to you all.

Thank you. If you want to read her story, it is posted somewhere on OWA. The title is Redemption. Congrats to your cousin. Your family should be proud.

2992

Talk Zone / Re: Nelson Cruz in 2019

« on: September 17, 2018, 04:13:47 pm »

I don't think Marwin will be back. I think he will got offered more than the Astros are willing to pay.

I think it depends on how much more. Don’t discount the bond these guys have and their desire to play together.

2993

Talk Zone / Re: CFM

« on: September 17, 2018, 03:08:23 pm »

Morton (the always humble) already has said if he plays, he wants to be back with the Astros if they want him.

2994

Talk Zone / Re: September Additions

« on: September 17, 2018, 06:34:14 am »

Hinch said he probably won't play much if/until the division is clinched.  Said it was more of a "congrats on your great year in the minors" kind of thing.  Also said Straw will be used anytime needed for key PR and defense.

Tucker has to be really disappointed/bummed despite his tender years and his great year at AAA. The LF job was his if he had hit. That goes double for Fisher who must be hoping for a trade.

2995

Game Zone 2018 / Re: D-backs @ Astros, September 16, 2018

« on: September 16, 2018, 04:20:11 pm »

5 games up in loss column.

2996

Game Zone 2018 / Re: D-backs @ Astros, September 16, 2018

« on: September 16, 2018, 04:13:04 pm »

That Tampa series must have been the first series loss for the A's in a long time.

Since the Astros last homestand.

2997

Game Zone 2018 / Re: D-backs @ Astros, September 16, 2018

« on: September 16, 2018, 04:01:19 pm »

They called that a hit?

A double, I think.

2998

Game Zone 2018 / Re: D-backs @ Astros, September 16, 2018

« on: September 16, 2018, 03:55:11 pm »

The game zone where pessimism breeds with anxiety to produce catastrophe.  You’re doing fine Jim.

I read and learn.

2999

Game Zone 2018 / Re: D-backs @ Astros, September 16, 2018

« on: September 16, 2018, 03:51:53 pm »

No, I’m pretty sure you’re not.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Just trying to get with the usual mood in the GZ.

3000

Game Zone 2018 / Re: D-backs @ Astros, September 16, 2018

« on: September 16, 2018, 03:50:30 pm »

Not sure if serious.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Really?