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I for one think it's swell that MLB is approaching these allegations with the seriousness they deserve in order to protect the integrity of the game, unlike two decades ago when MLB swept the steroids scandal under the rug since all the home runs helped people forget that Bud Selig presided over the first World Series cancelation in 90 years.Not sure any of this has fuckall to do with the integrity of the game.
I'm in the camp that believes they were using electronics.
I know nothing about Crane Jr other than he's in his mid-30's... where'd he go to school, where'd he work afterwards? Not that it's a be-all-end-all, but it's interesting to know.
It has to be the SF Giants. 3 WS wins.
That was absolutely bizarre. Cole looked like he was in a hostage video.
800-799-7233
It isn't just about Cole. He has the opportunity to set a new benchmark for contracts. The contract he signs will impact the entire market this year and in years to come. Especially after last off-season, there will be a lot of talk about how it is his duty to the rest of the players to maximize his contract. He may well choose to ignore that, but you know that both Boras and MLBPA will be campaigning for him to view it that way.
Also, knowing what pitch was coming did nothing for Correa. He had a horrible AB.
And reports say Ausmus May be out in LA/Anaheim/CA/wherever
No, you're right. I whiffed on his arbitration years. They have two years to get his back fixed. He will play a lot of games for the Astros I hope.
I remember Berkman falling down trying to make a catch going up the hill. They should have put a flagpole or something on the Hill to make it more challenging.Berkman didn't just try to make the catch; he made the catch. And considering Berkman's agility, it was a spectacular play.
Reminded me of this:I'm fairly certain I saw Eric Anthony in Sugar Land Costco not long ago. So many thought he was going to be a superstar back in the day...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QbB-S_pgnXU
Which did happen in a game.
So he happens to post the clip of the back to back to back HR off the pitcher that was starting the next game. What do you think he had in mind?So, posting a video clip of a previous game is mocking?
Offensively? You mean his RBI "double?" and the guy he was mocking basically went 6 innings with 1 ER allowed.I don't think Bregman was mocking the pitcher.
This is the best Astros website by far and such a close community. I love each of you.Thanks, Jim. I love you, too.
He should have been called out...the slide was clearly not in an attempt to be safe at second...he i
Was way over the bag on his slide...should be fined and suspended for life...cheap shit
The guy isn't a real plumber, doesn't pay taxes, and his name isn't really Joe. Does the McCain campaign vet anything?
Wow. You need to watch it again. (it's the entire debate and a slow load. Everything is in the last minute) You were completely wrong. It was far less than what you said. Biden complimented her several times. He didn't lecture. You can hear her saying "thank you." They then shake hands with Ifill. Then they both greet their respective families. Biden does make the move toward Palin's family, but man your bias showed here. Todd Palin went to her side, just as Biden's wife went to his. In fact, at the end, you can see one of her kids bringing the baby on stage. Palin did not take the baby right away. Then the video stops.
yes. calling people "repulsive" for buying a house they ultimately couldn't afford to pay the mortgage on is straight-up arrogant priveleged white boy bs.
"Fair weather fan" is an insult where I come from. The Houston fans are cretins, the media is laughable, the organization is random, and the team is hapless. Still, I watch. Not posting here is no indication of whether I watch the games. If you're going to make stupid comments, make them about someone else. You're on ignore. You have the same option.
That happened real fucking all of a sudden.
...and wondering if perhaps he believes Chacon more than I do.
What I'm really wondering is if you really know enough about what's been going on to say that Wade doesn't look like competent management?
"Mr Sheets, we'd like to make you an offer to become an Astro." Click "Hello, hello?"
Many places serve buffalo burgers. Buffalo is good, and better for you than beef, but it's not nearly as tasty, IMO.
El Rey also does the roast chicken thing.
Probably not the same. The Pollo Loco I remember was a chain and did really well. Then went away for some reason. All of them. The one you're talking about is probably not the same chain.
Yes, I've been there.
I wasn't terribly impressed. Not bad, but not worth the effort to go there unless you live right around the corner, in my opinion.
Given the way his body has broken down over the past 8 years, I think mmost people safely put him in the "not juicing" category.
I've driven through Lexington a thousand times and have never noticed Snow's. I'm gonna make a point to stop, though.
He's an infant. Put him on ignore or stop quoting his posts. 5 people have him on ignore and find his comment useless.
Maybe, but I believe Valverde is in the same contract situation as is Lidge. Players who embarass McLane dont stay long, and he is embarassed by booing. Also, it is well documented that he pays attention to, and worse, acts on, fans' reactionsThis regurgitated horseshit again?
Remember, on the occasion of firing Purpura and Garner,
"This was two years in the process," McLane said. "I've observed things, watched things, talked to literally hundreds of people as I go through. I went through the stands yesterday, and every game. I ask people, 'What do you think?' It's amazing what people will tell you. It's the impact others had on me, over a period of time."
http://houston.astros.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070827&content_id=2173196&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou
What else do you suppose he heard on his trips around the ballpark?
The booing is what got Lidge traded in the first place.What a load of horseshit. The booing of Lidge, or any player with very few exceptions, is a classless act. That being said, Lidge's performance got Lidge traded. Don't blame the fans.
This is not the one I really want to go to, it is in October. Why does Houston have 2 Greek festivals?
This is exactly why I watch Jennifer Reyes every morning...for traffic.It's Jennifer "Reyna." She trains at the same gym I do, and dear Lord she's smokin' hot.
If Biggio becomes the coach after the season that's another story entirely.
...Suburbans, Expeditions, Excursions, and 350s that surround me. All, of course, with one person in them. That needs to change, and $6/gallon gas will do it.
My granddad had a very high opinion of McLane's character -- he told me that McLane was the type of man who was very trustworthy and whose handshake promise would stick.
There isn't time for all of it, but the situation surrounding the firing of Garner and Purpura and its aftermath is as good a place to start as any.
I trust McLane about as far as Mindy McCready could throw him.What has McLane ever done, other than field a competitive baseball team, that would lead you to not trust him?
To my knowledge, the government of Cuba's record keeping is fine. I'm aware of the issues in the Dominican Republic, but not so much elsewhere.
Jason Jennings is not off to a good start. 0-3 with an 8.79 era. 5 homers in 14+ innings.Those numbers look very familiar...
Just checked out the products section. He's really into god.
Are there any body language experts here?
Isn't constantly licking your lips a tell-tale sign that you are lying like a motherfucker?
The Houston Chronicle is reporting that both Prior and Benson are giving serious consideration to Houston. In the case of Prior, he wants to pitch in San Diego, who already turned down an opportunity to obtain Prior in a trade with the Cubs. One look at the medical records made them really concerned that they would be giving up a player for a pitcher who may not pitch at all in the majors.
The Padres have 2 million dollars more to spend and are said to be holding that for other needs so any deal Prior wants from the Padres will have to be a very low contract, probably a league minimum or even a minor league contract.
Houston is offering a solid one year contract and a major league roster spot. It's up to Prior to decide at this point:
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/headline/sports/5395614.html
We don't need a wonderful strikeout artist ace as our number 2 which i guess Prior could fall into place as being, we need someone that can eat up innings and have a decent era 3.50 - 4.50. Benson could do that for us and potentially cost less (depending on priors performance) which is better imo. I also doubt Prior would want to sign here.
I think he started Mockingbird Bistro which is also a very good spot.
Oceanaire (Galleria) if you want seafood.
Even better than Bistro Provence on Memorial is Bistro Le Cep, Westheimer near Kirkwood.
Chez Nous in Humble is outstanding.
I know what you're thinking....French food....in Humble???
But trust me. It's worth the trip and the price. Reservations and coat/tie required. Yes...in Humble, Texas.
Went a couple of weeks ago. Food was great, and the setting was nice after you get past the fact that you're overlooking a drainage ditch.
Well it's more than just taking one of his wife's vicodin pills here. He was using what has been classified, right or wrong, by almost every athletic governing body out there to be a performance enhancing drug.
I'm not hammering on Pettitte, only those who keep insisting that taking HGH without a prescription did not violate MLB's drug policy.
Well, you called it a "bullshit Mickey Mouse position".
No, the fact that it's against baseball rules is what irritates you.
The difference is in your head only. Having HGH without a prescription is against the law, and was against the law in 2002. My last post made the very clear distinction that I'm talking about breaking the law, not cheating at baseball. I can't understand this for you.
Well, it's the fact. Sorry facts irritate you so.
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071213&content_id=2325182&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlbThanks, I'll assume Mitchell understands the policy.
Taking HGH without a legit prescription WAS against baseball rules at the time.
No, it was just lawbreaking.You've commented at least twice now that AP was cheating. If he used HGH in 2002, it was not cheating. If you want to chastise him for using a prescription drug without a prescription (if he, in fact, did not have one), the go ahead, but understand the difference.
I think that you've given up an element of credibility by cheating that one time...
The 1998 Houston Astros were the prohibited NL favorite to go to the World Series. Larry Dierker got rid of Brad Ausmus that off-season because he was tired of openly having his decisions questioned by Brad in the clubhouse. Dierker managed to get rid of Ausmus out of spite and Bagwell let them know in an indirect way (and then later so did Mike Hampton in a very direct way) that this was bullshit.Ausmus also remains an integral part of this team. He wasn't shipped out this time.
This year's Houston Astros are hardly prohibited favorites to be the NL rep in the World Series.
As a purely legally matter, the term "controlled substance" refers to those substances so designated in a state or federal Controlled Substances Act. It is not a generalized term for all substances for which a prescription is required for dispensation.
No, just you.
They didn't forget it, and it is.
As an aside for anyone interested, there is a bill currently in Congress, I believe, to add HGH to Schedule II of the CSA.
Those are the substances regulated under the Controlled Substances Act. HGH is regulated under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, and under the Anabolic Steroid Control Act. Furthermore, you should probably read this disclaimer at the top of your own reference:
"This document is a general reference and not a comprehensive list."
Warning::: Comical link
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/bb/5383082.html
Wow! Now define "is" for me.
Yes it is. Which is why you need a prescription for it.
Having said that. Fuck Clemens.
I'm not so sure. I'm not a lawyer, so I don't know the legality of possessing controlled substances via a bogus prescription...
So? It's still illegal to do so and still againt baseball rules.
No it's not. It's determined by the Secretary of Health and Human Services.The Secretary of Health and Human Services does not examine nor diagnose patients. The physician determines whether or not the patient's problem falls within the guidelines of the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Trust me, it is not hard to fall within the guidelines. "Surgery" and "trauma" are very broad terms.
Not only does use of HGH require a prescription, but it requires recognized use.
a sore elbow is not a recognized use of HGH. No matter how Pettitte spins it, it's BS.
It was not stated whether or not he had a legitimate prescription, but it is implied that he did not. If he had one, it would probably go a lot farther if he simply said so, rather than the "IF it were an error in judgement..." BS.
If he used HGH without a valid prescription to treat a recognized medical condition he certainly did.
Well violation of federal drug laws for starters.
Violation of baseball's drug policy secondly.
Then he lied when asked about it.
If Pettitte thought it was legit, he would have gotten his doctor to do it, not a trainer.You have no idea what you're talking about.
Wow - that is weak. It's not accepting responsibility if you don't accept that what you did was wrong. I think they teach that in most Sunday School classes.
This is starting to look like a house cleaning....It was long overdue. Purpura kept a messy house.
I missed that episode in Astros history since I moved to Virginia prior to his arrival. Rather than follow the Orioles, I took a leave of absence from baseball fandom.Virginia didn't have TV's, radio, or the internet back then?
The evidence is the personal trainer saying that's what the checks were written for.
Jennings, if healthy and ready to go, is a known inning eater. Top tier in the NL. If he'd be willing to come back on a one year plus an option deal, he can ram it up the arse to all those who doubted his value. He was hurt last year, but the talent and ability to do what a #2 can do for this team is not in doubt in my mind.For the 76458763th time, Jennings ain't a #2. Not now, not ever. No matter how bad the Astros want him to be.
AE not being AE is really one of the scariest things I can think of when it comes to the Astros as a baseball team.
From the ESPN link above:
So this means they were prescribed by a "doctor" for injury rehab?
The sky is blue.
Didn't sound bitter to me at all. He first said he was coming from a team that had an up and down season to a team that had a winning season, then paraphrases it. It's true. Then he's asked by a reporter about Ausmus stating that he (Lidge) was unhappy with the organization. He sets the record straight to say he was unhappy with himself when the closer role was yanked from him early in the year and not unhappy with the organization at all.
If he's talking about strictly the 2007 season, he's right. The circus last year was comical around here and much of had less to do with baseball and more to do with internal politics, organizational meddling, finger pointing and just a general mess of a situation. Up and down is kind compared to calling it a farce and circus how Houston handled it's business last year.
Now the situation seems to be that strong baseball men have righted the good ship Astros and have a more defined focus to keep from having such a circus reappear. If it's about winning again around here, it will be welcomed by many a player and baseball person in the organization.
says Lidge, "I feel lucky to go from an up-and-down team to a winning team." link
Pgpen...I hate to admit it, but I've kind of prepared myself for the worst with Bags.WTF? Some of you act as if these players are child molesters.
"illegal" steroids were still illegal, and that may violate a players contract.
I didn't read anywhere that 35 per was the price for all teams, just the Yankmees. I can't believe no one's (at least from what I've read in the media)considering the possibility that he simply doesn't want to play there. Kinda like when companies bid on projects they really don't want to do so they jack the price up by 20 or 50%. That way you probably won't get the job, but if you do you can tell yourself "Well, at least I fleeced those assholes". My guess is that he'll take 25-30 mil from the dodgers, angels, giants, or phillies just to get the fuck out of New York.I have a feeling you were the kid at the birthday party who was sucking all the helium out of the balloons.
I suggest you Google the term "projection".
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/playoffs2007/news/story?id=3072845He most likely did, but the drive-by media doesn't give a shit.
Byrd admits to taking HGH, but says he had a doctor's prescription.
he's ignoring you. send a telegram.
Understood, but you fire a manager in order to effect a change. What change happens with Coop? Berkman says "not much".
Will somebody think of the U.S. Americans?
The team has underperfomed for quite a while now and Drayton has had a front row seat to watch it happen. Has he meddled? It appears so. Has he brought in talent? Without question. Did he allow his GM to operate reasonably? Could be no, but he wasn't entirely confident in Purpura (see Lane, Ensberg et al). Were the firings and subsequent comments Drayton's finest hour? No. But, I don't think he went nuts. His team is not good and he's got a shit load of money poured into it. Heads have and will roll. Can he make it worse by his moves? Yes. But, this is an owner who is not content with letting it go to hell without trying to change. The city could do a lot worse.
I agree that he wants a trial run with Cooper. And I think the "change of direction" comments were aimed at Purpura. But I don't think he has an idea of where he wants to go, other than to scream "I wanna wiiiiiiin" like Ricky Bobby.
Not Sunday's booing no. Apparently he had already fired Purpura that morning, (wrong he was fired after Sunday's game. But I think the "hundreds of people" had the same effect) for not paying first round money to 3rd round draft picks and not teaching Pence to slide. Mclane says he talked to "hundreds of people" walking around the ballpark during games. That's whose expertise he considers valuable. Fans. This team is being run by fans. There's the jokes about teams taking votes during games to decide strategy, but to decide the long term future of a franchise?WFW
You are much better at carrying the nutsacks of OWA Elite than you are at humor and sarcasm. Stick to what you know.
Now that’s a damn fine complement there Arky. You should feel very proud.
I don't think they take that position at all. They are sharing what they do know as many of the other posters do. I don't always agree with what they say, but I do believe that this board has enhanced my knowledge of the game. Don't sweat the small stuff.What are you, Noe's Official Spokesperson?
I agree. There is a huge lack of understanding this very simple concept. It doesn't help to try and explain it either... apparently.Noe, why do you always take the position that you and Jim are the only two around here that understand baseball concepts?
I tell you, it's all about being miserable for some.I with you, Noe; I don't understand this.
Purpura was told in the offseason by veteran scouts on the team that Lane deserved one more chance because he had the potential to produce 25-30 homeruns and drive in a lot of runs.
Just posting facts.*And it could drop to .00000000000077 and they would likely still keep him around.
* Jason Lane actual BA currently stands at .177.
Noe, just put the fuckers on ignore and move on. Life is too short to deal with idiots.You aren't kidding, brotha. I'm lovin' this ignore feature. Who knew brushin' off ankle-biters could be this easy?
at least we have identified the Villain.
you'd better pm him this. i think he has you on "ignore."
Paraphrase means I wasn't sure about the exact wording, but you know what... it doesn't matter. I suck and you never rant nor said anything about Lidge above 3% of commentary (usually well thought out and level-headed if I read your implication correctly), so the point is *mute*.So you sling a bunch of BS my way (that was overblown by Jim) which has very little merit, I correct you, and now you want to get pissy, grab your toys and go home?
Thanks. I'll ignore you now.
Maybe you never said "Anyone who thinks Brad Lidge is going to make it back to being a major league pitcher/closer.... blah, blah, blah".
Dobro, I'm basing my opinion on our own give and takes, nothing else. Believe what you want, this has nothing to do with Jim. I form my own opinions on my own interactions and I stand by what I said about you based on two years of reading your stuff with me.
That you think I misunderstood your two years worth of rants on Brad Lidge is laughable.
your vendettas against Lidge and Purpura have no substance.
Oh, I'd say it was your constant two years of post on Lidge himself that pretty much clouds your reputation (if you will).
Cool. That is two deals that Purpura "knew what he's was doing"? (at least).
because he left the game very angry at it, apparently.
He doesn't react to good to great performances. Only to bad ones. That is why he agreed with my Wigginton post. He's doing well. Had he not and started off like Aubrey Huff last year (which is a mirror type deal whether he wants to admit it or not), Dobro would've said "Purpura sucks!" right away.
Actually, for a guy who played the game, Dobro shocks me continually for being more responsive towards the outcome of anything being the reason to have disdain against players/managers/GMs. It's okay, at least you know what you get from Dobro... outcome based caustic opinions. If Lidge is putting up great numbers, he's very quiet. If not, then the "Lidge sucks" post will reign.
Kind of odd to have such a surface level viewpoint from an ex-player, but it is what it is.
did you miss my point that this team changed when Bagwell was no longer on it?
Bagwell
Look at first base.
main reason? I don't think so.
The Astros have in the recent past been known as a team that plays the game right. Some have noticed that this is sliding this season.Yes, in a big way. And Carlos Lee is the main reason.
Ironically, this particular trade (Wiggington for Wheeler) is eggszactly the type of trade that Gerry Hunsicker was praised for pulling off the majority of his Houston tenure. Limit budget, check! Sign key player, check! Grab role players (solid ones) to build around core players, check, check, check!
Hunsicker would pull guys out of other organizations that most people wouldn't even bother to acknowledge as anything significant (and why should they?). But Hunsicker knew what he was doing and it was always a good risk to make a trade for him because he knew eggszactly what type of player he needed and where he could find one. Further irony is that this is the way he got Dan Wheeler, a piece of the puzzle for Hunsicker. But trades like Carl Everett for John Hudek always fly under the radar until something happens and that player no one acknowledged or cared to think about from Hunsicker would start to perform. Has Purpura pulled a "Hunsicker" move with Wiggington? I dunno, maybe. But you can see what he was doing by simply seeing what Wiggington does on the field. This is eggszactly the type of guy you want to fill in as a role player around Berkman, Pence and Lee. I would've loved for them to have kept Wheeler and sent Qualls to Philly for Bourn (yet another Hunsicker type of deal), but if they were going to make a move, this sort of out of the radar, media head scratching, great unwashed doesn't understand it type of move is praise worthy. But that won't happen until Wiggington is somehow transformed in the 2008 version of the 1999 C4.
Then someone... maybe... just one person... will say "Hey look! Maybe Purpura does know what he's doing...". Naaaah, who am I kidding!
live a few blocks from Niko Niko's - eat there often and its very good ... la fendee around the corner (westheimer and yupon) is just about as good
The Greek festival is the first weekend in October, and Thursday night is family night.
No. But I was wondering when you'd get around to him.Well, I'm glad you finally got around to conceding that.
This has something to do with Brad Lidge somehow, doesn't it?I don't know. Is Brad Lidge still Houston's closer, Noe?
Because you don't have a fucking clue how an organization is run, correct?
So you understand, but you don't care?I'm not debating why Hunsicker left.
no, you do not.Yes, I do too.
Because they are trying to explain to you why Hunsicker is no longer GM of the Astros.
Who said anything about GM ability? I mentioned Hunsicker had pretty much wanted to leave because he tried to be a petulent little child and take his ball and go home. He was a major asshole his last two years with the organization. And before anyone blames McLane, it was all on Hunsicker on that one. If you think Roger Clemens has an ego, Hunsicker has one to match. So in essence it's funny to read all these "Hunsicker come home!" pleas from Pinwheel and some stuff in here about Hunsicker's tenure here as well.
His act wore real thin the last two years he was here, and although my hyperbole about no one shedding a tear is just that, it is pretty darn close to the truth that a collective huge release of joy went out from the home office of the Houston Astros when he decided to leave. Purpura may not have the experience to run a club like Hunsicker, but he's been a much more decent human being towards those who work for the team organizationally. Especially bridging a gap that was huge between the business side of things with the baseball side of things. Many of the folks who work for the business end never met people like Dewey Robinson before and vice versa. That is because Hunsicker wouldn't allow them to meet.
That changed over night with Purpura.
I would be shocked if Lane ever plays for the Houston Astros (barring injury of course) again.Considering management's handling of players like Lane, you would be shocked to see him back in Houston?
seems to me like that is good advice for any player, and it has nothing to do with hate.
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070529&content_id=1993148&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou&partnered=rss_hou
Doesn't sound like he's making a big deal about it. More of a "I need to hit better" type of thing.
Berkman slams Webb in the glove arm with a shot up the middle, rebounded to Drew who throws him out by a hair. Loretta to third, Webb being attended to.Did anyone else notice that Berkman didn't even attempt to leave the batters box until he was assured that the ball was going to get by Webb?
...but not as a starter and he's no defensive replacement. So do you think Biggio can help the team solely as pinch hitter? Bonus round: Do you think Biggio would accept such a role?"Biggio will be the Astros second baseman until he's not the Astros second baseman anymore."
http://www.astrosdaily.com/video/1998Jul15_WagnerInjury.mpegDid anyone notice C4 contemplating giving someone an ass-whoopin'?
I sent that video in to astrosdaily a couple years ago. I used to always have a tape in the VCR so in case something extraordinary happened, I could press record. I knew the instant it happened that it would be an incident long remembered by Astros fans.
1) whoever said Burke is a sacrifice to 3,000 is full of shit. I've heard Biggio should step aside for burke for about 4 or 5 years right now. BS. Burke has never shown he is better than an aging and nearly decrepit biggio. Biggio is still getting the job done at 41 years old (more or less) and out performing Burke. Burke has done absolultely nothing to supplant Bidge. I'm sick of hearing this shit, and would have thought this place was intelligent enough not to have to deal with it.Thank you very fucking much. Douche nozzles abound 'round here.
He wasnt in Pittsburgh, he has no idea when Ensberg got to the park or what he did there.Milo was familiar with the situation. JD talked about Ensberg before the game.
Garner choose Palmeiro instead. It was the smart choice too, because you need all you need is contact to the right place to plate the tying run.Palmeiro never settled down after he fouled the ball off his coconut.
Lidge's contract has nothing to do with how the Astros have to use him in their bullpen.If it's determined that Lidge is most effective in middle relief, then why on earth would the Astros keep him around at $5M/yr. Effective middle relief services can be had for a fraction of that. Trade him to the Yankees, who don't understand this.
Because Lamb had already been used?Yes.
gonna be a fun seasonNot if they have to battle J.J. Hardy and the boys too often.
But if I were prone to being Dobro and I ran this team, after Opening Day I probably would've shut him down.No, if I were pulling the strings and I made the decision to keep him around for 2007, I would certainly extend his leash beyond Opening Day. After last night, he would not pitch in any close games. With that in mind, I would get him as much work as I could between now and June 1. If something miraculous had not happened by June 1, he would be gone.
Right?
Run him out there again to see if work will give him the experience he needs in game situations to correct his inconsistency. Hey, guess what! That's what they're doing! Go figure.
Nah, not important. If you don't want to answer, it's cool.
What would I do? Approach him about injury. Why is *that* not an answer?
Now you answer my question: Do you see improvement or lack thereof either better or worse than Garner?Would you rephrase your question?
I thought I explain all this clearly in my post last night? I guess not, but if I saw no improvement, I'd approach him about injury, same as Garner did with Lance Berkman. It is no different for any player on the team. However, what you call improvement and what a manager calls improvement are two distinctly different things. Fans see stats (or results), managers see whether the improvement is in the approach and attitude. Stats will fall in line soon enough, unless one is looking for Lidge to be just outright dominant, then the stats will have to be pristine for said people in order to be satisfied.Noe, you didn't really answer the question. You've simply stated that you would "approach him about injury."
I argue that a great majority of folks want pristine or ship his arse out. However, even those who do not want pristine sometimes fail to see improvement like Garner does. Either you see it or you don't.
Do you not think they've already discussed this with Lidge?
Careful, Dobro's mob isn't going to like level-headness.Funny, Noe. This "one bad outing" nonsense is utter horse hockey and you know it. But, I've got to give you credit; you make the argument with a face straighter than the Cincinnati Kid's, in true "Pope" fashion.
Ok, I know I'm pretty well known for the exaggerating and hotheaded overreaction, but does anyone in here have even the slightest hope for Lidge as an Astro at this point?Cool it. Lidge's fan club will run your ass outta here tomorrow in the TZ. This isn't Lidge's fault. Biggio should have hit a 5-run homer.
Having said all that, Chad Hastings rant on Friday on Don Imus was the funniest thing I've ever heard. Here is the rub though... he was *serious*. It was an incredibly ill-informed, ill-thought out, way off the mark social commentary by someone who has a lot of growing up to do on the subject of humanity and the well being of mankind. His rant was self-serving and a push back from a single minded perspective.In a nutshell, what was his position?
And he thought he was saying something smart. Too funny.
Okay, so when Garner says this:
“It's not like I'm not going to pitch him in any ballgames. I'm going to pitch him more. I would like to get him in these meaningful situations in the middle of ballgames, and he'll tell me, he'll show me, when he's ready to get back to his rightful spot."
(So tell me, what does "rightful spot" mean if not closer. You, yourself said 5 million dollars does not a middle reliever make... but a closer? Hmmmm, yeah, okay. So is Garner lying here Dobro?)
"My hope is that I can get him in four out of eight days, every other day, two or three days in a row, and not have extended outings, those kinds of things," Garner says. "I think he can get back on track."
(What does "back on track" mean? Be a serviceable middle reliever? Oh come on!)
He is still Houston's closer, which is what is perplexing to me that is not understood here.
Are the Astros simply not allowed to have patience...
He has to become something new.Like what? A starter? He's being paid over $5M/yr.
I think this is an anomaly, forced on the Astros, by trying to get Bidge at-bats so he can get to 3,000. They are cheating on the roster so that they can keep Burke on the team (he's got to be out of options by now) to take over 2B once that glorious 3,000th hit arrives. Without that elephant in the room, Burke would be at 2B and there'd be a CFer in CF.You speak as if Burke is an all-star second baseman and Biggio is chicken liver.
His chi is fucked.So is his ERA.
Lidge is struggling badly and in dire need of some lucky breaks.I'd prefer that the Astros closer not have to rely on "lucky breaks" to get hitters out.
Lidge's job, as any pitcher in that positions job would have been, was to get out of the inning. Instead....ka-BLAMMO.Lidge's problems are easily correctable. Just be patient.
Bottom line though, that means he is now guessing as a hitter, and that will make him less effective in the box.Well I'm glad that's settled and out of the way.
This is the same clown who was bitching about Biggio after two games.
It's been three fuckin games. Count 'em...three. Can we wait until the tax deadline to start pissing in our pants?
great news, the thoughts that make up the inner workings of alkie's brain are the stuff of comedic genius.Indeed.
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not just him...most everyone but you.
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"Brad is one of the leaders of our team, and we are expecting great results from him this season."
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I have no idea what else BOS needs right now, but I can't see them trading Beckett just for one closer who may or may not be able to pitch effectively.
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The fact that Scott mentions in the article that he showed his weapon to a suspected assailant also is concerning. It is called a CONCEALED Handgun Licence for a reason. You are supposed to conceal it. What I took away from the CHL course is that you do not pull it unless you are ready to use it and the only time you use it is when you have no other means to escape from a situation in which you think that you will be killed. It is not meant to be a deterrent; it is meant to be a last stand when everything else has failed.
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All this talk about Vince Young being a punk is absurd. VY doing the heisman pose is the only piece of evidence that is even debatable about the subject. People that have been following Vince for a while know that he's a great guy and an even better football player. Time will tell on all fronts.
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Here you go Noe
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It's not. People like to hate.
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The Sharpstown mall was OK when I was there last...
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he seems like a...great role-model for young kids.
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And off the field, he's got a lot to learn.
What he did after the win in the Rose Bowl last year was very punkish. What he did today after the win was equal in punk-a-tude. He's eventually going to have a lineman catch up to him and stomp the punk-a-holism out of him.
Until then, he's basically a really bad sportsman from my view from the couch. Nothing humble about this kid at all. He feeds off of being slighted by criticism or lack of awards like the Heisman or being the #1 pick. He's amazing in his resolve and talent, he's less than amazing in his me-first attitude.
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Isn't Clemens' primary residence in the Memorial area and not Katy?
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i'm thinking he got the scholarship to Notre Dame that you wanted or that he beat you regularly in the minor leagues. your obsession with him is really unhealthy. all of your oh, so close friends on here are worried about you.
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Whatever, in the end, TP will do what's best for the Astros.
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Yeah, Lane hit .201 last season. But it was an interesting .201. Look at the breakdown by month:
April .232 .394 .476 .870
May .154 .247 .295 .542
June .250 .379 .458 .838
July .211 .211 .263 .474
August .241 .361 .586 .947
September .129 .194 .226 .420
Bizarre. I'm not saying he's going to get it together next season, but if we get something good for Willy he's worth a shot in CF. I'd also like him in a platoon with Scott in RF.
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I saw Lane in Costco the other day, and admittedly most of my attention was focused on his wife....
so where are the photos?
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I don't care what Lane did in 2005, look at what he did in 2006. Before and AFTER the send down.
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It was Jason Fucking Lane. I don't get Purp's obsession with Lane, but it seems real to me.
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BTW: Pinwheel's blog reported that Lane has dropped some weight.
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To my mind the Lee signing signals a departure from a historically very successful approach and this concerns me greatly.
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He'll be a Yankee by 2011.
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The Link
Sounds like he's gonna fetch $15/year...that's a lot of cash, but I'd rather have him than say, Carlos "my hero is Hector Villanueva" Lee.
I second that. I have absolutely no desire to sign Lee. He is a defensive liability, and when he slumps at the plate, then we are SOL on offense and defense. I'm not saying that ManRam is Gold Glove material, but his stick is much more dangerous than Lee. Besides...who the hell is afraid of pithing to Lee?
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The Link
Sounds like he's gonna fetch $15/year...that's a lot of cash, but I'd rather have him than say, Carlos "my hero is Hector Villanueva" Lee.
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I've never understood the vitriol reserved for Beltran. I thought he played mighty well when he was on the Astros, and gave us a thrilling October ride. He never lied to the fans during the offseason. Sure, he hired a jerk, but so what. A lot of people hire jerks. Then, he signed with the Mets and the Astros won their first pennant in league history. How did he harm the team? What was so awful?
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...I think Pujols is one of the best things to happen to baseball in a while. Finally, a super super super star who hits out of his mind 100% of the time, who ISN'T a major league asshole...
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Maybe I will root for the Cards.
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I think he's your RH power bat off the bench.
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win or lose today...standing ovation from me.
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...I still have no confidence in Lane and I would much rather see Huff start than Lane.
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"I'll just take it as any other start," said Chacon. "It's the last one of the season, and you want to leave a good taste in your mouth. But it's not life or death."
The Link
Tell you what. Let me pitch in the bigs for half of your salary and I'll passionately care about every single pitch I throw for as long as I am up in the bigs.
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did anyone else find it totally tasteless that Preston Wilson was booed when he pinch-hit in the ninth inning?
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I suspect that at most one of Huff and Ensberg will be an Astro next year.
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My guess is that they will give him every opportunity to get right in 2007. If he's not back to being a major league closer caliber pitcher by around the All-Star break...
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I believe Scott Boras represents Willy Taveras.
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But no doubt, Garner can't let him stay in there if he's not producing.
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Sept. 28: STL @ HOU
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And his injury history and slight, 6-foot, 185-pound frame make him a long-term risk."
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the O's and Astros had done a deal of Ensberg and Everett for Tejada. Apparently the O's pulled out.
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My vote is not to bring Tejada and his attitude to town.
I'd rather take my chances with Lidge and Ensberg.
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healthy is not the same thing as hitting/productive
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If Purpura swings this deal, he's got a little Hun in 'em.
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The answer to the first question is no. Elementary. So your second hypothetical, having been contigent upon the first being affirmed in the positive, is rendered irrelevant, as is the third or any other of the infinte postulations conceivable by such a fertile imagination.
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no shut-out throwing whiner.
The Link
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During an in game discussion about the 8th inning, I came back from the fridge and JD was talking being in the clubhouse or bench and cheering on your team even if your on the DL...and then something about trading that person. Who the heck was he talking about...another team, or the Astros?
Anybody remember hearing them talk about this?
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Angel walks over, picks up the hat, and then heads over to the stands and gives the hat to a fan.
What an unbelievable jerk.
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When I had to leave the game it was 3-0 Astros (to play golf in the 100 degree heat - only mad dogs and Englishmen...). Then I find out it was a 9-3 loss! WTF? That turned around faster than The Hoff with a whiney chick in his car.
Buchholz was cruising until the 5th. His slider left him. Walked the 8th hitter, then walked the light hitting Alfredo Amezaga and Ramirez homered. After that, when the Astros did hit the ball, all three Marlins outfielders made circus catches. Unbelievable.
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And I guess this means Soriano will be looking at DC in his rear-view sooner rather than later?
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What would you be willing to give the Nats to get Felipe Lopez for the Stros?
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and yes, i think Lidge can be corrected easily.
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Brad Lidge is a lost cause.
Ya think?
But it's blasphemy around these parts to admit what other fans have been saying for a long time now. He's a choking headcase. Period.
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Brad Lidge is a lost cause.
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He's been drawing walks an scoring a few runs, which is the only thing saving his ass.
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Ponson is actually one of Mr. Wu's pigs.
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We brought one in tuesday.
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No, the right play is to run Lee back to 1B. That means that Lamb should have run him far enough towards 2B, then fed Biggio so Biggio could have run him back to 1B to make the play there. Sounds like that may be what Lamb was trying to do, but the exchange between Biggio and Lamb got fucked up.
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Lee practially looked like a deer caught in lights when he got picked off.
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Textbook is to make one throw, and that means pushing the runner as far as you can. Lamb's problem was indecisiveness - he got too close to Lee to get a good angle on a throw. Biggio did a furtehr job of dropping a catchable throw.
"Textbook" is making two throws: one throw ahead of the runner, then forcing him back to the base from whence he came and make another throw and the play there. I didn't see the play, but I'm assuming the runner was caught between 1B and 2B and Lamb had the ball. He should make one throw ahead of the runner, early enough that that runner heads back to 1B, and then they make the play there.
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Textbook is to make one throw, and that means pushing the runner as far as you can.
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protecting St. Biggio. that was E4.
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As long as Lane is on the team, he's an option.
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The Astros have had him on the bench since mid-May.
He wasn't on the bench tonight. All .208 of him was in the 2-hole.
Palmeiro? Biggio is nursing a sore shoulder, try to keep up.
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The Astros have had him on the bench since mid-May.
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Clemens was leaving regardless.
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that was not The Big Stage, whatever the hell that is. it was the last game of a three game series in June.
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do you send him Valentines, petey?
he is selling tickets for sure, he is drawing some attention to the Astros, and he is saying a million words at the million press conferences he holds. maybe some of those words are "the right ones," but all i have heard him talk about is himself and his body. what i will remember is: "I don't need to do this. I don't really want to do this, but I'm committed to doing this." wow, thanks a lot Great Man for that fabulous endorsement of your team and your teammates. what i will remember is his letting the media and the unwashed masses think he really was choosing among four teams. Mr. I and Me. Drama Queen. one of the greatest pitchers of all time, but that is where the superlatives end for me.
shut the fuck up and pitch.
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he'll probably shut us out.
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My neck was stiff on Saturday/Sunday, but I am fine now
You just think you're fine. In fact, you are hurt - real bad. You have extensive soft tissue damage that cannot be confirmed by any recognized objective testing; nevertheless you are in for a lifetime of pain and suffering, impotence, sterility, mental anguish, emotional distress, limited employment opportunities, etc.
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The idea was good pitching, good defense, and just enough hitting. They're getting poor pitching, scattered defense and not enough hitting.
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Their payroll is now 3rd highest in MLB.
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Had he said "for Mohammeds sake!" The ACLU would be all up in here demanding an apology. Then the site would probably be shut down by hackers from Saudi Arabia calling for heads to be cut off.
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that is easily correctable.
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dobro, you have never said anything that was not FOS, including this.
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Fernando Venezula Jr. pinch-hit RBI single for the Bears, kid is just as round as you would imagine.
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We as in Me are not all that concerned about Lidges troubles (cough 11 saves cough). And yes I have seen him pitch.
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And, there will be no holdout.
Word is, the Texans wanted Bush, but he wanted some ridiculous money, so they couldn't come to a deal. They could with their second choice Williams.
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What I want to know is why if a person wants to keep clear of the "we", he is blasted as being some sort of high and mighty, above it all bastard.
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context The Link
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Dobro's an aggie. It explains so much.
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And the fuckers have been playing around with burnt orange instead of the "orange" orange.
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Third base is probably one of the worst holes in our system.
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I'm sorry, but I missed the meteoric rise of Jeff Kent, Andy Pettitte, Roger Clemens, and Preston Wilson through the Astros' "great farm club."
I find that this formula for posting works well on this board:
1. Read.
2. Read.
3. Read.
4. Think about what you read.
5. Think about what you might have to add to the discussion.
6. Write a post. But don't submit it yet.
7. Reread your post and ask yourself if it makes any sense.
8. Finally... after all this, maybe hit the submit button.
After following these steps, I find that about 5% of posts that start in my head make it to the board.
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So you don't have to strain yourself. And yes, it's free.
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Also, while Tyler Houston was behind the plate, he and Biggio got into a shoving match at one point during a game played in Houston. I was at the game, but don't remember all the details.
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Ironically, since the Cubs and Kerry Wood were mentioned already, there was the one time in 1998 when Craig Biggio felt that Wood was head hunting. That was head hunting in terms of actually trying to hit Biggio on purpose... in the head. Wood threw hard and aim one at Biggio's noggin. Tyler Houston, yet another irony with his last name, was the catcher. When Wood knocked Biggio down with that head shot, Bidge cast a mean eye towards Kerry as if to say "Hey, that was uncessary... not at the head... ever!". Houston took offense at what Biggio was doing starring down at Wood that he yelled at him to "get in the fucking box already hot dog!". Biggio went ballistic and started to yell back at Houston. The umpire stepped in and told both of them to shut up and play. Biggio flyed out to right on the next pitch, but as he ran into the dugout, he decided to keep yelling at Wood and Houston, calling both of them "bush league motherfuckers!".
It was the nearest thing to Biggio charging the mound I've seen in all the years I've watched him play. Oh, and the following week, Houston had to play in Chicago in a three game series. It was a weekend series, and that weekend was affectionately named "Biggio's revenge" in the TZ when it was all over. Houston slammed the Cubs in all three games, scoring double digits in each game while basically shutting down the upstart and arrogant Cubbies. Biggio was the sparkplug of the massacre too, scoring runs and driving in runs and wrecking havoc all weekend long.
Tyler Houston didn't learn though and kept his mouth running about the Biggio situation for several more weeks. Must be something about being a Cubbie catcher in that something happens to you and you say stupid things about the Houston Astros stars... call it Barret Syndrome if you must.
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There goes Dobro's roid rage again....
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I file this under 'too much information'.
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You are kidding, right? 4.61 ERA?? .301 opponents batting average?? Over 1.5 baserunners allowed per inning?? *17* home runs in 115 IP???
I'd rather have Timmuh back.
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Then what to do with Rollins? I don't think the Red Sox would go for him with that contract.
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At least, though, this ought to improve the Astros' chances of getting Tejada (if the O's really intend to trade him).
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I think we saw WT at his best last year, and that's not enough.
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I've read what those here are saying about it. But, I haven't heard anyone with the Astros say it. Does anyone have a Astros source saying that as well?
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Lidge is a walking injury risk, and he is being offered.
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Taveras for Contreras trade with the ChiSox.
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Nothing to do with Lidge, everything to do with Bobby Jenks.
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The Sox are talking to the Astros currently, but have no interest in Brad Lidge.
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I'd rather band-aid the problem this winter and go after a real solution next winter instead.
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$6 mil is not reasonable for Nomar
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If the Astros had signed Nomar to a min $6 mil with incentives to over 8 when the likelihood of him playing an entire season is next to nil, I would have been pissed.
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As bad as White's arm is, I can't imagine it's much worse than Chris Burke's, and the Astros were able to play him in left for a large part of last season.
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Anyone who paid any attention could see he was trying everything.
Often simultaneously...
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He still looks like a baby to me. Youngest-looking 40-year-old I've seen.
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I don't think he's really available
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If Tejada is really available what would you be prepared to give up to get him: Lidge and Everett? More?
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the Orioles were the only other team to start opening day without an African American player on their roster.
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my best baseball source tells me that Rajah and his agents are "playing games" with Houston and have hamstrung them right now.
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Thought this Hunsicker quote was pretty interesting, esp. in light of recent debates on this forum as to AE's irreplacability:
"There are certain positions -- shortstop certainly one of them -- that you can't sacrifice too much defense. When you get an opportunity to get a player that can play the position at least adequately defensively and has a chance to be a real special player offensively, it's a pretty potent package."
No one on this forum has ever argued that Everett is irreplaceable.
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Offense NEVER makes up for lack of defense.
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I did a paper my last year in grad school on Kaepa, and Tom Adams who ran the company allowed me to interview him. Adams was a former Marist priest who got the idea for his patented shoe after the laces on one of his shoes broke while playing tennis. Nice guy.
While at UT, I was friends with his two daughters, Mikaela and Paula. That's where the name for the shoes came from. Two of the nicest girls I've ever known. One of my good friends is now married to Mikaela.
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you are in such a rush to be negative that you revise history to make your current whining appear logical.
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Granted, he came up with some big hits against us late in the year, but, well, come on, he's Jeromy Burnitz. Did anyone really want that clown to get $6-8 mil to stumble around Tal's Hill, and put Taveras or Lane in smaller roles? Instead, I got to harass my Cub-loving friend all year about how much Burnitz sucks. It was great.
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I'm glad as fuck that they didn't sign Burnitz
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you are a fucking idiot
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all you're doing is whining that Ensberg didn't play well. Not only did all of us notice, he noticed too. Jumping around pointing it out doesnt do one damn thing.
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Then what's their "excuse"?
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Alkie and Dobro are disgusted and angry.
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The thing is, it's obvious he didn't care. Swinging at hanging sliders is childs play. Especially as Ensberg hit the fuck out of those during the regular season. World Series, he just gave up or something.
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I think the name you're looking for is Jeff Bloom.
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You're right. What we need is more fans interfering with players. It makes for a more enjoyable game. That was the main reason the Astros lost, and it's worth complaining about all through the off-season. Actually, the game should just be all the players versus all of the fans, rather than one team against another.
You probably cheered on that brawl between the Pacers and the fans, am I right?
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what the fuck does this mean? ladies?
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Please... there is no reason for fans to ever get involved with a play. Let the players decide the game. If you want to go for the ball when it's in the stands, that's one thing... if you want to interfere with a player, that's just really lame.
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Ummmm, what? He was charged with one error last night, which was a VERY tough hop and a VERY questionable error.
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Seriously- what does Bud do if Drayton tells him no?
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Ummmmm, both times he got on base were the result of doubles. You want him stealing third?
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Gotta give it up to him....he played a great 3rd base tonight.
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But a good one. White Sox played just a bit better than the good guys but we've got Big Game Andy going tomorrow night so expect more of the same but with the Astros playing a bit better.
The White Sox have a good pen. That may be the understatement of the year, but I didn't know they were that good. I do now. Fabulous job by Cotts and Jenks.
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Got some rapid rewards tickets from my mom and cabbin' it once we get there.
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No, we don't have a car.
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I was just thinking of the electricity of a Rocket start at home in the WS.
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Don't know what happened. Could be that I haven't had lunch, but I'm passed last night.
I'm over the gut-wrenching loss, the feeling of doom, the loss of confidence.
I'm really glad now there was a day in between.
Now we can go in to StL tomorrow and get back to winning.
Roy and Rocket. No way it ends here.
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And we all know why. Purpura did a good job this year.
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One reason I favor pettite in the big game is he doesn't have quite the tendency to have a penis measuring contest with the batter, as clemens and oswalt sometimes do as they just try to throw their best fastball by someone.
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I know that Craig does this kind of thing on a regular basis, but to witness something like this, unscheduled, unscripted, utterly human, compassionate, and spontaneous was, I felt, very special.
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We should've taken care of business the last 2 night and didn't. The Gods don't like that shit.
