time to cut some ties?

[Alex]

I really like Jason Lane and Morgan Ensberg a lot on a personal level, but I'm pretty well convinced that they're never going to perform offensively in Houston at an acceptable level.  I think it's time to release them and eat their salaries if necessary.  Let's bring Burke back, give him another shot, and find someone else who can hit.  Then what about benching Everett to work solely on becoming a slap hitter like Carew.  His swing is pathetic.  In the meantime we can play Loretta at short and Ensberg at third.  I know, that's a weak infield, but we badly need production.  [First post.  Please don't be too hard on me.]

[BudGirl]

I really like Jason Lane and Morgan Ensberg a lot on a personal level, but I'm pretty well convinced that they're never going to perform offensively in Houston at an acceptable level.  I think it's time to release them and eat their salaries if necessary.  Let's bring Burke back, give him another shot, and find someone else who can hit.  Then what about benching Everett to work solely on becoming a slap hitter like Carew.  His swing is pathetic.  In the meantime we can play Loretta at short and Ensberg at third.  I know, that's a weak infield, but we badly need production.  [First post.  Please don't be too hard on me.]

Did you pay attention to what you posted?  First, you are cutting Ensberg then playing him at third.

How is benching Everett going to help him become a slap hitter?

[Ty in Tampa]

[First post.  Please don't be too hard on me.]

I have a feeling this won't help you.

[das]

I really like Jason Lane and Morgan Ensberg a lot on a personal level, but I'm pretty well convinced that they're never going to perform offensively in Houston at an acceptable level.  I think it's time to release them and eat their salaries if necessary.  Let's bring Burke back, give him another shot, and find someone else who can hit.  Then what about benching Everett to work solely on becoming a slap hitter like Carew.  His swing is pathetic.  In the meantime we can play Loretta at short and Ensberg at third.  I know, that's a weak infield, but we badly need production.  [First post.  Please don't be too hard on me.]

The deer is bounding into the road and it is likely that the foot won't even make it to the break pedal...

[JimR]

I really like Jason Lane and Morgan Ensberg a lot on a personal level, but I'm pretty well convinced that they're never going to perform offensively in Houston at an acceptable level.  I think it's time to release them and eat their salaries if necessary.  Let's bring Burke back, give him another shot, and find someone else who can hit.  Then what about benching Everett to work solely on becoming a slap hitter like Carew.  His swing is pathetic.  In the meantime we can play Loretta at short and Ensberg at third.  I know, that's a weak infield, but we badly need production.  [First post.  Please don't be too hard on me.]

what a fucking brilliant first post.

[Bench]

what a fucking brilliant first post.

It could be high satire, and if so, well played, Alex. Very well played indeed.

[MRaup]

I really like Jason Lane and Morgan Ensberg a lot on a personal level, but I'm pretty well convinced that they're never going to perform offensively in Houston at an acceptable level.  I think it's time to release them and eat their salaries if necessary.  Let's bring Burke back, give him another shot, and find someone else who can hit.  Then what about benching Everett to work solely on becoming a slap hitter like Carew.  His swing is pathetic.  In the meantime we can play Loretta at short and Ensberg at third.  I know, that's a weak infield, but we badly need production.  [First post.  Please don't be too hard on me.]

Seriously?

SERIOUSLY?

[pravata]

I see you've just registered today, if you have been reading the site previously you may have seen these two threads,

http://www.orangewhoopass.com/forums/index.php?topic=102212.0
http://www.orangewhoopass.com/forums/index.php?topic=102207.0

If not, you should read them, they address your question.  The other thing is that the Astros have always wanted Everett to hit to all fields.  Last season he went back to pulling the ball because that was easier on his back.  This season he says his back is not an issue.  However I think that is his most comfortable swing which he goes to in a crisis.  The last few swings I've seen he's driving the ball better and not popping up. 

[remy]

Aw, Alex.  Don't listen to the haters.  Them and their cold black hearts.  You just go right on being you, and things will just fall into place.

[JaneDoe]

Did you pay attention to what you posted?  First, you are cutting Ensberg then playing him at third.

See, that's the genius in the post.  He plays (works) for free. Like Cosmo.

[Ty in Tampa]

Just think of yourself as a winner and everything will be fine.

[pravata]

Aw, Alex.  Don't listen to the haters.  Them and their cold black hearts.  You just go right on being you, and things will just fall into place.

Which is what we're hoping to avoid.

[ASTROCREEP]

I really like Jason Lane and Morgan Ensberg a lot on a personal level, but I'm pretty well convinced that they're never going to perform offensively in Houston at an acceptable level.  I think it's time to release them and eat their salaries if necessary.  Let's bring Burke back, give him another shot, and find someone else who can hit.  Then what about benching Everett to work solely on becoming a slap hitter like Carew.  His swing is pathetic.  In the meantime we can play Loretta at short and Ensberg at third.  I know, that's a weak infield, but we badly need production.  [First post.  Please don't be too hard on me.]

Yep, Everett's off season regimine to bulk up and improve his power and increase weight, just simply hasn't worked out for him.

[JaneDoe]

Yep, Everett's off season regimine to bulk up and improve his power and increase weight, just simply hasn't worked out for him.

He just needs to have a few more flapjack breakfasts.  Send Lee to his house.

[Gizzmonic]

I hope you weren't using your spleen.

[Alex]

what a fucking brilliant first post.

Gee, what did you have to say it like that for?  While I meant "play Lamb at third," I like the idea of putting Ensberg over there for free.

[remy]

Which is what we're hoping to avoid.

Shhh... some of us are still in texasjoshua withdrawal.

[Jacksonian]

I see you've just registered today, if you have been reading the site previously you may have seen these two threads,

http://www.orangewhoopass.com/forums/index.php?topic=102212.0
http://www.orangewhoopass.com/forums/index.php?topic=102207.0

If not, you should read them, they address your question.  The other thing is that the Astros have always wanted Everett to hit to all fields.  Last season he went back to pulling the ball because that was easier on his back.  This season he says his back is not an issue.  However I think that is his most comfortable swing which he goes to in a crisis.  The last few swings I've seen he's driving the ball better and not popping up. 

Everett hit a screaming liner to center early in the game last night.  If he's just a hair later it's to right-center and a triple easy.

[tophfar]

I like the idea of putting Ensberg over there for free.

why?  if he's not performing what difference does it make how much you pay him?  free or for 10 beeeeeeeellioooon dollars, watching strike three, is still watching strike three.

[HudsonHawk]

I really like Jason Lane and Morgan Ensberg a lot on a personal level, but I'm pretty well convinced that they're never going to perform offensively in Houston at an acceptable level.  I think it's time to release them and eat their salaries if necessary.  Let's bring Burke back, give him another shot, and find someone else who can hit.  Then what about benching Everett to work solely on becoming a slap hitter like Carew.  His swing is pathetic.  In the meantime we can play Loretta at short and Ensberg at third.  I know, that's a weak infield, but we badly need production.  [First post.  Please don't be too hard on me.]

I'll try to be respectful, but firm here.  I don't disagree about Ensberg and Lane, but...

1.  What did you see in Burke that makes you think he can hit better than Ensberg or Lane?

2.  If you Bench Everett, how do you suggest he "work" on anything?

3.  If you release Ensberg, how do you figure he's still an option at 3B?

[Limey]

Everett hit a screaming liner to center early in the game last night.  If he's just a hair later it's to right-center and a triple easy.

And he found a way to get on base later.  And he never took a sloppy fastball right up the dirt pipe for strike 3.

[Alex]

I see you've just registered today, if you have been reading the site previously you may have seen these two threads,

http://www.orangewhoopass.com/forums/index.php?topic=102212.0
http://www.orangewhoopass.com/forums/index.php?topic=102207.0

If not, you should read them, they address your question.  The other thing is that the Astros have always wanted Everett to hit to all fields.  Last season he went back to pulling the ball because that was easier on his back.  This season he says his back is not an issue.  However I think that is his most comfortable swing which he goes to in a crisis.  The last few swings I've seen he's driving the ball better and not popping up. 

The first of these threads says "pitching and defense win championships."  I agree with the pitching part 100%, but the defense part is a matter of degree.  With some exceptions, we've lost a lot of low-scoring games, which indicates to me that we lack adequate production.

[Alex]

1.  What did you see in Burke that makes you think he can hit better than Ensberg or Lane?

2.  If you Bench Everett, how do you suggest he "work" on anything?

3.  If you release Ensberg, how do you figure he's still an option at 3B?

1. Way better average over last two years, for one; a hunch for another.

2. He spends as many hours per day as possible swinging the bat and under instruction, away from the game.  Weak, I know.

3. That, of course, was a screw up.  I meant Lamb.

[Limey]

The first of these threads says "pitching and defense win championships."  I agree with the pitching part 100%, but the defense part is a matter of degree.  With some exceptions, we've lost a lot of low-scoring games, which indicates to me that we lack adequate production.

I read an article by some boob that talks about this a little.

[pravata]

The first of these threads says "pitching and defense win championships."  I agree with the pitching part 100%, but the defense part is a matter of degree.  With some exceptions, we've lost a lot of low-scoring games, which indicates to me that we lack adequate production.

That's because whoever wrote that knows baseball.  The problem with mentioning Adam Everett in regards the lack of runs scored is that no team that he has ever been on has counted on him for that part of the baseball equation. 

[Limey]

That's because whoever wrote that knows baseball.  The problem with mentioning Adam Everett in regards the lack of runs scored is that no team that he has ever been on has counted on him for that part of the baseball equation. 

I have an idea.  On days when Sampson and Williams pitch, bat Everett 9th.

[MRaup]

I have an idea.  On days when Sampson and Williams pitch, bat Everett 9th.

Li-russa?

[Limey]

Li-russa?

...just with a higher BAL.

[HudsonHawk]

1. Way better average over last two years, for one; a hunch for another.

So you propose cutting Ensberg and Lane and eating millions in salary on previous years' batting average and a hunch?  That's pretty bold, especially considering previous years' batting average has exactly doodly squat to do with how well Burke is hitting now.  Don't know if I'm qualified to judge your hunches, but I'd say in general hunches or intuition or ESP is poor way to put a team together.

2. He spends as many hours per day as possible swinging the bat and under instruction, away from the game.  Weak, I know.

Considerably more than weak.  It makes no sense whatsoever.  You don't "work" on your game by spending as much time as you can away from the game.

3. That, of course, was a screw up.  I meant Lamb.

OK, thanks for the correction.  But don't say "of course".  You'd be surprised at the garbage we have to endure on a routine basis.

[Alex]

That's because whoever wrote that knows baseball.  The problem with mentioning Adam Everett in regards the lack of runs scored is that no team that he has ever been on has counted on him for that part of the baseball equation. 

What other teams are we talking about?  Even though Everett is the best defensive shortstop in the game, would you not trade for Jeter if you could?

[MRaup]

What other teams are we talking about?  Even though Everett is the best defensive shortstop in the game, would you not trade for Jeter if you could?

Pick someone else.

A resounding FUCK NO for Jeter.

[Ty in Tampa]

What other teams are we talking about?  Even though Everett is the best defensive shortstop in the game, would you not trade for Jeter if you could?

No.

[MRaup]

No.

You're better than that, Ty.

(see above)

[Noe]

What other teams are we talking about?  Even though Everett is the best defensive shortstop in the game, would you not trade for Jeter if you could?

Oh deere lowered. *sigh*

[Alex]

OK, thanks for the correction.  But don't say "of course".  You'd be surprised at the garbage we have to endure on a routine basis.

The only reason I said "of course" was that I think I corrected myself earlier.

[HudsonHawk]

What other teams are we talking about?  Even though Everett is the best defensive shortstop in the game, would you not trade for Jeter if you could?

This may come as a surprise to you, but around here 1) Jeter is not the standard by which SS's are judged, and 2) SS is about defense.  Period. 

[pravata]

What other teams are we talking about?  Even though Everett is the best defensive shortstop in the game, would you not trade for Jeter if you could?

That is irrelevant.  Baseball is a team sport.  Compromises must be made.  Money is not infinite and choices must be made on how best to use the available money.  It's been called Moneyball by some.  Different teams just have different priorities.  The Astros for one reason or another have been stocking up on ground ball pitchers.  It would be pretty stupid not to have a shortstop who can catch a groundball.   As for Jeter, did you hear he was available?  Or any other shortstop for that matter?

[Ty in Tampa]

You're better than that, Ty.

(see above)

Not "No" but, "What-the-fuck-you-talkin'-about-Willis-git-the-fuck-out-NO!"

[JimR]

The only reason I said "of course" was that I think I corrected myself earlier.

i think you think folks are encouraging you to post more. that is very wrong.

[Alkie]

What other teams are we talking about?  Even though Everett is the best defensive shortstop in the game, would you not trade for Jeter if you could?

This isn't even funny. 

No.

Not even a little.

[BudGirl]

never Jeter. 

And what is up with Mr. Nice Guy, Hudson Hawk?

[astrojo]

never Jeter. 

And what is up with Mr. Nice Guy, Hudson Hawk?

I'm pretty sure if this clark keeps suggesting Jeter over Everett around here, it won't last.

[MRaup]

He's one more idiot idea from getting the busines from me.

And if I've learned anything in all my time posting here, its that Alkie will be close behind.

[HudsonHawk]

never Jeter. 

And what is up with Mr. Nice Guy, Hudson Hawk?

I'd rather light a cnadle than curse your darkness.  Of course, I'll still beat the shit out of you when it's warranted.

[BudGirl]

He's one more idiot idea from getting the busines from me.

And if I've learned anything in all my time posting here, its that Alkie will be close behind.

And your busines is mean stuff.

I think he is a Yankees fan.

[MRaup]

And your busines is mean stuff.

I think he is a Yankees fan.

My busines is CLEARLY not spelling stuff.

[Alkie]

There are 27 shortstops that currently "qualify" for counting stats in MLB this season.  I counted 15 I'd take over Jeter.

[pravata]

i think you think folks are encouraging you to post more. that is very wrong.

I am thinking about the uses and advantages of gibbets.  They may return to fashion.

[Jacksonian]

He's one more idiot idea from getting the busines from me.

And if I've learned anything in all my time posting here, its that Alkie will be close behind.

Some say Alkie's always very close to your behind.

[MRaup]

Some say Alkie's always very close to your behind.

And I thought that was my shoes that smelled wierd...

[Limey]

There are 27 shortstops that currently "qualify" for counting stats in MLB this season.  I counted 15 I'd take over Jeter.

...and that's before you factor in intangibles.  Like him being an insufferable prick.

[Alex]

That is irrelevant.  Baseball is a team sport.  Compromises must be made.  Money is not infinite and choices must be made on how best to use the available money.  It's been called Moneyball by some.  Different teams just have different priorities.  The Astros for one reason or another have been stocking up on ground ball pitchers.  It would be pretty stupid not to have a shortstop who can catch a groundball.   As for Jeter, did you hear he was available?  Or any other shortstop for that matter?

Jeter was a hypothetical.  If you could get, for the same price for the sake of argument, a better hitting ss with lesser defensive but still solid skills, could it be an option?

[MRaup]

...and that's before you factor in intangibles.  Like him being an insufferable prick.

But DQ and Alice LOVE HIM!

[HudsonHawk]

Some say Alkie's always very close to your behind.

Right.  We're not saying *we* say that, only that people are talking and by bringing up these issues, it'll open up dialogue.

[HudsonHawk]

Jeter was a hypothetical.  If you could get, for the same price for the sake of argument, a better hitting ss with lesser defensive but still solid skills, could it be an option?

Could it be an option?  Sure.  Would I do it?  No.  For a SS, defense is first.  Everything else is WAY back.

[MRaup]

Jeter was a hypothetical.  If you could get, for the same price for the sake of argument, a better hitting ss with lesser defensive but still solid skills, could it be an option?

Why? Why should it be an option?

SHORT STOP IS A DEFENSIVE POSITION! LOOK TO THE CORNERS FOR POWER! INFIELD AND OUTFIELD!

[JimR]

Right.  We're not saying *we* say that, only that people are talking and by bringing up these issues, it'll open up dialogue.

and increase mutual understanding of all of God's people.

[Lefty]

There are 27 shortstops that currently "qualify" for counting stats in MLB this season.  I counted 15 I'd take over Jeter.

As a shortstop, he's a fine second baseman.  And that's not even factoring in the $20+M salary.

[Duman]

Jeter was a hypothetical.  If you could get, for the same price for the sake of argument, a better hitting ss with lesser defensive but still solid skills, could it be an option?

If this were hypothetically an option don't you think the Purp would have already done it?  We have to have some faith that they are Purp and his buddies are not just sitting on their thumbs just a rockin.

[Noe]

Jeter was a hypothetical.  If you could get, for the same price for the sake of argument, a better hitting ss with lesser defensive but still solid skills, could it be an option?

You mean Mark Loretta?  Lesser defense at shortstop is code speak for "second baseman".

[Alex]

Why? Why should it be an option?

SHORT STOP IS A DEFENSIVE POSITION! LOOK TO THE CORNERS FOR POWER! INFIELD AND OUTFIELD!

If I could sum up responses:
1. I'm an idiot and maybe a Yankees fan.
2. I should shut up.
3. I'm wrong about worrying about Everett's bat (okay, I give).
4. Burke doesn't deserve another chance.
5. Not much in favor of Lane and Ensberg, hard to find a consensus here.

[homer]

If I could sum up responses:
1. I'm an idiot and maybe a Yankees fan.
2. I should shut up.
3. I'm wrong about worrying about Everett's bat (okay, I give).
4. Burke doesn't deserve another chance.
5. Not much in favor of Lane and Ensberg, hard to find a consensus here.

Or in other words:

Read more, post less.

[Limey]

Jeter was a hypothetical.  If you could get, for the same price for the sake of argument, a better hitting ss with lesser defensive but still solid skills, could it be an option?

Anything's an option.  But when your lead-off guy's OBP is sub-300, you have no true #2 hitter, your #3 guy is trying to bunt his way on and #'s 5, 6 and 7 are a black hole, why focus on changing your #8?

Also, Minute Maid severely punishes a team that allows base runners and extra outs.  After The Debacle of 2000, the Astros re-made the pitching staff into one that (a) did not turn into a gibbering wreck at the sight of the Crawford Boxes; (2) kept walks to an absolute minimum; and (iii) were predominantly ground-ball pitchers.  All of this was to cut down on the multiple-run jacks that made 2000 so ridiculous.

Everett is a major component of this strategy, because he not only makes the plays he's supposed to at SS, he also makes plays that no one has any right to do.  He does this a lot, and this saves the Astros tons of runs when the inevitable long ball comes.

[Alkie]

1. I'm an idiot and maybe a Yankees fan.

If this is an admission and not so much a summation, I'm not sure why you're here.

[Jacksonian]

Jeter was a hypothetical.  If you could get, for the same price for the sake of argument, a better hitting ss with lesser defensive but still solid skills, could it be an option?

STOP!!!!!!!  You have fucked up everything you've written here.  You named Jeter.  Good hitter, crappy defender, AND insufferable prick.  He is not a better hitting shortstop than Everett with solid skills.  You are all about Baseball Tonight.  That doesn't play here.  If you haven't heard, read more and post less.  Period.  Stop with this fucking dumbass double talk and either read the last 40 threads here in their entirety before posting again or go back to AD.  Your mindless, witless, insufferably stupid opinions are a waste of everyone's time to read much less put actual thought into.  Repeat after me: READ MORE, POST LESS.  READ MORE, POST LESS.  READ MORE, POST LESS.  Now take your hands off the keyboard, grab your mouse and start clicking.  Fucking Clarks!

[Ty in Tampa]

Man, were moving down strosrays' list rather quickly, aren't we?

[HudsonHawk]

If I could sum up responses:
1. I'm an idiot and maybe a Yankees fan.
2. I should shut up.
3. I'm wrong about worrying about Everett's bat (okay, I give).
4. Burke doesn't deserve another chance.
5. Not much in favor of Lane and Ensberg, hard to find a consensus here.

On #4...Careful about putting words in someone else's mouth.  I didn't say Burke didn't deserve another shot, only asking you why you felt he was going to hit better than Lane or Ensberg.

[JimR]

STOP!!!!!!!  You have fucked up everything you've written here.  You named Jeter.  Good hitter, crappy defender, AND insufferable prick.  He is not a better hitting shortstop than Everett with solid skills.  You are all about Baseball Tonight.  That doesn't play here.  If you haven't heard, read more and post less.  Period.  Stop with this fucking dumbass double talk and either read the last 40 threads here in their entirety before posting again or go back to AD.  Your mindless, witless, insufferably stupid opinions are a waste of everyone's time to read much less put actual thought into.  Repeat after me: READ MORE, POST LESS.  READ MORE, POST LESS.  READ MORE, POST LESS.  Now take your hands off the keyboard, grab your mouse and start clicking.  Fucking Clarks!

standing ovation from me

[pravata]

...

Everett is a major component of this strategy, because he not only makes the plays he's supposed to at SS, he also makes plays that no one has any right to do.  He does this a lot, and this saves the Astros tons of runs when the inevitable long ball comes.

Tons of runs and tons of extra pitches, which saves arms.  A factor that is often over looked.   Also, he keeps pitchers from becoming facists.  They're more democratic when he's at short.

[Noe]

Anything's an option.  But when your lead-off guy's OBP is sub-300, you have no true #2 hitter, your #3 guy is trying to bunt his way on and #'s 5, 6 and 7 are a black hole, why focus on changing your #8?

Also, Minute Maid severely punishes a team that allows base runners and extra outs.  After The Debacle of 2000, the Astros re-made the pitching staff into one that (a) did not turn into a gibbering wreck at the sight of the Crawford Boxes; (2) kept walks to an absolute minimum; and (iii) were predominantly ground-ball pitchers.  All of this was to cut down on the multiple-run jacks that made 2000 so ridiculous.

Everett is a major component of this strategy, because he not only makes the plays he's supposed to at SS, he also makes plays that no one has any right to do.  He does this a lot, and this saves the Astros tons of runs when the inevitable long ball comes.

*sniff*, this post made me cry!  Where is that gall durn blue star thingy... damn you Noe for being lazy... damn you to heck!

[HudsonHawk]

Anything's an option.  But when your lead-off guy's OBP is sub-300, you have no true #2 hitter, your #3 guy is trying to bunt his way on and #'s 5, 6 and 7 are a black hole, why focus on changing your #8?

Also, Minute Maid severely punishes a team that allows base runners and extra outs.  After The Debacle of 2000, the Astros re-made the pitching staff into one that (a) did not turn into a gibbering wreck at the sight of the Crawford Boxes; (2) kept walks to an absolute minimum; and (iii) were predominantly ground-ball pitchers.  All of this was to cut down on the multiple-run jacks that made 2000 so ridiculous.

Everett is a major component of this strategy, because he not only makes the plays he's supposed to at SS, he also makes plays that no one has any right to do.  He does this a lot, and this saves the Astros tons of runs when the inevitable long ball comes.

For being a crumpet-eating pantywaste "footy" fan, you're not such a bad guy.

[Lefty]

If I could sum up responses:
1. I'm an idiot and maybe a Yankees fan.
2. I should shut up.
3. I'm wrong about worrying about Everett's bat (okay, I give).
4. Burke doesn't deserve another chance.
5. Not much in favor of Lane and Ensberg, hard to find a consensus here.

I'll take "Read More, Post Less" for 1000, Alex.

[Limey]

For being a crumpet-eating pantywaste "footy" fan, you're not such a bad guy.

Shit.  I feel like I'm trapped in a 70's coke commercial.

[Jacksonian]

There are 27 shortstops that currently "qualify" for counting stats in MLB this season.  I counted 15 I'd take over Jeter.

Name them.  Then I bet we could find 2 more.

[MRaup]

Shit.  I feel like I'm trapped in a 70's coke commercial.

Or an 80's Coke deal.

[pravata]

On #4...Careful about putting words in someone else's mouth.  I didn't say Burke didn't deserve another shot, only asking you why you felt he was going to hit better than Lane or Ensberg.

Deserve? What's that got to do with anything?

[HudsonHawk]

Shit.  I feel like I'm trapped in a 70's coke commercial.

BTW, Capt. Gloryhole, or whoever your little buddy is there, is the gayest looking character I've seen since Chris O'Donnell.

[HudsonHawk]

Deserve? What's that got to do with anything?

"Deserve's got nothin' to do with it" - Will Munney.

[Limey]

Name them.  Then I bet we could find 2 more.

Yahoo! Sports has 29 shortstops.  28 who aren't Jeter.  I think I'd take any of 'em over yankeeboy.  Even Shitstein or Furcal.

[Noe]

Tons of runs and tons of extra pitches, which saves arms.  A factor that is often over looked.   Also, he keeps pitchers from becoming facists.  They're more democratic when he's at short.

Plus, we may as well do a pre-emptive on any Brad Ausmus post that will surely follow:

Same principle applies to the fine post by Limey on Everett to Brad Ausmus.  In essence, if your biggest investment is pitching and said investment is made in order to win championships, then you better back that investment with defense.  Key investment too, meaning up the middle defense.

Okay, so now I see the little gears churning in the heads of some: Brad Ausmus = defense?  Well yes.  But even *beyond* what some would consider defensive measurements for a catcher, what Brad Ausmus represents behind the dish is a genius game caller.  If all a pitcher has to do is *execute* his pitches because Brad Ausmus, batterymate, is keenly aware of all the opposition tendencies, then that is when you get guys like Chris Sampson doing so well.  Sampson throws strikes (executes pitches), but it is Brad Ausmus who uses strikes very well (sets up a hitter, keeps them off balance, has the game plan, acts like a field general for the pitcher).  Last night, I saw some really outstanding work between Ausmus and Sampson.  Just simply outstanding the way they mastered the Jints lineup.  Sampson knows how to execute a pitch and Ausmus knows how to use said execution to it's fullest.

And this is where baseball fans of the Houston Astros should focus as the unique positives about this 2007 team.

[Limey]

BTW, Capt. Gloryhole, or whoever your little buddy is there, is the gayest looking character I've seen since Chris O'Donnell.

I have no idea where you get your crazy notions that Captain Scarlet and his compatriots look gay.

[HudsonHawk]

I have no idea where you get your crazy notions that Captain Scarlet and his compatriots look gay.

I've got to get one of those vests.

[Limey]

Plus, we may as well do a pre-emptive on any Brad Ausmus post that will surely follow:

Same principle applies to the fine post by Limey on Everett to Brad Ausmus.  In essence, if your biggest investment is pitching and said investment is made in order to win championships, then you better back that investment with defense.  Key investment too, meaning up the middle defense.

Okay, so now I see the little gears churning in the heads of some: Brad Ausmus = defense?  Well yes.  But even *beyond* what some would consider defensive measurements for a catcher, what Brad Ausmus represents behind the dish is a genius game caller.  If all a pitcher has to do is *execute* his pitches because Brad Ausmus, batterymate, is keenly aware of all the opposition tendencies, then that is when you get guys like Chris Sampson doing so well.  Sampson throws strikes (executes pitches), but it is Brad Ausmus who uses strikes very well (sets up a hitter, keeps them off balance, has the game plan, acts like a field general for the pitcher).  Last night, I saw some really outstanding work between Ausmus and Sampson.  Just simply outstanding the way they mastered the Jints lineup.  Sampson knows how to execute a pitch and Ausmus knows how to use said execution to it's fullest.

And this is where baseball fans of the Houston Astros should focus as the unique positives about this 2007 team.

I believe you forgot to mention (because I know you know) the confidence that Ausmus instills in a pitcher such that, when they put one in the dirt, for example, they know he'll pick it.  If that confidence wasn't there, they may shake off that pitch, or worse, not commit to it and serve up a fatty to the hitter.

[homer]

Just simply outstanding the way they mastered the Jints lineup.

You are delusional. If you hadn't noticed, the Astros lost last night.

And AE gets part of the blame for not catching that flare to center.

[Noe]

You are delusional. If you hadn't noticed, the Astros lost last night.

And AE gets part of the blame for not catching that flare to center.

Yeah, what was I thinking.  Get rid of Sampson!

[Alkie]

You are delusional. If you hadn't noticed, the Astros lost last night.

And AE gets part of the blame for not catching that flare to center.

Actually, I blame myself, as a baseball-reference.com page sponsor.  I didn't do enough to teach Sampson that giving up even just ONE RUN with Noah Fucking Lowry opposing him would spell certain L.

[Noe]

Actually, I blame myself, as a baseball-reference.com page sponsor.  I didn't do enough to teach Sampson that giving up even just ONE RUN with Noah Fucking Lowry opposing him would spell certain L.

It's time, as we are all implored, to "cut ties".  Let it go Alkie.  Let. It. Go.

[Alkie]

It's time, as we are all implored, to "cut ties".  Let it go Alkie.  Let. It. Go.

No.  Way.

I can't let it go.  I spend almost 5 weeks and $10 sponsoring that page and you want me to just remove myself?  Sir, I know of no ale that will help me get over this.  If you or someone you know does, please email me immediately.

[homer]

Yeah, what was I thinking.  Get rid of Sampson!

If Gunther had been at the proper Edmonds baiting depth, perhaps the game turns out different. But, probably not.

[austro]

If Gunther had been at the proper Edmonds baiting depth, perhaps the game turns out different. But, probably not.

Although I didn't see the play, I believe San Francisco already had a run at that point. No, it would not have turned out different.

[pravata]

You are delusional. If you hadn't noticed, the Astros lost last night.

And AE gets part of the blame for not catching that flare to center.

Off the bat I thought he had it, then I thought, this is certainly going to be an exciting catch, ....almost there... damn!

[Limey]

No.  Way.

I can't let it go.  I spend almost 5 weeks and $10 sponsoring that page and you want me to just remove myself?  Sir, I know of no ale that will help me get over this.  If you or someone you know does, please email me immediately.

How about the 14% ABV Hurlimann Samiclaus?

I've never tried it, but I used to frequent a bar that served "regular" Hurlimann.  There, we would get stupid drunk on surprisingly little, because the stuff is so insanely strong.  Also, the first mouthfull of the evening would engender a physical reaction which we called the "Hulimann shudder".

[Noe]

Off the bat I thought he had it, then I thought, this is certainly going to be an exciting catch, ....almost there... damn!

A better hitting shortstop would make the play.  Or hit a homerun the next half inning to make up for the run(s).  It's that simple.  Come over to the dark side.  It's really quite... ahum... dark over here.  Seriously, where are you, I can't see a damn thing.  HELP!

[Noe]

If Gunther had been at the proper Edmonds baiting depth, perhaps the game turns out different. But, probably not.

Yeah, but a better hitting centerfielder than Thunder Pants will automatically make up for the run(s) by hitting a two run homerun the next half inning.  Even if he leads off the inning.  Seriously.

[Ty in Tampa]

How about the 14% ABV Hurlimann Samiclaus?

Samiclaus? So it's like a Christmas brew on steroids?

[Limey]

Samiclaus? So it's like a Christmas brew on steroids?

It's not a beer for drinking.  It's a beer for laying down and avoiding.

[Bench]

Actually, I blame myself, as a baseball-reference.com page sponsor.  I

Wow. I had no idea your obsession reached such heights. Too bad there's no "anti-sponsor" you can purchase for Jennings' b-r page.

[Spider Pellini]

No.  Way.

Sir, I know of no ale that will help me get over this.  If you or someone you know does, please email me immediately.

Well there is this stuff called Shimmy or Shit-mae or something like that...

Heard it was the bottled fermented piss of some sort of Belgian trappers or somesuch...

Shoot, I didn't even know they had coons over there in that Belgian land....

[dirty steve]

Well there is this stuff called Shimmy or Shit-mae or something like that...

Heard it was the bottled fermented piss of some sort of Belgian trappers or somesuch...

Shoot, I didn't even know they had coons over there in that Belgian land....

they make cheese too--if your into beer and cheese tasting.
chimay:
http://www.chimay.com/en/intro_58.php

[Alkie]

Wow. I had no idea your obsession reached such heights. Too bad there's no "anti-sponsor" you can purchase for Jennings' b-r page.

Look.  I don't hate Jason Jennings!  I don't think he's a #2 and I don't like the trade for him, but I don't hate the guy.  I hope he does incredibly well as an Astro. 

[JaneDoe]

What other teams are we talking about?  Even though Everett is the best defensive shortstop in the game, would you not trade for Jeter if you could?

NO.

[dirty steve]

Jeter's 18 million dollar salary would make him our highest salaried player but not even our best.  i'd pass.

[Noe]

Jeter's 18 million dollar salary would make him our highest salaried player but not even our best.  i'd pass.

Eggszactly!

[JackAstro]

Could someone please re-threadjack this fucking disaster?

[Gizzmonic]

Could someone please re-threadjack this fucking disaster?

Uh...I changed the Willie Bloomquist wikipedia page to say that he wasn't drafted because he had no penis.  Don't bother to check, it's already been changed back.

Why did I do this?  The Imp of the Perverse!

[homer]

Uh...I changed the Willie Bloomquist wikipedia page to say that he wasn't drafted because he had no penis.  Don't bother to check, it's already been changed back.

Why did I do this?  The Imp of the Perverse!

Try "... because some people say he has no penis. Discuss amongst yourselves."

[TheWizard]

At least this guy's thread went 6 pages long.....

[JaneDoe]

At least this guy's thread went 6 pages long.....

Don't encourage the Clarks. 

[Alex]

At least this guy's thread went 6 pages long.....

Thanks for the meager "encourage[ment]" but I think Talkzone should be renamed "We Eat Our Young Here."

[drew corleone]

There's a thread that stickied at the top that asks new members to read before posting.

Too few do.

[JackAstro]

Thanks for the meager "encourage[ment]" but I think Talkzone should be renamed "We Eat Our Young Here."

And here I was, all set to commend you for not coming back in and whining. I think we should rename the TZ "Shut the fuck up and try harder tomorrow."

[dirty steve]

Thanks for the meager "encourage[ment]" but I think Talkzone should be renamed "We Eat Our Young Here."

certainly not a way to get back in the good graces of the TZ powers that be.

[HudsonHawk]

certainly not a way to get back in the good graces of the TZ powers that be.

The TZ powers that be don't give a rat's ass about graces, good or otherwise.  Everyone is given enough rope to climb to the top or hang themselves.  The choice is up to the individual.  We try to offer helpful hints to make TZ life more enjoyable for all, but all too often, those suggestions are ignored.  We only ask one thing:  when you stand up and shout, be prepared to stand there and take your licks too. 

[pravata]

Thanks for the meager "encourage[ment]" but I think Talkzone should be renamed "We Eat Our Young Here."

Was it your expectation that we were going to agree with you?

[homer]

Thanks for the meager "encourage[ment]" but I think Talkzone should be renamed "We Eat Our Young Here."

Your biggest problem is what pravata pointed out early on. There were two other threads that were pretty lengthy that discussed the very issues of your original post. I think that is clear evidence that you didn't read nearly enough before you posted.

[Alkie]

We should have traded Ausmus for Piazza when we had the chance.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

I wished we would've traded Wade Miller and Ricky Stone to the Expos for Grady Sizemore, Cliff Lee, Brandon Phillips, and Lee Stevens. Fuckin' Expos.

[Outlawscotty]

We should have traded Ausmus for Piazza when we had the chance.

WE HAD THE CHANCE??  Sheeesh....

[stubbyc]

You mean Mark Loretta?  Lesser defense at shortstop is code speak for "second baseman".

I think "lesser defense" when talking about Loretta vs. Everett is a little too kind. Loretta shouldn't be an option out there.

[JimR]

Thanks for the meager "encourage[ment]" but I think Talkzone should be renamed "We Eat Our Young Here."

oh, go fucking away.

[Limey]

And here I was, all set to commend you for not coming back in and whining. I think we should rename the TZ "Shut the fuck up and try harder tomorrow."

...after pounding the ol' Budweiser.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Your biggest problem is what pravata pointed out early on. There were two other threads that were pretty lengthy that discussed the very issues of your original post. I think that is clear evidence that you didn't read nearly enough before you posted.

Is that just his biggest problem, or is it a microcosm, indicative of a greater societal problem created by our antiquated education system and the breakdown of the American family?

[Limey]

Is that just his biggest problem, or is it a microcosm, indicative of a greater societal problem created by our antiquated education system and the breakdown of the American family?

Maybe he's just a plank.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Maybe he's just a plank.

Yep, somethings you just can't blame on upbringin'.

[austro]

Is that just his biggest problem, or is it a microcosm, indicative of a greater societal problem created by our antiquated education system and the breakdown of the American family?

Isn't this an indictment of our entire American society? Well, you can do whatever you want to us, but we're not going to sit here and listen to you badmouth the United States of America.

[Taras Bulba]

Isn't this an indictment of our entire American society? Well, you can do whatever you want to us, but we're not going to sit here and listen to you badmouth the United States of America.

Food King!

[Limey]

Food King!

Maybe we should add an intermediate step between Clark and whatever comes next:  Flounder.

[strosrays]

Everett taking some time off to become a "slap hitter like Carew" is a great idea.  I can easily see Everett going from .190 to .390 with a few weeks off to work on it.

Hell, why don't "we" give him a month off, and see if he can become a power hitter like Mays or Ruth.  50+ homers out of our slick-fielding SS couldn't do anything but help right now.

Re: Carew.  The idea that Rod Carew was a 'slap hitter' is errant.  Did you ever see Carew hit?  He did not hit home runs much; though it was sometimes said of him, as it sometimes is today of Ichiro!, that Carew could have hit 25 HRs a season if he "wanted" to, which is ridiculous. . .  But he did hit line drives all over the place, and had a slugging percentage way above his league's average every year for most of his career.

Maybe you meant Wee Willie Keeler.  That's probably it.  Or Nellie Fox.


P.S.  I'm off to find a quantum mechanics message board.  I'm going to tell those fuckers about real quantum mechanics, and how we should give Neils Bohr some time off to become a slap theorist like Max Planck, 'cos he ain't getting it done with this particle physics shit. 

I mean, seriously, if you had the chance to trade Neils Bohr straight up for Einstein, wouldn't you do it?

[Noe]

I mean, seriously, if you had the chance to trade Neils Bohr straight up for Einstein, wouldn't you do it?

No.  You're comparing apples and oranges here and you know it!

[JackAstro]

Everett taking some time off to become a "slap hitter like Carew" is a great idea.  I can easily see Everett going from .190 to .390 with a few weeks off to work on it.

Hell, why don't "we" give him a month off, and see if he can become a power hitter like Mays or Ruth.  50+ homers out of our slick-fielding SS couldn't do anything but help right now.

Re: Carew.  The idea that Rod Carew was a 'slap hitter' is errant.  Did you ever see Carew hit?  He did not hit home runs much; though it was sometimes said of him, as it sometimes is today of Ichiro!, that Carew could have hit 25 HRs a season if he "wanted" to, which is ridiculous. . .  But he did hit line drives all over the place, and had a slugging percentage way above his league's average every year for most of his career.

Maybe you meant Wee Willie Keeler.  That's probably it.  Or Nellie Fox.


P.S.  I'm off to find a quantum mechanics message board.  I'm going to tell those fuckers about real quantum mechanics, and how we should give Neils Bohr some time off to become a slap theorist like Max Planck, 'cos he ain't getting it done with this particle physics shit. 

I mean, seriously, if you had the chance to trade Neils Bohr straight up for Einstein, wouldn't you do it?

HOF, Blue Star, etc.

[subnuclear]

P.S.  I'm off to find a quantum mechanics message board.  I'm going to tell those fuckers about real quantum mechanics, and how we should give Neils Bohr some time off to become a slap theorist like Max Planck, 'cos he ain't getting it done with this particle physics shit. 

I mean, seriously, if you had the chance to trade Neils Bohr straight up for Einstein, wouldn't you do it?

I used to read the USENET physics and astronomy lists.   Its one thing to not understand the hitting style of Rod Carew and quite another to make up your own periodic table based on your recently invented octagon-based religion.    Those lists inspired a deep appreciation for quality board moderation.

[Astroholic]

Everett taking some time off to become a "slap hitter like Carew" is a great idea.  I can easily see Everett going from .190 to .390 with a few weeks off to work on it.

Hell, why don't "we" give him a month off, and see if he can become a power hitter like Mays or Ruth.  50+ homers out of our slick-fielding SS couldn't do anything but help right now.

Re: Carew.  The idea that Rod Carew was a 'slap hitter' is errant.  Did you ever see Carew hit?  He did not hit home runs much; though it was sometimes said of him, as it sometimes is today of Ichiro!, that Carew could have hit 25 HRs a season if he "wanted" to, which is ridiculous. . .  But he did hit line drives all over the place, and had a slugging percentage way above his league's average every year for most of his career.

Maybe you meant Wee Willie Keeler.  That's probably it.  Or Nellie Fox.


P.S.  I'm off to find a quantum mechanics message board.  I'm going to tell those fuckers about real quantum mechanics, and how we should give Neils Bohr some time off to become a slap theorist like Max Planck, 'cos he ain't getting it done with this particle physics shit. 

I mean, seriously, if you had the chance to trade Neils Bohr straight up for Einstein, wouldn't you do it?

Post of the year, so far.

[EasTexAstro]

  Everyone is given enough rope to climb to the top or hang themselves.  The choice is up to the individual. 

Somewhere between the top and the bottom is a port-a-potty that some of us stop at and never leave.

[davek]

Thanks for the meager "encourage[ment]" but I think Talkzone should be renamed "We Eat Our Young Here."

Personally I wouldn't let my young come anywhere near this place...

Mostly the folks here concentrate on eating other people's young...

[Jacksonian]

Mostly the folks here concentrate on eating other people's young...

Really though only the stupid ones.

[pravata]

Really though only the stupid ones.

No age limit either. 

[Curly]

Personally I wouldn't let my young come anywhere near this place...

Mostly the folks here concentrate on eating other people's young...

Tastes like chicken!

[Jacksonian]

Tastes like chickenshit!

Corrected.

[ybbodeus]

He just needs to have a few more flapjack breakfasts.  Send Lee to his house.

Or go find that doctor in Waco that "fixed" TMac's back.