Buchholz taking bull by the horns

[Froback]

Today's game he pitched 6 scoreless innings, looking very strong.

I think he just cemented the spot, IMO.

[Jacksonian]

Quote:
Today's game he pitched 6 scoreless innings, looking very strong.

I think he just cemented the spot, IMO.

Did he come out for the 7th?

[Jacksonian]

Nevermind.  I see Sparks in on for the 7th.

Nieve went 2/3 in relief over the weekend.  Buchholz goes 6 today.  It looks like Buchholz beat Nieve.  Still, I wonder if the Astros are going to be watching Carlos very closely until April 10.

[MusicMan]

Sparks opening another can of suck today.

[Froback]

Quote:
Nevermind.  I see Sparks in on for the 7th.

Nieve went 2/3 in relief over the weekend.  Buchholz goes 6 today.  It looks like Buchholz beat Nieve.  Still, I wonder if the Astros are going to be watching Carlos very closely until April 10.

I think the club is viewing Carlos as another option for down the road (later this season).  This would give the club more options, especially if Roger doesn't return and an injury to the current 5 occurs.  If Roger does return, then they have more trade options with Carlos showing a "return to form".

I think he would not replace Buchholz unless he starts to stink (ala Scott last year).  Obviously the more options you have the better.

[Jacksonian]

Quote:

Quote:
Nevermind.  I see Sparks in on for the 7th.

Nieve went 2/3 in relief over the weekend.  Buchholz goes 6 today.  It looks like Buchholz beat Nieve.  Still, I wonder if the Astros are going to be watching Carlos very closely until April 10.

I think the club is viewing Carlos as another option for down the road (later this season).  This would give the club more options, especially if Roger doesn't return and an injury to the current 5 occurs.  If Roger does return, then they have more trade options with Carlos showing a "return to form".

I think he would not replace Buchholz unless he starts to stink (ala Scott last year).  Obviously the more options you have the better.

Have they said why though Nieve was scheduled to go today, he hasn't?

[Froback]

Nieve is comming in for Sparks now, after he gave up a grand slam, probably blowing the game.

Really not understanding why Sparks is being kept around.

[Rebel Jew]

Quote:


I think he would not replace Buchholz unless he starts to stink (ala Scott last year).  Obviously the more options you have the better.

two potential issues with buckholz:

1. his history of starting slow when jumping to a new level for the first time

2. his tendency in the minors to give up long fly ball outs

[toddthebod]

Fuck Steve Sparks.  If the Astros are going to get a gimmick pitcher, I'd rather it be that Japanese submariner who pitched in the WBC whose knuckles were virtually scraping the ground on every pitch.  What's Kent Tekulve up to these days?

[Matt]

The games I've listened to Buchholz seems to be getting a lot of ground balls this spring and they said his 2 seamer he's been perfecting has a downward movement.