Astros at Cubs: April 10th, 2007

[mihoba]

Astros Lineup, warmer today--48 degrees at Wrigley

1) Craig Biggio 2B
2) Morgan Ensberg 3B
3) Lance Berkman 1B
4) Carlos Lee LF
5) Luke Scott RF
6) Chris Burke CF
7) Adam Everett SS
Brad Ausmus C
9) Chris Sampson P

[remy]

Damn, you beat me to it by 5 seconds.  The 2 game threads I've started so far have been the 2 wins.  Oh well, we'll get em tomorrow.   

[mihoba]

Damn, you beat me to it by 5 seconds.  The 2 game threads I've started so far have been the 2 wins.  Oh well, we'll get em tomorrow.   

Can't let you rooks have all the fun. You can have the sCrubs lineup.

[Jacksonian]

Astros Lineup, warmer today--48 degrees at Wrigley

1) Craig Biggio 2B
2) Morgan Ensberg 3B
3) Lance Berkman 1B
4) Carlos Lee LF
5) Luke Scott RF
6) Chris Burke CF
7) Adam Everett SS
Brad Ausmus C
9) Chris Sampson P

I didn't know you can't do

Code: [Select]

8) with it coming out .

[EasTexAstro]

ok, so I am kinda bummed to see Mo batting #2.

Is Garner thinking he isn't giving Lee enough protection?
Or are they trying to split up the big hitters by putting Adam down at #7 to drive in some runs and letting Mo be the frozen duck between Biggio and Berkman?

[mihoba]

I didn't know you can't do

Code: [Select]

8) with it coming out .

Oh well, BudGirl wil be pleased. Not sure how to change that, hmmm.

[EasTexAstro]

Oh well, BudGirl wil be pleased. Not sure how to change that, hmmm.

BudGirl sees it as a feature, not a bug.

[Ty in Tampa]

Oh well, BudGirl wil be pleased. Not sure how to change that, hmmm.

Someone mentioned you can turn off the automatic smiley in your profile but the hell I could find it.

[mihoba]

I couldn't find it either.

[Jacksonian]

Oh well, BudGirl wil be pleased. Not sure how to change that, hmmm.

No worries.  I'm sure Waldo will have a fix for it.

[MusicMan]

ok, so I am kinda bummed to see Mo batting #2.

In fairness to Phil, Iceberg's .393 OPS in the two-hole so far does beat his .334 hitting 5th.

[ValpoCory]

When was the last time Biggio started two road day games on back-to-back days?

[EasTexAstro]

In fairness to Phil, Iceberg's .393 OPS in the two-hole so far does beat his .334 hitting 5th.

And that actually might make sense if he is really trying to be more agressive when batting 5th.

[homer]

Someone mentioned you can turn off the automatic smiley in your profile but the hell I could find it.

Yeah, that was me. I was mistaken, its a checkbox under "Additional Options" when you post a reply. Doesn't seem to be available in the quick reply.

[mihoba]

Yeah, that was me. I was mistaken, its a checkbox under "Additional Options" when you post a reply. Doesn't seem to be available in the quick reply.

That disables all smilies.

remy, you going to post the Cubbies lineup?

[austro]

Yeah, that was me. I was mistaken, its a checkbox under "Additional Options" when you post a reply. Doesn't seem to be available in the quick reply.

What is this "quick reply" feature of which you speak?

[Ty in Tampa]

What is this "quick reply" feature of which you speak?

Check in your profile. There is an option to show the quick reply box.

[remy]

Hehe, Lucas just said "B.S." on the pregame show (when referring to Pinella's no-nonsense style).  Are they allowed to say that?  Can he say "F.U., Barrett" too?

[austro]

Gracias!

[remy]

Can't let you rooks have all the fun. You can have the sCrubs lineup.

A. Soriano, CF
J. Jones, RF
D. Lee, 1B
A. Ramirez, 3B
C. Floyd, LF
M. Barrett, C
M. DeRosa, 2B
C. Izturis, SS
J. Marquis, P

[mihoba]

Okay, who has PBP?

[MusicMan]

Not the guy with a filing deadline a week from now.

[BudGirl]

No PBP by me.  I do think that is cute of Mihoba to put a cool smiley with Ausmus.  Now he has to have a good game.

[EasTexAstro]

Okay, who has PBP?

I elect mihoba

[mihoba]

I'll do it for 2 full innings

[Limey]

J. Marquis, P

Marquis de Suck has a losing record at Wrigley.  And don't forget, this is from when he was pitching against the Cubs.  He still annoyingly doesn't suck against the Astros though.  Here's what some luminary said about Marquis back in September of last year:

Marquis is one of those pitchers who you think is getting slammed, then you look up and he's got a quality start on the board.  7-3 with a near-5 ERA vs. Houston is that feeling expressed in numbers.  Having said that, we've seen him twice this year, and he's given up only 3 runs in 14.2 innings.  Berkman and Ensberg destroy Marquis, with 1.465 and 1.261 OPSs respectively.  Lane is 6-18 (.333) too.  Lamb is a disaster at 1-16 (.083).

[Ty in Tampa]

I've got just enough time to fuck around but not enough for PBP.

[EasTexAstro]

I'll do it for 2 full innings

Since all I got it this thread and gameday, it seems a little weak for me to try.

[mihoba]

Biggio says he loves Wrigley

Marquis pitching

grounder to short, wow, I'm seeing things

[Limey]

Since all I got it this thread and gameday, it seems a little weak for me to try.

Ditto.

[remy]

I've got just enough time to fuck around but not enough for PBP.

Same here.

Nice double, Mo!  Ok Lance, make Marquis pay like you usually do.

[MusicMan]

Gameday has been rendered useless... it's constantly about 2 innings behind.

[ValpoCory]

Biggio with his usual 1 pitch 1st inning AB.  Too bad no double today.  Glad Mo picked him up.

[ValpoCory]

Same here.

Nice double, Mo!  Ok Lance, make Marquis pay like you usually do.

Nice single Lance!   Come on Carlos!

[Limey]

Biggio with his usual 1 pitch 1st inning AB.  Too bad no double today.  Glad Mo picked him up.

Anyone explain how Mo doesn't score on Lance's single?

[mihoba]

Ensberg singles to left, Berkman single sends Mo to third

[remy]

I can try and do PBP, but I'm at work and might miss a play here and there.

Single just over Izturis's head by Berkman, Mo to 3rd.  Runners on corners, 1 out for Lee.

///

Lee smashes a single into RF.  Mo scores, Lance to third.

1-0 astros.

[ValpoCory]

Gameday has been rendered useless... it's constantly about 2 innings behind.

And Gametracker has Sampson with 0.0 IP on the season.

[Ty in Tampa]

He had to hold up to see if it went though. He looked like he stumbled a bit, too.

[EasTexAstro]

Well, I just got my radio from the truck and found a station that may deafen me with static, but might let me here just enough to cover an inning or two if the wind doesn't change directions or something.

[mihoba]

Ensberg singles to left, Berkman single sends Mo to third

Fuck it, let the rookie have it.

[ValpoCory]

Go Stros.

[MusicMan]

Anyone explain how Mo doesn't score on Lance's single?

Braymond said he got a slow jump on it.

[Limey]

Braymond said he got a slow jump on it.

Still watching the ball into the glove, eh?

[BudGirl]

I'll do it for 2 full innings

You'll do it until I say no more.  :-)

[remy]

Double over CF Soriano's head by Luke Scott.  Berkman and Lee score.

3-0 Astros.  Still just 1 out.


WHAT THE HELL TEAM IS THIS I'M WATCHING?

[Ty in Tampa]

Luke almost got nailed at 2nd.

[ValpoCory]

Glad to see Lee score from first on this Luke Scott double, unlike Sunday.

[remy]

Luke almost got nailed at 2nd.

Good thing almost doesn't count.   

[remy]

Burke strikes out swinging on a foul tip.

2 outs for Everett, Scott still on second.

[mihoba]

Fuck it, let the rookie have it.

Back on track

Burke swings on a high change, whiff, 2 down, Scott on second

[EasTexAstro]

well, if gameday is correct, everyone in the lineup today, except for Sampson, now has an avg of .200 or higher.

Small victories.

[mihoba]

AE

ball
ball low
strike low and outside (BS)
grounder to short, side retired

[remy]

Everett ground out to shortstop to end the inning.

3-0 Astros after half an inning.

Sampson makes his way to the mound.

[Craig]

Luke Scott must be wearing his shooting glasses today. Those fuckers are bright orange.

[Limey]

well, if gameday is correct, everyone in the lineup today, except for Sampson, now has an avg of .200 or higher.

Small victories.

Also, Sampson now has a bit of wiggle room before he takes the mound.

[remy]

Also, Sampson now has a bit of wiggle room before he takes the mound.

Some of the old Wrigley Wiggle?

[mihoba]

Chris Sampson on the hill with a three run lead!

Soriano leading off

ball low
foul back
FB inside, late swing
HBP, leaning over the plate

[remy]

Composure test for Sampson here.  Keep it together, kid... be the anti-redding.

///


Double effing play.  YES.

[mihoba]

Jock Jones

keeping Soriano close

curve high and outside
FB low and outside
grounder, 4-6-3 DP!

[BudGirl]

Why do some of you seem so nervous about Sampson pitching?

[mihoba]

Derek Lee

2-1 count
pop to Berkman, side retired

[Limey]

Why do some of you seem so nervous about Sampson pitching?

It's probably due to a massive case of the willies, brought on by the craptacular start to the season.

[Ty in Tampa]

WGN left the man-on-first dot on the scoreboard. I was trying to figure out what happened. They fucked up.

[MusicMan]

Limey nailed it.

[remy]

Why do some of you seem so nervous about Sampson pitching?

I wouldn't say I'm "nervous," I just really want to see him come out of the gate strong and show Garner that he belongs in the rotation.

edit:  And what limey said.

[mihoba]

BudGirl Ausmus steps in

FB strike
FB high
FB high
FB, grounder up the middle, snagged by DeRosa, one down

[BudGirl]

If I remember correctly, he has pitched against the Cubs before, getting a win.  I just don't think he was as nervous as you nellies seemed to be.  

I can understand the fear because of the way the season started.

[BudGirl]

BudGirl Ausmus steps in

FB strike
FB high
FB high
FB, grounder up the middle, snagged by DeRosa, one down

at least it wasn't a double play.

[mihoba]

Sampson at the plate

strike
ball high
stroked to left, dive by Showboater Floyd, 2 down

[mihoba]

Biggio

strike
foul
ball high, check swing on appeal
swing and a miss, side retired

[Bench]

Sounds like Burke and Biggio each went down chasing fastballs at their eyes.

[JimR]

Biggio's AB caused Purp to release him on the spot.

[Ty in Tampa]

Sounds like Burke and Biggio each went down chasing fastballs at their eyes.

Looked like it, too.

[Trey]

Why do some of you seem so nervous about Sampson pitching?

Chris Sampson is the baseball version of VY.  He just wins, baby.

[mihoba]

Aramis Ramirez digs in

FB strike on the outside corner
ditto, same pitch
ball low
ball low, close on the slider
sawed him off on an inside heater, foul (broken bat)
FB in the zone, smash to left, single

[MusicMan]

Biggio's AB caused Purp to release him on the spot.

I would think Jason Lane would be dead if this were true.

[mihoba]

Cliff Floyd, the dive master

ball outside
two-hopper to Biggio, fires to second, on to first..... out safe?

[remy]

eh, he was safe.

Damn close though.

[Limey]

Cliff Floyd, the dive master

ball outside
two-hopper to Biggio, fires to second, on to first..... out safe?

Close?  Fucked by the Ump?

[mihoba]

Butthead Catcher for the Cubs

strike
strike
Fly to Luke, 2 down

[tophfar]

If I remember correctly, he has pitched against the Cubs before, getting a win.  I just don't think he was as nervous as you nellies seemed to be. 

I can understand the fear because of the way the season started.

his first start last year was against the cubbies, i went to that game.   like a 2 hit shutout or some such, won on a brad ausmus homer 1-0.  or something close to that anyways.

[mihoba]

Mark DeRosa

strike, tight slider
FB low inside
FB inside, fouled back
FB at the knees, got the call, ring him up! Side retired, and so am I.

[BudGirl]

his first start last year was against the cubbies, i went to that game.   like a 2 hit shutout or some such, won on a brad ausmus homer 1-0.  or something close to that anyways.

Yeah, I know.  I was there.

[matadorph]

Close?  Fucked by the Ump?

kinda close, but the correct call. Biggio was slow on the transfer.

[Craig]

I can take over PBP for a little while if no one else is ...

Ensberg pops out to short left.
Berkman walks with one out, Lee up.

[Craig]

Lee fouls off the first pitch
And the second pitch.
Takes a ball high
Ball 2 low inside
Swings and misses on strike three low and outside
2 outs

[Craig]

Luke ditches the orange blossom special sunglasses, takes ball one and two
Takes strike one, looked low and inside to me
Bouncer to short ends inning, Berkman stranded at first.

[Craig]

Bottom 3rd, Izturis up
One-hopper to AE, one out

JD points out that Sampson is getting the calls low in the strike zone

[Craig]

Marky mark is up
Whiffs and falls on his ass on a ball way inside

[Craig]

Soriano up
Swings and misses at a FB
fouls off second pitch
Flies out to Burke, end of inning

3-0 Astros going to the fourth

[pravata]

Bottom 3rd, Izturis up
One-hopper to AE, one out

JD points out that Sampson is getting the calls low in the strike zone

Then he's going to kill em.  Exactly what he did the first time he saw them.  All they could do was top the ball.

[Craig]

Burke leads off 4th inning
Takes ball one
Takes strike one
Takes ball two outside and low
Takes ball three low and outside
Grounds weakly to Izturis, who throws low for a throwing error
Burke on first, no outs

[remy]

Back to back errors.

God I love the scrubs.

[Craig]

AE up with runner on first
Grounds back to marquis, who airmails it to second, dropped by Izturis
Runners on first and second on consecutive errors
Error charged to izturis but JD says it should be Marquis

[chuck]

Two things. First, sorry if I missed it, but why Sampson today rather than Wandy? For some reason I thought Sampson was slated for tomorrow.

Second, does anyone have any tips on telling Dolan and Raymond apart? Seriously, I've been listening to these guys for over a year and still have no idea who's who.

[mihoba]

JD said Marquis threw a 'hand grenade' to second base, lmao

[remy]

Ugh... Ausmus. 

[Craig]

Ausmus grounds into double-play, Burke goes to 3rd

[BudGirl]

Ugh... Ausmus. 

Are you using a crying smiley?  At least Ausmus didn't hit into a triple play.

[Craig]

Sampson grounds to short to end the inning
Consecutive errors wasted

3-0 Astros

[remy]

Sampson grounds to short to end the inning
Consecutive errors wasted

3-0 Astros

Well, not entirely wasted... at least we got the pitcher's slot out of the way for next inning.

[Limey]

Well, not entirely wasted... at least we got the pitcher's slot out of the way for next inning.

See Victory, Moral.

[ValpoCory]

Two things. First, sorry if I missed it, but why Sampson today rather than Wandy? For some reason I thought Sampson was slated for tomorrow.

Wandy pitched Friday.  Today is Tuesday.

[mihoba]

replays from Hell! (homers for Mejias and Hal Smith as Colt 45s)

[Noe]

Are you using a crying smiley?

"There is no crying (*smiley*) in baseball!" - Tom Hanks

[Craig]

Bottom of the 4th

Joke Jones up, takes ball one a little high
Takes ball two low and inside
Bounces an inside pitch to Berkman for first out

Bright red bats look like a trend this year

[Craig]

Lee up, strokes it over Sampson's head for a single

One out, runner on 1st

[Limey]

Lee up, strokes it over Sampson's head for a single

No way this guy deserves Cubdom.

[Craig]

ErrorMiss up, ball one juuuust a bit outside
Takes strike one on the outside corner
Ball two just inside
Flies out to deep left-center ... Burke was waiting on it.
2 outs

[Craig]

Diving Cliff Floyd is up
Takes the first pitch to left for a single

Men on first and second for Vagisil Barrett

[Craig]

The Bitch flies the first pitch to Luke for third out

End of 4, Astros ahead 3-0

[mihoba]

Dammit Burke, take charge!

[Ty in Tampa]

Dammit Burke, take charge!

I noticed that too. He played it like a left fielder.

[Craig]

Top fifth, Biggio up
Izturis boots a one-hopper and gets yet another E
Bidge on first

[ValpoCory]

Top fifth, Biggio up
Izturis boots a one-hopper and gets yet another E
Bidge on first

Marquis is pissed at the errors.  I notice a lot of "Pickoff Attempt"s happening after the errors.

[mihoba]

Marquis is pissed at the errors.  I notice a lot of "Pickoff Attempt"s happening after the errors.

Him and Barrett having a boo-hoo meeting

[BudGirl]

Marquis is pissed at the errors.  I notice a lot of "Pickoff Attempt"s happening after the errors.

None of the errors became runs though, did they?  I thought all three in the first were earned.

[Bench]

None of the errors became runs though, did they?  I thought all three in the first were earned.

True.

[Limey]

Marquis is pissed at the errors.

Bah!  You got yer money.  STFU and pitch!

[ValpoCory]

None of the errors became runs though, did they?  I thought all three in the first were earned.

Correct.  All 3 errors were in the last 2 frames.  Of course this inning isn't over yet.

[Bench]

So a 21 year old Dutch guy whose never pitched above single A is starting for the Marlins tonight? That's quite a story. Good luck to him.

[Craig]

MoBerg up ...

Swings and misses at strike one outside
Takes ball one low

This just in ... JD says Marquis is hardheaded

Marquis is dicking around on the mound and doing nothing

Now Vagisil comes out to talk to him. Ball one was 5 minutes ago

Mo looks at strike two

Ball two high and outside

Ball three low and inside

Mo fouls off a full-count pitch with Biggio running

Grounder to Izturis who doesn't boot it ... Ensberg out, Bidge at safe 2nd

[Craig]

Bidge on 2nd

Berkman takes strike one
Ball one inside
Marquis bounces ball two ... Vagisil blocks it
Marquis also bounces ball three ... barrett loses it between his legs
Ball four outside

[Limey]

Bidge on 2nd

Berkman takes strike one
Ball one inside
Marquis bounces ball two ... Vagisil blocks it
Marquis also bounces ball three ... barrett loses it between his legs
Ball four outside

The Marquis don't want no Berkman.

[mihoba]

barrett loses it between his legs

Well, now he has one down there.

[ValpoCory]

Carlos Lee looked at a 2-1 fastball for a strike with 2 runners on?  How Iceberg of him.

[ValpoCory]

Glad he walked.  Nice job Carlos.

[Craig]

Lee looks at strike one right down the middle
Fastball sails way high for ball one
Ball two bounces, Barrett jumps over and sucker punches the ball before runners can move
Lee looks at strike two on the outside edge
Ball three inside, full count
Ball four low and outside, bases loaded!
here comes the pitching coach ...

[Craig]

Bases loaded for Luke ...

First pitch is a high called-strike
Ball one inside

Angel Guzman warming up in the pen

Bouncer to DeRosa ... can't get the ball to second, goes to first for out 2, Bidge scores

4-0 Astros, two outs

[Ty in Tampa]

There ya go BudGirl.

[Limey]

Bouncer to DeRosa ... can't get the ball to second, goes to first for out 2, Bidge scores

Lee running from 1st.  Speed kills, baybee!

[Craig]

Chris Burke up, runners 2nd and 3rd

Burke walks ... bases loaded

[remy]

A double in the gap from AE here suuuuuuuuuuuuuure would be nice...

[ValpoCory]

There ya go BudGirl.

Yep.  One of the errors became a run.

[Limey]

Correct.  All 3 errors were in the last 2 frames.  Of course this inning isn't over yet.

There's an unearned run.

[Craig]

AE up with bases loaded, two outs

Strike one called ... looked low and outside to me
Foul pop to Derrek Lee ends the inning, three LOB

[ValpoCory]

When was the last Astros hit?  Luke Scott's first inning 1 out double?

[Craig]

I'll do PBP for the next half-inning if someone else can pick it up after that

[mihoba]

A double in the gap from AE here suuuuuuuuuuuuuure would be nice...

Thanks for that.

[Limey]

three LOB

That's 9 in 5 innings.

[Noe]

The Astros sure are close to having a break out inning soon.  This many chances at it is bound to turn into a laugher inning one day.

[remy]

Larry Birkhead is the baby daddy.

We can all sleep in peace again now.

[Craig]

Greg Lucas interviews fans while DeRosa bats

Grounds to Everett who throws him out

[Craig]

Izturis up, takes two balls
Takes ball three low
Walks on four pitches

[MusicMan]

The BFiB's are like giddy schoolgirls today.... Marquis giving up 4 pales next to Jeff Weaver going 2 IP, 7 ER.

[Limey]

Sampson is throwing strikes at a 3-1 clip vs. balls.  Marquit is 2-1.

[BudGirl]

The BFiB's are like giddy schoolgirls today.... Marquis giving up 4 pales next to Jeff Weaver going 2 IP, 7 ER.

Until someone points out that they need another pitcher with Carpenter on the DL.

[Craig]

Marquis called back, Theriot pinch hits with runner on first
Takes strike one at the knees
ball one inside
Slow roller to Everett ... out at first, runner on 2nd
two outs

[BudGirl]

scoring question.

runner reaches first on an error, only one out.  how many runs after the error are earned.

i.e., Sampson grounds out, Biggio reaches on an error, Ensberg homers, Berkman singles, scores on a double by Lee, then two consecutive outs to end the inning.  How many of those runs are earned?

[Bench]

Lidge is heading to the pen.

[Craig]

Soriano up, takes strike one
Fouls off strike two
Sampson doesn't get a call ... ball one
Bounces ball two, blocked by Ausmus
Soriano late on a fastball, fouls it off
Sampson throws one at Soriano's tits, ball three
Swing and a miss, strike three!

4-0 Houston after five.

Can someone else take over PBP now?

[mihoba]

I'll do a couple more innings, Craig.

[Ty in Tampa]

Soriano all over the plate. Sampson worked him pretty good without hitting him.

[EasTexAstro]

Can someone else take over PBP now?

Please?

I lost my radio feed....or I went deaf. Hard to tell.

[mihoba]

Now pitching for the Cubbies, righthander Angel Guzman

Bradley A slams it into the ivy in left, double!

[Froback]

I am here if you want me to take over.  I will work on my choice of words today.... maybe

[Ty in Tampa]

Bradley A slams it into the ivy in left, double!

[mihoba]

Orlando Palmeiro PHs for Sampson (64 pitches, 40 strikes)

bunt foul
squares to bunt, ball high
tapper to second, Ausmus to third, 1 down

[Astroholic]

I am here if you want me to take over.  I will work on my choice of words today.... maybe

Why are we pinch hitting for Sampson.  He has only thrown 64 pitches.  I hope this is not just to get Lidge work.

[Bench]

Orlando Palmeiro PHs for Sampson (64 pitches, 40 strikes)

bunt foul
squares to bunt, ball high
tapper to second, Ausmus to third, 1 down

Great job by Sampson. Let's see if the pen can preserve a starter's win for the first time this season. Radio guys said Lidge sat down, and White is warming.

[mihoba]

Pigpen

curve bends in, strike
another curve, swing and a miss
another curve, outside, Bidge flails at it and misses, 2 outs

[pravata]

Why are we pinch hitting for Sampson.  He has only thrown 64 pitches.  I hope this is not just to get Lidge work.

Sampson isnt stretched out.

[Ty in Tampa]

Pigpen

curve bends in, strike
another curve, swing and a miss
another curve, outside, Bidge flails at it and misses, 2 outs

U-gly

[Limey]

scoring question.

runner reaches first on an error, only one out.  how many runs after the error are earned.

i.e., Sampson grounds out, Biggio reaches on an error, Ensberg homers, Berkman singles, scores on a double by Lee, then two consecutive outs to end the inning.  How many of those runs are earned?

The runner who reached on the error is an unearned run if he scores.  Any other runners who score before the 2nd out are earned, any more scoring after 2 out is unearned.  In your example, Biggio's is an unearned run, Ensberg and Berkman are earned as they would've scored regardless of the error.

[WulawHorn]

Kinda surprised sampson still has such a short rope with Gar. I'm thinking maybe it's b/c he didn't get fully streched out in Spring training or early in the year.  Maybe if he gets more regular work we will see him going deeper into the game. I've always liked Sampson and wondered why he didn't get more of a chance. He would have been my #4 guy going into spring training- not that my opinion matters or anything, just happened to think it was odd how it all played out.

[EasTexAstro]

Why are we pinch hitting for Sampson.  He has only thrown 64 pitches.  I hope this is not just to get Lidge work.

With the cold, and the fact that he might not have completely stretched it out in spring training, and hasn't had too much work since spring training...

He maybe tired and they worry about him hurting himself in the cold.

[mihoba]

Ausmus camped on third

Mo takes a ball
hard slider fouled back
slider high
grounder to short, side retired.

[Limey]

Sampson isnt stretched out.

Could he not have bunted?  Saving OP for later?

[WulawHorn]

Damn it, more of the same poor situational hitting.  

[JimR]

Pigpen

curve bends in, strike
another curve, swing and a miss
another curve, outside, Bidge flails at it and misses, 2 outs

he is horrible on breaking pitches.

[Astroholic]

With the cold, and the fact that he might not have completely stretched it out in spring training, and hasn't had too much work since spring training...

He maybe tired and they worry about him hurting himself in the cold.

That makes since.  Pitched a hell of a game.

[EasTexAstro]

Could he not have bunted?  Saving OP for later?

With a leadoff double and they were pulling Sampson anyway, OP seems like a decent choice for contact there.

[mihoba]

Goliath takes over for Sampson

Actually its Rick White

Jocky Jones takes a strike low
slider swing and miss, inside
grounder to Bidge, 1 down

[CarolinaStro]

Limey, you watching this Man Utd thrashing of Roma?  Good lord, what a show...

[mihoba]

D Lee

ball
FB at the knees, strike
FB outside
swing and a miss on a heater inside
ball outside
FB right down the middle. lotsa movement, ring him up!! 2 down

[Bench]

Limey, you watching this Man Utd thrashing of Roma?  Good lord, what a show...

I guess they didn't have any trouble bouncing back after their disappointment over the weekend.

[mihoba]

A Ram

swing and a miss
grounder to short, side retired

[Craig]

D Lee
FB right down the middle. lotsa movement, ring him up!! 2 down

I can see White bellowing ...

"This ... is ... SHHPARTA!"

[Limey]

Limey, you watching this Man Utd thrashing of Roma?  Good lord, what a show...

Holy Fuck!!!!!!!!!!  Looks like the Manchester bizzies got a bit of payback in too.

This could be a good afternoon to ask my boss for a raise.

[Craig]

BTW, those Dallas Stars playoff commercials are the worst shit ever.

[mihoba]

Berkman spits seeds all over the plate and steps in against Guzman

ball
swing and a miss
heater just a bit inside
FB on the outside corner
curve low and outside
high FB fouled back
heater low and outside, swing and a miss, 1 down

[JimR]

good grief! will Lance ever get going? weak K to Guzman.

[Matt]

I can see White bellowing ...

"This ... is ... SHHPARTA!"

If he keeps up the ass kickings we can dub him Leonidas.  No leather speedo though.

[BudGirl]

BTW, those Dallas Stars playoff commercials are the worst shit ever.

Assuming you are watching FSN, are they saying the game is going to be on Wednesday evening?

And do you still live at the same address as last year?  I sent you an email yesterday but have not gotten a response.

[mihoba]

Lee

ball
strike, low and outside
swing and a miss on a slider outside
slider low
texas leaguer to center, falls in for a single

[S.P. Rodriguez]

If he keeps up the ass kickings we can dub him Leonidas.  No leather speedo though.

At least as far as we know, or want to know...

[mihoba]

Scott, with his ruby mirror Oakleys

fly to right, bounces into the stands, foul
easy 4-6-3 dp, side retired

[Bench]

Lee

ball
strike, low and outside
swing and a miss on a slider outside
slider low
texas leaguer to center, falls in for a single

Texas leaguer? The radio guys made it seem like a Soriano gaffe.

[BudGirl]

Yeah, I just got a ticket for the 8/26 game.

[mihoba]

Texas leaguer? The radio guys made it seem like a Soriano gaffe.

he broke back at first, but it fell in quite a ways from him

[Ty in Tampa]

Texas leaguer? The radio guys made it seem like a Soriano gaffe.

It did seem like he had a late jump and then gave up on it. It landed right in the middle of the triangle.

[Craig]

Luke has the orange sunglasses again. Sounds like he won't need them tomorrow. 90% chance of rain or snow.

[Bench]

he broke back at first, but it fell in quite a ways from him

Thanks. They went on and on about his horrible route and how it was a routine pop.

[Mr. Happy]

Thanks. They went on and on about his horrible route and how it was a routine pop.

Twas a Texas Leaguer.

[mihoba]

Cliff Diver faces White

FB just outside
FB low inside
liner to center, Burke snags it

[Craig]

Assuming you are watching FSN, are they saying the game is going to be on Wednesday evening?

And do you still live at the same address as last year?  I sent you an email yesterday but have not gotten a response.

Haven't noticed about the Stars playoff broadcasts, but I'll pay attention next time they play it.

Still at the same postal address, maybe a different email though.

[mihoba]

Ball-less Barrett

ball
strike
bender falls in, strike
FB at the knees, liner hits White, but he throws him out. Seems to be okay

[Ty in Tampa]

White has a fucking chin afro.

[Mr. Happy]

Miller and Qualls in Bully.

[Craig]

JD says Rick White "has some big 'uns."

[mihoba]

DeRosa

strike
soft liner up the middle, snagged by White! Side retired.

someone take over PBP, I gotta run

[ValpoCory]

Sampson and White in 2007 -- 13.1 IP, 0 runs.

[Froback]

White has a fucking chin afro.

He was a what?

[ASTROCREEP]

He was a what?

Who's warming up for the ninth?

[Froback]

Burke leading off, Guzman still pitching

Swing and a miss, strike 1
bouncer to 3B, Errormiss picks and makes the routine out to 1B.

1 gone.

[Froback]

Everett

Lined by ErrorMiss for a single on the first pitch.

[Noe]

Who's warming up for the ninth?

It's only the 8th inning, but I suspect if Miller/Qualls can go two, they will.

[Mr. Happy]

Warning--Lidge now up in bullpen

[Ty in Tampa]

He was a what?

A chin afro. It looks like he has Franklin Ajaye's head on his chin.

[Noe]

Everett

Lined by ErrorMiss for a single on the first pitch.

7 games played, 7 hit safely.

[Noe]

Warning--Lidge now up in bullpen

Cool.

[Mr. Happy]

Ausmus lines out to Izturis.

[Froback]

Ausmus

pickoff- Everett dives back in safe
pickoff again- Everett back safe
Pitchout- ball one, Everett wasn't going
Fastball on outside corner, strike one
Wildpitch past Barrett, Everett to 2B and ball 2....  Seems Barrett might have been distracted by Everett bluffing a steal

sharply hit ball to izturis, snagged, just off the top of the ground.  Everett holds at 2B.

[Mr. Happy]

Lamb PH

[mihoba]

Ball-less waved at that slider, runs to the brick and picks it up. He sucks!

[Noe]

Lamb PH

Means Lidge is coming in next inning:

Isturis
PH
Soriano

[ValpoCory]

Means Lidge is coming in next inning

Why does Lamb PH mean Lidge is coming in, versus a Qualls?

[Froback]

Lamb PH for White

Strike one, called.
Ball, outside
strike 2, good slider from Guzman
Step off
Ball, outside
Lamb backs out, as Guzman was acting to statue out there
Barrett goes and talks to Guzman, they can't seem to get together
Ball, outside, full count!
Ball 4, take your base!

[ValpoCory]

Biggio getting to bat here in the 8th.  Double switch possibility with Loretta.

[Craig]

There's a cardinal sitting in a bush in my front yard. I'm going to send a cat outside to give it an MRI.

[Froback]

Biggio... let's see another double

Ball, low
Fly ball out to Center, easy play to end the inning.

[mihoba]

Why does Lamb PH mean Lidge is coming in, versus a Qualls?

Maybe because Lidge is now more of a mop-up man than a 'hold' type?

[Astroholic]

Biggio getting to bat here in the 8th.  Double switch possibility with Loretta.

20 Lobsters through 8.  Unreal.

[ValpoCory]

Maybe because Lidge is now more of a mop-up man than a 'hold' type?

4-0 in the 8th at Wrigley is mop-up duty?

[mihoba]

20 Lobsters through 8.  Unreal.

I've got 9

[mihoba]

4-0 in the 8th at Wrigley is mop-up duty?

Point is, Qualls is in higher standing right now.

[JimR]

why is Biggio in the game?

E-4

damn those smileys.

[Froback]

Izturis leading off or scrubs
Qualls in, not Lidge

Strike one, called, right in there
Ball outside.  GC has them backward.
bouncer by mound, off Biggio's glove, error.

[chuck]

why is Biggio in the game?

E-4

What, you think the Astros have an All Star second baseman just sitting on the bench or something?

[ValpoCory]

Biggio with the error.  Garner definitely does not think of Loretta as a defensive replacement for Biggio.

[JaneDoe]

why is Biggio in the game?

E-4

damn those smileys.

Gettin' happy with those smiley thingys aren't ya?

[ValpoCory]

Nice DP Bidge.

[Noe]

Why does Lamb PH mean Lidge is coming in, versus a Qualls?

I was thinking a 4-0 lead means you use Lidge and save Qualls for tomorrow... same with Wheeler.  But what do I know?  Nuttin', that's what.

[JimR]

Biggio with the error.  Garner definitely does not think of Loretta as a defensive replacement for Biggio.

neither do i think that is Loretta's best use, but he can bring Burke in and put Lane in CF.

[Froback]

DWub PHing

Ball, low
Ball, outside... ok, let's not raise my ire again today CHAD!
Strike, called
Strike swining, 91 MPH sinker
Ball, outside... ok, you are pushing it here, don't forget you got a man on 1B.
grounder to Biggio, to Everett, to Berkman... DP... Sweet Lou didn't send Izzy and it cost him!

[hostros7]

gettin' happy by no runners on with Soriano up

[BudGirl]

Gettin' happy with those smiley thingys aren't ya?

Those extra question marks he uses creates them.  It makes me laugh.

[Noe]

Gettin' happy with those smiley thingys aren't ya?

Coach hasn't learned how to turn the darn things off yet... refer to the first page of this thread for instructions from Homer on how to do it.

[hostros7]

neither do i think that is Loretta's best use, but he can bring Burke in and put Lane in CF.

This is the scenario that crossed my mind...has Burke been getting consitent IF work in practice?

[Froback]

Soriano batting

Strike, called, 93MPH fastball
Fouled, back
Radio boys are discussing who might pitch the 9th.
Foul, lined into the stands
Miller might be an option or Qualls for 2 innings maybe
grounder to Berkman, races Soriano to the bag, and wins to end the inning!

[Noe]

Just read Craig's "90% chance of snow or rain tomorrow" post and now think Qualls and Wheeler pitch today and if they play tomorrow, circle the wagons for Wandy.

[BudGirl]

This is the scenario that crossed my mind...has Burke been getting consitent IF work in practice?

Let me see, if this works.????

[Craig]

Dan Wheeler warming up

[Mr. Happy]

Horrible fucking swing by Mo Berg

[Froback]

MoBerg leading off

Eyre is pitching

Ball one, low and outside
Ball two, outside (hey Ensberg's favorite pitching style)
Strike swinging... maybe it isn't attached to his shoulder
Strike looking... maybe it was an illusion last time
Strike swinging...  Hmm, well not exactly how I envisioned it when it got started

[Outlawscotty]

Iceberg; Outsberg; whatever.

[Froback]

Berkman

Sharp grounder to 2B, 4-3, 2 away

[ASTROCREEP]

This is the scenario that crossed my mind...has Burke been getting consitent IF work in practice?

I don't know, but he looked really good tunring a DP at 2nd this year. (can't remember which game)

[Outlawscotty]

Lidge also warming

[Froback]

Lee batting

Wheeler and Lidge pitching in BP.

Ball one, outside
Ball two, low and outside
foul, shanked into the stands
Fly ball to RF, for the final out.

[Froback]

Wheeler and Lidge pitching in BP.

"When we last met, I was but the learner.  Now I am the Master!"

[JimR]

i turned the smileys off about a week ago when it happened the first time. do they come back on?

Wheeler wild. WTF happens if he gets in trouble?

[BudGirl]

i turned the smileys off about a week ago when it happened the first time. do they come back on?

They did for you today. 

[BudGirl]

i turned the smileys off about a week ago when it happened the first time. do they come back on?

Wheeler wild. WTF happens if he gets in trouble?

Qualls??  White??

[JaneDoe]

They did for you today.  ??????

They drive me crazy.

[Froback]

Wheeler is in

Jones Leading off

Ball one, high
Ball two, high... not again...
Ball three, away...  Someone get me a drink...(and make it a double!)
Strike looking... don't make it a token thing now
He drives it to LF, for a double.  Thank GOD this wind is blowing in.  Bounced off the wall.

[tophfar]

This is the scenario that crossed my mind...has Burke been getting consitent IF work in practice?

I don't know, but he looked really good tunring a DP at 2nd this year. (can't remember which game)

Garner did it sat night.

[ValpoCory]

Qualls??  White??

Sampson.

[JaneDoe]

Qualls??  White??

White pitched earlier, did he not?

[ValpoCory]

We now have our save situation if Garner wants Lidge.

[Froback]

Lee batting

Strike one, called, right in there
Ball, just off the outside corner, didn't miss by much
Single, smashed to RCF, Jones scores... DANG IT!

[ValpoCory]

This is reminding me of one of the Billy Wagner non-save situation specials.  Man his ERA sucked in those.

[JaneDoe]

Lee batting

Strike one, called, right in there
Ball, just off the outside corner, didn't miss by much
Single, smashed to RCF, Jones scores... DANG IT!

Are there any outs?

[JimR]

Lidge is not throwing.

[ValpoCory]

Are there any outs?

No.

[Ty in Tampa]

Are there any outs?

No

[BudGirl]

White pitched earlier, did he not?

I was thinking if Wheeler didn't handle the situation past today.  If Lidge and Wheeler aren't the closer then who would be.

[JSAstrosFan]

So if the Cubs score 1 and only 1 more run, is it considered a save for Wheeler since the gap closes to 2 runs?

[chuck]

Are there any outs?

No outs. White and Qualls have both pitched today.

[CarolinaStro]

I was thinking if Wheeler didn't handle the situation past today.  If Lidge and Wheeler aren't the closer then who would be.

who else...rick white

[EasTexAstro]

must...trust..stuff...in...pocket...

[Limey]

So if the Cubs score 1 and only 1 more run, is it considered a save for Wheeler since the gap closes to 2 runs?

Nope.  You can't create your own save.

[Trey]

So if the Cubs score 1 and only 1 more run, is it considered a save for Wheeler since the gap closes to 2 runs?

No, it's from the point he enters the game.  If Wheeler is pulled and someone else comes in and they close out the game, then it would be a save (for the 2nd reliever, not Wheeler).

[CarolinaStro]

So if the Cubs score 1 and only 1 more run, is it considered a save for Wheeler since the gap closes to 2 runs?

nope

[JSAstrosFan]

Nope.  You can't create your own save.

That's what I figured, just needed confirmation.

[ValpoCory]

Nice K.

[Froback]

ErrorMiss in

Strike one, called... Dolan thinking this could tie the game... perhaps his math needs some work
Ball, away, fastball
Strike two! Called, Fastball on the outside corner
Foul, off the hands to the 1B side
Foul, grounder
Foul, bouncer to the 1B side, keeps fighting them off, come on Dan, punch him out!
Pick off throw to Lee, keeping him honest I guess
Foul, back
Strike swinging... That a boy Dan!

[CarolinaStro]

Limey, guess it will a fish-n-chips champions final four...

[Ty in Tampa]

You can see Ausmus get older with every block he makes.

[Froback]

Floyd in

Strike one, called on the inside corner with a fastball
SWING and a miss... strike two! Missed the slider (swung over the top)
HP Ump calls time
Ball, bounces in front of plate
RIPPED throught the right side of the IF for a single, Lee to 2B.

[Limey]

Limey, guess it will a fish-n-chips champions final four...

No shit.

[Outlawscotty]

Lidge up again

[chuck]

Lidge is up and throwing.

[utastro]

Lidge throwing in the bullpen.  How ironic.

[Outlawscotty]

Lidge is throwing up...

[Noe]

Lidge is up and throwing.

Maybe he'll get Isturis after all?  Dangit! 

[ValpoCory]

Nice K Wheels.

[Froback]

Barrett at the plate

Takes strike one, right down the middle
Foul, lined into the seats
Lidge throwing again
Foul, popped up... just into the stands, Floyd was running for some reason
Ball, low
Strike 3! 2 out. Outside corner.

[Limey]

Lidge is throwing up...

That makes two of us.

[MusicMan]

So I go to a meeting, and this is the shitstorm I come back to?

Come on, Wheels, put this away.

[Ty in Tampa]

Sit down, Monistat!

[Craig]

Awesome strikeout. Barrett whined like a pussy.

[Limey]

Barrett at the plate

Takes strike one, right down the middle
Foul, lined into the seats
Lidge throwing again
Foul, popped up... just into the stands, Floyd was running for some reason
Ball, low
Strike 3! 2 out. Outside corner.

K looking with the game on the line?  Sounds like an Astro.

[ValpoCory]

Wheeler's ERA is now at 9.82.

[Froback]

De Rosa comming up

Strike, outside corner, called
Single, grounder that skips of 2B... CRAP!!!!

Floyd to 2B, Lee scores

[Mr. Happy]

Wheels is not sharp

[Noe]

De Rosa comming up

Strike, outside corner, called
Single, grounder that skips of 2B... CRAP!!!!

Floyd to 2B, Lee scores

Huh?  You mean Biggio let it get under his glove?  No way... (sarcasm meter is set to high)

[Limey]

Single, grounder that skips of 2B... CRAP!!!!

The player or the bag?  These days one has to ask.

[ValpoCory]

0-2 count.  Come on Wheeler!

[ValpoCory]

Yes!!!  Astros win!

[Noe]

The player or the bag?  These days one has to ask.

Right there with ya Limey!  I went with Biggio right off the call by Froback.

[Froback]

Murton PHing

27 pitches by Wheels here... not going to be ready for tomorrow, probably.

Foul, back... took a good rip, trying to end the game.
Foul, pop up that just makes the stands beyond Berkman
Popped out to Berkman!!!

Astros win!!!!!

[chuck]

Can someone fucking call for it? Just for the hell of it?

[matadorph]

Goddamned that was an ugly ending.

[Froback]

Right there with ya Limey!  I went with Biggio right off the call by Froback.

Sad, isn't it?

Off the 2nd base bag.

[EasTexAstro]

For those of you watching the games the last couple of days:

I haven't heard anything about Burke's Blunders in CF. Has he been looking pretty good out there, finally?

[Noe]

Murton PHing

27 pitches by Wheels here... not going to be ready for tomorrow, probably.

Foul, back... took a good rip, trying to end the game.
Foul, pop up that just makes the stands beyond Berkman
Popped out to Berkman!!!

Astros win!!!!!

First series win of the year.  Sweet, it comes on the road too against the team that spent 300 meeellion dollars.  Irony is so ironic.

[Noe]

For those of you watching the games the last couple of days:

I haven't heard anything about Burke's Blunders in CF. Has he been looking pretty good out there, finally?

I watched the last four innings yesterday and he never had a chance to make a play.  So me no help on that one.

[Limey]

First series win of the year.  Sweet, it comes on the road too against the team that spent 300 meeellion dollars.  Irony is so ironic.

...and we dragged the Cubs down to our level:  3-5.

[Mr. Happy]

For those of you watching the games the last couple of days:

I haven't heard anything about Burke's Blunders in CF. Has he been looking pretty good out there, finally?

I thought that Burke looked alright.

[chuck]

For those of you watching the games the last couple of days:

I haven't heard anything about Burke's Blunders in CF. Has he been looking pretty good out there, finally?

Today he got a nice jump on a line drive hit well in front of him and was able to make a good running play.