Astros@Brewers - April 20th (I refuse to type 4/20... d'oh!)

[remy]

1.    C. Biggio, 2B    R. Weeks, 2B
2.    M. Ensberg, 3B    J. Hardy, SS
3.    L. Berkman, 1B    P. Fielder, 1B
4.    C. Lee, LF    B. Hall, CF
5.    L. Scott, RF    J. Estrada, C
6.    C. Burke, CF    G. Jenkins, LF
7.    A. Everett, SS    K. Mench, RF
8.    B. Ausmus, C    C. Counsell, 3B
9.    M. Albers, P    B. Sheets, P

[Amy]

Hey, walk #2 for Bidge!!

[Amy]

Wheee!!!!  Bidge steals second, the throw goes into CF and he hustles to third!!

Anyone else here?

[mihoba]

I'm lurking...kinda

[Amy]

Wasn't that first run fun?  I enjoyed it. 

[Craig]

I'm here, blacked out again. Listening to Bob Eucker on XM.

[Amy]

I'm here, blacked out again. Listening to Bob Eucker on XM.

I've never listened to him.  Does he call a good game?  I've got the FSN Wisconsin broadcast.  Darin Sutton is gone and they've replaced him with a guy named Brian Anderson who is doing his best Ted Baxter impression.

[mihoba]

I'm here, blacked out again. Listening to Bob Eucker on XM.

Damn Craig, that sucks. I'm at home (DirecTV channel 639, FSH) I wonder if you can get the Fox Sports Houston feed somehow on Dish...

[Craig]

I've never listened to him.  Does he call a good game?  I've got the FSN Wisconsin broadcast.  Darin Sutton is gone and they've replaced him with a guy named Brian Anderson who is doing his best Ted Baxter impression.

Eucker isn't too bad, but he tends to start rambling and ignore the game. Like Milo, but his stories are interesting sometimes.

[Amy]

Eucker isn't too bad, but he tends to start rambling and ignore the game. Like Milo, but his stories are interesting sometimes.

Do you need some PBP?

[Craig]

Damn Craig, that sucks. I'm at home (DirecTV channel 639, FSH) I wonder if you can get the Fox Sports Houston feed somehow on Dish...

I don't know, but I'm about to go on nutshit on someone. I haven't gotten to watch a game in at least a week. I think what happened is that i lost my local UPN affiliate. I'm blacked out for Extra Innings and MLB.TV, but I don't have a local broadcaster. I get the Fox Southwest channel, but it's all Rangers, Stars, and Mavs. Earlier in the month I was getting the alternate Dish channels, but now even those are blacked out for Astros games. I don't get it, but I'm about to start calling and writing letters.

At least I have XM, but it's not a lot of consolation while my brand new huge-ass TV is sitting there blank.

[Craig]

Do you need some PBP?

No, thanks though. I'm following on the radio.

[Amy]

Damn, Brad's having a rough inning.  Second wild pitch.

[BUstrosFAN]

All I've got is Gameday...how badly is Albers missing the strike zone?

[MRaup]

Pbp please!

[mihoba]

Alright, Shrek lines it right to Lee, 1 down

[mihoba]

Counsell first pitch infield single between the mound and first, Albers couldn't pick it up

[mihoba]

Sheets sac, Counsell to second, 2 down

[MRaup]

I'm stuck at a clients house pretending I'm working... What's the score and such?

P.S. I love my blackberry.

[mihoba]

Weeks channeling Sheffield with his batting stance, walks

Albers is missing low, mainly

[mihoba]

Hardy

strike
ball low
sinker fouled back
liner right to Scott, side retired

[mihoba]

Bidge leading off

first pitch, pop to RF, 1 down

[mihoba]

Mo sans glasses

fakes a bunt for a strike
fouled back, 0-2
curve, Ensberg waits and hammers it to right for a single

[mihoba]

Berkman

ball
pickoff not close
pickoff, same
swing and a miss, change
high outside FB, fouled back
pickoff, not close
high FB, ball  2-2
FB just outside, full count
curve hooks in, K looking

[mihoba]

Boo birds for Lee

taking, strike
FB high
fly to left, side retired

[mihoba]

Albers takes on the heart of the order

Cecil Jr. steps in

pulled foul
curve bends in, 0-2
tapper foul, looked like a sinker
high fly to center, Burke camps under it, 1 down

[Amy]

I'm back.  I was eating dinner for a few minutes there.

[mihoba]

swing and a miss, Bill Hall
grounder to AE, easy, 2 down

[Amy]

Mihoba, what's your CF camera angle look like?  On FSWI, it looks like they're shooting home plate from shortstop.

[mihoba]

Estrada

takes a strike
ball low, change?
FB tapped foul check swing
curve fouled back, still 1-2
FB outside, ball, 2-2
FB fouled back
curve, easy roller to Berkman, side retired

[mihoba]

Mihoba, what's your CF camera angle look like?  On FSWI, it looks like they're shooting home plate from shortstop.

Yeah, it's kinda not really center is it?

[Amy]

Yeah, it's kinda not really center is it?

No and it's pretty annoying.

[mihoba]

Sheets deals to Luke, Burke, AE

Luuuuke little dribbler, Estrada jumps on it and get him, 1 down

[mihoba]

Burke takes a strike
liner to left, base hit

[Bench]

Bill Brown just informed us he has "a bit of a gag reflex problem."

Good to know.

[Amy]

Bill Brown just informed us he has "a bit of a gag reflex problem."

Good to know.

Eeew, TMI Brownie.

[mihoba]

AE takes a strike
FB low and outside
pop to center, 2 down

[JaneDoe]

Just checked the RR Express score.  Barzilla gives up 8 earned runs in the bottom of the 2nd in Omaha.

[Amy]

Has Estrada always been this poor throwing to second, or is he having a bad night?

[JaneDoe]

I hope this team continues to steal like this all year.

[mihoba]

Ausmus

pickoff to first, Fielder smothers Burke
pickoff, close, almost got'em
another pickoff
Burke steals second on a taken strike
mound conference w/ Mike Maddux
curve, check swing strike, 0-2
FB outside, ball, 1-2
curve bounced, Estrada jumps over and snags it, 2-2
FB fouled back, 95 mph gas, 2-2
curve fouled back, Brad hanging tough, still 2-2
FB high, swung thru it, K
side retired

[mihoba]

Albers on the hill

Jenkins, Shrek, Counsell due up

Geoff hot shot foul, just past Berkman
curve flicked to left, single

[Bench]

I hope this team continues to steal like this all year.

Yes. Not getting caught is a great strategy. I hope it keeps up too.

Seriously though, I'm kind of surprised by how much Burke has been running. I'm all for it, but I figured he'd lead the team with 18 SBs at the end of the year. I also love the aggression.

[mihoba]

Shrek

FB strike at the knees
curve lined to Biggio, soft liner, 1 down

[Amy]

Ouch!  Albers hit Counsell right on the knee.

[mihoba]

drills Counsell with the first pitch on the right knee, first and second, 1 down

[mihoba]

Sheets squares, bunted to Mo, sac. second and third, 2 down

[mihoba]

hook bends in for a strike
another curve, bounces. check swing strike, 0-2
ball low
FB tails in, ball, 2-2
FB swing and a miss, Albers hops with joy.....ugh, but good job

[Bench]

Some fantastic pitching by Albers. None of those pitches could have been driven. Really excellent execution in that situation.

[mihoba]

Albers leads off

fouled back
curve ball
curve tapper down the 3b line, sheets throws him out. damn, Albers is freakin' slow

[Bench]

Biggio flipped that bat like he was back at MMPUS.

[mihoba]

Biggio drives it deep, warning track fly to LC, 2 down

[mihoba]

Ensberg grounds to short on a 2-1 pitch, side retired.

[Jacksonian]

Some fantastic pitching by Albers. None of those pitches could have been driven. Really excellent execution in that situation.

Albers has had 4 plus pitches for several years now.  It's always been about location and self-control for him.  If he keeps on the straight and narrow and consistently locates his pitches well, he will sit at the top of the rotation with Roy.

[Amy]

Fuck that.

[mihoba]

Albers takes the ball

Hardy takes a FB strike
hanging curve, slammed over the LF wall

[JaneDoe]

Anyone know why the Red Sox are wearing green uniforms tonight?

[Bench]

Man, JJ destroyed that pitch.

[Bench]

Anyone know why the Red Sox are wearing green uniforms tonight?

Unfortunately, I do. It is to honor the memory of Red Aurebach.

[Amy]

Anyone know why the Red Sox are wearing green uniforms tonight?

Dunno, but they look like very bizarre Christmas elves.  An even better question is why are Kruk and Dusty broadcasting the game?  I saw a post about that in TZ earlier and thought it was a joke.

[mihoba]

Prince takes a strike
FB inside, ball, 1-1
FB low and inside, 2-1
FB low, 3-1
FB roller to Berkman, Fielder claims it hit his foot, called out, 1 down

[JaneDoe]

Unfortunately, I do. It is to honor the memory of Red Aurebach.

I read that they were going to do this tribute earlier in April, but the game was rained out.  This must be the "makeup" of the tribute.

[mihoba]

Hall takes a ball
ball, 2-0
FB low, 3-0
outside FB, swing and a miss
FB low, walk

[JaneDoe]

Crap.  Albers may be outta gas.

[mihoba]

Estrada tapper foul, low FB
liner to right, base hit, Hall to third, 1 out

[JaneDoe]

"Act like you've been there before."

Gotta love  Jimmy D. 

[Amy]

Hard to believe Wingnut turned that DP.

[JaneDoe]

Excellent double play by Everett.  He just makes it look sooooo easy.

[mihoba]

Jenkins FB inside, ball
pulled hard, foul, broken bat, 1-1
low outside FB, half ass swing, strike, 1-2
high FB fouled back, still 1-2
FB way high, 2-2
FB outside, fouled back, still 2-2
tapper to Albers, low throw to AE, snags it and fires to first, DP!

AE is a badass.

[T. J.]

And another run saved by the best in the business.

[remy]

Adam is just amazing.

Let's score some damn runs.

[Amy]

I think Albers throw to AE may have bounced.  For sure it was low.  Wingnut is a stud!

[JaneDoe]

Jenkins FB inside, ball
pulled hard, foul, broken bat, 1-1
low outside FB, half ass swing, strike, 1-2
high FB fouled back, still 1-2
FB way high, 2-2
FB outside, fouled back, still 2-2
tapper to Albers, low throw to AE, snags it and fires to first, DP!

AE is a badass.

Are you the ASSMAN?

[Bench]

OK boys, let's get it to the pen this inning. Keep chipping away.

[Amy]

The Twinkie got a hit!!

[mihoba]

The Twinkie man leads off against Sheets

FB fouled back, right down Broadway
liner to right, Shrek keeps it from the corner, single

[remy]

I think Albers throw to AE may have bounced.  For sure it was low.  Wingnut is a stud!

Pretty sure it did.

Leadoff single Lance.

Okay Caballo, piss those boobirds off even more.

[Bench]

It's remarkable how much Prince looks like his daddy, and really sad that they don't even talk anymore.

[mihoba]

Lee watches a ball
pickoff not close
takes a strike, 1-1
Fly to left center, Hall catches it on the run, 1 down

[T. J.]

The Twinkie man leads off against Sheets

FB fouled back, right down Broadway
liner to right, Shrek keeps it from the corner, single

Hard, hard hit ball.  It was on the ground all the way and he still had to leave his feet to keep it from getting into the corner.

[Amy]

It's remarkable how much Prince looks like his daddy, and really sad that they don't even talk anymore.

He does look a lot like him.  I don't remember Cecil being short though.

[mihoba]

Luuuke takes a strike
pickoff, Berkman dives back
FB outside
FB low, 2-1
FB high, 3-1
FB high and inside, walk, 1st and 2nd, 1 out

[remy]

Jedi draws the walk.  2 on, 1 out for Burke.  How about one of those doubles in the corner...

[JaneDoe]

Is Gameday freakin out for anyone else?

[remy]

God damn it I said double, not double play.

[mihoba]

Burke fouls it back
hanging curve, swing and a miss, 0-2
another curve, fouled back
tapper to third, around the horn DP, side retired

[Amy]

SHIT!!  I thought Burke might beat it out, but nothing doing.

[T. J.]

This is the first time I've seen the Brewers this year.  Have they gone back to the old "MB" logo in the shape of a baseball glove, or is this a throwback night.

And was I the only one who didn't know until just recently that the logo was actually an "M" and a "B"?  I never noticed...just thought it was a silly looking glove.

[T. J.]

And is there ANY way to keep it from going back to the main GZ menu after you post??!!  Thanks.

[mihoba]

Albers going for one more inning, good crowd at Miller Park tonight

This is it for me, need PBP relief for the 7th

Shrek leads off
curve, ball in the dirt
ball low
fouled off, 2-1
foul down the LF line, 2-2
rising FB, fouled back, still 2-2
hanging curve, deep to left, Lee gets it on the track, 1 down

[Amy]

This is the first time I've seen the Brewers this year.  Have they gone back to the old "MB" logo in the shape of a baseball glove, or is this a throwback night.

And was I the only one who didn't know until just recently that the logo was actually an "M" and a "B"?  I never noticed...just thought it was a silly looking glove.

It's retro night.

[mihoba]

Sore knee Counsell

takes a strike
ball
ball outside
tapper to Albers, he gets it and thrown to Lance, 2 down

[mihoba]

Sheets taps it to Ensberg who cuts it off, side retired

I'm done.

[Amy]

That was a good inning.  Wonder if it would be pushing our luck to go one more with Albers?

[Amy]

Sheets taps it to Ensberg who cuts it off, side retired

I'm done.

I can take the PBP for a while.

[Amy]

Sheets pitching to Everett.  AE showing bunt, then doubles to left on the second pitch.

[T. J.]

Unfortunately, I do. It is to honor the memory of Red Aurebach.

Damn, I just flipped over to see that, and shit those are ugly. 

While I was there I heard Alex Rodriguez has TWO more home runs tonight, making it 12 for the year.  And Ortiz just about broke his ankle trying to slide/not slide into second.  Ugly.  Not going back over there.

[T. J.]

It's retro night.

Wish the good guys would've broken out the blue and gold tonight then.

[Amy]

Damn, I just flipped over to see that, and shit those are ugly. 

While I was there I heard Alex Rodriguez has TWO more home runs tonight, making it 12 for the year.  And Ortiz just about broke his ankle trying to slide/not slide into second.  Ugly.  Not going back over there.

Papi broke his ankle??  Gonna be some suicides in Boston tonight.

[Amy]

Ausmus trying to sacrifice, but Sheets not obliging him.  Now on 2-1 Ausmus is swinging.

[JaneDoe]

And is there ANY way to keep it from going back to the main GZ menu after you post??!!  Thanks.

Yes.  If I remember correctly, click on profile at the top of the page, click on Look and Layout Preferences on the left hand side of page,  check the box by Return to topics after posting by default.

That should do it for you.

[T. J.]

Papi broke his ankle??  Gonna be some suicides in Boston tonight.

No, no, no.  Just about did.  He went in easy on a double, decided to slide, decided he didn't need to slide, slid anyway, stuck his ankle in the dirt, fell over second, about got tagged out...

That's about it.  Could've hurt himself, but didn't.

[Amy]

Couple of foul balls, count is 2-2.

WOW, Ausmus doubles off the base of the wall in LF.  Thought it was a flyout.

[mihoba]

Couple of foul balls, count is 2-2.

WOW, Ausmus doubles off the base of the wall in LF.  Thought it was a flyout.

That ball hung up there for a loooong time

[Amy]

Opie pops up a bunt, foul down the 3B line.  Counsell dives and catches it.  You've got to be shitting me!!

[JaneDoe]

Why was OP bunting?  Swing away man!

[T. J.]

Yes.  If I remember correctly, click on profile at the top of the page, click on Look and Layout Preferences on the left hand side of page,  check the box by Return to topics after posting by default.

That should do it for you.

Excellent.  Thank you.  Let's try it...

(Edit).  It worked!

[JaneDoe]

Excellent.  Thank you.  Let's try it...

(Edit).  It worked!

Good.  That really drove me crazy until I changed it.

[Amy]

Don't know why Sheets is throwing fastballs to Bidge, but go for it man.

Bidge flys to RF, line drive right to Mench.

[T. J.]

Man, they were playing Bidge shallow.  Thought that one was in there.

[JaneDoe]

I still can't get Gameday to load--anyone else having the same problem?

[Amy]

Mo just took a big hack at a 2-1 fastball.  2-2 is way outside, full count now.

[LonghornCDR]

I still can't get Gameday to load--anyone else having the same problem?

Working fine for me.

[Amy]

Mo flys out to RF.  Thought that pitch might have been outside.

[LonghornCDR]

Sawks just got to Rivera.  Blown save.

[remy]

Red Sox tie it in the 8th, blown save Mariano.  Why do I care?  No W for 4T.

//

Sox take the lead 7-6, Mariano in line for the loss.

[Amy]

Rick White pitching for the 'Stros.

[LonghornCDR]

Red Sox tie it in the 8th, blown save Mariano.  Why do I care?  No W for 4T.

Second time this week Mariano has blown it for him.  Heh.

[T. J.]

At what point did every "Richard" stop going by "Dick" and start going by "Rick"?  Is there anybody under the age of 50 that goes by "Dick"?

(Rick White in to pitch.)

[T. J.]

Is that the Wu Tang Clan logo on his bat?

[Amy]

Damn, Weeks took on walk on what looked to be a pretty close pitch but I guess was inside at the knees.  This camera angle is kind of funky.

[remy]

And was I the only one who didn't know until just recently that the logo was actually an "M" and a "B"?  I never noticed...just thought it was a silly looking glove.

Wow, I never realized that either... just thought it was a goofy cartoon glove.

http://www.sportslogos.net/images/Baseball/NL/MIL_1179.gif

[remy]

Adam Everett is simply God.  That is all.

[JaneDoe]

At what point did every "Richard" stop going by "Dick" and start going by "Rick"?  Is there anybody under the age of 50 that goes by "Dick"?

(Rick White in to pitch.)

Yeah, EVERY middle-school aged boy named Richard I know wants to be called DICK.

[Amy]

Grounder to Bidge, who flips to AE to start the DP.

[T. J.]

Wow, I never realized that either... just thought it was a goofy cartoon glove.

http://www.sportslogos.net/images/Baseball/NL/MIL_1179.gif

Good!  You made me feel a little better about myself then.  Once somebody told me, I thought "How did I not see that before?!"  I figured I was just an idiot. 

[Amy]

Yeah, EVERY middle-school aged boy named Richard I know wants to be called DICK.

My next door neighbor growing up was named Richard and went by Dyke.  No kidding.  It wasa  nickname his uncle gave him, but I can't remember the story.

[Amy]

Fielder walks.  Crap.

[T. J.]

Yeah, EVERY middle-school aged boy named Richard I know wants to be called DICK.

But that's my point.  I mean "Dick" has always meant "dick", hasn't it?  They didn't just make that up around 1965.  (Did they?)

By the way, Adam Everett is pretty good.

[remy]

Come on White... just get one more out PLEASE...

[Amy]

3-0 to Hall.  Jesus.

Ball four, I guess it was outside but it looked pretty close to me.

[LonghornCDR]

Rick White is making my tummy hurt.

[T. J.]

C'mon Dick.  Throw strikes.

[mihoba]

White is nibbling tonight. Hate that shit.

[Amy]

Wallace out to talk to White.

Sheets is not coming back out BTW.

[Amy]

Easy bouncer to Everett, inning over.  Phew!

[LonghornCDR]

Whew.  All better now.

[Bench]

Nothing makes me breathe a sigh of relief like a two out bouncer in the general direction of short.

[mihoba]

Wallace out to talk to White.

Sheets is not coming back out BTW.

Let someone else do PBP Amy, you need to read Noe GZ post on how to do PBP the correct way.

[Bench]

Wow, I never realized that either... just thought it was a goofy cartoon glove.

http://www.sportslogos.net/images/Baseball/NL/MIL_1179.gif

I'm sorry, I understand, but I am obligated to say YOU ARE AN IDIOT.

That was passed down to me by my older brother in about 1984.

[JaneDoe]

White is nibbling tonight. Hate that shit.

Nibbling and shit in the same post is making my tummy hurt.

[mihoba]

maybe start by showing the score in the subject line at all times

[Amy]

Let someone else do PBP Amy, you need to read Noe GZ post on how to do PBP the correct way.

Holy crap, what have I done now?

[mihoba]

not much, thats the point.

[Bench]

Holy crap, what have I done now?

There's a certain way to post these things. That's all. Some folks around here rely on these posts for game explanation.

You're getting to be a regular around here, you should know how to do things pretty soon.

[LonghornCDR]

A-Rod soft liner to 2B when it really counts.  King of the anti-clutch performance.

[JaneDoe]

Is Berkman below the Mendoza line again?  I can't get Gameday to load for up to the minute stats (box score).

[Bench]

not much, thats the point.

If I had my computer in the same room as my TV, I'd be all over it for you, but too much pacing is involved already.

[JaneDoe]

Lee strikes out swinging.  2 out no one on.
Scott strikes out on a change up. 3 outs.

[Bench]

Yes, things are tense in our game.

BUT, is it just me or is Braden Looper's April performance the most shocking development of the young season?

Meanwhile, Wise drills down the Astros 1-2-3. Tie ball game.

[Bench]

Oh, and the Japanese feller the Red Sox DIDN'T pay $100M for got the save tonight.


Rick White still in
1-1 pitch to Jenkins, ball.
2-1: swing and miss.
Full count: K high and outside.

One down.

[mihoba]

Lee strikes out swinging.  2 out no one on.
Scott strikes out on a change up. 3 outs.

See Amy? This is how you should do it, keep the score in the subject line. If you quote your own post, it stays up there. Pitch by pitch is even better. I'm not trying to be a hardass (another ass reference, ha) but read Noe's post thats a sticky in the GZ forum.

[Bench]

Ball
Strike swinging
Up the middle to Biggio who ranges, sets and throws, gets him!

[ybbodeus]

Help me out.  That third strike on Scott.  When a catcher moves his met back four inches or so towards the strike zone, isn't that a FAIRLY good clue that it was a ball?  I know, an insurance move.  Umps can see that movement, too, can't they?  

Oh, well, I'm just frustrated.  I'll vent somewhere else as we move forward.

[Ty in Tampa]

Got lucky there.

[Bench]

White v. Counsell

Payoff pitch: pop up, AE squeezes. Inning over.

[JaneDoe]

White pitching.
Jenkins swings and misses 0-1.
     Ball
     Ball
     Swinging strike
     Ball
     Strikes out swinging.

Mench
     Ball
     Swinging strike
     Hits it up the middle, SNAGGED BY Biggio---OUT!  JD and Brownie remark how Bidge's arm looks much stronger this year.

Counsel
     Ball
     Ball
     Strike
     Ball
     strike
     Popped to Everett behind 2B

[Ty in Tampa]

The Beards got his mojo workin'.

[Amy]

See Amy? This is how you should do it, keep the score in the subject line. If you quote your own post, it stays up there. Pitch by pitch is even better. I'm not trying to be a hardass (another ass reference, ha) but read Noe's post thats a sticky in the GZ forum.

Man, y'all are really a pain in the ass about this stuff.  I am not the only person who doesn't use the subject line.  Frankly, I never read it and forget the thing is even there.  I was just trying to help out because no one else volunteered.  I'm not a professional.

[ybbodeus]

Chill, A.  Maybe they have dial-up!

[T. J.]

I'm sorry, I understand, but I am obligated to say YOU ARE AN IDIOT.

That was passed down to me by my older brother in about 1984.

Hold it, you called the wrong one of us an idiot.  I'm the idiot.  Or both of us are.  Idiot.

At least I knew the Expos logo was for Montreal Expos Baseball.

The Brewers logo should be a mug of beer anyway.

[Bench]

Man, y'all are really a pain in the ass about this stuff.  I am not the only person who doesn't use the subject line.  Frankly, I never read it and forget the thing is even there.  I was just trying to help out because no one else volunteered.  I'm not a professional.

No problem, Amy. You'll get the hang of it in no time.

[Amy]

No problem, Amy. You'll get the hang of it in no time.

Sorry, maybe color "man" is more my calling.

[Ty in Tampa]

Man, y'all are really a pain in the ass about this stuff.  I am not the only person who doesn't use the subject line.  Frankly, I never read it and forget the thing is even there.  I was just trying to help out because no one else volunteered.  I'm not a professional.

Post however you like. But don't volunteer for PBP if you're not willing to do it right.

ETA: That sounded harsh, but some really do rely on it. Sorry.

[Ty in Tampa]

Sorry, maybe color "man" is more my calling.

You're definitely good at the color.

[LonghornCDR]

Aquino's Gameday photo looks like Grace Jones.

[Bench]

So what do y'all think? If the lead gets taken here, Lidge in for the 9th?

[mihoba]

Man, y'all are really a pain in the ass about this stuff.  I am not the only person who doesn't use the subject line.  Frankly, I never read it and forget the thing is even there.  I was just trying to help out because no one else volunteered.  I'm not a professional.

WFW

[T. J.]

Take one E.

[Bench]

Two on, none out.

GET IT DOWN, BRAD!

[LonghornCDR]

Take one E.

Keep talkin'.  Looks like they're listening.

[Bench]

Two on, none out.

GET IT DOWN, BRAD!

Brad gets it down, catcher picks up and fires to third... SAFE!!

Bases loaded, none out.

[Amy]

That bunt didn't go far.  Good on Burkelet getting to third fast.

[Ty in Tampa]

Great bunt. Everyone safe!

[T. J.]

Whew.  Even with the one-hop throw, I thought he was out.  Very close.  C'mon Mikey.

[T. J.]

Keep talkin'.  Looks like they're listening.

Get one up in the air Mike.

[Alkie]

My Clam!
My Clam!
My Clam!

[Alkie]

BULL.  SHIT. 

Not even close.

You owe me, Blue.

[T. J.]

Fucking terrible call.  Ridiculous.

[Bench]

My Clam!
My Clam!
My Clam!

Your clam be shut.

[Ty in Tampa]

Even the Brewers' talkers say it wasn't a strike.

[Amy]

Brewers announcers didn't think it was a strike either.

[mihoba]

That wasn't a fucking strike, dipshit ump

[Alkie]

My Clam be fucked.  That was horseshit.

[JaneDoe]

My Clam!
My Clam!
My Clam!

How long have you been holding on to that one, trying to save it for just the right time?

[Amy]

BIDGE!!!!!  GRAND FUCKING SLAM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Bench]

BGO!!!

Unreal!

3rd career GS!!!!

[Alkie]

I am Jack's complete sense of surprise.

[Ty in Tampa]

BIDDDGGGGGGGEEEEEOOOOOOO!!@!!!!

[mihoba]

Pigpen gets it done!!!! Salami!!!

[Waldo]

GRAND SLAM!!!

[JaneDoe]

GRAND SLAM BY BIDGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[T. J.]

It would've been better for his records had it been a double.  Or a HBP.  :-)

[matadorph]

AGFFDFGYRGSDFSFSFSDFSGGGHHHH!!!!!!!!!!

[Bench]

I am Jack's complete sense of surprise.

Wow. That is so many years old, it's creepy.

[Alkie]

How long have you been holding on to that one, trying to save it for just the right time?

Holding on to what?  I been calling him that for years, if that's what you meant.

[LonghornCDR]

Damn rally killer.

[Amy]

It would've been better for his records had it been a double.  Or a HBP.  :-)

He's making a run at 300 HRs too.

[Lurch]

Who is this team?!

[JaneDoe]

Holding on to what?  I been calling him that for years, if that's what you meant.

Sorry, I just don't recall that.

[Ty in Tampa]

Damn rally killer.

Really. That took all the wind out of their sails.

[Alkie]

That was Craig's first slam in 13 fucking years.

I was in high school.  Man.

[remy]

That's what you call having some goddamn killer instinct. I am loving this team.

[Ty in Tampa]

Lidge pitching.

[Alkie]

I really, really hope Brad keeps his shit together here.

[JaneDoe]

Lidge?  Why?  I was just getting comfortable with this game.  Now I gotta be nervous all over again.

[Amy]

That HR by Bidge was pretty much identical to the fly ball he hit earlier that missed going out by about two or three feet.  Guess he made the adjustment.

[Ty in Tampa]

Lane in center, burke @ 2B, Lamb @ 3B

[mihoba]

Wow, that was one hell of a smack by the old man.

Lane in CF, Burke to 2B, Lamb at 3B, Lidge on the hill

PH Tony Gwynn Jr., ball low
FB ball low, 2-0
FB strike, middle in
FB tailed outside and low, 3-1
FB low, fuckin' walk

[remy]

Why Lidge?  Leadoff walk. Fucking fuck.

[Alkie]

Not good, Brad.  Not good.

[T. J.]

Shitfuck.  Lidge is down 2 balls and no strikes seemingly every time.  Get ahead of a hitter sometime Brad!

[Greg M]

Is Wheeler even avail tonight??

[JaneDoe]

Lidge gives up a leadoff walk.

[LonghornCDR]

Is Wheeler even avail tonight??

Three innings in last two nights with no rest in sight.  I say no.

[Alkie]

Who closes in a few minutes?  Qualls?

[JaneDoe]

Lidge gives up a leadoff walk.

Wild pitch, runner to 2nd.

[Ty in Tampa]

Absolutely awful pitch.

[Bench]

Is Wheeler even avail tonight??

3 IP 2 days, not there.

Oh, this is on Lidge to get the job done. Very tenuous.

[matadorph]

Nut up, Lidge.

[mihoba]

Weeks in the box, Gwynn at first

FB high
FB 3 feet outside, wild pitch (get him the fuck out of there Garner), Gwynn to second

[T. J.]

Shitfuck.  Lidge is down 2 balls and no strikes seemingly every time.  Get ahead of a hitter sometime Brad!

Again

[Alkie]

Fuck it.  Get him out.

I swear to god.

[remy]

Garner is scared to get someone warming up in the pen because he doesn't want to hurt Lidge's feelings.

[matadorph]

yep, yank him now.

[mihoba]

FB high, 3-0
FB high, another walk. Save situation now for some one else.

[Ty in Tampa]

motherfucker.

[JaneDoe]

Another walk.  No one out.  Get it together Brad!

[Greg M]

Don't trust his stuff Gar!

[Alkie]

Gar said "get Qualls ready."

[Amy]

Qualls and Miller are throwing.

[T. J.]

Let's turn three infield.

[matadorph]

the two-strike situation. scary.

[JaneDoe]

Qualls and Miller are throwing.

They better warm up quick. 

[Alkie]

Nice K there.

[Amy]

That slider was nasty.

[mihoba]

Hardy

strike!
slider outside, 1-1
high slider, swing and a miss, 1-2
slider swing and a miss, K, 1 down

[Greg M]

whew

[remy]

Good slider, wow.  Whew.  Two more.

[Savage]

Let's get two more out before four score.  i'm not asking for a lot here.

[Bench]

It's remarkable how different he looks pitch to pitch.

[T. J.]

Groundballgroundballgroundballgroundball.

[remy]

Groundballgroundballgroundballgroundball.

toeverettpleasetoeverettpleasetoeverettpleasetoeverettplease

[ybbodeus]

The team is essentially the same; they're just taking a different approach.  Instead of stinking up the entire first 4/5's of the season and making the mad dash for the playoffs, they're stinking up the first 4/5's of the GAME and making mad dash for the win.

Could tonight be the end of Lidge?  Again?

[LonghornCDR]

"Simba.  You are more than you have become."

The re-birth of nails starts now.

ETA:  I'll shut up now.

[Waldo]

YANK HIM.

[remy]

Could tonight be the end of Lidge?  Again?

3 run homer for Fielder.

When will it be the final straw for Lidge?  I'm out of words for this guy.

[Amy]

Motherfucker.  The look on Gar's face was not pretty.

[mihoba]

Prince

ball
tapped foul, 1-1 (FB)
slider tapped foul, 1-2 (slider didn't break much)
hanging slider, slammed to right, gone. 6-5 Astros.

[Alkie]

No more.

Ever.

Seriously.

No more.

Trade him.  Release him.  I don't care.  If he gets his shit together, let him do it somewhere else.  We have PLENTY of good arms without him.

[T. J.]

Dayum.  Don't try to catch that one bare handed.

That was a truly bad look in Lidge's eyes there.  Looked like defeat to me.

[mihoba]

Garner you hard headed mother!!! Pull his ass!!!

[Greg M]

That slider doesn't have any bite.

[T. J.]

Pretty play!  Clank?!  Is that you?

[mihoba]

shot to third, Lamb guarding the line, throw to first, got him, 2 down.

[Waldo]

Winning run now at the plate...

[Alkie]

You fucked up Gar.

You.  Fucked.  Up.  I've never said that before.

I get what he's trying to do.  This is a team sport.  Not a Lidge sport.

[mihoba]

first pitch gapper to left center, double.

[Savage]

Winning run now at the plate...

Tying run now at second.  And garner pulls his head out of his ass.

[JaneDoe]

Winning run now at the plate...

Gotta get his ass outta there.

[T. J.]

Jeezus.  That was a terrible pitch.  Laid it in there for him.

[Ty in Tampa]

This is surreal. Garner has lost his fucking mind.

[ybbodeus]

The ghost of the Pittsburgh comeback has returned to haunt my red-headed ass!

[JaneDoe]

This is surreal. Garner has lost his fucking mind.

No Lidge has.

[remy]

Why the fuck was Lidge pitching in the 9th anyway?  I know wheeler probably isn't available tonight, but ANYONE but lidge for god's sake.  ANYONE.  Lidge cannot handle 9th innings.  Jesus.

[Lurch]

Someone get TB on the phone quick!!  Maybe they're not watching!!  Youve got like 10 mins before SportsCenter has an expose on it.  9:45...

[JaneDoe]

The ghost of the Pittsburgh comeback has returned to haunt my red-headed ass!

Don't call that spirit up from the depths.

[Greg M]

Deep breath......

[chuck]

I've been in Lidge's corner all along and now I'm starting to feel like a shithead.

[Bench]

And it's done.

One fucking out, that's all. We're moving forward now, right??

[LonghornCDR]

Does Lidge owe money to the mob?

[Alkie]

Ok, I know I'm pretty well known for the exaggerating and hotheaded overreaction, but does anyone in here have even the slightest hope for Lidge as an Astro at this point?

[Amy]

Don't call that spirit up from the depths.

They showed it on ESPN just the other day, talking about the Yankees comeback.

[Ty in Tampa]

no

[remy]

Ok, I know I'm pretty well known for the exaggerating and hotheaded overreaction, but does anyone in here have even the slightest hope for Lidge as an Astro at this point?

I honestly haven't for quite some time.  Emotions aside, I think he is genuinely toast.

[JaneDoe]

oh come on!  you've been giving Milwaukee strikes for much worse pitches than that

[matadorph]

this is fucking ridiculous.

[mihoba]

Tying run on second, two outs, and Garner is a hard headed SOB. Lidge is toast, Trever Miller on the hill. Graffanino runs for Estrada, Cory Hart is the PH.

breaker outside
same
Intentional walk, first and second, 2 outs, Chad Qualls coming in

[Amy]

Ok, I know I'm pretty well known for the exaggerating and hotheaded overreaction, but does anyone in here have even the slightest hope for Lidge as an Astro at this point?

I do.  I just refuse to believe a guy with stuff that good can't get it back together.  I don't think Purp and Gar will give up on him.

[Dobro]

Ok, I know I'm pretty well known for the exaggerating and hotheaded overreaction, but does anyone in here have even the slightest hope for Lidge as an Astro at this point?

Cool it.  Lidge's fan club will run your ass outta here tomorrow in the TZ.  This isn't Lidge's fault.  Biggio should have hit a 5-run homer.

[JaneDoe]

Ok, I know I'm pretty well known for the exaggerating and hotheaded overreaction, but does anyone in here have even the slightest hope for Lidge as an Astro at this point?

Of course.  Just about as much hope as I have of paying off the national debt tomorrow.

[Bench]

Ok, I know I'm pretty well known for the exaggerating and hotheaded overreaction, but does anyone in here have even the slightest hope for Lidge as an Astro at this point?

Yes. It's muy remote, but it exists.

Now may I throw up?

[Greg M]

I think he can get it together.  In a year or two.....

[Alkie]

I do.  I just refuse to believe a guy with stuff that good can't get it back together.  I don't think Purp and Gar will give up on him.

Stuff what good?  When's the last time you saw him with good stuff?  Even the scouts are saying "it doesn't even look like Lidge anymore."

[matadorph]

oh come on!  you've been giving Milwaukee strikes for much worse pitches than that

Lidge crapped his pants bad, but this ump is seriously pissing me off.

[JaneDoe]

Now may I throw up?

Already have.

[Alkie]

Cool it.  Lidge's fan club will run your ass outta here tomorrow in the TZ.  This isn't Lidge's fault.  Biggio should have hit a 5-run homer.

Oh, I know.  I'm used to it. 

[Savage]

Lidge crapped his pants bad, but this ump is seriously pissing me off.

He's fucking awful.

COME ON QUALLS!

[remy]

Look on the bright side, if we do end up losing this one, the chances of Lidge being gone are even greater.

[Greg M]

Come on Chad!

[Waldo]

if we do end up losing this one, the chances of Lidge being gone are even greater.

Not likely.

[T. J.]

Stuff what good?  When's the last time you saw him with good stuff?  Even the scouts are saying "it doesn't even look like Lidge anymore."

This guy has three career pinch homers and two of them came almost ONE YEAR ago TO THE DAY?!  Bad juju. 

[remy]

I hate this feeling.  I'm not trained to handle it in April.

[JaneDoe]

Qualls ugh.

[Waldo]

Just need one strike.

[Waldo]

Ballgame.

[ybbodeus]

This one's gonna hurt, even if we win.

[Amy]

THANK YOU GOD!!!!

[remy]

YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

i need to change underwear.

[Alkie]

Ok.  Who else wants to meet me in the alley to puke?

[mihoba]

Qualls with the save opp., PH Gabe Gross steps up with the tying run on second and the winning run on first. Two outs.

FB outside, taken strike
ball inside, 1-1
FB high and outside, 2-1
sinker low, 3-1
FB at the knees, fouled back, full count
chopper to Burke, Astros win!! Whew!

[T. J.]

Well thank the Flying Spaghetti Monster.  He was on our side tonight.  Good night all.  Solid effort in the GZ.

[Greg M]

Jesus!  Thank fucking god.

[LonghornCDR]

Need a drink.

[matadorph]

We won and I feel like we lost.

Way to ruin a great night Lidge. Get your fucking shit together.

[Bench]

Ballgame.

That's a win.

Waldo, can you fix my wireless?

[Alkie]

Ok, cool.  We won.  So, no emotional bullshit...what do we do with Lidge?

[JackAstro]

Well. That was exciting.

[Bench]

Need a drink.

You're not already drinking? My god, man, you do realize what has happened?

[Ty in Tampa]

If he stays an Astro, he should never pitch past the 7th... with a lead.

[LonghornCDR]

We won and I feel like we lost.

Way to ruin a great night Lidge. Get your fucking shit together.

Hurts more for the Brew Crew.  I guarantee you that

[Bench]

Well thank the Flying Spaghetti Monster.  He was on our side tonight.  Good night all.  Solid effort in the GZ.

He's always thanked, just not by those who are actually thanking.

[ybbodeus]

Ok.  Who else wants to meet me in the alley to puke?

I just downed a Vicatin with a Tecate chaser, so I should probably be purging....since we won.

No Qualls tomorrow, I gather.

[remy]

Ok, cool.  We won.  So, no emotional bullshit...what do we do with Lidge?

Honestly, get what you can for him.  He's not helping this team at all anymore.  In fact, it's quite the contrary.  Just pull the trigger on a trade and hope for the best.

[Greg M]

Ok, cool.  We won.  So, no emotional bullshit...what do we do with Lidge?

Trade him to a lower pressure environment for a couple of decent prospects, if we're lucky.

[mihoba]

If he stays an Astro, he should never pitch past the 7th... with a lead.

A $5 Mil a year mop up man.

[chuck]

Garner is a hard headed son of a bitch, isn't he?

[Ty in Tampa]

A $5 Mil a year mop up man.

Them's the breaks.

[Greg M]

Garner is a hard headed son of a bitch, isn't he?

Yup.  Man can drive me crazy. 

[ybbodeus]

Trade him to a lower pressure environment for a couple of decent prospects, if we're lucky.

Trade him to Round Rock for Hunter Pence.


(tee-hee)

[Alkie]

Garner is a hard headed son of a bitch, isn't he?

As everyone knows, I've been quoted saying that Gar can manage my team any day of any year, as long as he wants to.  And I mean that.

That was the worst managerial move I've seen him make as an Astro.  That it didn't burn him is irrelevant.  Lidge should not have been left in after the HR.  Gar got lucky.

[JaneDoe]

Trade him to Round Rock for Hunter Pence.


(tee-hee)

What's his ERA? Gotta be better than Lidge's

[Greg M]

Trade him to Round Rock for Hunter Pence.


(tee-hee)

tee-hee???

[Bench]

As everyone knows, I've been quoted saying that Gar can manage my team any day of any year, as long as he wants to.  And I mean that.

That was the worst managerial move I've seen him make as an Astro.  That it didn't burn him is irrelevant.  Lidge should not have been left in after the HR.  Gar got lucky.

You don't think it was Lidge that got UNlucky?

Sorry, I just nearly autoasphyxiated laughing.

[Lurch]

tee-hee???

tee-fucking-hee, however, is acceptable.

[JaneDoe]

Hey--congrats to Albers on a great game. Kinda got lost in the excitement of the later innings...

[Reuben]

A $5 Mil a year mop up man.

Yeah, but so what? We've got a $500,000 (or whatever Wheeler makes) closer...If Purp can get  a decent return for Lidge now, great, but if he can mop-up for the rest of the year and somehow salvage some trade value...

[Alkie]

Hey--congrats to Albers on a great game. Kinda got lost in the excitement of the later innings...

That's right.  Yet another amazing, way-above-average outing for an Astro starter.

[chuck]

As everyone knows, I've been quoted saying that Gar can manage my team any day of any year, as long as he wants to.  And I mean that.

That was the worst managerial move I've seen him make as an Astro.  That it didn't burn him is irrelevant.  Lidge should not have been left in after the HR.  Gar got lucky.

If Lidge can be effective, great. We all want that. If not, let's find a different way about it all. I don't want confidence building sessions in the middle of the fucking season with the game on the line. Jesus.

[remy]

Hey--congrats to Albers on a great game. Kinda got lost in the excitement of the later innings...

It was no masterpiece -- he had a whole lot of traffic -- but the important thing is that he didn't let it rattle him and he came out of it with a quality start.  Signs of a good mental makeup, ala Sampson.

[Ty in Tampa]

I don't want confidence building sessions in the middle of the fucking season with the game on the line. Jesus.

Yeah, boy, I bet that did wonders for Brad's confidence.

[matadorph]

As everyone knows, I've been quoted saying that Gar can manage my team any day of any year, as long as he wants to.  And I mean that.

That was the worst managerial move I've seen him make as an Astro.  That it didn't burn him is irrelevant.  Lidge should not have been left in after the HR.  Gar got lucky.

I know I'm not the only one who had that sick feeling in the gut when Fielder went to two strikes. I knew a shitty pitch was coming, it was just a question of whether or not he'd hit it clean. Hit it clean he did.

[remy]

oh yeah, I forgot to mention..

First place!!

[Bench]

oh yeah, I forgot to mention..

First place!!

GOOOO APRIIIIILLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[chuck]

That's right.  Yet another amazing, way-above-average outing for an Astro starter.

Before the near-fiasco I was thinking that what I love about this team is the unreal starting pitching with one ace and a bunch of, well, non-aces. And the fact that everyone in the lineup contributes, 1-8. The funny thing is the guy who's seemingly contributing the least offensively at the moment is their best player.

[Bench]

GOOOO APRIIIIILLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Seriously, that's a stripper I know, and it's awesome.

[remy]

Seriously, that's a stripper I know, and it's awesome.

Your stripper is an "it"?  Eww...

[chuck]

Yeah, boy, I bet that did wonders for Brad's confidence.

You know?!

[Alkie]

oh yeah, I forgot to mention..

First place!!

If the season ended RIGHT NOW, the NLDS would be Astros at Braves.

I feel at peace.

[ybbodeus]

tee-fucking-hee, however, is acceptable.

I need to read those Noe notes more closely next time.  Thanks for the correction....and stuff (you can type "shit" here, can't you?).

[Reuben]

Seriously, that's a stripper I know, and it's awesome.

And "it's" named Goo April???

[mihoba]

As everyone knows, I've been quoted saying that Gar can manage my team any day of any year, as long as he wants to.  And I mean that.

That was the worst managerial move I've seen him make as an Astro.  That it didn't burn him is irrelevant.  Lidge should not have been left in after the HR.  Gar got lucky.

No, two walks to lead off the inning should have been enough, especially with that FB that was THREE FUCKING FEET OUTSIDE!!!

Stubborn bastard, I hope he has finally seen enough. I know I have.

[Alkie]

I'm sure I'm overstating this, but it's almost like it's a miracle when Lidge records an out.  All the baserunners feel obvious and the outs feel like a gift from the gods.

[ybbodeus]

LAST CALL!!!

[homer]

I'm sorry, I understand, but I am obligated to say YOU ARE AN IDIOT.

That was passed down to me by my older brother in about 1984.

A little trivia - The logo was designed by a fan for a contest by the team to get a new logo circa 1978. He only got like a couple thousand bucks, and they used it into the early 90's.