Pence

[Zan]

I can't wait to see what Pence does when he is ready for MLB pitching.

[Bench]

I can't wait to see what Pence does when he is ready for MLB pitching.

And everyone got chicken sammiches!!!

[homer]

7/10 last three games. 2 bombs.

[Frobie]

I like chicken.

[pravata]

I can't wait to see what Pence does when he is ready for MLB pitching.

Me too.

[Fredia]

Me too.

i think his place is secure . he is showing how to get it done

[Navin R Johnson]

He is now 5th on the team in RBI's (behind, Lee, Berkman, Scott and Biggio).

[drew corleone]

Hey, Houstonians needed to eat.

[JimR]

I can't wait to see what Pence does when he is ready for MLB pitching.

got all orgasmic over that pop fly, did you? or was it the bloop that poor racist victim Young misplayed last series? seriously, if you think you are watching an accomplished MLB hitter, you are new to the game.

he is getting better at putting the ball in play, but he is horrible on breaking pitches. as your idol JD said, he pulls way off of them. i hope he keeps getting fastballs in or hanging breaking pitches. that will help his progress. so will taking the breaking ball to RF to keep his front side closed. the worst thing for him right now is "gee whiz" expectations. just let him keep trying to put the ball in play.

because he is taking a short, almost-slap swing and not showing much power, i would not hestitate to put him at #2 and move Lamb or Scott to 6. leaving him where he is works ok, but against a top pitcher, 6-8 is a problem. at 2, he'll get his hits, and he won't hit into very many DPs. this is a good way to not put pressure on him as he develops. what i'll bet happens is nothing--he stays at 6.

good for Pence. good for Lee. very nice win.

[Zan]

I'm not sure why you think JD is my idol (have I ever referenced him on here?), but I think my point is still valid. At least enough for Pravata to say "me too."

[Zan]

seriously, if you think you are watching an accomplished MLB hitter, you are new to the game.

Huh? Where did I suggest that Pence is an accomplished MLB hitter?

[pravata]

I'm not sure why you think JD is my idol (have I ever referenced him on here?), but I think my point is still valid. At least enough for Pravata to say "me too."

Seriously, once the scouts catch up that he's a sucker for a tight breaking ball, he's toast.  The question is, how many pitchers have tight breaking balls?

[ASTROCREEP]

I can't wait to see what Pence does when he is ready for MLB pitching.

We will know for sure sometime around mid-season next year.

What impressed me the most tonight, he made a really strong throw to home, ableit ill-advised, on the fly, and made a play that didn't look like it was going to be close, a lot closer than I thought.

That funky delivery produces a pretty strong throw.


Astros in HD is 

[pravata]

We will know for sure sometime around mid-season next year.

What impressed me the most tonight, he made a really strong throw to home, ableit ill-advised, on the fly, and made a play that didn't look like it was going to be close, a lot closer than I thought.

That funky delivery produces a pretty strong throw.

owww. I dont know.  Kind a high and away. shoulda come in lower and more hitting the cutofferish.

[Navin R Johnson]

That funky delivery produces a pretty strong throw.

True, in a Lamar Latrell type of way.   

[ASTROCREEP]

owww. I dont know.  Kind a high and away. shoulda come in lower and more hitting the cutofferish.

Accuracy can be learned you can't teach STRONG ARM.

[Zan]

Seriously, once the scouts catch up that he's a sucker for a tight breaking ball, he's toast. 

Fair enough, but I'm enjoying his start. It's been fun to watch, and I'm still excited to see what the future holds when he is seasoned.

[pravata]

Fair enough, but I'm enjoying his start. It's been fun to watch, and I'm still excited to see what the future holds when he is seasoned.

Oh.  Absolutely.  I'm pulling for him.  Anyone who hopes an Astro fails is a douche nozzle.

[pravata]

Accuracy can be learned you can't teach STRONG ARM.

Can ya teach under armed, side arm, WHOOPS eee-DAISEY!

[ASTROCREEP]

Can ya teach under armed, side arm, WHOOPS eee-DAISEY!

It's just weird. It's almost as if he severely broke his arm as a kid and it never healed right.

[chuck]

Oh.  Absolutely.  I'm pulling for him.  Anyone who hopes an Astro fails is a douche nozzle.

I vote we pitch in and buy pravata a season's supply of Gordon's Dry. This is fun.

[pravata]

I vote we pitch in and buy pravata a season's supply of Gordon's Dry. This is fun.

sunvabitch.  Twelve fifty is a low price to pay.

[homer]

sunvabitch.  Twelve fifty is a low price to pay.

12.50? that is a buck more than the Miller Light.

Only problem is, the nearest liquor store isn't exactly convenient

[pravata]

12.50? that is a buck more than the Miller Light.

Only problem is, the nearest liquor store isn't exactly convenient

I have a Spec's, two blocks, walking distance, peasants.

[The Spleen]

I have a Spec's, two blocks, walking distance, peasants.

Can your liver double as a beanbag chair?

[pravata]

Can your liver double as a beanbag chair?

Oh, crap.  I have a liver? 

[cougar]

Oh, crap.  I haD a liver? 

Fixed that for ya big fella.

[pravata]

Fixed that for ya big fella.

Yeah, but I have a Spec's 2 blocks up the street.  Good luck with your liver and whatnot.

[cougar]

Yeah, but I have a Spec's 2 blocks up the street.  Good luck with your liver and whatnot.

Eh my liver gave up the fight a few 6 packs of Shiner ago.  I imagine I'm going to turn as yellow as the middle stripe of the Rainbow Gut jerseys before I go.

[Mr. Happy]

got all orgasmic over that pop fly, did you? or was it the bloop that poor racist victim Young misplayed last series? seriously, if you think you are watching an accomplished MLB hitter, you are new to the game.

he is getting better at putting the ball in play, but he is horrible on breaking pitches. as your idol JD said, he pulls way off of them. i hope he keeps getting fastballs in or hanging breaking pitches. that will help his progress. so will taking the breaking ball to RF to keep his front side closed. the worst thing for him right now is "gee whiz" expectations. just let him keep trying to put the ball in play.

because he is taking a short, almost-slap swing and not showing much power, i would not hestitate to put him at #2 and move Lamb or Scott to 6. leaving him where he is works ok, but against a top pitcher, 6-8 is a problem. at 2, he'll get his hits, and he won't hit into very many DPs. this is a good way to not put pressure on him as he develops. what i'll bet happens is nothing--he stays at 6.

good for Pence. good for Lee. very nice win.

Coach, you're right, especially on the breaking ball comment. I saw him look really bad on a fairly nasty hook in ST. The acid test for him is the second time around the league. However, for now, he's getting it done somehow on an almost nightly basis. He's fun to watch develop, although there will be the growing pains. I just hope that Berry has started him watching some film on himself.

[JimR]

Coach, you're right, especially on the breaking ball comment. I saw him look really bad on a fairly nasty hook in ST. The acid test for him is the second time around the league. However, for now, he's getting it done somehow on an almost nightly basis. He's fun to watch develop, although there will be the growing pains. I just hope that Berry has started him watching some film on himself.

he is getting hits, and that's good, but he is not hitting the ball well or hard yet. that is development, and Garner, to me, is doing a good job of not putting pressure on him to do more than to try to get better. the fans' hero worship is crazy, and i am glad that he can chip in from time to time to help the team win without being expected to carry a major load. i hope he keeps hitting line drives and hard ground balls with an occasional HR. with his speed, he is better off being a gap hitter anyway.

[Limey]

the fans' hero worship is crazy...

Does he have his own crew?  Like O's Bros or Los Caballitos?

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Does he have his own crew?  Like O's Bros or Los Caballitos?

If so, I hope it sticks better than Blum's Blondes.

[Limey]

If so, I hope it sticks better than Blum's Blondes.

What would they be called?  Pence's Wenches?

[Bench]

What would they be called?  Pence's Wenches?

The Pence Pound?

[EasTexAstro]

The Pence Fence?

The Pence-ers?

[EasTexAstro]

Penc-ils?

With the correct group, the Hot Pence (pants) Girls would be welcome.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Hunter's Blunters.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Hunter's Whores.

Hunter's Hodaddys.

[Andyzipp]

TABC

HUDD

[HudsonHawk]

Accuracy can be learned you can't teach STRONG ARM.

Actually, you can.  Or at least you can get stronger if you work at it.

[MikeyBoy]

Actually, you can.  Or at least you can get stronger if you work at it.

Not to mention the velocity gained with proper mechanics.

[Jacksonian]

Actually, you can.  Or at least you can get stronger if you work at it.

If you can find video of Hunter throwing in college and compare it to today you'd know that is a FACT.

[JimR]

If you can find video of Hunter throwing in college and compare it to today you'd know that is a FACT.

has he always thrown sidearm like that? it looks like he has had no coaching whatsoever. that throw he launched from CF last night illustrates the problem with a sidearm throw. i thought it was headed into the SF dugout.

[austro]

has he always thrown sidearm like that? it looks like he has had no coaching whatsoever. that throw he launched from CF last night illustrates the problem with a sidearm throw. i thought it was headed into the SF dugout.

No kidding. I've never seen so much movement on a ball. It looked like an F-16 chasing a MiG.

[MusicMan]

No kidding. I've never seen so much movement on a ball. It looked like an F-16 chasing a MiG.

"Well, sir... we were inverted."

[pravata]

On the Pence homerun, "You've really got to concentrate on keeping the ball down," Matt Morris said. "This kid, we haven't seen him much. He seems like a low-ball hitter. It's just a matter of seeing the guy and knowing what his weaknesses are. Today, he beat us. I don't think the pitch (from Benitez) was as good as we wanted it to be, but still."  Link I'm remembering a high fastball?  And Morris hung a curve earlier.

[Jacksonian]

has he always thrown sidearm like that?

Yep.  Check him out.  Just click on 56K or 350K as you prefer.  First 20 seconds are from left field.  Weak throw home.

[mihoba]

"Well, sir... we were inverted."

"I've got a great Polaroid of it."

[Waldo]

"You've really got to concentrate on keeping the ball down," Matt Morris said. "This kid, we haven't seen him much. He seems like a low-ball hitter. It's just a matter of seeing the guy and knowing what his weaknesses are. Today, he beat us. I don't think the pitch (from Benitez) was as good as we wanted it to be, but still."

All of Pence's hits last night were about belt-high.

[austro]

"I've got a great Polaroid of it."

"So you're the ones."

[JackAstro]

"So you're the ones."

(cue homoerotic volleyball sequence)*

*NTTAWWT

[MusicMan]

"Top Gun" set new levels for latent homoeroticism in "mainstream" entertainment.  Even Richard Simmons was telling them to tone it down.

[Limey]

(cue homoerotic volleyball sequence)*

*NTTAWWT

That whole movie was homoerotic.  Kelly McGinnis was the manliest looking cast member.

[JackAstro]

Kelly McGinnis was the manliest looking cast member.

Agreed, he was a strapping dude. But then, most long-haired Irish guys are. Don't know about that Cruise fella, though. He seemed a little... off.

[MikeyBoy]

It's just weird. It's almost as if he severely broke his arm as a kid and it never healed right.

Yes. PENCE!! is the real life, but somewhat older Henry Rowengartner.

[Kent's Moustache]

(cue homoerotic volleyball sequence)*

*NTTAWWT

Backing that scene with Kenny Loggins' classic 1980s soundtrack anthem "Playing with the Boys" effectively turned the dial on the homoeroticism-amplifier to "11."

[Taras Bulba]

"Top Gun" set new levels for latent homoeroticism in "mainstream" entertainment.  Even Richard Simmons was telling them to tone it down.

I think the director's cut requires you to view it while sipping a cosmopolitan.

 Ever notice the locker room scene with all of the towel clad nancy boys lolling about in the background?  The F-14s used in the filming crashed themselves in shame when it was all over.

[MusicMan]

Yes. PENCE!! is the real life, but somewhat older Henry Rowengartner.

Which is more sad... that you knew the character's full name, or that I immediately undersood the reference?

[HudsonHawk]

Ever notice the locker room scene with all of the towel clad nancy boys lolling about in the background?  

Never noticed that, but it's interesting that it caught *your* eye.

[MusicMan]

I think the director's cut requires you to view it while sipping a cosmopolitan.

 Ever notice the locker room scene with all of the towel clad nancy boys lolling about in the background?  The F-14s used in the filming crashed themselves in shame when it was all over.

I want to see the original script for that scene.

Surely it couldn't have said, " 'Iceman' replies by snapping his teeth at 'Maverick', then grinning, as though he were performing a primitive mating ritual."

[Taras Bulba]

Never noticed that, but it's interesting that it caught *your* eye.

"You a real handsome man, Mr. Garrison.  I'm gonna come see you when I get out."

[MusicMan]

"You a real handsome man, Mr. Garrison.  I'm gonna come see you when I get out."

Have "JFK" and "Alexander" not made it perfectly clear that Oliver Stone is working through some supression issues?

[Kent's Moustache]

Not that it's relevant to Pence or "Top Gun," but here's my vote for best 1980s soundtrack/montage anthem:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fWvub_WBho

There was an OF for the indy league Fort Worth Cats who used to come to the plate to this song.  Brought tears to my eyes.

[Limey]

Backing that scene with Kenny Loggins' classic 1980s soundtrack anthem "Playing with the Boys" effectively turned the dial on the homoeroticism-amplifier to "11."

According to IMDB, the original working title was "Top Guns".  Might as well have had Streisand sing the theme song.

[Taras Bulba]

Have "JFK" and "Alexander" not made it perfectly clear that Oliver Stone is working through some supression issues?

I sat next to Tommy Lee Jones at an event a couple of years ago.  I'm pretty sure he appreciated me not asking him about the "party scene" in "JFK."

[Limey]

I sat next to Tommy Lee Jones at an event a couple of years ago.  I'm pretty sure he appreciated me not asking him about the "party scene" in "JFK."

Good call.  Stay on solid ground and ask him about MIB2 and Space Cowboys.

[MusicMan]

I'm pretty sure that if you had said, "Man of the..." he would have kicked your ass before you got to "House".

[JackAstro]

I'm pretty sure that if you had said, "Man of the..." he would have kicked your ass before you got to "House".

That movie never, ever happened.

[Reuben]

Penc-ils?

With the correct group, the Hot Pence (pants) Girls would be welcome.

Along the same lines, how about Hunter's Foxes?

[EasTexAstro]

Along the same lines, how about Hunter's Foxes?

Hunter Fans?

[ybbodeus]

TLJ, huh?

He was a hell of a lot better Howard Hughes than Decarpulatio was.

As a young actor he managed to upstage Faye Dunaway and hang in there with Laurence Olivier.

He helped win Sissy Friggin' Spacek an Oscar for Christ's sake!

He helped make Lonesome Dove the darn near perfect TV event that it was, all the while subverting his character to Duvall's--what a pairing, huh?  Genius!  Shoot, you probably could have reversed the roles and no one would have ever known the difference!

He elevated the greatness of The Fugitive.

He was Al Gore's roommate!

He's so versatile, he could play the role of Hunter in The Hunter Pence (!!!!) Story.

[remy]

Uh oh, our boy Pence!!! is on the cover of espn.com's baseball page:

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/index

[Noe]

TLJ, huh?

He was a hell of a lot better Howard Hughes than Decarpulatio was.

As a young actor he managed to upstage Faye Dunaway and hang in there with Laurence Olivier.

He helped win Sissy Friggin' Spacek an Oscar for Christ's sake!

He helped make Lonesome Dove the darn near perfect TV event that it was, all the while subverting his character to Duvall's--what a pairing, huh?  Genius!  Shoot, you probably could have reversed the roles and no one would have ever known the difference!

He elevated the greatness of The Fugitive.

He was Al Gore's roommate!

He's so versatile, he could play the role of Hunter in The Hunter Pence (!!!!) Story.

He was also pretty good as an older, erasible Ty Cobb reliving some memories while trying to write a book with a ghost writer.  Not a baseball movie per se, although it had some baseball scenes.  It was more about the Georgia Peach becoming a loner in his old age... basically.

[Noe]

Uh oh, our boy Pence!!! is on the cover of espn.com's baseball page:

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/index

Again, this is a good test to see if the BBGs just like this kid for his energy, or if they're waiting for the right moment to strike (pun fully intended).

[ybbodeus]

Uh oh, our boy Pence!!! is on the cover of espn.com's baseball page:

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/index

For reasons I cannot explain, your post had a John Wayne, "Man Who Shot Liberty Valance" feel to it.....set me back!

Friggin' movies!

Serviceable villain!

[pravata]

Again, this is a good test to see if the BBGs just like this kid for his energy, or if they're waiting for the right moment to strike (pun fully intended).

I think next week in San Francisco is a likely opportunity for a BBG ambush.  Or, merely just to see if the SF pitchers can execute a scouting report.

[kevinG]

And in other hype-up-PENCE news, we have John Donovan of SI:

"Who needs the Rocket when you have Hunter Pence?"

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/john_donovan/05/17/astros.pence/index.html

Not that I'm shedding tears about "losing" ol' DQ, but quite a statement.

[Zan]

At this point, I think Pence deserves the accolades and hype. He continues to defy all nuanced, tempered expectations. I had my doubts that he was ready, but it's hard to deny that he just keeps producing.

[JimR]

At this point, I think Pence deserves the accolades and hype. He continues to defy all nuanced, tempered expectations. I had my doubts that he was ready, but it's hard to deny that he just keeps producing.

calm down. he doing very well, but it is May.

[Mr. Happy]

At this point, I think Pence deserves the accolades and hype. He continues to defy all nuanced, tempered expectations. I had my doubts that he was ready, but it's hard to deny that he just keeps producing.

We're not crapping on him. He's making his first trip through the league. He is doing very well, but it is early. He's going to struggle. They all do at some point early in their career.

[homer]

We're not crapping on him. He's making his first trip through the league. He is doing very well, but it is early. He's going to struggle. They all do at some point early in their career.

We'll know when the new has worn off the first time you come in here and bitch about him. After he goes 3-4, with 3 RBI. Probably next week some time.

[Mr. Happy]

We'll know when the new has worn off the first time you come in here and bitch about him. After he goes 3-4, with 3 RBI. Probably next week some time.

Homer, why do I get the idea that you don't ever like what I have to say, irrespective of what it is?

[homer]

Homer, why do I get the idea that you don't ever like what I have to say, irrespective of what it is?

Your ability to bitch regardless of the circumstances is amusing.

[Mr. Happy]

Your ability to bitch regardless of the circumstances is amusing.

Glad to be of service, sir.

[pravata]

At this point, I think Pence deserves the accolades and hype. He continues to defy all nuanced, tempered expectations. I had my doubts that he was ready, but it's hard to deny that he just keeps producing.

Purpura on the Sunday pregame said that the reason Pence was in the minor leagues to begin the season was that he was a "free swinger".  Furthermore he said that the organization wants the strikeouts kept to 10% of atbats.  The main factor that the Astros are now using to judge hitters in the minors is plate discipline.  Purpura said that Pence has made that adjustment.  He says he's still swinging at the beginning of an atbat but becomes more disciplined later in the count.

He has become a better hitter in exactly the way the Astros wanted him to.

Now, the real test comes in San Francisco.  It's the first team that has seen him the second time.  The test will be whether he can continue to adjust. 

[JaneDoe]

Now, the real test comes in San Francisco.  It's the first team that has seen him the second time.  The test will be whether he can continue to adjust. 

Lowry's comments on Pence:

San Francisco starter Noah Lowry thinks he'll be better prepared for rookie phenom Hunter Pence this time around.

Lowry will look to keep Houston's young center fielder in check Monday when the Giants open a three-game home series with the Astros.

Since making his major league debut on April 28, Pence is hitting .364 with four homers and 16 RBIs in 20 games. He is also batting .586 (17-for-29) with three home runs during an eight-game hitting streak.

Pence went 8-for-11 with two homers last week in a three-game series against the Giants (21-22) in Houston, including hits in all seven of his at-bats to help the Astros win the first two games. He went 4-for-4 with a solo homer off Lowry in Wednesday's 2-1 victory.

``There's not a ton (of information) out on him right now,'' Lowry told the Giants' official Web site. ``He's still new to the league. Obviously, fastballs were not working for me. And he hit a changeup out.''

Entire article:
http://www.hendersonvillenews.com/article/20070520/APS/705202257/Astros_Giants_Preview

[Zan]

calm down. he doing very well, but it is May.

True, and I respect the insight into where he needs to improve and the reality that he'll struggle. But, as a fan, I want to enthusiastically celebrate this impresive start. If I bitch, I'm willing to be corrected, but I'm not going to stand down on celebrating Pence's studliness at this point. He has flat out kicked ass, and it's been awesome to watch.

[Jacksonian]

Furthermore he said that the organization wants the strikeouts kept to 10% of atbats.  

Good luck with that.  Only Loretta and Lane on the big club can claim that.  Lee's close.



 

The main factor that the Astros are now using to judge hitters in the minors is plate discipline. 

From what I've seen the prospects are doing good to keep it between 15% and 20% of at-bats.  Many sit between 20 and 25.

[Jacksonian]

``There's not a ton (of information) out on him right now,'' Lowry told the Giants' official Web site. ``He's still new to the league. Obviously, fastballs were not working for me. And he hit a changeup out.''

i.e. don't expect to see much straight stuff.

[MikeyBoy]

i.e. don't expect to see much straight stuff.

Well, they are in San Fran.

[Mr. Happy]

Well, they are in San Fran.

[Golf clap]

[Rebel Jew]

[Golf clap]

as a resident of san francisco, i just want to say that people making gay jokes about san francisco is about as annoying, and annoying in the same way as the whole "houston you have a problem" thing.  probably more annoying.  yes, there are a lot of gay people here.  get over it and start coming up with some new jokes.

[tophfar]

yes, there are a lot of gay people here.  get over it and start coming up with some new jokes.

yes, and not everyone in seattle drinks coffe and is a hippie, and not everyone in texas is a bronc riding cowboy, and not everyone from jersey is a card carrying mafia guido.

all the jokes will still get made, get over it.

[EasTexAstro]

as a resident of san francisco, i just want to say that people making gay jokes about san francisco is about as annoying, and annoying in the same way as the whole "houston you have a problem" thing.  probably more annoying.  yes, there are a lot of gay people here.  get over it and start coming up with some new jokes.

So, we should just straighten up?

[Mr. Happy]

as a resident of san francisco, i just want to say that people making gay jokes about san francisco is about as annoying, and annoying in the same way as the whole "houston you have a problem" thing.  probably more annoying.  yes, there are a lot of gay people here.  get over it and start coming up with some new jokes.

Lighten up Francis; it wasn't my joke. I spend part of the year in Napa. I like SFO.

[Taras Bulba]

as a resident of san francisco, i just want to say that people making gay jokes about san francisco is about as annoying, and annoying in the same way as the whole "houston you have a problem" thing.  probably more annoying.  yes, there are a lot of gay people here.  get over it and start coming up with some new jokes.

Does this mean you're a "bottom man?"

[Rebel Jew]

yes, and not everyone in seattle drinks coffe and is a hippie, and not everyone in texas is a bronc riding cowboy, and not everyone from jersey is a card carrying mafia guido.

all the jokes will still get made, get over it.

it's funny sometimes, it's just that it's way overused.  i don't even care that much about whether it's offensive or not.  it's just an old joke that people keep making in the exact same way every time.  just like "houston we have a problem"

[MikeyBoy]

it's funny sometimes, it's just that it's way overused.  i don't even care that much about whether it's offensive or not.  it's just an old joke that people keep making in the exact same way every time.  just like "houston we have a problem"

I don't live in, around, or anywhere near San Francisco, so pardon my lack of understanding the nuances of Bay Area humor. Are cost of living jokes overused, too? After that, I've got nuthin'.

[JimR]

as a resident of san francisco, i just want to say that people making gay jokes about san francisco is about as annoying, and annoying in the same way as the whole "houston you have a problem" thing.  probably more annoying.  yes, there are a lot of gay people here.  get over it and start coming up with some new jokes.

your sexuality is none of our concern.

[Bench]

Pence, the National Leage (co)Player of the Week

http://www.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20070521&content_id=1977899&vkey=pr_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb

6 games, .591 BA, 1.091 SLG, .625 OBP.

Kudos, kid. It's nice to have a good week.

[JimR]

Pence, the National Leage (co)Player of the Week

http://www.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20070521&content_id=1977899&vkey=pr_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb

6 games, .591 BA, 1.091 SLG, .625 OBP.

Kudos, kid. It's nice to have a good week.

awesome week

[Rebel Jew]

your sexuality is none of our concern.

Have another beer, Jim.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

as a resident of san francisco, i just want to say that people making gay jokes about san francisco is about as annoying, and annoying in the same way as the whole "houston you have a problem" thing.  probably more annoying.  yes, there are a lot of gay people here.  get over it and start coming up with some new jokes.

Have you ever been to that house in Potrero Hill that is completely paneled on the inside with pencils? Wild. Crazy.

[JimR]

Have another beer, Jim.

at work? nah, don't think so.

gaze at another rainbow, joey.

[matadorph]

Purpura on the Sunday pregame said that the reason Pence was in the minor leagues to begin the season was that he was a "free swinger".  Furthermore he said that the organization wants the strikeouts kept to 10% of atbats.  The main factor that the Astros are now using to judge hitters in the minors is plate discipline.  Purpura said that Pence has made that adjustment.  He says he's still swinging at the beginning of an atbat but becomes more disciplined later in the count.

I made this point weeks ago and got blasted for it.

[JimR]

I made this point weeks ago and got blasted for it.

that ain't what you got blasted for.

i nominate you for King Anal for saving your posts and coming back weeks later to shriek: "YOU SEE! I WAS RIGHT!"

[matadorph]

of course it is, Mr. Easily Correctable.

[pravata]

I made this point weeks ago and got blasted for it.

You poor dear, were the mean people mean to you?  There, there.  The point Purpura was making on Sunday was that, by watching Pence, he has noticed he is making the adjustments that they hoped he would when he was in the minors.  That's why they started him in AAA.  You were saying, when he first came up, that he would.  Do you not see how that is different?  If not, we can just pat you on your head and send you on your way.

[Bench]

i nominate you for King Anal

You know, considering how much overlap and mixup of content there is among threads here, it's reassuring that the "King Anal" tag got tossed on the same page of the same thread as "gaze at another rainbow" to the San Francisco resident.

[Lurch]

tossed ... San Francisco

[jbm]

Purpura on the Sunday pregame said that the reason Pence was in the minor leagues to begin the season was that he was a "free swinger".  Furthermore he said that the organization wants the strikeouts kept to 10% of atbats.  The main factor that the Astros are now using to judge hitters in the minors is plate discipline.  Purpura said that Pence has made that adjustment.  He says he's still swinging at the beginning of an atbat but becomes more disciplined later in the count.

10% of at bats?  I commend the basic idea, but that's an awfully tough standard.  In a quick glance at the four farm clubs, only Ash met that standard. 

Your observation is correct for him this year as his Astro rate is 13%, RR rate was 16% and his previous total minor league rate was 19%.