HOU @ LAA - 6/18/07

[homer]

Houston

Biggio, 2B
Pence, CF
Berkman, DH
Lee, LF
Loretta, SS
Lamb, 1B
Scott, RF
Munson, C
Ensberg, 3B

LA Angels

Willits, LF
Figgins, 3B
Cabrera, SS
Guerrero, RF
Matthews, CF
Kendrick, DH
Hillenbrand, 1B
Napoli, C
Aybar, 2B

[Limey]

There's a couple of pitchers too.  Fucking AL!

[remy]

Who is Al?  Bundy?  Roker?

[Fredia]

There's a couple of pitchers too.  Fucking AL!
[/quot
you cant do all those double switch things. just pitcher for pticher. who cares where they are in the line up

[Limey]

Who is Al?  Bundy?  Roker?

I can call you Betty.

[Lurch]

I can call you Betty.

That Chevy Chase is a great singer. And a damn fine bank.

[Lurch]

Early credit to the producers for that beach shot   

[homer]

I can call you Betty.

A man walks down the street
It's a street in a strange world
Maybe it's the AL world
Maybe it's his first time around
He doesn't speak the language
He doesn't like the DH
He is a foreign man
He is surrounded by the sound
The sound
Rally monkeys in the marketplace
Pornstars and whatevahs
He looks around, around
He sees angels in the outfield
Spinning in infinity
He says only 3 games! Hallelujah!

[Limey]

That Chevy Chase is a great singer. And a damn fine bank.

Crappy street, though.

[Limey]

Tuppence!!!!!!!

[Limey]

Play so far:

Biggio out in a manner that I missed
PENCE!! double
Berkman BB

[Limey]

Pence moves up on a 55-footer that bounces off the cather's chest.  Berkman stays put.  1st & 3rd, 1 out.

[remy]

fucking ump.  at least get help on that shit.

[Lurch]

Biggio out in a manner that I missed

K swinging on the 3rd pitch (looping inside curve)

[Limey]

Lee out on dodgy check swing call by the HP Ump.  Loretta hits a weak grounder to 2nd.  Inning over.

Check swing call pretty big there.  Replays looked 50/50, but HP never asked 1B for help...

[Frobie]

How did I not get the memo about Milo making the trip out to the coast?

[cougar]

9:15 at night and the Astros are playing in sunlight.  I hate west coast games.

[Limey]

How did I not get the memo about Milo making the trip out to the coast?

He's going to Disneyland.  He'll ride "It's a Small World" and say in every room that he likes the tune and can't believe he's never heard it before.

[Limey]

9:15 at night and the Astros are playing in sunlight.  I hate west coast games.

Cougar's lost it...turned in his remote.

[Bench]

Both teams get an early crack at scoring with runners on first and third, their big RBI guy up, and only one out. Both teams come up short.

[Limey]

Willits soft fly to LF.  Figgins solid single.  Cabrera bloop into CF, 1st & 3rd.  Vlad pop-up that nearly becomes a double play as Sampson tries to sneak a tag on Figgins from behind.  Gary Matthews Junoid can o' corn to PENCE!!

End 1, 0-0.

[remy]

LUUUUuuuuuuuuuUUUUUUUUUUUUuuuuUUUUUUUUUKE!

[homer]

I think Luke knew he got that one.

[cougar]

Cougar's lost it...turned in his remote.

I lost it a long time ago.  I now just make random observations and pray they make some sort of sense in the context of the discussion.

[mihoba]

Luuuuuke nailed a hanging curve

[Lurch]

God he has a nice swing when he connects

[Alkie]

Oooh WOW...Mike Lamb's last book read.  Last book read.  What could it be, what could it be?

Ohgoshohgoshohgoshohgoshohgoshohgoshohgoshohgoshohgoshohgoshohgoshohgosh.

This'll be the only reason I stay up til 11:25pm now.

[Limey]

Mike Blam routine grounder to SS.  Scott belts one high and deep into the RF seats off a 1-1 curve.  No doubter.  Munson lines to LF.  Iceberg walks on full count after fouling a couple.  Biggio c'o'c to Vlad on the first pitch.

FYI, no one but Berkman and Esberg (du-uh) showing any patience.  Maybe a game plan, maybe it's the SoCal air.

[Limey]

God he has a nice swing when he connects

Everyone looks good when they connect.

[Limey]

Oooh WOW...Mike Lamb's last book read.  Last book read.  What could it be, what could it be?

What are the odds that it involves a cat in a hat?

[mihoba]

Good god, that was a pathetic throw from flapjack

[Alkie]

...just as I was about to post the first Sampson ERA Fun Fact.  Dammit.

[homer]

Lee's defense leaves something to be desired.

[Alkie]

Tough play, but Mo should've had that.

[mihoba]

Lee's defense leaves something to be desired.

Did he get dizzy when he spun? There is no excuse to allow a runner to third in that situation. Disgusting.

[homer]

Did he get dizzy when he spun? There is no excuse to allow a runner to third in that situation. Disgusting.

That was some lolly-gagging.

[Alkie]

That was some lolly-gagging.

Add the nice throw 30 feet off 3b.

[mihoba]

From about 60 feet away.

[homer]

From about 60 feet away.

Shit fuck. Another first to third.

[Alkie]

Shit fuck. Another first to third.

Looks like someone on the Angels has been watching tape.

[Limey]

DH Kendick gets a single up the middle.  Fucking AL!  Hillenbrand singles, Lee has a shot at Kendrick at 3rd, but pulls Iceberg 10 miles off the bag.  Napoli hot bouncer to 3rd, hits Mo's arm and runs away, run scores, 1st & 2nd, 0 out.  Ayber leads Loretta to the bag and sets up a simple 6-3 DP.  2 down, runner on 3rd.  Willits (who looks like Hoggle from Labyrinth) walks.  Sampson is up a bit tonight - bad sign.  Can't find the zone up or down, in or out.  Munson's glove is flapping like Paris Hilton's labia in a stiff breeze.  Figgins lines on over SS, 2nd run home, 1st and 3rd for Cabrera.  'Lando smokes one at PENCE!!!  2-1 Anhills.

[cougar]

Munson's glove is flapping like Paris Hilton's labia in a stiff breeze.

WOW is that WAY too graphic an image or what?

[JaneDoe]

WOW is that WAY too graphic an image or what?

I laughed so hard my family came and asked me why.  I had to run them away.

[Anit]

wow..jd just made a jim adler reference..

[homer]

I grow tired of Lee's power outage.

[Alkie]

I grow tired of Lee's power outage.

I grow tired.

[Limey]

Lackey stays away from Gunther then comes inside and gets him to pop one up to the on-deck circle.  Finally throws a strike to Berkman, almost hits his foot with a low-low fb (effectively wild?), bounces a curve then walks him on a shoe top fb.  Lee hacking at, and fouling, everything, lays off that 58' curve, then smokes a shitty FB to the left-fielder.  Needed a bit more elevation.  Lackey doesn't seem to have much, but he's got the atom balls.  Twinkie commits suicide on the bases - dead at 2nd.

[mihoba]

Dear Lance,

You are NOT a puma. You are NOT quick and agile. Stop being a bonehead on the bases.

Thanks, mihoba

[JaneDoe]

I grow tired of Lee's power outage.

Not as much as I grow tired of Fat Elvis' base running blunders.

[homer]

This base running shit has got to stop.

[Alkie]

This base running shit has got to stop.

Not to worry, now that we're in the AL West, we get to see the M's 16 more times this year.  All is fine.

[mihoba]

This base running shit has got to stop.

Make Bags the third base/baserunning coach, throw Manso to the wolves.

[JaneDoe]

Is MMPUS the only stadium with those ridiculously outfitted "fowl" poles?

[gwat]

Is MMPUS the only stadium with those ridiculously outfitted "fowl" poles?

That's what keeps the beer prices so cheep.

[mihoba]

Fuckin' dink. Sucks.

[Alkie]

Fuckin' dink. Sucks.

Double income no kids?  Lucky bastard.

[Limey]

Vlad grounds weakly to 3rd.  That's more like it Chrissyboy.  Gary Matthews Creamior hooks one deep and foul, then another one, JD calls him a late bloomer (no connection to his recent HGH purchase), Sampson gets him swinging over an offspeed low and in.  D fucking H Kendrick gets another hit, into left.  Pitch out with Hillenbrand in the box, who then lines to left, 1st and 2nd.  No sink on the sinker for Sampo.  Check swing Texas Leaguer by Napoli - scuzza me - run scores.  9 its for the already for the Anhills and we're not out of the 3rd.  Aybar battling while Napoli (C) tries to steal a base, but he pops up to Munson.  3-1 Anhills.

[Limey]

Lorreta, who was hitting when Berkman went walkabout, bloops one into right for a single (of course).  Lamb whiffs on a sharp breaking ball.  Scott rides one to short of the track in RF.  Munson slices a tin of niblets to LF.  Mid 4.

[JaneDoe]

  Munson slices a tin of niblets to LF. 

What is a tin of niblets?

[Limey]

Off to watch Carrell on The Daily Show.  Back in a few.

[mihoba]

What is a tin of niblets?

opposite of a can of whoopass?

[remy]

Off to watch Carrell on The Daily Show.  Back in a few.

Ooh thanks.

[mihoba]

Figgins single...off to the races.

[homer]

What the fuck is Carlos doing out there?

[dirty steve]

What is a tin of niblets?

can of corn?

[mihoba]

should be an E-7, Lee is a fuckin' spaz out there.

[JaneDoe]

Off to watch Carrell on The Daily Show.  Back in a few.

Probably better than the defensive crap we are seeing here.

[homer]

I'm glad the infield was helping Sampson out on that steal.

[dirty steve]

was cabreras lead halfway to 3B? 

[JaneDoe]

Is anyone up in the bullpen?

[Limey]

Is anyone up in the bullpen?

Is anyone up in Houston?

[homer]

That was fancy.

[mihoba]

Nice job Loretta on the DP with Vlad in his face

[dirty steve]

man--HGH Jr. was really hustling on that grounder to 2B, taking nothing away from the great play by Loretta.

[Limey]

Season 4 of The Office will be 30 episodes.

[chuck]

What is worse, the Astros' defense or the Astros' baserunning? Either way, it's close. Neck and neck. Apropos with Lackey on the mound, what.

Say, what was the last book Mike Lamb read, anyway, the Da Vinci Code?

[mihoba]

2,990 for pigpen

[gwat]

What is worse, the Astros' defense or the Astros' baserunning? Either way, it's close. Neck and neck. Apropos with Lackey on the mound, what.

Say, what was the last book Mike Lamb read, anyway, the Da Vinci Code?

If I remember correctly, he doesn't know either.

[JaneDoe]

2,990 for pigpen

So, do you think ESPN will start breaking away to all of his AB's any time soon?

[dirty steve]

lackey just blew away pence.
berkman nice stroke to CF.
2 out, Lee up.

[chuck]

"He likes to hang his bottom two fingers off the knob! It's a thick-handled bat! Beautiful piece of wood!"

Angels guys are schlong gorvelling Biggio. First-ballot HOFer, they say. Pretty good press for someone you never hear anything about.

[mihoba]

C'mon Carlos, make up for your sucky D

[mihoba]

"He likes to hang his bottom two fingers off the knob! It's a thick-handled bat! Beautiful piece of wood!"

Angels guys are schlong gorvelling Biggio. First-ballot HOFer, they say. Pretty good press for someone you never hear anything about.

Is it Rex Hudler?

[chuck]

Is it Rex Hudler?

Sounds like Rex Reed.

[Anit]

loretta delivers!

[remy]

Stupid bouncy warning tracks!  ARGH!

[mihoba]

Loretta!! Bases-loaded ground rule double

[dirty steve]

Loretta 2b to the mountains in left CF.  4-3, Lamb up.

[remy]

Lackey:  GOD DAMN IIIIIIIIIIIIIIT!  FUUUUUUCK!

Easily readable lips.

[chuck]

Mother fucker. What horrible luck on the ground rule double.

[gwat]

Lackey's 'splosion on the replay made me laugh out loud.

[loganck]

shame it bounced out.  great swing, though.

[remy]

FUCK


YES


LAMB

[Anit]

LAMB FUCKING SMOKES ONE

6-4 ASTROS

[mihoba]

Lamb three-run jack!!!

[Alkie]

GET!  THE!  FUCK!  OUT!  MY!  CLAM!

[JaneDoe]

Serve up a rack of Lamb!

[dirty steve]

3 run dong for Lamb!  6-4 good guys

[gwat]

LLLLAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMb

[homer]

Stay hot Lamb.

[loganck]

my wife called that one.
i asked for a base hit, but chicks dig the long ball.

[remy]

Fuck you Lackey, that wasn't necessary.

[homer]

Why is there no warning?

[chuck]

Fuck you, Lackey.

[JaneDoe]

Mother fucker. What horrible luck on the ground rule double.

Actually, it could have been good luck.  It saved us from watching Mansolino wave El Cabrito around to get thrown out at the plate.

[mihoba]

Lackey is in dangerous territory right there. Plunks Luuuuke high and tight.

[remy]

Actually, it could have been good luck.  It saved us from watching Mansolino wave El Cabrito around to get thrown out at the plate.

Touchee.

[Alkie]

Lackey should be tossed.

In other news, I just guaranteed Biggio gets no more than 3 hits the rest of the road trip. 

[homer]

my wife called that one.
i asked for a base hit, but chicks dig the long ball.

my sister called it too. same exact exchange, i just wanted a hit.

[gwat]

Why is there no warning?

Have these teams ever played. No history...yet. Lackey is exhibiting hothead tendencies.

[mihoba]

Toss'em ump!!

[remy]

I didn't realize Lackey was such a fucking cunt.

[Alkie]

THIS guy is starting the All Star Game for the AL??

What does that say about the NL?

[Anit]

see ya later wacky lackey!

[Fredia]

ok someone tell me what the hell is going on. the astros are scoring runs agaianst  a 10 game winner

[remy]

I love you, This Inning.

[Limey]

I'm back.  Top 5.  Iceberg lines to CF.  Biggio fouls off a few and works to count full before getting #2,990.  Beaker pulls off an offspeed offering (no change there), then another, then another...he missed the 3rd one.  Berkman bitchslaps one past SS, 1st and 2nd.  Lackey wants no part of Lee, 4-pitch walk, nothing close.  Juiced for Loretta, Lamb on deck, Lackey miles away with first 2 pitches, mound conference (probably could work in a Paris Hilton reference here), 3rd pitch slider which Loretta lays off, takes strike 1, fouls one off, full count, everyone running, grounder foul down 3B line, fouls off close pitch, ground-rule double over Matthews' head!!!  4-3, 2nd & 3rd for Lamb.  Lackey falls behind 2-0 again, catches a corner of something, Lamb pulls one foul for a 2-2 count, BOOYAH!  3-run shibby way back in RF, 6-4 Stros, Anhillians booing.  Crabcakes and baseball!  That's what Houston does!  Lackey buzzes Scott way up and in, head-high, catches a piece of him (he's ok and on 1st).  Lackey still getting some corner calls, then doesn't get one and gets into it with HP.  Munson plops on into right CF.  Lackey's done.  Chevy break.

[mihoba]

Adios ya prick.

Sampson is going to give them a shave, bet me.

[dirty steve]

i was hoping for a 5-3/6-2 roadie but this was probably one of the ones i thought would be tough to get.  to get their best pitcher out before the end of the 5th inning is really good news.

[Alkie]

Uhhh...why do we have TWO days off after the All Star Game?

4 days without Astros baseball?

[gwat]

What does that say about the NL?

It feels like the Astros have skipped merrily through a minefield so far. Knock on wood.

[remy]

Uhhh...why do we have TWO days off after the All Star Game?

4 days without Astros baseball?

More time for flapjack to get even flapjacker.

[remy]

THIS guy is starting the All Star Game for the AL??

What does that say about the NL?

We're 0-6 vs. Pittsburgh, go figure.

[chuck]

ok someone tell me what the hell is going on. the astros are scoring runs agaianst  a 10 game winner

The Astros have a seriously potent offensive lineup out there. I'll say that again - the *Astros* have a *potent* *offensive* lineup. The 2007 Astros, yes. That lineup right there.

This lineup might have to win 14-11, but I can live with that.

[Alkie]

What the hell are you going to do without Astros baseball for 4 days ?

[Limey]

Churrasco on for LAAAAAA.  Runners move up on WP.  Iceberg makes the 1st and 3rd outs this inning.  Top o' 5 finally over (thanks Mo).

[JaneDoe]

i was hoping for a 5-3/6-2 roadie but this was probably one of the ones i thought would be tough to get.  to get their best pitcher out before the end of the 5th inning is really good news.

How good is their bullpen?

[mihoba]

Thanks, Morgan. The real rally monkey.

[JaneDoe]

What the hell are you going to do without Astros baseball for 4 days ?

Do you really want to know?

[Limey]

What the hell are you going to do without Astros baseball for 4 days ?

Work?  Naaaaaaah

[homer]

How good is their bullpen?

Lights out for the most part.

ETA: With a lead.

[Alkie]

This lineup might have to win 14-11, but I can live with that.

Rangers are right up the road and are looking for new fans, if it's boys you're liking.

[Alkie]

Do you really want to know?

Depends.  Do I?

[Limey]

How good is their bullpen?

Late innings are reportedly of the shut-down variety.  Dunno about middle relief...probably doesn't see much action.

[homer]

Sampson needs to get his shit together.

[Limey]

Do you really want to know?

Does it involve Union Jack tank tops and speedos?

[Alkie]

Let me get this straight.

Howie Kendrick is black.

Reggie Willits is white.

[Alkie]

Sampson needs to get his shit together.

I just said that here, word for word.

[remy]

Let me get this straight.

Howie Kendrick is black.

Reggie Willits is white.

Welcome to bizarro world.

[JaneDoe]

Depends.  Do I?

I am not a mind reader.  how the heck should I know if you wanna know?

[Limey]

Let me get this straight.

Howie Kendrick is black.

Reggie Willits is white.

Ask Limpbaugh what colour Sherrod Brown is.  He knows...now.

[JaneDoe]

Does it involve Union Jack tank tops and speedos?

Just trying to make you feel at home, Limey.

[mihoba]

Welcome to bizarro world.

And Shawn is spelled Chone.

[homer]

I just said that here, word for word.

You still love him.

And by love I mean want to have his child. Or sponsor his baseball-reference page. Whatevs.

[Reuben]

Nice couple plays by Ensberg, at least...

[Alkie]

Jennings.  Colon.

That's a LOT of ass.

Junktrunk vs badonkadonk says my wife.

[homer]

Ask Limpbaugh what colour Sherrod Brown is.  He knows...now.

Why do you always bring shit like this up? Killin my buzz, man.

[Limey]

DHendrick grounds to 3rd.  Hillenbrand lines to 3rd.  Iceberg working on getting more out for them than he does for us.  Napoli grounds weakly to Loretta.  Sampson seems to have his shit together.

[pravata]

Sampson needs to get his shit together.

Done.

[chuck]

Ask Limpbaugh what colour Sherrod Brown is.  He knows...now.

Did he ever say whether he was using "his" Viagra to fuck male or female prostitutes in the Dominican? I don't really care as long as they're, you know, of age, but I'm curious to know.

[Reuben]

Done.

only 83 pitches so far, amazing what with all the baserunners.

[loganck]

i hate Ford for playing that fucking song so often

[pravata]

only 83 pitches so far, amazing what with all the baserunners.

Havent you heard? That's Chris Sampson.

[homer]

Done.

Small sample size. Better keep it together this inning.

[homer]

I knew I liked Bruntlett for a reason. Hoosiers is one of the finest movies of all time.

[pravata]

Small sample size. Better keep it together this inning.

Why don't you knock it off with them negative waves? Why don't you dig how beautiful it is out here? Why don't you say something righteous and hopeful for a change?

[Limey]

Why do you always bring shit like this up? Killin my buzz, man.

Because it was on-topic and Rush is funny.

[homer]

Why don't you knock it off with them negative waves? Why don't you dig how beautiful it is out here? Why don't you say something righteous and hopeful for a change?

I'm drinking wine and eating cheese, and catching some rays, you know.

[Reuben]

Havent you heard? That's Chris Sampson.

I know, I love the guy. BUt he sure didn't seem efficient the first four innings. Let's hope he can make it through the 6th.

[Limey]

Did he ever say whether he was using "his" Viagra to fuck male or female prostitutes in the Dominican? I don't really care as long as they're, you know, of age, but I'm curious to know.

There are no "of age" prostitutes in the DR of either gender.

[remy]

And Shawn is spelled Chone.

I remember Worrell having a huge hard-on for that guy when the Astros were in anaheim a few years back.

[pravata]

I'm drinking wine and eating cheese, and catching some rays, you know.

Definitely an antisocial type. Woof, woof, woof! That's my other dog imitation

[Limey]

Anything moving rapidly is, from now, to be described as "Figgin fast!"

[Reuben]

Anything moving rapidly is, from now, to be described as "Figgin fast!"

Goof-ass Rex Hudler earlier ejaculated that Chone was "gettin' Figgy with it" lately. Oy vey, Jose...

[pravata]

Anything moving rapidly is, from now, to be described as "Figgin fast!"

Pence runs like Figgins is chasing him.

[Limey]

Missed the last of the 6th:  Mrs Limey called from Vegas and I had to build me another Hefeweisen.

Figgin legged a double, but that was all she wrote.  6-4 Astros after 6.

[mihoba]

I remember Worrell

I'm still trying to forget.

[homer]

Definitely an antisocial type. Woof, woof, woof! That's my other dog imitation

Arf arf arf... That's my other dog impression.

[pravata]

Arf arf arf... That's my other dog impression.

Crazy! So many positive waves maybe we can't lose!

[JaneDoe]

Mrs Limey called from Vegas, that was all she wrote. 

Gee, Limey, sorry.  But I am sure she is having a blast.

[JackAstro]

Did I just see that happen?

[pravata]

Did I just see that happen?

Yeah, everybody got the hell out of the way.

[homer]

Goof-ass Rex Hudler earlier ejaculated that Chone was "gettin' Figgy with it" lately. Oy vey, Jose...

Since he bottomed out at .131 on 5/26, he is .397/.429/.452.

[JaneDoe]

Did I just see that happen?

I was checking the score of the CWS game (Beavers won) and came back to Gameday which said that Lee TRIPLED.  You gotta be kidding me.

[mihoba]

Wow, this has become fun

[chuck]

Crazy! So many positive waves maybe we can't lose!

Hey you two - put down the crystal and the glowsticks and pay attention to the game. We're having some fun here.

[JaneDoe]

Yes!  Busted rundown!  Why does the pitcher get involved in that play?

[mihoba]

Hahahahahahahahahaha

wait....

Hahahahahahahahahaha

[Reuben]

Fucking EXCELLENT run-down by Mark.

[pravata]

Hey you two - put down the crystal and the glowsticks and pay attention to the game. We're having some fun here.

"Have a little faith baby have a little faith"

[JackAstro]

Good times. Good times.

[chuck]

I was checking the score of the CWS game (Beavers won) and came back to Gameday which said that Lee TRIPLED.  You gotta be kidding me.

He had enough in the tank for a burst at the end because he loitered around home plate for the first little while conserving energy.

[pravata]

He had enough in the tank for a burst at the end because he loitered around home plate for the first little while conserving energy.

That Detroit engine takes a while to get warmed up.

[loganck]

he loitered around home plate for the first little while

he always does that.  and i'll never understand why

[Limey]

Lee triples.  No seriously.  Over Matthews head.  Loretta lines one into CF, 7-4 Stros.  Boo-birds calling again.  Love it!  Lamb smokes one to RF, Loretta gets to 3rd.  Lamb thought about two, but correctly re-thunk.  Still no one out.  Scott up.  Napoli is one of those Russian dancer-type catchers.  Scott grounds to 2nd, they get Loretta in a rundown, he keeps it alive long enough for Carrasco to fuck it up and the run scores.  Everyone moves up, 8-4 Astros, 2nd and 3rd, 0 out.  Munson works the count full, then whiffs.  Says "Fuck!"  Carrasco leaves after actually getting someone out...weird.  Corona break.

[homer]

he always does that.  and i'll never understand why

if he doesn't have to run fast, he isn't going to risk it.

[mihoba]

"Have a little faith baby have a little faith"

"Things have taken a turn for the surreal."

[Limey]

Gee, Limey, sorry.  But I am sure she is having a blast.

She's just got back from Cirque do Sogay, then off to the tables.  I'm drinking so as not to cry.

[JaneDoe]

Lamb thinks the last book he read was..............Hannibal.  Now scarred for life. Will never read again.

[JimR]

Yes!  Busted rundown!  Why does the pitcher get involved in that play?

because pitchers are always involved in rundowns between third and home...and between second and third...and between first and second.

[Limey]

Iceberg makes a productive out, sac fly scores #9.  Biggio sends Matthews all the way to the track, but that's where it died.  Mid 7, 9-4 Astros.

[JaneDoe]

because pitchers are always involved in rundowns between third and home...and between second and third...and between first and second.

I did not know that.  Thanks.  I figured they would stay out of it, protect themself first.

[JimR]

I did not know that.  Thanks.  I figured they would stay out of it, protect themself first.

no, pitchers are actually members of the team and are required to play defense.

[pravata]

Lamb thinks the last book he read was..............Hannibal.  Now scarred for life. Will never read again.

Polybius, cool.

[Limey]

I did not know that.  Thanks.  I figured they would stay out of it, protect themself first.

Once they've let go of the ball, they're the 9th defender.  Anyone pitcher who doesn't think so will eventually end up a Cub.

[pravata]

Once they've let go of the ball, they're the 9th defender.  Anyone pitcher who doesn't think so will eventually end up a Cub.

Or a White Sox, something about Chicago.

[remy]

The Bowmore tastes even better with games like this.

Looks like Sampson's done though.

[JaneDoe]

no, pitchers are actually members of the team and are required to play defense.

Dripping with sarcasm?

I actually asked because either Brownie or Jimmy D asked it on the tv. 

[Limey]

Vlad breaks his bat but creeps it over 3rd for a single.  Matthews lines one through the whole into RF.  1st and 2nd, Sampo in the showers.  Audi break.

[Reuben]

Once they've let go of the ball, they're the 9th defender.  Anyone pitcher who doesn't think so will eventually end up a Cub.

Carrasco clearly dropped the throw because he was expecting to be creamed by Loretta.

("hey, they don't pay me to get in collisions at home!")

Even though Mark put his hands up like "hey, I'm not going to hurtcha"

[chuck]

That Detroit engine takes a while to get warmed up.

When I was in high school my paternal grandmother went crazy. We had to move her from her small, west Texas town to Houston where she promptly began serving ice-cold Co-Colas to photographs of my father, attacking the Cambodian house lady with a kitchen knife, etc. She'd driven a 1967 Chevrolet Bel-Air. Over the Christmas break I traveled up to her then-empty house (that my father eventually sold for $5,000) and retrieved that car. It became my principal car. It was a good car. A very good car, actually. But very, very big. Carlo'Lee reminds me of that car - big and slow out of the blocks but with a perfectly respectable top speed once you round second or so and actually get there.

That son of a bitch always turned over. And even a mechanical idiot like me could look under the hood and know what the fuck I was looking at and even fix what went wrong. I actually repaired mechanical problems in that car. I consider tightening the screw on a pair of eyeglasses a big deal.

I went to college and my mom sold it for $100. I do not come from a long line of shrewd traders.

[pravata]

Dripping with sarcasm?

I actually asked because either Brownie or Jimmy D asked it on the tv. 

Why else would they wear a glove.

[JimR]

Vlad breaks his bat but creeps it over 3rd for a single.  Matthews lines one through the whole into RF.  1st and 2nd, Sampo in the showers.  Audi break.

all gloaters better hold off for a few more outs.

[JimR]

Dripping with sarcasm?

I actually asked because either Brownie or Jimmy D asked it on the tv. 

pretty good chance JD knows that pitchers are involved in rundowns.

[remy]

goddamn monkey.

[remy]

Well, Sampson can't get the loss at least.

[JimR]

Well, Sampson can't get the loss at least.

and that's important to you? he got pounded tonight.

[mihoba]

Looked out to me...

maybe not

[remy]

looked safe to me, Phil

[pravata]

Thanks Carlos

[Reuben]

fuck, fuck, fuck, damn, fuck

[JaneDoe]

all gloaters better hold off for a few more outs.

Truer words were never said.

[chuck]

I think he was safe. I also wonder why Bruntlett wasn't in the game.

[JimR]

I think he was safe. I also wonder why Bruntlett wasn't in the game.

what has happened? i am not watching.

[Reuben]

what has happened? i am not watching.

near-DP, very close at first

[remy]

bullshit he went.

[MRaup]

I think he was safe. I also wonder why Bruntlett wasn't in the game.

These umpires are fucking retarded....

How the FUCK did he not swing at that?!

[pravata]

what has happened? i am not watching.

Ground ball to short.  Loretta bobbled the pickup slightly, they got the runner at 2nd, Biggio's relay to 1st was late and they just got one.

[remy]

These umpires are fucking retarded....

How the FUCK did he not swing at that?!

That was a blatant swing.  Jesus, umpires are getting worse by the year.

[remy]

Alright, I'm switching from scotch to heroin.

[JimR]

score?

[MRaup]

Qualls continues to be either great or awful.

He picked awful today.

Not throwing early count strikes is fucking BRUTAL for relievers.

[Reuben]

qualls...come on now...

[chuck]

I didn't see a replay, but in real time it didn't seem like he went around.

This is a fucking nightmare for Qualls.

[pravata]

score?

9-8 runner on 3rd 2 outs Figgins 1-2

[MRaup]

score?
[/quote

9-8, with a runner on 3rd and 4-4 Figgins up.

[dirty steve]

Ground ball to short.  Loretta bobbled the pickup slightly, they got the runner at 2nd, Biggio's relay to 1st was late and they just got one.

that one just scored on a sac fly to make it 9-8

[JimR]

score?
[/quote

9-8, with a runner on 3rd and 4-4 Figgins up.

4 runs? holy crap, what happened?

[Anit]

mother. fucking. fucker.

[JaneDoe]

Score tied 9-9

[Reuben]

god damn motherfucker

[dirty steve]

is that infield made of freaking rubber?

[chuck]

Mother fucker. Call that pitch, asshole.

[remy]

somewhere, bill worrell is having an orgasm.

[MRaup]

4 runs? holy crap, what happened?

Chad Qualls melting down.

Not throwing strikes early, giving up a ton of hard hit grounders over and by people.

tied at 9 now on a fucking 40 foot chop to Qualls.

[pravata]

4 runs? holy crap, what happened?

Bunch of singles. Figgins just bounced a high chop to the pitcher that he beats, run scores and we start over.

[Reuben]

ok, I try not to question these things, but why the fuck is Qualls still in there?

[JimR]

Score tied 9-9

shit. we were doing great till i got on here.

unbelieveable

[pravata]

ok, I try not to question these things, but why the fuck is Qualls still in there?

Why not?  You think somebody else would do better at this point?

[Bonomaniac]

way to be garbage, Qualls

[MRaup]

shit. we were doing great till i got on here.

unbelieveable

Qualls has been grade A terrible tonight. Everyone was up 2 balls no strikes early, then hitting his sinkers hard.

[dirty steve]

i think figgins might have injured his hand again.

[remy]

get qualls the hell out of there.

[pravata]

way to be garbage, Qualls

Yeah. Because the Angels, they cant hit.

[JimR]

ok, I try not to question these things, but why the fuck is Qualls still in there?

i got one: why send Sampson out to start the 7th? they battered him.

[MRaup]

i got one: why send Sampson out to start the 7th? they battered him.

That started the nonsense.

Qualls just played water to Sampson's grease fire.

[JaneDoe]

Finally. The third out.  Hope the Astros bats stay hot.

[pravata]

i got one: why send Sampson out to start the 7th? they battered him.

They need 2005 Lidge out there.  These guys hit the ball.

[BatGirl]

oh my!

[Limey]

Qualls inherits 2 runners and no outs.  DHendrick benefits from some rust as Chad spots him two balls (NTTAWWT), fouls one, takes ball 3, fouls another, and another, ball 4.  Loaded for Hillenbrand, who grounds one just wide of Loretta for a 2-run single.  1st and 2nd, still no one out, 9-6 Astros.  Napoli gets down 0-2, had a good rip at one that went straight back, then grounds to Loretta.  Got the out at 2B, but Bidge looped the relay a little under pressure and Napoli beat it by a cunt hair.  Garner out of the dugout and pissed.  Aybar gets a bullshit bouncer over Lamb to score their 7th while Napoli gets to 3rd.  They can't be this lucky this long...right?  Yes they can as Aybar takes 2nd when Munson drops a check-swing pitch that looked more of a swing than Lee's earlier.  Garner chirping again.  Bugger: sac fly scores as Hoggle sends Scott to just short of the track.  Aybar moves up again.  2 out, Figgin' Figgins at the plate.  Fucking softball league!  Figgins bounces one about 100 yards high that doesn't come down until he's safe at 1st and the tying run has scored.

BULL FUCKING SHIT!  They have 50 hits, none of which was any fucking good.  I am going to really hate this team by Wednesday.

Cabrera up as Qualls pays a lot of attention to Figgins.  No matter, he swipes 2nd anyway.  Qualls gets a weak grounder that doesn't end up a some freak play.  Side retired.  9-9.  Time to build another Hefe.

[remy]

Can you imagine an 18 inning game on the west coast?

Not that it would ever happen against these Angels...

[Reuben]

Why not?  You think somebody else would do better at this point?

I'm sorry, was he doing above-average?

[JimR]

That started the nonsense.

Qualls just played water to Sampson's grease fire.

two on, no out, 5 run lead and he gives up a tie game?

[pravata]

I'm sorry, was he doing above-average?

Are you watching?

[MRaup]

Qualls, after the inning ended, just heaved a ball out of the ballpark as he headed into the dugout.

[dirty steve]

qualls just hooked the LA of A crowd up with a souvenir and an expletive.

[Reuben]

Are you watching?

Yes. Granted, he didn't look terrible, some cheap/freak hits, but at some point enough is enough...

[JimR]

i give up. if i had gone to bed 30 minutes ago, we'd still be up 9-4. y'all boot 'em home.

unbelievable.

[MRaup]

Dear Lance Berkman, SWING THE FUCKING BAT ***AT*** BALLS IN THE STRIKE ZONE.

[remy]

I would have been just fine losing this game 4-1.  This was just cruel.

[pravata]

Yes. Granted, he didn't look terrible, some cheap/freak hits, but at some point enough is enough...

I have no idea what you're talking about. Should he have been taken out after the blown double play? How about seeing eye single, the single off the shoe tops, the high bouncer back to the pitcher.  When?

[mihoba]

Dear Lance Berkman, SWING THE FUCKING BAT ***AT*** BALLS IN THE STRIKE ZONE.

Looked like he guessed wrong...again. A lot of that this year.

[Reuben]

I would have been just fine losing this game 4-1.  This was just cruel.

the game is not fuckin' over.

[Limey]

Shields on.  Gunther grounds weakly.  Berkman caught looking.  Lee down 0-2 in the blink of an eye.  Very different inning.  Lee laces one at 3rd.  Mid 8, tied at 9.  Audi break about dead children.

[pravata]

Shields on.  Gunther grounds weakly.  Berkman caught looking.  Lee down 0-2 in the blink of an eye.  Very different inning.  Lee laces one at 3rd.  Mid 8, tied at 9.  Audi break about dead children.

"I see brake lights"

[homer]

"I see brake lights"

stop gloating

[JaneDoe]

Shields on. 

Channeling Star Trek or Wars?

[Limey]

Channeling Star Trek or Wars?

Dune.  Lee forgot about the slow blade.

[Rebel Jew]

I have no idea what you're talking about. Should he have been taken out after the blown double play? How about seeing eye single, the single off the shoe tops, the high bouncer back to the pitcher.  When?

he should have been taken out so that people could bitch at trever miller instead.  seems people have more fun bitchin about that dude.  come on gar, give the fans what they want.

[pravata]

Channeling Star Trek or Wars?

"Lets be bad guys."

[Reuben]

I have no idea what you're talking about. Should he have been taken out after the blown double play? How about seeing eye single, the single off the shoe tops, the high bouncer back to the pitcher.  When?

It was a frustrating inning. Qualls looked very frustrated. And I might be wrong, but it seemed like he was leaving a lot of balls up. I am no expert, I was though questioning why he was still in there, because it didn't make sense to me. But oh well, he finally got the third out. Tough inning. Go get 'em next inning.

[MRaup]

THROW

FUCKING

STRIKES

[pravata]

It was a frustrating inning. Qualls looked very frustrated. And I might be wrong, but it seemed like he was leaving a lot of balls up. I am no expert, I was though questioning why he was still in there, because it didn't make sense to me. But oh well, he finally got the third out. Tough inning. Go get 'em next inning.

Well he's out now.  Borkowski just walked Guerrero.  Happy now?

[remy]

strikes would be good borker.

[homer]

Well, I'm glad Bork is throwing strikes.

[pravata]

Well, I'm glad Bork is throwing strikes.

Right, he was up last inning. When the whiners wanted Qualls out.

[JaneDoe]

TWO

STRAIGHT

WALKS

[Limey]

Bork comes in and promptly walks Guerrero.  Matthews up.  Lidge warming.  Matthews walks.  Wallace visiting.

[remy]

This is like watching a guillotine about to drop.

[homer]

Right, he was up last inning. When the whiners wanted Qualls out.

I wanted Angels out.

[MRaup]

This is disgustingly obnoxious.

[Reuben]

Right, he was up last inning. When the whiners wanted Qualls out.

Tell you what- let it drop and I will. 'K?

[pravata]

I wanted Angels out.

That's not likely to happen. 

[pravata]

Tell you what- let it drop and I will. 'K?

Nope.

[chuck]

Wow, some defense.

[MRaup]

Poooooolish Pellet strikes again!

[Rebel Jew]

I wanted Angels out.

huge play!

[remy]

Wow...

[JaneDoe]

Thank God for double plays

[homer]

Pitching and defense wins championships.

[Limey]

Two on, no outs.  DHendrick bunts but Lamb gets Vlad at 3rd.  1st & 2nd, 1 out.  Hillenbrand serves up a 1-6-3.  Going to the 9th, tied at 9.

[pravata]

Thank God for double plays

Would have been helpful last inning.

[chuck]

Wow. More defense.

Come on, guys. The heart of the lineup is due, let's go.

[Rebel Jew]

huge play!

fuck yeah!

lamb, scott, munson

[Reuben]

Nope.

Well, for the record, I have campaigned for neither Qualls' nor Miller's release.

[mihoba]

What Angels lefty is coming in?

[pravata]

Well, for the record, I have campaigned for neither Qualls' nor Miller's release.

Are you watching this game? 

[Limey]

Come on, guys. The heart of the lineup is due, let's go.

Lamb?

[homer]

What Angels lefty is coming in?

Fuck that, rubber arm Shields. He could pitch for about 6 more innings.

[mihoba]

Fuck that, rubber arm Shields. He could pitch for about 6 more innings.

Well, I was hoping.

[Reuben]

Are you watching this game? 

thought you brought up Miller. I could be mistaken.

[chuck]

Limey, ever see the film The Alcohol Years? I'd always thought that Pete Shelley was a full-on butt-nut; I didn't realize that he'd ever been infatuated with a woman. Much less had thrown down with one.

I guess she could have made it all up.

What's Manchester like?

[remy]

It's Lamb time.

[pravata]

thought you brought up Miller. I could be mistaken.

When? When would Miller have been appropriate?  You're done.

[homer]

When? When would Miller have been appropriate?  You're done.

He just needs 60 feet of bridge.

[chuck]

Lamb?

And Loretta. And Luke. And Munson. The Killer L through M's.

[MRaup]

When? When would Miller have been appropriate?  You're done.

I'm going to go slam my head against a wall until this game is over, someone let me know how it ends.

[pravata]

He just needs 60 feet of bridge.

I can pick up 60 feet of bridge almost anywhere.

[homer]

Has Scott Shields met Mark Loretta? Does he know that he is slower than Carlos?

[pravata]

I'm going to go slam my head against a wall until this game is over, someone let me know how it ends.

Angels arent going anywhere.  I have a feeling they do this kind of thing all the time.

[MRaup]

I can pick up 60 feet of bridge almost anywhere.

I got one in Arizona you're welcome to.

[mihoba]

Has Scott Shields met Mark Loretta? Does he know that he is slower than Carlos?

Pinch runner, Bruntlett or Burke, not sure which.

[remy]

barf

[MRaup]

Pinch runner, Bruntlett or Burke, not sure which.

Brunt.

[homer]

I can pick up 60 feet of bridge almost anywhere.

Oh, how about the German Army? Do you think they'd mind us crossing their bridge?

[pravata]

Pinch runner, Bruntlett or Burke, not sure which.

Bruntlett

[Reuben]

he should have been taken out so that people could bitch at trever miller instead.  seems people have more fun bitchin about that dude.  come on gar, give the fans what they want.

Sorry Prav. Wrong guy. My bad...I did not think Qualls was terrible. But I though maybe, perhaps, it would've been better once the score was 9-8 to bring in a fresh pitcher. Maybe that's knee-jerk whining, if so oh well. Go get 'em next time.

[homer]

Pinch runner, Bruntlett or Burke, not sure which.

I missed that. Why isn't he standing on second base?

Good, that's better.

[pravata]

Oh, how about the German Army? Do you think they'd mind us crossing their bridge?

I'm not worried about the German army, we got enough troubles of our own.

[loganck]

the Key returns

[pravata]

I missed that. Why isn't he standing on second base?

Good, that's better.

Because Garner wants to lose.  Same reason he left in Qualls.

[remy]

the Key returns

he better Key all over home plate here in a minute.

[loganck]

Scott had no idea that was ball four

[Limey]

Shields still up.  Loretta leads off showing bunt.  Now Wheeler's warming.  Garner channelling Gary Oldman in The Professional.  Stan gets his 4th hit in front of Matthews.  Bruntlett on to pinch run.  Lamb batting, not bunting.  Falls behind 1-2.  Stayin' alive.  Shields paints the back door, 1 out.  Scott up, Bruntlett steals 2nd on ball 3.  Ball 4, 1st & 2nd for Munson.  Psoriasis pulls Shields (WTF?) for his loogie.  Audi break.

[pravata]

Sorry Prav. Wrong guy. My bad...I did not think Qualls was terrible. But I though maybe, perhaps, it would've been better once the score was 9-8 to bring in a fresh pitcher. Maybe that's knee-jerk whining, if so oh well. Go get 'em next time.

Wasnt Qualls fault, a little bit of Loretta and these bastards can hit.  Bunch of groundball singles.

[MRaup]

Scott had no idea that was ball four

He looked more than a little surprise when the ump told him to take his base.

[remy]

Scott had no idea that was ball four

We're lucky the ump was paying attention.

[homer]

Because Garner wants to lose.  Same reason he left in Qualls.

I know you are grumpy, its past your bedtime. But my name isn't Vagina Barrett, so don't take it out on me.

[MRaup]

I know you are grumpy, its past your bedtime. But my name isn't Vagina Barrett, so don't take it out on me.

If anything you're the anti-Barrett... You're sporting Roy's mug.

[pravata]

I know you are grumpy, its past your bedtime. But my name isn't Vagina Barrett, so don't take it out on me.

What, it's 8:30?

[chuck]

Wasnt Qualls fault, a little bit of Loretta and these bastards can hit.

And Biggio can't much throw. Don't know why Bruntlett wasn't in the game.

[remy]

What, it's 8:30?

It will be soon.

[Rebel Jew]

He looked more than a little surprise when the ump told him to take his base.

like a surfer searching for the perfect wave, so is ensberg/scott searching for the perfect pitch

[homer]

What, it's 8:30?

Somewhere in Canada.

[MRaup]

like a surfer searching for the perfect wave, so is ensberg/scott searching for the perfect pitch

"Take your base, Luke."

"Why?"

[pravata]

And Biggio can't much throw. Don't know why Bruntlett wasn't in the game.

For defense? In the 7th?  It wasnt the Biggio shot put that caused that, it was Loretta's bobble.

[remy]

Attaboy MUNS!

Fuckall... come on Morgan... do it just this once.

[Reuben]

ok, Morg...don't think...

[MRaup]

Over/Under for Ensberg walking here?

[chuck]

This is getting fairly interesting.

[pravata]

ok, Morg...don't think...

pinch hit, pinch hit,

[remy]

pleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleaseplease

[JimR]

For defense? In the 7th?  It wasnt the Biggio shot put that caused that, it was Loretta's bobble.

i'm back. please end this.

why is it one and not the other?

[remy]

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!

[mihoba]

Damn the luck

[MRaup]

Are you fucking shitting me?

Fuck the stupid Angels and their bullshit luck.

[JaneDoe]

Dadgumit.   

[pravata]

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!

Why was Ensberg swinging?

[JimR]

Are you fucking shitting me?

Fuck the stupid Angels and their bullshit luck.

what?

[loganck]

shit.

just plunk him

[remy]

pleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleaseplease

[pravata]

i'm back. please end this.

why is it one and not the other?

Biggio's throw was the usual, and he's been in the middle of many double plays.

[remy]

that was a ball, motherfucker.

[MRaup]

I'm not denying that Morgan blistered that ball, but why the fuck was he swinging 2-0 on a pitcher that walked the batter before him?

[mihoba]

Why was Ensberg swinging?

2-0 hangin' curve?

Bullshit ump, strike at the ankles on Bidge

[remy]

2 strikes to Bidge... I smell what's coming.

[MRaup]

what?

Ensberg took ball one and two, then SMOKED a ball right at Figgins at 3rd. Knocked him back a step as he caught it.

[pravata]

2-0 hangin' curve?

Bullshit ump, strike at the ankles on Bidge

Yeah, I know.  I was doing the whining thing.  Just wanted to see how it felt.

[JaneDoe]

Why was Ensberg swinging?

Because Jim came back and scared him. 

[JimR]

Biggio's throw was the usual, and he's been in the middle of many double plays.

a good arm can save the play after a bobble. he does not get a free pass.

[Limey]

K-Rod on for Munson.  Very animated pitcher.  Munson works it full, walks.  Loaded for Iceberg.  Sac fly at least, please.  K-Rod not stupid: missing low.  Morgan smokes it to 3rd.  Figgin' Figgins!

How is this kind of lopsided luck possible?!!!!!!

Bidge! Gee! Oh!  Gets ahead 2-0, then back to 2-2.  K's him on a slider.

[remy]

eat shit and die in a car fire, gay rod.

[mihoba]

KRod-fuckin' hot dog

[MRaup]

And Biggio looks fucking awful on a breaker over the middle of the fucking plate.

Hey Craig, you could at least swing like its going to be something not-straight.

[Reuben]

Is Rodriguez an NFL wide receiver? Do your little dance when you get the last out in the WS, fucker.

[pravata]

a good arm can save the play after a bobble. he does not get a free pass.

He didnt do anything he doesnt normally do.  He doesnt get a free pass but there cant be an expectation that he suddenly has an arm.  Loretta's bobble blew the dp.

[homer]

KRod-fuckin' hot dog

yeah, no shit. he can die in a fire.

[Rebel Jew]

eat shit and die in a car fire, gay rod.

you need to post less.

[MRaup]

And here comes the fucking dink-brigade again.

[homer]

Bork back to the hill. Awesome.

[JimR]

He didnt do anything he doesnt normally do.  He doesnt get a free pass but there cant be an expectation that he suddenly has an arm.  Loretta's bobble blew the dp.

oh, please.

[pravata]

Bork back to the hill. Awesome.

Suddenly they got someone else out there?

[pravata]

oh, please.

I'm not kidding.  If that throw is a problem then Biggio shouldnt play second ever again.

[chuck]

oh, please.

If I recall correctly the Astros were up by five going into that inning. I might be crazy, but I bring in my defensive guys in that situation. Certainly for someone who is both an offensive and a defensive liability.

[homer]

Suddenly they got someone else out there?

Trying out being a whiner too.

[JimR]

I'm not kidding.  If that throw is a problem then Biggio shouldnt play second ever again.

you could be right about that last part, but this is not a DH league.

[pravata]

you could be right about that last part, but this is not a DH league.

That's not going to happen. 

[pravata]

Trying out being a whiner too.

Cant say I like it.

[JimR]

That's not going to happen. 

i know that. leaving him out there in the late innings hurts the team.

[homer]

Cant say I like it.

Its so 'whatevs'.

[MRaup]

what the fuck? the corners just close for business?

Fuck this home plate umpire.

[pravata]

If I recall correctly the Astros were up by five going into that inning. I might be crazy, but I bring in my defensive guys in that situation. Certainly for someone who is both an offensive and a defensive liability.

The 7th?  Besides, on the dp, the "liability" was at short.

[JaneDoe]

Cant say I like it.

Maybe you just need Mistress Mandy to help you out a little.

[mihoba]

you could be right about that last part, but this is not a DH league.

Bidge normally does okay on the DP. He was there early waiting for the ball, the runner was on him, and he had to throw flat footed. Not his fault on that missed opp.

[Reuben]

Lamb was standing on first base with Willits at bat.

[Limey]

Bork still on.  Gets Napoli to poke one off the end of the bat to Gunther (remember him?).  Aybar hits the ball properly, and is put out in LF.  On 0-1 to Hoggle, Ump ignores one over the plate.  Now 2-1.  Yet another ground just wide of SS.  This is fucking INSANE!  Bork done.  Chevy break.

[MRaup]

Lamb was standing on first base with Willits at bat.

Guarding the line for both bunts and hits.

[Reuben]

Guarding the line for both bunts and hits.

Yeah, but (and this is a serious question) you wouldn't leave maybe a half-step between you and the line?

[JimR]

Bidge normally does okay on the DP. He was there early waiting for the ball, the runner was on him, and he had to throw flat footed. Not his fault on that missed opp.

no, he does not Mike. he loops everything. everyone else has to be perfect to make up for his lousy throws. prav said Loretta was not perfect and it cost the DP. that is why Biggio is a liability.

[homer]

18 hits for the Angels.

18.

[pravata]

18 hits for the Angels.

18.

Have they all been on the ground?

[JimR]

18 hits for the Angels.

18.

it seemed like they had 18 off Sampson.

[homer]

no, he does not Mike. he loops everything. everyone else has to be perfect to make up for his lousy throws. prav said Loretta was not perfect and it cost the DP. that is why Biggio is a liability.

I'll throw out that Loretta's (lack of) range has hurt the Astros tonite. IMO.

[chuck]

The 7th?  Besides, on the dp, the "liability" was at short.

Yes. And I hear you saying that about Loretta's bobble. And saying it again. And again, and some more, too. But I know you saw the throw to first. And I know that you saw how pathetic it was.

[JimR]

I'll throw out that Loretta's (lack of) range has hurt the Astros tonite. IMO.

damn that Everett.

[MRaup]

Yeah, but (and this is a serious question) you wouldn't leave maybe a half-step between you and the line?

Seriously? What difference does it make?

[Reuben]

Have they all been on the ground?

Fer-rustrating night so far...

[mihoba]

no, he does not Mike. he loops everything. everyone else has to be perfect to make up for his lousy throws. prav said Loretta was not perfect and it cost the DP. that is why Biggio is a liability.

Okay.

Despite his low average and his penchant for the K on sliders, he has really regressed in the field more than at the plate. Even I notice that.

10 more hits.

[pravata]

Yes. And I hear you saying that about Loretta's bobble. And saying it again. And again, and some more, too. But I know you saw the throw to first. And I know that you saw how pathetic it was.

No different than it always is.  Fact remains, groundball fielded cleanly, dp.

[JimR]

The 7th?  Besides, on the dp, the "liability" was at short.

and at second.

[Anit]

chone figgins is a fuckwad

[JaneDoe]

Crappy throw.  Woulda made it anyway. 6 hits for figgin Figgins.

[homer]

Have they all been on the ground?

3 doubles, 16 singles, 5 BB

[JimR]

No different than it always is.  Fact remains, groundball fielded cleanly, dp.

average arm at 2B, dp.

[Limey]

Miller up to turn around the 5 for 5 Figgins.  Working on Hoggle at 1B.  A lot.  Figgins pokes one into the RF corner, Scott misses the cut-off man, but probably had no shot.  Fuck me.

[MRaup]

chone figgins is a fuckwad

Yeah boy, fuck Figgins. Making Loretta bobble that grounder. And Bidge's throw suck nuts.
What
a
dick
.

[pravata]

average arm at 2B, dp.

below average arm, fielded cleanly, dp.

[mihoba]

Yeah boy, fuck Figgins. Making Loretta bobble that grounder. And Bidge's throw suck nuts.
What
a
dick
.

And you guys missed Carlos Lee costing runs early. He was a total fuckup out there.

[homer]

damn that Everett.

not what i am saying, but you know that.

just pointing it out... since you didn't watch the game.

[JimR]

And you guys missed Carlos Lee costing runs early. He was a total fuckup out there.

i was watching early but did not see that. of course, under prav's theory, if you play lousy ordinarily, it is someone else's fault for not making up for it.

[MRaup]

And you guys missed Carlos Lee costing runs early. He was a total fuckup out there.

I walked in and turned the game on in the 6th.

Needless to say, I missed all the good shit.

[Rebel Jew]

And you guys missed Carlos Lee costing runs early. He was a total fuckup out there.

What about Miller???  When are we going to talk about Miller?  When?? 

 

[Limey]

And you guys missed Carlos Lee costing runs early. He was a total fuckup out there.

The Angels lived up to their name with so many bloops, bleeders and bouncers that there was no way for the Astros to win this game.  Pound the ol' Hefeweisen and get 'em tomorrow.

[pravata]

What about Miller???  When are we going to talk about Miller?  When?? 

Right, because all the other Astros pitchers shut down the Angels.

[JimR]

not what i am saying, but you know that.

just pointing it out... since you didn't watch the game.

i watched the first 6. i'll take Loretta.

[Reuben]

I would hate the Angels less, nay, maybe even respect and admire them, if not for:
a) their uni's looking so dumb and generic

b) the whole LA/ANaheim/CA shit

c) this game

d) and probably a few more...

[pravata]

I would hate the Angels less, nay, maybe even respect and admire them, if not for:
a) their uni's looking so dumb and generic

b) the whole LA/ANaheim/CA shit

c) this game

d) and probably a few more...

They are very similar to the Mariners.  Both teams are free swingers, but the Angels connect.

[chuck]

No different than it always is.  Fact remains, groundball fielded cleanly, dp.

And Bruntlett at short and Loretta at second and the DP is turned without a thought.

That does not erase Qualls' absurdist performance or the Dali-esque baserunning or the horrible defense that Carlos has been exhibiting. But if the game is close and late I would take Biggio out of the game every fucking time. Fuck Drayton and his ticket sales, fuck St Biggio and his selfish bullshit. Garner has enough money. He should manage the team like he intends to win, not like he needs to stroke owners and former star players whose star is fading quickly. If Drayton doesn't like it he can hire a yes-man.

[Limey]

Right, because all the other Astros pitchers shut down the Angels.

Figgins was 6-6, but only 1 run and 2 ribs.  Still an amazing(ly lucky) night for him, but not a chainsaw job or anything.  Regardless, Miller gave up 1 hit, everyone else gave up 18.  And Miller is supposed to pitch only to lefties.

[Rebel Jew]

Right, because all the other Astros pitchers shut down the Angels.

Its all his fault.  Qualls knew he had to pitch perfectly because of Miller bringing a lack of confidence to the team.  The fielders too.  We would have won this without his presence defoulin the bullpen..

[homer]

i watched the first 6. i'll take Loretta.

he is statuesque out there. i'd take bruntlett. loretta at third or whatever else garner can brew up.

[pravata]

And Bruntlett at short and Loretta at second and the DP is turned without a thought.

That does not erase Qualls' absurdist performance or the Dali-esque baserunning or the horrible defense that Carlos has been exhibiting. But if the game is close and late I would take Biggio out of the game every fucking time. Fuck Drayton and his ticket sales, fuck St Biggio and his selfish bullshit. Garner has enough money. He should manage the team like he intends to win, not like he needs to stroke owners and former star players whose star is fading quickly. If Drayton doesn't like it he can hire a yes-man.

So the Astros take Biggio out in the middle of the inning?  Because at the start of the inning the Astros are up by 5.  Garner isnt trying to lose.

[Limey]

i watched the first 6. i'll take Loretta.

He went 4-5 with 3 ribs and 2 runs scored.  Everett may have got a couple of those grounders through the hole, but he is unlikely to have done what Stan did at the plate.  No idea what Crimson Chin would've done, but probably a little less D than Everett and a little less O than Loretta.

[mihoba]

i was watching early but did not see that. of course, under prav's theory, if you play lousy ordinarily, it is someone else's fault for not making up for it.

Runner on first, single in the hole. Lee charged, scooped, spun, and threw it 20' wide of third. A routine play to nail him, a short throw.

Double in the corner, Lee failed to pick it up with his glove, then overthrew the cutoff man. runner scored from first.

Both should have been errors.

[chuck]

So the Astros take Biggio out in the middle of the inning?  Because at the start of the inning the Astros are up by 5.  Garner isnt trying to lose.

Going into the inning, the 6th, the 7th, I don't recall which, I would have replaced Biggio with Bruntlett, moving Loretta to second and placing Bruntlett at short. I think this is a sound policy in any situation when the Astros are up after five innings, certainly if they are up by as many as five runs. Really, that is the point I am trying to make. I am not saying that Biggio lost the game for the team, etc. He did not. I am singling out an excellent example of a terribly turned DP attempt and saying that in the later innings when the Astros need defense, Biggio is the wrong player to have on the field.

[pravata]

Going into the inning, the 6th, the 7th, I don't recall which, I would have replaced Biggio with Bruntlett, moving Loretta to second and placing Bruntlett at short. I think this is a sound policy in any situation when the Astros are up after five innings, certainly if they are up by as many as five runs. Really, that is the point I am trying to make. I am not saying that Biggio lost the game for the team, etc. He did not. I am singling out an excellent example of a terribly turned DP attempt and saying that in the later innings when the Astros need defense, Biggio is the wrong player to have on the field.

Well that's the wrong play to criticize Biggio.  Because it's a routine grounder to short.  Loretta bobbled it.  I've seen Biggio turn routine double plays and that was a routine double play.  Up by 5 in the 7th isnt close and late.

[Limey]

Limey, ever see the film The Alcohol Years? I'd always thought that Pete Shelley was a full-on butt-nut; I didn't realize that he'd ever been infatuated with a woman. Much less had thrown down with one.

I guess she could have made it all up.

What's Manchester like?

Sorry, just catching up with in-zone chat.  Haven't seen the film.  Manchester is dirty and depressing and cold, but at least the beer is cheap.

[mihoba]

Going into the inning, the 6th, the 7th, I don't recall which, I would have replaced Biggio with Bruntlett, moving Loretta to second and placing Bruntlett at short. I think this is a sound policy in any situation when the Astros are up after five innings, certainly if they are up by as many as five runs. Really, that is the point I am trying to make. I am not saying that Biggio lost the game for the team, etc. He did not. I am singling out an excellent example of a terribly turned DP attempt and saying that in the later innings when the Astros need defense, Biggio is the wrong player to have on the field.

Hell, I think Bruntlett should be the full time SS, but that is just me. I look for Bidge to DH one game and sit the other this series.

[homer]

Hell, I think Bruntlett should be the full time SS, but that is just me. I look for Bidge to DH one game and sit the other this series.

aye

[DVauthrin]

All this gnashing of teeth trying to figure whose to blame is pointless.   This game can be summed up with morgan ensberg's at bat in the 9th inning.   For once he hits the ball on the screws in a big spot and it goes right to figgins.   While the angels tie the game on two choppers by aybar and figgins in the 7th.

The angels are just a team with the approach of david eckstein and it annoys you after awhile.    Only thing I will say is bringing Qualls in after sampson is sort of playing into the angels hands as both are sinkerballers, with chad throwing harder.   I probably would have tried giving those hitters a vastly different look if I was garner, but it may not have mattered.   But a speedy contact hitting team was probably the worst conceivable matchup for sampson and not a good one for qualls either.   

[EasTexAstro]

All this gnashing of teeth trying to figure whose to blame is pointless.   This game can be summed up with

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FONt47Z0KZg&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Face%2Emu%2Enu%2F

Makes you sick...

[mihoba]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FONt47Z0KZg&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Face%2Emu%2Enu%2F

Makes you sick...

I'm going to have nightmares.

[Limey]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FONt47Z0KZg&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Face%2Emu%2Enu%2F

Makes you sick...

You bring that shit here again, and you and I are going to have a problem!

[chuck]

Well that's the wrong play to criticize Biggio.  Because it's a routine grounder to short.  Loretta bobbled it.  I've seen Biggio turn routine double plays and that was a routine double play.  Up by 5 in the 7th isnt close and late.

I don't give a fuck what Loretta did with it. Biggio's throw was pathetic. Every other starting second baseman in the National League would have turned that very play into a DP. If Biggio has to play, and he does, take the fucking guy out when the team needs defense. Like when the team is up by five runs. Whether that's in the 9th or the 5th or whatever.

Remember, I'm not pinning the loss on the guy, just reminding you that he is a terrible defensive player on a team that can scarcely afford any more of the same.

[homer]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FONt47Z0KZg&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Face%2Emu%2Enu%2F

Makes you sick...

That should be illegal.

[mihoba]

   But a speedy contact hitting team was probably the worst conceivable matchup for sampson and not a good one for qualls either.   

Not to mention, without AE, no range and no arms at SS, 2B, and all three OF spots.

[DVauthrin]

Not to mention, without AE, no range and no arms at SS, 2B, and all three OF spots.

you won't get any disagreement here.    Btw Lee's throw to 3rd might have been the worst throw i've ever seen.    Try setting your feet next time carlos.

[mihoba]

Biggio's throw was pathetic.

You and I have a vastly different version of what a pathetic throw is.

The bobble threw his timing off, the runner was on him. He doesn't have the arm strength to flat foot it. He made the throw, but it was a hair late. Below average for sure, but it was accurate. Would you rather he throw it in the dugout? Would that be considered 'pathetic?'

That missed dp was all on Loretta, sorry. Does Burke make that throw? Or would he bail?

[DVauthrin]

You and I have a vastly different version of what a pathetic throw is.

The bobble threw his timing off, the runner was on him. He doesn't have the arm strength to flat foot it. He made the throw, but it was a hair late. Below average for sure, but it was accurate. Would you rather he throw it in the dugout? Would that be considered 'pathetic?'

That missed dp was all on Loretta, sorry. Does Burke make that throw? Or would he bail?

That wasn't a bad biggio throw, and I was surprised the ump called him safe in the first place.   

[chuck]

Does Burke make that throw? Or would he bail?

I don't know the answer to that question. That's a pretty good question, too, in a totally different context. You'll note two things, please - first, that Biggio's throw reached a height equivalent to about the third row in the club section, and, second (and more importantly) I am advocating Bruntlett at short and Loretta at second in the situation that produced the play we're discussing, so your straw man of what might Burke have done is completely irrelevant and deliberately misleading. Nice try, though.

Carlos' throws from LF tonight were also pathetic. Biggio's was no less so, despite being accurate and indeed a hair late.

[MikeyBoy]

He went 4-5 with 3 ribs and 2 runs scored.  Everett may have got a couple of those grounders through the hole, but he is unlikely to have done what Stan did at the plate.  No idea what Crimson Chin would've done, but probably a little less D than Everett and a little less O than Loretta.

Everett would not have been batting 5th, though. He would have been hitting 9th and Loretta likely would have been at 3rd, still batting 5th. Also, there were more than a couple grounders that dribbled past Loretta and in big situations too, like bases loaded in the 7th.

Both Bruntlett and Loretta look like they're standing still compared to AE, I guess I just need to get used to it.

[Dobro]

chuck, I hate to take the JimR approach here, but you are a fucking idiot.

[remy]

Kruk, not that he is a champion of anything good or holy, just ranted on Sportscenter for about 5 minutes against K-Rod's catassed behavior on the mound last night after the Biggio K.  Says he crossed the line, it's BS, "showing up" needs to stop in general for hitters and pitchers in both leagues, yada yada.  He was especially disgusted that he would show up Biggio, who never shows up anyone.

For once in my life, I...........akhgggggggghhhhhhhhhhh,......... fingrers.......... failingggggggggg..... bzzzeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeb........  agreeeeeeeeeeee with John Kruk.  Man that was hard to say.