Burke to get less playing time

[homer]

Looks like back to the way it was prior to 3000.

One of Cooper's first orders of business on Tuesday was to meet with Chris Burke, to inform the part-time second baseman that he will play regularly in right field when the Astros face a left-hander, as well as play second base to spell Craig Biggio from time to time at home and more on the road.

"Hopefully, I'll get to play here a decent amount in the next month," Burke said. "It's nice to at least know what he has planned, that he has thought out something concrete."

But in terms of second base, it looks as if Burke is going to play less on the road in the final month of the season. The Astros are headed to some of Biggio's favorite ballparks, where he can expect to receive more playing time.

http://houston.astros.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070828&content_id=2175373&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou

[VirtualBob]

Looks like back to the way it was prior to 3000.

http://houston.astros.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070828&content_id=2175373&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou

Title got my hopes up; text was more discouraging.  I'd like to see Burke get more playing time elsewhere.

[Limey]

I could stand to see a whole lot less of Burke.

[homer]

Wow, Brownie just reported this exactly the opposite... Burke will get more playing time, but in RF.

Doesn't seem to add up.

[ValpoCory]

Wow, Brownie just reported this exactly the opposite... Burke will get more playing time, but in RF.

Doesn't seem to add up.

Burke is getting exactly the expected playing time when you consider Biggio's road schedule was determined at the All-Star Break.  The text above notes the decreased 2B playing time will be due to Biggio playing at some of his favorite parks.  This article could have been written in mid-July for a publish date of today.

[Mr. Happy]

I could stand to see a whole lot less of Burke.

Amen. I don't understand what anyone sees in him. Coach gave us the square take on Burke a long time ago when he was in the minors, and I've seen nothing different since he's come up.

[Limey]

Amen. I don't understand what anyone sees in him. Coach gave us the square take on Burke a long time ago when he was in the minors, and I've seen nothing different since he's come up.

Moments of brilliance, moments of incompetence, and a whole lot of mediocrity (at best).  With the occasional glass of whine.

Not the sort of performance deserving to be anointed as a starter and not the sort of bat for which you make sacrifices to get in the line up.

[S.P. Rodriguez]

I'm reluctant to read into things but this part of Burke's comment "It's nice to at least know what he has planned, that he has thought out something concrete." doesn't sit well with me.  I hope it's just me and that isn't a backhanded shot at Garner's use of Burke.   I hope not.... as it is, I'm on the verge of losing all interest until this mess sorts itself out. 

I watched last night and all it did was serve as an unpleasant reminder that the wrong people got the boot. 

[Limey]

I watched last night and all it did was serve as an unpleasant reminder that the wrong people got the boot. 

I watched the first hour or so, but I couldn't handle the performance nor the atmosphere, and switched over to "Snakes on a Plane".  That's a surprisingly bad movie.  I mean, I'd heard it was bad, but this was truly, truly awful; to the point where it wasn't even funny.

But I still couldn't bring myself to switch back to the Astros.  Not last night.

[Phil_in_CS]

Title got my hopes up; text was more discouraging.  I'd like to see Burke get more playing time elsewhere.

Problem with that is you have to find a taker. He's had so much time with the big club now that other teams have the same opinion. They all want him as the starting 2nd for their opponents.

[BudGirl]

I watched last night and all it did was serve as an unpleasant reminder that the wrong people got the boot. 

Who should have gotten the boot?  As someone said, you can't really fire 25 guys.

[Limey]

Who should have gotten the boot?

Drayton and Pam?

[Astroholic]

Who should have gotten the boot?  As someone said, you can't really fire 25 guys.

But you can fire some of them.

[S.P. Rodriguez]

Who should have gotten the boot?  As someone said, you can't really fire 25 guys.

No, but you can demote several of them. 

[Andyzipp]

The best team you could build next year based on what's left, and without knowing the philosophy of whomever is coming in (other than don't you dare get booed).

C Munson, Quintero
1b Berkman
2b
3b Wigginton
SS Everett
LF Lee
CF
RF Pence

SP Oswalt
SP Williams
SP Three of Patton, Backe, Albers, Rodriguez, Nieve, Sampson, Gutierrez

CL Lidge
RP Qualls
RP Paulino
RP McLemore
RP...need about 3-4 more here...

Bench Burke, Bruntlett, Scott.

You have some pieces, but this is the 2006 team without a lot of veterans.  It's not a particurally young team, and as we've seen this year, it's not a particurally good team.

So the new GM, who we've all decided is probably going to either be Ricky Bennett or some incompetent scrapheap type is going to have to find 2 full time starters (maybe 3, if you think you need a catcher), at least one 2/3 type starting pitcher, and a bench, oh, and by the way, fix the defense and make the team faster.

On the plus side, there will be plenty of tickets available to the better games.

[homer]

I watched the first hour or so, but I couldn't handle the performance nor the atmosphere, and switched over to "Snakes on a Plane".  That's a surprisingly bad movie.  I mean, I'd heard it was bad, but this was truly, truly awful; to the point where it wasn't even funny.

But I still couldn't bring myself to switch back to the Astros.  Not last night.

I also found Snakes on a Plane last evening, but could only stand about 3 minutes. Specifically the part in the restroom where the snake latched onto the chick's giant boob. Even gratuitous sex couldn't keep me interested.

[ValpoCory]

On the plus side, there will be plenty of tickets available to the better games.

I've heard for years on message boards that the Astros attendance will precipitously drop "next season".  However, with Biggio exiting stage left and things looking bleak, I think it may actually drop "next season".

Astros Attendance Averages:
2007: 37,376 (9th in MLB)
2006: 37,318 (8th)
2005: 34,530 (10th)
2004: 38,121 (7th)
2003: 30,299 (12th)
2002: 31,078 (14th)
2001: 35,855 (9th)
2000: 37,730 (9th)

[pravata]

I've heard for years on message boards that the Astros attendance will precipitously drop "next season".  However, with Biggio exiting stage left and things looking bleak, I think it may actually drop "next season".

Astros Attendance Averages:
2007: 37,376 (9th in MLB)
2006: 37,318 (8th)
2005: 34,530 (10th)
2004: 38,121 (7th)
2003: 30,299 (12th)
2002: 31,078 (14th)
2001: 35,855 (9th)
2000: 37,730 (9th)

When you look at percentage of seats sold, that puts the Astros up a couple notches each season.  For instance, in 2002, they are ranked 9th in MLB (73.7% their lowest in the new park) in terms of selling the seats they had available. Link

[Limey]

I also found Snakes on a Plane last evening, but could only stand about 3 minutes. Specifically the part in the restroom where the snake latched onto the chick's giant boob. Even gratuitous sex couldn't keep me interested.

I persevered, waiting for Sam Jackson's famous line.  I didn't know that it wouldn't come until very near the end.

[94CougarGrad]

I persevered, waiting for Sam Jackson's famous line.  I didn't know that it wouldn't come until very near the end.

Horrible to have to wait through all that stupidity to get to the best eight seconds of the entire movie.

[Limey]

Horrible to have to wait through all that stupidity to get to the best eight seconds of the entire movie.

Actually, it's not a lot different to reading the TZ...

[Reuben]

Actually, it's not a lot different to reading the TZ...

What's the word on that "Black Snake Moan" movie? Is there enough Christina Ricci to make it watchable? Or is it just too weird/bad/fucked-up? Hard to tell from the preview I saw a while back.

[MusicMan]

What's the word on that "Black Snake Moan" movie? Is there enough Christina Ricci to make it watchable? Or is it just too weird/bad/fucked-up? Hard to tell from the preview I saw a while back.

The TZ, as ever, is your guide.

[Reuben]

The TZ, as ever, is your guide.

Sounds like an excellent rental choice to me, and clearly the better choice of the Samuel L. Jackson snake movies.

[Craig]

Sounds like an excellent rental choice to me, and clearly the better choice of the Samuel L. Jackson snake movies.

I'd say it's worth a rental. Some decent shots of Christina Ricci's titties, though you can see the scars from her reduction. And there's a whole lot of her running around in panties while she's tied up with a big-ass chain. Samuel L. Jackson also does a pretty good version of "Stack-O-Lee."

[Duke]

The best team you could build next year based on what's left, and without knowing the philosophy of whomever is coming in (other than don't you dare get booed).

C Munson, Quintero
1b Berkman
2b
3b Wigginton
SS Everett
LF Lee
CF
RF Pence

SP Oswalt
SP Williams
SP Three of Patton, Backe, Albers, Rodriguez, Nieve, Sampson, Gutierrez

CL Lidge
RP Qualls
RP Paulino
RP McLemore
RP...need about 3-4 more here...

Bench Burke, Bruntlett, Scott.

You have some pieces, but this is the 2006 team without a lot of veterans.  It's not a particurally young team, and as we've seen this year, it's not a particurally good team.

So the new GM, who we've all decided is probably going to either be Ricky Bennett or some incompetent scrapheap type is going to have to find 2 full time starters (maybe 3, if you think you need a catcher), at least one 2/3 type starting pitcher, and a bench, oh, and by the way, fix the defense and make the team faster.

On the plus side, there will be plenty of tickets available to the better games.

Has picking up Tory Hunter been kicked around in this forum?

[MusicMan]

Has picking up Tory Hunter been kicked around in this forum?

Torii Hunter, or his Redcoat-wearing brother Tory?

Answer - yes.  Do a search and you'll get multiple discussions.

[S.P. Rodriguez]

Has picking up Tory Hunter been kicked around in this forum?

Would it matter?  Sure, I'd love to see them sign Hunter.  I think he'd slot in nicely as an outstanding defensive CF who would could cover the 5 or 6 hole responsibilities well along with Wigginton. 

Rumor was, however, the Astros actually liked the idea of Michael Bourn, from Philly.  Unfortunatley, Philly likes the idea of Bourn playing in Philly. 

[Froback]

Torii Hunter, or his Redcoat-wearing brother Tory?

Answer - yes.  Do a search and you'll get multiple discussions.

The problems with Torii are:

1) Cost a lot of money
2) Cost a 1st round pick (my guess)
3) Can't Lead-off
4) Getting up there in years

Conclusion.... Go for Bourne (or some other young 'en if you can pry them from some dead GMs hands)... suggestion, bring a club.

[Jacksonian]

The problems with Torii are:

1) Cost a lot of money
2) Cost a 1st round pick (my guess)
3) Can't Lead-off
4) Getting up there in years

Conclusion.... Go for Bourne (or some other young 'en if you can pry them from some dead GMs hands)... suggestion, bring a club.

If things continue as they are it'll cost the Astros a 2nd rounder because their 1st rounder will be protected.

[JackAstro]

C Munson, Quintero
1b Berkman
2b
3b Wigginton
SS Everett
LF Lee
CF

Seems pretty good on paper, but your starting 2b and CF look confused, unhappy, and either malaria-stricken or very badly jaundiced. I think getting financially locked into players like that is too risky in the long term. Try exploring some additional options.

[pravata]

Seems pretty good on paper, but your starting 2b and CF look confused, unhappy, and either malaria-stricken or very badly jaundiced. I think getting financially locked into players like that is too risky in the long term. Try exploring some additional options.

And are those stink lines coming off em?

[MusicMan]

Seems pretty good on paper, but your starting 2b and CF look confused, unhappy, and either malaria-stricken or very badly jaundiced.

Everyone knows that 'neck McLane will never allow a yellow player on his team.

[Froback]

If things continue as they are it'll cost the Astros a 2nd rounder because their 1st rounder will be protected.

True, but still another lost draft pick at a time when the org probably out to think about trying to keep them.

Actually based on the pre-game interview with Tal Smith last night, I got the feeling that they might look at moving some of their young pitching this offseason in the hopes of landing some needed help in other areas.  Not sure what that means, but he came close to outright saying that, IMO.

[JimR]

Seems pretty good on paper, but your starting 2b and CF look confused, unhappy, and either malaria-stricken or very badly jaundiced. I think getting financially locked into players like that is too risky in the long term. Try exploring some additional options.

they look fat to me. the team has enough of that.

[Jacksonian]

True, but still another lost draft pick at a time when the org probably out to think about trying to keep them.

If they offer arb to Lamb and Loretta they'll get back to supp 1st rounders and likely some combination of 1st and 2nd picks of other teams.  If Jennings ends up a type A that could go up.  That would help make up any lost picks due to FA signings.

Actually based on the pre-game interview with Tal Smith last night, I got the feeling that they might look at moving some of their young pitching this offseason in the hopes of landing some needed help in other areas.  Not sure what that means, but he came close to outright saying that, IMO.

Deal from strength.  I have a feeling Patton won't be offered unless the return is very high.  All of the righties and Wandy are up for grabs, IMO.

[Reuben]

I'd say it's worth a rental. Some decent shots of Christina Ricci's titties, though you can see the scars from her reduction. And there's a whole lot of her running around in panties while she's tied up with a big-ass chain. Samuel L. Jackson also does a pretty good version of "Stack-O-Lee."

Right. Rental= slow-mo and pause options. It's weird, though- I find Ricci really attractive in certain films and just kind of funny-looking (or too strung-out looking) in others. Then again, I guess no one should've checked out "Monster" expecting any sort of titillation.

[Reuben]

The problems with Torii are:

1) Cost a lot of money
2) Cost a 1st round pick (my guess)
3) Can't Lead-off
4) Getting up there in years

Conclusion.... Go for Bourne (or some other young 'en if you can pry them from some dead GMs hands)... suggestion, bring a club.

None of the looming FA CF'ers are ideal leadoff types- Bradley, Cameron, Hunter, Spider-pig, Corey Patterson, Rowand, Lofton. Looking at the FA 2B's, there's Luis Castillo, Giles, Iguchi, Loretta, Kaz Matsui, Jose Valentin... not much there, unless you gamble on Giles turning it around after two bad years.

On a bizarre, related note, Has anyone noticed that Loretta's Baseball Reference page is sponsored by a Beastie Boys cover band?
The Link

[MusicMan]

None of the looming FA CF'ers are ideal leadoff types- Bradley, Cameron, Hunter, Spider-pig, Corey Patterson, Rowand, Lofton.

It warms my heart to see this catching on.

[Astroholic]

It warms my heart to see this catching on.

Spider-Pig, Spider-Pig
Does whatever a Spider-Pig does
Can he swing from a web
No he can't cause he's a pig
Lookout here comes the Spider-Pig

[Froback]

If they offer arb to Lamb and Loretta they'll get back to supp 1st rounders and likely some combination of 1st and 2nd picks of other teams.  If Jennings ends up a type A that could go up.  That would help make up any lost picks due to FA signings.


Deal from strength.  I have a feeling Patton won't be offered unless the return is very high.  All of the righties and Wandy are up for grabs, IMO.

Oh, I think they will/should offer arb to Lamb and Loretta, and Jennings too, although I just don't feel good about his chances of being more than a type B FA... that still will land something if lost.

And I agree Patton would require alot to get from Houston (and should), but I agree the others should be easily parted with.  But this team has alot of holes and some are just going to take time to fill (like the starting rotation), because teams are not going to give up proven players easily.  So the better market might be for those just breaking in or about to... then comes the question of whether that is good enough for Drayton given his new statements.