Author Topic: Astros @ Phillies - 4/17 (Read 7526 times)

remy · « **on:** April 17, 2008, 12:38:36 pm »

Okay what the fuck was that. Did Lee run through a stop sign or was that guy with a beergut at 3b waving him?

mihoba · « **Reply #1 on:** April 17, 2008, 12:40:08 pm »

If he didn't get a stop sign, they need to replace the third base coach. That was ridiculous.

Lefty · « **Reply #2 on:** April 17, 2008, 12:40:42 pm »

Quote from: remy on April 17, 2008, 12:38:36 pm

Okay what the fuck was that. Did Lee run through a stop sign or was that guy with a beergut at 3b waving him?

2 outs & the pitcher coming up, not a bad time to take a shot. Weird slide from Carlos. What's the deal with the Stros inability to slide properly?

remy · « **Reply #3 on:** April 17, 2008, 12:41:08 pm »

Backe is not your average hitting pitcher though.

dalillama · « **Reply #4 on:** April 17, 2008, 12:41:14 pm »

i would guess waved him on with the pitcher due up. but backe can swing the bat which makes that decision even dumber. and doesn't lee out weigh the catcher by about 350? lower your shoulder big fella.

Lefty · « **Reply #5 on:** April 17, 2008, 12:42:08 pm »

Quote from: remy on April 17, 2008, 12:41:08 pm

Backe is not your average hitting pitcher though.

True, but he's a pitcher nonetheless. Didn't notice the 3B coach, though, so I don't know if Lee went on his own or what.

dalillama · « **Reply #6 on:** April 17, 2008, 12:43:16 pm »

we might have to score more than 10 to have a chance today.

mihoba · « **Reply #7 on:** April 17, 2008, 12:44:51 pm »

Lee must have got a terrible jump. He was barely to third when Jenkins scooped it. The throw was 6' wide and he still couldn't score. Ugly.

remy · « **Reply #8 on:** April 17, 2008, 12:45:54 pm »

Quote from: mihoba on April 17, 2008, 12:44:51 pm

He was barely to third when Jenkins scooped it.

He wasn't even on the TV screen when the ball got home. No matter who was on deck, that was a horrible decision to send him (if indeed he sent him).

Gizzmonic · « **Reply #9 on:** April 17, 2008, 12:47:01 pm »

Baserunning gaffe by the Phils' Brett Myers-what should have been an RBI double becomes a long single for Utley.

Bottom 2nd, Myers on 3rd, Taguchi on 2nd, Utley on 1st, 1 out.

remy · « **Reply #10 on:** April 17, 2008, 12:47:06 pm »

thank you jesus.

dalillama · « **Reply #11 on:** April 17, 2008, 12:47:24 pm »

nice turn. that keeps us in it for now.

Gizzmonic · « **Reply #12 on:** April 17, 2008, 12:54:16 pm »

Top 3rd,

Backe works it to 3-2 count, then K's looking.

Bourne work it to 3-2 count, then walks. Off to the races, I hope.

austro · « **Reply #13 on:** April 17, 2008, 12:58:24 pm »

I'm following on GameDay. Was Bourn's slide into second any better, or did he try to break his leg again?

Lefty · « **Reply #14 on:** April 17, 2008, 12:58:47 pm »

Quote from: remy on April 17, 2008, 12:45:54 pm

He wasn't even on the TV screen when the ball got home. No matter who was on deck, that was a horrible decision to send him (if indeed he sent him).

Didn't get a great look at the play live & just caught the replay on gamecast. You're right, whoever did what, not a good call.

Gizzmonic · « **Reply #15 on:** April 17, 2008, 12:59:02 pm »

I'm getting this from the Philly broadcast on XM, so this might be a bit spotty.

Loretta out (not sure how)

Bourne steals 2nd, comes up slowly.

Berkman K's swinging on 2-2 count.

Middle 3rd, no runs, no hits, 1 left.

dalillama · « **Reply #16 on:** April 17, 2008, 12:59:18 pm »

Quote from: austro on April 17, 2008, 12:58:24 pm

I'm following on GameDay. Was Bourn's slide into second any better, or did he try to break his leg again?

head first.

austro · « **Reply #17 on:** April 17, 2008, 01:00:03 pm »

Quote from: dalillama on April 17, 2008, 12:59:18 pm

head first.

Makes sense. Thanks.

dalillama · « **Reply #18 on:** April 17, 2008, 01:00:39 pm »

Quote from: Gizzmonic on April 17, 2008, 12:59:02 pm

I'm getting this from the Philly broadcast on XM, so this might be a bit spotty.

Loretta out (not sure how)

struck out looking.

Greg M · « **Reply #19 on:** April 17, 2008, 01:03:10 pm »

Blum throws away a DP ball. Tough break for Backe.

Twoniner · « **Reply #20 on:** April 17, 2008, 01:03:31 pm »

Backe does not have good stuff today at all. 88-89 up in the zone and a really smooth breaking ball.

remy · « **Reply #21 on:** April 17, 2008, 01:03:33 pm »

Wow. This is one fugly game so far. Fuuuuuuuuugllllllllyyyyyyy.

Gizzmonic · « **Reply #22 on:** April 17, 2008, 01:04:31 pm »

bottom 3rd, runner on 1st

Blum muffs a DP ball, runners on 1st and 2nd

Coste doubles to left, 1 run scores, runners at 2nd and 3rd, no one out. Bruntlett batting.

dalillama · « **Reply #23 on:** April 17, 2008, 01:04:44 pm »

Quote from: Greg M on April 17, 2008, 01:03:10 pm

Blum throws away a DP ball. Tough break for Backe.

2nd error today.

Matt · « **Reply #24 on:** April 17, 2008, 01:04:47 pm »

Looks like they rolled out of bed 5 minutes before this game.

Jacksonian · « **Reply #25 on:** April 17, 2008, 01:06:15 pm »

So now we know who Roy passed his sickness on to.

remy · « **Reply #26 on:** April 17, 2008, 01:09:01 pm »

jesus CHRIST, Blum! You owe Lance a goddamn steak dinner for that.

dalillama · « **Reply #27 on:** April 17, 2008, 01:09:23 pm »

berkman just saved blum from his 3rd error. low throw but berkman dug it out.

Gizzmonic · « **Reply #28 on:** April 17, 2008, 01:10:12 pm »

I'm sure Philly fans are thinking the same way. They probably think they should be up 8-0 by now.

But as it is, end 3rd, Phils 4, Good Guys 0.

Quote from: Jacksonian on April 17, 2008, 01:06:15 pm

So now we know who Roy passed his sickness on to.

JaneDoe · « **Reply #29 on:** April 17, 2008, 01:11:46 pm »

Thanks for any pbp from those of us stuck at work.

Gizzmonic · « **Reply #30 on:** April 17, 2008, 01:14:55 pm »

Top 4th, Lee lines to left(?)

Tejada homers to right.

Top 4th, 1 out, Phils 4, Astros 1

dalillama · « **Reply #31 on:** April 17, 2008, 01:15:57 pm »

Quote from: Gizzmonic on April 17, 2008, 01:14:55 pm

Top 4th, Lee lines to left(?)

hit it right at the 3rd baseman. scorched it though.

Gizzmonic · « **Reply #32 on:** April 17, 2008, 01:18:38 pm »

After Tejada, Blum and Erstad make outs.

Mid 4th, Phils 4, Astros 1.

Gizzmonic · « **Reply #33 on:** April 17, 2008, 01:22:44 pm »

Dobbs bloops a single to right,

Utley homers to right.

Still 0 out.

Top 4th, Phils 6, Astros 1.

Lefty · « **Reply #34 on:** April 17, 2008, 01:25:27 pm »

Backe out, Bork in. Backe had nothing today.

dalillama · « **Reply #35 on:** April 17, 2008, 01:26:23 pm »

backe gave up 6, and it easily could have been 10.

Gizzmonic · « **Reply #36 on:** April 17, 2008, 01:31:40 pm »

Backe pulled,

Borkowski walks Howard.

Burrell hits it to 3rd, Blum bobbles and is not able to turn the double play, but he does get Burrell at first.

IBB to Geoff Jenkins.

Chris Coste bloops a single to right.

Bottom 4th bases loaded, 1 out.

Phils 6, Astros 1.

austro · « **Reply #37 on:** April 17, 2008, 01:36:36 pm »

Quote from: dalillama on April 17, 2008, 01:26:23 pm

backe gave up 6, and it easily could have been 10.

No kidding. The Phillies have left a bunch of men on base today.

dalillama · « **Reply #38 on:** April 17, 2008, 01:37:04 pm »

after 4 the phils are 6-16 with RISP. averaging 4 AB's per inning with RISP. we're lucky it's only 6-1.

remy · « **Reply #39 on:** April 17, 2008, 01:38:58 pm »

Q starting where he left off in spring.

Gizzmonic · « **Reply #40 on:** April 17, 2008, 01:40:59 pm »

Top 5th-

Quintero doubles to left (?)

J.R. Towles pinch hits for Borkowski, flies to left

Top 5th, 1 man on, 1 out, 6-1 Phils.

JimR · « **Reply #41 on:** April 17, 2008, 01:42:31 pm »

Q should stay up

Gizzmonic · « **Reply #42 on:** April 17, 2008, 01:42:48 pm »

Bourne grounds to short, sounds like a good play by Bruntlett.

Top 5th, 1 man on, 2 out, 6-1 Phils.

Gizzmonic · « **Reply #43 on:** April 17, 2008, 01:44:18 pm »

Loretta flies to deep right, side retired.

Mid 5th, Phils 6, Astros 1.

Limey · « **Reply #44 on:** April 17, 2008, 01:45:25 pm »

Quote from: remy on April 17, 2008, 12:38:36 pm

Okay what the fuck was that. Did Lee run through a stop sign or was that guy with a beergut at 3b waving him?

We need players with a Zippian adherence to stop signs.

Lefty · « **Reply #45 on:** April 17, 2008, 01:45:38 pm »

Quote from: JimR on April 17, 2008, 01:42:31 pm

Q should stay up

Other than Perez, who goes when Wig/Kaz get back? Moehler?

BudGirl · « **Reply #46 on:** April 17, 2008, 01:46:39 pm »

Q or Towles I would think.

JimR · « **Reply #47 on:** April 17, 2008, 01:49:01 pm »

Q has made the Ausmus signing superfluous. I have no idea what they will do, but neither Q nor Towles should go to RR.

Gizzmonic · « **Reply #48 on:** April 17, 2008, 01:49:21 pm »

Bottom 5th,

Villareal pitching

Couple of pop ups, Utley batting

Bottom 5th, 0 on, 2 out, Phils up 6-1.

austro · « **Reply #49 on:** April 17, 2008, 01:50:04 pm »

Quote from: BudGirl on April 17, 2008, 01:46:39 pm

Q or Towles I would think.

When they called Q up so quickly after Towles injury, I was wondering if there was more to it than we had been told. But pinch-hitting today would seem to indicate not.

JimR · « **Reply #50 on:** April 17, 2008, 01:50:59 pm »

If Roy, Valverde and Villareal get going, this is a pretty good team.

BudGirl · « **Reply #51 on:** April 17, 2008, 01:54:13 pm »

Quote from: JimR on April 17, 2008, 01:49:01 pm

Q has made the Ausmus signing superfluous. I have no idea what they will do, but neither Q nor Towles should go to RR.

only because he had a good spring. if he hadn't then there wouldn't be the issue. it's a nice problem to have.

Gizzmonic · « **Reply #52 on:** April 17, 2008, 01:55:10 pm »

Top 6th , Berkman Ks swinging, 1 out.

Top 6th, Phils 6, Astros 1.

Gizzmonic · « **Reply #53 on:** April 17, 2008, 01:57:47 pm »

Top 6th, 1 out

Lee flies to left

Tejada grounds to 2nd.

Mid 6th, 0 left, Phils 6, Astros 1.

JimR · « **Reply #54 on:** April 17, 2008, 01:58:55 pm »

I think it is a terrible problem. Because Q has made himself valuable, Ausmus should be the odd man out. He is at the end, and his contributions are mostly intangible. Sending the other two back retards their progress and creates bad attitudes or dismay at not being rewarded for progress.

hostros7 · « **Reply #55 on:** April 17, 2008, 01:59:31 pm »

Quote from: BudGirl on April 17, 2008, 01:54:13 pm

only because he had a good spring. if he hadn't then there wouldn't be the issue. it's a nice problem to have.

And Towles has played well. He may well have had a Pencian start to the season. The ifs surrounding Q and JR at the catcher spot made the Ausmus signing crucial. As of right now, it's a welcome issue.

Arky Vaughan · « **Reply #56 on:** April 17, 2008, 01:59:54 pm »

Is there any room for carrying three catchers? Releasing Ausmus now would be pretty impolitic. Maybe a trade to San Diego?

Andyzipp · « **Reply #57 on:** April 17, 2008, 02:00:54 pm »

Quote from: Limey on April 17, 2008, 01:45:25 pm

We need players with a Zippian adherence to stop signs.

I don't think I get that reference...

BudGirl · « **Reply #58 on:** April 17, 2008, 02:01:32 pm »

Quote from: Arky Vaughan on April 17, 2008, 01:59:54 pm

Is there any room for carrying three catchers? Releasing Ausmus now would be pretty impolitic. Maybe a trade to San Diego?

While that is where Brad would probably want to go, why would San Diego pick him up?

JimR · « **Reply #59 on:** April 17, 2008, 02:02:16 pm »

I do not think they should release or trade him in April. I wish he could coach. That is why they signed him.

austro · « **Reply #60 on:** April 17, 2008, 02:02:35 pm »

Quote from: Arky Vaughan on April 17, 2008, 01:59:54 pm

Is there any room for carrying three catchers? Releasing Ausmus now would be pretty impolitic. Maybe a trade to San Diego?

Maybe one of them can pitch middle relief and Villareal can go somewhere to get his shit together.

Gizzmonic · « **Reply #61 on:** April 17, 2008, 02:03:37 pm »

Howard and Burrell go back-to-back, Howard to right and Burrell squeaks one into the first row in left.

Bot 6th, no out, Phils 8, Astros 1.

Arky Vaughan · « **Reply #62 on:** April 17, 2008, 02:04:00 pm »

Quote from: austro on April 17, 2008, 02:02:35 pm

Maybe one of them can pitch middle relief and Villareal can go somewhere to get his shit together.

I'd need to see a pitch chart to figure out which of them is fit for middle relief.

Arky Vaughan · « **Reply #63 on:** April 17, 2008, 02:04:52 pm »

The problem is that unless they want to send Quintero back down when Towles returns, they need to address what to do with Ausmus sooner than later. Either that, or carry three catchers.

Andyzipp · « **Reply #64 on:** April 17, 2008, 02:04:53 pm »

Quote from: Arky Vaughan on April 17, 2008, 01:59:54 pm

Is there any room for carrying three catchers? Releasing Ausmus now would be pretty impolitic. Maybe a trade to San Diego?

Perhaps a hammer to several of Brad's fingers?

Arky Vaughan · « **Reply #65 on:** April 17, 2008, 02:05:41 pm »

Quote from: Andyzipp on April 17, 2008, 02:04:53 pm

Perhaps a hammer to several of Brad's fingers?

Also impolitic, depending on who does it.

SaltyParker · « **Reply #66 on:** April 17, 2008, 02:06:12 pm »

Villarreal is an absolute gopher ball machine.

Gizzmonic · « **Reply #67 on:** April 17, 2008, 02:07:47 pm »

Bruntlett pops out

Myers lines right

End 6th, 1 left, Phils 8, Astros 1.

Lefty · « **Reply #68 on:** April 17, 2008, 02:09:05 pm »

Quote from: SaltyParker on April 17, 2008, 02:06:12 pm

Villarreal is an absolute gopher ball machine.

Completely unlike the rest of his career (about 1 every 10IP).

Nieve in the pen sometime in May?

Lefty · « **Reply #69 on:** April 17, 2008, 02:09:59 pm »

Quote from: JimR on April 17, 2008, 02:02:16 pm

I do not think they should release or trade him in April. I wish he could coach. That is why they signed him.

Agreed. Tough situation for the club.

Gizzmonic · « **Reply #70 on:** April 17, 2008, 02:14:02 pm »

Astros go down in order in the top of the 7th

Mid 7th, 0 left, Phils 8, Astros 1.

juliogotay · « **Reply #71 on:** April 17, 2008, 02:23:10 pm »

Quote from: Lefty on April 17, 2008, 02:09:59 pm

Agreed. Tough situation for the club.

If Ausmus were to go away then you have a POed Oswalt.

Gizzmonic · « **Reply #72 on:** April 17, 2008, 02:23:48 pm »

Bottom 7th, Geary pitching

Phils go down in order.

End 7th, 0 left, Phils 8, Astros 1.

Gizzmonic · « **Reply #73 on:** April 17, 2008, 02:25:13 pm »

Top 8th, Flash Gordon pitching

PH Tomas Perez singles to left.

Bourne flies to left

Top 8, 1 on, 1 out, Phils 8, Astros 1.

SaltyParker · « **Reply #74 on:** April 17, 2008, 02:25:46 pm »

Quote from: juliogotay on April 17, 2008, 02:23:10 pm

If Ausmus were to go away then you have a POed Oswalt.

He makes enough money that he shouldn't need brad to hold his hand on the mound.

JimR · « **Reply #75 on:** April 17, 2008, 02:27:24 pm »

Screw Oswalt. Gotta do what is best for the team. Maybe 3 catchers. Maybe send Q back.Maybe talk to Ausmus. Roy is irrelevant to that.

SaltyParker · « **Reply #76 on:** April 17, 2008, 02:28:33 pm »

I would like to see Valverde next inning. Seems like a good situation to bring him in and let him get his footing (hopefully).

Gizzmonic · « **Reply #77 on:** April 17, 2008, 02:29:51 pm »

Astros out again.

Mid 8th, 1 left, Phils 8, Astros 1.

Arky Vaughan · « **Reply #78 on:** April 17, 2008, 02:30:29 pm »

I doubt Oswalt would be all that upset. It's not like Bagwell when they traded Ausmus to bring in Meluskey.

Andyzipp · « **Reply #79 on:** April 17, 2008, 02:35:49 pm »

Quote from: Arky Vaughan on April 17, 2008, 02:30:29 pm

I doubt Oswalt would be all that upset. It's not like Bagwell when they traded Ausmus to bring in Meluskey.

Unless the situation is still Roy hates Q and Roy doesn't trust Towles. Then he's gonna be irked. But I agree with Jim, Roy's opinion isn't of paramount concern.

JaneDoe · « **Reply #80 on:** April 17, 2008, 02:35:55 pm »

Quote from: SaltyParker on April 17, 2008, 02:28:33 pm

I would like to see Valverde next inning. Seems like a good situation to bring him in and let him get his footing (hopefully).

got your wish.

Gizzmonic · « **Reply #81 on:** April 17, 2008, 02:37:39 pm »

Valverde on in the 8th

2 quick outs, then Jenkins hits an opposite field double.

Bot 8th, 1 on, 2 outs, Phils 8-1.

Arky Vaughan · « **Reply #82 on:** April 17, 2008, 02:38:36 pm »

Quote from: Andyzipp on April 17, 2008, 02:35:49 pm

Unless the situation is still Roy hates Q and Roy doesn't trust Towles. Then he's gonna be irked. But I agree with Jim, Roy's opinion isn't of paramount concern.

Agreed. And Roy's got enough to deal with in keeping his own stuff straight.

Arky Vaughan · « **Reply #83 on:** April 17, 2008, 02:41:24 pm »

At least somebody's having a good day. Coste is 4-for-5.

SaltyParker · « **Reply #84 on:** April 17, 2008, 02:41:54 pm »

Quote from: JaneDoe on April 17, 2008, 02:35:55 pm

got your wish.

I don't guess the guy can't pitch a clean inning under any circumstances. No way I bring this guy in with a game on the line until he proves he can pitch a successful inning

Gizzmonic · « **Reply #85 on:** April 17, 2008, 02:42:20 pm »

Ring the liberty bell one more time.

Coste drives one out to center to put the Phils up 10-1.

A rainbow gut-clad Astros fan tosses the offending gopher ball back onto the field. Good on ya, mate!

Still bottom 8, 2 out, Phils squeaking by the Astros (if we're counting in binary) 10-1

Noe · « **Reply #86 on:** April 17, 2008, 02:43:48 pm »

This game makes losing game 1 the way they did even more painful. *sigh*, oh well.

JimR · « **Reply #87 on:** April 17, 2008, 02:45:13 pm »

The team has committed to Valverde and must keep running him out there for awhile. Using him in mopup games will not straighten him out, imo.

Gizzmonic · « **Reply #88 on:** April 17, 2008, 02:47:00 pm »

Top 9th

Lee homers to right, Phils 10, Astros 2.

BudGirl · « **Reply #89 on:** April 17, 2008, 02:48:04 pm »

I'm not convinced Roy is back, but the good Lord willing he is.

I'm not convinced Jose sucks, and the good Lord willing he doesn't.

Arky Vaughan · « **Reply #90 on:** April 17, 2008, 02:48:28 pm »

Quote from: Noe in Austin on April 17, 2008, 02:43:48 pm

This game makes losing game 1 the way they did even more painful. *sigh*, oh well.

Indeed. It feels like more than the difference between 2-1 and 1-2 for the series.

Arky Vaughan · « **Reply #91 on:** April 17, 2008, 02:48:53 pm »

Quote from: Gizzmonic on April 17, 2008, 02:47:00 pm

Top 9th

Lee homers to right, Phils 10, Astros 2.

TIME FOR RALLY CAPS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Gizzmonic · « **Reply #92 on:** April 17, 2008, 02:51:38 pm »

Tejada sharp single to right,

Blum makes an out somehow (Philly assclowns too busy joking about Tejada's broken wrist and the Mitchell report)

Erstad rolls to first, 2 down, Tejada to 2nd.

Gizzmonic · « **Reply #93 on:** April 17, 2008, 02:52:37 pm »

Quintero rolls to short, Bruntlett to Howard for the final out.

Final score, Phils 10, Astros 2.

JimR · « **Reply #94 on:** April 17, 2008, 02:53:34 pm »

Exactly right re Game 1. He had the series won, call me pollycoach, but I think this team can contend.

JaneDoe · « **Reply #95 on:** April 17, 2008, 02:55:34 pm »

Thanks for the pbp, gizz.

BudGirl · « **Reply #96 on:** April 17, 2008, 02:58:52 pm »

Quote from: JimR on April 17, 2008, 02:53:34 pm

Exactly right re Game 1. He had the series won, call me pollycoach, but I think this team can contend.

I like the team also, they just need something to pull it all together.

MRaup · « **Reply #97 on:** April 17, 2008, 03:03:31 pm »

Quote from: BudGirl on April 17, 2008, 02:58:52 pm

I like the team also, they just need something to pull it all together.

Maybe a lifeside cutout of Drayton back in his showgirl days, and every game we win we can rip another piece of cloth off of it?

BudGirl · « **Reply #98 on:** April 17, 2008, 03:05:05 pm »

I'm amazed you didn't say Gardner.

Jacksonian · « **Reply #99 on:** April 17, 2008, 03:07:50 pm »

Quote from: BudGirl on April 17, 2008, 03:05:05 pm

I'm amazed you didn't say Gardner.

Even Mark has his limits.

Noe · « **Reply #100 on:** April 17, 2008, 03:30:26 pm »

Quote from: JimR on April 17, 2008, 02:53:34 pm

Exactly right re Game 1. He had the series won, call me pollycoach, but I think this team can contend.

There is a whole lot to like about this team. It's not bad if several things start to shake out like I'm sure they hope it does. I think by the end of May they will know just how good they are and also where they need to make some modifications. Right now, I'd rather see Cheito being run out to RF everyday and Pence get a vacation to Round Rock to work out his hitting. But seems that they will need at least 100 ABs before they do anything like that to the young man. But if he's still a lost child at 100 ABs, then what happened to Luke Scott, Morgan Ensberg and Adam Everett after a bad start to the season should happen to Pence as well.

Jacksonian · « **Reply #101 on:** April 17, 2008, 03:48:26 pm »

Quote from: Noe in Austin on April 17, 2008, 03:30:26 pm

There is a whole lot to like about this team. It's not bad if several things start to shake out like I'm sure they hope it does. I think by the end of May they will know just how good they are and also where they need to make some modifications. Right now, I'd rather see Cheito being run out to RF everyday and Pence get a vacation to Round Rock to work out his hitting. But seems that they will need at least 100 ABs before they do anything like that to the young man. But if he's still a lost child at 100 ABs, then what happened to Luke Scott, Morgan Ensberg and Adam Everett after a bad start to the season should happen to Pence as well.

As this team is built and with Pence in the 7 hole, IMO his role offensively isn't that important. IMO, again, overall they are scoring enough runs to win consistently right now, today not withstanding. The most important young player on this team to me is Bourn. If he's getting on base regularly, .350OBP, then the 2 guy can do his thing and with 3, 4, 5, and 6 being experience RBI type hitters the Astros look to be fine.

However I don't believe this team is a contender in September because I don't believe Backe, Wandy, and Chacon can over the course of the season keep up even close to the pace they've set early on. (After his start tomorrow Wandy will have 4 of his next 5 starts on the road.) And I believe the bullpen is overall middle of the road at best. There are some bright spots but not enough consistent quality and not enough depth, IMO. I believe there will be too many holes in the pitching staff come July for Wade to fill. But, I hope I'm wrong and will gladly admit I am Nostrodumbass in September if the Astros are contending.

JimR · « **Reply #102 on:** April 17, 2008, 04:09:12 pm »

I think Cassell and Byrdak will be in Houston sooner rather than later. A 7 hole hitter must also be productive.pence should not play if he is not hitting. Villareal and Valverde are my biggest worries at the moment.

Gizzmonic · « **Reply #103 on:** April 17, 2008, 04:17:32 pm »

(crying, wiping mascara from eyes)

Leave Pence!! alone! He'll work his way out of it...

Quote from: Noe in Austin on April 17, 2008, 03:30:26 pm

There is a whole lot to like about this team. It's not bad if several things start to shake out like I'm sure they hope it does. I think by the end of May they will know just how good they are and also where they need to make some modifications. Right now, I'd rather see Cheito being run out to RF everyday and Pence get a vacation to Round Rock to work out his hitting. But seems that they will need at least 100 ABs before they do anything like that to the young man. But if he's still a lost child at 100 ABs, then what happened to Luke Scott, Morgan Ensberg and Adam Everett after a bad start to the season should happen to Pence as well.

Jacksonian · « **Reply #104 on:** April 17, 2008, 04:26:56 pm »

Quote from: JimR on April 17, 2008, 04:09:12 pm

I think Cassell and Byrdak will be in Houston sooner rather than later.

Perhaps, though neither offer much inspiration.

JimR · « **Reply #105 on:** April 17, 2008, 04:33:30 pm »

Not sure what you mean.

Jacksonian · « **Reply #106 on:** April 17, 2008, 04:45:02 pm »

Quote from: JimR on April 17, 2008, 04:33:30 pm

Not sure what you mean.

San Diego likened Cassel to Sampson, bulldog mentality but average stuff. Byrdak looks a lot like Randolph, highly successful and impressive at AAA but for whatever reason unable to translate that in the majors. He's had multiple shots at the majors and finally had one good partial season at Detroit last year. Yet, they didn't want him back and despite how he looks at Round Rock and his stuff not a single major league team wanted to offer him a real shot at their 25-man. There's a disconnect between his talent and his work at the major league level such that major league teams aren't impressed.

Barring injury I don't know who'd they replace right now though.

JimR · « **Reply #107 on:** April 17, 2008, 04:52:52 pm »

I have a lot to say to that, but I won't say it. I'll just keep watching them in RR and keep my mouth shut about it.