Padres @ Astros - 4/22/08

[remy]

B Giles RF   
P McAnulty LF   
A Gonzalez 1B   
K Kouzmanoff 3B   
J Edmonds CF   
K Greene SS   
J Bard C   
T Iguchi 2B   
J Peavy P   


K Matsui 2B   
D Erstad CF   
M Tejada SS   
L Berkman 1B   
C Lee LF   
G Blum 3B   
H Pence RF   
J Towles C   
B Backe P


As mentioned in TZ, Bourn out of the lineup with soreness of the groinal variety.

edited to fix the date.

[SaltyParker]

Is today the 22nd. ?

[remy]

I'm predicting a very good showing from Backe tonight.


And I'm sure as soon as I click submit, he'll start getting shelled.

[mihoba]

Those green lids are atrocious.

[Craig]

Those green lids are atrocious.

Yeah those really suck.

[SaltyParker]

I'm predicting a very good showing from Backe tonight.

Gonna need it against Peavy

[mihoba]

Nice gapper Lance! Peavy made a mistake there.

[loganck]

Nice.  Don't see many of those from him.

[remy]

Berkman's just ripping the cover off the ball lately.  180 degrees different start from last year.

[believin]

Those green lids are atrocious.

I just tuned in and thought I had the wrong team.  Ugly.

[moriartp]

Heck, I'm color blind and I can see that those are disgusting.

[OregonStrosFan]

Here is the High School Tommy John surgery article just mentioned by JD.  LINK.  Perhaps a TZ topic, but interesting nevertheless. 

Dr. James Andrews, one of the nation's most respected orthopedic surgeons, has also seen a spike in the number of
high school pitchers he has performed the procedure on.  In a three-year span from 1996-99, Andrews performed Tommy John surgery on 164 pitchers, 19 of whom were high school aged or younger. From 2004-07, that number had jumped to 588 pitchers, 146 of whom were high school or youth league players — a seven-fold increase.
***
The big question: Why is a procedure once used mostly on college and professional players becoming more prevalent in kids who can't legally vote?  There are many factors, including how much a pitcher throws, what type of pitches he throws and whether he has good mechanics. But one factor stands out as the main culprit.

"Without a doubt, the No. 1 statistical cause (of UCL injuries) is overuse," Fleisig said. "In our studies, when a pitcher regularly threw with arm fatigue, he was 36 times more likely to be in the surgery group as opposed to the non-surgery group. That's the strongest statistical correlation in any study we've ever done."

[pravata]

Here is the High School Tommy John surgery article just mentioned by JD.  LINK.  Perhaps a TZ topic, but interesting nevertheless. 

Kahn Jr. gestated this one just about right,  http://www.spikesnstars.com/forums/index.php?topic=103128.0

[pravata]

Brown, "that's the 20th double play of the year, and those 2 are working well together".  This is the 5th game they've been "together".

[remy]

Brown, "that's the 20th double play of the year, and those 2 are working well together".  This is the 5th game they've been "together".

yeah that comment struck me as odd, too.

[Taras Bulba]

I'm still troubled by Brown's admission of his fondness for crossdressing and proper accessorising during last night's broadcast.

[OregonStrosFan]

Nice little 11 pitch AB there by Kazuo to put Peavy at 50 so far. 

[mihoba]

I'm still troubled by Brown's admission of his fondness for crossdressing and proper accessorising during last night's broadcast.

I thought he was going to leave the booth and head out to the cafe for that purse he was gushing about.

[SaltyParker]

Nice little 11 pitch AB there by Kazuo to put Peavy at 50 so far. 

I like Kaz in this lineup a lot.

[pravata]

Tejada is really forcing the action.

[SaltyParker]

About time for Carlos to do something here

[OregonStrosFan]

Backe has allowed 1 hit on 51 pitches through the middle of the 4th. 

Tejada/Berkman account for all the Astros hits and are 4 for 4 between 'em.  Lee is 2 for 2 in rally killing.  Tejada scored on a stand up triple by Berkman in the 1st.  Through 3 Peavy is at 66 pitches (11 pitch from Kazuo in the 3rd). 

[JaneDoe]

Blum likes him some Peavy.

[OregonStrosFan]

Blum likes him some Peavy.

And I liked me some HR action on another extended AB (7 pitches). 

[JaneDoe]

And I liked me some HR action on another extended AB (7 pitches). 

Loved Peavy's reaction, "You gotta be kidding me."

[JaneDoe]

I was just at the local high school boys' baseball game and heard the whole green schtick from Marty Price on the radio--Then I come home and gotta get him on the TV too?

[JaneDoe]

Oh yeah, those green hats really suck.

[remy]

fuck.

[Desperado]

Wowww. I just turned the TV on.

[drew corleone]

what happened?

[pots]

Thigh high fastball to the only good hitter they have with first base open

[remy]

what happened?

3 run hr kouzmanoff.

3-2 padres after 5 1/2

[pots]

Peavy is approaching 100, let's run him this inning!

[Desperado]

3 run hr kouzmanoff.

3-2 padres after 5 1/2

It was Gonzalez.

[moriartp]

Remind me to put pants on every time Peavy gets a hit against us. Bad things always seem to happen when he does, and I don't want to be found pantsless if I die next time.

[remy]

It was Gonzalez.

I can't get anything right today... perhaps I should stop trying to watch the primary results.

[remy]

That was weak, carlos.

[Desperado]

Oh, son of a bitch. Double play.

[pots]

Wow that double play couldn't have been worse timed

[Lefty]

Man, Carlos is struggling at the plate recently.

[austro]

Lee == deep slump.

[Desperado]

Come on, spaz.

[pots]

Okay Spaz let's go!!!

[remy]

PENCE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Desperado]

Spaz!

[pots]

HE did he did!!!!

[cougar]

Thuderpants~! with the Thunderbat~!

[austro]

Spaz!!!!  And Peavy's expression said "that shit can't happen at Petco".

[pots]

It's as if nothing bad ever happened.

[mihoba]

hanging slider, nice job Spaz!

[pravata]

Watch Gunther's feet, solid stride and didnt dance

[MusicMan]

You gotta wonder what makes a Cy Young winner hanga  breaking ball to spaz...

[pots]

Nice no way scott gets to that one

[pots]

You gotta wonder what makes a Cy Young winner hanga  breaking ball to spaz...

He was tiring

[pots]

Nice game by Backe, he should be pinch hit in the bottom.  Solid 7 after his last shaky start.

[homer]

Watch Gunther's feet, solid stride and didnt dance

He was on the pregame, and Patti Saddle Bags was asking him if the league has caught up with him. He cut her off and said 'That is what you all keep saying' ...but it isn't the case. He then said he was doing wrong at the plate, specifically not getting his front foot down and staying balanced... on breaking balls.

[homer]

He was tiring

Got to wonder what makes the reigning Cy Young champ tired in the 6th.

[pots]

Can we get some insurance...

[pravata]

He was on the pregame, and Patti Saddle Bags was asking him if the league has caught up with him. He cut her off and said 'That is what you all keep saying' ...but it isn't the case. He then said he was doing wrong at the plate, specifically not getting his front foot down and staying balanced... on breaking balls.

He's what 8 for 15 this homestand? So he's doing something right.  But I noticed on Sunday that he was shuffling his feet on his stride.

[mihoba]

Nice game by Backe, he should be pinch hit in the bottom.  Solid 7 after his last shaky start.

Very good start.

Please, Coop, give Villarreal the night off.

[SaltyParker]

He was on the pregame, and Patti Saddle Bags was asking him if the league has caught up with him. He cut her off and said 'That is what you all keep saying' ...but it isn't the case. He then said he was doing wrong at the plate, specifically not getting his front foot down and staying balanced... on breaking balls.

Pence is 8 for his last 17

[mihoba]

Miggy is the man!

[homer]

Pence is 8 for his last 17

Just repeating what I heard. More to the point that it was his issue all along, and not the league catching up with him. At least in his opinion.

[pravata]

Just repeating what I heard. More to the point that it was his issue all along, and not the league catching up with him. At least in his opinion.

Exactly what he said, and he is having good results lately.  The homerun illustrated exactly what he said he was trying to do but he's not doing it consistently yet.

[remy]

Beeeeeeeeeauuuuutiful!

[Desperado]

Great execution this inning.

[legs_of_eggs]

I really wish we would have made that Tejada deal years ago

[pots]

Got to wonder what makes the reigning Cy Young champ tired in the 6th.

Got to wonder how meat the pitches look for the guy that has to follow a Cy Young Champ.

[homer]

Glendon Rusch? Wow.

[remy]

Callix Crabbe?  That's a new one.

[homer]

Bush 41 was just participating in the wave.

[mihoba]

Glendon Rusch? Wow.

mop-up man

[MusicMan]

Callix Crabbe?  That's a new one.

Wasn't he the villian in "Face/Off"?

[MusicMan]

Bush 41 was just participating in the wave.

I'm not voting for him any more.

[Duke]

Brocail and Cheito in.  Need 6 outs.

[Lefty]

Just repeating what I heard. More to the point that it was his issue all along, and not the league catching up with him. At least in his opinion.

I'm sure he's right on with his analysis of his footwork & swing, but it's hard to argue that he's not seeing more breaking stuff outside & off the plate, and that he was having serious trouble laying off of same.

Good to see his hard work in the filmroom & in the cage paying off.

[Lurch]

Anyone in Austin watching on DTV?  If so, are you getting the game in HD on 639-1?  Is anyone, anywhere, getting the game in HD?

[Desperado]

You've got to be kidding me.

[Desperado]

Boo birds...

[austro]

WTF

[remy]

Holy shit Brocail doesn't have anything out there at all.

[The Third Man]

Doug, a Mr. Retirement is on the phone for you...he says it's urgent..

[Clark in Denver]

738-1 on DTV MLB:EI.  Astros feed.

[Lefty]

Holy shit, Doug.  "Doesn't have it tonight" would be an understatement.

[Lefty]

Doug, a Mr. Retirement is on the phone for you...he says it's urgent..

Fuck that.

[remy]

Holy shit, Doug.  "Doesn't have it tonight" would be an understatement.

He brought his glove at least.

[Nate in IA]

Anyone in Austin watching on DTV?  If so, are you getting the game in HD on 639-1?  Is anyone, anywhere, getting the game in HD?

Watching it on MLBEI.  It wasn't available on the FSN but it's in HD on the MLBEI channels.  738-1

[austro]

Anyone in Austin watching on DTV?  If so, are you getting the game in HD on 639-1?  Is anyone, anywhere, getting the game in HD?

I'm on Time-Warner. Per usual, it claims that the game's being broadcast in HD on 1639, but that's just a bar pattern. So I'm watching the SD broadcast on 77.

[Duke]

Holy shit, Doug.  "Doesn't have it tonight" would be an understatement.

Nice grab.  See ya.

[The Third Man]

Fuck that.

I was kidding. He's pitched well this year for the most part. Nice fielding play to get one out, too.

[austro]

I'm not feeling good about Anaheim Jimmy coming up.

[Desperado]

Come on, Valverde.

[Clark in Denver]

I'm not feeling good about Anaheim Jimmy coming up.

Of all the fucking people to come up...

[remy]

Oy, I don't know if I can watch this.

[austro]

Of all the fucking people to come up...

Might be slightly better than Giles.

[MusicMan]

I've never understood bringing in the reliever to issue the IBB.

[remy]

Damn, so close.

[Desperado]

UGH. Great job by JR, though...and a ridiculous throw by Spaz.

[austro]

Ouch. I'm glad Towles survived that.

[TheWizard]

I've never understood bringing in the reliever to issue the IBB.

I think so that way at least if he gives up any further runs, it goes on his ERA and not to the guy departing, who won't even have a chance to  stop the guy from scoring.  Just my opinion.

[The Third Man]

Great play by Pence and Towles. It was the correct call, but close.

[BizidyDizidy]

Good point - I'm sure era is coops biggest concern.

[JimR]

I think so that way at least if he gives up any further runs, it goes on his ERA and not to the guy departing, who won't even have a chance to  stop the guy from scoring.  Just my opinion.

who cares about who gets the run?

[HudsonHawk]

I've never understood bringing in the reliever to issue the IBB.

They didn't.  They brought in a reliever in hopes of a strikeout.

[MusicMan]

who cares about who gets the run?

The guys with Valverde on their fantasy teams.

[JimR]

did we even have a LHP warming up?

[pots]

There is good news.  Valverde is good at sharking wins so you have to feel good about this, despite...

[TheWizard]

who cares about who gets the run?

Why else would you bring the reliever in to issue the IBB?  Not being a smart ass either, I want to know your opinion.

[mihoba]

Great play by Pence and Towles. It was the correct call, but close.

Agreed. That was a funny looking throw, but it had some gas behind it.

[HudsonHawk]

Why else would you bring the reliever in to issue the IBB?  Not being a smart ass either, I want to know your opinion.

You don't.  Coop didn't here.

[JimR]

Why else would you bring the reliever in to issue the IBB?  Not being a smart ass either, I want to know your opinion.

it is not on TV. was he trying to pitch to him initially? i can say for sure the MGR does not care about ERA.

[mihoba]

did we even have a LHP warming up?

I thought Brownie said Wright was warming in the 7th, but he must have sat down.

[MikeyBoy]

Why else would you bring the reliever in to issue the IBB?  Not being a smart ass either, I want to know your opinion.

I imagine they wanted a strike out, but when Valverde got down 2-0, they decided to put him on and take a shot a t a double play and a new count.

[HudsonHawk]

did we even have a LHP warming up?

I thought we'd see Wright, but Coop wanted a K.

[JimR]

I thought Brownie said Wright was warming in the 7th, but he must have sat down.

crap. i hate being a slave to what inning it is.

[mihoba]

it is not on TV. was he trying to pitch to him initially? i can say for sure the MGR does not care about ERA.

Yes, he got behind 2-0 I believe and went ahead and walked him to set up the DP.

[MusicMan]

I imagine they wanted a strike out, but when Valverde got down 2-0, they decided to put him on and take a shot a t a double play and a new count.

OK, I didn't realize he was pitching to him initially.  However, if you want the K, I don't understand giving in at 2-0...

[JimR]

I thought we'd see Wright, but Coop wanted a K.

i mean to Gonzales.

[TheWizard]

You don't.  Coop didn't here.

I understand that in this situation Valverde was brought in to try to the K and was nibbling, and when he fell behind just went for the IBB.  I get that.

But even if you are just setting up the DP and neither the guy leaving or entering are strike-out pitchers, wouldn't most managers bring in the reliever to issue the IBB?

[JimR]

OK, I didn't realize he was pitching to him initially.  However, if you want the K, I don't understand giving in at 2-0...

hitter's count

[Gleek]

There is good news.  Valverde is good at sharking wins so you have to feel good about this, despite...

Despite what?  The fact that Valverde is paid to close games, not win them?

[HudsonHawk]

i mean to Gonzales.

Well that too.  Wright had been warming up earlier, but I guess he wasn't in the plans by the 8th.

[JimR]

I understand that in this situation Valverde was brought in to try to the K and was nibbling, and when he fell behind just went for the IBB.  I get that.

But even if you are just setting up the DP and neither the guy leaving or entering are strike-out pitchers, wouldn't most managers bring in the reliever to issue the IBB?

WHY?

[TheWizard]

I'm at work so I'm glancing at the gamecast, don't have the game on.. so I'm a bit delayed on all this too.  I didn't realize until someone posted that he was going for the K originally.

[Desperado]

Bottom of the order rally time!

[austro]

it is not on TV. was he trying to pitch to him initially? i can say for sure the MGR does not care about ERA.

If you've got TW, it's on 77.

[JimR]

Well that too.  Wright had been warming up earlier, but I guess he wasn't in the plans by the 8th.

and that is what i cannot stand.

[MikeyBoy]

OK, I didn't realize he was pitching to him initially.  However, if you want the K, I don't understand giving in at 2-0...

Hitter's count, base open, one out, frosted tips, etc, etc.

[The Third Man]

I really like Towles' patient approach at the plate.

[mihoba]

crap. i hate being a slave to what inning it is.

Bottom of the 8th, tied 7-7, 1 out 1 on, Chieto w/ a 3-0 count

[JimR]

If you've got TW, it's on 77.

it was not when i went there. will look again

[HudsonHawk]

I understand that in this situation Valverde was brought in to try to the K and was nibbling, and when he fell behind just went for the IBB.  I get that.

But even if you are just setting up the DP and neither the guy leaving or entering are strike-out pitchers, wouldn't most managers bring in the reliever to issue the IBB?

No, if you're gonna issue a IBB, you usually do it with the guy you're about to pull.  You don't want a releiver coming in only to  have to immediately throw four intentional balls.

[MusicMan]

But even if you are just setting up the DP and neither the guy leaving or entering are strike-out pitchers, wouldn't most managers bring in the reliever to issue the IBB?

Screw the stats.  Why would you start a pitcher by throwing four balls?

[austro]

That WP was helpful.

[Desperado]

Wild pitch. Astros have a prime opportunity here, 2nd and 3rd, 1 out, top of the order up.

[Clark in Denver]

Kaz!

[Desperado]

That was quick!

[Gleek]

Anal fissure comes up big, again.

[BizidyDizidy]

Who was it moaning that we got kaz instead of iguchi

[pots]

Despite what?  The fact that Valverde is paid to close games, not win them?

nope cause I don't give a rats ass who gets the win or save or whatever.  A W iis a W and Brocail blew this one not Valverde.

The depite meant despite blowing the lead

[TheWizard]

Screw the stats.  Why would you start a pitcher by throwing four balls?

Yeah, that makes sense.

[Desperado]

I love speed.

[HudsonHawk]

That WP was helpful.

That was a tough one, but Bard is not good back there.  I'm pretty sure i could block as well as Bard, and I'm not saying that in a White Sox reporter kind of arrogance.

[TheWizard]

I'm on a gamecast delay here, I'm guessing by the responses we scored?

[The Third Man]

What clutch hitting from Matsui! And he steals a base...take a bow Ed Wade!

[mihoba]

nope cause I don't give a rats ass who gets the win or save or whatever.  A W iis a W and Brocail blew this one for Brocail no Valverde

And the hitters picked up Brocail real nice like. 10-7 Astros, still one out.

[pravata]

I'm on a gamecast delay here, I'm guessing by the responses we scored?

2, Kazuo shot a single by the 1b.

[austro]

I'm on a gamecast delay here, I'm guessing by the responses we scored?

Thrice.

[HudsonHawk]

I'm on a gamecast delay here, I'm guessing by the responses we scored?

Matsui with a 2-run double, followed by Erstad's double.  Astros now lead 10-7.

[MikeyBoy]

Matsui 2 run single, the SB...Erstad drives him in with a double.

[pravata]

Matsui with a 2-run double, followed by Erstad's double.  Astros now lead 10-7.

Single and an sb.

[HudsonHawk]

Matsui with a 2-run double, followed by Erstad's double.  Astros now lead 10-7.

Tejada with another double.  11-7 Astros.

[mihoba]

11-7, Tejada with another 4 hits.

[MikeyBoy]

Now we're playing WadwSmith ball, boys.

[Gleek]

nope cause I don't give a rats ass who gets the win or save or whatever.  A W iis a W and Brocail blew this one not Valverde.

The depite meant despite blowing the lead

Got ya, this has been a very exciting game.  I likey.

[pots]

So how many runs before Valverde is taken out?

[pots]

Apparantly not 4

[Desperado]

Apparently Valverde is going to stay in.

[HudsonHawk]

So how many runs before Valverde is taken out?

Why would you take Valverde out?

[Colt 45]

Tejada is a monster.
One sportswriter predicted Tejada would be this years biggest flop.

[legs_of_eggs]

Tejada is playing like an mvp

[legs_of_eggs]

oh and fuck espn e:60 the dumbest fucking show ever

[Clark in Denver]

ESPN can suck it.

[pravata]

I like the stance and the waggle from Valverde.  It's as if he had only seen cave paintings of hitting.

[pots]

Why would you take Valverde out?

Couple things.  He has been sitting for quite some time.  You had to give up and out.  He'd be more available tomorrow.  But it doesn't matter.

[JimR]

I like the stance and the waggle from Valverde.  It's as if he had only seen cave paintings of hitting.

batting 1.000 for career coming in

[HudsonHawk]

I like the stance and the waggle from Valverde.  It's as if he had only seen cave paintings of hitting.

I'm pretty sure he had to borrow a helmet and bat.

[MusicMan]

batting 1.000 for career coming in

LaRussa would hit him 7th.

[pravata]

batting 1.000 for career coming in

I'd like to have seen the hit.

[JimR]

Couple things.  He has been sitting for quite some time.  You had to give up and out.  He'd be more available tomorrow.  But it doesn't matter.

you have a good point. i'm still pissed at no LHP to Gonzales.

[mihoba]

I like the stance and the waggle from Valverde.  It's as if he had only seen cave paintings of hitting.

I thought Green Acres would at least take a token swing once anyway.

[pravata]

I thought Green Acres would at least take a token swing once anyway.

no no. that was merely performance art.

[HudsonHawk]

Couple things.  He has been sitting for quite some time.  You had to give up and out.  He'd be more available tomorrow.  But it doesn't matter.

He's already warmed up and in the game tonight.  You save little or nothing for tomorrow.  Plus, you use up another arm.  You've already got a 4-run lead with three outs to get.  No reason to pull Valverde  now.

[MusicMan]

Gameday is all sorts of f'ed up.

[pots]

you have a good point. i'm still pissed at no LHP to Gonzales.

Yeah, seemed like Coop got caught with his pants down with Brocail.  He'd been so effective, I think he was caught by surprise.

[mihoba]

high FB for the K, 1 down

[juliogotay]

Yeah, seemed like Coop got caught with his pants down with Brocail.  He'd been so effective, I think he was caught by surprise.

Remember we have two LHP in the pen now.

[mihoba]

Yeah, seemed like Coop got caught with his pants down with Brocail.  He'd been so effective, I think he was caught by surprise.

6-3 lead, the Pads hit for the cycle the next 4 batters, everyone was surprised.

[JaneDoe]

Yeah, seemed like Coop got caught with his pants down with Brocail.  He'd been so effective, I think he was caught by surprise.

After the first two batters, I was yelling at Coop to take him out.

[Gleek]

He's already warmed up and in the game tonight.  You save little or nothing for tomorrow.  Plus, you use up another arm.  You've already got a 4-run lead with three outs to get.  No reason to pull Valverde  now.

I agree, goddammit.  We need this win, and he needs the confidence builder.  i do see your point though pots.

[mihoba]

Blew away Crabbe, 2 down.

[JaneDoe]

He did it again, blows the save, gets the win.

[pots]

Remember we have two LHP in the pen now.

Well Cincy has some good lefties, they may come in handy Wednesday and Thursday

[mihoba]

grounder 3-1, Astros win 11-7

[JaneDoe]

What is it about Matsui that has sparked this team?

[mihoba]

He did it again, blows the save, gets the win.

Valverde is on record, but that was all Brocail.

[HudsonHawk]

He did it again, blows the save, gets the win.

Yeah, but that was a bullshit blown save.

[juliogotay]

What is it about Matsui that has sparked this team?

His play.

[loganck]

Yeah, but that was a bullshit blown save.

Lots of saves are bullshit.  It's not as bad a stat as holds, but it's bad.

[The Third Man]

Nice victory against a pitcher that usually gives them fits. I imagine the Astros haven't scored 10 runs, or more in two games in a row in a while. Matsui and Tejada are playing great and even Valverde looked good tonight.

[MusicMan]

What is it about Matsui that has sparked this team?

They watched Major League 2 too many times.

[juliogotay]

Nice victory against a pitcher that usually gives them fits. I imagine the Astros haven't scored 10 runs, or more in two games in a row in a while. Matsui and Tejada are playing great and even Valverde looked good tonight.

Lots of contributors tonight. Backe was very solid.

[pots]

Could have made some money with this prediction.  The Astros are going to score more in Peavy's start than Germano's and they will score 10 on Germano's start.

Great couple of wins against two hot pitchers.  

[DVauthrin]

The way they came back tonight after San Diego's explosion was a great sign.   They made bell come in the zone with his fastball and hammered him.     That was the valverde we hopefully should see the rest of the year in the 9th.    He had an electric fastball and had nice movement on the split.    Back to back good outings by him.

Nice to see the character of the team come through in flying colors tonight.

[JaneDoe]

Valverde is on record, but that was all Brocail.

I know, I was just commenting on pots' comment:

There is good news.  Valverde is good at sharking wins so you have to feel good about this, despite...

[homer]

Hohlfield made a good point. The offense did good to come back, but Backe pitched very well tonight.

[OregonStrosFan]

Had a meeting after the 4th, so missed all the excitement.  Anyway... not understanding the GZ banter on Valverde.  From the Gameday pitch-by-pitch and box score it'd appear he had a good outing - a walk, sac fly, strikeout, strikeout, strikeout, ground ball out.  I know a strikeout would have been a heck of a lot better than the sac fly (which lead to a tie game), but still Valverde's line looks pretty decent [1.2 innings, 0 hits, 0 ER (although Brocail got tagged for a run on his watch), 1 walk, 3 strikeouts].  What gives?

[JimR]

He did it again, blows the save, gets the win.

you're going to say what he did tonight was "doing it again?" runner at 3rd, no outs, 3 runs in?

[JimR]

Lots of saves are bullshit.  It's not as bad a stat as holds, but it's bad.

uh, no. 3 inning big lead saves are. not the usual ones.

[OregonStrosFan]

Got to wonder what makes the reigning Cy Young champ tired in the 6th.

Know your not asking seriously, but the comment provides a good segue... Loved the Astros patience at the plate tonight, making Peavy throw a ton a pitches early and allowing us to get to the Pads pen early.

Inning 1 (pitches): Kazuo-4, Erstad-4, Tejada-5, Berkman-5, Lee-6;
Inning 2 (pitches): Blum-5, Spaz-2, Towles-5, Backe-2;
Inning 3 (pitches): Kazuo-11* (ended in an out, but still made Peavy earn it), Erstad-3, Tejada-5, Berkman-5, Lee-4;
Inning 4 (pitches): Blum-7* (homered), Spaz-1, Towles-8, Backe-1;
Inning 5 (pitches): Kazuo-2, Erstad-3, Tejada-6;
Inning 6 (pitches): Berkman-6, Lee-1, Blum-6, Spaz-2, Towles-3.

Averages per plate appearance: Kazuo-5.67, Erstad-3.33, Tejada-5.33, Berkman-5.33, Lee-3.67, Blum-6, Spaz-1.67, Towles-5.33, Backe-1.5. 

[MikeyBoy]

Had a meeting after the 4th, so missed all the excitement.  Anyway... not understanding the GZ banter on Valverde.  From the Gameday pitch-by-pitch and box score it'd appear he had a good outing - a walk, sac fly, strikeout, strikeout, strikeout, ground ball out.  I know a strikeout would have been a heck of a lot better than the sac fly (which lead to a tie game), but still Valverde's line looks pretty decent [1.2 innings, 0 hits, 0 ER (although Brocail got tagged for a run on his watch), 1 walk, 3 strikeouts].  What gives?

Valverde pitched great. The banter was primarily around; (a) if warm, why was Wright not brought in to pitch to Gonzalez, and (b) why was Valverde brought in to IBB Edmonds.