Astros @ Jakes 26/4/08

[Limey]

Good pitching beats good hitting.  Today, I think the Astros have the better pitching and the better hitting.  Let's Go Astros!!!

[Noe]

Good pitching beats good hitting.  Today, I think the Astros have the better pitching and the better hitting.  Let's Go Astros!!!

Wainwright is a very good starter.  I expect another low scoring game.  No one will run away with this game.

[Anit]

KAZ!

[Limey]

Wainwright is a very good starter.  I expect another low scoring game.  No one will run away with this game.

Kaz has other ideas.

[Limey]

Bloop then blast.  Come on boys, get with the program.

[Noe]

There is something about Matsui's approach to hitting that I really like.  He lets the ball get deep into the zone before he makes up his mind to swing.  Make no mistake, it's the classic Japanese approach instead of the usual grip it and rip it approach.  But every once and awhile, he can turn on one if he sees it well.

Nice!

[matadorph]

I missed it. How did the run score?

[Greg M]

Fuck Fox and their blackouts.

Run was scored on a Matsui HR.

[matadorph]

A HR? From Matsui?

Wow.

[matadorph]

Fuck Fox and their blackouts.

You're gonna miss Roy tell us what music he likes. Sucks to be you.

[matadorph]

Lee flies out to shallow RF
Pence grounds out to SS
Loretta grounds out to 3B.

Mid 2nd Astros 1, Jakes 0

[matadorph]

Glaus Ks looking on a inside fb from Roy
Kennedy Ks swinging on a curve
LaRue HBP on an inside fb that gets away from Roy
Wainwright Ks swinging

Roy is dealing, boys and girls.


End of 2, Astros 1 Jakes 0

[MikeyBoy]

Roy is carving up the strike zone.

[matadorph]

And establishing himself inside.

[Greg M]

Roy is carving up the strike zone.

Bummer I can't see it.  Raymond...or whoever the fuck it is just doesn't do Roy justice.

[matadorph]

Wainwright threw behind Ausmus! We got fireworks now and the benches clear.

[matadorph]

Ausmus is furious. The pitch that got away from Roy was clearly unintentional, but this one from Wainwright looked otherwise and Ausmus took exception.

[Limey]

Roy is carving up the strike zone.

Beches clear after Wainwright throws behind Ausmus.  Brad livid and could've been tossed.

[matadorph]

FUCK YOU LARUSSA

[matadorph]

Both sides warned.

[Greg M]

FUCK YOU LARUSSA

I imagine the Tank Commander called that one.

[MikeyBoy]

Both sides warned.

La Russa wanted to take the inside away from Roy. Fuckin pussy.

[Limey]

Wainwright's pinpoint control returns as quickly as it went away.

[Noe]

LaRussa is a prick!  Oswalt owns the inside corner right now and this was on purpose to take that away from him.  Last night, Looper owned the inside and Houston didn't do any of this kind of Bush League stuff.

What a freaking prick.

[BudGirl]

LaRussa is such a big dick he could suck himself.  Donkey

[Hornstros]

Wainwright is fucking cocksucker.  I don't what La Russa's BAC is right now....but that was fucking uncalled for

[BudGirl]

Wainwright is pansy for doing that also.

[Noe]

What I'd love to see now is Oswalt just carve up the Jakes with hard stuff away and slow stuff down and in and watch LaRussa just sit there and watch it all.

Bastard.

[matadorph]

Ausmus smacks a liner to CF that Ankiel catches at the knee
Oswalt grounds out to P
Bourn Ks

Mid 3rd Astros 1 Jakes 0

[mihoba]

Wainwright is pansy for doing that also.

I'm sure he was just doing what he was told to do. A pansy would have refused. LaGenius is the one to blame.

[BudGirl]

Those BFiB does stand for Bastard Fans in Baseball right?

[BudGirl]

I'm sure he was just doing what he was told to do. LaGenius is the one to blame.

As we all know, the pitcher does what the pitcher wants to do.  He's a pansy ass for doing that.

[Hornstros]

My dislike for St. Louis has just grown exponentially after the fans cheered wildly whenever Ausmus lined out to Ankiel

[Noe]

Wainwright's pinpoint control returns as quickly as it went away.

JD said that LaRussa was saying it was a two seamer that got away.  Yeah, right.  The next eight pitches were all in the zone.  What a bush league move by LaRussa.  I mean it, he's a prick and I'm sure right now some of the players are muttering that under their breath.

[matadorph]

Roy listens to country music

Rascal Flats, Kenny Chesney, and Johnny Cash

[pravata]

Every single time they play these children something like this happens.

[Bench]

You're gonna miss Roy tell us what music he likes. Sucks to be you.

Rascal Flats, Kenny Chesney and George Strait.

[Noe]

I'm sure he was just doing what he was told to do. A pansy would have refused. LaGenius is the one to blame.

Yup.  Eggszactly.

[MikeyBoy]

Roy likes him some country music.

[BudGirl]

Is that a white background behind Ausmus???  I hate those fuckers.

[Bench]

JD said that LaRussa was saying it was a two seamer that got away.  Yeah, right.  The next eight pitches were all in the zone.  What a bush league move by LaRussa.  I mean it, he's a prick and I'm sure right now some of the players are muttering that under their breath.

Exactly. It was orchestrated by LaRussa to take the inside away from Roy. The most annoying part was watching him lobby the umpires to be sure to issue an official warning. What a prick.

[Limey]

Those BFiB does stand for Bastard Fans in Baseball right?

Bastard Fuckers incestuously Buttfucking

[Noe]

Brownie just said what I was thinking: "Last night, Braden Looper was pitching masterfully, pitching inside and outside... all the Astros gave him kudos for being good last night".  Eggszactly.  The conversation that Brownie and JD is dead spot on.  The Astros gave Looper his due, LaRussa decides he needs to interject into the game to throw Roy off.

Freaking prick.

[BudGirl]

I am a firm believer that God will punish those satan bastards.

[MikeyBoy]

Roy says fuck the warning...I'm pitching inside.

[Limey]

Fuck La Russa and his butt boy.

[Bench]

Fucking Pujols. That creep can bowl.

[Noe]

Exactly. It was orchestrated by LaRussa to take the inside away from Roy. The most annoying part was watching him lobby the umpires to be sure to issue an official warning. What a prick.

Total lack of competitive class.  He's basically telling his guys they can't beat Oswalt, so he has to jump in and save them from themselves.  Last night, Looper was the better man, but the Astros kept battling hard.  You tip your cap and try to win any way you can.  And they did.

As Cooper said the night he got ejected "If my guys need me to get ejected to get up for the game, then they need to get another job.  If you're not up to a challenge, there is nothing I can do to fire you up."

[Limey]

Come on boys.  Get it back.  Don't let La Busha's bullshit throw you off.

[Noe]

Roy's overthrowing.  He needs to throw a few curveballs here to settle himself down.  Freaking LaRussa.

[Bench]

What the hell was Pence doing?

[Noe]

What the hell was Pence doing?

Being a Spaz.

[BudGirl]

Bourn needs to kick Hunter's ass.

[Greg M]

What the hell was Pence doing?

Did Bourn have a good angle on that?

[Matt]

I hope Bourn chews his ass out for that shit.

[moriartp]

Dammit Hunter. Not yours.

[BudGirl]

Did Bourn have a good angle on that?

yes

[matadorph]

Ryan flies out to Lee
Schumaker walks
Ankiel singles to RF
Pujols smacks a double to the gap in left center on a pitch up and away, Schumaker and Ankiel score
Duncan lines a single to CF, Bourn misreads it and gets a bad jump, Pujols to third
Glaus flies out to right center, for some fucking reason Pence cuts off Bourn and snags the catch, makes weak throw cut off by Berkman. Pujols scores. Duncan advances to second.
Kennedy grounds out to SS

End 3 Astros 1, Jakes 3

[Noe]

Did Bourn have a good angle on that?

Oh, absolutely, he was going to run in, catch and throw.  Pence was moving side to side so he had no business getting in front of the CF, who has the right to call off anyone if he has the play.

Baseball 101, Spaz!

BTW - May as well get this Oswalt inning out of the way, LaRussa induced as it were.

[BudGirl]

Astros just need to be patient.  Multiple basehits can kill the opposing team.

[Bench]

Did Bourn have a good angle on that?

Yep. He was squared up in perfect position to catch and throw. Hunter came drifting across, made the catch in front of Bourn's glove, took a few more steps towards left field, turned and then threw.

[Noe]

Astros just need to be patient.  Multiple basehits can kill the opposing team.

Wainwright is throwing well, but any ball near Berkman, he should drop and claim it hit him.  Should be entertaining too.

[Bench]

. . . LaRussa induced as it were.

He has a remarkable ability to spoil my mood.

[BudGirl]

Wainwright is throwing well, but any ball near Berkman, he should drop and claim it hit him.  Should be entertaining too.

Why not?  Edmonds did that all the time.

[Noe]

He has a remarkable ability to spoil my mood.

Watch tomorrow.  Backe doesn't like Pujols, so this may cost LaRussa more than he thinks of Ball Product is willing and ready to head hunt... which I don't advocate at all.  Just saying.

[mihoba]

I hope .093's strategy backfires on his fuckin' ass. C'mon Wainwright, graze an inside pitch and get tossed, fuckers.

[BudGirl]

Watch tomorrow.  Backe doesn't like Pujols, so this may cost LaRussa more than he thinks of Ball Product is willing and ready to head hunt... which I don't advocate at all.  Just saying.

I don't think Backe head huts at all tomorrow.  Just having them think everyone is pricks like them can throw them off their game.

[Anit]

berkman DESTROYED that ball

[Bench]

Wainwright is throwing well, but any ball near Berkman, he should drop and claim it hit him.  Should be entertaining too.

I guess he'll take the other option. Smoked that one.

[moriartp]

Fuck you, Tony. Go Lance.

[BudGirl]

Wow.

That's the best Fuck You a player can say.

[MikeyBoy]

Attaboy Lance. Fuck the Jakes.

[Noe]

I hope .093's strategy backfires on his fuckin' ass. C'mon Wainwright, graze an inside pitch and get tossed, fuckers.

Trust me, players (pitchers) know when to get revenge.  May not be this game, may not even be tomorrow, but LaRussa just bought one of his star players a whole lot of pain.  He knows it too.

[legs_of_eggs]

Way to blast one Puma

[matadorph]

Matsui gets good wood but flies out to Ankiel in CF
Miggy hits a tapper off the end of the bat to P, hustles hard outta the box, thrown out anyway
BERKMAN CRUSHES HR TO STRAIGHTAWAY CF YESSSSS!!
Lee grounds out to SS

Mid 4th Astros 2 Jakes 3

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Berkman is really hitting well, he belongs in the 4 spot.

[Noe]

Attaboy Lance. Fuck the Jakes.

Yup, best way to make LaRussa squirm.  Screw you LaRussa... KA-POW!

[Limey]

He has a remarkable ability to spoil my mood.

He messes with my calm

[Guinness]

Man, I'm watching the game on MLB TV, and the Co-ards announcers seriously, and I mean SERIOUSLY suck...they're dull, they're idiots--it's hard to watch on the internets without sound, but I'm thinking of muting my laptop...

[Limey]

Go on Tony!  Start running your pitcher.  You know you want to.

[BudGirl]

I hate opposing pitchers.

[Noe]

Man, I'm watching the game on MLB TV, and the Co-ards announcers seriously, and I mean SERIOUSLY suck...they're dull, they're idiots--it's hard to watch on the internets without sound, but I'm thinking of muting my laptop...

Isn't the color man Al Hbrasky (sp?)

[BudGirl]

those socks are gay.  and not in a good way.

[Noe]

JD is right: "Roy got away from his curveball last inning, threw fastballs and left them up... now he's going back to the curve and is more effective."  Roy just wanted to power his way through LaRussa's lineup last inning (who can blame him), but when Roy is a pitcher, he's a damn good pitcher.

[matadorph]

LaRue swings at the first offering, flies out to Spazz
Wainwright reaches out for a Roy fastball away, dinks a shallow fly behind Matsui that falls in between Bourn and Kaz
Ryan fans on Roy heat
Schumaker grounds out to Matsui

End 4th Astros 2, Jakes 3

[Noe]

those socks are gay.  and not in a good way.

I played for the Houston Cardinals (denial league) and wore my pants mid-calf (everyone else was into the pants covering the shoes looks... yuk!).  I could not find the classic white stripe red socks, low ankle cut any where.  I wasn't going to special order them either, but if I could've found some cheap around town, I would've worn them old school.

I wore solid red low ankle stirrups instead.  I think it's a great look.  Shoot me!

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Man, I'm watching the game on MLB TV, and the Co-ards announcers seriously, and I mean SERIOUSLY suck...they're dull, they're idiots--it's hard to watch on the internets without sound, but I'm thinking of muting my laptop...

The Man Hungarian is the worst play by play guy, he sucked as an analyst too.

[matadorph]

Roy's thrown 82 pitches btw

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Isn't the color man Al Hbrasky (sp?)

That would be Rick Horton, who sucks.

[matadorph]

Spazz lines out to SS
Loretta grounds out to 2B
Ausmus booed by the BFiB (fuckin nozzles), Ks swinging

Short inning for Wainwright.

Mid 5th Astros 2, Jakes 3

[MikeyBoy]

WOW. What a curve ball by Roy. 59 MPH.

[matadorph]

Ankiel lines out to Berkman
Pujols gets two quick strikes, spits on a couple of pitches to fill the count, grounds out to Loretta at third. Nice play.
Duncan pops out to Tejada

Good inning for Roy.

End 5th, Astros 2 Jakes 3

[T. J.]

those socks are gay.  and not in a good way.

Disagree.  I like the stirrups.  I wish everybody still wore them.  I hate the long pants.

[T. J.]

Looks like a hard line drive in the box score.

[SaltyParker]

If Bourn ever gets hot, this offense will really be something.

[matadorph]

Oswalt quickly goes to 0-2, takes a pitch, pops up to 2B
Bourn shows patience, then shows bunt, then Ks looking on a fastball on the outside corner
Matsui goes to 0-2, takes an inside pitch, taps a soft one in front of the plate that stays fair down the third base line for an infield single
Tejada hits a slow grounder to 2B

Mid 6th, Astros 2 Jakes 3

[Craig]

Man, I'm watching the game on MLB TV, and the Co-ards announcers seriously, and I mean SERIOUSLY suck...they're dull, they're idiots--it's hard to watch on the internets without sound, but I'm thinking of muting my laptop...

I'm getting both teams' broadcasts today. WTF. I got the Jakes' broadcast last night, and that Astros comeback really tore them up. They were devastated. I almost came back to the Gamezone to do PBP of the 3rds' postgame show and the Tank Commander's press conference, but I decided not to gloat. Not in public, anyway.

[T. J.]

My God, that Whataburger looks good.

[legs_of_eggs]

My God, that Whataburger looks good.

I'm so disappointed they removed the barbecue chickenstrip sandwich I ate 3-5 of those a week. Damn seasonal menus.

[T. J.]

I'm so disappointed they removed the barbecue chickenstrip sandwich I ate 3-5 of those a week. Damn seasonal menus.

Bet your colon is happy though.

[Bench]

When did LaRue join the Village People?

[matadorph]

Glaus gets a strike looking, swings at Roy's second offering, flies out to Spazz
Kennedy rips a pitch Roy left up in the zone into the gap in left center, Lee hustles to cut it off but can't get turned around to throw, double for Kennedy
Roy comes in to LaRue and backs him off the plate, throws a 2-2 fastball on the inside corner (shoulda been a K looking), a strike on the outside corner that Tschida calls a ball, LaRue walks
Wainwright flies out to Bourn in shallow left center
Ryan gets in 0-2 hole, fouls off a pitch, hits a bouncer over Roy's head, Matsui gobbles it up and steps on second

End 6th, Astros 2 Jakes 3

[Craig]

My God, that Whataburger looks good.

It's torture watching these Whataburger commercials game after game. One of these days I'm going to make a road trip to Texarkana because I think they have a Whataburger there.

[Anit]

holy shit lance

[matadorph]

Berkman CRUSHES ANOTHER HR!!!

YESSS

[Bench]

Attaboy Lance. Gorgeous swing.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

That was a no doubter. Wow!

[mihoba]

It's torture watching these Whataburger commercials game after game. One of these days I'm going to make a road trip to Texarkana because I think they have a Whataburger there.

I had a double meat w/bacon and cheese on Thursday. I could eat another one right now. It will be worth the trip.

Lance sez fuck the Jakes.

[MikeyBoy]

One of the new Jake fuckytards almost got caught hot dogging it.

[matadorph]

Berkman goes yard to RF
Lee flies out to shallow center, caught by Kennedy
Pence hits a slow grounder to SS, Ryan fucks around, Hunter almost beats the throw. Great hustle by Spazz.
Loretta grounds out to SS

Mid 7th, Astros 3 Jakes 3

[T. J.]

It's torture watching these Whataburger commercials game after game. One of these days I'm going to make a road trip to Texarkana because I think they have a Whataburger there.

An opposite to the Whataburger commercial was the Sonic one preceding it for Cinna-somethings.  They looked like shit kolaches to me.

Lance is fucking killing the ball.

[matadorph]

Oswalt pitch count: 117

[matadorph]

Byrdak in for Oswalt

[Craig]

I had a double meat w/bacon and cheese on Thursday. I could eat another one right now. It will be worth the trip.

Lance sez fuck the Jakes.

You bastard, that's exactly what I would get. But maybe a whole sackful of them.

[DVauthrin]

You bastard, that's exactly what I would get. But maybe a whole sackful of them.

you can't go wrong with the taquitos or the honey butter chicken biscuit either.

[mihoba]

Not exactly as planned, Byrdak walks the lefty Ankiel on 4 pitches right before Pooholes. Fuck.

[Bench]

An opposite to the Whataburger commercial was the Sonic one preceding it for Cinna-somethings.  They looked like shit kolaches to me.

Those look absolutely disgusting. Then again, just about everything at Sonic is unappealing to me. I don't understand how they continue to proliferate.

[SaltyParker]

Those look absolutely disgusting. Then again, just about everything at Sonic is unappealing to me. I don't understand how they continue to proliferate.

Great drinks with the best ice. Food is horrible.

[Rebel Jew]

Those look absolutely disgusting. Then again, just about everything at Sonic is unappealing to me. I don't understand how they continue to proliferate.

cherry limeade

[Bench]

Pujols and LaRussa are a match made in heaven.

[Bench]

Exactly what that fucker deserves. Weak grounder into a DP.

[Craig]

HAHAHA fuck you Pujols!

[matadorph]

Schumaker grounds out to Matsui
Ankiel gets ahead in the count 3-0, walks on four pitches
Coop won't let the lefty Byrdak pitch to LaGenius' girlfriend, calls on Geary
Pujols swings at the first pitch with runner going, foul ball in front of the plate (should've been called fair, little pussy acts like he took it off the foot), takes a strike looking, grounds to Tejada, Miggy takes it himself

DOUBLE PLAY SIDE RETIRED!!!

End 7th, Astros 3 Jakes 3

[Limey]

Fuck you Shitholes you fucking cheating fuck.

[austro]

cherry limeade

Amen. What we need is a WhataSonic.

[Craig]

you can't go wrong with the taquitos or the honey butter chicken biscuit either.

We're gonna need a bigger sack.

[moriartp]

Really, Albert? Really?


At least justice was swift.

[homer]

Pujols can eat a bag.

[Limey]

When did LaRue join the Village People?

In his heart, he's always been part of the Village People.

[Holly]

Great drinks with the best ice. Food is horrible.

Right on the drinks but I'll take issue with the food comment. The foot long chili cheese dog is good, the tots are outstanding, and they have Frito Pie Wraps.

Semi-related, but I found out there's a Whataburger underground, catty corner from the client building I'm in now... in freaking downtown (Lamar @ Main). Had me a good reliable cheeseburger and the thickest vanilla shake I've had in YEARS, for lunch yesterday. Gotta love discovering little gems in the tunnel system

[mihoba]

Great drinks with the best ice. Food is horrible.

I kinda like the frito wrap. Basically a frito pie in a flour tortilla with chili, onions and cheese. Pretty fucking good, but have the tums ready.

[Holly]

We're gonna need a bigger sack.

Tradeja a Whataburger store for one of those Braum's up there.

[mihoba]

Bourn has looked lost all day.

[matadorph]

Ausmus steps in with BFiB booing, grounds out to SS
Erstad PH for Geary, gets two straight strikes from Wainwright, swings at a curve in the dirt, tries to check but can't, K
Bourn Ks looking

Mid 8th, Astros 3 Jakes 3

[matadorph]

"With the second pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the St. Louis Rams select Chris Long, defensive end from Virginia"

[matadorph]

Brocail in to pitch

[MikeyBoy]

Tradeja a Whataburger store for one of those Braum's up there.

I thought Braums was disgusting, but I'll take a Taco Tico.

[Craig]

Tradeja a Whataburger store for one of those Braum's up there.

We don't have those either. Looks like the closest one is in Fort Smith. I went to one in Tulsa a couple of years ago and it was pretty good.

[SaltyParker]

Right on the drinks but I'll take issue with the food comment. The foot long chili cheese dog is good, the tots are outstanding, and they have Frito Pie Wraps.

Semi-related, but I found out there's a Whataburger underground, catty corner from the client building I'm in now... in freaking downtown (Lamar @ Main). Had me a good reliable cheeseburger and the thickest vanilla shake I've had in YEARS, for lunch yesterday. Gotta love discovering little gems in the tunnel system

Most Sonics in my neck of the woods have discontinued the frito pie which I always liked. Now it seems like the buy 1 get 1 free hamburger night on Tuesdays is a thing of the past as well. Agree on the tots though.

[Bench]

"With the second pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the St. Louis Rams select Chris Long, defensive end from Virginia"

And why anybody cares is beyond me.

[austro]

Doesn't sound like the BFiBs have warmed up to Glaus yet.

[homer]

And why anybody cares is beyond me.

I wondered the significance myself. matadorph?

[Craig]

Holy shit, I just found an HD feed for this game on Dish 9515.

[matadorph]

I wondered the significance myself. matadorph?

just flipping around in between innings

[BudGirl]

they do the wave in st loius also

[matadorph]

Duncan hit a lazy pop up to Loretta at third
Glaus tries to check his swing, hits a slow grounder down the line to Berkman
Kennedy flies out to Spazz

Nice job Brocail

End 8th, Astros 3 Jakes 3

[Bench]

I fucking hate the NFL Draft. It the most inescapable and obnoxiously self-indulgent manufactured "event" in our culture.

[Rebel Jew]

I fucking hate the NFL Draft. It the most inescapable and obnoxiously self-indulgent manufactured "event" in our culture.

so don't fucking watch

[Bench]

so don't fucking watch

I never have. I never will.

[SaltyParker]

Nice job Brocail

Other then the one game against SD where Brocail gave up 4 runs in a third of an inning, he has been simply outstanding this season. This is his team high 13th appearance.

[BudGirl]

miggy needs a hit

[moriartp]

I did enjoy watching last year's draft. Brady Quinn's reactions as team after team passed him up were priceless.

[Rebel Jew]

I never have. I never will.

so why are you complaining about it, then?

[Greg M]

Other then the one game against SD where Brocail gave up 4 runs in a third of an inning, he has been simply outstanding this season. This is his team high 13th appearance.

Yup.  Turning out to be a good bullpen.  Just need to get Villarreal on track.

[Bench]

I am surprised Waiwright is still in. Come on Carlos. Make him pay.

[Holly]

so why are you complaining about it, then?

Because you brought it here? Dunno. Wondering though how someone knows it's the most self-aggrandizing thing without having seen it, however, heh.

Berkman walks. 2 out bottom of the 9th.

[Bench]

so why are you complaining about it, then?

I think as a society we should have at least some standards.

[Bench]

Because you brought it here? Dunno. Wondering though how someone knows it's the most self-aggrandizing thing without having seen it, however, heh.

Just flip over to ESPN. It takes about 5 seconds to see why.

[SaltyParker]

Pence with an 8 game hitting streak on the line

[Bench]

Oh Hunter. Just flailing away at those sliders.

[Noe]

Raise your hand if you knew Pence would get a diet of sliders

[Rebel Jew]

I think as a society we should have at least some standards.

oh come on!

[Ty in Tampa]

Raise your hand if you knew he'd swing at 'em.

[Noe]

2-2, I bet he still gets a slider.  Watch.

[Holly]

Lee walked, as well. Pence isn't biting on the way-outside stuff, but those middle-low ones must look like candy to him.

[Noe]

3-2, fastball inside on the hands.

[Holly]

Full count up and out, Pence pops into the first row behind the 1B dugout.

[HudsonHawk]

Lee walked, as well. Pence isn't biting on the way-outside stuff, but those middle-low ones must look like candy to him.

Wainwright has now thrown him 6 pitches, none of them close to being a strike.

[Noe]

Wow, fastball outside and Pence was late.  Here comes the slider.

[Bench]

3-2, fastball inside on the hands.

I'd be surprised if they go away from the slider in any count.

[austro]

I wish he'd just drop the head and go to right with that stuff. He looks like he's still trying to pull it.

[Ty in Tampa]

Holy shit, Hunter.

[Holly]

Bleah, swung over one. Onto the bottom of 9th, knotted at 3.

[matadorph]

Matsui takes a ball, swings at a fat pitch in the zone, flies out to RF
Tejada looks at two consecutive balls, takes a strike down the middle, watches a curve for a strike, takes the count full, rips one down the third base line that Glaus fields clean, makes the throw to Alberta
Twinkie takes a ball, takes another ball, and another, watches a strike on the outside corner, gets ball four upstairs
Lee takes ball one up and away, gets another ball from the second base ump because Wainwright went to his mouth, takes ball three upstairs, grounds foul on a fastball in the middle of the zone, takes ball four
Pence swings and misses at the low breaking shit, swings and misses at the slider away, spits on the next one, lays off again, and again(!!!) to fill the count, foul into the stands, Ks swinging on the junk in the dirt

Fuck you LaRussa. Wainwright's pitch count pushes 130.

Mid 9th, Astros 3, Jakes 3

[HudsonHawk]

Wainwright has now thrown him 6 pitches, none of them close to being a strike.

Seven pitches, none of them close to a stike, but get's the out.  Unbelievable.

The the last three hitters, Wainwright threw 16 pitches, 15 of them balls.  But yet Pence is up there flailing wildly.

[Noe]

Not me.  They set him up with the previous fastball.  Hunter was so late on that hittable pitch, he's staying back.  Now they come back with a slider because it's in his head he has to be quicker.  Got him.  Hunter did himself no favor swinging at the first two sliders waaaay outside.  He worked it back to 3-2, but he's got to do better in situations like that.

[JimR]

Bleah, swung over one. Onto the 9th, knotted at 3.

he only threw him one pitch that MIGHT have been a strike--the one he popped up. everything else was very low or very low and outside.

[Holly]

OT: but anyone know if Metro or anyone else is shuttling to the International Festival?

[mihoba]

4 pitch leadoff walk, fuck. C'mon Bork.

[Noe]

he only threw him one pitch that MIGHT have been a strike--the one he popped up. everything else was very low or very low and outside.

Yup.  Fastball outside that Hunter took a weak swing at.  He did that to himself by swinging at everything.  BTW - Borkowski has struggled to throw strikes this year.  He's always working out of trouble... sometimes ineffectively.

[Holly]

Nice job by Berkman to get the force at 2nd on a bunt up the line. One out, one one first.

[austro]

El Vendo has had himself a heck of a game.

[HudsonHawk]

Nice job by Berkman to get the force at 2nd on a bunt up the line. One out, one one first.

I thought they might have a shot at the DP, but Mr. Dreadlock runs pretty good, he was on Tejada in a hurry.

[Holly]

Ryan knocks one into CF, runners on 1st & 2nd. Izturis in to PR for Wainwright. Borkowski muttering to himself on the mound.

HH: Yup, Dread's got wheels.

[HudsonHawk]

Looks like WSquare will come on...

[Noe]

Borkowski is just not effective any more with his cut fastball/sliders.  They all seem to be up in the strikezone and he is just too hittable now.

[Noe]

Wesley has some serious pitching to do now.  He usually comes in to start an inning, now he has to come into a game situation and throw strikes.  Could be tougher than usual for him.

[SaltyParker]

Borkowski is just not effective any more with his cut fastball/sliders.  They all seem to be up in the strikezone and he is just too hittable now.

When has Borkowski ever been effective? His career stats don't reflect it.

[Bench]

When has Borkowski ever been effective? His career stats don't reflect it.

Usually after the 12th inning.

[HudsonHawk]

Wesley has some serious pitching to do now.  He usually comes in to start an inning, now he has to come into a game situation and throw strikes.  Could be tougher than usual for him.

Wright doesn't seem to get rattled easily.  If anyone can step in the fire and stay focused, I think he can.

[mihoba]

Fuck.

[moriartp]

Jesus.

[HudsonHawk]

Well, shitfuck.

[Twoniner]

  Lee and Berkman need to start drawing straws for first base.

[Bench]

Oh well. Wesley can't get a win every game he comes in. Tight exciting ballgame, go get 'em tomorrow.

[matadorph]

Borkowski on to pitch

Brian Barton PHs for LaRue

Barton gets ahead 3-0, takes a four-pitch walk
Wainwright stays in the game to hit, bunts it hard to Berkman, Twinkie fires to second to get the force! Fuck you LaGenius.
Ryan takes a strike, swings and misses, singles to center
Izturis in to pinch run for Wainwright. Bork out, Webster in to pitch to Schumaker.
Schumaker takes a ball, takes another ball high, stares at a wicked strike from WW on the outside corner, fouls, takes the count full, fouls again, pokes a single to left that Lee lets get by him

Game over. Fuckity fuck.

Final score Astros 3 Jakes 4

[Holly]

Doh! Lee took his eye off the ball, and it rolls through from mid-depth left field. Schumaker knocks in the winning run. 4-3.

[austro]

I think we've got a new candidate for Piss Ant status.

[mihoba]

FB right down the middle on the 3-2 pitch.

Lee had a chance if he would have scooped the damn ball.

[Noe]

Wesley left his breaking ball in the bullpen, had only the fastball to rely on and he got beat.  But really, it's on Borkowski to come out and get the outs in the bottom of the lineup.  Walking a guy with four pitches is no way to start the inning and then to get strikes, he throws batting practice fastballs.

He doesn't have the stuff he had when he first came to Houston and he would be one of my candidates to get walking papers when Wiggington returns.

[HudsonHawk]

FB right down the middle on the 3-2 pitch.

Lee had a chance if he would have scooped the damn ball.

I was hoping WW would throw that breaking ball 3-2. 

[juliogotay]

Doh! Lee took his eye off the ball, and it rolls through from mid-depth left field. Schumaker knocks in the winning run. 4-3.

Schumaker knocks in the winning run. 4-3. And is named the much-coveted Taco Cabana player of he game

[mihoba]

He doesn't have the stuff he had when he first came to Houston and he would be one of my candidates to get walking papers when Wiggington returns.

I agree, I don't see Moehler going anywhere, he is insurance. Bork is just filler.

[Noe]

I was hoping WW would throw that breaking ball 3-2. 

Me too, but he left it in the pen.  Not his fault, he battled with what he had, but Borkowski left him no margin for error.  It's too much to ask Wes to be perfect everytime out.  Damnit Bork!

[Noe]

I agree, I don't see Moehler going anywhere, he is insurance. Bork is just filler.

Geary is making him expendable and if Villareal can pitch like he has the last two times out, Bork is going to lose a job.

[Bench]

I agree, I don't see Moehler going anywhere, he is insurance. Bork is just filler.

Yep. Moehler is a guy who can make a spot start if the club is really in a pinch.

[SaltyParker]

He doesn't have the stuff he had when he first came to Houston and he would be one of my candidates to get walking papers when Wiggington returns.

Career ERA of 5.60 over 7 seasons. There is nothing to indicate he can be successful for this team. I couldn't agree with you more.

[austro]

Geary is making him expendable and if Villareal can pitch like he has the last two times out, Bork is going to lose a job.

Yup, I think he's gone when Wigginton comes back.

[JimR]

 Lee and Berkman need to start drawing straws for first base.

you know, this kind of shit is just ridiculous. his only chance was an all-out charge on the ball, and even then, it is unlikely that he can throw Izturis out. when you charge hard and try to scoop on the run, that stuff happens. this team does not win or lose because of Lee in LF.

[JimR]

I was hoping WW would throw that breaking ball 3-2. 

me, too, but he did not throw it for a strike, and BG's boyfriend would not call it.

[HudsonHawk]

you know, this kind of shit is just ridiculous. his only chance was an all-out charge on the ball, and even then, it is unlikely that he can throw Izturis out. when you charge hard and try to scopp on the run, that stuff happens. this team does not win or lose because of Lee in LF.

Actually, I thought he would have had a pretty good shot at Izturis had he fielded it cleanly.  But you're right, his only shot to go all out to make a perfect play.  He didn't.  It was a tough chance.  Shit happens.  That's not what cost the ballgame. 

[HudsonHawk]

me, too, but he did not throw it for a strike, and BG's boyfriend would not call it.

Yeah, JD mentioned the same thing.  But *I* would have called it.  I would have looked Wright in the eye and said "OK Kid, give it to me right here.  You're the man."

[Noe]

Today, Houston battled the Jakes with an offense that featured the longball.  They needed to put some knocks on Wainwright to compliment those yacks.  Make the young man deal with runners on base.  It wasn't until the ninth inning that they did it and Pence had his worse AB since the first two weeks of the season.  As soon as the pitching coach came out to visit Wainwright, you knew the message was "I don't care what you do, this guy should not see a fastball... so feed him on sliders and if he walks, he walks, we will deal with that... but don't throw a fastball!".  Hunter should know going up to the plate he's going to see sliders and he should spit on them to make sure he has Wainwright where he wants him.

Instead he went up there free swinging like a Spaz.  But other than that, I would've loved to see Bourn lay down a bunt today to make Wainwright work with speed on the basepaths.  I know it's his first game back, but eventually you're going to need Michael Bourn to help the offense in these particular types of games.  It is important to have a guy who has a mentality that "runs are going to be hard to come by today... I'm bunting!" or something to that effect.  Bourn doesn't realize how much he can help just with his talent alone in this sort of game.  Makes a huge difference if he does.

[Noe]

you know, this kind of shit is just ridiculous. his only chance was an all-out charge on the ball, and even then, it is unlikely that he can throw Izturis out. when you charge hard and try to scoop on the run, that stuff happens. this team does not win or lose because of Lee in LF.

The very last reason this was a lost was Lee charging the ball and missing.  I didn't understand the comment either.

[JimR]

Actually, I thought he would have had a pretty good shot at Izturis had he fielded it cleanly.  But you're right, his only shot to go all out to make a perfect play.  He didn't.  It was a tough chance.  Shit happens.  That's not what cost the ballgame. 

with a strong perfect throw, it might have been close. what are the odds of a strong perfect throw from any outfielder to get a very fast man?

i thought the last pitch was knee-high, outer 1/3, but i sure wanted a breaking ball. Brad did not.

[mihoba]

you know, this kind of shit is just ridiculous.

Even more ridiculous since Lee has only started 4 games at 1B in his career, and that was 10 years ago.

[Noe]

Career ERA of 5.60 over 7 seasons. There is nothing to indicate he can be successful for this team. I couldn't agree with you more.

To be fair, I don't care about stats or ERA in this case.  I just know what Bork has been doing for the last month and for most of last year.  His sinker is not hitting the black any more, his cut fastball/slider is very hittable.  When he comes into games, he immediately tries to hit corners and it isn't even close.  A reliever that is nibbling is a bad thing.  That is what is wrong with Villareal as well, but lately he's been better and throws much better stuff than Borkowski.

I cringe when Bork comes into a game more than any other reliever on the staff.

[JimR]

Even more ridiculous since Lee has only started 4 games at 1B in his career, and that was 10 years ago.

seriously. it is the nature of "fans" these days to take shots at players on "their" team. i cannot understand it.

[HudsonHawk]

with a strong perfect throw, it might have been close. what are the odds of a strong perfect throw from any outfielder to get a very fast man?

i thought the last pitch was knee-high, outer 1/3, but i sure wanted a breaking ball. Brad did not.

I understand why Ausmus didn't want to call it, but can you imagine what it would have done for that kid had he made that pitch in that situation? 

[JimR]

To be fair, I don't care about stats or ERA in this case. 

exactly right. screw the stats. Bork has helped this team regardless of what he has done in the past. the only relevant issue is can he help this team NOW or has he crested the hill?

Pence has got to get his shit together and hit when the pressure is on. that 9th inning AB today was a giveaway AB.

[JimR]

I understand why Ausmus didn't want to call it, but can you imagine what it would have done for that kid had he made that pitch in that situation? 

oh, i agree with you. i was having the same debate with myself. one factor may have been that if he walked him and did not get two outs with Ankiel, Pujols is up with the bases loaded. that is what decided me they had to throw something he could get over.

[Noe]

I understand why Ausmus didn't want to call it, but can you imagine what it would have done for that kid had he made that pitch in that situation? 

Freaking A!  But it sure looked like the curveball was over in the bullpen sitting there having a lemonade next to Valverde waiting for it's chance to do the wave!  I think I would've done what Ausmus did and called the fastball outside and hope it's low and away and hit on the ground to Miguel for an inning ending DP.  Wesley put it there, but tip of the cap to Shumaker, he hit is right and got the knock.

[JimR]

Instead he went up there free swinging like a Spaz.  But other than that, I would've loved to see Bourn lay down a bunt today to make Wainwright work with speed on the basepaths.  I know it's his first game back, but eventually you're going to need Michael Bourn to help the offense in these particular types of games.  It is important to have a guy who has a mentality that "runs are going to be hard to come by today... I'm bunting!" or something to that effect.  Bourn doesn't realize how much he can help just with his talent alone in this sort of game.  Makes a huge difference if he does.

you have read my mind a couple of times in this thread. Bourn does not bunt enough. i would tell him to try to bunt for a hit in every game.

[Noe]

you have read my mind a couple of times in this thread. Bourn does not bunt enough. i would tell him to try to bunt for a hit in every game.

I was screaming at him to lay one down because I knew (just instinctively) that he would see a first pitch fastball outside (I think it was the sixth inning).  Great pitch to bunt, make Wainwright worry about Bourn on first while you have a great bat control guy up to hit and Miguel and Lance and Carlos coming up.  Michael has to know in these games, he's a great key to put the benefit over on the Astros and take away from a great game a starter is having.

Even if they have a third baseman coming up, force them to get you out.

[Noe]

They just showed a quick set of interviews with Cooper, then Berkman and then Oswalt.  All were asked about the throwing at Ausmus.  Cooper was the most irritated with the line of questioning, Berkman the goofiest and Oswalt the strongest of opinions.

Cooper: "I don't know why they threw at us, we weren't throwing at them.  But I don't want to talk about it, it's over.  Don't ask me again."

Berkman: "Oh, this is an intense rivalry.  But sometimes it's like your brother and you getting into a fist fight.  You don't really mean it but sometimes things like this happen."

Oswalt: "If LaRussa called for the hit batsman, that is awful baseball.  I didn't hit his player, I was trying to pitch inside.  I don't know why he wanted hurt Brad, it's just bad baseball."

The reporters tried to get Cooper to get into LaRussa's head about why he would order the hit batsman, but Cooper wouldn't bite.  In fact, it got him madder that they tried to get him to bite that it basically was a LaRussa manuever to shake up Oswalt who looked like he was going to throw from a rocking chair like Looper the night before.  LaRussa took the inside part of the plate away or tried to with this manuever and if Cooper would've said anything, it would not have mattered, what is done is done.

I expect an Astros pitcher at some point in the season to offer pay back at some point that will let LaRussa know that's on him for his antics in this game.  You don't need to talk about it, you just need to do it on the field.

[austro]

Noe, why is LaRussa such a twit?

[Noe]

Noe, why is LaRussa such a twit?

He's a genius.  Same difference.

[SaltyParker]

exactly right. screw the stats. Bork has helped this team regardless of what he has done in the past. the only relevant issue is can he help this team NOW or has he crested the hill?

Borkowski at his best has never dominated anyone. I think his primary value to this team has always been that he is very durable. And consistent. I expect he will stay and Moehler gets the axe but there is still more time before a decision has to be made.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Noe, why is LaRussa such a twit?

Twat he said.

[JimR]

Borkowski at his best has never dominated anyone. I think his primary value to this team has always been that he is very durable. And consistent. I expect he will stay and Moehler gets the axe but there is still more time before a decision has to be made.

so, exactly how many middle relief pitchers "dominate?" the past, which is what the stat you quoted represents, makes no damn difference. neither does ther absence of "dominance." Borkowski has been effective for Houston. all that matters is whether he this year has lost the pitches that made him effective, as Noe suggests.

[Reuben]

Didn't get to see any of the game but just reading the last two pages of this thread has provided a ton of insight, into both the game and the season thus far. Thanks fellas.

[Noe]

so, exactly how many middle relief pitchers "dominate?" the past, which is what the stat you quoted represents, makes no damn difference. neither does ther abscence of "dominence." Borkowski has been effective for Houston. all that matters is whether he this year has lost the pitches that made him effective, as Noe suggests.

Yup.  I liked Borkowski when he first arrived.  He could hit corners with the best of them and had a very effective sinker.  Take away his corners and he's pedestrian.  But Borkowski isn't doing himself any favors right now (for the past month that I've seen him pitch).  He isn't hitting those corners, he's way off.  When he has to challenge, his cutter isn't good enough to get guys out.  It's only good if he can set it up by hitting corners first and getting guys leaning.

Maybe he can regain his stuff, but right now I'd personally rate him as the weakest link on the staff.

[OregonStrosFan]

*** Maybe he can regain his stuff, but right now I'd personally rate him as the weakest link on the staff.

For purposes of who will be waived when Wigginton comes back, is the question "who is the weakest link on the staff," or is it "who is the weakest link on the staff that is likely to clear waivers (and thus be available to bring back up should the need arise)?"  If it is the latter, it'd seem (to me) that Borkowski is the guy.