v. The Johnson 4/30

[pravata]

Burke at 3rd.  Did Towles pull something rounding 1st on the "double" last night?
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/boxscore?gid=280430129

[Matt]

day game after night game?

Burke at third could be amusing.

[BudGirl]

I thought he did something funny running to first and really funky when he fell after rounding second.

[OregonStrosFan]

Burke at 3rd.  Did Towles pull something rounding 1st on the "double" last night?

Pulled 'a Berkman' (i.e. face plant on his way to third).

[BudGirl]

day game after night game?

Burke at third could be amusing.

As long as he is the Burke we know and dislike all the best.

[austro]

Pulled 'a Berkman' (i.e. face plant on his way to third).

He was running funny prior to that. Seemed to be laboring out of the box, as if a knee or quad is bothering him. JD commented on it at the time, too.

Also, late in the game he caught a Brocail pitch and jumped up out of the box, pulled the mitt off, and shook his hand for a few seconds. That's the same hand that got hit by the pitch, and I wonder if it's still sore.

[Matt]

I totally forgot the Sea Hag was pitching again this year.

[awrr]

Pence leading off too.

[Gizzmonic]

Pence reaches base somehow

Matsui strikes out

Tejada singles up the middle, Pence to 2nd

Berkman singles to center, Pence scores, Tejada to 3rd.

Top 1st, 2 on, 1 out, 1-0 Astros.

[Gizzmonic]

Carlos Lee bashes a hanging slider to left, 4-0 Astros.

[OregonStrosFan]

Nice shot by "the Bull."

[MusicMan]

Top 1:

spaz singles to LF
Kaz K swinging
Miggy singles on a grounder to CF, 1st ans 2nd, 1 out
Puma lines over the 2b for a single, spaz scores, Miggy to 3b.  Astros 1-0, 1 out
The Bull sends one 10 rows deep, Astros 4-0, 1 out

[Ty in Tampa]

KABONGGGG!

[JaneDoe]

Pence reaches base somehow

Matsui strikes out

Tejada singles up the middle, Pence to 2nd

Berkman singles to center, Pence scores, Tejada to 3rd.

Top 1st, 2 on, 1 out, 1-0 Astros.

Thanks for the pbp for those of us at work

[JackAstro]

Also, late in the game he caught a Brocail pitch and jumped up out of the box, pulled the mitt off, and shook his hand for a few seconds. That's the same hand that got hit by the pitch, and I wonder if it's still sore.

Was that during Burke's pinch AB (agin Valverde)? I saw him do it then, but it looked like Burke clipped him on his follow-through. This could be complete crazy talk.

[Limey]

KABONGGGG!

Just got here.  Dunno what's going on but I can smell burnt seafood.

[MRaup]

KABONGGGG!

Seriously, I don't think that nickname'll EVER not make me laugh.

[Gizzmonic]

MM you want PBP or shall I?  I can probably do it for the next 2 hours barring any major emergencies.

Top 1:

spaz singles to LF
Kaz K swinging
Miggy singles on a grounder to CF, 1st ans 2nd, 1 out
Puma lines over the 2b for a single, spaz scores, Miggy to 3b.  Astros 1-0, 1 out
The Bull sends one 10 rows deep, Astros 4-0, 1 out

[Ty in Tampa]

Just got here.  Dunno what's going on but I can smell burnt seafood.

The Bull took the Sea Hag DEEP, if you know what I mean.

[Limey]

Pence reaches base somehow

Matsui strikes out

Tejada singles up the middle, Pence to 2nd

Berkman singles to center, Pence scores, Tejada to 3rd.

Top 1st, 2 on, 1 out, 1-0 Astros.

Matsui sucks.

[MusicMan]

MM you want PBP or shall I?  I can probably do it for the next 2 hours barring any major emergencies.

Please take it... I'm trying to catch up on e-mails and will probably miss some things.

[AtascAstro]

So when/where is Cheito's BA going to bottom out.  Dude needs a hit.

[austro]

Was that during Burke's pinch AB (agin Valverde)? I saw him do it then, but it looked like Burke clipped him on his follow-through. This could be complete crazy talk.

I thought it was in the 8th, but maybe it was when he was catching Valverde in the 9th. I didn't notice him getting clipped by the bat, but maybe that's what happened.

[Limey]

Chacon getting more runs today than he's had all year.  Total!  Let's hope that he can pitch his usual gritty style and get a "w".

[Gizzmonic]

OK, MM (or anyone else) feel free to fill in for me at any time.  I am listening via D'Backs radio broadcast and redesigning a website so it's going to be pretty minimal PBP.

[MRaup]

Dear MLB Gamecast: Lance Berkman's single is cool and all, but I would like to see The Bull's dinger too, please.


ETA: And there it is.

[Gizzmonic]

Bottom 1st

Young broken-bat single to center.

1 on, 0 out, Astros 4, Dbacks 0

[MusicMan]

Kabong, Caballo, The Bull... we're going to need to build a Funk and Wagner wing for Lee.

[JackAstro]

Chacon getting more runs today than he's had all year.  Total!  Let's hope that he can pitch his usual gritty style and get a "w".

Hey, thanks for cursing him, Limey, that's fucking terrific. This is probably a good time to mention that it's extraordinarily improbable that an anvil will fall on your head right now... so much so that I'd say it a certainty that an anvil absolutely will not fall on your head right now.

[SaltyParker]

So when/where is Cheito's BA going to bottom out.  Dude needs a hit.

1 for last 26 and 0 for last 18

[Gizzmonic]

Drew grounds to Chacon, Young to 2nd.


1 on, 1 out, Astros 4, Dbacks 0.

[AtascAstro]

Drew grounds to Chacon, Young to 2nd.


1 on, 1 out, Astros 4, Dbacks 0.

I thought Tejada barehanded that one behind the mound?

[MusicMan]

I thought Tejada barehanded that one behind the mound?

1-6-3.  Deflected off Chacon's glove, Tejada barehanded and made the play.

[JackAstro]

1 for last 26 and 0 for last 18

<half-full>But 2 for his last 27, probably</half-full>

[legs_of_eggs]

So when/where is Cheito's BA going to bottom out.  Dude needs a hit.

And his defense in centerfield isn't exactly Bourn-esque

[Gizzmonic]

I'm going from D'backs radio PBP, so bear with me...feel free to correct/clarify.
 
Hudson doubles to deep center, Young scores.


1 on, 1 out, Astros 4, Dbacks 1

[JackAstro]

Fucking Limey

[astrojo]

Drew grounds to Chacon, Young to 2nd.


1 on, 1 out, Astros 4, Dbacks 0.

Also, that was byrnes, not drew

[MusicMan]

Fucking Limey

Next topic on The Game:

Never, ever EVER fuck with the BBGs.

[BudGirl]

Fucking Limey

All he is trying to do is build his post count.  Quality not Quantity.  Damm Brits.

[SaltyParker]

<half-full>But 2 for his last 27, probably</half-full>

2 for 2008

[JimR]

after he got the runs, i figured he would struggle. never fails.

thank you Conor.

[Gizzmonic]

Jackson K's on the High Hard One.

1 on, 2 out, Astros 4, Dbacks 1.

[MusicMan]

No, Do-Ray, 88 at the shoulders does NOT equal 93 at the knees.

[JaneDoe]

All he is trying to do is build his post count.  Quality not Quantity.  Damm Brits.

Somebody needs to spin the odometer on his post count so he will stop this shit.

[MusicMan]

Upton doubles past a diving Loretta.  (Cue "Baby Come Back" to Wigginton)

Matsui spears Drew's liner to end the inning.

2 runs, 3 hits, 1 LOB.  End 1: Astros 4-2

[JaneDoe]

No, Do-Ray, 88 at the shoulders does NOT equal 93 at the knees.

Did he say that?

[awrr]

No, Do-Ray, 88 at the shoulders does NOT equal 93 at the knees.

Maybe to their credit, they did admit that they were just making shit up after they said that.

[Gizzmonic]

Upton doubles(?)

Hudson scores, 4-2 Astros

Drew lines to Blum, inning over.

End 1st,

1 left, 3 out, Astros 4, Dbacks 2.

[Taras Bulba]

Somebody needs to spin the odometer on his post count so he will stop this shit.

A pox on Crystal Palace or Ashton Villa or Nigel's Salon or whatever soccer team he follows.

[astrojo]

BGs BF 2B

[MusicMan]

Top 2:

Ausmus leads off with a double past 3b.

[Gizzmonic]

Top 2nd

Ausmus doubles, Chacon chalks the 3b line for a bunt single.

[MusicMan]

Chacon bunts down 3b line, Burke watches it die on the line, Chacon safe at 1st, Ausmus safe at 3rd.

Gizz: you're back on the case, it's all yours.

[astrojo]

Wow!  Did you see that?

(Chacon's bunts for a single - ball hugs the line and stays fair)

[AtascAstro]

Apparently the BBGs have forgiven Limey's transgression and awarded Chacon a foul line bunt dance, Astros on the corners

[MusicMan]

Apparently the BBGs have forgiven Limey's transgression and awarded Chacon a foul line bunt dance, Astros on the corners

SSSSSSHHHHHHH!!!!

[OregonStrosFan]

Wow!  Did you see that?

(Chacon's bunts for a single - ball hugs the line and stays fair)

Looked like is was going to dribble foul a couple of times.  SWEET!

[Gizzmonic]

Pence RBI single into the hole, Ausmus scores, Chacon to 2nd

2 on, 0 out, 5-2 Astros.

[MRaup]

Apparently the BBGs have forgiven Limey's transgression and awarded Chacon a foul line bunt dance, Astros on the corners

What in the flying fuck is wrong with you!?

[astrojo]

Today, Pence can have his !! back.  2-2 against the Unit.

[MRaup]

I'd imagine MLB.com had plenty to do with BBG angering...

Check the Astros/DBacks mainpage if it doesn't pop up right away.

[Gizzmonic]

Matsui sac bunt, both runners advance.

2 on, 1 out, 5-2 Astros.

[awrr]

Today, Pence can have his !! back.  2-2 against the Unit.

Has he thrown a breaking ball at Pence yet?

[AtascAstro]

What in the flying fuck is wrong with you!?

Rookie mistake - I did not mean to incite the BBGs.  The BBGs giveth and the BBGs giveth and the BBGs taketh away, all due respect to the BBGs.

[OregonStrosFan]

Has he thrown a breaking ball at Pence yet?

Think the 2-2 in the first inning was a slider (didn't particularly 'slide' much though). 

[JimR]

keep hitting 'em to Brooks Burke.

[Gizzmonic]

Chopper to Burke....eeeeeeverybody's safe, no runs score.

3 on, 1 out, 5-2 Astros.

[MusicMan]

keep hitting 'em to Brooks Burke.

His 3b defense is the result of his oppression at the hands of the Astros.

[AtascAstro]

Wow - Christmas in Arizona

[MusicMan]

Berkman beats out the DP ball??

I've seen it all.

[Gizzmonic]

Berkman chops it to short, Tejada forced out, Berkman safe at 1st.

Chacon scores.

2 on, 2 out, 6-2 Astros.

[JaneDoe]

Chopper to Burke....eeeeeeverybody's safe, no runs score.

3 on, 1 out, 5-2 Astros.

Bad throw or couldn't field it?

[Limey]

Hey, thanks for cursing him, Limey, that's fucking terrific. This is probably a good time to mention that it's extraordinarily improbable that an anvil will fall on your head right now... so much so that I'd say it a certainty that an anvil absolutely will not fall on your head right now.

(http://images.art.com/images/-/Looney-Tunes---Wile-E-Coyote--C11754810.jpeg)

[JimR]

damn, Carlos. shitty swing ahead in the count.

[JaneDoe]

Berkman beats out the DP ball??

I've seen it all.

You're kidding right?

[Matt]

according to gameday the Sea Hag just threw a fastball through Lee.

[Bench]

Kabong, Caballo, The Bull... we're going to need to build a Funk and Wagner wing for Lee.

Flapjacks.

[legs_of_eggs]

Bad throw or couldn't field it?

Bad pick at first but it looked like he was probly safe anyways

[JimR]

Bad throw or couldn't field it?

a dribbler--he fielded it but had no play.

[MusicMan]

You're kidding right?

Hard to tell on radio.  Sounds like it was slow developing and the trow might have been in the dirt.

[Gizzmonic]

Lee grounds to short, inning over.


mid 2nd, 2 left, Astros score 2 more and lead, 6-2.

And Jane, according to the Dbacks announcers, Randy Johnson should have had the ball on Tejada's chopper and Burke probably thought he did, reacted late.

[Limey]

A pox on Crystal Palace or Ashton Villa or Nigel's Salon or whatever soccer team he follows.

Ooh that's harsh.  "Win and in" (the playoffs) game for the mighty Eagles of Crystal Palace on Sunday.

[JimR]

Lee grounds to short, inning over.


mid 2nd, 2 left, Astros score 2 more and lead, 6-2.

And Jane, according to the Dbacks announcers, Randy Johnson should have had the ball on Tejada's chopper and Burke probably thought he did, reacted late.

no way.

[Gizzmonic]

bottom 2nd

grounds to 3B, 1 out

0 on, 1 out, 6-2 Astros.

[Limey]

Looked like is was going to dribble foul a couple of times.

Are we talking about today's game, or Roger & Mindy?

[astrojo]

Hard to tell on radio.  Sounds like it was slow developing and the trow might have been in the dirt.

drew took the ball to 2nd himself for the out, then threw low to first - 1st baseman couldn't pick it and it dribbled away.

[JaneDoe]

Just watched the replay on gameday of Chacon's bunt single.  What a beauty.  How the heck did that stay fair?

[Gizzmonic]

Montero singles to right.

1 on, 1 out, 6-2 Astros.

[Limey]

keep hitting 'em to Brooks Burke.

Brooke Burke?

[JackAstro]

Hard to tell on radio.  Sounds like it was slow developing and the trow might have been in the dirt.

Video's up on gameday. It was slow developing because Drew developed it slowly.

[MRaup]

Brooke Burke?

I doth protest the trade to Arizona is THAT is who we traded...

[JimR]

Video's up on gameday. It was slow developing because Drew developed it slowly.

Hudson went for the ball instead of covering second. that was Drew's only play.

[Gizzmonic]

Somehow the inning ended while I was doing work.

End 2nd.

? left, 3 out, 6-2 Astros.

[astrojo]

Video's up on gameday. It was slow developing because Drew developed it slowly.

brownie said drew was hurrying and his footwork was off

[JimR]

I doth protest the trade to Arizona is THAT is who we traded...

he had surgery after he got to Phoenix.

[JackAstro]

Brooke Burke?

Congratulations on finding her only work-safe photo.

[Ebby Calvin]

man i thought cheito had that one.

[Gizzmonic]

Top 3rd

Cheito flies to deep right on the first pitch.

0 on, 1 out, 6-2 Astros.

[JimR]

Cheito passed struggling on the way down about a week ago.

[JackAstro]

Hudson went for the ball instead of covering second. that was Drew's only play.

Watched it again, you're quite correct.

[JaneDoe]

Video's up on gameday. It was slow developing because Drew developed it slowly.

Thanks.  Berkman is sure running better this year.

But I think a good throw woulda got him.

[JimR]

Watched it again, you're quite correct.

it happens occasionally.

[Limey]

Congratulations on finding her only work-safe photo.

Took me a while...

[MusicMan]

Berkman beats DP.
Ausmus doubles TWICE.

I have a feeling Jim is about to rely on OPS to make a point.

[Gizzmonic]

Loretta makes an out (?)

Ausmus doubles to left.

1 on, 2 out, Astros 6-2.

[dalillama]

wow. ausmus with another double.

[Gizzmonic]

Chacon K's to end the inning

Mid 3rd

1 left, 3 out, 6-2 Astros.

[JackAstro]

Berkman beats DP.
Ausmus doubles TWICE.

I have a feeling Jim is about to rely on OPS to make a point.

Dogs and cats living together, mass hysteria...

[MRaup]

Berkman beats DP.
Ausmus doubles TWICE.

I have a feeling Jim is about to rely on OPS to make a point.

And in the 5th inning, I'll be hugging a clark.

[Taras Bulba]

And in the 5th inning, I'll be hugging a clark.

Is that the same thing as "slamming your junk in a sliding glass door?"

[MusicMan]

And in the 5th inning, I'll be hugging a clark.

Just make sure she has at least 18 posts, Rocket.

[Gizzmonic]

Bot 3rd

Byrnes Ks

0 on, 1 out, 6-2 Astros.

[JaneDoe]

I guess I am gonna have to cave and plunk down the change for MLB audio. 

[astrojo]

Spaz dodge feature interview says he can do a backflip but when he tells people they want him to do one - says he has pictures but he won't do one with the Astros knowing about it.  

[JackAstro]

Just make sure she has at least 18 posts, Rocket.

MM's really on his game today.

[JimR]

crap. do not let them keep pecking away.

[Gizzmonic]

Hudson flies out to left, 2 down.

Jackson long ball to left, 6-3 Astros.

0 on, 2 out 6-3 Astros.

[astrojo]

jackson homers over the 376 sign just outta flapjack's reach - official distance 371!

[JackAstro]

Spaz dodge feature interview says he can do a backflip but when he tells people they want him to do one - says he has pictures but he won't do one with the Astros knowing about it.  

Are you fucking kidding me? The same guy who doesn't know how to slide into a base or walk through a doorway without injuring himself? That guy? That guy does backflips for fun?

[Gizzmonic]

I missed how the inning ended...anybody?

[Limey]

Are you fucking kidding me? The same guy who doesn't know how to slide into a base or walk through a doorway without injuring himself? That guy? That guy does backflips for fun?

No, he does them by accident.  But people have taken pictures...

[astrojo]

Are you fucking kidding me? The same guy who doesn't know how to slide into a base or walk through a doorway without injuring himself? That guy? That guy does backflips for fun?

his interview was eerily reminiscent of anthony michael hall circa sixteen candles or breakfast club.

[JimR]

with a K

need more runs

[Gizzmonic]

Top 4th:

Pence pops to first, 1 down

Matsui pops to the catcher, 2 down.

[Limey]

crap. do not let them keep pecking away.

This is shaping up to be a typical Chacon performance, where he guts it out for 6 or 7 innings giving up 3 runs.  The difference is, this time he has a lead.  If he can get through the next inning clean, he has The Unit leading off the 5th...

[astrojo]

I missed how the inning ended...anybody?

upton K swinging at a pitch in the dirt, ausmus throws to berkman to complete

[Gizzmonic]

Tejada lines to center fielder Young.

1-2-3 for the Unit,

Mid 4th,

Astros 6, Dbacks 3.

[JimR]

This is shaping up to be a typical Chacon performance, where he guts it out for 6 or 7 innings giving up 3 runs.  The difference is, this time he has a lead.  If he can get through the next inning clean, he has The Unit leading off the 5th...

if he staggers through 6, i'll be smiling. 7 would be miraculous.

[astrojo]

Aflac trivia (easy) - Last Astro to hit for cycle?

[Gizzmonic]

Bottom 4th:

Drew lines to Berkman at 1st,

0 on, 1 out, 6-3 Astros.

[JackAstro]

This is shaping up to be a typical Chacon performance, where he guts it out for 6 or 7 innings giving up 3 runs.  The difference is, this time he has a lead.  If he can get through the next inning clean, he has The Unit leading off the 5th...

Before you wandered in and dropped trou, his typical outing this season was 6 2/3 with 1.8 ER.

[Limey]

if he staggers through 6, i'll be smiling. 7 would be miraculous.

5 hits but also 5 Ks & 0 walks.

[JimR]

fuck. how can you walk a guy hitting .130?

[Limey]

Before you wandered in and dropped trou, his typical outing this season was 6 2/3 with 1.8 ER.

69 and counting...

[astrojo]

5 hits but also 5 Ks & 0 walks.

uhh, make that 1 walk

[MusicMan]

And after you 2 asshats douchenozzles commented on that, he walked Burke on 5 pitches.

[JimR]

need a DP badly

Chacon is hurt--right leg

[AtascAstro]

And after you 2 asshats douchenozzles commented on that, he walked Burke on 5 pitches.

Favor to Lance - Lance has promised to personally make up any runs scored if he can have some 1 on 1 time with Chris

[astrojo]

meeting on the mound......

[Gizzmonic]

Burke BB

Montero singles, runners on the corners.

Salazar PH for Johnson.

[hostros7]

From what I saw last night it looked like Burke had altered his stance a little bit, particularly more of an open stance.  Am I remember that correctly?  I haven't seem him hit in so long, and it feels so good....

[Limey]

And after you 2 asshats douchenozzles commented on that, he walked Burke on 5 pitches.

Did Burke point at the Astros dugout as he walked to 1st?

[austro]

Oooh. Maybe they'll leave Salazar in after pinch-hitting and send him back out to the outfield. Bumper cars!

[astrojo]

meeting on the mound......

randy johnson out for ph salazar.....don't know if there was a medical issue or not

[Gizzmonic]

Salazar doubles, Burke scores, Montero to 3rd

2 on, 1 out, 6-4 Dbacks.

[MusicMan]

First team to 10 wins.

[JimR]

this game sucks.

why is Salazar still on second?

[Gizzmonic]

Young grounds to 1B, Montero scores, Salazar still at 2nd.

1 on, 2 out, 6-5 Astros.

[austro]

Hopefully Schmelzer isn't available today.

[MusicMan]

why is Salazar still on second?

He's a proud graduate of the Glenn Barker School of Baserunning.

[JimR]

MAYBE you send Chacon out again.

score, dammit.

[astrojo]

He's a proud graduate of the Glenn Barker School of Baserunning.

you forgot the 'feets don't fail me now' part of that title

[Ty in Tampa]

We need 8 more.

[Mr. Happy]

C'mon Chacon. Throw strikes.

[Limey]

why is Salazar still on second?

[Prince Phillip] He'd better not stay there too long, or he'll go all slitty-eyed [/Prince Phillip]

(Yes, Phil the Greek did actually say that to an English kid he met in China)

[JimR]

walking Burke after 0-1 started that crap.

[MusicMan]

walking Burke after 0-1 started that crap.

Hell yes.  Must drive Coop crazy.

[Limey]

The new pitcher's Medder.  His father was a Medder...his grandfather was a Medder....

[Gizzmonic]

Gotta do some work for awhile...someone help if possible.

[MusicMan]

Berkman 4-3.
Flapjack blasts one foul in LF then walks.
Cheito grounds to 1b, Lee out at 2b, Cheito safe on FC.
Loretta F8.

Mid 5, Astros 6-5

[AtascAstro]

Cheito grounds to 1b, Lee out at 2b, Cheito safe on FC.

.069 BA intact, it has to stop going down before it can go up

[MusicMan]

He's below the LaRussa line.

[AtascAstro]

He's below the LaRussa line.

Ugghhh...He's below the legal line

[JackAstro]

He's below the Men Dozing line.

FIFY

[AtascAstro]

Would make it the Siesta Line?

[JimR]

holy crap

[MusicMan]

BOT 5:

Hudson K swinging
Jackson grounds weakly 6-3
Upton drives it deep to Cheito against the 413 sign.

1-2-3, Chacon's first of the day.

End 5, Astros 6-5

[astrojo]

holy crap

cheito caught that just in front of the 413 sign...i thought it was a tied ballgame

[astrojo]

1-2-3, Chacon's first of the day.

And his last....Erstad on deck to PH

[astrojo]

jd thinks coop should ph with backe and save erstad

[JackAstro]

Would make it the Siesta Line?

http://www.spikesnstars.com/forums/index.php?topic=101086.msg101159#msg101159

[Limey]

And his last....Erstad on deck to PH

Leaves with a chance for a win.  Also a first for Chacon, I believe.

[JimR]

Erstad is a nice player. great pickup.

[Limey]

Erstad is a nice player. great pickup.

He certainly walks the walk.

[MRaup]

Whoever is operating the gamecast on mlb.com is on some drugs I haven't heard of yet.

I've seen at least 3 occasions where either someone has two hits in one at bat, or struck out then walked 2 pitches later.

[MRaup]

He certainly walks the walk.

[Fatboy Barkley]That was just turrible. [/Fatboy Barkley]

[JimR]

THANK YOU DREW!

[astrojo]

THANK YOU DREW!

that ball just ate him alive.

[astrojo]

c'mon matsui...

[astrojo]

sac fly, erstad scores, spaz to 3rd

7-5 astros

[MusicMan]

TOP 6:

Ausmus K swinging
Erstad PH for Chacon
Erstad walks on 5 pitches.
Erstad running, spaz bounces one off Drew's glove, runners to 2nd and 3rd.  E6.
Matsui SF to RF, spaz to 3b beating the throw.  7-5 Astros
Tejada grounds 5-3.

Mid 6, Astros 7-5

[Gizzmonic]

 Tejada grounds to 3rd, good idea but Burke throws him out.

Mid 6th, 7-5 Astros.

[AtascAstro]

Tejada grounds to 3rd, good idea but Burke throws him out manages to throw the ball within reach of the first baseman.

Mid 6th, 7-5 Astros.

FIFY - good thing he took extra time on the throw

[JackAstro]

Whoever is operating the gamecast on mlb.com is on some drugs I haven't heard of yet.

I've seen at least 3 occasions where either someone has two hits in one at bat, or struck out then walked 2 pitches later.

Right now, it's showing 3 outs, though my quick math shows 0.

[AtascAstro]

BurKe

1 Out

[Gizzmonic]

Bottom 7th

Drew doubles to left

Burke K's (called)

Montero pops to left.

Micah Owings steps into the box as PH

1 on, 2 out, Astros 7, Dbacks 5.

[Gizzmonic]

Pitching change in effect, Cooper bringing in a right-hander.

[MusicMan]

Going righty-righty on the PH pitcher?  Is .093 managing both teams?

[astrojo]

Pitching change in effect, Cooper bringing in a right-hander.

borkowski

[Gizzmonic]

Micah Owings is a pretty good hitting pitcher.

In fact, he just hit a game-tying, opposite field home run.

Chacon robbed again-

Bottom 7th

0 on, 2 out, 7-7 tie.

[astrojo]

WTF!!!

[MusicMan]

Go fuck yourself, Bork.  Unbelievable.

[remy]

Pack up your shit, Bork.

[dalillama]

opposing pitchers are killing us this year. pisses me off.

[Limey]

borkowski

C'mon Bork!

(http://www.crimespot.net/Spotted/Images/SwedishChefSmall.jpg)

[MRaup]

Pack up your shit, Bork.

Shut the fuck up.

[astrojo]

Owings was 7-18 with a .389 avg.

[Jacksonian]

Micah Owings is a pretty good hitting pitcher.

In fact, he just hit a game-tying home run.

It's all Limey's fault.

[Matt]

damn

[JimR]

he could play RF for us.

Coop outsmarted himself.

[austro]

Micah Owings is a pretty good hitting pitcher.

In fact, he just hit a game-tying home run.

On the first goddamn pitch?

[MusicMan]

C'mon Bork!

(http://www.crimespot.net/Spotted/Images/SwedishChefSmall.jpg)

My mistake.  Go fuck yourself, Bork Limey.

[JimR]

On the first goddamn pitch?

yep. a no doubter

[dalillama]

bork's on his game today.

[Limey]

Two batters, 6 bases.  Fuuuuck.

[MusicMan]

Coop outsmarted himself.

Amen.

[JimR]

way to take out Wright.

[dalillama]

bork sucks cock.

[Limey]

My mistake.  Go fuck yourself, Bork Limey.

For the record, this was posted after the dinger.  I'm a light year behind everyone else as I'm "watching" on Yahoo.

[MusicMan]

Coop, feel free to go out there and put a stop to this shit any time now.  They're pounding him.

[Gizzmonic]

Byrnes RBI single to center, Snakes in front, 8-7.

[JimR]

bork sucks cock.

shut the fuck up.

[Limey]

Byrnes RBI single to center, Snakes in front, 8-7.

...and there goes Chacon's win.

[austro]

I thought Bork had found himself the other day, but apparently not.

[Jacksonian]

...and there goes Chacon's win.

He lost the W on the Owings homer.

[astrojo]

please stop the bleeding

[AtascAstro]

he could play RF for us.

Coop outsmarted himself.

No kidding, Wright has shown himself more than capable of handling pressure and pitching a full inning.  An off day tomorrow, going to Bork there just doesn't make any sense to me at all.

[Jacksonian]

please stop the bleeding

Done.  Funny though he got the lefty hitter out.

[Limey]

He lost the W on the Owings homer.

I know.  But there was too many post under the bridge for me to be bothered to go back and quote one about the dinger.  Also, two very large photos of the Swedish Chef.

[JackAstro]

...and there goes Chacon's win.

Your fault. Yours. I hope the iPhone came with some sort of falling anvil protection.

[MusicMan]

BOT 6:

Wright on to pitch
Drew doubles to LF, just ahead of Lee's throw
Burke Ks looking, outside corner.
Montero flies to LF, Lee taking the Great Circle route to reach it.
Owings (pitcher) PH for Medders.  Owings had a SLG of .683 last year.
Borkowski called on to relieve Wright.
Owings opposite field HR on first pitch.  Tied 7-7
Young doubles to CF.  HR in any other park, except perhaps MMPUS.
Byrrnes singles to CF, Young scores.  Snakes 8-7
Hudson K swinging.

End 6, Diamondbacks 8-7

[Limey]

please stop the bleeding

Are we back on the Roger & Mindy thread?

[astrojo]

why take out your best reliever of late to put in bork to promptly allow 3 $&%@@! runs???

[Gizzmonic]

I know.  But there was too many post under the bridge for me to be bothered to go back and quote one about the dinger.  Also, two very large photos of the Swedish Chef.

And whose fault is that?

[Limey]

Your fault. Yours. I hope the iPhone came with some sort of falling anvil protection.

I'll hold it over my head.  I'm sure the iPhone will be fine.

[Gizzmonic]

Top 8th:

Qualls pitching

[Limey]

And whose fault is that?

Jim Henson?

ETA:  55...

[MusicMan]

Top 8th:

Qualls pitching

7th.

[Gizzmonic]

Top 7th, sorry

Berkman grounds to 2nd base.

[Gizzmonic]

Lee grounds to 1st, Jackson lobs to pitcher covering.

0 on, 2 out

[Colt 45]

Love the shove

[OregonStrosFan]

Qualls pitching

Getty Lee looking on. 

[MusicMan]

That was WAY too easy for Qualls.

[astrojo]

this game started out fun to watch.......now, not so much.

[JimR]

chalk this one up as given away if we lose.

[JackAstro]

why take out your best reliever of late to put in bork to promptly allow 3 $&%@@! runs???

Because Bork didn't tell Cooper that he intended to give up 3 fucking runs. If Bork had been upfront about his plan, maybe Cooper would have played it differently. Next time, Coop will probably just ask him, "hey, are you going to give up 3 fucking runs?", and adjust his strategy accordingly.

[Limey]

Coop should remind the pitchers that they can't leave until they've got 27 outs.

[astrojo]

Because Bork didn't tell Cooper that he intended to give up 3 fucking runs. If Bork had been upfront about his plan, maybe Cooper would have played it differently. Next time, Coop will probably just ask him, "hey, are you going to give up 3 fucking runs?", and adjust his strategy accordingly.

then screw agent bork

[JimR]

Because Bork didn't tell Cooper that he intended to give up 3 fucking runs. If Bork had been upfront about his plan, maybe Cooper would have played it differently. Next time, Coop will probably just ask him, "hey, are you going to give up 3 fucking runs?", and adjust his strategy accordingly.

well, Wright told him "I can get 'em, Skip." explain that away, bucko.

[MusicMan]

chalk this one up as given away if we lose.

Second-worst game of the year.  However, since the Philly disaster was on 4/15, I was completely unaware of it throughout the game, so this is the most disgusted I've been during a game this year.

[astrojo]

Coop should remind the pitchers that they can't leave until they've got 27 outs.

and the hitters

[Limey]

and the hitters

No, the hitters seem to be putting up outs as fast as they can.

[Jacksonian]

Qualls out, bottom of the order.  I'm predicting 5 runs here.

[JackAstro]

well, Wright told him "I can get 'em, Skip." explain that away, bucko.

Bork is a liar and a terrible human being. Coop is the real victim here. As are we all.

[MusicMan]

Bork is a liar and a terrible human being. Coop is the real victim here. As are we all.

Blame Canada Limey.

[Gizzmonic]

All right, I'm leaving just as Burke fumbles another one...

[MusicMan]

Brad Ausmus, offensive machine.

[astrojo]

loretta smoiked that ball...right to burke

but burke makes up for it on the next play

[JackAstro]

Blame Canada Limey.

Dude, you just stole the title of the recap. Now I have to start over.

[JimR]

c'mon, Geoff. let him steal the base.

[Limey]

All right, I'm leaving just as Burke fumbles another one...

Hit it to Stonehands!

[awrr]

Bourn running for Ausmus.  Let's see if we can get a run.

[pravata]

Bork is a liar and a terrible human being. Coop is the real victim here. As are we all.

Promises were made.

[MusicMan]

Dude, you just stole the title of the recap. Now I have to start over.

I offer you "Clusterfuck" at no charge.

[JimR]

Pence is pulling off so much.

[MusicMan]

BOT 8:

Loretta pops on on first pitch.
Ausmus grounds to 3b, Burke throws in dirt, Ausmus safe at 1b.  Hit.
Blum PH, Bourn PR.
Bourn running on first pitch, Blum flies to CF.
spaz K on 3 pitches

Mid 8: DBacks 8, Astros 7

[Limey]

Pence is pulling off so much.

So...many...jokes...

[Limey]

I offer you "Clusterfuck" at no charge.

Nah.  Go with "Snakebit", or "Dry Day for Astros in Desert" or "Bork Blows Donkey Dicks, and Astros Lead".

[astrojo]

Nah.  Go with "Snakebit", or "Dry Day for Astros in Desert" or "Bork Blows Donkey Dicks, and Astros Lead".

or, with something original, like "First pitcher PH HR since Brooks Kieshnick (sp) in 2003"

[JimR]

Mr. Montero can hit a little bit.

[Lurch]

Nah.  Go with "Snakebit", or "Dry Day for Astros in Desert" or "Bork Blows Donkey Dicks, and Astros Lead".

Desert Sand in the Vaginas

[MusicMan]

Arizona is a much better team than the Astros.  An inferior team cannot afford to cock things up in the nnumerous ways the Astros have in this series.

[Jacksonian]

Who's hurt?

[Noe]

Chacon robbed again-

I'm not so sure about being robbed.  He gave it back to the D'Backs waaay earlier than they actually took it.

[MusicMan]

Who's hurt?

Brocail.  Just the cherry on top of today's shit sundae.

ETA: Brocail stays in after a few warmups.

[astrojo]

Who's hurt?

Brokecail

hammy

[Jacksonian]

Brocail.  Just the cherry on top of today's shit sundae.

2 Astros and a cup?

[JackAstro]

An inferior team cannot afford to cock things up in the nnumerous ways the Astros have in this series.

They have to go hard on every play, really put up some stiff competition. And the hitters had better stop pulling off before this thing really gets out of hand.

[JackAstro]

Rally caps, everyone.

[MusicMan]

BOT 8:

Byrdak in for Pence.  Bourn to CF.  Cruz to RF.
Blum stays in to play 3b.  Towles in for Ausmus.  That's in for the bench.

Montero doubles, then a PR.
Brocail in to pitch.
Snyder pops bunt to Brocail.  Brocail pulls hammy, stays in.
Young lines to 3b.
Byrnes grounds 5-3.

End 8, DBacks 8-7

[Limey]

Rally caps, everyone.

Matsui, Tejada, Puma.  Got to be one run there, surely.

[astrojo]

no baseball tomorrow, so astros need to comeback today

rally, please.

[JackAstro]

Matsui, Tejada, Puma.  Got to be one run there, surely.

You just won't stop, will you?

[Limey]

BOT 8:

Byrdak in for Pence.  Bourn to CF.  Cruz to RF.
Blum stays in to play 3b.  Towles in for Ausmus.  That's in for the bench.

Montero doubles, then a PR.
Brocail in to pitch.
Snyder pops bunt to Brocail.  Brocail pulls hammy, stays in.
Young lines to 3b.
Byrnes grounds 5-3.

End 8, DBacks 8-7

Someone say hammy?

[MusicMan]

Matsui, Tejada, Puma.  Got to be one run there, surely.

Did we piss you off somehow?

[MusicMan]

They have to go hard on every play, really put up some stiff competition. And the hitters had better stop pulling off before this thing really gets out of hand.

You forgot their inability to resist the split finger.

[Noe]

How is Lyon the closer on this team of fabulous arms in the pen?

[MusicMan]

Top 9:

Matsui bounces one past Hudson for a single.

[MusicMan]

How is Lyon the closer on this team of fabulous arms in the pen?

Keeping it warm for Pena.

[Noe]

JD and Brownie trying to eradicate Limey's BBG nose thumbing by playing gawd awful music before every Tejada AB.  Nicely done boys, nicely done.

[astrojo]

tejada missed his pitch to hit and k's on one in his eyes

[Noe]

Damn, right as I typed that, Tejada Ks!  I suck!  Sorry.

[MusicMan]

1 on, 0 out:

Tejada K swinging.

[Noe]

Limey, quick... find some PUMA growl sound bite and post it here for BBG consumption.  You must repent my maign... REPENT!

[MusicMan]

1-1 pitch: Matsui SB.

[astrojo]

matsui steals 2nd berkman 2-1 count

[MusicMan]

Limey, quick... find some PUMA growl sound bite and post it here for BBG consumption.  You must repent my maign... REPENT!

At the minimum, a high quality cougar picture.

[Noe]

Iffin' I was Lyon, I'd walk Lance and set up the DP with the world slowest Human Being up next.

[Limey]

Limey, quick... find some PUMA growl sound bite and post it here for BBG consumption.  You must repent my maign... REPENT!

Puma time.

[JimR]

pitched around Lance

[Noe]

Quick, someone find a picture of a bull, snorting optional and post it here.  I mean stat!!!!

[MusicMan]

The way Cruz is swinging, I wouldn't give Carlos anything to hit, either.

[astrojo]

i'd like to see a double steal, not a double play

[Bench]

Quick, someone find a picture of a bull, snorting optional and post it here.  I mean stat!!!!

http://www1.istockphoto.com/file_thumbview_approve/2010501/2/istockphoto_2010501_charging_bull.jpg

[Limey]

Quick, someone find a picture of a bull, snorting optional and post it here.  I mean stat!!!!

(http://worknotes.com/images/bull.gif)

[Noe]

DAMNIT!!!! that was close gentlemen, well done...

[astrojo]

damn that was close (foul 3rd base line)

[MusicMan]

Quick, someone find a picture of a bull, snorting optional and post it here.  I mean stat!!!!

(http://www.kathyamen.net/enron/bull.jpg)

[Noe]

Okay, what can we use for Cheito?  Hmmmm... okay, a platapuss... extra long bill please... quickly, quickly... must. have. pic. now!

[MusicMan]

Lee flies out harmlessly.

Cruz due up, and I'd consider Backe as a PH.

[Bench]

(http://www.kathyamen.net/enron/bull.jpg)

Cedeno, Meluskey and Holt. There went all the hope I had. Thanks.

[Limey]

Okay, what can we use for Cheito?  Hmmmm... okay, a platapuss... extra long bill please... quickly, quickly... must. have. pic. now!

Yeah, the others have worked so well.

[astrojo]

The way Cruz is swinging, I wouldn't give Carlos anything to hit, either.

i'm pretty sure that's what melvin told lyon during his mound visit

[Noe]

Limey, don't doubt now... you commie bastard you!

[JackAstro]

(http://cdbaby.name/c/h/cheito.jpg)

[MusicMan]

Cedeno, Meluskey and Holt. There went all the hope I had. Thanks.

Don't forget Bogar.

[Bench]

Don't forget Bogar.

I always kind of liked Bogar, so I didn't include him.

[Limey]

Okay, what can we use for Cheito?  Hmmmm... okay, a platapuss... extra long bill please... quickly, quickly... must. have. pic. now!

(http://blog.photoshelter.com/noodle7.jpg)

[Noe]

http://cdbaby.name/c/h/cheito.jpg

Thank you, that was good enough for a close foul ball down the line.  C'mon Cheito, c'mon!

[MusicMan]

Cruz flies to CF.

FINAL: Arizona 8, Houston 7

Way to spit the bit, guys.

[Bench]

So.... What happened?

[Bench]

Oy. Tough one today.

[JackAstro]

Damn. It.

[astrojo]

ugh.....i need a drink.

[Limey]

So.... What happened?

Flyout to CF.

[MRaup]

So.... What happened?

Harmless fly ball to CF.

Had two fat fastballs to hit and he fouled them both off.

[Noe]

(http://blog.photoshelter.com/noodle7.jpg)

Nice try, I see you working.  Nice try indeed.

[astrojo]

So.... What happened?

borkowski happened.

[Noe]

Harmless fly ball to CF.

Had two fat fastballs to hit and he fouled them both off.

He has a slow bat right now, it's baffling.

[MusicMan]

borkowski happened.

And Coop.  And Blum taking a base away from Bourn.  And Chacon.  And spaz.  etc.

[Limey]

borkowski happened.

"Borkowski", of course, being Kazakh for "rubber fist in the annus".

[MusicMan]

He has a slow bat right now, it's baffling.

I wasn't kidding.  Right now, Backe might be a better option at the plate.

[astrojo]

"Borkowski", of course, being Kazakh for "rubber fist in the annus".

back to the roger and mindy thread with that one

[JimR]

i hate being a slave to percentages. maybe Owings takes Wright deep, but i'd like to see.

[Noe]

borkowski happened.

Much as I'd like to put it all on Bork, and trust me I wish I could, this game was lost because Shawn Chacon could not pitch better than he did today with a very nice lead.  6-2 leads should not be something any major league starter wishing to be anything other than a fifth starter should have trouble with.  He was really bad today and I think (IMHO) it's on him today.

[Limey]

I wasn't kidding.  Right now, Backe might be a better option at the plate.

Just FTR, there wasn't anyone else to play CF if they'd ph'd for Cheito.  Not sure who was left on the bench if anyone?

[astrojo]

Much as I'd like to put it all on Bork, and trust me I wish I could, this game was lost because Shawn Chacon could not pitch better than he did today with a very nice lead.  6-2 leads should not be something any major league starter wishing to be anything other than a fifth starter should have trouble with.  He was really bad today and I think (IMHO) it's on him today.

actually, i know it was MORE than just bork that couldn't protect either four run lead.  just a frustrating game all around.

[JaneDoe]

Just FTR, there wasn't anyone else to play CF if they'd ph'd for Cheito.  Not sure who was left on the bench if anyone?

Bingo.  No one left on the bench.

[Noe]

actually, i know it was MORE than just bork that couldn't protect either four run lead.  just a frustrating game all around.

Cool.  BTW - I still think Bork is the poster boy for what ails the Houston Astros right now.  Inconsistency.  Any sort of consistency in the pen, starters, hitting, bench... this team is damn good, if not great.  The defense has been the only thing that has been consistent so far.  I think the hitting will be there too.  Bench?  I dunno... Brownie quoted a stat of 2 for 40hundredthousand in pinch hitting... not sure entirely about his stat, I had just arrived home, so I didn't catch it all.

So fix the bench and fix the bullpen and perhaps games like this don't happen much any more this season.  Frustration happens when you follow a team that remade itself in the offseason.  Hopefully it turns soon or by at least end of May.

[Limey]

So fix the bench and fix the bullpen and perhaps games like this don't happen much any more this season.  Frustration happens when you follow a team that remade itself in the offseason.  Hopefully it turns soon or by at least end of May.

The bench will look better when Wiggy comes back, and when Coop decides that he doesn't need 13 pitchers.  Not sure what this does for consistency, though.

[JimR]

Just FTR, there wasn't anyone else to play CF if they'd ph'd for Cheito.  Not sure who was left on the bench if anyone?

i agree but only to a point. Cooper made the pitching change with two out, a two run lead and a pitcher about to PH. a major league reliever should get the out and protect the lead.

actually, i thought Wright would go two innings and get the ball to Brocail for the 8th. Cooper's quick hook is maybe not so necessary.

[austro]

actually, i thought Wright would go two innings and get the ball to Brocail for the 8th. Cooper's quick hook is maybe not so necessary.

I wonder if he was protecting whatever was ailing Wright last week. Something put him on the shelf for a couple of days, but I can't remember what.

[Limey]

i agree but only to a point. Cooper made the pitching change with two out, a two run lead and a pitcher about to PH. a major league reliever should get the out and protect the lead.

actually, i thought Wright would go two innings and get the ball to Brocail for the 8th. Cooper's quick hook is maybe not so necessary.

I was surprised by the move with Wright too.  Probably just the gazillionth example of how managers can't win games, but they can lose 'em.

[JimR]

Cool.  BTW - I still think Bork is the poster boy for what ails the Houston Astros right now.  Inconsistency.  Any sort of consistency in the pen, starters, hitting, bench... this team is damn good, if not great.  The defense has been the only thing that has been consistent so far.  I think the hitting will be there too.  Bench?  I dunno... Brownie quoted a stat of 2 for 40hundredthousand in pinch hitting... not sure entirely about his stat, I had just arrived home, so I didn't catch it all.

So fix the bench and fix the bullpen and perhaps games like this don't happen much any more this season.  Frustration happens when you follow a team that remade itself in the offseason.  Hopefully it turns soon or by at least end of May.

if it were me:

tell Cheito thanks, i wish it would have worked out, and DFA him
thank Moehler for his good service, and send him on his way
move one of Sampson/Cassel to the Moehler role of long reliever/spot starter. the other of them is the 5th starter (depends on Wandy's health, of course)
bring up Diaz for the Cheito role
kick Pence in the butt. he is hurting this team.
burn up the phone lines looking for a solid starter

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Much as I'd like to put it all on Bork, and trust me I wish I could, this game was lost because Shawn Chacon could not pitch better than he did today with a very nice lead.  6-2 leads should not be something any major league starter wishing to be anything other than a fifth starter should have trouble with.  He was really bad today and I think (IMHO) it's on him today.

NFS! But still Borkowski has shown little value or benefit of late. He's been given enough opportunities to play himself off the club. It means nothing, but I've seen enough to come to the realization his is no longer up to task for a very difficult job--that is demonstrated by the relative few who can excel at throwing that dang hide.   

[Limey]

if it were me:

tell Cheito thanks, i wish it would have worked out, and DFA him
thank Moehler for his good service, and send him on his way
move one of Sampson/Cassel to the Moehler role of long reliever/spot starter. the other of them is the 5th starter (depends on Wandy's health, of course)
bring up Diaz for the Cheito role
kick Pence in the butt. he is hurting this team.
burn up the phone lines looking for a solid starter

...and watch your back when you're out in front.

[Noe]

The Astros just optioned Cassel back down to make room for Wiggington.  One more move remaining when Wandy is ready to return.  If you would've just seen the interview with Cooper in the locker room talking about the Borkowski performance against Owings, you'd swear that Borkowski was the one going to get the boot.

"That will never happen again!" (I can't do Cooper's demeanor and facial expression justice by just typing those words... it was as if he was saying "Borkowski will never pitch for my team again"... but then again, this is right after this frustrating game too, so....)

Just saying.

[Limey]

I think he's projecting for making a bad call on replacing Wesley.  I also think sending down Cassel is a bad move when you're thin on starters (one, based on recent performances) yet carrying half-a-dozen middle relievers.

[pravata]

I wonder if he was protecting whatever was ailing Wright last week. Something put him on the shelf for a couple of days, but I can't remember what.

strained finger from squeezing the ball too hard.

[JimR]

I wonder if he was protecting whatever was ailing Wright last week. Something put him on the shelf for a couple of days, but I can't remember what.

protecting Wright? he put him in with the bases loaded and no out a couple of days ago. i don't think so.

[astrojo]

i agree but only to a point. Cooper made the pitching change with two out, a two run lead and a pitcher about to PH. a major league reliever should get the out and protect the lead.

actually, i thought Wright would go two innings and get the ball to Brocail for the 8th. Cooper's quick hook is maybe not so necessary.

exactly, plus the good guys have off days both Thursday and Monday.

[austro]

strained finger from squeezing the ball too hard.

Ah, right; thanks for the reminder.