Author Topic: Good Guys vs. Scrubs, 5/21/08 (Read 8386 times)

OregonStrosFan · « **on:** May 21, 2008, 06:50:07 pm »

Astros Pitching: Chacon

Astros lineup:
Bourn, CF
Matsui, 2B
Tejada,SS
Berkman,1B
Lee, LF
Blum, 3B
Pence, RF
Towles, C
Chacon, P

Cubs pitching: Gallgher (RHP)

Cubs lineup:
Theriot, SS
Fukudome, RF
Lee, 1B
Ramirez, 3B
Hoffpauir, LF
Soto, C
Edmonds, CF
DeRosa, 2B
Gallagher, P

Notes: Blum in for Wigginton for the second night in a row. Skip-to-my-lou getting a night off for the scrubs.

ETA: Can't do PBP today (the first half of the game anyway).

austro · « **Reply #1 on:** May 21, 2008, 06:55:04 pm »

I like this lineup, and right now I'm a lot happier with Blum at third rather than Wigginton. Wigginton's "attempts" at balls down the line recently have left a lot to be desired.

legs_of_eggs · « **Reply #2 on:** May 21, 2008, 07:02:04 pm »

Quote from: austro on May 21, 2008, 06:55:04 pm

I like this lineup, and right now I'm a lot happier with Blum at third rather than Wigginton. Wigginton's "attempts" at balls down the line recently have left a lot to be desired.

And the offense hasn't exactly been there to justify it

Anit · « **Reply #3 on:** May 21, 2008, 07:11:27 pm »

why do we keep pitching to derek lee

Outlawscotty · « **Reply #4 on:** May 21, 2008, 07:12:56 pm »

Isn't that Biggio and McClane in the Diamond seats?

Yes...nevermind.

jonbloozy · « **Reply #5 on:** May 21, 2008, 07:19:06 pm »

TOP 1
Chacon pitching
Theriot flies out to Pence! 1 out
FUK-U-DO-ME walks, 1 out
Dirrklee homers, FUK-U-DO-ME scores, 1 out
Ramirez grounds to Miggy, 2 out
Hoffpair (1st MLB start) doubles to LF, 2 out
Soto mimics Hoffpauir, runner scores, Soto to 2nd, 2 out
Jim Espns flies out to El Caballo, 3 out

MID 1: HOU 0, PUPS 3

Anit · « **Reply #6 on:** May 21, 2008, 07:20:59 pm »

Quote from: jonbloozy on May 21, 2008, 07:19:06 pm

MID 1: HOU 0, PUPS 2

its 3-0

jonbloozy · « **Reply #7 on:** May 21, 2008, 07:22:45 pm »

Fixed, thanks

jonbloozy · « **Reply #8 on:** May 21, 2008, 07:32:00 pm »

BOT 1
Gallagher pitching
Bourn nails one up the middle, SS Theriot with a nice stop, Bourn beats throw to 1st, 0 out
Matsui, back-to-back fouls w/Bourn going, Bourn takes off as Matsui walks, runners on 1st and 2nd, 0 out
Tejada line-drive out to Espns, runners on 1st and 2nd, 1 out
El Vendo caught looking on a nice one, 2 out
El Caballo pops one foul, Theriot with a nich catch, 3 out

END 1: HOU 0, PUPS 3

MRaup · « **Reply #9 on:** May 21, 2008, 07:32:38 pm »

I am rapidly getting tired of seeing Lance Berkman taking strike 3 in the last few games.

Colt 45 · « **Reply #10 on:** May 21, 2008, 07:33:26 pm »

Quote from: austro on May 21, 2008, 06:55:04 pm

I like this lineup, and right now I'm a lot happier with Blum at third rather than Wigginton. Wigginton's "attempts" at balls down the line recently have left a lot to be desired.

Wiggy was or is a question mark.

Matt · « **Reply #11 on:** May 21, 2008, 07:34:43 pm »

I think we all know what Hunter Pence's favorite off-season activity is.

Colt 45 · « **Reply #12 on:** May 21, 2008, 07:35:50 pm »

Quote from: Matt on May 21, 2008, 07:34:43 pm

I think we all know what Hunter Pence's favorite off-season activity is.

Checkers

GreatBagwellsBeard · « **Reply #13 on:** May 21, 2008, 07:37:54 pm »

Motorboating?

Matt · « **Reply #14 on:** May 21, 2008, 07:38:07 pm »

Quote from: Colt 45 on May 21, 2008, 07:35:50 pm

Checkers

He would play checkers standing up and pacing.

jonbloozy · « **Reply #15 on:** May 21, 2008, 07:38:15 pm »

TOP 2
Chacon pitching
DeRosa flies out to Pence! 1 out
Gallagher pops out to Miggy, 2 out
Theriot singles up the middle, 2 out
FUK-U-DO-ME batting, Chacon picks Theriot at 1B, 3 out

Chacon: 35 pitches

MID 2: HOU 0, PUP 3

jonbloozy · « **Reply #16 on:** May 21, 2008, 07:44:50 pm »

BOT 2
Gallagher pitching
Blum grounds out to 1B Dirrklee, 1 out
Pence! k's swinging, 2 out
Towles IF single to 3B Ramirez, beats out throw, 2 out
Chacon hits it well to FUK-U-DO-ME, 3 out

END 2: HOU 0, PUPS 3

Cheito's advice to Bourn: "Find out every player on the field that has a Gold Glove . . . and try not to hit to them."

jonbloozy · « **Reply #17 on:** May 21, 2008, 07:50:00 pm »

TOP 3
Chacon pitching
FUK-U-DO-ME flies out to Bourn, 1 out
Dirrklee grounds out to Miggy, 2 out
Ramirez K's, 3 out

MID 3: HOU 0, PUPS 3

jonbloozy · « **Reply #18 on:** May 21, 2008, 07:50:57 pm »

crickets chirping

remy · « **Reply #19 on:** May 21, 2008, 07:52:28 pm »

Quote from: MRaup on May 21, 2008, 07:32:38 pm

I am rapidly getting tired of seeing Lance Berkman taking strike 3 in the last few games.

It is remarkable how fast he went from being so incredibly hot (nttawwt) to seemingly not seeing the ball very well at all.

MRaup · « **Reply #20 on:** May 21, 2008, 07:57:24 pm »

Quote from: remy on May 21, 2008, 07:52:28 pm

It is remarkable how fast he went from being so incredibly hot (nttawwt) to seemingly not seeing the ball very well at all.

The thing I've noticed is that the whole team stopped being patient right about the time they got home from the road trip.

The Astros were forcing pitchers to challenge them by spitting on bad pitches... Now they're just hacking away anything that looks like it might come within spitting distance of the strike zone.

otterjb · « **Reply #21 on:** May 21, 2008, 07:59:01 pm »

Miguel with a screaming low line drive off Gallagher's shin. 3-1, still no outs.

remy · « **Reply #22 on:** May 21, 2008, 07:59:32 pm »

Now would be a good time to snap out of it, Lance.

Not by swinging at pitches at eye level though.

otterjb · « **Reply #23 on:** May 21, 2008, 08:00:11 pm »

Yeah, that first pitch was a hack and a half.

remy · « **Reply #24 on:** May 21, 2008, 08:00:49 pm »

btw, I just flipped past HBO between innings, only to be just in time for the Phoebe Cates scene in Fast Times.

I am happy now.

MRaup · « **Reply #25 on:** May 21, 2008, 08:01:19 pm »

Berkman went from red hot to ice cold in 1 game.

Pretty amazing.

remy · « **Reply #26 on:** May 21, 2008, 08:02:02 pm »

Now THAT was a fucking KABLONG!

MRaup · « **Reply #27 on:** May 21, 2008, 08:02:38 pm »

Jesus... Why in the name of GOD would you throw anything even close to the strike zone on 0-2 to Kabong?

otterjb · « **Reply #28 on:** May 21, 2008, 08:03:13 pm »

Los! Sweet. Time for some TNT for me.

Colt 45 · « **Reply #29 on:** May 21, 2008, 08:04:27 pm »

very nice horse

jonbloozy · « **Reply #30 on:** May 21, 2008, 08:04:54 pm »

BOT 3
Gallagher pitching
Bourn singles to RF, 0 out
Matsui batting, Bourn steals 2nd (#20)
Matsui singles in front of Espns, Bourn to 3rd, 0 out
Miggy singles on a shinburger off Gallaghers leg, deflection goes to RF, Bourn scores, Matsui to 3rd, 0 out
El Vendo K's swinging, 1 out
El Caballo homers to LF, crushed it, Matsui and Miggy score, 1 out
Blum grounds out to Ramirez, 2 out
Pence! grounds to Theriot, 3 out

Gallagher: 62 pitches

END 3: HOU 4, PUPS 3

Gotta cook some dinner, can someone pick-up PBP?

pots · « **Reply #31 on:** May 21, 2008, 08:11:16 pm »

I think Lee was more happy about his catch then the homerun

MusicMan · « **Reply #32 on:** May 21, 2008, 08:17:02 pm »

Damn, Kaz right on the screws, but right at Fukudome.

homer · « **Reply #33 on:** May 21, 2008, 08:21:31 pm »

Why are the only video highlights on mlb.com gameday Cub highlights?

jonbloozy · « **Reply #34 on:** May 21, 2008, 08:30:43 pm »

Is Gallagher wearing one of those Life Alert necklaces?

pots · « **Reply #35 on:** May 21, 2008, 08:34:32 pm »

Great at bat by Blum

OregonStrosFan · « **Reply #36 on:** May 21, 2008, 08:34:52 pm »

Speed don't slump! Nice job by Berkman coupled by some timely hitting by Blum there.

pravata · « **Reply #37 on:** May 21, 2008, 08:37:33 pm »

Quote from: OregonStrosFan on May 21, 2008, 08:34:52 pm

Speed don't slump! Nice job by Berkman coupled by some timely hitting by Blum there.

Made them pay.

jonbloozy · « **Reply #38 on:** May 21, 2008, 08:40:50 pm »

Quote from: pravata on May 21, 2008, 08:37:33 pm

Made them pay.

Good thing they only hit 'em in the candybar

AtascAstro · « **Reply #39 on:** May 21, 2008, 08:44:01 pm »

I'm hoping that little excursion on the bases helps Puma get his mojo back - that jump was absurdly awesome.

MRaup · « **Reply #40 on:** May 21, 2008, 08:44:53 pm »

Quote from: AtascAstro on May 21, 2008, 08:44:01 pm

I'm hoping that little excursion on the bases helps Puma get his mojo back - that jump was absurdly awesome.

Gallagher never even thought about looking over. Twinkie didn't have to think about that one at all.

MRaup · « **Reply #41 on:** May 21, 2008, 08:47:50 pm »

Man... Backe was getting bombarded by sunflower seeds during that dugout interview.

jonbloozy · « **Reply #42 on:** May 21, 2008, 08:48:09 pm »

BOT 5 (way late)

Gallagher pitching
Miggy grounds out to 1B Dirrklee, 1 out
El Vendo HBP (hit in the candybar)
El Caballo batting, El Vendo steals 2nd
El Caballo pops out
Blum singles to RF, El Vendo hauls it home, nice hustle and safe slide home. Guess that candybar got smooshed; he had more snacks in dugout)
Pence! walks, 2 out
Towles walks, bases loaded, 2 out
Chacon K's, 3 out

END 5: HOU 5, PUPS 3

OregonStrosFan · « **Reply #43 on:** May 21, 2008, 08:50:19 pm »

Quote from: jonbloozy on May 21, 2008, 08:04:54 pm

Gotta cook some dinner, can someone pick-up PBP?

Can pick it up if ya need.

jonbloozy · « **Reply #44 on:** May 21, 2008, 08:50:33 pm »

TOP 6
Chacon pitching
FUK-U-DO-ME lines to Miggy, 1 out
Dirrklee flies out to Pence!, 2 out
Ramirez flies out to El Caballo, 3 out

Chacon: 78 pitches

MID 6: HOU 5, PUPS 3

AtascAstro · « **Reply #45 on:** May 21, 2008, 08:50:44 pm »

Quote from: MRaup on May 21, 2008, 08:44:53 pm

Gallagher never even thought about looking over. Twinkie didn't have to think about that one at all.

Nope, Nope, that was all quickness and cat-like reflexes...I'm sure we'll get to hear Lance tell us all about it. Pinwheels head is probably spinnning just thinking about the possiblities.

Lurch · « **Reply #46 on:** May 21, 2008, 08:51:05 pm »

Carlos just spiked the ball at Bourn

MRaup · « **Reply #47 on:** May 21, 2008, 08:51:14 pm »

Lee was messing with Bourn pretty bad after Carlos called him off on the 3rd out of the inning. Grinning and yacking at him, then threw the ball away so Bourn had to go get it. Michael, to his own credit, had a big ol' smile on his face the whole time.

jonbloozy · « **Reply #48 on:** May 21, 2008, 08:53:48 pm »

Quote from: OregonStrosFan on May 21, 2008, 08:50:19 pm

Can pick it up if ya need.

Sure, I'm trying to watch the Stros and listen to RR, gets confusing sometimes

OregonStrosFan · « **Reply #49 on:** May 21, 2008, 09:00:22 pm »

Quote from: jonbloozy on May 21, 2008, 08:53:48 pm

Sure, I'm trying to watch the Stros and listen to RR, gets confusing sometimes

Got it.

mihoba · « **Reply #50 on:** May 21, 2008, 09:01:50 pm »

Eyre was told to speed up play? I don't think I've ever seen that before.

MRaup · « **Reply #51 on:** May 21, 2008, 09:02:11 pm »

Man, that wasn't even an impressive catch, but GOD I hate Edmonds.

MRaup · « **Reply #52 on:** May 21, 2008, 09:03:03 pm »

Quote from: mihoba on May 21, 2008, 09:01:50 pm

Eyre was told to speed up play? I don't think I've ever seen that before.

Apparently they just changed the rules, and you have 12 seconds once the batter is in the box and ready to throw a pitch. Batter can't step out once a pitcher starts his windup.

First time its called is a warning, 2nd time is an automatic ball.

MRaup · « **Reply #53 on:** May 21, 2008, 09:04:49 pm »

ATTENTION LANCE BERKMAN: You can't hit neck high fastballs.

STOP SWINGING AT THEM!

AtascAstro · « **Reply #54 on:** May 21, 2008, 09:05:19 pm »

Quote from: mihoba on May 21, 2008, 09:01:50 pm

Eyre was told to speed up play? I don't think I've ever seen that before.

Directive from the commisioner today...Speed up the game. The stopwatch is an aberration, hope it doesn't stick

OregonStrosFan · « **Reply #55 on:** May 21, 2008, 09:05:35 pm »

Bottom 6: Eyre pitching.

Bourn: struck out swinging on 3-2 pitch. 1 out, none on.
Kazmat: (pitcher issued "time" warning on 2-2 pitch) walked on 3-2 pitch. 1 out, Matsui on 1B.
Tejada: flied out to center on 2-0 pitch. 2 outs, Matsui on 1B.
Matsui steals 2B on 0-1 pitch to Berkman. 2 outs, runner on 2B
Berkman: struck out swinging on 2-2 pitch (3rd time tonight).

End 6: CHC 3, HOU 5

AtascAstro · « **Reply #56 on:** May 21, 2008, 09:08:06 pm »

Official Rule - Pitching - 8.04
When the bases are unoccupied, the pitcher shall deliver the ball to the batter within 12 seconds after he receives the ball. Each time the pitcher delays the game by violating this rule, the umpire shall call “Ball.” The 12-second timing starts when the pitcher is in possession of the ball and the batter is in the box, alert to the pitcher. The timing stops when the pitcher releases the ball.
The intent of this rule is to avoid unnecessary delays. The umpire shall insist that the catcher return the ball promptly to the pitcher, and that the pitcher take his position on the rubber promptly. Obvious delay by the pitcher should instantly be penalized by the umpire.

I think this was actually added last year, but emphasized by the commish today

pravata · « **Reply #57 on:** May 21, 2008, 09:09:00 pm »

Quote from: AtascAstro on May 21, 2008, 09:05:19 pm

Directive from the commisioner today...Speed up the game. The stopwatch is an aberration, hope it doesn't stick

I think if they didnt have Rocky McCollough doing two commercials in a row between innings that'd speed things up.

OregonStrosFan · « **Reply #58 on:** May 21, 2008, 09:10:30 pm »

Quote from: homer on May 21, 2008, 08:21:31 pm

Why are the only video highlights on mlb.com gameday Cub highlights?

Thought it was because they were behind, but evidently not because they still haven't posted any...

MRaup · « **Reply #59 on:** May 21, 2008, 09:12:28 pm »

Hey Jimmy, that ball wasn't even close to your head. Nice fall down.

mihoba · « **Reply #60 on:** May 21, 2008, 09:13:54 pm »

Jimmy was worried about his grill on that inside pitch. Sure nice to see him take a seat in the batters box, and to only reach the warning track on his swings.

AtascAstro · « **Reply #61 on:** May 21, 2008, 09:14:20 pm »

Quote from: MRaup on May 21, 2008, 09:12:28 pm

Hey Jimmy, that ball wasn't even close to your head. Nice fall down.

Flair don't slump, and its certainly not limited to fielding.

MRaup · « **Reply #62 on:** May 21, 2008, 09:14:44 pm »

Chacon carved DeRosa the fuck up that AB.

OregonStrosFan · « **Reply #63 on:** May 21, 2008, 09:15:29 pm »

Top 7: Chacon pitching (78 pitches: 39/39)

Hoffpauir: doubled off the wall in left on 3-2 pitch. None out, runner on 2B.
Soto: flied out to shallow left on 2-1 pitch. None out, runner on 2B.
Edmonds: flied out to deep right on 1-1 pitch, runner advances to 3B. 2 outs, runner on 3B.
DeRosa: struck out half-swinging on 2-2 pitch. 3 outs.

Middle 7: CHC 3, HOU 5
Chacon pitch count through 7: 96 (59/37)

MRaup · « **Reply #64 on:** May 21, 2008, 09:19:51 pm »

Damn, Pence SMOKED that ball right at Theriot.

OregonStrosFan · « **Reply #65 on:** May 21, 2008, 09:20:24 pm »

Bottom 7: Lieber (RHP)

Lee: line drive out in the right field corner on 0-2 pitch. 1 out, none on.
Blum: shot off shortstops glove (single) on 1-1 pitch. 1 out, Blum on 1B.
Pence: grounded into 6-4-3 double play on first pitch. 3 outs.

End 7: CHC 3, HOU 5

austro · « **Reply #66 on:** May 21, 2008, 09:21:06 pm »

Quote from: MRaup on May 21, 2008, 09:04:49 pm

ATTENTION LANCE BERKMAN: You can't hit neck high fastballs.

STOP SWINGING AT THEM!

It's like the switch got flipped to "off".

But if we posit that he'll finish the season at, say, .320, and he's played the first quarter of the season at roughly .395, that means we'll be seeing a .295 average for the rest of the season.

mihoba · « **Reply #67 on:** May 21, 2008, 09:26:09 pm »

Puma got some air!

AtascAstro · « **Reply #68 on:** May 21, 2008, 09:26:30 pm »

Nice Snatch for the Big Kitty

homer · « **Reply #69 on:** May 21, 2008, 09:26:44 pm »

Quote from: OregonStrosFan on May 21, 2008, 09:10:30 pm

Thought it was because they were behind, but evidently not because they still haven't posted any...

mlb.com front page headline is "Derrrrrrek Lee hits a two-run HR in the first"

MRaup · « **Reply #70 on:** May 21, 2008, 09:27:16 pm »

Quote from: mihoba on May 21, 2008, 09:26:09 pm

Puma got some air!

Serious leather all around that inning.

Tejada isn't Adam Everett, but he's just about the next best thing.

austro · « **Reply #71 on:** May 21, 2008, 09:27:32 pm »

Puma explodes after his prey! He may have thought it was a ding-dong.

AtascAstro · « **Reply #72 on:** May 21, 2008, 09:27:54 pm »

Quote from: homer on May 21, 2008, 09:26:44 pm

mlb.com front page headline is "Derrrrrrek Lee hits a two-run HR in the first"

Wrong Lee, wrong run total

OregonStrosFan · « **Reply #73 on:** May 21, 2008, 09:27:55 pm »

Top 8: Brocail pitching

Fontenot: tapper to Tejada. 1 out, none on.
Theriot: would be lined single over Berkman but with Puma-like leaping skills (and legitimate air) Berkman makes a great catch. 2 outs, none on.
Fukudome: chopper over Brocails head, Tejada makes the play. 3 outs.

Middle 8: CHC 3, HOU 5

mihoba · « **Reply #74 on:** May 21, 2008, 09:28:19 pm »

And Miggy made a very good play to retire the side. He had to use the gun.

AtascAstro · « **Reply #75 on:** May 21, 2008, 09:35:29 pm »

Quote from: austro on May 21, 2008, 09:21:06 pm

It's like the switch got flipped to "off".

Speaking of toggle switch players...Bourn is fire & ice, lots of potential as this kid develops. It sure would be nice to have his glove patroling CF for a long time.

OregonStrosFan · « **Reply #76 on:** May 21, 2008, 09:35:59 pm »

Bottom 8: Howry (RHP) pitching

Towles: struck out swinging. 1 out, none on.
Erstad: struck out looking. 2 outs, none on.
Bourn: struck out swinging. 3 outs.

End 8: CHC 3, HOU 5

jonbloozy · « **Reply #77 on:** May 21, 2008, 09:38:38 pm »

Come on Joe

pravata · « **Reply #78 on:** May 21, 2008, 09:39:03 pm »

better that Lee should lead off.

austro · « **Reply #79 on:** May 21, 2008, 09:39:16 pm »

Very nice sequence by Valverde there.

Col. Sphinx Drummond · « **Reply #80 on:** May 21, 2008, 09:44:43 pm »

Valverde is very good. Good for Chacon to pick up a win.

mihoba · « **Reply #81 on:** May 21, 2008, 09:45:03 pm »

Two out of three ain't bad... Fuck the Cubs!

OregonStrosFan · « **Reply #82 on:** May 21, 2008, 09:45:08 pm »

Bottom 9: Valverde pitching

Lee: ss, ss, b, ss - strikeout. 1 out, none on.
Ramirez: b, b, b (looked good), cs, b - walk. 1 out, runner on 1B.
Hoffpauir: fb, fb, ss (in the dirt) - strikeout. 2 outs, runner on 1B.
Soto: fb, popped up to Berkman. 3 outs.

Ballgame: CHC 3, HOU 5

MRaup · « **Reply #83 on:** May 21, 2008, 09:45:25 pm »

Good win, gents!

MRaup · « **Reply #84 on:** May 21, 2008, 09:45:59 pm »

Michael Bourn - "I was seein the ball real good, even off the first dude that was pitching..."

Greg M · « **Reply #85 on:** May 21, 2008, 09:47:46 pm »

Nice win. Great job by Chacon hanging in there. Great to have Bourn hitting the past 5 games or so too. Good stuff.

Colt 45 · « **Reply #86 on:** May 21, 2008, 09:52:18 pm »

Quote from: MRaup on May 21, 2008, 09:45:59 pm

Michael Bourn - "I was seein the ball real good, even off the first dude that was pitching..."

Laughing, yes

Amy · « **Reply #87 on:** May 21, 2008, 09:52:20 pm »

I believe Mr. Bourn could use some media training. First the spitting while Patti was talking to him, then walking in front of her while she was speaking after the interview. Bidge would not approve. BTW, very weird seeing him sitting in the stands. He seemed to talk non-stop. Would love to hear him talk baseball when he's not in cautious media mode.

OregonStrosFan · « **Reply #88 on:** May 21, 2008, 09:55:13 pm »

Quote from: Amy on May 21, 2008, 09:52:20 pm

I believe Mr. Bourn could use some media training.

On the other end of the spectrum, have seen a couple of interview with Wesley Wright thought The Kid was impressive.

Greg M · « **Reply #89 on:** May 21, 2008, 10:03:40 pm »

Quote from: Amy on May 21, 2008, 09:52:20 pm

I believe Mr. Bourn could use some media training. First the spitting while Patti was talking to him, then walking in front of her while she was speaking after the interview. Bidge would not approve. BTW, very weird seeing him sitting in the stands. He seemed to talk non-stop. Would love to hear him talk baseball when he's not in cautious media mode.

The Bourn interview was much more entertaining than any interview Biggio gave. Love Biggio, but man he was boring to listen to.

Limey · « **Reply #90 on:** May 22, 2008, 12:08:44 am »

Quote from: Colt 45 on May 21, 2008, 07:33:26 pm

Wiggy was or is a question mark.

Wiggy is or wiggy ain"t...

austro · « **Reply #91 on:** May 22, 2008, 08:50:25 am »

Quote from: Greg M on May 21, 2008, 10:03:40 pm

The Bourn interview was much more entertaining than any interview Biggio gave. Love Biggio, but man he was boring to listen to.

The thing that struck me about Bourn was that he seemed like a guy who has had a giant weight lifted from his shoulders. We've all noticed his improved approach in the last few weeks, and now he's starting to get some payoff from it, and that seems to have put him more that ease.