Arnsberg out!

[matadorph]

WTF?!?!?!

Footer tweet

[MusicMan]

WTF indeed.

I think Myers just threw someone under the bus.

[matadorph]

Apparently Brocail is the new interim pitching coach.

No offense to Brocail, but this is a really terrible development. Arnsberg seemed to know his way around a pitching staff.

[Ebby Calvin]

Well fuck.  That really really blows.

[jbm]

Wow.  Never saw that coming.

Explain the Myers/bus scenario.  I assume this is Mills all the way, which surprises me even more.  

[Navin R Johnson]

Will be interested on hearing Ed Wade's reasoning for firing BA.  Press conference at 4:10. 

Was Ed mad that Arnie could turn his chicken sh!t into chicken salad?

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

Yikes.  It's not like he didn't have a successful track record elsewhere.

[MusicMan]

Explain the Myers/bus scenario.  I assume this is Mills all the way, which surprises me even more. 

Myers went out of his way to explain last year that he wanted to stay in Houston b/c he felt comfortable with Arnsberg.  Fast forward to 2011, where Myers can't get anyone out, and all of a sudden there are "philosophical differences"??

[MusicMan]

Also, somebody explain to me how this can't wait three weeks until a new owner is in charge??

[Navin R Johnson]

If Wade is listening to that moron Myers, then hopefully Crane's first move is to fire Wade.

[BudGirl]

Wow, I didn't see that coming.  I don't want to see it either.

[jbm]

Maybe this has something to do with the Anuery/Lyles decision.  Not that that makes any sense to me either.  Just grasping.  

I just don't see Myers having that kind of pull, nor do I see him as a "throwing folks under the bus for his lack of success" kind of guy.

[Jacksonian]

Also, somebody explain to me how this can't wait three weeks until a new owner is in charge??

I would just about be willing to bet that sometime down the road we'll learn there was more to it than the stated reason.

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

I just don't see Myers having that kind of pull, nor do I see him as a "throwing folks under the bus for his lack of success" kind of guy.

Same here.  I don't see making the leap to pining this on Myers, unless some of y'all know something that isn't public.  The whole staff has underperformed, except Norris, Wandy and Melancon.

I'd put more weight on a conflict between Arnsberg and Wade or Mills.  Or something more personal.

[Rebel Jew]

Apparently Brocail is the new interim pitching coach.

No offense to Brocail, but this is a really terrible development. Arnsberg seemed to know his way around a pitching staff.

Wait, is Brocail really the new pitching coach? That's awesome!

[strosrays]

Wonder if there is another shoe to drop here?  Is Mills on solid footing?  Wade?

I don't care, either way.

I know Mills hasn't had a lot to work with, but unproven managers with a W-L record like he has/is going to have don't usually last very long.  And things don't look to improve a whole lot anytime soon.  Again, not nearly all Mills fault, but once they start jettisoning well-thought-of coaches, I'm wondering who is next.

[matadorph]

I can't help but think this might have something to do with Brandon Lyon seeing as how Arnsberg gets the proverbial door shown to him the day after Lyon pitches terribly AGAIN. Lyon is pitching hurt. Could the philosophical differences have something to do with a loyal coach taking a stand against a front office that expects $5 mill/yr relievers to suck it up and pitch? /grasping for explanation

[Ron Brand]

I can't help but think this might have something to do with Brandon Lyon seeing as how Arnsberg gets the proverbial door shown to him the day after Lyon pitches terribly AGAIN. Lyon is pitching hurt. Could the philosophical differences have something to do with a loyal coach taking a stand against a front office that expects $5 mill/yr relievers to suck it up and pitch? /grasping for explanation

That would have to be one hell of a stand to result in immediate dismissal while there is an ownership transition going on. This can't be over one broken-winged reliever.

[Duman]

[puts on tin foil hat/] silly conspiracy theory time:

Rangers draft an player who was paralyzed in a tragic accident.  A few rounds later... the Astros draft a player who was paralyzed in a tragic accident.

Rangers fire their hitting coach over philosophical differences.  A week later, the Astros fire their pitching coach for philosophical differences.

Coincidence?  I sure hope so.  [removes tin foil hat]

[strosrays]

That would have to be one hell of a stand to result in immediate dismissal while there is an ownership transition going on. This can't be over one broken-winged reliever.

Anyway, after Mills' quasi-bizarre statement the other day about wanting to handle Lyons returning from the DL 'the right way', including having a veteran close games instead of an upstart (regardless of effectiveness, apparently), I think it is Mills who is championing Lyon.  I don't know about Arnsberg.  In fact, I don't know what the fuck I am talking about here.

[matadorph]

Anyway, after Mills' quasi-bizarre statement the other day about wanting to handle Lyons returning from the DL 'the right way', including having a veteran close games instead of an upstart (regardless of effectiveness, apparently), I think it is Mills who is championing Lyon.  I don't know about Arnsberg.  In fact, I don't know what the fuck I am talking about here.

Supposedly has a partially torn rotator cuff, and he is pitching like shit. The best thing for Lyon right now is extensive rest, imo. I can see how the front office would not agree, however. Mills is probably following orders.

[moriartp]

Some pretty wild speculation in this thread. I hope more information comes out, because this was really unexpected.

[Ron Brand]

I can see where this could be the culmination of a lot of things that could have been points of contention regarding the staff - Lyon hanging around too long while hurt, Fulchino going down, Aneury to the pen, Lyles staying in the rotation, Myers having a rough season, the relievers stinking. Could be Wade making moves that go against Arnsberg, could be friction with other coaches, maybe his Sex Panther aftershave reeks too much. Like everyone else here I'm surprised that such a highly regarded coach would be canned at this point but I guess we'll know more soon.

Fuck.

[EasTexAstro]

Supposedly has a partially torn rotator cuff, and he is pitching like shit. The best thing for Lyon right now is extensive rest, imo. I can see how the front office would not agree, however. Mills is probably following orders.

A partially torn rotator cuff can take years to heal with just rest.

[Ron Brand]

Nice group of Arnsberg-related quotes from Astros County.

[jester9450]

If Wade is listening to that moron Myers, then hopefully Crane's first move is to fire Wade.

Yeah and send Mills with him.

[Ron Brand]

Yeah and send Mills with him.

You might be looking for this.

[moriartp]

McTaggart article with quotes from Arnsberg.

“It was philosophical differences between a manager and a general manager and a pitching coach,” Arnsberg told MLB.com via phone. “I don’t want to get into the details. It’s just been kind of rearing its ugly head the last 2-3 weeks, and I guess they felt like they had to make a move for the betterment of the club and the staff. I take it like a man.”

Arnsberg said he has had an outpouring of support from his players. He talked with Brett Myers on the phone for 15 minutes Tuesday and asked him to talk to some of the players he never got a chance to talk to personally. He said he got a nice text from reliever Brandon Lyon.

[MusicMan]

I'll say this: This is the first thing that has really shaken my faith in Mills.

[I'm Richies Dad]

This is a load of horse shit... I can't believe they fired him...

[Ron Brand]

I'll say this: This is the first thing that has really shaken my faith in Mills.

This smells pretty ripe. It's a damn shame they couldn't all get on the same page.

[das]

In fact, I don't know what the fuck I am talking about here.

POTW.

[Jacksonian]

I'll say this: This is the first thing that has really shaken my faith in Mills.

I'm more convinced there's more to the story.

[JimR]

Yeah and send Mills with him.

you are on the wrong board.

[chuck]

I'll say this: This is the first thing that has really shaken my faith in Mills.

I doubt very seriously this is Mills.

[MusicMan]

I doubt very seriously this is Mills.

Then how do you explain Arnsberg's quote?

[moriartp]

Goff with some interesting comments via tweet: The firing of Astros pitching coach Brad Arnsberg today has caught a lot of fans and media somewhat off guard. However, after talking to a few sources who know or have played for Arnsberg, they've said some pretty interesting stuff. He plays favorites was said, and another called him a "two-faced." Check out my latest piece, which is about to come out.

[jbm]

Levine's article was clearer on the philosophical disagreement part.  His quote was:

“I think there were philosophical differences between the skipper (Brad Mills) and myself and Ed and myself,”

Whereas McTaggart's qoute was:

“It was philosophical differences between a manager and a general manager and a pitching coach”

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

Goff with some interesting comments via tweet: The firing of Astros pitching coach Brad Arnsberg today has caught a lot of fans and media somewhat off guard. However, after talking to a few sources who know or have played for Arnsberg, they've said some pretty interesting stuff. He plays favorites was said, and another called him a "two-faced." Check out my latest piece, which is about to come out.

The knee-jerk reaction has been to assume that Arnsberg was anti-Lyon and Mills and/or Wade were forcing Lyon into the closer role against Arnsberg's will.  That Arnsberg plays favorites either completely validates this way of thinking, or reverses it.  If Lyon's out as closer in the near future, we'll have our answer.

[moriartp]

Not sure this has all that much to do with Lyon.

[Ron Brand]

Goff's article is up.

[hostros7]

Levine's article was clearer on the philosophical disagreement part.  His quote was:

“I think there were philosophical differences between the skipper (Brad Mills) and myself and Ed and myself,”

Whereas McTaggart's qoute was:

“It was philosophical differences between a manager and a general manager and a pitching coach”

Also, one would have to think that Mills and Wade are going to be interviewing for their own jobs soon.  If indeed there were "philosophical differences," might as well excise the "two-faced" guy before he calls you a dick in front of the new boss that you are hoping keeps you around.  

[Reuben]

I wonder if this might just have to do with personal relationships and things as simple yet fundamental as pitchers' throwing and conditioning programs. Maybe Arnsberg defied direct orders from Wade or Mills regarding such.

[jester9450]

you are on the wrong board.

Honestly what has Mills done but keep putting Lyons in to lose games.

[MusicMan]

Honestly what has Mills done but keep putting Lyons in to lose games.

Can we add "misspell easy player names" to the levels of trolling?

[JimR]

Honestly what has Mills done but keep putting Lyons in to lose games.

go fuck yourself, and i'll try to think of an answer while you're gone.

[BizidyDizidy]

go fuck yourself, and i'll try to think of an answer while you're gone.

My guess is you better think fast.

[BUWebguy]

Not to sound all sour grapes, but it seems like I remember talk of Arnsberg having trouble getting along with folks in Toronto and/or Florida, too. No clue who's at fault here (or in those previous positions), but it feels like I've read similar things before. Anyone else remember anything along these lines? Please correct me if I'm wrong.

[austro]

Not to sound all sour grapes, but it seems like I remember talk of Arnsberg having trouble getting along with folks in Toronto and/or Florida, too. No clue who's at fault here (or in those previous positions), but it feels like I've read similar things before. Anyone else remember anything along these lines? Please correct me if I'm wrong.

That's my recollection, too.

[strosrays]

Goff's article is up.

That was a poorly written piece, maybe he was in a hurry to get it posted.

Since he doesn't name them nor make clear what he means by "MLB sources", I'm really not inclined to trust his info any more than any other blogger out there.  The info may well be accurate, but I'd like something stronger to back it up before I assume so.

[roadrunner]

In reality it's all just deck chairs being rearranged. 

[Ron Brand]

In reality it's all just deck chairs being rearranged. 

Shit. Tell that to Myers and Lyles. The truth is that we just don't know but we can guess like hell.

[matadorph]

Not to sound all sour grapes, but it seems like I remember talk of Arnsberg having trouble getting along with folks in Toronto and/or Florida, too. No clue who's at fault here (or in those previous positions), but it feels like I've read similar things before. Anyone else remember anything along these lines? Please correct me if I'm wrong.

At the time Arnsberg was hired, Wade said that there were "unresolved issues" between Arnsie and the Blue Jays organization, thus making him available for the interview process even though he still had a year remaining on his contract. Reports suggested that both parties were ready to move on.

Also, Pinwheel on 1560 earlier today said that his sources told him Ed Wade wanted to shitcan him three weeks ago but Mills talked him out of it. Supposedly manager and pitching coach got into an argument in the dugout earlier this week and Wade decided it was time to fire him.

[Ron Brand]

"Lyon's ready!"

"The fuck he is!"

"He is! He's the closer!"

"Bull shit. He's not ready!"

"Yes he is!"

"No he isn't!"

[BudGirl]

"Lyon's ready!"

"The fuck he is!"

"He is! He's the closer!"

"Bull shit. He's not ready!"

"Yes he is!"

"No he isn't!"

Who started it?

[OregonStrosFan]

Who started it?

Pam!

[MusicMan]

Who started it?

Judging by that conversation?  Poopypants.

[OregonStrosFan]

Judging by that conversation?  Poopypants.

Like I said, Pam!

[Ron Brand]

Who started it?

That's the whole point.

[matadorph]

Pam!

Speaking of Ms. Gardner, Pinwheel went on to say that she's the only member of the current regime who almost certainly will be retained by new ownership.

[MusicMan]

Speaking of Ms. Gardner, Pinwheel went on to say that she's the only member of the current regime who almost certainly will be retained by new ownership.

I will now light myself on fire.

[OregonStrosFan]

Speaking of Ms. Gardner, Pinwheel went on to say that she's the only member of the current regime who almost certainly will be retained by new ownership.

I now regret (more than ever) the decision to even post her name. If MusicMan doesn't light himself on fire, I will...

[Noe]

Speaking of Ms. Gardner, Pinwheel went on to say that she's the only member of the current regime who almost certainly will be retained by new ownership.

She's not a bad business person... she just sucks at baseball decisions and therein lies the problem with the current regime.  If the new regime sez "Pammy, go make the turnstiles... ahum... turn.  Oh... and... stay out of the way of Mr (Insert new President and GM here)".  If Crane has any desire to bring back Gerry Hunsicker, his friend if you will, he better tell Pammy the truth about being a business person for the organization is vastly different than she's used to now.

[MusicMan]

She's not a bad business person...

Cows. On. Foul Poles.

[Ron Brand]

I will now light myself on fire.

Hold on, MM...that might mean DoRay are gone...

[MusicMan]

Hold on, MM...that might mean DoRay are gone...

Cows. On. Foul Poles.

[Navin R Johnson]

She can put Dane Cook's face on all three bases for all I care as long as they find a way to field a competitive team again.  Who gives a shit if there are ads on the foul/fowl poles.

[BudGirl]

She can put Dane Cook's face on all three bases for all I care as long as they find a way to field a competitive team again.  Who gives a shit if there are ads on the foul/fowl poles.

+1

[Ebby Calvin]

+1

-1

[JimR]

-1

= 0

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

= 0

= (

[moriartp]

= (

t(*.*t)

[hostros7]

t(*.*t)

This thread:

====))))===D - - -

[strosrays]

She can put Dane Cook's face on all three bases for all I care as long as they find a way to field a competitive team again.  Who gives a shit if there are ads on the foul/fowl poles.

Dane Cook's face on the bases isn't a bad idea.  The runners could step on --

Never mind.  It is a bad idea.  It's a fucking terrible idea.

[Navin R Johnson]

Here is something everyone should find objectionable.

http://houston.astros.mlb.com/hou/ticketing/groups.jsp?loc=lsf

Join us Saturday, June 25th as the Astros and Boot Campaign host a postgame concert featuring Creed front-man, Scott Stapp.

[roadrunner]

Here is something everyone should find objectionable.

http://houston.astros.mlb.com/hou/ticketing/groups.jsp?loc=lsf

Join us Saturday, June 25th as the Astros and Boot Campaign host a postgame concert featuring Creed front-man, Scott Stapp.

This has to be the lowest state of the Astros organization, no?  Fucking Creed?

[MRaup]

This has to be the lowest state of the Astros organization, no?  Fucking Creed?

I'd be more excited to see Creed from The Office in concert.

[geezerdonk]

My guess is that Arnsie kept telling Millsie that Brandsie was OKsie and Millsie was sick of looking like a fucking moron when Brandsie got lit up every time he went out and started thinking that Arnsie was after his jobsie.

[HudsonHawk]

I'd be more excited to see Creed from The Office in concert.

The Grass Roots, baby!!

[Astroholic]

My guess is that Arnsie kept telling Millsie that Brandsie was OKsie and Millsie was sick of looking like a fucking moron when Brandsie got lit up every time he went out and started thinking that Arnsie was after his jobsie.

SFNie

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

Via Footer on the Twitter, Mills is dodgy:

Mills: "Arnie has brought an awful lot to this ballclub. He's done a good job. To have to do something like this is kind of tough but at...

"...the same time, we're trying to create an atmosphere to accomplish things and make these guys successful."

Mills also declined to get into specifics. "He's done a great job working with the pitchers and that's where it needs to stay."

Wade is similar:

Wade on Arnsberg: "He developed a great rapport with each and every one of his pitchers. This is not about his ability to coach or..."
"...communicate with his players. He got very high grades on both." Wade cites philosophical differences,declines to elaborate on specifics.

[EasTexAstro]

Via Footer on the Twitter, Mills is dodgy:

He didn't stop when Pam said the safe word?

[Limey]

He didn't stop when Pam said the safe word?

Obligatory

[jester9450]

go fuck yourself, and i'll try to think of an answer while you're gone.

Thats all you got look at the real picture a couple of years ago you were calling for coopers head what the difference now mills sucks just as cooper did so there a answer for you as for fucking myself thats what wimps that don't like others comments would be left to saying.

[Ty in Tampa]

Thats all you got look at the real picture a couple of years ago you were calling for coopers head what the difference now mills sucks just as cooper did so there a answer for you as for fucking myself thats what wimps that don't like others comments would be left to saying.

Wow. You actually used an apostrophe AND a period. Outstanding.

[jester9450]

Wow. You actually used an apostrophe AND a period. Outstanding.

HA HA something funny

[moriartp]

Before this thread goes any further, the esteemed Prof. Quirrell would like to share a message.

[Lurch]

This has to be the lowest state of the Astros organization, no?  Fucking Creed?

check that... They didn't even get Creed, just the front man

[Lurch]

I think Myers just threw someone under the bus.

I thought his MO was the front of a car?

[BudGirl]

I thought his MO was the front of a car?

I thought that was Lugo.

[OregonStrosFan]

C'mon folks, how can we possibly argue about something as mundane as a silly pitching coach when Chlamydia [is] Killing Koalas?!?!?

[JackAstro]

C'mon folks, how can we possibly argue about something as mundane as a silly pitching coach when Chlamydia [is] Killing Koalas?!?!?

Not sure if that's better or worse than horse herpes.

[moriartp]

Not sure if that's better or worse than horse herpes.

Depends. Are you Catherine the Great?

[jbm]

Brown said the speculation was about how long starters are left in. Don't have a clue whether he or Mills wants to leave starters in longer.  I just assume Mills calls the shots and assistants would yield even if they didn't agree. Maybe Arnsberg just couldn't stay silent about the disagreement, and had to go.

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

Depends. Are you Catherine the Great?

Nominated.

[MusicMan]

Thats all you got look at the real picture a couple of years ago you were calling for coopers head what the difference now mills sucks just as cooper did so there a answer for you

If you think that Mills and Cooper are equivalent, you need to stick to something simpler.

[chuck]

C'mon folks, how can we possibly argue about something as mundane as a silly pitching coach when Chlamydia [is] Killing Koalas?!?!?

What the hell are you doing reading the Huffington Post?

[OregonStrosFan]

What the hell are you doing reading the Huffington Post?

Wasn't (purposefully). Saw the story title on a Twitter feed and had to click on over...

[chuck]

Wasn't (purposefully). Saw the story title on a Twitter feed and had to click on over...

Good. I was momentarily highly disconcerted.

[chuck]

I ran into Levine tonight and he said that he thought that the conflict with Arnsberg was shared equally between Mills and Wade. He said he didn't know specifically what the central issue was but he again pointed to a heated argument between Mills and Arnsberg a week or so ago and speculated that it might be about strategies regarding usage in general rather than a disagreement over a specific pitcher (i.e. Lyon).

In reading through the various pieces regarding the change it does not appear that Wade was even in Houston when the decision was made. I don't know whether that points to more involvement on Mills' part in the decision or not, but it is an interesting item to bear in mind.

[Ron Brand]

I ran into Levine tonight and he said that he thought that the conflict with Arnsberg was shared equally between Mills and Wade. He said he didn't know specifically what the central issue was but he again pointed to a heated argument between Mills and Arnsberg a week or so ago and speculated that it might be about strategies regarding usage in general rather than a disagreement over a specific pitcher (i.e. Lyon).

In reading through the various pieces regarding the change it does not appear that Wade was even in Houston when the decision was made. I don't know whether that points to more involvement on Mills' part in the decision or not, but it is an interesting item to bear in mind.

Wade was in California, but I read one account that said he'd wanted to fire Arnsberg after that fight but was talked out of it by Mills. The bad feelings must have carried forward and Wade didn't need any convincing,  if that's true.

[OregonStrosFan]

Got a text from my mom saying "they said Ansberg didn't thin Lyles was ready and Fulchino should not be sent down." Not sure which HOU news she got that from, but interesting nonetheless...

[jbm]

I don't get all the intrigue.  Unless it was some personal indiscretion, which it doesn't sound like it was at all, just come out with it.  Otherwise, they just allow the worst speculation to become fact to too many people. 

[strosrays]

Wade was in California, but I read one account that said he'd wanted to fire Arnsberg after that fight but was talked out of it by Mills. The bad feelings must have carried forward and Wade didn't need any convincing,  if that's true.

This is sounding more and more like it may be an elaborate conspiracy of some sort.

Wade was in California?  Did anyone say where, specifically?  Isn't Bohemian Grove in California?  I think it is.

[BudGirl]

This is sounding more and more like it may be an elaborate conspiracy of some sort.

Wade was in California?  Did anyone say where, specifically?  Isn't Bohemian Grove in California?  I think it is.

don't they meet in July?

[JimR]

Thats all you got look at the real picture a couple of years ago you were calling for coopers head what the difference now mills sucks just as cooper did so there a answer for you as for fucking myself thats what wimps that don't like others comments would be left to saying.

ahem, go fuck yourself again.

[Limey]

I don't get all the intrigue.  Unless it was some personal indiscretion, which it doesn't sound like it was at all, just come out with it.  Otherwise, they just allow the worst speculation to become fact to too many people. 

I heard that Arnsberg tweeted a pick of Brandon Lyon to Anthony Weiner.

[Jose Cruz III]

Thats all you got look at the real picture a couple of years ago you were calling for coopers head what the difference now mills sucks just as cooper did so there a answer for you as for fucking myself thats what wimps that don't like others comments would be left to saying.

You are either 12 years old, or you are The Son of Freida with a slightly higher grade in spelling.

[JaneDoe]

Here is something everyone should find objectionable.

http://houston.astros.mlb.com/hou/ticketing/groups.jsp?loc=lsf

Join us Saturday, June 25th as the Astros and Boot Campaign host a postgame concert featuring Creed front-man, Scott Stapp.

Just in case you hadn't seen this Emergency Bulletin.

[EasTexAstro]

Just in case you hadn't seen this Emergency Bulletin.

I'll be in Marathon, TX, well out of the fallout range. Possibly out of range of anything. Anyone know anything about Marathon, TX?

[jbm]

A friend of mine runs in a marathon there.  I drove to El Paso recently; you will most likely be treated to dust storms and cool vistas.

[moriartp]

Scott Stapp has been replaced by Michelle Branch. It seems some heroic pathogen has infected him and he won't be able to perform.

[Lefty]

I'll be in Marathon, TX, well out of the fallout range. Possibly out of range of anything. Anyone know anything about Marathon, TX?

Get your eats & drinks at the Gage Hotel.

[EasTexAstro]

Get your eats & drinks at the Gage Hotel.

I'm going there for a memorial service for my grandmother. She worked at the Gage Hotel a few years after it opened, but only for a few years. Her mom was working the fields and died from a snake bite, so they had to move in with some relatives.

[HudsonHawk]

I'm going there for a memorial service for my grandmother. She worked at the Gage Hotel a few years after it opened, but only for a few years. Her mom was working the fields and died from a snake bite, so they had to move in with some relatives.

Kudos to your grandmother...the Gage opened 84 years ago, so she must have lived a long and eventful life.

As for Marathon...well, it's the gateway to Big Bend National Park.  The train goes by every so often.  I reckon that's about all I know about Marathon.

[Limey]

I'll be in Marathon, TX, well out of the fallout range. Possibly out of range of anything. Anyone know anything about Marathon, TX?

Here ya go.

[EasTexAstro]

Here ya go.

I'm not eligible to ask for personal recommendations?

[Rebel Jew]

Get your eats & drinks at the Gage Hotel.

I've had more than a few drinks at the bar there. Wish it was a tad cheaper but A+++ for ambiance. There's also a general store a tad off the main road where they had ridiculously good tamales and tacos. Of course, you'd have to fall pretty far not to land on good mexican food in that part of the world.

[MRaup]

I'm not eligible to ask for personal recommendations?

...

[strosrays]

I've had more than a few drinks at the bar there. Wish it was a tad cheaper but A+++ for ambiance. There's also a general store a tad off the main road where they had ridiculously good tamales and tacos. Of course, you'd have to fall pretty far not to land on good mexican food in that part of the world.

Is the word "tad" in common usage there?  Generally speaking?

[Ebby Calvin]

...

SFN

[94CougarGrad]

He didn't stop when Pam said the safe word?

I just threw up in my mouth a little.