The Glorified Criminals or Victims of Their Environment? vs The Astros 8/30/11

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

The Astros have the same record through 135 games that the Pirates had in 2010, though Pittsburgh at that point had been outscored by 113 more runs than Houston's current differential.


1. A Presley, LF
2. J Harrison, 3B    
3. N Walker, 2B    
4. A McCutchen, CF    
5. G Jones, 1B    
6. X Paul, RF    
7. R Cedeno, SS
8. M McKenry, C    
9. C Morton, P    

1. J Schafer, CF
2. J Altuve, 2B    
3. J Martinez, LF    
4. C Lee, 1B    
5. B Bogusevic, RF    
6. J Paredes, 3B
7. C Barmes, SS    
8. C Corporan, C
9. H Sosa, P
-    -    -

[Lurch]

"Our little Jose Altuve" - Patty Smith in pre-game.  Classy

[Jacksonian]

1. J Schafer, CF
2. J Altuve, 2B    
3. J Martinez, LF    
4. C Lee, 1B    
5. B Bogusevic, RF    
6. J Paredes, 3B
7. C Barmes, SS    
8. C Corporan, C
9. H Sosa, P
-    -    -

Those first 5 stand a very good chance of being in the starting lineup in April.

[Matt]

Those first 5 stand a very good chance of being in the starting lineup in April.

No Paredes?

[chuck]

No Paredes?

I was about to say I think you can replace Corporan with someone else whose surname begins with a C and you'll be looking at the starters for the team's fourth game of the year.

[Matt]

I was about to say I think you can replace Corporan with someone else whose surname begins with a C and you'll be looking at the starters for the team's fourth game of the year.

God I hope so.

[Mr. Happy]

I think that the infield and outfield players are who will start in 2012.

[Matt]

I never saw a resemblance to PooHoles in JD Martinez's batting stance.

[VirtualBob]

I think that the infield and outfield players are who will start in 2012.

I still hope fir a return of BW & CJ at the corners.

[Greg M]

What are the thoughts of Schafer at the plate and in the field?  I haven't seen much of him.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

- Pirates first.
- Presley flied out to center fielder Schafer.
- J.Harrison flied out to right fielder Bogusevic.
- Walker struck out.

- Astros first.
- Schafer singled to center.
- Altuve grounded into fielder's choice, second baseman Walker to shortstop Cedeno, Altuve to first, Schafer out.
- Altuve stole second.
- J.Martinez struck out.
- Ca.Lee grounded out, shortstop Cedeno to first baseman G.Jones.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

What are the thoughts of Schafer at the plate and in the field?  I haven't seen much of him.

So far he's been a pleasant surprise all around. Bourn in CF was special.

[Matt]

So far he's been a pleasant surprise all around. Bourn in CF was special.

Schafer is growing on me the more he plays.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

McCutchen Pops up to the catcher. G Jones strikes out.

[Mr. Happy]

I still hope fir a return of BW & CJ at the corners.

Why? BW can't hit for power and CJ is a clank at the hot corner. I don't see either one getting a September call up. I love Paredes. He's raw but is springing with talent.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Sosa gets X. Paul to strike out and end the Pirates half of the inning.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Why? BW can't hit for power and CJ is a clank at the hot corner. I don't see either one getting a September call up. I love Paredes. He's raw but is springing with talent.

I agree.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Bogey hits a chopper to 3rd for the first out.

[Lurch]

I never saw a resemblance to PooHoles in JD Martinez's batting stance.

It's the angle he holds the bat towards the ump

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Peredes walks. One on at first, one out.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Barmes hit by the pitch, runners at first and second, one out.

[Matt]

It's the angle he holds the bat towards the ump

I noticed it a bit on the swing.

[EasTexAstro]

I never saw a resemblance to PooHoles in JD Martinez's batting stance.

They both bat right handed

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Ass Flapper flies out to center, runners hold, two outs.

[Mr. Happy]

They both bat right handed

Well played, sir.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Sosa strikes out to end the second with two stranded.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

R. Cedeno walks leading off the top of the third.

[EasTexAstro]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XaWU1CmrJNc

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Well, I used to be a farmer and I made a living fine
I had a little stretch of land along the C. P. line
But times got tough, and though I tried, the money wasn't there
The bankers came and took my land and told me, "Fair is fair"
I looked for every kind of job, the answer always no
"Hire you now?" they'd always laugh, "We just let twenty go!" (Ha ha!)
The government, they promised me a measly little sum
But I've got too much pride to end up just another bum
Then I thought, who gives a damn if all the jobs are gone
I'm gonna be a pirate on the river Saskatchewan! (Arr!)

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

McKenry struck out. Morton sacrificed Cedeno to second. Presley singled to center, Cedeno scored.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

And it's a heave (ho!) hi (ho!), coming down the plains
Stealing wheat and barley and all the other grains
And it's a ho (hey!) hi (hey!), farmers bar yer doors
When you see the Jolly Roger on Regina's mighty shores…

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Presley Stole second. Damn pirate. Walker k'd to end the inning.
 After 2.5 Astros 0 Pirates 1

[JaneDoe]

Can we end the season early so I don't have to see the dadgum Flash Mob commercial again??

[chuck]

Can we end the season early so I don't have to see the dadgum Flash Mob commercial again??

Can I just say that I have never seen the commercial you guys always complain about and that I'm not entirely sure what a flash mob is? I can feel myself subtly morphing into a Republican when I say I consider myself richer for my ignorance.

[Lurch]

Excellent camera work!

[Mr. Happy]

Be careful with that slider, Sosa. Keep that thing down.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

- Astros third.
- Schafer struck out.
- Altuve grounded out, third baseman J.Harrison to first baseman G.Jones.
- J.Martinez singled to right.
- Ca.Lee flied out to center fielder A.McCutchen.

[EasTexAstro]

I can feel myself subtly morphing into a Republican.

My new signature....

[Lurch]

Can I just say that I have never seen the commercial you guys always complain about and that I'm not entirely sure what a flash mob is? I can feel myself subtly morphing into a Republican when I say I consider myself richer for my ignorance.

I dare you

[chuck]

Be careful with that slider, Sosa. Keep that thing down.

It looks to me like Sosa has an insanely high ceiling but good lord is he raw for a major leaguer. He's fun to watch though.

[JaneDoe]

Can I just say that I have never seen the commercial you guys always complain about and that I'm not entirely sure what a flash mob is? I can feel myself subtly morphing into a Republican when I say I consider myself richer for my ignorance.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bd8ppk0UCx8

[Mr. Happy]

Sosa set that 3-2 fastball up to McCutcheon perfectly.

[chuck]

I dare you

Give me a second until Sosa strikes out this next clown and I can watch it along with all of you. OK, here we go...

[Mr. Happy]

Sosa got away with three hanging sliders in that frame.

[Lurch]

Note Pam from The Office

[Ron Brand]

If I'm Michael Jordan, the body of that guy in the Hanes commercial will never be found.

[JaneDoe]

Give me a second until Sosa strikes out this next clown and I can watch it along with all of you. OK, here we go...

Play it every damn commercial break in the game, followed by the Eye Rack and Af-Gh-Han-Is-Tan guy and you will understand....

[chuck]

I think in Grand Central everyone would think that he's either epileptic or doing some sort of improvisational, interpretive dance. I can assure you that in New York no one would stop to watch a guy shed his overcoat and dance like P Diddy.

I still don't know what a Flash Mob is.

[Ron Brand]

I swear, these crowd shots look like something out of an Old Crow Medicine Show video.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

- Pirates fourth.
- Walker lined out to second baseman Altuve.
- A.McCutchen struck out.
- G.Jones grounded out, second baseman Altuve to first baseman Ca.Lee.

[JaneDoe]

I think in Grand Central everyone would think that he's either epileptic or doing some sort of improvisational, interpretive dance. I can assure you that in New York no one would stop to watch a guy shed his overcoat and dance like P Diddy.

I still don't know what a Flash Mob is.

You see all those other people in the overcoats?  They were all supposed to have that epileptic seizure together.

[Lurch]

I swear, these crowd shots look like something out of an Old Crow Medicine Show video.

That may have been the first gay couple ever shown on Houston TV

[BudGirl]

I still don't know what a Flash Mob is.

You can blame Oprah.

http://youtu.be/MIcOlSC4sAg

[chuck]

You see all those other people in the overcoats?  They were all supposed to have that epileptic seizure together.

Get me strobe light and an extension cord and I can make that happen.

[Ron Brand]

Get me strobe light and an extension cord and I can make that happen.

You'll make Panamanian history.

[Lurch]

I still don't know what a Flash Mob is.

A very real security issue

[Ron Brand]

Paredes just about de-nadded Morton.

[Mr. Happy]

If I'm Michael Jordan, the body of that guy in the Hanes commercial will never be found.

That motherfucker is annoying.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

- Astros fourth.
- Bogusevic walked on a full count.

[chuck]

You'll make Panamanian history.

They don't have strobe lights here, dude; you're lucky if you can round up a smoke machine.

Alternately, you could burn your trash in the front yard. Stick enough plastic in there and you'll get plenty of smoke.

[Ron Brand]

That motherfucker is annoying.

No one would put up with that. Certainly not Michael Jordan.

[Ron Brand]

They don't have strobe lights here, dude; you're lucky if you can round up a smoke machine.

This will add greatly to the mystery of your legacy.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

There's a pirate, known to fame
Black Macocco was the Pirate's name

[Mr. Happy]

That 78 mph two strike pitch to Barmes was brutal.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

- Paredes grounded out, pitcher Morton to first baseman G.Jones, Bogusevic to second.
- On wild pitch by Morton, Bogusevic to third.
- Barmes struck out.
- Corporan was intentionally walked.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Sosa struck out.

End of 4 Astros 0 Black Macocco 1

[strosrays]

Re: Bogusevic

I don't pay enough attention, but was he expected to hit as well as he has now that he is playing?  I am surprised by him, maybe because he went pitcher-to-position player.  Not many guys do.  Usually it's a light-hitting position player with a good arm that is switched to pitcher.

[chuck]

This will add greatly to the mystery of your legacy.

I'm pretty mysterious around here if you want to know the truth. The locals will often stop what they're doing to watch me do whatever I'm doing. Especially at home. Hey Hector, take a gander at yon gringo with a machete! Wait, he's climbing up a tree? Oh, this'll be good!

I'm gratified to return the favor in my own small way. Every day I see them doing things that make me stop and ask (foolishly) What the FUCK are you doing? On two consecutive days recently I saw a fellow access a tall roof he was repairing by placing his ladder on the roof of an old Toyota. The next day I saw an unattended ladder leaning up against power cables squarely in between the nearest poles, basically at the nadir of the cables' droop. I assume the ladder was unattended because every guy who'd been sent up there was electrocuted.

[Mr. Happy]

Re: Bogusevic

I don't pay enough attention, but was he expected to hit as well as he has now that he is playing?  I am surprised by him, maybe because he went pitcher-to-position player.  Not many guys do.  Usually it's a light-hitting position player with a good arm that is switched to pitcher.

Bogusevic hit fairly well at Tulane. He played in the field when he wasn't pitching.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

The Sea and the Hills by Rudyard Kipling

Who hath desired the Sea? — the sight of salt water unbounded –
The heave and the halt and the hurl and the crash of the comber wind-hounded?
The sleek-barrelled swell before storm, grey, foamless, enormous, and growing –
Stark calm on the lap of the Line or the crazy-eyed hurricane blowing –
His Sea in no showing the same his Sea and the same ‘neath each showing:
His Sea as she slackens or thrills?
So and no otherwise — so and no otherwise — hillmen desire their Hills!

Who hath desired the Sea? — the immense and contemptuous surges?
The shudder, the stumble, the swerve, as the star-stabbing bow-sprit emerges?
The orderly clouds of the Trades, the ridged, roaring sapphire thereunder –
Unheralded cliff-haunting flaws and the headsail’s low-volleying thunder –
His Sea in no wonder the same his Sea and the same through each wonder:
His Sea as she rages or stills?
So and no otherwise — so and no otherwise — hillmen desire their Hills.

Who hath desired the Sea? Her menaces swift as her mercies?
The in-rolling walls of the fog and the silver-winged breeze that disperses?
The unstable mined berg going South and the calvings and groans that declare it –
White water half-guessed overside and the moon breaking timely to bare it –
His Sea as his fathers have dared — his Sea as his children shall dare it:
His Sea as she serves him or kills?
So and no otherwise — so and no otherwise — hillmen desire their Hills.

Who hath desired the Sea? Her excellent loneliness rather
Than forecourts of kings, and her outermost pits than the streets where men gather
Inland, among dust, under trees — inland where the slayer may slay him –
Inland, out of reach of her arms, and the bosom whereon he must lay him
His Sea from the first that betrayed — at the last that shall never betray him:
His Sea that his being fulfils?
So and no otherwise — so and no otherwise — hillmen desire their Hills.

[Lurch]

Will JD say Ozzie Smith?

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

- Pirates fifth.
- Paul flied out to center fielder Schafer.
- Cedeno doubled to left.
- McKenry popped out to first baseman Ca.Lee.
- Morton grounded out, third baseman Paredes to first baseman Ca.Lee.

[BudGirl]

I think he's going to go with Mike Piazzo

[chuck]

Fuck yeah.

[Ron Brand]

Altuve!

[BudGirl]

Altuve, out of the park HR.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Altuve!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[strosrays]

Man, the Pirates are getting fucked by the Crawford seats this series.

[Lurch]

First pitch, of course

[chuck]

When OSF gets home and sees that he's going to do the P Diddy flash mob dance.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

- Schafer struck out.
- Altuve homered to left on a 0-0 count.
- J.Martinez struck out.
- Lee singled to LF.

[strosrays]

The 1970 Big Red Machine had Woody Woodward and Darrel Chanet at SS.

And Mickey Stanley was the SS for the 68 Tigers in the WS to get Kaline-Northrup-W Horton in the OF.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Carlos advances to second on a wild-pitch then Bogey strikes out.

End of 5 tied 1 all

[Mr. Happy]

The 1970 Big Red Machine had Woody Woodward and Darrel Chanet at SS.

And Mickey Stanley was the SS for the 68 Tigers in the WS to get Kaline-Northrup-W Horton in the OF.

It was a good thing to do since Ray Oyler hit .135 in over 200 ABs at SS for the Tigers, who left him unprotected in the 1969 expansion draft and he was selected by the Seattle Pilots.

[Mr. Happy]

Another hanging snake. Good play by Schafer.

[strosrays]

It was a good thing to do since Ray Oyler hit .135 in over 200 ABs at SS for the Tigers, who left him unprotected in the 1969 expansion draft and he was selected by the Seattle Pilots.

Yeah, Oyler and Dick Tracewski and Tommy Matchick all played SS during the regular season, and none of them could hit.  The 3B, Don Wert, also a slick fielder, hit exactly .200 with maybe 10 HRs, in close to 500 ABs

[Ron Brand]

It was a good thing to do since Ray Oyler hit .135 in over 200 ABs at SS for the Tigers, who left him unprotected in the 1969 expansion draft and he was selected by the Seattle Pilots.

Which unbelievably led to two years in the wilderness with Tom Tresh and Cesar Gutierrez until they found Ed Brinkman in a trade for some guy...

[Mr. Happy]

Yeah, Oyler and Dick Tracewski and Tommy Matchick all played SS during the regular season, and none of them could hit.  The 3B, Don Wert, also a slick fielder, hit exactly .200 with maybe 10 HRs, in close to 500 ABs

And Dick McAuliffe, the second sacker, was a feast or famine hitter who had one of his better seasons at the plate during the year of the pitcher. What a starting pitching staff-McLain and Lolich.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

- Pirates sixth.
- Presley grounded out, second baseman Altuve to first baseman Ca.Lee.
- J.Harrison flied out to center fielder Schafer.
- Walker Ks

[Ron Brand]

I remember that we were able to watch some of that Series in elementary school, they brought out the black and white TVs on those tall carts, put them right in the class room because this was America's Game and it was what you did. It was so cool then, everywhere you went the game was on somebody's radio or somebody's TV. You could walk down a street and follow the game.

[Jacksonian]

Re: Bogusevic

I don't pay enough attention, but was he expected to hit as well as he has now that he is playing?  I am surprised by him, maybe because he went pitcher-to-position player.  Not many guys do.  Usually it's a light-hitting position player with a good arm that is switched to pitcher.

When he was drafted he was considered a 1st round caliber talent as both a pitcher and position player.  The Astros would have been justified drafting him where they did as a right fielder.

[strosrays]

Tresh could do everything offensively but hit for average, but his BAs were exceptionally low, even for that era.

Cesar Gutierrez they got from SF, I think.  He couldn't hit at all, but is co-holder of the record for base hits in a nine-inning game.  He went 7-for-7 one magical night.

Of course, Brinkman couldn't hit, either.  Didn't he and Aurelio Rodriguez come from Wash. in exchange for McLain?  I could be mixing together a couple of different trades in my head.

[Ron Brand]

Tresh could do everything offensively but hit for average, but his BAs were exceptionally low, even for that era.

Cesar Gutierrez they got from SF, I think.  He couldn't hit at all, but is co-holder of the record for base hits in a nine-inning game.  He went 7-for-7 one magical night.

Of course, Brinkman couldn't hit, either.  Didn't he and Aurelio Rodriguez come from Wash. in exchange for McLain?  I could be mixing together a couple of different trades in my head.

I know they got Joe Coleman in that trade. Not sure about Rodriguez, but it was right about that time.

[Ron Brand]

I know they got Joe Coleman in that trade. Not sure about Rodriguez, but it was right about that time.

Yep, same trade. Ed Brinkman, Joe Coleman and Jim Hannan to the Tigers for Elliott Maddox, Denny McLain, Norm McRae and Don Wert.

[BudGirl]

2nd IBB for Corporan.

lots of moves now.

[Ron Brand]

Downs!

[BudGirl]

Downs!!

[strosrays]

And Dick McAuliffe, the second sacker, was a feast or famine hitter who had one of his better seasons at the plate during the year of the pitcher. What a starting pitching staff-McLain and Lolich.

I am going to defend McAuliffe a little.  He should probably have been platooned, but he was a good hitting 2B in an era when there weren't many.  He had power and plate discipline, though he didn't usually hit for a high average.  He hit leadoff year after year on good teams at least partly because of his high OBPs (again, for the era.)  1968 was one of his better years, though.

He also had one of the coolest stances ever.  Kind of similar to Craig Counsell, but much more pronounced.

Also, don't forget Earl Wilson in that rotation.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

- Astros sixth.
- Paredes singled to right.
- On balk by Morton, Paredes to second.
- Barmes grounded out, third baseman J.Harrison to first baseman G.Jones.
- Paredes stole third.
- Corporan was intentionally walked.
- M.Downs pinch-hitting for Sosa.
- M.Downs singled to left, Paredes scored, Corporan to second.

[Mr. Happy]

Millsie ate Hurdle's lunch on that move. Sosa has never gone more than six innings in the bigs. How could he not know that there'd be a pinchhitter.

[Ron Brand]

I am going to defend McAuliffe a little.  He should probably have been platooned, but he was a good hitting 2B in an era when there weren't many.  He had power and plate discipline, though he didn't usually hit for a high average.  He hit leadoff year after year on good teams at least partly because of his high OBPs (again, for the era.)  1968 was one of his better years, though.

He also had one of the coolest stances ever.  Kind of similar to Craig Counsell, but much more pronounced.

20+ HR a season from a 2B was just about unheard of then.

[Ron Brand]

Schafer might end up sucking, but he's been much, much better than I'd expected so far.

[BudGirl]

altuve, bases loaded single.

he's so awesome.

[OregonStrosFan]

Altuve, out of the park HR.

Sorry I missed that one.  Glad I caught the Downs RBI though!

[BudGirl]

Schafer might end up sucking, but he's been much, much better than I'd expected so far.

that's the way to be optimistic.

[BudGirl]

Sorry I missed that one.  Glad I caught the Downs RBI though!

It was amazing.  The most awesome homerun ever hit.

[OregonStrosFan]

And now THE Altuve RBI single!

[Lurch]

altuve, bases loaded single.

he's so awesome.

First pitch

[strosrays]

20+ HR a season from a 2B was just about unheard of then.

A guy with similar skills from the right side was Mike Andrews in Boston.  Also underrated I think, because he usually hit .270 instead of .300.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

- Leroux pitching.
- Schafer singled to center, Corporan to third, M.Downs to second.
- Altuve singled to center, Corporan scored, M.Downs to third, Schafer to second.

[Ron Brand]

that's the way to be optimistic.

Shit, I've seen enough to know not to predict the future on 20-odd games. We'll just see how this turns out.

[Mr. Happy]

I am going to defend McAuliffe a little.  He should probably have been platooned, but he was a good hitting 2B in an era when there weren't many.  He had power and plate discipline, though he didn't usually hit for a high average.  He hit leadoff year after year on good teams at least partly because of his high OBPs (again, for the era.)  1968 was one of his better years, though.

He also had one of the coolest stances ever.  Kind of similar to Craig Counsell, but much more pronounced.

Also, don't forget Earl Wilson in that rotation.

McAuliffe had the most distinctive stance that I've ever seen.

[OregonStrosFan]

It was amazing.  The most awesome homerun ever hit.

Dunno. His first one was pretty awesome!

What? Foul? Okay, maybe.

FWIW, I'll go back and watch the replay of the Altuve HR...

[strosrays]

The Pirates look so old.

[Lurch]

Schafer is a speedy dude

[OregonStrosFan]

And the JD Martinez 2-RBI single...

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

The man is an RBI machine.

[austro]

Lots of balls right up the middle tonight. I like to see that.

[BudGirl]

Shit, I've seen enough to know not to predict the future on 20-odd games. We'll just see how this turns out.

I feel as though I have to be optimistic about him because of the fact that Bourn was involved.  And we all know how I feel about Bourn.

[Ron Brand]

Shit, I've seen enough to know not to predict the future on 20-odd games. We'll just see how this turns out.

Besides, the minute I praise him as the Second Coming of Bourn, he'll tear up his knee or something. I'll just say that he's been better than I expected him to be and that's a real bonus.

[Mr. Happy]

The Pirates look so old.

Well played, sir.

[Ron Brand]

McAuliffe had the most distinctive stance that I've ever seen.

I thought Yaz did.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

- J.Martinez singled to center, M.Downs scored, Schafer scored, Altuve to second.

[BudGirl]

lee was going to get that hit.  i like it.

[Mr. Happy]

I thought Yaz did.

I don't see how McAuliffe got around on the ball. The most open stance I've ever seen. I used to imitate it as a kid.

[OregonStrosFan]

And now the Carlos RBI single...

[strosrays]

I thought Yaz did.

Yaz held the bat really high, but McAuliffe did it while basically facing the pitcher squarely.  The only guy I've seen close to being that open was that Batista guy with Mets in the 1990s, a 3B who hit a lot of homers for awhile (from the right side.)  But even he wasn't as open as McAuliffe.

[Ron Brand]

I don't see how McAuliffe got around on the ball. The most open stance I've ever seen. I used to imitate it as a kid.

And if I'm remembering correctly, he didn't square his stance up with the pitcher's motion, he stayed open and hit the hell out of the ball.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

- Ca.Lee singled to right, Altuve scored, J.Martinez to third.

[Lurch]

Lots of balls right up the middle tonight. I like to see that.

TWSS

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Bogey lines out to third for the second out.

[Lurch]

Wheeeeeeeeeeee!

[Ron Brand]

Boy, this has turned into a regular chain-whipping.

[BudGirl]

nice hit jimmy

[Lurch]

That was a nice swing for Jimmy P

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Paredes with an opposite field double to score Martinez, Lee to third, 7 - 1 Astros.

[OregonStrosFan]

And now the Paredes RBI double...

[strosrays]

And if I'm remembering correctly, he didn't square his stance up with the pitcher's motion, he stayed open and hit the hell out of the ball.

He squared up and like Yaz brought the bat down once he started his swing.  And had a huge front leg kick, a la Biggio.

[OregonStrosFan]

Watching that off Barmes bat, I thought he'd gotten hold of one for a second there...  Not a bad inning though, not bad at all!!!

[Lurch]

Gus Johnson is calling big XII games?!?

[Mr. Happy]

And if I'm remembering correctly, he didn't square his stance up with the pitcher's motion, he stayed open and hit the hell out of the ball.

That's right. But it was like I said: he was feast or famine.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Barmes flies out to LF and makes his second out of the inning to end the inning, 7 - 1 Astros in front.

[Lefty]

I thought Yaz did.

Julio Franco?

[Mr. Happy]

Julio Franco?

Even more pronounced than Franco. McAuliffe was one of a kind in batting stances.

[strosrays]

That's right. But it was like I said: he was feast or famine.

He held his hands apart on the bat, too, IIRC.  He was a consistent .250/.350/.400 guy playing middle infield in an extreme pitcher's era.

[Mr. Happy]

What a nice slide piece by Wright to finish off Walker. I like the way that Wright is using his fastball more. Few things aggravate me more than the so-called lefty specialist who almost solely relies on that sweeper as his out pitch. Throw some gas.

[Lefty]

Even more pronounced than Franco. McAuliffe was one of a kind in batting stances.

Before my time, would love to see a pic.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

- Pirates seventh.
- W.Wright pitching.
- A.McCutchen grounded out, shortstop Barmes (flashing the leather), to first baseman Ca.Lee.
- G.Jones struck out.
- Paul grounded out, shortstop Barmes to first baseman Ca.Lee

[Mr. Happy]

He held his hands apart on the bat, too, IIRC.  He was a consistent .250/.350/.400 guy playing middle infield in an extreme pitcher's era.

Yep, he split the old hands too.

[Mr. Happy]

Hard to believe that Corporan has been given two intentional passes, the second one was a dumbass move by Hurdle. I'd have pitched to Corporan the second time through.

[Ron Brand]

Before my time, would love to see a pic.

Surprisingly, not that much out there.

One

Another one

[Mr. Happy]

Surprisingly, not that much out there.

One

Another one

I had those cards back in the day.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Astros seventh.
- Corporan singled to left.
- Michaels pinch-hitting for W.Wright.
- Michaels flied out to center fielder A.McCutchen.
- Schafer walked, Corporan to second.
- Altuve flied out to center fielder A.McCutchen, Corporan to third
- RBI Machine infield single to first, Corporan scored, Schafer to second.

[Ron Brand]

I had those cards back in the day.

I still have those cards. Mrs. Brand is not a big fan of that.

[Mr. Happy]

I still have those cards. Mrs. Brand is not a big fan of that.

If that's your worst habit, then she should consider herself lucky. She could have been married to me back in my active addiction.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Try this. Scroll down. McAuliffe at bat.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

- Pirates eighth.
- Myers pitching.
- Cedeno singled to center.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

- McKenry struck out.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

- Wood popped up to second for out number 2.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

- Presley struck out.

Nice work by Myers.

[Ron Brand]

If that's your worst habit, then she should consider herself lucky. She could have been married to me back in my active addiction.

Well, it's the worst habit that occupies a big trunk and several drawers and shelves in the house. Few drug issues here though, despite my past acquaintances.

[OregonStrosFan]

Well, it's the worst habit that occupies a big trunk and several drawers and shelves in the house. Few drug issues here though, despite my past acquaintances.

And your current internet acquaintances...

[strosrays]

Try this. Scroll down. McAuliffe at bat.

That's him once he started his swing.  You can see the big leg kick.  The baseball card photos were posed and don't quite capture it, either.  RB is right, a picture of him in his actual stance before he starts the swing is hard to find.

I thought I was the only one who kept all my childhood card collection.

[Mr. Happy]

- Presley struck out.

Nice work by Myers.

One of the better innings for Myers this season.

[Ron Brand]

I thought I was the only one who kept all my childhood card collection.

I wish I'd kept all of them. Just like everybody else, my mother threw out ALL of my football cards - those Jim Browns, Y.A. Tittles, Joe Namath rookie cards, those full freaking sets of AFL cards. As for baseball, I had hundreds of thousands of them. I was a maniac. Now I'm down to a few thousand, maybe 20K or so. Stuck in a box.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Myers in for the 9th.

[Mr. Happy]

Nice play by Barmes. I hope that we bring him back.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

I had kept all my cards and comic books for about 20 years, then lost them all in a basement flood. Ruined 'em all, it was close to heartbreaking. I had a lot of valuable stuff.

[Mr. Happy]

I had kept all my cards and comic books for about 20 years, then lost them all in a basement flood. Ruined 'em all, it was close to heartbreaking. I had a lot of valuable stuff.

What a shame. Same thing happened to my album collection, and I had some pretty rare albums too.

[Mr. Happy]

McCutcheon is a five tool player.

[strosrays]

I wish I'd kept all of them. Just like everybody else, my mother threw out ALL of my football cards - those Jim Browns, Y.A. Tittles, Joe Namath rookie cards, those full freaking sets of AFL cards. As for baseball, I had hundreds of thousands of them. I was a maniac. Now I'm down to a few thousand, maybe 20K or so. Stuck in a box.

I don't have nearly that many.  I only collected seriously for 3-4 years, from ages 9-12 or so, and that is what I have.  I have almost all of 1968, probably 80% of 1970, 75% of 1971.  It wasn't until a few years ago I realized I have the complete Topps 1969 set.  That was one year I really got into it.  The funky 1971 cards were the last year I was serious, that;s when my testicles descended or something kicked in, I gave up cards for other pursuits.  My football cards, from roughly the same years, are spottier.

[Mr. Happy]

Astros win big.

[Ron Brand]

I love it when the Astros win.

[JaneDoe]

Nice, JD.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Ballgame! Good Guys keelhaul the skallywags.

[Lurch]

Nice win for Sosa

[strosrays]

What a shame. Same thing happened to my album collection, and I had some pretty rare albums too.

I have roughly 1800 LPs, another 200 or so EPs, 12" singles, etc.

[Ron Brand]

I don't have nearly that many.  I only collected seriously for 3-4 years, from ages 9-12 or so, and that is what I have.  I have almost all of 1968, probably 80% of 1970, 75% of 1971.  It wasn't until a few years ago I realized I have the complete Topps 1969 set.  That was one year I really got into it.  The funky 1971 cards were the last year I was serious, that;s when my testicles descended or something kicked in, I gave up cards for other pursuits.  My football cards, from roughly the same years, are spottier.

I'm not sure how some of that happened. I guess there were some friends with older brothers or something, because I had lots of cards going back to 1957 and I didn't start collecting until 1965. We traded a bunch, bought new ones, and many of us were voracious about it. I think my earliest complete set now is probably 1978 but I've got 75% or better of '68-77 and then a lot of 1957-67 with a sprinkling of older cards from 1940-54. I pretty much stopped in the mid 80s, I used to buy sets but it just got stupid. Nowadays I'll buy a pack or two of some design that I like, some vintage reprint thing or whatever.

[Ron Brand]

Altuve is hilarious in the postgame.

"Yah, lahkasaid..."

[Lurch]

Altuve is hilarious in the postgame.

"Yah, lahkasaid..."

And it's usually not something he'd yet said

[Ron Brand]

And it's usually not something he'd yet said

Or something the interviewer had said.

[Lurch]

Or something the interviewer had said.

Lucas is usually pretty accommodating.  He did a pre game with Sosa before his last start and appeared about halfway through to just stop trying to understand the responses he was getting.

[BatGirl]

another nice win

chuck - when i hear flashmob i think of this:
http://youtu.be/vI5P_0L1nCQ

and who keeps saying yaz? strosrays?
welcome to my inner soundtrack:
http://youtu.be/FaHuzkyurC0

[JimR]

That's him once he started his swing.  You can see the big leg kick.  The baseball card photos were posed and don't quite capture it, either.  RB is right, a picture of him in his actual stance before he starts the swing is hard to find.

I thought I was the only one who kept all my childhood card collection.

nope. i have all of mine. my fave is the Connie Mack rookie card.

[VirtualBob]

It was a good thing to do since Ray Oyler hit .135 in over 200 ABs at SS for the Tigers, who left him unprotected in the 1969 expansion draft and he was selected by the Seattle Pilots.

Ray Oyler was my hero ... something about setting a low bar I guess.  Of course, I hit only a little better than .135 in Little League.

[VirtualBob]

/snip/

Also, don't forget Earl Wilson in that rotation.

He was also one of the better hitters on the team.

[Mr. Happy]

Ray Oyler was my hero ... something about setting a low bar I guess.  Of course, I hit only a little better than .135 in Little League.

My hero was Jim Bouton, so I can empathize with you.

[VirtualBob]

my testicles descended or something kicked in, I gave up cards for other pursuits.  My football cards, from roughly the same years, are spottier.

NTTAWWT