Update on that online petition

[Ron Brand]

Just got an email from the guy who created that online petition at SaveOurStros.org.

ETA: After news has come to light, I've edited the quote. The main concept is unchanged.

Now on to the bad news, it appears as though MLB does in fact intend to move the Astros, and I heard via twitter that part of the reason why the talks have progressed as far as they have is because they have heard no backlash from fans.

I had no idea it was a serious reality. But, because it was mentioned (in passing) in articles, we should've come out then.

Well, we missed that opportunity, but let's not miss our last. I figure we have a week or a week and a half to dial up the volume. As I write this, the petition is ridiculously short of it's goal. We're not even to the average attendance at an Astros game last year. So, I am asking you to please get everyone you know involved. If we don't get at least 20-50,000 signatures, then we are proving their point.

[JimR]

signed now

[S.P. Rodriguez]

You mean everyone did not object to the move that all parties denied?

[Limey]

You mean everyone did not object to the move that all parties denied?

Ding fucking Ding

[Ron Brand]

I expect you all to bring that shit up in your emails to the principals.

[Reuben]

Anybody have a (quick) way to contact Crane? He's the one person who can decide not to let this happen. We pretty much know Selig's not going to change his mind, but he needs Crane's permission.

[Limey]

Due to the closed registration here, Alyson has asked me to post the following message in response to her being referenced by saveourstros:

That is totally and completely false. I in no way have indicated to ANYONE that the talks to move the Astros to the AL were moved quicker because the Astros and MLB didn't hear any dissension from fans. I have absolutely no idea if MLB is paying attention to the fan backlash. I made one benign comment to someone I talk with regularly on Twitter that I was surprised that not more was done in the early going, when it was reported that MLB and the other 29 teams wanted the Astros to move. That is all. I, personally, was surprised that the fan base appeared to stay relatively quiet on the issue until more recently.

I have nothing to do with this, I do not know how it will end but I have to say I do not appreciate having inaccurate and false statements being made on my behalf. If you have a question that you would like for me to answer directly, please email me at [email protected]. I have already informed saveourstros that I do not appreciate what was said on my behalf. Thanks for listening. Alyson

[Ron Brand]

Well, that's disappointing. I hope this guy didn't cause trouble for Alyson and whereas I think his goal is well-intentioned, I hope I didn't cause her any problems by posting part of his email here.

[Ron Brand]

I edited the quote in my original post.

[Noe]

Patently false information.  The Astros were the ones with a change in ownership and that gave leverage to the MLB to make a move that would put more money in the bank for owners.  Fan apathy?  Gimme a break.

[Waldo]

Just got this e-mail from the SaveOurStros guy and he wanted me to post it here:

It has come to my attention that I wrote an email and misattributed something to Ms. Footer, and want to clarify. She NEVER said AL talks have progressed b/c of lack of fan backlash. What she said was that she was surprised that there hasn't been more fan feedback, as this has been rumored for a few months.

Please know that the statement made in my email was false, and I take full responsibility for my mistake. I sincerely apologize to my fellow supporters, and more importantly to Ms. Footer.

Joel ([email protected])

[Ebby Calvin]

I expect a re-post of an email from Crane next.  Noe, you're up.

[Fredia]

wow this sight has power and followers..

[jbm]

If reporters want fan reactions, give them facts to react to.  Almost everyone covering the team failed miserably on this story.  Footer included.  For anyone in the press to call out the fans before they call out themselves is embarrassing.

[Ron Brand]

If reporters want fan reactions, give them facts to react to.  Almost everyone covering the team failed miserably on this story.  Footer included.  For anyone in the press to call out the fans before they call out themselves is embarrassing.

This story isn't Footer's job. It is the Chron's and local TV and they failed.

[drew corleone]

I don't think fan backlash will matter one iota.

That, said, I signed the petition and emailed everyone AC suggested.

I'll organize a damn march if there's any chance it would help.

Fuck this. it makes me sick to think about. I know there are bigger injustices in the world, but still...

[DVauthrin]

Signed by me. 

[PCOL2000]

Signed.

[Ty in Tampa]

I just can't bring myself to be outraged over what amounts to a series of rumors.

Signed.

[homer]

Due to the closed registration here, Alyson has asked me to post the following message in response to her being referenced by saveourstros:

Fuckhouse has an account here.

[Andyzipp]

Fuckhouse has an account here.

doesnt mean she remembers what it is...

[Jose Cruz III]

Fuckhouse has an account here.

She posts incognito under the name of Fredia.

[Mike S.]

Just got an email from the guy who created that online petition at SaveOurStros.org.

ETA: After news has come to light, I've edited the quote. The main concept is unchanged.

I signed as soon as I heard about the petition.  Even brought it up in person with a friend from Houston who's also an Astros fan.  His response, "Who the fuck cares? The Astros suck right now."  Sadly, I fear that's a feeling shared by many (bandwagon) fans.

[VirtualBob]

I signed as soon as I heard about the petition.  Even brought it up in person with a friend from Houston who's also an Astros fan.  His response, "Who the fuck cares? The Astros suck right now."  Sadly, I fear that's a feeling shared by many (bandwagon) fans.

I signed too and now I am regularly getting spam from the petition site on all kinds of bleeding heart liberal nonsense.  Grrr.

[Ron Brand]

I signed too and now I am regularly getting spam from the petition site on all kinds of bleeding heart liberal nonsense.  Grrr.

I wonder why I'm not. I have only received two emails and both of them were about the SaveOurStros thing specifically.

[Waldo]

I wonder why I'm not. I have only received two emails and both of them were about the SaveOurStros thing specifically.

Got something about a petition for some death row inmate yesterday morning.  Appears to be a weekly newsletter where they highlight one of the petitions on their site.  Don't remember agreeing to receive it but whatever.

[Ron Brand]

I'm not getting any of that stuff. That would piss me off though. Sorry to hear that it's going on.

[Ebby Calvin]

Got something about a petition for some death row inmate yesterday morning.  Appears to be a weekly newsletter where they highlight one of the petitions on their site.  Don't remember agreeing to receive it but whatever.

Got the same death row email, too.

[S.P. Rodriguez]

So... realize this is somewhat blasphemous but, if Astros move to AL, I think I'm going to support the Dodgers.  I will now prepare for my punishment.

[Ron Brand]

So... realize this is somewhat blasphemous but, if Astros move to AL, I think I'm going to support the Dodgers.  I will now prepare for my punishment.

If your fandom runs that thin you shouldn't be here. After the Rulu, of course.

[S.P. Rodriguez]

If your fandom runs that thin you shouldn't be here. After the Rulu, of course.

All I can say is that I am finding it nearly impossible to resign myself to supporting an AL Astros team.  I just cannot do it.  I started thinking about teams that I followed as a kid.  The Cardinals (Ozzie Smith), the Pirates, and the Dodgers.  Given the divisional rivalry with the Cards and Pirates, I cannot embrace either team.  I think, with new ownership, I could follow the Dodgers.  The Marlins are a possibility as well. 

You are welcome to your opinion, but it's this or forgetting Major League baseball all together.  I am going with the lesser of two evils, at this point.  I did it with the NFL when the Oilers left, rather than jump on the Cowboys bandwagon.  I also didn't follow the Texans closely until the last 2-3 years, as a result. 

[BizidyDizidy]

All I can say is that I am finding it nearly impossible to resign myself to supporting an AL Astros team.  I just cannot do it.  I started thinking about teams that I followed as a kid.  The Cardinals (Ozzie Smith), the Pirates, and the Dodgers.  Given the divisional rivalry with the Cards and Pirates, I cannot embrace either team.  I think, with new ownership, I could follow the Dodgers.  The Marlins are a possibility as well. 

You are welcome to your opinion, but it's this or forgetting Major League baseball all together.  I am going with the lesser of two evils, at this point.  I did it with the NFL when the Oilers left, rather than jump on the Cowboys bandwagon.  I also didn't follow the Texans closely until the last 2-3 years, as a result. 

Gotcha - so you will become an astros fan when they are good (or trick you into thinking they could be good) again.

[headhunter]

All I can say is that I am finding it nearly impossible to resign myself to supporting an AL Astros team.  I just cannot do it.  I started thinking about teams that I followed as a kid.  The Cardinals (Ozzie Smith), the Pirates, and the Dodgers.  Given the divisional rivalry with the Cards and Pirates, I cannot embrace either team.  I think, with new ownership, I could follow the Dodgers.  The Marlins are a possibility as well. 

You are welcome to your opinion, but it's this or forgetting Major League baseball all together.  I am going with the lesser of two evils, at this point.  I did it with the NFL when the Oilers left, rather than jump on the Cowboys bandwagon.  I also didn't follow the Texans closely until the last 2-3 years, as a result. 

no harm done s.p. I didn't become a baseball fan until I moved to Houston and started following the Astros . So for me they are my baseball first and only love. I also get how people who are NL purists might jump ship too. NL baseball is better and obvious to any but the most casual of fans. But I live in Houston again so for me Houston is the home team too. Gotta root for the home team, even if it is AL.

[Ron Brand]

All I can say is that I am finding it nearly impossible to resign myself to supporting an AL Astros team.  I just cannot do it.  I started thinking about teams that I followed as a kid.  The Cardinals (Ozzie Smith), the Pirates, and the Dodgers.  Given the divisional rivalry with the Cards and Pirates, I cannot embrace either team.  I think, with new ownership, I could follow the Dodgers.  The Marlins are a possibility as well. 

I understand being disillusioned. But the Dodgers? The Dodgers? Shit, man, why not the Cubs? They have a new regime too.

You must not have been an Astro fan before the NL Central.

You are welcome to your opinion, but it's this or forgetting Major League baseball all together.  I am going with the lesser of two evils, at this point.  I did it with the NFL when the Oilers left, rather than jump on the Cowboys bandwagon.  I also didn't follow the Texans closely until the last 2-3 years, as a result. 

Like I said, I understand disillusion. More than anything else, the Oilers moving killed the NFL for me. I tried with the Texans but I never found any footing with them. Not living in Houston, and growing up as a Packer fan because they stuck it to the Cowboys, I lost touch with pro football and now I'm so lost I doubt I'll ever get it back. Sometimes I regret it a little, but football was always so secondary to baseball for me. I don't know how you could even consider giving up on MLB. I'll be drooling over my Street and Smith's just before I end the show, I'm sure.

[Clark in Denver]

To me, moving the Astros to the AL is a lot like Bud taking the Oilers to Tennessee. It is a complete disregard for the fans that have supported the team over the years. As a result, I will probably choose not to follow them any more.

I won't begrudge anyone who follows another team (except the Cubs) or gives up on MLB entirely as a result.

[Ron Brand]

To me, moving the Astros to the AL is a lot like Bud taking the Oilers to Tennessee. It is a complete disregard for the fans that have supported the team over the years. As a result, I will probably choose not to follow them any more.

I won't begrudge anyone who follows another team (except the Cubs) or gives up on MLB entirely as a result.

Hey, it'll suck hard but they'll still be in Houston. They won't be in North Carolina, and you won't have to go to Dallas to see a game in Texas.

[S.P. Rodriguez]

Gotcha - so you will become an astros fan when they are good (or trick you into thinking they could be good) again.

When did the Texans become good?  Mediocre, sure.  But good? 

I realize you are taking my statements to mean I am a front-runner.  A band-wagon fan.  That is your opinion (which means little to me) and you are entitled to it.  However, it was more about being a die-hard Oiler fan, when it wasn't cool, having the team leave at the discretion of an owner who whiped his ass with the City of Houston, and a league that allowed it.  The only exit which compares was the original Browns moving to Baltimore (not to mention the story behind the Ravens moniker).   

I was eager to support the Texans from the start... I just couldn't put my heart into it for a long time.  I could not dedicate my Sunday afternoon, rain or shine, to watching their games.  Question my motives all you want.  I don't. 

[S.P. Rodriguez]

I understand being disillusioned. But the Dodgers? The Dodgers? Shit, man, why not the Cubs? They have a new regime too.

You must not have been an Astro fan before the NL Central.

Like I said, I understand disillusion. More than anything else, the Oilers moving killed the NFL for me. I tried with the Texans but I never found any footing with them. Not living in Houston, and growing up as a Packer fan because they stuck it to the Cowboys, I lost touch with pro football and now I'm so lost I doubt I'll ever get it back. Sometimes I regret it a little, but football was always so secondary to baseball for me. I don't know how you could even consider giving up on MLB. I'll be drooling over my Street and Smith's just before I end the show, I'm sure.

I know... old NL West rivals.  All I can offer is that this rivalry is so far in the past, it was the lesser evil of the three options I had so far.  I don't want to turn all Kardashian about it and put it up for a vote.  The two expansion teams in the NL are still in the running, I suppose.  But that felt a little too easy. 

As for the NFL and the slow to embrace response to the Texans, you nailed it.  If anything has turned it around for me, based on performance, is the running game.  Tate is a beast and I think he and Foster are going to be fun to watch for a few more years.  Do I think they are going to the Super Bowl?  Uh.. no.  Not until they clean up that secondary.   

[Ron Brand]

I don't want to turn all Kardashian about it and put it up for a vote. 

You can't put it up for a vote. Following your feelings is the only way to go.

[S.P. Rodriguez]

Hey, it'll suck hard but they'll still be in Houston. They won't be in North Carolina, and you won't have to go to Dallas to see a game in Texas.

My only point of reference was a failed attempt to embrace the Rangers while living in Dallas.  It failed badly.... What they consider good baseball, I compared to the WWE.  Since then, Nolan has brought some legitimacy to that organization.  And I suspect, if he had his way, they would have far better pitching.  My fear, now, is that he will succeed in that goal, along with the improved defense of the Rangers.  If that happens, the only thing that will keep the Rangers out of next year's World Series is the health of key players (Hamilton, Cruz, Andrus, and Kinsler).  They could use an upgrade, defensively, at 1B, but I don't think it's as pressing as better pitching depth.  Damnit, now I sound like a Rangers fan....

[JimR]

If your fandom runs that thin you shouldn't be here. After the Rulu, of course.

are you talking to me? i do not know who my team will be, but it is not likely to be an AL team.

[Ron Brand]

My only point of reference was a failed attempt to embrace the Rangers while living in Dallas.  It failed badly.... What they consider good baseball, I compared to the WWE.  Since then, Nolan has brought some legitimacy to that organization.  And I suspect, if he had his way, they would have far better pitching.  My fear, now, is that he will succeed in that goal, along with the improved defense of the Rangers.  If that happens, the only thing that will keep the Rangers out of next year's World Series is the health of key players (Hamilton, Cruz, Andrus, and Kinsler).  They could use an upgrade, defensively, at 1B, but I don't think it's as pressing as better pitching depth.  Damnit, now I sound like a Rangers fan....

Not gonna happen. They've shot their bolt. They won't repeat as AL champions. They're losing a good starter and replacing him with a question mark. They've got some brittle players who will break. They're going to try to make a starter out of a closer who has a pitch and a half, and put a gopher ball guy in his place. They're still going to be good, but they'll trend down from where they are and start the restocking churn. You read it here first.

[Ron Brand]

are you talking to me? i do not know who my team will be, but it is not likely to be an AL team.

Yeah, you old frontrunner you.

[austro]

You know, if the Dodgers are going to get sold, maybe we can bend their new owner over a barrel and make them go to the AL. It's not like they have much NL tradition to hold onto, after all.

[ValpoCory]

When it comes down to it, if a team is from Houston, I will root for them over any other team period.  I don't care if they're playing Tiddlywinks.   Hell, I'm ashamed to admit it, but after the Rockets won 2 Championships, I was so pro-Houston, I watched and rooted during WNBA Finals games.   It's more about home town pride than it is about what sport is being played.  But don't get me wrong, the sport being played still matters, but not to the degree that I would root for another team above Houston.

[Guinness]

not to the degree that I would root for another team above Houston.

This.  Gotta stick with the home team.

[roadrunner]

I'm not for the AL move, but I just can't fathom switching allegiances to an entirely new team.  This is the team I grew up with and the only team I know inside and out. 

Plus, how do you even successfully pull of switching teams?  I guess you go to dodgers.com and start learning about the history and players.  Then you go to the online store and purchase a cap.  Then you go buy tickets for next season?  That sounds so ridiculous. 

[BatGirl]

Plus, how do you even successfully pull of switching teams? 

michelle bachmann's husband would like a word with you

[headhunter]

Not gonna happen. They've shot their bolt. They won't repeat as AL champions. They're losing a good starter and replacing him with a question mark. They've got some brittle players who will break. They're going to try to make a starter out of a closer who has a pitch and a half, and put a gopher ball guy in his place. They're still going to be good, but they'll trend down from where they are and start the restocking churn. You read it here first.

Right now Arlington has my general indifference. BUT, if the Arlington sTrangers become the Astros main division rival then fuck them. Fuck them more than the cubs (i hate them because god wills it), cardinals (pure jealously, co-champion b.s.) , reds (for fucking up chili), mets (being from ny, postseason agony, beltran) and braves (to numerous to list).   I'll instantly hate them more than all the other teams rolled up into one because it is for the Rangers benefit that the Astros are being sucked into the inferior league. Ryan wants the Astros in his division so bad, fine. I hope Ryan chokes to death on the scraps of the Astros' dignity and tradition.

[Lurch]

1600 signatures.  Not sure that this is helping more than it hurts...

[S.P. Rodriguez]

I'm not for the AL move, but I just can't fathom switching allegiances to an entirely new team.  This is the team I grew up with and the only team I know inside and out. 

Plus, how do you even successfully pull of switching teams?  I guess you go to dodgers.com and start learning about the history and players.  Then you go to the online store and purchase a cap.  Then you go buy tickets for next season?  That sounds so ridiculous. 

There is one question I have for myself, which I have not been able to answer.  While I think I might switch to a NL team, will I care as much as I care about the Astros?  I don't think I can answer this until this whole mess comes to pass....

[Guinness]

michelle bachmann's husband would like a word with you

Bazinga!

[Ron Brand]

1600 signatures.  Not sure that this is helping more than it hurts...

This has needed a real campaign all along, but no one has stepped up to launch it. I'm really surprised at that.

[Guinness]

Right now Arlington has my general indifference. BUT, if the Arlington sTrangers become the Astros main division rival then fuck them. Fuck them more than the cubs (i hate them because god wills it), cardinals (pure jealously, co-champion b.s.) , reds (for fucking up chili), mets (being from ny, postseason agony, beltran) and braves (to numerous to list).   I'll instantly hate them more than all the other teams rolled up into one because it is for the Rangers benefit that the Astros are being sucked into the inferior league. Ryan wants the Astros in his division so bad, fine. I hope Ryan chokes to death on the scraps of the Astros' dignity and tradition.

You know, I've let go of the hate.  I love baseball, and pricks like Pujols etc aren't going to get in the way of me watching the game.  Moving to the AL isn't going to get in the way of me enjoying watching a rebuilding team move on to greatness.

[Bench]

are you talking to me? i do not know who my team will be, but it is not likely to be an AL team.

The Pirates have kept a light on for you.

[austro]

The Pirates have kept a light on for you.

Bullshit. That would cost money.

[Ebby Calvin]

This has needed a real campaign all along, but no one has stepped up to launch it. I'm really surprised at that.

I thought about writing a scathing Letter to the Editor addressed to Crane, Bud, Drayton, etc., but then I realized nobody reads the paper anymore.  And I don't do scathing very well.

[headhunter]

There is one question I have for myself, which I have not been able to answer.  While I think I might switch to a NL team, will I care as much as I care about the Astros?  I don't think I can answer this until this whole mess comes to pass....

in your thought experiment you left out hanging out with Dodger fans.

that new dodger hat may be a wise purchase--nice to have a barf bag handy should you need one.

[headhunter]

This has needed a real campaign all along, but no one has stepped up to launch it. I'm really surprised at that.

When has Selig ever acted like he gives even the tiniest of fucks if baseball lives or dies in Houston? From stadium roofs being opened or closed, playing in a six team division, giving great advice to his frenemy Drayton on signing players (i guess the grocer may have finally learned that bud may not have his best interests at heart) or moving a home game with pennant race implications to Milwaukee so I had to listen to that travesty through the static of a hand-crank emergency radio while oak trees writhed like teenaged x-ing ravers in the yard, bud selig has shitted on baseball in houston. Large or small petition, fucker's moving the team to the AL if he can. Crane the traitorous Whore (not a reference to his alleged war-profiteering but it may fit too) has all ready admitted that he can be bought (really, if Crane was looking for an out wouldn't he have demanded a larger discount?). Bastards are just working out the price.

I would sign it early and often if I thought the petition has any chance of an impact. I don't think it does. 

[Limey]

When has Selig ever acted like he gives even the tiniest of fucks if baseball lives or dies in Houston? From stadium roofs being opened or closed, playing in a six team division, giving great advice to his frenemy Drayton on signing players (i guess the grocer may have finally learned that bud may not have his best interests at heart) or moving a home game with pennant race implications to Milwaukee so I had to listen to that travesty through the static of a hand-crank emergency radio while oak trees writhed like teenaged x-ing ravers in the yard, bud selig has shitted on baseball in houston. Large or small petition, fucker's moving the team to the AL if he can. Crane the traitorous Whore (not a reference to his alleged war-profiteering but it may fit too) has all ready admitted that he can be bought (really, if Crane was looking for an out wouldn't he have demanded a larger discount?). Bastards are just working out the price.

I would sign it early and often if I thought the petition has any chance of an impact. I don't think it does. 

Right on, brother!!  @OccupyMMPUS

[headhunter]

Right on, brother!!  @OccupyMMPUS

regarding direct politcal action, I prefer to remain anonymous.

plus poison girl is a better place to pick up angry tattooed chicks if that's what your after.

anyway, I do have plans occupy mmpus!!!!:
In the spring, with my big fat ass, on opening day, drinking beer, unless I'm dead, AL or not. 

[S.P. Rodriguez]

in your thought experiment you left out hanging out with Dodger fans.

that new dodger hat may be a wise purchase--nice to have a barf bag handy should you need one.

This was... persuasive....  damnit....

[JaneDoe]

anyway, I do have plans occupy mmpus!!!!:
In the spring, with my big fat ass, on opening day, drinking beer, unless I'm dead, AL or not. 

Speaking of,  I will be willing to put together Opening Day again.  Who is thinking they would come?  Just checking to see if there is enough interest.....

[headhunter]

This was... persuasive....  damnit....

being a baseball fan involves suffering. even for yankee fan god fuck him. going to the Al is an abomination and a disaster, but why suffer for wrong team? I'll see you in the spring in your Astros hat, inshallah. maybe not next spring....but in some spring, yes.
 
one more thought experiment: Astros in postseason vs. yankees, first round of the AL playoffs and you don't watch? Astros win and you sullenly refuse to watch them play the Rangers because it's AL ball? FUCK.THAT.SHIT; you had me at "Astros in postseason."

[NeilT]

I'm not fond of the AL, but I got to baseball through the Astros and I'll still follow the Astros.  I will go to bed at 10 pm though.

[Ebby Calvin]

Speaking of,  I will be willing to put together Opening Day again.  Who is thinking they would come?  Just checking to see if there is enough interest.....

Yes, please.

[Ron Brand]

Speaking of,  I will be willing to put together Opening Day again.  Who is thinking they would come?  Just checking to see if there is enough interest.....

You know I'll be there.

[Ron Brand]

When has Selig ever acted like he gives even the tiniest of fucks if baseball lives or dies in Houston? From stadium roofs being opened or closed, playing in a six team division, giving great advice to his frenemy Drayton on signing players (i guess the grocer may have finally learned that bud may not have his best interests at heart) or moving a home game with pennant race implications to Milwaukee so I had to listen to that travesty through the static of a hand-crank emergency radio while oak trees writhed like teenaged x-ing ravers in the yard, bud selig has shitted on baseball in houston. Large or small petition, fucker's moving the team to the AL if he can. Crane the traitorous Whore (not a reference to his alleged war-profiteering but it may fit too) has all ready admitted that he can be bought (really, if Crane was looking for an out wouldn't he have demanded a larger discount?). Bastards are just working out the price.

I would sign it early and often if I thought the petition has any chance of an impact. I don't think it does. 

A campaign wouldn't be about convincing Selig of anything, although demonstrating a vocal opposition would be helpful. The point would be to convince ownership that it would have a significant impact on their investment and would create more ill will than they would be comfortable with taking on at the beginning of their term. Silence = tacit approval.

[headhunter]

Speaking of,  I will be willing to put together Opening Day again.  Who is thinking they would come?  Just checking to see if there is enough interest.....

I take my kids to the opening game. I have a feeling that hanging out with the SNS crowd with young children is a bad idea, even by my standards.

[JaneDoe]

I take my kids to the opening game. I have a feeling that hanging out with the SNS crowd with young children is a bad idea, even by my standards.

We have been pretty tame at the game, but I wouldn't bring them to Spanish Flowers or the Flying Saucer....

You could always drop by our section and say hi.

[headhunter]

A campaign wouldn't be about convincing Selig of anything, although demonstrating a vocal opposition would be helpful. The point would be to convince ownership that it would have a significant impact on their investment and would create more ill will than they would be comfortable with taking on at the beginning of their term. Silence = tacit approval.

Silence=I know you don't give a fuck what I think so I'm not going to pretend you do by signing a petition that you would only use to wipe your satanic, fetid ass.

Regarding ownerships' investment, having the worst team in baseball sell for over 600 million is good for the other 29 ownership groups. And as awful as it is, AL ball may be more popular in Texas than NL to the casual sports fan. Honestly, other than the hit to the television revenue, I don't know how much it hits the owners in the wallet. The novelty of having AL teams (boston, yankees) play at MMPUS may actually give a brief attendance boost. Anyway it could have a net gain to the owners collectively which is what Selig cares about. Also, how many fans are going to stop following MLB all together if the Astros go to the AL? Some, but a whole lot fewer than the number of those who sign the pointless petition. Glad to be dead wrong about this, of course.  

[Ron Brand]

Silence=I know you don't give a fuck what I think so I'm not going to pretend you do by signing a petition that you would only use to wipe your satanic, fetid ass.

Just to be very clear about this, I

a) don't have anything to do with this petition, I just passed it along

b) don't expect something as weak as an online petition to do anything at all, pro or con. It's nearly worthless.

c) have neither a satanic nor a fetid ass.

Regarding ownerships' investment, having the worst team in baseball sell for over 600 million is good for the other 29 ownership groups. And as awful as it is, AL ball may be more popular in Texas than NL to the casual sports fan. Honestly, other than the hit to the television revenue, I don't know how much it hits the owners in the wallet. The novelty of having AL teams (boston, yankees) play at MMPUS may actually give a brief attendance boost. Anyway it could have a net gain to the owners collectively which is what Selig cares about. Also, how many fans are going to stop following MLB all together if the Astros go to the AL? Some, but a whole lot fewer than the number of those who sign the pointless petition. Glad to be dead wrong about this, of course.  

All of this is moot because there is no hue and cry of opposition. Whether that is due to a lack of information is another question. I think a successful campaign could have been mounted to oppose the move but it didn't happen, and it's way too late to start one now.

[headhunter]

We have been pretty tame at the game, but I wouldn't bring them to Spanish Flowers or the Flying Saucer....

You could always drop by our section and say hi.

I will.
But I am warning my kids that the angry gentleman in the Pirate hat is telling daddy to "f- himself" because he mistakenly believes that I am the one who stole his pants, which I in fact did not do.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

What if it took 1,000,000 signatures and only 999,999 signed it?

[headhunter]

Just to be very clear about this, I

a) don't have anything to do with this petition, I just passed it along

b) don't expect something as weak as an online petition to do anything at all, pro or con. It's nearly worthless.

c) have neither a satanic nor a fetid ass.

All of this is moot because there is no hue and cry of opposition. Whether that is due to a lack of information is another question. I think a successful campaign could have been mounted to oppose the move but it didn't happen, and it's way too late to start one now.

I apologize. seriously, no sarcasm.
My statement is ambiguous. The "you" I meant is Selig, Crane, Mclane--specifically I was thinking of Selig. I did not intend the "you" to be the honorable Ron Brand. I see how you, Ron Brand, could easily misinterpret what I imprecisely wrote, but my rancor is not aimed at you or the people who sign the petition.

I share their outrage, but agree with you that it will not work. And I also think that you are right, if there had been opposition from the very beginning it might have worked. Another consequence of this terrible season is that many (most) casual Astros fans are completely uninterested with what is happening with the team.  

[Ron Brand]

I apologize. seriously, no sarcasm.
My statement is ambiguous. The "you" I meant is Selig, Crane, Mclane--specifically I was thinking of Selig. I did not intend the "you" to be the honorable Ron Brand. I see how you, Ron Brand, could easily misinterpret what I imprecisely wrote, but my rancor is not aimed at you or the people who sign the petition.

I share their outrage, but agree with you that it will not work. And I also think that you are right, if there had been opposition from the very beginning it might have worked. Another consequence of this terrible season is that many (most) casual Astros fans are completely uninterested with what is happening with the team.  

My ass is funky fresh.

[headhunter]

What if it took 1,000,000 signatures and only 999,999 signed it?

On appeal the Roberts' majority opinion would find that you had no standing to bring the issue before the court.

[headhunter]

My ass is funky fresh.

willing to trust you on that. no need to prove it. very sorry I inadvertently brought it up. 

[Ron Brand]

willing to trust you on that. no need to prove it. very sorry I inadvertently brought it up. 

Opening Day should be interesting.

[JimR]

We have been pretty tame at the game, but I wouldn't bring them to Spanish Flowers or the Flying Saucer....

You could always drop by our section and say hi.

i think we are tame at those places too.

[headhunter]

Opening Day should be interesting.

I was 10 when I first heard Science Officer Ash describe Kane's condition as, "interesting." I have been cautious in the presence of that adjective ever since. Interesting, indeed.  

[Ron Brand]

i think we are tame at those places too.

The gauntlet has been thrown down.

[JaneDoe]

i think we are tame at those places too.

I agree, but there was a more obvious use of alcohol that some may not want kids to see.  At MMPUS, you cant really see what is in the cup.

[EasTexAstro]

I take my kids to the opening game. I have a feeling that hanging out with the SNS crowd with young children is a bad idea, even by my standards.

What age kids are you talking about? Most of us have our alcohol in our IVs, and it is hard to understand us through our breathing tubes. Unless they are connected to us through iPhones, I'm not sure they would see anything more than what they would witness at Luby's at early bird special time.

It is quite tame. I know my kids have been around this bunch, and Noe has brought 17 or so kids to opening day before. The worst I have seen/heard was HH complaining about wearing a hat while eating nachos.

[jbm]

A campaign wouldn't be about convincing Selig of anything, although demonstrating a vocal opposition would be helpful. The point would be to convince ownership that it would have a significant impact on their investment and would create more ill will than they would be comfortable with taking on at the beginning of their term. Silence = tacit approval.

If one assumes Crane cares about the effect a move might have on fan interest, he would be a fool to use an online petition as a gauge.  

I assume he is a smart businessman and he realizes fan interest affects his bottomline.  How he measures the intensity and duration of fan displeasure and its ultimate effect is an entirely different question, but I still assume he takes a stab at it.  His newness and bad press also colors the issue.  Fans might give more rope to someone with a store of goodwill, but turn quickly on one without any.  

I still find it a shame that the local press has remained largely silent, with no attempts to channel the displeasure/rage of fans, or at least line up against the injustice of it all.  An apology for their complicity/laziness/borderline fucking ignorance from May to October would also be welcome.  

[headhunter]

What age kids are you talking about? Most of us have our alcohol in our IVs, and it is hard to understand us through our breathing tubes. Unless they are connected to us through iPhones, I'm not sure they would see anything more than what they would witness at Luby's at early bird special time.

It is quite tame. I know my kids have been around this bunch, and Noe has brought 17 or so kids to opening day before. The worst I have seen/heard was HH complaining about wearing a hat while eating nachos.

3(but very much a big boy three)7,10,13
my kids have survived, nay thrived, in the fires of luby's countless times. usually the older patrons welcome their presence, sometimes not.
Really, no concern about the SNS crowd being unfit for kids, just wondering if SNS and kids mix. Obviously they do.

[austro]

If one assumes Crane cares about the effect a move might have on fan interest, he would be a fool to use an online petition as a gauge. 

I assume he is a smart businessman and he realizes fan interest affects his bottomline.  How he measures the intensity and duration of fan displeasure and its ultimate effect is an entirely different question, but I still assume he takes a stab at it.  His newness and bad press also colors the issue.  Fans might give more rope to someone with a store of goodwill, but turn quickly on one without any. 

I still find it a shame that the local press has remained largely silent, with no attempts to channel the displeasure/rage of fans, or at least line up against the injustice of it all.  An apology for their complicity/laziness/borderline fucking ignorance from May to October would also be welcome. 

More likely, he realizes that the DH is coming to the NL, too. At that point, what's the difference? Other than the rivalries with the Cubs and the Cards, which I doubt that he cares about.

[headhunter]

I agree, but there was a more obvious use of alcohol that some may not want kids to see.  At MMPUS, you cant really see what is in the cup.

as Catholics my kids get to drink alcohol in public, but we tell them its blood. At home they can taste my beer if they want to...but don't cause its gross.

[austro]

Really, no concern about the SNS crowd being unfit for kids, just wondering if SNS and kids mix. Obviously they do.

[Jake Blues]How much for the little girl? How much for the women?[/Jake Blues]

[headhunter]

[Jake Blues]How much for the little girl? How much for the women?[/Jake Blues]

Jake, me and the Penguin are going to hit you with more than a ruler if this goes any further.

[Ebby Calvin]

3(but very much a big boy three)7,10,13
my kids have survived, nay thrived, in the fires of luby's countless times. usually the older patrons welcome their presence, sometimes not.
Really, no concern about the SNS crowd being unfit for kids, just wondering if SNS and kids mix. Obviously they do.

That's perfect! I have a 2-year-old and a 0-year-old. Your kids can babysit.
Thanks so much for offering.

[Bench]

Got something about a petition for some death row inmate yesterday morning.  Appears to be a weekly newsletter where they highlight one of the petitions on their site.  Don't remember agreeing to receive it but whatever.

I just got one titled "Lesbian torture clinics."  Apparently, there's a bit of a problem with them in Ecuador. 

[JimR]

I just got one titled "Lesbian torture clinics."  Apparently, there's a bit of a problem with them in Ecuador. 

i got that one, too. i thought it was referring to Austin ISD school administration.

[Ron Brand]

i got that one, too. i thought it was referring to Austin ISD school administration.

Nice. Very nice.

[EasTexAstro]

I just got one titled "Lesbian torture clinics."  Apparently, there's a bit of a problem with them in Ecuador. 

I instantly thought of "Lesbian Spank Inferno" from the BBC version of Coupling.

[Limey]

I just got one titled "Lesbian torture clinics."  Apparently, there's a bit of a problem with them in Ecuador. 

Isn't that the title of Larry Flint's soon-to-be released movie starring Lindsey Lohan?

Wrong thread?

I'll get my coat...

[subnuclear]

Berkman says the right thing here.

[austro]

Berkman says the right thing here.

I had forgotten just how execrable Justice is.

[JimR]

what a POS.

[EasTexAstro]

I had forgotten just how execrable Justice is.

Couldn't finish it. I need a new desk. I recommend avoiding that pile of nothing.

[Lurch]

As a general rule, you should never provide or click on a Justice link.  It's fairly safe to assume he gets paid based on how much traffic he generates, regardless of why/how he generated that traffic.  Even linking to him to point out the idiocy of the day is a win for him. Fuck that guy.

[BizidyDizidy]

I had forgotten just how execrable Justice is.

It seems to be tongue in cheek but for the life of me I still can't understand what the fuck he would be trying to say with that?

[Bench]

Couldn't finish it. I need a new desk. I recommend avoiding that pile of nothing.

Once I hit the fifth or sixth one sentence paragraph I give up.

It is

so annoying

to read at any pace

at all.

[Noe]

It seems to be tongue in cheek but for the life of me I still can't understand what the fuck he would be trying to say with that?

Agree on both counts.  Seemed contrived and a failed attempt to poke a rib of someone he's going to share a radio show with.  All he needed to add was "Jane you ignorant slut" or something similar to make it completely a waste of time to read.

[Ebby Calvin]

Once I hit the fifth or sixth one sentence paragraph I give up.

It is

so annoying

to read at any pace

at all.

Cmon man. I like Budgirl's writing style.

[Ebby Calvin]

Cmon man. I like Budgirl's writing style.

Damn phone won't let me correct this to BatGirl. 

[BudGirl]

Damn phone won't let me correct this to BatGirl. 

Are you saying you don't like my writing style?

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Who gives a damn what he thinks, apart from being a misanthropic turd, Dick Justice is an ignorant and unskilled story typer.  I shouldn't have clicked the link. My bad.

[Ebby Calvin]

Are you saying you don't like my writing style?

I'm saying you and Pinwheel are nothing alike.

[Limey]

Couldn't finish it. I need a new desk. I recommend avoiding that pile of nothing.

I got as far as "sonny boy".  That filled my quota of Justice for this decade. 

[austro]

Who gives a damn what he thinks, apart from being a misanthropic turd, Dick Justice is an ignorant and unskilled story typer.  I shouldn't have clicked the link. My bad.

I apologize to everybody for producing that temptation. I'll try to keep my wits about me next time.

[TenThirty]

Hey, it'll suck hard but they'll still be in Houston. They won't be in North Carolina, and you won't have to go to Dallas to see a game in Texas.

Wait, is this somehow a possibility?  As an Astros fan now living in Charlotte, it will be lonely on this site without the rest of you.  And, because I post about 3 times a year, the quality and volume of the content will really fall off.

[JaneDoe]

Agree on both counts.  Seemed contrived and a failed attempt to poke a rib of someone he's going to share a radio show with.  All he needed to add was "Jane you ignorant slut" or something similar to make it completely a waste of time to read.

Why did you have to bring me into this??

[headhunter]

Berkman says the right thing here.

I am obviously in the pro-Berkman camp but don't statements like this mean anything for those of you who have been shitting on him lately? I get not cheering him, not supporting him, and hoping he wears a big golden sombrero on days he plays against the Astros, but taking shots on his character is a little much. He's one of the best baseball players of his generation to come out of Texas, and one of the few in baseball that I have zero concern that he ever used PEDs. Also, I believe that he means what he says in that interview--his genuineness is one of the many thinks and make him a likeable player. 

[headhunter]

I had forgotten just how execrable Justice is.

I don't know why I followed the link. I know better. But I did and I am again filled with loathing/rage/confusion towards the chronicle for providing this mental and moral midget with a forum. Thanks for the reminder, hopefully it'll be a few years before I forget and click again. 

[Ebby Calvin]

I am obviously in the pro-Berkman camp but don't statements like this mean anything for those of you who have been shitting on him lately? I get not cheering him, not supporting him, and hoping he wears a big golden sombrero on days he plays against the Astros, but taking shots on his character is a little much. He's one of the best baseball players of his generation to come out of Texas, and one of the few in baseball that I have zero concern that he ever used PEDs. Also, I believe that he means what he says in that interview--his genuineness is one of the many thinks and make him a likeable player. 

Repeat after me: He's. A. Cardinal.

[headhunter]

Repeat after me: He's. A. Cardinal.

Berkman. is. A. Cardinal.
see, I can write that without puking.
But this is only part true. Because you seem willfully blind to the part of it that isn't: go fuck yourself.
somehow I can loathe the cardinals and like Berkman.
for me some guys represent the character of their teams during certain periods: 5&7 during their era as an easy example. Likewise Chipper Jones is the Braves shithead number one in my mind--the anti-Berkman of his generation--and I despise him. But Lidge, Oswalt, Berkman--these guys are "Astros" wherever they happen to be playing. I don't ever watch them except when they play the Astros (or sometimes in the postseason), and I love it when the Astros beat them (like when Biggio got a homerun off Lidge). Though its a very long shot, if Berkman ends up in the Hall, I have no doubt that he would go in as an Astro.

What hat do you think he'd wear? Or you wouldn't even notice because he's just another turdinal? Frankly, shitting on Berkman is so pinwheel. you're better than that.

[Lurch]

... Because you seem willfully blind to the part of it that isn't: go fuck yourself.
... Frankly, shitting on Berkman is so pinwheel. you're better than that.

The fuck you making this personal for?

[Limey]

There was no desire on the part of most here (and, I suspect, in Houston at large) to shit on Berkman.  Then he started running his mouth about how he feels so much more welcome in St. Louis and he felt slighted by the Astros' decision to non-renew his contract - conveniently not mentioning the fact that he could've played the before part of "The Nutty Professor" without any prosthetics and couldn't hit for shit for the last 2/3/4 seasons.

That's when people started taking umbrage with Lance Jakeman.

[chuck]

That's when people started taking umbrage with Lance Jakeman.

I've been meaning to mention - you may already know this - that Jake Riviera's actual surname is Jakeman.

[Andyzipp]

I have nothing against Berkman.  He's been nothing but a good guy in my dealings with him.  At some point you'd think he'd grow out of being a "good quote", but maybe not.

[Limey]

I've been meaning to mention - you may already know this - that Jake Riviera's actual surname is Jakeman.

So Andrew Jakeman and Declan McManus became Jake Riviera and Elvis Costello.  It's like they were channeling Anchorman 30 years before it was made.

[Limey]

I have nothing against Berkman.  He's been nothing but a good guy in my dealings with him.  At some point you'd think he'd grow out of being a "good quote", but maybe not.

Still get a chuckle out of his comment, when asked about the Yankee Stadium no-hitter and the fact that Jimy didn't know it was a no-hitter until the game was over.  "Probably why he isn't a manager anymore," says Lance.  ZING!

[Ebby Calvin]

Berkman. is. A. Cardinal.
see, I can write that without puking.
But this is only part true. Because you seem willfully blind to the part of it that isn't: go fuck yourself.
somehow I can loathe the cardinals and like Berkman.
for me some guys represent the character of their teams during certain periods: 5&7 during their era as an easy example. Likewise Chipper Jones is the Braves shithead number one in my mind--the anti-Berkman of his generation--and I despise him. But Lidge, Oswalt, Berkman--these guys are "Astros" wherever they happen to be playing. I don't ever watch them except when they play the Astros (or sometimes in the postseason), and I love it when the Astros beat them (like when Biggio got a homerun off Lidge). Though its a very long shot, if Berkman ends up in the Hall, I have no doubt that he would go in as an Astro.

What hat do you think he'd wear? Or you wouldn't even notice because he's just another turdinal? Frankly, shitting on Berkman is so pinwheel. you're better than that.

Right, somebody needs their Sarc-meter adjusted.  "He's a Cardinal" says nothing about his character or play on the field.  I'm sure he's a good guy, in fact I've never heard otherwise.  And he's one of the best Astros hitters of the last decade or so.

But right now -this very fucking second - he's a member of the World Series Champions St. Louis Cardinals. Until he becomes otherwise I hold the right to despise him as a player.

And please, I don't need any more reasons to go fuck myself.  Take a step away from the ledge.

[headhunter]

The fuck you making this personal for?

If you are asking me, "why the fuck are you making this personal," my response is that Ebby asked me to repeat after him.
I you intend something else, then I don't understand your question.

[Noe]

Repeat after me: He's. A. Cardinal.

And follow that repeat with: Radio Show Personality (ratings, baby, ratings!)

[Noe]

I have nothing against Berkman.  He's been nothing but a good guy in my dealings with him.  At some point you'd think he'd grow out of being a "good quote", but maybe not.

*DING, DING, DING!*

[headhunter]

*DING, DING, DING!*

Because you expected lance berkman to grow out of "being a good quote" and into what--A. Bartlett Giamitti? I think "Berkman the media personality" hit his ceiling a long time ago, I just happen to like the show.

[Lurch]

If you are asking me, "why the fuck are you making this personal," my response is that Ebby asked me to repeat after him.
I you intend something else, then I don't understand your question.

That wasn't a personal attack.  Leave that shit in the Chron comments section.

[S.P. Rodriguez]

If you are asking me, "why the fuck are you making this personal," my response is that Ebby asked me to repeat after him.
I you intend something else, then I don't understand your question.

You have been on a nice hot streak.  But if I may make a suggestion, heed the advice you are receiving.  Don't make it personal or you will get run.  Other than that, I have enjoyed your posts.

[JimR]

If you are asking me, "why the fuck are you making this personal," my response is that Ebby asked me to repeat after him.
I you intend something else, then I don't understand your question.

calm down before you bite off more than you can chew. your posts have been enjoyable until today.

[Noe]

Because you expected lance berkman to grow out of "being a good quote" and into what--A. Bartlett Giamitti? I think "Berkman the media personality" hit his ceiling a long time ago, I just happen to like the show.

I have no expectations, I have realistic views about him.  And if you're asking me to spend emotion on players who make millions of dollars to play a child's game, you're basically wasting your time.

[ValpoCory]

But Lidge, Oswalt, Berkman--these guys are "Astros" wherever they happen to be playing. I don't ever watch them except when they play the Astros (or sometimes in the postseason), and I love it when the Astros beat them (like when Biggio got a homerun off Lidge).

You mean Wagner, not Lidge.  And I couldn't care less who Biggio hit that home run off of.  The Astros needed that game badly to get into the 2005 postseason.  Remember the Astros finished one game ahead of the Phillies that year.  IIRC, the Astros were up late in that game and blew a lead and trailed in the 9th, before the Phillies infield defense puked all over themselves.  That was one of Biggio's Top 10 moments of his Hall of Fame career, and the Astros may not have made the World Series without it.

http://www.astrosdaily.com/audio/05Biggio.mp3

[headhunter]

That wasn't a personal attack.  Leave that shit in the Chron comments section.

I resent the implication that I have ever, or would ever, post in the Chron comments section. I do not post in the chron comments section, and I don't approve of people who do. 

I may have told Ebby to fuck himself, but I haven't stooped to the level of insult that you just have. Obviously you are defending a friend whom you think I have unfairly slandered. fine.
But how about leaving the chron commments section out of this. And if you so much as  reach for the AD card, mother fucker I'm shooting first.

[headhunter]

calm down before you bite off more than you can chew. your posts have been enjoyable until today.

biting off more than I can chew is something of a specialty with me.

I genuinely appreciate your advice and will heed it.
 I'll also make it a point to avoid posting for a while after reading a pinwheel article.   

[headhunter]

Right, somebody needs their Sarc-meter adjusted.  "He's a Cardinal" says nothing about his character or play on the field.  I'm sure he's a good guy, in fact I've never heard otherwise.  And he's one of the best Astros hitters of the last decade or so.

But right now -this very fucking second - he's a member of the World Series Champions St. Louis Cardinals. Until he becomes otherwise I hold the right to despise him as a player.

And please, I don't need any more reasons to go fuck myself.  Take a step away from the ledge.

I am sorry Mr. Calvin. I was pissed at something else at took it out on you.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

I was pissed at something else at took it out on you.

So you were an asshole off target. That happens to everyone at some time or another. Rinse, do not repeat.

[Ebby Calvin]

I am sorry Mr. Calvin. I was pissed at something else at took it out on you.

Dude, Mr. Calvin is my father.

Seriously, it's cool.  Regarding a previous post of yours - I've never met Lurch in my life, but I do consider him somewhat of a friend, much like everybody else on this board (except Alkie).  I don't have a problem with you strongly expressing an opinion and defending it (this is the internet, after all), but you need to realize that we're all on the same side here, regardless of whether Berkman is my favorite player or not.  We're all Astros fans, and there are far too few of us to start turning on each other.

Now, if you please, Berkman can go fuck himself.

ETA: that last line was sarcasm, in case nobody's monitor pinged

[JimR]

some of have met Mr. Calv..., er Ebby, and consider him a friend despite the internet.

hang in there, headhunter. nice recovery.

[headhunter]

So you were an asshole off target. That happens to everyone at some time or another. Rinse, do not repeat.

No, idiot, I am an asshole. It comes easily to me.

I agree that being an asshole happens to everyone now and again. I think it just happened to you. Confident that I hit the right target this time.



 


 

[Ron Brand]

No, idiot, I am an asshole. It comes easily to me.

I agree that being an asshole happens to everyone now and again. I think it just happened to you. Confident that I hit the right target this time.

Ow. Headhunter, Sphinx was being nice. Really.

 

[JimR]

No, idiot, I am an asshole. It comes easily to me.

I agree that being an asshole happens to everyone now and again. I think it just happened to you. Confident that I hit the right target this time.

WTF is wrong with you?

[S.P. Rodriguez]

WTF is wrong with you?

He's hunting heads, apparently...

[headhunter]

WTF is wrong with you?

nothing special JimR. just a long list of  garden variety short comings and failings with a mortal sin here and there.
I think the specific failing on display is a difficulty distinguishing between a well-intentioned jab and cheap late-shot. I don't have this problem on the phone, or in person, but online I often mistake what people intend.
I have been trying to play nice, but apparently that's beyond me right now.

[Ron Brand]

nothing special JimR. just a long list of  garden variety short comings and failings with a mortal sin here and there.
I think the specific failing on display is a difficulty distinguishing between a well-intentioned jab and cheap late-shot. I don't have this problem on the phone, or in person, but online I often mistake what people intend.
I have been trying to play nice, but apparently that's beyond me right now.

I think most people here are civil and maybe they'll take a jab but they're mostly well-intentioned and it becomes clearer when it isn't. If I can offer any advice at all, it would be that we're a friendly bunch as long as a mutual respect is shown and moronic points of view aren't repeatedly on display - so treat us as friends and you'll be treated as a friend too. Sometimes I get wound up in things I misunderstand and I'll write things that made perfect sense to me when I wrote them and later I'll go back and see how I wasn't clear or missed the point, etc.

Don't take these things personally.

[austro]

Don't take these things personally.

Don't you start lecturing me!

[Ron Brand]

Don't you start lecturing me!

Bitch, if you want a piece of me...

Oh, sorry.

[JimR]

nothing special JimR. just a long list of  garden variety short comings and failings with a mortal sin here and there.
I think the specific failing on display is a difficulty distinguishing between a well-intentioned jab and cheap late-shot. I don't have this problem on the phone, or in person, but online I often mistake what people intend.
I have been trying to play nice, but apparently that's beyond me right now.

if you have a thin skin, this is not the place for you. many of us have met quite a few others socially over the years, and the barbs that go back and forth are friendly barbs as friends do. folks here do not suffer fools gladly, however, and if a poster attacks and keeps on attacking, he will get all he wants from several sources. that is why reading more and posting less is not just a slogan. it also is a great idea because you can get a sense of the people behind the monikers. i have had beer(s) with Sphinx on more than one occasion, and he is one of the really nice guys on here. you went after two good guys lately with almost no provocation, which seemed strange to me because your posting had been good up to then.

chill.

[Bench]

nothing special JimR. just a long list of  garden variety short comings and failings with a mortal sin here and there.
I think the specific failing on display is a difficulty distinguishing between a well-intentioned jab and cheap late-shot. I don't have this problem on the phone, or in person, but online I often mistake what people intend.
I have been trying to play nice, but apparently that's beyond me right now.

If you're not going to crawl down off your cross, can you at least set it up somewhere else?

[Lurch]

If you're not going to crawl down off your cross, can you at least set it up somewhere else?

Here perhaps?

Centurion: Where is Brian of Nazareth?

Brian: You sanctimonious bastards!

Centurion: I have an order for his release!

Brian: You stupid bastards!

Mr. Cheeky: Uh, I'm Brian of Nazareth.

Brian: What?

Mr. Cheeky: Yeah, I - I - I'm Brian of Nazareth.

Centurion: Take him down!

Brian: I'm Brian of Nazareth!

Victim #1: Eh, I'm Brian!

Mr. Big Nose: I'm Brian!

Victim #2: Look, I'm Brian!

Brian: I'm Brian!

Victims: I'm Brian!

Gregory: I'm Brian, and so's my wife!

Victims: I'm Brian! I'm Brian!...

Brian: I'm Brian of Nazareth!

Centurion: All right. Take him away and release him.

Mr. Cheeky: No, I'm only joking. I'm not really Brian. No, I'm not Brian. I was only - It was a joke. I'm only pulling your leg! It's a joke! I'm not him! I'm just having you on! Put me back! Bloody Romans! Can't take a joke!

[remy]

What is this thread about again?

[Bench]

What is this thread about again?

what every online petition is.  A general airing of grievances. 

[austro]

What is this thread about again?

Occupy Bud Selig!

[Ron Brand]

Occupy Bud Selig!

It was all...all dark and empty in there. And...and there were little mice in the corners and spiders had spun this web...

I kept bumping my head on the ceiling, and once...

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

No, idiot, I am an asshole. It comes easily to me.

I agree that being an asshole happens to everyone now and again. I think it just happened to you. Confident that I hit the right target this time.

Ha ha ha. You're too much.

[EasTexAstro]

Sphinx.

[NeilT]

Occupy Bud Selig!

Get me that bumper sticker and I'll put it on my car.

[Lurch]

What is this thread about again?

Inception only works if they don't know you're planting the seed.

[VirtualBob]

I have been trying to play nice, but apparently that's beyond me right now.

Right there.  That's the problem.  We don't do that on this board.

[headhunter]

Right there.  That's the problem.  We don't do that on this board.

et tu virtual bob?

oh....wait.....

you wrote "we."
thanks. thanks a lot. 

[Jacksonian]

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylt=At2z8b6TaXasvRbBohnSVsA5nYcB?slug=ap-astrossale

[Texifornia]

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylt=At2z8b6TaXasvRbBohnSVsA5nYcB?slug=ap-astrossale

There is absolutely no appreciation shown by anybody with any decision making authority for half a fucking century of National League heritage. Certainly none coming from the new owner or the old.

I didn't think I could ever hate Selig more than I already did, or ever, ever have so much animosity towards Nolan Ryan who seems to be pulling the strings behind this. This whole situation disgusts me.

[Reuben]

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylt=At2z8b6TaXasvRbBohnSVsA5nYcB?slug=ap-astrossale

There are lots and lots of angry things I could write off in response to that, none of which would be anything new here (Fuck you, Bud; Fuck you Drayton, you sellout; Fuck you, Crane, you spineless wimp; Fuck you Lynn Nolan, you fucking asshole; etc.) but I was also surprised to see this:

The sale is expected to include the ballpark owned by the Harris County Houston Sports Authority

Had this been mentioned before, and I missed it?

[ValpoCory]

...or ever, ever have so much animosity towards Nolan Ryan who seems to be pulling the strings behind this.

I can see how this benefits the Rangers (3-6 more central time zone games, short term whipping boy Astros might boost 2013-14 win total, etc.), but what proof or evidence is there to suggest Nolan is the Godfather of this move?  That article says, "the players’ association has pushed for [a] switch to two 15-team leagues, saying it would create a more equitable schedule."

[Waldo]

I can see how this benefits the Rangers (3-6 more central time zone games, short term whipping boy Astros might boost 2013-14 win total, etc.), but what proof or evidence is there to suggest Nolan is the Godfather of this move?  That article says, "the players’ association has pushed for [a] switch to two 15-team leagues, saying it would create a more equitable schedule."

Yeah, but why the Astros?  You don't think Nolan hasn't been whispering into people's ears to give him an in-state whipping boy?  He wants the more casual fans to switch to his side, and so far it's working.  Take the NL out of Texas and that's one fewer selling point for any Astros fans ("both teams are in the AL now, so why not root for my Rangers?").

[Texifornia]

I can see how this benefits the Rangers (3-6 more central time zone games, short term whipping boy Astros might boost 2013-14 win total, etc.), but what proof or evidence is there to suggest Nolan is the Godfather of this move?  That article says, "the players’ association has pushed for [a] switch to two 15-team leagues, saying it would create a more equitable schedule."

Ryan has spoken publicly in favor of the Astros' move to the AL. When one is an executive of a MLB team and does that, it is tantamount to lobbying for it.

http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/06/30/nolan-ryan-in-favor-of-realignment-moving-astros-to-al-west/
http://aol.sportingnews.com/mlb/story/2011-10-12/nolan-ryan-speaks-about-astros-relocation-cj-wilsons-free-agency

That's just a couple of examples.

The P.A. would impose the DH and/or eliminate the two league system if they could....and they may.

[Arky Vaughan]

Ryan has spoken publicly in favor of the Astros' move to the AL. When one is an executive of a MLB team and does that, it is tantamount to lobbying for it.

http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/06/30/nolan-ryan-in-favor-of-realignment-moving-astros-to-al-west/
http://aol.sportingnews.com/mlb/story/2011-10-12/nolan-ryan-speaks-about-astros-relocation-cj-wilsons-free-agency

That's just a couple of examples.

The P.A. would impose the DH and/or eliminate the two league system if they could....and they may.

I used to consider the two-leagues structure sacrosanct and did not care for interleague play, the wild-card or even three divisions in each league. But if they're going to move the Astros, then they may as well tear the whole thing up and reorganize it completely. I'll be an Astros fan as long as they play in Houston, but my respect for tradition will go out the window with this switch, especially given the obnoxious coercion used by Selig and the owners to make it happen. If a switch is such a popular, wonderful idea, why didn't anyone else volunteer for it?

[austro]

If a switch is such a popular, wonderful idea, why didn't anyone else volunteer for it?

Exactly. Shouldn't they all be clamoring for a few more home games against the Yankees and the Red Sox?

[citizenmilton]

It's been an effin' disgrace to see how the Chronicle has "covered" this story.

The only perspectives being offered are:

-full-throated cheerleading for the move

-speculation based on the assumption that there's no hope whatsoever of remaining in the NL, therefore why bother questioning it

-one ex-player whose public reputation is tarnished. (*this is the good ol' Alan Colmes technique FOX-news style. Bring on a disfigured repellent figure to "advocate for the other side" and give the illusion of "balance.")

Unless you dip into the comments section, where it's about 95% against the move.

Total failure as an institution.
 

[ValpoCory]

Ryan has spoken publicly in favor of the Astros' move to the AL. When one is an executive of a MLB team and does that, it is tantamount to lobbying for it.

http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/06/30/nolan-ryan-in-favor-of-realignment-moving-astros-to-al-west/
http://aol.sportingnews.com/mlb/story/2011-10-12/nolan-ryan-speaks-about-astros-relocation-cj-wilsons-free-agency

That's just a couple of examples.

The P.A. would impose the DH and/or eliminate the two league system if they could....and they may.

Thanks.

 Nolan: ". If it is in the best interests of the Rangers, we’d be for it.”  (What's good for baseball as a whole or for the Astros is none of his interest).

[Limey]

Thanks.

 Nolan: ". If it is in the best interests of the Rangers, we’d be for it.”  (What's good for baseball as a whole or for the Astros is none of his interest).

I wouldn't expect Ryan to give a fuck about what's good for the Astros, especially over what's good for the Rangers.  But the league shouldn't value one team over another.  Anger towards Ryan is misplaced, IMHO.  Mine goes mostly to Selig, with what's left being split 70-30 to McLane and Crane.

[Ron Brand]

I wouldn't expect Ryan to give a fuck about what's good for the Astros, especially over what's good for the Rangers.  But the league shouldn't value one team over another.  Anger towards Ryan is misplaced, IMHO.  Mine goes mostly to Selig, with what's left being split 70-30 to McLane and Crane.

Yeah. I'm upset that they appear to be kowtowing or going along with what helps Nolan and his team, but I can't fault Ryan for maximizing his investment and doing all he can to make his team stronger or even nudging his in-state rival toward the margin. It's the fault of McLane for being consistently outmanuevered and outwitted, and the fault of Selig for foisting his bullshit reforms and changes on the rest of us.

The Commissioner's office has been the tool of the owners since the Landis era ended so this isn't really unexpected, but God as I get older I get more sensitive to what seems like a narrowing cone that sharpens its focus more and more to the few and the exclusion of the many. Get off my lawn.

[jbm]

It's been an effin' disgrace to see how the Chronicle has "covered" this story.

The only perspectives being offered are:

-full-throated cheerleading for the move

-speculation based on the assumption that there's no hope whatsoever of remaining in the NL, therefore why bother questioning it

-one ex-player whose public reputation is tarnished. (*this is the good ol' Alan Colmes technique FOX-news style. Bring on a disfigured repellent figure to "advocate for the other side" and give the illusion of "balance.")

Unless you dip into the comments section, where it's about 95% against the move.

Total failure as an institution.
 

The press as an institution is generally bankrupt, or maybe just corrupt.  We had to read for months about that BS character stuff.  Now, the same crappy reporters who shoved that BS down our throat don't even have the decency to say either "sorry, I was misled" or "sorry, I am a lazy stooge for Bud."

I generally despise Bud and Nolan, but honestly, Crane is on top of my shitlist in this thing.  Either he actually desires the move, or he is just a dumbass or a wimp.  As is now obvious, it was never about character.  He, more than anyone, had to be aware that it was all a ruse, yet he caved anyway.    

[Ron Brand]

The press as an institution is generally bankrupt, or maybe just corrupt.  We had to read for months about that BS character stuff.  Now, the same crappy reporters who shoved that BS down our throat don't even have the decency to say either "sorry, I was misled" or "sorry, I am a lazy stooge for Bud."

I think the media, if you can term it as monolith, is a combination of lazy and overworked and underfunded with an element of agenda-driving mixed in. Especially the newspapers, which have had their staffing cut so low that they don't have the time to do anything but pivot from snap judgment to snap judgment while filling in the rest with parroting. Real journalism was hard enough and rare enough, but now there's just no time and no staff available to provide those few with the cover they needed to develop real reporting.

I generally despise Bud and Nolan, but honestly, Crane is on top of my shitlist in this thing.  Either he actually desires the move, or he is just a dumbass or a wimp.  As is now obvious, it was never about character.  He, more than anyone, had to be aware that it was all a ruse, yet he caved anyway.    

Crane just wants to own a team. He blinked. It happens. I'm sure he feels that he can make the team successful and that fans will come to a winner, regardless of the league it plays in. He may have already been sold on the idea that the DH will become universal, who knows.

[Andyzipp]

It's been an effin' disgrace to see how the Chronicle has "covered" this story.

The only perspectives being offered are:

-full-throated cheerleading for the move

-speculation based on the assumption that there's no hope whatsoever of remaining in the NL, therefore why bother questioning it

-one ex-player whose public reputation is tarnished. (*this is the good ol' Alan Colmes technique FOX-news style. Bring on a disfigured repellent figure to "advocate for the other side" and give the illusion of "balance.")

Unless you dip into the comments section, where it's about 95% against the move.

Total failure as an institution.
 

It doesn't excuse what they're doing, but the Astros have a history of demanding favorable coverage from the Chronicle, at the risk of losing access to the team.  There have been a number of reporters "re-assigned" over the years for getting under the skin of the Astros' front office.

[Andyzipp]

I do think think this is a horrible thing, but I also believe that the concept of seperate American and National Leagues is going to be eliminated over the next decade.  Maybe sooner.

[Ron Brand]

It doesn't excuse what they're doing, but the Astros have a history of demanding favorable coverage from the Chronicle, at the risk of losing access to the team.  There have been a number of reporters "re-assigned" over the years for getting under the skin of the Astros' front office.

I'd really like to read Dan Pastorini's story on his career, but it's 'as told to JdJO' and there's just no way in hell I can get past that.

ETA: Of course, my fact-checking is totally off. It's 'as told to John Lopez.'

[headhunter]

I do think think this is a horrible thing, but I also believe that the concept of seperate American and National Leagues is going to be eliminated over the next decade.  Maybe sooner.

What do you think they are going to replace the leagues with? Do you have any guesses as to what the baseball overlords are considering?

[MusicMan]

I'd really like to read Dan Pastorini's story on his career, but it's 'as told to JdJO' and there's just no way in hell I can get past that.

ETA: Of course, my fact-checking is totally off. It's 'as told to John Lopez.'

Like that's any better?

[roadrunner]

The best thing that could come out of all of this is that Crane operates with a chip on his shoulder against Ryan (for the realignment bullshit and beating him out in the bid for the Rangers) and Selig (for the realignment bullshit and dragging his reputation through the mud in what really was just a strategy to force the realignment).  Basically, the total opposite of how Drayton has operated over his term.

[Ron Brand]

Like that's any better?

That's why I didn't delete my post. Doesn't matter much at all.

[Ron Brand]

What do you think they are going to replace the leagues with? Do you have any guesses as to what the baseball overlords are considering?

The NFL model, where all the rules are the same.

[Andyzipp]

What do you think they are going to replace the leagues with? Do you have any guesses as to what the baseball overlords are considering?

My guess, which is worth less than nothing, is that you'll see the DH adopted in both leagues by 2013.

As the Astros moving to the AL to "balance the leagues" at 15 will guarantee year round interleague play (FACT), and combined with everyone using the DH (opinion), there will be no difference between one league and the other.

I think it'll look a whole lot like the NBA (when they were playing) and their conferences.  You'll play everyone in the other league at least one series (45 games...maybe more) and the rest (117, give or take) in your league.

[headhunter]

My guess, which is worth less than nothing, is that you'll see the DH adopted in both leagues by 2013.

As the Astros moving to the AL to "balance the leagues" at 15 will guarantee year round interleague play (FACT), and combined with everyone using the DH (opinion), there will be no difference between one league and the other.

I think it'll look a whole lot like the NBA (when they were playing) and their conferences.  You'll play everyone in the other league at least one series (45 games...maybe more) and the rest (117, give or take) in your league.

Is this horrible feeling about the impending victory of the DH somehow connect to the mayan calendar reset?
 
I  hope you are wrong about everyone using the DH (i'm sure you hope so too) but if one set of rules does eventually win out, I see no reason for sanity to prevail. This kills my fantasy of driving the kids to inter league away games to see the Astros play with NL rules. 

For me, the division pennant races are a big part of enjoying a season. I go to more games against division opponents because they matter more.  If what you say comes to pass i  hope they can at least manage to avoid a NBA style playoff.

[Waldo]

If what you say comes to pass i  hope they can at least manage to avoid a NBA style playoff.

Given the level of genius currently occupying positions of power, if I were you I'd get ready to bend over.

[austro]

Given the level of genius currently occupying positions of power, if I were you I'd get ready to bend over.

The only thing constraining their greedy desire for more playoff teams is the fact that it's really, really hard to play baseball in the snow.

[Ebby Calvin]

The only thing constraining their greedy desire for more playoff teams is the fact that it's really, really hard to play baseball in the snow.

Yep, and Bud won't let you play with the roof closed.

[Reuben]

Given the level of genius currently occupying positions of power, if I were you I'd get ready to bend over.

Isn't Bud retiring after 2012? I guess he wants all this dumb shit to be his "legacy". But I suppose we can foolishly dream on his replacement being some idealistic, traditionalist, Abe Lincoln-esque bastion of integrity and honor who will quickly reverse all the dumbass, disgusting things Selig has done to baseball in the name of a quick buck.

[juliogotay]

I just got an e-mail from the mayor of Houston regarding the petition sent to her office to get involved in this situation. Her office is not concerned and will not voice their concern to MLB.

[Ron Brand]

I just got an e-mail from the mayor of Houston regarding the petition sent to her office to get involved in this situation. Her office is not concerned and will not voice their concern to MLB.

No matter how deep you cut, chickenshit is what runs out.

[jbm]

I wouldn't necessarily expect the mayor to care, but I can how some mayors might seize on something easy like this, where they know they can't change it and won't be held responsible.  Pretty much gravy.

The press on the other hand still confounds me.  Why the fuck none of them have lit that torch baffles me.  It generates good will, generates much needed credibility and requires no reporting resources.  A win win win.  They are either brain dead or I am seriously misjudging the matter.   

[BlownRanger]

I wouldn't necessarily expect the mayor to care, but I can how some mayors might seize on something easy like this, where they know they can't change it and won't be held responsible.  Pretty much gravy.

The press on the other hand still confounds me.  Why the fuck none of them have lit that torch baffles me.  It generates good will, generates much needed credibility and requires no reporting resources.  A win win win.  They are either brain dead or I am seriously misjudging the matter.   

I grew up in Kansas City.  I'm sure some of you remember 15 or 20 years ago when there was brief talk about the Astros and Royals simply switching leagues.  Even in a piss-poor professional sports town like KC, when the Royals front office was slow to respond several media members immediately voiced their displeasure with the idea and public sentiment quickly followed suit.  I have no idea if that had any effect on the dropping of the idea, but it would have been nice to see a similar occurrence in this instance.

As with so many other issues, I believe part of the problem is Pinwheel's desire to be become more of a "national" voice on baseball.  He's not about to take a side opposite of those he desperately wants to call brethren.

[Texifornia]

Is this horrible feeling about the impending victory of the DH somehow connect to the mayan calendar reset?

I don't know about the Mayan calendar, but it's damn sure a sign of the apocalypse.

  If what you say comes to pass i  hope they can at least manage to avoid a NBA style playoff.

I think that's exactly what they want.

[MusicMan]

I just got an e-mail from the mayor of Houston regarding the petition sent to her office to get involved in this situation. Her office is not concerned and will not voice their concern to MLB.

Anything I have to say regarding that sack of crap in the mayor's office should be confined to B&Q.

[Astroholic]

I grew up in Kansas City.  I'm sure some of you remember 15 or 20 years ago when there was brief talk about the Astros and Royals simply switching leagues.  Even in a piss-poor professional sports town like KC, when the Royals front office was slow to respond several media members immediately voiced their displeasure with the idea and public sentiment quickly followed suit.  I have no idea if that had any effect on the dropping of the idea, but it would have been nice to see a similar occurrence in this instance.

As with so many other issues, I believe part of the problem is Pinwheel's desire to be become more of a "national" voice on baseball.  He's not about to take a side opposite of those he desperately wants to call brethren.

nobody in Houston media cares.  Its Football season after all.

[BizidyDizidy]

SI_JonHeyman Jon Heyman
One ML owner: crane started to look like good guy when he ponied up $600M, looked like great guy when he agreed to go to AL.

Suck a cheetah's dick MLB

[MusicMan]

Of course, it's Heyman, so that's 50/50 on being completely invented.

[Clark in Denver]

This just makes me sick.

Dan Kaplan from the Sports Business Daily on Twitter:

Reporting shortly in SBD that the purchase price 4 the Astros will drop by about $80 mln to $600 mln as MLB set to approve sale to Crane...

...team will move to AL in 2013, 1st team to shift league since brewers in 90s

Crane's biz background NEVER an issue in this case. In fact, many saw those negative articles as MLB's effort to soften Crane up 4 the move

[Gizzmonic]

Jesus Christ, the Kansas City Royals have better fans and ownership than we do. We're doomed.

[Waldo]

This just makes me sick.

Dan Kaplan from the Sports Business Daily on Twitter:

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

[Noe]

Crane's biz background NEVER an issue in this case. In fact, many saw those negative articles as MLB's effort to soften Crane up 4 the move

This. This right here.

[roadrunner]

Fuck the Angels?

[roadrunner]

Heyman tweets that Crane may spend on a free agent or two if approved this week.

[MusicMan]

Heyman tweets that Crane may spend on a free agent or two if approved this week.

And there was much rejoicing.

/yay

[BudGirl]

I don't get why there would be rejoicing over a free agent signing.  Seriously, who would you sign?  You would need to sign about 8 or 9 for it to make a difference.  Save it for the draft/scouting.  If the move is to start new, then do it.  IMO.

[MusicMan]

I don't get why there would be rejoicing over a free agent signing.  Seriously, who would you sign?  You would need to sign about 8 or 9 for it to make a difference.  Save it for the draft/scouting.  If the move is to start new, then do it.  IMO.

Sarcasm meter or Monty Python meter, either one should work.

[EasTexAstro]

I don't get why there would be rejoicing over a free agent signing.  Seriously, who would you sign?  You would need to sign about 8 or 9 for it to make a difference.  Save it for the draft/scouting.  If the move is to start new, then do it.  IMO.

What about someone like Barmes?

[WakePhil]

And there was much rejoicing.

/yay

Bravely bold Jim Crane
Rode forth from EGL.
He was not afraid of Bud,
Oh brave Jim Crane.
He was not at all afraid
To be sent to the AL.
Brave, brave, brave, brave Jim Crane.

He was not in the least bit scared
To be mashed into the West.
Or to have his games on late,
And his schedule broken.
To have his DH hit,
And his rivals burned away,
And his fans all hacked and mangled
Brave Sir Jim Crane.

Brave Jim Crane took his money.
("No!")
Bravely took his money money.
("I didn't!")
When Bud reared it's ugly head,
He bravely took his cash and ran.
("no!")
Yes, brave Jim Crane turned about
("I didn't!")
And gallantly he chickened out.
Bravely taking ("I never did!") to his feet,
He beat a very brave retreat.
("all lies!")
Bravest of the braaaave, Jim Crane!
("I never!")

[BudGirl]

What about someone like Barmes?

I really wouldn't sign anyone right now.  Not unless you want to sign a 3-4 year deal assuming you will be competititve in the AL by then.

[BudGirl]

Sarcasm meter or Monty Python meter, either one should work.

It'll have to be the sarcasm meter since the MP one is not valid in my world.

[roadrunner]

I'm assuming Heyman's not talking about Scott Moore - http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2011/11/astros-sign-scott-moore.html

What exactly happened/happens to all the guys who were at OKC at the end of last year?

[jbm]

I'm on the fence here.  I agree with BG that you might as well continue on the road you started on, but I sure would like to see Barmes at short.  It would put that stupid Peredes idea to bed and fill a hole at a premium position.

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

I'm assuming Heyman's not talking about Scott Moore - http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2011/11/astros-sign-scott-moore.html

What exactly happened/happens to all the guys who were at OKC at the end of last year?

A few FA's left: Towles, Clemens, etc.

[subnuclear]

I wouldn't mind seeing some catcher and bullpen depth added. That shouldn't get in the way of draft signings.

[Ron Brand]

We'll need a DH, right?

[JaneDoe]

We'll need a DH, right?

STFU

[austro]

We'll need a DH, right?

We've already got one. Or, in keeping with today's theme: "I told 'im we've already got one!"

[Andyzipp]

We'll need a DH, right?

That particular individual will not be under contract in Houston for the 2013 season.  On the other hand, Lance Berkman should be available...

[BudGirl]

That particular individual will not be under contract in Houston for the 2013 season.  On the other hand, Lance Berkman should be available...

but he'll want to play for a NL team.

[astrosfan76]

Heyman tweets that Crane may spend on a free agent or two if approved this week.

Well, he did just come across 80 million dollars...

[Noe]

but he'll want to play for a NL team.

Maybe, he did of course get a bit upset that the Rangers would not talk to him (opting instead for Adrian Beltre).  Juneberno with Lance Berkman.

[BUWebguy]

Coincidentally, this morning (a few hours pre-sale) I received a reply from the Astros (after sharing a version of the letter the petition folks suggested online):

Thank you for taking the time to express your thoughts on the potential move of the Astros to the American League.  As this seems to be a mandated move in order for new ownership to be approved, we are looking to the future and we feel the future is bright.  New life will be brought into the club with new ownership and the youth movement.  We want to have a long time winner on the field and we believe that we are setting the team up for success.  I hope that you will be a part of the future this season and beyond.
 
Again, we take all positions very serious and I want to thank you for taking the time to share.
 
Bill Goren
Senior Director, Ticket Sales
Houston Astros
713-259-8329

Nice timing.

[ValpoCory]

...
"New life will be brought into the club with ... the youth movement.  We want to have a long time winner on the field and we believe that we are setting the team up for success.  I hope that you will be a part of the future this season and beyond."

Funny, that is the exact same thing Dave Roberts/Kevin Steele/Guy Morriss told Baylor Football fans at the Homecoming Bonfire every year.

[BudGirl]

Coincidentally, this morning (a few hours pre-sale) I received a reply from the Astros (after sharing a version of the letter the petition folks suggested online):

Nice timing.

I replied thanking him for the canned response.

[drew corleone]

I replied thanking him for the canned response.

I replied, "Up yours."

[astros76]

I signed the petition a month or so ago. Last night, I called MLB to leave a message voicing my concern of having the Houston Astros forcibly removed from the National League. Since they kept it quiet, I still say we should let them know how we feel.

If you'd like to do the same, here is the contact info list on mlb.com:

The Office of the Commissioner of Baseball
Allan H. (Bud) Selig, Commissioner
Address: 245 Park Avenue, 31st Floor
City: New York, State: NY Zip Code: 10167
Phone: 212-931-7800
Fax: 212-949-5654

http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/official_info/about_mlb/

[Limey]

I signed the petition a month or so ago. Last night, I called MLB to leave a message voicing my concern of having the Houston Astros forcibly removed from the National League. Since they kept it quiet, I still say we should let them know how we feel.

I am voting in the most powerful way a customer can vote; with my dollars.

[citizenmilton]

Selig + Drayton can lie all they want, claiming the franchise was left in better shape.

Here's another example of the kind of national ridicule the tainted name represents:

http://espn.go.com/espn/page2/index?id=7247923

[JimR]

Coincidentally, this morning (a few hours pre-sale) I received a reply from the Astros (after sharing a version of the letter the petition folks suggested online):

Nice timing.

and poor grammar

[Limey]

Selig + Drayton can lie all they want, claiming the franchise was left in better shape.

Here's another example of the kind of national ridicule the tainted name represents:

http://espn.go.com/espn/page2/index?id=7247923

The grinning Ranger in the background is a perfect touch.  They're happy, we hate it, no one else cares. 

[Aussie Astro]

They can fuck you but they can't make you love the baby...