Anyone excited to see Strasburg vs the Astros tonight?

[Navin R Johnson]

Well if you were, too bad!  No TV for this game.

Thanks Drayton, or Gerry or Bud....

[Mr. Happy]

Oh well. I'll be watching on the Nats network courtesy of DirecTV Extra Innings package.

[Bench]

Well if you were, too bad!  No TV for this game.

Thanks Drayton, or Gerry or Bud....

I know I should just accept it, but it is staggering to me that any game would go un-televised in the local market, but especially an away game.  Of course, I'm also disappointed that the local TV shows only one spring training game a year.  Hopefully this will all improve with the new TV station.

[MusicMan]

Well if you were, too bad!  No TV for this game.

Thanks Drayton, or Gerry or Bud....

Grrrrr.  And I will actually have time to watch tonight...

[Ebby Calvin]

Grrrrr.  And I will actually have time to watch tonight...

I promise you, Top Gear will be much more entertaining.

[jaklewein]

I promise you, Top Gear will be much more entertaining.

I'll preface this by stating I've only been able to watch about half the games this year.  That said, I've really enjoyed watching the team. 

[Limey]

I promise you, Top Gear will be much more entertaining.

Assuming the storm hasn't killed your satellite signal.

[drew corleone]

Great. More time spent with DoRay.

[Navin R Johnson]

I'll preface this by stating I've only been able to watch about half the games this year.  That said, I've really enjoyed watching the team. 

Me too, who knows how long it will last, but this has been the most entertaining baseball they have played in a while, except when they manage to load the bases.  It feels like you can almost see the light at the end of the tunnel right now.

[NeilT]

Me too, who knows how long it will last, but this has been the most entertaining baseball they have played in a while, except when they manage to load the bases.  It feels like you can almost see the light at the end of the tunnel right now.

I know they're supposed to drive in runs when that happens, but honest to God I'm just glad to see traffic.  I guess my expectations were so low, that the absence of RBIs doesn't bug me nearly as much as it probably should.

[EasTexAstro]

I know they're supposed to drive in runs when that happens, but honest to God I'm just glad to see traffic.  I guess my expectations were so low, that the absence of RBIs doesn't bug me nearly as much as it probably should.

I have no expectations.

They have surpassed them.

I'm enjoying the game.

[jbm]

I have no expectations.

They have surpassed them.

I'm enjoying the game.

I'd like to employ this philosophy, but I still get stuck in the "what if" loop.  Mainly when they can't execute basic defense.

On the flip side, seeing Martinez, Altuve and Schafer show more legit promise has really brightened the future outlook.  I no longer see them as a sure-fire doormat for the next couple of years, and if a few guys could step up (Bogey, CJ and/or Castro), they might even compete for middle-of-the-road status.   

[remy]

Grrrrr.  And I will actually have time to watch tonight...

This. Right. Here.

[OregonStrosFan]

I promise you, Top Gear will be much more entertaining.

Dunno 'bout that.  Seems the 'Stros current crop of kids might just be too young and too inexperienced to realize just how bad they are supposed to suck this year...  Ah, to be young and dumb again (as opposed to being old and dumb anyway...).

[moriartp]

As fun as it's been to watch the youngsters play their hearts out over these first nine games, does anyone see this team getting any better than it currently is? Or even maintaining this pace? I'm rootrootrooting my ass off for them, but I'd bet a nickel they end up in the cellar again.

[Ron Brand]

As fun as it's been to watch the youngsters play their hearts out over these first nine games, does anyone see this team getting any better than it currently is? Or even maintaining this pace? I'm rootrootrooting my ass off for them, but I'd bet a nickel they end up in the cellar again.

Yes, certainly they will get better. Probably not this year but possibly. Isn't hope a huge component of why we are fans? Fuck the haters, enjoy the game. It's baseball, dammit.

[Fredia]

preaching to the chior
funny when you compare the bulk of the astros to the majority of the players on the other team its like boys to men

[HudsonHawk]

I know I should just accept it, but it is staggering to me that any game would go un-televised in the local market, but especially an away game.

It's staggering to me that more than 10 games a year are televised.  Just a different perspective on technology.

 

 Of course, I'm also disappointed that the local TV shows only one spring training game a year.  Hopefully this will all improve with the new TV station.

Not sure why you'd expect that, considering the reason the Astros aren't on is because FSH is choosing to show the Rocekts instead.  There are going to be similar conflicts with the new network.

[moriartp]

Yes, certainly they will get better. Probably not this year but possibly.

Just meant this season. And yup, I'll enjoy the ride wherever it may go.

[Mr. Happy]

I have no expectations.

They have surpassed them.

I'm enjoying the game.

Same here.

[S.P. Rodriguez]

I'm very happy to see the team competing in every game so far this season.  However, while I don't wish to dump a pessimistic bucket of water on the rejuvenated interest in the team, isn't this what young teams do right out of the gate?  I'll be more excited for future seasons (assuming I continue to follow with the move to the AL) if they are playing the same way in June/July. 

[Noe]

Yeah, it's hard not to point how this trending by the young'uns is not a good sign. I fight the temptation to point out how what we're seeing now does not bode well for the future. Let's just leave it at this: It is much better to jump on top of the opposition, score some runs and *THEN* hold down the opposition to less runs.

Having to comeback night after night is going to get tougher as teams start to find themselves. Bats on either side tend to be slower in April than they are in June/July. So the probability is there that instead of 3-4 deficit comebacks, Houston will be looking at 5-6 runs to overcome.

Not good.

[Bench]

Not good.

Nobody expects them to be good, Noe.  Which is why the fact that they've been playing hard and playing close games is commendable and enjoyable.  Nothing about this team bodes well for the future - we all know that.  Just enjoy competitive play as it happens. 

[das]

I'm more excited to see Wandy, sans a 4 boot night hopefully, tonight.  I'm intrigued by Gonzalez on the hill for the Nats.  I'm hoping the newfound patience by the Astros young hitters can rattle the guy into one of his poor command nights.

[Ebby Calvin]

Nobody expects them to be good, Noe.  Which is why the fact that they've been playing hard and playing close games is commendable and enjoyable.  Nothing about this team bodes well for the future - we all know that.  Just enjoy competitive play as it happens. 

Agree 100%

[jbm]

Nothing about this team bodes well for the future?

Nothing about the play or progress of some of the players shows promise for the future?

That is a pretty negative prognosis.   

[subnuclear]

I think most parts of the team are below average, but none are catastrophically bad.

[Reuben]

I'm more excited to see Wandy, sans a 4 boot night hopefully, tonight.  I'm intrigued by Gonzalez on the hill for the Nats.  I'm hoping the newfound patience by the Astros young hitters can rattle the guy into one of his poor command nights.

I'll be at the games Wed and Thurs, along with my wife, dad, and brother. You (or anyone) going to either of those?

[Noe]

Nobody expects them to be good, Noe.  Which is why the fact that they've been playing hard and playing close games is commendable and enjoyable.  Nothing about this team bodes well for the future - we all know that.  Just enjoy competitive play as it happens. 

That's actually quite insane. You should expect them to learn how to play the game, not to just be happy to be in the bigs. My comments are geared towards hoping someone is teaching some good kids with lots of heart to play the game right and do the things they need to do to be better at this game.

[NeilT]

That's actually quite insane. You should expect them to learn how to play the game, not to just be happy to be in the bigs. My comments are geared towards hoping someone is teaching some good kids with lots of heart to play the game right and do the things they need to do to be better at this game.

I always suspected Bench of insanity.  Good to have confirmation.

[Ebby Calvin]

That's actually quite insane. You should expect them to learn how to play the game, not to just be happy to be in the bigs. My comments are geared towards hoping someone is teaching some good kids with lots of heart to play the game right and do the things they need to do to be better at this game.

That's fine, and I don't think Bench (and I, by agreeing with the bastard) disagree with it.

I understood this:

Bats on either side tend to be slower in April than they are in June/July. So the probability is there that instead of 3-4 deficit comebacks, Houston will be looking at 5-6 runs to overcome.

Not good.

...to mean, "boy, these kids are going to lose a LOT of games this year."  And my response to that is, "at least they're fun to watch."

I think I confused myself with all of this quoting and "quoting."

[chuck]

Nothing about this team bodes well for the future?

Nothing about the play or progress of some of the players shows promise for the future?

That is a pretty negative prognosis.   

Whatever record they claw themselves to this year will be better than the record they post next year. There's your promise for the future.

[subnuclear]

I'll be at the games Wed and Thurs, along with my wife, dad, and brother. You (or anyone) going to either of those?

I'll be there tonight ($2 tuesdays!) with my dorky co-workers. Considering going on Thursday, but having bought a ticket yet.

[Bench]

Nothing about this team bodes well for the future?

Nothing about the play or progress of some of the players shows promise for the future?

That is a pretty negative prognosis.   

If the future is defined as June/July as Noe put it, then, no.  Nothing really bodes well for this season.  Enjoy the team playing well whenever you can.

In the longer term, I doubt that there will be many players from the 2012 squad on the Astros whenever they get good again. 

I understood this:

...to mean, "boy, these kids are going to lose a LOT of games this year."  And my response to that is, "at least they're fun to watch."

 

Me too!  I'm not crazy!

Or Ebby is completely batshit.  One or the other.

[Ebby Calvin]

Me too!  I'm not crazy!

Or Ebby is completely batshit.  One or the other.

Disagree 100%

[das]

I'll be there tonight ($2 tuesdays!) with my dorky co-workers. Considering going on Thursday, but having bought a ticket yet.

I'll be there (with Houston) tonight and will also be there Thursday, as long as the Delta Shuttle from LaGuardia does not screw me over.  So, basically, fat chance...

We're in Section 115, row G if anyone wants to stop by tonight.  Probably be there between 6 and 6:30.

[EasTexAstro]

Disagree 100%

How would you know if you were crazy?

[NeilT]

Whatever record they claw themselves to this year will be better than the record they post next year. There's your promise for the future.

Because next year it counts.

[Limey]

I always suspected Bench of insanity.  Good to have confirmation.

FIFY

[JimR]

I always suspected Bench of insanity.  Good to have confirmation.

oh, i don't know. Elise seemed to be a pretty sane decision. he married way up, though.

[Jacksonian]

oh, i don't know. Elise seemed to be a pretty sane decision. he married way up, though.

So you're saying she's insane.

[JimR]

So you're saying she's insane.

well, now that you mentioned it....

[Noe]

That's fine, and I don't think Bench (and I, by agreeing with the bastard) disagree with it.

I understood this:

...to mean, "boy, these kids are going to lose a LOT of games this year."  And my response to that is, "at least they're fun to watch."

I think I confused myself with all of this quoting and "quoting."

He quoted my "Not good" (which I was saying it is not good for the team to play this way, no matter *HOW* much fun it is to watch them compete). He said that "no one is saying they're good". Huh? What the heck is that? Everyone who is in the major leagues is good, heck they're even great. The percentage of people who can play this game at this level is very small. What sets apart a team that wins from a team that loses is not whether they're good or not... it's whether they understand how to play the game at this level.

Being young can be a real reason why they play with heart but can't string together wins. The great Mr. Bagwell once said "You can't play this game like you do a football game... with all the rah! rah! stuff... you have to have a very even attitude about this game, you cannot get too high when you win nor too low when you lose. You just have to play the way you know how to play." It boils down to this:

A young team can be taught to win the right way so it's consistent. Either by coaches, a manager, other players (veterans or leaders). I liked what Carpenter said last night "I let my teammates down". Correct attitude... no "Hey, we're fun to watch, aren't we?" For the near future to bode well for this young, hard pressing team, they're going to have to rely on winning the right way... not heart per se.

And saying that they're no good any way, just enjoy them compete is selling them short and making them a bunch of delusional fools. They're major leaguers who have a job to do and expecting anything less than them understanding how to win and then doing their best to do so is cheating them and yourself of good major league baseball. May as well go out and watch me "compete" in the amateur leagues if that is the case (although I'm retired, so there is that of course).

[Bench]

He quoted my "Not good" (which I was saying it is not good for the team to play this way, no matter *HOW* much fun it is to watch them compete). He said that "no one is saying they're good". Huh? What the heck is that? Everyone who is in the major leagues is good, heck they're even great. The percentage of people who can play this game at this level is very small. What sets apart a team that wins from a team that loses is not whether they're good or not... it's whether they understand how to play the game at this level.

Being young can be a real reason why they play with heart but can't string together wins. The great Mr. Bagwell once said "You can't play this game like you do a football game... with all the rah! rah! stuff... you have to have a very even attitude about this game, you cannot get too high when you win nor too low when you lose. You just have to play the way you know how to play." It boils down to this:

A young team can be taught to win the right way so it's consistent. Either by coaches, a manager, other players (veterans or leaders). I liked what Carpenter said last night "I let my teammates down". Correct attitude... no "Hey, we're fun to watch, aren't we?" For the near future to bode well for this young, hard pressing team, they're going to have to rely on winning the right way... not heart per se.

And saying that they're no good any way, just enjoy them compete is selling them short and making them a bunch of delusional fools. They're major leaguers who have a job to do and expecting anything less than them understanding how to win and then doing their best to do so is cheating them and yourself of good major league baseball. May as well go out and watch me "compete" in the amateur leagues if that is the case (although I'm retired, so there is that of course).

I can't tell if you're deliberately misinterpreting my comment or not, but none of what you just wrote actually has anything to do with what I wrote.  

[Noe]

Okay, so let me directly answer what you wrote"

Nobody expects them to be good, Noe.

That is insane to say.

Which is why the fact that they've been playing hard and playing close games is commendable and enjoyable.

I added the emphasis. So you're saying that there is no expectation for them to be good, even though they're major leaguers, so I should join the crowd and say I'm okay with "playing hard and playing close games"... correct?

Nothing about this team bodes well for the future - we all know that.  Just enjoy competitive play as it happens.

Again, this is okay for you... I can't change your own attitude about what is acceptable from the team you follow. I don't happen to agree that this sort of high school view of a professional team is commendable. 

[Bench]

Go ahead and criticize the team for coming back from three runs down the other night.  I'm sure you've identified the one thing that is keeping the Astros from hoisting the commissioner's trophy this year.  That must be fun for you.

Me, I'm going to enjoy watching the team play. 

[Limey]

A young team can be taught to win the right way so it's consistent. Either by coaches, a manager, other players (veterans or leaders). I liked what Carpenter said last night "I let my teammates down". Correct attitude... no "Hey, we're fun to watch, aren't we?"

See Cubs, Fuck the.

[Mr. Happy]

oh, i don't know. Elise seemed to be a pretty sane decision. he married way up, though.

Bench is sane, but just likes to give us all shit.

[Ebby Calvin]

Okay, so let me directly answer what you wrote"

That is insane to say.

I added the emphasis. So you're saying that there is no expectation for them to be good, even though they're major leaguers, so I should join the crowd and say I'm okay with "playing hard and playing close games"... correct?

Again, this is okay for you... I can't change your own attitude about what is acceptable from the team you follow. I don't happen to agree that this sort of high school view of a professional team is commendable. 

OK, here goes.
The 2012 Astros, as a whole, do not have the same caliber players as the majority of the rest of the league.  While all great ballplayers in their own right, I don't expect this team to win a lot of games.  I hope management continues to teach and inspire these players to play good, hard, fundamental baseball, though I expect several bumps on the road.

And with all of that said, their play so far this season has been fun to watch, even taking into account the losses in close games.  Because of that, I find myself rooting for this team for reasons other than the fact that I've rooted for this organization my whole life.

Nothing more, nothing less.

[Bench]

OK, here goes.
The 2012 Astros, as a whole, do not have the same caliber players as the majority of the rest of the league.  While all great ballplayers in their own right, I don't expect this team to win a lot of games.  I hope management continues to teach and inspire these players to play good, hard, fundamental baseball, though I expect several bumps on the road.

And with all of that said, their play so far this season has been fun to watch, even taking into account the losses in close games.  Because of that, I find myself rooting for this team for reasons other than the fact that I've rooted for this organization my whole life.

Nothing more, nothing less.

I agree completely.  You are officially batshit insane.  

[Bench]

he married way up, though.

Wholeheartedly true.

[Noe]

Go ahead and criticize the team for coming back from three runs down the other night.  I'm sure you've identified the one thing that is keeping the Astros from hoisting the commissioner's trophy this year.  That must be fun for you.

Me, I'm going to enjoy watching the team play. 

You have gone off the deep end.

[Noe]

See Cubs, Fuck the.

Eggszactly!

[Noe]

OK, here goes.
The 2012 Astros, as a whole, do not have the same caliber players as the majority of the rest of the league.

Newsflash... not many teams have the caliber of player as say the Yankees can afford. But what wins championships is the organization that has players who know how to win games because they play as a *team*. 

While all great ballplayers in their own right, I don't expect this team to win a lot of games.

I expect them to play better. It is reasonable to expect a player on a team in the major leagues to continue to get better not just collect a paycheck. If management and fans have that opinion of this particular team, then the whole world has gone insane.

I hope management continues to teach and inspire these players to play good, hard, fundamental baseball, though I expect several bumps on the road.

Yes, said the same thing. And the first order of business is to point out what they are doing wrong, not say "hey, you're playing some fun baseball there boys!" If the team is not allowed to be criticized for their own good because we're all resigned that they are *NOT* major league caliber and well, they all suck any way... that's kind of distressing for me to read. It is reasonable to expect them to learn and get better, I don't think it's fair to set a very low bar for them either as management or as fans.

And with all of that said, their play so far this season has been fun to watch, even taking into account the losses in close games.  Because of that, I find myself rooting for this team for reasons other than the fact that I've rooted for this organization my whole life.

There seems to be something being unsaid here. Is my open criticism and expectation for the team to learn and get better seen as me actually being a non-fan of this team? Is so, then someone needs to let me know what being a fan is really all about.

Nothing more, nothing less.

Agreed.

[Bench]

And the first order of business is to point out what they are doing wrong...

There's your problem with this discussion.

Especially when what you are pointing out is the fairly mundane observation that if the Astros continue to fall behind in games, it will be difficult to win those games and that it's generally better in baseball to score more runs than your opponent.  

[Ebby Calvin]

I think I figured it out.  I enjoy watching this team, win or lose, more than I expected I would.  Sometimes it reads like you don't.

I expect them to play better. It is reasonable to expect a player on a team in the major leagues to continue to get better not just collect a paycheck.

Right.  I expect them to play better, too.  Eventually.  Like you say, it's a process.  But I enjoy they way they play right now, too.

There seems to be something being unsaid here.

Nothing more, nothing less, remember?

[Noe]

There's your problem with this discussion.

Especially when what you are pointing out is the fairly mundane observation that if the Astros continue to fall behind in games, it will be difficult to win those games and that it's generally better in baseball to score more runs than your opponent.  

Hey, you don't have to respond or even read my mundane musings. There is the ignore button you know. You jumped in, not the other way around.

[Noe]

I think I figured it out.  I enjoy watching this team, win or lose, more than I expected I would.  Sometimes it reads like you don't.

Okay, that is very fair to say. So, if I tell you that I like watching the Astros, would that help?

Right.  I expect them to play better, too.  Eventually.  Like you say, it's a process.  But I enjoy they way they play right now, too.

If you can go back and read what I said and tell me eggszactly where I said I do not enjoy watching them play right now with heart, I'll concede any point you want to make to me... about me. Other than that, I am quite unsure what it was about what I said that caused this consternation. I fully expect them to get better at *not* falling behind every game because it will get worse well before it gets better. In the long run, I am saying I would love to see this young team with heart do themselves a huge favor and play the game right.  But don't mistake that as me saying that "this team blows any way, just enjoy that they're hustling". That's pretty shallow way to follow a professional team, IMHO of course. No one has to agree with me on that either.

Nothing more, nothing less, remember?

Absolutely, totally agree.

[Fredia]

in a way since the astros have to go to the dark side next year might be good that most of the players are young and probably better to adapt. yes i know these are professionals, but it is going to be a whole new ballgame

[Noe]

I have no idea what you just wrote Fredia. You're getting worse than me at expressing yourself. That's pretty bad.

[JimR]

anybody ever watch the old Ozzie and Harriet show when David and Ricky started going at each other? i don't know why, but i thought about that today.

[Bench]

If you can go back and read what I said and tell me eggszactly where I said I do not enjoy watching them play right now with heart, I'll concede any point you want to make to me... about me.

Compare:

I'm very happy to see the team competing in every game so far this season.  

with:

Yeah, it's hard not to point how this trending by the young'uns is not a good sign.

which you followed up with:

May as well go out and watch me "compete" in the amateur leagues if that is the case (although I'm retired, so there is that of course).

And maybe you can see why it seems that you're pissing on the Astros parade, meager as it may be.  

[Noe]

Compare:

with:

which you followed up with:

And maybe you can see why it seems that you're pissing on the Astros parade, meager as it may be.  

Is that it? THAT'S what set you off on your campaign Don Quixote?  *sheesh* You're THAT sensitive about the team, I never figured you as thin-skinned at all.

[BudGirl]

anybody ever watch the old Ozzie and Harriet show when David and Ricky started going at each other? i don't know why, but i thought about that today.

When was Ozzie married to Harriet?  I always thought he was married to Sharon.

[JimR]

When was Ozzie married to Harriet?  I always thought he was married to Sharon.

ha.ha.ha.

[Bench]

Is that it? THAT'S what set you off on your campaign Don Quixote?  *sheesh* You're THAT sensitive about the team, I never figured you as thin-skinned at all.

No, it was the series of "insane" "delusional" and "high-school view" insults and pedantic "if they are major leaguers they MUST be good" trope you tossed around on the shoulders of "if the Astros can't take the lead in a game they will have trouble winning" insight which was such an overreaction and mischaracterization of my comment that I can only assume you are trolling me. 

[Noe]

No, it was the series of "insane" "delusional" and "high-school view" insults and pedantic "if they are major leaguers they MUST be good" trope you tossed around on the shoulders of "if the Astros can't take the lead in a game they will have trouble winning" insight which was such an overreaction and mischaracterization of my comment that I can only assume you are trolling me.  

Sure, okay. I was trolling you (after you jumped into my conversation with SP... m'kay).  Seriously?  Are you really this far gone?  If so, save yourself from all this and by all means put me on ignore! I don't ever want to be the cause of your sensibility being trounced as I have done so already. It would not hurt me one bit if you desire to ignore my inane comments from now on.

[Bench]

Sure, okay. I was trolling you (after you jumped into my conversation with SP... m'kay).  Seriously?  Are you really this far gone?  Is so, save yourself from all this and by all means put me on ignore! I don't ever want to be the cause of your sensibility being trounced as I have done so already. It would not hurt me one bit if you desire to ignore my inane comments from now on.

So you really are just being an asshole.  I'm sorry I followed you down the rabbit hole. 

[Noe]

So you really are just being an asshole.  I'm sorry I followed you down the rabbit hole. 

Yes Bench, I'm an asshole... okay, you win. Here's a cookie, you RULE, I drool. Anything else?

[JackAstro]

Well, this was festive! Same time tomorrow, everyone?

[JimR]

not tomorrow. their mommies are putting them in Time Out.

[Noe]

Well, this was festive! Same time tomorrow, everyone?

I may be a little late, I have some little old ladies to trip up while they cross the street. But I'll be here.

[Noe]

not tomorrow. their mommies are putting them in Time Out.

Damn, not again!?!?

[Bench]

Well, this was festive! Same time tomorrow, everyone?

Depends on if the Astros can jump out to an early lead tonight. 

[Ron Brand]

The pilfering of food is a very serious occurrence onboard a ship.

[Reuben]

Das, subnuke, Houston et al; my fam and I'll be in sec 220, row D tonight, it would be nice to meet any of you if you're going to the game.

[Mr. Happy]

Das, subnuke, Houston et al; my fam and I'll be in sec 220, row D tonight, it would be nice to meet any of you if you're going to the game.

Wear some cool Astros gear for the TV!!!

[subnuclear]

Das, subnuke, Houston et al; my fam and I'll be in sec 220, row D tonight, it would be nice to meet any of you if you're going to the game.

Looks like I'll be showing up. Last Astro game in DC probably for a long time (though maybe some in Baltimore).

[Reuben]

Wear some cool Astros gear for the TV!!!

Got my bright orange 80's-Stros t-shirt on; I think its pretty cool.

[das]

Got my bright orange 80's-Stros t-shirt on; I think its pretty cool.

Just now landing at Reagan so, lucky for you all, I'll miss the game. Root, root, root them to at least one win!

[subnuclear]

Got my bright orange 80's-Stros t-shirt on; I think its pretty cool.

Can't seem to find your section. I'm in 222 row D. Or leave me a meeting place here if you are reading.