Astros at Reds, 4/28/12: Can you name the Martinez?!?

[OregonStrosFan]

Your 4/28/12 Houston Astros lineup, courtesy of Footer: LINK

1. Schafer - CF
2. Altuve - 2B
3. Lowrie - SS
4. Martinez***  - LF
5. Buck - RF
6. Downs - 1B
7. Johnson - 3B
8. Snyder - C
9. Harrell - P

*** Evidently there is some SnS controversy as to which dude named Martinez is hitting cleanup today...  I think it can be narrowed down to someone on this list, but ain't swearin' to nothing... Perhaps someone from this list?!?

[subnuclear]

That's a very interesting line-up.

[pots]

MLB.com has Fernando, but I think that might be wrong

[Mr. Happy]

I laughed out loud. I hope that MLB.com's Gameday lineups link is wrong and that JD Martinez is hitting cleanup. It's got to be that. I seriously doubt that Millsie would have a kid hit cleanup in this spot. But, hey, what do I know? Absolutely nothing.

[austro]

That's a very interesting line-up.

[Arte Johnson]
Verrrry interesting... but odd.
[/Arte Johnson]

[pots]

MLB.com has Fernando, but I think that might be wrong

F-Mart is on his only option(I believe).  I highly doubt they call him up unless somebody is traded or more seriously injured. 

[pots]

Lineup is not that shocking: LRSRLR

[OregonStrosFan]

Lineup is not that shocking: LRLRLR

L-R-S-R-L-R, but yeah, kinda get what you are saying...

ETA: I see you caught the 'S' before I responded'''

[subnuclear]

Lineup is not that shocking: LRSRLR

Forgot that Lowrie switch-hits. That makes more sense.

[OregonStrosFan]

And in the 'just gotta post this' category... F-ing Global Warning...

[subnuclear]

And in the 'just gotta post this' category... F-ing Global Warning...

HRs have decreased the last 6 years.

[OregonStrosFan]

HRs have decreased the last 6 years.

F-in La Nina (ocean-atmosphere phenomenon, counterpart of El Niño) then?!?

FIF Mrs. ETA

[VirtualBob]

HRs have decreased the last 6 years.

So has global warming.  Proof!!!

[pots]

ESPN has JD  and MLB.com is fixed

[EasTexAstro]

F-in La Nina then?!?

Mrs. ETA says that could be taken very wrong...

[OregonStrosFan]

Mrs. ETA says that could be taken very wrong...

F-in La Nina (ocean-atmosphere phenomenon, counterpart of El Niño) then?!?  Better?!?

[Mr. Happy]

MLB.com has now corrected it--it is JD Martinez playing LF and hitting cleanup.

[Fredia]

after all this contraversy will be interesting to see how the game goes

[Noe]

My god! Controversy? Sky falling? 2012!!! You freaks need some serious chillaxing about things. Just saying.

[OregonStrosFan]

My god! Controversy? Sky falling? 2012!!! You freaks need some serious chillaxing about things. Just saying.

Global warming dude, its for real!!!

[Noe]

Global warming dude, its for real!!!

Stay indoors.

[jbm]

How dare they preempt my pregame show and the UT-Aggie baseball game with softball.  How any innings do they play?

[Noe]

How dare they preempt my pregame show and the UT-Aggie baseball game with softball.  How any innings do they play?

5 if run ruled, 7 if not.

[Mr. Happy]

Global warming dude, its for real!!!

Don't quit your day job, OSF. The data and conclusions on so-called "global warming" is far from settled.

[Fredia]

yea and when they went to sabine parish near zwolle to shoot for the bigfoot show they found him

[subnuclear]

Don't quit your day job, OSF. The data and conclusions on so-called "global warming" is far from settled.

And you've come to this conclusion by carefully reviewing the vast amount of scientific literature on this subject?

[OregonStrosFan]

Don't quit your day job, OSF. The data and conclusions on so-called "global warming" is far from settled.

Dear Santa:

All I want for Christmas this year is a new sarc-meter for Mr. Happy.

-OSF

[Mr. Happy]

And you've come to this conclusion by carefully reviewing the vast amount of scientific literature on this subject?

Actually, I've reviewed some, but not all, of it. The conclusion that I have come to is that it just isn't settled, despite Al Gore's pronouncements on the subject.

[Mr. Happy]

Dear Santa:

All I want for Christmas this year is a new sarc-meter for Mr. Happy.

-OSF

I like taking things literally and with a light heart. It was the light hearted piece that has made me happy and contented.

[Noe]

C'mon Matty!

[Mr. Happy]

C'mon Matty!

He gave it a ride but came up just a bit short. But he put a good swing on the ball, so maybe he'll get a hit the next time up.

[Noe]

He gave it a ride but came up just a bit short. But he put a good swing on the ball, so maybe he'll get a hit the next time up.

Did the same thing last night. Atom ball luck right now for Matty.

[Bench]

Actually, I've reviewed some, but not all, of it. The conclusion that I have come to is that it just isn't settled, despite Al Gore's pronouncements on the subject.

And remember, gravity is just a theory. 

[Mr. Happy]

And remember, gravity is just a theory. 

Harrell is off to a good start through the first two hitters, getting two 6-3's. Just don't make a mistake to Votto.

[Noe]

This Votto guy... he's pretty good.

[OregonStrosFan]

Uh, not the best read for Shreefer that time...

[Mr. Happy]

And remember, gravity is just a theory. 

Gravity works for the most part, but from what I can gather from the physicists who are capable of explaining things to laymen like me, gravity gets a little weird around the edges, as in dark matter and dark energy.

[OregonStrosFan]

This Votto guy... he's pretty good.

That Martinez dude [NOTE FOR MR. HAPPY: I'm referring to JD Martinez] is pretty decent as well, no?!?  Serious question here, but it has *seemed* to me that pitchers are being ultra-cautious with him in his ABs already this season (and its not letting up).  Thoughts?!?

[Mr. Happy]

Shitfuck. A seeing eye single plates another run.

[Noe]

C'mon Luke... use the force!

[das]

Actually, I've reviewed some, but not all, of it. The conclusion that I have come to is that it just isn't settled, despite Al Gore's pronouncements on the subject.

I peek in here to see how the game is going and stumble into this subthread.  Now my hair hurts.

[Noe]

Well now, going to play catch up in a game being pitched by Jose Cueto.  Nice work Lucas.

[Mr. Happy]

That Martinez dude [NOTE FOR MR. HAPPY: I'm referring to JD Martinez] is pretty decent as well, no?!?  Serious question here, but it has *seemed* to me that pitchers are being ultra-cautious with him in his ABs already this season (and its not letting up).  Thoughts?!?

JD has hit in the third spot all season until today, and I think that pitchers generally play it safe with the guy who the opposing manager thinks is the best hitter in the lineup.

[Mr. Happy]

I peek in here to see how the game is going and stumble into this subthread.  Now my hair hurts.

If I had hair, mine would be hurting too.

[Bench]

I peek in here to see how the game is going and stumble into this subthread.  Now my hair hurts.

Teach the debate.

[Noe]

JD has hit in the third spot all season until today, and I think that pitchers generally play it safe with the guy who the opposing manager thinks is the best hitter in the lineup.

JD's patience at the plate serves him well. Forces a lot of good hitter's counts.

[Noe]

I peek in here to see how the game is going and stumble into this subthread.  Now my hair hurts.

Must be some mistaken posting. Someone thought this was ScienceZone for some reason.

[NeilT]

I peek in here to see how the game is going and stumble into this subthread.  Now my hair hurts.

That's because you believe in weather.  It doesn't really exist you know.

[Noe]

Seriously, I can split the thread and move the global warming talk to B&Q if you guys want to continue.

[Mr. Happy]

JD's patience at the plate serves him well. Forces a lot of good hitter's counts.

He really has amazing plate discipline for a young player.

[OregonStrosFan]

It is 2-0 CIN thru 1.  CJ begins T2 with a single down the line in LF.

[Mr. Happy]

Seriously, I can split the thread and move the global warming talk to B&Q if you guys want to continue.

I've said all I know on the issue, so not on my behalf.

[Mr. Happy]

It is 2-0 CIN thru 1.  CJ begins T2 with a single down the line in LF.

CJ now 4-9 lifetime against Cueto.

[Noe]

Uh, not the best read for Shreefer that time...

He muffed that one on a day you don't want to give away outs. The hardest ball to judge off the bat is the line drive straight at you. In this case, Schaefer really read it wrong for sure.

[OregonStrosFan]

Seriously, I can split the thread and move the global warming talk to B&Q if you guys want to continue.

Dude, seriously?!?  Why separate the occasional game comment into B&Q?!?  This is the GZ man.  We occasionally add random game happenings in here in the midst of random tangents...

[OregonStrosFan]

He muffed that one on a day you don't want to give away outs. The hardest ball to judge off the bat is the line drive straight at you. In this case, Schaefer really read it wrong for sure.

And my giving him crap on that read aside, I've been very pleasantly surprised at his defensive skills this season.

[Noe]

He really has amazing plate discipline for a young player.

Yup, in the majors, the pitcher will not throw strikes if you're going to go fishing. I think the book on JD is still developing, but his ability to lay off non-strikes is going to make pitchers decide how to get him out by challenging him. Hard in doesn't seem to work, JD has a very quick inside swing, he pulls his hands in nicely. And he's proven to have a opposite field swing when necessary too, so the breaking stuff away may not be a good idea either.

When all else fails, up and in and jam him and hope he breaks his bat.

[OregonStrosFan]

Snyder grounds out to 3B, not able to advance CJ.  Harrell can't lay down the bunt, but almost singles into RF, CJ advances to 3B.  2 outs, Shreefer at the dish.

[subnuclear]

Gravity works for the most part, but from what I can gather from the physicists who are capable of explaining things to laymen like me, gravity gets a little weird around the edges, as in dark matter and dark energy.

Its not clear that's a problem with our theory of gravity or with the rest of the standard model.

[Noe]

Dude, seriously?!?  Why separate the occasional game comment into B&Q?!?  This is the GZ man.  We occasionally add random game happenings in here in the midst of random tangents...

Mr. Happy lent me his sacr-o-meter... nice job!

[subnuclear]

Must be some mistaken posting. Someone thought this was ScienceZone for some reason.

I know, but I think its interesting Mr. Happy is reading about atmospheric science in spare time.

[Mr. Happy]

He muffed that one on a day you don't want to give away outs. The hardest ball to judge off the bat is the line drive straight at you. In this case, Schaefer really read it wrong for sure.

I never played the outfield, but from what I've seen and experienced, that line drive right at it is a motherfucker, especially the one that is knuckleballed.

[OregonStrosFan]

Shreefer tries to drag bunt for a hit, but Cueto gets to it in time for the out.  Middle 2: HOU 0, CIN 2

[Mr. Happy]

I know, but I think its interesting Mr. Happy is reading about atmospheric science in spare time.

It interests me, as does physics. However, my pea brain can't get a strong grasp of most of it.

[Noe]

I never played the outfield, but from what I've seen and experienced, that line drive right at it is a motherfucker, especially the one that is knuckleballed.

That's when you hear the loudest "AW SHIT!" scream on a baseball diamond too.

[OregonStrosFan]

I know, but I think its interesting Mr. Happy is reading about atmospheric science in spare time.

Seems like a waste of his time and that he'd be better served for reading some sort of more realistic science, say astrology or something... [/ducks]

[Mr. Happy]

Shreefer tries to drag bunt for a hit, but Cueto gets to it in time for the out.  Middle 2: HOU 0, CIN 2

I didn't particularly like that call. I guess that it was some sort of squeeze play?

[Noe]

Luke, luke, luke... keep the ball down will'ya!

[Mr. Happy]

Harrell gets through a pretty easy inning, which he needed.

[Mr. Happy]

Seems like a waste of his time and that he'd be better served for reading some sort of more realistic science, say astrology or something... [/ducks]

You can fit what I know about astrology in a thimble. I know that I'm a Gemini and that my wife is a Leo. That's it.

[OregonStrosFan]

I didn't particularly like that call. I guess that it was some sort of squeeze play?

Thought Shreefer was just doing what he does, occasionally drag bunting for a hit (which he is pretty decent at).  Didn't think of it as a 'called' drag bunt or anything...

[OregonStrosFan]

You can fit what I know about astrology in a thimble. I know that I'm a Gemini and that my wife is a Leo. That's it.

You're just messin' with me now... You gotta be...

[Mr. Happy]

That's when you hear the loudest "AW SHIT!" scream on a baseball diamond too.

Who's doing the screaming? The pitcher who gave up the hard hit ball or the poor outfielder who has to catch up with it? I was notorious for screaming "shitfuck" on hard hit balls against me. I got called down for it by several different umpires, who I always thought had rabbit ears anyway.

[OregonStrosFan]

Mr. The Altuve strikeouts looking for out #1.

[Mr. Happy]

You're just messin' with me now... You gotta be...

Nope. Mr. Literal knows nothing about astrology. Honest.

[Mr. Happy]

Lefties are getting good swings on Cueto today, but just not good enough to score.

[Mr. Happy]

Cueto has a little bit of Tiant/Valenzuela in his windup, doesn't he?

[Noe]

Who's doing the screaming? The pitcher who gave up the hard hit ball or the poor outfielder who has to catch up with it? I was notorious for screaming "shitfuck" on hard hit balls against me. I got called down for it by several different umpires, who I always thought had rabbit ears anyway.

The one and only year I played CF, I did great until I got a line drive hit right at me and of course, I did worse than Shaeffer... I froze and yelled "AW SHIT!" so loud, the people in the stands heard me and laughed. The pitcher didn't exactly laugh though, although I got teased a lot for the rest of the season. "Hey potty mouth, try to keep it clean out there today, okay?"

I wasn't known for swearing at all, in fact, never did until that one day.

[OregonStrosFan]

Nope. Mr. Literal knows nothing about astrology. Honest.

Point being that my comment was intended to 'poke the bear' (the 'bear' being subnuclear' in that instance), rather than having really anything to do with you... *sigh*

[OregonStrosFan]

Lowrie with a deep fly out.  JD grounds out to 3B.  Middle 3: HOU 0, CIN 2

[Noe]

Cueto has a little bit of Tiant/Valenzuela in his windup, doesn't he?

I think he started that last year when he started to struggle. Looks like it works for him, but yeah, lefties are getting good swings on him. Harrel has to do a "hold'em" for the team, else the game will be harder to win. Way harder, Cueto looks like he's settled in.

[Noe]

Wow, the resurgence of the early season 2012 Astros has reappeared. Oh-oh.

[Mr. Happy]

Fuck, Altuve proved how hard that ball is when it is coming right at you.

[Mr. Happy]

I think he started that last year when he started to struggle. Looks like it works for him, but yeah, lefties are getting good swings on him. Harrel has to do a "hold'em" for the team, else the game will be harder to win. Way harder, Cueto looks like he's settled in.

Yep. Cueto doesn't look like he's going to need a lot of run support. It's 4-0 now. Altuve has made three errors so far. That error hurt because it was a double play ball, which has now resulted in two runs.

[Mr. Happy]

I think he started that last year when he started to struggle. Looks like it works for him, but yeah, lefties are getting good swings on him. Harrel has to do a "hold'em" for the team, else the game will be harder to win. Way harder, Cueto looks like he's settled in.

It's kind of a little Gene Garber-esque too.

[Mr. Happy]

Snyder needs to smother that ball. Thankfully, HPU blocked that ball with his leg and saved a run.

[Noe]

Yep. Cueto doesn't look like he's going to need a lot of run support. It's 4-0 now. Altuve has made three errors so far. That error hurt because it was a double play ball, which has now resulted in two runs.

And Sheafer misplay (generous triple for Phillips) was out numero three. Can't afford to play like this and expect to win.

[Mr. Happy]

And Sheafer misplay (generous triple for Phillips) was out numero three. Can't afford to play like this and expect to win.

Nope, especially not on the road.

[Noe]

Okay guys, have fun talking Global Astrology with Gravity Boots on, or whatever it was that so interesting. Taking my son to the movies.

[OregonStrosFan]

Okay guys, have fun talking Global Astrology with Gravity Boots on, or whatever it was that so interesting. Taking my son to the movies.

Enjoy sir!

[Mr. Happy]

We've got some traffic for CJ.

[OregonStrosFan]

"Astros got a little Roberta Flack going for them..." -JD

[Mr. Happy]

Okay guys, have fun talking Global Astrology with Gravity Boots on, or whatever it was that so interesting. Taking my son to the movies.

Have a big time!!!

[Mr. Happy]

Fat Albert essentially got Bobby Abreu released by not hitting for the first month.

[OregonStrosFan]

We've got some traffic for CJ.

Alas, even with it being his moms b-day, CJ GiDPs it...

[austro]

I never played the outfield, but from what I've seen and experienced, that line drive right at it is a motherfucker, especially the one that is knuckleballed.

Outfield was my gig, and you are exactly right: the ball hit right at you is bad, and a knuckler is the worst. I've seen balls move a foot or two in the last 20. That'll fuck you up.

[OregonStrosFan]

And the threat gone... Middle 4: HOU 0, CIN 4

[Mr. Happy]

I think he started that last year when he started to struggle. Looks like it works for him, but yeah, lefties are getting good swings on him. Harrel has to do a "hold'em" for the team, else the game will be harder to win. Way harder, Cueto looks like he's settled in.

The only thing that will hold Cueto back today is his pitch count, which is at 76 through four frames. Of course, the Reds have some good arms in the bully.

[OregonStrosFan]

The only thing that will hold Cueto back today is his pitch count, which is at 76 through four frames. Of course, the Reds have some good arms in the bully.

IIRC, Cueto can cruise along just fine for a while *but* the wheels can also come off in a hurry...

[Mr. Happy]

IIRC, Cueto can cruise along just fine for a while *but* the wheels can also come off in a hurry...

Hopefully, Dusty will sit in the dugout like a spectator when that happens.

[OregonStrosFan]

Hopefully, Dusty will sit in the dugout like a spectator when that happens.

Always a possibility.  Additionally, I can't remember exactly when, but doesn't Dusty generally plan his naps mid-afternoon as well?!?

[Mr. Happy]

We're 0-6 w/ RISP today, while the Reds are 3/8. That's the whole story today so far.

[OregonStrosFan]

B4, no runs, a hit, a man stranded.  End 4: HOU 0, CIN 4

[OregonStrosFan]

We're 0-6 w/ RISP today, while the Reds are 3/8. That's the whole story today so far.

That, and some defensive miscues...

[Mr. Happy]

That, and some defensive miscues...

Yep. Forgot about those.

[Mr. Happy]

Lefties still getting good swings against Cueto.

[OregonStrosFan]

Yep. Forgot about those.

I'm tryin' to as well...

[OregonStrosFan]

Shreefer now with 21 straight on-base games this season with an IF single to SS.  1 out, speed on 1B.

[Mr. Happy]

Shreefer now with 21 straight on-base games this season with an IF single to SS.  1 out, speed on 1B.

And, just like that, he's doubled off.

[OregonStrosFan]

F-in Altuve with a line drive out to RF, Shreefer was running on the play and couldn't get back in time.  Middle 5: HOU 0, CIN 4

[Mr. Happy]

Well, shitfuck. I knew that pitch was trouble.

[OregonStrosFan]

Jay Bruce was happy with it though...  2-run jack to right puts CIN up 6-0 B5...  Someone with some new PBP mojo better step up... I'm done...

[OregonStrosFan]

JD just ROBBED by an AWESOME play by CIN rookie SS Cosart...  Wow!

[OregonStrosFan]

After 6, CIN 6, HOU 0.

[OregonStrosFan]

WW in to start B7. HOU 0, CIN 6.

[Mr. Happy]

Hey, what do you know? WW gets them up and down in order in the seventh. 6-0 Top 8

[OregonStrosFan]

Hey, what do you know? WW gets them up and down in order in the seventh. 6-0 Top 8

Gonna be a heck of a comeback here Mr. Happy.  Too bad all them other GZers ain't gonna be around to see it...

[OregonStrosFan]

Bixler in to PH for WW. 

F... Cosart with another great defensive effort, reaching in to the stands to pick the Bixler FB...

[OregonStrosFan]

6-0 CIN in Middle 8.  Gonna be one heck of a comeback in T9, eh Mr. Happy?!?

[OregonStrosFan]

Oops. Nevermind... Lyon in.  Comeback officially over...

[OregonStrosFan]

T9: Chapman in for CIN. 

Lowrie walks on 3-2 pitch. 0 out, runner on 1B. JD up.

[OregonStrosFan]

JD flies out to shallow right. T9: 1 out, Lowrie on 1B.

[OregonStrosFan]

Buck: Flairs one into left center.  T9: 1 out, runners at 1B and 2B.

[OregonStrosFan]

Downs flies out to CF. 2 outs, runners on 1B and 2B. T9. CJ at the dish.

[OregonStrosFan]

And... CJ walks on the 3-2 pitch to load the bases.  Chapman now at 24 pitches in T9.  Snyder at the dish. 0-3, 3 groundouts to Rolen at 3B. 

[OregonStrosFan]

Ball gets by C, but rebounds right back to him, Lowrie running down the line but turns back around.  2B had to hit the brakes as well...

[OregonStrosFan]

Snyder takes the first 2 pitches, 2-0 count.  Make that 3-0.  High strike makes it 3-1.  Check-ish type swing makes it 3-2. Snyder fouls Chapmans 30th pitch of the inning.  And Snyder strikes out swinging...  BALLGAME. CIN 6, HOU 0.  HOUs worst loss of the year, and only 2nd time this season they've been shut out...