It's the first time ever I just feel bad for the team

[Wynnable]

I've been an Astro fan since I could breathe.  Or think.  Put that in the vicinity of 45 years.

There have been a few great years. A number of good years. An equal number of bad years. But in all the years I have followed this team there has never been a year that could be characterized simply as sad.

I feel badly for Brad Mills. He has potentially 2 MLB ready starting pitchers, 1 legitimate bullpen pitcher, possibly 3 position players who will be with the team in 2 years. In short, he has absolutely no way to compete.

I feel badly for the players. Schaefers 100 strikeouts, 220 batting average, inability to make contact. Bogie's continual rolling over on ground ball after ground ball to the 2b. JDs inability to hit a breaking pitch of any variety. And on and on and on. Great effort. Skills that just aren't at the major league level.

I feel badly for the announcers. Badly for the fans. Badly for the season ticket holders.  It is a monumental disaster and while I want to blindly believe in the Luhnow dump, 45 years tells me that prospects rarely turn into players ... thus 5 for 1 and hope that 1 of the 5 pans out.

While I have read this site for years, I never chose to register to play. But somehow this is one of those disasters that require participation in a community. I didn't come here to bury this team ... I came to mourn it.

Let them rest in peace.

[Ebby Calvin]

Great post, Clarkie.

I'm just fucking tired of watching shitty baseball.

[Mr. Happy]

You are not alone in your feelings around here. We were discussing this very thing in the GameZone today during today's shitfest/craptacular. It's like watching a cat that's been declawed (through the losses of at least some legitimate or quasi-legitimate big ball players) and then having to watch it fight enemies powerlessly. It is very sad. However, I have a bit more faith than you apparently do that Luhnow won't turn things around. What's my justification for this optimism, you ask? It is pure faith at this point. I simply must have faith in the ownership and management of the club right now. Otherwise, I'd drop off of this site and just go away, which would suit some people here just fine, I'm sure. However, that ain't gonna happen. I'm an Astros fan, through and through. It's really all I know.

[NeilT]

I'm sorry, did I miss something?  What's the problem?

[Ron Brand]

I'm sorry, did I miss something?  What's the problem?

They didn't protect Abreu.

[Andyzipp]

I blame Eric Anthony...

[The Seeker]

Categorizing my Disappointments

1) Bullpen sans Lopez - Bullpen has cost at less 10 wins (NTIM maybe top 5 pick rather than #1) and I'm being very generous with only 10.  Hate to see the young hitters not rewarded with a W when they do come through with late inning RBIs.
.
(big gap)
.

2A) Schafer - lost cause #1
2B) Bogie - lost cause #2
.
(even bigger gap)
.
3) Lack of fundamentally-sound veterans to protect and mentor the young hitters.  I'm  hoping a couple of budget conscious FAs (RF, OF/1B/DH types) can be had by Luhnow in the offseason.
.
.
4) Lyles - can't fault him personally. He needs to be on farm (AAA) working on his endurance. trip #3 through the order is glorified BP
5) JD Martinez - see (4).  He should still be at AAA at this point working on his game (surprised  his fielding could be much worse at this point)

[pots]

WFW

ETA:
Need reasons for optimism:
62-48
63-45
56-52
59-49
30-13
23-18

This is what happens when you rebuild.  Your farm gets good at a temporary cost to your mlb club.  Now it just so happens that with the help of some luck that they've lost 28 out of 31.  So what.  Shit happens.  Their record this year isn't at all important.  Feel bad for the players?? What?  You have guys enjoying the big league life who otherwise would be riding the bus or grazing in a pasture somewhere.

Every single level of the farm has plenty of mid to high upside players.  Each and every minor league box score is chalked full of interesting prospects doing interesting things.  In my years as an Astros fan I've never seen anything like it.

AAA - Cozart, Cisnero, Oberholtzer, Rudy Owens and Musick
AA - Woj, Hiedenreich, Seaton, Rasmussen, Clemens
High A - Doran, Alaniz, Tyson Prez, Tropeano, Cain, Walters at High
Low A - Folty, Juri Perez, Cruz
Penn - Velasquez, West, Rodgers
Appy - Mike Feliz, McCullers, Houser, Musgrove

1st base:
Singleton, Krauss, Nash

2nd
DeShields, Paredes, Jose Fernandez

Short:
Correa, Fontana, Villar, Moon, Mier

3rd
Ruiz, Dominguez, Borchering

OF
Springer, Grossman, Santana, Barnes, F-Mart, Wates, Ovando, Alpin, Tucker

Catcher
Carlos Perez (thin here)

I'm sure I've neglected a few guys, but the talent is overflowing

[roadrunner]

The night is darkest before the dawn.


ps this team was very shitty before all of the July trades

[pots]

Jordan Schafer
This has been a rough year for all of us in Houston but at the end of the day life is pretty damn outstanding! #onthatpursuit

[Arky Vaughan]

WFW

ETA:
Need reasons for optimism:
62-48
63-45
56-52
59-49
30-13
23-18

This is what happens when you rebuild.  Your farm gets good at a temporary cost to your mlb club.  Now it just so happens that with the help of some luck that they've lost 28 out of 31.  So what.  Shit happens.  Their record this year isn't at all important.  Feel bad for the players?? What?  You have guys enjoying the big league life who otherwise would be riding the bus or grazing in a pasture somewhere.

What's even more impressive about those won-loss records is that they were nearly the opposite last year. The Astros' farm system was 338-488 (.408) in 2011 and are 327-277 (.541) in 2012. That's the equivalent of turning around from 66-96 to 88-74 over a 162-game season.

[Reuben]

What's even more impressive about those won-loss records is that they were nearly the opposite last year. The Astros' farm system was 338-488 (.408) in 2011 and are 327-277 (.541) in 2012. That's the equivalent of turning around from 66-96 to 88-74 over a 162-game season.

And, for it to be happening across the entire farm system, not just one isolated team, well, that's a pretty big ship to turn around so abruptly.

[MusicMan]

The night is darkest before the dawn.

Great.  Some psycho is going to douse Altuve in gasoline.

[Fredia]

wonder how high the flames will go in altuves

[Duke]

wonder how high the flames will go in altuves

The O/U is 2 1/2.  I'm taking the over.

[Gizzmonic]

Is this thread the spiritual opposite of the "Think Postively!!!" thread?

This team is uglier than any I've seen, but I think they are on a much better course than say, the D-Rays or Pirates were.  I have faith that Luhnow can turn it around; I don't think a decade + of losing seasons is on the horizon (at least I hope not!)

[Ron Brand]

I took a stroll through the more recent teams that I can think of for awfulness:

2002 Tampa Bay, 55-106
2002 Detroit Tigers, 55-106
2003 Detroit Tigers, 43-119
1988 Atlanta Braves, 54-106
1985 Pittsburgh Pirates, 57-104
2010 Pittsburgh Pirates, 57-105

2002 Tampa Bay, 55-106

Bad. Very bad. They actually had a couple of guys who could hit - Aubrey Huff had 23 home runs, hit .313/.364/.520; Ben Grieve had 19 homers, Randy Winn hit .298/.360/.461 and Carl Crawford had just showed up for 63 games.

Apart from the mediocrity that the rest of the lineup sported (Toby Hall, Steve Cox, Jared Sandberg), the real problem was on the mound. Four starters, with ERAs of 5.18, 4.53, 4.83 and three guys who went 5.60/5.53/5.28 with the rest of the starts. The pen was even worse - the lowest ERA went to the closer, Esteban Yan, with 4.30 and the others were at least a run higher.

2002 Detroit Tigers, 55-106
2003 Detroit Tigers, 43-119

Chris Truby had 292 AB as the third baseman. Randall Simon led the team with 19 home runs and a .301 average; #2 in average was Bobby Higginson at .282. Carlos Pena's SLG of .462 in 75 games led the team, followed by Simon at .459. After that almost everyone else was in the .300s.

Jeff Weaver got 17 starts and had a 3.18 ERA. Beyond that, it was a horror show of 4.21, 5.52, 4.48, 7.77 (Jose Lima!) and four other fill-ins, all between 4.84 and 6.21. Juan Acevedo was the closer and a pretty good one, 2.65 ERA and 28 saves, but the starters and weak offense doomed this team.

In 2003 it was more of the same, except Dmitri Young had a very nice year as a DH - 29 HR, .297 BA, .537 SLG. Alex Sanchez emerged as a base stealer who got caught a lot and couldn't get on base. The team BA was even more woeful than it had been in 2002, and three regulars had OBPs under .293.

The pitching was even worse, as the relievers joined the starters in sucking hard. Nate Cornejo had the best ERA as a starter, at 4.67, almost a full run better than Jeremy Bonderman's second best at 5.56. Team ERA was 5.30.

1988 Atlanta Braves, 54-106

This team had Ron Gant, Gerald Perry, Ken Oberkfell as a regular and the ghosts of Dale Murphy, Ken Griffey, Ted Simmons, Lonnie Smith, Bruce Benedict, Gary Roenicke, etc., all of whom got significant playing time to prove they had nothing left in the tank at all. Well, Murphy hit 24 home runs and 35 doubles, but his BA was .226 in 671 plate appearances.

The pitching staff wasn't horrific, it was very young. Rick Mahler was 34 and the #1, but the rest of the staff was 22-year-old Glavine, 22-year-old Pete Smith, 27-year-old Zane Smith, 23-year-old Kevin Coffman and 21-year-old John Smoltz. They all struggled, they all had WHIPs between 1.35 and 1.73.

1985 Pittsburgh Pirates, 57-104

This team had Johnny Ray, who led the starters in BA at .274. It also featured some last gasps by Bill Madlock, Steve Kemp, Jason Thompson, Lee Mazzili, Sixto Lezcano and George Hendrick, none of whom did a damn thing.

Rick Reuschel came out of nowhere to go 14-8 with a 2.27 ERA; after that it was Rick Rhoden, Jose DeLeon, Lee Tunnell and Larry McWilliams serving it up early and often. Candelaria was the nominal closer. Kent Tekulve ended his career with three games and a 16.20 ERA.

2010 Pittsburgh Pirates, 57-105

This team was bad but also very young. Garrett Jones was the established slugger with 21 HR and a .414 SLG. Lastings Milledge hit his high water mark with 113 games and a .277/.332/.380 slash. New kids on the block were Neil Walker, Pedro Alvarez, Jose Tabata and some guy named Andrew McCutchen.

On the mound they had Maholm, Zach Duke, Jeff Karstens, a 1-11 Ross ohlendorf, a 2-12 Charlie Morton, and the immortal Brian Burres. Dotel closed and got 21 saves in his time in purgatory.

Those are some awful teams. I don't think the 2012 Astros would be better than all of them, but those Tiger teams were truly, historically woeful. I think they're the bottom of the barrel for sure, followed by Tampa and the '85 Pirates. That's about where I see this Astro team coming in, fifth from the bottom. Ecch.

What this doesn't speak to really is trending upward from the bottom. Most of these teams rebounded pretty well and pretty quickly, and if that happened to these historically awful teams, it's a decent bet that the Astros will come back up for air too.

[Mr. Happy]

A Kent Tekulve reset! I used to do mound impressions of both Tekulve and Gene Garber, who twirled for the ATL (struck out Pete Rose to end his long hitting streak-which I saw and loved because Rose whined about it and said that he was pitching him like it was the seventh game of the world series-WFW), the Royals and maybe others (too lazy to check).

[Guinness]

A Kent Tekulve reset! I used to do mound impressions of both Tekulve and Gene Garber, who twirled for the ATL (struck out Pete Rose to end his long hitting streak-which I saw and loved because Rose whined about it and said that he was pitching him like it was the seventh game of the world series-WFW), the Royals and maybe others (too lazy to check).

Phillies, 74 to 78.
My very old grandmother lived in Florida (this was the 80s) and watched Braves games all the time, and I vividly remember asking her once how last night's game went and she said "That goddam Garber...", as if that explained everything.

[Andyzipp]

The cynics will jump me for this because obviously Jim Crane is evil, or poor, or evil-poor, but the Astros, provided they can develop talent will be able to afford to keep the talent.  It took the Pyrites 20 years to be competitive because they developed poorly and shipped away nearly every decent player prior to them becoming arbitration eligible.  Also, the Astros aren't going to hire Cam Bonifay in any capacity.  So there's that.

[S.P. Rodriguez]

The cynics will jump me for this because obviously Jim Crane is evil, or poor, or evil-poor, but the Astros, provided they can develop talent will be able to afford to keep the talent.  It took the Pyrites 20 years to be competitive because they developed poorly and shipped away nearly every decent player prior to them becoming arbitration eligible.  Also, the Astros aren't going to hire Cam Bonifay in any capacity.  So there's that.

I am not far off from your view point.  Although, I'm in the camp of "the astros SHOULD be able to afford to keep the talent".  Until we see what they will do, I cannot make a conclusion on whether they are going to continue down this path for decades.   

[subnuclear]

We also don't know if the Astros are any good or will get better at player development.

[Guinness]

This team had Johnny Ray,

poor old Johnny Ray...

[Ty in Tampa]

Also, the Astros aren't going to hire Cam Bonifay in any capacity.  So there's that.

[MusicMan]

I feel bad that we have no players named Cabrera.

[Lefty]

The cynics will jump me for this because obviously Jim Crane is evil, or poor, or evil-poor, but the Astros, provided they can develop talent will be able to afford to keep the talent.  It took the Pyrites 20 years to be competitive because they developed poorly and shipped away nearly every decent player prior to them becoming arbitration eligible.  Also, the Astros aren't going to hire Cam Bonifay in any capacity.  So there's that.

Who has been saying any of this?  I thought it was understood, at least to anyone who listened to anything Crane said when he bought the team, that this was the plan.  Build the farm, spend on young talent, suffer in the bigs in the short term, (pay off creditors), then spend FA money when the club can be close to contention.

Did I misinterpret anything?

[Fredia]

nope and they get to do it all from the styling al

[strosrays]

I took a stroll through the more recent teams that I can think of for awfulness:

2002 Tampa Bay, 55-106
2002 Detroit Tigers, 55-106
2003 Detroit Tigers, 43-119
1988 Atlanta Braves, 54-106
1985 Pittsburgh Pirates, 57-104
2010 Pittsburgh Pirates, 57-105

(I think I may be overly optimistic here)

2012 Astros Remaining Series (w/possible outcomes)
August
@ Braves (3 gm) 0-3 (35-74)
Nationals (4 gm) 1-3 (36-77)
Brewers (3 gm)  1-2 (37-79)
@ Cubs (3 gm)  0-3 (37-82)
Diamondbacks (3 gm)  0-3 (37-85)
@ Cardinals (3 gm)  0-3 (37-88)
@ Mets (3 gm)  1-2 (38-90)
Giants (3 gm)  0-3 (38-93)
Reds (3 gm)  0-3 (38-96)

September
@ Pirates (3 gm)  0-3 (38-99)
@ Reds (3 gm)  0-3 (38-102)
Cubs (3 gm)  1-2 (39-104)
Phillies (4 gm)  1-2 (40-106)
@ Cardinals (3 gm)  0-3 (40-109)
Pirates (3 gm)  1-2 (41-111)
Cardinals (3 gm)  0-3 (41-114)
@ Brewers (3 gm)  1-2 (42-116)

October
@ Cubs (3 gm)  0-3 (42-119)

[BizidyDizidy]

I wouldn't let us play the last game either.

[austro]

I feel bad that we have no players named Cabrera.

There's still hope: I doubt that we've seen the last trade of the year.

[PCOL2000]

I rarely log on and most of the time when I try to my computer tells me to check my cookie settings - but - props to limey - my iPad has no problems.  I came back to the states recently and got tickets to a game from my aunt.  She was in Beaumont and normally can't get these tickets but she said I was military and yada yada yada got the tickets - anyways, we are in the diamond club, the kind where you're sitting next to Barbara bush - except I don't really see her at the games anymore.  But around the 4th inning I go to get a new margarita and I turn around and see Jeff freekin bagwell about 3 feet from me at a table talking with someone.  I proceed to freak out and it seems the only words I can say are "holy shit, and Jeff bagwell" but I tell my cousin and the girl I'm on a date with not to bother him and we make it back to our seats and my cousin "goes to the bathroom". She gets back and says that bags wants to see me.  He said thanks for doing the military thing and then he said something about how bad the stros were right now and I started to go into the "Astros are in a better way than they were after 2005" thing and he quickly ended the conversation.  I didn't want to ask about him not being in the booth this year cause I didn't even want to hint at rehab and things of the sort.  But all in all - pretty kick ass game.  And the diamond level is the shit.

[NeilT]

I rarely log on and most of the time when I try to my computer tells me to check my cookie settings - but - props to limey - my iPad has no problems.  I came back to the states recently and got tickets to a game from my aunt.  She was in Beaumont and normally can't get these tickets but she said I was military and yada yada yada got the tickets - anyways, we are in the diamond club, the kind where you're sitting next to Barbara bush - except I don't really see her at the games anymore.  But around the 4th inning I go to get a new margarita and I turn around and see Jeff freekin bagwell about 3 feet from me at a table talking with someone.  I proceed to freak out and it seems the only words I can say are "holy shit, and Jeff bagwell" but I tell my cousin and the girl I'm on a date with not to bother him and we make it back to our seats and my cousin "goes to the bathroom". She gets back and says that bags wants to see me.  He said thanks for doing the military thing and then he said something about how bad the stros were right now and I started to go into the "Astros are in a better way than they were after 2005" thing and he quickly ended the conversation.  I didn't want to ask about him not being in the booth this year cause I didn't even want to hint at rehab and things of the sort.  But all in all - pretty kick ass game.  And the diamond level is the shit.

Now that sounds fun. 

[Mr. Happy]

I rarely log on and most of the time when I try to my computer tells me to check my cookie settings - but - props to limey - my iPad has no problems.  I came back to the states recently and got tickets to a game from my aunt.  She was in Beaumont and normally can't get these tickets but she said I was military and yada yada yada got the tickets - anyways, we are in the diamond club, the kind where you're sitting next to Barbara bush - except I don't really see her at the games anymore.  But around the 4th inning I go to get a new margarita and I turn around and see Jeff freekin bagwell about 3 feet from me at a table talking with someone.  I proceed to freak out and it seems the only words I can say are "holy shit, and Jeff bagwell" but I tell my cousin and the girl I'm on a date with not to bother him and we make it back to our seats and my cousin "goes to the bathroom". She gets back and says that bags wants to see me.  He said thanks for doing the military thing and then he said something about how bad the stros were right now and I started to go into the "Astros are in a better way than they were after 2005" thing and he quickly ended the conversation.  I didn't want to ask about him not being in the booth this year cause I didn't even want to hint at rehab and things of the sort.  But all in all - pretty kick ass game.  And the diamond level is the shit.

Good for you! And thanks a million for your selfless service to our country. You're an inspiration to us all.

[Ebby Calvin]

I rarely log on and most of the time when I try to my computer tells me to check my cookie settings - but - props to limey - my iPad has no problems.  I came back to the states recently and got tickets to a game from my aunt.  She was in Beaumont and normally can't get these tickets but she said I was military and yada yada yada got the tickets - anyways, we are in the diamond club, the kind where you're sitting next to Barbara bush - except I don't really see her at the games anymore.  But around the 4th inning I go to get a new margarita and I turn around and see Jeff freekin bagwell about 3 feet from me at a table talking with someone.  I proceed to freak out and it seems the only words I can say are "holy shit, and Jeff bagwell" but I tell my cousin and the girl I'm on a date with not to bother him and we make it back to our seats and my cousin "goes to the bathroom". She gets back and says that bags wants to see me.  He said thanks for doing the military thing and then he said something about how bad the stros were right now and I started to go into the "Astros are in a better way than they were after 2005" thing and he quickly ended the conversation.  I didn't want to ask about him not being in the booth this year cause I didn't even want to hint at rehab and things of the sort.  But all in all - pretty kick ass game.  And the diamond level is the shit.

Thanks for doing the military thing, and great story.

[juliogotay]

Thanks for doing the military thing, and great story.

+1. Thanks for sharing. BTW, the Bushes are probably in Maine until September. Health willing they'll be back. They're not bandwagoners.

[Guinness]

And the diamond level is the shit.

Ain't that the truth.  Sat there for the first time this year, a friend got some comps from work.
Funny thing, we had 4 seats, 2 on row 1 and 2 on row 2.  By the 3rd inning, the seats next to the seats in row 1 were still empty, so to better facilitate conversation (our friends are English and had never been to a game before) (and get into the first row), my wife and I moved down to the seats next to our friends.  An usher came up to me an inning or so later and asked if we had tix to those seats and I said no, and explained.  She said no problem, it's just that the people who are the season ticket holders for those seats called wanted to know who was in their seats! That was freaky.  I wanted to make a sign that said "if you paid this much for your seats why are you watching on tv?".  Since then I've noticed the seats are usually empty (they're the ones above the State Farm sign, #s 3&4).

But, all in all, the diamond club really is the shit.

[BizidyDizidy]

My family was there last night too

[ValpoCory]

Ain't that the truth.  Sat there for the first time this year, a friend got some comps from work.
Funny thing, we had 4 seats, 2 on row 1 and 2 on row 2.  By the 3rd inning, the seats next to the seats in row 1 were still empty, so to better facilitate conversation (our friends are English and had never been to a game before) (and get into the first row), my wife and I moved down to the seats next to our friends.  An usher came up to me an inning or so later and asked if we had tix to those seats and I said no, and explained.  She said no problem, it's just that the people who are the season ticket holders for those seats called wanted to know who was in their seats! That was freaky.  I wanted to make a sign that said "if you paid this much for your seats why are you watching on tv?".  Since then I've noticed the seats are usually empty (they're the ones above the State Farm sign, #s 3&4).

But, all in all, the diamond club really is the shit.

What tools.  Sorry you had to go through that.  Did you remain in those first row seats?

[Fredia]

what kind of clout do these people have? release the seats for true fans

[Guinness]

What tools.  Sorry you had to go through that.  Did you remain in those first row seats?

Yep.  Great seats.  Best seats ever.

[Limey]

Yep.  Great seats.  Best seats ever.

Not quite.

[NeilT]

what kind of clout do these people have? release the seats for true fans

They pay $375 per ticket?  Ought to get them something.

[Bench]

Yep.  Great seats.  Best seats ever.

The fried chicken is pretty damn good too.

[Mr. Happy]

Ain't that the truth.  Sat there for the first time this year, a friend got some comps from work.
Funny thing, we had 4 seats, 2 on row 1 and 2 on row 2.  By the 3rd inning, the seats next to the seats in row 1 were still empty, so to better facilitate conversation (our friends are English and had never been to a game before) (and get into the first row), my wife and I moved down to the seats next to our friends.  An usher came up to me an inning or so later and asked if we had tix to those seats and I said no, and explained.  She said no problem, it's just that the people who are the season ticket holders for those seats called wanted to know who was in their seats! That was freaky.  I wanted to make a sign that said "if you paid this much for your seats why are you watching on tv?".  Since then I've noticed the seats are usually empty (they're the ones above the State Farm sign, #s 3&4).

But, all in all, the diamond club really is the shit.

Fuck those assholes who are watching their own seats on television even when their asses aren't at the yard.

[gleach]

No more fried chicken since Drayton left. And in defense of the "real fans" who are not in their seat, it's a little tough to sit through 81 games of this putrid team. Those tickets may have been given to clients or customers who chose not to use them. I am guilty of not using our tickets, so I guess I too am guilty of not being a "real fan." Fuck you and your judgments.

[Guinness]

No more fried chicken since Drayton left. And in defense of the "real fans" who are not in their seat, it's a little tough to sit through 81 games of this putrid team. Those tickets may have been given to clients or customers who chose not to use them. I am guilty of not using our tickets, so I guess I too am guilty of not being a "real fan." Fuck you and your judgments.

did I say anybody wasn't a "real fan" or was that just some guilt on your part?  If you werent at the game and someone took advantage of your empty seats, would you call the team and ask who was in your seats?

Seriously, this season and the AL move is really revealing the fair weather fans around here....

[Mr. Happy]

No more fried chicken since Drayton left. And in defense of the "real fans" who are not in their seat, it's a little tough to sit through 81 games of this putrid team. Those tickets may have been given to clients or customers who chose not to use them. I am guilty of not using our tickets, so I guess I too am guilty of not being a "real fan." Fuck you and your judgments.

I agree with you, man, and I meant no disrespect to the season ticket holders of this traveling horseshit show-you all are the real fans. I tip my cap to you. However, to call the yard during a game and talk to or get a message to the usher to find out who's sitting in your seats who you aren't struck me as somewhat odd.

[EasTexAstro]

I agree with you, man, and I meant no disrespect to the season ticket holders of this traveling horseshit show-you all are the real fans. I tip my cap to you. However, to call the yard during a game and talk to or get a message to the usher to find out who's sitting in your seats who you aren't struck me as somewhat odd.

I actually had some fantastic tickets to a game in another MLB stadium. Someone "borrowed" the tickets from my friend the day before we were to go. We still went to the game and sat in some of the worst seats I have ever sat in in my life, but we did call to have the original seats watched. Someone was fired over the situation the next day.

There may be more to the story than simply having someone watching the game on TV.

And look for me in the good seats tonight. Happy 22nd anniversary to my wonderful Mrs. ETA, and thank you gleach.

[gleach]

Sorry, Pete, that was in no way directed at you. I didn't intend it to be that way at all.

I was specifically commenting to Fredia, but I chose not to quote her because I know she is ignored by many users. I don't want JimR calling me out for bad board etiquette.

Let me spell it out more clearly, just because someone isn't at a game doesn't mean they aren't "real fans." People have lives that sometimes keep them from making games.

As to would I call, absolutely not. But that's just not my nature. Some people are simply over-privelaged cunts.

[Andyzipp]

No more fried chicken since Drayton left. And in defense of the "real fans" who are not in their seat, it's a little tough to sit through 81 games of this putrid team. Those tickets may have been given to clients or customers who chose not to use them. I am guilty of not using our tickets, so I guess I too am guilty of not being a "real fan." Fuck you and your judgments.

I love Geoff Leach.  Every day. 

[Bench]

No more fried chicken since Drayton left.

Motherfucking Crane has gone too far this time.

[Guinness]

Sorry, Pete, that was in no way directed at you. I didn't intend it to be that way at all.

I was specifically commenting to Fredia, but I chose not to quote her because I know she is ignored by many users. I don't want JimR calling me out for bad board etiquette.

Let me spell it out more clearly, just because someone isn't at a game doesn't mean they aren't "real fans." People have lives that sometimes keep them from making games.

As to would I call, absolutely not. But that's just not my nature. Some people are simply over-privelaged cunts.

Thanks Gleach.  I didn't mean to be so vitriolic, I apologize for that.  Been a rough year for everyone, and you season ticket holders really float the boat every year.
You're a gentleman, sir and a credit to the baord.

[chuck]

Motherfucking Crane has gone too far this time.

I was always led to believe the Drayton made sure there was plenty of fried chicken around because President Bush liked it especially. Maybe Crane doesn't care what President Bush thinks.

[gleach]

I was always led to believe the Drayton made sure there was plenty of fried chicken around because President Bush liked it especially. Maybe Crane doesn't care what President Bush thinks.

By the way he's gorvelling his schlong every time the Bush, Sr. is at the game, I would think that he must care. I was always led to believe that it was Drayton's favorite. Who knows? Either way, it's gone. So is the cookie lady who used to make me to go packs of peanuts and cookies. And the food is below mediocre this year. I have the worst kind of first world problems.

[gleach]

Thanks Gleach.  I didn't mean to be so vitriolic, I apologize for that.  Been a rough year for everyone, and you season ticket holders really float the boat every year.
You're a gentleman, sir and a credit to the baord.

And perhaps I was overly sensitive, but I get that way when people sit in my seats and I have to have my valet pick up the phone.....

[Guinness]

And perhaps I was overly sensitive, but I get that way when people sit in my seats and I have to have my valet pick up the phone.....

Don't be starting shit again...

[chuck]

By the way he's gorvelling his schlong every time the Bush, Sr. is at the game, I would think that he must care. I was always led to believe that it was Drayton's favorite. Who knows? Either way, it's gone. So is the cookie lady who used to make me to go packs of peanuts and cookies. And the food is below mediocre this year. I have the worst kind of first world problems.

I haven't been in Houston at all really this season and I've only made the one visit, the time I saw you and your wife and daughter, but I did notice that the food was not up to the decidedly uninspiring standards of previous years. And no more dippin' dots in the fridge there in the hallway either. First world problems indeed. At least the iced tea is still pretty good.

[Andyzipp]

I was aghast as I discovered the Diamond Club had a tray labeled Salume, when it was clearly salami.  My pinky almost retreated back into the safety of the stem of my goblet.

[gleach]

I was aghast as I discovered the Diamond Club had a tray labeled Salume, when it was clearly salami.  My pinky almost retreated back into the safety of the stem of my goblet.

Good thing you caught it in time. I've seen people thrown out for far less offensive mistakes.

[MusicMan]

Good thing you caught it in time. I've seen people thrown out for far less offensive mistakes.

That cabernet came out at field temperature, not properly chilled "room temperature".

[Limey]

Some people are simply over-privelaged cunts.

In a somewhat related anecdote, Stephen Fry once said that the killing of Piers Morgan would be the textbook definition of "countryside".

Genius.

[Lefty]

Good thing you caught it in time. I've seen people thrown out for far less offensive mistakes.

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