2013 Games now on KBME 790 AM

[Ron Brand]

From what I saw, this is a 5000 watt channel, 1/10th of KTRH's signal strength.

I guess that makes a lot of sense.

[Bench]

Will they supply their own broadcasters?

[Ron Brand]

Will they supply their own broadcasters?

Interns, plus that guy who won that competition. It'll be great.

[Bench]

Here's an article about it:  http://blog.chron.com/sportsmedia/2013/02/as-spring-training-approaches-astros-broadcast-plans-still-undefined/

Basically, they are going to hire somebody from the Royals org who has never broadcast a major league game, pair him with Steve Sparks, and broadcast them on a radio station that doesn't have a strong enough signal to get outside the beltway at night. 

[roadrunner]

Aren't the Rockets on 790?

[Ron Brand]

Aren't the Rockets on 790?

Yep.

[ValpoCory]

From what I saw, this is a 5000 watt channel, 1/10th of KTRH's signal strength.

I guess that makes a lot of sense.

Sheesh.  I listen to AM740 for the Astros games here in Austin, since they air UT women's softball coaches call in shows and anything else they can possibly find over the Astros.    AM790's signal goes way down at night.  With no TV and no radio, for Austinites, do Astros games actually happen?

[Ron Brand]

It should be noted, in that regard, that even though the Astros’ job was their first big league position, departed announcers Dave Raymond and Brett Dolan had worked several big league games as fill-ins for various teams. So hiring Ford would be a considerable leap – but a leap that would be consistent with what the Astros are doing with their on-field product.

KCSP also was the former employer of Nick Wright, KILT’s (610 AM) morning show co-host. And, like Wright, Ford is a graduate of Syracuse University.

As for the flagship change, the Astros are obviously losing a lot of oomph by going from KTRH to KBME, especially given signal patterns in certain parts of the Houston metro area. But it makes sense on Clear Channel’s front as a boost for KBME’s all-sports product and, with the departure from KTRH, more air time to sell more local commercials. Clear Channel is a bottom-line company, and this move certainly makes bottom-line sense, at least for Clear Channel.

That is a full-sized shit sandwich, with a nice topping of DoRay love sauce.

[ValpoCory]

Here's an article about it:  http://blog.chron.com/sportsmedia/2013/02/as-spring-training-approaches-astros-broadcast-plans-still-undefined/

Basically, they are going to hire somebody from the Royals org who has never broadcast a major league game, pair him with Steve Sparks, and broadcast them on a radio station that doesn't have a strong enough signal to get outside the beltway at night. 

So Robert Ford as PBP and Bob Ford as PA.

[Ron Brand]

So Robert Ford as PBP and Bob Ford as PA.

I hope there's no one around here named Jesse James.

[Tralfaz]

Don't forget you can buy the MLB Radio package for a descent rate. I've had it the past 3 yrs, you get every broadcast for every team. Iirc it's about $20 for the season.

[Ty in Tampa]

Clear Channel is a bottom-line company, and this move certainly makes bottom-line sense, at least for Clear Channel.

The bottom line is just a by-product of two fat ass-cheeks and we all know what comes out of there.

[Limey]

While I will be boycotting, I believe the MLB App includes the radio broadcast at no additional cost.  You can also select which team's broadcast you want to listen to, so you can tune out the Banana Splits or whoever is calling the game for the Astros.

[Limey]

The bottom line is just a by-product of two fat ass-cheeks and we all know what comes out of there.

Astros PBP?

[Jacksonian]

Sheesh.  I listen to AM740 for the Astros games here in Austin, since they air UT women's softball coaches call in shows and anything else they can possibly find over the Astros.    AM790's signal goes way down at night.  With no TV and no radio, for Austinites, do Astros games actually happen?

When they are played in Arlington, yes.

[strosrays]

KCSP also was the former employer of Nick Wright, KILT’s (610 AM) morning show co-host. And, like Wright, Ford is a graduate of Syracuse University.

They need more Syracuse grads on Houston sports radio.

This will be what goes out over the XM feed, I guess.

Wow, the Astros organization is making it really easy to not give a fuck.

[juliogotay]

They need more Syracuse grads on Houston sports radio.

This will be what goes out over the XM feed, I guess.

Wow, the Astros organization is making it really easy to not give a fuck.

I know when I listen to a ballgame I'm thinking "now, where did this announcer go to college?"

[Duman]

The MLB app is a must for me.  I live in the middle of now where and every MLB on the east side of the country has been moved of of the former true "clear channel" am stations. With the App, you get every games audio and a free video game of the day as well. 

[Limey]

The MLB app is a must for me.  I live in the middle of now where and every MLB on the east side of the country has been moved of of the former true "clear channel" am stations. With the App, you get every games audio and a free video game of the day as well. 

The "every material play" highlight package was always quite handy too.

[Navin R Johnson]

It's been 3 months since DoRay got their walking papers, it is now a 4 days from Pitchers and catchers reporting and 14 days from the first game.  And the Astros have yet to sign a broadcast crew?  This front office sounds like a total disaster from things that I have heard.  I have very little confidence that a TV deal gets struck in time now too.  Look for one of the higher ups in the operations side to be moving on in the near future.

The one thing CraneCo has gotten right is Luhnow and letting the baseball people do their thing.  That is the only thing that gives many any sort of hope for the future of this organization. 

[Ron Brand]

Postolos was quoted the other day as being confident that Astro games would be on the major carriers very soon. There were no particulars though.

[Ron Brand]

I think it was Farmstros who said he'd heard today on 790 that the radio team is confirmed as Ford and Sparks.

[Fredia]

i live i n austin so baseball wise there is no hipe, hope or happiness radio wise

[juliogotay]

i live i n austin so baseball wise there is no hipe, hope or happiness radio wise

Nor syntax.

[Bench]

And it's official.  Your radio announcers are Robert Ford and Steve Sparks.

[Reuben]

And it's official.  Your radio announcers are Robert Ford and Steve Sparks.

If I were Sparks I would not hang any pictures on the wall in the booth.

[JimR]

Robert Ford is a joke.

[geezerdonk]

Who better to be the announcer for this team this year?

[BUWebguy]

Trying to find stuff on Robert Ford. Not a ton out there.. Here's what I've got:

Twitter: @raford3 (https://twitter.com/raford3)

Blog: http://radioguydiaries.wordpress.com

Informal bio: http://soundstudiesblog.com/sound-studies-blog/writers/our-guest-writers/rob-ford/

A Royals fansite interviews him here (starts 48:00 mark):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=VZAe65u0raI

"Royals radio reporter claims he’s not a fan of the team"
http://mediakc.wordpress.com/2012/04/16/royals-radio-reporter-claims-hes-not-a-fan-of-the-team-and-thoughts-on-impartiality/

Audio files of a bunch of interviews with Royals:
http://www.610sports.com/topic/related_content.php?catContentId=497579&tagType=4&contentCategoryName=Robert%20Ford

SBNation Royals site doesn't seem to care that he's leaving:
http://www.royalsreview.com/2013/2/13/3984766/610s-robert-ford-to-be-new-astros-pbp-radio-guy

[Ron Brand]

So he grew up as a Met fan, eh? I like the part about observing and not cheerleading.

[pots]

Trying to find stuff on Robert Ford. Not a ton out there.. Here's what I've got:

Twitter: @raford3 (https://twitter.com/raford3)

Apparantly he hasn't been told he was traded yet.  Not one tweet about the Stros.  And he is a very chatty fellow

[BudGirl]

Apparantly he hasn't been told he was traded yet.  Not one tweet about the Stros.  And he is a very chatty fellow

Chatty but said nothing.  I feel like I'm going to want Milo back.

[pots]

http://radioguydiaries.wordpress.com/2012/12/24/to-catchphrase-or-not-to-catchphrase/

At least he's not going to force a cheesy catch phrase down our throat.  The Bob the builder stuff would have drove me nuts.

[Bench]

Twitter: @raford3 (https://twitter.com/raford3)

With a head that shiny it's a good thing he's on radio.

[Noe]

Robert Ford is a joke.

Is he the murderin' son'a-bitch who shot Jesse? Git a rope!

[chuck]

I'm trying to figure out why this guy would want to leave the Royals for the Astros.

[BudGirl]

Houston > Kansas City

[BizidyDizidy]

I'm trying to figure out why this guy would want to leave the Royals for the Astros.

Is he the royals play by play guy or more like a royals beat reporter?

[Bench]

Is he the royals play by play guy or more like a royals beat reporter?

He's like the Royals version of Eschenfelder.

[Fredia]

i was going to say something positive, but could not think of anything

[Waldo]

Robert Ford is a joke.

Is there any place to listen to samples of his radio work?

[Ron Brand]

This isn't too bad.

Here's a podcast with him.

[moriartp]

This isn't too bad.

Here's a podcast with him.

Thanks for the links. For those who want to listen to the podcast, Ford doesn't join in until the 20 minute mark or so.

[HudsonHawk]

OK, it's only been two spring games, but I have to say I don't hate Ford and Sparks.  Ford's kind of bland, but he calls the action, at least, and I've actually been pleasantly surprised by Sparks.  He's no JD, but he's far from being terrible.  I think they'll get better too.

[Mr. Happy]

OK, it's only been two spring games, but I have to say I don't hate Ford and Sparks.  Ford's kind of bland, but he calls the action, at least, and I've actually been pleasantly surprised by Sparks.  He's no JD, but he's far from being terrible.  I think they'll get better too.

+1 I kind of like them already. Ford has shown restraint, but he seems to know the game and is apparently doing a lot of research based upon the factoids and tidbits that he adroitly sprinkles in at appropriate times. He has a good radio voice. He's definitely not from the ESPN school.

[Ron Brand]

I'm not looking forward to the inevitable shitrain of spots they have to work in and posts they have to hit but I like the way they're going about it, taking things slow and focusing on the game. I'm happy about it for sure.

[astrosfan76]

OK, it's only been two spring games, but I have to say I don't hate Ford and Sparks.  Ford's kind of bland, but he calls the action, at least, and I've actually been pleasantly surprised by Sparks.  He's no JD, but he's far from being terrible.  I think they'll get better too.

What I like about Sparks is that you know he's not just making crap up.  When he talks about approach, about pitching, about being a ballplayer, he knows what he's talking about.  I don't expect him to ever be as lively as JD, but you can learn something when he speaks.  He's not just trying to entertain his audience.

[HudsonHawk]

What I like about Sparks is that you know he's not just making crap up.  When he talks about approach, about pitching, about being a ballplayer, he knows what he's talking about.  I don't expect him to ever be as lively as JD, but you can learn something when he speaks.  He's not just trying to entertain his audience.

Exactly.  Yesterday, they were talking about the difference between a "spike curve" and a "knuckle curve".  Pretty mind numbing stuff, but it's the kind of thing that Sparks can talk about without sounding pretentious or like he's talking out of his ass.  He doesn't have the personality or humor that JD has (who does), but that doesn't mean he can't be informative and pleasant to listen to.

[Duman]

So what is the difference.  I have always thought they are the same thing.

[HudsonHawk]

So what is the difference.  I have always thought they are the same thing.

Basically, a knuckle curve is thrown with more than one finger tip on the ball, like a kuckleball.  It is much closer to a true knuckleball grip and is thrown with a more fastball-like motion (like the knuckleball), which is more deceptive.  This is what Burt Hooton threw.  What they call a spike curve, is really just digging one fingernail into the ball to get a better grip.  It's thrown like a traditional curveball.  The spike curve is what Cliff Lee and Mike Mussina throw.

[EasTexAstro]

Basically, a knuckle curve is thrown with more than one finger tip on the ball, like a kuckleball.  It is much closer to a true knuckleball grip and is thrown with a more fastball-like motion (like the knuckleball), which is more deceptive.  This is what Burt Hooton threw.  What they call a spike curve, is really just digging one fingernail into the ball to get a better grip.  It's thrown like a traditional curveball.  The spike curve is what Cliff Lee and Mike Mussina throw.

Question: what Ryan threw was considered a circle curve, correct? Ball between the thumb and first finger, rolling off the finger?

[David in Jackson]

+1 I kind of like them already. Ford has shown restraint, but he seems to know the game and is apparently doing a lot of research based upon the factoids and tidbits that he adroitly sprinkles in at appropriate times. He has a good radio voice. He's definitely not from the ESPN school.

My first impression from limited listening this weekend (on MLB At Bat) was positive.

[chuck]

Basically, a knuckle curve is thrown with more than one finger tip on the ball, like a kuckleball.  It is much closer to a true knuckleball grip and is thrown with a more fastball-like motion (like the knuckleball), which is more deceptive.  This is what Burt Hooton threw.  What they call a spike curve, is really just digging one fingernail into the ball to get a better grip.  It's thrown like a traditional curveball.  The spike curve is what Cliff Lee and Mike Mussina throw.

And Wandy?

[BUWebguy]

My first impression from limited listening this weekend (on MLB At Bat) was positive.

+1. Voices reminded me of Cotroneo and Ashby.

[HudsonHawk]

Question: what Ryan threw was considered a circle curve, correct? Ball between the thumb and first finger, rolling off the finger?

I don't know what grip Ryan used, but his curveball had very traditional, tight-spin movement. 

[HudsonHawk]

And Wandy?

Not sure what Wandy throws either, but he also has a tigh spin, traditional movement curveball.  He may throw the spike curve, I don't really know.

[JimR]

Question: what Ryan threw was considered a circle curve, correct? Ball between the thumb and first finger, rolling off the finger?

circle change. that was his straight changeup, not a curve.

[Ty in Tampa]

Initial listen to the new guys, I like Ford's delivery. Sparks may take some time to get used to.

[EasTexAstro]

circle change. that was his straight changeup, not a curve.

thank you. I remember him mentioning a pitch when I talked to him mmmmmm years ago, and got it incorrect.

[Mr. Happy]

circle change. that was his straight changeup, not a curve.

Great pitch. Skip Bertman used to make freshmen pitchers throw circle changes when they were shagging balls in the outfield throwing balls back in to the infield to get a feel for the pitch.

[Duman]

Great pitch. Skip Bertman used to make freshmen pitchers throw circle changes when they were shagging balls in the outfield throwing balls back in to the infield to get a feel for the pitch.

Waiting for my son's hand to get big enough to throw that one.  He uses the three finger "Claw" change now.  It works okay but he longs to throw the circle.

[Mr. Happy]

To me, the changeup is the most underutilized, yet possibly most effective pitch in a pitcher's arsenal. When you're young, everyone just wants to show off their big arm, and most young pitchers couldn't give a squat about learning a changeup. However, my Exhibit 1 for the benefits of throwing a killer changeup is Trevor Hoffman, who kept getting hitters out with that pitch long after his velocity deserted him. The changeup is the great equalizer. The ability to command that pitch and throw it at any count really keeps hitters honest. I'm glad that your son already is interested in learning the pitch.

[JimR]

To me, the changeup is the most underutilized, yet possibly most effective pitch in a pitcher's arsenal. When you're young, everyone just wants to show off their big arm, and most young pitchers couldn't give a squat about learning a changeup. However, my Exhibit 1 for the benefits of throwing a killer changeup is Trevor Hoffman, who kept getting hitters out with that pitch long after his velocity deserted him. The changeup is the great equalizer. The ability to command that pitch and throw it at any count really keeps hitters honest. I'm glad that your son already is interested in learning the pitch.

Doug Jones says hello.

[Ron Brand]

Lima Time, baby!

[Mr. Happy]

Doug Jones says hello.

Him too. I'm going to be in Phoenix the week of March 12-14. When are you going and where?

[JimR]

Him too. I'm going to be in Phoenix the week of March 12-14. When are you going and where?

Scotsdale area 3/7-15.

[HudsonHawk]

To me, the changeup is the most underutilized, yet possibly most effective pitch in a pitcher's arsenal. When you're young, everyone just wants to show off their big arm, and most young pitchers couldn't give a squat about learning a changeup. However, my Exhibit 1 for the benefits of throwing a killer changeup is Trevor Hoffman, who kept getting hitters out with that pitch long after his velocity deserted him. The changeup is the great equalizer. The ability to command that pitch and throw it at any count really keeps hitters honest. I'm glad that your son already is interested in learning the pitch.

Hoffman got guys out on his change, even when they knew it was coming.  It was so deceptive...quick arm and then it just rolled up to the plate and fell off the table.  Even when they knew he was going to throw it, their timing was still all fucked up.

[Mr. Happy]

Hoffman got guys out on his change, even when they knew it was coming.  It was so deceptive...quick arm and then it just rolled up to the plate and fell off the table.  Even when they knew he was going to throw it, their timing was still all fucked up.

That was my point. At the end of his career, when he really had nothing left but his change piece, he was still getting hitters out.

[Randy Watson]

Another benefit of a youngster learning the change is that it is not bad for a young arm like a slider or split finger.  Basically, it is a fastball with a different grip.

[Andyzipp]

Question: what Ryan threw was considered a circle curve, correct? Ball between the thumb and first finger, rolling off the finger?

Ryan threw a circle change.

[HudsonHawk]

Another benefit of a youngster learning the change is that it is not bad for a young arm like a slider or split finger.  Basically, it is a fastball with a different grip.

Why are sliders and splitters bad?  They are also just basically just a fastball with a different grip.

[Mr. Happy]

Another benefit of a youngster learning the change is that it is not bad for a young arm like a slider or split finger.  Basically, it is a fastball with a different grip.

Hogwash. I threw a split finger pitch for many years without any injury from that pitch. It was my out pitch, with the two seamer. I used to throw the splitter at two speeds and used the slower one as a changeup since I never had much confidence in my circle change. But I sure as hell taught that pitch (circle change) to lots of young pitchers who were just starting out because, as I said earlier, the changeup probably is the most effective pitch. I forget who said this, possibly Warren Spahn, but he said that pitching is about frustrating timing.

[Reuben]

"Hitting is timing. Pitching is upsetting timing."

[JimR]

Why are sliders and splitters bad?  They are also just basically just a fastball with a different grip.

the way sliders once were taught (are you listening, Coach Falk?) wrecked elbows. there is a way to teach them (thank you, Coach Gustafson) that makes your statement correct.

[Mr. Happy]

the way sliders once were taught (are you listening, Coach Falk?) wrecked elbows. there is a way to teach them (thank you, Coach Gustafson) that makes your statement correct.

I never threw the slider and didn't teach it either. But you are right, Coach, there's definitely a right way and a wrong way to throw it. I was always scared that young pitchers would suffer mechanics breakdowns and slip into throwing it the wrong way and do damage to the elbow, which is a bitch of an injury from which to recover, so I just opted not to teach it to them.

[juliogotay]

I never threw the slider and didn't teach it either. But you are right, Coach, there's definitely a right way and a wrong way to throw it. I was always scared that young pitchers would suffer mechanics breakdowns and slip into throwing it the wrong way and do damage to the elbow, which is a bitch of an injury from which to recover, so I just opted not to teach it to them.

As a youngster in youth leagues I was not taught the slider for the same reason. It would ruin my elbow I was told.

[Limey]

To me, the changeup is the most underutilized, yet possibly most effective pitch in a pitcher's arsenal. When you're young, everyone just wants to show off their big arm, and most young pitchers couldn't give a squat about learning a changeup. However, my Exhibit 1 for the benefits of throwing a killer changeup is Trevor Hoffman, who kept getting hitters out with that pitch long after his velocity deserted him. The changeup is the great equalizer. The ability to command that pitch and throw it at any count really keeps hitters honest. I'm glad that your son already is interested in learning the pitch.

I have near-pissed myself laughing on a number of occasions, watching sluggers load up on Oswalt's change.

[Mr. Happy]

I have near-pissed myself laughing on a number of occasions, watching sluggers load up on Oswalt's change.

I remember that too. However, I can't remember who it was who swung so hard at one of those change pieces that he fell down and got up laughing about it, but he was a decent hitter.

[Noe]

I remember that too. However, I can't remember who it was who swung so hard at one of those change pieces that he fell down and got up laughing about it, but he was a decent hitter.

Reggie Sanders in St. Louis? I seem to remember that being the case.

[Mr. Happy]

Reggie Sanders in St. Louis? I seem to remember that being the case.

I think that is right.

[Limey]

Reggie Sanders in St. Louis? I seem to remember that being the case.

It was that fat putz Jeromy Burnitz.  Roy was behind 3-0, 0 out, 2 on in the bottom of the 1st in Milwaukee (FYB).  Burnitz geared up (cheated) on the fat fastball he knew was coming.  Roy served one right down the middle, Burnitz' eyes bulged out of his head as he jumped all over a gopher ball that was a towering home run in waiting.  Of course, it was the change.  Burnitz nearly corkscrewed himself into the ground before the pitch plopped harmlessly, and slowly, into Ausmus' mitt.

Roy struck him out on two more pitches, then got an inning-ending GIDP on the next pitch, to Ritchie Sexson.  Roy ended up with the win, going 6 innings, giving up only 4 hits (and only 2 after the opening two batters hit their way on), no runs, no walks and 8 Ks.  Astros won 7-4.

PS:  Bidge took the first pitch of the game downtown.  I really miss those days.

[BlownRanger]

I have near-pissed myself laughing on a number of occasions, watching sluggers load up on Oswalt's change.

I cried when Dierker sent Incaviglia to the plate expecting him to connect against Hoffman in the '98 NLDS.

[Limey]

I cried when Dierker sent Incaviglia to the plate expecting him to connect against Hoffman in the '98 NLDS.

See also Truby, Chris and Glavine, Tom.

[subnuclear]

PS:  Bidge took the first pitch of the game downtown.  I really miss those days.

The best hitter on the Astros today might be the 6th best hitter on that team.

[Mr. Happy]

The best hitter on the Astros today might be the 6th best hitter on that team.

You're probably right, although that lineup had some holes in it.

[Limey]

You're probably right, although that lineup had some holes in it.

Like the hood of Julio Lugo's car...

[chuck]

You're probably right, although that lineup had some holes in it.

You're right. They should have traded for Piazza.

[Limey]

You're right. They should have traded for Piazza.

...and A-Rod.

[chuck]

...and A-Rod.

Pair him with Piazza? Hell no, that's way too much estrogen on one team.

[MusicMan]

See also Truby, Chris and Glavine, Tom.

Never happened.  You hear me?  NEVER HAPPENED!

[Limey]

Never happened.  You hear me?  NEVER HAPPENED!

Check the record.