Bad Day for Former Astros

[Mr. Happy]

Chris Snyder, Armando Gallaraga and Ty Wigginton are now all unemployed.

[Mr. Happy]

Snyder just got a minor league contract from the Rangers.

[mrpink]

On a more positive note, Wandy just went yard...off of Happ.  I guess that actually makes it a neutral note.

[Reuben]

I would love to see Wandy have a good, healthy season for the Bucs, and pitch in the playoffs for them.

[Mr. Happy]

I would love to see Wandy have a good, healthy season for the Bucs, and pitch in the playoffs for them.

+1

[Mr. Happy]

The bad news continues. The Fucking Sea Urchins released Q.

[VirtualBob]

I would love to see Wandy have a good, healthy season for the Bucs, and pitch in the playoffs for them.

+2

[NeilT]

The bad news continues. The Fucking Sea Urchins released Q.

Bastards.  First they sign him to make me feel bad, then they release him to make me feel bad.  Scurvy waterlogged biscuit weevils.

[Mr. Happy]

Bastards.  First they sign him to make me feel bad, then they release him to make me feel bad.  Scurvy waterlogged biscuit weevils.

Q signs a minor league deal with the hated, detestable sea urchins!

[Mr. Happy]

The Fish DFA'd Bogusevic.

[geezerdonk]

What are the Astros waiting for?

[Reuben]

One former Astro at least is having a good day: The Chica-Sox named Matt Lindstrom their closer. I had completely forgotten that Lindstrom existed, but not only is he still playin baseball, he's put up some pretty good numbers the last few years: a cumulative 2.95 ERA with a mere 7 HR allowed in 161 IP.

[Mr. Happy]

The Halos optioned out J.B. Shuck.

[juliogotay]

The Halos optioned out J.B. Shuck.

Too bad. He played alot for them last year.

[Mr. Happy]

Too bad. He played alot for them last year.

He did, but Kole Calhoun won the RF job, and other players have more upside.

[ValpoCory]

Armando Gallaraga

"They have instant replay now?  That's nice".

[Duman]

J D Martinez is in AAA with the Tigers

[Mr. Happy]

J D Martinez is in AAA with the Tigers

I will heckle him.

[VirtualBob]

I will heckle him.

That's Toledo, Hap ... not LSU.

[Mr. Happy]

That's Toledo, Hap ... not LSU.

I live in Toledo.

[Duman]

I will heckle him.

"Hey J.D. your  major league career was shorter than Altuve."

[VirtualBob]

I live in Toledo.

My condolences.

[Mr. Happy]

My condolences.

I actually like Toledo.

[VirtualBob]

I actually like Toledo.

Could be worse; could be Akron.

[Fredia]

probably cheaper than austi

[Ebby Calvin]

Wandy DFA'd today.

[JimR]

Wandy DFA'd today.

no!

[Mr. Happy]

Wandy DFA'd today.

He's pitched like shit for them, and he's aging. He might be done. However, he's a portsider and has a pulse, so someone will take a flyer on him.

[Nate Colbert]

He's pitched like shit for them, and he's aging. He might be done. However, he's a portsider and has a pulse, so someone will take a flyer on him.

Someone definitely will, but man I couldn't believe when i saw he'd given up 10 HRs in just 26.2 IP this year.

[Bench]

He's pitched like shit for them, and he's aging. He might be done. However, he's a portsider and has a pulse, so someone will take a flyer on him.

Aging has long been an issue for him.

[VirtualBob]

Aging has long been an issue for him.
[/snark]

It could happen to enybody.

[Mr. Happy]

It could happen to enybody.

Well played, sir. /golf clap/

[subnuclear]

. . .each body part seemingly moving in opposite directions like the tentacles of Lovecraft's Cthulhu beast on this swing.

[jbm]

Thanks for that link.  It's Coors, but still.  Not many hitters would be hitting that pitch out to right.

[Nate Colbert]

Jose Valverde gets shit-canned by the Mets.

[Fredia]

the heroes of my youth keep fading away

[Duman]

Troy Patton (+ cash considerations) was traded to the Padres for  Nick Hundley. Pitching at Petco may help Patton.  He tended to be a fly ball pitcher.

[VirtualBob]

the heroes of my youth keep fading away

Where have you gone, Joe DiMaggio ,,,

[MRaup]

Where have you gone, Joe DiMaggio ,,,

Even Joltin' Joe frowns upon quoting the ignored one.

[VirtualBob]

Even Joltin' Joe frowns upon quoting the ignored one.

Mea culpa. The coherence fooled me.

[Nate Colbert]

Jose Veras DFA'd by sCrubbies.

[Mr. Happy]

Just saw that news about Veras. Wow.

[Nate Colbert]

Retweeted by Brian McTaggart
 Tracy Ringolsby ‏@TracyRingolsby  45m
(Jordan) Lyles broken left hand on tag at plate in the first inning.

[Duman]

He still pitched for 4 innings.

[jbm]

This sucks.  I was wondering why he came out after four.  Hopefully, since it is the wrong hand, he might return sooner rather than later.

[Mr. Happy]

The Rox DFA'd Wilton Lopez.

[Mr. Happy]

J.D. Martinez hits the go ahead home run this afternoon. He's now hitting .300, with six home runs and 22 RBIs. I'm very happy for him.

[VirtualBob]

J.D. Martinez hits the go ahead home run this afternoon. He's now hitting .300, with six home runs and 22 RBIs. I'm very happy for him.

+1

[Reuben]

J.D. Martinez hits the go ahead home run this afternoon. He's now hitting .300, with six home runs and 22 RBIs. I'm very happy for him.

Cool! I didn't even realize he had a starting gig with them; thought he was just a backup OF.

[Mr. Happy]

According to the mlb.com transactions page, Carlos Pena is now a stRanger. At least there will be a breeze at the Ballpark when he's at bat.

[mrpink]

Cool! I didn't even realize he had a starting gig with them; thought he was just a backup OF.

He hit another last night.  .314/.346/.619 for the year. 

I didn't realize he hit 10 home runs at AAA this year before he got called up.

[Mr. Happy]

He hit another last night.  .314/.346/.619 for the year. 

I didn't realize he hit 10 home runs at AAA this year before he got called up.

Yep. In about 18 games. I saw him hit three of them because he was playing for the Mudhens.

[Duman]

He apparently reworked his swing over the off season. 

[HudsonHawk]

Martinez was one I always thought could hit at this level, but just never did.  I hated to give up on him, though I admit I was ready to.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Martinez was one I always thought could hit at this level, but just never did.  I hated to give up on him, though I admit I was ready to.

Same here.

[Duman]

Barnes' catch last night.  I miss seeing him in the Houston outfield

[mrpink]

I guess not technically a former Astro but Brooks Conrad made his Padre debut last night and went 0-3.

[Dark Star]

Happy Birthday, Terry Puhl (58).

[Mr. Happy]

J.D. Martinez went 3-5 yesterday to raise his BA to .331.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

J.D. Martinez went 3-5 yesterday to raise his BA to .331.

The Astros brain-trust had crunched the numbers, he's just on a lucky streak.

[jbm]

Once his and Grossman's BABIP regress, they will be the same player, only Grossman will be cheaper.  It will become a win.

[pots]

J.D. Martinez went 3-5 yesterday to raise his BA to .331.

Yeah it was a bit shocking they didn't really give him a chance this spring given the work he did to his swing in the offseason and the short term success he had with it in fall/winter ball.  The guy throughout his career has always exceeded expectations with hard work and a Bagwellian drive to improve himself.   Hate to see the team make mistakes like this, but I'm glad he is having success.   

[VirtualBob]

The Astros brain-trust had crunched the numbers, he's just on a lucky streak.

... like Altuve.

[Mr. Happy]

Yeah it was a bit shocking they didn't really give him a chance this spring given the work he did to his swing in the offseason and the short term success he had with it in fall/winter ball.  The guy throughout his career has always exceeded expectations with hard work and a Bagwellian drive to improve himself.   Hate to see the team make mistakes like this, but I'm glad he is having success.   

It's probably a bit premature to call it a mistake to let J.D. go. However, I am very happy for his success. He's made quite a difference in the middle of the order for Detroit, who I get to see a lot right here in their back yard.

[jbm]

I understand their reasons, and I would have likely done the same, but it seems pretty clear that it was a mistake.  There is ample evidence in, both visually and statistically.

[Mr. Happy]

I understand their reasons, and I would have likely done the same, but it seems pretty clear that it was a mistake.  There is ample evidence in, both visually and statistically.

You may well be right. Of course, one can't quantify the effect of the change of scenery alone for him. If the Astros made a mistake, it won't be the first or last time. See Morgan, "Little" Joe.

[jbm]

I don't discount the change of scenery aspect, but they had the opportunity to let him ply his new swing in AAA for awhile.  The reasons normally given, that they thought they had the position filled with Grossman, or that JD's minor league salary would be too high, don't really do a good job of exonerating them.  If they had let him play at OKC and he still struggled, I doubt there would be as much criticism.

And I don't mean this as an indictment of the decision makers as anyone who makes a lot of these decisions will make mistakes, but it was clearly a mistake.

[Ty in Tampa]

I'm sure they lose sleep over the fact that some think they made a mistake.

[Reuben]

I'm sure they lose sleep over the fact that some think they made a mistake.

If Reid Ryan or Jim Crane were among the "some" that could be true. Otherwise, the main issue is whether THEY think they made a mistake.

What's funny is that if Keuchel had been cut loose, there might have been even less of an uproar among the fan base at the time. At least they got that one right. 

[Mr. Happy]

J.D. was 2-3 last night with three ribbies, raising his BA to .335.

[austro]

J.D. was 2-3 last night with three ribbies, raising his BA to .335.

Who wasn't 2-3 with 3 RBI in that game?

[MusicMan]

I understand their reasons, and I would have likely done the same, but it seems pretty clear that it was a mistake.

It's not a mistake when you hit on 16 against a face card. Sometimes the right move doesn't work.

[Duman]

The only mistake was by not trading him to Detroit instead of just releasing him.  Detroit has said they tried to trade for him in the off season. 

[Bench]

The only mistake was by not trading him to Detroit instead of just releasing him.  Detroit has said they tried to trade for him in the off season. 

On the general manager's show last night Luhnow said they tried to trade him during the beginning of the season but there was absolutely no market for him. I guess they missed their chance in the offseason.

[juliogotay]

On the general manager's show last night Luhnow said they tried to trade him during the beginning of the season but there was absolutely no market for him. I guess they missed their chance in the offseason.

Where are you able to hear the GM show? I only hear him on Sundays on the radio broadcasts.

[Duman]

On the general manager's show last night Luhnow said they tried to trade him during the beginning of the season but there was absolutely no market for him. I guess they missed their chance in the offseason.

Here is the quote from the Tiger's side:

Still, they removed him from their 40-man roster in the off-season. Martinez went to Venezuela and had tremendous success playing winter ball, which prompted Al Avila, with the blessing of president and general manager Dave Dombrowski, to pursue a trade with the Astros. They couldn’t work out a deal.

After Martinez hit .167 in 18 at-bats this spring, the Astros cut him and the Tigers pounced.

[geezerdonk]

Hey that's five more at bats than Santana got. Good enough for me.

[Fredia]

wow a brain trust...didnt know the astros had brains

[geezerdonk]

The Astros have made some good moves this year - Feldman, McHugh, Sipp, Fowler, Hernandez. But cutting Martinez was a real clunker.

[Mr. Happy]

Now the stRangers have signed Jerome Williams. They're now tanking for a 1-1?.

[Bench]

Where are you able to hear the GM show? I only hear him on Sundays on the radio broadcasts.

It appears that when the Astros don't play on Thursday evenings he's on at 6:30pm on 790.

[chuck]

It's not a mistake when you hit on 16 against a face card. Sometimes the right move doesn't work.

Ha. Every time I read about this Aiken fiasco I hear in my head Van Morrison's arresting entry into the Band's 4% Pantomime:

The dealer's been dealing me bad hands
FROMTHEBOTTOMOFTHEDECK, without the slightest blush

[VirtualBob]

Ha. Every time I read about this Aiken fiasco ...

Have I missed something important here?  I thought he was just doing the normal wait-tip-the-last-minute-to-sign thing.  How has it become a fiasco?

[BizidyDizidy]

Elbow injury

[VirtualBob]

Elbow injury

Ouch.  So we have to sign him anyway, though, to keep from blowing the cap?  Wunnerful.

[subnuclear]

But it's not an actual injury. It is a potential for injury. He can go out and pitch right now.

[Lefty]

My dad's got a bitchin' set of tools.  We can fix it.

Sign him anyway, but it's not my money.  Otherwise we'd get another top5 pick next year, right?

[juliogotay]

My dad's got a bitchin' set of tools.  We can fix it.

Sign him anyway, but it's not my money.  Otherwise we'd get another top5 pick next year, right?

Second pick I am told.

[austro]

Second pick I am told.

Even if we already have the first pick?

[Mr. Happy]

Jimmy Paredes got DFA'd again today.

[juliogotay]

Even if we already have the first pick?

Think so.

[Mr. Happy]

The stRangers DFA'd Carlos Pena. That's got to be it for him.

[juliogotay]

The stRangers DFA'd Carlos Pena. That's got to be it for him.

I'd like to think Pena is a metaphor for the Astros and Rangers organizations. We have not required his services for over a year now, replaced with a young player hopefully to be a stable of the organization for years. The Rangers flopping around out there trying to get through the season.

[Dark Star]

I'd like to think Pena is a metaphor for the Astros and Rangers organizations. We have not required his services for over a year now, replaced with a young player hopefully to be a stable of the organization for years. The Rangers flopping around out there trying to get through the season.

He was originally signed by the Rangers, right? A big deal prospect, whom Billy Beane lusted after?

[austro]

He was originally signed by the Rangers, right? A big deal prospect, whom Billy Beane lusted after?

I don't know about Billy Beane's lust, but Pena was drafted by the Rangers at 1/10 in the '98 draft.

[Duman]

Jordan Lyles was moved to the 60 day DL this week.  His hand has not healed completely.  He will be on the DL through early August at least.

[94CougarGrad]

I guess not technically a former Astro but Brooks Conrad made his Padre debut last night and went 0-3.

I'll have to tell Big'Un. He's got a baseball Conrad signed for him back when we used to go to RR games.

[94CougarGrad]

I don't know about Billy Beane's lust

Thank goodness. That's one less report for us to file.

[Ron Brand]

Freiman back down to AAA, but Jason Lane is coming up for a spot start Monday night against the Braves for San Diego.

[Jose Cruz III]

Freiman back down to AAA, but Jason Lane is coming up for a spot start Monday night against the Braves for San Diego.

Good luck, Jason. Hope he pitches well enough that the Padres have to keep him.

[Duman]

This is one of the reasons I miss Brandon Barnes' presence on the bench.

[Nate Colbert]

This is one of the reasons I miss Brandon Barnes' presence on the bench.

Oh fuck, more unwritten rules.

[HudsonHawk]

This is one of the reasons I miss Brandon Barnes' presence on the bench.

Because the bench isn't petty and childish enough?

[Ron Brand]

I love goofiness in baseball.

[HudsonHawk]

I love goofiness in baseball.

There's often a fine line between goofy and just plain stupid.  This isn't one of them.

[Bench]

There's often a fine line between goofy and just plain stupid.  This isn't one of them.

It's disrespectful to the troops. 

[HudsonHawk]

It's disrespectful to the troops.  

It's disrespectful to everyone.

[Ron Brand]

Lane goes six, gives up six hits, strikes out two and gives up one run on a solo HR by Gattis leading off the seventh. He takes the loss in a 2-0 game.

[Aussie Astro]

It's disrespectful to the troops. 

At times I feel like an outsider looking in, this is one of those times.  MLB and the clubs seem to quite rightly put a lot into making the National Anthem respectful and dignified and straight after it is done, these guys appear to be taking the piss...  My initial reaction was that they should knock it off and stop clowning the ceremony.

[Nate Colbert]

At times I feel like an outsider looking in, this is one of those times.  MLB and the clubs seem to quite rightly put a lot into making the National Anthem respectful and dignified and straight after it is done, these guys appear to be taking the piss...  My initial reaction was that they should knock it off and stop clowning the ceremony.

Some would argue that playing the National Anthem before every pissant sporting event itself cheapens it and if it were brought out only on special occasions it would regain the dignity it may have lost. Just curious, is Advance Australia Fair played before all sporting events there?

[Aussie Astro]

Some would argue that playing the National Anthem before every pissant sporting event itself cheapens it and if it were brought out only on special occasions it would regain the dignity it may have lost. Just curious, is Advance Australia Fair played before all sporting events there?

We don't play the anthem too often. The national baseball comp has the anthem before every game but for most sporting events it is only finals or Anzac day.  I actually like the way it is done in US, other than the occasional painful rendition, sometimes less is more.

[Bench]

At times I feel like an outsider looking in, this is one of those times.  MLB and the clubs seem to quite rightly put a lot into making the National Anthem respectful and dignified and straight after it is done, these guys appear to be taking the piss...  My initial reaction was that they should knock it off and stop clowning the ceremony.

I was being sarcastic.  Personally I think it's silly to play the national anthem before every single sporting event.

[Mr. Happy]

I was being sarcastic.  Personally I think it's silly to play the national anthem before every single sporting event.

I strongly disagree. It is appropriate to honor one's country regularly.

[MusicMan]

I strongly disagree. It is appropriate to honor one's country regularly.

It is appropriate to honor one's country.  When it becomes a matter of routine, is it still an honor?

[Mr. Happy]

It is appropriate to honor one's country.  When it becomes a matter of routine, is it still an honor?

I consider it the highest honor. We pause before the start of each event to honor the country.

[MusicMan]

I consider it the highest honor. We pause before the start of each event to honor the country.

My point is that the regularity makes many (if not most) forget that it is an honor.

For example: I'll sing the national anthem at the ballgame.  But if I hear it at the OIympics, I'm standing in my living room and most likely crying.

[JimR]

It is appropriate to honor one's country.  When it becomes a matter of routine, is it still an honor?

it is never routine.

[HudsonHawk]

My point is that the regularity makes many (if not most) forget that it is an honor.

For example: I'll sing the national anthem at the ballgame.  But if I hear it at the OIympics, I'm standing in my living room and most likely crying.

What takes away the honor of it is not the frequency, but that 1) people like Brandon Barnes make a mockery of it, and 2) people treat every other song that strirs some emotion in them the same way.  I stand at attention with my hat over my heart when the National Anthem is played before me.  I do not give the same reverence to God Bless America, Deep In The Heart of Texas, God Bless The USA, Dixie, Freebird, or anything else.  Why?  Because they're not the National Anthem.

[Duke]

it is never routine.

Agreed.  Same withe the Eyes opf Texas, and we sing that twice at every game.

[Duman]

I disagree with the mockery.  The National Anthem was over.  This had nothing to do with the Anthem. If you want to get upset about folks making a mockery of the anthem.  Fine, blast the folks who are checking their phones DURING the anthem.  Blast the players putting their hats back on before the last note is sung/played. 

Barnes has respect for the flag and the Anthem “I always wait until the flag hits the line or it’s out of the park,”

What happens afterwards is not disrespecting the flag or the anthem.

[HudsonHawk]

Barnes has respect for the flag and the Anthem “I always wait until the flag hits the line or it’s out of the park,”

What happens afterwards is not disrespecting the flag or the anthem.

If this wasn't related to the anthem or flag, what the hell was he doing?

[Dark Star]

I stand at attention with my hat over my heart when the National Anthem is played before me.  I do not give the same reverence to God Bless America, Deep In The Heart of Texas, God Bless The USA, Dixie, Freebird, or anything else.  Why?  Because they're not the National Anthem.

I respect this, a lot. But to be wholly honest, I get that funny feeling deep inside, and a little misty-eyed, whenever I hear the opening chords to Gimme Shelter, too.

A man can have more than one anthem.

[NeilT]

I thought it was amusing. 

Do they play O Canada before Blue Jays games in Houston?

[Mr. Happy]

I thought it was amusing. 

Do they play O Canada before Blue Jays games in Houston?

I believe so. I remember being at a Montreal Expos game at the Dome, and we sang O Canada.

[Bench]

I believe so. I remember being at a Montreal Expos game at the Dome, and we sang O Canada.

And then you never left the country again.

[BudGirl]

I thought it was amusing. 

Do they play O Canada before Blue Jays games in Houston?

I think so.  I know they do when Canadian hockey teams play in the USA.

[Mr. Happy]

And then you never left the country again.

Precisely. I don't ever leave the country.

[NeilT]

If this wasn't related to the anthem or flag, what the hell was he doing?

It looks to be a bit of goofiness between the end of the National Anthem and the first pitch.  They just stood out there staring at each other.

I'm not sure that I'm buying that it's an old baseball tradition.  If it were an old baseball tradition it would have statistics.

[Bench]

It looks to be a bit of goofiness between the end of the National Anthem and the first pitch.  They just stood out there staring at each other.

I'm not sure that I'm buying that it's an old baseball tradition.  If it were an old baseball tradition it would have statistics.

They're part of the unwritten statistics.

[Aussie Astro]

I was being sarcastic.  Personally I think it's silly to play the national anthem before every single sporting event.

I was borrowing Mr Happy's sarc-meter...

Everyone posting here is more qualified and has more of an interest in this than me, but viewing this from a distance I just thought it was pretty childish, if not disrespectful.  I have since learned they wee actually re-enacting someone's antics, that makes it even more bogus.  For context, I am a grumpy old man.

[Nate Colbert]

Shreefer or whatever his nom de whoopass is has been DFA'd by the Braves.

[NeilT]

Shreefer or whatever his nom de whoopass is has been DFA'd by the Braves.

Wow.

[BUWebguy]

Shreefer or whatever his nom de whoopass is has been DFA'd by the Braves.

Hitting .163/.256/.213 in 80 AB (incl. 20 Ks). 13 hits and 15 SB, which is kind of an impressive pairing. Guessing he's made a few pinch-running appearances...

[subnuclear]

Mets fans are brutal.

[mrpink]

Mets fans are brutal.

He takes it all in stride.

[VirtualBob]

stRangers DFA Williams.

[Limey]

He takes it all in stride.

The "blockbuster card" and "sharknado insurance" ones are excellent.

[Nate Colbert]

Kike Hernandez 0-7 with Marlins and just demoted to AAA New Orleans.

[Duman]

Jordan Lyles is back with a new change up.  Since it was his glove hand that was broke, he worked on moving to a "split change".  It was effective in his first outing back.

[Reuben]

Jordan Lyles is back with a new change up.  Since it was his glove hand that was broke, he worked on moving to a "split change".  It was effective in his first outing back.

Good for him. He always seemed like he needed a better "out pitch". I'd love to see him do really well.

[Mr. Happy]

Good for him. He always seemed like he needed a better "out pitch". I'd love to see him do really well.

+1

[Nate Colbert]

stRangers DFA Williams.

Just how desperate for pitching are the phucking Phillies? This desperate.

[geezerdonk]

They could use Fields too.

[Mr. Happy]

Just how desperate for pitching are the phucking Phillies? This desperate.

He's the Phightins' starting hurler tonight.

[VirtualBob]

The Rodeo Clown makes his return to Round Rock ...

[JimR]

The Rodeo Clown makes his return to Round Rock ...

Capps told me this yesterday. I told him I was embarrassed for him.

[OregonStrosFan]

Just how desperate for pitching are the phucking Phillies? This desperate.

But not this desperate...

[austro]

Orioles just called up Paredes.

[Mr. Happy]

Speaking of the Orioles, Steve Pearce is hitting .290 with 16 bombs this season.

[David in Jackson]

Another good day yesterday for Williams and Cosart.

[juliogotay]

Another good day yesterday for Williams and Cosart.

Cosart in 5 starts since the trade; 3-1, 1.64 ERA. 
In his last 4 starts 0.65 ERA in 27.2 innings.
Why didn't he do that here?

[subnuclear]

Cosart pitched 60 innings with a 1.95 ERA in 2013. He also pitched some good games this year for the Astros. You have to trade good players to get good players.

[juliogotay]

Cosart pitched 60 innings with a 1.95 ERA in 2013. He also pitched some good games this year for the Astros. You have to trade good players to get good players.

I understand the axiom about trades. If he had pitched closer to 1.95 than 4+  he may still be in Houston. I would rather have him than the returns on the trade. We'll see how it goes and hoping for the best.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

I didn't think he had it in him but Jordan Schafer has performed well since joining the Twins on a waiver claim, batting .328 (21-for-64) with 10 stolen bases since August 5 and is on an eight-game hitting streak as well.

[BudGirl]

Cosart, IMO, has that "something" that is going to make him a good to great player.  I hope the Astros don't regret trading him too much.

[NeilT]

An overweening sense if self importance?

[juliogotay]

Cosart, IMO, has that "something" that is going to make him a good to great player.  I hope the Astros don't regret trading him too much.

More and more I am thinking he was dealt due to non-baseball reasons.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Jerome Williams has some how inexplicably won three games in a row.

[Jacksonian]

Jerome Williams has some how inexplicably won three games in a row.

Because now he pitches in the lame National League.  Explains Cosart too.

[Nate Colbert]

Troy Patton defrocked by the Franciscan Friars.

[Mr. Happy]

J.D. Martinez hit a three run bomb in the top of the ninth to best Cleveland 4-2.

[jbm]

This should really be under the "good day" thread.  One clutch blast. 

[Duman]

Troy Patton defrocked by the Franciscan Friars.

Patton had come off the 60 day DL after a pretty successful rehab stint in the minors.  His shoulder is what put him on the DL.  He saw Dr. Andrews about it and they recommended rest.  He has already had surgery on it once.  I bet the Pads are cutting ties due to injury risk.  Because he is a lefty, someone will pick him up and give him a look in spring training. 

[Mr. Happy]

Angels DFA J.P. Shuck.

[VirtualBob]

Angels DFA J.P. Shuck.

J.B.'s brother?

[NeilT]

I'm glad Hunter Pence is where he is, and I'm not sure he would have ever been properly appreciated as an Astro:

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mlb-big-league-stew/hunter-pence-throws-bat-at-ball--gets-an-rbi-single-up-the-middle--video-203610816.html

[juliogotay]

I'm glad Hunter Pence is where he is, and I'm not sure he would have ever been properly appreciated as an Astro:

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mlb-big-league-stew/hunter-pence-throws-bat-at-ball--gets-an-rbi-single-up-the-middle--video-203610816.html

I always thought he was pretty much a fan favorite while in Houston. Remember he hit the fowl pole because the people of Houston have to eat.

[Bench]

Not bad, but classic PENCE.  Hunter Pence literally throws bat at ball, gets RBI single

[Reuben]

Not bad, but classic PENCE.  Hunter Pence literally throws bat at ball, gets RBI single

Cabrera thinks there's an echo in here.

[Nate Colbert]

Jerome Williams throws 7 shutout innings today and lowers ERA as a Phil to 2.45. He also makes history as the first pitcher to beat a single team (in this case, Oakland) three different times in a single season while with three different teams.

[Duman]

Pretty good post season for J. D. Martinez - 3 for 12 with a double and 2 HR / 5 RBI.  Did have 4 K's. 

In other news, Troy Patton elected for Free agency. Anyone interested in a lefty reliever who has had shoulder surgery in the past and visited Dr. Andrews with shoulder issues this season and was on the 60 day DL? 

[NeilT]

Pretty good post season for J. D. Martinez - 3 for 12 with a double and 2 HR / 5 RBI.  Did have 4 K's. 

In other news, Troy Patton elected for Free agency. Anyone interested in a lefty reliever who has had shoulder surgery in the past and visited Dr. Andrews with shoulder issues this season and was on the 60 day DL? 

Sounds perfect.

[Reuben]

Anyone interested in a lefty reliever who has had shoulder surgery in the past and visited Dr. Andrews with shoulder issues this season and was on the 60 day DL? 

The rest is just details. Plenty of teams will be interested.

[Nate Colbert]

In other news, Troy Patton elected for Free agency. Anyone interested in a lefty reliever who has had shoulder surgery in the past and visited Dr. Andrews with shoulder issues this season and was on the 60 day DL? 

And who now has been suspended 80 games for amphetamine use?

[Nate Colbert]

Just noticed this, but Tim Bogar named special (as opposed to just plain 'ol) assistant to GM in Anaheim.