Author Topic: Tigers @ Astros June 28, 2014 (Read 7588 times)

Mr. Happy · « **on:** June 28, 2014, 12:45:10 pm »

Your lineups for today's matinee:

Tigers

CFRajai Davis (R)
2BIan Kinsler (R)
DHMiguel Cabrera (R)
1BVictor Martinez (S)
LFJ.D. Martinez (R)
RFTorii Hunter (R)
3BN. Castellanos (R)
CBryan Holaday (R)
SSEugenio Suarez (R)
Max Scherzer (R) (9-3, 3.71)

Astros

2B Jose Altuve (R)
RF George Springer (R)
1B J. Singleton (L)
C Jason Castro (L)
CF Alex Presley (L)
3B Matt Dominguez (R)
DH Chris Carter (R)
SS Marwin Gonzalez (S)
LF L.J. Hoes (R)
HOU: Brett Oberholtzer (L) (2-6, 4.76)

Mr. Happy · « **Reply #1 on:** June 28, 2014, 03:45:10 pm »

Astros score two in the first. Oberholtzer has made some big mistake pitches, but they haven't cashed in yet. 2-0 Top 3

Mr. Happy · « **Reply #2 on:** June 28, 2014, 04:14:15 pm »

Tigers continue to hit some hard shots, just to the wrong part of the yard. Still 2-0 Bottom 4

Mr. Happy · « **Reply #3 on:** June 28, 2014, 04:29:46 pm »

Oberholtzer is up, and the Tigeres aren't missing it. 2-1 with runners on the corners and only one out. Visit from Brent Strom.

Mr. Happy · « **Reply #4 on:** June 28, 2014, 04:35:28 pm »

Bad news: Williams up in the bully.

Mr. Happy · « **Reply #5 on:** June 28, 2014, 04:37:28 pm »

Good news: Oberholtzer gets out of the inning without further damage and is at 73 pitches. 2-1 Bottom 5

Aussie Astro · « **Reply #6 on:** June 28, 2014, 04:49:34 pm »

Jose is great, he is now officially my favourite ball player.

Mr. Happy · « **Reply #7 on:** June 28, 2014, 04:54:10 pm »

Astros get some traffic, but Springer and Singleton strikeout, ending the frame. Astros have now struck out ten times through five innings. 2-1 Top 6

Mr. Happy · « **Reply #8 on:** June 28, 2014, 05:00:33 pm »

Oberholtzer with a very strong sixth against the heart of the Tigers order. 2-1 Bottom 6 Oberholtzer at 83 pitches.

NeilT · « **Reply #9 on:** June 28, 2014, 05:07:09 pm »

Quote from: Aussie Astro on June 28, 2014, 04:49:34 pm

Jose is great, he is now officially my favourite ball player.

He's the player against whom all others must measured.

Reuben · « **Reply #10 on:** June 28, 2014, 05:32:03 pm »

HOES!!!

That was one of the best, most clutch defensive plays all year. Damn.

jbm · « **Reply #11 on:** June 28, 2014, 05:32:31 pm »

What a battle. What a catch.

Mr. Happy · « **Reply #12 on:** June 28, 2014, 05:33:06 pm »

Quote from: NeilT on June 28, 2014, 05:07:09 pm

He's the player against whom all others must measured.

As good as Altuve was last year, in my opinion, he's the most improved player on this team. His strike zone management between last season and this season is like night and day. And his fielding is much better. He's always had good range, but he's now making good decisions.

Aussie Astro · « **Reply #13 on:** June 28, 2014, 05:33:28 pm »

Great time for Hoes' highlight reel play, keeps the good guys in front 2 - 1 mid 7.

Mr. Happy · « **Reply #14 on:** June 28, 2014, 05:37:33 pm »

I have to question the hit and run call with Hoes at bat and turtle Marwin Gonzalez. Hoes hasn't proven to me that he can make consistent contact. And Marwin was a dead duck.

jbm · « **Reply #15 on:** June 28, 2014, 05:38:22 pm »

Quote from: Mr. Happy on June 28, 2014, 05:33:06 pm

As good as Altuve was last year, in my opinion, he's the most improved player on this team. His strike zone management between last season and this season is like night and day. And his fielding is much better. He's always had good range, but he's now making good decisions.

I'd live to see useful data on a fielder's range. You are probably correct on Altuve, but his range has always seemed average to my eyes. But he no doubt is a stud, who keeps improving his game.

Reuben · « **Reply #16 on:** June 28, 2014, 05:40:22 pm »

Quote from: Mr. Happy on June 28, 2014, 05:37:33 pm

I have to question the hit and run call with Hoes at bat and turtle Marwin Gonzalez. Hoes hasn't proven to me that he can make consistent contact. And Marwin was a dead duck.

Desperate to stay out of the double play, with Altuve on deck?

subnuclear · « **Reply #17 on:** June 28, 2014, 05:40:41 pm »

Quote from: Mr. Happy on June 28, 2014, 05:33:06 pm

As good as Altuve was last year, in my opinion, he's the most improved player on this team. His strike zone management between last season and this season is like night and day. And his fielding is much better. He's always had good range, but he's now making good decisions.

He was good in April and September, but he was injured and then slumped. Aside from what you said, he also lost some weight and is able to beat infield singles he used to not to.

Some time in May I thought he would come back to hitting .280, but he obviously doesn't care what I think.

Aussie Astro · « **Reply #18 on:** June 28, 2014, 05:42:53 pm »

Quote from: Mr. Happy on June 28, 2014, 05:37:33 pm

I have to question the hit and run call with Hoes at bat and turtle Marwin Gonzalez. Hoes hasn't proven to me that he can make consistent contact. And Marwin was a dead duck.

I was really glad when I realised it was hit and run, at first I was wondering wtf sort of crap he was swinging at.

NeilT · « **Reply #19 on:** June 28, 2014, 05:48:39 pm »

Quote from: subnuclear on June 28, 2014, 05:40:41 pm

He was good in April and September, but he was injured and then slumped. Aside from what you said, he also lost some weight and is able to beat infield singles he used to not to.

Some time in May I thought he would come back to hitting .280, but he obviously doesn't care what I think.

I thought he was destined to be a 280 hitter. I guess he's doing this to spite us.

Mr. Happy · « **Reply #20 on:** June 28, 2014, 05:49:50 pm »

Quote from: jbm on June 28, 2014, 05:38:22 pm

I'd live to see useful data on a fielder's range. You are probably correct on Altuve, but his range has always seemed average to my eyes. But he no doubt is a stud, who keeps improving his game.

Second basemen don't usually have great range. If they did, they might be playing SS. I think that Altuve's range is very good.

jbm · « **Reply #21 on:** June 28, 2014, 05:50:01 pm »

Obviously don't know how it ultimately pans out, but big credit to Porter for using Qualls in the eighth with their big hitters up. Rarely see that.

Mr. Happy · « **Reply #22 on:** June 28, 2014, 05:52:35 pm »

Quote from: jbm on June 28, 2014, 05:50:01 pm

Obviously don't know how it ultimately pans out, but big credit to Porter for using Qualls in the eighth with their big hitters up. Rarely see that.

I wonder if he'll be back out there for the ninth?

NeilT · « **Reply #23 on:** June 28, 2014, 05:54:02 pm »

I'm losing the radio again to the Washington County All-Stars.

jbm · « **Reply #24 on:** June 28, 2014, 05:55:19 pm »

Quote from: Mr. Happy on June 28, 2014, 05:52:35 pm

I wonder if he'll be back out there for the ninth?

Hope so, since they said Williams is warming up.

subnuclear · « **Reply #25 on:** June 28, 2014, 05:57:28 pm »

Quote from: NeilT on June 28, 2014, 05:54:02 pm

I'm losing the radio again to the Washington County All-Stars.

Do they have Blue Bell commercials on the Brenham station?

NeilT · « **Reply #26 on:** June 28, 2014, 05:58:09 pm »

Quote from: subnuclear on June 28, 2014, 05:57:28 pm

Do they have Blue Bell commercials on the Brenham station?

Not that I've heard.

ETA. Actually that may be wrong. The Blue Bell ads would sound like Astros broadcast ads and I wouldn't pay much attention to them. They could be local ads though.

jbm · « **Reply #27 on:** June 28, 2014, 05:58:19 pm »

Quote from: NeilT on June 28, 2014, 05:54:02 pm

I'm losing the radio again to the Washington County All-Stars.

They kicking Fayette County's ass?

Mr. Happy · « **Reply #28 on:** June 28, 2014, 05:58:35 pm »

Quote from: jbm on June 28, 2014, 05:55:19 pm

Hope so, since they said Williams is warming up.

Surely not, huh?

NeilT · « **Reply #29 on:** June 28, 2014, 06:00:17 pm »

Quote from: jbm on June 28, 2014, 05:58:19 pm

They kicking Fayette County's ass?

Doesn't start until 6, and I'm not sure who they're playing. Some nights it might be better baseball.

Mr. Happy · « **Reply #30 on:** June 28, 2014, 06:00:25 pm »

I can't fucking believe that, with Veras down there, we're going to get pin ball machine Williams.

Aussie Astro · « **Reply #31 on:** June 28, 2014, 06:01:32 pm »

Quote from: NeilT on June 28, 2014, 05:58:09 pm

Not that I've heard.

ETA. Actually that may be wrong. The Blue Bell ads would sound like Astros broadcast ads and I wouldn't pay much attention to them. They could be local ads though.

Is the SP / Santa Fe café still going in Brenham?

Reuben · « **Reply #32 on:** June 28, 2014, 06:02:36 pm »

WHAT. THE. FUCK. Williams??!!?

Mr. Happy · « **Reply #33 on:** June 28, 2014, 06:03:30 pm »

Quote from: Reuben on June 28, 2014, 06:02:36 pm

WHAT. THE. FUCK. Williams??!!?

We. Are. Toast.

VirtualBob · « **Reply #34 on:** June 28, 2014, 06:04:33 pm »

Watching on game day and the dreaded phrase ... "In Play No Outs" ... I had a bad feeling about it when JW came in.

Aussie Astro · « **Reply #35 on:** June 28, 2014, 06:06:10 pm »

I thought there was some sort of pact that Williams wold not get bagged this season?

NeilT · « **Reply #36 on:** June 28, 2014, 06:07:21 pm »

Oh ye of little faith. Surely Porter has gone to Williams for a reason. Surely he knows something we do not.

VirtualBob · « **Reply #37 on:** June 28, 2014, 06:09:31 pm »

There it is again ... "In Play No Outs"

Mr. Happy · « **Reply #38 on:** June 28, 2014, 06:10:06 pm »

Quote from: NeilT on June 28, 2014, 06:07:21 pm

Oh ye of little faith. Surely Porter has gone to Williams for a reason. Surely he knows something we do not.

What do you say now, counselor? The fact is that Williams is a pin ball machine.

Reuben · « **Reply #39 on:** June 28, 2014, 06:10:18 pm »

I bet the runner'd be on third if Grossman's arm was in LF.

jbm · « **Reply #40 on:** June 28, 2014, 06:10:29 pm »

Can we at least get the blind squirrel scenario?

VirtualBob · « **Reply #41 on:** June 28, 2014, 06:11:05 pm »

Quote from: Mr. Happy on June 28, 2014, 06:10:06 pm

What do you say now, counselor? The fact is that Williams is a pin ball machine.

I think his real name is Tommy.

Col. Sphinx Drummond · « **Reply #42 on:** June 28, 2014, 06:12:38 pm »

Nice guy. Horrible pitcher.

VirtualBob · « **Reply #43 on:** June 28, 2014, 06:12:56 pm »

And now "In Play Runs(s)"

Reuben · « **Reply #44 on:** June 28, 2014, 06:13:05 pm »

Fffffffuuuuuuuuuuuuucking predictable.

BizidyDizidy · « **Reply #45 on:** June 28, 2014, 06:13:10 pm »

That sucked

NeilT · « **Reply #46 on:** June 28, 2014, 06:13:57 pm »

Well gosh! Who could have ever seen that coming!

Mr. Happy · « **Reply #47 on:** June 28, 2014, 06:14:58 pm »

Quote from: NeilT on June 28, 2014, 06:13:57 pm

Well gosh! Who could have ever seen that coming!

Yours truly called it. Now we have to face Nathan.

NeilT · « **Reply #48 on:** June 28, 2014, 06:15:38 pm »

Quote from: Mr. Happy on June 28, 2014, 06:14:58 pm

Yours truly called it. Now we have to face Nathan.

Oh, we're alright then. I've got Nathan on my fantasy team. Porter must have known it.

VirtualBob · « **Reply #49 on:** June 28, 2014, 06:16:09 pm »

Quote from: Mr. Happy on June 28, 2014, 06:14:58 pm

Yours truly called it. Now we have to face Nathan.

Somebody needs to buy Happy a sarc-o-meter.

Mr. Happy · « **Reply #50 on:** June 28, 2014, 06:17:20 pm »

Quote from: VirtualBob on June 28, 2014, 06:16:09 pm

Somebody needs to buy Happy a sarc-o-meter.

I actually got that one. I was returning fire after his "ye of little faith" quip.

Reuben · « **Reply #51 on:** June 28, 2014, 06:17:59 pm »

How the hell did Nathan's numbers get so awful? Has he only been facing the Yankees or something?

OregonStrosFan · « **Reply #52 on:** June 28, 2014, 06:18:43 pm »

So, I have other stuff occupying my attention right now so have the game on mute watching in the background. SO maybe y'all can tell me WHY THE HELL WAS WILLIAMS PITCHING IN THAT SITUATION!?!?!?!? Was Qualls unavailable?!? Veras on the bench?!? Not asking the obvious here (i.e. why is Williams even in an Astros uni), rather just trying to figure this out. Thanks!

OregonStrosFan · « **Reply #53 on:** June 28, 2014, 06:19:36 pm »

Quote from: Reuben on June 28, 2014, 06:17:59 pm

How the hell did Nathan's numbers get so awful? Has he only been facing the Yankees or something?

He's had only like 23 or so appearances IIRC (and his FB is not 92 instead of 97ish like it used to be...).

Mr. Happy · « **Reply #54 on:** June 28, 2014, 06:20:15 pm »

Quote from: Reuben on June 28, 2014, 06:17:59 pm

How the hell did Nathan's numbers get so awful? Has he only been facing the Yankees or something?

He got blown up several times early in the season. His ERA has come down to 6.28, before Presley's dinger.

jbm · « **Reply #55 on:** June 28, 2014, 06:20:50 pm »

I just don't understand why an extra inning once in a while is such a big deal. Would that inning really cause Quall's harm?

Mr. Happy · « **Reply #56 on:** June 28, 2014, 06:21:14 pm »

Quote from: OregonStrosFan on June 28, 2014, 06:18:43 pm

So, I have other stuff occupying my attention right now so have the game on mute watching in the background. SO maybe y'all can tell me WHY THE HELL WAS WILLIAMS PITCHING IN THAT SITUATION!?!?!?!? Was Qualls unavailable?!? Veras on the bench?!? Not asking the obvious here (i.e. why is Williams even in an Astros uni), rather just trying to figure this out. Thanks!

That is the question you'll have to put to Porter in the post-game.

OregonStrosFan · « **Reply #57 on:** June 28, 2014, 06:21:45 pm »

Holy shit, Pressley CRUSHED that one... 4-3 DET, B9, none on, none out.

NeilT · « **Reply #58 on:** June 28, 2014, 06:22:43 pm »

Quote from: Mr. Happy on June 28, 2014, 06:20:15 pm

He got blown up several times early in the season. His ERA has come down to 6.28, before Presley's dinger.

He was one of the keeper's on my fantasy team. His velocity is apparently down, and he's getting blown up with some regularity. Ausmus is sticking with him.

NeilT · « **Reply #59 on:** June 28, 2014, 06:25:49 pm »

Quote from: Aussie Astro on June 28, 2014, 06:06:10 pm

I thought there was some sort of pact that Williams wold not get bagged this season?

i think it was an exercise in spiritual discipline because Williams is an authentically good guy. i'm not sure that we're very spiritual though.

Mr. Happy · « **Reply #60 on:** June 28, 2014, 06:27:26 pm »

4-3 BALLGAME That one is on idiot Porter.

NeilT · « **Reply #61 on:** June 28, 2014, 06:28:09 pm »

Well darn. Dadgummit. Dang.

Aussie Astro · « **Reply #62 on:** June 28, 2014, 06:30:00 pm »

What are the positives here... season is half over?

Reuben · « **Reply #63 on:** June 28, 2014, 06:31:54 pm »

Quote from: Aussie Astro on June 28, 2014, 06:30:00 pm

What are the positives here... season is half over?

As I see them, the positives are that I have fresh, homemade guacamole and a tasty margarita in front of me at the moment.

Aussie Astro · « **Reply #64 on:** June 28, 2014, 06:36:32 pm »

Quote from: Reuben on June 28, 2014, 06:31:54 pm

As I see them, the positives are that I have fresh, homemade guacamole and a tasty margarita in front of me at the moment.

Nice, this team makes me drink too.

NeilT · « **Reply #65 on:** June 28, 2014, 06:44:16 pm »

Quote from: Mr. Happy on June 28, 2014, 06:17:20 pm

I actually got that one. I was returning fire after his "ye of little faith" quip.

i think that having it work 50% of the time is an improvement.

juliogotay · « **Reply #66 on:** June 28, 2014, 06:56:33 pm »

Quote from: Reuben on June 28, 2014, 06:31:54 pm

As I see them, the positives are that I have fresh, homemade guacamole and a tasty margarita in front of me at the moment.

Engaging in something called a Corpse Reviver myself. Mighty tasty.

juliogotay · « **Reply #67 on:** June 28, 2014, 06:58:39 pm »

Quote from: jbm on June 28, 2014, 06:20:50 pm

I just don't understand why an extra inning once in a while is such a big deal. Would that inning really cause Quall's harm?

This is my question, too. I'm old. I remember when a reliever would come in and throw 2, 3, 4 innings. And then be ready again in a couple of days. This team needs to close out these type of games and not fuck around with a guy that is really lucky to have a ML job.

juliogotay · « **Reply #68 on:** June 28, 2014, 07:00:41 pm »

Quote from: Mr. Happy on June 28, 2014, 06:27:26 pm

4-3 BALLGAME That one is on idiot Porter.

I agree. We need to get Albers back and some guy named Crane who have heard about but not sure if he really exists.

chuck · « **Reply #69 on:** June 28, 2014, 09:59:43 pm »

Fifteen strike outs today. At what point if ever does this get addressed? At what point if ever does the team move on from Carter?

Lefty · « **Reply #70 on:** June 29, 2014, 12:32:26 am »

Quote from: chuck on June 28, 2014, 09:59:43 pm

Fifteen strike outs today. At what point if ever does this get addressed? At what point if ever does the team move on from Carter?

...and replace him (or the LFer of the day) with Santana. Instant fix.

jbm · « **Reply #71 on:** June 29, 2014, 12:38:43 am »

Quote from: chuck on June 28, 2014, 09:59:43 pm

Fifteen strike outs today. At what point if ever does this get addressed?

Thinking back, it seems like the only damage on Scherzer was a two strike, short swing by Singleton, and a real short swing by Pressley. Not that it would put an end to all the strikeouts, but you'd think they would take note, and employ that approach more often.

VirtualBob · « **Reply #72 on:** June 29, 2014, 03:28:38 am »

Quote from: Lefty on June 29, 2014, 12:32:26 am

...and replace him (or the LFer of the day) with Santana. Instant fix.

FYI - Santana has 94 K in 346 PA. I would not expect that 27% strikeout rate to decrease in Houston.

Mr. Happy · « **Reply #73 on:** June 29, 2014, 04:33:36 am »

Quote from: chuck on June 28, 2014, 09:59:43 pm

Fifteen strike outs today. At what point if ever does this get addressed? At what point if ever does the team move on from Carter?

I doubt this season. I fear that we're stuck with Carter and the shitty LFer du jour until September at the earliest.

subnuclear · « **Reply #74 on:** June 29, 2014, 10:16:15 am »

If you are interested, here is an analysis by a Detroit paper about Porter's decision to bring in Williams.

I like Porter and I think you have to play the players you are given.

Mr. Happy · « **Reply #75 on:** June 29, 2014, 11:34:23 am »

Quote from: subnuclear on June 29, 2014, 10:16:15 am

If you are interested, here is an analysis by a Detroit paper about Porter's decision to bring in Williams.

I like Porter and I think you have to play the players you are given.

I question more than a few of Porter's in-game calls. If it was up to me, I ask Qualls to gut it up and at least start the ninth.

jbm · « **Reply #76 on:** June 29, 2014, 11:36:17 am »

Drellich had a similar article. Basically, while each individual move might have a rational explanation, the whole defies logic: you can't make individual moves that lead to Williams in the ninth. You just can't.

Mr. Happy · « **Reply #77 on:** June 29, 2014, 11:39:20 am »

Quote from: jbm on June 29, 2014, 11:36:17 am

Drellich had a similar article. Basically, while each individual move might have a rational explanation, the whole defies logic: you can't make individual moves that lead to Williams in the ninth. You just can't.

Exactly.

chuck · « **Reply #78 on:** June 29, 2014, 11:44:09 am »

Quote from: subnuclear on June 29, 2014, 10:16:15 am

If you are interested, here is an analysis by a Detroit paper about Porter's decision to bring in Williams.

I like Porter and I think you have to play the players you are given.

Porter says that he wouldn't pitch Qualls in the ninth after working the eighth "at this stage." That's clearly just another way of saying that they're not particularly trying to win. This is something that anyone who watches he team with any regularity already knows. If you want to win you pitch Qualls in the ninth and if necessary declare him unavailable for the next several days. And, of course, you don't carry a guy like Williams at all.

subnuclear · « **Reply #79 on:** June 29, 2014, 11:59:50 am »

Quote from: Mr. Happy on June 29, 2014, 11:34:23 am

I question more than a few of Porter's in-game calls. If it was up to me, I ask Qualls to gut it up and at least start the ninth.

You like to question and insult, I like to understand.

subnuclear · « **Reply #80 on:** June 29, 2014, 12:00:26 pm »

Quote from: jbm on June 29, 2014, 11:36:17 am

Drellich had a similar article. Basically, while each individual move might have a rational explanation, the whole defies logic: you can't make individual moves that lead to Williams in the ninth. You just can't.

I'm not sure he would have been better in the eigth.

subnuclear · « **Reply #81 on:** June 29, 2014, 12:02:41 pm »

Quote from: chuck on June 29, 2014, 11:44:09 am

Porter says that he wouldn't pitch Qualls in the ninth after working the eighth "at this stage." That's clearly just another way of saying that they're not particularly trying to win. This is something that anyone who watches he team with any regularity already knows. If you want to win you pitch Qualls in the ninth and if necessary declare him unavailable for the next several days. And, of course, you don't carry a guy like Williams at all.

They don't have an off-day until July 10th. You are going to need Qualls again. They have gotten rid of other relievers, so I imagine Williams will be shown the door soon.

Uncle Charlie · « **Reply #82 on:** June 29, 2014, 12:08:43 pm »

Quote from: subnuclear on June 29, 2014, 12:02:41 pm

They don't have an off-day until July 10th. You are going to need Qualls again. They have gotten rid of other relievers, so I imagine Williams will be shown the door soon.

Very soon. With promotions happening mid-season, there just isn't room on the 25-man for a pitcher like Williams. He seems like a great person, he's just not an MLB pitcher. Hindsight is better than foresight of course, but a DFA of Williams would have been the better choice than sending down Buchanan.

jbm · « **Reply #83 on:** June 29, 2014, 12:26:48 pm »

Quote from: subnuclear on June 29, 2014, 12:00:26 pm

I'm not sure he would have been better in the eigth.

Probably worse, but even accepting all of Porter's predicates (Qualls can only go one, Vera's isn't available, Sipps isn't available) Porter should have thought further along, or backwards from the end. Then, he would have had straightforward questions in from of him. Specifically, is extending Obie one more time through the order worse than Williams in the ninth, and is extending Zeid for another inning worse than Williams in the ninth? Not to mention, is Williams in the ninth preferable to Downs. If he felt that Williams in the ninth was a better option than all of those three, then I question his assessment, but understand. However, I don't think those questions ever came up to him, and that is what is most disturbing.

I also like Porter and feel that he is a good manager overall, but some of his head scratchers do give me pause.

subnuclear · « **Reply #84 on:** June 29, 2014, 12:35:07 pm »

My prejudice would be to use Oberholtzer as much as possible since he is doing back to OKC when he is done, but I guess Porter didn't like the odds.

juliogotay · « **Reply #85 on:** June 29, 2014, 03:54:08 pm »

Fields, Albers and Bass will (presumably) be off the DL soon. There won't be room for Williams. That should be a bullpen that will give Porter a lot more options.

Mr. Happy · « **Reply #86 on:** June 29, 2014, 07:34:30 pm »

Quote from: subnuclear on June 29, 2014, 11:59:50 am

You like to question and insult, I like to understand.

I really don't like to question and insult. However, some of Porter's moves are indefensible.