Hinch has gone f'in batshit crazy Astros @ A's 8/6

[pots]

Good guys
J Altuve 2B
C Gomez CF
C Correa SS
J Lowrie 3B
C Rasmus RF
E Gattis DH
L Valbuena 1B
J Castro C   
J Marisnick LF

A's
B Burns CF
C Crisp LF
J Reddick RF
B Butler DH
S Vogt C
B Lawrie 3B
I Davis 1B
M Semien SS
E Sogard 2B

[pots]

Stros up 1-0 with a Lowrie sac fly in the first.  2 on 2 out in the top of the 2nd.  Failed to get the run home from third with one out.


1-0 middle of the second

[HudsonHawk]

The strikeouts with runners 3B are getting really old.

[NeilT]

Colonel Sanders is creepy.

[Reuben]

That ball Altuve grounded out on was about a foot outside.

[moriartp]

Nice thread title, by the way.

[pots]

Nice thread title, by the way.

I tried but couldn't resist

[MikeyBoy]

Altuve has always been that far off the plate, Ash. He is rolling over on everything, not staying on the ball. He needs to hit everything to right center for a week.

[pots]

Apparently the A's fans are cheering the rain. 

[jbm]

Ashby finds it intriguing that Feldman lives in the Bay Area.

[pots]

Solo homerun by Vogt. 

1-1 after 2

[pots]

Gomez Ks looking a 3-2 pitch
Correa drives a 2-2 pitch for a long out
Lowrie hits one to the wall for a longer out


1-1 middle of 3

[chuck]

Why does that idiot even have a dog?

[NeilT]

 That was one fine dog, and one idiot.

[Reuben]

Huh. Eric Sogard is not the player I would have imagined would have "Welcome to the Jungle" as his walk-up music.

[MikeyBoy]

I don't get the Marisnick in LF and Rasmus in RF? Seems like they should be flip flopped.

[NeilT]

All right, I hate Ashby now.

[pots]

I don't get the Marisnick in LF and Rasmus in RF? Seems like they should be flip flopped.

Who has the better arm?

[HudsonHawk]

I don't get the Marisnick in LF and Rasmus in RF? Seems like they should be flip flopped.

Marisnick should be in CF. I do not like Carlos Gomez. I don't like his attitude, I don't like the way he plays.

[HudsonHawk]

Who has the better arm?

Marisnick.

[austro]

Who has the better arm?

Probably Marisnick. But I think the main reason they're doing this is that it's a big outfield and they think there will be more balls hit to left than right.

[jbm]

Marisnick should be in CF. I do not like Carlos Gomez. I don't like his attitude, I don't like the way he plays.

I hate it when he goes first to third on a single

[MikeyBoy]

Marisnick should be in CF. I do not like Carlos Gomez. I don't like his attitude, I don't like the way he plays.

Attitude or not, Marisnick is the better CF. I have not been overly impressed with Gomez' defense. At least not yet.

[pots]

Seems like a high number of "bounced it" pitches from Feldman

[HudsonHawk]

I hate it when he goes first to third on a single

There are a lot of guys who aren't bad players that I don't think would be a good fit on this team.

[pots]

Feldman pitches around a one out double. 

1-1 after 3

[hostros7]

That was one fine dog, and one idiot.

I bet he tried to kick it as a puppy too.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[austro]

Marisnick should be in CF. I do not like Carlos Gomez. I don't like his attitude, I don't like the way he plays.

My initial impression is close to this, too. I'm afraid that they took a group of pretty likable guys that were turning into a genuine team and threw a prima donna in the middle of it, and I'm worried that the team will be worse off because of it. I'm already hoping they'll be able to trade him to somebody next year.

[NeilT]

I bet he tried to kick it as a puppy too.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Guy wasn't even watching the game.

[jbm]

My initial impression is close to this, too. I'm afraid that they took a group of pretty likable guys that were turning into a genuine team and threw a prima donna in the middle of it, and I'm worried that the team will be worse off because of it. I'm already hoping they'll be able to trade him to somebody next year.

Damn, what did this guy do?  He's done nothing but play hard, and frankly pretty well.

[hostros7]

I do not like Carlos Gomez. I don't like his attitude, I don't like the way he plays.

Blum hasn't been subtle, but not too subtle, about expressing this sentiment.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[pots]

ugh

3 Ks

1-1 mid 4

[NeilT]

Damn, what did this guy do?  He's done nothing but play hard, and frankly pretty well.

He doesn't like golden retrievers.

[pots]

ground out, strikeout (looking), groundout

1-1 after 4

[HudsonHawk]

Damn, what did this guy do?  He's done nothing but play hard, and frankly pretty well.

He's a douchebag.and I don't like him on the team. I don't like that they've moved Marisnick from CF for him. No doubt he can play.

[austro]

Damn, what did this guy do?  He's done nothing but play hard, and frankly pretty well.

I don't like the nonchalant semi-showboating on the catches, I don't like the crappy throws I've seen, I don't like the swinging from the heels on every pitch (we've already got plenty of that), I don't like the brushing-the-sleeve shit after a hit, and I don't like the fact that he's 30 and likely in decline. Other than that, everything's great.

I freely admit that I may be completely wrong, and maybe he'll win me over and become my favorite player. But right now I'm not sold.

[pots]

Altuve breaks up a 10 in a row streak by the A's Brooks

[pots]

Castro grounds out
Marisnick pop out
Altuve solid single
Gomez almost beats out a swinging bunt

1-1 mid 5

[pots]

Lawrie leadoff homerun.  2-1 I'm out for a bit. 

[NeilT]

pretty nice play by Gomez.

[hostros7]

Welp.  Pretty nice play, but no willie mays, ash


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[HudsonHawk]

Another really poor throw from Gomez.  Luckily the runner held.

[HudsonHawk]

Lowrie really bitching to ump.

[HudsonHawk]

Correa draws a lead off walk, but is picked off 1B

[Navin R Johnson]

That was one hell of a run down on that ball in CF by Gomez, but every throw he has made has pretty much been terrible.  They need to get Spring back ASAP.

[Navin R Johnson]

Altuve has always been that far off the plate, Ash. He is rolling over on everything, not staying on the ball. He needs to hit everything to right center for a week.

THIS.  Was saying something similar last night.  I think they should move him to the 2 hole.

[juliogotay]

That was one hell of a run down on that ball in CF by Gomez, but every throw he has made has pretty much been terrible.  They need to get Spring back ASAP.

I'm not sure what Springer being back will have to do with Gomez. He will still be in CF won't he?

[Navin R Johnson]

Was thinking more along the lines of scoring runs.

[HudsonHawk]

Qualls has done a nice job since coming back from the DL

[Navin R Johnson]

Qualls has done a nice job since coming back from the DL

Qualls is a very solid #5 guy in the pen.  Nevver understood the people who got pissed because he wasnt Rollie Fingers.

[Navin R Johnson]

That was more like it Altuve!

[HudsonHawk]

Altuve with a 1-out single. He's gotta take 2B here.

[HudsonHawk]

Altuve steals 2b, but again failure to put the ball in play as Gonez strikes out.

[HudsonHawk]

Correa!!!!

2-run dong

[Nate in IA]

Correa >>>>>> Gomez

[doyce7]

Don't ever leave us Carlos

[HudsonHawk]

Did Blummer call that or what?

[Navin R Johnson]

It moved.

[Nate in IA]

Nice heads up running by Jed.   

[HudsonHawk]

Lowrie walks followed by a Rasmus single. Boot by the CFer and Jed comes around to score. 4-2 Astros.

[HudsonHawk]

Gregerson on for the 9th with a 4-2 lead

[HudsonHawk]

And Gregerson immediately walks the lead off hitter on four pitches. Tying run at the plate.

[pots]

woow

[Nate in IA]

egads... what the heck Jed!

[HudsonHawk]

Ground ball to Lowrie at 3B who throws it into RF. A's with runners at the corners, nobody out.

[HudsonHawk]

Gregerson is all over the fucking place.

[Navin R Johnson]

Throw strikes motherfucker

[HudsonHawk]

Ike Davis singles, Vogt scores, Lawrie to 3B. Still nobody out.

[HudsonHawk]

Semien called out for the first out.

[Nate in IA]

Come ON Gregerson... throw strikes!

[HudsonHawk]

Sogard walks to load the bases.  Winning run at 2B.

[doyce7]

Fuck

[HudsonHawk]

Ground ball to 2b, out at 2B, but can't get Burns. Tying run scored, winning run to 3B.

[pots]

Good lord. 

[HudsonHawk]

Two walks, an error, two unearned runs = blown save.

[HudsonHawk]

Fly ball ends the inning, but now we have to start over.

Shitfuck.

[Nate in IA]

Extra baseball.   It's gonna be a wild ride until the end of the season...

[HudsonHawk]

Altuve leads off the 10th with a single and steals 2B.

[HudsonHawk]

Gomez with a SAC to move Altuve to 3B.

I assume Correa will be walked.

[Nate in IA]

Kid can't do it every time...

[HudsonHawk]

Correa gets a meatball on 3-0 and pops it up.

[Nate in IA]

Redemption!

[doyce7]

Lowrie!

[HudsonHawk]

Lowrie with a 2-out RBI double!

Astros retake the lead!

[HudsonHawk]

Colby flies out, but another chance to win it in the 10th

Will Harris will try his luck.

[HudsonHawk]

Red duck with a ground ball to SS.  But oh yeah that fucking shift. It's a single. Winning run at the plate.

[HudsonHawk]

And just like that, Butler GIDP, 1-4-3

2 outs.

[pots]

Yessss!   Astros win

[Nate in IA]

Cardiac kids tonight..   Excellent win.. that was needed

[HudsonHawk]

Vogt with a shot right at Altuve who gets him at 1B

Astros win!!!

[pots]

Second time this year Gregerson blows a save against the A's and gets a win

[HudsonHawk]

Second time this year Gregerson blows a save against the A's and gets a win

Of anyone who pitched on either team, he was by far the worst and least deserving of a win.

[HudsonHawk]

Whoever fell asleep missed some excitement.

[chuck]

Of anyone who pitched on either team, he was by far the worst and least deserving of a win.

Feldman looked awful for much of the night yet you look up and he holds them to a pair of runs over, what, six innings?

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Marisnick should be in CF. I do not like Carlos Gomez. I don't like his attitude, I don't like the way he plays.

I'm still trying to come around. But he has an extensive history of being a punk-ass that is hard to ignore.

[NeilT]

Whoever fell asleep missed some excitement.

I think I missed some excitement.

[austro]

Whoever fell asleep missed some excitement.

I intentionally turned it off after the top of the 7th to give them a chance.

[NeilT]

I intentionally turned it off after the top of the 7th to give them a chance.

Yeah, yeah, that.  Me too.

[MikeyBoy]

Whoever fell asleep missed some excitement.

Stupid West coast games!

Glad to see the good guys pulled off an ugly win to stop the skid. Gregorson has done a good job most of the season, but damn I like Will Harris. I wouldn't mind seeing him get more save opportunities.

[JimR]

That ball Altuve grounded out on was about a foot outside.

This drives me crazy about Altuve. He flails wildly about half the time.

I think those of you who do not like Gomez have not watched him as an Astro. The culture of this team will change him, IMO. I like him, and I like the way he plays.

Great GZ, and thank you. I had a terrible day with incision pain yesterday and took the narcotic pain pills at 7, 11, and 3. I had a drug-induced 12 hour sleep and did not watch the games. Thank you for letting me catch up with the TZ view.

Bind hog, acorn Pots. That is only one reason you are fucking bat-shit crazy.

[JimR]

Who has the better arm?

You know everything, don't you? Marisnick.

[JimR]

There are a lot of guys who aren't bad players that I don't think would be a good fit on this team.

I say this with a lot of fear: you are wrong about him.

[JimR]

I don't like the nonchalant semi-showboating on the catches, I don't like the crappy throws I've seen, I don't like the swinging from the heels on every pitch (we've already got plenty of that), I don't like the brushing-the-sleeve shit after a hit, and I don't like the fact that he's 30 and likely in decline. Other than that, everything's great.

I freely admit that I may be completely wrong, and maybe he'll win me over and become my favorite player. But right now I'm not sold.

I do not often disagree with you, but I do here. Big time.

[HudsonHawk]

Stupid West coast games!

Glad to see the good guys pulled off an ugly win to stop the skid. Gregorson has done a good job most of the season, but damn I like Will Harris. I wouldn't mind seeing him get more save opportunities.

Gregerson has pitched well this year.  Last night he just looked like a guy who hadn't pitched in a week.  He fell behind every hitter, and that's a bad formula.

[Bench]

I think those of you who do not like Gomez have not watched him as an Astro. The culture of this team will change him, IMO. I like him, and I like the way he plays.

I agree with you 1000%.  He's certainly come off as a hot head in the past, but he seems to me to be incredibly excited to be a part of this team and has fit in remarkably well.  Plus he's a pretty damn good ballplayer.

On Sunday he was the post-game on field interview for his big hit, and Julia Morales reported that he literally ran to the clubhouse after the interview to be part of Club Astros.  I think his enthusiasm is genuine and reflective of this particular team in general. 

Plus I think Brian McCann is a complete tool.

[HudsonHawk]

I say this with a lot of fear: you are wrong about him.

I hope you are right.  He can play (though I still prefer him in RF and Marisnick in CF), but he gives me the willies wondering when he's going to implode and become a distraction.  Perhaps the "Club Astros" attitude will change him. 

[JimR]

I hope you are right.  He can play (though I still prefer him in RF and Marisnick in CF), but he gives me the willies wondering when he's going to implode and become a distraction.  Perhaps the "Club Astros" attitude will change him.

How about giving him the benefit of the doubt until he does something. He has been genuinely excited and enthusiastic to be here. I like Marisnick too, but he is a guaranteed out in a lineup with too many of them. Marisnick is a better voice in RF because of his arm. Gomez also is a spectacular go get the ball OF. I never am too surprise about knee jerk reactions to players' reputation, but I am surprised at yours. I hope I am right too.

[DVauthrin]

I hope you are right.  He can play (though I still prefer him in RF and Marisnick in CF), but he gives me the willies wondering when he's going to implode and become a distraction.  Perhaps the "Club Astros" attitude will change him.

Every report out of Milwaukee said Gomez was a great teammate and plays hard every play.  Other than the dustup with the Braves, what other documented problems has he caused?

And the fact is, he's flat out a better player than Marisnick and the best center fielder(offensively and defensively) the team has had since Beltran.  I like Marisnick's defense too, but he's an automatic out way too often at this stage of his career.

[geezerdonk]

Carlos Gomez is the kindest, bravest, warmest, most wonderful human being I've ever known in my life.

[BudGirl]

Whoever fell asleep missed some excitement.

reads like I did.

[NeilT]

His humility caused Carlos Gomez to decline the Nobel Peace Price, but his arm still seems to suck.

[BudGirl]

I agree with you 1000%.  He's certainly come off as a hot head in the past, but he seems to me to be incredibly excited to be a part of this team and has fit in remarkably well.  Plus he's a pretty damn good ballplayer.

On Sunday he was the post-game on field interview for his big hit, and Julia Morales reported that he literally ran to the clubhouse after the interview to be part of Club Astros.  I think his enthusiasm is genuine and reflective of this particular team in general. 

Plus I think Brian McCann is a complete tool.

I agree, there's a lot to want to be a part of with this team.

I still would rather have Marsinick in CF.  But, I wouldn't take Gomez' bat out of the line-up, so LF for him.

[HudsonHawk]

How about giving him the benefit of the doubt until he does something. He has been genuinely excited and enthusiastic to be here. I like Marisnick too, but he is a guaranteed out in a lineup with too many of them. Marisnick is a better voice in RF because of his arm. Gomez also is a spectacular go get the ball OF. I never am too surprise about knee jerk reactions to players' reputation, but I am surprised at yours. I hope I am right too.

I'm trying coach, I really am.  I'm not the eternal optimist chuck is, but I'm trying to change. 

I agree about Marisnick's bat, and when Springer comes back, he'll be the odd man out I'm afraid.  But man I love having him in CF. 

[HudsonHawk]

Every report out of Milwaukee said Gomez was a great teammate and plays hard every play.  Other than the dustup with the Braves, what other documented problems has he caused?

Gomez has caused similar dustups with the Pirates and Nationals to name a few.  He's known to throw his helmet at players as well as a few haymakers.  He's also done many good things, and he may end up being a model citizen here, but his reputation does not come out of nowhere. 

And the fact is, he's flat out a better player than Marisnick and the best center fielder(offensively and defensively) the team has had since Beltran.  I like Marisnick's defense too, but he's an automatic out way too often at this stage of his career.

He is not a better centerfielder than Marisnick. 

[BudGirl]

Gomez has caused similar dustups with the Pirates and Nationals to name a few.  He's known to throw his helmet at players as well as a few haymakers.  He's also done many good things, and he may end up being a model citizen here, but his reputation does not come out of nowhere. 

He is not a better centerfielder than Marisnick. 

DV has a bad tendency to judge by offensive numbers.

[DVauthrin]

Gomez has caused similar dustups with the Pirates and Nationals to name a few.  He's known to throw his helmet at players as well as a few haymakers.  He's also done many good things, and he may end up being a model citizen here, but his reputation does not come out of nowhere. 

He is not a better centerfielder than Marisnick.

When you factor in his offense, Gomez is absolutely a better option in center field than Marisnick.  And it's not like Gomez isn't an above average defensive center fielder himself.

[DVauthrin]

DV has a bad tendency to judge by offensive numbers.

When I type things like Gomez is a better center fielder than Marisnick, I'm talking about the complete package( defense, offense and base running).  Sort of like me saying Carlos Correa is a better shortstop than Adam Everett.  Defense isn't the only part of the equation.

Also, last I checked, the center fielder is required to take his at bats too, and Gomez is more productive than Marisnick in this area right now.  Plus, Gomez isn't Biggio or Berkman in center.  He covers a lot of ground himself. 

[OregonStrosFan]

I think those of you who do not like Gomez have not watched him as an Astro. The culture of this team will change him, IMO. I like him, and I like the way he plays.

This.

[DVauthrin]

I'm trying coach, I really am.  I'm not the eternal optimist chuck is, but I'm trying to change. 

I agree about Marisnick's bat, and when Springer comes back, he'll be the odd man out I'm afraid.  But man I love having him in CF.

Who would you bench between Rasmus, Gomez and Springer to play Marisnick every day? The Astros have the luxury of having four outfielders capable of playing above average defense in center and only three starting spots. 

[HudsonHawk]

When you factor in his offense, Gomez is absolutely a better option in center field than Marisnick.  And it's not like Gomez isn't an above average defensive center fielder himself.

You don't factor in offense when determining who is the better center fielder.  And offense is irrelevant when Marisnick has to play LF or RF.  If they're both in the lineup, they're both in the lineup.   

[HudsonHawk]

Who would you bench between Rasmus, Gomez and Springer to play Marisnick every day?

I wouldn't.  That's what I just said.

[juliogotay]

Who would you bench between Rasmus, Gomez and Springer to play Marisnick every day? The Astros have the luxury of having four outfielders capable of playing above average defense in center and only three starting spots.

Was Tucker traded or something? I think he certainly fits into the discussion.

[NeilT]

Was Tucker traded or something? I think he certainly fits into the discussion.

Isn't Tucker playing in left?

[HudsonHawk]

Was Tucker traded or something? I think he certainly fits into the discussion.

I would think Tucker and Rasmus have to split most of the time.  Marisnick becomes a spot starter and late inning defensive guy/pinch runner.  You should be able to work four of those five in pretty regularly, seeing as four of them can play any outfield position. 

[NeilT]

They should move Marisnick to first.

[DVauthrin]

Was Tucker traded or something? I think he certainly fits into the discussion.

I only listed the guys capable of playing center on the roster, that's why I left him out.  I feel like Tucker should be starting vs RHP at 1B myself, but I don't run the Astros.

[HudsonHawk]

They should move Marisnick to first.

The Astros are quickly gaining more talent than they have playing time.

[DVauthrin]

I wouldn't.  That's what I just said.

Ok.  I'll ask it a different way: which of those players is Marisnick better than, in your opinion?

[HudsonHawk]

Ok.  I'll ask it a different way: which of those players is Marisnick better than, in your opinion?

In the outfield?  All of them (except maybe Springer).  At the plate?  None of them. 

[Jacksonian]

In the outfield?  All of them (except maybe Springer).  At the plate?  None of them.

I have a pretty good idea of what the Astros will do when Springer returns, but what would you do with all 5?

[HudsonHawk]

I have a pretty good idea of what the Astros will do when Springer returns, but what would you do with all 5?

Again, you have Springer in RF, Gomez in CF and mostly Rasmus and Tucker in LF.  Marisnick is a spot starter and late-inning defensive guy/pinch runner.  You can routinely work in 4 of the 5, but Marisnick is the odd man out.

[JimR]

Was Tucker traded or something? I think he certainly fits into the discussion.

Not as an OF, which is what HH and I were trying to do. He is not a good OFer.

[DVauthrin]

You don't factor in offense when determining who is the better center fielder.  And offense is irrelevant when Marisnick has to play LF or RF.  If they're both in the lineup, they're both in the lineup.   

If I'm comparing an A grade defender in center (Marisnick) to a B+ grade defender in center (Gomez), determining who should start if you have capable bats in the corner outfield spots, 1B and DH requires evaluating their offensive capability. 

If it were me, I'd play Tucker at 1B vs righties, play Gomez and Springer every day, and platoon Rasmus and Marisnick.  When Marisnick is playing, he's in center and Gomez in Left.

[DVauthrin]

In the outfield?  All of them (except maybe Springer).  At the plate?  None of them.

I'll try again.  If you ran the club, what would your lineup vs RHP and LHP look like?  All factors considered.

[DVauthrin]

Not as an OF, which is what HH and I were trying to do. He is not a good OFer.

He really should be learning how to play 1B. 

[JimR]

I'll try again.  If you ran the club, what would your lineup vs RHP and LHP look like?  All factors considered.

When you try again, leave offense out of it. We were talking about being an OFer, not a hitter.

Marisnick may be better than Gomez, but it is by the thinnest of margins, IMO.

[MikeyBoy]

Again, you have Springer in RF, Gomez in CF and mostly Rasmus and Tucker in LF.  Marisnick is a spot starter and late-inning defensive guy/pinch runner.  You can routinely work in 4 of the 5, but Marisnick is the odd man out.

Bingo!

[HudsonHawk]

I'll try again.  If you ran the club, what would your lineup vs RHP and LHP look like?  All factors considered.

I've explained it twice now.  You seem to be trying to get me to say I'd bench either Gomez or Springer.  I'm not sure why.  But carry on. 

[roadrunner]

Marisnick's numbers at the plate since May 4th:

62 G
.169 BA
.202 OBP
.259 SLG
7 2B
2 HR
9 RBI
6 BB
63 K
5 SB

[DVauthrin]

When you try again, leave offense out of it. We were talking about being an OFer, not a hitter.

Fair enough.

Marisnick may be better than Gomez, but it is by the thinnest of margins, IMO.

Not that my opinion matters, I would agree with this.

[DVauthrin]

I've explained it twice now.  You seem to be trying to get me to say I'd bench either Gomez or Springer.  I'm not sure why.  But carry on.

It's over and done with.  We were discussing two entirely different things.

[juliogotay]

Who's on first?

[Navin R Johnson]

Conger has been taking ground balls at 1st.

[moriartp]

A dozen first basemen, and none.

[BudGirl]

Gomez has caused similar dustups with the Pirates and Nationals to name a few.  He's known to throw his helmet at players as well as a few haymakers.  He's also done many good things, and he may end up being a model citizen here, but his reputation does not come out of nowhere. 

He is not a better centerfielder than Marisnick. 

DV has a bad tendency to judge by offensive numbers.

Was Tucker traded or something? I think he certainly fits into the discussion.

Tucker has an injury and is day-to-day.

[HudsonHawk]

Conger has been taking ground balls at 1st.

Good.  He can do the least amount of damage defensively there.

And on a serious note...it's pretty common for catcher's to take ground balls on the infield, very often at 1B.  They may be considering him there, but taking grounds balls there doesn't necessarily mean anything.

[NeilT]

Who's on first?

Yes.

[Navin R Johnson]

Good.  He can do the least amount of damage defensively there.

It is funny/sad because it is true.

[pots]

You know everything, don't you? Marisnick.

actually, I had no idea.  I knew they both can cover a lot of ground, but never heard anyone talk much about their arm

[Bench]

He's known to throw his helmet at players as well as a few haymakers. 

Hopefully he turns out as well as that other former helmet thrower turned Astro. (See 5:40)

[pots]

Not sure that this matters much, but I got the impression from the radio guys that Gomez is a bit of a leader out there in center.