Astros at Rangers - 9/26/17

[ValpoCory]

No Altuve. Stuck on 199 hits. And Josh Reddick is still out with his sore back.    Hoping for the best in both areas.

Lineup

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Acceptable start to the game.

[MusicMan]

Vaunting.


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[HudsonHawk]

Acceptable start to the game.

Which would be?

[HudsonHawk]

No?  Nothing?

[Astros Fan in Big D]

No?  Nothing?

Sorry.

Not in a position to do pbp.

Astros plate 4 in the 1st

[austro]

Of course, Keuchel is trying to give some of it back.

[Lefty]

Of course, Keuchel is trying to give some of it back.

Warm up start?

[austro]

Warm up start?

Well, I hope he's warmed up now.

4-1 Astros after 1.

[homer]

if only the mlb would provide some kind of service that provided details of the plays each inning

[HudsonHawk]

if only the mlb would provide some kind of service that provided details of the plays each inning

You realize that not everyone has access to that, don't you?  You also realize that there is no commentary or context provided? 

If the GZ pains you so much, you are free to not participate.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Keuchel is pretty hard headed about the bottom of the strike zone.  Of course, pitching low in the zone is his bread and butter, but most umps are equally hard headed and act like they have to establish the bottom of the zone.

[chuck]

if only the mlb would provide some kind of service that provided details of the plays each inning

Look, if you want play by play PLUS hotel recommendations PLUS Tex-Mex PLUS fashion tips PLUS dickstepping, we-he-he-he-hell, my friend, there's just one place for all that action.

[Navin R Johnson]

I'm just here for the tire recommendations

[austro]

Keuchel is pretty hard headed about the bottom of the strike zone.  Of course, pitching low in the zone is his bread and butter, but most umps are equally hard headed and act like they have to establish the bottom of the zone.

Keuchel has to do it though. If he plays up in the zone for any length of time, he gets clobbered.

Gattis with a double to RCF that doesn't miss being a home by much, then Marwin walks, then Yuli strikes out for the 2nd out of the inning (I don't remember how the first out was made). McCann hits a ball to CF that Gomez catches up to going back.

Still 4-1 going to the bottom of the 3rd.

[chuck]

I'm just here for the tire recommendations

I'll tell you what I do NOT recommend and that's Fat Tire.

[austro]

I'll tell you what I do NOT recommend and that's Fat Tire.

Odell is my current favorite Colorado brewery.

[Navin R Johnson]

So last night I heard something interesting.  Luhnow was opposed to the Verlander trade, but someone above him over ruled him.  Reading that SI article again is interesting with that nugget. 

[MusicMan]

Of course, Keuchel is trying to give some of it back.

Meh. E4, screwjob walk, and a grounder gave up 1 run. No biggie.


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[chuck]

So last night I heard something interesting.  Luhnow was opposed to the Verlander trade, but someone above him over ruled him.  Reading that SI article again is interesting with that nugget.

What did he say about it? Mathematically unjustifiable?

[Navin R Johnson]

What did he say about it? Mathematically unjustifiable?

Correct.  Read the SI article and his comments about future value vs present.  I asked if you are 100% positive if this is bs or not and she said it came from the person who did it.

[austro]

DeShields lines out to CF.
Choo grounds out 4-3.
Andrus hits a hard ground ball down the line that Bregman can't field cleanly. Andrus held to a single.
Then Andrus leaves early, Keuchel steps off and they get Andrus in a rundown.

Astros lead 4-1 after 3.

[HudsonHawk]

So last night I heard something interesting.  Luhnow was opposed to the Verlander trade, but someone above him over ruled him.  Reading that SI article again is interesting with that nugget.

From where did you hear this?

[Navin R Johnson]

Another nugget.  Keuchel aint the most popular guy in the org.  From what I gathered, the chances of hm gettting signed when he becomes a FA are close to zero.

[Navin R Johnson]

From where did you hear this?

Someone involved with MLB.

[HudsonHawk]

Another nugget.  Keuchel aint the most popular guy in the org.  From what I gathered, the chances of hm gettting signed when he becomes a FA are close to zero.

This doesn't surprise me.  One, he seems like a bit of a whiner, and two, they probably think they've gotten max value for him already.

[Navin R Johnson]

This doesn't surprise me.  One, he seems like a bit of a whiner, and two, they probably think they've gotten max value for him already.

Totally agree with part two.

[Navin R Johnson]

Excellent AB from Springer vs the Rangers ace.   Battles and hits the ball the other way to driv in a run. 5-1. No outs runners 1st and third and Cole hits the showers.

[austro]

The best thing about the game so far has been Hamels' body language as thing after thing goes wrong. I'm sorry to see him go.

[MusicMan]

Correct.  Read the SI article and his comments about future value vs present.  I asked if you are 100% positive if this is bs or not and she said it came from the person who did it.

Well there’s only one person who could have done that.


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[HudsonHawk]

The best thing about the game so far has been Hamels' body language as thing after thing goes wrong. I'm sorry to see him go.

Fuck Hamels.  He was asked to be an Astro and he said "no".  I hope he never gets another out.

[austro]

Broken-bat bloop single for Bregman drives in Kemp. Another ER for Hamels, too bad.

Now Correa with a hard line-drive single to left field, loading the bases for Captain Caveman.

[austro]

Rats, Gattis strikes out. Brings up Marwin "8-for-10" Gonzalez. I'd sure like to tack another ER on Hamels.

[chuck]

Another nugget.  Keuchel aint the most popular guy in the org.

Do you mean unpopular among FO people or unpopular in the clubhouse, too?

Popular or not I'd always assumed that Keuchel would not be resigned, along with Springer. I watch their trading activity with that in mind.

[doyce7]

Fuck Hamels.  He was asked to be an Astro and he said "no".  I hope he never gets another out.

For real, fuck that guy. He deserves every shitburger we can force down his throat

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[austro]

Popular or not I'd always assumed that Keuchel would not be resigned, along with Springer. I watch their trading activity with that in mind.

I won't be surprised to see Keuchel walk, especially if the young arms develop well. But I think Springer is really becoming a face-of-the-franchise kind of guy, and I can see them trying to keep Altuve-Correa-Springer as the core of the team.

[austro]

Shit, Marwin grounds into a 3-2-3 DP to end the inning.

[doyce7]

I won't be surprised to see Keuchel walk, especially if the young arms develop well. But I think Springer is really becoming a face-of-the-franchise kind of guy, and I can see them trying to keep Altuve-Correa-Springer as the core of the team.

I feel like, of those 3, Springer is the least likely to take a club friendly deal. I want them to keep him but I can't see it happening.

But that's years down the road, this season is what matters

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[HudsonHawk]

I feel like, of those 3, Springer is the least likely to take a club friendly deal. I want them to keep him but I can't see it happening.

But that's years down the road, this season is what matters

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Why does it have to be a club friendly deal? 

[Navin R Johnson]

Do you mean unpopular among FO people or unpopular in the clubhouse, too?

Popular or not I'd always assumed that Keuchel would not be resigned, along with Springer. I watch their trading activity with that in mind.

Both.

Also, would be surprised to see Springer sign.   There is still some bad blood.

I'd say the sign priorities are Altuve/Correa.

[austro]

Mazara strikes out.
Beltre grounds out 6-3.
Carlos the Clown strikes out swinging, but manages to keep his helmet on. Baby steps.

Astros lead 6-1 after 4.

[doyce7]

Why does it have to be a club friendly deal?

For me? Doesn't have to be or need to be. But for the team? They have a lot of guys who are gonna want to get paid. They're not going to be able to keep them all.

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[austro]

There is still some bad blood.

What bad blood? From everything I've seen, the club tries to promote him as hard as anyone.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Also, would be surprised to see Springer sign.   There is still some bad blood.

Still some bad blood?

[doyce7]

What bad blood? From everything I've seen, the club tries to promote him as hard as anyone.

The deal they offered him a few years ago Maybe?

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[Navin R Johnson]

The great news is, Astros don't have worry about signing the difference makers for a few years.

[austro]

The deal they offered him a few years ago Maybe?

A few years ago he was still really just a prospect. It would have been irresponsible for the club to make some crazy offer (I imagine Singleton cured them of that). That's perfectly normal business. I'd be surprised if that engendered bad blood, but maybe I'm wrong.

[HudsonHawk]

For me? Doesn't have to be or need to be. But for the team? They have a lot of guys who are gonna want to get paid. They're not going to be able to keep them all.

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I'm not conceding that.

[chuck]

Also, would be surprised to see Springer sign.   There is still some bad blood.

I'd say the sign priorities are Altuve/Correa.

That's always been my sense but I'm just piecing things together from disparate sources.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Altuve already did a club friendly contract. If Altuve has decided he wants to spend his career thats great, but if it's up to Boras, things could get nasty.

[Navin R Johnson]

Still some bad blood?

Started with keeping him down to prevent from having to pay him. It certainly was the right move in terms of club control, but now Springer isn't a FA until he is a 30 year old.

[Navin R Johnson]

MCCANN BOMB!

[austro]

Yuli leads off the 5th with a double down the RF line, and McCann makes it so Yuli doesn't have to work his knee very yard, knocking a ball deep into the night for an 8-1 lead.

[doyce7]

A few years ago he was still really just a prospect. It would have been irresponsible for the club to make some crazy offer (I imagine Singleton cured them of that). That's perfectly normal business. I'd be surprised if that engendered bad blood, but maybe I'm wrong.

That's just the only thing I can think of. I can't imagine that's the case though

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[chuck]

A few years ago he was still really just a prospect. It would have been irresponsible for the club to make some crazy offer (I imagine Singleton cured them of that). That's perfectly normal business. I'd be surprised if that engendered bad blood, but maybe I'm wrong.

It wasn't THAT they offered George a Singleton type deal, it was the fucked up way Luhnow went about it.

[Andyzipp]

Why is Kurt Rambis pitching for the Rangers?

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Wow. Cam baby!

[austro]

Then Maybin triples and comes home on the dreadful throw to 3rd that gets away from Beltre.

And then Griffin hits Kemp in the foot. I doubt that it was intentional, but it wouldn't surprise me with these cocksuckers, either.

[HudsonHawk]

A few years ago he was still really just a prospect. It would have been irresponsible for the club to make some crazy offer (I imagine Singleton cured them of that). That's perfectly normal business. I'd be surprised if that engendered bad blood, but maybe I'm wrong.

The bad blood is the way they handled his call up to delay free agency.  He was very upset about that.  Plus what he considered a lowball, longterm offer.  He may have gotten over it, but I'm sure his agent will remind him that the Astros "cheated" him out of $XX million with the call up move.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

It wasn't THAT they offered George a Singleton type deal, it was the fucked up way Luhnow went about it.

Same with Correa.

[HudsonHawk]

It wasn't THAT they offered George a Singleton type deal, it was the fucked up way Luhnow went about it.

And how was that?

[austro]

It wasn't THAT they offered George a Singleton type deal, it was the fucked up way Luhnow went about it.

I think everybody was growing into their roles at the time, Luhnow included. I'd like to think that a couple years of success and the possibility of more success will temper whatever hard feelings (if any) came about in the early years.

[austro]

I'd like to see the Astros hang about 20 runs on these assholes.

[doyce7]

Meanwhile, there is some serious vuanting going on right now

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[austro]

Correa doubles to the LCF wall, driving in Springer. It's 11-1 now, and the Rangers are bringing in some fresh meat.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Started with keeping him down to prevent from having to pay him. It certainly was the right move in terms of club control, but now Springer isn't a FA until he is a 30 year old.

That is pretty much the SOP of all teams now-a-days. I can see how that is frustrating though, more so from a 3 year college player than a high school kid.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

I'd like to see the Astros hang about 20 runs on these assholes.

Doubtful they'll get there this inning.

If I had to pick a CF to make a God-awful throw on a triple to allow a runner to score uncontested while making an airplane motion on crossing home,  it'd be Gomez.

But it'll probably never happen.

[austro]

Marwin flies out to RCF to end the inning.

11-1 Astros in the middle of the 5th.

[chuck]

Same with Correa.

Completely different situations. Yes, they both were delayed in their call ups for club control reasons, but as has been said, that's simply what's done now. They can be annoyed with it (and mayne they should be), but virtually every other club would have done the same thing, and from what I understand Springer's issues with the club go well beyond that.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Springer is getting $3.9 this year. I bet that doubles next.

[chuck]

I think everybody was growing into their roles at the time, Luhnow included. I'd like to think that a couple years of success and the possibility of more success will temper whatever hard feelings (if any) came about in the early years.

I've definitely wondered if winning with a core of guys you've come up with wouldn't soften some of the sharp edges of a bad memory.

[HudsonHawk]

Is Keuchel still pitching in this game, or has he gone to bed?

[doyce7]

Is Keuchel still pitching in this game, or has he gone to bed?

Still pitching with 2 outs in the 5th

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[Andyzipp]

Is Keuchel still pitching in this game, or has he gone to bed?

He has now pitched enough to qualify for the win...

[Andyzipp]

Blue Jays helping out the cause...9-4 final against Boston.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Completely different situations. Yes, they both were delayed in their call ups for club control reasons, but as has been said, that's simply what's done now. They can be annoyed with it (and mayne they should be), but virtually every other club would have done the same thing, and from what I understand Springer's issues with the club go well beyond that.

I was referring to Correa's hesitancy to negotiate just any kind of contract prior to arbitration, "unless it's really good," And the Astros rewarded him with the league minimum salary. Compare with the Cubs, who didn't have to but did anyway, awarded Bryant with a million dollar contract, after he turned down a similar deal.

[Andyzipp]

Maybin joins the vaulting...3 run bomb to left.

14-1, no outs top of the 6th.

[Andyzipp]

Quick question...but can we be all doom and gloom about Springer, Correa, and Altuve in a couple of weeks?

You guys are a fucking bummer.

[Navin R Johnson]

Goddamn this s enjoyable. Fuck Arlington

[MikeyBoy]

Goddamn this s enjoyable. Fuck Arlington

This is way better than getting into a beanfest.

[MikeyBoy]

And Fisher STILL strikes out.

[Andyzipp]

And Fisher STILL strikes out.

Call him Fear.

[chuck]

I was referring to Correa's hesitancy to negotiate just any kind of contract prior to arbitration, "unless it's really good," And the Astros rewarded him with the league minimum salary. Compare with the Cubs, who didn't have to but did anyway, awarded Bryant with a million dollar contract, after he turned down a similar deal.

I'm as critical of the FO as anyone but I see no reason at all to give a guy money just for the hell of it. I might have tried in a sincere way to lock Correa up but I can understand  why they didn't.

[Navin R Johnson]

Quick question...but can we be all doom and gloom about Springer, Correa, and Altuve in a couple of weeks?

You guys are a fucking bummer.

Astros have at least 3 years with all of them, assuming Altuve gets the contract he deserves.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Fuck Jon Daniels and his band of misanthropic miscreant malefactors.

[JimR]

So last night I heard something interesting.  Luhnow was opposed to the Verlander trade, but someone above him over ruled him.  Reading that SI article again is interesting with that nugget.

Total bullshit.

[Craig]

Quick question...but can we be all doom and gloom about Springer, Correa, and Altuve in a couple of weeks?

You guys are a fucking bummer.

Yeah, what Andy said. Christ, we can talk about contracts in the offseason. Tonight we're boning the fucking Rangers in the ear, so this should be a joyous time.

[JimR]

Quick question...but can we be all doom and gloom about Springer, Correa, and Altuve in a couple of weeks?

You guys are a fucking bummer.

Thank you. Set up a Bitch Zone for them.

[BudGirl]

Um, can someone explain how a major league baseball team gives up an inside the park homerun?  that was seriously shitty.

I really like the idea of the Astros getting into a good hitting groove a week and a half before the playoffs start, but just because you have a lead doesn't mean you don't still play hard.

[HudsonHawk]

Quick question...but can we be all doom and gloom about Springer, Correa, and Altuve in a couple of weeks?

You guys are a fucking bummer.

Preferably about six weeks when the Astros' postseason ends.

[BudGirl]

I'd also like the Astros to score even more runs tomorrow night.

[BudGirl]

Nice play by Marwin to get Mazara.

[HudsonHawk]

Blue Jays helping out the cause...9-4 final against Boston.

And the Twins have grabbed the lead in Cleveland in the 9th.

Keep the pedal to the metal boys.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Nice play by Marwin!

[juliogotay]

I'd also like the Astros to score even more runs tomorrow night.

I think tomorrow is a day game.

[HudsonHawk]

I think tomorrow is a day game.

Not if the Astros keep scoring.

[BudGirl]

I think tomorrow is a day game.

but if they score this many runs again, it will run into the night.

[HudsonHawk]

Matt Belisle trying to close it out for the Twins

[Andyzipp]

Matt Belisle in for the Twins. 


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[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

I like Keuchel. He is popular in my household.

[Navin R Johnson]

Man, those 7's of Arlington fans would have really been put out by moving this series.  Only thing that could make this game more fitting would be a hysterical Gomez error.

[HudsonHawk]

Down go the Indians

[Andyzipp]

Belisle closes it out for the Twinkies!  8-6 final in Cleveland.


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[HudsonHawk]

Man, those 7's of Arlington fans would have really been put out by moving this series.  Only thing that could make this game more fitting would be a hysterical Gomez error.

Fuck the Rangers fans.  They could have suffered this on the road, but chose to embarrass their hometown fans. 

[BudGirl]

Gomez is out, so no error for you all.

[doyce7]

Gomez is out, so no error for you all.

Think he already made one...

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[BudGirl]

Think he already made one...

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I thought Navin wanted another one.

[juliogotay]

If you saw that Nolen Ryan piece they just did the hitters he was facing were Mike Sciosa and Dusty Baker. Just thought it interesting  that both are ML mgrs of so many years.

[BudGirl]

nice inning for Harris.

[Navin R Johnson]

I thought Navin wanted another one.

I did.

[jbm]

Yeah, what Andy said. Christ, we can talk about contracts in the offseason. Tonight we're boning the fucking Rangers in the ear, so this should be a joyous time.

No shit. This is a glorious beat down.  I just wish there were more Astros fans in the stands to witness it.

[BudGirl]

Guduan gives up part of the lead.  He's not making a bid to make the post season roster.

[Bench]

97 wins. Home field advantage in at least the first round. Shit stomped the rangers.

Great win.

[BudGirl]

after a homerun and walk, he gets the next three to end the game. 

Here's to scoring 17  runs tomorrow.

[HudsonHawk]

97 wins. Home field advantage in at least the first round. Shit stomped the rangers.

Great win.

And I know they were technically eliminated when the Twins won, but that wasn't a given when this beat down started, so this was eliminating the Rangers in humiliating fashion as well. 

[Astros Fan in Big D]

And I know they were technically eliminated when the Twins won, but that wasn't a given when this beat down started, so this was eliminating the Rangers in humiliating fashion as well.

Consider the portion of the game after Twins win as "Weekend at Banny's"

(Ignore the fact this wasn't the weekend; we'll change it in the screenplay)

[The Third Man]

Another nugget.  Keuchel aint the most popular guy in the org.  From what I gathered, the chances of hm gettting signed when he becomes a FA are close to zero.

The organization needs to keep Cy Young winners and get over themselves (as much as Keuchel does at times).

[drew corleone]

Someone involved with MLB.

ie, Footer, right?

[ValpoCory]

Another nugget.  Keuchel aint the most popular guy in the org.  From what I gathered, the chances of hm gettting signed when he becomes a FA are close to zero.

In 2003, Astros cult favorite Billy Wagner criticized the club publicly for not making a move at the deadline.  Houston got rid of him as soon as possible, trading him for the beautiful Ezequiel Astacio.  I know, I know, we also got Taylor Buchholz in the deal, who we swapped for Jason Jennings.   Oh wait, shit.
In 2017, Astros cult favorite Dallas Keuchel criticized the club publicly for not making a move at the deadline.   We'll see.

[JimR]

Quite an interesting twist to Matt’s career as he nears the end of it. He will be the closer on a playoff team, and if we are lucky the next two days, maybe he’ll help us catch the Indians.

I hear the negative bs Navin was spreading from my scout friend all the time. He passes on unsubstantiated rumors as though they were facts because he hates Luhnow and Crane out of misplaced loyalty for Tal Smith. Luhnow did not want Verlander? Yeah, right.

[MusicMan]

Quite an interesting twist to Matt’s career as he nears the end of it. He will be the closer on a playoff team, and if we are lucky the next two days, maybe he’ll help us catch the Indians.

Or he could beat the Yankees and Indians. I hadn’t realized the Twins were so good in Cleveland this year.


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[das]

I'll tell you what I do NOT recommend and that's Fat Tire.

Curious. Why?  I actually like it quite a bit.

[chuck]

Curious. Why?  I actually like it quite a bit.

It's just not a beer for me. Too sweet, not hoppy enough, I don't know, maybe a little bit oily. In general I'm not crazy about Belgian style beers.

Navin's source is impeccable and I trust that source implicitly. If the source says that Crane said something you can take that to the bank. Now, whether Crane was telling the truth of course I have no idea.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Curious. Why?  I actually like it quite a bit.

Not a fan of Fat Tire but New Belgium's Rampant Imperial IPA is pretty good.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Navin's source is impeccable and I trust that source implicitly. If the source says that Crane said something you can take that to the bank. Now, whether Crane was telling the truth of course I have no idea.

But what if Navin's source, as I suspect is getting the info from Nolan Ryan's son and not Crane? Isn't that a possibility as well? i mean he is Nolan Ryan's son.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Crane might have asked Nolan Ryan's son, "What would your dad do?"

[homer]

Crane might have asked Nolan Ryan's son, "What would your dad do?"

Always grill the jalapenos

[JimR]

Crane might have asked Nolan Ryan's son, "What would your dad do?"

You must be fucking kidding.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

You must be fucking kidding.

Of course I am. Crane would just ask Nolan directly if he wanted the input. Or more likely, he would just let Luhnow do his job.