Ex Astros News 17-18

[Duman]

Let's talk about the has beens, got aways and cast offs here.

=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2017/12/17/padres-sign-rhp-jordan-lyles-to-1-year-contract/108709848/Jordan Lyles signs deal with the Friers.

Lyles gets a $750,000 salary next year under the deal announced Sunday, and the Padres' option is for $3.5 million with a $250,000 buyout.

His 2019 salary would escalate to $4.5 million if he is selected comeback player of the year in 2018 by Sporting News. If the option is exercised, he could earn performance bonuses of $250,000 each for 15, 20 and 25 starts, and of $125,000 apiece for 40 and 50 games pitched.

[Ty in Tampa]

if he is selected comeback player of the year in 2018 by Sporting News.

Is there any indication that this even a possibility? Is he coming off of injury or has he learned to pitch left-handed?

[Reuben]

Is there any indication that this even a possibility? Is he coming off of injury or has he learned to pitch left-handed?

And don’t you have to have been somewhere in order to come back to it?

[Duman]

Brandon Barnes signed a minor league deal with the Indians.

[TerryPuhl21]

Colin Moran just hit a grand slam. Congrats to him and I wish him well.


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[jbm]

Who's Moran with?

Just saw DDJ is out 4-6 weeks with the dreaded hamate injury

[JJxvi]

Who's Moran with?

Just saw DDJ is out 4-6 weeks with the dreaded hamate injury

Traded to the Pirates for Cole

[jbm]

Damn, my wife asked me how we got him.  I said we traded some players, but couldn't remember who (I tune out the offseason).  I now see Musgrove, Feliz and Martin also went.  Lost McCutchen too.  The Astros success in complete teardowns has created a monster.

[chuck]

I'm still in a daze after watching Cole yesterday. I had no idea he was that good.

[jbm]

yeah, he was JVish: no fear, high heat, well placed heat, breaking balls taking quick dives.  The North Texas hillbillies had no chance.

[Fredia]

you should sell the rights to the tshirt

[BUWebguy]

Joe Musgrove went on the DL in Pittsburgh before he made his first start:
http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/pirates/2018/04/02/joe-musgrove-shoulder-injury-update-pirates-rotation-clay-holmes/stories/201804020088

[gwat]

Preston Tucker 3 run homer in 1st inning against the Nats tonight. That game is off to the races in the 2nd.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Preston Tucker 3 run homer in 1st inning against the Nats tonight. That game is off to the races in the 2nd.

He is off to a great start

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Tucker did it again today taking Scherzer deep

[BudGirl]

Tucker did it again today taking Scherzer deep

Ted learned it from somewhere, maybe.

[gwat]

Tucker did it again today taking Scherzer deep

I really hope Preston can break out for the Braves. I feel confident in saying everyone wanted him to prosper as an Astro. When he was initially called up, the Astros were a totally different team than they are now. In retrospect, he would have had to supernova as a player to still be a part of THIS team. That didn’t happen, so he was displaced by bigger, faster-rising talent.  May Tucker’s career take off,  and may he kick ass throughout the NL and AL this season.
The same goes for Colin Moran.

[jbm]

While perusing the box scores, I see Nolan Fontana is on the Angels this year, and 20 ABs for them last year.  Sort of surprised me.

[TerryPuhl21]

Moran having a great night. He is 4 for 4 so far with 3 RBI.


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[Navin R Johnson]

Jordan Lyles. Angry face emoji

[austro]

Brewers sent Brett Phillips down to AAA today. I remember when I thought we were really going to regret that trade. Shows what I know.

[subnuclear]

Hader and Santana would playing for the Astros right now, so plenty of room for regret.

[BlownRanger]

Hader and Santana would playing for the Astros right now, so plenty of room for regret.

The Astros quite possibly miss out on six games of postseason experience without that trade.

[subnuclear]

The Astros quite possibly miss out on six games of postseason experience without that trade.

And Fiers helped out a lot last year, too, so no regrets from me.

[JimR]

Hader and Santana would playing for the Astros right now, so plenty of room for regret.

Absolutely no regret whatsoever.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

My only regret is that Gomez didn't slide hard into Odor that one time.

[Jacksonian]

And Fiers helped out a lot last year, too, so no regrets from me.

It all led to a World Series.  No regrets.

[chuck]

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/21/sports/baseball/relievers-josh-hader.html

Fake news.

[JimR]

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/21/sports/baseball/relievers-josh-hader.html

Fake news.

Good for him. Takes a special kind of critic to fault management for a 2015 trade after a 2015 WS win.

[Lefty]

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/21/sports/baseball/relievers-josh-hader.html

Fake news.

Those same articles were written about Devo in the 1st half last year. 

[Tom Servo]

Carlos Gomez hit a walk-off home run to beat the Twins.  Take a guess if he made an ass of himself.

https://www.mlb.com/news/carlos-gomez-hits-two-run-walk-off-hr-for-rays/c-273409312

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Carlos Gomez hit a walk-off home run to beat the Twins.  Take a guess if he made an ass of himself.

https://www.mlb.com/news/carlos-gomez-hits-two-run-walk-off-hr-for-rays/c-273409312

For once he has exceeded expectations.  That is probably the biggest asshat celebration ever for a walkoff.

[austro]

For once he has exceeded expectations.  That is probably the biggest asshat celebration ever for a walkoff.

He'd better be on his toes next time they play the Twins.

[Aussie Astro]

For once he has exceeded expectations.  That is probably the biggest asshat celebration ever for a walkoff.

Full dress rehearsal for a WS game 7 walk off.
 

[Astros Fan in Big D]

He'd better be on his toes next time they play the Twins.

The Twins were the team that got their asses chapped when an Orioles player bunted in the 9th inning of a 1 hitter.  So yeah,  it may get interesting.  But it'll be July,  and in 76 AB, he's hitting 0.158.  So who knows where he'll be then.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Full dress rehearsal for a WS game 7 walk off.

That was a full dress rehearsal for Wrestlemania.

[Reuben]

Braves sending Preston Tucker down to make room for Jose Bautista. Preston was 4-for-7 off the bench since he lost his starting job.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Braves recalled Tucker, place Swanson on the DL

[David in Jackson]

Braves sending Preston Tucker down to make room for Jose Bautista. Preston was 4-for-7 off the bench since he lost his starting job.

This Bautista at 3b move makes no sense at all.

[Texifornia]

Vincent Velasquez pitching well against the Giants after giving up a first inning dinger. Also, 5-12 at the plate this season.

[mrpink]

Jordan Lyles. Angry face emoji

Lyles is doing some pretty impressive pitching against the Rockies right now.

[Jacksonian]

Lyles is doing some pretty impressive pitching against the Rockies right now.

Nice job.

[Greg M]

Teoscar with another HR today.  Doing very well in Toronto.

[LonghornCDR]

Teoscar with another HR today.  Doing very well in Toronto.

He’s got a ring and low expectations/low pressure now.  He’s playing loose with house money.  Good for him. 

[BUWebguy]

Jason Castro out for the season with a torn meniscus:
http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/23521302/minnesota-twins-catcher-jason-castro-rest-season

[jbm]

He’s got a ring and low expectations/low pressure now.  He’s playing loose with house money.  Good for him.

This post surprised me, as I didn't think he played on the team last year, but you are absolutely correct: played in one game in right, but no ABs. 

[Mr. Happy]

This post surprised me, as I didn't think he played on the team last year, but you are absolutely correct: played in one game in right, but no ABs.

He's the Moomlight Graham of the club.

[austro]

This post surprised me, as I didn't think he played on the team last year, but you are absolutely correct: played in one game in right, but no ABs. 

That was the game where he tried to kill Altuve, wasn't it?

[Astros Fan in Big D]

That was the game where he tried to kill Altuve, wasn't it?

Yep.

[jbm]

I don't remember, what happened?  Paredes, IIRC, did something, but I don't recall a Teo/Altuve collision.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

I don't remember, what happened?  Paredes, IIRC, did something, but I don't recall a Teo/Altuve collision.

Warning: this is still hard to watch

https://youtu.be/T6jlMu-3cL0

[jbm]

That link didn't work, but led me on the right path. Jogged my memory, thanks.

[WVastro]

That was the game where he tried to kill Altuve, wasn't it?

That was brutal and I remember just turning the game off after that. I didn’t want to know...

I’m kinda glad he got a ring. I thought he was about to lose a leg after that...

[Astros Fan in Big D]

That link didn't work, but led me on the right path. Jogged my memory, thanks.

Here's the fixed link for anyone who wants to be sickened.

https://youtu.be/T6jlMu-3cL0

[Tom Servo]

https://www.mlb.com/news/josh-hader-making-case-for-mlbs-top-awards/c-277537948

[jbm]

Must have a lot of deception on that fastball, judging by that clip, velocity, swings and insane strikeout rate.  He in the Fiers/Gomez deal, correct?

I briefly started to mentally form a team of exes who were in the Astros org the last five years.  Still probably a last place club, but not a complete joke either.

[Tom Servo]

Yes, he was in that trade.

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[BUWebguy]

I briefly started to mentally form a team of exes who were in the Astros org the last five years.  Still probably a last place club, but not a complete joke either.

Just from guys who have come through Houston since 2016 (and are now playing elsewhere):

c   Jason Castro
1b   Luis Valbuena
2b   Nolan Fontana
ss
3b   Colin Moran
of   Colby Rasmus
of   Teoscar Hernandez
of   Cameron Maybin

c   Juan Centeno
of   Preston Tucker
of   Carlos Gomez

sp   Doug Fister
sp   Francisco Liriano
sp   Mike Fiers
sp   Joe Musgrove
sp   Dan Straily

rp   Pat Neshek
rp   Tyler Clippard
rp   Luke Gregerson
rp   Michael Feliz
rp   Josh Fields

notable minor leaguers:
c   Jake Rogers
of   Daz Cameron
p   Jorge Guzman
p   Franklin Perez

[juliogotay]

not a terrible pitching staff....some 3-5 starters in there and a couple of middle relief guys. Cellar dweller in most divisions I think.

[BudGirl]

I thought of Vincent Velasquez (with the Phillies) but he was here in 2015.

[JimR]

Liriano flirted with a no-hitter recently.

[jbm]

I was really just sticking with minor leaguers in the org, but included JD.  He was my best player.

[Mr. Happy]

Liriano flirted with a no-hitter recently.

He got hosed. Liriano was at 102 pitches through eight, but Gardy opted for a very inconsistent Shane Greene, which, in my opinion, was a mistake. Liriano was his best option.

[juliogotay]

He got hosed. Liriano was at 102 pitches through eight, but Gardy opted for a very inconsistent Shane Greene, which, in my opinion, was a mistake. Liriano was his best option.

I wish he was still in Houston.

[JimR]

I wish he was still in Houston.

Yup. Me too..

[TerryPuhl21]

I wish he was still in Houston.

I do too. He struggled a bit initially but ended up being pretty reliable at the end.


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[gwat]

Nice start for Joe Musgrove. Seven innings, no runs, for the win!

[juliogotay]

Nice start for Joe Musgrove. Seven innings, no runs, for the win!

I think that's his first appearance this year? Glad to see him be successful. Always seemed like a good fellow.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Glad to see him be successful. Always seemed like a good fellow.

I agree, and want him to almost make us regret the trade.

[JimR]

I agree, and want him to almost make us regret the trade.

Easy, Big Fellow. He and other spare parts got us Cole.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Easy, Big Fellow. He and other spare parts got us Cole.

Yeah, everyone is aware of the trade. I said "almost".

[jbm]

Folty with an 11K, 2 hit shutout over the gnats. Era for the year at 2.22. Hope he makes the all star team.

[Lefty]

Folty with an 11K, 2 hit shutout over the gnats. Era for the year at 2.22. Hope he makes the all star team.

He should, so should Hader.

[MusicMan]

He should, so should Hader.

Hader hurts more than anyone Luhnow has traded away.


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[chuck]

Hader hurts more than anyone Luhnow has traded away.

He's a player, Hader.

[Lefty]

Hader hurts more than anyone Luhnow has traded away.


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I said it the day that trade was made.  He was the only guy I thought we'd miss later.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

In early May, Nori Aoki recorded his 4,000th at bat in NPB. With a .328 career batting average to that point, he  qualifies as NPB's lifetime batting champion.

[Reuben]

In early May, Nori Aoki recorded his 4,000th at bat in NPB. With a .328 career batting average to that point, he  qualifies as NPB's lifetime batting champion.

Whoa. That’s... unexpected, but cool. Did he need to reach 4,000 to qualify?

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Whoa. That’s... unexpected, but cool. Did he need to reach 4,000 to qualify?

Yes.

[Nate Colbert]

From 30 homers and a .278/.371/.505 slash line last season to...the minors. Domingo Santana sent down by the Brewers today.

[Nate in IA]

It's Happ vs Verlander tonight when the Blue Jays come to town...

[astrojo]

Rasmus leaves Orioles, placed on restricted list:

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/blog/bs-sp-orioles-colby-rasmus-20180703-story.html

[jbm]

Hope for some peace and happiness for him.

[JimR]

Hope for some peace and happiness for him.

May not be in the cards. He was a fit with the Astros but apparently nowhere else.

[HudsonHawk]

May not be in the cards. He was a fit with the Astros but apparently nowhere else.

He’s been a physical wreck the last few years, with a serious hip injury. My brother in law had something similar and had to have hip replacement when he was 40 years old. It’s a very painful and debilitating injury if not treated.  I’m sure it contributed heavily to his mental state.

[Reuben]

Former Astro Rhiner Cruz, whose last MLB action came in 2013, was called up by the Blue Jays today.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Rasmus leaves Orioles, placed on restricted list:

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/blog/bs-sp-orioles-colby-rasmus-20180703-story.html

He got a warm ovation when introduced at the home opener this year.   Read later he said he didn't know what to expect. 

Hope he does well in his future endeavors,  and hope he is well.

[Nate Colbert]

JB Shuck DFA'd by Miami.

Who knew he was even with the Marlins?

[LonghornCDR]

Chris Truby sighting - pitching to Rhys Hoskins in the HR Derby.

[doyce7]

Chris Truby sighting - pitching to Rhys Hoskins in the HR Derby.

Now that's a name I haven't thought about in a long time

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[jbm]

Thanks for that.  I hadn't realized that was Truby.  I was trying to explain to my wife just how important the pitcher is in the derby.  Truby was awesome (I only saw the first round), but he fed almost everyone perfectly into Hoskins' power zone.  Kind of cool seeing Hoskins also as I rarely see the new NL players.

[MusicMan]

Um, Josh Hader’s old tweets turned up. He’s having a very, very bad night.


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[JimR]

Um, Josh Hader’s old tweets turned up. He’s having a very, very bad night.


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Saw that. What did they say?

[subnuclear]

Here you go.

[juliogotay]

Here you go.

I always wondered why Luhnow let an arm like that get away.

[JimR]

Sensitivity training, but no suspension. Yuli says “WTF?”

[Reuben]

Sensitivity training, but no suspension. Yuli says “WTF?”

I think it’s because Hader’s tweets were from 6-7 years ago - when he was 17,18 and not yet drafted even.

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

I think it’s because Hader’s tweets were from 6-7 years ago - when he was 17,18 and not yet drafted even.

It's odd to me that it's taken this long for these to surface.  Surely someone else in the (baseball) world saw those tweets before this week.

[Nate Colbert]

Jonathan Villar went to the Orioles in the Schoop trade, Preston Tucker went to the Reds in the Duvall deal and JA Happ contracted hand, foot and mouth disease.

[Knoxbanedoodle]

Jonathan Villar went to the Orioles in the Schoop trade, Preston Tucker went to the Reds in the Duvall deal and JA Happ contracted hand, foot and mouth disease.

Happ must have played patty cake with Syndergaard.

[juliogotay]

Jonathan Villar went to the Orioles in the Schoop trade, Preston Tucker went to the Reds in the Duvall deal and JA Happ contracted hand, foot and mouth disease.

Which of those is not like the other?

[Snuffy]

Giles called up today by Jays, to be their closer.
https://www.mlb.com/bluejays/news/ken-giles-to-get-new-start-with-blue-jays/c-288097468

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Giles called up today by Jays, to be their closer.
https://www.mlb.com/bluejays/news/ken-giles-to-get-new-start-with-blue-jays/c-288097468

I liked Giles while he was here, pulled for him,  felt for him when he struggled, especially when he lost the closer title in the WS (telling that for every player who struggled last postseason, he was ther only one that was taken out of his designated role).

I was in Arlington last year when AJ called on him to get his first multi-inning save.  He got it and it was a big win,  and a big step as the were a few more such saves down the stretch.

But boy did he prove to be a head case.  I usually am fine seeing ex-Astros do well after leaving.   If he gives a mea culpa I guess that would help. Right now I don't know how I feel about him. 

He's still several notches above Gomez so there's that.

[Nate Colbert]

Nice July pickup (alright, technically June) Steve Pearce with 3 homers tonight at Fenway against the Yankees.

[Nate Colbert]

But boy did he prove to be a head case.  I usually am fine seeing ex-Astros do well after leaving.   If he gives a mea culpa I guess that would help.

Is this enough mea in his culpa?

“There are dumb things I wish I did better to conceal,” Giles, who came to the Jays in the deal for Roberto Osuna, acknowledged in the visitors dugout prior to Thursday’s opener of a four-game series against the M’s. “But sometimes the way things were going it was hard to conceal that stuff. But you know what? I know I could do better. I know I could learn something and I’m just going to take it in stride and be a better person.”

https://torontosun.com/sports/baseball/toronto-blue-jays/anxious-for-fresh-start-with-blue-jays-giles-knows-he-could-do-better

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Yes Nate,  that's a pretty good statement.

I'm sure he's got some hard feelings- any competitor would- but what he said there was pretty good.

[chuck]

I was strongly anti-Giles when he was in Houston for a variety of reasons but if next year he turns in a 2008 Lidge sort of season I will be very happy for his crazy ass.

[Snuffy]

I was strongly anti-Giles when he was in Houston for a variety of reasons but if next year he turns in a 2008 Lidge sort of season I will be very happy for his crazy ass.

Here's hoping he conquers some of his demons and corrals his arm to live his dream.

[JimR]

Is this enough mea in his culpa?

“There are dumb things I wish I did better to conceal,” Giles, who came to the Jays in the deal for Roberto Osuna, acknowledged in the visitors dugout prior to Thursday’s opener of a four-game series against the M’s. “But sometimes the way things were going it was hard to conceal that stuff. But you know what? I know I could do better. I know I could learn something and I’m just going to take it in stride and be a better person.”

https://torontosun.com/sports/baseball/toronto-blue-jays/anxious-for-fresh-start-with-blue-jays-giles-knows-he-could-do-better

Pretty lukewarm, imo.

[VirtualBob]

Pretty lukewarm, imo.

I am not sure that concealment was his biggest challenge.

[JimR]

I was strongly anti-Giles when he was in Houston for a variety of reasons but if next year he turns in a 2008 Lidge sort of season I will be very happy for his crazy ass.

Next time we are drinking a beer somewhere, I’d like to hear those reasons. I did not understand your animosity.

[chuck]

Next time we are drinking a beer somewhere, I’d like to hear those reasons. I did not understand your animosity.

Frustration more than animosity I think. He has the tools to be elite but something continues to hold him back.

[Snuffy]

Frustration more than animosity I think. He has the tools to be elite but something continues to hold him back.

Bet he was frustrated more than anyone else, likely the reason he would physically beat himself - something much more painful to watch than his lack of control with his pitches.

[JimR]

Bet he was frustrated more than anyone else, likely the reason he would physically beat himself - something much more painful to watch than his lack of control with his pitches.

Something more than frustration. Hitting himself was bizarre, and “Fuck you, man” on the mound to Hinch suggests a total loss of control.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Something more than frustration. Hitting himself was bizarre, and “Fuck you, man” on the mound to Hinch suggests a total loss of control.

This.

[HudsonHawk]

Giles never struck me as an intellectual, and baseball  is ultimately a cerebral game. Adrenaline carry carry you physically sometimes, but emotions have to be under control, especially as a pitcher.  I think he often struggled with that part of his game.

ETA: to clarify, you can pitch with “fire” and determination, but you can’t let emotion dictate which pitch you throw next. If you’re getting squeezed, you have to adjust, you can’t get into a dick measuring contest with the ump. If a guy hits a fastball, you can’t be afraid to throw it the next time up. A fastball may not be the best pitch, but you can’t be sacred to throw it if it is. You can’t keep throwing a guy fastballs because you’re pissed off and want to announce your presence with authority. Ultimately you have to pitch with a purpose. Giles seemed to get lost in that sometimes.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Giles never struck me as an intellectual, and baseball  is ultimately a cerebral game. Adrenaline carry carry you physically sometimes, but emotions have to be under control, especially as a pitcher.  I think he often struggled with that part of his game.

ETA: to clarify, you can pitch with “fire” and determination, but you can’t let emotion dictate which pitch you throw next. If you’re getting squeezed, you have to adjust, you can’t get into a dick measuring contest with the ump. If a guy hits a fastball, you can’t be afraid to throw it the next time up. A fastball may not be the best pitch, but you can’t be sacred to throw it if it is. You can’t keep throwing a guy fastballs because you’re pissed off and want to announce your presence with authority. Ultimately you have to pitch with a purpose. Giles seemed to get lost in that sometimes.

The marathon AB in the 9th against Cle struck me then as a pitcher who lost sight of what the real goal was.

[Nate Colbert]

Teoscar with another HR today.  Doing very well in Toronto.

3 doubles and a single last night as he and Hauschild helped out their former organization by defeating the Mariners.

Currently .249/.305/.491 on the season.

[Duman]

3 doubles and a single last night as he and Hauschild helped out their former organization by defeating the Mariners.

Currently .249/.305/.491 on the season.

Based on the roster the last few games of the Astros/Mariner series and last nights M's game, it appears the the Astros AAA team might be a contender in the AL West.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Based on the roster the last few games of the Astros/Mariner series and last nights M's game, it appears the the Astros AAA team might be a contender in the AL West.

Have we learned nothing from the BBGs lo these many years?

[doyce7]

Based on the roster the last few games of the Astros/Mariner series and last nights M's game, it appears the the Astros AAA team might be a contender in the AL West.

The 5 game losing streak would beg to differ

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[MusicMan]

Based on the roster the last few games of the Astros/Mariner series and last nights M's game, it appears the the Astros AAA team might be a contender in the AL West.

Your whore mouth. You know what to do with it.


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[Snuffy]

Something more than frustration. Hitting himself was bizarre, and “Fuck you, man” on the mound to Hinch suggests a total loss of control.

It's almost as dumb for me to try to figure out what a closer is thinking as it would be for me to try to do the same with my bride, BUT I can't help myself at times.  Could he try to blame Hinch for not catering to his preference of starting clean innings in only save situations.  (My reading of some fan responses yielded at least one suggestion that Osuna feels the same way.)  Don't all closers feel that way?

[TerryPuhl21]

Giles, in his first appearance as a Blue Jay, came in during a non-save situation. He struck out the side but gave up a run on 2 hits.


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[doyce7]

It's almost as dumb for me to try to figure out what a closer is thinking as it would be for me to try to do the same with my bride, BUT I can't help myself at times.  Could he try to blame Hinch for not catering to his preference of starting clean innings in only save situations.  (My reading of some fan responses yielded at least one suggestion that Osuna feels the same way.)  Don't all closers feel that way?

Most of his outings started with a clean inning. And you cant JUST use a closer in save situations, they wont get enough work in to stay sharp

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[Snuffy]

Most of his outings started with a clean inning. And you cant JUST use a closer in save situations, they wont get enough work in to stay sharp

Understand and agree.  Players - including closers - need to realize they are employees and that someone else determines how their skills will be used.

[JimR]

Understand and agree.  Players - including closers - need to realize they are employees and that someone else determines how their skills will be used.

More specifically, a pitcher’s job is to get outs and to prevent scoring, no matter the inning and no matter the score. To me, there is no good reason for a “closer” to pitch poorly in a non-save situation. I thought Hinch did a good job early in the year of saying he wanted 27 outs, and who finishes a game is unimportant.

I hope we get some report on Osuna’s meeting with and address to the team. Hinch and the Astros’ clubhouse can be significant in Osuna’s rehabilitation and development as a person. If he messes up the clubhouse chemistry for any reason, he will be gone.

[TerryPuhl21]

More specifically, a pitcher’s job is to get outs and to prevent scoring, no matter the inning and no matter the score. To me, there is no good reason for a “closer” to pitch poorly in a non-save situation. I thought Hinch did a good job early in the year of saying he wanted 27 outs, and who finishes a game is unimportant.

I hope we get some report on Osuna’s meeting with and address to the team. Hinch and the Astros’ clubhouse can be significant in Osuna’s rehabilitation and development as a person. If he messes up the clubhouse chemistry for any reason, he will be gone.

I’m curious just what Osuna can or will say to the team. I doubt we will ever know as I’m sure it will stay in the locker room. I’m guessing Osuna’s attorney will advise him to speak little on the specifics of what happened since there is still legal action pending. Regardless of what he says to the team about the actual details of the incident, I think one of the biggest people in all of this is Verlander. I think JV has to be convinced enough by Osuna and what he says to at least come out and PUBLICLY say something that says the team will be ok with this. I don’t think JV will do that unless he truly feels that way but if he does, this has a chance to work. It would help to at least calm some of the storm around this for now.

I have read many of the posts on here about some of the cultural aspects that may have  impacted Osuna. I’ve hesitated to post on the subject out of fear of offending anyone and this will be my last and only post on the subject. I’m not trying to excuse his behavior and I’m not sure that anything he does can excuse his behavior. SOMETHING happened, we just don’t know the true extent. But if his getting traded here helps to shed some light on the subject surrounding some of the cultural aspects that may have influenced him, and helps brings about some changes in that culture, and he is front and center leading a charge for those changes, then perhaps his getting traded her can have some positive impacts in the future. We’ll have to see what Osuna does. The ball is in his court.


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[JimR]

The culture aspect is interesting to me, but in the US, of course, that is no excuse. We saw that with Gurriel. Two things to watch for me. First is his talk with the team and the team’s reaction to him. I agree JV is crucial. If he wants to be and is assimilated into Astros culture, the trade will benefit him as a person.

Equally important to me is the disposition of his criminal case. If the prosecutors and victim agree to dismiss his case with a peace bond, the dismissal will suggest to me the facts are not egregious. I hasten to add I believe no domestic abuse or violence, however minor, is acceptable. I also believe in redemption and second chances and believe one offense should not condemn a person forever if the person sincerely seeks forgiveness and rehabilition. As someone once said, let those without sin cast the first stone.

Up to you, Osuna. What will you say and do?

[Snuffy]

The culture aspect is interesting to me, but in the US, of course, that is no excuse. We saw that with Gurriel. Two things to watch for me. First is his talk with the team and the team’s reaction to him. I agree JV is crucial. If he wants to be and is assimilated into Astros culture, the trade will benefit him as a person.

Equally important to me is the disposition of his criminal case. If the prosecutors and victim agree to dismiss his case with a peace bond, the dismissal will suggest to me the facts are not egregious. I hasten to add I believe no domestic abuse or violence, however minor, is acceptable. I also believe in redemption and second chances and believe one offense should not condemn a person forever if the person sincerely seeks forgiveness and rehabilition. As someone once said, let those without sin cast the first stone.

Up to you, Osuna. What will you say and do?

In that regard, does anyone know if there are proactive approaches being used by the organization with players from the aforementioned cultures to help prevent future abuse cases?  Something similar to the shift in the way the transition has become much more welcoming and supportive for rookie phenoms as they reach the big leagues.  It was highlighted in a Forbes article.  They are breaking ground in significant ways. 

I would not be surprised if the Danny V incident did not serve as an impetus to begin to address and deter abuse and the related PR fallout.  (Added later) There might not be much written about it,

[Nate Colbert]

Luis Valbuena DFA'd by Anaheim.

[Nate Colbert]

And David Stearns picks up another ex-Astro by claiming Jordan Lyles after the Padres had put him on waivers.

[Texifornia]

Giles gave up five runs in 2/3 rd inning tonight.

He came into a tie game in the 10th inning; so, no save opportunity.

....and the beat goes on...

[JimR]

Giles gave up five runs in 2/3 rd inning tonight.

He came into a tie game in the 10th inning; so, no save opportunity.

....and the beat goes on...

Oh, man. He’ll be out of baseball long before he should be.

[Knoxbanedoodle]

Giles gave up five runs in 2/3 rd inning tonight.

He came into a tie game in the 10th inning; so, no save opportunity.

....and the beat goes on...

I watched this. It was pretty sad. He struck out the first batter in three or four pitches and then came slowly undone. The Jays commentators highlighted Alex Cora sharing Giles decoding tips to his players. The look on Ken’s face after JBJ’s homer (the second of the inning) was rough, to say the least.

[Texifornia]

Oh, man. He’ll be out of baseball long before he should be.

His career is coming apart before his eyes and he seems helpless to stop it.

I hope he finds a way.

[Snuffy]

His career is coming apart before his eyes and he seems helpless to stop it.

I hope he finds a way.

Me, too.

[JimR]

His career is coming apart before his eyes and he seems helpless to stop it.

I hope he finds a way.

The frustrating thing must be trying to figure out what is wrong. He must be wondering what he is doing differently to turn a successful career into this.

[jbm]

Were the homers on fastballs or flat sliders?  Is the Cora talk supposed to imply that Giles is tipping?

[JimR]

Were the homers on fastballs or flat sliders?  Is the Cora talk supposed to imply that Giles is tipping?

I was going to ask this. Maybe, but I doubt it; I imagine Cora told them to sit on the fastball because it is straight.

[chuck]

Both flat fastballs up in the zone. They were begging to be crushed. If I'm not mistaken all he had thrown to Bradley were fastballs and it was the third or fourth pitch of the at bat that he hit.

[juliogotay]

I was going to ask this. Maybe, but I doubt it; I imagine Cora told them to sit on the fastball because it is straight.

if the Astros are fortunate enough to get to postseason and end up playing Boston at some point  I worry about how much Cora knows about our guys.

[JimR]

if the Astros are fortunate enough to get to postseason and end up playing Boston at some point  I worry about how much Cora knows about our guys.

He does not know anything the Astros do not also know.

[MusicMan]

Tim Federowicz elected free agency and signed a minor-league deal with the Reds.


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[JimR]

Tim Federowicz elected free agency and signed a minor-league deal with the Reds.


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Smart move by him.

[subnuclear]

Article on changes to Mike Fiers pitching since moving to the A's.

[jbm]

Thanks for the article.  Interesting, both in the A's reasoning for the trade and the data on his pitches since he got there.  I'm not a believer in Fiers and will be surprised if his success continues through the rest of the season, but the A's are smart, like the Astros, and maybe they really are on to something.

ETA: Oh, and I forgot that Giles was at the top of the list in height difference of four seamer since 8/2.  Interesting factoid, but i don't know what to do with it.  Based on what I read here, it hasn't seemed to do much for him.

[subnuclear]

Mark Melancon relives his one AB (w/ Astros).

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Mark Melancon relives his one AB (w/ Astros).

Funny story.

[SoonerJim]

JD Martinez flagged for five year old pro- 2nd amendment post with a photo of Hitler; MVP chances toast?

http://www.foxnews.com/sports/2018/08/29/red-sox-s-jd-martinez-cites-support-for-second-amendment-in-defense-hitler-post.html

[Bench]

JD Martinez flagged for five year old pro- 2nd amendment post with a photo of Hitler; MVP chances toast?

http://www.foxnews.com/sports/2018/08/29/red-sox-s-jd-martinez-cites-support-for-second-amendment-in-defense-hitler-post.html

I can't imagine that having any affect on anything.

[Nate Colbert]

WTF.

"His numbers would be good enough to put him in his first all-star game in July."

[moriartp]

WTF.

"His numbers would be good enough to put him in his first all-star game in July."

He's a time traveling Nazi, there is no other explanation for any of this.

[jbm]

Apparently, a really stupid time traveling Nazi at that.

“It was one of those things where I was really touched at the time,” he said. “I saw it and I posted it. I had no intent to offend anyone. It was mostly just to state a point — a political point at the time.”

The only semi-understandable response would be: "I know nothing about history, really, NOTHING AT ALL.  I didn't even know who the guy was, I just loved the quote and the moustache."

[Bench]

Apparently, a really stupid time traveling Nazi at that.


The only semi-understandable response would be: "I know nothing about history, really, NOTHING AT ALL.  I didn't even know who the guy was, I just loved the quote and the moustache."

The "really touched at the time" comment is by far the worst part of the whole story.  What a sap.

[BizidyDizidy]

I mean, it wasn't like it was a pro-Hitler post? He was just sensibly implying any gun control is just like Hitler

[Texifornia]

I mean, it wasn't like it was a pro-Hitler post? He was just sensibly implying any gun control is just like Hitler

Wyatt Earp was Hitler?

[MusicMan]

Wyatt Earp was Hitler?

Doc was Hitler’s huckleberry?


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[MusicMan]

Wyatt Earp was Hitler?

Doc was Hitler’s huckleberry?


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[BudGirl]

Ausmus' is in town. I think he's going to the game tonight.

[austro]

Ausmus' is in town. I think he's going to the game tonight.

Down, girl.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Ausmus' is in town. I think he's going to the game tonight.

So 500 yard barrier is in effect for you?

[BudGirl]

He let me hug him.  I cannot be happier.

[austro]

He let me hug him.  I cannot be happier.

Just make sure you keep those hands up on his back. Don't let them drift down to his tush.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

He let me hug him.  I cannot be happier.

That's awesome.

[Nate Colbert]

Jonathan Villar went to the Orioles in the Schoop trade, Preston Tucker went to the Reds in the Duvall deal and JA Happ contracted hand, foot and mouth disease.

A month after trading him, Tucker back to the Braves today in a cash deal.

[Reuben]

A month after trading him, Tucker back to the Braves today in a cash deal.

What a wacky yo-yo he’s been on this year.

[Snuffy]

A month after trading him, Tucker back to the Braves today in a cash deal.

According to this link: http://www.sportingnews.com/ca/mlb/news/mlb-trade-news-rumors-2018-atlanta-braves-reacquire-outfielder-preston-tucker-cincinnati-reds/1noao0c0qfp16175df28t9hxwq

He (Preston) registered a .189/.286/.378 slash line with two home runs and five RBIs in 16 games with Cincinnati.

[JimR]

According to this link: http://www.sportingnews.com/ca/mlb/news/mlb-trade-news-rumors-2018-atlanta-braves-reacquire-outfielder-preston-tucker-cincinnati-reds/1noao0c0qfp16175df28t9hxwq

Better than Kyle with the Astros?

[Snuffy]

Better than Kyle with the Astros?

Not sure about the Kile connection, JimR.  He did pitch much better in his last years w/ the Cards.

Here's hoping that Preston is able to get back on track w/ the Braves in spite of Duval's presence.  He was hitting .254 w/ the Braves b/f the trade.

[HudsonHawk]

Not sure about the Kile connection, JimR.  He did pitch much better in his last years w/ the Cards.

Here's hoping that Preston is able to get back on track w/ the Braves in spite of Duval's presence.  He was hitting .254 w/ the Braves b/f the trade.

No..."Kyle"...as in Kyle Tucker...you know...Preston Tucker's brother, who's been the Astros #1 prospect, but didn't hit a lick when he was up earlier this summer...

[VirtualBob]

Not sure about the Kile connection, JimR.  He did pitch much better in his last years w/ the Cards.

Here's hoping that Preston is able to get back on track w/ the Braves in spite of Duval's presence.  He was hitting .254 w/ the Braves b/f the trade.

RMPL

[WVastro]

RMPL

Reactive Model-based Programming Language? What does that have to do with Kile?

[Astros Fan in Big D]

RMPL

If you meant what urban dictionary says that is then  I'm gonna go over there for a while.

[Snuffy]

No..."Kyle"...as in Kyle Tucker...you know...Preston Tucker's brother, who's been the Astros #1 prospect, but didn't hit a lick when he was up earlier this summer...

Not yet...  It's easy to forget he's just 21.
Tks

[HudsonHawk]

Not yet...  It's easy to forget he's just 21.
Tks

I don't think anyone forgot his age, he just wasn't ready for big league pitching yet. 

[moriartp]

The Angels released SS Nolan Fontana, who is still doing very Nolan Fontana things like hitting .234 with a .397 OBP this season at AAA.

[Snuffy]

I don't think anyone forgot his age, he just wasn't ready for big league pitching yet.

W/ all the hype, I do at times.

Right now, Correa is not ready for ML pitching.  But he will be in time.  He has proven that.
Kyle will, in time.  I hope the Astros will still be able to give him some AB's during the stretch run.

[JimR]

W/ all the hype, I do at times.

Right now, Correa is not ready for ML pitching.  But he will be in time.  He has proven that.
Kyle will, in time.  I hope the Astros will still be able to give him some AB's during the stretch run.

I hope not. He got plenty when he first came up and showed he is not ready. This is no time for auditions or development. We need the best lineup out there every game.

[HudsonHawk]

W/ all the hype, I do at times.

Right now, Correa is not ready for ML pitching.  But he will be in time.  He has proven that.
Kyle will, in time.  I hope the Astros will still be able to give him some AB's during the stretch run.

Tucker shouldn't be anywhere near the lineup this last month.  This is the stretch run, not spring training.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Gattis and Jake are in line for ABs well before Tucker, and they're gonna be few/far between at that.

Tucker will get his reps in the Fresno playoffs.

[Snuffy]

Tucker shouldn't be anywhere near the lineup this last month.  This is the stretch run, not spring training.

I should not have said during the stretch run, but rather once the playoff slots have been determined as well as the home field advantage, I hope Kyle can get a few ABs. Some of the starters will need to rest and heal 

(Last year Fisher had b/t 15 - 20 AB during the last week or so of Sept)

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Don't count on anything being determined in the AL West until the last week of the season,  probably the last series.

The next time you see Tucker getting lots of ABs against MLB pitching will be next spring.   That's just the way the 2018 committee crumbled.

[JimR]

I should not have said during the stretch run, but rather once the playoff slots have been determined as well as the home field advantage, I hope Kyle can get a few ABs. Some of the starters will need to rest and heal 

(Last year Fisher had b/t 15 - 20 AB during the last week or so of Sept)

The Astros won the division by 21 games last year. Different situation now.

[Snuffy]

The Astros won the division by 21 games last year. Different situation now.

Didn't realize how easy it was last year. 
Maybe that's the reason the stretch run is so electric this year.
Stressful, but great fun to see who is going to come through next, along w/ the emergence of Bregman & White, along w/ some brief glimpses of our future team.

[homer]

Didn't realize how easy it was last year. 

Just wait until you hear what happened next.

[VirtualBob]

Been meaning to post this all week while switching my attention to the Twins series on and off.  Robbie Großmann seems to have turned out pretty well. Did the announcers ever acknowledge his Astro roots?

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Been meaning to post this all week while switching my attention to the Twins series on and off.  Robbie Großmann seems to have turned out pretty well. Did the announcers ever acknowledge his Astro roots?

Yep. 

Can't remember which game but TK ran down his Astros timeline.

[jbm]

Wasn't he also an answer to one of those questions they run through the game? 

[JimR]

Been meaning to post this all week while switching my attention to the Twins series on and off.  Robbie Großmann seems to have turned out pretty well. Did the announcers ever acknowledge his Astro roots?

Kalas and Blum did.

[hostros7]

Just wait until you hear what happened next.

Also, he was one of the few who were offered the Luhnow early, “cheap” extension that only Singleton took. Guess it was a pretty sweet deal if all you really wanted to do for the duration of the contract was smoke weed and drink.


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[geezerdonk]

They also mentioned Castro and Petit.

[Nate Colbert]

Called up 5 days ago, Brandon Barnes is seeing his 1st major league action since 2016. He started for the Indians today and homered and walked.

[Nate Colbert]

From end to end...

42-year old Kaz Matsui plans to retire at the conclusion of this season after 24 years in NPB and MLB.

[Nate Colbert]

After finishing 5th in the league last year with a 75-68-1 record, former bench coach* Trey Hillman has his SK Wyverns club in second place in the KBO this year at 73-58-1 with about two weeks to go in the regular season.


*and answer to the trivia question "Who's the only person to manage in MLB, NPB and the KBO?"

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

From end to end...

42-year old Kaz Matsui plans to retire at the conclusion of this season after 24 years in NPB and MLB.

He looked like he was going to be pretty good when he first came up but he started to tail off when he joined the Astros.

[juliogotay]

He looked like he was going to be pretty good when he first came up but he started to tail off when he joined the Astros.

I see what you did there.

[LonghornCDR]

Tip of the cap to Hunter Pence who played his last game with the Giants and likely the last game of his career today.  He’s a part of what the Astros are today.  I’m happy that he has his own rings and that his departure was one of the first steps down a difficult but rewarding path for the Astros.
Congrats, “”Thunderpants.”

[Nate Colbert]

Tip of the cap to Hunter Pence who played his last game with the Giants and likely the last game of his career today.  He’s a part of what the Astros are today.  I’m happy that he has his own rings and that his departure was one of the first steps down a difficult but rewarding path for the Astros.
Congrats, “”Thunderpants.”

Beat me to it. One of the more successful Astros' draft picks of all time (29.6 WAR).

[jbm]

Tip of the cap to Hunter Pence who played his last game with the Giants and likely the last game of his career today.  He’s a part of what the Astros are today.  I’m happy that he has his own rings and that his departure was one of the first steps down a difficult but rewarding path for the Astros.
Congrats, “”Thunderpants.”

Ditto. How time flies

In a weird juxtaposition in my mind, all the kudos to Adam Jones by the O’s fans got me thinking about Pence as they were always comps in my mind. I started thinking about Pence and see this.

[Lefty]

He was always fun to watch and ended up with a damn good career.

Beat me to it. One of the more successful Astros' draft picks of all time (29.6 WAR).

Hadn't thought about that.  Where does he rank?

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

He was always fun to watch and ended up with a damn good career.

And made $125,425,000.00, all while having the time of his life.

[Nate Colbert]

He was always fun to watch and ended up with a damn good career.

Hadn't thought about that.  Where does he rank?

Not definitive--just me eyeballin':

Lofton.......68.3
Biggio........65.5
Berkman...52.1
Gonzalez...51.8
Oswalt.......50.1
Zobrist,,,,,,,45.5
Caminiti....33.5
Doran........32.9
Pence........29.6


Obviously, Bregman/Springer/Correa will have something to say about this eventually.


Pence is far and away the best 2nd round pick by the Astros (Brian Hunter is next in WAR at 7.5).

[moriartp]

We're getting so old. I could've sworn Pence was just crushing the ball in Kissimmee and gunning to make the OD roster. Such a fun player to watch, maddening and exciting all at once. And two WS rings on top of that $125 mil. Good for him.


While we're talking retirements: check out this video of what'll surely be Joe Mauer's last appearance.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

We're getting so old. I could've sworn Pence was just crushing the ball in Kissimmee and gunning to make the OD roster. Such a fun player to watch, maddening and exciting all at once. And two WS rings on top of that $125 mil. Good for him.


While we're talking retirements: check out this video of what'll surely be Joe Mauer's last appearance.

Great moment in Minnesota.   Thanks for sharing it.

[moriartp]

Great moment in Minnesota.   Thanks for sharing it.

Here's the video of his actual (one pitch) appearance behind the plate. OWA folks will want to pay attention to who's pitching.

[LonghornCDR]

Here's the video of his actual (one pitch) appearance behind the plate. OWA folks will want to pay attention to who's pitching.

Totally missed who was pitching the first time I watched.  Thanks for the heads up.  What a great moment. 

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Here's the video of his actual (one pitch) appearance behind the plate. OWA folks will want to pay attention to who's pitching.

Cool moment for both guys.

Beltre looks to be done playing as well.

https://sportsday.dallasnews.com/texas-rangers/rangers/2018/09/30/got-deep-go-inside-looked-felt-like-final-game-rangers-3b-adrian-beltres-career

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Cool moment for both guys.

Beltre looks to be done playing as well.

https://sportsday.dallasnews.com/texas-rangers/rangers/2018/09/30/got-deep-go-inside-looked-felt-like-final-game-rangers-3b-adrian-beltres-career

Beltre is easily a top 5 third baseman of all time. And a good guy, which is had to be in Arlington.

[JimR]

Here's the video of his actual (one pitch) appearance behind the plate. OWA folks will want to pay attention to who's pitching.

I saw him running in but did not mention it. Thought you guys might be tired of hearing about Matt. He is 38 and had his first bad year since his early days so I am guessing this it is for him too. Maybe that is why they let him pitch to Mauer. Matt has had a great career, and I am so proud of him and am proud to have been his coach. His best years were with the Rockies, unfortunately, but he had a playoff appearance with the Twins. He is the greatest guy, and his positive contributions in the clubhouse have been recognized by several organizations. My player, Mark’s teammate, 14ish years in the big leagues-wow. Signed with Atlanta, played in the bigs with the Reds, Rockies, Cards, Nationals, Twins, Indiana’s, and Twins again. Not bad for a mild from Ole Mac High! What is most special is Fame and Fortune have not changed him one bit.

Thanks for noticing. I’ll shut up now.

[Ty in Tampa]

I saw him running in but did not mention it. Thought you guys might be tired of hearing about Matt. He is 38 and had his first bad year since his early days so I am guessing this it is for him too. Maybe that is why they let him pitch to Mauer. Matt has had a great career, and I am so proud of him and am proud to have been his coach. His best years were with the Rockies, unfortunately, but he had a playoff appearance with the Twins. He is the greatest guy, and his positive contributions in the clubhouse have been recognized by several organizations. My player, Mark’s teammate, 14ish years in the big leagues-wow. Signed with Atlanta, played in the bigs with the Reds, Rockies, Cards, Nationals, Twins, Indiana’s, and Twins again. Not bad for a mild from Ole Mac High! What is most special is Fame and Fortune have not changed him one bit.

Thanks for noticing. I’ll shut up now.

It's apparent how proud of him you are, Jim. You should be.

[BUWebguy]

Pence's postgame ceremony/speech is worth watching:
https://www.mlb.com/giants/video/pences-postgame-speech/c-2512871883

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

We're getting so old. I could've sworn Pence was just crushing the ball in Kissimmee and gunning to make the OD roster. Such a fun player to watch, maddening and exciting all at once. And two WS rings on top of that $125 mil. Good for him.


While we're talking retirements: check out this video of what'll surely be Joe Mauer's last appearance.

Sliding glass doors everywhere breathe a sigh of relief.


Also: Pence missed his calling as a pro wrestler, because that was a helluva promo.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Pence's postgame ceremony/speech is worth watching:
https://www.mlb.com/giants/video/pences-postgame-speech/c-2512871883

Did he announce his retirement?

[moriartp]

Did he announce his retirement?

Just read on MLBTR that he wants to play next year and plans to change his swing "completely" this offseason.

[jbm]

Just read on MLBTR that he wants to play next year and plans to change his swing "completely" this offseason.

Good luck to that.  Will there be enough ions working together to successfully pull that off?

[juliogotay]

Just read on MLBTR that he wants to play next year and plans to change his swing "completely" this offseason.

He's going to hit LHed?

[JimR]

It's apparent how proud of him you are, Jim. You should be.

This is the coolest thing. Mauer chose Belisle. From The Athletic:

Joe Mauer knew that would be the case. But he also believed any appearance at catcher wouldn’t be for any real length of time, that the moment would be more symbolic than anything. He would be willing to do it only for one pitch and only if that pitch was thrown by fellow veteran pitcher Matt Belisle. Mauer also wanted for it to be with the Twins in the lead and only if the White Sox gave their blessing.

[juliogotay]

This is the coolest thing. Mauer chose Belisle. From The Athletic:

Joe Mauer knew that would be the case. But he also believed any appearance at catcher wouldn’t be for any real length of time, that the moment would be more symbolic than anything. He would be willing to do it only for one pitch and only if that pitch was thrown by fellow veteran pitcher Matt Belisle. Mauer also wanted for it to be with the Twins in the lead and only if the White Sox gave their blessing.

Mauer is a class act.

[Nate Colbert]

Dave Magadan out as the D-Backs hitting coach. Previously was the hitting coach for the Padres, Red Sox and Rangers. In addition to the Astros and (of course) Mets, played with the Marlins, Mariners, Cubs, A's and Padres. 10 organizations down, 20 to go.

Wonder what the record is for most teams played and coached for?

(Edwin Jackson will have a leg up if when he retires he decides to go into coaching)

[Lefty]

Dave Magadan out as the D-Backs hitting coach. Previously was the hitting coach for the Padres, Red Sox and Rangers. In addition to the Astros and (of course) Mets, played with the Marlins, Mariners, Cubs, A's and Padres. 10 organizations down, 20 to go.

Wonder what the record is for most teams played and coached for?

(Edwin Jackson will have a leg up if when he retires he decides to go into coaching)

I always liked him as a hitter.  You've got to be doing something right if you can play corner IF for 16 years while hitting fewer than 50 HRs.

[HudsonHawk]

I always liked him as a hitter.  You've got to be doing something right if you can play corner IF for 16 years while hitting fewer than 50 HRs.

Tidbit:  Magadan is one of 13 Big Leaguers from the same high school as Lance McCullers, Jr.

[Bench]

Dave Magadan out as the D-Backs hitting coach. Previously was the hitting coach for the Padres, Red Sox and Rangers. In addition to the Astros and (of course) Mets, played with the Marlins, Mariners, Cubs, A's and Padres. 10 organizations down, 20 to go.

Wonder what the record is for most teams played and coached for?

(Edwin Jackson will have a leg up if when he retires he decides to go into coaching)

Edwin Jackson of course tied El Pato this year having played on 13 different teams.

[LonghornCDR]

Did not know that Jason Lane was an assistant hitting coach with the Crew.  Was nice seeing him introduced on the sidelines in Denver just now. 

[Nate Colbert]

Adam McCalvy @AdamMcCalvy Oct 5
38-year-old Erik Kratz became the oldest position player to start his postseason debut since 3B Lave Cross of the 1905 Philadelphia A's. So, yeah, Kratz's game-sealing hit was a big deal.

Adam Berry @adamdberry 3 hours ago
Erik Kratz, crushing this postseason, on the Lave Cross connection: “He was a really good third baseman. We played together in rookie ball.”

[Nate Colbert]

After finishing 5th in the league last year with a 75-68-1 record, former bench coach* Trey Hillman has his SK Wyverns club in second place in the KBO this year at 73-58-1 with about two weeks to go in the regular season.


*and answer to the trivia question "Who's the only person to manage in MLB, NPB and the KBO?"

The Wyverns finished the regular season at 78-65-1 and advanced to the second round of the playoffs which begins on Oct 27. If they win that 5-game series, they'll advance to the Korean Series to take on regular season champ Doosan Bears (who'll be overwhelming favorites given their 93-50-1 record during the regular schedule).

Hillman announced over the weekend that this will be his final season in Korea. He and his family will be returning to their home in Texas to take care of his aging parents.

[Nate Colbert]

Adam McCalvy @AdamMcCalvy Oct 5
38-year-old Erik Kratz became the oldest position player to start his postseason debut since 3B Lave Cross of the 1905 Philadelphia A's. So, yeah, Kratz's game-sealing hit was a big deal.

Adam Berry @adamdberry 3 hours ago
Erik Kratz, crushing this postseason, on the Lave Cross connection: “He was a really good third baseman. We played together in rookie ball.”

Yeah, we knew it probably was intentional. Did we know he made $2000 off of it?

https://www.mlb.com/cut4/erik-kratz-faceplants-to-win-money-from-dare/c-298320572

I'm guessing Keuchel was behind it.

[moriartp]

LAA have named Ausmus their next manager.

[Mr. Happy]

LAA have named Ausmus their next manager.

Further to that news.

[Nate Colbert]

After finishing 5th in the league last year with a 75-68-1 record, former bench coach* Trey Hillman has his SK Wyverns club in second place in the KBO this year at 73-58-1 with about two weeks to go in the regular season.


*and answer to the trivia question "Who's the only person to manage in MLB, NPB and the KBO?"

The Wyverns finished the regular season at 78-65-1 and advanced to the second round of the playoffs which begins on Oct 27. If they win that 5-game series, they'll advance to the Korean Series to take on regular season champ Doosan Bears (who'll be overwhelming favorites given their 93-50-1 record during the regular schedule).

Hillman announced over the weekend that this will be his final season in Korea. He and his family will be returning to their home in Texas to take care of his aging parents.

SK upsets Doosan to win the KBO series. In addition to the MLB/NPB/KBO trifecta, Hillman heads home as the 1st American manager to claim a title in Korea. Also won a title in Japan, the 2nd American manager to do so (after Bobby Valentine).

[Nate Colbert]

Doug Brocail doesn't survive the regime change as the Rangers will now search for a new pitching coach.

[Nate Colbert]

Doug Brocail doesn't survive the regime change as the Rangers will now search for a new pitching coach.

Speaking of pitching coaches, Chris Young was promoted to that position for the Phillies today. The name probably doesn't ring a bell (or rings too many bells given the two other Chris Youngs in baseball) but he was the Astros' MLB scouting supervisor hired away a year ago to be asst pitching coach in Philly. Former hitting coach John Mallee of course is also on Gabe Kapler's staff.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Until now, I had not realized QB for the LA Rams Jared Goff's dad was Jerry Goff, former MLB catcher and one time Astro.

[Nate Colbert]

Speaking of pitching coaches, Chris Young was promoted to that position for the Phillies today. The name probably doesn't ring a bell (or rings too many bells given the two other Chris Youngs in baseball) but he was the Astros' MLB scouting supervisor hired away a year ago to be asst pitching coach in Philly. Former hitting coach John Mallee of course is also on Gabe Kapler's staff.

More on Young's promotion:

But the Phillies recently dismissed [Rick] Kranitz as pitching coach after one season and replaced him by promoting assistant pitching coach Chris Young, who had drawn interest from other teams. Kranitz has a more traditional baseball background, previously serving as pitching coach with the Brewers, Orioles and Marlins. The Phillies are one of the most analytically driven organizations in baseball. Analytics guides everything they do, and no doubt analytics are a big reason why they hired Young as assistant pitching coach last year. Young is well-versed in data.

[Kit]

Until now, I had not realized QB for the LA Rams Jared Goff's dad was Jerry Goff, former MLB catcher and one time Astro.

I ran across one of those the other day. USC Heisman Trophy Winner Ricky Bell is Archie Bell's brother. Of Archie Bell and the Drells (from Houston Texas ) Tighten up!

[Nate Colbert]

Mike Fiers (for the 2nd straight year), Robbie Grossman and Xavier Cedeno among the non-tenders.

[juliogotay]

Mike Fiers (for the 2nd straight year), Robbie Grossman and Xavier Cedeno among the non-tenders.

Would Luhnow bring Fiers back? He is a useful SP on a staff that has some holes.

[JimR]

Would Luhnow bring Fiers back? He is a useful SP on a staff that has some holes.

I am betting this is no in capital letters.

[jwhudson]

PLEASE NO!

[Reuben]

Mike Fiers (for the 2nd straight year), Robbie Grossman and Xavier Cedeno among the non-tenders.

Fiers surprised me, until I saw that he still gave up a ton of HR this year, and probably was very lucky with his ERA.

[VirtualBob]

Would Luhnow bring Fiers back? He is a useful SP on a staff that has some holes.

Reality check on aisle 5.

[Nate Colbert]

In addition to the MLB/NPB/KBO trifecta, [Trey] Hillman heads home as the 1st American manager to claim a title in Korea. Also won a title in Japan, the 2nd American manager to do so (after Bobby Valentine).

Hillman was just named 1B coach for the Marlins.

[Jacksonian]

James Hoyt signed a minor league contract with a ST invite with the Indians.

[Nate Colbert]

Dave Magadan out as the D-Backs hitting coach. Previously was the hitting coach for the Padres, Red Sox and Rangers. In addition to the Astros and (of course) Mets, played with the Marlins, Mariners, Cubs, A's and Padres. 10 organizations down, 20 to go.

Make it 11. Rockies just hired him as their hitting coach.

[LonghornCDR]

Rockies just made their last $1.9M payment on Mike Hampton’s contract yesterday. 

[das]

Rockies just made their last $1.9M payment on Mike Hampton’s contract yesterday.

For two years of service in 2001 and 2002.  And has not thrown a pitch in MLB in 8 years.  Wow.

[austro]

For two years of service in 2001 and 2002.  And has not thrown a pitch in MLB in 8 years.  Wow.

Bobby Bonilla thinks he didn't try hard enough.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Aren’t deferred payment contracts beneficial to the team? Unless the team is paying interest on the money deferred. A million today won’t buy what it did in 2000.

[Lefty]

Aren’t deferred payment contracts beneficial to the team? Unless the team is paying interest on the money deferred. A million today won’t buy what it did in 2000.

He had 19M in deferred money from the Rockies:  1.9M a year for 10 years plus 3% interest starting in '09

[HudsonHawk]

Aren’t deferred payment contracts beneficial to the team? Unless the team is paying interest on the money deferred. A million today won’t buy what it did in 2000.

In general, yes, depending on how the deal is structured.  Of course, if the club takes the money they save and give it to Bernie Madoff like the Mets did with Bonilla's money, all bets are off.