My thoughts on the state of the team

[MusicMan]

1.  I have never been so confounded by a team.  They are not playing as bad as the recent results would indicate.  How the hell do you lose back-to-back games to Bronson Arroyo's bat and Ryan Freel?  Everything just breaks the wrong way right now.

2.  Roger's first order of business is a swift kick to Andy's ass.

3.  Wheeler got absolutely screwed out of a strikeout on Lopez - that 2-strike pitch when Lopez squared was completely over the plate.

4.  If this team should fall out of the race, Mike Lamb might fetch a pretty price in the trade market.

5.  Win or lose, I expect the 2007 edition of this team to look nothing like 2006.  At minimum, I expect Roger, Andy, and Preston to be gone - add in Bagwell's $10M difference (net of buyout), and that's some serious FA money for Purp to play with.
My #1 target: Chris Carpenter.

[BudGirl]

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1.  I have never been so confounded by a team.  They are not playing as bad as the recent results would indicate.  How the hell do you lose back-to-back games to Bronson Arroyo's bat and Ryan Freel?  Everything just breaks the wrong way right now.

2.  Roger's first order of business is a swift kick to Andy's ass.

3.  Wheeler got absolutely screwed out of a strikeout on Lopez - that 2-strike pitch when Lopez squared was completely over the plate.

4.  If this team should fall out of the race, Mike Lamb might fetch a pretty price in the trade market.

5.  Win or lose, I expect the 2007 edition of this team to look nothing like 2006.  At minimum, I expect Roger, Andy, and Preston to be gone - add in Bagwell's $10M difference (net of buyout), and that's some serious FA money for Purp to play with.
My #1 target: Chris Carpenter.

For some reason, I'm thinking the Cards are not going to let him go.

[MusicMan]

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1.  I have never been so confounded by a team.  They are not playing as bad as the recent results would indicate.  How the hell do you lose back-to-back games to Bronson Arroyo's bat and Ryan Freel?  Everything just breaks the wrong way right now.

2.  Roger's first order of business is a swift kick to Andy's ass.

3.  Wheeler got absolutely screwed out of a strikeout on Lopez - that 2-strike pitch when Lopez squared was completely over the plate.

4.  If this team should fall out of the race, Mike Lamb might fetch a pretty price in the trade market.

5.  Win or lose, I expect the 2007 edition of this team to look nothing like 2006.  At minimum, I expect Roger, Andy, and Preston to be gone - add in Bagwell's $10M difference (net of buyout), and that's some serious FA money for Purp to play with.
My #1 target: Chris Carpenter.

For some reason, I'm thinking the Cards are not going to let him go.

They'll have to throw some serious, serious money at him first.

[BudGirl]

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1.  I have never been so confounded by a team.  They are not playing as bad as the recent results would indicate.  How the hell do you lose back-to-back games to Bronson Arroyo's bat and Ryan Freel?  Everything just breaks the wrong way right now.

2.  Roger's first order of business is a swift kick to Andy's ass.

3.  Wheeler got absolutely screwed out of a strikeout on Lopez - that 2-strike pitch when Lopez squared was completely over the plate.

4.  If this team should fall out of the race, Mike Lamb might fetch a pretty price in the trade market.

5.  Win or lose, I expect the 2007 edition of this team to look nothing like 2006.  At minimum, I expect Roger, Andy, and Preston to be gone - add in Bagwell's $10M difference (net of buyout), and that's some serious FA money for Purp to play with.
My #1 target: Chris Carpenter.

For some reason, I'm thinking the Cards are not going to let him go.

They'll have to throw some serious, serious money at him first.

I'm thinking they will.  Plus, I think they will throw more years at him than the Astros would.

[Jacksonian]

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1.  I have never been so confounded by a team.  They are not playing as bad as the recent results would indicate.  How the hell do you lose back-to-back games to Bronson Arroyo's bat and Ryan Freel?  Everything just breaks the wrong way right now.

2.  Roger's first order of business is a swift kick to Andy's ass.

3.  Wheeler got absolutely screwed out of a strikeout on Lopez - that 2-strike pitch when Lopez squared was completely over the plate.

4.  If this team should fall out of the race, Mike Lamb might fetch a pretty price in the trade market.

5.  Win or lose, I expect the 2007 edition of this team to look nothing like 2006.  At minimum, I expect Roger, Andy, and Preston to be gone - add in Bagwell's $10M difference (net of buyout), and that's some serious FA money for Purp to play with.
My #1 target: Chris Carpenter.

This might be a little premature.  Let's see how he recovers over the course of the rest of the season from bursitis first.

Also in the bye-bye category, add Lane.

[MusicMan]

Obviously wait out the injury issues, but I like moves that simultaneously strengthen the club while weakening their competitor.

Agreed on Lane.  If he's arb-eligible, I'm not even convinced they'll tender.

[Froback]

If you are already looking to FAs in 07, look at Zito and Schmidt too.

I am not totally sure Schmidt is a FA, but I keep hearing his name in trade talks, which would inidcate to me he might be, and of the 3 (Carpenter, Zito and Schmidt) I would take Schmidt.

But look for us to also have some more "kids" ready by 07, depending on how much youth the team wants to add: (pitchers) Hirsh, Buchholz, Wandy, Nieve, (batters) Pence, Jimerson, Scott, Zobrist, House, Gimenez, Conrad.

Based on how some of these guys have looked this year, I would say the team still needs to address batting in the FA market and bullpen, more than starting pitching, but you can never have enough starting pitching, IMO.

[S.P. Rodriguez]

Mulder may be had at a better price than Carpenter and, IIRC, should also be a FA. Carpenter may be who STL prefers if they can't get both under their budgeted number.  Either way, those are 2 nice FAs coming onto the market.

[Jacksonian]

Then we agree, fuck the Jakes.

I'm thinking Lane (I first typed it Lame) may not even be with the club in September.  If the Astros make any deals he may be a part of one of them.

[BudGirl]

Anyone know what is the length of contracts for Edmonds and Rolen?  The Edmonds might be an issue of how much money the Cards have to share with Carpenter and Mulder.

[Astroholic]

If D-Train is obtainable as some have speculated, I would try to get him.

[Limey]

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Anyone know what is the length of contracts for Edmonds and Rolen?  The Edmonds might be an issue of how much money the Cards have to share with Carpenter and Mulder.

Jakes have a $10mm option on Edmonds in 2007.  Rolen signed through 2010 (the year Lane makes contact).

FWIW, Carpenter is signed through 2007 with an $8mm option for 2008.

[BudGirl]

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Anyone know what is the length of contracts for Edmonds and Rolen?  The Edmonds might be an issue of how much money the Cards have to share with Carpenter and Mulder.

Jakes have a $10mm option on Edmonds in 2007.  Rolen signed through 2010 (the year Lane makes contact).

FWIW, Carpenter is signed through 2007 with an $8mm option for 2008.

Well, that's some bad news for MusicMan.  If Carpenter is consistent in '07, no way they don't pick up that option for '08.

I am rather shocked that injury prone Rolen is signed for such a long time.

[MusicMan]

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Anyone know what is the length of contracts for Edmonds and Rolen?  The Edmonds might be an issue of how much money the Cards have to share with Carpenter and Mulder.

Edmonds has a  $10M option with a $3M buyout for 2007.

[MusicMan]

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Anyone know what is the length of contracts for Edmonds and Rolen?  The Edmonds might be an issue of how much money the Cards have to share with Carpenter and Mulder.

Jakes have a $10mm option on Edmonds in 2007.  Rolen signed through 2010 (the year Lane makes contact).

FWIW, Carpenter is signed through 2007 with an $8mm option for 2008.

Shit.  I could have sworn they did a three-year deal with him starting in 2004.

[MusicMan]

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If D-Train is obtainable as some have speculated, I would try to get him.

I don't think the team is currently in a position to trade away talent for a starting pitcher.

[Limey]

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Shit.  I could have sworn they did a three-year deal with him starting in 2004.

He signed an extension in 2005 to take it through to 2007.  Got a bunch of incentives and the club option may vest for 2008 based (presumably) upon performance.

Edit:  Oh, and he's dirt cheap too at $5mm for '06, $7mm for 07 and $8mm ($1mm buyout) for '08.

Fuggin' Jakes.

[Astroholic]

[quote I don't think the team is currently in a position to trade away talent for a starting pitcher.



I don't think they are either but why let reality get in the way?

[Limey]

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My #1 target: Chris Carpenter.

My #1 free agent target for 2007 is Roy Oswalt.  I hear he's quite good.

[Taras Bulba]

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Then we agree, fuck the Jakes.

I'm thinking Lane (I first typed it Lame) may not even be with the club in September.  If the Astros make any deals he may be a part of one of them.

Pardon me if this has been addressed before, but exactly what value would Lane have in terms of a trade?  He has repeatedly been given the right field job for the Astros and has underperformed in spectacular fashion.  Maybe Jaramillo thinks he can turn Lane around, who knows, but I don't think Houston has much of a bargaining position when it comes to dealing Lane.

[JimR]

oh, come on. we can trade our lousy players for their all stars. isn't that the way internet trades are done?

[Fredia]

thanks for expressing what i was thinking.. (yes i do occassionally have a rational thought). it almost seems like murphys law.. if it can go wrong it will. you are right something just does not seem in sync. i can not for the life figure out how the baseball gods where insulted or how to appease them...You have to wonder what clemens is thinking about his decision.. who knows he may be the rabbits foot the astros need now..

[BudGirl]

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thanks for expressing what i was thinking.. (yes i do occassionally have a rational thought). it almost seems like murphys law.. if it can go wrong it will. you are right something just does not seem in sync. i can not for the life figure out how the baseball gods where insulted or how to appease them...You have to wonder what clemens is thinking about his decision.. who knows he may be the rabbits foot the astros need now..

Fredia, Clemens heard the sound of money in the wind.

I heard on the radio yesterday (?) that ESPN is going to show his first pitch at Lexington.  I can hardly wait to see it.

[JimR]

i am going to start a petition asking Roger to reconsider his decision to rejoin the Astros or to guarantee the world that this is his final season. who's with me?

sickening display of meism. i cannot stand the man...except during his time on the mound.

[Arky Vaughan]

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I heard on the radio yesterday (?) that ESPN is going to show his first pitch at Lexington.  I can hardly wait to see it.

Then they're going to follow him into the clubhouse and do a feature story on his first stool after pitching.

[Arky Vaughan]

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i am going to start a petition asking Roger to reconsider his decision to rejoin the Astros or to guarantee the world that this is his final season. who's with me?

sickening display of meism. i cannot stand the man...except during his time on the mound.

It's not just him. It's the whole idiot circus that he cultivates and that follows him around.

[MusicMan]

24-hour news... the downfall of journalism.

[Jacksonian]

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Then we agree, fuck the Jakes.

I'm thinking Lane (I first typed it Lame) may not even be with the club in September.  If the Astros make any deals he may be a part of one of them.

Pardon me if this has been addressed before, but exactly what value would Lane have in terms of a trade?  He has repeatedly been given the right field job for the Astros and has underperformed in spectacular fashion.  Maybe Jaramillo thinks he can turn Lane around, who knows, but I don't think Houston has much of a bargaining position when it comes to dealing Lane.

Lane wasn't bad last year.  My thought was that Lane would be one of 2 or more Astros dealt in one trade.  I would imagine a team might be interested in Lane as a 4th outfielder with power.

[BudGirl]

He's an ass, but he's our ass!!  

What is ESPN going to say about the first pitch if it is a ball?  I was just amazed.

I'll hold out on signing that petition yet.  I want to get his commemorative coin first.

[BudGirl]

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I heard on the radio yesterday (?) that ESPN is going to show his first pitch at Lexington.  I can hardly wait to see it.

Then they're going to follow him into the clubhouse and do a feature story on his first stool after pitching.

He's having the Lexington Clubhouse redone.  Ego's that large are hard to see around.

[S.P. Rodriguez]

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i am going to start a petition asking Roger to reconsider his decision to rejoin the Astros or to guarantee the world that this is his final season. who's with me?

sickening display of meism. i cannot stand the man...except during his time on the mound.

See, and right there you helped me find a cure.  I just stop watching, reading, or listening to any news about Clemens.  My first clue is if they lead off by calling the man "Rocket".  As soon as I hear that, I change the channel, turn off radio/tv, or move to another article.

That said, I can't wait to see the next game he pitches in the majors.

[jasonact]

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thanks for expressing what i was thinking.. (yes i do occassionally have a rational thought). it almost seems like murphys law.. if it can go wrong it will. you are right something just does not seem in sync. i can not for the life figure out how the baseball gods where insulted or how to appease them...You have to wonder what clemens is thinking about his decision.. who knows he may be the rabbits foot the astros need now..

Fredia, Clemens heard the sound of money in the wind.

I heard on the radio yesterday (?) that ESPN is going to show his first pitch at Lexington.  I can hardly wait to see it.

It's not just the first pitch. Dolan made it sound like they'll be showing almost his entire outing. Same with his starts in CC & RR. Complete overkill.

As far as the trades go, I have to think that if the Astros can get some value for Lane in a deal, they'll take it. He still has some value, given his production last year. Surely there's some GM that believes a "change of scenary" will do him good. The Astros may need to take a "change of scenary" player as well, kind of like the Lima trade in 2001. Too bad the Tigers are raking this year.

[BudGirl]

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thanks for expressing what i was thinking.. (yes i do occassionally have a rational thought). it almost seems like murphys law.. if it can go wrong it will. you are right something just does not seem in sync. i can not for the life figure out how the baseball gods where insulted or how to appease them...You have to wonder what clemens is thinking about his decision.. who knows he may be the rabbits foot the astros need now..

Fredia, Clemens heard the sound of money in the wind.

I heard on the radio yesterday (?) that ESPN is going to show his first pitch at Lexington.  I can hardly wait to see it.

It's not just the first pitch. Dolan made it sound like they'll be showing almost his entire outing. Same with his starts in CC & RR. Complete overkill.

As far as the trades go, I have to think that if the Astros can get some value for Lane in a deal, they'll take it. He still has some value, given his production last year. Surely there's some GM that believes a "change of scenary" will do him good. The Astros may need to take a "change of scenary" player as well, kind of like the Lima trade in 2001. Too bad the Tigers are raking this year.

FSN is already advertising his CC start as being televised.

[ASTROCREEP]

Noticed your avatar, I was thing about buying the Arctic Monkeys. Do you have a favorite song/'s on the album.

[MusicMan]

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Too bad the Tigers are raking this year.

Dombrowski is on record as looking for a LH bat.

[Reuben]

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Too bad the Tigers are raking this year.

Dombrowski is on record as looking for a LH bat.

Get ready for those Lamb-for-Magglio rumors.

[No? in Austin]

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1.  I have never been so confounded by a team.  They are not playing as bad as the recent results would indicate.  How the hell do you lose back-to-back games to Bronson Arroyo's bat and Ryan Freel?  Everything just breaks the wrong way right now.

Yup, totally agree.  Funny how a sweep could've easily been a 2-1 series win for the Astros.  That's baseball and that's the breaks swinging the other way for now.

Having said that, the frustration everyone, including Astros management, is focused on is the offense.  Usually, when you're a manager and your team is struggling like this one is, you try to make some subtle things happen in your offense, like trying more hit and runs, more steals, more suicide squeeze bunts.  Stuff like that.  Also you shuffle the lineup a little, try to bring life back into the team's offense.

While you focus on that aspect of the game a little more, you leave the other stuff alone thinking it's okay.  Well, it's not.  Houston's bullpen is a bit shaky this year.  That's not good for a team that wants to compete for a playoff position.  They showed a graphic of the bullpen ERAs (worse ones) in the National League and both Houston and Cincy were neck and neck as one of the top five worse.  It surprised me to see Atlanta and Milwaukee up there as well, with the Brewers occupying the top spot as the worse bullpen in the NL.

Remember how the Brewers were tearing it up in April, like the Astros were?  And both of them had top notch bullpens then?  Now, after a month and a half, both have struggling pens.  Guess what, the Brewers are on a seven game losing streak and falling as fast as the Astros.  The Brewers *offense* is really good... fourth highest team BA and about sixth best Runs Scored team in the league.  Yet they struggle?  Why?  Bullpen may be one answer.  Defense another.

You have to have a shut down pen to be a contender.  Houston better get that back soon or else they're in trouble this season, regardless of any fixes to the offense.  IMHO of course.

[MusicMan]

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You have to have a shut down pen to be a contender.  Houston better get that back soon or else they're in trouble this season, regardless of any fixes to the offense.  IMHO of course.

Qualls has his shit together, and Lidge is getting there.  If Wheeler can find it, or Nieve converts back to the pen as well as I think he will, the pen should be OK.

[No? in Austin]

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You have to have a shut down pen to be a contender.  Houston better get that back soon or else they're in trouble this season, regardless of any fixes to the offense.  IMHO of course.

Qualls has his shit together, and Lidge is getting there.  If Wheeler can find it, or Nieve converts back to the pen as well as I think he will, the pen should be OK.

I like Nieve back in the pen and wish they could add just one more power arm to help Qualls avoid dead arm syndrome again.  Wheeler is inconsistent right now, so he needs to right that ship quickly.  JD was opining yesterday that sometimes the league catches up to you as a pitcher later than earlier if your a reliever.  He felt like starters have to make adjustments earlier than relievers because of it.  And most especially if you have all these intra-division games... most of the teams get to know you quicker and as a reliever you have to realize some of them are real comfortable with your stuff now and it's time to adjust.

He was saying this while Cincy was batting against Wheeler, so I thought is was dead spot on!  I thought if the Astros were to add another power arm that was killer in the pen via a trade and especially if said arm was from the other league, they'd be doing themselve a huge favor!

[jasonact]

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You have to have a shut down pen to be a contender.  Houston better get that back soon or else they're in trouble this season, regardless of any fixes to the offense.  IMHO of course.

Qualls has his shit together, and Lidge is getting there.  If Wheeler can find it, or Nieve converts back to the pen as well as I think he will, the pen should be OK.

Absolutely, I think with the demotion of Gallo, the bullpen is significantly improved, and will get better. The rotation is a bit of a concern with Oswalt's back, and everone else's Jekyll/Hyde impressions. Hopefully Roger will help provide a little stability. The problematic area, as we expected at the beginning of the season, is the offense. The OFs have to start hitting. Arky's comparison of them versus NL shortstops and NL catchers really tells the tale. I wish I had the solution. People want to make trades, but that won't solve the problem. Eventually, some of the players currently in uniform must produce much more if the Astros are to get back into the race.

[astro pete]

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He's having the Lexington Clubhouse redone.  Ego's that large are hard to see around.

What does that have to do with having a large ego?

[pravata]

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You have to have a shut down pen to be a contender.  Houston better get that back soon or else they're in trouble this season, regardless of any fixes to the offense.  IMHO of course.

Qualls has his shit together, and Lidge is getting there.  If Wheeler can find it, or Nieve converts back to the pen as well as I think he will, the pen should be OK.

Absolutely, I think with the demotion of Gallo, the bullpen is significantly improved, and will get better. The rotation is a bit of a concern with Oswalt's back, and everone else's Jekyll/Hyde impressions. Hopefully Roger will help provide a little stability. The problematic area, as we expected at the beginning of the season, is the offense. The OFs have to start hitting. Arky's comparison of them versus NL shortstops and NL catchers really tells the tale. I wish I had the solution. People want to make trades, but that won't solve the problem. Eventually, some of the players currently in uniform must produce much more if the Astros are to get back into the race.

The Astros were concerned about the offense before the season.  However, they were not overly concerned.  They signed Ausmus for 2 more years, they tried to change short but only for one of the best hitters in the majors.  Purpura saw his only spot to change being in left.  They were hoping for good starting pitching, the injury to Backe and Pettitte's inability to adjust has hurt the starters.  The relievers were described in the Chronicle as being the best group in the NL.  The idea was good pitching, good defense, and just enough hitting.   They're getting poor pitching, scattered defense and not enough hitting.

[homer]

 

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Houston's bullpen is a bit shaky this year. That's not good for a team that wants to compete for a playoff position. They showed a graphic of the bullpen ERAs (worse ones) in the National League and both Houston and Cincy were neck and neck as one of the top five worse. It surprised me to see Atlanta and Milwaukee up there as well, with the Brewers occupying the top spot as the worse bullpen in the NL.

An interesting stat the JD mentioned during one of the games recently... Last year, the Astros only had 4 games all season where the opponent scored 10 runs or more. This year, the Astros already have 10 games where the opponent has scored 10+ runs, with a 1-9 record in those games.

[Dobro]

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The idea was good pitching, good defense, and just enough hitting.   They're getting poor pitching, scattered defense and not enough hitting.

That about sums it up...

[pravata]

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The idea was good pitching, good defense, and just enough hitting.   They're getting poor pitching, scattered defense and not enough hitting.

That about sums it up...

It does nothing of the kind, the pitchers they have are not poor pitchers.  Defense is mostly about concentration. And the uninjured hitters they have are streaky.

[Limey]

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Noticed your avatar, I was thing about buying the Arctic Monkeys. Do you have a favorite song/'s on the album.

Favourite song changes constantly as they're all pretty damn good.  Amazing quality for a debut album.  However, I keep gravitating back to "Fake Tales of San Francisco".  Any song that has the line "The band were fuckin' wank, and I'm not having a nice time" has got to get strong consideration.

They're playing the Warehouse Live on Thursday night, for anyone interested in Houston (hence the change in avatar).  $18 for a general admission ticket - a bargain for a super-hot band.

[David in Jackson]

This is looking at the glass half empty, but I think it's important to remember that last year's team won 89 games and finished 11 games out of first.

Last year, we were perfect for the postseason with three great starters (despite Clemens late fade), a solid bullpen, and a closer who had been great in the regular season.  The team finished 11th in the league in offense.

This year's team has one great starter, a disappointing Pettitte, no Clemens, a weaker bullpen, and a shaky Lidge.  We still have our lousy offense (11th in the league this year, I think).

[ASTROCREEP]

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Then we agree, fuck the Jakes.

I'm thinking Lane (I first typed it Lame) may not even be with the club in September.  If the Astros make any deals he may be a part of one of them.

Pardon me if this has been addressed before, but exactly what value would Lane have in terms of a trade?  He has repeatedly been given the right field job for the Astros and has underperformed in spectacular fashion.  Maybe Jaramillo thinks he can turn Lane around, who knows, but I don't think Houston has much of a bargaining position when it comes to dealing Lane.

He might if you package him with Burke and Astacio.

[BudGirl]

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Then we agree, fuck the Jakes.

I'm thinking Lane (I first typed it Lame) may not even be with the club in September.  If the Astros make any deals he may be a part of one of them.

Pardon me if this has been addressed before, but exactly what value would Lane have in terms of a trade?  He has repeatedly been given the right field job for the Astros and has underperformed in spectacular fashion.  Maybe Jaramillo thinks he can turn Lane around, who knows, but I don't think Houston has much of a bargaining position when it comes to dealing Lane.

He might if you package him with Burke and Astacio.

Sounds kind of close to something I proposed a while back.

[S.P. Rodriguez]

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Then we agree, fuck the Jakes.

I'm thinking Lane (I first typed it Lame) may not even be with the club in September.  If the Astros make any deals he may be a part of one of them.

Pardon me if this has been addressed before, but exactly what value would Lane have in terms of a trade?  He has repeatedly been given the right field job for the Astros and has underperformed in spectacular fashion.  Maybe Jaramillo thinks he can turn Lane around, who knows, but I don't think Houston has much of a bargaining position when it comes to dealing Lane.

He might if you package him with Burke and Astacio.

Sounds kind of close to something I proposed a while back.

Just wondering but, as an example, what player would expect to get in return for those 3 players?

[BudGirl]

I suggested Gary Matthews, Jr., but no one really seemed to like it.

[S.P. Rodriguez]

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I suggested Gary Matthews, Jr., but no one really seemed to like it.

Not trying to bash your suggestion but I watched him play when I lived in Dallas.  He's having a career year but I don't see him as an everyday player.  I wouldn't give up 3 for 1 in that situation.  I'm not sure what else Texas has to give up.  

My other knock on Matthews is he doesn't provide the offense the Astros need.  He's a top/bottom of the order hitter.  Now, if you switch to Mench or (gasp) Wilkerson, I'd do that in a heartbeat.  Backe and Lane for Wilkerson?

[MusicMan]

You realize that Mathews is, by far, outhitting Wilkerson this year, right?  He's also outhitting Mench, who has been slumping lately.

[BudGirl]

I didn't have Burke included.  I was only trying to spur some baseball talk after Clemens signed.  I'll also admit to trying to get rid of Lane.

[MusicMan]

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I'll also admit to trying to get rid of Lane.

He'd look great in an Express uni.

[BudGirl]

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I'll also admit to trying to get rid of Lane.

He'd look great in an Express uni.

How are you going to get him in one of those again?

[MusicMan]

The power of wishful thinking.

[HurricaneDavid]

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He's having the Lexington Clubhouse redone.  Ego's that large are hard to see around.

"The Lexington Legends are holding a silent auction to take batting practice with Roger Clemens... The proceeds will benefit the Booster Club and the Lexington Legends Clubhouse Renovation Project."

The Link

[S.P. Rodriguez]

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You realize that Mathews is, by far, outhitting Wilkerson this year, right?  He's also outhitting Mench, who has been slumping lately.

Yep.  I do.  Are you looking at 2006 or career?  Are you going to base his value on a peak year at age 31?  Or did I miss some sarcasm?

[MusicMan]

Primarily 2006, since career is nothing to write home about for either Mathews or Wilkerson.

[ASTROCREEP]

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Then we agree, fuck the Jakes.

I'm thinking Lane (I first typed it Lame) may not even be with the club in September.  If the Astros make any deals he may be a part of one of them.

Pardon me if this has been addressed before, but exactly what value would Lane have in terms of a trade?  He has repeatedly been given the right field job for the Astros and has underperformed in spectacular fashion.  Maybe Jaramillo thinks he can turn Lane around, who knows, but I don't think Houston has much of a bargaining position when it comes to dealing Lane.

He might if you package him with Burke and Astacio.

Sounds kind of close to something I proposed a while back.

Just wondering but, as an example, what player would expect to get in return for those 3 players?

Jonny Gomes and a minor leaguer?

[pravata]

Just as a point of reference, Sunday Purpura said the team was looking to trade for veteran leadership.

[WulawHorn]

I don't particularly like that idea- we have old guys a plenty on this team already, and I figure that to get one of these proven vets in the other team would want a good young arm currently in the farm.  I don't think at this time for this team I make that kind of deal if I'm the astros.  Unless by Veteran leadership you mean Miggy Tejada or some such, then sign me up.

[BudGirl]

Quote:
Just as a point of reference, Sunday Purpura said the team was looking to trade for veteran leadership.

Alou?

[pravata]

Quote:
I don't particularly like that idea- we have old guys a plenty on this team already, and I figure that to get one of these proven vets in the other team would want a good young arm currently in the farm.  I don't think at this time for this team I make that kind of deal if I'm the astros.  Unless by Veteran leadership you mean Miggy Tejada or some such, then sign me up.

I don't mean nothin.  I'm just passing along the facts.  We can mention any young player we like, likely not going to happen.  His statement did cause me to wonder what the hell Biggio, Ausmus, Pettitte, and Berkman have been doing.

[MusicMan]

I don't know about the others, but Pettitte's been searching for the mystical "strike three".

[BudGirl]

What requirements are necessary for a player, any player, to have veteran leadership?

[Ty in Tampa]

I don't see the Hun allowing that move.

[pravata]

Quote:
What requirements are necessary for a player, any player, to have veteran leadership?

You'll know it when you see it.  But I don't think his name will include the word "junior".  No not even him.

[WulawHorn]

P- I know you were just passing along info- I thought I was just responding to that info- not putting words in your mouth.

We apparently seem to be in agreement that the stros have plenty of Veteran Leaders already on the team- no?

[MusicMan]

Quote:

Quote:
What requirements are necessary for a player, any player, to have veteran leadership?

You'll know it when you see it.  But I don't think his name will include the word "junior".  No not even him.

Not even Sandy Alomar, Jr.? Damn.

[S.P. Rodriguez]

Quote:
Primarily 2006, since career is nothing to write home about for either Mathews or Wilkerson.

Depends, a guy playing full time after his rookie season, who's hit leadoff most of his professional at-bats, with with a career OBP of .363, and overall OPS of .800+ should be easy to find room.  Compared to a guy who's never really set into one spot nor played full time accept for 3 out of 7 yrs.  This is all based on offensive stats.  

What I've seen of Wilkerson, I like.  I think he's a good hitter with a fair amount of patients, although he does K alot.  In the field, he's better than average in LF.  CF may be a stretch but he can make most routine plays.  Matthews is a 4th/5th OF on any NL team, setting his current season aside.  And that's based on watching him, in addition to his stats.  With the Rangers other players, he just had to outhit/outfield Laynce Nix (who seems to be in the Ranger/Schowalter doghouse, not that he didn't deserve it).

[David in Jackson]

Quote:

Quote:
I don't particularly like that idea- we have old guys a plenty on this team already, and I figure that to get one of these proven vets in the other team would want a good young arm currently in the farm.  I don't think at this time for this team I make that kind of deal if I'm the astros.  Unless by Veteran leadership you mean Miggy Tejada or some such, then sign me up.

I don't mean nothin.  I'm just passing along the facts.  We can mention any young player we like, likely not going to happen.  His statement did cause me to wonder what the hell Biggio, Ausmus, Pettitte, and Berkman have been doing.

Good point - I thought the same thing.

[Arky Vaughan]

Quote:
Good point - I thought the same thing.

Where's Tom Berrenger when you need him?

[pravata]

Quote:
P- I know you were just passing along info- I thought I was just responding to that info- not putting words in your mouth.

We apparently seem to be in agreement that the stros have plenty of Veteran Leaders already on the team- no?

Absolutely.  The Human Vending Machine needs to step up, and Ausmus, what is he Bagwell's sock puppet? Nobody listens to him when Bagwell's not behind him?  I mention this comment by Purpura because going down the Matthews Jr., Wilkerson, Gomes train of thought may be fun, but ultimately it will be frustrating because that's not what the Astros are thinking.

[astrojo]

Quote:

Quote:
Noticed your avatar, I was thing about buying the Arctic Monkeys. Do you have a favorite song/'s on the album.

Favourite song changes constantly as they're all pretty damn good.  Amazing quality for a debut album.  However, I keep gravitating back to "Fake Tales of San Francisco".  Any song that has the line "The band were fuckin' wank, and I'm not having a nice time" has got to get strong consideration.

They're playing the Warehouse Live on Thursday night, for anyone interested in Houston (hence the change in avatar).  $18 for a general admission ticket - a bargain for a super-hot band.

Get off the bandwagon and put down the handbook...

i'll have to mention the show to the husband since he's a fan.

[chuck]

Quote:

Quote:

Quote:
Noticed your avatar, I was thing about buying the Arctic Monkeys. Do you have a favorite song/'s on the album.

Favourite song changes constantly as they're all pretty damn good.  Amazing quality for a debut album.  However, I keep gravitating back to "Fake Tales of San Francisco".  Any song that has the line "The band were fuckin' wank, and I'm not having a nice time" has got to get strong consideration.

They're playing the Warehouse Live on Thursday night, for anyone interested in Houston (hence the change in avatar).  $18 for a general admission ticket - a bargain for a super-hot band.

Get off the bandwagon and put down the handbook...

i'll have to mention the show to the husband since he's a fan.

There's no 'h' in 'andbook.'

I like how most of their songs take jarring turns into unexpected territory, sometimes several.

[NeilT]

Are these the guys who are the new beatles?

[Limey]

Quote:
There's no 'h' in 'andbook.'

And only in their accent does the word "something" rhyme with the word "stomach".

Quote:
I like how most of their songs take jarring turns into unexpected territory, sometimes several.

I read one review that talked about the numerous fake endings and even more abrupt actual ones.  The delicate chord that ends "View from the Afternoon", after all the guitar mashing, is pretty funny.

Also, I wonder if it's the most wordy track listing ever.  At least since the last Smiths album.

[Limey]

Quote:
Are these the guys who are the new beatles?

Took the British charts by storm, mostly on the back of internet buzz.  Both the album and 1st single debuted at #1 on the respective UK charts - a first.

I'd sum them up as follows:  Good music.  Smart, cheeky lyrics about stuff that occurs to young, working class men.  Kinda funny looking.

Does sound like the (early) Beatles, no?

[BudGirl]

Quote:

Quote:
P- I know you were just passing along info- I thought I was just responding to that info- not putting words in your mouth.

We apparently seem to be in agreement that the stros have plenty of Veteran Leaders already on the team- no?

Absolutely.  The Human Vending Machine needs to step up, and Ausmus, what is he Bagwell's sock puppet? Nobody listens to him when Bagwell's not behind him?  I mention this comment by Purpura because going down the Matthews Jr., Wilkerson, Gomes train of thought may be fun, but ultimately it will be frustrating because that's not what the Astros are thinking.

Funny, you mentioned Bagwell, I blamed him tonight for the way the team is playing.  I said he needs to go kick someone's ass.

[don_mynack]

I much prefer the Rakes over the Arctic Monkeys. The Monkeys turn up the cheekiness to 11, when 9 would do quite well.

The Monkey's wish they wrote "22 Grand Job".

[Limey]

Quote:
I much prefer the Rakes over the Arctic Monkeys. The Monkeys turn up the cheekiness to 11, when 9 would do quite well.

The Monkey's wish they wrote "22 Grand Job".

Not familiar with The Rakes, but I found this site that has the full version of "22 grang job" available to listen to.  I don't have Real Player at work (stupid computer "upgrade") so I'll have to wait until later to hear it.

"For anyone reading this at work, knackered, with a vicious hangover from caning it? The Rakes could be your favourite new band."  Sounds about right.

(Also, "Work Work Work (Pub Club Sleep)" sounds like a life I once used to know...on 22 grand).

Edit:  Holy crap!  Just read the lyrics to "Work...".  Talk about deja vu.  My record for wearing the same shirt on consecutive days was 5, but my girlfriend washed it for me each night.  My buddy claimed the true record as he wore the same shirt, unwashed, for 4 days straight.  The fifth day his shirt came into work by itself.

[Gizzmonic]

Hey Limey, are you going to be at We Are Scientists/Arctic Monkeys tomorrow night?  I will be there-

[Limey]

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Hey Limey, are you going to be at We Are Scientists/Arctic Monkeys tomorrow night?  I will be there-

You betcha!  Look for me face down somewhere (like Biggio, I have the day off after a night game).

[Russ99]

Quote:

He's having the Lexington Clubhouse redone.  Ego's that large are hard to see around.

"Got a big dressing room here..."

"Oh, we've got a bigger dressing room than the puppets? Oh, that's refreshing..!"

- David St. Hubbins

[Gizzmonic]

Oops, it's sold out.  So...I guess I won't be seeing you there.  Have a good time though!

Quote:

Quote:
Hey Limey, are you going to be at We Are Scientists/Arctic Monkeys tomorrow night?  I will be there-

You betcha!  Look for me face down somewhere (like Biggio, I have the day off after a night game).