Adam Everett pounded a pair of run-scoring doubles, including driving in the tying run in the seventh after an 11-pitch battle, to lead the Astros to a 5-3 victory in the middle game of the interleague series against the Twins at Minute Maid Park. Read More
By Craig Elliott
The Astros just lost a series to the Royals, and are seven games behind the Co-Ards. But never fear Astros fans, because it’s time to buy shit! The Orgy o’ Roger is pulling into the station, and there’s someone in your family who doesn’t have a #22 jersey yet. Or at least one of the neighbors.
The Twins are at .500 but they’re already 11.5 games behind the Tigers. They’re on a seven-game winning streak, and have won 9-of-10. They just swept the Pirates, right after sweeping the Red Sox. Catcher Joe Mauer is leading the majors in batting at .380.
When:
Tuesday, June 20, 7:05 p.m. CDT – FSN
Wednesday, June 21, 7:05 p.m. CDT – FSN
Thursday, June 22, 7:05 p.m. CDT – FSN/ESPN
MLB Extra Innings – All three games will be on the Fox Southwest broadcast. And Thursday’s game will be broadcast worldwide live on ESPN, so that even African tribes and Euroweenies can see Roger pitch. Even if it interrupts their little soccerball tournament. (Though I must say I enjoy Limey’s World Cup updates; when the finals roll around, I’ll know who to cheer for.)
Where: MMPUS
The Orgy o’ Roger will finally arrive at Minute Maid in a stunning burst of pure marketing energy. Yvette won’t be able to go on-camera because the brilliant radiance of her Inner Marketing Synergy will cause her to actually glow. She’ll be cooled off by 22 interns, who will fan her with rhinestoned pink towels from the Debbie Clemens collection.
And, hey, look, it’s also UT Night when Roger’s pitching! Why, what are the odds? 22:1, I guess.
The 2006 draft has been described by many as a significantly down year for top talent. Many of this year’s first round picks would have expected to go in the second round or later last year. Be that as it may the Astros came in with a first round pick for the second year in a row. Last year they took left-handed pitcher Brian Bogusevic with their first pick. This year the Astros brain trust talked about wanting to add more lefty hitters and pitchers.
Prior to the draft the Astros added three players to their minor league total. They signed Ryan Owens from the Citadel as a fifth year senior free agent. Owens, a left-handed pitcher threw 96 innings allowing 105 hits, 47 earned runs, 41 walks, and struck out 82. He finished the season with a 4.41 ERA. Also, the Astros signed two DFE draftees from last year. Andrew Darnell, round 35, hit .386 in 176 at-bats. He recorded 68 hits, 19 doubles, 1 triple, and 13 home runs. He walked 20 times and struck out 33 times. Reid Kelly, round 33, threw 83.2 innings allowing 70 hits, 20 earned runs, and 35 walks while striking out 70. He finished the season with a 2.15 ERA.
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Former Astro flamethrower Scott Elarton turned junkballer Royale mowed down the Astros with five perfect innings as the Kansas City Royals defeated the Astros 7-2 in the first game of the weekend series. Read More
By Craig Elliott
The Astros have won eight of their last nine games, including a sweep of the dogshit Cubs. Chris Burke scored 27 runs against the Cubs, plus he also delivered Lance Berkman’s baby. The Astros head into interleague play five games behind the Jakes, and 2.5 in back of the Reds. And the Parade o’ Roger is still making its way to town.
The Royals have only won 17 games all season, they’ve lost seven of their last 10, and they’re 7-28 on the road. They do have many familiar faces in Elarton, Bako, Duckworth, and Buck. And Buddy Bell and Billy Doran on the bench. They also have the most syllables and letters of any infield, with Tony Graffanino, Mark “Eyechart” Grudzielanek, and Doug “Man-Titz” Mientkiewicz.
When:
Friday, June 16, 7:05 p.m. CDT – FSN
Saturday, June 17, 6:05 p.m. CDT – KNWS
Sunday, June 18, 1:05 p.m. CDT – FSN
MLB Extra Innings – Friday and Sunday’s games will be on Fox Southwest, and Saturday’s game will be on some Royals feed. During the Cubs series I got stuck listening to some of the games on XM, and had to hear the Cubs’ radio team. It sounded like they were letting some dumbass from the bleachers be the color announcer, but then I realized it was just Ron Santo.
Where: MMPUS
Lots of promos again this weekend, including the usual Friday fireworks. Giveaways will include trash cans, neckties, and sports bottles. After Sunday’s game fathers can walk the bases, and as usual Brad Lidge will be on hand to give out the free passes.
