Astros Anonymous

Notes on watching the MLB/Japan All Star Series

2006-11-03T01:13:00.000-06:00

Somehow my mlb.tv subscription works for the archived games of the MLB/Japan All Star Series. and I've started watching the first game and wanted to share some of the stuff that I saw since I know many folks don't give 2 shits about this series. But I really like international baseball. I watched as much of the World Baseball Classic as I could and it was really awesome to be introduced to another style of playing the game.

I've bitched about the mlb.tv deal before, but being able to watch these games is a welcome surprise. However, the first thing they showed was the ceremonial first pitch where some Japanese guy threw out the first pitch to Twins C Joe Mauer. The reason I don't know who it was is because the mlb.tv announcers didn't mention this and all of the writing onscreen is in Japanese. But it had to be someone of some importance because after Mauer signed the first pitch ball, the Japanese guy signed another ball for Mauer. Thanks for the details, mlb.tv.

Can everyone read that gray line at the bottom? Fucking blackouts!

The next two things are apparently traditions in Japanese baseballs. First, as the defense takes the field, they each autograph a ball and throw it into the crowd. That is damn awesome, and everyone likes free shit. I'd like to see that at an MLB game. Next, the crowd calls out the names of the Japanese starters as they take the field. Kind of a roll call. Kind of cool.

Now I know this is a minor baseball thing and that very few people care, but I like it. But apparently this isn't too important in Japan either. There are a bunch of empty seats in the stadium.

The roster is full of All-Star players (but no Astros) and a few dim-star players (I'm looking at you Lyle Overbay!). Which leads me to the question, why is this not on TV? Not in prime time, but this has got to be better than the late night shit on Fox Sports, right?

Take a look at that lineup? Pretty nice, huh? Don't you want to watch that game against foreigners that play the game differently? Ok, maybe I'm the only one.

I've still got a World Series post brewing, but just haven't been able to sit down and write about Preston Wilson winning a World Series. I love David Eckstein and am elated that he won the MVP, but Preston's got a ring. I just can't find any other word to string together. It is incomprehensible to me. I cannot form complete sentences when i think about it. Preston? Uh, and a ring.... huh? well... it's just making me sad.

Let the Free Agency speculation begin!!!

Windmills Do Not Work That Way!

2006-10-13T02:42:00.000-05:00

The Astros cannot "solve" their "problems" with a quick free agaent signing.

See Also: Toronto Bjays, Texas Wranglers, Chicago litte harmless cublings, and all the rest that I did not mention but would support my arguement. Support!

Just as windmills do NOT cool off the Earth, one grandiose slugger does not equal alls well. Nor does adding another "veteran" bat. See Preston K. Wilson, IV.

The Astros need to stick with what works. They got the arms. They got bats. Well, yeah, kind of. I spose.

They got the bats because Chris Burke is good for 500 ABs. Mike BLamb another 250-400. Biggio 300-400 probly. And of course Lance, Ausmus, Everett, Willy T, Luke Scott. Those five will be in the opening day lineup 2007. If not, well, I know absolutely nothing about anything that could possbily pertain to a baseball related topic. Not at all.

Carlos Lee would fit in very well in that Houston clubhouse.
Even though the White Sox gave up on him.
And the Brewers.
And now the Rangers.....

Soriano? No. Alex Rodriguez? not likely. Eric Chavez? Yes. (hey why not?)

For the first time, I see. I do see.

McLane has built a winning franchise.

Now the hard part: sustaining.

Trust? Who> Tim Purpura? Hunsicker? Someone.

Of course, the Astros can do it.

In 2007.

and now, the synopsis, but of course!!
(Well not yet)

go Al gore! we need to defend the planet against pollution.
and wizards!
blame the wizards!!

sapphires!

GooTube?

2006-10-06T17:55:00.000-05:00

Apparently Google is buying the Über-popular video site YouTube. On TechEBlog they combined the logos to make GooTube, and I couldn't help but share. Good stuff!

SKINNER:
"We need a name that's witty at first, but seems less funny everytime you hear it."

APU:
"How about the B-Sharps?"

Sure, I'll talk Astros baseball if I have to. Garner got an extension and Hickey's gone. Happy?

Watching the Yankees in the post-season makes me sick. I want them to lose so bad, but know they're a damn great team top to bottom and are as good as anyone. Tigers get a shot at a 2-1 lead tonight. Grrrr! Go, Tigres.

Cardinals/Mets in the NL. I'm actually rooting for the Mets though. David Wright helped me immensely in multiple fantasy leagues this season, despite his poor 2nd half.

Also, the A's surprised the hell outta me and took the first 2 at Minnesota. And appear to have game 3 wrapped up, 8-3 A's right now. The Twins had the best home record in baseball this year at 54-24, and their stadium is supposed to make for a freakish advantage, though I have never seen for myself.

Although I just read that they're getting a new stadium in 2010. So, I've still got a few years to get up to Minnesota, but it's really not a priority. Now spring trainings in Florida? That's got to happen sometime soon.

Hello My Name Is Kyle

2006-10-05T21:40:00.000-05:00

So It Goes

2006-10-03T17:53:00.000-05:00

The Astros did not relinquish their grip on the 2006 season until the very last day of their regular season.
Not a bad way to go at all.
This image was called "Hope." I like it.

Onto the Press!!
Roy. ROY. ROYoung. This man could be on his third Cy Young Award already.
Yet here he is, on the brink of the honor due to him.
The best right-handed pitcher in the Majors right now. He dominates big games.

Lance Berkman. Can't make as strong of an arguement for his MVP campaign.
I never thought Ryan Howard should win it, basically leaving it between Lance and our super duper great buddy pal Albert "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!! NOT HIM!!" Pujols.
Cards got the Central, give to Albie.

Alas, The 'Stache rides no more this year.

We here at AA hope to have ya back, next year, and the next 7 at least.
Managers used to stick and mold a team for years, and the team became what they wanted it to be and they played hard like the manager.
And The 'Stros always got a shot with The 'Stache.

Don't Worry Be Happy

2006-10-02T19:14:00.000-05:00

Yes folks, this is not a time for anger and unhappiness. Instead, be happy and thankful for the ride that we've been taken on this year. And be thankful that the Astros provide mostly winning and exciting baseball-flavored entertainment to us fans. It has been a true joy to be a part of the craziness the past few years and I hope the organization knows it.

That's not to say there's nothing that needs changing or that I'm totally satisfied (will I ever be?), but when you consider poor, poor towns like Pittsburgh or Milwaukee or Tampa Bay or Chicago (North Side). At least we get a race and something to root for. Some hope. Some Lance and Roy, Clemens and Pettitte. And Lidge? C'mon Houston is home to baseball-gold these days, and it's fun.

Next year? It's on. We need a few moves (Crawford? Carlos? Woody?) and a few players to return (Roger? Andy? maybe Huff?). All under budget of course, Mr. McLane.

Ok, enough of the positive. Onto a taste of the negative. We've got a few months to point out each and every place where things went wrong this season. Tonight's topic... The bottom 3rd of the lineup.

Everett .239/.290/.642, 6 HR, 59 RBI, 52 runs
Ausmus .230/.308/.593, 2 HR, 39 RBI, 37 runs
Pitcher

Offensively? Bad. Just plain bad. However, Everett is one of the best defensive shortstops and it's an important position where you may have to take an offensive hit. A defensive stud at that position can be hard to find. But we've got one, he only committed 7 errors in 688 total chances all season and was part of 105 double plays. All amongst the tops in baseball. Luckily for him, he makes up with his glovework what he can't do with his bat.

Ausmus on the other hand is no longer such a defensive specialist. He did lead all catchers in field %, and had only 1 past ball all season, in 124 games started, which is pretty remarkable, but he was more middle of the road in both Stolen Bases Allowed and Caught Stealing. Point is, there are catchers of comparable defense that are better at the plate.
But I have a feeling that we're stuck with another year of Ausmus as the primary catcher. He's supposed to be great working with the pitchers and could be crucial to bringing Clemens back. So, maybe it's not as bad as I think, but I don't think I can stand another season of wishing the bottom 3rd of the lineup could do something with the bat.

JR House could maybe assume a backup role next season. For the Express and Hooks this year he hit a combined .345/.392/.913, 15 HR, 105 RBI and 83 runs. The Astros farm system seems to be as good as any, and I think it's time we see more of them in Houston. No need for the free agency catcher-version of the Preston K Wilson Experience in 2007. Dear God, please make it so.
I really wanted to get into the Preston Wilson Experiment, circa 2006, tonight, but I just can't take anymore.

Preston gets into the playoffs, but I'd bet they don't get past the David Wells and the stingy Padres. Padres had the lowest ERA in the NL at 3.87. Guess who was 2nd with 4.08?

Turning to the Cardinals for a second. They lost nine of their last 12, almost blowing a seven-game lead. They finished 83-78, the worst record by an NL Central champion. The Central title was out there all season and no one wanted to beat the Cardinals. wtf? If the Astros could have won 2 or 3 of the 4-6 games that Lidge blew, they'd be playing tomorrow. Shoulda, coulda, woulda and so on. But now... Now it's time to put all your energies into rooting against the Cardinals and Yanks. I'm thinking Mets vs. Twins at the moment.

By the way, new Lost and South Park start Wednesday. So there are other things to be happy about too.

Also 2 great pitching matchups tomorrow, Johan vs. Zito and Chris "Cy" Carpenter vs. Jake Peavy.

Play In-Round One (The NLPI Series)

2006-09-30T18:00:00.000-05:00

I want to see this smiley face for at least two more weeks.

There are few people who have the entire state of Texas' hatred.
Francisco Cabrera, welcome to the club.
You gave the St. Louis Cardinals a victory today after Ben Sheets and Jeff Cirillo had won the game for the Milwaukee Brewers.

They didn't want you in Arlington, Houston now wishes you nothing but scabs and influenza. Milwaukee may not be too fond of you anymore either.
So praps you lofted one right over the heart of the plate to Scott Spezio today.
After being up 1-2 in the count.

Break a slider! He already whiffed at one.
Just do not PITCH IT DOWN THE MIDDLE!

The 'Stache goes to Andy Pettitte in a must-win tonight in Atlanta.
The 'Stros know that nothing matters except winning tonight.

Then tomorrow. So long as St. Louis is playing in San Francisco or Houston on Monday, it's a victorious season.
These next two games at Atlanta are the play-in round of the NLDS.
The National League Play In Series if you will.
This is Round One. And it's a two-game series right now, so let's win out boys!

WE GOT US A RACE, FOLKS!

2006-09-29T10:43:00.000-05:00

That's a pretty sight! I shouldn't really have to say much else. They won their 9th in a row and the Cardinals dropped another. Hell, even the Reds are still technically in it.

One half game behind the NL Central lead, can you feel it now? The Astros are officially 3 games over .500. We've got ourselves a race people. I only got to see the final few innings of the game yesterday, but Roy pitched well, scattering 4 hits over 7 innings, and recording an BB RBI in the 5th. The Astros' 3 hits and 4 walks were enough to move another step closer.

The Cards got all beat up by the Brewers last night, 9-4. Preston K Wilson IV was the offensive star last night for the Cards. He went 2/4 with 3 RBI and 2 Ks

If the Cardinals have to rely on Preston to provide the offensive spark for the team, that's terrible and highly humorous. I mean could this be any more perfect? The guy the Astros booted playing for the team they're up against, and despite playing well, they're still getting beat.

Go brews!!!! Tonight's Matchups
Clemens (7-5, 2.35, 95, 29) vs Chuck James (10-4, 3.94, 83, 45)
Chris Capuano (11-11, 3.87, 172, 44) vs. Jeff Weaver (7-14, 5.79, 105,46)

The pitching matchups favor all the right teams today. Clemens start should almost be an automatic victory at this point with the way the team has been playing. As for Chris Capuano, he was one of the best pitcthers in the first half (10-4, 3.21 ERA) but has gone 1-7 with a 4.84 ERA since the break. We need him to come up with a solid Dubya to get the Astros in the lead.

Did we mention that Roy should get the CY and Lance the MVP?
OH, and there was a shutout last night too, but the good kind this time. Heeeeere's Walter!

Slammin' The LID(ge)

2006-09-28T17:59:00.000-05:00

The waiting is indeed the hardest part.
Woke up early to catch the 11:30 a.m. game (I work nights usually) and waited.
And waited.
Then, well, I took a walk. Then I waited.
Then the Astros started working walks. And they WON.

*************************ATABOY***********************************
That's the Brad Lidge we all love and know.

These are the Astros that turned a a baseball audience into a legit Baseball Town, U.S.A.
Ready for Hyperbole's?

ROYoung (let's just rename the trophy).

The 'Stache = Inventor of clutchitude.

Lance. Most Valuable Player on a National League team that has no other legit everday masher. They got hitters, but no Lance's. Pujols missed time, and is the best hitter, but not most valuable PLAYER. Ryan Howard has Chase Utley and Jimmy Rollins. Both MVP candidates.
Plus that Phillies infield rivals the NYY and NYM as the top infield in all of baseball. Sorry, Cleveland.

Roy goes seven strong to go with an RBI walk and improves his record to 15-8. Woulda coulda shoulda been a third-straight year 20-game winner.
Oh Well, I'll take my boys.
Ensberg RBI walk.
Most importantly, Adam Everett with a beautiful RBI-single back up the gut with Chris Burke taking off for third. Good baserunning, good hitting.

Now we wait.
To see if the Brewers can take down the Cardinals.
Doug Davis vs. Jason Marquis. I like the Wisconsinerites chances. Go Sausages!
Make the Cardinals flightless, like the Penguin.

TRUST YOURSELF

2006-09-28T09:26:00.000-05:00

15 innings for the win last night, and they're still 1.5 games back. No gound gained or lost last night because Bochy sure botched that one for the Padres.

St Louis's Magic Number is now 4, with 5 games left. Which means that regardless of what the Astros do, if the Cards win their remaining 4 games against the Brews, they're in. That powerless feeling sucks...

I'm sending good vibes to everyone in Milwaukee because the fate of the Astros ultimately rests in their hands. Sure, the Astros pretty much have to win out, but if the Brews can't take 1 or 2 games from the Cardinals, it won't matter.

BOO Cardinals, and much love to The Brews.

Beat 'em up Brews!!!

Garner spent ~8 years as Brewers Manager (1992 through most of 1999). Maybe he should put a call into Ned Yost and inform him that pitching to Pujols with the game on the line is MURDER and to avoid it like, well, murder. Simply Murderous...

Damn, I've never hoped so hard for a win by the fuckin-Brewers.

LET'S GO ASTROS
TRUST YOURSELF

Lies! All Lies!!

2006-09-28T01:19:00.000-05:00

First Off, How F#$(#_%(#(-ing stupid is Bruce Bochy??? (VERY, VERY STUPID)

Are not the Padres in a penant race as well?
Has the National League not learned?

WHY would you EVER pitch to Albert "Automatic" Pujols with the game on the line??? Thanks a lot fucking Bochy for giving the Cardinals a freebie and some momentum.
MORON!

I hope you miss the postseason and are fired. You suck. Enormously.
And no, I am not bitter.

OK, maybe a tad.

Onwards and Upwards.

ROYoung needs to go CG SHO today. Yes, he is pitching before I usually get up.
Alas, it is my 26th, so I will be up with coffee (Irish?) in hand watching the 'Stros.

Let's All Hope ROY got some rest before that game ended.....

The message coming from my bones says leave it alone.
Go 'Stache! Keep up yer magic! Go 'Stros!!!

The Astros are just dodging Knives at this point. Jack and Meg, give us some magic!

"I am a baker
And today is my birthday
And I just turned 26 years old
And I’m very cold
Cause I just found out
I’m a baker man
And I live inside a baking can
With soft and pretty
Baker’s hands
And I’m also meeeeee!!"

The Wizird's Baker: It Makes You All Nipply.
Go Astros

Drunk By Noon

2006-09-27T11:24:00.000-05:00

Following the past two Astros games via internet gamechannel while working nights has been a lot like rolling in the snow naked.

It stings and seconds last hours, to say the least.

Alas, there has been no true pain as the hometown boys have continued their resurgence and the Padres clipped another Cardinal wing with a comeback against the Carp. All along we've strongly hinted that consistency is a big key, and the boys with the Star on their hat have been playing very consistently.

Tonight I'll be heading out to the local bar to watch the game live via baseball package.
Tomorrow it gets even funner, as it's my 26th birthday, and ROY Young is set to start in a game with the first pitch at 11:30 A.M.!!!
That is correct, for probably about the, oh, third time all year, a MLB game is starting before noon.

Surely I shall be out watching that one as well. If I have to sacrifice bodily functions and normal trains of thoughts for watching the game and drinking on my birthday in salute of the CY season of ROYoung and LANCE-V-P, then so be it.

Beeeeeelieve in the Boys of H-Town! GO 'Stros!!

Jason Hirsh, CEO

2006-09-27T09:27:00.000-05:00

Jason Hirsh is at the helm tonight of the Astros-mobile. Bound for the playoffs.

Next stop...

Pittsburgh. vs Shawn Chacón

Hirsh looks to even his record with his 4th win

CARDINALS against the Padres again tonight

--Matchup-- (W_L, ERA, K, BB)
Chris Young (11-5, 3.55, 158, 67) vs. Anthony Reyes (5-7, 4.92, 64, 30)

Astros can move to one half game behind the Cardinals if everything goes right. Go Padres and Hirsh, wins all around, cept none for the Cards.

Lance Berkman for MVP, and some love for Biggio

2006-09-26T21:19:00.000-05:00

If the Astros can pull off this playoff thing again, Lance Berkman's name should be in there with Pujols and Ryan Howard for NL MVP. Ditto that for Roy Oswalt and the NL Cy Young. But check this out.

Lance's 2006, before tonight's game

.316 AVG
.419 OBP
1.044 OPS
43 HR
130 RBI
92 runs

All of those averages are better than his career average. Also, the next highest RBI count on the team belongs to Craig Biggio at 58 RBI. If we're talking most valuable player to a team, Lance wins. The Astros would have been the Cubs or Pirates this season if it weren't for Lance's clutchness? clutchatude... umm, clutchisity?

Vote Berkman/Oswalt in 2006

Ah, the wonder of MS Paint

Onto the game

Top 1-
A series of singles by Scott & Huff. 3-0 Astros

Bottom 1-
Andy goes 1-2-3 in the first.

Top 2-
1-2-3 for Snell as well.

Bottom 2-
Jason Bay and José Bautista dinger to tie the game at 3.

Top 3-
Lamb singled, to second base on Lance's ground out, to third on a past ball. Luke Ks. Morgan walked to set up Biggio with runners on 1st and 3rd. Biggio weakly singles through the right side of the infield to plate Lamb. 4-3 Astros.

(Only 73 more to 3,000)

Bottom 4-
Another hit by Bautista, but Pettitte get out the inning clean.

Top 5-
Mike Lamb walks. Lance Ks, but Luke Scott singles, and Lamb advances to 2nd. Aubrey singles to load the bases now for Biggio with 1 out. Sac fly to make the lead 5-3. Alredy 3 RBI for Biggio tonight.

Hell, why not Biggio for MVP?

Sure, he's batting .246 this year (.197 since the break and .173 on the road), but he can be as valuable as anyone on the team, given the chance.

Oh, and Adam Everett singled to score Luke Scott for another run. Is now 6-3 Astros.

Bottom 7-
Pettitte allows 2 base runners and gets yanked for Springer, who beans Jason Bay to load the bases for X Nady. AH! getting sketchy. Wheeler works the count full, and Nady fouls off a fastball before popping out to Mike Lamb in foul territory. Whew, still 6-3.

Top 8-
Willy singles with 1 out. Then Lamb walked for the 3rd time. 2 on for Lance, who singles and scores Willy for their 7th run. 7-3, Astros!

Bottom 8-
Nieve walks one, no hits or runs.

Bottom 9-
Nieve heads back to the mound, gets 1 out, the gives up consecutive doubles to Jack Wilson (who I thought was with the Yanks, but that's Craig) and Freddy Sanchez. Wilson scores, 7-4.

Nieve gets the final 2 outs, and the Astros move to 1 game above 500.

A strong outing by Pettitte limited the work needed by the Astros bullpen, after being seriously worked last night. A solid win with smart play, productive outs and, most importantly, many runs scored.

KEEPING AN EYE ON THE CARDINALS<------------------------------------------->

Don't think I forgot the key to the Astros and their playoff run; the Cardinals LOSING.

GameNotes

Padres scored in the first, Cardinals tied in the 2nd with a Ronnie Belliard home run. (since when have they had him?>? trade deadline?). Padres take the lead back with another run in the 4th, 2-1. Cardinals come back with another home run by Belliard. Sweet Jeebus! Cardinals add 2 more the next inning on a single by Edmonds. Chris "reigning-Cy" Carpenter is on the mound tonight for the Cards, so I don't expect the Padres to pull this out.

Well surprise, surprise, just as I'm about to post, the Padres score 4 in the 7th to take a 6-5 lead over the Cardinals. 1.5 games back looks within reach. It's the best position they've been in all year.

...
...
...

And the I thought to myself, "END IT ALL WITH A WEIRD AL VIDEO"

enjoy

Pirates Pre-Game

2006-09-26T15:40:00.000-05:00

The Astros are 10-3 against the Pirates this year, including 2 sweeps, April 21-23 and August 8-10.

Pettitte's career line against the Pirates...

6-1, 2.30 ERA, 34 Ks and 10 BB, 11 earned runs.

Can you feel it??

Post Philles, Pitts Preview POST

2006-09-26T09:45:00.000-05:00

How's about them Astros? 6 up for Houston while St Louis falls 6. And now the Astros stand only 2.5 games back of the NL Central lead. Also, keep an eye out for the Reds. They are only 3.5 games back. But finally we have a playoff race with only 6 games left.

The Astros won a coin flip yesterday so that if there were to be a tie in the NL Central between the Cards and Astros, the game would be played in Houston. I'm not sure why it came down to a coin flip because with the 4 game sweep, the Astros have won 9 of 16 games between the 2 this season. The Astros should get home field advantage for a tiebreaker because even though the Cards have been in the lead all year. Heads up, the Astros have the better record.

On to the game last night. Sampson only lasted 3 and 2/3rd innings, and the Astros ended up using a total of NINE pitchers last night.
Now, I have mixed feelings about this. They won, which is great, but used almost the entire bullpen. I don't think this is a great idea considering they are entering the most important stretch of games. Granted, after Sampson, no one pitched more than 1 inning, but time will tell if this has an effect on the rest of the week.

Just for fun, here are the pitch counts from last night.

Sampson 45
Springer 7
Rodriguez 23
Nieve 8
Borkowski 23
Miller 8
Lidge 11
Qualls 6
Wheeler 17

So no one was used in excess, which hopefully should help in the long run.

Last night, the Astros won with a series of great pinch hits. First Jimerson hit a 1 out single in the 5th. And in the 7th, the Astros took the lead back on clutch RBI pinch singles by Orlando Palmero and Mike Lamb.

Every one contributed to the win last night. Let's keep it up and surprise the crap out of everyone, including myself.

Next up the Pirates of Pittsburgh.

--matchups-- (W-L, ERA, K, BB)
Tuesday: Pettitte (13-13, 4.31, 169, 68) vs. Ian Snell (14-10, 4.67, 166, 71) Wednesday: Hirsh (3-4, 5.83, 28, 21) vs. Shawn Chacón (7-6, 6.25, 57, 62)
Thursday: RoyO (14-8, 3.07, 160, 36) vs. Tom Gorzelanny (2-4, 3.79, 38, 28)

PNC PARK at night

Hey, I've been there!!!

It's Sampson Time

2006-09-25T19:21:00.000-05:00

No Albers tonight like I previously indicated.

It's Chris Sampson time, and as I write this, he's got a 1 hitter going.

Hope this doesn't jinx anything. Oh, and the Astros only have 1 hit too. C'mon offense!!

Go Sampson!!

---------------------------------

Then, of course, just a few minutes after I posted the above comments about Sampson, he gets pulled after giving up 2 hits in a row in the 4th. Russ Springer is in now.

Maybe The 'Stache was planning on only letting Sampson pitch a few innings? Maybe now's not the time to be letting rookies get their experience? It is a playoff race, right?

But still, only 3 hits given up by Sampson, already 3 Ks, no walks? Why not let Sampson try to get that 3rd out?

Fine, so it's not Sampson's day to shine. But good for him. Now, let's see how the rest of the bullpen is today...

Can They Keep It Up?

2006-09-25T00:36:00.000-05:00

A sweep of the Cardinals, and the Astros 2nd place in NL Central (3.5 games back) and 3rd in Wild Card (5 games back) - probably still boned, but the people in Houston have something to root, since the Texans started 0-3. Again.

Well, screw the Wild Card. That's going to the Phillies, Padres or Dodgers. If the Astros are going to make it to the playoffs through the backdoor, then it's got to be via winning the NL Central.

Both the Cardinals and Astros have 7 games left. Here is the breakdown...

Cardinals
- 3 against the Padres, starting today at home
- 4 against the Brewers, at home

Astros
- 1 against the Phillies
- 3 against the Pirates
- 3 against the Braves

The Cardinals appear to have the easier road to the playoffs, with all of their remaining games at home. The Astros may get to play the worse teams, but they are all on the road. Plus, the Braves are always a problem.

If they are able to pull this out, it would be the stupidest thing ever. Or as Habeab puts it, "the most awesomely stupid great fucking thing ever." They've been playing like poop most of the year, and they just may be able to pull another playoff run outta their ass. All because the rest of the NL has been almost equally as poopy.

Up tonight is a makeup game against the Phillies. The Phillies also have a 5-game win streak going and are looking to make their way past one of the NL West teams to the NL Wild Card.

--TODAY'S MATCHUP--
Matt Albers (0-2, 6.00, 11, 7) vs. Randy Wolf (4-0, 5.47, 39, 28)

As Rage Against the Machine might say, "Rally around the rookie with a pocket full of Ks"

One Strong Buzz

2006-09-25T00:34:00.000-05:00

Let's all give a huge hand to our boys for plucking the Cardinals at the big box o' baseball.
And of course, to Mr. Clemens. No explanation necessary.

I believe that The 'Stache believes it can still happen.

Can it? For now, it's great that the Phillies are in first. After they shellacked the 'Stros at home some 10 days ago, its time for payback. Too bad it's just a one-game makeup and not a series.

Three more wins, and there's a chance. Any more losses and no way. Plenty of teams can still beat up on each other. Can Roy start six more times??

Let's throw all our coulds and cannots into the rubble of Astroworld and just say thanks, boys. I've had a blast these past three years, and for one, have not counted ya'll out.

Biggio Praise

2006-09-23T12:38:00.000-05:00

Holy Cow! Biggio hit well last night. 3/5 with 3 RBI and a SB.

77 hits to 3,000

first walk-off of the year?

they're playing fun, competitive baseball again

3 Dubyas inna row

WC update-
they won, but so did the Padres, Dodgers and Phillies

still 5.5 games back, 9 left

Rookie Reyes vs. Roy

RoY-O wants his 15th W

tonight at 6

will it continue?

Thank You Lance-Christ, May I Have Another?

2006-09-22T09:30:00.000-05:00

Definition: Lance
"The quintessential weapon of the man-at-arms. The lance initially began as a long spear (about 9') but became progressively longer and heavier."

Definition: Christ
From the Greek "christos," meaning "anointed one" or "chosen one." See also Messiah.

Who's Your Buddy?

Definition: Lance-Christ

From the Texan Waco, by way of Houston. A batter capable of combining the savior-like qualities of Jeebus and the lethal force of the spear.

Ok, I'm done for now, but our main man, Lance Berkman, had 2 dingers and 4 RBI last night in a 6-5 comeback win against the NL Central leading Cardinals. The bullpen pitched well again too, Borkowski delivered 3 perfect innings and Dan Wheeler recorded his 7th save of the season.

The pitching matchup has changed for Sunday. Last night after the game, Garner announced that Roger Clemens will start the regular-season home finale against St. Louis on Sunday. On 3 days rest. Instead of young Matt Albers. Garner is now pulling out all the stops, apparently thinking that the Astros have some sort of a chance to make it to the playoffs still. Too little too late?

But, I guess this calls for an NL Wild Card update. I didn't think I'd be doing this again this season.

Looks to me like the Wild Card team will be from the NL West or the Phillies. Time shall tell, but again, it doesn't look good for the Astros. They will have to win all remaining 10 games and then count on the SIX teams ahead of them taking a huge dump in the last week. I just don't see it happening. But much thanks to Lance and company for making us think that there still could be a shot.

May I have another?

Tonight is the battle of the Jasons. Marquis vs Hirsh. Go ASTROS

In the mean time check out the trailer for a totally NEW and EXCITING movie called The Astros-Zombies. Looks AWESOME

Clemens' Last (home)Stand?

2006-09-20T16:19:00.000-05:00

Ladies and Gentlemen....

MR. CLEMENS!

Yesterday's Lineup:

Biggio, 2B
Lamb, 3B
Berkman, 1B
Scott, LF
Huff, RF
Burke, CF
Everett, SS
Ausmus, C
Clemens, P

I like the setup (cept for Biggio at leadoff (but then again if they're really focused getting him to 3,000 hits, Biggio should get every possible at bat the rest of the year so he doesn't have to take too much time getting there next year)). But we've got Burke in CF batting 6th, Lamb back in 2nd, and Scott batting cleanup with Huff behind him. Not bad.

1-2-3 first for Clemens and Bronson.

Luke Scott dingers in the 2nd. Earlier point proven! He gets one of the corner OF spots next year. Scott, Willy and Carlos Lee? anyone think that looks good? sprinkle some Burke here and there? Yes, delicious.

Chris Burke is the nuts! Oh, and there'll probably be some Burke-nuts scattered at SS and 2B too.

Moving on...

2 outs in the 5th, Luke Scott triples for the 3rd game in a row on a bases-loaded line drive to right field. 4-0 Astros. Luke's got the hard part of the cycle completed already, only a single and double left to go. He didn't get it.

Biggio did hit a 3 run shot in the 7th to give Roger a 7-0 lead. Nieve gave up a couple of runs in the 8th, but Roger WINS in his last home start of the year and the Astros take 2 outta 3 from the Reds.

This was possibly his last start in Houston. Roger's got 2 more scheduled starts, but they are on the road. I bet if he asked nicely, they'd let him sit those out. If he secrectly swore to come back next year if he got to start resting up now? eh? Let some of the younger pitchers take those 2 starts?

Wishful thinking I bet.

Tonight, Pettitte vs. Chris Carpenter to start a 4-game series against the Cards. Carpenter is probably set to win his 2nd Cy Young in a row and Pettitte looks for his 14th win of the season.

--matchups-- (W-L, ERA, K, BB)
Thursday: Chris Carpenter (15-6, 2.79, 173, 41) vs. Pettitte (13-13, 4.37, 167, 64)
Friday: Jason Marquis (14-15, 5.82, 93, 69) vs. Hirsh (3-4, 5.59, 26, 19)
Saturday: Anthony Reyes (5-7, 4.92, 64, 30) vs. RoyO (14-8, 3.05, 156, 34)
Sunday: Jeff Weaver (7-14, 5.84, 100, 44) vs. Matt Albers (0-2, 6.00, 11, 7)

Anyone else know that the Carpenters did a cover of the Black Sabbath song "Sabbath, Bloody Sabbath?" Wait, nevermind that was The Cardigans.

All By Myself...

2006-09-20T11:11:00.000-05:00

My partner in Blogging-Crime is outta town for the rest of the week, so our frequent readers (anyone out there?) will get to put up with my ramblings for the rest of the week.

Roy Oswalt continued his dominance over the Reds Monday night, going 6 and 2/3 innings with 8 Ks and 2 earned runs. Wheeler got the save, and we haven't seen Brad Lidge on the mound since the 16th when he gave up 3 earned runs on a walk, 2 hits and a sacrifice fly against the Phillies. He was finally dropped from my fantasy league today for the Boston closer du jour, Mike Timlin.

Astros beat the Reds last night and Luke Scott tripled for the 2nd day in a row and was a only a single away from the cycle. But our boys couldn't keep the rally going and lost 5-4. They had the bases loaded in the 8th with 2 outs, but Burke popped out. I didn't watch the beginning of the game and just now noticed that Matt Albers got the start last night because Pettitte went to be with his hospitalized father. Albers 2nd career start didn't go all too well though. Albers pitched 4 and 2/3 innings giving up 5 earned runs, but then the bullpen finished the game with 4 and 1/3 innings of PERFECT relief (no hits or BBs), highlighted by 3 stellar innings from Chris Sampson, who I will discuss later in this post. Sampson struck out the side in the 7th and finished with 4 Ks.

there's supposed to be a Luke Scott photo right about here and Burke somewhere below, but the upload tool is all farked

Luke's got to be an everyday player next year, right? Hitting .380 since the All-Star break is the BEST in all of baseball. True, he's not a big power threat (7 HR, 26 RBI and 23 runs in 166 at bats), but if the Astros can get a couple of consistent bats around him and Lance, that high average should translate into a high Run or RBI total next season. Both? Hell, Luke had 20 HR in 87 games at Round Rock this year, so there is potential for his power output to increase. Oh, and did I mention that he'll turn 29 next June? PLAY HIM!

Richard Justice had a blog post yesterday pushing for Luke and Burke to play everyday next season, and I can't argue with that. However, Justice questions where Burke will play with Biggio coming back, and asks if we would be satisfied with an outfield of Burke, Willy T and Scott. There's concern about a lack of HR production in the corner OF spots, but that hasn't been what the Astros are all about anyways the past few seasons, hitting HRs, right? If we can get something like a .330, 25 HR and 100 RBI season out of Scott that would be an improvement over the Preston/Huff/Lamb experiment this year in the OF.

The Astros have a terrible track record of not letting their younger players develop at the major league level, and they just can't let it happen again with Burke and Scott. It would be a (Texas) Travesty of the highest order. They've proven all that they can or should need to in the minors, and deserve a regular starting spot. Same with Jason Hirsh and I'll argue the case for Chris Sampson later.

The 2007 rotation is up for grabs, save Oswalt. He's the undisputed #1 of the staff, even if Clemens and Pettitte come back. They've got to give Hirsh 25-30 starts next season and see what happens. He'll be a cheaper and similarily productive option to signing whatever big name arms will be out there this offseason.

Ok, now I want to talk about Chris Sampson for a second. He's been very effective when he's been in Houston this season. He's 1-0 with a 2.66 ERA in ~23 innings. He's another local kid too, which I just love (HA, kid. He's 2 years older than I am, but whatever). He was born in Pasadena, TX, and went to Texas Tech. He'll be 29 years old next May and if he has any chance of contributing it'll likely happen sooner rather than later. This season in Round Rock he's been every bit as good as Hirsh (12-3, 2.51 ERA with 68 Ks in 125.2 innings) and deserves a shot either as a starter or middle/long-relief because if he's going to play for the Astros its gotta be soon. Or conversely, if they want to package him in a trade or something, the more time he has to show his stuff at the major league level, the more valuable he will be as a trade commodity. But c'mon, Sampson? If they can come up with brilliant Luke Skywalker promos and shit for Luke Scott, Chris Sampson should be a slam dunk (minus the P, Samson). Unless they don't want to reference a hairy Biblical figure of great power that was screwed over by his girl or something.

Well, ok then. Back to the present. We've got a sweet matchup today for the rubber game of the Reds series. Bronson Arroyo vs. Roger Clemens. I'll be following the game at work (Thanks MLB.TV for not blacking this one out) and post again later tonight, prolly.

Showdown for the Title!!!!

2006-09-18T15:45:00.000-05:00

No, the Astros aren't going to pull an amazing finish outta their ass this year. The showdown I'm talking about is between Habeab and myself as we battle out for the next 2 weeks for the championship in our Yahoo fantasy baseball league. We've been #1 and #2 all season and it all comes down to this.

Habeab's recently lost his 2 top hitters (Manny and Hafner) in the past week or so, and it's up to people like Corey Hart and Chris Duffy and Robinson Cano to carry his offense. My offense has been solid all year despite all of the trading that went down, but now my outfield and Util spots rest in the hands of Carlos Lee, Nick Markakis, Ichiro, Delmon Young, Torri Hunter and Michael Cuddyer. Steady pitching and hot bats will win this thing, we shall see who is the best.

It shall be me!

Yes, yes. Now of course the Astros are still playing, and for fantasy purposes I hope Lance Berkman goes outta his mind during the last few weeks to help crush my dear friend. But they recently lost 3 in a row to the Phillies. That really helped the Phils, as they are now 1 game out of the Wild Card. Also the Dodgers lost the lead in the West to the Padres.

I'm still secretly rooting for the Marlins. I just love the youth movement, and it kinda proves the worth of giving young players a shot to earn a spot on the roster. Any team now would love to have Uggla or Hanley. Plus, I like the focus on the team. They've taken a group of guys that were underestimated and they're going to finish with a better record than the Braves, and probably be real close to the Wild Card, if they don't win it.

Oh wait, the Astros. Yes, they are a team. A team that plays the Reds next. The Reds have still been playing a little better than the Astros, and they sit 5 games back from the Wild Card. They're out of it too though. Awesome. This time of the season can be the most entertaining or most depressing. Your team is either in it still or you're left wondering what in the hell you can write about on your blog that is dedicated to a failing team. That's right failing. If the goal was to get to the playoffs again, they failed. Well, not technically yet, but practically.

--matchups-- (W, L, ERA, K, BB)
Monday: Kyle Loshe (4-8, 5.80, 86, 37) vs. RoyO (13-8, 3.06, 148, 34)
Tuesday: Aaron Harang (13-11, 3.88, 193, 56) vs. Pettitte (13-13, 4.37, 167, 64)
Wednesday: Bronson Arroyo (14-9, 3.17, 172, 55) vs. Clemens (6-5, 2.52, 83, 25)

Speaking of Bronson Arroyo, check out this commercial he did back in Boston. I was hoping there was a bad, funny music video or something, but this will work. Enjoy!

Ain't No Skin Off'f My Ass

2006-09-17T01:48:00.000-05:00

The Astros Lost.

Post-injury Clemens looked knackered yesterday.

Now it's Injury time for Andy Pettitte and a lost start. How's that elbow skin?

Yet there ain't nothing small about this (lack of) a season for our hometown H-Town boys. Seriously. 500 ABs for Luke Scott and Chris Burke?
Would a protest make this happen in 2007????

Is ANYONE convinced that those two will get a combined 1,000 At-Bats next season? Becuase that is what they need to mature, develop, and blossom into actual, life-like hitters that can produce for the Astros next year.

I am looking at you, Richard Justice.