Houston Astros VS Chicago Cubs, 7:05PM CST

by Stros Bro on Sep 12, 2007 5:48 PM CDT in News Comment 87 comments

Cubs @ Astros
Rich Hill VS Matt Albers


Rich Hill	Matt Albers
8 - 8, 4.02	4 - 7, 5.88

Troy Patton was originally scheduled to start tonight, but is being replaced by Matt Albers due to Patton having soreness in his shoulder. Hopefully it's nothing serious, but if this is anything that could possibly get worse with Patton throwing, I wouldn't be against sitting him for the rest of the season.

No real intriguing pitching matchup tonight. The only significance of this game at all is for the Cubs who currently sit 1/2 game behind the Brewers in the NL Central. The Brewers have already lost today to the Pirates(who are now a whole game ahead of the Astros for the cellar in the NL Central), so the Cubs could close gap to sit tied for first with a win tonight. The Astros just hope to play spoilers... hell, I just hope they look decent.

On a minor note, the Astros acquire Dennis Sarfate from the Brewers. Sarfate looks to help bolster the Astros bullpen and brings a 2-7 record and a 4.52 ERA from triple-A this season with him. You'll probably see him tonight. The Astros designated Miguel Asencio for assignment. So basically, everything we traded for Willy-T, Taylor Buchholz and Jason Hirsh for are now either hurt, or in the minors...

Lineups
Cubs	Astros
Soriano, LF Jones, CF Lee, 1B Ramirez, RF Floyd, 3B DeRosa, 2B Kendall, C Theriot, SS Hill, P	Pence, CF Biggio, 2B Berkman, 1B Lee, LF Loretta, SS Wigginton, 3B Scott, RF Quintero, C Albers, P

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Line Ups

Houston
CF - Pence
2B - Biggio
1B - Berkman
LF - Lee
SS - Loretta
3B - Wigginton
RF - Scott
C - Quintero
P - Albers

Chicago
LF - Soriano
CF - Jones
1B - Lee
RF - Floyd
3B - Ramirez
2B - DeRosa
C - Kendall
SS - Theriot
P - Hill

Same Astros line up as last night. Can they produce another win?

Adam Everett WTFPWNS U!

by entropic soul on Sep 12, 2007 6:59 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

OOPs

I think Scott batted 6th last night...

Adam Everett WTFPWNS U!

by entropic soul on Sep 12, 2007 7:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yup

Last night it was Scott 6 and Wiggy 7;
tonight it's Wiggy 6 and Scott 7.

No doubt a concession to Hill being a lefty

Grumpy, grumpy, grumpy

by rastronomicals on Sep 12, 2007 8:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Albers is pitching

that means we will LOSE. But Luke Scott will hit five home runs off Rich Hill so we won't look like pansies.

Adam Everett WTFPWNS U!

by entropic soul on Sep 12, 2007 7:10 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Tsk Tsk Tsk

Oh ye of little faith

Astros September Song

by Joe in Birmingham on Sep 12, 2007 7:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Humberto and WGN

Three comments in one:

Game is on WGN so I can watch it on television.

I'm bemused by the fact the Astrso and Cubs are playing a baseball game in Houston when the Weather Channel allocates most of its time to Tropical Storm Humberto and its 50 mile an hour winds and 10 to 15 inches of rain expected in Houston tonight.

I'm surprised to see any crowd at Minute Maid tonight, but I see people in the stands. I'd be snuggled at home on a night like this one if I lived in Houston.

Astros September Song

by Joe in Birmingham on Sep 12, 2007 7:13 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Meh

I'm plan on heading to work in the morning like any other day...

Go 'Stros!

by Stros Bro on Sep 12, 2007 7:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Just Wanted To Say

that I loved the sinker Albers used to retire DLee in the first.

Grumpy, grumpy, grumpy

by rastronomicals on Sep 12, 2007 7:16 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Loved It, Really

and I'm proud to announce I've proposed marriage.

Grumpy, grumpy, grumpy

by rastronomicals on Sep 12, 2007 7:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Proposed to whom?

Astros September Song

by Joe in Birmingham on Sep 12, 2007 7:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Albers' Sinker,

a little joke there.

Grumpy, grumpy, grumpy

by rastronomicals on Sep 12, 2007 7:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Your grammar impresses me.

by TexSkins on Sep 12, 2007 9:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Astros Lead Off Hitter

Hunter Pence singled up the middle. How do you move him to teh 2 or 5 slot when he is so effective as a lead off man?

Astros September Song

by Joe in Birmingham on Sep 12, 2007 7:18 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Good Question

Many simply assume that Pence will gravitate to # 5 as he matures, but at least so far, it looks like the lower in the order he bats, the less he likes it

Hunter Pence in Different Parts of the Lineup
Slot	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS
#1	.347	.429	.592	1.020
#2	.296	.326	.524	.850
#3	.385	.407	.538	.946
#5	.368	.385	.447	.832
#6	.342	.377	.644	1.020

or something to that effect anyway.

Grumpy, grumpy, grumpy

by rastronomicals on Sep 12, 2007 7:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

2ND INNING

and we are already losing.

Cubs 1-0 on a Floyd RF homer.

Adam Everett WTFPWNS U!

by entropic soul on Sep 12, 2007 7:30 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Man on first and third

No outs. Thanks, Albers.

Adam Everett WTFPWNS U!

by entropic soul on Sep 12, 2007 7:34 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

block that plate Umberto

by olPete on Sep 12, 2007 7:36 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Sac Fly

Cubbies 2-0

Adam Everett WTFPWNS U!

by entropic soul on Sep 12, 2007 7:37 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Hunter Pence's arm strength

It's becoming more and more obvious Hunter Pence has a relatively weak arm. I wonder if there is some program he can try over the winter that would increase his arm strength.

Astros September Song

by Joe in Birmingham on Sep 12, 2007 7:37 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

or his release time

Astros September Song

by Joe in Birmingham on Sep 12, 2007 7:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

sorry if this is a double post

Is he still using that weird throwing motion?

by mokulen on Sep 12, 2007 7:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

yes

It looked weird to me, sorta a half throw half sling thing.

Astros September Song

by Joe in Birmingham on Sep 12, 2007 7:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

What's

the story behind that? Why hasn't it been corrected?

by mokulen on Sep 12, 2007 8:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Back to Back walks for Hill

Setting the stage for a Luke Scott 3 run homer.

Adam Everett WTFPWNS U!

by entropic soul on Sep 12, 2007 7:48 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Dammit Luke

You are making me look like a fool!!

Adam Everett WTFPWNS U!

by entropic soul on Sep 12, 2007 7:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hill has been really tough on lefties this year

I was surprised to see him start today. It would have been more sense to start him against Glavine.

by mokulen on Sep 12, 2007 7:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Astros batters against the Cubs this year

According to the WGN guys, most Astros are batting under .200 against the Cubs this year. The only two they mentioned batting over .225 were Carlos Lee at .294 or .296 and Luke Scott at .308.

Astros September Song

by Joe in Birmingham on Sep 12, 2007 7:50 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

GM Search

This posting at Biz of Baseball is an interview with Tal Smith regarding the GM search. http://www.bizofbaseball.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1499&Itemid=96 Not a lot of substance...but some points of interest:
Smith indicates that something unexpected would have to occur for Cooper not to be named permanent manager.

In discussing why the interviews aren't very informative, Smith lets us know that someone involved in the interviews is asking "Do you want to be a champion?" and "Do you hate losing?" and somehow all the answers are predictable.

by clack on Sep 12, 2007 7:53 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Cool

I wanna be a champion!
I especially hate losing!
Maybe I can be the GM! :)

Also, not surprised about Cooper. If he likes playing Luke Scott in RF everyday I say give him a chance.

Adam Everett WTFPWNS U!

by entropic soul on Sep 12, 2007 7:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

No, no, Me, Me!

I want to play smart baseball!
And I want a team that plays hard!
I understand we have to be strong up the middle! And we just gotta have productive at bats!

Just wanting to be a champion ain't enough, entropic.

You've got to take your platitudes to the next level.

Grumpy, grumpy, grumpy

by rastronomicals on Sep 12, 2007 8:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'll interview

Mr Smith, Mr,McLane. With the current Astros ownership and the Championship philosophy of the Astros organization the past decade as a foundation, the Houston Astros should contend for the playoffs and the World Series every year. The Astros have a core of great talent. They will be a respected contender in 2008 and many years thereafter. I would work with Cecil Cooper to maintain an already excellent franchise. I would like a 7 year guaranteed contract please.

Astros September Song

by Joe in Birmingham on Sep 12, 2007 8:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nice work, Q

Throwing the runner out at second on a steal attempt!

Adam Everett WTFPWNS U!

by entropic soul on Sep 12, 2007 8:01 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

with a perfect throw

The camera briefly shaws Ramirez talking to the ump. I wonder if he can understand him. Last interview I heard I only made out a couple of words.

by olPete on Sep 12, 2007 8:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

SAy What You Want About Q's Attitude

or his ability to work with non-Latino pitchers, but he's got a freaking gun, and he knows how to use it.

Grumpy, grumpy, grumpy

by rastronomicals on Sep 12, 2007 8:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

From his knees, even

by Danyah on Sep 12, 2007 8:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hunter Pence Misplayed that Floyd hit

big-time. Could ahve been an out, Ended up a lead off triple.

Astros September Song

by Joe in Birmingham on Sep 12, 2007 8:14 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

line drive right at him

but you're right. Not sure about pitching to Theriot with the pitcher up next.

by olPete on Sep 12, 2007 8:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not sure...

if it could have been caught, but it was certainly misplayed, and at the least could have been held to a double. Pence moved in toward shallow CF and took too long to realize the ball would be over his head.

by clack on Sep 12, 2007 8:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Did y'all get

the interview with Sean Berry on WGN? Orlando Palmeiro was behind him, being goofy. Made me giggle.

by Danyah on Sep 12, 2007 8:14 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

3 - 0

I understand we're probably gonna lose, but can you imagine if the Cubs blow this lead tonight after having blown one last night?

It'd be beautiful watching the vultures and carrion-eaters circle.

Grumpy, grumpy, grumpy

by rastronomicals on Sep 12, 2007 8:21 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Hill looks pretty good

Gameday says his fastball is around 91, but it looks faster to me. Curve is breaking well.

Albers doesn't look so bad if he could only hit that outside corner a little more.

But the Astros could come back if they get into that bullpen. They were a little stretched before last night.

by olPete on Sep 12, 2007 8:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Aflac Trivia

outstanding question: who replaced Jeff Bagwell at first when he broke his hand in 1994?

Didn't look anything up, but I'm saying Chris James.

Grumpy, grumpy, grumpy

by rastronomicals on Sep 12, 2007 8:30 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

have they giiven an...

answer? I would guess Sid Bream.

by clack on Sep 12, 2007 8:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well The Answer They Gave Was

Chris Donnels, because what they meant to say was who replaced him in 1993?

Bream's a real good guess I hand't thought of . . . but I'm staying with James as I go off to Retrosheet to find the anser.

Grumpy, grumpy, grumpy

by rastronomicals on Sep 12, 2007 8:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Donnels Was The Answer in 1994, Too.

Gosh.

Grumpy, grumpy, grumpy

by rastronomicals on Sep 12, 2007 9:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The name Chris Donnels

does not ring a bell. I cannot place him at all.

Astros September Song

by Joe in Birmingham on Sep 12, 2007 9:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I Remember He Broke In With The Mets

but not much else.

Grumpy, grumpy, grumpy

by rastronomicals on Sep 12, 2007 9:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I keep thinking Art Howe

but I'm pretty sure he was already retired by then.

Sid Bream was a first baseman. If he was on the team that's a logical choice.

Maybe a back-up catcher or third baseman.

Astros September Song

by Joe in Birmingham on Sep 12, 2007 9:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Art Howe

was manager in 1993, and ~~ex-parrot~~ ex-manager in 1994.

Grumpy, grumpy, grumpy

by rastronomicals on Sep 12, 2007 9:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

My, how time flies

Astros September Song

by Joe in Birmingham on Sep 12, 2007 9:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

This game is boring

Nothing seems to be happening.

Astros September Song

by Joe in Birmingham on Sep 12, 2007 8:54 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Amusing item from Astros' mailbag:

Response is by Allison Footer, who will undoubtedly be looking for a new job soon,

If I had a dollar for every time McLane uses the word "champion," would I have enough money to buy the Astros?
-- Ludy T., College Station

Doubtful, but if you throw in "charging" and "leadership," you'd probably have enough to buy a solid spot starter/long reliever.

The wrong men were fired!

by bwhite2323 on Sep 12, 2007 8:59 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Don't Think

Mclane can fire Footer, any more than he can fire Richard Justice.

Grumpy, grumpy, grumpy

by rastronomicals on Sep 12, 2007 9:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

It's all about access...

if she loses it, she loses it!

The wrong men were fired!

by bwhite2323 on Sep 12, 2007 9:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Alyson Footer

has established her credibility enough that she probably would move to a better job than MLB.com.

Astros September Song

by Joe in Birmingham on Sep 12, 2007 9:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Just as have many of the

people that Drayton has dismissed.

The wrong men were fired!

by bwhite2323 on Sep 13, 2007 9:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I was at the game last night

and it was about this time we came to life. Is there any better feeling in life than watching smug Cubs fans lose after blowing a 4-1 lead?

Answer: Yes! Watching smug Yankees fans lose after blowing any lead!

The wrong men were fired!

by bwhite2323 on Sep 12, 2007 9:01 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Did they have their

"let's go cubbies" or whatever it is chant going?

by olPete on Sep 12, 2007 9:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

They did

until the bottom of the 11th.....

The wrong men were fired!

by bwhite2323 on Sep 12, 2007 9:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

3-1

Mark Loretta homerun

Come-back time.

Astros September Song

by Joe in Birmingham on Sep 12, 2007 9:08 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

The Cubs have 3 runs tonight

and Loretta has 3 home runs for the season.

Coincidence? I think not!

The wrong men were fired!

by bwhite2323 on Sep 12, 2007 9:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

LOR.

ETT.

Grumpy, grumpy, grumpy

by rastronomicals on Sep 12, 2007 9:08 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Miracle of technology department:

The WGN feed is about 5 seconds ahead of the Fox Sports feed here. It's like instant instant replay.

The wrong men were fired!

by bwhite2323 on Sep 12, 2007 9:20 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Will Hunter Pence score?

The question of the moment. He's on first with one out.

Astros September Song

by Joe in Birmingham on Sep 12, 2007 9:31 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

no

I can't believe he did that! :( 1 Run just doesn't matter!

by TimStros on Sep 12, 2007 9:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

If Soriano doesn't make an instant recovery

he would have made it. I'd actually like to see a replay from a different camera.

But bad move.

by olPete on Sep 12, 2007 9:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

he was safe

At least thats what it looked like in the replays. I actually thought that was the 9th innings so i'm not as pissed as I was. I can see trying to squeeze out a run in the 8th, but not the 9th when your down by 2...

by TimStros on Sep 12, 2007 9:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

no he won't

Biggio singled. Hunter stupidly tried to take third. Ball was there and Pence was 10-15 feet from the base. Replay showed, however, that maybe Ramirez did not tag Hunter before he touched the base. Doesn't matter. Ump called Pence out. Terrible baserunnig error. Bad night for Hunter Pence.

Made even worse because Berkman got an infield single after that.

And Lee flied to center to end the inning.

Astros September Song

by Joe in Birmingham on Sep 12, 2007 9:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

LOL

Little kid calling SAFE!

Adam Everett WTFPWNS U!

by entropic soul on Sep 12, 2007 9:34 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

What happens

if a batted ball goes through one of those open slots in the scoreboard: Homerun or Double?

Astros September Song

by Joe in Birmingham on Sep 12, 2007 9:41 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

WGN guys

already talking win. Jeeez.

by olPete on Sep 12, 2007 9:46 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Good omen

Loretta grounder to first hit the bag and skipped into right field.

Astros September Song

by Joe in Birmingham on Sep 12, 2007 9:52 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Another good omen

Mike Lamb pinch hitting hit a ball to center, Felix Pie over-ran the ball, Lamb ended up on third. Josh Anderson, running for Mark Loretta, scored

3-2.

Astros September Song

by Joe in Birmingham on Sep 12, 2007 9:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Orlando Palmeiro walked

after Luke Scott grounded out.

Runners on first and third, one out.

Eric Bruntlett running for Palmeiro. Bruntlett scored the winning run last night.

Cubs having a big pow-wow on the mound.

Astros September Song

by Joe in Birmingham on Sep 12, 2007 9:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Bad Bad Omen

GIDP Munson.

Game over.

Astros lose 3-2

Astros September Song

by Joe in Birmingham on Sep 12, 2007 10:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Announcer calls that

ball hitting the base, "buzzard luck."

Never heard that one.

by olPete on Sep 12, 2007 9:52 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Hmm

I don't get my hopes up anymore over these.

by jonthefon on Sep 12, 2007 9:53 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

It's more fun if you do

Astros September Song

by Joe in Birmingham on Sep 12, 2007 9:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Time for a passed ball

by olPete on Sep 12, 2007 9:59 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Munson batting

Bad omen?

by jonthefon on Sep 12, 2007 10:01 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

yes

Astros September Song

by Joe in Birmingham on Sep 12, 2007 10:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I dunno.

I had another big rant on my BLogspot SporticiousRamblings

by jonthefon on Sep 12, 2007 10:02 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

It's Official

Astros have a losing record in 2007. Write it down in the history books.

Astros September Song

by Joe in Birmingham on Sep 12, 2007 10:51 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Here Comes The 17-Game Win Streak

Bank on it, bet the farm.

Grumpy, grumpy, grumpy

by rastronomicals on Sep 12, 2007 11:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

We can't -

We already dismantled the farm - system, that is.

The wrong men were fired!

by bwhite2323 on Sep 13, 2007 9:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Desperation setting in at Minute Maid

An email from the Astros today:

"Come see the Astros take on the Pirates for nearly half-price courtesy of the Astros latest E-Saver special. Order Field Box seats for $20 (regular price $37) or Bullpen Box seats for $14 (regular price $24)."

Not really that great a deal, since the total energy and ability level of both teams is about half at this point.

The wrong men were fired!

by bwhite2323 on Sep 13, 2007 9:15 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

The Astros view from the bottom

of the NL's worst division is as follows:

Magic number for official elimination from wild card contention: 3 (San Diego)

Magic number for elimination from Central Division title contention: 7 (Milwaukee or Chicago)

Go TEXANS!

The wrong men were fired!

by bwhite2323 on Sep 13, 2007 9:23 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

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