Houston Astros @ Arizona Diamondbacks GameThread, Apr 29, 2008 8:40 PM CDT

when he rounded 3d base. I’m not fond of that 3d base coach call. I like aggressiveness, but not with the pitcher like that Plus now you worry that Cassel will be affected as he pitches now.

by clack on Apr 29, 2008 9:22 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I think you're damned if you do, damned if you don't

we did have the top of the lineup up, but w/ 2 outs and our bats, probably a pretty low % of scoring that run.

on the other hand, it sounds like the throw was there in plenty of time, so it wasn’t so close that it required the proverbial perfect play.

In that situation, I’m ok w/ the gamble. Maybe I’d feel diff if it was Oswalt running instead of Cassel.

by lnewcomer on Apr 29, 2008 9:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

it was a pretty good throw and relay

worst part was cassel’s slide. looks like he came down awkwardly on his knee.

by lnewcomer on Apr 29, 2008 9:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

tag looked high

but when the throw beats you by a full step you’re not going to get that call

by lnewcomer on Apr 29, 2008 9:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I was surprised Cassel

put his shoulder into the catcher, trying to know the ball out.

by clack on Apr 29, 2008 9:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

if he did it was a pretty weak effort

he definitely attempted some kind of slide, rather than running thru the catcher.

by lnewcomer on Apr 29, 2008 9:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

nice DP

has Cassel cracked 90 on the gun tonight? I’m really not familiar w/ his stuff, so maybe he’s just a soft-tosser.

by lnewcomer on Apr 29, 2008 9:23 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Cassel doesn't normally pitch in the 90's

average fastball speed is 87-88, but it is a sinker. He throws a slow slider (75-76) and a slow change (74-75). In his last start, the radio guys were talking about his unusual change up, which has been called differernt things. It is a palm ball, but he can vary his arm angle and make it look like a splitter or something.

by clack on Apr 29, 2008 9:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

it's a shame

to waste such solid starts by Berkman and Tejada. hope they can keep it going.

by lnewcomer on Apr 29, 2008 9:31 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

bases juiced

for Blum.

by lnewcomer on Apr 29, 2008 9:35 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

wow

double to clear the bases.

The D’Back fans are both happy and sad. Sad for the runs. Happy b/c the rookie pitcher will prob come in now.

by lnewcomer on Apr 29, 2008 9:37 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

nope, I guess I was wrong. Gonzalez still in.

by lnewcomer on Apr 29, 2008 9:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

the rookie...

just started getting loose at the beginning of Blum’s AB.

by BTastros on Apr 29, 2008 9:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

and it wasn't a "get ready quick" throwing session...

from the looks of it, since they were hoping Gonzalez would get out of the inning himself.

by BTastros on Apr 29, 2008 9:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

With a big enough lead in the division,

we’ll give Max Scherzer his extra time warming up. Even if it means another run or two.

"Juan Cruz has Freddy Krueger stuff. Welcome to Elm Street." -- Mark Grace

by DbacksSkins on Apr 29, 2008 9:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

nice!

Error by the fielder helps (I presume it was scored an error, at least.)

by BTastros on Apr 29, 2008 9:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

F/C

on the decision to go to 2nd

by lnewcomer on Apr 29, 2008 9:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Heh...

I meant the fact that the ball went under his glove.

by BTastros on Apr 29, 2008 9:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

so far nothing in the box score

they may go back and look at it later

by lnewcomer on Apr 29, 2008 9:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Blum capitalizes and shoddy fielding helps

by clack on Apr 29, 2008 9:37 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Blum

I had absolutely no confidence in Blum that at-bat , and he drove in three runs!!

Astros fan for life

by Joe in Birmingham on Apr 29, 2008 9:38 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Chron guy pointed out that Cassel has as many hits this year

as Cruz and Ausmus (also backe & oswalt in the pitchers category).

in only 3 AB.

by lnewcomer on Apr 29, 2008 9:40 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

way to go JR

I need those fantasy points (and we needed the run).

was it a HR?

by lnewcomer on Apr 29, 2008 9:41 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

yes

by BTastros on Apr 29, 2008 9:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

it hit something metal over the fence and bounced straight back.

More sub-par umpiring costing us, heh.

by BTastros on Apr 29, 2008 9:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

when you're going as bad as we are

even your luck is bad

by lnewcomer on Apr 29, 2008 9:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah

you guys got robbed of an extra run.

"Juan Cruz has Freddy Krueger stuff. Welcome to Elm Street." -- Mark Grace

by DbacksSkins on Apr 29, 2008 9:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

radio guys

saying the way it bounced back so hard into the field that it may have hit off a railing right behind the wall

by lnewcomer on Apr 29, 2008 9:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

He was robbed of a HR!!!!!!

replays show it.

by clack on Apr 29, 2008 9:42 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Here comes their rookie

by BTastros on Apr 29, 2008 9:43 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Max Scherzer

Per the D-BAcks TV team, this is the D-Backs top rated prospect. Dominated the PCL sayeth they.

Astros fan for life

by Joe in Birmingham on Apr 29, 2008 9:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

ridiculous K/BB ratio, like 38/3 or something

by lnewcomer on Apr 29, 2008 9:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

38 Ks 3 BBs in 23 innings in AAA.

First round draft pick in 2006.

"Juan Cruz has Freddy Krueger stuff. Welcome to Elm Street." -- Mark Grace

by DbacksSkins on Apr 29, 2008 10:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

so I gather he's been a starter in the minors

which I would assume means he’ll probably go at least 3 tonight?

by lnewcomer on Apr 29, 2008 10:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

If not more.

There was talk of turning him into a closer, a la Papelbon, but they’re trying to develop his secondary pitches and stretch him into a starter.

"Juan Cruz has Freddy Krueger stuff. Welcome to Elm Street." -- Mark Grace

by DbacksSkins on Apr 29, 2008 10:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

he's bringing it

by lnewcomer on Apr 29, 2008 9:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

On reflection

I think it was bad form for the DBacks manager to change pitchers with 2 out and Cassel coming to bat.

Sure – the Rookie gets to pitch to a pitcher for his first Major league batter; but the manager took out a struggling pitcher who most likely could have retired Cassel and been in the dugout when he was removed from the game. Manager cost him some confidence.

Astros fan for life

by Joe in Birmingham on Apr 29, 2008 10:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

true

but once you’ve given up 4 runs and the pitcher already has one hit off you, you don’t have much room to complain.

conversely, he may have thought bringing in a rookie reliever in his first MLB appearance against the oppo pitcher was a plus

by lnewcomer on Apr 29, 2008 10:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

He is supposed to be an elite prospect.

Has been compared to Lincecum. Had the same kind of numbers in AAA.

by clack on Apr 29, 2008 9:47 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Scherzer

has better velocity, I believe

"Juan Cruz has Freddy Krueger stuff. Welcome to Elm Street." -- Mark Grace

by DbacksSkins on Apr 29, 2008 10:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

the D'Backs LF displayed some Carlos Lee level defense

on Blum’s double

by lnewcomer on Apr 29, 2008 9:47 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Sally

usually spells Upton in RF. He’s not used to playing left.

"Juan Cruz has Freddy Krueger stuff. Welcome to Elm Street." -- Mark Grace

by DbacksSkins on Apr 29, 2008 10:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

OT: on the internet stream

they play the opening from Mister Mister’s “Take These Broken Wings” as the bump music coming back into the broadcast.

And yes, I am ashamed that I know that song

by lnewcomer on Apr 29, 2008 9:50 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Nice throw by Tejada for 3d out

by clack on Apr 29, 2008 9:53 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

nice inning by Cassel

3 up, 3 down after scoring some runs. make your fielders work.

by lnewcomer on Apr 29, 2008 9:53 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Triple

then a 1-2-3 inning. Not too bad.

"Juan Cruz has Freddy Krueger stuff. Welcome to Elm Street." -- Mark Grace

by DbacksSkins on Apr 29, 2008 10:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nice throws by...

Blum and Tejada.

by BTastros on Apr 29, 2008 9:54 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

OT: Roy Halladay threw his 4th CG in a row

although tonight was a loss as he gave up the winning run to the BoSox in the bot. 9. w/ two out. Loses 1-0.

by lnewcomer on Apr 29, 2008 9:56 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Scherzer throw sidearm?

it’s hard to tell on Gameday, but his release point on the graph looks pretty low.

by lnewcomer on Apr 29, 2008 9:58 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Looks

sorta more like a 3/4 delivery

"Juan Cruz has Freddy Krueger stuff. Welcome to Elm Street." -- Mark Grace

by DbacksSkins on Apr 29, 2008 10:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

so far he's making us look bad

but that’s not saying much

by lnewcomer on Apr 29, 2008 9:59 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I don't see any side arm action

by clack on Apr 29, 2008 9:59 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Scherzer's changeup =

Cassel’s fastball :)

by BTastros on Apr 29, 2008 10:00 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Nice game so far

Nice to see the Astros have the lead again.

by entropic soul on Apr 29, 2008 10:01 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

so we promptly give up a run

although if Cassel can get two more outs it’s not that bad

by lnewcomer on Apr 29, 2008 10:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

You were saying?

"Juan Cruz has Freddy Krueger stuff. Welcome to Elm Street." -- Mark Grace

by DbacksSkins on Apr 29, 2008 10:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I bet D-Backs fans wish Scherzer had started.

by clack on Apr 29, 2008 10:05 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Only in retrospect.

We were having that discussion at the ‘Pit, though.

"Juan Cruz has Freddy Krueger stuff. Welcome to Elm Street." -- Mark Grace

by DbacksSkins on Apr 29, 2008 10:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Here's hoping...

Berkman and/or Lee can tell Scherzer “welcome to the bigs” in their own special way.

by BTastros on Apr 29, 2008 10:06 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

definitely his first test

by lnewcomer on Apr 29, 2008 10:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Berkman didn't do much

just a loud foul

by lnewcomer on Apr 29, 2008 10:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Cubs v Brewers

Cubs are 2 runs behind the Brewers in the 8th, so if they lose and we win, we get a little bit closer to them.

by entropic soul on Apr 29, 2008 10:07 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

down with the Cubs!!

"Juan Cruz has Freddy Krueger stuff. Welcome to Elm Street." -- Mark Grace

by DbacksSkins on Apr 29, 2008 10:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

weird that we're only in the 5th

feels like much later

by lnewcomer on Apr 29, 2008 10:07 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Berkman needs to start lighting it up again.

So he can be NL Player of the Week this week too. :)

by entropic soul on Apr 29, 2008 10:09 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

excuse me

but I believe you mean the Bank Of America Presents the Gatorade Honorary Nike Swoosh-Wearing Player of the Week brought to you by Pepsi

by lnewcomer on Apr 29, 2008 10:11 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs

Yes. That.

It comes with a watch!

by entropic soul on Apr 29, 2008 10:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

+1

"Juan Cruz has Freddy Krueger stuff. Welcome to Elm Street." -- Mark Grace

by DbacksSkins on Apr 29, 2008 10:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Lee fouls one into his junk

and then has to face 96+ FB. fun.

by lnewcomer on Apr 29, 2008 10:12 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Now that I see a couple of slo-mo replays

of Carlos Lee’s foul ball, I notice that Scherzer may drop down a bit.. not sidearm but is an unusual release.

by clack on Apr 29, 2008 10:12 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

moral victories

not striking out against this guy. popouts and broken bats are badges of honor

by lnewcomer on Apr 29, 2008 10:12 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Brewers up by 3 (10-7. 8th inning)

by entropic soul on Apr 29, 2008 10:15 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

2 BB in the inning

who’s warming up? prob too early for Marlo.

by lnewcomer on Apr 29, 2008 10:23 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Radio said Byrdak.

Phear T.S.'s Crawdaddies...

by TexSkins on Apr 29, 2008 10:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

didn't realize we still had him on the club

thought he’d been sent down.

by lnewcomer on Apr 29, 2008 10:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

also didn't realize he has a ridiculous looking soul patch

from his pic on Gameday

by lnewcomer on Apr 29, 2008 10:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

at least it's not red

by entropic soul on Apr 29, 2008 10:42 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs

It sucks that Cassel can't get the win...

but it was the right move.

Phear T.S.'s Crawdaddies...

by TexSkins on Apr 29, 2008 10:24 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

yeah it was

walks are bad and should be punished

by lnewcomer on Apr 29, 2008 10:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Cassel taken out with 2 outs in the fifth

AAAARRRGGGHHHH. I feel for him. One out from qualifying for a win

Astros fan for life

by Joe in Birmingham on Apr 29, 2008 10:24 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Well

Maybe he will still get it.

by entropic soul on Apr 29, 2008 10:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

He can't

"Juan Cruz has Freddy Krueger stuff. Welcome to Elm Street." -- Mark Grace

by DbacksSkins on Apr 29, 2008 10:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I was trying to remember

If a starter leaves w/ the lead, but doesn’t go 5 innings. And the team never gets tied or gives up the lead, I think the rule is still that the starter can’t get the win, no matter what. Scorer selects one of the other pitchers.

by lnewcomer on Apr 29, 2008 10:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

He only went 4.2... not the 5 IP required for a win.

Phear T.S.'s Crawdaddies...

by TexSkins on Apr 29, 2008 10:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Byrdak is in line for the win.

Damn vultures.

Phear T.S.'s Crawdaddies...

by TexSkins on Apr 29, 2008 10:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

But isn't that up to the scorer?

I thought the scorer can still give it to him.

by entropic soul on Apr 29, 2008 10:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

yes, I think that's right

but it’s not automatic.

Do you think Byrdak stays in to pitch, or does Coop bring in geary or Villarreal?

by lnewcomer on Apr 29, 2008 10:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Is he?

thought it was a judgment call for the scorer, based on the remaining pitchers performance throughout the rest of the game.

by lnewcomer on Apr 29, 2008 10:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe I'm wrong...

but I thought you had to go 5 to get the decision.

Phear T.S.'s Crawdaddies...

by TexSkins on Apr 29, 2008 10:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I thought

it was whoever was on the mound when the 15th out occurs?

"Juan Cruz has Freddy Krueger stuff. Welcome to Elm Street." -- Mark Grace

by DbacksSkins on Apr 29, 2008 10:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

doing some googling

by lnewcomer on Apr 29, 2008 10:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think technically

the scorer can give it the starter if the relievers are very ineffective. But that’s not going to happen tonight.

Astros fan for life

by Joe in Birmingham on Apr 29, 2008 10:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Here's what I found - a reliver would get the win

If the pitcher whose team assumes a lead while such pitcher is in the game, or during the inning on offense in which such pitcher is removed from the game, and does not relinquish such lead, is a starting pitcher who has not completed
(1) five innings of a game that lasts six or more innings on defense, or
(2) four innings of a game that lasts five innings on defense, then the official scorer shall credit as the winning pitcher the relief pitcher, if there is only one relief pitcher, or the relief pitcher who, in the official scorer’s judgment was the most effective, if there is more than one relief pitcher.
Rule 10.17(b) Comment: It is the intent of Rule 10.17(b) that a relief pitcher pitch at least one complete inning or pitch when a crucial out is made, within the context of the game (including the score), in order to be credited as the winning pitcher. If the first relief pitcher pitches effectively, the official scorer should not presumptively credit that pitcher with the win, because the rule requires that the win be credited to the pitcher who was the most effective, and a subsequent relief pitcher may have been most effective. The official scorer, in determining which relief pitcher was the most effective, should consider the number of runs, earned runs and base runners given up by each relief pitcher and the context of the game at the time of each relief pitcher’s appearance. If two or more relief pitchers were similarly effective, the official scorer should give the presumption to the earlier pitcher as the winning pitcher.
(c) The official scorer shall not credit as the winning pitcher a relief pitcher who is ineffective in a brief appearance, when at least one succeeding relief pitcher pitches effectively in helping his team maintain its lead. In such a case, the official scorer shall credit as the winning pitcher the succeeding relief pitcher who was most effective, in the judgment of the official scorer.
Rule 10.17© Comment: The official scorer generally should, but is not required to, consider the appearance of a relief pitcher to be ineffective and brief if such relief pitcher pitches less than one inning and allows two or more earned runs to score (even if such runs are charged to a previous pitcher). Rule 10.17(b) Comment provides guidance on choosing the winning pitcher from among several succeeding relief pitchers.

Astros fan for life

by Joe in Birmingham on Apr 29, 2008 10:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

damn, you just beat me

Cassel can’t get the win at all and it’s up to the official scorer to choose the most effective reliever to award it to. Right now, I’d guess Villarreal, for getting 3 outs, but maybe Byrdak gets credit for getting out of a jam.

by lnewcomer on Apr 29, 2008 10:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

all these "who gets the win" conversations

are very premature

by lnewcomer on Apr 29, 2008 10:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Isn't premature conversation...

the whole idea behind live blogging games?

Phear T.S.'s Crawdaddies...

by TexSkins on Apr 29, 2008 10:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Heh, that's gonna be a tough day

It has to happen pretty soon if he doesn’t start hitting, and quick.

Here’s hoping he can pick one up in his next AB.

by BTastros on Apr 29, 2008 10:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

What Cruz is doing now...

is representative of his hitting in each of the previous 2 or 3 years. I am not optimistic. Cruz probably is lucky that no outfielders are tearing it up in Round Rock.

by clack on Apr 29, 2008 10:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Cubs have the makings of a 9th inning rally

1 out double and the line up is about to turn over.

by entropic soul on Apr 29, 2008 10:39 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Walk

And Coop yanks the chain at lightning speed. Villareal in now.

by entropic soul on Apr 29, 2008 10:40 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Curious that...

Coop let Byrdak hit if he was ready to pull him at the first sign of trouble.

by BTastros on Apr 29, 2008 10:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

we needed that

by lnewcomer on Apr 29, 2008 10:44 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

What's Matsui On Base Percentage right now?

Anyone know?

by entropic soul on Apr 29, 2008 10:49 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

thought I saw it was just over .300

but I’d have to check.

by lnewcomer on Apr 29, 2008 10:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Matsui....304 OBP

by clack on Apr 29, 2008 10:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That kinda sucks

by entropic soul on Apr 29, 2008 10:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Milwaukee shut down the Cubs

by the way

by entropic soul on Apr 29, 2008 10:51 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Meanwhile

Scherzer shuts us down through 3

by entropic soul on Apr 29, 2008 10:52 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

So...

I think I can be happy to see a rookie have such a great major league debut…

So long as we don’t blow the lead.

by BTastros on Apr 29, 2008 10:52 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

MLB Debut Record

Max Scherzer set a major league record for numbee of men retired in a row in a major league debut. He’s only one strikeout away from tying the strikeout record for a debut performance.

Astros fan for life

by Joe in Birmingham on Apr 29, 2008 10:53 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Againsts the Astros

:sigh:

by entropic soul on Apr 29, 2008 10:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I may be wrong....

but I thought J.R. Richard had something like 15 K’s in his debut performance.

by clack on Apr 29, 2008 10:54 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I was right about Richard....

See his player page from B-Ref.
http://www.baseball-reference.com/r/richaj.01.shtml

by clack on Apr 29, 2008 10:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think it was the record...

for K’s in a debut appearance as a reliever.

by BTastros on Apr 29, 2008 10:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I stand corrected

Both records I mentioned were for relievers (not for starters); and Scherzer was pulled before he tied the strikeout record.

Astros fan for life

by Joe in Birmingham on Apr 29, 2008 11:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Another jam for the Astros

Will we bring out Wright?

by entropic soul on Apr 29, 2008 10:55 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I was wondering how much he's worked this week

by lnewcomer on Apr 29, 2008 10:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Strikeout!

swish.. and that pitcher is out of the game finally. Maybe we can go back to putting some runs on the board.

by entropic soul on Apr 29, 2008 11:00 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

no kidding

13 in a row

by lnewcomer on Apr 29, 2008 11:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Will we see the Wright Stuff?

by clack on Apr 29, 2008 11:01 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

No. Brocail

by clack on Apr 29, 2008 11:02 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

The Brocail stuff?

by entropic soul on Apr 29, 2008 11:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

wow, Rockets won 95-69

according to radio. 69???

by lnewcomer on Apr 29, 2008 11:02 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

The Rockets played today?

by entropic soul on Apr 29, 2008 11:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

still think they're toast

by lnewcomer on Apr 29, 2008 11:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

yep

that’s the right score. amazing.

by exit53 on Apr 29, 2008 11:03 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

been in austin for quite a while now

which has really killed being a rockets fan. all they show are spurs and sometimes mavs.

by lnewcomer on Apr 29, 2008 11:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

right there with you

in austin missing the rockets games as well. do you watch the games on the computer via the feeds they post on clutchfans?

by exit53 on Apr 29, 2008 11:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

no, i really just stopped being much of a fan

followed them the whole time I was growing up, but now I just vaguely keep track of what’s going on. I’ve soured on the NBA in general.

by lnewcomer on Apr 29, 2008 11:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

max s.

i’m awfully glad i picked up that arizona pitcher for my fantasy team today.

by exit53 on Apr 29, 2008 11:03 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

that was inspired

by lnewcomer on Apr 29, 2008 11:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

luckily..

i did it in time for today’s game!

by exit53 on Apr 29, 2008 11:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wow.

Smart thinking.

"Juan Cruz has Freddy Krueger stuff. Welcome to Elm Street." -- Mark Grace

by DbacksSkins on Apr 29, 2008 11:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ugh. brocail doesn't help.

by clack on Apr 29, 2008 11:04 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

6-4

brocail gives up rbi single.

by exit53 on Apr 29, 2008 11:04 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Well, 1 run and 1 out... sure

At this rate, we’ll leave the inning 6-5.

by entropic soul on Apr 29, 2008 11:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

that worked out OK

after the run, a couple pop ups to end the inning and we just need to get past the 3-4 hitters next inning.

by lnewcomer on Apr 29, 2008 11:08 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

glad we could help scherzer w/ this

only 2nd pitcher since 1956 to throw 3+ perfect innings in his debut

http://blogs.chron.com/unofficialscorer/2008/04/scherzer_sets_a_mark_for_the_a.html

Your Houston Astros.

by lnewcomer on Apr 29, 2008 11:11 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

If it makes you feel any better

it’s Max Scherzer. It’s not you.

"Juan Cruz has Freddy Krueger stuff. Welcome to Elm Street." -- Mark Grace

by DbacksSkins on Apr 29, 2008 11:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't know

we seem to have a way to make rookie pitchers shine. Kerry Wood’s 20K performance still hurts.

by lnewcomer on Apr 29, 2008 11:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well

you also scored 6 runs and beat us, so

"Juan Cruz has Freddy Krueger stuff. Welcome to Elm Street." -- Mark Grace

by DbacksSkins on Apr 30, 2008 12:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Jennings got another loss...

0-5.

Phear T.S.'s Crawdaddies...

by TexSkins on Apr 29, 2008 11:12 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

good lord

unreal. or too real.

by exit53 on Apr 29, 2008 11:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

might be Matt Morris time

for him.

by lnewcomer on Apr 29, 2008 11:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

5 runs on 8 hits in 2 innings

I don’t miss him at all.

Astros fan for life

by Joe in Birmingham on Apr 29, 2008 11:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Coop is learning...

Carlos Lee goes out for defensive replacement

by clack on Apr 29, 2008 11:16 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I missed when Pence came in

by lnewcomer on Apr 29, 2008 11:17 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

nevermind

just this inning. Pence into 5 spot, Lee comes out. Cruz to LF

by lnewcomer on Apr 29, 2008 11:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Brocail inspired by Scherzer

by lnewcomer on Apr 29, 2008 11:19 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

valverde

will he close it out tonight against his former team? makes me scared out of my mind.

by exit53 on Apr 29, 2008 11:21 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Yep

get ready for scary ride. emotional pitcher with an emotional game against his old team.

by clack on Apr 29, 2008 11:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Day Game Tomorrow

Chacon versus Randy Johnson

Astros fan for life

by Joe in Birmingham on Apr 29, 2008 11:26 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Chacon with the better ERA...

despite a K/BB ratio of 1.

by BTastros on Apr 29, 2008 11:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

nice!

thanks for the heads-up on the time. i have the day free tomorrow; good news indeed.

by exit53 on Apr 29, 2008 11:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think half my fantasy team is out w/ the same injury

strained quad. First ARod, now Tulowitski

by lnewcomer on Apr 29, 2008 11:27 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

uhoh Big Papa time

by lnewcomer on Apr 29, 2008 11:29 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Sounds like...

the DB’s announcers have a ton of respect for Valverde. They just announced that he’s up next with. “Here. He. Comes.” In this really grave tone.

Guess they haven’t been following how he’s been doing since the trade.

by BTastros on Apr 29, 2008 11:31 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

PAPA GRANDE!!!

"Juan Cruz has Freddy Krueger stuff. Welcome to Elm Street." -- Mark Grace

by DbacksSkins on Apr 29, 2008 11:32 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Upton K's on 3 pitches

Valverde throwing heat

by lnewcomer on Apr 29, 2008 11:34 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

but next batter doubles

picked up by ball boy

by lnewcomer on Apr 29, 2008 11:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

sorry, 4 pitches

Burke K’s on 3 pitches though

by lnewcomer on Apr 29, 2008 11:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Uh oh. Senior Cittizen moment.

by clack on Apr 29, 2008 11:34 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

hahaha

by exit53 on Apr 29, 2008 11:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Chris Burke!

Burke out! Calling it.

by entropic soul on Apr 29, 2008 11:35 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

second it.

by exit53 on Apr 29, 2008 11:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Will he

burke to second?

Astros fan for life

by Joe in Birmingham on Apr 29, 2008 11:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nope

Struck out swinging

Astros fan for life

by Joe in Birmingham on Apr 29, 2008 11:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

i feel a little better that when they go to their bench

Chris Burke is all they can muster.

but watch in jack one just to prove us wrong.

by lnewcomer on Apr 29, 2008 11:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Strike out!

Even better… well, no.. I wish I was right. :p

by entropic soul on Apr 29, 2008 11:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I can't watch this.

I was ready for Chris to go by the end, but it’s hard to root against him.

by BTastros on Apr 29, 2008 11:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Standing up at home

by lnewcomer on Apr 29, 2008 11:39 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

99 mph!!!

by entropic soul on Apr 29, 2008 11:39 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

WIN!!!

3 strike outs!

by entropic soul on Apr 29, 2008 11:41 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

nice game. good win.

by lnewcomer on Apr 29, 2008 11:41 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

This is the Jose Valverde whom the Astros traded for

by clack on Apr 29, 2008 11:42 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

yep

Maybe pitching at his old park will have helped get him back on his game.

He looked fantastic.

by BTastros on Apr 29, 2008 11:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Astros Needed This Win

Astros fan for life

by Joe in Birmingham on Apr 29, 2008 11:43 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

And the Winning Pitcher is ....

Brocail according to MLB.com

Astros fan for life

by Joe in Birmingham on Apr 29, 2008 11:45 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Over both

Byrdak and Villarreal. interesting.

Astros fan for life

by Joe in Birmingham on Apr 29, 2008 11:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

hmm

guess they give him credit for getting out of Villarreal’s jam and never being in trouble himself. How many IP did he have vs. Villarreal?

by lnewcomer on Apr 29, 2008 11:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

IP

1.1 for Villarreal vs. 1.2 for Brocail

Brocail was not charged for any runs either, whereas Villarreal got dinged for 1, so I suppose under the criteria in 10.17 he would be considered the “most effective”

by lnewcomer on Apr 29, 2008 11:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Good game.

See you tomorrow for the rubber match.

"Juan Cruz has Freddy Krueger stuff. Welcome to Elm Street." -- Mark Grace

by DbacksSkins on Apr 30, 2008 12:03 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

You spell rubber so much better...

Phear T.S.'s Crawdaddies...

by TexSkins on Apr 30, 2008 1:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oops

sorry, *runnber

"Juan Cruz has Freddy Krueger stuff. Welcome to Elm Street." -- Mark Grace

by DbacksSkins on Apr 30, 2008 2:20 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nice win today guys!

See you tomorrow for (hopefully) another win.

by entropic soul on Apr 30, 2008 2:32 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

	W	L	PCT	GB	STRK
St. Louis Viva El Birdos	91	71	.561	0	Lost 6
Chicago Bleed Cubbie Blue	83	78	.515	7.5	Lost 1
Milwaukee Brew Crew Ball	80	82	.493	11	Won 3
Cincinnati Red Reporter	78	84	.481	13	Won 2
Houston The Crawfish Boxes	74	88	.456	17	Lost 3
Pittsburgh Bucs Dugout	62	99	.385	28.5	Lost 2

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