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Houston Astros at Chicago Cubs, 1:20 PM CDT

Houston Astros at Chicago Cubs, Apr 6, 2008 1:20 PM CDT


Next Game

Houston Astros Red-star
@ Chicago Cubs Red-star

Sunday, Apr 6, 2008, 1:20 PM CDT
Wrigley Field

Brandon Backe(0-1, 3.60) vs Carlos Zambrano (0-0, 0.00)

Partly cloudy. Winds blowing from right to left field at 5-15 m.p.h. Game Time temperature: Around 65.

The Houston Astros take on the Chicago Cubs for the last game of this 3 game series.  Series is currently tied 1-1 after the Astros gave up a 3 run lead in the 7th inning yesterday and eventually lost the game 7-9. 
The Astros are sending Brandon Backe to the hill to face Carlos "Evil Z" Zambrano.  Last time out Backe went 5 innings while giving up 2 runs on 5 hits with 3 walks and 3 strike outs.  Hopefully Backe can work at least 6 today and have some of the same success as last time out.  Carlos Zambrano went 6.2 innings without giving up a run, but left the game with a no decision as Ben Sheets had an equally good outing without giving up a run though 6.1.  Carlos then watched from the bench as the Cubs gave up 3 runs in the 9th and then another in the 10th to lose the game. 
The Astros will probably be without Lance Berkman today who hurt his neck in Friday's game against the Cubs while trying to score from 1st on a Miguel Tejada triple.  
If he doesn't improve overnight, it's likely he'll sit for Sunday's game.

"I never want to rule anything out," Berkman said. "I don't want to take myself out of the lineup before I show up and see how it feels. If it feels like it did today, I'm just not going to be able to do it. It's not a question of want to. It's just physically, if you can't turn your head, you can't do it."

The Astros will also be without Ty Wigginton who has a fractured left thumb.  Wigginton made a couple of errant throws in the Astros loss to the Cubs on Saturday, and we'll blame the thumb for that(even though it's on his left hand.. shh). 

With Lance and Ty out of the lineup(presuming Lance is out as well), look for Erstad to take over for 1st and Blum to start at 3rd.  Erstad and Blum are both doing well so far this season with Erstad batting .400 and Blum batting .429.

Game is being broadcast on my20 in Houston.  For those of you who use Comcast(like me) that is channel 4.  Hopefully all of the video issues from the last time my20 tried to broadcast a game are behind them. 

Lineups
Houston Chicago
1. Bourn, CF 1. Soriano, LF
2. Pence, RF 2. Johnson, CF
3. Erstad, 1B 3. Lee, 1B
4. Lee, LF 4. Ramirez, 3B
5. Tejada, SS 5. Fukudome, RF
6. Blum, 3B 6. DeRosa, 2B
7. Perez, T, 2B 7. Theriot, SS
8. Towles, C 8. Blanco, C
9. Backe, P   9. Zambrano, P

Comment 156 comments  |  0 recs  | 

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I remember Backe from last year

against the Brewers and he looked pretty good. The big Zamboni is always a roll of the dice.

Hope you guys get this one.

by ol Pete on Apr 6, 2008 12:07 PM CDT reply actions  

Me 2

Your Brewers are looking good so far? You think this is their year?

Go 'Stros!

by Stros Bro on Apr 6, 2008 12:30 PM CDT up reply actions  

sure could be

Worrisome things from the sofa: team's ability to hit junky right handers and management (Yost?) hanging on to favorites, most notably Dave Bush. Based on forums and the like, my disdain for Capuano and Bush are minority opinions, but there it is. Cappy is injured and I'd be shocked if he is able to contribute in any way. One other starter has to do something else when Gallardo comes back in a couple weeks or so. Bush should go to AAA or another team, but there is so much fondness for him, who knows.

by ol Pete on Apr 6, 2008 12:46 PM CDT up reply actions  

Well

If the Astros don't win.. I hope the Brewers do... I have a fondness for overweight first basemen :)

Go 'Stros!

by Stros Bro on Apr 6, 2008 1:40 PM CDT up reply actions  

Looks like Berkman

is, indeed going to miss this game.

by entropic soul on Apr 6, 2008 12:52 PM CDT reply actions  

Perez, Erstad, Blum

are the reserves who start today. Vastly weaker hitting lineup but a better defensive infield.

by clack on Apr 6, 2008 12:53 PM CDT reply actions  

based on the pre-game

it looks like Chicago is going Fuckudome-crazy.

by clack on Apr 6, 2008 1:11 PM CDT reply actions  

bourne

witth a single past 1b. WGN says they aren't worried about bourne stealing, because Z is impossible to steal on.

by clack on Apr 6, 2008 1:24 PM CDT reply actions  

Pence

with a vicious grounder past 3d for a single.

by clack on Apr 6, 2008 1:25 PM CDT reply actions  

Bourn thrown out

medium fly to LF, Soriano who is terrific on assists from LF throws him out....not very close.

by clack on Apr 6, 2008 1:30 PM CDT reply actions  

well, you didn't expect to actually

score in the first inning did you? that would be un-astros like

by entropic soul on Apr 6, 2008 1:31 PM CDT reply actions  

bad call by 3d base coach

with Soriano in LF and Tejeda coming up.

by clack on Apr 6, 2008 1:32 PM CDT up reply actions  

WHY????

why on earth would they send bourn on that? that was way too shallow.

by exit53 on Apr 6, 2008 1:32 PM CDT reply actions  

great play by blum

he has looked great in the field

My first mistake was assuming you knew what I was talking about.

by Shamus on Apr 6, 2008 1:33 PM CDT reply actions  

Blum throws out

soriano....already shows better range than Wiggy.

by clack on Apr 6, 2008 1:34 PM CDT reply actions  

With 2 out

Lee doubles...ball over Bourn's head. 1-2 count on that pitch which was too high.

by clack on Apr 6, 2008 1:37 PM CDT reply actions  

Sorry I'm late

Lot of things going on for me today... Getting some new breaks put on my truck, about to go pick that up and buy some new furniture(maybe).. so I'll be around off and on for the day.

Go 'Stros!

by Stros Bro on Apr 6, 2008 1:38 PM CDT reply actions  

Nice K for Backe

Getting Fukudome out early in this season has been tough.

Go 'Stros!

by Stros Bro on Apr 6, 2008 1:42 PM CDT reply actions  

F-man K's and

Fukudome Fever subsides for the moment.

by clack on Apr 6, 2008 1:42 PM CDT reply actions  

Backe looks

as good as he ever has. Overall this season he is going to be good if healthy

My first mistake was assuming you knew what I was talking about.

by Shamus on Apr 6, 2008 1:43 PM CDT reply actions  

Anyone surprised

That Erstad batted 3rd and they didn't move Lee/Tejada up?

Go 'Stros!

by Stros Bro on Apr 6, 2008 1:46 PM CDT reply actions  

yes.

I was thinking the exact same thing like 1 miunute ago.

by entropic soul on Apr 6, 2008 1:47 PM CDT up reply actions  

Ok

this hitting back to the pitcher has got to stop

by entropic soul on Apr 6, 2008 1:47 PM CDT reply actions  

Tejada got all of that

He was doing it in attempt to tire out Zambrano who is energy drink-less today.

Go 'Stros!

by Stros Bro on Apr 6, 2008 1:48 PM CDT up reply actions  

Zambrano slider

Pretty nice pitch, looks like it's coming inside on you and then curves right back over the inside corner.

Go 'Stros!

by Stros Bro on Apr 6, 2008 1:51 PM CDT reply actions  

After Perez single...

that fly out by Towles looked good coming off the bat but it died in LF.

by clack on Apr 6, 2008 1:52 PM CDT reply actions  

Yeah

They said the win is blowing in. Maybe that held it back.

by entropic soul on Apr 6, 2008 1:53 PM CDT up reply actions  

So Bourn got on earlier

and no stolen base? What a sham! :)

Go 'Stros!

by Stros Bro on Apr 6, 2008 1:54 PM CDT reply actions  

didn't have much chance

because Pence quickly doubled...but Bob Brenly assured us that he has no chance of stealing on Zambrano.

by clack on Apr 6, 2008 1:55 PM CDT up reply actions  

Ah, fine then

I'll let him off.

Him saying he has no chance of stealing on Z would just make me want him to steal more :)

Go 'Stros!

by Stros Bro on Apr 6, 2008 1:57 PM CDT up reply actions  

BAD CALL!

From the Replay, Perez was well ahead of DeRosa at 2nd.

Go 'Stros!

by Stros Bro on Apr 6, 2008 1:59 PM CDT reply actions  

got jobbed on that one

very bad call

My first mistake was assuming you knew what I was talking about.

by Shamus on Apr 6, 2008 1:59 PM CDT reply actions  

where was COOP

I would liked to have seen him stirrin the drink on that one

My first mistake was assuming you knew what I was talking about.

by Shamus on Apr 6, 2008 2:01 PM CDT reply actions  

Announcers say Perez

wasn't on the bag. Clearly the umps working for the Cubs today. :p

by entropic soul on Apr 6, 2008 2:03 PM CDT up reply actions  

Perez is a shortstop..

and that may have hurt on the play....he slowed down moving toward 2d in order to get his footwork right for crossing bag...it shouldn't have been that close.

by clack on Apr 6, 2008 2:04 PM CDT up reply actions  

Backe K's Soriano

NICE breaking ball for strike 2

Go 'Stros!

by Stros Bro on Apr 6, 2008 2:02 PM CDT reply actions  

backe has to be upset

good to see he stayed under control

My first mistake was assuming you knew what I was talking about.

by Shamus on Apr 6, 2008 2:03 PM CDT reply actions  

Top 3rd

Astros have Backe, Bourn and Pence due up in the inning

Go 'Stros!

by Stros Bro on Apr 6, 2008 2:04 PM CDT reply actions  

Backe

1st pitch strike as he looks to try and bunt. Backe loops 1 into right field as Fukudome somehow misplays it, Backe runs to 2nd for an odd bloop double. Bad spin on the ball causes it to bounce wildly past F

Go 'Stros!

by Stros Bro on Apr 6, 2008 2:05 PM CDT up reply actions  

Bourn

1st pitch, grounds to 2nd for an easy out. Backe moves over to 3rd. Time for the 'Stros to get that run back.

Go 'Stros!

by Stros Bro on Apr 6, 2008 2:06 PM CDT up reply actions  

Pence

Infield in close to the grass in attempt to try and stop Backe from scoring. Not looking for Pence to hit one to the IF though.

Z kind of all over the place.. slider well in the dirt and then a fastball(only 91?) way high. Mound visit to see what's up.. could be the cramps? Count now 2-1 as Pence flies to right.. Play at home?? No, Backe stops as Fukudome makes a good through that would have gotten Backe at home.

Go 'Stros!

by Stros Bro on Apr 6, 2008 2:08 PM CDT up reply actions  

Erstad

Come on Darin! Last time up he struck out.

Erstad has a 2-0 count before hitting a single to left field to score Backe. Game tied 1-1

Go 'Stros!

by Stros Bro on Apr 6, 2008 2:10 PM CDT up reply actions  

Lee

Erstad goes and is thrown out by a mile... Wow, he's slow and it was a perfect throw.

Go 'Stros!

by Stros Bro on Apr 6, 2008 2:11 PM CDT up reply actions  

Guess it was worth a shot

2 outs and him getting thrown out there brings up Lee and Tejada with a fresh inning... but I still would have liked to see someone with Lee's power up with a runner on. Long ball then scores 2.

Go 'Stros!

by Stros Bro on Apr 6, 2008 2:12 PM CDT up reply actions  

Erstad has good speed...

but Zambrano/Blanco tandem are very difficult to run on.

by clack on Apr 6, 2008 2:14 PM CDT up reply actions  

Soriano

What the hell is that shit on Soriano's face? It looks stupid. At least Soriano is an easy out.

by entropic soul on Apr 6, 2008 2:04 PM CDT reply actions  

the coin has been falling bad

so far this year. Seems like they haven't been cashing in on opportunities.

My first mistake was assuming you knew what I was talking about.

by Shamus on Apr 6, 2008 2:09 PM CDT reply actions  

Bottom 3rd

Johnson, Lee and Ramirez due up

Go 'Stros!

by Stros Bro on Apr 6, 2008 2:13 PM CDT reply actions  

Johnson

I like the last name :)

Backe quickly ahead 1-2 hangs a curveball that Johnson crushes to left field... but it slices foul a good ways.. I wouldn't hang another though. Backe then gets Johnson to fly to Bourn in center on another curveball.. this one not hanging so much.

Go 'Stros!

by Stros Bro on Apr 6, 2008 2:16 PM CDT up reply actions  

Lee

Count now 2-2 as Backe looks to have gotten hosed on a good curveball that was called a ball low.. Lee now hits a line drive to centerfield sending Bourn to the warning track. No worries, Bourn hauls it in pretty easily.

Go 'Stros!

by Stros Bro on Apr 6, 2008 2:18 PM CDT up reply actions  

Ramirez

1st pitch, bloop single to right center

Go 'Stros!

by Stros Bro on Apr 6, 2008 2:19 PM CDT up reply actions  

Fukudome

THey just put a stat up that there are 74000 to 76000 people that are still alive that were alive when the Cubs last won the World series.. seems high to me... but..

Fukudome hits a liner to center that Bourn backs up a few steps but is hit too hard to really go back on, decides instead to leap and makes a nice catch to end the inning.

Go 'Stros!

by Stros Bro on Apr 6, 2008 2:20 PM CDT up reply actions  

Top 4th

Lee, Tejada and Blum due up in the inning.

Lee got some extra batting practice on Zambrano in the 3rd and hopefully will use that to his advantage

Go 'Stros!

by Stros Bro on Apr 6, 2008 2:21 PM CDT reply actions  

Lee

1st pitch, breaking ball for a strike.. Lee was taking all the way, didn't even look like he was ready to take a swing.

Next pitch, swinging strike on what looked to be a slider.. now 0-2 and Lee hits a line drive single to left.

Go 'Stros!

by Stros Bro on Apr 6, 2008 2:22 PM CDT up reply actions  

Tejada

grounds out to short, but for some reason they didn't even try to get Lee running to 2nd who would have been easily out.

Astros signed a minor league catcher.. not sure why.. he's not young, and he hasn't been good in his career(career .244 hitter). I guess they signed him in case Quintero doesn't make it to AAA

http://houston.astros.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080406&content_id=2497446&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou

Go 'Stros!

by Stros Bro on Apr 6, 2008 2:25 PM CDT up reply actions  

Blum

Pops out to Theriot just behind short for out 2.

Go 'Stros!

by Stros Bro on Apr 6, 2008 2:25 PM CDT up reply actions  

Perez

2 outs, Lee still on 2nd. A double would be damn nice(maybe a good single).

2-2 count and Perez strikes out on a fastball that looked to have been well off the plate.

Go 'Stros!

by Stros Bro on Apr 6, 2008 2:28 PM CDT up reply actions  

Actually I kind of wondered...

if the Astros would sign Paul when I saw that he was cut by TB. I thought someone might claim him on waivers first, given the dearth of ML catchers. In his younger days, he was considered an excellent young catcher. That's probably why I thought of him as a decent player. He is 32 now, which is old for catchers, I guess.

I think the Astros realize that Quintero isn't coming back. Apparently the Astros are trying to trade him before he is lost on waivers.

by clack on Apr 6, 2008 2:35 PM CDT up reply actions  

interesting tidbit

on Josh Paul, whom the Astros signed. Barzilla at Astrosdaily just reminded me that Paul was the Angels' catcher in the ALCS in 2005 who was involved in the weird and controversial play with Pierzynski. Recall that Paul caught what appeared to be strike 3 and out #3 with Pierzynski at bat. The ump gave what appeared to be a strike out signal. Paul rolled the ball back to the pitching mound and left the diamond, as did the other Angels. Pierzynski ran down to first base. The umpire then ruled that the ball touched the ground before it entered Paul's mit, and called Pierzynski safe at 1st base. That play sparked a White Sox rally which led them to win the game. The call created a controversy which lasted long after the series was over.

by clack on Apr 6, 2008 9:20 PM CDT up reply actions  

Carlos Lee

is hitting well right now. Caught fire yesterday, still hittin' today.

by clack on Apr 6, 2008 2:23 PM CDT reply actions  

Bottom 4th

DeRosa, Theriot and Blanco due up in the inning.

Go 'Stros!

by Stros Bro on Apr 6, 2008 2:28 PM CDT reply actions  

DeRosa

Flies to center field with Bourn charging in hard, while trying to catch it the ball hits the heal of his glove for Bourn's 1st error of the year. DeRosa stays at 1st.

Go 'Stros!

by Stros Bro on Apr 6, 2008 2:31 PM CDT up reply actions  

Theriot

Backe working on DeRosa at 1st a little, thrown over 2-3 times takes Theriot to a 1-2 before striking out on a slider outside.

Go 'Stros!

by Stros Bro on Apr 6, 2008 2:34 PM CDT up reply actions  

Blanco

Batting 1.000 on the season! Okay, it's only 1 AB... Make that, batting .500 on the season as he flies out to Lee in LF>

Go 'Stros!

by Stros Bro on Apr 6, 2008 2:35 PM CDT up reply actions  

Zambrano

Takes the count to 1-2 before striking out on a breaking ball low.

Go 'Stros!

by Stros Bro on Apr 6, 2008 2:37 PM CDT up reply actions  

Nice job by Backe

to pick Bourn up for that error... Backe pretty strong so far.. let's keep this up.

Go 'Stros!

by Stros Bro on Apr 6, 2008 2:38 PM CDT up reply actions  

Nice disappearing

slider by Backe strikes out Z-man.

by clack on Apr 6, 2008 2:38 PM CDT reply actions  

Yep

I didn't see him throw him 1 fast ball(I missed the 1st pitch).. obviously understands that Z can use the stick

Go 'Stros!

by Stros Bro on Apr 6, 2008 2:39 PM CDT up reply actions  

Top 5th

Towles, Backe and Bourn due up

Go 'Stros!

by Stros Bro on Apr 6, 2008 2:38 PM CDT reply actions  

Towles

strikes out

Go 'Stros!

by Stros Bro on Apr 6, 2008 2:41 PM CDT up reply actions  

Backe

Backe works the count full and then grounds out to Zambrano.

For some reason I remember Zambrano having a better fastball than 92.. am I mistaken?

Go 'Stros!

by Stros Bro on Apr 6, 2008 2:42 PM CDT up reply actions  

Bourn

flies out to Soriano in LF. What's with Soriano hopping right before he makes a catch... I've seen him do it 2 or 3 times today..

Go 'Stros!

by Stros Bro on Apr 6, 2008 2:44 PM CDT up reply actions  

I like how WGN

show the OBP of the hitter as well as the batting average. Bourn coming in with a .346

by entropic soul on Apr 6, 2008 2:44 PM CDT reply actions  

Yea..

I usually have the box score up while watchiing the game.. I wish they would show that stat.

Go 'Stros!

by Stros Bro on Apr 6, 2008 2:45 PM CDT up reply actions  

Bottom 5th

Soriano, Johnson and Lee due up

Go 'Stros!

by Stros Bro on Apr 6, 2008 2:46 PM CDT reply actions  

Soriano

HR Soriano... looked like Backe hung another curveball.

Go 'Stros!

by Stros Bro on Apr 6, 2008 2:47 PM CDT up reply actions  

Johnson

Soriano was batting .042 on the season before that HR.

Johnson grounds to Blum who fields and fires to get out 1.

Go 'Stros!

by Stros Bro on Apr 6, 2008 2:48 PM CDT up reply actions  

Lee

Lee takes the count full before walking on a fastball low and outside.

Go 'Stros!

by Stros Bro on Apr 6, 2008 2:50 PM CDT up reply actions  

Ramirez

After fouling off 3-4 pitches, Ramirez takes a ball inside and then hits a single between Erstad and Perez. Lee stops at 2nd.

Go 'Stros!

by Stros Bro on Apr 6, 2008 2:54 PM CDT up reply actions  

Fukudome

Double play ball would be good here... you can tell Backe's trying for a ground ball by starting him off with two sliders low. Unfortunately, after 3 pitches is down 3-0... Next pitch, fastball outside corner... looked good to me, but Brian Runge(home plate ump) says no way.. ball 4.

Go 'Stros!

by Stros Bro on Apr 6, 2008 2:56 PM CDT up reply actions  

DeRosa

Bases juiced... Dewey Robinson heads to the hill to chat with Backe as Dave Borkowski starts getting ready in the pen.

More breaking stuff from Bake gets DeRosa down 0-2 before striking him out on another breaking ball. Way to get back in this game Backe!

Go 'Stros!

by Stros Bro on Apr 6, 2008 2:58 PM CDT up reply actions  

Theriot

2 outs, bases juiced. 1 more out Backe!

Count 2-2 on Theriot and Backe gets him to ground out to Tejada.. NO RUNS!

Go 'Stros!

by Stros Bro on Apr 6, 2008 3:01 PM CDT up reply actions  

So much for Soriano

being an easy out. I guess that .050 batting average has to come from somewhere.

by entropic soul on Apr 6, 2008 2:50 PM CDT up reply actions  

Top 6th

Pence, Erstad and Lee

Go 'Stros!

by Stros Bro on Apr 6, 2008 3:06 PM CDT reply actions  

Pence

Was on the phone with the brakes place so I didn't see it, I think he grounded out.

Go 'Stros!

by Stros Bro on Apr 6, 2008 3:06 PM CDT up reply actions  

Erstad

Strikes out on a slider way low.. not sure why he swung at that.. ball went through Blanco's legs and hits the bricks as Erstad takes off... Blanco gets a favorable bounce from the wall and throws Erstad out at 1st.

Go 'Stros!

by Stros Bro on Apr 6, 2008 3:08 PM CDT up reply actions  

Lee

Flies out to left to end the inning.

Go 'Stros!

by Stros Bro on Apr 6, 2008 3:08 PM CDT up reply actions  

Probably

It was to left field.. 355' is what Cubs.com says to left field.

Go 'Stros!

by Stros Bro on Apr 6, 2008 3:16 PM CDT up reply actions  

That is one reaosn to be hopeful at least

I think Wigginton and Tejada, and to a lesser extent Towles, are going to make good use of the Crawford Boxes with a full season in Houston. Add that to Lee and Pence and we should get a big homefield advantage with the hitters we have.

by entropic soul on Apr 6, 2008 3:23 PM CDT up reply actions  

Bottom 6th

Think Backe will be back out? I hope so...

Blanco, Zambrano and Soriano due up in the inning.

Go 'Stros!

by Stros Bro on Apr 6, 2008 3:09 PM CDT reply actions  

I would send him out...

but probably pull him at the first sign of trouble with the meat of the order coming up after those three guys.

by entropic soul on Apr 6, 2008 3:10 PM CDT up reply actions  

Facing

the 8, 9 and a struggling 1(even though he just hit a home run) could be good for Backe if he can get through this quickly.

Go 'Stros!

by Stros Bro on Apr 6, 2008 3:12 PM CDT up reply actions  

Blanco

Backe still in gets Blanco to fly out to CF for out 1.

Go 'Stros!

by Stros Bro on Apr 6, 2008 3:11 PM CDT up reply actions  

Zambrano

strikes out for K # 7 for Backe. This compared to 0 strike outs by Roy-O yesterday...

Go 'Stros!

by Stros Bro on Apr 6, 2008 3:13 PM CDT up reply actions  

Soriano

Pops out on the 1st pitch to Perez at 2nd.

Very fast 6th inning for Backe.. Backe up around 100 pitches on the day.

Go 'Stros!

by Stros Bro on Apr 6, 2008 3:14 PM CDT up reply actions  

I walked to my comp and heard a commercial playing

figured they must have changed pitchers. Soriano must have been quick.

by entropic soul on Apr 6, 2008 3:15 PM CDT up reply actions  

Top 7th

Tejada, Blum and Perez due up.

Go 'Stros!

by Stros Bro on Apr 6, 2008 3:16 PM CDT reply actions  

Tejada

0-2, Tejada gets a hold of one.. No doubter, line drive home run to left field about 15 rows up.

Go 'Stros!

by Stros Bro on Apr 6, 2008 3:16 PM CDT up reply actions  

Blum

Make it about 8 rows up.. 15 rows up would be out of the stadium.

Zambrano just missing basically ever corner(inside, outside and low) goes 3-0 on Blum before finally getting one over for a strike.

Now 3-2 as Z hits the outside corner twice in a row. Next pitch Blum strikes out on what could have been an outside strike call.. it was close though.

Go 'Stros!

by Stros Bro on Apr 6, 2008 3:19 PM CDT up reply actions  

Perez

Grounds to Z for out 2.

Go 'Stros!

by Stros Bro on Apr 6, 2008 3:20 PM CDT up reply actions  

Towles

JD just mentioned that Cruz Jr was up in the on deck circle.. so if Towles gets on, Backe is definitely gone.

I believe Villareal is up in the pen.

Fastball on Z showing 94 now on the gun.. maybe he gets stronger after 100 pitches? Towles strikes out as Z stares up to the sky and talks to himself.

Go 'Stros!

by Stros Bro on Apr 6, 2008 3:21 PM CDT up reply actions  

Bottom 7th

Johnson, Lee and Ramirez due up. They are a combined 3-7 on the day with 2 walks.

Go 'Stros!

by Stros Bro on Apr 6, 2008 3:23 PM CDT reply actions  

Johnson

Villarreal in to pitch in relief.

No decision for Backe as he has another good outing.

6 innngs, 2 ER, 3 BB and 7 K's to lower his ERA to 3.27 on the season.

Count is now full on Johnson who flies to Pence in RF for out 1.

Go 'Stros!

by Stros Bro on Apr 6, 2008 3:26 PM CDT up reply actions  

Lee

1st pitch, leaves the building.. well almost. Astros now down 3-2

Go 'Stros!

by Stros Bro on Apr 6, 2008 3:27 PM CDT up reply actions  

Fukudome

2 outs, takes a quick 2-1 count before grounding out to Blum at 3rd.

Go 'Stros!

by Stros Bro on Apr 6, 2008 3:29 PM CDT up reply actions  

This bullpen sucks

I can not think of one good quality from them since Spring Training started.

by entropic soul on Apr 6, 2008 3:27 PM CDT reply actions  

Well

We all thought the Bullpen was going to be strong and the starting pitching would be our weak point.. not so far..

Go 'Stros!

by Stros Bro on Apr 6, 2008 3:28 PM CDT up reply actions  

Top 8th

Cruz Jr(I guess), Bourn and Pence due up in the inning.

I'm heading out to pick up my truck. Good luck!

Go 'Stros!

by Stros Bro on Apr 6, 2008 3:31 PM CDT reply actions  

Cruz flies out...

Marmol with some country hardball...

by clack on Apr 6, 2008 3:35 PM CDT reply actions  

Bourn out on bad call...

He had taken 1st on an apparent walk, but Piniella angrily asked 3d base ump to rule, and he said he swung.

by clack on Apr 6, 2008 3:38 PM CDT reply actions  

What is going on

horrible horrible calls.

My first mistake was assuming you knew what I was talking about.

by Shamus on Apr 6, 2008 3:39 PM CDT reply actions  

When is a manager....

allowed to come out and ask for an appeal on a swing that late (or at all, for that matter)?

by clack on Apr 6, 2008 3:41 PM CDT up reply actions  

the play was over

why didn't he object to something that happened last year or in 1980 while he was at it. That was crap, the play at 2nd was crap, and the strike zone has been crap. The umpires have spotted the Cubs 4 outs or so.

My first mistake was assuming you knew what I was talking about.

by Shamus on Apr 6, 2008 3:44 PM CDT up reply actions  

Pence out on called strike

Hunter is really upset....and he should be. The pitch was outside and way low.

by clack on Apr 6, 2008 3:39 PM CDT reply actions  

Pence out on bad call...

Strike zone going back and forth today. Again.

by entropic soul on Apr 6, 2008 3:40 PM CDT reply actions  

I wonder if it is the same crew

that did the Brewers Cubs series just prior, cuz they weren't very good.

by ol Pete on Apr 6, 2008 3:44 PM CDT up reply actions  

Kerry Wood is on my fantasy

team. But I will gladly sacrifice by fantasy score for a melt down by Wood.

by clack on Apr 6, 2008 3:47 PM CDT reply actions  

Jimmy D

Is the best TV guy by far in my opinion. I have heard most everyone and no one does it better. His knowledge of the club and perspective are top notch.

My first mistake was assuming you knew what I was talking about.

by Shamus on Apr 6, 2008 3:48 PM CDT reply actions  

Today I heard Brenley say.

"The weather has been an unexpected surprise."

Aren't all surprises unexpected? lol

Bourn to Run!

by Jordan Sams on Apr 6, 2008 4:05 PM CDT up reply actions  

instant replay

anyone know when instant replay is supposed to come into the games? it did in fact pass in the voting, right?

by exit53 on Apr 6, 2008 3:52 PM CDT reply actions  

anyone going to the openingb tomorrow

My first mistake was assuming you knew what I was talking about.

by Shamus on Apr 6, 2008 3:53 PM CDT reply actions  

Well, I must say...

I'm disappointed Coop hasn't gotten tossed yet. Some terrible umpire work today.

by BTastros on Apr 6, 2008 3:56 PM CDT reply actions  

Bourn

has got to learn how to lay down a bunt. He needs to use that speed to his advantage at the plate.

by entropic soul on Apr 6, 2008 4:02 PM CDT reply actions  

Where's the offense?

I realize no Berkman and no Wiggy today, but geez, have you looked at these batting averages. They should be stablizing now - after game 7. Of the regulars, everyone but Lee is at .250 or less and Pence, Towles and Bourne are all under .210. This has GOT to change!

by beeleever on Apr 6, 2008 4:11 PM CDT reply actions  

Pence, Towles, and Bourn...

are young and will go through growing pains. All three seemed really outmatched by Z's and/or Marmol's stuff today, even though Bourn did get a single early on. I'm a bit concerned about Pence's start to the season. I hope he doesn't start worrying about a sophomore slump, which would make him even more anxious at the plate.

by clack on Apr 6, 2008 4:21 PM CDT up reply actions  

Coming back t o MMP

the Astros' offense better come to life. The Cardinal are 5-1 and in 1st place with a 0.95 ERA. Kyle Lohse pitched a four hit shutout today and hasn't allowed a run in his 2 starts. I wish the Astros had signed him when they had the chance.

by clack on Apr 6, 2008 4:23 PM CDT reply actions  

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