Astros Beat Nationals 5-0
by Stros Bro on Jul 13, 2008 8:11 PM CDT
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Great game all around. Obviously Backe was the player of the game with his performance, but the entire team helped out with timely hits and some excellent defense. I didn't get to watch the entire game, but the running catch that Erstad made in center field was very nice along with the sliding catch by Tejada in foul territory.
Backe went 7 innings allowing just 5 hits, 4 walks with 5 strike outs and no runs. Backe didn't pitch flawlessly today allowing multiple base runners and got himself into some situations where the Nationals could have started a rally... but he pitched through it and with the help of the defense worked through them all. Backe was also one of the better offensive players in the game going 2 for 3 with 2 runs scored. We got to see something today that doesn't really happen too often... the pitcher singles and then the lead off hitter lays down a sacrifice bunt to move him over. Not a big accomplishment by any means, but still not the most common thing to see. Lee (still dedicated to driving in runs) went 2 for 4 driving in 3 runs to put him at 76 RBI's on the season(and 2nd place in the NL, just 3 ahead of Berkman).
Today was just a good day... every Astros starter except for Towles had a hit, and 4 of them had multiple hits(Backe, Matsui, Lee and Wigginton).
In the 8th inning, after walking a batter(still not sure why Cooper started the inning off with Backe if his leash was going to be that short...) Sampson came in and finished off the final 6 outs of the game, facing just 5 batters(inducing a double play on the inherited runner) on his 1st batter. I'm starting to get more and more convinced that Sampson should stay in the bullpen. The way he's pitching right now, he could easily be an 8th inning guy for the Astros... he also has the ability to pitch multiple innings when we need him(and even make spot starts). Sampson's value goes WAY up as a reliever in my opinion.
Well, the Astros now have 4 days off with the All Star Home Run Derby starting tomorrow at 7:00PM CST and then the All Star Game on Tuesday at 7:00PM CST... Wednesday and Thursday are off days and then the Astros come back to start a new series with the Cubs at home.
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I can see why Backe started on such a short leash. I can easily see him making his case in the dugout, letting him pitch an 8th inning. Especially with the bullpen so overworked. I would have made the same move. And yes, I would have put him on a short leash., Like, “I will let you pitch, but at the first sign of trouble I am pulling you.” and we had a first sign of trouble. I am behind Coop 100% on that one.
I 100% agree with the sampson stuff, though.
Astros have a very favorable schedule for the 2d half of the season.
Titled toward more home games. The Astros also had the 2d toughest schedule (based on opponent W/L record) in the NL in the 1st half of the season, which normally means the next half will be somewhat weaker. With the way the team has played so far, I’m certainly not predicting anything. Just pointing it out.
It'll be good...
...to start with the Cubs and try and make up some ground in the NL Central.
And re Sampson: It’s definitely good to see a pitcher embrace his new role (and enjoy it too!)
Sampson may be well suited to the set up role....
Sampson has never projected as more than a No. 4 or 5 starter. But, if he continues his bullpen performance, he might become more valuable as a late inning reliever. Some pluses for putting him in a reliever role: groundballers can always made a living as relievers if they can throw strikes; Sampson’s stuff isn’t outstanding, which means that he may perform better if hitters only see him once in a game; he doesn’t give up home runs, which is always a good thing in the late innings.
Who thought before the season began
the three pitchers who we think pull their weight would be be Wandy, Sampson, and Moehler?
Astros fan for life
by Joe in Birmingham on Jul 14, 2008 11:34 AM CDT reply actions
Despite our recent disappoinment in Miguel Tejada
I have not read a single person who wished the Astros had Adam Everett back. Twice yesterday I missed his range, that’s about it.
Astros fan for life
by Joe in Birmingham on Jul 14, 2008 11:37 AM CDT reply actions
Even if we had him...
How bad has he been this year? He’s been on the DL three times I think… for weeks at a time. He’s still on the DL right now. So even if we had him, we wouldn’t really have him. :(
by entropic soul on Jul 14, 2008 2:39 PM CDT up reply actions
I didn't mean his actual presence
but a cry in the night that the Astros would be better off with a healthy Adam Everett than with Tejada. I’ve heard none of that.
I have heard the Astros may be better with the players traded for Tejada, but nobody brings up Adam Everett. (or Chris Burke or Morgan Ensberg for that matter).
Astros fan for life
by Joe in Birmingham on Jul 14, 2008 6:06 PM CDT up reply actions
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NL Central Standings
| W | L | PCT | GB | STRK | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Chicago
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0 | 0 | .000 | 0 | Lost 0 |
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Cincinnati
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0 | 0 | .000 | 0 | Lost 0 |
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Houston
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Milwaukee
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Pittsburgh
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0 | 0 | .000 | 0 | Lost 0 |
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St. Louis
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0 | 0 | .000 | 0 | Lost 0 |
(updated 2.14.2012 at 6:03 AM CST)
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