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Around SBN: The Slow Decline of Duke

Chicago Cubs at Houston Astros, Apr 7, 2009 7:05 PM CDT

Lovelance_tiny by DyingQuail on Comment 467 comments

Chicago Cubs at Houston Astros, Apr 7, 2009 7:05 PM CDT


Help us Home-Wandy, we need your help.

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Current Series

Cubs lead the series 1-0

Mon 04/06 WP: Carlos Zambrano (1 - 0)
SV: Kevin Gregg
LP: Roy Oswalt (0 - 1)
2 - 4 loss

Chicago Cubs
@ Houston Astros

Tuesday, Apr 7, 2009, 7:05 PM CDT
Minute Maid Park

Ryan Dempster vs Wandy Rodriguez

 

Complete Coverage >
Wed 04/08 7:05 PM CDT

Home Wandy

#51 / Pitcher / Houston Astros

5-11

180

R

L

Jan 18, 1979

Ryan Dempster

#46 / Pitcher / Chicago Cubs

6-2

215

R

R

May 03, 1977

Lineup

Chicago Cubs @ Houston Astros

04/07/09 7:05 PM CDT

Chicago Cubs Houston Astros
Alfonso Soriano - LF Kazuo Matsui - 2B
Ryan Theriot - SS Ivan Rodriguez - C
Derrek Lee - 1B Lance Berkman - 1B
Milton Bradley - RF Carlos Lee - LF
Aramis Ramirez - 3B Miguel Tejada - SS
Reed Johnson - CF Geoff Blum - 3B
Geovany Soto - C Hunter Pence - RF
Mike Fontenot - 2B Michael Bourn - CF
Ryan Dempster - P Wandy Rodriguez - P

Dumb line ups prevail...

In 63.1 career IP at MMP, Dempster sports a 3.98 ERA, 6.54 K/9, 1.39 K/B.  Sure it's not a representative sample, but those aren't overly dominant numbers.

Come on Home Wandy, get us a WB.

HLP and I will be enjoying the game from the friendly confines of Plucker's in San Marcos, TX.  If you want to stop by, we'll be the two over-amped guys (one in white, one in lavender) with a pile of 40-50 wing bones in front of us.

 

 

 

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As Roger Creager says

“Where’re you from? Does it snow there? Then you’re a Yankee.”

by Danyah on Apr 8, 2009 5:28 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

wandy missing his spots

finally gets a strike on soriano

by Only_A_Lad on Apr 7, 2009 7:11 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

3-2 after a foul

wandy’s working quicker this season

by Only_A_Lad on Apr 7, 2009 7:11 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

k's him

good start for the season, Wandy

by Only_A_Lad on Apr 7, 2009 7:13 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

curve in the dirt

Wandy’s good whenever he gets his curve working

by Only_A_Lad on Apr 7, 2009 7:13 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

by pitch fx

he’s got the best curve in the majors. Crazy, innit?

by Only_A_Lad on Apr 7, 2009 7:14 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

pops up Theriot

pence grabs it in foul ground

by Only_A_Lad on Apr 7, 2009 7:14 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Derek Lee breaks his bat

blum takes care of it though.

1-2-3 inning for the wand man.

by Only_A_Lad on Apr 7, 2009 7:15 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Kaz pops out

almost went into the stands, but ramirez go to it. Fight for it, people!

by Only_A_Lad on Apr 7, 2009 7:18 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Pudge

looks more relaxed tonight.

hunterpencefan. Astros Geek.

by hunterpencefan on Apr 7, 2009 7:19 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

fun fact:

Lance accounted for 22% of Astros walks last season.

by Only_A_Lad on Apr 7, 2009 7:21 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

If only

they could have filmed one or two other commercials. The Pedroia thing is funny but good grief – enough.

by ol Pete on Apr 7, 2009 7:23 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

How annoying.

hunterpencefan. Astros Geek.

by hunterpencefan on Apr 7, 2009 7:23 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

according to WGN graphic

Bradley faced 21 of Oswalt’s 91 pitches. Wow.

by Only_A_Lad on Apr 7, 2009 7:25 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Not smart by Ramirez

he’s no track athlete and it went straight to Caballo.

Remember to retire Fin's number, Mark.

by jonthefon on Apr 7, 2009 7:28 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

i pointed this out last night,

but I’ll say it again. He wasn’t as awful defensively last season. Only like -9 UZR/150.

by Only_A_Lad on Apr 7, 2009 7:28 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Extra time in the film room studying Manny in Boston – or a lot of billiards.

by ol Pete on Apr 7, 2009 7:30 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Aramis Ramirez

has powerful swing.

Hits left field wall on the fly. Then thrown out trying for a double

Astros fan for life

by Joe in Birmingham on Apr 7, 2009 7:28 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Wandy plunks Soto

Remember to retire Fin's number, Mark.

by jonthefon on Apr 7, 2009 7:30 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

uh oh Wandy

HBP and walk put two runners on

Astros fan for life

by Joe in Birmingham on Apr 7, 2009 7:30 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Wandy's struggling for command

Remember to retire Fin's number, Mark.

by jonthefon on Apr 7, 2009 7:31 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Fuck

Remember to retire Fin's number, Mark.

by jonthefon on Apr 7, 2009 7:32 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Phew

for a moment I thought it was a 3-0 deficit.

Remember to retire Fin's number, Mark.

by jonthefon on Apr 7, 2009 7:32 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

the way Wandy turned around

I was worried, too.

Fortunately, fontenot doesn’t have a lot of power

by Only_A_Lad on Apr 7, 2009 7:33 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

He’s got some power.

by ol Pete on Apr 7, 2009 7:34 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

yeah

but center field at MMP is pretty deep

by Only_A_Lad on Apr 7, 2009 7:35 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Fontenot flies out

to bourn in mid-center field

by Only_A_Lad on Apr 7, 2009 7:32 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

All of this talk by Brenley about righty/lefty batters

against Wandy is humorous, given that Wandy has pretty strong reverse platoon splits. He is much tougher on RHers. So, yes, sprinkling LHers in the lineup against Wandy (“like against Tom Glavine”) will help…but mostly because LHers hit him better. I think his curveball is much more successful against RHB.

by clack on Apr 7, 2009 7:35 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Extra Innings free preview isn't an option for you guys?

I actually don’t mind Brenley – Kasper is nails on a chalkboard to me, and I can listen to Morgan and Miller.

by ol Pete on Apr 7, 2009 7:37 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

haven't tried it

 but it should be blacked out for me

by Only_A_Lad on Apr 7, 2009 7:39 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I’m flipping between Stros/Cubs and Rats/Cards.

by ol Pete on Apr 7, 2009 7:42 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Lee gets two good pitches

misses the first, fouls the second.

Remember to retire Fin's number, Mark.

by jonthefon on Apr 7, 2009 7:35 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Barbara Bush at the game

She looks chipper- Must have recuperated nicely from her heart surgery.

Astros fan for life

by Joe in Birmingham on Apr 7, 2009 7:36 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

holy shit!

miggy takes a walk!

by Only_A_Lad on Apr 7, 2009 7:38 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Dempster walks Tejada

Remember to retire Fin's number, Mark.

by jonthefon on Apr 7, 2009 7:38 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

that was an ugly swing by Pence on the foul...

sometimes he will come up with a big hit after he has an ugly swing though…oh, well, he whiffs on strike 3.

by clack on Apr 7, 2009 7:41 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

hunter strikes out

ball was well above the strike zone

by Only_A_Lad on Apr 7, 2009 7:41 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Fugly AB

Remember to retire Fin's number, Mark.

by jonthefon on Apr 7, 2009 7:41 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

OT: Is it just me or Jason Motte

sorta looks like Eric Gagne? That’s not going to bode well.

Your 2009 St. Louis Cardinals’ bullpen: one game, one blown save

Remember to retire Fin's number, Mark.

by jonthefon on Apr 7, 2009 7:42 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Unless he pitches his way to a Cy Young before losing altitude and crashing with the Brewers.

by ol Pete on Apr 7, 2009 7:44 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

He's still only got one pitch

Gagne had that nasty changeup.

Remember to retire Fin's number, Mark.

by jonthefon on Apr 7, 2009 7:45 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

But Wagner's fastball was 100 or so

Motte isn’t there yet.

Remember to retire Fin's number, Mark.

by jonthefon on Apr 7, 2009 7:48 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

wicked curve

gets soriano again

by Only_A_Lad on Apr 7, 2009 7:45 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I had just typed out “wicked hook.”

by ol Pete on Apr 7, 2009 7:46 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

great range from Blum to get to the ball

good scoop from berkman

retires the side on bradley

by Only_A_Lad on Apr 7, 2009 7:48 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Damn it

Soriano tracks down a sure-fire double by Bourn

Remember to retire Fin's number, Mark.

by jonthefon on Apr 7, 2009 7:50 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Heh

didn’t see the skip anymore.

Remember to retire Fin's number, Mark.

by jonthefon on Apr 7, 2009 7:51 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

bourn smoked that pitch

soriano has great range, though

by Only_A_Lad on Apr 7, 2009 7:50 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

did wandy take up switch hitting again?

I thought he stopped doing it last season.

by Only_A_Lad on Apr 7, 2009 7:51 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Not a bad swing

but straight to Soriano.

Remember to retire Fin's number, Mark.

by jonthefon on Apr 7, 2009 7:51 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

wow

I think Kaz might have gotten bailed out there

by Only_A_Lad on Apr 7, 2009 7:55 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

nope

missed him

good job, Kaz

by Only_A_Lad on Apr 7, 2009 7:55 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Way to chase Pudge

Remember to retire Fin's number, Mark.

by jonthefon on Apr 7, 2009 7:55 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Fuck, he did it again

Remember to retire Fin's number, Mark.

by jonthefon on Apr 7, 2009 7:56 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

FUCKING UNBELIEVABLE.

Reminds me of how Lidge made Nomar look like a Little Leaguer in the NLCS.

Remember to retire Fin's number, Mark.

by jonthefon on Apr 7, 2009 7:57 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

He looked so good in the WBC.

by ol Pete on Apr 7, 2009 7:56 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I am getting more irritated by Pudge in the 2 hole...

the more I see it. Of course, I normally suggest Pence in the 2 hole, but he is swinging just like Pudge right now.

by clack on Apr 7, 2009 7:58 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'd actually like to see Miggy hit 2nd

and get protection from Berkman.

Remember to retire Fin's number, Mark.

by jonthefon on Apr 7, 2009 7:59 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Within the parameters of a study.

by ol Pete on Apr 7, 2009 8:01 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Of course protection exists

and why would you see it in stats?

Just look at what happened to Berkman once Lee left.

by goingforthecorner on Apr 7, 2009 8:01 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Then explain

how Ryan Ludwick hit 37 bombs out of nowhere hitting in front of Pujols? He’s always had power but it never showed up until he got into that position.

Remember to retire Fin's number, Mark.

by jonthefon on Apr 7, 2009 8:02 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

he had a good season

shit happens. Baseball’s weird.

by Only_A_Lad on Apr 7, 2009 8:02 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Wow talk about being naive

blunt statements with no real proof like “stats show protection doesn’t exist” makes real stat guys look bad.

by goingforthecorner on Apr 7, 2009 8:05 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

fuck you

I’ll give you some stats in a second fucker

by Only_A_Lad on Apr 7, 2009 8:05 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

OK then

meanwhile, we already have examples here supporting the idea that it does exist like Ethier and Ludwick

by goingforthecorner on Apr 7, 2009 8:06 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

fucking hell, dude

read fucking david hume and learn about drawing inferences

by Only_A_Lad on Apr 7, 2009 8:07 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

And what Ethier did

when he had a 1.000 OPS’ing Manny behind him.

Remember to retire Fin's number, Mark.

by jonthefon on Apr 7, 2009 8:02 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

here we go, then

the example Bill James uses is David Ortiz. Ortiz’s numbers are no different when Manny was in the lineup or when he was out of it. We see a few examples of players going on a hot streak after another player hit behind them, and then we make the inappropriate connection between the two events.

by Only_A_Lad on Apr 7, 2009 8:05 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

but wouldn't we expect him to hit better with manny behind him?

wouldn’t pitchers pitch around him and all that? That’s the whole fucking theory, and we don’t see it when we look at the whole fucking game

by Only_A_Lad on Apr 7, 2009 8:09 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

and here's a great example

about what pitches players see in front of a great hitter

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/unfiltered/?p=1042

They might – maybe, occasionally – see a better pitch, but we don’t see anything significant

by Only_A_Lad on Apr 7, 2009 8:10 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

You need a shot of whiskey.

by ol Pete on Apr 7, 2009 8:11 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

what can I say?

he pissed me off. It’s one thing to say “I disagree,” quite another to say “You’re stupid.” GFTC’s just pissed because I kicked his ass a long time ago in an argument about Rafer Alston

by Only_A_Lad on Apr 7, 2009 8:13 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Having one great hitter

being protected by another great hitter (i.e. Ortiz then Manny) is pretty much asking the pitcher to pick their poison.

But I’d say protection is talking about putting a lesser hitter in front of a very good hitter. Sometimes, players will put up great stats with protection then regress on it. Others (random example: Nick Markakis) won’t regress because they take a different approach without protection.

Remember to retire Fin's number, Mark.

by jonthefon on Apr 7, 2009 8:15 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Exactly

the notion that protection “doesn’t exist” is simply unfounded.

by goingforthecorner on Apr 7, 2009 8:17 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

fine

I’ll modify the statement. There is no good reason to believe that protection exists. It’s like “clutch” and such.

by Only_A_Lad on Apr 7, 2009 8:19 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I don't believe in clutch

I don’t really see how a magic force can make you a better or worse hitter in big-time situations.

View it differently to protection though.

Remember to retire Fin's number, Mark.

by jonthefon on Apr 7, 2009 8:22 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

You’re throwing out a lot of accepted science.

by ol Pete on Apr 7, 2009 8:24 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

for instance

clutch-itrons. The particles that make up Jeterium

by Only_A_Lad on Apr 7, 2009 8:25 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think there might be clutch-ness

but I don’t think there’s any good reason to believe it exists.

by Only_A_Lad on Apr 7, 2009 8:22 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

just baseball

hitting a baseball effectively is so tough that we probably wouldn’t be able to detect clutch ability even if it existed. Basketball and football are a bit different.

by Only_A_Lad on Apr 7, 2009 8:24 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

that said

if protection exists, I’d say we’ll find it some time in the next decade, after we collect enough PitchFX data.

by Only_A_Lad on Apr 7, 2009 8:28 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Or maybe it's all mental

like clutchness.

Remember to retire Fin's number, Mark.

by jonthefon on Apr 7, 2009 8:29 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Manny and Ortiz is a very unique example

both are great hitters when they’re healthy, and a simple explanation to that is Ortiz has such a huge zone when he swings that he can make good contact even when the balls aren’t going right down the middle.

by goingforthecorner on Apr 7, 2009 8:16 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Totally agree

I know it’s early but it looks like Tejada could have another hot start. BUT he’s still not going to slug a lot, so it makes sense to bat him in the 2 hole. Move Pudge to 7th and move up Pence and Blum.

by goingforthecorner on Apr 7, 2009 8:00 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Wandy explodes the bat

Double play.

Remember to retire Fin's number, Mark.

by jonthefon on Apr 7, 2009 8:03 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Berkman K's again

Remember to retire Fin's number, Mark.

by jonthefon on Apr 7, 2009 8:07 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I'm an idiot

it sure looked like it.

He grounds out though.

Remember to retire Fin's number, Mark.

by jonthefon on Apr 7, 2009 8:07 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Base hit Tejada

Remember to retire Fin's number, Mark.

by jonthefon on Apr 7, 2009 8:10 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Sigh... another hit for Tejada

and another single. And yet we have him hitting BEHIND Berkman and Lee. Who knows how many runs this blunder by Cooper will cost us.

by goingforthecorner on Apr 7, 2009 8:10 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Tejada

is about the only Astro hitter I DON’T have on my fantasy team.

hunterpencefan. Astros Geek.

by hunterpencefan on Apr 7, 2009 8:13 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Wandy K's Soriano again.

Cubs’ announcers seem perplexed why Wandy can get hitters out.

by clack on Apr 7, 2009 8:19 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Cubs announcers keep saying Wandy doesn't throw hard.

Sure he isn’t a flame thrower. But he has been consistently around 91 on the FSN gun…which is in his normal range for the FB (89-91). And then I see Dempster throwing 89 – 91 on his FB.

by clack on Apr 7, 2009 8:24 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

grip in and rip it

sometimes works pretty well

by Only_A_Lad on Apr 7, 2009 8:23 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

nice triple

It helps if the hitter thinks you're a little crazy. - Nolan

by Trei Brundrett on Apr 7, 2009 8:25 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Matsui hits a triple

hunterpencefan. Astros Geek.

by hunterpencefan on Apr 7, 2009 8:25 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I like Kaz

seems like a complete player – very dependable

by ol Pete on Apr 7, 2009 8:26 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

how fast is Matsui?

Look up and he’s cruising into third

by alamosweet on Apr 7, 2009 8:29 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

just hit a single pudge

It helps if the hitter thinks you're a little crazy. - Nolan

by Trei Brundrett on Apr 7, 2009 8:26 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Dempster walked Pudge...

…to get to the toothpick-bat in the 3-hole.

Let’s do it Lance!

by AstroAndy on Apr 7, 2009 8:31 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

amazed at that AB for pudge - a walk!

It helps if the hitter thinks you're a little crazy. - Nolan

by Trei Brundrett on Apr 7, 2009 8:30 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

A hero moment for Berkman??

Men on the corners – two outs

Astros fan for life

by Joe in Birmingham on Apr 7, 2009 8:30 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

not enough jeterium in the diet

we need clutchitron-enriched twinkies for Lance.

by Only_A_Lad on Apr 7, 2009 8:33 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

No you need to get both prostate supplements and male enhancement formula – really works!

by ol Pete on Apr 7, 2009 8:34 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

dang Berkman

It helps if the hitter thinks you're a little crazy. - Nolan

by Trei Brundrett on Apr 7, 2009 8:33 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

eh

he always seems to like swinging when pitchers climb the ladder on him. It’s pretty common, though, so whatever.

by Only_A_Lad on Apr 7, 2009 8:35 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

lead-off walk is no good, come on wandy

It helps if the hitter thinks you're a little crazy. - Nolan

by Trei Brundrett on Apr 7, 2009 8:36 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Key inning here for Wandy

He tends to not last much longer after the 5th inning…

and the lead-off walk isn’t a good sign

by AstroAndy on Apr 7, 2009 8:37 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

it does seem that way, doesn't it?

I wonder if it’s just a mental thing, or if he doesn’t have the stamina (doesn’t seem likely), or if hitters just seem to figure him out after about the second time through the order.

by Only_A_Lad on Apr 7, 2009 8:38 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

he's not missing by a lot

but his velocity is down a bit.

by clack on Apr 7, 2009 8:40 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

He hasn't

thrown a curveball for a strike this inning.

by AstroAndy on Apr 7, 2009 8:43 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

another chapter

in the problems with the hit-and run

by Only_A_Lad on Apr 7, 2009 8:43 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

lol

just glad it was the cubs chapter

It helps if the hitter thinks you're a little crazy. - Nolan

by Trei Brundrett on Apr 7, 2009 8:43 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

maybe coop will see this

and figure something out…

lol yeah right

by Only_A_Lad on Apr 7, 2009 8:44 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

oh hell yeah

It helps if the hitter thinks you're a little crazy. - Nolan

by Trei Brundrett on Apr 7, 2009 8:43 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

What happened to Pudge?

I was making popcorn?

Astros fan for life

by Joe in Birmingham on Apr 7, 2009 8:44 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

bradleys bat came around on a swing and clocked him on the helmet

It helps if the hitter thinks you're a little crazy. - Nolan

by Trei Brundrett on Apr 7, 2009 8:45 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

while I'm sure you'll call me "naive" and dogmatic

commandmant X in of sabermetrics is “thou shall not walk thine opponents’ hitters.”

In reality, it’s not that cut and dry, but, no, I wouldn’t.

by Only_A_Lad on Apr 7, 2009 8:46 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

for Aramis Ramirez, yeah I agree

but Pujols or Bonds, or someone who’s extremely hot, it’s worth doing if the next guy isn’t good

by goingforthecorner on Apr 7, 2009 8:47 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I just realized the battery

is Rodriguez -Rodriguez

Astros fan for life

by Joe in Birmingham on Apr 7, 2009 8:46 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

To throw a fastball in that spot is money

The curve was the predictable pitch, and A-Ram thought Curve all the way.

Pudge!

by alamosweet on Apr 7, 2009 8:47 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I've only got radio and Gameday

so did the changeup that A-Ram struck out on make him look stupid? It’s ridiculously out of the zone on the pitch-tracker

by AstroAndy on Apr 7, 2009 8:49 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

yes

About a foot over his head and he spun trying to hold up. You would have been pleased.

Astros fan for life

by Joe in Birmingham on Apr 7, 2009 8:50 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

HUGE inning for Wandy

now our bats have to pay him back for that effort

It helps if the hitter thinks you're a little crazy. - Nolan

by Trei Brundrett on Apr 7, 2009 8:49 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Urgh

one of my fantasy teams hitting .150 over 20 ABs so far today.

On the other hand, they’ve pitched 17 innings with 17 K’s and a ERA of 1.02.

Remember to retire Fin's number, Mark.

by jonthefon on Apr 7, 2009 8:49 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

If Tejada hits a homer

I promise I won’t complain about his contract for… several days.

by Only_A_Lad on Apr 7, 2009 8:50 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

keep complaining

It helps if the hitter thinks you're a little crazy. - Nolan

by Trei Brundrett on Apr 7, 2009 8:52 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

woohoo go Blum

victory for old dudes everywhere

by Only_A_Lad on Apr 7, 2009 8:53 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Pence!

very nice swing. I like the approach

by goingforthecorner on Apr 7, 2009 8:55 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

PENCE

pokes one through to right

by Only_A_Lad on Apr 7, 2009 8:55 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Thank God

Pence didn’t get tagged out before Blum crossed home.

by Only_A_Lad on Apr 7, 2009 8:56 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Astros take lead on Bourn single.

Pence thrown out on base paths. Pence has made that a habit.

by clack on Apr 7, 2009 8:56 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

well,

at least he’s staying aggressive, right?

by Only_A_Lad on Apr 7, 2009 8:57 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'll take a smart baserunner over an aggressive baserunner

Bagwell should be our baserunning coach (if that exists)

by goingforthecorner on Apr 7, 2009 9:03 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

3rd base coach usually covers that

I remember that the Astros called up their AAA baserunning coach to help the big-league club last summer. It was kinda embarrassing.

by Only_A_Lad on Apr 7, 2009 9:05 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

oh hell yeah - good work Bourn

It helps if the hitter thinks you're a little crazy. - Nolan

by Trei Brundrett on Apr 7, 2009 8:56 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Pence tagged out at shortstop .

He must have thought the throw was to home .

Astros fan for life

by Joe in Birmingham on Apr 7, 2009 8:57 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Chris Sampson

let’s see how he’s doing after surgery

by Only_A_Lad on Apr 7, 2009 8:59 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

nice defensive play by Sampson

He also is a great fielding pitcher.

by clack on Apr 7, 2009 9:00 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

beautiful

Berkman quick flip to Sampson

Astros fan for life

by Joe in Birmingham on Apr 7, 2009 8:59 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

joining..

been listening since the 3rd.. so nice to see we have a lead, finally.

by entropic soul on Apr 7, 2009 9:03 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

9-3 Cards?

Remember to retire Fin's number, Mark.

by jonthefon on Apr 7, 2009 9:06 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

whooops

guess I misread the little line thing on the TV.

Not as good, then.

by Only_A_Lad on Apr 7, 2009 9:07 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

yep

http://www.sbnation.com/mlb/events/34068/ingame

It helps if the hitter thinks you're a little crazy. - Nolan

by Trei Brundrett on Apr 7, 2009 9:08 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

just not really a good hitter, either

frankly don’t know why he’s on the roster with Keppinger around. Call up Saccamano or somebody to use as a pinch hitter.

by Only_A_Lad on Apr 7, 2009 9:08 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

that's just because you like good baseball

clearly you should try a different manager

by Only_A_Lad on Apr 7, 2009 9:12 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

You know,

I’ve been thinking about this. Drayton should get JD to be the new manager when Coop eventually gets fired this season. It worked with Dierker, right? And JD seems pretty cool with stats: talks about VORP and such during broadcasts, occasionally. I think he’d be pretty good.

by Only_A_Lad on Apr 7, 2009 9:15 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

of course,

then we’d probably get Bill Worrell or somebody to call games. And that would suck

by Only_A_Lad on Apr 7, 2009 9:16 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Ned Yost is available. He talks stats.

by ol Pete on Apr 7, 2009 9:38 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Fuck

to the train it goes

by goingforthecorner on Apr 7, 2009 9:18 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

lame, that was so close to a K

It helps if the hitter thinks you're a little crazy. - Nolan

by Trei Brundrett on Apr 7, 2009 9:18 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Unfortunately

it ended up being over 350 feet away from a strikeout

by AstroAndy on Apr 7, 2009 9:19 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Oh shit, that was classic Pudge!

When I see a solar eclipse I think "oh no, is the moon eating the sun?"

by Section 339 on Apr 7, 2009 9:23 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

indeed - was a beautiful thing to watch

It helps if the hitter thinks you're a little crazy. - Nolan

by Trei Brundrett on Apr 7, 2009 9:24 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

theriot attempted steal...

good throw by Pudge…waiting there for the runner.

by clack on Apr 7, 2009 9:26 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Anyone up for an all nighter?

21 innings. astros win in the 21st. 4-2

by entropic soul on Apr 7, 2009 9:28 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I love a berkman walk to lead off the inning

It helps if the hitter thinks you're a little crazy. - Nolan

by Trei Brundrett on Apr 7, 2009 9:29 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

ugh

It helps if the hitter thinks you're a little crazy. - Nolan

by Trei Brundrett on Apr 7, 2009 9:31 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

to be fair

Lee doesn’t do it too often. Tejada’s the problem

by Only_A_Lad on Apr 7, 2009 9:31 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Lee led the NL in DPs in 07....

he is high up on the list of GiDPs over the last few years.

by clack on Apr 7, 2009 9:32 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

didn't know that

well, Tejada is giving Lee a lot of protection there, keeping some of the spotlight off of Carlos.

by Only_A_Lad on Apr 7, 2009 9:33 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I was going to say...

that was kind of his MO when he was struggling.

I don’t really expect Lee to explode till later in the year. We might be better off going with Tejada, Berkman, and Lee at the 3,4,5

by goingforthecorner on Apr 7, 2009 9:37 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

What the hell was Lee swinging at?

When I see a solar eclipse I think "oh no, is the moon eating the sun?"

by Section 339 on Apr 7, 2009 9:30 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Nervous time

Ninth inning – Tie game

Astros fan for life

by Joe in Birmingham on Apr 7, 2009 9:35 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

clutch time

the jeterium in Papa Grande’s blood is flowing

by Only_A_Lad on Apr 7, 2009 9:37 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

uh-oh

with the jeterium active, he’ll only be accurate if he spins before he throws!

by AstroAndy on Apr 7, 2009 9:39 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

no, I don't like it

it’s not like we have the heart of the order up in the bottom of the 9th or anything

It helps if the hitter thinks you're a little crazy. - Nolan

by Trei Brundrett on Apr 7, 2009 9:40 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

what if you let him pitch two

or do you think that would be too much work for him?

by Only_A_Lad on Apr 7, 2009 9:41 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Maybe

Milton Bradley – Aramis Ramirez – why not send yiur best agaiinst them and let soeimone else handle the bottom of the order.? In a game like this you don’t need a closer. If Astros take the lead, they win.

Astros fan for life

by Joe in Birmingham on Apr 7, 2009 9:43 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

appears even more so w/ the goggles

It helps if the hitter thinks you're a little crazy. - Nolan

by Trei Brundrett on Apr 7, 2009 9:45 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I remember hearing

that the Yankees pitchers didn’t like Pudge because he called for too many fastballs. I think Valverde probably likes that a lot.

by Only_A_Lad on Apr 7, 2009 9:46 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

yeah...

“I don’t need no stinkin’ breaking pitch.”

by clack on Apr 7, 2009 9:48 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Wow!

When I see a solar eclipse I think "oh no, is the moon eating the sun?"

by Section 339 on Apr 7, 2009 9:47 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

wow

Pence took an inside pitch. Good to know your weakness.

by Only_A_Lad on Apr 7, 2009 9:53 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

first pudge, now pence, blum w/ 2 hits, bourn w/ an RBI

hey now

It helps if the hitter thinks you're a little crazy. - Nolan

by Trei Brundrett on Apr 7, 2009 9:58 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

maybe

the Astros all took “how to win baseball games” lessons from Berkman and Bagwell over the spring.

by Only_A_Lad on Apr 7, 2009 9:59 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

close take

Where is Hunter and who is that guy who looks like him?

by ol Pete on Apr 7, 2009 9:57 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

no shit

the Hunter I know would have K’d on that high fastball. He certainly would have swung at that last pitch, just on principle.

by Only_A_Lad on Apr 7, 2009 9:58 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Free pass

When I see a solar eclipse I think "oh no, is the moon eating the sun?"

by Section 339 on Apr 7, 2009 9:57 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

that was not an out, sorry

It helps if the hitter thinks you're a little crazy. - Nolan

by Trei Brundrett on Apr 7, 2009 10:01 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Not cool.

Remember to retire Fin's number, Mark.

by jonthefon on Apr 7, 2009 10:01 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

yeah,

but Reed was safe by a lot.

Of course, not really the same situation

by Only_A_Lad on Apr 7, 2009 10:03 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Matsui hit it sharply

but right to second.

Extra Innings

Astros fan for life

by Joe in Birmingham on Apr 7, 2009 10:05 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

This game

is an early test for both managers…let’s see how they handle the bullpen and reserves.

by captain_bomb_2000 on Apr 7, 2009 10:07 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

The astros

may have the most pitchers with the goofy clear glasses in the bigs

by captain_bomb_2000 on Apr 7, 2009 10:08 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Byrdak had bad spring

this makes me nervous – Maybe if he wore goggles . . . .

Astros fan for life

by Joe in Birmingham on Apr 7, 2009 10:09 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Byrdak

looking sharp so far…

by captain_bomb_2000 on Apr 7, 2009 10:11 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Soriano

will want a fastball so he can hit a HR and style around the bases

by ol Pete on Apr 7, 2009 10:15 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

i think the ph

should be michaels…there’s really nobody left besides Q…let’s hope we don’t make it that far

by captain_bomb_2000 on Apr 7, 2009 10:18 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

pinella

is definitely scared of a LH berkman as evidenced by leaving in cotts

by captain_bomb_2000 on Apr 7, 2009 10:19 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Pudge points

a single – is that his first hit of the season?

Astros fan for life

by Joe in Birmingham on Apr 7, 2009 10:20 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

the announcers say so

by ol Pete on Apr 7, 2009 10:22 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm not sure what kind of bunter

michaels is…but you have to bunt here…wonder if it wouldn’t be smarter to let brocail bunt for himself

by captain_bomb_2000 on Apr 7, 2009 10:22 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

DQ chiming in from Pluckers

Kevin Gregg is just waiting for his slop to get wrecked.

The Crawfishboxes
A good friend of mine used to say, "This is a very simple game. You throw the ball, you catch the ball, you hit the ball. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, sometimes it rains." Think about that for a while.

by DyingQuail on Apr 7, 2009 10:25 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

More ugly glasses

I feel like I’m watching “Major League”

Astros fan for life

by Joe in Birmingham on Apr 7, 2009 10:25 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

shut up

the glasses and goggles rock

by Only_A_Lad on Apr 7, 2009 10:26 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

One flyball!

Remember to retire Fin's number, Mark.

by jonthefon on Apr 7, 2009 10:26 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

well

i guess it didn’t matter whether they bunted or not…LETS GO KEPP

by captain_bomb_2000 on Apr 7, 2009 10:26 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

According to Fan Graphs

We have a great Win Expectancy

http://www.fangraphs.com/livewins.aspx?gameid=290407118

The Crawfishboxes
A good friend of mine used to say, "This is a very simple game. You throw the ball, you catch the ball, you hit the ball. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, sometimes it rains." Think about that for a while.

by DyingQuail on Apr 7, 2009 10:26 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

And

A 1.21 RE in this inning.

The Crawfishboxes
A good friend of mine used to say, "This is a very simple game. You throw the ball, you catch the ball, you hit the ball. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, sometimes it rains." Think about that for a while.

by DyingQuail on Apr 7, 2009 10:27 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

1.61

my bad

The Crawfishboxes
A good friend of mine used to say, "This is a very simple game. You throw the ball, you catch the ball, you hit the ball. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, sometimes it rains." Think about that for a while.

by DyingQuail on Apr 7, 2009 10:27 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

This guy doesn't K

So if he can avoid the GIDP, we’re gold.

The Crawfishboxes
A good friend of mine used to say, "This is a very simple game. You throw the ball, you catch the ball, you hit the ball. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, sometimes it rains." Think about that for a while.

by DyingQuail on Apr 7, 2009 10:28 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

YESSSSSSSSSSSSSS

The Crawfishboxes
A good friend of mine used to say, "This is a very simple game. You throw the ball, you catch the ball, you hit the ball. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, sometimes it rains." Think about that for a while.

by DyingQuail on Apr 7, 2009 10:29 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Thank you for that

The Crawfishboxes
A good friend of mine used to say, "This is a very simple game. You throw the ball, you catch the ball, you hit the ball. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, sometimes it rains." Think about that for a while.

by DyingQuail on Apr 7, 2009 10:30 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Astros on pace

for a .500 season, everybody!

by Only_A_Lad on Apr 7, 2009 10:29 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

ASTROS WIN 3-2

Broken bat single to left

Astros fan for life

by Joe in Birmingham on Apr 7, 2009 10:30 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Fantastic

Keep ’em coming.

We need to turn this meme’s into a contest…I’ll think on that.

The Crawfishboxes
A good friend of mine used to say, "This is a very simple game. You throw the ball, you catch the ball, you hit the ball. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, sometimes it rains." Think about that for a while.

by DyingQuail on Apr 7, 2009 11:43 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Doh

had to take a call

Nice way to debut for a team: walk-off single.

Remember to retire Fin's number, Mark.

by jonthefon on Apr 7, 2009 10:32 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

it's one of my favorites.

Mark Loretta: I’d better make sure that hit falls. Don’t want to get doubled up.
Hunter: FUCK THAT I’M SCORIN’!!!!

by Only_A_Lad on Apr 7, 2009 10:44 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

There's a post game thread up

With a stellar HP picture.

The Crawfishboxes
A good friend of mine used to say, "This is a very simple game. You throw the ball, you catch the ball, you hit the ball. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, sometimes it rains." Think about that for a while.

by DyingQuail on Apr 7, 2009 10:39 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

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