Milaukee Brewers at Houston Astros - J.A. Happ's debut
Milwaukee Brewers at Houston Astros, Jul 30, 2010 7:05 PM CDT
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Roy Oswalt
Down to the Nationals 3 – 0.
Defense has been a bit of an issue
by Timothy De Block on Jul 30, 2010 7:03 PM CDT reply actions
and Nationals start the fourth with a double
Astros fan for life
by Joe in Birmingham on Jul 30, 2010 7:04 PM CDT up reply actions
is it done?
There is something distasteful about that whole Berkman situation
Astros fan for life
by Joe in Birmingham on Jul 30, 2010 7:07 PM CDT up reply actions
It is done. It just won’t be official until tomorrow due to a technicality. Care to elaborate about what is “distasteful” about what’s going on?
It was rushed plus
It seems like Berkman plans to be gone 3 months and then return to the Astros next spring. If they traded on that premise the Astros get nothing in return for 3 months rental especially considering his salary; and there’s a real chance he doesn’t return to Houston.
Astros fan for life
by Joe in Birmingham on Jul 30, 2010 7:11 PM CDT up reply actions
He’ll be back in some capacity nxt yr. Im sure Drayton will make it happen. And we are getting two prospects in return just Top 100 guys.
two "prospects" or two players?
I heard “no prospects” but I’m not up to date
Astros fan for life
by Joe in Birmingham on Jul 30, 2010 7:15 PM CDT up reply actions
And I just hate the Yankees.
I hope he gets to play in the world series though. That would be the only saving grace. I hope he comes back next year.
by entropic soul on Jul 30, 2010 7:13 PM CDT up reply actions
I’d wait and see what they’re getting first. There’s been confirmation that we’re getting two prospects, so that’s not nothing, especially if Berkman comes back. I look at it like we’re doing him a favor. If I remember right, his dad was a Yankee fan and wanted him to be a switch hitter because of Mickey Mantle, so playing for NY is probably a dream come true for Lance, plus he has a very real shot at winning a WS. If he doesn’t come back, then it is what it is. He’ll eventually be back, even if he’s just a special assistant.
ESPN says NO PROSPECTS OF NOTE
Tell me why this excites you:
The Astros will pick up a significant portion of the $6.7 million owed to Berkman this year and in his 2011 option, and the Yankees will not send back any prospects of note, the sources said.
Astros fan for life
by Joe in Birmingham on Jul 30, 2010 7:19 PM CDT up reply actions
Didn't see who wrote the report
All I know is I’ve read nothing good about the possible trade .
The best I see here is badmouthing ESPN -where’s the concrete information?
Astros fan for life
by Joe in Birmingham on Jul 30, 2010 7:25 PM CDT up reply actions
ESPN Article references
ESPNNewYork.com’s Andrew Marchand
Astros fan for life
by Joe in Birmingham on Jul 30, 2010 7:27 PM CDT up reply actions
Joe
The fools at ESPN stir shit up. They are self promoting d-bags there. They were all wrong on the Roy trade you know.
I’m not excited about it at all. ESPN is a rather dubious source when it comes to consequential prospects vs inconsequential one, so I’ll wait and see who is included. Regarding the money, I really don’t care. It’s not my money and it’s not handicapping this team next year and beyond, so it really doesn’t matter. From a human standpoint, you have to be happy for Lance though. He’s going from this black hole to somewhere meaningful. I say good for him.
MLB Network
with the Dan Haren trade discussed how difficult it is for a pitcher to pitch the night after getting traded. They’re essential in a whirlwind having to get to the new team, get acquainted with all the new coaches and players. So I don’t know if you want to put too much weight on Happ’s start tonight if it’s bad.
by Timothy De Block on Jul 30, 2010 7:09 PM CDT reply actions
Happy
get’s out of the inning unscathed after a double and walk
by Timothy De Block on Jul 30, 2010 7:15 PM CDT reply actions
Basically
Strasburg was scheduled to pitch against the Braves, but obviously he pulled out with his injury. Miguel Batista took the start and was booed several times by the sellout crowd.
After the game he said something like ‘Its like showing up to see Miss World and getting Miss Iowa.’
On the Nationals game tonight was video showing
Miss Iowa tossing out the first pitch. She was very pretty. The announcers said Miss Univrese better watch out.
Astros fan for life
by Joe in Birmingham on Jul 30, 2010 8:27 PM CDT up reply actions
Hahaha. I can’t believe ESPN actually had Miss Iowa on today to ask her how she feels about his quote. That network is such a joke.
It’s weird watching Happ get so many swingthroughs on that 90mph straight fastball.
He dropped in a curve for a strike which looked pretty decent.
I'm happy about Happy
but not happy about seeing Roy struggle.
ZOMG
WE TOTALLY OWNED THE PHILLIES!!!!11
I bet people will jump to conclusions really fast.
"He’s been following him around for two weeks like his lapdog". - Stan Van Gundy about Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade
by RocketsAstros on Jul 30, 2010 7:35 PM CDT up reply actions
I couldn't believe the stats they flashed on MLB TV about Roy against the NL East
Last 13 starts:
ERA over 7, AVG against over .300, 0-6 record
Maybe we should be happy that we got what we did…
That's a first
On FSN broadcast, commerical showing Astros “This town” song didn’t show Berkman. Every other time I’ve seen that commerical, they showed Berkman swinging righthanded.
I was curious why he wasn’t in the 3 spot instead of Kepp
by Timothy De Block on Jul 30, 2010 7:36 PM CDT up reply actions
Ryan Braun
just pulled a Soriano and robbed Feliz of a hit.
by Timothy De Block on Jul 30, 2010 7:36 PM CDT reply actions
On the bright side, losing Oswalt and Berkman means no O’s Bros and Lil Pumas. If only we can get rid of those dumbasses with their sombreros and stick horses, we’ll be set.
J mike could play 1B platoon with Blummer and cut Feliz’s sorry ass. Call up Bogusevic. Keeping Wallace in AAA to finish the season
The Stros probably want to see what they have in Wallace, so they can decide if they want to bring Berkman back or not.
by Timothy De Block on Jul 30, 2010 7:44 PM CDT up reply actions
To better gauge what you have in Wallace wouldn’t you rather have Wallace up instead of a platoon situation?
I know two months still falls under the small sample size category but it’s double what you have with a September call up.
by Timothy De Block on Jul 30, 2010 7:48 PM CDT up reply actions
That’s an interesting scenario, but at this point I want to say Wallace is the better prospect and more prepared to make the jump to the big leagues than Bogey.
by Timothy De Block on Jul 30, 2010 7:55 PM CDT up reply actions
Pete you surprised Hart is still ont he team?
and looks to remain past the deadline.
by Timothy De Block on Jul 30, 2010 7:45 PM CDT reply actions
It’s not about what you eat it’s about how much you eat.
by Timothy De Block on Jul 30, 2010 7:48 PM CDT up reply actions
That’s what I was thinking, but most vegetables burn more calories in digestion than you gain by eating them. He must be slathering them with butter and extra fat ranch dressing or something. It’s just strange to me.
it could be something genetic i guess
by Timothy De Block on Jul 30, 2010 7:51 PM CDT up reply actions
Someone said a couple of weeks back that ERA was a poor way to evaluate a pitcher in the lower minor leagues, and it is hard to tell much about Folty from the numbers. Would be nice if we had someone on the ground, telling us the ins and outs of his performances.
It’s a bad way to evaluate any pitcher because there are too many variables. Especially for the lower minors because of raw defense behind them, poor field conditions which escalate error rates and cause balls to bounce in really odd ways, and varying park sizes.
The best way I’ve found for minor pitchers is a combination of as many scouting reports you can find and certain stats. K/9, BB/9, GB%, FIP are a few stats to look at. Batted ball statistics like GB%, LD%, FB% are pretty inaccurate especially in lower minors but they do give a general idea. Also if you look at each games recap, you can see which strikeouts were swinging. High swinging strkeouts usually correlates to some pretty good stuff.
I don’t think the presence of variables condemns it myself. FIP might turn out to be the medical version of blood letting.
I tend to think it’s a bit bias towards strikeout pitchers.
by Timothy De Block on Jul 30, 2010 8:03 PM CDT up reply actions
I think ERA is more useful than sites like FanGraphs give it credit for, but I don’t it should be use in small sample sizes.
Happ
has battled two foes so far tonight:
1. The brewers hitters
2. the umpires misguided notion of what a strike is.
Freaky
what’s weird about Happy getting thrown out, is in the same inning of the Phillies Nats game Roy Oswalt was thrown out from right field.
The right fielder was playing extremely shallow and Oswalt hit the ball sharply to the right fielder.
by Timothy De Block on Jul 30, 2010 7:53 PM CDT reply actions
Carlos Lee
I hope we DFA you
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.
If only he could go in the DL for 2 1/2 years
by entropic soul on Jul 30, 2010 7:59 PM CDT up reply actions
Breaking news
Carlos Lee has been placed on the 60 day DL due to a severe case of embarrassment. We can only hope.
by BoxyBrown on Jul 30, 2010 8:00 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
What the hell?!
Why did it take him so long to get the ball back to the SS? Take your time why don’t you lazy fat bastard. Maybe next time he’ll tag up before you get it back in.
I don't like carlos lee
but the guy got me free chik fil a
by SteveBartman_MVP on Jul 30, 2010 8:08 PM CDT reply actions
What the hell?! part 2
Did anyone else hear the puma sound clip over the PA system during the Kepp AB or was it just my imagination?
Prince is kind of deceptive I think
He looks to be carrying about 40 extra pounds, maybe more. But he is enormously strong. There was a shot of him next to the Pirates 3B prospect and while Prince looked fatter, side by side I wasn’t sure.
His baggy uniform might add a few pounds, but I shudder to think what he looks like with a tighter uniform.
by Timothy De Block on Jul 30, 2010 8:13 PM CDT up reply actions
We need a volunteer to walk in the shower with Prince Fielder
and report back on what he sees
Astros fan for life
by Joe in Birmingham on Jul 30, 2010 8:34 PM CDT up reply actions
I see massive jelly rolls going when he runs...
it’s not just the uni.
I think he’s fatter than Carlos Lee for sure.
He’s also a much better baseball player.
You know a guys lazy
when he asks to see the ball after an off-speed pitch he catch up to. Right El Ponson?
Astros to receive:
Mark Melancon and Jimmy Paredes according to Joel Sherman
by IndianaAstrofan on Jul 30, 2010 8:13 PM CDT reply actions
Melacon's wikipedia entry already has him with Houston
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Melancon
Astros fan for life
by Joe in Birmingham on Jul 30, 2010 8:39 PM CDT up reply actions
New at Tag's Lines
http://brianmctaggart.mlblogs.com/archives/2010/07/berkman-reflects-on-career-in-houston.html
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.
Chris Johnson
You’re awesome
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.
CJ home run
figures Oswalt leaves town and the Astros break out the bats
by Timothy De Block on Jul 30, 2010 8:15 PM CDT reply actions
OWNAGE
could have been a slam if Lee didn’t GIDP…
"He’s been following him around for two weeks like his lapdog". - Stan Van Gundy about Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade
In that case, he still wouldn't run any faster.
He’d stop and put a bib on.
to an Astros caliber team nonetheless
"He’s been following him around for two weeks like his lapdog". - Stan Van Gundy about Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade
by RocketsAstros on Jul 30, 2010 8:19 PM CDT up reply actions
he does
He prefers Jay
Astros fan for life
by Joe in Birmingham on Jul 30, 2010 8:40 PM CDT up reply actions
Just FYI, when you get news off sites like MLBTR, it’s better if you grab the link from the news post to the original source (in this case this Twitter link). MLBTR just gathers the news, they don’t break it.
Anyway, if this is true, it’s pretty mediocre, but about the return we were expecting. A potential closer with good strikeout to walk numbers in his career and a high-ceiling second baseman in the lower minors.
Cue the middle reliever jokes
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 Stephen Higdon on Jul 30, 2010 8:29 PM CDT up reply actions
First thing that popped in my head when I saw Melancon
by Timothy De Block on Jul 30, 2010 8:31 PM CDT up reply actions
via Twitter
Joelsherman1
Heard #Yankees are sending T-A reliever Mark Melancon and Low-A infielder Jimmy Paredes to #Astros for Berkman
by Timothy De Block on Jul 30, 2010 8:27 PM CDT reply actions
Jimmy Paredes
Looks like a Geoff Blum type of player
by Timothy De Block on Jul 30, 2010 8:32 PM CDT reply actions
orem
Happ does go by Jay. Saw it in the chronic.
by robclark @stros on Jul 30, 2010 8:32 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
I meant in terms of the way he spells it
I don’t understand why it needs to be an acronym. Just write it “Jay Happ”.
His name is James Anthony Happ
J.A. are his initials. He prefers Jay to J-A
I don’t when he started going by his initials and/or Jay
Astros fan for life
by Joe in Birmingham on Jul 30, 2010 8:45 PM CDT up reply actions
Carlos Lee with another fail.
What’s that, the 3rd of the game?
Yankees just trade for Austin Kearns
http://twitter.com/Ken_Rosenthal/status/19954871514
They should really focus on relievers…
by IndianaAstrofan on Jul 30, 2010 8:34 PM CDT reply actions
no, sorry. With all of our talk about the Yankees today I just thought I’d mention it.
by IndianaAstrofan on Jul 30, 2010 8:36 PM CDT up reply actions
Granderson is Michael Bourn like against LHP
by Timothy De Block on Jul 30, 2010 8:38 PM CDT up reply actions
John Sickels on Melancon (from his 2010 prospect book)
" At his best he’s overpowering, and he throws strikes too, or at lest he did in Triple-A, where his K/BB, K/IP, and H/IP marks were all excellent. He also picks up a lot of ground balls….I really like Melancon’s statistical profile and he’s got plenty of stuff. I think he’s one of the best relief prospects around, but in New York an opportunity will be hard to come by."
Just a relief pitcher …. but doesn’t sound bad to me.
update: traded to houston so melancon is no longer any good
by SteveBartman_MVP on Jul 30, 2010 8:39 PM CDT up reply actions
Yeah, like Oswalt.
"He’s been following him around for two weeks like his lapdog". - Stan Van Gundy about Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade
by RocketsAstros on Jul 30, 2010 8:41 PM CDT up reply actions
He seems to of gone backwards in his development for AAA this year, but his overall career numbers look good, about a strikeout an inning and walks about 2 BB/9.
by Timothy De Block on Jul 30, 2010 8:40 PM CDT up reply actions
I hate to use the NY high pressure situation argument, but that may be the case and switching to Houston could be good for him.
He also may of been the victim of the Yankees looking towards the post season and not being allowed to get his bearing in the big leagues.
by Timothy De Block on Jul 30, 2010 8:43 PM CDT up reply actions
The prospects we seemingly got for Berkman are better than nothing. I thought that Berkman would leave after the season and the Astros would recieve nothing in return.
A-rod at bat
so stop discussing anything else!
"He’s been following him around for two weeks like his lapdog". - Stan Van Gundy about Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade
poped up
resume natural order of life – now!
"He’s been following him around for two weeks like his lapdog". - Stan Van Gundy about Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade
by RocketsAstros on Jul 30, 2010 8:46 PM CDT up reply actions
Of course by people, you mean
the media and Yankees fans.
Jay Happ's 2 hits, no runs allowed in 6 innings
has to be rated an A+ introduction (even if he did walk 4)
Astros fan for life
by Joe in Birmingham on Jul 30, 2010 8:50 PM CDT reply actions
I was thinking the same thing. Being in Indiana, I can’t watch the game so going by numbers alone, I’m very pleased with his first outing.
by IndianaAstrofan on Jul 30, 2010 8:51 PM CDT up reply actions
oh - you missed the Lil Puma's sad farewell interview
Astros fan for life
by Joe in Birmingham on Jul 30, 2010 8:54 PM CDT up reply actions
They had two boxes left
but they’ll be back tomorrow for one more farewell meeting
Astros fan for life
by Joe in Birmingham on Jul 30, 2010 8:57 PM CDT up reply actions
Wilton Lopez relieves Happ
Astros fans HAPPy
Astros fan for life
by Joe in Birmingham on Jul 30, 2010 8:52 PM CDT up reply actions
Definitely, and Q wasn’t doing him any favors by stabbing at his breaking ball. I must say, I’m impressed with his composure with men on base.
You would think someone who has been around as long as him would’ve developed that ability by now, especially one whose defense it what keeps him on the club. I’d like to see Happ working with Castro to gain some repoire. That is our battery of the future.
Maybe it was more that Q hits right handed?
by IndianaAstrofan on Jul 30, 2010 8:59 PM CDT up reply actions
ESPN analysis rocks
Also, A Rod has been outstanding since hitting 599, he is just unlucky not to get 600.
"He’s been following him around for two weeks like his lapdog". - Stan Van Gundy about Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade
by RocketsAstros on Jul 30, 2010 8:56 PM CDT up reply actions
Inglett swings like a pendulum do
for a single
Astros fan for life
by Joe in Birmingham on Jul 30, 2010 8:55 PM CDT reply actions
The lead in for ESPNEWS...
“Roy Oswalt wanted out of Houston. He may want to go back.”
Made me laugh a little!
by IndianaAstrofan on Jul 30, 2010 9:01 PM CDT reply actions
Anderson Hernandez is pinch hitting
by Timothy De Block on Jul 30, 2010 9:05 PM CDT up reply actions
LaTroy Hawkins
has a 9.26 ERA? Jeez, he was pretty good for us once.
"He’s been following him around for two weeks like his lapdog". - Stan Van Gundy about Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade
I prefer the Phillies.
"He’s been following him around for two weeks like his lapdog". - Stan Van Gundy about Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade
by RocketsAstros on Jul 30, 2010 9:06 PM CDT up reply actions
Phillies (and Roy O) lost 8-1
Poor Phillies fielding got them behind early and they never got back in the game
Astros fan for life
by Joe in Birmingham on Jul 30, 2010 9:08 PM CDT reply actions
Did you see the catcher throwing to no one at 3rd base on a bunt?
by Timothy De Block on Jul 30, 2010 9:08 PM CDT up reply actions
Just missed it
I read about it in the game thread. From what I read there, The posters liked what they saw in Oswalt but were ticked at the Phillies fielding and their swinging at first pitches.
The TV Commentator however pointed out Roy’s control over his curve and other non-fast ball pitches was poor. Video seemed to agree with the commentator.
Astros fan for life
by Joe in Birmingham on Jul 30, 2010 9:12 PM CDT up reply actions
I'm really pulling for Roy...
but to put that kind of slant on it seems unfair.
Roy didn’t pitch very well from the get go based on what I’ve seen and heard. The defense/errors didn’t help but they weren’t what started the struggles.
You're probably right
but the Philies posters were giving Roy the benefit of the doubt. That’s three bad outings in a row for him. Gott a hope he gets back in gear next time out.
Astros fan for life
by Joe in Birmingham on Jul 30, 2010 9:27 PM CDT up reply actions
No way
Michael Bourn called out on a bang bang play at first
by Timothy De Block on Jul 30, 2010 9:09 PM CDT reply actions
Bourn came very close to having his hand spiked
i
Astros fan for life
by Joe in Birmingham on Jul 30, 2010 9:13 PM CDT up reply actions
It puzzles me when players do that.
"He’s been following him around for two weeks like his lapdog". - Stan Van Gundy about Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade
by RocketsAstros on Jul 30, 2010 9:14 PM CDT up reply actions
Another Bournesque catch by Michael Bourn
Astros fan for life
by Joe in Birmingham on Jul 30, 2010 9:14 PM CDT reply actions
It doesn’t look like it’s gonna happen, and that is super lame. It would’ve been great to see Berkman get one last AB for us.
Probably they don’t wanna risk injury or something.
"He’s been following him around for two weeks like his lapdog". - Stan Van Gundy about Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade
by RocketsAstros on Jul 30, 2010 9:25 PM CDT up reply actions
Most likely, since the deal is done, but nobody can deny how epic that AB would’ve been. Oh well, he’ll be back.
Yeah, it is ‘See ya later’ rather than ‘Farewell’.
"He’s been following him around for two weeks like his lapdog". - Stan Van Gundy about Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade
by RocketsAstros on Jul 30, 2010 9:28 PM CDT up reply actions
Chicken Dinner courtesy Keppinger
Astros fan for life
by Joe in Birmingham on Jul 30, 2010 9:23 PM CDT reply actions
What are the odds of that happening two times in a week?
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.
Fans better be ready
to fight El Ponson for all those coupons. Take his knees out and he’ll down like a load of bricks.
We got
timely hitting and shutout pitching. Astros CAN be fun.
"He’s been following him around for two weeks like his lapdog". - Stan Van Gundy about Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade
by RocketsAstros on Jul 30, 2010 9:32 PM CDT up reply actions
unlike A-Rod
"He’s been following him around for two weeks like his lapdog". - Stan Van Gundy about Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade
by RocketsAstros on Jul 30, 2010 9:38 PM CDT up reply actions
Yeah but, he said at the beginning of the season that the team was ‘very, very’ good and expected to contend.
"He’s been following him around for two weeks like his lapdog". - Stan Van Gundy about Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade
by RocketsAstros on Jul 30, 2010 9:37 PM CDT up reply actions
Astros WON 5-0
J.A. Happ makes great first impression
and is my Player of the Game
Astros fan for life
by Joe in Birmingham on Jul 30, 2010 9:31 PM CDT reply actions
Radio Guys Player of the Game
J.A. Happ
Good choice
Astros fan for life
by Joe in Birmingham on Jul 30, 2010 9:39 PM CDT up reply actions
i know 1st appearances
Mean squat in MLB but, damn, Happ got me excited and I really liked his mound presence. His finishing move on his pitching is a little too violent for my taste. I was kind of dissecting his style and I liked his smooth turn and leg movement but right when he is about to release the ball, his arm has a violent move to it.
by robclark @stros on Jul 30, 2010 9:42 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
Berkman's last six at bats with the Astros (not in order)
3 walks
a single
a double
a grand slam homerun
Astros fan for life
by Joe in Birmingham on Jul 30, 2010 9:48 PM CDT reply actions

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