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Around SBN: Phil Mickelson Outshines Tiger Woods

Milaukee Brewers at Houston Astros - J.A. Happ's debut

Milwaukee Brewers at Houston Astros, Jul 30, 2010 7:05 PM CDT



Current Series

3 game series vs Brewers @ Minute Maid Park

Milwaukee Brewers
@ Houston Astros

Friday, Jul 30, 2010, 7:05 PM CDT
Minute Maid Park

Manny Parra vs J.A. Happ

Clear. Winds blowing out to right field at 5-10 m.p.h. Game time temperature around 95.

 

El Bufalo, Astros Smash Cubs 8-1

Complete Coverage >

Sat 07/31 6:05 PM CDT
Sun 08/01 1:05 PM CDT


Manny Parra

#26 / Pitcher / Milwaukee Brewers

6-3

210

L

L

Oct 30, 1982



J.A. Happ

#43 / Pitcher / Houston Astros

6-6

200

L

L

Oct 19, 1982



Current Series

3 game series vs Brewers @ Minute Maid Park

Milwaukee Brewers
@ Houston Astros

Friday, Jul 30, 2010, 7:05 PM CDT
Minute Maid Park

Manny Parra vs J.A. Happ

Clear. Winds blowing out to right field at 5-10 m.p.h. Game time temperature around 95.

 

El Bufalo, Astros Smash Cubs 8-1

Complete Coverage >

Sat 07/31 6:05 PM CDT
Sun 08/01 1:05 PM CDT

Comment 343 comments  |  0 recs  | 

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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  

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?

by BoxyBrown on Jul 30, 2010 7:08 PM CDT up reply actions  

Lance was all for it and waved the NTC

by StrosSouth on Jul 30, 2010 7:09 PM CDT up reply actions  

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.

by StrosSouth on Jul 30, 2010 7:13 PM CDT up reply actions  

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  

He wants to come back and Drayton had to be talked into trading Lance Im sure of it.

by StrosSouth on Jul 30, 2010 7:15 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.

by BoxyBrown on Jul 30, 2010 7:15 PM CDT up reply actions  

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  

ESPN’s knowledge of prospecting is limited to top 100 at best.

by Subber10 on Jul 30, 2010 7:21 PM CDT up reply actions  

I barely trust anything he says when it comes to Major League players.

by OremLK on Jul 30, 2010 7:23 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  

Where’s the concrete information you are reading? Nothing has been reported yet that is fact from either team. It’s all speculation and “sources.” The only name that was right before the Oswalt trade was Happ and a few said Gose. So there is no way to know what we are getting.

by Subber10 on Jul 30, 2010 7:28 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.

by StrosSouth on Jul 30, 2010 7:29 PM CDT up reply actions  

No offense, and saying this the nicest way possible, if you want good coverage of anything sports related, ESPN is not the place to go. I mean, they still think Terrell Owens is an impact WR, for f*ck’s sake.

by BoxyBrown on Jul 30, 2010 7:32 PM CDT up reply actions  

Jsut because they aren’t Blue Chip caliber doesn’t mean their crap. Could be mid level prospect w/ high veiling. We just have to wait.

by StrosSouth on Jul 30, 2010 7:23 PM CDT up reply actions  

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.

by BoxyBrown on Jul 30, 2010 7:23 PM CDT up reply actions  

Those d-bags at ESPN wouldn’t know shit about what good prospects are. That’s why Phillips is at ESPN not a GM anymore.

by StrosSouth on Jul 30, 2010 7:25 PM CDT up reply actions  

Then gave up leadoff double to Weeks.

by OremLK on Jul 30, 2010 7:05 PM CDT up reply actions  

Welcome to Houston, Mr. Happ.

by BoxyBrown on Jul 30, 2010 7:07 PM CDT up reply actions  

We now have

3 LHSP out of 5 rotation spots

by StrosSouth on Jul 30, 2010 7:07 PM CDT reply actions  

The Pirates rotation used to have 3 or 4 LHP.

by clack on Jul 30, 2010 11:27 PM CDT up reply actions  

Can’t ever recall that many here though. Thats going back to late 70’s in my case.

by StrosSouth on Jul 30, 2010 11:53 PM CDT up reply actions  

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  

Only seen one fastball below 90 so far

It was 89mph.

The secondary stuff is a bit flat though.

by OremLK on Jul 30, 2010 7:10 PM CDT reply actions  

Whenever we play Milwaukee, I can never get over Prince Fielder’s HR to RBI ratio.

by AstroB on Jul 30, 2010 7:11 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  

This just in...

Bourn is god awful against lefties

by BoxyBrown on Jul 30, 2010 7:18 PM CDT reply actions  

Faith and Family

was supposed to have Lance speak. Now it’s Moehler.

by StrosSouth on Jul 30, 2010 7:24 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.’

by AstroB on Jul 30, 2010 7:28 PM CDT up reply actions  

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  

On the fans expecting to see Strasburg and getting Batista, he said, “it’s like coming to see Miss Universe and getting Miss Iowa”

by BoxyBrown on Jul 30, 2010 7:28 PM CDT up reply actions  

Yeah and she said something about him a bathing suit.

by StrosSouth on Jul 30, 2010 7:32 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.

by BoxyBrown on Jul 30, 2010 7:27 PM CDT up reply actions  

LOL

I read that this morning. lol He’s an idiot.

by StrosSouth on Jul 30, 2010 7:27 PM CDT up reply actions  

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.

by OremLK on Jul 30, 2010 7:26 PM CDT reply actions  

His delivery is pretty deceptive. He hides the ball well.

by StrosSouth on Jul 30, 2010 7:27 PM CDT up reply actions  

Delivery and body look a lot like Hamels or Cliff Lee to me.

by ol Pete on Jul 30, 2010 7:28 PM CDT up reply actions  

the ump is just screwing with him now

by AstroB on Jul 30, 2010 7:28 PM CDT up reply actions  

He’s got a very small K zone tonight

by StrosSouth on Jul 30, 2010 7:29 PM CDT up reply actions  

Happ will definitely be a guy to watch with great interest and see how he does. I’m curious if he’s one of those guys whose ERA just always outperforms his peripherals. That was the case in the minors, where his career ERA was a quarter of a run lower than his FIP.

by OremLK on Jul 30, 2010 7:33 PM CDT up reply actions  

I'm happy about Happy

but not happy about seeing Roy struggle.

by hardcap on Jul 30, 2010 7:35 PM CDT up reply actions  

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  

Oswalt

lasted 2 1/3 in his last start against Nationals.

by AstroB 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…

by hardcap on Jul 30, 2010 7:37 PM CDT up reply actions  

I saw that too shocking

Although at Citizens Bank Park (a hitters ballpark)

Roy is 4-0 2.60 ERA

by AstroB on Jul 30, 2010 7:39 PM CDT up reply actions  

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.

by rjg6891 on Jul 30, 2010 7:34 PM CDT reply actions  

J-Mike goes yard. Nice. 1-0 Stros.

by BoxyBrown on Jul 30, 2010 7:35 PM CDT reply actions  

Michaels

Has really made the most of his opportunities the last few weeks.

by AstroB 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  

That was a pretty good catch. It looked like he got some nice air and timed the jump perfectly.

by BoxyBrown on Jul 30, 2010 7:38 PM CDT up 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.

by BoxyBrown on Jul 30, 2010 7:37 PM CDT reply actions  

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

by StrosSouth on Jul 30, 2010 7:42 PM CDT up reply actions  

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  

True. Could call him up in Sept. too though

by StrosSouth on Jul 30, 2010 7:45 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  

It can go both ways on this argument as I see the benefits of both scenarios.

by StrosSouth on Jul 30, 2010 7:51 PM CDT up reply actions  

Screw the Platoon! Put Lee at 1B and bring up Bogey

by Subber10 on Jul 30, 2010 7:52 PM CDT up reply actions  

EL Ponson can’t bend over or stretch. He wont warm up with the team like Dorn on Major League.

by StrosSouth on Jul 30, 2010 7:53 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  

Telvin Nash hit another HR. Thats 5 in the last 10 games! Strait Mashing

by Subber10 on Jul 30, 2010 7:44 PM CDT reply actions  

These young guys in the lower ranks are starting to produce finally

by StrosSouth on Jul 30, 2010 7:44 PM CDT up reply actions  

Stros to pay

$4mil of Lance’s $7.5 which includes his buyout

by StrosSouth on Jul 30, 2010 7:44 PM CDT reply actions  

Banged up his thumb plus Melvin won’t sell cheap. If he hits 2 HRs tonight maybe someone will grab him. If Rays get jittery with Lance to the Yanks, maybe they’ll jump in.

by ol Pete on Jul 30, 2010 7:51 PM CDT up reply actions  

A-Rod

getting booed at Tropicana Field. Surprising, not.

by AstroB on Jul 30, 2010 7:46 PM CDT reply actions  

The one thing I’ve never understood about Prince Fielder is how the hell is a vegan so damn fat?

by BoxyBrown on Jul 30, 2010 7:48 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  

Shit. He must be eating the whole damn garden then. He make El Ponson look like Pence.

by StrosSouth on Jul 30, 2010 7:50 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.

by BoxyBrown on Jul 30, 2010 7:51 PM CDT up reply actions  

it could be something genetic i guess

by Timothy De Block on Jul 30, 2010 7:51 PM CDT up reply actions  

That could be it too. As everyone knows, his dad was probably the heaviest guy in the majors during his time. This could make for an interesting study on if some people are just fat genetically.

by BoxyBrown on Jul 30, 2010 7:55 PM CDT up reply actions  

He’s looking good.

by StrosSouth on Jul 30, 2010 7:50 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.

by AstroB on Jul 30, 2010 7:52 PM CDT up reply actions  

ERA is a poor way to evaluate any pitcher at any level until you get to large sample sizes, really. I’m not sure when it becomes reliable, but it’s well over 200 IP.

Love Folty’s strikeout rate.

by OremLK on Jul 30, 2010 7:57 PM CDT up reply actions  

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.

by Subber10 on Jul 30, 2010 7:58 PM CDT up reply actions  

I don’t think the presence of variables condemns it myself. FIP might turn out to be the medical version of blood letting.

by ol Pete on Jul 30, 2010 8:01 PM CDT up reply actions  

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.

by OremLK on Jul 30, 2010 8:08 PM CDT up reply actions  

That’s for sure.

by ol Pete on Jul 30, 2010 8:09 PM CDT up reply actions  

When I say variable I mean things like defense. A pitcher with a bad defense is going to do worse than if he had a good defense.

by Subber10 on Jul 30, 2010 8:35 PM CDT up reply actions  

The baby gets hurt bouncing on the concrete when it gets thrown out with the bath water.

by ol Pete on Jul 30, 2010 8:36 PM CDT up reply actions  

That’s what I like to hear. Hopefully he and Velasquez both pan out. With that and a surprise pitcher or two, we could be sitting pretty ~2014. Meh, it’s something.

by BoxyBrown on Jul 30, 2010 7:53 PM CDT up reply actions  

Happ

has battled two foes so far tonight:
1. The brewers hitters
2. the umpires misguided notion of what a strike is.

by AstroB on Jul 30, 2010 7:51 PM CDT reply actions  

Its a very odd K zone to say the least.

by StrosSouth on Jul 30, 2010 7:51 PM CDT up reply actions  

I heard he

was hired as Rodriguez’s personal motivator

by AstroB on Jul 30, 2010 7:53 PM CDT up reply actions  

Agreed. That’s the type of play you only see with a pitcher or catcher running haha.

by BoxyBrown on Jul 30, 2010 7:54 PM CDT up reply actions  

Speaking of that fat sack of shit, that was an epic fail. Not top 10 for sure.

by BoxyBrown on Jul 30, 2010 7:57 PM CDT up reply actions  

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.

by Stephen Higdon on Jul 30, 2010 7:57 PM CDT reply actions  

he’s getting his work in tonight

by Timothy De Block on Jul 30, 2010 7:58 PM CDT up reply actions  

It would’ve been so classic if he would’ve tripped and took a headed straight into the ground.

by BoxyBrown on Jul 30, 2010 7:59 PM CDT up reply actions  

For EL Ponson EVERYTHING is edible.

by StrosSouth on Jul 30, 2010 8:06 PM CDT up reply actions  

Maybe he’s just better from the stretch than he is from the windup.

by BoxyBrown on Jul 30, 2010 8:05 PM CDT up reply actions  

Could be. Seen it before but with RP mainly.

by StrosSouth on Jul 30, 2010 8:06 PM CDT up reply actions  

And maybe he sharpens his focus too. Heaven knows the opposite is true of a lot of guys.

by ol Pete on Jul 30, 2010 8:06 PM CDT up reply actions  

I had thought about that also. Some guys tend to get complacent and have a sense of security with no one on and then really hunker down with men on.

by BoxyBrown on Jul 30, 2010 8:08 PM CDT up reply actions  

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.

by StrosSouth on Jul 30, 2010 8:04 PM CDT reply actions  

He probably bought 20+ tickets before the game and was like, “I gotta hit that fowl pole!”

by BoxyBrown on Jul 30, 2010 8:11 PM CDT up reply actions  

I heard he was yelling out Pollo gratis when he hit it.

by StrosSouth on Jul 30, 2010 8:12 PM CDT up 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?

by BoxyBrown on Jul 30, 2010 8:10 PM CDT reply actions  

For Kepp it would be more cat purr.

by StrosSouth on Jul 30, 2010 8:11 PM CDT up reply actions  

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.

by ol Pete on Jul 30, 2010 8:12 PM CDT up reply actions  

I was thinking he might have lost some weight. Wasn’t sure whether it was Lee getting fatter or Fielder getting thinner.

by OremLK on Jul 30, 2010 8:13 PM CDT up reply actions  

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  

as everyone takes a step back… and bazooka Joe is the man

by ol Pete on Jul 30, 2010 8:35 PM CDT up reply actions  

If ever got in shape he’d have range defensively even he moves pretty good for giant fat ass

by StrosSouth on Jul 30, 2010 8:13 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.

by hardcap on Jul 30, 2010 8:14 PM CDT up reply actions  

You know a guys lazy

when he asks to see the ball after an off-speed pitch he catch up to. Right El Ponson?

by StrosSouth on Jul 30, 2010 8:11 PM CDT reply actions  

pitch he cant catch up to.

by StrosSouth on Jul 30, 2010 8:14 PM CDT up reply actions  

Astros to receive:

Mark Melancon and Jimmy Paredes according to Joel Sherman

by IndianaAstrofan on Jul 30, 2010 8:13 PM CDT reply actions  

Orem

We know of Paredes what about Melancon?

by StrosSouth on Jul 30, 2010 8:14 PM CDT up reply actions  

For what it’s worth, Yankee fans are pissed, so we probably got a decent deal, especially considering they knew it was a rental.

by BoxyBrown on Jul 30, 2010 8:43 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.

by Stephen Higdon on Jul 30, 2010 8:14 PM CDT reply actions  

that’s not a bad deal I suppose

by SteveBartman_MVP on Jul 30, 2010 8:14 PM CDT reply actions  

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.

by Stephen Higdon on Jul 30, 2010 8:15 PM CDT reply actions  

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  

Chris Johnson killed the rally

Q just grounded out :(
Damn you, Johnson!

by entropic soul on Jul 30, 2010 8:16 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

by RocketsAstros on Jul 30, 2010 8:16 PM CDT reply actions  

PLZ. The only way that fat f**k moves faster is if you yell out dinner is ready or free food.

by StrosSouth on Jul 30, 2010 8:18 PM CDT up reply actions  

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  

I don’t understand why J.A. Happ doesn’t just go by “Jay”.

by OremLK on Jul 30, 2010 8:21 PM CDT 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.

by OremLK on Jul 30, 2010 8:27 PM CDT up reply actions  

I like them if Lance resigns

by Timothy De Block on Jul 30, 2010 8:30 PM CDT up reply actions  

I’ll try to remember that but I’m getting older and developing CRS. or is it CSR? Shit I can’t remember.

by StrosSouth on Jul 30, 2010 8:30 PM CDT up reply actions  

It’s about what you get for a Berkman at this stage in his career though

by StrosSouth on Jul 30, 2010 8:31 PM CDT up reply actions  

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  

I’m sure in the pre-game planning, the pitching coach or Q said to Happ, no need to throw strikes.

by ol Pete on Jul 30, 2010 8:26 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  

Go to MLBTR for info on them both

by StrosSouth on Jul 30, 2010 8:28 PM CDT up 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  

but with a little more pop

by Timothy De Block on Jul 30, 2010 8:33 PM CDT up 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”.

by OremLK on Jul 30, 2010 8:33 PM CDT up reply actions  

Trying to be cool and just piss you off.

by StrosSouth on Jul 30, 2010 8:34 PM CDT up reply actions  

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  

I told you guys

Lee couldn’t bend over. He fell forward trying to field that ball.

by StrosSouth on Jul 30, 2010 8:33 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  

Now that’s interesting.

by StrosSouth on Jul 30, 2010 8:35 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.

by Rhombus67 on Jul 30, 2010 8:37 PM CDT reply actions  

lol. Forgot about that.

by StrosSouth on Jul 30, 2010 8:40 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  

Hopefully things change and he finds his stuff for us.

by StrosSouth on Jul 30, 2010 8:41 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  

kinda thinking that myself. but then again im a southern hick u know.

by StrosSouth on Jul 30, 2010 8:44 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.

by rjg6891 on Jul 30, 2010 8:43 PM CDT reply actions  

Restocking the system with better talent is a good thing.

by StrosSouth on Jul 30, 2010 8:45 PM CDT up reply actions  

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

by RocketsAstros on Jul 30, 2010 8:44 PM CDT reply actions  

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  

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  

Free orange foam paws for anyone interested! All you have to do is stop by and say hi.

by BoxyBrown on Jul 30, 2010 8:55 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  

Too soon to call us the winners of that trade? I think not!

by BoxyBrown on Jul 30, 2010 8:52 PM CDT up reply actions  

The walks were by poor K zone

by StrosSouth 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.

by BoxyBrown on Jul 30, 2010 8:54 PM CDT up reply actions  

Q adoes that all the time w/ all our pitchers

by StrosSouth on Jul 30, 2010 8:54 PM CDT up reply actions  

Might want to find out if he know about framing a pitch

by StrosSouth on Jul 30, 2010 8:55 PM CDT up reply actions  

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.

by BoxyBrown on Jul 30, 2010 8:57 PM CDT up reply actions  

I though it was odd Q caught tonight but I guess Mills wanted the vet in for Happs 1st start here.

by StrosSouth on Jul 30, 2010 8:58 PM CDT up reply actions  

Maybe it was more that Q hits right handed?

by IndianaAstrofan on Jul 30, 2010 8:59 PM CDT up reply actions  

That could very well be but sooner or later he’s gonna have to get his AB’s against the LHP’s

by StrosSouth on Jul 30, 2010 9:01 PM CDT up reply actions  

Agreed. Just speculating

by IndianaAstrofan on Jul 30, 2010 9:02 PM CDT up reply actions  

No he’s in Houston so it sucked

by StrosSouth on Jul 30, 2010 8:51 PM CDT reply actions  

Astros got fleeced in this trade after one start

by StrosSouth on Jul 30, 2010 8:52 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  

East coast bias

at work there. Putting positive spin on it for A-Roid.

by StrosSouth on Jul 30, 2010 8:57 PM CDT up 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  

LOL

Now that’s funny. I bet they say he’s overrated now.

by StrosSouth on Jul 30, 2010 9:02 PM CDT up reply actions  

Wouldn’t surprise me a bit. Honestly, after his one-hitter, he was a little off here. I hope he’s able to turn it around. I don’t want to see Philly fans against him.

by BoxyBrown on Jul 30, 2010 9:04 PM CDT up reply actions  

He will. Lee still doesn’t have decision w/ Rangers even though he goes 9 every time.

by StrosSouth on Jul 30, 2010 9:05 PM CDT up reply actions  

Come on!

Lopez?! Where’s Puma damnit!

by StrosSouth on Jul 30, 2010 9:03 PM CDT reply actions  

Anderson Hernandez is pinch hitting

by Timothy De Block on Jul 30, 2010 9:05 PM CDT up reply actions  

JD and Brownie messed up then when announcing

by StrosSouth on Jul 30, 2010 9:07 PM CDT up reply actions  

or my hearing is going now too

by StrosSouth on Jul 30, 2010 9:07 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

by RocketsAstros on Jul 30, 2010 9:03 PM CDT reply actions  

He was very good for us, but was awful before and after. Strange. The curse of Dewey Robinson.

by BoxyBrown on Jul 30, 2010 9:05 PM CDT up reply actions  

NYY still in on

Lilly? Are kidding me? Buying another WS are they?

by StrosSouth on Jul 30, 2010 9:04 PM CDT reply actions  

I’m all for it. I want Puma to get a ring. This is one year I don’t hate the Yankees.

by BoxyBrown on Jul 30, 2010 9:05 PM CDT up reply actions  

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  

Either/or for me. As long as one of them gets a ring, I’m happy. They really both deserve it.

by BoxyBrown on Jul 30, 2010 9:07 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.

by hardcap on Jul 30, 2010 9:17 PM CDT up reply actions  

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  

Bad call on that Bourn play.Poor fella can’t catch a break.

by BoxyBrown on Jul 30, 2010 9:09 PM CDT reply actions  

Better watch or is hand might might get a break. Never been fond of headfirst slide into 1B

by StrosSouth on Jul 30, 2010 9:12 PM CDT up reply actions  

Great play on that Fielder sinking liner. Even if his bat is slumping, his D is still pristine.

by BoxyBrown on Jul 30, 2010 9:14 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  

Say it with me

TWO TIME! TWO TIME! Gold glove champ.

by StrosSouth 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.

by BoxyBrown on Jul 30, 2010 9:22 PM CDT up reply actions  

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.

by BoxyBrown on Jul 30, 2010 9:26 PM CDT up reply actions  

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  

Kepp solo off the fowl pole. Free chicken sammiches for all!

by BoxyBrown 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.

by Stephen Higdon on Jul 30, 2010 9:26 PM CDT reply actions  

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.

by StrosSouth on Jul 30, 2010 9:27 PM CDT reply actions  

Run fans run! get your sammich coupons before El Ponson gets them. Run!

by StrosSouth on Jul 30, 2010 9:36 PM CDT up reply actions  

JD and Brownie

dont know if hes even there. May have gone home

by StrosSouth on Jul 30, 2010 9:29 PM CDT reply actions  

5-0 Stros win!

Rebuilding isn’t so bad after all.

by BoxyBrown on Jul 30, 2010 9:30 PM CDT reply actions  

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  

Oh for sure. We’re the friggin Astros. We don’t rebuild, we reload!

by BoxyBrown on Jul 30, 2010 9:33 PM CDT up reply actions  

No we got lucky since we’re the Astros.

by StrosSouth on Jul 30, 2010 9:36 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  

Per McLame this is not a rebuilding effort.

by StrosSouth on Jul 30, 2010 9:34 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  

That’s just corporate spin. You can only spoonfeed us crap and call it creme brulee for so long. Everybody knows it, there’s no shame in it, might as well admit it. I think the fans will appreciate the honesty and not insulting their intelligence.

by BoxyBrown on Jul 30, 2010 9:39 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  

he gets extra pickle on his sammie

by StrosSouth on Jul 30, 2010 9:33 PM CDT up reply actions  

It’s odd that Lucas didn’t interview Happ after the game. I guess if not Happ, CJ is a good choice for player of the game.

by BoxyBrown on Jul 30, 2010 9:41 PM CDT up reply actions  

pretty crappy that Lance didn’t get in the game.

by Astrofan on Jul 30, 2010 9:38 PM CDT reply actions  

They said he left early and wasn’t there.

by StrosSouth on Jul 30, 2010 9:56 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  

His delivery and stuff reminded me a bit of Pettitte. His control was good, and his composure was excellent. Color me impressed.

by BoxyBrown on Jul 30, 2010 9:44 PM CDT up reply actions  

so did Randy Johnson.

by StrosSouth on Jul 30, 2010 9:47 PM CDT up 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  

Grans Slam is a great way to go out.

by StrosSouth on Jul 30, 2010 9:55 PM CDT up reply actions  

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