Jim Crane Approved As New Astros Owner
by Timothy De Block on Nov 17, 2011 12:12 PM CST
in Houston Astros News
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PrintThe moment is finally hear. Jim Crane was unanimously approved as the Astros new owner.
We'll be using this thread as a way to keep you updated on the news through out the day and for people to discuss the sale. Over the past few days we've already learned a lot of information. If you haven't heard the Astros appear set to make a move in 2013 to the American League West with the likes of the Rangers, Athletics, Angels and Mariners.
A majority of the fan base is upset with this move and rightfully so. The Astros are only in this predicament because of circumstances. A bad team, a change in ownership, an owner with a controversial past all adds up to one thing, leverage. With no other National League teams volunteering to make the jump to the other leagues Bud Selig took hold of that leverage and dragged the approval process out until Crane either accepted to move the team or walked. Crane with some leverage of his own (walking) settled for a reduction in the sale price of the team.
While we've speculated about Crane should do with this money (investing in the draft, free agency, etc.) it's most likely going against the debt that's owed, which shouldn't be overlooked. Less debt is one step closer to a thriving organization.
With that in mind and the holiday's fast approaching lets kick off some discussion. What is the one thing you would like from the Astros new owner?
Hit the jump for links leading up to the approval of the sale with new links and news added through out the day. Make sure to check back regularly for the latest. Feel free to post any links I may of missed. We'll also be doing a special podcast recording tonight so send in any questions you have to thecrawfishboxes@gmail.com
Remember to keep the discussion civil or I'll go all Strong Bad on your comment.
EDIT: More links added - 10:45 AM
EDIT: Jim Crane has been approved as Astros new owner
Press Conference is scheduled for 3:30 PM CDT today. It will be streamed live on Astros.com and aired on Fox Sports Houston.
Sale Links
Ultimate Astros " So why weren’t two 15-team leagues in the original plan? Actually, they were
I love the map Levine has of all the Major League teams. Moving the Astros at west doesn't seem as silly as it was. I am also starting to see several fans point about moving the Brewers back to the AL and having either the Twins or Royals move out West. Still it's much "nicer" to tick off one fan base rather than two.
Ultimate Astros " Jim Crane sure hopes the marriage is better than the honeymoon
Steve Campbell talks about Jim Crane taking over the Astros.
Jim Crane’s No-Win Situation with the Astros
Maury Brown makes a case for going easy on Crane.
How to revamp schedule after Astros move – USATODAY.com
An in-depth look at what the Astros move to the American League does for the 29 other teams of the league. For those of you asking how this is good for baseball this may provide some answers.
Astros sale to include $70M for move to AL | astros.com: News
By Brian McTaggart
Ultimate Astros " Crane to receive $70 million discount for Astros’ switch to American League
by Richard Justice
Just What Is Jim Crane Buying In The Houston Astros? - Baseball Nation
Drayton McLane is finally handing over the Astros, but only after the team was run into the ground.
Ultimate Astros " I loathe a move to the AL West, but it’s not the end of the world
By Chip Bailey
Disparity and Competitive Balance - JSOnline
Nicholas Zettel from Bernies Crew takes a look at competitive balance in baseball and whether or not the Astros or any other team switching leagues will improve balance. I'd like to reiterate that it's the players association that want the even leagues. Even leagues means even chance of players making the playoffs regardless of league. They get extra money for making the playoffs.
Updated Links - 8:30 AM
Drayton McLane: Astros sale vote coming Thursday | astros.com: News
Interesting quotes from Drayton and it looks like the AL move will be announced with the new CBA.
Ultimate Astros " Astros’ impending move to AL not a hit with fans
By Zachary Levine
Ultimate Astros " Local attorney says Astros’ move to AL violates lease agreement
Someone's found something
Angels among clubs not thrilled with moving the Astros to AL West - latimes.com
Not everyone in the AL is excited about the Astros switching leagues. Also I think there's something to doing realignment right instead of just doing it the easiest way possible.
Updated Links 9:35 AM
The Hot Stone League | Astros' pending move to AL West not popular with their fans | Seattle Times Newspaper
Larry Stone discusses how unpopular the move to the AL is among Astro fans. One of our commenters get's quoted in the article. Hat tip to Astros County.
The Houston Astros Are Moving, And The Fan Base Will Survive - Baseball Nation
In time for the 2013 regular season, the Houston Astros will shift to the American League, and a number of their fans are very upset. Those fans, though, are going to stick with the team that they chose.
Updated Links 10:45 AM
The Unspoken Letters Regarding The Astros AL Move: 'DH' - Baseball Nation
Will the adoption of the DH in the National League be an inevitable result of the Astros' upcoming move to the American League?
Post Approval Links - Updated: 1:58 PM
Ultimate Astros " Jim Crane officially approved as Astros’ new owner; Astros moving to American League
By Richard Justice
Who’s the DH of the future? " Tag's Lines
Brian McTaggart looks ahead at possible designated hitter candidates.
Ultimate Astros " First five things on Jim Crane’s to-do list as new Astros owner
By Steve Campbell
Ultimate Astros " Q&A with new Astros owner Jim Crane
Richard Justice conducts a quick interview with Crane.
Stop complaining about changes in baseball - CBSSports.com
By Matt Snyder
318 comments
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Comments
New era ...
I was 19 when Drayton took over. Hard to believe it’s been almost two decades.
Anyway, big day for the Astros. A lot of people are mad at Crane, but this was big-time hardball, even by MLB standards. Here’s hoping better days are ahead for the ’Stros.
I wonder if the Astros can get rid of the RSN and plead with Fox Southwest to take them back. It may not be possible, given that Crane paid something like $100 Million for the RSN. But, the more I think about it, the more it seems that the AL move is destructive of the RSN. The overlap between Rangers and Astros broadcasts may make it less likely that regional cable networks will buy both Fox Southwest and the Astros-Rockets network. It makes me wonder if I will get Astros broadcasts (other than Astros-Rangers games on the Rangers network) in central Texas.
Long time astros fan
But i know little about the game besides how it is played. Is the common consensus here that the Stros will be no good for at least the next 5 years? I feel like my discussions about this are typically with people who know less about the MLB than I do…
I think there is a variety of opinion. Most everyone agrees that the Astros will be a bad team in 2012. Whether the Astros will begin to look competitive in 2013 may depend on whether Crane is willing to start spending money on free agents at that point. Based on just the farm system, and assuming no significant free agent expenditures, it may be quite a few years before the Astros become competitive. This fanpost has a poll which might relate to your question.
AP Reports that sale of Astros contingent on move to AL West
This begs the question: Why does the AP think this is news now?
Has there been any indication on what Crane is going to do re: Wade?
Is it too late in the off-season to bring someone new in?
"Every time you go to that cook-off you get drunk as a poet on payday!"
I don’t think it’s too late, and I hope it happens. With all that is happening I would prefer a fresh start for the whole orginization. We’re a bad team now, no denying that. While the farm system has improved some under Wade , I don’t think it has enough. So I’d like to see someone else given the chance. I think it will be at least 3-5 years before we are competitive again, and by that I mean a playoff contender. The draft, international signings, and just the overall perspective of a new regime will be things to follow closely in the next few years.
My thought is
if they’re gonna strong-arm us into the AL, we might as well get Andrew Friedman in the bargain. Have the Rays done anything yet this off-season? Maybe they’re holding off until after he leaves…
"Every time you go to that cook-off you get drunk as a poet on payday!"
Carpino and Beane
I really enjoyed the article where Carping gives his take on the move. He made a lot of valid points, and that’s the first I’ve heard about someone being concerned about pitchers having to bat off and on throughout the year but that seems like a valid concern.
I also liked Bean’s comments stating that National writers statements saying that they get to play the Astros 18 more times is very shortsided, and that he is concerned about the size of the market that the Astros play in moreso than the current state of the team.
Too bad these guys couldn’t have voiced some of these concerns before now.
by conroestro on Nov 17, 2011 9:16 AM CST via mobile reply actions
Let me guess: iPhone?
“Carpino” became “Carping” and “Beane” became “Bean”. It is almost as if your browser had a super-helpful spell-checker working overtime for you.
I think the objection to the move from the front offices of both the Angels and Athletics (and probably Seattle as well) is that there really isn’t a huge contingent of ex-pat Houstonians in those cities. These teams are in the business of filling seats (something the Angels do extraordinarily well) and that job is made more difficult when the team coming through town is (A) not terribly competitive (at least not in the near term) and (B) doesn’t have a fanbase locally to show up, something the Red Sox, Yankees and other teams provide in those cities.
"The contract is brought up a lot. What it's going to take to get past it is winning. This organization took on the contract. I'm here to make them look good."~Vernon Wells
by George Kaplan on Nov 17, 2011 2:43 PM CST up reply actions
Would Kansas City or Arizona of provided significantly more benefit than the Astros?
Follow my ramblings on Twitter .
by Timothy De Block on Nov 17, 2011 2:49 PM CST up reply actions
The D-backs would have been a coup
Reduced air travel time and cost to play the team on their turf, and there are plenty of well-heeled AZ residents who flee their state during the monsoon season of August and head to the beaches of San Diego and OC.
KC wouldn’t have been a benefit to the Angels one way or the other, but it would have made life easier for the Mariners and Athletics (shorter air travel to KC than Houston, but I guess it is only an hour to DFW if the road trips are scheduled intelligently—though we are the team which had a road trip in which we played, in successive order, the Mariners, Yankees and Rays before returning to a homestand in SoCal last season, our famous “4 corners” road trip).
"The contract is brought up a lot. What it's going to take to get past it is winning. This organization took on the contract. I'm here to make them look good."~Vernon Wells
by George Kaplan on Nov 17, 2011 4:18 PM CST up reply actions
Ha. Your right. Damn auto correct.
by conroestro on Nov 17, 2011 7:50 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Happens to me all the time
Thought I recognized the handiwork of iPhone autocorrect. So helpful it will piss you off sometimes.
"The contract is brought up a lot. What it's going to take to get past it is winning. This organization took on the contract. I'm here to make them look good."~Vernon Wells
by George Kaplan on Nov 18, 2011 5:19 AM CST up reply actions
Crane needs a more competitive payroll for AL move
That would be the first thing I’d change.
If you’re coming in as the new owner, obviously one of the first things you’re going to do is assess the organization from top to bottom and see where change needs to be made.
The future is very bright for the Astros, but unfortunately all of the most promising prospects are currently at the A or AA level. 2012 will be used to assess the current players on the roster to see if last years rookies like Altuve, Martinez, Paredes, et al will be the faces of the franchise, need more time to season in the minors, or don’t project to be everyday MLB players.
2013, however, opens up a lot of new opportunities.
If the Astros finish poorly again in 2012, and assuming there’s no other drastic changes to draft compensation other than the elimination of Type B free agents, the team should have another protected first round pick.
In addition, Carlos Lee’s contract will finally be off the books, so will Myers (although he has an option available), and also Lyons. That leaves the team with a ton of payroll flexibility since their only other big contract commitment is Wandy’s.
What this does is put Crane in position to be a buyer next winter and hopefully spend on 4-6 moderately priced (no more than $5-10 million per player per season) free agents. I think it’ll not only signify a new era, but it’ll help smooth the transition to a new league.
it's a double (Charlie Sheen) Major League moment
The Astros franchise is effectively erased. They’re starting over, they should just change the name.
Like the Charlie Sheen movie, looking at the roster is an exercise in, “who are these (bleeping) guys?”
And now to make it worse, looking at the opponents is also, “who are these bleeping guys?”
Unrecognizable. An abstraction. An expansion franchise.
Less league history than the D-backs and D-rays.
by citizenmilton on Nov 17, 2011 11:14 AM CST reply actions 3 recs
Here's a suggestion
If the Harris County Sports Authority has to consent to the switch, they should use that as leverage to get a few supplemental draft picks.
McLane and the MLB gave Crane money for the switch. That’s only fair. He’s the new owner. It’s his bottom line that’s affected. But the structure of the deal overlooks other important stakeholders, namely, the fans.
The Astros are moving to a tougher league. After a 106-loss season, this adds insult to injury. The deal only makes a bad team less competitive. And yet the only compensation for the switch is money for the owner. It’s only fair to the fans that Jim Crane gets the opportunity to reinvest some of these savings in the team. And by reinvest, I mean supplemental draft picks.
It’s a shame that Crane didn’t negotiate for supplemental draft picks. But the Harris County Sports Authority should. Their contract arguably specifies that the permitted use of Minute Maid Park is for the Astros to play only as an NL team. As an organ of government, the Authority represents the interests of the public. It’s in the public’s best interest that the Astros be competitive. Not only will that make the fans happier about the move, but a more competitive team will stimulate the local economy. Given the Astros current situation, a few extra draft picks would be less costly to the other teams in terms of competitive disadvantage than other costs associated with prolonged litigation over the switch and a delay in realignment.
Would anyone else be happier with the deal if it came with some supplemental draft picks?
No I would just prefre Crane pack up the teamand move them elsewhere after 2012. Serious here.
"This is a simple game, you throw the ball, you hit the ball, you catch the the ball, you got it?!"
"If I can't have my foot, Doc, I demand that you cut off my entire leg! That's right, at the hip!"
Seriously though, please stop. I love baseball and I want there to always be Major League Baseball in Houston.
http://www.crawfishboxes.com
by OremLK on Nov 17, 2011 11:29 AM CST up reply actions 2 recs
Well after this year you guys can have this pathetic excuse of a franchise in the lesser
division.
"This is a simple game, you throw the ball, you hit the ball, you catch the the ball, you got it?!"
Out of curiosity, then why in the world are you still commenting here every day?
No sarcasm or insult implied, I’m honestly wondering.
Because im a fan of the NL Astros and will watch them for this last season as the
NL Astros.
"This is a simple game, you throw the ball, you hit the ball, you catch the the ball, you got it?!"
You seriously need to calm down..either you like the Astros or you don’t. Doesn’t really matter if they’re in the NL or the AL. Things happen for a reason, just deal with it and live on with your life
by Woodlands'stro on Nov 17, 2011 3:55 PM CST via mobile up reply actions 1 recs
First off dont tell me what to do. Its free country and i can choose what to do
and how i spend my time.
"This is a simple game, you throw the ball, you hit the ball, you catch the the ball, you got it?!"
by StrosSouth on Nov 17, 2011 4:43 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
“don’t tell me what to do”..aren’t you technically telling me what to do? Which means I can just use exactly what you said right back at you.
by Woodlands'stro on Nov 17, 2011 5:34 PM CST via mobile up reply actions 1 recs
I havent told you what to do. I been stating my opinion and my feelings
Ive never told to change your mind or to calm down. Ive also never told you to deal with it. So no i havent told you to do anything.
"This is a simple game, you throw the ball, you hit the ball, you catch the the ball, you got it?!"
Ok whatever, Ill just be the bigger person and leave it at that. You can continue and act like a kid and whine about this. Have a good day.
by Woodlands'stro on Nov 17, 2011 7:07 PM CST via mobile up reply actions 2 recs
Oh and btw..I was kidding about the “dont tell me what to do” response, supposed to be a joke
by Woodlands'stro on Nov 17, 2011 7:13 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Well if it was a joke why didnt you just use the sarcasm font?
"This is a simple game, you throw the ball, you hit the ball, you catch the the ball, you got it?!"
Well...
1. I expected you to know i was kidding and was trying to be a smart as
2. No clue what this “sarcasm font” is lol
by Woodlands'stro on Nov 17, 2011 7:40 PM CST via mobile up reply actions 1 recs
Its cool Wood...no worries
"This is a simple game, you throw the ball, you hit the ball, you catch the the ball, you got it?!"
I agree with Orem, you have been saying this for months now. We know, you hate the Astros now, you can't watch them and will be a Cardinals fan. Everyone here knows that. Please stop.
I love baseball, I love the Astros. Don’t take them away from us, well atleast those of us who are still fans.
by vicious-peanut on Nov 17, 2011 11:35 AM CST up reply actions 3 recs
Oh let the man vent will ya?
Come Spring, non of this will matter anymore. Pitchers and Catchers report, gloves popping all over Florida, bats start cracking…
by Its Gonna Happen on Nov 17, 2011 11:41 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
Im not venting but thank you. Im just simply stating my view on the topic.
"This is a simple game, you throw the ball, you hit the ball, you catch the the ball, you got it?!"
You've been on an incoherant rant recently after your team seemingly phucked over its fan base
Sounds to me like venting, and rightfully so. BUT I expect that once the season starts and JD Mart starts raking and good signs are coming out of camp you’ll be back in the saddle again.
by Its Gonna Happen on Nov 17, 2011 11:48 AM CST via mobile up reply actions 1 recs
Ive been stating if yo uhavent noticed that 2012 is my last year as an Astro
fan. After that they can go to hell. Living here in corpus where the Hooks are Ive decide to not attend any of there game this season nor will i watch on MiLB again. I almost quit watching baseball all together after the strike in 94’. the only reason I came back was because of the McGwire/Sosa HR chase bc I knew how historically significant it was to the game i love. However, this time I will not be back. The game in the AL is not the game i grew up watching nor the game i grew up playing. So, it really wont bother me to let MLB go. Im about to get remarried and will find other things to do with my time that are more important than MLB anyhow.
"This is a simple game, you throw the ball, you hit the ball, you catch the the ball, you got it?!"
How could I or anybody not notice?
You’ve been blurting it out like a pissed off school girl.
You’ve been a big help informing us all of the talent that’s on the way up from your end and I for one would hate to lose you as an asset. However, if you want to go, what are you waiting for? I’ll be sure to save you a seat if you change your mind though.
by Its Gonna Happen on Nov 17, 2011 12:01 PM CST via mobile up reply actions 1 recs
Im sorry
But you’re gonna have to move, this is StrosSouth’s seat.
by Its Gonna Happen on Nov 17, 2011 12:15 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Just doing my part and saving his seat...
;)
by Its Gonna Happen on Nov 17, 2011 12:25 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
No its ok you guys can let some Bosox or NYY fan have it.
"This is a simple game, you throw the ball, you hit the ball, you catch the the ball, you got it?!"
Os now that im not agreeing wiht you you have to start name calling? Wow.
Thats just real mature on your part. Just because you guys are going to bend over and take another screw job from a league and and an owner who doesnt give a damn about the fans thats your decision and yet I dont go around calling you guys names.
Im sorry but after this season I am done and there wont be any coming back. Ive bigger and better things to do in life like a start a family and enojy other things that life has to offer.
"This is a simple game, you throw the ball, you hit the ball, you catch the the ball, you got it?!"
Enjoy life after the Astros.
Like OremLK said somewhere on this thread, I don’t like the move, but I am an Astros fan till the end and will deal with it.
For some reason Selig didn’t ask me how I felt about the move.
by conroestro on Nov 17, 2011 12:27 PM CST via mobile up reply actions 1 recs
It if wasn't clear already, it certainly is now.
Selig doesn’t give a **** what the fans think or want.
Exactly. He basically told the fans of not only Houston but
every other city thats not in NY or Mass or Wisonsin, screw you we will do want and you’ll learn to like it.
"This is a simple game, you throw the ball, you hit the ball, you catch the the ball, you got it?!"
I will deal with by not spending money on a floundering product
that i and numerous others dont care for.
"This is a simple game, you throw the ball, you hit the ball, you catch the the ball, you got it?!"
And that’s fine, nothing wrong with that. To each his own.
by conroestro on Nov 17, 2011 12:30 PM CST via mobile up reply actions 1 recs
I stopped reading after he said he lived in corpus
by Phat Elvis on Nov 17, 2011 10:40 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
I was born in houston and have lived there off and on over the years.
"This is a simple game, you throw the ball, you hit the ball, you catch the the ball, you got it?!"
So why are you a Rangers fan over here again? Go back to Arlingotn Rangers board
"This is a simple game, you throw the ball, you hit the ball, you catch the the ball, you got it?!"
by StrosSouth on Nov 17, 2011 11:07 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
The sports authority
Should try and get back a little of the money that us taxpayers put up to build a stadium for a national league team. We put up the money to build their house and we pay their ticket prices and then they do whatever they want to do with no regard for the people that built their house. Hey Bud, gives us some of that 300 million or whatever back, you prick. We could build schools or public transportation or give raises to fire fighters and police officers. Or at least flammable effigy of you.
by ntn on Nov 17, 2011 2:02 PM CST up reply actions 2 recs
"unoccupy"
Maybe if fans stop supporting the team in 2012 and state the they will only support a NL club, than they might see their mistake. I have Astros gear that I can’t wear anymore because the Rangers are my #1 AL club. I feel like we got news that the astros are moving out of Houston.
by Ryan2907 on Nov 17, 2011 2:51 PM CST via mobile up reply actions 1 recs
Sale approved, and it sounds like there are going to be two more Wild Card teams
http://www.crawfishboxes.com
Man, I hate the 1-game play in wild cards. If you are going to have wild cards, make the series something more than a coin flip.
by clack on Nov 17, 2011 5:22 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Im secretly hoping that the deal doesnt go through
And nothing changes. Bud Selig doesn’t leave behind his “mark” on baseball. Astros remain in a Central Division. Astros remain in the NL.
Oops, now its not a secret
by Its Gonna Happen on Nov 17, 2011 11:38 AM CST via mobile reply actions
"Hey, I'm gonna move the Brewers to the National League to have an even number of teams for interleague play!"
“Hm, now I want to move the Astros to the AL to have an even number of teams per league!”
“I am LEGUND!!”
Herpa-derp
- Buddy Selig
I started out not really caring one way or another about the move to the AL
But after seeing how strongly so many fans feel about it, I grew to be against the move. All of that said I still think many fans are significantly overreacting. You can think what you want but they’re still my Astros.
http://www.crawfishboxes.com
by OremLK on Nov 17, 2011 11:41 AM CST reply actions 2 recs
Well thats YOUR opinion and you are entitled to it but i think Houstonians still remember
the Bud Adams and Oilers fiasco very well.
"This is a simple game, you throw the ball, you hit the ball, you catch the the ball, you got it?!"
I loathe Adams and the Titans, but this is not at all the same for me
The franchise isn’t going to anywhere else, it’s still going to be a MLB team playing in Houston in Minute Maid Park.
http://www.crawfishboxes.com
But its not MY ASTROS. My Astros played NL baseball.
"This is a simple game, you throw the ball, you hit the ball, you catch the the ball, you got it?!"
by StrosSouth on Nov 17, 2011 11:56 AM CST up reply actions 2 recs
Well thats ok
When these ball players like Springer, Singleton, and Santana are carrying the Astros to the World Series yall can go piss off.
by Uncle Chris on Nov 17, 2011 7:10 PM CST up reply actions 3 recs
You do realize that they could just as easily fall flat on their asses and never make it
to Houston? Relying on three kids to carry your team is not a good strategy.
"This is a simple game, you throw the ball, you hit the ball, you catch the the ball, you got it?!"
Are you kidding me? What we Astros fans doing before we knew about this AL move? Relying on these kids. Why does that change now. Yea, they could fall on there assess. They could also could be inducted into the HOF in 25 years.
by Uncle Chris on Nov 17, 2011 7:34 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Im not happy about the move either
As much as I hate the AL, I hate the AL West more. That being said, ive been rooting for these kids for some time now and im not gonna be the guy jumping back on board whenever they end up being as good as weve hoped they would.
Dont get me wrong i hope they all three make it but your all your eggs
in one basket, so to speak, is not a good strategy.
"This is a simple game, you throw the ball, you hit the ball, you catch the the ball, you got it?!"
So your not an Astros Fan?
There is no other strategy. That is our only bright spot. Those players + the ones we are looking forward to drafting are the only things we have to root for. If your not onboard for those guys then your not on board at all.
by Uncle Chris on Nov 17, 2011 8:20 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
I honestly dont give a rats ass after 2012. This is my last season
as an NL Astros fan.
"This is a simple game, you throw the ball, you hit the ball, you catch the the ball, you got it?!"
Ok this is my one and only response to this because I really don't want to get in a fight with you
Why are you an NL Astros fan? Is their name the NL Astros or is it just the Astros? (sorry for the rhetorical question but the Astros aren’t tied to a league).
I know you can dislike certain things about the DH, but how can something so minor make you completely give up your fanhood? Ok, the pitcher doesn’t bat, it cuts down on double-switches and pinch hitters, but how much did watching Brad Mills come out and double-switch Brian Bogusevic into the game really give you enjoyment? Sure, it adds a certain interesting wrinkle, but that is not integral in the least to baseball.
Meanwhile, you act as if the DH is this horrible monster with no positives, but is it not true that it adds excitement? In fact, it elevates the quality of hitting because a player who was often never trained to hit isn’t going to be sent out there to flail around and provide a free out.
So let me get this clear. You’re giving up all allegiance to a team and not supporting them at all because they are playing in a league where 1/9th of the batting order is different, in your opinion worse. If you’re willing to give up on a team that easily, I don’t know how much you really enjoyed the game before it.
Check out The Dream Shake.
Follow @PatrickHarrel
by Patrick Harrel on Nov 17, 2011 9:27 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
And look
I’ve talked with you before, I respect you as a fan, but I just don’t see how it’s rational to give up a team over that.
Check out The Dream Shake.
Follow @PatrickHarrel
by Patrick Harrel on Nov 17, 2011 9:28 PM CST up reply actions
Pat- I respect you as well as a fan but its not jsut the DH.
My hate for this move and being done with the Astros after 2012 has a lot to do with Selig, Drayton, and Crane forcing this move in an unethical and underhanded way. All three of these scumbags looked we the fans in face and blatantly lied to us and were still doing it today. When I do business with someone and I find that they have lied to me and dont do business with them anymore. If you are honest with me then I am one of the most loyal business partners you will ever have. Loyalty is a two way street. I have given the Astros organization my time, my money, and my loyalty for nearly forty years. However, that loyalty is not being given back. Lying to me and taking my money is not being a loyal business partner. Yes, I know that in this situation I am a customer and just like in the real world if a customer is not happy with the service or product being offered they can choose to not purchase that product and that is why I am choosing to NOT follow the AL Astros. That is not what I signed up for when I became a fan. If this whole fiasco had gone down in an ethical and transparent manner I might find it an easier pill to swallow. That isnt what happened though.
Sometimes in life you have to just say enough is enough and move on. I was raised to say what you mean and mean what you say. When I make a promise I keep it. When I see something is wrong I say so and will take against it. The moving of the Astros to the AL is wrong and was done in an unethical and unprofessional manner and I want no part of it. That is why 2012 will be my farewell tour so to speak with the Astros.
I’ll always have a special place in my heart for the Astros and the game of baseball but baseball and the Astros arent showing me any love in return. They broke up with me I didnt break up with them.
"This is a simple game, you throw the ball, you hit the ball, you catch the the ball, you got it?!"
You know what?
That answer was about 12X more reasonable than I expected. I don’t agree with it, but it’s a fair view point to have, especially after reading your take.
Check out The Dream Shake.
Follow @PatrickHarrel
by Patrick Harrel on Nov 17, 2011 10:11 PM CST up reply actions
Thanks Pat. youve always been pretty cool.
"This is a simple game, you throw the ball, you hit the ball, you catch the the ball, you got it?!"
OremLK I guess I understand you & some others feel that way but I’m not sure I get what your understanding or image of the Astros is. Nothing personal at all. I don’t mean to be rude in any way but it’s hard for me to understand how this doesn’t fundamentally change one’s understanding of the Astros.
by man07 on Nov 17, 2011 12:31 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
I guess I’m just saying I don’t understand how someone taking your position defines the Astros.
by man07 on Nov 17, 2011 12:35 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Craig Biggo, Jeff Bagwell, the Astrosdome, J.R. Richard, the 6 pitcher no hitter in Yankee staduim, the Crawford Boxes, 1962, 1980,1986, 2004, 2005, Jim Deshaise, Bill Brown, Alyson Footer, Larry Dierker, rainbow jerseys, the star logos.
The Astros have gone through many changes through out the years, some good some bad but at the core they’re still a baseball team. They’re my baseball team. Switching to a league with a DH is just another small change.
Follow my ramblings on Twitter .
by Timothy De Block on Nov 17, 2011 12:58 PM CST up reply actions 5 recs
I guess it’s just not so small to me. I cherish all those things too. But they’re mostly in the past. I do cherish that & the history is very important to me. I just want something more to hold on to going forward. I view this more like the enormous last straw.
Like I’ve said before, I’ll still keep a passing interest because I’m too invested to completely walk away. But this just about kills it for me.
by man07 on Nov 17, 2011 1:16 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
For me, the small change of going nl to al would be about as small of a change as my girlfriend becoming a man. We’d have to break up.
by MadMartygan on Nov 17, 2011 2:31 PM CST via mobile up reply actions 4 recs
I do hope MLB throws us a bone
And makes sure we always get a series against St. Louis in interleague play.
http://www.crawfishboxes.com
Ya, maybe when we get good...
Right now it’d be another kick in the teeth
by Its Gonna Happen on Nov 17, 2011 11:50 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
By the way...TIMMY
Great job on the pic sir, had to laugh, woke up my girlfriend…in the doghouse now
by Its Gonna Happen on Nov 17, 2011 11:52 AM CST via mobile reply actions
What is the perception of Crane
as an owner. Is there any telling is he, or the staff that he is going to be bringing in are big spenders, or tight? I know he is bringing in someone from the Rockets, and they have always aspired and done what they can year in and year out to produce a playoff team. I understand we need to build through the farm system, but is it useless to think that we might sign a big FA?
Tragedy
Unbelievable, disgusting, unethical, devastating (not just to me, to the organization which is now in an even more horrible position that I question whether or not it can be a success in the future or if the Astros just became the Mets & white sox of Texas)
I can’t fully express myself because Timmy requested that we keep it civil but if any of you have ever seen the F’ing Short Version of the Big Lebowski that’s how I feel. Look it up on YouTube if you haven’t seen it.
by man07 on Nov 17, 2011 12:01 PM CST via mobile reply actions 2 recs
Careful or you might start gettin called names on here because you are not agreeing with
the majority of people here.
"This is a simple game, you throw the ball, you hit the ball, you catch the the ball, you got it?!"
Wow
Go back and look closer, nobody called you anything…
by Its Gonna Happen on Nov 17, 2011 12:23 PM CST via mobile up reply actions 1 recs
Really? Go back and reread those posts again.
"This is a simple game, you throw the ball, you hit the ball, you catch the the ball, you got it?!"
These are your words:
You’ve been blurting it out like a pissed off school girl.
"This is a simple game, you throw the ball, you hit the ball, you catch the the ball, you got it?!"
Yes
NAME CALLING would be “You’re a pissed off school girl”…see the difference? I merely used a simile to compare you to a pissed of school girl…using like or as, of course.
by Its Gonna Happen on Nov 17, 2011 12:49 PM CST via mobile up reply actions 2 recs
So now youre gonna split hairs? you used it as an insult and thats all that matters
Ive never done that to you. unless of course we were horsing around (not Sandusky style either)
"This is a simple game, you throw the ball, you hit the ball, you catch the the ball, you got it?!"
he pretty much admitted it when he said that
If i were Arnold Rothstein id pay Ryan Braun all the money he
wants to stop going on homer streaks against the poor Astros....
am i the only one?
by ccislanders on Nov 17, 2011 5:13 PM CST via mobile up reply actions 1 recs
Ok, I apologize
But go back and read what you’re writing and tell me I’m wrong? This is baseball…THERE’S NO CRYING IN BASEBALL!!!
by Its Gonna Happen on Nov 17, 2011 12:56 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Depends on where you get hit
I have cried in baseball as I was throwning up
by Nado2036 on Nov 17, 2011 12:58 PM CST up reply actions 2 recs
Been there too. Nothing like catching and having a fouled ball jump up
and hit you in the nuts. Even with a cup it hurts.
"This is a simple game, you throw the ball, you hit the ball, you catch the the ball, you got it?!"
Took 94 to the head concussion
Also trying to get out of the way got hit in the armpit
That hurt the worst
lol. I was playing 3rd one game and took one to chest. I had the
laces leave an imprint on my chest for about a week. lol
"This is a simple game, you throw the ball, you hit the ball, you catch the the ball, you got it?!"
Lol well I’ll stand with the 75% of fans who are against it.
by man07 on Nov 17, 2011 12:25 PM CST via mobile up reply actions 2 recs
Astros Baseball or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Designated Hitter.
I’m not entirely happy about it, but it’s something I’ll just have to get used to.
This station is non-operational
IT'S TEBOW TIME!
On the twitterverse
by jello44 on Nov 17, 2011 12:21 PM CST reply actions 4 recs
stragelove
the good Dr..
JD’s like, "you want some f*&#ing pitching? Here’s all the pitching you can stand. Now choke on it, b*#&hes!"- RCCook
LSB: "Oh s#*t, JD. You crazy!"
So, uh, hi.
A’s fan here. Welcome to the AL.
To be honest, not all that thrilled with the prospect of competing in a five-team division, that’s how it goes, I guess.
Oh well
at least we will have the Sugar Land Skeeters, if we are going to watch baseball with Bush league rules it might as well actually be a Bush league team.
by Bobbythegreat on Nov 17, 2011 12:38 PM CST reply actions 2 recs
Crane needs to be pumping money into this team now.
I dont like AL baseball it takes alot of the strategy out of the game that makes it fun and it takes away the complexity of the game. Baseball is a thinking mans game and thats why I dont like the AL. The fact of the matter is that a shift to the AL sets us back another 3-5 years since we have Zero offensive depth in the minors. I refuse to go to the games purely because of the sorry product on the field. I will still watch but I will not be enthusiastic to see the Angels, A’s, Mariners, Rangers like I enjoyed watching us play the Cardinals, and Cubs. Crane needs to realize that the die-hards are all that are left. Has anyone seen how many Rangers hats there are around town?
by Nado2036 on Nov 17, 2011 12:40 PM CST reply actions 2 recs
I wonder how this will effect our draft?
I agree this is a further setback and we really need more offense going in to the AL. Do we go after a big bat now or focus on good strong pitching?
by Its Gonna Happen on Nov 17, 2011 12:54 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
I think you have to go get Pujols or Prince
I dont know who else is out there. I would look into getting Posada for a one year deal
I'm hoping for Giolito
I know high school pitchers are huge risks, but he has a ridiculous upside.
Check out The Dream Shake.
Follow @PatrickHarrel
by Patrick Harrel on Nov 17, 2011 12:56 PM CST up reply actions
A lot of the HS kids this year have HUGE upside
McCullers Giolito the two Williams’…I think we might have to go after someone with less risk involved though. More of a sure thing. Just with the way our previous first round picks have turned out.
by Its Gonna Happen on Nov 17, 2011 1:00 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Would love to get Nick Williams
I know that we have some good outfielders in our system but man a Ken Griffey Jr/Darryl Strawberry like player would be awesome! I think it is less risk to take a position player versus a pitcher that high.
The sale
I guess now is when we’re supposed to squeal like a pig.
by lymber1955 on Nov 17, 2011 12:41 PM CST reply actions 2 recs
I may be selfish...
But I live in Seattle, and the move means that I will get to see the Astros a lot more. While I hate the DH, the move actually excites me for purely selfish reasons.
by firemills on Nov 17, 2011 12:43 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
Heh, I’m in Philly and well, I didn’t want them to move since I go to CBP every year.
Maybe I’ll head out to Baltimore one year.
This station is non-operational
IT'S TEBOW TIME!
On the twitterverse
I don’t understand these haters of the Astros. The Astros and Jim Crane are not the enemy, MLB and Bud Selig are. To say you are not going to watch the Astros anymore due to the league switch is just asinine. I hate it as much as the next person but I’m an Astros fan not a National League fan. If that was the case I’d just pick up a new NL team and be on my way. No thank you. As soon as we start winning agian people will come back and hopefully this will make Crane pump some money and life into the franchise.
On that note goodbye National League I will remember you fondling and miss your pure baseball. Hello American League titles. Go Stros!
by Cheezepuffologist on Nov 17, 2011 12:51 PM CST reply actions 2 recs
Thank you Brian McTaggart
"This is a simple game, you throw the ball, you hit the ball, you catch the the ball, you got it?!"
Jim Crane is just
as bad as Bud Adams, Crane destroyed the Astros as much by accepting a deal to switch them to the gimmick league as it would have been if he had moved them to another city or entirely shut down the franchise.
by Bobbythegreat on Nov 17, 2011 12:54 PM CST up reply actions 2 recs
I don’t think the franchise is destroyed. I’m fairly young so the thought of not supporting my hometown baseball team for however many years just because the pitcher doesn’t pitch and rivalries that still can be played (albeit to a much lesser extent and fervor) seems out of the question. I can see and understand fans leaving and not coming back but whatever there will be just as many new fans who grew up with the AL Astros as opposed to the NL Astros. All that matters is winning, whats the point of being the laughing stock of the National League?
by Cheezepuffologist on Nov 17, 2011 1:13 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Whats the point of being the laughing stock of the AL?
"This is a simple game, you throw the ball, you hit the ball, you catch the the ball, you got it?!"
by StrosSouth on Nov 17, 2011 1:22 PM CST up reply actions 2 recs
You have to quit drinking so early in the day
Its only 1:30 sir entirely to early to be drunk.
To bad I am not there with you.
I do love Bloody Mary Thursdays
by Its Gonna Happen on Nov 17, 2011 1:36 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Wish I were drinking. Although my language might be too much for some. lol
"This is a simple game, you throw the ball, you hit the ball, you catch the the ball, you got it?!"
I agree
They will not be the Houston Astros anymore. They might as well be a new franchise and be called the Houston Bombers or add a new mascot below. Houston Crains
by Ryan2907 on Nov 17, 2011 1:54 PM CST via mobile up reply actions 1 recs
I think we should change names to the Houston Oilers
And the Texans change to the Astros, since the Texans name was kind of lame anyways.
Texans still have one of the coolest logos in the NFL, in my opinion.
by CRPerry13 on Nov 17, 2011 3:54 PM CST up reply actions 2 recs
yes CR I recd you on that one
"This is a simple game, you throw the ball, you hit the ball, you catch the the ball, you got it?!"
Whoa!
Now that’s a sign of the apocalypse. :)
I know right?! lol
"This is a simple game, you throw the ball, you hit the ball, you catch the the ball, you got it?!"
Im a Cowboys fan saying it too..lol
"This is a simple game, you throw the ball, you hit the ball, you catch the the ball, you got it?!"
This is just stupid.
Note: I’m not saying that you are stupid, just your opinion. Jim Crane had no control over this. Hell, I’m shocked he was even able to get a discounted price. “shut down the franchise”, what the heck are you talking about? How do you shut something down that you don’t even own? His choice was own an AL team or nothing at all.
Jim Crane had nothing to do with this switch. I hate it as much as anyone, but lets keep the conversation realistic.
"Rommel, you magnificent bastard, I read your book!" - George S. Patton
by chilam balam on Nov 17, 2011 2:01 PM CST up reply actions 2 recs
Actually Crane held the cards here but folded like a cheap suit instead.
"This is a simple game, you throw the ball, you hit the ball, you catch the the ball, you got it?!"
How?
You’re just pissed. I get that.
"Rommel, you magnificent bastard, I read your book!" - George S. Patton
by chilam balam on Nov 17, 2011 2:20 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Not really pissed. Crane was waaaay overpaying for floundering franchise.
The other owners dont want Crane to walk away bc this astronomical sale price only raises their team’s value just like your neighbors selling their house affects your home’s value. Plus Selig is under a deadline to get the new CBA deal done along with the deadline for transfer of ownership of the Astros quickly approaching. Had Crane balked at the sale that would have forced Selig to scramble to find another team to move to the AL. unless of course his bed buddy Drayton caved in once more. See Crane had Selig by the short hairs but caved bc he doesnt have a spine like a jelly fish.
"This is a simple game, you throw the ball, you hit the ball, you catch the the ball, you got it?!"
wrong.
“unless of course his bed buddy Drayton caved in once more.”
Your own words prove my point. Why would he walk away just to watch Drayton move the team anyway? He and everyone else knew Selig would get Drayton to move first then sell the team, and Crane would never own a MLB team after he walked away from this.
"Rommel, you magnificent bastard, I read your book!" - George S. Patton
by chilam balam on Nov 17, 2011 2:32 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
If Drayton were forced to keep the team I think he knows that the fans in Houston
and the surrounding area would lynch him ASAP. So he probably wouldnt give in. Plus according to MLB bylaws the owner has to give consent to move as the commissioner cannot force any team to move against their will. Would have been interesting to see if Drayton had a spine and if not what the ramifications would have been.
"This is a simple game, you throw the ball, you hit the ball, you catch the the ball, you got it?!"
by StrosSouth on Nov 17, 2011 2:44 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
He’s on his way out what would he care. Even if he only sold the franchise for significant;y less it’s still enough to hire anti-lynching body guards.
Follow my ramblings on Twitter .
by Timothy De Block on Nov 17, 2011 2:53 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
If Crane walked he'd have to start all over again while still remaining
owner. Which means hed have to watch all those empty seats continue to grow in number which would be fine by me. Plus the team would still be in the NL.
"This is a simple game, you throw the ball, you hit the ball, you catch the the ball, you got it?!"
Or Selig has Drayton move the team and offers up compensation. At this point we’re getting into “what if” arguments. We don’t know for sure what would of played out if Crane walked. What we do know is that according to MLB they have said they were not going to approve Crane if he did not move the team.
Follow my ramblings on Twitter .
by Timothy De Block on Nov 17, 2011 3:11 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Then he should have just walked away. Shows me Crane is
nothing more than man without ethics and principles.
"This is a simple game, you throw the ball, you hit the ball, you catch the the ball, you got it?!"
’Anti-lynching bodyguards". Haha nice one
by man07 on Nov 17, 2011 3:12 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Might have worked out that way but I’m not so sure Crane would’ve been so willing to move. If Crane was willing why wouldn’t he have done it before?
I for sure don’t think he would be happy about restarting the sale process.
by man07 on Nov 17, 2011 3:11 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
What would be the difference? I don’t think this is much different than closing up shop & reopening as a new franchise.
Just like a small town restaurant that goes out of business as a steakhouse & reopens with a new owner as a Mexican food place. It’s completely different & this kinda is too.
by man07 on Nov 17, 2011 2:18 PM CST via mobile up reply actions 1 recs
Here is the difference.
You can’t close up a shop that you don’t own. He could have walked away from the deal and left Drayton holding the bag, but if he wanted to own the team then he had to suck it up and agree to the AL move.
Look, there is a finite number of MLB franchises. He didn’t have the option of starting up a new one. He (Crane) had to accept the MLB (Selig) conditions set on the sale of the team, or walk away from the deal.
I don’t blame him. I blame Selig.
"Rommel, you magnificent bastard, I read your book!" - George S. Patton
by chilam balam on Nov 17, 2011 2:27 PM CST up reply actions 2 recs
true
Selig and MLB took advantage and raked the Astros over the sale of the team. It is unacceptable and wrong. I still don’t know how MLB expect to handling 2 15 team leagues. Yes, inter-league games all year long but scheduling will be a mess. The biggest head scratcher is a 5 team playoff with 2 wild cards. How do you handle that fairly? Two wild card teams play each other while the other teams sit? wild card #1 playing wild card #2 in a 3 game series? 1 game playoff? if team 1 is ahead of team 2 by 3 games or more in the final wc standings , you can see how bad that would be and totally wrong. Odd number of teams don’t mix.
by Ryan2907 on Nov 17, 2011 2:41 PM CST via mobile up reply actions 1 recs
chilam- you keep ignoring the fact that Selig is under the gun to get CBA deal
next month so that he can have his 15/15 league. You wait and watch. In the next couple of days will hear that Selig and the MLBPA have reached an agreement and the CBA is done. Crane had Selig by the short hairs but Judas Crane took his 30 pieces of silver and ran.
"This is a simple game, you throw the ball, you hit the ball, you catch the the ball, you got it?!"
I'm not ignoring anything.
Selig would have had his 15/15 league anyway. Crane had no control over that.
"Rommel, you magnificent bastard, I read your book!" - George S. Patton
by chilam balam on Nov 17, 2011 2:49 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
If Crane walks and Drayton keeps the team and says no Selig would
have only one other option since no other team stepped up before and that would be to move his team the Brewers back to the AL where they belong. So again, Crane held all the cards but folded like a cheap worn out suit.
"This is a simple game, you throw the ball, you hit the ball, you catch the the ball, you got it?!"
Why would Crane walk?
If he walks he can never own a team. From his standpoint it’s own an AL team or no team at all. Why would he care what Drayton does after he’s out of it?
If you can’t see this i’m sorry. Really sorry, but you’re not seeing the forest for the trees.
"Rommel, you magnificent bastard, I read your book!" - George S. Patton
by chilam balam on Nov 17, 2011 3:03 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Well im glad that youre ok with an owner who cares about himself then.
He would be hailed a hero for turning down Selig’s extortion attempt. Who says hed never own a team if he walked away? Selig? selig is retiring after this season unless hes lying to fans once again.
"This is a simple game, you throw the ball, you hit the ball, you catch the the ball, you got it?!"
Just out of curiosity, were you one of the people that was tired of drayton mclane and wanted a new owner?
by Woodlands'stro on Nov 17, 2011 4:05 PM CST via mobile up reply actions 1 recs
I could of cared less about McLame. I wanted Ed Wade gone
"This is a simple game, you throw the ball, you hit the ball, you catch the the ball, you got it?!"
by StrosSouth on Nov 17, 2011 4:45 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Crane may have been a hero for a few weeks
But he would have been forgotten. No one would care about Crane in 6 months or a year. They would only care about the person that actually owned the team.
Crane has made 3 bids at buying a team and had he walked away from another one (the second time he walked away from a deal) other owners probably would think twice before listening to any deal from him. Add on top of that him possibly causing collective bargaining problems or another owner being forced to move and deal with an angry fan base. And him having to borrow a lot to even make an offer and you have a guy that suddenly does not look very attractive at all to the other owners.
by maroonedTexan on Nov 17, 2011 5:07 PM CST up reply actions
Not like the other owners look like attractive characters
"This is a simple game, you throw the ball, you hit the ball, you catch the the ball, you got it?!"
He would have been hailed as a hero for a few weeks
now he can be hated for a lifetime.
by Bobbythegreat on Nov 17, 2011 5:38 PM CST up reply actions 2 recs
He'll be hated until the team gets good
Playoffs are playoffs no matter what league you’re in
by maroonedTexan on Nov 17, 2011 7:44 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Tell that to Oilers fans who didnt follow Bud Adams
to Tenn. and some have never returned to watching the NFL
"This is a simple game, you throw the ball, you hit the ball, you catch the the ball, you got it?!"
Taking a team away from a city is different
than being forced to change leagues by the commissioner. It wasn’t Crane’s idea to change leagues
by maroonedTexan on Nov 17, 2011 8:15 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
He signed off on it though so is guilty too.
"This is a simple game, you throw the ball, you hit the ball, you catch the the ball, you got it?!"
I just feel like he didn't have much of a choice.
If it is true that Drayton signed off on it too then Crane had no choice. If he says no they change anyway and he probably walks away from the deal and we’re left in limbo with an owner who just wants to get rid of the team and not spend any money for another year, and we’re in the AL. But if he agrees and gets some compensation maybe he can fix the team and make it competitive again.
I understand what you said farther up the page about why you don’t want to follow this team anymore. I hate Selig and Drayton and the PA for what they forced us to do and how they did it. I just think it is unfair to blame Crane for being stuck in the middle.
by maroonedTexan on Nov 17, 2011 10:37 PM CST up reply actions
Actually they are very similar as both situations
pissed off the fan base so badly that A LOT of people never returned to football and I can say with some sincerity that lots of folks wont return to baseball after this
"This is a simple game, you throw the ball, you hit the ball, you catch the the ball, you got it?!"
I think the wounds will heal with the Astros
I think that as time passes and the team gets better some of the fans will come back. With Bud and the Titans it was a constant slap in the face to see the team in another city.
by maroonedTexan on Nov 17, 2011 10:40 PM CST up reply actions 2 recs
Well I told you sit would happen. Selig has reached an greement with the MLBPA
and will announce it on Monday. Funny how I saw that one coming.
"This is a simple game, you throw the ball, you hit the ball, you catch the the ball, you got it?!"
Who didn't see that one coming?
by Willie McGee's Twin on Nov 19, 2011 10:24 AM CST up reply actions
Lots of people. Kept telling them Selig was the one under the gun NOT Crane
"This is a simple game, you throw the ball, you hit the ball, you catch the the ball, you got it?!"
My question was rhetorical. Honestly, so much of what you've said in this thread doesn't make any sense, it's not worth arguing/discussing.
by Willie McGee's Twin on Nov 19, 2011 12:34 PM CST up reply actions
Go back to viva le birdos bird brain
"This is a simple game, you throw the ball, you hit the ball, you catch the the ball, you got it?!"
by StrosSouth on Nov 19, 2011 3:35 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
I thought you were the one whining in this thread cause someone said you were crying like a little girl?
You seem pretty fragile.
Well, at least you only have one more year of Astros fandom….
by Willie McGee's Twin on Nov 19, 2011 8:24 PM CST up reply actions
Why dont you and that cross eyed pigeon toed avatar of
yours go back where you belong.
"This is a simple game, you throw the ball, you hit the ball, you catch the the ball, you got it?!"
You're right I blame Selig too.
I must’ve misunderstood what you were saying. I thought you were saying it’s stupid to end the Astros as a franchise & start a new one like its expansion.
I don’t think that’s possible at this point but I don’t think it’s stupid. I was just saying that basically is what they’re doing.
by man07 on Nov 17, 2011 3:01 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
"I will remember you fondling"
Am I the only one that laughed at this?
by Its Gonna Happen on Nov 17, 2011 2:22 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
I am surprised no one noticed it until now. I hit send and immediately regretted it.
Glad to lighten up the mood.
by Cheezepuffologist on Nov 17, 2011 8:20 PM CST up reply actions
Its ok. Seems like lots of folks are having "Sandusky" moments lately
"This is a simple game, you throw the ball, you hit the ball, you catch the the ball, you got it?!"
Thats a joke btw
"This is a simple game, you throw the ball, you hit the ball, you catch the the ball, you got it?!"
Astros and NL fan
I don’t live in Houston and I don’t live Arlington I live in south Texas and I usually root for teams in Texas. I loved having two Texas teams in two different leagues growing up I had a choice to go for both Texas teams. I tried being a Texas Ranger fan but AL rules were not to my liking but when it came to Houston with the NL rules now that I enjoyed. So now the Astros will be going to AL and I hope my feeling towards the team doesn’t change. I fell in love with the Astros and I will still cheer for them but I am not sure if it will be in the same way. Even in the World Series I tried hard to go for the Texas Rangers and because they were a part of The AL I found myself going for the cardinals. I guess now my choice will be that i will be going for the Astros in the AL and I would have to look for an NL team to go for I wish there were a Texas team I could chose from…
by jdeleon on Nov 17, 2011 1:22 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
What's the difference between a catfish and Bud Selig?
One is a dirty, bottom-feeding scum sucker and the other is a fish.
by mike_o on Nov 17, 2011 1:47 PM CST reply actions 2 recs
yep, ocupy MMP now
Unoccupy MMP for the 2012 season. MLB and Crane just screwed Astros baseball. The farewell tour is set for the Astros in 2012. It feels like Houston is losing it’s team. No more Houston Astros after 2012. Gone are the days when baseball fans in Texas can actively root for both the Houston Astros and Texas Rangers. I’ve always saw the interleague match up of Houston and Texas as more of a exhibition. I rooted for the Club who needed the win more. Recent years Rangers.
by Ryan2907 on Nov 17, 2011 1:51 PM CST via mobile reply actions 1 recs
rename the Rangers
They shouldn’t be allowed to claim they’re for all of “Texas” anymore.
Call them Dallas Rangers or Arlington Rangers.
Dallas-Ft. Worth Rangers of Arlington
by Astrofan on Nov 17, 2011 2:00 PM CST up reply actions 5 recs
Clever funny and sadly very accurate name
I like it
Or maybe a related option: the Washington Senators in Arlington
Astros fan for life
by Joe in Birmingham on Nov 18, 2011 12:55 PM CST up reply actions
The AL Bites
In “real” baseball the pitchers hit. What’s next? Aluminum bats?
by Mighty Blue Star on Nov 17, 2011 2:08 PM CST reply actions 3 recs
Uniforms, Logos, Etc...
Im really curious whats going to happen with the uniforms/logos and if Crane will really take fans opinions into consideration on the matter. Going into a new league I do think we need a new look all around totally re-brand this franchise.
I have done much soul searching over this.
Now that it’s official i’ll weigh in with my opinion.
I hate the AL. I hate the DH. However, I love the Astros.
While I completely understand how someone could stop supporting the team because of this move, "it ain’t me babe " (to quote CCR). I just can not give up the 20+ years of my adult life spent rooting for the Astros.
Are these the same Astros? My answer is no.
Are they still my Astros? Yep.
I’ll just have to suck it up and watch a DH. I hate it, but life is compromise.
"Rommel, you magnificent bastard, I read your book!" - George S. Patton
by chilam balam on Nov 17, 2011 2:16 PM CST reply actions 3 recs
Fail, Bob Dylan not CCR.
"Rommel, you magnificent bastard, I read your book!" - George S. Patton
by chilam balam on Nov 17, 2011 2:20 PM CST up reply actions
Astros
the Astros as we know them are still no more after 2012. They might as well change their image and mascot because they will not be our Astros.
by Ryan2907 on Nov 17, 2011 2:44 PM CST via mobile up reply actions 3 recs
I would not be opposed to this.
"Rommel, you magnificent bastard, I read your book!" - George S. Patton
by chilam balam on Nov 17, 2011 2:45 PM CST up reply actions
so long as they stay in Houston.
"Rommel, you magnificent bastard, I read your book!" - George S. Patton
by chilam balam on Nov 17, 2011 2:46 PM CST up reply actions
Its ok. Theyll be moving in about six years after Crane and co. see big profit losses
"This is a simple game, you throw the ball, you hit the ball, you catch the the ball, you got it?!"
This may be true.
I would be sad to lose baseball all together.
"Rommel, you magnificent bastard, I read your book!" - George S. Patton
by chilam balam on Nov 17, 2011 2:51 PM CST up reply actions
Well you could always follow the Rangers or Skeeters
"This is a simple game, you throw the ball, you hit the ball, you catch the the ball, you got it?!"
Now that is going a little too far.
I actually have faith in Crane. He’ll turn us into a success. You’ll see soon.
"In the biographies of men and nations, success often arrives in a mask of failure"
by hunterpencefan on Nov 17, 2011 3:02 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Like a I trust a sexist racist war profiteer to do the right thing.
"This is a simple game, you throw the ball, you hit the ball, you catch the the ball, you got it?!"
Ahhhh
Now we get to the root of your Crane hatred. Just remember all of those things may be true (although unproven), but none of them had anything to do with Selig making the AL move a condition of the sale.
"Rommel, you magnificent bastard, I read your book!" - George S. Patton
by chilam balam on Nov 17, 2011 3:18 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
No that was just Selig being the crooked used car slaesman that he is.
"This is a simple game, you throw the ball, you hit the ball, you catch the the ball, you got it?!"
amen
"Rommel, you magnificent bastard, I read your book!" - George S. Patton
by chilam balam on Nov 17, 2011 3:19 PM CST up reply actions
Oh. lets not forget that Selig and Jerry Reinsdorf basically stole
$280 mil from the players by rigging FA signings back when Selig was still an owner. Talk about being crooked.
"This is a simple game, you throw the ball, you hit the ball, you catch the the ball, you got it?!"
Do you have the link, or the source where you are getting this information from.
by conroestro on Nov 17, 2011 3:23 PM CST via mobile up reply actions 1 recs
Not for sure why this went down here, but the above comment was a response to StrosSouth saying that the Astros will be moving in 6on years.
by conroestro on Nov 17, 2011 3:26 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
pretty sure that was just speculation on his part.
"Rommel, you magnificent bastard, I read your book!" - George S. Patton
by chilam balam on Nov 17, 2011 3:28 PM CST up reply actions
it is speculation right now but with the backlash Crane is getting now
I might not be that far off base
"This is a simple game, you throw the ball, you hit the ball, you catch the the ball, you got it?!"
Gotcha. Rumors started. Nice.
by conroestro on Nov 17, 2011 6:42 PM CST via mobile up reply actions 1 recs
Why would you love the astros?
They don’t love you. You are straight up $ only to them. You want to love a team? Pick the college team you went to, or a school you like. Fans are more than $ to colleges.
If anything, this whole AL move shows they don’t give a rats patoot about the desires of fans. Loving pro sports teams is a fools game.
Meat? They're made out of Meat? Meat.
by ihavethemelody on Nov 17, 2011 3:40 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Somebody needs to make some “Bud killed us again” tshirts. Or “bud killed the zombie Astros”. What a dick. I hope HPD fines all sorts of ways to arrest and fine him when he comes to town.
by ntn on Nov 17, 2011 2:17 PM CST reply actions 2 recs
I would LOL so hard if somebody planted illegal drugs in his car...
by mike_o on Nov 17, 2011 2:26 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
We should see if Schafer can stash some on him, since he knows how to get caught.
by blazemule on Nov 17, 2011 2:45 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Word of the street is that he's schafers dealer.
They don’t call him “bud” for nothing.
by ntn on Nov 17, 2011 3:10 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Not freaking pot, I mean something that would give him some serious jail time.
Maybe he and Sandusky could be cell mates; the two deserve each other.
by mike_o on Nov 17, 2011 5:34 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
It's understandable
that many are upset. That said, there are two ways to look at the changes. Get angry and vow to never support the team, or look at this as a new beginning. Yes, change can be difficult – but that’s the nature of life…being able to adapt to changes that are beyond our control. Bitterness is not constructive, so vent now and be ready for 2013.
Remember, did any of the current players do this?? Was it the fault of current management and ownership?? IMO it’s the previous ownership that ran the team into the ground, sold of assets and pocketed a huge profit that everyone should be angry at.
it's not about being against "change"
I’m all for change.
As early as 2008, I started saying the Astros should sell off all of their best talent. The aging talent and hollowed-out farm system had taken the team to dangerous levels. A massive infusion of new young talent was needed.
But lots of fans who ARE resistant to change, the ones who’ll be compliant and accepting of this AL move, it was those fans who wanted to cling to names like Oswalt, Berkman, Lee, Pence, just to try to resist the necessary change that was coming.
I’m all for change – if there’s a purpose or a benefit to it.
Change is great, new players bring a new style, new personality and new life every few years.
But change for change’s sake? Pointless and worthless.
This move is nothing but negatives.
by citizenmilton on Nov 17, 2011 3:05 PM CST up reply actions 2 recs
One thing I would ask...
Lower prices for the good seats & food. The team may suck, but it’s not like there won’t be some good games sometimes. It’d be nice to take the family out to a game and have them actually be able to see the action without it costing $150+ dollars.
Of course, I don’t see this happening.
One thing from Crane...
Easy…Andrew Friedman. If not him, then Albert Pujols would be a close second. Get them both and I could care less if we played in the California Penal League, I would be a happy fan.
late to the party, but here now...
did you see Corporan got outrighted. Hallelujah. Have I missed conference or is it in 15 minutes? time differences gah…
you have 15 minutes
Follow my ramblings on Twitter .
by Timothy De Block on Nov 17, 2011 3:16 PM CST up reply actions
Also...
I cannot wait until we turn our franchise around and stick it to the Rangers, who wanted this just because they think they can beat up on us and that it will give them 10 extra wins a season. Be careful what you wish for.
by nippystix on Nov 17, 2011 3:18 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
You mean in 2020 right?
"This is a simple game, you throw the ball, you hit the ball, you catch the the ball, you got it?!"
I’m hoping it’s more along the lines of 2013 or 2014. And if we Andrew Friedman, then I’ll be a lot more confident in my hope.
Wow. good luck with over in the AL.
"This is a simple game, you throw the ball, you hit the ball, you catch the the ball, you got it?!"
I like the way you think, nippy.
"Rommel, you magnificent bastard, I read your book!" - George S. Patton
by chilam balam on Nov 17, 2011 3:20 PM CST up reply actions
it’s wrong to have both the Rangers and Astros in the same league/division. all states with 2 teams has the teams in separate leagues except for Pennsylvania. The Pirates and Phillies are at least in separate divisions. The exception is California because there or 5 teams total.
by Ryan2907 on Nov 17, 2011 5:26 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
They were in the same Divsion for 100 years
Them being separate is something new and that was seen as a drastic change too.
Jim Crane says after sometime after thanksgiving "we'll see some moves"
Conference live: http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?topic_id=7270758
It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to open one's mouth and remove all doubt.
i heard that quote
but missed the context.
Was he referring to front office moves or on the field baseball moves?
I wasn't sure
He was referring to how he’s going to assess everything about the team very soon, and then he’ll make some moves around thanksgiving. He also said we won’t be getting any big players in free agency this year, so you know it wasn’t referring to that.
It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to open one's mouth and remove all doubt.
But it could mean that Wandy gets dealt before next year.
It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to open one's mouth and remove all doubt.
New logo? New uniforms? “Everything is on the plate,” Crane says. Indicates logo/uni changes usually take a year to complete. Possibly ’13.
It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to open one's mouth and remove all doubt.
If the Astros get new uniforms & logo
I’d want them to look futuristic. Perhaps the material the uniform is made out of could be made out of carbon fiber or metal fabric. The fonts look less traditional and more retro, ergonomic, and ambient. The colors choices are reminiscent of evolving technology in today’s age. Glowing blue represents nuclear reactor, green represents more eco-friendly technology. Perhaps the Astros could re-invent their name as something that doesn’t represent the putrid space-program, but innovation and looking toward the future. Maybe installing a windmill at MMP can focus on this new Astros theme.
It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to open one's mouth and remove all doubt.
Crane indicates they’ll be doing “some things for fans.” Like lower prices? Crane: “That’s the first thing we’re going to look at.”
It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to open one's mouth and remove all doubt.
It better be more than just five dollars off the field level seats
"This is a simple game, you throw the ball, you hit the ball, you catch the the ball, you got it?!"
After 2012 Im gone. Does nobody read the posts on here.
"This is a simple game, you throw the ball, you hit the ball, you catch the the ball, you got it?!"
New team name? No. “‘Astros’ here to stay,” says Crane.
It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to open one's mouth and remove all doubt.
Bud Selig sounds incompetent when speaking about moving the Astros to the AL.
http://houston.astros.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=19998183&c_id=hou
It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to open one's mouth and remove all doubt.
He IS incompetent
"This is a simple game, you throw the ball, you hit the ball, you catch the the ball, you got it?!"
by StrosSouth on Nov 17, 2011 4:48 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Selig makes a point of saying that Drayton McLane consented to the AL league change before the franchise changed hands. It would be interesting to know why he felt it necessary to say that.
Selig trying to deflect blame off of himself and Crane most likely
"This is a simple game, you throw the ball, you hit the ball, you catch the the ball, you got it?!"
Well, what's done is done.
I hope Crane gives me a reason to come back. I hope he makes it impossible for me to stay away, and that I humbly return, like Dirk Diggler finally making his way back to Jack Horner’s house.
If it doesn’t happen and I never get the feeling back, then good luck to all of you guys on this board. I understand your point of view on this. I know any group of fans, that have put up with what we have, deserve to celebrate with a bottle of cheap champagne, as your team dog piles on the pitchers mound.
Dramatic quote: This is how the world ends. Not with a bang but a whimper.
by MadMartygan on Nov 17, 2011 4:46 PM CST reply actions 2 recs
I'm not going to jump into the fray one way or another.
But let me just say, I’m glad its all over. Here’s to the future. Let’s hope its bright.
The bird is struggling out of the egg. The egg is the world. Whoever wants to be born, must first destroy a world.
by Stupendous Man on Nov 17, 2011 5:04 PM CST via mobile reply actions 1 recs
Sad day
a lot of late games now that we’re in the west. Don’t change the name though…change the uni’s all u want, but keep the name. And please Jim Crane, spend money wisely. I hope he’s able to build a winning team.
I hate the move to the American League...
I love NL baseball and hate the DH…I can’t believe that moving to the AL was basically part of the approval process of Crane getting the team. It just seems that MLB can just dictate whatever the hell it wants. Sigh…
Anyway, like some others said above, they are our Astros and I’ve been a fan since I got that orange helmet with the “H-Star” at my town fair growing up in Canada back in 1980 so 31 years and counting, I’ll continue to support them.
As always ~ GO ASTROS!
Biggio and Bagwell for the HOF!
Isnt it funny though that we were told months ago that moving to the AL was not going to hold
up the sale. Well now we are told it WAS the hold up as it was the only way Crane could the team. I hate being lied to.
"This is a simple game, you throw the ball, you hit the ball, you catch the the ball, you got it?!"
by StrosSouth on Nov 17, 2011 7:34 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
I actually agree with this statement
by Woodlands'stro on Nov 17, 2011 7:43 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
I think it got pointed out a few times here before.
It’s disgusting how Selig and the owners bullied us into the AL and I absolutely hate that it happened. But as you said that is what had to happen for the team to get sold. I’m not going to hold this against Crane, this is on Selig, the owners and the MLBPA that wanted even leagues. Crane just was dealt an awful hand.
by maroonedTexan on Nov 17, 2011 7:50 PM CST up reply actions
This deal has pretty much created a war between the NL only Astros and those who love the Astros no matter what league they’re in…
by Woodlands'stro on Nov 17, 2011 7:42 PM CST via mobile reply actions
No need for a war. The event has happened. People can react to it as they feel appropriate. If some people want to leave their Astros’ fandom behind, that’s their perogative. I regret that it will happen, but I don’t have any control over the AL switch. And it’s fine if other fans want to make the best of the situation and continue rooting for the Astros. There is no reason for either group of fans to be mad at each other.
by clack on Nov 17, 2011 9:27 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Breaking News !!!
Sources inside MLB have confirmed reports that, earlier today, Commissioner Bud Selig was seen in his office with his shirt pulled over his head as he paced back and forth and chanted " I am the Great Budholio !!! I need TP for my Budhole !!! "
by lymber1955 on Nov 17, 2011 8:19 PM CST reply actions 2 recs
REC! That made me laugh.
"This is a simple game, you throw the ball, you hit the ball, you catch the the ball, you got it?!"
I would rather move to the AL than go any longer without an owner
This team has been stuck in place for the last year. Now we can actually feel like we are headed in some sort of direction.
I could say its headed to the cellar in the AL but I wont.
"This is a simple game, you throw the ball, you hit the ball, you catch the the ball, you got it?!"
Equal Leagues = Equal Chance = Myth
I think the excuse for equal leagues means an equal chance to win is a joke and short sided. You still have to play your 162 games. If you have 4 teams in your division or 6, you still have equal chance to win your division. It depends on how you play your 162.
by Ryan2907 on Nov 17, 2011 9:20 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
New Logos/Uniforms
The new Logos/Uniforms can’t look worse or on par as this can they?
by Ryan2907 on Nov 17, 2011 9:21 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
Damn that is one ugly ass hat.
"This is a simple game, you throw the ball, you hit the ball, you catch the the ball, you got it?!"
You can own one for only $34.95
plus shipping and handling
http://shop.mlb.com/product/index.jsp?productId=12256335&cp=12337441
Astros fan for life
by Joe in Birmingham on Nov 17, 2011 10:37 PM CST up reply actions
I like their new uniforms/logo.
Reminds me of the Rainbow Guts.
The bird is struggling out of the egg. The egg is the world. Whoever wants to be born, must first destroy a world.
by Stupendous Man on Nov 18, 2011 12:14 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
Astros should change image to nastiest players in the game
Play mean
dress mean
put a fist on the jersey and hat instead of the star
Wear the darkest blue they can find
Motto: “We break legs”
Astros fan for life
by Joe in Birmingham on Nov 17, 2011 10:27 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
Maybe it should have that fist with the middle finger sticking up too..lol
"This is a simple game, you throw the ball, you hit the ball, you catch the the ball, you got it?!"
and an "N" on one side of the finger and an "L" on the other
Astros fan for life
by Joe in Birmingham on Nov 17, 2011 10:37 PM CST up reply actions
Have Brad Mills Wear the Darth Vadar mask
Astros fan for life
by Joe in Birmingham on Nov 17, 2011 10:38 PM CST up reply actions
No benches or chairs in the Visitor's bullpen
Astros fan for life
by Joe in Birmingham on Nov 17, 2011 10:40 PM CST up reply actions
Use the Jimi Hendrix Star Spangled Banner
Astros fan for life
by Joe in Birmingham on Nov 17, 2011 10:41 PM CST up reply actions
Charlie Sheen to coach third
Astros fan for life
by Joe in Birmingham on Nov 17, 2011 10:42 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
On AL scoreboard put
Astros
Yankees
Red Sox
Other Al Team 1
Other AL Team 2
Other AL Team 3
Other AL Team 4
Other AL Team 5
Other AL Team 6
Astros fan for life
by Joe in Birmingham on Nov 17, 2011 10:47 PM CST up reply actions
I apologize for this nonsense
It’s been a long day and I need sleep
Astros fan for life
by Joe in Birmingham on Nov 17, 2011 10:49 PM CST up reply actions
That was funny as hell joe
"This is a simple game, you throw the ball, you hit the ball, you catch the the ball, you got it?!"
My quick thoughts!
I feel Crane means business and will clean house eventually.
Im torn that we’re moving to the AL, but I’ve grown to accept it and realized nobody can do anything. Not even the petition on astrosdaily(I signed it three times, all on diff computers, and diff info).
I will still root for the Astros forever and ever and ever. Shoot, Im going on yr #11 and it wont stop till I die(most likely).
Im also going to still root for the NL in the All Star Game.
I wish everybody the best that leaves the Astros, hopefully they’ll take a yr off and realize there life is misery without the Astros and will come back.
STROSSOUTH PLEAAAAAAASE DONT LEAVE, ITS JUST A MOVE TO THE AL, WE WILL BECOME RELEVANT AGAIN, NOT IN 2020, BEFORE THAT!!!! YOU WERE THE FIRST PERSON ON HERE TO WELCOME ME, I TAKE EXCEPTION INTO THAT. YOU I LOVE YOUR ATGITUDE ON HERE AND SERIOUSLY THINK THAT YOUR LETTING THE MOVE GET TO YOU, DONT, JUST ACCEPT IT AND STAY HERE.
I am a typical diehard that cares about my teams as much as my friends, and have a hard time sacrificing a gm to go and do something (fever pitch, when he misses the huge comeback, you could compare me to that).
Anyways, go flippin Astros!!!!!!! I spent 12 minutes on this comment. Now make this green!!!
If i were Arnold Rothstein id pay Ryan Braun all the money he
wants to stop going on homer streaks against the poor Astros....
am i the only one?
by ccislanders on Nov 17, 2011 11:14 PM CST via mobile reply actions 4 recs
I recd you for that one. It was sincere and I respect the effort of trying to change my mind by a friend.
Maybe time will heal all wounds but I just don’t see it happening. Im going to be here for the 2012 at least. I lived with previous owners screwing the fans over and Im pretty much had it. Im tired of being loyal to franchise and team that never reciprocates. Im beyond pissed and disrespected at this point. Im to the point Id rather not even watch MLB period. Im tired of greedy millionaires and billionaires trampling all over those of us who pay them their ridiculously high salaries to play a child’s game.
CC I don’t know what’s going to happen after this next season but its still a ways off at this point. We’ll just have to wait and see for now.
CC- Youre not getting all “Sandusky” on us are you? lol Im joking there bud.
"This is a simple game, you throw the ball, you hit the ball, you catch the the ball, you got it?!"
lol NO on the Sandusky! thats weird, beyond weird and gross what hes made of.
I completely understand your hate for Bud Selig, and everyone else (greedy ppl)
And seligs terrible cover up on the reasoning of extra wild cards.
If i were Arnold Rothstein id pay Ryan Braun all the money he
wants to stop going on homer streaks against the poor Astros....
am i the only one?
by ccislanders on Nov 17, 2011 11:41 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Lol. Good you had me worried there for a minute. lol
"This is a simple game, you throw the ball, you hit the ball, you catch the the ball, you got it?!"
excuse my terrible grammar, I'm horrible on this phone. I feel I'll never learn.
If i were Arnold Rothstein id pay Ryan Braun all the money he
wants to stop going on homer streaks against the poor Astros....
am i the only one?
by ccislanders on Nov 17, 2011 11:43 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Boycott MLB
For those of you abandoning the Astros after this, I am with you. However it’s not good enough to find a new NL team. We have to punish MLB for forcing this through, and that means an entire boycott of MLB. No going to games, no watching on TV.
Growing up the only sport I watched was Baseball. I fell in love with the Killer B’s living in West Virginia, and I liked having a team of my own when my friends were Cubs, Braves, and Pirates fans, and my relatives were Reds and Cardinals fans. My entire life has been spent watching the NL. (Outside of the Post Season, and the last games of the season this year, I don’t ever remember watching an AL game.)
Now that I’ve gone to college though, I find my loyalties more with my Alma Mater. MLB is the only pro sport I’ve continued to pay attention to, but no more. I am going to have to get my baseball fix from College now as well. I hope those of you, as angry as I do the same. The other 29 owners forced this through, and they are the ones that need to suffer in the pocketbook.
by crwhorn on Nov 18, 2011 12:00 AM CST reply actions 1 recs
You'll be back.
The bird is struggling out of the egg. The egg is the world. Whoever wants to be born, must first destroy a world.
by Stupendous Man on Nov 18, 2011 12:07 AM CST via mobile up reply actions 2 recs
Stupe- Not everybody will come back. There are a lot of Oilers fans that never came back
after being screwed over.
"This is a simple game, you throw the ball, you hit the ball, you catch the the ball, you got it?!"
I'm sure that some people are serious about holding out.
I just think that when things are better later, some old fans will start to come out of the woodwork and root for their old team again. It’s foreign now, but people will slowly come around, I bet.
The bird is struggling out of the egg. The egg is the world. Whoever wants to be born, must first destroy a world.
by Stupendous Man on Nov 18, 2011 12:13 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
Maybe so but those winning seasons are now waaaaaaaaaaay down the road after the move.
"This is a simple game, you throw the ball, you hit the ball, you catch the the ball, you got it?!"
Yet the Texans are now one of the most valuable sports franchises in the world
Without even being a very successful one, winning-wise.
http://www.crawfishboxes.com
by OremLK on Nov 18, 2011 12:19 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Orem-Tx always has been and will always be a football state. Baseball takes a back
seat to football in TX. Im not shocked though about the Texans. Houstonians always supported the Oilers no matter how bad they were until Bud Adams demanded that city pay for upgrades to the Dome and the just a few short years later demanded that they build him a new stadium or else. Houstonians were PISSED to say the least and began turning on him and the team and they began to not show up at games. It got bad enough that he packed up and bolted for Tenn. when they didnt give him his new stadium.
"This is a simple game, you throw the ball, you hit the ball, you catch the the ball, you got it?!"
Maybe....
….but i doubt it. Before I moved to West Virginia, I lived in the Panhandle of Texas. And as a little kid I always thought I was a Rangers fan, it wasn’t till I grew up near my cousins living in Ohio that I really got into watching Baseball, and that’s when I fell in love with the AL. I’ve still sort of rooted for the Rangers, and I thought outside of the Killer B’s, Pudge Rodriguez was the classiest player. In 2006 I fully expected to root his Tigers to a World Series win, especially against hated STL. Nope, couldn’t do it. I’m an NL guy through and through. I live in Missouri now, and this was an epic post season. As much as i dislike the Cards it was great seeing the people around me celebrate their run. I’m not going to adopt the Cards as my own…there are too many years of hating them. And I have no reason to root for any other teams. So I don’t see how I’ll end up coming back. I’d even planned on doing the whole MLB.tv thing they launched on PS3, next season. No need to do that now. If i do ever come back to MLB, it’ll be after Bud Selig is gone.
Dierker said...
And understand that he said this to a friend of my dad’s (not to a newspaper or to me directly), that he is fairly certain that MLB and Selig have wanted and been planning to do this ever since Selig’s beloved Brewers got to move to the NL. My main beef with it is not that they aren’t going to be my Astros anymore but that I don’t like AL ball. I don’t like DHs, never have. It’s just my personal feeling. So this makes me less happy to go to an Astros game past next year. I think I’m just going to watch Central league games from Japan. sigh
I am waitin' for the light to shine/I am waitin' for the light to shine/I have lived in the darkness for so long/I'm waitin' for the light to shine
by megaera on Nov 18, 2011 1:57 AM CST reply actions 1 recs
The mods should really think about changing the number of recs needed to make a post green.
by Willie McGee's Twin on Nov 19, 2011 10:43 AM CST reply actions
I don't know that it can be changed
I think it may depend on the number of users registered on the blog. Maybe SBNation could be contacted to change it. It would be a good idea to require at least 2 recs, maybe 3 even.
http://www.crawfishboxes.com
why do people care?
It makes the thread feel like spring when people are saying smart things and Christmas when people disagree.
Follow my ramblings on Twitter .
by Timothy De Block on Nov 19, 2011 9:11 PM CST up reply actions
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Current Series
Astros lead the series 1-0
| Fri 05/25 |
WP: Lucas Harrell (4 - 3)
SV: Brett Myers LP: Clayton Kershaw (4 - 2) |
3 - 1 win |
|
Houston Astros
Saturday, May 26, 2012, 9:10 PM CDT Bud Norris vs Chad Billingsley Mostly clear. Winds blowing out to right field at 5-15 m.p.h. Game time temperature around 65. |
||
| Sun 05/27 | 3:10 PM CDT | |
NL Central Standings
| W | L | PCT | GB | STRK | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cincinnati
|
25 | 20 | .555 | 0 | Lost 1 |
|
St. Louis
|
25 | 21 | .543 | 0.5 | Lost 2 |
|
Houston
|
22 | 23 | .488 | 3 | Won 4 |
|
Pittsburgh
|
21 | 24 | .466 | 4 | Won 1 |
|
Milwaukee
|
19 | 26 | .422 | 6 | Won 2 |
|
Chicago
|
15 | 30 | .333 | 10 | Lost 10 |
(updated 5.26.2012 at 6:14 PM CDT)
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