Spring Training Game No. 1: Houston Astros at Atlanta Braves

by David Coleman on Feb 28, 2011 12:00 PM CST in Houston Astros Events

Ahh, what would spring be without a game thread for every at-bat the Astros will take. If you're new to TCB, join the comments section to follow along with the game. If you've been here a while, feel free to heckle the newbies.

Per the Z-Meister, The pitchers scheduled for work today are: Wandy Rodriguez, Henry Villar, Enerio Del Rosario, Fernando Rodriguez, Lance Pendleton, Sergio Escalona and Wesley Wright.

And the lineups, thanks to McTaggart:

Houston	Atlanta
1) Michael Bourn, CF	1) Martin Prado, LF
2) Brett Wallace, 1B	2) Nate McLouth, CF
3) Hunter Pence, RF	3) Chipper Jones, DH
4) El Bufalo, LF	4) Brian McCann, C
5) Jason Michaels, DH	5) Dan Uggla, 2B
6) Chris Johnson, 3B	6) Jason Heyward, RF
7) Jason Castro, C	7) Alex Gonzalez, SS
8) Matt Downs, 2B	8) Eric Hinske, 1B
9) Tommy Manzella, SS	9) Brandon Hicks, SS

If your'e in the Houston area, listen live to the game on KBME 790. Otherwise, just sign up for MLB.com's Gameday Audio already...

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Ugh. MLB messing up the GameDay feed. I have to listen to the Bravos announcers. At least Michael Bourn led off with a single.

I’m a simple man. I like pretty, dark-haired women and breakfast foods.
--Ron F'ing Swanson

by David Coleman on Feb 28, 2011 12:07 PM CST reply actions

you make that sound like a bad thing =P

by Timothy De Block on Feb 28, 2011 12:14 PM CST up reply actions

It’s just not the same without Milo. Be honest.

I’m a simple man. I like pretty, dark-haired women and breakfast foods.
--Ron F'ing Swanson

by David Coleman on Feb 28, 2011 12:17 PM CST up reply actions

Wallace single, Pence single back to back loads the bases

I’m a simple man. I like pretty, dark-haired women and breakfast foods.
--Ron F'ing Swanson

by David Coleman on Feb 28, 2011 12:09 PM CST reply actions

Oops, sorry. Pence flied out, he didn’t single. I blame the Braves guys for confusing me.

I’m a simple man. I like pretty, dark-haired women and breakfast foods.
--Ron F'ing Swanson

by David Coleman on Feb 28, 2011 12:09 PM CST reply actions

Just read an article that he’s going to take more pitches this spring.

by Timothy De Block on Feb 28, 2011 12:15 PM CST up reply actions

Great. El Bufalo hits into a double play to end the inning…

I’m a simple man. I like pretty, dark-haired women and breakfast foods.
--Ron F'ing Swanson

by David Coleman on Feb 28, 2011 12:11 PM CST reply actions

Hey, the Braves have an old guy who hits into double plays too! Wandy ends up with a 1-2-3 inning, despite a single by McLouth.

I’m a simple man. I like pretty, dark-haired women and breakfast foods.
--Ron F'ing Swanson

by David Coleman on Feb 28, 2011 12:16 PM CST reply actions

Lee is trying to repeat his early 2010 performance, already with a tailor-made double play

And Chipper Jones follows suit in the bottom of the inning.
Scoreless through 1 inning.

by linkxmalon on Feb 28, 2011 12:17 PM CST reply actions

I hadn’t realized this until I saw it recently in a Levine blog piece. But Carlos Lee actually started very well last year if you count spring training as “starting.” He hit over .300 with a SLG% of something like .560 in spring training last year. That’s why his terrible start to the regular blind sided some of us fans, I think.

by clack on Feb 28, 2011 12:20 PM CST up reply actions

I read that too and was pretty baffled. Facing the Giants probably wasn’t the best way to start the regular season play on a hot streak, though.

by linkxmalon on Feb 28, 2011 12:22 PM CST up reply actions

Not that this season will be better

In terms of the pitching he starts out against…

http://www.crawfishboxes.com

by OremLK on Feb 28, 2011 12:30 PM CST up reply actions

In terms of the pitching he starts out against…

HE LIVES!

by AstroB on Feb 28, 2011 1:27 PM CST up reply actions

Yeah, sorry I haven't been around much lately guys

Got caught up in other real-life things and haven’t had as much time for Astros stuff of late. I’ve still been lurking and keeping up on team news but haven’t had time to post or write stories. I’ll try to find the time to be a little more active during the season.

http://www.crawfishboxes.com

by OremLK on Feb 28, 2011 2:46 PM CST up reply actions

J-Mike flies out to CF. 1 out.

by linkxmalon on Feb 28, 2011 12:18 PM CST reply actions

I’ve been dying for spring training to start! It’s great to hear my Astros again. Hope springs eternal and I’m just glad baseball is here again.

by linkxmalon on Feb 28, 2011 12:19 PM CST up reply actions

Oh well, Johnson grounds out to the pitcher. Let the regression begin…

I’m a simple man. I like pretty, dark-haired women and breakfast foods.
--Ron F'ing Swanson

by David Coleman on Feb 28, 2011 12:20 PM CST reply actions

Hey, Brian McCann. Do you know who the Astros have in left field? You can run on him, you don’t have to stop at first.

That could have been worse for Wandy.

I’m a simple man. I like pretty, dark-haired women and breakfast foods.
--Ron F'ing Swanson

by David Coleman on Feb 28, 2011 12:25 PM CST reply actions

First jam of the season for Wandy. Runners on second and third with one out. Alex Gonzalez at the plate.

I’m a simple man. I like pretty, dark-haired women and breakfast foods.
--Ron F'ing Swanson

by David Coleman on Feb 28, 2011 12:27 PM CST reply actions

Huzzah! Castro blocked a ball in the dirt well!

I’m a simple man. I like pretty, dark-haired women and breakfast foods.
--Ron F'ing Swanson

by David Coleman on Feb 28, 2011 12:30 PM CST reply actions

And of course Wandy walks the bases loaded. At least it’s Eric Hinske at the plate.

I’m a simple man. I like pretty, dark-haired women and breakfast foods.
--Ron F'ing Swanson

by David Coleman on Feb 28, 2011 12:30 PM CST reply actions

Yep, as soon as I mock him, Hinske hits a ground-rule double to right. 2-0 Braves

I’m a simple man. I like pretty, dark-haired women and breakfast foods.
--Ron F'ing Swanson

by David Coleman on Feb 28, 2011 12:32 PM CST reply actions

Gotta watch the jinx :P

by linkxmalon on Feb 28, 2011 12:32 PM CST up reply actions

Base hit for former Texas A&M shortstop Brandon Hicks drives in two more, 4-0 Braves

I’m a simple man. I like pretty, dark-haired women and breakfast foods.
--Ron F'ing Swanson

by David Coleman on Feb 28, 2011 12:34 PM CST reply actions

As an Aggie, when I saw Hicks in the lineup for the Braves, I had to root for him. Gig ’em Brandon, nice double and a couple ribs.

by linkxmalon on Feb 28, 2011 12:36 PM CST up reply actions

WANDY ISN’T FOLLOWING ARNIE’S PLAN!

I’m a simple man. I like pretty, dark-haired women and breakfast foods.
--Ron F'ing Swanson

by David Coleman on Feb 28, 2011 12:34 PM CST reply actions

I find it EXTREMELY frustrating that I can’t listen to a practice game via my computer without paying for the league pass. What a crock of you know what.

by James Edmunds on Feb 28, 2011 12:37 PM CST reply actions

I gave in and subscribed to gameday audio today…I couldn’t bear to be without baseball for another month lol.

by linkxmalon on Feb 28, 2011 12:39 PM CST up reply actions

MLB At-bat is the way I usually go. Get the audio, plus video of other games for the same price as signing up for audio online.

I’m a simple man. I like pretty, dark-haired women and breakfast foods.
--Ron F'ing Swanson

by David Coleman on Feb 28, 2011 12:42 PM CST up reply actions

At-bat is a mobile app, correct? In any case, if it is I don’t have a device that would support it…I’m okay with just having audio online honestly…

by linkxmalon on Feb 28, 2011 12:46 PM CST up reply actions

Yep, for the iPhone.

I’m a simple man. I like pretty, dark-haired women and breakfast foods.
--Ron F'ing Swanson

by David Coleman on Feb 28, 2011 12:49 PM CST up reply actions

Back for another season....

Good afternoon!! Great to have baseball back….I do have a question of the knowlegble bloggers here.
Does anyone know if the Astros are going to be on Fox Sports houston this year? Looking at the Astros schedule under TV I don’t see this listed, nor is it listed on FSH’s website.

"now you chunkin' in there.."

by jano4 on Feb 28, 2011 12:38 PM CST reply actions

My understanding is that they’re still on Fox Sports Houston until the new network comes online. That’s scheduled for next year (?), so for now, they should be on FSH for most of the games.

I’m a simple man. I like pretty, dark-haired women and breakfast foods.
--Ron F'ing Swanson

by David Coleman on Feb 28, 2011 12:41 PM CST up reply actions

Two straight walks and Wandy is chased. Not the best start ever, but it’s spring training. Does it really matter?

I’m a simple man. I like pretty, dark-haired women and breakfast foods.
--Ron F'ing Swanson

by David Coleman on Feb 28, 2011 12:40 PM CST reply actions

Wandy done after 1.2 IP

Braves have batted around in the inning. Wandy with 3 walks this inning.

by linkxmalon on Feb 28, 2011 12:40 PM CST reply actions

Del Rosario to relieve Wandy.

by linkxmalon on Feb 28, 2011 12:41 PM CST up reply actions

Interested to see how he does. Could be a surprising guy who makes the roster.

I’m a simple man. I like pretty, dark-haired women and breakfast foods.
--Ron F'ing Swanson

by David Coleman on Feb 28, 2011 12:42 PM CST up reply actions

Ouch. 6-0 Braves. Mercifully, the inning is over

I’m a simple man. I like pretty, dark-haired women and breakfast foods.
--Ron F'ing Swanson

by David Coleman on Feb 28, 2011 12:45 PM CST reply actions

Scott Linebrink (former Chi Sox) in to pitch for the Braves

Rally caps, anyone?

by linkxmalon on Feb 28, 2011 12:47 PM CST up reply actions

He’s a former Astro, too. Probably is still bitter we let him go…

I’m a simple man. I like pretty, dark-haired women and breakfast foods.
--Ron F'ing Swanson

by David Coleman on Feb 28, 2011 12:50 PM CST up reply actions

True, that slipped my mind.

by linkxmalon on Feb 28, 2011 12:51 PM CST up reply actions

Bourn HBP with 2 outs.

by linkxmalon on Feb 28, 2011 12:50 PM CST reply actions

Wallace slaps a basehit off the glove of Uggla into RF.

by linkxmalon on Feb 28, 2011 12:53 PM CST up reply actions

Two singles for Wallace. He’s winning that first base job right now.

I’m a simple man. I like pretty, dark-haired women and breakfast foods.
--Ron F'ing Swanson

by David Coleman on Feb 28, 2011 12:52 PM CST reply actions

Does he have any real competition? I mean El Burro to first? Man I hope it doesn’t come to that.

by James Edmunds on Feb 28, 2011 12:55 PM CST up reply actions

Pence getting a basehit and RBI to R-CF. Wallace to 3B.

by linkxmalon on Feb 28, 2011 12:54 PM CST reply actions

Hicks with the E5, tripping over the mound...everybody safe.

by linkxmalon on Feb 28, 2011 12:56 PM CST reply actions

Apparently they ruled it a basehit. The run scored so Lee gets a RBI.

6-2…

by linkxmalon on Feb 28, 2011 12:58 PM CST up reply actions

Did anyone else just lose the radio feed?

by James Edmunds on Feb 28, 2011 1:00 PM CST reply actions

As far as Gameday Audio goes, I’ve only been able to get the Braves feed, but it’s been fine.

by linkxmalon on Feb 28, 2011 1:01 PM CST up reply actions

I’m listening in Houston to 790… Or should I say I was listening…

by James Edmunds on Feb 28, 2011 1:02 PM CST up reply actions

Good start

afternoon all

by AstroB on Feb 28, 2011 1:01 PM CST reply actions

Why aren't Barmes and Hall in the lineup?

by Snake Diggity on Feb 28, 2011 1:01 PM CST reply actions

Hall got to ST late

that would be my guess for him, not sure about Barmes

by AstroB on Feb 28, 2011 1:02 PM CST up reply actions

Oh yeah, thanks. I guess Mills is probably scheduling their days off together to maximize the # of innings they field next to each other.

by Snake Diggity on Feb 28, 2011 1:03 PM CST up reply actions

Mills has said he plans for Barmes and Hall to travel together, play at the same time, etc.

by clack on Feb 28, 2011 1:44 PM CST up reply actions

Didn’t make the drive to the Brave’s complex. Will play tomorrow when the ’Stros are at “home”

by linkxmalon on Feb 28, 2011 1:02 PM CST up reply actions

Aparently they need to work on their double play chemistry… I would say that is an understatement…

by James Edmunds on Feb 28, 2011 1:04 PM CST up reply actions

After 3 inning:

Good: Wallace and Bourn off to hot start.
Bad: Wandy gets rocked for six earned in less than 2 innings.

by Snake Diggity on Feb 28, 2011 1:05 PM CST reply actions

He didn’t pull it together until July last year, so don’t expect him to be perfect in March.

by AstroB on Feb 28, 2011 1:07 PM CST up reply actions

Does this lineup tell us that Downs and Manzella are the top 2 contenders for the 6th IF slot?

by Snake Diggity on Feb 28, 2011 1:06 PM CST reply actions

Isn’t Ahn-Hel rehabbing an injury? I think I’d take him over Manzo if he’s healthy…not sure how to rate Downs since he’s more of a 3B.

by linkxmalon on Feb 28, 2011 1:08 PM CST up reply actions

Well, scratch that…Downs IS a 2B…Ahn-Hel did a pretty good job at 2B and would be an alright backup at SS.

by linkxmalon on Feb 28, 2011 1:10 PM CST up reply actions

Yeah Sanchez is in line to back up Barmes. He hit .280 last year after we got him from the Red Sox. Not a great fielder but a much better bat than Tommy.

by James Edmunds on Feb 28, 2011 1:11 PM CST up reply actions

What happened to Sanchez this year? I thought he did a remarkable job last year @ short. Clutch.

by James Edmunds on Feb 28, 2011 1:06 PM CST reply actions

Braves 3rd:

Heyward grounds out, 1-3.
Gonzales singles to CF.
Hinske K’s swinging.
Hicks grounds out, 5-3.

by linkxmalon on Feb 28, 2011 1:06 PM CST reply actions

CJ with a base-knock.

Take that regression-mongers!

by linkxmalon on Feb 28, 2011 1:11 PM CST reply actions

Castro K’s looking. 1 out.

by linkxmalon on Feb 28, 2011 1:12 PM CST up reply actions

Downs walks and Manzella singles to LF. Bases loaded for Bourn.

by linkxmalon on Feb 28, 2011 1:14 PM CST up reply actions

Bourn with an inning-ending 4-6-3 double play. Killer…
6-2 Braves through 3.5

by linkxmalon on Feb 28, 2011 1:16 PM CST up reply actions

Fernando Rodriguez in to pitch for the Astros in the 4th.

by linkxmalon on Feb 28, 2011 1:18 PM CST reply actions

The Houston Roster

A Tale of Too many Rodriguez’s.

by AstroB on Feb 28, 2011 1:21 PM CST up reply actions

The Fighting Rodriguez's have not been very successful today.

Surrendered all 8 runs so far.

by linkxmalon on Feb 28, 2011 1:23 PM CST up reply actions

clarifying it is Aneury and not Fernando pitching?

by AstroB on Feb 28, 2011 1:25 PM CST up reply actions

not sure. braves broadcasters said “Fernando,” but the box score/play-by-play says “Aneury”…your guess is as good as mine.

by linkxmalon on Feb 28, 2011 1:27 PM CST up reply actions

Aneury, our radio had it right.

by vicious-peanut on Feb 28, 2011 1:47 PM CST up reply actions

Bummer, really wanted Aneury to stake a claim to the 5th starter’s spot.

by Snake Diggity on Feb 28, 2011 2:24 PM CST up reply actions

Prado with a dying quail single just between Bourn and Downs in CF.

by linkxmalon on Feb 28, 2011 1:19 PM CST reply actions

McLouth with a gap shot to L-CF for a 2-bagger and an RBI.
7-2 Braves.

by linkxmalon on Feb 28, 2011 1:21 PM CST up reply actions

T.J. Steele got subbed into CF this inning, as well.

Braves broadcasters just mentioned.

by linkxmalon on Feb 28, 2011 1:25 PM CST up reply actions

man if Wallace could have a solid season

that would be such a shot in the arm for this team.

by AstroB on Feb 28, 2011 1:36 PM CST reply actions

Agreed. The Astros really need a big year out of one of the three young guys (Wallace, Castro, Johnson).

I’m a simple man. I like pretty, dark-haired women and breakfast foods.
--Ron F'ing Swanson

by David Coleman on Feb 28, 2011 1:38 PM CST up reply actions

how about all three?

by AstroB on Feb 28, 2011 1:38 PM CST up reply actions

Wallace singles in the 5th.

3-3…nice start!

by linkxmalon on Feb 28, 2011 1:36 PM CST reply actions

Levine's article on the game...

His article seems to try to take a negative tilt toward Wandy. I’m talking about the “Wandy Struggles Again” headline, and the assertion that Wandy is notoriously slow starter who is getting off to a slow start again. Obviously, reaching any conclusions about Wandy from the first spring training game is ridiculous. But, beyond that, Wandy is not a notoriously slow starter. Maybe he usually starts off spring training slowly, I don’t know because I haven’t tracked that. But last year’s poor start to the regular season was unusual for him. His previous reputation was a pitcher who performs well early in the season and has a bumpy ride around mid-season.
Wandy’s career April/March ERA: 2.87 tOPS+ 73

by clack on Feb 28, 2011 6:21 PM CST reply actions

Clack throwing down some more wisdom.

Better keep Lincecum off your fantasy team this year, Levine. He couldn’t make it through 2 innings in his first start either.

by entropic soul on Mar 1, 2011 1:27 AM CST up reply actions

Hah good point

Judging from ST’s first game is beyond unreasonable. For all we know Wandy might have been experimenting with new stuff or just getting loose out there.

"You know what they say - Fool me once: strike one. But fool me twice... strike three."

by RocketsAstros on Mar 1, 2011 3:41 AM CST up reply actions

Astros had 14 singles and 5 GIDPs....

Double Play victims: Lee, Bourn, Castro, Towles, and Bogusevic.

Strange thing is that Lee is the only one who is a “typical” DP candidate. Bourn, Castro, Towles, and Bogusevic can all run well. Of those four, all but Towles have high GB %, which could explain the DPs.

by clack on Feb 28, 2011 7:25 PM CST reply actions

Think Wandy should have started today at Osceola instead of yesterday at Braves. Y’all know his / home road splits are terrible.

"the depth chart on the website lists Edwin Maysonet in the bullpen..."

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Fri 05/25	WP: Lucas Harrell (4 - 3) SV: Brett Myers LP: Clayton Kershaw (4 - 2)	3 - 1 win
Houston Astros The Crawfish Boxes @ Los Angeles Dodgers True Blue LA Saturday, May 26, 2012, 9:10 PM CDT Dodger Stadium Bud Norris vs Chad Billingsley Mostly clear. Winds blowing out to right field at 5-15 m.p.h. Game time temperature around 65. Complete Coverage >
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	W	L	PCT	GB	STRK
Cincinnati Red Reporter	25	20	.555	0	Lost 1
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(updated 5.26.2012 at 6:14 PM CDT)

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