The Crawfish Boxes - 2013 AL Series: Houston Astros at Tampa Bay RaysAstros baseball: we've got uniforms and everything.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/11437/crawfishboxes-fv.gif2013-07-14T18:47:03-05:00http://www.crawfishboxes.com/rss/stream/42827092013-07-14T18:47:03-05:002013-07-14T18:47:03-05:00Halftime!
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<figcaption>J. Meric</figcaption>
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<p>The Astros lost their 61st game on Sunday. Thank goodness they can't lose anymore games until Friday.</p> <p>This YouTube clip is going to be miles more entertaining than any <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.crawfishboxes.com/">Astros</a> recap you're going to want to read:</p>
<p align="center"><br><iframe src="//www.youtube.com/embed/YNtTU0_X3c0" frameborder="0" height="315" width="420"></iframe></p>
<p>The best part about the clip is that as Jim Carrey slams his face into the bench you can see the doctor trying to control his laughter but failing miserably.</p>
<p>As I was watching the clip, for quite possibly the 1000th time, I realized this clip is the perfect way to describe not only today's game but also the Astros so far this season.</p>
<p><span>Erik Bedard</span> started the game for the Astros and it was a lot like the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNtTU0_X3c0&feature=player_detailpage#t=34s">slow motion button-hook pattern Ace Ventura does</a>.</p>
<p>Despite the slow pace things were actually going pretty well for Bedard, that is until the bottom of the fourth inning. <span>Kelly Johnson</span> reached base on a line drive single that was deflected by <span>Carlos Pena</span>. <span>Jose Lobaton</span> then laid down a bunt that Bedard fielded and fired to first. Pena had moved in for the bunt and so it was up to <span>Jose Altuve</span> to cover first base only instead of Altuve being at first to receive the throw it<a target="_blank" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNtTU0_X3c0&feature=player_detailpage#t=83s"> looked a lot like this scene</a>. The ball got by Altuve allowing Lobaton to get to second and Johnson to score. From first. On a BUNT!</p>
<p><span>Yunel Escobar</span> singled, <span>Desmond Jennings</span> grounded into a double play scoring Lobaton and then <span>Ben Zobrist</span> struck out swinging. Instead of exiting the inning down a run, the Astros were down three runs.</p>
<p>Desmond Jennings homered in the bottom of the sixth inning off <span>Paul Clemens</span> giving the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.draysbay.com/">Rays</a> a five run lead. The Astros enter the bringing doing the thing they've done this season the most, lose.</p>
<p>If you're still paying attention to this team<a target="_blank" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNtTU0_X3c0&feature=player_detailpage#t=106s"> someone may observe that you, "have difficulty letting go of the game" and then ask if you have a, "long history of mental illness."</a></p>
<p>Finally, as we're <a target="_blank" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNtTU0_X3c0&feature=player_detailpage#t=129s">heading to a five day halftime</a> we find out that <span>Lucas Harrell</span> and <span>Jordan Lyles</span> were in an altercation last week, which is kind of like slapping yourself in the face, which only makes Astros fans want to facepalm themselves into a bench.</p>
<p>Good thing the MLB All-Star Future Game was on or else I would have had to watch this game.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://extramustard.si.com/2013/07/14/carly-rae-jepsen-first-pitch/">By the way, poor Caryl Rae Jepsen</a>.</p>
https://www.crawfishboxes.com/2013/7/14/4523370/astros-0-rays-5-halftimeTimothy De Block2013-07-14T12:30:03-05:002013-07-14T12:30:03-05:00Gamethread #94: Astros at Rays & Futures Game
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<figcaption>USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Join the conversation about the Astros and the Futures Game.</p> <p></p>
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<div class="pane sports_data_widget current_series clearfix"> <h3>Current Series</h3> <div class="pane-body"> <h4>3 game series vs Rays @ Tropicana Field</h4> <table class="zebra"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="td-first">Fri 07/12</td> <td> WP: <span>Jarred Cosart</span> (1 - 0) <br> SV: <span>Jose Veras</span> <br> LP: <span>David Price</span> (3 - 5) <br> </td> <td class="td-last"><span>2 - 1 win</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td-first">Sat 07/13</td> <td> WP: Roberto Hernandez (5 - 10) <br> SV: <span>Fernando Rodney</span> <br> LP: <span>Lucas Harrell</span> (5 - 10) <br> </td> <td class="td-last"><span>3 - 4 loss</span></td> </tr> <tr style="background: none;"><td colspan="3" style="background: none;"><div class="pane sports_data_widget next_game clearfix"><div class="pane-body"> <p class="game-title"><a href="https://www.crawfishboxes.com/">Houston Astros</a> <span class="blog-hover-link" id="blog_icon_916040396"><a href="http://www.crawfishboxes.com/"><img class="sbnstar" src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/images/icons/red-star.v37b17e2.png"></a><span class="blog-hover-menu" id="blog_icon_916040396_menu" style="display: none;"><span class="img"><a href="http://www.crawfishboxes.com/"><img src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/community_logos/474/crawfishboxes_m.gif" alt="Crawfishboxes_m"></a></span><span><a href="http://www.crawfishboxes.com/">The Crawfish Boxes</a></span></span></span> <br> <span class="blog_link">@ <a href="https://www.draysbay.com/">Tampa Bay Rays</a> <span class="blog-hover-link" id="blog_icon_1242719301"><a href="http://www.draysbay.com/"><img class="sbnstar" src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/images/icons/red-star.v37b17e2.png"></a><span class="blog-hover-menu" id="blog_icon_1242719301_menu" style="display: none;"><span class="img"><a href="http://www.draysbay.com/"><img src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/community_logos/48751/drb-logo-sm.png" alt="Drb-logo-sm"></a></span><span><a href="http://www.draysbay.com/">DRaysBay</a></span></span></span> </span></p> <p class="game-info"><span>Sunday, Jul 14, 2013, 12:40 PM CDT</span><br> Tropicana Field</p> <p class="pitchers"><span>Erik Bedard</span> vs <span>Chris Archer</span></p> <p class="weather"> . Game time temperature around .</p> <p> </p> <p class="foot clearfix"><span class="link-more"><span>Complete Coverage ></span></span></p> </div></div></td></tr> </tbody> </table> </div> </div>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"> <p><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Astros&src=hash">#Astros</a> lineup for today's rubber game at TB. LHP Erik Bedard gets the start for the Astros. <a href="http://t.co/el8rimUMxH">pic.twitter.com/el8rimUMxH</a></p>— Houston Astros (@astros) <a href="https://twitter.com/astros/statuses/356424099666460673">July 14, 2013</a> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p>Today's quote is spot on. Thanks <a href="https://twitter.com/denverd36">@denverd36</a> <a href="http://t.co/1NW7cI7NEi">pic.twitter.com/1NW7cI7NEi</a></p>— Joe Maddon (@RaysJoeMaddon) <a href="https://twitter.com/RaysJoeMaddon/statuses/356432729103007744">July 14, 2013</a> </blockquote>
<p><br><script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<h4>Futures Game</h4>
<p><span>Delino DeShields Jr.</span> - USA - #11<br><span>George Springer</span> - USA - #4<br><span>Carlos Correa</span> - World - #1</p>
<p><script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>The game will start at 2 p.m. ET, with coverage on ESPN2.</p>
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https://www.crawfishboxes.com/2013/7/14/4522486/gamethread-94-astros-at-rays-futures-gameRyan Dunsmore2013-07-14T11:56:04-05:002013-07-14T11:56:04-05:00Game 94 Preview: Astros at Rays
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<figcaption>J. Meric</figcaption>
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<p>Astros hope to close out the first half with a win over the Rays.</p> <h3>Houston at Tampa Bay, 12:40 pm (CT)</h3>
<p id="paragraph0"><b>TV: </b>CSN Houston, MLB.TV <br><b>Radio:</b> KBME 790 AM, KLAT 1010 AM<br><b><a href="https://www.draysbay.com/">Rays</a> SBNation Blog: </b><a href="http://www.draysbay.com/">DRaysBay</a></p>
<h4>Pitching Match</h4>
<p>LHP Erik Bedard (3-5 / 4.67 ERA / 1.50 WHIP) vs. RHP Chris Archer (3-3 / 3.59 ERA / 1.29 WHIP)</p>
<h4>Preview</h4>
<p>Unfortunately for Astros fans, today's game and the futures game being played in New York overlap. Fortunately, Astros fans with ESPN can watch the future stars play without the threat of blackout. I'm certain this was CSN Houston's plan all along. </p>
<p>On the mound today is Erik Bedard. The left-hander is limping into the All-Star break, giving up eight earned runs over his last two starts. This includes a start in Houston against the Rays were he gave up four earned runs over 5 1/3 innings, allowing six hits and walking six. Bedard has already surpassed his walk total in June (10) in just two starts in July. Desmond Jennings lead the Rays offense against Bedard in their previous meeting, with two hits in three at-bats. </p>
<p>Rays' starter Chris Archer was had a solid start to July, allowing only two runs over 12 innings. In his last start, he allowed zero earned runs to the Twins. Archer held the Astros to just two hits in Houston, but picked up a no decision on July 4. Brett Wallace took Archer deep for a solo home run in Houston. <br><br>The one shinning light for the Astros, all of the Rays hits off Bedard were singles in Houston. If Bedard hold down his number of walks, the Astros will have a fighting chance. </p>
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https://www.crawfishboxes.com/2013/7/14/4522318/houston-astros-33-60-at-tampa-bay-rays-54-41-12-40-pm-ctRyan Dunsmore2013-07-13T19:03:15-05:002013-07-13T19:03:15-05:00Offense Goes Quiet After First Again, Astros Lose
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<img alt="Justin Maxwell was 1-for-3 with a double in his return to a struggling Astros lineup." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/V0HC5CgONr-HCZDEFhYubAoCmwo=/0x0:2721x1814/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/16367577/20130713_jla_sv7_444.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Justin Maxwell was 1-for-3 with a double in his return to a struggling Astros lineup. | USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>For the second day in a row the Astros struck early against Tampa Bay, but this time the pitching staff can't hold on. Brett Wallace stays hot, Dallas Keuchel battles and Lucas Harrell receives his first loss in relief this season.</p> <p>On Friday night, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.crawfishboxes.com/">Astros</a> scored two runs in the first inning on four hits. On Saturday afternoon, they banged out four knocks once again in the opening frame - this time scoring three runs. On Friday, the Astros got an unbelievable performance from <span>Jarred Cosart</span> to record a 2-1 win, but on Saturday, the combination of <span>Dallas Keuchel</span> and <span>Lucas Harrell</span> could not hold the lead.</p>
<p>Surprising leadoff man <span>Carlos Pena</span> got things started against Tampa Bay's Roberto Hernandez in the first with a single. <span>Jose Altuve</span> and his <a href="http://www.crawfishboxes.com/2013/7/13/4520220/jose-altuve-agrees-to-contract-extension-with-houston-astros" target="_blank">brand new contract extension</a> then grounded into a fielder's choice, which was followed <span>Jason Castro's</span> 25th double of the season to put runners on second and third with one out. <span>J.D. Martinez</span> followed with an RBI ground out to score Altuve, and <span>Brett Wallace</span> followed with a mammoth home run, his fourth of the year, to right field to give Houston a 3-0 lead.</p>
<p><span>Justin Maxwell</span>, in his first game back from a concussion, doubled to keep things going, but <span>Marc Krauss</span> was called out on strikes to end the inning. The Astros only recorded two more hits, Castro and Altuve singles (Altuve was then picked off) and a Pena walk in the next eight innings in the loss. The last 12 Astros' batters were retired in order.</p>
<p>Keuchel started strong by retiring 12 of the first 13 batters he faced, but ran into trouble in the fifth quickly. <span>Wil Myers</span> singled to start the inning and four pitches later it was a one-run game as former Astro <span>Luke Scott</span> laced a hanging slider over the fence in right-center field. Keuchel got the next two outs but then allowed <span>Yunel Escobar</span> to double. Escobar stole third before the batter <span>Desmond Jennings</span> caught the Astros completely off-guard with a bunt on a 3-1 pitch that allowed Escobar to score easily.</p>
<p>Keuchel, who threw only 80 pitches, was lifted after getting one out in the sixth inning in favor of Harrell, who got the second out of the inning. But Wil Myers followed with a single and his second stolen base of the year to set up Scott again. Scott delivered once more by reaching to the outer half of the plate and pulling a changeup into right field for a RBI single to take the lead that the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.draysbay.com/">Rays</a> would hold.</p>
<p>The loss was the Astros 60th on the season, and their eighth defeat in July already. The Astros will try to secure their first series win on Sunday since taking two of three from the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.brewcrewball.com/">Brewers</a> on June 18-20 by sending <span>Erik Bedard</span> to the mound.</p>
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https://www.crawfishboxes.com/2013/7/13/4521138/astros-fall-4-3-to-raysPerry Mattern2013-07-13T15:00:09-05:002013-07-13T15:00:09-05:00Gamethread #93: Astros vs. Rays
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<figcaption>USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Join the conversation as Keuchel takes the mound in Tampa Bay.</p> <p></p>
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<div class="pane sports_data_widget current_series clearfix"> <h3>Current Series</h3> <div class="pane-body"> <h4>Astros lead the series 1-0</h4> <table class="zebra"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="td-first">Fri 07/12</td> <td> WP: Jarred Cosart (1 - 0) <br> SV: Jose Veras <br> LP: David Price (3 - 5) <br> </td> <td class="td-last"><span>2 - 1 win</span></td> </tr> <tr style="background: none;"><td colspan="3" style="background: none;"><div class="pane sports_data_widget next_game clearfix"><div class="pane-body"> <p class="game-title"><a href="https://www.crawfishboxes.com/">Houston Astros</a> <span class="blog-hover-link" id="blog_icon_1251661342"><a href="http://www.crawfishboxes.com/"><img class="sbnstar" src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/images/icons/red-star.v37b17e2.png"></a><span class="blog-hover-menu" id="blog_icon_1251661342_menu" style="display: none;"><span class="img"><a href="http://www.crawfishboxes.com/"><img src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/community_logos/474/crawfishboxes_m.gif" alt="Crawfishboxes_m"></a></span><span><a href="http://www.crawfishboxes.com/">The Crawfish Boxes</a></span></span></span> <br> <span class="blog_link">@ <a href="https://www.draysbay.com/">Tampa Bay Rays</a> <span class="blog-hover-link" id="blog_icon_1084881771"><a href="http://www.draysbay.com/"><img class="sbnstar" src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/images/icons/red-star.v37b17e2.png"></a><span class="blog-hover-menu" id="blog_icon_1084881771_menu" style="display: none;"><span class="img"><a href="http://www.draysbay.com/"><img src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/community_logos/48751/drb-logo-sm.png" alt="Drb-logo-sm"></a></span><span><a href="http://www.draysbay.com/">DRaysBay</a></span></span></span> </span></p> <p class="game-info"><span>Saturday, Jul 13, 2013, 3:10 PM CDT</span><br> Tropicana Field</p> <p class="weather"> . Game time temperature around .</p> <p> </p> <p class="foot clearfix"><span class="link-more"><span>Complete Coverage ></span></span></p> </div></div></td></tr> <tr> <td class="td-first">Sun 07/14</td> <td> </td> <td class="td-last"><span>12:40 PM CDT</span></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </div> </div>
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<div class="pane sports_data_widget player_info clearfix"> <img src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/player_photos/l.mlb.com/xt.fss.l.mlb.com-p.22524.jpg"><h2><span>Dallas Keuchel</span></h2> <h4 class="player-position">#60 / Pitcher / <a href="https://www.crawfishboxes.com/">Houston Astros</a> </h4> <div class="player_info_body"> <p><label>Height:</label> 6-3</p> <p><label>Weight:</label> 210</p> <p><label>Bats:</label> L</p> <p><label>Throws:</label> L</p> <p><label>Born:</label> Jan 01, 1988</p> </div> </div>
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<p><a href="/sports_data/schedule"><br id="1373733882502"></a> </p>
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<div class="pane sports_data_widget player_stats clearfix"><table class="zebra"> <thead> <tr> <th class="td-first"></th> <th>W-L</th> <th>ERA</th> <th>WHIP</th> <th>K</th> <th>BB</th> </tr> </thead> <tbody><tr> <td class="td-first">2013 - <span>Dallas Keuchel</span> </td> <td>4-5</td> <td>4.59</td> <td>1.53</td> <td>66</td> <td class="td-last">28</td> </tr></tbody> </table></div>
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<div class="pane sports_data_widget player_info clearfix"> <img src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/player_photos/l.mlb.com/xt.fss.l.mlb.com-p.8334.jpg"><h2><span>Roberto Hernandez</span></h2> <h4 class="player-position">#40 / Pitcher / <a href="https://www.draysbay.com/">Tampa Bay Rays</a> </h4> <div class="player_info_body"> <p><label>Height:</label> 6-4</p> <p><label>Weight:</label> 230</p> <p><label>Bats:</label> R</p> <p><label>Throws:</label> R</p> <p><label>Born:</label> Aug 30, 1980</p> </div> </div>
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<div class="pane sports_data_widget player_stats clearfix"><table class="zebra"> <thead> <tr> <th class="td-first"></th> <th>W-L</th> <th>ERA</th> <th>WHIP</th> <th>K</th> <th>BB</th> </tr> </thead> <tbody><tr> <td class="td-first">2013 - <span>Roberto Hernandez</span> </td> <td>4-10</td> <td>4.93</td> <td>1.32</td> <td>78</td> <td class="td-last">24</td> </tr></tbody> </table></div>
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https://www.crawfishboxes.com/2013/7/13/4520422/gamethread-93-astros-vs-raysRyan Dunsmore2013-07-13T13:00:07-05:002013-07-13T13:00:07-05:00Game 93 Preview: Astros at Rays
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<img alt="Top Web Gem of the Night." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/-d3uHOqxlVFLuPDu_r9suQsNlG4=/106x0:3893x2525/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/16354161/173376326.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Top Web Gem of the Night. | J. Meric</figcaption>
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<p>We interrupt our Jarred Cosart coverage with another episode of "Road to Rodon".</p> <h3>Houston at Tampa Bay, 3:10 pm (CT)</h3>
<p id="paragraph0"><b>TV: </b>CSN Houston, MLB.TV <br><b>Radio:</b> KBME 790 AM, KLAT 1010 AM<br><b><a href="https://www.draysbay.com/">Rays</a> SBNation Blog: </b><a href="http://www.draysbay.com/">DRaysBay</a></p>
<h4>Pitching Match</h4>
<p>LHP Dallas Keuchel (4-5 / 4.59 ERA / 1.53 WHIP) vs. RHP Roberto Hernandez (4-10 / 4.93 ERA / 1.32 WHIP)</p>
<h4>Preview</h4>
<p>Astros fans, we are still feeling the excitement after Jarred Cosart's firs start, but time keeps marching on. The Astros will have two more games at Tropicana field before the All-Star break.</p>
<p>On the mound today for the Rays is Roberto Hernandez. Hernandez's start was the only time Houston broke through in their previous four game series at the Juice Box. He gave up three runs on four hits over six innings in Houston. In the right-hander's most recent start he pitched eight innings - giving up three runs on three hits against the Twins.</p>
<p>Jose Altuve, Jason Castro, and Brett Wallace each have a hit in three at-bats against Hernandez. Chris Carter touched the Rays starter up for a solo home run in Houston. Carlos Pena has 14 career at-bats against Hernandez and is batting .143 with two runs batted in.</p>
<p>The Astros will send out Dallas Keuchel, the left-hander who had one of his worst starts against the Rays in Houston. He gave up five runs over 4 2/3 innings. Keuchel's undoing was not extra-base hits, but five singles and five walks in that game. In his most recent start, he returned to form holding the Rangers to two runs over five innings. The Astro left-hander has seen more success on the road this year with a 3.12 ERA.</p>
<p>Ryan Roberts (3/4), Same Faud (2/3), and Sean Rodriguez (2/3) are batting over .500 against Keuchel</p>
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https://www.crawfishboxes.com/2013/7/13/4520306/houston-astros-33-59-at-tampa-bay-rays-53-41-3-10-pm-ctRyan Dunsmore2013-07-12T21:19:33-05:002013-07-12T21:19:33-05:00Impressions of Cosart's Debut
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<figcaption>J. Meric</figcaption>
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<p>Cosart nearly threw a complete game shutout in his ML debut, but what made his night so special and what kind of details did we see?</p> <p>During the second inning Tim texted me and told me to send him my impressions of Jarred Cosart which would be used in the game recap. That was the intention...until I started to email him. It turned into the following:</p>
<p>First, a few things to keep in mind. Debut's are exciting and fun, but don't hold a lot of evaluative value. There are tons of extra variables that skew the already small sample size. Emotions, limited advanced scouting, focus, competition, drive to prove value as well as drive to introduce a rookie to major league ball. There is so much to it. It can skew it one way or another. I'd be saying the same thing if Cosart got rocked. I'm an Astros fan first and want every prospect to succeed.</p>
<p>Now to the meat of the email.</p>
<p>There's no question that Cosart was phenomenal. Easily the best I've ever seen him, live or video. And, I don't mean results wise. I wasn't watching him closely for overall results. I was watching his mechanics, his pitches, his location, his demeanor, him. Just him.</p>
<p>I've seen him at his worst with repeating his mechanics and I've seen him do it fairly well. That was the best I've seen him repeat. That includes this year. There were times he floated out of it, but was usually able to recover quickly or get out of the inning. Early in the fifth they were beginning to fall apart and may have been the longest run of pitchers where his mechanics were off. They fell apart after the Zobrist hit for a few pitches but Evan Longoria was aggressive and swung at a few pitches he shouldn't have and ended up grounding into a double-play. The ninth was pretty poor and that is why Porter pulled him. The mechanics were drifting and Porter wanted to protect they young guy.</p>
<p>There were a few things I noticed about his delivery which I've talked about some before. It's much more controlled in his warm-up tosses. He'll throw 93-94 then go into the inning and start firing 96 with less command. There is some difference in his arm action that you can pick up with the curve ball. Arm speed slows down a bit with the pitch. He mixes his delivery with runners on base. The slide step works, nut his delivery out of the stretch can be a bit long and give good runners some extra time.</p>
<p>Stuff wise, he was everything you should have expected. Mid-90's fastball with movement in all directions. He can cut it and sink it. The curve can be lethal. It's a harder curve than most, mostly at 80MPH. The break can vary but is consistently in two planes. The changeup was rarely used but didn't look bad. He did throw a really nice sinker to Luke Scott that dove right under the bat on the outer corner which was possibly the best pitch he threw all night.</p>
<p>His control and command was on when he could repeat his mechanics. Carlos Corporan helped him out and framed some pitches very well to get him some calls. One in particular was early in the second in which an inside curve missed the plate and Corp framed it perfectly to get the call and get him ahead in the count for the at-bat that ended with a ground out on a borderline pitch. He did leave a few over the plate. The one that Ben Zobrist hit was one of his worst pitches. Easily in the zone and easy for a hitter like Zobrist to handle.</p>
<p>The curve was a pitch I wanted to watch and the majority were way down early and a pitch that was pretty easy to lay off of. Those were the best ones but not placed well enough. Around the fourth he started to locate it better but at the expense of less break. Still enough for weak contact, though.</p>
<p>For the most part he wasn't really challenged. He gave up some hard hit balls that most were directly at people, but he usually was able to recover and pitch well. The Rays were much more aggressive than what you will normally see from them and not being familiar with Cosart could have played a role in their struggle (Not trying to take away from his start at all). He was around the zone a whole lot and didn't give them many chances to be patient, but they definitely attacked more than usual. I saw lots of swings on borderline pitches that were well placed by Cosart but could have gone either way had they not been swung at.</p>
<p>The most notable one was the Longoria at bat after the Zobrist hit. He threw two balls and then Longoria chased way up out of the zone to bring it to 2-1. He then swung at borderline fastball that he hit on the ground to get Cosart out of the inning.</p>
<p>He was impressive, he was efficient, he was calm, he showed great stuff. You saw him at his best and his weaknesses were hidden for the most part. That's exactly what he'll have to do in order to be successful.</p>
<p>Only time will tell what kind of pitcher Cosart will really be. Again, I'm not trying to take away from his debut. He was much better than I expected and I'll be the first to say that, but it's hardly enough to base any type of conclusion on. This is a nice start and an exciting start. Great game, Jarred. You've put in a lot of work for the opportunity and you made the best of it. Enjoy it.</p>
https://www.crawfishboxes.com/2013/7/12/4519350/impressions-of-the-jarred-cosart-debutSubber102013-07-12T20:54:18-05:002013-07-12T20:54:18-05:00Cosart Has An Absolutely Astonishing Debut
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<figcaption>J. Meric</figcaption>
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<p>Astros prospect Jarred Cosart made his major league debut Friday night against one of the hottest teams in baseball, the Tampa Bay Rays. He shined a bright ray of hope in the face of Astros fans' .</p> <p>Final line: 8 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 2 SO</p>
<p>On Friday night <span>Jarred Cosart</span> made his much anticipated major league debut with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.crawfishboxes.com/">Astros</a>.</p>
<p>Before the game it was determined that tonight's start would only be a spot start for Cosart, <a target="_blank" href="http://blog.chron.com/ultimateastros/2013/07/12/cosart-making-spot-start-for-astros-will-return-to-class-aaa-oklahoma-city-after-mlb-debut/">according to Brian T. Smith</a>. Porter had these words for Cosart:</p>
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<p>"I said to him, ‘You don’t worry about all of the other things that are out of your control. The one thing that you have control over is to go out (Friday) and pitch a great ballgame and let us continue to make the decisions that need to be made moving forward.’ "</p>
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<p>Cosart retired the first nine batters he faced. In the fourth he walked <span>Desmond Jennings</span> to start the inning, then retired the next three batters via a strikeout, ground out and a fly out. In the fifth inning he walked <span>Wil Myers</span> with one out then got <span>Matt Joyce</span> to ground into an inning ending double play. In the sixth Cosart was helped out by some spectacular from The Human Highlight Reel, AKA <span>Brandon Barnes</span>:</p>
<p align="center"><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2910645/JD-BarnesCatch.gif" target="_blank"><img alt="Jd-barnescatch_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2910645/JD-BarnesCatch_medium.gif"></a></p>
<p align="left">If you hadn't guessed by now, Cosart was throwing a no-hitter heading into the seventh inning. He got <span>Luke Scott</span> to ground out for the first out but then allowed a hit to <span>Ben Zobrist</span> that was just out of the reach of <span>Jose Altuve</span>:</p>
<p align="center"><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2910677/NoHitGone.gif" target="_blank"><img alt="Nohitgone_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2910677/NoHitGone_medium.gif"></a> <br id="1373677522463"></p>
<p align="left">Cosart responded by getting <span>Evan Longoria</span> to ground into a double play to end the inning.</p>
<p align="left">In the eighth inning Cosart allowed another hit and then followed that up with another double play, this time victimizing Wil Myers. Matt Joyce then grounded out to end the inning.</p>
<p align="left">At this point every fan in Houston was screaming this at Bo Porter through their television:</p>
<p align="center"><iframe src="//www.youtube.com/embed/T575Pbo4eWM" frameborder="0" height="315" width="420"></iframe></p>
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<p>Bo Porter abided fans wishes and allowed Cosart to start the ninth. Cosart struggled to find the strike zone walking <span>Kelly Johnson</span> to start the inning. After Corporan headed to the mound for a discussion, Bo Porter came out to replaced Cosart with Jose Veras. And so ended his spectacular debut.</p>
<p>What we saw out of Cosart was his potential to dominate a game. He's being sent down because he hasn't fully harnessed that potential. Tonight was an excellent start though. The future is almost here.</p>
<p>Veras came in and got <span>Yunel Escobar</span> to ground into yet another Astros double play. Desmong Jennings then hit into a routine ground out to shortstop to end....nope, <span>Brett Wallace</span> couldn't pick the throw at first so the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.draysbay.com/">Rays</a> were still alive. Luke Scott stepped to the plate with the Rays down to their final out and a runner on base.</p>
<p>Scott pushed Veras to a 3-2 count after starting 1-2.</p>
<p>He then proceeded to foul off pitch after pitch...Before finally hitting a single up the middle to score Jennings who had taken second earlier in the inning.</p>
<p>Ben Zobrist then singled to center to get Scott to third, putting him 90 feet away from a tie game with Evan Longoria stepping to the plate.</p>
<p>With a 2-2 count Veras struck out Longoria looking, giving Cosart his first major league win.</p>
<p>Offensively, <span>Jake Elmore</span>, JD Martinez and <span>Matt Dominguez</span> all had multiple hits for the Astros. The Astros got to <span>David Price</span> early scoring two runs in the first on a <span>Carlos Corporan</span> single.</p>
<p>I don't really have much else to say, because tonight belongs to Jarred Cosart.</p>
https://www.crawfishboxes.com/2013/7/12/4519098/astros-2-rays-1-jarred-cosart-loses-no-hitter-in-seventh-inTimothy De Block