Houston Astros Blogs

While it should come as no surprise that a professional baseball player holds the state of Georgia's high school home run record, it may come as a shock that the record-holder is not a slugging outfielder like Jason Heyward, Mike Cameron, Jeff Francoeur, Nick Markakis, or J.D. Drew.  It isn’t a catcher with pop like Buster Posey or Brian McCann.  It isn’t even “The Big Hurt” Frank Thomas or “The Georgia Peach” himself, Hall of Famer Ty Cobb.  In fact, the record-holder isn’t a position player at all: it’s Diamondbacks pitcher Micah Owings.

Continue reading "Who ever said pitchers can’t hit?"

It’s hard to believe, but Jeff Bagwell has not played in the majors in five years.  That means, of course, that in the upcoming election, he is eligible for the Hall of Fame.

Bagwell’s stats speak for themselves: 449 home runs, four All-Star appearances, and several notable awards: three Silver Sluggers, Rookie of the Year (1991), and MVP and a Gold Glove in the same year (1994).  He is the Houston Astros’ career leader in Home Runs, RBIs (1,529), Walks (1,401), Sacrifice Flies (102) and Intentional Walks (155).  Additionally, he is second in franchise history behind former teammate Craig Biggio in Games, At-Bats and Plate Appearances, Runs Scored, Hits, Doubles, Extra-Base Hits, and Total Bases.

Continue reading "Bagwell has one more stop in baseball career"

Reds rookie Mike Leake went from Arizona State to the majors without throwing a pitch in the minor leagues.  Stephen Strasburg spent two months split between Double-A and Triple-A before making his big league debut in front of the entire baseball world.  The rise to the top does not come so easily – or at all – for others who share the dream of playing in The Show.  Two such players are John Lindsey, who was drafted way back in 1995, and Max St-Pierre, who had played 978 games in the minors – nearly all of them as a catcher – before getting called up this month to the Dodgers and Tigers, respectively.  Lindsey had played for five different organizations and even tried independent ball in 2005.  St-Pierre had spent 14 seasons in the minors, including 13 in the Tigers organization, and was one of the Toledo Mud Hens' backstops in 2010.  He probably did not expect the promotion after starting the year at Double-A.  It’s always exciting for any minor leaguer to find out he's going up to the big leagues, but for a 33-year-old first baseman and a 30-year-old catcher going up for the first time, it has got to be the greatest feeling in the world.

Continue reading "Hard work pays off for career minor leaguers"

Albert Pujols and Joey Votto have been battling each other all year, but Carlos Gonzalez has leap-frogged the front-runners in the Triple Crown race.  Gonzalez leads the National League in hitting (.337), is tied with Votto for the league lead with 100 Runs Batted In, and with 32 home runs is just five back of Pujols, two behind Adam Dunn, and tied with Votto and Mark Reynolds.  While he may have the best shot at the Triple Crown, I suspect Gonzalez’s home-road splits (.387/.435/.783 at Coors Field, .288/.310/.450 on the road) will keep the voters from naming him the NL MVP.

Continue reading "Another Triple Crown candidate storms to the top"

When the Atlanta Braves announced during the last week of spring training that Jason Heyward had made the big league roster, it made headlines in part because both Stephen Strasburg and Aroldis Chapman were being assigned to the minors.  However, after winning the starting right fielder’s job in Atlanta, the 20-year-old phenom wasted no time before impressing the baseball world by launching a three-run home run in his very first major league at-bat.  Batting seventh in the lineup behind Chipper Jones, Brian McCann, and others has limited the pressure on the 14th overall pick in the 2007 draft, but before long, you can expect to see Heyward taking his hacks in the cleanup spot.

Continue reading "Jason Heyward: Instant Hit"

AT LAST, regular season baseball to discuss! I wasn't too shocked by the final roster moves, and like the veteran additions to the bull pen with Mota, and to the starting staff with Wellemeyer. More on that in a minute. Not to bring up a sore point right out of the box, but I saw that Brad Penny pitched very well (seven strong innings and a no decision) in his St.Louis debut Thursday -- a 2-1 loss to the Reds. Hey, nice start for the Giants in Houston, and a rock-solid start for Lincecum, Zito, and (almost) Cain. The "Cainer" got burned by a couple of bad breaks Wednesday, and pitched better than the final

Continue reading ""The Braves will Pose a Tougher Test ..."

Tom Glavine and Frank Thomas officially announced their retirements this week, ending speculation that either one would attempt a comeback in 2010 after not appearing in a big league game last season.  Glavine was a great finesse pitcher of his generation, and Thomas was a premiere slugger of the nineties.

Continue reading "Two more great careers reach the end of the line"

Should Roberto Alomar be elected to the Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility?  The spitting incident with umpire John Hirschbeck does not help his case, but it really has nothing to do with his success on the field.  Fans may also remember that Alomar’s career ended with a couple of mediocre seasons, but when you look at his statistics, it’s a no-brainer.

Continue reading "A vote for Alomar"

  

  Do we really blame Carney Lansford for a bunch of over-anxious, free-swinging hitters?  The stats certainly don't lie.  Only the Padres, Pirates, and Astros scored fewer runs than the Giants' 657 runs in 2009.  San Francisco's 122 home runs was second-to-last in the N.L., behind only the Mets, who stroked just 95 homers with a half-injured team in their brand-new, spacious Citi Field. Walks: 392 for the Giants was dead last in the league (the Rockies had 660 walks to lead the league). And that leads us to on-base percentage; where the Giants ranked last at .309!  That is just dismal, anemic, pitiful....any other good adjectives to throw in there?

Continue reading ""Carney Lansford the Scape Goat for ..."

  

  How cool is this Eli Whiteside story?  The Giants' rookie back-up catcher, who plays sparingly behind Bengie Molina, has had some big moments in recent weeks.  After catching the Jonathan Sanchez no-hitter last month, Whiteside launched a grand slam today -- his first career home run -- helping the Giants to a 10-6 victory over the Astros.  San Francisco improves to 60-and-48, taking two of three games ON THE ROAD, and now return home to open a weekend set against Dusty Baker's Cincinnati Reds.  Thursday's off-day, by the way, is the first for the team since the all-star break in mid-July.

Continue reading ""The Giants Get it Done in Houston""

  Following a rock-solid home stand with only one loss in seven tries, the Giants got off on the wrong foot (once again) away from A.T.& T. Park.  San Francisco began a mini t

Continue reading ""Same Old Story for the Giants on the Road""

Here'e another quirky entry into the "Win" category:  http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=4318608.  If we used Team pitching statistics, that win would simply go to the Nationals pitching staff, which clearly it should have.

Continue reading "Another Reason Why MLB Needs Team ..."

A NY Daily News reporter has penned Cody Ransom as A-Rod's understudy. This player is no stranger to injuries. I checked out his bio on MLB.com. He survived a car crash that killed 2 of his teamm

Continue reading "Yankees backup infielder Cody Ransom: ..."

Hazel Mae interviewed Ken Rosenthal from Fox Sports the other night on MLB Network’s show Quick Pitch. Mae brought out the point that the Yankees needed to improve their bullpen. Ken mentioned that the Yankees are all set with Brian Bruney and that they expect improvement in their bullpen upon his return. He also brought out some possibilities considering that Brian has been on the DL twice this season. Here are his picks along with my personal reaction to each pick:

Continue reading "Rosenthal’s Picks to Improve Yankees ..."

      Albuquerque Isotopes at Round Rock Express  June 12 2009

     So the battle for the Pacific Coast League American South Division is on.  After last night’s rainout, the series finally got underway, with both teams tied for first in the division at 28-32.  Albuquerque had been in a bit of a slump, going 3-7 in their last ten games, while Round Rock went 6-4.  Oddly, the teams had identical home and road records going into the series.  Offensively, the Isotopes overall stats looked better; they completely eclipsed the Express in home runs, RBIs, total bases, walks drawn and whiffed on fewer strike outs.  They also were way ahead in stolen bases and OPS (my new favorite stat).  Pitching-wise, Round Rock held a slight (and I mean VERY slight) edge.  For the most part the pitching was evenly matched concerning overall stats, but the Express were facing Charlie Haeger, who was 7-3 with an ERA just over 4, one of the better ones in the PCL.  And to give credit where credit is due, Haeger pitched a helluva game, good by any standards: he went seven innings, gave up four hits and one run, and only walked two.  Usually that’s more than enough for a win against Round Rock’s pitching, but Mark McLemore is improving very fast.  In his third start since returning from extended spring training, he only gave up three hits (all singles) in six innings, allowing no runs and getting four strikeouts while only issuing two walks.  After him, Casey Daigle and Brendan Donnelly got the hold and the save.  In three innings of relief, they combined to allow one hit and no runs while notching three strikeouts and doling no walks (Round Rock only gave up two walks the whole game, quite remarkable for team who throws more BBs than a shotgun).

Continue reading "Round Rock Express vs Albuquerque ..."

These 5 deals need to be done by July 31st.

With the Nate McLouth trade still fresh on our minds, what other deals appear to be necessary, if not imminent? Atlanta was able to fill perhaps the single biggest hole of any team, in its lack of outfield production. Here are the five trades that need to be made sooner than later.

Continue reading "5 Trades that Need to Happen in Major ..."

     Round Rock Express hitters were surely looking forward to this past weekend’s series against the Salt Lake City Bees.  Coming into the series the Pacific Coast League pitching rankings of the Bees were: last in ERA, first in home runs allowed, second most runs allowed, third most hits, and issued the fewest strikeouts and fourth most walks.  The Express definitely needed some soft pitching; they went into the first game of the series without having scored a run in 16 innings.  That  gutworm gnawing extended to 19 innings before Round Rock scored two in the third inning of the first game.  From there it was fine sailing for The Express, except for a game three hiccup that was more the fault of the pitchers.  The offense still managed five runs on eleven hits in that game. 

Continue reading "Houston Astros Triple-A Affiliate ..."

I'm sensing that soon the Houston Astros pitchers will file a lawsuit against the hitters on the team for lack of run support. Roy Oswalt and Wandy Rodriguez have both pitched good games twice. Their combined record: 0-3 and a no-decision.

Continue reading "Houston Astros swept by the St. Louis Cardinals"

There are only a few sure things in the National League Central this year. The Chicago Cubs will win, the Pittsburgh Pirates will lose, and Albert Pujols will continue to be the best hitter in the NL. The Cincinnati Reds’ staff is intriguing, as is St. Louis’ if Chris Carpenter has a positive impact in his return from injury, and how much will Milwaukee miss CC Sabathia and Ben Sheets?

Continue reading "The Sports Don's 2009 NL Central Preview"

By now we've all heard the story and probably seen the video. Houston Texans running back Ryan Moats was driving his family to the Baylor Regional Medical Center in the Dallas Suburb of Plano, to make it to see his mother-in-law as she was in critical condition. She was suffering from breast cancer, and they had been told she didn't have much time. Moats put on his hazards, and by his account rolled through a red light after making sure the way was clear. Officer Robert Powell was parked nearby and attempted to pull him over. Moats continued to drive a short distance to the hospital, as Powell pursued. As he pulled up near the entrance of the hospital, the family jumped out of the car. Officer Powell instructed them to get back in the car, but Moats wife Tamishia and another family member ran inside. Ryan Moats tried explaining the situation to Officer Powell, who over the course of the next thirteen minutes would not listen, and herein lies the controversy.

Continue reading "Ryan Moats, You Are a Better Man Than Me..."

Drayton McLane, the supposed billionaire owner of the Houston Astros, once again is cutting costs and letting talent go. Despite having a surprisingly successful season since being acquired by the 'Stros, lefthander Randy Wolf is gone. Presumably to save money.

Continue reading "I predict the Houston Astros will ..."

Can you feel it?

Pitchers and catchers report in less than a month. The World Baseball Classic is upon us.

Can you feel it?

Many of the mega contracts have been finalized, while a handful of others are still in the works.

Continue reading "Astros Payroll: Design on a dime"

For seven years, a familiar voice has resonated across a baseball diamond in Madison, South Dakota. It is a voice that has found inspiration in so many places….a voice that was fifty years in the making. It belongs to Keith Bundy, a minister, husband and father of three from a small town near St. Louis. Keith grew up listening to baseball and a highlight of his youth was the opportunity to meet Hall of Fame Cubs broadcaster Harry Carey when he was eleven years old. He met his wife, Peggy, at the University of Evansville and they settled in Madison and raised their three sons.

Continue reading "Two Announcers Did the Unthinkable"

The Houston Astros couldn’t wait to get there hands on Jason Castro. When the superstar catcher was available, they jumped at the chance to make him the 10th overall pick in the 2008 draft. Astros scouting director Bobby Heck was high on the Stanford grad because of his potential to rise quickly through the minor league level. Apparently, that potential is so great that the Astros have decided to invite the rookie to spring camp in Kissimmee.

Continue reading "Castro Looking to Turn Heads in Spring Training"

The Houston Astros have traditionally featured some pretty nasty closers.  Last season, the latest installment came in the form of Jose Valverde.  Acquired from the Arizona Diamondbacks, Valverde started the season slowly, but converted 17 of his final 18 save opportunities in August and September with an 0.76 ERA.  He finished with 44 saves, giving him 91 saves in the last two seasons.  So the question is: Where does Valverde rank on the list of Astros closers?  Here is how I would rank them:

Continue reading "How Good is Astros Closer Jose Valverde?"

Following the release of Ty Wigginton, the Astros are scrambling to replace the productive third-sacker.  So far, the best option that they have been able to come up with is the light-hitting, rapidly aging Aaron Boone.  Boone is best remembered for his postseason heroics with the Yankees, but last season saw him hit just .241 with the Nationals.  The platoon of Boone and Blum will be a far cry from the .285 average and 23 home runs of Wigginton, but there are a few young players in the Astros system worth keeping an eye on.

Continue reading "Houston Astros in Search of a Third Baseman"

After a lackluster session at the winter meetings, it is becoming clear to Astros fans that GM Ed Wade has no concerns with the current roster.  With no blockbuster deal looming on the horizon, we may have to finally bite the bullet and evaluate the potential opening day lineup.  My biggest concern with this team is...well, everything.  For a team that barely missed the postseason, the Astros really did not perform well in any statistical category.  They ranked 11th in the National League in runs scored, 11th in on-base percentage, 7th in slugging and 6th in team batting average.  Houston was next to last in runs and OBP after the 6th inning.

Continue reading "Help Wanted: Looking for an Opening ..."

One of the surprises of the season for the Astros was the performance of lefthander Randy Wolf. Acquired from the San Diego Padres for a minor leaguer, he had a better-than-expected season for the Astros. Still, they chose not to offer him salary arbitration and have instead brought back Mike Hampton.

Continue reading "Somewhat disappointing off-season for the Astros"

A year after they get good players the Houston Astros are looking to dump salary what a joke. They are the worst organizations in baseball. The mets should get Carlos Lee to play left f

Continue reading "Mlb HotStove Report"

The Orioles still have a huge hole at shortstop, but that doesn’t mean it was a bad idea to trade their highest-paid player last offseason.  Miguel Tejada’s offensive numbers in his first season with the Astros were sub-par and certainly not worthy of the money he is making.  In hitter-friendly Minute Maid Park, a .283/.314/.415 line from one of Houston’s heavy hitters is not going to cut it.  Believe it or not, Miggy’s numbers actually

Continue reading "Looking back on the Tejada trade ..."

It's obvious that the Astros need some extra help both on the hitting and pitching side. With Michael Bourne as a bust and no true catcher the stros will need to find some help on the free agent marke

Continue reading "Offseason Roster Moves"

A big thanks to everyone who participated in the "Inbound Link Contest".  We have a winner!  A big congratulations go out to Marija.  Thank you for all your hard work on this.  While we had a lot of people participate, Marija was able to win with only 4 links!  So it wouldn't have taken a lot to win this contest!  We'll be having another contest soon so stay tuned.

Continue reading "Inbound link contest winner announced!"

The Houston Astros are now at .500 on the season, courtesy of a 3-1 win at home against the San Francisco Giants. Brandon Backe pitched a whale of a game, allowing only four hits, 1 run in seven innings while striking out six and walking three. The bullpen did well also, pitching two perfect innings (including Jose Valverde's 2-strikeout ninth for his 29th save on the season.

Continue reading "At .500 again"

So, by now every Astros fan has had a chance to process the injury to Carlos Lee and what it means for the rest of the 2008 season.  While many have written the season off and don't care what the Astros do to fill the void in left field (or more importantly, the no. 4 hole in the lineup), there have been some, including ESPN.com, which have suggested the Astros should sign Barry Bonds (a FA) to fill in for Lee.  Now, I must admit, my initial feelings about Bonds joining the Astros were not favorable, but, after some time to think it over and analyze the Astros situation, I say, "why not?"

Continue reading "Barry Bonds to Astros?"

Mariano Rivera is all kinds of clutch. In non-save situations, his ERA is 3.00. In save situations, it is an outstanding .30. No, that was not a typo, .30. If you need a win, call The Sandman.

Continue reading "MLB Notebook: The Sandman, Bonds, Livan and Willy"

So, it's the middle of August, the Astros are 8.5 games out the wildcard with multiple teams to pass, and it looks like they just lost, arguably their best hitter, Carlos Lee for the rest of the season.  Sounds like a great time to create my own blog focused on the Astros.  Because, after all, this is going to be an exhilirating last month and a half of the season for Astros fans!

Continue reading "Welcome...to me and you"

Seems like every time I write the Astros off as done for the season, they ruin my blog posting by going out and winning a few games. Well, who am I to mess with a successful formula? So, with that...

Continue reading "Using reverse psychology with the Astros"

(FYI -- All my times are Pacific Time) 

4:02 p.m.

It's Monday, August 4th. The Cubs and Astros are about to face off. The wind is always something to pay attention to at Wrigley....and it looks like it is blowing at around 10-15 mph from right to left field, straight across. Sweet outfits and hair on many of the fans tonight. It's 70s night...

Continue reading "LIVE game talk Cubs-Astros 8/4"

                     

Continue reading "CUBS vs. ASTROS Game Preview -- (Mon. ..."

There's two reasons for making a deal at the deadline, or around it:

1. You're in contention, and you need to add a player.

2. You're out of contention, and you need to add prospects.

Continue reading "What is Ed Wade Thinking?"

Roy Oswalt is now 20-1 in 24 career starts against the Cincinnati Reds, courtesy of his rust-shaking win against the Reds. The Houston Astros won 5-4, perhaps Oswalt's only blight was a third-inning two-out grand slam by Adam Dunn (who got his 30th home run on the season). Astros third baseman Geoff Blum answered in the bottom of the third with a two-out home run of his own--this one a two-run shot that turned out to be the go-ahead runs for Houston.

Continue reading "Roy O reaches winning level in season ..."

Amazing thing. Houston starts off the second half taking two of three from the NL Central-leading Chicago Cubs, causing some think that maybe good things were in store.

And then reality came crashing down. Houston was swept by fellow cellar dweller Pittsburgh, today losing 8-7. Houston is now in sole possession of last place in the division. Only the most optimistic (and perhaps high) Astros fans would really believe the team has a shot at the post season. Not with starting pitching that's getting torched, and not with Roy Oswalt's struggles. Not with Jose Valverde blowing saves. And not with the offense suffering its typical decades-long battle to get clutch hitting.

Continue reading "Astros are becoming the LAstros with ..."

...Not too bad a way to start the second half by taking 2 of 3 from the Chicago Cubs. Too bad the loss was a 9-0 shutout...

...The Astros and Pirates seem to be playing hot potato with last place. Last night, Houston blew a 9th inning 3-2 lead when Jose Valverde went out and threw batting practice when he was supposed to be saving the game. Valverde's line on the game: a third of an inning pitched, five hits, six earled runs, one walk, no strikeouts and two home runs. He's now 4-3 with a 4.86 ERA. Both teams left a combined 25 runners on base.

Continue reading "Astros briefs"

Houston Astros general manager Ed Wade is said to be seeking late-inning bullpen help for Doug Brocail as the July 31 trade deadline approaches. Those of us who spend entirely too much of our lives following the MLB know that any players traded for

Continue reading "What will the Astros do as the trade ..."

To try and motivate our bloggers to get inbound links we're going to have a contest to see which blogger can get the most inbound links to their blog. The contest begins now and ends July 31st, 2008. To be entered in to the contest all you have to do is go out and get as many websites to link to your blog as you can and at the end of the month send us an email listing all those links. All links must be active from August 1st through August 7th when we'll be judging the entries - a winner will be announced on August 7th. All entry emails must be received by Midnight on July 31st, 2008. You can email them to sportsfan@nbabasketballonline.com

Continue reading "Inbound link contest - Win $100!"

Yes, I know I'm being a terrible sports fan, but I didn't watch the all-star game. We don't get Fox very well from our house, but even if we did, I'm not sure I would've watched. Besides, the game has become a popularity contest, one that just doesn't interest me. The only thing exciting about it now is that the winner will get homefield advantage in the World Series.

Continue reading "Post All-Star game thoughts"

It’s the annual midpoint of the baseball season, and for the brief span that is the All-Star break, all eyes are upon the Bronx. As everyone is well aware of, this campaign is the last go around for the world’s most famous, largest, and most prominent ballpark, Yankee Stadium. It seems hard to believe, and even more sacrilegious that this living legend’s days are numbered. Built in 1923 and christened by the greatest ballplayer to ever live, Babe Ruth, the cathedral of baseball will never truly be replaced. Although the Bombers will move a block to Yankee Stadium’s heir, the Mecca of America’s Pastime will still live on in our hearts. Whether you’re a diehard Yankee fan, or Yankee-hater, you still can respect the history and awe that the stadium brings. So when the All-Stars take the field Tuesday night, sit back on your couch, crack open a cold one and soak up the history of Yankee Stadium, as its final chapter is unveiled to all of us.

Continue reading "National League Looks to End Rut"

Well, Lance Berkman didn't win the home run derby last night. No worries, though. MLB.com's Alyson Footer reported that Berkman, who strongly hinted he'd bat right-handed, chose to go left-handed possibly because of Yankee Stadium's short right field fence.

Continue reading "Berkman loses home run derby, makes a splash"

I remember that old movie On the Town and how Frank Sinatra, Gene Kelly and Jules Munshin, playing sailors, go around New York City singing "New York, New York."

Perhaps Lance Berkman, Miguel Tejada and Carlos Lee will duplicate that song.

Continue reading "Lance Berkman, Miguel Tejada and ..."

It's that time of year again when every other commercial on television promotes the All-Star Game, and ballparks around the majors are stocked with ballots. So keeping with the theme, I’ve decided to name players to my inaugural All–Star team and I’ll start with the National League. So far there have been the usual suspects putting up solid first halves, and also some surprises that have shocked everyone with success.  So far in 2008, the season seems almost as a Bizarro season to steal Sports Illustrated’s mantra. The Rays and the Cubs have been pace setters, and the defending National League Pennant winners are at the rear of field, lost somewhere in the ice cold Rockies.  So keeping with the spirit, here are my National League All-Stars with a few surprises and few old schoolers.

Continue reading "Mic's National League All-Star Team"

The Houston Astros stink.

Hard to believe that this team, just three years ago, was in its first-ever World Series. More than 40 years of futility ended. But now, it looks like Houston is well on its way to the abysmal teams of the late eighties.

Continue reading "I wish there was an easy way to say ..."

Before Wednesday’s game the Dodgers sent rookie pitcher Clayton Kershaw to Triple-A Las Vegas to make room for Hiroki Kuroda, who was coming off the disabled list. While Kershaw has been inconsistent throughout his first major-league stint, Kuroda has been even more so in his first season in the America. Kuroda has had brilliant games, such as his start in May against the Astros, and some horrific outings, such as his last start before the injury, when he gave up six runs in less than three innings in San Diego.

Continue reading "All 4-1 and Kuroda for All: Righty ..."

Should this really be a surprise? After all, didn't the NBA Players' Union file a grievance after the Golden State Warriors tried to void the rest of their contract with Latrell Sprewell? You remember: Spree was angry at new head coach P.J. Carlesimo's telling him to "put some mustard on those passes" and subsequently grabbed Carlesimo twice around the neck.

Continue reading "As expected, MLB players union files ..."

                After coughing up a five-run lead and heading for extra innings, you’d think the Dodger offense would just roll over and die, and drop their fifth straight game to Houston.

Continue reading "Kent's 11th-Hour Homer Gives Dodgers ..."

All right then, it’s almost July, which means it’s almost time for yet another midsummer classic, which once again will pit the National League against their arch-rivals, those bums from the junior circuit.

Continue reading "All-Star foppery"

Houston Astros pitcher Shawn Chacon was placed on waivers last week one day after he assaulted his former General Manager, Ed Wade, in the team’s dining room. According to accounts of the incident, Wade approached Chacon (2-3, 5.04 ERA), 30, and insisted that the right-hander go to Manager Cecil Cooper’s office for an internal discussion with his skipper.

Continue reading "Shawn Chacon Is A Criminal"

OK, show of hands - who hasn't enjoyed the Kevin-Youkilis-in-goggles era? Manning first behind those fancy specs while sporting a monster shiner, he looks like he's getting ready to play Laser Tag. Since it gives him something of a tough appearance, we don't have to tell anyone it's all because he couldn't handle a warm-up throw. Maybe he can make the goggles a signature thing, like Rip Hamilton of the Pistons and his goofy plastic mask. Hey, if Youk can make the Chia pet goatee work, he can certainly pull off a pair of glasses. It made me start thinking of former players who wore the glasses. Chris Sabo was the first that came to mind. But how about Luis Rivera, former light-hitting shortstop in Beantown, he of the tiny, whispy mustache and glasses complete with that thing that connects around your neck to keep them on. Classic.

Continue reading "Channeling Chris Sabo"

The last time The Boston Red Sox met the Houston Astros was at Fenway Park on June 13-15th, 2003. The Red Sox Swept the Astros in that series.

Hernandez vs Dice-K

Not much happened the first two innings. Pedroia gets a 3 run homer in the 3rd. 3-0 Red Sox.

Continue reading "Boston Red Sox vs Houston Astros"

If you've just spent $200 on a purchase of Shawn Chacon's Houston Astros jerseys, you should consider doing one of two things:

1) Place them in a yard sale and hope you get something for them.

Continue reading "Astros part ways with talented-but-troubled ..."

Maybe the Astros should make it a habit of having a hotheaded pitcher get into a skirmish with General Manager Ed Wade.

Every day.

Call it the Keith Hernandez Principle.

Back in 1988, the New York Mets first baseman had gotten word from his attorney that his bitter divorced had become final. The next night, Hernandez (never a real power hitter) hit two home runs and drove in seven runs. He mused: "Maybe I should get divorced every day. I'd be broke, but I'd also be in the Hall of Fame."

Continue reading "Houston Astros are 1-0 in post-Shawn Chacon Era"

First things first, the Dodgers won a game against the American League! Not only that, but it was a complete game shut out by “blink and you’ll miss him” starter Eric Stultz, who is making Brad Penny, Hiroki Koruda, and Jason Schmidt look as worthless as their arms (in all fairness, Koruda is pretty much EXACTLY what the Dodgers and fans expected him to be). Without knowing when or how the Dodgers will win again, considering that this team is as inconsistent as an Tommy Lasorda’s bowel movements, I spend today rejoicing as the Dodgers are now 2-6 against the American League and the National League is a combined 12-infinity against AL as well. While it feels that there has been a dominance of the AL over the NL has been progressively consistent since the new millennium, although the exact opposite is true with the NL posting a 1,104-1095 record over the AL. Since the 2005 season however, the AL hold the advantage with a 292-213 advantage. Never is it more clear in any sport that baseball is held pretty strictly to the “law of large numbers”.

Continue reading "IF THE SEASON ENDED TODAY 06.26.08: ..."

Shawn Chacon has been indefinitely suspended from the Astros and will likely be released or traded as soon as possible--that is, if any team is willing to take him on. This all comes after a clubhouse incident where Chacon knocked down his GM ED Wade, jumped on top of him and began choking him.

Continue reading "The Houston Strangler"

To some, my sports allegiances might seem like contradictions.

I love the Dallas Cowboys but absolutely hate the Texas Rangers (my favorite American League team is the Kansas City Royals).

Continue reading "LAstros beat StRangers, 4-3"

Sometimes it's hard to remember they're now the Tampa Bay Rays and not the Devil Rays now. Always wondered why they weren't simply just called the Sting Rays to begin with. Oh well, I digress...

Continue reading "Astros edge Rays 3-2 and win rubber game of series"

Bad news: the Houston Astros are now 33-39 and half a game out of last place in the NL Central.

Good news: they're making fans of other MLB teams very happy.

I'm getting to where I can't remember the last time Houston won a game.

Continue reading "Good news and bad news for the Astros"

They continued their struggle in interleague play, getting swept by the New York Yankees. (Houston is now 1-6 on the season playing against the Junior Circuit, having dropped a three-game series to the Texas Rangers 1-3 earlier this season).

Continue reading "Ugly weekend for the Astros"

Curt Schilling deserves it...

Whatever that may be.  Curt Schilling has been the most loyal and most dependable to the Red Sox organization since he joined the team in 2004.  What Curt Schilling did through the 2004 post-season just comes to show that pitchers like Mr. Schilling come only once in a blue moon.  Not many pitchers will pitch through the amount of pain that Schilling went through.  Only a few names come to mind that could do something like that, besides Schilling (currently playing): Kevin Youkilis, Derek Jeter, Jon Lester, Jeff Francoeur, Carlos Zambrano and John MacDonald.

Continue reading "Curt Schilling deserves it..."

Good news: the Houston Astros hit three home runs last night against the Milwaukee Brewers.

Bad news: the Brew Crew hit five.

All three 'Stros longballs were solo shots (Miguel Tejada, Ty Winnington and Carlos Lee), whereas Milwaukee's four runs accounted for eight total runs (two solo shots and two 2-run homers). Astros pitcher Brandon Backe, who shows flashes of brilliance, gave up seven hits and five earned runs in four innings. He's 4-8 on the season with this loss with an ERA of an even 5.00. Both starters got hit hard, and both bullpens had their shaky moments--Houston's more so than Milwaukee's.

Continue reading "Brewers 10, Astros 6"

Josh Anderson can run.

The speedy outfielder stole 40 bases at Triple-A Round Rock last season. Called up to Houston in September, he hit .358 in 21 games. This season, at Triple-A Richmond, Anderson stole 13 bases in 16 attempts.

Continue reading "Roster shuffle leaves Anderson out ..."

Going into the Brewers series, the Astros had been 2-9 in their last 11 games. Not liking the roller coaster effect of losing a bunch of games, winning a bunch and losing a bunch again, Houston general manager Ed Wade decided to hold a team meeting.

Continue reading "Astros GM Ed Wade holds team meeting: ..."

When I say Ol' Roy, of course, I'm not referring to the Wal-Mart brand of dogfood named after the late Sam Walton's late hunting dog Ol' Roy. Rather, the old version of Astros ace Roy Oswalt. You know, the guy who could get guys out and make it look easy.

Continue reading "Ol' Roy O shows up, Astros beat Brewers 6-1"

Houston Astros starter Brian Moehler pitched seven innings scoreless innings, allowing two hits, two walks and five strikeouts. Both hits were singles. Jose Valverde, coming off that nasty headache, pitched a perfect ninth inning with three strikeouts. Houston beat St. Louis last night 6-1.

Continue reading "An example of a great game; Astros ..."

After yesterday's 5-2 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates, Houston Astros pitcher Roy Oswalt is now 4-6 on the season. In six innings pitched he gave up nine hits, four runs (three earned) and struck out four while walking one. His season ERA is 5.38.

Continue reading "Tough year so far for Roy Oswalt"

Facing the second batter in last night's game against the Giants, Randy Johnson tied Roger Clemens at #2 on the all-time strikeouts list. With the third batter, he gained sole possession of the second spot, a place he should hold for a very, very long time.

Continue reading "The Big Unit Climbs Over Clemens"

Mr. McLane:

Since, 2000, the Houston Astros have had the miserable distinction of having the ugliest uniforms in baseball. You decided to ditch the space-theme look and pattern a new logo and uniforms in a railroad theme (to reflect the old railroad site that Minute Maid Park is built on).

Continue reading "Drayton McLane, please, PLEASE change ..."

In their Thursday 3-2 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals, the Houston Astros did something again that worries me: giving up first-inning runs.

Astros ace Roy Oswalt, still not completely in his groove yet, gave up two first-inning runs. He would give up only one other run--a sixth-inning home run to Albert Pujols (I'm guessing Pujols confused Roy O for former Astros closer Brad Lidge). Houston hit two homers--one by Lance Berkman and one by Carlos Lee. Unfortunately, both were solo shots.

Continue reading "Astros lose rubber game to Cardinals, ..."

Astros lefthander Wandy Rodriguez' first start after coming off the disabled list with a groin injury showed definite rust as he gave up six hits, six runs (three unearned) and four walks in 4.2 innings as the Houston Astros lost to the St. Louis Cardinals 6-1.

Continue reading "Wandy Rodriguez' return to mound ..."

Willie Randolph should tell the New York Mets to take his job and shove it.
He's unappreciated by ownership. His own players won't take the chances presented to them to defend him. The fan base has turned against him, booing his every pitching change at Shea Stadium. And his general manager, the overrated architect of this team and its collapsing players, refuses to commit one way or the other about Randolph's future, leaving his manager in perpetual limbo.

Continue reading "Randolph not alone in Mets mess"

Well, things seemed to be going really great at first. Until the Astros bullpen came in to pitch batting practice.

During the middle of the game, no less.

Carlos Lee's first-inning three-run homerun went for nought as the Phillies scored a combined 11 runs in the fifth and sixth innings to win 15-6. Astros starter Chris Sampson gave up four runs in five innings, but compared to the relievers, he looked like Cy Young. Fernando Nieve, pitching in the big leagues for the first time since 2006, didn't get anybody out as he gave up four runs. He picked up the loss and has a hefty ERA of 18.00. Lefty Wesley Wright gave up one run in an inning and Dave Borkowski gave up six runnings in one inning.

Continue reading "Astros brought down to earth by Phillies"

How I regret living in Michigan and not being able to attend the August 17 Houston Astros home game.

That afternoon, before their game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, the 'Stros will retire the number of Astros legend Craig Biggio.

Continue reading "Astros to retire Craig Biggio's number ..."

In one corner we have Brandon Backe, who pitched a gem of a game last night in the Astros' 4-3 win over the Phillies--giving up six hits and only one earned run in 7.1 innings pitched. He walked a hitter and struck out six.

Continue reading "Who's the man? Brandon Backe? Hunter ..."

The Philadelphia Phillies' 7-5 win Thursday night over the Houston Astros reminded me so much of Alanis Morrisette's song Ironic. You remember, don't you? Back in 2005, Brad Lidge steps to the mound to close out Game 5 of the NLCS and give Houston its first-ever visit to the World Series. Up steps Albert Pujols, who promptly launches Lidge's fastball somewhere near...well, its landing has never been officially confirmed. Lidge's "Lights Out" nickname promptly faded as he struggled. Houston felt a change in scenery was needed, so Lidge was sent off to the Phillies.

Continue reading "Former Astro gets his revenge"

Baseball's long 162-game season indeed can be long, winding and mercurial. I, for one, feel stupid, having written the Astros off after the first few games when they played so terribly that they wouldn't have even been able to get a hit off of Paris Hilton, had she chosen to take a break from posing for pictures to throw some pitches.

Continue reading "Astros take 2 of 3 from Cubs, win ..."

 HOUSTON DEFEATS CUBS 5-3 ON A CARLOS LEE HOME RUN AS HOUSTON TAKES SERIES

After the Cubs went 8-2 on their latest home stand which made their record at home 19-8, it seems as if they forgot how to play anywhere else.  After losing to the Astros 5-3 and losing the series, the Cubs find themselves 9-11 away from the friendly Confines.  If a team wants to find themselves in the post-season, they need to win the big games on the road.  In a series that had playoff atmosphere, both teams were out to make statements.  The Astros were louder than the Cubs according to Shawn Chaccon, who got the decision in the victory.  "One message the Cubs might get out of it is, 'We're here. We're here to compete. We're going to battle,'" Chacon said. "'It's not the team it was last year. Basically, it's going to be a tough team to beat the whole year.'"

Continue reading "After winning at home, Cubs continue ..."

Special thanks to Ashley Meyers for being understanding about my hiatus. One of my sons had an emergency appendectomy, so I took some time off to help my wife attend to various affairs. Chip's much better, thanks, after dealing with a burst appendix.

Continue reading "Back after a hiatus"

Just when the Giants offer us a little bit of hope, two wins against the Phillies, then they beat us back again.  A 7-3 loss to the Houston Astroson Mo nday night showed us that it isn't Zito's fault when they collapse.  Zito pitched a decent five innings and with all games, the results rest on as little as five pitches.  Lance Bergman would agree.  He is now tied with Chase Utleyfor the league lead in homeruns with 13.  His three run shot came on a misplaced breaking ball in the 6th inning.  Tied the score at 3-3. The usually competent bullpen lost the game.  Hey, it happens.  Giants are starting to sink.  They are in third in the West, but only because Colorado and San

Continue reading "Sorry 'bout that Chief!"

Here's my first installment of the UTROTD! Let me first say that this IS NOT A REAL TRADE and is COMPLETELY UNSUBSTANTIATED.

The Detroit Tigers trade UTIL Brandon Inge to the Houston Astros for SP Felipe Paulino and SP Bud Norris

Continue reading "Unsubstantiated Trade Rumor of the Day"

For many baseball fans, last night wasn't a great night to watch baseball, as blowouts predominated early on. But, because of the beautiful game that is baseball, only three of them continued in their lopsided fashion, with the best of them highlighted by a homer from Micah Owings, the best-hitting pitcher in baseball, whom teammate Conor Jackson said had the "best pop" of anyone on the team. And all of them showed something about the winning and losing teams, proving that any baseball game is worth watching, even when it doesn't seem exciting.

Continue reading "The Night of the Blowouts"

Houston is learning that they can play well against bad teams and pitching. But as evidenced by the St. Louis series, they have yet to show consistency against good pitchers and hitters like Albert Pujols*.

Continue reading "Back to work, Houston; Astros fall ..."

Mixed results for Houston in their first two games against the St. Louis Cardinals.

 

In Friday’s game, Houston’s hitters did nothing for the first eight innings before scoring three ninth-inning runs off Cardinals closer Jason Isringhausen. Lance Berkman tied the game with a sacrifice fly while Carlos Lee won it with a home run.

Continue reading "Back to work for the Houston Astros"

…Courtesy of a 5-3 win this afternoon against the Cincinnati Reds. Houston (11-12) is learning this simple formula: Solid pitching + Clutch hitting = Victory

 

today, Houston’s pitchers were very impressive—especially the bullpen. Starter J Cassell picked up the win as he pitched five innings, allowing seven hits and three runs. Houston’s relievers (including Jose Valverde) combined for four innings pitched, giving up only one hit, no runs and striking out three. What’s more, Astros pitchers today didn’t walk a single batter.

Continue reading "Houston's only one win away from .500..."

Ok, so it was against the Cincinnati Reds, a team that's a shell of the famed Big Red Machine of the 1970s.

 

Astros pitcher Chris Sampson notched his first win of the season, scattering eight hits over seven innings, allowing two runs, a walk and six strikeouts as the Houston Astros continued their red-hot ways Wednesday night, defeating the Cincinnati Reds 9-3.

Continue reading "Houston continues winning ways Wednesday, ..."

On Tuesday night, the Houston Astros did something that they generally don’t do—something really, really good, besides defeating the San Diego Padres 11-7.

 

They not only got hits off of Padres ace Jake Peavey, but they scored

Continue reading "Are the Astros bats waking up? Houston ..."

Monday night’s 10-3 win over the San Diego Padres was what I’d call the ideal type of game for the Houston Astros: if they can play like that more often, then they’ll start winning games. If they make a habit of playing like that, then they’ll have one of those newfangled ticker-tape parades in downtown Houston in November.

Continue reading "Astros get good pitching and hitting, ..."

The Astros were able to salvage a win in their three-game series against the Colorado Rockies, winning 6-4—courtesy of a three-run eighth inning. The runs in that inning came off a single from Kaz Matsui and a double from Miguel Tejada. What’s more, Matsui and Tejada’s run-scoring hits came with two outs. Very nice to see Houston hitting in the clutch.

Continue reading "Houston salvages a win against the Rockies, 6-4"

Whenever the Houston Astros and Colorado Rockies get together for a game, it’s sure to be anything but boring. Both teams play in hitter-friendly parks: Colorado in Coors Canaveral and Houston in Homeron Field.

Continue reading "Colorado feasts on Astros pitching; ..."

I have to go to bed early and get up early for work, but I find myself wondering how the Houston Astros will fare in their weekend series against the Colorado Rockies.

 

To be honest, I’m a little nervous. Rockies first baseman Todd Helton always seems to have a great night at the plate whenever he faces Astros pitchers.

Continue reading "Astros versus Colorado Rockies tonight"

I knew the Astros were in trouble today when it was revealed that shortstop Miguel Tejada is two years older than previously thought. Makes me wonder if his parents got his birth certificate from the same office that issued Danny Almonte’s infamous birth certificate.

Continue reading "Back to the drawing board for the ..."

Ahh, Roy Oswalt is back.

 

Roy O, as Astros fans affectionately call him, notched his first win of the season. against the Philadelphia Phillies last night, Oswalt (1-3) threw seven innings and gave up five hits and only one earned run. He walked two and struck out three as the Astros (6-9) edged out the Philadelphia Phillies 2-1.

Continue reading "How Roy Oswalt got his groove back"

Good news, Houston Astros fans. Last night, Shawn Chacon pitched a brilliant game, giving up no runs in eight innings.

 

So, what’s the bad news? The bullpen couldn’t hold the lead. Closer Jose Valverde gave up four runs in the ninth inning while getting only one out as the Phillies beat the Astros 4-3. It was Valverde’s second blown save of the season. In the inning, two of the hits he gave up were home runs. The other hit was a walk-off double. It’s interesting to note that Valverde actually had two strikeouts in the inning, but the second was on a passed ball that allowed what turned out to be the winning run to be safe at first.

Continue reading "Astros waste another brilliant pitching ..."